bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantized feedback fault‐tolerant H ∞  controller design for linear systems with adaptive mechanism
Authors: Ye Dan , Zhao Xingang , Han Jianda
Published: July 2012

This paper addresses the design problem of fault‐tolerant H ∞  controller for linear systems with state quantization. By combining linear matrix inequality technique and indirect adaptive method, a new method is proposed to design a fault‐tolerant controller against actuator faults via quantized state feedback. The controller gains are updating according to the online estimation of eventual faults, which are dependent on the quantized state signals. Meanwhile, the proposed designs conditions with variable gains can be proved to be less conservative than those of the traditional controller with fixed gains. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermomechanical behavior of polymer/layered silicate clay nanocomposites based on unmodified low density polyethylene
Authors: Grigoriadi K. , Giannakas A. , Ladavos A. , Barkoula N.‐M.
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of filler content and aspect ratio on the thermomechanical behavior of unmodified low density polyethylene (LDPE)‐based layered silicate clay nanocomposites. LDPE‐based nanocomposites, without any polymer modification and with two kinds of clays, one with low aspect ratio (i.e., synthetic laponite ‐Lp) and another with high aspect ratio (i.e., montmorillonite) were prepared and characterized using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Organosilicates were added at 2, 5 and 10 wt%, respectively. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed on composites obtained by dispersing the organosilicates in unmodified LDPE. The LPDE reinforced with organo‐montmorillonite (OMt) had better performance in the whole temperature range than those with organo‐laponite (OLp). It was concluded that the relatively high aspect ratio OMt can induce superior dynamic mechanical properties to the LDPE polymer compared to lower aspect ratio OLp. This was linked to the higher active surface area and preferential orientation of longer platelets resulting in higher mechanical enhancement. This behavior was more pronounced up to filler contents of 5 wt%. Further increase of the filler content led to more conventional composites, which hindered the reinforcing ability of the silicates. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Quantitative proteomic analysis of exosomes from HIV‐1‐infected lymphocytic cells
Authors: Li Ming , Aliotta Jason M. , Asara John M. , Tucker Lynne , Quesenberry Peter , Lally Michelle , Ramratnam Bharat
Published: July 2012

HIV‐1 infection causes profound effects both inside and outside of cells through multiple mechanisms, including those mediated by exosomes. Using the technique of stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture, we compared protein expression patterns in the exosomal compartment of HIV‐1‐infected and ‐uninfected lymphocytic H9 cells. Of 770 proteins identified in two independent sets of exosomal samples, 14 proteins were found to be differentially expressed in the exosomal fraction of HIV‐1‐infected cells versus ‐uninfected controls. Gene Ontology survey and DAVID analysis revealed that identified proteins were enriched for functional categories such as binding. Of these 14 proteins, three immunomodulatory molecules were reproducibly identified in both replicates and included ADP‐ribosyl cyclase 1 (CD38), L‐lactate dehydrogenase B chain (LDHB), and Annexin A5 (ANXA5). In addition to previously reported HIV‐1 associations with CD38 and LDHB, new interactions were identified and validated for ANXA5, CD38, and LDHB, which were found to bind to HIV‐1 p24 and Tat. In summary, our studies reveal that exosomes released from HIV‐1‐infected cells are composed of a unique and quantitatively different protein signature and harbor regulatory molecules that impact the processes of cellular apoptosis (ANXA5 and LDHB) and proliferation (CD38).
Comparative phosphoproteomic analysis of neonatal and adult murine brain
Authors: Goswami Tapasree , Li Xue , Smith Aidan M. , Luderowski Eva M. , Vincent James J. , Rush John , Ballif Bryan A.
Published: July 2012

Developmental processes are governed by diverse regulatory mechanisms including a suite of signaling pathways employing reversible phosphorylation. With the advent of large‐scale phosphoproteomics, it is now possible to identify thousands of phosphorylation sites from tissues at distinct developmental stages. We describe here the identification of over 6000 nonredundant phosphorylation sites from neonatal murine brain. When compared to nearly three times the number of phosphorylation sites identified from 3‐week‐old murine brain, remarkably one‐third of the neonatal sites were unique. This fraction only dropped to one‐quarter when allowing the site to stray plus or minus 15 residues. This provides evidence for considerable change in the profiles of developmentally regulated phosphoproteomes. Using quantitative MS we characterized a novel phosphorylation site (Ser265) identified uniquely in the neonatal brain on doublecortin (Dcx), a protein essential for proper mammalian brain development. While the relative levels of Dcx and phospho‐Ser265 Dcx between embryonic and neonatal brain were similar, their levels fell precipitously by postnatal day 21, as did phospho‐Ser297, a site required for proper neuronal migration. Both sites lie near the microtubule‐binding domain and may provide functionally similar regulation via different kinases.
Iodine catalyzed Mukaiyama–Michael reaction: experimental evaluation of catalytic effect in conjunction with computational study of the reaction mechanism
Authors: Deuri Sanjib , Phukan Prodeep
Published: July 2012

The catalytic effect of iodine on Mukaiyama–Michael reaction has been evaluated experimentally taking three representative silyl enolates, which react effectively with various α,β‐unsaturated ketones in the presence of 10 mol% of iodine giving 1,5‐dicarbonyl products in 74%–87% yield. A study on the mechanism of the iodine catalyzed reaction has been carried out by density functional theory at the Becke, three‐parameter, Lee–Yang–Parr/6‐31G* level considering trihydrosilyl enol ether and acrolein as model system. Although the uncatalyzed reaction occurs through an asynchronous concerted bond formation process, two energetically competitive pathways (one concerted and the other stepwise) are possible for the catalyzed process. Iodine catalyzed MM reaction between methyl vinyl ketone and 1‐phenyl‐1‐(trimethylsilyloxy)‐ethylene involves a very low activation barrier compared with that of the simple trihydrosilyl enol ether/acrolein system. Catalytic effect of iodine was further confirmed by highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital analysis and reactivity analysis using conceptual density functional theory based reactivity descriptors at Becke, three‐parameter, Lee–Yang–Parr/6‐31G** level. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An acceptor‐acceptor conjugated copolymer based on perylene diimide for high mobility n‐channel transistor in air
Authors: Zhao Xingang , Wen Yugeng , Ren Longbin , Ma Lanchao , Liu Yunqi , Zhan Xiaowei
Published: July 2012

A new solution‐processable acceptor‐acceptor conjugated copolymer (P1) based on perylene diimide (PDI) incorporating planar electron‐deficient fluorenone was synthesized by palladium(0)‐catalyzed Suzuki coupling reaction. Relative to the donor‐acceptor conjugated copolymer (P2) of PDI and dithienothiophene, polymer P1 exhibits 0.1 eV down shift of lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level, 70 nm blue shift of low‐energy absorption band, and 0.36 eV increase of optical band gap. Polymer P1 in top‐contact bottom‐gate organic field‐effect transistors exhibits a saturation electron mobility of 0.01 cm2/(V s) in air, while P2 does not function in the same device in air. The better air stability of P1 is attributed to a more dense packing of the polymer chains excluding oxygen or water and lower LUMO level of P1. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
The human fetal lung Xenograft: Validation as model of microvascular remodeling in the postglandular lung
Authors: De Paepe Monique E. , Chu Sharon , Hall Susan , Heger Nicholas E. , Thanos Chris , Mao Quanfu
Published: July 2012

Background

Coordinated remodeling of epithelium and vasculature is essential for normal postglandular lung development. The value of the human‐to‐rodent lung xenograft as model of fetal microvascular development remains poorly defined.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the fate of the endogenous (human‐derived) microvasculature in fetal lung xenografts.

Methods

Lung tissues were obtained from spontaneous pregnancy losses (14–22 weeks' gestation) and implanted in the renal subcapsular or dorsal subcutaneous space of SCID‐beige mice (T, B, and NK‐cell‐deficient) and/or nude rats (T‐cell‐deficient). Informed parental consent was obtained. Lung morphogenesis, microvascular angiogenesis, and epithelial differentiation were assessed at 2 and 4 weeks post‐transplantation by light microscopy, immunohistochemical, and gene expression studies. Archival age‐matched postmortem lungs served as control.

Results

The vascular morphology, density, and proliferation of renal subcapsular grafts in SCID‐beige mice were similar to age‐matched control lungs, with preservation of the physiologic association between epithelium and vasculature. The microvasculature of subcutaneous grafts in SCID‐beige mice was underdeveloped and dysmorphic, associated with significantly lower VEGF, endoglin, and angiopoietin‐2 mRNA expression than renal grafts. Grafts at both sites displayed mild airspace dysplasia. Renal subcapsular grafts in nude rats showed frequent infiltration by host lymphocytes and obliterating bronchiolitis‐like changes, associated with markedly decreased endogenous angiogenesis.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the critical importance of host and site selection to ensure optimal xenograft development. When transplanted to severely immune suppressed, NK‐cell‐deficient hosts and engrafted in the renal subcapsular site, the human‐to‐rodent fetal lung xenograft provides a valid model of postglandular microvascular lung remodeling. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:1192–1203. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
First Synthesis of Benzotrifuroxan at Low Temperature: Unexpected Behavior of 5,7‐Dichloro‐4,6‐dinitrobenzo‐furoxan with Sodium Azide
Authors: Chugunova Elena A. , Timasheva Rezeda E. , Gibadullina Elmira M. , Burilov Alexander R. , Goumont Regis
Published: July 2012

Attempts to prepare 5‐chloro‐6‐nitrobenzodifuroxan from the reaction of 5,7‐dichloro‐4,6‐dinitrobenzofuroxan with sodium azide have failed and, surprisingly, the formation of the powerful hydrogen‐free explosive – benzotrifuroxan (BTF) through spontaneous cyclization at 0 °C was observed (yield: 75 %). Importantly, BTF was synthesized avoiding the isolation and the heating of the hazardous intermediate trinitro‐triazidobenzene. The structure of BTF was confirmed by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and melting point measurement.
A novel fitting method for evaluating the thermal quenching parameters of TL with an application to undoped CVD diamond
Authors: Chernov Valery , Chernov Grigory , Meléndrez Rodrigo , Pedroza‐Montero Martín , Barboza‐Flores Marcelino
Published: July 2012

There are a number of thermoluminescence (TL) phosphors (and CVD diamond among of them), for which the integrated TL response decreases with the increasing of the heating rate. This effect relates to the thermal quenching (TQ) of luminescence caused by the increasing the non‐radiative recombination with the temperature increasing. In this work we present a new fitting method of evaluation the TQ parameters from a series of experimental TL glow curves recorded with variable heating rates. The method is simple, fast and effective. It quite general and can be applied to any series of TL glow curves consisting of several overlapped peaks and does not assume a particular type of TL kinetics. The only limitation of the method is that the end temperature of heating must be enough to ensure full readout of the analyzed TL peaks for all heating rates. The proposed method was applied to a series of TL glow curves measured with the heating rates from 0.1 to 17 K/s for the undoped CVD diamond film. The evaluated TQ parameters were found to be: an activation energy of 0.37 eV and a dimensionless constant of 3.7 × 103.
Spin‐seeding approach for diamond growth on large area silicon‐wafer substrates
Authors: Tsigkourakos Menelaos , Hantschel Thomas , Janssens Stoffel D. , Haenen Ken , Vandervorst Wilfried
Published: July 2012

The growth of polycrystalline diamond by chemical vapor deposition requires a substrate pre‐treatment in order to achieve thin, high‐quality, and pore‐free diamond layers. Seeding the substrate by immersing it into a nanodiamond (ND) dispersion is most commonly used today, since it yields a high‐density seed layer (>1011 cm−2) and leads to a thin closed polycrystalline diamond film. Nevertheless, in a nanoelectronics fabrication facility it would be advantageous to use spinning for seeding the substrate as it is already well established for resist coating and spray etching. Additionally, each wafer would use a fresh and limited amount of seeding dispersion which will not be contaminated due to a certain number of immersion‐seeding runs. Therefore, we carried out a detailed study of the spin‐seeding technique in terms of seed density and its impact on diamond layer quality. Our work shows that by the spin‐seeding approach, homogeneous seed layers with a seeding density up to 5 × 1010 cm−2 can be obtained on both 100 and 200 mm silicon wafers using 5 and 20 mL of a colloidal dispersion, respectively. ND dispersed in water +10% (v/v) ethanol gave the best results in terms of seeding density and wetting of the substrate surface.
A density functional theory investigation on the formation mechanisms of DNA interstrand crosslinks induced by chloroethylnitrosoureas
Authors: Zhao Li‐Jiao , Ma Xin‐Yan , Zhong Ru‐Gang
Published: July 2012

Chloroethylnitrosoureas (CENUs) are an important family of alkylating agents used in the clinical treatment of cancer. Their anticancer mechanism primarily involves the formation of DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) induced by the chloroethyldiazonium ion derived from the decomposition of CENUs. In this work, the mechanism for the formation of ICLs was investigated by density functional theory (DFT) with B3LYP, wB97XD, and M062X functinoals using conductor‐like polarizable continuum model solvent model. Three pathways leading to the formation of three types of G–C crosslinks were compared. G(N1)–C(N3) crosslink is predicted to be the dominant crosslinking product other than G(O6)–C(N4) and G(N2)–C(O2) crosslinks, which is consistent with the previous results obtained from QM/MM computations. The results indicate that the formation of the G(N1)–C(N3) crosslink via pathway A is the most favorable mechanism from both kinetic and thermodynamic standpoints. In this pathway, the chloroethyldiazonium ion alkylates guanine on the O6 site followed by intramolecular cyclization to form O6,N1‐ethanoguanine (4). The cytosine then reacts with intermediate 4 on the Cα atom to yield the G(N1)–C(N3) crosslink. This work provides reasonable explanations for the supposed mechanism of CENUs‐induced ICLs formation obtained from experimental investigations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anatase (100) thin film surface computational model for photoelectrochemical cell
Authors: Jensen Stephanie , Kilin Dmitri
Published: July 2012

Using computational approaches, one is able to better understand electron transfer and specific atomistic behaviors in semiconductor materials; it is also more cost and time effective than experimental methods. If computed semiconductor characteristics show promise, experimentalists can synthesize and further examine the structure. Specifically, doping TiO2 thin film surfaces with platinum and ruthenium have shown great promise for efficient H2 production and is beneficial in comparison to other materials such as the pure silicon used for most of today's solar cells. In computational studies, TiO2 anatase thin film (100) surfaces are doped with platinum and ruthenium. The formulas used are Pt2Ti32O72H16 or Ru2Ti32O72H16 with the (100) crystallographic surface exposed and covered with a monolayer of water. Optimization is completed by density functional theory and Perdue Burke Ernzerhof, (PBE) in Vienna Ab‐initio simulation package (VASP) software. The density of states, absorption spectra, and partial charge densities are compared between slabs doped by the two elements as well as Ti32 O72H16 with no dopant as a standard for reference. The information can be used to show the mechanism of how doping the titanium dioxide nanocrystals facilitates photoinduced charge transfer at the surfaces, which is useful in understanding photoelectrochemical water splitting. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mass spectrometric analysis of novel phosphorylation sites in the TRPC4β channel
Authors: Lee Ji Eun , Song Min‐Young , Shin Seok Kyo , Bae Seong Han , Park Kang‐Sik
Published: July 2012

RATIONALE

The transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channel 4β is a non‐selective cation channel that is regulated by intracellular Ca2+ and G protein‐coupled receptors. Tyrosine phosphorylation of TRPC4β is important in mediating the activity and membrane expression of this channel protein. However, studies of TRPC4β Ser/Thr phosphorylation are lacking.

METHODS

To investigate the phosphorylation sites involved in regulating the diverse functions of TRPC4β in mammalian cells, we used nano‐liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry to identify key phosphorylation sites in TRPC4β that was immunopurified from HEK293 cells with monoclonal anti‐TRPC4β antibody.

RESULTS

We identified four phosphorylation sites in the C‐terminus of TRPC4β, none of which had been previously reported. Our data show that TRPC4β in mammalian cells is highly phosphorylated under basal conditions at multiple sites, and that a mass spectrometric proteomic technique combined with antibody‐based affinity purification is an effective approach to define the phosphorylation sites of TRPC4β channels in mammalian cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These novel phosphorylation sites on TRPC4β may play a potential role in the phosphorylation‐mediated regulation of TRPC4β channel activity and function in mammalian cells. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of 13C enrichment and sugar type on analysis of sugars by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Baumann Karen , Dignac Marie‐France , Bardoux Gérard , Rumpel Cornelia
Published: July 2012

RATIONALE

The objective of this investigation was to test gas‐chromatographic compound‐specific analysis for studies on the isotopic composition of 13C‐enriched sugar molecules. The effects of 13C enrichment and type of sugar (C5, C6) will provide valuable information on isotopic correction for future studies employing 13C‐enriched sugars.

METHODS

Five sugar solutions of xylose, mannose and glucose with 13C enrichments ranging between 1.1 and 1.5 atom‐% were prepared. The 13C enrichments of the initial sugars were measured by elemental analyser/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA/IRMS); 13C enrichments for derivatised sugars were obtained by gas chromatography/combustion/IRMS (GC/C/IRMS).

RESULTS

The linear relationships between the 13C enrichments of the initial sugars and the values for the derivatised sugars were sugar‐type dependent. Corrections for GC/C/IRMS values took into account the kinetic isotope effect (KIE) of the derivatising agent associated with the coefficient (Kd) and a newly introduced second coefficient (Kc) associated with the KIE of the sugar. While Kd was constant, Kc varied with sugar type. During derivatisation acetate groups with 12C and sugars with more 13C reacted faster.

CONCLUSIONS

Coefficients for the specific ranges of 13C enrichments under study have to be assessed and the reactions of different sugar types have to be taken into account to avoid underestimation of 13C enrichment of up to 9% (C5) or overestimation of up to 4% (C6). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oxygen accumulation effect for depth profiling of thin‐multilayered sample using low‐energy oxygen ion beam
Authors: Nishinomiya Suguru , Kubota Naoyoshi , Hayashi Shun‐ichi , Takenaka Hisataka
Published: July 2012

This paper tries to discuss the change of the secondary ion yield, sputtered neutrals yield and the change of the internal energy of sputtered neutrals with O2+ beam bombardment. For this discussion, we researched the influence of the accumulation effect with O2+ beam bombardment by using the secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and the resonance‐enhanced multiphoton ionization sputtered neutral mass spectrometry (REMPI‐SNMS). In order to reveal the influence of different oxygen implantation depth, we used O2+ beam of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 keV and compared the amounts of secondary ions and sputtered neutrals for the nano‐multilayered samples. The results of the SIMS and SNMS measurement indicated that the accumulation effect depends on irradiation energy of O2+ beam because the surface oxygen concentration, which greatly affects secondary ion yield and sputtering neutrals yield, changed for different irradiation energies. In conclusion, it was found that the secondary ion yield, the sputtered neutrals yield and internal energy of sputtered neutrals were significantly changed by oxidation of the matrix elements. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Skew‐elliptical spatial random effect modeling for areal data with application to mapping health utilization rates
Authors: Nathoo Farouk S. , Ghosh Pulak
Published: July 2012

Mixed models incorporating spatially correlated random effects are often used for the analysis of areal data. In this setting, spatial smoothing is introduced at the second stage of a hierarchical framework, and this smoothing is often based on a latent Gaussian Markov random field. The Markov random field provides a computationally convenient framework for modeling spatial dependence; however, the Gaussian assumption underlying commonly used models can be overly restrictive in some applications. This can be a problem in the presence of outliers or discontinuities in the underlying spatial surface, and in such settings, models based on non‐Gaussian spatial random effects are useful.

Motivated by a study examining geographic variation in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome, we develop a robust model for smoothing small‐area health service utilization rates. The model incorporates non‐Gaussian spatial random effects, and we develop a formulation for skew‐elliptical areal spatial models. We generalize the Gaussian conditional autoregressive model to the non‐Gaussian case, allowing for asymmetric skew‐elliptical marginal distributions having flexible tail behavior. The resulting new models are flexible, computationally manageable, and can be implemented in the standard Bayesian software WinBUGS. We demonstrate performance of the proposed methods and comparisons with other commonly used Gaussian and non‐Gaussian spatial prior formulations through simulation and analysis in our motivating application, mapping rates of revascularization for patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome in Quebec, Canada. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of Differential Toll‐like Receptor Responses below the Optical Diffraction Limit
Authors: Aaron Jesse S. , Carson Bryan D. , Timlin Jerilyn A.
Published: July 2012

Many membrane receptors are recruited to specific cell surface domains to form nanoscale clusters upon ligand activation. This step appears to be necessary to initiate cell signaling, including pathways in innate immune system activation. However, virulent pathogens such asYersinia pestis(the causative agent of plague) are known to evade innate immune detection, in contrast to similar microbes (such asEscherichia coli) that elicit a robust response. This disparity has been partly attributed to the structure of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on the bacterial cell wall, which are recognized by the innate immune receptor TLR4. It is hypothesized that nanoscale differences exist between the spatial clustering of TLR4 upon binding of LPS derived fromY. pestisandE. coli. Although optical imaging can provide exquisite details of the spatial organization of biomolecules, there is a mismatch between the scale at which receptor clustering occurs (<300 nm) and the optical diffraction limit (>400 nm). The last decade has seen the emergence of super‐resolution imaging methods that effectively break the optical diffraction barrier to yield truly nanoscale information in intact biological samples. This study reports the first visualizations of TLR4 distributions on intact cells at image resolutions of <30 nm using a novel, dual‐color stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) technique. This methodology permits distinction between receptors containing bound LPS from those without at the nanoscale. Importantly, it is also shown that LPS derived from immunostimulatory bacteria result in significantly higher LPS–TLR4 cluster sizes and a nearly twofold greater ligand/receptor colocalization as compared to immunoevading LPS.
Revisiting patient safety for innovative urological surgery
Authors: Ahmed Kamran , Sharma Sonia , Khan Shahid A.A. , Cahill Declan , Kumar Pardeep , Challacombe Ben , Kirby Roger , Khan Mohammed Shamim , Dasgupta Prokar
Published: July 2012

Technological advances in urology have led to many beneficial outcomes for patients. Unfortunately, increasing the complexity of a procedure may make surgical interventions even more unpredictable, increasing the possibility of error, with its detrimental effect on patient safety. In this article, the authors highlight the fundamental components of the patient safety process and recommend measures to maintain and enhance safer patient care. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons
Effects of multi‐walled carbon nanotube functionalization on the morphological and mechanical properties of nanocomposite foams based on poly(vinyl chloride)/(wood flour)/ (multi‐walled carbon nanotubes)
Authors: Ghasemi I. , Farsheh A.T. , Masoomi Z.
Published: July 2012

Experimental results are presented for nanocomposite foams based on unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride)/(wood flour)/(multi‐wall carbon nanotubes) (PVC/WF/MWCNTs). The nanocomposite samples were prepared in an internal mixer and foamed via a batch processing method using compression molding. Nanoparticles were functionalized by sodium hypochlorite solution, and the functionalization process was monitored by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The effects of MWCNTs (both neat and functionalized) and blowing agent concentration on the morphological properties (cell size and cell density) and mechanical properties (tensile and flexural strength) of the foam samples were studied. The results revealed that foam cell sizes decreased and cell densities increased with addition of MWCNTs. The dispersion of nanoparticles in the PVC medium was increased by functionalization, and the morphological properties of the foams containing functionalized nanoparticles were improved. Density of nanocomposite foams decreased more with functionalized MWCNTs as compared to other samples. Chemical blowing agent concentration had no significant effect on sample density. Mechanical properties of the samples were improved by using functionalized MWCNTs in comparison with those of foams without this component. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 18:161–167, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
The role of spatial planning in adapting to climate change
Authors: Hurlimann Anna C. , March Alan P.
Published: July 2012

Spatial planning has been identified as a critical mechanism through which climate change adaptation can be facilitated. We review the role of spatial planning as a tool for adaptation to climate change. In doing so, we describe common planning processes and tools. Six capacities of spatial planning that have the potential ability to facilitate climate change adaptation are identified and discussed. These principally relate to spatial planning's ability to: act on matters of collective concern; manage competing interests; cut across scales; reduce and act on uncertainty; act as a knowledge repository; and be oriented to the future while integrating a range of diverse systems. Methods (tools) for planning which have the capacity to address climate change adaptation are presented and discussed. In light of these capacities and acknowledged limitations in planning practice, we identify three key challenges to spatial planning for adaptation: (1) developing conviction; (2) facilitating equitable processes and outcomes; and (3) transforming planning systems from passive to proactive.WIREs Clim Change2012 doi: 10.1002/wcc.183

This article is categorized under:

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Institutions for Adaptation
A view of microgrids
Authors: Lopes João Abel Peças , Madureira André Guimarães , Moreira Carlos Coelho Leal Monteiro
Published: July 2012

Large‐scale integration of distributed energy resources in low voltage distribution grids will have a serious impact on power system operation. The development of the microgrid concept is presented as a solution to overcome some of the negative impacts of massive microgeneration deployment. It has paved the way for an active network management approach within the smart grid paradigm. The microgrid concept is able to address the integration of geographically dispersed energy resources, thus avoiding significant technical problems that may affect the security of operation.

This article is categorized under:

Energy Infrastructure > Systems and Infrastructure

Energy Systems Economics > Climate and Environment

Energy and Development > Systems and Infrastructure
Loss of a condyle of the femur or tibia following septic arthritis in infancy: Problems of management and testing of a hypothesis of pathogenesis
Authors: Tercier Stéphane , Siddesh N. D. , Shah Hitesh , Girisha K. M. , Joseph Benjamin
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The study was undertaken to: (1) describe the characteristic radiological features and problems of management of the loss of one condyle of the femur or tibia following septic arthritis of the knee in infancy and (2) test a hypothesis of the cause of the loss of a single condyle.

Methods

Radiographs of eight children with the loss of one condyle of the femur or the tibia following septic arthritis in infancy were reviewed. The course and outcome in two of these children who underwent reconstructive operations were studied. The knees of 35 stillborn foetuses were dissected to determine if the presence of synovial septae could account for the isolated loss of one condyle following infection.

Results

All eight cases showed characteristic features of loss of half the epiphysis, the underlying physis and part of the adjacent metaphysis; the other condyle was totally spared. The two children who underwent elaborate reconstructive procedures had poor outcomes at skeletal maturity, despite a series of additional operations. The foetal cadaveric study showed that complete infrapatellar synovial septae are present in some foetuses approaching 40 weeks of gestation.

Conclusions

The pattern of loss of a femoral or tibial condyle following septic arthritis is consistent with total preservation of the other condyle. The outcome of surgical reconstruction of the missing condyle is poor. The presence of a complete synovial septum could result in the localisation of infection to one half of the joint, with the destruction of one condyle.
Epigenetic regulation of miR‐124 by Hepatitis C Virus core protein promotes migration and invasion of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells by targeting SMYD3
Authors: Zeng Bing , Li Zhihua , Chen Rufu , Guo Ning , Zhou Jiajia , Zhou Quanbo , Lin Qing , Cheng Di , Liao Qiaofang , Zheng Liping , Gong Yuanfeng
Published: July 2012

Hepatitis C Virus core protein (HCVc) plays important roles in the development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to tumor progression by interacting with downstream target genes. However, the regulation and role of miRNAs in HCV‐related intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (HCV‐ICC) is poorly understood. In this study, we found that miR‐124 was down‐regulated in HCV‐ICC and the induction of DNMT1 by HCVc mediated the suppression of miR‐124. Over‐expression of miR‐124 suppressed cell migration and invasion in vitro, and reduced the protein levels of SMYD3 and downstream target genes (c‐Myc and MMP9). Knockdown of SMYD3 inhibited cell migration and invasion resembling that of miR‐124 over‐expression. In conclusion, our studies indicate that low miR‐124 levels mediated by HCVc via DNMT1 promote ICC cell migration and invasion by targeting SMYD3.
PC‐PLC is involved in osteoclastogenesis induced by TNF‐α through upregulating IP3R1 expression
Authors: Xia Lin , Zhang Dongyan , Wang Chune , Wei Fengcai , Hu Yingwei
Published: July 2012

The precise mechanism of how TNF‐α promotes osteoclast formation is not clear. Previous reports show TNF‐α targets molecules that regulate calcium signaling. Inositol‐1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) are important calcium channel responsible for evoking intracellular calcium oscillation. We found that TNF‐α increased the expression of IP3R1 and promoted osteoclastogenesis in RANKL‐induced mouse BMMs. Phosphatidylcholine‐specific phospholipase C (PC‐PLC) specific inhibitor D609 eliminated the upregulation of IP3R1 by TNF‐α, and decreased the autoamplification of nuclear factor of activated T‐cells 1 (NFATc1), thus resulted in less osteoclasts formation. However, D609 did not inhibit RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis. Our data suggest TNF‐α promotes RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis, at least partially, through PC‐PLC/IP3R1/NFATc1 pathway.
The multiple and enigmatic roles of guanylyl cyclase C in intestinal homeostasis
Authors: Arshad Najla , Visweswariah Sandhya S.
Published: July 2012

Guanylyl cyclase C (GC‐C) is predominantly expressed in intestinal epithelial cells and serves as the receptor for the gastrointestinal hormones guanylin and uroguanylin, and the heat‐stable enterotoxin, the causative agent for Travellers' Diarrhea. Activation of GC‐C results in an increase in intracellular levels of cGMP, which can regulate fluid and ion secretion, colon cell proliferation, and the gut immune system. This review highlights recent findings arising from studies in the GC‐C knock‐out mouse, along with enigmatic results obtained from the first descriptions of human disease caused by mutations in the GC‐C gene. We provide some insight into these new findings and comment on areas of future study, which may enhance our knowledge of this evolutionarily conserved receptor and signaling system.
The role of substrate specificity and metal binding in defining the activity and structure of an intracellular subtilisin
Authors: Gamble Michael , Künze Georg , Brancale Andrea , Wilson Keith S. , Jones D. Dafydd
Published: July 2012

The dimeric intracellular subtilisin proteases (ISPs) found throughout Gram‐positive bacteria are a structurally distinct class of the subtilase family. Unlike the vast majority of subtilisin‐like proteases, the ISPs function exclusively within the cell, contributing the majority of observed cellular proteolytic activity. Given that they are active within the cell, little is known about substrate specificity and the role of stress signals such as divalent metal ions in modulating ISP function. We demonstrate that both play roles in defining the proteolytic activity of Bacillus clausii ISP and propose the molecular basis of their effects. Enzyme kinetics reveal that one particular synthetic tetrapeptide substrate, Phe‐Ala‐Ala‐Phe‐pNA, is hydrolysed with a catalytic efficiency ∼100‐fold higher than any other tested. Heat‐denatured whole proteins were found to be better substrates for ISP than the native forms. Substrate binding simulations suggest that the S1, S2 and S4 sites form defined binding pockets. The deep S1 cavity and wide S4 site are fully occupied by the hydrophobic aromatic side‐chains of Phe. Divalent metal ions, probably Ca2+, are proposed to be important for ISP activity through structural changes. The presence of >0.01 mM EDTA inactivates ISP, with CD and SEC suggesting that the protein becomes less structured and potentially monomeric. Removal of Ca2+ at sites close to the dimer interface and the S1 pocket are thought to be responsible for the effect. These studies provide a new insight into the potential physiological function of ISPs, by reconciling substrate specificity and divalent metal binding to associate ISP with the unfolded protein response under stress conditions.
Repressed induction of interferon‐related microRNAs miR‐146a and miR‐155 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells infected with HCV genotype 4
Authors: El-Ekiaby Nada , Hamdi Nabila , Negm Mohamed , Ahmed Rasha , Zekri Abdel Rahman , Esmat Gamal , Abdelaziz Ahmed Ihab
Published: July 2012

MicroRNAs regulate the expression of many genes and subsequently control various cellular processes, such as the immune response to viral infections mediated by type I interferon (IFN). In this study, the expression pattern of two interferon‐related microRNAs, miR‐146a and miR‐155, was examined in healthy and HCV‐genotype‐4‐infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using qRT‐PCR. In contrast to other viral infections, the expression pattern was similar in both healthy and infected PBMCs. This could be attributed to attenuation of IFN pathway by HCV, which was assessed by investigating the expression of MxA, an interferon‐stimulated gene, that showed lower expression in HCV‐infected PBMCs. To determine the site of interference of HCV in the IFN pathway, expression of both microRNAs was examined following stimulation of PBMCs with IFN‐α2a, an activator of the JAK/STAT pathway as well as with imiquimod, a toll‐like receptor‐7 (TLR‐7) agonist that promotes interferon release. IFN stimulation induced the expression of miR‐146a and miR‐155 in HCV‐infected and healthy PBMCs. Stimulation with imiquimod led to a down‐regulation of both microRNAs in infected PBMCs, while it increased their expression in healthy PBMCs, indicating that HCV might interfere with miR‐146a and miR‐155 expression at sites upstream of interferon release, specifically in the TLR‐7 pathway. The pattern of expression of both miR‐146a and miR‐155 was very similar with a strong positive correlation, but showed no correlation to the patients’ clinical or histopathological parameters or response to treatment. In conclusion, HCV infection might repress the induction of miR‐146a and miR‐155 by interfering with TLR‐7 signaling.
The monoclonal antibody HCM31 specifically recognises the Sda tetrasaccharide in goblet cell mucin
Authors: Tsubokawa Daigo , Goso Yukinobu , Kawashima Rei , Ota Hiroyoshi , Nakamura Takeshi , Nakamura Kazuo , Sato Noriko , Kurihara Makoto , Dohi Taeko , Kawamura Yuki I. , Ichikawa Takafumi , Ishihara Kazuhiko
Published: July 2012

Rat small intestinal goblet cell mucins reacting with monoclonal antibody HCM31 increase significantly during regeneration from experimental mucosal damage and at the period of expulsion of parasitic nematode, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (N.b). The reduction in reactivity of HCM31 with mucin upon neuraminidase treatment, suggested that HCM31 recognizes sialylated oligosaccharide on mucin. HCM31‐reactive sialomucins are therefore considered to play an important role in the physiological and pathological changes in the gastrointestinal mucosa. To determine the epitope for HCM31, oligosaccharide–alditols reacted with HCM31 were obtained from the small intestinal mucins of N.b‐infected rats and purified by ion‐exchange chromatography followed by normal‐phase HPLC. Two HCM31‐reactive oligosaccharide‐alditols were obtained. Analyses using tandem mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy showed that these oligosaccharides were core 4 mucin‐type oligosaccharides having a common tetrasaccharide sequence, NeuAcα2‐3(GalNAcβ1‐4)Galβ1‐4GlcNAcβ‐ (Sda blood group antigen). These structures were not found in the small intestinal mucin oligosaccharides from uninfected rats. This epitope specificity of HCM31 was also confirmed using previously established anti‐GM2 and anti‐Sda antibodies. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that HCM31 specifically recognizes mucin‐type oligosaccharides with the Sda tetrasaccharide sequence. Immunohistochemical examination of human gastrointestinal tracts showed that HCM31 site‐specifically stained the goblet cells in normal sigmoid colon and normal rectum, but the goblet cells stained with HCM31 were reduced in the corresponding cancer tissues. HCM31 seems to be useful for diagnosis of colonic cancer and for examining the function of secretory‐type mucin with Sda antigen.
Finding Canada's Healthcare Equilibrium
Authors: Taylor D. Wayne
Published: July 2012

Economic equilibrium, in which demand for health services is in balance with supply, is an elusive phenomenon in advanced healthcare systems worldwide, yet some countries have come closer to economic stasis than Canada. In 2008, the Euro-Canada Health Consumer Index ranked Canada 30th out of 30 countries studied for value for money. Wait times were Canada's weakest spot, and, in terms of system design, context, and economics, there was clear evidence that Canada's healthcare system was out of equilibrium. Canadians can learn from Austria. If Canada expects better value for its healthcare dollar, then cost drivers need to be addressed in a design overhaul. Only then will Canada approach equilibrium.
Trouver l'équilibre dans la santé au Canada
Authors: Taylor D. Wayne
Published: July 2012

L'équilibre économique, selon lequel la demande de services de santé s'harmonise avec l'offre, est un phénomène insaisissable dans les systèmes de santé du monde entier, mais certains pays sont plus près de la stase économique que le Canada. En 2008, l'indice euro-canadien des consommateurs de services de santé a classé le Canada au 30e rang des 30 pays étudiés en matière d'optimisation des ressources. Les temps d'attente étaient le point le plus faible du Canada, et sur le plan de la conception, du contexte et de l'économie des systèmes, il était évident que le système de santé du Canada était en déséquilibre. Les Canadiens peuvent tirer des enseignements de l'Autriche. Si le Canada s'attend à une meilleure optimisation de chaque dollar de santé, il lui faudra revoir les inducteurs de coût dans une restructuration. Ce n'est qu'alors qu'il approchera de l'équilibre.
Inhibition of doxorubicin‐induced HER3‐PI3K‐AKT signalling enhances apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Bezler Martin , Hengstler Jan G. , Ullrich Axel
Published: July 2012

Resistance to chemotherapy is a serious problem for the successful treatment of ovarian cancer patients but signalling pathways that contribute to this chemoinsensitivity are largely unknown. We demonstrate that the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin induces activation of the HER3‐PI3K‐AKT signalling cascade in ovarian cancer cells. We further show that the induction of this anti‐apoptotic signalling pathway is based on upregulated expression of HER3 ligands, their shedding by the metalloprotease ADAM17, and is dependent on the HER2 receptor. The doxorubicin‐mediated activation of this important survival cascade can be blocked by the kinase inhibitors lapatinib or erlotinib as well as by the therapeutic monoclonal antibody trastuzumab. Inhibition of the doxorubicin‐induced activation of HER3‐PI3K‐AKT signalling significantly increased apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. Besides doxorubicin, treatment of cells with cisplatin resulted in activation of the HER3 receptor whereas other chemotherapeutics did not show this effect. The increase in HER3 phosphorylation was detected in well‐established ovarian cancer cell lines which originate from patients previously treated with these chemotherapeutic drugs. Based on these results, we postulate that activation of the HER3‐PI3K‐AKT cascade represents a major mechanism of chemoresistance in ovarian cancer.
The Themes of Quine's Philosophy
Authors: Becker Edward
Published: July 2012

Willard Van Orman Quine's work revolutionized the fields of epistemology, semantics and ontology. At the heart of his philosophy are several interconnected doctrines: his rejection of conventionalism and of the linguistic doctrine of logical and mathematical truth, his rejection of the analytic/synthetic distinction, his thesis of the indeterminacy of translation and his thesis of the inscrutability of reference. In this book Edward Becker sets out to interpret and explain these doctrines. He offers detailed analyses of the relevant texts, discusses Quine's views on meaning, reference and knowledge, and shows how Quine's views developed over the years. He also proposes a new version of the linguistic doctrine of logical truth, and a new way of rehabilitating analyticity. His rich exploration of Quine's thought will interest all those seeking to understand and evaluate the work of one of the most important philosophers of the second half of the twentieth century.
The Economics of Freedom
Authors: Bavetta Sebastiano , Navarra Pietro
Published: July 2012

What is freedom? Can we measure it? Does it affect policy? This book develops an original measure of freedom called 'Autonomy Freedom', consistent with J. S. Mill's view of autonomy, and applies it to issues in policy and political design. The work pursues three aims. First, it extends classical liberalism beyond exclusive reliance on negative freedom so as to take autonomous behavior explicitly into account. Second, it grounds on firm conceptual foundations a new standard in the measurement of freedom that can be fruitfully coupled with existing gauges. Third, it shows empirically that individual preferences for redistribution and cross-country differences in welfare spending in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries are driven by the degree of 'autonomy freedom' that individuals enjoy. By means of an interdisciplinary approach and a sophisticated econometric methodology, the book takes an explicit stand in defense of freedom and sets the basis for a liberalism based upon people's actions and institutions.