bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermochemical Biomass Gasification: A Review of the Current Status of the Technology
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Jones David  D. , Hanna Milford  A.
Published: July 2009

A review was conducted on the use of thermochemical biomass gasification for producing biofuels, biopower and chemicals. The upstream processes for gasification are similar to other biomass processing methods. However, challenges remain in the gasification and downstream processing for viable commercial applications. The challenges with gasification are to understand the effects of operating conditions on gasification reactions for reliably predicting and optimizing the product compositions, and for obtaining maximal efficiencies. Product gases can be converted to biofuels and chemicals such as Fischer-Tropsch fuels, green gasoline, hydrogen, dimethyl ether, ethanol, methanol, and higher alcohols. Processes and challenges for these conversions are also summarized.
Waveguide-Based Biosensors for Pathogen Detection
Authors: Mukundan Harshini , Anderson Aaron S. , Grace W. Kevin , Grace Karen M. , Hartman Nile , Martinez Jennifer S. , Swanson Basil I.
Published: July 2009

Optical phenomena such as fluorescence, phosphorescence, polarization, interference and non-linearity have been extensively used for biosensing applications. Optical waveguides (both planar and fiber-optic) are comprised of a material with high permittivity/high refractive index surrounded on all sides by materials with lower refractive indices, such as a substrate and the media to be sensed. This arrangement allows coupled light to propagate through the high refractive index waveguide by total internal reflection and generates an electromagnetic wave—the evanescent field—whose amplitude decreases exponentially as the distance from the surface increases. Excitation of fluorophores within the evanescent wave allows for sensitive detection while minimizing background fluorescence from complex, “dirty” biological samples. In this review, we will describe the basic principles, advantages and disadvantages of planar optical waveguide-based biodetection technologies. This discussion will include already commercialized technologies (e.g., Corning’s EPIC® Ô, SRU Biosystems’ BIND™, Zeptosense®, etc.) and new technologies that are under research and development. We will also review differing assay approaches for the detection of various biomolecules, as well as the thin-film coatings that are often required for waveguide functionalization and effective detection. Finally, we will discuss reverse-symmetry waveguides, resonant waveguide grating sensors and metal-clad leaky waveguides as alternative signal transducers in optical biosensing.
Evanescent Wave Fiber Optic Biosensor for Salmonella Detection in Food
Authors: Valadez Angela  M. , Lana Carlos  A. , Tu Shu-I , Morgan Mark  T. , Bhunia Arun  K.
Published: July 2009

Salmonella enterica is a major food-borne pathogen of world-wide concern. Sensitive and rapid detection methods to assess product safety before retail distribution are highly desirable. Since Salmonella is most commonly associated with poultry products, an evanescent wave fiber-optic assay was developed to detect Salmonella in shell egg and chicken breast and data were compared with a time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) assay. Anti-Salmonella polyclonal antibody was immobilized onto the surface of an optical fiber using biotin-avidin interactions to capture Salmonella. Alexa Fluor 647-conjugated antibody (MAb 2F-11) was used as the reporter. Detection occurred when an evanescent wave from a laser (635 nm) excited the Alexa Fluor and the fluorescence was measured by a laser-spectrofluorometer at 710 nm. The biosensor was specific for Salmonella and the limit of detection was established to be 103 cfu/mL in pure culture and 104 cfu/mL with egg and chicken breast samples when spiked with 102 cfu/mL after 2–6 h of enrichment. The results indicate that the performance of the fiber-optic sensor is comparable to TRF, and can be completed in less than 8 h, providing an alternative to the current detection methods.
Suppression of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Ghrelin
Authors: Theil Michael-Mark , Miyake Sachiko , Mizuno Miho , Tomi Chiharu , Croxford J. Ludovic , Hosoda Hiroshi , Theil Julia , von Hörsten Stephan , Yokote Hiroaki , Chiba Asako , Lin Youwei , Oki Shinji , Akamizu Takashi , Kangawa Kenji , Yamamura Takashi
Published: July 2009

Ghrelin is a recently identified gastric hormone that displays strong growth hormone-releasing activity mediated by the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. While this unique endogenous peptide participates in the regulation of energy homeostasis, increases food intake, and decreases energy expenditure, its ability to inhibit the production of proinflammatory cytokines in vitro indicates its role in the regulation of inflammatory process in vivo. Here we examine the effect of exogenous ghrelin on the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a representative model of multiple sclerosis. In the C57BL/6 mouse model of EAE induced by sensitization to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35–55 peptide, we found that alternate-day s.c. injections of ghrelin (5 μg/kg/day) from day 1 to 35 significantly reduced the clinical severity of EAE. The suppression of EAE was accompanied by reduced mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the spinal cord cellular infiltrates and microglia from ghrelin-treated mice at the peak of disease, suggesting the role of ghrelin as an antiinflammatory hormone. Consistently, ghrelin significantly suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated microglia in vitro. These results shed light on the new role of ghrelin in the regulation of inflammation with possible implications for management of human diseases.
Different Vaccine Vectors Delivering the Same Antigen Elicit CD8+ T Cell Responses with Distinct Clonotype and Epitope Specificity
Authors: Honda Mitsuo , Wang Rui , Kong Wing-Pui , Kanekiyo Masaru , Akahata Wataru , Xu Ling , Matsuo Kazuhiro , Natarajan Kannan , Robinson Howard , Asher Tedi E. , Price David A. , Douek Daniel C. , Margulies David H. , Nabel Gary J.
Published: July 2009

Prime-boost immunization with gene-based vectors has been developed to generate more effective vaccines for AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Although these vectors elicit potent T cell responses, the mechanisms by which they stimulate immunity are not well understood. In this study, we show that immunization by a single gene product, HIV-1 envelope, with alternative vector combinations elicits CD8+ cells with different fine specificities and kinetics of mobilization. Vaccine-induced CD8+ T cells recognized overlapping third V region loop peptides. Unexpectedly, two anchor variants bound H-2Dd better than the native sequences, and clones with distinct specificities were elicited by alternative vectors. X-ray crystallography revealed major differences in solvent exposure of MHC-bound peptide epitopes, suggesting that processed HIV-1 envelope gave rise to MHC-I/peptide conformations recognized by distinct CD8+ T cell populations. These findings suggest that different gene-based vectors generate peptides with alternative conformations within MHC-I that elicit distinct T cell responses after vaccination.
Dendritic Cells Require STAT-1 Phosphorylated at Its Transactivating Domain for the Induction of Peptide-Specific CTL
Authors: Pilz Andreas , Kratky Wolfgang , Stockinger Silvia , Simma Olivia , Kalinke Ulrich , Lingnau Karen , von Gabain Alexander , Stoiber Dagmar , Sexl Veronika , Kolbe Thomas , Rülicke Thomas , Müller Mathias , Decker Thomas
Published: July 2009

Phosphorylation of transcription factor STAT-1 on Y701 regulates subcellular localization whereas phosphorylation of the transactivating domain at S727 enhances transcriptional activity. In this study, we investigate the impact of STAT-1 and the importance of transactivating domain phosphorylation on the induction of peptide-specific CTL in presence of the TLR9-dependent immune adjuvant IC31. STAT-1 deficiency completely abolished CTL induction upon immunization, which was strongly reduced in animals carrying the mutation of the S727 phospho-acceptor site. A comparable reduction of CTL was found in mice lacking the type I IFN (IFN-I) receptor, whereas IFN-γ-deficient mice behaved like wild-type controls. This finding suggests that S727-phosphorylated STAT-1 supports IFN-I-dependent induction of CTL. In adoptive transfer experiments, IFN-I- and S727-phosphorylated STAT-1 were critical for the activation and function of dendritic cells. Mice with a T cell-specific IFN-I receptor ablation did not show impaired CTL responses. Unlike the situation observed for CTL development S727-phosphorylated STAT-1 restrained proliferation of naive CD8+ T cells both in vitro and following transfer into Rag-deficient mice. In summary, our data reveal a dual role of S727-phosphorylated STAT-1 for dendritic cell maturation as a prerequisite for the induction of CTL activity and for T cell autonomous control of activation-induced or homeostatic proliferation.
Development of an AR system achievingin situmachining simulation on a 3‐axis CNC machine
Authors: Zhang J. , Ong S. K. , Nee A. Y. C.
Published: July 2009

This paper presents an implementation of machining simulation in a real machining environment applying Augmented Reality (AR) technology. Thisin situmachining simulation system allows a machinist to analyze the simulation process, adjust the machining parameters, and observe the results in real‐time in a real machining environment. Such a system is useful for machinists and trainees during the trial and learning stages, allowing them to experiment with different machining parameters on a real machine without having to worry about possibilities of machine and tool breakages. Three research aspects, namely, the tracking and registration module, the physical simulation module, and the implementation and performance of these proposed methodologies are discussed in details in this paper. Experiments were conducted on a real 3‐axis CNC machine to validate and evaluate the performance of the system and the feedback from a survey carried out with the experiments is very positive. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cationic Ester Porphyrins Cause High Levels of Phototoxicity in Tumor Cells and Induction of Apoptosis in HeLa Cells
Authors: Wu Lin , Yang Li , Huang Jing , Zhang Lixia , Weng Xiaocheng , Zhang Xiaolian , Shen Chao , Zhou Xiang , Zheng Congyi
Published: July 2009

A series of cationic ester porphyrins are much more cytotoxic to tumor cells than photofrin, meso‐tetrakis(1‐methylpyridinium‐4‐yl)porphyrin (TMPyP4), and cisplatin. The lowest IC50 value for SGC7901 is ca. 6 nM in vitro with irradiation. These porphyrins also exhibited the most potent photo‐induced cytotoxicity without photobleaching. HeLa Cell apoptosis induced by cationic ester porphyrins after illumination was examined by flow cytometric analysis, staining assays with propidium iodide and annexin V FITC‐PI, and further confirmed by observing morphological changes in the cells. The result of this study indicates that these cationic ester porphyrins may be applied in photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the future.
Partitioning the Relative Contributions of Inorganic Plant Composition and Soil Characteristics to the Quality of Helichrysum italicum subsp. italicum (Roth) G. Don fil. Essential Oil
Authors: Bianchini Ange , Santoni François , Paolini Julien , Bernardini Antoine‐François , Mouillot David , Costa Jean
Published: July 2009

Composition of Helichrysum italicum subsp. italicum essential oil showed chemical variability according to vegetation cycle, environment, and geographic origins. In the present work, 48 individuals of this plant at different development stages and the corresponding root soils were sampled: i) 28 volatile components were identified and measured in essential oil by using GC and GC/MS; ii) ten elements from plants and soils have been estimated using colorimetry in continuous flux, flame atomic absorption spectrometry, or emission spectrometry (FAAS/FAES); iii) texture and acidity (real and potential) of soil samples were also reported. Relationships between the essential‐oil composition, the inorganic plant composition, and the soil characteristics (inorganic composition, texture, and acidity) have been established using multivariate analysis such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and partial Redundancy Analysis (RDA). This study demonstrates a high level of intraspecific differences in oil composition due to environmental factors and, more particularly, soil characteristics.
Is short‐stay coronary angioplasty safe?
Authors: Feldman R. L.
Published: July 2009

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is usually performed as an inpatient procedure and the patients are monitored for several days afterward. Over a 13‐month period, in 91 of 373 PTCA procedures, the clinical condition of the patient did not necessitate inpatient status before PTCA. PTCA was done the day of admission and discharge planned the following. Overall hospital stay was planned as less than 24 hours. PTCA was done in one vessel in 62 patients, two vessels in 24, three vessels in 3, and four vessels in 2 patients. PTCA was initially successful (<50% residual stenosis) in 85 patients (93%). In one of these, acute occlusion occurred the next morning and urgent bypass surgery was done. PTCA failed in 6 patients who left the catheterization laboratory with unchanged coronary anatomy. Bypass surgery was performed that day in 2 patients, on another admission in 1 patient, and medical therapy continued in the other 3 patients. Of the 88 patients not receiving same admission bypass surgery, 84 (95%) were discharged in less than 24 h. Hospitalization was prolonged (1–5 days) in 4 patients. This was because of nonobstructive dissection treated with heparin for approximately 24 h in 2 patients; a catheterization site hematoma in 1 patient, and post‐PTCA noncardiac chest pain in another. No patient had inhospital myocardial infarction or death. The only late complication was in a patient treated with heparin and monitored for 2 days; 3 weeks later angina returned and he died suddenly. These data suggest PTCA can safely be done in selected patients with both single and multivessel disease in a short stay inhospital setting. Savings of hospital days and costs are obvious.
Left ventricular diastolic filling in patients with coronary artery disease without myocardial infarction
Authors: Iinoue, T. , Morooka, S. , Hayashi, T. , Takayanagi, K. , Sakai, Y. , Takabatake, Y.
Published: July 2009

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction at rest was studied in 24 patients with coronary artery disease but no evidence of previous myocardial infarction. Seven patients with normal coronary arteries were studied as control. Diastolic filling was analyzed by the serial left ventricular volume and 14 radial axes from the gravity point of the left ventricle with cine left ventriculography. There were no differences in the systolic function between coronary artery disease and the normal control. Peak filling rate was decreased significantly in the groups with left anterior descending artery disease (LAD, p<0.05) and multivessel disease (MVD, p<0.05), but not in the group with right coronary artery disease (RCA). Time to peak filling rate was prolonged in each group of LAD (p<0.05), RCA (p<0.05), and MVD (p<0.001), compared with controls. The time‐volume curve showed disturbed rapid filling in the LAD and RCA groups, and also both depressed rapid and slow filling in the MVD group. In the LAD group, the filling fraction was decreased significantly at the time of 25% of the diastolic period (p<0.001) and radial distension to the anterior wall was decreased at the time of 25%, 50%, and 75% of the diastolic period, compared with controls. In the RCA group, the filling fraction (p<0.001) and radial distension to the posterior wall were decreased only at the time of 25% of the diastolic period. In the MVD group, filling fraction and radial distension to the most wall were decreased at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the diastolic period. In every group of coronary artery disease the deceased filling fraction and radial distension disappeared at end‐diastole. The results showed that, in patients with angina pectoris, the distension of regional ischemic myocardium might be impaired relatively early in diastole and might cause impairment of global left ventricular filling.
Catastrophic thrombus development despite systemic heparinization during coronary angioplasty: Possible relationship to nonionic contrast
Authors: Doorey Andrew J. , Stillabower Michael E. , Gale Nancy , Goldenberg Edward M.
Published: July 2009

Two cases of catastrophic thrombus formation during coronary angioplasty occurred shortly after the operators began using nonionic contrast. This occurred despite systemic heparinization, the adequacy of which was documented by activated clotting times (ACT). Both cases were resistant to balloon inflation and one was refractory to intracoronary thrombolysis. There is a considerable body of evidence documenting that low‐osmolality contrast media, especially those that are nonionic, have less anticoagulant effect than standard contrast media. Several reports have also been published suggesting possible relationships between nonionic contrast and intravascular thrombus formation during coronary angiography and angioplasty. These data are reviewed and recommendations made for utilization of these contrast media.
Prognostic Value of C‐Reactive Protein, Fibrinogen, Interleukin‐6, and Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor in Severe Unstable Angina
Authors: Rallidis Loukianos S. , Zolindaki Maria G. , Manioudaki Helen S. , Papasteriadis Evangelos G. , Laoutaris Nikolaos P. , Velissaridou Aggeliki H.
Published: July 2009

Background: Inflammatory process plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes.

Hypothesis: The study was undertaken to evaluate whether admission levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and macrophage colony stimulating factor (MCSF) can predict short‐term prognosis in patients with unstable angina.

Methods: C‐reactive protein, fibrinogen, IL‐6, and MCSF were measured on admission in 141 consecutive patients, aged 59 ± 10 years, with unstable angina (Braunwald class IIIb). Patients were divided into two groups according to their in‐hospital outcome: Group 1 comprised 77 patients with a complicated course (2 died, 15 developed nonfatal myocardial infarction, and 60 had recurrence of angina), and Group 2 comprised 64 patients with an uneventful course.

Results: Admission median levels of CRP (8.8 vs. 3.1 mg/l, p = 0.0002), fibrinogen (392 vs. 340 mg/dl, p = 0.008), IL‐6 (8.8 vs. 4.5 pg/ml, p = 0.03), and MCSF (434 vs. 307 pg/ml, p = 0.0001) were higher in Group 1 than in Group 2. The MCSF levels were an independent risk factor for in‐hospital events, with an adjusted odds ratio for eventful in‐hospital outcome of 3.3 (95% confidence interval 1‐‐10.9, p = 0.04), and correlated with levels of IL‐6 (rs = 0.52, p = 0.0001), CRP (rs = 0.43, p = 0.0001), and fibrinogen (rs = 0.25, p = 0.004).

Conclusions: These findings suggest that among the studied inflammatory indices only increased admission levels of MCSF are strongly and independently related with adverse short‐term prognosis in patients with severe unstable angina.
Tribological properties of WSe2 nanorods as additives
Authors: Yang J. H. , Yao H. X. , Liu Y. Q. , Wei M. B. , Liu Y. , Zhang Y. J. , Wang Y. X.
Published: July 2009

This work demonstrats a convenient and effective approach to synthesize WSe2 nanorods at only 600 °C in argon atmosphere after ball milling. The friction and wear properties of WSe2 nanorods as additives in two kinds of base oil, GyT130 oil and 60N oil were systematically investigated. Compared to base oil, the friction coefficient of the base oil containing WSe2 nanorods was obviously reduced and the wear behaviour was improved. The nanorods in the 60N base oil showed better tribological properties than that in the GYT130 oil. The friction‐and‐wear mechanism of the WSe2 nanorods as lubrication additive was discussed. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Signaling “cross‐talk” is integrated by transcription factors in the development of the anterior segment in the eye
Authors: Gage Philip J. , Zacharias Amanda L.
Published: July 2009

Extracellular signaling “cross‐talk” between tissues is an important requirement for development of many organs yet the underlying mechanisms generally remain poorly understood. The anterior segment of the eye, which is constructed from four embryonic lineages, provides a unique opportunity to genetically dissect developmental processes such as signaling “cross‐talk” without fear of inducing lethality. In the current review, we summarize recent data showing that PITX2, a homeodomain transcription factor, integrates retinoic acid and canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling during anterior segment development. Because the requirements for retinoic acid signaling, canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, and PITX2 are not unique to the eye, this newly identified pathway may have relevance elsewhere during development and in tissue homeostasis. Developmental Dynamics 238:2149–2162, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cell‐autonomous requirements for Dlg‐1 for lens epithelial cell structure and fiber cell morphogenesis
Authors: Rivera Charlene , Yamben Idella F. , Shatadal Shalini , Waldof Malinda , Robinson Michael L. , Griep Anne E.
Published: July 2009

Cell polarity and adhesion are thought to be key determinants in organismal development. In Drosophila, discs large (dlg) has emerged as an important regulator of epithelial cell proliferation, adhesion, and polarity. Herein, we investigated the role of the mouse homolog of dlg (Dlg‐1) in the development of the mouse ocular lens. Tissue‐specific ablation of Dlg‐1 throughout the lens early in lens development led to an expansion and disorganization of the epithelium that correlated with changes in the distribution of adhesion and polarity factors. In the fiber cells, differentiation defects were observed. These included alterations in cell structure and the disposition of cell adhesion/cytoskeletal factors, delay in denucleation, and reduced levels of α‐catenin, pERK1/2, and MIP26. These fiber cell defects were recapitulated when Dlg‐1 was disrupted only in fiber cells. These results suggest that Dlg‐1 acts in a cell autonomous manner to regulate epithelial cell structure and fiber cell differentiation. Developmental Dynamics 238:2292–2308, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The validity and utility of subtyping bulimia nervosa
Authors: van Hoeken Daphne , Veling Wim , Sinke Sjoukje , Mitchell James E. , Hoek Hans W.
Published: July 2009

Objective:

To review the evidence for the validity and utility of subtyping bulimia nervosa (BN) into a purging (BN‐P) and a nonpurging subtype (BN‐NP), and of distinguishing BN‐NP from binge eating disorder (BED), by comparing course, complications, and treatment.

Method:

A literature search of psychiatry databases for studies published in peer‐reviewed journals that used the DSM‐definitions of BN and BED, and included both individuals with BN‐NP and individuals with BN‐P and/or BED.

Results:

Twenty‐three studies compared individuals with BN‐NP (N = 671) to individuals with BN‐P (N = 1795) and/or individuals with BED (N = 1921), two of which reported on course, 12 on comorbidity and none on treatment response—the indicators for validity and clinical utility. The differences found were mainly quantitative rather than qualitative, suggesting a gradual difference in severity from BN‐P (most severe) through BN‐NP to BED (least severe).

Discussion:

None of the comparisons provided convincing evidence for the validity or utility of the BN‐NP diagnosis. Three options for the position of BN‐NP in DSM‐V were suggested: (1) maintaining the BN‐NP subtype, (2) dropping nonpurging compensatory behavior as a criterion for BN, so that individuals currently designated as having BN‐NP would be designated as having BED, and (3) including BN‐NP in a broad BN category. © 2009 American Psychiatric Association. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Erythropoiesis: Model systems, molecular regulators, and developmental programs
Authors: Tsiftsoglou Asterios S. , Vizirianakis Ioannis S. , Strouboulis John
Published: July 2009

Human erythropoiesis is a complex multistep developmental process that begins at the level of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) at bone marrow microenvironment (HSCs niche) and terminates with the production of erythrocytes (RBCs). This review covers the basic and contemporary aspects of erythropoiesis. These include the: (a) cell‐lineage restricted pathways of differentiation originated from HSCs and going downward toward the blood cell development; (b) model systems employed to study erythropoiesis in culture (erythroleukemia cell lines and embryonic stem cells) and in vivo (knockout animals: avian, mice, zebrafish, and xenopus); (c) key regulators of erythropoiesis (iron, hypoxia, stress, and growth factors); (d) signaling pathways operating at hematopoietic stem cell niche for homeostatic regulation of self renewal (SCF/c‐kit receptor, Wnt, Notch, and Hox) and for erythroid differentiation (HIF and EpoR). Furthermore, this review presents the mechanisms through which transcriptional factors (GATA‐1, FOG‐1, TAL‐1/SCL/MO2/Ldb1/E2A, EKLF, Gfi‐1b, and BCL11A) and miRNAs regulate gene pattern expression during erythroid differentiation. New insights regarding the transcriptional regulation of α‐ and β‐globin gene clusters were also presented. Emphasis was also given on (i) the developmental program of erythropoiesis, which consists of commitment to terminal erythroid maturation and hemoglobin production, (two closely coordinated events of erythropoieis) and (ii) the capacity of human embryonic and umbilical cord blood (UCB) stem cells to differentiate and produce RBCs in culture with highly selective media. These most recent developments will eventually permit customized red blood cell production needed for transfusion. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life 61(8): 800–830, 2009
Cholinergic modulation of angiogenesis: Role of the 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Wu Jenny C.F. , Chruscinski Andrzej , De Jesus Perez Vinicio A. , Singh Harvir , Pitsiouni Maria , Rabinovitch Marlene , Utz Paul J. , Cooke John P.
Published: July 2009

Pathological angiogenesis contributes to tobacco‐related diseases such as malignancy, atherosclerosis and age‐related macular degeneration. Nicotine acts on endothelial nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) to activate endothelial cells and to augment pathological angiogenesis. In the current study, we studied nAChR subunits involved in these actions. We detected mRNA for all mammalian nAChR subunits except α2, α4, γ, and δ in four different types of ECs. Using siRNA methodology, we found that the α7 nAChR plays a dominant role in nicotine‐induced cell signaling (assessed by intracellular calcium and NO imaging, and studies of protein expression and phosphorylation), as well as nicotine‐activated EC functions (proliferation, survival, migration, and tube formation). The α9 and α7 nAChRs have opposing effects on nicotine‐induced cell proliferation and survival. Our studies reveal a critical role for the α7 nAChR in mediating the effects of nicotine on the endothelium. Other subunits play a modulatory role. These findings may have therapeutic implications for diseases characterized by pathological angiogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 433–446, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro labeling of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Hu Sheng‐Li , Zhang Jiu‐Quan , Hu Xiang , Hu Rong , Luo Hai‐Shui , Li Fei , Xia Yong‐Zhi , Li Jiang‐Tao , Lin Jiang‐Kai , Zhu Gang , Feng Hua
Published: July 2009

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC‐MSCs) transplantation has been shown to promote regeneration and neuroprotection in central nervous system (CNS) injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. To develop this approach into a clinical setting it is important to be able to follow the fates of transplanted cells by noninvasive imaging. Neural precursor cells and hematopoietic stem cells can be efficiently labeled by superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticle. The purpose of our study was to prospectively evaluate the influence of SPIO on hUC‐MSCs and the feasibility of tracking for hUC‐MSCs by noninvasive imaging. In vitro studies demonstrated that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can efficiently detect low numbers of SPIO‐labeled hUC‐MSCs and that the intensity of the signal was proportional to the number of labeled cells. After transplantation into focal areas in adult rat spinal cord transplanted SPIO‐labeled hUC‐MSCs produced a hypointense signal using T2‐weighted MRI in rats that persisted for up to 2 weeks. This study demonstrated the feasibility of noninvasive imaging of transplanted hUC‐MSCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 529–535, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protective effect of atorvastatin in cultured osteoarthritic chondrocytes
Authors: Simopoulou Theodora , Malizos Konstantinos N. , Poultsides Lazaros , Tsezou Aspasia
Published: July 2009

The aim of our study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of an HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitor, atorvastatin, on the expression of significant anabolic and catabolic genes in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes and to explore the metabolic pathways involved in this process. Human articular osteoarthritic chondrocytes were cultured in the presence and absence of atorvastatin (10 and 50 µmol/L) for 24 h. Metalloproteinase 13 (MMP‐13), collagen type II (COL2A1), and aggrecan (AGC) mRNA expression levels were evaluated by real‐time PCR, and protein expression levels by Western blot analysis. IL‐1β levels in culture medium was analyzed with ELISA. The effect of the treatment with the mevalonate isoprenoid derivatives farnesol and geranylgeraniol, or the cholesterol precursor squalene, was evaluated in the atorvastatin osteoarthritic chondrocyte cultures. Incubation of osteoarthritic chondrocyte cultures with atorvastatin produced a significant dose‐dependent reduction in IL‐1β production. Atorvastatin supplementation in cultures produced a decrease in MMP‐13 mRNA and protein expression levels, which was reversed by the addition of farnesol. Regarding AGC and COL2A1 mRNA expression, a significant increase was observed only in chondrocytes cultures treated with 50 µmol/L atorvastatin. Our findings suggest that atorvastatin may have potential chondroprotective effects mostly by reducing cartilage degradation. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:110–115, 2010
Enhancement of freezing stability in mashed potatoes by the incorporation of kappa‐carrageenan and xanthan gum blends
Authors: Alvarez María Dolores , Fernández Cristina , Canet Wenceslao
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: To ameliorate the detrimental effects of freezing and thawing, blends of κ‐carrageenan (κ‐C) and xanthan gum (XG) were added to frozen/thawed mashed potatoes (F/TM potatoes). Product was tested by textural and rheological measurements, other quality parameters and sensory analyses. The effects of variation in levels of κ‐C (1.5–4.5 g kg−1) and XG (0.5–2.5 g kg−1) concentrations were studied.

RESULTS: Instrumental measurements and sensory analyses indicated that 4.5 g kg−1κ‐C and 2.5 g kg−1 XG provided better thickening. κ‐C provided the appropriate texture, while XG imparted creaminess to the product, which could be associated with an increase in the amount of XG–water interactions. Addition of κ‐C had a major impact on textural properties, gel strength and viscoelastic behaviour, whereas XG influenced steady properties, colour, water‐holding capacity (WHC) and overall acceptability (OA).

CONCLUSION: The OA of F/TM potatoes was mostly improved by addition of cryoprotectant blends, which is ascribed to improvement of F/TM potatoes texture by retarding starch retrogradation, increasing WHC, and enhancing the principal characteristics determining consumer acceptance. Creaminess was the most crucial factor for OA of the products. Addition of both polysaccharides at a low concentration (each cryoprotectant at 1.5 g kg−1) is recommended. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
96‐Channel receive‐only head coil for 3 Tesla: Design optimization and evaluation
Authors: Wiggins Graham C. , Polimeni Jonathan R. , Potthast Andreas , Schmitt Melanie , Alagappan Vijay , Wald Lawrence L.
Published: July 2009

The benefits and challenges of highly parallel array coils for head imaging were investigated through the development of a 3T receive‐only phased‐array head coil with 96 receive elements constructed on a close‐fitting helmet‐shaped former. We evaluated several designs for the coil elements and matching circuitry, with particular attention to sources of signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) loss, including various sources of coil loading and coupling between the array elements. The SNR and noise amplification (g‐factor) in accelerated imaging were quantitatively evaluated in phantom and human imaging and compared to a 32‐channel array built on an identical helmet‐shaped former and to a larger commercial 12‐channel head coil. The 96‐channel coil provided substantial SNR gains in the distal cortex compared to the 12‐ and 32‐channel coils. The central SNR for the 96‐channel coil was similar to the 32‐channel coil for optimum SNR combination and 20% lower for root‐sum‐of‐squares combination. There was a significant reduction in the maximum g‐factor for 96 channels compared to 32; for example, the 96‐channel maximum g‐factor was 65% of the 32‐channel value for acceleration rate 4. The performance of the array is demonstrated in highly accelerated brain images. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reliability of pharmacokinetic parameters: Small vs. medium‐sized contrast agents
Authors: Jaspers Karolien , Aerts Hugo J.W.L. , Leiner Tim , Oostendorp Marlies , van Riel Natal A.W. , Post Mark J. , Backes Walter H.
Published: July 2009

Current clinical applications of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) are based on the extravasation of relatively small contrast agents (SCAs). SCAs are considered disadvantageous, as they require high image sampling rates. Medium‐sized contrast agents (MCAs) leak more slowly into tissue and allow longer dynamic acquisition times, enabling improved image quality. The influence of molecular size on the reliability of pharmacokinetic parameters, including the transfer constant Ktrans, was investigated. Computer simulations were performed, with in vivo measured arterial input functions (AIFs), to determine the bias and variance of pharmacokinetic parameters as a function of contrast agent size, sampling frequency, noise level, and acquisition time. Better reliability of all parameters was obtained for the MCA compared to the SCA. To obtain similar variance (10%) in Ktrans, the sampling frequency for the SCA (28 min−1) had to be 20 times faster than for the MCA (1.3 min−1). Optimal reliability in parameter estimation required longer acquisition times for MCAs (13 min for the fraction of the extravascular extracellular space into which the contrast agent distributes (ve) and 5 min for Ktrans) than for SCAs (1.7 min for Ktrans and ve). Reliable estimation of the fractional blood plasma volume (vp) was only achieved with MCAs. In conclusion, MCAs provided superior reliability for pharmacokinetic parameter estimation compared to SCAs. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exact solutions for nonlinear partial differential equations via Exp‐function method
Authors: Aminikhah Hossein , Moosaei Hossein , Hajipour Mojtaba
Published: July 2009

In this article, the Exp‐function method is applied to nonlinear Burgers equation and special fifth‐order partial differential equation. Using this method, we obtain exact solutions for these equations. The method is straightforward and concise, and its applications are promising. This method can be used as an alternative to obtain analytical and approximate solutions of different types of nonlinear differential equations. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2010
Synthesis and thermal properties of polythioether‐based liquid‐crystalline polymers containing azobenzene in the side chain
Authors: He Changhai , Zhang Chaocan , Zhang Ousheng
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: Owing to the unusual structural rearrangement of polychloromethylthiirane (PCMT) at room temperature, it has not been used as the main‐chain backbone of side‐chain liquid‐crystalline polymers (SLCPs). However, it has been observed that PCMT has a relatively stable and clear structure under special conditions. Therefore, we attempted to synthesize SLCPs using PCMT as main‐chain backbone and investigated their thermal behavior.

RESULTS: New polymers, poly[1‐({(4‐methoxyazobenzene‐4′‐oxy)alkyl}thio)‐2,3‐epithiopropane], in which the number of methylene units in the alkyl group is 4, 5 or 6, were prepared by means of reactions of corresponding (4‐methoxyazobenzene‐4′‐oxy)alkylthiols with PCMT. The structures of these compounds were confirmed using elemental analysis and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The substitution ratios of the copolymers with 4, 5 and 6 methylene units in the alkyl group were 56, 75 and 80%, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements and polarized optical microscopy observations showed that the resulting copolymers exhibited thermotropic liquid‐crystalline mesomorphism with nematic phase except for the copolymer with a 56% substitution ratio. The decomposition temperature of all the synthesized copolymers was near 195 °C.

CONCLUSION: This investigation has demonstrated that PCMT polymerized for 8 h has the ability to act as a suitable main‐chain backbone for SLCPs. Moreover, SLCPs could be obtained only by the reaction of PCMT with thiolate salt containing mesogenic groups. The substitution ratios increased with increasing number of methylene groups in the spacer. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Polycarbazoles via CN coupling reactions of phthaloyl bis‐9H‐carbazoles with activated difluorides
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Qi Yinghua , Hlil Antisar R. , Meng Yuezhong , Hay Allan S.
Published: July 2009

1,3‐Phthaloyl bis‐9H‐carbazole (MPC) and 1,4‐phthaloyl bis‐9H‐carbazole (PPC) were synthesized by a Friedel‐Crafts reaction of carbazole with terephthaloyl chloride or isophthaloyl chloride. Homopolymers were obtained by a CN coupling reaction with activated difluorides and copolymers were synthesized with 4,4′‐biphenol as a comonomer by a nucleophilic substitution reaction between these NH‐ and OH‐containing monomers and the activated difluoro monomers. The inherent viscosities of the polymers ranged from 0.35 to 1.03 dL/g. These polymers exhibited glass‐transition temperatures greater than 238 °C with the PPC‐containing homopolymer showing the highest value, 326.4 °C. The thermal stabilities indicated no significant weight loss below 450 °C and the temperatures of 5% weight loss ranged from 514.0 to 546.3 °C. The polymers showed reasonable solubility in organic solvents such as DMAC, DMSO, and NMP. UV absorption and fluorescence emission properties are presented. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4326–4331, 2009
Synthesis of well‐defined amphiphilic graft copolymer bearing poly(2‐acryloyloxyethyl ferrocenecarboxylate) side chains via successive SET‐LRP and ATRP
Authors: Feng Chun , Shen Zhong , Yang Dong , Li Yaogong , Hu Jianhua , Lu Guolin , Huang Xiaoyu
Published: July 2009

A series of well‐defined ferrocene‐based amphiphilic graft copolymers, consisting of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐b‐poly(ethyl acrylate) (PNIPAM‐b‐PEA) backbone and poly(2‐acryloyloxyethyl ferrocenecarboxylate) (PAEFC) side chains, were synthesized by the combination of single‐electron‐transfer living radical polymerization (SET‐LRP) and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). A new ferrocene‐based monomer, 2‐(acryloyloxy)ethyl ferrocenecarboxylate (AEFC), was prepared first and it can be polymerized via ATRP in a controlled way using methyl 2‐bromopropionate as initiator and CuBr/PMDETA as catalytic system in DMF at 40 °C. PNIPAM‐b‐PEA backbone was synthesized by sequential SET‐LRP of NIPAM and HEA at 25 °C using CuCl/Me6TREN as catalytic system followed by the transformation into the macroinitiator by treating the pendant hydroxyls with α‐bromoisobutyryl bromide. The targeted well‐defined graft copolymers with narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn < 1.20) were synthesized via ATRP of AEFC initiated by the macroinitiator. The electro‐chemical behaviors of PAEFC homopolymer and PNIPAM‐b‐(PEA‐g‐PAEFC) graft copolymer were studied by cyclic voltammetry. Micellar properties of PNIPAM‐b‐(PEA‐g‐PAEFC) were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4346–4357, 2009
Fluorene‐based materials and their supramolecular properties
Authors: Abbel Robert , Schenning Albertus P. H. J. , Meijer E.W.
Published: July 2009

Fluorene‐based π‐conjugated polymers and oligomers combine several advantageous properties that make them well‐suited candidates for applications in organic optoelectronic devices and chemical sensors. This review highlights strategies to synthesize these materials and to tune their absorption and emission colors. Furthermore, methods to control their supramolecular organization will be discussed. In many cases, a delicate interplay between the chemical structure and the processing conditions are found, resulting in a high sensitivity of both structural features and optical properties. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4215–4233, 2009
Dependence of Polymer Surface Roughening Rate on Deposited Energy Density During Plasma Processing
Authors: Engelmann Sebastian , Bruce Robert L. , Weilnboeck Florian , Oehrlein Gottlieb S. , Nest Dustin , Graves David B. , Andes Cecily , Hudson Eric A.
Published: July 2009

The roughening behavior of three basic photoresist polymers (aromatic, adamantyl, adamantyl + lactone) was examined for fluorocarbon/argon plasma etch conditions. The roughening rate, defined as surface roughness introduced per depth of material etched, scales linearly with energy density deposited by the ions at the surface during processing, regardless of plasma process details. The Roughening rate after etch is uniquely determined by polymer structure and energy density. Adamantyl groups cause higher roughening rate. Addition of lactone groups increases removal rates, but leaves the roughening rate at a given energy density unaffected. We also show that sidewall roughness of etched nanostructures directly correlates to surface roughening.

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Structure prediction for CASP8 with all‐atom refinement using Rosetta
Authors: Raman Srivatsan , Vernon Robert , Thompson James , Tyka Michael , Sadreyev Ruslan , Pei Jimin , Kim David , Kellogg Elizabeth , DiMaio Frank , Lange Oliver , Kinch Lisa , Sheffler Will , Kim Bong‐Hyun , Das Rhiju , Grishin Nick V. , Baker David
Published: July 2009

We describe predictions made using the Rosetta structure prediction methodology for the Eighth Critical Assessment of Techniques for Protein Structure Prediction. Aggressive sampling and all‐atom refinement were carried out for nearly all targets. A combination of alignment methodologies was used to generate starting models from a range of templates, and the models were then subjected to Rosetta all atom refinement. For the 64 domains with readily identified templates, the best submitted model was better than the best alignment to the best template in the Protein Data Bank for 24 cases, and improved over the best starting model for 43 cases. For 13 targets where only very distant sequence relationships to proteins of known structure were detected, models were generated using the Rosetta de novo structure prediction methodology followed by all‐atom refinement; in several cases the submitted models were better than those based on the available templates. Of the 12 refinement challenges, the best submitted model improved on the starting model in seven cases. These improvements over the starting template‐based models and refinement tests demonstrate the power of Rosetta structure refinement in improving model accuracy. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rational design of amyloid β peptide–binding proteins: Pseudo‐Aβ β‐sheet surface presented in green fluorescent protein binds tightly and preferentially to structured Aβ
Authors: Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Ohta Kenichi , Mihara Hisakazu
Published: July 2009

Some neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease (AD) and Parkinson disease are caused by protein misfolding. In AD, amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) is thought to be a toxic agent by self‐assembling into a variety of aggregates involving soluble oligomeric intermediates and amyloid fibrils. Here, we have designed several green fluorescent protein (GFP) variants that contain pseudo‐Aβ β‐sheet surfaces and evaluated their abilities to bind to Aβ and inhibit Aβ oligomerization. Two GFP variants P13H and AP93Q bound tightly to Aβ, Kd = 260 nM and Kd = 420 nM, respectively. Moreover, P13H and AP93Q were capable of efficiently suppressing the generation of toxic Aβ oligomers as shown by a cell viability assay. By combining the P13H and AP93Q mutations, a super variant SFAB4 comprising four strands of Aβ‐derived sequences was designed and bound more tightly to Aβ (Kd = 100 nM) than those having only two pseudo‐Aβ strands. The SFAB4 protein preferentially recognized the soluble oligomeric intermediates of Aβ more than both unstructured monomer and mature amyloid fibrils. Thus, the design strategy for embedding pseudo‐Aβ β‐sheet structures onto a protein surface arranged in the β‐barrel structure is useful to construct molecules capable of binding tightly to Aβ and inhibiting its aggregation. This strategy may provide implication for the diagnostic and therapeutic development in the treatment of AD. Proteins 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Applied risk‐based process safety: A consolidated risk register and focus on risk communication
Authors: Whipple Tracy , Pitblado Robin
Published: July 2009

The chemical and petroleum industries are continuing to have major process accidents. Given the lack of substantive improvements using traditional methods, there is value in examining alternative approaches that can add value by complementing, rather than replacing, current process safety initiatives. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2010
Implementation of a global mechanical integrity program
Authors: Russ Davis F.
Published: July 2009

This article examines the challenges of defining a global mechanical integrity (MI) program for a chemical company with manufacturing facilities in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. The article examines the differing regulatory requirements and engineering standards, and also investigates the challenges associated with limited technical resources and limited availability of state of the art non‐destructive examination methods in various regions. This article further discusses the cultural views of MI in various global areas.

The primary benefit of a global MI program is safer plants. Failures in MI programs have led to catastrophic failures. Plant equipment must always operate safely. Vessels and piping systems must maintain containment of hazardous chemicals, and energy and safety equipment such as relief devices and critical instrument must function when needed. This article describes the details of an effective international MI Program. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 2010