bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chip scale integrated microresonator sensing systems
Authors: Jokerst Nan , Royal Matthew , Palit Sabarni , Luan Lin , Dhar Sulochana , Tyler Talmage
Published: April 2009

Medicine, environmental monitoring, and security are application areas for miniaturized, portable sensing systems. The emerging integration of sensors with other components (electronic, photonic, fluidic) is moving sensing toward higher levels of portability through the realization of self‐contained chip scale sensing systems. Planar optical sensors, and in particular, microresonator sensors, are attractive components for chip scale integrated sensing systems because they are small, have high sensitivity, can be surface customized, and can be integrated singly or in arrays in a planar format with other components using conventional semiconductor fabrication technologies. This paper will focus on the progress and prospects for the integration of microresonator sensors at the chip scale with photonic input/output components and with sample preparation microfluidics, toward self‐contained, portable sensing systems. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Toxicities induced in cultured human hepatocarcinoma cells exposed to ochratoxin A: Oxidative stress and apoptosis status
Authors: Golli Bennour Emna El , Rodriguez‐Enfedaque Aïda , Bouaziz Chayma , Ladjimi Moncef , Renaud Flore , Bacha Hassen
Published: April 2009

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin currently detected in stored animal and human food supplies as well as in human sera worldwide. OTA has diverse toxicological effects; however, the most prominent one is the nephrotoxicity. The present investigation was conducted to determine the molecular aspects of OTA toxicity in cultured human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. With this aim, we have monitored the effects of OTA on (i) cell viability, (ii) heat shock protein expressions as a parameter of protective and adaptive response, (iii) oxidative damage, and (iv) cell death signaling pathway. Our results clearly showed that OTA treatment inhibits cell proliferation, downregulates Hsp 70 and Hsp 27 protein and mRNA levels, and did not induce a significant reactive oxygen species generation. We have also demonstrated a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, a cytochrome c release, and an activation of caspase 9 and caspase 3 in response to OTA exposure. Moreover, OTA activates p53 expression, while some of its transcriptional target genes (Bax, Bak, PUMA, and p21) were found to downregulate. According to these data, we concluded that OTA may exert an inhibitory action on the transcriptional process. Besides, oxidative damage is not a major contributor to OTA toxicity. This mycotoxin induces a mitochondrial and caspase‐dependent apoptotic cell death, which seems to be mediated by p53 transcriptional independent activities. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 23:87–96, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20268
Perspectives of data analysis of enzyme inhibition and activation, Part 3: Equations for calculation of the initial rates of enzymatic reactions
Authors: Krupyanko Vladimir I.
Published: April 2009

Equations for calculation of the initial rates of activated enzymatic reactions and the inhibited enzymatic reactions, unavailable in experimental enzymology, were obtained. Examples of practically using of these equations are given. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 23:108–118, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20271
Perspectives of data analysis of enzyme inhibition and activation, Part 2: Parametrical classification of types of enzymatic reactions
Authors: Krupyanko Vladimir I.
Published: April 2009

A parametrical classification of types of enzymatic reactions that counts 15 types—7 inhibited reactions, 7 activated ones, and 1 type of initial (uninhibited and nonactivated) reaction—is considered. The system permits taking into account the number of parameters of enzymatic reactions and symmetricity of a course of their change. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 23:101–107, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20272
Perspectives of data analysis of enzyme inhibition and activation, Part 1: Use of the three‐dimensional Km′ V′I coordinate system for data analysis of enzyme inhibition and activation
Authors: Krupyanko Vladimir I.
Published: April 2009

The possibility of construction of the three‐dimensional (unfolded and folded) Km′ V′I rectangular coordinate systems convenient for vector representation of inhibited and activated enzymatic reactions as well as of a two‐dimensional Km′ V′ scalar rectangular coordinate system convenient for diagrammatic representation of enzymatic reactions is considered. The perspectives of using the properties of the three‐dimensional L vectors and their scalar L projections for data analysis of enzyme inhibition and activation are analyzed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 23:97–100, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20273
Mouse recombinant phenylalanine monooxygenase and theS‐oxygenation of thioether substrates
Authors: Steventon Glyn B. , Mitchell Stephen C.
Published: April 2009

The substrate specificity of mouse recombinant phenylalanine monooxygenase (mPAH) has been investigated with respect to the mucoactive drug,S‐carboxymethyl‐L‐cysteine (SCMC) and its thioether metabolites. Phenylalanine monooxygenase was shown to be able to catalyze theS‐oxygenation of SCMC, its decarboxylated metabolite,S‐methyl‐L‐cysteine and both their correspondingN‐acetylated forms. However, thiodiglycolic acid was found not to be a substrate. The enzyme profiles for both phenylalanine and SCMC showed Michaelis‐Menten with noncompetitive substrate inhibition for both the substrate‐activated and the lysophosphatidylcholine‐activated mPAH assays. The tetrameric enzyme was shown to undergo posttranslational activation by preincubation with substrate, lysophosphatidylcholine,N‐ethylmaleimide (a thiol alkylating agent), and the proteolytic enzymes α‐chymotrypsin and trypsin. Similar posttranslational activation of PAH activity in the rat and human has also been reported. These results suggest that in the mouse, PAH was responsible for theS‐oxidation of SCMC and that the mouse models of the hyperphenylalaninemias may be a potential tool in the investigation of theS‐oxidation polymorphism in man. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 23:119–124, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20274
The effect of nordihydroguaiaretic acid on iodoacetate‐induced toxicity in cultured neurons
Authors: Cárdenas‐Rodríguez Noemí , Guzmán‐Beltrán Silvia , Medina‐Campos Omar Noel , Orozco‐Ibarra Marisol , Massieu Lourdes , Pedraza‐Chaverri José
Published: April 2009

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is present in high concentrations in the desert shrub Creosote bush,Larrea tridentate.This plant has been used in traditional medicine because of its beneficial effects related, at least in part, to its antioxidant properties. Taking into account some evidence about neuroprotective effects elicited by NDGA, we evaluated the effect of this compound on the neurotoxicity induced by iodoacetate (IAA), an inhibitor of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), on cerebellar granule neurons. In addition, as reactive oxygen species play an important role in IAA‐induced cytotoxicity, we also studied the enzymatic antioxidant system in IAA‐treated cells. We found that IAA caused a dose‐dependent decrease in cell viability of cultured neurons with an IC50of 18.4 µM and induced increased activity of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione‐S‐transferase. Moreover, NDGA attenuated the toxicity induced by 18.4, 25, and 30 µM of IAA without abolishing the inhibitory effect of IAA on GAPDH activity. Furthermore, NDGA could prevent the inhibitory effect of IAA on aconitase activity, a marker of oxidative stress, suggesting that the protective effect of NDGA on IAA neurotoxicity was associated with the prevention of oxidative stress. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 23:137–142, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20278
Protection of half sulfur mustard gas–induced lung injury in guinea pigs by antioxidant liposomes
Authors: Mukherjee Shyamali , Stone William L. , Yang Hongsong , Smith Milton G. , Das Salil K.
Published: April 2009

The purpose of this study was to develop antioxidant liposomes as an antidote for mustard gas–induced lung injury in a guinea pig model. Five liposomes (LIP‐1, LIP‐2, LIP‐3, LIP‐4, and LIP‐5) were tested with differing levels of phospholipid, cholesterol, phosphatidic acid, tocopherol (α, γ, δ),N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), and glutathione (GSH). A single dose (200 µL) of liposome was administered intratracheally 5 min or 1 h after exposure to 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). The animals were sacrificed either 2 h after exposure (for lung injury study) or 30 days after exposure (for histology study). The liposomes offered 9%–76% protection against lung injury. The maximum protection was with LIP‐2 (71.5% protection) and LIP‐4 (75.4%) when administered 5 min after CEES exposure. Delaying the liposome administration 1 h after CEES exposure decreased the efficacy. Both liposomes contained 11 mM α‐tocopherol, 11 mM γ‐tocopherol, and 75 mM NAC. However, LIP‐2 contained additionally 5 mM δ‐tocopherol. Overall, LIP‐2 and LIP‐4 offered significant protection by controlling the recruitment of neutrophils, eosinophils, and the accumulation of septal and perivascular fibrin and collagen. However, LIP‐2 showed better protection than LIP‐4 against the accumulation of red blood cells in the bronchi, alveolar space, arterioles and veins, and fibrin and collagen deposition in the alveolar space. The antifibrotic effect of the liposomes, particularly LIP‐2, was further evident by a decreased level of lipid peroxidation and hydroxyproline in the lung. Thus, antioxidant liposomes containing both NAC and vitamin E are an effective antidote against CEES‐induced lung injury. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 23:143–153, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20279
Biochemical composition, lipoperoxidation, Na+/K+ATPase activity and reproduction of Hyalella castroi (amphipoda, dogielinotidae) fed with different diets
Authors: Gering Fernanda Severo , de Oliveira Luiz Ferrúa Farias , Dutra Bibiana Kaiser , Oliveira Guendalina Turcato
Published: April 2009

This study compared the effect of different diets on the biochemical composition (lipids, cholesterol, proteins and glycogen) and the levels of lipoperoxidation and activity of Na+/K+ATPase of Hyalella castroi. We also investigated some patterns of the life cycle including survival, precopulatory mating pairs and number of ovigerous females after 21 days of culture with different diets. These crustaceans live in limnetic environments of the plateau (1,200 m a.s.l.) of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in southern Brazil. Adult animals were collected in the autumn of 2006 in São José dos Ausentes. In the laboratory, the animals were kept submerged in aquariums, separated by sex, under controlled conditions. They were fed ad libitum for 21 days with different diets, and then some were used for biochemical determinations and others for observations of reproductive aspects. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the responses to glycogen, total proteins, lipoperoxidation levels and Na+/K+ATPase activity in both sexes of these amphipods and total lipids and total cholesterol levels only in females. These diets changed the biochemical patterns of the animals taken from the natural environment, and allowed a high survival rate but did not improve reproduction. J. Exp. Zool. 311A:408–421, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A preclinical assessment of the safety and biodistribution of an adenoviral vector containing the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene (Cerepro®) after intracerebral administration
Authors: Langford Gillian , Dayan Anthony , Yla‐Herttuala Seppo , Eckland David
Published: April 2009

Background

Cerepro® (sitimagene ceradenovec) is an adenoviral vector containing herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene (HSV‐tk), which is being developed for the treatment of high‐grade glioma with oral ganciclovir (GCV). The nonclinical safety and biodistribution of Cerepro® were assessed following intravenous (i.v.) or intracerebral (i.c.) injection.

Methods

Crl : WI(GLX/BRL/Han) rats (n = 198) were injected i.c. or i.v. with Cerepro® or vehicle control, with GCV by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection to selected groups. Safety was assessed by observation of animal behaviour and post mortem histology. Antibody response was assessed, and biodistribution measured using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcriptase‐PCR in blood and tissues.

Results

Following i.v. or i.c. injection, there was no antibody response and no effect on behaviour, body weight, food consumption or haematological and clinical chemistry parameters. Minor needle track changes were observed in control and Cerepro®‐i.c. injection groups. Transient myeloid hyperplasia was observed in five of the 24 animals in the i.v. injection group and spleen weight increased in both the i.c. and i.v. groups. Cerepro® was detected in the brain and at low levels in blood and spleen following i.c. injection, decreasing with time. Following i.v. injection, Cerepro® was detected in viscera and blood, decreasing with time. Transcription of Cerepro® was detected in the brain following i.c. injection, with lower levels in spleen; following i.v. injection, transcription was seen in viscera. Germline integration was not seen.

Conclusions

Intracerebral injection of Cerepro® is safe and produces a high level of transgene expression in the brain, with limited biodistribution. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Average distance and vertex‐connectivity
Authors: Dankelmann Peter , Mukwembi Simon , Swart Henda C.
Published: April 2009

The average distance µ(G) of a connected graph G of order n is the average of the distances between all pairs of vertices of G, i.e.,
$\mu(G)=\left(_{2}^{n}\right)^{-1}\sum_{\{x,y\}\subset V(G)}d_{G} (x,y)$, where V(G) denotes the vertex set of G and dG(x, y) is the distance between x and y. We prove that if G is a κ ‐vertex‐connected graph, κ⩾3 an odd integer, of order n, then µ(G)⩽n/2(κ + 1) + O(1). Our bound is shown to be best possible and our results, apart from answering a question of Plesník [J Graph Theory 8 (1984), 1–24], Favaron et al. [Networks 19 (1989), 493–504], can be used to deduce a theorem that is essentially equivalent to a theorem by Egawa and Inoue [Ars Combin 51 (1999), 89–95] on the radius of a κ ‐vertex‐connected graph of given order, where κ is odd. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 62: 157–177, 2009
Critical graphs for subpancyclicity of 3‐connected claw‐free graphs
Authors: Gould Ronald J. , Łuczak Tomasz , Pfender Florian
Published: April 2009

Let ${\cal{F}}_{k}$ be the family of graphs G such that all sufficiently large k ‐connected claw‐free
graphs which contain no induced copies of G are subpancyclic. We show
that for every k≥3 the family ${\cal{F}}_{1}k$ is infinite and make the first step toward the complete characterization of the family ${\cal{F}}_{3}$. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 62, 263–278, 2009
On relative length of longest paths and cycles
Authors: Ozeki Kenta , Tsugaki Masao , Yamashita Tomoki
Published: April 2009

For a graph G, p(G) and c(G) denote the order of a longest path and a longest cycle of G, respectively. In this paper, we prove that if G is a 3 ‐connected graph of order n such that the minimum degree sum of four independent vertices is at least n+ 6, then p(G)−c(G)⩽2. By considering our result and the results in [J Graph Theory 20 (1995), 213–225; Amer Math Monthly 67 (1950), 55], we propose a conjecture which is a generalization of Bondy's conjecture. Furthermore, using our result, for a graph satisfying the above conditions, we obtain a new lower bound of the circumference and establish Thomassen's conjecture. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 62, 279–291, 2009
A structure theorem for graphs with no cycle with a unique chord and its consequences
Authors: Trotignon Nicolas , Vušković Kristina
Published: April 2009

We give a structural description of the class 𝒞 of graphs that do not contain a cycle with a unique chord
as an induced subgraph. Our main theorem states that any connected graph in 𝒞 is either in some simple basic class or has a decomposition. Basic classes are chordless cycles, cliques, bipartite graphs with one side containing only nodes of degree 2 and induced subgraphs of the famous Heawood or Petersen graph. Decompositions are node cutsets consisting of one or two nodes and edge cutsets called 1‐joins. Our decomposition theorem actually gives a complete structure theorem for 𝒞, i.e. every graph in 𝒞 can be built from basic graphs that can be explicitly constructed, and gluing them together by prescribed composition operations, and all graphs built this way are in 𝒞. This has several consequences: an
𝒪(nm) ‐time algorithm to decide whether a graph is in 𝒞, an
𝒪(n+ m) ‐time algorithm that finds a maximum clique of any graph in 𝒞, and an
𝒪(nm) ‐time coloring algorithm for graphs in 𝒞. We prove that every graph in 𝒞 is
either 3‐colorable or has a coloring with ω colors where ω is the size of a largest
clique. The problem of finding a maximum stable set for a graph in 𝒞 is known to be NP‐hard. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 63: 31–67, 2010
The rainbow connection of a graph is (at most) reciprocal to its minimum degree
Authors: Krivelevich Michael , Yuster Raphael
Published: April 2009

An edge‐colored graph Gis rainbow edge‐connected if any two vertices are connected by a path whose edges have distinct colors. The rainbow connection of a connected graph G, denoted by rc(G), is the smallest number of colors that are needed in order to make Grainbow edge‐connected. We prove that if Ghas nvertices and minimum degree δ then rc(G)<20n/δ. This solves open problems from Y. Caro, A. Lev, Y. Roditty, Z. Tuza, and R. Yuster (Electron J Combin 15 (2008), #R57) and S. Chakrborty, E. Fischer, A. Matsliah, and R. Yuster (Hardness and algorithms for rainbow connectivity, Freiburg (2009), pp. 243–254). A vertex‐colored graph Gis rainbow vertex‐connected if any two vertices are connected by a path whose internal vertices have distinct colors. The rainbow vertex‐connection of a connected graph G, denoted by rvc(G), is the smallest number of colors that are needed in order to make Grainbow vertex‐connected. One cannot upper‐bound one of these parameters in terms of the other. Nevertheless, we prove that if Ghas nvertices and minimum degree δ then rvc(G)<11n/δ. We note that the proof in this case is different from the proof for the edge‐colored case, and we cannot deduce one from the other. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 63: 185–191, 2010
On local connectivity of graphs with given clique number
Authors: Holtkamp Andreas , Volkmann Lutz
Published: April 2009

For a vertex v of a graph G, we denote by d(v) the degree of v. The local connectivity κ(u, v) of two vertices u and v in a graph G is the maximum number of internally disjoint u –v paths in G, and the connectivity of G is defined as κ(G)=min{κ(u, v)|u, v∈V(G)}. Clearly, κ(u, v)⩽min{d(u),
d(v)} for all pairs u and v of vertices in G. Let δ(G) be the minimum degree of G. We call a graph G maximally connected when κ(G)=δ(G) and maximally local connected
when

for all pairs u and v of distinct vertices in G.

In 2006, Hellwig and Volkmann (J Graph Theory 52 (2006), 7–14) proved that a connected graph G with given clique number ω(G)⩽p of order n(G) is maximally connected when

As an extension of this result, we will show in this work that these conditions even guarantee that G is maximally local connected. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 63: 192–197, 2010
Aid and fiscal policy in Nicaragua: A fiscal response analysis
Authors: Machado Roberto
Published: April 2009

This paper estimates a model of fiscal response to analyse the impact of aid on government consumption and investment, tax revenue and public borrowing in Nicaragua in 1966–2004. This country is an interesting case study since aid flows—i.e. grants and aid loans—averaged more than 8 per cent of GDP during the analysed period. Results for direct (structural) effects indicate that the impact of aid on government consumption are more significant than those on government investment, revealing a higher propensity to consume than to invest aid flows, presumably reflecting donors and government priorities to finance social spending. Results also show that aid crowds‐out both tax revenue and public borrowing. Estimates for total (reduced‐form) effects are hard to interpret, in some cases showing the opposite sign than expected or implausible magnitudes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman depolarization ratio of liquids probed by linear polarization coherent anti‐Stokes Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Munhoz F. , Brustlein S. , Gachet D. , Billard F. , Brasselet S. , Rigneault H.
Published: April 2009

We present a simple analytical model to describe the linear polarization coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy. In this scheme, the pump and Stokes beams can have arbitrary linear polarization states and the CARS emitted signal is analyzed along two perpendicular directions. We concentrate on isotropic media without electronic resonances and show that only two polarization CARS measurements performed at the peak and the dip of a CARS spectrum are sufficient to deduce the Raman depolarization ratio, the resonant versus nonresonant contribution, the Raman resonance frequency and the linewidth. We demonstrate the applicability of our scheme to toluene and cyclohexane solutions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Yellow pigments in painting: characterisation and UV laser‐induced modifications
Authors: Acquaviva S. , Baraldi P. , D'Anna E. , De Giorgi M. L. , Della Patria A. , Giotta L. , Omarini S. , Piccolo R.
Published: April 2009

Artistic yellow pigments, commonly employed from antiquity, were investigated by morphological, spectrophotometric and compositional analyses. Namely, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X‐ray (SEM/EDX) characterisations and reflectance, attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy were carried out on egg yolk tempera models to discriminate the pigments. The models were irradiated with excimer KrF (248 nm) laser at different working conditions, and the effects induced on colour were related to chemical and physical modifications through the same analyses, as a function of laser parameters.

It came out that the effects on the pictorial layers are always related to the modifications of the binding medium and, in addition, the laser radiation induces dehydration and transformation of iron oxides in natural earths. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nutrient digestibility and performance of broiler chickens fed regular or green canola biodiesel press cakes produced using a micro‐scale process
Authors: Thacker Philip A , Petri Daniel
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: World interest in biodiesel production from canola seed is expanding. There is little information on the nutritive value of biodiesel by‐products produced from micro‐scale production processes. Hence this trial was conducted to determine the nutritional value of regular and green canola biodiesel press cake for broilers.

RESULTS: The digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fibre, and nitrogen retention were higher (P < 0.05) for birds fed regular or green canola press cake compared with canola meal. Ether extract digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) for birds fed regular press cake than canola meal, while green press cake and canola meal did not differ. There was no improvement in body weight gain (P > 0.05), while feed conversion was only modestly improved (P < 0.05) by the inclusion of regular or green canola press cake.

CONCLUSIONS: Since the performance of broilers fed canola biodiesel press cakes was similar to those fed canola meal, it is difficult to justify a premium to be paid for canola press cake over canola meal. In addition, there was no difference in the performance of broilers fed biodiesel press cake obtained from green or regular canola seed. As green seeds are generally available at a lower price than regular seed, there may be some incentive to choose green canola seed for producing biodiesel and biodiesel press cake for use in poultry production. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Periodic solution for strongly nonlinear vibration systems by He's variational iteration method
Authors: Kachapi SHA. Hashemi , Ganji D. D. , Davodi A. G. , Varedi S. M.
Published: April 2009

In this paper, we use variational iteration method for strongly nonlinear oscillators. This method is a combination of the traditional variational iteration and variational method. Some examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and convenience of the method. The obtained results are valid for the whole solution domain with high accuracy. The method can be easily extended to other nonlinear oscillations and hence widely applicable in engineering and science. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Management of extreme carpal tunnel syndrome: Evidence from a long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Capasso Margherita , Manzoli Claudia , Uncini Antonino
Published: April 2009

Extreme carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is characterized by severe thenar atrophy, plegia of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB), fixed sensory deficit in the median nerve distribution, and absence of median motor and sensory responses on electrophysiological examination. In this study we report long‐term follow‐up of 37 patients with extreme CTS. Of the 24 patients with idiopathic extreme CTS, 9 were untreated, and 3 received conservative treatment. At follow‐up, none of these patients showed objective or electrophysiological improvement, and all but 1 still reported positive symptoms. Conversely, 12 patients (14 hands) who underwent carpal tunnel release showed: resolution of positive symptoms in all but 1 hand; reappearance of median compound muscle action potentials (4.2 ± 0.6 mV); reappearance of sensory nerve action potentials in all but 1 (7.9 ± 0.8 μV); improvement of APB strength to grade 4 or 5 on the Medical Research Council scale in 11 hands; and resolution of hypesthesia in 1 hand. Six of 13 patients with non‐idiopathic extreme CTS were operated. Of the 6, we found no or poor reinnervation in 3 patients, restoration of nerve responses and normal APB strength but no relief from pain and/or paresthesia in 2, and full recovery in 1. If untreated, extreme CTS is an irreversible condition. Although the outcome is considered to be disappointing in such cases, carpal tunnel release provides long‐term relief, significant sensorimotor reinnervation, and improvement of motor deficit in most patients. It should be considered to be the first‐choice treatment for idiopathic extreme CTS. Associated diseases do not necessarily imply a poor surgical outcome. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Subacute inflammatory polyradiculopathy associated with Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Rigamonti Andrea , Lauria Giuseppe , Balgera Roberto , Agostoni Elio
Published: April 2009

Peripheral nervous system involvement is common in Sjögren's syndrome (SS); however, polyradiculopathy has been reported rarely in association with SS, and predominantly chronic forms have been described. We describe a patient with clinical, cerebrospinal fluid, neurophysiological, and neuroradiological evidence of subacute inflammatory polyradiculopathy in whom Sjögren's syndrome was diagnosed after the onset of neurological symptoms. Our case suggests that SS should be included in the differential diagnosis of subacute inflammatory polyradiculopathy. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Interface handling for three‐dimensional higher‐order XFEM‐computations in fluid–structure interaction
Authors: Mayer Ursula M. , Gerstenberger Axel , Wall Wolfgang A.
Published: April 2009

Three‐dimensional higher‐order eXtended finite element method (XFEM)‐computations still pose challenging computational geometry problems especially for moving interfaces. This paper provides a method for the localization of a higher‐order interface finite element (FE) mesh in an underlying three‐dimensional higher‐order FE mesh. Additionally, it demonstrates, how a subtetrahedralization of an intersected element can be obtained, which preserves the possibly curved interface and allows therefore exact numerical integration.

The proposed interface algorithm collects initially a set of possibly intersecting elements by comparing their ‘eXtended axis‐aligned bounding boxes’. The intersection method is applied to a highly reduced number of intersection candidates. The resulting linearized interface is used as input for an elementwise constrained Delaunay tetrahedralization, which computes an appropriate subdivision for each intersected element. The curved interface is recovered from the linearized interface in the last step. The output comprises triangular integration cells representing the interface and tetrahedral integration cells for each intersected element.

Application of the interface algorithm currently concentrates on fluid–structure interaction problems on low‐order and higher‐order FE meshes, which may be composed of any arbitrary element types such as hexahedra, tetrahedra, wedges, etc. Nevertheless, other XFEM‐problems with explicitly given interfaces or discontinuities may be tackled in addition. Multiple structures and interfaces per intersected element can be handled without any additional difficulties. Several parallelization strategies exist depending on the desired domain decomposition approach. Numerical test cases including various geometrical exceptions demonstrate the accuracy, robustness and efficiency of the interface handling. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bilateral coordination and motor sequencing in Brazilian children: preliminary construct validity and reliability analysis
Authors: Cardoso Ana Amélia , Magalhães Lívia de Castro
Published: April 2009

This study examined aspects of reliability and validity of the bilateral coordination and motor sequencing items of the Assessment of Motor Coordination and Dexterity (AMCD) for Brazilian children ages 4, 6 and 8 years old. The AMCD aims to identify children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). A total of 84 children were evaluated. Among the 35 items piloted, all but one presented interrater reliability above 0.80 and 16 (45.7%) items presented intraclass correlation coefficient over 0.60 for test–retest reliability. Most items were sensitive to age difference and only items involving ball handling exhibited significant gender differences. As a result, this section of the AMCD could be reduced to the 20 items that were found to be reliable and more discriminative for age‐related differences. This study advances on the development of the AMCD, but a limitation was the noninclusion of children with DCD. Future research should investigate whether the selected items are useful in differentiating the motor skills of children with and without coordination problems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of matrix viscosity on the extent of exfoliation in EVA/organoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Marini Juliano , Branciforti Marcia Cristina , Lotti Cybele
Published: April 2009

The influence of matrix viscosity and polarity on ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) nanocomposites was studied. Five different EVA grades, with different melt flow indexes (MFIs) and/or vinyl acetate (VA) contents, were mixed with two montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclays: pristine and modified with a polar surfactant, producing 75/25 w/w% masterbatches which were subsequently diluted in the EVA matrix to obtain 5 wt% MMT nanocomposites. Although the same VA content, WAXS results, rheological measurements and TEM analysis showed that the lower the EVA viscosity, the greater the tendency to obtain exfoliated and well dispersed nanocomposites with the organically modified clay. On the other hand, the high viscosity EVA nanocomposites showed that the (001) organoclay diffraction peak was shifted to higher values of 2θ, suggesting lamellae collapsing. TGA and FTIR measurements were used to probe the thermal degradation of organoclay; furthermore, it was not possible to identify, by the techniques used, any reaction between the VA groups and hydroxyl surfactant groups. Thus, it was inferred that the organic surfactant was removed (or ejected) from the clay galleries as a consequence of huge shear tensions developed during processing of the masterbatches/nanocomposites with high viscosity EVA matrices. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuronal differentiation in basal cell carcinoma: possible relationship to Hedgehog pathway activation?
Authors: Gore Sinclair M , Kasper Maria , Williams Tomos , Regl Gerhard , Aberger Fritz , Cerio Reno , Neill Graham W , Philpott Michael P
Published: April 2009

Although deregulated Hedgehog signalling and elevated Gli transcription factor expression are known to promote the development of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), little is known about molecular mechanisms driving the development of specific growth pattern subtypes. Using gene array analysis, we have previously observed that over‐expression of GLI1 in human keratinocytes promotes increased expression of the neuronal differentiation markers ARC and ULK1. We asked whether neuronal differentiation is a characteristic of BCC and whether there is any correlation with BCC subtype. Using RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry, we confirmed that the neuronal markers ARC, β‐tubulin III, GAP‐43 and Neurofilament are expressed in human BCC but not in normal epidermis. Moreover, we found that expression of these neuronal differentiation markers showed strong correlation to BCC subtype, with more aggressive infiltrative and morphoeic BCC showing low levels or lack of expression compared to nodular, superficial and micronodular subtypes. Primary human keratinocytes retrovirally expressing GLI1− and GLI2− showed elevated levels of β‐tubulin III and ARC but not Neurofilament or GAP‐43, suggesting that β‐tubulin III and Arc may be early targets of aberrant Gli expression in BCC, whereas expression of Neurofilament and GAP‐43 are either later, downstream targets or under control of alternative pathways. We propose that neuronal differentiation is a feature of BCC and that expression of these markers is in part due to aberrant Hedgehog signalling. Moreover, we suggest that correlation between loss of expression of neuronal markers in infiltrative and morphoeic BCC subtypes reflects dedifferentiation of more aggressive BCC subtypes. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcome of fetuses with a prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of isolated omphalocele
Authors: Porter Amina , Benson Carol B. , Hawley Pam , Wilkins‐Haug Louise
Published: April 2009

Objective

To assess the outcome following an ultrasound diagnosis of isolated fetal omphalocele (normal karyotype).

Methods

Ultrasound database (1988–2002) was searched for omphalocele. Categories assigned as (1) isolated—no additional structural/karyotype anomalies, (2) associated minor abnormality, and (3) major structural/karyotype abnormalities.

Results

Ultrasound identified 65 cases, 13 with isolated omphalocele and 6 with associated minor anomalies. These 19 cases represented 29.2% of the population (19/65); isolated omphalocele was confirmed in 14 neonates (14/19, 73.7%). In five neonates, unrecognized by prenatal ultrasound were cardiac anomalies (2 cases), tracheoesophageal atresia with cardiac anomaly (1 case), and Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) (2 cases). A minor ultrasound finding did not predict further anomalies at birth. Preterm delivery complicated 37.5%; the only deaths occurred among preterm infants. Follow‐up of isolated omphalocele found no long‐term medical issues or learning disabilities except speech delay.

Conclusions

Isolated fetal omphalocele is the exception. An additional minor ultrasound finding does not impact a relatively good prognosis with little long‐term morbidity. However, this series highlights two areas of caution: (1) one‐third were delivered preterm with a 50% rate of demise and (2) in a quarter of cases, an additional major anomaly or BWS was identified in the neonate. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of maternal betamethasone and fetal tracheal occlusion on pulmonary vascular morphometry in fetal rabbits with surgically induced diaphragmatic hernia: a placebo controlled morphologic study
Authors: Roubliova Xenia I. , Lewi Paul J. , Verbeken Eric K. , Vaast Pascal , Jani Jacques C. , Lu Huiqi , Tibboel Dick , Deprest Jan A.
Published: April 2009

Objectives

We studied the vascular effects of betamethasone (BM) and/or tracheal occlusion (TO) in fetal rabbits with surgically induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Methods

At day 23 (pseudoglandular phase; term = 31 d), 54 ovarian‐end fetuses from 27 does underwent induction of CDH. Thirteen did receive either 0.05 mg/kg BM, on days 28 and 29 with a 24‐h interval, or 14 saline [controls (CTR)]. At day 28, one ovarian‐end fetus underwent TO and harvesting was at term. In total, we compared (ANOVA) lung‐to‐body weight ratio (LBWR) and vascular morphometric indices in survivors from the following groups (n ‐ number alive at delivery): CDH (9); CDH + TO (10); unoperated controls (14); CDH + BM (10); CDH + TO (9); controls CTR + BM (13).

Results

Maternal BM had no effect on LBWR. LBWR was comparable to normal in CDH fetuses undergoing TO. Both TO and BM have an effect on medial thickening due to CDH which is larger when both interventions are combined.

Conclusions

Both TO and BM lessen peripheric muscularization present in CDH lungs and their effect is cumulative. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatio‐temporal clusters of new psychotropic medications among Michigan children insured by Medicaid
Authors: Penfold Robert B. , Wang Wei , Pajer Kathleen , Strange Brandon , Kelleher Kelly J.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

The prescription of psychotropic medications to children and adolescents has increased dramatically over the last decade. However, the development of disparities in prescribing is poorly understood. We examined whether clustering of utilization is a common phenomenon among early adopters of medications described the characteristics of clusters.

Methods

We obtained the complete Medicaid Analytic Extract (MAX) files for the State of Michigan between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2003. We tracked the adoption of: aripiprazole, atomoxetine, escitalopram, methylphenidate OROS, and ziprasidone. We conducted retrospective, space‐time analyses, scanning for clusters with high rates of prescribing. χ 2 analyses were used to compare the attributes of patients living within clusters to patients living in the rest of the state for each medication. Clusters of utilization were identified via the spatial scan statistic. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was then used to compare the numbers of mental health professionals per capita in geographic areas that did and did not demonstrate clustering of prescriptions for new psychotropic medications.

Results

All five medications exhibited space‐time clustering within the first 90 days following the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. The Medicaid population surrounding Kalamazoo was more likely to receive a prescription on multiple occasions. Excluding ziprasidone, clusters were not associated with greater geographic access to mental health care professionals.

Conclusions

Clustering of new prescriptions for psychotropic medications was a common phenomenon in this population. Surveillance and cluster identification allow the development of disparities to be studied. This information permits interventions to be targeted to locations prospectively. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Colorectal cancer risk in relation to use of acid suppressive medications
Authors: Chubak Jessica , Boudreau Denise M. , Rulyak Stephen J. , Mandelson Margaret T.
Published: April 2009

Purpose

Acid suppressants are commonly prescribed medications. Laboratory studies suggest a mechanism by which they could increase colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. A few epidemiologic studies have investigated acid suppressant use and CRC risk; none has documented an overall association. We sought to investigate whether acid suppressants are associated with CRC risk.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study among members of an integrated healthcare delivery system in Washington State. Cases (N = 641) were diagnosed with CRC between 2000 and 2003; controls (N = 641) were randomly selected from enrollees and matched to cases on age, sex, and length of enrollment. We used conditional logistic regression to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for CRC associated with the use of any acid suppressive medication, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) only, histamine receptor antagonists (H2 blockers) only, or both PPIs and H2 blockers in relation to the use of neither PPIs nor H2 blockers.

Results

Use of PPIs exclusively was modestly associated with an increased risk of CRC, however this finding was consistent with chance and based on a small number of patients exposed (OR = 1.7; 95%CI = 0.8, 4.0). H2 blocker use alone was not related to CRC risk (OR = 0.8; 95%CI = 0.6, 1.1).

Conclusions

PPI use may be modestly associated with CRC risk; further research should be conducted in populations with long‐term PPI use. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
International impacts of regulatory action to limit antidepressant prescribing on rates of suicide in young people
Authors: Wheeler Benedict W. , Metcalfe Chris , Martin Richard M. , Gunnell David
Published: April 2009

Purpose

Concerns that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may increase the risk of suicidal behaviour amongst young people led to regulatory action in 2003/4 in many countries. Antidepressant prescribing to young people in various countries declined, but subsequent analyses have demonstrated mixed effects on population suicide rates.

Methods

Annual, national suicide mortality rates from 1990 to 2006 for 10–19 year‐olds in World Health Organisation (WHO) Mortality Stratum A countries were studied using the WHO mortality database. Departures from country‐specific trends in 2004–2006 relative to overall trends 1990–2006 were calculated to estimate the impact of regulatory actions in 2003/4.

Results

There was no consistent change in rate after 2003, with some countries experiencing more and some fewer suicides than expected. Amongst 15–19 year olds the rate ratio was 0.999 (95%CI: 0.971–1.028), and in 10–14 year olds was 0.999 (95%CI: 0.929–1.074). There was some evidence of differential results for males and females. In 15–19 year olds there were 1.8% fewer (95%CI: −5.0 to +1.5%) suicides than expected amongst males and 8.1% more (95%CI: +1.9 to +14.6%) suicides than expected amongst females during 2004–2006. Rate ratios for 10–14 year‐olds demonstrated a similar pattern, but with much greater uncertainty.

Conclusions

There was no evidence of an overall effect on suicides of regulatory action to restrict prescribing of SSRIs to young people, although there was weak evidence of an increase in suicide amongst young women internationally. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modifying the structure and properties of polyethylene foams using thermal treatments
Authors: Rodriguez‐Perez Miguel A , Gonzalez‐Peña Jorge I , de Saja Jose A
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: The physical properties of polymer foams depend on many factors: density, cellular structure, matrix polymer morphology, etc. Therefore, these properties can be adapted by appropriate control of the structure. However, this simple and attractive concept has some limitations because the cellular structure of foams cannot be fully controlled during manufacturing. Therefore, in order to make possible the control of properties, it is highly desirable to develop simple procedures, such as thermal treatments, to modify the cellular structure. In the work reported, low‐density polyethylene foams were thermally treated at temperatures below the melting temperature of the base polymer. The cellular structure, polymer base morphology and several thermal and mechanical properties were studied before and after the thermal treatments.

RESULTS: It is shown that the anisotropy of the cellular structure is reduced by using adequate treatments. This modification of the structure influences physical properties that are sensitive to the cell shape, such as thermal expansion, elastic modulus and collapse stress.

CONCLUSION: A simple procedure to allow further control of the structure and properties of polyethylene‐based foams has been presented. The use of adequate thermal treatments is able to modify the cellular structure and hence the physical properties of these materials. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Fracture behaviour of poly[ethylene–(vinyl alcohol)]/organo‐clay composites
Authors: Maspoch Maria L , Franco‐Urquiza Edgar , Gamez‐Perez José , Santana Orlando O , Sánchez‐Soto Miguel
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: Ethylene–(vinyl alcohol) (EVOH) copolymer/organo‐modified montmorillonite (OMMT) composites were investigated. Composites with two different percentages by weight of OMMT were prepared using a melt‐extrusion procedure in a twin‐screw extruder, using EVOH as matrix. Films made of EVOH and EVOH/OMMT composites were prepared in a cast‐film extrusion line.

RESULTS: The mechanical properties were evaluated by tensile tests and the fracture behaviour was analysed using the essential‐work‐of‐fracture (EWF) method. Fracture characterization was carried out for the two main processing directions: melt flow direction and transverse direction. Fractographic observations were made using scanning electron microscopy.

CONCLUSION: The tensile test results indicated good compatibility between EVOH and OMMT. In addition, the fracture tests showed the influence of the clay particle arrangement on the fracture behaviour, showing an increase in the specific essential work of fracture, we, which was attributed to the EVOH–OMMT interaction. The plastic term, βwp, showed different trends depending on the test direction, explained by the size of the plastic zone and the restrictions to the EVOH plastic flow promoted by the clay particles. In this sense, the EWF method is shown to be a very useful tool for the analysis of structure–property relationships in polymer–organo‐clay composites. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry