bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymer‐supported heterogeneous titanium‐based Ziegler‐Natta catalyst for ethylene polymerization
Authors: Kalita A. , Kamrupi I. R. , Pokhrel B. , Dolui S. K.
Published: January 2012

Reported here in, is the synthesis of polystyrene (PS)‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst (PS‐TiCl4) by the reaction of PS and titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4). PS was synthesized by emulsion polymerization using super critical CO2 (sc‐CO2) as a medium. Three catalysts were synthesized by varying the TiCl4/PS weight ratio in hexane medium. The resulting catalysts were characterized by Fourier transformed‐infrared spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X‐ray detector, X‐ray diffraction analysis. The acidity of the catalysts in an acetone/water solution was measured by pH meter. The thermogravimetric analysis reveals that catalysts are stable upto 150–180°C. Due to their higher degree of thermal stability these catalysts may potentially be used as a support in conventional Ziegler–Natta catalyst for ethylene polymerization. These catalysts also showed good storability and its overall catalytic productivity are found to be 3720 g PE/g Ti. The productivity of the catalysts also depended on the titanium concentration in the polymer matrix. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of using oxygen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide as active gases in the atmospheric plasma treatment of fiber‐reinforced polycyanurate composites
Authors: Zaldivar R. J. , Nokes J. P. , Patel D. N. , Morgan B. A. , Steckel G. , Kim H. I.
Published: January 2012

A study was undertaken to address the effect of using different active gases during the atmospheric plasma treatment of composite specimens for adhesive bonding. The effect of using oxygen, carbon dioxide, or carbon monoxide on the surface chemistry, morphology, and mechanical properties of cyanate ester composites was investigated. CO treatment resulted in a surface profile that could be tailored to create an oxygen/carbon ratio as high as 0.71 with a negligible degree of polymer degradation as verified by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy. On the other hand, CO2 and O2 treatments resulted in a fairly high degree of chain scission and degradation using otherwise similar treatment conditions. However, significant bond strength improvement (>75%) over conventional abrasion surface preparation techniques was achieved for all three types of gases. XPS of CO‐treated specimens showed a large increase in carbonyl species formation in comparison with the weakly bonded carbonates (ash) formed when treating the same composites with CO2 and O2 gas suggesting a different mechanism. These results present a method by which sensitive carbon‐based, hydrophobic surfaces can be modified without damaging the underlying substrate as well as improving bond performance over conventional surface preparation methods. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Use of near‐infrared spectroscopy for online quality analysis of Armos fiber/prepreg tape
Authors: Jiang B. , Huang Y. D. , Liu L. , Hu C. P.
Published: January 2012

Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIR) was applied in manufacture of the Armos fiber/prepreg tape. The reinforced material, resin matrix, and prepreg were analyzed by NIR spectroscopy, the qualitative and quantitative method. The volatile content and resin content of the calibration models were developed by partial least squares. The analytical result showed that, it was a rapid, nondestructive, and noncontact method for the simultaneous measurement of prepreg quality. This method enhanced the quality of prepreg. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Ring‐opening metathesis copolymerization of dicyclopentadiene and cyclopentene through reaction injection molding process
Authors: Yao Zhen , Zhou Li‐wu , Dai Bin‐bin , Cao Kun
Published: January 2012

Copolymer of dicyclopentadiene and cyclopentene (CPE) is synthesized through ring‐opening metathesis polymerization using the second‐generation Grubbs catalyst. The influences of monomer composition, catalyst concentration, and reaction temperature on gelification time and monomer conversion have been investigated. Furthermore, the reaction injection molding process is employed to produce the copolymer of dicyclopentadiene and CPE. It has been found that postcuring process is necessary to achieve 100% monomer conversion. The incorporation of a small amount of CPE into the copolymers can reduce the weight loss rate in the TGA process and improve the mechanical properties. The effects of CPE fraction, catalyst concentration, and postcuring temperature on thermal stability and mechanical properties are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Surface properties and biocompatibility of cellulose acetates
Authors: Dobos Adina Maria , Stoica Iuliana , Olaru Niculae , Olaru Liliana , Ioanid Emil Ghiocel , Ioan Silvia
Published: January 2012

The article describes some properties of cellulose acetates (CAs) with different substitution degrees. The hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties, morphological aspects, and interface properties with red blood cells and platelets are affected by the substitution degree, synthesis conditions, history of the formed films from solutions in acetone/water nonsolvent/nonsolvent mixtures, and low pressure plasma treatment. The results obtained are useful in biomedical applications, including evaluation of bacterial adhesion onto surfaces, or utilization of CA for semipermeable membranes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation of ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene/carbon nanotube nanocomposites with a Ziegler–Natta catalytic system and investigation of their thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: Amoli B. Meschi , Ramazani S. A. Ahmad , Izadi Hadi
Published: January 2012

In this research, ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites with different nanotube concentrations (0.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 wt %) were prepared via in situ polymerization with a novel, bisupported Ziegler–Natta catalytic system. Magnesium ethoxide [Mg(OEt)2] and surface‐functionalized MWCNTs were used as the support of the catalyst. Titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) accompanied by triethylaluminum constituted the Ziegler–Natta catalytic system. Preparation of the catalyst and the polymerization were carried out in the slurry phase under an argon atmosphere. Support of the catalyst on the MWCNTs was investigated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results confirmed the interaction between the catalyst and the MWCNT hydroxyl groups. Intrinsic viscosity measurements showed an ultrahigh molecular weight in the produced samples. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the good dispersion of MWCNTs throughout the polyethylene (PE) matrix. The crystallization behavior of the samples was examined with differential scanning calorimetry. Its results showed that the crystal content of the samples increased with increasing MWCNT concentration up to 1.5 wt %. The same trend was observed for the crystallization temperature, whereas the melting temperature did not change with increasing MWCNT concentration up to 1.5 wt %, but it decreased beyond this concentration. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis results showed that the addition of MWCNTs noticeably improved all of the investigated thermal stability factors of the UHMWPE/MWCNT nanocomposites compared to those of pure PE. The results obtained from tensile testing revealed significant increases in the Young's modulus, yield stress, and ultimate tensile strength. This indicated a tremendous improvement in the mechanical properties of the PE/MWCNT nanocomposites compared to those of pure PE. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 125:453–461, 2012
Visualization of mathematical inconsistencies in CIECAM02
Authors: Brill Michael H. , Mahy Marc
Published: January 2012

It has been reported that CIECAM02, the appearance model standardized by the CIE to be used for imaging applications, contains a number of mathematical inconsistencies. These shortcomings cannot be solved easily without changing the behavior of the model and hence a fundamental redesign seems to be needed. At the moment, the main problems with CIECAM02 are known, but there is no clear strategy yet to fix the model. To have an idea about the impact of the inconsistencies of the currently standardized CIECAM02 model and several proposed corrections, the shortcomings are visualized for a number of color/illuminant combinations. From this visualization, a practical and natural approach is obtained to adjust the model without changing the mathematics drastically. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 38, 188–195, 2013.
Maternal eating disorders and infant temperament: Findings from the norwegian mother and child cohort study
Authors: Zerwas Stephanie , Von Holle Ann , Torgersen Leila , Reichborn‐Kjennerud Ted , Stoltenberg Camilla , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: January 2012

Objective:

We hypothesized that women with eating disorders would be more likely to rate their infants' temperament higher on negative emotionality than women without eating disorders.

Method:

Of 3,013 mothers with eating disorders, 44 reported anorexia nervosa (AN), 436 bulimia nervosa (BN), 2,475 binge eating disorder (BED), and 58 EDNOS purging type (EDNOS‐P). The referent group comprised 45,964 mothers with no eating disorder. A partial proportional odds model was used to estimate the relation among maternal eating disorder presentations and infant temperament ratings while adjusting for covariates.

Results:

Women with AN, BN, EDNOS‐P, and BED were 2.3, 1.4, 2.8, and 1.4 times more likely to report extreme fussiness than the referent group of women with no eating disorder, respectively.

Discussion:

Mothers with eating disorders may rate their infants as more difficult because of information‐processing biases or because their infants are emotionally difficult. Maternal perception of infant temperament may be a risk factor for children's emotional development. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012)
Clinical features of extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue
Authors: Ishii Yoshimi , Tomita Naoto , Takasaki Hirotaka , Ogusa Eriko , Hattori Yukako , Matsuura Shiro , Matsumoto Chihiro , Takemura Sachiya , Kuwabara Hideyuki , Ishigatsubo Yoshiaki
Published: January 2012

We newly diagnosed 131 patients with extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma between 1998 and 2010. We retrospectively studied 124 patients for whom complete clinical data were available at presentation and who had minimally undergone tumour staging by physical examination, computed tomography (CT), bone marrow aspiration, and biopsy. A slight female predominance (men, 58; women, 66) was observed in the study population; the median age was 67 years. The primary locations at presentation were the stomach (38%), orbita (20%), lung (12%), intestinal tract (8%), thyroid gland (6%), others (14%), and unknown (2%). Seventy per cent of patients had localized disease. Of the 124 patients, 14 (11%) had lymph node involvement, and 5 (4%) had bone marrow involvement. Five (4%) patients had both lung and gastric involvement. The 5‐year overall survival rate for the 124 patients was 96.1%. The overall vital prognosis was excellent. Moreover, gastro‐intestinal fiberscopic examination is essential, especially in cases with lung involvement at presentation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control of cilostazol release kinetics and direction from a stent using a reservoir‐based design
Authors: Parker Theodore , Davé Vipul , Falotico Robert , Zhao Jonathon , Nguyen Thai , He Sylvia , Sun Yi‐Ping , Rogers Campbell
Published: January 2012

Sustained release formulations of a potent antithrombotic drug, cilostazol, in poly‐(lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) matrices were created for luminal release from a novel drug‐eluting stent utilizing reservoirs (RES TECHNOLOGY™). The crystallinity of cilostazol and the morphology of the cilostazol/polymer matrix in the stent reservoirs were examined by cross‐polarized optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. An in vitro method was developed to study release kinetics of various cilostazol formulations and to examine correlation with in vivo release. Formulation parameters such as drug‐to‐polymer ratio and the use of a polymer barrier on the abluminal surface of the drug/polymer matrix were found to be effective in modulating drug release rate. Cilostazol/PLGA75/25 in the weight ratio of 50/50 to 70/30 displayed first‐order release kinetics for the majority of the drug load. Addition of an abluminal polymer barrier slowed cilostazol release rate when compared to the bidirectional reservoir design. Excellent correlation between cilostazol in vivo release profile from stents in a porcine coronary artery model and that measured in vitro in a modified USP‐7 apparatus suggests that the in vitro release system is capable of predicting in vivo release of cilostazol from stent reservoirs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
New measurements to compare soft tissue anchoring systems in pelvic floor surgery
Authors: Staat Manfred , Trenz Eva , Lohmann Philipp , Frotscher Ralf , Klinge Uwe , Tabaza Ruth , Kirschner‐Hermanns Ruth
Published: January 2012

Suburethral slings as well as different meshes are widely used treating stress urinary incontinence and prolaps in women. With the development of MiniSlings and special meshes using less alloplastic material anchorage systems become more important to keep devices in place and to put some tension especially on the MiniSlings. To date, there are many different systems of MiniSlings of different companies on the market which differ in the structure of the used meshes and anchors. A new objective measurement method to compare different properties of MiniSling systems (mesh and anchor) is presented in this article. Ballistic gelatine acts as soft tissue surrogate. Significant differences in parameters like pull‐out strength of anchors or shrinkage of meshes under loading conditions have been determined. The form and size of the anchors as well as the structural stability of the meshes are decisive for a proper integration. The tested anchorings sytems showed markedly different mechanical function at their respective load bearing capacity. As the stable fixation of the device in tissue is a prerequisite for a permanet reinforcement, the proposed test system permits further optimisation of anchor and mesh devices to improve the success of the surgical treatment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater , 2012.
Ni(II) alters the NFκB signaling pathway in monocytic cells
Authors: Li Lei , Wataha John C. , Cate Casey , Zhang Hai , DiJulio Dennis , Chung Whasun O.
Published: January 2012

Nickel‐based alloys are used for dental restorations because of their strength, high moduli, and relatively low cost. However, these alloys corrode significantly in use, particularly in lower pH environments that are common under oral biofilms. Ni(II) corrosion products increase inflammatory cytokine secretion from activated monocytes, suggesting that nickel alloys may exacerbate inflammatory responses in adjacent periodontal tissues caused by dental plaque. Because inflammatory cytokine secretion is regulated in part by the NFκB signaling pathway, our goal in the current work was to determine whether Ni(II) altered cellular levels or nuclear localization of NFκB‐family subtypes. THP1 monocytes were exposed to Ni(II) for 72 h, and activated with lipopolysaccharide for the last 30 min to 6 h. Secretion of IL6 and TNFα were measured using ELISA, and NFκB levels and localization was measured using SDS‐PAGE with immunoblots and digital analysis. We observed that Ni(II) did not alter the levels of secreted TNFα from activated monocytes, but increased secreted IL6 levels about 30% over controls. Ni(II) did not alter whole‐cell levels of any NFκB subtype, but increased nuclear persistance of p65 and c‐Rel. Our results suggest that Ni(II) may increase inflammatory cytokine secretion by increasing nuclear localization of some NFκB subtypes. Further studies should be done to determine the prominence of this mechanism in clinical environments. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Treatment of intrabony defects with beta‐tricalciumphosphate alone and in combination with platelet‐rich plasma
Authors: Özdemir Burcu , Ökte Emel
Published: January 2012

Background:

The therapeutic efficacy of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) still remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of a beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) and PRP/β‐TCP combination both clinically and radiographically.

Methods:

Fourteen chronic periodontitis patients with at least two similar three‐walled defects were included in the study. Each patient was randomly treated with both β‐TCP (n = 14) and PRP/β‐TCP (n = 14) in the same session. Baseline and 6‐month evaluations of plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession (GR), bleeding on probing, and radiographic intrabony defect depth (RIDD) were assessed statistically.

Results:

At 6 months, statistically significant reductions of GI, PPD, BOP, and RIDD were observed in both groups. The median values of CAL decreased from 7.0 to 6.0 mm in the β‐TCP group (p = 0.002), and 7.5 to 5.0 mm in the PRP/β‐TCP group (p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was detected between the two groups for all clinical indices.

Conclusion:

After a 6‐month healing period, both β‐TCP and PRP/β‐TCP were found effective in the treatment of three‐walled intrabony defects and no additional statistically significant benefits were found with PRP. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Chitosan as a barrier membrane material in periodontal tissue regeneration
Authors: Xu Chun , Lei Chang , Meng Liuyan , Wang Changning , Song Yaling
Published: January 2012

Periodontal regeneration is defined as regeneration of the tooth‐supporting tissues including cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) has been demonstrated to be an effective technique to achieve periodontal regeneration. In the GTR procedures, various kinds of membranes play important roles. Chitosan, a deacetylated derivative of chitin, is biocompatible, biodegradable, and antimicrobial. It acts as hydrating agent and possesses tissue healing and osteoinducing effect. Chitosan can be easily processed into membranes, gels, nanofibers, beads, nanoparticles, scaffolds, and sponges forms and can be used in drug delivery systems. Here, we review the bioproperties of chitosan and report the progress of application of chitosan as membranes in GTR and guided bone regeneration (GBR), which indicates that chitosan could be a good substrate candidate as the materials for the GTR/GBR membranes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Development of organ-specific donor risk indices#*†‡#
Authors: Akkina Sanjeev K. , Asrani Sumeet K. , Peng Yi , Stock Peter , Kim Ray W. , Israni Ajay K.
Published: January 2012

Because of the shortage of deceased donor organs, transplant centers accept organs from marginal deceased donors, including older donors. Organ-specific donor risk indices have been developed to predict graft survival with various combinations of donor and recipient characteristics. Here we review the kidney donor risk index (KDRI) and the liver donor risk index (LDRI) and compare and contrast their strengths, limitations, and potential uses. The KDRI has a potential role in developing new kidney allocation algorithms. The LDRI allows a greater appreciation of the importance of donor factors, particularly for hepatitis C virus–positive recipients; as the donor risk index increases, the rates of allograft and patient survival among these recipients decrease disproportionately. The use of livers with high donor risk indices is associated with increased hospital costs that are independent of recipient risk factors, and the transplantation of livers with high donor risk indices into patients with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores < 15 is associated with lower allograft survival; the use of the LDRI has limited this practice. Significant regional variations in donor quality, as measured by the LDRI, remain in the United States. We also review other potential indices for liver transplantation, including donor-recipient matching and the retransplant donor risk index. Although substantial progress has been made in developing donor risk indices to objectively assess donor variables that affect transplant outcomes, continued efforts are warranted to improve these indices to enhance organ allocation policies and optimize allograft survival. Liver Transpl 18:395–404, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.
Microwave‐assisted synthesis and characterization of biodegradable block copolyesters based on poly(3‐hydroxyalkanoate)s and poly(D,L‐lactide)
Authors: Ramier Julien , Renard Estelle , Grande Daniel
Published: January 2012

Microwave (MW)‐assisted ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) provides a rapid and straightforward method for engineering a wide array of well‐defined poly(3‐hydroxyalkanoate)‐b‐poly(D,L‐lactide) (PHA‐b‐PLA) diblock copolymers. On MW irradiation, the bulk ROP of D,L‐lactide (LA) could be efficiently triggered by a series of monohydroxylated PHA‐based macroinitiators previously produced via acid‐catalyzed methanolysis of corresponding native PHAs, thus affording diblock copolyesters with tunable compositions. The dependence of LA polymerization on temperature, macroinitiator structure, irradiation time, and [LA]0/[PHA]0 molar ratio was carefully investigated. It turned out that initiator efficiency values close to 1 associated with conversions ranging from 50 to 85% were obtained only after 5 min at 115 °C. A kinetic investigation of the MW‐assisted ROP of LA gave evidence of its “living”/controlled character under the experimental conditions selected. Structural analyses and thermal properties of biodegradable diblock copolyesters were also performed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Perceived Reciprocity and Well‐Being at Work in Non‐Professional Employees: Fairness or Self‐Interest?
Authors: Moliner Carolina , Martínez‐Tur Vicente , Peiró José M. , Ramos José , Cropanzano Russell
Published: January 2012

This article assesses the links between non‐professional employees' perceptions of reciprocity in their relationships with their supervisors and the positive and negative sides of employees' well‐being at work: burnout and engagement. Two hypotheses were explored. First, the fairness hypothesis assumes a curvilinear relationship where balanced reciprocity (when the person perceives that there is equilibrium between his/her efforts and the benefits he/she receives) presents the highest level of well‐being. Second, the self‐interest hypothesis proposes a linear pattern where over‐benefitted situations for employees (when the person perceives that he/she is receiving more than he/she deserves) increase well‐being. One study with two independent samples was conducted. The participants were 349 employees in 59 hotels (sample 1) and 690 employees in 89 centres providing attention to people with mental disabilities (sample 2). Linear and curvilinear regression models supported the self‐interest hypothesis for the links from reciprocity to burnout and engagement. We conclude with theoretical implications and opportunities for future research. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) biosynthesis by isolatedNovosphingobiumsp. THA_AIK7 using crude glycerol
Authors: Teeka Jantima , Imai Tsuyoshi , Reungsang Alissara , Cheng Xuehang , Yuliani Emma , Thiantanankul Jiruthakorn , Poomipuk Nathaporn , Yamaguchi Junki , Jeenanong Anan , Higuchi Takaya , Yamamoto Koichi , Sekine Masahiko
Published: January 2012

Biodiesel-contaminated wastewater was used to screen for PHAs-producing bacteria by using crude glycerol as the sole carbon source. A gram-negative THA_AIK7 isolate was chosen as a potential PHAs producer. The 16S rRNA phylogeny indicated that THA_AIK7 isolate is a member of Novosphingobium genus which is supported by a bootstrap percentage of 100% with Novosphingobium capsulatum. The 1,487 bp of 16S rRNA gene sequence of THA_AIK7 isolate has been deposited in the GenBank database under the accession number HM031593. Polymer content of 45% cell dry weight was achieved in 72 h with maximum product yield coefficient of 0.29 g PHAs g−1 glycerol. Transmission electron micrograph results exhibited the PHAs granules accumulated inside the bacterial cell. PHAs polymer production in mineral salt media supplemented with 2% (w/v) of crude glycerol at initial pH 7 was extracted by the sodium hypochlorite method. Polymer film spectrographs from Nuclear magnetic resonance displayed a pattern of signal virtually identical to spectra of commercial PHB. Thermal analysis by Differential scanning calorimeter showed a melting temperature at 179°C. Molecular weight analysis by Gel permeation chromatography showed two main peaks of 133,000 and 700 g mol−1 with weight-average molecular weight value of 23,800 and number-average molecular weight value of 755. Endotoxin-free of PHAs polymer was preliminarily assessed by a negative result of the gel-clot formation, Pyrotell® Single test vial, at sensitivity of 0.25 EU ml−1. To our knowledge, this is the first reported test of endotoxin-free PHAs naturally produced from gram-negative bacteria which could be used for biomedical application.
Low prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in Somali pastoral livestock, southeast Ethiopia
Authors: Gumi Balako , Schelling Esther , Firdessa Rebuma , Erenso Girume , Biffa Demelash , Aseffa Abraham , Tschopp Rea , Yamuah Lawrence , Young Douglas , Zinsstag Jakob
Published: January 2012

A cross-sectional study of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) detected by the comparative intradermal tuberculin test (CIDT) was conducted in livestock of the Somali region in southeast Ethiopia—in four pastoral associations from January to August 2009. In 94 herds, each of 15 cattle, camels, and goats was tested per herd leading to a total of 1,418 CIDT tested animals, with 421 cattle, 479 camels, and 518 goats. A herd was considered positive if it had at least one reactor. Prevalence per animal species was calculated using a xtgee model for each species. The individual animal prevalence was 2.0% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.5–8.4], 0.4% (95% CI, 0.1–3%), and 0.2% (95% CI, 0.03–1.3) in cattle, camels, and goats, respectively. Prevalence of avian mycobacterium purified protein derivative (PPD) reactors in cattle, camels, and goats was 0.7% (95% CI, 0.2–2.0%), 10.0% (95% CI, 7.0–14.0%), and 1.9 (95% CI, 0.9–4.0%), respectively, whereby camels had an odds ratio of 16.5 (95% CI, 5.0–55.0) when compared to cattle. There was no significant difference between livestock species in BTB positivity. In the present study, the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis was low in Somali pastoral livestock in general and in camels and goats in particular. The high proportion of camel reactors to avian PPD needs further investigation of its impact on camel production.
Constructing Profiles of Religious Agreement and Disagreement between Adolescents and Mothers: A Research Note
Authors: Noonan Anne E. , Tracy Allison , Grossman Jennifer M.
Published: January 2012

This research note describes the use of latent class analysis to examine how three dimensions of religiosity—the importance of religion (religious salience), attendance at religious services, and frequency of prayer—cluster together to form unique profiles. Building upon recent research identifying different profiles of religiosity at the level of the individual, we used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to identify dyadic profiles of religious concordance or discordance between 14,202 adolescents and their mothers. We identified five profiles: one concordant (27% of sample), two discordant (25% of sample), and two of mixed concordance/discordance (49%). The profiles distinguish between various levels of adolescent/mother relations, suggesting that they may represent distinct family dynamics. They also distinguish between several variables (race, adolescent age, geographical region) in predictable ways, providing additional demonstration of the categories’ meaningfulness.
Ribosome‐independent biosynthesis of biologically active peptides: Application of synthetic biology to generate structural diversity
Authors: Giessen Tobias W. , Marahiel Mohamed A.
Published: January 2012

Peptide natural products continue to play an important role in modern medicine as last‐resort treatments of many life‐threatening diseases, as they display many interesting biological activities ranging from antibiotic to antineoplastic. A large fraction of these microbial natural products is assembled by ribosome‐independent mechanisms. Progress in sequencing technology and the mechanistic understanding of secondary metabolite pathways has led to the discovery of many formerly cryptic natural products and a molecular understanding of their assembly. Those advances enable us to apply protein and metabolic engineering approaches towards the manipulation of biosynthetic pathways. In this review we discuss the application potential of both templated and non‐templated pathways as well as chemoenzymatic strategies for the structural diversification and tailoring of peptide natural products.
Unusual NADPH conformation in the crystal structure of a cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase from Helicobacter pylori in complex with NADP(H) and substrate docking analysis
Authors: Seo Kyung Hye , Zhuang Ningning , Chen Cong , Song Jae-Young , Kang Hyung-Lyun , Rhee Kwang-Ho , Lee Kon Ho
Published: January 2012

HpCAD and HpCAD bind by x‐ray crystallography (View interaction)
Mitochondrial ATP‐sensitive potassium channel activity and hypoxic preconditioning are independent of an inwardly rectifying potassium channel subunit in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Wojtovich Andrew P. , DiStefano Peter , Sherman Teresa , Brookes Paul S. , Nehrke Keith
Published: January 2012

Hypoxic preconditioning (HP) is an evolutionarily‐conserved mechanism that protects an organism against stress. The mitochondrial ATP‐sensitive K+ channel (mKATP) plays an essential role in the protective signaling, but remains molecularly undefined. Several lines of evidence suggest that mKATP may arise from an inward rectifying K+ channel (Kir). The genetic model organism Caenorhabditis elegans exhibits HP and displays mKATP activity. Here, we investigate the tissue expression profile of the three C. elegans Kir genes and demonstrate that mutant strains where the irk genes have been deleted either individually or in combination can be protected by HP and exhibit robust mKATP channel activity in purified mitochondria. These data suggest that the mKATP in C. elegans does not arise from a Kir derived channel.
Is the chromanol head group of vitamin E nature's final truth on chain‐breaking antioxidants?
Authors: Ohlow Maike J. , Granold Matthias , Schreckenberger Mathias , Moosmann Bernd
Published: January 2012

Tocopherol is believed to be the most potent naturally occurring chain‐breaking antioxidant. Hence, its refined phenolic head group chromanol may represent an optimum evolutionary solution to the problem of free‐radical chain reactions in the lipid bilayer. To test the universal validity of this assumption beyond phenolic head groups, we have synthesized aromatic amine analogues of vitamin E and trolox with otherwise closely matching physicochemical properties: NH‐toc and NH‐trox. We have found that NH‐toc and NH‐trox were significantly more potent free radical scavengers, lipid peroxidation inhibitors and cytoprotective agents than their phenolic templates, tocopherol and trolox. In a chemical sense, thus, the chromanol head group does not constitute a global optimum for the design of chain‐breaking antioxidants.
The Effectiveness of the Exercise Education Programme on Fall Prevention of the Community-dwelling Elderly: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Chang Moonyoung , Huang Yan-hua , Jung Heyyoung
Published: January 2012

Objective

The purpose is to identify the effects of the exercise education programme on fall prevention of community-dwelling elderly.

Methods

A single blind preliminary randomized control trial was conducted. Participants (N = 10) in the experimental group was assigned to an exercise education programme which consisted of 28 sessions, 30∼40 minutes per day for 4 weeks and a self-management telephone monitoring programme once every two days. Participants (N = 8) in the control group received no intervention. The effectiveness of exercise education programme was measured by fall index, balance confidence scale, and balance scale.

Results

The fall risks decreased from moderate to minimum in the experimental group (p < .001). Balance confidence scores increased, especially 6 items measured statistically significant increases (p < .05). However, balance scores did not show statistically significant improvement.

Conclusion

The exercise education programme might be effective for fall prevention of community-dwelling elderly.
The Development of a Scoring System for the Kinetic House-Tree-Person Drawing Test
Authors: Li Chih-Ying , Chen Tsyr-Jang , Helfrich Christine , Pan Ay-Woan
Published: January 2012

Objective/Background

The Kinetic House-Tree-Person Test (KHTPT) is already in widespread use amongst psychiatric occupational therapists in Taiwan, but the psychometric attributes of the test are somewhat limited. The primary aims of this study are to develop a quantitative scoring system for the KHTPT and carry out an assessment of its psychometric attributes.

Methods

Based on the test manual and the related literature, we identified 35 drawing characteristics relating to anxiety and depression, and we recruited 323 participants from two universities in northern Taiwan to participate in our study. These participants, who had a mean age of 20.1 years (SD = 3.0), were instructed to draw a KHTPT picture, and were then asked to complete related questionnaires. The data were subsequently analysed using WINSTEPS (Beavertown, Oregon: Winsteps.com ) and SPSS (SPSS Inc., Chicago).

Results

The results revealed that all of the items of the scoring system provided a good fit with the Rasch measurement model, with the Cronbach's alpha for the scale being .94. The Spearman correlation coefficients of the Rasch-transformed KHTPT scores with the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and the National Taiwan University Hospital Symptom Checklist were all found to be small, albeit with statistical significance (Spearman correlation coefficients, r = .140–-.226).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates our proposed KHTPT scoring system has eminently acceptable construct validity and internal consistency. We suggest that future studies should include patients with psychiatric disorders at varying degrees of severity or functional level to examine the applicability and predictive validity of our proposed scoring system.
Branding the brain: A critical review and outlook
Authors: Plassmann Hilke , Ramsøy Thomas Zoëga , Milosavljevic Milica
Published: January 2012

The application of neuroscience to marketing, and in particular to the consumer psychology of brands, has gained popularity over the past decade in the academic and the corporate world. In this paper, we provide an overview of the current and previous research in this area and explain why researchers and practitioners alike are excited about applying neuroscience to the consumer psychology of brands. We identify critical issues of past research and discuss how to address these issues in future research. We conclude with our vision of the future potential of research at the intersection of neuroscience and consumer psychology.
Comparison of Gd‐Bz‐TTDA, Gd‐EOB‐DTPA, and Gd‐BOPTA for dynamic MR imaging of the liver in rat models
Authors: Jaw Twei‐Shiun , Chen Shih‐Hsien , Wang Yun‐Ming , Hsu Jui‐Sheng , Kuo Yu‐Ting , Chiu Yen‐Yu , Tsai Kun‐Bow , Hsieh Tsyh‐Jyi , Liu Gin‐Chung
Published: January 2012

To evaluate the competitive potential of a new lipophilic paramagnetic complex, Gd‐Bz‐TTDA [4‐benzyl‐3,6,10‐tri (carboxymethyl)‐3,6,10‐triazado‐decanedioic acid] compared with two other commercially available MR hepatobiliary contrast agents, gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd‐BOPTA) and gadoxetic acid (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA), dynamic MR imaging studies were performed on normal and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rat models using a 1.5‐Tesla MR scanner. The results indicate that normal rats that were injected with 0.1 mmol/kg Gd‐Bz‐TTDA showed significantly more intense and persistent liver enhancement than those that were injected with the same dose of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA or Gd‐BOPTA. All of these agents showed similar enhancement patterns in the implanted HCC. The liver‐lesion contrast‐to‐noise ratios were higher and more persistent in rats that were injected with Gd‐Bz‐TTDA. These results indicate that Gd‐Bz‐TTDA is comparable with the commercially available hepatobiliary agents, Gd‐EOB‐DTPA and Gd‐BOPTA, and can result in more intense and prolonged liver enhancement while still providing better liver‐lesion discrimination. These results warrant further large‐scale studies.
Inhibition of NEDD8‐conjugation pathway by novel molecules: Potential approaches to anticancer therapy
Authors: Tanaka Tomoaki , Nakatani Tatsuya , Kamitani Tetsu
Published: January 2012

Cancer cells can survive through the upregulation of cell cycle and the escape from apoptosis induced by numerous cellular stresses. In the normal cells, these biological cascades depend on scheduled proteolytic degradation of regulatory proteins via the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. Therefore, interruption of regulated proteolytic pathways leads to abnormal cell‐proliferation. Ubiquitin ligases called SCF complex (consisting of Skp‐1, cullin, and F‐box protein) or CRL (cullin‐RING ubiquitin ligase) are predominant in a family of E3 ubiquitin ligases that control a final step in ubiquitination of diverse substrates. To a great extent, the ubiquitin ligase activity of the SCF complex requires the conjugation of NEDD8 to cullins, i.e. scaffold proteins. This review is anticipated to review the downregulation system of NEDD8 conjugation by several factors including a chemical compound such as MLN4924 and protein molecules (e.g. COP9 signalosome, inactive mutant of Ubc12, and NUB1/NUB1L). Since the downregulation of NEDD8 conjugation affects cell‐cycle progression by inhibiting the ligase activity of SCF complexes, such knowledge in the NEDD8‐conjugation pathway will contribute to the more magnificent therapies that selectively suppress tumorigenesis.
The toxin component of targeted anti‐tumor toxins determines their efficacy increase by saponins
Authors: Weng Alexander , Thakur Mayank , Beceren-Braun Figen , Bachran Diana , Bachran Christopher , Riese Sebastian B. , Jenett-Siems Kristina , Gilabert-Oriol Roger , Melzig Matthias F. , Fuchs Hendrik
Published: January 2012

Tumor‐targeting protein toxins are composed of a toxic enzyme coupled to a specific cell binding domain that targets cancer‐associated antigens. The anti‐tumor treatment by targeted toxins is accompanied by dose‐limiting side effects. The future prospects of targeted toxins for therapeutic use in humans will be determined by reduce side effects. Certain plant secondary metabolites (saponins) were shown to increase the efficacy of a particular epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐targeted toxin, paralleled by a tremendous decrease of side effects.

This study was conducted in order to investigate the effects of substituting different toxin moieties fused to an EGF ligand binding domain on the augmentative ability of saponins for each against therapeutic potential of the saponin‐mediated efficacy increase for different anti‐tumor toxins targeting the EGFR.

We designed several EGFR‐targeted toxins varying in the toxic moiety. Each targeted toxin was used in combination with a purified saponin (SA1641), isolated from the ornamental plant Gypsophila paniculata L. SA1641 was characterized and the SA1641‐mediated efficacy increase was investigated on EGFR‐transfected NIH‐3T3 cells.

We observed a high dependency of the SA1641‐mediated efficacy increase on the nature of toxin used for the construction of the targeted toxin, indicating high specificity.

Structural alignments revealed a high homology between saporin and dianthin‐30, the two toxic moieties that benefit most from the combination with SA1641.

We further demonstrate that SA1641 did not influence the plasma membrane permeability, indicating an intracellular interaction of SA1641 and the toxin components of targeted toxins. Surface plasmon resonance measurements point to a transient binding of SA1641 to the toxin components of targeted toxins.
Germline pharmacogenomics in oncology: Decoding the patient for targeting therapy
Authors: O'Donnell Peter H. , Ratain Mark J.
Published: January 2012

Pharmacogenomics is the study of genetic factors determining drug response or toxicity. The use of pharmacogenomics is especially desirable in oncology because the therapeutic index of oncology drugs is often narrow, the need for favorable drug response is often acute, and the consequences of drug toxicity can be life‐threatening. In this review, we examine the state of pharmacogenomics in oncology, focusing only on germline pharmacogenomic variants. We consider several critical points when assessing the quality of pharmacogenomic findings and their relevance to clinical use, and discuss potential confounding factors limiting interpretation and implementation. Several of the most extensively studied drug–gene pairs (irinotecan and UGT1A1; tamoxifen and CYP2D6; 5‐fluorouracil and DPYD) are inspected in depth as illustrations of both the state of advancement—and the current limitations of—present knowledge. We argue that there will likely soon be a critical mass of important germline pharmacogenomic biomarkers in oncology which deserve clinical implementation to provide optimal, personalized oncologic care. We conclude with a vision of how routine clinical testing of such germline markers could one day change the paradigm for cancer care.
Ultrasound Applications in Electrodiagnosis
Authors: Boon Andrea J. , Smith Jay , Harper C. Michel
Published: January 2012

This review article discusses the current scope of high‐resolution diagnostic ultrasound in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease, both as a complementary tool to electrodiagnosis and in some cases as a stand‐alone imaging modality. Indications, limitations, potential for research, and training and credentialing are discussed. Indications include needle guidance for nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography, diagnosis of nerve entrapment, diagnostic muscle imaging via grayscale analysis, and dynamic real‐time imaging, including sonopalpation, to provide additional diagnostic information. The role of neuromuscular ultrasound in research is discussed, including the need to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and cost‐effectiveness of these techniques when they are used alone or in combination. Training and credentialing are reviewed, specifically noting the challenge of the lack of formal training programs and the relatively long, flat learning curve of diagnostic ultrasound.
A Hidden Reservoir of Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus in Patients Newly Admitted to an Acute Rehabilitation Hospital
Authors: Rabinowitz Ronald P. , Kufera Joseph A. , Makley Michael J.
Published: January 2012

Objective

To find hidden reservoirs of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus (VRE) via active surveillance cultures for MRSA and VRE in newly admitted patients.

Design

A prospective, cohort, screening study. The period of surveillance was 3 months in the winter of 2006‐2007.

Setting

A freestanding academic and community rehabilitation hospital.

Participants

A total of 540 consecutive patients admitted to a freestanding rehabilitation hospital.

Methods

All of the patients were screened for MRSA and VRE upon admission to the hospital.

Main Outcome Measure

The number of new patients identified with either MRSA or VRE colonization.

Results

A total of 540 patients were screened, of whom 42 (7.8%) had pre‐existing MRSA status, 8 (1.5%) had pre‐existing VRE status, and 10 (1.9%) had a history of positive results for both MRSA and VRE. Of the 480 patients without pre‐existing positive cultures, admission swabs were positive for MRSA in 37 patients (7.7%), swabs were positive for VRE in 33 patients (6.9%), and swabs for both MRSA and VRE were newly positive for 7 patients (1.5%). Therefore 16% of the patients without a history of MRSA or VRE had a new finding of MRSA or VRE. Regression analysis revealed that prior bacteremia was a risk factor for MRSA; diabetes mellitus and a history of pneumonia and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole use were risk factors for VRE.

Conclusion

We found a 16% incidence of a hidden reservoir of multiple drug‐resistant organisms in patients admitted to rehabilitation hospitals. We believe that all patients admitted to a rehabilitation facility should be screened for MRSA and VRE.
17O excess transfer during the NO2 + O3 → NO3 + O2 reaction
Authors: Berhanu Tesfaye Ayalneh , Savarino Joël , Bhattacharya S. K. , Vicars Willliam C.
Published: January 2012

The ozone molecule possesses a unique and distinctive 17O excess (Δ17O), which can be transferred to some of the atmospheric molecules via oxidation. This isotopic signal can be used to trace oxidation reactions in the atmosphere. However, such an approach depends on a robust and quantitative understanding of the oxygen transfer mechanism, which is currently lacking for the gas-phase NO2 + O3 reaction, an important step in the nocturnal production of atmospheric nitrate. In the present study, the transfer of Δ17O from ozone to nitrate radical (NO3) during the gas-phase NO2 + O3 → NO3 + O2 reaction was investigated in a series of laboratory experiments. The isotopic composition (δ17O, δ18O) of the bulk ozone and the oxygen gas produced in the reaction was determined via isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The Δ17O transfer function for the NO2 + O3 reaction was determined to be: Δ17O(O3*) = (1.23 ± 0.19) × Δ17O(O3)bulk + (9.02 ± 0.99). The intramolecular oxygen isotope distribution of ozone was evaluated and results suggest that the excess enrichment resides predominantly on the terminal oxygen atoms of ozone. The results obtained in this study will be useful in the interpretation of high Δ17O values measured for atmospheric nitrate, thus leading to a better understanding of the natural cycling of atmospheric reactive nitrogen.
A two-sphere model for bacteria swimming near solid surfaces
Authors: Dunstan Jocelyn , Miño Gastón , Clement Eric , Soto Rodrigo
Published: January 2012

We present a simple model for bacteria like Escherichia coli swimming near solid surfaces. It consists of two spheres of different radii connected by a dragless rod. The effect of the flagella is taken into account by imposing a force on the tail sphere and opposite torques exerted by the rod over the spheres. The hydrodynamic forces and torques on the spheres are computed by considering separately the interaction of a single sphere with the surface and with the flow produced by the other sphere. Numerically, we solve the linear system which contains the geometrical constraints and the force-free and torque-free conditions. The dynamics of this swimmer near a solid boundary is very rich, showing three different behaviors depending on the initial conditions: (1) swimming in circles in contact with the wall, (2) swimming in circles at a finite distance from the wall, and (3) swimming away from it. Furthermore, the order of magnitude of the radius of curvature for the circular motion is in the range 8-50μm, close to values observed experimentally.