bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic polymorphisms in the metabolic pathway and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma survival
Authors: Han Xuesong , Zheng Tongzhang , Foss Francine M. , Lan Qing , Holford Theodore R. , Rothman Nathaniel , Ma Shuangge , Zhang Yawei
Published: October 2009

Metabolic pathway enzymes, such as Cytochrome P450 (CYP), glutathione S‐transferase (GST), and N‐acetyltransferases (NAT) are involved in activation and detoxification of environmental carcinogens as well as drug metabolism. We hypothesized that the genetic variations in such metabolic pathways may affect NHL prognosis and survival. Follow‐up information of 496 female NHL incident cases diagnosed during 1996–2000 in Connecticut were abstracted from the Connecticut Tumor Registry in 2008; survival analyses were conducted by comparing the Kaplan‐Meier curves, and hazard ratios (HR) were computed from the Cox Proportional Hazard models adjusting for demographic and tumor characteristics which were suggested by previous studies to be determinants of NHL survival. We identified six SNPs from four metabolism genes (CYP2E1, GSTP1, GSTT1, and NAT1) that were associated with NHL survival. Specifically, polymorphisms in GSTT1 were associated with follicular lymphoma survival; and polymorphisms in CYP2E1, GSTP1, and NAT1 were associated with survival of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. Our study suggests that genetic polymorphisms in metabolic pathways may help improve the prediction of NHL survival and prognosis. Am. J. Hematol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Energetic costs of territorial boundary patrols by wild chimpanzees
Authors: Amsler Sylvia J.
Published: October 2009

Chimpanzees are well known for their territorial behavior. Males who belong to the same community routinely patrol their territories, occasionally making deep incursions into those of their neighbors. Male chimpanzees may obtain several fitness benefits by participating in territorial boundary patrols, but patrolling is also likely to involve fitness costs. Patrollers risk injury or even death, and patrols may be energetically costly and may involve opportunity costs. Although territorial patrols have been reported at all long‐term chimpanzee study sites, quantitative data on their energetic costs have not previously been available. I evaluated the energy costs of patrolling for male chimpanzees at Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda during 14 months of observation. In 29 patrols and matched control periods, I recorded the distances covered and time spent traveling and feeding by chimpanzees. I found that male chimpanzees covered longer distances, spent more time traveling, and spent less time feeding during patrols than during control periods. These results support the hypothesis that chimpanzees incur energetic costs while patrolling and suggest that ecological factors may constrain the ability of chimpanzees to patrol. Am. J. Primatol. 72:93–103, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epstein‐Barr virus persistence and reactivation in myasthenia gravis thymus
Authors: Cavalcante Paola , Serafini Barbara , Rosicarelli Barbara , Maggi Lorenzo , Barberis Massimo , Antozzi Carlo , Berrih‐Aknin Sonia , Bernasconi Pia , Aloisi Francesca , Mantegazza Renato
Published: October 2009

Objective

Increasing evidence supports a link between Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), a ubiquitous B‐lymphotropic human herpesvirus, and common B‐cell–related autoimmune diseases. We sought evidence of EBV infection in thymuses from patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), an autoimmune disease characterized by intrathymic B‐cell activation.

Methods

Seventeen MG thymuses (6 follicular hyperplastic, 6 diffuse hyperplastic, 5 involuted) and 6 control thymuses were analyzed using in situ hybridization for EBV‐encoded small RNAs (EBERs), immunohistochemistry for EBV latent and lytic proteins, and polymerase chain reaction for EBV DNA and mRNA.

Results

All 17 MG thymuses showed evidence of active EBV infection, whereas none of the control thymuses were infected. Cells expressing EBERs (12 of 17) and EBV latency proteins (EBNA2, LMP1, and LMP2A) (16 of 17) were detected in medullary infiltrates and in germinal centers. Cells expressing early (BFRF1, BMRF1) and late (p160, gp350/220) lytic phase EBV proteins were present in 16 MG thymuses. Latency (EBNA1, LMP2A) or lytic (BZLF1) transcripts (often both) were present in all MG thymuses, and EBV DNA (LMP1 gene) was detected in 13 MG thymuses. We also found CD8+ T cells, CD56 + CD3‐natural killer cells, and BDCA‐2+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells in immune infiltrates of MG thymuses, but not germinal centers, suggesting an attempt of the immune system to counteract EBV infection.

Interpretation

Dysregulated EBV infection in the pathological thymus appears common in MG and may contribute to the immunological alterations initiating and/or perpetuating the disease. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:726–738
How neurologists think: A cognitive psychology perspective on missed diagnoses
Authors: Vickrey Barbara G. , Samuels Martin A. , Ropper Allan H.
Published: October 2009

Physicians use heuristics or shortcuts in their decision making to help them sort through complex clinical information and formulate diagnoses efficiently. Practice would come to a halt without them. However, there are pitfalls to the use of certain heuristics, the same ones to which humans are prone in everyday life. It may be possible to improve clinical decision making through techniques that minimize biases inherent in heuristics. Five common clinical heuristics or other sources of cognitive error are illustrated through neurological cases with missed diagnoses, and literature from cognitive psychology and medicine are presented to support the occurrence of these errors in diagnostic reasoning as general phenomena. Articulation of the errors inherent in certain common heuristics alerts clinicians to their weaknesses as diagnosticians and should be beneficial to practice. Analysis of cases with missed diagnoses in teaching conferences might proceed along formal lines that identify the type of heuristic used and of inherent potential cognitive errors. Addressing these cognitive errors by becoming conscious of them is a useful tool in neurologic education and should facilitate a career‐long process of continuous self‐improvement. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:425–433
Glycosphingolipids—Nature, Function, and Pharmacological Modulation
Authors: Wennekes Tom , van den Berg Richard J. B. H. N. , Boot Rolf G. , van der Marel Gijsbert A. , Overkleeft Herman S. , Aerts Johannes M. F. G.
Published: October 2009

The discovery of the glycosphingolipids is generally attributed to Johan L. W. Thudichum, who in 1884 published on the chemical composition of the brain. In his studies he isolated several compounds from ethanolic brain extracts which he coined cerebrosides. He subjected one of these, phrenosin (now known as galactosylceramide), to acid hydrolysis, and this produced three distinct components. One he identified as a fatty acid and another proved to be an isomer of D‐glucose, which is now known as D‐galactose. The third component, with an “alkaloidal nature”, presented “many enigmas” to Thudichum, and therefore he named it sphingosine, after the mythological riddle of the Sphinx. Today, sphingolipids and their glycosidated derivatives are the subjects of intense study aimed at elucidating their role in the structural integrity of the cell membrane, their participation in recognition and signaling events, and in particular their involvement in pathological processes that are at the basis of human disease (for example, sphingolipidoses and diabetes type 2). This Review details some of the recent findings on the biosynthesis, function, and degradation of glycosphingolipids in man, with a focus on the glycosphingolipid glucosylceramide. Special attention is paid to the clinical relevance of compounds directed at interfering with the factors responsible for glycosphingolipid metabolism.
Distribution of ranks of articles and citations in journals
Authors: Campanario Juan Miguel
Published: October 2009

I studied the distribution of articles and citations in journals between 1998 and 2007 according to an empirical function with two exponents. These variables showed good fit to a beta function with two exponents.
Degassing‐assisted patterning of cell culture surfaces
Authors: Luo Chunxiong , Ni Xiaofang , Liu Li , Nomura Shin‐ichiro M. , Chen Yong
Published: October 2009

We developed an alternative patterning technique which is capable of producing both topographic and biochemical features for cell culture studies. This technique is based on microaspiration induced with a degassed poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) mold. After degassing in a rough vacuum chamber and placed on a sample surface, liquid solution can be aspired through channels and cavities created in the PDMS mold. Depending on the composition of the solution and the associated drying or incubation processes, a variety of surface patterns can be produced without applying external pressure. For demonstration, we fabricated agarose gel microwells and biomolecule patterns either on a glass plate or in a cell culture Petri dish, both applicable for cell culture studies. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010. 105: 854–859. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Doubling the catabolic reducing power (NADH) output of Escherichia coli fermentation for production of reduced products
Authors: Zhou Shengde , Iverson A. G. , Grayburn W. S.
Published: October 2009

Homofermentative production of reduced products requires additional reducing power output (NADH) from glucose catabolism. Anaerobic expression of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDH, encoded by aceEF‐lpd, a normal aerobic operon) is able to provide the additional NADH required for production of reduced products in Escherichia coli fermentation. The multiple promoters (pflBp(1–7)) of pyruvate formate lyase (pflB) were evaluated for anaerobic expression of the aceEF‐lpd operon. Four chromosomal constructs, pflBp(1–7)‐aceEF‐lpd, pflBp(1–6)‐aceEF‐lpd, pflBp(6,7)‐aceEF‐lpd, and pflBp6‐aceEF‐lpd efficiently expressed the PDH complex in anaerobically grown cells. Doubling the reducing power output was achieved when glucose was oxidized to acetyl‐CoA through glycolysis and pyruvate oxidation by the anaerobically expressed PDH complex (glucose →2 acetyl‐CoA + 4 NADH). This additional reducing power output can be used for production of reduced products in anaerobic E. coli fermentation. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Using virtual instruments to teach surveying courses: Application and assessment
Authors: Kuo Hui‐Lung , Kang Shih‐Chung , Lu Cho‐Chien , Hsieh Shang‐Hsieh , Lin Yong‐Huang
Published: October 2009

This paper presents a feasibility study of using a virtual survey instrument, SimuSurvey, for surveyor training. SimuSurvey was developed for visualizing and simulating surveying scenarios in a computer‐generated virtual environment. In this research, we studied the feasibility of introducing the use of SimuSurvey in regular surveyor training courses. Both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods were used. The quantitative evaluation method included soliciting responses to a questionnaire from 323 students from four departments in three different schools; and testing 205 students with an in‐class quiz that followed a 25‐min training session on SimuSurvey. The purpose of the questionnaire was to understand the attitudes of students toward using virtual surveying instruments in a training course. The results show that 91% of the students believe that using virtual surveying instruments in training will benefit their learning experience. The results from the in‐class quiz indicate that the employment of SimuSurvey can enhance learning outcomes of the students, with approximately two‐thirds of participating students being able to answer follow‐up questions correctly. The qualitative analysis was obtained from interviewing five experienced instructors of different backgrounds. They were generally optimistic to the idea of including SimuSurvey in regular surveyor training. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 19: 411–420, 2011
Rigorous distillation dynamics simulations using a computer algebra
Authors: Nasri Zakia , Binous Housam
Published: October 2009

In the present paper, Mathematica®, the famous computer algebra, is used to perform steady‐state and dynamic simulations of a multi‐component distillation column. In order to describe the vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) relationships and to compute the vapor‐ and liquid‐phase enthalpies, the Soave– Redlich–Kwong equation of state (SRK EOS) is chosen. Rigorous modeling is performed where both mass and energy balance equations are solved. The Francis weir formula is selected to model column hydraulics. All steady‐state results of the column simulations are found to agree very well with those obtained using HYSYS. Finally, some insight into column control is given through the application of both the slope and sensitivity criteria. The computer code, developed at the National Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (INSAT) in Tunis by the authors, has served to teach several aspects of chemical engineering to senior undergraduate students at INSAT. Indeed, students gain from such code a good understanding of energy and mass balances, column dynamic and control, equations of state and VLE as well as some applied mathematics such as nonlinear algebraic equations, differential‐algebraic systems of equations, and how they can be solved using computer algebra such as Mathematica®. In addition, they learn about major process simulators such as HYSYS. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 193–202, 2012
Effects of US‐based franchising in the developing world: a middle‐eastern consumer perspective
Authors: Grünhagen Marko , Witte Carl L. , Pryor Susie
Published: October 2009

This paper investigates the impact of US‐based franchising in the Middle Eastern context of Egypt. In a review of the franchise literature, micro‐ and macro‐level effects are identified and categorized across social, economic, cultural, political, and marketplace dimensions. A qualitative analysis using focus groups of Middle Eastern consumers was conducted. Clear evidence of “consumer agency” as a transformative force in the globalization process is revealed. In addition to confirming consumer agency findings from previous research, this study also indicates a sequential progression of product adoption over time along Eckhardt and Mahi's (2004) consumer agency categories. Managerial and theoretical implications are discussed.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The utility of trans‐catheter aortic valve replacement after commercialization: Does the European experience provide a glimpse into the future use of this technology in the United States?
Authors: Linke Axel , Walther Thomas , Schuler Gerhard
Published: October 2009

Treatment of aortic stenosis remains challenging in older individuals, as their perioperative mortality for open heart surgery is increased due to comorbidities. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation using the CoreValve ReValving System (Medtronic, Minneapolis, USA) and the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve (THV; Edwards Lifescience, Irvine, California, USA) represents an alternative to conventional valve replacement in elderly patients that have a high risk for conventional surgery. This article summarizes the evidence‐base from recent clinical trials. The early results of these landmark studies suggest that transcatheter aortic valve implantation with either one of the prosthesis is feasible, safe, improves hemodynamics and, therefore, might be an alternative to conventional aortic valve replacement in very high‐risk patients. However, all of the available transcatheter heart valves have certain disadvantages, limiting their use in daily clinical practice. The process of decision making, which valve to use and which access route to choose is illustrated in this article through clinical case scenarios. Additionally, the lessons learned thus far from the European perspective and the potential impact on the future use in the US are discussed. Despite of the progress in this field, we are still lacking an optimal transcatheter heart valve. Once it is available, we can take the plunge to compare transcatheter valve implantation with convention surgery in severe aortic stenosis! © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Scanning electron microscopic analysis of different drug eluting stents after failed implantation: From nearly undamaged to major damaged polymers
Authors: Wiemer Marcus , Butz Thomas , Schmidt Wolfram , Schmitz Klaus‐Peter , Horstkotte Dieter , Langer Christoph
Published: October 2009

Background: Implantation of drug eluting stents (DES) in tortuous and/or calcified vessels is much more demanding compared with implantation of bare metal stents (BMS) due to their larger diameters. It is unknown whether drug eluting stent coatings get damaged while crossing these lesions. Methods: In 42 patients (34 male, 68.1 ± 10 years) with 45 calcified lesions (15.9 mm ± 7.9 mm), DES could not be implanted, even after predilatation. Diabetes was present in 19 patients (45 %). Sixty‐one stents were used; 19 Cypher select™, 18 Taxus Liberté™, 10 CoStar™, 5 Endeavor RX™, 4 Xience V™. 3 Janus Carbostent™, 1 Yukon Choice S™, and 1 Axxion™ DES. The entire accessible surface area of these stents, in either the unexpanded and expanded state, were examined with an environmental scanning electron microscope (XL30 ESEM, Philips) to evaluate polymer or surface damage. Results: The polymers of Taxus Liberte, Cypher Select, Xience V, CoStar, and Janus DES were only slightly damaged (less than 3% of surface area), whereas the Endeavor RX Stents showed up to 20% damaged surface area. In DES without a polymer (Yukon and Axxion), it could be shown that most of the stent surface (up to 40%) were without any layer of drug. Conclusion: Placement of drug eluting stents in tortuous vessels and/or calcified lesions could cause major surface damage by scratching and scraping of the polymer or drug by the arterial wall, even before implantation. There were remarkable differences among the stents examined, only minor damage with the Cypher, Taxus Costar, Janus, and Xience V, whereas the Endeavor, the Yukon, and the Janus DES showed large areas of surface injury. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Competing Intermolecular Interactions in the High‐Temperature Solid Phases of Even Saturated Carboxylic Acids (C10H19O2H to C20H39O2H)
Authors: Moreno‐Calvo Evelyn , Gbabode Gabin , Cordobilla Raquel , Calvet Teresa , Cuevas‐Diarte Miquel Àngel , Negrier Philippe , Mondieig Denise
Published: October 2009

Structural knowledge of the high‐temperature phases of saturated carboxylic acids (CnH2n−1O2H) from C6H11O2H to C23H45O2H is now complete. Crystal structures of the high‐temperature phases of even acids from decanoic (C10H19O2H) to eicosanoic (C20H39O2H) are reported. The crystal structures of the six compounds were determined from powder X‐ray diffraction data following direct space methods and refined by the Rietveld method combined with force field geometry optimization. The combination proved to be a valuable approach to obtain structures that are chemically sensible and in close agreement with the powder pattern. At the end of the process solid‐state DFT calculations were applied to improve the overall accuracy of the system but in this case DFT did not render better structures. The high‐temperature solid phases of even carboxylic acids are all P21/c with Z=4, the molecules are united into dimers via strong hydrogen bonds. Two major types of interactions govern the crystal packing of carboxylic acids, hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions. A survey of the intermolecular interactions has revealed that hydrogen bonds are the dominant interaction for acids with less than 23 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain while van der Waals interactions dominate the packing for acids with more than 23 carbon atoms.
Plasmamodifizierung von Polybenzimidazol‐Polymermembranen für die PEM‐Brennstoffzelle
Authors: Scheffler R. , Hübner G. , Seyfried F. , Wark M. , Caro J. , Schröder K. , Steffen H.
Published: October 2009

Für Anwendungen in Polymerelektrolytbrennstoffzellen haben Polybenzimidazol (PBI)‐Membranen den Nachteil, dass sie eine hohe Beladung mit dem Elektrolyten Phosphorsäure sowohl für eine ausreichende Protonenleitfähigkeit als auch für den Protonentransfer zwischen Membran und Elektroden benötigen. Mit zunehmender Säurebeladung sinkt aber die mechanische Stabilität der Membranen. Daher wurden in dieser Arbeit die Oberflächen von PBI‐Membranen durch plasmachemische Prozesse verändert, um den Protonentransfer zwischen Membran und Elektrode durch die Anwesenheit von Carbonsäure‐, Sulfonsäure‐ und phosphorsauren Gruppen zu verbessern. Die PBI‐Membranen wurden nach der Funktionalisierung mit drei verschiedenen Säuremengen beladen und in einem Brennstoffzellen‐Prüfstand (160 °C, potentiostatisch bei 0,6 V, 3 bar Luft/H2) getestet. Bei niedrigen Säurebeladungsgraden von 72 Masse‐ % führen die Oberflächenmodifikationen zu deutlichen Leistungssteigerungen. Die höchste Steigerung der Leistungsdichte von 164 % im Vergleich zur unmodifizierten PBI‐Membran erzielte die PBI‐Membran mit einer gemischten Funktionalisierung aus phosphorsauren Gruppen, Sulfonsäure‐ und Carbonsäuregruppen. Allerdings liegt die absolute Leistungsdichte der Brennstoffzelle mit dieser Membran bei einer Phosphorsäurebeladung von 72 Masse‐ % nur bei 0,17 W/cm2. Für mobile Anwendungen wie z. B. den Antriebsstrang eines Automobils sind deutlich höhere Leistungsdichten erforderlich. Daher wurden höhere Phosphorsäurebeladungen eingestellt. Bei einer Säurebeladung von 78 Masse‐ % erzielte die beste plasmamodifizierte PBI‐Membran mit 0,46 W/cm2 eine um 38 % höhere Leistungsdichte als die unmodifizierte PBI‐Membran. Bei einer noch höheren Phosphorsäurebeladung von 84 Masse‐ % liegen fast keine Unterschiede in den Leistungsdichten vor; Phosphorsäure im Kontaktbereich Elektrode – Membran sorgt hier bereits für einen ausreichenden Protonentransfer.
Acute pulmonary failure during remission induction chemotherapy in adults with acute myeloid leukemia or high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Al Ameri Ali , Koller Charles , Kantarjian Hagop , Ravandi Farhad , Verstovsek Srdan , Borthakur Gautam , Pierce Sherry , Mattiuzzi Gloria
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND:

Acute pulmonary failure during remission induction therapy is a serious complication in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To the authors' knowledge, the course and prognosis of such patients is not well known.

METHODS:

A total of 1541 patients referred for remission induction chemotherapy of AML or high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS:

A total of 120 (8%) patients developed acute pulmonary failure within 2 weeks of the initiation of chemotherapy; 87 of these patients (73%) died during remission induction, whereas 17 (14%) achieved a complete response. The median survival among the 120 patients with early acute pulmonary failure was 3 weeks. Predictive factors for the development of early acute pulmonary failure by multivariate analysis were: male sex (P = .00038), acute promyelocytic leukemia (P = .00003), poor performance status (P = .001), lung infiltrates at diagnosis (P = .000001), and increased creatinine (P = .000005). Patients who had 0 to 1, 2, 3, or 4 to 5 adverse factors were found to have estimated predictive incidences of acute pulmonary failure of 3%, 13%, 23%, and 34%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Preventive approaches at the start of induction therapy in patients at high risk of pulmonary failure may improve the outcome of these patients. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Parallel GeoFEST for regional faulted deformation
Authors: Parker Jay , Norton Charles , Lyzenga Gregory
Published: October 2009

The GeoFEST application, which can accurately simulate deformation and stress in a faulted region of the earth's crust and mantle in the presence of heterogeneous rheology, faulting, tectonic loading, and viscoelastic relaxation, is a scalable parallel application well suited for the largest supercomputers. In order to achieve such scaling, the authors implemented a carefully choreographed algorithm using the Message Passing interface (MPI) calls, made use of parallel partitioning and data management functions from the PYRAMID and ParMetis libraries, and designed a technique for using the strain energy density from an initial scratch elastic solution to direct PYRAMID in performing parallel adaptive mesh refinement. An example problem follows that illustrates how an initial geometry and mesh designed on a laptop computer is automatically processed on hundreds to thousands of processors using millions of refined finite elements. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance evaluation of the Red Storm dual‐core upgrade
Authors: Brightwell Ron , Underwood Keith D. , Vaughan Courtenay , Stevenson Joel
Published: October 2009

In 2007, the Cray Red Storm system at Sandia National Laboratories completed an upgrade of the processor and network hardware. Single‐core 2.0 GHz AMD Opteron processors were replaced with dual‐core 2.4 GHz AMD Opterons, while the network interface hardware was upgraded from a sustained rate of 1.1 GBps to 2.0 GBps (without changing the router link rates). These changes more than doubled the theoretical peak floating‐point performance of the compute nodes and doubled the bandwidth performance of the network. This paper provides an analysis of the impact of this upgrade on the performance of several applications and micro‐benchmarks. Performance results show that the additional core provides a performance boost of 20–50% for real applications on a fixed problem size per‐socket basis on up to 2048 cores and that scalability is impacted relatively little by the upgrade. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A strategy for scheduling tightly coupled parallel applications on clusters
Authors: Sanjay H. A. , Vadhiyar Sathish S.
Published: October 2009

Although various strategies have been developed for scheduling parallel applications with independent tasks, very little work exists for scheduling tightly coupled parallel applications on cluster environments. In this paper, we compare four different strategies based on performance models of tightly coupled parallel applications for scheduling the applications on clusters. In addition to algorithms based on existing popular optimization techniques, we also propose a new algorithm called Box Elimination that searches the space of performance model parameters to determine the best schedule of machines. By means of real and simulation experiments, we evaluated the algorithms on single cluster and multi‐cluster setups. We show that our Box Elimination algorithm generates up to 80% more efficient schedules than other algorithms. We also show that the execution times of the schedules produced by our algorithm are more robust against the performance modeling errors. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transforming Triglycerides and Fatty Acids into Biofuels
Authors: Lestari Siswati , Mäki‐Arvela Päivi , Beltramini Jorge , Lu G. Q. Max , Murzin Dmitry Yu.
Published: October 2009

Fuels derived from biobased materials are attracting attention for their potential in securing the energy supply and protecting the environment. In this Minireview, we evaluate the use of biobased sources, particularly fatty acids and triglycerides from seed oils and animal fats, as fuels. The physical and chemical properties of these fatty acids and triglycerides are discussed, including the link to their sources and current availability to meet fuel demands. The current technologies, also known as the first‐generation ones, for converting triglycerides into fuels are covered, including conventional methods such as transesterification, pyrolysis, cracking, and emulsions. Recent, second‐generation technological developments that lead to more commercially viable biofuels based on diesel‐like hydrocarbons are also discussed.
A cross‐layer partner‐based fast handoff mechanism for IEEE 802.11 wireless networks
Authors: Chen Yuh‐Shyan , Hsiao Wei‐Han , Chiu Kau‐Lin
Published: October 2009

In wireless/mobile networks, users freely and frequently change their access points (APs) while they are communicating with other users. To support the mobility of mobile nodes (MNs), Mobile IPv6 (MIPv6) is used to inform the information of MN's home address and current care‐of‐address (CoA) to its home agent. MIPv6 suffers from a long delay latency and high packet losses (PLs) because MIPv6 does not support micromobility. A Hierarchical Mobile IPv6 (HMIPv6) is proposed which provides micromobility and macromobility to reduce handoff latency (HL) by employing a hierarchical network structure. In this paper, we propose a cross‐layer partner‐based fast handoff mechanism based on HMIPv6, called the PHMIPv6 protocol. Our PHMIPv6 protocol is a cross‐layer, layer‐2 + layer‐3, and cooperative approach. A cooperative node, called a partner node (PN), is adopted in the PHMIPv6 protocol. A new layer‐2 trigger scheme used in the PHMIPv6 protocol accurately predicts the next AP and then invites a cooperative PN in the area of the next AP. With the cooperation of the PN, the CoA can be pre‐acquired and duplicate address detection operation can be pre‐executed by the PN before the MN initializes the handoff request. The PHMIPv6 protocol significantly reduces the handoff delay time and PLs. In the mathematical analysis, we verified that our PHMIPv6 protocol offers a better HL than the MIPv6, HMIPv6, and SHMIPv6 protocols. Finally, the experimental results also illustrate that the PHMIPv6 protocol actually achieves performance improvements in the handoff delay time, PL rate, and handoff delay jitter. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Progression to impaired glucose metabolism in first‐degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes in Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Janghorbani Mohsen , Amini Masoud
Published: October 2009

Background

The aim of this study was to estimate the progression rates from normal glucose tolerance (NGT) to impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and diabetes, and from IFG and IGT to diabetes in first‐degree relatives (FDRs) of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

A total of 701 non‐diabetic FDRs of consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes aged 20–70 years in 2003–2005 were followed through 2007 for the occurrence of IGT, IFG and type 2 diabetes. Glucose tolerance classification was based on the criteria of the American Diabetes Association and standard 75 g 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Results

The progression rate from NGT to IFG, IGT and diabetes were 8.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 6.8–10.6), 3.7% (95% CI: 2.5–5.1) and 0.5% (95% CI: 0.1–1.2) per year after an average of 27.6 months, respectively. Progression rates from IFG and IGT to diabetes were 5.1% (95% CI: 2.1–10.2) and 9.9% (95% CI: 7.7–12.6) per year.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, these are the first estimate of progression rates from NGT to IFG, IGT and diabetes in FDRs of individuals with type 2 diabetes in Iran. The progression rates to diabetes in these participants are high, and intensive follow‐up and intervention strategies are recommended for these high‐risk individuals. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Triggering of DC migration by dengue virus stimulation of COX‐2‐dependent signaling cascades in vitro highlights the significance of these cascades beyond inflammation
Authors: Wu Wan‐Lin , Ho Ling‐Jun , Chang Deh‐Ming , Chen Chen‐Hung , Lai Jenn‐Haung
Published: October 2009

A term “bone‐breaking fever” is used in Chinese medicine to describe the symptoms of patients infected with dengue virus (DV). We examined the significance of the COX‐prostaglandin pathway in human DC infected by DV. We show that DV infection induced the expression of COX‐2 and the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in DC, and stimulated the DNA binding of NF‐κB and the kinase activity of both IκBα kinase (IKK) α and β. DV infection also activated MAPK and AP‐1 signaling. Both IκBα kinase‐NF‐κB and MAPK‐AP‐1 were upstream of COX‐2 activation. Our investigation into the significance of COX‐2‐PGE2 pathway also revealed that DV infection enhances DC migration by inducing CC chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) expression, and that blocking COX‐2 or MAPK activity suppresses DV‐induced DC migration. Our data also suggest that PGE2 can induce CCR7 expression on DC and that antagonists of the PGE2 receptors EP2 and EP4 suppress DV‐induced DC migration. We further show that the increased CCR7 expression was observed in both DV‐infected and bystander DC, suggesting the presence of secondary effects in inducing CCR7 expression. Collectively, this study reveals not only the pathways involved in COX‐2 synthesis in DV‐infected DC but also the autocrine action of PGE2 on the migration of DV‐infected DC.
Formation of VV Lacunary Polyoxovanadates and Interconversion Reactions of Dodecavanadate Species
Authors: Okaya Kenji , Kobayashi Tetsuhiro , Koyama Yuki , Hayashi Yoshihito , Isobe Kiyoshi
Published: October 2009

Oxidation reactions of the reduced decavanadate [VIV2VV8O26]4– (1) with halide guest anions were investigated for the synthesis of VV host molecules. The reaction with Cl– afforded a new dodecavanadate, [HVV12O32(Cl)]4– (3), which incorporated the guest chloride anion. The polyoxovanadate framework of 3 is different from the bowl‐shaped dodecavanadate [VV12O32(CH3CN)]4– (2). The structure of 3 is regarded as a trilacunary counterpart of the pentadecavanadate [VV9VIV6O36Cl]4–. Employment of an F– template yielded the layered polyoxovanadate [HVV11O29F2]4– (4). The framework of 4 is a monolacunary structure of the fluoride‐incorporated dodecavanadate [H6VV2VIV10O30F2]6–, in which one of the VO groups at the belt position is removed. The three vanadium atoms in the capping units are connected by μ3‐F bridges. Reaction with Br– provided [HVV12O32(Br)]4– (5) with minor formation of [H3VV10O28]3–. Interconversion reactions between 2, 3, and 4 proceeded as follows: the reaction of 2 with Cl– prompted an isomerization reaction of the bowl‐type framework, affording 3; the reaction of 3 with F– gave 4; the reaction of 4 with CH3CN reproduced acetonitrile‐incorporated 2. Complexes 3 and 4 were characterized by X‐ray analysis. Polyoxovanadates 3 and 4, with the highest oxidation cores, exhibited distinct signals in the 51V NMR spectra, corresponding to lacunary polyoxovanadate geometries. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Resorcinarene Podand with Amine‐Functionalized Side Arms – Synthesis, Structure, and Binding Properties of a Neutral Anion Receptor
Authors: Salorinne Kirsi , Weimann Dominik P. , Schalley Christoph A. , Nissinen Maija
Published: October 2009

The synthesis and structure of a neutral resorcinarene host bearing four amine‐functionalized side arms is described. The anion binding properties were investigated in solution by 1H NMR spectroscopic titration and diffusion experiments and in the gas phase by mass spectrometric studies. It was observed that in solution 1:2 (host/guest) complexes were formed between the resorcinarene host and the basic fluoride and acetate anions, whereas in the gas phase 1:1 complexes with other anions (Cl–, HCOO–, NO3–, and BF4–) were detected additionally. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Application of MEKC and monolithic CEC for the analysis of bioactive naphthoquinones in Eleutherine americana
Authors: Ganzera Markus , Nischang Ivo , Siegl Christian , Senzenberger Birgit , Svec Frantisek , Stuppner Hermann
Published: October 2009

Two microscale separation techniques for the analysis of bioactive naphthoquinones in Eleutherine americana were developed and validated. By MEKC four compounds (eleuthoside B, isoeleutherin, eleutherol and eleutherinoside A) could be determined in plant extracts using an aqueous electrolyte solution composed of 25 mM sodium tetraborate, 50 mM sodium cholate and 20% THF. CEC on a polymeric methacrylate‐based monolith with strong cationic properties showed promising results, as it additionally enabled the separation of two enantiomers, eleutherin and isoeleutherin. The mobile phase for CEC experiments comprised 3 mM ammonium formate in a mixture of ACN and water. At an applied voltage of −25 kV, all five markers were baseline separated in less than 12 min. Both methods were successfully validated for linearity (MEKC: R2≥0.999; CEC: R2≥0.997), sensitivity (MEKC: LOD=4–5 μg/mL; CEC: LOD=2–8 μg/mL), accuracy (MEKC: 96.5–102.7% recovery; CEC: 97.1–103.5% recovery) and precision (MEKC: σrel≤2.43%; CEC: σrel≤2.21%). The quantitative analysis of naphthoquinone derivatives in several E. americana samples showed that both methods are suitable for practical applications, because the results were well comparable to those obtained by established techniques such as HPLC.
Molecular characterization of selected dermatophytes and their identification by electrophoretic mutation scanning
Authors: Cafarchia Claudia , Otranto Domenico , Weigl Stefania , Campbell Bronwyn E. , Parisi Antonio , Cantacessi Cinzia , Mancianti Francesca , Danesi Patrizia , Gasser Robin B.
Published: October 2009

Dermatophytes are fungi that can be contagious and cause infections in the keratinized skin of mammals, including humans. The etiological diagnosis of dermatophytosis relies on a combination ofin vitro‐culture and microscopic methods. Effective molecular tools could overcome the limitations of conventional methods of identification. In the present study, following phenetic identification asM. canis, M. fulvum, M. gypseum, T. mentagrophytesandT. terrestre, we genetically characterized key dermatophytes, employing the sequences of the first and second internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA as well as part of the chitin synthase‐1 gene, and assessed the utility of these DNA regions (based on levels of nucleotide variation within and among species/taxa) as markers for the classification of species and genotypes. Employing partial chitin synthase‐1 gene as the marker, we also established a PCR‐coupled SSCP approach as a diagnostic/analytical mutation‐scanning tool. This tool should facilitate fundamental investigations of the ecology, epidemiology and population genetics of dermatophytes and, importantly, should assist in allowing a more rapid diagnosis of dermatophytoses in humans and other animals, thus overcoming the significant delays in targeted chemotherapy following diagnosis using conventional methods. (Nucleotide sequence data reported in this paper are available in the EMBL, GenBank and DDJB datadases under accession numbers FJ897707–FJ897713 (ITS‐1), FJ897714–FJ897720 (ITS‐2) and FJ897700–FJ897706 (pchs‐1)).
Steady‐state electrophoresis of RNA against a gradient of cationic charges in a polyacrylamide matrix
Authors: Zilberstein Gleb , Shlar Ilya , Baskin Emmanuil , Korol Leonid , Righetti Pier Giorgio , Bukshpan Shmuel
Published: October 2009

A novel method for separation of RNA fragments is reported here, based on migrating the polyanionic RNA fragments in a polycationic polyacrylamide gel, made by incorporating positively charged monomers (the Immobilines used for creating immobilized pH gradients) into the neutral polyacrylamide backbone. Separations are typically performed in a 0–10 mM, pK 10.3 Immobiline gradient under denaturing conditions (6 M urea). In the 100–1000 bp length, it is shown that separations of RNA are optimal and very sharp bands can be obtained, in comparison with conventional electrophoresis, due to the “focusing” effect originated by the charge balancing between the positively charged gel matrix and the negatively charged RNA species. Excellent separations are also obtained from micro‐RNAs, single‐stranded RNA molecules of 21–23 nucleotides in length, which appear to regulate gene expression in animal and plant tissues. As a third example, 2‐D runs in control and polycationic gels are shown. Under native conditions, RNAs are not aligned in a diagonal, suggesting that molecular shape has a strong influence on the interaction between RNA and the charged gel matrix. Thus, 2‐D runs in cationic matrices might be exploited for structural studies of RNA molecules.
De novo peptide sequencing by tandem MS using complementary CID and electron transfer dissociation
Authors: Bertsch Andreas , Leinenbach Andreas , Pervukhin Anton , Lubeck Markus , Hartmer Ralf , Baessmann Carsten , Elnakady Yasser Abbas , Müller Rolf , Böcker Sebastian , Huber Christian G. , Kohlbacher Oliver
Published: October 2009

De novo sequencing of peptides using tandem MS is difficult due to missing fragment ions in the spectra commonly obtained after CID of peptide precursor ions. Complementing CID spectra with spectra obtained in an ion‐trap mass spectrometer upon electron transfer dissociation (ETD) significantly increases the sequence coverage with diagnostic ions. In the de novo sequencing algorithm CompNovo presented here, a divide‐and‐conquer approach was combined with an efficient mass decomposition algorithm to exploit the complementary information contained in CID and ETD spectra. After optimizing the parameters for the algorithm on a well‐defined training data set obtained for peptides from nine known proteins, the CompNovo algorithm was applied to the de novo sequencing of peptides derived from a whole protein extract of Sorangium cellulosum bacteria. To 2406 pairs of CID and ETD spectra contained in this data set, 675 fully correct sequences were assigned, which represent a success rate of 28.1%. It is shown that the CompNovo algorithm yields significantly improved sequencing accuracy as compared with published approaches using only CID spectra or combined CID and ETD spectra.
Three‐dimensional photogrammetry for surgical planning of tissue expansion in hemifacial microsomia
Authors: Jayaratne Yasas S. N. , Lo John , Zwahlen Roger A. , Cheung Lim K.
Published: October 2009

Background.

We aim to illustrate the applications of 3‐dimensional (3‐D) photogrammetry for surgical planning and longitudinal assessment of the volumetric changes in hemifacial microsomia.

Methods.

A 3‐D photogrammetric system was employed for planning soft tissue expansion and transplantation of a vascularized scapular flap for a patient with hemifacial microsomia. The facial deficiency was calculated by superimposing a mirror of the normal side on the preoperative image. Postsurgical volumetric changes were monitored by serial superimposition of 3‐D images.

Results.

A total of 31 cm3 of tissue expansion was achieved within a period of 4 weeks. A scapular free flap measuring 8 cm × 5 cm was transplanted to augment the facial deficiency. Postsurgical shrinkage of the flap was observed mainly in the first 3 months and it was minimal thereafter.

Conclusion.

3‐D photogrammetry can be used as a noninvasive objective tool for assessing facial deformity, planning, and postoperative follow‐up of surgical correction of facial asymmetry. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Changes in the Expression of Methionine Adenosyltransferase Genes and S-Adenosylmethionine Homeostasis During Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation
Authors: Ramani Komal , Yang Heping , Kuhlenkamp John , Tomasi Lauda , Tsukamoto Hidekazu , Mato José M. , Lu Shelly C.
Published: October 2009

Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is an essential event during liver fibrogenesis. Methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) catalyzes biosynthesis of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), the principle methyl donor. SAMe metabolism generates two methylation inhibitors, methylthioadenosine (MTA) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). Liver cell proliferation is associated with induction of two nonliver-specific MATs: MAT2A, which encodes the catalytic subunit α2, and MAT2β, which encodes a regulatory subunit β that modulates the activity of the MAT2A-encoded isoenzyme MATII. We reported that MAT2A and MAT2β genes are required for liver cancer cell growth that is induced by the profibrogenic factor leptin. Also, MAT2β regulates leptin signaling. The strong association of MAT genes with proliferation and leptin signaling in liver cells led us to examine the role of these genes during HSC activation. MAT2A and MAT2β are induced in culture-activated primary rat HSCs and HSCs from 10-day bile duct ligated (BDL) rat livers. HSC activation led to a decline in intracellular SAMe and MTA levels, a drop in the SAMe/SAH ratio, and global DNA hypomethylation. The decrease in SAMe levels was associated with lower MATII activity during activation. MAT2A silencing in primary HSCs and MAT2A or MAT2β silencing in the human stellate cell line LX-2 resulted in decreased collagen and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and cell growth and increased apoptosis. MAT2A knockdown decreased intracellular SAMe levels in LX-2 cells. Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase signaling in LX-2 cells required the expression of MAT2β but not that of MAT2A.

Conclusion:

MAT2A and MAT2β genes are induced during HSC activation and are essential for this process. The SAMe level falls, resulting in global DNA hypomethylation. (Hepatology 2010.)
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Gene Transfer to Cirrhotic Liver Induces Fibrolysis and Reduces Fibrogenesis Leading to Cirrhosis Reversion in Rats
Authors: Sobrevals Luciano , Rodriguez Carlos , Romero-Trevejo José Lorenzo , Gondi Gabor , Monreal Iñaki , Pañeda Astrid , Juanarena Nerea , Arcelus Sara , Razquin Nerea , Guembe Laura , González-Aseguinolaza Gloria , Prieto Jesús , Fortes Puri
Published: October 2009

We investigated whether gene transfer of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) to the hepatic tissue was able to improve liver histology and function in established liver cirrhosis. Rats with liver cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) given orally for 8 weeks were injected through the hepatic artery with saline or with Simian virus 40 vectors encoding IGF-I (SVIGF-I), or luciferase (SVLuc). Animals were sacrificed 8 weeks after vector injection. In cirrhotic rats we observed that, whereas IGF-I was synthesized by hepatocytes, IGF-I receptor was predominantly expressed by nonparenchymal cells, mainly in fibrous septa surrounding hepatic nodules. Rats treated with SVIGF-I showed increased hepatic levels of IGF-I, improved liver function tests, and reduced fibrosis in association with diminished α-smooth muscle actin expression, up-regulation of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and decreased expression of the tissue inhibitors of MMPs TIM-1 and TIM-2. SVIGF-I therapy induced down-regulation of the profibrogenic molecules transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), amphiregulin, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) and induction of the antifibrogenic and cytoprotective hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Furthermore, SVIGF-I-treated animals showed decreased expression of Wilms tumor-1 (WT-1; a nuclear factor involved in hepatocyte dedifferentiation) and up-regulation of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) (which stimulates hepatocellular differentiation). The therapeutic potential of SVIGF-I was also tested in rats with thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis. Also in this model, SVIGF-I improved liver function and reduced liver fibrosis in association with up-regulation of HGF and MMPs and down-regulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1).

Conclusion:

IGF-I gene transfer to cirrhotic livers induces MMPs and hepatoprotective factors leading to reversion of fibrosis and improvement of liver function. IGF-I gene therapy may be a useful alternative therapy for patients with advanced cirrhosis without timely access to liver transplantation. (Hepatology 2010;51:912–921.)