bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of crosslinking modification on the O2/N2 separation characteristics of poly(phenyl sulfone)/poly(bisphenol A‐co‐4‐nitrophthalic anhydride‐co‐1,3‐phenylenediamine) blend membranes
Authors: Weng Tzu‐Hsiang , Tseng Hui‐Hsin , Wey Ming‐Yen
Published: December 2009

A series of blend membranes of poly(phenyl sulfone) (PPSU) with poly(bisphenol A‐co‐4‐nitrophthalic anhydride‐co‐1,3‐phenylenediamine) (PBNPI) were prepared through a solution casting method. This was done to examine the permeation characteristics of oxygen and nitrogen. The effect of the PPSU/PBNPI ratio on the membrane structure and O2/N2 separation performance were investigated. The results show that the permeability increased remarkably with the content of PPSU, whereas the selectivity decreased slightly. To enhance the selectivity of O2/N2, the blend membranes were further crosslinked with a p‐xylylenediamine agent via the immersion method. According to the Fourier transform infrared analysis, the NH group was formed on the imide group of PBNPI. Therefore, we suggest that during the crosslinking modification, the PBNPI served as a crosslinkable polymer; this resulted in increased crosslinking efficiency with PBNPI content. The high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction and melting point method results show that crosslinking modification improved the selectivity with an acceptable loss in permeability along with increased crystallinity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Relationship between structure and rheological, mechanical and thermal properties of polylactide/Cloisite 30B nanocomposites
Authors: Zaidi Lynda , Bruzaud Stéphane , Bourmaud Alain , Médéric Pascal , Kaci Mustapha , Grohens Yves
Published: December 2009

Melt‐state and solid state mechanical properties and thermal stability of polylactide layered silicate nanocomposites elaborated by melt intercalation were studied as a function of clay content. Wide angle X‐ray scattering results, transmission electron microscopy observations, and rheological measurements indicated that the clay was finely distributed in the polylactide matrix. Contrary to nonlinear mechanical properties, thermal and linear mechanical properties were shown to increase with increasing clay fraction. The nanoindentation measurements confirm the significant increase of linear mechanical properties previously observed by tensile tests. The good correlation of linear mechanical properties at the macrometric and nanometric scales is explained by the high dispersion degree of the nanofiller in the biodegradable polymer matrix. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Durchstanzen von Flachdecken bei hohen Stützenlasten
Authors: Guidotti Roberto , Ruiz Miguel Fernández , Muttoni Aurelio
Published: December 2009

Sollen Hochbauten eine flexible Raumnutzung erlauben, stellen Systeme aus Stahlbeton‐Flachdecken und Stützen eine wirtschaftliche und effiziente Lösung dar. Die Stützen dieser Bauten werden häufig aus hochfestem Beton vorfabriziert und stark bewehrt, um hohe Normalkräfte mit minimalen Querschnitten aufnehmen zu können. Der oft aus normalfestem Beton bestehende Deckenteil, der zwischen den übereinanderstehenden Stützen liegt, wird dabei ganz beträchtlichen Druckbeanspruchungen ausgesetzt. Zudem erfährt die Deckenplatte um die Stütze eine starke Querkraftbeanspruchung, so dass der Durchstanzwiderstand maßgebend werden kann. Der vorliegende Aufsatz untersucht die Interaktion zwischen den vertikalen Druckbeanspruchungen in der Deckenplatte und dem Durchstanzwiderstand mit Hilfe einer Versuchsreihe an sechs Plattenausschnitten (3,00 x 3,00 x 0,25 m) unter verschiedenen Lastkombinationen. Aufgrund der Versuchsresultate wird ein einfaches Bemessungsmodell vorgestellt. Dieses Modell basiert auf dem Ansatz der DIN 1045‐1 für den Durchstanzwiderstand von Decken ohne Querbewehrung, die einer horizontalen Druckspannung ausgesetzt sind (z. B. Vorspannung). Die mit dem Modell errechneten Resultate stimmen gut mit jenen der Versuche überein – sowohl beim Widerstand wie bei der beobachteten Bruchart.

Interaction between column loading and punching shear strength in flat slabs without transverse reinforcement

Flat slabs supported by columns are cost efficient solutions for high‐rise buildings. To reduce the cross section of the columns, the columns are typically precast with high strength concrete and include large amounts of longitudinal reinforcement. On the contrary, the slab between columns is typically cast‐in‐place with normal strength concrete. Thus, the slab is subjected in the support region of the columns to large transverse compressive stresses, which may exceed its uniaxial compressive strength. In addition, the flat slab around the column region has to carry large shear stresses, which may potentially lead to punching shear failures. In this paper, the interaction between column loads and shear forces in the support region of a flat slab is investigated by means of an experimental programme consisting of 6 slabs without transverse reinforcement (3.0 x 3.0 x 0.25 m). The flexural reinforcement of the slab was varied as well as the ratio between the column loads and the applied shear forces. On the basis of these results, a theoretical model based on the punching shear approach of DIN 1045‐1 is presented. This model accounts for the compressive stresses in the support region due to column loads and for the potential increase of punching shear strength due to it. A very good agreement between the test results and the theoretical model is obtained both in terms of strength and observed failure modes.
The effect of biothiol on UV irradiated α‐lipoic acid
Authors: Wada Naoki , Wakami Hirotaka , Konishi Tetsuya , Matsugo Seiichi
Published: December 2009

α‐Lipoic acid (LA) and its reduced form dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) are well known as strong antioxidants. LA has the characteristic distorted five membered 1,2‐dithiolane ring, which is quite vulnerable to UV irradiation. The UV induced decomposition of LA and the effect of the following addition of biothiols to the photoirradiated solution of LA were investigated by UV‐vis spectrometry and 1H NMR spectral analysis. The mechanism of UV irradiated LA decomposition was proposed based on the results obtained from NMR and GPC measurements.
Radicicol‐mediated inhibition of Bcr‐Ab1 in K562 cells induced p38‐MAPK dependent erythroid differentiation and PU.1 down‐regulation
Authors: Morceau Franck , Buck Isabelle , Dicato Mario , Diederich Marc
Published: December 2009

Constitutive tyrosine kinase activity of the breakpoint cluster region (Bcr)‐Abl fusion protein is characteristic of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). As resistance against Imatinib a Bcr‐abl inhibitor used in CML, was described, Heat shock protein (Hsp90) became an alternative target as inhibition of Bcr‐Abl‐Hsp90 complex leads to proliferation arrest. Here, we used natural product Radicicol (Rad), a macrocyclic antifungal, as an Hsp90 inhibitor to investigate the effect of Bcr‐Ab1 inactivation on erythroid gene expression and subsequently on the transcription factors involved in their regulation. We showed that all erythroid genes studied were over‐expressed after Rad treatment while Bcr‐Abl expression was inhibited. Specific transcription factor NF‐E2 was induced in Rad‐treated cells as well as GATA‐1 cofactors Friend of GATA (FOG)1 and SP1, whereas PU.1 was downregulated. Moreover, p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibition prevented Rad‐mediated differentiation of K562 in correlation with decreased γ‐globin expression and suppression of Rad‐mediated inhibition of PU.1. In conclusion, our results show that Radicicol leads to Bcr‐Abl inactivation via Hsp90 inhibition inducing reactivation of the erythroid program in K562 cells.
Long‐term schisandrin B treatment mitigates age‐related impairments in mitochondrial antioxidant status and functional ability in various tissues, and improves the survival of aging C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Ko Kam Ming , Chen Na , Leung Hoi Yan , Leong Eriol P. K. , Poon Michel K. T. , Chiu Po Yee
Published: December 2009

Mitochondrial decay is a major cause of aging, leading to the subsequent death of aerobic organisms including humans. In the present study, we examined the effects of supplementation with schisandrin B (Sch B, a dibenzocyclooctadiene derivative isolated from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis), administered at 0.012% (w/w) of diet, starting from the age of 36 weeks, on age‐dependent changes in mouse mitochondrial antioxidant status and functional ability in various tissues (brain, heart, liver, and kidney) up to the age of 120 weeks. We also monitored survival of male and female C57BL/6J mice. Aging caused progressive impairment in mitochondrial antioxidant status in various tissues, as evidenced by decreases in reduced glutathione and α‐tocopherol levels, and Mn‐superoxide dismutase activity. Impairments in mitochondrial antioxidant status were invariably associated with increases in mitochondria‐driven reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in tissue homogenates, as well as decreased mitochondrial ATP‐generation capacities (ATP‐GCs), in all tested tissues. Diet supplementation with Sch B ameliorated impairment in mitochondrial antioxidant status during aging. The effects were more pronounced in younger than in older mice, when compared to age‐matched non‐supplemented controls. Sch B supplementation also suppressed mitochondria‐driven ROS production and enhanced mitochondrial ATP‐GC in various tissues during aging. The beneficial effects of Sch B supplementation on mitochondrial antioxidant status and functional ability were paralleled by survival improvement in aging male mice, when compared with controls. Sch B supplementation also improved the survival in female mice. In conclusion, long‐term Sch B supplementation mitigated age‐dependent impairments in mitochondrial antioxidant capacity and functional ability, thereby retarding the aging process in mice, particularly during early aging.
Quantitative analysis of hydroxylated polymethoxyflavones by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Li Shiming , Wang Yu , Wang Zhenyu , Xiao Hang , Lo Chih‐Yu , Rawson Nancy , Ho Chi‐Tang
Published: December 2009

Since the hydroxylated polymethoxyflavones were isolated from orange and other citrus peels, they have been found to exhibit potent anti‐cancer and anti‐inflammatory activities. Hydroxylated polymethoxyflavones, especially 5‐demethylnobiletin and 5‐hydroxy‐3,6,7,8,3′,4′‐hexamethoxyflavone, exert more potent activities than their counterpart polymethoxyflavones (PMFs). These findings have led to a new era of exploration of hydroxylated polymethoxyflavones and PMFs from the citrus genus for their potential application in nutraceutical, pharmaceuticals and functional foods. A practical and efficient analytical method for quantitatively characterizing the composition of PMFs has only recently been developed, and has applications both in academic research laboratories and quality controls. However, chemical analyses of the hydroxylated polymethoxyflavones have not been previously described. This paper reports the quantitative analysis of six 5‐demethylated PMFs in various commercial orange peel extracts, using high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of an HPTLC‐based diagnostic method for invasive aspergillosis
Authors: Puri Alka , Ahmad Ajaz , Panda Bibhu Prasad
Published: December 2009

A rapid, sensitive and specific high‐performance thin‐layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method was developed and validated for determination of gliotoxin in Aspergillus infected immunocompromised patients with invasive aspergillosis (IA). Densitometric analysis of gliotoxin was carried out in the absorbance mode at 254 nm after single‐step extraction with chloroform. The method uses TLC aluminum plates pre‐coated with silica gel 60F‐254 as a stationary phase and toluene–isoamyl alcohol–methanol (10:0.5:0.5, v/v/v) as mobile phase, which gives compact spot of gliotoxin (Rf = 0.51). The calibration curve was linear (r2 ≥ 0.994) between peak area and concentration in the tested range of 100–1000 ng spot−1 with minimum detectable range 0.025 ng μ−1 of serum sample. The mean ± SD value of slope and intercept of the standard chromatogram of gliotoxin were found to be 523.2 ± 1.555635 and 915.8 ± 30.68843, respectively. The developed method is simple, rapid, precise and less costly than earlier diagnostic methods, and different serum samples can be run on a single TLC plate for comparative analysis. The proposed method can be used to analyze gliotoxin in patient serum for easy, rapid and cost‐effective diagnosis of IA. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous determination of peimine and peiminine in rat plasma by LC‐ESI‐MS employing solid‐phase extraction
Authors: Wu Xiaodan , Chen Juanjuan , Pan Yuanjiang
Published: December 2009

A simple and reliable LC‐ESI‐MS method for the determination of peimine and peiminine in rat plasma was developed for the first time. The method was proven to be specific and sensitive by carrying out validation. The analytes were extracted from rat plasma via solid‐phase extraction on Waters Oasis MCX cartridges. Chromatography separation was achieved on a C18 column using 10 mM ammonium acetate (adjusted to pH 3.0 with glacial acetic acid)–acetonitrile (85:15, v/v) as mobile phase. The linear range was 1–100 ng/mL for peimine and peiminine. Intra‐ and inter‐day precisiond were less than 10%. Accuracies were within 85–115% of their nominal concentrations. The limit of quantification was 1 ng/mL for both analytes. The developed assay was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic study of peimine and peiminine in rats orally administered the alkaloids extracts from Bulbus Fritillariae, demonstrating a possible broader spectrum of applications of this method. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ni Catalyst Coating on Fecralloy® Microchanneled Foils and Testing for Methane Steam Reforming
Authors: de Miguel N. , Manzanedo J. , Thormann J. , Pfeifer P. , Arias P. L.
Published: December 2009

The procedure following the washcoating of three different Ni catalyst systems (MgO, Al2O3, and CeO2/Al2O3 supported) on pretreated Fecralloy® microchanneled foils under controlled milling times and viscosities of the slurries is described. The activity of the prepared coatings is also presented. Four different series of coated foils were prepared: one per each catalyst system, keeping constant the average particle size on 5 μm, and one extra series to study the effect of reducing the average particle size of the MgO‐supported catalyst system to 3 μm. For each coating, scanning electron microscopy pictures were taken and specific surface areas and average densities of the catalyst layers were estimated. Finally, each series of coated foils was stacked and tested in a microreactor for the methane steam reforming (MSR) reaction under different conditions.
Modeling and predicting binding affinity of phencyclidine‐like compounds using machine learning methods
Authors: Erdas Ozlem , Buyukbingol Erdem , Alpaslan Ferda Nur , Adejare Adeboye
Published: December 2009

Machine learning methods have always been promising in the science and engineering fields, and the use of these methods in chemistry and drug design has advanced especially since the 1990s. In this study, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surfaces of phencyclidine‐like (PCP‐like) compounds are modeled and visualized in order to extract features that are useful in predicting binding affinities. In modeling, the Cartesian coordinates of MEP surface points are mapped onto a spherical self‐organizing map (SSOM). The resulting maps are visualized using electrostatic potential (ESP) values. These values also provide features for a prediction system. Support vector machines and partial least‐squares method are used for predicting binding affinities of compounds. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observation and calculation of vibrational circular birefringence: A new form of vibrational optical activity
Authors: Lombardi Rosina A. , Nafie Laurence A.
Published: December 2009

We report the first mid‐infrared observation of vibrational circular birefringence (VCB) arising from individual chiral molecules. VCB can also be called vibrational optical rotatory dispersion (VORD) and is the Kramers‐Kronig transform of vibrational circular dichroism (VCD). The method of measurement involves a simple change in the optical set‐up and electronic processing of a VCD spectrometer such that the VCB spectrum appears at twice the polarization modulation frequency as a pseudo vibrational linear dichroism (VLD) spectrum. VCB spectra are also calculated with density function theory (DFT) for the first time using a commercially available program for rotational strengths where the calculated intensities are convolved with the real, dispersive part of a normalized complex Lorentzian lineshape rather than the imaginary, absorptive part, normally used for IR and VCD intensity calculations. Comparison of themeasured and calculated VCB, VCD, and IR spectra of (+)‐R‐limonene and (−)‐S‐α‐pinene show close agreement and confirm the validity of the new VCB measurements. Chirality 21:E277–E286, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Salt Effects in the Cononsolvency of Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) Microgels
Authors: López‐León Teresa , Bastos‐González Delfina , Ortega‐Vinuesa Juan Luis , Elaïssari Abdelhamid
Published: December 2009

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) is well known to exhibit reentrant behavior or cononsolvency in response to the composition of a mixed solvent consisting of water and a low‐chain alcohol. Since the solvent structure plays an important role in this phenomenon, the presence of structure‐breaking/structure‐making ions in solution is expected to have a dramatic effect on the cononsolvency of PNIPAM. The present work examines the way that the presence of different salts can modify the reentrant‐phase diagram displayed by a cationic PNIPAM microgel in the mixed ethanol/water solvent. The effects of four Hofmeister anions—SO42−, Cl−, NO3− and SCN−—with different abilities to modify the solvent structure are analyzed. The species with kosmotropic or structure‐making character show a clear competition with ethanol for the water molecules, intensifying the nonsolvency of the PNIPAM with the EtOH volume fraction (ϕe). However, striking results are found with the most chaotropic or structure‐breaking anion, SCN−. In contrast to what happens in water‐rich solutions, the presence of SCN− in alcohol‐rich solvents enhances the solubility of the polymer, which macroscopically results in the microgel swelling. Moreover, this ion displays great stabilizing properties when ϕe> is 0.2. These results have been explained by considering how chaotropic or structure‐breaking ions interact with water and ethanol molecules.
The function and regulation of TBX22 in avian frontonasal morphogenesis
Authors: Higashihori Norihisa , Buchtová Marcela , Richman Joy M.
Published: December 2009

The frontonasal mass gives rise to the facial midline and fuses with the maxillary prominence to form the upper lip. Here we focus on the regulation and function of TBX22, a repressor dynamically expressed in the frontonasal mass. Both FGF and Noggin (a BMP antagonist) strongly induce gTBX22, however, each has opposite effects on morphogenesis ‐ Noggin inhibits whereas FGF stimulates growth. To determine whether TBX22 mediates these effects, we used retroviruses to locally increase expression levels. RCAS::hTBX22 decreased proliferation, reduced expression of MSX2 and DLX5 and caused cleft lip. Decreased levels of endogenous gTBX22 were also observed but were not the primary cause of the phenotype as determined in rescue experiments. Our data suggest that genetic or environmental insults such as those affecting the BMP pathway could lead to a gain‐of‐function of TBX22 and predispose an individual to cleft lip. Developmental Dynamics 239:458–473, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Survival of Hoxa13 homozygous mutants reveals a novel role in digit patterning and appendicular skeletal development
Authors: Perez Wilma D. , Weller Crystal R. , Shou Siming , Stadler H. Scott
Published: December 2009

The loss of HOXA13 function severely disrupts embryonic limb development. However, because embryos lacking HOXA13 die by mid‐gestation, the defects present in the mutant limb could arise as a secondary consequence of failing embryonic health. In our analysis of the mutant Hoxa13GFP allele, we identified a surviving cohort of homozygous mutants exhibiting severe limb defects including: missing phalanx elements, fusions of the carpal/tarsal elements, and significant reductions in metacarpal/metatarsal length. Characterization of prochondrogenic genes in the affected carpal/tarsal regions revealed significant reduction in Gdf5 expression, whereas Bmp2 expression was significantly elevated. Analysis of Gdf5 mRNA localization also revealed diffuse expression in the carpal/tarsal anlagen, suggesting a role for HOXA13 in the organization of the cells necessary to delineate individual carpal/tarsal elements. Together these results identify Gdf5 as a potential target gene of HOXA13 target gene and confirm a specific role for HOXA13 during appendicular skeletal development. Developmental Dynamics 239:446–457, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retinoic acid controls expression of tissue remodeling genes Hmgn1 and Fgf18 at the digit–interdigit junction
Authors: Zhao Xianling , Brade Thomas , Cunningham Thomas J. , Duester Gregg
Published: December 2009

Previous studies on retinoic acid receptor (RAR) mutants suggested that retinoic acid (RA) is required for loss of interdigital mesenchyme during digit formation. Here, we report that the RA‐generating enzyme retinaldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 (Raldh2) is expressed in the interdigital mesenchyme whereas Cyp26b1, controlling RA degradation, is expressed in digits, limiting autopodal RA action to the interdigital zones. Embryonic day 13.5 Raldh2−/− mouse embryos lose expression of the RARE‐lacZ RA‐reporter transgene and matrix metalloproteinase‐11 (Mmp11) throughout the interdigital mesenchyme, while expression of RARb, Fgf18, and high mobility group N1 (Hmgn1) is lost at the digit–interdigit junction. Raldh2−/− autopods exhibit reduced interdigital apoptosis associated with loss of Bmp7 expression, but Bmp2, Bmp4, Msx2, and Fgf8 were unaffected. Although interdigital expression of Hmgn1 was greatly down‐regulated in Raldh2−/− autopods, complementary expression of Sox9 in digit cartilage was unaffected. Regulation of Hmgn1 and Fgf18 at the digit–interdigit junction suggests RA controls tissue remodeling as well as apoptosis. Developmental Dynamics 239:665–671, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is there anything like a citizen? A descriptive analysis of instituting a citizen's role to represent social values at the municipal level
Authors: Soma Katrine , Vatn Arild
Published: December 2009

Environmental policy‐making can be challenging because of lobbying by strong private interests. This results in less consideration about what is best for the wider community. The main goal of this study is to evaluate to what extent it is possible to institutionalize a citizen's role in decision‐support processes. While the literature makes a clear distinction between private and social values, very little research is undertaken on how the framing of the instituted process influences which types of value become legitimate. Two deliberative meetings with local inhabitants were conducted in a municipality in Norway focusing on land use policy in coastal areas. The meetings were framed to facilitate dialogue and to emphasize the most important values to protect, given the interests of the wider municipality in the longer run. A large majority of the participants found the framing appropriate. Analyses of the dialogues, letters written by participants before the meetings and individual interviews undertaken afterwards document that the format of the meetings influenced strongly which arguments were found legitimate. The setting favoured the identification and specification of social values for inhabitants of the involved municipality such as public accessibility in conserved nature areas along the coast. The data moreover give insights about how the framing influenced the process. Arguments in favour of private construction interests were present, but were found to be weak in legitimacy. The framing might, however, also have influenced which social values were emphasized the most strongly. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Subjective well‐being, social support, and age‐related functioning among the very old in China
Authors: Deng Juelin , Hu Junmei , Wu Weili , Dong Birong , Wu Hongmei
Published: December 2009

Objective

Previous research has suggested that social support and functional status influence the subjective well‐being of the elderly. However, few studies have investigated whether these associations influence well‐being in the very old.

Methods

In this population‐based, cross‐sectional study, 1401 persons aged 90 years or over were located in Du Jiang Yan city, Sichuan, China. Among them 732 were willing to participate and provided data on a battery of standardized questionnaire inventories. The 23‐item Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS) was examined as an index of subjective well‐being. Functional status was assessed using the physical self‐maintenance scale (PSMS) and the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scales. The mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) was used to measure cognitive function. Social support was assessed using the Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve (APGAR) scale and the social support requirement scale (SSRS).

Results

The mean age was 93.7 ± 3.4 years for the participants, of whom 68% were female. PGCMS total scores were significantly correlated with the Family APGAR and Objective Support subscale of the SSRS, as well as with scores on the MMSE and PSMS scales. However, in a multiple regression analysis, only MMSE and Family APGAR scores were independent predictors of PGCMS scores.

Conclusion

Both social support from family members and cognitive function appear to be key factors associated with quality of life among the very old in China. Further research is needed among very old populations to confirm the importance of these variables and to examine potential cross‐cultural differences. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chronic endurance exercise training prevents aging‐related cognitive decline in healthy older adults: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Muscari Antonio , Giannoni Claudia , Pierpaoli Lucia , Berzigotti Annalisa , Maietta Pasqualino , Foschi Elia , Ravaioli Carlo , Poggiopollini Guido , Bianchi Giampaolo , Magalotti Donatella , Tentoni Claudio , Zoli Marco
Published: December 2009

Objective

To evaluate the effects of endurance exercise training (EET) on the cognitive status of healthy community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving community‐dwelling older adults from the town of Pianoro (northern Italy). We randomized 120 healthy subjects aged 65–74 years, both genders, to treatment (N = 60) and control (N = 60) groups. The treatment consisted of 12 months of supervised EET in a community gym, 3 h a week. All participants were assessed both at baseline and after 12 months on an intention‐to‐treat analysis. Cognitive status was assessed by one single test (Mini Mental State Examination, MMSE). Anthropometric indexes, routine laboratory measurements and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were also assessed.

Results

The control group showed a significant decrease in MMSE score (mean difference −1.21, 95% CI −1.83/−0.60, p = 0.0002), which differed significantly (p = 0.02) from the treatment group scores (−0.21, 95% CI −0.79/0.37, p = 0.47). The odds ratio for the treated older adults to have a stable cognitive status after 1 year, as compared to the control group, was 2.74 (95% CI 1.16/6.48) after adjustment for age, gender, educational level and several other possible confounders. Blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference and serum cholesterol did not differ significantly between the two groups, while CRP decreased only in the treatment group.

Conclusions

A 12‐month EET intervention may reduce the progression of age‐related cognitive decline in healthy older adults. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depression and anxiety in chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: prevalence, relevance, clinical implications and management principles
Authors: Yohannes A. M. , Willgoss T. G. , Baldwin R. C. , Connolly M. J.
Published: December 2009

Objective

To review evidence regarding the prevalence, causation, clinical implications, aspects of healthcare utilisation and management of depression and anxiety in chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Design

A critical review of the literature (1994–2009).

Findings

The prevalence of depression and anxiety is high in both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (8–80% depression; 6–74% anxiety) and chronic heart failure (10–60% depression; 11–45% anxiety). However, methodological weaknesses and the use of a wide range of diagnostic tools make it difficult to reach a consensus on rates of prevalence. Co‐morbid depression and anxiety are associated with increased mortality and healthcare utilisation and impact upon functional disability and quality of life. Despite these negative consequences, the identification and management of co‐morbid depression and anxiety in these two diseases is inadequate. There is some evidence for the positive role of pulmonary/cardiac rehabilitation and psychotherapy in the management of co‐morbid depression and anxiety, however, this is insufficient to guide recommendations.

Conclusions

The high prevalence and associated increase in morbidity and mortality justifies future research regarding the management of anxiety and depression in both chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Current evidence suggests that multi‐faceted interventions such as pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation may offer the best hope for improving outcomes for depression and anxiety. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of the Healthy Upper Limits for Serum Alanine Aminotransferase in Asian Populations With Normal Liver Histology
Authors: Lee Jae Keun , Shim Ju Hyun , Lee Han Chu , Lee Sae Hwan , Kim Kang Mo , Lim Young-Suk , Chung Young-Hwa , Lee Yung Sang , Suh Dong Jin
Published: December 2009

A recent study in young Italian subjects suggested that the healthy thresholds for serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels should be adjusted to 30 IU/L for men and 19 IU/L for women when assessing risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Our aim was to assess serum ALT concentrations in healthy Korean individuals and to determine the factors affecting ALT levels in these populations. We included 1,105 potential liver donors (643 men and 462 women) with biopsy-proven normal livers. Median ages were 25 years in men and 30 years in women, with a median body mass index (BMI) of 22.3 kg/m2 in men and 21.4 kg/m2 in women. The calculated thresholds for ALT values in these subjects were 35 IU/L for men and 26 IU/L for women. Age and BMI were independently correlated with ALT levels in both sexes, whereas serum total cholesterol concentration was significant only in men and blood glucose level only in women (

P

< 0.05). When we chose a subgroup of 665 individuals (346 men and 319 women) using Prati criteria, modified by the BMI cutoff points for Asians (<23 kg/m2), we found that the healthy ALT values were 33 IU/L for men and 25 IU/L for women. The mean ALT concentrations for subjects within the Prati criteria were significantly lower than for those outside the criteria (16.7 versus 19.5 IU/L for men, 12.8 versus 14.9 IU/L for women;

P

< 0.001).

Conclusion:

The healthy ALT thresholds in biopsy-proven normal Asians were clearly lower than the previously accepted thresholds, as has also been noted in Europeans. Age, BMI, and/or other metabolic parameters significantly affect ALT levels, even in subjects with normal livers. (Hepatology 2010.)
Generation of Functional Hepatocytes From Human Embryonic Stem Cells Under Chemically Defined Conditions That Recapitulate Liver Development
Authors: Touboul Thomas , Hannan Nicholas R. F. , Corbineau Sébastien , Martinez Amélie , Martinet Clémence , Branchereau Sophie , Mainot Sylvie , Strick-Marchand Hélène , Pedersen Roger , Di Santo James , Weber Anne , Vallier Ludovic
Published: December 2009

Generation of hepatocytes from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) could represent an advantageous source of cells for cell therapy approaches as an alternative to orthotopic liver transplantation. However, the generation of differentiated hepatocytes from hESCs remains a major challenge, especially using a method compatible with clinical applications. We report a novel approach to differentiate hESCs into functional hepatic cells using fully defined culture conditions, which recapitulate essential stages of liver development. hESCs were first differentiated into a homogenous population of endoderm cells using a combination of activin, fibroblast growth factor 2, and bone morphogenetic protein 4 together with phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibition. The endoderm cells were then induced to differentiate further into hepatic progenitors using fibroblast growth factor 10, retinoic acid, and an inhibitor of activin/nodal receptor. After further maturation, these cells expressed markers of mature hepatocytes, including asialoglycoprotein receptor, tyrosine aminotransferase, α1-antitrypsin, Cyp7A1, and hepatic transcription factors such as hepatocyte nuclear factors 4α and 6. Furthermore, the cells generated under these conditions exhibited hepatic functions

in vitro

, including glycogen storage, cytochrome activity, and low-density lipoprotein uptake. After transduction with a green fluorescent protein–expressing lentivector and transplantation into immunodeficient uPA transgenic mice, differentiated cells engrafted into the liver, grew, and expressed human albumin and α1-antitrypsin as well as green fluorescent protein for at least 8 weeks. In addition, we showed that hepatic cells could be generated from human-induced pluripotent cells derived from reprogrammed fibroblasts, demonstrating the efficacy of this approach with pluripotent stem cells of diverse origins.

Conclusion:

We have developed a robust and efficient method to differentiate pluripotent stem cells into hepatic cells, which exhibit characteristics of human hepatocytes. Our approach should facilitate the development of clinical grade hepatocytes for transplantation and for research on drug discovery. (Hepatology 2010.)
The association between concurrent psychotropic medications and self‐reported adherence with taking a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder
Authors: Bauer Michael , Glenn Tasha , Grof Paul , Marsh Wendy , Sagduyu Kemal , Alda Martin , Murray Greg , Lewitzka Ute , Schmid Rita , Haack Sara , Whybrow Peter C.
Published: December 2009

Objective

Multiple psychotropic medications are routinely prescribed to treat bipolar disorder, creating complex medication regimens. This study investigated whether the daily number of psychotropic medications or the daily number of pills were associated with self‐reported adherence with taking a mood stabilizer.

Methods

Patients self‐reported their mood and medications taken daily for about 6 months. Adherence was defined as taking at least one pill of any mood stabilizer daily. Univariate general linear models (GLMs) were used to estimate if adherence was associated with the number of daily medications and the number of pills, controlling for age. The association between mean daily dosage of mood stabilizer and adherence was also estimated using a GLM.

Results

Three hundred and twelve patients (mean age 38.4 ± 10.9 years) returned 58,106 days of data and took a mean of 3.1 ± 1.6 psychotropic medications daily (7.0 ± 4.2 pills). No significant association was found between either the daily number of medications or the daily number of pills and adherence. For most mood stabilizers, patients with lower adherence took a significantly smaller mean daily dosage.

Conclusions

The number of concurrent psychotropic medications may not be associated with adherence in bipolar disorder. Patients with lower adherence may be taking smaller dosages of mood stabilizers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Percutaneous absorption and exposure assessment of pesticides
Authors: Ngo Mai A. , O'Malley Michael , Maibach Howard I.
Published: December 2009

Dermal exposure to a diverse range of chemicals may result from various uses. In order to assess exposure and estimate potential risks, accurate quantitative data on absorption are required. Various factors will influence the final results and interpretations of studies designed to assess the ability of compounds to penetrate the skin. This overview will discuss skin penetration by pesticides, emphasizing key parameters to be considered from the perspective of exposure assessment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Basic ingredients of free energy calculations: A review
Authors: Christ Clara D. , Mark Alan E. , van Gunsteren Wilfred F.
Published: December 2009

Methods to compute free energy differences between different states of a molecular system are reviewed with the aim of identifying their basic ingredients and their utility when applied in practice to biomolecular systems. A free energy calculation is comprised of three basic components: (i) a suitable model or Hamiltonian, (ii) a sampling protocol with which one can generate a representative ensemble of molecular configurations, and (iii) an estimator of the free energy difference itself. Alternative sampling protocols can be distinguished according to whether one or more states are to be sampled. In cases where only a single state is considered, six alternative techniques could be distinguished: (i) changing the dynamics, (ii) deforming the energy surface, (iii) extending the dimensionality, (iv) perturbing the forces, (v) reducing the number of degrees of freedom, and (vi) multi‐copy approaches. In cases where multiple states are to be sampled, the three primary techniques are staging, importance sampling, and adiabatic decoupling. Estimators of the free energy can be classified as global methods that either count the number of times a given state is sampled or use energy differences. Or, they can be classified as local methods that either make use of the force or are based on transition probabilities. Finally, this overview of the available techniques and how they can be best used in a practical context is aimed at helping the reader choose the most appropriate combination of approaches for the biomolecular system, Hamiltonian and free energy difference of interest. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Skin peptides of different life stages of Ewing's tree frog
Authors: Schadich Ermin , Cole Anthony L.J. , Squire Marie , Mason Drusilla
Published: December 2009

In frogs, an important mechanism of skin innate immunity against invading microbial pathogens is secretion of antimicrobial peptides from the specialized granular glands. Since these glands develop fully in skin dermis after completion of metamorphosis, they are small and immature in skin of larvae (tadpoles). Skin secretions vary among different life stages. Antimicrobial activity and peptide composition of natural mixture of skin peptides of three different life stages of New Zealand Ewing's Tree Frog (Litoria ewingii), tadpoles, metamorphs and adults were analyzed. The peptide mixtures were collected from skin secretions and analyzed for activity against the standard reference bacterium, Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922). Their peptide components were analyzed using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). The peptide mixture from adults and metamorphs contained the species‐specific antimicrobial peptide uperin 7.1 and inhibited the growth of E. coli (ATCC 25922). In contrast, the peptide mixture of tadpoles did not inhibit the growth of E. coli (ATCC 25922). This peptide mixture did not contain uperin 7.1 but had peptides whose molecular masses did not correspond to molecular masses of any known frog antimicrobial peptides. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:532–537, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An experimental test of body volume constraint on female reproductive output
Authors: Du Wei‐Guo , Lü Dan
Published: December 2009

The body volume constraint hypothesis is a widely accepted notion that explains proximate limitation of female reproductive output, but lacks empirical support. To examine how body volume determines reproductive output, we experimentally manipulated the body volume of female lacertid lizard (Takydromus septentrionalis), to examine whether a reduction in body volume caused a reduction in reproductive output. Clutch size and mass decreased with a reduction in body volume. Reproductive output (residual clutch mass, RCM) was negatively related to body volume reduction (BVR) (RCM=−0.008BVR+0.225). In contrast, neither egg size nor offspring size was affected by the manipulation. Relative clutch mass was lower in manipulated females than in control females, but the actual physical burden (egg plus pearls) carried by manipulated females was much bigger than that of the control females. A normal clutch of eggs only filled 55% of maternal body volume, whereas manipulated females used 75% of body volume to contain eggs and pearls. Therefore, females are capable of carrying more eggs than a normal clutch. Our observations provide unequivocal empirical support for the maternal body volume constraint hypothesis. In addition, these results suggest that female T. septentrionalis may produce a clutch of eggs that fill the available abdomen space to an optimal level rather than the physical limit. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:123–128, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Traditional ELISA methods for antibody affinity determination fail to reveal the presence of low affinity antibodies in antisera: an alternative approach
Authors: Bobrovnik Sergei A. , Demchenko Miroslava , Komisarenko Sergei , Stevens Fred
Published: December 2009

Traditionally used methods of antibody affinity determination either by ELISA or by the surface plasmon resonance technique do not allow detection of the presence of low‐affinity antibodies in samples of high‐affinity antibodies. In this paper we demonstrate the possibility to reveal their presence and to determine the affinities of both categories of antibodies as well as the ratio of their concentrations. This is especially important since by using traditional methods for antibody affinity evaluation the admixture of low‐affinity antibodies in a sample diminishes the accuracy in determination of specific antibody affinity. In addition, the presence of an admixture of low‐affinity antibodies may be an important biological characteristic of the system under study; their revelation and the evaluation of their binding parameters may be valuable in many cases for obtaining a more complete characterization of the binding properties of the multiple antibodies generated in an immune response. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of drying and storage on the degradation of total carotenoids in orange‐fleshed sweetpotato cultivars
Authors: Bechoff Aurélie , Westby Andrew , Owori Constance , Menya Geoffrey , Dhuique‐Mayer Claudie , Dufour Dominique , Tomlins Keith
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: Orange‐fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) can be used to tackle vitamin A deficiency, a major public health problem in most developing countries. In East Africa, common ways of using sweetpotato include drying and subsequent storage. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of drying and storage on the total carotenoid retention (as an estimate of provitamin A retention) from OFSP.

RESULTS: Losses of total carotenoid during drying were generally low (15% or less). Total carotenoid retention in OFSP was not dependent on the type of dryer (solar or sun). Sweetpotato cultivar (Ejumula, Kakamega, SPK004/1, SPK004/1/1, SPK004/6 or SPK004/6/6) had a significant effect on retention in drying (P < 0.05). High percentage losses of total carotenoids were, however, correlated with high moisture content and high carotenoid content in fresh sweetpotato roots. After 4 months' storage at room temperature in Uganda, losses of total carotenoid in dried sweetpotato chips were high (about 70%) and this was not dependent on the use of opaque or transparent packaging.

CONCLUSION: Losses of carotenoids during storage were considered to be more of a nutritional constraint to the utilisation of dried sweetpotato than losses occurring during drying. The relationship between characteristics of the cultivars and losses of carotenoids during drying should be taken into account in selection of cultivars for processing. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Oil palm: future prospects for yield and quality improvements
Authors: Murphy Denis J.
Published: December 2009

Oil palm is now the major global oil crop in terms of production. However, the crop still faces formidable challenges in terms of its overall yield per hectare, the quality of its oil, and the perceived sustainability of some aspects of plantation development and management. Thanks to recent progress in crop breeding and genomics, plus an emerging recognition of the importance of improved management practices across the industry, prospects are good for the capacity of the oil palm sector to confront these challenges.
Controlled Change of Mechanical Properties during Hydrolytic Degradation of Polyester Urethane Networks
Authors: Neffe Axel Thomas , Tronci Giuseppe , Alteheld Armin , Lendlein Andreas
Published: December 2009

Polyester urethane networks are versatile polymer systems as it is possible to tailor their mechanical properties and their hydrolytic degradation profile. For biomedical applications, the biodegradability as well as the thermomechanical properties of the polymer networks during the course of degradation is of importance. Therefore, we investigated the change of thermomechanical properties of networks based on star‐shaped precursors of rac‐dilactide and diglycolide, ε‐caprolactone, or p‐dioxanone, respectively, during hydrolytic degradation. Degradation rate and mechanical properties of the polymer networks were tailored by crosslink density, comonomers, and by changing the glass transition temperature. Most importantly, the degradation of the networks led to a controlled, step‐by‐step change of the mechanical properties of the networks.

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Amphiphilic Copolymer Membranes Promote NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase Activity: Towards an Electron‐Transfer Nanodevice
Authors: Graff Alexandra , Fraysse‐Ailhas Caroline , Palivan Cornelia G. , Grzelakowski Mariusz , Friedrich Thorsten , Vebert Corinne , Gescheidt Georg , Meier Wolfgang
Published: December 2009

Nanoscale devices for energy conversion require the transfer of electrons from one compartment to another. The enzyme complex I, which in vivo mediates electron transfer from NADH to ubiquinone, is an intriguing candidate for this role in nanodevices. However, complex I normally requires the presence of lipids to remain active, potentially limiting its application. Here we demonstrate for the first time that complex I can be actively reconstituted in the synthetic membrane of amphiphilic triblock copolymer vesicles. The functionality of the reconstituted protein was characterized by EPR and activity assays. Its activity is strongly influenced by the molar mass and the block length of the membrane‐forming polymers, and increases with increasing membrane thickness.

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