bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of somatostatin analogs on glucose homeostasis in rats
Authors: Schmid Herbert A , Brueggen Josef
Published: October 2011

Pasireotide (SOM230) is a multireceptor-targeted somatostatin analog with high binding affinity for sstr1,2,3 and sstr5. The effects of pasireotide and octreotide on blood glucose, insulin, and glucagon levels in rats were evaluated alone and in combination. Single-dose s.c. pasireotide acutely elevated plasma glucose, whereas single-dose s.c. octreotide had no or a small hypoglycemic effect. Glucose elevation with s.c. pasireotide was transient with tachyphylaxis after repeated or continuous administration. Pasireotide and octreotide caused similar inhibitory effects on insulin secretion, whereas pasireotide had a weaker inhibitory effect on glucagon secretion than octreotide. Continuous infusion of pasireotide or injection of pasireotide long-acting release (LAR) resulted in only small and transient elevations of plasma glucose. Based on these results, and differences in the sstr binding affinity of pasireotide vs octreotide, it was hypothesized that the sstr5 vs sstr2 receptor activation ratio is the main driver of hyperglycemia after pasireotide. The results also suggest that stronger activation of sstr2 may counteract the hyperglycemic effect. Indeed, co-administration of octreotide, which has a high affinity for sstr2, with a hyperglycemic dose of pasireotide did not cause significant changes in plasma glucose levels. In conclusion, although pasireotide and octreotide inhibited insulin to a similar degree, only pasireotide administration was associated with hyperglycemia. The strong glucagon inhibitory effect exhibited by octreotide but not pasireotide may explain this observation. The lack of hyperglycemia during co-administration of pasireotide and octreotide may be explained by the greater activation of sstr2 compared with pasireotide alone, causing the insulin–glucagon balance to shift within the normoglycemic range. Extrapolation of these data to humans must account for species differences in islet cell sstr expression.
Sensible temperature at the Łeba Sandbar (Słowiński National Park) on selected days of the 2010 summer season
Authors: Półrolniczak Marek
Published: October 2011

Sensible temperature at the Łeba Sandbar (Słowiński National Park) on selected days of the 2010 summer season

The analysis was performed on the basis of weather measurements conducted in the Słowiński National Park at the Łeba Sandbar in the period from 8th July to 6th August 2010. Two biometeorological indices were calculated: the effective temperature (ET) and the radiative-effective temperature (RET). The daily course of RET was used to select the typical days, which were then subjected to a detailed analysis. This consisted in assessing the influence of individual meteorological elements and the synoptic situation on the development of the values of the RET and ET indices. A considerable diversity of sensible conditions was determined, as well as the considerable variability thereof during the day, in particular during the movement of atmospheric fronts. The sensible conditions were also influenced by factors connected with local circulation and the presence of the sea. Finally, a considerable decrease in the values of RET and ET was observed during changes in wind direction, namely when the wind was blowing from the northern sector.
Viteus vitifoliae (Fitch, 1885) a new species of aphid in Poland (Hemiptera: Aphidomorpha: Phylloxeridae)
Authors: Hałaj Roman , Osiadacz Barbara , Klejdysz Tomasz , Strażyński Przemysław
Published: October 2011

Viteus vitifoliae(Fitch, 1885) a new species of aphid in Poland (Hemiptera: Aphidomorpha: Phylloxeridae)

The grape phylloxera [Viteus vitifoliae(Fitch, 1855)] is reported in the Polish fauna for the first time. Adult females and galls are described, and information on its biology and distribution is summarized and commented on.
Eucharitidae (Hymenoptera), a chalcid wasp family new to the fauna of Poland
Authors: Szafranski Przemyslaw
Published: October 2011

Eucharitidae (Hymenoptera), a chalcid wasp family new to the fauna of Poland

Eucharis adscendens (Fabricius, 1787) (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eucharitidae) is reported as occurring in the Mazovian Lowland in central Poland. This represents the first record of the entire family Eucharitidae in Poland, which extends further to the north the geographical range of Eucharitidae in central Europe. E. adscendens was observed ovipositing into the flower buds of an umbellifer Peucedanum oreoselinum (L.) Moench. The most likely hosts of this chalcid species at this Mazovian location are ants of the genus Formica L.
Early High-Intensity Rehabilitation Following Total Knee Arthroplasty Improves Outcomes
Authors: Bade Michael J. , Stevens-Lapsley Jennifer E.
Published: October 2011

Study Design

Prospective cohort study with an age-matched and sex-matched control group.

Objectives

To assess the clinical outcomes of a high-intensity rehabilitation program (HI) compared to those of a group of age-matched and sex-matched controls who underwent a lower intensity rehabilitation program.

Background

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) successfully alleviates pain from knee osteoarthritis; but deficits in function can persist long term. Despite these well-known deficits, there is little evidence supporting the use of rehabilitation interventions following TKA.

Methods

Eight patients, who participated in the HI program, were compared to 8 age-matched and sex-matched patients who participated in a lower intensity rehabilitation program (control group). Patients were assessed preoperatively, and at 3.5, 6.5, 12, 26, and 52 weeks postoperatively. Assessment of patients included measures of pain, range of motion (ROM), functional performance, and quadriceps strength and activation.

Results

There were no differences in knee ROM and pain between the HI and control groups at any postoperative time point. At the 3.5-week and 12-week (end of rehabilitation) time points, the HI group had better functional performance and quadriceps strength compared to the control group (P<.05). At the 52-week time point, the HI group continued to demonstrate better functional performance compared to the control group (P<.05), along with greater quadriceps strength (P = .08).

Conclusion

A HI program leads to better short- and long-term strength and functional performance outcomes compared to a lower intensity rehabilitation program. The HI program did not impair knee ROM and did not result in any musculoskeletal injuries in this small group of patients.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 2b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(12):932–941, Epub 30 September 2011. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3734
Camera trapping estimates of density and survival of fishers Martes pennanti
Authors: Jordan Mark J. , Barrett Reginald H. , Purcell Kathryn L.
Published: October 2011

Developing efficient monitoring strategies for species of conservation concern is critical to ensuring their persistence. We have developed a method using camera traps to estimate density and survival in mesocarnivores and tested it on a population of fishers Martes pennanti in an area of approximately 300 km2 of the southern Sierra Nevada mountains in California. Fishers in this region are isolated from other populations by a gap of approximately 400 km, and the status of individual populations in the southern Sierra Nevada is poorly understood, making management decisions difficult. We caught fishers in live traps, marked them with ear tags, and resighted them with camera traps. We measured latency to first detection and detection rate to compare our results to previous camera trapping studies of fishers. We used the robust design Poisson log‐normal mixed‐effects mark‐resight model to obtain annual estimates of density and apparent survival. Our values for latency to first detection and detection rate were slightly lower than those obtained by previous studies. Fishers in this isolated region occur at lower densities than at other locations across their range with only approximately 6‐11 animals/100 km2. Their average annual, adult survival rate (0.94) was comparable to that found in other studies, though this parameter had very low precision. We experienced relatively high levels of tag loss in our study, suggesting our estimates of abundance are biased upward. We provide recommendations for improving the precision and accuracy of results obtained from this type of study. Our results demonstrate a novel application of mark‐resight methods to estimate density and survival for mesocarnivores. These estimates provide timely information to managers about fishers at the local population level in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains.
Inequities in Educational and Psychological Outcomes Between LGBTQ and Straight Students in Middle and High School
Authors: Robinson Joseph P. , Espelage Dorothy L.
Published: October 2011

This study finds that, compared with straight-identified youth, youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) are at greater risk of suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, victimization by peers, and elevated levels of unexcused absences from school. Results disaggregated by LGBTQ subgroups reveal heterogeneity within the broad LGBTQ group, with bisexual youth appearing to be particularly at risk. Also, although the risk gaps in school belongingness and unexcused absences are significant in high school, we find that these gaps are significantly greater in middle school, suggesting heightened early risk for LGBTQ-identified students. By raising awareness of educational inequities related to LGBTQ identification, this study lays the descriptive groundwork for interventions aimed at improving psychological and educational outcomes for these students.
Régulations des investissements agricoles à grande échelle
Authors: Burnod Perrine , Papazian Hermine , Adamczewski Amandine , Bosc Pierre-Marie , Tonneau Jean-Philippe , Jamin Jean-Yves
Published: October 2011

Résumé En plus des projets largement médiatisés de Daewoo Logistics et Malibya, de nombreux projets agricoles à grande échelle ont été annoncés à Madagascar et au Mali (zone Office du Niger). Sur la base d’une comparaison des dynamiques d’investissement dans ces deux pays, l’article présente la nature des projets réellement en cours sur le terrain. Il analyse ensuite les modes effectifs de régulation de ces investissements, en étudiant non seulement les dispositifs mis en œuvre par les États et leurs services, mais également les réactions des élus et des populations locales.
BDNF expression in the hippocampus of maternally separated rats: does Bifidobacterium breve 6330 alter BDNF levels?
Authors: O'Sullivan E. , Barrett E. , Grenham S. , Fitzgerald P. , Stanton C. , Ross R. , Quigley E. , Cryan J. , Dinan T.
Published: October 2011

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is of interest because of its putative role in stress and psychiatric disorders.
Maternal separation is used as an animal model of early-life stress and of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Animals
exposed to the paradigm show altered gut function together with heightened levels of arousal and corticosterone.
Some probiotic organisms have been shown to be of benefit in IBS and influence the brain-gut axis. Our objective
was to investigate the effects of maternal separation on BDNF under basal conditions and in response to the probiotic
Bifidobacterium breve 6330. The study implemented the maternal separation model which we have previously
described. Polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridisation were performed to measure the effect of maternal
separation on both BDNF total variants and BDNF splice variant (exon) IV in the hippocampus. Maternally separated
and non-separated rats were treated with B. breve 6330, to investigate the effect of this probiotic on BDNF total
variant and BDNF exon IV expression. Maternal separation increased BDNF total variants (P<0.01), whilst having
no effect on BDNF exon IV. B. breve 6330 increased BDNF total variants (P<0.01), and decreased BDNF splice
variant IV, in non-separated rats (P<0.01). B. breve 6330 did not alter BDNF levels in the maternally separated
rats. Maternal separation caused a marked increase in BDNF in the hippocampus. While B. breve 6330 influenced
BDNF in normal animals, it had no significant effect on BDNF in those which were maternally separated. We have
demonstrated that an orally administered probiotic can influence hippocampal BDNF.
Ship emissions of SO2 and NO2: DOAS measurements from airborne platforms
Authors: Berg N. , Mellqvist J. , Jalkanen J.-P. , Balzani J.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. A unique methodology to measure gas fluxes of SO2 and NO2 from ships has been developed in a Swedish national project using optical remote sensing. The measurement system is based on Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy using reflected skylight from the water surface as light source. A grating spectrometer records spectra around 311 nm and 440 nm, respectively, with the telescope pointed downward at a 30° angle from the horizon. The mass column values of SO2 and NO2 are retrieved from each spectrum and integrated across the plume. To obtain the total emission in kg h−1 the resulting total mass across the plume is multiplied with the apparent wind, i.e. a dilution factor corresponding to the vector between the wind and the ship speed. The system was tested in two feasibility studies in the Baltic Sea and Kattegat, from a CASA-212 airplane in 2008 and in the North Sea outside Rotterdam from a Dauphin helicopter in an EU campaign in 2009. In the Baltic Sea the average SO2 emission out of 22 ships was (54 ± 13) kg h−1, and the average NO2 emission was (33 ± 8) kg h−1, out of 13 ships. In the North Sea the average SO2 emission out of 21 ships was (42 ± 11) kg h−1, NO2 was not measured here. The system was able to detect plumes of SO2 in 60% of the measurements when the described method was used. The optical measurement carried out on a passenger ferry on two consecutive days was compared to onboard emission data obtained from analysed fuel content and power consumption. The comparison shows agreement of (−30 ± 14) % and (−41 ± 11) %, respectively, for two days, with equal measurement precision of about 20%, this indicates the presence of systematic error sources that are yet unaccounted for when deriving the flux. Two such error sources are the difficulty in estimating the optical path of the ocean scattered light due to waves, and direct and multiple scattering in the exhaust plume. Rough estimates of these sources have been accounted for in the total uncertainty, 30–45 %. A ship emission model, FMI-STEAM, has been compared to the optical measurements showing a 18% overestimation and a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.6. It is shown that a combination of the optical method with modelled power consumption can estimate the sulphur fuel content within 40%, which would be sufficient to detect the difference between ships running at 1% and at 0.1%, limits applicable within the IMO regulated areas.
Persistent influence of ice sheet melting on high northern latitude climate during the early Last Interglacial
Authors: Govin A. , Braconnot P. , Capron E. , Cortijo E. , Duplessy J.-C. , Jansen E. , Labeyrie L. , Landais A. , Marti O. , Michel E. , Mosquet E. , Risebrobakken B. , Swingedouw D. , Waelbroeck C.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Although the Last Interglacial (LIG) is often considered as a possible analogue for future climate in high latitudes, its precise climate evolution and associated causes remain uncertain. Here we compile high-resolution marine sediment records from the North Atlantic, Labrador Sea, Norwegian Sea and the Southern Ocean. We document a delay in the establishment of peak interglacial conditions in the North Atlantic, Labrador and Norwegian Seas as compared to the Southern Ocean. In particular, we observe a persistent iceberg melting at high northern latitudes at the beginning of the LIG. It suggests that the input of meltwater has maintained (1) colder and fresher surface-water conditions in the North Atlantic, Labrador and Norwegian Seas and (2) weaker ventilation of North Atlantic deep waters during the early LIG (129–125.5 ka) compared to the late LIG. Results from an ocean-atmosphere coupled model with insolation as a sole forcing for three key periods of the LIG show that insolation variations alone lead to warmer North Atlantic surface waters and stronger Atlantic overturning during the early LIG (126 ka) than the late LIG (122 ka). Hence insolation variations alone do not explain the delay in peak interglacial conditions observed at high northern latitudes. When freshwater input is interactively computed at 126 ka in response to the high boreal summer insolation, the model simulates colder, fresher North Atlantic surface waters and weaker Atlantic overturning during the early LIG (126 ka) compared to the late LIG (122 ka). This result indicates that both insolation variations and ice sheet melting have to be considered to reproduce the LIG climate evolution and supports our hypothesis that optimal thermal and deep ocean circulation conditions at high northern latitudes develop during the late LIG only, when the freshwater supply has already ceased.
Integrating coarse-scale uncertain soil moisture data into a fine-scale hydrological modelling scenario
Authors: Vernieuwe H. , De Baets B. , Minet J. , Pauwels V. R. N. , Lambot S. , Vanclooster M. , Verhoest N. E. C.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. In a hydrological modelling scenario, often the modeller is confronted with external data, such as remotely-sensed soil moisture observations, that become available to update the model output. However, the scale triplet (spacing, extent and support) of these data is often inconsistent with that of the model. Furthermore, the external data can be cursed with epistemic uncertainty. Hence, a method is needed that not only integrates the external data into the model, but that also takes into account the difference in scale and the uncertainty of the observations. In this paper, a synthetic hydrological modelling scenario is set up in which a high-resolution distributed hydrological model is run over an agricultural field. At regular time steps, coarse-scale field-averaged soil moisture data, described by means of possibility distributions (epistemic uncertainty), are retrieved by synthetic aperture radar and assimilated into the model. A method is presented that allows to integrate the coarse-scale possibility distribution of soil moisture content data with the fine-scale model-based soil moisture data. The method is subdivided in two steps. The first step, the disaggregation step, employs a scaling relationship between field-averaged soil moisture content data and its corresponding standard deviation. In the second step, the soil moisture content values are updated using two alternative methods.
Development of Black Sea nowcasting and forecasting system
Authors: Korotaev G. K. , Oguz T. , Dorofeyev V. L. , Demyshev S. G. , Kubryakov A. I. , Ratner Yu. B.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The paper presents the development of the Black Sea community nowcasting and forecasting system under the Black Sea GOOS initiative and the EU framework projects ARENA, ASCABOS and ECOOP. One of the objectives of the Black Sea Global Ocean Observing System project is a promotion of the nowcasting and forecasting system of the Black Sea, in order to implement the operational oceanography in the Black Sea region. The first phase in the realization of this goal was the development of the pilot nowcasting and forecasting system of the Black Sea circulation in the framework of project ARENA funded by the EU. The ARENA project included the implementation of advanced modeling and data assimilation tools for near real time prediction. Further progress in development of the Black Sea nowcasting and forecasting system was made in the frame of ASCABOS project, which was targeted at strengthening the communication system, ensuring flexible and operative infrastructure for data and information exchange between the Black Sea partners and end-users. The improvement of the system was made in the framework of the ECOOP project. As a result it was transformed into a real-time mode operational nowcasting and forecasting system. The paper provides the general description of the main parts of the system: circulation and ecosystem models, data assimilation approaches, the system architecture as well as their qualitative and quantitative calibrations.
A numerical model for meltwater channel evolution in glaciers
Authors: Jarosch A. H. , Gudmundsson M. T.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Meltwater channels form an integral part of the hydrological system of a glacier. Better understanding of how meltwater channels develop and evolve is required to fully comprehend supraglacial and englacial meltwater drainage. Incision of supraglacial stream channels and subsequent roof closure by ice deformation has been proposed in recent literature as a possible englacial conduit formation process. Field evidence for supraglacial stream incision has been found in Svalbard and Nepal. In Iceland, where volcanic activity provides meltwater with temperatures above 0 °C, rapid enlargement of supraglacial channels has been observed. By coupling, for the first time, a numerical ice dynamic model to a hydraulic model which includes heat transfer, we investigate the evolution of meltwater channels and their incision behaviour. We present results for different, constant meltwater fluxes, different channel slopes, different meltwater temperatures as well as temporal variations in meltwater flux. The key parameters governing incision rate and depth are the channel slope and the meltwater temperature loss to the ice. Meltwater flux controls channel width and to a lesser degree incision behaviour. Calculated Nusselt numbers suggest that turbulent forced convection is the main heat transfer mechanism in the studied meltwater channels.
Traumatic wound dehiscence after penetrating keratoplasty: case series and literature review
Authors: Steinberg Johannes , Eddy Mau-Thek , Katz Toam , Fricke Otto H. , Richard Gisbert , Linke Stephan J.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Blunt trauma after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) is a high risk for wound rupture at the donor-recipient interface. We present 6 cases of traumatic wound dehiscence after PK; we describe the morphologic and functional outcome after surgical intervention and provide a review of the current literature.

Methods

Six patients with a traumatic wound dehiscence after PK were analyzed retrospectively from the files of the University Eye Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (1998-2009). In addition, a comprehensive literature review was performed.

Results

The indications for PK were keratoconus, corneal scars, and Fuchs endothelial dystrophy. The age range was 22-81 years; the time span between PK and globe rupture was 1 month to 27 years. The cause of the dislocation was a fall or blunt trauma, through a branch, airbag, fist, or finger. The corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) pretrauma ranged between hand movement and 20/32. The CDVA after wound repair was 20/400 to 20/25 depending on the severity of the trauma. In 3 of the 6 cases, visual rehabilitation was superior to the pretrauma vision, whereas in 3 cases the pretrauma CDVA could not be reached.

Conclusions

If a timely and adequate treatment of the traumatically dislocated transplant can be given, it is likely that the transplant will survive. Nevertheless, severely reduced visual acuity (i.e., < hand movement) and lens damage at the time of trauma are the most reliable predictors for the final visual outcome. A permanent loss of visual acuity is related rather to the intraocular damage (vitreous loss, vitreous bleeding, retinal tears, and retinal detachment) than to the readapted transplant itself.
Animals and Friendship: A Reply to Rowlands
Authors: Fröding Barbro , Peterson Martin
Published: October 2011

Can humans be friends with animals? If so, what would the moral implications of such friendship be? In a previous issue of this journal, we argued that humans can indeed be friends with animals and that such friendships are morally valuable. The present article is a comment on Mark Rowlands’s reply to our original article. We argue that our original argument is not undermined by Rowlands’s attack.
O governo de Juscelino Kubitschek e o mito da democracia representativa: a vigilância do Serviço Secreto do DOPS-SP nas agremiações democráticas 1956-1960
Authors: Oliveira Nilo Dias de
Published: October 2011

O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar a prática de vigilância e repressão do Serviço Secreto da DOPS-SP através da análise dos seus relatórios durante o período de 1956 - 1960, dando ênfase à ação deste órgão sob alguns movimentos reivindicatórios que vislumbravam nesses novos tempos de grandes transformações na sociedade brasileira, propostas de mudanças efetivas na relação entre o capital e o trabalho. A infiltração de seus agentes nestas agremiações demonstra a vinculação deste sistema repressivo com os segmentos políticos subordinados aos setores das burguesias dependentes, cujo monopólio de dominação se via ameaçado pela ampliação dos direitos civis.
A formação de uma identidade no bairro de Puerto de Mar del Plata através de seus protagonistas: imigração, igreja e caridade
Authors: Favero Bettina Alejandra
Published: October 2011

Os primeiros habitantes que formaram o bairro de Puerto de Mar del Plata tinham, em sua maioria, algumas características particulares. Ou seja: eram imigrantes italianos, vinham das regiões do sul da Itália e se dedicavam à pesca. Diante disso, poderíamos supor que a relação entre os novos colonos e o espaço que se consolidava teria os condimentos necessários para a formação de uma identidade própria. Mas que elementos indicam uma identidade? Como poderíamos estabelecê-los? Com base em estudos anteriores, partimos da premissa da existência de um enclave “étnico” que permitiu a gênese e o desenvolvimento de um enclave de tipo “cultural” no qual foi possível construir uma identidade própria, fruto do diálogo com o receptor. sociedade. Neste caso, a sociedade de acolhimento identifica-se com duas instituições que, a nosso ver, são fundamentais para o desenvolvimento da área: a Comissão Auxiliar das Senhoras Vicentinas e os sacerdotes da Pequena Obra da Divina Providência. Diante disso, analisaremos que tipo de relação se estabeleceu entre os colonos imigrantes e as referidas instituições e como elas influenciaram na formação de uma identidade.
A homozygous mutation in RNU4ATAC as a cause of microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type I (MOPD I) with associated pigmentary disorder
Authors: Abdel‐Salam Ghada M.H. , Miyake Noriko , Eid Maha M. , Abdel‐Hamid Mohamed S. , Hassan Nihal A. , Eid Ola M. , Effat Laila K. , El‐Badry Tarek H. , El‐Kamah Ghada Y. , El‐Darouti Mohamed , Matsumoto Naomichi
Published: October 2011

The designation microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism (MOPD) refers to a group of autosomal recessive disorders, comprising microcephaly, growth retardation, and a skeletal dysplasia. The different types of MOPD have been delineated on the basis of clinical, radiological, and genetic criteria. We describe two brothers, born to healthy, consanguineous parents, with intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation, microcephaly with abnormal gyral pattern and partial agenesis of corpus callosum, and skeletal anomalies reminiscent of those described in MOPD type I. This was confirmed by the identification of the homozygous g.55G > A mutation of RNU4ATAC encoding U4atac snRNA. The sibs had yellowish‐gray hair, fair skin, and deficient retinal pigmentation. Skin biopsy showed abnormal melanin function but OCA genes were normal. The older sib had an intracranial hemorrhage at 1 week after birth, the younger developed chilblains‐like lesions at the age 2½ years old but analysis of the SAMHD1 and TREX1 genes did not show any mutations. To the best of our knowledge, vasculopathy and pigmentary disorders have not been reported in MOPD I. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optical property enhancement of dye‐PDLC using active reflector structure
Authors: Eun Jung Jae , Lee Gae Hwang , Eun Jang Jae , Hwang Kyu Young , Ahmad Farzana , Jamil Muhammad , Jin Woo Lee , Jae Jeon Young
Published: October 2011

The enhancement of electro‐optical properties in reflective‐type dye polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) has been achieved by applying an additional white PDLC layer along with dye PDLC layer. This newly modified structure that consists of white PDLC layer and scattering reflector acts as an active reflector. In this practice, an additional arrangement of a polymer barrier layer is made‐up over white PDLC layer, to block the absorption of any solution from dye PDLC. The contrast ratio of this new configuration is almost doubled with low driving voltage and high ON reflectance. Simultaneously, the “off” state has been observed darker than single layer dye PDLC structure. This new configuration can be potentially significant for various display applications such as E‐paper, outdoor billboard, and flexible display. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of carbon nanotube‐supported β nucleating agent on the thermal properties, morphology, and mechanical properties of polyamide 6/isotactic polypropylene blends
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Shi‐Wei , Zhan Ke‐Jun , Yang Wei , Xie Bang‐Hu , Yang Ming‐Bo
Published: October 2011

A new kind of β nucleating agent, multi‐wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐supported calcium pimelate was introduced into polyamide 6 (PA 6)/isotactic polypropylene (iPP; 10/90 by weight) blend and the thermal properties, morphology, and mechanical properties were investigated. The results showed that β‐iPP appeared at low content of MWCNT‐supported calcium pimelate which surmounted the α‐nucleating effect of PA 6 for iPP, and the content of β‐iPP increased with increasing content of MWCNT‐supported calcium pimelate. The impact strength, elongation at break, and flexural modulus were improved with increasing content of MWCNT‐supported calcium pimelate without significantly deteriorating the tensile strength. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis of poly(urethane)s based on diphenyl‐silane/germane and oxyphenyl units: Structure–properties relationship
Authors: Tundidor‐Camba A. , Terraza C. A. , Tagle L. H. , Coll D. , Ortiz P.
Published: October 2011

A series of poly(urethane)s (PUs) based on diphenyl‐silane or ‐germane and oxyphenyl units were synthesized by polycondesation of 4‐[4‐[9‐[4‐(4‐aminophenoxy)‐3‐methyl‐phenyl]fluoren‐9‐yl]‐2‐methyl‐phenoxy]aniline (3) and four bis(chloroformate)s (I–IV). These monomers were prepared and characterized in previous works. The best conditions for the polymerization reactions were investigated by a kinetic study. Also, a selection of the best solvent for the reaction was developed. Polymers were characterized by IR and 1H, 13C, and 29Si‐NMR spectroscopy and the results were in agreement with the proposed structures. Poly(urethane)s showed inherent viscosity values between 0.12 and 0.31 dL/g, indicative of low molecular weight species, probably of oligomeric nature. The glass transition temperature (Tg) values were observed in the 127–168°C range by DSC analysis. Thermal decomposition temperature (TDT10%) values were above 300°C. All PUs showed good transparency in the visible region (>80% at 350 nm) due to the incorporation of the bulky monomer (fluorene) and oxyether linkages. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Primary and secondary CoQ10 deficiencies in humans
Authors: Quinzii Catarina M. , Hirano Michio
Published: October 2011

CoQ10 deficiencies are clinically and genetically heterogeneous. This syndrome has been associated with five major clinical phenotypes: (1) encephalomyopathy, (2) severe infantile multisystemic disease, (3) cerebellar ataxia, (4) isolated myopathy, and (5) nephrotic syndrome. In a few patients, pathogenic mutations have been identified in genes involved in the biosynthesis of CoQ10 (primary CoQ10 deficiencies) or in genes not directly related to CoQ10 biosynthesis (secondary CoQ10 deficiencies). Respiratory chain defects, ROS production, and apoptosis variably contribute to the pathogenesis of primary CoQ10 deficiencies.
Clinical trial results of the HER‐2/neu (E75) vaccine to prevent breast cancer recurrence in high‐risk patients
Authors: Mittendorf Elizabeth A. , Clifton Guy T. , Holmes Jarrod P. , Clive Kevin S. , Patil Ritesh , Benavides Linda C. , Gates Jeremy D. , Sears Alan K. , Stojadinovic Alexander , Ponniah Sathibalan , Peoples George E.
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND:

The authors conducted exploratory phase 1‐2 clinical trials vaccinating breast cancer patients with E75, a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) A2/A3–restricted HER‐2/neu (HER2) peptide, and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor. The vaccine is given as adjuvant therapy to prevent disease recurrence. They previously reported that the vaccine is safe and effective in stimulating expansion of E75‐specific cytotoxic T cells. Here, they report 24‐month landmark analyses of disease‐free survival (DFS).

METHODS:

These dose escalation/schedule optimization trials enrolled lymph node‐positive and high‐risk lymph node‐negative patients with HER2 (immunohistochemistry [IHC] 1‐3+) expressing tumors. HLA‐A2/A3+ patients were vaccinated; others were followed prospectively as controls for recurrence. DFS was analyzed by Kaplan‐Meier curves; groups were compared using log‐rank tests.

RESULTS:

Of 195 enrolled patients, 182 were evaluable: 106 (58.2%) in the vaccinated group and 76 (41.8%) in the control group. The 24‐month landmark analysis DFS was 94.3% in the vaccinated group and 86.8% in the control group (P = .08). Importantly, because of trial design, 65% of patients received a lower than optimal vaccine dose. In subset analyses, patients who benefited most from vaccination (vaccinated group vs control group) had lymph node‐positive (DFS, 90.2% vs 79.1%; P = .13), HER2 IHC 1+‐2+ (DFS, 94.0% vs 79.4%; P = .04), or grade 1 or 2 (DFS, 98.4% vs 86.0%; P = .01) tumors and were optimally dosed (DFS, 97.3% vs 86.8%; P = .08). A booster program has been initiated; no patients receiving booster inoculations have recurred.

CONCLUSIONS:

The E75 vaccine has clinical efficacy that is more prominent in certain patients. A phase 3 trial enrolling lymph node‐positive patients with HER2 low‐expressing tumors is warranted. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Optimal specimen processing of fine needle aspirates of non‐hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Shetuni Brandon , Lakey Meredith , Kulesza Peter
Published: October 2011

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) in conjunction with flow cytometry (FC) is a useful technique for non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) diagnosis. We sought to investigate the effect of storage medium and time to processing on lymph node (LN) FNA viability. Benign LN FNAs were distributed among Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI), Hanks' Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) and Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) storage media, and viability was compared at 0, 4.5 and 24 hours. FC survival analysis showed viable cells (%): at 0 hrs: HBSS 83.6%, RPMI 87.7%, DMEM 87.7%. At 4.5 hrs: HBSS 86.3%, RPMI 89.0%, DMEM 78.2%. At 24 hrs: HBSS 82.7%, RPMI 86.7%, DMEM 77.2%. FNA from a peri‐pancreatic LN involved by grade 2 follicular lymphoma was stored in RPMI at 4° C and analyzed at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days. Over 90% of follicular lymphoma cells were suitable for FC analysis at 1, 3, and 5 days after collection, decreasing to 76% at 7 days. In conclusion: RPMI appears to be the optimal storage medium compared to DMEM and HBSS.An NHL FNA sample stored at 4° C remains suitable for FC analysis for up to 5 days. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cytodiagnosis of cutaneous histoplasmosis in HIV positive patient initially presenting with multiple umbilicated disseminated skin nodules
Authors: Arghya Bandyopadhyay , Kaushik Majumdar , Mimi Gangopadhyay , Subrata Chakraborty
Published: October 2011

Histoplasmosis is usually an opportunistic fungal infection in patients with defective cell mediated immunity, and has been considered as one of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) defining illness. However, cutaneous involvement in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients is less common, and very rarely can be the initial presenting symptom for the diagnosis of AIDS. We present here an unusual case of multiple diffuse cutaneous nodular lesions predominantly in face, trunk, and upper extremities diagnosed initially on aspiration cytology as histoplasmosis. Subsequent serological test revealed positivity for HIV 1 and 2, along with a low CD4 count and low CD4:CD3 ratio. The cytomorphological features were further corroborated by histology and histochemical stains. Hence, cutaneous histoplasmosis can cause multiple wide spread nodular or umbilicated lesions in AIDS patients as the initial presentation. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a rapid, cost effective tool for diagnosis of the fungi from such lesions and initiating work up for immunocompromised states including AIDS. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation of phthalamic acid derivatives and ring closure to phthalimidobarbituric acids
Authors: Ambrożk Agnieszka , Gütschow Michael
Published: October 2011

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Phthalamic acid derivatives with a barbiturate moiety were prepared from 5‐amino‐5‐ethylbarbituric acids. To circumvent an undesired acetylation in glacial acetic acid during the preparation of phthalimidobarbituric acids, two routes were proven exemplarily. On the one hand, a phthalamic acid (6a) was isolated and subsequently cyclized with acetic anhydride to the corresponding phthalimide 2a. On the other hand, a phthalamic acid tert‐butyl ester (5b) was successively treated with trifluoroacetic acid and trifluoroacetic anhydride to achieve heterocyclization to the phthalimide 2b. These routes might be useful for the preparation of other phthalimides derived from sterically hindered primary amines.
Persistent alternobaric vertigo at ground level
Authors: Bluestone Charles D. , Swarts J. Douglas , Furman Joseph M. , Yellon Robert F.
Published: October 2011

We recently encountered a 15‐year‐old female with bilateral tympanostomy tubes who manifested persistent severe vertigo, at ground level, secondary to a unilateral middle‐ear pressure of +200 mm H2O elicited by an obstructed tympanostomy tube in the presence of chronic nasal obstruction. We believe this is a previously unreported scenario in which closed‐nose swallowing insufflated air into her middle ears, resulting in sustained positive middle‐ear pressure in the ear with the obstructed tube. Swallowing, when the nose is obstructed, can result in abnormal negative or positive pressures in the middle ear, which has been termed the Toynbee phenomenon. In patients who have vertigo, the possibility that nasal obstruction and the Toynbee phenomenon are involved should be considered. Laryngoscope, 2012
MG132 treatment during oocyte maturation improves embryonic development after somatic cell nuclear transfer and alters oocyte and embryo transcript abundance in pigs
Authors: You Jinyoung , Kim Jinyoung , Lee Heowwon , Hyun Sang‐Hwan , Hansen Peter J. , Lee Eunsong
Published: October 2011

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of treating pig oocytes during in vitro maturation (IVM) with a proteasome inhibitor, MG132, on oocyte maturation and embryonic development. In one series of experiments, oocytes from medium‐sized follicles (3–8 mm in diameter) were untreated (MCO) or treated with MG132 during 0–22 hr (M0–22) or 30–42 hr (M30–42) of IVM. There was no significant effect of MG132 on nuclear maturation or cytoplasmic maturation (as assessed by intracellular amounts of glutathione and p34cdc2 kinase activity). Blastocyst formation after parthenogenetic activation (PA) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), however, was increased for M30–42 (65.2% and 27.7% for PA and SCNT, respectively) compared to MCO (42.6% and 13.6%, respectively) and M0–22 (45.3% and 19.5%, respectively; P < 0.05). Expression of PCNA and ERK2 was increased in M30–42 for IVM oocytes while transcript abundance for POUF51, DNMT1, FGFR2, and PCNA was increased in M30–42 for 4‐cell SCNT embryos. When oocytes derived from small follicles (<3 mm in diameter) were untreated (SCO) or treated with MG132 during 0–22 hr (S0–22), 30–42 hr (S30–42) of IVM, or 0–22 and 30–42 hr of IVM (S0–22/30–42), expression of POU5F1, DNMT1, FGFR2, and PCNA and blastocyst formation were increased for SCNT embryos derived from S30 to 42 (16.5%) and S0–22/30–42 oocytes (20.8%) as compared to embryos from SCO (8.7%) or S0–22 oocytes (8.8%; P < 0.05). Results demonstrate that treatment of oocytes with MG132 during the later stage of IVM improves embryonic development and alters gene expression in pigs. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79:41–50, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Advance polymeric carbon nanocomposite films with enhanced thermo‐mechanical properties
Authors: Raza Ramsha , Ali Saqib , Ahmed Fiaz , Ullah Shafiq , Grant John T. , Iqbal Javed
Published: October 2011

The homogenous nanocomposite films of UV/O3 oxidized multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) subsequently modified with aniline moiety were synthesized with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) through free radical polymerization. The phenylamine functional groups present on the surface of MWCNTs providing an anchoring sites for deposition of Ag metal nanoparticles (NP).The in situ free radical polymerization of MMA in the presence of these well dispersed nanotubes gave a new class of radiation resistant nanocomposite films. The synthesized materials were characterized by FT‐IR, TGA, TEM, EDX, TC, DMA, universal testing machine, and optical microscopy to ascertain their structural morphologies, thermal stability, and mechanical strength. The microscopic and structural properties reflect the homogenous mixing of modified MWCNTs in polymer matrix contributing in enhancement of thermal stability, thermo‐mechanical strength, glass transition temperatures, and thermal conductivity of nanocomposites even at 0.25 wt% addition of modified nanofiller. Thermal and thermo‐mechanical behavior of pre‐ and post‐UV/O3 irradiated nanocomposite films have been compared with neat polymer. The results revealed that modified nanofiller network can effectively disperse the radiation and has a dramatic reinforcement effect on the nature of degradation of PMMA matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
X‐ray reflection‐topography in the SEM
Authors: Horn H. M. F.
Published: October 2011

A simple arrangement is proposed, which permits the recording of x‐ray topographical images of crystal surfaces inside a conventional SEM equipped with a removable metallic target. The capabilities of the method are demonstrated for the case of an Fe‐target, where the characteristic radiation is Bragg‐reflected from the surface of different LiF crystals.
Kelvin wave hydraulic control induced by interactions between vortices and topography
Authors: Hogg Andrew McC. , Dewar William K. , Berloff Pavel , Ward Marshall L.
Published: October 2011

The interaction of a dipolar vortex with topography is examined using a combination of analytical solutions and idealized numerical models. It is shown that an anticyclonic vortex may generate along-topography flow with sufficient speeds to excite hydraulic control with respect to local Kelvin waves. A critical condition for Kelvin wave hydraulic control is found for the simplest case of a 1.5-layer shallow water model. It is proposed that in the continuously stratified case this mechanism may allow an interaction between low mode vortices and higher mode Kelvin waves, thereby generating rapidly converging isopycnals and hydraulic jumps. Thus, Kelvin wave hydraulic control may contribute to the flux of energy from mesoscale to smaller, unbalanced, scales of motion in the ocean.
Luminal calcium concentration controls intestinal calcium absorption by modification of intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity
Authors: Brun Lucas R. , Brance María L. , Rigalli Alfredo
Published: October 2011

Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) is a brush-border phosphomonoesterase. Its location suggests an involvement in the uptake of nutrients, but its role has not yet been defined. IAP expression parallels that of other proteins involved in Ca absorption under vitamin D stimulation. Experiments carried outin vitrowith purified IAP have demonstrated an interaction between Ca and IAP. The gut is prepared to face different levels of Ca intake over time, but high Ca intake in a situation of a low-Ca diet over time would cause excessive entry of Ca into the enterocytes. The presence of a mechanism to block Ca entry and to avoid possible adverse effects is thus predictable. Thus, in the present study, Sprague–Dawley rats were fed with different amounts of Ca in the diet (0·2, 1 and 2 g%), and the percentage of Ca absorption (%Ca) in the presence and absence ofl-phenylalanine (Phe) was calculated. The presence of Phe caused a significant increase in %Ca (52·3 (sem6·5) % in the presence of Phev. 31·1 (sem8·9) % in the absence of Phe, regardless of the amount of Ca intake; pairedttest,P = 0·02). When data were analysed with respect to Ca intake, a significant difference was found only in the group with low Ca intake (pairedttest,P = 0·03). Additionally, IAP activity increased significantly (ANOVA,P < 0·05) as Ca concentrations increased in the duodenal lumen. The present study providesin vivoevidence that luminal Ca concentration increases the activity of IAP and simultaneously decreases %Ca, acting as a minute-to-minute regulatory mechanism of Ca entry.
The contribution of brain imaging to the study of panic disorder
Authors: Volpe Umberto , Merlotti Eleonora , Mucci Armida , Galderisi Silvana
Published: October 2011

Aims — The present review is aimed to evaluate the recent contribution of brain imaging techniques to the definition of neuroanatomofunctional models of panic disorder (PD). Methods — Structural and functional brain imaging studies of PD, conducted from January 1993 to October 2003 and selected through a comprehensive Medline search (key-words: panic disorder, emotions, brain imaging, EEG, Event-Related Potentials, MRI, fMRI, PET, SPECT, TC) were included in the review. The Medline search has been complemented by bibliographic cross-referencing. Results — The majority of the reviewed studies suggests that a dysfunction of a neural circuit encompassing prefrontal and temporo-Iimbic cortices is present in PD. A right hemisphere preferential involvement in PD has been shown by several studies. Conclusions — Reviewed neuroimaging studies suggest a dysfunction of frontal and temporo-Iimbic circuitries in PD. However, those studies cannot be considered conclusive because of several methodological limitations. Longitudinal and multi-modal studies involving larger patient samples, possibly integrated with population-based and genetic studies, would provide more insight into pathophysiological mechanisms of PD.

Declaration of Interest: Authors declare that none of them had any known real, potential, or apparent conflict of interest and that there was no business or personal interest that might be relevant to the topic of this article.