bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agreement between pQCT- and DXA-derived indices of bone geometry, density, and theoretical strength in females of varying age, maturity, and physical activity
Authors: Dowthwaite Jodi Noelle , Flowers Portia PE , Scerpella Tamara Ann
Published: December 2010

Measurement of bone mass, geometry, density, and strength are critical in bone research and clinical studies. For peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), single and repeated measurements are particularly adversely affected by movement and positional variation. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)–derived indices may alleviate these problems and provide useful alternative assessments. To evaluate this hypothesis, distal radius DXA and pQCT indices were compared in 101 healthy females aged 8.0 to 22.8 years (prepuberty to adulthood), reflecting a broad range of body sizes, physical maturity, and activity exposures. At the diaphysis, correlations were ρ = +0.74 to +0.98, with strong intermethod agreement for most indices. At the metaphysis, correlations were ρ = +0.64 to +0.97; intermethod agreement improved with modifications to the simplified geometric formulas more closely reflecting metaphyseal bone geometry. Further improvements may be possible because skeletal size and maturity-related biases in agreement were detected. Overall, DXA-derived indices may provide a useful assessment of bone geometry, density, and theoretical strength contingent on appropriate consideration of their limitations. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effects of repetitive loading on the growth-induced changes in bone mass and cortical bone geometry: A 12-month study in pre/peri- and postmenarcheal tennis players
Authors: Ducher Gaele , Bass Shona L , Saxon Leanne , Daly Robin M
Published: December 2010

Pre- and early puberty may be the most opportune time to strengthen the female skeleton, but there are few longitudinal data to support this claim. Competitive female premenarcheal (pre/peri, n = 13) and postmenarcheal (post, n = 32) tennis players aged 10 to 17 years were followed over 12 months. The osteogenic response to loading was studied by comparing the playing and nonplaying humeri for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral content (BMC) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) total bone area (ToA), medullary area (MedA), cortical area (CoA), and muscle area (MCSA) at the humerus. Over 12 months, growth-induced gains (nonplaying arm) in BMC, ToA, and CoA were greater in pre/peri (10% to 19%, p < .001) than in post (3% to 5%, p < .05 to .001) players. At baseline, BMC, ToA, CoA, and MCSA were 8% to 18% greater in the playing versus nonplaying arms in pre/peri and post players (all p < .001); MedA was smaller in the playing versus nonplaying arms in post only players (p < .05). When comparing the annual gains in the playing arm relative to changes in the nonplaying arm, the increases in ToA and CoA were greater in pre/peri than post players (all p < .05). The smaller the side-to-side differences in BMC and CoA at baseline, the larger the exercise benefits at 12 months (r = −0.39 to −0.48, p < .01). The exercise-induced change in MCSA was predictive of the exercise benefits in BMC in pre/peri players only (p < .05). In conclusion, both pre/peri- and postmenarcheal tennis players showed significant exercise-induced skeletal benefits within a year, with greater benefits in cortical bone geometry in pre/perimenarcheal girls. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Preventive effect of phytoglycoprotein (27 kDa) on inflammatory factors at liver injury in cadmium chloride‐exposed ICR mice
Authors: Lee Jin , Lim Kye‐Taek
Published: December 2010

Cadmium is one of the inflammation‐related xenobiotics and has been regarded as a potent carcinogen. Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (GJE) has been used to cure inflammation in Korean folk medicine for a long time. The purpose of present study is the inhibitory effect of glycoprotein isolated from GJE (27 kDa) on inflammation mechanism in cadmium chloride‐exposed ICR mice. We evaluated the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), activities of anti‐oxidative enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and gluthathione peroxidase (GPx)], activities of c‐Jun N‐terminal protein kinase (JNK), heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27), activator protein (AP)‐1, nuclear factor (NF)‐κB and expression of inflammation‐related mediators including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐6 in cadmium chloride‐exposed ICR mice using immunoblot analysis, EMSA and RT‐PCR. It notes that mice plasma was used to measure ALT, LDH, and TBARS after treatment with cadmium chloride alone or cadmium chloride under the pretreatment with GJE glycoprotein. Liver tissues were used to assess activities of anti‐oxidant enzymes, SAPK/JNK, Hsp27, AP‐1, NF‐κB, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 in this study. The results obtained from this study revealed that GJE glycoprotein (10 mg/kg) decreased the levels of LDH, ALT and TBARS, whereas increased the activity of hepatic anti‐oxidant enzymes (SOD and GPx) in cadmium chloride‐exposed ICR mice. Moreover, it decreased the activity of JNK/AP‐1, NF‐κB, Hsp27, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐6). Taken together, the results in this study suggest that GJE glycoprotein inhibits the expression of inflammation‐related cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐6) in cadmium chloride‐exposed ICR mice. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 694–703, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression and regulation of B7‐H3 immunoregulatory receptor, in human mesothelial and mesothelioma cells: Immunotherapeutic implications
Authors: Calabrò Luana , Sigalotti Luca , Fonsatti Ester , Bertocci Erica , Di Giacomo Anna Maria , Danielli Riccardo , Cutaia Ornella , Colizzi Francesca , Covre Alessia , Mutti Luciano , Natali Pier Giorgio , Maio Michele
Published: December 2010

No treatment prolongs the survival of malignant mesothelioma (MM) patients. Since MM elicits anti‐tumor host's immune responses, immunotherapy represents a promising strategy for its control. Immunomodulatory antibodies against components of the B7 family of immunomodulatory molecules that regulate T cell activation are being investigated in human malignancies including MM. The expression of B7‐H3, a new component of the B7 family was investigated in primary cultures of human mesothelial cells (HMC) and in MM cell lines by flow cytometry and molecular analyses, and in MM tissues by immunohistochemistry. The role of DNA hypomethylating agents in modulating levels of B7‐H3 expression in MM cells was also studied. Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) demonstrated that B7‐H3 mRNA was consistently detectable in mesothelial and MM cells investigated; however, real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR analyses showed highly heterogeneous levels of B7‐H3 mRNA among investigated MM cells. The analysis of B7‐H3 protein expression indicated that comparable levels of B7‐H3 were expressed on both cell types. Treatment with the DNA hypomethylating agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine did not significantly affect the expression of B7‐H3 mRNA in MM cells. In vivo, while B7‐H3 was expressed in all 13 tumor biopsies of the epithelial variant, with high levels in 54% of cases, it was rarely detectable in spindle type MM in which 1/5 biopsies weakly expressed B7‐H3. These findings suggest that B7‐H3 is a promising target for new immunotherapeutic strategies in MM, with particular emphasis in the epithelial variant. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2595–2600, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter‐2 (EAAT2) and glutamate in neurodegeneration: Opportunities for developing novel therapeutics
Authors: Kim Keetae , Lee Seok‐Geun , Kegelman Timothy P. , Su Zhao‐Zhong , Das Swadesh K. , Dash Rupesh , Dasgupta Santanu , Barral Paola M. , Hedvat Michael , Diaz Paul , Reed John C. , Stebbins John L. , Pellecchia Maurizio , Sarkar Devanand , Fisher Paul B.
Published: December 2010

Glutamate is an essential excitatory neurotransmitter regulating brain functions. Excitatory amino acid transporter (EAAT)‐2 is one of the major glutamate transporters expressed predominantly in astroglial cells and is responsible for 90% of total glutamate uptake. Glutamate transporters tightly regulate glutamate concentration in the synaptic cleft. Dysfunction of EAAT2 and accumulation of excessive extracellular glutamate has been implicated in the development of several neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Analysis of the 2.5 kb human EAAT2 promoter showed that NF‐κB is an important regulator of EAAT2 expression in astrocytes. Screening of approximately 1,040 FDA‐approved compounds and nutritionals led to the discovery that many β‐lactam antibiotics are transcriptional activators of EAAT2 resulting in increased EAAT2 protein levels. Treatment of animals with ceftriaxone (CEF), a β‐lactam antibiotic, led to an increase of EAAT2 expression and glutamate transport activity in the brain. CEF has neuroprotective effects in both in vitro and in vivo models based on its ability to inhibit neuronal cell death by preventing glutamate excitotoxicity. CEF increases EAAT2 transcription in primary human fetal astrocytes through the NF‐κB signaling pathway. The NF‐κB binding site at −272 position was critical in CEF‐mediated EAAT2 protein induction. These studies emphasize the importance of transcriptional regulation in controlling glutamate levels in the brain. They also emphasize the potential utility of the EAAT2 promoter for developing both low and high throughput screening assays to identify novel small molecule regulators of glutamate transport with potential to ameliorate pathological changes occurring during and causing neurodegeneration. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2484–2493, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tenascin‐C enhances crosstalk signaling of integrin αvβ3/PDGFR‐β complex by SRC recruitment promoting PDGF‐induced proliferation and migration in smooth muscle cells
Authors: Ishigaki Tomoki , Imanaka‐Yoshida Kyoko , Shimojo Naoshi , Matsushima Satoshi , Taki Waro , Yoshida Toshimichi
Published: December 2010

Migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are key events during neointimal formation in pathological conditions of vessels. Tenascin‐C (TNC) is upregulated in the developing neointima of lesions. We evaluated the effects of TNC on responses of SMCs against platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulation. TNC coated on substrate promoted PDGF‐BB‐induced proliferation and migration of rat SMC cell line A10 in BrdU incorporation and transwell assays, respectively. Immunoblotting showed that TNC substrate enhanced autophosphorylation of PDGFR‐β after PDGF‐BB stimulation. Integrin αvβ3 is known to be a receptor for TNC in SMCs. In immunofluorescence and immunoblot of integrin αv subunit, clustering of αv‐positive focal adhesions and upregulated αv expression were observed in the cells on TNC substrate. Immunoprecipitation using anti‐integrin αvβ3 antibody demonstrated that PDGFR‐β and integrin αvβ3 were co‐precipitated and that the relative amount of PDGFR‐β after the stimulation was increased by TNC treatment. TNC also promoted phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) at tyrosine (Y) 397 and Y925. The phosphorylated FAK was localized at focal adhesions in immunofluorescence. Phosphorylated SRC at Y418 was also seen at focal adhesions. Immunoprecipitation with αv antibody showed increased SRC association with the integrin signaling complex in the cells on TNC after PDGF treatment. In the cells on TNC substrate, crosstalk signaling between integrin αvβ3 and PDGFR‐β could be amplified by SRC and FAK recruited to focal adhesions, followed by enhanced proliferation and migration of A10 cells by PDGF‐BB. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2617–2624, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrasonographic measures of subacromial space in patients with rotator cuff disease: A systematic review
Authors: Seitz Amee L. , Michener Lori A.
Published: December 2010

Purpose.

Recently sonography (US) has been used to measure the subacromial space outlet with a linear measurement of the acromiohumeral distance (AHD). The purpose of this article is to systematically review the literature on the influence of rotator cuff disease (RCD) on AHD using US.

Methods.

Computer‐aided searches of databases were performed to identify comparative studies that measured US‐generated AHD in adults with symptomatic RCD.

Results.

Five studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Conclusions.

US images of AHD are smaller in patients with full‐thickness tears than healthy individuals and subjects with subacromial impingement. AHD is potentially useful to prognosticate outcome in patients with subacromial impingement. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Changing predictors of spatial and temporal variability in stocking rates in a severely degraded communal rangeland
Authors: Vetter S. , Bond W. J.
Published: December 2010

Changes in vegetation and soils under heavy continuous grazing have been widely documented, but the effects of these on secondary production are debated. Sterkspruit is one of South Africa's most degraded districts, and soil erosion in the district increased substantially over the twentieth century. Despite this, records dating to the late‐1800s show no decline in livestock numbers. This study explores how high stocking rates have been maintained despite an apparent deterioration in the natural resource base. Multiple regression analyses were used to determine the best predictors of stocking rates in 1974, the 1980s and 1997 to determine whether the relative importance of mean annual rainfall and winter temperature (indicative of primary production), the percentage of area on nutrient‐poor sandstone‐derived soils (representing a dry season nutritional bottleneck), the percentage of an area on steep slopes (which make areas less accessible to livestock) and human population density and availability of arable land (indicative of potential inputs) had changed over time. While mean annual rainfall was the best predictor of stocking rates in 1974, stocking rates in the 1980s and 1997 were best predicted by human population densities. This suggests that a qualitative shift in how livestock populations are maintained has taken place. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overcoming resistance to fulvestrant (ICI182,780) by Downregulating the c‐ABL Proto‐Oncogene in breast cancer
Authors: Zhao Huajun , Lo Yuan‐Hung , Yu Ling , Wang Shao‐Chun
Published: December 2010

Inhibiting estrogen receptor (ER) function with specific estrogen receptor modulators (SERM) can achieve a primary response in cancer patients; however, intrinsic or subsequently acquired resistance to the therapy remains a major obstacle in treatment. The pure anti‐estrogen fulvestrant has been shown to be a promising antagonist of ERα in treating advanced breast cancer. However, our knowledge of the mechanisms governing cellular responsiveness to this agent is limited. Here we show that down‐regulation of the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase c‐ABL enhanced sensitization to fulvestrant in breast cancer cells. Blocking c‐ABL kinase activity with the inhibitor imatinib further increased ERα downregulation induced by fulvestrant, decreased the number of proliferating cells entering the cell cycle, and increased cellular sensitivity to fulvestrant treatment. Conversely, introducing kinase‐activated c‐ABL can rescue fulvestrant‐induced ERα downregulation. Consistent with the effects of imatinib, the silencing of endogenous c‐ABL increased the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to fulvestrant treatment. These results demonstrate a role for c‐ABL in mediating resistance to the pure anti‐estrogen fulvestrant. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dorsal rhizotomy for treatment of bilateral intercostal neuralgia following augmentation mammaplasty: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Dorsi Michael J. , Lambrinos George , Dellon A. Lee , Belzberg Allan J.
Published: December 2010

Intercostal neuralgia may develop following breast augmentation. The authors describe a woman who suffered 2 years of severe pain associated with cutaneous hypaesthesia in a T3‐T5 distribution. Serial, placebo‐controlled T3‐T5 dorsal root nerve blocks provided temporary pain relief. The patient experienced immediate and lasting pain relief (34 months) following bilateral T3‐T5 dorsal rhizotomies. This case provides anectdotal evidence that dorsal rhizotomy is a beneficial intervention for refractory intercostal neuralgia. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
Exploiting spatial information to estimate metabolite levels in two‐dimensional MRSI of heterogeneous brain lesions
Authors: Croitor Sava Anca R. , Sima Diana M. , Poullet Jean‐Baptiste , Wright Alan J. , Heerschap Arend , Van Huffel Sabine
Published: December 2010

MRSI provides MR spectra from multiple adjacent voxels within a body volume represented as a two‐ or three‐dimensional matrix, allowing the measurement of the distribution of metabolites over this volume. The spectra of these voxels are usually analyzed one by one, without exploiting their spatial context. In this article, we present an advanced metabolite quantification method for MRSI data, in which the available spatial information is considered. A nonlinear least‐squares algorithm is proposed in which prior knowledge is included in the form of proximity constraints on the spectral parameters within a grid and optimized starting values. A penalty term that promotes a spatially smooth spectral parameter map is added to the fitting algorithm. This method is adaptive, in the sense that several sweeps through the grid are performed and each solution may tune some hyperparameters at run‐time. Simulation studies of MRSI data showed significantly improved metabolite estimates after the inclusion of spatial information. Improved metabolite maps were also demonstrated by applying the method to in vivo MRSI data. Overlapping peaks or peaks of compounds present at low concentration can be better quantified with the proposed method than with single‐voxel approaches. The new approach compares favorably against the multivoxel approach embedded in the well‐known quantification software LCModel. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An X‐FEM and level set computational approach for image‐based modelling: Application to homogenization
Authors: Legrain G. , Cartraud P. , Perreard I. , Moës N.
Published: December 2010

The advances in material characterization by means of imaging techniques require powerful computational methods for numerical analysis. The present contribution focuses on highlighting the advantages of coupling the extended finite elements method and the level sets method, applied to solve microstructures with complex geometries. The process of obtaining the level set data starting from a digital image of a material structure and its input into an extended finite element framework is presented. The coupled method is validated using reference examples and applied to obtain homogenized properties for heterogeneous structures. Although the computational applications presented here are mainly two‐dimensional, the method is equally applicable for three‐dimensional problems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A duality‐based method for generating geometric representations of polycrystals
Authors: Rimoli J. J. , Ortiz M.
Published: December 2010

We present a method, which we have termed Relaxed Dual Complex (RDC), for generating geometric representations and computational models of polycrystals of arbitrary shape. The RDC method combines a first topological step, which defines an initial unrelaxed polycrystal geometry as the barycentric dual of an input triangulation of the solid, and a second relaxation step, in which the grain boundaries are relaxed by means of a gradient flow driven by grain boundary energy. The RDC method applies to arbitrary solids defined by means of a triangulation and, in this manner, it couples seamlessly to standard solid modelling engines. An additional appealing feature of the RDC method is that it generates a conforming tetrahedral mesh of the polycrystal that can be used as a basis for subsequent simulations. The RDC method also affords some control over the statistical properties of the polycrystal, including grain size, which provides a convenient device for matching experimental statistical data. The range, versatility, and performance of the RDC method have been demonstrated by means of selected examples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of a phosphorus compound on the morphology, thermal properties, and flammability of polystyrene/MgAl‐layered double hydroxide nanocomposites
Authors: Tai Qilong , Chen Lijuan , Song Lei , Hu Yuan , Yuen Richard K. K.
Published: December 2010

Phosphorus, nitrogen‐containing monomer, acryloxyethyl phenoxy phosphorodiethyl amidate (AEPPA), was synthesized and copolymerized with styrene (St). Nanocomposites of polystyrene and poly(St‐co‐AEPPA) with various amounts of Mg‐Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) were then prepared by in situ bulk polymerization. Structure and morphology of the nanocomposites were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The nanocomposites were also examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC) to evaluate the thermal properties and flammability. Intercalated or exfoliated structures were obtained for all the nanocomposites. The results from XRD and TEM showed the LDH layers dispersed better in poly(St‐co‐AEPPA) than those in PS matrix. Decrease in thermal stability and enhancement in char residues were observed for poly(St‐co‐AEPPA) nanocomposites compared with PS nanocomposites at the same LDH loading. The addition of LDH can obviously reduce the heat release capacity (HRC) and total heat release (THR) of PS. Moreover, further reductions in HRC and THR were found in poly(St‐co‐AEPPA) nanocomposites. The reduction in flammability was attributed to the lower maximum mass loss rate (MMLR) and higher char residues of the nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Blistering in carbon‐fiber‐filled fluorinated polyimide
Authors: Adamczak Andrea D. , Spriggs Adam A. , Fitch Danielle M. , Burke Chris , Shin Eugene E. , Grunlan Jaime C.
Published: December 2010

A blistering study was performed on a fluorinated polyimide resin and its carbon‐fiber composite in an effort to determine the blister‐formation temperature and the influence of blisters on composite performance. The fluorinated resin and carbon‐fiber composite exhibit higher glass‐transition (435–455°C) and decomposition temperatures (above 520°C) than similar polyimide resins and their carbon‐fiber composites currently used. Two techniques were used to determine moisture‐induced blister formation. A transverse extensometer with quartz lamps as a heating source measured thickness expansion, as did a thermomechanical analyzer as a function of temperature. Both methods successfully measured the onset of blister formation with varying amounts of absorbed moisture (up to 3 wt%) in the samples. The polyimide resin exhibited blister temperatures ranging from 225 to 362°C, with 1.7–3.0 wt% absorbed moisture, and the polyimide composite had blister temperatures from 246 to 294°C with 0.5–1.5 wt% moisture. The blistering effects of the polyimide composites were found to have little correlation with modulus. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Liver volume in trisomy 21 and euploid fetuses at 11 to 13 weeks
Authors: Gielchinsky Yuval , Zvanca Mona , Minekawa Ryoko , Persico Nicola , Nicolaides Kypros H
Published: December 2010

Objectives

To compare liver volume between trisomy 21 and euploid fetuses at 11 to 13 weeks' gestation.

Methods

Fetal liver volume was measured by 3D ultrasound in fetuses at low risk of aneuploidies (n = 200) and another group at high risk, including 148 euploid and 37 with trisomy 21. The association of liver volume with fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness, tricuspid regurgitation and reversed a‐wave in the ductus venosus was investigated.

Results

In the low‐risk group, fetal liver volume increased exponentially with fetal crown‐rump length (CRL) from a median of 0.5 cm3 at CRL of 45 mm to about 2.5 cm3 at CRL of 84 mm. In 27 (73.0%) of the trisomy 21 fetuses liver volume was above the 95th percentile of the low‐risk group, whereas in the euploid fetuses liver volume was not significantly altered (P = 0.521). There were no significant contributions to liver volume from fetal NT (P = 0.508), tricuspid regurgitation (P = 0.958) or reversed a‐wave in the ductus venosus (P = 0.872).

Conclusion

In trisomy 21 fetuses at 11 to 13 weeks liver volume is increased. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus by maternal factors and biomarkers at 11 to 13 weeks
Authors: Nanda Surabhi , Savvidou Mina , Syngelaki Argyro , Akolekar Ranjit , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: December 2010

Objective

To develop a model for the prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) from maternal characteristics and biochemical markers at 11 to 13 weeks' gestation.

Methods

A prospective screening study on early prediction of pregnancy complications (n = 11, 464), including 297 (2.6%) cases of GDM was used to create the predictive model of GDM based on maternal characteristics. Maternal serum concentrations of adiponectin, follistatin‐like‐3 (FSTL3) and sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) were measured in a case‐control study of 80 women who developed GDM and 300 controls.

Results

In the screening study, maternal age, body mass index, racial origin, previous history of GDM and macrosomic neonate were significant independent predictors of future GDM. In the GDM group, compared to controls, the median multiple of the normal median adiponectin (0.66; IQR: 0.5–0.9 vs 1.02; IQR: 0.7–1.29) and SHBG (0.81; IQR: 0.6–1.04 vs 1.02; IQR: 0.8–1.2) was lower (p < 0.05), but FSTL3 was not significantly different. In screening for GDM by maternal characteristics, the detection rate was 61.6% at a false‐positive rate of 20% and the detection increased to 74.1% by the addition of adiponectin and SHBG.

Conclusion

First‐trimester screening for GDM can be provided by a combination of maternal characteristics and biomarkers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visualization of initial expansion behavior of butane‐blown low‐density polyethylene foam at extrusion die exit
Authors: Wang Jin , Lee Patrick C. , Park Chul B.
Published: December 2010

A charge‐coupled device (CCD) camera was used to observe n‐butane‐blown low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) foams at the extrusion die exit. The effects of butane content, nucleating‐agent (talc) content, aging modifier (glycerol monostearate), die temperature, and die geometry on the initial expansion behavior of the foam extrudate were studied. A transparent section of the foam extrudate was found at certain die temperatures. The reasons for the existence of this transparent section and its effect on the processing conditions and material formulations are discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reinforcing and toughening of polypropylene with self‐assembled low molar mass additives
Authors: Yordem O. Sinan , Simanke Adriane G. , Lesser Alan J.
Published: December 2010

This study presents a new approach to reinforce and toughen thermoplastic polymers by using a low molecular weight additive; calcium stearate (CaSt2). The method involves melt blending isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and CaSt2 at a process temperature where the CaSt2 reduces the process viscosity through its characteristic morphology. Once the mixture cools, CaSt2 coalesces and solidifies to develop reinforcing domains. Differential scanning calorimeter experiments demonstrate a significant reduction in the percent crystallinity of iPP with the addition of CaSt2. The changes in yield strength and modulus suggest a synergistic effect between the CaSt2 domains and iPP. Addition of 10% CaSt2 increases the fracture energy by almost four‐fold with a simultaneous increase in the elastic modulus. The melt flow rate of the composite is dramatically increased with CaSt2 incorporation. Reduction in coefficient of thermal expansion was also observed. Simultaneous positive effects of CaSt2 filler is attributed to its rich mesomorphic structure and its interaction with the iPP matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Devulcanization of ethylene‐propylene‐diene polymer residues by microwave—Influence of the presence of paraffinic oil
Authors: Pistor Vinicios , Scuracchio Carlos Henrique , Oliveira Paulo Jansen , Fiorio Rudinei , Zattera Ademir José
Published: December 2010

Vulcanized rubbers are materials commonly used in various industrial applications. In this study, scraps of ethylene‐propylene‐diene rubber (EPDM‐r) from the automotive industry were submitted to different microwave exposure times (2–5 min). Samples of recycled rubber with (as received) and without (after extraction) paraffinic oil were analyzed. The devulcanized EPDM‐r was characterized by gel content, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The gel content indicated that the presence of paraffin oil in EPDM‐r affects the devulcanization process. The DSC analysis showed significant changes in the glass transition temperature (Tg). The Tg values for EPDM‐r decreased with an increase in the microwave exposure time. Furthermore, the presence of a thermal phenomenon characteristic of uncured material was observed. Sample degradation was studied through TGA, and the values for the activation energy (Ea) of the degradation process were determined using the Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa method. For conversions up to 0.10, the Ea values of the EPDM‐r samples without oil decreased with an increase in the microwave exposure time. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Solar cell efficiency tables (version 37)
Authors: Green Martin A. , Emery Keith , Hishikawa Yoshihiro , Warta Wilhelm
Published: December 2010

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined and new entries since June 2010 are reviewed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photovoltaics literature survey (no. 83)
Authors: Shrestha Santosh
Published: December 2010

In order to help keep readers up‐to‐date in the field each issue of Progress in Photovoltaics will contain a list of recently published journal articles most relevant to its aims and scope. This list is drawn from an extremely wide range of journals, including IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, Journal of Applied Physics, Applied Physics Letters, Progress in Photovoltaics and Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells. To assist the reader, the list is separated into broad categories, but please note that these classifications are by no means strict. Also note that inclusion in the list is not an endorsement of a paper's quality. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retargeting of T cells to prostate stem cell antigen expressing tumor cells: Comparison of different antibody formats
Authors: Feldmann Anja , Stamova Slava , Bippes Claudia C. , Bartsch Holger , Wehner Rebekka , Schmitz Marc , Temme Achim , Cartellieri Marc , Bachmann Michael
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignant disease in men. Novel treatment options are needed for patients after development of metastatic, hormone‐refractory disease or for those who have failed a local treatment. The prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) is expressed in >80% of primary PCa samples and bone metastases. Its expression is increased both in androgen‐dependent and independent prostate tumors, particularly in carcinomas of high stages and Gleason scores. Therefore, PSCA is an attractive target for immunotherapy of PCa by retargeting of T cells to tumor cells.

METHODS

A series of different bispecific antibody formats for retargeting of T cells to tumor cells were described but, only very limited data obtained by side by side comparison of the different antibody formats are available. We established two novel bispecific antibodies in different formats. The functionality of both constructs was analyzed by FACS and chromium release assays. In parallel, the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines was determined by ELISA.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Irrespective of the underlying antibody format, both novel bispecific antibodies cause an efficient killing of PSCA‐positive tumor cells by pre‐ and non‐pre‐activated T cells. Killing and release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines requires an antigen specific cross‐linkage of the T cells with the target cells. Prostate 71: 998–1011, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of acid ceramidase by a 2‐substituted aminoethanol amide synergistically sensitizes prostate cancer cells to N‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl) retinamide
Authors: Gouazé‐Andersson Valérie , Flowers Margaret , Karimi Ramin , Fabriás Gemma , Delgado Antonio , Casas Josefina , Cabot Myles C.
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the therapeutic efficacy of fenretinide (4‐HPR), a ceramide‐generating anticancer agent, could be enhanced in prostate cancer cells by inclusion of a novel synthetic acid ceramidase (AC) inhibitor, DM102, a pivaloylamide of a 2‐substituted aminoethanol. In prostate cancer, AC plays a role in progression and resistance to chemotherapy.

METHODS

PC‐3 and DU 145 hormone‐refractory human prostate cancer cell lines were used. Cells were exposed to 4‐HPR, DM102, and combinations; viability, apoptosis, cell migration, ceramide metabolism, and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed.

RESULTS

Single agent 4‐HPR and DM102 (2.5–10 µM) were weakly cytotoxic; however, combinations synergistically decreased cell viably to as low as 1.5% of control. N‐oleoylethanolamine (NOE), a frequently employed AC inhibitor, was not effective in producing synergy. The 4‐HPR/DM102 regimen enhanced caspase activity and increased [3H](dihydro)ceramide and ROS levels 6‐ and 30‐fold over control, respectively. The antioxidant vitamin E, but not the de novo ceramide synthesis inhibitor myriocin, partially rescued cells from 4‐HPR/DM102 cytotoxicity. The 4‐HPR/DM102 combination also elicited synergistic cytotoxicity in DU 145 cells, another human hormone‐refractory prostate cancer cell line.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that 4‐HPR cytotoxicity is enhanced in a synergistic fashion by inclusion of the AC inhibitor DM102, by a mechanism that enlists generation of ROS, and thus provides a system to raise 4‐HPR therapeutic potential. The role of ceramide however in the cytotoxic response is not clear, as blocking ceramide generation failed to rescue PC‐3 cells from 4‐HPR/DM102 cytotoxicity. Prostate 71:1064–1073, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of CTT and Rasch‐based approaches for the analysis of longitudinal Patient Reported Outcomes
Authors: Blanchin Myriam , Hardouin Jean‐Benoit , Neel Tanguy Le , Kubis Gildas , Blanchard Claire , Mirallié Eric , Sébille Véronique
Published: December 2010

Health sciences frequently deal with Patient Reported Outcomes (PRO) data for the evaluation of concepts, in particular health‐related quality of life, which cannot be directly measured and are often called latent variables. Two approaches are commonly used for the analysis of such data: Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT). Longitudinal data are often collected to analyze the evolution of an outcome over time. The most adequate strategy to analyze longitudinal latent variables, which can be either based on CTT or IRT models, remains to be identified. This strategy must take into account the latent characteristic of what PROs are intended to measure as well as the specificity of longitudinal designs. A simple and widely used IRT model is the Rasch model. The purpose of our study was to compare CTT and Rasch‐based approaches to analyze longitudinal PRO data regarding type I error, power, and time effect estimation bias. Four methods were compared: the Score and Mixed models (SM) method based on the CTT approach, the Rasch and Mixed models (RM), the Plausible Values (PV), and the Longitudinal Rasch model (LRM) methods all based on the Rasch model. All methods have shown comparable results in terms of type I error, all close to 5 per cent. LRM and SM methods presented comparable power and unbiased time effect estimations, whereas RM and PV methods showed low power and biased time effect estimations. This suggests that RM and PV methods should be avoided to analyze longitudinal latent variables. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon Nanotube‐Tipped Endoscope for In Situ Intracellular Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Niu Jun Jie , Schrlau Michael G. , Friedman Gary , Gogotsi Yury
Published: December 2010

Gold nanoparticle‐decorated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are used to study intracellular environments in situ using surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). CNTs are decorated with gold nanoparticles and assembled onto the tips of pulled glass capillaries to form a SERS‐enabled endoscope. The sub‐micrometer size and high mechanical strength of the endoscope make it possible to penetrate the cell membrane for intracellular probing and remain positioned inside during lengthy SERS measurements without causing damage to the cell. Using the SERS‐enabled endoscope, DNA and other biomolecules are detected in situ within the nucleus of a single human cervical carcinoma cell in a minimally invasive manner. The SERS‐enabled endoscopes exhibit high selectivity and sensitivity for detecting trace amounts of analytes (≈1 pM) in biofluid environments, highlighting their capabilities as label‐free, biological sensors for real‐time in situ cellular diagnostics, biological detection, and pharmaceutical research.
Proximity based trust‐advisor using encounters for mobile societies: Analysis of four filters
Authors: Kumar Udayan , Thakur Gautam , Helmy Ahmed
Published: December 2010

Many interactions between network users rely on trust, which is becoming particularly important given the security breaches in the Internet today. These problems are further exacerbated by the dynamics in wireless mobile networks. In this paper, we address the issue of trust advisory and its establishment in mobile networks, with application to ad hoc networks, including delay tolerant (DTNs). We utilize encounters in mobile societies in novel ways, noticing that mobility provides opportunities to build proximity, location, and similarity based trust. Four new trust advisor filters are introduced – including encounter frequency, duration, behavior vectors, and behavior matrices. The filters are evaluated over an extensive set of real‐world traces collected from a major university. Two sets of statistical analyses are performed; the first examines the underlying encounter relationships in mobile societies, and the second evaluates DTN routing in mobile peer‐to‐peer networks using trust and selfishness models. We find that for the analyzed trace, trust filters are stable in terms of growth with time (three filters have close to 90% overlap of users over a period of 9 weeks) and the results produced by different filters are noticeably different. In our analysis for trust and selfishness model, our trust filters largely undo the effect of selfishness on the unreachability in a network. Thus improving the connectivity in a network with selfish nodes. We hope that our initial promising results open the door for further research on proximity‐based trust. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Joint Tx/iterative Rx FDE for broadband direct‐sequence code division multiple access
Authors: Takeda K. , Adachi F.
Published: December 2010

Direct‐sequence code division multiple access (DS‐CDMA) is a promising uplink access technology for broadband cellular mobile communication systems. In this paper, we propose a joint transmit (Tx)/iterative receive (Rx) frequency‐domain equalization (FDE) for DS‐CDMA. In the proposed scheme, simple one‐tap FDE at the transmitter and iterative one‐tap FDE at the receiver are jointly performed using the common knowledge of channel state information (CSI). Before transmitting the signal, the transmitter predicts the degree of residual inter‐chip interference (ICI) power after the iterations of Rx FDE to determine the Tx FDE weight while the receiver performs the iterative Rx FDE. In practice, it is almost impossible to share the perfect knowledge of CSI. In this paper, a Gaussian approximation of channel estimation (CE) errors is introduced. We theoretically derive a set of Tx and iterative Rx FDE weights based on the minimum mean square error (MMSE) criterion in the presence of the CE error. We show by computer simulation that the proposed scheme provides better bit error rate (BER) performance than the conventional scheme which uses iterative Rx FDE only (i.e., without Tx FDE) even in the presence of CE error. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the relay position selection for the diamond network over Nakagami‐m fading channels
Authors: Wang Qing , Fan Pingyi
Published: December 2010

The diamond relay channel, or diamond relay network, is a kind of efficient cooperative network in which the source node cooperates with two neighbors. In this paper, we study the impact on the performance of such a network caused by the relays' position for a general Nakagami‐m fading channel, which extends the previous work for a special Rayleigh fading case. In particular, the symmetric scenario for the two relays is investigated but the channel conditions of the two source‐relay‐destination links may have great difference due to the different values of m for the four Nakagami‐m fading channels. We study how to select the position of the two relays and give clear restrictions of their positions based on the requirement of the throughout improvement and network stability. Finally, we show how to find the optimal position to achieve the largest throughput improvement. The numerical results confirm our analysis and the interesting illustrations show much insight on the cooperative neighbor selections. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Boundary layer effects in rectangular cross‐ply Levy‐type plates using zigzag theory
Authors: Kumari P. , Kapuria S.
Published: December 2010

The boundary layer effect in rectangular laminated plates is studied using an efficient third order zigzag theory. For this purpose, a Levy‐type solution is presented for rectangular plates, with two opposite edges hard‐simply supported. A mixed formulation is employed for the solution. The numerical results are presented for composite and sandwich plates with four boundary conditions. While strong edge effects are observed at the free edges and soft‐simply supported edges, no edge effect appears at the hard‐simply supported edge. The effect of length to thickness ratio and aspect ratio on the boundary layer is investigated. The results are compared with those of the smeared third order theory to ascertain the effect of inclusion of layerwise terms in the displacement approximation of the zigzag theory.
Hybrid complementarity formulations for robotics applications
Authors: Bhalerao K.D. , Crean C. , Anderson K.
Published: December 2010

The focus of this paper is to review hybrid recursive‐complementarity formulations for multibody systems characterized by a large number of bilateral constraints which are frequently encountered in robotics. Here, hybrid implies the use of complementarity contact models with recursive forward dynamics schemes. Such formulations have a common underlying structure which can be applied to multibody systems with a constrained tree‐type topology. These common steps are pointed out. Theoretical formulation is given for systems using three important classes (O(n3), O(n), and O(log (n))) of multibody algorithms. Further, numerical comparison for the efficiency is given for rigid multibody systems. The paper makes recommendations on the choice of hybrid complementarity formulations which would result in the most efficient simulation. The paper further gives a non‐iterative approach to allow the use of explicit higher order integrators for frictionless contacts. The difficulties in extending this approach to allow for frictional contact are also discussed.
Spatial heterogeneity of soil chemical properties at fine scales induced by Haloxylon ammodendron (Chenopodiaceae) plants in a sandy desert
Authors: Li Congjuan , Li Yan , Ma Jian
Published: December 2010

Spatial heterogeneity is considered a ubiquitous feature in natural ecosystems. Fertile islands represent a typical example for such heterogeneity in desert ecosystems. The soil pH and salinity also show significant heterogeneity in fertile islands. To investigate the distribution of soil salinity and nutrients around individual shrubs and the major factors influencing their distribution, an experiment was conducted at the scale of the rhizosphere, root system, and individual for Haloxylon ammodendron (C. A. Mey.) Bunge (Chenopodiaceae) shrub in the Gurbantünggüt Desert. Specifically, the heterogeneity of the following soil chemical parameters was evaluated: pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and available phosphorus (AP). The chemical properties of the shrub stemflow were also evaluated to determine its contribution to the formation of fertile islands and the distribution of soil salinity. The results revealed great variance in the soil pH and EC at the rhizosphere and root system scales, indicating that a single root or root system exerts a great effect on soil pH and salinity. At the individual scale, the content of SOC, TN, and AP was significantly enriched in the layers adhering to the taproot, and this enrichment extended 20–40 cm from the taproot. Conversely, the soil pH and EC were significantly lower from the taproot to 10–25 cm away from the root, indicating that the fertile island is also an island of low alkalinity/salinity. Comparison of the chemical properties of stemflow and bulk precipitation revealed a higher content of chemical elements (except pH and CO32−) in the stemflow, indicating that the fertile island and lower pH and EC in this island were likely formed by the effects of stemflow. Specifically, stemflow brings in water and nutrients, while reducing the salt levels. Overall, the high nutrients and low alkalinity/salinity island created around the taproot favor the growth of the plants.
Brief report: The Identity Style Inventory (ISI‐3) and the Utrecht‐Management of Identity Commitments Scale (U‐MICS): Factor structure, reliability, and convergent validity in French‐speaking university students
Authors: Zimmermann Grégoire , Mahaim Elodie Biermann , Mantzouranis Gregory , Genoud Philippe A. , Crocetti Elisabetta
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factor structure and the reliability of the French versions of the Identity Style Inventory (ISI‐3) and the Utrecht‐Management of Identity Commitments Scale (U‐MICS) in a sample of college students (N = 457, 18–25 years old). Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the hypothesized three‐factor solution of the ISI‐3 identity styles (i.e. informational, normative, and diffuse‐avoidant styles), the one‐factor solution of the ISI‐3 identity commitment, and the three‐factor structure of the U‐MICS (i.e. commitment, in‐depth exploration, and reconsideration of commitment). Additionally, theoretically consistent and meaningful associations among the ISI‐3, U‐MICS, and Ego Identity Process Questionnaire (EIPQ) confirmed convergent validity. Overall, the results of the present study indicate that the French versions of the ISI‐3 and UMICS are useful instruments for assessing identity styles and processes, and provide additional support to the cross‐cultural validity of these tools.
Inspired Nurse
Authors: Cregger Karen
Published: December 2010

Inspired Nurse Rich Bluni 2009, Fire Starter Publishing 167 pages$24.95 softcover