bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Receptor tyrosine kinase pathway analysis sheds light on similarities between clear‐cell sarcoma and metastatic melanoma
Authors: Negri Tiziana , Brich Silvia , Conca Elena , Bozzi Fabio , Orsenigo Marta , Stacchiotti Silvia , Alberghini Marco , Mauro Valentina , Gronchi Alessandro , Dusio Giuseppina F. , Pelosi Giuseppe , Picci Piero , Casali Paolo G. , Pierotti Marco A. , Pilotti Silvana
Published: November 2011

To highlight possible similarities and differences in receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and downstream signalling activation profiles between clear‐cell sarcomas (CCS) and metastatic melanomas (MM), frozen, and paired‐matched fixed samples of six CCS with EWSR1 rearrangement (EWSR1+), five CCS without EWSR1 rearrangement (EWSR1−), and seven MM were investigated by means of biochemical, immunohistochemical, FISH, molecular analyses, and immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. Fixed samples of a further 10 CCS and 14 MM were investigated by means of sequencing for BRAF, NRAS, and KRAS mutations and FISH analyses for the gain of chromosomes 22 and 8. RTK analysis of all CCS/MM samples showed activation of short‐form (sf) recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) RTK and of PDGFRB, MET, and HER3. Analysis of downstream signaling revealed consistent phosphorylation patterns of PI3K/AKT, RSK, and the mTOR targets S6 and 4EBP1. Analysis of frozen and fixed material from 21 CCS and 21 MM showed the presence of the V600E BRAF mutation in 2/12 EWSR1+ and 3/9 EWSR1− CCS and 9/21 MM and demonstrated a significant (P < 0.001) correlation between the gain of chromosomes 22 and 8 and EWSR1− CCS. Our results show that BRAF mutation can also be present in CCS and support the proposed aberration of chromosomes 22 and 8 as a possibly useful nonrandom hallmark of EWSR1− CCS. Besides, they broaden the spectrum of the similarities of RTK pathway activation between CCS and MM, thus suggesting that new drugs found to be active in melanoma and RON inhibitors could have a role in CCS treatment. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PTEN genomic deletions that characterize aggressive prostate cancer originate close to segmental duplications
Authors: Yoshimoto Maisa , Ludkovski Olga , DeGrace Dave , Williams Julia L. , Evans Andrew , Sircar Kanishka , Bismar Tarek A. , Nuin Paulo , Squire Jeremy A.
Published: November 2011

Deletion of PTEN at 10q23.3 occurs in ∼40% of human prostate cancers and is associated with aggressive metastatic potential, poor prognosis, and androgen‐independence. This high frequency of recurrent PTEN deletions in prostate cancer suggests there may be unusual genomic features close to this locus that facilitate DNA alteration at 10q23.3. To explore possible mechanisms for deletions in the PTEN region, a meta‐analysis of 311 published human genome array datasets was conducted and determined that the minimal prostate cancer‐associated deletion at 10q23.3 corresponds to ∼2.06 MB region flanked by BMPR1A and FAS. On a separate cohort comprising an additional 330 tumors, four‐color fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis using probes for BMPR1A, FAS, cen(10), and PTEN showed that 132 of 330 (40%) tumors had PTEN loss, 50 (15%) of which were homozygous losses (comprising in total 100 deletion events). Breakpoints between PTEN and BMPR1A or FAS were subsequently mapped in 100 homozygous and 82 hemizygous PTEN losses, revealing that 125/182 PTEN microdeletions occurred within the 940 kB interval between BMPR1A and PTEN. Furthermore, this breakpoint interval coincides with a repeat‐rich region of 414 kB containing the SD17 and SD18 segmental duplications, which contain at least 13 homologous inverted repeat sequences. Together, these data suggest that a strong selective growth advantage for loss of PTEN and upregulation of PI3K/AKT, combined with the close proximity of PTEN to a large unstable segment of repeated DNA comprising SD17 and SD18, can lead to recurrent microdeletions of the PTEN gene in prostate cancer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultrastructural analysis of implant–soft tissue interface on a three dimensional tissue‐engineered oral mucosal model
Authors: Chai Wen L. , Brook Ian M. , Emanuelsson Lena , Palmquist Anders , van Noort Richard , Moharamzadeh Keyvan
Published: November 2011

A three dimensional tissue‐engineered human oral mucosal model (3D OMM) used in the investigation of implant–soft tissue interface was recently reported. The aim of this study was to examine the ultrastructural features of soft tissue attachment to various titanium (Ti) implant surfaces based on the 3D OMM. Two techniques, that is, focus ion beam (FIB) and electropolishing techniques were used to prepare specimens for transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis of the interface. The 3D OM consisting of both epithelial and connective tissue layers was constructed by co‐culturing human oral keratinocytes and fibroblasts onto an acellular dermis scaffold. Four types of Ti surface topographies were tested: polished, machined (turned), sandblasted, and TiUnite. The specimens were then processed for TEM examination using FIB (Ti remained) and electropolishing (Ti removed) techniques. The FIB sections showed some artifact and lack of details of ultrastructural features. In contrast, the ultrathin sections prepared from the electropolishing technique showed a residual Ti oxide layer, which preserved the details for intact ultrastructural interface analysis. There was evidence of hemidesmosome‐like structures at the interface on the four types of Ti surfaces, which suggests that the tissue‐engineered oral mucosa formed epithelial attachments on the Ti surfaces. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Theoretical study on the reaction CX3 + SiH(CH3)3 (X = H, F)
Authors: Zhang Hui , Yang Liu , Liu Jing‐Yao , Li Ze‐Sheng
Published: November 2011

Theoretical investigations are carried out on the multiple‐channel reactions, CH3 + SiH(CH3)3 → products and CF3 + SiH(CH3)3 → products. The minimum energy paths (MEP) are calculated at the MP2/6‐311 + G(d,p) level, and energetic information is further refined by the MC‐QCISD (single point) method. The rate constants for major reaction channels are calculated by the canonical variational transition state theory (CVT) with small‐curvature tunneling (SCT) correction over the temperature range 200–1500 K. The theoretical rate constants are in good agreement with the available experimental data and are found to be k1a(T) = 1.93 × 10−24T3.15exp(−1214.59/T) and k2a(T) = 1.33 × 10−25T4.13exp(−397.94/T) (in unit of cm3molecule−1s−1). Our calculations indicate that hydrogen abstraction channel from SiH group is the major channel due to the smaller barrier height among five channels considered. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Risk factors of workplace violence at hospitals in Japan
Authors: Fujita Shigeru , Ito Shinya , Seto Kanako , Kitazawa Takefumi , Matsumoto Kunichika , Hasegawa Tomonori
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND:

Patients and their relatives exposed to mental stress caused by hospitalization or illness might use violence against healthcare staff and interfere with quality healthcare.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to investigate incidences of workplace violence and the attributes of healthcare staff who are at high risk.

DESIGN:

A questionnaire‐based, anonymous, and self‐administered cross‐sectional survey.

SETTING:

Healthcare staff (n = 11,095) of 19 hospitals in Japan.

MEASUREMENTS:

Incidence rates and adjusted odd ratios of workplace violence were calculated to examine the effect of attributes of healthcare staff to workplace violence by using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS:

The response rate for survey completion was 79.1% (8711/11,095). Among the respondents, 36.4% experienced workplace violence by patients or their relatives in the past year; 15.9% experienced physical aggression, 29.8% experienced verbal abuse, and 9.9% experienced sexual harassment. Adjusted odds ratios of physical aggression were significantly high in psychiatric wards, critical care centers/intensive care units (ICU)/cardiac care units (CCU), long‐term care wards, for nurses, nursing aides/care workers, and for longer working hours. Adjusted odds ratios of verbal abuse were significantly high in psychiatric wards, long‐term care wards, outpatient departments, dialysis departments, and for longer years of work experience, and for longer working hours. Adjusted odds ratios of sexual harassment were significantly high in dialysis departments, for nurses, nursing aides/care workers, technicians, therapists and females. The general ward and direct interaction with patients were common risk factors for each type of workplace violence.

CONCLUSIONS:

The mechanisms and the countermeasures for each type of workplace violence at those high‐risk areas should be investigated. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012;. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Automated multiscale vessel analysis for the quantification of MR angiography of peripheral arteriogenesis
Authors: Jaspers Karolien , Slenter Jos M.G.M. , Leiner Tim , Wagenaar Allard , Post Mark J. , Backes Walter H.
Published: November 2011

Purpose:

To automatically analyze the time course of collateralization in a rat hindlimb ischemia model based on signal intensity distribution (SID).

Materials and Methods:

Time‐of‐flight magnetic resonance angiograms (TOF‐MRA) were acquired in eight rats at 2, 7, and 21 days after unilateral femoral artery ligation. Analysis was performed on maximum intensity projections filtered with multiscale vessel enhancement filter. Differences in SID between ligated limb and a reference region were monitored over time and compared to manual collateral artery identification.

Results:

The differences in SID correlated well with the number of collateral arteries found with manual quantification. The time courses of ultrasmall (diameter ≪0.5 mm) and small (diameter ≈0.5 mm) collateral artery development could be differentiated, revealing that maturation of the collaterals and enlargement of their feeding arteries occurred mainly after the first week postligation.

Conclusion:

SID analysis performed on axial maximum intensity projections is easy to implement, fast, and objective and provides more insight in the time course of arteriogenesis than manual identification. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;379‐386. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo assessment of neurodegeneration in niemann‐pick type C mice by quantitative T2 mapping and diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Totenhagen John W. , Lope‐Piedrafita Silvia , Borbon Ivan A. , Yoshimaru Eriko S. , Erickson Robert P. , Trouard Theodore P.
Published: November 2011

Purpose:

To quantitatively and noninvasively assess neurological disease progression in a mouse model of Niemann‐Pick type C (NPC) disease by measuring white matter status with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques of T2 mapping and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Materials and Methods:

Quantitative T2 and DTI experiments were performed in vivo in NPC disease model and control mice at three timepoints to quantify differences and changes in white matter with measurements of T2 relaxation and DTI parameters. Histological staining for myelin content was also performed at two timepoints to compare with the MRI findings.

Results:

The results of the T2 and DTI measurements show significant differences in white matter areas of the brain in the NPC disease model compared to control mice at several timepoints, and were seen to change over time in both groups.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study suggest that quantitative MRI measurements may be suitable in vivo biomarkers of disease status for future studies of NPC disease models. The changes in white matter measurements between timepoints in both control and NPC disease groups suggest that white matter structures continue to change and develop over time in the NPC model and can be tracked with MRI techniques. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:528‐536. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Focal cortical lesion detection in multiple sclerosis: 3 tesla DIR versus 7 tesla FLASH‐T2*
Authors: Nielsen A. Scott , Kinkel R. Philip , Tinelli Emanuele , Benner Thomas , Cohen‐Adad Julien , Mainero Caterina
Published: November 2011

Purpose:

To evaluate the inter‐rater agreement of cortical lesion detection using 7 Tesla (T) FLASH‐T2* and 3T DIR sequences.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty‐six patients with multiple sclerosis were scanned on a human 7T (Siemens) and 3T MRI (TIM Trio, Siemens) to acquire 3T DIR/MEMPR and 7T FLASH‐T2* sequences. Four independent reviewers scored and categorized cortical lesions in the bilateral precentral gyri (motor strips) as leukocortical, intracortical, or subpial. Inter‐rater agreement was assessed according to lesion category using the kappa statistic. The sensitivity of recent MAGNIMS consensus guidelines for cortical lesion detection using 3T DIR was assessed with 7T FLASH‐T2* as the reference gold standard.

Results:

Inter‐rater agreement at 7T was excellent compared with 3T (k = 0.97 versus 0.12). FLASH‐T2* at 7T detected subpial lesions while 3T DIR did not. The predicted sensitivity of 3T DIR sequence for cortical lesions in vivo is modest (range of 13.6 to 18.3%).

Conclusion:

The 7T FLASH‐T2* detects more cortical—particularly subpial—lesions compared with 3T DIR. In the absence of DIR/postmortem data, 7T FLASH‐T2* is a suitable gold‐standard instrument and should be incorporated into future consensus guidelines. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;537‐542. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A longitudinal MRI study of muscle atrophy during lower leg immobilization following ankle fracture
Authors: Psatha Maria , Wu Zhiqing , Gammie Fiona M. , Ratkevicius Aivaras , Wackerhage Henning , Lee Jennifer H. , Redpath Thomas W. , Gilbert Fiona J. , Ashcroft George P. , Meakin Judith R. , Aspden Richard M.
Published: November 2011

Purpose:

To investigate MRI biomarkers of muscle atrophy during cast immobilization of the lower leg.

Materials and Methods:

Eighteen patients (8 male, 10 female), who had one lower leg immobilized in a cast, underwent 3.0 Tesla (T) MR imaging 5, 8, 15, 29, and 43 days after casting. Measurements were made on both lower legs of total muscle volume. Cross‐sectional area (CSA), fractional water content, and T2 were measured in tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and lateralis (GL) and soleus (SOL). Fiber pennation angle was measured in GM.

Results:

Total muscle volume decreased by 17% (P < 0.001) over the 6 weeks of immobilization. The greatest loss in CSA (mean[SD]) was seen in GM (−23.3(8.7)%), followed by SOL (−19.0(9.8)%), GL (−17.1(6.5)%), and TA (−10.7(5.9)%). Significant reductions of CSA were also detectable in the contra‐lateral leg. T2 increased in all muscles: TA 27.0(2.5) ms to 29.6(2.8) ms (P < 0.001), GM 34.6(2.9) ms to 39.8(5.4) ms (P < 0.001) and SOL 34.4 (2.9) ms to 44.9(5.9) ms (P < 0.001). Small reductions were found in fractional water content. Pennation angle decreased in the cast leg (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Quantitative MR imaging can detect and monitor progressive biochemical and biophysical changes in muscle during immobilization. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:686‐695. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MR elastography of the in vivo abdominal aorta: A feasibility study for comparing aortic stiffness between hypertensives and normotensives
Authors: Kolipaka Arunark , Woodrum David , Araoz Philip A. , Ehman Richard L.
Published: November 2011

Purpose:

To demonstrate feasibility of using MR elastography (MRE) to identify hypertensive changes in the abdominal aorta when compared with normotensives based on the stiffness measurements.

Materials and Methods:

MRE was performed on eight volunteers (four normotensives and four hypertensives) to measure the effective stiffness of the abdominal aorta. MRE wave images are directionally filtered and phase gradient analysis was performed to determine the stiffness of the aorta. Student's t‐test was performed to determine significant difference in stiffness measurements between normotensives and hypertensives.

Results:

The normotensive group demonstrated a mean abdominal aortic stiffness of 3.7 ± 0.8 kPa, while the controlled‐hypertensive demonstrated a mean abdominal aortic stiffness of 9.3 ± 1.9 kPa. MRE effective stiffness of abdominal aorta in hypertensives was significantly greater than that of normotensives with p = 0.02.

Conclusion:

Feasibility of in vivo aortic MRE is demonstrated. Hypertensives have significantly higher aortic stiffness assessed through MRE than normotensives. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:582‐586. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
TDP‐43 toxicity is mediated by the unfolded protein response‐unrelated induction of C/EBP homologous protein expression
Authors: Suzuki Hiroaki , Matsuoka Masaaki
Published: November 2011

Transactive response DNA‐binding protein‐43 (TDP‐43) neuronal toxicity plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitin‐positive inclusions. In our previous study, we showed that low‐grade overexpression of TDP‐43, which is thought to mimic the gain‐of‐function of TDP‐43, caused neuronal death, mediated by the upregulation of Bim and the downregulation of Bcl‐xL in vitro. In this study, we show that TDP‐43 overexpression caused the upregulation of C/EBP‐homologous protein (CHOP) and that disruption of the CHOP gene markedly attenuated TDP‐43‐induced cell death. These results indicate that increases in CHOP expression contribute to TDP‐43‐induced cell death. We also show that the TDP‐43‐induced upregulation of CHOP expression is mediated by both the upregulation of the mRNA level of CHOP and the attenuation of thedegradation of CHOP, which is independent on the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 or other pathway related to the unfolded protein response (UPR) to endoplasmic reticulum stress. This study provides the first example of the CHOP‐mediated cell death that is independent of the UPR. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Susceptibility of a Vibrio alginolyticus rpoS mutant to environmental stresses and its expression of OMPs
Authors: Shuxian Wang , Jianteng Wei , Tianbao Li
Published: November 2011

Vibrio alginolyticus, one of the most important opportunistic pathogens, can be detected in human being and marine animals. Like other bacteria, V. alginolyticus is able to adapt to a variety of stressful environmental changes. The alternate sigma factor RpoS, which is a regulator during stationary phase, plays an important role in surviving under these stressful situations in many bacteria. Sequence analysis reveals a 990 bp open reading frame which is predicted to encode a 330‐amino‐acid protein with 68% to 96% overall identity to other reported sequences. To study the function of rpoS, the rpoS gene of V. alginolyticus VIB283 was cloned and an rpoS mutant was constructed by homologous recombination. Comparison of the study result of the wild type and the mutant showed that the mutant was more sensitive to stress conditions such as high osmolarity, oxidative stress, heat shock, and long‐term starvation and that the LD50 of the mutant strain to the zebra fish was about 2.8 times as that of the control strain. In addition, the SDS‐PAGE analysis indicated that the outer membrane proteins (OMPs) existed great differences. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Myofibroblast cells are preferentially expressed early in a rabbit model of joint contracture
Authors: Abdel Matthew P. , Morrey Mark E. , Barlow Jonathan D. , Kreofsky Cole R. , An Kai‐Nan , Steinmann Scott P. , Morrey Bernard F. , Sanchez‐Sotelo Joaquin
Published: November 2011

Studies have demonstrated increased myofibroblasts in contractures. However, the timeline is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the number of myofibroblasts in contracting joint capsules at 3‐time points over a 24‐week period. Eighteen rabbits subjected to a surgical procedure designed to elicit a knee joint contracture were divided into three groups of six. Rabbits were sacrificed at each respective time point and myofibroblasts in the joint capsules were quantified using immunohistochemistry. The percent of myofibroblasts was significantly elevated in the operated limbs compared to the control limbs at 2 weeks (20% vs. 7%, respectively; p = 0.014). There was no difference in the percent of myofibroblasts between the operated and control limbs at 8 or 24 weeks (p = 0.96 and 0.07, respectively). The percent of myofibroblasts dropped from 20% at 2 weeks to 3.0% at 8 weeks (p < 0.001). The decrease from 8 to 24 weeks was not significant (p = 0.19). A large proportion of myofibroblasts are present in contracted joints at 2 weeks. By week 8, the proportion of myofibroblasts seem to return to normal. Interventions aimed at affecting the myofibroblast cell in order to prevent fibrosis should be instituted early. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:713–719, 2012
Assessing anxious features in depressed outpatients
Authors: McClintock Shawn M. , Husain Mustafa M. , Bernstein Ira H. , Wisniewski Stephen R. , Trivedi Madhukar H. , Morris David , Alpert Jonathan , Warden Diane , Luther James F. , Kornstein Susan G. , Biggs Melanie M. , Fava Maurizio , Rush A. John
Published: November 2011

Both the 17‐item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD17) and 30‐item Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology – Clinician‐rated (IDS‐C30) contain a subscale that assesses anxious symptoms. We used classical test theory and item response theory methods to assess and compare the psychometric properties of the two anxiety subscales (HRSDANX and IDS‐CANX) in a large sample (N = 3453) of outpatients with non‐psychotic major depressive disorder in the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study. Approximately 48% of evaluable participants had at least one concurrent anxiety disorder by the self‐report Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ). The HRSDANX and IDS‐CANX were highly correlated (r = 0.75) and both had moderate internal consistency given their limited number of items (HRSDANX Cronbach's alpha = 0.48; IDS‐CANX Cronbach's alpha = 0.58). The optimal threshold for ascribing the presence/absence of anxious features was found at a total score of eight or nine for the HRSDANX and seven or eight for the IDS‐CANX. It would seem beneficial to delete item 17 (loss of insight) from the HRSDANX as it negatively correlated with the scale's total score. Both the HRSDANX and IDS‐CANX subscales have acceptable psychometric properties and can be used to identify anxious features for clinical or research purposes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly(L‐lysine)/microcrystalline cellulose biocomposites for porous scaffolds
Authors: Eldessouki Mohamed , Buschle‐Diller Gisela , Gowayed Yasser
Published: November 2011

The need for tissue engineered scaffolds is growing due to a shortage in organ donation, potential immunoreactions to allotransplants, and high cost associated with transplantation. The main focus of this research is concerned with material selection and processing which are key for a successful design of any tissue engineered structure. This work investigates the possibility of reinforcing a weak polypeptide [poly(L‐lysine)] with a stronger polysaccharide (cellulose) and processing the resulting composite into a porous structure. As the main processing parameters, the effect of pH on the secondary structure of the polypeptide and the effect of the hydrolysis conditions on the properties of commercially available microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were studied. The significance of the cellulose content as well as the scaffold fabrication conditions on the properties of the composite system was assessed. Overall, PLL/MCC composites showed a lower crystallinity compared to the PLL alone while further hydrolyzed MCC particles (HMCC) showed surface erosion and resulted in a crystallinity increase when incorporated into a composite structure. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of toughening agents on the behaviors of bamboo plastic composites
Authors: Cai Guofeng , Wang Jikui , Nie Yanan , Tian Xiaocai , Zhu Xudong , Zhou Xiaping
Published: November 2011

Three kinds of reactive toughening agents of bamboo plastic composites are studied in this article. The bio‐fiber keeps high polarity for the hydroxyl groups of the surface, while polypropylene (PP) matrix resin phase is nonpolar. So, the interfacial compatibility between matrix and enhanced phase is poor. The anhydride in maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene can react with the hydroxyls. A large number of hydroxyl groups on the fiber surface are reduced, and the interfacial bond strength is improved. Three reactive toughening agents: glycidyl methacrylate grafted poly(ethylene‐1‐octene), maleic anhydride grafted poly(ethylene‐octene), and poly(ethylene‐butylacrylate‐glycidyl methacrylate) are chosen to improve the impact toughness. The mechanical properties, compatibility, phase structure, water absorption, and thermal properties of PP blends are all investigated. When the content of toughening agents are controlled between 6% and 8%, not only the impact strength is greatly improved but also the other properties of PP are less affected, which makes the composites with comprehensive and practical applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Ion‐leaching behaviors and corrosion morphology of glass fiber reinforced vinyl ester composites in sulfuric acid solution
Authors: Li Yanan , Yu Yunhua , Jia Xiaolong , Duan Shun , Yang Xiaoping
Published: November 2011

The corrosion mechanism of glass‐fiber reinforced vinyl ester composites was investigated by immersing composite samples in 40 wt% sulfuric acid solution at constant temperature of 35°C, 55°C, 65°C, and 75°C for periods up to 10,500 h. Results were characterized through weight gain tests, inductively coupled plasma analysis, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Weight gains and ion‐leaching behaviors show that the composite interface has undergone significant changes due to a long corrosive environment, and the interface corrosion of composite increases with increasing the temperature. SEM images of surface and cross‐section of samples indicated that there exit in irreversible degradation reaction on resin matrix and interface in composite, which lead to the increase of weight gain and ion leachability, especially at high temperatures. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and characterization of exfoliated poly(styrene‐co‐methyl methacrylate) nanocomposite via miniemulsion atom transfer radical polymerization: an activators generated by electron transfer approach
Authors: Khezri Khezrollah , Haddadi‐Asl Vahid , Roghani‐Mamaqani Hossein , Salami‐Kalajahi Mehdi
Published: November 2011

Exfoliated poly(styrene‐co‐methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites were synthesized using activators generated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization (AGET ATRP). Miniemulsion polymerization was used for its abundant advantages to encapsulate inorganic materials and eliminate organic solvents from products for environmentally friendly purposes. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a cationic surfactant, which is an effective surfactant at higher temperatures, was used to stabilize the miniemulsion system. Successful miniemulsion AGET ATRP was carried out by using 4,4'‐dinonyl‐2,2'‐bipyridine (dNbPy) as a hydrophobic ligand. Formation of monodispersed droplets and particles with sizes in the range of 200nm was examined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Conversion and molecular weight study were also carried out using gravimetry and gel permeation chromatography, respectively. By adding clay content, a decrease in the conversion and molecular weight of the nanocomposites are observed. However, an increase in the PDI values of nanocomposites was observed by the addition of nanoclay content. Thermogravimetric analysis results demonstrate that thermal stability of all the nanocomposites in comparison with the neat copolymer increases. Differential scanning calorimetry results show that Tg decreases by increasing clay content. Monodisperse distribution of spherical shape particles with sizes in the range of ∼ 200 nm was demonstrated by using scanning electron microscopy images of nanocomposite containing 1 wt% of nanoclay, which is more compiled with DLS results. Transmission electron microscopy results shows well‐dispersed exfoliated clay layers in the polymer matrix of PSMNM 1, which is coincidence with X‐ray diffraction data. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Layer optimization for maximum fundamental frequency of rigid point‐supported laminated composite plates
Authors: Apalak Z. Gul , Apalak M. Kemal , Ekici R. , Yildirim M.
Published: November 2011

In this study, the layer optimization was carried out for maximizing the lowest (first) fundamental frequency of symmetrically laminated square and rectangular laminated composite plates resting on rigid point supports distributed in eight different arrangements. Genetic Algorithm (GA) was used for searching the optimal stacking sequences of laminated composite plates, which is maximizing the first natural frequency defined as an objective function (fitness function). The first natural frequencies of the composite plates with various stacking sequences was calculated using the finite element method (FEM). However, the calculation of the first natural frequency for each new lay‐up sequence and point‐support arrangement needs a longer time than the evaluation period of GA. In order to reduce the searching time of the optimal lay‐up sequence, the artificial neural network models were proposed and trained with small training and testing data composed of the natural frequencies of the composite plates calculated for random lay‐up sequences, layer number, eight‐point support arrangements, and four‐plate length/width ratios using the FEM. The GA combined with these trained neural networks predicted successfully the optimal layer sequences without yielding a local optimum on the contrary the Ritz‐based layerwise optimization method (Narita and Hodgkinson, Compos. Struct., 69, 127 (2005)). The maximized fundamental frequencies were always better than those obtained for typical cross‐ply, angle‐ply, and quasi‐isotropic lay‐ups. Theeffects of the rigid‐point support locations, the optimum fiber orientation angles and the layer number on the maximum lowest natural frequency are also discussed. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Kenaf fiber‐reinforced copolyester biocomposites
Authors: Mokhothu T.H. , Guduri B.R. , Luyt A.S.
Published: November 2011

In this study the morphology and properties of a biodegradable aliphatic–aromatic copolyester mixed with kenaf fiber were investigated. Untreated kenaf fiber, as well as kenaf fiber treated with NaOH, and with NaOH followed by silane coupling agent treatment at various concentrations, were used as fillers in the composites. The biocomposites were prepared by melt‐mixing and a 10 wt% fiber loading was used for all the composites. The properties of the biocomposites were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), tensile properties, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), and biodegradability. The extent of silane initiated grafting was followed by gel content determination. The presence of fiber and fiber treatment influenced the determined properties in a variety of ways, but the best balance of properties were found for the copolyester mixed with alkali‐treated fiber. This composite showed improved thermal, thermomechanical, and mechanical properties. The introduction of alkali treatment caused increased surface roughness in the fiber, which resulted in mechanical interlocking between the filler and the matrix, while silane treatment slightly reduced the properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of organoclays on the morphology and thermal expansion of PA6/SEBS alloy
Authors: Jiang Jiandi , Zhang Kun , Wu Guozhang
Published: November 2011

The effect of organoclay on phase morphology development of PA6/SEBS alloys had been investigated. PA6/SEBS blends of various compositions, with and without the presence of exfoliated organoclay in the PA6 phase, were prepared and the morphology and thermal expansion of these blends were examined. The results suggested that at compositions where PA6 remains as the matrix domain, the presence of the organoclay had little or no effect upon the blends morphology, PA6/SEBS alloy with SEBS as the matrix could evolve from sea‐island to cocontinuous structure after 5 phr organoclay were added. Significant reduction in the coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) along theflow direction and furthermore improving the heat distortion temperature of the injection‐molded PA6/SEBS/organoclay ternary nanocomposites was observed due to the formation of a total stable and fine cocontinuous nanolayer structure. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
The potential of photovoltaic carports to cover the energy demand of road passenger transport
Authors: Neumann Hans‐Martin , Schär Daniel , Baumgartner Franz
Published: November 2011

Transport accounts for 31% of Swiss green house gas emissions due to the high degree of oil dependence in transport energy supply. The emissions of transport could be reduced significantly if all the vehicles that ran on fossil fuels would be replaced by electric vehicles powered by photovoltaic solar energy. Compared with other sources of renewable transport energy, photovoltaic generation of electricity has two advantages: it requires little space and can also be applied to built‐up areas or transport infrastructure. In this paper, we will examine the potential of parking lots for the photovoltaic generation of solar electricity. The paper is based on simulations that were carried out for 48 parking lots in Frauenfeld, a typical Swiss medium‐sized city of 22 665 inhabitants. Covered with solar carports, these parking lots alone would cover 15–40% of the energy demand by the city's road passenger transport. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
H‐bond network optimization in protein–protein complexes: Are all‐atom force field scores enough?
Authors: Masone Diego , Cabeza de Vaca Israel , Pons Carles , Recio Juan Fernandez , Guallar Victor
Published: November 2011

Structural prediction of protein–protein complexes given the structures of the two interacting compounds in their unbound state is a key problem in biophysics. In addition to the problem of sampling of near‐native orientations, one of the modeling main difficulties is to discriminate true from false positives. Here, we present a hierarchical protocol for docking refinement able to discriminate near native poses from a group of docking candidates. The main idea is to combine an efficient sampling of the full system hydrogen bond network and side chains, together with an all‐atom force field and a surface generalized born implicit solvent. We tested our method on a set of twenty two complexes containing a near‐native solution within the top 100 docking poses, obtaining a near native solution as the top pose in 70% of the cases. We show that all atom force fields optimized H‐bond networks do improve significantly state of the art scoring functions. Proteins 2011. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6: questions and answers
Authors: Pellett Philip E. , Ablashi Dharam V. , Ambros Peter F. , Agut Henri , Caserta Mary T. , Descamps Vincent , Flamand Louis , Gautheret‐Dejean Agnès , Hall Caroline B. , Kamble Rammurti T. , Kuehl Uwe , Lassner Dirk , Lautenschlager Irmeli , Loomis Kristin S. , Luppi Mario , Lusso Paolo , Medveczky Peter G. , Montoya Jose G. , Mori Yasuko , Ogata Masao , Pritchett Joshua C. , Rogez Sylvie , Seto Edward , Ward Katherine N. , Yoshikawa Tetsushi , Razonable Raymund R.
Published: November 2011

Chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 (ciHHV‐6) is a condition in which the complete HHV‐6 genome is integrated into the host germ line genome and is vertically transmitted in a Mendelian manner. The condition is found in less than 1% of controls in the USA and UK, but has been found at a somewhat higher prevalence in transplant recipients and other patient populations in several small studies. HHV‐6 levels in whole blood that exceed 5.5 log10 copies/ml are strongly suggestive of ciHHV‐6. Monitoring DNA load in plasma and serum is unreliable, both for identifying and for monitoring subjects with ciHHV‐6 due to cell lysis and release of cellular DNA. High HHV‐6 DNA loads associated with ciHHV‐6 can lead to erroneous diagnosis of active infection. Transplant recipients with ciHHV‐6 may be at increased risk for bacterial infection and graft rejection. ciHHV‐6 can be induced to a state of active viral replication in vitro. It is not known whether ciHHV‐6 individuals are put at clinical risk by the use of drugs that have been associated with HHV‐6 reactivation in vivo or in vitro. Nonetheless, we urge careful observation when use of such drugs is indicated in individuals known to have ciHHV‐6. Little is known about whether individuals with ciHHV‐6 develop immune tolerance for viral proteins. Further research is needed to determine the role of ciHHV‐6 in disease. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Karyotyping of barley chromosomes by a new fluorescence banding technique combined with scanning probe microscopy
Authors: Sugiyama Shigeru , Yoshino Tomoyuki , Hirose Tamaki , Ohtani Toshio
Published: November 2011

Fluorescence banding has been used to classify chromosomes, except those of barley. Four of the seven barley chromosomes are indistinguishable by length or arm ratio. C‐banding has been used for classification; however, it requires a long aging period. Here, we describe a new fluorescence banding method for barley. The chromosomes are treated with warm acetate followed by staining with a fluorescent dye, YOYO‐1. Using this method, all seven barley chromosomes can be clearly distinguished. Atomic force microscopy and scanning near‐field microscopy analyses revealed that the surfaces of the banded chromosomes were flat, indicating that the fluorescence intensity reflected the internal DNA density or condensation of chromatin. SCANNING 34: 186–190, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization and Function of Histamine Receptors in Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cells
Authors: Nemeth Krisztian , Wilson Todd , Rada Balazs , Parmelee Alissa , Mayer Balazs , Buzas Edit , Falus Andras , Key Sharon , Masszi Tamas , Karpati Sarolta , Mezey Eva
Published: November 2011

There are several clinical trials worldwide using bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) as a cellular therapy to modulate immune responses in patients suffering from various inflammatory conditions. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in this modulatory effect could help us design better, more effective protocols to treat immune mediated diseases. In this study, we demonstrated that human BMSCs express H1, H2, and H4 histamine receptors and they respond to histamine stimulation with an increased interleukin 6 (IL-6) production both in vitro and in vivo. Using different receptor antagonists, we pinpointed the importance of the H1 histamine receptor, while Western blot analysis and application of various mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors highlighted the role of p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase kinases in the observed effect. When BMSCs were pretreated with either histamine or degranulated human mast cells, they exhibited an enhanced IL-6-dependent antiapoptotic effect on neutrophil granulocytes. Based on these observations, it is likely that introduction of BMSCs into a histamine-rich environment (such as any allergic setting) or pretreatment of these cells with synthetic histamine could have a significant modulatory effect on the therapeutic potential of BMSCs.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Prevalence of levator ani muscle injury in Chinese women after first delivery
Authors: Chan S. S. C. , Cheung R. Y. K. , Yiu A. K. W. , Lee L. L. L. , Pang A. W. L. , Choy K. W. , Leung T. Y. , Chung T. K. H.
Published: November 2011

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of levator ani muscle injury in Chinese women after their first delivery and investigate associated factors.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted involving Chinese nulliparous women recruited in the first trimester of pregnancy. Translabial ultrasound was performed at 35–38 weeks' gestation and 8 weeks postpartum and three‐dimensional volume datasets were obtained. Offline analysis to detect levator ani muscle injury was performed by investigators blinded to the delivery details.

Results

339 women, with a mean age of 30.6 ± 3.9 years, completed the study. Overall, 201 (59.3%) had a spontaneous vaginal delivery, 62 (18.3%) an operative vaginal delivery (48 ventouse extraction and 14 forceps delivery), 14 (4.1%) an elective Cesarean section and 62 (18.3%) an emergency Cesarean section. No levator ani muscle injury was detected in any woman antenatally. After vaginal delivery, 57 (21.7% (95% CI, 16.7–26.7%)) women had levator ani muscle injury. The rates of injury for spontaneous vaginal delivery, ventouse extraction and forceps delivery were 15.4%, 33.3% and 71.4%, respectively. There was no levator ani muscle injury in the Cesarean section groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that only operative vaginal delivery (odds ratio, 3.09) was associated with an independent increase in the likelihood of levator ani muscle injury. Intrapartum epidural analgesics, duration of second stage of labor and infant birth weight were not independently associated with levator ani muscle injury.

Conclusions

The prevalence of levator ani muscle injury in Chinese women after their first vaginal delivery was 21.7% (95% CI, 16.7–26.7%). Operative vaginal delivery was found to increase the likelihood of women suffering such injury. A longer follow‐up of these women and future studies on the effects of episiotomy are proposed. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inter‐ and intraobserver variability in three‐dimensional ultrasound assessment of the endometrial–myometrial junction and factors affecting its visualization
Authors: Naftalin J. , Hoo W. , Nunes N. , Mavrelos D. , Nicks H. , Jurkovic D.
Published: November 2011

Objective

To assess the inter‐ and intraobserver variability of three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound assessment of the endometrial–myometrial junction (EMJ), and to assess demographic and physiological factors that affect the quality of its imaging.

Methods

Women attending our gynecology clinic, who were deemed to have normal uteri on transvaginal ultrasound examination, were enrolled in this prospective study. They underwent 3D volume acquisition of the entire uterus in order to acquire a coronal view of the organ. Visualization of EMJs was classified as optimal, satisfactory or unsatisfactory. In order to assess the intra‐ and interobserver variabilities of the classification system, the volumes were classified by two independent observers on two separate occasions. The same classification system was then used to evaluate the EMJs of 101 women who were deemed to have normal uteri on transvaginal ultrasound examination. The results were correlated with age, parity, stage of cycle, menopausal status and endometrial thickness in order to assess whether any of these factors affect visualization of the EMJ.

Results

A total of 30 uterine volumes were examined in the first analysis. Both the inter‐ and intraobserver variability were good (kappa values of 0.77 and 0.83). Of the 101 EMJs assessed in the second analysis, 47 were classified as optimal, 42 as satisfactory and 12 as unsatisfactory. Endometrial thickness was positively associated with EMJ visualization and parity was negatively associated with EMJ visualization.

Conclusions

Assessment of EMJ visualization has both good inter‐ and intraobserver variability in women with normal uteri. Parity and endometrial thickness have contrasting, statistically significant, effects on visualization of the EMJ. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Channel capacity and bit error rate optimization of the ultra‐wide bandwidth transmitted‐reference receiver
Authors: Wang Shuyi , Chen Yunfei , Leeson Mark , Beaulieu Norman C.
Published: November 2011

The channel capacity and the bit error rate of ultra‐wide bandwidth transmitted‐reference systems are optimized with respect to time delay between the reference and the adjacent data pulses. Approximate and theoretical expressions for the signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio are derived. Numerical results show that optimizing the receiver can provide a significant capacity improvement of up to 2.2 bits/s/GHz and a bit error rate performance gain of up to 2 dB in effective signal‐to‐noise ratio. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enabling opportunistic and dynamic spectrum access through learning techniques
Authors: Alsaleh Omar , Venkatraman Pavithra , Hamdaoui Bechir , Fern Alan
Published: November 2011

The expected shortage in spectrum supply is well understood to be primarily due to the inefficient, static nature of current spectrum allocation policies. In order to address this problem, Federal Communications Commission promotes the so called opportunistic spectrum access (OSA) to be applied on cognitive radio networks (CRNs). In short, the idea behind OSA is allowing unlicensed users to use unused licensed spectra as long as they do not cause interference to licensed users. In this paper, we present and evaluate learning schemes that allow unlicensed users to locate and use spectrum opportunities effectively, thus improving efficiency of CRNs. We separately consider two models: single and multiple unlicensed user(s). For the latter model, we present two schemes: noncooperative and cooperative Q‐learning. All proposed schemes do not require prior knowledge or prediction models of the environment's dynamics and behaviors, yet can still achieve high performance by learning from interaction with the environment. Using simulations, we show that the proposed schemes achieve good performances in terms of throughput and fairness. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bacteriologic and Nutritional Evaluation of a Commercial Raw Meat Diet as Part of a Raw Meat Safety Program
Authors: Singleton Cora , Wack Raymund , Larsen R. Scott
Published: November 2011

This study evaluated selected bacteriologic and nutritional components of a commercially prepared ground raw horsemeat diet as part of a raw meat safety program. Six lots of meat were analyzed in triplicate. Frozen meat samples were thawed for 44 hr at 5°C. Meat samples were tested at three times during thawing (t= 0, 24, 44 hr) for selected bacteria. Samples were screened forSalmonellasp. using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Escherichia coliand total coliform bacteria were quantified using a ready‐made culture medium system. Proximate, energy, macro and trace mineral composition was determined at a reference laboratory.Salmonellasp. antigen was detected in one sample of meat att= 0 hr. Frozen meat samples had low average maximum expected numbers ofE. coliand coliforms. The average maximum number ofE. colidid not change significantly att= 24 or 44 hr, but the average maximum number of coliforms increased significantly byt= 44 hr. These bacteriologic tests were easily incorporated into a raw meat safety program. Median concentrations of moisture, dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, ash, calcium, and phosphorus conformed to the guaranteed analysis but median crude fiber exceeded the guaranteed maximum. Median magnesium, potassium, and sodium concentrations conformed to the approximate nutrient content. Median concentrations of copper exceeded, whereas iron, zinc, and manganese fell below, the approximate nutrient content. Median copper and manganese concentrations exceeded the National Research Council's recommendation for adult domestic cats, whereas iron and zinc were below the National Research Council's recommendations for adult cats. Zoo Biol 31:574‐585, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.