bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of novel variants of interferon-tau gene in Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis mexicana), Pelibuey sheep (Ovis aries) and its expression in hybrid blastocysts (Ovis canadensis × Ovis aries)
Authors: Palma-Irizarry M. , Damian-Matsumura P. , Betancourt M. , Romo S. , Perales G. , Lagunas-Martínez A. , Madrid-Marina M. V. , Mejía O. , Ducolomb Y.
Published: September 2012

Palma-Irizarry, M., Damian-Matsumura, P., Betancourt, M., Romo, S., Perales, G., Lagunas-Martínez, A., Madrid-Marina, M. V., Mejía, O. and Ducolomb, Y. 2012. Identification of novel variants of interferon-tau gene in Bighorn sheep ( Ovis canadensis mexicana ), Pelibuey sheep ( Ovis aries ) and its expression in hybrid blastocysts ( Ovis canadensis×Ovis aries ). Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 275–283. The major signal for maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP) in ruminants is interferon-tau (IFNT). Four novel sequences of the IFNT gene were isolated from genomic DNA obtained from blood samples of Bighorn, Pelibuey or the hybrid ewes. The deduced amino acid sequence of the hybrid ewe showed 100% identity with one Bighorn sheep IFNT sequence, suggesting that this sequence was inherited from Bighorn sheep. The high degree of identity between Pelibuey and Bighorn sheep sequences could be a possible explanation for the successful MRP in some Bighorn hybrid pregnancies. In vivo and in vitro domestic sheep (Ovis aries) and hybrid sheep (Ovis aries×Ovis canadensis) blastocysts were obtained, and IFNT expression was measured by semiquantitative RT-PCR. In vivo and in vitro hybrid blastocysts showed lower expression of IFNT when compared with domestic blastocysts. In conclusion this study showed that there exists an effect of hybridization on IFNT expression and this can affect the MRP.
Effects of water supplementation with tryptophan and vitamin B6 or feeding hydrogenated fat on reducing hunger-induced drinking pre-slaughter in pigs
Authors: Faucitano L. , Torrey S. , Bergeron R. , del Castillo J. R. E. , Matte J. J.
Published: September 2012

Faucitano, L., Torrey, S., Matte, J. J., del Castillo, J. R. E. and Bergeron, R. 2012. Effects of water supplementation with tryptophan and vitamin B6 or feeding hydrogenated fat on reducing hunger-induced drinking pre-slaughter in pigs. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 319–326. A current food safety challenge at pig slaughter plants comes with the presence of stomachs filled with liquid induced by hunger-related drinking in lairage. With the objective to reduce hunger-related excess drinking, 30 barrows were assigned to three treatments (10 pigs per treatment): (1) unsupplemented water or feed regimen (CONT), (2) L-Tryptophan (3 g L−1) and vitamin B6 (10 mg L−1) in the drinking water for 5d (TRP-B6), (3) hydrogenated fat (HF) supplemented at 10% in the diet for the last day of feeding before pre-slaughter fasting. As compared with CONT, neither TRP-B6 nor HF supplementation influenced behaviour in lairage and water intake at anytime over the pre-slaughter fasting period as reflected on stomach weight and its liquid content at slaughter (P>0.10). However, in HF-fed pigs plasma non-esterified fatty acids concentrations tended to be lower (P=0.09) while carcass yield was higher (P=0.04) than CONT pigs. It appears, therefore, that neither drinking water supplementation with TRP-B6 for 5 d nor feeding HF the last day before slaughter can be recommended strategies to limit excess water drinking prior to slaughter and liquid stomach content at slaughter. However, dietary HF supplementation the last day before slaughter may attenuate the effects of fasting on body energy reserves and improve carcass yield.
Review: Minimally invasive sampling media and the measurement of corticosteroids as biomarkers of stress in animals
Authors: Cook Nigel J.
Published: September 2012

Cook, N. J. 2012. Review: Minimally invasive sampling media and the measurement of corticosteroids as biomarkers of stress in animals. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 227–259. The measurement of corticosteroid hormones is commonly used as a biomarker of an animal's response to stress. The difficulties in obtaining blood samples and the recognition of the stressor effect of blood sampling are primary drivers for the use of minimally invasive sample media. In mammals these include saliva, feces, urine, hair, and milk. In birds, samples include excreta, feathers, egg yolk and albumin. In fish, corticosteroids have been measured in excreta and swim-water. Each of these sample media incorporate corticosteroids in accordance with the processes by which they are formed, and this in turn dictates the periods of adrenocortical activity that each sample type represents. Cortisol in saliva represents a time-frame of minutes, whereas the production of feces may be hours to days depending on the species. The longest time-integrations are for hair and feathers which could be over a period of many weeks. The sample media also determines the structural changes that may occur via processes of conjugation to glucuronides and sulfides, metabolic conversion via enzymatic action, and bacterial breakdown. Structural changes determine the optimum methodologies used to measure corticosteroid hormones. In most sample media, measurement of a specific corticosteroid is a requirement depending on the species, e.g., cortisol in most mammals, or corticosterone in birds. However, in samples involving products of excretion, methodologies that measure a broad range of structurally related compounds are probably optimal. The utility of minimally invasive sample media as biomarkers of stress responses depends on the degree to which the corticosteroid content of the sample represents adrenocortical activity. Commonly, this involves comparisons between corticosteroid concentrations in blood plasma with concentrations in the alternative sample media. This review focuses on the methodological and biological validation of corticosteroid measurements in minimally invasive samples as biomarkers of adrenocortical responses to stress.
Short Communication: Genetic association of body condition score with disease resistance in first lactation Canadian Holsteins
Authors: Koeck Astrid , Miglior Filippo , Kelton David F. , Schenkel Flavio S.
Published: September 2012

Koeck, A., Miglior, F., Kelton, D. F. and Schenkel, F. S. 2012. Short Communication: Genetic association of body condition score with disease resistance in first lactation Canadian Holsteins. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 285–289. The objective of this study was to investigate if body condition score (BCS) can be used as an indicator of specific diseases in first lactation Canadian Holstein cows. Body condition score was routinely recorded by professional type classifiers, as part of the national type classification system. Health data recorded by producers were available from the national dairy cattle health recording system. Body condition score was genetically negatively correlated with several health disorders, indicating that animals with a higher BCS have fewer disease cases. The results imply that BCS could be used to indirectly select for animals that are more resistant to specific diseases.
Stability Boundary Characterization of Nonlinear Autonomous Dynamical Systems in the Presence of Saddle-Node Equilibrium Points
Authors: Amaral Fabíolo Moraes , Alberto Luís Fernando Costa
Published: September 2012

A dynamical characterization of the stability boundary for a fairly largeclass of nonlinear autonomous dynamical systems is developed in this paper. This characterization generalizes the existing results by allowing the existence of saddlenode equilibrium points on the stability boundary. The stability boundary of anasymptotically stable equilibrium point is shown to consist of the stable manifoldsof the hyperbolic equilibrium points on the stability boundary and the stable, stable center and center manifolds of the saddle-node equilibrium points on the stability boundary.
Centromere 17 Copy Number Alteration: Negative Prognostic Factor in Invasive Breast Cancer?
Authors: Petroni Stella , Addati Teresa , Mattioli Eliseo , Caponio Maria Angela , Quero Carmela , Rubini Vincenza , Giotta Francesco , Simone Giovanni
Published: September 2012

Context.—Chromosome 17 polysomy has been identified in 5% to 50% of invasive breast cancers; even though a relationship with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) status has been reported, other studies have shown that coincident centromere 17 (Cep17) amplification may be the cause of an overestimation of chromosome 17 polysomy in fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing.

Objective.—To evaluate polysomy/amplification of Cep17 in invasive breast cancer with relation to proliferative activity (Ki-67), estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2/neu status, in an attempt to identify a subgroup of patients with a worse prognosis.

Design.—A total of 647 cases of invasive ductal breast cancer were collected and subjected to FISH analysis for HER2/neu gene and centromere 17 alteration, HercepTest for HER2/neu protein expression, and routine immunohistochemistry for Ki-67 and hormone receptor status.

Results.—Copy number gain of Cep17 was observed in 27.3% of cases. Within this group, HER2/neu gene amplification was detected in 14.1% of cases, whereas HER2/neu expression was scored 3+ in 20.1% of cases; about half of the HER2/neu overexpressing cases (9.8%) did not show amplification by FISH. Moreover, 69% of polysomic cases showed high Ki-67 index.

Conclusions.—(1) Centromere 17–altered cases are frequently HER2/neu overexpressing but not amplified, resulting in HercepTest/FISH disagreement; (2) HER2/neu amplification is seen at a higher incidence in cases without Cep17 copy number alterations, which are therefore not necessarily due to chromosome 17 disorder; (3) proliferation index is significantly higher in aneusomic tumors. These data suggest that the presence of Cep17 alterations could identify a subset of breast cancers with more aggressive biological and clinical behavior, which may show nonresponsiveness to conventional therapy independently of HER2/neu amplification status.
Analyse de pratique assistée par vidéo pour l’enseignement aux élèves polyhandicapés
Authors: Corbeil Thania , Normand-Guérette Denise
Published: September 2012

Lors d’un apprentissage, la lourdeur des atteintes des élèves polyhandicapés rend leurs initiatives si discrètes qu’elles passent souvent inaperçues. Par conséquent, il est nécessaire que les enseignants oeuvrant auprès de ces jeunes puissent bénéficier d’une formation leur permettant « d’apprendre » à les observer et à les comprendre pour intervenir adéquatement. Une démarche basée sur l’analyse de pratique assistée par la rétroaction vidéo et sur l’approche multidimensionnelle de Guitouni a été utilisée dans cette étude exploratoire. Elle a offert un cadre réflexif à une enseignante afin de la soutenir dans l’observation des comportements d’un élève ce qui l’a amené à poser des hypothèses sur leur signification et à mettre à l’essai de nouvelles attitudes et pratiques éducatives.
The Body as Gendered Discourse in British and French Costume and Heritage Fictions
Authors: Pidduck Julianne
Published: September 2012

This article explores several articulations between gender and genre in contemporary British and French costume and heritage fiction. Genre is defined here both as a (gendered) discourse of cultural value that shapes the cultural meaning of costume and heritage fiction, and as a symbolic negotiation of shared cultural concerns. Through case studies ofElizabeth(Shekhar Kapur, 1998) andLady Chatterley et l’homme des bois(Pascale Ferran, 2006), the author examines changing generic accounts of female desire and sexuality, analyzing both textual and discursive framings of gender and other differences. These films exemplify an emergent attention to the body in intensive states of pleasure and suffering as a form of generic renewal in some recent British and French films. The broader theoretical ambition of the article is to explore how the body operates as a highly coded gendered and generic discourse in costume and heritage fiction.
História e políticas para formação de professores em nível universitário: a Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Santa Catarina
Authors: Carminati Celso João , Porto Fasolo Camila
Published: September 2012

Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar os resultados de uma pesquisa sobre a Faculdadede Filosofia, Ciências e Letras (FFCL) de Santa Catarina. As análises levam em consideração o contexto das políticas educacionais dos anos de 1960, a constituição histórica e os fundamentos que vicejaram no interior da faculdade, tomando por base o modelo de formação de professores defendido por intelectuais como Fernando de Azevedo e Anísio Teixeira. As abordagens aqui apresentadas são resultantes de levantamento bibliográfico e de entrevistas que realizamos com ex-professores e ex-alunos da faculdade. O modelo de formação que articulava as diversas ciências, a Filosofia e Letras, mais o plus da educação foi alterado pela reforma universitária n. 5.540/68, uma vez que instituiu o ciclo básico, modificou o arranjo dos cursos dentro da universidade, desmontando o desenho institucional vigente desde a década de 1930, consolidando uma visão funcionalista de formação de professores.
Sons de brasilidade na educação de educadores catarinenses
Authors: Da Rocha Unglaub Tânia Regina
Published: September 2012

Canções cívico-patrióticas estiveram presentes no cotidiano escolar durante os anos de 1930 e 1940, com caráter obrigatório, para despertar sentimentos de brasilidade na população do país. O Curso Normal buscava estimular os futuros professores à prática dos cantos cívicos, com objetivo de torná-los formadores do novo cidadão brasileiro. Portanto, este artigo busca fazer reflexões sobre vestígios de uma cultura escolar expressa em letras e partituras de canções escolares encontradas em cadernos de normalistas do Instituto de Educação de Florianópolis e partituras em folhas soltas compostas por estudantes e professores do referido curso. Também são analisadas canções entoadas por protagonistas que sentaram nos bancos escolares dessa instituição educativa, e o programa da disciplina de Canto Orfeônico. As canções estão carregadas de significados e representações da realidade, no sentido utilizado por Roger Chartier (1990). Essas representações e sentidos fazem parte da construção da história de determinada cultura escolar em que a música foi utilizada estrategicamente para despertar sentimentos cívico-patrióticos. As informações apresentadas neste trabalho foram cedidas por depoentes que vivenciaram aquele momento histórico (1937-1945). O trabalho é resultado parcial de uma pesquisa de uma tese doutoral que investigou o uso da música nas escolas catarinenses durante o Estado Novo.
A literatura infantil na formação de professores primários no Brasil: contribuições de Bárbara V. de Carvalho (1959) e Antônio D’Ávila (1961)
Authors: Rodrigues Oliveira Fernando , Trevisan Thabatha Aline
Published: September 2012

Com o objetivo de contribuir para a compreensão de um importante momento da história da formação de professores e da história do ensino da literatura infantil no Brasil, focalizam-se aspectos da proposta para o ensino da literatura infantil nos cursos de formação de professores primários elaboradas por Bárbara Vasconcelos de Carvalho e contida em Compêndio de literatura infantil: para o 3° ano normal (1959), e por Antônio D’Ávila e contida em Literatura infanto-juvenil: de acordo com o programa das escolas normais (1961). Mediante abordagem histórica, centrada em pesquisa documental e bibliográfica, desenvolvida por meio da utilização dos procedimentos de localização, recuperação, reunião, seleção e ordenação de referências de textos de e sobre Bárbara V. de Carvalho e Antônio D’Ávila, e de bibliografia especializada sobre o tema, analisou-se a configuração textual dos manuais de ensino mencionados, que consistiu em enfocar os diferentes aspectos constitutivos de seus sentidos. Os resultados obtidos com essa análise têm propiciado constatar que esses manuais de ensino possibilitam compreender que seus autores contribuíram significativamente para a constituição de um conjunto de saberes relativos à literatura infantil considerados necessários à formação dos professores primários.
A formação continuada de professores na Rede Municipal de Ensino de Curitiba: implantação, consolidação e expansão
Authors: Dudeque Pianovski Vieira Alboni Marisa
Published: September 2012

Trata-se de estudo realizado com o objetivo de analisar as experiências do Município de Curitiba com a formação continuada de professores, a partir de 1963. Instalados os Centros Comunitários em Curitiba, com uma proposta de educação comunitária, deu-se início a um trabalho que, ao longo das décadas seguintes, iria se desenvolver de forma gradual, até sua efetiva consolidação, em meados de 1980, com a revisão da estrutura administrativa do Município, para nela se inserir a Divisão de Treinamento Pedagógico. Definida uma política educacional de formação docente, foi possível um trabalho abrangente, com ações que adequavam a formação dos professores às dificuldades por eles manifestadas em seu trabalho com a educação da população. A pesquisa, de caráter bibliográfico e documental, foi realizada com apoio nas reflexões de Neves (1988), Costa (2007)e Vieira (2010), fundamentando-se nos documentos disponíveis no Arquivo da Secretaria Municipal de Educação. Como resultado, foi possível delinear a trajetória da formação continuada de professores da Rede Municipal de Ensino de Curitiba em seu movimento de implantação, consolidação e expansão.
O professor formador e as relações com os seus saberes profissionais
Authors: Santana Junckes Rosane , Dalmazo Afonso de André Marli Eliza
Published: September 2012

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar uma pesquisa realizada com professores formadores de uma universidade no Sul do Brasil que buscou investigar a relação que os professores formadores estabelecem com os seus saberes profissionais nos cursos de licenciatura. Tem como base teórica os estudos desenvolvidos por Marin e Giovanni (2007), Roldão(2007), Charlot (2000, 2001, 2005), Pimenta et al. (2005), Marques (2003), Tardif (2002),André (2001), Gómez (2001), entre outros, que pesquisam a formação de professores.Os dados foram coletados por meio da técnica do balanço do saber e de entrevistas recorrentes com professores formadores de diferentes áreas do conhecimento dos cursos de licenciatura de uma universidade da região Sul do Brasil. Cumpre destacar que a técnica do balanço do saber é utilizada pela equipe ESCOL na França que foi coordenada por Charlot, assim como por pesquisadores brasileiros entre eles Dieb (2007) e Lomônaco (2002).Os dados revelam que as relações que os professores formadores estabelecem relações conflituosas com os saberes específicos e pedagógicos, que geram pontos de encontros e desencontros entre a teoria e a prática pedagógica e têm implicações na concepção de professor pesquisador/reflexivo. O estudo também revela que os professores formadores encontram-se ansiosos e decepcionados frente à deteriorização da imagem e do status social da profissão docente, o que os leva ao isolamento e, em alguns casos, à frustração profissional.
Conflitos professor-aluno: uma proposta de intervenção
Authors: Rodrigues Leite Célio , Schmidlin Löhr Suzane
Published: September 2012

A responsabilidade do professor na condução do aprendizado dos alunos exige habilidades para o manejo de situações em que o diferente se faz presente. Requer habilidade para encontrar alternativas e solucionar problemas do dia a dia, o que pode ocasionar desgaste emocional e levar ao estresse. Isso pode ser decorrente da falta de instrumentalização para o manejo de conflito em sala de aula, chegando ao ponto do surgimento da síndrome de burnout. Porém se diante do conflito, o professor souber administrá-lo de forma clara e objetiva, o que se espera do processo de discussão, como alternativa de crescimento, soluções construtivas podem emergir. Esta foi a tônica de uma proposta implementada junto a professores de uma escola pública, com alto índice de afastamentos do trabalho por questões possivelmente ligadas ao manejo do conflito entre professores e alunos. Aplicou-se um questionário sobre o relacionamento professor-aluno e estratégias de manejo dos conflitos, respondido por 15 professores e 155 alunos. A partir dessas informações criou-se um grupo de acolhimento e reflexão, cujos encontros se iniciavam com a apresentação de uma situação problema e finalizavam com a proposição de alternativas para lidar com a questão. Foram realizados quatro encontros nesses moldes e, ao final do processo, foi perceptível a ampliação de alternativas para a solução dos conflitos e a mudança de percepção. Se, inicialmente, o movimento era focado na busca de culpados, ao final do processo, emergiu uma postura de mediação.Sugere que propostas desta natureza sejam implementadas nas escolas fortalecendo o papel produtivo do conflito.
Capture-recapture abundance estimate of Guiana dolphins in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Freitas-Nery M , Marino-Simão S
Published: September 2012

The objective of this study was to estimate the abundance of Sotalia guianensis in Sepetiba Bay, southeastern Brazil, based on photographic identification of animals. Estimates of population size were obtained using capture-recapture models for a closed population. Photo-identification data were analyzed using a model-fitting approach in the computer programs CAPTURE and MARK, and the Schnabel and Schumacher-Eschmeyer estimators were used to calculate the abundance of individuals with natural marks. These estimates were corrected to include unmarked individuals using data of the proportion of identifiable individuals in this population. During the surveys conducted between April 2006 and April 2007, a total of 9990 photographs of dolphins were taken and, of these, 2567 images were of sufficient quality for analysis; 382 dolphins were identified and catalogued from distinctive nicks and notches on their dorsal fins and, among them, 153 dolphins were photographed on more than one occasion. The resulting abundance estimates, corrected to account for the proportion (0.47) of unmarked dolphins in the population, showed an overlap among estimators ranging from 1004 to 1099 individuals. This is the largest estimated abundance for a population of S. guianensis reported to date using the capture-recapture technique.
Heavy metals and related biomarkers in Perna viridis (Bivalvia: Mytilidae) collected on the coast of Sucre State, Venezuela
Authors: Zapata-Vívenes E , Rojas de Astudillo L , Sánchez G , Barreto M
Published: September 2012

The green mussel Perna viridis has been used as a sentinel organism in marine and coastal ecosystem health assessments. In this study the degree of contamination at three sites on the coast of Sucre State (Venezuela) was analyzed using molecular, cellular, and immunological biomarkers in P. viridis. Specimens were collected from Chacopata-Guayacán (CG, Araya Peninsula), Río Caribe (RC, Paria Peninsula), and San Antonio del Golfo (SAG, southern Gulf of Cariaco). We determined the concentration of heavy metals in the soft tissue of each individual, as well as the total number, viability, phagocytosis, and stability of the lysosomal membranes in hemocytes. The oxidative damage to lipids (TBARS), sulfhydryl group levels, total proteins, and lysozyme activity were quantified in the digestive gland. The results revealed high concentrations of Zn, Cr, and Cd in the organisms from CG. The total hemolymph cell count was lower in organisms from RC and CG. A slight increase in the number of phagocytes was observed in the organisms from RC and CG relative to those from SAG. The highest percentage of hemocytes with destabilized lysosomal membranes was recorded for the organisms from CG, followed by RC, indicating a weak association with the content of peroxidized lipids (TBARS); these values could be associated with the body loads of heavy metals. According to the results, the mussels from CG show slight signs of contamination by heavy metals, likely originated by human activities. The use of biological markers to estimate the effect of heavy metals on sentinel organisms is recommended.
Variation in relative abundance and mean size of the sailfish Istiophorus platypterus caught by the artisanal fleet in the Gulf of Tehuantepec, Mexico
Authors: Cerdenares-Ladrón de Guevara G , Morales-Bojórquez E , Ramos-Carrillo S , González-Medina G
Published: September 2012

The sailfish Istiophorus platypterus is abundant in tropical coastal areas of the Pacific Ocean. It is targeted by both sport-fishing and commercial (artisanal) fleets in Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama. The Gulf of Tehuantepec is one of the main areas of abundance of I. platypterus, where it is caught incidentally by artisanal vessels. The objective of this study was to analyze the size structure and the variability in the catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) of sailfish caught in the Gulf of Tehuantepec from 2000 to 2008. The size structure was analyzed using eye-fork length (EFL) and CPUE was estimated as the number of individuals per fishing trip. Individuals ranged in size from 55 to 240 cm EFL and varied in total weight from 1.6 to 69.7 kg. The size structure was unimodal, and the variability over time showed a negative tendency (F(0.05(1),8,4967) = 6.8E + 8; P < 0.05). The CPUE of I. platypterus showed seasonal changes: values were lower from January to April and higher during the summer, and then decreased again in early winter.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel PPV Derivatives
Authors: Qiang Junfeng , Yu Zhuhuan , Wu Hongcai
Published: September 2012

Five kinds of poly(phenylene vinylene) (PPV) derivatives with different alkoxyl substituents were synthesized with optimized synthesis procedures. The optimized PPV derivatives are reacted at 80°C for 6 h after mixing of the reactants at 45°C, and then followed by aging at 95°C for 1 h. The optimized molar ratios of dichlorobenzyl chloride/potassium tert‐butoxide for poly(2‐methoxy‐5‐butoxy)‐p‐phenylene vinylene and poly(2,5‐dibutyloxy)‐ 1,4‐phenylene vinylene are 1/7 and 1/8, respectively. The yields of the derivatives increased gradually with the chain length of the substituents; however, the yields decreased with a further increase in the chain length to an eight‐carbon substituent, which is resulted from the counteraction of the electronic effect by the steric effect of the substituents. The solubility of the derivatives was greatly enhanced with the incorporation of the alkoxyl substituents, and the highest solubility of 3.08% in chloroform and 1.79% in tetrahydrofuran is demonstrated by poly(2‐methoxy‐5‐octyloxy)‐p‐phenylene vinylene (PMOOOPV). All derivatives exhibited higher solubility in chloroform than in tetrahydrofuran. The conductivity of the derivatives increased with increasing of the substituting chain lengths as a result of the enhanced the conjugation degree and lowered energy gap, and the highest conductivity of 2.9 × 10−4 S/cm was exhibited by PMOOOPV. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E603–E611, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21304
New Thermosetting Resin from Benzoxazine and Cyanate Ester Resin
Authors: Kimura Hajime , Ohtsuka Keiko , Matsumoto Akihiro
Published: September 2012

A curing reaction of benzoxazine with cyanate ester resin and the properties of the cured new thermosetting resin were investigated. In particular, the effect of the content of cyanate ester resin on the cure behavior and the properties of the cured new thermosetting resins were investigated. As a result, it was found that the ring‐opening reaction of a benzoxazine ring and thermal self‐cyclotrimerization of a cyanate ester group occurred, then the phenolic hydroxyl group generated by the ring‐opening reaction of the benzoxazine ring might coreact with the cyanate ester group. As the content of cyanate ester resin increased, the gelation reaction proceeded more quickly. The cured new thermosetting resin from benzoxazine and cyanate ester resin showed good thermal stability, high electrical resistivity, and high water resistance. As the content of cyanate ester resin increased, the glass transition temperature and electrical resistivity became especially higher. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E651–E659, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21308
3‐D full‐loop simulation of an industrial‐scale circulating fluidized‐bed boiler
Authors: Lu Bona , Zhang Nan , Wang Wei , Li Jinghai , Chiu John H. , Kang Shin G.
Published: September 2012

Three‐dimensional (3‐D) simulations using an Eulerian multiphase model were employed to explore flow behaviors in a full‐loop industrial‐scale CFB boiler with and without fluidized‐bed heat exchanger (FBHE), where three solids phases were employed to roughly represent the polydisperse behavior of particles. First, a simulation of the boiler without FBHE is implemented to evaluate drag models, in terms of pressure profiles, mixing behaviors, radial velocity profiles, etc. Compared to the conventional model, the simulation using the energy‐minimization multiscale (EMMS) model successfully predicts the pressure profile of the furnace. Then, such method is used to simulate the boiler with FBHE. The simulation shows that solid inventory in the furnace is underpredicted and reduced with an increase of the valve opening, probably due to the underevaluated drag for FBHE flows. It is suggested to improve EMMS model which is now based on a single set of operating parameters to match with the full‐loop system. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 1108–1117, 2013
Neuron‐to‐neuron transmission of α‐synuclein fibrils through axonal transport
Authors: Freundt Eric C. , Maynard Nate , Clancy Eileen K. , Roy Shyamali , Bousset Luc , Sourigues Yannick , Covert Markus , Melki Ronald , Kirkegaard Karla , Brahic Michel
Published: September 2012

Objective:

The lesions of Parkinson disease spread through the brain in a characteristic pattern that corresponds to axonal projections. Previous observations suggest that misfolded α‐synuclein could behave as a prion, moving from neuron to neuron and causing endogenous α‐synuclein to misfold. Here, we characterized and quantified the axonal transport of α‐synuclein fibrils and showed that fibrils could be transferred from axons to second‐order neurons following anterograde transport.

Methods:

We grew primary cortical mouse neurons in microfluidic devices to separate somata from axonal projections in fluidically isolated microenvironments. We used live‐cell imaging and immunofluorescence to characterize the transport of fluorescent α‐synuclein fibrils and their transfer to second‐order neurons.

Results:

Fibrillar α‐synuclein was internalized by primary neurons and transported in axons with kinetics consistent with slow component‐b of axonal transport (fast axonal transport with saltatory movement). Fibrillar α‐synuclein was readily observed in the cell bodies of second‐order neurons following anterograde axonal transport. Axon‐to‐soma transfer appeared not to require synaptic contacts.

Interpretation:

These results support the hypothesis that the progression of Parkinson disease can be caused by neuron‐to‐neuron spread of α‐synuclein aggregates and that the anatomical pattern of progression of lesions between axonally connected areas results from the axonal transport of such aggregates. That the transfer did not appear to be trans‐synaptic gives hope that α‐synuclein fibrils could be intercepted by drugs during the extracellular phase of their journey. ANN NEUROL 2012;72:517–524
UNPLANNED PREGNANCY AND THE IMPACT ON SIBLING HEALTH OUTCOMES
Authors: Lordan Grace , Frijters Paul
Published: September 2012

This work considers whether planning matters with respect to the effect of a new sibling on another siblings' health. Objective health outcomes are observed before and after a new addition to the family. To date, the literature on family size has focused on a quality–quantity trade‐off; the more children in a family, the less resources devoted to each child. We present a theoretical framework which highlights that the quantity–quality trade‐off may only be relevant in the case of an unplanned sibling. We also suggest that a planned sibling may result in health gains for the other children. We use two waves of data for more than 1800 children from Peru from the Young Lives Project to test our hypothesis. The data relate to the children at 1 and 5 years. For health outcomes, height for age and weight for age Z are considered. The results highlight significant negative independent effects on height for age when an unplanned sibling is added to the household. In addition, we find positive sibling effects on height for age when a planned sibling arrives. We find only small planning effects for weight for age. We view our hypothesis as a pathway that can further explain the quantity–quality trade‐off. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical outcomes of endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection as a transoral treatment for superficial pharyngeal cancer
Authors: Hanaoka Noboru , Ishihara Ryu , Takeuchi Yoji , Suzuki Motoyuki , Uemura Hirokazu , Fujii Takashi , Yoshino Kunitoshi , Uedo Noriya , Higashino Koji , Ohta Takashi , Kanzaki Hiromitsu , Hanafusa Masao , Nagai Kengo , Matsui Fumi , Iishi Hiroyasu , Tatsuta Masaharu , Tomita Yasuhiko
Published: September 2012

Background

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) have been introduced for the treatment of superficial pharyngeal cancer.

Methods

Sixty superficial pharyngeal cancers in 45 patients were treated by EMR or ESD. Resectability and curability, complications, and survival were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

The en bloc resection and curative resection rate were higher with ESD (100; 81.6%) than with EMR (59; 50%). In subgroup analysis with regard to tumor size ≤10 mm, both resection rates were comparative. All the patients had preserved larynx and swallowing, speech, and airway function. Two of the 45 patients died of other diseases, local recurrence was observed in 4 of 18 patients with noncurative resection with a median observation period of 38 months. No recurrence was observed in patients with curative resection.

Conclusions

ESD or EMR for superficial pharyngeal cancer is minimally invasive treatment and lesions larger than 10 mm should be referred for ESD. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
A poly(glycerol–sebacate–curcumin) polymer with potential use for brain gliomas
Authors: Sun Zhi‐Jie , Sun Bo , Tao Rong‐Bin , Xie Xin , Lu Xi‐Li , Dong De‐Li
Published: September 2012

Curcumin has multiple biological and pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antitumor activities. However, the clinical use of curcumin is limited because of its poor oral absorption and extremely poor bioavailability. In order to overcome these limitations, we conjugate curcumin chemically into the known biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, poly(glycerol–sebacate), and prepare the unitary poly(glycerol–sebacate–curcumin) polymer. The structure, the in vitro degradation, the drug release, and antitumor activity as well as the in vivo degradation and tissue biocompatibility of poly(glycerol–sebacate–curcumin) polymer are investigated. The in vitro degradation and drug release profile of poly(glycerol–sebacate–curcumin) are in a linear manner. The in vitro antitumor assay shows that poly(glycerol–sebacate–curcumin) polymer significantly inhibits human malignant glioma cells, U87 and T98 cells. In view of the cytotoxicity against brain gliomas, local use of this polymer would be a potential method for brain tumors. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A:253–260, 2013.
Human saphenous vein endothelial cell adhesion and expansion on micropatterned polytetrafluoroethylene
Authors: Boivin Marie‐Claude , Chevallier Pascale , Hoesli Corinne A. , Lagueux Jean , Bareille Reine , Rémy Murielle , Bordenave Laurence , Durrieu Marie‐Christine , Laroche Gaétan
Published: September 2012

Intimal hyperplasia and thrombosis are responsible for the poor patency rates of small‐diameter vascular grafts. These complications could be avoided by a rapid and strong adhesion of endothelial cells to the prosthetic surfaces, which typically consist of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for small‐diameter vessels. We have previously described two peptide micropatterning strategies that increase the endothelialization rates of PTFE. The micropatterns were generated either by inkjet printing 300 μm squares or by spraying 10.1 ± 0.1 μm diameter droplets of the CGRGDS cell adhesion peptide, while the remaining surface was functionalized using the CWQPPRARI cell migration peptide. We now directly compare these two micropatterning strategies and examine the effect of hydrodynamic stress on human saphenous vein endothelial cells grown on the patterned surfaces. No significant differences in cell adhesion were observed between the two micropatterning methods. When compared to unpatterned surfaces treated with a uniform mixture of the two peptides, the cell expansion was significantly higher on sprayed or printed surfaces after 9 days of static cell culture. In addition, after 6 h of exposure to hydrodynamic stress, the cell retention and cell cytoskeleton reorganization on the patterned surfaces was improved when compared to untreated or random treated surfaces. These results indicate that micropatterned surfaces lead to improved rates of PTFE endothelialization with higher resistance to hydrodynamic stress. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 694–
703, 2013.
The roles of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in regulating MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblast proliferation and differentiation on SLA and SLActive titanium surfaces
Authors: Gu Ying‐Xin , Du Juan , Si Mi‐Si , Mo Jia‐Ji , Qiao Shi‐Chong , Lai Hong‐Chang
Published: September 2012

Chemical modification to produce a hydrophilic microrough titanium (Ti) implant surface has been shown to increase osseointegration compared with microrough topography alone. This study aimed to investigate the roles of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in regulating proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts in response to surface microroughness and hydrophilicity. Ti disks were manufactured to present different surface morphologies: a smooth pretreatment surface (PT), a rough hydrophobic surface that was sand‐blasted, large‐grit, acid‐etched (SLA), and an SLA surface with the same roughness that was chemically modified to possess high wettability/hydrophilicity (SLActive/modSLA). MC3T3‐E1 cells were cultured on these substrates with or without LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, and their behaviors, including cell viability (MTT colorimetric assay), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and osteogenic genes expression of osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OCN) were measured. Western blot was applied to detect the expression of PI3K/Akt signal pathway proteins. The results showed that a decrease in osteoblast proliferation associated with the Ti surfaces (SLActive > SLA > PT) correlated with an increase in activity of the osteogenic differentiation markers ALP. The peak of ALP activity appeared earlier at 7 days for the SLActive surfaces compared with the SLA and PT surfaces. Osteoblast proliferation, as well as the level of p‐Akt, was significantly inhibited by LY294002 in all three Ti surfaces. The top value of ALP activity was increased with the inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway while the time of the peak appeared was not advanced. The expression levels of OPN and OCN were upregulated by the effect of surface roughness and hydrophilicity, which were further enhanced by LY294002. In conclusion, osteogenic responses to SLActive surface were moderately better than the SLA surface and protein expression studies indicated that PI3K/Akt signaling activation may be responsible for this increased osteogenic differentiation. Surface microroughness and hydrophilicity may affect osteoblast functions by targeting osteoblast proliferation and the early stage of osteoblast differentiation through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 748–754, 2013.
Subscapularis tendon tears: A common sonographic finding in symptomatic postarthroplasty shoulders
Authors: Ives Elizabeth P. , Nazarian Levon N. , Parker Laurence , Garrigues Grant E. , Williams Gerald R.
Published: September 2012

Purpose.

Subscapularis tendon tears can complicate shoulder arthroplasty because the subscapularis tendon is typically divided surgically to gain access to the joint. The purpose of this study is to document the prevalence of subscapularis tears on sonography of symptomatic postarthroplasty shoulders.

Methods.

We retrospectively reviewed official reports of shoulder sonograms performed over an 11‐year period by one experienced radiologist. Sonographic findings in 112 (mean age, 61.7 years; age range, 38–87 years; 40% female) symptomatic patients who had undergone either total shoulder arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty were compared with findings in both a symptomatic control group consisting of 209 patients (mean age, 55.2 years; age range, 32–79 years; 37% female) who had undergone surgery for rotator cuff repair but no arthroplasty, and an asymptomatic control group consisting of 11 (mean age, 66 years; age range, 61–77 years; 45% female) volunteers who had shoulder arthroplasty but were without complaints.

Results.

The prevalence of subscapularis tears in arthroplasty patients (51%, 57/112) was higher (p < 0.0001) than that of rotator cuff repair patients (16%, 33/209). In the asymptomatic volunteers, subscapularis tears (9%, 1/11) were less common (p < 0.01) than in the symptomatic patients.

Conclusions.

Subscapularis tendon tears are a common sonographic finding in symptomatic postarthroplasty shoulders. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2013.
Subclinical left and right ventricular systolic dysfunction in behcet's disease: A combined tissue doppler and velocity vector imaging study
Authors: Yurdakul Selen , Erdemir Vefa Aslı , Tayyareci Yelda , Yildirimturk Ozlem , Salih Gurel Mehmet , Aytekin Saide
Published: September 2012

Background

Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcerations and ocular lesions. Subclinical cardiac involvement may develop in BD patients. We aimed to evaluate subclinical left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction in BD patients without any apparent cardiovascular disease.

Methods

We studied 50 BD patients (43.8 ± 9.7 years, 59% men) and 30 healthy controls (45.4 ± 8.2 years, 60% men). Conventional echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, and velocity vector imaging‐based strain measurements were performed to analyze LV and RV systolic functions.

Results

LV isovolumic myocardial acceleration, peak systolic velocity during isovolumic contraction (isovolumic contraction velocity), were significantly lower, while myocardial performance index was increased in BD patients. RV peak systolic velocity, isovolumic myocardial acceleration, and isovolumic contraction velocity were also markedly lower in BD patients. LV and RV longitudinal peak systolic strain and strain rate were significantly lower in patients than in controls, demonstrating subclinical ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Conclusions

Ventricular long‐axis functions are important markers of myocardial contractility. Novel echocardiographic techniques may provide additional data for detecting early deterioration in ventricular systolic function in patients with BD. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:347–353, 2013
High‐intensity focused ultrasound combined with herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene‐loaded ultrasound‐targeted microbubbles improved the survival of rabbits with VX2 liver tumor
Authors: Zhou Shi‐Ji , Li Sheng‐Wei , Wang Ji‐Jian , Liu Zuo‐Jin , Yin Guo‐Bing , Gong Jian‐Ping , Liu Chang‐An
Published: September 2012

Background

To explore the anti‐tumor effect of high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) combined with herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV‐TK) gene‐loaded ultrasound‐targeted microbubbles on VX2 rabbit liver tumors.

Methods

Seventy‐five New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into five groups after the models of VX2 rabbit liver tumors were established: (a) HIFU group; (b) HIFU and HSV‐TK group (HIFU + HSV‐TK); (c) HIFU, HSV‐TK and ultrasound group (HIFU + HSV‐TK + US); (d) HIFU, HSV‐TK gene‐loaded microbubbles and ultrasound group (HIFU + HSV‐TK‐MBs + US); and (e) HSV‐TK gene‐loaded microbubbles and ultrasound group (HSV‐TK‐MBs + US). After 2 weeks of VX2 liver tumor implantation, rabbits in groups (a), (b), (c) and (d) received HIFU to establish rabbit models of residual tumor by ablating 80% of the tumor volume. After HIFU ablation, rabbits in different groups received MBs wrapped around HSV‐TK or HSV‐TK solution via marginal ear veins and/or local ultrasonic irradiation to the tumor. Six rabbits in each group were sacrificed 48 h after the corresponding treatment, and tumors were extracted for in vitro experiments. Thymidine kinase mRNA was detected by the real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The green fluorescent protein expression in liver tumor was detected by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Tumor cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling. The growth curves of VX2 liver tumors and survival curves of rabbits were compared.

Results

Forty‐eight hours after treatment, TK mRNA and protein were the highest in the HIFU + HSV‐TK + US + MBs group and the HSV‐TK + US + MBs group (p < 0.05). At 48 h after treatment, the apoptotic index of tumor cells in HIFU + HSV‐TK‐MBs + US group was the highest (p < 0.05). Compared to other groups, HIFU combined with MBs wrapped HSV‐TK suicide gene significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo (p < 0.05) and prolonged the survival time of animals (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

HIFU combined with HSV‐TK gene‐loaded ultrasound‐targeted MBs significantly inhibited the growth of VX2 rabbit liver tumors in vivo and prolonged the survival time of the animals, providing a novel gene delivery method and a novel strategy for liver tumor treatment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of conventional MR imaging and diffusion‐weighted imaging for evaluating the risk grade of gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Zhou Hai Ying , Zhang Xiao Ming , Zeng Nan Lin , Jian Shun Hai , Tang Wei
Published: September 2012

Purpose:

To study the risk grade of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) with conventional MR imaging and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI).

Materials and Methods:

The abdominal MR images with DWI of 23 patients with pathologically proven GISTs during January 2010 to May 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The conventional MR imaging findings and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the tumors related to the risk grade were analyzed.

Results:

In the 23 patients, there were 13 patients with high‐risk, 5 with medium‐risk, 5 with low‐risk, and 0 with very low‐risk GISTs. Most of the conventional MR findings of the tumors did not correlate with the risk grade. The only exception to this was the correlation between risk grade and the enhancement degree of the tumor after Gd‐DTPA. The ADC values were, respectively, (1.04 ± 0.13) × 10−3 mm2·s−1, (1.59 ± 0.06) × 10−3 mm2·s−1 and (1.94 ± 0.08) × 10−3 mm2·s−1 (P < 0.05) in the high‐, medium‐, and low‐risk grade groups. The ADC values of GISTs decreased with the increase of the risk grade of the tumors (r = −0.957; P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

DWI can be used to assess the risk grade of GISTs, but conventional MR imaging is of limited use. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012; 36:1395–1401. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.