bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of virus immune evasion lead to development from chronic inflammation to cancer formation associated with human papillomavirus infection
Authors: Senba Masachika , Mori Naoki
Published: October 2013

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has developed strategies to escape eradication by innate and adaptive immunity. Immune response evasion has been considered an important aspect of HPV persistence, which is the main contributing factor leading to HPV-related cancers. HPV-induced cancers expressing viral oncogenes E6 and E7 are potentially recognized by the immune system. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules are patrolled by natural killer cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, respectively. This system of recognition is a main target for the strategies of immune evasion deployed by viruses. The viral immune evasion proteins constitute useful tools to block defined stages of the MHC class I presentation pathway, and in this way HPV avoids the host immune response. The long latency period from initial infection to persistence signifies that HPV evolves mechanisms to escape the immune response. It has now been established that there are oncogenic mechanisms by which E7 binds to and degrades tumor suppressor Rb, while E6 binds to and inactivates tumor suppressor p53. Therefore, interaction of p53 and pRb proteins can give rise to an increased immortalization and genomic instability. Overexpression of NF-kB in cervical and penile cancers suggests that NF-kB activation is a key modulator in driving chronic inflammation to cancer. HPV oncogene-mediated suppression of NF-kB activity contributes to HPV escape from the immune system. This review focuses on the diverse mechanisms of the virus immune evasion with HPV that leads to chronic inflammation and cancer.
The management of low-stage non-seminomatous germ cell tumors
Authors: Lim Louise , Powles Thomas
Published: October 2013

The prognosis of patients with stage I non-seminomatous germ cell tumors is in general very good. However, a large number of patients relapse with metastatic disease after orchidectomy Therefore, adjuvant treatment, in the form of either chemotherapy or retroperitoneal dissection is recommended, although active surveillance has been found to be as good a way of treating these patients with overall excellent results.
Chemotherapy and target therapy as neo-adjuvant approach for initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Rossi Luigi , Zullo Angelo , Zoratto Federica , Papa Anselmo , Strudel Martina , Colonna Maria , Tomao Silverio
Published: October 2013

Although surgery is the most effective treatment for liver metastases in colorectal cancer patients, only 15-20% of these patients are suitable for a radical surgical approach, and metastases recurrence may occur at follow up. In the last decade, the use of pre-operative chemotherapy in combination with new biological drugs has been introduced. We reviewed data of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy strategies aimed at increasing the resection rate of liver metastases in colorectal cancer patients who were initially considered unresectable.
Vernix Caseosa Peritonitis after Vaginal Delivery
Authors: Sadath Shameema A. , Diba Fathiya I. Abo , Nayak Surendra , Shamali Iman Al , Diejomaoh Michael F.
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Vernix caseosa peritonitis (VCP) is a very unusual complication caused by inflammatory response to amniotic fluid spilled into the maternal peritoneal cavity. Twenty-seven cases have been reported, and all occurred after cesarean section.

Case presentation

We present a case of VCP following vaginal delivery; this may be the first case reported after vaginal delivery. Mrs. A, 28 years old, gravida 3, para 2, with one previous cesarean section, was admitted at 41 weeks gestation in active labor. Vacuum extraction was performed to deliver a healthy male baby, 4.410 kg, Apgar scores 7, 8. She developed fever, acute abdominal pain, and distension about 3 hours after delivery. A diagnosis of acute abdomen was made. Laparotomy was performed and it revealed neither uterine scar rupture nor other surgical emergencies, but 500 mL of turbid fluid and some cheesy material on the serosal surface of all viscera. Biopsies were taken. She had a course of antibiotics and her recovery was complete. Histology of the peritoneal fluid and tissue biopsy resulted in a diagnosis of VCP.

Conclusion

Clinical diagnosis of peritonitis due to vernix caseosa should be considered in patients presenting postpartum with an acute abdomen after vaginal delivery.
Relationships between Salivary Melatonin Levels, Quality of Sleep, and Stress in Young Japanese Females
Authors: Ito Yasuhiro , Iida Tadayuki , Yamamura Yuumi , Teramura Mayu , Nakagami Yasushi , Kawai Kaoru , Nagamura Yoichi , Teradaira Ryoji
Published: October 2013

A decrease in the quality of sleep is believed to cause anxiety and worsen depression. Comparisons of salivary melatonin levels with different factors including quality of sleep, state and trait anxieties, and depression, were conducted to examine whether there is a relationship between melatonin, presumably associated with sleep, and psychological stress. The saliva of healthy young females was collected during the daytime and before they went to bed at night (when they were awake and resting in a sitting position), and salivary melatonin levels were measured. The quality of sleep was scored using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)–-a questionnaire method. State and trait anxieties, and depression were scored using other questionnaire methods: the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), respectively. The following findings were obtained: (1) Salivary melatonin levels measured during the daytime and before going to bed were higher in females with a high depression score, compared to those with a low score, and there was a correlation between the depression scores and salivary melatonin levels measured at night; and (2) salivary melatonin levels measured before going to bed at night (in a sitting position) were higher in females with a high state anxiety score, suggesting a correlation between state anxiety scores and salivary melatonin levels during the night. Both depression and a sense of anxiety are forms of psychological stress. Therefore, it is assumed that, when a person is under psychological stress, the action of melatonin as a ligand on its receptor is reduced. Meaning psychological stress may induce oxidative stress in the body. On the other hand, no correlation was noted between the quality of sleep and salivary melatonin levels during the night, presumably because saliva was collected when the subjects were awake and sitting, rather than sleeping.
Extending a Lippmann style seismometer's dynamic range by using a non-linear feedback circuit
Authors: Romeo G. , Spinelli G.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. A Lippmann style seismometer (Lippmann and Gebrande, 1983) uses a single-coil velocity-feedback method in order to extend toward lower frequencies a geophone's frequency response. Strong seismic signals may saturate the electronics, sometimes clipping the signal or producing the characteristic whale-shaped recording. Adding a non linear feedback in the electronic circuit may avoid saturation, allowing the strong-motion use of the seismometer without affecting the usual performance. Such a seismometer will allow unsaturated data in epicentral area while offering nice low signal recording for far events.
Preliminary step towards comparing large scale features in surface wind field between ERA-Interim re-analysis and a higher resolution simulation
Authors: Boilley A. , Ranchin T. , Ghennioui A.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. The weather research and forecasting model (WRF) is initialized with ERA-Interim re-analysis to produce a higher resolution dataset over a one month period. WRF is supposed to introduce small scale information and maintain the mean large scale features. A detailed spectral analysis is performed to verify this statement. It reveals that consistency in large-scale features is not achieved for wavelengths greater than or equal to 6° even with the activation of spectral nudging.
Gerenciamento Ágil no Processo de Desenvolvimento de Produtos Inovadores: Uma Análise Bibliográfica Sistemática
Authors: Michels Everton , Ferreira Marcelo Gitirana Gomes
Published: October 2013

Verifica-se nos últimos anos que o mercado no segmento de bens de produção está cada vez mais ávido por produtos mais e mais inovadores, com o time-to-market cada vez menor, menor custo, maior flexibilidade e adaptabilidade, entre outros. Diante disso esse estudo objetiva analisar onde os métodos ágeis já consagrados, estão sendo aplicados no Processo de Desenvolvimento de Produtos(PDP), bem como se existem possíveis lacunas nessa aplicação, junto ao PDP. Para tal desenvolveu-se uma pesquisa qualitativa exploratória, descritiva e bibliográfica, da qual se puderam encontrar o emprego da Gestão Ágil de Projetos(Agile Project Management-APM) em produtos inovadores específicos, bem como em novos modelos propostos de gestão para o PDP, porém, da mesma forma foram encontradas também algumas lacunas passíveis de abordagem para trabalhos futuros sobre o tema.DOI:10.5585/gep.v4i1.119
Planejamento de Projetos em uma Empresa de Consultoria de Segurança Patrimonial: Uma Pesquisa-Ação do Desempenho de Equipe de Projeto
Authors: Vargas Neto Durval Mescua , Patah Leandro Alves
Published: October 2013

Este estudo foca-se na primeira onda da evolução do gerenciamento de projetos, focada na eficiência e preocupando-se com os resultados. Seu principal objetivo é investigar como técnicas de planejamento de projetos podem influenciar o desempenho das equipes. Foram utilizadas as estratégias de pesquisa bibliográfica e pesquisa-ação. A problemática levantada, a partir de relatórios gerenciais, é que muitas vezes, as equipes não cumprem a quantidade de horas de trabalho prevista para determinado projeto. Concluiu-se que é possível aumentar a produtividade de uma equipe de projetos com a implantação de técnicas básicas de gerenciamento de projetos na fase de planejamento.DOI:10.5585/gep.v4i1.138
Life‐cycle energy analysis of performance‐ versus age‐based pipe replacement schedules
Authors: Prosser Monica E.E. , Speight Vanessa L. , Filion Yves R.
Published: October 2013

Although many North American water utilities are upgrading their systems through both regular maintenance programs and additional pipe replacement, rarely does this process take whole‐of‐life considerations into account. This article details the development of a life‐cycle energy analysis that accounts for energy associated with reducing leakage through pipe replacement and describes its implementation at a large water distribution system. Energy used in pumping was compared with the embodied energy tied to pipe replacement in a baseline scenario and three replacement plans. Results indicated that the annual operational energy savings of 4.9 × 10 to 6.4 × 10 kW·h achieved by 2020 comes at a cost. The embodied energy invested in replacing pipe stock for ductile‐iron pipes with diameters of 6 to 16 in. would be 0.88 × 10 to 2.05 × 10 kW·h/mi, a significant expense that results in an initial energy payback period of 17.6 years for the most aggressive replacement plan.
Age‐related Differences in the Free‐recall Accounts of Child, Adolescent, and Adult Witnesses
Authors: Jack Fiona , Leov Jessica , Zajac Rachel
Published: October 2013

Many researchers have examined the factors that affect children's ability to provide eyewitness evidence, leading to significant reform in policy and practice. In stark contrast, there has been virtually no eyewitness research conducted with adolescents, even though adolescents are still undergoing developmental changes that are likely to affect eyewitness performance. We compared the eyewitness performance of children, adolescents, and adults by showing them a brief film clip depicting a simulated crime and using cognitive interview instructions to elicit free‐recall accounts. Adolescents provided more information than children, but less information than adults. Accuracy did not differ with age. These data suggest that, like children, adolescents could benefit from specialised interview techniques that help them provide more complete accounts. Across all three age groups, individual differences in cognitive functioning contributed to variation in eyewitness performance, and eliciting a second free‐recall account increased the amount of information reported. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FEM‐BEM Code for the Multiscale Modeling and Computer Aided Design of Wire Drawing Technology for Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Milenin Andrzej , Kustra Piotr , Byrska‐Wójcik Dorota
Published: October 2013

The purpose of the paper is the problem of determination of parameters of hyperfine wire drawing process of biocompatible magnesium alloys. The originality of the considered alloys is the intergranular fracture mechanism associated with small strains (0.07–0.09) in macro‐scale. It was proven that the material state just before appearance of the meso‐cracks is the optimal state of material from the point of view of the restoration of the plasticity by annealing. The forecasting of this material state during drawing process requires the development of the model of intergranular fracture. In this case, new BEM model of the cracks initiation in meso‐scale is proposed. The in situ tests, which allowed observation of the microstructure during deformation, are used for the calibration and validation of the present model. The empirical parameters of the fracture model in micro‐scale for MgCa0.8 and Ax30 magnesium alloys are obtained using tensile and share tests. The developed model was implemented to the Drawing 2d software. The results of meso‐scale simulation were verified by using the experimental drawing process of the hyperfine wires (diameter 70 µm) according to developed technology.
Highly Electron Transparent Graphene for Field Emission Triode Gates
Authors: Li Chi , Cole Matthew T. , Lei Wei , Qu Ke , Ying Kai , Zhang Yan , Robertson Alex R. , Warner Jamie H. , Ding Shuyi , Zhang Xiaobing , Wang Baoping , Milne William I.
Published: October 2013

The enhanced emission performance of a graphene/Mo hybrid gate electrode integrated into a nanocarbon field emission micro‐triode electron source is presented. Highly electron transparent gate electrodes are fabricated from chemical vapor deposited bilayer graphene transferred to Mo grids with experimental and simulated data, showing that liberated electrons efficiently traverse multi‐layer graphene membranes with transparencies in excess of 50–68%. The graphene hybrid gates are shown to reduce the gate driving voltage by 1.1 kV, whilst increasing the electron transmission efficiency of the gate electrode significantly. Integrated intensity maps show that the electron beam angular dispersion is dramatically improved (87.9°) coupled with a 63% reduction in beam diameter. Impressive temporal stability is noted (<1.0%) with surprising negligible long‐term damage to the graphene. A 34% increase in triode perveance and an amplification factor 7.6 times that of conventional refractory metal grid gate electrode‐based triodes are noted, thus demonstrating the excellent stability and suitability of graphene gates in micro‐triode electron sources.
Virtually Bare Nanocrystal Surfaces: Significantly Enhanced Electrical Transport in CuInSe2 and CuIn1−xGaxSe2 Thin Films upon Ligand Exchange with Thermally Degradable 1‐Ethyl‐5‐Thiotetrazole
Authors: Lauth Jannika , Marbach Jakob , Meyer Andreas , Dogan Sedat , Klinke Christian , Kornowski Andreas , Weller Horst
Published: October 2013

A facile and safe ligand exchange method for readily synthesized CuInSe2 (CIS) and CuIn1‐xGaxSe2 (CIGS) nanocrystals (NCs) from oleylamine to 1‐ethyl‐5‐thiotetrazole, preserving the colloidal stability of the chalcopyrite structure, is presented. 1‐Ethyl‐5‐thiotetrazole as thermally degradable ligand is adapted for the first time for trigonal pyramidal CIS (18 nm), elongated CIS (9 nm) and CIGS NCs (6 nm). Exchanged NC solutions are processed onto gold electrodes yielding ordered thin films. These films are thermally annealed at 260 °C to completely remove 1‐ethyl‐5‐thiotetrazol leaving individual closely assembled NCs with virtually bare surfaces. The current–voltage characteristics of the NC solids are measured prior to ligand thermolysis in the dark and under illumination and after ligand thermolysis in the same manner. The conductivity of trigonal pyramidal CIS increases by four orders of magnitude (1.4 × 10−9 S cm−1 (dark) to 1.4 × 10−5 S cm−1 (illuminated)) for ligand‐free NC films. Elongated CIS NC films show a three orders of magnitude conductivity increase and CIGS NC films exhibit improved conductivity by two orders of magnitude. Conductivity enhancement thereby depends on the NC size accentuating the role of trap‐states and internal grain boundaries in ligand‐free NC solids for electrical transport. This approach for the first time offers the possibility to address chalcopyrite materials’ electrical properties in a virtually ligand‐free state.
Dynamic Nanofin Heat Sinks
Authors: Yi Pyshar , Khoshmanesh Khashayar , Chrimes Adam F. , Campbell Jos L. , Ghorbani Kamran , Nahavandi Saeid , Rosengarten Gary , Kalantar‐zadeh Kourosh
Published: October 2013

The limitation of hot spot cooling in microchips represents an important hurdle for the electronics industry to overcome with coolers yet to exceed the efficiencies required. Nanotechnology‐enabled heat sinks that can be magnetophoretically formed onto the hot spots within a microfluidic environment are presented. CrO2 nanoparticles, which are dynamically chained and docked onto the hot spots, establish tuneable high‐aspect‐ratio nanofins for the heat exchange between these hot spots and the liquid coolant. These nanofins can also be grown and released on demand, absorbing and releasing the heat from the hot spots into the microfluidic system. It is shown that both high aspect ratio and flexibility of the fins have a dramatic effect on increasing the heat sinking efficiency. The system has the potential to offer a practical cooling solution for future electronics.
Microwave irradiated and thermally heated olive stone activated carbon for nickel adsorption from synthetic wastewater: A comparative study
Authors: Alslaibi Tamer M. , Abustan Ismail , Ahmad Mohd Azmier , Foul Ahmad Abu
Published: October 2013

In attempt to compare the removal efficiency and yield of the activated carbon prepared using the conventional and microwave‐assisted heating is the focus of this work. Toward this olive stone (a biomass precursor) is activated using the popular activating agent potassium hydroxide. The process optimization exercise is carried out by using the standard full factorial statistical design of experiments (response surface methodology). The activated carbons prepared under the optimized conditions are compared based on the adsorption capacity and yield. The adsorption capacity was found higher using microwave heating as compared with conventional heating. The microwave heating requires significantly lesser holding time as compared to conventional heating method to produce activated carbon of comparable quality, with higher yield. The BET surface area of carbon using microwave heating is significantly higher than the conventional heating. Although the mesopore surface area of carbon is not vary significantly, the activation time, power, and nitrogen gas consumption are significantly lower than the conventional heating rendering that the activation process via microwave is more economical than that via conventional heating. The adsorption isotherm data fitted the Langmuir isotherm well and the monolayer adsorption capacity was found to be 12.0 and 8.42 mg/g for microwave and thermally heated activated carbon, respectively. Regeneration studies showed that microwave‐irradiated and thermally heated olive stone could be used several times by desorption with an HCl reagent. Both carbons can be used for the efficient removal of Ni2+ (>99%) from contaminated wastewater. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 237–250, 2014
A genome wide survey supports the involvement of large copy number variants in schizophrenia with and without intellectual disability
Authors: Derks Eske M. , Ayub Muhammad , Chambert Kimberly , Del Favero Jurgen , Johnstone Mandy , MacGregor Stuart , Maclean Alan , McKechanie Andrew G. , McRae Allan F. , Moran Jennifer L. , Pickard Benjamin S. , Purcell Shaun , Sklar Pamela , StCLair David M. , Wray Naomi R. , Visscher Peter M. , Blackwood Douglas H. R.
Published: October 2013

Background

Copy number variants (CNVs) have been shown to play a role in schizophrenia and intellectual disability.

Methods

We compared the CNV burden in 66 patients with intellectual disability and no symptoms of psychosis (ID‐only) with the burden in 64 patients with intellectual disability and schizophrenia (ID + SCZ). Samples were genotyped on three plates by the Broad Institute using the Affymetrix 6.0 array.

Results

For CNVs larger than 100 kb, there was no difference in the CNV burden of ID‐only and ID + SCZ. In contrast, the number of duplications larger than 1 Mb was increased in ID + SCZ compared to ID‐only. We detected seven large duplications and two large deletions at chromosome 15q11.2 (18.5–20.1 Mb) which were all present in patients with ID + SCZ. The involvement of this region in schizophrenia was confirmed in Scottish samples from the ISC study (N = 2,114; 1,130 cases and 984 controls). Finally, one of the patients with schizophrenia and low IQ carrying a duplication at 15q11.2, is a member of a previously described pedigree with multiple cases of mild intellectual disability, schizophrenia, hearing impairment, retinitis pigmentosa and cataracts. DNA samples were available for 11 members of this family and the duplication was present in all 10 affected individuals and was absent in an unaffected individual.

Conclusions

Duplications at 15q11.2 (18.5–20.1 Mb) are highly prevalent in a severe group of patients characterized by intellectual disability and comorbid schizophrenia. It is also associated with a phenotype that includes schizophrenia, low IQ, hearing and visual impairments resembling the spectrum of symptoms described in “ciliopathies.” © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epoxy‐based hybrids using TiO2 nanoparticles prepared via a non‐hydrolytic sol–gel route
Authors: Kobayashi Manabu , Saito Hitomi , Boury Bruno , Matsukawa Kimihiro , Sugahara Yoshiyuki
Published: October 2013

TiO2 nanoparticles with an average diameter of less than 10 nm were prepared via a non‐hydrolytic sol–gel route in a TiCl4–diisopropyl ether–CH2Cl2 system. After modification with n‐octylphosphonic acid (OPA) to increase their organophilic character, the TiO2 nanoparticles were used for preparation of TiO2/epoxy hybrid films. Characterization by FT‐IR, solid‐state 13C cross‐polarization/magic angle spinning (CP/MAS) and 31P MAS NMR techniques showed the preservation of the n‐octyl groups and the presence of TiOP bonds on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles. Hybrid films with various TiO2 contents were prepared via a wet process and casting using CH2Cl2 as a solvent. The resulting films were highly transparent. The refractive indices of TiO2/epoxy hybrid films at 633 nm increased monotonously from 1.51 for the pure polymer to 1.66 for the hybrid containing 62.4 mass% of TiO2 nanoparticles. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Superparamagnetic iron oxide/oleic acid nanoparticles with immobilized organosilicon derivatives of N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)tetrahydroisoquinoline: synthesis, morphology and interaction with normal and tumour cells
Authors: Zablotskaya Alla , Segal Izolda , Mishnev Anatoly , Maiorov Mikhail , Blums Elmars , Shestakova Irina , Domracheva Ilona
Published: October 2013

Superparamagnetic iron oxide/oleic acid nanoparticles bearing lipid‐like organosilicon N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives have been synthesized with the aim of their potential biomedical application. X‐ray diffraction analysis, Dynamic light‐scattering measurements, method of magnetogranulometry and some others have been employed to investigate the morphology and properties of the nanoparticles synthesized. The magnetic core diameter of mixed covered nanoparticles ranged between 4.8 and 9.6 nm. The magnetization analyses showed that the particles are superparamagnetic at room temperature. In vitro cell cytotoxicity and intracellular NO generation caused by the water magnetic solution of nanoparticles possessing cytotoxic organosilicon heterocyclic choline analogue, namely N‐(2‐dimethyl‐n‐hexadecylsiloxyethyl)‐N‐methyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinolinium iodide, was examined in relation to monolayer human fibrosarcoma (HT‐1080) and mouse hepatoma (MG‐22A) tumour cell lines and normal mouse fibroblasts (NIH 3T3). The biological studies have revealed its selective cytotoxicity in tumour cells and strong effect on MG‐22A cell morphology. Incorporation of the synthesized nanoparticles into cells was observed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Terpolymerization of benzyl glycidyl ether, propylene oxide, and CO2 using binary and bifunctional [rac‐SalcyCoIIIX] complexes and the thermal and mechanical properties of the resultant poly(benzyl 1,2‐glycerol‐co‐propylene carbonate)s and poly(1,2‐glycerol‐co‐propylene carbonate)s
Authors: Zhang Heng , Grinstaff Mark W.
Published: October 2013

The terpolymerization of benzyl glycidyl ether (BGE), propylene oxide (PO), and CO2 using both a binary [rac‐SalcyCoIIIDNP]/PPNDNP system and a bifunctional [rac‐SalcyCoIIIDNP] catalyst bearing a quaternary ammonium salt is reported. Catalyst activities range from 149 to 563 h−1 for the binary catalyst at the various monomer feeding ratios. The bifunctional catalyst shows increased activity up to 857 h−1 at higher temperature with slightly compromised polymer selectivity. The percentage of BGE or PO incorporation in the polymer chain reflects the initial feeding ratio and remains constant during the course of the reaction. A Fineman‐Ross plot determined the monomer reactivity ratio to be 1.15 and 0.93 for BGE and PO, respectively. The glass transition temperature of the terpolymers is dependent on 1,2‐glycerol carbonate (GC) content and decreases from 37 to 8°C with increasing GC content. The decomposition temperature at 5% weight loss also shows a similar dependency, and varies from 233 to 269°C. The benzyl protecting group is removed using H2 and Pd/C to afford the poly(1,2‐glycerol‐co‐propylene carbonate)s (PGC‐co‐PC). The glass transition and decomposition temperatures as well as the mechanical properties are lower for the PGC‐co‐PCs compared with the corresponding values for the poly(benzyl 1,2‐glycerol‐co‐propylene carbonate)s. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 39893.
Polypropylene plasticization and photodegradation with a TiO2/poly(ethylene oxide)/methyl linoleate paint photocatalyst system
Authors: Miyazaki Kensuke , Arai Takayuki , Nakatani Hisayuki
Published: October 2013

The photodegradation of polypropylene (PP) film was performed by a TiO2/polyethylene oxide (PEO)/plant oil paint photocatalyst system. The photodegradation underwent two stages of development as follows: Initially PP reacted with linoleic acid radical originated from the photoreaction of plant oil component. Second, the linoleic acid graft‐polymer was decomposed, and then PP chain scission was caused. The process was studied using methyl linoleate (ML) in detail. The melting point of the 24 h‐photodegraded PP slightly decreased, and those of the 48 h‐ and 96 h‐ones drastically did as compared with the pristine PP. The crystallinity (χc) decreased at the 48 h photodegradation time and drastically increased at the 96 h one. The 24 h‐photodegraded PP showed the 77% Young's modulus, 88% tensile strength, and 103% strain at break values to those of the pristine PP. The ML graft‐polymerization and decomposition brought about the PP plasticizing and chemi‐crystallization, causing the PP degradation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39909.
A Panel of Biomarkers Is Associated With Increased Risk of the Presence and Progression of Atherosclerosis in Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: McMahon Maureen , Skaggs Brian J. , Grossman Jennifer M. , Sahakian Lori , FitzGerald John , Wong Weng Kee , Lourenco Elaine V. , Ragavendra Nagesh , Charles‐Schoeman Christina , Gorn Alan , Karpouzas George A. , Taylor Mihaela B. , Watson Karol E. , Weisman Michael H. , Wallace Daniel J. , Hahn Bevra H.
Published: October 2013

Objective

An increased frequency of atherosclerosis (ATH) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is well‐documented but not fully explained by the presence of traditional cardiac risk factors. Several nontraditional biomarkers, including proinflammatory high‐density lipoprotein (piHDL) and leptin, have been individually associated with subclinical ATH in SLE. The aim of this study was to examine whether these and other biomarkers can be combined into a risk profile, the Predictors of Risk for Elevated Flares, Damage Progression, and Increased Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with SLE (PREDICTS), that could be used to better predict future progression of ATH.

Methods

In total, 210 patients with SLE and 100 age‐matched healthy control subjects (all women) participated in this prospective cohort study. The longitudinal presence of carotid plaque and intima‐media thickness (IMT) were measured at baseline and followup (mean ± SD 29.6 ± 9.7 months).

Results

At followup, carotid plaque was present in 29% of SLE patients. Factors significantly associated with plaque, determined using Salford Predictive Modeling and multivariate analysis, included age ≥48 years (odds ratio [OR] 4.1, P = 0.002), high piHDL function (OR 9.1, P < 0.001), leptin levels ≥34 ng/dl (OR 7.3, P = 0.001), plasma soluble TWEAK levels ≥373 pg/ml (OR 28.8, P = 0.004), and history of diabetes (OR 61.8, P < 0.001). Homocysteine levels ≥12 μmoles/liter were also a predictor. However, no single variable demonstrated an ideal combination of good negative predictive values (NPVs), positive predictive values (PPVs), sensitivity, and specificity. A high‐risk PREDICTS profile was defined as ≥3 positive biomarkers or ≥1 positive biomarker plus a history of diabetes; for high‐risk SLE patients, the PPV was 64%, NPV was 94%, sensitivity was 89%, and specificity was 79%. In multivariate analysis, SLE patients with the high‐risk profile had 28‐fold increased odds for the longitudinal presence of plaque (P < 0.001) and increased progression of IMT (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

A high‐risk PREDICTS score confers 28‐fold increased odds of the presence of any current, progressive, or acquired carotid plaque, both in patients with SLE and in control subjects, and is significantly associated with higher rates of IMT progression.
Effects of low intensity static magnetic field on FTIR spectra and ROS production in SH‐SY5Y neuronal‐like cells
Authors: Calabrò Emanuele , Condello Salvatore , Currò Monica , Ferlazzo Nadia , Caccamo Daniela , Magazù Salvatore , Ientile Riccardo
Published: October 2013

Biological effects of man‐made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have been studied so far by experimental approaches exposing animals and cell cultures to EMFs. However, the evidence for cell toxicity induced by static magnetic field (SMF) is still uncertain. We investigated the effects produced by the exposure of human SH‐SY5Y neuronal‐like cells to a uniform magnetic field at intensities of 2.2 mT, which is less than the recommended public exposure limits set by the International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). A decrease of membrane mitochondrial potential up to 30% was measured after 24 h of exposure to SMF in SH‐SY5Y cells, and this effect was associated with reactive oxygen species production increase. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that exposure to a static magnetic intensity around 2.2 mT changed the secondary structure of cellular proteins and lipid components. The vibration bands relative to the methylene group increased significantly after 4 h of exposure, whereas further exposure up to 24 h produced evident shifts of amide I and II modes and a relative increase in β‐sheet contents with respect to α‐helix components. Our study demonstrated that a moderate SMF causes alteration in cell homeostasis, as indicated by FTIR spectroscopy observations of changes in protein structures that are part of cell response to magnetic field exposure. Bioelectromagnetics 34:618–629, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DIFFERENTIAL RESPONSE PATTERNS TO THE CONTROL CONDITION BETWEEN TWO PROCEDURES TO ASSESS SOCIAL REINFORCERS FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Authors: Gutierrez Anibal , Fischer Aaron J. , Hale Melissa N. , Durocher Jennifer S. , Alessandri Michael
Published: October 2013

Historically, reinforcer assessment procedures focus primarily on identifying nonsocial reinforcers (e.g., tangibles and edibles). Far less empirical attention has been allocated to the systematic identification of social consequences that function as reinforcers. This discrepancy is problematic given that social consequences are commonly incorporated into behavioral treatment programs without systematic evaluation of their efficacy. In this study, two methodologies (a single operant and a concurrent choice) were used to assess social reinforcers for children with autism. Results highlighted differences in response allocation to the control condition between procedures. Specifically, responding occurred in the control condition of the single‐operant procedure but not in the concurrent‐operant procedure. These differences highlight the need for further evaluation of procedures to assess social reinforcers. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectroscopic and molecular modeling studies of the interaction between morin and polyamidoamine dendrimer
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Cao Jian , Wang Yanqing
Published: October 2013

Interactions between the polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer and drug molecules are of interest for their potential biomedical applications. The goal of this work is to examine the interaction of PAMAM‐C12 25% dendrimer with morin. The ultraviolet–visible, fluorescence spectroscopic methods as well as molecular modeling were used to analyze drug‐binding mode, binding constants and binding sites, etc. The experimental data showed that the binding constant of morin‐PAMAM‐C12 25% is about 105 L/mol. The interaction of morin with PAMAM‐C12 25% is mainly driven by the hydrophobic, electrostatic, hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. There are mainly three classes of binding site of morin at the interface of PAMAM‐C12 25%. These results provided some useful information for self‐assembling and disassembling the PAMAM dendrimer as well as efficient drug delivery and therapeutic applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Therapeutic laquinimod treatment decreases inflammation, initiates axon remyelination, and improves motor deficit in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Moore Spencer , Khalaj Anna J. , Yoon JaeHee , Patel Rhusheet , Hannsun Gemmy , Yoo Timothy , Sasidhar Manda , Martinez‐Torres Leonardo , Hayardeny Liat , Tiwari‐Woodruff Seema K.
Published: October 2013

Background

Therapeutic strategies that induce effective neuroprotection and enhance intrinsic repair mechanisms are central goals for future treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as other diseases. Laquinimod (LQ) is an orally administered, central nervous system (CNS)‐active immunomodulator with demonstrated efficacy in MS clinical trials and a favorable safety and tolerability profile.

Aims

We aimed to explore the pathological, functional, and behavioral consequences of prophylactic and therapeutic (after presentation of peak clinical disease) LQ treatment in the chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of MS.

Materials and methods

Active EAE‐induced 8‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice were treated with 5 or 25 mg/kg/day LQ via oral gavage beginning on EAE post‐immunization day 0, 8, or 21. Clinical scores and rotorod motor performance were assessed throughout the disease course. Immune analysis of autoantigen‐stimulated splenocytes, electrophysiological conduction of callosal axons, and immunohistochemistry of white matter‐rich corpus callosum and spinal cord were performed.

Results

Prophylactic and therapeutic treatment with LQ significantly decreased mean clinical disease scores, inhibited Th1 cytokine production, and decreased the CNS inflammatory response. LQ‐induced improvement in axon myelination and integrity during EAE was functional, as evidenced by significant recovery of callosal axon conduction and axon refractoriness and pronounced improvement in rotorod motor performance. These improvements correlate with LQ‐induced attenuation of EAE‐induced demyelination and axon damage, and improved myelinated axon numbers.

Discussion

Even when initiated at peak disease, LQ treatment has beneficial effects within the chronic EAE mouse model. In addition to its immunomodulatory effects, the positive effects of LQ treatment on oligodendrocyte numbers and myelin density are indicative of significant, functional neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects.

Conclusions

Our results support a potential neuroprotective, in addition to immunomodulatory, effect of LQ treatment in inhibiting ongoing MS/EAE disease progression.
Neuropsychologist Experts and Neurolaw: Cases, Controversies, and Admissibility Challenges
Authors: Kaufmann Paul M.
Published: October 2013

Clinical neuropsychologists engage increasingly in forensic consulting activities because such expert opinions are generally relevant, reliable and helpful in resolving certain legal claims, especially those related to traumatic brain injury. Consequently, practitioners of law, medicine and psychology would benefit from understanding the nature of neuropsychological evidence, the standards for its admissibility, and its expanding role in neurolaw. This article reviews important evidentiary rules regulating relevance, preliminary questions, and expert testimony, while tracing federal key court decisions and progeny. Civil and criminal cases are detailed to illustrate the application of these rules and case law to neuropsychological evidence, with suggestions for overcoming motions to exclude such evidence. Expert neuropsychologists have a role in forensic consultation on brain trauma cases, even as the interdisciplinary dialog and understanding among law, medicine, and psychology continues to expand. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acquisition of thermotolerant yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by breeding via stepwise adaptation
Authors: Satomura Atsushi , Katsuyama Yoshiaki , Miura Natsuko , Kuroda Kouichi , Tomio Ayako , Bamba Takeshi , Fukusaki Eiichiro , Ueda Mitsuyoshi
Published: October 2013

A thermotolerant Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain, YK60‐1, was bred from a parental strain, MT8‐1, via stepwise adaptation. YK60‐1 grew at 40°C, a temperature at which MT8‐1 could not grow at all. YK60‐1 exhibited faster growth than MT8‐1 at 30°C. To investigate the mechanisms how MT8‐1 acquired thermotolerance, DNA microarray analysis was performed. The analysis revealed the induction of stress‐responsive genes such as those encoding heat shock proteins and trehalose biosynthetic enzymes in YK60‐1. Furthermore, nontargeting metabolome analysis showed that YK60‐1 accumulated more trehalose, a metabolite that contributes to stress tolerance in yeast, than MT8‐1. In conclusion, S. cerevisiae MT8‐1 acquired thermotolerance by induction of specific stress‐responsive genes and enhanced intracellular trehalose levels. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:1116–1123, 2013
Chitosan‐based injectable hydrogel as a promising in situ forming scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Naderi‐Meshkin Hojjat , Andreas Kristin , Matin Maryam M. , Sittinger Michael , Bidkhori Hamid Reza , Ahmadiankia Naghmeh , Bahrami Ahmad Reza , Ringe Jochen
Published: October 2013

Chitosan‐beta glycerophosphate‐hydroxyethyl cellulose (CH‐GP‐HEC) is a biocompatible and biodegradable scaffold exhibiting a sol–gel transition at 37°C. Chondrogenic factors or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be included in the CH‐GP‐HEC, and injected into the site of injury to fill the cartilage tissue defects with minimal invasion and pain. The possible impact of the injectable CH‐GP‐HEC on the viability of the encapsulated MSCs was assessed by propidium iodide‐fluorescein diacetate staining. Proliferation of the human and rat MSCs was also determined by MTS assay on days 0, 7, 14 and 28 after encapsulation. To investigate the potential application of CH‐GP‐HEC as a drug delivery device, the in vitro release profile of insulin was quantified by QuantiPro‐BCA™ protein assay. Chondrogenic differentiation capacity of the encapsulated human MSCs (hMSCs) was also determined after induction of differentiation with transforming growth factor β3. MSCs have very good survival and proliferative rates within CH‐GP‐HEC hydrogel during the 28‐day investigation. A sustained release of insulin occurred over 8 days. The CH‐GP‐HEC hydrogel also provided suitable conditions for chondrogenic differentiation of the encapsulated hMSCs. In conclusion, the high potential of CH‐GP‐HEC as an injectable hydrogel for cartilage tissue engineering is emphasised.
Proteinase‐activated receptor 2 modulates corticotropin releasing hormone‐induced brain‐derived neurotrophic factor release from microglial cells
Authors: Fan Yongzhi , Chen Jingli , Ye Jun , Yan Hong , Cai Yi
Published: October 2013

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain, but its regulation of BDNF release is not fully understood. To further understand the regulation of BDNF release, the microglial cell line, C8‐D1A (microglia, in short), were cultured as a model. The levels of BDNF were determined by enzyme‐linked immunoassay. Apoptotic microglia were assessed by flow cytometry. The protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2) was activated by tryptase. Exposure to corticotripin releasing hormone (CRH) induced BDNF release from microglia. Apoptosis was evident in microglia after activation by CRH. Tryptase‐induced PAR2 activation reduced the frequency of apoptosis of microglia, but enhanced the BDNF levels in the culture medium, which was partially blocked by PAR2 antagonists. We conclude that PAR2 agonists can promote the BDNF release from microglia; the PAR2 antagonists may be a potential therapeutic target to attenuate the BDNF‐related neuropathic pain.
Invasion and genome reproduction of the trophoblast cells of placenta junctional zone in the field vole, Microtus rossiaemeridionalis
Authors: Zybina Tatiana G. , Stein Grigori I. , Pozharisski Kazimir M. , Zybina Eugenia V.
Published: October 2013

In the field vole Microtus rossiaemeridionalis, like in other rodents, invasive secondary giant trophoblast cells (SGTC) form a continuous layer at the foeto–maternal interface in the beginning of placentation. However, in the field vole, at midgestation, clusters of junctional zone (JZ) trophoblast non‐giant cells interrupt SGTC layer and progressively replace SGTC at the border of decidua basalis. As a result, ‘border’ cells form a continuous stratum of cytokeratin‐positive glycogen‐rich cells at the foeto–maternal interface. SGTC plunge into JZ and line the lacunae with maternal blood. SGTC are bound by their highly cytokeratin‐positive sprouts forming a framework that holds other trophoblast cell populations. According to DNA cytophotometry, the ‘border’ cells show the highest ploidy among the JZ cells (up to 46% of 8c cells). Thus, in M. rossiaemeridionalis the role of barrier between semiallogenic foetal and maternal tissues is shifted from the highly endopolyploid (32c‐1024c) SGTC to the specific subpopulation of glycogen‐rich non‐giant (2c‐16c) ‘border’ trophoblast cells that, however, exceed the ploidy of the deeply located and/or proliferative JZ trophoblast cells.
Optimized Ultrasound‐Assisted Emulsification‐Microextraction Followed by ICP‐OES for Simultaneous Determination of Ytterbium and Holmium in Natural Water
Authors: Sereshti Hassan , Kermani Mansoure , Karimi Maryam , Samadi Soheila
Published: October 2013

In this study, the optimized ultrasound‐assisted emulsification‐microextraction followed by inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry was applied to simultaneous extraction and determination of holmium (Ho3+) and ytterbium (Yb3+) in water samples. 1‐(2‐Pyridylazo)‐2‐naphthol was used as chelating agent to form extractable complexes. Volume of extraction solvent, concentration of chelating agent, pH, ultrasonic time, temperature, and concentration of salt were considered as the variables of the method. To evaluate the results, extraction recovery was selected as the response. Significance of the variables was investigated by using a half‐fraction factorial design (2f−1) and the optimization was performed by applying a central composite design. The calibration graphs were linear in the range of 4–200 µg L−1 for Ho3+ and 3–500 µg L−1 for Yb3+ with determination coefficients (R2) of 0.988 and 0.997 for Ho3+ and Yb3+, respectively. Limit of detection was 0.364 µg L−1 for Ho3+ and 0.252 µg L−1 for Yb3+. The relative standard deviations (C = 200 µg L−1, n = 6) were in the range of 4.2–4.5%. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of real water samples with the recoveries in the range of 80–95%.
Ozone Pollution Prediction around Industrial Areas Using Fuzzy Neural Network Approach
Authors: Zahedi Gholamreza , Saba Sahar , Elkamel Ali , Bahadori Alireza
Published: October 2013

This paper presents the prediction of ozone pollution as a function of meteorological parameters including wind speed and direction, relative humidity, temperature, solar intensity, concentration of primary pollutants consisting of methane, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, non‐methane hydrocarbons, and dust around the Shuaiba industrial area in Kuwait by a fuzzy neural network (FNN) modeling approach. A subtractive clustering analysis was performed for the input data to produce a concise representation of the system's behavior leading to the minimum number of rules. In addition, Sugeno–Takagi–Gang fuzzy inference and hybrid algorithm were used to prepare the FNN system. It is perceived that the FNN model is more accurate and reliable than artificial neural network model to forecast the pre‐mentioned concentration. Finally, sensitivity analysis was applied. It was found that temperature, solar radiation, and relative humidity are the dominant parameters affecting the ozone level.