bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sharing knowledge for water sharing
Authors: Van der Zaag Pieter
Published: July 2010

Acknowledging the special character of water, knowledge, and knowledge about water, the paper postulates the need for special efforts to promote and sustain knowledge‐generating systems. Taking the global knowledge divide as a starting point, the paper explores how the demand for knowledge can drive the adoption and adaptation of innovations, of formulating new research agendas and of developing new curricula of postgraduate education aimed to train a new type of water manager. This is illustrated by describing a regional capacity‐building network that pools knowledge, offers a joint Master's program, conducts research and disseminates research findings. The ultimate aim should be that the institutions that govern water become more responsive to their environments, that they are open for signals of change, define problems better and seek creative answers and solutions – all this in order to be able to remain relevant in a changing context. After making a plea to the North to open up and share its knowledge resources with the South, the paper concludes that knowledge sharing is a prerequisite for water sharing, and should be prioritized. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Professionals in context: How robust is the normative model?
Authors: Röling Niels
Published: July 2010

Research on successful change often leads to a normative model. What was an empirical outcome becomes a prescription for action. In water management, research on platforms for decision‐making, multi‐stakeholder processes, social learning, and participatory interventions seems to have made this step to new orthodoxy. Compared to agricultural development, where many still expect technology (smart farming, precision farming, genomics, etc.) to provide the necessary answers to the challenges of anthropogenic biosphere change, thinking about water solutions seems to have moved on and embraced a new normative model that sees necessary action as emerging from the interaction (deliberation, negotiation, conflict resolution, etc.) of multiple stakeholders. However positive this development, the seriousness of the challenges posed by the fact that people have become a major force of nature that is rapidly altering the flimsy and fragile biosphere, compels us to ask whether the normative model can handle these challenges. Some points that will be considered are: (1) inequalities of power among stakeholders, (2) the disproportional influence of vested interest, (3) higher‐level institutional conditions and incentive structures, (4) compromises that undermine efficacious action, (5) and institutions that are geared to economic growth, not to prudent water use (incompatibility between hydrological cycle and linear growth). The paper attempts to examine these issues and to draw some implications for water professionals. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards the transdisciplinary engineer: Incorporating ecology, equity and democracy concerns into water professionals' attitudes, skills and knowledge
Authors: Mollinga Peter P.
Published: July 2010

This paper uses emerging frameworks for transdisciplinary research on natural resources management as a model for defining the attitudes and skills of water professionals able to address the present‐day challenges to the agricultural water sector. These challenges can be generically classified as: (a) internalising ecological concerns into water systems design, management and governance; (b) shaping the co‐evolution of the water technological/infrastructural system and the water social system from a human development perspective; and (c) constructive involvement of the water‐control‐systems‐associated interest groups in the design, management and governance of these systems. In terms of “attitude”, transdisciplinary water engineers will have to be explicitly (i.e. self‐consciously) normative, as negotiated problem definition and problem solving is a core component of the new professionalism. The (new) “skills” required involve (a) conceptual skills to conceive and operationalise the multidimensionality of water control, (b) instrumental skills to shape water systems as boundary objects for different uses and users, and (c) behavioural and institutional design skills to engage in and shape processes of negotiated design, management and governance. In the process, the water resources engineering and hydrology knowledge and methods that constitute professional identity at present will have to be creatively rethought. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid analytic/rule‐based expert system for channel covering decision support
Authors: Guven Aytac , Ökmen Önder
Published: July 2010

Expert systems are intelligent tools that serve as support in decision‐making processes. This study presents a new expert system for channel covering decision support with the aid of high‐level computer language, which combines knowledge‐ and rule‐based programming techniques. The proposed expert system has been called the “Channel Covering Decision Support Expert System” and abbreviated as “CCES”. CCES helps the user when deciding whether covering (lining) is necessary in rivers or open drainage channels, and it finds out whether or not the properties of the covering material types offered by the user are sufficient in case coverage is required. Furthermore, CCES offers the most appropriate covering type from the covering type database built by the user by taking technical and economical considerations into account. In the paper, the applicability of CCES has also been validated by a case study related to an irrigation project carried out in Turkey. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CD147 regulates vascular endothelial growth factor—A expression, tumorigenicity, and chemosensitivity to curcumin in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jia Li , Wang Huaxin , Qu Shuxian , Miao Xiaoyan , Zhang Jianing
Published: July 2010

CD147, also named as extracelluar matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN), has been proved to be involved in several aspects of tumor progression. In addition to its ability to induce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production, it confers resistance to some chemotherapeutic drugs. To investigate the possible role of CD147 in the mouse hepatocarcinoma cell line Hepa1‐6 with no metastatic potential in the lymph nodes, we used RNA interference (RNAi) approach to silence CD147 expression. The results showed that silencing of CD147 in Hepa1‐6 cells significantly impeded the expression of VEGF‐A at both mRNA and protein levels. The siRNA‐treated cells exhibited significantly decreased growth ability when compared with control cells. Colony formation of CD147 deficient cells was dramatically inhibited in soft agar, and tumorigenicity was reduced in nude mice. Furthermore, the downregulation of CD147 expression also sensitized cells to be more sensitive to curcumin. These results suggested that CD147 might be a potential target for therapeutic antitumor drugs. © 2007 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(1): 57–63, 2008
Nitric oxide irreversibly inhibits cytochrome oxidase at low oxygen concentrations: Evidence for inverse oxygen concentration‐dependent peroxynitrite formation
Authors: Parihar Arti , Vaccaro Patrick , Ghafourifar Pedram
Published: July 2010

The present study shows that nitric oxide (NO) irreversibly inhibits purified cytochrome oxidase in a reverse oxygen concentration‐dependent manner. The inhibition is dramatically protected by a peroxynitrite scavenger, suggesting that peroxynitrite is formed from the reaction of NO with cytochrome oxidase at low oxygen concentration, and that peroxynitrite is involved in irreversible cytochrome oxidase inactivation. Production of nitroxyl anion or superoxide was tested as potential mechanisms underlying the conversion of NO to peroxynitrite. A nitroxyl anion scavenger potently protected the irreversible inhibition, whereas a superoxide dismutase did not provide protective effect, suggesting that the peroxynitrite was formed from nitroxyl anion rather than the reaction of NO with superoxide. © 2007 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(1): 64–67, 2008
Characterization of nanoscale transformations in polyelectrolyte multilayers fabricated from plasmid DNA using laser scanning confocal microscopy in combination with atomic force microscopy
Authors: Fredin Nathaniel J. , Flessner Ryan M. , Jewell Christopher M. , Bechler Shane L. , Buck Maren E. , Lynn David M.
Published: July 2010

Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to characterize changes in nanoscale structure that occur when ultrathin polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) are incubated in aqueous media. The PEMs investigated here were fabricated by the deposition of alternating layers of plasmid DNA and a hydrolytically degradable polyamine onto a precursor film composed of alternating layers of linear poly(ethylene imine) (LPEI) and sodium poly(styrene sulfonate) (SPS). Past studies of these materials in the context of gene delivery revealed transformations from a morphology that is smooth and uniform to one characterized by the formation of nanometer‐scale particulate structures. We demonstrate that in‐plane registration of LSCM and AFM images acquired from the same locations of films fabricated using fluorescently labeled polyelectrolytes allows the spatial distribution of individual polyelectrolyte species to be determined relative to the locations of topographic features that form during this transformation. Our results suggest that this physical transformation leads to a morphology consisting of a relatively less disturbed portion of film composed of polyamine and DNA juxtaposed over an array of particulate structures composed predominantly of LPEI and SPS. Characterization by scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray microanalysis provides additional support for this interpretation. The combination of these different microscopy techniques provides insight into the structures and dynamics of these multicomponent thin films that cannot be achieved using any one method alone, and could prove useful for the further development of these assemblies as platforms for the surface‐mediated delivery of DNA. Microsc. Res. Tech. 73:834–844, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mago, a vertebrate homolog of Drosophila Mago nashi protein, is a component of the chromatoid body in the cytoplasm of the postmeiotic spermatid
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhou Fang , Zhou Xiang , Hou Yu , He Yan , Cheng Hanhua , Zhou Rongjia
Published: July 2010

Post‐transcriptional regulations play a crucial role during spermatogenesis of the vertebrates. Chromatoid body (CB) is a characteristic spermatid organelle that is supposed to exert its role in post‐transcriptional processes, but its real functions remain largely unknown. Here we report identification of Mago from the rice field eel, and show its evolutionary conservation, differential expression and localization during gonadal transformation. The Mago interacts with Y14, which may facilitate nuclear export of both proteins in the Sertoli cells. Importantly, we have determined Mago as a novel component of the CB in the cytoplasm of the developing spermatid. Addition of Mago to the component list of the CB undoubtedly provides new clue as to the functions of the CB during spermatogenesis in the vertebrates. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 314B:232–241, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Bermuda offshore market in transition
Authors: Leonard Gregory E.
Published: July 2010

In summary, the Bermuda insurance industry is undergoing a major upheaval, with the ultimate outcome being presently unclear. However, offshore markets have been at the forefront of innovation in international insurance for the past decade, and this innovation is likely to continue. The successful companies of the future will take full advantage of the regulatory and accounting freedoms offered in Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and other Caribbean locations. In the end, the offshore captive industry could well be transformed into an offshore specialty insurance market. The players will be fewer, but the business volume may be larger than ever.
Dynamic corticospinal white matter connectivity changes during stroke recovery: A diffusion tensor probabilistic tractography study
Authors: Pannek Kerstin , Chalk Jonathan B. , Finnigan Simon , Rose Stephen E.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

To investigate corticospinal tract connectivity changes at the cortical surface using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography during recovery from stroke.

Materials and Methods

Using data from 10 stroke patients (four subcortical) and six elderly controls, we developed an automated method to quantify altered motor connectivity that involves the use of a simplified cortical surface model as a seed mask with target regions defined within the corticospinal tracts to initiate a probabilistic tractography algorithm.

Results

We found no change in volume overlap of the generated corticospinal tracts in the stroke patients compared to controls, but significant connectivity changes at the boundary of the simplified cortical surface mask, especially within the ipsilesional hemisphere of stroke patients over time. Using the cortical regions with significantly enhanced connectivity as a seed mask on the patient data, tracts that are directly associated with stroke recovery can be delineated. Measures of uncertainty in fiber orientation within these fiber tracts significantly correlated with functional outcome.

Conclusion

The novel findings from this study highlight the usefulness of this methodology to study white matter repair/reorganization during stroke recovery. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:529–536. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Superparamagnetic iron oxide‐enhanced liver MRI with SHU 555 A (RESOVIST®): New protocol infusion to improve arterial phase evaluation—A prospective study
Authors: Grazioli Luigi , Bondioni Maria Pia , Romanini Laura , Frittoli Barbara , Gambarini Sebastiana , Donato Francesco , Santoro Lucia , Colagrande Stefano
Published: July 2010

Purpose

To compare the arterial enhancement of hypervascular hepatic lesions by T1‐weighted 3D‐GRE (gradient‐recalled echo) fat‐sat sequence after slow (0.5 mL/sec) and fast (2 mL/sec) RESOVIST® infusion.

Materials and Methods

We prospectively enrolled 71 patients with hypervascular hepatic lesions to undergo dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination with RESOVIST®. A total of 92 benign and malignant lesions, 44 of which histologically confirmed, were examined. Three blinded and independent readers visually assessed the arterial enhancement using a score from 0 (none) to 3 (maximum), the latter score comparable to that achievable by MultiHance administration.

Results

Out of the 92 hypervascular lesions, 41, 31, and 20 nodules were examined using the slow, fast, and both protocols, respectively. Relevant enhancement (scores 2–3) was found in 42% vs. 14.5% of cases for slow and fast protocols, respectively. Intraindividual comparison evaluation confirmed the better results obtained by slow than fast protocol (25% vs. 10%), with statistically relevant difference in distribution of scores (P = 0.0004). The slow protocol showed values between 0 and 3 with an arithmetic mean of 1.1; the fast one, on the other hand, showed values between 0 and 2 with an arithmetic mean of 0.66.

Conclusion

Slow infusion improves arterial enhancement after RESOVIST® administration. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:607–616. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MRI findings of posttraumatic intrahepatic vascular shunts
Authors: Semelka Richard C. , Lessa Teresa , Shaikh Faiq , Miller Frank H. , Elazzazi Mohamed , Dyson Matt
Published: July 2010

Purpose

To describe the features of posttraumatic intrahepatic vascular shunts (PIVS) as seen on MRI.

Materials and Methods

A search was performed for patients with MRI features compatible with PIVS in the Abdominal MRI databases between January 2002 and March 2008. This study was approved by our institutional review board. All patients were imaged using a protocol that included noncontrast T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted images, and postgadolinium gradient‐echo images.

Results

Eleven patients (eight men, three women; mean age 55.36 years; range 43–77 years) were identified with PIVS. The following imaging features were observed: dilation of afferent and efferent vessels (five patients), transient hepatic parenchymal blush in a watershed distribution (11 patients), and early opacification of efferent vessels (11 patients).

Conclusion

Patients with PIVS exhibit features that are distinctive for this entity and include: dilatation of efferent and afferent vessels, transient parenchymal blush, and early opacification of efferent vessels. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:617–620. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phase‐contrast MRI‐based elastography technique detects early hypertensive changes in ex vivo porcine aortic wall
Authors: Woodrum David A. , Herrmann Joerg , Lerman Amir , Romano Anthony J. , Lerman Lilach O. , Ehman Richard L.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

To measure the elastic properties of ex vivo porcine aortas in control and hypertensive groups using a phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based elastography technique.

Materials and Methods

Female domestic pigs were randomized to a normal control group (N; n = 5) or a renovascular hypertension group (HT; n = 5) for the duration of 3 months. Mean arterial pressure was significantly higher in the hypertension group than in the control group (173 ± 12 vs. 115 ± 11 mmHg, P ≤ 0.05). The animals were euthanized after 3 months of hypertension and abdominal aortas harvested. The ex vivo aortic samples were then examined using a phase‐contrast MRI‐based elastography technique.

Results

The Young's modulus‐wall thickness product, a reflection of vascular stiffness, was significantly higher in the hypertension group than in the control group (0.571 ± 0.080 vs. 0.419 ± 0.026, P < 0.05). Histological analysis and staining confirmed increased intima‐media thickness and collagen content in the hypertensive aorta, while elastin staining showed no difference.

Conclusion

The current study shows that MR elastography offers a method to study the physiologic changes in the arterial wall secondary to early hypertension. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:583–587. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The distribution of ash in Icelandic lake sediments and the relative importance of mixing and erosion processes
Authors: Thompson Roy , Bradshaw Richard H. W. , Whitley John E.
Published: July 2010

During the Holocene the volcano Hekla explosively emitted highly silicic tephra on four occasions. The ash was widely dispersed by the wind. Distinctive light‐coloured ash layers are now to be seen in the peats of Northern Iceland. Ash from the 1104 AD eruption was carried as far as Scandinavia. The most recent three tephra are preserved in the top 6 m of sediment in Lake Svinavatn. Chemical data from the sediment of Lake Svinavatn, which lies near the north coast of Iceland 170 km from Hekla, reveal the presence of silicic ash above the tephra visible to the naked eye. Unlike the vertical spread of ash in ocean sediment cores which results from biological mixing effects, the upwards spread of ash in the Svinavatn lake sediment cores appears to have been produced by erosion of ash from the lake catchment in the decades following the eruptions. The variations in concentrations of 11 elements, as determined by neutron activation analysis, can be explained by an exponentially decreasing input from catchment erosion. The additional input to each of the three Hekla ash layers was in the region of 3% of the ash which fell on the Svinavatn catchment.
Temperature‐dependent Raman scattering studies of the geometrically frustrated pyrochlores Dy2Ti2O7, Gd2Ti2O7 and Er2Ti2O7
Authors: Ma̧czka M. , Hanuza J. , Hermanowicz K. , Fuentes A. F. , Matsuhira K. , Hiroi Z.
Published: July 2010

The temperature‐dependent Raman studies of A2Ti2O7(A = Dy, Er, Gd) were performed on single crystals and polycrystalline samples in the 4.2–295 K temperature range. The Raman spectra showed softening of the majority of phonon modes upon cooling in the whole temperature range studied and large decrease of linewidths. These changes have been analyzed in terms of strong third‐order phonon–phonon anharmonic interactions. Moreover, the 312 and 330 cm−1 modes of Er2Ti2O7(Gd2Ti2O7) showed hardening upon cooling down to about 130 K (100 K) and then anomalous softening below this temperature. The observed anomalous behavior of the Raman modes indicates that some important changes occur in these materials at low temperatures. However, the origin of this behavior is still not clear. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical and microbial stability of high moisture dried apricots during storage
Authors: Saǧırlı Fatma , Taǧı Şeref , Özkan Mehmet , Yemiş Oktay
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND:This study was conducted to determine the chemical and microbial stability of high moisture (HM) dried apricots during storage at 5, 20 and 30 °C for a period of 8 months. HM dried apricots were obtained by rehydrating dried apricots in ‘water’ and ‘water + H2O2’.

RESULTS:Analysis of kinetic data suggested first‐order models for loss of SO2and non‐enzymatic browning reactions. Higher storage temperatures increased the rate of SO2loss and formation of brown colour in HM dried apricots. Results from extensive colour measurements (non‐enzymatic browning, reflectance colour and β‐carotene) revealed that the colour of HM dried apricots stored at 5 °C was almost unchanged during 8 months of storage. The colour of samples stored at 30 °C was unacceptable starting from 2 months of storage. Total mesophilic aerobic bacteria counts decreased 0.7, 1.1 and 1.5 log cycles after 8 months of storage at 5, 20 and 30 °C, respectively. For the same storage period, the decrease in mesophilic bacteria was 0.62 log cycle in samples rehydrated in ‘water + H2O2’ and stored at 20 °C.

CONCLUSION:These results suggest that HM dried apricots should be stored at temperatures lower than 20 °C to preserve the characteristic golden yellow colour. A relatively low level of SO2(1458 mg kg−1at 200 g kg−1moisture level) was sufficient to prevent the growth of spoilage organisms in HM dried apricots at all three storage temperatures. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Kinetic and mechanistic significance of the chemical activation of ciprofloxacin for conjugation chemistry
Authors: Kakkar Dipti , Tiwari Anjani K. , Verma Jyoti , Mishra Anil K.
Published: July 2010

Ciprofloxacin is an important category of fluroquinolones that has versatile applications in imaging when conjugated with different ligands. For conjugation chemistry, chemical activation of the carboxylic group at the third position is an important step. Here, we study the kinetics for the activation of the acidic group of ciprofloxacin by N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC). The extent of the reaction was followed by registering a decrease in absorbance at 332, 412, and 423 nm by monitoring the consumption of ciprofloxacin as a function of [NHS], [DCC], pH, ionic strength, and temperature by varying only one parameter at a time while keeping all other parameters constant. The reaction between ciprofloxacin and NHS, in the presence of DCC, exhibits a 1:1:1 stoichiometry. The reaction is found to show first‐order dependence on the concentration of ciprofloxacin to the order of 103 s−1(kobs) and zero order with respect to the concentrations of NHS and DCC, respectively. The activation parameters and thermodynamic quantities vis‐à‐vis Ea, ΔH≠, and ΔS≠ have been computed with respect to the forward reaction as 12.024, 131.43, and 27.31 J K−1 mol−1, respectively, which provided additional support to the proposed kinetic pathway. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 349–356, 2009
Equilibrium and kinetic investigation of the interaction of model palladium(II) complex with biorelevant ligands
Authors: Shoukry Mohamed M. , Shoukry Azza A. , Khalf Alla Perihan A. , Hassan Safaa S.
Published: July 2010

Pd(DME)Cl2 complex was synthesized and characterized, where DME is 2‐{[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl]‐methylamino}ethanol. Stoichiometry and stability constants of the complexes formed between various biologically relevant ligands (amino acids, peptides, DNA constituents, and dicarboxylic acids) and [Pd(DME)(H2O)2]2+ are investigated at 25°C and at constant 0.1 M ionic strength. The effect of dielectric constant of the medium on the stability constant of Pd(DME)‐CBDCA complex, where CBDCA is cyclobutanedicarboxylate, is also reported. The concentration distribution diagrams of the various species formed are evaluated. The kinetics of base hydrolysis of amino acid esters coordinated to Pd(DME)2+ complex is investigated. The effect of the temperature on the kinetics of base hydrolysis of glycine methyl ester complex is studied. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 42: 608–618, 2010
Some considerations on functional differential equations of advanced type
Authors: Nieto Juan J. , Rodríguez‐Löpez Rosana
Published: July 2010

We prove some comparison results for the periodic boundary value problem related to a first‐order functional differential equation of advanced type. These maximum principles provide uniqueness results for nonlinear differential equations with advanced arguments. By a change of variable, we deduce analogous results for fuctional differential equations with delayed arguments (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cylinder Homomorphisms and Chow Groups
Authors: Lewis James D.
Published: July 2010

Let X be a projective algebraic manifold of dimension n (over C), CH1(X) the Chow group of algebraic cycles of codimension l on X, modulo rational equivalence, and A1(X) ⊂ CH1(X) the subgroup of cycles algebraically equivalent to zero. We say that A1(X) is finite dimensional if there exists a (possibly reducible) smooth curve T and a cycle z∈CH1(Γ × X) such that z*:A1(Γ)‐A1(X) is surjective. There is the well known Abel‐Jacobi map λ1:A1(X)‐J(X), where J(X) is the lth Lieberman Jacobian. It is easy to show that A1(X)→J(X)
equation image
A1(X) finite dimensional. Now set

equation image

with corresponding map A*(X)→J(X). Also define Level
equation image
. In a recent book by the author, there was stated the following conjecture:

equation image

where it was also shown that (⟹) in (**) is a consequence of the General Hodge Conjecture (GHC). In this present paper, we prove A*(X) finite dimensional ⇔︁ Level (H*(X)) ≤ 1 for a special (albeit significant) class of smooth hypersurfaces. We make use of the family of k‐planes on X, where
equation image
([…] = greatest integer function) and d = deg X; moreover the essential technical ingredients are the Lefschetz theorems for cohomology and an analogue for Chow groups of hypersurfaces. These ingredients in turn imply very special cases of the GHC for our choice of hypersurfaces X. Some applications to the Griffiths group, vanishing results, and (universal) algebraic representatives for certain Chow groups are given.
Imaging amyloid in Parkinson's disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies with positron emission tomography
Authors: Brooks David J.
Published: July 2010

Although Parkinson's disease with later dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are pathologically characterized by the presence of intraneuronal Lewy inclusion bodies, amyloid deposition is also associated to varying degrees with both these disorders. Fibrillar amyloid load can now be quantitated in vivo with positron emission tomography (PET) using imaging biomarkers. Here the reported findings of 11C‐PIB PET studies concerning the amyloid load associated with PD and its influence on dementia are reviewed. It is concluded that the presence of amyloid acts to accelerate the dementia process in Lewy body disorders, though has little influence on its nature. Anti‐amyloid strategies could be a relevant approach for slowing dementia in a number of DLB and PDD cases. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Assessing disease progression with MRI in atypical parkinsonian disorders
Authors: Köllensperger Martin , Wenning Gregor K.
Published: July 2010

During the last decade, novel MR techniques have become available to support the early differential diagnosis of Parkinsonism and also to generate MR surrogate markers of disease progression. The article reviews the current state of the art focusing on three atypical parkinsonian disorders: multiple system atrophy (MSA), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Clinical measures of progression in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Poewe Werner
Published: July 2010

Despite all recent advances in symptomatic therapy Parkinson's disease (PD) continues to be a relentlessly progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Therefore therapies that will slow or hold disease progression are a major medical unmet need in PD. Clinical measures of disease progression that have been used in disease modification trials so far have focused on indices of progression of cardinal motor features like bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremor as captured by the UPDRS and the emerging need for effective dopaminergic symptomatic therapy. Progression of global disability in PD, however, is driven by additional factors beyond progressive nigrostriatal denervation leading to increasing severity of cardinal motor features. Progressive pathology in extranigral sites in the brain or peripheral autonomic nervous system contribute to poorly levodopa responsive motor symptoms like postural instability, freezing and falls or nonmotor symptoms. In addition treatment‐induced motor complications also impact on PD disability. Although it is widely accepted that clinical progression of PD is multidimensional and in addition includes effects of aging, there is no consensus how to best implement more clinically meaningful endpoints for disease progression trials that would reflect these complex interactions impacting on the evolution of global disability in PD. There is an urgent need for biomarkers for disease progression that would faithfully reflect advancing neurodegeneration and resulted clinical disability in PD and that could be used in shorter term clinical trials testing putative disease modifying agents. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Mapping preclinical compensation in Parkinson's disease: An imaging genomics approach
Authors: van Nuenen Bart F.L. , van Eimeren Thilo , van der Vegt Joyce P.M. , Buhmann Carsten , Klein Christine , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Siebner Hartwig R.
Published: July 2010

Mutations in the Parkin (PARK2) and PINK1 gene (PARK 6) can cause recessively inherited Parkinson's disease (PD). The presence of a single Parkin or PINK1 mutation is associated with a dopaminergic nigrostriatal dysfunction and conveys an increased risk to develop PD throughout lifetime. Therefore neuroimaging of non‐manifesting individuals with a mutant Parkin or PINK1 allele opens up a window for the investigation of preclinical and very early phases of PD in vivo. Here we review how functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can be used to identify compensatory mechanisms that help to prevent development of overt disease. In two separate experiments, Parkin mutation carriers displayed stronger activation of rostral supplementary motor area (SMA) and right dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) during a simple motor sequence task and anterior cingulate motor area and left rostral PMd during internal movement selection as opposed to externally cued movements. The additional recruitment of the rostral SMA and right rostral PMd during the finger sequence task was also observed in a separate group of nonmanifesting mutation carriers with a single heterozygous PINK1 mutation. Because mutation carriers were not impaired at performing the task, the additional recruitment of motor cortical areas indicates a compensatory mechanism that effectively counteracts the nigrostriatal dysfunction. These first results warrant further studies that use these imaging genomics approach to tap into preclinical compensation of PD. Extensions of this line of research involve fMRI paradigms probing nonmotor brain functions. Additionally, the same fMRI paradigms should be applied to nonmanifesting mutation carriers in genes linked to autosomal dominant PD. This will help to determine how “generically” the human brain compensates for a preclinical dopaminergic dysfunction. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Potential role of high‐field MRI for studies in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Schuff Norbert
Published: July 2010

Recent advancements in high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology (3 T and higher), providing increased signal sensitivity and images with more prominent contrasts intrinsic to the brain, offer new opportunities for assessing brain alterations in Parkinson's disease (PD). In this article, the principle benefits of high field MRI for PD research are described and new findings at high magnetic fields are reviewed. Several high field MRI methodologies, including structural MRI, imaging of brain iron, diffusion tensor imaging, arterial spin labeling perfusion imaging, rotating frame imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy, are critically reviewed for their potential roles in studies of PD. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Potential of advanced MR imaging techniques in the differential diagnosis of parkinsonism
Authors: Hotter Anna , Esterhammer Regina , Schocke Michael F.H. , Seppi Klaus
Published: July 2010

The clinical differentiation of parkinsonian syndromes remains challenging not only for neurologists but also for movement disorder specialists. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) with the visual assessment of T2‐ and T1‐weighted imaging as well as different advanced MRI techniques offer objective measures, which may be a useful tool in the diagnostic work‐up of Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonian disorders (APDs). In clinical practice, cMRI is a well‐established method for the exclusion of symptomatic parkinsonism due to other pathologies. Over the past two decades, abnormalities in the basal ganglia and infratentorial structures have been shown especially in APDs not only by cMRI but also by different advanced MRI techniques, including methods to assess regional cerebral atrophy quantitatively such as magnetic resonance volumetry, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, diffusion‐weighted imaging, and magnetization transfer imaging. This article aims to review recent research findings on the role of advanced MRI techniques in the differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative parkinsonian disorders. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
PDD‐Short Screen: A brief cognitive test for screening dementia in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Pagonabarraga Javier , Kulisevsky Jaime , Llebaria Gisela , García‐Sánchez Carmen , Pascual‐Sedano Berta , Martinez‐Corral Mercè , Gironell Alexandre
Published: July 2010

The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD) is currently based on clinical criteria (DSM‐IV, MDS–Task Force). In daily practice and research studies, these criteria still depend on the subjective impression of the examiner. Brief screening tests (BST) are helpful in identifying patients with PD with dementia, which can be difficult in patients with advanced PD. We aimed to develop a BST for PD, the PDD‐Short Screen (PDD‐SS), to accurately and quickly screen for PDD. In this prospective study, 70 patients with nondemented (age 73.8 ± 4.4) and 32 demented (age 73.8 ± 4.4) PD regularly attending a Movement Disorders Clinic were included. Diagnosis of dementia was based on DSM‐IV criteria, CDR score ≥1, and PD‐CRS total score ≤64. The PDD‐SS, Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (MDRS), and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) were administered to all participants. Validity, reliability, and discriminative power of the PDD‐SS were examined. The final version of the scale included the items immediate and delayed verbal memory, clock drawing, alternating verbal fluency, and a questionnaire covering cognitive and psychiatric (hallucinations, apathy) symptoms common in PDD. A cutoff score ≤11 on the PDD‐SS yielded high sensitivity (89.8%) and specificity (88.5%) for diagnosing PDD. The MDRS displayed similar accuracy, but the PDD‐SS administration time was significantly shorter (4.8–6.9 vs. 17.5–25.2 minutes). Diagnosis of dementia using the PDD‐SS was not influenced by age, education, or motor function. The PDD‐SS appears as the first BST for diagnosing PDD, displays an excellent diagnostic accuracy, and takes 5 to 7 minutes to be administered. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Erratum: Neural network approach to determine nonsmooth one‐dimensional profiles in inverse scattering theory
Authors: Yaman Fatih , Şimc̈ek Serkan
Published: July 2010

Originally published Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49 (2007), 3158–3162. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 549, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23138
An Efficient Implementation of Joint Fourier Transform Correlation Using a Modified LCTV
Authors: Perez O. , Karim M. A.
Published: July 2010

The joint Fourier transform correlation (JFTC) algorithm is implemented using a modified Citizen liquid crystal television (LCTV) which acts as a spatial light modulator in the amplitude mode. Using a combination of optics and electronics, results are obtained in real time (1/30 of a second). The video output is introduced into a video processing system to eliminate the noise inherent when using a coherent, monochromatic source. An optical disk is used to eliminate the dc term in the correlation plane and obtain only the correlation peaks.
Mode Extinction Modulator Using Linbo3 Curved Waveguide
Authors: Lizhong Sun , Pelda Ye
Published: July 2010

In this paper a navel linear mode extinction modulator using a LiNbO3 curved waveguide is proposed and analyzed using the loss model [1]. The modulation characteristics are predicted then.
A Space Factor Zero Placement Technique for the Synthesis of Subarrayed Monopulse Linear Arrays
Authors: Mcnamara Derek A.
Published: July 2010

In this paper a technique is described to simultaneously synthesize both sum and difference patterns of linear antenna arrays which utilize subarraying to increase the number of degrees of freedom above that Obtainable with the more conventional two‐section feed network. The approach described attempts to obtain an optimum sum (difference) and a “best compromise” difference (sum) pattern by dealing directly with the space factor zeros of the separately optimum sum and difference patterns and appropriately adjuring the subarray weights.
An Efficient Partial Differential Equation Technique for Solving the Problem of Scattering by Objects of Arbitrary Shape
Authors: Kheblr A. , Ramahl O. , Mittra R.
Published: July 2010

The solution of an open region scattering problem using partial differential equation techniques usually requires enclosing the scatterer by a circular outer boundary and applying an absorbing boundary condition at this boundary. For a long slender scatterer, a circular outer boundary necessitates a very large mesh region which results in a large matrix. In this paper, we introduce a generalized boundary condition that is appropriate for an arbitrary outer boundary that conforms to the shape of the scatterer. In order 10 demonstrate the potentiality of the method, two different scatterer shapes are studied The solutions are found to agree well with those derived via the method of moments.
Experimental Study of the Microwave Impedance of Resonant Tunneling Diodes
Authors: Lippens Didler , Vanksien Olivier
Published: July 2010

The microwave impedance of high current Al0.3 Ga0.7 As‐GaAs‐Al0.3 Ga0.7 As resonant tunneling diodes is measured from 0.1 to 12.1 GHz over a large bias range at 300 K. Using an equivalent circuit model, the bias dependence of intrinsic conductance and capacitance suffice to explain the pronounced variations of impedance.
Photoresponse Of Gaas Mesfet Inverters By Pulsed Laser Illumination
Authors: Leietad J. E. , Fjeldly T. A.
Published: July 2010

By applying sufficiently high pulsed optical power to the input transistor of a GaAs BFL inverter, it is possible to generate a complete logic transition at the inverter output with the input transistor biased in cutoff The observation is explained in terms of photogenerated current flowing in the drain‐gate circuit of the input MESFET. A logic transition takes place when the photocurrent saturates the load transistor for a time interval exceeding the switching time of the output circuit.
An Adaptive Optical Neural Network Using A High Resolution Video Monitor
Authors: Wu Shudong , Lu Taiwei , Xu Xin , Yu Francis T. S.
Published: July 2010

An adaptive hybrid optical neural network using a high resolution video monitor as a programmable associative memory is proposed. This architecture is capable of implementing larger numbers of neurons with higher dynamic range. The proposed system can be operated in a high speed asynchronous mode with parallel feedback loop. The orthogonal projection algorithm as applied to the proposed system to increase the error correction ability is given.
A Simple Model Of Thick Strips In Anisotropic Multilayered Dielectric Media
Authors: Plaza G. , Marqués R. , Horno M.
Published: July 2010

A theoretical model is presented for the analysis of microstrip multiconductor structures embedded in anisotropic lossless nonmagnetic multilayered dielectric media with finite strip thickness. The model reduces the thick conductor problem to the thin strip case. Calculations are made in the spectral domain. Numerical results are given and compared with published data.
Efficient Calculation Of Propagation Delays In The Vlsi Multilevel Interconnections
Authors: Goel A. K.
Published: July 2010

We have developed a computer‐efficient algorithm and carried out computer simulations on the single propagation and the delays in the multilevel high density interconnections on the GaAs‐based VLSICs. The algorithm has been used to study the dependence of the load voltage waveforms and delay times on the various interconnection parameters.
Role of computed tomography scanning in the management of Ewing's sarcoma
Authors: Williams Michael P. , Husband Janet E. , McElwain T. J.
Published: July 2010

It is well established when imaging patients with primary bone malignancy that on occasions computed tomography (CT) scanning can offer unique information. It is less clear, however, in what circumstances this information will lead to a change in patient management. This study reviewed the results of CT examinations in 32 patients with Ewing's sarcoma and examined the influence of CT on patient management in different clinical circumstances. CT provided new information on a total of 75 occasions out of 153 examinations. Management was changed on 17 occasions as a direct result of the CT scan findings. Overall, 50% of patients had their management altered as a result of CT. Follow‐up CT scans in the chest more frequently influenced patient management than did either staging or follow‐up scans of the primary site.
Second malignant neoplasms following childhood Hodgkin's disease: Treatment and splenectomy as risk factors
Authors: Meadows Anna T. , Obringer Angela C. , Marrero Osvaldo , Oberlin Odile , Robison Leslie , Fossati‐Bellani Franca , Green Daniel , Voǔte P. A. , Morris‐Jones Patricia , Greenberg Mark , Baum Edward , Ruymann Frederick
Published: July 2010

The risk of second malignant neoplasm (SMN) was evaluated in 979 children with Hodgkin's disease. This cohort was diagnosed between 1955 and 1979 at one of the institutions of the Late Effects Study Group. Solid tumors, non‐lymphocytic leukemia, and non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) developed in 18, 17, and 3 patients, respectively. The estimated cumulative probability of developing any SMN was 2% at 5 years from diagnosis, 5% at 10 years, and 9% at 15 years. The incidence is ninefold greater than the risk of acquiring cancer in 19 year‐olds, the median age at which the diagnosis of SMN was made in this study population.

For leukemia and NHL the corresponding probabilities were 1%, 3%, and 4% for the group as a whole but were increased (2%, 6%, and 8%) in patients who had suffered one or more recurrences. In order to analyze the risk of leukemia and NHL associated with alkylating agent chemotherapy, each patient was assigned a score of one for each alkylating agent administered for a 6‐month period. Scores of 2, 4, 6, and 8 were associated with probabilities of leukemia or NHL of 2%, 3%, 6%, and 10%, respectively. In a multivariate analysis for leukemia/lymphoma that included AAD score, stage, and splenectomy, the effect of AAD score and splenectomy did not change substantially compared to the univariate results. AAD score remained statistically significant (P = .0001), and splenectomy was of borderline significance (P = .09).

Ot the 18 solid tumor SMNs, 15 developed within the field of radiation, and one other developed in tissue irradiated 34 years earlier for hemangioma.

This study of a large and unselected group of children with Hodgkin's disease who received a variety of therapies demonstrates that children are as likely as adults to develop acute leukemia after alkylating agents and solid tumors in the field of radiation therapy.
Tryptamine derived amides with thiazole ring system from Thermoactinomyces strain TA66‐2
Authors: Korkmaz Çaǧla Akmemiş , Hameş‐Kocabaş E. Esin , Uzel Ataç , Bedir Erdal
Published: July 2010

A moderately thermophilic actinomycete strain, which was identified as Thermoactinomyces strain TA66‐2, was isolated from hot‐spring water. Fermentation, followed by solvent partition and chromatographic separations, resulted in the isolation of two new and two known molecules. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as 2‐(1‐Propionylaminoethyl)thiazole‐4‐carboxylic acid [2‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)ethyl]amide and 2‐(1‐Acetylaminoethyl)thiazole‐4‐carboxylic acid [2‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐ethyl]amide by using spectral methods (1D‐, 2D‐NMR and LC–ESI–MS). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
13C isotope effects on 1H chemical shifts: NMR spectral analysis of 13C‐labelled D‐glucose and some 13C‐labelled amino acids
Authors: Tiainen Mika , Maaheimo Hannu , Soininen Pasi , Laatikainen Reino
Published: July 2010

The one‐ and two‐bond 13C isotope shifts, typically −1.5 to −2.5 ppb and −0.7 ppb respectively, in non‐cyclic aliphatic systems and up to −4.4 ppb and −1.0 ppb in glucose cause effects that need to be taken into account in the adaptive NMR spectral library‐based quantification of the isotopomer mixtures. In this work, NMR spectral analyses of some 13C‐labelled amino acids, D‐glucose and other small compounds were performed in order to obtain rules for prediction of the 13C isotope effects on 1H chemical shifts. It is proposed that using the additivity rules, the isotope effects can be predicted with a sufficient accuracy for amino acid isotopomer applications. For glucose the effects were found strongly non‐additive. The complete spectral analysis of fully 13C‐labelled D‐glucose made it also possible to assign the exocyclic proton signals of the glucose. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.