bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐fat diet and hydrochlorothiazide increase oxidative stress in brain of rats
Authors: Ribeiro Marinei Cristina Pereira , Barbosa Nilda Berenice de Vargas , de Almeida Tielle Moraes , Parcianello Lutiane Mozzaquatro , Perottoni Juliano , de Ávila Daiana Silva , Rocha João Batista Teixeira
Published: September 2009

This study evaluated the effect of possible synergic interaction between high fat diet (HF) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) on biochemical parameters of oxidative stress in brain. Rats were fed for 16 weeks with a control diet or with an HF, both supplemented with different doses of HCTZ (0.4, 1.0, and 4.0 g kg−1 of diet). HF associated with HCTZ caused a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and blood glucose levels. In addition, HF ingestion was associated with an increase in cerebral lipid peroxidation, vitamin C and non‐protein thiol groups (NPSH) levels. There was an increase in vitamin C as well as NPSH levels in HCTZ (1.0 and 4.0 g kg−1 of diet) and HF plus HCTZ groups. Na+–K+‐ATPase activity of HCTZ (4.0 g kg−1 of diet) and HCTZ plus HF‐fed animals was significantly inhibited. Our data indicate that chronic intake of a high dose of HCTZ (4 g kg−1 of diet) or HF change biochemical indexes of oxidative stress in rat brain. Furthermore, high‐fat diets consumption and HCTZ treatment have interactive effects on brain, showing that a long‐term intake of high‐fat diets can aggravate the toxicity of HCTZ. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast Built and Designed Microdevices for Early‐Stage Liquid‐Liquid System Studies
Authors: Marcati A. , Prat L. , Serra C. , Tasseli J. , Dubreuil P.
Published: September 2009

A comparison of two different microdevices, which are able to produce oil‐in‐water droplets without wall treatment or the presence of surfactant, is presented. A quick technique to build capillary assembled devices and a process for silicon‐glass microdevices are explained. The aim of this work is to compare these devices in terms of droplet generation and to show that the capillary assembled device can be used for preliminary tests in droplet generation as a precursor for making the silicon‐glass microdevices.
Engineering a β‐Helical d,l‐Peptide for Folding in Polar Media
Authors: Kulp John L. , Clark Thomas D.
Published: September 2009

β Helices—helices formed by alternating d,l‐peptides and stabilized by β‐sheet hydrogen bonding—are found naturally in only a handful of highly hydrophobic peptides. This paper explores the scope of β‐helical structure by presenting the first design and biophysical characterization of a hydrophilic d,l‐peptide, 1, that forms a β helix in methanol. The design of 1 is based on the β‐hairpin/β helix—a new supersecondary that had been characterized previously only for hydrophobic peptides in nonpolar solvents. Incorporating polar residues in 1 provided solubility in methanol, in which the peptide adopts the expected β‐hairpin/β‐helical structure, as evidenced by CD, analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), NMR spectroscopy, and NMR‐based structure calculations. Upon titration with water (at constant peptide concentration), the structure in methanol (1 m) transitions cooperatively to an extended conformation (1 w) resembling a cyclic β‐hairpin; observation of an isodichroic point in the solvent‐dependent CD spectra indicates that this transition is a two‐state process. In contrast, neither 1 m nor 1 w show cooperative thermal melting; instead, their structures appear intact at temperatures as high as 65 °C; this observation suggests that steric constraint is dominant in stabilizing these structures. Finally, the 1H NMR CαH spectroscopic resonances of 1 m are downfield‐shifted with respect to random‐coil values, a hitherto unreported property for β helices that appears to be a general feature of these structures. These results show for the first time that an appropriately designed β‐helical peptide can fold stably in a polar solvent; furthermore, the structural and spectroscopic data reported should prove useful in the future design and characterization of water‐soluble β helices.
A Simple Chemical Tuning of the Effective Concentration: Selection of Single‐, Double‐, and Triple‐Stranded Binuclear Lanthanide Helicates
Authors: Terazzi Emmanuel , Guénée Laure , Bocquet Bernard , Lemonnier Jean‐François , Dalla Favera Natalia , Piguet Claude
Published: September 2009

The replacement of terminal 2‐benzimidazol‐6‐carboxypyridine (two internal rotational degrees of freedom) with 2‐benzimidazol‐8‐hydroxyquinoline (one internal rotational degree of freedom) into segmental bis‐tridentate ligands in going from L2 and [L3‐2 H]2− to [L12 b‐2 H]2− does not significantly affect the structures of the resulting binuclear lanthanide triple‐stranded helical complexes [Ln2(L2)3]6+, [Ln2(L3‐2 H)3], and [Ln2(L12 b‐2 H)3] (palindromic helices, intermetallic contact distance≈9 Å, helical pitch≈1.4 nm per turn). However, their thermodynamic assemblies are completely different in solution, as evidenced by the spectacular decrease of the effective concentrations by two orders of magnitude for [L12 b‐2 H]2−. This key parameter in the [Ln2(L12 b‐2 H)n] (n=2, 3) complexes is further abruptly modulated along the lanthanide series (Ln=La to Lu), which provides an unprecedented tool for 1) tuning the number of ligand strands in the final helicates, 2) selectively coordinating lanthanides in the various complexes, and 3) controlling the ratio of lanthanide‐containing polymers over discrete assemblies.
Visualization of the Local Catalytic Activity of Electrodeposited Pt–Ag Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction by means of SECM
Authors: Nagaiah Tharamani C. , Maljusch Artjom , Chen Xingxing , Bron Michael , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: September 2009

Pt–Ag nanoparticle co‐deposits with different Pt–Ag ratios were prepared on a glassy carbon (GC) surface by pulsed electrodeposition and investigated for their catalytic activity in electrocatalytic oxygen reduction by using cyclic voltammetry (CV), rotating disc electrode (RDE) and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). The atomic composition of the Pt–Ag co‐deposits was studied by means of energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX). In combination with X‐ray diffraction (XRD), the presence of partly alloyed Pt and Ag on the GC surface was confirmed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images indicate that the prepared Pt–Ag catalyst particles are homogenously dispersed over the GC surface. Their size and morphology depend on their composition. The electrocatalytic activity of Pt–Ag deposits with high Pt content was the highest, exceeding even that of electrodeposited Pt as evaluated by quantitative RDE analysis. The redox competition mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy (RC‐SECM) was successfully used to visualize the local catalytic activity of the deposited Pt–Ag particles. Semi‐quantitative assessment of the SECM results confirmed the same order of activity of the different catalysts as the RDE investigations.
Novel straight and circular road driving control of electric power assisted wheelchair based on fuzzy algorithm
Authors: Seki Hirokazu , Tadakuma Susumu
Published: September 2009

This paper describes a novel straight and circular road driving control scheme for electric power‐assisted wheelchairs. “Electric power‐assisted wheelchair” which assists the driving force by electric motors is expected to be widely used as a mobility support system for elderly people and disabled people, however, the performance of straight and circular road driving must be further improved because the two wheels drive independently. This paper proposes a novel driving control scheme based on fuzzy algorithm to realize stable and reliable driving on straight and circular roads. The suitable assisted torque of the right and left wheels is determined by fuzzy algorithm based on the posture angular velocity of the wheelchair and the human input torque proportion of the right and left wheels. Some experiments on the practical roads show the effectiveness of the proposed control system. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 170(1): 36–44, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20846
Balancing control for dispersed generators considering torsional torque suppression and AVR performance for synchronous generators
Authors: Senjyu Tomonobu , Omine Eitaro , Hayashi Daisuke , Muhando Endusa Billy , Yona Atsushi , Funabashi Toshihisa
Published: September 2009

Electric utility deregulation enabled PPSs (Power Producers and Suppliers) to enter the electricity market. PPSs are supposed to achieve 30‐minute balancing control for stable power supply of electric power. In addition, load rejection and instantaneous voltage drops greatly affect turbine shafting, that is, torsional torque oscillation. Therefore, PPSs must consider a reduction of torsional torque in order to prevent generator shaft damage. This paper proposes a control system which allows the achievement of both 30‐minute balancing control and reduction of torsional torque by using an H∞ controller. The effectiveness of the proposed controller is validated by using MATLAB. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 170(1): 16–25, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20868
Sequential Mannich‐Aza‐Michael Reactions for the Stereodivergent Synthesis of Highly Substituted Pyrrolidines
Authors: Enkisch Charlotte , Schneider Christoph
Published: September 2009

A stereodivergent synthesis of 2,3,5‐trisubstituted pyrrolidines by an organocatalytic Mannich/aza‐Michael addition sequence has been developed. Depending upon the choice of the base used in the intramolecular aza‐Michael additions, 2,5‐trans‐ or 2,5‐cis‐configured pyrrolidines were obtained in high yields and excellent diastereomeric ratios. Selective deprotection of the amino group and the side‐chain hydroxy group proceeded without loss of diastereomeric purity. The stereodivergent outcome of the key aza‐Michael reactions is the result of thermodynamically versus kinetically controlled cyclization.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Synthesis of Functionalized β‐Lactams from Oxiranecarbaldimines and Lithium Ester Enolates
Authors: Michel Kristin , Fröhlich Roland , Würthwein Ernst‐Ulrich
Published: September 2009

The addition of nucleophiles like lithium ester enolates 6 to oxiranecarbaldimines 1 leads to new oxiranyl‐functionalised β‐lactams 7 in excellent enantio‐ and diastereoselectivity. A simple one‐pot procedure affords β‐lactams (azetidin‐2‐ones) with three or four neighbouring stereogenic centres and unlike preference. Products resulting from oxirane ring‐opening reactions were not observed. An enantiomerically enriched example (2S,3S)‐1g gave the corresponding β‐lactam (S,S,R)‐7f in excellent enantiomeric excess. According to quantum chemical calculations the observed diastereoselectivity is the result of a diastereofacial differentiation of the two faces of the iminic double bond in the transition state. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
A novel approach to tag and identify geranylgeranylated proteins
Authors: Chan Lai N. , Hart Courtenay , Guo Lea , Nyberg Tamara , Davies Brandon S.J. , Fong Loren G. , Young Stephen G. , Agnew Brian J. , Tamanoi Fuyuhiko
Published: September 2009

A recently developed proteomic strategy, the “GG‐azide”‐labeling approach, is described for the detection and proteomic analysis of geranylgeranylated proteins. This approach involves metabolic incorporation of a synthetic azido‐geranylgeranyl analog and chemoselective derivatization of azido‐geranylgeranyl‐modified proteins by the “click” chemistry, using a tetramethylrhodamine‐alkyne. The resulting conjugated proteins can be separated by 1‐D or 2‐D and pH fractionation, and detected by fluorescence imaging. This method is compatible with downstream LC‐MS/MS analysis. Proteomic analysis of conjugated proteins by this approach identified several known geranylgeranylated proteins as well as Rap2c, a novel member of the Ras family. Furthermore, prenylation of progerin in mouse embryonic fibroblast cells was examined using this approach, demonstrating that this strategy can be used to study prenylation of specific proteins. The “GG‐azide”‐labeling approach provides a new tool for the detection and proteomic analysis of geranylgeranylated proteins, and it can readily be extended to other post‐translational modifications.
Formation of CaSO4(aq) and CaSeO4(aq) studied as a function of ionic strength and temperature by CE
Authors: Philippini Violaine , Aupiais Jean , Vercouter Thomas , Moulin Christophe
Published: September 2009

Ca2+ complexation by both sulfate and selenate ligands was studied by CE. The species were observed to give a unique retention peak as a result of a fast equilibrium between the free ions and the complexes. The change in the corresponding retention time was interpreted with respect to the equilibrium constant of the complexation reaction. The results confirmed the formation of CaSO4(aq) and CaSeO4(aq) under our experimental conditions. The formation data were derived from the series of measurements carried out at about 15, 25, 35, 45 and 55°C in 0.1 mol/L NaNO3 ionic strength solutions, and in 0.5 and 1.0 mol/L NaNO3 ionic strength solutions at 25°C. Using a constant enthalpy of reaction enabled to fit all the experimental data in a 0.1 mol/L medium, leading to the thermodynamic parameters: ΔrG0.1M(25°C)=−(7.59±0.23) kJ/mol, ΔrH0.1 M=5.57±0.80 kJ/mol, and ΔrS0.1 M(25°C)=44.0±3.0 J mol−1 K−1 for CaSO4(aq) and ΔrG0.1 M(25°C)=−(6.66±0.23) kJ/mol, ΔrH0.1 M=6.45±0.73 kJ/mol, and ΔrS0.1 M(25°C)=44.0±3.0 J mol−1 K−1 for CaSeO4(aq). Both formation reactions were found to be endothermic and entropy driven. CaSO4(aq) appears to be more stable than CaSeO4(aq) by 0.93 kJ/mol under these experimental conditions, which correlates with the difference of acidity of the anions as expected for interactions between hard acids and hard bases according to the hard and soft acids and bases theory. The effect of the ionic medium on the formation constants was successfully treated using the Specific ion Interaction Theory, leading to significantly different binary coefficients ${\rm {\varepsilon}}_{{{{\rm Na}^+}, {{\rm SO}_{4}^{2-}}}}= -{(0.15 \pm 0.06)}\,$mol/kg−1 and ${\rm {\varepsilon}}_{{{{\rm Na}^+}, {{\rm SO}_{4}^{2-}}}}= -{(0.26 \pm 0.10)}\,$mol/kg−1
Micropump based on electroosmosis of the second kind
Authors: Mishchuk Nataliya A. , Heldal Trond , Volden Tormod , Auerswald Janko , Knapp Helmut
Published: September 2009

A microfluidic pump based on electroosmosis of the second kind was designed and fabricated. Experimental results using DC and AC voltages showed a close to second‐order relationship between flow and voltage, in good agreement with theory. The experimental flow rates were considerably lower than the predicted maximum for the micropumps, which can be attributed to the hydrodynamic resistance of the channel network. This also indicates that higher flow velocities are obtainable for modified pump designs.
Theoretical performance evaluation of EDCA in IEEE 802.11e wireless LANs
Authors: Peng Fei
Published: September 2009

While the original IEEE 802.11 distributed coordinated function (DCF) has been widely analysed by both theoretical and simulation studies, the performance of the new IEEE 802.11e enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) has not yet been investigated extensively. In this paper, we extend an analytical model to capture the operations of the arbitrary inter‐frame space, contention window differentiation and transmission opportunity in EDCA for the evaluation of throughput performance and collision probability of different service classes. The performance analyses are validated by simulation results. Our analysis provides insightful results for evaluating the impact of different priority parameters on the performance of EDCA service differentiation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Co‐localization of Nkx6.2 and Nkx2.2 homeodomain proteins in differentiated myelinating oligodendrocytes
Authors: Cai Jun , Zhu Qiang , Zheng Kang , Li Hong , Qi Yingchuan , Cao Qilin , Qiu Mengsheng
Published: September 2009

Recent studies have suggested that Nkx6.2/Gtx and Nkx2.2 homeodomain transcription factors are involved in the regulation of oligodendrocyte maturation and/or myelination which occur predominantly in postnatal stages. However, their cellular specificity in postnatal central nervous system has not been characterized and their dynamic expressional relationship during oligodendrocyte lineage progression has not been determined. Here we report that both Nkx2.2 and Nkx6.2 are selectively expressed in Olig2+ cells of oligodendrocyte lineage in postnatal spinal cords. Although Nkx6.2 is specifically expressed in the APC+ mature oligodendrocytes, Nkx2.2 is initially expressed in differentiating oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) but quickly down‐regulated as OPCs undergo terminal differentiation. Intriguingly, Nkx2.2 expression is up‐regulated in mature myelinating oligodendrocytes at later stages. The co‐expression of Nkx2.2 and Nkx6.2 transcription factors in myelinating oligodendrocytes suggests their functional interactions in the regulation of myelin sheath formation and/or maintenance. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Collateral neuronal apoptosis in CNS gray matter during an oligodendrocyte‐directed CD8+ T cell attack
Authors: Göbel Kerstin , Melzer Nico , Herrmann Alexander M. , Schuhmann Michael K. , Bittner Stefan , Ip Chi Wang , Hünig Thomas , Meuth Sven G. , Wiendl Heinz
Published: September 2009

Demyelination and death of oligodendrocytes accompanied by transection of neurites and neuronal apoptosis are pathological hallmarks of cortical and subcortical gray matter lesions in demyelinating viral and autoimmune inflammatory CNS disorders. In these disorders, leukocortical lesions, containing the perikarya of most efferent neurons, display pronounced infiltration by CD8+ T cells of putative specificity for oligodendrocyte‐ and myelin‐related antigens. Hence, neuronal apoptosis in gray matter lesions may be a collateral effect of an oligodendrocyte‐directed attack by CD8+ T cells. To challenge this hypothesis, we transferred activated antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells (OT‐I T cells) into acute coronal brain slices from mice selectively expressing ovalbumin as a cytosolic neo‐self‐antigen in oligodendrocytes (ODC‐OVA mice). We studied mechanisms and kinetics of oligodendroglial and neuronal apoptosis in the neocortex and hippocampus, using multicolor staining for different cell types and activated caspase‐3. Within the gray matter, a single OT‐I T cell caused simultaneous caspase‐3 activation in about 30 ODCs and 10 neurons within 6 h in a strictly antigen‐dependent manner. Experiments with OT‐I T cells genetically deficient for perforin or the granzyme B‐cluster and with blocking anti‐FasL antibodies as well as proinflammatory cytokines revealed, that collateral apoptosis of neurons was likely due to a spillover of perforin and granzyme(s) from the OT‐I T cell itself or the immunological synapse that it selectively formed with antigen‐presenting oligodendrocytes. Collateral neuronal apoptosis could contribute to substantial neuronal loss in gray matter lesions and cause persistent neurological impairment in both acute and chronic gray matter lesions in various inflammatory CNS disorders. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The physician workforce in Kuwait to the year 2020
Authors: Al‐Jarallah Khaled , Moussa Mohamed , Al‐Khanfar Khadija Figen
Published: September 2009

The study addresses the supply of and demand for physicians in Kuwait in the light of the emerging variables such as increasing population, economic growth, changes in healthcare strategies, and expansion of healthcare facilities. The objective of the study was to project the future demand for physicians in Kuwait for the years 2007–2020 based on the period 1994–2006. Population projections were derived using the average annual natural increase rate of the 1994–2006 populations. The future demand for physicians was predicted using the average physician to population ratio for the years 1994–2006. The average annual growth rate of indigenous physicians during the period 1994–2006 was 4.08% compared to 2.83% for non‐native expatriot physicians. There is a gap between the numbers of native and foreign physicians. In 2006, native physicians constituted 36.6% of the physician workforce in Kuwait. The disparity between the total number of physicians needed and the number of native physicians is expected to decline from 62.14% in 2007 to 48.1% in 2020. The supply of indigenous physicians should be increased. Without shared culture and language, it will be difficult to provide effective and efficient medical care to the people of Kuwait. This can be achieved through an improvement in recruitment and retention of indigenous physicians and medical students. There is also a need for establishment of a standing advisory committee for continuous monitoring of physician workforce planning and policy strategies in Kuwait. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autophagosomal glycogen‐degrading activity and its relationship to the general autophagic activity in newborn rat hepatocytes: The effects of parenteral glucose administration
Authors: Kalamidas Stefanos A. , Kondomerkos Dimitrios J.
Published: September 2009

The effects of the administration of parenteral glucose on the postnatal glycogen autophagic activity and its relationship to the general autophagic activity, were studied in newborn rat liver using electron microscopy and biochemical methods. Glucose abolished the normal postnatal hypoglycemia and preserved the hepatocytic hyaloplasmic glycogen to the levels of birth. It also inhibited the normal postnatal increase in the number and volume of autophagic vacuoles. Glucose especially decreased the rate of postnatal development of the glycogen‐containing autophagic vacuoles. This decrease was greater than that of the autophagic vacuoles in general. In the control animals at the age of 6 h, the total volume of the glycogen‐containing autophagic vacuoles accounted for 87% of the autophagic vacuoles in general, whereas in the glucose‐treated animals of the same age, for only 62%. The results of this and previous studies support the view that the general autophagic activity that develops in the immediate postnatal period in rat hepatocytes is mainly expressed as glycogen autophagic activity selectively inhibited by glucose. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The anti‐diabetic effect of anthocyanins in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats through glucose transporter 4 regulation and prevention of insulin resistance and pancreatic apoptosis
Authors: Nizamutdinova Irina Tsoy , Jin Yong Chun , Chung Jong Il , Shin Sung Chul , Lee Sung Joong , Seo Han Geuk , Lee Jae Heun , Chang Ki Churl , Kim Hye Jung
Published: September 2009

Hyperglycemia, abnormal lipid and antioxidant profiles are the most usual complications in diabetes mellitus. Thus, in this study, we investigated the anti‐diabetic and anti‐oxidative effects of anthocyanins (ANT) from black soybean seed coats in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats. The administration of ANT markedly decreased glucose levels and improved heart hemodynamic function (left ventricular end diastolic pressure, ±dp/dt parameters). ANT not only enhanced STZ‐mediated insulin level decreases, but also decreased the triglyceride levels induced by STZ injection in serum. Diabetic rats exhibited a lower expression of glucose transporter 4 proteins in the membrane fractions of heart and skeletal muscle tissues, which was enhanced by ANT. In addition, ANT activated insulin receptor phosphorylation, suggesting an increased utilization of glucose by tissues. Moreover, ANT protected pancreatic tissue from STZ‐induced apoptosis through regulation of caspase‐3, Bax, and Bcl‐2 proteins. Furthermore, ANT significantly suppressed malondialdehyde levels and restored superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in diabetic rats. Interestingly, the observed effects of ANT were superior to those of glibenclamide. Taken together, ANT from black soybean seed coat have anti‐diabetic effects that are due, in part, to the regulation of glucose transporter 4 and prevention of insulin resistance and pancreatic apoptosis, suggesting a possible use as a drug to regulate diabetes.
Experimental and numerical assessment of MRI‐induced temperature change and SAR distributions in phantoms and in vivo
Authors: Oh Sukhoon , Webb Andrew G. , Neuberger Thomas , Park BuSik , Collins Christopher M.
Published: September 2009

It is important to accurately characterize the heating of tissues due to the radiofrequency energy applied during MRI. This has led to an increase in the use of numerical methods to predict specific energy absorption rate distributions for safety assurance in MRI. To ensure these methods are accurate for actual MRI coils, however, it is necessary to compare to experimental results. Here, we report results of some recent efforts to experimentally map temperature change and specific energy absorption rate in a phantom and in vivo where the only source of heat is the radiofrequency fields produced by the imaging coil. Results in a phantom match numerical simulation well, and preliminary results in vivo show measurable temperature increase. With further development, similar methods may be useful for verifying numerical methods for predicting specific energy absorption rate distributions and in some cases for directly measuring temperature changes and specific energy absorption rate induced by the radiofrequency fields in MRI experiments. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Time‐dependent behaviour of a rigid foundation on a transversely isotropic soil layer
Authors: Chen Shengli , Abousleiman Younane
Published: September 2009

An analytical solution is presented in this paper to study the time‐dependent settlement behaviour of a rigid foundation resting on a transversely isotropic saturated soil layer. The governing equations for a transversely isotropic saturated soil, within Biot's poroelasticity framework, are solved by means of Laplace and Hankel transforms. The problem is subsequently formulated in the Laplace transform domain in terms of a set of dual integral equations that are further reduced to a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind and solved numerically. The developed analytical solution is validated via comparison with the existing analytical solution for an isotropic saturated soil case, and adopted as a benchmark to examine the sensitivities of the mesh refinement and the locations of truncation boundaries in the finite element simulations using ABAQUS. Particular attention is paid to the influences of the degree of soil anisotropy, boundary drainage condition, and the soil layer thickness on the consolidation settlement and contact stress of the rigid foundation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Survivors of childhood cancer: An Australian audit of vaccination status after treatment
Authors: Crawford Nigel W. , Heath John A. , Ashley David , Downie Peter , Buttery Jim P.
Published: September 2009

Background

Survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer are at risk of vaccine preventable diseases and are recommended to receive booster vaccinations post‐chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to describe the compliance of post‐chemotherapy revaccination of childhood cancer survivors relative to current Australian guidelines.

Procedures

A multi‐faceted retrospective review of childhood cancer survivors at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia was undertaken. Immunisation status was reviewed through four sources: (1) hospital records; (2) telephone survey of consenting participants; (3) Australian Childhood Immunization Register (ACIR); and (4) family practitioners immunisation records. Participants were 0–18 years, and at least 6 months post‐treatment for their cancer.

Results

The study was conducted between March and September 2006. Eighty‐nine patients with a median age at diagnosis of 5.3 years were included, 56% of patients had a diagnosis of leukaemia and 44% solid tumours. The median duration since completion of therapy was 3.1 years. Reviewing all sources, 39% (35/89) of participants had no evidence of booster vaccinations post‐completion of therapy. Younger age (P = 0.001), and those diagnosed with leukaemia (P = 0.04) were more likely to have received at least one booster vaccine. Forty‐seven percent (42/89) had received at least one influenza vaccination.

Conclusion

This study highlights poor compliance with current guidelines for re‐vaccination in survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer. More evidence is required and these re‐vaccination guidelines need to take into account treatment intensity. Multi‐component strategies are essential to ensure protection from vaccine preventable diseases in this population. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010; 54:128–133. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia presenting as refractory ascites
Authors: Patra Bijoy , Maheshwari Anu , Chandra Jagdish , Aneja Satinder , Agarwal Shilpi , Nangia Anita , Seth Anju
Published: September 2009

Chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis (CIM) with myeloid metaplasia is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by leukoerythroblastosis, tear drop erythrocytes, extra‐medullary hematopoesis (EMH), and varying degree of myelofibrosis. CIM, presenting as refractory ascites secondary to peritoneal hematopoesis, is extremely rare with only six adult cases reported in literature. This is a report of a child with CIM presenting as refractory ascites as a consequence of EMH in the peritoneum. The patient was treated with intermittent hydroxyurea with favorable response over 3 weeks. The patient was thereafter lost to follow up. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010; 54:151–153. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Juvenile xanthogranuloma in a child with previously unsuspected neurofibromatosis type 1 and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Raygada Margarita , Arthur Diane C. , Wayne Alan S. , Rennert Owen M. , Toretsky Jeffrey A. , Stratakis Constantine A.
Published: September 2009

The association of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), juvenile xanthogranulomas (JXG), and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) has been previously reported. We describe herein this triad in a Caucasian male infant with a pathogenic mutation in the NF1 gene (neurofibromin). The clinical course from initial presentation to final diagnosis is detailed; the physical features and hematologic characteristics are discussed. The patient underwent bone marrow transplantation and is currently in remission. Children with concurrent cutaneous café‐au‐lait and JXG lesions should be evaluated and monitored closely for the possible development of JMML. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010; 54:173–175. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rheology and melt strength of long chain branching polypropylene prepared by reactive extrusion with various peroxides
Authors: Su Feng‐Hua , Huang Han‐Xiong
Published: September 2009

Long Chain Branching Polypropylenes were prepared in an extruder by a melt grafting reaction in the presence of various peroxides and a polyfunctional monomer of 1,6‐hexanediol diarylate. Fourier Transformed Infrared spectra and the rheological characteristics indicated that the grafting reaction added long branched chains to linear polypropylene (PP). In comparison to the initial PP, the branched samples exhibited higher melt strength, lower melt flow index, and enhancement of crystallization temperature. The branching number of the modified samples agreed well with their melt viscoelasticity and the improved degree of their melt strength. The branching level in modified PPs could be controlled by the property and structure of the peroxide used. Peroxides with lower decomposition temperature and more stable radicals after decomposition promoted the branching reaction, leading to the modified PPs with higher branching level and melt strength. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
The effects of water and frequency on fatigue crack growth rate in modified and unmodified polyvinyl chloride
Authors: Samat Noorasikin , Burford Robert , Whittle Alan , Hoffman Mark
Published: September 2009

A study of the influence of water environments on the cyclic fatigue crack behavior of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), with (PVC‐M) and without (PVC‐U) chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) impact modifier was undertaken and compared with corresponding results in air. Two frequencies of 1 and 7 Hz were applied to assess the influence of frequency on the fatigue behavior; a higher fatigue resistance and threshold were obtained with increasing frequency. This trend is more significant in water. However, in this environment, the fatigue resistance deteriorated under conditions of higher stress intensity factor amplitude (ΔK) and frequency. The fatigue properties of PVC‐U are the most affected by the presence of water, particularly at low frequency and higher ΔK. Examination of the fracture surface showed the interaction of water molecules and the PVC matrix with the formation of (1) a nodular structure, close to the fatigue threshold and (2) plasticized structures at high ΔK, which are associated with a greater threshold value and fatigue resistance. The absorption of the water retarded the fibrillation of craze and caused crack blunting effects. Water functions as a plasticizer, particularly at high ΔK, through the formation of the plasticized structures. Results are compared with those observed from an in‐service failure. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Gendering reurbanisation: women and new‐build gentrification in Toronto
Authors: Kern Leslie
Published: September 2009

For over a decade beginning in the mid 1990s, Toronto, Canada experienced a massive wave of condominium development. Women make up a high percentage of condominium purchasers and condominiums are extensively marketed to young, professional urban women. In grappling with this phenomenon, this paper constructs a gendered social geography of reurbanisation and new‐build gentrification in Toronto, through qualitative research into women's experiences as downtown condominium owners. Examining both the gendered ideologies that have shaped Toronto's condominium boom, and the narratives of condominium developers and owners, this paper illustrates the gendered dimensions of city building and everyday life in the context of reurbanization. I argue that the neoliberal rationality of contemporary entreprenuerial city building is constituted, in part, by gender. Gender ideologies inform the processes of privatisation, commodification, and securitisation of urban space and urban life in the city's quest for a competitive position in the global urban hierarchy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of signal–response systems using generalized linear mixed models
Authors: Gupta Shilpa , Kulahci Murat , Montgomery Douglas C. , Borror Connie M.
Published: September 2009

Robust parameter design is one of the important tools used in Design for Six Sigma. In this article, we present an application of the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) approach to robust design and analysis of signal–response systems. We propose a split‐plot approach to the signal–response system characterized by two variance components—within‐profile variance and between‐profile variance. We demonstrate that explicit modeling of variance components using GLMMs leads to more precise point estimates of important model coefficients with shorter confidence intervals. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid differentiation of isobaric and positional isomers of structurally related glycosides from Phytolacca bogotensis
Authors: Montoya Guillermo , Arango Gabriel J. , Ramírez‐Pineda José R.
Published: September 2009

Through the action of glycosyltransferases, a plant can biosynthetically assemble small different aglycons or 'templates' to various polysaccharides to produce numerous glycoconjugates differing in the type of the attached aglycon, the anomeric configuration of C‐1 of the glycosylating sugar, the type of sugar and the different position of attachments of the sugar unit present in the polysaccharide chain. The position of attachments and the anomeric configuration of the different sugar present in the polysaccharide create the opportunity to generate molecules with either the same or very close molecular weights, which have relative structural similarity – forming isobaric and positional isomers. Although isomeric differentiation was once considered outside of the domain of mass spectrometry, this task can now be resolved using tandem mass spectrometry. In a standardized purified glycoconjugate fraction (SPT01) from Phytolacca bogotensis, we report conventional electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and collision‐induced dissociation (CID) MS/MS parameters which favored the formation of characteristic product ions. This allowed us to suggest the type of sugar linkages present in a specific glycoconjugate. Ten new glycoconjugate are described from this plant and another twelve known saponins were structurally characterized using the automatic MSn acquisition mode. The differentiation of two pairs of positional isomers and four isobaric glycosides and the production of a library of 30 glycosides present in P. bogotensis were accomplished. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Steuerung der Benetzungseigenschaften von optisch transparenten Polymeren durch Antireflexstrukturen und dünne Schichten
Authors: Schulz U. , Kaiser N.
Published: September 2009

Antireflexstrukturen können durch zusätzliche Beschichtungen superhydrophobe oder auch langzeitstabile superhydrophile Eigenschaften erlangen. Die durch Plasmaätzen erzeugten Strukturen sind dabei deutlich kleiner als die Wellenlängen des sichtbaren Lichtes und erhöhen auch die Transmission der modifizierten Proben. Noppenartige Strukturen mit großem Aspektverhältnis erreichen den Lotus‐Zustand unmittelbar nach Überschichten mit einem hydrophoben Material. Bei PMMA wird ein Lotus‐Effekt erst dann beobachtet, wenn unter der hydrophoben Deckschicht noch eine dünne SiO2‐Schicht angeordnet wird.
Localised Corrosion Protection of Aluminium Components by atmospheric Pressure Plasma Polymerisation
Authors: Wilken Ralph , Ihde Jörg , Degenhardt Jost
Published: September 2009

Vorbehandlung: Durch die Anwendung der AD‐Plasmavorbehandlung lässt sich der Kohlenstoffgehalt nicht gereinigter Aluminiumbleche bis auf den Gehalt der natürlichen Adsorbatschicht reduzieren, die sich auf reinen Oberflächen bei atmosphärischer Auslagerung bildet. Dabei steigt die Dicke der Oxidschicht von ca. 4 nm bis auf ca. 7 nm. Die Oberfläche wird zudem hydrophiler und lässt sich besser benetzen.

Eine Erdung des Substrates kann zu vermehrten Bogenübergängen von dem Düsentool auf das Substrat führen und ein lokal begrenztes Umschmelzen an der Oberfläche verursachen.

Schichtabscheidung: Die Schichtchemie kann über die Parameter des Plasmaprozesses und der Düsengestaltung gezielt variiert werden. Ein nachträgliches Tempern der Schicht führt zu einer Nachvernetzung der Schicht unter Kondensationsreaktion von Silanolgruppen. Die elektrochemisch wirksamen Fehlstellen können dabei reduziert werden.

Die geringste Fehlstellendichte weist eine Korrosionsschutzschicht mit mittlerem anorganischen Anteil auf. Allerdings ist die Korrosionsschutzwirkung dieser Schicht im Vergleich zu einer Schicht mit höherer Fehlstellendichte, aber höherem anorganischen Anteil schlechter. Für die Korrosionsschutzwirkung einer Schicht spielen neben der Anzahl von elektrochemisch wirksamen Fehlstellen in der Beschichtung auch die Barrierewirkung der Schicht gegen Wasser und Ionen, die Anbindung der Schicht an das Substrat und die chemische Stabilität der Schicht eine zentrale Rolle. Die Barrierewirkung der Schicht nimmt mit steigendem anorganischen Anteil der Schicht zu. Die entwickelte Korrosionsschutzschicht mit hohem anorganischen Anteil besitzt trotz einiger elektrochemisch wirksamer Fehlstellen eine gute Korrosionsschutzwirkung. Nach 168 h ESST sind nur vereinzelt Korrosionserscheinungen in Form kleiner Fehlstellen in der Beschichtung zu erkennen.

Je anorganischer und damit glasartiger die Schichten sind, desto spröder werden sie, so dass es bei Dehnung des Substrats zu Rissen in der Schicht kommt, die sich als Fehlstellen bemerkbar machen. Je organischer und damit polymerartiger die Schichten sind, desto dehnbarer werden sie und desto weniger Risse entstehen.

Diese Forschungsergebnisse sind bereits durch die Firma Plasmatreat industriell umgesetzt worden. Seit 2007 werden bei der Fa. TRW Automotive Aluminiumdruckguss‐Gehäuse im Bereich des Dichtflansches mit einer korrosionsschützenden und zugleich haftvermittelnden plasmapolymeren Schicht versehen, um so eine gegen korrosive Unterwanderung langzeitstabile Dichtung gewährleisten zu können [9]
Comparative proteomic analysis of Rhodosporidium toruloides during lipid accumulation
Authors: Liu Hongwei , Zhao Xin , Wang Fangjun , Li Yonghong , Jiang Xining , Ye Mingliang , Zhao Zongbao K. , Zou Hanfa
Published: September 2009

Intracellular lipid accumulation is a common biological process for some eukaryotic microorganisms under specific growth conditions, yet study on this phenomenon at an ‘‐omics’ level remains rare. In this study we induced lipid accumulation by the oleaginous yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides by transferring cells into a nitrogen‐limited medium and performed a comparative and semi‐quantitative proteomic analysis of cell samples obtained thereafter by a 2D‐LC–MS/MS approach. A total of 184 proteins were identified, based on the database of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Semi‐quantitative analysis suggested that 46 proteins were notably changed during the lipid production process. Among them, seven, three and four proteins were significantly upregulated only at the late stage, the early stage and both stages, respectively. There were 26 proteins drastically downregulated at both stages. The majority of the downregulated proteins are related to protein metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism, whereas the upregulated proteins are mainly involved in alternative nitrogen sources metabolism and lipid biosynthesis. Our data indicated that a nitrogen deficiency environment had a key impact on cellular metabolism that likely stimulated the lipid accumulation process by R. toruloides. This work provids valuable information for further exploration of the molecular mechanism of cellular lipid metabolism and should be of great interest in oleaginous microorganisms engineering. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Bis‐o‐Benzoquinoid Ligands with Ethylene Bridge and Their Metal Complexes
Authors: Poddel’sky Andrey I. , Piskunov Alexander V. , Druzhkov Nikolay O. , Fukin Georgii K. , Cherkasov Vladimir K. , Abakumov Gleb A.
Published: September 2009

The treatment of di‐o‐quinone 4,4′‐(ethane‐1,2‐diyl)‐bis(3,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐o‐benzoquinone) (Q–CH2–CH2–Q,1) leads to its rearrangement to form di‐p‐quinomethide 4,4′‐(ethane‐1,2‐diylidene)bis(2‐hydroxy‐3,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐cyclohexa‐2,5‐dienone) (2). The subsequent oxidation of2by an alkaline solution of K3[Fe(CN)6] yielded the new di‐o‐quinone 4,4′‐(ethene‐1,2‐diyl)bis(3,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐o‐benzoquinone) (Q–CH=CH–Q,3), which contains an ethylene bridge. The formation of mono‐ and poly‐reduced derivatives of2and3with potassium, thallium was studied by EPR technique. The dinuclear thallium derivative of3, Tl(SQ–CH=CH–SQ)Tl, was found to exist in the diamagnetic quinomethide form. The most stable derivatives of2and3are triphenyltin(IV) bis‐p‐quinomethide‐phenolate (4) and triphenylantimony(V) bis‐catecholate (5), which have been synthesized and isolated. The molecular structures of2,3, and5were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Synthesis and Characterization of Extended Bis(terpyridine)ruthenium Amino Acids
Authors: Heinze Katja , Hempel Klaus , Breivogel Aaron
Published: September 2009

(Oligopyridine)ruthenium(II) complexes have been widely used in dye sensitized solar cells and other sophisticated optical devices due to their outstanding photophysical properties and their chemical stability. Herein, we describe the longitudinal extension of our previously reported bis(terpyridine)ruthenium(II) amino acid [Ru(tpy–NH2)(tpy–COOH)]2+ (tpy = 4′‐substituted 2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine) by insertion of para‐phenylene spacers –C6H4– between the terpyridine and the functional groups. The influence of the para‐phenylene spacer on the absorption and emission properties is investigated using UV/Vis absorption and emission spectroscopy and is discussed within a qualitative molecular orbital picture.
Immunohistochemical study of mucin expression in periampullary adenomyoma
Authors: Higashi Michiyo , Goto Masamichi , Saitou Miyuki , Shimizu Takeshi , Rousseau Karine , Batra Surinder K. , Yonezawa Suguru
Published: September 2009

Background/purpose

Benign tumors and tumor‐like conditions in the ampullary area are uncommon, and there are extremely rare cases of adenomyoma (AM) and adenomyomatous hyperplasia (AMH). Surgical treatment is necessary if these lesions cause biliary obstruction. In addition, the differential diagnosis of AM and AMH from carcinoma is often difficult by standard endoscopic biopsy and cytopathological analysis that may show differential findings, resulting in unnecessary surgeries sometimes being performed.

Methods

Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of periampullary AM and AMH was performed.

Results

For both types of lesions, epithelial glandular cells (EGCs) showed diffuse expression of MUC6 and focal expression of HIK1083, mainly in the inner region, and focal expression of MUC5AC, mainly at the surface. The EGCs showed no expression of MUC1 or MUC4, both of which were identified as malignant tumor markers in our previous series of mucin expression studies in pancreatobiliary tumors. The expression of CK7, which was diffusely positive in normal periampullary mucosa, was decreased in the EGCs of AM and AMH.

Conclusions

A combined evaluation of IHC findings may be effective in the detection of AM and AMH, and also in distinguishing benign periampullary lesions, such as AM and AMH, from ampulla of Vater adenocarcinoma, thus avoiding excessive surgery.
Effect of Cooling Rate on the Structural and Moisture Barrier Properties of High and Low Melting Point Fats
Authors: Bourlieu Claire , Guillard Valérie , Ferreira Mariana , Powell Hugh , Vallès‐Pàmies Baltasar , Guilbert Stéphane , Gontard Nathalie
Published: September 2009

The effect of three cooling rates (rapid, intermediate and slow CR) on the moisture barrier properties and on the physical state of acetylated and high melting point hydrophobic self‐supported moisture barriers has been investigated. The selected CR were representative of industrial processing conditions and the selected barrier materials of common effective GRAS substances (acetomonopalmitin, white beeswax, two commercial blends of beeswax and acetylated glycerides and a blend of palmitic/stearic acids). Variations of CR affected crystallisation kinetics, SFC in an extend depending on the fat chemical composition and degree of undercooling, crystal size and ratio of polymorphs present in the materials. It did not have major influence on the contact angles with water measured at the surface of the materials and on the mass–volume area properties of the material. The resultant effect on the macroscopic moisture barrier properties of the materials were evaluated using water vapour permeability (WVP) measurements. The CR had no significant effect on the WVP, except for one blend of acetylated fat and beeswax for which a slow CR may have favoured the healing of imperfections. The variations of WVP between all materials and CRs were mainly attributed to variation in materials polarity using multivariable analysis.