bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Periostitis Secondary to Prolonged Voriconazole Therapy in a Lung Transplant Recipient
Authors: Lustenberger David P. , Granata Jaymes D. , Scharschmidt Thomas J. 
Published: November 2011

This article reports a case of perostitis deformans in a lung transplantation patient taking the fluoride-containing medication voriconazole, a relatively new and potent anti-fungal. The patient had a normal range of motion in all joints and a normal gait. On radiographs at presentation, multifocal areas of periostitis were visualized involving the left-hand first, second, and third proximal phalanx shafts. Similar periostitis was present on the left-hand third, fourth, and fifth middle phalanx shafts. Plain radiographs of the right hand also demonstrated multifocal periostitis of the third and fourth proximal and middle phalanges. Aggressive periostitis at the level of the right fourth proximal and middle phalanges was also present. Given her long-term treatment with voriconazole and a presentation consistent with periostitis deformans, voriconazole was presumed to be the offending agent and was replaced with itraconazole. The patient’s symptoms resolved shortly after withdrawal of voriconazole.
Voriconazole-associated periostitis has only recently been reported in the literature. Food and Drug Administration-approved in 2002, voriconazole is efficacious in treating serious, invasive fungal infections that are generally seen in immunocompromised patients. Due to the novel nature of voriconazole and the uncommon indications for its long-term use, the periostitis deformans described in this article may be unfamiliar to the orthopedic surgeon. Consequently, a patient presenting with bone pain and periosteal involvement on plain radiographs may provoke a broad, expensive, and ultimately unnecessary diagnostic evaluation. The clinical case and imaging findings presented here can help to promote understanding of this benign condition and its simple cure: voriconazole discontinuation.
Virally-Induced Upregulation of Heparan Sulfate on B Cells via the Action of Type I IFN
Authors: Jarousse Nadine , Trujillo Damian L. , Wilcox-Adelman Sarah , Coscoy Laurent 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Cell surface heparan sulfate (HS) is an important coreceptor for many cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. In this study, we report that splenic murine B cells express very little HS and that upon infection with either gammaherpesvirus (murine gammaherpesvirus 68) or betaherpesvirus (murine cytomegalovirus), HS is rapidly upregulated at the surface of B cells. HS upregulation was not observed in mice deficient for the type I IFN (IFN-I) receptor. Additionally, treatment of wild-type mice with the IFN-I inducer polyinosine polycytidylic acid triggered HS expression at the B cell surface. Similarly, incubation of purified splenic B cells with IFN-I, TLR ligands, or BCR stimulators ex vivo resulted in a drastic increase in HS surface expression. We found that IFN-I induced an increase in the surface expression of HS-modified syndecan 4 as well as that of an unidentified heparan sulfate proteoglycan. Finally, IFN-I treatment increased B cell responsiveness to APRIL, a cytokine involved in B cell survival and T cell-independent B cell responses. Enzymatic removal of HS from IFN-I–treated B cells inhibited APRIL. Altogether, our results indicate that upon herpesvirus infection in mice, HS is rapidly upregulated at the surface of B cells due to the action of IFN-I, potentially increasing B cell responsiveness to cytokines. Induction of HS expression at the B cell surface by stimulators of the innate immune response likely plays a key role in the development of a robust immune response.
IL-1β and TGF-β Act Antagonistically in Induction and Differentially in Propagation of Human Proinflammatory Precursor CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Hebel Katrin , Rudolph Marion , Kosak Bernhard , Chang Hyun-Dong , Butzmann Jana , Brunner-Weinzierl Monika C. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Cytokines are critical messengers that control the differentiation of Th cells. To evaluate their impact on the fate of human naive CD4+ T cells from cord and adult blood, early T cell differentiation was monitored after T cell activation in the presence of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, the analysis of Th cell lineage-specific molecules revealed that IL-1β on its own mediates differentiation of Th cells that secrete a wide range of proinflammatory cytokines and stably express CD69, STAT1, IFN-γ, and IL-17. Notably, our data suggest that IL-1β induces Th17 cells independent of RORC upregulation. In contrast, TGF-β that triggers RORC prevents Th17 cell development. This suppressive function of TGF-β is characterized by inhibition of STAT1, STAT3, and CD69. However, after repeated anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 stimulation, we observe that TGF-β provokes an increase in Th17 cells that presumably relies on reactivation of a default pathway by preferential inhibition of IFN-γ. Hence, our data extend the view that the principal cytokines for determining Th cell fate are IL-12 for the Th1 lineage, IL-4 for the Th2 lineage, and TGF-β in conjunction with IL-6 for the Th17 lineage. We propose that IL-1β induces a general proinflammatory Th cell precursor that, in the presence of the lineage-specifying cytokines, further differentiates into one of the specific Th cell subpopulations.
Eosinophils Regulate Dendritic Cells and Th2 Pulmonary Immune Responses following Allergen Provocation
Authors: Jacobsen Elizabeth A. , Zellner Katie R. , Colbert Dana , Lee Nancy A. , Lee James J. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Reports have recently suggested that eosinophils have the potential to modulate allergen-dependent pulmonary immune responses. The studies presented expand these reports demonstrating in the mouse that eosinophils are required for the allergen-dependent Th2 pulmonary immune responses mediated by dendritic cells (DCs) and T lymphocytes. Specifically, the recruitment of peripheral eosinophils to the pulmonary lymphatic compartment(s) was required for the accumulation of myeloid DCs in draining lymph nodes and, in turn, Ag-specific T effector cell production. These effects on DCs and Ag-specific T cells did not require MHC class II expression on eosinophils, suggesting that these granulocytes have an accessory role as opposed to direct T cell stimulation. The data also showed that eosinophils uniquely suppress the DC-mediated production of Th17 and, to smaller degree, Th1 responses. The cumulative effect of these eosinophil-dependent immune mechanisms is to promote the Th2 polarization characteristic of the pulmonary microenvironment after allergen challenge.
Establishing Differences Between Diversity Requirements and Other Courses with Varying Degrees of Diversity Inclusivity
Authors: Laird Thomas F. Nelson , Engberg Mark E. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
This study examines how diversity requirements differ from courses that are highly inclusive or less inclusive of diversity. Results suggest that instructor characteristics are statistically different and that highly inclusive and less inclusive diversity courses score highest and lowest, respectively, on measures of effective teaching compared with required diversity courses.
Evaluation of Colilert-18® for Detection and Enumeration of Fecal Coliform Bacteria in Wastewater Using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Alternative Test Procedure Protocol
Authors: Warden Paul S , DeSarno Monique S , Volk Sarah E , Eldred Bradley J 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
This study compared recovery of fecal coliform bacteria from sewage by Colilert-18® and Standard Methods 9222D (membrane-Fecal Coliform medium) in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Alternative Test Protocol (ATP). Samples were collected from 10 different wastewater treatment plants in the northeastern United States and tested in a single laboratory. Twenty replicates of each sample were analyzed by each method, and 200 positive and 200 negative responses were confirmed for each method. Recovery of fecal coliforms by Colilert-18 was significantly higher than (8 of 10 sites) or statistically equivalent to (1 of 10 sites) recovery by the reference method (Standard Methods 9222D) for samples from all but one site. Both methods had low false-positive rates (&lt;2%); however, the false-negative rate observed with Standard Methods 9222D (21.5%) was substantially higher than that observed with Colilert-18 (7%). The accuracy rates of the two methods were calculated as 96.5 and 88.9% for Colilert-18 and Standard Methods 9222D, respectively. The results of this study demonstrate that Colilert-18 meets the acceptance criteria for alternative methods specified in the EPA ATP.
Two new cases with microdeletion of 17q23.2 suggest presence of a candidate gene for sensorineural hearing loss within this region
Authors: Schönewolf‐Greulich Bitten , Ronan Anne , Ravn Kristine , Baekgaard Peter , Lodahl Marianne , Nielsen Kate , Rendtorff Nanna D. , Tranebjaerg Lisbeth , Brøndum‐Nielsen Karen , Tümer Zeynep 
Published: November 2011

AbstractMicrodeletion of the 17q23.2 region has very recently been suggested as a new emerging syndrome based on the finding of 8 cases with common phenotypes including mild‐to‐moderate developmental delay, heart defects, microcephaly, postnatal growth retardation, and hand, foot, and limb abnormalities. In this report, we describe two new 17q23.2 deletion patients with mild intellectual disability and sensorineural hearing loss. They both had submicroscopic deletions smaller than the common deleted region for the 8 previously described 17q23.2 microdeletion cases. TBX4 was previously suggested as the responsible gene for the heart or limb defects observed in 17q23.2 deletion patients, but the present cases do not have these features despite deletion of this gene. The finding of sensorineural hearing loss in 5 of the 10 cases, including the present cases, with a microdeletion at17q23.2, strongly suggests the presence of a candidate gene for hearing loss within this region. We screened 41 patients with profound sensorineural hearing loss for mutations of TBX2 and detected no mutations. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluating ring‐tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) from southwestern Madagascar for a genetic population bottleneck
Authors: Parga Joyce A. , Sauther Michelle L. , Cuozzo Frank P. , Jacky Ibrahim Antho Youssouf , Lawler Richard R. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIn light of historical and recent anthropogenic influences on Malagasy primate populations, in this study ring‐tailed lemur (Lemur catta) samples from two sites in southwestern Madagascar, Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve (BMSR) and Tsimanampetsotsa National Park (TNP), were evaluated for the genetic signature of a population bottleneck. A total of 45 individuals (20 from BMSR and 25 from TNP) were genotyped at seven microsatellite loci. Three methods were used to evaluate these populations for evidence of a historical bottleneck: M‐ratio, mode‐shift, and heterozygosity excess tests. Three mutation models were used for heterozygosity excess tests: the stepwise mutation model (SMM), two‐phase model (TPM), and infinite allele model (IAM). M‐ratio estimations indicated a potential bottleneck in both populations under some conditions. Although mode‐shift tests did not strongly indicate a population bottleneck in the recent historical past when samples from all individuals were included, a female‐only analysis indicated a potential bottleneck in TNP. Heterozygosity excess was indicated under two of the three mutation models (IAM and TPM), with TNP showing stronger evidence of heterozygosity excess than BMSR. Taken together, these results suggest that a bottleneck may have occurred amongL. cattain southwestern Madagascar in the recent past. Given knowledge of how current major stochastic climatic events and human‐induced change can negatively impact extant lemur populations, it is reasonable that comparable events in the historical past could have caused a population bottleneck. This evaluation additionally functions to highlight the continuing environmental and anthropogenic challenges faced by lemurs in southwestern Madagascar. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamical mean‐field theory for correlated electrons
Authors: Vollhardt D. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractElectronic correlations strongly influence the properties of matter. For example, they can induce a discontinuous transition from conducting to insulating behavior. In this paper basic terms of the physics of correlated electrons are explained. In particular, I describe some of the steps that led to the formulation of a comprehensive, non‐perturbative many‐body approach to correlated quantum many‐body systems, the dynamical mean‐field theory (DMFT). The DMFT becomes exact in the limit of high lattice dimensions (d → ∞) and allows one to go beyond the investigation of simple correlation models and thereby better understand, and even predict, the properties of electronically correlated materials.
Synthesis and evaluation of comb‐type copolymers prepared via atom transfer radical polymerization as possible cold flow improvers in GTL diesel fuels
Authors: Norah Maithufi M. , Joubert Dawid J. , Klumperman Bert 
Published: November 2011

AbstractStatistical comb‐type copolymers of styrene (Sty) and stearyl methacrylate (C18 MA) with varying [styrene]:[C18MA] ratios were synthesized by a controlled/living radical polymerization technique called atom transfer radical polymerization. The polymeric materials were evaluated in selected SASOL Fischer Tropsch gas‐to‐liquid diesels as possible cold flow improvers. Crystallization studies revealed that as the styrene content of the copolymer increased, a crystal growth inhibition mechanism was exhibited. With an increase in styrene content of the copolymer, differential scanning calorimetry and the cloud filter plugging point (CFPP) revealed a delay in onset of crystallization and lowered CFPP, respectively, whereas low‐temperature microscopy indicated modifications and size reduction of wax crystals. However, there appeared to be a styrene content, beyond which the additive's efficiency decreased. Homopolymer and copolymers with the highest styrene content led to long unfavorable needle‐shaped crystals. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of processing parameters on the surface resistivity of ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites
Authors: Yu Duck‐Ryul , Kim Gue‐Hyun 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIn this study, ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer was melt‐mixed with multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT). To realize full‐scale application of MWCNT to the polymer industries, the effect of melt‐processing parameters on the surface resistivity in the polymer/MWCNT nanocomposites should be well‐understood. The effect of mixing time, rotor speed, compression molding time, and temperature on the surface resistivity was investigated. Increasing the rotor speed and longer mixing time lead to an improvement of dispersion of MWCNT in polymer matrix, resulting in a decrease of surface resistivity. The surface resistivity of EVA/MWCNT nanocomposites is also sensitive to the press temperature and time. However, the dominant processing parameters to affect surface resistivity depend on the amount of MWCNT. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Tamoxifen‐loaded microspheres based on mixtures of poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) and poly(D,L‐lactide) polymers: Effect of polymeric composition on drug release and in vitro antitumoral activity
Authors: Fenández A. , Teijón C. , Benito M. , Iglesias I. , Lozano R. , Teijón J. M. , Blanco M. D. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractMixtures of different bioerosionable polyesters were used to prepare microparticulated tamoxifen delivery systems to achieve anticancer effects in breast malignant cancer cells. Tamoxifen (TMX) was included into microspheres (MS) formulated via spray‐drying. Mixtures of poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) of different lactide/glycolide proportions (50 : 50 and 75 : 25) and poly(D,L‐lactic acid) (PLA) were used. The average diameter of the resultant TMX‐loaded microparticles was in the range 1.04 ± 0.51–1.55 ± 0.95 μm. The encapsulation efficiency of TMX was between 97.8% [48.9 ± 0.1 TMX (μg)/MS (mg)] and 69.6% [36.6 ± 0.1 TMX (μg)/MS (mg)] depending on the polymeric composition of the formulation. Drug burst effect was not observed. TMX was released from the polymeric matrices in a sustained release manner between 11 and 58 days depending on polymeric composition of microspheres. TMX‐loaded microspheres showed high efficacy in causing cell death in MCF7 breast malignant cancer cells. Thus, these TMX‐loaded PLGA‐based microspheres hold potential to treat breast malignant cancer cells. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Structure and thermal behavior of poly(L‐lactic acid) clay nanocomposites: Effect of preparation method as a function of the nanofiller modification level
Authors: Marras Sotirios I. , Zuburtikudis Ioannis 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe structural and thermal characteristics of poly(L‐lactic acid)/layered‐silicate hybrid materials that were produced via two different routes, namely by solvent casting and by melt mixing, were compared in association with the degree of clay modification. Investigation of the produced materials' structure revealed that, at low modification levels, melt blending is necessary in dispersing the amine‐treated clay into the polymer matrix. At intermediate degrees of modification, both techniques are capable of swelling the silicate clay with the solution casting to be a more effective method. Thermal measurements showed that the clay modification level influences significantly the thermal stability of both solution and melt processed hybrids. Moreover, the material derived from melt mixing displayed a higher onset decomposition temperature. The glass transition temperature of the polymer was not significantly affected by the preparation method followed. However, the crystallization process was found to be strongly dependent on both the preparation method and the degree of clay modification. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Bifunctional silane (TESPD) effects on improved mechanical properties of silica containing nitrile‐butadiene rubber/poly(vinyl chloride) compound
Authors: Kim Kwang‐Jea 
Published: November 2011

AbstractOrgano bifunctional silane (TESPD) is added into silica containing NBR/PVC blend and its effects are investigated with respect to the vulcanization property, the processability, and the physical property. The addition of the TESPD into silica filled NBR/PVC compound increases the degree of crosslinking by formation of a strong three‐dimensional network structure between silica surface and rubber matrix via coupling reaction, which results in improved mechanical properties. It also improves the processability of the compound compared to the Control compound. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Investigating the surface properties of polyurethane based anti‐graffiti coatings against UV exposure
Authors: Rabea A. Mohammad , Mirabedini S. M. , Mohseni M. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractA permanent anti‐graffiti coating based on a polyurethane resin was prepared by incorporating different levels of an OH‐functional silicone modified polyacrylate additive. Static contact angle measurements and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) were employed to evaluate surface free energy and mechanical properties of the coating specimens, respectively. Effect of ageing condition on the graffiti properties of the coating samples was evaluated utilizing an accelerated weathering test. Color changes, surface morphology, and variations in the mechanical properties were also examined prior to and after being exposed to UV irradiation for 864 h in a QUV chamber. Results showed that surface free energy of the samples decreased with replacement of polyol with additive up to 5 mol %. A Scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X‐ray detector revealed that for the samples containing more than 5 mol % additive, there was an enrichment of silicone at the interface of films and air. At long exposure times and higher concentrations of additive, depreciation of graffiti properties was seen. DMTA and attenuated total reflectance‐fourier transform infra‐red studies before and after ageing showed that the silicone additive tended to degrade while it could cause an increase in crosslinking density. Water contact angles and atomic force microscopy images after ageing revealed that the cause of the depletion in anti‐graffiti properties was attributed to the deterioration of the silicone additive. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation and studying properties of polybutene‐1/thermoplastic starch blends
Authors: Kaseem Mosab , Hamad Kotiba , Deri Fawaz 
Published: November 2011

AbstractStarch as an inexpensive and renewable source has been used as a filler for environmental friendly plastics for about two decades. In this study, glycerol was used as a plasticizer for starch to enhance the dispersion and the interfacial affinity in thermoplastic starch (TPS)/polybutene‐1(PB‐1) blend. PB‐1 was melt blended with TPS using a single screw extrusion process and molded using injection molding process to investigate the rheological and mechanical properties of these blends. Rheological properties were studied using a capillary rheometer, and the Bagley's correction was performed. Mechanical analysis (stress–strain curves) was performed using Testometric M350‐10 kN. The rheological properties showed that the melt viscosity of the blend is less than that of PB‐1, and the flow activation energy at a constant shear stress of the blend increases with increasing glycerol content in the blend. The mechanical experiments showed that both stress and strain at break of the blends are less than that of PB‐1, whereas the Young's modulus of the most blends is higher than that of PB‐1 which confirms the filling role of TPS in the blend. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Morphology and hydrogen‐bond restricted crystallization of poly(butylene succinate)/cellulose diacetate blends
Authors: Zhou Weihua , Yuan Shuaishuai , Chen Yiwang , Bao Le 
Published: November 2011

AbstractPoly(butylene succinate)/cellulose diacetate (PBS/CDA) blends were prepared by the solution blending method from poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and cellulose diacetate (CDA). The influence of hydrogen bond on the structure, morphology, crystallization, as well as the physical properties of PBS/CDA blends was significantly investigated. The fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results indicated that the carbonyl groups of PBS shifted to higher wavenumbers and disappeared at the content of 60% CDA, due to the formation of hydrogen bond between PBS and CDA. The wide‐angle X‐ray diffractometer (WAXD) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) analysis suggest that the crystallization of PBS was significantly restricted by the incorporation of CDA, which is also attributed to the hydrogen bonding. The scanning electron miscroscope (SEM) and polarized optical microscopy (POM) results revealed that PBS and CDA were miscible without appearance of obvious phase separation. The hydrogen bonding interaction led to the change of decomposing mechanism of blends as determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), as well as the increase of the elongation at break due to the reduced crystallinity of PBS. The existence of CDA led to the decrease of water contact angle, showing of the improved hydrophilicity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012