bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of age and comorbidity on treatment and survival of patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Goossens‐Laan Catharina A. , Leliveld Anna M. , Verhoeven Rob H.A. , Kil Paul J.M. , de Bock Geertruida H. , Hulshof Maarten C.C.M. , de Jong Igle J. , Coebergh Jan Willem W.
Published: January 2014

Our study assessed whether rising age, socioeconomic status (SES) and the presence of serious comorbidity affected treatment choice and survival in a population‐based series of patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in The Netherlands. Therefore, a consecutive series was studied, including all patients diagnosed with MIBC between 1995 and 2009 in the Eindhoven Cancer Registry, preceding centralization of cystectomy. The independent effects of age, SES and serious comorbidity on therapy choice and their effects on overall survival were estimated by multivariate logistic regression and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses, respectively. Out of the 2,445 patients, 38% were aged ≥75 years at diagnosis and 63% had at least one serious comorbid condition. Higher age and serious comorbidity were independent predictors for abstaining from cystectomy, where SES was not (61–74 vs. ≤60: odds ratio [OR], 0.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.6–1.0; ≥75 vs. ≤60: OR, 0.1; 95% CI,0.1–0.2; one comorbid condition vs. none: OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5–0.9; two vs. none: OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.5–0.8). Patients undergoing cystectomy, external beam radiotherapy or interstitial radiotherapy survived longer independent of age, SES and serious comorbidity (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.4–0.5; HR: 0.8; 95% CI: 0.7–0.9; HR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.3–0.5, respectively). Consequently, preceding centralization of cystectomy, higher age and serious comorbidity were independent predictors for abstaining from cystectomy owing to an expected high rate of short‐term medical problems. As cystectomy is associated with a better survival, independently of age, SES and serious comorbidity, it can be questioned whether cystectomy has been underutilised in elderly and in patients with serious comorbidity. Centralization might be a solution for this suggested underutilisation.
Increased serum mitochondrial creatine kinase activity as a risk for hepatocarcinogenesis in chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Enooku Kenichiro , Nakagawa Hayato , Soroida Yoko , Ohkawa Ryunosuke , Kageyama Yuko , Uranbileg Baasanjav , Watanabe Naoko , Tateishi Ryosuke , Yoshida Haruhiko , Koike Kazuhiko , Yatomi Yutaka , Ikeda Hitoshi
Published: January 2014

Serum mitochondrial creatine kinase (MtCK) activity was reportedly increased in cirrhotic patients although less prominent than that in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. To elucidate the clinical significance of serum MtCK activity in chronic liver disease, 171 chronic hepatitis C patients were enrolled. Serum MtCK activity in study subjects was correlated with serum albumin, platelet counts, liver stiffness values and serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase. In mouse fibrotic liver induced by bile duct ligation, ubiquitous MtCK mRNA and protein expressions were significantly enhanced and its immunoreactivity was increased, predominantly in hepatocytes. During the mean follow‐up period of 2.7 years, HCC developed in 21 patients, in whom serum MtCK activity was significantly higher than that in patients without HCC development. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that higher serum MtCK activity was a risk for HCC development. A cutoff value of MtCK for the prediction of HCC development was determined as 9.0 U/L on receiver operating characteristics analysis, where area under receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.754, with a sensitivity of 61.9%, a specificity of 92.8% and a high negative predictive value of 94.2%. Cumulative incidence of HCC was significantly higher in patients with serum MtCK activity of >9.0 U/L compared to those with serum MtCK activity of ≤9.0 U/L even in patients with elevated liver stiffness value, >15 kPa. In conclusion, serum MtCK activity may be increased correlatively with the stage of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular damage. Increased serum MtCK activity is an independent risk for hepatocarcinogenesis in chronic hepatitis C patients.
Methylation marker analysis of self‐sampled cervico‐vaginal lavage specimens to triage high‐risk HPV‐positive women for colposcopy
Authors: Hesselink A.T. , Heideman D.A.M. , Steenbergen R.D.M. , Gök M. , van Kemenade F.J. , Wilting S.M. , Berkhof J. , Meijer C.J.L.M. , Snijders P.J.F.
Published: January 2014

Methylation markers were studied for their suitability to triage human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive women by testing self‐collected cervico‐vaginal lavage specimens. For this purpose, we analyzed 355 hrHPV‐positive self‐collected specimens with three methylation markers, that is, CADM1‐m18, MAL‐m1 and miR‐124‐2 by quantitative methylation‐specific PCR. The areas under the receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve for end‐point cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) were 0.637 for CADM1‐m18, 0.767 for MAL‐m1 and 0.762 for miR‐124‐2. This indicates that CADM1‐m18 is not suitable as single marker. By varying the thresholds of both markers in the bi‐marker panels CADM1‐m18/MAL‐m1, CADM1‐m18/miR‐124‐2 and MAL‐m1/miR‐124‐2 upper and lower ROC curves were obtained, depicting the maximum and minimum CIN3+ sensitivity, respectively, at given specificity. For all these bi‐marker combinations, the upper curves were similar. However, for the MAL‐m1/miR‐124‐2 panel, the distance between upper and lower ROC curves was closest and this panel displayed the highest assay thresholds, indicating that this combination was most robust. At clinical specificities of 50 and 70%, the MAL‐m1/miR‐124‐2 sensitivity for detection of CIN3+ ranged from 77.0 to 87.8% and from 64.9 to 71.6%, respectively. At 70% specificity thresholds no carcinomas were missed. By comparison, the CIN3+ sensitivity of HPV16/18 genotyping on the self‐sampled lavage specimens was 58.1% (95%CI: 46.6–68.8) at a specificity of 87.7% (95%CI: 83.2–91.2). In conclusion, methylation analysis is a promising triage tool that in combination with HPV‐DNA testing offers feasible, full molecular screening on self‐collected cervico‐vaginal lavage specimens.
Rapid 3D fluorescence imaging of individual optically trapped living immune cells
Authors: Wolfson Deanna , Steck Michael , Persson Martin , McNerney Gregory , Popovich Ana , Goksör Mattias , Huser Thomas
Published: January 2014

We demonstrate an approach to rapidly characterize living suspension cells in 4 dimensions while they are immobilized and manipulated within optical traps. A single, high numerical aperture objective lens is used to separate the imaging plane from the trapping plane. This facilitates full control over the position and orientation of multiple trapped cells using a spatial light modulator, including directed motion and object rotation, while also allowing rapid 4D imaging. This system is particularly useful in the handling and investigation of the behavior of non‐adherent immune cells. We demonstrate these capabilities by imaging and manipulating living, fluorescently stained Jurkat T cells. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Teriparatide (PTH 1-34) Treatment Increases Peripheral Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Yu Elaine W , Kumbhani Ruchit , Siwila-Sackman Erica , DeLelys Michelle , Preffer Frederic I , Leder Benjamin Z , Wu Joy Y
Published: January 2014

Cells of the osteoblast lineage play an important role in regulating the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche and early B-cell development in animal models, perhaps via parathyroid hormone (PTH)-dependent mechanisms. There are few human clinical studies investigating this phenomenon. We studied the impact of long-term daily teriparatide (PTH 1-34) treatment on cells of the hematopoietic lineage in postmenopausal women. Twenty-three postmenopausal women at high risk of fracture received teriparatide 20 mcg sc daily for 24 months as part of a prospective longitudinal trial. Whole blood measurements were obtained at baseline, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Flow cytometry was performed to identify hematopoietic subpopulations, including HSCs (CD34+/CD45(moderate); ISHAGE protocol) and early transitional B cells (CD19+, CD27-, IgD+, CD24[hi], CD38[hi]). Serial measurements of spine and hip bone mineral density (BMD) as well as serum P1NP, osteocalcin, and CTX were also performed. The average age of study subjects was 64 ± 5 years. We found that teriparatide treatment led to an early increase in circulating HSC number of 40% ± 14% (p = 0.004) by month 3, which persisted to month 18 before returning to near baseline by 24 months. There were no significant changes in transitional B cells or total B cells over the course of the study period. In addition, there were no differences in complete blood count profiles as quantified by standard automated flow cytometry. Interestingly, the peak increase in HSC number was inversely associated with increases in bone markers and spine BMD. Daily teriparatide treatment for osteoporosis increases circulating HSCs by 3 to 6 months in postmenopausal women. This may represent a proliferation of marrow HSCs or increased peripheral HSC mobilization. This clinical study establishes the importance of PTH in the regulation of the HSC niche within humans. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
How Tough Is Brittle Bone? Investigating Osteogenesis Imperfecta in Mouse Bone
Authors: Carriero Alessandra , Zimmermann Elizabeth A , Paluszny Adriana , Tang Simon Y , Bale Hrishikesh , Busse Bjorn , Alliston Tamara , Kazakia Galateia , Ritchie Robert O , Shefelbine Sandra J
Published: January 2014

The multiscale hierarchical structure of bone is naturally optimized to resist fractures. In osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, genetic mutations affect the quality and/or quantity of collagen, dramatically increasing bone fracture risk. Here we reveal how the collagen defect results in bone fragility in a mouse model of osteogenesis imperfecta (oim), which has homotrimeric α1(I) collagen. At the molecular level, we attribute the loss in toughness to a decrease in the stabilizing enzymatic cross-links and an increase in nonenzymatic cross-links, which may break prematurely, inhibiting plasticity. At the tissue level, high vascular canal density reduces the stable crack growth, and extensive woven bone limits the crack-deflection toughening during crack growth. This demonstrates how modifications at the bone molecular level have ramifications at larger length scales affecting the overall mechanical integrity of the bone; thus, treatment strategies have to address multiscale properties in order to regain bone toughness. In this regard, findings from the heterozygous oim bone, where defective as well as normal collagen are present, suggest that increasing the quantity of healthy collagen in these bones helps to recover toughness at the multiple length scales. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Rapid Quantification of Efavirenz in Human Plasma by Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kailasa Suresh Kumar , Wu Hui‐Fen
Published: January 2014

We report a rapid and sensitive method for detecting efavirenz in human plasma by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS). Detection of efavirenz in human plasma samples was confirmed by acquiring MS/MS of protonated efavirenz at m/z 316.5 to yield the characteristic fragment ions at m/z 298, 274, 272, 251, 246, 237, 232, 203 and 168, respectively. This approach provided good linearity for the quantification of efavirenz (R2 = ∼0.9989), with good precision (RSD >10%) and limit of detection (0.20 nM). This method can be widely applied for precise quantitative analysis of a variety of drugs in clinical samples.
Exosomal ATF3 RNA Attenuates Pro‐Inflammatory Gene MCP‐1 Transcription in Renal Ischemia‐Reperfusion
Authors: Chen Hsi‐Hsien , Lai Pei‐Fang , Lan Yi‐Fan , Cheng Ching‐Feng , Zhong Wen‐Bing , Lin Yuh‐Feng , Chen Tzen‐Wen , Lin Heng
Published: January 2014

Transcriptional repressor activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is induced by various stress stimuli, including inflammation‐induced renal injury. In addition, ATF3 also down‐regulates adhesion molecules like intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1). However, the relation between up‐regulated ATF3 after renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and MCP‐1 is not completely understood. In this study, we demonstrated that, in renal I/R induced inflammation, induction of adhesion molecules (interleukin‐6, P‐selectin, E‐selectin, ICAM, VCAM, and MCP‐1) was higher in ATF3‐knockout mice than in wild‐type animals. Molecular and biochemical analyses revealed that ATF3 binds to the ATF/CRE sites in the MCP‐1 promoter and inhibits the secretion of MCP‐1 from renal epithelial cells after I/R injury. Urinary exosome containing ATF3 RNA was 60‐fold higher in patients with acute kidney injury than in normal controls, but no difference in total urinary ATF3 RNA levels was found. In addition, in vitro study showed that exosome containing ATF3 RNA derived from epithelial cells also inhibits MCP‐1 expression in the epithelial cells and macrophage migration. Furthermore, direct administration of the epithelium‐derived exosomal ATF3 RNA attenuates I/R induced kidney injury. Together, our studies reveal a novel regulatory mechanism of MCP‐1 expression mediated by the exosomal ATF3 RNA under renal I/R insult and suggest a potential targeted therapy for I/R induced acute kidney injury. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1202–1211, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Liquefaction necrosis of mitral annulus calcification
Authors: Mallisho Maram , Hwang Inyong , Alsafwah Shadwan F.
Published: January 2014

Liquefaction necrosis of the mitral annulus is a rare form of peri‐annular calcification that the cardiologist must be able to differentiate from other cardiac masses. It classically looks like a round or semilunar hyperdense mass with a denser peripheral rim, located mainly in the posterior mitral annulus. The case we report here was diagnosed in a 78‐year‐old female patient who presented with an embolic cerebral vascular accident, which raises the question of its etiopathogenic responsibility. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:382–383, 2014
Splenic littoral cell hemangioendothelioma: Report of a case with hepatic metastases and review of the literature
Authors: He Ping , Yan Xi‐De , Wang Jin‐Rui , Guo Run‐Cai , Zhang Hua‐Bin
Published: January 2014

Littoral cell tumors are unique to the spleen and are different from all other primary splenic tumors. These tumors may be divided into three types: “littoral cell angioma,” “littoral cell hemangioendothelioma,” and “littoral cell angiosarcoma.” We present a patient with splenic littoral cell hemangioendothlioma accompanied by hepatic metastases. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:308–312, 2014
Two‐ and three‐dimensional prenatal sonographic diagnosis of alagille syndrome
Authors: Wax Joseph R. , Chard Renée , Pinette Michael G. , Cartin Angelina
Published: January 2014

We describe a case of Alagille syndrome diagnosed by second‐trimester ultrasound. Features included the characteristic prominent chin, single umbilical artery, and hemivertebrae. Three‐dimensional imaging demonstrated classic butterfly vertebrae, which were not otherwise appreciable. Alagille syndrome may be detected by second‐trimester ultrasound in the at‐risk fetus. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:293–296, 2014
Polyethylene Glycol Mediated, One‐Pot, Three‐Component Synthetic Protocol for Novel 3‐[3‐Substituted‐5‐mercapto‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl]‐spiro‐(indan‐1′,2‐thiazolidin)‐4‐ones as New Class of Potential Antimicrobial and Antitubercular Agents
Authors: Pandey Sarvesh Kumar , Ahamd Akeel , Pandey O. P. , Nizamuddin Khan
Published: January 2014

A series of 3‐[3‐substituted‐5‐mercapto‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl]‐spiro‐(indan‐1′,2‐thiazolidin)‐4‐ones 2 were designed for the purpose of searching for novel antimicrobial agents and have been synthesized conveniently in a single step with a three‐component protocol in polyethylene (400) as green reaction media. Thus, the condensation reaction between indane‐1‐one; 4‐amino‐5‐mercapto‐1,2,4‐triazoles and mercaptoacetic acid in polyethylene glycol (400) gave quantitatively and analytically pure titled compounds 2. The structure of synthesized compound 2 is based on spectral (IR, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR) as well elemental analyses. These compounds have been screened for their antibacterial, antifungal, and antitubercular activities. Some of them have showed significant inhibition on fungal and bacterial growth and antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The compounds 2a, 2d, and 2e display antifungal activity against Candida albicans [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 3.13, 6.25 µg/mL] and antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae (MIC 3.13 µg/mL) of the order of standard drugs tested under similar conditions, and compound 2a showed better antitubercular activity than other compounds against M. tuberculosis (H37Rv strain, MIC 12.5 µg/mL).
Measurement of rat brain tumor kinetics using an intravascular MR contrast agent and DCE‐MRI nested model selection
Authors: Chwang Wilson B. , Jain Rajan , Bagher‐Ebadian Hassan , Nejad‐Davarani Siamak P. , Iskander A.S.M. , VanSlooten Ashley , Schultz Lonni , Arbab Ali S. , Ewing James R.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

Using dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) in a rat glioma model, and nested model selection (NMS), to compare estimates of the pharmacokinetic parameters vp, Ktrans, and ve for two different contrast agents (CAs)—gadofosveset, which reversibly binds to human serum albumin, and gadopentetate dimeglumine, which does not.

Materials and Methods

DCE‐MRI studies were performed on nine Fisher 344 rats inoculated intracerebrally with 9L gliosarcoma cells using both gadofosveset and gadopentetate. The parameters vp, Ktrans, and ve were estimated using NMS.

Results

Ktrans estimates using gadofosveset, compared to gadopentetate, differed in their means (gadofosveset 0.025 ± 0.008 min−1 vs. gadopentetate 0.046 ± 0.011 min−1; P = 0.0039). This difference notwithstanding, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the two estimates of Ktrans showed nearly perfect linear dependence (ICC = 0.8479 by Pearson's r). Other estimates, ve (gadofosveset 22.7 ± 4.7% vs. gadopentetate 23.6 ± 5.6%; P = 0.4258) and vp (gadofosveset 1.5 ± 0.5% vs. gadopentetate 1.6 ± 0.4%; P = 0.25), were not different in their means between the two CAs, and there was almost perfect agreement for ve (ICC = 0.8798) and substantial agreement for vp (ICC = 0.7981) between the two CAs.

Conclusion

Estimates of Ktrans were statistically different using gadofosveset and gadopentetate, whereas ve and vp were similar with two CAs. NMS produced robust estimates of pharmacokinetic parameters using DCE‐MRI that show promise as important measures of tumor physiology and microenvironment. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1223–1229. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Features of the hypointense solid lesions in the female pelvis on T2‐weighted MRI
Authors: Park Sung Bin
Published: January 2014

Most solid lesions in the female pelvis appearing hyperintense on T2‐weighted images should be interpreted as malignant. In contrast, if the solid lesions in the female pelvis appear hypointense on T2‐weighted images they may be benign. The characteristic imaging features of hyperintense solid lesions in the female pelvis on T2‐weighted images are well known, but various unusual causes and imaging features of hypointense solid lesions in the female pelvis on T2‐weighted images can be particularly misleading. Therefore, careful assessment of hypointense solid lesions in the female pelvis on T2‐weighted images is warranted. In this article, we demonstrate a variety of hypointense solid lesions in the female pelvis on T2‐weighted images. Familiarity with the clinical setting and imaging features of hypointense solid lesions in the female pelvis on T2‐weighted images will facilitate prompt, accurate diagnosis and treatment. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:493–503. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Noncontrast mapping of arterial delay and functional connectivity using resting‐state functional MRI: A study in Moyamoya patients
Authors: Christen Thomas , Jahanian Hesamoddin , Ni Wendy W. , Qiu Deqiang , Moseley Michael E. , Zaharchuk Greg
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To investigate if delays in resting‐state spontaneous fluctuations of the BOLD (sfBOLD) signal can be used to create maps similar to time‐to‐maximum of the residue function (Tmax) in Moyamoya patients and to determine whether sfBOLD delays affect the results of brain connectivity mapping.

Materials and Methods

Ten patients were scanned at 3 Tesla using a gradient‐echo echo planar imaging sequence for sfBOLD imaging. Cross correlation analysis was performed between each brain voxel signal and a reference signal comprised of either the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) or whole brain (WB) average time course. sfBOLD delay maps were created based on the time shift necessary to maximize the correlation coefficient, and compared with dynamic susceptibility contrast Tmax maps. Standard and time‐shifted resting‐state BOLD connectivity analyses of the default mode network were compared.

Results

Good linear correlations were found between sfBOLD delays and Tmax using the SSS as reference (r2 = 0.8, slope = 1.4, intercept = −4.6) or WB (r2 = 0.7, slope = 0.8, intercept = −3.2). New nodes of connectivity were found in delayed regions when accounting for delays in the analysis.

Conclusion

Resting‐state sfBOLD imaging can create delay maps similar to Tmax maps without the use of contrast agents in Moyamoya patients. Accounting for these delays may affect the results of functional connectivity maps. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:424–430.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bare finger 3D air‐touch system with embedded multiwavelength optical sensor arrays for mobile 3D displays
Authors: Wang Guo‐Zhen , Huang Yi‐Pai , Chang Tian‐Sheuan
Published: January 2014

A camera‐free 3D air‐touch system was proposed. Hovering, air swiping, and 3D gestures for further interaction with the floated 3D images on the mobile display were demonstrated. By embedding multiwavelength optical sensors into the display pixels and adding angular‐scanning illuminators with multiwavelength on the edge of the display, the flat panel can sense images reflected by a bare finger from different heights. In addition, three axis (x, y, z) information of the reflected image of the fingertip can be calculated. Finally, the proposed 3D air‐touch system was successfully demonstrated on a 4‐inch mobile 3D display.
Multi‐planar plenoptic displays
Authors: Ranieri Nicola , Heinzle Simon , Barnum Peter , Matusik Wojciech , Gross Markus
Published: January 2014

Multi‐planar plenoptic displays consist of multiple spatially varying light‐emitting and light‐modulating planes. In this work, we introduce a framework to display light field data on this new type of display device. First, we present a mathematical notation that describes each of the layers in terms of the corresponding light transport operators. Next, we explain an algorithm that renders a light field with depth into a given multi‐planar plenoptic display and analyze the approximation error. We show two different physical prototypes that we have designed and built: The first design uses a dynamic parallax barrier and a number of bi‐state (translucent/opaque) screens. The second design uses a beam splitter to co‐locate two pairs of parallax barriers and static image projection screens. We evaluate both designs on a number of different 3D scenes. Finally, we present simulated and real results for different display configurations.
α‐Tocopherol transfer protein is not required for the discrimination against γ‐tocopherol in vivo but protects it from side‐chain degradation in vitro
Authors: Grebenstein Nadine , Schumacher Monika , Graeve Lutz , Frank Jan
Published: January 2014

Scope

The mechanisms underlying the preferential retention of a single compound (α‐tocopherol (αT)) of the eight vitamin E compounds in the body are incompletely understood. We hypothesized that vitamin E metabolism and not the hepatic α‐tocopherol transfer protein (TTP) is responsible for the discrimination against non‐αT congeners.

Methods and results

TTP knockout and wild‐type mice (n = 12/group) were fed equimolar concentrations of αT and γ‐tocopherol (γT; 50 mg/kg diet each) alone or together with sesamin (2 g/kg diet) for 6 wk. Inhibition of vitamin E metabolism with sesamin, but not TTP knockout, increased γT tissue concentrations. TTP‐expressing and TTP‐free cells were incubated with equimolar concentrations of αT and γT (25 μmol/L each) with or without sesamin (2 μmol/L). The preferential degradation of γT independently of TTP expression was confirmed and a decrease in the production of the metabolite γ‐carboxyethyl hydroxychromanol (CEHC) with increasing TTP expression revealed. Displacing γT from TTP in these cells by incubation with increasing αT concentrations enhanced the secretion of γ‐CEHC in TTP‐transfected cells, suggesting that TTP might protect γT from β‐oxidation.

Conclusions

We conclude that vitamin E metabolism and not TTP controls γT concentrations in vivo and observed an interaction of TTP with vitamin E metabolism that results in reduced production of the metabolite γ‐CEHC.
Ectopic expression of the male BmDSX affects formation of the chitin plate in female Bombyx mori
Authors: Duan Jianping , Xu Hanfu , Ma Shangyuan , Guo Huizheng , Wang Feng , Zhang Liying , Zha Xingfu , Zhao Ping , Xia Qingyou
Published: January 2014

Mating structures are involved in successful copulation, intromission, and/or insemination. These structures enable tight coupling between external genitalia of two sexes. During Bombyx mori copulation, the double harpagones in the external genitalia of males clasp the female chitin plate, which is derived from the larval eighth abdominal segment; abnormal development of the female chitin plate affects copulation. We report that ERK phosphorylation (p‐ERK) and expression of Abdominal‐B (Abd‐B) in the posterior abdomen of the female adult is lower than in the male. Ectopic expression of the male‐specific spliced form of B. mori doublesex (BmdsxM) in females, however, up‐regulates Abd‐B and spitz (spi) expression, increasing EGFR signaling activity, and thus forming an abnormal chitin plate and reduced female copulation. These findings indicate that Bmdsx affects the development of the eighth abdominal segment by regulating the activity of EGFR signaling and the expression of Abd‐B, resulting in an extra eighth abdominal segment (A8) in males versus the loss of this segment in adult females. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Choosing arrival process models for service systems: Tests of a nonhomogeneous Poisson process
Authors: Kim Song‐Hee , Whitt Ward
Published: January 2014

Service systems such as call centers and hospital emergency rooms typically have strongly time‐varying arrival rates. Thus, a nonhomogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) is a natural model for the arrival process in a queueing model for performance analysis. Nevertheless, it is important to perform statistical tests with service system data to confirm that an NHPP is actually appropriate, as emphasized by Brown et al. [8]. They suggested a specific statistical test based on the Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) statistic after exploiting the conditional‐uniform (CU) property to transform the NHPP into a sequence of i.i.d. random variables uniformly distributed on [0,1] and then performing a logarithmic transformation of the data. We investigate why it is important to perform the final data transformation and consider what form it should take. We conduct extensive simulation experiments to study the power of these alternative statistical tests. We conclude that the general approach of Brown et al. [8] is excellent, but that an alternative data transformation proposed by Lewis [22], drawing upon Durbin [10], produces a test of an NHPP test with consistently greater power. We also conclude that the KS test after the CU transformation, without any additional data transformation, tends to be best to test against alternative hypotheses that primarily differ from an NHPP only through stochastic and time dependence. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 61: 66–90, 2014
Change in sleep duration and visceral fat accumulation over 6 years in adults
Authors: Chaput Jean‐Philippe , Bouchard Claude , Tremblay Angelo
Published: January 2014

Objective

To investigate the relationship between change in sleep duration and long‐term visceral adiposity change in adults.

Methods

A longitudinal analysis was conducted on 293 participants, aged 18‐65 years, followed for a mean of 6.0 ± 0.9 years. At baseline and year 6, sleep duration was self‐reported and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) assessed using computed tomography. Multivariable modeling was used to examine the association between change in sleep duration and VAT change over the 6‐year time period, with adjustments made for age, sex, change in BMI, personal characteristics, energy intake, and physical activity.

Results

Participants gained an average of 19.2 ± 37.3 cm2 in VAT over the follow‐up period. Baseline short (≤6 h/day) and long (≥9 h/day) sleepers gained significantly more VAT than those reporting sleeping 7‐8 hours a night (23.4 and 20.2 cm2 vs. 14.1 cm2, respectively, P < 0.05). Using continuous data, we observed that the change in sleep duration was not associated with VAT change. However, a change in sleep duration from ≤6 h/day to 7‐8 h/day was associated with 6 cm2 fewer VAT gain after multivariable adjustment (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

A spontaneous change in sleep duration (from a short to an adequate duration) is independently and inversely associated with long‐term VAT accumulation.
Public affairs in Hungary today: summarized through the eyes of a practitioner
Authors: Kanyó László
Published: January 2014

This is not an academic overview on public affairs in Hungary, as this has already been written very well by many others. I would like to share my views and experience as a practitioner and give a quick insight into how public affairs is regarded in my country and how it developed after the change of the political system in Central and Eastern Europe. I will refrain from explaining what public relations or public affairs entails as I think this is unnecessary for anyone reading this. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hepatoblastoma and hypoplastic kidneys: A new association
Authors: Chan Randall , Mascarenhas Leo , Venkatramani Rajkumar
Published: January 2014

Both hepatoblastoma and hypoplastic kidneys are rare in children. A review of all patients with hepatoblastoma treated at our institution between 1993 and 2011 revealed three cases of hepatoblastoma occurring in children with hypoplastic kidneys and significantly impaired renal function. Two patients were treated with doxorubicin‐based therapy without cisplatin. One was treated with carboplatin. The former two are long‐term survivors while the third patient died of sepsis following chemotherapy. This association is unlikely due to chance alone and chemotherapy regimens without cisplatin may be effective in treating these children. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:1476–1478. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fabrication of conducting polyaniline‐coated halloysite coaxial structure nanocomposites via in situ oxidative graft polymerization
Authors: Liu Yushan , Liu Yongzhao , Jiang Xiaoqing , Liu Tiezhu , Yan Xiaoshe , Fan Yafei , Cai Qiang , Zhang Jianmin , Zhang Liuxue
Published: January 2014

The preparation of conducting γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane halloysite (APHNTs)/polyaniline (PANI) coaxial tubular nanocomposite was conducted via in situ oxidative polymerization after the surface modification of the halloysite nanotubes' (HNTs) surface with γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (γ‐APTES) as modifier and aniline as monomer in the presence of hydrochloric acid (HCl). The products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. The surface coatings of the γ‐APHNTs and the γ‐APHNTs/PANI hybrids were characterized with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The morphology of γ‐APHNTs/PANI nanocomposites were examined by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The electrical conductivities of the γ‐APHNTs/PANI were measured using SDY‐4 Four‐Point Probe Meter. The results showed that the concentration of HCl had no effect on the morphologies and the electrical conductivities of the γ‐APHNTs/PANI nanocomposites increased with more HCl added. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1759–1766, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and structure–property of polyamide 6/Macrogol/attapulgite nanocomposites
Authors: Liu Yanli , Liu Si , Yin Cuiyu
Published: January 2014

Polyamide 6/Macrogol/attapulgite (PA6/PEG/AT) nanocomposites were synthesized by the two‐step‐melt polymerization method, in which firstly PA6/AT oligomer was prepared through in‐site polymerization and then the corresponding nanocomposite was synthesized by the block copolymerization between PA6/AT hard segment and Macrogol (PEG) soft segment. Additionally, PA6/PEG/AT nanofibers were made. The results demonstrated that the AT added into the PA6/PEG system promoted the heterogeneous nucleation, and thus increased the crystallizability. And with the increase in AT content, the crystallization temperature, the temperature of thermal decomposition and mechanical intensity of nanocomposites all increased; and meanwhile both the elasticity, and the melting drip and smog from burning PA6/PEG/AT fibers obviously decreased. Then nanocomposites with lower AT content possessed higher elasticity and better dispersion of the filler. Thus, heat‐resistant and flame retardant composites with high intensity or high elasticity can be prepared by means of adjusting the right proportion of PA6, AT, and PEG. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1852–1857, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Controllable synthesis and characterization of poly(aniline‐co‐pyrrole) using anionic spherical polyelectrolyte brushes as dopant and template
Authors: Huang Yu , Su Na , Zhang Xiongzhi , Zhao Junjie , Li Houbin , Liu Xinghai , Zhang Haining
Published: January 2014

A poly(aniline‐co‐pyrrole), using anionic spherical polyelectrolyte brushes (ASPB) as dopant and template, was synthesized by chemical oxidation polymerization. The composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and electrical studies. The SEM images confirmed that the composites had a spherical‐like structure, with a size of ca. 170 nm. The FTIR spectra showed the intermolecular interaction between poly(aniline‐co‐pyrrole) and ASPB. The XRD analysis revealed that the interplanar distance of the copolymers increased from 0.373 nm to 0.391 nm. The electrical conductivity of the poly(aniline‐co‐pyrrole)/ASPB nanocomposites at room temperature was 8.3 S cm−1, higher than that of the conducting copolymers (2.1 S cm−1). These conductive nanocomposites have nanoparticle size, controllable morphology, and the potential for application in inkjet electronic printing. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1858–1863, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
The effect of hybridization on mechanical properties of woven kenaf fiber reinforced polyoxymethylene composite
Authors: Dan‐Mallam Yakubu , Abdullah Mohamad Zaki , Yusoff Puteri Sri Melor Megat
Published: January 2014

The challenges of using natural fibers in polymer composites include high moisture uptake and poor interfacial bonding with thermoplastic matrix. In this study, the effect of hybridization was investigated to address the challenges of high moisture uptake and balanced mechanical properties in natural fiber reinforced polymer composites. Polyethylene terephthalate fiber (PET) was used in woven kenaf reinforced POM due to its hydrophobic characteristics. The results of tensile test showed that the tensile strength of the interwoven POM/kenaf/PET hybrid composite when tested along kenaf fiber direction, increased from 72 to 85 MPa due to increase in fiber content. Similarly, the tensile strength of the interwoven POM/kenaf/PET hybrid composite increased from 67 to 75 MPa. However, the flexural strength of the interwoven POM/kenaf/PET hybrid composite dropped from 160.1 to 104.9 MPa while that of woven POM/kenaf composite dropped from 191.4 to 90.3 MPa. The interwoven hybrid composite also showed significant improvement in impact strength compared to the woven POM/kenaf composite. The water absorption of the woven POM/kenaf composite dropped by approximately 30% due to hybridization with PET fiber. The results confirmed that hybridization with PET fiber significantly improved the tensile and impact properties of the woven composite and increased its resistance to moisture uptake. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1900–1910, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of natural oils on the thermal stability and degradation kinetics of recycled polypropylene wood flour composites
Authors: Poletto Matheus , Zattera Ademir J. , Santana Ruth M.C.
Published: January 2014

Recycled polypropylene was reinforced with wood fibers that were non‐treated and treated with different natural oils (hexanoic, octanoic, decanoic and dodecanoic acids). The thermal properties, morphology, kinetics and thermodynamic parameters were investigated. The use of natural oils as coupling agents clearly improved the interfacial adhesion with the matrix and increased the thermal stability of the composites. Octanoic acid improved the thermal stability of the composite the most compared with the other evaluated natural oils. The improvement caused by this natural oil is similar to that promoted by the addition of PPgMA. The thermal stability of the composite was affected by the boiling temperature and the chain length of the acid used. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1935–1942, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Recycling of textile waste into green composites: Performance characterization
Authors: Mishra Rajesh , Behera Bijoya , Militky Jiri
Published: January 2014

Recycling of any waste is as such a worldwide phenomenon. In this context application of textile waste for development of some value added product has been thought of in this work. Textile fabric waste is collected from various sources. These waste materials are garneted, so as to produce loose fibrous material. Subsequently this fibrous material was converted into nonwoven web and also twisted strand for manufacturing of 3D woven preforms to be used in composites. In case of nonwoven preforms, the webs are produced by combining polypropylene with cotton component with different proportions. Composites of various specifications are developed to examine their application in several end uses. These composite materials are characterized for their mechanical and thermal behavior in order to find out the response against tensile loading, impact force and thermal loading. The effects of moisture absorption on mechanical properties of these composites are investigated. As the percentage of PP fibres is increased in the web, mechanical performance of the composite material is improved in general. The exposure of composite material to high humidity condition has not shown any significant change in their mechanical behavior. 3D woven fabric reinforced composite produced by using garneted fibre yarn and virgin cotton OE yarn didn't exhibit any significant difference in the mechanical and thermal behavior of composite. The results confirmed that textile waste material can be safely used as reinforcing structure in composite manufacturing. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1960–1967, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Systematic review of the clinical prediction rules for the calculation of the risk of Down syndrome based on ultrasound findings in the second trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Moreno‐Cid María , Tenías Burillo José María , Rubio‐Lorente Ana , Rodríguez María José , Bueno‐Pacheco Gema , Román‐Ortiz Carmen , Arias Ángel
Published: January 2014

Objective

The objective of this article is to systematically review the various published clinical prediction rules used to calculate the risk of Down syndrome (DS) after carrying out an ultrasound in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Method

A systematic search in the main bibliographic databases was carried out. Three independent observers identified the odds ratios and regression coefficients that allowed for the estimation of the risk of DS after ultrasound screening. Four of the clinical prediction rules were integrated into a computer application (ecodown 2.0®).

Results

A total of ten clinical prediction rules were found. Three had been validated, two internally and one externally. We empirically checked the accuracy of the clinical prediction rule estimates obtained from 2216 ultrasound scans performed at our hospital. The application of the clinical prediction rules elaborated by Nicolaides and Zhong to the 2216 ultrasound scans showed a low concordance.

Conclusions

Clinical prediction rules allow for the integration of second‐trimester ultrasound findings to calculate the risk of DS. However, results from the different clinical prediction rules are not concordant and may generate situations of overestimation or underestimation of the risk of DS. It is thus necessary to validate these clinical prediction rules externally to decide which is most suitable for clinical use. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal analysis and non‐isothermal kinetics of poly(ethylene glycol) with different molecular weight
Authors: Wei Ting , Zheng Baicun , Yi Hongling , Gao Yanfeng , Guo Weihong
Published: January 2014

This study focuses on comprehensively investigating polyethylene glycol (PEG) with different molecular weight. Thermal properties of the PEGs were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), as well as gradual melting and freezing tests with thermocouples. Results show that the degree of PEG crystallization increased with the increasing of the molecular weight of polymers. The temperatures of pure PEG 1000 and PEG 1000‐PEG 600 blends ranged from 20 to 50°C. The apparent activation energy of pure PEG1000 was 300 kJ/mol, whereas that of the PEG blend was 239 kJ/mol. During the crystallization process, Avrami index n ranged from 5 to 3 and half‐crystallization time t1/2 decreased with the acceleration of the crystallization rate R. This difference was due to the increase in polydispersity of the PEG system and decrease in the degree of crystallization. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2872–2876, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Increasing cell homogeneity of semicrystalline, biodegradable polymer foams with a narrow processing window via rapid quenching
Authors: Wright Zachary C. , Frank Curtis W.
Published: January 2014

Biodegradable polymer foams have the potential to lessen environmental burdens caused by traditional petroleum‐based plastics. One such family of alternatives, poly(hydroxyalkanoates), have tremendous potential in this regard, but have poor foamability owing to a narrow thermal processing window. Of particular interest for this study is poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐valerate) (PHBV). Two chemical blowing agents were tested for their ability to create low density, closed‐cell PHBV foams, and it is shown here that sodium bicarbonate decreases the bulk density compared to azodicarbonamide blowing agents but with the loss of a closed‐cell structure. To counter this, PHBV foams were quenched with water, leading to faster crystalline formation in the polymer matrix. As a result of faster solidification, a more uniform, closed‐cell bubble morphology was entrapped in the final foam product, leading to high‐expansion ratio foam. Thus, PHBV, a material with poor melt strength, has enhanced melt properties for foaming applications when crystallization is induced on the same time scale as cell coalescence. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2877–2886, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Factors Associated with Variability in Rifampin Plasma Pharmacokinetics and the Relationship between Rifampin Concentrations and Induction of Efavirenz Clearance
Authors: Kwara Awewura , Cao Lei , Yang Hongmei , Poethke Pamela , Kurpewski Jaclynn , Tashima Karen T. , Mahjoub Behrang D. , Court Michael H. , Peloquin Charles A.
Published: January 2014

Study Objectives

To identify factors associated with variability in rifampin plasma pharmacokinetics and explore the relationship between rifampin pharmacokinetics and change in efavirenz plasma pharmacokinetics with rifampin coadministration.

Methods

In this randomized, cross‐over study, 12 healthy volunteers received either efavirenz 600 mg/day or efavirenz 600 mg with rifampin 600 mg/day for 8 days. After a washout period of at least 2 weeks, subjects crossed over to the alternate 8‐day regimen. Samples were obtained for pharmacokinetic assessment on day 8 of each study cycle. Drugs concentrations were determined by a validated high‐performance liquid chromatography. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental analysis. Multivariate analysis was used to examine factors associated with rifampin pharmacokinetics. Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate relationship between rifampin pharmacokinetics and change in efavirenz plasma pharmacokinetics with rifampin coadministration.

Measurements and Main Results

Of 11 evaluable subjects, the median interquartile range, rifampin peak concentration (Cmax), area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC0–24 hour), and weight‐normalized clearance were 8.9 (7.3–13.8) μg/ml, 48.8 (29.6–67.4) μg·h/ml, and 0.19 (0.11–0.29) L/h/kg, respectively. Solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1 (SLCO1B1) c.388A→G and SLCO1B1 c.463C→A polymorphisms jointly had significant effect on rifampin Cmax (R2 = 0.75). Male sex and SLCO1B1 c.463C→A polymorphism together influenced rifampin AUC0–24 hour (R2 = 0.52) and weight‐normalized clearance (R2 = 0.65). All four volunteers with rifampin Cmax less than 8 μg/ml (lower end of the normal range) had c.463CA genotype. Rifampin Cmax and AUC0–24 hour had no significant relationship with the efavirenz AUC0–24 hour ratio or weight‐normalized clearance ratio in the presence versus absence of rifampin (p>0.05).

Conclusions

Men with the SLCO1B1c.463CA genotype are at increased risk of lower rifampin plasma exposure. However, plasma rifampin concentrations did not correlate with the extent of induction of efavirenz clearance by rifampin during coadministration.