bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lafora-Like Ground-Glass Inclusions in Hepatocytes of Pediatric Patients: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: O'Shea Anne-Marie , Wilson Gregory J. , Ling Simon C. , Minassian Berge A. , Turnbull Julie , Cutz Ernest
Published: October 2007

We report 2 cases of ground-glass hepatocyte inclusions occurring in pediatric patients. Case 1 had alpha-thalassaemia major and was receiving iron chelation therapy, whereas case 2 had trisomy 21 with a history of bone marrow transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia. The liver sections in both cases showed eosinophilic, periodic acid-Schiff diastase—positive intracytoplasmic inclusions that were negative for hepatitis B surface antigen. Immunohistochemically the inclusions showed positive staining with KM279, a monoclonal antibody against polyglucosan derived from Lafora inclusions. On electron microscopy, in case 1, intracytoplasmic inclusions were composed of degenerate organelles, glycogen, and irregular fibrillar structures; in case 2, they were composed of vesicular structures containing granular material. Ultrastructural changes in both cases differed from classical Lafora inclusions and ruled out hepatitis B surface antigen, glycogenosis type IV, and fibrinogen storage disease. Genetic analysis of the Lafora's disease genes performed in case 2 revealed no mutations. The development of hepatocyte cytoplasmic inclusions in both our cases could be related to medication effects, because similar inclusions were reported in patients using cyanamide. Drug-induced inclusions, mimicking Lafora's disease, should be included in the differential diagnosis of hepatocyte ground-glass inclusions.
Effects of the support‐layer hydrophilicity on the active‐layer formation of composite membranes
Authors: Jeon M. Y. , Yoo S. H. , Kim C. K.
Published: October 2007

To understand the effects of the hydrophilicity of the support layer on the formation of the active layer and the performance of composite membranes, a support layer was prepared from a polysulfone (PSf) blend with a hydrophilic copolymer, and then its top surface was overcoated with an active layer fabricated by an interfacial reaction of m‐phenylenediamine (MPDA) with trimesoyl chloride. The time required for impregnating the support layer with an aqueous solution containing MPDA was gradually decreased by increases in the hydrophilicity of the support layer. The required soaking time was greater than 9 min for the formation of the defect‐free active layer when the support layer prepared from PSf was used, whereas it could be reduced about 1 min by the use of the hydrophilic support layer. Furthermore, composite membranes prepared with the PSf/hydrophilic copolymer blend as the support layer always exhibited higher salt rejection and water permeability than those prepared with PSf as the support layer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Mechanical and thermal properties of polyimide/silica hybrids with imide‐modified silica network structures
Authors: Khalil Muhammad , Saeed Shaukat , Ahmad Zahoor
Published: October 2007

A series of hybrid materials incorporating imide‐modified silica (IM‐silica) network structures into a polyimide (PI) matrix were produced with a sol–gel technique from solution mixtures of poly(amic acid) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) containing alkoxysilane‐terminated amic acids with various degrees of polymerization. The hybrid films, obtained by solvent evaporation, were heated successively to a maximum temperature of 300°C to carry out the imidization process and silica network formation in the PI matrix. The morphology and mechanical properties of these hybrids with IM‐silica networks were studied and compared with the properties of one in which reinforcement of the matrix was achieved with a pure silica network generated from TEOS. The introduction of longer imide spacer groups into the silica network led to a drastic decrease in the silica particle size. Improved tensile modulus was observed in such compatibilized hybrid systems. Comparative thermogravimetric measurements of these hybrids showed improved thermooxidative resistance. A PI hybrid with 30% IM‐silica had a thermal decomposition temperature nearly 260°C higher than that of the pure PI matrix. The high surface area of the interconnected silica domains and increased interfacial interaction were believed to restrict the segmental motion of the polymer and thus slow the diffusion of oxygen in the matrix, thereby slowing the oxidative decomposition of the polymer. The reinforcement of existing and new PIs by this method offers an opportunity for improving their thermooxidative stability without degrading their mechanical strength. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Nonisothermal crystallization, melting behavior, and morphology of polypropylene/linear bimodal polyethylene blends
Authors: Qin Jianglei , Gao Jungang , Li Zhiting , Run Mingtao
Published: October 2007

The nonisothermal crystallization, melting behavior, and morphology of isotactic polypropylene (PP)/linear bimodal polyethylene (LBPE) blends were studied with differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and polarized optical microscopy. The results showed that PP and LBPE were miscible to a certain extent, and there was no obvious phase separation in the blends. The modified Avrami analysis, Ozawa equation, and Mo method were used to analyze the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of the blends. The values of the Avrami exponent indicated that the crystallization nucleation of the blends was homogeneous, the growth of spherulites was three‐dimensional, and the crystallization mechanism of PP was not affected much by LBPE. The crystallization activation energy was estimated by the Kissinger method. The results obtained with the modified Avrami analysis, Mo method, and Kissinger method agreed well. The addition of a minor LBPE phase favored an increase in the overall crystallization rate of PP, showing some dilution effect of LBPE on PP. The PP spherulites decreased obviously with increasing content of LBPE. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Integrating ecology with hydromorphology: a priority for river science and management
Authors: Vaughan I.P. , Diamond M. , Gurnell A.M. , Hall K.A. , Jenkins A. , Milner N.J. , Naylor L.A. , Sear D.A. , Woodward G. , Ormerod S.J.
Published: October 2007

The assessment of links between ecology and physical habitat has become a major issue in river research and management. Key drivers include concerns about the conservation implications of human modifications (e.g. abstraction, climate change) and the explicit need to understand the ecological importance of hydromorphology as prescribed by the EU's Water Framework Directive. Efforts are focusing on the need to develop ‘eco‐hydromorphology’ at the interface between ecology, hydrology and fluvial geomorphology. Here, the scope of this emerging field is defined, some research and development issues are suggested, and a path for development is sketched out.

In the short term, major research priorities are to use existing literature or data better to identify patterns among organisms, ecological functions and river hydromorphological character. Another early priority is to identify model systems or organisms to act as research foci. In the medium term, the investigation of pattern–processes linkages, spatial structuring, scaling relationships and system dynamics will advance mechanistic understanding. The effects of climate change, abstraction and river regulation, eco‐hydromorphic resistance/resilience, and responses to environmental disturbances are likely to be management priorities. Large‐scale catchment projects, in both rural and urban locations, should be promoted to concentrate collaborative efforts, to attract financial support and to raise the profile of eco‐hydromorphology.

Eco‐hydromorphological expertise is currently fragmented across the main contributory disciplines (ecology, hydrology, geomorphology, flood risk management, civil engineering), potentially restricting research and development. This is paradoxical given the shared vision across these fields for effective river management based on good science with social impact. A range of approaches is advocated to build sufficient, integrated capacity that will deliver science of real management value over the coming decades.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analogs of α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone with high agonist potency and selectivity at human melanocortin receptor 1b: The role of Trp9 in molecular recognition
Authors: Bednarek Maria A. , MacNeil Tanya , Tang Rui , Fong Tung M. , Angeles Cabello M. , Maroto Marta , Teran Ana
Published: October 2007

α‐Melanocyte stimulating hormone (αMSH), Ac‐Ser1‐Tyr2‐Ser3‐Met4‐Glu5‐His6‐Phe7‐Arg8‐Trp9‐Gly10‐Lys11‐Pro12‐Val13‐NH2, is an endogenous agonist for the melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1R), the receptor found in the skin, several types of immune cells, and other peripheral sites. Three‐dimensional models of complexes of this receptor with αMSH and its synthetic analog NDP‐αMSH, Ac‐Ser1‐Tyr2‐Ser3‐Nle4‐Glu5‐His6‐D‐Phe7‐Arg8‐Trp9‐Gly10‐Lys11‐Pro12‐Val13‐NH2, have been previously proposed. In those models, the 6–9 segment of the ligand was considered essential for the ligand‐receptor interactions. In this study, we probed the role of Trp9 of NDP‐αMSH in interactions with hMC1bR. Analogs of NDP‐αMSH with various amino acids in place of Trp9 were synthesized and tested in vitro in receptor affinity binding and cAMP functional assays at human melanocortin receptors 1b, 3, 4, and 5 (hMC1b,3‐5R). Several new compounds displayed high agonist potency at hMC1bR (EC50 = 0.5–5 nM) and receptor subtype selectivity greater than 2000‐fold versus hMC3‐5R. The Trp9 residue of NDP‐αMSH was determined to be not essential for molecular recognition at hMC1bR. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 401–408, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Design of a Microstructured System for Homogenization of Dairy Products with High Fat Content
Authors: Köhler K. , Aguilar F. , Hensel A. , Schubert K. , Schubert H. , Schuchmann H. P.
Published: October 2007

High pressure homogenization of dairy products is today state of the art but limited by the fat content (max 17 vol.‐%). This article describes the development of a novel simultaneous homogenization and mixing (SHM) valve which allows homogenization of dairy products with a fat content of up to 42 vol.‐%. The challenging task of homogenizing dairy products with high fat content is to stabilize disrupted fat droplets especially against extensive aggregation. Aggregation and coalescence rates could be significantly reduced by a new microstructured valve allowing the emulsifier‐containing phase to be injected directly into the zone of droplet disruption.
Central and peripheral anatomy of slowly adapting type I low‐threshold mechanoreceptors innervating trunk skin of neonatal mice
Authors: Woodbury C. Jeffery , Koerber H. Richard
Published: October 2007

Despite intensive study, our understanding of the neuronal structures responsible for transducing the broad spectrum of environmental energies that impinge upon the skin has rested on inference and conjecture. This major shortcoming motivated the development of ex vivo somatosensory system preparations in neonatal mice in the hope that their small size might allow the peripheral terminals of physiologically identified sensory neurons to be labeled intracellularly for direct study. The present report describes the first such study of the peripheral terminals of four slowly adapting type I low‐threshold mechanoreceptors (SAIs) that innervated the back skin of neonatal mice. In addition, this report includes information on the central anatomy of the same SAI afferents that were identified peripherally with both physiological and anatomical means, providing an essentially complete view of the central and peripheral morphology of individual SAI afferents in situ. Our findings reveal that SAIs in neonates are strikingly adult‐like in all major respects. Afferents were exquisitely sensitive to mechanical stimuli and exhibited a distinctly irregular, slowly adapting discharge to stimulation of 1–4 punctate receptive fields in the skin. Their central collaterals formed transversely oriented and largely nonoverlapping arborizations limited to regions of the dorsal horn corresponding to laminae III–V. Their peripheral arborizations were restricted entirely within miniaturized touch domes, where they gave rise to expanded disc‐like endings in close apposition to putative Merkel cells in basal epidermis. These findings therefore provide the first direct confirmation of the functional morphology of this physiologically unique afferent class. J. Comp. Neurol. 505:547–561, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
X‐ray Diffraction Study of the Structure of Carboxymethylcellulose–Cationic Surfactant Complexes
Authors: Trabelsi Siwar , Albouy Pierre‐Antoine , Impéror‐Clerc Marianne , Guillot Samuel , Langevin Dominique
Published: October 2007

We have investigated dilute aqueous solutions of an anionic polymer (carboxymethylcellulose) mixed with cationic surfactants of different chain lengths (dodecyl to octadecyl trimethylammonium bromides: DTAB, TTAB, CTAB and OTAB). The structures of the concentrated phases formed above the precipitation threshold were studied by X‐ray diffraction. Different body‐centred cubic structures with space groups Pm${\bar 3}$n were observed in the presence of surfactant with a short aliphatic chain (DTAB), despite the fact that the polymer persistence length is comparable to the repeat distance of the structure (5 nm). For larger surfactant chain lengths (TTAB and CTAB), the structure of the precipitates can be either cubic (Pm${\bar 3}$n) or 2D hexagonal depending on the initial surfactant and polymer concentrations. For still larger chain length (OTAB), the structure becomes lamellar. This structural evolution from micellar cubic towards 2D hexagonal and lamellar is attributed to the decrease of the local curvature of the surfactant aggregates, as observed for flexible synthetic polymers and short DNA fragments under similar conditions. Furthermore, the structure of the bulk complexes formed just below the precipitation threshold anticipates the structure seen in the precipitated phases.
Highly Regio‐ and Stereoselective [2+3] Cycloadditions of Azomethine Ylides to [70]Fullerene
Authors: Troshin Pavel A. , Peregudov Alexander S. , Peregudova Svetlana M. , Lyubovskaya Rimma N.
Published: October 2007

Picolylamines and aromatic aldehydes were used as reagents to generate azomethine ylides that undergo highly regio‐ and stereoselective [2+3] cycloaddition reactions with [70]fullerene. Isolated pyrrolidinofullerenes were products of the ylide addition across the most reactive 8,25‐double bond in the carbon cage; other regioisomers were observed in small amounts or did not form at all. These reactions demonstrated unusually high stereoselectivity: 2′,5′‐disubstituted pyrrolidinofullerenes were represented almost entirely by cis isomers, whereas obtained 1′,2′,5′‐trisubstituted products were shown to be trans isomers. Cyclic voltammetry studies of the synthesised pyrrolidinofullerenes showed the existence of some electronic communication between the substituents in the pyrrolidine ring and the [70]fullerene cage. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
A Simple and Efficient Strategy Towards Eleven‐Membered Carbocycles via Novel Synthetic Transformations of Pentafulvenes
Authors: Krishnan K. Syam , Kuthanapillil Jinesh M. , Rajan Rani , Suresh E. , Radhakrishnan K. V.
Published: October 2007

A novel and versatile method towards the synthesis of eleven‐membered carbocycles through a three step reaction sequence from pentafulvenes is described. The [6+3] adduct of pentafulvenes with 3‐oxidopyrylium betaine on selective reduction followed by ruthenium catalyzed oxidative cleavage afforded a novel eleven‐membered carbocyclic triketone with a bridging ether linkage. The methodology described herein is easy to perform and delivers densely functionalized carbocycles in good yields. The procedure is noteworthy as it hardly requires an elaborated catalytic system and proceeds with high level of atom efficiency from cheap and easily available starting materials. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Na+‐Ca2+ cosignaling in the stimulation of the glucose transporter GLUT1 in cultured astrocytes
Authors: Porras Omar H. , Ruminot Ivan , Loaiza Anitsi , Barros Luis F.
Published: October 2007

Glutamate triggers an acute stimulation of the glucose transporter GLUT1 in cultured astrocytes, a phenomenon thought to facilitate energy delivery to active areas in the brain. Here we have explored the cell signaling mechanisms involved in this response. Half‐stimulation of GLUT1 occurred at low micromolar glutamate, thus within the physiological range estimated in brain interstitium. The effect was mimicked by D‐aspartate and inhibited by L‐threo‐beta‐benzyloxyaspartate or Na+ replacement with NMDG+, showing the participation of the Na+‐glutamate co‐transporter. AMPA and the mGLURI agonist DHPG had no effect. The stimulation of GLUT1 was fully inhibited by ouabain, but independent activation of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump with gramicidin did not affect glucose transport. Simultaneous with the Na+ rise, glutamate and D‐aspartate triggered a Ca2+signal, whose inhibition with BAPTA prevented the stimulation of GLUT1. However, an isolated Ca2+ signal, triggered with endothelin 1, ATP or DHPG, did not affect glucose transport. The stimulation of GLUT1 could finally be mimicked by simultaneous induction of Na+ and Ca2+ signals. The requirement for both cations in the stimulation of the astrocytic glucose transporter, may help to explain how glucose metabolism in the brain is strongly activated by glutamate, but not by GABA or by inter‐astrocytic signaling. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modulation by group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors of depotentiation in the dentate gyrus of freely moving rats
Authors: Kulla Alexander , Manahan‐Vaughan Denise
Published: October 2007

In the hippocampus, synaptic depression of potentiated synapses in the form of depotentiation, or of naive synapses in the form of long‐term depression (LTD) is mediated by distinct molecular mechanisms. Activation of group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) is critically required for both hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP) and LTD in vivo, but their involvement in depotentiation is unclear. In this study, we investigated whether this class of mGluRs contributes to depotentiation in freely moving rats. Male adult Wistar rats underwent chronic implantation of stimulating and recording electrodes in the perforant path and dentate gyrus granule cell layer, respectively, as well as an injection cannula in the ipsilateral cerebral ventricle. Robust LTP which endured for over 24 h, was induced by high frequency tetanization (HFT, 200 Hz). Depotentiation was induced with LFS (5 Hz, 600 pulses) given 5 min after the LTP‐inducing tetanus was applied. The selective group 1 mGluR antagonists, (S)‐4‐carboxyphenylglycine and (R,S)‐1‐aminoindan‐1,5‐dicarboxylic acid significantly inhibited both depotentiation and LTP. Activation of group I mGluRs leads to changes in postsynaptic intracellular calcium levels. These findings suggest that activation of group I mGluRs mediate thresholds for depotentiation and for persistent LTP. Effects may be linked to the intensity and duration of the calcium signal elicited by LFS and HFT. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A computational NQR study on the hydrogen‐bonded lattice of cytosine‐5‐acetic acid
Authors: Mirzaei Mahmoud , Hadipour Nasser L.
Published: October 2007

A computational study at the level of density functional theory (DFT) employing 6‐311++G** standard basis set was carried out to evaluate nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) spectroscopy parameters in cytosine‐5‐acetic acid (C5AA). Since the electric field gradient (EFG) tensors are very sensitive to the electrostatic environment at the sites of quadruple nuclei, the most possible interacting molecules with the target one were considered in a five‐molecule model system of C5AA using X‐ray coordinates transforming. The hydrogen atoms positions were optimized and two model systems of original and H‐optimized C5AA were considered in NQR calculations. The calculated EFG tensors at the sites of 17O, 14N, and 2H nuclei were converted to their experimentally measurable parameters, quadrupole coupling constants and asymmetry parameters. The evaluated NQR parameters reveal that the nuclei in original and H‐optimized systems contribute to different hydrogen bonding (HB) interaction. The comparison of calculated parameters between optimized isolated gas‐phase and crystalline monomer also shows the relationship between the structural deformation and NQR parameters in C5AA. The basis set superposition error (BSSE) calculations yielded no significant errors for employed basis set in the evaluation of NQR parameters. All the calculations were performed by Gaussian 98 package of program. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2008
Sonographic appearance of a partial rupture of the supinator muscle
Authors: Chen Chih‐Chun , Chiou Hong‐Jen , Kao Chung‐Lan , Chan Rai‐Chi
Published: October 2007

We report the case of a 51‐year‐old woman who experienced pain and swelling in the right forearm after spinning cotton. History taking and physical examinations helped identify a tear of the supinator muscle, which was confirmed via sonographic examination. To our knowledge, this article is the first report of a supinator muscle tear diagnosed with sonography. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
The role of dangling bonds in the electronic and vibrational properties of hydrogenated amorphous silicon nitrides (a‐Si – xNx : H)
Authors: Cataliotti Rosario Sergio , Compagnini Giuseppe
Published: October 2007

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon nitrides have been obtained as thin films deposited by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition onto (100) silicon wafers. Two different samples have been obtained with similar deposition conditions in the plasma chamber but varying the SiH4/NH3 molar ratio. We used various spectroscopic techniques to ascertain how the different sample composition influences the remarkable spectroscopic differences observed. The contribution of the Si dangling bonds, randomly dispersed in the bulk of the amorphous material but with noticeable segregation on the surface, has been considered as the main source of recombination processes producing emission states. Thermal annealing strongly influences the photoluminescence emission spectra because diffusion processes induce lowering of dangling‐bond concentration. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decreasing advertising interference: The impact of comparable differences on consumer memory in competitive advertising environments
Authors: Lee Byung‐Kwan , Lee Wei‐Na
Published: October 2007

This study investigates the structural alignment processes in reducing memory interference in a competitive advertising context. In particular, an experimental study is carried out to understand how alignable (i.e., comparable) and nonalignable (i.e., noncomparable) attributes influence ad claim recall at differing levels of competitive ads. Findings indicate that recall of alignable attributes is higher than that of nonalignable attributes in the presence of ads for competing brands. Results from the study also suggest that nonalignable attribute recall decreases as the number of ads featuring competing brands increases from zero to two, whereas alignable attribute recall is not affected by increasing the level of competitive ads. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Benders decomposition with alternative multiple cuts for a multi‐product closed‐loop supply chain network design model
Authors: Üster Halit , Easwaran Gopalakrishnan , Akçali Elif , Çetinkaya Sila
Published: October 2007

In this article, we consider a multi‐product closed‐loop supply chain network design problem where we locate collection centers and remanufacturing facilities while coordinating the forward and reverse flows in the network so as to minimize the processing, transportation, and fixed location costs. The problem of interest is motivated by the practice of an original equipment manufacturer in the automotive industry that provides service parts for vehicle maintenance and repair. We provide an effective problem formulation that is amenable to efficient Benders reformulation and an exact solution approach. More specifically, we develop an efficient dual solution approach to generate strong Benders cuts, and, in addition to the classical single Benders cut approach, we propose three different approaches for adding multiple Benders cuts. These cuts are obtained via dual problem disaggregation based either on the forward and reverse flows, or the products, or both. We present computational results which illustrate the superior performance of the proposed solution methodology with multiple Benders cuts in comparison to the branch‐and‐cut approach as well as the traditional Benders decomposition approach with a single cut. In particular, we observe that the use of multiple Benders cuts generates stronger lower bounds and promotes faster convergence to optimality. We also observe that if the model parameters are such that the different costs are not balanced, but, rather, are biased towards one of the major cost categories (processing, transportation or fixed location costs), the time required to obtain the optimal solution decreases considerably when using the proposed solution methodology as well as the branch‐and‐cut approach. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2007
Thermoplasticity with diffusion in welding problems
Authors: Sluzalec Andrzej
Published: October 2007

A thermomechanical model for the analysis of thermoplasticity with a diffusion term is presented. This model is defined in infinitesimal strain thermoplasticity framework. Thermal hardening is coupled with a diffusion process. The example presents thermodiffusion process in titanium friction welding parts. The migration of hydrogen in the process of thermoplastic deformation is described. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trends in the use of lipid‐lowering drugs by outpatients with diabetes in Taiwan, 1997–2003
Authors: Chiang Chi‐Wen , Chiu Hui‐Fen , Chen Chi‐Yu , Wu Hsin‐Lung , Yang Chun‐Yuh
Published: October 2007

Purpose

To analyze recent trends in LLD use by outpatients with diabetes in Taiwan over a 7‐year period and to see whether the trends are consistent with clinical trial outcomes and published guidelines.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was implemented using the National Health Insurance Research Database between January 1997 and December 2003. Adult outpatients who had diagnoses of diabetes and dyslipidemia and who had concurrent antidiabetic drug and LLD claim were identified. The prescribing trends were described in terms of the prescribing rates and patterns of LLDs in each study year.

Results

Between 1997 and 2000, fibrates were the most widely prescribed major class of LLDs, while the rates showed a significant decline over time. The proportions of statin use increased 3.3‐fold from 20.8% of all LLDs in 1997 to 69.0% in 2003. With the continuous increase in the use of statins, by 2001, they replaced fibrates as the most heavily used LLDs. Monotherapy was the most prominent prescribing pattern comprising 98.1% and 98.3% of all LLD prescriptions in 1997 and 2003, respectively. Among patients with diabetic dyslipidemia plus CHD, the use of statins increased almost threefold instead of a large reduction in the percentage with non‐statin class.

Conclusions

The prescribing rates of LLDs shifted from the fibrates to statins, especially in newer statin. The majority of patients were maintained on monotherapy. These findings may imply that management of hyperlipidemia in patients with diabetes had a positive trend towards recent clinical trial outcomes and guideline's recommendation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid ambient temperature atom transfer radical polymerization of tert‐butyl acrylate
Authors: Subramanian Sundaram Harihara , Dhamodharan Raghavachari
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND: Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is considered to be one of the better and easier synthetic tools for the preparation of polymers with controlled molecular weights and polydispersities. Ambient temperature ATRP of tert‐butyl acrylate (tBA) was studied in a detailed manner with ethyl 2‐bromoisobutyrate (EBrB) and tert‐butyl 2‐bromoisobutyrate (tBuBrB) as the initiators for three different degrees of polymerization.

RESULTS: Details pertaining to the kinetics of polymerization using different initiators are reported. It is observed that dimethylsulfoxide accelerates the polymerization at room temperature. The use of Cu(II) as the deactivator produces very narrow dispersity polymers. A diblock copolymer, poly(tert‐butyl acrylate)‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate), was synthesized from the poly(tBA) macroinitiator demonstrating the controlled living nature of the polymerizations.

CONCLUSIONS: The rate of polymerization is more rapid with a secondary initiator (ethyl 2‐bromopropionate) compared to the tertiary initiators EBrB and tBuBrB. From the detailed kinetic results it is observed that tris(2‐dimethylaminoethyl)amine was a better ligand compared to tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine in terms of achieving controlled polymerization. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of modal damping ratios of four‐flue chimney of a thermoelectrical plant using pseudo‐inverse matrix method
Authors: Cavacece M. , Valentini P. P. , Vita L.
Published: October 2007

Some computational issues related to the identification of modal parameters of structures are presented in this paper. Optimal estimation of modal parameters often requires the solution of an overdetermined linear system of equations. Hence the computation of a pseudo‐inverse matrix is involved. In this paper the numerical performance of different algorithms for Moore–Penrose pseudo‐inverse computation have been tested for modal analysis of a four‐flue chimney of a thermoelectrical plant. The computational scheme herein adopted for parameter identification is based on well‐known modal properties and has a fast rate of convergence to solution. The computation of the Rayleigh damping coefficients a and b is an important step in the area of the modal superposition technique. The proposed approach can accurately predict damping ratios and all the eigenvectors without evaluating mass and stiffness matrices. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of a predatory fish on a tropical detritus‐based food web
Authors: Boyero Luz , Rincón Pedro A. , Pearson Richard G.
Published: October 2007

In contrast to that for grazing systems, relatively little information exists for trophic cascades in detritus‐based stream food webs, which are predominant in forested headwater streams. Predator–prey interactions are thought to be weak in these systems, but studies are very scarce, their results are equivocal, and they do not separate the effect of direct consumption from a behavioural response of shredders. We examined the effect of predatory fish on leaf litter breakdown in headwater tropical Australian streams at three levels: (1) the behavioural response of shredder species to predator presence as indicated by chemical cues; (2) the rates of leaf breakdown resulting from shredder activity; and (3) the relationship between shredder species richness and leaf breakdown rates. Our results suggest that predatory fish can have a trait‐mediated effect on detritus‐based food webs in streams, by reducing consumer activity. We identified reductions in short‐term overall activity in response to the presence of predatory fish cues, comparable to those found for grazers. We also observed a visible, albeit statistically non‐significant, reduction in consumption rates. Shredder species richness did not affect leaf breakdown rates, and fish presence did not modify this relationship or the differences in breakdown rates among species, suggesting that the overall reduction in leaf breakdown caused by fish presence is due to a reduction in activity in every species. Thus, our laboratory studies have shown that there can be a behavioural basis for trait‐mediated trophic cascades linked to fish presence in detrital food webs in streams. However, the strength of fish effects depends on environmental circumstances, and field studies of litter breakdown in streams with and without predatory fish are required if we are to elucidate the ecological significance of our observations.
Differential effect of activin on mouse embryonic stem cell differentiation in insulin‐secreting cells under nestin‐positive selection and spontaneous differentiation protocols
Authors: Jafary Hanieh , Larijani Bagher , Farrokhi Ali , Pirouz Mehdi , Mollamohammadi Sepideh , Baharvand Hossein
Published: October 2007

Parallel to the importance of the development of cell therapies to treat diabetes is the production of sufficient numbers of pancreatic endocrine cells that function like primary islets. To increase the efficiency of endocrine pancreatic‐like cell differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs), we applied activin‐B to nestin‐positive selection (protocol 1) and spontaneous differentiation (protocol 2) in different groups including: [A] activin‐B, or [B] basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and/or [C] activin‐B + bFGF. The differentiated cells expressed most pancreatic‐related genes. The number of insulin‐ and C peptide‐positive cells, as well as dithizone‐positive clusters in group A of protocol 1 was higher than in the other groups. Significant insulin concentrations in protocol 1 were produced when glucose was added to the medium, in comparison with protocol 2. Moreover, insulin release was increased significantly in group A of protocol 1 even with lower glucose. In conclusion, Addition of activin‐B in a nestin‐positive selection protocol increased the insulin‐secreting cells in comparison with the same protocol with bFGF and/or spontaneous differentiation in presence of bFGF and/or activin‐B alone. However, improvements of the current method are required to generate a sufficient source of true beta‐cells for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Academic-industry partnerships in addressing nutrition – [Infection-immunity-inflammation] interactions
Authors: Uauy Ricardo
Published: October 2007

The interaction between nutrition and infection is a key determinant of human health. Traditionally the interaction has centered on the role of nutrients in defining host defenses and the impact of infection in defining nutritional needs and status. Over the past decades the interaction has expanded its scope to encompass the role of specific nutrients in defining acquired immune function, in the modulation of inflammatory processes and on the virulence of the infectious agent itself. More recently the role of micronutrients and fatty acids on the response of cells and tissues to hypoxic and toxic damage has been recognized suggesting a fourth dimension to the interaction. The list of nutrients affecting infection, immunity, inflammation and cell injury has expanded from traditional protein-energy supply to several vitamins, multiple minerals and more recently specific lipid components of the diet. The promise of nutrition in the defense against infection, inflammation and tissue injury has spawned a thriving pharma-nutritional supplement industry and the development of novel foods that require appropriate evaluation of efficacy, safety and effectiveness relative to costs. Academics need to aware of the ethics and the pitfalls in the interaction with industry; conversely industry has to define its role in the process of bringing new knowledge to useful products. The process needs to be interactive, transparent and clearly place public interest above all other considerations.
Dietary microparticles and their impact on tolerance and immune responsiveness of the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Powell Jonathan J , Thoree Vinay , Pele Laetitia C
Published: October 2007

Dietary microparticles are non-biological bacterial-sized particles of the gastrointestinal lumen that occur due to endogenous formation (calcium phosphate) or following oral exposure (exogenous microparticle). In the UK, about 40 mg (1012) of exogenous microparticles are ingested per person per day, through exposure to food additives, pharmaceutical/supplement excipients or toothpaste constituents. Once ingested, exogenous microparticles areunlikelyto pass through the gastrointestinal tract without adsorbing to their surfaces some ions and molecules of the intestinal lumen. Both entropy and ionic attraction drive such interactions. Calcium ions are especially well adsorbed by dietary microparticles which then provide a positively charged surface for the attraction (adsorption) of other organic molecules such as lipopolysaccharides, peptidoglycans or protein antigen from the diet or commensal flora. The major (but not only) sites of microparticle entry into intestinal tissue are the M-cell rich lymphoid aggregates (termed Peyer's patches in the small bowel). Indeed, it is well established that this is an efficient transport route for non-biological microparticles although it is unclear why. We hypothesise that this pathway exists for “endogenous microparticles” of calcium phosphate, with immunological and physiological benefit, and that “exogenous dietary microparticles”, such as titanium dioxide and the silicates, hijack this route. This overview focuses on what is known of these microparticles and outlines their potential role in immune tolerance of the gut (endogenous microparticles) or immune activation (exogenous microparticles) and inflammation of the gut.
Fostering antioxidant defences: up-regulation of antioxidant genes or antioxidant supplementation?
Authors: Viña Jose , Gomez-Cabrera Mari-Carmen , Borras Consuelo
Published: October 2007

Vitamins have traditionally been considered as food components that are required in the normal diet to prevent deficiencies. However, a newer concept of the function of vitamins in nutrition has taken them beyond simply prevention of deficiency symptoms. This concept considers that many vitamins, when taken in relatively larges doses, have important functions beyond preventing deficiencies. Linus Pauling was instrumental in putting forward this concept, particularly for vitamin C. Thus, relatively high intakes of vitamins, and in particular vitamins C and E which are antioxidants, are considered to be healthy for the human population. This may be true in some special situations such as, for instance, the prevention of Alzheimer's disease progression. However, recent epidemiological evidence has not supported the claim that antioxidant vitamins increase well-being and prolong life span. In fact, vitamin supplementation may be even detrimental and reduce life span. A new concept that we would like to put forward is that nutrients up-regulate the endogenous antioxidant defences. This is particularly true in the case of phytoestrogens for example, which bind to oestrogen receptors and eventually up-regulate the expression of antioxidant genes. In this review we discuss the pros and cons of antioxidant vitamin supplementation and also the possibility that the ingestion of some nutrients may be very effective in increasing antioxidant defences by up-regulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes which are normally present in the cell.
Pretreatment predictors of cognitive deficits in early psychosis
Authors: González-Blanch C. , Crespo-Facorro B. , Álvarez-Jiménez M. , Rodríguez-Sánchez J. M. , Pelayo-Terán J. M. , Pérez-Iglesias R. , Vázquez-Barquero J. L.
Published: October 2007

Background

Predicting cognitive deficits in early psychosis may well be crucial to identify those individuals most in need of receiving intensive intervention. As yet, however, the identification of potential pretreatment predictors for cognitive performance has been hampered by inconsistent findings across studies. We aimed to examine the associations of functional and clinical pretreatment variables with cognitive functioning after a first psychotic episode.

Method

One hundred and thirty-one patients experiencing first-episode psychosis were assessed for psychopathology, pre-morbid functioning, duration of illness, age of onset, and family history of psychosis and neurocognitive functioning. Multiple regression analyses were conducted for six basic cognitive dimensions known to be affected in this population: verbal learning, verbal memory, verbal comprehensive abilities, executive functioning, motor dexterity and sustained attention.

Results

Pre-morbid functioning was the main predictor for five out of the six basic cognitive domains. Pre-morbid social adjustment difficulties were associated with worse performance in executive functioning, motor dexterity and sustained attention. Academic functioning was associated with verbal comprehension, and verbal learning and memory. Gender, age of onset, duration of untreated psychosis, and family history of psychosis had no or limited value as predictors of neurocognitive outcome.

Conclusions

Poor pre-morbid functioning was related to a worse performance in the six basic cognitive dimensions evaluated; however, this accounted for only a small amount of the explained variance. Cognitive impairment is a prominent feature in patients with early psychosis regardless of favorable prognostic features such as short duration of illness, female gender, later age of onset, and non-family history of psychosis.
A personal view of how ruminant animals control their intake and choice of food: minimal total discomfort
Authors: Michael Forbes J.
Published: October 2007

Voluntary food intake and the selection between foods are important subjects especially in ruminants in view of the economic importance of this class of animal and the complex digestive system with its attendant metabolic peculiarities. There is evidence that intake is limited by the capacity of the rumen as well as by metabolic factors; some theories assume that intake is controlled by the first limiting factor but this is not satisfying on physiological grounds and there is evidence that signals from feedback factors are integrated in an additive manner. It is now well established from research in which animals are given the chance to learn the metabolic consequences of eating food with a particular sensory profile, including a choice of foods, that animals including ruminants can adjust their diet, both quantitatively and qualitatively, to their nutrient requirements. It is proposed that they do this in order to minimise the total of the discomfort generated by the several signals from various body systems. The learning process is aided by the considerable day-to-day variation often seen in the intake of individual animals. An optimisation model is proposed and presented in a simple form, involving the addition of discomforts (calculated as the square of the deviation of the supply of metabolisable energy, crude protein and neutral-detergent fibre) and iterative elucidation of the intake at which total discomfort is minimal. With parameters appropriate for growing lambs the model provides reasonable agreement with observations, both in terms of daily intake and selection between foods of different protein contents. Manipulation of food composition and of nutrient requirements produces predictions broadly in agreement with reality except that protein deficiency has less severe consequences for the model than for real animals; it is proposed that protein deficiency be given more weighting than protein excess, and this may be true for other resources as well. This model is proposed as a philosophy and a starting point for further development and is not purveyed as a complete, working model. It nevertheless provides support for the concept of total minimal discomfort as a suitable base from which to view the control of intake and selection in all animals.
Multiobjective Long‐Term Planning of Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Facilities
Authors: Lakhdar K. , Savery J. , Papageorgiou L. G. , Farid S. S.
Published: October 2007

Biopharmaceutical companies with large portfolios of clinical and commercial products typically need to allocate production across several multiproduct facilities, including third party contract manufacturers. This poses several capacity planning challenges which are further complicated by the need to satisfy different stakeholders often with conflicting objectives. This work addresses the question of how a biopharmaceutical manufacturer can make better long‐term capacity planning decisions given multiple strategic criteria such as cost, risk, customer service level, and capacity utilization targets. A long‐term planning model that allows for multiple facilities and accounts for multiple objectives via goal programming is developed. An industrial case study based on a large scale biopharmaceutical manufacturer is used to illustrate the functionality of the model. A single objective model is used to identify how best to use existing capacity so as to maximize profits for different demand scenarios. Mitigating risk due to unforeseen circumstances by including a dual facility constraint is shown to be a reasonable strategy at base case demand levels but unacceptable if demands are 150% higher than expected. The capacity analysis identifies where existing capacity fails to meet demands given the constraints. A multiobjective model is used to demonstrate how key performance measures change given different decision making policies where different weights are assigned to cost, customer service level, and utilization targets. The analysis demonstrates that a high profit can still be achieved while meeting key targets more closely. The sensitivity of the optimal solution to different limits on the targets is illustrated.
Zinc Bioavailability from Zinc-Fortified Foods
Authors: Brown  , Wessells  , Hess
Published: October 2007

Zinc fortification is considered a potentially useful strategy for the control of zinc deficiency, but the success of such intervention programs depends on the population’s access to and consumption of zinc-fortified foods and adequate absorption of zinc from these foods. The latter issue has been assessed by a variety of studies that applied zinc isotopic tracers to assess zinc uptake from zinc-fortified foods. These studies show that the additional zinc provided by zinc fortification decreases fractional absorption of zinc, but increases total zinc absorption from these foods. Available studies show no significant difference in zinc absorption from foods fortified with either zinc oxide or zinc sulfate, which are the two cheapest chemical forms of zinc that are generally recognized as safe for human consumption. It appears that high-phytate meals depress zinc absorption from zinc-fortified foods, although total zinc absorption from such foods is still likely to be greater than if the foods were not fortified with zinc. With the possible exception of Na2EDTA, putative enhancers of zinc absorption do not seem to confer major benefits for zinc absorption from zinc-fortified foods. There is little information on the effect of fortification with other micronutrients on zinc absorption from co-fortified foods, and zinc fortification does not seem to suppress iron absorption from iron-fortified foods in most studies.