bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outer Retinal Thickness and Retinal Sensitivity in Macula-off Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment after Successful Reattachment
Authors: Baba Takayuki , Mizuno Satoshi , Tatsumi Tomoaki , Hagiwara Akira , Sato Eiju , Oshitari Toshiyuki , Yamamoto Shuichi
Published: April 2012

Purpose.

To determine the relationship between the retinal thickness and sensitivity of the macular region after successful reattachment of an acute macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

Methods.

Twenty-three eyes of 23 patients with an acute macula-off RRD were studied (17 men, 6 women). The mean age of the patients was 53.2±14.7 years with a range from 20 to 73 years. The interval between the decrease in vision and surgery was <14 days in all cases. At 3 and 6 months after the surgery, the thickness of the inner and outer retina was determined by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and the retinal sensitivity was measured by microperimetry with MP-1. The values were compared to those obtained from the unaffected fellow eyes. Changes in the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), retinal thickness, and retinal sensitivity at 3 and 6 months from the baseline values were studied.

Results.

Ten eyes were treated by scleral buckling (SB) and 13 eyes by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), and the retina was reattached in all eyes. The mean BCVA was significantly improved at 3 and 6 months postoperatively (p<0.001, <0.001). The outer retina of macula was significantly thicker after SB than after PPV (p=0.023 at 3 months; p=0.045 at 6 months). The retinal sensitivity of the central 10 degrees of the retinas after SB was lower than that of eyes after PPV (p=0.029 at 3 months and p=0.008 at 6 months).

Conclusions.

The delay in the recovery of outer retinal thickness may be the cause of the lower sensitivity of the macula.
Relationships between progesterone receptor isoforms and the HER/ErbB receptors and ligands network in 299 primary breast cancers
Authors: Lindet Clothilde , Révillion Françoise , Lhotellier Valérie , Hornez Louis , Peyrat Jean-Philippe , Bonneterre Jacques
Published: April 2012

Background

The effects of progesterone are mediated by 2 progesterone receptors (PR), PR-A and PR-B. Recently, several lines of evidence have suggested that reduced PR expression may result from hyperactivity in the signaling cascade generated by the HER/ErbB family. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between PR isoforms and the network of the HER/ErbB receptors and ligands in breast cancer.

Patients and methods

299 breast cancer samples from patients operated in our institute for locoregional disease between May 1989 and December 1991 were included. The mRNA expression of total PR-A+B isoforms and PR-B isoform were quantified by real time quantitative RT-PCR using TaqMan® probes.

Results

mRNA levels of the PR isoforms positively correlated with protein levels of estradiol receptors (ER) and PR. The PR isoforms mRNA levels were inversely correlated with clinicopathological markers of tumor aggressiveness, such as sBR grading and lymph node involvement. The PR isoforms positively correlated with the mRNA levels of HER/ErbB receptors and ligands associated with a more differentiated phenotype (HER3, HER4, EGF, AREG, NRG3 and NRG4) while they correlated negatively with those associated with aggressiveness (EGFR, TGFa, HB-EGF, EREG, and NRG2).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate the existence of strong correlations between mRNA levels of the PR isoforms, protein levels of hormone receptors, HER/ErbB receptors and ligands network, and thus suggest that crosstalks between PR and the HER family are a hallmark of breast cancer growth.
Assessment as a Scholarly Activity?
Authors: Wang Xueli , Hurley Sarah
Published: April 2012

Analysis of survey data collected at a liberal arts college suggests that faculty perception of assessment as a scholarly activity has a significant relationship with willingness to engage in assessment. This finding indicates the importance of focusing on the scholarly nature of assessment when encouraging faculty participation in assessment practices.
Mucosal Melanomas of the Head and Neck: The Role of Postoperative Radiation Therapy
Authors: Saigal Kunal , Weed Donald T. , Reis Isildinha M. , Markoe Arnold M. , Wolfson Aaron H. , Nguyen-Sperry Janet
Published: April 2012

Objectives. Mucosal melanomas are rarer than their cutaneous counterparts and are associated with a poorer prognosis. We report the clinical outcomes of patients with mucosal melanomas of the head and neck region generally treated with definitive surgery followed by postoperative radiation therapy (RT). Methods. We reviewed the records of 17 patients treated at the University of Miami in 1990–2007. Patients generally received conventionally fractionated RT regimens to the postoperative bed. Elective nodal RT was not routinely delivered. Eight patients received adjuvant chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Results. Median followup was 35.2 months (range 5–225). As the first site of failure: 3 patients recurred locally, 2 regionally and 2 distantly. All 3 patients who recurred locally had not received RT. Of the 5 locoregional recurrences, 4 were salvaged successfully with multimodality therapy with no evidence of disease at last followup. Overall survival was 64.7% at 2 years and 51.5% at 5 years. Conclusions. Patients with mucosal melanoma of the head and neck are best treated with surgery to achieve negative margins, followed by postoperative RT to optimize local control. Elective nodal irradiation may not be indicated in all cases, as regional failures were not predominant. Distant metastases were fewer when compared to historical data, potentially due to advancements in adjuvant therapies as well as aggressive multi-modality salvage at time of failure.
Study on Fault and Isolated Condition in Two Circuit Configurations of PV-ESS Hybrid System
Authors: Htaik Myo , Hara Ryoichi , Kita Hiroyuki
Published: April 2012

Most photovoltaic (PV) generation systems are connected with a utility grid and recognized as supplemental generation resources; but in some applications such as microgrid concept, a PV system works as a main resource. To improve the availability of PV systems, technological development for higher less output fluctuation in normal condition, higher fault tolerance in fault occurrence, and power demand and supply balancing in isolated condition are required. For these reasons, hybridization of a PV system and an energy storage system (ESS) would become an important technology in the future. This paper presented two kinds of circuit models, conventional “ac-connected PV-ESS,” and proposed “dc-connected PV-ESS” in which ESS is inserted at the dc-side of PV system. This paper also investigated dc-link voltage controlled by dc-dc converter of ESS in dc-connected PV-ESS and suitable control systems are also discussed normal, during fault occurrence and isolated operation.
¿Existen los Yimbis?: Las plataformas de reivindicación territorial en Soria, Teruel y Zamora
Authors: Amezaga Inés , Martí Puig Salvador
Published: April 2012

El trabajo analiza tres plataformas que han emergido en diferentes provinciasespañolas (Soria, Teruel y Zamora) para denunciar el abandonosufrido por parte de las instituciones del Estado, de sus ComunidadesAutónomas y de sus mismos representantes a la hora de planifi carpolíticas de infraestructuras y desarrollo. Para ello en primer lugar seanaliza la forma en que aparecen y la «naturaleza» de dichos actores, alos que se compara (y contrapone) con el fenómeno Nimby. Posteriormente,se estudia y compara —a través de las herramientas con las quese analiza la acción colectiva— su discurso, estructura organizativa yla forma de expresar sus demandas. Finalmente se hace una refl exiónsobre la naturaleza e impacto de este nuevo tipo de actor y se comparaa los Nimbys, movimientos sociales y grupos de presión.
Factors Affecting Levels of Health-Related Physical Fitness in Secondary School Students in Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Kamil Abidalhussain Aboshkair  , Saidon Bin Amri  , Kok Lian Yee  , Bahaman Bin Abu Samah
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this study was to measure health-related fitness of children based on different implementation levels of the physical education program. Another was to determine the effect of anthropometric and social factors on students’ health-related fitness. A total of 918 students’ age 13, 14, and 16 years old were selected from three different implementation levels program. The total score of the checklist questions was used as criteria in classifying implementation levels in Selangor schools. Heights and weights were measured, from which the BMI was calculated. Data concerning students’ family income were collected from school files. Data on student involvement in a variety of PA during and outside of school hours were gathered from information given by students (SKAF questionnaire). Tanner, self-reported assessment was used to estimate students’ stage of maturation. Length was considered as indicator of adolescent growth. While, students’ health-fitness was measured by a battery of health fitness tests. Effectiveness of these factors on students’ health-related fitness was determined by comparing the pre-post-health-fitness tests scores of students. Results indicated that children in the high-implementation-level have better-health fitness performance on both pre-test and post-test measurements than children in the low-implementation level. However, health- fitness performances that reflect significant differences were different among age groups. The older age groups generally performed better on overall fitness tests than did the younger age groups. Several covariates had strong relationships with pre and post-test fitness scores for different age groups such as; height, weight, BMI, maturity status, time spent in PA, race, and family income. Variations of health-related fitness performance between students involved in this study are most likely contributing to the different implementation levels. Thus, a well-programmed and supervised PE program can develop the health status of students at all levels of education
Processing and Low Voltage Switching of Organic Ferroelectric Phase‐Separated Bistable Diodes
Authors: Li Mengyuan , Stingelin Natalie , Michels Jasper J. , Spijkman Mark‐Jan , Asadi Kamal , Beerends Rene , Biscarini Fabio , Blom Paul W. M. , de Leeuw Dago M.
Published: April 2012

The processing of solution‐based binary blends of the ferroelectric random copolymer poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene) P(VDF‐TrFE) and the semiconducting polymer poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorenyl‐2,7‐diyl) (PFO) applied by spin‐coating and wire‐bar coating is investigated. By systematic variation of blend composition, solvent, and deposition temperature it is shown that much smoother blend films can be obtained than reported thus far. At a low PFO:P(VDF‐TrFE) ratio the blend film consists of disk‐shaped PFO domains embedded in a P(VDF‐TrFE) matrix, while an inverted structure is obtained in case the P(VDF‐TrFE) is the minority component. The microstructure of the phase separated blend films is self‐affine. From this observation and from the domain size distribution it is concluded that the phase separation occurs via spinodal decomposition, irrespectively of blend ratio. This is explained by the strong incompatibility of the two polymers expressed by the binary phase diagram, as constructed from thermal analysis data. Time resolved numerical simulation of the microstructure evolution during de‐mixing qualitatively shows how an elevated deposition temperature has a smoothening effect as a result of the reduction of the repulsion between the blend components. The small roughness allowed the realization of bistable rectifying diodes that switch at low voltages with a yield of 100%. This indicates that memory characteristics can be tailored from the outset while processing parameters can be adjusted according to the phase behavior of the active components.
A Facile Approach to Chemically Modified Graphene and its Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Zaman Izzuddin , Kuan Hsu‐Chiang , Meng Qingshi , Michelmore Andrew , Kawashima Nobuyuki , Pitt Terry , Zhang Liqun , Gouda Sherif , Luong Lee , Ma Jun
Published: April 2012

A scalable approach for the mass production of chemically modified graphene has yet to be developed, which holds the key to the large‐scale production of stable graphene colloids for optical electronics, energy conversion, and storage materials, catalysis, sensors, composites, etc. Here, a facile approach to fabricating covalently modified graphene and its polymer nanocomposites is presented. The method involves: i) employing a common furnace, rather than a furnace installed with a quartz tube and operated in inert gas as required in previous studies, to treat a commercial graphite intercalation compound with thermal shocking and ultrasonication and fabricate graphene platelets (GnPs) with a thickness of 2.51 ± 0.39 nm that contain only 7 at% oxygen; ii) grafting these GnPs with a commercial, long‐chain surfactant, which is able to create molecular entanglement with polymer matrixes by taking advantage of the reactions between the epoxide groups of the platelets and the end amine groups of the surfactant, to produce chemically modified graphene platelets (m‐ GnPs); and iii) solution‐mixing m‐GnPs with a commonly used polymer to fabricate nanocomposites. These m‐GnPs are well dispersed in a polymer with highly improved mechanical properties and a low percolation threshold of electrical conductivity at 0.25 vol%. This novel approach could lead to the future scalable production of graphene and its nanocomposites.
An Electrical Rectifier Based on Au Nanoparticle Array Fabricated Using Direct‐Write Electron Beam Lithography
Authors: Radha Boya , Kulkarni Giridhar U.
Published: April 2012

Close‐packed arrays of Au nanoparticles are produced in patterned regions by electron beam (e‐beam) lithography using a highly sensitive direct–write resist, N+AuCl4−(C8H17)4Br. While the e–beam causes dewetting of the resist to nucleate Au nanoparticles, the following step of thermolysis aids particle growth and removal of the organic part. Thus formed arrays contain Au nanoparticles. Such arrays are patterned into ≈10 μm wide stripes between Au contact pads on SiO2/Si substrates to realize electrical rectification. Under forward bias, the device exhibits a threshold voltage of +4.3 V and a high current rectification ratio of 3 × 105, which are stable over many repetitive measurements. The threshold voltage of the rectifier can be reduced by applying an electric stress or by varying the electron dosage used for array formation. The nanoparticle rectifier element could be transferred onto flexible substrates such as PDMS, where the nanoparticle coupling is influenced by swelling of the substrate. Obviously, the nanoparticle size, shape, and the spacing in array are all important for the rectifier device performance. Based on the electrical measurements the mechanism of rectification is found to be due to switching of electrical conduction with applied bias, from short–distance tunneling to F–N type tunneling followed by transient filament formation.
Amino N‐Oxide Functionalized Conjugated Polymers and their Amino‐Functionalized Precursors: New Cathode Interlayers for High‐Performance Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Guan Xing , Zhang Kai , Huang Fei , Bazan Guillermo C. , Cao Yong
Published: April 2012

A series of amino N‐oxide functionalized polyfluorene homopolymers and copolymers (PNOs) are synthesized by oxidizing their amino functionalized precursor polymers (PNs) with hydrogen peroxide. Excellent solubility in polar solvents and good electron injection from high work‐function metals make PNOs good candidates for interfacial modification of solution processed multilayer polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs) and polymer solar cells (PSCs). Both PNOs and PNs are used as cathode interlayers in PLEDs and PSCs. It is found that the resulting devices show much better performance than devices based on a bare Al cathode. The effect of side chain and main chain variations on the device performance is investigated. PNOs/Al cathode devices exhibit better performance than PNs/Al cathode devices. Moreover, devices incorporating polymers with para‐linkage of pyridinyl moieties exhibit better performance than those using polymers with meta‐linked counterparts. With a poly[(2,7‐(9,9‐bis(6‐(N,N‐diethylamino)‐hexyl N‐oxide)fluorene))‐alt‐(2,5‐pyridinyl)] (PF6NO25Py) cathode interlayer, the resulting device exhibits a luminance efficiency of 16.9 cd A−1 and a power conversion efficiency of 6.9% for PLEDs and PSCs, respectively. These results indicate that PNOs are promising new cathode interlayers for modifying a range of optoelectronic devices.
The Piezotronic Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanowires Studied by In Situ TEM
Authors: Yang Shize , Wang Lifen , Tian Xuezeng , Xu Zhi , Wang Wenlong , Bai Xuedong , Wang Enge
Published: April 2012

Piezotronics is a new field integrating piezoelectric effect into nanoelectronics, which has attracted much attention for the fundamental research and potential applications. In this paper, the piezotronic effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires, including the response of the electrical transport and photoconducting behaviors on the nanowire bending, has been investigated by in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM), where the crystal structure of ZnO nanowires were simultaneously imaged. Serials of consecutively recorded current‐voltage (I–V) curves along with an increase of nanowire bending show the striking effect of bending on their electrical behavior. With increasing the nanowire bending, the photocurrent of ZnO nanowire under ultraviolet illumination (UV) drops dramatically and the photo response time becomes much shorter. In addition, the dynamic nanomechanics of ZnO nanowires were studied inside TEM. These phenomena could be attributed to the piezoelectric effect of ZnO nanowires, and they suggest the potential applications of ZnO nanowires on piezotronic devices.
Functional Fibers with Unique Wettability Inspired by Spider Silks
Authors: Bai Hao , Ju Jie , Zheng Yongmei , Jiang Lei
Published: April 2012

Spider silk has been an attractive biopolymer since ancient times. Learning from both its excellent properties and spinning process, silk provides people with inspiration to develop functional fibers. Recently, inspired by shiny water droplets on a spider's web, we revealed that the capture silk of the cribellate spider would deform to have a special periodic spindle‐knots structure and hence displayed unique wettability, making it efficient at directional water‐collecting. This provides insights in designing functional fibers with unique wettability, by either creating special structures on the fiber surface, or modifying it with responsive molecules. These bioinspired functional fibers may find applications in many fields, such as water collection, smart catalysis, filtration, and sensing.
Technology evaluation and decision making for sustainability enhancement of industrial systems under uncertainty
Authors: Liu Zheng , Huang Yinlun
Published: April 2012

Technology‐based sustainability enhancement is a key approach for industrial sustainability realization. However, identification of effective technologies for any industrial system could be very challenging. If the available data and information about the industrial system and technologies are incomplete, imprecise, and uncertain, then technology identification could be very difficult. In this article, the authors introduce a simple, yet systematic interval‐parameter‐based methodology for identifying quickly superior solutions under uncertainty for sustainability performance improvement. The methodology is general enough for the study of sustainability enhancement problems of any size and scope. A case study on sustainable development of biodiesel manufacturing demonstrates methodological efficacy. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 1841–1852, 2012
Sole abnormalities of chromosome 7 in myeloid malignancies: Spectrum, histopathologic correlates, and prognostic implications
Authors: Hussain Fareeda Taher Nazer , Nguyen Edward P. , Raza Sania , Knudson Ryan , Pardanani Animesh , Hanson Curtis A. , Van Dyke Daniel , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: April 2012

Among 6,565 consecutive abnormal cytogenetic reports at our institution, 3,192 (49%) constituted sole abnormalities, of which 230 (7%) involved chromosome 7: monosomy 7 (n = 98), 7q‐ (n = 51), der(1;7)(q10;p10) (n = 44), balanced translocations (n = 15), ring 7 (n = 13), and 7p‐ (n = 9). The most frequent histopathologic correlates were myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS; 28%), acute myeloid leukemia (AML; 17%), secondary or therapy‐related MDS/AML (13%), primary myelofibrosis (PMF; 7%), and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (6%). Monosomy 7 was the most frequent in each one of these disease categories except PMF where 7q‐ was more frequent. In primary MDS, patients with der(1;7)(q10;p10) (n = 13), compared to those with monosomy 7 (n = 30) or 7q‐ (n = 15), were less likely (P = 0.04) to display excess blasts or multilineage dysplasia but overall and leukemia‐free survival adjusted for these variables revealed no significant difference between the three groups (P = 0.57 and 0.81, respectively). The current study does not prognostically distinguish monosomy 7 from 7q‐ or der(1;7), in MDS. Am. J. Hematol. 87:684–686, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Severe phenotype in MPS II patients associated with a large deletion including contiguous genes
Authors: Brusius‐Facchin Ana Carolina , De Souza Carolina Fischinger Moura , Schwartz Ida Vanessa D. , Riegel Mariluce , Melaragno Maria Isabel , Correia Patrícia , Moraes Lúcia Marques , Llerena Juan , Giugliani Roberto , Leistner‐Segal Sandra
Published: April 2012

Hunter disease or mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) is an X‐linked recessive lysosomal disorder caused by the deficiency of iduronate‐2‐sulfatase, which is involved in the catabolism of the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) heparan and dermatan sulphate. Our aim was to analyze three patients with severe Hunter syndrome that showed a total deletion of the iduronate‐2‐sulphatase (IDS) gene, after exon by exon PCR. DNA was used as a template for PCR synthesis of IDS, FRAXA, FRAXE, and DXS1113 specific amplicons. The DNA analysis for all three patients demonstrated a complete deletion of IDS, FRAXA, and FRAXE contiguous genes. We further performed SNP‐array to delineate the deletion breakpoints and to characterize the deletion extension in the different patients. The results indicated a ∼9.4 Mb deletion in Patient 1, a ∼3.9 Mb deletion of the Xq27.3–Xq28 and a ∼3.1 Mb duplication of the X q28 region in Patient 2 and a ∼41.8 Kb deletion in Patient 3. SNP‐array was shown to be important to map for deletion breakpoints. A comprehensive molecular analysis in patients with Hunter syndrome, especially in the ones presenting the severe form, is important to the understanding of the genetic determinants of the phenotype and for the genetic counseling to be provided to the families. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and optical properties of transparent epoxy composites containing ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Ding Ke Hong , Wang Gen Lin , Zhang Ming
Published: April 2012

Polymer nanocomposites are usually made by incorporating dried nanoparticles into polymer matrices. This way not only leads to easy aggregation of nanoparticles but also readily brings about opaqueness for nanocomposites based on functionally transparent polymers. In this letter, transparent ZnO/epoxy nanocomposites with high‐UV shielding efficiency were prepared via two simple steps: first, in situ preparation of zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2)/epoxy from the reaction of aqueous zinc acetate (Zn(Ac)2·2H2O) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 30°C in the presence of high‐viscosity epoxy resin; second, thermal treatment of the as‐prepared Zn(OH)2/epoxy hybrid into ZnO/epoxy composites. Optical properties of the resultant ZnO/epoxy nanocomposites were studied using an ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectrophotometer. The nanocomposites containing a very low content of ZnO nanoparticles (0.06 wt %) possessed the optimal optical properties, namely high‐visible light transparency and high‐UV light shielding efficiency. Consequently, the as‐prepared ZnO/epoxy nanocomposites are promising for use as novel packaging materials in lighting emitting diodes technology. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of processing conditions on poly(butylene succinate) foam materials
Authors: Zhang Yihe , Lu Bo , Lv Fengzhu , Guo Wenmin , Ji Junhui , Chu Paul K. , Zhang Changan
Published: April 2012

Polymeric foams have many advantages such as light weight, high specific strength, strong energy absorption, as well as good sound and thermal insulation. Unfortunately, most polymeric foams such as polyvinyl chloride foams do not undergo natural degradation and thus giving rise to white pollution to the environment. Here, we report the preparation and properties of poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) foam which is a biodegradable plastic. Ammonium bicarbonate is used as the foaming agent during the formation of the PBS foam by the molding method, and under the optimal conditions of 5 wt % ammonium bicarbonate, 10 MPa pressure, and 5 min pressing time, the pristine PBS foam with the smallest bulk density can be obtained, whereas under the conditions of 5 wt % ammonium bicarbonate, 7.5 MPa pressure, and 7 min pressing time, the toughening PBS foam has the smallest bulk density. Adding talc as a nucleating agent can reduce the bulk density of the foam and in this case, an NH4HCO3 content of 3 wt % yields the best result. Moreover, addition of plasticizers can effectively improve the mechanical properties of the products. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation and properties of polyurethane/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites by a spray drying process
Authors: Wang Wencai , Jiang Fengdan , Jiang Yi , Lu Yonglai , Zhang Liqun
Published: April 2012

A spray drying approach has been used to prepare polyurethane/multiwalled carbon nanotube (PU/MWCNT) composites. By using this method, the MWCNTs can be dispersed homogeneously in the PU matrix in an attempt to improve the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The morphology of the resulting PU/MWCNT composites was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). SEM and TEM observations illustrate that the MWCNTs are dispersed finely and uniformly in the PU matrix. X‐ray diffraction results indicate that the microphase separation structure of the PU is slightly affected by the presence of the MWCNTs. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, and hardness of the nanocomposites were studied. The electrical and the thermal conductivity of the nanocomposites were also evaluated. The results show that both the electrical and the thermal conductivity increase with the increase of MWCNT loading. In addition, the percolation threshold value of the PU composites is significantly reduced to about 5 wt % because of the high aspect ratio of carbon nanotubes and exclusive effect of latex particles of PU emulsion in dispersion. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Kinetic Limitations of Intracranial Joints in Brachylophosaurus canadensis and Edmontosaurus regalis (Dinosauria: Hadrosauridae), and Their Implications for the Chewing Mechanics of Hadrosaurids
Authors: Cuthbertson Robin S. , Tirabasso Alex , Rybczynski Natalia , Holmes Robert B.
Published: April 2012

The highly specialized tooth morphology and arrangement of the dental battery of hadrosaurids has led to much speculation surrounding the chewing mechanics of this successful group of herbivorous dinosaurs. Pleurokinesis, a long established hypothesis explaining the ornithopod chewing mechanism, proposes a transverse power stroke in hadrosaurids that was accommodated by vertical adduction of the mandible, lateral rotation of the maxilla at the maxilla‐premaxilla joint, lateral rotation of the jugal‐maxilla complex at its contact with the lacrimal, and posterolateral rotation of the quadrate at its contact with the squamosal. A secondary series of movements were also thought to have occurred as a consequence of these primary movements. In this article, the intracranial joint morphology is described for both Brachylophosaurus canadensis and Edmontosaurus regalis and their permissive kinematics are established. Based on this evidence, the movements associated with pleurokinesis are not accommodated in these hadrosaurine dinosaurs. Rather, the movements that seem most likely to have produced the observed dental wear patterns are those associated with the mandible about the jaw joint. The structure of this joint appears well‐suited to have accommodated some translation as well as rotation of the mandible about the quadrate condyle. Three‐dimensional modeling of the alternate mandibular movements reveals that not all the combined labiolingual width of the lingual and buccal facets of the tooth row was involved in the power stroke. Rather, limits on the degree of mandibular long axis rotation suggest that only the lingual facet and the more medial portion of the buccal facet were utilized. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Auditory Anatomy of the Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata): A Potential Fatty Sound Reception Pathway in a Baleen Whale
Authors: Yamato Maya , Ketten Darlene R. , Arruda Julie , Cramer Scott , Moore Kathleen
Published: April 2012

Cetaceans possess highly derived auditory systems adapted for underwater hearing. Odontoceti (toothed whales) are thought to receive sound through specialized fat bodies that contact the tympanoperiotic complex, the bones housing the middle and inner ears. However, sound reception pathways remain unknown in Mysticeti (baleen whales), which have very different cranial anatomies compared to odontocetes. Here, we report a potential fatty sound reception pathway in the minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), a mysticete of the balaenopterid family. The cephalic anatomy of seven minke whales was investigated using computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, verified through dissections. Findings include a large, well‐formed fat body lateral, dorsal, and posterior to the mandibular ramus and lateral to the tympanoperiotic complex. This fat body inserts into the tympanoperiotic complex at the lateral aperture between the tympanic and periotic bones and is in contact with the ossicles. There is also a second, smaller body of fat found within the tympanic bone, which contacts the ossicles as well. This is the first analysis of these fatty tissues' association with the auditory structures in a mysticete, providing anatomical evidence that fatty sound reception pathways may not be a unique feature of odontocete cetaceans. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Suppression of dendritic cell maturation and T cell proliferation by synovial fluid myeloid cells from mice with autoimmune arthritis
Authors: Egelston Colt , Kurkó Júlia , Besenyei Timea , Tryniszewska Beata , Rauch Tibor A. , Glant Tibor T. , Mikecz Katalin
Published: April 2012

Objective

To determine whether myeloid cells (such as granulocytes) present in the synovial fluid (SF) of arthritic joints have an impact on adaptive immunity. Specifically, we investigated the effects of SF cells harvested from the joints of mice with proteoglycan‐induced arthritis (PGIA), on dendritic cell (DC) maturation and antigen‐specific T cell proliferation.

Methods

We monitored DC maturation (MHCII and CD86 expression) by flow cytometry upon coculture of DCs with SF cells or spleen myeloid cells from mice with PGIA. The effects of these myeloid cells on T cell proliferation were studied using T cells purified from PG‐specific T cell receptor (TCR)–transgenic (Tg) mice. Phenotype analysis of myeloid cells was performed by immunostaining, reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and biochemical assays.

Results

Inflammatory SF cells significantly suppressed the maturation of DCs upon coculture. PG‐TCR–Tg mouse T cells cultured with antigen‐loaded DCs showed dramatic decreases in proliferation in the presence of SF cells. Spleen myeloid cells from arthritic mice did not have suppressive effects. SF cells were unable to suppress CD3/CD28‐stimulated proliferation of the same T cells, suggesting a DC‐dependent mechanism. SF cells exhibited all of the characteristics of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and exerted suppression primarily through the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species by granulocyte‐like cells.

Conclusion

SF in the joints of mice with PGIA contains a population of granulocytic MDSCs that potently suppress DC maturation and T cell proliferation. These MDSCs have the potential to limit the expansion of autoreactive T cells, thus breaking the vicious cycle of autoimmunity and inflammation.
Investigation of SUMO pathway genes in the etiology of nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate
Authors: Carta Eloisa , Pauws Erwin , Thomas Anna C. , Mengrelis Konstantinos , Moore Gudrun E. , Lees Melissa , Stanier Philip
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: SUMO1 has been implicated as having a role in the causation of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CLP), both directly and through association studies in humans and, perhaps more controversially, in transgenic mouse studies. METHODS: To screen for sequence variants that might be responsible for human CLP, we performed direct DNA sequence analysis in a well‐characterized white European cohort of 192 patients. We screened the genes encoding SUMO1, SUMO2, and SUMO3, as well as the E3 ligases PIAS1 and PIAS2, which are required for sumoylation. Variants were analyzed in a cohort of 192 unaffected white European controls. RESULTS: Only two missense variants were identified, both within SUMO3, however, these were both present in multiple affected individuals and a similar number of controls. Other variants identified, apart from a single synonymous change in PIAS1, were all present within flanking intronic regions distant from splice consensus sites. Moreover, most other variants were previously reported in dbSNP and were shown to be present at a similar frequency in cases and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that mutations identified in the SUMO‐related genes tested, including three novel coding SNPs, do not directly contribute to the incidence of CLP. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Olive oil supplemented with Coenzyme Q10: Effect on plasma and lipoprotein oxidative status
Authors: Brugè Francesca , Bacchetti Tiziana , Principi Federica , Scarpa Emanuele‐Salvatore , Littarru Gian Paolo , Tiano Luca
Published: April 2012

Olive oil consumption is associated with protective cardiovascular properties, including some beneficial modifications in lipoprotein profile and composition. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) exerts a protective effect on plasma lipoproteins. Aim of the study was to investigate whether extra virgin (EV) olive oil enriched with CoQ10 affects CoQ10 levels and oxidative status in plasma and in isolated lipoproteins. Twelve subjects were administered 20 mL olive oil per day for 2 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of olive oil enriched with 20 mg and 2 more weeks with 40 mg of CoQ10. Plasma and isolated lipoproteins were collected in each phase of the study and subsequently analyzed to assess lipid profile, CoQ10 levels, ORAC assay, resistance of lipoproteins to peroxidation and paroxonase 1 activity. Plasma CoQ10 levels significantly increased with the 20 mg (+73%) and 40 mg dose (+170%), while the percentage of oxidized CoQ10 decreased. A significant inverse correlation was found in plasma between percentage of oxidized CoQ10 and total antioxidant capacity. A lower susceptibility of LDL to peroxidation was also found. Finally, a positive correlation was observed between concentration of CoQ10 in HDL and paraoxonase‐1 activity. EV olive oil enriched with both doses of CoQ10 significantly affects its bioavailability and plasma redox status. These changes are associated with a decreased susceptibility of plasma lipoproteins to peroxidation associated with a chain‐breaking antioxidant activity of the formulation. © 2012 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
An update on advanced glycation endproducts and atherosclerosis
Authors: Del Turco Serena , Basta Giuseppina
Published: April 2012

Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) are a group of modified molecular species formed by nonenzymatic reactions between the aldehydic group of reducing sugars with proteins, lipids, or nucleic acids. Formation and accumulation of AGEs are related to the aging process and are accelerated in diabetes. AGEs are generated in hyperglycemia, but their production also occurs in settings characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation. These species promote vascular damage and acceleration of atherosclerotic plaque progression mainly through two mechanisms: directly, altering the functional properties of vessel wall extracellular matrix molecules, or indirectly, through activation of cell receptor‐dependent signaling. Interaction between AGEs and the key receptor for AGEs (RAGE), a transmembrane signaling receptor which is present in all cells relevant to atherosclerosis, alters cellular function, promotes gene expression, and enhances the release of proinflammatory molecules. The importance of the AGE‐RAGE interaction and downstream pathways, leading to vessel wall injury and plaque development, has been amply established in animal studies. Moreover, the deleterious link of AGEs with diabetic vascular complications has been suggested in many human studies. Blocking the vicious cycle of AGE‐RAGE axis signaling may be essential in controlling and preventing cardiovascular complications. In this article, we review the pathogenetic role of AGEs in the development, progression and instability of atherosclerosis, and the potential targets of this biological system for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. © 2012 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Prediction of antimicrobial peptides based on the adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system application
Authors: Fernandes Fabiano C. , Rigden Daniel J. , Franco Octavio L.
Published: April 2012

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are widely distributed defense molecules and represent a promising alternative for solving the problem of antibiotic resistance. Nevertheless, the experimental time required to screen putative AMPs makes computational simulations based on peptide sequence analysis and/or molecular modeling extremely attractive. Artificial intelligence methods acting as simulation and prediction tools are of great importance in helping to efficiently discover and design novel AMPs. In the present study, state‐of‐the‐art published outcomes using different prediction methods and databases were compared to an adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) model. Data from our study showed that ANFIS obtained an accuracy of 96.7% and a Matthew's Correlation Coefficient (MCC) of 0.936, which proved it to be an efficient model for pattern recognition in antimicrobial peptide prediction. Furthermore, a lower number of input parameters were needed for the ANFIS model, improving the speed and ease of prediction. In summary, due to the fuzzy nature of AMP physicochemical properties, the ANFIS approach presented here can provide an efficient solution for screening putative AMP sequences and for exploration of properties characteristic of AMPs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 98: 280–287, 2012.
A Rapid Access to Novel and Known Benzimidazole Derivatives Using Silica Chloride as a Reusable Catalyst
Authors: Karami Bahador , Ghashghaee Vahideh , Khodabakhshi Saeed
Published: April 2012

A new application of silica chloride as an easily available and reusable solid acid catalyst for the synthesis of benzimidazole and its derivatives through the condensation of o‐phenylenediamines and orthoesters under thermal and solvent‐free conditions is described. This novel and eco‐friendly method is very cheap and has many advantages including excellent yields, short reaction time, and simple work‐up procedure.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Thermochemical Properties of a One‐Dimensional Chain Complex [Cd(succ)PIP]n
Authors: Li Xia , Zhao Wenjie , Liu Fei , Tan Jinting , Feng Xing , Lu Yingli , Yang Xuwu
Published: April 2012

A new complex, [Cd(succ)PIP]n (PIP=2‐phenyl‐imidazo[4,5‐f]1,10‐phenanthroline, H2‐succ=succinate), was synthesized and characterized by X‐ray crystallography, elemental analysis, and TG‐DTG. The results show that the complex crystallizes in an orthorhombic space group Pcca; a=14.065(2) Å, b=9.901(8) Å, c=28.933(2) Å and Z=8. The structure of the complex is one‐dimensional chain [Cd(succ)PIP]n, and each Cd2+ is five‐coordinated by two chelating nitrogen atoms from one PIP ligand, three oxygen atoms from three different succ dianionic ligands to form a distorted trigonal‐bipyramida geometry. The constant‐volume combustion energy of the complex, ΔcU, was determined by an intelligent micro‐rotating‐bomb calorimeter (IMRBC‐type I) at 298.15 K. Then the standard molar enthalpy of combustion, ΔcHm⊖, and the standard molar enthalpy of formation, ΔfHm⊖ have been calculated.
Environmental Friendly Synthesis of Novel Isatin Ketal and Isatin Schiff Base Derivatives Using Michael Addition Reaction under Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Imanzadeh Gholamhassan , Soltanizadeh Zahra , Khodayari Ali , Zamanloo Mohammadreza , Mansoori Yagoub , Salehzadeh Jaber
Published: April 2012

An efficient and simple procedure for the synthesis of novel isatin derivatives is described. Michael addition of aniline Schiff bases of isatin or p‐toluidine Schiff bases of isatin to fumaric esters affords the Michael adduct compounds in good to high yields in the presence of K2CO3 and tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) under solvent‐free conditions. Repeating of this reaction about spiro[1,3‐dioxolane‐2,3′‐indol]‐2′(1′H)‐one, as a Michael donor, in the presence of 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) gives Michael adducts in remarkable yields under the same conditions.
Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Two Supramolecular Compounds Based on Silicotungstic Acid and Transition Metal(II) Coordinated Isonicotinic Acid
Authors: Kong Zuping , Wang Chunling , Ren Yuanhang , Gu Min , Hu Yichen , Yue Bin , He Heyong
Published: April 2012

Two compounds, namely [Cd(HINA)2(µ2‐H2O)(H2O)2]2[SiW12O40]·6H2O (1) and [Co(HINA)3(H2O)3][Co(HINA)2(H2O)4][SiW12O40]·2H2O (2), have been synthesized from the aqueous mixture containing H4SiW12O40, isonicotinic acid (HINA), and M(CH3COO)2 (M=Cd and Co). The compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, TG analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The dinuclear coordinated cadmium units in compound 1 are linked to form 2D layer parallel to ab plane through π‐π interactions and hydrogen bonds. Compound 2 contains two different types of coordinated metal cations, [Co(HINA)3(H2O)3]2+ and [Co(HINA)2(H2O)4]2+, which construct 2D layer along bc plane through π‐π interactions and hydrogen bonds. In both compounds, the Keggin anions are located inside the channels and cavities formed from stack of the coordinated metal cations, which further achieve the 3D supramolecular structure through hydrogen bonds. The luminescent property of compounds 1 and 2 has been investigated.
Temperature Induced Interpenetration Suppression of a Couple of Azo‐based Isomers with a Flexible Second Ligand
Authors: Guo Jinshuang , Xu Gang , Guo Guocong
Published: April 2012

Two new azo‐based coordination compounds with a flexible second ligand, crystal 1 (composed with [Zn(adc)(eda)]n‐1) and crystal 2 (composed with {[Zn(adc)]0.9568(eda)}n‐1′ and {[Zn(adc)]0.0414}n) have been synthesized as a couple of isomers with different reaction temperature. Adc2− and eda represent azobenzene‐4,4′‐dicarboxylic ion and 1,2‐ethanediamine, respectively. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction measurement indicates the interpenetration of the above crystals could be suppressed by simply tuning the reaction temperature, that is, the 5‐fold interpenetration which leads to no free volume left in lower temperature synthesized compound [Zn(adc)(eda)]n‐1 could be reduced to a 4‐fold interpenetration in higher temperature synthesized {[Zn(adc)]0.9568(eda)}n‐1′ which results in free volume accounting for 3.6% (31.6 Å3 per unit cell volume) in crystal 2. The synthesis, crystal structure and fluorescence spectra of crystals 1 and 2 have been discussed, together with the data of elemental analysis and X‐ray powder diffraction.
Solid‐Phase Organic Synthesis of Aryl Vinyl Ethers Using Sulfone‐Linking Strategy
Authors: Yu Lamei , Tang Ni , Sheng Shouri , Chen Rubing , Liu Xiaoling , Cai Mingzhong
Published: April 2012

A novel facile solid‐phase organic synthesis of aryl vinyl ethers by reaction of polystyrene‐supported 2‐phenylsulfonylethanol with phenols under Mitsunobu conditions and subsequent elimination reaction with DBU has been developed. The advantages of this method include straightforward operation, good yield and high purity of the products. Alternatively, a typical example of Suzuki coupling reaction on‐resin was further applied to prepare 4‐phenylphenyl vinyl ether for extending this method.
Solvothermal Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Two Manganese Complexes [Mn(II)(acac−)2(4,4′‐bipy)]n (bipy=4,4′‐bipyridine) and [Mn(III)(acac−)3]·4CO(NH2)2
Authors: Cheng Yifeng , Xia Sifeng , Feng Jun , Du Shizhen , An Lan , Lu Xiaoming
Published: April 2012

Two special manganese complexes [Mn(II)(acac−)2(4,4′‐bipy)]n (bipy=4,4′‐bipyridine) (complex 1) and [Mn(III)(acac−)3]·4CO(NH2)2 (acacH=acetylacetone) (complex 2) were synthesized in the same strategy by solvothermal method. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction revealed the complex 1 consists of one‐dimensional infinite coordination chain, with the manganese centers bridged by 4,4′‐bipy. And free carbamides of complex 2 connect with each other through the hydrogen bonds to form a 14‐membered carbamide ring and a zig‐zag plane. Both enantiomers of Mn(III)(acac−)3 exist in the structure, forming a racemate. Furthermore, these enantiomers and those zig‐zag planes are linked with hydrogen bonds to form an unique spatial network.
Asymmetric Double Michael Reaction Catalyzed by Simple Primary Amine Catalysts: A Straightforward Approach to Construct Spirocyclic Oxindoles
Authors: Luo Xiya , Wang Liangliang , Peng Lin , Bai Jianfei , Jia Lina , He Guangyun , Tian Fang , Xu Xiaoying , Wang Lixin
Published: April 2012

The enantioselective double Michael reaction of N‐Boc‐3‐nonsubstitued oxindoles with dienones catalyzed by chiral monoimide protected cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamines was developed. A wide range of optically active spirocyclic oxindoles were obtained up to 98% yield and up to 89% ee.