bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
De novo 5q14.3 translocation 121.5‐kb upstream of MEF2C in a patient with severe intellectual disability and early‐onset epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Saitsu Hirotomo , Igarashi Noboru , Kato Mitsuhiro , Okada Ippei , Kosho Tomoki , Shimokawa Osamu , Sasaki Yuki , Nishiyama Kiyomi , Tsurusaki Yoshinori , Doi Hiroshi , Miyake Noriko , Harada Naoki , Hayasaka Kiyoshi , Matasumoto Naomichi
Published: October 2011

Recent studies have shown that haploinsufficiency of MEF2C causes severe intellectual disability, epilepsy, hypotonia, and cerebral malformations. We report on a female patient with severe intellectual disability, early‐onset epileptic encephalopathy, and hypoplastic corpus callosum, possessing a de novo balanced translocation, t(5;15)(q13.3;q26.1). The patient showed upward gazing and tonic seizure of lower extremities followed by generalized clonic seizures at 4 months of age. Electroencephalogram showed hypsarrhythmia when asleep. By using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), southern hybridization and inverse PCR, the translocation breakpoints were determined at the nucleotide level. The 5q14.3 breakpoint was localized 121.5‐kb upstream of MEF2C. The 15q26.2 breakpoint was mapped 119‐kb downstream of LOC91948 non‐coding RNA. We speculate that the translocation may disrupt the proper regulation of MEF2C expression in the developing brain, resulting in severe intellectual disability and early‐onset epileptic encephalopathy. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ionic Liquids: New Perspectives for Inorganic Synthesis?
Authors: Freudenmann Dominic , Wolf Silke , Wolff Michael , Feldmann Claus
Published: October 2011

Ionic liquids are credited with a number of unusual properties. These include a low vapor pressure, a wide liquid‐phase range, weakly coordinating properties, and a high thermal/chemical stability. These properties are certainly of great interest for inorganic synthesis and the creation of novel inorganic compounds. On the other hand, the synthesis repertoire for preparing inorganic compounds has always been broad, ranging from syntheses in solutions and melts to solid‐state reactions, and from crystal growth in the gas phase to high‐pressure syntheses. What new aspects can ionic liquids then add to the synthesis of inorganic compounds? This Minireview uses some early examples to show that the use of ionic liquids indeed provides access to unusual inorganic compounds.
Some interesting phenomena in silica‐filled HNBR with the addition of silane coupling agent
Authors: Ye Xin , Tian Miao , Zhang Li‐Qun
Published: October 2011

Hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR)/silica nanocomposites were prepared by in‐situ modification dispersion technology, and the silane coupling agent γ‐methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane (KH570) was chosen to promote the interfacial strength between silica particles and HNBR matrix and further improve the dispersion of silica particles. Rubber Process Analyzer (RPA2000) was used to test the Payne effect of HNBR/silica compounds, from which some interesting phenomena were found: the Payne effect became stronger after KH570 was added to HNBR/silica compound at room temperature, which was a contrary result compared to SBR/silica system. However, after stored for a month at room temperature, the Payne effect weakened, which was contrary to the traditional phenomenon of storage hardening of filled rubber. All these results are related to filler–filler interaction and filler–rubber interaction. The modulus at small strain amplitude of HNBR/silica compound with KH570 gradually decreased with the increase of times of circulatory strain sweep but that of compound without KH570 had almost no change, which was explained by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) results that the reaction between silica and KH570 almost completed at the test condition: 80°C and about 1 h. The effects of silane amount, heat‐treated temperature and time on the Payne effect of compounds and the mechanical properties of vulcanizates were also investigated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation, mechanical properties of waterborne polyurethane and crosslinked polyurethane‐acrylate composite
Authors: Xu Heping , Qiu Fengxian , Wang Yingying , Yang Dongya , Wu Wenling , Chen Zusheng , Zhu Junhua
Published: October 2011

The waterborne polyurethane (PU) prepolymer was first prepared based on isophorone diisocyanate, polyether polyol (NJ‐210), dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA), and hydroxyethyl methyl acrylate via in situ method. The crosslinked waterborne polyurethane‐acrylate (PUA) dispersions were prepared with the different functional crosslinkers. The chemical structures, optical transparency, and thermal properties of PU and PUA were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, and differential scanning calorimetry. Some physical properties of the aqueous dispersions such as viscosity, particle size, and surface tension were measured. Some mechanical performances and solvent resistance of PUA films were systemically investigated. The experimental results showed that the particle sizes of the crosslinked PUA aqueous dispersions were larger than the PU and increased from 57.3 to 254.4 nm. When the ratios of BA/St, BA/TPGDA, and BA/TMPTA were 70/30, PUA films exhibited excellent comprehensive mechanical properties. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the film were 2.17 MPa and 197.19%. When the ratio of BA/St was 30/70, the film had excellent water resistance and was only 6.47%. The obtained PUA composites have great potential application such as coatings, leather finishing, adhesives, sealants, plastic coatings, and wood finishes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
N‐benzoyl‐N′N′‐disubstituted thioureas—A new binary accelerator system and its effect of nucleophilicity in sulfur vulcanization of natural rubber
Authors: Reshmy R. , Thomas K. Kurien , Sulekha A.
Published: October 2011

The effect of several new binary accelerator systems were studied with special emphasis to the relationship of nucleophilicity to their rheological and mechanical properties. In this study, dialkyl/azacycloalkyl substituted benzoylthioureas (BTU 1‐5) were used as secondary accelerators (SA) along with three different primary accelerators (PA) viz., Cyclohexylbenzthiazylsulfonamide (CBS), Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) or Zincdithiocarbamate(ZDC) in the sulfur vulcanization of natural rubber. The effect of these secondary accelerators on the rheological and mechanical properties was found to be improved when compared to the reference mixes. It is noted that the N‐benzoyl‐N′N′‐piperidinylthiourea (BTU 4) is more effective as a secondary accelerator due to the higher nucleophilicity of the same when compared with the test compounds. The ZDC‐BTU gives the best result as binary accelerator system in natural rubber. Chemical characterization was carried out by determining the total crosslink density. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Properties of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene/talc composites
Authors: Sung Y. T. , Fasulo P. D. , Rodgers W. R. , Yoo Y. T. , Yoo Y. , Paul D. R.
Published: October 2011

The morphology, tensile, impact properties, and thermal expansion behavior of polycarbonate (PC)/acrylonitrile‐styrene‐butadiene (ABS)/talc composites with different compositions and mixing sequences were investigated. From the studies of morphology of the PC/ABS/talc composites, it was observed that some talc particles were located in both the PC and the ABS phases of the blend but most were at the interface between the PC and ABS phases for every mixing sequence. Aspect ratios of the talc particles determined by TEM image analysis reasonably matched values computed from tensile modulus using composite theory. The thermal expansion behavior, or CTE values, was not significantly influenced by the mixing sequence. The impact strength of the PC/ABS/talc composites depended significantly on the mixing sequence; a premix with PC gave the poorest toughness. The molecular weight of the PC in PC/talc composites was found to be significantly decreased. It appears that the impact strength of the PC/ABS/talc composites is seriously compromised by the degradation of the PC caused by talc. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Adsorption of perfluorinated compounds on thin‐film composite polyamide membranes
Authors: Kwon Young‐Nam , Shih Kaimin , Tang Chuyang , Leckie James O.
Published: October 2011

The adsorption behavior of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), of various chain lengths and two different functional groups, on widely used thin‐film composite polyamide membranes has been investigated. Three commercially available polyamide membranes and two classes of PFCs were evaluated: Dow‐Filmtech BW30, NF90, and NF270 membranes; perfluorosulfonic and perfluoroalkanoic acid with 5, 7, 9, and 11 carbon atoms. The adsorption of PFCs on the membranes strongly depended on the active skin‐top layer material of the membranes, solution chemistry, and structure of PFCs. The piperazine based NF270 membrane showed higher adsorption of PFCs compared to BW30 and NF90 membranes (FT‐30 type membranes). The BW30 membrane, which has a coating layer of aliphatic carbons and hydroxyl groups on the surface of the polyamide substrate, had less interaction with PFCs than the NF90 polyamide membrane had. The adsorption of PFCs increased with increasing ionic strength, decreasing pH, and in divalent ion solutions. PFCs with longer chain lengths and more hydrophobic functional groups showed more attractive interactions with thin‐film composite membranes and, thus, greater adsorption on the membranes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Degradation of crosslinked poly(ester‐urethanes) elastomers in distilled water: Influence of hard segment
Authors: Oprea Stefan
Published: October 2011

Polyurethane elastomers are frequently used in wet conditions. Crosslinked polyurethanes based on poly(ethylene adipate) diol, 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 1,6 hexane diisocyanate—with different hard‐segment compositions but with the same molecular weight soft segment—were degraded in distilled water at 37°C, in a specific environment; in the dark without exposure to enzymatic conditions and under the continuous circulation of water. The incubation of polymer samples took place over a period of maximum 30 days. The degradation process was evaluated by the changes in mechanical properties and surface relief observed by optical microscopy. The changes in hydrogen bonding were collected through attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy which indicated that aliphatic diisocyanates allow for a better formation of hydrogen bonds. The mechanical properties of the degraded films show that the crosslinked polyurethanes containing aromatic diisocyanate suffer a decrease in tensile strength between 33 and 56% depending on the chain extender and hard segment content. The hydrolytic degradation behavior of crosslinked polyurethanes was found to be dependent on the diisocyanate and chain extender structure, as well as on the hard segment content and chemical crosslinks. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Prediction of progression of radiographic knee osteoarthritis using tibial trabecular bone texture
Authors: Woloszynski T. , Podsiadlo P. , Stachowiak G. W. , Kurzynski M. , Lohmander L. S. , Englund M.
Published: October 2011

Objective

To develop a system for predicting the progression of radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) using tibial trabecular bone texture.

Methods

We studied 203 knees with (n = 68) or without (n = 135) radiographic tibiofemoral OA in 105 subjects (90 men and 15 women with a mean age of 54 years) in whom 2 sets of knee radiographs were obtained 4 years apart. We determined medial and lateral compartment tibial trabecular bone texture using an automated region selection method. Three texture parameters were calculated: roughness, degree of anisotropy, and direction of anisotropy based on a signature dissimilarity measure method. We evaluated tibiofemoral OA progression using a radiographic semiquantitative outcome: an increase in the medial joint space narrowing (JSN) grade. We examined the predictive ability of trabecular bone texture in knees with and those without preexisting radiographic OA, with adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index, using logistic regression (generalized estimating equations) and receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

The prediction of increased medial JSN in knees with or without preexisting radiographic OA was the most accurate for medial trabecular bone texture; the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.77 and 0.75, respectively. For lateral trabecular bone texture, the AUC was 0.71 in knees with preexisting OA and 0.72 in knees without preexisting OA.

Conclusion

We have developed a system, based on analyzing tibial trabecular bone texture, which yields good prediction of loss of tibiofemoral joint space. The predictive ability of the system needs to be further validated.
The role of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography in the assessment of disease activity in patients with Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Lee Kwang‐Hoon , Cho Arthur , Choi Yun‐Jung , Lee Sang‐Won , Ha You‐Jung , Jung Se‐Jin , Park Min‐Chan , Lee Jong‐Doo , Lee Soo‐Kon , Park Yong‐Beom
Published: October 2011

Objective

The assessment of disease activity in Takayasu arteritis (TA) is difficult in clinical situations because clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters do not always reflect the actual inflammation of the arterial wall. We undertook this study to comprehensively investigate the role of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) in the assessment of disease activity in patients with TA.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of 53 FDG‐PET scans in 38 patients with TA. We measured 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) accumulation in the vascular wall of the large vessel using semiquantitative (visual grade) and quantitative (standard uptake value intensity) analyses. Clinical disease activity was evaluated based on the National Institutes of Health criteria for active TA, and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESRs) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured.

Results

At baseline, active vascular 18F‐FDG uptake (visual grade ≥2) was observed in 18 of 24 patients with active disease and in 5 of 14 patients with inactive disease. There was a significant association between clinical disease activity and disease activity judged by FDG‐PET (P = 0.008). Visual grade, standard uptake value intensity, and the number of vascular lesions with active 18F‐FDG uptake were significantly higher in patients with active disease and correlated well with the ESR and CRP levels. In 15 followup FDG‐PET scans, the changes in visual grade, areas of active vascular 18F‐FDG uptake, and standard uptake value intensity reflected changes in clinical disease activity.

Conclusion

18F‐FDG uptake was associated with clinical disease activity and markers of inflammation, and FDG‐PET reflected changes in clinical disease activity in patients with TA. FDG‐PET may be a useful tool for aiding in the assessment of disease activity in patients with TA.
Coenzyme Q10 in male infertility: Physiopathology and therapy
Authors: Mancini Antonio , Balercia Giancarlo
Published: October 2011

Both the bioenergetic and the antioxidant role of CoQ10 suggest a possible involvement in sperm biochemistry and male infertility. CoQ10 can be quantified in seminal fluid, where its concentration correlates with sperm count and motility. It was found that distribution of CoQ10 between sperm cells and seminal plasma was altered in varicocele patients, who also presented a higher level of oxidative stress and lower total antioxidant capacity. The effect of vericocelectomy on partially reversing these biochemical abnormalities is discussed. The redox status of coenzyme Q10 in seminal fluid was also determined: an inverse correlation was found between ubiquinol/ubiquinone ratio and hydroperoxide levels and between this ratio and the percentage of abnormal sperm forms. After the first in vitro observations CoQ10 was administered to infertile patients affected by idiopathic asthenozoospermia, originally in an open label study and then in three randomized placebo‐controlled trials; doses were around 200–300 mg/day and treatment lasted 6 months. A significant increase in the concentration of CoQ10 was found, both in seminal plasma and sperm cells. Treatment also led to a certain improvement in sperm motility. In one of the studies there was also a decrease in plasma levels of follicle stimulating horhone (FSH) and luteinizine horhone (LH). Administration of CoQ10 may play a positive role in the treatment of asthenozoospermia, possibly related to not only to its function in the mitochondrial respiratory chain but also to its antioxidant properties. Further studies are needed in order to determine whether there is also an effect on fertility rate.
Biochemical rationale and experimental data on the antiaging properties of CoQ10 at skin level
Authors: Blatt Thomas , Littarru Gian Paolo
Published: October 2011

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a key component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and, therefore, is essential for the bioenergetics of oxidative phosphorylation. It is also endowed with antioxidant properties, and recent studies pointed out its capability of affecting the expression of different genes. In this review, we analyze the data on the mechanisms by which CoQ10 interacts with skin aging processes. The effect of CoQ10 in preserving mitochondrial function cooperates in maintaining a proper energy level, which serves to prevent the aging skin from switching to anaerobic energy production mechanisms. Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity of CoQ10 contributes to a positive effect against UV‐mediated oxidative stress. Some of these effects have been assessed also in vivo, by the sensitive technique of ultraweak photoemission. Finally, CoQ10 has been shown to influence, through a gene induction mechanism, the synthesis of some key proteins of the skin and to decrease the expression of some metalloproteinase such as collagenase. These mechanisms may also contribute to preserve collagen content of the skin.
Biosynthesis of Sesqui‐ and Diterpenes by the Gibberellin Producer Fusarium fujikuroi
Authors: Brock Nelson L. , Tudzynski Bettina , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: October 2011

The fungus Fusarium fujikuroi IMI58289 emits a complex pattern of volatile terpenoids including two major compounds, the sesquiterpene alcohol α‐acorenol and the diterpene ent‐kaurene. ent‐Kaurene is the precursor for the phytohormone gibberellic acid (GA3) and is produced from geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) via ent‐copalyl diphosphate by the bifunctional ent‐copalyl diphosphate/ent‐kaurene synthase (CPS/KS). Several structurally related diterpenes were identified as side products of the CPS/KS. Deletion of the cps/ks gene or the whole GA3 biosynthetic gene cluster resulted in completely abolished diterpene production. Mutants with deletions of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase gene P450‐4, which is responsible for the three oxidation steps from ent‐kaurene to ent‐kaurenoic acid en route to GA3, accumulate diterpene hydrocarbons. Feeding with [6,6,6‐2H3] mevalonolactone gave insights into the stereochemistry of the GGPP cyclisation, which operates with a chair–chair‐“antipodal” fold. A rational biosynthetic scheme for all identified sesquiterpenes demonstrated their formation from farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) via three alternative initial cyclisations. Genome sequencing revealed the presence of five putative sesquiterpene synthase genes in the F. fujikuroi genome. The structures of several trace compounds from other classes have been identified as new natural products; these were delineated from their mass spectra and unambiguously assigned by comparison to synthetic references.
Contrast medium volume to creatinine clearance ratio: A predictor of contrast‐induced nephropathy in the first 72 hours following percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Tan Ning , Liu Yong , Zhou Ying‐Ling , He Peng‐Cheng , Yang Jun‐Qing , Luo Jian‐Fang , Chen Ji‐Yan
Published: October 2011

Objectives: To investigate the predictive value of the contrast media volume to creatinine clearance (V/CrCl) ratio for the risk of contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) (i.e., within 48–72 hr) and to determine a relatively safe V/CrCl cut‐off value to avoid CIN in patients following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background: The V/CrCl ratio is a pharmacokinetic risk factor for an early abnormal increase in serum creatinine (i.e., within 24 hr) after PCI. Methods: V/CrCl ratios were obtained from 1,140 consecutive consenting patients after unselective PCI. Receiver‐operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify the optimal sensitivity for the observed range of V/CrCl. The predictive value of V/CrCl for the risk of CIN was assessed using multivariate logistic regression. Results: Fifty‐five (4.8%) patients out of 1,140 developed CIN. There was a significant association between higher V/CrCl ratio values and risk of CIN in the overall population: 1.4%, 1.4%, 5.7%, and 10.9% for quartile 1 (Q1) of the V/CrCl value (<1.56, n = 283), Q2 (1.56–2.27, n = 289), Q3 (2.28–3.42, n = 282), and Q4 (>3.42, n = 285) of contrast, respectively (P < 0.001). ROC curve analysis indicated that a V/CrCl ratio of 2.62 was a fair discriminator for CIN (C‐statistic 0.73). After adjusting for other known predictors of CIN, V/CrCl ratios > 2.62 remained significantly associated with CIN (odds ratio: 2.20; 95% confidence interval: 1.00–4.81, P < 0.05). Conclusion: A V/CrCl ratio > 2.62 was a significant and independent predictor of CIN after PCI in unselected patients. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Effect of invasive strategy on different genders of chinese patients with non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Huang Shao‐Sung , Chen Ying‐Hwa , Lu Tse‐Min , Wu Tao‐Cheng , Charng Min‐Ji , Chen Jaw‐Wen , Pan Ju‐Pin , Lin Shing‐Jong
Published: October 2011

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of in‐hospital revascularization on different genders and to compare the gender difference in short‐ and long‐term prognosis of Chinese patients with non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Background: The benefit of invasive strategy between the genders of Asian ethnic populations with NSTEMI remains unclear. Methods: A total of 343 consecutive NSTEMI patients were enrolled, 104 (30%) of them were women. All patients were followed up for at least 3 years or until the occurrence of a major event. The primary end point was all‐cause death. The secondary end point was the combined occurrence of death or myocardial (re‐)infarction (MI). Results: The adjusted in‐hospital and long‐term clinical outcomes were similar between men and women. However, in‐hospital revascularization significantly reduced long‐term mortality and composite endpoint in men (P < 0.001), but not in women. After risk stratification by GRACE score, there was favorable effect of invasive strategy in high‐risk women. In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, GRACE score (hazard ratio; HR, 1.017; P < 0.001) and in‐hospital revascularization (HR, 0.516; P = 0.008) were the independent predictors of death or MI in men. However, only GRACE score was the independent predictor of composite endpoint in women (HR, 1.012; P = 0.004). Conclusions: In Asian ethnic patients with NSTEMI, the in‐hospital and long‐term prognosis were similar between men and women. In‐hospital revascularization has a benefit in men and high‐risk women for reducing the all‐cause death at 1 and 3 years. Our data provide evidence supporting the guideline recommendation for an invasive strategy in high‐risk women. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enzyme Surface Glycosylation in the Solid Phase: Improved Activity and Selectivity of Candida Antarctica Lipase B
Authors: Gutarra Melissa L. E. , Romero Oscar , Abian Olga , Torres Fernando A. G. , Freire Denise M. G. , Castro Aline M. , Guisan Jose M. , Palomo Jose M.
Published: October 2011

Tailor‐made oligosaccharides and polymers were investigated for a specific surface glycosylation of Candida antarctica lipase (fraction B) (CAL‐B) already immobilized on octyl‐Sepharose by interfacial activation. The chemical modification was performed in the N‐terminal amino acid enzyme residue by using low oxidized aldehyde–dextran polymers through a reductive amination. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) indicated that polymer/enzyme conjugates were obtained in all cases. Circular dichroism experiments revealed interesting conformational changes in secondary and tertiary structures of the protein after modification. The formed immobilized glycosylated lipase biocatalysts were more stable, active, and selective toward different substrates than unmodified CAL‐B. These immobilized conjugates were compared with a genetically glycosylated version of CAL‐B expressed in Pichia pastoris immobilized in the same way. Enzyme thermostability was improved after chemical modification with Dextran‐1500 and also by the genetic glycosylation, retaining 90–96 % activity after 24 h at 55 °C. The catalytic activity of CAL‐B was improved by the incorporation of dextran polymers (Mw=1500 or 6000) more than twofold in the hydrolysis of p‐nitrophenylbutyrate and more than threefold in the hydrolysis of methyl mandelate at pH 7. However, the activity of the genetically glycosylated CAL‐B was threefold lower in the hydrolysis of both substrates. The enantioselectivity of CAL‐B increased for all formed bioconjugates, with the Dextran‐1500–CAL‐B conjugate being the most selective in the hydrolysis of racemic methyl mandelate (up to 88.1 % ee at pH 5). This glycosylated CAL‐B also demonstrated the highest synthetic activity in the transesterification of methyl butyrate with glycerol, with 80 % yield of monoglyceryl ester at 100 % conversion compared to 57 % yield obtained with unmodified CAL‐B or other polymer–lipase conjugates.
Oligo(p‐phenylene ethynylene)–BODIPY Derivatives: Synthesis, Energy Transfer, and Quantum‐Chemical Calculations
Authors: Yin Shouchun , Leen Volker , Jackers Carine , Beljonne David , Van Averbeke Bernard , Van der Auweraer Mark , Boens Noël , Dehaen Wim
Published: October 2011

The synthesis and energy‐transfer properties of a series of oligo(p‐phenylene ethynylene)–BODIPY (OPEB) cassettes are reported. A series of oligo(p‐phenylene ethynylene)s (OPEs) with different conjugated chain lengths as energy donor subunit in the energy‐transfer system were capped at both ends with BODIPY chromophores as energy‐acceptor subunits. The effect of the conjugated chain of OPEs on energy transfer in the OPEB cassettes was investigated by UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy and modeling. With increasing number n of phenyl acetylene units (n=1–7), the absorption and emission maxima of OPEn are bathochromically shifted. In the OPEBn analogues, the absorption maximum assigned to the BODIPY moieties is independent of the length of the OPE spacer. However, the relative absorption intensity of the BODIPY band decreases when the number of phenyl acetylene units is increased. The emission spectra of OPEBn are dominated by a band peaking at 613 nm, corresponding to emission of the BODIPY moieties, regardless of whether excitation is at 420 or 550 nm. Furthermore, a very small band is observed with a maximum between 450 and 500 nm, and its intensity relative to that of the BODIPY emission increases with increasing n, that is, the excited state of OPE subunits is efficiently quenched in OPEBn by energy transfer to the BODIPY moieties. Energy transfer (ET) from OPEn to BODIPY in OPEBn is very efficient (all ΦET values are greater than 98 %) and only slightly decreases with increasing length of the OPE units. These results are supported by theoretical studies that show very high energy transfer efficiency (ΦET>75 %) from the OPE spacer to the BODIPY end‐groups for chains with up to 15–20 units.
Analysis of incidence and clinical outcomes in patients with thromboembolic events and invasive exocrine pancreatic cancer
Authors: Epstein Andrew S. , Soff Gerald A. , Capanu Marinela , Crosbie Christopher , Shah Manish A. , Kelsen David P. , Denton Brian , Gardos Stuart , O'Reilly Eileen M.
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND:

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is among the most common malignancies associated with thromboembolic events (TEs); however, reported incidence figures vary significantly and contain small patient cohorts. Pancreatic cancer‐specific thrombosis studies examining the correlation between clinical variables, including thrombosis timing and the impact of thrombosis on survival, have not been reported.

METHODS:

Survival analyses were performed relating to the development and timing of a TE in 1915 patients administered chemotherapy at Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center with invasive exocrine pancreatic cancer from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2009. TE timing, relative to clinical parameters including laboratory data, erythropoietin‐stimulating agent use, and body mass index (BMI), were also analyzed.

RESULTS:

A thrombosis was identified in 690 (36%) patients. After adjusting for patients with pancreatic surgery and thrombosis (n = 127), developing a TE significantly increased the risk of death (hazard ratio [HR], 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3‐2.8; P < .01). Patients with an early TE (within 1.5 months from pancreatic cancer diagnosis) had a significantly higher risk of death (HR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.7‐2.5; P < .01) compared with patients with late TE or no TE. Erythropoietin‐stimulating agent use and an elevated international normalized ratio were associated with significantly shorter time to thrombosis. Low BMI was associated with significantly longer time to thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS:

TEs are common in exocrine pancreatic cancer, with coagulopathy, erythropoietin‐stimulating agent use, and underweight BMI influencing thrombosis timing. TEs, particularly early ones, confer a significantly worse prognosis, suggesting a biological significance, underscoring the relevance of ongoing prophylaxis trials, and raising the question of whether early TEs should be considered a stratification factor for clinical trials. Cancer 2012;118: 3053–61. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Method of urban color plan based on spatial configuration
Authors: Gou Aiping
Published: October 2011

The present Chinese urban color plan inclined to assume the way of Japanese, which is based on the theory of the Geography of Color founded by Lenclos. However, both my interview in 2004 and my urban color plan in 2006 show that the way of planning from color to color can hardly meet the requirement of the rapidly developing Chinese cities, and the authority should leave more creative space to the designers. Researching the color scheme of Kirchsteigfeld done by Werner Spillmann in 1994 was very enlightening. Findings of other researchers also helped me to set up a systematic planning method. Considering the complexity of color in urban space, the present way of planning simply by color combination is not sufficient. Spatial configuration is the core of color plan, and the authority should emphasize the color pivot and vision rank to encourage creativity in real design. This article discusses the systematic method of color planning when considering Chinese urban plan system, and with typological means. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2013
ProvManager: a provenance management system for scientific workflows
Authors: Marinho Anderson , Murta Leonardo , Werner Cláudia , Braganholo Vanessa , Cruz Sérgio Manuel Serra da , Ogasawara Eduardo , Mattoso Marta
Published: October 2011

Running scientific workflows in distributed and heterogeneous environments has been a motivating approach for provenance management, which is loosely coupled to the workflow execution engine. This kind of approach is interesting because it allows both storage and access to provenance data in a homogeneous way, even in an environment where different workflow management systems work together. However, current approaches overload scientists with many ad hoc tasks, such as script adaptations and implementations of extra functionalities to provide provenance independence. This paper proposes ProvManager, a provenance management approach that eases the gathering, storage, and analysis of provenance information in a distributed and heterogeneous environment scenario, without putting the burden of adaptations on the scientist. ProvManager leverages the provenance management at the experiment level by integrating different workflow executions from multiple workflow management systems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physics of a rapid CD4 lymphocyte count with colloidal gold
Authors: Hansen P. , Barry D. , Restell A. , Sylvia D. , Magnin O. , Dombkowski D. , Preffer F.
Published: October 2011

The inherent surface charges and small diameters that confer colloidal stability to gold particle conjugates (immunogold) are detrimental to rapid cell surface labeling and distinct cluster definition in flow cytometric light scatter assays. Although the inherent immunogold surface charge prevents self aggregation when stored in liquid suspension, it also slows binding to cells to timeframes of hours and inhibits cell surface coverage. Although the small diameter of immunogold particles prevents settling when in liquid suspension, small particles have small light scattering cross sections and weak light scatter signals. We report a new, small particle lyophilized immunogold reagent that maintains activity after 42°C storage for a year and can be rapidly dissolved into stable liquid suspension for use in labelling cells with larger particle aggregates that have enhanced scattering cross section. Labeling requires less than 1 min at 20°C, which is ∼30 times faster than customary fluorescent antibody labeling. The labeling step involves neutralizing the surface charge of immunogold and creating specifically bound aggregates of gold on the cell surface. This process provides distinct side‐scatter cluster separation with blue laser light at 488 nm, which is further improved by using red laser light at 640 nm. Similar comparisons using LED light sources showed less improvement with red light, thereby indicating that coherent light scatter is of significance in enhancing side‐scatter cluster separation. The physical principles elucidated here for this technique are compatible with most flow cytometers; however, future studies of its clinical efficacy should be of primary interest in point‐of‐care applications where robust reagents and rapid results are important. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Analysis of nucleo‐cytoplasmic shuttling of the proto‐oncogene SET/I2PP2A
Authors: Daniel Lam B. , Anthony Eloise C. , Hordijk Peter L.
Published: October 2011

SET/I2PP2A is a nuclear protein that was initially identified as an oncogene in human undifferentiated acute myeloid leukemia, fused to the nuclear porin Nup‐214. In addition, SET is a potent inhibitior of the phosphatase PP2A. Previously, we proposed a model in which the small GTPase Rac1 recruits SET from the nucleus to the plasma membrane to promote cell migration. This event represents an entirely novel concept in the field of cell migration. Now, fluorescent versions of the SET protein are generated to analyze its nucleo‐cytoplasmic shuttling in live cells. Our studies showed that under steady‐state conditions a fraction of the SET protein, which is primarily localized in the nucleus, translocates to the cytosol in an apparently random fashion. SET exiting the nucleus was also seen in spreading as well as dividing cells. We designed an image analysis method to quantify the frequency of nuclear exit of the SET proteins, based on 4D confocal imaging. This straightforward method was validated by analysis of SET wild‐type and mutant proteins. This showed that the frequency of nuclear exit of a Ser‐9 phosphomimetic mutant (S9E) is enhanced compared to wild‐type SET or a S9A mutant. Thus, we have developed a novel method to analyze the nucleo‐cytoplasmic shuttling of the proto‐oncogene SET dynamics in live cells. This method will also be applicable to monitor dynamic localization of other nuclear and/or cytoplasmic signaling proteins. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Astrocytic tissue remodeling by the meningitis neurotoxin pneumolysin facilitates pathogen tissue penetration and produces interstitial brain edema
Authors: Hupp Sabrina , Heimeroth Vera , Wippel Carolin , Förtsch Christina , Ma Jiangtao , Mitchell Timothy J. , Iliev Asparouh I.
Published: October 2011

Astrocytes represent a major component of brain tissue and play a critical role in the proper functioning and protection of the brain. Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common cause of bacterial meningitis, has a high lethality and causes serious disabilities in survivors. Pneumolysin (PLY), a member of the cholesterol‐dependent cytolysin group and a major S. pneumoniae neurotoxin, causes deterioration over the course of experimental S. pneumoniae meningitis. At disease‐relevant sub‐lytic concentrations, PLY produces actin and tubulin reorganization and astrocyte cell shape changes in vitro. In this article, we show that sub‐lytic amounts of PLY remodel brain tissue and produce astrocytic process retraction, cortical astroglial reorganization and increased interstitial fluid retention, which is manifested as tissue edema. These changes caused increased tissue permeability to macromolecules and bacteria. The pore‐forming capacity of PLY remained necessary for these changes because none of the nonpore‐forming mutants were capable of producing similar effects. We suggest that PLY can increase the permeability of brain tissue toward pathogenic factors and bacteria in the course of meningitis, thus contributing to the deterioration caused by the disease. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence of lifetime DSM‐IV affective disorders among older African Americans, Black Caribbeans, Latinos, Asians and Non‐Hispanic White people
Authors: Woodward Amanda Toler , Taylor Robert Joseph , Bullard Kai McKeever , Aranda Maria P. , Lincoln Karen D. , Chatters Linda M.
Published: October 2011

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to estimate lifetime prevalence of seven psychiatric affective disorders for older non‐Hispanic White people, African Americans, Caribbean Black people, Latinos, and Asian Americans and examine demographic, socioeconomic, and immigration correlates of those disorders.

Design

Data are taken from the older sub‐sample of the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys. Selected measures of lifetime DSM‐IV psychiatric disorders were examined (i.e., panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, post‐traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and dysthymia).

Setting

Community epidemiologic survey.

Participants

Nationally representative sample of adults 55 years and older (n = 3046).

Measurements

Disorders were assessed using the DSM‐IV World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview.

Results

Major depressive disorder and social phobia were the two most prevalent disorders among the seven psychiatric conditions. Overall, non‐Hispanic White people and Latinos consistently had higher prevalence rates of disorders, African Americans had lower prevalence of major depression and dysthymia, and Asian Americans were typically less likely to report affective disorders than those of their counterparts. There is variation across groups in the association of demographic, socioeconomic, and immigration variables with disorders.

Conclusions

This study furthers our understanding of the racial and ethnic differences in the prevalence of DSM‐IV disorders among older adults and the correlates of those disorders. It highlights the importance of examining both between‐group and within‐group differences in disorders and the complexity of the mechanisms associated with differences across groups. Findings from this study underscore the need for future research that more clearly delineates subgroup differences and similarities. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Pilot and Air Traffic Control Experiences and Automation Management Strategies on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Mission Task Performance
Authors: Liu Dahai , Reynolds Christopher , Vincenzi Dennis , Doherty Shawn
Published: October 2011

The demand for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) capabilities is rapidly increasing in the civilian sector. UAS operations, however, will not be carried out in the National Airspace System until safety concerns are alleviated. Among these concerns is determining the appropriate level of automation in conjunction with a suitable pilot who exhibits the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely operate these systems. This research examined two levels of automation: management by consent (MBC) and management by exception (MBE), in conjunction with pilot experiences while operating an unmanned aircraft simulator. The user experiences encompass three individual groups: pilots, air traffic controllers (ATC), and non‐pilot/non‐ATCs. Performance, workload, and situational awareness data were examined. Results show no significant differences among pilot experiences groups, automation strategies, or the interaction between these two. Limitations and design implications are discussed to help pave the way for future research. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sensitivity of hydrological variables to climate change in the Haihe River basin, China
Authors: Bao Zhenxin , Zhang Jianyun , Liu Jiufu , Wang Guoqing , Yan Xiaolin , Wang Xiaojun , Zhang Liru
Published: October 2011

Using the defined sensitivity index, the sensitivity of streamflow, evapotranspiration and soil moisture to climate change was investigated in four catchments in the Haihe River basin. Climate change contained three parts: annual precipitation and temperature change and the change of the percentage of precipitation in the flood season (Pf). With satisfying monthly streamflow simulation using the variable infiltration capacity model, the sensitivity was estimated by the change of simulated hydrological variables with hypothetical climatic scenarios and observed climatic data. The results indicated that (i) the sensitivity of streamflow would increase as precipitation or Pf increased but would decrease as temperature increased; (ii) the sensitivity of evapotranspiration and soil moisture would decrease as precipitation or temperature increased, but it to Pf varied in different catchments; and (iii) hydrological variables were more sensitive to precipitation, followed by Pf, and then temperature. The nonlinear response of streamflow, evapotranspiration and soil moisture to climate change could provide a reference for water resources planning and management under future climate change scenarios in the Haihe River basin. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CIITA is silenced by epigenetic mechanisms that prevent the recruitment of transactivating factors in rhabdomyosarcoma cells
Authors: Londhe Priya , Zhu Bo , Abraham Jinu , Keller Charles , Davie Judith
Published: October 2011

Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are highly malignant pediatric sarcomas. We have discovered that the gene encoding the major histocompatibilty complex class II transactivator, CIITA, is silenced in cells representing both major subtypes of RMS. Silencing of CIITA prevents the IFN‐γ inducible expression of MHC class II genes in these cells. Overexpression of CIITA in these cells can restore MHC expression. We have found that IFN‐γ signaling is intact in these cells, but pSTAT1 and IRF1 do not bind to the CIITA PIV promoter. The CIITA promoter is not hypermethylated in RD (ERMS) cells but does show a modestly enhanced methylation status in SJRH30 (ARMS) cells. We have found that histone acetylation, which normally increases on the CIITA PIV promoter following IFN‐γ treatment, is blocked in both types of RMS cells. In RD cells, treatment with a histone deacetylase inhibitor (TSA) reverses the silencing of CIITA. In SJRH30 cells, treatment with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and TSA cooperatively restores CIITA expression. Surprisingly, we have also shown that the expression of two components of the immunoproteasome, which are embedded in the class II locus, is stimulated by IFN‐γ in certain RMS cells in the absence of stimulation by CIITA. CIITA overexpression can also activate the expression of these genes, indicating that the immunoproteasome genes LMP2 and LMP7 can be activated by both CIITA dependent and CIITA independent pathways.
Assessing the application of the neighborhood cohesion instrument to community research in East Asia
Authors: Li Chun‐Hao , Hsu Ping‐Hsiang , Hsu Shu‐Yao
Published: October 2011

Buckner (1988) extensively reviewed theoretical concepts proposed by a variety of scholars and developed the Neighborhood Cohesion Instrument (NCI) to measure three latent constructs (attraction to neighborhood, neighboring, and psychological sense of community). This instrument has been applied in most Western countries. The purpose of this research is to use Taiwan as a case study to assess whether the NCI can be applied to community research in an East Asian country. The authors apply confirmatory factor analysis to analyze two datasets collected in Taipei and the rural areas in Taiwan, separately. After scrutinizing the model fit indices and estimates of internal consistency, composite reliability and variance extracted, the authors conclude that the NCI can at least survey individuals in this particular East Asian country, Taiwan. By removing variables with small factor loadings and complex variables, researchers can develop a simplified model for further studies. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mental health problems and coping styles of urban and rural high school students in China
Authors: Zhang Hongjing , Chang Kyle , Zhang Fan , Greenberger Ellen , Chen Chuansheng
Published: October 2011

Few studies have compared urban and rural adolescents' mental health problems, especially in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mental health problems and coping styles of adolescents in urban and rural areas in China. A total of 927 urban and rural high school students in Shandong Province of China were recruited for the study. The results of the study are as follows: (a) students in rural low‐socioeconomic status (SES) areas, especially females, had more mental health problems than did those in rural high‐SES and urban areas; (b) rural low‐SES students were more likely to cope by venting and fantasizing than did the other two groups; (c) regardless of residence and SES, mental health problems were inversely related to the use of problem solving as a coping strategy, but positively related to fantasizing; and (d) urban‐rural differences in mental health problems were not entirely accounted for by group differences in coping strategies. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sense of community as construct and theory: authors' response to McMillan
Authors: Nowell Branda , Boyd Neil
Published: October 2011

In this article, we respond to criticisms posed by McMillan (2011) of our recent paper, “Viewing Community as Responsibility as well as a Resource: Deconstructing the Theoretical Roots of Psychological Sense of Community.” We clarify that the focus of our article was to explore the macro theoretical frameworks and second‐order assumptions that have guided the measurement and study of the psychological sense of community (PSOC) construct to date. We then correct McMillan's mischaracterization of our work as a normative theory by clarifying that our thesis was not that PSOC is a value – but rather that (a) people have values and belief systems, and (b) these belief systems may interact with aspects of a community context to evoke a sense of responsibility for a community to which one belongs. We conclude by reviewing key areas of shared agreement concerning responsibility aspects of PSOC that may serve as a foundation for guiding future research. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.