bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential skin antiinflammatory effects of 4‐methylthiobutylisothiocyanate (MTBI) isolated from rocket (Eruca sativa) seeds
Authors: Yehuda Hila , Khatib Soliman , Sussan Ihab , Musa Ramadan , Vaya Jacob , Tamir Snait
Published: May 2009

Isothiocyanates (ITCs), which are organosulfur compounds present in cruciferous vegetables, have anticarcinogenic, antiinflammatory, and antiproliferative activities. These biological activities, and the knowledge that rocket seed (Eruca sativa) extract is used in skin disorders in traditional Middle Eastern medicine, led to the isolation and assessment of 4‐methylthiobutylisothiocyanate (MTBI), the major ITC in rocket seeds, for its potential in the prevention of inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis. MTBI was found to depress the growth of activated keratinocytes and to arrest the activated THP‐1 monocytes in the G2 stage. Both MTBI and its oxidized derivative sulforaphane (SFN), which was found in the rocket seed at a low concentration, downregulated the expression of the proinflammatory genes, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐12/23 p40, as well as that of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, in activated THP‐1 cells. These results demonstrate that MTBI may deter the inflammation process, as has been reported for SFN. Furthermore, pretreatment with MTBI hindered the induction of the inflammatory state in the THP‐1 cells, as shown by the inhibition of cytokine mRNA expression of IL‐1β, IL‐12/23 p40, and TNF‐α. Overall, our results imply that MTBI may represent a new family of natural compounds possessing significant skin inflammation‐preventive activities. © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Comparison of separation performances of amylose‐ and cellulose‐based stationary phases in the high‐performance liquid chromatographic enantioseparation of stereoisomers of β‐lactams
Authors: Pataj Zoltán , Ilisz István , Berkecz Róbert , Forró Enikő , Fülöp Ferenc , Péter Antal
Published: May 2009

High‐performance liquid chromatographic methods were developed for the separation of the enantiomers of 19 β‐lactams. The direct separations were performed on chiral stationary phases containing either amylose‐tris‐3,5‐dimethylphenyl carbamate, (Kromasil® AmyCoat™ column) or cellulose‐tris‐3,5‐dimethylphenyl carbamate, (Kromasil® CelluCoat™ column) as chiral selector. The different methods were compared in systematic chromatographic examinations. The separations were carried out with good selectivity and resolution. The AmyCoat™ and CelluCoat™ columns appear to be highly complementary. The best separations of bi‐ and tricyclic β‐lactam stereoisomers were obtained with the AmyCoat™ column, whereas the 4‐aryl‐substituted β‐lactams were better separated on the CelluCoat™ column. The elution sequence was determined in all cases; no general rule could be established. Chirality 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aufbereitung von nachwachsenden Rohstoffen durch Zerkleinerung
Authors: Teipel U. , Winter H. , Unkelbach G. , Schweppe R. , Gromov A.
Published: May 2009

Nachwachsende Rohstoffe werden derzeit insbesondere zur Erzeugung von Energie eingesetzt. Durch die Entwicklung innovativer Technologien sollen nachwachsende Rohstoffe in Zukunft auch für die Herstellung von speziellen Materialien, Feinchemikalien oder chemischer Vorprodukte Anwendung finden. Für beide Anwendungsgebiete und Technologien ist die Steigerung der Rohstoffeffizienz von besonderer Bedeutung. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurde die Aufbereitung von nachwachsenden Rohstoffen am Beispiel von Holz durch verschiedene Trocken‐ und Nasszerkleinerungsprozesse untersucht.
Relating therapy for people who hear voices: A case series
Authors: Hayward Mark , Overton Jo , Dorey Theresa , Denney Joanna
Published: May 2009

This paper presents a series of cases to explore the development and value of a form of relating therapy for people who hear voices. The therapy is theoretically underpinned by Birtchnell's Relating Theory and offers a therapeutic space where hearers can explore and seek to change the relationship with their predominant voice. Five cases are presented to illustrate the processes of: (1) exploring similarities between relating to the voice and relating socially; (2) enhancing awareness of reciprocity with the voice–hearer relationship; and (3) using assertiveness training and empty chair work to facilitate change. Results were encouraging as change in control and/or distress was apparent for four of the cases. Changes in patterns of relating to voices were also apparent. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy of fine‐needle aspiration biopsy in diagnosis of breast cancer: A retrospective study of 303 cases in Bahrain
Authors: Al‐Sindi Khalid , Kamal Nahid , Golbahar Jamal
Published: May 2009

Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in many countries worldwide and breast lesions remain a common diagnostic dilemma. Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) has been suggested as the most important, first line, minimally invasive measure in the management of patients with breast lesions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of FNAB in patients with breast lesions by comparing the diagnostic accuracy of cytology results with that of the definitive histological examination outcome and also to investigate the added value of a single aspirator experience to the overall diagnostic precision and compared with the internationally published results. A retrospective study of 303 breast FNAB samples were carried out by a single experienced cytopathologist with complete comparison records.

The prevalence of positive cytologic diagnosis for the breast cancer was determined to be 20.4%. The overall diagnostic accuracy of FNAB was 97.9%, with a specificity and sensitivity of 98.3 and 96.5%, respectively. The overall positive and negative predictive values were determined to be 93.2 and 99.2%, respectively. In addition, the sensitivity was comparable in cases that have been attempted by palpation‐guided sampling compared with those aspirations that were carried out under US guidance.

Results from this study confirm that FNAB biopsies performed and reported by a dedicated, single, skilled cytopathologist are highly effective in diagnosis of breast lesions and reliable in differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions with an overall high efficacy in a specialized laboratory‐based FNAB clinic. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
α‐Methylacyl‐CoA racemase (AMACR) in fine‐needle aspiration specimens of prostate lesions
Authors: Kaić Gordana , Tomasović‐Lončarić Čedna
Published: May 2009

The elevated expression of P504S gene and its product α‐methylacyl‐CoA racemase (AMACR) can serve as a molecular marker for prostate cancer. The goal of this study is to investigate P504S/AMACR expression in fine‐needle aspiration smears and correlate it with cytological diagnosis. Immunocytochemistry was performed in 35 patients with morphological diagnosis of prostate carcinoma (n = 16), atypia (n = 15), and benign hyperplasia (n = 4). Among 16 malignant cases there were two low‐grade, eight intermediate, and six high‐grade prostate carcinomas. Cytoplasmic positivity is analyzed qualitatively as predominantly diffuse or focal and quantitatively as <5%, 5–50%, and >50% of cells. Benign cases showed no P504S/AMACR expression. Positive staining was recorded in 75% of malignant cases, but in the majority of them it was weak and focal or diffuse and in a small amount of cells. The most intensive staining was seen in low‐grade carcinomas and some atypical cases. This observation indicates a correlation between P504S/AMACR expression and differentiation of cells. P504S/AMACR staining might be of great value in cytodiagnosis of prostate lesions as well as an example of the characterization of cells at the molecular level using fresh tissue obtained by fine‐needle aspiration. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnosis of metastatic pancreatic mesenchymal tumors by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration
Authors: Varghese Linda , Ngae Min Yi , Wilson Andrew P. , Crowder Clinton D. , Gulbahce H. Evin , Pambuccian Stefan E.
Published: May 2009

Involvement of the pancreas by metastatic sarcoma is rare, and can prove challenging to differentiate from sarcomatoid carcinomas which occur more commonly. The endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) technique has been successfully used for the diagnosis of pancreatic carcinomas whether primary or metastatic, and is now considered the most effective noninvasive method for the identification of pancreatic metastases. However, to date very few reports detail the diagnosis of mesenchymal neoplasms by EUS‐FNA. Herein, we report a series of four patients who underwent EUS‐FNA of the pancreas, where the diagnosis of metastatic sarcoma was made based on morphology and ancillary studies. The cases include metastases of leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, and solitary fibrous tumor. The history of a primary sarcoma of the chest wall, mediastinum, and respectively lower extremity was known for the first three of these patients while in the case of the solitary fibrous tumor a remote history of a paraspinal “hemangiopericytoma” was only elicited after the EUS‐FNA diagnosis was made. We conclude that EUS‐FNA is efficient and accurate in providing a diagnosis of sarcoma, even in patients without a known primary sarcoma, thus allowing institution of therapy without additional biopsies. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An approximate‐state Riemann solver for the two‐dimensional shallow water equations with porosity
Authors: Finaud‐Guyot P. , Delenne C. , Lhomme J. , Guinot V. , Llovel C.
Published: May 2009

PorAS, a new approximate‐state Riemann solver, is proposed for hyperbolic systems of conservation laws with source terms and porosity. The use of porosity enables a simple representation of urban floodplains by taking into account the global reduction in the exchange sections and storage. The introduction of the porosity coefficient induces modified expressions for the fluxes and source terms in the continuity and momentum equations. The solution is considered to be made of rarefaction waves and is determined using the Riemann invariants. To allow a direct computation of the flux through the computational cells interfaces, the Riemann invariants are expressed as functions of the flux vector. The application of the PorAS solver to the shallow water equations is presented and several computational examples are given for a comparison with the HLLC solver. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
QALYs: is the value of treatment proportional to the size of the health gain?
Authors: Nord Erik , Enge Anja Undrum , Gundersen Veronica
Published: May 2009

In societal priority setting between health programs for different patient groups, many people are reluctant to discriminate too strongly between those who can benefit much from treatment and those who can benefit moderately. We suggest that this view of distributive fairness has a counterpart in personal valuations of gains in health. Such valuations may be influenced by psychological reference points and diminishing marginal utility such that the individual utility of care in patient groups with different potentials may be more similar than what conventional QALY estimates suggest. In interviews in three convenience samples, there is some support for the hypothesis. Most respondents do not think that desire for treatment is significantly less in those who stand to gain only moderately compared with those who stand to gain much – even when the treatment is associated with a mortality risk. When stating insurance preferences, a majority of subjects express a greater concern for avoiding the worst states in question than for maximising expected value for money in terms of treatment effects. The tendency applies to outcomes in terms of both quality and quantity of life. Choices between prefixed response options fit well with oral explanations of these choices. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microenvironmental regulation of the sinusoidal endothelial cell phenotype in vitro #
Authors: March Sandra , Hui Elliot E. , Underhill Gregory H. , Khetani Salman , Bhatia Sangeeta N.
Published: May 2009

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) differ, both structurally and functionally, from endothelial cells (ECs) lining blood vessels of other tissues. For example, in contrast to other ECs, LSECs possess fenestrations, have low detectable levels of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 expression, and in rat tissue, they distinctively express a cell surface marker recognized by the SE-1 antibody. These unique phenotypic characteristics seen in hepatic tissue are lost over time upon culture in vitro; therefore, this study sought to systematically examine the effects of microenvironmental stimuli—namely, extracellular matrix and neighboring cells, on the LSEC phenotype in vitro. In probing the role of the underlying extracellular matrix, we identified collagen I and collagen III as well as mixtures of collagen I/collagen IV/fibronectin as having a positive effect on LSEC survival. Furthermore, using a stable hepatocellular model (hepatocyte–fibroblast) we were able to prolong the expression of both SE-1 and phenotypic functions of LSEC such as factor VIII activity and AcLOL uptake in cocultured LSECs through the production of short-range paracrine signals. In the course of these experiments, we identified the antigen recognized by SE-1 as CD32b. Conclusion: Collectively, this study has identified several microenvironmental regulators of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells that prolong their phenotypic functions for up to 2 weeks in culture, enabling the development of better in vitro models of liver physiology and disease. (Hepatology 2009.)
Zinc Supplementation Reverses Alcohol-Induced Steatosis in Mice Through Reactivating Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor-4α and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-α†
Authors: Kang Xinqin , Zhong Wei , Liu Jie , Song Zhenyuan , McClain Craig J. , Kang James Y. , Zhou Zhanxiang
Published: May 2009

Alcoholic steatosis is a fundamental metabolic disorder in the progression of alcoholic liver disease. Zinc deficiency is one of the most consistently observed biochemical/nutritional manifestations of alcoholic liver disease. The purpose of this study is to determine whether dietary zinc supplementation to mice previously exposed to alcohol could reverse alcoholic steatosis. Male 129S mice were pair-fed an alcohol or isocaloric maltose dextrin liquid diet for 16 weeks with or without dietary zinc supplementation for the last 4 weeks. Zinc supplementation significantly attenuated alcohol-mediated increases in hepatic triglyceride, cholesterol, and free fatty acids in association with accelerated hepatic fatty acid oxidation and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) secretion. Hepatic genes related to fatty acid oxidation and VLDL secretion were up-regulated by zinc supplementation, which was accompanied by restoring activity of hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α (HNF-4α) and peroxisome proliferators activated receptor-α (PPAR-α). Zinc supplementation enhanced alcohol metabolism and attenuated oxidative stress and liver injury. Zinc supplementation also normalized alcohol-mediated increases in plasma triglycerides and partially reversed decrease in gonadal adipose depot mass. Studies in HepG2 cells showed that zinc deprivation significantly suppressed the DNA-binding activities of HNF-4α and PPAR-α, and reduced HNF-4α and PPAR-α target proteins. Consequently, zinc deprivation caused cellular accumulation of lipid droplets, triglycerides and free fatty acids in the HepG2 cells.

Conclusion:

Zinc supplementation reverses alcoholic steatosis, and reactivation of HNF-4α and PPAR-α by increasing zinc availability and inhibiting oxidative stress are potential mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects of zinc on hepatic lipid homeostasis. (Hepatology 2009.)
N‐terminal residues of the yeast pheromone receptor, Ste2p, mediate mating events independently of G1‐arrest signaling
Authors: Shi Chunhua , Kendall Stephanie C. , Grote Eric , Kaminskyj Susan , Loewen Michèle C.
Published: May 2009

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mechanisms modulating the mating steps following cell cycle arrest are not well characterized. However, the N‐terminal domain of Ste2p, a G protein‐coupled pheromone receptor, was recently proposed to mediate events at this level. Toward deciphering receptor mechanisms associated with this mating functionality, scanning mutagenesis of targeted regions of the N‐terminal domain has been completed. Characterization of ste2 yeast overexpressing Ste2p variants indicated that residues Ile 24 and Ile 29 as well as Pro 15 are critical in mediating mating efficiency. This activity was shown to be independent of Ste2p mediated G1 arrest signaling. Further analysis of Ile 24 and Ile 29 highlight the residues' solvent accessibility, as well as the importance of the hydrophobic nature of the sites, and in the case of Ile 24 the specific size and shape of the side chain. Mutation of these Ile's led to arrest of mating after cell contact, but before completion of cell wall degradation. We speculate that these extracellular residues mediate novel receptor interactions with ligand or proteins, leading to stimulation of alternate signaling effector pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 630–638, 2009. © 2009 Crown in the right of Canada.
Cardiac potential of stem cells from whole human umbilical cord tissue
Authors: Wu Kai Hong , Mo Xu Ming , Zhou Bin , Lu Shi Hong , Yang Shao Guang , Liu Ying Long , Han Zhong Chao
Published: May 2009

We investigated the role of stem cells from human umbilical cord tissue in cardiomyocyte regeneration. The umbilical cord stem cells were initially characterized and differentiated in a myocardial differentiation medium containing 5‐azacytidine for 24 h. Differentiation into cardiomyocytes was determined by expression of cardiac specific markers, like cardiac α‐actin, connexin43, myosin, Troponin T, and ultrastructural analysis. In vivo, the transplanted umbilical cord stem cells were sprouting from local injection and differentiated into cardiomyocyte‐like cells in a rat myocardial infarction model. Echocardiography revealed increasing left ventricular function after umbilical cord stem cell transplantation. These results demonstrate that umbilical cord stem cells can differentiate into cardiomyocyte‐like cells both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, human umbilical cord might represent a source of stem cells useful for cellular therapy and myocardial tissue engineering. Future studies are required to determine the molecular signaling mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 926–932, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
NPY revealed as a critical modulator of osteoblast function in vitro: New insights into the role of Y1 and Y2 receptors
Authors: Teixeira Liliana , Sousa Daniela M. , Nunes Ana Filipa , Sousa Mónica M. , Herzog Herbert , Lamghari Meriem
Published: May 2009

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has recently emerged as a potential regulator of bone homeostasis. However, the relevance of NPY's role in osteoblast activity and the biological functions involving NPY receptors in bone homeostasis remain to be clarified. Here we report that chronically elevated NPY levels leaded to a modulation of the level of Y2 receptor expression marked with a transient down and upregulation according to the stage of osteoblast differentiation. We also show that NPY is a negative regulator of Y1 receptor expression. The pharmalogical activation of Y2 receptor with its agonist resulted in similar effect. Functional analysis also revealed the osteogenic potential of NPY with osteoblast phenotype markers being significantly enhanced in osteoprogenitor cells stimulated by NPY, probably due to the down‐regulation of Y1 receptor. In contrasts, these cells exhibit a reduction in calcium deposition in extracellular matrix most likely mediated via Y2 receptor signalling. Furthermore, we show that NPY modulates receptor activator of nuclear factor kB (NF‐kB) (RANK) ligand and osteoprotegerin, two key factors regulating bone remodelling. Specifically, NPY inhibits the transcriptional activity of RANKL promoter in osteoprogenitor cells and enhances OPG expression in osteoblasts at early stages of differentiation. However, NPY effect on OPG seemed to be unrelated to Y2 receptor activation. Taken together the present data supported the contribution of NPY pathway in bone homeostasis via a direct action on osteoblasts cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 908–916, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Examining motivational interviewing from a client agency perspective
Authors: Faris Alexander S. , Cavell Timothy A. , Fishburne John W. , Britton Peter C.
Published: May 2009

Although empirical investigations strongly support the use of motivational interviewing (MI), there is no theory to clearly explain how or why MI works. The authors propose that MI is efficacious because it mobilizes clients' inherent resources for motivation, learning, creativity, problem solving, and goal‐driven activity. Examining MI from a client agency perspective reveals new ways of conceptualizing several critical issues, including MI's fundamental “spirit,” the function of resolving ambivalence, the importance of change talk, MI's ability to combine well with other approaches, and the success of brief MI interventions. Implications for the science and practice of MI are discussed from the standpoint that clients are primarily responsible for driving therapeutic gains. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65: 1–16, 2009.
Complications and satisfaction with pediatric osseointegrated external ear prostheses
Authors: Hamming Katherine K. , Lund Todd W. , Lander Timothy A. , Sidman James D.
Published: May 2009

Objectives:

To determine the complication rate and the patient satisfaction of titanium osseointegrated ear implants for congenital microtia and anotia. To discuss external ear prostheses as a treatment option for children with microtia.

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review of patient records from a tertiary pediatric otolaryngology practice.

Methods:

The charts were reviewed for all pediatric patients who had undergone titanium implants for attachment of auricular prostheses from 2000–2006. Data collected included demographic information, congenital syndrome, number and size of screws placed, occurrence of skin reactions, presence of other complications, and length of time patients wore the prosthetic ear.

Results:

Eight patients, nine ears, were implanted. Median age was 7 years old. 6/8 had oculoauriculovertebral (OAV) syndrome, and 2 had isolated microtia. All titanium screws achieved complete osseointegration, and no implants have failed. 5/27 (18%) of the screws contacted dura, but no patients exhibited CSF leak, meningitis, or other central complications. 3/9 ears developed skin complications at the abutment sites, and 1/9 required revision soft tissue surgery. All the patients without current skin complications wear their prosthesis full time during waking hours.

Conclusions:

Titanium osseointegrated ear prosthesis is a safe and useful procedure for children with microtia. It should be presented as an option for these patients, with low complication rates and high acceptance rates by the patients. Laryngoscope, 2009
Has Click Chemistry Lead to a Paradigm Shift in Polymer Material Design?
Authors: Barner‐Kowollik Christopher , Inglis Andrew J.
Published: May 2009

Has the introduction of the click chemistry concept by Sharpless and colleagues in 2001 lead to a paradigm shift in how we approach the design of macromolecular materials; or is it simply a relatively inconsequential re‐branding exercise of already existing and slightly optimized but well‐tried and tested reactions as some critics would have it? The current Trend Article analyses the situation by examining a series of select macromolecular research fields to shed light on this question, providing an unambiguous answer: The focusing of polymer chemists through the click concept on what constitutes a powerful modular chemical transformation to generate a specific polymeric material is a defining element in contemporary synthetic polymer chemistry, transcending a specific reaction. Without the introduction of the click philosophy several classes of innovative materials and polymer designs would not have been realized.

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Spheroidal Nanoparticles in Epoxide‐Based Adhesives
Authors: Hartwig Andreas , Lühring Andreas , Trautmann Jasmin
Published: May 2009

Epoxy resins are a very important class of structural adhesives and property improvements are constantly being sought. As the interaction between the polymer and the surface of nanoparticles is nothing other than adhesion, there is obvious scope for property improvements by adding nanoparticles having tailored surfaces. Particles agglomeration, surface chemistry, and the thickness and composition of the particle‐polymer interphase are crucial for the resulting material properties. Also, the simultaneous use of different nanoparticles can lead to marked property improvements. Specific nanoparticles lead to new functions. This is demonstrated for “antenna particles” for rapid‐curing adhesives.

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‘Click’ Functionalization of Cryogels Conveniently Verified and Quantified Using High‐Resolution MAS NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Van Camp Wim , Dispinar Tugba , Dervaux Bart , Prez Filip E. Du , Martins José C. , Fritzinger Bernd
Published: May 2009

Chemical modification reactions of alkyne containing polyHEMA‐based macroporous network structures (cryogels) by Cu(I) catalyzed azide‐alkyne ‘click’ cycloaddition reactions and their monitoring and quantification with high‐resolution magic angle spinning (hr‐MAS) NMR spectroscopy are reported. Complete conversion is obtained when benzylazide is reacted with the grafted alkyne function, but only partial conversion is observed when using azide‐modified poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG‐N3). Subsequent addition of benzylazide consumes all remaining alkyne groups. All chemical modifications are easily monitored at each stage using hr‐MAS NMR spectroscopy. The alkyne functionality and the resulting triazole ring provide well resolved 1H resonances to monitor and quantify the progress of such ‘click’ reactions in general.

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UV‐Responsive Behavior of Azopyridine‐Containing Diblock Copolymeric Vesicles: Photoinduced Fusion, Disintegration and Rearrangement
Authors: Lin Li , Yan Zeng , Gu Junsi , Zhang Yuanyuan , Feng Ze , Yu Yanlei
Published: May 2009

A novel amphiphilic diblock copolymer composed of a hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) and a hydrophobic polymethacrylate with photochromic azopyridine moieties in the side groups was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization. The copolymeric vesicles showed photoinduced circular process including fusion, damage and defect formation, disruption, disintegration and rearrangement in H2O/THF during the irradiation of UV light. The process of photoresponsive cycle can be inhibited at any moment by visible light.

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1H and 13C NMR signal assignments of some new N,N′‐diacyl proflavine derivatives
Authors: Benchabane Y. , Boyer G. , Faure R.
Published: May 2009

The complete 1H and 13C NMR signal assignments of 23 new N,N′‐diacyl proflavine derivatives were achieved using one‐ and two‐dimensional experiments (DEPT, HMQC and HMBC). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elasto‐plastic analysis of block structures through a homogenization method
Authors: de Felice G. , Amorosi A. , Malena M.
Published: May 2009

The paper describes the development and numerical implementation of a constitutive relationship for modeling the elasto‐plastic behavior of block structures with periodic texture, regarded at a macroscopic scale as homogenized anisotropic media. The macroscopic model is shown to retain memory of the mechanical characteristics of the joints and of the shape of the blocks. The overall mechanical properties display anisotropy and singularities in the yield surface, arising from the discrete nature of the block structure and the geometrical arrangement of the units. The model is formulated in the framework of multi‐surface plasticity. It is implemented in an finite element (FE) code by means of two different algorithms: an implicit return mapping scheme and a minimization algorithm directly derived from the Haar–Karman principle. The model is validated against analytical and experimental results: the comparison between the homogenized continuum and the original block assembly shows a good agreement in terms of ultimate inelastic behavior, when the size of the block is small as compared with that of the whole assembly. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐throughput method for estimating the time to sustained ignition of polystyrene–clay nanocomposites based on thermogravimetric analysis
Authors: Costache Marius C. , Wilkie Charles A.
Published: May 2009

Polymer‐modified clay nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending and the time to ignition was measured by cone calorimetry at various heat fluxes. Based on these experimental results, a critical mass flux and critical percentage mass loss (pmlcrit) for piloted ignition were identified and validated for both virgin polystyrene and its composites, across a wide range of heating fluxes. Based on the assumption that the polymer degradation kinetics in the heating segment of the cone calorimetry (up to the moment of ignition) and thermogravimetry experiments are similar, and using the pmlcrit, we hypothesized that the onset degradation temperature of the TGA samples (defined here as the temperature at pmlcrit) could be used to estimate the time to sustained ignition in cone calorimetry experiments. The onset degradation temperature and the time to sustained ignition showed a good correlation, regardless of the heating flux used in cone calorimetry experiments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia due to HPA‐9b incompatibility
Authors: Raj Ashok , Kailasnath Vasundhara P. , Bertolone Salvatore , McFarland Janice G.
Published: May 2009

Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) is one of the most frequent causes of both severe thrombocytopenia and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in fetuses and term neonates. The diagnosis is established by demonstrating antibodies against human platelet antigens (HPA) and discordance in platelet antigen typing between parents or between the mother and neonate. We report a case of NAIT that was likely due to maternal sensitization to HPA‐9b (Maxa), a recently recognized, rare platelet‐specific antigen. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:459–461. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The impact of statins, ace inhibitors and gastric acid suppressants on pneumonia mortality in a UK general practice population cohort
Authors: Myles Puja R. , Hubbard Richard B. , Gibson Jack E. , Pogson Zara , Smith Christopher J.P. , McKeever Tricia M.
Published: May 2009

Background

Pneumonia is a common diagnosis in general practice in the United Kingdom. Previous studies suggest that commonly prescribed drugs in general practice may influence pneumonia mortality.

Aim

We investigated whether statins, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and Histamine‐2‐receptor antagonists (H2RAs) have an impact on short‐term and long‐term mortality in pneumonia cases.

Design of Study

Population‐based cohort study

Settting

United Kingdom

Methods

Data on 3681 pneumonia cases above the age of 40 years were obtained from a comprehensive database called the health improvement network (THIN) which has computerised medical records from 300 general practice surgeries in the United Kingdom. We used Cox regression for our analyses.

Results

Current statin use was associated with a 67% decrease in 30‐day mortality (adj. HR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.19–0.58) and a 55% decrease in long‐term mortality (adj. HR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.32–0.62) over a median follow‐up of 2.8 years as compared to no‐use. Current ACEI use decreased the 30‐day mortality risk by nearly 38% as compared to no‐use (adj. HR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.47–0.82) but was not associated with long‐term mortality. No significant impact on mortality was observed for either gastric acid suppressant.

Conclusion

The use of statins is associated with a lower risk of short‐ and long‐term mortality following pneumonia whereas the use of ACEIs is associated with a decreased mortality risk only in the short‐term. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐assembled structures in d8‐polystyrene‐block‐polyisoprene/polystyrene blends in the weak segregation regime: SAXS and TEM study
Authors: Holoubek Jaroslav , Baldrian Josef , Hromádková Jiřina , Steinhart Miloš
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: This paper reports an investigation of the microphase‐separated morphology and phase behaviour in blends of d‐polystyrene‐block‐polyisoprene with homopolystyrene in the weak segregation regime, using small‐angle X‐ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy, as a function of composition, weight‐average molecular weight and temperature. The chain length ratio parameter rM = MH/MC (where MH and MC are the weight‐average molecular weights of the homopolymer and corresponding block copolymer chain) was selected to encompass all possible types of mutual homopolymer/block copolymer sizes.

RESULTS: In the weak segregation regime the polystyrene block chains behave as a ‘wet brush’ for rM < 1 similarly to the intermediate and strong segregation regimes. For rM > 1 a macroscopic phase separation occurs. The domain spacing D increases systematically in the range 0 < rM ≤ 1 with increasing concentration of homopolymer wP and increasing rM regardless of the implemented specific morphology, but the slope of the periodicity D versus wP relation is smaller than in the intermediate and strong segregation regimes.

CONCLUSION: The criterion for ‘wet and dry brush’ morphologies has been applied to explain the changes in microdomain morphology during the self‐assembly process. It has been shown that the parameters rM and χ3/2N (where χ is the Flory–Huggins parameter and N the number of segments per chain) characterize the slope of the D versus wP relation in the weak and intermediate segregation regimes. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Monomeric structure of the cardioprotective chemokine SDF‐1/CXCL12
Authors: Veldkamp Christopher T. , Ziarek Joshua J. , Su Jidong , Basnet Harihar , Lennertz Richard , Weiner Joshua J. , Peterson Francis C. , Baker John E. , Volkman Brian F.
Published: May 2009

The chemokine stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1/CXCL12) directs leukocyte migration, stem cell homing, and cancer metastasis through activation of CXCR4, which is also a coreceptor for T‐tropic HIV‐1. Recently, SDF‐1 was shown to play a protective role after myocardial infarction, and the protein is a candidate for development of new anti‐ischemic compounds. SDF‐1 is monomeric at nanomolar concentrations but binding partners promote self‐association at higher concentrations to form a typical CXC chemokine homodimer. Two NMR structures have been reported for the SDF‐1 monomer, but only one matches the conformation observed in a series of dimeric crystal structures. In the other model, the C‐terminal helix is tilted at an angle incompatible with SDF‐1 dimerization. Using a rat heart explant model for ischemia/reperfusion injury, we found that dimeric SDF‐1 exerts no cardioprotective effect, suggesting that the active species is monomeric. To resolve the discrepancy between existing models, we solved the NMR structure of the SDF‐1 monomer in different solution conditions. Irrespective of pH and buffer composition, the C‐terminal helix remains tilted at an angle with no evidence for the perpendicular arrangement. Furthermore, we find that phospholipid bicelles promote dimerization that necessarily shifts the helix to the perpendicular orientation, yielding dipolar couplings that are incompatible with the NOE distance constraints. We conclude that interactions with the alignment medium biased the previous structure, masking flexibility in the helix position that may be essential for the distinct functional properties of the SDF‐1 monomer.
Solution structure of the phytotoxic protein PcF: The first characterized member of the Phytophthora PcF toxin family
Authors: Nicastro Giuseppe , Orsomando Giuseppe , Ferrari Elena , Manconi Lucia , Desario Filomena , Amici Adolfo , Naso Alessia , Carpaneto Armando , Pertinhez Thelma A. , Ruggieri Silverio , Spisni Alberto
Published: May 2009

The PcF protein from Phytophthora cactorum is the first member of the “PcF toxin family” from the plant pathogens Phytophthora spp. It is able to induce withering in tomato and strawberry leaves. The lack of sequence similarity with other proteins hampers the identification of the molecular mechanisms responsible for its toxicity. Here, we show that the six cysteines form a disulphide pattern that is exclusive for PcF and essential for the protein withering activity. The NMR solution structure identifies a novel fold among protein effectors: a helix‐loop‐helix motif. The presence of a negatively charged surface suggests that it might act as a site of electrostatic interaction. Interestingly, a good fold match with Ole e 6, a plant protein with allergenic activity, highlighted the spatial superimposition of a stretch of identical residues. This finding suggests a possible biological activity based on molecular mimicry.
DNA methylation biomarkers of prostate cancer: Confirmation of candidates and evidence urine is the most sensitive body fluid for non‐invasive detection
Authors: Payne Shannon R. , Serth Jűrgen , Schostak Martin , Kamradt Jőrn , Strauss Arne , Thelen Paul , Model Fabian , Day J. Kevin , Liebenberg Volker , Morotti Andrew , Yamamura Su , Lograsso Joe , Sledziewski Andrew , Semjonow Axel
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND

A prostate cancer (PCa) biomarker with improved specificity relative to PSA is a public health priority. Hypermethylated DNA can be detected in body fluids from PCa patients and may be a useful biomarker, although clinical performance varies between studies. We investigated the performance of candidate PCa DNA methylation biomarkers identified through a genome‐wide search.

METHODS

Real‐time PCR was used to measure four DNA methylation biomarkers: GSTP1 and three previously unreported candidates associated with the genes RASSF2, HIST1H4K, and TFAP2E in sodium bisulfite‐modified DNA. Matched plasma and urine collected prospectively from 142 patients referred for prostate biopsy and 50 young asymptomatic males were analyzed.

RESULTS

Analysis of all biomarkers in urine DNA significantly discriminated PCa from biopsy negative patients. The biomarkers discriminated PCa from biopsy negative patients with AUCs ranging from 0.64 for HIST1H4K (95% CI 0.55–0.72, P < 0.00001) to 0.69 for GSTP1 (95% CI 0.60–0.77, P < 0.00001). All biomarkers showed minimal correlation with PSA. Multivariate analysis did not yield a panel that significantly improved performance over that of single biomarkers. All biomarkers showed greater sensitivity for PCa in urine than in plasma DNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of the biomarkers in urine DNA significantly discriminated PCa from biopsy negative patients. The biomarkers provided information independent of PSA and may warrant inclusion in nomograms for predicting prostate biopsy outcome. The biomarkers' PCa sensitivity was greater for urine than plasma DNA. The biomarker performances in urine DNA should next be validated in formal training and test studies. Prostate 69:1257–1269, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inheritance, fitness cost and mechanism of resistance to tebufenozide in Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Jia Biantao , Liu Yongjie , Zhu Yu Cheng , Liu Xugan , Gao Congfen , Shen Jinliang
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Tebufenozide has been used as a key insecticide for controlling beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner). To evaluate the risk of resistance evolution and to develop a better resistance management strategy, a field‐collected population was selected with tebufenozide in the laboratory. Thereafter, the inheritance and fitness cost of tebufenozide resistance in S. exigua were investigated.

RESULTS: After being selected with tebufenozide for 61 generations, S. exigua developed a 92‐fold resistance to the chemical. The degrees of dominance for the reciprocal cross progeny were − 0.2698 and − 0.2785. The resistant strain had a relative fitness of 0.71, with substantially lower rates of larval survival, pupal weight, pupation and oviposition per female, and prolonged larval and pupal duration. PBO significantly increased the toxicity of tebufenozide (SR = 2) against resistant insects, and DEM and DEF also showed synergism with tebufenozide.

CONCLUSION: Tebufenozide resistance in S. exigua was inherited as autosomal, incompletely recessive and controlled by more than one gene. Development of the resistance may cost significant fitness for the resistant population. Mixed‐function oxidases might play an important role in tebufenozide resistance in S. exigua. This study provided valuable information for further understanding tebufenozide resistance and for facilitating the development of resistance management strategies. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Diffusion of platinum adatoms and dimers on Pt(111) surface by molecular‐dynamics simulation
Authors: Panagiotides Nicolas , Papanicolaou Nicolas I.
Published: May 2009

We present an interatomic potential for Pt within the second‐moment approximation of the tight‐binding theory. The potential was obtained by fitting to the total energy of the metal, computed by first‐principles augmented‐plane‐wave calculations as a function of the volume. This was used, in tandem with molecular‐dynamics simulations, to study the diffusion of Pt adatoms and dimers on Pt(111) surface. The diffusion coefficient of the adatoms and dimers was computed and was found to present Arrhenius behavior. The migration energies and preexponential factors for hopping diffusion mechanism were determined as well and compared with experimental data obtained by scanning tunnelling microscopy and field ion microscopy methods. Both quantities were found to be in good agreement with measurements. Moreover, a concerted adatom exchange diffusion mechanism was investigated at high temperatures, where there is an involvement of more than one surface atom. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Performance analysis of APSK modulation for DVB‐S2 transmission over nonlinear channels
Authors: Sung Wonjin , Kang Seokheon , Kim Pansoo , Chang Dae‐Ig , Shin Dong‐Joon
Published: May 2009

For increased bandwidth efficiency and receiver performance, standards for satellite broadcasting systems are evolving by utilizing efficient transmission techniques. The second‐generation digital video broadcasting for satellites (DVB‐S2) adopts the amplitude phase shift keying (APSK) modulation for enhanced performance over nonlinear channels. In this paper, we derive error rate bounds for APSK modulated symbols and generalize the bounds to the case of distorted constellation, which occurs when the maximum transmission amplitude is saturated by the soft‐limiter type channel. The derived bound is shown to significantly improve the previously known result, to accurately predict both the symbol error rate and bit error rate in the entire signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) region of interest. Using the derived formula, the optimal input power level for the soft‐limiter channel is determined, and the corresponding minimal error rates for 16‐ and 32‐APSK are quantified. The result is also interpreted in terms of optimal input back‐off (IBO) for nonlinear power amplifiers by evaluating the performance degradation as a function of IBO. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical variations and spontaneous malformations in the early embryos of the Korean salamander, Hynobius leechii, in the farmlands of Korea
Authors: Park Yong‐Uk , Yoon Chun‐Sik , Kim Jong‐Hyang , Park Joo‐Hung , Cheong Seon‐Woo
Published: May 2009

Embryo sacs of the Korean salamander, Hynobius leechii, were collected from nine farmlands in Gyeongsangnam‐Do, Korea, in early spring of 2002 and 2004. The variations in the number of embryos within each embryo sac and the mortality and abnormality rates among the embryos were investigated. We also analyzed the patterns of spontaneous embryonic malformations and the residual chemicals in the soil of the habitats using multiple‐residue GC/MS. A total of 79,195 embryos were obtained from 1933 embryo sacs. There were regional variations in the length of individual embryo sacs and the number of embryos in each. The longest embryo sac averaged by region measured 20.67 (cm) ± 3.51 and was obtained from 2‐Banseong in 2002. Of the embryos collected, 13.71% either died or stopped developing, and 3.54% of the hatched embryos developed abnormally; the latter were classified according to the patterns of malformation. External gill dysplasia was the most frequent malformation, and caudal dysplasia, abdominal blisters, and dysplasia of the fin were also observed frequently. Histopathological analysis showed neural tube abnormalities, acrania, curved notochords, thyroid teratoma, and various other kinds of endodermal developmental abnormalities. In the analysis of the residual pesticides in the soil, carbofuran, endosulfan‐sulfate, and endosulfan‐β were detected in the regions with high mortality and malformation rates. These results indicate that various agricultural chemicals and other unknown factors may cause the aforementioned forms of spontaneous malformations in the embryos of Hynobius leechii. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 25: 533–544, 2010.
PIXE analysis of a painting by Giorgio Vasari
Authors: Grassi N. , Bonanni P. , Mazzotta C. , Migliori A. , Mandò P. A.
Published: May 2009

Among ion beam analysis (IBA) techniques, particle induced x‐ray emission (PIXE) is the most widely used in the field of cultural heritage, providing the elemental composition of materials in a non‐invasive and non‐destructive way. This paper reports on the analysis by PIXE performed at one of the external beamlines of the 3 MV Tandetron accelerator of the LABEC laboratory (Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN)—Florence) on a wood painting by Giorgio Vasari, belonging to the altar‐piece ‘Pala Albergotti’ (church of Sts Flora and Lucilla, Arezzo). The measurements were taken in the framework of a campaign of scientific investigations, promoted by the Soprintendenza of Arezzo, preliminary to the restoration of the whole altar‐piece. PIXE was used to identify the elemental composition of the original materials and to characterise the alteration layer visible on the surface of the painting. Measurements on the same spot with proton beams of different energies (differential PIXE) also allowed us to get information on the depth distribution of elements and on the structure of layers without the need of picking up samples. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.