bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endogenous versus exogenous growth factor regulation of articular chondrocytes
Authors: Shi Shuiliang , Chan Albert G. , Mercer Scott , Eckert George J. , Trippel Stephen B.
Published: October 2013

Anabolic growth factors that regulate the function of articular chondrocytes are candidates for articular cartilage repair. Such factors may be delivered by pharmacotherapy in the form of exogenous proteins, or by gene therapy as endogenous proteins. It is unknown whether delivery method influences growth factor effectiveness in regulating articular chondrocyte reparative functions. We treated adult bovine articular chondrocytes with exogenous recombinant insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) and transforming growth factor‐beta1 (TGF‐β1), or with the genes encoding these growth factors for endogenous production. Treatment effects were measured as change in chondrocyte DNA content, glycosaminoglycan production, and aggrecan gene expression. We found that IGF‐I stimulated chondrocyte biosynthesis similarly when delivered by either exogenous or endogenous means. In contrast, exogenous TGF‐β1 stimulated these reparative functions, while endogenous TGF‐β1 had little effect. Endogenous TGF‐β1 became more bioactive following activation of the transgene protein product. These data indicate that effective mechanisms of growth factor delivery for articular cartilage repair may differ for different growth factors. In the case of IGF‐I, gene therapy or protein therapy appear to be viable options. In contrast, TGF‐β1 gene therapy may be constrained by a limited ability of chondrocytes to convert latent complexes to an active form. Published 2013 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 32:54–60, 2014.
The temperature dependence of the Raman spectra of chromium‐doped titanite (CaTiOSiO4)
Authors: Heyns Anton M. , Harden Peter M.
Published: October 2013

The temperature dependence of the Raman bands of Cr4+ modes which show enhanced intensities due to pre‐resonance effects is reported from 293 to 673 K in chromium‐doped titanite (CaTiOSiO4). Some aspects of the temperature dependence of Raman bands in pure, synthetic titanite which have not been previously published are also included in this study. Two Raman‐active components of Ag and Bg symmetry, respectively, of the symmetric Si–O mode in titanite are predicted under P21/a symmetry and also been identified in this phase for the first time. The one component of Bg symmetry disappears just above the antiferroelectric–paraelectric transition at ~500 K in accordance with the predictions under A2/a symmetry for the high‐temperature phase. Two resonance‐enhanced components of the Cr4+–O stretch are also evident in the P21/a phase and only one could be identified in the A2/a phase, again in accordance with group‐theoretical predictions. These observations can be used to characterize the P21/a and A2/a phases of pure synthetic and chromium‐doped titanite. The temperature dependence of the Cr4+–O modes can be approximated by two‐dimensional Ising behavior with the critical exponent β ≈ 1/8 below 450 K. Between 450 and 498 K, anomalous behavior is observed and this could be due to the appearance of mobile anti‐phase boundaries (APBs). Anomalous behavior also persists to temperatures above 500 K. The half‐width of the Ti–O stretching mode reflects the influence of the order parameter (Ti–O displacements) as well as mobile anti‐phase boundaries. No evidence could be found of the existence of other ions such as Cr4+‐ions in Ti‐sites and/or Cr3+‐ions also in Ti‐positions in Cr‐doped titanite in the Raman spectra using different laser lines to excite the spectra. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant changes during domestic food processing of the white shaft and green leaves of leek (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum)
Authors: Bernaert Nathalie , De Loose Marc , Van Bockstaele Erik , Van Droogenbroeck Bart
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Evaluating the effect of domestic cooking on the health benefits of vegetables has great practical importance. However, only a limited number of reports provide information on the effect of these treatments on the antioxidant capacity, polyphenol and S‐alk(en)yl‐l‐cysteine sulfoxide (ACSO, e.g. isoalliin and methiin) content of the white shaft and green leaves of leek (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum).

RESULTS

In the present study, the antioxidant capacity of leek was highly influenced by cooking (blanching, boiling and steaming). Boiling had a negative effect on total phenolic content in the white shaft and green leaves. An obvious increase could be observed in the antioxidant capacity of the steamed green leaves, while steaming did not influence the polyphenolic content. Remarkably, blanching resulted in a slight increase in the ACSO content. Subjecting leek samples to a longer thermal treatment appeared to have a negative influence on the ACSO content in leek. Steaming was also responsible for a decrease in ACSOs. Methiin was less susceptible to heat treatment than isoalliin.

CONCLUSION

In general, steaming appeared to be responsible for better retention of the bioactive compounds present in leek compared with boiling. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Is early surveillance with CT scan necessary in patients with stage II/III colorectal cancer: A retrospective study
Authors: Liu Guo‐Chen , Tang Jing‐Hua , Wen Shu‐Juan , Cao Hua‐Xiang , An Xin , Cai Pei‐Qiang , Kong Ling‐Heng , Lin Jun‐Zhong , Li Li‐Ren , Pan Zhi‐Zhong , Ding Pei‐Rong
Published: October 2013

Background and Objectives

This analysis aims to evaluate the value of early surveillance within 6 months after resection for stage II/III colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

Patients with stage II/III CRC who received surgery with curative intent for CRC were included. CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis performed within 6 months after surgery were evaluated.

Results

Among 150 patients included in the study, 10 patients (1 occurred in stage II disease and 9 occurred in stage III) were diagnosed as recurrence within 6 months after surgery. The proportion of patients diagnosed as recurrence was significantly higher in stage III disease than in stage II disease (P = 0.01). The likelihood of recurrence within 6 months was associated with the extent of lymph node metastases (r = 0.205, P = 0.012). Three patients with recurrent disease underwent salvage resection with curative intent.

Conclusions

Early surveillance with CT scan within 6 months after curative resection may not be necessary for stage II disease. Although, the strategy may be helpful for stage III disease considering the high incidence of salvage surgery for recurrence disease, the early detection of recurrence could not be translated into survival benefit. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013; 108:568–571. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Splenectomy to treat splenic lesions: An analysis of 148 cases at a cancer center
Authors: Pugalenthi Amudhan , Bradley Ciaran , Gonen Mithat , Do Kinh Gian , Strong Vivian , Jarnagin William , Coit Daniel , Kingham T. Peter
Published: October 2013

Background and Objectives

Solid and cystic splenic masses discovered on imaging studies often pose diagnostic and management dilemmas. This study analyses a large series of splenectomies to identify preoperative factors associated with malignant splenic masses.

Methods

Pathology records at a single institution were reviewed for all splenectomies. Those performed as a component of a larger resection, such as staging or debulking were excluded. Demographic and clinicopathologic factors were obtained. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified factors associated with an increased risk of malignancy.

Results

Between 1986 and 2012, 2,743 patients underwent a splenectomy, 148 of which were performed for lesions identified on imaging. The indications were suspicion of malignancy (120, 81%), growth over time (28, 19%), or symptoms (39, 26%). Resected splenic lesions were malignant in 93 patients (63%); the most common pathologies included ovarian cancer (n = 39), melanoma (n = 14), and colorectal cancer (n = 9). On multivariate analysis of clinicopathologic factors, a previous history of cancer was the only independent predictor of malignancy in the splenic lesion (odds ratio 6.3; 95% CI, 2.32–16.97; P = 0.001).

Conclusion

While the spleen is an uncommon site of metastatic disease, in patients with a history of cancer, splenic masses selected for resection are frequently malignant. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013; 108:521–525. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transoral anatomy of the tonsillar fossa and lateral pharyngeal wall: Anatomic dissection with radiographic and clinical correlation
Authors: Lim Chwee Ming , Mehta Vikas , Chai Raymond , Pinheiro Carlos‐Neto D. , Rath Tanya , Snyderman Carl , Duvvuri Umamaheswar
Published: October 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the transoral anatomy of the tonsillar fossa and lateral pharyngeal wall and to correlate these findings with radiographic measurements and transoral robotic surgery (TORS) of patients with early tonsillar tumor.

Study Design

Preclinical cadaveric study and patient cohort.

Methods

Six complete cadaveric dissections were performed to identify key anatomic landmarks, and these landmarks were validated in two consecutive patients with T1 human papillomavirus–positive squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil treated by TORS. For radiographic landmark analysis, 25 patients who underwent contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the neck for a variety of endoscopic skull base procedures were selected. Measurements were taken from the lateral pharyngeal wall at C2‐C3 interspace and greater horn of hyoid (C6) to the external carotid artery (ECA).

Results

The glossopharyngeal (IX) nerve was consistently identified deep to the superior constrictor musculature and at the intersection of the posterior tonsillar pillar with the base of tongue. The styloglossus muscle forms the deep plane medial to the ECA. The mean measurements for left C2‐C3 interspace to the ECA and right C2‐C3 interspace to ECA were 17.6 ± 0.8 mm and 18.4 ± 0.8 mm, respectively. Similarly, the mean measurements for left hyoid to ECA and right hyoid to ECA were 3.4 ± 0.8 mm and 4.3 ± 0.6 mm, respectively.

Conclusions

A systematic approach to dissect the tonsillar fossa and lateral pharyngeal wall can be performed using key anatomic landmarks. CT measurements taken at the C2‐C3 interspace and greater horn of hyoid bone (C6 level) to the ECA are consistently and reliably achieved.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 123:3021–3025, 2013
Virtual surgical planning in endoscopic skull base surgery
Authors: Haerle Stephan K. , Daly Michael J. , Chan Harley H. L. , Vescan Allan , Kucharczyk Walter , Irish Jonathan C.
Published: October 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Skull base surgery (SBS) involves operative tasks in close proximity to critical structures in a complex three‐dimensional (3D) anatomy. The aim was to investigate the value of virtual planning (VP) based on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for surgical planning in SBS and to compare the effects of virtual planning with 3D contours between the expert and the surgeon in training.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis.

Methods

Twelve patients with manually segmented anatomical structures based on preoperative MRI were evaluated by eight surgeons in a randomized order using a validated National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA‐TLX) questionnaire.

Results

Multivariate analysis revealed significant reduction of workload when using VP (P<.0001) compared to standard planning. Further, it showed that the experience level of the surgeon had a significant effect on the NASA‐TLX differences (P<.05). Additional subanalysis did not reveal any significant findings regarding which type of surgeon benefits the most (P>.05).

Conclusions

Preoperative anatomical segmentation with virtual surgical planning using contours in endoscopic SBS significantly reduces the workload for the expert and the surgeon in training.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 123:2935–2939, 2013
Preparation of pH‐Responsive Polymer Core–Shell Nanospheres for Delivery of Hydrophobic Antineoplastic Drug Ellipticine
Authors: Wang Hui , Yang Lijuan , Rempel Garry L.
Published: October 2013

Antineoplastic drug ellipticine and its derivatives are used in human cancer therapy. However, their clinical applications have been limited by its great hydrophobicity and severe side effects. An efficient delivery system is therefore very desirable. In this research, an ellipticine‐loaded core–shell structured nanosphere namely poly(DEAEMA)‐poly(PEGMA) is designed as a drug carrier and prepared via a two‐step semibatch emulsion polymerization method where DEAEMA and PEGMA represent 2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate, respectively. The in‐vitro release profiles of ellipticine towards the different pH liposome vesicles are recorded as a function of time at 37 °C. It is found that release of ellipticine from the core‐shell polymer matrix is a pH‐responsive and controlled release process. The three pH's of 3, 4, and 5 trigger a significant ellipticine release of 88% after 98 h, 83% after 98 h, and 79% after 122 h, respectively. The release mechanism of ellipticine from the core‐shell polymer matrix under acidic conditions is explored. The synthesis and encapsulation process developed herein provides a new perspective for the development of appropriate delivery systems to deliver the ellipticine and its analogues, as well as other types of hydrophobic drugs to a given target cell or tumor tissue.
Isotactic Polypropylene/Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites: The Effect of Modification of MWCNTs on Mechanical Properties and Melt Crystallization
Authors: Papageorgiou George Z. , Nerantzaki Maria , Grigoriadou Ifigeneia , Papageorgiou Dimitrios G. , Chrissafis Konstantinos , Bikiaris Dimitrios
Published: October 2013

Nanocomposites of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) containing modified multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are prepared by melt mixing. MWCNTs with alkyl groups (alkyl‐MWCNTs) and with methyl‐PEG (mPEG‐MWCNTs) are used, as well as unmodified MWCNTs, to prepare the three series of nanocomposites. The surface treatment and the content of MWCNTs affect the mechanical properties of the iPP. In all cases, theoretical models are used to estimate the effect of surface treatment. The crystallization rates of nanocomposites in both isothermal and non‐isothermal crystallization conditions are measured. The nanocomposites containing unmodified MWCNTs crystallize faster than those with modified MWCNTs.

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Hydrophilic–Hydrophobic‐Transition‐Triggered Thermosensitive Macroscopic Gel Assembly
Authors: Peng Yan , Wang Zong‐Chun , Xu Xiao‐Ding , Song Jin‐Chun
Published: October 2013

Two kinds of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)‐based hydrogels containing β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) (host gel) and benzyl (guest gel) groups, respectively, are designed and prepared. When mixing the host and guest gels together, due to the presence of the host–guest interaction between the β‐CD and benzyl groups, a combined hydrogel can be formed at a temperature below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) via macroscopic self‐assembly. When heating this self‐assembling system to a temperature above the LCST, the aggregation of the hydrophobic PNIPAAm‐based chains pull the β‐CD and benzyl groups to separate them from each other, leading to the disassociation of the combined hydrogel. Because of the transition from hydrophobic aggregated PNIPAAm‐based chains to hydrophilic extended ones as the temperature decreases to a value below LCST, the combined hydrogel can re‐form via macroscopic self‐assembly between the host and guest gels. The concept of hydrophilic–hydrophobic transition‐triggered thermosensitive macroscopic self‐assembly can be extended to develop many other stimuli‐responsive materials.

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A Novel Branched Polyoxymethylene Synthesized by Cationic Copolymerization of 1,3,5‐Trioxane with 3‐(Alkoxymethyl)‐3‐ethyloxetane
Authors: Mu Youbing , Jia Mingchen , Jiang Wei , Wan Xiaobo
Published: October 2013

Novel branched polyoxymethylene copolymers are synthesized by cationic copolymerization of 1,3,5‐trioxane (TOX) with 3‐(alkoxymethyl)‐3‐ethyloxetane (ROX) using BF3·Et2O as an initiator. Four oxetane derivatives with different side‐chain lengths (from 1 to 6 carbons) are tested for copolymerization. The copolymer composition is controlled by the feed ratio of ROX, and influenced by the chain length of alkyl group on ROX. The incorporation ratio and side‐chain length of the ROX unit have great influence on the thermomechanical properties and crystallinity of the copolymers.

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Clinical diagnosis of propriospinal myoclonus is unreliable: An electrophysiologic study
Authors: Erro Roberto , Bhatia Kailash P. , Edwards Mark J. , Farmer Simon F. , Cordivari Carla
Published: October 2013

Propriospinal myoclonus is a rare movement disorder that is hypothesized to arise from a spinal generator that transmits activity up and down the spinal cord via long propriospinal pathways. Polymyography is mandatory for the diagnosis, but the typical electrophysiological pattern described for propriospinal myoclonus has been also found in patients with psychogenic axial jerks, supported by the presence of a Bereitschaftspotential (BP; from German, “readiness potential,” also called the premotor potential). We evaluated polymyographic findings in 65 patients referred to us with a clinical diagnosis of propriospinal myoclonus and also looked for the presence of the BP, as detected by jerk‐locked back‐averaging. At clinical reassessment by a movement disorder specialist, nearly one‐half of the patients had clinical clues suggestive of a psychogenic cause of the jerks. Electrophysiological studies were carried out on all 65 patients. Polymyography findings revealed an incongruent electromyographic pattern for propriospinal myoclonus in 84.6% of patients and the presence of the BP in 86.1% of the entire cohort. When taking into account either the presence of BP and/or incongruence of polymyographic features, all patients, including the approximately 50% clinically diagnosed as organic propriospinal myoclonus by a movement disorder expert, had strong neurophysiological evidence for a psychogenic origin of their jerks. The clinical distinction of propriospinal myoclonus from psychogenic axial jerks is unreliable. This is the largest cohort of patients with axial jerks reported so far and we suggest that most of the patients with a clinical picture that clinically resembles propriospinal myoclonus are likely to be psychogenic. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Persistent figure‐eight and side‐to‐side head shaking is a marker for rhombencephalosynapsis
Authors: Tully Hannah M. , Dempsey Jennifer C. , Ishak Gisele E. , Adam Margaret P. , Mink Jonathan W. , Dobyns William B. , Gospe Sidney M. , Weiss Avery , Phillips James O. , Doherty Dan
Published: October 2013

Background

Head‐shaking stereotypies have been described in patients with neurological impairment. We noted an unusual preponderance of head shaking in patients with rhombencephalosynapsis (RES). We sought to delineate the movements further and determine whether oculomotor and vestibular testing could reveal their cause.

Methods

Information was collected from direct observation, video review and parental questionnaire from 59 patients with RES. Oculomotor and vestibular testing was performed in 4 children.

Results

Of 59 patients, 50 had persistent head shaking that was often observed years before RES was recognized. Three affected children demonstrated abnormal central vestibular processing.

Conclusions

Head‐shaking is common in RES. These characteristic movements may provide input to a defective vestibular system or may represent a motor pattern that is usually suppressed by vestibular feedback. Persistent head shaking should alert clinicians to the possible presence of a congenital hindbrain abnormality that affects the vestibulocerebellum, particularly RES. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Impacts of reconnaissance flight data on numerical simulation of tropical cyclones over South China Sea
Authors: Wong Wai Kin , Tse Shuk Mei , Chan Pak Wai
Published: October 2013

In 2011, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) and the Government Flying Service (GFS) of the Hong Kong Government conducted reconnaissance data collection flights for two tropical cyclones over the South China Sea. It was the first time in the region that flight measurements of this kind had been carried out specifically for tropical cyclones. Horizontal wind velocity components, temperature and relative humidity at selected flight levels were recorded at the temporal resolution of 20 times per second to delineate the wind flow and other meteorological conditions. They were found to be consistent with other synoptic station data sparsely located over the sea areas, as well as in good agreement with the ocean surface wind data from the satellite microwave scatterometer. In this study, aircraft measurements for the two tropical cyclones in 2011 and one in July 2009 were assimilated into the HKO mesoscale Non‐Hydrostatic Model (NHM) using its three‐dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVAR) to investigate the impact of the data on the model analysis and forecast. Model sensitivity experiments with and without the flight measurements were conducted. The flight observations were found to improve model analysis and forecasts of wind circulation, temperature and humidity in the vicinity of the tropical cyclones. Improvement in track forecast was obtained although an insignificant effect was seen in predicting the central pressure of the storms. The inclusion of flight measurements also improved the forecast of the surface wind distribution and precipitation associated with the tropical cyclones.
A 3 T sodium and proton composite array breast coil
Authors: Kaggie Joshua D. , Hadley J. Rock , Badal James , Campbell John R. , Park Daniel J. , Parker Dennis L. , Morrell Glen , Newbould Rexford D. , Wood Ali F. , Bangerter Neal K.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

The objective of this study was to determine whether a sodium phased array would improve sodium breast MRI at 3 T. The secondary objective was to create acceptable proton images with the sodium phased array in place.

Methods

A novel composite array for combined proton/sodium 3 T breast MRI is compared with a coil with a single proton and sodium channel. The composite array consists of a 7‐channel sodium receive array, a larger sodium transmit coil, and a 4‐channel proton transceive array. The new composite array design utilizes smaller sodium receive loops than typically used in sodium imaging, uses novel decoupling methods between the receive loops and transmit loops, and uses a novel multichannel proton transceive coil. The proton transceive coil reduces coupling between proton and sodium elements by intersecting the constituent loops to reduce their mutual inductance. The coil used for comparison consists of a concentric sodium and proton loop with passive decoupling traps.

Results

The composite array coil demonstrates a 2–5× improvement in signal‐to‐noise ratio for sodium imaging and similar signal‐to‐noise ratio for proton imaging when compared with a simple single‐loop dual resonant design.

Conclusion

The improved signal‐to‐noise ratio of the composite array gives breast sodium images of unprecedented quality in reasonable scan times. Magn Reson Med 71:2231–2242, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Field camera measurements of gradient and shim impulse responses using frequency sweeps
Authors: Vannesjo S. Johanna , Dietrich Benjamin E. , Pavan Matteo , Brunner David O. , Wilm Bertram J. , Barmet Christoph , Pruessmann Klaas P.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Applications of dynamic shimming require high field fidelity, and characterizing the shim field dynamics is therefore necessary. Modeling the system as linear and time‐invariant, the purpose of this work was to measure the impulse response function with optimal sensitivity.

Theory and Methods

Frequency‐swept pulses as inputs are analyzed theoretically, showing that the sweep speed is a key factor for the measurement sensitivity. By adjusting the sweep speed it is possible to achieve any prescribed noise profile in the measured system response. Impulse response functions were obtained for the third‐order shim system of a 7 Tesla whole‐body MR scanner. Measurements of the shim fields were done with a dynamic field camera, yielding also cross‐term responses.

Results

The measured shim impulse response functions revealed system characteristics such as response bandwidth, eddy currents and specific resonances, possibly of mechanical origin. Field predictions based on the shim characterization were shown to agree well with directly measured fields, also in the cross‐terms.

Conclusion

Frequency sweeps provide a flexible tool for shim or gradient system characterization. This may prove useful for applications involving dynamic shimming by yielding accurate estimates of the shim fields and a basis for setting shim pre‐emphasis. Magn Reson Med 72:570–583, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of the compressed sensing technique to self‐gated cardiac cine sequences in small animals
Authors: Montesinos Paula , Abascal Juan Felipe P.J. , Cussó Lorena , Vaquero Juan José , Desco Manuel
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Self‐gated cine sequences are a common choice for cardiac MRI in preclinical applications. The aims of our work were to apply the compressed sensing technique to IntraGateFLASH cardiac MRI studies on rats and to find the maximum acceleration factor achievable with this technique.

Theory and Methods

Our reconstruction method extended the Split Bregman formulation to minimize the total variation in both space and time. In addition, we analyzed the influence of the undersampling pattern on the acceleration factor achievable.

Results

Our results show that acceleration factors of up to 15 are achievable with our technique when appropriate undersampling patterns are used. The introduction of a time‐varying random sampling clearly improved the efficiency of the undersampling schemes. In terms of computational efficiency, the proposed reconstruction method has been shown to be competitive as compared with the fastest methods found in the literature.

Conclusion

We successfully applied our compressed sensing technique to self‐gated cardiac cine acquisition in small animals, obtaining an acceleration factor of up to 15 with almost unnoticeable image degradation. Magn Reson Med 72:369–380, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modeling of the diffusion MR signal in calibrated model systems and nerves
Authors: Morozov Darya , Bar Leah , Sochen Nir , Cohen Yoram
Published: October 2013

Diffusion NMR is a powerful tool for gleaning microstructural information on opaque systems. In this work, the signal decay in single‐pulsed‐field gradient diffusion NMR experiments performed on a series of phantoms of increasing complexity, where the ground truth is known a priori, was modeled and used to identify microstructural features of these complex phantoms. We were able to demonstrate that, without assuming the number of components or compartments, the modeling can identify the number of restricted components, detect their sizes with an accuracy of a fraction of a micrometer, determine their relative populations, and identify and characterize free diffusion when present in addition to the components exhibiting restricted diffusion. After the accuracy of the modeling had been demonstrated, this same approach was used to study fixed nerves under different experimental conditions. It seems that this approach is able to characterize both the averaged axon diameter and the relative population of the different diffusing components in the neuronal tissues examined. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of methoxy polyethylene glycol‐polylactide diblock copolymers as additive in hypromellose film coating
Authors: Cespi Marco , Casettari Luca , Bonacucina Giulia , Giorgioni Gianfabio , Perinelli Diego R , Palmieri Giovanni Filippo
Published: October 2013

This paper deals with a new application of diblock methoxy polyethylene glycol‐polylactide block copolymers, a class of synthetic biomaterials largely studied in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields owing to their favorable properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, low immunogenicity, and good mechanical properties.

In this work, these materials were evaluated as additives for gastro‐soluble pharmaceutical coating aimed to reduce film stiffness and water permeability. Two copolymers with different polylactide chain lengths were synthesized and characterized in term of molecular weight and solid‐state properties. A series of free films with different hypromellose/copolymers ratio were prepared and characterized in terms of appearance, components miscibility, plasticity, and water vapor permeability.

The obtained results demonstrate that copolymers effectively influence hypromellose film properties according to their concentration and molecular weight. Specifically, the addition of the copolymer with a molecular weight of 6.5 kDa in a ratio hypromellose:polymer 5:1, allowed to obtain films with good appearance, improved plasticization, and water permeability properties. For higher molecular weight, copolymer or different ratios was not possible to observe the improvement of all the properties at the same time. The results also make possible to define the critical features to improve in order to use block copolymers as additive in hypromellose film coating.

The availability of new water‐soluble additives able to work as plasticizer and moisture sealer in polymeric films represents an important progress not only in the field of pharmaceutical coating but also in that of food coatings, as for example in the formulation of edible films. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of the fire resistant behavior of unfilled and carbon nanofibers reinforced polybenzimidazole coating for structural applications
Authors: Iqbal H. M. S. , Stec A. A. , Patel Parina , Bhowmik S. , Benedictus R.
Published: October 2013

With increasing interest in epoxy‐based carbon fiber composites for structural applications, it is important to improve the fire resistant properties of these materials. The fire resistant performance of these materials can be improved either by using high performance epoxy resin for manufacturing carbon fiber composite or by protecting the previously used epoxy‐based composite with some fire resistant coating. In this context, work is carried out to evaluate the fire resistance performance of recently emerged high performance polybenzimidazole (PBI) when used as a coating material. Furthermore, the effect of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on fire resistant properties of inherently flame retardant PBI coating was studied. Thermogravimetric analysis of carbon/epoxy composite, unfilled PBI and nano‐filled PBI shows that the carbon/epoxy composite maintained its thermal stability up to a temperature of 400°C and afterwards showed a large decrease in mass, while both unfilled PBI and nano‐filled PBI have shown thermal stability up to a temperature of 575°C corresponding to only 11% weight loss. Cone calorimeter test results show that unfilled PBI coating did not improve the fire retardant performance of carbon/epoxy composite. Conversely, nano‐filled PBI coating has shown a significant improvement in fire retardant performance of the carbon/epoxy composite in terms of increased ignition time, reduced average and peak heat release rate and reduced smoke and carbon monoxide emission. These results indicate that addition of carbon nanofibers to inherently flame retardant coating can significantly be helpful for improving the fire resistance performance of composite materials even with low coating thickness. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
KRAS (but not BRAF) mutations in ovarian serous borderline tumour are associated with recurrent low‐grade serous carcinoma
Authors: Tsang Yvonne T , Deavers Michael T , Sun Charlotte C , Kwan Suet‐Yan , Kuo Eric , Malpica Anais , Mok Samuel C , Gershenson David M , Wong Kwong‐Kwok
Published: October 2013

BRAF and KRAS mutations in ovarian serous borderline tumours (OSBTs) and ovarian low‐grade serous carcinomas (LGSCs) have been previously described. However, whether those OSBTs would progress to LGSCs or whether those LGSCs were developed from OSBT precursors in previous studies is unknown. Therefore, we assessed KRAS and BRAF mutations in tumour samples from 23 recurrent LGSC patients with a known initial diagnosis of OSBT. Paraffin blocks from both OSBT and LGSC samples were available for five patients, and either OSBTs or LGSCs were available for another 18 patients. Tumour cells from paraffin‐embedded tissues were dissected out for mutation analysis by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing. Tumours that appeared to have wild‐type KRAS by conventional PCR–Sanger sequencing were further analysed by full COLD (co‐amplification at lower denaturation temperature)‐PCR and deep sequencing. Full COLD‐PCR was able to enrich the amplification of mutated alleles. Deep sequencing was performed with the Ion Torrent personal genome machine (PGM). By conventional PCR–Sanger sequencing, BRAF mutation was detected only in one patient and KRAS mutations were detected in ten patients. Full COLD‐PCR deep sequencing detected low‐abundance KRAS mutations in eight additional patients. Three of the five patients with both OSBT and LGSC samples available had the same KRAS mutations detected in both OSBT and LGSC samples. The remaining two patients had only KRAS mutations detected in their LGSC samples. For patients with either OSBT or LGSC samples available, KRAS mutations were detected in seven OSBT samples and six LGSC samples. Surprisingly, patients with the KRAS G12V mutation have shorter survival times. In summary, KRAS mutations are very common in recurrent LGSC, while BRAF mutations are rare. The findings indicate that recurrent LGSC can arise from proliferation of OSBT tumour cells with or without detectable KRAS mutations. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Defective control of vitamin D receptor‐mediated epithelial STAT1 signalling predisposes to severe respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis
Authors: Stoppelenburg Arie Jan , von Hegedus Johannes Hendrick , Huis in't Veld Ron , Bont Louis , Boes Marianne
Published: October 2013

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection causes bronchiolitis in infants with seasonal frequency, for which vitamin D deficiency and a well‐described polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) FokI are important risk factors. Recent studies suggest that vitamin D regulates immune pathways in airway epithelial cells during RSV infection. It is not understood why the VDR FokI polymorphism predisposes to severe RSV bronchiolitis. We investigated how the VDR FokI polymorphism regulates the epithelial response to RSV infection. To this end, we over‐expressed the normal and FokI VDR variants in A549 airway epithelial cells. Vitamin D restrained the expression of both NFκB‐ and STAT1‐induced antiviral genes. However, while NFκB control by vitamin D remained intact, both RSV‐induced phosphorylation of STAT1 and expression of its downstream targets, IRF1 and IRF7, escaped vitamin D control in FokI epithelial cells. The poor capacity of vitamin D to regulate IRF1 in FokI VDR‐expressing cells was recapitulated using blood samples from normal and FokI VDR‐genotyped healthy donors. Hence, we provide mechanistic insight that the FokI VDR polymorphism renders STAT1‐mediated antiviral immune reactions to RSV infection non‐responsive to vitamin D control, resulting in enhanced immunopathology and exacerbated RSV bronchiolitis. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
External validity and reliability of the psychosocial assessment tool (PAT) among Canadian parents of children newly diagnosed with cancer
Authors: Barrera M. , Hancock K. , Rokeach A. , Cataudella D. , Atenafu E. , Johnston D. , Punnett A. , Nathan PC. , Bartels U. , Silva M. , Cassidy M. , Jansen P. , Shama W. , Greenberg C.
Published: October 2013

Background

The Psychosocial Screening Tool (PAT) was developed and validated with a sample of caregivers of children newly diagnosed with cancer in the United States. This study aimed to assess cultural adaptation (Phase 1) and validity and reliability of the revised PAT (PATrev) with a Canadian sample (Phase 2).

Procedure

In Phase 1, a convenience sample of seven parents of children who were treated for cancer and six pediatric oncology healthcare experts participated. In Phase 2, 67 parents of children newly diagnosed with cancer from 4 Canadian pediatric cancer centers participated. To assess reliability and validity of the PATrev, parents completed behavioral (BASC‐2) and quality of life (PedsQL) instruments about the child and an anxiety inventory (STAI) about themselves.

Results

The PAT required minor changes to be culturally adapted for the Canadian population. The PATrev had strong inter‐rater (0.77) test–retest (0.75), and internal consistency reliability (0.85), as well as moderate to strong validity comparing PATrev child's problems and PedsQL total (−0.49), PedsQL anxiety (−0.47), BASC‐2 internalizing (0.64), behavioral (0.63), and adaptive scores (−0.56). PATrev discriminative validity was confirmed with BASC‐2 scores (AUR scores of 0.70–0.74). PATrev parental stressors were strongly correlated to STAI scores (0.53). Finally, agreement between PATrev child's problems and parental anxiety scores was moderate (0.47).

Conclusion

This study supports the original PAT, demonstrates PATrev is a reliable and valid psychosocial screening tool, and provides unique evidence regarding early psychosocial risk in the family, which have important implications for guiding psychosocial practice. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:165–170. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation of the poly(vinyl chloride) extrusion process using a feed throat with a feed pocket
Authors: Sikora Janusz W. , Samujlo Bronisław
Published: October 2013

The effectiveness of the extrusion process depends on a number of factors, the most important being barrel design, e.g., longitudinal or helical grooves; screw, feed opening, and polymer hopper designs are significant in this respect, too. The effect of these factors on the extrusion process has been thoroughly discussed in the available literature. This notwithstanding, there is little information providing insight on the effect of a feed pocket made below the feed opening, on the side of the barrel toward which the screw rotates, on the main characteristics of the extrusion process. For the experiments, five special profile inserts with different feed pocket depths were made and then mounted in the extruder barrel equipped with a 25‐mm diameter screw. The extrusion of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) at the screw speed ranging from 30 to 150 rpm was investigated. Presented graphically as charts, the obtained results show the dependences of extrudate temperature, extruder screw torque, polymer output, power supplied to the extruder and conveyed by the polymer, unit energy consumption and energy efficiency on the feed pocket depth, and screw speed. It has been found that the feed pocket made in the extruder barrel has little effect on the course and effectiveness of plasticized PVC extrusion and does not worsen the studied properties of the received extrudate; yet, it should be taken into account to ensure the highest polymer output and lowest energy consumption. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2037–2045, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Sources of irreversibilities in a perfectly Axisymmetric geometry at low Reynolds numbers
Authors: Loux C. , Bouchet G. , Bouquey M. , Muller R.
Published: October 2013

In plastic industry, a large variety of polymeric materials are obtained by liquid–liquid mixing. Recently, a new type of mixer (later called RMX)—based on a convergent/divergent unit which favors elongational flow—was developed with improved efficiency in polymer blending compared to traditional shear flow‐based devices such as internal mixers or extruders. The present study aims at identifying the possible origins of the higher dispersive and distributive mixing capability of this device. An experimental study, including flow visualization, and numerical simulations of creeping flows induced by this original device was carried out for Newtonian, shear‐thinning and viscoelastic fluids. The predictedmixing capability is based on length stretch and Lyapunov exponent methods. Calculation results show a good agreement with experiments and highlight some fundamental mixing mechanisms, such as striation, for viscoelatic fluids. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2046–2056, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Surface proteomic analysis of differentiated versus stem‐like osteosarcoma human cells
Authors: Gemei Marica , Corbo Claudia , D'Alessio Francesca , Di Noto Rosa , Vento Renza , Del Vecchio Luigi
Published: October 2013

Cancer stem cell characterization represents a breakthrough in cancer research. Despite evidence showing the existence and the role of cancer stem cells in osteosarcoma (OS) onset and progression, little is known about their specific surface phenotype. To address this issue, we carried out a cytometric analysis with an antibody‐array comprising 245 membrane proteins comparing the stem and differentiated OS cells. As experimental model, we chose the stem‐like cell line 3aminobenzamide‐OS and its parental, differentiated, cell line MG63. We identified 50 differentially expressed, 23 homogeneously expressed, and 172 not expressed proteins in the two cell line models, thus defining a surface protein signature specific for each of them. Furthermore, we selected ERK1/2 (p44/42 mitogen‐activated protein kinases) as a potential pathway correlated with processes that characterize tumorigenic potential and stemness of 3aminobenzamide‐OS cells.
Optical Measurement of Peak Air Shock Pressures Following Explosions
Authors: McNesby Kevin L. , Biss Matthew M. , Benjamin Richard A. , Thompson Ronnie A.
Published: October 2013

High speed video and streak camera imaging are used to measure peak pressures for explosions of spherical charges of the high explosive C‐4 (92 % trimethylenetrinitramine, C3H6N6O6). The technique measures the velocity of the air shock produced by the detonation of the explosive charges, converts this velocity to a Mach number, and uses the Mach number to determine a peak shock pressure. Peak pressure measurements are reported from a few millimeters to approximately one meter from the charge surface. Optical peak pressure measurements are compared to peak pressures measured using piezoelectric pressure transducers, and to peak pressure measurements estimated using the blast computer code CONWEP. A discussion of accuracy of peak pressures determined optically is provided.
Exploring glyoxalase 1 expression in prostate cancer tissues: Targeting the enzyme by ethyl pyruvate defangs some malignancy‐associated properties
Authors: Baunacke Martin , Horn Lars‐Christian , Trettner Susanne , Engel Kathrin M.Y. , Hemdan Nasr Y.A. , Wiechmann Volker , Stolzenburg Jens‐Uwe , Bigl Marina , Birkenmeier Gerd
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

The glyoxalase (GLO)1 is part of a ubiquitous detoxification system in the glycolytic pathway of normal and tumor cells. It protects against cellular damage caused by cytotoxic metabolites.

METHODS

Aiming at exploring the role of GLO1 in prostate cancer, we evaluated and targeted the expression of GLO1 in prostate cancer tissues and cell lines and analyzed its correlation with grading systems and tumor growth indices.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical studies on 37 prostate cancer specimens revealed a positive correlation between Helpap‐grading and the cytoplasmic (P = 0.002)/nuclear (P = 0.006) GLO1 level. A positive correlation between Ki‐67 proliferation marker and the cytoplasmic GLO1 (P = 0.006) was evident. Furthermore, the highest GLO1 level was detected in the androgen‐sensitive LNCaP compared to the androgen‐independent Du‐145 and PC‐3 prostate cell lines and the breast cancer cell MCF‐7, both at protein and mRNA level. Treating cancer cells with ethyl pyruvate was found to defang some malignancy‐associated properties of cancer cells including proliferation, invasion and anchorage‐independent growth. In vitro results revealed that the potency of ethyl pyruvate is increased when cells are metabolically activated by growth stimulators, for example, by fetal calf serum, dihydrotestosterone, tumor growth factor‐β1 and leptin.

CONCLUSIONS

The positive correlation of GLO1 expression level in prostate cancer tissues with the pathological grade and proliferation rate may assign GLO1 as a risk factor for prostate cancer development and progression. Furthermore, our data indicate that inhibitors of GLO1 might be useful to decelerate the cancer cell growth by a novel therapeutic approach that we may call “induced metabolic catastrophe.” Prostate 74:48–60, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Flammable state and dilution requirement in the theoretical flammability diagram
Authors: Ma Tingguang , Larranaga Michael
Published: October 2013

A generic method is proposed to use the flammability diagram to determine the flammable state of a mixture and the dilution requirements. All graphs are derived from theory, without any empirical constants. This method is comprehensive and consistent with a same treatment for fuel(s)/oxidizer(s)/diluent(s). The theoretical LFL lines are generally lower than the experimental lines due to the assumption on constant flame temperature. So, the prediction is usually conservative, which is good for estimation purposes. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 33: 70–76, 2014
Short KR‐12 analogs designed from human cathelicidin LL‐37 possessing both antimicrobial and antiendotoxic activities without mammalian cell toxicity
Authors: Jacob Binu , Park Il‐Seon , Bang Jeong‐Kyu , Shin Song Yub
Published: October 2013

KR‐12 (residues 18–29 of LL‐37) was known to be the smallest peptide of human cathelicidin LL‐37 possessing antimicrobial activity. In order to optimize α‐helical short antimicrobial peptides having both antimicrobial and antiendotoxic activities without mammalian cell toxicity, we designed and synthesized a series of KR‐12 analogs. Highest hydrophobic analogs KR‐12‐a5 and KR‐12‐a6 displayed greater inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated tumor necrosis factor‐α production and higher LPS‐binding activity. We have observed that antimicrobial activity is independent of charge, but LPS neutralization requires a balance of hydrophobicity and net positive charge. Among KR‐12 analogs, KR‐12‐a2, KR‐12‐a3 and KR‐12‐a4 showed much higher cell specificity for bacteria over erythrocytes and retained antiendotoxic activity, relative to parental LL‐37. KR‐12‐a5 displayed the strongest antiendotoxic activity but almost similar cell specificity as compared with LL‐37. Also, these KR‐12 analogs (KR‐12‐a2, KR‐12‐a3, KR‐12‐a4 and KR‐12‐a5) exhibited potent antimicrobial activity (minimal inhibitory concentration: 4 μM) against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Taken together, these KR‐12 analogs have the potential for future development as a novel class of antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory therapeutic agents. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.