bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Composite proton exchange membranes from zirconium‐based solid acids and PVDF/acrylic polyelectrolyte blends
Authors: Zapata Pedro , Lee Jung‐Hyun , Meredith J. Carson 
Published: January 2012

AbstractOrganic–inorganic composite proton exchange membranes (PEMs) are of interest in fuel cell applications because of potential benefits in conductivity, mechanical, and transport properties that may be imparted by the inorganic component. Our previous work showed that polymeric membranes based on blends of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and cross‐linked sulfonated acrylic polyelectrolytes (PE) compare favorably against the proton conductivity and mechanical properties of commercial perfluorosulfonic acid‐based PEMs. One problem found in the previous study was that crystalline regions in homopolymers of PVDF interfered with the formation of proton conducting pathways by the PE component. In this study, we explore the ability to use proton‐conductive zirconium‐based inorganic particles to improve conductivity in such PVDF/PE membranes. Three different particles were considered, namely, zirconium oxide, zirconium hydroxide sulfate, and zirconium hydrogen phosphate. Dispersion of particles in the polymer matrix was limited, resulting in severe aggregation at particle loadings above 5 wt %. Nevertheless, a general improvement in proton conductivity was evidenced in composite membranes with 0.5 to 1 wt % particle loadings. This beneficial effect was particularly noticeable in membranes manufactured from highly crystalline PVDF homopolymers (7 to 14% increase). We propose that the surface of zirconium particles act to provide proton conducting pathways between PE regions that otherwise would become blocked due to PVDF crystallization. In addition to conductivity, composite membranes exhibited enhancement of tensile properties at identical particle loadings, especially in membranes containing more flexible PVDF:HFP copolymers, where a reinforcing stiffening effect was evident (19 to 22% elastic modulus increment). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Lead magnesium niobate‐filled silicone dielectric elastomer with large actuated strain
Authors: Yang Dan , Zhang Liqun , Liu Haoliang , Dong Yingchao , Yu Yingchun , Tian Ming 
Published: January 2012

AbstractA silicone dielectric elastomer filled with lead magnesium niobate with a maximum actuated strain of 7.4% at 45 kV/mm was fabricated by optimizing the amount of dielectric filler, amount of plasticizing agent, and crosslink density of the elastomer. The actuated strain of dielectric elastomers (DEs) is determined by both the dielectric constant and the elastic modulus. Although the dielectric constant of the silicone elastomer increased with increasing loading amount of lead magnesium niobate, actuated strain did not increase as expected because the elastic modulus increased at the same time. The elastic modulus of silicone dielectric elastomer was decreased by reducing the crosslink density or adding plasticizing agent, leading to a visible increase in actuated strain. It was also revealed that actuated strain of silicone dielectric elastomer always goes up with increasing ratio of dielectric constant to elastic modulus. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
The Most Common Mutation of KRT9, c.C487T (p.R163W), in Epidermolytic Palmoplantar Keratoderma in Two Large Chinese Pedigrees
Authors: Liu Wen‐Ting , Ke Hai‐Ping , Zhao Yan , Chen Xiao‐Ling , Lu Jia‐Jun , Du Zheng‐Fang , Yu Dan , Zhang Xian‐Ning 
Published: January 2012

Abstract Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (EPPK) is generally associated with dominant‐negative mutations of the Keratin 9 gene (KRT9), and rarely with the Keratin 1 gene (KRT1). To date, a myriad of mutations has been reported with a high frequency of codon 163 mutations within the first exon of KRT9 in different populations. Notably, a distinct phenotypic heterogeneity, digital mutilation, was found recently in a 58‐year‐old female Japanese EPPK patient with p.R163W. Here, we report the most common mutation, c.C487T (p.R163W) of KRT9, in two large EPPK pedigrees from southeast China. The arginine residue in peptide position 163 remains almost constant in at least 47 intermediate filament proteins ranging from snail to human. A substitution in arginine alters both the charge and shape of the 1A rod domain and disrupts the function of the helix initiation motif of keratins, finally compromising the integrity of filaments and weakening their stability in the epidermis of palms and soles. We summarize the clinical symptoms of EPPK in Chinese and show that knuckle pads are associated with KRT9 mutations. We suggest that the frequency of p.R163W in Chinese EPPK patients (31.03%) is consistent with that in the general population (29.33%), and that codon 163 is truly a hotspot mutational site of KRT9. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Handedness Inversion of Chiral Amphiphilic Molecular Assemblies Evidenced by Supramolecular Chiral Imprinting in Mesoporous Silica Assemblies
Authors: Xie Junjie , Qiu Huibin , Che Shunai 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAntipodal twisted helical ribbons with lamellar bilayer structure were obtained by self‐assembly of chiral amphiphilic molecules in water and water/ethanol. The handedness inversion of the molecular arrangement in these antipodal helical ribbons was investigated by using chiroptical spectroscopy and molecular probes in their antipodal mesoporous silica assemblies synthesized through pairing interaction between the head group of the chiral amphiphilic molecules and a co‐structure‐directing agent. The supramolecular chirality is imprinted in the pore surface through the organic group of the co‐structure‐directing agent. The mirror‐image diffuse‐reflectance circular dichroism spectra of the conjugated discotic probing molecule introduced into their supramolecular chiral imprinted mesoporous silica demonstrated the origin of inverse chirality from the antipodal helical stacking of the molecules.
Inline‐Measurement of Mean Droplet Diameter and Droplet Concentration of Process Sprays
Authors: Dannigkeit Florian , Steinke Lars , Ripperger Siegfried 
Published: January 2012

AbstractZur Inline‐Kontrolle von Sprühtrocknungsprozessen wird ein Sensor auf Basis der statistischen Extinktionsmethode entwickelt, der eine mittlere Tropfengröße und die Volumenkonzentration der Tropfen bestimmt. Da hierzu nur ein Laserstrahl den Spray durchleuchten muss, kann der Sensor lanzenförmig realisiert werden. Ein Spülgasvolumenstrom durch die den Laserstrahl umgebenden Hüllrohre verhindert eine Verschmutzung der optischen Komponenten des Sensors.
Does Nebivolol Prevent Contrast‐Induced Nephropathy in Humans?
Authors: Günebakmaz Özgür , Kaya Mehmet G. , Koc Fatih , Akpek Mahmut , Kasapkara Ahmet , Inanc M. Tugrul , Yarlioglues Mikail , Calapkorur Bekir , Karadag Zakir , Oguzhan Abdurrahman 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground:An experimental study showed that nebivolol is an effective agent in contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) prophylaxis.Hypothesis:We hypothesized that prophylactic nebivolol use had protective effects on renal function in human beings subjected to iodinated contrast agent since it has vasodilatory effect and antioxidant properties.Methods:The present study enrolled 120 patients scheduled for coronary angiography and ventriculography. All patients were hydrated with intravenous isotonic saline. The patients in group I received 600 mg N‐acetylcysteine every 12 hours for 4 days. The patients in group II received 5 mg nebivolol every 24 hours for 4 days. The patients in group III were only hydrated. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of CIN. The secondary endpoint was the change in serum creatinine (Cr) levels at 2 days and 5 days after the contrast exposure.Results:Nine (22.5%) patients in group I developed CIN, as did 8 patients (20.0%) in group II and 11 patients (27.5%) in group III (P = 0.72). Changes in mean Cr level from baseline to day 2 were not statistically significant in all groups. However, we detected a statistically significant increase in mean Cr levels at day 5 compared with baseline levels in group I and group III (from 1.42 ± 0.13 to 1.52 ± 0.26, p2 = 0.02; and from 1.43 ± 0.14 to 1.55 ± 0.30, p2 = 0.01, respectively). Although an increase was detected in mean Cr level from baseline to the 5‐day Cr level in group II, this did not reach statistical significance (from 1.40 ± 0.12 to 1.48 ± 0.23, P = 0.06).Conclusions:Pretreatment with nebivolol is protective against nephrotoxic effects of contrast media. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Thromboembolic Events During the Perioperative Period in Patients Undergoing Permanent Pacemaker Implantation
Authors: Chen Songwen , Liu Jing , Pan Wenzhi , Liu Shaowen , Su Yangang , Bai Jin , Wang Wei , Ge Junbo 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground:Thromboembolism (TE) is one of the most serious complications after pacemaker implantation. It has been demonstrated that several patient characteristics and different pacing modes are related to an increased risk of TE events during long‐term follow‐up.Hypothesis:We propose that TE events occurring during the perioperative period of pacemaker implantation may be associated with certain clinical characteristics.Methods:The potential risk factors of TE events were analyzed in 406 consecutive patients who underwent pacemaker implantation.Results:We identified TE events in 11 patients (2.7%) within 7 days after pacemaker implantation. Four of the 11 (36.4%) patients died of complications of TE. Univariate analysis revealed that an age of >75 years (4.56 odds ratio [OR], P = 0.031), hypertension (3.59 OR, P = 0.028), diabetes (8.89 OR, P < 0.001), coronary heart disease (4.8 OR, P = 0.005), atrial fibrillation (AF) (5.68 OR, P = 0.006), persistent AF (10.36 OR, P < 0.001), and a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (5.62 OR, P = 0.002) were associated with an increased risk of TE events. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that persistent AF (9.8 OR, P < 0.001) was independently associated with TE. The incidence of perioperative TE was not significantly different between patients with single‐ and dual‐chamber pacemakers.Conclusions:We found TE events during the perioperative period in patients undergoing pacemaker implantation were not uncommon. Because persistent AF during the perioperative period was the only independent risk factor for perioperative TE, appropriate anticoagulation therapy may be necessary in those patients. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.J. Liu, MD, is co‐first author. The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Computer simulation and mathematical models of the noncentrosomal plant cortical microtubule cytoskeleton
Authors: Eren Ezgi Can , Gautam Natarajan , Dixit Ram 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThere is rising interest in modeling the noncentrosomal cortical microtubule cytoskeleton of plant cells, particularly its organization into ordered arrays and the mechanisms that facilitate this organization. In this review, we discuss quantitative models of this highly complex and dynamic structure both at a cellular and molecular level. We report differences in methodologies and assumptions of different models as well as their controversial results. Our review provides insights for future studies to resolve these controversies, in addition to underlining the common results between various models. We also highlight the need to compare the results from simulation and mathematical models with quantitative data from biological experiments in order to test the validity of the models and to further improve them. It is our hope that this review will serve to provide guidelines for how to combine quantitative and experimental techniques to develop higher‐level models of the plant cytoskeleton in the future. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Cytotoxic Salan–Titanium(IV) Complexes: High Activity Toward a Range of Sensitive and Drug‐Resistant Cell Lines, and Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Manna Cesar M. , Braitbard Ori , Weiss Esther , Hochman Jacob , Tshuva Edit Y. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe cytotoxicities of highly efficient salan–TiIV complexes toward a range of cell lines, including drug‐resistant cells, are reported along with preliminary mechanistic insights. Five salan–TiIV complexes were investigated toward eight different human and murine cancer‐derived cell lines, including colon, ovarian, lung, cervical, pancreatic, leukemic, skin, and breast. The salan complexes are more active toward the cells analyzed than cisplatin and the known titanium compound (bzac)2Ti(OiPr)2, and no cell line resistant to the salan complexes was identified. Moreover, the salan–TiIV complexes are highly active toward both cisplatin‐sensitive (A2780) and cisplatin‐resistant (A2780CisR) human ovarian cancer cell lines. Similarly, the salan complexes are cytotoxic toward multi‐drug‐resistant (ABCB1‐expressing) mouse lymphoma cell lines HU‐1 and HU‐2. Importantly, minimal or no activity was observed toward primary murine cells (bone marrow, heart, liver, kidney, spleen, and lung), supporting selectivity for cancer cells. Additionally, the salan complexes maintain high cytotoxicity for up to 24 h following exposure to cell culture medium, whereas reference complexes (bzac)2Ti(OiPr)2 and Cp2TiCl2 rapidly lose much of their activity upon exposure to medium, within ∼1 h. The upregulation of p53 followed by cell‐cycle arrest in G1 phase is likely one mechanism of action of the salan complexes. Taken together, the results indicate that these compounds are selectively toxic to cancer cells and are able to circumvent two independent mechanisms of drug resistance, thus expanding the scope of their potential medicinal utility.
TSLP: From allergy to vaccine adjuvant
Authors: Soumelis Vassili 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe field of vaccine adjuvants has been an area of active research and development because of the need to improve the generation of protective immunity to a large number of pathogens, as well as in diseases such as cancer. Adjuvants can also help induce stronger immune responses with fewer injections, and consequently improve both the feasibility and success rate of large‐scale population vaccine campaigns in developing countries. A current challenge is to identify vaccine adjuvants of various classes (cytokines, toll‐like receptor ligands, etc.) with specific immune‐modulating properties in order to tailor the immune response to certain pathological situations. In this issue, Van Roey et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2012. 42: 353–363] explore one of these challenges, namely to identify novel mucosal adjuvants. Van Roey et al. show that the pro‐allergic cytokine thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) promotes a strong B‐cell response with production of secretory IgA at mucosal sites. Here, we discuss the importance and limits of these findings within the broader field of vaccine adjuvants, and the potential development of TSLP as a mucosal and B‐cell adjuvant in humans.
How anxious and avoidant attachment affect romantic relationship quality differently: A meta‐analytic review
Authors: Li Tianyuan , Chan Darius K‐S. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAdult attachment has been studied as an important predictor of romantic relationship quality in many empirical studies. This meta‐analysis quantitatively summarized the associations between the two insecure adult attachment dimensions, anxiety and avoidance, and cognitive, emotional, and behavioral indicators of romantic relationship quality based on 73 previous studies with 118 independent samples of 21 602 individuals. More importantly, we examined the different effects of anxiety and avoidance on relationship quality. We also tested the potential moderating effects of gender on the strength of these associations. Meta‐analytic results confirmed that both anxiety and avoidance were detrimental to the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects of relationship quality. Compared with anxiety, avoidance was more negatively associated with general satisfaction, connectedness, and general support in relationships. In contrast, anxiety was more positively associated with general conflict in relationships. The moderating effect of gender was weak. However, supplementary analyses found that the type of couple interaction measures (self‐report versus observation) significantly moderated the relations between insecure attachments and the behavioral indicators of relationship quality. Our results integrate and extend previous findings about the dynamics of adult attachment and romantic relationship quality. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lentiviral vector followed by protein immunisation breaks tolerance against the self‐antigen Her1 and results in lung cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Alpizar Yeranddy Aguiar , Karwacz Katarzyna , Arce Frederick , Rivera Arianna Yglesias , Fernández Luis Enrique , Collins Mary K. , Ramírez Belinda Sánchez 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundLung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer mortality, and so the aim of the present study was to develop a therapeutic vaccine protocol.MethodsWe constructed a lentiviral vector (LV) expressing the extracellular domain (ECD) of murine Her1, an antigen associated with poor prognosis in lung cancer.ResultsA single LV injection, followed by two Her1 protein boosts, was effective in reducing the metastatic burden of Lewis lung carcinoma in mice. The Her1 LV immunisation generated CD8+ T cells that recognised Her1 ECD presented by dendritic cells, and that also homed to Her1‐expressing tumours. Protein boosting further increased the CD8+ T cell response and generated anti‐Her1 antibodies; in the antibody response, Her1 LV priming increased Th1‐dependent immunoglobulin G2c production.ConclusionsThe ability of this vaccine protocol to break both T cell and B cell tolerance to a self‐antigen likely explains its effectiveness. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lower limb lymphedema treated with lymphatico‐venous anastomosis based on pre‐ and intraoperative icg lymphography and non‐contact vein visualization: A case report
Authors: Mihara Makoto , Hara Hisako , Narushima Mitsunaga , Hayashi Yohei , Yamamoto Takumi , Oshima Azusa , Kikuchi Kazuki , Murai Noriyuki , Koshima Isao 
Published: January 2012

AbstractLymphatico‐venous anastomosis (LVA) is used to resolve lymph retention in lymphedema. However, the postoperative outcome of lower limb lymphedema is poorer than that for upper limb lymphedema, because of the location lower than the heart level. Improvement of the therapeutic outcome requires application of as many anastomoses as possible in a limited operation time, particularly since there is a positive correlation between the number of anastomoses and the therapeutic effect of LVA. In this case, we described a method to increase the efficiency of lymphatico‐venous anastomosis for bilateral severe lower limb lymphedema through efficient identification of lymph vessels and veins suitable for anastomosis using indocyanine green (ICG) contrast imaging and AccuVein, a noncontact vein visualization system, respectively. Ten LVAs were succeeded at seven incisions, and the operation time was 3 hours and 5 minutes. Accuvein can be used for identification of subcutaneous venules with a diameter of about 0.5–1.0 mm. We used this approach in surgery for a case of bilateral lower limb lymphedema, with a resultant improvement in the surgical outcome. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
Rho‐inhibition by local application of c3‐toxin for enhancement of axonal sprouting in a rat end‐to‐side nerve repair model
Authors: Penna V. , Bjoern Stark G. , Leibig N. , Boyle V. , Sakalidou M. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIntroduction: The aim of the presented study was to investigate nerve regeneration after application of C3‐Toxin, a Rho‐GTPase inhibitor and to correlate morphometry, neurophysiology, and function in an end‐to‐side peroneal/tibial nerve repair model of the rat. Materials and methods: Twenty rats with a peroneal to tibial end‐to‐side neurorrhaphy were divided into two groups: 1) control group, 2) C3 fusion toxin group with intrafascicular application of 1 μg/100 μl C3 fusion toxin. Survival time was 8 weeks. Nerve conduction velocities and motor function were analyzed and histomorphological evaluation consisting of measurement of intraneural collagen level, axon count, total nerve area, myelination index, and N‐ratio followed. Results: Evaluation of motor function and nerve conduction did not show any statistical differences. Histological analysis revealed higher axon count, thicker myelin sheaths, and higher myelination index in the C3 fusion toxin group (P < 0.001). Comparison of N‐ratio and intraneural collagen level were without statistical significance. Conclusion: The current study shows that application of C3 fusion toxin leads to higher myelination and increases axonal sprouting. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
A reusable perforator‐preserving gluteal artery‐based rotation fasciocutaneous flap for pressure sore reconstruction
Authors: Lin Pao‐Yuan , Kuo Yur‐Ren , Tsai Yun‐Ta 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground: Perforator‐based fasciocutaneous flaps for reconstructing pressure sores can achieve good functional results with acceptable donor site complications in the short‐term. Recurrence is a difficult issue and a major concern in plastic surgery. In this study, we introduce a reusable perforator‐preserving gluteal artery‐based rotation flap for reconstruction of pressure sores, which can be also elevated from the same incision to accommodate pressure sore recurrence. Methods: The study included 23 men and 13 women with a mean age of 59.3 (range 24–89) years. There were 24 sacral ulcers, 11 ischial ulcers, and one trochanteric ulcer. The defects ranged in size from 4 × 3 to 12 × 10 cm2. Thirty‐six consecutive pressure sore patients underwent gluteal artery‐based rotation flap reconstruction. An inferior gluteal artery‐based rotation fasciocutaneous flap was raised, and the superior gluteal artery perforator was preserved in sacral sores; alternatively, a superior gluteal artery‐based rotation fasciocutaneous flap was elevated, and the inferior gluteal artery perforator was identified and dissected in ischial ulcers. Results: The mean follow‐up was 20.8 (range 0–30) months in this study. Complications included four cases of tip necrosis, three wound dehiscences, two recurrences reusing the same flap for pressure sore reconstruction, one seroma, and one patient who died on the fourth postoperative day. The complication rate was 20.8% for sacral ulcers, 54.5% for ischial wounds, and none for trochanteric ulcer. After secondary repair and reconstruction of the compromised wounds, all of the wounds healed uneventfully. Conclusions: The perforator‐preserving gluteal artery‐based rotation fasciocutaneous flap is a reliable, reusable flap that provides rich vascularity facilitating wound healing and accommodating the difficulties of pressure sore reconstruction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.