bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kenaf‐bast‐fiber‐filled biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) composites: Effects of fiber loading, fiber length, and maleated poly(butylene succinate) on the flexural and impact properties
Authors: Thirmizir M. Z. Ahmad , Ishak Z. A. Mohd , Taib R. M. , Rahim S. , Jani S. Mohamad
Published: July 2011

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) filled kenaf bast fiber (KBF) composites were fabricated via compression molding. The effects of KBF loading on the flexural and impact properties of the composites were investigated for fiber loadings of 10–40 wt %. The optimum flexural strength of the composites was achieved at 30 wt % fiber loading. However, the flexural modulus of the composites kept increasing with increasing fiber loading. Increasing the fiber loading led to a drop in the impact strength of about 57.5–73.6%; this was due to the stiff nature of the KBF. The effect of the fiber length (5, 10, 15, and 20 mm) on the flexural and impact properties was investigated for the 30 wt % KBF loaded composites. The composites with 10‐mm KBF showed the highest flexural and impact properties in comparison to the others. The inferior flexural and impact strength of the composites with 15‐ and 20‐mm KBF could be attributed to the relatively longer fibers that underwent fiber attrition during compounding, which consequently led to the deterioration of the fiber. This was proven by analyses of the fiber length, diameter, and aspect ratio. The addition of maleated PBS as a compatibilizer resulted in the enhancement of the composite's flexural and impact properties due to the formation of better fiber–matrix interfacial adhesion. This was proven by scanning electron microscopy observations of the composites' fracture surfaces. The removal of unreacted maleic anhydride and dicumyl peroxide residuals from the compatibilizers led to better fiber–matrix interfacial adhesion and a slightly enhanced composite strength. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Conferring polytetrafluoroethylene micropowders with hydrophilicity using dopamine chemistry and the application as water‐based lubricant additive
Authors: Zhang Hong , Hu Haiyuan , Ye Weichun , Zhou Feng
Published: July 2011

The hydrophilicity of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) micropowders was easily achieved by modifying the surface with thin polydopamine(Pdop) layer deposited through spontaneous oxidative polymerization of dopamine. Compared with the pure PTFE, the Pdop modified PTFE(PTFE@Pdop) possesses excellent hydrophilic property such as low active ratio, and good dispersivity in water. The quantity of coating and the surface amphiphilic properties were readily controlled by adjusting the deposition time. The tribological properties of the as‐prepared PTFE@Pdop micropowders as additives in water were evaluated. The results confirmed that the PTFE@Pdop exhibited good antiwear and friction reduction properties even under low concentration in water. The simplicity of the method makes large‐scale production of hydrophilic PTFE possible and may be extended as a powerful route for modification of other organic solid lubricating materials that can be exploited as water‐based lubricant additives. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Optimization of mechanical properties of PP/Nanoclay/CaCO3 ternary nanocomposite using response surface methodology
Authors: Zare Yasser , Garmabi Hamid , Sharif Farhad
Published: July 2011

Response surface method of experimental design was applied to optimize the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP)/nanoclay/CaCO3 hybrid ternary nanocomposite using three different levels of melt flow index (MFI) of PP, nanoclay, and CaCO3 contents. The samples were prepared by melt mixing in a lab scale corotating twin screw extruder. The main effect of each parameter on the tensile modulus, tensile strength, and impact strength was extensively discussed. The structure of obtained nanocomposite was studied using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Tensile modulus and impact resistance of prepared ternary nanocomposite were correlated to considered parameters using a second‐order polynomial model. Also, the optimum values of studied variables were determined using contour plots. The obtained results show that increasing the nanoclay and CaCO3 contents improve the tensile modulus up to 45%, whereas the optimum value of impact strength, about 54%, is achieved at low concentrations of nanoclay (2 wt %) and CaCO3 (8 wt %). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
The association between hip morphology parameters and nineteen‐year risk of end‐stage osteoarthritis of the hip: A nested case–control study
Authors: Nicholls Alex S. , Kiran Amit , Pollard Thomas C. B. , Hart Deborah J. , Arden Charlotte P. A. , Spector Tim , Gill H. S. , Murray David W. , Carr Andrew J. , Arden Nigel K.
Published: July 2011

Objective

Subtle deformities of the hip joint are implicated in the etiology of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip. Parameters that quantify these deformities may aid understanding of these associations. We undertook this study to examine relationships between such parameters and the 19‐year risk of total hip arthroplasty (THA) for end‐stage OA.

Methods

A new software program designed for measuring morphologic parameters around the hip was developed and validated in a reliability study. THA was the outcome measure for end‐stage OA. A nested case–control study was used with individuals from a cohort of 1,003 women who were recruited at year 1 in 1989 and followed up to year 20 (the Chingford Study). All hips with THA by year 20 and 243 randomly selected control hips were studied. Pelvis radiographs obtained at year 2 were analyzed for variations in hip morphology. Measurements were compared between the THA case group and the control group.

Results

Patients with THA had a higher prevalence of cam deformity than did their respective controls (median alpha angle 62.4° versus 45.8° [P = 0.001]; mean modified triangular index height 28.5 mm versus 26.9 mm [P = 0.001]) as well as a higher prevalence of acetabular dysplasia (mean lateral center edge angle 29.5° versus 34.3° [P = 0.001]; median extrusion index 0.25 versus 0.185 [P = 0.009]). Logistic regression analyses clustering by subject and adjusting for radiographic hip OA at year 2 showed that these morphologic parameters were still significantly associated with THA by year 20. The alpha angle and lateral center edge angle predicted the risk of THA independently when included in the same model.

Conclusion

This investigation describes measurements that predict the risk of THA for end‐stage OA by year 20, independently of the presence of radiographic hip OA at year 2. These measurements can be made on an anteroposterior pelvis radiograph, which is an inexpensive and commonly used clinical method of investigation.
Phosphine‐Catalyzed [4+2] Annulations of 2‐Alkylallenoates and Olefins: Synthesis of Multisubstituted Cyclohexenes
Authors: Tran Yang S. , Martin Tioga J. , Kwon Ohyun
Published: July 2011

From our investigations on phosphine‐catalyzed [4+2] annulations between α‐alkyl allenoates and activated olefins for the synthesis of cyclohexenes, we discovered a hexamethylphosphorous triamide (HMPT)‐catalyzed [4+2] reaction between α‐alkyl allenoates1and arylidene malonates or arylidene cyanoacetates2that provides highly functionalized cyclohexenes3and4in synthetically useful yields (30–89 %), with moderate to exclusive regioselectivity, and reasonable diastereoselectivity. Interestingly, the [4+2] annulations between the α‐alkyl allenoates1and the olefins2manifested a polarity inversion of the 1,4‐dipole synthon1, depending on the structure of the olefin, thus providing cyclohexenes3exclusively when using arylidene cyanoacetates. The polarity inversion of α‐alkyl allenoates from a 1,4‐dipoleAtoBunder phosphine catalysis can be explained by an equilibrium between the phosphonium dienolateCand the phosphorous ylideD.
Determination of trace carvedilol by solid substrate–room temperature phosphorimetry, based on its activating effect on hypochlorite‐oxidizing amaranth using sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate as sensitizer
Authors: Liu Jia‐Ming , Lin Shao‐Qin , Lin Xuan , Zeng Li‐Qing , Huang Xiao‐Mei
Published: July 2011

This work proposes a simple and sensitive solid substrate–room temperature phosphorimetry (SS–RTP) for the selective determination of carvedilol (CV). The method is based on the sensitizing effect of sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate (SDBS) on CV to activate the oxidation between NaClO and amaranth, resulting in the intense quenching of room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) of the system. Compared with non‐SDBS system, the reduction of phosphorescence intensity (ΔIp) with SDBS is 16.5 times higher and is directly proportional to the content of CV, covering a wide range 0.080–16.00 fg/spot. The regression equation of the working curve can be expressed as ΔIp = 0.7780 + 7.057 mCV (fg/spot) (correlation coefficient (r) = 0.9976, n = 8), with a detection limit (LD) of 0.020 fg/spot (corresponding concentration is 5.1 × 10−14 g/mL, sample volume is 0.40 μL/spot). This sensitive method has also been applied to determine trace CV in human plasma and the results agreed with synchronous fluorimetry (SF). The activation energy (E) and rate constant (k) of this activating reaction were 69.04 kJ/mol and 3.580 × 10−4 s−1, respectively. The reaction mechanism is also discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical anatomy of the coccyx: A systematic review
Authors: Woon Jason T.K. , Stringer Mark D.
Published: July 2011

The coccyx has been relatively neglected in anatomical research which is surprising given the population prevalence of coccydynia and our inadequate understanding of its etiology. This systematic review analyzes available information on the clinical anatomy of the coccyx. A literature search using five electronic databases and standard anatomy reference texts was conducted yielding 61 primary and 7 secondary English‐language sources. This was supplemented by a manual search of selected historical foreign language articles. The coccygeal vertebrae, associated joints, ligaments and muscles, coccygeal movements, nerves, and blood supply were analyzed in detail. Although the musculoskeletal aspects of the coccyx are reasonably well described, the precise anatomy of the coccygeal plexus and its distribution, the function of the coccygeal body, and the anatomy of the sacrococcygeal zygapophyseal joints are poorly documented. Further research into the anatomy of the coccyx may clarify the etiopathogenesis of coccydynia which remains uncertain in one‐third of affected patients. Clin. Anat. 25:158–167, 2012. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Routine enzymes in the monitoring of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Evliyaoğlu Osman , Kibrisli Erkan , Yildirim Yaşar , Gökalp Osman , Çolpan Leyla
Published: July 2011

We examined the relationships of glucose and HbA1c levels with the routinely screened serum enzyme activities in type 2 diabetes mellitus, and we designed an in vitro study to evaluate the direct effect of glucose levels on enzyme activities. The study was performed on a consecutive series of outpatients with type 2 diabetes who were followed up at Dicle University Medical Faculty Hospital from May 2009 to May 2010 for the first time. Effects of aspartate transaminase, aminotransferase, gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, glucose and HbA1c levels and in vitro glucose (492, 287, 184, 131, 82 mg dl−1, respectively) on enzymes were determined. The patients were categorized on the basis of glucose and HbA1c levels and grouped according to a range of values. In patients with high HbA1c levels (>10.1%), ALP, GGT activities and creatine kinase (CK)‐MB/CK (p = 0.008, 0.026, 0.014) ratio were increased significantly when compared with those in the control group. In patients with high glucose levels (>200 mg dl−1), ALP, GGT activities and CK‐MB/CK ratio (p = 0.003, 0.001, 0.001) were increased significantly when compared with those in the control group. Glucose, which was added to serum in different concentrations in vitro, did not directly affect enzyme activities such as ALP, GGT and CK. We concluded that increased glucose levels could damage the liver and the heart muscle cells. Monitoring of blood glucose levels is a more valuable parameter than monitoring HbA1c in the momentary evaluation of diabetes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ischaemia‐modified albumin levels in newborn jaundice before and after phototherapy
Authors: Erdem S. S. , Kurban S. , Altunhan H. , Annagür A. , Örs R. , Yerlikaya F. H. , Gökçe R. , Mehmetoğlu İ.
Published: July 2011

The aim of our study was to assess the effect of phototherapy (PT) on ischaemia‐modified albumin (IMA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in hyperbilirubinemic full‐term newborns. The study was performed on 36 full‐term infants exposed to PT. The babies were aged 3 to 13 days. IMA and MDA levels of the babies were determined before and after PT, by a colorimetric assay. IMA levels before and after PT were found as 0.424 ± 0.290 and 0.531 ± 0.262 absorbance units, respectively. Although IMA levels after PT were slightly higher, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.131). MDA levels before and after PT were found as 8.4 ± 1.8 µmol/l and 9.4 ± 1.5 µmol/l, respectively. Serum MDA concentrations were significantly higher after PT than before PT (p < 0.000). In previous studies, conflicting findings have been reported about the effect of PT on oxidant and antioxidant systems. However, we have found no study investigating IMA levels in hyperbilirubinaemia in newborns before and after PT.

Our results shows that PT does not affect IMA levels significantly. IMA increases as a result of oxidative stress. We believe that the lack of significant difference between our IMA levels before and after PT may resulted from hyperbilirubinaemia, which has antioxidant effect. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peptide‐Functionalized Luminescent Iridium Complexes for Lifetime Imaging of CXCR4 Expression
Authors: Kuil Joeri , Steunenberg Peter , Chin Patrick T. K. , Oldenburg Joppe , Jalink Kees , Velders Aldrik H. , van Leeuwen Fijs W. B.
Published: July 2011

The chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is over‐expressed in 23 types of cancer in which it plays a role in, among others, the metastatic spread. For this reason it is a potential biomarker for the field of diagnostic oncology. The antagonistic Ac‐TZ14011 peptide, which binds to CXCR4, has been conjugated to luminescent iridium dyes to allow for CXCR4 visualization. The iridium dyes are cyclometalated octahedral iridium(III) 2‐phenylpyridine complexes that can be functionalized with one, two or three targeting Ac‐TZ14011 peptides. Confocal microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) showed that the peptide–iridium complex conjugates can be used to visualize CXCR4 expression in tumor cells. The CXCR4 receptor affinity and specific cell binding of the mono‐, di‐ and trimeric peptide derivatives were assessed by using flow cytometry. The three derivatives possessed nanomolar receptor affinity and could distinguish between cell lines with different CXCR4 expression levels. This yields the first example of a neutral iridium(III) complex functionalized with peptides for FLIM‐based visualization of a cancer associated membrane receptor.
Purification of C9 Arenes by Stripping Crystallization
Authors: Shiau L.‐D. , Lai M.‐H. , Liu K.‐F.
Published: July 2011

A new separation technique called stripping crystallization (SC) is applied for purification of a mesitylene/pseudoumene mixture. SC combines distillation and crystallization to produce pure crystals due to the three‐phase equilibrium. The experiments demonstrate that a batch SC operation can purify pseudoumene from 85 % to 95 % for the pseudoumene‐rich mixture with a recovery rate of 51 % while it can only purify mesitylene from 85 % to 88 % for the mesitylene‐rich mixture with a recovery rate of 34 %. Compared to azeotropic distillation, SC is a clean separation technology as no chemicals are added. SC can be continued until the liquid phase is completely eliminated and only pure crystals remain in the feed. Compared to conventional crystallization, filtration or centrifugation is not needed to separate the solid crystals from the mother liquor since no mother liquor is present together with the crystals. In addition, crystal washing is not required since no impurities adhere to the crystal surfaces at the end of operation.
Lanthanide Ion Extraction by Trifluoromethyl‐1,3‐diketonate‐Functionalised Ionic Liquids Adsorbed on Silica
Authors: Olivier Jean‐Hubert , Camerel Franck , Ziessel Raymond
Published: July 2011

While acetylacetone (acacH) derivatives are, upon deprotonation, ubiquitous ligands in coordination chemistry, their potential to form stable ionic liquids has not been studied so far. Here we describe a straightforward synthesis of novel trifluoroacetylacetone‐functionalised imidazolium salts. These salts are built from an imidazolium ring substituted on one side with a flexible chain of fixed length carrying a terminal acacH group and on the opposite side a paraffin chain of various lengths. By changing the length of these flexible chains (n=4, 8, 12) and the nature of the counter‐anions (PF6−, BF4−, NTf2−), room‐temperature ionic liquids were produced. Their application for the extraction of lanthanide salts (Eu, Tb) from dilute aqueous solution has been investigated. The presence of a strong UV absorber (imidazolium ring, λabs=290 nm) allows photosensitisation of the EuIII and TbIII luminescence by efficient energy transfer, and thus extraction of these two lanthanides can be followed by fluorescence techniques. It appears that loading of the ionic liquids onto silica particles pre‐treated with a dilute aqueous solution of NaOH is the most efficient way to obtain fast and almost quantitative (>99.9 %) extraction of the metal ions as their diketonato complexes. The procedure is reproducible and the loaded SiO2 particles can be simply treated with acid to strip the metal ions and regenerate the adsorbed (protonated) extractant.
Samarium Diiodide Induced Cyclizations of γ‐, δ‐ and ε‐Indolyl Ketones: Reductive Coupling, Intermolecular Trapping, and Subsequent Transformations of Indolines
Authors: Beemelmanns Christine , Lentz Dieter , Reissig Hans‐Ulrich
Published: July 2011

This comprehensive study describes our results of samarium diiodide induced 5‐exo‐trig to 8‐exo‐trig cyclization/alkylation sequences of 3′‐acceptor‐substituted indolyl ketones. All cyclization precursors were easily prepared by simple N‐alkylation or N‐acylation of indole derivatives with the corresponding iodo alkanones, acid chlorides, or lactones. After treatment of indolyl ketones with two equivalents of SmI2, the generated stabilized carbanionic intermediates were trapped with different electrophiles leading to a variety of highly substituted indoline derivatives in good to very good yields. In general, the cyclization products were obtained as single diastereomers bearing a newly generated quaternary center, a common structural motif in various indole alkaloids. The relative configurations of the products were established by NOE experiments and by single‐crystal analysis and follow the rules already established. Furthermore, the obtained products were subjected to a series of chemical transformations, such as oxidation, reduction, and metathesis reactions resulting in a range of interesting synthetic building blocks valuable for further applications.
Nickel‐Catalyzed CH Arylation of Azoles with Haloarenes: Scope, Mechanism, and Applications to the Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules
Authors: Yamamoto Takuya , Muto Kei , Komiyama Masato , Canivet Jérôme , Yamaguchi Junichiro , Itami Kenichiro
Published: July 2011

Novel nickel‐based catalytic systems for the CH arylation of azoles with haloarenes and aryl triflates have been developed. We have established that Ni(OAc)2/bipy/LiOtBu serves as a general catalytic system for the coupling with aryl bromides and iodides as aryl electrophiles. For couplings with more challenging electrophiles, such as aryl chlorides and triflates, the Ni(OAc)2/dppf (dppf=1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene) system was found to be effective. Thiazoles, benzothiazoles, oxazoles, benzoxazoles, and benzimidazoles can be used as the heteroarene coupling partner. Upon further investigation, we discovered a new protocol for the present coupling using Mg(OtBu)2 as a milder and less expensive alternative to LiOtBu. Attempts to reveal the mechanism of this nickel‐catalyzed heterobiaryl coupling are also described. This newly developed methodology has been successfully applied to the syntheses of febuxostat (a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that is effective for the treatment of gout and hyperuricemia), tafamidis (effective for the treatment of TTR amyloid polyneuropathy), and texaline (a natural product having antitubercular activity).
Modeling of the Laminar Flow in the Entrance Region of Tubes and Ducts and its Impact on the Residence Time Distribution
Authors: Ham Jong‐Ho , Lohse Rolf , Platzer Bernd
Published: July 2011

Für die Geschwindigkeitsverteilung im Einlaufbereich von laminar durchströmten Rohren und Kanälen werden ein 1‐Bereichs‐ und ein 2‐Bereichs‐Modell vorgestellt. Diese ermöglichen die Berechnung der Verweilzeitverteilung unter dem Einfluss der Einlaufeffekte. Für den dispersionsfreien Fall kann eine analytische Lösung angegeben werden. Für die Betrachtung von Fällen mit Dispersion wird auf das Zellenmodell mit Platzwechselwahrscheinlichkeit (ZEMP) zurückgegriffen, dessen numerische Ergebnisse mit den schon früher vorgestellten halbempirischen Ansätzen für die Verweilzeitverteilung mit einer Gleichung verdichtet werden können. Diese Vorgehensweise ermöglicht die schnelle Quantifizierung der Auswirkungen verschiedener Einflussparameter auf die Verweilzeitverteilung von relativ kurzen Rohren und Kanälen.
Micellar Solutions and Microemulsions as Media for Catalytic Reactions
Authors: Schomäcker Reinhard , Schwarze Michael , Nowothnick Henriette , Rost Anke , Hamerla Tobias
Published: July 2011

In dieser Übersicht wird ein Konzept für die reaktionstechnische Nutzung von wässrigen Tensidlösungen und Wasser/Tensid/Lösungsmittel‐Gemischen als Reaktionsmedien für katalytische Reaktionen vorgestellt. Dabei werden drei Beispiele beschrieben, für die ein Reaktionsmedium formuliert werden konnte, das sowohl optimale Bedingungen für den Ablauf der Reaktionen bietet als auch eine effiziente Rückgewinnung des Katalysators ermöglicht.
Ferromagnetism Exhibited by Nanoparticles of Noble Metals
Authors: Maitra Urmimala , Das Barun , Kumar Nitesh , Sundaresan Athinarayanan , Rao C. N. R.
Published: July 2011

Gold nanoparticles with average diameters in the range 2.5–15 nm, prepared at the organic/aqueous interface by using tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride (THPC) as reducing agent, exhibit ferromagnetism whereby the saturation magnetization MS increases with decreasing diameter and varies linearly with the fraction of surface atoms. The value of MS is higher when the particles are present as a film instead of as a sol. Capping with strongly interacting ligands such as alkane thiols results in a higher MS value, which varies with the strength of the metal–sulfur bond. Ferromagnetism is also found in Pt and Ag nanoparticles prepared as sols, and the MS values vary as Pt>Au>Ag. A careful study of the temperature variation of the magnetization of Au nanoparticles, along with certain other observations, suggests that small bare nanoparticles of noble metals could indeed possess ferromagnetism, albeit weak, which is accentuated in the presence of capping agents, specially alkane thiols which form strong metal–sulfur bonds.
Nanoscale Effects on Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibria in Oxide Systems
Authors: Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: July 2011

Because different solid materials (phases) have different surface energies, equilibria among them will be significantly affected by particle size. This Minireview summarizes experimental (calorimetric) data for the surface energies of oxides and discusses shifts in the stability of polymorphs, the thermodynamics of hydration, and oxidation–reduction reactions in nanoscale oxide systems.
Confocal backscattering spectroscopy for leukemic and normal blood cell discrimination
Authors: Greiner Cherry , Hunter Martin , Huang Peter , Rius Francisca , Georgakoudi Irene
Published: July 2011

Leukemia is the most common pediatric cancer and leading cause of cancer related deaths in children. Improvements in the assessment of leukemic cells have the potential to influence not only the diagnosis of leukemia, but also the risk assessment of patients during the course of the treatment, both of which are important for improving the cure rate for this disease. In this study, we report on the design and performance of a confocal laser based system built to collect backscattered light over a range of 26° at 405, 488, and 633 nm to discriminate leukemic cells from normal red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC). The design of the system is based on the spectral differences observed from spectroscopy measurements with a similar system designed with a white light source. Significant differences are observed in the intensity and wavelength dependence of leukemic cells from normal RBC and WBC. Specifically, the distinct light scattering of RBC is due to hemoglobin absorption, allowing for its discrimination from leukemic cells, mononuclear, and polymorphonuclear WBC particularly at certain wavelengths. Meanwhile, the high scattering intensities of polymorphonuclear WBC reflect the intracellular complexity of these cells in comparison to the leukemic or normal lymphocytes. Additionally, the detected light scattering spectra for leukemic cells are consistently steeper in comparison to normal WBC, which we attributed to differences in the fractal organization of intracellular scatterers. Based on our findings, the system has potential applications in the detection and quantification of leukemic cells in blood either in vivo or in vitro, using microfluidic‐based systems, for disease monitoring. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Highlights of the special imaging issue
Authors: Kulesa Paul M. , Dickinson Mary E. , Hadjantonakis Anna‐Katerina
Published: July 2011

A selection of images and drawings of cells, tissues, and embryos from mouse, zebrafish, and chick embryos, kindly provided by the authors of this special issue. Please read the articles for details.
Duloxetine in the treatment of binge eating disorder with depressive disorders: A placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Guerdjikova Anna I. , McElroy Susan L. , Winstanley Erin L. , Nelson Eric B. , Mori Nicole , McCoy Jessica , Keck Paul E. , Hudson James I.
Published: July 2011

Objective:

This study evaluated duloxetine in the treatment of binge eating disorder (BED) with comorbid current depressive disorders.

Method:

In this 12‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, 40 patients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders‐IV‐TR BED and a comorbid current depressive disorder received duloxetine (N = 20) or placebo (N = 20). The primary outcome measure was weekly binge eating day frequency.

Results:

In the primary analysis, duloxetine (mean 78.7 mg/day) was superior to placebo in reducing weekly frequency of binge eating days (p = .04), binge eating episodes (p = .02), weight (p = .04), and Clinical Global Impression‐Severity of Illness ratings for binge eating (p = .02) and depressive disorders (p = .01). Changes in body mass index and measures of eating pathology, depression, and anxiety did not differ between the two groups.

Discussion:

Duloxetine may be effective for reducing binge eating, weight, and global severity of illness in BED with a comorbid current depressive disorder, but this finding needs confirmation in larger, placebo‐controlled trials. © 2011 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012)
Criteria for assessing climate change impacts on ecosystems
Authors: Loehle Craig
Published: July 2011

There is concern about the potential impacts of climate change on species and ecosystems. To address this concern, a large body of literature has developed in which these impacts are assessed. In this study, criteria for conducting reliable and useful assessments of impacts of future climate are suggested. The major decisions involve: clearly defining an emissions scenario; selecting a climate model; evaluating climate model skill and bias; quantifying General Circulation Model (GCM) between‐model variability; selecting an ecosystem model and assessing uncertainty; properly considering transient versus equilibrium responses; including effects of CO2 on plant response; evaluating implications of simplifying assumptions; and considering animal linkage with vegetation. A sample of the literature was surveyed in light of these criteria. Many of the studies used climate simulations that were >10 years old and not representative of best current models. Future effects of elevated CO2 on plant drought resistance and productivity were generally included in growth model studies but not in niche (habitat suitability) studies, causing the latter to forecast greater future adverse impacts. Overly simplified spatial representation was frequent and caused the existence of refugia to be underestimated. Few studies compared multiple climate simulations and ecosystem models (including parametric uncertainty), leading to a false impression of precision and potentially arbitrary results due to high between‐model variance. No study assessed climate model retrodictive skill or bias. Overall, most current studies fail to meet all of the proposed criteria. Suggestions for improving assessments are provided.
Human Langerhans cells capture measles virus through Langerin and present viral antigens to CD4+ T cells but are incapable of cross‐presentation
Authors: van der Vlist Michiel , de Witte Lot , de Vries Rory D. , Litjens Manja , de Jong Marein A. W. P. , Fluitsma Donna , de Swart Rik L. , Geijtenbeek Teunis B. H.
Published: July 2011

Langerhans cells (LCs) are a subset of DCs that reside in the upper respiratory tract and are ideally suited to sense respiratory virus infections. Measles virus (MV) is a highly infectious lymphotropic and myelotropic virus that enters the host via the respiratory tract. Here, we show that human primary LCs are capable of capturing MV through the C‐type lectin Langerin. Both immature and mature LCs presented MV‐derived antigens in the context of HLA class II to MV‐specific CD4+ T cells. Immature LCs were not susceptible to productive infection by MV and did not present endogenous viral antigens in the context of HLA class I. In contrast, mature LCs could be infected by MV and presented de novo synthesized viral antigens to MV‐specific CD8+ T cells. Notably, neither immature nor mature LCs were able to cross‐present exogenous UV‐inactivated MV or MV‐infected apoptotic cells. The lack of direct infection of immature LCs, and the inability of both immature and mature LCs to cross‐present MV antigens, suggest that human LCs may not be directly involved in priming MV‐specific CD8+ T cells. Immune activation of LCs seems a prerequisite for MV infection of LCs and subsequent CD8+ T‐cell priming via the endogenous antigen presentation pathway.
Autonomous and extrinsic regulation of thymopoiesis inhuman immune system (HIS) mice
Authors: Huntington Nicholas D. , Alves Nuno L. , Legrand Nicolas , Lim Annick , Strick‐Marchand Hélène , Plet Ariane , Weijer Kees , Jacques Yannick , Spits Hergen , Di Santo James P.
Published: July 2011

Human Immune System (HIS) mice represent a novel biotechnology platform to dissect human haematopoiesis and immune responses. However, the limited human T‐cell development that is observed in HIS mice restricts its utility for these applications. Here, we address whether reduced thymopoiesis in HIS mice reflects an autonomous defect in T‐cell precursors and/or a defect in the murine thymic niche. Human thymocyte precursors seed the mouse thymus and their reciprocal interactions with murine thymic epithelial cells (TECs) led to both T‐cell and TEC maturation. The human thymocyte subsets observed in HIS mice demonstrated survival, proliferative and phenotypic characteristics of their normal human counterparts, suggesting that the intrinsic developmental program of human thymocytes unfolds normally in this xenograft setting. We observed that exogenous administration of human IL‐15/IL‐15Rα agonistic complexes induced the survival, proliferation and absolute numbers of immature human thymocyte subsets, without any obvious effect on cell‐surface phenotype or TCR Vβ usage amongst the newly selected mature single‐positive (SP) thymocytes. Finally, when IL‐15 was administered early after stem cell transplantation, we noted accelerated thymopoiesis resulting in the more rapid appearance of peripheral naïve T cells. Our results highlight the functional capacity of murine thymic stroma cells in promoting human thymopoiesis in HIS mice but suggest that the “cross‐talk” between murine thymic stroma and human haematopoietic precursors may be suboptimal. As IL‐15 immunotherapy promotes early thymopoiesis, this novel approach could be used to reduce the period of T‐cell immunodeficiency in the post‐transplant clinical setting.
Improving the quality of grape seed oil by maceration with grinded fresh grape seeds
Authors: Pardo José E. , Rubio Manuela , Pardo Arturo , Zied Diego C. , Álvarez‐Ortí Manuel
Published: July 2011

Samples of refined grape seed oil macerated with grinded fresh grape seeds were analyzed in order to study the consumers' preferences for the new oil characteristics provided by the maceration. Physical and chemical parameters have also been analyzed to study whether they remain unchanged during this process. The grape varieties used for the maceration were Airen, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The best values for the sensory parameters evaluated (smell and taste) were obtained with the red varieties (Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon) in low concentrations of grape seed (50 g seed in 950 mL of refined oil) and shorter maceration time (2–7 days). An increase in the concentration of grape seeds in the maceration provides higher values in the component b* (blue–yellow component) and reduces the values of attribute h* (tone angle). Finally, several chemical parameters were measured in order to determine possible changes occurring in the macerated samples. K232, K270, acidity, peroxide index, fatty acids, sterols, polyphenols, and oxidative stability were analyzed. The chemical analysis in macerated samples showed only slight differences from the original product, however these values were acceptable for human consumption in any case. All samples were positively rated in the sensory evaluation, indicating that the grape seed oil has a pleasant smell and taste for consumers and may be an alternative to traditional seed oils.
1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of Nitrile Imines with Cyclic α‐β‐Unsaturated Ketones: A Regiochemical Route to Ring‐Fused Pyrazoles
Authors: Chandanshive Jay Zumbar , Bonini Bianca Flavia , Tiznado William , Escobar Carlos A. , Caballero Julio , Femoni Cristina , Fochi Mariafrancesca , Comes Franchini Mauro
Published: July 2011

1,3‐Dipolar cycloadditions ofC‐carboxymethyl‐N‐arylnitrile imines with cyclic α,β‐unsaturated ketones of various sizes have been studied. After cycloaddition, oxidative aromatization gives the ring‐fused pyrazoles. Computational studies and the use of topological analyses of the Fukui functions allows a theoretical description of the local reactivity that is in agreement with the experimentally observed regiochemistry.
Sulfamethoxazole‐Imprinted Polymeric Receptor as Ionophore for Potentiometric Transduction
Authors: Arvand M. , Alirezanejad F.
Published: July 2011

This work proposes a new biomimetic sensor material for sulfamethoxazole. It is prepared by means of radical polymerization, having ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a cross‐linker, 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as radical initiator, methacrylic acid as a functional monomer and acetonitrile as porogenic solvent. Sulfamethoxazole sensor with 10.9 % of imprinted particles showed the best response in terms of slope (58.3 mV/decade) and detection limit (6.3×10−8 mol L−1). This electrode displayed also a good selectivity towards the sulfonamide antibiotics, glucose, calcium, ammonium, nickel, sodium and zinc. The sensor was not affected by pH<2.2 and pH>6. The electrode was successfully applied to the analysis of food and biological samples.
Electrochemical Analysis of Conductive Polymer‐Coated LiFePO4 Nanocrystalline Cathodes with Controlled Morphology
Authors: Dinh Hung‐Cuong , Mho Sun‐il , Yeo In‐Hyeong
Published: July 2011

Nanocrystalline LiFePO4 particles and donut‐ and dumbbell‐shaped LiFePO4 microstructures hierarchically constructed with the nanoparticles were synthesized. Coating the surfaces of the LiFePO4 particles with conductive polymers, poly‐3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT), improved battery characteristics, such as specific capacity, capacity retention, and impedances, by increasing the ionic and electric conductivities of the cathode materials as well as by enhancing the accessibility of lithium ions. The nanocrystalline LiFePO4 that was coated with PEDOT exhibited even larger values than the theoretical value of LiFePO4 at a rate of 1 C or lower rates were observed, with its largest specific capacities of 190 mAh g−1 and 175 mAh g−1 at the rates of 0.2 C and 1 C, respectively, due to the compatibility of the redox characteristics of LiFePO4 and PEDOT. The cathode composed of nanocrystalline LiFePO4 that was coated with PEDOT exhibited the lowest value of the charge transfer resistances (Rct) from the electrochemical impedance analysis.
Effect of ENSO events on sediment production in a large coastal basin in northern Peru
Authors: Tote Carolien , Govers Gerard , Van Kerckhoven Stijn , Filiberto Isabel , Verstraeten Gert , Eerens Herman
Published: July 2011

Although the importance of ENSO on hydrological anomalies has been recognized, variations in sediment fluxes caused by these extreme events are poorly documented. The effect of ENSO is not limited to changes in sediment mobilization. Since ENSO events can affect terrestrial ecosystems, they may have important effects on sediment production and transport in river basins over time spans that are longer than the duration of the event itself. The Catamayo‐Chira basin is an interesting casestudy for investigating these geomorphic implications. The objectives were: (i) to study the effect of ENSO on stream flow and sediment yields in the basin, (ii) to investigate if ENSO events affect sediment yields in the post‐ENSO period and (iii) to understand which factors control the ENSO and post‐ENSO basin response. During strong negative ENSO periods, mean annual stream flow discharge at the inlet of the Poechos reservoir in the lower basin was 5.4 times higher than normal annual discharges, while average sediment fluxes exceeded those of normal years by a factor of about 11. In two heavily affected periods, 45.9% of the total sediment yield in the 29 years observation period was generated. Sediment fluxes in the post‐ENSO period are lower than expected, which proves post‐ENSO event dynamics are significantly different from pre‐event dynamics. Our analysis indicates the increase of vegetation growth in the lower basin is not the main reason explaining considerable sediment flux decrease in post‐ENSO periods. During strong ENSO events, sediment in alluvial stores in the lower part of the basin is removed due to enlarging and deepening of channels. In post‐ENSO periods, normal discharges and persisting sediment supplies from the middle/upper basin lead to river aggradation and storage of large amounts of sediment in alluvial plains. The decrease in sediment export will last for several years until the equilibrium is re‐established. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Volcanic sands of Iceland ‐ Diverse origins of aeolian sand deposits revealed at Dyngjusandur and Lambahraun
Authors: Baratoux D. , Mangold N. , Arnalds O. , Bardintzeff J.‐M. , Platevoët B. , Grégoire M. , Pinet P.
Published: July 2011

The origin, formation and evolution of volcanic sands are less well known than the formation of the much more common quartz‐rich sand sheets. Combining active volcanism and a cold climate, Iceland is covered for about 21% of its surface by sandy areas. The sands were analyzed in detail at two sites and results reveal their diverse origins. The first site is Dyngjusandur, located north of Vatnajökull, and the second site is the Lambahraun area, located south of Langjökull. At both sites, the sand origin is determined from field observations (wind directions from ventifacts), chemical and mineralogical analyses of rocks and sands. At Dyngjusandur, the sand is dominated by glass grains, a situation typical of sand plains in Iceland. Hyaloclastite ridges presently buried beneath Vatnajökull are the dominant source of the sand, and only large size plagioclase crystals (0.5 cm) in sands seem to be derived from the lava flows. Hyaloclastite ridges were crushed by glaciers and mechanically eroded sediments were washed out by melt‐water onto flood plains. The sand chemical composition is spatially homogeneous and similar to the average composition of neighboring sub‐aerial lava flows, reflecting efficient mixing of distinct sources below the glacier. The presence of sand north of Dyngjujökull can be taken as a way to explore the average chemical composition of non‐exposed volcanic material beneath the glacier. In the case of Lambahraun, prevailing winds indicate several potential sources of sand at the north of the sand sheet. Comparison of chemical and mineralogical analyses of sands and rock samples helped to refine the exact origin. In contrast with the first site, the sand is dominated by crystals and is chemically consistent with a mixture of material derived from the lava flows of Eldborgir and Skersli shield volcanoes. Analysis of the contact between the lava flows and the glacier reveals that basaltic sand grains formed as the result of recent advances of the glacier abrading the rocks. The direct interaction of glacial and fluvio‐glacial activity with basaltic plains appears to be necessary to produce a large amount of sands in a relatively short period of time (<4000 years). This site appears to be an excellent natural laboratory for further studies concerning the sand evolution and physical sorting processes in basaltic material, which have important implications for understanding aeolian processes on Mars. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time‐varying jump risk premia in stock index futures returns
Authors: Chan Wing Hong , Feng Liling
Published: July 2011

This study tests the presence of time‐varying risk premia associated with extreme news events or jumps in stock index futures return. The model allows for a dynamic jump component with autoregressive jump intensity, long‐range dependence in volatility dynamics, and a volatility in mean structure separately for the normal and extreme news events. The results show significant jump risk premia in four stock market index futures returns including the DAX, FTSE, Nikkei, and S&P500 indices. Our results are robust to various specifications of conditional variance including the plain GARCH, component GARCH, and Fractionally Integrated GARCH models. We also find the time‐varying risk premium associated with normal news events is not significant across all indices. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 32:639–659, 2012
Commonality in trading activity and futures‐cash basis: Evidence from the Taiwan futures and stock markets
Authors: Lee Hsiu‐Chuan , Chien Cheng‐Yi , Liao Tzu‐Hsiang
Published: July 2011

This study examines commonality in trading activity by various types of institutional investors across futures and stock markets, and the dynamic relationship between the common factors in trading activity and the futures‐cash basis. The empirical results provide evidence of commonality in trading activity by various types of institutional investors across futures and stock markets. Additionally, this study finds that the first principal component of trading activity is most closely related to the futures trading of mutual funds. Moreover, the empirical results indicate that the first principal component of trading activity and mutual funds' futures trading Granger‐cause the futures‐cash basis and vice versa. Finally, the results of the impulse response functions show that the first principal component of trading activity as well as mutual funds' futures trading have a greater impact on the futures‐cash basis than other common factors and other investor types. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 32:964–994, 2012
Selection of irrigation fluid to eradicate free cancer cells during head and neck cancer surgery
Authors: Hah J. Hun , Roh Dong Hwan , Jung Young Ho , Kim Kwang Hyun , Sung Myung‐Whun
Published: July 2011

Background

Free cancer cells can be spilled out from exposed tumors or ruptured tumors. We examined the cytocidal effect of various irrigation fluids on free cancer cells in an animal wound model mimicking head and neck surgery.

Methods

Cancer cell–contaminated wounds were made with C3H/HeJ mice and syngeneic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC VII) cells. Distilled water, 5% povidone–iodine, 1.5% H2O2, normal saline, and cisplatin were used to irrigate for 5 minutes. In vitro tumor growth assays were done with different concentrations and exposure times of povidone–iodine and distilled water.

Results

In the animal study, povidone–iodine significantly inhibited tumor growth. Povidone–iodine caused substantial inhibition of in vitro tumor growth, even at the concentration of 0.05%. After 30 seconds of exposure to 1% povidone–iodine, cancer cells were completely inhibited.

Conclusions

Povidone–iodine could be selected preferentially for the irrigation fluid during head and neck surgery, especially when the wound is suspected of cancer cell contamination. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
EGFR expression in advanced head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Sweeny Larissa , Dean Nichole R. , Magnuson J. Scott , Carroll William R. , Helman Emily E. , Hyde Stephen O. , Desmond Renee L. , Rosenthal Eben L.
Published: July 2011

Background

The significance of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck remains poorly understood.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients with advanced‐stage (stage III or stage IV) cutaneous SCC of the head and neck (n = 56).

Results

The majority of patients (91%) had stage III disease, with 54% having regional metastasis and 9% with distant metastasis. Two‐year survival was 64% and the 5‐year survival was 56%. EGFR was found to be overexpressed in 56% of primary tumors and 58% of regional metastatic disease. Overall survival did not correlate with EGFR (p = .47) expression in primary lesions, nor was it associated with an increase in regional (p = .74) or distant metastasis (p = .56). Furthermore, there was no correlation between clinicopathologic characteristics and EGFR expression

Conclusions

These data do not suggest upregulation of EGFR is associated with poor survival or aggressive disease. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012