bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case‐control study on hormone therapy as a risk factor for breast cancer in Finland: Intrauterine system carries a risk as well
Authors: Lyytinen Heli K. , Dyba Tadeusz , Ylikorkala Olavi , Pukkala Eero I.
Published: July 2009

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) and the risk for breast cancer in recently postmenopausal Finnish women. All Finnish women with first invasive breast cancer diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 62 years during 1995–2007 (n = 9,956) were identified from the Finnish Cancer Registry. For each case, 3 controls of the same age were retrieved from the Finnish Population Register. The cases and controls were linked to the national medical reimbursement register to assess the use of HT. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for breast cancer were calculated with conditional logistic regression analysis, adjusting for parity, age at the first birth and health care district. Estradiol‐only therapy (991 users with breast cancer, n) or oral progestagen (n = 138) was not accompanied by an increased risk. Estradiol‐progestagen therapy (EPT) (n = 1,731) was associated with an elevated risk in the whole series (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.27–1.46). The risk became detectable in less than 3 years of use. Continuous EPT use tended to be associated with a higher risk for breast cancer than the sequential EPT use. The use of tibolone (n = 80) (1.36; 1.15–1.96), a levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG–IUS) alone (n = 154) (1.45; 1.97–1.77) or as a complement to estradiol (n = 137) (2.15; 1.72–2.68) was also associated with an increased risk. The association between HT use and the risk for breast cancer shows a large variation between various forms of HT, and also the use of LNG‐IUS may carry a risk.
Proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow stromal cells on bioapatite with different crystalline facets
Authors: Ichinohe Norihisa , Nakano Takayoshi , Mitaka Toshihiro , Umakoshi Yukichi , Tabata Yasuhiko
Published: July 2009

The objective of this study is to investigate the attachment, osteogenic differentiation, and collagen matrix secretion of rat bone marrow stromal cells (MSC) and MC3T3‐E1 cells on the biological apatite (Ap) with different crystalline facets. The Ap samples with a‐facet and c‐facet surfaces were prepared by cutting the heat‐treated cortical bone of bovine femurs parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, respectively. MC3T3‐E1 cells attached spreading on the a‐Ap sample whereas their shape of cells was round on the c‐Ap. No difference in the proliferation profile of MSC and MC3T3‐E1 cells was observed between the two samples. The activity of alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher for both the cells on the a‐Ap sample than that of c‐Ap one. The matrix of collagen secreted from MC3T3‐E1 cells on the a‐Ap sample oriented along the c‐axis of Ap, in contrast to those of c‐Ap. The cells tended to align along the collagen orientation. It is concluded that the alignment of cells is influenced by the collagen fibril orientation of Ap samples. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
A novel purification method for multipotential skeletal stem cells
Authors: Itoh Shousaku , Aubin Jane E.
Published: July 2009

At least some cells within bone marrow stromal populations are multipotential (i.e., differentiate in vitro into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes) and thus designated skeletal stem cells (SSCs) or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) amongst other names. Recently, a subpopulation of stromal cells, notably osteoblasts or their progenitors, has been identified as a definitive regulatory component of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche. Thus, the development of methods for purifying not only SSCs but cells comprising the HSC niche is of interest. Here, we report a method for purifying a novel bone marrow‐derived population with a high frequency of osteoprogenitors and high expression levels of osteoblast differentiation markers (highly purified osteoprogenitors (HipOPs)) as well as markers of the bone niche for HSCs. In vivo transplantation experiments demonstrated that donor HipOPs differentiated into not only osteoblasts, osteocytes and cells around sinusoids but also hematopoietic cells. Thus, HipOPs represent a novel population for simultaneous reconstruction of bone and bone marrow microenvironments. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 368–377, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
RAGE expression and NF‐κB activation attenuated by extracellular domain of RAGE in human salivary gland cell line
Authors: Chuong Christopher , Katz Joseph , Pauley Kaleb M. , Bulosan Marievic , Cha Seunghee
Published: July 2009

The receptor for advanced‐glycation‐end‐products (RAGE) has been implicated as a pro‐inflammatory factor in chronic inflammatory conditions such as diabetes mellitus and rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of the soluble‐RAGE (sRAGE), the extracellular domain of RAGE, on RAGE expression and NF‐κB translocation in human‐salivary gland‐cell‐lines (HSG). Cells were stimulated with agonist S100A4, fusion protein of RAGE encompassing the extracellular domain of RAGE (ex‐RAGE), ex‐RAGE followed by S100A4, or S100A4 followed by ex‐RAGE. Our study indicates that RAGE expression was highest at 150 µg/µl of S100A4 and efficiently down‐regulated by 1.8‐fold (P < 0.05) when ex‐RAGE was incubated prior to agonist S100A4. RAGE protein was also consistently down‐regulated by 20–40% with pre‐incubation of ex‐RAGE. More importantly, nuclear translocation of p65 and p52 of NF‐κB by S100A4 was inhibited in the presence of ex‐RAGE, confirming anti‐inflammatory function of ex‐RAGE. In conclusion, ex‐RAGE down‐regulates RAGE expression and inhibits p65 and p52 activation in HSG, providing evidence that ex‐RAGE functions as a “decoy” to RAGE–ligand interaction and thus potentially dampening inflammatory conditions. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 430–434, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intersex gonads in frogs: understanding the time course of natural development and role of endocrine disruptors
Authors: Storrs‐Méndez Sara I. , Semlitsch Raymond D.
Published: July 2009

The paucity of data on sexual development of anuran amphibians has played an important role in the recent controversy over atrazine exposure. Although some studies have demonstrated the presence of abnormal gonads in control treatments, others have not, leading to varying interpretations of the effects of atrazine exposure on sexual development. However, the timing of development varies among anuran amphibians such that, at any snapshot in time, different species may exhibit different stages of sexual differentiation. We examined three species representing each of the differentiation rates (Bufo americanus=retarded rate; Hyla versicolor=basic rate; Rana sphenocephala=accelerated rate), to examine the natural time course of sexual development along with the influence of atrazine exposure. For each species, exposure to atrazine (1, 3, 10, 30 parts per billion), 17‐β‐estradiol or control water occurred throughout larval life. Gonad histology was performed at 3‐week intervals during the larval period or at a juvenile stage to examine the proportion of males, females, underdeveloped testes, testicular oocytes (TO; testes with 0–30% oocytes), and ovotestes (OVTs; testes with>30% oocytes). Our results illustrate that a phase of intersex gonads (TO or OVT) is normal during R. sphenocephala sexual development, a species representing the accelerated differentiation rate. Further, intersex gonads were found in juvenile stages of B. americanus and H. versicolor, representing retarded and basic rates, respectively, suggesting that a phase of intersex may be common regardless of differentiation rate. Moreover, these data highlight the importance of longitudinal studies rather than snapshots in time. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 314B:57–66, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Poly(ethyleneglycol): A versatile and recyclable reaction medium in gaining access to benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrimidines under microwave heating
Authors: Wang Shu‐Liang , Hao Wen‐Juan , Tu Shu‐Jiang , Zhang Xiao‐Hong , Cao Xu‐Dong , Yan Shu , Wu Shan‐Shan , Han Zheng‐Guo , Shi Feng
Published: July 2009

magnified image

Polyethylene glycol is found to be a nontoxic and recyclable reaction medium for the microwave‐assisted, one‐pot, multicomponent reactions of aromatic aldehydes with 2‐aminobenzimidazole and 1,2‐diphenylethanone in the presence of potassium carbonate. This environmentally friendly microwave protocol offers ease of operation and enables recyclability of reaction media and synthesis of a variety of substituted benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrimidine derivatives. It is an efficient, promising, and green synthetic strategy to construct benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrimidine skeleton. J. Heterocyclic Chem. (2009).
The mediating role of job characteristics in job redesign interventions: A serendipitous quasi‐experiment
Authors: Holman David J. , Axtell Carolyn M. , Sprigg Christine A. , Totterdell Peter , Wall Toby D.
Published: July 2009

The aim of this paper is to examine the mediating role played by five key job characteristics in the relationship between employee participation in a job redesign intervention and employee well‐being. In studies of job redesign interventions, it has been assumed that any effects of employee participation in job redesign on well‐being are a result of changes in job characteristics rather than participation in change per se. It is therefore important to statistically test for mediation in job redesign intervention studies to help establish that the change in job characteristics is the mechanism through which job redesign interventions work. However, this has rarely been tested directly, either because data to allow tests of mediation have not been collected (e.g. assessments of job characteristics) or because data have been collected but mediation has not been tested using accepted procedures. This makes it unclear whether changes in job characteristics explain the effects. Results from multilevel analyses of a longitudinal 9‐month long serendipitous quasi‐experimental participative job redesign intervention showed that changes in job control, participation, skill utilization and feedback, but not task obstacles, were sufficient to account for the relationship between the intervention and employee well‐being. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in means and extreme events of temperature and precipitation in the Asia‐Pacific Network region, 1955–2007
Authors: Choi Gwangyong , Collins Dean , Ren Guoyu , Trewin Blair , Baldi Marina , Fukuda Yoshikazu , Afzaal Muhammad , Pianmana Theeraluk , Gomboluudev Purevjav , Huong Pham Thi Thanh , Lias Norlisam , Kwon Won‐Tae , Boo Kyung‐On , Cha Yu‐Mi , Zhou Yaqing
Published: July 2009

In this study, spatial and temporal patterns of changes in extreme events of temperature and precipitation at 143 weather stations in ten Asia‐Pacific Network (APN) countries and their associations with changes in climate means are examined for the 1955–2007 period. Averaged over the APN region, annual frequency of cool nights (days) has decreased by 6.4 days/decade (3.3 days/decade), whereas the frequency of warm nights (days) has increased by 5.4 days/decade (3.9 days/decade). The change rates in the annual frequency of warm nights (days) over the last 20 years (1988–2007) have exceeded those over the full 1955–2007 period by a factor of 1.8 (3.4). Seasonally, the frequencies of summer warm nights and days are changing more rapidly per unit change in mean temperatures than the corresponding frequencies for cool nights and days. However, normalization of the extreme and mean series shows that the rate of changes in extreme temperature events are generally less than that of mean temperatures, except for winter cold nights which are changing as rapidly as the winter mean minimum temperature. These results indicate that there have been seasonally and diurnally asymmetric changes in extreme temperature events relative to recent increases in temperature means in the APN region.

There are no systematic, regional trends over the study period in total precipitation, or in the frequency and duration of extreme precipitation events. Statistically significant trends in extreme precipitation events are observed at fewer than 30% of all weather stations, with no spatially coherent pattern of change, whereas statistically significant changes in extreme temperature events have occurred at more than 70% of all weather stations, forming strongly coherent spatial patterns. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Application of portable Raman spectroscopy and benchtop spatially offset Raman spectroscopy to interrogate concealed biomaterials
Authors: Hargreaves Michael D. , Macleod Neil A. , Brewster Victoria L. , Munshi Tasnim , Edwards Howell G. M. , Matousek Pavel
Published: July 2009

In this paper, we demonstrate the ability of portable Raman spectroscopy and benchtop spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) techniques to rapidly identify real and fake ivory samples. Both techniques were able to identify exposed genuine from fake ivory samples. In contrast to conventional Raman spectroscopy, SORS was, in addition, able to identify ivory concealed by plastics, paints, varnishes and cloth. Application of the SORS technique allows the interrogation of biomaterial samples through materials in which conventional Raman spectroscopic instrumentation cannot penetrate. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of methyl jasmonate on quality and antioxidant activity of postharvest loquat fruit
Authors: Cao Shifeng , Zheng Yonghua , Yang Zhenfeng , Wang Kaituo , Rui Huaijing
Published: July 2009

BACKGOUND: Loquat fruit is rich in natural antioxidants and has shown a remarkably high antioxidant activity. To search for an effective method for maintaining or even improving antioxidant activity during postharvest storage, we investigated the effect of 10 µmol L−1 methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment on levels of major individual sugars and organic acids, total phenolics, total carotenoids, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity in loquat fruit during storage at 1 °C for 35 days.

RESULTS: The MeJA‐treated fruit exhibited significantly lower levels of respiration rate, ethylene production, phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase and polyphenol oxidase activities, and higher levels of sugars, organic acids, total phenolics and total flavonoids than control fruit. Meanwhile, the treatment also maintained significantly higher antioxidant activity as measured by the scavenging capacity against 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, and by the reducing power test compared to the control. There was a significant positive linear relationship between total phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging activity.

CONCLUSION: MeJA treatment can improve the quality and functional properties of harvested loquat fruit by maintaining a higher level of antioxidants and enhancing antioxidant activity. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Clinical evaluation of a single‐wavelength fractional laser and a novel multi‐wavelength fractional laser in the treatment of photodamaged skin
Authors: Geraghty Laurel Naversen , Biesman Brian
Published: July 2009

Background and Objectives

Nonablative fractional lasers are well recognized for rejuvenating photoaged skin. We previously reported favorable outcomes with short follow‐up after the use of 1,440‐nm Nd:YAG laser energy used alone or in combination with a 1,320‐nm laser to effect rejuvenation and wrinkle reduction. We now report longer follow‐up data.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Nineteen Caucasian subjects (average age 47±8.4; range 33–62) exhibiting mild‐to‐moderate photoaging of the face and neck were treated four times (average interval 18.1± 4.1 days; range 11–37 days) with the 1,440‐nm Nd:YAG fractional laser (average fluence 3.7±0.3 J/cm2) or the 1,320/1,440‐nm multiplex Nd:YAG fractional laser (1,320‐nm average fluence 8.4±0.4 J/cm2; 1,440‐nm average fluence 2.3±0.2 J/cm2). Outcomes were assessed by subjects and the treating physician using a quartile scale to evaluate skin tightening, surface texture, rhytids, dyschromia, erythema, and global appearance after 1, 3, and 6 months. Retroauricular punch biopsies from three patients were used to evaluate wound healing. Three patients withdrew from the study prior to evaluation, one missed the 1‐month evaluation, and one missed the 6‐month evaluation.

Results

Assessment by subjects and the treating physician revealed clinical improvement for all outcomes after 1, 3, and 6 months. The differences between the treatment groups were not statistically significant. Subjects demonstrated the greatest average 6‐month improvements in surface texture and global skin appearance. Subjects treated with the multiplex laser reported more skin tightening than the group treated only with the 1,440‐nm laser. Histological evaluation revealed wound healing within 10 days and significant neocollagenesis at 3 months. No adverse events were reported in any subject.

Conclusion

The 1,440‐nm Nd:YAG and 1,320/1,440‐nm multiplex Nd:YAG lasers safely and effectively produced improved surface texture, rhytids, dyschromia, erythema, global skin appearance, and skin tightening. Histopathologic findings correlated with clinical observations. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:408–426, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of 595 nm pulsed dye laser on superficial and nodular basal cell carcinomas
Authors: Shah Sonali M. , Konnikov Nellie , Duncan Lyn M. , Tannous Zeina S.
Published: July 2009

Background and Objective

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) have supporting vasculature that could serve as a target for 595 nm pulsed dye laser (PDL). The objective of this study was to determine the effect of repeated PDL treatments on BCCs of superficial and nodular subtypes and of varying diameters.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Twenty biopsy‐proven BCCs received four 595 nm PDL treatments at 2‐week intervals. The tumor and 4 mm of peripheral skin were treated using a set of previously optimized laser parameters: one pass, 15 J/cm2 energy, 3 ms pulse length, no cooling, and 7 mm spot size with 10% overlap. The treated area was excised and evaluated histologically for residual tumor. Histologic response rates of the PDL treated BCCs were compared with that of non‐PDL treated, matched control tumors.

Results

Nearly all BCCs <1.5 cm in diameter (n = 12) showed complete response to four PDL treatments (91.7%; n = 11/12) versus 16.7% of controls (n = 2/12, P‐value = 0.0003). BCCs ≥1.5 cm in diameter (n = 8) showed a complete response rate of 25% (n = 2/8) versus 0% of controls (n = 0/8, P‐value = 0.2). Mean clinical tumor diameter of the complete responders was 1.1 cm (n = 13) versus 2.2 cm (n = 7) for incomplete responders (P‐value = 0.005). Tumor histologic types among the complete responders included superficial, nodular, micronodular, and keratinizing. Incompletely responding BCCs showed a significant reduction in tumor burden after PDL treatment, with residual histologic tumor burden ranging from <1% to 29% of the original clinical tumor diameter, compared to 13–68% residual tumor burden for the corresponding controls (P‐value = 0.05).

Conclusions

PDL is an effective means of reducing tumor burden in patients with large BCCs and may be an alternative therapy in BCCs <1.5 cm in diameter. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:417–422, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Silicate Cross‐Linked Bio‐Nanocomposite Hydrogels from PEO and Chitosan
Authors: Jin Qu , Schexnailder Patrick , Gaharwar Akhilesh K. , Schmidt Gudrun
Published: July 2009

The compositions and the multi phase structures of bio‐nanocomposite hydrogels made from silicate cross‐linked PEO and chitosan are related to some of their physical and biological properties. The gels are injectable and self‐healing because the cross‐linking is physical and reversible under deformation. The presence of chitosan aggregates affects the viscoelastic properties and reinforces the hydrogel network. The chitosan adds advantageous properties to the hydrogel such as enhanced cell spreading and adhesion. In vitro biocompatibility data indicate that NIH 3T3 fibroblasts grow and proliferate on the bio‐nanocomposite hydrogel as well as on hydrogel films.

magnified image
Hairy Core–Shell Nanoparticles via RAFT: Where are the Opportunities and Where are the Problems and Challenges?
Authors: Stenzel Martina H.
Published: July 2009

The preparation of hairy core–shell nanoparticles including (crosslinked) micelles, unimolecular micelles such as star polymers with block structures in each arm and surface grafted nanoparticles such as inorganic particles via the RAFT process are discussed. The RAFT process is certainly a highly versatile process. However, it should not be forgotten that RAFT polymerization is a process, i.e., superimposed on a conventional free radical process. Furthermore, the livingness of the process is dependent on the accessibility of the RAFT group, which can be hampered in certain approaches such as star synthesis and surface grafting from nanoparticles. Nevertheless, the RAFT process is a versatile toolbox that offers good solutions to a range of problems in the preparation of hairy nanoparticles.

magnified image
Microphase‐Separated Brushes on Square Platelets in PS‐b‐PEO Thin Films
Authors: Yang Ping , Han Yanchun
Published: July 2009

In polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) thin films, microphase‐separated brushes on the square platelets can be obtained via fast solvent evaporation by controlling the tethering density (0.08 < σ < 0.11). The tethering density of the brushes is proportional to the thickness of the PEO crystal and increases with increasing initial solution heating temperature (Ti). When Ti < Tm, where Tm is the melting point of PEO, brushes with microphase‐separated structures are observed. The formation of microphase‐separated brushes depends on two factors: the strong incompatibility between PS and noncrystalline PEO chains (attached to the crystalline PEO) and the weak interaction between PS‐PS brushes.

magnified image
A Novel Strategy for the Synthesis of Sheet‐Like Polyaniline
Authors: Zhang Haibin , Wang Jixiao , Wang Zhi , Zhang Fengbao , Wang Shichang
Published: July 2009

Polyaniline (PANI) micro/nanosheets are successfully synthesized by a template‐free method without using any conventional oxidants. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and FT‐IR spectroscopy are applied to characterize the products. By investigating the morphologies and chemical structures of the PANI micro/nanosheets, a possible formation mechanism is proposed. In addition, the influences of experimental parameters, such as the kind of dopant, concentration of aniline, and acidity of reaction system, on the morphologies of the PANI micro/nanosheets have been systematically investigated.

magnified image
Polyaniline “Nanotube” Self‐Assembly: The Stage of Granular Agglomeration on Nanorod Templates
Authors: Laslau Cosmin , Zujovic Zoran D. , Travas‐Sejdic Jadranka
Published: July 2009

The identification and control of a critical stage of polyaniline “nanotube” self‐assembly is presented, namely the granular agglomeration or growth onto nanorod templates. When the synthesis pH is held above 2.5, smooth insulating nanorods exhibiting hydrogen bonding and containing phenazine structures are produced, while below pH 2.5, small 15–30 nm granular polyaniline nanoparticles appear to agglomerate onto the available nanorod surface, apparently improving conductivity of the resulting structures by three orders of magnitude. This finding affects both fundamental theories of polyaniline nanostructure self‐assembly and their practical applications.

magnified image
In vivo 1H NMR spectroscopy of the human brain at high magnetic fields: Metabolite quantification at 4T vs. 7T
Authors: Tkáč Ivan , Öz Gülin , Adriany Gregor , Uğurbil Kamil , Gruetter Rolf
Published: July 2009

A comprehensive comparative study of metabolite quantification from the human brain was performed on the same 10 subjects at 4T and 7T using MR scanners with identical consoles, the same type of RF coils, and identical pulse sequences and data analysis. Signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) was increased by a factor of 2 at 7T relative to 4T in a volume of interest selected in the occipital cortex using half‐volume quadrature radio frequency (RF) coils. Spectral linewidth was increased by 50% at 7T, which resulted in a 14% increase in spectral resolution at 7T relative to 4T. Seventeen brain metabolites were reliably quantified at both field strengths. Metabolite quantification at 7T was less sensitive to reduced SNR than at 4T. The precision of metabolite quantification and detectability of weakly represented metabolites were substantially increased at 7T relative to 4T. Because of the increased spectral resolution at 7T, only one‐half of the SNR of a 4T spectrum was required to obtain the same quantification precision. The Cramér‐Rao lower bounds (CRLB), a measure of quantification precision, of several metabolites were lower at both field strengths than the intersubject variation in metabolite concentrations, which resulted in a strong correlation between metabolite concentrations of individual subjects measured at 4T and 7T. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A multivariate hypothesis testing framework for tissue clustering and classification of DTI data
Authors: Freidlin Raisa Z. , Özarslan Evren , Assaf Yaniv , Komlosh Michal E. , Basser Peter J.
Published: July 2009

The primary aim of this work is to propose and investigate the effectiveness of a novel unsupervised tissue clustering and classification algorithm for diffusion tensor MRI (DTI) data. The proposed algorithm utilizes information about the degree of homogeneity of the distribution of diffusion tensors within voxels. We adapt frameworks proposed by Hext and Snedecor, where the null hypothesis of diffusion tensors belonging to the same distribution is assessed by an F‐test. Tissue type is classified according to one of the four possible diffusion models, the assignment of which is determined by a parsimonious model selection framework based on Schwarz Criterion. Both numerical phantoms and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) data obtained from excised rat and pig spinal cords are used to test and validate these tissue clustering and classification approaches. The unsupervised clustering method effectively identifies distinct regions of interest (ROIs) in phantoms and real experimental DTI data. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of a coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian method to simulate interactions between deformable composite structures and compressible multiphase flow
Authors: Xie Wenfeng , Liu Zhanke , Young Yin Lu
Published: July 2009

Interactions between deformable composite structures and compressible multiphase flow are common for many marine/submarine problems. Recently, there has been an increased interest in the application of composite structures in marine industry (e.g. propulsion system, ship hulls, marine platforms, marine turbines, etc) to take advantage their high stiffness to weight and strength to weight ratios, and high impact/shock resistance characteristics. It is therefore important to evaluate the performance of composite structures subject to dynamic loads. In this paper, a coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian numerical method is proposed to model the two‐dimensional (2D) or axisymmetric response of deformable composite structures subject to shock and blast loads. The method couples an Eulerian compressible multiphase fluid solver with a general Lagrangian solid solver using an interface capturing method, and is validated using analytical, numerical, and experimental results. A 2D case study is shown for an underwater explosion beneath a three‐layered composite structure with clamped ends. The importance of 2D fluid–structure interaction effects on the transient response between composite structures and compressible multiphase flow is discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control vector parameterization approach in optimization of alternating aerobic–anoxic systems
Authors: Balku Saziye , Yuceer Mehmet , Berber Ridvan
Published: July 2009

Determination of the optimal aeration profile for an activated sludge system in which nitrification and denitrification take place sequentially in a single reactor (alternating aerobic–anoxic) is an attractive optimization problem because of complexities involved in, and high computational times required for solution. The rigorous dynamic modeling and start‐up simulation of such a system, together with aeration profile optimization by an evolutionary algorithm (EA), were tackled in a previous study. In this paper an easy‐to‐implement dynamic optimization technique based on sequential quadratic programming method and control vector parameterization approach is provided. In comparison with EA, the proposed algorithm gives better results in shorter computation times. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimality conditions for boundary control of non‐well‐posed elliptic equations
Authors: Luan Shu , Gao Hang , Lin Ping
Published: July 2009

In this paper, we discuss a boundary optimal control problem governed by a class of non‐well‐posed semi‐linear elliptic equations. By considering a well‐posed penalization problem and taking limit in the optimality system for penalization problem, we obtain the necessary optimality conditions for optimal pairs of initial control problem. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly(thienylene‐vinylene‐thienylene) with cyano substituent: Synthesis and application in field‐effect transistor and polymer solar cell
Authors: Wan Meixiu , Wu Weiping , Sang Guangyi , Zou Yingping , Liu Yunqi , Li Yongfang
Published: July 2009

A novel conjugated polymer, poly(thienylene‐vinylene‐thienylene) with cyano substituent (CN‐PTVT) was synthesized via Stille coupling for the application in air stable field‐effect transistor and polymer solar cell. The polymer was characterized by 1H NMR, elemental analysis, UV‐vis absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy, TGA, cyclic voltammetry and XRD analysis. CN‐PTVT exhibits a good thermal stability with 5% weight loss at 306 °C. The FET hole mobility of the polymer reached 5.9 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1 with Ion/Ioff ratio of 4.9 × 104, which is one of the highest performance among the air‐stable amorphous polymers. The polymer solar cell based on CN‐PTVT as donor and PCBM as acceptor shows a relatively high open‐circuit voltage of 0.82 V and a power conversion efficiency of 0.3% under the illumination of AM1.5, 100 mW/cm2. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4028–4036, 2009
Synthesis and characterization of high molecular weight hexafluoroisopropylidene‐containing polybenzimidazole for high‐temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells
Authors: Qian Guoqing , Benicewicz Brian C.
Published: July 2009

A high molecular weight, thermally and chemical stable hexafluoroisopropylidene containing polybenzimidazole (6F‐PBI) was synthesized from 3,3′‐diaminobenzidine (TAB) and 2,2‐bis(4‐carboxyphenyl) hexafluoropropane (6F‐diacid) using polyphosphoric acid (PPA) as both the polycondensation agent and the polymerization solvent. Investigation of polymerization conditions to achieve high molecular weight polymers was explored via stepwise temperature control, monomer concentration in PPA, and final polymerization temperature. The polymer characterization included inherent viscosity (I.V.) measurement and GPC as a determination of polymer molecular weight, thermal and chemical stability assessment via thermo gravimetric analysis and Fenton test, respectively. The resulting high molecular weight polymer showed excellent thermal and chemical stability. Phosphoric acid doped 6F‐PBI membranes were prepared using the PPA process. The physiochemical properties of phosphoric acid doped membranes were characterized by measuring the phosphoric acid doping level, mechanical properties, and proton conductivity. These membranes showed higher phosphoric acid doping levels and higher proton conductivities than the membranes prepared by the conventional membrane fabrication processes. These membranes had sufficient mechanical properties to be easily fabricated into membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) and the prepared MEAs were tested in single cell fuel cells under various conditions, with a focus on the high temperature performance and fuel impurity tolerance. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4064–4073, 2009
Reducible polyethylenimine hydrogels with disulfide crosslinkers prepared by michael addition chemistry as drug delivery carriers: Synthesis, properties, and in vitro release
Authors: Han Shou‐Chen , He Wei‐Dong , Li Jian , Li Li‐Ying , Sun Xiao‐Li , Zhang Bo‐Yu , Pan Ting‐Ting
Published: July 2009

Degradable hydrogels crosslinked with disulfide bonds were prepared by Michael addition between amine groups of branched polyethylenimine and carbon–carbon double bonds of N,N′‐bis(acryloyl)cystamine. The influences of the chemical composition of the resulted hydrogels on their properties were examined in terms of morphology, surface area, swelling kinetics, and degradation. The hydrogels were uniformly crosslinked and degraded into water‐soluble polymers in the presence of the reducing agent of dithiothreitol, which improved the control over the release of encapsulated drug. The degradation of hydrogels can trigger the release of encapsulated molecules, as well as facilitate the removal of empty vehicles. Results obtained from in vitro drug release suggested that the disulfide crosslinked hydrogels exhibited an accelerated release of encapsulated drug in dithiothreitol‐containing PBS buffer solution. Moreover, the drug release rate decreased gradually with increasing crosslinking density. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4074–4082, 2009
AFM nanoindentation of viscoelastic materials with large end‐radius probes
Authors: Moeller Gunter
Published: July 2009

We used atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanoindentation to measure mechanical properties of polymers. Although AFM is generally acknowledged as a high‐resolution imaging tool, accurate quantification of AFM nanoindentation results is challenging. Two main challenges are determination of the projected area for objects as small as AFM tips and use of appropriate analysis methods for viscoelastic materials. We report significant accuracy improvements for modulus measurements when large end‐radius tips with appropriate cantilever stiffnesses are used for indentation. Using this approach, the instantaneous elastic modulus of four polymers we studied was measured within 30 to 40% of Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) results. The probes can, despite their size and very high stiffnesses, be used for imaging of very small domains in heterogeneous materials. For viscoelastic materials, we developed an AFM creep test to determine the instantaneous elastic modulus. The AFM method allows application of a nearly perfect stepload that facilitates data analysis based on hereditary integrals. Results for three polymers suggest that the observed creep in the materials has a strong plastic flow component even at small loads. In this respect, the spherical indenter tips behave like “sharp” indenters used in indentation studies with instrumented indenters. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1573–1587, 2009
Systematic review of post‐treatment psychosocial and behaviour change interventions for men with cancer
Authors: Dale Hannah L. , Adair Pauline M. , Humphris Gerry M.
Published: July 2009

Objectives: The psychosocial impacts of a cancer diagnosis include reduced quality of life, poorer inter‐personal relationships, hopelessness and mental illness. Worse outcomes, including mortality rates have been found for single men with cancer compared with women and partnered men. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of post‐treatment psychosocial and behaviour change interventions for adult men with cancer, in order to inform the development of an intervention. A focus on single men was intended.

Methods: Ten databases were searched via Ovid and Web of Science. Papers were systematically extracted by title, abstract and full paper according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Full papers were assessed by two authors. Inclusion criteria: participants at any stage of a cancer diagnosis, ⩾50% male and aged 18+; psychosocial and/or behavioural post‐treatment interventions, using any format; a one–three level of evidence. Couple/carer/family interventions were excluded.

Results: From 9948 studies initially identified, 11 were finally included in the review. They implemented cognitive behaviour therapy, hypnosis or psychoeducational interventions. All studies had some positive results, however, lack of reporting of intervention content and methodological issues limit the findings. No studies intervened with single men, and none provided comparative outcomes for marital status.

Conclusions: Effectiveness of interventions was difficult to assess as, while all had benefits, their generalisability was limited due to methodological and reporting limitations. Improved reporting procedures are required to allow for replication. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deep depletion of abundant serum proteins reveals low‐abundant proteins as potential biomarkers for human ovarian cancer
Authors: Lin Biaoyang , White James T. , Wu Jian , Lele Shashikant , Old Lloyd J. , Hood Leroy , Odunsi Kunle
Published: July 2009

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) ranks fifth as a cause of cancer deaths in women. Current diagnostic and monitoring markers have limited reliability for the detection of disease. We have tested the possibility of identifying candidate biomarkers present at low nanogram to picogram levels after removing both the 12 most abundant and 77 moderately abundant proteins from serum samples of EOC patients using antibody affinity columns. We showed that this approach allows the identification of proteins that are expressed at nanogram per liter levels in the serum. Using ICAT/MS/MS analysis, we identified 51 proteins that are differentially expressed by at least twofold. These proteins include leucine‐rich α‐2‐glycoprotein, matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), inter‐α‐trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H1, insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 6, insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 3, isoform 1 of epidermal growth factor receptor, angiopoietin‐like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) and phosphatidylcholine‐sterol acyltransferase. We confirmed the differential expression of MMP9 and ANGPTL3 in normal and ovarian cancer sera by ELISA assays. Further robust clinical evaluation of the candidate markers identified is necessary.
A search for novel markers of alcohol abuse using magnetic beads and MALDI‐TOF/TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Sogawa Kazuyuki , Satoh Mamoru , Kodera Yoshio , Tomonaga Takeshi , Iyo Masaomi , Nomura Fumio
Published: July 2009

Objective markers are required to assess excessive alcohol consumption, which can lead to a various medical and social problems. In this study, we carried out serum peptidome analyses using the ClinProt™ system, which consists of magnetic beads and MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS, to find novel biomarkers of alcohol abuse in 16 chronic alcoholic patients that were hospitalized for a rehabilitation program. A total of 22 peaks were found to be significantly altered during abstinence. Out of these 22 peaks, 3 peaks that had an m/z of 3000 or less and substantial peak intensities were subjected to MS/MS analysis followed by a MASCOT search. The 1466 Da and the 1616 Da peptides were upregulated on admission and were identified as fragments of fibrinopeptide A and phosphorylated fibrinopeptide A, respectively. On the other hand, the 2660 Da peptide, which was downregulated on admission and increased during abstinence, was identified as a fragment of the fibrinogen α C chain. These peaks were not detectable by the SELDI‐TOF MS ProteinChip® system analysis. The alterations in these peaks induced by alcohol abuse were also seen in γ glutamyltransferase nonresponders. These protein fragments may be additional biomarkers for excessive alcohol drinking.
Effects of CXCR4 antagonist CTCE‐9908 on prostate tumor growth
Authors: Porvasnik Stacy , Sakamoto Noboru , Kusmartsev Sergei , Eruslanov Evgeniy , Kim Wan‐Ju , Cao Wengang , Urbanek Cydney , Wong Donald , Goodison Steve , Rosser Charles J.
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND

Recent reports have linked the survival‐promoting effect of CXCR4 to the up regulation of Bcl‐2 protein expression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To further elucidate the relationship between Bcl‐2 and CXCR4, tumorigenicity was evaluated in in vitro and in vivo models following treatment with CTCE‐9908, a CXCR4 antagonist peptide.

RESULTS

In vitro, CTCE‐9908 inhibited cellular proliferation in PC‐3‐Bcl‐2 and PC‐3‐Neo cell lines Furthermore in our xenograft model, CTCE‐9908 delivered via daily intraperitoneal injections resulted in a statistically significant reduction in tumor size compared to control (396 + 205 mm3 vs. 1,010 + 215 mm3 respectively, p < 0.05) in the Bcl‐2 expressing tumors. This reduction was associated with knockdown of VEGF, inhibition of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, and induction of apoptosis. CTCE‐9908 therapy was also associated with a marked reduction in intra‐tumoral host cells expressing VEGFR1 and CD11b myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSC).

CONCLUSION

These data show that CXCR4 antagonists represent a valuable addition to the cancer therapeutic arsenal. Such agents may have beneficial synergistic dual‐effects in reducing tumor cell proliferation directly, and indirectly through perturbation of the tumor microenvironment. Further studies of the novel CTCE‐9908 compound in prostate and other solid tumor inhibition are warranted. Prostate 69: 1460–1469, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preliminary evaluation of the effect of dutasteride on PCA3 in post‐DRE urine sediments: A randomized, open‐label, parallel‐group pilot study
Authors: van Gils Martijn P.M.Q. , Hessels Daphne , Peelen W. Pim , Vergunst Henk , Mulders Peter F.A. , Schalken Jack A.
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND

Dutasteride is commonly used in patients that are also at risk for prostate cancer (PCa). Therefore, the influence of dutasteride on PCa markers has to be studied. To date, only the effect of dutasteride on serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) has been studied. This was the first study to investigate the effect of dutasteride on the new PCa marker PCA3, longitudinally and in a dose dependent manner.

METHODS

From April 25, 2005 to October 31, 2006, 16 subjects with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 9 subjects with clinically localized PCa were enrolled at the urological outpatient clinics of one university hospital and one community hospital. Eight subjects with BPH and five with PCa received 0.5 mg dutasteride once daily for 3 months, eight with BPH and four with PCa received 3.5 mg. No subjects were withdrawn because of adverse effects.

RESULTS

In all four groups both 0.5 and 3.5 mg dutasteride had a variable effect on the PCA3 score. In contrast, its other effects were consistent as it rapidly reduced serum DHT by ≥90%, over time increased serum T by 20–30%, over time halved serum PSA and decreased prostate volume by 10–16%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this exploratory/pilot study the effect of dutasteride on the PCA3 score was variable. This should be taken into account while using PCA3 in diagnostics. As this study was exploratory, the influence of androgen‐deprivation therapy on the PCA3 score should be analyzed further. Prostate 69: 1624–1634, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thermal behaviour and biological activity against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) of permethrin and pyriproxyfen in a smoke‐generating formulation
Authors: Harburguer Laura V , Seccacini Emilia , Masuh Héctor , González Audino Paola , Zerba Eduardo , Licastro Susana
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: The most common ways to control dengue vector Aedes aegypti (L.) are larval source reduction in domestic habitats and ground application of small quantities of aerosol insecticide (ultralow volume). Nevertheless, these actions have been shown repeatedly to be ineffective in controlling Ae. aegypti populations.

RESULTS: The efficacy of a new smoke‐generating formulation containing pyriproxyfen and permethrin was evaluated in the laboratory. Smoke‐generating tablets containing each insecticide individually or combined were prepared, and the recovery of the insecticides from the smoke was determined. Recovery values of over 90% were obtained for pyriproxyfen, and around 50% for permethrin. The biological efficacy of pyriproxyfen released in the smoke was evaluated in the laboratory, on late third‐instar or early fourth‐instar Ae. aegypti larvae, using different concentrations of pyriproxyfen and exposure times. Adult emergence inhibition (EI) values of 100% were obtained at 30 min, and a dose‐dependent effect was observed at 5 min. The effect of pyriproxyfen released in the smoke was due to direct contact with the larvicide in the water rather than by inhalation of the fumes. The efficacy of permethrin released in the fumes was also evaluated as knockdown effect (KT50) on adults for a tablet containing permethrin alone or permethrin plus pyriproxyfen. There was no significant difference in KT50 values obtained for permethrin (KT50 = 19.9 min) and permethrin plus pyriproxyfen (KT50 = 19.4 min).

CONCLUSION: The excellent laboratory performance of this new formulation on immature stages and adults indicates that a smoke‐generating tablet containing pyriproxyfen and permethrin could be a new tool for controlling mosquitoes. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
HRT adverse effects: has the pendulum swung too far?
Authors: Bowen‐Simpkins Peter
Published: July 2009

Mr Bowen‐Simpkins argues that the risks associated with HRT have been greatly exaggerated and based on misinterpretation of results from the WHI and MWS studies. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
Phonon spectra of quaternary Cd1–yZny S1–xSex semiconductor nanocrystals grown in a glass matrix
Authors: Azhniuk Yu. M. , Milekhin A. G. , Gomonnai A. V. , Hutych Yu. I. , Lopushansky V. V. , Zahn D. R. T.
Published: July 2009

Quaternary Cd1–y Zny S1–x Sex nanocrystals are obtained in a borosilicate glass matrix by solid‐state precipitation at temperatures within 625 to 700 °C. Raman spectroscopy is applied to determine the nanocrystal composition and to show its dependence on the heat treatment temperature and duration. Diffusion‐induced migration of Zn ions from the matrix to the NCs results in its content increase up to ∼20% at the heat treatment; meanwhile for Se‐rich NCs an increase of Se content is also observed. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Surface phonons in CdS1–xSex nanoparticles embedded in a dielectric medium
Authors: Azhniuk Yu. M. , Hutych Yu. I. , Lopushansky V. V. , Milekhin A. G. , Gomonnai A. V. , Zahn D. R. T.
Published: July 2009

Raman scattering by surface phonons in CdS1–x Sex nanocrystals grown in a borosilicate glass matrix, is studied. CdSe‐like and CdS‐like surface phonon frequencies are shown to increase with the relevant component content in the nanocrystal composition. No clear size dependence of the surface phonon frequencies has been observed. On the other hand, surface phonons in CdS1–x Sex nanocrystals exhibit resonant dependence on the Raman excitation wavelength. It is emphasized that measurements of Raman scattering by surface phonons in CdS1–x Sex nanocrystals give no reason to judge upon the nanocrystal shape. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)