bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biorefinery sustainability assessment
Authors: Schaidle Joshua A. , Moline Christopher J. , Savage Phillip E.
Published: November 2010

This article presents a comparative sustainability assessment of three biorefineries that produce liquid fuels used in current infrastructure. The three options considered are biochemical production of ethanol from grain and from cellulosic feedstocks and thermochemical production of Fischer‐Tropsch diesel from biomass‐derived syngas. These biorefineries were compared using numerous environmental, economic, and social metrics, with numerical values derived from a thorough review of recent literature. For each of the three biorefinery options, the metrics were not determined from a specific process design, but from a variety of different designs reported in literature. Where necessary, corn was selected as the feedstock for grain ethanol and switchgrass was selected for cellulosic ethanol and Fischer‐Tropsch diesel. These sustainability metrics were used in an Analytic Hierarchy Process decision analysis to compare the sustainability of the different biorefineries. Thus, a new decision‐making tool has been created in which the user can assign different weights to each category and its metrics. This tool was used to explore the influence of different weights, different market conditions, and uncertainties in the values of the metrics on the relative sustainability of the different options. Based on the results of this assessment, cellulosic ethanol biorefineries are modestly more sustainable than grain ethanol and Fischer‐Tropsch diesel. Grain ethanol was favorable economically whereas Fischer‐Tropsch diesel had the highest score on the societal metrics. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2010
Scale variation of post‐glacial sediment yield in Chilliwack Valley, British Columbia
Authors: Tunnicliffe Jon F. , Church Michael
Published: November 2010

The Holocene volumetric sediment budget is estimated for coarse textured sediments (sand and gravel) in a large, formerly glaciated valley in southwest British Columbia. Erosion is estimated by compiling volumetric loss estimated in digital elevation models (DEMs) of gullied topography and by applying a non‐linear diffusion model on planar, undissected hillslopes. Estimates of steepland yield are based on estimates of post‐glacial deposition volumes in fans, cones and deltas at the outlets of low‐order tributary catchments. Erosion of post‐glacial fans and tributary valley fills is estimated by reconstructing formerly continuous surfaces. Results are classed by catchment order and compared across scales of contributing area, revealing declining specific sediment yield (in m3 km−2 a−1) with catchment area for the smaller tributaries (<10 km2) and increasing specific sediment yield for larger tributaries and Chilliwack Valley itself. Approximately 60% of mobilized sediment is redeposited in first‐ to third‐order catchments, with lesser proportions stored at the outlets of higher order catchments. A simple network routing model emphasizes the significant sediment flux contributions from colluvium, drift blankets and gullies in steeper terrain. As this material is deposited at junctions within the lower drainage network, an increasing proportion of material is derived from remnant valley fills and para‐glacial fans in the major valleys. Yield from lower‐order, steepland catchments tends to remain in storage, indefinitely sequestered on footslopes. These observations have implications for modelling the post‐glacial sediment balance amongst catchments of varying size. After 104 years, the system remains in disequilibrium. The critical linkage lies between low‐order, hillslope catchments (<fourth‐order) and the larger valleys with more complex fluvial systems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic economic dispatch solution using an improved genetic algorithm with non‐stationary penalty functions
Authors: Ganjefar Soheil , Tofighi Morteza
Published: November 2010

This paper presents an improved genetic algorithm with non‐stationary penalty functions (IGA‐NSPF) to solve the dynamic economic dispatch (DED) problem of generating units while considering valve‐point effects. The cost function of the generating units exhibits the non‐convex characteristics, as the valve‐point effects are modeled and imposed as rectified sinusoid components in the cost function. An improved evolution direction operator and gene swap operator are introduced in the proposed approach to improve the convergence characteristic of the genetic algorithm (GA). The non‐stationary penalty functions (NSPF) are introduced to put more selective pressure on the GA to find a feasible solution, resulting in difficulty during solution searching. The non‐stationary penalty is a function of the number of iterations that, in the proposed method, are based on a sigmoid function as the number of iteration increases so does the penalty. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, a dispatch case consisting of 10 units and 24 time intervals has been considered. Numerical results indicate that the performance of the IGA‐NSPF presents the best results when compared with previous optimization methods in solving DED problems with the valve‐point effect. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional modal analysis of sloshing under surface tension
Authors: El‐Kamali M. , Schotté J.‐S. , Ohayon R.
Published: November 2010

The space structures such as satellites, probes or space stations generally contain large amounts of liquids, which can be propellants, cooling liquids, etc. The motion of these liquids can influence the vibrational behavior of the main structure and can potentially disturb the trajectory controller or the stabilization procedures. To avoid hazardous coupling between the inner liquid sloshing and the main structure movements, engineers need to know precisely the evolution of the inner liquid eigenmodes and eigenfrequencies during the mission. In this aim, we propose here a numerical approach to solve the three‐dimensional linear sloshing problem of an incompressible inviscid liquid taking into account the effects of surface tension which are predominant in low‐gravity environment. A variational formulation is derived from the linearization of the motion equations of the liquid near its initial equilibrium state (meniscus) and its discretization by the finite element method gives a classical spectral problem, whose solutions are the sloshing eigenmodes. While the majority of authors consider simple geometries of tanks, the advantage of the formulation presented here is to be easily applicable to real three‐dimensional cases as it will be demonstrated in some application examples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Space–time SUPG formulation of the shallow‐water equations
Authors: Takase Shinsuke , Kashiyama Kazuo , Tanaka Seizo , Tezduyar Tayfun E.
Published: November 2010

We present a new space–time SUPG formulation of the shallow‐water equations. In this formulation, we use a stabilization parameter that was introduced for compressible flows and a new shock‐capturing parameter. In the context of two test problems, we evaluate the performance of the new shock‐capturing parameter. We also evaluate the performance of the space–time SUPG formulation compared to the semi‐discrete SUPG formulation, where the system of semi‐discrete equations is solved with the central‐difference (Crank–Nicolson) time‐integration algorithm. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A CRM1‐dependent nuclear export pathway is involved in the regulation of MutLα subcellular localization
Authors: Brieger Angela , Adam Ronja , Passmann Sandra , Plotz Guido , Zeuzem Stefan , Trojan Jörg
Published: November 2010

MutLα plays an essential role in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) and is additionally involved in other cellular mechanisms such as the regulation of cell cycle checkpoints and apoptosis. Therefore, not only germline MMR gene defects but also the subcellular localization of MutLα might be of importance for the development of Lynch syndrome. Recently, we showed that MutLα contains functional nuclear import sequences and is most frequently localized in the nucleus. Here, we demonstrate that MutLα can move bidirectionally towards the nuclear membrane. Using MutLα transfected HEK293T cells we observed a significant shift of MLH1 and PMS2 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm after irradiation or cisplatin treatment. We analyzed both proteins for potential nuclear export sequences (NES) and identified one functional Rev‐type NES (578LFDLAMLAL) in the C‐terminal part of MLH1 that facilitates export via the CRM1/exportin pathway. Moreover, an MLH1‐NES mutation detected in a patient with Lynch syndrome showed normal MMR activity but led to significantly impaired cytoplasmic transport after actinomycin D treatment. These results indicate that MutLα is able to shuttle from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, probably signaling DNA damages to downstream pathways. In conclusion, not only a defective MMR but also impaired nucleo‐cytoplasmic shuttling might result in the onset of Lynch syndrome. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanisms of action of a psychological intervention for dementia caregivers: effects of behavioral activation and modification of dysfunctional thoughts
Authors: Losada Andrés , Márquez‐González María , Romero‐Moreno Rosa
Published: November 2010

Objective

Different studies show the negative effects on caregivers' health of maladaptive thoughts and the positive effects of engaging in pleasurable activities on distress. The aim of this study is to (a) test the efficacy of a cognitive‐behavioral intervention aimed at training caregivers to flexibilize maladaptive thoughts regarding caregiving and increasing their leisure activities and to (b) analyse the mediator role in the effects of the intervention of caregivers' change in dysfunctional thoughts and behavioral activation.

Methods

A total of 170 caregivers were contacted and randomly distributed to the intervention condition or to the control group. Depression, behavioral activation, and dysfunctional thoughts were assessed at baseline and post‐intervention by ‘blinded’ interviewers. The intervention consisted in twelve group based sessions in which in addition to cognitive‐behavioral techniques, caregivers' were trained in basic principles for caring for a relative with dementia.

Results

Significant intervention by time effects were found for depression, dysfunctional thoughts and frequency of leisure activities. Only significant positive effects were found for the intervention group. The regression analysis for testing mediational effects of dysfunctional thoughts and leisure activities on the relationship between participating on the intervention and changes in depressive symptomatology show that mediation is established in both cases.

Conclusions

The results of our study contribute to the literature on interventions for dementia caregivers highlighting the positive mediator effect that modifying caregivers' dysfunctional thoughts and increasing their behavioral activation has on caregivers' depressive symptomatology. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The association of weight gain during adulthood with prostate cancer incidence and survival: A population‐based cohort
Authors: Chamberlain Charlotte , Romundstad Pål , Vatten Lars , Gunnell David , Martin Richard M.
Published: November 2010

Obese men appear to have an increased risk of being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer and of dying from the disease. Few studies have examined the impact of weight gain during adulthood on prostate cancer risk and mortality and these have reported conflicting results. We analysed data from 20,991 Norwegian men who participated in two phases of the Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study in 1984/1986 (HUNT‐1, when aged at least 20 years) and 1995/1997 (HUNT‐2). Weight and height were measured at both HUNT‐1 and HUNT‐2, allowing each man's change in weight and body mass index (BMI) to be computed. During a median of 9.3 years of follow‐up after the end of HUNT‐2, 649 (3%) men developed prostate cancer. We observed no increase in prostate cancer incidence amongst men who put on weight between HUNT‐1 and HUNT‐2. In multivariable models, including adjustment for weight at HUNT‐2, the hazard ratio (HR) for prostate cancer per one standard deviation, SD (6.2 kg) gain in weight was 0.98 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.87–1.10, p‐trend = 0.70) and per one SD gain in BMI (1.9 kg/m2) was 0.99 (95% CI = 0.90–1.10, p‐trend = 0.88). Amongst men diagnosed with prostate cancer (any stage), there was no evidence that gain in weight before diagnosis was positively associated with subsequent all‐cause mortality (HR per one SD increase in weight = 0.98; 95% CI = 0.81–1.19, p‐trend = 0.86). We conclude that weight gain in adulthood had no effect on prostate cancer incidence or survival in this population.
Persistent human papillomavirus DNA is associated with local recurrence after radiotherapy of uterine cervical cancer
Authors: Song Yong Jung , Kim Joo‐Young , Lee Su‐Kyoung , Lim Hyun‐Sun , Lim Myong Cheol , Seo Sang‐Soo , Kang Sokbom , Lee Dong Ock , Park Sang‐Yoon
Published: November 2010

Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA is considered as a hallmark of cervical cancer. We investigated whether persistent HPV DNA at the cervix is associated with local recurrence after radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. A total of 156 patients with HPV‐positive cervical cancer (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IB–IVB) treated with radiotherapy between July 2003 and December 2006 were analyzed. HPV DNA was measured prior to radiotherapy and after completion of radiotherapy. The results of HPV DNA test at postradiotherapy 1, 3, 6 and 12 months were analyzed individually for association with local recurrence‐free survival (LRFS). In addition, the result of any last follow‐up HPV test within 24 months postradiotherapy was defined as the overall status of HPV at 24 months and was also analyzed for association with LRFS. HPV DNA was cleared in 127 patients (81.4%) and persistent in 29 patients (18.6%) by 24 months. In 18 patients with local recurrences, 14 patients (78%) showed positive HPV tests at 1–3 months. Among the various time points analyzed, a positive HPV test at 3 months was the most accurate predictor of local recurrence. Multivariate analysis indicated that overall status of HPV at 24 months, low HPV viral load and histologic grade as being significantly related to poor LRFS. In HPV‐positive cervical carcinoma treated primarily with radiotherapy, persistent HPV DNA within 24 months after treatment indicates a high risk of local recurrence. Diagnostic accuracy of HPV test was highest at 3 months.
Risk of invasive cervical cancer in relation to clinical investigation and treatment after abnormal cytology: A population‐based case–control study
Authors: Silfverdal Lena , Kemetli Levent , Sparén Pär , Andrae Bengt , Strander Björn , Ryd Walter , Dillner Joakim , Törnberg Sven
Published: November 2010

A substantial proportion of women with cervical cancer that have participated in cervical screening have a history of an abnormal cytology result. Our objective was to assess the impact of histological investigation and treatment of women with abnormal cytology on the subsequent risk of invasive cervical cancer. All invasive cervical cancer cases in Sweden 1999–2001 and five population‐based control women per case were investigated. Clinical investigations and treatment were analysed in case women (N = 143) and control women (N = 176) below 67 with abnormal cytology results 0.5–6.5 years before the cases' diagnosis. Cervical cancer risk in relation to investigation [histology or not, punch biopsy, cervical curettage or cone/large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ)], and treatment (treatment or not, excisional or ablative) was estimated as odds ratios (ORs) using logistic regression. Absence of histological assessment was associated with increased cancer risk, both after low‐grade [OR 2.37; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.27–4.43] and high‐grade squamous atypia (8.26; 2.37–28.8). Among women with histology, absence of treatment was associated with increased cancer risk (3.68; 1.53–8.84), also when biopsy showed low‐grade atypia or normal findings (3.57; 1.18–10.8). Ablative therapy associated with increased risk compared with excisional (3.82; 1.01–14.4), and laser conisation associated with decreased risk compared with LLETZ (0.06; 0.01–0.36). In conclusion, low‐grade as well as high‐grade squamous atypical cytology results may warrant histological investigation, treatment reduced cancer risk even when histology was negative or showed low‐grade atypia indicating a need for improvements in the diagnosis of high‐grade lesions, and laser conisation was the most effective treatment.
Hospital‐related morbidity among childhood cancer survivors in British Columbia, Canada: Report of the childhood, adolescent, young adult cancer survivors (CAYACS) program
Authors: Lorenzi Maria F. , Xie Lijing , Rogers Paul C. , Pritchard Sheila , Goddard Karen , McBride Mary L.
Published: November 2010

Our study examines inpatient, hospital‐related morbidity in a geographically‐defined cohort of long‐term cancer survivors diagnosed before age 20 years in the province of British Columbia (BC), Canada. A total of 1374 survivors diagnosed from 1981 to 1995 surviving at least 5‐years postdiagnosis, and a matched sample of 13,740 BC residents, were identified from population registers, and linked to provincial hospitalization records from 1986 to 2000. Logistic regression was used to assess relative risk and effect of sociodemographic, clinical, and temporal factors on risk. Approximately 41% of survivors vs. 17% of the population sample had at least one type of hospitalization‐related late morbidity in the observation period (adjusted RR 4.1, 95% CI 3.7–4.5). Those at highest risk were survivors of leukemia (RR 4.8, 95% CI 4.0–5.8), central nervous system tumors (RR 4.8, 95% CI 4.0–5.8), bone and soft tissue sarcomas (RR 4.9, 95% CI 3.8–6.2), and kidney cancer (RR 4.9, 95% CI 3.4–7.0). Adjusted relative risk was elevated for all types of morbidity except pregnancy and birth complications, and highest for neoplasms (including second primary cancers) (RR 21.7, 95% CI 16.3–28.7). Morbidity was elevated for all combinations of primary treatment and highest for those with previous radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery (RR 7.1, 95% CI 5.5–9.0). Over time, morbidity for late effects other than neoplasms became more prevalent. These results suggest that survivors are at increased ongoing risk of many types of hospital‐related late morbidity, implying that long‐term monitoring for multiple health problems is warranted.
Protective actions of des‐aspartate‐angiotensin I in mice model of CEES‐induced lung intoxication
Authors: Ng Eugene Teck‐Leong , Sim Meng‐Kwoon , Loke Weng‐Keong
Published: November 2010

The present study investigated the protective actions of des‐aspartate‐angiotensin I (DAA‐I) in mice that were intranasally administered 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), a half sulfur mustard. The protection was dose‐dependent, and an oral dose of 75 mg kg−1per day administered 18 h post exposure and for the following 13 days, offered maximum protection that increased survival by a third. DAA‐I attenuated the early processes of inflammation seen in the CEES‐inoculated mice. DAA‐I attenuated (i) elevated pulmonary ROS, and gp91‐phox protein of NADPH oxidase, a non phagocytic enzyme that generates superoxide and subsequent ROS; (ii) intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) that is involved in the extravasation of circulating leucocytes; and (iii) myeloperoxidase activity, which is a surrogate enzymatic measurement of neutrophil infiltration. These actions led to improved histological lung structures, and survival of type‐1 pneumocytes. The action of DAA‐I on animal survival was blocked by losartan, a selective angiotensin AT1 receptor blocker, indicting that the AT1 receptor mediates the protection. The presence of elevated PGE2 and PGI2 in lung supernatants of DAA‐I treated CEES‐inoculated mice indicates that the two prostaglandins are involved in signaling the protective actions of DAA‐I. This finding complements earlier studies showing that DAA‐I acts on an indomethacin‐sensitive angiotensin AT1 receptor. The findings of the present study are the first demonstration of an angiotensin peptide as an effective antidote for CEES intoxication. DAA‐I is also an effective therapeutic intervention against CEES that was instituted at 18 h post exposure, and challenges conventional assumptions of limited efficacy with delayed action against alkylating agents. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles change endothelial cell morphology and mechanics via reactive oxygen species formation
Authors: Buyukhatipoglu Kivilcim , Clyne Alisa Morss
Published: November 2010

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are used in various medical applications including magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic hyperthermia, and targeted drug and gene delivery. When used in vivo, these nanoparticles interact with endothelial cells lining all blood vessels, therefore it is crucial to understand endothelial cell functional changes and toxicity upon nanoparticle exposure. We incubated porcine aortic endothelial cells with varying concentrations of bare iron oxide nanoparticles (20–40 nm), and measured cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, morphology and cytoskeletal organization, death, and elastic modulus. Intracellular ROS increased more than 800% after 3 h of nanoparticle exposure (0.5 mg mL−1). Endothelial cells elongated to more than twice their initial length by 12 h, and actin stress fibers formed within the cells. This change in the actin cytoskeleton increased cell elastic modulus by 50%. When ROS formation was blocked using scavengers, initial cell morphology and the actin cytoskeleton remained intact, and cell viability increased. These studies suggest that iron oxide nanoparticles induce ROS formation, which disrupts the actin cytoskeleton and alters endothelial cell morphology and mechanics. If ROS formation is decreased using ROS inhibitors, either as a component of the nanoparticle coating or by systemic administration, higher nanoparticle concentrations might be used with greater efficacy and diminished side effects. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Moment arms of the shoulder muscles during axial rotation
Authors: Ackland David C. , Pandy Marcus G.
Published: November 2010

The objective of the present study was to determine the instantaneous moment arms of 18 major muscle sub‐regions crossing the glenohumeral joint in axial rotation of the humerus during coronal‐plane abduction and sagittal‐plane flexion. The tendon‐excursion method was used to measure instantaneous muscle moment arms in eight entire upper‐extremity cadaver specimens. The results showed that the inferior subscapularis was the largest internal rotator; its rotation moment arm peaks were 24.4 and 27.0 mm during abduction and flexion, respectively. The inferior infraspinatus and teres minor were the greatest external rotators; their respective rotation moment arms peaked at 28.3 and 26.5 mm during abduction, and 23.3 and 22.1 mm during flexion. The two supraspinatus sub‐regions were external rotators during abduction and internal rotators during flexion. The latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major behaved as internal rotators throughout both abduction and flexion, with the three pectoralis major sub‐regions and middle and inferior latissimus dorsi displaying significantly larger internal rotation moment arms with the humerus adducted or flexed than when abducted or extended (p < 0.001). The deltoid behaved either as an internal rotator or an external rotator, depending on the degree of humeral abduction and axial rotation. Knowledge of moment arm differences between muscle sub‐regions may assist in identifying the functional effects of muscle sub‐region tears, assist surgeons in planning tendon transfer surgery, and aid in the development and validation of biomechanical computer models. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:658–667, 2011
Synthesis and Raman spectroscopic characterisation of hydrotalcites based on the formula Ca6Al2(CO3)(OH)16· 4H2O
Authors: Frost Ray L. , Palmer Sara J. , Theiss Frederick
Published: November 2010

We have successfully synthesised hydrotalcites (HTs) containing calcium, which are naturally occurring minerals. Insight into the unique structure of HTs has been obtained using a combination of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) as well as infrared and Raman spectroscopies. Calcium‐containing hydrotalcites (Ca‐HTs) of the formula Ca4Al2(CO3)(OH)12·4H2O (2:1 Ca‐HT) to Ca8Al2(CO3)(OH)20· 4H2O (4:1 Ca‐HT) have been successfully synthesised and characterised by XRD and Raman spectroscopy. XRD has shown that 3:1 calcium HTs have the largest interlayer distance. Raman spectroscopy complemented with selected infrared data has been used to characterise the synthesised Ca‐HTs. The Raman bands observed at around 1086 and 1077 cm−1 were attributed to the ν1 symmetric stretching modes of the (CO32−) units of calcite and carbonate intercalated into the HT interlayer. The corresponding ν3 CO32− antisymmetric stretching modes are found at around 1410 and 1475 cm−1. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Bounded Axiom A Forcing Axiom
Authors: Weinert Thilo
Published: November 2010

We introduce the Bounded Axiom A Forcing Axiom (BAAFA). It turns out that it is equiconsistent with the existence of a regular ∑2‐correct cardinal and hence also equiconsistent with BPFA. Furthermore we show that, if consistent, it does not imply the Bounded Proper Forcing Axiom (BPFA) (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Consistency of Heyting arithmetic in natural deduction
Authors: Kanckos Annika
Published: November 2010

A proof of the consistency of Heyting arithmetic formulated in natural deduction is given. The proof is a reduction procedure for derivations of falsity and a vector assignment, such that each reduction reduces the vector. By an interpretation of the expressions of the vectors as ordinals each derivation of falsity is assigned an ordinal less than ε 0, thus proving termination of the procedure (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Highly Selective Anionic Counterion‐based Fluorescent Sensor for Hg2+ by Grafted Conjugated Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Zhang Zhiyong , Fan Quli , Sun Pengfei , Liu Lulin , Lu Xiaomei , Li Bo , Quan Yiwu , Huang Wei
Published: November 2010

Grafted conjugated polyelectrolytes were synthesized for the first time and characterized. The polymers demonstrated properties of a convenient and efficient protocol for creating Hg2+ sensors. The unique character of the new material comes from an anionic counterion nature with no external cofactors, and imparts high selectivity and fast detection for mercury ion in a fluorescence probe. The concept may be potentially applied to create new sensors for monitoring other ions.

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Tough and Hydrophilic Photonic Crystals Obtained from Direct UV Irradiation
Authors: Zhang Yuqi , Hao Xin , Zhou Jinming , Zhang Youzhuan , Wang Jingxia , Song Yanlin , Jiang Lei
Published: November 2010

Tough and hydrophilic polystyrene (PS) photonic crystals (PCs) were obtained from direct UV irradiation. The irradiation procedure results in photochemical cross‐linking of PS spheres, which leads to the enhanced mechanical strength of the PC films, without degrading the spectra quality of the PCs. Otherwise, the irradiation induces the formation of the carbonyl groups upon the latex surface, which changes the wettability of the films from hydrophobicity to high hydrophilicity. The results provide a facile and effective approach to fabricate functional PC films with high mechanical strength and special wettability, which will be of great importance for the practical application of PCs.

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Silica‐Polymethacrylate Hybrid Particles Synthesized Using High‐Pressure Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Pietrasik Joanna , Hui Chin Ming , Chaladaj Wojciech , Dong Hongchen , Choi Jihoon , Jurczak Janusz , Bockstaller Michael R. , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: November 2010

Hybrid nanoparticles with a silica core and grafted poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) or poly(n‐butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) chains were prepared via activators generated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization (AGET ATRP) at room temperature under high pressure. Due to enhanced propagation rate constant and reduced termination rate constant for polymerizations conducted under high pressure, the rate of polymerization was increased, while preserving good control over polymerization when compared to ATRP under ambient pressure. Molecular weights of greater than 1 million were obtained. The PMMA and PBMA brushes exhibited “semi‐diluted” or “diluted” brush architecture with the highest grafting densities ≈0.3 chain·nm−2.

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Mass spectrometric analysis of long‐chain lipids
Authors: Murphy Robert C. , Axelsen Paul H.
Published: November 2010

Electrospray and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization generate abundant molecular ion species from all known lipids that have long chain fatty acyl groups esterified or amidated to many different polar headgroup features. Molecular ion species include both positive ions from proton addition [M+H]+ and negative ions from proton abstraction [M−H]− as well as positive ions from alkali metal attachment and negative ions from acetate or chloride attachment. Collisional activation of both MALDI and ESI behave very similarly in that generated molecular species yield product ions that reveal many structural features of the fatty acyl lipids that can be detected in tandem mass spectrometric experiments. For many lipid species, collision induced dissociation of the positive [M+H]+ reveals information about the polar headgroup, while collision induced dissociation of the negative [M−H]− provides information about the fatty acyl chain. The mechanisms of formation of many of these lipid product ions have been studied in detail and many established pathways are reviewed here. Specific examples of mass spectrometric behavior of several molecular species are presented, including fatty acids, triacylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, ceramide, and sphingomeylin. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 30:579–599, 2011
Perfusion territory imaging of intracranial branching arteries – optimization of continuous artery‐selective spin labeling (CASSL)
Authors: Helle Michael , Rüfer Susanne , Alfke Karsten , Jansen Olav , Norris David G.
Published: November 2010

Continuous artery‐selective spin labeling (CASSL) is based on a standard continuous arterial spin labeling sequence with adiabatic flow‐driven inversion and an amplitude‐modulated control experiment, and has been proposed recently as a new method for the noninvasive flow territory mapping of cerebral arteries. Spatial selectivity is achieved by the rotation of a tilted labeling plane about the axis of a selected artery, which restricts the tagging pulses to the same spatial position for the vessel of interest but, for any other adjacent and parallel artery, the locus of resonance will vary in time and saturates the blood at a certain distance to the labeling focus. In numerical simulations and in a volunteer study, the key labeling parameters of CASSL were investigated with the goal of increasing the spatial selectivity whilst maintaining sufficient labeling efficiency, in order to selectively label the blood in small intracranial arteries distal to the circle of Willis. The optimized labeling parameters were employed in vivo and adapted to different vascular geometries. The labeling of small intracranial branches of the anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries in close vicinity to other vessels yielded clearly delineated perfusion territories and demonstrated the method's capability for highly selective perfusion measurements. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pro‐inflammatory chemokine–chemokine receptor interactions within the Ewing sarcoma microenvironment determine CD8+ T‐lymphocyte infiltration and affect tumour progression
Authors: Berghuis Dagmar , Santos Susy J , Baelde Hans J , Taminiau Antonie HM , Maarten Egeler R , Schilham Marco W , Hogendoorn Pancras CW , Lankester Arjan C
Published: November 2010

Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive round cell sarcoma with poor patient prognosis, particularly in cases of advanced‐stage disease. Dynamic tumor‐host immune interations within the tumor microenvironment may polarize in situ immune responses and shape tumor development and/or progression. To gain insight into the nature of tumour–host immune interactions within the Ewing sarcoma microenvironment, the presence and spatial distribution of infiltrating CD8+/CD4+ T‐lymphocytes were evaluated in therapy‐naive Ewing sarcoma. Expression profiling of 40 different chemokines and several chemokine receptors was performed in therapy‐naive tumours and cell lines by qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Considerable inter‐tumour variation was observed regarding density, type, and distribution of infiltrating T‐lymphocytes. Tumour‐infiltrating T‐cells contained significantly higher percentages of CD8+ T‐lymphocytes as compared to stroma‐infiltrating cells, suggesting preferential migration of this T‐cell type into tumour areas. Gene expression levels of several type 1‐associated, pro‐inflammatory chemokines (CXCR3‐ and CCR5‐ligands CXCL9, CXCL10, and CCL5) correlated positively with infiltrating (CD8+) T‐lymphocyte numbers expressing corresponding chemokine receptors. Survival analyses demonstrated an impact of tumour‐infiltrating, and not stroma‐infiltrating, CD8+ T‐lymphocytes on tumour progression. At protein level, both tumour and stromal cells expressed the IFNγ‐inducible chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10. CCR5‐ligand CCL5 was exclusively expressed by non‐tumoural stromal/infiltrating cells. Together, our results indicate that an inflammatory immune microenvironment with high expression of type 1‐associated chemokines may be critical for the recruitment of (CD8+) T‐lymphocytes expressing corresponding chemokine receptors. The observed impact of tumour‐infiltrating (CD8+) T‐lymphocytes is consistent with a role for adaptive anti‐tumour immunity in the prevention of Ewing sarcoma progression. Recognition of the merits and exploitation/induction of an inflammatory microenvironment may improve the efficacy of natural immune responses against, and (adoptive) immunotherapeutic approaches for, Ewing sarcoma. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of antidepressants and NSAIDs in relation to mortality in long‐term breast cancer survivors
Authors: Wernli Karen J. , Hampton John M. , Trentham‐Dietz Amy , Newcomb Polly A.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the post‐diagnosis use of antidepressants and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in relation to all‐cause, breast cancer, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among long‐term breast cancer survivors.

Methods

A cohort of 3058 breast cancer survivors, who previously participated in a series of case‐control studies diagnosed between 1988 and 1999 in Wisconsin. Cancer survivors completed a self‐administered mailed follow‐up questionnaire in 1998–2001 that addressed use of medications post‐diagnosis, including antidepressants and NSAIDs. Vital status information was obtained through the National Death Index through 31 December 2006. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

We identified 463 deaths due to all‐causes, 163 due to breast cancer, and 93 due to CVD during follow‐up. Among women who had used any antidepressant after a breast cancer diagnosis, there was an increased risk of all‐cause (adjusted HR = 1.50, 95%CI: 1.12−2.02) and CVD mortality (HR = 2.42, 95%CI: 1.21−4.83), but not breast cancer mortality (HR = 0.93, 95%CI: 0.55−1.56). The use of NSAIDs after diagnosis was not associated with all‐cause (HR = 0.87, 95%CI: 0.69−1.18), breast cancer mortality (HR = 0.69, 95%CI: 0.44−1.10), or CVD (HR = 0.97, 95%CI: 0.57−1.65).

Conclusions

The use of antidepressants or NSAIDS was not related to breast cancer mortality in long‐term breast cancer survivors. In these women, however, antidepressants may increase the risk of all‐cause mortality. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polypropylene nanocomposites with various functionalized‐multiwalled nanotubes: thermomechanical properties, morphology, gas permeation, and optical transparency
Authors: Ko Jeong‐Ho , Yoon Choon Sup , Chang Jin‐Hae
Published: November 2010

Polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites with three different functionalized‐multiwalled nanotubes (F‐MWNTs) are compared in terms of their thermomechanical properties, morphology, oxygen permeability, and optical transparency. The F‐MWNTs dodecanol‐MWNT, dodecylamine‐MWNT, and 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐phenyl‐2‐propanol‐MWNT were combined with PP to produce hybrid films. The variations of their properties with the matrix polymer F‐MWNT content are discussed. Transmission electron microscopy photographs show that most of the F‐MWNTs are dispersed homogeneously in the matrix polymer on the nanoscale, although some agglomerated F‐MWNT particles are formed. Even composites with low F‐MWNT contents (≤3 wt %) exhibit much better thermomechanical values than pure PP. The gas permeability of the hybrids was found to decrease linearly with increases in the F‐MWNT content of the PP matrix. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010
Toughening of poly(L‐lactide)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite with ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate
Authors: Shi Yunyun , Li Yanli , Wu Jun , Huang Ting , Chen Chen , Peng Ya , Wang Yong
Published: November 2010

Poly(L‐lactide)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PLLA/MWCNTs) nanocomposite recently attracts much attention because of its excellent comprehensive properties including improved thermostability, tensile strength, and conductivity. However, the nanocomposite exhibits similar brittleness compared with unmodified PLLA. In this work, a polar elastomer, that is, ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate (EVA), was introduced into PLLA/MWCNTs nanocomposite. The selective distribution of MWCNTs and the effects of EVA on crystalline structure of PLLA were investigated using scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, differential scanning calorimetry, and wide angle X‐ray diffraction. The results show that the presence of EVA induces the change of the distribution of MWCNTs in the nanocomposites, and consequently, the cold crystallization of PLLA is prevented. With the increase of EVA content, both the ductility and the impact resistance of PLLA/FMWCNTs are improved greatly, indicating the toughening effect of EVA on PLLA/MWCNTs nanocomposite. The decreased tensile strength and modulus can be compensated through annealing treatment. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Modulation of a GEF switch: Autoinhibition of the intrinsic guanine nucleotide exchange activity of p115‐RhoGEF
Authors: Chen Zhe , Guo Liang , Sprang Stephen R. , Sternweis Paul C.
Published: November 2010

p115‐RhoGEF (p115) belongs to the family of RGS‐containing guanine nucleotide exchange factors for Rho GTPases (RGS‐RhoGEFs) that are activated by G12 class heterotrimeric G protein α subunits. All RGS‐RhoGEFs possess tandemly linked Dbl‐homology (DH) and plekstrin‐homology (PH) domains, which bind and catalyze the exchange of GDP for GTP on RhoA. We have identified that the linker region connecting the N‐terminal RGS‐homology (RH) domain and the DH domain inhibits the intrinsic guanine nucleotide exchange (GEF) activity of p115, and determined the crystal structures of the DH/PH domains in the presence or absence of the inhibitory linker region. An N‐terminal extension of the canonical DH domain (the GEF switch), which is critical to GEF activity, is well folded in the crystal structure of DH/PH alone, but becomes disordered in the presence of the linker region. The linker region is completely disordered in the crystal structure and partially disordered in the molecular envelope calculated from measurements of small angle x‐ray scattering (SAXS). It is possible that Gα subunits activate p115 in part by relieving autoinhibition imposed by the linker region.
High‐pressure synthesis and properties of new functional compounds
Authors: Jin C. Q. , Liu Q. Q. , Long Y. W. , Zhao J. G. , Lu Y. X. , Yang L. X. , Zhu J. L. , Wang X. C.
Published: November 2010

High pressure is a powerful tool in the development of new advanced compounds as it is thermodynamically favorable in the formation of highly compacted advanced materials like perovskite‐type crystals. In particular, the compounds of correlated electron systems containing transition metals have attracted growing research interest because they manifest profound physical functions for a number of potential applications. This paper will introduce our recent work on the high‐pressure synthesis and properties of a correlated electron system with novel properties.
Mixed models for data from thorough QT studies: Part 2. One‐step assessment of conditional QT prolongation
Authors: Schall Robert
Published: November 2010

We investigate mixed analysis of covariance models for the ‘one‐step’ assessment of conditional QT prolongation. Initially, we consider three different covariance structures for the data, where between‐treatment covariance of repeated measures is modelled respectively through random effects, random coefficients, and through a combination of random effects and random coefficients. In all three of those models, an unstructured covariance pattern is used to model within‐treatment covariance. In a fourth model, proposed earlier in the literature, between‐treatment covariance is modelled through random coefficients but the residuals are assumed to be independent identically distributed (i.i.d.). Finally, we consider a mixed model with saturated covariance structure. We investigate the precision and robustness of those models by fitting them to a large group of real data sets from thorough QT studies. Our findings suggest: (i) Point estimates of treatment contrasts from all five models are similar. (ii) The random coefficients model with i.i.d. residuals is not robust; the model potentially leads to both under‐ and overestimation of standard errors of treatment contrasts and therefore cannot be recommended for the analysis of conditional QT prolongation. (iii) The combined random effects/random coefficients model does not always converge; in the cases where it converges, its precision is generally inferior to the other models considered. (iv) Both the random effects and the random coefficients model are robust. (v) The random effects, the random coefficients, and the saturated model have similar precision and all three models are suitable for the one‐step assessment of conditional QT prolongation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing non‐inferiority to an aggregate response with an application to development of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines
Authors: Pan Yi , Liu Guanghan F. , Dallas Michael J.
Published: November 2010

The development of a new pneumococcal conjugate vaccine involves assessing the responses of the new serotypes included in the vaccine. The World Health Organization guidance states that the response from each new serotype in the new vaccine should be compared with the aggregate response from the existing vaccine to evaluate non‐inferiority. However, no details are provided on how to define and estimate the aggregate response and what methods to use for non‐inferiority comparisons. We investigate several methods to estimate the aggregate response based on binary data including simple average, model‐based, and lowest response methods. The response of each new serotype is then compared with the estimated aggregate response for non‐inferiority. The non‐inferiority test p‐value and confidence interval are obtained from Miettinen and Nurminen's method, using an effective sample size. The methods are evaluated using simulations and demonstrated with a real clinical trial example. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A general framework for efficient clustering of large datasets based on activity detection
Authors: Jin Xin , Kim Sangkyum , Han Jiawei , Cao Liangliang , Yin Zhijun
Published: November 2010

Data clustering is one of the most popular data mining techniques with broad applications. K‐Means is one of the most popular clustering algorithms, due to its high efficiency/effectiveness and wide implementation in many commercial/noncommercial softwares. Performing efficient clustering on large dataset is especially useful; however, conducting K‐Means clustering on large data suffers heavy computation burden which originates from the numerous distance calculations between the patterns and the centers. This paper proposes framework General Activity Detection (GAD) for fast clustering on large‐scale data based on center activity detection. Within this framework, we design a set of algorithms for different scenarios: (i) exact GAD algorithm, E‐GAD, which is much faster than K‐Means and gets the same clustering result; (ii) approximate GAD algorithms with different assumptions, which are faster than E‐GAD, while achieving different degrees of approximation; and (iii) GAD based algorithms to handle thelarge clustersproblem which appears in many large‐scale clustering applications. The framework provides a general solution to exploit activity detection for fast clustering in both exact and approximate scenarios, and our proposed algorithms within the framework can achieve very high speed. We have conducted extensive experiments on several datasets from various real world applications, including data compression, image clustering, and bioinformatics. By measuring the clustering quality and CPU time, the experiment results show the effectiveness and high efficiency of our proposed algorithms. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 4: 11–29 2011
Morphological behavior and attachment of p19 neural cells to root‐end filling materials
Authors: Saghiri Mohammad Ali , Asgar Kamal , Daliri Morteza , Lotfi Mehrdad , Delvarani Abbas , Mehrvarzfar Payman , Karamifar Kasra
Published: November 2010

Some techniques and instruments like stereomicroscopy and confocal microscopy used for observing neural cells are too complicated and dependent on preparation and cell fixation methods. This may question the results of these methods. Though, we have used scanning electron microscopy on replicated specimens to observe p19 neural cells and their cellular extensions. This manuscript has shown the feasibility of using replica (indirect) method instead of direct methods for observing morphological characteristics of this high sensitive cell line. As neural cells are very sensitive to fixation solutions and processes, we have used replica mode and observed neural cells with a novel indirect method. We have used replica mode in this study to indirectly and noninvasively evaluate the state of p19 neural cells and their cellular extensions. SCANNING 32: 369–374, 2010. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.