bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of possible drug-drug interactions between ritonavir and other antiretrovirals in a section of the private health care sector in South Africa
Authors: Katende-Kyenda Norah L. , Lubbe Martie S. , Serfontein Jan H.P. , Truter Ilse
Published: June 2009

Background: The introduction of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors (PIs) has led to a dramatic decline in the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection. However, the concomitant use of PIs and other antiretrovirals (ARVs) can be complicated by drug-drug interactions (DDIs), adversely affecting levels of PIs.Method: A quantitative, retrospective drug utilisation study was performed using data obtained from the medicine claims database of a pharmacy benefit management company during 2004, 2005 and 2006. The possible DDIs found among ARVS themselves were identified using the classification by Tatro.Results: The percentage of ARV prescriptions claimed of the total number of medicine items increased from 1.68% (n = 43 482) during 2004 to 3.18% (n = 51 613) during 2005, then to 4.74% (n = 47 085) during 2006. A total of 1 326, 1 863 and 960 possible DDIs were identified among ARVs themselves for 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively. Of these, ritonavir (unboosted or boosted) presented with the most possible DDIs, accounting for 74.28% (n = 985) for 2004; 67.90% (n = 1 265) for 2005; and 27.50% (n = 264) for 2006. The highest prevalence of DDIs identified was between ritonavir (unboosted) and saquinavir (n = 974, 5) for 2005 and 2006; followed by indinavir (n = 490, 129, 155) for 2004 to 2006; and efavirenz (n = 274) for only 2004; then ritonavir (boosted), co-formulated as lopinavir/ritonavir, and efavirenz (n = 118, 88, 34) for 2004 to 2006; nevirapine (n = 49, 37) for 2004 and 2005; indinavir (n = 9) for 2004; and saquinavir (n = 22) for 2006.Conclusion: These findings indicate that concomitant use of PIs such as ritonavir, a potent cytochrome P450(CYP)3A4 enzyme inhibitor, and other ARVs is complicated by possible DDIs and therefore further studies need to be done on the ARV combinations and management of these DDIs.
Personality type and leadership focus: Relationship between self and line- manager perceptions
Authors: Sieff Grant
Published: June 2009

The relationship between personality type and leadership focus is examined in this article. Personality type is assessed by means of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and leadership focus is explored both with participants and their line-managers using a Leadership Focus Questionnaire. Petroleum company mid-level managers form the target population of 220. Three leadership focus hypotheses are tested with 53 respondents, addressing (1) optimising external and internal focus, (2) fit with organisation type, and (3) managing a multiple focus. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient, ANOVA and paired T-tests are applied. Results show that in circumstances associated with change, Feeling and Perceiving types are favoured for managing the stress of competing leadership demands. Line-managers of participants rely more on Intuition while participants prefer Sensing in dealing with external stakeholders.
Inadequate fine needle aspiration biopsy samples: Pathologists versus other specialists
Authors: Gomez-Macías GS , Garza-Guajardo R , Segura-Luna J , Barboza-Quintana O
Published: June 2009

Background:

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a simple, sensitive, quick and inexpensive method in which operator experience is essential for obtaining the best results.

Methods:

A descriptive study in which the aspiration biopsy cases of the Pathology and Cytopathology Service of the University Hospital of the UANL (2003–2005) were analyzed. These were divided into three study groups: Group 1, FNAB performed by a pathologist; Group 2, FNAB performed by specialists who are not pathologists, Group 3, FNAB guided by an imaging study with immediate evaluation by a pathologist. The samples were classified as adequate and inadequate for diagnosis, the organ, the size and characteristics of the lesions were taken into consideration.

Results:

A total of 1905 FNAB were included. In Group 1: 1347 were performed of which 1242 (92.2%) were adequate and 105 (7.7%) were inadequate. Of the 237 from Group 2, 178 were adequate (75.1%) and 59 inadequate (24.8%); in Group 3 there were 321 of which 283 (88.1%) were adequate and 38 (11.8%) inadequate. A statistically significant difference was found between FNAB performed by Group 1 (p< 0.001) and the other groups. A multivariate analysis was done where the organ punctured, the study groups, the size and characteristics of the lesion by study group were compared, finding that the most important variable was the person who performed the procedure.

Conclusion:

The experience and training of the person performing the aspiration biopsy, as well as immediate evaluation of the material when it is guided, substantially reduces the number of inadequate samples, improving the sensitivity of the method as well as reducing the need for open biopsies to reach a diagnosis.
Turning a blind eye to double blind line‐ups
Authors: Wright Daniel B. , Carlucci Marianna E. , Evans Jacqueline R. , Compo Nadja Schreiber
Published: June 2009

Although psychologists have urged police officers to use double blind line‐up procedures during their investigations, police officers state that these would be difficult to administer and most have been reluctant to implement this change. Four studies examine whether lay people's judgements about the guilt of a suspect vary according to whether a brief written summary of a case described the identification procedure as double blind or non‐double blind. The effects were all small (and almost all non‐significant). Most people do not treat double blind line‐ups differently from non‐double blind line‐ups when assessing the guilt of a defendant. Either police investigators should stop using this biased method or police investigators and others in the judicial system (e.g. jurors, judges) should be informed of this bias when evaluating results from any line‐up. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rewritable Holographic Structures Formed in Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Materials by Photothermal Processing
Authors: Kakiuchida Hiroshi , Takahashi Masahide , Tokuda Yomei , Yoko Toshinobu
Published: June 2009

Holographic and direct‐written structures are fabricated in tin‐doped silicophosphite thin plates containing rhodamine 6G dye by a photothermal process based on the principle of glass softening/frozen‐in behavior. To be highly processable by photothermal treatment and stable at room temperature after processing, the intrinsic viscoelastic property is improved by increasing the crosslinking density of the network structure, and the photothermal conditions for efficient transfer of the irradiated photons to thermal phonons are explored. Then, the excellent rewritability and reliability of the fine processed structure are found by examining the writing/erasing repetition. Furthermore, the origins of the changes in refractive index due to photothermal treatment are classified into density change and photobleaching, and the dynamics of the formation process of holographic gratings are studied by measuring refractive index changes as functions of irradiation time and wavelength. As a result, it is found that the holographic structure consists of spatial modulation of the refractive index and the refractive index change results primarily from the change in the frozen structure, although there is a slight influence by photobleaching.
Ferroelectric Response and Induced Biaxiality in the Nematic Phase of Bent‐Core Mesogens
Authors: Francescangeli Oriano , Stanic Vesna , Torgova Sofia I. , Strigazzi Alfredo , Scaramuzza Nicola , Ferrero Claudio , Dolbnya Igor P. , Weiss Thomas M. , Berardi Roberto , Muccioli Luca , Orlandi Silvia , Zannoni Claudio
Published: June 2009

The still undiscovered fluid ferroelectric nematic phase is expected to exhibit a much faster and easier response to an external electric field compared to conventional ferroelectric smectic liquid crystals; therefore, the discovery of such a phase could open new avenues in electro‐optic device technology. Here, experimental evidence of a ferroelectric response to a switching electric field in a low molar mass nematic liquid crystal is reported and connected with field‐induced biaxiality. The fluid is made of bent‐core polar molecules and is nematic over a range of 120 °C. Combining repolarization current measurements, electro‐optical characterizations, X‐ray diffraction and computer simulations, ferroelectric switching is demonstrated and it is concluded that the response is due to field‐induced reorganization of polar cybotactic groups within the nematic phase. This work represents significant progress toward the realization of ferroelectric fluids that can be aligned at command with a simple electric field.
Increased Interface Strength in Carbon Fiber Composites through a ZnO Nanowire Interphase
Authors: Lin Yirong , Ehlert Gregory , Sodano Henry A.
Published: June 2009

One of the most important factors in the design of a fiber reinforced composite is the quality of the fiber/matrix interface. Recently carbon nanotubes and silicon carbide whiskers have been used to enhance the interfacial properties of composites; however, the high growth temperature degrade the fiber strength and significantly reduce the composite's in‐plane properties. Here, a novel method for enhancing the fiber/matrix interfacial strength that does not degrade the mechanical properties of the fiber is demonstrated. The composite is fabricated using low‐temperature solution‐based growth of ZnO nanowires on the surface of the reinforcing fiber. Experimental testing shows the growth does not adversely affect fiber strength, interfacial shear strength can be significantly increased by 113%, and the lamina shear strength and modulus can be increased by 37.8% and 38.8%, respectively. This novel interface could also provide embedded functionality through the piezoelectric and semiconductive properties of ZnO.
Spontaneous Lamellar Alignment in Thickness‐Modulated Block Copolymer Films
Authors: Kim Bong Hoon , Lee Hyung Min , Lee Joo‐Hyung , Son Seung‐Woo , Jeong Seong‐Jun , Lee Sumi , Lee Dong Il , Kwak Sin Ung , Jeong Hawoong , Shin Hyunjung , Yoon Jun‐Bo , Lavrentovich Oleg D. , Kim Sang Ouk
Published: June 2009

Here, spontaneous lamellar alignment in a thickness‐modulated block copolymer film is presented as a facile, scalable, and general approach for creating a highly aligned lamellar morphology. Thickness‐modulated block copolymer films are prepared on neutral surfaces by various methods, such as solution dropping, dewetting‐induced self‐organized patterning, and thermal imprinting. Regardless of the film preparation method, the self‐assembled lamellar domains become spontaneously aligned along the thickness gradient after sufficient thermal annealing. Real‐time AFM imaging reveals that spontaneous alignment occurs through the directional growth of well‐ordered domains along the thickness gradient, which is accompanied by defect dynamics, with vertical linear defects moving from thicker parts of the film towards the thinner ones, reducing their length and thus the associated energy. The mechanism underlying this interesting self‐aligning behavior is provided by a ‘geometric anchoring’ phenomenon, originally envisioned to account for the liquid crystal alignment under a non‐flat geometry of confinement. This novel self‐aligning principle offers a valuable opportunity to control nanoscale alignment in block copolymer films by manipulating the, much larger, microscale morphology.
Intensification of liquid–liquid two‐phase mass transfer by gas agitation in a microchannel
Authors: Su Yuanhai , Chen Guangwen , Zhao Yuchao , Yuan Quan
Published: June 2009

In this experiment, the inert gas is used to agitate two immiscible fluids in microchannels. The mass transfer performances with or without gas agitation are investigated. 30% TBP (in kerosene)‐acetic acid‐water is chosen as testing system, and nitrogen as agitating gas. The superficial velocities of the immiscible liquid–liquid two phases and gas phase are varied in the range from 0.02 to 1.2 m/s, and 0 to 3.0 m/s, respectively. In microchannels, with enough gas agitating intensity, high dispersion between two immiscible liquid phases can be obtained. The overall volumetric mean mass transfer coefficients are two‐folds higher than those without gas agitating, which are in the range of 3.8–30.6 s−1. Some parameters which impact on the mass transfer process, such as the mixture superficial velocity of the immiscible liquid–liquid two phases, the gas superficial velocity, the microchannel structure, the gas inlet locations and the sampling time are experimentally investigated. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Experimental and CFD studies of fluid dynamic gauging in annular flows
Authors: Gu T. , Chew Y. M. J. , Paterson W. R. , Wilson D. I.
Published: June 2009

Fluid dynamic gauging has been applied for the first time to measurements on a curved surface, specifically the inner convex surface of an annulus. Two hydraulic cases were examined: (i) the quasi‐static case, where there is no flow in the annulus, other than the flow imposed by the working action of the gauge and (ii) the turbulent case, where there is additionally a forced advective flow in the turbulent regime (14,000 < Reannulus < 32,000). The nozzle clearance–flow rate characteristics resembled those reported previously for flat geometries, with one exception; at small clearance values (0 < h/dt < 0.1), flow rate was found to be independent of clearance because of a leakage flow arising from the curvature of the surface. The experimental results for the quasi‐static case showed very good agreement with simulations of the configuration using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The agreement indicates that the technique may be used not only for measuring the thickness of deposits on curved surfaces, but also for measuring their strength. CFD simulation of the turbulent case was not attempted, but the experimental results imply that the technique could be used reliably as a real‐time in situ thickness sensor for this scenario, which is often employed in laboratory fouling studies. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
CAG‐repeat length and the age of onset in Huntington disease (HD): A review and validation study of statistical approaches
Authors: Langbehn Douglas R. , Hayden Michael R. , Paulsen Jane S. ,   and the PREDICT‐HD Investigators of the Huntington Study Group
Published: June 2009

CAG‐repeat length in the gene for HD is inversely correlated with age of onset (AOO). A number of statistical models elucidating the relationship between CAG length and AOO have recently been published. In the present article, we review the published formulae, summarize essential differences in participant sources, statistical methodologies, and predictive results. We argue that unrepresentative sampling and failure to use appropriate survival analysis methodology may have substantially biased much of the literature. We also explain why the survival analysis perspective is necessary if any such model is to undergo prospective validation. We use prospective diagnostic data from the PREDICT‐HD longitudinal study of CAG‐expanded participants to test conditional predictions derived from two survival models of AOO of HD. A prior model of the relationship of CAG and AOO originally published by Langbehn et al. yields reasonably accurate predictions, while a similar model by Gutierrez and MacDonald substantially overestimates diagnosis risk for all but the highest risk participants in this sample. The Langbehn et al. model appears accurate enough to have substantial utility in various research contexts. We also emphasize remaining caveats, many of which are relevant for any direct application to genetic counseling. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A longitudinal follow‐up study of autistic symptoms in children and adults with duplications of 15q11‐13
Authors: Simon Elliott W. , Haas‐Givler Barbara , Finucane Brenda
Published: June 2009

We completed a longitudinal follow‐up of autistic symptoms in a cohort of children and young adults with duplications of chromosome 15q11‐13. In our initial investigation of 29 individuals, tentative conclusions were drawn based on cross‐sectional data suggesting that autistic symptoms increased with age, most specifically in the area of social interaction. We were able to re‐assess 22 individuals from the original study an average of 7 years later using the same standardized autism screening measure. As predicted, autistic symptoms were found to increase for the younger children in the cohort but remained constant for the older participants. This global change in autistic symptoms among the younger children could not be ascribed to any particular autism subscale and reflects small but cumulatively significant increases across several domains. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A population‐based association study of candidate genes for depression and sleep disturbance
Authors: Utge Siddheshwar , Soronen Pia , Partonen Timo , Loukola Anu , Kronholm Erkki , Pirkola Sami , Nyman Emma , Porkka‐Heiskanen Tarja , Paunio Tiina
Published: June 2009

The clinical manifestation of depression comprises a variety of symptoms, including early morning awakenings and fatigue, features also indicating disturbed sleep. The presence or absence of these symptoms may reflect differences in neurobiological processes leading to prolonged depression. Several neurobiological mechanisms have been indicated in the induction of depression, including disturbances in serotonergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission and in the action of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. The same transmitters have also been linked to sleep regulation. We hypothesized that depression without simultaneous symptoms of disturbed sleep would partly have a different genetic background than depression with symptoms of disturbed sleep. We tested this hypothesis using a systematic population‐based association study of 14 candidate genes related to depression and disturbed sleep. Association of genetic variants with either depression alone, depression with early morning awakenings, or depression with fatigue was investigated using permutation‐based allelic association analysis of a sample of 1,654 adults recruited from Finland's population‐based program. The major findings were associations of TPH2 (rs12229394) with depression accompanied by fatigue in women and CREB1 (rs11904814) with depression alone in men. We also found suggestive associations in women for GAD1, GRIA3, and BDNF with depression accompanied by fatigue, and for CRHR1 with depression accompanied by early morning awakenings. The results indicate sex‐dependent and symptom‐specific differences in the genetic background of depression. These differences may partially explain the broad spectrum of depressive symptoms, and their systematic monitoring could potentially be used for diagnostic purposes. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interleukin‐6 genotype and risk for cerebral palsy in term and near‐term infants
Authors: Wu Yvonne W. , Croen Lisa A. , Torres Anthony R. , Van De Water Judy , Grether Judith K. , Hsu Nathaniel N.
Published: June 2009

Objective

Chorioamnionitis is associated with increased risk for cerebral palsy (CP) in term infants. A functional polymorphism in the interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) gene has been implicated in newborn brain injury. We studied whether the IL‐6 ‐174 G/C polymorphism confers increased risk for CP in term infants.

Methods

This population‐based case–control study included 334,333 live‐born infants born at ≥36 weeks gestation within Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program from 1991 to 2002. Case patients (n = 250) were identified from electronic records and confirmed by chart review, and comprised all infants with spastic or dyskinetic CP not caused by developmental abnormalities who had a neonatal blood specimen available for study. Control patients (n = 305) were randomly selected from the study population.

Results

Compared with genotype GG, the less common CC genotype was associated with increased risk for overall CP (odds ratio [OR], 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5–4.6), quadriparetic CP (OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.8–9.3), and hemiparetic CP (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.3–5.7), after controlling for race. The C allele conferred increased risk for CP in both recessive and additive genetic models. In multivariate analysis controlling for race, independent risk factors for CP included CC genotype compared with GG (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3–4.4), clinical chorioamnionitis (OR, 4.6; 95% CI, 2.1–10.4), maternal age ≥ 35 (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.6–4.1), and male sex (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1–2.4).

Interpretation

Our data suggest that a functional polymorphism in the IL‐6 gene is a risk factor for CP among term and near‐term infants. Ann Neurol 2009;66:663–670
Seizures, enhanced excitation, and increased vesicle number in Lis1 mutant mice
Authors: Greenwood Joel S.F. , Wang Yanling , Estrada Rosanne C. , Ackerman Larry , Ohara Peter T. , Baraban Scott C.
Published: June 2009

Objective

In humans, abnormal neuronal migration and severe neuronal disorganization resulting from Lis1 (lissencephaly) haploinsufficiency contributes to cognitive impairment and seizures early in life. In Lis1 heterozygotic mice, severe hippocampal disorganization and cognitive impairment have also been reported. Using this mouse model, we examined the functional impact of LIS1 deficiency with particular focus on excitatory glutamate‐mediated synaptic transmission.

Methods

We used visualized patch‐clamp recordings in acute hippocampal slices. We recorded spontaneous, miniature and stimulation‐evoked excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC). Additional mice were processed for immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy (EM), or video‐electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring.

Results

Video‐EEG confirmed the presence of spontaneous electrographic seizures in Lis1 mutant mice. In disorganized hippocampal slices from Lis1+/− mice, we noted a nearly two‐fold significant increase in the frequency of spontaneous and miniature EPSC; no significant change in amplitude or decay was noted. Synaptic function assessed using brief repetitive or paired‐pulse stimulation protocols, also revealed significant enhancement of glutamate‐mediated excitation. Low concentrations of cadmium, a nonspecific blocker of voltage‐dependent calcium channels mediating vesicle release, effectively restored paired‐pulse facilitation deficits back to control levels. Analysis of synapse ultrastructure at the EM level identified a large increase in synaptic vesicle number.

Interpretation

Seizure activity, possibly associated with increased glutamate‐mediated excitation and an increased pool of vesicles at the presynaptic site, was demonstrated in a mouse model of type I lissencephaly. Ann Neurol 2009;66:644–653
Total Synthesis of Cyathin A3 and Cyathin B2
Authors: Kim Keunho , Cha Jin Kun
Published: June 2009

Stereoselektiv verläuft die hier vorgestellte Synthese von Cyathin A3 und Cyathin B2 mithilfe einer Prins‐Reaktion eines Cycloalkenylcyclopropanols. Erwähnung verdient auch die Anwendung einer Spirocyclobutanon‐Einheit, um in einer effizienten Ringschlussmetathese stereoselektiv zu einem Siebenring mit dem gewünschten Funktionalisierungsmuster zu gelangen (siehe Schema).

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Total Synthesis of Cyathin A3 and Cyathin B2
Authors: Kim Keunho , Cha Jin Kun
Published: June 2009

A stereoselective synthesis of cyathin A3 and cyathin B2 has been achieved by a Prins‐type reaction of a cycloalkenyl cyclopropanol. Particularly noteworthy is the use of a spirocyclobutanone moiety as a convenient scaffold for an efficient ring‐closing metathesis to stereoselectively construct a suitably functionalized seven‐membered ring (see scheme).

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A Highly Connected Porous Coordination Polymer with Unusual Channel Structure and Sorption Properties
Authors: Zhang Yue‐Biao , Zhang Wei‐Xiong , Feng Fei‐Yue , Zhang Jie‐Peng , Chen Xiao‐Ming
Published: June 2009

Making connections: A hydroxy‐centered trinuclear nickel cluster has been employed to construct a highly connected, highly symmetric framework with a uninodal nine‐connected topology. An array of triakis tetrahedra leads to a biporous intersecting‐channel system (see picture).

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Synthesis of functionalized liquid rubbers from polyisoprene
Authors: Dubkov Konstantin A. , Semikolenov Sergey V. , Ivanov Dmitry P. , Babushkin Dmitry E. , Matsko Mikhail A. , Panov Gennady I.
Published: June 2009

Noncatalytic transformation of cis‐1,4‐polyisoprene rubber (Mn = 320,000) into functionalized liquid rubbers containing various amounts of carbonyl groups was studied. The process is performed via selective carboxidation of the polymer CC bonds by nitrous oxide (N2O) in the temperature range of 180–230°C and under 3–6 MPa pressure. The carboxidation proceeds by the nonradical type mechanism involving the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of N2O to the CC bond. The main route of the reaction (ca. 65%) proceeds without cleavage of the internal CC bonds and leads to the formation of ketone groups in the polymer backbone. The second route (ca. 35%) includes the cleavage of CC bonds, yielding the molecules of a smaller size. This route results in a manifold decrease of the molecular weight, which, depending on the carboxidation degree, may be more than two orders of magnitude less than that of the parent rubber. A series of functionalized liquid rubbers having Mn value from 1000 to 19,000, and the oxygen content from 0.3 to 3.9 wt % was obtained in the form of the liquid unsaturated polyketones. Similar polyketones can also be prepared by carboxidation of the natural rubber. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation and characterization of chitosan/PEG/gelatin composites for tissue engineering
Authors: Hong Hua , Liu Changsheng , Wu Wenjing
Published: June 2009

Chitosan scaffolds have gained much attention in tissue engineering. However, brittleness and low biodegradability limit scaffolds application, especially in use as guided tissue regeneration membranes (GTRm) in surgical operations. The first objective of this work is to improve the brittleness of the chitosan membrane, which is not desired for use via adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) to chitosan, and the second objective is to accelerate the degradation rate by blending gelatin with the binary chitosan‐PEG mixture. The addition of PEG softened the blend membrane in vision and in touch. The tensile compliant increased from 7.87 × 10−3 (MPa−1) for chitosan membrane to 3.63 × 10−1 (MPa−1) for chitosan‐PEG‐gelatin (CPG) membrane. Degradation results in vitro indicated that CPG membrane degraded faster and weight loss increased more significantly than chitosan membrane and the lowest tensile strength of CPG membrane could meet the requirement of the application. CPG membrane showed significant improvement in degradation and flexibility in comparison with the chitosan membrane. Cell adhesion, viability, and proliferation onto the external surface of CPG membrane with C2C12 cell had been evaluated in vitro and quantified by a methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) reduction assay. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
The influence of loose and semianchored siloxane polymer chains on the tack of crosslinked silicone rubber
Authors: Mikrut Marek , Noordermeer Jacques W.M. , Verbeek Guy
Published: June 2009

The influence of addition of nonreactive silicone oil or semianchored silicone polymer on crosslinked poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) rubber–rubber adhesion was studied. The additives can be considered either a tackifier, or connector molecules, able to cross the interface and entangle. In both cases, it influences the tack of the elastomers. An additional variable is the molecular weight of the additive, which affects the reptation of the polymer chains. Polymer–polymer demixing, which is the result of thermodynamic incompatibility of mixed polymers is another factor that influences tack. It causes the free chains to appear at the surface forming a layer of oil, which actually destroys the tack of the PDMS samples. The resulting tack phenomena as a function of oil, respectively semianchored silicone polymer chains, are very much dependent on the transient nature of the polymer reptation: in many cases the polymers need very long time periods to obtain equilibrium in interphase crossing, or oil sweats out of the crosslinked polymers, forming a liquid layer between the two phases resulting in a low tack value, due to hydrodynamic wetting alone. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Improving the performance of urea‐formaldehyde wood adhesive system using dendritic poly(amidoamine)s and their corresponding half generations
Authors: Essawy Hisham A. , Moustafa Abd‐Allah B. , Elsayed Nadia H.
Published: June 2009

Full as well as half generations of dendritic poly(amido amine)s (PAMAMs) were introduced onto urea‐formaldehyde (UF) wood adhesive system as modifiers to increase its stability and enhance the performance of the bonded wood joints with it. The effect of the modifiers on the physical properties and mechanical performance was discussed on the light of gel times, curing exotherms using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infra‐red (IR), and shear strength measurements. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Conductive network formation and electrical properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites: Percolation and dynamic percolation
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Zhu Jun , Ouyang Mi , Ma Chunan , Sumita Masao
Published: June 2009

Conductive network formation and its dynamic process for multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and carboxyl‐tethered MWNT (MWNT‐COOH) filled poly(vinylidene fluoride)(PVDF) systems were investigated. Based on real‐time tracing the variation of electrical resistivity of systems with isothermal treatment time, the conductive network formation was evaluated. It was found that the conductive network formation was temperature and time dependent. The percolation time, characterized at a certain annealing time where the electrical resistivity started to decrease drastically, decreased with the increase of the filler concentration or the annealing temperature. However, the values of the percolation time and the activation energy of conductive network formation for the PVDF/MWNT‐COOH system were higher than those of the PVDF/MWNT system, indicating that the interaction between MWNTs and PVDF molecules played an important role in the conductive network formation of the composites. Furthermore, a modified thermodynamic percolation model was proposed to predict the percolation time of PVDF/MWNT composites. It was found that the calculated results fit the experimental data very well. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Light and Scanning Electron Microscopic Study on the Tongue and Lingual Papillae of the Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus amphibius amphibius
Authors: Yoshimura Ken , Hama Natsuki , Shindo Junji , Kobayashi Kan , Kageyama Ikuo
Published: June 2009

We observed the three‐dimensional structures of the external surface and connective tissue cores CTCs, after exfoliation of the epithelium of the lingual papillae (filiform, fungiform, and foliate papillae) of the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius amphibius) using scanning electron microscopy and conventional light microscopy. Following unique features were found; typical vallate papillae with a circumferential furrow were not observable. Instead, numerous large fungiform papillae were rather densely distributed on the posterior of the lingual prominence. Taste buds were observable only on the dorsal epithelium. Serous lingual gland was not seen in the lamina propria; however, mucous‐rich mixed lingual glands were found and in a few of orifices were seen on the large fungiform tops. Lingual prominence was diminished their width. Rather long and slender conical papillae were distributed on the lingual prominence and were similar to nonruminant herbivore, that is donkey. Beside this narrow lingual prominence, lateral slopes were situated with numerous short spine‐like protrusions. After removal of the epithelium, CTCs of lateral slopes exhibited attenuated flower bud structures. Large‐conical papillae were situated on the root of the tongue. These large conical papillae were not seen among ruminants and seen on the lingual root of omnivores and carnivores. It implies that lingual structure of common hippopotamus possessed mixed characteristics between Perissodactyls, Ruminantia, and nonherbivores such as Suiformes because of their unique evolutionally taxonomic position. Moreover, adaptation for soft grass diet and associating easier mastication may be also affecting these mixed morphological features of the tongue. Anat Rec, 292:921–934, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Antiproliferation Effect of Berbamine on K562 Resistant Cells by Inhibiting NF‐κB Pathway
Authors: Wei Yan‐Lin , Liang Yun , Xu Lei , Zhao Xiao‐Ying
Published: June 2009

Imatinib mesylate is effective against Ph chromosome‐positive leukemia; however, resistance has been reported. High expression of bcr‐abl in mRNA and protein levels, and other alterations were found in patients who experienced imatinib treatment failures and thus it is important to design alternative treatment strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of berbamine, on imatinib‐resistant chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) K562 (K562‐r) cells, and explore the mechanisms. The growth of K562‐r cells was examined using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Morphological analysis and DNA agarose electrophoresis were used to detect apoptosis in K562‐r cells, and the extent of the cells in the sub‐G1 cell cycle phase was measured using flow cytometry. The expression levels of BCR‐ABL, phospho‐BCR‐ABL, and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB), IκBα, phospho‐IκBα, IκB kinases α(IKKα), and Survivin were determined by Western blot. bcr‐abl mRNA expression was determined by RT‐PCR. MTT assays indicated that berbamine significantly inhibited the proliferation of K562‐r cells. Cells with characteristics of apoptosis were confirmed by morphology examination and DNA agarose electrophoresis and percentage of apoptosis were increased after treatment with berbamine. The results also showed that berbamine was able to down‐regulate BCR‐ABL and phospho‐BCR‐ABL proteins by affecting bcr‐abl mRNA expression and decrease expression of nuclear NF‐κB, phospho‐IκBα, IKKα, and Survivin. Collectively, berbamine could inhibit the proliferation of K562‐r cells and induce apoptosis. The mechanisms may be related at least in part, to inhibit BCR‐ABL and its downstream NF‐κB signaling. Berbamine may provide an alternative candidate for the treatment of patients with CML resistant to imatinib therapy. Anat Rec, 292:945–950, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plasticity of Interstitial Cells of Cajal: A Study in the Small Intestine of Adult Guinea Pigs
Authors: Mei Feng , Han Juan , Huang Yue , Jiang Zhong‐Yong , Xiong Cheng‐Jie , Zhou De‐Shan
Published: June 2009

Although it is well known that the reduction of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) is associated with several gastrointestinal motility disorders in clinic, it is unknown whether the mature ICCs still have an active plasticity in adult mammals. This study focused on the issues of the reduction of ICCs during Imatinib administration and the recovery of ICCs following drug withdrawal in the small intestine of adult guinea pigs. ICCs were revealed by immunofluorescence on whole mount preparations with anti‐Kit, α‐smooth muscle actin, (α‐SMA), and 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) antibodies. Moreover, the occurrence of apoptosis was also assayed. Imatinib treatment led to a gradual reduction of ICCs in number around the myenteric plexus and deep muscular plexus, which was dependent on the time but no apoptosis of ICCs was detected with the TUNEL method. During Imatinib treatment, some ICC‐like cells were double labeled for Kit and α‐SMA and a few ICC‐like cells were only stained with α‐SMA. When Imatinib was discontinued, the number of ICCs recovered to normal within 32 days. During this time, some proliferating ICCs were demonstrated by double labeling with Kit and BrdU antibodies. Our results indicated that Kit signaling was essential for the maintenance of survival and proliferation of the mature ICCs in the small intestine of adult guinea pigs. Moreover, ICCs might transdifferentiate to a type of α‐SMA+ cells, perhaps a phenotype of smooth muscle cells, when there is a loss‐of‐function of Kit. Anat Rec, 292:985–993, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A cluster analysis of scholar and journal bibliometric indicators
Authors: Franceschet Massimo
Published: June 2009

We investigate different approaches based on correlation analysis to reduce the complexity of a space of quantitative indicators for the assessment of research performance. The proposed methods group bibliometric indicators into clusters of highly intercorrelated indicators. Each cluster is then associated with a representative indicator. The set of all representatives corresponds to a base of orthogonal metrics capturing independent aspects of research performance and can be exploited to design a composite performance indicator. We apply the devised methodology to isolate orthogonal performance metrics for scholars and journals in the field of computer science and to design a global performance indicator. The methodology is general and can be exploited to design composite indicators that are based on a set of possibly overlapping criteria.
Visual health subject directory analysis based on users' traversal activities
Authors: Zhang Jin , An Lu , Tang Tao , Hong Yi
Published: June 2009

Concerns about health issues cover a wide spectrum. Consumer health information, which has become more available on the Internet, plays an extremely important role in addressing these concerns. A subject directory as an information organization and browsing mechanism is widely used in consumer health‐related Websites. In this study we employed the information visualization technique Self‐Organizing Map (SOM) in combination with a new U‐matrix algorithm to analyze health subject clusters through a Web transaction log. An experimental study was conducted to test the proposed methods. The findings show that the clusters identified from the same cells based on path‐length‐1 outperformed both the clusters from the adjacent cells based on path‐length‐1 and the clusters from the same cells based on path‐length‐2 in the visual SOM display. The U‐matrix method successfully distinguished the irrelevant subjects situated in the adjacent cells with different colors in the SOM display. The findings of this study lead to a better understanding of the health‐related subject relationship from the users' traversal perspective.
Surface model of the gastrointestinal tract constructed from the Visible Korean
Authors: Shin Dong Sun , Park Jin Seo , Lee Seung‐Bock , Lee Sang‐Ho , Chung Jinoh , Chung Min Suk
Published: June 2009

Most currently available three‐dimensional surface models of human anatomic structures have been artistically created to reflect the anatomy being portrayed. We have recently undertaken, as part of our Visible Korean studies, to build objective surface models based on cross‐sectional images of actual human anatomy. Objective of the present study was to elaborate surface models of the GI tract and neighboring structures that are helpful to medical simulation. The GI tract from stomach to anal canal was outlined and reconstructed from sectioned images of the Visible Korean (acomputer database containing the digitized transverse sectional images of a 33‐year‐old Korean man). The outlining procedure was supported by computational filtering and interpolation using commercially available software. The GI tract was divided into several parts, and each of these parts was surface reconstructed and then united with neighboring parts to produce a surface model of the complete GI tract. Surface models of about 100 neighboring structures were also prepared. The surface models produced will hopefully facilitate the development of interactive simulations for a variety of virtual abdominal surgical procedures or other educational programs. In addition, it is hoped that the improved outlining and surface reconstruction techniques described will encourage other researchers to construct similar surface models based on images obtained from different subjects. Clin. Anat. 22:601–609, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glycoprotein isolated from Dioscorea batatas Decne modulates expressions of IL‐4 and IL‐10 in primary‐cultured mouse lymphocytes
Authors: Oh Phil‐Sun , Lim Kye‐Taek
Published: June 2009

In the present study, we investigated the anti‐allergic activity of a glycoprotein isolated from Dioscorea batatas Decne (DBD glycoprotein, 30 kDa) on ovalbumin (OVA, 100 µg ml−1)‐induced T helper (Th) type‐2 response in primary cultured mouse lymphocytes. Our results revealed that the DBD glycoprotein (200 µg ml−1) significantly attenuated the expressions of interleukin (IL)‐4 and IL‐10, whereas enhanced the expression of interferon (IFN)‐γ in OVA (100 µg ml−1)‐treated primary cultured lymphocytes. We also found that the DBD glycoprotein has inhibitory effects on phosphorylations of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)‐6, p44/42 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and p38 MAPK in primary cultured lymphocytes. Interestingly, the DBD glycoprotein suppressed the transcriptional activation of GATA‐binding protein 3 (GATA‐3), whereas it enhanced the activity of t‐box expressed in T cells (T‐bet) in OVA‐stimulated lymphocytes. The results from these experiments indicated that the DBD glycoprotein inhibits expressions of IL‐4 and IL‐10 through modulation of GATA‐3, STAT‐6, p44/42 MAPK and p38 MAPK in mouse lymphocytes. Therefore, we speculated that the DBD glycoprotein might be one component for preparation of nutraceutical health supplements for prevention of Th2 cell response‐related immune disorder. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast chiral separation of drugs using columns packed with sub‐2 μm particles and ultra‐high pressure
Authors: Guillarme Davy , Bonvin Gregoire , Badoud Flavia , Schappler Julie , Rudaz Serge , Veuthey Jean‐Luc
Published: June 2009

The use of columns packed with sub‐2 μm particles in liquid chromatography with very high pressure conditions (known as UHPLC) was investigated for the fast enantioseparation of drugs. Two different procedures were evaluated and compared using amphetamine derivatives and β‐blockers as model compounds. In one case, cyclodextrins (CD) were directly added to the mobile phase and chiral separations were carried out in less than 5 min. However, this strategy suffered from several drawbacks linked to column lifetime and low chromatographic efficiencies. In the other case, the analysis of enantiomers was carried out after a derivatization procedure using two different reagents, 2,3,4‐tri‐O‐acetyl‐α‐D‐arabinopyranosyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and N‐α‐(2,4‐dinitro‐5‐fluorophenyl)‐L‐alaninamide (Marfey's reagent). Separation of several amphetamine derivatives contained within the same sample was achieved in 2–5 min with high efficiency and selectivity. The proposed approach was also successfully applied to the enantiomeric purity determination of (+)‐(S)‐amphetamine and (+)‐(S)‐methamphetamine. Similar results were obtained with β‐blockers, and the separation of 10 enantiomers was carried out in less than 3 min, whereas the individual separation of several β‐blocker enantiomers was performed in 1 min or less. Chirality, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Carboxymethylated cyclodextrins and their complexes with Pr(III) and Yb(III) as water‐soluble chiral NMR solvating agents for cationic compounds
Authors: Provencher Katelyn A. , Weber Madeline A. , Randall Lauren A. , Cunningham Patrick R. , Dignam Catherine F. , Wenzel Thomas J.
Published: June 2009

Cyclodextrins that are indiscriminately carboxymethylated at the 2‐, 3‐, and 6‐positions are used as chiral NMR solvating agents for cationic substrates with phenyl, naphthyl, pyridyl, indoline, and indole rings. Enantiodifferentiation with the α‐, β‐, and γ‐cyclodextrin derivatives is compared. The carboxymethylated derivatives are almost always more effective as chiral NMR solvating agents for cationic substrates than native cyclodextrins. The most effective carboxymethylated cyclodextrin varies for different substrates, and at times even different resonances of the substrate. Addition of paramagnetic praseodymium(III) or ytterbium(III) to mixtures of the carboxymethylated cyclodextrin and substrate often causes enhancements in enantiomeric discrimination and facilitates measurements of enantiomeric purity. The lanthanide ion bonds to the carboxymethyl groups and causes perturbations in the chemical shifts in the NMR spectra of substrate molecules in the cyclodextrin cavity. Chirality, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Actin‐dependent dynamics of keratin filament precursors
Authors: Kölsch Anne , Windoffer Reinhard , Leube Rudolf E.
Published: June 2009

Actin filament and microtubule growth characteristics are defined by their different plus and minus ends. In contrast, intermediate filaments lack this type of polarity. Yet, intermediate filament network growth occurs by selective addition of newly formed and polymerizing keratin particles at peripheral network domains thereby allowing polarized network reorganization. To examine this process at high resolution in living cells, mammary epithelium‐derived, immortalized EpH4‐cells were infected with retroviral cDNA constructs coding for human keratin 18‐fluorescent protein hybrids. Several stable cell lines were established presenting characteristic fluorescent keratin filament (KF) networks. These cells contain particularly large and abundant lamellipodia in which nascent keratin particle dynamics are easily detected by time‐lapse fluorescence microscopy. These keratin particles originate close to the plasma membrane, translocate continuously toward the cell center, and integrate end‐on into the peripheral KF network. We show that this inward‐directed transport relies on intact actin filaments. After treatment with the actin filament‐disrupting drug cytochalasin newly polymerizing keratin assemblies still appear in the peripheral cytoplasm but remain stationary. On the other hand, nocodazole‐mediated disruption of microtubules does not affect the centripetal KF precursor transport. From these and other observations a model is deduced which postulates that focal adhesion‐dependent keratin polymerization occurs in forming lamellipodia and that transport of newly formed keratin particles is mediated by actin filaments until network integration. This mechanism allows extension of the KF network toward the leading edge in migrating cells and may be of relevance for tissue development and regeneration. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 66: 976–985, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Calcium‐dependent flagellar motility activation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in response to mechanical agitation
Authors: Wakabayashi Ken‐ichi , Ide Takahiro , Kamiya Ritsu
Published: June 2009

Flagellar beating in Chlamydomonas was found to be activated by mechanical stimulation. Immediately after a wild‐type cell suspension was vortexed, the average swimming velocity of cells increased from 130 μm/second to 150 μm/second, due to an elevation of flagellar beat frequency from ∼60 Hz to ∼70 Hz without detectable change in the flagellar waveforms. This response required outer arm dynein. Treatment with EGTA, Ca2+‐channel blockers, or mechanosensitive‐channel blockers inhibited it. In demembranated and reactivated cell models, a modest increase in Ca2+ concentration elevated the axonemal beat frequency. These data indicate that the mechanical agitation increases beat frequency because it causes Ca2+ influx into flagella, which then activates outer arm dynein. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.