bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New insights in quantum chemical topology studies using numerical grid‐based analyses
Authors: Kozlowski David , Pilmé Julien
Published: September 2011

New insights in Quantum Chemical Topology of one‐electron density functions have been proposed here by using a recent grid‐based algorithm (Tang et al., J Phys Condens Matter 2009, 21, 084204), initially designed for the decomposition of the electron density. Beyond the charge analysis, we show that this algorithm is suitable for different scalar functions showing a more complex topology, that is, the Laplacian of the electron density, the electron localization function (ELF), and the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP). This algorithm makes use of a robust methodology enabling to numerically assign the data points of three‐dimensional grids to basin volumes, and it has the advantage of requiring only the values of the scalar function without details on the wave function used to build the grid. Our implementation is briefly outlined (program named TopChem), its capabilities are examined, and technical aspects in terms of CPU requirement and accuracy of the results are discussed. Illustrative examples for individual molecules and crystalline solids obtained with gaussian and plane‐wave‐based density functional theory calculations are presented. Special attention was given to the MEP because its topological analysis is complex and scarce. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Prenatal sonographic features of dyssegmental dysplasia Rolland‐Desbuquois type
Authors: Wax Joseph R. , Albanese Julie , Smith Rosemarie , Pinette Michael G. , Chard Renee , Cartin Angelina
Published: September 2011

Dyssegmental dysplasia is a rare, lethal, autosomal‐recessive disorder characterized by severe camptomicromelia and anisospondyly. We describe the prenatal sonographic findings in an index case of the Rolland‐Desbuquois type, with the diagnosis made by neonatal skeletal survey. Recognition of the unique vertebral disorganization may be used to prenatally distinguish dyssegmental dysplasia from other severe short‐limbed conditions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011;
Synthesis of some new bipyridines, thieno[2,3‐b]pyridines, and pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridines
Authors: Mohamed Mahmoud A.
Published: September 2011

Cyclocondensation of cyanoacetamide and cyanothioacetamide with sodium salt of 3‐hydroxy‐1‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one gave 6‐oxo‐[2,3′]bipyridine 5a and 6‐thioxo‐[2,3′]bipyridine 5b derivatives, respectively. Compound 5b upon treatment with different methylenes 8 gave thieno[2,3‐b]pyridines 10. Treatment of 5b with iodomethane gave bipyridine derivative 7, which cyclocondensed with hydrazines 11 to give pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridines 13. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2012).
Molecular epidemiology of enteric viruses in children with sporadic gastroenteritis in Valencia, Venezuela
Authors: González Germán G. , Liprandi Ferdinando , Ludert Juan E.
Published: September 2011

The epidemiology and clinical symptoms in infants and young children with acute sporadic viral gastroenteritis due to viral etiologies other than rotaviruses have not been studied thoroughly in developing countries. Fecal specimens from 480 children <5 years of age who were admitted to a large children's hospital in the city of Valencia, Venezuela, with acute diarrhea during January to December 2003 were collected and screened by ELISA and RT‐PCR for rotavirus, adenovirus, norovirus, sapovirus, and astrovirus. Viral isolates were partially characterized by phylogenetic analysis. Norovirus viral load was determined by qRT‐PCR. Viruses were identified in 205 (43%) of the 480 stool samples collected. Rotavirus was the virus detected most frequently (21%), followed by norovirus (13%), adenovirus (5%), sapovirus (3%), and astrovirus (2%). Viral infection rates were highest in the 6‐ to 11‐month‐old group (49%) and lowest in children >24 months old. Norovirus GII was more prevalent (90%) than GI (10%). Enteric adenovirus (serotypes 40/41) was present in 43% of the adenovirus‐positive samples. Rotavirus infection caused more severe clinical symptoms than the other viruses detected, with more vomiting (84%) and dehydration (11%) that led to hospital admission of 20% of the children with acute gastroenteritis. Rotavirus and norovirus showed marked and opposite seasonal patterns. No association was observed between disease severity and viral load in children infected with norovirus. These results not only confirm the impact of rotavirus infection in Venezuela but also indicate that other enteric viruses, especially noroviruses, contribute significantly to sporadic acute gastroenteritis and to the burden of disease. J. Med. Virol. 83:1972–1982, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kinetics of the reaction of arylethanediylidene‐bis‐dithiocarbazonoate Ni complexes with morpholine in benzene: Substituent and temperature effects
Authors: Shehata Aziza K. , Fathalla Magda F. , Header Heba M. A. , Hamed Ezzat A.
Published: September 2011

[1‐Arylethanediylidene‐bis(methyl dithiocarbazonoate) NN′SS′ (−2)]Ni(II) complexes were prepared by condensation of arylglyoxals with methyl dithiocarbazoate to give the corresponding hydrazonoates. The chelation of nickel(II) with these hydrazonoates gave square planar Ni complexes. The k3 values for the substitution of SCH3 close to the aryl group with morpholine (Mo) in benzene were found to increase steadily (20–35°C) followed by a sudden drop after 35°C. A continuous decrease in k3 values was observed by further elevation in the temperature. The Arrhenius plot showed a convex curve at the whole temperatures 20–55°C, and negative ΔH# values for the reactions were obtained at 40–55°C. The Hammett plots at the temperature ranges 20–35° and 40–55°C exhibited good straight lines with ρ values of 1.44–0.73 and 1.18–1.25, respectively. The proposed mechanism is a nucleophilic aromatic substitution‐like, in which the rate‐determining step is the proton transfer process in the temperature range 20–35°C whereas the mechanism in the range 40–55°C passes through the attack of Mo on the carbon carrying the SCH3 group followed by the addition of the second Mo molecule on Ni to form an intermediate, which undergoes elimination of Mo and CH3SH to give a monosubstitution complex. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 27–40, 2012
Swallowing function after transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) ± adjuvant therapy for advanced‐stage oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Rich Jason T. , Liu Jingxia , Haughey Bruce H.
Published: September 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To perform a longitudinal description of swallowing function following transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) ± adjuvant therapy for advanced‐stage oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) and identify prognostic factors associated with swallowing performance.

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis and longitudinal descriptive study of swallowing outcomes.

Methods:

Patients treated with TLM for AJCC stage III–IV OPC at Washington University from 1996 to 2008 were included. A search of medical records and direct patient contact were performed to obtain swallowing function at multiple time points. Persistently poor swallowing at 2 year after surgery was the primary outcome measure. Two year swallowing outcomes stratified by tumor site and T stage are presented.

Results:

One hundred eighteen patients met criteria for the study (median follow‐up 53.9 months). There were 44 T1's, 41 T2's, 23 T3's and 10 T4's. Forty seven percent received radiotherapy and 41% received chemoradiotherapy. Ninety‐eight percent underwent neck dissection. Patients tolerated TLM well with 82% enjoying good swallowing at 1 month after surgery. During adjuvant therapy, at 3 months, good swallowing dropped to 55%. At 1 and 2 years after TLM, 89% and 88% of patients had good swallowing function, respectively. At 2 years, 9 patients had persistently poor swallowing function. 93% of patients with T1 through T3 enjoyed good swallowing at 2 years. T4 base of tongue disease was associated with persistently poor swallowing function in multivariate analyses (P = 0.0023), with 40% having good swallowing at 2 years. Preexisting comorbidities and conversion to an open procedure were associated with delayed return of swallowing function, but not with persistently poor swallowing. Seven patients developed late‐onset swallowing dysfunction.

Conclusions:

Treatment of advanced stage OPC with TLM ± adjuvant therapy results in excellent swallowing outcomes for patients with either T1 to T3 tonsil or T1 to T3 base of tongue resections. A detailed, longitudinal swallowing profile is presented to assist in preoperative counseling.
Anesthetic complications in pediatric patients undergoing cochlear implantation
Authors: Yeh Joseph S. , Mooney Kimberly L. , Gingrich Kevin , Kim Jung T. , Lalwani Anil K.
Published: September 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Cochlear implantation (CI) is effective in the treatment of childhood sensorineural hearing loss and is associated with minimal surgical complications. We investigated the incidence of anesthetic complications in young patients undergoing general anesthesia for CI.

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of 123 patients younger than 18 years, who underwent CI between 2007 and 2008, was conducted for identification of intra‐ and postoperative anesthesia‐related complications. The relation of collected variable to the complication events was analyzed using logistic regression.

Results:

Of the 123 CI procedures, eight patients had nine anesthesia‐related complications, yielding a complication rate of 6.5% and included the following: postoperative wheezing/stridor (5 cases), laryngospasm (3 cases), and emesis during inhalational induction (1 case). Divided by age group, 12 patients were <12 months with one complication (8%), 18 patients were between 1 and 2 years with one complication (5.6%), 35 patients were between 2 and 5 years with one complication (3%), 39 patients were between 5 and 12 years with five complications (13%), and 19 patients were older than 12 years with no complication (0%). Logistic regression failed to identify a significant association of any collected variable(s) with the observed complications. The incidence of complications is similar to that previously reported in elderly patients (4.3%) (Pearson χ2, P = .523).

Conclusions:

General anesthesia is well tolerated by pediatric patients undergoing CI, even under 1 year of age. Significant perioperative complications are primarily respiratory, are usually free of long‐term sequelae, and occur with an incidence similar to other reported age groups.
Red‐Emitting Polymer Microspheres Containing Zinc Porphyrins
Authors: Wang Fei , Ding Kewei , Wu Feipeng
Published: September 2011

Novel polymers containing zinc porphyrins are synthesized from 5‐(4‐acryloyloxyphenyl)‐10,15,20‐trisphenylporphyrinate zinc(II) (ZnAOTPP) and NVP. The polymer microspheres are obtained by polymerization in alcoholic solution. TEM images and particle size distribution data show that the morphology and size of the polymer microspheres are controlled by adjusting the molar ratio of ZnAOTPP (RM) to solvent in the polymerization. Compared with ZnAOTPP, zinc porphyrin units (ZnPor units) in polymers exhibit a new absorption band and a new fluorescence emission band due to the formation of porphyrin assemblies, which improve the color purity of their red fluorescence. The luminescence of the polymer microspheres is characterized by fluorescence microscopy.

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Morphology and Properties of Poly(propylene)/Ethylene‐Octene Copolymer Blends Containing Nanosilica
Authors: Lee Sung Hyo , Bailly Mathieu , Kontopoulou Marianna
Published: September 2011

The effect of nanosilica addition on the morphology and mechanical properties of blends of isotactic PP and an ethylene/octene copolymer (EOC) is studied. TEM reveals that the well‐dispersed nanoparticles are localized exclusively in the PP phase. In the presence of a maleated PP compatibilizer addition of nanosilica leads to more finely dispersed EOC domains and a finer co‐continuous morphology. The nanoparticles reduce the rate of coalescence of the dispersed phase domains. The mechanical properties depend on the EOC and PP‐g‐MA content. Tensile and flexural properties are significantly enhanced in the presence of the silica nanoparticles, whereas impact properties are not affected. These enhancements are attributed to the favorable microstructure of the blends.

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Preparation of Ultrafine Ethylene/Propylene/Diene Terpolymer Rubber Fibers by Coaxial Electrospinning
Authors: Liu Li , Zhang Fazhong , Hu Shui , Zhang Liqun , Wen Shipeng
Published: September 2011

Elastomeric EPDM fibers with diameters of 200–400 nm are prepared by coaxial electrospinning of PVP/EPDM fibers, subsequent vulcanization of the polymers and finally removal of the outer PVP layer using ethanol. The initially applied PVP layer restricts the elastic recovery of the EPDM fibers. The crosslinking density of the EPDM fibers reaches 8.44 × 10−5 mol · cm−3. The original morphology of EPDM is preserved after removing the PVP layer. The ultrafine EPDM fibers are expected to be useful in many fields, such as brittle plastics toughening, as well as applications in extremely high or low temperatures.

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Dimensional mapping: Applying DQR and MDS to explore the perceptions of seniors' role in advertising
Authors: Griessmair Michele , Strunk Guido , Auer‐Srnka Katharina J.
Published: September 2011

Dimensional qualitative research (DQR) provides a sound conceptual basis for studying complex problems and developing the psychologically sensitive theory needed in marketing. This article proposes dimensional mapping as a method qualified to enhance the application of DQR, contributing to theory development in consumer behavior. The authors show how multidimensional scaling (MDS) can be applied in a mixed method approach for analyzing rich qualitative data. They discuss potential advantages of using MDS in a qualitative– quantitative research framework (e.g., openness to the data, taking participants' perspective, metric data level, accounting for fuzzy data, reliability, and validity) in combination with the BASIC IDS proposed by Cohen (1999b) in order to evaluate the comprehensiveness of the results and derive psychologically meaningful conclusions and implications. The proposed approach is illustrated in an exemplary empirical study investigating the perception of seniors' role in advertising. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Concentration Dependence of Size, Shape, and Orientation of Copolymers, 1 – Linear Diblock and 4‐arm Hetero Star Polymers
Authors: Nardai Michael M. , Zifferer Gerhard
Published: September 2011

By use of dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) symmetric mictoarm star polymers with four arms and the degenerated case of a linear diblock copolymer (consisting of moderately hostile monomers) are simulated in a selective solvent for concentrations reaching from high dilution to the solvent free bulk. They are analyzed with respect to size, shape, morphology and mobility and compared to their constituent homopolymers. For larger concentrations the shape of pair distribution functions as well as representative snapshots show the development of lamellae, accompanied by characteristic changes of chain/star properties. In addition the influence of the size of the simulation box on the thicknessdand orientation of lamellae in bulk is utilized to study the correlation between chain/star properties anddin detail.

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Beyond nine years of continuous subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Zibetti Maurizio , Merola Aristide , Rizzi Laura , Ricchi Valeria , Angrisano Serena , Azzaro Corrado , Artusi Carlo Alberto , Arduino Nichy , Marchisio Alice , Lanotte Michele , Rizzone Mario , Lopiano Leonardo
Published: September 2011

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus is an effective treatment for advanced Parkinson's disease. The benefits of bilateral subthalamic stimulation are well documented, and some studies reported outcomes with a follow‐up of 5 to 6 years; nevertheless, few data are available beyond 5 years. We report a long‐term prospective evaluation of 14 consecutive parkinsonian patients, treated by bilateral subthalamic stimulation for at least 9 years. Motor symptoms, activity of daily living, and motor complications were evaluated by means of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, while cognition and mood were assessed with a specific neuropsychological test battery; medication intake, stimulation parameters, comorbidity, and adverse events were also recorded. Patients were evaluated before surgery and at 1, 5, and ≥9 years after surgery. At last follow‐up, deep brain stimulation significantly improved the motor score by 42% compared to baseline, whereas activities of daily living were no longer improved; there was a 39% reduction in the dosage of dopaminergic drugs and a 59% improvement of L‐dopa–related motor complications. The neuropsychological assessment showed that 4 patients (29%) developed a significant cognitive decline over the follow‐up period. These results indicate a persistent effect of deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus on the cardinal motor symptoms in advanced Parkinson's disease patients in the long‐term; however, a worsening of patients' disability, mainly due to disease progression, was observed. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Recovery of mitochondrial function and endogenous antioxidant systems in vitrified bovine oocytes during extended in vitro culture
Authors: Zhao Xue‐Ming , Du Wei‐Hua , Wang Dong , Hao Hai‐Sheng , Liu Yan , Qin Tong , Zhu Hua‐Bin
Published: September 2011

This study was designed to examine the recovery of mitochondrial function and endogenous antioxidant systems in vitrified oocytes during extended incubations. After 16 hr of in vitro maturation, bovine meiosis‐II oocytes were vitrified, and then surviving oocytes were cultured an additional 8 hr. ATP content, ATP synthase activity, expression of ATP synthase F0 subunit 6 (ATP6) and 8 (ATP8) genes, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were investigated in the vitrified oocytes during this additional period (4 or 8 hr). The results showed that: (1) the ATP content and ATP synthase activities in vitrified oocytes at 8 hr post‐warming (754.6 fmol, 25.9 nmol NADH/min/mg) were significantly higher than in oocytes immediately warmed (568.3 fmol, 8.7 nmol NADH/min/mg), but still lower than in control oocytes (901.5 fmol, 30.7 nmol NADH/min/mg); (2) the relative expression of ATP6 and ATP8 was initially down‐regulated in oocytes when they were first warmed, increased by 4 hr post‐warming, and were again down‐regulated by 8 hr post‐warming; (3) ROS levels in oocytes at 0, 4, and 8 hr post‐warming were significantly higher than in control oocytes; and (4) after parthenogenetic activation, the blastocyst rate of oocytes at 8 hr post‐warming (26.7%) was significantly higher than that of oocytes immediately warmed (16.9%). These results indicated that mitochondrial function and endogenous antioxidant systems recovered significantly better in vitrified–thawed bovine oocytes with 8 hr of additional incubation, but they did not achieve the activity levels found in fresh oocytes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:942–950, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SA2RAGE: A new sequence for fast B1+‐mapping
Authors: Eggenschwiler Florent , Kober Tobias , Magill Arthur W. , Gruetter Rolf , Marques José P.
Published: September 2011

At high magnetic field strengths (≥3T), the radiofrequency wavelength used in MRI is of the same order of magnitude of (or smaller than) the typical sample size, making transmit magnetic field (B) inhomogeneities more prominent. Methods such as radiofrequency‐shimming and transmit SENSE have been proposed to mitigate these undesirable effects. A prerequisite for such approaches is an accurate and rapid characterization of the B field in the organ of interest. In this work, a new phase‐sensitive three‐dimensional B‐mapping technique is introduced that allows the acquisition of a 64 × 64 × 8 B‐map in ∼20 s, yielding an accurate mapping of the relative B with a 10‐fold dynamic range (0.2–2 times the nominal B). Moreover, the predominant use of low flip angle excitations in the presented sequence minimizes specific absorption rate, which is an important asset for in vivo B‐shimming procedures at high magnetic fields. The proposed methodology was validated in phantom experiments and demonstrated good results in phantom and human B‐shimming using an 8‐channel transmit‐receive array. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variable flip angle schedules in bSSFP imaging of hyperpolarized noble gases
Authors: Deppe Martin H. , Wild Jim M.
Published: September 2011

Balanced steady‐state free precession imaging sequences provide signal‐to‐noise ratio benefits for MRI of hyperpolarized nuclei. Hyperpolarized magnetization decays during the imaging sequence to thermal equilibrium, effectively necessitating imaging in a transient state characterized by nonconstant transverse magnetization and k‐space filtering when using constant flip angles. This work presents an analytical method for calculation of variable flip angle schedules which maintain constant transverse magnetization in balanced steady‐state free precession imaging of hyperpolarized nuclei. The approach is based on direct inversion of the Bloch equations and does not require any numerical optimization. Input parameters are pulse sequence timings and effective relaxation times, which take diffusion of hyperpolarized gas in imaging gradients into account. Provision of constant transverse magnetization is demonstrated in phantom experiments and human lung imaging using hyperpolarized 3He. The benefit of a flat k‐space filter is demonstrated by reduced blurring in 3He and digital phantom data, and high quality 3He ventilation images from human lungs are obtained. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sonographic assessment of suture artifact obscuring visualization of the digital nerve
Authors: de la Lama Mauricio , Kessler James M. , Umans Hilary R. , Magge Keshav , Liebling Ralph W. , Negron Judith
Published: September 2011

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to grade the severity of sonographic artifact produced by four suture materials and to determine whether these artifacts affect visualization of a digital nerve. Methods: A needle was placed into a pig foot to mimic a normal volar digital nerve. Incisions superficial to the needle were closed with different suture types, specifically nylon (N), chromic (C), vicryl (V), and prolene (P). Sonographic images were obtained using a high‐frequency transducer. Twenty radiology residents and attending physicians graded the severity of artifact and nerve obscuration. Two image types were shown: one suture type per image and a composite image of each suture type, adjacent to one another. Results: Severity of nerve obscuration was as follows: composite image: P = N = V > C; individual images: P > N > V > C. Severity of artifact was: composite image: V = N > P > C; individual image: P > N > V > C. Conclusion: Although all sutures produced artifact, only C produced mild artifact, which did not significantly obscure visualization of the nerve model. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Oral manganese as an MRI contrast agent for the detection of nociceptive activity
Authors: Jacobs Kathleen E. , Behera Deepak , Rosenberg Jarrett , Gold Garry , Moseley Michael , Yeomans David , Biswal Sandip
Published: September 2011

The ability of divalent manganese to enter neurons via calcium channels makes manganese an excellent MRI contrast agent for the imaging of nociception, the afferent neuronal encoding of pain perception. There is growing evidence that nociceptive neurons possess increased expression and activity of calcium channels, which would allow for the selective accumulation of manganese at these sites. In this study, we show that oral manganese chloride leads to increased enhancement of peripheral nerves involved in nociception on T1‐weighted MRI. Oral rather than intravenous administration was chosen for its potentially better safety profile, making it a better candidate for clinical translation with important applications, such as pain diagnosis, therapy and research. The spared nerve injury (SNI) model of neuropathic pain was used for the purposes of this study. SNI rats were given, sequentially, increasing amounts of manganese chloride (lowest, 2.29 mg/100 g weight; highest, 20.6 mg/100 g weight) with alanine and vitamin D3 by oral gavage. Compared with controls, SNI rats demonstrated increased signal‐to‐background ratios on T1‐weighted fast spin echo MRI, which was confirmed by and correlated strongly with spectrometry measurements of nerve manganese concentration. We also found the difference between SNI and control rats to be greater at 48 h than at 24 h after dosing, indicating increased manganese retention in addition to increased manganese uptake in nociceptive nerves. This study demonstrates that oral manganese is a viable method for the imaging of nerves associated with increased nociceptive activity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo MRI of olfactory ensheathing cell grafts and regenerating axons in transplant mediated repair of the adult rat optic nerve
Authors: Sandvig Ioanna , Thuen Marte , Hoang Linh , Olsen Øystein , Sardella Thomas CP , Brekken Christian , Tvedt Kåre E , Barnett Susan C , Haraldseth Olav , Berry Martin , Sandvig Axel
Published: September 2011

The purpose of the present study was to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a tool for monitoring transplant‐mediated repair of the adult rat visual pathway. We labelled rat olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) using micron‐sized particles of iron oxide (MPIO) and transplanted them by: i) intravitreal injection (ivit) and ii) intra‐optic nerve (ON) injection (iON) in adult rats with ON crush (ONC) injury. We applied T2‐weighted MRI and manganese‐enhanced MRI (MEMRI) to visualise transplanted cells and ON axons at specific times after injury and cell engraftment. Our findings demonstrate that ivit MPIO‐labelled OECs are unequivocally detected by T2‐weighted MRI in vivo and that the T1‐weighted 3D FLASH sequence applied for MEMRI facilitates simultaneous visualisation of Mn2+−enhanced regenerating retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons and MPIO‐labelled OEC grafts. Furthermore, analysis of MRI data and ultrastructural findings supports the hypothesis that iON OEC transplants mediate regeneration and remyelination of RGC axons post injury. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exponentially fitted discontinuous Galerkin schemes for singularly perturbed problems
Authors: Lombardi Ariel L. , Pietra Paola
Published: September 2011

New discontinuous Galerkin schemes in mixed form are introduced for symmetric elliptic problems of second order. They exhibit reduced connectivity with respect to the standard ones. The modifications in the choice of the approximation spaces and in the stabilization term do not spoil the error estimates. These methods are then used for designing new exponentially fitted schemes for advection dominated equations. The presented numerical tests show the good performances of the proposed schemes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2011
Differential Bone Survivorship and Ontogenetic Development in Guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
Authors: GONZÁLEZ M. E. , ÁLVAREZ M. C. , Massigoge A. , GUTIÉRREZ M. A. , Kaufmann C. A.
Published: September 2011

This paper presents the results of a taphonomic research programme conducted over the past 5 years. The main objective of the programme is to investigate differential survivorship in guanaco (Lama guanicoe) bones, taking into account the ontogenetic development of this species and the densitometric characteristics of its skeletal parts. First, density analysis was carried out on selected bones of modern individuals corresponding to different age classes. Second, two experimental designs were conducted to explore the response of animal bone of different ages to weathering and fluvial transport. The first is a long term experiment that examines the deterioration of skeletal elements from a newborn, a juvenile and an adult modern guanaco exposed to subaerial weathering under controlled conditions. The second experiment examines the hydrodynamic sorting of dry and wet skeletal elements from a newborn, a juvenile, and an adult modern guanaco in an artificial flume under controlled current velocities (15 and 30 cm/s). The main results of the research programme indicate that immature bones have higher hydric transport potential and weather at a faster rate. We propose that this differential bone behaviour is partially related to structural density, as demonstrated by density analysis. These results show age‐related biases in zooarchaeological assemblages affected by taphonomic processes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of newspaper advertisements in the democratic process: the case of the 2007 presidential election in Nigeria
Authors: Olatunji Rotimi Williams , Adekunle Akinjogbin Sunday
Published: September 2011

Using content analysis as a method of investigation, this article examines the role of newspaper advertisements in the democratisation process in Nigeria, with specific reference to the 2007 presidential elections. Unlike the previous studies that mainly did comparative analyses of advertisements along political lines, the present study investigates the extent to which newspaper organisations complied with legal and ethical guidelines on exposure of political advertisements. The political actors and major issues contained in the political advertisements were also studied. Three national newspapers, The Guardian, This Day and The Punch were purposively selected for the study. The period of study covered the 3 months immediately preceding the election date (February–April 2007). All the issues of the three newspapers for the 3 months (a total of 89 editions of each) were studied. The content coding categories and units of analysis were adapted. This study found that a majority of the newspaper advertisements had identified sponsors, although an equally significant number of the copies did not have identified sponsors; the advertisements focused on issues, which however may not be of immediate relevance to the needs of the electorates; burning national issues were ignored; and there were more image‐boosting than image‐attenuating advertisements. Failure of government regulatory agencies to sanction culprits, including the nonconformance by newspaper organisations, with ethical and legal guidelines on political advertisements were reported, along with relevant recommendations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High pressure liquid chromatography and pulsed amperometric detection of castanospermine and related alkaloids
Authors: Donaldson M. J. , Broby H. , Adlard M. W. , Bucke C.
Published: September 2011

A sensitive, high performance ion‐exchange chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of castanospermine, 1‐deoxynojirimycin, 1‐deoxymannojirimycin and swainsonine. This series of sugar‐shaped alkaloids of plant and microbial origin are potent glycosidase inhibitors. The procedure presented demonstrates their separation on a cation exchange column under isocratic conditions and, following post column addition of 300 Mm sodium hydroxide, detection by pulsed amperometry. The procedure employed a Dionex guard column CG3 with a CS3 separator column and a mobile phase which consisted of 10 Mm hydrocholoric acid.

Linear calibration curves for the analysis of these alkaloids have been shown to extend over 2 decades from 10 ng/mL to 20 μg/mL. The method has been compared to previously reported enzymatic assays for the alkaloids. The identity of certain chromatographic peaks has been confirmed by enzyme inhibition studies.

The method has been applied to the measurement of natural, low levels of castanospermine found in plant tissues.
Solid state polymerization of poly(L‐lactide): Multiple‐fold increase in molecular weight via an efficient catalyst system
Authors: Katiyar Vimal , Nanavati Hemant
Published: September 2011

We report the synthesis of high molecular weight (MW), high crystallinity (Xc) poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA), with improved thermal stability, by solid state polymerization (SSP) of low MW PLLA prepolymer, pre‐PLLA. SSP enabled pre‐PLLA is synthesized by ring opening polymerization (ROP) of L‐lactide using a ternary catalyst complex of L‐lactide, stannous octoate, and L‐lactic acid oligomer (OLLA). We demonstrate that this ROP, although a chain‐growth reaction, yields pre‐PLLA with end‐groups, which enable step growth SSP. MW increases ∼9 fold, with Xc reaching beyond 90%, during the SSP process. Such high values of crystallinity could be due to the synchronization of the crystallization rate with that of the slower and longer lasting step‐growth SSP. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirms that SSP is indeed a step‐growth reaction. In comparison, Zn(OLLA)2 only couples two pre‐PLLA chains during SSP. In addition, the radial spherulite growth rate has been quantified with annealing time of SSP synthesized PLLA. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Initial theoretical study of solar cells with an intermediate band of non‐zero width and a thermalized electron population
Authors: Strandberg Rune , Worren Reenaas Turid
Published: September 2011

A model based on detailed balance principles is developed to study how the thermalized nature of the electrons in the intermediate band (IB) affects the efficiency of intermediate band solar cells. Published work on intermediate band solar cells with finite IB width has focused on the fundamental case when the absorptivity is assumed to be high for all photon energies above the smallest band gap. In this work, an attempt is made to incorporate variations in the absorptivity due to the thermal distribution of the IB electrons. In a wide IB with a thermalized electron population, there will be a low density of electrons close to the upper band edge. The density of unoccupied electron states close to the lower band edge will also be low. As a consequence, the absorption coefficients for photon energies where the only energetically allowed transitions involve exciting electrons from or to, respectively, such states can be expected to be low. The presented model incorporates the effect of the thermalized electron population in an idealized way. In some cases, the calculated efficiency is well above the limit for single band gap cells, whereas in other cases it is not. It is concluded that absorption coefficients rising rapidly from very low values to higher values are advantageous, that overlap between the absorption coefficients can be beneficial when the IB becomes sufficiently wide, and finally, that a case‐by‐case study probably is required to evaluate whether a particular IB material can give cells with high efficiency. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of an intranasal corticosteroid on exercise induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children
Authors: Kersten Elin T.G. , van Leeuwen Janneke C. , Brand Paul L.P. , Duiverman Eric J. , de Jongh Frans H.C. , Thio Bernard J. , Driessen Jean M.M.
Published: September 2011

Rationale

Allergic rhinitis and exercise induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) are common in asthmatic children. The aim of this study was to investigate whether treatment of allergic rhinitis with an intranasal corticosteroid protects against EIB in asthmatic children.

Methods

This was a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel group study. Subjects aged 12–17 years, with mild‐to‐moderate asthma, intermittent allergic rhinitis and ≥10% fall in FEV1 at a screening exercise challenge were randomized to 22 ± 3 days treatment with intranasal fluticasone furoate or placebo. The primary outcome was change in exercise induced fall in FEV1. Secondary outcomes were changes in the area under the curve (AUC), asthma control questionnaire (ACQ), pediatric asthma quality of life questionnaire (PAQLQ), and exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO).

Results

Twenty‐five children completed the study. Mean exercise induced fall in FEV1 (±SD) decreased significantly (95% CI: 0.7–18.2%, P = 0.04) in the fluticasone furoate group from 28.4 ± 15.8% to 19.0 ± 13.8%, compared to the placebo group (27.4 ± 16.0% to 27.4 ± 19.2%). The change in AUC was not significantly different between treatment groups. However, within the fluticasone furoate group the AUC decreased significantly (P = 0.01). Although total PAQLQ score did not improve, the activity limitation domain score improved significantly within the fluticasone furoate group (P = 0.03). No significant changes were observed in FeNO and ACQ.

Conclusion

Treatment of allergic rhinitis in asthmatic children with an intranasal corticosteroid reduces EIB and tends to improve quality of life. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:27–35. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of residue–residue contact predictions in CASP9
Authors: Monastyrskyy Bohdan , Fidelis Krzysztof , Tramontano Anna , Kryshtafovych Andriy
Published: September 2011

This work presents the results of the assessment of the intramolecular residue–residue contact predictions submitted to CASP9. The methodology for the assessment does not differ from that used in previous CASPs, with two basic evaluation measures being the precision in recognizing contacts and the difference between the distribution of distances in the subset of predicted contact pairs versus all pairs of residues in the structure. The emphasis is placed on the prediction of long‐range contacts (i.e., contacts between residues separated by at least 24 residues along sequence) in target proteins that cannot be easily modeled by homology. Although there is considerable activity in the field, the current analysis reports no discernable progress since CASP8. Proteins 2011; © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Local structure around Co in (Zn,Co)O nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Liu Hao , Zhang Hongguang , Li Yongtao , Chen Lingshan , Chen Kai , Dong Xueguang , Li Qi
Published: September 2011

Zn1‐xCox O (x = 0.01, 0.03) nanoparticles prepared by sol‐gel method exhibit room temperature (RT) ferromag‐ netism (FM). Co K‐edge extended x‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) has been used to analyze the microstructures of Co ions and to identify the mechanism of ferromagnetism. Some structural models have been used to simulate the experimental data. And the fitting process gives the results that not all Co ions occupy at Zn sites. It suggests that there are four kinds of Co structures in our samples, i.e. substituted Co ions, interstitial Co ions, Co ions in F center model and Co ions in impurity Co3O4. The coexistent defects of F center and interstitial Co mediate the macroscopical ferromagnetism. And the change of Ms is not proportional to the contents of these two defects, which may be due to the interaction between them (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
One‐electron addition on short‐loop selenylsulfide and diselenide‐linked biomolecules: From diethyldichalcogens to Grx3‐like selenopeptides
Authors: Dumont Élise
Published: September 2011

One‐electron uptake by thiaselenide or diselenide linkages of a series of short‐loop selenopeptides, is examined by means of hybrid QM:QM′ and QM:MM calculations. A special emphasis is given to the identification of key factors tuning adiabatic electron affinity, in comparison with established trends for disulfides. The conclusions are threefold: first, electron capture is intrinsically favored by 0.20 and 0.36 eV upon sulfur‐to‐selenium mono‐ or bi‐substitution. This order of reactivity, established on diethyldichalcogens, is globally transferable to linear dipeptides, with a dramatic increase of ∼1eV of adiabatic electron affinities. Cyclization impact is then quantified along a representative set of short‐loop peptides: conformational strain tends to reinforce dichalcogen propensity to act as an “electron buffer,” although this contribution is attenuated for seleno‐containing linkages because of their longer equilibrium distance. Collective electrostatic effects, such as the dipole created by a N‐terminal α‐helix, result in the same shifting, e.g., ∼1eV as a dodecalanine is grafted onto a given tetrapeptide. Structural features for neutral and radical anion species are also analyzed, in line with their spectroscopic aftermaths. This analysis delineates some useful trends for assisting design of seleno agents and artificial enzymes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Anemia induced by repeated exposure to cyanobacterial extracts with explorations of underlying mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Xuezhen , Xie Ping , Li Dapeng , Shi Zechao , Wang Jun , Yuan Gailing , Zhao Yanyan , Tang Rong
Published: September 2011

Hematological abnormalities or derangements have been demonstrated in patients suffering form microcystins (MCs) in hemodialysis unit in Caruaru, Brazil, 1996. While experimental study on hematological effect of microcystins has been rare and the underlying mechanisms are still puzzling. In the present study, microcystins were repeatedly intraperitoneally injected with a dose of 6 μg/kg/day in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) for 14 days, and the prolonged effects of extracted microcystins on hematotoxicology were investigated. Significant decreases were observed in the hematological indices red blood cell counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and platelet count, while an obvious anemia occurred in rabbits after 14‐day exposure. Moreover, red blood cell volume distribution width, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin did not vary significantly, indicating that rabbits suffered from normocytic anemia. In bone marrow, on the 14th day after toxin exposure, the frequency of micronucleus increased significantly, and the viability of bone marrow cells decreased markedly compared with the control. Serum erythropoietin levels declined on the 7th and 14th day, which suggested that the ability to regulate differentiation and maturation of erythrocytes was impaired. These results indicate that repeated exposure of microcystins can result in normocyte anemia, and the bone marrow injures and the sharp decreases of erythropoietin levels were responsible for the anemia. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Environ Toxicol, 2011.
Cadmium impairment of reproduction in the female wall lizard Podarcis sicula
Authors: Simoniello Palma , Filosa Silvana , Scudiero Rosaria , Trinchella Francesca , Motta Chiara Maria
Published: September 2011

The exposure to environmental toxicants such cadmium (Cd) is an important research area in wildlife protection. In this study, the effect of Cd oral administration on the ovarian structure and function and on reproductive performance of the Italian wall lizard Podarcis sicula was studied. In vivo, adult female lizards were randomly assigned to three groups. Cd was given with food in single dose and in multiple doses 3 days/week for 4 weeks at dose of 1.0 μg/g body weight. Following euthanasia, the ovaries were removed and analyzed for morpho‐functional changes. Results demonstrated that Cd increases prefollicular germ cells number; the evaluation of the number of follicles detects significantly higher number of atretic growing follicles, whereas primary follicles remain unchanged with respect to controls. After Cd treatments, follicles are deformed by the presence of large protrusions and a general dysregulation in the follicle organization is observed. The zona pellucida is also affected. Cd causes alteration in sugar metabolism and in metallothionein gene expression. Finally, Cd administration significantly reduces clutch size and dramatically increases embryo mortality. In conclusion, data here described show that Cd induces morpho‐functional alterations in lizard follicles and indicates that these are responsible for a significant impairment of oogenesis. The effects of the dose are time independent, persisting essentially unchanged regardless of single or multiple administration, so it can be concluded that even occasional, sublethal Cd contamination may significantly impair reproductive performance in these animals. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 28: 553–562, 2013.
The uninstitutionalized generation: A new breed of psychiatric patient
Authors: Pepper Bert , Ryglewicz Hilary , Kirshner Michael C.
Published: September 2011

Our first generation of young adult chronic psychiatric patients since deinstitutionalization has emerged in the community. Updated research results and case studies show different patterns of emergence but similar indications for clinician response.
Program components of a comprehensive integrated care system for seriously mentally ill patients with substance disorders
Authors: Minkoff Kenneth
Published: September 2011

Using an integrated theoretical framework, a continuous and comprehensive model system of care for dual diagnosis patients can be designed.
Combining individual and family treatment: Guidelines for the therapist
Authors: Atwood Nancy C.
Published: September 2011

This chapter provides guidelines, illustrated with case examples, for combining individual and family treatment of outpatients vulnerable to psychosis.
Postoperative adjuvant therapy
Authors: Kosuge Tomoo , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Ueno Hideki
Published: August 2011

After a lengthy search for an effective treatment for resected pancreatic cancer, evidence accumulated in the past 10 years shows that adjuvant chemotherapy is firmly established as offering a modest but real improvement in overall survival. However, the optimal choice of treatment modality (chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy) remains highly controversial. Results from ongoing studies will further optimize the treatment over the next decade.
Prenatal exposure to β2-adrenergic receptor agonists and risk of autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Croen Lisa A. , Connors Susan L. , Matevia Marilyn , Qian Yinge , Newschaffer Craig , Zimmerman Andrew W.
Published: August 2011

This study aims to investigate the association between prenatal exposure to terbutaline and other β2 adrenergic receptor (B2AR) agonists and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The methodology used is a case–control study among children born from 1995 to 1999 at Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals. Cases (n = 291) were children with an ASD diagnosis; controls (n = 284) were children without ASDs, randomly sampled and frequency-matched to cases on sex, birth year, and delivery hospital. Exposure to B2AR agonists during 30 days prior to conception and each trimester of pregnancy was ascertained from prenatal medical records and health plan databases. The frequency of exposure to any B2AR agonist during pregnancy was similar for mothers of children with ASD and mothers of controls (18.9% vs. 14.8%, P = 0.19). Exposure to B2AR agonists other than terbutaline was not associated with an increased risk for ASDs. However, terbutaline exposure for >2 days during the third trimester was associated with more than a fourfold increased risk for ASDs independent of indication although the limited sample size resulted in an imprecise and nonsignificant effect estimate (ORadj = 4.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.8–24.6). This analysis does not offer evidence linking B2AR exposure in pregnancy with autism risk. However, exposure to terbutaline during the third trimester for >2 days may be associated with an increased risk of autism. Should this result be confirmed in larger samples, it would point to late pregnancy as an etiologic window of interest in autism risk factor research.