bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postmyocardial Infarct Remodeling and Heart Failure: Potential Contributions from Pro- and Antiaging Factors
Authors: Idikio Halliday A.
Published: April 2011

Myocardial infarction and adverse postinfarct remodeling in older persons lead to poor outcome and need greater understanding of the contributions of age-related factors on abnormal cardiac function and management. In this perspective, how normal aging processes could contribute to the events of post-myocardial infarction and remodeling is reviewed. Post-myocardial infarction and remodeling involve cardiomechanical factors and neurohormonal response. Many factors prevent or accelerate aging including immunosenescence, recruitment and regeneration of stem cells, telomere shortening, oxidative damage, antiaging hormones klotho and melatonin, nutrition, and Sirtiun protein family, and these factors could affect post-MI remodeling and heart failure. Interest in stem cell repair of myocardial infarcts to mitigate post-MI remodeling needs more information on aging of stem cells, and potential effects on stem cell use in infarct repair. Integrating genomics and proteomics methods may help find clinically novel therapy in the management of post-MI remodeling and heart failure in aged individuals.
Role of Heme and Heme-Proteins in Trypanosomatid Essential Metabolic Pathways
Authors: Tripodi Karina E. J. , Menendez Bravo Simón M. , Cricco Julia A.
Published: April 2011

Around the world, trypanosomatids are known for being etiological agents of several highly disabling and often fatal diseases like Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi), leishmaniasis (Leishmaniaspp.), and African trypanosomiasis (Trypanosoma brucei). Throughout their life cycle, they must cope with diverse environmental conditions, and the mechanisms involved in these processes are crucial for their survival. In this review, we describe the role of heme in several essential metabolic pathways of these protozoans. Notwithstanding trypanosomatids lack of the complete heme biosynthetic pathway, we focus our discussion in the metabolic role played for important heme-proteins, like cytochromes. Although several genes for different types of cytochromes, involved in mitochondrial respiration, polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism, and sterol biosynthesis, are annotated at the Tritryp Genome Project, the encoded proteins have not yet been deeply studied. We pointed our attention into relevant aspects of these protein functions that are amenable to be considered for rational design of trypanocidal agents.
Invariant NKT Cell Lines Derived from the NOD·H2h4Mouse Enhance Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Authors: Sharma Rajni B. , Fan Xiaoguang , Caturegli Patrizio , Rose Noel R. , Burek C. Lynne
Published: April 2011

To study the role of invariant Natural Killer T cell (iNKT) cells in autoimmune thyroiditis, we derived two iNKT cell lines from the spleens of NOD·H2h4mice, a strain that develops spontaneous autoimmune thyroiditis exacerbated by excess dietary iodine. The two lines were CD1d-restricted and expressed CD4+, DX5+, and the Vα4Jα281 gene segment, of the T-cell receptor α locus. Upon stimulation with α-galactosyl-ceramide (α-GalCer), both lines rapidly produced IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-10, and TNF-α. Strikingly, a similar cytokine response was also induced by thyroglobulin, one of the most abundant protein in the thyroid gland and a major autoantigen in human autoimmune thyroiditis. Transfer of the iNKT cell lines to syngeneic hosts enhanced autoimmune thyroiditis. Intraperitoneal injections of α-GalCer in iodine primed mice also induced thyroid disease. This paper reports for the first time that iNKT cells respond to thyroglobulin and enhance autoimmune thyroiditis in iodine fed NOD·H2h4mice.
Modulation of Tryptophan Metabolism, Promotion of Neurogenesis and Alteration of Anxiety-Related Behavior in Tryptophan 2,3-Dioxygenase-Deficient Mice
Authors: Funakoshi Hiroshi , Kanai Masaaki , Nakamura Toshikazu
Published: April 2011

Although tryptophan (Trp) and its metabolites, such as serotonin (5-HT) and kynurenines (KYNs), are strong modulators of emotional behavior, the metabolic pathway(s) responsible for this physiological modulation is not fully understood. Two of the initial rate-limiting enzymes of the kynurenine pathway for Trp metabolism are known: tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Based on our comparison of tdo-deficient ( Tdo–/–) mice with their wild-type littermates, we report that TDO is the physiological modulator of systemic Trp, brain Trp and serotonin (5-HT), and, therefore, anxiety-related behavior. Tdo–/– mice showed increased plasma concentrations of Trp (about 10-fold) and its metabolites 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and kynurenine, as well as increased levels of Trp (about 20-fold), 5-HT and 5-HIAA in the hippocampus and midbrain. The Tdo–/– mice also showed anxiolytic modulation in the elevated plus maze and open field tests, and increased neurogenesis during adulthood, as evidenced by double staining with 5-bromo-2‘-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and neural progenitor/neuronal markers. TDO also plays a role in the maintenance of brain morphology in adult animals by regulating neurogenesis in the hippocampus and subventricular zone. Collectively, our results in Tdo–/– mice indicate a direct molecular link between Trp metabolism and mental status in mice. Tdo–/– mice will likely prove useful both in identifying the physiological role of Trp metabolism in normal brain function and in psychiatric disorders and in developing new therapeutic interventions for mental disorders. In addition, the potential role(s) and molecular mechanisms of TDO in metabolic mental disease(s) and in emotional behavior are discussed.
Understanding effective diameter and its application to terrestrial radiation in ice clouds
Authors: Mitchell D. L. , Lawson R. P. , Baker B.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. The cloud property known as "effective diameter" or "effective radius", which in essence is the cloud particle size distribution (PSD) volume at bulk density divided by its projected area, is used extensively in atmospheric radiation transfer, climate modeling and remote sensing. This derives from the assumption that PSD optical properties can be uniquely described in terms of their effective diameter, De, and their cloud water content (CWC), henceforth referred to as the De-CWC assumption. This study challenges this assumption, showing that while the De-CWC assumption appears generally valid for liquid water clouds, it appears less valid for ice clouds in regions where (1) absorption is not primarily a function of either the PSD ice water content (IWC) or the PSD projected area, and (2) where wave resonance (i.e. photon tunneling) contributes significantly to absorption. These two regions often strongly coincide at terrestrial wavelengths when De
Comparison of the size-resolved dust emission fluxes measured over a Sahelian source with the Dust Production Model DPM) predictions
Authors: Sow M. , Alfaro S. C. , Rajot J. L.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. This study is a follow up of Sow et al. (2009) who had used the gradient method to determine the size-resolved emission flux of 3 different erosion events monitored in natural conditions at the Banizoumbou (Niger) supersite of the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA) experiment. Our aim is to compare these measured fluxes with the predictions of the Dust Production Model (DPM) of Alfaro and Gomes (2001), which was derived from wind tunnel experiments. For each event, the model is run using the soil aggregate dry size-distribution, soil roughness length, and wind friction velocities derived from the field measurements as input parameters. We find that the mass emission flux is correctly predicted by the model if the binding energies of the 3 populations of fine particles released by sandblasting are reduced by a factor varying between 2.5 – for the intense convective event – and 5 – for the two less energetic events of the monsoon type. We explain this need to reduce the binding energies by an underestimation of the wind velocity due to the averaging over periods of 15' required by the calculation of the wind friction velocity. In all the studied cases the emission flux can, as already assumed in the DPM, be considered as a mixture of 3 fine particle populations the proportions of which depend on the intensity of the event. However, if the geometric mean diameter (2.0 μm) of the finest population compares well to the one used in the model (1.7 μm), the values of the intermediate and coarse modes (5.0 and 10.3 μm, respectively) are smaller than previously assumed (6.7 and 14.2 μm). Finally, the amplitude of the emission does not increase with wind speed for the coarsest mode, contrary what the DPM predicts. This suggests that the scheme describing the rate at which the relative proportions of the 3 populations evolve should be revised in the model.
Modelling of sea salt pollution over Europe: key uncertainties and comparison with observations
Authors: Tsyro S. , Aas W. , Soares J. , Sofiev M. , Berge H. , Spindler G.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Sea spray can significantly affect the air quality. Sea salt can cause enhanced concentrations of particulate matter and change particle chemical composition, in particular in coastal areas, and therefore should be accounted for in air quality modelling. We have used an EMEP Unified model to calculate sea salt concentrations and depositions over Europe, focusing on studying the effects of uncertainties in sea salt production and lifetime on calculation results. Model calculations of sea salt have been compared with EMEP observations of sodium concentrations in air and precipitation for a four year period, from 2004 to 2007, including size (fine/coarse) resolved EMEP intensive measurements in 2006 and 2007. In the presented calculations, sodium air concentrations are between 8 and 46% overestimated, whereas concentrations in precipitation are systematically underestimated by 65–70% for years 2004–2007. Unfortunately, thus far performed tests have failed to give a clear answer regarding the reason for this underestimation and further studies are needed. The model is found to reproduce fairly well the spatial distribution of Na+ in air and precipitation over Europe, and to capture most of sea salt episodes. The paper presents the main findings from a series of tests in which we compare several different sea spray source functions and also look at the effects of meteorological input and the efficiency of removal processes on calculated sea salt concentrations. Finally, sea salt calculations with the EMEP model have been compared with results from the SILAM model and observations for 2007. While the models produce fairly close results for Na+ at most of 26 measurement sites, discrepancies in terms of bias and temporal correlation are also found. Those differences are probably due to differences in the representation of source function and treatment of sea salt aerosol, and also due to different meteorology used for model runs and due to a finer grid resolution of the SILAM model compared to EMEP. This study contributes to getting a better insight on uncertainties associated with sea salt calculations with the EMEP model and towards further improvement of EMEP aerosol modelling.
Retrieval algorithm for CO2 and CH4 column abundances from short-wavelength infrared spectral observations by the Greenhouse gases observing satellite
Authors: Yoshida Y. , Ota Y. , Eguchi N. , Kikuchi N. , Nobuta K. , Tran H. , Morino I. , Yokota T.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. The Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) was launched on 23 January 2009 to monitor the global distributions of carbon dioxide and methane from space. It has operated continuously since then. Here, we describe a retrieval algorithm for column abundances of these gases from the short-wavelength infrared spectra obtained by the Thermal And Near infrared Sensor for carbon Observation-Fourier Transform Spectrometer (TANSO-FTS). The algorithm consists of three steps. First, cloud-free observational scenes are selected by several cloud-detection methods. Then, column abundances of carbon dioxide and methane are retrieved based on the optimal estimation method. Finally, the retrieval quality is examined to exclude low-quality and/or aerosol-contaminated results. Most of the retrieval random errors come from instrumental noise. The interferences due to auxiliary parameters retrieved simultaneously with gas abundances are small. The evaluated precisions of the retrieved column abundances for single observations are less than 1% in most cases. The interhemispherical differences and temporal variation patterns of the retrieved column abundances show features similar to those of an atmospheric transport model.
Enhanced ULF radiation observed by DEMETER two months around the strong 2010 Haiti earthquake
Authors: Athanasiou M. A. , Anagnostopoulos G. C. , Iliopoulos A. C. , Pavlos G. P. , David C. N.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. In this paper we study the energy of ULF electromagnetic waves that were recorded by the satellite DEMETER, during its passing over Haiti before and after a destructive earthquake. This earthquake occurred on 12 January 2010, at geographic Latitude 18.46° and Longitude 287.47°, with Magnitude 7.0 R. Specifically, we are focusing on the variations of energy of Ez-electric field component concerning a time period of 100 days before and 50 days after the strong earthquake. In order to study these variations, we have developed a novel method that can be divided in two stages: first we filter the signal, keeping only the ultra low frequencies and afterwards we eliminate its trend using techniques of Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA), combined with a third-degree polynomial filter. As it is shown, a significant increase in energy is observed for the time interval of 30 days before the earthquake. This result clearly indicates that the change in the energy of ULF electromagnetic waves could be related to strong precursory earthquake phenomena. Moreover, changes in energy associated with strong aftershock activity were also observed 25 days after the earthquake. Finally, we present results concerning the comparison between changes in energy during night and day passes of the satellite over Haiti, which showed differences in the mean energy values, but similar results as far as the rate of the energy change is concerned.
Histocompatibility and Long-Term Results of the Follicular Unit-Like Wigs after Xenogeneic Hair Transplantation: An Experimental Study in Rabbits
Authors: Sun Yu , Lu Feng , Liu Ge , Zhang Zhi-Dan , Zhang Zijie , Hu Zhi-Qi
Published: April 2011

Objective. This study was designed to observe the histocompatibility and long-term results of wigs after xenogeneic hair transplantation and to explore the possibility of industrial products in clinical application. Methods. The human hair and melted medical polypropylene were preceded into the follicular unit-like wigs according to the natural follicular unit by extrusion molding. 12 New Zealand rabbits were used as experimental animals for wigs transplantation. The histocompatibility of polypropylene and human hair was observed by H&E staining and scanning electron microscope. The loss rate of wigs was calculated to evaluate the long-term result after transplantation. Results. Mild infiltration by inflammatory cells around the polypropylene and human hair were seen during the early period after transplantation, accompanied with local epithelial cell proliferation. The inflammatory cells were decreased after 30 days with increased collagen fibers around the polypropylene and human hair. The follicular unit-like wigs maintained a good histocompatibility in one year. The degradation of hair was not significant. The loss rate of wigs was 4.1±4.0% in one year. The appearance of hair was satisfactory. Conclusions. We successfully developed a follicular unit-like wigs, which were made of xenogeneic human hair with medical polypropylene, showing a good histocompatibility, a low loss rate, and satisfactory appearance in a year after transplantation. The follicular unit-like wigs may have prospective industrial products in clinical application.
Dendritic Cell-Based Graft Tolerance
Authors: Kaouther Mnasria , Ridha Oueslati
Published: April 2011

It has recently been demonstrated that mouse and human dendritic cells (DCs) can produce IL-2 after activation. However the role of the IL2/IL2R pathway in DC functions has not yet been fully elucidated. The results presented in this study provide several new insights into the role of this pathway in DCs. We report that stimulation of human monocyte-derived DCs with LPS strongly upregulated CD25 (αchain of the IL2R) expression. In additon, by using a humanized monoclonal antibody against CD25, we demonstrated that the IL2 signalling in DC upregulated both IL-12 andγIFN production but decreased IL10 synthesis. We also found that LPS-matured DCs produced IL2. Taken together, these results suggest that IL-2 actively contributes to the DC activation through an autocrine pathway. Furthermore, our results indicate that the IL2 pathway in DC is involved in the development of T-helper priming ability and in the upregulation of surface markers characteristic of a “mature” phenotype. This study therefore provide new molecular clues regarding the split between these two phenomena and unravel new mechanisms of action of anti-CD25 monoclonal antibodies that may contribute to their action in several human immunological disorders such as autoimmune diseases and acute allograft rejection.
Thermal Buckling of Piezoelectric Composite Beam
Authors: Yazdani S. , Kiani Y. , Jabbari M. , Eslami M. R.
Published: April 2011

Buckling analysis of laminated composite beams with piezoelectric
layers subjected to thermal loading and constant voltage is studied. The material properties are assumed to be homogeneous in any layer through the beam thickness. The first-order beam theory and nonlinear
strain-displacement relation are used to obtain the governing equations of the composite beam. The beam is assumed under uniform type of thermal loading and various types of boundary conditions. For each case of boundary conditions, closed-form solutions are obtained. The effects of the applied actuator voltage, beam geometry, and boundary conditions on the buckling temperature are investigated.
A Remarkably High-Speed Solution-Phase Combinatorial Synthesis of 2-Substituted-Amino-4-Aryl Thiazoles in Polar Solvents in the Absence of a Catalyst under Ambient Conditions and Study of Their Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Dighe Satish N. , Chaskar Pratip K. , Jain Kishor S. , Phoujdar Manisha S. , Srinivasan Kumar V.
Published: April 2011

Remarkably high-speed synthesis of 2-substituted amino-4-aryl thiazoles in polar solvents with a minimum threshold polarity index of 4.8 was found to proceed to completion in just 30–40 sec. affording excellent yields of thiazoles under ambient temperature conditions without the use of any additional catalyst. The purification-free procedure afforded libraries based around a known pharmacophore, namely, substituted arylthiazoles and generated samples of high purity. In terms of combinatorial synthesis in a single solution phase, our protocol is significantly better than those hitherto reported and is amenable for HTS. The in vitro biological tests of some thiazoles showed good activity towards gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria and fungi comparable with the standard drugs, nitrofurantoin and griseofulvin, for their antibacterial and antifungal activities, respectively.
Expression of an Androgenic Gland-Specific Insulin-Like Peptide during the Course of Prawn Sexual and Morphotypic Differentiation
Authors: Ventura Tomer , Manor Rivka , Aflalo Eliahu D. , Weil Simy , Khalaila Isam , Rosen Ohad , Sagi Amir
Published: April 2011

The crustacean male-specific androgenic gland (AG) regulates sexual differentiation. In the prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii, silencing an AG-specific insulin-like encoding transcript (Mr-IAG) inhibited the development of male sexual characters, suggesting that Mr-IAG is a key androgenic hormone. We used recombinant pro-Mr-IAG peptide to generate antibodies that recognized the peptide in AG cells and extracts, as verified by mass spectrometry. We revealed the temporal expression pattern of Mr-IAG and studied its relevance to the timetable of sex differentiation processes in juveniles and after puberty. Mr-IAG was expressed from as early as 20 days after metamorphosis, prior to the appearance of external male sexual characters. Mr-IAG expression was lower in the less reproductively active orange-clawed males than in both the dominant blue-clawed males and the actively sneak mating small males. These results suggest a role for Mr-IAG both in the timing of male sexual differentiation and in regulating reproductive strategies.
Simultaneous Use of Cannulated Reamer and Schanz Screw for Closed Intramedullary Femoral Nailing
Authors: Rohilla Rajesh , Singh Roop , Magu Narender K. , Devgan Ashish , Siwach Ramchander , Sangwan Sukhbir Singh
Published: April 2011

Introduction. Closed reduction is a critical component of the intramedullary nailing and at times can be difficult and technically challenging resulting in increased operative time. Fluoroscopy is used extensively to achieve closed reduction which increases the intra-operative radiation exposure.
Materials and Methods. Sixty patients with femoral diaphyseal fractures treated by locked intramedullary nailing were randomized in two groups. In group I, fracture reduction was performed under fluoroscopy with a cannulated reamer in the proximal fragment or with simultaneous use of a cannulated reamer in the proximal fragment and a Schanz screw in the distal fragment. Patients in group II had fracture reduction under fluoroscopy alone.
Results. Closed reduction was achieved in 29 patients in group I and 25 patients in group II. The guide wire insertion time, time for nail insertion and its distal locking, total operative time, and total fluoroscopic time were 26.57, 27.93, 68.03, and 0.19 minutes in group I, compared with 30.87, 27.83, 69.93, and 0.24 minutes in group II, respectively. The average number of images taken to achieve guide wire insertion, for nail insertion and its locking and for the complete procedure in group I, respectively, was 12.33, 25.27, and 37.6 compared with 22.1, 26.17, and 48.27, respectively, in group II.
Conclusion. The use of cannulated reamer in proximal fragment as intramedullary joystick and Schanz screw and in the distal fragment as percutaneous joystick facilitates closed reduction of the fracture during closed intramedullary femoral nailing with statistically significant reduction in guide wire insertion time and radiation exposure.
Epithelial Ovarian Cancer and the Occurrence of Skin Cancer in The Netherlands: Histological Type Connotations
Authors: van Niekerk Catharina C. , Bulten Johan , Verbeek André L. M.
Published: April 2011

Background. Patients with epithelial ovarian cancer have a high risk of (non-)melanoma skin cancer. The association between histological variants of primary ovarian cancer and skin cancer is poorly documented. Objectives. To further evaluate the risk of skin cancer based on the histology of the epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods. A cross-sectional study within a large population-based dataset. Results. Skin cancer was found in 2.7% (95% CI: 2.3–3.1) of the 5366 individuals forming our dataset. The odds ratio (OR) for endometrioid cancer in the ovary to skin cancer in the under 50 age group was 8.9 (95% CI: 3.2–25.0). The OR decreased in older patients to 1.2. Conclusions. Patients with epithelial ovarian malignancies show an increased risk of skin cancer. A significantly increased risk (4.3%) for endometrioid ovarian cancer was found in the group aged under 50.
Antioxidant Activity of Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Arora Daljit Singh , Chandra Priyanka
Published: April 2011

The antioxidant activity of Aspergillus fumigatus was assayed by different procedures and correlated with its extracellular total phenolic contents. Different physio-chemical parameters were optimized to enhance the activity. The culture grown under stationary conditions for 10 days at 25°C at pH 7 gave the best antioxidant activity. Statistical approaches demonstrated sucrose and NaNO3 to be the most suitable carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. Response surface analysis showed 5% sucrose, 0.05% NaNO3, and incubation temperature of 35°C to be the optimal conditions for best expression of antioxidant activity. Under these conditions, the antioxidant potential assayed through different procedures was 89.8%, 70.1%, and 70.2% scavenging effect for DPPH radical, ferrous ion and nitric oxide ion, respectively. The reducing power showed an absorbance of 1.0 and FRAP assay revealed the activity of 60.5%. Extracellular total phenolic content and antioxidant activity as assayed by different procedures positively correlated.
Existence of Almost Periodic Solutions for a Class of Abstract Impulsive Differential Equations
Authors: Henríquez Hernán R. , De Andrade Bruno , Rabelo Marcos
Published: April 2011

We study the existence of piecewise almost periodic solutions for a class of abstract impulsive semilinear differential equations.
Increased B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Concentration Is Associated with Reduced Coronary Vasoreactivity in Patients with Dilated
Cardiomyopathy but Not in Healthy Young Subjects
Authors: Sundell Jan , Engblom Erik , Koistinen Juhani , Ylitalo Antti , Laine Hanna , Kalliokoski Riikka , Airaksinen K. E. Juhani , Bax Jeroen J. , Knuuti Juhani
Published: April 2011

Background/Aims. Natriuretic peptides are associated with the cardiovascular disease risk under a range of different circumstances. However, less is known about whether this association is found also in young healthy subjects.
Methods. 9 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and 26 healthy young subjects were studied. The myocardial blood flow measurements were performed basally and during adenosine infusion using PET.
Results. S-proBNP concentrations were significantly higher (2153±1964 versus 28±17 ng/L, P=.000002) and adenosine-stimulated flow lower (1.6±0.8 versus 3.6±1.1 mL⋅g−1⋅min−1, P=.00001) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy when compared to healthy subjects. S-proBNP concentration was inversely associated with adenosine stimulated flow in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (r=−0.75, P=.019) but not in healthy subjects (r=−0.06, P=.84). Conclusions. Natriuretic peptides are inversely associated with coronary vasoreactivity in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy but not in healthy young subjects. Since reduced coronary vasoreactivity seems to be one of the earliest abnormalities in the development of coronary artery disease, this might indicate that natriuretic peptides are not predictor of cardiovascular disease risk in healthy young subjects.
Edge-Detection in Noisy Images Using Independent Component Analysis
Authors: Mendhurwar Kaustubha , Patil Shivaji , Sundani Harsh , Aggarwal Priyanka , Devabhaktuni Vijay
Published: April 2011

Edges in a digital image provide important information about the objects contained within the image since they constitute boundaries between objects in the image. This paper proposes a new approach based on independent component analysis (ICA) for edge-detection in noisy images. The proposed approach works in two phases—the training phase and the edge-detection phase. The training phase is carried out only once to determine parameters for the ICA. Once calculated, these ICA parameters can be employed for edge-detection in any number of noisy images. The edge-detection phase deals with transitioning in and out of ICA domain and recovering the original image from a noisy image. Both gray scale as well as colored images corrupted with Gaussian noise are studied using the proposed approach, and remarkably improved results, compared to the existing edge-detection techniques, are achieved. Performance evaluation of the proposed approach using both subjective as well as objective methods is presented.
Catalytic Reduction of Noble Metal Salts by Sodium Hypophosphite Promoted by the Film Poly-(p-Allyl Ether Benzenesulfonic Acid)
Authors: Costa M. I. C. F. , Steter J. R. , Purgato F. L. S. , Romero J. R.
Published: April 2011

Glassy carbon electrodes were coated with the film poly-(p-allyl ether benzenesulfonic acid) by an anodic procedure. Nickel, platinum, and palladium ions were introduced into the film by ion exchange of H+
with the corresponding salts. These ions were catalytically reduced to their corresponding metals using the known electroless reducing agent sodium hypophosphite. Scanning electron microcopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were carried out to demonstrate the occurrence of the catalytic process. To compare this method with another one carried out in our laboratory, the electrocatalytic reduction of H+ was studied using the same modified electrodes. A suggested mechanism for the catalysis is proposed.
Irrigation Water Chemistry: Impact on Microbial Community Composition and Biogeochemical Leaching under Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne [L])
Authors: Holgate Leon C. , Aitkenhead-Peterson Jacqueline A. , Gentry Terry J.
Published: April 2011

Greywater recycling and rain water harvesting for irrigating urban
and suburban landscapes may reduce the use of potable water in
arid and subtropical climates but affect soil microbial community
composition and biogeochemical cycling. Municipal tap water,
greywater, and harvested rain water were used to irrigate
(Lolium perenne L.) planted in a constructed soil
over a 20 week period. Irrigation with grey water significantly
increased the relative abundance of gram-positive biomarkers
ANTEISO 15 : 0, ISO 17 : 1G,
gram-negative biomarkers 19 : 0 CYCLO c11-12 and bacterial
biomarker 18 : 0 () relative to irrigation with
harvested rain water. Significant decreases were observed in the
relative abundance of gram-positive biomarker
16 : 0, gram-negative biomarker
16 : 1 ω7c, both fungi biomarkers
(18 : 2 ω6c and 18 : 1
ω9c) in soils irrigated with greywater ().
Dissolved organic carbon losses from soil were a significant
two-to-four times greater from soils irrigated with municipal tap
water and greywater relative to soils irrigated with harvested
rain water (). This study highlights the effect that
municipal tap water and grey water may have on microbial community
composition and soil nutrient dynamics under irrigated turf grass.
Lie Group of Spacetime
Authors: Benedetto Elmo
Published: April 2011

A brief review is presented of de Sitter-Fantappiè relativity, and we
propose some cosmological reflections suggested by this theory. Compared
to the original works, some deductions have been very simplified, and only
the physical meaning of the equations has been analyzed.
Medical Student Identification of Knee Effusion by Ultrasound
Authors: Hoppmann Richard , Hunt Patrick , Louis Hunter , Keisler Brian , Richeson Nancy , Rao Victor , Stacy Jason , Howe Duncan
Published: April 2011

Twenty-one fourth-year medical students were given a brief lecture on ultrasound of the knee and fifteen minutes of supervised ultrasound scanning of three cadavers which had been injected with saline to give varying degrees of knee effusions. Each student was then individually observed and required to scan both knees of a cadaver different from the practice cadavers and identify the patella, the femur, the quadriceps tendon and if a suprapatellar effusion was present, and which knee had the larger effusion. All twenty-one students correctly identified all anatomical structures, suprapatellar effusions, and which knee had the larger effusion. Identifying a knee effusion can be an important clinical finding in diagnosing and managing a patient with knee complaints. Fourth-year medical students can learn to identify knee effusions with ultrasound following a brief introductory lecture and hands-on scanning practice session.
The Investigation of Laser Lap Welding Process on High-Strength Galvanized Steel Sheets
Authors: Zhou Shiquan , Zhao Yi , Peng Zhenguo , Ren Fangjie
Published: April 2011

The development of
automobile steel was analyzed in this paper; it
is pointed out that high-strength galvanized
steel will be widely used in the car body
structure. By analyzing welding problems about
the dual phase (DP) series of high-strength
galvanized steel, the importance of laser
welding was concerned. Finally, laser lap
welding process technology of high-strength
galvanized steel was studied; the results show
that the lap weld with welding process smooth
and spatter-free as well as beautiful welding
bead surface appearance and good mechanical
properties can be made by using the dual-beam
laser welding technology and interlayer for
welding high-strength galvanized
steel.
Recommendations for the care of oral involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Alantar Alp , Cabane Jean , Hachulla Eric , Princ Guy , Ginisty Danielle , Hassin Michel , Sorel Marc , Maman Louis , Pilat Aurélie , Mouthon Luc
Published: April 2011

Objective

To review the literature and collect expert advice for proposing preventive and curative treatments of mouth and dental involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma).

Methods

The literature pertaining to mouth and/or dental involvement related to SSc was reviewed, and recommendations were developed according to the suggestions of a French multidisciplinary working group of experts and validated by a lecture committee.

Results

Dentists face 3 main issues in caring for SSc patients: oral mucosa involvement, manducatory apparatus and mouth involvement responsible for limitations in mouth opening, and treatment‐related adverse events. An increased risk of tongue carcinoma has been noted. In patients with severe limitation in mouth opening (<30 mm), recommended treatments are a specific mouth‐opening rehabilitation program, flexible sectional dentures, and splint therapy. Indications for dental implants depend on the severity of SSc, comorbidities, and/or ongoing bisphosphonate treatment. Prevention of mouth infections and caries implies patient education and teaching about mouth and dental hygiene, periodontal maintenance, and treatment of sicca syndrome. Cessation of tobacco use is mandatory. Patient‐tailored rehabilitation may improve limitations in mouth opening. Systematic dental panoramic radiography allows for the early detection of dental caries.

Conclusion

Prevention of oral and dental complications is a major issue in patients with SSc. Dental treatment should be tailored to limitations in mouth opening, disease severity, and ongoing treatments.
Original Supercritical Water Device for Continuous Production of Nanopowders
Authors: Demoisson Frédéric , Ariane Moustapha , Piolet Romain , Bernard Frédéric
Published: April 2011

Well‐crystallized ZnO, ZrO2, TiO2, CeO2, Y2O3 and La2O3 nanoparticles are synthesized under supercritical water conditions (T > 647 K and P > 22.1 MPa) using a home‐made continuous process. At room temperature, metallic salts with or without aqueous hydroxide solution (KOH or NaOH) are pressurized to 25–30 MPa. Then, the reactant(s) is/are rapidly heated to 673–773 K by mixing with the supercritical water in a patented reactor. Residence time is in the range from 2 to 8 s. XRD, TEM and surface area analyses highlight the production of pure and well‐crystallized nanoparticles with a uniform size distribution.
Solvent Participation in a One‐Pot Glycosylation Strategy (SPOG)
Authors: Chao Chin‐Sheng , Yen Yu‐Fang , Hung Wei‐Cheng , Mong Kwok‐Kong Tony
Published: April 2011

Solvent participation in a one‐pot glycosylation strategy (SPOG) was developed on the basis of the low concentration β‐selective glycosylation method. This strategy enables the production of a β‐glycosidic bond in a one‐pot oligosaccharide synthesis without or with minimal use of any C‐2 participating function.
Organocatalytic Stereoselective Direct Aldol Reaction of Trifluoroethyl Thioesters
Authors: Rossi Sergio , Benaglia Maurizio , Cozzi Franco , Genoni Andrea , Benincori Tiziana
Published: April 2011

The first organocatalytic, stereoselective and direct aldol reaction of activated thioesters with aldehydes has been accomplished. The trichlorosilyl ketene thioacetal generated in situ by adding a tertiary amine to a trifluoroethyl thioester in the presence of tetrachlorosilane is activated by catalytic amounts of an enantiomerically pure biheteroaromatic phosphine oxide to react with different aldehydes, coordinated to as well as activated by the chiral cationic hypervalent silicon species. Starting from a variety of readily available thioesters, this Lewis acid‐mediated Lewis base‐catalyzed transformation allows the direct synthesis of syn‐β‐hydroxy thioesters in up to 95% ee.
WNT10A and isolated hypodontia
Authors: Kantaputra Piranit , Sripathomsawat Warissara
Published: April 2011

WNT10A has been associated with various syndromes with ectodermal dysplasia from severe autosomal recessive SchÖpf–Schulz–Passarge syndrome to odonto‐onycho‐dermal dysplasia and autosomal dominant hypodontia. We report WNT10A mutations in an American family of which four members are affected with isolated hypodontia or microdontia. Here we demonstrate that in addition to MSX1, PAX9, AXIN2, and EDA, mutations in WNT10A can cause isolated hypodontia. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Presenting physical characteristics, medical conditions, and developmental status of long‐term survivors with trisomy 9 mosaicism
Authors: Bruns Deborah
Published: April 2011

Much of the available literature on individuals with trisomy 9 mosaicism focuses on reports concerning results of prenatal testing or fetal autopsy with limited reports of long‐term survivors. Data from the Tracking Rare Incidence Syndromes (TRIS) project offer the largest series to date examining the presenting physical characteristics and medical conditions at birth for 14 individuals. Results indicated the presence of low set ears and microcephaly for some children in the sample. Cardiac anomalies were reported along with feeding and respiratory difficulties in the immediate postnatal period. In addition, developmental status data indicated a wide range in functioning level with examples of demonstrated skills provided. Implications for professionals caring for patients with trisomy 9 mosaicism are offered. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Somatic/gonadal mosaicism in a syndromic form of ectrodactyly, including eye abnormalities, documented through array‐based comparative genomic hybridization
Authors: Filho Aguinaldo Bonalumi , Souza Josiane , Faucz Fábio Rueda , Sotomaior Vanessa Santos , Dupont Barbara , Bartel Frank , Rodriguez Reycel , Schwartz Charles E. , Skinner Cindy , Alliman Sarah , Raskin Salmo
Published: April 2011

Split hand/foot malformation (SHFM) is characterized by underdeveloped or absent central digital rays, clefts of hands and feet, and variable syndactyly of the remaining digits. SHFM is a heterogeneous condition caused by abnormalities at one of multiple loci, including SHFM1 (SHFM1 at 7q21–q22), SHFM2 (Xq26), SHFM3 (FBXW4/DACTYLIN at 10q24), SHFM4 (TP63 at 3q27), and SHFM5 (DLX1 and DLX 2 at 2q31). SHFM3 is unique in that it is caused by submicroscopic tandem chromosome duplications of FBXW4/DACTYLIN. In order to show that array‐based comparative genomic hybridization should be considered an essential aspect of the genetic analysis of patients with SHFM, we report on a family with two brothers who have ectrodactyly. Interestingly, both also have ocular abnormalities. Their sister and both parents are healthy. DNA of all five family members was analyzed using oligonucleotide‐based DNA microarray and quantitative PCR. The two affected brothers were found to have a small duplication of approximately 539 kb at 10q24.32. The patients' sister and father do not have the microduplication, but qPCR showed that mother's DNA carries the duplication in 20% of blood lymphocytes. In this family, two children were affected with ectrodactyly having a duplication over the SHFM3 locus. The mother, who shows no clinical features of ectrodacytyly, is a mosaic for the same duplication. Therefore, we demonstrate that somatic/gonadal mosaicism is a mechanism that gives rise to SHFM. We also suggest that ocular abnormalities may be part of the clinical description of SHFM3. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling the compressive stress–strain response of polymeric foams
Authors: Spathis G. , Kontou E.
Published: April 2011

The mechanical behavior of cellular materials appears to have, for both open and closed cells, similar characteristics. The compressive stress–strain diagram contains a nearly elastic regime; this leads to a limit load, followed by a plateau extending to a strain of about 50% on average. All of the main features of this curve are related to the material's microstructure. In this study, taking into account the complex deformation mechanisms occurring in a cellular material under external loading, we introduced a statistical micromechanics model. The geometry of our analysis was based on a previous study, where the deformation of the individual struts was connected to the macroscopic deformation tensor. Assuming further that deformation was separated into elastic and viscoplastic parts and following a specific kinematic procedure, we simulated the compressive stress–strain response, the rate dependence, and the loading–unloading behavior of polymeric foam materials. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Novel feature of nano‐titanium dioxide on textiles: Antifelting and antibacterial wool
Authors: Montazer Majid , Pakdel Esfandiar , Behzadnia Amir
Published: April 2011

In this study, the antifelting and antibacterial features of wool samples treated with nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO2) were evaluated. To examine the antifelting properties of the treated samples, the fabric shrinkage after washing was determined. The antimicrobial activity was assessed through the calculation of bacterial reduction against Escherichia coli (Gram‐negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram‐positive) bacteria. TiO2 was stabilized on the wool fabric surface by means of carboxylic acids, including citric acid (CA) and butane tetracarboxylic acid (BTCA). Both oxidized samples with potassium permanganate and nonoxidized wool fabrics were used in this study. The relations between both the TiO2 and carboxylic acid concentrations in the impregnated bath and the antifelting and antibacterial properties are discussed. With increasing concentration in the impregnated bath, the amount of TiO2 nanoparticles on the surface of the wool increased; subsequently, lower shrinkage and higher antibacterial properties were obtained. The existence of TiO2 nanoparticles on the surface of the treated samples was proven with scanning electron microscopy images and energy‐dispersive spectrometry. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of Ni2+ as a codopant on the structure, morphology, and conductivity of nanostructured polyaniline
Authors: Jiang Man , Zhu Shibu , Zhou Zuowan , Zhao An , Lu Jun
Published: April 2011

One‐dimensional nanostructures of polyaniline (PANI) doped with (1S)‐(+)‐10‐camphorsulfonic acid (D‐CSA) alone and with NiCl2 as a codopant were synthesized via in situ polymerization. PANI nanofibers with diameters of about 200 nm were formed when PANI was doped with D‐CSA only. When NiCl2 was added as a codopant, the morphology of PANI obviously changed. The effects and related mechanisms were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction, and the results indicated that Ni2+ destroyed the micelles' structure by chemical conjunction with SO3H groups in camphorsulfonic acid (CSA) molecules, which were the key component in forming the CSA–aniline micelles. The combination between Ni2+ and SO in CSA with a lower addition of Ni2+ led to a reduction of CSA doping to PANI, but a higher loading of Ni2+ brought about the direct doping of Ni2+ to PANI, which caused a higher degree of doping and oxidation. The conductivity of PANI increased almost linearly with increasing Ni2+. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Physical and mechanical properties of thermostatic fabrics treated with nanoencapsulated phase change materials
Authors: Choi Kyeyoun , Cho Gilsoo
Published: April 2011

Textiles treated with nanoencapsulated phase change materials (nanoPCMs) were used to examine their suitability as clothing materials to prepare thermostatic clothes for absorbing or releasing heat according to heat fluctuation between the body and the environment. To this end, the physical and mechanical properties of fabrics treated with nanoPCMs, such as nano‐nonadecane and nano‐octadecane, were evaluated after we confirmed the morphology and thermal efficiency of the nanoPCMs. The nanoPCMs were almost spherical, with an irregular size distribution between 200 and 400 nm. The heat of fusion and peak temperature of melting for nano‐nonadecane, nano‐octadecane, and a balanced mix were measured at 102.6 J/g and 33.6°C, 144.7 J/g and 29.8°C, and 137.4 J/g and 31.8°C, respectively. However, the heat of fusion of the vapor‐permeable and water‐repellant (VPWR) fabrics treated with the nanoPCMs were only 6.8, 4.0, and 3.6 J/g, respectively, because the weight of fabric was added per unit area. The air permeability of the specimens without nanoPCMs was the lowest; that of the VPWR fabrics with nanoPCMs was relatively higher. The water vapor transmission of the VPWR fabrics with nanoPCMs was higher than the fabric without nanoPCMs, and the water resistance decreased in the same order. Compared to the mechanical properties of the fabric without nanoPCMs, the stiffness and roughness of the fabrics with nanoPCMs were improved, but the resilience and smoothness of the fabrics were slightly decreased. Consequently, the physical and mechanical properties of VPWR fabrics with nanoPCMs were superior to those of the fabric without nanoPCMs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Dielectric relaxation analysis of biopolymer poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)
Authors: Hanafy Taha A. , Elbanna Khaled , El‐Sayed Somyia , Hassen Arafa
Published: April 2011

Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate), PHB, is a widely distributed carbon storage polymer among prokaryotes including Rhizobium. Capacities of Rhizobium etli R13 to produce the bioplastic during growth on media with different carbon sources appeared to be specific carbon‐source. In fed batch fermentation, R. etli R13 resulted in cell dry weight 6.2 g/L and PHB 51.4%. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and gel permeation chromatography analysis revealed that PHB produced from R. etli R13 was solely composed of 3‐hydroxybutyric acid and the molecular mass of the purified PHB was 3.4 × 105 Da with polydispersity 1.47. Dielectric relaxation of PHB has been studied in the temperature and frequency ranges 300–440 K and 10 kHz–4 MHz, respectively. A clear dielectric α and ρ‐relaxation processes are observed in these studied ranges of temperature and frequency. The first process is due to the dipole relaxation in the crystalline phase of PHB. The second one is due to the space‐charge formation or Maxwell‐Wagner‐polarization. The α‐relaxation process has been investigated by semiempirical Havriliak‐Negami relaxation function. The activation energy (Ea) and the relaxation time (τ0) are calculated using the Arrhenius equation. The dielectric relaxation strength (Δε) is strongly temperature dependent. The calculated values of Ea for ac conductivity, ln(σ), of PHB provide information about the presence of electronic conduction. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011