bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Confirmation of the Zechi‐Ceide syndrome
Authors: Patil Siddaramappa J. , Bhat Venkatraman , Dalal Ashwin , Santosh J. Samuel
Published: May 2012

Atretic cephaloceles associated with multiple congenital anomalies are known to follow either autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive patterns of inheritance. Zechi‐Ceide syndrome (OMIM 612916) is an autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by an occipital atretic cephalocele, characteristic facial features, and large feet. Here we describe a patient with findings fitting Zechi‐Ceide syndrome, in whom some of the manifestations were also present in his mother, indicating either autosomal dominant inheritance with variable expression, X‐linked inheritance, or a manifesting carrier of an autosomal recessive inheritance. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reduced fractional anisotropy in the uncinate fasciculus in patients with major depression carrying the met‐allele of the Val66Met brain‐derived neurotrophic factor genotype
Authors: Carballedo A. , Amico F. , Ugwu I. , Fagan A.J. , Fahey C. , Morris D. , Meaney J.F. , Leemans A. , Frodl T.
Published: May 2012

Experimental studies support a neurotrophic hypothesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Val66Met brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) polymorphism on the white matter fiber tracts connecting hippocampus and amygdala with the prefrontal lobe in a sample of patients with MDD and healthy controls. Thirty‐seven patients with MDD and 42 healthy volunteers were recruited. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data with 61 diffusion directions were obtained with MRI 3 Tesla scanner. Deterministic tractography was applied with ExploreDTI and Val66Met BDNF SNP (rs6265) was genotyped. Fiber tracts connecting the hippocampus and amygdala with the prefrontal lobe, namely uncinate fasciculus (UF), fornix, and cingulum were analyzed. A significant interaction was found in the UF between BDNF alleles and diagnosis. Patients carrying the BDNF met‐allele had smaller fractional anisotropy (FA) in the UF compared to those patients homozygous for val‐allele and compared to healthy subjects carrying the met‐allele. A significant three‐way interaction was detected between region of the cingulum (dorsal, rostral, and parahippocampal regions), brain hemisphere and BDNF genotype. Larger FA was detectable in the left rostral cingulum for met‐allele carriers when compared to val/val alelle carriers. We provide evidence for the importance of the neurotrophic involvement in limbic and prefrontal connections. The met‐allele of the BDNF polymorphism seems to render subjects more vulnerable for dysfunctions associated with the UF, a tract known to be related to negative emotional–cognitive processing bias, declarative memory problems, and autonoetic self awareness. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Column adsorption of chromium(VI) by strong alkaline anion‐exchange fiber
Authors: Wang Wenqing , Li Mingyu , Zeng Qingxuan
Published: May 2012

The removal of chromium(VI) from saturated sodium chloride (NaCl) solution by strong alkaline anion‐exchange fiber (SAAEF) was achieved with column experiments. Factors affecting the adsorption, such as the pH value, loading density, flow rate, and operational temperature, were investigated. The results show that Cr(VI) removal was remarkably pH dependent. The optimal operational conditions were as follows: pH value = 2.0, loading density = 0.12–0.19 g/cm3, room temperature, and flow rate = 6–12 BV/h. The SAAEF column could be regenerated completely by 2% NaOH in saturated NaCl or 2% KOH in 15% KCl as an eluent. Cr(VI) was recycled as Na2Cr2O7 and K2Cr2O7, respectively. The desorption rate of Cr(VI) reached 98.09%. The adsorption ability of the SAAEFs was stable after repeated use. Overall, the results indicate that SAAEF proved to be an effective material for the adsorption of high concentrations of Cr(VI) from a saturated NaCl solution. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
The influence of mechanical cold drawing and drawing velocity on the molecular structure of isotactic polypropylene fiber
Authors: Sokkar T. Z. N. , El‐Bakary M. A. , Ali A. M.
Published: May 2012

The main goal of this work study is to study the influence of mechanical cold drawing and drawing velocity on the molecular orientation and physical structure parameters of isotactic polypropylene, iPP, fibers. A Video Opto‐ Mechanical device (VOM) attached with automatic multiple‐beam interferometric technique was used to cold draw iPP fibers at different draw ratio and drawing velocity. The molecular structure of iPP fiber was characterized by measuring the refractive indices, birefringence, optical orientation function, orientation angle, the percentage of the volume fraction of amorphous and crystalline regions, density and the mean square density fluctuation. The obtained microinterferograms of multiple beam interference fringes were enhanced and the noises were removed by using Fourier transform method. The obtained contour lines were analyzed via a software program for fiber refractive index determination. The results show that the drawing velocity has a less effect than the draw ratio on the molecular structure of iPP fiber. The contour lines of microinterferograms are given for illustration. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Preparation of core–shell latex for the pigmented ink of textile inkjet printing
Authors: Fu Shaohai , Tian Anli , Du Changsen , Wang Chaoxia
Published: May 2012

A core–shell latex comprising poly(butyl acrylate) as core and poly(styrene‐methyl methacrylate) as shell was synthesized by emulsion polymerization using allyloxy nonylphenoxy propanol polyoxyethylene ether ammonium sulfonate (ANPS) as emulsifier. Transmission electron microscope, differential scanning calorimeter, and thermogravimetric analyses suggested the prepared latex had a core–shell structure. The particle size of the core–shell latex was about 102.8 nm with a molar ratio of butylacrylate, methyl methacrylate, and styrene at 6 : 2 : 2, a mass ratio of ANPS and monomers, ammonium persulfate and monomers at 15% and 1.0%, respectively. The core–shell latex showed high centrifugal stability and excellent freeze‐thaw stability. The clogging nozzle rate of the pigmented ink containing 20 wt % core–shell latex was small, whereas the printed fabrics with this pigmented ink exhibited high rub and washing fastness. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of plasticized poly(L‐lactic acid)
Authors: Ge Huanhuan , Yang Fan , Hao Yanping , Wu Guangfeng , Zhang Huiliang , Dong Lisong
Published: May 2012

Polylactide (PLA) is an attractive candidate for replacing petrochemical polymers because it is biodegradable. In this study, a specific PLA 2002D was melt‐mixed with a new plasticizer: glycerol monostearate (GMS). The PLA/GMS blends with different ratios were analyzed by dynamic mechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Although a slightly phase separation can be seen in DSC curves, the SEM micrographs of the impact fracture surfaces of PLA/GMS blends had a relatively good separation and this phenomenon was in good agreement with their higher impact strength. The result showed that the adding of GMS has enhanced the flexibility of PLA/GMS blends as compared to neat PLA. The relationship between complex viscosity and angular frequency of the PLA/GMS blends exhibits that the melt viscosity substantially lower than that of neat PLA. For example, at 10 rad/s, the melt viscosity of PLA/GMS (85/15) was reduced by about 7.2% compared to that of neat PLA. The impact strength was changed from 4.7 KJ/m2 for neat PLA to 48.2 KJ/m2 for 70/30 PLA/GMS blend. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
High temperature resistant silane/zirconium‐oxocluster hybrid copolymers containing “free” thiol/ene functionalities in the polymer matrix
Authors: Maggini Simona , Cappelletto Elisa , Maggio Rosa Di
Published: May 2012

Inorganic–organic hybrid copolymers are promising materials where the size of the inorganic/organic domains, the phase continuity and the interface between the domains play an important role in their behavior. Two types of hybrid copolymers composed of 3‐butynoate‐substituted zirconium‐oxoclusters covalently bonded to a (3‐mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane or a vinyltrimethoxysilane matrix are investigated in bulk. Their properties are directly correlated with the degree of condensation of the silanes and the alkyne‐3‐mercaptopropyl or alkyne‐vinyl interface. Both copolymers show storage moduli and glass‐transition temperatures (TgG″) above 130 MPa and 230°C. However, the more impressive results are achieved with the (3‐mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane copolymer where a TgG″ of about 300°C holds over six dynamical mechanical spectroscopy analyses. In addition to their excellent thermo‐mechanical proprieties, the copolymers show unreacted 3‐mercaptopropyl or vinyl groups which could be employed either in direct usage of the materials or for post‐functional modifications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Environment‐sensitive carbon nanotube/polymer composite microhydrogels synthesized via a microfluidic reactor
Authors: Hou Chengyi , Ji Leipeng , Zhang Qinghong , Li Yaogang , Wang Hongzhi
Published: May 2012

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) composite microhydrogels are simply synthesized with controllable size distribution via a microfluidic reactor system. Monomers (N‐isopropylacrylamide and acrylic acid) are rapidly copolymerized (about 3 s) with the embedding of nanoscaled inorganic materials (MWCNTs and hectorites) in microfluidic channels. MWCNTs/hectorites act as “molecular heater” and inorganic crosslinkers in this hydrogel system. As a result, microminiaturization, multifunctionalizaion, and modification of traditional polymer hydrogels are realized simultaneously. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is used to confirm polymerization and environment‐sensitive tests are done as well. The resultant microgels exhibit dual near‐infrared and pH response with good reversibility, indicating their potential applications in microreactor fields. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Diffusion measurements of isopentane, 1‐hexene, cyclohexane in polyethylene particles by the intelligent gravimetric analyzer
Authors: Chen Meijuan , Wang Jingdai , Jiang Binbo , Yang Yongrong
Published: May 2012

The diffusion coefficients of isopentane (i‐C5H12), 1‐hexene (C6H12), cyclohexane (C6H14) in polyethylene particles were measured by a highly sensible microbalance—intelligent gravimetric analyzer, using the desorption method with N2as a bypassing gas. Both the effective diffusion coefficients (Deff) and dilute diffusion coefficients ($D_{{\rm{eff}}}^\sim $) were measured simultaneously. It was found that$D_{{\rm{eff}}}^\sim $was about one magnitude smaller thanDeffand the logarithmic form of$D_{{\rm{eff}}}^\sim $was linear with that ofDeff. In addition, the effects of particle size and distribution, polymer properties (e.g., the crystallinity and melt index), and operating conditions (e.g., temperature and pressure) onDeffwere systematically investigated. The results showed thatDeffincreased linearly with the increase of the square of particle size. The diffusion behaviors of hydrocarbons in polyethylene are of great importance in the polymerization and purging processes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Morphology stabilization of the polypropylene/polystyrene nanoblends prepared by diffusion and polymerization of styrene in isotactic polypropylene pellets during melt mixing by the incorporation of divinylbenzene
Authors: Yao Xue‐Rong , Wang Li , Guo Zhao‐Xia , Yu Jian
Published: May 2012

Divinylbenzene (DVB) was used as a comonomer of styrene (St) during the preparation of polypropylene/polystyrene (PP/PS) nanoblends by diffusion and polymerization of St in isotactic PP pellets to make the PS domains crosslinked and further to reduce the coalescence of the PS domains during melt mixing. Different morphologies were obtained after melt mixing with different amounts of the initiator benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and DVB, which was explained by different morphology evolutions during melt mixing with different crosslinked structures of the PS chains. With relatively high amounts of BPO and DVB, the nanosized PS domains almost kept their shape and size, and only simple aggregates of a few PS particles with an average size of 130 nm were observed after melt mixing of the PP/PS blends. It can be concluded that DVB is useful for morphology stabilization of the PP/PS nanoblends during subsequent melt processing. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Enzymatic degradation of polylactide/layered silicate nanocomposites: Effect of organic modifiers
Authors: Singh Narendra K. , Purkayastha Biswa Pratim Das , Panigrahi Muktikanta , Gautam Rajeev K. , Banik Rathindra M. , Maiti Pralay
Published: May 2012

Biodegradable polylactide (PLA)/layered silicate nanocomposites have been prepared via solution route using two different kinds of organically modified nanoclays. The nanostructure as observed from wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction indicates intercalated hybrids and the extent of intercalation depends on the type of organic modifiers used. Melt‐quenched PLA and its nanocomposites are predominantly amorphous but, after annealing, they are fairly crystalline. The nanohybrids show significant improvement in thermal properties as compared to neat polymer. The nature of interaction between nanoclays and matrix polymer depends on the organic modifiers used, as evident from varying heat of fusion and shifting of Fourier transform infrared peaks. The nanoclays act as nucleating agent, and thereby, control the spherulite dimension of the matrix. The comparison of biodegradation of PLA and its nanocomposites has been studied in enzyme, compost, and buffer solution. Biodegradability of PLA has significantly been enhanced in the presence of nanoclays and the rate varies on organic modifications. The surface morphology, before and after enzymatic degradation, confirms the relative rate of degradation through laser scanning confocal images, scanning electron microscope, and atomic force microscope. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Cropping pattern choice with proximity to ethanol production and animal feeding operations
Authors: Khanal Sami , Anex Robert P. , Gelder Brian K. , Dixon Philip , Caragea Petrutza
Published: May 2012

Growing demand for corn due to the expansion of corn ethanol production has increased concerns that corn demand will be met by growing corn more intensively and shifting cropland from cropping systems with lower environmental impact into continuous corn (CC). Cropping system choice may also be influenced by the advantage of the high nutrient uptake of CC, which allows higher manure application rates and lowers manure management costs. A binary logistic regression model is used to estimate the probability of crop rotation choice as a function of proximity to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and ethanol plants during 2004/2005 and 2006/2007 in the Des Moines Lobe region of Iowa. The probability of CC is found to be elevated in the vicinity of large hog operations as well as in a larger area around ethanol plants. The probability of CC around hog‐feeding operations decreases rapidly with distance away from the facility, but the large number of hog facilities in the region results in a large cumulative influence. Understanding the multiple motivations for cropping system choices is vital to forming effective agricultural policy. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Mediators of induced pluripotency and their role in cancer cells – current scientific knowledge and future perspectives
Authors: Bernhardt Mathias , Galach Marta , Novak Daniel , Utikal Jochen
Published: May 2012

The discovery that overexpression of the transcription factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c‐Myc reprograms differentiated cells into “induced pluripotent stem cells” (iPSCs) has extended our understanding of mechanisms required to maintain stem cell pluripotency and to drive differentiation. Subsequently, additional factors have been discovered that are able to induce a pluripotent state. Recently several groups have succeeded in reprogramming cancer cells to iPSC‐like induced pluripotent cancer cells by use of the method established for the generation of iPSCs. This discovery highlighted several striking similarities between pluripotent stem cells and cancer cells, in turn implying that tumorigenesis and reprogramming are partly promoted by overlapping mechanisms. Thus, research on reprogramming might help unravel the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and vice versa. This review gives an overview of the common features of pluripotent stem cells and cancer cells and summarizes the present state of knowledge in the field of cancer cell reprogramming.
An Examination of the Preventive Process: Comparison of Behaviour and Education Support Team Work with Children's Services
Authors: Sheppard Michael , Clibbens John
Published: May 2012

Behaviour and Education Support Teams (BESTs) were developed as a significant element of the Every Child Matters programme. Although varying in composition, they were generally designed to provide support for groups of schools in relation to behavioural, emotional and educational issues. They have not been subject, however, to a great deal of published research and their development, furthermore, raised significant issues about prevention and the preventive process, in particular the capacity to reach vulnerable children and families where thresholds for mainstream services were high. This paper, comparing a BEST with a children's services team, examines the nature of work undertaken. It shows the ‘service on offer’ from the two agencies differed markedly, with BESTs undertaking a more child‐focused approach. The implications of the development of additional services for prevention and the preventive process are discussed Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Designed to provide support for groups of schools in relation to behavioural, emotional and educational issues’

Key Practitioner Message

Social intervention teams closely related to schools can provide an alternative to conventional children's services

They work with groups different from children's services and at an earlier stage of prevention and hence have added value, particularly where children's services thresholds are high.

They work differently from children's services with a characteristically more individualised child-focus rather than parenting and family-focused modus operandi. Which approach is more beneficial, however, is as yet unclear.
Longitudinal compression of the platinum‐chromium everolimus‐eluting stent during coronary implantation: Predisposing mechanical properties, incidence, and predictors in a large patient cohort
Authors: Leibundgut Gregor , Gick Michael , Toma Aurel , Valina Christian , Löffelhardt Nikolaus , Joachim Büttner Heinz , Neumann Franz‐Josef
Published: May 2012

Objectives: To assess the longitudinal compression behavior of platinum‐chromium everolimus‐eluting stents, evaluate frequency of inadvertent longitudinal compression during percutaneous intervention, and define patient‐ and lesion‐related predictors of this complication. Background: Platinum‐chromium stents of Element family have unique design features to improve flexibility that may, however, impair longitudinal stability. Incidence of longitudinal stent compression during implantation and predictors for this complication are not well understood. Methods: Five contemporary stent platforms were longitudinally compressed in a bench test experiment, and spring constant, yield force, and ultimate strength were calculated from force‐strain curves. We also evaluated all coronary cases treated with an Element stent from January 1, 2010, to October 31, 2011, for documented longitudinal compression. We compared baseline characteristics and periprocedural data between patients with and without longitudinal stent compression and assessed predictors for this event by multiple logistic regression models. Results: Yield force and ultimate strength were significantly lower for the Element compared with all other tested stents. In 20 patients (1.4%) and 20 lesions (0.7%) from 1,392 cases with 2,839 atherosclerotic lesions longitudinal stent compression was reported. Ostial segments, number of stents, and the presence of a bifurcation were significant predictors (adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 8.33 [3.30–21.28], 1.57 [1.01–2.45], 3.57 [1.36–9.35], respectively). Conclusion: The Element stent exhibits the lowest overall longitudinal strength compared with four contemporary platforms. Longitudinal compression of the Element stent is a rare complication and occurs more frequently in ostial or bifurcation lesions and with multiple stents. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Device closure of paravalvular defects following transcatheter aortic valve replacement with the Edwards Sapien valve
Authors: Whisenant Brian , Jones Kent , Horton Kenneth D. , Horton Steve
Published: May 2012

Paravalvular aortic insufficiency (AI) is observed in the majority of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). While paravalvular AI is most commonly modest following TAVR, moderate or severe AI was seen in 10.5% and 6.8% of the PARTNER inoperable and high‐risk cohorts at 1 year and has been reportedly associated with dyspnea and diminished survival. We report two cases of transcatheter heart valve (THV) associated paravalvular defects closed using catheter delivered devices. Both patients derived hemodynamic and symptomatic improvement from device closure. Additional research is warranted to define the adverse consequences of THV associated AI, indications for treatment, and risks associated with device closure of these defects. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Switching antiplatelet regimens: Alternatives to clopidogrel in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing PCI: A review of the literature and practical considerations for the interventional cardiologist
Authors: Azmoon Shahdad , Angiolillo Dominick J.
Published: May 2012

Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin plus a P2Y12receptor inhibitor is the cornerstone of treatment for patients with acute coronary syndrome and in those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Clopidogrel is the most widely used P2Y12receptor inhibitor. Despite the clinical benefits associated with adjunctive clopidogrel therapy, a considerable number of patients continue to experience recurrent cardiovascular events. Importantly, the interindividual response to clopidogrel is variable and is affected by multiple factors, including genetic polymorphisms and drugs that interfere with the conversion of clopidogrel to its active metabolite. The individual variability to clopidogrel‐induced antiplatelet effects has significant clinical implications that can result in an increased risk of atherothrombotic recurrences, including stent thrombosis. The introduction of novel P2Y12receptor inhibitors, such as prasugrel or ticagrelor, characterized by more potent and consistent platelet inhibitory effects, represents an opportunity for clinicians to consider these alternative therapies to overcome the limitations of clopidogrel. Understanding the strategies and implications of switching antiplatelet treatment regimens is, therefore, key in the clinical setting. This article provides an overview of the literature on switching antiplatelet treatment strategies and practical considerations for the interventional cardiologist. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nine‐month results of the REFORM study
Authors: Bersin Robert M. , Ansel Gary , Rizzo Anthony , Bob Smouse H. , Sinha Shantanu , Sachar Ravish , Dave Rajesh , Weinstock Barry S. , Feldman Robert , Roubin Gary S.
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To evaluate the 9‐month safety and effectiveness outcomes of the Formula™ balloon‐expandable renal stent (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN) for the treatment of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (RAS) following suboptimal angioplasty.

Background

Atherosclerotic RAS can cause hypertension and ischemic nephropathy. When clinically indicated, an interventional approach with renal angioplasty and stent implantation is the preferred method for revascularization of atherosclerotic renal artery stenoses.

Methods

The REFORM study is a prospective, multicenter, single‐arm study of stent implantation following suboptimal PTRA using the Formula stent. One hundred patients with atherosclerotic ostial renal artery lesions =18 mm in length with a >50% residual stenosis following PTA were enrolled. The primary endpoint was 9‐month primary patency.

Results

The 9‐month primary patency rate was 91.7%. The 9‐month major adverse event rate was 2.2%. Mean systolic blood pressure was significantly decreased at follow‐up (from 150 ± 21 mm Hg at baseline to 141 ± 21 mm Hg at 9 months; P = 0.003). Mean serum creatinine (SCr) level and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were not significantly different at 9 months. A clinically meaningful improvement in renal function (i.e., =25% increase in eGFR or =0.5 mg/dl decrease in SCr) was observed in 9% of patients at 1 month and 12% of patients at 9 months. A clinically meaningful decline in renal function (i.e., =25% decrease in eGFR or =0.5 mg/dl increase in SCr) was observed in only 3% of patients at 1 month and 7% of patients at 9 months.

Conclusions

The Formula stent was safe and effective in treating atherosclerotic RAS following suboptimal angioplasty. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Renal artery intervention using a virtual 4.5‐Fr guiding catheter
Authors: Takeshita Satoshi , Matsumi Junya , Saito Shigeru
Published: May 2012

A 6.5‐Fr guiding catheter (Parent Plus 45, Medikit, Tokyo, Japan), composed of a hydrophilic sheathless guiding catheter and a dilator, has recently been developed for the treatment of renal artery stenosis. Because of its unique sheathless configuration, its outer diameter is comparable to that of a conventional 4.5‐Fr introducer sheath, with the inner diameter being close in size to a 6.5‐Fr guiding catheter. These features allow this sheathless system to be used as the sole guiding catheter while the arterial damage at the puncture site remains equivalent to that of a 4.5‐Fr introducer sheath. We thus call this novel sheathless guiding catheter a virtual 4.5‐Fr system. To demonstrate the potential of this virtual 4.5‐Fr system, we report a case of renal artery stenosis successfully treated via the transradial route. This virtual 4.5‐Fr system may become a viable alternative to conventional guiding catheters, and provide a favorable impact upon vascular access complications and patient morbidity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of the MAC protocol in low rate wireless personal area networks with bursty ON–OFF traffic
Authors: Gao Jianliang , Hu Jia , Min Geyong , Xu Li
Published: May 2012

Supported by the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, embedded sensor networks have become popular and been widely deployed in recent years. The IEEE 802.15.4 medium access control (MAC) protocol is uniquely designed to meet the desirable requirements of the low end‐to‐end delay, low packet loss, and low power consumption in the low rate wireless personal areas networks (LR‐WPANs). This paper develops an analytical model to quantify the key performance metrics of the MAC protocol in LR‐WPANs with bursty ON–OFF traffic. This study fills the gap in the literature by removing the assumptions of saturated traffic or nonbursty unsaturated traffic conditions, which are unable to capture the characteristics of bursty multimedia traffic in sensor networks. This analytical model can be used to derive the QoS performance metrics in terms of throughput and total delay. The accuracy of the model is verified through NS‐2 (http://www.isi.edu/nsnam/ns/) simulation experiments. This model is adopted to investigate the performance of the MAC protocol in LR‐WPANs under various traffic patterns, different loads, and various numbers of stations. Numerical results show that the traffic patterns and traffic burstiness have a significant impact on the delay performance of LR‐WPANs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Triphasic Metacognitive Formulation of Problem Drinking
Authors: Spada Marcantonio M. , Caselli Gabriele , Wells Adrian
Published: May 2012

In this paper, a triphasic metacognitive formulation of problem drinking and its implications for treatment are presented together with a summary of the evidence consistent with this approach. In the triphasic formulation during the pre‐alcohol use phase, alcohol‐related triggers, in the form of cravings, images, memories or thoughts, activate positive metacognitive beliefs about extended thinking, which lead to desire thinking, rumination and worry or their combination. The activation of the latter brings to an escalation of cravings and negative affect, strengthening negative metacognitive beliefs about the need to control thoughts and enhancing the likelihood of alcohol use. In the alcohol use phase, positive metacognitive beliefs about alcohol use and a reduction in metacognitive monitoring contribute to dysregulation in alcohol use. Over the course of time and as the drinking problem escalates in severity, negative metacognitive beliefs about the uncontrollability of alcohol use and alcohol‐related thoughts emerge, contributing to the perseveration of dysregulated alcohol use. In the post‐alcohol use phase following the activation of positive metacognitive beliefs about post‐event rumination, the affective, cognitive and physiological consequences of dysregulated alcohol use become the subject of rumination. This, in turn, leads to a paradoxical increase in negative affect and alcohol‐related thoughts, together with the strengthening of negative metacognitive beliefs about such thoughts. Intermittent attempts to suppress alcohol‐related thoughts increase the likelihood of returning to use alcohol as a means of achieving self‐regulation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

A metacognitive formulation of problem drinking that may aid assessment, conceptualization and treatment across the problem drinking spectrum.
The impact of acute illness on HbA1c determination of undiagnosed diabetes
Authors: Thakker Urvi , Ellman Tovah , Magleby Reed , Graff Kirsten , Kelson James , Silverman Robert A.
Published: May 2012

Objective

To improve diabetes screening efforts, the American Diabetes Association now recommends haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) as a diagnostic test, increasing access to patients found in acute care environments. However, the influence of acute illness and care on HbA1c levels has not been well studied. To address this, we evaluated for intra‐patient differences in HbA1c assessed in the emergency department (ED) and after recovery from the acute illness.

Methods

Adult patients with no known history of diabetes were tested for HbA1c during an ED and scheduled follow‐up visit. HbA1c differences between the two visits were compared using limits of agreement with 95% confidence intervals. The frequency of individuals who changed diagnostic categories (using ≥6.5% to classify newly diagnosed diabetes) from ED to follow‐up was determined.

Results

A total of 589 patients were included with a mean age of 50 years, and 57/589 (9.7%) had an ED HbA1c ≥ 6.5% with the average follow‐up visit 45 days after the ED visit. The mean ED HbA1c was 5.67% (±0.86), and the follow‐up HbA1c was 5.65% (±0.89), (difference −0.0129%, 95% limits of agreement −0.740, 0.714). The ED and follow‐up HbA1c was highly correlated (r² = 0.829). Although on follow‐up almost all patients were classified in the same diagnostic category as in the ED, 17 patients had an HbA1c ≥ 6.5% in the ED and an HbA1c < 6.5%. On follow‐up most patients (14/17) still fell in an abnormal range (6.0–6.5%).

Conclusion

The HbA1c value is not substantially affected by acute illness and is feasible as a screening assay for diabetes in the acute care setting such as an ED. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IL‐33 attenuates EAE by suppressing IL‐17 and IFN‐γ production and inducing alternatively activated macrophages
Authors: Jiang Hui‐Rong , Milovanović Marija , Allan Debbie , Niedbala Wanda , Besnard Anne‐Galle , Fukada Sandra Y. , Alves‐Filho Jose C. , Togbe Dieudonnée , Goodyear Carl S. , Linington Christopher , Xu Damo , Lukic Miodrag L. , Liew Foo Y.
Published: May 2012

Interleukin (IL)‐33, a member of the IL‐1 cytokine family, is an important modulator of the immune system associated with several immune‐mediated disorders. High levels of IL‐33 are expressed by the central nervous system (CNS) suggesting a potential role of IL‐33 in autoimmune CNS diseases. We have investigated the expression and function of IL‐33 in the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice. We report here that IL‐33 and its receptor ST2 (IL‐33Rα) are highly expressed in spinal cord tissue, and ST2 expression is markedly increased in the spinal cords of mice with EAE. Furthermore, ST2‐deficient (ST2−/−) mice developed exacerbated EAE compared with wild‐type (WT) mice while WT, but not ST2−/− EAE mice treated with IL‐33 developed significantly attenuated disease. IL‐33‐treated mice had reduced levels of IL‐17 and IFN‐γ but produced increased amounts of IL‐5 and IL‐13. Lymph node and splenic macrophages of IL‐33‐treated mice showed polarization toward an alternatively activated macrophage (M2) phenotype with significantly increased frequency of MR+PD‐L2+ cells. Importantly, adoptive transfer of these IL‐33‐treated macrophages attenuated EAE development. Our data therefore demonstrate that IL‐33 plays a therapeutic role in autoimmune CNS disease by switching a predominantly pathogenic Th17/Th1 response to Th2 activity, and by polarization of anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophages.
Unlike CD4+ T‐cell help, CD28 costimulation is necessary for effective primary CD8+ T‐cell influenza‐specific immunity
Authors: Seah Shirley G.K. , Carrington Emma M. , Ng Wy C. , Belz Gabrielle T. , Brady Jamie L. , Sutherland Robyn M. , Hancock Manuela S. , La Gruta Nicole L. , Brown Lorena E. , Turner Stephen J. , Zhan Yifan , Lew Andrew M.
Published: May 2012

The importance of costimulation on CD4+ T cells has been well documented. However, primary CTLs against many infections including influenza can be generated in the absence of CD4+ T‐cell help. The role of costimulation under such “helpless” circumstances is not fully elucidated. Here, we investigated such a role for CD28 using CTLA4Ig transgenic (Tg) mice. To ensure valid comparison across the genotypes, we showed that all mice had similar naïve precursor frequencies and similar peak viral loads. In the absence of help, viral clearance was significantly reduced in CTLA4Ig Tg mice compared with WT mice. CD44+BrdU+influenza‐specific CD8+ T cells were diminished in CTLA4Ig Tg mice at days 5 and 8 postinfection. Adoptive transfer of ovalbumin‐specific transgenic CD8+ T cells (OT‐I)‐I cells into WT or CTLA4Ig Tg mice revealed that loss of CD28 costimulation resulted in impairment in OT‐I cell division. As shown previously, neither viral clearance nor the generation of influenza‐specific CD8+ T cells was affected by the absence of CD4+ T cells alone. In contrast, both were markedly impaired by CD28 blockade of “helpless” CD8+ T cells. We suggest that direct CD28 costimulation of CD8+ T cells is more critical in their priming during primary influenza infection than previously appreciated.
Lack of T cells in Act1‐deficient mice results in elevated IgM‐specific autoantibodies but reduced lupus‐like disease
Authors: Johnson Angela C. , Davison Laura M. , Giltiay Natalia V. , Vareechon Chairut , Li Xiaoxia , Jørgensen Trine N.
Published: May 2012

Act1 is a negative regulator of B‐cell activation factor of the TNF family (BAFF) and CD40L‐induced signaling. BALB/C mice lacking Act1 develop systemic autoimmunity resembling systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren's syndrome (SjS). SLE and SjS are characterized by anti‐nuclear IgG autoantibody (ANA‐IgG) production and inflammation of peripheral tissues. As autoantibody production can occur in a T‐cell dependent or T‐cell independent manner, we investigated the role of T‐cell help during Act1‐mediated autoimmunity. Act1‐deficiency was bred onto C57Bl/6 (B6.Act1−/−) mice and B6.TCRβ−/−TCRδ−/−Act1−/− (TKO) mice were generated. While TCRβ/δ‐sufficient B6.Act1−/− mice developed splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy, hypergammaglobulinemia, elevated levels of ANA‐IgG, and kidney pathology, TKO mice failed to develop any such signs of disease. Neither B6.Act1−/− nor TKO mice developed SjS‐like disease, suggesting that epigenetic interactions on the BALB/C background are responsible for this phenotype in BALB/C.Act1−/− mice. Interestingly, BAFF‐driven transitional B‐cell abnormalities, previously reported in BALB/C.Act1−/− mice, were intact in B6.Act1−/− mice and largely independent of T cells. In conclusion, T cells are necessary for the development of SLE‐like disease in B6.Act1−/− mice, but not BAFF‐driven transitional B‐cell differentiation.
Notch activation on effector T cells increases their sensitivity to Treg cell‐mediated suppression through upregulation of TGF‐βRII expression
Authors: Hue Sophie , Kared Hassen , Mehwish Younas , Mouhamad Shahul , Balbo Michelle , Levy Yves
Published: May 2012

Notch proteins play an important role in embryonic development and cell‐fate decisions. Notch influences also the activation and differentiation of peripheral T cells. Here, we investigated whether Notch signaling modulates the response of effector T cells to regulatory T (Treg) cells. Pre‐exposure of CD4+CD25− effector T cells to the Notch ligands Delta‐4 and Jagged‐1, but not Delta‐1, increases significantly effector T‐cell sensitivity to Treg cell‐mediated suppression through upregulation of TGF‐βRII expression and increased levels of the phosphorylated form of the Smad 3 protein. This effect is relieved by anti‐TGF‐β Abs. We demonstrate that HES (hairy and enhancer of split), the main transcription factor downstream of Notch, induces strong transactivation of TGF‐ßRII by binding the TGF‐βRII promoter through its DNA‐binding domain. Thus, the crosstalk between Notch and the TGF‐β pathway leads to potentiation of the suppressive effect of Treg cells.
Phenotypic and functional characteristics of CD4+CD39+ FOXP3+ and CD4+CD39+FOXP3neg T‐cell subsets in cancer patients
Authors: Schuler Patrick J. , Schilling Bastian , Harasymczuk Malgorzata , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Johnson Jonas , Lang Stephan , Whiteside Theresa L.
Published: May 2012

Human CD4+CD39+ regulatory T (Treg) cells hydrolyze exogenous adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and participate in immunosuppressive adenosine production. They contain two T‐cell subsets whose role in mediating suppression is not understood. Frequencies of both CD4+CD39+ subsets were evaluated in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 57 cancer patients and in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) of 6 patients. CD4+CD39+ and CD4+CD39neg T cells isolated using immunobeads and cell sorting were cultured under various conditions. Their conversion into CD39+FOXP3+CD25+ or CD39+FOXnegCD25neg cells was monitored by multiparameter flow cytometry. Hydrolysis of exogenous ATP was measured in luminescence assays. Two CD4+CD39+ cell subsets differing in expression of CD25, FOXP3, CTLA‐4, CD121a, PD‐1, latency associated peptide (LAP), glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP), and the cytokine profile accumulated with equal frequencies in the blood and tumor tissues of cancer patients. The frequency of both subsets was significantly increased in cancer. CD39 expression levels correlated with the subsets’ ability to hydrolyze ATP. Conventional CD4+CD39neg T cells incubated with IL‐2 + TGF‐β expanded to generate CD4+CD39+FOXP3+ Treg cells, while CD4+CD39+FOXP3negCD25neg subset cells stimulated via the TCR and IL‐2 converted to FOXP3+CTLA4+CD25+ TGF‐β‐expressing Treg cells. Among CD4+CD39+ Treg cells, the CD4+CD39+FOXP3negCD25neg subset serves as a reservoir of cells able to convert to Treg cells upon activation by environmental signals.
Defining a functionally distinct subset of human memory CD4+ T cells that are CD25POS and FOXP3NEG
Authors: Triplett Todd A. , Curti Brendan D. , Bonafede Peter R. , Miller William L. , Walker Edwin B. , Weinberg Andrew D.
Published: May 2012

Surface expression of the IL‐2 receptor α‐chain (CD25) has been used to discriminate between CD4+CD25HIFOXP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and CD4+CD25NEGFOXP3− non‐Treg cells. However, this study reports that the majority of resting human memory CD4+FOXP3− T cells expresses intermediate levels of CD25 and that CD25 expression can be used to delineate a functionally distinct memory subpopulation. The CD25NEG memory T‐cell population contains the vast majority of late differentiated cells that respond to antigens associated with chronic immune responses and are increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In contrast, the CD25INT memory T cells respond to antigens associated with recall responses, produce a greater array of cytokines, and are less dependent on costimulation for effector responses due to their expression of CD25. Lastly, compared to the CD25NEG and Treg‐cell populations, the CD25INT memory population is lost to a greater degree from the blood of cancer patients treated with IL‐2. Collectively, these results show that in humans, a large proportion of CD4+ memory T cells express intermediate levels of CD25, and this CD25INTFOXP3− subset is a functionally distinct memory population that is uniquely affected by IL‐2.
CD34‐derived dendritic cells transfected ex vivo with HIV‐Gag mRNA induce polyfunctional T‐cell responses in nonhuman primates
Authors: Romain Gabrielle , van Gulck Ellen , Epaulard Olivier , Oh SangKon , Li Dapeng , Zurawski Gerard , Zurawski Sandra , Cosma Antonio , Adam Lucille , Chapon Catherine , Todorova Biliana , Banchereau Jacques , Dereuddre‐Bosquet Nathalie , Vanham Guido , Le Grand Roger , Martinon Frédéric
Published: May 2012

The pivotal role of DCs in initiating immune responses led to their use as vaccine vectors. However, the relationship between DC subsets involved in antigen presentation and the type of elicited immune responses underlined the need for the characterization of the DCs generated in vitro. The phenotypes of tissue‐derived APCs from a cynomolgus macaque model for human vaccine development were compared with ex vivo‐derived DCs. Monocyte/macrophages predominated in bone marrow (BM) and blood. Myeloid DCs (mDCs) were present in all tested tissues and were more highly represented than plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs). As in human skin, Langerhans cells (LCs) resided exclusively in the macaque epidermis, expressing CD11c, high levels of CD1a and langerin (CD207). Most DC subsets were endowed with tissue‐specific combinations of PRRs. DCs generated from CD34+ BM cells (CD34‐DCs) were heterogeneous in phenotype. CD34‐DCs shared properties (differentiation and PRR) of dermal and epidermal DCs. After injection into macaques, CD34‐DCs expressing HIV‐Gag induced Gag‐specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells producing IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, MIP‐1β, or IL‐2. In high responding animals, the numbers of polyfunctional CD8+ T cells increased with the number of booster injections. This DC‐based vaccine strategy elicited immune responses relevant to the DC subsets generated in vitro.
Vanadium Analogues of Nonfunctionalized and Amino‐Functionalized MOFs with MIL‐101 Topology – Synthesis, Characterization, and Gas Sorption Properties (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 15/2012)
Authors: Biswas Shyam , Couck Sarah , Grzywa Maciej , Denayer Joeri F. M. , Volkmer Dirk , Van Der Voort Pascal
Published: May 2012

The cover picture shows a ball‐and‐stick model of the larger cage of the vanadium‐based metal–organic framework (MOF) having the MIL‐101 topology (MIL: Materials of the Institute Lavoisier; V: yellowish green octahedra, C: yellow, O: red). Similar to its chromium analogue, the structure is built up of trimeric [Va ball‐and‐stick model of the larger cage of the vanadium‐based metal?organic framework (MOF) having the MIL‐101 topology (MIL: Materials of the Institute Lavoisier; V: yellowish green octahedra, C: yellow, O: red). Similar to its chromium analogue, the structure is built up of trimeric [V3(μ3‐O)Cl(DMF)2]6+ (DMF: N,N′‐dimethylformamide) units that are interconnected by 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate (BDC2–) linkers to form supertetrahedra (ST). The ST are further connected to each other to obtain the augmented zeolite Mobil Thirty‐Nine (MTN) type of framework, which consists of smaller and larger mesoporous cages having diameters of 29 and 34 Å, respectively. The redox‐active MOF material exhibits a high uptake of nitrogen and of carbon dioxide. Details are discussed in the article by P. Van Der Voort et al. on p. 2481 ff.

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Au‐TiO2/Graphene Nanocomposite Film for Electrochemical Sensing of Hydrogen Peroxide and NADH
Authors: Fan Yang , Yang Xin , Yang Chunpeng , Liu Jinhang
Published: May 2012

We describe a simple method for preparing Au‐TiO2/graphene (GR) nanocomposite by deposition of Au nanoparticles (NPs) on TiO2/GR substrates. The as‐prepared Au‐TiO2/GR was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The presence of Au NPs on TiO2/GR surface remarkably improves the electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and β‐nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). The Au‐TiO2/GR modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode exhibits good amperometric response to H2O2 and NADH, with linear range from 10 to 200 µM and 10 to 240 µM, and detection limit of 0.7 and 0.2 µM, respectively.
Combining historical and process perspectives to infer ranges of geomorphic variability and inform river restoration in a wandering gravel‐bed river
Authors: Woelfle‐Erskine Cleo , Wilcox Andrew C. , Moore Johnnie N.
Published: May 2012

Restoration approaches such as dam removal and channel reconstruction have moved beyond the realm of small streams and are being applied to larger rivers. This development has substantial economic and ecological implications but may test gaps in our understanding of larger river systems and of restoration science. We examine how information about historical ranges of geomorphic variability can inform stream restoration in the context of the Clark Fork River, Montana, focusing on a study reach where one of the largest restoration projects to date was implemented, upstream of the recently removed Milltown Dam. Analysis of historical sources and aerial photographs of the Clark Fork River's pre‐mining, mining, and more recent history suggest that a wandering channel pattern has persisted despite variations in sediment supply and transport capacity. Predictive metrics for channel pattern also suggest a wandering pattern, transitional between braided and meandering, in this geomorphic setting. These analyses suggest that the creation of a single‐thread meandering channel, which incorporates structures to limit erosion and channel movement, is inconsistent with the historical range of variability in this reach. The perils of restoring channels to a condition different than the historical range of variability for their geomorphic setting were illustrated on the Clark Fork by flood‐induced avulsions of the restored channel that occurred soon after project construction. Application of an experimental approach to restoration, founded on the method of multiple working hypotheses, provides a means for embracing uncertainty, can maximize the potential for site‐specific restoration success, and can foster advances in restoration science. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.