bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split 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

AbstractRecent 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

AbstractIonic 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

AbstractHydrogenated 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractPolyurethane 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

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

AbstractObjectiveThe 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsAt 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.Conclusion18F‐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

AbstractBoth 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

AbstractCoenzyme 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractObjectives: 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

AbstractObjectives: 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.