bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene induction in mature oligodendrocytes with a PLP‐tTA mouse line
Authors: Inamura Naoko , Sugio Shouta , Macklin Wendy B. , Tomita Koichi , Tanaka Kenji F. , Ikenaka Kazuhiro
Published: September 2011

Mature oligodendrocytes are critical for myelin maintenance. To understand the molecular basis for this, genetic manipulation of mature oligodendrocytes is needed. Here we generated a mature oligodendrocyte tTA (tetracycline‐controlled transcriptional activator) mouse line which, in combination with a tTA‐dependent promoter line driving the expression of the desired transgene, can be used for gain‐of‐function studies. We used an oligodendrocyte promoter, the mouse proteolipid protein (PLP) promoter, to express mammalianized tTA, and generated a PLP‐mtTA mouse line. In adults, mtTA mRNA was predominantly detected in brain white matter where it co‐localized with PLP mRNA. mtTA‐mediated gene induction was confirmed by crossing to mice with a tTA‐dependent promoter driving expression of yellow fluorescent protein (tetO‐YFP mice). YFP induction in PLP‐mtTA::tetO‐YFP mice was consistent with PLP expression in adult mature oligodendrocytes and premyelinating‐stage myelinating oligodendrocytes. This PLP‐mtTA mouse line is the first to enable gain‐of‐function studies in mature oligodendrocytes with the tet system. genesis 50:424–428, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of fault point locating system for underground transmission lines using optical fiber current sensors
Authors: Kurosawa Kiyoshi , Kondo Reishi , Nasukawa Shinsuke , Yamaguchi Tatsushi , Amano Kazuo
Published: September 2011

Fault point locating systems based on surge current detection have recently been used for fast recovery of underground transmission lines from faults. Electromagnetic induction type sensors have mainly been used for the detection of surge current. However, they are susceptible to electromagnetic noise which causes unstable system operation. To solve this problem, Tokyo Electric Power Co., Toko Electric Corporation, and Fujikura Ltd. jointly developed a new system using optical fiber current sensors. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 178(1): 21–28, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20981
A study on adaptive noise canceller using linear phase filter
Authors: Kobayashi Masaki , Wang Chi
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we propose a new adaptive noise canceller using a linear phase filter. The linear model in which an arbitrary signal is defined by the output signal of a linear system at the white signal input is used. The noise is suppressed by the estimated linear system and the signal‐to‐noise ratio is improved. At this point, to minimize the distortion of the signal due to the nonlinearity of the phase shift, the linear phase filter has been newly introduced. The transfer function of the linear system is an arbitrary minimum phase rational transfer function that has poles and zeros. It has the feature of not being specified for all pole models. The adaptive algorithm is a gradient‐based algorithm with few computational complexities. The features of the proposed adaptive noise canceller are that the inverse filter of the adaptive filter is stable, the convergence of the algorithm is guaranteed, the distortion of the signal is minimal, and there is no restriction on the transfer function of the linear system. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 178(1): 50–55, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21116
Cover Picture: Eur. J. Immunol. 10/11
Authors: Vérollet Christel , Charrière Guillaume M. , Labrousse Arnaud , Cougoule Céline , Le Cabec Véronique , Maridonneau‐Parini Isabelle
Published: September 2011

The cover shows human monocyte‐derived macrophages migrating into gelled collagen I using the mesenchymal migration mode as described by Maridonneau–Parini and colleagues in their review (pp. 2805–2813). At the tip of the cell protrusions, 3D podosomes form and there is an elongated and protrusive cell shape, which is characteristic of this migration mode. The macrophages were fixed, permeabilized and stained with phalloidin for F‐actin (green) and show accumulation of F‐actin at the 3D podosomes; DAPI staining identifies the nuclei (blue). The image is a projection of five z‐sections of 0.4 μm, obtained by confocal microscopy and was provided by Véronique Le Cabec.
Transition‐Metal‐Mediated Routes to 3,3‐Disubstituted Oxindoles through Anilide Cyclisation
Authors: Klein Johannes E. M. N. , Taylor Richard J. K.
Published: September 2011

This review describes transition‐metal‐catalysed and ‐mediated processes for the preparation of oxindoles from anilides through C(3)–C(3a) bond formation. Traditional methods, such as the Heck reaction, and recent developments, including direct Ar–H coupling processes, are presented, as are applications in natural product synthesis.
Stereoselective Total Synthesis of Polyrhacitides A and B
Authors: Yadav J. S. , Rajendar Goreti
Published: September 2011

Two aliphatic polyketide natural products, polyrhacitides A and B, have been synthesized in a concise and highly stereoselective manner. The synthesis involved an auxiliary‐based acetate aldol reaction to generate the initial stereogenic center and an iterative Wittig reaction, intramolecular oxa‐Michael addition, and chelation‐controlled reduction reaction as the key steps to generate additional stereocenters. One‐pot acid‐mediated global deprotection and cyclization reactions shape the final bicyclic lactone core.
Versatile Launch Pad for Facile Functionalization of Cavitands
Authors: Aakeröy Christer B. , Chopade Prashant D. , Schultheiss Nate , Desper John
Published: September 2011

Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions have been utilized for the derivatization of the upper‐rim of cavitands, but unfortunately, only a relatively small number of suitable, inexpensive boronic acids are available. Herein, we report the synthesis and structure determination of a tetraboronic pinacolyl ester functionalized cavitand, which has been successfully employed in high‐yielding coupling reactions with iodoarenes covering a range of functional groups, thereby demonstrating the versatility and chemoselectivity of this platform.
Highly Enantioselective Michael Additions of Isobutyraldehyde to Nitroalkenes Promoted by Amphiphilic Bifunctional Primary Amine‐Thioureas in Organic or Aqueous Medium
Authors: Ma Zhi‐Wei , Liu Yu‐Xia , Zhang Wen‐Jing , Tao Yan , Zhu Yu , Tao Jing‐Chao , Tang Ming‐Sheng
Published: September 2011

A novel class of chiral amphiphilic bifunctional thioureas based on a beyerane scaffold and each containing a primary amino group were designed and synthesized from the readily available natural product isosteviol. The thioureas were shown to be effective for catalyzing asymmetric Michael additions between isobutyraldehyde and nitroalkenes. The chiral thiourea 1a furnished S enantiomers, whereas 1b afforded R enantiomers, both with high yields (up to 92 %) and high to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98 %). Furthermore, the reactions proceeded smoothly both in organic solvents and in water under mild conditions.
A two‐stage model for incidence and prevalence in point‐level spatial count data
Authors: Recta Virginia , Haran Murali , Rosenberger James L.
Published: September 2011

We consider the problem of modeling point‐level spatial count data with a large number of zeros. We develop a model that is compatible with scientific assumptions about the underlying data‐generating process. We utilize a two‐stage spatial generalized linear mixed model framework for the counts, modeling incidence, resulting in 0–1 outcomes, and prevalence, resulting in positive counts, as separate but dependent processes and utilize a Gaussian process model for characterizing the underlying spatial dependence. We describe a Bayesian approach and study several variants of our two‐stage model. We fit the models via Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. We study several Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms, including a version of the Langevin–Hastings algorithm, for exploring the complicated posterior distribution efficiently and recommend an algorithm that is fairly efficient. Finally, we demonstrate the application of our modeling and computational approach on both simulated data and real data from an ecological field survey. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Experimental Investigation of Verbal Expression of Emotion in Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa
Authors: Davies Helen , Swan Nicola , Schmidt Ulrike , Tchanturia Kate
Published: September 2011

Objective

This study aims to use an experimental design to investigate verbal expression of emotion in anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN).

Method

Forty‐two patients with AN, 26 patients with BN and 34 healthy controls (HCs) were videoed talking about discrete emotional experiences. Talks were analysed using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count. Participants also completed the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ).

Results

People with AN used fewer words when describing their emotional experiences and fewer positive affect words than HCs. People with BN were indistinguishable from HCs. Both ED groups had higher scores on the suppression subscale of the ERQ compared with HCs. Suppression was negatively correlated with negative verbal expression.

Discussion

This study highlights differences between AN and BN in emotion expression. It supports a model of AN, which highlights emotion inhibition as a maintaining factor of the illness. Methods of emotion regulation in EDs may contribute to increased negative mood and poorer social functioning. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
An introductory mixed‐methods intersectionality analysis of college access and equity: An examination of first‐generation Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Authors: Museus Samuel D.
Published: September 2011

In this chapter, the author discusses the utility of mixed‐method approaches and intersectionality frameworks in analyzing and understanding inequities in college access faced by first‐generation Asian American and Pacific Islander students.
A Short and Efficient Synthesis of a Novel Diarylheptanoid Isolated from Pleuranthodium Racemigerum
Authors: Chang Ching‐Yao
Published: September 2011

The first total synthesis of the linear diarylheptanoid 1‐(4″‐methoxyphenyl)‐7‐(4′‐hydroxyphenyl)‐(E)‐hept‐2‐ene, which has a uniquely nonconjugated olefin, was achieved. The synthetic route employed an olefin cross‐metathesis as a key step. Beginning with commercially available 3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)propan‐1‐ol, the final product was made in three steps with a 52% yield.
One‐pot New Barbituric Acid Derivatives Derived from the Reaction of Barbituric Acids with BrCN and Ketones
Authors: Hosseini Yaser , Rastgar Saeed , Heren Zerrin , Büyükgüngörc Orhan , Pesyan Nader Noroozi
Published: September 2011

Reaction of cyclic β‐dicarbonyl compounds such as pyrimidine‐(1H,3H,5H)‐2,4,6‐trione (BA), 1,3‐dimethyl pyrimidine‐(1H,3H,5H)‐2,4,6‐trione (DMBA) and 2‐thioxo‐pyrimidine‐(1H,3H,5H)‐4,6‐dione (TBA) with cyanogen bromide in acetone and 2‐butanone in the presence of triethylamine afforded a new class of stable heterocyclic spiro[furo[2,3‐d]pyrimidine‐6,5′‐pyrimidine]2,2′,4,4′,6′(3H,3′H,5H)‐pentaones (dimeric forms of barbiturate) at 0 °C and ambient temperature. Structure elucidation was carried out by X‐ray crystallographic, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, two dimensional NMR, FT‐IR spectra, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. The mechanism of product formation is discussed. The reaction of DMBA with cyanogen bromide in the presence of triethylamine also afforded trimeric form of barbiturate of uracil derivatives in good yield. The reaction of selected acyclic β‐dicarbonyl compounds with cyanogen bromide in the presence of triethylamine in acetone and/or diethyl ether has also been investigated under the same condition. Diethyl malonate and ethyl cyanoacetate brominated and also ethyl acetocetate both brominated and cyanated on active methylene via cyanogen bromide.
Trace Analysis of Methyl Tert‐butyl Ether in Water Samples Using New Ultrasound‐assisted Dispersive Liquid‐liquid Microextraction and Gas Chromatography‐flame Ionization Detection
Authors: Rezaee Mohammad , Yamini Yadollah , Mashayekhi Hossein Ali , Naeeni Mohammad Hosein , Jubari Mostafa Bashiri
Published: September 2011

In this study, simple and efficient ultrasound‐assisted dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction combined with gas chromatography (GC) was developed for the preconcentration and determination of methyl‐tert‐butyl ether (MTBE) in water samples. One hundred microliters of benzyl alcohol was injected slowly into 10 mL home‐designed centrifuge glass vial containing an aqueous sample with 30% (w/v) of NaCl that was located inside the ultrasonic water bath. The formed emulsion was centrifuged and 2 μL of separated benzyl alcohol was injected into a gas chromatographic system equipped with a flame ionization detector (GC‐FID) for analysis. Several factors influencing the extraction efficiency such as the nature and volume of organic solvent, extraction temperature, ionic strength and centrifugation times were investigated and optimized. Using optimum extraction conditions a detection limit of 0.05 μg L‐1 and a good linearity (r2 = 0.998) in a calibration range of 0.1‐500 μg L‐1 were achieved. This proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of MTBE in tap, well and a ground water sam
ple contaminated by leaking gasoline from an underground storage tank (LUST) in a gasoline service station.
A Novel Improved Method to Increase the Efficiency of Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Li Fei‐Tao , Wang Long‐Ge , Fu Shi‐Shu , Huo Zhuo‐Yu , Gu Yu‐Zong
Published: September 2011

A novel improved method which employs a reflective mirror at the back of the Pt counter electrode is used in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The direction of the light propagation in the cells was changed because of adding a mirror and the light reflected back into the DSSC in order to enhance the optical absorption of the DSSCs. Therefore, the performance of the cells was improved distinctively. The TiO2 electrodes were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and I‐V properties of the cells measured by Linear Sweep Voltammetry system. The results indicates that the conversion efficiency can be increased from 4.81% to 5.43% under AM 1.5 illumination when a mirror is added at the back of the Pt counter electrode in the same cell. Meanwhile, the Jsc, Voc and the fill factor can be obtained 18.65 mA/cm2, 0.728 V and 0.561, respectively.
Demonstration of inferior vena cava compression by probe pressure during subxiphoid echocardiography
Authors: Siegenthaler Nils , Giraud Raphael , Muller Hayo , Bendjelid Karim
Published: September 2011

We sought to compare the inferior vena cava diameter measured by transthoracic echocardiography and by transesophageal echocardiography in human and animals. Transthoracic echocardiography yielded lower inferior vena cava diameter values than transesophageal echocardiography. Adult and pediatric intensivists should pay attention to the risk of false measurement of the inferior vena cava anterior‐posterior diameter that may be due to compression of the inferior vena cava by the sonographic probe when the subxiphoid view is used. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Sonographic diagnosis of choledochocele
Authors: Cakmakci Emin , Ugurlar Ozge Yapici , Erturk Sukru Mehmet , Ozel Alper , Basak Muzaffer
Published: September 2011

We present a case of a 48‐year‐old female with a history of cholecystectomy and recurrent attacks of pancreatitis whose initial abdominal sonography (US) revealed multiple conglomerated stones in the descending part of the duodenum. Abdominal CT, MRI, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed the same findings. The distended sacciform distal intramural segment of the common bile duct was protruding into the duodenum. The imaging findings explained the etiology of the patient's recurrent attacks of pancreatitis and led to surgical excision of the choledococele. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 40:448–450, 2012
Ontogenetic development of an exceptionally preserved Devonian cartilaginous skeleton
Authors: Johanson Zerina , Kearsley Anton , den Blaauwen Jan , Newman Michael , Smith Moya Meredith
Published: September 2011

Cartilaginous vertebrate skeletons leave few records as fossils, unless mineralized. Here, we report outstanding preservation of early stages of cartilage differentiation, present in the Devonian vertebratePalaeospondylus gunni. In large specimens ofPalaeospondylus, enlarged, hypertrophic cell spaces (lacunae) are dominant in the cartilage matrix, each defined by thin mineralized matrix, where phosphorus and calcium co‐occur. This is comparable to living endochondral cartilage, where cell hypertrophy and matrix mineralization mark the end of an ontogenetic process of cell growth and division before bone formation. New information from small individuals ofPalaeospondylusdemonstrates that the skeleton comprises mostly unmineralized organic matrix with fewer hypertrophic cell spaces, these occurring only in the central regions of each element. Only here has the surrounding matrix begun to mineralize, differing from the larger specimens in that phosphorus is dominant with little associated calcium at these earlier stages. This reflects cellular control of mineralization in living tissues through phosphate accumulation around hypertrophic cells, with later increase in calcium in the cartilaginous matrix. These features are always associated with endochondral bone development, but in thePalaeospondylusskeleton, this bone never develops. This skeletal state is thus far unique among vertebrates, with two alternative explanations: either later stages of endochondral bone development have been lost inPalaeospondylus, or, in a stepwise acquisition of the mineralized skeleton, these late stages have not yet evolved.J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318:50–58, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of 2‐[(4‐[18F]Fluorobenzoyloxy)methyl]‐1,4‐naphthalenedione from 2‐hydroxymethyl 1,4‐naphthoquinone and 4‐[18F]fluorobenzoic acid using dicyclohexyl carbodiimide
Authors: Ackermann Uwe , Sigmund Duanne , Yeoh Shinn Dee , Rigopoulos Angela , O'Keefe Graeme , Cartwright Glenn , White Jonathan , Scott Andrew M. , Tochon‐Danguy Henri J.
Published: September 2011

2‐[(4‐[18F]Fluorobenzoyloxy)methyl]‐1,4‐naphthalenedione ([18F]1) was synthesised as a putative hypoxia imaging agent from 2‐hydroxymethyl 1,4‐naphthoquinone (7) and 4‐[18F]fluorobenzoic acid ([18F]8) using dicyclohexyl carbodiimide (DCC) to activate [18F]8. This coupling reaction was fast and gave quantitative yields. Further investigations are warranted on the use of DCC as a coupling agent in Positron Emission Tomography. The synthesis including HPLC purification and reformulation has been fully automated on a modified FDG synthesiser with two reactor vials. [18F]1 was produced in a radiochemical yield of 27 ± 5%, with a radiochemical purity of 97.5% and a specific activity of 78.4–134.5 GBq/µmol at the end of synthesis (n = 23). The total synthesis time including reformulation was 65 min. [18F]1 was found to be stable in plasma and saline, but underwent rapid metabolism in a phase 1 metabolite assay using rat S9 liver fractions. An in vivo evaluation of [18F]1 in transplanted, hypoxic SK‐RC‐52 tumour‐bearing BALB/c nude mice revealed the tumour‐to‐muscle ratio to be 2.4 ± 0.1 at 2 h post‐injection. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Precipitating events leading to voluntary employee turnover among information technology professionals
Authors: Von Hagel William J. , Miller Leslie A.
Published: September 2011

Voluntary turnover rate of information technology (IT) professionals within defense contracting organizations has increased by 12.6% since 2003. The perceptions and lived experiences of IT professionals in the defense contracting industry were explored in a phenomenological study to better understand the precipitating events, or shocks, that led to their decision to voluntarily leave an organization. Twenty IT professionals at a small, service‐based, government contracting organization supporting the intelligence community in Ft. Meade, Maryland, were interviewed until data saturation was achieved. Analysis of interview responses revealed that managing relationships at multiple levels between employees, corporate management, and the direct supervisor or manager is one way that organizations can decrease their overall voluntary employee turnover. The results of the study can be used by business leaders to create innovative retention plans and enact positive organizational change to reduce the voluntary employee turnover of IT professionals.
Morphology of the embryonic and hatchling american alligator ductus arteriosi and implications for embryonic cardiovascular shunting
Authors: Jacobs Kimberley , Goy Sarah K. , Dzialowski Edward M.
Published: September 2011

The ductus arteriosi (DA) are embryonic blood vessels found in amniotic vertebrates that shunt blood away from the pulmonary artery and lungs and toward the aorta. Here, we examine changes in morphology of the right and left DA (LDA), and right and left aorta (LAo) from embryonic and hatchling alligators. The developing alligator has two‐patent DA that join the right and LAo. Both DA exhibit a muscular phenotype composed of an internal smooth muscle layer (2–4 cells thick). At hatching, the lumen diameter of both DA decreases as the vessels begin to close within the first 12 h of posthatch life. Between day 1 and day 12 posthatching, the vessel becomes fully occluded with endothelial and smooth muscle cells filling the lumen. A number of DA from hatchlings contained blood clots along their length. The lumen of the full term alligator DA is reduced in comparison with the full term chicken DA. The developing alligator embryo has an additional right‐to‐left shunt pathway in the LAo arising from the right ventricle. The embryonic LAo diameter is twice the diameter of either the right DA or LDA, providing a lower resistance pathway for blood leaving the right ventricle. On the basis of these findings, we propose that the paired DA of the embryonic alligator have a reduced role in the embryonic right‐to‐left shunt of blood from the right ventricle when compared with the avian DA. J. Morphol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Model‐based, semiquantitative and time intensity curve shape analysis of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI: A comparison in patients undergoing antiangiogenic treatment for recurrent glioma
Authors: Lavini Cristina , Verhoeff Joost J.C. , Majoie Charles B. , Stalpers Lukas J.A. , Richel Dick J. , Maas Mario
Published: September 2011

Purpose:

To compare time intensity curve (TIC)‐shape analysis of dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) data with model‐based analysis and semiquantitative analysis in patients with high‐grade glioma treated with the antiangiogenic drug bevacizumab.

Materials and Methods:

Fifteen patients had a pretreatment and at least one posttreatment DCE‐MRI. We applied a pixel‐by‐pixel TIC shape analysis, where TICs are classified into five different types according to their shape, and calculated the occurrence of each TIC type in the region of interest (ROI). The results were compared to the pharmacokinetic model (PKM) parameters Ktrans, Kep, Ve, and Vi, and with the semiquantitative parameters maximum enhancement (ME) and initial slope of increase (ISI).

Results:

The relative amount of type 2 and 4 TIC shape significantly correlated with the parameter Kep but not with Ktrans or Ve. The PKM parameter Ve and the semiquantitative parameters ME and ISI showed significant changes after treatment. None of the TIC shapes individually showed significant changes.

Conclusion:

The semiquantitative parameters ME and ISI are more sensitive to the effect of the bevacizumab than Ktrans and Ve. The pixel‐by‐pixel TIC shape analysis parameters are not sensitive to the effect of bevacizumab, although they can be seen as surrogates for the PKM parameter Kep. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo transport of Gd‐DTPA2− in human knee cartilage assessed by depth‐wise dGEMRIC analysis
Authors: Hawezi Zana K. , Lammentausta Eveliina , Svensson Jonas , Dahlberg Leif E. , Tiderius Carl J.
Published: September 2011

Purpose:

To investigate the transport of Gd‐DTPA2− in different layers of femoral knee cartilage in vivo.

Materials and Methods:

T1 measurements (1.5 Tesla) were performed in femoral knee cartilage of 23 healthy volunteers. The weight‐bearing central cartilage was analyzed before contrast and at eight time points after an intravenous injection of Gd‐DTPA2−: 12–60 min (4 volunteers) and 1–4 h (19 volunteers). Three regions of interest were segmented manually: deep, middle, and superficial.

Results:

Before contrast injection, a depth‐wise variation of T1 was observed with 50% higher values in the superficial region compared with the deep region. In the deep region, the uptake of Gd‐DTPA2− was not detected until 36 min and the concentration increased until 240 min, whereas in the superficial region, the uptake was seen already at 12 min and the concentration decreased after 180 min (P < 0.01). There was a difference between medial and lateral compartment regarding bulk, but not superficial Gd‐DTPA2− concentration. The bulk gadolinium concentration was negatively related to the cartilage thickness (r = −0.68; P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

The depth‐wise and thickness dependent variations in Gd‐DTPA2 transport influence the interpretation of bulk dGEMRIC analysis in vivo. In thick cartilage, incomplete penetration of Gd‐DTPA2 will yield a falsely too long T1. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Direct MR arthrography of cadaveric wrists: Comparison between MR imaging at 3.0T and 7.0T and gross pathologic inspection
Authors: Donati Olivio F. , Nordmeyer‐Massner Jurek , Nanz Daniel , White Lawrence M. , Tami Ivan , Vich Magdalena , Pruessmann Klaas P. , Andreisek Gustav
Published: September 2011

Purpose:

To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography for the detection of articular cartilage abnormalities at 3.0T and 7.0T in cadaveric wrists.

Materials and Methods:

MR imaging (MRI) was performed in nine cadaveric wrists (four right wrists, five left; mean age, 81.0 ± 9.8 years) after the intraarticular administration of gadoterate‐meglumine. A 3.0T and 7.0T MR system, mechanically identical custom‐built 8‐channel wrist coil arrays and a similar standard MRI protocol, were used. MR images were evaluated for visibility of articular cartilage surfaces, presence of cartilage lesions, and confidence of diagnosis by two independent radiologists. Open pathologic inspection served as reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive values (NPV) and positive predictive values (PPV), and accuracy (ACC) were calculated. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to assess differences in the diagnostic performance.

Results:

Visibility of articular cartilage surfaces was significantly better at 3.0T than at 7.0T (P < 0.001). Mean sensitivity, specificity, NPV, PPV, ACC for both readers were 63%, 90%, 85%, 76%, 82% at 3.0T, respectively, and 52%, 91%, 82%, 75%, 79% at 7.0T. The difference between 3.0T and 7.0T was not significant for reader 1 (P = 0.51), but was significant for reader 2 (P = 0.01). The level of confidence was significantly higher at 3.0T than at 7.0T for both readers (P = 0.004; P = 0.03).

Conclusion:

MR arthrography of the wrist at 7.0T is still limited by the lack of commercially available radiofrequency coils and limited experience in sequence optimization, resulting in a significantly lower visibility of anatomy, lower diagnostic accuracy, and level of confidence in judging cartilage lesions compared to 3.0T. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Proteomic analysis of arsenite – mediated multiple antibiotic resistance in Yersinia enterocolitica biovar 1A
Authors: Mallik Sarita , Virdi Jugsharan Singh , Johri Atul Kumar
Published: September 2011

Arsenic is one of the most important global environmental pollutants. In the present study, fifty one clinical strains of Yersinia enterocolitica biovar 1A showed high resistance to arsenite and arsenate. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of arsenite (0.625–20 mM) was lower than arsenate (10–80 mM). Growth of Y. enterocolitica in 2 mM arsenite led to 2–8 fold increase in MICs of the five antibiotics (amikacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamycin, kanamycin and tetracycline), suggesting expression of arsenite‐induced multiple antibiotic resistance among the strains. Proteomic analysis of Y. enterocolitica revealed differential expression of certain proteins following arsenite exposure, which included a putative outer membrane porin (OmpA) and a putative amino acid transporter protein. In conclusion, modulation of membrane permeability may be involved in the induction of arsenite–mediated expression of multiple antibiotic resistance in Y. enterocolitica. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Identification of host‐specific Bacteroidales 16S rDNA sequences from human sewage and ruminant feces
Authors: Dorai‐Raj Siobhán , O'Grady Justin , Cormican Martin , Colleran Emer
Published: September 2011

The need to identify the source of fecal contamination of water has led to the development of various fecal source identification methods, a field known as microbial source tracking (MST). One promising method of MST focuses on fecal members of the order Bacteroidales, some of which exhibit a high degree of host‐specificity. In order to identify host‐specific Bacteroidales genetic markers, a ∼1060 bp section of Bacteroidales 16S rDNA was amplified from human sewage (n = 6), and bovine (n = 6) and ovine fecal (n = 5) samples and used for the generation of three clone libraries. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences from the three clone libraries revealed that the Bacteroidales species found in both human sewage and bovine and ovine feces were a highly diverse group of organisms, many of which were not represented by previously characterised 16S rDNA. Ovine and bovine feces appear to host similar populations of Bacteroidales species and these species were more diverse and less closely related to cultivated species than the Bacteroidales population found in human sewage. Species of Bacteroidales from the ruminant and human feces formed isolated clusters containing putatively host‐specific sequences. These sequences were subsequently exploited for the design of host‐specific primers which were used in MST studies. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Raman and XRD study on brookite–anatase coexistence in cathodic electrosynthesized titania
Authors: Campos C. S. , Spada E. R. , de Paula F. R. , Reis F. T. , Faria R. M. , Sartorelli M. L.
Published: September 2011

Among the many methods developed for the synthesis of titanium dioxide, cathodic electrosynthesis has not received much attention because the resulting amorphous oxy‐hydroxide matrix demands a further thermal annealing step to be transformed into crystalline titania. However, the possibility of filling deep recessed templates by the control of the solid–liquid interface makes it a potentially suitable technique for the fabrication of porous scaffolds for photovoltaics and photocatalysis. Furthermore, a careful control of the crystallization process enables the growth of larger grains with lower density of grain boundaries, which act as electron traps that slow down electronic transport and promote charge recombination. In this report, well crystallized titania deposits were obtained by thermal annealing of amorphous deposits fabricated by cathodically assisted electrosynthesis on indium‐tin oxide (ITO)substrates. The combined use of Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction showed that the crystallization process is more intricate than previously assumed. It is shown that the amorphous matrix evolves into a rutile‐free mixture of brookite and anatase at temperatures as low as 200 °C that persists up to 800 °C, when pure anatase dominates. The amount of brookite in the brookite–anatase mixture reaches a maximum at 400 °C. This very simple method for obtaining a brookite–anatase mixture and the ability to tune their proportions by thermal annealing is a promising alternative whose potential for solar cells and photocatalysis deserves a careful evaluation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of foliar and fruit addition of sodium selenate on selenium accumulation and fruit quality
Authors: Pezzarossa Beatrice , Remorini Damiano , Gentile Marialetizia L , Massai Rossano
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of the foliar and fruit application of sodium selenate on selenium (Se) accumulation, fruit growth and ripening in peach and pear. Trials were conducted in two growing seasons. In 2008 selenate was applied at a rate of 0.1 and 1.0 mg Se L−1 to the leaves of peach. In 2009 selenate was applied at a rate of 1 mg Se L−1 via foliar (LT) or fruit (FT) application to peach and pear.

RESULTS: The foliar addition of selenate to peach resulted in an increase in Se concentration both in leaves and fruit. The higher Se content in fruit resulted in an increase in flesh firmness and a decrease in soluble solid content. LT significantly increased the Se content in the leaves and fruit of peach and pear, and leaves showed the highest Se concentrations. FT increased the fruit Se concentration in both crops, and it was more effective than LT in increasing Se content. After storage, flesh firmness decreased in all treatments, but it was significantly higher in FT compared to LT and control samples.

CONCLUSION: Foliar and fruit selenium spraying appeared effective in increasing the Se content of fruit in peach and pear. The enhanced Se concentration affected the shelf life of fruit, delaying the reduction in flesh firmness and fruit ripening, thus positively affecting fruit storage. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of dextran layer on protein uptake to dextran‐grafted adsorbents for ion‐exchange and mixed‐mode chromatography
Authors: Yu Lin‐Ling , Shi Qing‐Hong , Sun Yan
Published: September 2011

In the current research, a series of dextran‐grafted adsorbents were prepared using sulfopropyl and 4‐(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl) aniline as chromatographic ligands for ion‐exchange (IEC) and mixed‐mode chromatography (MMC) to respectively investigate the influence of dextran layer on adsorption of γ‐globulin. Experimental evidences of static adsorption on dextran‐grafted IEC adsorbents showed that adsorption capacity of γ‐globulin increased with dextran content. It could be attributed to the multilayer adsorption of charged protein in dextran layer and thus further induced a significant electrical potential gradient at the boundary of adsorbed area and its proximity, improving mass transfer in combination with concentration gradient. In contrast to IEC adsorbents, adsorption capacity and effective diffusivity of dextran‐grafted MMC adsorbents did not change obviously with dextran grafting. It was considered that hydrophobic ligands immobilized onto dextran‐grafted MMC adsorbents were stuck together at pH 8.0, resulting in the collapse of dextran layer. In concert with measured effective porosity for γ‐globulin at pH 4.0, it was confirmed that dextran layer in MMC adsorbent was more complicated and influenced significantly by buffer pH. It was also manifested by protein adsorption at different pHs. Thus, it revealed the complexity in intraparticle mass transfer of the protein in dextran‐grafted MMC adsorbent.
Molecular Design of Core‐Shell Type Allylic Nanoparticles Based on Crosslinking Multiallyl/Multivinyl Copolymerizations
Authors: Inoue Satoshi , Miwa Yuta , Aota Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Akira , Yokoyama Katsutoshi , Matoba Yasuo , Shibano Michirou
Published: September 2011

This article is referred to the clarification of polymerization characteristics of microgel‐like network polymer precursor (NPP), closely related to the inhomogeneous polymer network formation, in the free‐radical crosslinking (co)polymerization of multivinyl monomers. Firstly, the gelation in free‐radical crosslinking allyl benzoate/diallyl terephthalate (DAT) copolymerization governed by Flory‐Stockmayer gelation theory was explored in the presence of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a typical multivinyl monomer. Since the copolymerizability of allyl monomer with methacrylate monomer is very poor, the crosslinking EGDMA polymerization accompanied by in situ nanogel‐ or microgel‐like methacrylate‐NPP formation was preceded. Secondly, DAT polymerization was carried out with in situ inhomogeneous network formation by a preceded crosslinking EGDMA polymerization. The structures of resulting NPPs were characterized by SEC‐MALLS‐viscometry. Here, the preceded in situ methacrylate‐NPP formation promoted the gelation, never leading to delayed gelation. Finally, our aforementioned discussion was extended to the preparation of novel core‐shell type allylic nanoparticles based on crosslinking multiallyl/multivinyl copolymerizations.
Ultrahigh Tensibility and Stimuli‐Response of Polymer‐Hectorite Nanocomposite Hydrogels
Authors: Hu Xiaobo , Xiong Lijun , Wang Tao , Zhu Meina , Liu Xinxing , Tong Zhen
Published: September 2011

Summary: In the field of hydrogels with high mechanical performance, the nanocomposite hydrogel (NC gel) is widely interested due to its unique network structure with extraordinary mechanical, optical, and swelling/deswelling properties. Over the past few years, our group has investigated the fabrication and mechanical properties of a variety of the NC gels with different monomers. The effective network chain density and relaxation were well characterized by dynamic mechanical measurements. From these efforts, we found that the high tensibility of the NC gels came from the low effective network chain density with moderate relaxation. Besides, transparent and ultratensible NC gels with pH response and dual response of pH and temperature have successfully fabricated and characterized. This review will give a brief introduction of our achievements on the understanding of the preparation and properties of NC gels.
Temperature‐Dependent Gelation Behaviour of Double Responsive P2VP‐b‐PEO‐b‐P(GME‐co‐EGE) Triblock Terpolymers: A SANS Study
Authors: Karg Matthias , Reinicke Stefan , Lapp Alain , Hellweg Thomas , Schmalz Holger
Published: September 2011

Aqueous solutions of a double responsive P2VP62‐b‐PEO452‐b‐P(GME36‐co‐EGE36) triblock terpolymer were investigated by means of small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) in order to derive information about structural changes going along with the temperature triggered gel‐sol‐gel transition at pH = 7, and the sol‐gel transition at pH = 3.5, respectively, observed by rheology. SANS measurements on dilute samples at different pH and temperature confirmed the formation of core‐shell‐corona micelles under conditions, where only one of the outer blocks is insoluble. In addition, temperature‐dependent scattering experiments were performed for higher volume fractions, that is, the concentration range where hydrogels were formed. This allowed us to identify the structural transitions, being responsible for the gel‐sol‐gel transition at pH = 7, and the structure of the gel phase formed at low pH and elevated temperatures.
Pain in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ha Ainhi D. , Jankovic Joseph
Published: September 2011

Pain and other nonmotor symptoms in PD are increasingly recognized as a major cause of reduced health‐related quality of life. Pain in PD may be categorized into a number of different subtypes, including musculoskeletal, dystonic, radicular neuropathic, and central pain. The onset of pain can vary in relation to motor symptoms, and may precede the appearance of motor symptoms by several years, or occur after the diagnosis of PD has been made. Pain in PD is frequently under‐recognized and is often inadequately treated. Levodopa‐related dystonia may respond to manipulation of dopaminergic medication. Dopaminergic therapy may also improve musculoskeletal pain related to rigidity and akinesia, as well as akathisia in PD. Botulinum toxin injections can be effective for treatment of painful focal dystonia. Pain and dysesthesia have been reported to improve with DBS, in some cases. Increased understanding of basal ganglia pathways has provided further insights into the pathogenesis of pain in PD, but the exact mechanism of pain processing and modulation remains unclear. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Evaluation of signalling loads in a cognitive network management architecture
Authors: Tsagkaris Kostas , Akezidou Maria , Galani Aristi , Demestichas Panagiotis
Published: September 2011

Future networks will need to accommodate a significantly augmented user demand, mainly stemming from the wireless and mobile domains. In general, the emerging radio landscape will comprise multiple, collaborating radio access networks (RANs) able to operate a plethora of diverse radio access technologies (RATs), variant types of mobile terminals (MTs), with the ability to choose among various supported RANs/RATs and, in addition, both devices and networks with dynamic spectrum access capabilities that allow the sharing and/or optimization of spectrum usage among different systems. The above will stress network operators for developing mechanisms to confront the challenges and to leverage the opportunities posed by such a versatile radio environment. In particular, the situation calls for adaptive and flexible management paradigms that are able to dynamically manage network elements and terminals, thus ensuring the great availability and efficient usage of spectrum and other radio resources. Framed within the above, this paper considers a cognitive network management architecture, which is destined for optimized management of future wireless networks operating in versatile radio environments, and presents a performance evaluation methodology, which was set up for measuring the signalling loads that the operation of the architecture will bring to the managed network. The methodology is analytically described, and useful results with respect to the signalling load produced for management signalling purposes in an indicative scenario are presented and analysed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modified nodal cubic spline collocation for elliptic equations
Authors: Bialecki Bernard , Wang Zhongben
Published: September 2011

We consider the modified nodal cubic spline collocation method for a general, variable coefficient, second order partial differential equation in the unit square with the solution subject to the homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions. The bicubic spline approximate solution satisfies both the Dirichlet boundary conditions and a perturbed partial differential equation at the nodes of a uniform partition of the square. We prove existence and uniqueness of the approximate solution and derive an optimal fourth order maximum norm error bound. The resulting linear system is solved efficiently by a preconditioned iterative method. Numerical results confirm the expected convergence rates. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2011
EVOLUTION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE AND NON‐GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS: A SOUTH ASIAN PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Nair Padmaja
Published: September 2011

Non‐government organisations (NGOs) have become a critical constituent of the larger civil society, and their activities have been institutionalised into the development process. Under the title ‘NGO’, they are only a few decades old in the region, but they had an earlier life as ‘voluntary’ organisations. In the context of the Indian sub‐continent, NGOs evolved from institutions of charity and welfare, mainly within the prerogative of kings and philanthropists, to become stakeholders in the development process and the self‐appointed well‐wishers of poor and marginalised communities. In their journey, they were sometimes partners and collaborators with the state, sometimes advocates and sometimes adversaries. The state–NGO relationship evolved through various political regimes and was marked by tensions—at times overt and at times hidden. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micelles formed by self‐assembling of low molecular weight phosphorylcholine‐containing poly(L‐lactide)
Authors: Chen Yuanwei , Chen Jing , Liu Yanjun , Luo Xianglin , Li Suming
Published: September 2011

Phosphorylcholine‐containing poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA‐PC) was synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization of L‐lactide in the presence of glycerophosphorylcholine originated from egg lecithin. Self‐assembling micelles were then obtained by film hydration, ultrasonication and stirring. Transmission electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed the micellar structure with hydrophobic core and hydrophilic shell. The critical micellar concentration (CMC) value of PLLA‐PC was only 1/50 that of naturally occurring PC, in agreement with a better surfactant property of the former. Dynamic light scattering showed that the size and size distribution of micelles varied with dilution, but the CMC was independent of the concentration of NaCl solution within 0.9 wt%, indicating that the micelles could be stable upon intravenous injection. In addition, the micelle solution could be stored at 4 °C over 30 days without any noticeable changes, whereas at 37 °C, the size, size distribution and the number of micelles decreased over time due to degradation. The solubility of clofazimine, a highly hydrophobic drug, was found to be 11.9 µg/ml in the PLLA‐PC micellar solution, which was 40 times that in pure water. This preliminary study suggests that PLLA‐PC micelles present a great potential as delivery system for hydrophobic drugs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of alumina and boehmite in (APP/MPP/metal oxide) ternary systems on the thermal and fire behavior of PMMA
Authors: Friederich Blandine , Laachachi Abdelghani , Sonnier Rodolphe , Ferriol Michel , Cochez Marianne , Toniazzo Valérie , Ruch David
Published: September 2011

A comparison of alumina (Al2O3) and boehmite (AlOOH) in (ammonium polyphosphate/melamine polyphosphate/metal oxide) ternary system was performed in poly(methyl methacrylate) on thermal and fire‐resistance properties. A Design of Experiments (DoE) was then done for highlighting the best formulation out of both ternary systems. Laser flash analysis and scanning electron microscopy helped to explain some of the observations made by DoE. Mechanisms in both ternary systems during degradation also were investigated and modes of action could be presented based on pyrolysis‐combustion flow calorimetry, Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.