bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical and experimental investigation of operating parameters of solar–powered desiccant wheel in India
Authors: Yadav Avadhesh , Bajpai V.K.
Published: November 2012

A mathematical model has been used to predict the operating parameters of a desiccant wheel for performance analysis of the desiccant wheel. The model considered both gas and solid side resistance. The model shows a good agreement with experimental data.

An experimental setup was fabricated using an evacuated tube solar air collector with a desiccant wheel. The hot air needed for regeneration is produced by the evacuated tube solar air collector, which has a collector surface area of 4.44 m2 . The regeneration can be started from 40 °C. The temperature of outlet air obtained is in the range of 40–65 °C in this evacuated tube solar air collector. The experimental setup was installed at NIT Kurukshetra, India, 29° 58′ (latitude) North and 76° 53′ (longitude) East.

Numerical results showed that both the moisture removal and the temperature increment of the process air increases with an increasing regeneration air temperature, regeneration air inlet velocity, and process inlet moisture. But both the moisture removal and the temperature increment of the processed air decreases by increasing the process air inlet velocity and regeneration air moisture at the inlet. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.21031
Osteopontin mediates macrophage chemotaxis via α4 and α9 integrins and survival via the α4 integrin
Authors: Lund Susan Amanda , Wilson Carole L. , Raines Elaine W. , Tang Jingjing , Giachelli Cecilia M. , Scatena Marta
Published: November 2012

Osteopontin (OPN) is highly expressed by macrophages and plays a key role in the pathology of several chronic inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis and the foreign body reaction. However, the molecular mechanism behind OPN regulation of macrophage functions is not well understood. OPN is a secreted molecule and interacts with several integrins via two domains: the RGD sequence binding to αv‐containing integrins, and the SLAYGLR sequence binding to α4β1, α4β7, and α9β1 integrins. Here we determined the role of OPN in macrophage survival, chemotaxis, and activation state. For survival studies, OPN treated‐bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) were challenged with growth factor withdrawal and neutralizing integrin antibodies. We found that survival in BMDMs is mediated primarily through the α4 integrin. In chemotaxis studies, we observed that migration to OPN was blocked by neutralizing α4 and α9 integrin antibodies. Further, OPN did not affect macrophage activation as measured by IL‐12 production. Finally, the relative contributions of the RGD and the SLAYGLR functional domains of OPN to leukocyte recruitment were evaluated in an in vivo model. We generated chimeric mice expressing mutated forms of OPN in myeloid‐derived leukocytes, and found that the SLAYGLR functional domain of OPN, but not the RGD, mediates macrophage accumulation in response to thioglycollate‐elicited peritonitis. Collectively, these data indicate that α4 and α9 integrins interacting with OPN via the SLAYGLR domain play a key role in macrophage biology by regulating migration, survival, and accumulation. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1194–1202, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acquisition of paclitaxel resistance is associated with a more aggressive and invasive phenotype in prostate cancer
Authors: Kim John J. , Yin Bo , Christudass Christhunesa S. , Terada Naoki , Rajagopalan Krithika , Fabry Ben , Lee Danielle Y. , Shiraishi Takumi , Getzenberg Robert H. , Veltri Robert W. , An Steven S. , Mooney Steven M.
Published: November 2012

Drug resistance is a major limitation to the successful treatment of advanced prostate cancer (PCa). Patients who have metastatic, castration‐resistant PCa (mCRPC) are treated with chemotherapeutics. However, these standard therapy modalities culminate in the development of resistance. We established paclitaxel resistance in a classic, androgen‐insensitive mCRPC cell line (DU145) and, using a suite of molecular and biophysical methods, characterized the structural and functional changes in vitro and in vivo that are associated with the development of drug resistance. After acquiring paclitaxel‐resistance, cells exhibited an abnormal nuclear morphology with extensive chromosomal content, an increase in stiffness, and faster cytoskeletal remodeling dynamics. Compared with the parental DU145, paclitaxel‐resistant (DU145‐TxR) cells became highly invasive and motile in vitro, exercised greater cell traction forces, and formed larger and rapidly growing tumors in mouse xenografts. Furthermore, DU145‐TxR cells showed a discrete loss of keratins but a distinct gain of ZEB1, Vimentin and Snail, suggesting an epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, that paclitaxel resistance in PCa is associated with a trans‐differentiation of epithelial cell machinery that enables more aggressive and invasive phenotype and portend new strategies for developing novel biomarkers and effective treatment modalities for PCa patients. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1286–1293, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The testicular sperm ducts and genital kidney of male Ambystoma maculatum (Amphibia, Urodela, Ambystomatidae)
Authors: Siegel Dustin S. , Aldridge Robert D. , Rheubert Justin L. , Gribbins Kevin M. , Sever David M. , Trauth Stanley E.
Published: November 2012

The ducts associated with sperm transport from the testicular lobules to the Wolffian ducts in Ambystoma maculatum were examined with transmission electron microscopy. Based on the ultrastructure and historical precedence, new terminology for this network of ducts is proposed that better represents primary hypotheses of homology. Furthermore, the terminology proposed better characterizes the distinct regions of the sperm transport ducts in salamanders based on anatomy and should, therefore, lead to more accurate comparisons in the future. While developing the above ontology, we also tested the hypothesis that nephrons from the genital kidney are modified from those of the pelvic kidney due to the fact that the former nephrons function in sperm transport. Our ultrastructural analysis of the genital kidney supports this hypothesis, as the basal plasma membrane of distinct functional regions of the nephron (proximal convoluted tubule, distal convoluted tubule, and collecting tubule) appear less folded (indicating decreased surface area and reduced reabsorption efficiency) and the proximal convoluted tubule possesses ciliated epithelial cells along its entire length. Furthermore, visible luminal filtrate is absent from the nephrons of the genital kidney throughout their entire length. Thus, it appears that the nephrons of the genital kidney have reduced reabsorptive capacity and ciliated cells of the proximal convoluted tubule may increase the movement of immature sperm through the sperm transport ducts or aid in the mixing of seminal fluids within the ducts. © J. Morphol., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of transvascular and cellular–interstitial water exchange on dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging estimates of blood to tissue transfer constant and blood plasma volume
Authors: Paudyal Ramesh , Poptani Harish , Cai Kejia , Zhou Rong , Glickson Jerry D.
Published: November 2012

Purpose:

To examine the effect of transvascular (kbe) and cellular–interstitial water protons exchange (kie) in estimates of the blood‐to‐tissue contrast agent transfer rate constant (Ktrans), interstitial volume fraction (ve), and blood plasma volume fraction (vp) using a full three‐site two exchange (3S2X) model.

Materials and Methods:

Using the Bloch‐McConnell equations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal arising from a 3S2X system was derived for the T1‐weighted spoiled gradient‐recalled echo (SPGR) pulse sequence. To model the effects of kbe and kie on estimates of R1, the MRI‐measured arterial input function, the different sets of values of kinetic parameters: Ktrans, ve, and vp and water protons exchange rates, kbe and kie, were used. To calculate the tissue water protons R1, the signal evolving from a 3S2X model was set to a monoexponential function. By comparing the estimated Ktrans, ve, and vp with their simulated model truth values, the impact of kbe and kie on Ktrans, ve, and vp was evaluated.

Results:

vp was strongly underestimated and Ktrans and ve were much less influenced by kbe, when kie was held constant. When kbe was held constant, the kie had a significant effect on Ktrans and ve and less effect on vp.

Conclusion:

The full 3S2X model allows accurate estimation of Ktrans, ve, and vp and rates of water proton exchange. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:435–444. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved hepatic arterial phase MRI with 3‐second temporal resolution
Authors: Agrawal Mukta D. , Spincemaille Pascal , Mennitt Kevin W. , Xu Bo , Wang Yi , Dutruel Silvina P. , Prince Martin R.
Published: November 2012

Purpose:

To assess 3‐s temporal resolution for arterial phase bolus timing on dynamic liver MRI.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred consecutive patients undergoing fluoro‐triggered dynamic gadoxetate enhanced liver MRI with standard Cartesian k‐space LAVA (Liver Acquisition with Volume Acceleration) were compared with 61 consecutive patients imaged using spiral k‐space LAVA reconstructed at 3‐s temporal resolution with sliding window reconstruction. For qualitative analysis, bolus timing, hepatic artery branch order visualized, and overall image quality were evaluated. For quantitative analysis, contrast to noise ratio between aorta and liver parenchyma, aorta and portal vein, and signal intensity ratio between aorta and liver parenchyma were calculated.

Results:

MR fluoroscopy triggered single phase standard LAVA produced optimal arterial phase timing in 35% patients, compared with 88% with Spiral LAVA (P < 0.0001). Spiral LAVA had superior bolus timing scoring 2.0, compared with 1.0 with standard LAVA (P < 0.0001). Overall image quality and hepatic artery branch order visualization scoring were superior on spiral LAVA, compared with standard LAVA (P < 0.001). The aorta to liver parenchyma signal intensity ratio was also superior on spiral LAVA, compared with standard LAVA (2.8 vs. 2.2; P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Dynamic liver MRI bolus timing improves using 3‐s temporal resolution. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1129–1136. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predictors of clinical outcomes after surgical treatment of displaced acetabular fractures in the elderly
Authors: Zha Guo‐Chun , Sun Jun‐Ying , Dong Sheng‐Jie
Published: November 2012

Outcomes following the open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of displaced acetabular fractures in the elderly have been inconsistent. Several factors associated with significant poor clinical outcomes have been reported; however, the factor that contributes independently to the outcomes remains unknown. This study aims to identify independent prognostic factors for the outcomes of surgically treated displaced acetabular fractures in the elderly. A total of 86 elderly patients with displaced acetabular fractures were treated by ORIF between May 1990 and June 2010. Matta's criteria and modified Merle d'Aubigne‐Postel score were used as reduction grades and clinical outcome measures, respectively. Reduction grades and six radiographic features were identified as prognostic factors. The six radiographic features include quadrilateral plate fracture, Gull sign, posterior dislocation of hip, femoral head injury (FHI), comminuted posterior wall fracture (CPWF), and posterior wall marginal impaction. The average clinical score of the patients associated with the six radiographic features was 14.4 ± 3.1, whereas the average clinical score for those without was 17.2 ± 1.6 points. The average clinical score of the patients with anatomical, imperfect, and poor reduction were 16.8 ± 2.4, 14.5 ± 2.3, and 11.3 ± 1.4 points, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified three independent predictors of clinical outcomes: reduction grades (t = −10.45, p = 0.000), CPWF (t = −2.74, p = 0.008), and FHI (t = −3.51, p = 0.000). Both CPWF and FHI are important risk factors for clinical outcome. The postoperative quality of reduction independently predicted patient prognosis, and anatomical reduction is predictive of a good prognosis. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 588–595, 2013
Gaseous emissions of nitrogen and carbon from urban vegetable gardens in Bobo‐Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
Authors: Lompo Désiré Jean‐Pascal , Sangaré Sheick Ahmed Khalil , Compaoré Emmanuel , Papoada Sedogo Michel , Predotova Martina , Schlecht Eva , Buerkert Andreas
Published: November 2012

Urban and peri‐urban agriculture (UPA) is an important livelihood strategy for the urban poor in sub‐Saharan Africa and contributes to meeting increasing food demands in the rapidly growing cities. Although in recent years many research activities have been geared towards enhancing the productivity of this land‐use system, little is known about turnover processes and nutrient efficiency of UPA. The aim of our study therefore was to determine horizontal fluxes of N, P, K, and C as well as gaseous N and C emissions in urban vegetable gardens of Bobo‐Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Two gardens referred to as “Kodéni” and “Kuinima” were selected as representative for urban and peri‐urban systems classified as: (1) “commercial gardening + field crops and livestock system” and (2) “commercial gardening and semicommercial field crop system”, respectively. A nutrient‐balance approach was used to monitor matter fluxes from March 2008 to March 2009 in both gardens. Ammonia (NH3), nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the respective soils were measured during the coolest and the hottest period of the day using a closed‐chamber system. Annual partial balances amounted to 2056 kg N ha–1, 615 kg P ha–1, 1864 kg K ha–1, and 33 893 kg C ha–1 at Kodéni and to 1752 kg N ha–1, 446 kg P ha–1, 1643 kg K ha–1, and 21 021 kg C ha–1 at Kuinima. Emission rates were highest during the hot midday hours with peaks after fertilizer applications when fluxes of up to 1140 g NH3‐N ha–1 h–1, 154 g N2O‐N ha–1 h–1, 12 993 g CO2‐C ha–1 h–1 were recorded for Kodéni and Kuinima. Estimated annual gaseous N (NH3‐N + N2O‐N) and C (CO2‐C + CH4‐C) losses reached 419 kg N ha–1 and 35 862 kg C ha–1 at Kodéni and 347 kg N ha–1 and 22 364 kg C ha–1 at Kuinima. For both gardens, this represented 20% and 106% of the N and C surpluses, respectively. Emissions of NH3, largely emitted after surface application of manure and mineral fertilizers, accounted for 73% and 77% of total estimated N losses for Kodéni and Kuinima. To mitigate N losses nutrient‐management practices in UPA vegetable production of Bobo‐Dioulasso would greatly benefit from better synchronizing nutrient‐input rates with crop demands.
Genetic variability for responses to short‐ and long‐term salt stress in vegetative sunflower plants
Authors: Céccoli Gabriel , Eugenia Senn María , Bustos Dolores , Ismael Ortega Leandro , Córdoba Alicia , Vegetti Abelardo , Taleisnik Edith
Published: November 2012

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) has been rated as moderately salt‐resistant, and variability for salt resistance has been detected within this crop. However, variability in salt‐resistance mechanisms has not been assessed. Osmotic tolerance, the relation of salt resistance with whole‐plant Na+ and K+ distribution and tissue Na+ tolerance were investigated in several sunflower inbred lines. Plants were grown under controlled conditions, in pots with sand and perlite irrigated with salinized (NaCl, –0.65 MPa) nutrient solution. Osmotic tolerance was assessed from the initial effects of the salt treatment on plant elongation in eleven sunflower lines. Long‐term salinity responses were evaluated in four of those lines, by assessing whole‐plant growth. A principal components analysis (PCA) was run on relative‐to‐control growth data, and this information was used to establish a relative resistance ranking, which indicated lines HAR2 > HAR1 > HA64 > HAR5. Osmotic tolerance was observed in HA64 and HAR2. The lines showed different degrees of Na+ accumulation, it was very low in some of them, but relative salt resistance was not associated to this trait. Tissue Na+ tolerance was deduced by comparing the percentage of dead leaves as a function of leaf blade Na+ accumulation, and it was higher in HAR1 than in the rest. These results indicate that variability for salt‐resistance mechanisms exists in sunflower. Osmotic tolerance and tissue Na+ tolerance were detected in different lines, highlighting that such variability may be exploited for increasing salt resistance in this crop.
Well‐differentiated thyroid carcinoma: The role of post‐operative radioactive iodine administration
Authors: Patel Supriya S , Goldfarb Melanie
Published: November 2012

Post‐operative management of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) often involves administration of radioactive iodine (RAI) for remnant ablation or adjuvant therapy. However, given the favorable prognosis associated with DTC, the risk versus benefit ratio of RAI remains unclear. RAI is associated with substantial, albeit rare side effects, including a possible increased risk of secondary malignancy and altered fertility, which must be balanced against the magnitude of benefit for decreasing recurrence and improving survival. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:665–672. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solvent‐assisted dispersive micro‐SPE by using aminopropyl‐functionalized magnetite nanoparticle followed by GC‐PID for quantification of parabens in aqueous matrices
Authors: Abbasghorbani Maryam , Attaran Abdolmohammad , Payehghadr Mahmood
Published: November 2012

In this research, solvent‐assisted dispersive micro‐SPE was introduced as a simple modified technique for the determination of parabens in water and cosmetic samples. Aminopropyl‐functionalized magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) were successfully synthesized and applied. GC with photoionization detector was used for the separation and detection of parabens. In this method, hexylacetate (15 μL) as a solvent and aminopropyl‐functionalized MNPs (5 μg) as a sorbent were added to an aqueous sample (10 mL) and then the sample was sonicated. Dispersed magnetite was collected in the bottom of the conical tube by using a strong magnet and then ACN was added as a desorption solvent. Forty microliters of this solvent was transferred into a microvial and then acetic anhydride and pyridine were added, thus derivatization was performed by acetic anhydride. After evaporation, 1 μL of derivatized sample was injected into a gas chromatograph for analysis. Several important parameters, such as kind of organic solvent, desorption solvent and volume, amount of aminopropyl‐functionalized MNPs and effect of salt addition were investigated. Under optimum conditions, the limits of detection achieved were between 50 and 300 ng/L, with RSDs (n = 5) lower than 8%. Under the optimum conditions, the enrichment factors ranged from 217 to 1253 and the extraction recoveries ranged from 10 to 62%. The recoveries were obtained for the analytes in river water and mouthwash solution and hand cream in the range of 87–103%. The advantages of proposed method are simplicity of operation, rapidity, high extraction yields, and environmental friendly character.
Phenothiazine Semiconducting Polymer for Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Elkassih Sussana A. , Sista Prakash , Magurudeniya Harsha D. , Papadimitratos Alexios , Zakhidov Anvar A. , Biewer Michael C. , Stefan Mihaela C.
Published: November 2012

Phenothiazine alternating copolymer poly{4,8‐bis(5‐dodecylthiophene‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐alt‐(10‐decylphenothiazine)} (P1) is synthesized by Stille coupling polymerization. The synthesized polymer has an electrochemical bandgap of 1.61 eV and displays good photoluminescence with a quantum yield of 63.3%. The polymer is tested as a light‐emitting material in polymeric light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs) with a device structure of indium tin oxide (ITO)/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/polymer/Cs2CO3/Al. The devices display an orange‐yellow electroluminescence (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) 1931 color‐space chromaticity diagram: x = 0.5355 and y = 0.4611) with a maximum brightness of 3130 cd m−2 at an applied voltage of 10 V.
Investigation on Physical and Mechanical Properties of WPC from Corn stalk (Lignocellulosic Fiber) and HDPE
Authors: Khademieslam Habibollah , Khatibi Reza , Pour Arash Faraj
Published: November 2012

Summary: This study has tried to use HDPE and the coupling agent consistent MAPP and cornstalk fibers, create wood plastic composite material and its physical and mechanical properties such as tensile modulus, flexural modulus and humidity absorption is measured. After determining the percentage of 20, 30 and 40% of corn stalk fibers in the product and the use of two longitudinal mesh levels of 40 and 80 of them and using the 5% MAPP coupling agent testing was done and it was shown that increasing fiber length and percent increase in product humidity is absorbed. This is while the declines by increasing the fiber length changes of samples were during the tensile tests. In the bending test also increased fiber length and flexural modulus was increased.
Validation of the Innsbruck REM sleep behavior disorder inventory
Authors: Frauscher Birgit , Ehrmann Laura , Zamarian Laura , Auer Florentine , Mitterling Thomas , Gabelia David , Brandauer Elisabeth , Delazer Margarete , Poewe Werner , Högl Birgit
Published: November 2012

A diagnosis of definite REM sleep behavior disorder requires both a positive history for REM sleep behavior disorder and polysomnographic demonstration of REM sleep without atonia. To improve and facilitate screening for REM sleep behavior disorder, there is a need for simple clinical tools with sufficient sensitivity and specificity for the identification of subjects with probable REM sleep behavior disorder. We developed a short REM sleep behavior disorder screening questionnaire with 7 REM sleep behavior disorder– and 2 non‐REM sleep behavior disorder–specific control items and performed a validation study in 70 REM sleep behavior disorder subjects and 140 sleep disorder controls. Response patterns to all 7 REM sleep behavior disorder–specific items differed between REM sleep behavior disorder and non‐REM sleep behavior disorder patients (all P < 0.05), whereas the 2 non‐REM sleep behavior disorder–specific control items did not differentiate between REM sleep behavior disorder and non‐REM sleep behavior disorder (all P > .05). In 5 of the 7 REM sleep behavior disorder–specific items, AUC was greater than 0.700. These 5 items were included in the Innsbruck REM sleep behavior disorder inventory. In this questionnaire, a cutoff of 0.25 (number of positive symptoms divided by number of answered questions) had a sensitivity of 0.914 and a specificity of 0.857 for both idiopathic and Parkinson's‐related REM sleep behavior disorder (AUC, 0.886). The Innsbruck REM sleep behavior disorder inventory is a promising, easy‐to‐use, short screening tool for REM sleep behavior disorder with excellent sensitivity and specificity for both idiopathic and Parkinson's‐related REM sleep behavior disorder. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
A note on the regularity of thermally coupled viscous flows with critical growth in nonsmooth domains
Authors: Beneš Michal
Published: November 2012

We consider a coupled model for steady flows of viscous incompressible heat‐conducting fluids with dissipative and adiabatic heating and temperature‐dependent material coefficients in a plane bounded domain. The existence of a strong solution is proven by a fixed‐point technique based on Schauder theorem for sufficiently small external forces. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An evaluation of [F‐18]‐fluorodeoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography, bone scan, and bone marrow aspiration/biopsy as staging investigations in Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Newman Erik N. , Jones Robin L. , Hawkins Douglas S.
Published: November 2012

Background

Staging investigations following the diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma may include chest computerized tomography (CT), technetium bone scintigraphy (bone scan), [F‐18]‐fluorodeoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) scan, and bone marrow biopsy and aspiration (BMA/Bx). Each of these staging investigations provides complementary prognostic information, however the optimal combination of staging investigations is not clear.

Procedure

We conducted a retrospective study of 91 patients diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma and consecutively treated at our medical facilities between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2011. We compared the radiologist's interpretations of staging FDG‐PET and bone scans. We additionally compared the results of imaging evaluations to bilateral and unilateral BMA/Bx.

Results

We found FDG‐PET and bone scan to have an examination‐based concordance rate of 98% (one discordant case with a positive FDG‐PET and negative bone scan). The region‐based concordance rate for the imaging modalities was 97% for all cases and 63% for metastatic cases. The ipsilateral concordance rate for BMA/Bx was 98% with BMBx detecting metastases in seven cases and BMA detecting metastases in four cases. The left versus right concordance rates for BMBx and BMA were 98% and 97%, respectively. In all cases where bone marrow metastases were detected by BMA or BMBx, FDG‐PET and bone scan detected osseous metastases.

Conclusions

Our study indicates FDG‐PET may be sufficient for initial screening for osseous metastases and identified all patients who also have bone marrow metastases. If osseous metastases are detected, a bone scan can detect additional osseous lesions and BMBx may indicate prognostic bone marrow metastases. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 1113–1117. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chorioamniotic membrane separation after fetoscopic laser surgery for twin–twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Egawa Makiko , Hayashi Satoshi , Yang Limin , Sakamoto Naoko , Sago Haruhiko
Published: November 2012

Objective

The purpose of our study was to investigate the incidence of chorioamniotic membrane separation (CMS) after fetoscopic laser surgery and the association between CMS and preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM). We also analyzed the risk factors associated with the occurrence of CMS.

Method

Retrospective cohort study of 148 patients with twin–twin transfusion syndrome who underwent laser surgery at our institution from March 2003 to December 2009.

Results

Chorioamniotic membrane separation occurred in 29 of 148 (19.6%) patients. The presence of CMS strongly correlated with pPROM prior to 28 weeks’ gestation. Multivariate analysis of the risk factors of pPROM <28 w showed for CMS an odds ratio (OR) of 7.01 (95% confidence interval (CI): [1.46; 33.60], p = 0.015). Posterior placentation correlated with the occurrence of CMS (OR: 4.17, 95% CI: [1.39; 12.49], p = 0.01) and the recipient's deepest vertical pocket (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: [1.03; 1.86], p = 0.03). There was however no measurable impact of CMS on gestational age at delivery, neither on survival.

Conclusion

Chorioamniotic membrane separation occurs in approximately 20% of patients following fetoscopic laser surgery for twin–twin transfusion syndrome and is associated with pPROM <28 w. Posterior location of the placenta coincided with an elevated risk for CMS. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water and dye sorption studies of novel semi IPNs: Acrylamide/4‐styrenesulfonic acid sodium salt/peg hydrogels
Authors: Üzüm Ömer Barış , Karadağ Erdener
Published: November 2012

In this study, it has been investigated that the incorporation of poly(ethylene glycol), (PEG) and 4‐styrenesulfonic acid sodium salt, (NaSS) into acrylamide, (AAm) hydrogel during free radical solution polymerization synthesis. Poly (ethylene glycol)dimethacrylate, (PEGDMA) was used as a multifunctional crosslinker in polymerization. The main purpose of this study was to combine both monomers and a polymer in a new polymeric system. Dye sorption properties of hydrogels and semi IPNs were investigated by using cationic dye such as Union Green B (Janus Green B, UGB). Swelling and sorption studies were carried out at 25°C. For structural characterization, FTIR analysis was made. The equilibrium percentage swelling (Seq%) ranges are 660–1330% for AAm/NaSS hydrogels and 580–1310% for AAm/NaSS/PEG semi IPNs. To determine the sorption behaviors of cationic dye UGB, some sorption parameters such as sorption capacity (q), adsorption percentage (Ads%) and partition coefficient (Kd) of the hydrogels were investigated. Binding characterization has been studied by Langmuir linearization method. The sorption capacity values of the hydrogel systems were changed between 1.24 × 10−4 and 4.05 × 10−4 mol g−1. The values of Ads% of the hydrogels were changed among 18−67%, and the values of Kd of the hydrogels were between 0.22 and 2.02. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
A review of optical and thermal transfer fluids used for optical adaptation or beam‐splitting in concentrating solar systems
Authors: Vivar Marta , Everett Vernie
Published: November 2012

There are a wide variety of solar thermal, photovoltaic, and hybrid photovoltaic–thermal concentrator systems and concepts that use liquids for optical adaptation and heat transfer. Depending on the functional purpose of the fluid: heat transfer, optical adaptation, spectral filtering, or a combination of these applications, different fluid properties are required. This review studies actively cooled solar concentrators and their associated requirements for liquids. The most suitable candidate fluids available in the market are assessed according to their properties and applications, with a special emphasis on fluid toxicity and long‐term performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative proteomic analysis of the ATP‐sensitive K+ channel complex in different tissue types
Authors: Kefaloyianni Eirini , Lyssand John S. , Moreno Cesar , Delaroche Diane , Hong Miyoun , Fenyö David , Mobbs Charles V. , Neubert Thomas A. , Coetzee William A.
Published: November 2012

ATP‐sensitive K+ (KATP) channels are expressed ubiquitously, but have diverse roles in various organs and cells. Their diversity can partly be explained by distinct tissue‐specific compositions of four copies of the pore‐forming inward rectifier potassium channel subunits (Kir6.1 and/or Kir6.2) and four regulatory sulfonylurea receptor subunits (SUR1 and/or SUR2). Channel function and/or subcellular localization also can be modified by the proteins with which they transiently or permanently interact to generate even more diversity. We performed a quantitative proteomic analysis of KATP channel complexes in the heart, endothelium, insulin‐secreting min6 cells (pancreatic β‐cell like), and the hypothalamus to identify proteins with which they interact in different tissues. Glycolysis is an overrepresented pathway in identified proteins of the heart, min6 cells, and the endothelium. Proteins with other energy metabolic functions were identified in the hypothalamic samples. These data suggest that the metabolo‐electrical coupling conferred by KATP channels is conferred partly by proteins with which they interact. A large number of identified cytoskeletal and trafficking proteins suggests endocytic recycling may help control KATP channel surface density and/or subcellular localization. Overall, our data demonstrate that KATP channels in different tissues may assemble with proteins having common functions, but that tissue‐specific complex organization also occurs.
RGS5 gene and therapeutic response to short acting bronchodilators in paediatric asthma patients
Authors: Labuda Malgorzata , Laberge Sophie , Brière Julie , Bérubé Denis , Krajinovic Maja
Published: November 2012

Short‐acting β2‐adrenergic receptor agonists are commonly used bronchodilators for symptom relief in asthmatics. Recent evidence demonstrated that prolonged exposure of cultured airway smooth muscle cells to β2 agonists directly augments procontractile signaling pathways with the change in expression of regulator of G protein signaling 5 (RGS5). The aim of this study was to test whether genetic variants in RGS5 gene affect the response to short acting β2‐agonists. Bronchodilator responsiveness was assessed in 137 asthmatic children by % change in baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) after administration of albuterol. The analyses were performed in patients with FEV1/FVC ratio below 0.9 (FVC—forced vital capacity, n = 99). FEV1% change adjusted for baseline FEV1 values was significantly different between genotypes of rs10917696 C/T polymorphism (P = 0.008). The association remained significant with inclusion of age, sex, atopy, parental smoking, and controller medications into multivariate model (P = 0.005). We also identified additive effect on the treatment outcome with previously published genetic variant G/A rs1544791 in phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4D) gene. Carriers of two risk alleles (C and G) had adjusted mean % FEV1 change value 4.6 ± 1.3, while carriers of one and none of the risk alleles had 8.1 ± 0.7% and 13.5 ± 2.4%, respectively, P = 0.001. Our work identifies a new genetic variant in RGS5 demonstrating additive effect with PDE4D, both implicated in modulation of asthma treatment. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:970–975. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Monocarboxylate transporter 2 (MCT2) as putative biomarker in prostate cancer
Authors: Pértega‐Gomes Nelma , Vizcaíno José R. , Gouveia Carlos , Jerónimo Carmen , Henrique Rui M. , Lopes Carlos , Baltazar Fátima
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

Monocarboxylate transporter 2 (MCT2) is a transmembrane protein involved in the transport of monocarboxylates such as pyruvate and lactate. In a previous study we described overexpression of MCT2 in prostate carcinoma raising the hypothesis of using MCT2 as a possible biomarker in prostate cancer.

With the present study we aimed to compare the pattern of expression of MCT2 and alpha‐methylacyl‐CoA racemase (AMACR), in prostate carcinoma, PIN lesions, non‐neoplastic prostate tissue, and normal prostate and compare their sensitivity and specificity. Also, we wanted to evaluate the value of using MCT2 in combination with AMACR and the negative markers 34βE12 or p63 to detect prostate cancer.

METHODS

A total of 349 cases, including prostate carcinoma, non‐neoplastic prostate tissue and PIN lesions, from radical prostatectomies were examined by immunohistochemistry for AMACR, MCT2, p63, and 34βE12, using tissue microarrays (TMAs). Normal prostate from radical cystoprostatectomy was also studied.

RESULTS

Our study revealed that MCT2, similarly to AMACR, was consistently expressed in prostate cancer regardless of the Gleason score. In combination with AMACR and p63 or 34βE12, MCT2 helped to improve the diagnosis of prostate carcinoma. Also, overexpression of MCT2 as well as AMACR in PIN lesions may indicate the involvement of these two proteins in prostate cancer initiation.

CONCLUSIONS

We provided evidence for the presence of MCT2 in prostate cancer, selectively labeling malignant glands. Importantly, assessment of MCT2 together with AMACR, along with the negative markers, highly increases the accuracy in prostate cancer diagnosis. Prostate 73: 763–769, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fat boosts, while androgen receptor activation counteracts, BPH‐associated prostate inflammation
Authors: Vignozzi Linda , Gacci Mauro , Cellai Ilaria , Santi Raffaella , Corona Giovanni , Morelli Annamaria , Rastrelli Giulia , Comeglio Paolo , Sebastanelli Arcangelo , Maneschi Elena , Nesi Gabriella , De Nunzio Cosimo , Tubaro Andrea , Mannucci Edoardo , Carini Marco , Maggi Mario
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) are often comorbid. Chronic inflammation, a determinant pathogenic factor for BPH, is a putative link between the two conditions.

METHODS

In a multi‐center cohort of BPH patients (n = 244) who underwent prostatectomy, we evaluated whether MetS is associated with prostatic inflammation in BPH specimens. In addition, we investigated the in vitro inflammatory effects of metabolic insults on human prostatic myofibroblastic cells (hBPH).

RESULTS

Inflammatory infiltrates score (IS) in prostatectomy specimens showed a step‐wise association with the number of MetS factors present (P = 0.001). After adjusting for age, reduced HDL cholesterol, and elevated triglycerides were the only factors significantly associated with IS. Increased IS was also significantly associated with hypogonadism. In an age‐ and testosterone (T)‐adjusted model, dyslipidemia was still associated with IS. To investigate whether metabolic factors could directly trigger prostate inflammation, we performed preliminary studies in myofibroblastic hBPH. Among the different factors, oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL) showed the highest secretion of IL‐8 (>10‐fold)—a surrogate marker of prostate inflammation—as well as IL‐6, and bFGF. Co‐treatment with DHT significantly inhibited oxLDL‐induced secretion of IL‐8, whilst an AR‐antagonist, bicalutamide, reversed DHT effects. DHT suppresses oxLDL receptor (LOX‐1) expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that fats and insulin could have a detrimental effect on prostate health, boosting inflammation, a key pathogenic factor in BPH. Conversely, beneficial effects of DHT in counteracting lipid‐ and insulin‐induced prostatic alterations, suggest that T—via its conversion into DHT—may have unexpected beneficial effects on prostate health. Prostate 73: 789–800, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Undertaking industry‐sponsored clinical trials in primary care
Authors: Takhar Amrit
Published: November 2012

The author provides an insight into what is required to undertake clinical trials in general practice, with hints on how to deal with the questions study sponsors will ask of potential study sites.
Wet chemically prepared silicon nanowire arrays on low‐cost substrates for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Jia Guobin , Höger Ingmar , Gawlik Annett , Dellith Jan , Bailey Louise R. , Ulyashin Alexander , Falk Fritz
Published: November 2012

Silicon nanowire (SiNW) based solar cells are a promising candidate for third generation solar cells with high efficiency, which will further reduce the cost of the PV modules, making it competitive with conventional energy sources. In this paper the wet chemical etching process for generating silicon nanowires is investigated on different low‐cost substrate materials. These nanowires are useful for a radial pn‐junction solar cell with core–shell configuration, which allows for using absorber materials with low‐carrier lifetime. In this work, wet chemical nanowire etching is applied to edge‐defined film‐fed growth (EFG) mc‐Si wafers, mc‐Si wafers made from metallurgical grade Si, multicrystalline (mc‐Si) thin films deposited on glass, and thin crystallized films deposited on mc‐Si wafers produced from metallurgical grade Si. A proof of concept for using low‐cost materials in PV is demonstrated for SiNWs prepared on mc‐Si wafer produced from highly doped MG‐Si.
Nanoimprint lithography of textures for light trapping in thin film silicon solar cells
Authors: Soppe Wim , Dörenkämper Maarten , Notta Jean‐Baptiste , Pex Paul , Schipper Wilfried , Wilde Rene
Published: November 2012

Nanoimprint lithography (NIL) is a versatile and commercially viable technology for fabrication of structures for light trapping in solar cells. We demonstrate the applicability of NIL in thin film silicon solar cells in substrate configuration, where NIL is used to fabricate a textured rear contact of the solar cells. We applied random structures, based on the natural texture of SnO/F grown by APCVD, and designed 2D periodic structures and show that for single junction µc‐Si cells these textured rear contacts lead to an increase of Jsc of more than 40% in comparison to cells with flat rear contacts. Cells on optimized periodic textures showed higher fill factors which can be attributed to reduced microcrack formation, leading to less shunting in comparison to cells on random textures.
How to describe concentration quenching in rare earth doped semiconductors
Authors: Benz Felix , Guerra J. Andrés , Weng Ye , Weingärtner Roland , Strunk Horst P.
Published: November 2012

We report on two approaches to describe concentration quenching of rare earth doped semiconductors. The examples used are terbium doped aluminium nitride and silicon carbide. The aim of the presented work is to introduce a frame of description that can be used to analyse experimental results. The first approach, a rate equation based model, uses mean values for both the transition probabilities and the centre interdistance.

The second approach, an atomistic Monte‐Carlo simulation, is capable of describing single centres and thus can handle different spatial distributions of the centres. Both models describe the experimentally observed concentration quenching effects. The Monte‐Carlo simulation is more appropriate since it can handle microstructural influences like clustering or precipitation of the rare earth ions. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrical characteristics of ALD‐deposited Al2O3 thin films on p‐type germanium substrates
Authors: Botzakaki M. , Kerasidou A. , Xanthopoulos N. , Skarlatos D. , Kennou S. , Ladas S. , Georga S. N. , Krontiras C. A.
Published: November 2012

The electrical behaviour of Al/Al2O3/p‐Ge MOS capacitors, with 10 nm oxide thickness, has been studied in the temperature range between 130 K and 330 K. The ALD method for the Al2O3 deposition has been used. C‐V and G‐f measurements reveal high values of the density of interfacial traps Dit, suggesting the presence of leakage currents. Conductivity mechanisms for the leakage currents have been studied, on the basis of J‐V characteristics of the structure as a function of temperature. In the measured voltage region (0‐2.5 V), tunneling is proposed as the dominant mechanism. Specifically, as the applied field increases, Fowler‐Nordheim mechanism gradually contributes to the, observed at low fields, Ohmic conduction (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Transient performance for discrete‐time singular systems with actuators saturation via composite nonlinear feedback control
Authors: Feng Yu , Ho Daniel W.C.
Published: November 2012

This paper is concerned with the transient performance improvement in tracking control problems for linear multivariable discrete‐time singular systems subject to actuators saturation. A composite nonlinear feedback control strategy is considered, and the resulting controller consists of a linear feedback law and a nonlinear feedback law without any switching element. The nonlinear term leads to a varying damping ratio of the closed‐loop system and yields a small overshoot as the output approaches the target reference, whereas the linear component is designed to achieve a quick response of the closed‐loop system. Two composite nonlinear feedback control laws by both state feedback and measurement output feedback are addressed. An illustrative example is included to show the validity of the obtained results. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ceramide-1-Phosphate Regulates Migration of Multipotent Stromal Cells and Endothelial Progenitor Cells—Implications for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Kim Chihwa , Schneider Gabriela , Abdel-Latif Ahmed , Mierzejewska Kasia , Sunkara Manjula , Borkowska Sylwia , Ratajczak Janina , Morris Andrew J. , Kucia Magda , Ratajczak Mariusz Z.
Published: November 2012

Ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P) is a bioactive lipid that, in contrast to ceramide, is an antiapoptotic molecule released from cells that are damaged and “leaky.” As reported recently, C1P promotes migration of hematopoietic cells. In this article, we tested the hypothesis that C1P released upon tissue damage may play an underappreciated role in chemoattraction of various types of stem cells and endothelial cells involved in tissue/organ regeneration. We show for the first time that C1P is upregulated in damaged tissues and chemoattracts bone marrow (BM)-derived multipotent stromal cells, endothelial progenitor cells, and very small embryonic-like stem cells. Furthermore, compared to other bioactive lipids, C1P more potently chemoattracted human umbilical vein endothelial cells and stimulated tube formation by these cells. C1P also promoted in vivo vascularization of Matrigel implants and stimulated secretion of stromal cell-derived factor-1 from BM-derived fibroblasts. Thus, our data demonstrate, for the first time, that C1P is a potent bioactive lipid released from damaged cells that potentially plays an important and novel role in recruitment of stem/progenitor cells to damaged organs and may promote their vascularization.
An Efficient Nonviral Method to Generate Integration-Free Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Cord Blood and Peripheral Blood Cells
Authors: Okita Keisuke , Yamakawa Tatsuya , Matsumura Yasuko , Sato Yoshiko , Amano Naoki , Watanabe Akira , Goshima Naoki , Yamanaka Shinya
Published: November 2012

The generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provides the opportunity to use patient-specific somatic cells, which are a valuable source for disease modeling and drug discovery. To promote research involving these cells, it is important to make iPSCs from easily accessible and less invasive tissues, like blood. We have recently reported the efficient generation of human iPSCs from adult fibroblasts using a combination of plasmids encoding OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, L-MYC, LIN28, and shRNA for TP53. We herein report a modified protocol enabling efficient iPSC induction from CD34+ cord blood cells and from peripheral blood isolated from healthy donors using these plasmid vectors. The original plasmid mixture could induce iPSCs; however, the efficiency was low. The addition of EBNA1, an essential factor for episomal amplification of the vectors, by an extra plasmid greatly increased the efficiency of iPSC induction, especially when the induction was performed from αβT cells. This improvement enabled the establishment of blood-derived iPSCs from seven healthy donors ranging in age from their 20s to their 60s. This induction method will be useful for the derivation of patient-specific integration-free iPSCs and would also be applicable to the generation of clinical-grade iPSCs in the future.
Fostering Jordanian University Students' Communicative Performance Through Literature‐Based Instruction
Authors: Bataineh Ruba Fahmi , Rabadi Raghd Yaqoub Al , Smadi Oqlah Mahmoud
Published: November 2012

This study investigated the effect of a literature‐based program on eight Jordanian university students' communicative performance. The research design was essentially qualitative (observation was the primary instrument); however, triangulation was achieved through the use of other instruments, including pre‐ and posttests, interviews, journal writing, and role‐play evaluation of oral proficiency. The findings reveal significant differences in the students' communicative performance, in favor of literature‐based instruction. The article concludes with a number of recommendations and pedagogical implications.
Brighter‐ and Longer‐Burning Barium‐Free Illuminants for Military and Civilian Pyrotechnics
Authors: Sabatini Jesse J. , Raab James M. , Hann Ronald K. , Freeman Cathleen T.
Published: November 2012

The development of barium‐free pyrotechnic illuminants is described. Heavy metal barium nitrate oxidizer and strontium nitrate oxidizer were replaced with sodium nitrate to adequately address environmental concerns while providing the brightest possible illuminant. The new formulations further address environmental concerns and mitigate single‐point‐of‐failure through the replacement of polyester‐based Laminac 4116/Lupersol binder system with the epoxy‐based Epon 813/Versamid 140 binder system. The new formulations were found to burn longer and brighter than the control with a low sensitivity to various ignition stimuli.