bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Denosumab and changes in bone turnover markers during androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Smith Matthew R , Saad Fred , Egerdie Blair , Sieber Paul , Tammela Teuvo LJ , Leder Benjamin Z , Ke Chunlei , Goessl Carsten
Published: August 2011

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer increases fracture risk, decreases bone mineral density, and increases bone turnover markers (BTMs) including serum type 1 C-telopeptide (sCTX), tartrate-resistant alkaline phosphatase 5b (TRAP-5b), and procollagen-1 N-terminal telopeptide (P1NP). In a prespecified exploratory analysis of a phase 3, multicenter, double-blind study, we evaluated the effects of denosumab (60 mg subcutaneously every 6 months for 3 years) versus placebo (1468 patients, 734 in each group) on BTM values. BTMs were measured at baseline, month 1, and predose at months 6, 12, 24, and 36 in the overall population. BTMs at month 1 are also reported for subgroups based on age (< 70 years versus ≥ 70 years), prior duration of ADT (≤ 6 months versus >6 months), and baseline BTM (≤ median versus > median BTM values). Treatment with denosumab provided a rapid and sustained decrease of BTM values compared with placebo. The median change in sCTX levels at month 1 was −90% in the denosumab group and −3% in the placebo group (p < 0.0001). The median change in TRAP-5b levels at month 1 was −55% in the denosumab group and −3% in the placebo group (p < 0.0001). The maximal median change in P1NP was −64% in the denosumab group and −11% in the placebo group, (p < 0.0001). Significantly greater decreases in BTM for denosumab were also seen in subgroup analyses based on age, prior ADT treatment, and baseline BTM values. Suppression of bone turnover markers was consistent with marked increases in bone mineral density reported previously. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
LPS induces phosphorylation of actin‐regulatory proteins leading to actin reassembly and macrophage motility
Authors: Kleveta Galyna , Borzęcka Kinga , Zdioruk Mykola , Czerkies Maciej , Kuberczyk Hanna , Sybirna Natalia , Sobota Andrzej , Kwiatkowska Katarzyna
Published: August 2011

Upon bacterial infection lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces migration of monocytes/macrophages to the invaded region and production of pro‐inflammatory mediators. We examined mechanisms of LPS‐stimulated motility and found that LPS at 100 ng/ml induced rapid elongation and ruffling of macrophage‐like J774 cells. A wound‐healing assay revealed that LPS also activated directed cell movement that was followed by TNF‐α production. The CD14 and TLR4 receptors of LPS translocated to the leading lamella of polarized cells, where they transiently colocalized triggering local accumulation of actin filaments and phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate. Fractionation of Triton X‐100 cell lysates revealed that LPS induced polymerization of cytoskeletal actin filaments by 50%, which coincided with the peak of cell motility. This microfilament population appeared at the expense of short filaments composing the plasma membrane skeleton of unstimulated cells and actin monomers consisting prior to the LPS stimulation about 60% of cellular actin. Simultaneously with actin polymerization, LPS stimulated phosphorylation of two actin‐regulatory proteins, paxillin on tyrosine 118 by 80% and N‐WASP on serine 484/485 by 20%, and these events preceded activation of NF‐κB. LPS‐induced protein phosphorylation and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton were inhibited by PP2, a drug affecting activity of tyrosine kinases of the Src family. The data indicate that paxillin and N‐WASP are involved in the reorganization of actin cytoskeleton driving motility of LPS‐stimulated cells. Disturbances of actin organization induced by cytochalasin D did not inhibit TNF‐α production suggesting that LPS‐induced cell motility is not required for TNF‐α release. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 80–92, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Autocrine abscisic acid mediates the UV‐B‐induced inflammatory response in human granulocytes and keratinocytes
Authors: Bruzzone Santina , Basile Giovanna , Mannino Elena , Sturla Laura , Magnone Mirko , Grozio Alessia , Salis Annalisa , Fresia Chiara , Vigliarolo Tiziana , Guida Lucrezia , De Flora Antonio , Tossi Vanesa , Cassia Raul , Lamattina Lorenzo , Zocchi Elena
Published: August 2011

UV‐B is an abiotic environmental stress in both plants and animals. Abscisic acid (ABA) is a phytohormone regulating fundamental physiological functions in plants, including response to abiotic stress. We previously demonstrated that ABA is an endogenous stress hormone also in animal cells. Here, we investigated whether autocrine ABA regulates the response to UV‐B of human granulocytes and keratinocytes, the cells involved in UV‐triggered skin inflammation. The intracellular ABA concentration increased in UV‐B‐exposed granulocytes and keratinocytes and ABA was released into the supernatant. The UV‐B‐induced production of NO and of reactive oxygen species (ROS), phagocytosis, and cell migration were strongly inhibited in granulocytes irradiated in the presence of a monoclonal antibody against ABA. Moreover, presence of the same antibody strongly inhibited release of NO, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) by UV‐B irradiated keratinocytes. Lanthionine synthetase C‐like protein 2 (LANCL2) is required for the activation of the ABA signaling pathway in human granulocytes. Silencing of LANCL2 in human keratinocytes by siRNA was accompanied by abrogation of the UV‐B‐triggered release of PGE2, TNF‐α, and NO and ROS production. These results indicate that UV‐B irradiation induces ABA release from human granulocytes and keratinocytes and that autocrine ABA stimulates cell functions involved in skin inflammation. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 2502–2510, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of moderate electrical stimulation on reactive species production by primary rat skeletal muscle cells: Cross talk between superoxide and nitric oxide production
Authors: Lambertucci Rafael Herling , dos Reis Silveira Leonardo , Hirabara Sandro Massao , Curi Rui , Sweeney Gary , Pithon‐Curi Tania Cristina
Published: August 2011

The effects of a moderate electrical stimulation on superoxide and nitric oxide production by primary cultured skeletal muscle cells were evaluated. The involvement of the main sites of these reactive species production and the relationship between superoxide and nitric oxide production were also examined. Production of superoxide was evaluated by cytochrome c reduction and dihydroethidium oxidation assays. Electrical stimulation increased superoxide production after 1 h incubation. A xanthine oxidase inhibitor caused a partial decrease of superoxide generation and a significant amount of mitochondria‐derived superoxide was also observed. Nitric oxide production was assessed by nitrite measurement and by using 4,5‐diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF‐2‐DA) assay. Using both methods an increased production of nitric oxide was obtained after electrical stimulation, which was also able to induce an increase of iNOS content and NF‐κB activation. The participation of superoxide in nitric oxide production was investigated by incubating cells with DAF‐2‐DA in the presence or absence of electrical stimulation, a superoxide generator system (xanthine–xanthine oxidase), a mixture of NOS inhibitors and SOD‐PEG. Our data show that the induction of muscle contraction by a moderate electrical stimulation protocol led to an increased nitric oxide production that can be controlled by superoxide generation. The cross talk between these reactive species likely plays a role in exercise‐induced maintenance and adaptation by regulating muscular glucose metabolism, force of contraction, fatigue, and antioxidant systems activities. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 2511–2518, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Niflumic acid blocks native and recombinant T‐type channels
Authors: Balderas Enrique , Ateaga‐Tlecuitl Rogelio , Rivera Manuel , Gomora Juan C. , Darszon Alberto
Published: August 2011

Voltage‐dependent calcium channels are widely distributed in animal cells, including spermatozoa. Calcium is fundamental in many sperm functions such as: motility, capacitation, and the acrosome reaction (AR), all essential for fertilization. Pharmacological evidence has suggested T‐type calcium channels participate in the AR. Niflumic acid (NA), a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug commonly used as chloride channel blocker, blocks T‐currents in mouse spermatogenic cells and Cl− channels in testicular sperm. Here we examine the mechanism of NA blockade and explore if it can be used to separate the contribution of different CaV3 members previously detected in these cells. Electrophysiological patch‐clamp recordings were performed in isolated mouse spermatogenic cells and in HEK cells heterologously expressing CaV3 channels. NA blocks mouse spermatogenic cell T‐type currents with an IC50 of 73.5 µM, without major voltage‐dependent effects. The NA blockade is more potent in the open and in the inactivated state than in the closed state of the T‐type channels. Interestingly, we found that heterologously expressed CaV3.1 and CaV3.3 channels were more sensitive to NA than CaV3.2 channels, and this drug substantially slowed the recovery from inactivation of the three isoforms. Molecular docking modeling of drug‐channel binding predicts that NA binds preferentially to the extracellular face of CaV3.1 channels. The biophysical characteristics of mouse spermatogenic cell T‐type currents more closely resemble those from heterologously expressed CaV3.1 channels, including their sensitivity to NA. As CaV3.1 null mice maintain their spermatogenic cell T‐currents, it is likely that a novel CaV3.2 isoform is responsible for them. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 2542–2555, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo MRS study of intraventricular tumors
Authors: Shah Tariq , Jayasundar Rama , Singh Virendera Paul , Sarkar Chitra
Published: August 2011

Purpose:

To evaluate the role of MR spectroscopy (MRS) as a noninvasive tool for characterization of intraventricular brain tumors.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty‐three intraventricular tumors, all histologically classified (11 central neurocytomas [CNC], 5 meningiomas [Men], other intraventricular tumors [OIV], including 2 anaplastic gliomas [WHO III], 1 tumor each of rhabdoid tumor, glioneuronal hamartoma, GBM, hemangiopericytoma, and subependymoma II), were studied by MRS before surgery using a point‐resolved spectroscopic sequence (PRESS).

Results:

Statistically significant differences (P < 0.03) were observed for NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr between CNCs and OIV. A significant difference (P < 0.01) was observed in the presence of Gly between the CNCs and meningiomas, and CNCs and OIV. In addition, the presence of Ala was also significantly different (P < 0.01) between OIV and meningiomas, and OIV and CNCs.

Conclusion:

The present study has shown that MRS can be useful in characterizing intraventricular tumor and distinguishing CNCs from meningiomas and other intraventricular tumors. Prior information about intraventricular tumor types could be useful to clinicians in planning treatment and resection strategy. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved quantification of brain perfusion using FAIR with active suppression of superior tagging (FAIR ASST)
Authors: Li Xiufeng , Sarkar Subhendra N. , Purdy David E. , Haley Robert W. , Briggs Richard W.
Published: August 2011

Purpose:

To address two problems for perfusion studies in the middle or inferior brain regions: (1) to reduce venous artifacts due to the intrinsic superior labeling of FAIR; (2) to alleviate the discrepancy of the existence of both superior and inferior boluses, but with only the inferior bolus having a temporally defined bolus width with Q2TIPs or QUIPSS.

Materials and Methods:

Superior tagging suppression methods for FAIR with different combinations of pre‐ and postinversion superior saturation pulses were evaluated and compared with FAIR with Q2TIPS for producing perfusion maps of superior, middle, and inferior brain regions.

Results:

One preinversion plus two postinversion superior saturation radio frequency pulses effectively suppressed the superior tagging of FAIR and sufficiently eliminated venous artifacts without negative effects, avoiding the overestimations of cerebral blood flow that can occur in FAIR.

Conclusion:

FAIR ASST improves FAIR with Q2TIPS and provides more reliable and accurate blood flow estimations for perfusion studies of middle and lower brain regions. FAIR ASST confers the advantages of asymmetric PASL techniques, such as PICORE, in which only the inferiorly labeled blood is used for perfusion quantification, to the symmetric PASL technique FAIR, while preserving the robustness of FAIR against MT effects. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anatomic dependency of phase shifts in the cerebral venous system of neonates at susceptibility‐weighted MRI
Authors: Niwa Tetsu , Aida Noriko , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Obata Takayuki , Kwee Thomas C. , Tachibana Yasuhiko , Shibasaki Jun , Takahara Taro
Published: August 2011

Purpose:

To assess the anatomic variation and age‐related changes of phase shifts in the neonatal cerebral venous system at susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI).

Materials and Methods:

Thirty‐five neonates who had undergone SWI and who did not have any intracranial or systemic abnormalities were retrospectively assessed. Phase shifts in the veins in the deep gray matter and in the cortical veins in the frontal, rolandic, and parietal areas were measured and compared. Correlations between phase ratio (ratio of the phase shift in the vein in the deep gray matter to that in the cortical veins) and gestational age at birth, gestational age at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and age after birth were assessed.

Results:

Phase shift in the veins in the deep gray matter was significantly higher than those in the cortical veins (P < 0.01). Among the cortical veins, the venous phase shift in the rolandic area was significantly higher than those in the frontal and parietal areas (P < 0.01). There was a negative correlation between the phase ratio and the gestational age at MRI (Spearman ρ = −0.35, P = 0.04).

Conclusion:

An anatomical variation in phase shifts was identified in the neonatal venous system. The observed reduction in phase shift differences between the veins in the deep gray matter and those in the cortex as gestational age at MRI increased may reflect brain development. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reactivation of overt and occult hepatitis B infection in various immunosuppressive settings
Authors: Coppola Nicola , Tonziello Gilda , Pisaturo Mariantonietta , Messina Vincenzo , Guastafierro Salvatore , Fiore Marco , Iodice Valentina , Sagnelli Caterina , Stanzione Maria , Capoluongo Nicolina , Pasquale Giuseppe , Sagnelli Evangelista
Published: August 2011

The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical and virological differences in HBV reactivation between patients with overt and occult HBV infection. Twenty‐three consecutive patients with symptomatic HBV reactivation occurring during or after immunosuppressive therapy were enrolled in a retrospective study: 10 with reactivation of overt HBV infection (overt group) and 13 of occult HBV infection (occult group). Twenty‐one patients were treated with nucleot(s)ide analogues after HBV reactivation. Regimens including rituximab or fludarabine were administered more frequently in the occult group (61% vs. 31%, respectively). HBV reactivation was severe frequently in the overt (40%) and occult groups (38.4%). Patients in the overt group showed higher HBV‐DNA titers (1.1 × 108 ± 1.4 × 108 vs. 5.1 × 105 ± 6.8 × 105 IU; P < 0.005). Seven patients died during HBV reactivation, two in the overt and five in the occult group. Of these seven patients, two remained untreated and five had been treated with Lamivudine; of the 16 patients showing remission of HBV reactivation, four had been treated with Lamivudine, four with Entecavir, two with Telbivudine, and six with Lamivudine plus Adefovir. It is concluded that HBV reactivation is life‐threatening in patients with diseases inhibiting the immune response and/or receiving immunosuppressive drugs. Supportive therapy without antiviral drugs or Lamivudine monotherapy may not be effective for treating patients with HBV reactivation. J. Med. Virol. 83:1909–1916, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Work‐related flow and energy at work and at home: A study on the role of daily recovery
Authors: Demerouti Evangelia , Bakker Arnold B. , Sonnentag Sabine , Fullagar Clive J.
Published: August 2011

In this diary study, we aimed to examine the moderating effects of the following: (i) recovery efforts at work and (ii) detachment from work on the relationship between work‐related flow and energy after work. Specifically, we hypothesized that flow would be beneficial for energy after work when employees failed (versus managed) to recover during work breaks. Additionally, we predicted that when employees experience flow at work, they would be more vigorous (and less exhausted) at the end of the day when they detached from work in the evening compared with days when they failed to detach. The study tracked 83 participants who completed daily surveys over four consecutive days. Results of multilevel analyses indicated that some characteristics of flow, such as absorption and enjoyment, were significantly associated with energy after work. Recovery at work and detachment from work moderated the relationship between flow (specifically the enjoyment component) and after‐work energy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The emergence of team helping norms: Foundations within members' attributes and behavior
Authors: Raver Jana L. , Ehrhart Mark G. , Chadwick Ingrid C.
Published: August 2011

This research examined the antecedents of organizational citizenship behavior helping norms in teams, specifically with regard to how members' personality, values, beliefs, and helping behavior predict the emergence of helping norms in newly formed project teams. We drew from theory on emergent phenomena and team composition research to propose and test a compilation model of how helping norms are influenced by having at least one member with particularly low (minimum) or high (maximum) levels of attributes that may influence helping‐norm development (i.e., conscientiousness, agreeableness, other‐oriented values, personal helping beliefs). We further examined the extent to which members' helping behaviors, as rated by peers, predicted helping norms and whether these behaviors mediated the relationship between individual attributes and helping norms. The results of a longitudinal study of 47 student project teams revealed that teams' minimums on agreeableness, other‐oriented values, and personal helping beliefs had direct relationships with helping‐norm emergence, and the effects of agreeableness were mediated through mean helping behavior. By contrast, teams' maximums on these attributes showed no relationships with helping norms, and only a team maximum on agreeableness was associated with teams' mean helping behavior. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of combined application of vermicompost and mineral fertilizer on the growth of Allium cepa L. and soil fertility
Authors: Srivastava Pankaj Kumar , Gupta Manjul , Upadhyay Rakesh Kumar , Sharma Suresh , Shikha  , Singh Nandita , Tewari Sri Krishna , Singh Bajrang
Published: August 2011

The promotion of organic farming involves curtailing extensive use of mineral fertilizers. The present study was aimed to compare the effects of vermicompost (10 Mg ha–1), commercial mineral fertilizer (NPK—100:80:80), and their combination on (1) the growth of a major cash crop “onion” (Allium cepa L.) and (2) the changes that may have occurred in the amended soil. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with four replications during the crop‐growing season of 2008/09. Results showed significantly higher plant growth in the combined/mix treatment of vermicompost and NPK, as measured by the vegetative growth of bulbs, number and length of tillers per bulb, and fresh weight of bulbs and by the biochemical characteristics of the onion tillers/leaves (total chlorophyll, caretenoids, protein, and total sugar contents). Comparison of the mixed treatment as compared to the control showed increases in bulb size (54%), total number of bulbs per bed (52%), and fresh weight of all bulbs (198%). The chemical properties and enzyme activity of the amended soil also improved significantly in the combined treatment as compared to the application of vermicompost or the mineral fertilizer alone. Total organic C, microbial biomass C, and sulfate content were significantly higher in the mix treatment, with increases of 60%, 127%, and 126%, respectively, as compared to those of the chemical‐fertilizer‐alone treatment. Similarly, β‐glucosidase, alkaline phosphatase, and dehydrogenase were significantly higher by 145%, 91%, 71%, respectively, in the mix treatment as compared to those of fertilizer‐alone application. This study indicates that application of a combination of mineral fertilizer and vermicompost in the field can positively influence the biological properties and fertility of soils, and support better plant growth, when compared to the application of mineral fertilizer or vermicompost alone. The study suggests that this combined application can reduce the quantity and cost of mineral‐fertilizers application for bulbous‐crop cultivation by 50%, while also sustaining soil biological activity of tropical and subtropical soils.
Problematic but promising ponds? Palaeoenvironmental evidence from the Norse Eastern Settlement of Greenland
Authors: Edwards Kevin J. , Schofield J. Edward , Kirby Jason R. , Cook Gordon T.
Published: August 2011

Pollen‐ and related proxy‐based studies of human–environment interactions during the Norse and later periods within Greenland have primarily involved the investigation of peat, lake and soil deposits, all of which have taphonomic and sampling problems. Many small ponds exist, but they seem to have been relatively ignored in investigations of palaeoecologically based environmental history. To evaluate their usefulness for studies of ecologically related cultural history, especially where sites are in intimate association with the archaeology, a pond in the Norse Eastern Settlement has been examined to investigate three principal questions: (i) Does such a site contain a useful record of environmental history? (ii) Does it offer a record of sufficient resolution and sensitivity for the study of anthropogenic landscape impacts? (iii) Are there any apparent drawbacks to these sequences? Using data obtained from palynological, diatom, sedimentological and radiocarbon analyses, it is concluded that environmental data for each proxy – aside from 14C dating – are clearly capable of being explained in a reasonably straightforward and compatible manner and fulfil the hopes for the sampling medium. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poor prognostic factors in patients with stage I gastric cancer according to the seventh edition TNM classification: A comparative analysis of three subgroups
Authors: Du Chunyan , Zhou Ye , Cai Hong , Zhao Guangfa , Fu Hong , Shi Ying‐Qiang
Published: August 2011

Background and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognosis of stage I gastric cancer and to compare clinicopathologic characteristics by subgroup.

Methods

Between January 2000 and December 2006, 384 patients with gastric cancer were reclassified as stage I according to the seventh edition classification. A comparative analysis was performed between three subgroups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted.

Results

The 5‐year overall survival rates in T1N0, T1N1, and T2N0 were 98.8%, 94.1%, 91.1%, respectively (P = 0.009). In patients with T2N0 gastric cancer, tumors in the upper third and larger tumors were more common than in patients with T1N0 and T1N1 gastric cancer (P < 0.001). In patients with T1N1 and T2N0 gastric cancer, the presence of lymphatic and/or blood vessel invasion (LBVI) and perineural invasion (PNI) were more common than in patients with T1N0 gastric cancer (P < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed tumor stage, depth of invasion, LBVI, and PNI were significant prognostic factors. However, multivariate analysis demonstrated that only tumor stage, LBVI, and PNI were significant variables.

Conclusions

Survival data support the accuracy of new TNM classification for stage I gastric cancer. Tumor stage, the presence of LBVI and PNI are important independent prognostic factors in stage I gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:323–328. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Focused ultrasound solid–liquid extraction and selective pressurised liquid extraction to determine bisphenol A and alkylphenols in sewage sludge by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Martínez‐Moral María P. , Tena María T.
Published: August 2011

A new method for determining endocrine disrupter compounds (EDCs) in sewage sludge is described in this paper. EDCs studied were bisphenol A (BPA) and alkylphenols (APs). In order to obtain a fast and simple method, selective pressurised liquid extraction (SPLE) and focused ultrasound solid–liquid extraction (FUSLE) were tested. Best results for SPLE were obtained using Florisil as clean‐up sorbent and dichloromethane as extraction solvent, while temperature was the only significant variable. Analyte extraction by SPLE was completed in only one extraction cycle of 1 min at 130°C. FUSLE was carried out in one step of 20 s at 75% power (0.5 cycles) and with 8 mL of ethyl acetate. Although the optimised FUSLE process was faster, simpler and cheaper, SPLE provided higher recovery values (ranging from 81 to 105%) and therefore SPLE‐based method was selected and validated. The SPLE and GC‐MS method showed an LOD of 10.7 ng/g for BPA and LODs between 1.2 and 41.6 ng/g for APs. Relative standard deviation values lower than 6% were obtained for all analytes. As a result, an efficient, fast and simple method based on SPLE and GC‐MS for the determination of BPA and APs in sewage sludge is proposed.
Optimization of simultaneous derivatization and extraction of aliphatic amines in water samples with dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction followed by HPLC
Authors: Kamarei Fahimeh , Ebrahimzadeh Homeira , Asgharinezhad Ali Akbar
Published: August 2011

Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic droplet (DLLME‐SFO) with simultaneous derivatization followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐diode array detection (HPLC‐DAD) was applied for preconcentration and determination of primary and secondary aliphatic amines in environmental water samples. A ternary mixture consisting of a disperser, an extractant and a derivatization reagent was used for the simultaneous derivatization and extraction of aliphatic amines in different water samples. The effects of various experimental parameters on derivatization and extraction efficiency were studied simultaneously using experimental design. A Plackett–Burman design was performed for screening of variables in order to determine the significant variables affecting the extraction efficiency. Then, the significant factors were optimized by using a Box–Behnken design (BBD) and the response surface equations were derived. Under optimal conditions, the preconcentration factors were between 210 and 290. The limit of detections (LODs) ranged from 0.005 to 0.02 μg/L and dynamic linear ranges (DLRs) of 0.05–500 and 0.1–500 μg/L were obtained for most of analytes. The performance of the method was evaluated for extraction and determination of primary and secondary aliphatic amines in environmental water samples in micrograms per liter and satisfactory results were obtained (RSDs <12.5%).
Lipschitz spaces with respect to Jacobi translation
Authors: Weinmann Andreas , Lasser Rupert
Published: August 2011

The Jacobi polynomials induce a translation operator on function spaces on the interval [− 1, 1]. For any homogeneous Banach space B w.r.t. this translation, we can study the according little and big Lipschitz spaces, \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathop {\rm lip}\nolimits _B(\lambda )$\end{document} and \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathop {\rm Lip}\nolimits _B(\lambda ),$\end{document} respectively. The big Lipschitz spaces are not homogeneous themselves.

Therefore we introduce semihomogeneous Banach spaces w.r.t. Jacobi translation, of which the big Lipschitz spaces are particular examples. We study the relation between semihomogeneous Banach spaces and their homogeneous counterparts. We give a characterisation of Lipschitz spaces in terms of intermediate spaces. Our main result is that, for an arbitrary homogeneous Banach space B, the bidual of the little Lipschitz space \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathop {\rm lip}\nolimits _B(\lambda )$\end{document} is the corresponding big one, namely \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathop {\rm Lip}\nolimits _B(\lambda ).$\end{document}
Bounds for linear functionals on convex sets
Authors: Roth Walter
Published: August 2011

We consider continuous monotone linear functionals on a locally convex ordered topological vector space that are sandwiched between a given \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$(\mathbb R\cup \lbrace +\infty \rbrace )$\end{document}‐valued sublinear and an \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$(\mathbb R\cup \nolinebreak \lbrace -\infty \rbrace )$\end{document}‐valued superlinear functional. We review conditions for the existence of such functionals and in our main results investigate their range of suprema and infima on a given convex subset. These yield effective versions of the Hahn‐Banach theorem which give easy access to various applications including separation properties for convex sets, a non‐Baire approach to the Uniform Boundedness theorem, the notion of sub‐and superharmonicity with respect to a subcone, and results for the extension of monotone affine functions.
Estimates for regularity of the tangential \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb,amsmath}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\bar{\partial }$\end{document}‐system
Authors: Khanh Tran Vu , Zampieri G.
Published: August 2011

We study ellipticity in a weak sense, such as fractional or logarithmic, of the system \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb,amsmath}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\big (\bar{\partial }_b,\bar{\partial }^*_b\big )$\end{document} tangential to a hypersurface or a generic higher codimensional submanifold \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb,amsmath}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$M\subset {\mathbb {C}}^n$\end{document}. The geometric setting which assures the estimates is the q‐pseudoconvexity/concavity of M in addition to the existence of a suitable family of weights in a strip or a tube around M. The basic estimates for the \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb,amsmath}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\bar{\partial }$\end{document}‐Neumann problem on q‐pseudoconvex/concave domains is related to the classical work by Shaw 17 and more recent by Zampieri 19. The method of the weights is due to Catlin 3 and the relation between the tangential and the ambient \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb,amsmath}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\bar{\partial }$\end{document} system on pseudoconvex domains is inspired to Kohn 14. Both these techniques are adapted here to a general Levi signature.
The Spin Probe Dynamics and the Free Volume in a Series of Amorphous Polymer Glass‐Formers
Authors: Švajdlenková H. , Iskrová M. , Šauša O. , Dlubek G. , Krištiak J. , Bartoš J.
Published: August 2011

We report the results of a combined study of the local structure and the reorientation dynamics in a series of five amorphous polymers of different fragility: cis‐trans‐1,4‐poly(butadiene) (c‐t‐1,4‐PBD), cis‐1,4‐poly(isoprene) (cis‐1,4‐PIP), poly(isobutylene) (PIB), poly(vinyl methylether)(PVME) and poly (propylene glycol) (PPG) by using two different probe methods. The reorientation dynamics of the molecular spin probe 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) from electron spin resonance (ESR) is related to the annihilation behaviour of the atomic ortho‐positronium (o‐Ps) one as obtained by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). It was found that a slow to fast transition in the spin probe rotation mobility at the operationally defined spectral temperature parameter, T50G, is connected with the mean o‐Ps lifetime, τ3 (T50G) = (2.04 ± 0.26) ns. Consequently, using the free‐volume concept of the o‐Ps annihilation in terms of a quantum‐mechanical model of o‐Ps lifetime this transition can be connected with the occurrence of the mean free volume hole, Vh (T50G) = (102 ± 17) Å3, nearly independent of the chemical composition and the basic structural relaxation parameters of the amorphous polymers investigated. Finally, the free volume hole distribution aspect of the slow to fast transition indicates the presence of a sufficient free volume fluctuation at T50G for both typical fragile PVME and strong PIB polymer and emphasizes the essential role of free volume in the spin probe dynamics.
Crystallization Behavior of Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and Their Blend (50:50 wt.%) Studied by 2D FT‐IR Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Unger Miriam , Sato Harumi , Ozaki Yukihiro , Siesler Heinz W.
Published: August 2011

Variable‐temperature FT‐IR spectra of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and a PHB/PCL (50:50 wt.%) blend were analyzed by two‐dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS). For this purpose the ν(CO) region was employed to characterize in some detail the crystallization behavior of the investigated polymer systems during cooling from the melt. The asynchronous 2D correlation spectra clearly captured the existence of three components in the crystallinity‐sensitive region of the CO stretching mode for PHB and PCL, respectively: a well‐ordered, an inter‐mediate and a less ordered crystalline state. Furthermore, by 2DCOS application a sequential order of the observed structural changes could be proposed for the whole temperature range during the crystallization of both polymers. In the case of the PHB/PCL (50:50 wt.%) polymer blend, we have split up the spectral data set in the sub‐sets between 200–120 °C and 70–30 °C for a more detailed 2DCOS analysis. In this way we could separate the crystallization process of PHB and PCL in the polymer blend.
Raman Analysis of Polymerization of APST Molecule
Authors: Šapić Iva Movre , Volovšek Vesna , Furić Krešimir , Bistričić Lahorija , Dananić Vladimir
Published: August 2011

In this work we investigated the solidification of aminopropylsilanetriol dissolved in water (∼25%) under different conditions by Raman spectroscopy. The solidification was carried out at three different temperatures 8 °C, 23 °C and 60 °C. The influence of electromagnetic radiation on the polymerization process was also studied. Samples were held to solidify in dark and at UV (254 nm and 356nm) spectral range. In order to investigate the influence of the substrate on the resulting polymer structure, teflon, PVC, glass, brass and silica were used. Best ordered polymerized structure was achieved for samples deposited on plastics and solidified in dark, at room temperature.
Mathematical Modeling of Depth‐Dose Response of Polymer‐Gel Dosimeters
Authors: Chain Jonathan N. M. , Nasr Abdullah T. , Schreiner L. John , McAuley Kim B.
Published: August 2011

A dynamic PDE model is developed to simulate the effects of radiation depth doses on polymer formation in polyacrylamide gel dosimeters. Depth doses are simulated using different types of radiation including Co60 γ and 6 and 15 MV X‐ray photon beams, along with 6, 9, 12, 16 and 20 MeV electron beams. Effects of monomer diffusion (edge enhancement) and temperature are studied. Diffusion results in excess polymer formation at the position of maximum dose (2.6% for Co60 γ‐radiation and less for other types of radiation studied). Temperature increases on the order of 2 °C increase the mass of polymer formed by ≈1.25%. The influence of dose‐rate dependence was also investigated. Results of this work provide insight for developing effective calibration curves using depth‐dose information.

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Modeling of Block Copolymer/Colloid Hybrid Composite Materials
Authors: Pinna Marco , Pagonabarraga Ignacio , Zvelindovsky Andrei V.
Published: August 2011

The interaction between a diblock copolymer and nanoscopic particles can lead to highly organized hybrid materials. The morphology of such hybrid materials depends on the polymer compositions as well on the shapes, sizes, and surface treatment of the particles. A hybrid mesoscopic approach to study the dynamics of nanocomposites composed from a block copolymer melt and a suspension of colloids is proposed. A collective description of the polymer dynamics is combined with the individual resolution of the colloids. The implementation of the method in two and three dimensions is described and the method is tested for different particle sizes, diblock copolymer compositions and polymer/colloid interactions.

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Remote real‐time monitoring of free flaps via smartphone photography and 3G wireless internet: A prospective study evidencing diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Engel Holger , Huang Jung Ju , Tsao Chung Kan , Lin Chia‐Yu , Chou Pan‐Yu , Brey Eric M. , Henry Steven L. , Cheng Ming Huei
Published: August 2011

This prospective study was designed to compare the accuracy rate between remote smartphone photographic assessments and in‐person examinations for free flap monitoring. One hundred and three consecutive free flaps were monitored with in‐person examinations and assessed remotely by three surgeons (Team A) via photographs transmitted over smartphone. Four other surgeons used the traditional in‐person examinations as Team B. The response time to re‐exploration was defined as the interval between when a flap was evaluated as compromised by the nurse/house officer and when the decision was made for re‐exploration. The accuracy rate was 98.7% and 94.2% for in‐person and smartphone photographic assessments, respectively. The response time of 8 ± 3 min in Team A was statistically shorter than the 180 ± 104 min in Team B (P = 0.01 by the Mann–Whitney test). The remote smartphone photography assessment has a comparable accuracy rate and shorter response time compared with in‐person examination for free flap monitoring. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
Thermodynamic Data of Ethylene–Propane Mixtures in Condensed and Supercritical State
Authors: Kröner Sebastian , Minjiong Wang , Bartke Michael
Published: August 2011

Thermodynamic data of ethylene/propane mixtures is technically relevant, since propane is one of the diluents used in commercial slurry polymerization of ethylene. Despite this commercial importance, there is almost no information on thermodynamic data of ethylene/propane mixtures available in open literature. In this study, thermodynamic data for the binary system ethylene/propane has been measured in the range relevant for slurry polymerization of ethylene, both in sub‐ and supercritical conditions. Phase equilibrium measurements have been carried out in the range of 40–80 °C with ethylene partial pressures up to 10 bar. Thermodynamic properties of supercritical mixtures have been measured in the range of 90–105 °C and ethylene fractions of up to 20 mol‐%. The measured data can be described in good agreement with the Peng–Robinson equation of state, modified by the Rackett model for density calculation. Missing parameters such as the interaction parameters as well as Rackett model parameters have been determined by parameter estimation based on our experimental results. The parameterized model can be used for further application in engineering sciences, e.g., calculation of properties not directly measurable such as densities and concentrations in liquid phase.

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Nitroxide‐Mediated Polymerization of an Organo‐Soluble Protected Styrene Sulfonate: Development of Homo‐ and Random Copolymers
Authors: Consolante Valerie , Marić Milan
Published: August 2011

Trioctylammonium p‐styrenesulfonate (SS‐TOA), is polymerized using the BlocBuilder unimolecular initiator and SG1. Polymerizations are controlled for low theoretical molecular weight, resulting in low polydispersities and a linear increase in $\overline {M} _{{\rm n}} $ up to ≈35% conversion. The product of the propagation rate constant and the equilibrium constant for SS‐TOA is 1.4–2 times that of styrene at the same temperature, suggesting its suitability as a controlling co‐monomer for BlocBuilder‐mediated NMP with methacrylates. SS‐TOA is effective as a controlling co‐monomer for gradient polymerization with GMA using NHS‐modified BlocBuilder. The resulting copolymer has a narrow, monomodal MWD and a linear increase in $\overline {M} _{{\rm n}} $ with conversion, suggesting SS‐TOA is an effective NMP co‐monomer.

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Polyvinyl alcohol/acrylamide based photopolymer composition as recording medium for high‐resolution volume‐phase holograms
Authors: Srivastava Alips , Sawant Shilpa M. , Mainali Lata , Bhatt Rahul , Gupta A. K. , Samui A. B.
Published: August 2011

A polyvinyl alcohol/acrylamide based photopolymer composition that can be used to record holograms (at 532 nm) with ~92% diffraction efficiency and stability extending over a period of several months has been prepared. This system has been investigated earlier but with limitations of diminishing grating efficiency as a function of time and humidity. In the present work, we have successfully addressed these problems. In this work, crosslinkers have been added both for monomer and binder, and the effect of this addition and concentrations of various components of the composition on the diffraction efficiency and recording energy has been studied. It was found that an optimum concentration exists for each component at which diffraction efficiency is the maximum and recording energy the minimum. It was also observed that addition of a crosslinking monomer improved the grating efficiency. Crosslinking of the binder further improved the grating efficiency and its stability over time and under high humidity conditions. Maximum possible resolution for this photopolymer has been found to be 2000 lines/mm. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of phenolic microspheres in water/“water” system
Authors: Xu Xu , Zhang Junying , Jin Zichao , Cheng Jue
Published: August 2011

Phenolic microspheres were obtained by condensation of resorcinol and formaldehyde via a novel water/“water” suspension polymerization (WWSP) system, which was proposed and constructed for the first time. Resorcinol/formaldehyde aqueous solutions, ammonium sulfate aqueous solution, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), and sodium hydroxyl were employed as water phase, “water” phase, stabilizer for protecting colloid, and catalyst, respectively. Stable and perfect phenolic microspheres were prepared in this special WWSP system. Particle sizes, size distribution, as well as morphology of microspheres were investigated by scanning electron microscope and computerized image analysis program. The results showed that particle size increased from 0.38 to 2.22 µm along with the increase of concentration of ammonium sulfate in “water” phase from 1.5% to 12.5% and the ratio of resorcinol to formaldehyde from 1:1.5 to 1:4. On the contrary, the particle size decreased from 1.80 to 0.30 µm with the increase of the amount of HEC from 0.1 to 1.0 g and amount of catalyst from 0.05 to 0.2 g. The polydispersity index value of the resulting microspheres is quite narrow, ranging from 1.01 to 1.30, which meant that the morphology of phenolic microspheres was unique. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and property comparison of ortho, meta, and para autocatalytic phthalonitrile compounds with amino group
Authors: Zhou Heng , Badashah Amir , Luo Zhenhua , Liu Feng , Zhao Tong
Published: August 2011

Phthalonitrile resins with many striking properties have drawn much attention as potential candidates for use in composite matrices, adhesives, films, and electrical conductors for the last 30 years. However, it is common shortcomings for phthalonitrile monomers to have high‐temperature melting point and need extreme conditions to develop binary phthalonitrile/additives composition. Here, three kinds of self‐catalyzed phthalonitrile compounds with low melting point were synthesized, whose structures were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. The different cure behaviors, owing to the different positions of catalyzed group on benzene ring, were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, and cure kinetics parameters were also calculated. The results showed that the meta and para position monomers possessed better reactivity. Melt‐processability study by a rheometer indicated that the ortho one owned the largest processing window. Furthermore, the FTIR spectra demonstrated that the cured monomers contained the same structure with a conventional binary phthalonitrile system. All the cured monomers had excellent thermal stability according to thermogravimetric analysis. Mechanical property was determined by dynamic mechanical analysis, and the results showed that the glass transition temperature (represented by the peak temperature of tanδ) was high up to 550°C for all the three cured monomers. Consequently, these autocatalytic phthalonitrile monomers may be good candidates as matrix for high‐performance polymeric materials. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of exposure accrual on sequential postmarket evaluations: a simulation study
Authors: Maro Judith C. , Brown Jeffrey S.
Published: August 2011

Purpose

We frame the challenges in conducting sequential database surveillance (SDS) analyses and use simulation techniques to illustrate one of these aspects: the accrual of exposed person‐time. We discuss the role of SDS analyses in the US Food and Drug Administration's planned Sentinel System and suggest the outline of a decision–analytic framework that might aid regulatory authorities in planning postmarket surveillance.

Methods

We trace exposure accrual using US Medicaid data for new molecular entities approved in 2005 and 2006 and simulate risk estimates that are observable using SDS by varying the event rate of the health outcome of interest (HOI) in the control group.

Results

Sequential database surveillance may considerably narrow risk estimates for most products within 2 years when the underlying control group HOI occurs commonly (i.e., at least 1 HOI/100 person‐years). Exposure accrual may be insufficient for detecting relative risks with infrequent, rare, or very rare HOIs (i.e., less frequent than 1 event/1000 person‐years). However, if SDS is used to quickly detect or rule out an incremental risk difference, then a majority of products are viable SDS candidates.

Conclusions

As a surveillance tool, SDS performs differently depending on whether its intended regulatory target is to narrow relative risk estimates or to confirm/rule out absolute levels of excess risk. These desired endpoints, in addition to the number of exposures available for analysis and the underlying HOI rates, influence the number of products that would be viable candidates for SDS. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.