bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of type 1 diabetes by CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells: lessons from mouse models and implications for human disease
Authors: Sgouroudis Evridiki , Piccirillo Ciriaco A.
Published: February 2009

In recent years, there has been a revival of the concept of CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells as being a central control point in various immune responses, including autoimmune responses and immunity to transplants, allergens, tumours and infectious microbes. The current literature suggests that Treg cells are diverse in their phenotype and mechanism(s) of action, and as such, may constitute a myriad of naturally occurring and induced T cell precursors with variable degrees of regulatory potential. In this review, we summarize research from various laboratories, including our own, showing that CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cells are critical in the control of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in mouse models and humans. In this review, we also discuss cellular and molecular determinants that impact CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cell development and function and consequential resistance to organ‐specific autoimmune disease. Recent advances in the use of CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cellular therapy to promote immunological tolerance in the absence of long‐term generalized immunosuppression are also presented. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serum adiponectin as a useful marker for metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Yun Ji Eun , Sull Jae Woong , Lee Hee Yeon , Park Eunjung , Kim Soriwool , Jo Jaeseong , Lee Sun Ju , Kim Sang Yeon , Choi Young Ju , Jee Sun Ha , Huh Kap Bum
Published: February 2009

Background

Although adiponectin is generally known as a predictor of metabolic syndrome, potential of adiponectin as a predictor for metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetes is debated. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between adiponectin and metabolic syndrome in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Adiponectin and the risk of metabolic syndrome were examined among 1013 type 2 diabetes patients who visited Huh's Diabetes Center from January 2003 to June 2006. Adiponectin levels were classified into quartile groups, and metabolic syndrome was defined according to the standard of National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III. Insulin sensitivity was directly assessed using the short insulin tolerance test (SITT) (Kitt: %/ min).

Results

Adiponectin was significantly correlated with metabolic syndrome components. The age‐adjusted correlations between adiponectin and clinical parameters including metabolic components were significant; adiponectin was negatively correlated with waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure and triglyceride, and positively correlated with high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Subjects with metabolic syndrome showed lower adiponectin levels than those without metabolic syndrome. After multivariate adjustment, participants with lower adiponectin levels also had a higher risk for metabolic syndrome (OR for lowest quartiles 2.21; 95% CI, 1.51–3.24). Metabolic syndrome risk was stronger among those with low adiponectin and severe insulin resistance simultaneously. This study has shown additive effects of adiponectin and insulin resistance on metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions

In type 2 diabetic patients, the adiponectin was a useful predictor of metabolic syndrome independent of potential confounding variables. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Miniature Glucose/O2 Biofuel Cell With a High Tolerance Against Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Li X. , Zhang L. , Su L. , Ohsaka T. , Mao L.
Published: February 2009

This study demonstrates a miniature glucose/O2 biofuel cell (BFC) with a high tolerance against physiological level of ascorbic acid (AA) by immobilising ascorbate oxidase (AAox) on both the bioanode and the biocathode. Single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)‐modified carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMEs) are employed as the substrate electrode for the bioanode and biocathode. Glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and bilirubin oxidase (BOD) are used as the biocatalysts for the electro‐oxidation of glucose and for the electro‐reduction of oxygen, respectively. SWNTs are used as the support for the both, stably confining the electrocatalyst (i.e. polymerised methylene blue, polyMB) for the oxidation of NADH co‐factor for GDH and efficiently facilitating direct electrochemistry of the cathodic biocatalyst (i.e. BOD) for O2 reduction. The prepared micro‐sized GDH‐based bioanode and BOD‐based biocathode employed for the bioelectrocatalytic oxidation of glucose and reduction of oxygen, respectively, are further over‐coated with AAox to give a miniature glucose/O2 BFC with a high tolerance against AA. The maximum power density and the open circuit voltage (OCV) of the assembled glucose/O2 BFC are 52 μW cm–2 and 0.60 V, respectively. These values remain unchanged with the presence of AA in solution. In the human serum containing 10 mM NAD+ and under ambient air, the maximum power density and the OCV of the assembled glucose/O2 BFC with AAox immobilisation on both the bioanode and the biocathode are 35 μW cm–2 and 0.39 V, respectively. These values are remarkably larger than those of the glucose/O2 BFC without AAox immobilisation on both the bioanode and the biocathode. This study could offer a new route to the development of enzymatic BFCs with promising application in real biological systems.
Compulsive prayer and its management
Authors: Bonchek Avigdor , Greenberg David
Published: February 2009

Religious symptoms have been recognized as a presentation of obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) for centuries. The two main treatment strategies for OCD, cognitive behavior therapy (exposure and response prevention [ERP]), and SSRIs have been shown to be effective in religious OCD. The presentation of religious OCD within formal prayer, reported in Judaism and Islam, poses special challenges of inaccessibility of personal prayer, sanctity of the symptom, and the status of the therapist. A method of guided‐prayer repetition, a variant of ERP, is described, and its successful application is reported in three cases of ultra‐orthodox Jewish men with prayer as the main symptom of their religious OCD. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65: 1–10, 2009.
Three types of cutaneous glands in the skin of the salamandrid Pleurodeles waltl. A histological and ultrastructural study
Authors: Heiss Egon , Natchev Nikolay , Rabanser Alexander , Weisgram Josef , Hilgers Helge
Published: February 2009

Histological and ultrastructural investigations revealed three different multicellular skin gland types in the salamandrid Pleurodeles waltl. The mucous glands are small, with one layer of secretory cells surrounding a central lumen; they produce the viscous and slippery mucus film that has various functions in amphibians. The serous glands can be divided based on their histological and ultrastructural characters into the granular gland Type I (GGI) and the granular gland Type II (GGII). The first type (GGI) is moderately sized and distributed throughout the body surface, with higher concentrations in the parotoid and back regions. In contrast, the second type (GGII) is very large (for Pleurodeles) and was found only in the tail, with highest concentration in the tail dorsum. Both granular gland types contain mainly proteinaceous materials but differ in their morphological features including size, shape, cellular organization and vesicle distribution, vesicle size and vesicle shape. Both GGI and GGII are especially concentrated in body parts that are presented to an attacking predator and are hypothesized to produce repellent to poisonous substances to thwart potential aggressors. J. Morphol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of a sequential injection chromatography (SIC) method for determination of simazine, atrazine, and propazine
Authors: dos Santos Luciana B. O. , Infante Carlos M. C. , Masini Jorge C.
Published: February 2009

This paper describes the development of a sequential injection chromatography (SIC) procedure for separation and quantification of the herbicides simazine, atrazine, and propazine exploring the low backpressure of a 2.5 cm long monolithic C18 column. The separation of the three compounds was achieved in less than 90 s with resolution >1.5 using a mobile phase composed by ACN/1.25 mmol/L acetate buffer (pH 4.5) at the volumetric ratio of 35:65 and flow rate of 40 μL/s. Detection was made at 223 nm using a flow cell with 40 mm of optical path length. The LOD was 10 μg/L for the three triazines and the quantification limits were of 30 μg/L for simazine and propazine and 40 μg/L for atrazine. The sampling frequency is 27 samples per hour, consuming 1.1 mL of ACN per analysis. The proposed methodology was applied to spiked water samples and no statistically significant differences were observed in comparison to a conventional HPLC–UV method. The major metabolites of atrazine and other herbicides did not interfere in the analysis, being eluted from the column either together with the unretained peak, or at retention times well‐resolved from the studied compounds.
Automated determination of venlafaxine in human plasma by on‐line SPE‐LC‐MS/MS. Application to a bioequivalence study
Authors: Suenaga Eunice Mayumi , Ifa Demian R. , Cruz Alessandro Carvalho , Pereira Renata , Abib Eduardo , Tominga Mineko , Nakaie Clovis Ryuichi
Published: February 2009

A new automated SPE‐LC‐ESI‐MS/MS method was developed and validated to quantify venlafaxine in human plasma using fluoxetine as an internal standard. The analytes were automatically extracted from plasma by C18 SPE cartridges, separated on a C8 RP column and analyzed by MS in the multiple reaction‐monitoring (MRM) mode. The method has a chromatographic run time of 4.0 min and a linear calibration curve over the range of 0.25–200 ng/mL (r >0.997). The between‐run precisions, based on the percent RSD for replicate quality controls (0.75; 80, and 200 ng/mL), were < 8.5% for all concentrations. The between‐run accuracies, based on the percent relative error, were < 4.0%. This method was successfully employed in a bioequivalence study of two venlafaxine capsule formulations (test formulation from Eurofarma (Brazil) and Efexor XR, reference formulation, from Wyeth‐Whitehall, Brazil) in 48 healthy volunteers of both sexes who received a single 150 mg dose of each formulation. More than 3000 samples were analyzed eliminating the analyst's exposure to hazardous organic solvents normally employed in off‐line liquid–liquid extractions. The 90% confidence interval (CI) of the individual ratio geometric mean for Test/Reference was 91.6–103.4% for AUC0–48 h and 102.2–112.6% for Cmax. Since both 90% CI for AUC0–48 h and Cmax were included in the 80–125% interval proposed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), the test formulation was considered bioequivalent to Efexor XR according to both the rate and extent of absorption.
Order‐Order Transition of C → sdG → sL → S in ABC Triblock Copolymer Thin Film Induced by Solvent Vapor
Authors: Luo Chunxia , Huang Weihuan , Han Yanchun
Published: February 2009

The morphology transition of polystyrene‐block‐poly(butadiene)‐block‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine) (SBV) triblock thin film induced in benzene vapor showing weak selectivity for PS is investigated. The order‐order transitions (OOT) in the sequence of core‐shell cylinders (C), sphere in ‘diblock gyroid’ (sdG), sphere in lamella (sL) and sphere (S) are observed. The projection along (111) direction in Gyroid phase (sdG(111)) is found to epitaxially grow from C(001) in the film. Instead of sdG(111), sdG(110)0.1875 develops to the phase of sL. Consequently, the film experiences the transition sequence of sdG(111) → sdG(211) → sdG(110)0.25 → sdG(110)0.1875 between C and sL. The mechanism is analyzed from the total surface area of the blocks.

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Trithiocarbonates Containing Trimethoxysilyl Functionalities as Mediating Agents in Reversible Addition‐Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) Polymerization of Methyl Acrylate
Authors: Rotzoll Robert , Nguyen Duc Hung , Vana Philipp
Published: February 2009

Summary: Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization with benzyl(3‐trimethoxylsilylpropyl)trithiocarbonate (BTPT) and 1,4‐bis(3′‐trimethoxysilylpropyltrithiocarbonylmethyl)benzene (TPTB) as mediators was performed to produce branched poly(methyl acrylate) (pMA). The deviation of the experimental number average molecular weights towards higher values and the size exclusion chromatography (SEC) traces measured at distinct time instants after polymerization indicated a coupling of the trimethoxysilyl end‐groups to form terminal‐linked pMA of high molecular weight. The trimethoxysilyl moieties also caused the unusual creation of doubly ionized pMA chains in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). BTPT was furthermore anchored onto fumed silica to carry out a RAFT graft polymerization with benzylpropyltrithiocarbonate as additional RAFT agent in solution to afford well‐defined pMA chains fixed to silica nanoparticles. A block copolymerization of the living anchored pMA chains with styrene (Sty) produced grafted pMA‐b‐pSty chains with good agreement between experimental and theoretical molecular weights.
Synthesis of Graft Copolymers by Nitroxide Mediated Radical Polymerization of Styrene and n‐Butylacrylate Using Alkoxyamine‐Functionalized Copolymers as Macroinitiators
Authors: Flakus Silke , Schmidt‐Naake Gudrun
Published: February 2009

A simple two step method for the preparation of graft copolymers is described in this paper. For the synthesis of the prepolymers the alkoxyaminemonomers 2‐methyl‐acryli‐acid‐4‐[1‐(2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐piperidine‐1‐yloxy)ethyl]‐benzylester(Mas‐BzEt‐TEMPO) and 2‐methyl‐acrylic‐acid‐4‐{1‐[N‐tert‐butyl‐N‐(1‐isopropyl‐2‐methyl‐propyl)‐amino‐oxy]ethyl}‐benzylester (Mas‐BzEt‐BIPNO) were utilized in radical copolymerizations with styrene, methylmethacrylate, butylmethacrylate and n‐butylacrylate. These copolymers were then used as multifunctional macroinitiators for nitroxide mediated graft polymerization of styrene and n‐butylacrylate. The polymerizations were carried out in bulk at 125 °C.
Modeling the Product Composition During Controlled Radical Polymerizations with Mono‐ and Bifunctional Alkoxyamines
Authors: Drache Marco
Published: February 2009

The objective of this paper is to present a kinetic model for simulating the nitroxide controlled radical polymerization initiated with mono‐ and bifunctional alkoxyamines. The model approach was validated by experimental data. The simulated product composition mainly depends on the equilibrium constants K (=kd/kc) of dissociation/combination reaction between dormant and active species. Our investigations include polymerizations under stationary state conditions (nitroxide TEMPO) and in the kinetic regime of persistent radical effect (nitroxide BIPNO). Combination reactions of the propagating radicals cause loss of functionality and dormant chains. The applied Monte Carlo approach provides detailed information about the microstructure of the reaction products.
Propagation Kinetics in Radical Polymerization Studied via Pulsed Laser Techniques
Authors: Buback Michael
Published: February 2009

Pulsed laser techniques have enormously improved the quality by which rate coefficients of radical polymerization may be determined. The specific and most important feature of the various types of pulsed laser techniques consists in the almost instantaneous production of a significant radical concentration and in the ease by which radical concentration may be controlled by applying further laser pulses at pre‐selected delay times. The pulsed laser polymerization – size exclusion chromatography (PLP‐SEC) experiment is extremely valuable for the determination of reliable propagation rate coefficients, kp. The present article briefly reviews recent results from PLP‐SEC studies directed toward the solvent dependence of kp in aqueous systems, into kp in copolymerization reactions, and into measurements of propagation rate coefficients in systems containing two types of radicals, as is the case with acrylates, where secondary chain‐end radicals may undergo 1,5‐H shift reactions (backbiting steps) to produce tertiary midchain radicals. By a propagation step, the tertiary radicals are transformed back to secondary ones.
Effect of Chain Transfer Agents on Kinetics and Morphology of Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Synthesized in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Imran‐ul‐haq Muhammad , Beuermann Sabine
Published: February 2009

Vinylidene fluoride radical polymerizations were carried out using chain transfer agents of the general structure C6F13X, with X being l, Br or H. Homogeneity and monomer conversions were monitored by in‐line spectroscopy. Apparent chain transfer constants at 120 °C are 8 · 10−1, 8 · 10−2 and 2 · 10−4 for C6F13I, C6F13Br and C6F13H, respectively, which may be associated to the C‐X bond energy. The polymer end groups significantly influence the crystallinity of the polymer and the thermal stability.
Investigation of Termination During Ultrasonic Depolymerization
Authors: Akyuz Ali Ozhan , Giz Ahmet , Catalgil‐Giz Huceste
Published: February 2009

Summary: Ultrasound applications provide additional ways in polymerization and copolymerization synthesis. Ultrasonic depolymerization has wide applications in industry and is also used in copolymer synthesis. Another application of depolymerization is investigating the termination mechanism and finding the combination/disproportionation ratio for various monomer‐polymer systems. In this work ultrasonic depolymerization of polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyacrylamide were investigated. Sonications were monitored continuously by the ACOMP (Automatic continuous monitoring of polymerization) system, which provides viscosity, light scattering, ultraviolet and refractive index measurements continuously. Depolymerizations were performed in the absence and presence of a radical scavenger and disproportionation/combination ratios were discussed for each system.
Amino‐Functionalized Nanoparticles via Copolymerization with 2‐Aminoethyl methacrylate in Miniemulsion
Authors: Grabs Ilka‐Marina , Schmidt‐Naake Gudrun
Published: February 2009

The copolymerization of 2‐aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride (AEMA) with styrene (St), butyl acrylate (BuA) or butyl methacrylate (BuMA) in miniemulsion leads to amino‐functionalized nanoparticles. The influences of different pH values and different monomer/water ratios onto the incorporation of AEMA into the particles were studied. In order to prevent the rearrangement of AEMA into the 2‐hydroxy‐ethyl methacrylamide (HEMAA), a pH value below 4 has to be used. AEMA and HEMAA were studied regarding the copolymerization behavior. The monomer/water ratio has an influence on the stability of the resulting latices. The surface area of the according amino‐particles was analysed with conductometric titration.
Microstructural Polymer Design through Coordinative Polymerization of Semi‐Crystalline Poly‐1‐Olefins
Authors: Becker Hinnerk Gordon
Published: February 2009

The polymer micro structure of poly(butene‐1) can be designed by the introduction of comonomers like ethylene (poly(ethylene‐co‐butene‐1)) as well as the dedicated use of special polymerization catalysts. With the use of ethylene as comonomer the change of polymer micro structure also leads to changes in the macroscopic material parameters leading to polymers with a new application profile which are of special interest as hot melt adhesive raw materials. The use of dedicated polymerization catalysts allows the production of new poly(butene‐1) hot melt adhesive raw materials without the use of additional comonomers.
Investigation of the Complexation Behavior of a New Polymer with Cyclodextrin and Crown Ether Side Groups by Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: König Annika , Adams Jörg
Published: February 2009

A thermoresponsive terpolymer of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPA), 6‐N‐allylamino‐6‐deoxy‐β‐cyclodextrin (AA‐β‐CD) and 4‐acryloylamido‐benzo‐15‐crown‐5 (AAB‐15‐crown‐5) was synthesized by free radical polymerization to a combined supramolecular host system. The complexation of a fluorescent dye, namely ammonium 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalenesulfonate (ANS), as guest molecule was investigated via fluorescence spectroscopy. In presence of the terpolymer, the fluorescence of ANS was highly increased compared to native β‐CD and the copolymers of NIPA and AA‐β‐CD or AAB‐15‐crown‐5.
Free Radical Copolymerization of Methyl methacrylate and N‐Phenyl maleimide in 1‐Butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate
Authors: Woecht I. , Schmidt‐Naake G.
Published: February 2009

We investigated the free radical copolymerization of methyl meth‐acrylate (MMA) and N‐phenyl maleimide (NPI) in 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM]BF4). Dimethyl formamide (DMF) was used as reference solvent. The influence of the ionic liquid (IL) on the polymerization rate rp, the molecular weights Mn, the copolymer composition, the glass‐transition temperature and the rheological behavior of the copolymers was studied. In [BMIM]BF4 rp strongly decreases with increasing initial concentration of NPI and becomes even lower than in DMF for 70 to 90 mol% NPI in the monomer feed. In addition, Mn of the copolymers produced in the IL strongly decreases with increasing NPI content, but is always higher than in DMF.
Preparation of Hydrogel‐Silica Composite Films by Electrochemically Triggered Deposition
Authors: Bünsow Johanna , Petri Judith , Johannsmann Diethelm
Published: February 2009

Summary: The electrochemical formation of hybrid films containing both a polymer and porous silica was performed in two different ways. In both cases, the deposition of the inorganic oxide was triggered by an electrochemical pH modulation in front of an electrode. Hydrolysis and condensation of the alkoxysilane precursors in the pH gradient yielded silica structures on the electrode surface. In the first route, an electrode was employed which had been previously coated with a polymer hydrogel. In this case, the silica readily precipitated into the hydrogel, forming rigid structures with thicknesses in the range of 100 nm. A second approach makes use of the deposition of an alkoxyvinylsilane precursor. Subsequent electrochemically induced polymerization of a polymer hydrogel inside these films is possible, but yields lower thicknesses than route I. This is explained by a blocking of the electrode by the vinyl‐functionalized silica film.
Azobenzene‐Containing Polymers for Surface Relief Gratings
Authors: Börger Volker , Pohle Sven , Kuliskovska Olga , Gharaggozloo‐Hubmann Kati , Stumpe Joachim , Menzel Henning
Published: February 2009

Well defined azobenzene containing (co)polymers have been synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization and subsequent polymeranalogeous reaction for introduction of the chromophores. Four different series were prepared varying only one of the following material parameters at a time, while keeping the others constant. Varied were the molecular weight, the azobenzene content, the glass transition temperature and the molecular architecture of the copolymers. With these four series of (co)polymers the influence of the molecular parameters on the photoinduced formation of surface relief gratings was investigated.
Free Radical Melt Grafting of Methacrylic ester onto Polyolefin Backbone: Model Compound Approach
Authors: Badel T. , Beyou E. , Bounor‐Legaré V. , Chaumont P. , Flat J.J. , Michel A.
Published: February 2009

Polymer reactive extrusion conducted in the presence of functional monomers results in the modification of the original polymer by graft copolymerization or substitution by single monomeric units. However, such modifications are generally difficult to control due to the appearance of side reactions. This is in particular the case in free radical processes like the grafting of poly(methylmethacrylate) from poly(ethylene‐co‐1‐octene) by in situ radical polymerisation of methyl methacrylate. In order to understand both the nature and the extent of such reactions, products resulting from the same chemical system, where polymer is replaced by model compounds such as squalane and/or pentadecane, are analyzed. The most appropriate statistical method for fitting XMMA and $\overline {DP_n}$ data for this grafting reaction is also described. Thanks to the experimental data, this method enabled to fit variables and to validate a chemical scenario.
Allocation of decision rights in joint ventures
Authors: Windsperger J.
Published: February 2009

Previous studies in organizational economics and international business research have not tested a property rights view on the allocation of decision rights (DR) in joint ventures (JVs). The paper offers a test of the property rights explanation by using data from Hungarian JVs. Our analysis derives the following hypothesis: The more important the JV partner's intangible knowledge assets for the generation of residual surplus, the more residual DR are assigned to him. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calculating T2 in images from a phased array receiver
Authors: Hardy Peter A. , Andersen Anders H.
Published: February 2009

Images reconstructed from multielement, phased array coils and presented as the square root of the sum of the squares of the signals received by the individual elements have a distribution of signal and noise that distorts the relationship between the image intensity and the underlying signal. The distortion is accentuated for long echo times for which the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) may be low. When measuring T2 or T this signal distortion leads to biased estimates of these parameters. We demonstrate this effect and its dependence on the image SNR and the number of elements in a phased array coil. We evaluated the effects of four techniques for calculating T2 from data acquired in phased array coils (log transform, least squares, lookup table correction, and maximum likelihood [ML] estimation). The ML estimation gave the most accurate T2 in the presence of this bias. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spin‐echo micro‐MRI of trabecular bone using improved 3D fast large‐angle spin‐echo (FLASE)
Authors: Magland J.F. , Wald M.J. , Wehrli F.W.
Published: February 2009

Fast large‐angle spin echo (FLASE) is a common pulse sequence designed for quantitative imaging of trabecular bone (TB) microarchitecture. However, imperfections in the nonselective phase‐reversal pulse render it prone to stimulated echo artifacts. The problem is further exacerbated at isotropic resolution. Here, a substantially improved RF‐spoiled FLASE sequence (sp‐FLASE) is described and its performance is illustrated with data at 1.5T and 3T. Additional enhancements include navigator echoes for translational motion sensing applied in a slice parallel to the imaging slab. Whereas recent work suggests the use of fully‐balanced FLASE (b‐FLASE) to be advantageous from a signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) point of view, evidence is provided here that the greater robustness of sp‐FLASE may outweigh the benefits of the minor SNR gain of b‐FLASE for the target application of TB imaging in the distal extremities, sites of exclusively fatty marrow. Results are supported by a theoretical Bloch equation analysis and the pulse sequence dependence of the effective T2 of triglyceride protons. Last, sp‐FLASE images are shown to provide detailed and reproducible visual depiction of trabecular networks in three dimensions at both anisotropic (137 × 137 × 410 μm3) and isotropic (160 × 160 × 160 μm3) resolutions in the human distal tibia in vivo. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
iDQC anisotropy map imaging for tumor tissue characterization in vivo
Authors: Branca Rosa T. , Chen Yuming M. , Mouraviev Vladimir , Galiana Gigi , Jenista Elizabeth R. , Kumar Challa , Leuschner Carola , Warren Warren S.
Published: February 2009

Intermolecular double quantum coherences (iDQCs), signals that result from simultaneous transitions of two or more separated spins, are known to produce images that are highly sensitive to subvoxel structure, particularly local anisotropy. Here we demonstrate how iDQCs signal can be used to efficiently detect the anisotropy created in breast tumor tissues and prostate tumor tissues by targeted (LHRH‐conjugated) superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPIONs), thereby distinguishing the necrotic area from the surrounding tumor tissue. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of risk factors for genital prolapse recurrence
Authors: Salvatore Stefano , Athanasiou Stavros , Digesu G. Alessandro , Soligo Marco , Sotiropoulou Myrtia , Serati Maurizio , Antsaklis Aris , Milani Rodolfo
Published: February 2009

Aims

To assess the relationship between prolapse recurrence and some risk factors in a group of women submitted to reconstructive pelvic surgery.

Methods

Women referred to our Urogynaecological Units complaining of prolapse symptoms were prospectively included. We excluded women who were affected by apical vaginal prolapse >stage I after a previous hysterectomy. All women had pelvic surgery with traditional techniques without using grafts. Each woman was reassessed at 1, 6, and 12 months and then yearly postoperatively. We defined as prolapse recurrence a vaginal descent ≥II stage involving the operated compartments.

Results

A total of 360 consecutive women were recruited and submitted to vaginal reconstructive pelvic surgery. At a mean follow‐up of 26 months, 36 women (10%) had a recurrent prolapse. A preoperative vaginal descent ≥III stage was the only significant risk factor for recurrence (P = 0.02, OR 2.4, 1.1–5.1 95% CI).

Conclusions

Women with prolapse ≥III stage had a significant higher risk of developing prolapse recurrence after surgical repair without grafts. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:301–304, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of two questionnaires for assessing the severity of urinary incontinence: The ICIQ‐UI SF versus the incontinence severity index
Authors: Klovning Atle , Avery Kerry , Sandvik Hogne , Hunskaar Steinar
Published: February 2009

Aims

To compare the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ‐UI SF) with the Incontinence Severity Index (ISI), and to propose intervals for four severity levels of ICIQ‐UI SF.

Methods

Cross‐sectional, Internet‐based study of 1,812 women responding to a general health questionnaire. Four severity levels for the ICIQ‐UI SF scores were constructed by iteratively adjusting the ranges for these levels until maximum Kappa scores were obtained when cross‐tabulated with the ISI in a random sample of half of the women with urinary incontinence. Using these intervals, weighted Kappa was calculated for the remaining women as a validation process.

Results

Three hundred forty‐three women had urinary incontinence, and completed the ISI and the ICIQ‐UI SF. A high correlation between the ISI and ICIQ‐UI SF scores with versus without the QoL item was found (Spearman's rho = 0.62, P < 0.01 vs. rho = 0.71, P < 0.01, respectively). Maximum Kappa with quadratic weighting was obtained for the following scale for the ICIQ‐UI SF: slight (1–5), moderate (6–12), severe (13–18) and very severe (19–21) (Kappa = 0.61), and without the QoL item: slight (1–3), moderate (4–5), severe (6–9) and very severe (10–11) (Kappa = 0.71) in the development sample. Correspondingly, for the validating sample, maximum Kappa with quadratic weighting was 0.61 and 0.74.

Conclusions

A high correlation between the ICIQ‐UI SF and the ISI was found. The ICIQ‐UI SF may be divided into the following four severity categories: slight (1–5), moderate (6–12), severe (13–18) and very severe (19–21). Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:411–415, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of electrical stimulation of the striatum on bladder activity in cats
Authors: Yamamoto Tatsuya , Sakakibara Ryuji , Nakazawa Ken , Uchiyama Tomoyuki , Shimizu Eiji , Hattori Takamichi
Published: February 2009

Aims

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects the nigrostriatal projections leading to micturition disturbance in most cases. Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms such as urinary urgency or urgent urinary incontinence are common amongst PD patients. Several urodynamic studies have revealed that detrusor overactivity causes OAB symptoms in PD patients. We assert that striatal dysfunction might contribute to the pathogenesis of detrusor overactivity in PD patients. However, the role of the striatum in bladder contraction remains unclear.

Methods

We generated spontaneous isovolumetric bladder contractions in 12 ketamine‐anesthetized adult male cats and subsequently performed electrical stimulation and extracellular single‐unit recording in the striatum.

Results

Electrical stimulation applied to the posterior ventral caudate nucleus and the adjacent putamen educed inhibition of the spontaneous bladder contraction. None of the responses were facilitatory. Electrical stimulation was most effective at an amplitude of 70–400 µA. Forty‐six neurons that exhibited correlation to spontaneous bladder contraction were recorded in the striatum. Thirty‐five neurons were found to be tonically active throughout the bladder relaxation phase, and the remaining 11 neurons were active during the bladder contraction phase. These particular neurons were located within the area in which spontaneous bladder contraction was inhibited by electrical stimulation.

Conclusions

Electrical stimulation was found to inhibit bladder contraction, and a correlation was observed between spontaneous bladder relaxation/contraction and neuronal firing in the posterior ventral striatum. Neurourol. Urodyn. 28:549–554, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of RhoA mRNA and activated RhoA in urothelium and smooth muscle, and effects of a rho‐kinase inhibitor on contraction of the porcine urinary bladder
Authors: Nakanishi Kimihiro , Kamai Takao , Mizuno Tomoya , Arai Kyoko , Yamanishi Tomonori
Published: February 2009

Aims

To investigate the concentration and activity of RhoA in detrusor and urothelium, as well as the effects of a Rho‐kinase inhibitor, Y‐27632 {(+)‐(R)‐trans‐4‐(1‐aminoethyl)‐N‐(4‐pyridyl) cyclohexanecarboxamide dihydrochloride}, on contraction of the pig urinary bladder.

Methods

The concentration of RhoA mRNA was studied by the real‐time RT‐PCR and activated RhoA enzyme was studied by activation assay and Western blotting. In functional studies, the response to Y‐27632 was examined in bladder strips with or without urothelium.

Results

The concentration of RhoA mRNA (n = 38) and activated RhoA enzyme (n = 19) were greater in urothelium than in detrusor. Tension decrease after administration of Y‐27632 (1 nM to 100 µM) was significantly greater in tissues with urothelium than in tissues without urothelium, after pre‐contraction with KCl (decrease by 52.0 ± 4.6% vs. 28.0 ± 6.8%, respectively; P = 0.0088) or with carbachol (decrease by 53.1 ± 7.2% vs. 30.6 ± 5.8%, respectively; P = 0.0035). Maximum contraction on CRC to carbachol was reduced significantly after administration of 3, 10, and 30 µM Y‐27632 (to 72.2 ± 6.8%, 43.9 ± 7.1%, and 25.0 ± 5.5%, respectively, of the control value) in strips with intact urothelium (n = 36), but was reduced only at 10 and 30 µM (to 66.7 ± 8.3% and 85.6 ± 2.6%, respectively) in tissues without urothelium (n = 20). Inhibitory effect of Y‐27632 (3–30 µM) on the response to electrical field stimulation at 20 and 50 Hz was also greater in tissues with intact urothelium than in tissues without urothelium.

Conclusions

The concentration of RhoA mRNA and activated RhoA enzyme were greater in urothelium than in detrusor. Y‐27632 showed a stronger inhibitory effect in detrusor with intact urothelium than in dose without urothelium. Neurourol. Urodyn. 28:521–528, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A modified node‐to‐segment algorithm passing the contact patch test
Authors: Zavarise Giorgio , De Lorenzis Laura
Published: February 2009

Several investigations have shown that the classical one‐pass node‐to‐segment (NTS) algorithms for the enforcement of contact constraints fail the contact patch test. This implies that the algorithms may introduce solution errors at the contacting surfaces, and these errors do not necessarily decrease with mesh refinement. The previous research has mainly focused on the Lagrange multiplier method to exactly enforce the contact geometry conditions. The situation is even worse with the penalty method, due to its inherent approximation that yields a solution affected by a non‐zero penetration. The aim of this study is to analyze and improve the contact patch test behavior of the one‐pass NTS algorithm used in conjunction with the penalty method for 2D frictionless contact. The paper deals with the case of linear elements. For this purpose, several sequential modifications of the basic formulation have been considered, which yield incremental improvements in results of the contact patch test. The final proposed formulation is a modified one‐pass NTS algorithm which is able to pass the contact patch test also if used in conjunction with the penalty method. In other words, this algorithm is able to correctly reproduce the transfer of a constant contact pressure with a constant proportional penetration. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical solution of first‐order hyperbolic partial differential‐difference equation with shift
Authors: Singh Paramjeet , Sharma Kapil K.
Published: February 2009

In this article, we continue the numerical study of hyperbolic partial differential‐difference equation that was initiated in (Sharma and Singh, Appl Math Comput 201(2008), 229–238). In Sharma and Singh, the authors consider the problem with sufficiently small shift arguments. The term negative shift and positive shift are used for delay and advance arguments, respectively. Here, we propose a numerical scheme that works nicely irrespective of the size of shift arguments. In this article, we consider hyperbolic partial differential‐difference equation with negative or positive shift and present a numerical scheme based on the finite difference method for solving such type of initial and boundary value problems. The proposed numerical scheme is analyzed for stability and convergence in L∞ norm. Finally, some test examples are given to validate convergence, the computational efficiency of the numerical scheme and the effect of shift arguments on the solution.© 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2010
KIR–HLA receptor‐ligand mismatch associated with a graft‐versus‐tumor effect in haploidentical stem cell transplantation for pediatric metastatic solid tumors
Authors: Pérez‐Martínez Antonio , Leung Wing , Muñoz Evangelina , Iyengar Rekha , Ramírez Manuel , Vicario José Luis , Lassaletta Álvaro , Sevilla Julián , González‐Vicent Marta , Madero Luis , Díaz‐Pérez Miguel Ángel
Published: February 2009

Killer immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) on natural killer cells (NKs) recognize groups of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I alleles. Cells without an inhibitory HLA ligand may trigger NK activation. Reduced risk of relapse has been reported in malignant hematologic diseases after haploidentical transplantation when HLA ligands against the inhibitory KIRs present in the donor were absent in the recipient. We performed haploidentical transplant in three children with refractory solid tumors. Our results showed that beneficial antitumor effects could be observed in the presence of inhibitory KIR–HLA mismatch. These preliminary results suggest a possible association between disease control and NK cell alloreactivity. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:120–124. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytoprotective effects of amifostine in the treatment of childhood malignancies
Authors: Çetingül Nazan , Midyat Levent , Kantar Mehmet , Demirağ Bengü , Aksoylar Serap , Kansoy Savaş
Published: February 2009

Background

Multi‐systemic acute side effects occur, in response to intensive therapies that have been applied in childhood malignancies in recent years. Amifostine has rarely been used in the childhood cancers as a multisystemic protective agent for minimizing these side effects.

Procedure

In this study, the effectiveness of amifostine in combination with chemotherapy for childhood cancer treatment has been researched. Of 11 subjects (2.5 months–17 years) 4 subjects had leukemia, 4 had solid tumor, and 3 had lymphoma. For these 11 subjects, 29 chemotherapy courses were given in combination with amifostine, and 20 without amifostine. Their hematological, gastrointestinal and hepatic toxicity were evaluated according to the WHO toxicity criteria. Amifostine was given intravenously in a dose of 740 mg/m2, one to three consecutive days depending on the chemotherapy regimen.

Results

The hemoglobin, leukocyte, and platelet levels of the two groups were not statistically different. However, when comparing the courses of the patients receiving the same medications at the same doses, in the group with amifostine, mean erythrocyte transfusion requirement was significantly reduced (P = 0.025). In 31% of the courses with amifostine and 50% of the courses without amifostine, febrile neutropenia developed. Gastrointestinal system and hepatic toxicity was significantly reduced in the courses with amifostine with respect to those without it (P = 0.001). Vomiting, hypotension and nausea were the only side effects related to amifostine.

Conclusion

Use of amifostine during the treatment of childhood cancers with intensive chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy significantly reduced the erythrocyte transfusion requirements of the patients as well as gastrointestinal and hepatic toxicity. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:829–833. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of rituximab for refractory cytopenias associated with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS)
Authors: Rao V. Koneti , Price Susan , Perkins Katie , Aldridge Patricia , Tretler Jean , Davis Joie , Dale Janet K. , Gill Fred , Hartman Kip R. , Stork Linda C. , Gnarra David J. , Krishnamurti Lakshmanan , Newburger Peter E. , Puck Jennifer , Fleisher Thomas
Published: February 2009

Background

ALPS is a disorder of apoptosis resulting in accumulation of autoreactive lymphocytes, leading to marked lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and multilineage cytopenias due to splenic sequestration and/or autoimmune destruction often presenting in childhood. We summarize our experience of rituximab use during the last 8 years in 12 patients, 9 children, and 3 adults, out of 259 individuals with ALPS, belonging to 166 families currently enrolled in studies at the National Institutes of Health.

Methods

Refractory immune thrombocytopenia (platelet count <20,000) in nine patients and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) in three patients led to treatment with rituximab. Among them, seven patients had undergone prior surgical splenectomy; three had significant splenomegaly; and two had no palpable spleen.

Results

In seven out of nine patients with ALPS and thrombocytopenia, rituximab therapy led to median response duration of 21 months (range 14–36 months). In contrast, none of the three children treated with rituximab for AIHA responded. Noted toxicities included profound and prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia in three patients requiring replacement IVIG, total absence of antibody response to polysaccharide vaccines lasting up to 4 years after rituximab infusions in one patient and prolonged neutropenia in one patient.

Conclusion

Toxicities including hypogammaglobulinemia and neutropenia constitute an additional infection risk burden, especially in asplenic individuals, and may warrant avoidance of rituximab until other immunosuppressive medication options are exhausted. Long‐term follow‐up of ALPS patients with cytopenias after any treatment is necessary to determine relative risks and benefits. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:847–852. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perspectives for imaging mass spectrometry in the proteomics landscape
Authors: MacAleese Luke , Stauber Jonathan , Heeren Ron M. A.
Published: February 2009

A number of techniques are used in the field of proteomics that can be combined to get the most molecular information from a specific biological sample, fluid or tissue. Imaging techniques are often used to obtain local information from tissue samples. However, imaging experiments are often staining experiments, which rely on specific or aspecific interactions between fluorescent markers and pre‐defined (families of) peptide or protein. Therefore, imaging is often used as a screening or validation tool for the local presence of proteins that have been identified by other means. Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) combines the advantages of MS and microscopy in a single experiment. It is a technique that does not require any labeling of the analytes and provides a high multiplexing capability combined with the potential for analyte identification. It enables simultaneous detection of potentially all peptides and proteins present at a tissue surface and is used for the determination and identification of tissue‐specific disease markers. The workflows of IMS experiments closely resemble those of conventional proteomics. In this review, we describe IMS experiments step‐by‐step to position and evaluate the role of IMS in a comparative proteomics landscape. We illustrate in a concise review that IMS is a true discovery oriented tool for proteomics that seamlessly integrates in conventional proteomics workflows and can be perceived as either an alternative or complementary proteomics technique.
Recent developments in public proteomic MS repositories and pipelines
Authors: Mead Jennifer A. , Bianco Luca , Bessant Conrad
Published: February 2009

This article provides an overview of publicly available proteomic data repositories in a single document with a particular focus on the latest developments, many of which are not announced through traditional publications. The review is intended to inform the proteomics practitioner of the options for storage and dissemination of their MS/MS data in the public domain, and to help those who want to mine proteomic data generated by others. The latter area has arguably seen the most development in recent times, as repositories have sprouted new tools for data analysis, visualisation and experimental design. We also highlight key biological datasets available at each repository, including standard datasets. Finally, we touch upon areas of significant challenge and future directions.
Rice proteomics: Ending phase I and the beginning of phase II
Authors: Agrawal Ganesh Kumar , Jwa Nam‐Soo , Rakwal Randeep
Published: February 2009

Rice is a critically important food crop plant on our planet. It is also an excellent model plant for cereal crops, and now in position to serve as a reference plant for biofuel production. Proteomics study of rice therefore is crucial to better understand “rice” as a whole. Rice proteomics has moved well beyond the initial proteome analysis in the early to late 1990s. Since the year 2000, numerous proteomic studies have been performed in rice during growth and development and against a wide variety of environmental factors. These proteomic investigations have established the high‐resolution 2‐D reference gels of rice tissues, organs, and organelle under normal and adverse (stressed) conditions by optimizing suitable, reproducible systems for gel, and MS‐based proteomic techniques, which “rejuvenated” the rice proteome field. This constituted the “phase I” in rice proteomics, and resulted in rice being labeled as the “cornerstone” of cereal food crop proteomes. Now, we are in position to state that rice proteomics today marks the “beginning of phase II”. This is due to the fact that rice researchers are capable of digging deeper into the rice proteome, mapping PTMs (in particular reversible protein phosphorylation), performing inter‐ and intra‐species comparisons, integrating proteomics data with other “omic” technologies‐generated data, and probing the functional aspect of individual proteins. These advancements and their impact on the future of rice proteomics are the focus of this review.