bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), an Important Fatty Acid in Aging and the Protection of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Valenzuela Rodrigo Wladimir , Sanhueza Julio , Valenzuela Alfonso
Published: October 2012

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a fatty acid essential for the proper development and functioning of the nervous and visual system. DHA is found in significant concentrations in the phospholipids of neuronal membranes. DHA is provided by the mother during the fetal and early infancy life, during pregnancy and through breastfeeding. Given the importance of an adequate supply of the fatty acid to the newborn, it has been suggested DHA supplementation to the mother before and during the pregnancy and also during the breastfeeding period. In the recent years, research from different scientist have established that DHA has an important role in the development of the nervous system, as well as having an important key role in the preservation of this tissue, especially during aging and in some neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. DHA may preserve the integrity and the neuronal viability against different metabolic insults and/or cytotoxic events, among which inflammation and oxidative stress are the most relevant. The neuroprotective effects of DHA in neural tissue are mediated by a metabolic derivative, known as neuroprotectin D-1. This molecule may respond to aggression having anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic and even neuroregenerative effects, which may contribute to preserve the proper neuronal viability as well as the health and function of the nervous system. This review discusses different evidences about the neuroprotective effect of DHA, during aging and against some neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the important role of the proper nutrition in this protection
A Quali-Quantitative Analysis of Food Advertising in Italian Chilldren's National TV Programming: Implications for School-Based Nutrition Educational Programs
Authors: Pellai Alberto , Nobile Marta , Luti Cristina
Published: October 2012

Globally it has been estimated that 10% of children and teens aged 6 to 18 are overweight or obese. Media and advertising agencies are considered social organizations capable to playing a central role in both promoting and challenging childhood obesity. To have a better understanding of this problem, it was investigated the quantity and the typology of advertising on air during children’s television broadcastings in Italy over a period of three months, analyzing all the TV programming targeting children aired in the six main TV national channels. This paper focuses on the main results which were obtained and suggests to integrate traditional nutritional educational programs targeting children with components taken from the field of media education.
The National Library of Uganda: Its Beginnings, Services, Challenges and Future Prospects
Authors: Mulindwa Gertrude Kayaga
Published: October 2012

This article gives a description of the National Library of Uganda beginning with a brief overview of the concept of African repositories. It analyses the context within which the National Library exists as part of Uganda's documentary heritage, briefly describing the various institutions where this heritage is found. The genesis of the idea of a national library for Uganda is given followed by a description of the establishment of the National Library of Uganda. The functions of the National Library, namely legal deposit and the supervisory role over public libraries, are discussed in detail, followed by the services that the NLU offers. The challenges currently faced by the NLU are then examined. Lastly, the article gives a short analysis of the prospects for the future.
Thermal/Fluid Systems Design with an Innovative Teaching Method
Authors: Jokar Amir
Published: October 2012

An innovative hands-on approach was taken in teaching thermal/fluid systems design as an upper-level undergraduate course. The objective of using this method was to enhance the students' industrial vision, and to prepare them for mechanical engineering practice before they graduate. For this purpose, the students in this course were divided into three-member groups to design, manufacture, and test specific heat exchangers for given conditions. They were to work within realistic economic, manufacturability, sustainability, ethical, environmental, and safety constraints on their projects. They were then to report the results in a professional fashion, and finally to present their projects in class. The students' communication and interpersonal skills were also examined. The groups came up with different ideas for the design and manufacture of their thermal/fluid systems. Most of the heat exchangers worked the way expected, while some faced problems due to a high-pressure drop within the heat exchangers. This approach has had favorable feedback from the students as well as other professionals in the field. The present article reports the details and results of the hands-on class activity.
Design, Manufacturing and characterization of integrated inductors with magnetic layers for DC-DC converter
Authors: Yaya D. , Allassem D. , Youssouf M. , Siblini A. , Chatelon J. P. , Rousseau J. J.
Published: October 2012

This paper presents the conception, fabrication and characterization of integrated inductors containing magnetic layers. We require different steps of micro-technologies: preparation of glass and ferrite substrates, RF sputtering, photolithography, etching and finally electroplating techniques for copper and gold films. The geometrical magnitudes are determined by using HFSS simulator software. The measurements performed at low and high frequencies (up to 1 GHz) permit to verify the correlation between experiment and simulation results. The inductance of the manufactured spiral inductor is about 200 nH and it is constant from low frequency up to 0.9 GHz.
Study and analysis of an electric Z-shaped meta-atom
Authors: Dhouibi A. , Burokur S. N. , De Lustrac A. , Priou A.
Published: October 2012

A printed Z-shaped electric meta-atom is presented as an alternative design to the conventional electric-LC (ELC) resonator. We propose to redesign the ELC resonator pattern to get a compact and a low cost electric resonator exhibiting a strong electric response. Our approach consists in redressing the resonator shape to accommodate higher inductance and therefore leading to a lower resonance frequency without being limited by fabrication tolerances. Simulation and measurement results show that the Z metaatom exhibits an electric response to normally incident radiation and can be used very effectively in producing materials with negative permittivity.
Super‐Resolution Microscopy: A Comparative Treatment
Authors: Kasuboski James M. , Sigal Yury J. , Joens Matthew S. , Lillemeier Bjorn F. , Fitzpatrick James A.J.
Published: October 2012

One of the fundamental limitations of optical microscopy is that of diffraction, or in essence, how small a beam of light can be focused by using an optical lens system. This constraint, or barrier if you will, was theoretically described by Ernst Abbe in 1873 and is roughly equal to half the wavelength of light used to probe the system. Many structures, particularly those within cells, are much smaller than this limit and thus are difficult to visualize. Over the last two decades, a new field of super‐resolution imaging has been created and been developed into a broad range of techniques that allow routine imaging beyond the far‐field diffraction limit of light. In this unit we outline the basic principles of the various super‐resolution imaging modalities, paying particular attention to the technical considerations for biological imaging. Furthermore, we discuss their various applications in the imaging of both fixed and live biological samples. Curr. Protoc. Cytom. 62:2.17.1‐2.17.24. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Quantitative Fluorescent Speckle Microscopy (QFSM) to Measure Actin Dynamics
Authors: Mendoza Michelle C. , Besson Sebastien , Danuser Gaudenz
Published: October 2012

Quantitative fluorescent speckle microscopy (QFSM) is a live‐cell imaging method to analyze the dynamics of macromolecular assemblies with high spatial and temporal resolution. Its greatest successes were in the analysis of actin filament and adhesion dynamics in the context of cell migration and microtubule dynamics in interphase and the meiotic/mitotic spindle. Here, focus is on the former application to illustrate the procedures of FSM imaging and the computational image processing that extracts quantitative information from these experiments. QFSM is advantageous over other methods because it measures the movement and turnover kinetics of the actin filament (F‐actin) network in living cells across the entire field of view. Experiments begin with the microinjection of fluorophore‐labeled actin into cells, which generate a low ratio of fluorescently labeled to endogenously unlabeled actin monomers. Spinning disk confocal or wide‐field imaging then visualizes fluorophore clusters (two to eight actin monomers) within the assembled F‐actin network as speckles. QFSM software identifies and computationally tracks and utilizes the location, appearance, and disappearance of speckles to derive network flows and maps of the rate of filament assembly and disassembly. Curr. Protoc. Cytom. 62:2.18.1‐2.18.26. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Live‐Animal Imaging of Renal Function by Multiphoton Microscopy
Authors: Dunn Kenneth W. , Sutton Timothy A. , Sandoval Ruben M.
Published: October 2012

Intravital microscopy, microscopy of living animals, is a powerful research technique that combines the resolution and sensitivity found in microscopic studies of cultured cells with the relevance and systemic influences of cells in the context of the intact animal. The power of intravital microscopy has recently been extended with the development of multiphoton fluorescence microscopy systems capable of collecting optical sections from deep within the kidney at subcellular resolution, supporting high‐resolution characterizations of the structure and function of glomeruli, tubules, and vasculature in the living kidney. Fluorescent probes are administered to an anesthetized, surgically prepared animal, followed by image acquisition for up to 3 hr. Images are transferred via a high‐speed network to specialized computer systems for digital image analysis. This general approach can be used with different combinations of fluorescent probes to evaluate processes such as glomerular permeability, proximal tubule endocytosis, microvascular flow, vascular permeability, mitochondrial function, and cellular apoptosis/necrosis. Curr. Protoc. Cytom. 62:12.9.1‐12.9.18. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Compression Test (Gaenslen's Squeeze Test) Positivity, Joint Tenderness, and Disease Activity in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Wiesinger Tanja , Smolen Josef S. , Aletaha Daniel , Stamm Tanja
Published: October 2012

Objective

Gaenslen's test (GT) positivity is characterized by tenderness upon lateral compression (squeezing) of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) or metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints. We aimed to assess the factors related to a positive GT and to explore differences in disease activity between GT‐positive and ‐negative patients.

Methods

The GT was performed routinely in outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In total, 229 patients had a positive GT (GT‐positive group). To this group, we matched a GT‐negative group (n = 222) comparable in sex, age, disease duration, and rheumatoid factor (RF) positivity. Disease activity scores, swollen and tender joint counts, patient pain and global assessments, evaluator's global assessment, morning stiffness, disability assessments, acute phase reactants, RF, and anti–citrullinated protein antibody levels were assessed and used for correlation analyses. A comparison between the GT‐positive and ‐negative groups was performed and a regression model was calculated.

Results

All clinical variables, including disease activity scores, joint counts, and disability assessments, were significantly higher in the GT‐positive group than the GT‐negative group. Also, there were significantly fewer patients in remission or with low disease activity in the GT‐positive group. GT positivity correlated most strongly (r > 0.5) with joint tenderness (32‐ and 28‐joint counts). Tender proximal interphalangeal, MCP, and MTP joints appeared mostly responsible for a positive GT, but more than 1 MCP/MTP joint had to be tender to explain a positive GT.

Conclusion

The GT is related primarily to tenderness in MCP and MTP joints and signifies a moderate to high disease activity among patients with RA.
Approximate loop shaping in PID parameter adaptation
Authors: Tsakalis Kostas S. , Dash Sachi
Published: October 2012

This paper discusses the use of H‐infinity approximation for the online adaptation of PID controller parameters. For a frequency loop‐shaping control objective, it is possible to adapt the PID parameters directly with linear model estimation algorithms. Standard least squares algorithms are common solutions for this problem, but their estimates exhibit a well‐known strong dependence on the properties of the excitation. This drawback becomes more pronounced for systems where the modeling mismatch is large, as is frequently the case in PID control. In an alternative formulation of the estimation problem, we use a filter‐bank to decompose the error signal to different components and minimize approximately the H‐infinity norm of the sensitivity‐weighted error operator. This approach results in a more consistent estimate of the optimal PID parameters, at the expense of higher excitation requirements. It also allows for the computation of a ‘health indicator’ to describe the confidence in the estimated parameters. The practical implication of this observation is that PIDs can be tuned more reliably, even in cases of large mismatch between the target and the feasible loop shapes. It also suggests a general theme where a min–max optimization of an operator error provides an advantage over signal error optimization. The key aspects of the algorithm are illustrated by numerical examples. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Na2FeP2O7 as a Promising Iron‐Based Pyrophosphate Cathode for Sodium Rechargeable Batteries: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Kim Heejin , Shakoor R. A. , Park Chansun , Lim Soo Yeon , Kim Joo‐Seong , Jo Yong Nam , Cho Woosuk , Miyasaka Keiichi , Kahraman Ramazan , Jung Yousung , Choi Jang Wook
Published: October 2012

Considering the promising electrochemical performance of the recently reported pyrophosphate family in lithium ion batteries as well as the increasing importance of sodium ion batteries (SIBs) for emerging large‐scale applications, here, the crystal structure, electrochemical properties, and thermal stability of Na2FeP2O7, the first example ever reported in the pyrophosphate family for SIBs, are investigated. Na2FeP2O7 maintains well‐defined channel structures (triclinic framework under the P1 space group) and exhibits a reversible capacity of ≈90 mAh g−1 with good cycling performance. Both quasi‐equilibrium measurements and first‐principles calculations consistently indicate that Na2FeP2O7 undergoes two kinds of reactions over the entire voltage range of 2.0–4.5 V (vs Na/Na+): a single‐phase reaction around 2.5 V and a series of two‐phase reactions in the voltage range of 3.0–3.25 V. Na2FeP2O7 shows excellent thermal stability up to 500 °C, even in the partially desodiated state (NaFeP2O7), which suggests its safe character, a property that is very critical for large‐scale battery applications.
Allergic asthma caused by exposure to bacterial alpha‐amylase termamyl®
Authors: Baur Xaver , Budnik Lygia Therese , von Kirchbach Gottfried
Published: October 2012

Background

Airborne enzymes behave as potent respiratory allergens. Till date, allergic disorders caused by genetically engineered enzymes widely used in the industry, have not been reported.

Results and Conclusions

We describe a worker employed in the detergent industry who developed asthma and rhinitis from IgE‐mediated sensitization to the thermostable endo‐alpha‐amylase Termamyl® and to the protease Savinase®. This is the first report showing that Termamyl® elicits allergic respiratory disorders in humans. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:378–380, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Paranasal sinus cholesterol granuloma: systematic review of diagnostic and management aspects
Authors: Durgam Aditya , Batra Pete S.
Published: October 2012

Background

Cholesterol granuloma (CG) is an expansile, cystic lesion most commonly observed in the temporal bone. CG is rarely encountered in the paranasal sinuses. Given its paucity in this region, the diagnostic and management aspects remain to be elucidated.

Methods

Systematic review of the literature yielded 66 cases reported as individual data in 37 articles; an additional 69 cases were reported as aggregate data in 5 case series.

Results

The mean age of the 135 patients was 43.8 years, with a male:female ratio of 5.6:1. The most common presenting symptoms were orbital (66%), followed by headaches (19.3%). The most common location for CG was the frontal sinus (60%), followed by maxillary (34.1%) and ethmoid (3.7%) sinuses. Computed tomography (CT) imaging was used in 84 patients (63.3%), with bone erosion being noted in 80% of cases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was reported in only 9 cases (6.7%); high signal on T1‐ and T2‐weighted images was evident in 77.8% and 66.7%, of cases respectively. Surgical data was available on 65 cases; drainage was achieved by open and endoscopic techniques in 52 (80%) and 13 (20%) cases, respectively. Primary symptom improvement and CG cavity patency was achieved in 92% of cases at a mean follow‐up of 34.5 months.

Conclusion

Paranasal sinus CG is most commonly observed in middle‐aged males, arises in the frontal sinus, and typically presents with orbital symptoms. Both open and endoscopic techniques can be used with high success rate. The present study represents the first attempt in the literature to construct a clinical profile of this rare entity.
Readability assessment of the American Rhinologic Society patient education materials
Authors: Kasabwala Khushabu , Misra Poonam , Hansberry David R. , Agarwal Nitin , Baredes Soly , Setzen Michael , Anderson Eloy Jean
Published: October 2012

Background

The extensive amount of medical literature available on the Internet is frequently accessed by patients. To effectively contribute to healthcare decision‐making, these online resources should be worded at a level that is readable by any patient seeking information. The American Medical Association and National Institutes of Health recommend the readability of patient information material should be between a 4th to 6th grade level. In this study, we evaluate the readability of online patient education information available from the American Rhinologic Society (ARS) website using 9 different assessment tools that analyze the materials for reading ease and grade level of the target audience.

Methods

Online patient education material from the ARS was downloaded in February 2012 and assessed for level of readability using the Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch‐Kincaid Grade Level, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) Grading, Coleman‐Liau Index, Gunning‐Fog Index, FORCAST formula, Raygor Readability Estimate, the Fry Graph, and the New Dale‐Chall Readability Formula. Each article was pasted as plain text into a Microsoft® Word® document and each subsection was analyzed using the software package Readability Studio Professional Edition Version 2012.1.

Results

All healthcare education materials assessed were written between a 9th grade and graduate reading level and were considered “difficult” to read by the assessment scales.

Conclusion

Online patient education materials on the ARS website are written above the recommended 6th grade level and may require revision to make them easily understood by a broader audience.
Intravenous tranexamic acid and intraoperative visualization during functional endoscopic sinus surgery: a double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Langille Morgan A. , Chiarella Angelo , Côté David W.J. , Mulholland Graeme , Sowerby Leigh J. , Dziegielewski Peter T. , Wright Erin D.
Published: October 2012

Background

Bleeding during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) can hinder surgical progress and may be associated with increased complications. Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic that is known to reduce operative bleeding. The current study was designed to assess the effect of adjunctive intravenous tranexamic acid on intraoperative bleeding and the quality of the surgical field during ESS.

Methods

Double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial. Patients undergoing ESS for the primary diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyposis were included. Sample size calculation based on a clinically relevant difference in the Wormald surgical field score yielded a sample of 28. In addition to standard measures to minimize blood loss, study patients received intravenous tranexamic acid with control patients receiving intravenous normal saline. Outcome measures included the Wormald grading scale to assess the intraoperative surgical field and estimated blood loss based on suction container contents with irrigation fluid subtracted.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients (median age, 45 years; range, 23–80 years) were included in the study. Diagnoses included chronic rhinosinusitis without polyposis (n = 5), chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis (n = 23). The use of the tranexamic acid was not associated with a statistically significant decrease in estimated blood loss (201 vs 231 mL; p = 0.60) or Wormald grading scale (5.84 vs 5.80; p = 0.93). There were no adverse events or complications during the study.

Conclusion

Adjunctive intravenous tranexamic acid does not appear to result in a clinically meaningful reduction in blood loss or improve visualization of the surgical field during ESS.
Synthesis of poly(methylphenylsiloxane)/phenylene‐silica hybrid material with interpenetrating networks and its performance as thermal resistant coating
Authors: Gao Dahai , Jia Mengqiu
Published: October 2012

In this study, poly(methylphenylsiloxane) (PMPS) and phenylene‐silica based hybrid material with interpenetrating networks was prepared by a two‐step sol–gel process. Firstly, in the presence of H2SO4, the phenylene‐silica was formed as sol particles with high branching degree by cohydrolysis and condensation of phenylene‐bridged monomer, tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), and hexamethyldisiloxane (MM). Then, the intermediate transformed into gel framework in polymer matrix using alkali catalyst, in order to produce a homogenous hybrid material with interpenetrating networks. The structure of prepared hybrid material was characterized by FTIR and NMR, suggesting that phenylene‐silica framework was imported into polymer matrix and the hybrid products have a much higher network chain density than neat PMPS. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that the prepared materials start to degrade at around 490°C. The results of tensile test indicate that the typical PMPS/phenylene‐silica hybrid material has a tensile strength up to 26 MPa and demonstrate a certain degree of flexibility. An increase of phenylene content in phenylene‐silica particles tends to produce hybrid materials with improved thermal stability and tensile strength. The hybrid coating films after calcinating at 350 and 400°C for 2 h exhibit a good mechanical performance on adhesion, impact strength and flexibility. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements show that the investigated films have an extremely high electric resistance (1010 Ohm·cm2) and a satisfied impermeability to 3.5 wt % sodium chloride solution. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Removal of copper(II) from an aqueous solution with copper(II)‐imprinted chitosan microspheres
Authors: Feng Tao , Wang Jie , Zhang Fan , Shi Xiaowen
Published: October 2012

Ion‐imprinted chitosan (CS) microspheres (MIPs) were prepared with Cu(II) as a template and epichlorohydrin as a crosslinker for the selective separation of Cu(II) from aqueous solution. The microspheres showed a higher adsorption capacity and selectivity for the Cu(II) ions than nonimprinted chitosan microspheres (NMIPs) without a template. The results show that the adsorption of Cu(II) on the CS microspheres was affected by the initial pH value, initial Cu(II) concentration, and temperature. The kinetic parameters of the adsorption process indicated that the adsorption followed a second‐order adsorption process. Equilibrium experiments showed very good fits with the Langmuir isotherm equation for the monolayer adsorption process. The maximum sorption capacity calculated from the Langmuir isotherm was 201.66 mg/g for the Cu–MIPs and 189.51 mg/g for the NMIPs; these values were close to the experimental ones. The selectivity coefficients of Cu(II) and other metal ions on the NMIPs indicated a preference for Cu(II). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Hydrothermal aging mechanisms of aramid fibers via synchrotron small‐angle X‐ray scattering and dynamic thermal mechanical analysis
Authors: Li Chang‐Sheng , Zhan Mao‐Sheng , Huang Xian‐Cong , Zhou Hong , Li Yan
Published: October 2012

In this study, synchrotron small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) were used to evaluate the aging behavior of microfibrils and nanovoids. The effects of such structures on the tensile strength were also investigated. We investigated the correlation length of the fibril interface by fitting the SAXS intensity using the Debye–Bueche method. The orientation and size of the voids were determined with Ruland's streak method. The results show that the correlation length decreased with aging time at 90°C. Voids formed after aging at high temperatures for prolonged periods. In addition, the orientation of the 10 Å voids changed with the degree of degradation. DMTA results revealed a new transition temperature for the aged fibers. A model based on the SAXS and DMTA results is proposed to illustrate the hydrothermal aging mechanism. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Poly(butylene terephthalate) electrospun/melt‐blown composite mats for white blood cell filtration
Authors: Guo Shasha , Ke Qinfei , Wang Hong , Jin Xiangyu , Li Yun
Published: October 2012

In this research, poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) electrospun nanofibrous mats were prepared for white blood cell (WBC) filtration after the blood was collected from donors. The feasibility of using PBT electrospun mats used as WBC filtration materials was studied. The average fiber diameter and mean pore diameter of the PBT electrospun mats were much lower than those of melt‐blown mats, and such properties were found to be beneficial for the functions of filtration and cell absorbency. A layer of PBT electrospun mats was added before the exit of filter; this formed a kind of compound material with different pore diameters and fibers diameters in the direction of blood flow. The WBC filtration efficiency of the newly designed filter and a traditional filter were also compared. The results show that filters with electrospun PBT fibers reduced the number of WBCs to 104/L, whereas the remaining WBCs after flow through the traditional filter was about 105L−1. The existence of electrospun fibers increased the filtration resistance at the same time, and this led to a longer filtration time. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Rubber toughening of poly(lactic acid): Effect of stereocomplex formation at the rubber‐matrix interface
Authors: Ye Suming , Ting Lin Ting , Weei Tjiu Weng , Kwan Wong Pui , He Chaobin
Published: October 2012

In this study, a series of graft copolymers poly(n‐butyl acrylate)‐g‐poly‐L‐lactide (PBA‐g‐PLLA) and poly(n‐butyl acrylate)‐g‐poly‐D‐lactide (PBA‐g‐PDLA) with various molecular weights and PBA/PLA ratios were prepared from the copolymerization of n‐butyl acrylate and PLA macromers. The PLA macromers were prepared by ring opening polymerization of L‐ or D‐lactide in the presence of 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate initiator. The synthesized copolymers can be used to toughen brittle PLLA by incorporating them as an elastomeric phase. Interestingly, the much tougher PLLA was obtained when the commercial PLLA was blended with 10 wt % elastomeric graft copolymer containing pendant PDLA chain. It is believed that the formation of stereocomplex between PLLA matrix and PDLA side chain in the elastomer phase differentiates it from the blend of PLLA and PBA‐g‐PLLA, whose side chain has the same configuration as the matrix PLLA. DSC, XRD, and TEM results support this hypothesis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Mechanistic and catalytic studies of β‐nitroalcohol crosslinking with polyamine
Authors: Li Xia , Li Yongjun , Rao Yi , Solomon Marissa R. , Paik David C. , Turro Nicholas J.
Published: October 2012

β‐Nitroalcohols (βNAs) are promising corneoscleral crosslinking agents for the treatment of diseases such as keratoconus and myopia. Although it is believed that formaldehyde is released from the crosslinking reactions of βNAs, the mechanism by which βNAs react with amine‐functionalized polymers has yet to be known. In this study, we present the reaction mechanism of the βNA crosslinking. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data provide strong evidence that formaldehyde is released during the reaction. Catalytic studies show that sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and salmon testes DNA accelerate the reaction while hydroxynitrile lyase from Arabidopsis thaliana decelerates the crosslinking reaction. These results suggest that βNAs are potential self‐administered crosslinking agents for future clinical use. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Impact of the CTLA‐4/CD28 axis on the processes of joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Körmendy Dezsö , Hoff Holger , Hoff Paula , Bröker Barbara M. , Burmester Gerd‐Rüdiger , Brunner‐Weinzierl Monika C.
Published: October 2012

Objective

The importance of the costimulatory molecules CD28 and CTLA‐4 in the pathologic mechanism of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been demonstrated by genetic associations and the successful clinical application of CTLA‐4Ig for the treatment of RA. This study was undertaken to investigate the role of the CTLA‐4/CD28 axis in the local application of CTLA‐4Ig in the synovial fluid (SF) of RA patients.

Methods

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the expression of proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines in ex vivo fluorescence‐activated cell sorted CTLA‐4+ and CTLA‐4− T helper cells from the peripheral blood and SF of RA patients. T helper cells were also analyzed for cytokine expression in vitro after the blockade of CTLA‐4 by anti–CTLA‐4 Fab fragments or of B7 (CD80/CD86) molecules by CTLA‐4Ig.

Results

CTLA‐4+ T helper cells were unambiguously present in the SF of all RA patients examined, and they expressed increased amounts of interferon‐γ (IFNγ), interleukin‐17 (IL‐17), and IL‐10 as compared to CTLA‐4− T helper cells. The selective blockade of CTLA‐4 in T helper cells from the SF in vitro led to increased levels of IFNγ, IL‐2, and IL‐17. The concomitant blockade of CD28 and CTLA‐4 in T helper cells from RA SF by CTLA‐4Ig in vitro resulted in reduced levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IFNγ and IL‐2 and increased levels of the antiinflammatory cytokines IL‐10 and transforming growth factor β.

Conclusion

Our ex vivo and in vitro results demonstrate that the CTLA‐4/CD28 axis constitutes a drug target for not only the systemic, but potentially also the local, application of the costimulation blocking agent CTLA‐4Ig for the treatment of RA.
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg‐Strauss): Clinical characteristics and long‐term followup of the 383 patients enrolled in the French Vasculitis Study Group cohort
Authors: Comarmond Cloé , Pagnoux Christian , Khellaf Mehdi , Cordier Jean‐François , Hamidou Mohamed , Viallard Jean‐François , Maurier François , Jouneau Stéphane , Bienvenu Boris , Puéchal Xavier , Aumaître Olivier , Guenno Guillaume Le , Quellec Alain Le , Cevallos Ramiro , Fain Olivier , Godeau Bertrand , Seror Raphaèle , Dunogué Bertrand , Mahr Alfred , Guilpain Philippe , Cohen Pascal , Aouba Achille , Mouthon Luc , Guillevin Loïc ,   for the French Vasculitis Study Group
Published: October 2012

Objective

Earlier studies of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg‐Strauss) (EGPA), with limited patient numbers and followup durations, demonstrated that clinical presentation at diagnosis, but not outcome, differed according to antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) status. This study was undertaken to describe the main characteristics of a larger patient cohort and their long‐term outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective study of EGPA patients in the French Vasculitis Study Group cohort who satisfied the American College of Rheumatology criteria and/or Chapel Hill definitions was conducted. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared according to ANCA status and year of diagnosis.

Results

We identified 383 patients diagnosed between 1957 and June 2009 (128 [33.4%] before 1997 or earlier) and followed up for a mean ± SD of 66.8 ± 62.5 months. At diagnosis, their mean ± SD age was 50.3 ± 15.7 years, and 91.1% had asthma (duration 9.3 ± 10.8 years). Main manifestations included peripheral neuropathy (51.4%); ear, nose, and throat (ENT) signs (48.0%); skin lesions (39.7%); lung infiltrates (38.6%); and cardiomyopathy (16.4%). Among the 348 patients tested at diagnosis for ANCA, the 108 ANCA‐positive patients (31.0%) had significantly more frequent ENT manifestations, peripheral neuropathy, and/or renal involvement, but less frequent cardiac manifestations, than the ANCA‐negative patients. Vasculitis relapses occurred in 35.2% of the ANCA‐positive versus 22.5% of the ANCA‐negative patients (P= 0.01), and 5.6% versus 12.5%, respectively, died (P< 0.05). The 5‐year relapse‐free survival rate was 58.1% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 45.6–68.6) for ANCA‐positive and 67.8% (95% CI 59.8–74.5) for ANCA‐negative patients (P= 0.35). Multivariable analysis identified cardiomyopathy, older age, and diagnosis during or prior to 1996 as independent risk factors for death and lower eosinophil count at diagnosis as predictive of relapse.

Conclusion

The characteristics and long‐term outcomes of EGPA patients differ according to their ANCA status. Although EGPA relapses remain frequent, mortality has declined, at least since 1996.
Monocytes from patients with osteoarthritis display increased osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption: The In Vitro Osteoclast Differentiation in Arthritis study
Authors: Durand Marianne , Komarova Svetlana V. , Bhargava Ajay , Trebec‐Reynolds Diana P. , Li Keying , Fiorino Cara , Maria Osama , Nabavi Noushin , Manolson Morris F. , Harrison Rene E. , Dixon S. Jeffrey , Sims Stephen M. , Mizianty Marcin J. , Kurgan Lukasz , Haroun Sonia , Boire Gilles , Lucena‐Fernandes Maria de Fatima , de Brum‐Fernandes Artur J.
Published: October 2012

Objective

To compare the osteoclastogenic capacity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) to that of PBMCs from self‐reported normal individuals.

Methods

PBMCs from 140 patients with OA and 45 healthy donors were assayed for CD14+ expression and induced to differentiate into osteoclasts over 3 weeks in vitro. We assessed the number of osteoclasts, their resorptive activity, osteoclast apoptosis, and expression of the following cytokine receptors: RANK, interleukin‐1 receptor type I (IL‐1RI), and IL‐1RII. A ridge logistic regression classifier was developed to discriminate OA patients from controls.

Results

PBMCs from OA patients gave rise to more osteoclasts that resorbed more bone surface than did PBMCs from controls. The number of CD14+ precursors was comparable in both groups, but there was less apoptosis in osteoclasts obtained from OA patients. Although no correlation was found between osteoclastogenic capacity and clinical or radiographic scores, levels of IL‐1RI were significantly lower in cultures from patients with OA than in cultures from controls. Osteoclast apoptosis and expression levels of IL‐1RI and IL‐1RII were used to build a multivariate predictive model for OA.

Conclusion

During 3 weeks of culture under identical conditions, monocytes from patients with OA display enhanced capacity to generate osteoclasts compared to cells from controls. Enhanced osteoclastogenesis is accompanied by increased resorptive activity, reduced osteoclast apoptosis, and diminished IL‐1RI expression. These findings support the possibility that generalized changes in bone metabolism affecting osteoclasts participate in the pathophysiology of OA.
A novel human autoantigen, endothelial cell growth factor, is a target of T and B cell responses in patients with Lyme disease
Authors: Drouin Elise E. , Seward Robert J. , Strle Klemen , McHugh Gail , Katchar Kianoosh , Londoño Diana , Yao Chunxiang , Costello Catherine E. , Steere Allen C.
Published: October 2012

Objective

Autoantigen presentation by HLA–DR molecules is thought to be a central component of many autoimmune diseases, but identifying disease‐relevant autoantigens has been a difficult challenge. In this study we aimed to identify autoantigens in patients with antibiotic‐refractory Lyme arthritis, in which infection‐induced autoimmunity is thought to play an important role.

Methods

Using tandem mass spectrometry, naturally presented HLA–DR self peptides from a patient's synovium were identified, synthesized, and reacted with his peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Immunoreactive peptides and their source proteins were then tested for T and B cell responses using large numbers of patient cells or sera.

Results

Of 120 HLA–DR–presented self peptides identified from one patient, one peptide derived from endothelial cell growth factor (ECGF) caused his PBMCs to proliferate. T and B cell responses to ECGF occurred systemically in ∼10–30% of patients with early or late manifestations of Lyme disease, primarily in those with refractory arthritis–associated HLA–DR alleles, such as DRB1*0101 and 0401. Compared with patients with antibiotic‐responsive arthritis, those with antibiotic‐refractory arthritis had significantly higher concentrations of ECGF in synovial fluid (P < 0.0001) and more often had ECGF antibody reactivity. Among non–antibiotic‐treated historical patients who developed arthritis, 26% had ECGF reactivity, which often developed before the onset of arthritis and was associated with significantly longer courses of arthritis.

Conclusion

T and B cell responses to ECGF occur in a subset of patients with Lyme disease, particularly in those with antibiotic‐refractory arthritis, providing the first direct evidence of autoimmune T and B cell responses in this illness.
The weakening relationship between the impact factor and papers' citations in the digital age
Authors: Lozano George A. , Larivière Vincent , Gingras Yves
Published: October 2012

Historically, papers have been physically bound to the journal in which they were published; but in the digital age papers are available individually, no longer tied to their respective journals. Hence, papers now can be read and cited based on their own merits, independently of the journal's physical availability, reputation, or impact factor (IF). We compare the strength of the relationship between journals' IFs and the actual citations received by their respective papers from 1902 to 2009. Throughout most of the 20th century, papers' citation rates were increasingly linked to their respective journals' IFs. However, since 1990, the advent of the digital age, the relation between IFs and paper citations has been weakening. This began first in physics, a field that was quick to make the transition into the electronic domain. Furthermore, since 1990 the overall proportion of highly cited papers coming from highly cited journals has been decreasing and, of these highly cited papers, the proportion not coming from highly cited journals has been increasing. Should this pattern continue, it might bring an end to the use of the IF as a way to evaluate the quality of journals, papers, and researchers.
Bayesian Analysis of Abandonment in Call Center Operations
Authors: Aktekin Tevfik , Soyer Refik
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we consider the modeling and the inference of abandonment behavior in call centers. We present several time to event modeling strategies, develop Bayesian inference for posterior and predictive analyses, and discuss implications on call center staffing. Different family of distributions, piecewise time to abandonment models, and mixture models are introduced, and their posterior analysis with censored abandonment data is carried out using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. We illustrate the implementation of the proposed models using real call center data, present additional insights that can be obtained from the Bayesian analysis, and discuss implications for different customer profiles. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tropische Pilze
Authors: Piepenbring Meike
Published: October 2012

Mykologische Geländearbeit in den Tropen ist faszinierend, weil Pilze als heterotrophe Lebenwesen auf vielfältige Weise ihre Nährstoffe erlangen und dafür häufig mit Algen, Pflanzen und Tieren assoziiert sind. Die meisten Pilze leben in Symbiose mit Pflanzen oder Algen (Flechten), parasitieren sie oder leben von pflanzlichem, totem Material. Andere Pilze töten Insekten oder andere Tiere ab und nutzen ihre Körper als Substrat für ihre Fruchtkörperbildung, während einige wenige Pilze Symbiosen mit Insekten eingehen. Diese und weitere Pilzgruppen werden anhand von Beispielen aus Panama vorgestellt. Manchmal entpuppen sich vermeintliche Pilzstrukturen jedoch als Mimesen – Pflanzen oder Tiere kopieren Pilzmuster, um unerkannt zu bleiben.
Greifvögel und Pestizide
Authors: Kostrzewa Achim
Published: October 2012

Im Verlauf der 1940er bis 1960er Jahre kam es zu einer weltweiten Anwendung von chlororganischen, persistenten Pestiziden wie DDT, um Schadinsekten in Land‐ und Forstwirtschaft zu bekämpfen. Die Folge davon waren dramatische Rückgänge bei den Populationen besonders empfindlicher Spezies am Ende der Nahrungsketten wie dem Wanderfalken und dem Fischadler. Zwischen 1970 und 2004 wurden die gefährlichsten Substanzen weltweit verboten bzw. geächtet. Gleichzeitig einsetzende Natur‐ und Artenschutzmaßnahmen führten zu einem Wiedererstarken der betroffenen Populationen. Neue Pestizide und andere Verbindungen wirken jedoch weiterhin toxisch auf Greifvögel. Es bleibt daher erforderlich, mittels Bioindikation die Umwelt weiterhin strikt zu überwachen.
Vergleichende Genomik: Wie aus Algen Landpflanzen wurden
Authors: Rensing Stefan
Published: October 2012

Die Sequenzierung des Genomes der ursprünglichen Alge Cyanophora paradoxa belegt, dass einige der Kerneigenschaften der Landpflanzen bereits in den einzelligen Algen vorhanden waren. Aus diesen haben sich noch im Wasser die mehrzelligen Charophyten entwickelt, aus denen die ersten Landpflanzen entstanden. Im Anschluss erhöhte sich sukzessive die morphologische Komplexität, unter anderem durch Genomduplikationen und Diversifikation transkriptioneller Netzwerke. Komplexe Eigenschaften, wie das Vorhandensein einer Plastide, Genomduplikationen und Vielzelligkeit, treten jedoch in vielen Zweigen der Eukaryoten auf. Um evolutionäre Grundprinzipien der Komplexitätsentstehung zu analysieren, bedarf es weiterer sequenzierter Genome, um die Lücken im Baum des Lebens zu schließen.
When do we Believe Experts? The Power of the Unorthodox View
Authors: Alison Laurence , Almond Louise , Christiansen Paul , Waring Sara , Power Nicola , Villejoubert Gaëlle
Published: October 2012

This paper examines the extent to which orthodoxy (degree of typicality) and congruence (degree of similarity with own opinion) mediate the influence of expert advice on decision makers' judgments. Overall, 227 members of the public and 60 police officers completed an online questionnaire involving an investigation into a child sex offence. Participants were asked to first (i) formulate their own “profile” of a likely offender then (ii) estimate the guilt of two presented suspect descriptions (orthodox vs. unorthodox), and, following the presentation of an “expert's” profile that matched either the orthodox or the unorthodox suspect, (iii) re‐evaluate their guilt judgments of the two suspects based on this new advice. Finally, (iv) the perceived similarity (congruence) between the participants' own and the expert profile was assessed. Results revealed two key findings. First, expert profiles that matched a suspect's description elevated perceptions of guilt in that suspect, whilst also, simultaneously, very significantly decreasing the perception of guilt of the alternative suspect. This suggests a powerful rejection and downward revision of the other suspect. Second, perceived similarity of the profile (to one's own profile) was only a significant factor in increasing guilt judgments when assigning guilt to the unorthodox (as opposed to orthodox) suspect. Comparisons of lay judgments with those of police officers revealed few significant differences in effects. The finding that advice is most influential when unorthodox and incongruent suggests that decision makers are more likely to reevaluate judgments when expert advice contributes novel information that contradicts their beliefs. The practical implications of these findings are discussed for profilers, police, and decision research in general. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hesperetin impairs glucose uptake and inhibits proliferation of breast cancer cells
Authors: Yang Yong , Wolfram Joy , Boom Kathryn , Fang Xiaohong , Shen Haifa , Ferrari Mauro
Published: October 2012

The flavanone hesperetin is known to decrease basal glucose uptake, although the inhibitory mechanism is largely unknown. Here, we used MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells to investigate the molecular pathways affected by hesperetin. The results indicate that the suppression of glucose uptake is caused by the down‐regulation of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1). Hesperetin was also found to inhibit insulin‐induced glucose uptake through impaired cell membrane translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). In addition, the phosphorylation of the insulin receptor‐beta subunit (IR‐beta) and Akt was suppressed. Hesperetin also decreased cellular proliferation, which is likely due to the inhibition of glucose uptake. Cancer cells are highly dependent on glucose and hesperetin may, therefore, have potential application as an anticancer agent. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Innovative use of self‐expanded polytetrafluoroethylene endoprosthesis for percutaneous endovascular interventions
Authors: Maluenda Gabriel , Waksman Ron , Bernardo Nelson L.
Published: October 2012

VIABAHN® endoprosthesis (Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ), a nitinol self‐expanding polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) lined stent, has demonstrated utility for percutaneous treatment of chronic occlusive disease involving the superficial femoral artery. In a case series communication we aimed to describe the feasibility of a PTFE‐lined stent for percutaneous treatment of conditions other than chronic occlusive disease. We report the successful use of PTFE‐endoprosthesis to percutaneously treat several vascular conditions, including arterio–venous fistula closure, reconstruction of a distal limb of an aorto–femoral endoprosthesis aneurysm, femoral artery perforation repair, and an exclusion of large saphenous vein graft aorto–coronary bypass aneurysm. This case series illustrates the feasibility of the “off‐label” use of self‐expanded PTFE endoprosthesis to percutaneously treat several conditions, which would otherwise require “open” surgical reconstructions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.