bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interferon-β and interferon-λ signaling is not affected by interferon-induced refractoriness to interferon-α in vivo
Authors: Makowska Zuzanna , Duong Francois H. T. , Trincucci Gaia , Tough David F. , Heim Markus H.
Published: January 2011

Therapy of chronic hepatitis C with pegylated interferon α (pegIFN-α) and ribavirin achieves sustained virological responses in approximately half of the patients. Nonresponse to treatment is associated with constitutively increased expression of IFN-stimulated genes in the liver already before therapy. This activation of the endogenous IFN system could prevent cells from responding to therapeutically injected (peg)IFN-α, because prolonged stimulation of cells with IFN-α induces desensitization of the IFN signal transduction pathway. Whether all types of IFNs induce refractoriness in the liver is presently unknown. We therefore treated mice with multiple injections and different combinations of IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, and IFN-λ. Pretreatment of mice with IFN-α, IFN-β, and IFN-λ induced a strong expression of the negative regulator ubiquitin-specific peptidase 18 in the liver and gut. As a result, IFN-α signaling was significantly reduced when mice where reinjected 16 hours after the first injection. Surprisingly, both IFN-β and IFN-λ could activate the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway and the expression of IFN-stimulated genes despite high levels of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 18. IFN-λ treatment of human liver biopsies

ex vivo

resulted in strong and maintained phosphorylation of STAT1, whereas IFN-α-induced STAT1 activation was transient.

Conclusion:

Contrary to the action of IFN-α, IFN-β, and IFN-λ signaling in the liver does not become refractory during repeated stimulation of the IFN signal transduction pathway. The sustained efficacy of IFN-β and IFN-λ could be an important advantage for the treatment patients who are nonresponders to pegIFN-α, through a preactivated endogenous IFN system. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;)
Biodegradable Elastomers for Tissue Engineering and Cell–Biomaterial Interactions
Authors: Bettinger Christopher J.
Published: January 2011

Synthetic biomaterials serve as a cornerstone in the development of clinically focused regenerative medicine therapies that aim to reduce suffering and prolong life. Recent improvements in biodegradable elastomeric materials utilize natural extracellular matrix proteins as inspiration to yield a new class of materials with superior degradation kinetics, desirable biocompatibility profiles, and mechanical properties that closely match those of soft tissues. This review describes several classes of synthetic biodegradable elastomers and associated fabrication techniques that are relevant to scaffold development. The application of these materials to select tissue engineering models is also discussed.

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Mechanistic Considerations on Contact‐Active Antimicrobial Surfaces with Controlled Functional Group Densities
Authors: Bieser Arno M. , Tiller Joerg C.
Published: January 2011

A series of N‐alkyl‐N,N‐dimethyldeoxyammonium celluloses is synthesized by converting tosyl celluloses with DBA and DDA, respectively. Surface coatings with these water‐insoluble derivatives contain well‐defined densities of quaternary ammonium functions and nonactive hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups. It is shown that the antimicrobial activity of such surfaces against S. aureus requires a delicate balance between DDA, BDA, and hydrophobic groups. A mechanism is proposed that involves the selective adhesion of anionic phospholipids from the bacterial cell membrane. This so‐called phospholipid sponge effect is supported by the fact that all coatings could be deactivated by treatment with SDS or negatively charged phospholipids, but not with neutral phospholipids.

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A new solvent‐free super high build epoxy coating evaluated by marine corrosion simulation apparatus
Authors: Yang X. , Zhang T. , Wang H. , Hou B.
Published: January 2011

Coal tar epoxy and epoxy asphalt coating have been widely used to protect marine constructions conventionally. However, their use is being restricted for increasing environmental concerns. Therefore, solvent‐free coating, i.e., coating without volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or hazardous air pollutant has become a new focus. Meanwhile, super high build (SHB) coating, having good anti‐corrosion performance and environment‐friendly feature, has become an important area of development in heavy‐duty protection to marine constructions. Herein, we combine the virtues of solvent‐free and SHB coating to introduce a new solvent‐free SHB heavy‐duty epoxy coating with no organic solvent and extremely low VOC content. Results show that the new coating is environment‐friendly, and has excellent physical properties and anti‐corrosion performance. The SHB coating performed much better than other three widely used coatings, especially in splash zone, the most dynamic area. The new solvent‐free SHB coating provides an ideal substitute to coal tar epoxy and epoxy asphalt coating and is expected to be widely used for anti‐corrosion of steel structures in splash, tidal, and immersed zones.
Depletion sensor for protective high temperature coatings
Authors: Aleksandrov K. , Schütze M. , Teliban I. , Thede C. , Quandt E.
Published: January 2011

In order to minimise corrosion at high temperatures metallic or intermetallic Al‐ and/or Cr‐rich protective coatings are applied to metallic alloys. Protection against corrosion is achieved by the formation of a continuous Al2O3 and/or Cr2O3 layer. Progressive scale formation, as well as interdiffusion between the coating and the substrate during long operating stages depletes the scale‐forming elements, Al and Cr. The decrease of their concentration below a critical value is followed by accelerated corrosion and rapid breakdown of the component. Non‐destructive depletion measurement is not possible, because of the absence of suitable materials that serve simultaneously as depletion sensors and reservoir phases. In a novel development, protective high temperature coatings containing a magnetic phase which at the same time acts as a reservoir phase are used as a depletion sensor. The alloy surface is coated with the magnetic substance either by reactive magnetron co‐sputtering or by using pack cementation. In the course of operation, the formation of a protective oxide scale depletes the reservoir and the measured magnetic signal decreases. Measurement of the change of the coating's magnetic signal enables in situ assessment and non‐destructive detection of depletion. In order to avoid perturbances in the magnetic signal coming from the coating the metallic substrate must be non‐magnetic. Therefore this concept is restricted to Cr/Ni‐austenitic steels and Ni‐base alloys. Doping of AlN with transition metals (Al1 − xMexN, Me = Cr, Co, Mn, x = 2–7 at%) makes it a suitable magnetic reservoir phase, i.e. Al‐ and/or Cr‐containing. Furthermore, it is ferromagnetic, has a high Curie temperature and is magnetically soft. Samples of Alloy 800 and Alloy 602 CA were coated with Al1 − xCrxN (x = 2 and 3 at%) using both pack cementation and PVD. Measurements of the magnetic moments of the coatings at temperatures up to 300 °C show very soft ferromagnetic behaviour. Coatings on different substrates with Al1 − xMnxN, Al1 − xCoxN (x = 2–7 at%) and Al1 − xCrxN with higher Cr contents (x = 4–7%) are underway. Investigations of the magnetic properties of the coatings at temperatures up to the Curie point are also in progress.
Metallic interconnects for solid oxide fuel cell: Performance of reactive element oxide coating during long time exposure
Authors: Fontana S. , Chevalier S. , Caboche G.
Published: January 2011

One of challenges in improving the performance and cost‐effectiveness of SOFCs (solid oxide fuel cells) is the development of suitable interconnects materials. Chromia‐forming alloys and especially ferritic stainless steels, like Crofer22APU, are considered to be among the most promising candidate materials as interconnects in SOFC stacks. However, the performance of chromia‐forming materials can be limited by the low electronic conductivity of the oxide scale (high ASR – area specific resistance – value). Such degradation are unacceptable regarding the long‐term operation (>40 000 h). A previous study 1 demonstrated that in air, the addition of a nanometric reactive element oxide (La2O3) layer applied by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) drastically improved both corrosion rate and electrical properties of Crofer22APU and Haynes230 alloys for 100 h at 800 °C. In this present study coating performances were checked after 10 months (7500 h) and 20 months (15 000 h) at 800 °C in air. The corrosion products were carefully analyzed by SEM, EDX, and XRD. ASR measurements are realized after long time exposure. This study demonstrates that the Crofer22APU alloy has a good oxidation resistance after 15 000 h in air but this alloy has an ASR value equal to 0.370 Ω cm2. The coatings composed of a thin reactive element oxide such as La2O3 resulted in an important improvement in the high temperature oxidation resistance; the ASR values are equal to 0.154 Ω cm2. Haynes230 alloy has a better oxidation resistance but the formation of an insulating Al2O3/SiO2 layer could be detrimental.
Internal oxidation of Fe–3%Si alloys annealed under H2O–H2 atmosphere
Authors: Yamazaki S. , Takahashi F. , Kubota T. , Yanagihara K.
Published: January 2011

Internal oxidation phenomena during decarburization annealing are very important in the manufacturing process of grain oriented electrical steel. In the present study, the internal oxidation of nearly pure Fe–3%Si alloy was investigated, as a basic study for decarburization annealing. Annealing was performed at various $P_{{\rm H}_{{\rm 2}} {\rm O}} /P_{{\rm H}_{{\rm 2}} } $ ratios and at 1123 K for 300 s. The transition of external to internal oxidation took place at $P_{{\rm H}_{{\rm 2}} {\rm O}} /P_{{\rm H}_{{\rm 2}} } $ around 0.01. The morphologies of oxide in the internal oxidation zone (IOZ) were filamentary or needle‐like shapes and different from the reported oxide shapes in industrial electrical steel. These peculiar morphologies affected the kinetic aspects such as the depth and the enrichment of oxide in the IOZ.
Metal dusting behaviour of several nickel‐ and cobalt‐base alloys in COH2H2O atmosphere
Authors: Wu Q. , Zhang J. , Young D. J.
Published: January 2011

The metal dusting behaviour of total 11 nickel‐ and cobalt‐base alloys at 680 °C in a gas of 68%CO31%H21%H2O (aC = 19.0, $p_{{\rm O}_{{\rm 2}} } $ = 5.4 × 10−25 atm) was investigated. All samples were electropolished and reacted in a thermal cycling apparatus. On the basis of their reaction kinetics, these alloys can be classified into three groups: the first, with rapid carbon uptake and significant metal wastage, consists of alloys of relatively high iron content (AC 66, 800H and NS‐163); the second, with intermediate rates, consists of some Co‐base alloys (HAYNES 188, HAYNES 25 and ULTIMET) and the third, with very low reaction rates, consists of nickel‐base alloys with high chromium levels (601, HAYNES HR 160, 230, G‐35 and EN 105). An external chromia scale protected group 3 alloys from carburization and dusting. However, this protective scale was damaged and not rehealed for group 1 and group 2 alloys, allowing carbon attack. In all cases, coke deposited on the surface with two typical morphologies: filaments and graphite particle clusters. Subsurface spinel formation in high iron‐content alloys led to rapid dusting due to the significant volume expansion. Alloy carbon permeability was calculated from a simple law of mixtures, and shown to correlate reasonably well with initial dusting rate except for one cobalt‐base alloy in which iron spinel formation was significant.
Effect of water vapour on cyclic oxidation of Fe–Cr alloys
Authors: Othman N. K. , Zhang J. , Young D. J.
Published: January 2011

Model Fe–Cr alloys containing 9, 17 or 25 wt% Cr were subjected to repeated 1 h cycles of exposure at 700 °C to flowing gas mixtures of Ar‐20O2, Ar‐20O2‐5H2O and Ar‐5O2‐20H2O (all in volume %) for up to 400 cycles. The kinetics and morphological development of these reactions were compared with those found during isothermal exposure to the same gases. Under isothermal conditions, all alloys developed thin protective chromium‐rich scales in dry oxygen. Addition of 5% H2O induced breakaway for Fe‐9Cr within 48 h, but had little effect on higher chromium alloys. Isothermal chromia scale growth on Fe‐17Cr and Fe‐25Cr was accelerated by the addition of 20% H2O, but breakaway did not result. Under cyclic conditions in dry oxygen, Fe‐9Cr quickly entered breakaway, oxidising according to fast, linear kinetics, but the higher chromium alloys exhibited protective behaviour. When 5% H2O was added to the oxygen, the 17% Cr alloy also underwent fast breakaway oxidation, but Fe‐25Cr continued to be protected by a chromia scale. In the 20% H2O gas, all alloys failed under cyclic conditions, producing thick, iron‐rich oxide scales. The synergistic effects of water vapour and temperature cycling are discussed in terms of alloy chromium depletion and the effects of H2O(g) on oxide transport properties.
Influence of minor additions on the emissivity of the oxide scale of FeCrAlY alloys during resistance heating
Authors: Hattendorf H.
Published: January 2011

Chromium aluminum yttrium (FeCrAlY) alloys owe their low oxidation rate to the formation of a slow growing α‐alumina scale. For material used for heating elements not only the life time and the behavior of the resistance during the life time is of relevance, but also the emission coefficient of the oxide scale. The power density JS produced by resistance heating of strip with 50 µm thickness and about 5–6 mm width at 1050 °C is approximately equal to the radiant flux density, which is according to Stefan–Boltzmann's law proportional to the total emission coefficient εg. Resistance heating tests were performed on samples made from FeCrAlY alloys with different zirconium and carbon content. The “high zirconium” containing FeCrAlY alloys (zirconium > about 0.10%) have a higher power density/emissivity than the “low zirconium” alloys. In parallel with this, all samples with higher power density/emissivity have internal oxidation and therefore a “rough” metal–oxide interface. Thus, one cause for the increase of the emissivity of the scale could be this rough metal–oxide interface; other causes could be a higher amount of zirconium incorporated into the scale, more pores and/or different grain structure in the scale. Additionally the carbon content influences the appearance of a higher emissivity and the internal oxidation.
Combined Al‐ plus F‐treatment of Ti‐alloys for improved behaviour at elevated temperatures
Authors: Donchev A. , Kolitsch A. , Schütze M. , Yankov R.
Published: January 2011

Titanium is a widely used structural material because of its low specific weight, good mechanical properties and excellent corrosion resistance at ambient temperature. As a result of increased oxidation at elevated temperatures and environmental embrittlement the maximum operation temperature of standard Ti‐alloys is only about 600 °C. The oxidation behaviour can be improved by different methods, e.g. coatings. This leads to an improvement which is, however, often limited. The combination of Al‐enrichment in the sub surface zone, so that a TiAl‐layer is formed, plus F‐treatment gives impressively good results because a protective alumina scale is formed due to the fluorine effect. This alumina scale prevents oxygen inward diffusion which causes embrittlement and protects the material against environmental attack. The procedure is applied to alloys with a very low Al‐content or even no Al at all. In the paper results of oxidation tests of α‐Ti without any treatment, with Al‐treatment and with a combination of Al‐ + F‐treatment are presented. Aluminium was diffused into the samples by a powder pack process. Fluorine was applied by a liquid phase process. The formation of an alumina scale on treated samples was revealed by post experimental investigations. The results are discussed referring to the fluorine effect model for TiAl‐alloys.
Comparison between field and laboratory steam oxidation testing on aluminide coatings on P92
Authors: Agüero A. , González V. , Gutiérrez M. , Knödler R. , Muelas R. , Straub S.
Published: January 2011

Steam oxidation has become an important issue for steam power plants as operating temperatures increase from the current 550 to 600–650 °C. For the last 10 years several groups have been carrying out steam oxidation testing of both uncoated substrates and coatings in the laboratory. On the other hand, field testing results are very scarce. In this paper, a comparison of laboratory steam oxidation testing with field test results carried out by Alstom at the Kraftwerk Westfalen power station located in Hamm, Germany will be presented. Both slurry deposited aluminide coatings and uncoated P92 steel have been included in the study. Under steam (atmospheric pressure) and isothermal conditions in the laboratory at 650 °C, spallation of oxides formed on ferritic steels occurs after significantly longer time when compared to exposure to real operating conditions. Oxide spallation results in serious damage in steam power plants by obstructing heat exchanger tubes, erosion of valves and turbine blades, etc. Moreover, the thickness of the oxide scales formed under field testing conditions is significantly higher after similar exposure. On the other hand, aluminide coated P92, which exhibit thickness through cracks, have shown to be stable in the laboratory for up to 60 000 h at 650 °C under steam, without evidence of crack propagation. However, field test results indicate that some degree of crack propagation occurs but without causing substrate attack up to 21 700 h of exposure. Moreover, the aluminium oxide observed in both laboratory and field tested specimens is different.
Oxidation protection of Ni‐base superalloys by halogen treatment
Authors: Zschau H.‐E. , Masset P. J. , Schütze M.
Published: January 2011

A new concept of oxidation protection is proposed for Ni‐base alloys with Al‐amounts of 2–5 wt%. Following Wagner's theory of oxidation the formation of a dense protective alumina scale is possible if the Al‐activity is sufficiently high. This condition can be fulfilled by using the halogen effect. Thermodynamical calculations reveal the existence of regions for a positive effect of F and Cl for the alloys IN738 and IN939. In the case of fluorine these results are transformed into F concentrations in a screening by using ion implantation. By the F‐effect the oxidation mechanism at 1050 °C/air was changed from internal oxidation of Al to an external formation of an Al2O3 – scale. Optimal implantation parameters were defined. The formation and stability of the protective alumina scale was proved within 1000 h/1050 °C.
Electrochemical investigations on corrosion protection oils
Authors: Eich G. , Schneider J. , Zimmermann J.
Published: January 2011

Tribologically affected surfaces of high‐strength steels often only may be protected against corrosion by the use of specific protecting oils. The protective effectiveness of these products is usually assessed by neutral salt spray test during qualification. As this test method takes a long time and because the reproducibility is poor a new test method was developed based on electrochemistry. It could be shown that a distinction was possible between well and nonprotecting oils based on current density curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Corrosion behavior of SRB Desulfobulbus propionicus isolated from an Indian petroleum refinery on mild steel
Authors: Anandkumar B. , George R. P. , Maruthamuthu S. , Palaniswamy N. , Dayal R. K.
Published: January 2011

In this study, Desulfobulbus propionicus (D. propionicus), a sulfate reducing bacterium (SRB) was isolated and identified in cooling towers by molecular biologic techniques. This bacterial species has been reported for the first time in the cooling towers of an Indian petroleum refinery. Corrosion behaviors were analyzed by electrochemical and weight loss methods. The high corrosion rate and the enhancement of anodic current in increased chloride environment was noticed in the presence of D. propionicus indicating that this SRB species enhances the pitting corrosion of mild steel. Propionate metabolism in H2S production is discussed as a new pathway of corrosion enhancement.
Ultrasound‐Induced Disruption of Amphiphilic Block Copolymer Micelles
Authors: Xuan Juan , Pelletier Maxime , Xia Hesheng , Zhao Yue
Published: January 2011

Ultrasound‐induced disruption of PEO‐b‐PTHPMA, PEO‐b‐PIBMA, PEO‐b‐PTHFEMA, and PEO‐b‐PMMA block copolymer micelles in aqueous solution was investigated. Fluorescence change of loaded NR, DLS, IR, AFM, and SEM show that those micelles could be disrupted differently by 1.1 MHz high‐intensity focused ultrasound beams. The micelles of PEO‐b‐PIBMA and PEO‐b‐PTHPMA appear to be more sensitive to ultrasound irradiation, resulting in a more severe micellar disruption, and IR spectra show evidence of ultrasound‐induced chemical reactions, most likely hydrolysis. PEO‐b‐PMMA appear to resist HIFU irradiation better, and IR analysis found no evidence of chemical reactions. This study provides new evidence for the prospect of ultrasound‐responsive BCP micelles for controlled delivery applications.

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A Cohen type inequality for Fourier expansions of orthogonal polynomials with a non‐discrete Gegenbauer‐Sobolev inner product
Authors: Fejzullahu Bujar Xh.
Published: January 2011

Let dμ(x) = (1 − x2)α−1/2dx,α> − 1/2, be the Gegenbauer measure on the interval [ − 1, 1] and introduce the non‐discrete Sobolev inner product

where λ>0. In this paper we will prove a Cohen type inequality for Fourier expansions in terms of the polynomials orthogonal with respect to the above inner product. Results on divergence for Cesàro means of Gegenbauer‐Sobolev expansions are deduced. © 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
The motor phenotype of Parkinson's disease in relation to age at onset
Authors: Wickremaratchi Mirdhu M. , Knipe M. Duleeka W. , Sastry B.S. Dwarakanath , Morgan Elizabeth , Jones Anne , Salmon Rachel , Weiser Richard , Moran Maralyn , Davies Debbie , Ebenezer Louise , Raha Sandip , Robertson Neil P. , Butler Christopher C. , Ben‐Shlomo Yoav , Morris Huw R.
Published: January 2011

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is heterogeneous and age at onset may define variation in clinical phenotype. Most previous studies have used various age cut‐offs and have been based on clinical case series. Methods: We have studied the association between clinical features and age of onset in 358 community‐based and regional patients with PD. Results: Tremor at presentation is twice as common in those with onset over 64 years as compared to those with onset under 45 (early onset PD ‐ EOPD) and becomes more common with increasing age at onset (p values for trend ≤ 0.004). Dystonia affects 60% of those with EOPD, shows a curvilinear relationship with age at onset (cubic versus linear p=0.01) with highest risk in patients whose disease began before 48 years. In this study age at onset was a strong predictor of the development of dyskinesias, with younger age associated with a higher risk of dyskinesias. Following multivariable analysis, allowing for possibly confounding factors (disease duration, L‐DOPA dosage, L‐DOPA treatment duration) younger age at onset, (less than 55 years) predicted the development of L‐DOPA induced dyskinesia (odds ratio <45 years 2.1, 95% CI 1.0, 4.8; odds ratio < 55 years 3.8, 95% CI 1.8, 8.0). Only 2/70 (2.9%) EOPD patients carried pathogenic parkin or PINK1 mutations and the clinical differences between early and late onset disease were not explained by the presence of mutations in these genes. Discussion: This study highlights the clinical differences between early and late onset PD, which have important implications for diagnosis and management. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Gray matter correlates of behavioral severity in progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Josephs Keith A. , Whitwell Jennifer L. , Eggers Scott D. , Senjem Matthew L. , Jack Clifford R.
Published: January 2011

Background: Behavioral changes occur in progressive supranuclear palsy. This study aimed to identify the anatomic correlate of behavioral severity in progressive supranuclear palsy. Methods: We performed standardized tests of behavioral severity (Frontal Behavioral Inventory), cognitive severity (Mini‐Mental State Examination), motor severity (Movement Disorder Society‐sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III), and a 3.0‐T volumetric head magnetic resonance imaging scan in 18 prospectively recruited subjects meeting National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke‐Society of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy criteria for probable progressive supranuclear palsy. Atlas‐based parcellation was utilized to obtain regional gray matter volumes of frontal, temporal, and parietal lobe, and caudate and putamen, and voxel‐based morphometry was used to assess voxel‐level gray matter loss. We performed correlation analyses between total Frontal Behavioral Inventory score and gray matter volume, as well as assessed gray matter volume across three groups defined according to behavioral severity (mild, moderate, and severe) based on total Frontal Behavioral Inventory score. Results: Specific behaviors, with the exception of apathy that occurred in 83% of the subjects, were relatively infrequent. There was no association between Frontal Behavioral Inventory and cognitive or motor severity. Regions of the frontal lobe, particularly, the lateral posterior frontal cortex, significantly correlated with the total Frontal Behavioral Inventory score when using both regional volume and voxel‐level analyses. The groupwise analyses also supported these findings. The presence of apathy correlated with atrophy of the putamen. Discussion: Behavioral severity in progressive supranuclear palsy appears to be associated with volume loss of frontostriatal regions, in particular, lateral posterior frontal lobe and putamen. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
The clinical syndrome of primary tic disorder associated with dystonia: A large clinical series and a review of the literature
Authors: Damásio Joana , Edwards Mark J. , Alonso‐Canovas Araceli , Schwingenschuh Petra , Kägi Georg , Bhatia Kailash P.
Published: January 2011

Background

The co‐occurrence of tics and dystonia as an idiopathic condition has only rarely been reported. We report a series of patients with tics and persistent dystonia, with the aim of determining the prevalence and clinical characteristics of this syndrome.

Methods

Analysis of clinical database of patients with tic disorders.

Results

From our database of 224 patients with tics, 20 had co‐occurrence of tics and dystonia as a primary disorder. Six patients had Tourette's syndrome, and 2 had idiopathic chronic motor/phonic tics. Twelve of the 20 had adult onset of tics (9 with motor/phonic tics and 3 with motor tics). Dystonia was focal in 12 patients (cervical most common) and segmental in 8. A sensory geste was present in 8. Mean age of tic onset and dystonia was 28.3 ± 19.7 and 40.5 ± 15.3 years, respectively. Tics preceded dystonia in 12, dystonia preceded tics in 4, and 1 patient had simultaneous onset of tics and dystonia. In 3 patients, symptoms' sequence could not be determined. Only 8 patients required treatment for their tics. Botulinum toxin was the mainstay of dystonia treatment (16 patients), whereas 6 received trihexyphenidyl. Six patients each had depression and obsessive compulsive symptoms, and 5 had attention‐deficit and hyperactivity disorder.

Discussion

We have further characterized the syndrome of a primary condition of tics associated with persistent focal/segmental dystonia. Apart from the presence of dystonia, our data suggest that these patients are differentiated from pure tic disorders by a later age of onset, lesser severity of tics, and lower frequency of associated features. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Heuristic UTD coefficients for electromagnetic scattering by lossy conducting wedges
Authors: Schettino Daniela N. , Moreira Fernando J. S. , Rego Cássio G.
Published: January 2011

In this study, heuristic uniform theory of diffraction coefficients are suited to account for scattering by lossy conducting wedges.The novel heuristic solution is determined from other previously developed heuristic coefficients, combining their characteristics to improve the estimation of radiowave propagation in urban scenarios. Slope diffraction is also considered to account for double‐diffracted fields in consecutive wedges. Maliuzhinets' coefficients provide base solutions to validate the novel formulation. The novel solution is then applied to the wave propagation in a typical urban scenario, and results are compared against measurements provided in the literature. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52:2657–2662, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25557
Estimation of the postmortem interval by means of 1H MRS of decomposing brain tissue: influence of ambient temperature
Authors: Ith Michael , Scheurer Eva , Kreis Roland , Thali Michael , Dirnhofer Richard , Boesch Chris
Published: January 2011

Standard methods for the estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI, time since death), based on the cooling of the corpse, are limited to about 48 h after death. As an alternative, noninvasive postmortem observation of alterations of brain metabolites by means of 1H MRS has been suggested for an estimation of the PMI at room temperature, so far without including the effect of other ambient temperatures. In order to study the temperature effect, localized 1H MRS was used to follow brain decomposition in a sheep brain model at four different temperatures between 4 and 26°C with repeated measurements up to 2100 h postmortem. The simultaneous determination of 25 different biochemical compounds at each measurement allowed the time courses of concentration changes to be followed. A sudden and almost simultaneous change of the concentrations of seven compounds was observed after a time span that decreased exponentially from 700 h at 4°C to 30 h at 26°C ambient temperature. As this represents, most probably, the onset of highly variable bacterial decomposition, and thus defines the upper limit for a reliable PMI estimation, data were analyzed only up to this start of bacterial decomposition. As 13 compounds showed unequivocal, reproducible concentration changes during this period while eight showed a linear increase with a slope that was unambiguously related to ambient temperature. Therefore, a single analytical function with PMI and temperature as variables can describe the time courses of metabolite concentrations. Using the inverse of this function, metabolite concentrations determined from a single MR spectrum can be used, together with known ambient temperatures, to calculate the PMI of a corpse. It is concluded that the effect of ambient temperature can be reliably included in the PMI determination by 1H MRS. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Noninvasive quantification of ascorbate and glutathione concentration in the elderly human brain
Authors: Emir Uzay E. , Raatz Susan , McPherson Susan , Hodges James S. , Torkelson Carolyn , Tawfik Pierre , White Tonya , Terpstra Melissa
Published: January 2011

In this study, ascorbate (Asc) and glutathione (GSH) concentrations were quantified noninvasively using double‐edited 1H MRS at 4 T in the occipital cortex of healthy young [age (mean ± standard deviation) = 20.4 ± 1.4 years] and elderly (age = 76.6 ± 6.1 years) human subjects. Elderly subjects had a lower GSH concentration than younger subjects (p < 0.05). The Asc concentration was not significantly associated with age. Furthermore, the lactate (Lac) concentration was higher in elderly than young subjects. Lower GSH and higher Lac concentrations are indications of defective protection against oxidative damage and impaired mitochondrial respiration. The extent to which the observed concentration differences could be associated with physiological differences and methodological artifacts is discussed. In conclusion, GSH and Asc concentrations were compared noninvasively for the first time in young vs elderly subjects. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding the essence of home: Older people's experience of home in Australia
Authors: de Jonge Desleigh M. , Jones Andrew , Phillips Rhonda , Chung Magdalene
Published: January 2011

This qualitative inquiry explores the experiences of community‐living older people in Australia living in their home environment. Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with 30 older people, aged 56–90, from three states in Australia. Purposive or maximum variation sampling was used to recruit people with diverse characteristics in terms of age, gender, living situation, dwelling type, tenure and location (urban/rural). Older people in this study stated that they were interested in the capacity of the house to support their many and varied occupations, particularly their ability to care for others. They also enjoyed the independence and autonomy that living in their own home afforded them. The location of the home in the community provided general convenience and offered opportunities for social connectedness. The home environment and the surrounding community also created an ambience and afforded people a particular lifestyle. The importance of the history of the home environment and the emotional connection older people have with the dwelling was another prevalent theme. Future research is recommended to investigate whether these views of the home are representative of other groups of older people and which aspects of the home they seek to retain when adapting their homes or relocating. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strategic framing: indigenous culture, identity, and politics
Authors: Schoenberger‐Orgad Michèle , Toledano Margalit
Published: January 2011

This article analyses the role played by culture and the strategic communication of culture in the formation and establishment of the Māori Party. As an indigenous grassroots party, which achieved electoral success in the 2005, general election in New Zealand, the Māori Party offers an unusual case of cultural primacy as a political party for indigenous people. The Māori Party campaigned to be the first successful party to give a distinctive voice to Māori in a parliament dominated by Pakeha (New Zealand Europeans).

In examining the Māori Party's formation and campaign as a case study, the article focuses on socio‐political conditions, issues of national identity, media changes, and the cultural relations between Māori and Pakeha. It pays particular attention to those that influenced public opinion during the 14 months of election campaigning. It argues that the strategic framing of the Māori Party as a movement giving a distinctive voice for Māori established the foundations for the campaign's success. In conclusion, the significance of the achievements of the Māori Party in the 2008 general election are discussed as evidence of the now distinct and recognized representation of Māori within the New Zealand democratic process. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Separation of nitrogen and oxygen gases by polymeric membrane embedded with magnetic nano‐particle
Authors: Madaeni S.S. , Enayati E. , Vatanpour V.
Published: January 2011

Asymmetric polyethersulfone (PES) micro‐porous flat sheet membranes were prepared by the phase inversion method (PIM) and used as the support. PES‐PDMS composite membranes were fabricated with coating polydimethylsiloxane on the surface of PES membrane. The FluidMAG‐PAD was coated on PES and PES‐PDMS membrane to prepare super‐paramagnetic membranes for separation of oxygen from nitrogen. Permeance and O2/N2 selectivity were evaluated in the absence or presence of external magnetic field. In the absence of external magnetic field, the super‐paramagnetic polymer provides larger surface area leading to extended sites for oxygen adsorption. In the presence of magnetic field, the super‐paramagnetic particles obtained magnetic property leading to a pronounced interaction with oxygen resulting in elevated selectivity and permeability. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Off‐line and in‐line analysis of phase morphology and evolution during solidification process of PP/PEOc blend in an internal mixer
Authors: Zhu Lin , Song Na , Xu Xinhua
Published: January 2011

Phase morphology and evolution during solidification process of polypropylene and poly(ethylene‐co‐octene) (PP/PEOc) blend in an internal mixer was investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and in‐line back small‐angle laser scattering (BSALS). The average particle diameter (dp) and the average characteristic length (Lm) were calculated by the pattern analysis of SEM micrographs to describe morphological variation with temperature during solidification process under the natural cooling condition. Furthermore, a fractal dimension (Df) based on the probability density of the character length was calculated in this study to describe the distribution of main sizes of the dispersed phase particles. Structure parameters, such as heterogeneity distance (lc) and integral invariant (Q), were also calculated using BSALS to describe solidification process. The results obtained from BSALS were in agreement with those obtained from SEM, which means BSALS was valid to study the phase morphology and evolution during solidification process of polymer blend. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Advantages of photoplating for laser doped solar cells
Authors: Hameiri Z. , Mai L. , Wenham S. R.
Published: January 2011

The use of laser doping in solar cell fabrication has received increased attention in recent years, especially due to its ability to form a selective emitter without subjecting the wafer to prolonged high temperature processes and likely corresponding degradation. At the University of New South Wales, a novel laser doping method was developed that combines the formation of the selective emitter with a self‐aligned metallisation pattern. This paper investigates the influence of different plating methods on shunt and enhanced recombination regions. It was found that the pseudo fill factors of solar cells plated using photoplating are higher compared to those plated with the electroless method, indicating reduced shunting and/or junction recombination. The superiority of the photoplating method is even more pronounced at high laser powers. According to our knowledge this is the first time photoplating and electroless plating techniques have been compared for laser‐doped solar cells. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanism of the acidic hydrolysis of epichlorohydrin
Authors: Gaca Jerzy , Wejnerowska Grażyna , Cysewski Piotr
Published: January 2011

The present studies show that the currently accepted scheme for the hydrolysis of epichlorohydrin (ECH) needs to be extended by an additional path which makes allowance for the formation and decomposition of glycidol (GL). It was shown experimentally and through UB3LYP/6‐11 + +G(3D,P) calculations that the formation of 3‐chloro‐1,2‐propanediol (MCPD) from ECH should also take into account GL formation as an intermediate product. A modified mechanism for the course of ECH hydrolysis in acidic and neutral medium is proposed. It was shown that ECH hydrolysis in acidic medium in the presence of chloride ions also results in the formation of 1,3‐dichloro‐2‐propanol (DCPD) in addition to GL and MCPD. The possibility of a parallel pathway for water molecule addition to epichlorohydrin was shown which as a consequence led to the parallel appearance of GL and MCPD. It was confirmed by kinetic calculations that the state of equilibrium, reached in the process of ECH chlorination, did not result in GL formation. However, its appearance in the reaction mechanism has been ignored in the literature thus far. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electron‐counting rules, three‐dimensional aromaticity, and the boundaries of the Periodic Table
Authors: Shainyan Bagrat A.
Published: January 2011

To describe aromaticity of planar and three‐dimensional molecules, different electron counting rules are employed. Here, the relationship between the Hückel 4n + 2 rule and the Hirsch 2(n + 1)2 rule is established based on formal approach considering the electrons as objects in an arbitrary n‐dimensional space of states. Two types of three‐dimensional aromaticity, referred to as ‘spherical’ (following the 4n + 2 electron counting rule) and ‘spatial’ (following the 2(n + 1)2 electron counting rule) are distinguished. A conclusion concerning the boundaries of the Periodic Table of Elements is made based on the same formal approach that no g‐ (or higher) elements can exist and that possible extension of the Periodic Table beyond the seventh period must be followed by filling of the 8p or inner 6f or 7d levels. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sec62 protein level is crucial for the ER stress tolerance of prostate cancer
Authors: Greiner Markus , Kreutzer Birgit , Lang Sven , Jung Volker , Cavalié Adolfo , Unteregger Gerhard , Zimmermann Richard , Wullich Bernd
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND

We previously reported that over‐expression of the SEC62 gene is a widespread phenomenon in prostate cancer. Since the use of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐inducing substances such as thapsigargin in prostate cancer therapy is widely discussed in the literature, we investigated the influence of Sec62 protein content on the cellular response to these drugs.

METHODS

Growth effects were analyzed by real‐time cell analysis and viability tests in DU145‐cells representing an increased SEC62 expression or PC3‐ and LNCaP‐cells representing a similar SEC62 expression compared to non‐tumor cells. Ca2+‐imaging in an established HeLa‐system with fluorescent dye was used to study molecular effects of Sec62 depletion.

RESULTS

We found a lower propensity toward apoptotic cell death after thapsigargin treatment for DU145 cells compared to PC3 or LNCaP and siRNA‐mediated silencing of SEC62 resulted in a reduced viability of thapsigargin‐treated PC3 cells, indicating that Sec62 functions in cellular stress response. Measurement of cytosolic [Ca2+] demonstrated the influence of Sec62 on the cellular response to thapsigargin on a molecular level. Using real‐time cell analysis, we observed the loss of androgen stimulation of LNCaP cells in the presence of thapsigargin, and an additional negative effect on cell growth of Sec62 depletion. Also, for PC3‐ and DU145‐cells Sec62 depletion inhibited growth after thapsigargin treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate a crucial function of Sec62 in the response to thapsigargin‐induced ER stress. This will be of great significance on the background of elevated Sec62 protein levels in prostate cancer cells when treatment with thapsigargin analogs is considered. Prostate 71:1074–1083, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Finasteride upregulates expression of androgen receptor in hyperplastic prostate and LNCaP cells: Implications for chemoprevention of prostate cancer
Authors: Hsieh Ju‐Ton , Chen Shyh‐Chyan , Yu Hong‐Jeng , Chang Hong‐Chiang
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND

Although finasteride is recognized for its role as a chemopreventive agent for prostate cancer, higher grades of malignancy have been reported. It is questioned whether blocking of testosterone conversion to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by finasteride in prostate tissue will change expression of androgen receptor (AR). Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of finasteride on AR expression in prostate tissue and in the LNCaP cell line.

METHODS

Between January and December 2006, we retrospectively selected and evaluated 47 cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia treated with variable duration of finasteride (5 mg QD) before transurethral resection of the prostate. AR expression in prostate tissue was semiquantified by immunostaining and compared with duration of finasteride treatment. An androgen‐dependent prostate cancer cell line (LNCaP) was cultured in charcoal/dextran‐treated FBS with DHT or testosterone, and treated with finasteride for 1–3 weeks. Samples of total RNA were collected to analyze expression of AR by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical study revealed significant upregulation of ARs by finasteride treatment for 30–180 days. In cell line study, quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed significant upregulation of ARs treated by finasteride.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, finasteride influenced AR expression in benign prostate tissue and prostate cancer cell. Before we can use finasteride in chemoprevention with confidence, we still need to clarify the influence of finasteride in ARs and its regulation pathway. Prostate 71:1115–1121, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of nodal and nodal receptors in prostate stem cells and prostate cancer cells: Autocrine effects on cell proliferation and migration
Authors: Vo BaoHan T. , Khan Shafiq A.
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND

Nodal, a TGFβ like growth factor, functions as an embryonic morphogen that maintains the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. Nodal has been implicated in cancer progression; however, there is no information on expression and functions of Nodal in prostate cancer. In this study, we have investigated the expression of Nodal, its receptors, and its effects on proliferation and migration of human prostate cells.

METHODS

RT‐PCR, qPCR, and Western blot analyses were performed to analyze expression of Nodal and Nodal receptors and its effects on phosphorylation of Smad2/3 in prostate cells. The effects on proliferation and migration were determined by 3H‐Thymidine incorporation and cell migration assays in the presence or absence of Nodal receptor inhibitor (SB431542).

RESULTS

Nodal was highly expressed in WPE, DU145, LNCaP, and LNCaP‐C81 cells with low expression in RWPE1 and RWPE2 cells, but not in PREC, PC3 and PC3M cells. Nodal receptors are expressed at varying levels in all prostate cells. Treatment with exogenous Nodal induced phosphorylation of Smad2/3 in WPE, DU145, and PC3 cells, which was blocked by SB431542. Nodal dose‐dependently inhibited proliferation of WPE, RWPE1 and DU145 cells, but not LNCaP and PC3 cells. Nodal induced cell migration in PC3 cells, which was inhibited by SB431542; Nodal had no effect on cell migration in WPE and DU145 cells. The effects of Nodal on cell proliferation and migration are mediated via ALK4 and ActRII/ActRIIB receptors and Smad 2/3 phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

Nodal may function as an autocrine regulator of proliferation and migration of prostate cancer cells. Prostate 71:1084–1096, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.