bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Function and Structure in Longitudinal Analysis of Echocardiography in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Io Hiroaki , Ro Yuuki , Sekiguchi Yoshimi , Shimaoka Tetsutaro , Inuma Jiro , Hotta Yoko , Aruga Seiki , Inami Yuko , Sato Michiko , Kobayashi Takashi , Masuda Atsumi , Kaneko Kayo , Hamada Chieko , Ohtaki Eiji , Horikoshi Satoshi , Tomino Yasuhiko 
Published: March 2010

♦ Background Echocardiography is widely used for the evaluation of cardiac structures and function. The prognostic value of assessment of left cardiac atrium (LA) size in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is still unclear. The objective of the present study is to investigate prospectively a longitudinal monitoring of echocardiography parameters after start of PD. We also investigated a correlation study among plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) level, LA size, and cardiac function undergoing aggressive treatment. ♦ Methods Correlation among plasma ANP, LA size, and cardiac function was prospectively analyzed by Doppler echocardiography in 32 PD patients in Juntendo University Hospital, Tokyo. Measurement of these parameters was performed at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after start of PD. All patients were treated with an angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker to control blood pressure to less than 140/90 mmHg. Other antihypertensive drugs such as diuretics and/or calcium channel blockers were added if blood pressure rose to over 140/90 mmHg. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were targeted at 10.0 g/dL and 30.0% respectively with recombinant human erythropoietin treatment. A diuretic was added or patients decreased their water intake if ANP was more than 43.0 pg/mL or LA diameter (LAD) more than 39 mm, and for other basic markers of volume status. Cardiac function was measured before and after drainage of PD fluid to evaluate the influence of cardiac function. ♦ Results LAD at start of dialysis (36 ± 4.6 mm) decreased significantly to 33 ± 3.3 mm ( p < 0.05), 33 ± 3.2 mm ( p < 0.05), and 33 ± 3.6 mm ( p < 0.05) after 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Ejection fraction after 6 months was significantly increased compared with that at start of dialysis ( p < 0.05). Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) after 6, 12, and 24 months was significantly decreased compared with that at start of dialysis ( p < 0.05). ANP was 56 ± 39 pg/mL at start of dialysis and decreased significantly to 33 ± 19 pg/mL after 24 months ( p < 0.05). ANP was significantly correlated with LAD ( r = 0.412, p < 0.01), transmitral A wave flow velocity ( r = 0.429, p < 0.01), and LVMI ( r = 0.426, p < 0.01). Instillation of the dialysis fluid did not affect any parameters except inferior vena cava dimension. ♦ Conclusions This study demonstrates a reduction in LA size and LVMI in PD patients followed over 24 months. Left ventricular structure, contraction, and compliance were well preserved in PD patients undergoing aggressive treatment based on measurements of plasma ANP and LAD.
Single nucleotide polymorphism associated with nonsyndromic cleft palate influences the processing of miR‐140
Authors: Li Ling , Meng Tian , Jia Zhonglin , Zhu Guiquan , Shi Bing 
Published: March 2010

AbstractNonsyndromic oral cleft is a common developmental malformation of humans. Embryonic development is regulated by microRNAs. MicroRNA‐140‐5p (miR‐140‐5p) was found to regulate palatal development. As sequence variants in miRNA genes are likely to affect miRNA expression and/or maturation, we investigated the miRNA‐140 gene and identified a SNP (rs7205289: C>A) located in precursor miRNA‐140. We carried out a case–control analysis in 557 patients with nonsyndromic oral clefts and 306 unaffected controls from west China and found that the frequency of minor allele (A allele) was significantly increased (P = 0.003 after Bonferroni correction) in nonsyndromic cleft palate (NSCP) patients in comparison with that in controls. We constructed expression vectors of primary miRNA‐140 (pri‐miR‐140) with the major and minor alleles of rs7205289. The vectors were transfected into HEK293 cells, and the mature forms of miR‐140 were detected by Northern blot. Compared to the vector with the C allele, the vector with the A allele was found to influence the miR‐140 processing, resulting in a significant decrease of miR‐140‐5p and an increase of miR‐140‐3p. These results suggest that the SNP located in pre‐miR‐140 contributes to NSCP susceptibility by influencing the processing of miR‐140. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Majewski Osteodysplastic Primordial Dwarfism Type II (MOPD II): Expanding the vascular phenotype
Authors: Bober Michael B. , Khan Nadia , Kaplan Jennifer , Lewis Kristi , Feinstein Jeffrey A. , Scott Charles I. , Steinberg Gary K. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractMajewski Osteodysplastic Primordial Dwarfism, Type II (MOPD II) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder. Features include severe intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), poor postnatal growth (adult stature approximately 100 cm), severe microcephaly, skeletal dysplasia, characteristic facial features, and normal or near normal intelligence. An Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved registry was created and currently follows 25 patients with a diagnosis of MOPD II. Based on previous studies, a neurovascular screening program was implemented and 13 (52%) of these patients have been found to have cerebral neurovascular abnormalities including moyamoya angiopathy and/or intracranial aneurysms. The typical moyamoya pathogenesis begins with vessel narrowing in the supraclinoid internal carotid artery, anterior cerebral (A1) or middle cerebral (M1) artery segments. The narrowing may predominate initially on one side, progresses to bilateral stenosis, with subsequent occlusion of the vessels and collateral formation. We present four patients who, on neurovascular screening, were found to have cerebrovascular changes. Two were asymptomatic, one presented with a severe headache and projectile vomiting related to a ruptured aneurysm, and one presented after an apparent decline in cognitive functioning. Analysis of the registry suggests screening for moyamoya disease be performed at the time of MOPD II diagnosis and at least every 12–18 months using MRA or computerized tomographic angiography (CTA). We believe this is imperative. If diagnosed early enough, re‐vascularization and aneurysm treatment in skilled hands can be performed safely and prevent or minimize long‐term sequelae in this population. Emergent evaluation is also needed when other neurologic or cardiac symptoms are present. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrasound diagnosis of severe mesomelic dysplasia in two fetuses, associated with increased neck translucency and tetralogy of Fallot in one and cystic hygroma in the other
Authors: Vseticka Jan , Gattnarova Zuzana , Marik Ivo , Kozlowski Kazimierz 
Published: March 2010

AbstractTwo stillborn male sibling fetuses born to the same parents had severe mesomelic dysplasia documented at ultrasound and confirmed by radiography and autopsy. The 17‐week‐old fetus with increased neck translucency had additional heart and great vessel anomalies consistent with tetralogy of Fallot. The 15‐week‐old fetus had a nuchal cystic hygroma. We posit that these sibs have a distinct, previously unreported skeletal dysplasia. The mode of genetic transmission could be autosomal recessive or X‐linked recessive. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of an interstitial 4q32 deletion in a patient with mental retardation and a complex chromosome rearrangement
Authors: Tzschach Andreas , Menzel Corinna , Erdogan Fikret , Istifli Erman Salih , Rieger Martin , Ovens‐Raeder Angela , Macke Alfons , Ropers Hans‐Hilger , Ullmann Reinhard , Kalscheuer Vera 
Published: March 2010

AbstractInterstitial deletions of chromosome band 4q32 are rare. We report on a 22‐year‐old female patient with a de novo interstitial deletion of chromosome 4q32 and a balanced translocation t(2;5)(p21;q12.1). Clinical problems of the patient comprised mild to moderate mental retardation, psychosis, obesity, broad nasal root, sparse lateral eyebrows, thin upper lip, short philtrum, micrognathia, and strabismus. Analysis by whole genome array CGH using an Agilent 244K oligonucleotide array and subsequent FISH using BAC clones from the 4q32 region revealed an unexpectedly complex rearrangement comprising a deletion of approximately 10 Mb in 4q32.1q32.3 and the insertion of two small fragments of 0.8 and 0.11 Mb originating from the derivative chromosome 4q32 into derivative chromosome 5q. The breakpoints of the t(2;5) translocation were mapped by BAC‐FISH; no genes were disrupted by these breakpoints. The deleted interval in 4q32 harbored more than 30 genes, and haploinsufficiency of one or several of these genes is likely to have caused the clinical problems of the patient. Candidate genes for cognitive defects are GRIA2, GLRB, NPY1R, and NPY5R. In conclusion, this patient increases our knowledge about the phenotypic consequences of interstitial 4q32 deletions. Reports of patients with overlapping deletions will be needed to elucidate the role of individual genes and to establish genotype–phenotype correlations. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Further delineation of the Kapur–Toriello syndrome
Authors: Robin Nathaniel H. , Rutledge Katherine D. , Ray Peter D. , Grant John H. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe Kapur–Toriello syndrome (KTS) is a rare multiple congenital anomaly syndrome, with presumed autosomal recessive inheritance based on the initial report of affected siblings. Here we report on a female with multiple anomalies, including cleft lip and palate, coloboma, mental retardation with cerebral atrophy, and imperforate anus who, upon re‐evaluation at 30 months, was recognized to have a columella that extended below the nares. This distinctive finding prompted the diagnosis of KTS. This is the 5th report of KTS, and the second female. Interestingly, both female cases also manifest an ano/rectal malformation, suggesting that this should be considered a component manifestation of this rare syndrome. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Severe pulmonary emphysema in a girl with interstitial deletion of 2q24.2q24.3 including ITGB6
Authors: Takatsuki Shinichi , Nakamura Rina , Haga Youichi , Mitsui Kazumasa , Hashimoto Takuji , Shimojima Keiko , Saji Tsutomu , Yamamoto Toshiyuki 
Published: March 2010

AbstractOwing to the large size of chromosome 2, partial monosomy of the long arm of this chromosome gives rise to many specific phenotypes. We report on a 2‐month‐old girl with an interstitial deletion of 2q24.2q24.3, which was confirmed by microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization analysis. The patient showed delayed growth and mental retardation, early myoclonic seizures, and characteristic dysmorphic features including thick arched eyebrows, upslanting palpebral fissures, long eyelashes, depressed nasal bridge, short nose, long philtrum, small mouth, micrognathia, and low set ears. Her early myoclonic seizures were likely due to haploinsufficiency of SCN1A and SCN2A, which are included in the deletion region. When she experienced acute bronchopneumonia, she showed severe pulmonary emphysema. The deletion region of 2q24.2 includes the integrin β6 gene (ITGB6), which may prevent acute lung injury and pulmonary emphysema. Many previously reported patients with deletions of 2q24.2 showed poor outcomes because of respiratory failure. These observations suggest the possibility of a strong relationship between haploinsufficiency of ITGB6 and pulmonary dysfunction. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spinnability of low‐substituted hydroxyethylcellulose sodium hydroxide aqueous solutions
Authors: Li Dongmei , Zhou Xingping , Jinglan Yang , Yu Fangfang , Wang Xiaqin 
Published: March 2010

AbstractEthylene oxide was used to etherify alkali cellulose with a low substitution degree to replace carbon disulfide to generate cellulose xanthogenate by viscose technology. The resultant low‐substituted hydroxyethylcellulose (LSHEC), with molar substitution of 0.49, was used to attempt to spin LSHEC fibers under spinning and coagulation conditions identical to those used for industrial rayon fibers. The spinnability of LSHEC was investigated by the variation of the storage modulus, loss modulus, and complex viscosity with the concentration of the LSHEC spinning solutions and temperature. It was found that the dissolution of LSHEC in sodium hydroxide aqueous solutions was an exothermic process, whereas the gelation of LSHEC was an endothermic process. Spinning conditions, comprising the concentration of the spinning solutions and corresponding spinning temperatures, were derived from the gelation onset curve theoretically. Moreover, combinations of the concentration of the spinning solution and the temperature of the coagulation bath could be predicted by the gelation onset curve. Finally, LSHEC fibers were prepared under the spinning conditions based on the gelation onset curve. The as‐spun LSHEC fibers had dry and wet tensile strengths of 1.59 and 0.47 cN/dtex, respectively, with a 0.30 ratio of the wet tensile strength to the dry tensile strength. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effect of the silane modification of clay on the tensile properties of nylon 6/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Kim Eung Soo , Shim Jae Hun , Woo Ji Yoon , Yoo Kwang Sik , Yoon Jin San 
Published: March 2010

AbstractA commercially available organomodified clay, Cloisite 25A, was modified with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane, 3‐(glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, and 3‐isocyanate propyltriethoxysilane to enhance its interaction with the nylon 6 matrix. Composites made of nylon 6 and clays modified with the different silane compounds were prepared by melt mixing with a twin‐screw extruder. The dispersion and degree of exfoliation of the organomodified clays were evaluated from X‐ray diffraction patterns and transmission electron microscopy images of the corresponding composites. The tensile properties of the composites were measured, and their enhancement was attributed to the work of adhesion and interfacial tension of the composites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Sulfonated polyether sulfone‐poly(vinylidene fluoride) blend membrane for DMFC applications
Authors: Subramanian M. Sankara , Sasikumar G. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractDirect methanol fuel cell (DMFC) proton exchange membranes were prepared by blending poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) (SPES). Using a diffusion cell and gas chromatographic technique, the effects of PVDF content on methanol permeability in the blended membranes were investigated. The thermal resistance and proton conductivity of the membranes were also determined by using a thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and an impedance analysis technique respectively. The presence of sulfonic acid groups in SPES was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). It was found that the methanol permeability in the blended membranes decreased with PVDF content at the expense of proton conductivity. Blended membranes show methanol permeability values much lower than that of Nafion 115, whereas the proton conductivities of the membranes are comparable with that of Nafion. The thermal stability of these blended membranes is above 250°C, which is sufficiently high for use in DMFC. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Surface polymerization of iron particles for magnetorheological elastomers
Authors: Fuchs Alan , Sutrisno Joko , Gordaninejad Faramarz , Caglar Mert Bahadir , Yanming Liu 
Published: March 2010

AbstractMagnetorheological Elastomers (MREs) are synthesized from silicone RTV (room temperature vulcanizing) elastomer with magnetically soft iron particles. The iron particle concentration of the MREs is 70 wt %. To reduce the effect of oxidation on the MREs, the ATRP technique is used for surface polymerization of iron particles with fluorinated styrene as monomer. The mechanical properties of MREs are characterized using a mechanical testing instrument, and the surface coated polymer is characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray energy dispersive spectrometry (XEDS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the alignment of iron particles within MRE was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The MRE samples are characterized using the mechanical testing instrument at 0 Tesla (off–state) and applied magnetic field from 0.46 Tesla to 0.62 Tesla (on–state). The required force at 0.62 Tesla increased approx. 3% to achieve 20% strain after 72 h of oxidation for surface coated MRE. On the other hand, the required force for non‐surface coated MREs at 0.62 Tesla increased up to 17% to achieve 20% strain after 72 h of oxidation. MREs with surface coated iron particles have higher oxidation stability based on the force–displacement test results, and MREs have excellent potential to be used as intelligent materials with high durability for a vibration isolator. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Preparation and characterizations of tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) nanoparticles and UV‐curable Ta2O5‐acrylic nanocomposites
Authors: Huang Heh‐Chang , Hsieh Tsung‐Eong 
Published: March 2010

AbstractTantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) nanoparticles with the sizes in the range of 20–50 nm were prepared via a chemical route in which the oleic acid (OLEA) was adopted as the surfactant for the synthesis process. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the as‐synthesized Ta2O5 transforms from amorphous to hexagonal and orthorhombic structures at the temperatures of 700°C and 750°C, respectively, illustrating the suppression of recrystallization temperature of Ta2O5 due to the particle size reduction. UV‐curable nanocomposites containing the Ta2O5 nanoparticles and acrylic matrix were also prepared. Thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) found an about 10–20°C improvement on the 5% weight‐loss thermal decomposition temperatures (Tds). Dielectric measurement showed that the dielectric constant of nanocomposite increases with the increase in the filler loading without severe deterioration of dielectric loss. The increment of dielectric constants was ascribed to the addition of high‐dielectric inorganic fillers as well as the presence of interfacial polarization at the organic/inorganic interfaces. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Telechelic siloxanes with hydrogen‐bonded polymerizable end groups. I. Liquid rubbers and elastomers
Authors: Leir C. M. , Galkiewicz R. K. , Kantner S. S. , Mazurek M. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractFunctional siloxanes are widely used in the synthesis of model networks used in rubber elasticity studies, and various functional siloxanes are also used in the synthesis of silicone rubbers. We present here the results of studies of two classes of telechelic, free‐radically polymerizable siloxanes carrying either amide or urea groups attached at both ends of siloxane chain. The presence of polar, hydrogen‐bonding end‐groups favors the formation of aggregates which is reflected in the drastically increased viscosity of the resulting “liquid rubbers.” In addition, such aggregation accounts for high local concentrations of reactive groups thus making it possible to have high molecular weight precursors undergo facile room temperature polymerization. In this article, we study the effect of the nature of these functional groups on the viscosity of polymerizable “liquid rubbers,” finding that the different endgroups lead to dramatically different viscosities. We also study the silicone rubber films obtained by a UV‐initiated free‐radical polymerization of the liquid rubbers, using dynamic mechanical analysis and large‐strain uniaxial deformation. We find here that important properties such as plateau modulus and Young's modulus are highly dependent on both endgroup type and precursor molecular weight. The crosslinking of telechelic siloxanes in dilution was also studied to further explore the effect of crosslink density of the mechanical properties of the model networks. Finally, we evaluated the role of dangling ends within the networks through the incorporation of monofunctional macromers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
N‐pyrrolidine functionalized C60‐fullerenes/epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Richardson Mickey C. , Park Eun Su , Kim Jae Hyun , Holmes Gale A. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractA series of functionalized C60‐fullerene/epoxy nanocomposites were prepared, and their respective ultimate tensile strengths were determined. The functionalization route of the fullerenes was performed using the Prato reaction, with modified amino acids, resulting in the formation ofN‐pyrrolidine rings across the [6,6] junctions. Characterization of the functionalized fullerenes was done using Laser Desorption Ionization Time‐of‐Flight (LDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were affected by the type of modified amino acid, the degree of functional group attachment, and the consequent degree of dispersion into the epoxy matrix. A specially blended diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy, having a low viscosity and high strain‐to‐failure was prepared by adding 1,4‐butanediol diglycidyl ether to DGEBA. The lower viscosity blended epoxy allowed for easier mixing of the fullerenes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Movement of sonically tagged bluespine unicornfish, Naso unicornis, in relation to marine reserve boundaries in Rodrigues, western Indian Ocean
Authors: Hardman Emily , Green John M. , Sabrina Desiré M. , Perrine Sydney 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The lagoon fishery of Rodrigues has considerable socio‐economic importance; however, catches have declined by 50% in recent years. The bluespine unicornfish, Naso unicornis (Forsskål 1775) is an important component of the fishery.
To begin to assess whether marine reserves might benefit this species, sonic telemetry was used to track individual fish in one of Rodrigues' four marine reserves. Seven unicornfish were caught in the Grand Bassin reserve and tagged with abdominally implanted acoustic tags.
Over a period of 57 days their locations were determined up to 21 times using a hand held hydrophone and receiver. Individual minimum convex polygon (MCP) home ranges varied from ∼10 000 m2 to ∼274 000 m2 and were not correlated with fish size. Kernel estimates of core areas (50% utilization distribution) varied from ∼5000 m2 to ∼175 000 m2. All seven fish stayed within the marine reserve and the largest home range occupied less than ∼2% of the area of the marine reserve.
Fish remained on the outside edge of the lagoon on the shallow reef slope and among coral patches. These findings suggest that bluespined unicornfish biomass and numbers should increase if the Grand Bassin marine reserve is closed to fishing. Long‐term monitoring will, however, be required to demonstrate this outcome. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.