bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Durable Transition‐Metal‐Carbide‐Supported Pt–Ru Anodes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Nishanth K. G. , Sridhar P. , Pitchumani S. , Shukla A. K.
Published: January 2012

Molybdenum carbide (MoC) and tungsten carbide (WC) are synthesized by direct carbonization method. Pt–Ru catalysts supported on MoC, WC, and Vulcan XC‐72R are prepared, and characterized by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy in conjunction with electrochemistry. Electrochemical activities for the catalysts towards methanol electro‐oxidation are studied by cyclic voltammetry. All the electro‐catalysts are subjected to accelerated durability test (ADT). The electrochemical activity of carbide‐supported electro‐catalysts towards methanol electro‐oxidation is found to be higher than carbon‐supported catalysts before and after ADT. The study suggests that Pt–Ru/MoC and Pt–Ru/WC catalysts are more durable than Pt–Ru/C. Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) with Pt–Ru/MoC and Pt–Ru/WC anodes also exhibit higher performance than the DMFC with Pt–Ru/C anode.
Enhanced Performance of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell by Manipulating the Orientation of Cylindrical Pores in Anode Substrate
Authors: Pan W.‐P. , Lü Z. , Chen K.‐F. , Zhang Y.‐H. , Wei B. , Wang Z.‐H. , Su W.‐H.
Published: January 2012

Effect of the orientation of cylindrical pores within an anode has been studied on the performance of anode‐supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Paper‐fibers are used as pore‐former and highly oriented cylindrical pores are formed within the anode prepared by uniaxial compaction. A thick anode brick is fabricated followed by cutting in different directions to obtain anode substrates with desirable orientation of pores. When the orientation of cylindrical pores is perpendicular to the anode surface, the gas transport is significantly improved so that the reduction rate of the NiO/YSZ anode is considerably accelerated and the cell concentration polarization is minimized. The corresponding single cell exhibits a maximum power density as high as 1.54 W cm–2 in hydrogen and 0.90 W cm–2 in nitrogen diluted methane at 800 °C. The result indicates that the output performance of anode‐supported cells could be significantly improved by manipulating the orientation of pores.
Electrochemical Impedance Analysis of SOFC Cathode Reaction Using Evolutionary Programming
Authors: Hershkovitz S. , Baltianski S. , Tsur Y.
Published: January 2012

Investigation of the cathode reaction in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) by impedance spectroscopy (IS) measurements using evolutionary‐based programming analysis is demonstrated. In contrast to the conventional analysis methods used for impedance spectroscopy measurements, e.g., equivalent circuits, the impedance spectroscopy genetic programming (ISGP) program seeks for a distribution of relaxation times that has the form of a peak or a sum of several peaks, assuming the Debye kernel. Using this method one finds a functional (parametric) form of the distribution of relaxation times. A symmetric cell configuration of Pt|LSCF|GDC|LSCF|Pt was examined using IS measurements combined with I–V measurements. Different samples at different temperatures and different oxygen partial pressures were examined in order to investigate their influence on the oxygen reduction reaction. The resulting IS data was analyzed using the ISGP program and the resulting peaks constructing the distribution of relaxation times were assigned for the different processes that occur at the cathode side. The activation energies as well as the dependence of the processes on the oxygen partial pressure were also evaluated.
Preoperative prediction of papillary thyroid carcinoma prognosis with the assistance of computerized morphometry of cytology samples obtained by fine‐needle aspiration: Preliminary report
Authors: Shih Shyang–Rong , Chang Yi–Cheng , Li Hung–Yuan , Liau Jau–Yu , Lee Chia–Yen , Chen Chung–Ming , Chang Tien–Chun
Published: January 2012

Background

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between cytologic features, clinical features, and recurrence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). We hoped to predict prognosis preoperatively.

Methods

We retrospectively studied cytologic features by using computerized morphometry and clinical data of 118 patients with usual‐type PTC without initial metastasis, including 34 patients with cancer recurrence in 10 years after surgery and 84 patients who did not have recurrence for more than 10 years after surgery. Another 24 patients were recruited for validation.

Results

Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that nucleus‐to‐cell ratio, variation of nuclear area, tumor size, and patient age were significantly related to recurrence. Cox regression analysis showed that hazard ratios were 3.34, 1.53, 1.77, and 2.6, respectively.

Conclusion

Cytologic features of PTC analyzed with computerized morphometry significantly correlated with recurrence. It helped to predict prognosis preoperatively and may be helpful for planning further treatment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Cyclooxygenase‐2 expression and clinical parameters in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, vocal fold nodule, and laryngeal atypical hyperplasia
Authors: Sayar Cağdaş , Sayar Hamide , Özdemir Süleyman , Selçuk Tahsin , Görgülü Orhan , Akbaş Yücel , Kemal Olgun Mustafa
Published: January 2012

Background

The diagnostic role of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression in laryngeal atypical hyperplasia, vocal fold nodule, and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma was examined.

Methods

Specimens obtained from patients diagnosed with vocal fold nodule (n = 35), atypical hyperplasia (n = 35), laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (n = 35), and clinical parameters were evaluated retrospectively.

Results

Although no staining was observed in patients with vocal fold nodules, staining was noted in laryngeal atypical hyperplasia and squamous cell carcinoma. The percentage of COX‐2 staining was the highest in the carcinoma group.

Conclusion

It was determined that COX‐2 staining was significantly associated with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. It should be noted that overexpression of COX‐2, a potentially important factor in the evolution of carcinogenesis in precancerous lesions, might be an indicator of the development of carcinoma. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Mechanism of FGF23 processing in fibrous dysplasia
Authors: Bhattacharyya Nisan , Wiench Malgorzata , Dumitrescu Claudia , Connolly Brian M , Bugge Thomas H , Patel Himatkumar V , Gafni Rachel I , Cherman Natasha , Cho Monique , Hager Gordon L , Collins Michael T
Published: January 2012

Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) is a phosphate- and vitamin D-regulating hormone derived from osteoblasts/osteocytes that circulates in both active (intact, iFGF23) and inactive (C-terminal, cFGF23) forms. O-glycosylation by O-glycosyl transferase N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 3 (ppGalNAcT3) and differential cleavage by furin have been shown to be involved in regulating the ratio of active to inactive FGF23. Elevated iFGF23 levels are observed in a number of hypophosphatemic disorders, such as X-linked, autosomal recessive, and autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets, whereas low iFGF23 levels are found in the hyperphosphatemic disorder familial tumoral calcinosis/hyperphosphatemic hyperostosis syndrome. Fibrous dysplasia of bone (FD) is associated with increased total FGF23 levels (cFGF23 + iFGF23); however, classic hypophosphatemic rickets is uncommon. Our results suggest that it can be explained by increased FGF23 cleavage leading to an increase in inactive cFGF23 relative to active iFGF23. Given the fact that FD is caused by activating mutations in the small G-protein Gsα that results in increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, we postulated that there may be altered FGF23 cleavage in FD and that the mechanism may involve alterations in cAMP levels and ppGalNacT3 and furin activities. Analysis of blood specimens from patients with FD confirmed that the elevated total FGF23 levels are the result of proportionally increased cFGF23 levels, consistent with less glycosylation and enhanced cleavage by furin. Analysis of primary cell lines of normal and mutation-harboring bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) from patients with FD demonstrated that BMSCs harboring the causative Gsα mutation had higher cAMP levels, lower ppGalNAcT3, and higher furin activity. These data support the model wherein glycosylation by ppGalNAcT3 inhibits FGF23 cleavage by furin and suggest that FGF23 processing is a regulated process that controls overall FGF23 activity in FD patients. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Density functional study of SN2 substitution reactions for CH3Cl + CX1X2•− (X1X2 = HH, HF, HCl, HBr, HI, FF, ClCl, BrBr, and II)
Authors: Liang Jun‐Xi , Geng Zhi‐Yuan , Wang Yong‐Cheng
Published: January 2012

A systematic investigation on the SN2 displacement reactions of nine carbene radical anions toward the substrate CH3Cl has been theoretically carried out using the popular density functional theory functional BHandHLYP level with different basis sets 6‐31+G (d, p)/relativistic effective core potential (RECP), 6‐311++G (d, p)/RECP, and aug‐cc‐pVTZ/RECP. The studied models are CX1X2•− + CH3Cl → X2X1CH3C• + Cl−, with CX1X2•− = CH2•−, CHF•−, CHCl•−, CHBr•−, CHI•−, CF2•−, CCl2•−, CBr2•−, and CI2•−. The main results are proposed as follows: (a) Based on natural bond orbital (NBO), proton affinity (PA), and ionization energy (IE) analysis, reactant CH2•− should be a strongest base among the anion‐containing species (CX1X2•−) and so more favorable nucleophile. (b) Regardless of frontside attacking pathway or backside one, the SN2 reaction starts at an identical precomplex whose formation with no barrier. (c) The back‐SN2 pathway is much more preferred than the front‐SN2 one in terms of the energy gaps [ΔE(front)−ΔE(back)], steric demand, NBO population analysis. Thus, the back‐SN2 reaction was discussed in detail. On the one hand, based on the energy barriers (ΔE and ΔE) analysis, we have strongly affirmed that the stabilization of back attacking transition states (b‐TSs) presents increase in the order: b‐TS‐CI2 < b‐TS‐CBr2 < b‐TS‐CCl2 < b‐TS‐CHI < b‐TS‐CHBr < b‐TS‐CHCl < b‐TS‐CF2 < b‐TS‐CHF < b‐TS‐CH2. On the other hand, depended on discussions of the correlations of ΔE with influence factors (PA, IE, bond order, and ΔE), we have explored how and to what extent they affect the reactions. Moreover, we have predicted that the less size of substitution (α‐atom) required for the gas‐phase reaction with α‐nucleophile is related to the α‐effect and estimated that the reaction with the stronger PA nucleophile, holding the lighter substituted atom, corresponds to the greater exothermicity given out from reactants to products. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2012
Theoretical investigation on the transportation behavior of molecular wires with redox reaction
Authors: Li Jinliang , Zhao Zhenzhen , Yu Cui , Wang Hongbo , Zhao Jianwei
Published: January 2012

A series of model molecules [sequential quinone (Q) or hydroquinone (HQ) rings connected by triple bonds] as molecular wires have been investigated by using density functional theory combined with nonequilibrium Green's function method. The results show that the system has two discrete conductance states: a low‐conductance state with Q form, and a high‐conductance state with HQ form. The systematic investigations have suggested that more Q/HQ pairs in the system may improve the on/off ratio, though long molecule reduces the conductance of the molecular junction. The switch mechanism has been explained via molecular electronic structure as well as transmission spectra. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2012
The addition of ethanol as defoamer in fermentation of rhamnolipids
Authors: Sha Ruyi , Meng Qin , Jiang Lifang
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Rhamnolipids biosurfactants mainly produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa have a wide range of potential applications. However, production of rhamnolipids on a large scale is constrained by severe foaming in fermentation. This study addressed the applicability of organic solvents as both defoamer and carbon substrate in rhamnolipids fermentation.

RESULTS: In this work, although isopropanol and n‐butanol performed better defoaming activities against rhamnolipid‐induced foams, ethanol was focused on as a potential defoamer due to its high bioavailability and low toxicity in a shaking culture of P. aeruginosa ZJU. The most appropriate dose of ethanol addition was determined to be 1% (v/v) and the best time for addition was after 48 h of culture in shaking flasks. The capability of ethanol to control foaming was further illustrated during rhamnolipids fermentation in 2 L and 50 L bioreactors. In both fermentations, the addition of ethanol not only suppressed severe foaming but also supported cell growth.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of ethanol as a defoamer is a potential strategy to avoid undesirable foam in fermentation of biosurfactant. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
A techno‐economic comparison of various process options for the production of 1,1‐diethoxy butane
Authors: Agirre Ion , Güemez María Belén , Motelica Anatolie , van Veen Henk M. , Vente Jaap F. , Arias Pedro L.
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Acetals can be considered important bio‐based diesel additives. The production of most of these compounds, from an alcohol and an aldehyde, suffers from low conversion due to thermodynamic limitations. These limitations can be overcome through the removal of the by‐product water. Previous studies showed that the in situ dehydration options of reactive distillation and pervaporation membrane reactor integration offer little advantage or at least not at reasonable unit dimensions. The aim of the present work is the development of a membrane based process and comparison with other alternatives (based on experimental data).

RESULTS: Three different membrane processes were developed. The one in which the reaction mixture is recycled over a first dehydration membrane module and subsequently through a simple distillation column, was found to give the highest overall conversion (100%) at low recycle rates and reasonable membrane area. This process was techno‐economically compared with other possible alternatives: (1) a process based on a conventional tubular reactor and several distillation columns; and (2) a process based on reactive distillation.

CONCLUSIONS: Efficient water removal by membranes avoids possible azeotropes in downstream distillation units making them much simpler, reducing considerably the unit sizes and the energy demand (40% lower). Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Embryonic development of a whirligig beetle, Dineutus mellyi, with special reference to external morphology (insecta: Coleoptera, Gyrinidae)
Authors: Komatsu Shintaro , Kobayashi Yukimasa
Published: January 2012

The egg morphology and successive changes of developing embryos of the whirligig beetle, Dineutus mellyi (Adephaga: Gyrinidae) are described from observations based on light and scanning electron microscopy. The egg surface is characterized by minute conical projections covering the entire egg surface, a stalk‐like micropylar projection at the anterior pole of the egg, and a longitudinal split line along which the chorion is cleaved during the middle embryonic stages. The germ band or embryo is formed on the ventral egg surface, and develops on the surface throughout the egg period; thus, the egg is a superficial type, as is the case in most coleopteran species. A pair of lateral tracheal gills (LTGs) of the first abdominal segment originates from appendage‐like projections arising at the lateral side of pleuropodia, and the LTGs of the second to ninth abdominal segments are arranged in a row with that of the first segment. Therefore, LTGs are structures with serial homology. The paired dorsal tracheal gills (DTGs) of the ninth abdominal segment are formed on the regions just latero‐dorsal to the LTGs of this segment. Regarding the pleuropodia as the structures being homologous with thoracic legs, neither the LTGs nor DTGs are homologous with thoracic legs, but originate in the more lateral region corresponding to the future pleura of the thoracic segments. The last (10th) abdominal segment in the larva is formed by the fusion of the embryonic 10th and 11th abdominal segments. Four terminal hooks at the end of the last abdominal segment originate from two pairs of swellings on the posterior end of the embryonic 11th abdominal segment. It is proposed that the terminal hooks possibly correspond to the claws of medially fused cerci of the embryonic 11th abdominal segment. J. Morphol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Water‐silicone separated volumetric MR acquisition for rapid assessment of breast implants
Authors: Madhuranthakam Ananth J. , Smith Martin P. , Yu Huanzhou , Shimakawa Ann , Reeder Scott B. , Rofsky Neil M. , McKenzie Charles A. , Brittain Jean H.
Published: January 2012

Purpose:

To develop a robust T2‐weighted volumetric imaging technique with uniform water‐silicone separation and simultaneous fat suppression for rapid assessment of breast implants in a single acquisition.

Materials and Methods:

A three‐dimensional (3D) fast spin echo sequence that uses variable refocusing flip angles was combined with a three‐point chemical‐shift technique (IDEAL) and short tau inversion recovery (STIR). Phase shifts of −π/6, +π/2, and +7π/6 between water and silicone were used for IDEAL processing. For comparison, two‐dimensional images using 2D‐FSE‐IDEAL with STIR were also acquired in axial, coronal, and sagittal orientations.

Results:

Near‐isotropic (true spatial resolution—0.9 × 1.3 × 2.0 mm3) volumetric breast images with uniform water‐silicone separation and simultaneous fat suppression were acquired successfully in clinically feasible scan times (7:00–10:00 min). The 2D images were acquired with the same in‐plane resolution (0.9 × 1.3 mm2), but the slice thickness was increased to 6 mm with a slice gap of 1 mm for complete coverage of the implants in a reasonable scan time, which varied between 18:00 and 22:30 min.

Conclusion:

The single volumetric acquisition with uniform water and silicone separation enables images to be reformatted into any orientation. This allows comprehensive assessment of breast implant integrity in less than 10 min of total examination time. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:1216‐1221. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Applications of arterial spin labeled MRI in the brain
Authors: Detre John A. , Rao Hengyi , Wang Danny J.J. , Chen Yu Fen , Wang Ze
Published: January 2012

Perfusion provides oxygen and nutrients to tissues and is closely tied to tissue function while disorders of perfusion are major sources of medical morbidity and mortality. It has been almost two decades since the use of arterial spin labeling (ASL) for noninvasive perfusion imaging was first reported. While initial ASL magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies focused primarily on technological development and validation, a number of robust ASL implementations have emerged, and ASL MRI is now also available commercially on several platforms. As a result, basic science and clinical applications of ASL MRI have begun to proliferate. Although ASL MRI can be carried out in any organ, most studies to date have focused on the brain. This review covers selected research and clinical applications of ASL MRI in the brain to illustrate its potential in both neuroscience research and clinical care. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:1026‐1037. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) MRI of human skeletal muscle at 1.5 and 3 T
Authors: Partovi Sasan , Schulte Anja‐Carina , Jacobi Bjoern , Klarhöfer Markus , Lumsden Alan B. , Loebe Matthias , Davies Mark G. , Noon Georg P. , Karmonik Christof , Zipp Lisa , Bongartz Georg , Bilecen Deniz
Published: January 2012

Purpose:

To evaluate the dependence of skeletal muscle blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) effect and time course characteristics on magnetic field strength in healthy volunteers using an ischemia/reactive hyperemia paradigm.

Materials and Methods:

Two consecutive skeletal muscle BOLD magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements in eight healthy volunteers were performed on 1.5 T and 3.0 T whole‐body MRI scanners. For both measurements a fat‐saturated multi‐shot multiecho gradient‐echo EPI sequence was applied. Temporary vascular occlusion was induced by suprasystolic cuff compression of the thigh. T2* time courses were obtained from two different calf muscles and characterized by typical curve parameters. Ischemia‐ and hyperemia‐induced changes in R2* (ΔR2*) were calculated for both muscles in each volunteer at the two field strengths.

Results:

Skeletal muscle BOLD changes are dependent on magnetic field strength as the ratio ΔR2*(3.0 T)/ΔR2*(1.5 T) was found to range between 1.6 and 2.2. Regarding time course characteristics, significantly higher relative T2* changes were found in both muscles at 3.0 T.

Conclusion:

The present study shows an approximately linear field strength dependence of ΔR2* in the skeletal muscle in response to ischemia and reactive hyperemia. Using higher magnetic fields is advisable for future BOLD imaging studies of peripheral limb pathologies. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:1227‐1232. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lack of genetic diversity in Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever viruses in Turkey: Assessment of present and future patterns of disease
Authors: Kalaycioglu Atila T. , Durmaz Riza , Uyar Yavuz , Unaldi Ozlem , Aksekili Ertugrul , Ozkul Aykut , Korukluoglu Gulay , Ertek Mustafa
Published: January 2012

Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick‐borne zoonosis which is common in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Balkan Peninsula. CCHF has been reported in Turkey with high frequency since 2002. The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic diversity and genetic relationship between CCHF virus (CCHFV) isolates derived from infected patients over a 2‐year period (2009 and 2010) in several provinces of Turkey. Serum samples (n = 48) were selected from CCHFV RNA positive patients and subjected to sequence analysis of the gene regions encoding the S (48 samples) and M (14 samples) segments. The nucleotide sequence alignments showed that the nucleic acid relatedness of CCHFV isolates ranged from 95.7% to 100% and from 93.7% to 100% for S and M segments, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of both segment sequences revealed that CCHFV isolates circulating in Turkey belonged to the European lineage I and were closely related to the viruses found in the Eastern European‐Russian and Balkan Peninsula. The M gene segment‐based phylogenetic analysis suggested that 2/14 CCHFV isolates (KYSR3159/09 and YZGT714/10) had additional genetic variations. The results of the present study confirmed that the CCHFV isolates present in Turkey associated with human disease had high genetic homology in S segment, but some variability in the M segment of the RNA. J. Med. Virol. 84:471–478, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic diversity of chikungunya virus, India 2006–2010: Evolutionary dynamics and serotype analyses
Authors: Sumathy K. , Ella Krishna M.
Published: January 2012

The genetic diversity of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) causing recurring outbreaks in India since 2006 was studied. The 2006 epidemic was caused by a virus strain of the East, Central and South African (ECSA) genotype with 226A in the E1 glycoprotein. The variant strain with E1‐A226V mutation caused outbreaks since 2007 in the state of Kerala where Aedes albopictus is the abundant mosquito vector. Molecular epidemiology data since 2007 is scarce from other regions of the country. RT‐PCR, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of CHIKV isolates from the 2009 to 2010 epidemics in the States of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh placed them in a separate clade within the ECSA lineage. The isolates of the study had 226A in the E1 glycoprotein. The isolates had a novel E1‐K211E mutation that was under significant positive selection. E1‐211E is highly conserved in the Asian genotype of the virus circulated by Aedes aegypti. Unique mutations in E2 glycoprotein were identified. The two sub‐lineages of ECSA genotype circulating in India parallel the abundance of Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti. Novel mutations in the envelope glycoproteins suggest adaptive evolution of the virus to local vector abundance. Cross neutralization of the virus isolates from recurring Indian epidemics indicated that no distinct serotypes had evolved. The study has provided insights into the origin, distribution and evolutionary adaptation of the virus to local vector abundance in the region that has reportedly, the highest incidence of CHIKV infection in the world. J. Med. Virol. 84:462–470, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of hepatitis B virus genome variability in Iranian patients with chronic infection, a nationwide study
Authors: Mohebbi Seyed Reza , Amini‐Bavil‐Olyaee Samad , Zali Narges , Damavand Behzad , Azimzadeh Pedram , Derakhshan Faramarz , Sabahi Farzaneh , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2012

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) isolates from Iranian patients around the country were characterized. Eighty‐one complete genomes from HBV isolates were sequenced and analyzed. The studied population was grouped into three categories including inactive carriers, patients with chronic hepatitis, and patients with liver cirrhosis. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses revealed that Iranian patients were infected with HBV genotype D and subgenotype D1. The most common subtype was ayw2, followed by ayw3 and ayw4. Several deletions and insertions that had no correlation with disease outcome were observed in the HBV genomes. The most frequent mutation in the major hydrophilic region (MHR) of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) was sP120S. Almost half of the patients studied carried precore (PC) mutant variants and one‐third of the studied population was infected with variants carrying basal core promoter (BCP) mutations. PC and BCP mutations were observed in older patients, especially in those with chronic liver disease. Sixty‐seven patients (82.7%) were HBeAg negative, and the prevalence of precore mutant isolates (G1896A) was higher in this group than in HBeAg‐positive patients. Lamivudine drug resistance mutations were detected after 1 year of treatment in about 30% of lamivudine‐treated patients. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that HBV subgenotype D1 is the only subgenotype circulating in Iran, and there is no evidence of any exotic genotype in the region. The HBV PC (G1896A) mutation may play an important role in the clinical outcome of the disease by increasing the risk of progressive liver disease among Iranian patients infected with HBV. J. Med. Virol. 84:414–423, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nonstructural protein NS1 immunodominant epitope detected specifically in dengue virus infected material by a SELDI‐TOF/MS based assay
Authors: Steidel Marine , Fragnoud Romain , Guillotte Michelle , Roesch Céline , Michel Sandrine , Meunier Thomas , Paranhos‐Baccalà Glàucia , Gervasi Gaspard , Bedin Frederic
Published: January 2012

Dengue virus (DV) infection is the most common mosquito‐born viral disease of public health significance. Though most patients only suffer from flu‐like symptoms, a small group of patients experiences more severe forms of the disease. The viral nonstructural protein 1 (NS1), a secreted protein correlating with viremia, is a key element used for dengue diagnosis with potential implications in severe dengue prognosis. Capture‐ELISAs for the early detection of the NS1 protein in the sera during the acute febrile stage are commonly used in routine by diagnostic laboratories. In this study, the detection of NS1 protein in DV‐infected material was assessed by an alternative method combining a single NS1‐directed monoclonal antibody and the SELDI‐TOF/MS technology. According to the epitope mapping, the antibodies used are mainly directed against an immuno‐dominant peptide located on the C‐terminal part of the protein. The NS1 SELDI‐TOF assay is specific, has a sensitivity level close to capture‐ELISAs and is potentially useful for a coupled serotyping/detection assay or for the detection of subtle post‐translational modifications on the protein. J. Med. Virol. 84:490–499, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic diversity of HA1 domain of hemagglutinin gene of pandemic influenza H1N1pdm09 viruses in New Delhi, India
Authors: Mir Muneer A. , Lal Renu B. , Sullender Wayne , Singh Yashpal , Garten Rebecca , Krishnan Anand , Broor Shobha
Published: January 2012

Genetic analysis of pandemic 2009 influenza A (H1N1; H1N1pdm09) virus was undertaken to understand virus evolution during 2009 and 2010 in India. Surveillance of influenza viruses from July 2009 to December 2010 revealed major peaks of circulating H1N1pdm09 viruses in August–September and December–January 2009 and then in August–September 2010. To understand the diversity of the H1N1pdm09 virus, selected specimens (n = 23) from 2009 or 2010 were characterized by nucleotide sequence determination of the HA1 subunit of the HA gene. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 22 clustered with clade 7 viruses characterized by S203T mutations, whereas one virus from 2010 fell within clade 6. None of the viruses from either 2009 or 2010 formed a monophyletic group, suggesting a continuum of independent introduction of circulating viral strains. Amino acid analysis revealed minor amino acid changes in the antigenic or receptor‐binding domains. Importantly, we observed mutations that were also present in 1918 pandemic virus, which includes S183P in 4 and S185T mutation in 3 of 13 viruses analyzed from 2010, while none of the 2009 viruses carried these mutations. Whether antibody‐mediated pressure is imposing such changes remains to be determined. Continued genetic surveillance is warranted to monitor pathogenicity as the virus evolves to acquire new features. J. Med. Virol. 84:386–393, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
EBV lytic infection enhances transformation of B‐lymphocytes infected with EBV in the presence of T‐lymphocytes
Authors: Katsumura Koichi Ricardo , Maruo Seiji , Takada Kenzo
Published: January 2012

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) establishes lifelong latency in B‐lymphocytes following infection. Although in immune‐competent individuals EBV remains in a quiescent state, in immunodeficient individuals, such as those with AIDS or transplant recipients, B‐lymphocytes infected with EBV proliferate to give rise to lymphoproliferative diseases. Similarly, in vitro, EBV transforms human B‐lymphocytes into indefinitely growing lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) in the absence of cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes. Although LCLs harbor the entire EBV genome as an episome, in most cells the virus remains in a latent state expressing a fraction of EBV genes, and lytic infection occurs spontaneously but only in a small percentage of cells. Here, we report that lytic infection contributes to EBV‐induced lymphoproliferation by a paracrine mechanism. An EBV immediate‐early protein, BZLF1, induces IL‐13, thus facilitating the proliferation of EBV‐transformed B‐lymphocytes in the presence of T‐lymphocytes. These data suggest that lytic gene products could contribute to virus‐induced oncogenesis by a paracrine mechanism. J. Med. Virol. 84:504–510, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of a hepatitis delta virus antibody assay for study of the prevalence of HDV among individuals infected with hepatitis B virus in China
Authors: Shen Liping , Gu Ying , Sun Le , Yang Yingchao , Wang Feng , Li Yimin , Bi Shengli
Published: January 2012

Co‐infection with hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been shown to be associated with a more severe form of acute and chronic hepatitis. Cloning and expression of recombinant HDV antigen (rHDAg) in Escherichiacoli are described. Using purified rHDAg, a cost‐effective indirect anti‐HDV enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit was developed. Direct comparison of 15 known HDV‐positive sera and 15 HDV‐negative sera showed concordance agreement between the new assay kit and the Abbott Murex Anti‐Delta (total) kit. In addition, 1,486 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive blood samples collected from various areas of China were tested using this indirect anti‐HDV ELISA. It was found that 1.2% (95% CI: 0.7–1.9%) of the samples were anti‐HDAg positive. It is suggested that the prevalence of HDV and HBV co‐infection in China is relatively low. J. Med. Virol. 84:445–449, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epidemiology of dengue infections in Kassala, Eastern Sudan
Authors: Abdallah Tajeldin M. , Ali Abdel Aziem A. , Karsany Mubarak S. , Adam Ishag
Published: January 2012

Eighty‐one (71.7%) out of 113 patients had confirmed dengue infection (using ELISA IgM serology) at Kassala, Eastern Sudan during the period of August through November 2010. According to the WHO criteria, dengue fever (DF), dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) were observed in 30.9, 58, and 11.1% of these patients, respectively. The mean age of these 81 patients was 25.5 years. Male:female ratio was 1.8:1. Various symptoms including fever (100%), headache (75.3%), vomiting (55.6%), nausea (53.1%), and backache (30.9%) were observed among these patients. Thrombocytopenia (<100/109 platelets/L), and leucopenia (WBC count <4,000 × 109 cells/L) and hemoconcentration (hematocrit >45) were reported in 86.4, 69.1, and 67.9% of the patients, respectively. High alanine aminotransferase (ALT, >65 U/L) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST >37 U/L) were seen in 9.9 and 14.8% of the patients, respectively. There were five (6.1%) deaths, three of them had DHF and the other two patients had DSS. J. Med. Virol. 84:500–503, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection of active human cytomegalovirus by the promyelocytic leukemia body assay in cultures of PBMCs from patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Ogawa‐Goto Kiyoko , Ueno Tomonori , Oshima Kumi , Yamamoto Hisashi , Sasaki Jun , Fujita Kazumasa , Sata Tetsutaro , Taniguchi Shuichi , Kanda Yoshinobu , Katano Harutaka
Published: January 2012

A novel detection system was established previously for cells infected with the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in vitro that utilizes the unique IE1‐dependent nuclear dispersion of promyelocytic leukemia (PML) bodies early in the HCMV replication cycle. This assay system, designated “the PML assay,” makes use of the GFP‐PML‐expressing cell line SE/15, and allows real‐time monitoring of infected cells by fluorescence microscopy without any staining procedures. A rapid and quantitative drug susceptibility testing was developed for low‐titer clinical isolates propagated in fibroblasts in vitro. The present study sought to exploit the PML assay for evaluating in vivo status of HCMV without virus isolation. Progeny viruses were detected directly from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) infected in vivo obtained from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients. The overall positivity of the PML assay tended to correlate with the levels of genomic DNA. Direct phenotypic susceptibility testing detected one ganciclovir (GCV)‐resistant case among 19 samples, which was confirmed further by genomic and plaque reduction assays. However, in another patient with the sequence‐proven mutant confirmed by sequencing, the progeny viruses exhibiting GCV‐resistance were not detected. Studies on the isolated virus from the latter patient suggested the possibility that replication efficiency may differ between PBMCs and lesions infected in vivo, which may hamper the detection of GCV‐resistant viruses by the PML assay, at least in this case. Taken together, the PML assay is sufficiently sensitive to monitor replication‐competent HCMV directly from PBMCs infected in vivo, and provides a novel tool for comparing the characteristics of HCMV strains infected in vivo. J. Med. Virol. 84:479–486, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antiviral efficacy of combination therapy with entecavir and adefovir for entecavir/lamivudine‐resistant hepatitis B virus with or without adefovir resistance
Authors: Yang Hyo‐Joon , Lee Jeong‐Hoon , Kim Yoon Jun , Yoon Jung‐Hwan , Lee Hyo‐Suk
Published: January 2012

There is little clinical information on the management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) that is resistant to multiple drugs including entecavir (ETV). The present retrospective cohort study assessed the antiviral efficacy of ETV/adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) combination therapy for ETV‐resistant HBV with prior lamivudine (LAM) resistance, and either with or without previous ADV resistance. The cumulative probability of achieving a virological response (undetectable serum HBV DNA) was compared by Kaplan–Meier analysis and the Breslow method. Seventeen patients with ETV‐resistant HBV who were treated with ETV/ADV combination therapy for at least 6 months at a tertiary care center, were included; seven had dual resistance to ETV and LAM [ADV‐r(−) group] and 10 had triple resistance to ETV, LAM, and ADV [ADV‐r(+) group]. The median follow‐up period was 9 months (range, 6–23). A virological response was noted in seven patients after a median of 3 months (range, 3–12) of treatment; five in the ADV‐r(−) group and two in the ADV‐r(+) group. The cumulative probability of a virological response was significantly higher in the ADV‐r(−) group than in the ADV‐r(+) group (6 months cumulative probability, 57.1% vs. 11.1%). In conclusion, ETV/ADV combination therapy led to virological responses in five of seven patients with resistance to ETV and LAM, but a significantly poorer response in patients with prior ADV resistance than in those without prior ADV resistance. Therefore, ETV/ADV combination therapy could be a useful therapeutic option for ETV‐ and LAM‐resistant HBV without prior ADV resistance. J. Med. Virol. 84:424–430, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
From causes to conditions in group research
Authors: Hackman J. Richard
Published: January 2012

It is time to move beyond standard conceptual and research paradigms in scientific work on group behavior and performance to better align our models and methods with the phenomena we are studying. Cause–effect models are of limited use in conducting research and generating useable theory about group behavior and performance. This paper proposes and illustrates an alternative conceptual approach that focuses on the conditions within which groups chart their own courses. The paper suggests three implications of a condition‐focused approach for those who create, lead, and serve in purposive groups, and closes with a discussion of the conceptual challenges that must be overcome if the potential of a condition‐focused approach is to be realized. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite facilitates bone apposition to polymethylmethacrylate: Histological investigation using a sheep model
Authors: Arabmotlagh Mohammad , Sommer Ursula , Dingeldein Elvira , Rauschmann Michael , Schnettler Reinhard
Published: January 2012

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is the most commonly used bone void filler for vertebral augmentation in osteoporotic fracture. It provides mechanical stability and immediate pain relief; however, PMMA is not osteointegrated and is separated from the surrounding bone tissue by a thin fibrous layer. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) on osteointegration of PMMA in a sheep model. A composite material, consisting of PMMA and nanocrystalline HA (70:30, v/v), was implanted in one distal femur, with pure PMMA in the other femur as a control. Three and 6 months after implantation, the distal femora were histologically investigated. All composite implants exhibited a tight junction to the surrounding bone tissue, with minimal bone ingrowth into the outer surface of the implant. In comparison, with use of the control implants, we observed an overall bone resorption around pure PMMA, with fibrous connective tissue encapsulating the implant. These results suggest that nanocrystalline HA enables osteointegration of PMMA in bone tissue, which might alter the biomechanical characteristics of the osteoporotic vertebral body after augmentation. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1290–1295, 2012
A large‐scale replication study for the association of rs17039192 in HIF‐2α with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Nakajima Masahiro , Shi Dongquan , Dai Jin , Tsezou Aspasia , Zheng Minghao , Norman Paul E. , Chou Ching‐Heng , Lee Ming Ta Michael , Hwang Joo‐Yeon , Kim Dong‐Hyun , Takahashi Atsushi , Ikegawa Shiro , Jiang Qing
Published: January 2012

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease with a genetic component for its etiology. Recently, a genetic association of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs17039192 in HIF‐2α with knee OA has been reported in a Japanese population; however, controversy exits for its replication and a role of HIF‐2α in OA. This study aimed to evaluate the association of the SNP by a large‐scale replication study. A total of 8,457 subjects (3,129 OA cases and 5,328 controls) from seven independent cohorts from six countries (Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, Greece, and Australia) were recruited and genotyped. The association of rs17039192 with knee OA was evaluated by meta‐analyses. The association of the HIF‐2α SNP was not replicated in any of the populations. Contrary to the previous report, the odds ratios (ORs) of the risk allele frequency were all less than 1. A combined analysis for the seven populations also showed no replication of the association (OR = 0.91, 95% confidence interval = 0.81–1.03). Our large‐scale meta‐analysis showed that the association of rs17039192 in HIF‐2α with knee OA is negative. The significance of HIF‐2α in human OA (idiopathic OA as a common disease) should be further evaluated carefully. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1244–1248, 2012
Serum cartilage metabolites as biomarkers of degenerative lumbar scoliosis
Authors: Hosogane Naobumi , Watanabe Kota , Tsuji Takashi , Miyamoto Takeshi , Ishii Ken , Niki Yasuo , Nakamura Masaya , Toyama Yoshiaki , Chiba Kazuhiro , Matsumoto Morio
Published: January 2012

Several biomarkers have been used to evaluate osteoarthritis of the limb joints. Here we evaluated the use of serum cartilage metabolites as biomarkers for degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS). Fifty‐two DLS patients with Cobb angle > 10° were compared with 19 control patients. Serum levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), keratan sulfate (KS), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), collagen type II cleavage (C2C), and procollagen type II C‐propeptide (CPII) were measured. Serum levels of KS (DLS 1.20 ± 0.44 µg/ml vs. control 0.98 ± 0.33 µg/ml), CPII (DLS 1905.1 ± 948.2 ng/ml vs. control 1223.6 ± 884.4 ng/ml), and C2C (DLS 219.1 ± 59.2 ng/ml vs. control 177.7 ± 71.7 ng/ml) were significantly higher in DLS. There were no significant differences in the levels of HA or COMP. There was a significant positive correlation between the Cobb angle and CPII in DLS. This is the first study to evaluate the cartilage biomarkers in DLS. The results suggest DLS patients have higher levels of type II collagen synthesis and degradation, indicated by elevated serum CPII and C2C, respectively. As type II collagen is a major component of collagens in the nucleus pulposus and facet joint cartilages, its enhanced turnover may be related to the development and progression of DLS. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1249–1253, 2012
Comparison and evaluation of molecular methods used for identification and discrimination of lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Pál Károly , Szén Orsolya , Kiss Attila , Naár Zoltán
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains are present in a great variety of habitats, including fermented products, probiotic concoctions and the human colon. Some species are so closely related that it is difficult to distinguish them by microbiological techniques. Nevertheless, discrimination of isolates is an important issue in respect of application, and molecular methods such as restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) or species‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) might help in resolving this problem. In this study, PCR, RFLP and sequencing were applied to identify lactobacilli and bifidobacteria originating from various sources and the DSMZ strain collection.

RESULTS: The microbiological composition of foods was analysed by molecular methods. Using species‐specific PCR primers, three restriction enzymes (AluI, HhaI and RsaI) and sequencing, three Bifidobacterium and six Lactobacillus reference strains could be distinguished and four additional lactobacilli of food origin were identified.

CONCLUSION: A combination of three molecular methods resulted in successful discrimination of nine reference strains and four isolates of food origin. Since these methods are not always accurate owing to their high genetic homogeneity, it is advisable to use more than one method for the identification of L. casei and closely related species. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Antifungal activity of plant extracts against Colletotrichum lagenarium, the causal agent of anthracnose in cucumber
Authors: Chen Yijuan , Dai Guanghui
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Colletotrichum lagenarium is an important plant‐pathogenic fungus that causes anthracnose of cucumber, a disease that is widespread under both greenhouse and field cultivation. To find a promising method for the control of this disease, extracts of eight plants from China were screened in the study presented here.

RESULTS: The results showed that the extract of Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl had significantly greater inhibitory activity against C. lagenarium than the other seven plant extracts tested in vitro. At 5 days after inoculation in a potted seedling experiment, C. camphora extract demonstrated 95% control of C. lagenarium at a concentration of 16 mg mL−1, and the MIC50 was 2.596 mg mL−1. Microscopic observation showed that this extract had a significant impact on the morphology of the fungus, leading to shorter hyphae that were more branched; this observation was associated with the inhibition of mycelial growth. Stability assays revealed that the extract was relatively stable at 80 °C, under acidic conditions and when exposed to light and short periods of UV radiation.

CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that the extract from C. camphora could be used as a potent phytochemical fungicide. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry