bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raman spectroscopy study of damage induced in fluorapatite by swift heavy ion irradiations
Authors: Miro S. , Costantini J. M. , Bardeau J. F. , Chateigner D. , Studer F. , Balanzat E.
Published: May 2011

Raman spectroscopy was used to study the radiation damage of fluorapatite single crystals and sinters. Krypton and iodine ion irradiations were performed at high energies (∼1 MeV amu−1) for fluences ranging between 1 × 1011 and 5 × 1013 cm−2. Evolution of the symmetric stretching mode of the PO43− tetrahedral building blocks (strongest Raman mode observed at 965 cm−1) versus ion fluence was investigated. After irradiation, this peak decreases in intensity and a second broader peak appears at lower wavenumber. The well‐resolved peak has been assigned to the crystalline phase, and the broader one to the amorphous phase. The integrated intensity ratios of these two peaks versus fluence are in good agreement with the damage fractions determined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Fits of the amorphous fraction versus fluence show that the amorphization mechanisms is dominated by a single‐impact process for iodine ions and by a double‐impact process for krypton ions in the case of single crystals and sinters. For both irradiations, complete amorphization could not be obtained. The amorphous fraction saturates at a maximum value of 88% for sinters and 72% for single crystals. This is attributed to a recrystallization effect which is more important in single crystals than in sinters. For both types of samples, the crystalline peak shifts slightly to a lower wavenumber with fluence, and then shifts back to its initial value for an amorphous fraction larger than 60%. This feature is attributed to a stress relaxation, as shown in the XRD data, which is accompanied by a decrease of the crystalline peak full‐width at half‐maximum. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time monitoring of active ingredient dispersion in a pharmaceutical aqueous suspension using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Pu Yu , Medendorp Joseph P. , Yonzon Chanda R.
Published: May 2011

In a typical aqueous nasal suspension manufacturing process, the homogeneity of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) dispersion in a premix vessel is determined merely by visual observation. In this study, to better demonstrate in‐process control, Raman spectroscopy was developed as a process analytical tool (PAT) to monitor the real‐time API dispersion homogeneity in the active premix process. The end‐point variations of the API dispersion as a function of the surfactant type, surfactant concentration, and agitation speed were evaluated by dispersive Raman spectroscopy in combination with multivariate analysis for both lab‐scale and pilot‐scale batches. The optimal surfactant concentration and type were determined to be 0.2% surfactant A for the active dispersion based on a quantitative end‐point comparison. In addition, a chemometric model was developed successfully for the real‐time prediction of API concentration in the active premix, with a root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) of 5.4%. In conclusion, Raman spectroscopy has proven to be a viable PAT tool to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the active premix homogeneity in an aqueous nasal suspension manufacturing process. In the future, this method can potentially be used in the commercial manufacturing process for in‐process control of the dispersion homogeneity of the suspension. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of the chromite inclusions found in nephrite minerals obtained from different deposits using SEM‐EDS and LRS
Authors: Zhang Z. W. , Gan F. X.
Published: May 2011

Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM‐EDS) and laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS) were used to analyse the chromite inclusions found in four samples of the mineral nephrite that were obtained from Taiwan (one), Manasi in China (two) and New Zealand (one). The chromite inclusions found in sample HL‐1 (Taiwan) contain low contents of Mg and Al, as well as a characteristically high Zn content. The most significant finding, however, was that HL‐1 could also be distinguished from the other samples by the lower wavenumbers of the positions of the peaks that belong to the A1g, F2g(1) and Eg modes. Compared to the difference in compositions, the difference in the positions of the peaks in the Raman spectra of the chromite inclusions, as revealed by LRS, can more easily be used to distinguish between samples of nephrite that have been obtained from different deposits, and in particular to identify the provenance of the raw material used in ancient nephrite artefacts, in view of the fact that LRS is non‐destructive and easy to apply. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phase solubility studies and stability of cholesterol/β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complexes
Authors: dos Santos Cristina , Buera María P , Mazzobre María F
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND: Cyclodextrins (CDs) are able to enhance the solubility, stability and bioavailability of several bioactive hydrophobic compounds by complex formation. They can also be used for removal of undesired components (such as cholesterol, off‐flavors or bitter components) present in foods. Although many patents account for the use of cyclodextrins for removal of cholesterol from dairy foods, there is no available information on the effect of water on encapsulation efficiency and on the stability of sterols in CDs. The aim of this work was to study the inclusion properties and the factors affecting the encapsulation and stability of cholesterol in β‐cyclodextrin (BCD). The optimum encapsulation conditions (ligand–CD molar ratio, stirring time and temperature), and stability of the complexes as a function of storage time and water content were analyzed.

RESULTS: Phase solubility study pointed out the formation of 1:1 stoichiometric complexes between cholesterol and β‐cyclodextrin, which was influenced by temperature variations. The process was shown to be exothermic and energetically favored. The presence of cholesterol greatly modified the BCD water sorption curves, being the amount of adsorbed water smaller in the combined systems. The principal ‘driving force’ for complex formation is the substitution of the high‐enthalpy water molecules by an appropriate hydrophobic ligand. The freeze‐dried complexes probed to be stable at different storage conditions.

CONCLUSION: The phase solubility and stability data obtained could be essential for selecting the most suitable conditions when CDs are employed either for removing cholesterol or to incorporate functional ingredients (i.e. sitosterol) in the development of innovative food products. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Type II radical hysterectomy and adjuvant therapy for pelvic lymph node metastasis with stage IB–IIB cervical carcinoma: A retrospective study of 288 patients
Authors: Zheng Min , Huang Long , Liu Ji‐Hong , Xiong Ying , Li Jun‐Dong , Huang Xin , He Li , Ren Yu‐Feng , Wang Hui‐Yun
Published: May 2011

Background and Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate type II radical hysterectomy with or without adjuvant therapy as a treatment for patients with pelvic lymph node metastasis (PLNM) and stage IB–IIB cervical carcinoma.

Methods

A total of 288 patients with stage IB–IIB cervical carcinoma and confirmed PLNM who underwent a type II radical hysterectomy between 1995 and 2005 were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

The 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate for this cohort was 65.6%, and independent prognostic factors identified for PLNM patients included a non‐squamous cell histological subtype and parametrial involvement. Survival differences between patients that received or did not receive adjuvant treatment were also evaluated, and the 5‐year OS and DFS rates for patients who did not receive adjuvant therapy (47 and 41.4%, respectively) were much lower than the rates for patients who did receive adjuvant therapies (67.7 and 59.4%, respectively). However, these differences were not statistically significant (OS, P = 0.057; DFS, P = 0.080).

Conclusions

Type II radical hysterectomy, in combination with adjuvant therapies, is an efficient treatment for PLNM patients with stage IB–IIB cervical cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:480–485. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Less false‐negative sentinel node procedures in melanoma patients with experience and proper collaboration
Authors: Veenstra Hidde J. , Wouters Michel J.W.M. , Kroon Bin B.R. , Olmos Renato. A. Valdés , Nieweg Omgo E.
Published: May 2011

Background and objectives

The aims of the study were to determine the percentage of false‐negative sentinel node procedures in melanoma patients, to investigate the time cohort of these recurrences, whether a learning phase was involved and to search for causes of the failures.

Methods

Between December 1993 and December 2008, 708 melanoma patients underwent a sentinel node biopsy. The procedure was considered false‐negative if a recurrence developed in the basin from which a tumor‐free sentinel node had been removed. Of all false‐negative cases, the pre‐operative images, operative report and pathology slides were reviewed.

Results

Sentinel node biopsy was positive in 164 (23%) of the patients and false‐negative in 10 (1.4%), which results in a false‐negative rate of 5.7%. Five of the 10 failures occurred in the first year after the sentinel node biopsy was introduced. Causes for these false‐negative procedures could be attributed once to the nuclear medicine physician, once to the surgeon and twice to the pathologist.

Conclusion

The sentinel node procedure failed to identify involvement in 5.7% of the patients with lymph node metastases. Half of the false‐negative biopsies took place in the first year after the procedure was introduced, illustrating the existence of a learning period. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:454–457. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of borderline cases for curative resection of biliary tract cancer
Authors: Kobayashi Shogo , Nagano Hiroaki , Marubashi Shigeru , Wada Hiroshi , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Takeda Yutaka , Tanemura Masahiro , Umeshita Koji , Doki Yuichiro , Mori Masaki
Published: May 2011

Background and Aim

To dissect the high rate of non‐curative resection associated with biliary tract caner, we compared the outcome of non‐curative resection with that of inoperable cancer in patients referred for surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 447 patients with biliary tract cancer who were referred to our hospital between 1970 and 2008. We compared the background and overall survival (OS) rates accordingly to surgery (curative resection, non‐curative resection, or no surgery “inoperable”) and alternative therapies (chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy).

Results

The 3‐year OS rate was 19% for the non‐curative resection group (n = 72) and 2% for the inoperable group (n = 135, P < 0.0001). Among the inoperable cases, the 3‐year OS rate for patient who received chemotherapy, including gemcitabine (GEM), was 18% (n = 18), which was similar to that of patients of the non‐curative resection who were treated with GEM (P = 0.7379). There were no significant differences in survival between non‐curative resection without GEM and inoperable cases with GEM‐based chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the prognosis of patients who undergo non‐curative surgery is better than those with inoperable cancer, but similar to those who receive chemotherapy including GEM. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:499–503. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Discontinuous Galerkin methods in nanophotonics
Authors: Busch K. , König M. , Niegemann J.
Published: May 2011

This article reviews the state of the recently developed discontinuous Galerkin finite element method for the efficient numerical treatment of nanophotonic systems. This approach combines the accurate and flexible spatial discretisation of classical finite elements with efficient time stepping capabilities. We describe in detail the underlying principles of the discontinuous Galerkin technique and its application to the simulation of complex nanophotonic structures. In addition, formulations for both time‐ and frequency‐domain solvers are provided and specific advantages and limitations of the technique are discussed. The potential of the discontinuous Galerkin approach is illustrated by modelling and simulating several experimentally relevant systems.
Combined influence of selective focus and decision involvement on attitude–behavior consistency in a context of memory‐based decision making
Authors: Van Kerckhove Anneleen , Vermeir Iris , Geuens Maggie
Published: May 2011

Marketers often use salient stimuli to draw consumers' attention to a specific brand in the hope that a selective focus on the brand increases the sales of this brand. However, previous studies are inconsistent concerning the impact that selectively focusing on a specific brand has on final brand choice. To offer an explanation for these inconsistent results, this paper introduces decision involvement as a moderator of the relation between selective focus and attitude–decision consistency. Two studies indicate that selectively focusing on a not preferred alternative indeed alters choice decisions, but only when decision involvement is low. Study 1 further shows that this interaction effect between selective focus and involvement takes place in the selection rather than the brand consideration stage. By introducing level of processing along with decision involvement, Study 2 shows that the interaction effect emerges even in limited processing conditions. The study also reconciles different explanations for the negative effect of selective focus on attitude–behavior consistency. Selectively focusing on a not preferred choice option when consumers are low involved and use limited processing seems to lead to inconsistent choices because of an increased accessibility of the focal option, whereas selective focus on a not preferred option when consumers are low involved and use deep processing lead to inconsistent choices because of attitude polarization. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging in consumer research: A review and application
Authors: Reimann Martin , Schilke Oliver , Weber Bernd , Neuhaus Carolin , Zaichkowsky Judith
Published: May 2011

Although the field of psychology is undergoing an immense shift toward the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the application of this methodology to consumer research is relatively new. To assist consumer researchers in understanding fMRI, this paper elaborates on the findings of prior fMRI research related to consumer behavior and highlights the features that make fMRI an attractive method for consumer and marketing research. The authors discuss advantages and limitations and illustrate the proposed procedures with an applied study, which investigates loss aversion when buying and selling a common product. Results reveal a significantly stronger activation in the amygdala while consumers estimate selling prices versus buying prices, suggesting that loss aversion is associated with the processing of negative emotion. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interaction of Cyclooxygenase‐2 promoter polymorphisms with Helicobacter pylori infection and risk of gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Xuemei , Zhong Rong , Zhang Zhi , Yuan Juxiang , Liu Li , Wang Yan , Kadlubar Susan , Feng Fumin , Miao Xiaoping
Published: May 2011

Overexpression of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 has been implicated in the development of cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between genetic variants in COX‐2 promoter interacting with Helicobacter pylori and the susceptibility to gastric cancer (GC). Three COX‐2 polymorphisms −1290A>G (rs689465), −1195G>A (rs689466), and −765G>C (rs20417) were genotyped in 323 GC patients and 944 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by logistic regression model. In GC patients, the ORs were 2.33 (95% CI = 1.50–3.63) and 2.70 (95% CI = 1.68–4.33) for −1195AA and −765CG genotype carriers, respectively. Haplotype analysis showed all −1195A allele‐containing haplotypes, except G−1290–A−1195–G−765, were associated with increased risk for GC, compared with the A−1290–G−1195–G−765 haplotype. Moreover, significant multiplicative and additive interactions were observed between H. pylori infection and all these three polymorphisms, and H. pylori‐infected subjects carrying the variant allele of −1290A>G, −1195G>A, or −765G>C had increased risk of GC compared with non‐H. pylori‐infected subjects with wild‐type allele (OR = 4.10, 95% CI = 1.90–8.83; OR = 3.46, 95% CI = 1.31–9.11; and OR = 3.32, 95% = 1.27–8.73, respectively). Our results suggested that the COX‐2 promoter polymorphisms were associated with increased risk of GC, especially interacting with H. pylori infection. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic polymorphisms in APE1 are associated with renal cell carcinoma risk in a Chinese population
Authors: Cao Qiang , Qin Chao , Meng Xiaoxin , Ju Xiaobing , Ding Qi , Wang Meilin , Zhu Jian , Wang Wei , Li Pu , Chen Jiawei , Zhang Zhengdong , Yin Changjun
Published: May 2011

Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) is a DNA repair protein, which plays important roles in the base excision repair (BER) pathway. Genetic variations of APE1 have been shown to influence an individual's susceptibility to carcinogenesis. We hypothesized the genetic polymorphisms of APE1 are associated with the risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In a case‐control study of 612 RCC patients and 632 age and sex matched healthy controls, we genotyped two APE1 functional polymorphisms (−656 T>G, rs1760944 and 1349 T>G, rs1130409) and assessed their associations with risk of RCC. We found that, compared with 1349 TT/TG genotypes, the variant genotype 1349 GG had a significantly increased RCC risk [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10–1.95], particularly among subgroups of BMI > 23 kg/m2 (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.06–2.22), male (OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.17–2.46), never smokers (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.11–2.21), light smokers (OR = 2.01, 95%CI = 1.02–3.95), and drinkers (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.13–3.54). Furthermore, the polymorphism was significantly associated with risk of developing localized stage RCC. No altered RCC risk was associated with the −656 T>G polymorphism, but we found individuals who were homozygous for both risk alleles of the two SNPs had a 2.17‐fold increased risk for RCC, compared to individuals with 0 risk alleles. Our results suggest that polymorphisms of APE1 may confer susceptibility to RCC. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protective role of cathepsin L in mouse skin carcinogenesis
Authors: Benavides Fernando , Perez Carlos , Blando Jorge , Contreras Oscar , Shen Jianjun , Coussens Lisa M. , Fischer Susan M. , Kusewitt Donna F. , DiGiovanni John , Conti Claudio J.
Published: May 2011

Lysosomal cysteine protease cathepsin L (CTSL) is believed to play a role in tumor progression and is considered a marker for clinically invasive tumors. Studies from our laboratory using the classical mouse skin carcinogenesis model, with 7,12‐dimethyl‐benz[a]anthracene (DMBA) for initiation and 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA) for promotion, showed that expression of CTSL is increased in papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). We also carried out carcinogenesis studies using Ctsl‐deficient nackt (nkt) mutant mice on three different inbred backgrounds. Unexpectedly, the multiplicity of papillomas was significantly higher in Ctsl‐deficient than in wild‐type mice on two unrelated backgrounds. Topical applications of TPA or DMBA alone to the skin of nkt/nkt mice did not induce papillomas, and there was no increase in spontaneous tumors in nkt/nkt mice on any of the three inbred backgrounds. Reduced epidermal cell proliferation in Ctsl‐deficient nkt/nkt mice after TPA treatment suggested that they are not more sensitive than wild‐type mice to TPA promotion. We also showed that deficiency of CTSL delays terminal differentiation of keratinocytes, and we propose that decreased elimination of initiated cells is at least partially responsible for the increased papilloma formation in the nackt model. Mol. Carcinog. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Apigenin, a chemopreventive bioflavonoid, induces AMP‐activated protein kinase activation in human keratinocytes
Authors: Tong Xin , Smith Kimberly A. , Pelling Jill C.
Published: May 2011

AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a cellular energy sensor that is conserved in eukaryotes. Although AMPK is traditionally thought to play a major role in the regulation of cellular lipid and protein metabolism, recent discoveries reveal that AMPK inhibits mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and connects with several tumor suppressors such as liver kinase B1 (LKB1), p53, and tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2), indicating that AMPK may be a potential target for cancer prevention and treatment. For the first time, we demonstrated that apigenin, a naturally occurring nonmutagenic flavonoid, induced AMPK activation in human keratinocytes (both cultured HaCaT cell line and primary normal human epidermal keratinocytes). Through experiments with over‐expression of constitutively active Akt and knockdown of LKB1 expression by siRNAs, we further found that the activation of AMPK by apigenin was not dependent on its inhibition of Akt, and was independent of the activation of upstream kinase LKB1. Instead, another upstream kinase of AMPK, calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase kinase‐β (CaMKKβ), was required for apigenin‐induced AMPK activation. We have demonstrated that knockdown of CaMKKβ expression by siRNA or inhibition of CaMKKβ activity by either CaMKK inhibitor STO‐609 or BAPTA‐AM (1,2‐bis(2‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester; a chelator of intracellular Ca2+) prevented apigenin‐induced AMPK activation. Apigenin‐induced AMPK activation inhibited mTOR signaling and further induced autophagy in human keratinocytes. These results suggest that one of the mechanisms by which apigenin exerts its chemopreventive action may be through activation of AMPK and induction of autophagy in human keratinocytes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association of a common genetic variant in prostate stem‐cell antigen with gastric cancer susceptibility in a Korean population
Authors: Song Hye‐Rim , Kim Hee Nam , Piao Jin‐Mei , Kweon Sun‐Seog , Choi Jin‐Su , Bae Woo‐Kyoun , Chung Ik Joo , Park Young‐Kyu , Kim Soo‐Hyun , Choi Yoo‐Duk , Shin Min‐Ho
Published: May 2011

A recent genome wide association study (GWAS) indentified a significant association between rs2294008 (C > T) polymorphism in prostate stem‐cell antigen (PSCA) and increased risk of gastric cancer in Japanese and Korean populations. The aim of this study was to determine whether rs2294008 polymorphism is associated with risk of gastric cancer in a Korean population. We conducted a large‐scale case–control study of 3,245 gastric cancer patients and 1,700 controls. The frequencies of the CC, CT, and TT genotypes of rs2294008 polymorphism were 17.8%, 49.9%, and 32.3% in the gastric cancer patients; and 24.4%, 48.1%, and 27.5% in the controls, respectively. We found that the CT and TT genotypes were associated with a significantly increased risk of gastric cancer (ORCT = 1.50, 95% confidence intervals, 95% CI: 1.28–1.76; ORTT = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.43–2.04), compared with the CC genotype. Further, stratified by tumor location and histological type, the effect of the rs2294008 T allele was larger in cardia (ORTT = 2.62, 95% CI = 1.42–4.85) than non‐cardia (ORTT = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.40–2.00), in diffuse‐type (ORTT = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.55–2.59) than in intestinal‐type (ORTT = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.22–1.86). Our study showed that rs2294008 in the PSCA gene was associated with increased risks of gastric cancer in a Korean population, suggests that rs2294008 might play an important role in gastric carcinogenesis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and characterization of shellac‐coated anthocyanin pectin beads as dietary colonic delivery system
Authors: Oehme Anett , Valotis Anagnostis , Krammer Gerhard , Zimmermann Ingfried , Schreier Peter
Published: May 2011

Scope: Anthocyanins are connected with various biological activities. A promising way to enhance the availability of anthocyanins for in situ effects in the lower intestine is colon‐specific delivery.

Methods and results: Shellac and shellac/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) coated anthocyanin amidated pectin beads as dietary colonic delivery systems were successfully prepared by ionotropic gelation and fluid bed Wurster coating with aqueous shellac solution. Release characteristics, studied in vitro and ex vivo using simulated gastric fluid (SGF), ileostomy fluid and colostomy fluid (CF) revealed a retardation of anthocyanins during simulated passage of stomach and ileum as well as the desired release of pigments in the colon. Coating level was identified as an important parameter. By addition of 5 or 15% of the water‐soluble polysaccharide HPMC to the shellac film, resistance in SGF was increased due to the plasticizer properties of the polymer. Incorporation of 15% HPMC (w/w based on shellac) into the shellac film additionally led to increased anthocyanin diffusivity and complete release as well as degradation of the formulation in CF.

Conclusion: In the used in vitro and ex vivo model system mimicking the human intestinal transit, the potential of shellac and shellac/HPMC coated anthocyanin amidated pectin beads as dietary colon targeting systems was demonstrated.
Flavanols from green tea and phenolic acids from coffee: Critical quantitative evaluation of the pharmacokinetic data in humans after consumption of single doses of beverages
Authors: Williamson Gary , Dionisi Fabiola , Renouf Mathieu
Published: May 2011

Coffee contains a complex mixture of chlorogenic acids, which are mainly ferulic and caffeic acids ester‐linked to quinic acid. Green tea contains flavanols, mainly (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (−)‐epigallocatechin (EGC) and (−)‐epicatechin (EC). For healthy humans, we identified seven studies on green tea in liquid form and five on coffee beverage reporting single‐dose plasma pharmacokinetics. Weighted averages, based on the number of subjects, and elimination of outliers, allowed estimation of some pharmacokinetic parameters. After consumption of an “average” cup of green tea containing 112 mg of (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate, 51 mg of EGC and 15 mg of EC in 200 mL, the predicted Cmax values (total free and sulfate/glucuronide conjugates) in plasma are 125, 181 and 76 nM, respectively, together with 94 nM methyl‐EGC and 51 nM methyl‐EC (standard deviation <20%). After consumption of an “average” cup of coffee (160 mg total chlorogenic acids (0.46 mmol)/200 mL), predicted Cmax values of caffeic, ferulic, isoferulic, dihydrocaffeic and dihydroferulic acids are 114, 96, 50, 384 and 594 nM, respectively (too few studies to calculate standard deviation). Most studies report a very low amount of intact chlorogenic acids in plasma, with one exception. More studies on absorption of chlorogenic acids from coffee are required, including dose–response studies.
Body composition and hormonal effects following exposure to mycotoxin deoxynivalenol in the high‐fat diet‐induced obese mouse
Authors: Kobayashi‐Hattori Kazuo , Amuzie Chidozie J. , Flannery Brenna M. , Pestka James J.
Published: May 2011

Scope: To characterize the effects of ingesting the common foodborne mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) on body weight and composition in the high‐fat (HF) diet‐induced obese mice, a model of human obesity.

Methods and results: Female B6C3F1 mice were initially fed HF diets containing 45% kcal (HF45) or 60% kcal (HF60) as fat for 94 days to induce obesity. Half of each group was either continued on unamended HF diets or fed HF diets containing 10 mg/kg DON (DON‐HF45 or DON‐HF60) for another 54 days. Additional control mice were fed a low‐fat (LF) diet containing 10% kcal as fat for the entire 148‐day period. DON induced rapid decreases in body weights and fat mass, which stabilized to those of the LF control within 11 days. These effects corresponded closely to a robust transient decrease in food consumption. While lean body mass did not decline in DON‐fed groups, further increases were suppressed. DON exposure reduced plasma insulin, leptin, insulin‐like growth factor 1, and insulin‐like growth factor acid labile subunit as well as increased hypothalamic mRNA level of the orexigenic agouti‐related protein.

Conclusion: DON‐mediated effects on body weight, fat mass, food intake, and hormonal levels in obese mice were consistent with a state of chronic energy restriction.
Chemopreventive effects of tea in prostate cancer: Green tea versus black tea
Authors: Henning Susanne M. , Wang Piwen , Heber David
Published: May 2011

The polyphenol compositions of green tea (GT) and black tea (BT) are very different due to post‐harvest processing. GT contains higher concentrations of monomeric polyphenols, which affect numerous intracellular signaling pathways involved in prostate cancer (CaP) development. BT polymers, on the other hand, are poorly absorbed and are converted to phenolic acids by the colonic microflora. Therefore, after consumption of GT, higher concentrations of polyphenols are found in the circulation, whereas after BT consumption the phenolic acid levels in the circulation are higher. The majority of in vitro cell culture, in vivo animal, and clinical intervention studies examine the effects of extracts of GT or purified (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) on prostate carcinogenesis. These studies provide strong evidence supporting a chemopreventive effect of GT, but results from epidemiological studies of GT consumption are mixed. While the evidence for a chemopreventive effect of BT is much weaker than the body of evidence with regard to GT, there are several animal BT intervention studies demonstrating inhibition of CaP growth. This article will review in detail the available epidemiological and human clinical studies, as well as animal and basic mechanistic studies on GT and BT supporting a chemopreventive role in CaP.
The role of the concept of “history of safe use” in the safety assessment of novel foods and novel food ingredients. Opinion of the Senate Commission on Food Safety (SKLM) of the German Research Foundation (DFG)
Authors: Engel Karl‐Heinz , Vogel Rudi F. , Knorr Dietrich , Habermeyer Michael , Kochte‐Clemens Barbara , Eisenbrand Gerhard
Published: May 2011

The Council of the European Union has proposed a revision on the EU regulation on novel foods and novel food ingredients concerning safety assessment of traditional foods from non‐EU countries and their introduction onto the EU market. The proposal stipulates that such foods may be placed on the EU market if their history of safe use in the country of origin is appropriately documented. The present statement of the SKLM gives an overview on current discussions on practical implementation of the “history of safe use” concept as well as examples of its application. The SKLM, in principle, agrees with these concepts, underscores, however, in connection with convincing evidence for a “history of safe use” the need for a range of additional information to achieve a comprehensive risk assessment. In the opinion of the SKLM such information must comprise compositional data as well as experience on adverse effects. A list of questions considered essential is presented. The following opinion was adopted on December 23rd 2010.
Specific identification of iron oxide‐labeled stem cells using magnetic field hyperthermia and MR thermometry
Authors: Haddad Daniel , Hildenbrand Markus F. , Hiller Karl‐Heinz , Haddad‐Weber Meike , Jakob Peter M.
Published: May 2011

Cell‐based therapies represent important novel strategies for the improved treatment of various diseases. To monitor the progress of therapy and cell migration, noninvasive imaging methods are needed. MRI represents such a modality, allowing, for example, for the tracking of cells labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. Unfortunately, the labeled cells cannot always be identified nonambiguously in the MR images. In this article, we present the combination of two different types of MR experiment to identify iron oxide‐labeled cells nonambiguously. The labeled cells appear as hypointense spots on standard T2*‐weighted MR images. Furthermore, they can be heated magnetically and subsequently identified by MR thermometry as a result of their heat dissipation. Other hypointense regions in the MR images are not heated and do not show heat dissipation. A proof‐of‐principle study was successfully performed in vitro and in vivo. The positive identification of the iron oxide‐labeled cells was demonstrated in collagen type I hydrogel phantoms and in living mice with high spatial and temporal accuracy. The motion of the in vitro samples was corrected in order to improve the specificity of the identification of labeled cells. Therefore, this method possesses the potential for cell tracking without prior knowledge about the cells, and thus allows the noninvasive monitoring of cell‐based therapies, as long as the cells contain a sufficient amount of iron oxide for detection in MR thermometry and imaging. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyperpolarized 129Xe lung MRI in spontaneously breathing mice with respiratory gated fast imaging and its application to pulmonary functional imaging
Authors: Imai Hirohiko , Kimura Atsuomi , Hori Yuki , Iguchi Satoshi , Kitao Takuya , Okubo Emi , Ito Tsuyoshi , Matsuzaki Toshio , Fujiwara Hideaki
Published: May 2011

In the present study, a balanced steady‐state free precession pulse sequence combined with compressed sensing was applied to hyperpolarized 129Xe lung imaging in spontaneously breathing mice. With the aid of fast imaging techniques, the temporal resolution was markedly improved in the resulting images. Using these protocols and respiratory gating, 129Xe lung images in end‐inspiratory and end‐expiratory phases were obtained successfully. The application of these techniques for pulmonary functional imaging made it possible to simultaneously evaluate regional ventilation and gas exchange in the same animal. A comparative study between healthy and elastase‐induced mouse models of emphysema showed abnormal ventilation as well as gas exchange in elastase‐treated mice. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A mass constraint formulation for structural topology optimization with multiphase materials
Authors: Gao Tong , Zhang Weihong
Published: May 2011

This work is focused on the topology optimization of lightweight structures consisting of multiphase materials. Instead of adopting the common idea of using volume constraint, a new problem formulation with mass constraint is proposed. Meanwhile, recursive multiphase materials interpolation (RMMI) and uniform multiphase materials interpolation (UMMI) schemes are discussed and compared based on numerical tests and theoretical analysis. It is indicated that the nonlinearity of the mass constraint introduced by RMMI brings numerical difficulties to attain the global optimum of the optimization problem. On the contrary, the UMMI‐2 scheme makes it possible to formulate the mass constraint in a linear form with separable design variables. One such formulation favors very much the problem resolution by means of mathematical programming approaches, especially the convex programming methods. Moreover, numerical analysis indicates that fully uniform initial weighting is beneficial to seek the global optimum when UMMI‐2 scheme is used. Besides, the relationship between the volume constraint and mass constraint is theoretically revealed. The filtering technique is adapted to avoid the checkerboard pattern related to the problem with multiphase materials. Numerical examples show that the UMMI‐2 scheme with fully uniform initial weighting is reliable and efficient to deal with the structural topology optimization with multiphase materials and mass constraint. Meanwhile, the mass constraint formulation is evidently more significant than the volume constraint formulation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Worst‐case robust design optimization under distributional assumptions
Authors: Padulo Mattia , Guenov Marin D.
Published: May 2011

Presented in this paper is a novel robust design optimization (RDO) methodology. The problem is reformulated in order to relax, when required, the assumption of normality of objectives and constraints, which often underlies RDO. In the second place, taking into account engineering considerations concerning the risk associated with constraint violation, suitable estimates of tail conditional expectations are introduced in the set of robustness metrics. A computationally affordable yet accurate implementation of the proposed formulation is guaranteed by the adoption of a reduced quadrature technique to perform the uncertainty propagation. The methodology is successfully demonstrated with the aid of an industrial test case performing the sizing of a mid‐range passenger aircraft. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copper‐containing bimetallic complexes as efficient catalysts for aerobic oxidative coupling polymerization
Authors: Imaoka Takane , Kawana Yuki , Yamamoto Kimihisa
Published: May 2011

The aerobic oxidative polymerization of 2,6‐difluorophenol (F2PhOH) catalyzed by copper(II) for assembling dendritic ligands was studied. Although the mono‐metallic complex of copper(II) chloride with a dendritic phenylazomethine (DPAG4) efficiently catalyzed this polymerization reaction without any additive bases, a significant increase in the molecular weight of the product polymer was observed when an iron(III) complex was added to the copper(II)–dendrimer system. The synergistic enhancement based on the copper–iron bimetallic system provided a higher molecular weight product polymer in addition to the high yield. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frequent promoter hypermethylation of BRCA2, CDH13, MSH6, PAX5, PAX6 and WT1 in ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive breast cancer
Authors: Moelans Cathy B , Verschuur‐Maes Anoek HJ , van Diest Paul J
Published: May 2011

Epigenetic changes are considered to be a frequent event during tumour development. Hypermethylation of promoter CpG islands represents an alternative mechanism to inactivate tumour suppressor genes, DNA repair genes, cell cycle regulators and transcription factors. In search of epigenetic events related to progression, we used MS–MLPA (ME‐0002‐B1, MRC‐Holland, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) to compare the methylation status of 25 breast cancer‐related genes between laser‐microdissected ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and adjacent invasive ductal cancer (IDC) lesions in 33 breast cancer patients. Using absolute methylation percentages or, alternatively, a 15% cut‐off for methylation, promoter methylation in DCIS and IDC was not significantly different for any of the genes studied. Aberrant methylation in at least 50% of both the DCIS and adjacent IDC lesions was observed for PAX6, BRCA2, PAX5, WT1, CDH13 and MSH6. Methylation of MSH6, however, was also frequent in normal breast tissue. In contrast, CDKN2A, CHFR, PYCARD and one of the two analysed RB1 CpG loci were rarely (<5%) methylated in both lesions. CDKN2A and GSTP1 showed significantly (p < 0.002) higher mean methylation levels in increasing grades (I, II, III) of DCIS (1% versus 4% versus 7% for CDKN2A and 6% versus 26% versus 28% for GSTP1). The mean number of methylated genes per sample increased with increasing grades of DCIS (p = 0.014) and IDC (p = 0.109). In contrast to the observations in DCIS, none of the analysed genes showed significantly higher methylation levels with increasing grades of IDC. In conclusion, there were no differences in promoter methylation between DCIS and IDC in the 25 analysed genes, suggesting that DCIS, at the epigenetic level, is as advanced as IDC. Promoter hypermethylation of PAX6, BRCA2, PAX5, WT1, CDH13 and MSH6 seems to be a frequent early event in breast cancer and methylation levels of GSTP1 (and CDKN2A, although still low) seem to increase with increasing DCIS grade. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of 5′‐Deoxy‐5′‐Methylthioadenosine in Heat‐treated Natural Rubber Latex Serum
Authors: Pitakpornpreecha Thanawat , Plubrukarn Anuchit , Wititsuwannakul Rapepun
Published: May 2011

Introduction

5′‐Deoxy‐5′‐methylthioadenosine (MTA) is one of the biologically active components found in natural rubber latex (NRL) serum, a common waste product from rubber plantations. In this study the contents of MTA in heat‐treated NRL serum were measured in order to assess the potential of the serum as an alternative source of MTA.

Objective

To devise an HPLC/UV‐based quantitative analytical protocol for the determination of MTA, and to determine the effect of heat treatment on the content of MTA in NRL serum from various sources.

Methodology

An HPLC/UV‐based determination of MTA using an acidic eluant was devised and validated. In the heat treatment, the effect of refluxing times on MTA liberation was evaluated.

Results

The quantification protocol was validated with satisfying linearity, limits of detection and quantitation, precisions for peak areas and recovery percentages from intra‐ and inter‐day operations. The amounts of MTA in the NRL sera from various sources increased with heat treatment to yield 5–12 μg MTA/mL of serum.

Conclusion

The devised protocol was found to be satisfyingly applicable to the routine determination of MTA in NRL serum. The effect of heat treatment on the content of MTA also indicated another possible use for NRL serum, normally discarded in vast amounts by the rubber industry, as an alternative source of MTA. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Viscoelasticity and thermal stability of poly(arylene ether nitrile) nanocomposites with various functionalized carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zhan Yingqing , Yang Xulin , Meng Fanbin , Lei Yajie , Zhong Jiachun , Zhao Rui , Liu Xiaobo
Published: May 2011

Poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PEN) nanocomposites containing various functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared through a solution‐casting method. The as‐prepared PEN nanocomposites were investigated using parallel‐plate rheometry and thermogravimetric analysis, aimed at examining the effect of surface functionalization on the dispersion of MWCNTs from the viscoelastic and thermal properties. The linear viscoelasticy results indicated that 4‐aminophenoxyphthalonitrile‐grafted MWCNTs presented better dispersion in the PEN matrix than purified and carboxylic MWCNTs because the corresponding composite showed the lowest rheological percolation threshold, which was further confirmed from scanning electron microscopy, dissolution experiments and solution rheological experiments. The thermogravimetric analysis results revealed that the presence of 4‐aminophenoxyphthalonitrile‐grafted and carboxylic MWCNTs retarded the depolymerization compared with purified MWCNTs, showing a marked increase in the temperature corresponding to a loss of 5 wt% (increased by 14–22 °C) and maximum rate of decomposition (increased by 4–8 °C). Both the state of dispersion and the surface functionalization of MWCNTs are very important to the thermal stability of the PEN matrix. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Thermal properties and non‐isothermal crystallization behavior of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/poly(lactic acid) blends
Authors: Zou Hantao , Wang Luoxin , Yi Changhai , Gan Houlei
Published: May 2011

Thermal properties and non‐isothermal melt‐crystallization behavior of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blends were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The blends exhibit single and composition‐dependent glass transition temperature, cold crystallization temperature (Tcc) and melt crystallization peak temperature (Tmc) over the entire composition range, implying miscibility between the PLA and PTT components. The Tcc values of PTT/PLA blends increase, while the Tmc values decrease with increasing PLA content, suggesting that the cold crystallization and melt crystallization of PTT are retarded by the addition of PLA. The modified Avrami model is satisfactory in describing the non‐isothermal melt crystallization of the blends, whereas the Ozawa method is not applicable to the blends. The estimated Avrami exponent of the PTT/PLA blends ranges from 3.25 to 4.11, implying that the non‐isothermal crystallization follows a spherulitic‐like crystal growth combined with a complicated growth form. The PTT/PLA blends generally exhibit inferior crystallization rate and superior activation energy compared to pure PTT at the same cooling rate. The greater the PLA content in the PTT/PLA blends, the lower the crystallization rate and the higher the activation energy. Moreover, the introduction of PTT into PLA leads to an increase in the thermal stability behavior of the resulting PTT/PLA blends. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of acrylate processing aid‐based ionomer containing lanthanide (La(III)) ion on thermal stability, fusion, transparency and mechanical properties of rigid poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Zhu Xiaonan , Song Yihu , Chen Shaohui , Du Peihua , Zheng Qiang
Published: May 2011

An acrylate processing aid (ACR)‐based ionomer containing lanthanide (La(III)) ion was synthesized and the influences of the ionomer on thermal stability, fusion time, transparency and tensile properties of rigid poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) were investigated. Results revealed that the ionomer with a suitable La(III) content behaved as a good stabilizer as well as processing aid to the rigid PVC product. The ionomer could accelerate fusion of PVC much more quickly than ACR because of the strong interaction between La(III) carboxylate and PVC. Moreover, it exhibited a stabilizing efficiency comparable to lanthanum and calcium stearates (LaSt3 and CaSt2). The composite stabilizer of ionomer/zinc stearate (ZnSt2) exhibited an ability to improve initial discoloration better than LaSt3/ZnSt2 and CaSt2/ZnSt2 because the ionomer could form a complex with ZnSt2 much more slowly than LaSt3 and CaSt2. The compounds stabilized using ionomer/ZnSt2 exhibited a transparency comparable to those stabilized using organotin or liquid barium/zinc stabilizers, which was much better than those stabilized using LaSt3/ZnSt2 and CaSt2/ZnSt2. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Efficiency of 4,4′‐bis(N,N‐diethylamino) benzophenone for the polymerization of dimethacrylate resins in thick sections
Authors: Schroeder Walter F , Asmussen Silvana L , Cook Wayne D , Vallo Claudia I
Published: May 2011

The efficiency of 4,4′‐bis(N,N‐diethylamino)benzophenone (DEABP) for the polymerization of dimethacrylate monomers in thick sections (1–2 mm) was studied. DEABP (λmax = 365 nm) represents a complete initiating system as it contains both ketone and amine functional groups. During irradiation, DEABP photobleaches at a fast rate causing deeper penetration of light through the underlying layers, but the photoinitiation efficiency (rate of polymerization per photon absorption rate) is relatively poor. As a result, irradiation of methacrylate monomers at 365 nm results in a slow average polymerization rate and a reduced monomer conversion for thick sections due to the light attenuation caused by the high absorptivity of DEABP and photolysis products. These results highlight the inherent interlinking of light attenuation and photobleaching rate in polymerization of thick sections. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry