bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomic study and clinical application of distally‐based neuro‐myocutaneous compound flaps in the leg
Authors: Yu Ai‐Xi , Deng Kai , Tao Shengxiang , Yu Gurong , Zheng Xiaohui
Published: August 2007

Objective: Anatomical study on the anastomosis between the neurovascular axis and the musculocutaneous perforators in leg. The distally‐based neuron‐myocutaneous flap was used for repairing special patients with soft tissue defect in foot and ankle. Methods: Systematical observation was carried out on 30 injected lower legs about the anastomosis between the neurovascular axis and the musculocutaneous perforators, and we summarized the clinical experiences from February 2004 on 12 cases using distally‐based neuron‐myocutaneous flap for repairing special patients with soft tissue defect in foot and ankle. Results: The neuron‐vessels of sural nerve anastomosed permanently with the musculocutaneous perforators of medial and lateral head of gastrocnemius. There were two to three anastomoses found, respectively. The medial anastomotic branches were found larger in caliber than the lateral ones. The spatium intermuscular branches of the posterior tibial artery gave off their junior branches and anastomosed with the vessels in or out of the soleus muscle. There were two to three muscular branches perforated out of the soleus muscle, with mean caliber 0.5 ± 0.2 mm and accompanying with one to two veins. The neuron‐vessels of the superficial fibular nerve gave off alone its course two to three muscular branches to the long extensor muscle digits and the long fibular muscle, and one to two fasciocutaneous to the skin. The diameter of the muscular branches was 0.4 ± 0.2 mm in average. Accounting for the operating models in the 12 cases, we had distally‐based sural neuron‐myocutaneous flap in 7 cases, saphenous neuron‐myocutaneous flap in 4 cases, and superficial fibular neuron‐myocutaneous flap in 1 case. All these cases were followed up at least for 2–6 months and had the significant results of nice limb's shape and cured osteomyelitis. Conclusion: Distally‐based neuro‐myocutaneous flap in leg can live with reliable blood circulation. These flaps offer excellent donor sites for repairing special the soft tissue defect in foot and ankle. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
A novel model of portal vein transplantation in mice using two‐cuff technique
Authors: Yan Sheng , Zhang Qiyi , Cai Minxia , Yu Da , Chen Jie , Yu Pengfei , Zhao Qiyu , Zhou Lin , Hoffmann Matthias , Zheng Shusen
Published: August 2007

Allogeneic portal vein (PV) grafts have been widely used for vascular reconstruction in the aggressive biliary‐pancreatic surgery and partial liver transplantation. We developed a novel PV transplantation model aimed at studying the pathologic alteration of the grafts and further managements. The PV graft was implanted orthotopically into the recipient using two‐cuff technique. A total of 80 PV transplants have been performed, and the overall survival rate for the recipients was 91.3% (73/80). Mice were randomly separated into isografts group, allografts group, and allografts group treated with CTLA4‐Ig. PV grafts were harvested on the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 8th postoperative week. The isografts remained intact vascular structure, and the allografts developed marked rejection with significant increase in wall thickness (95 ± 19 μm vs. 49 ± 7 μm; P < 0.01) and decrease in lumen area (1.9 ± 1.1 × 104 μm2 vs. 7.7 ± 3.1 × 104 μm2; P < 0.01) on the 4th week. In the CTLA4‐Ig treated group, the vascular thickness and lumen area were significantly improved when compared with the untreated allografts (wall‐thickness: 53 ± 3 μm vs. 95 ± 19 μm, P < 0.01; lumen area: 8.8 ± 2.4 × 104 μm2 vs. 1.9 ± 1.1 × 104 μm2, P < 0.01) on the 4th week. In conclusion, the PV transplantation model in mice using two‐cuff technique is a feasible procedure with a high survival rate. The PV allografts responded well to the CTLA4‐Ig therapy in our preliminary research by the model. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
A discrete element model for kaolinite aggregate formation during sedimentation
Authors: Lu Ning , Anderson Matthew T. , Likos William J. , Mustoe Graham W.
Published: August 2007

The formation of colloidal aggregates during sedimentation is an important process when considering geotechnical and environmental engineering problems including wastewater treatment systems and slurry wall constructions for waste isolation. In this paper, a quasi three‐dimensional discrete element framework is developed to model aggregate formation during sedimentation by considering the following microscopic inter‐particle forces present in the clay–water–electrolyte system: van der Waals attraction, electrical double‐layer repulsion, Born's repulsion, hydrodynamic viscous drag, and gravity. The role of these physico‐chemical forces in the formation of clay clusters during sedimentation is investigated using an integrated numerical and experimental approach. The discrete element method (DEM) framework has been previously shown to accurately model clay behavior at the microscopic level. The model is validated with experimental data for comparison of distributions of aggregate density and aggregate size. Good agreement between the model prediction and the experimental results is obtained, suggesting that the DEM can be a powerful tool to better understand the aggregate formation process at the microscopic scale. For particle sizes ranging from 0.05 to 1 µm it is also shown, through numerical simulations, that ionic strength of the fluid medium is the controlling factor for aggregate size and density and that at aggregate sizes less than 20 µm, face‐to‐face interactions dominate the force regime between a pair of particles. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction in multiple sclerosis— A double blind, placebo controlled, randomised clinical trial
Authors: McClurg D. , Ashe R.G. , Lowe‐Strong A.S.
Published: August 2007

Aims

Lower urinary tract dysfunction affects up to 75% of the multiple sclerosis population. Results from our recent Pilot Study (McClurg et al., 2006) indicated that a combined programme of pelvic floor muscle training, electromyography biofeedback and neuromuscular electrical stimulation modalities may alleviate some of the distressing symptoms within this population. This clinical trial aimed to evaluate further the efficacy of these interventions and to establish the benefit of neuromuscular electrical stimulation above and beyond that of EMG biofeedback and pelvic floor muscle training.

Methods

74 multiple sclerosis patients who presented with lower urinary tract dysfunction were randomly allocated to one of two groups ‐ Group 1 received Pelvic Floor Muscle Training, Electromyography Biofeedback and Placebo Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (n=37), and Group 2 which received Pelvic Floor Muscle Training, Electromyography Biofeedback, and Active Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (n=37). Treatment was for nine weeks with outcome measures recorded at weeks 0, 9, 16 and 24. The Primary Outcome Measure was the number of leakage episodes. Within group analysis was by Paired Samples t‐test. Group differences were analysed using Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance and Post‐hoc tests were used to determine the significance of differences between Groups at each time point.

Results

The mean number of incontinence episodes were reduced in Group 2 by 85% (p=0.001) whereas in Group 1 a lesser reduction of 47% (p=0.001) was observed. However, there was a statistically superior benefit in Group 2 when compared to Group 1 (p=0.0028). This superior benefit was evident in all other outcome measures.

Conclusions

The addition of Active Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation to a programme of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training and Electromyography Biofeedback should be considered as a first‐line option in alleviating some of the symptoms of lower urinary tract dysfunction associated with multiple sclerosis. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:231–237, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Production to order and off‐line inspection when the production process is partially observable
Authors: Grosfeld‐Nir Abraham , Cohen Eyal , Gerchak Yigal
Published: August 2007

This study combines inspection and lot‐sizing decisions. The issue is whether to INSPECT another unit or PRODUCE a new lot. A unit produced is either conforming or defective. Demand need to be satisfied in full, by conforming units only. The production process may switch from a “good” state to a “bad” state, at constant rate. The proportion of conforming units in the good state is higher than in the bad state. The true state is unobservable and can only be inferred from the quality of units inspected. We thus update, after each inspection, the probability that the unit, next candidate for inspection, was produced while the production process was in the good state. That “good‐state‐probability” is the basis for our decision to INSPECT or PRODUCE. We prove that the optimal policy has a simple form: INSPECT only if the good‐state‐probability exceeds a control limit. We provide a methodology to calculate the optimal lot size and the expected costs associated with INSPECT and PRODUCE. Surprisingly, we find that the control limit, as a function of the demand (and other problem parameters) is not necessarily monotone. Also, counter to intuition, it is possible that the optimal action is PRODUCE, after revealing a conforming unit. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2007
A contact‐stabilized Newmark method for dynamical contact problems
Authors: Deuflhard Peter , Krause Rolf , Ertel Susanne
Published: August 2007

The numerical integration of dynamical contact problems often leads to instabilities at contact boundaries caused by the non‐penetration condition between bodies in contact. Even an energy dissipative modification (see, e.g. (Comp. Meth. Appl. Mech. Eng. 1999; 180:1–26)), which discretizes the non‐penetration constraints implicitly, is not able to circumvent artificial oscillations. For this reason, the present paper suggests a contact stabilization in function space, which avoids artificial oscillations at contact interfaces and is also energy dissipative. The key idea of this contact stabilization is an additional L2‐projection at contact interfaces, which can be easily added to any existing time integration scheme. In case of a lumped mass matrix, this projection can be carried out completely locally, thus creating only negligible additional numerical cost. For the new scheme, an elementary analysis is given, which is confirmed by numerical findings in an illustrative test example (Hertzian two‐body contact). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The rheological, thermal, and mechanical properties for polypropylene and amorphous poly alpha olefin blends
Authors: Ha H. S. , Woo J. Y. , Kim W. H. , Kim H. S. , Kim B. K.
Published: August 2007

Rheological, thermal, and mechanical properties of polypropylene homo polymer (PPH)/amorphous poly alpha olefin (APAO) blends as a function of molecular weight, comonomer type and content, and blend composition have been investigated. Homo APAO grade showed better compatibility than copolymerized ones in terms of rheological and thermal properties. The mechanical strength showed strong dependence on APAO content and type, and the impact strength and melt index rapidly increased for certain types of APAO at and above 30 wt%. On comparison with commercially used PPH/ethylene–propylene rubber (EPR) blend system, it is supposed that PPH/APAO blend can be successfully used in thermoplastic polyolefin applications. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sarcomas: genetics, signalling, and cellular origins. Part 2: TET‐independent fusion proteins and receptor tyrosine kinase mutations
Authors: Suvà M‐L , Cironi L , Riggi N , Stamenkovic I
Published: August 2007

Although the mechanisms that underlie sarcoma development are still poorly understood, the identification of non‐random chromosomal translocations and receptor tyrosine kinase mutations associated with defined sarcoma types has provided new insight into the pathogenesis of these tumours. In Part 1 of the review (J Pathol 2007;213:4–20), we addressed sarcomas that express fusion genes containing TET gene family products. Part 2 of the review summarizes our current understanding of the implications of fusion genes that do not contain TET family members in sarcoma development, as well as that of specific mutations in genes encoding receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). The final section will serve as a summary of both reviews and will attempt to provide a synthesis of some of the emerging principles of sarcomagenesis. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal sizing and life cycle assessment of residential photovoltaic energy systems with battery storage
Authors: Celik A. N. , Muneer T. , Clarke P.
Published: August 2007

This paper presents the optimal sizing and life cycle assessment of residential photovoltaic (PV) energy systems. The system consists of PV modules as the main power producer, and lead–acid batteries as the medium of electricity storage, and other essential devices such as an inverter. Five‐parameter analytic PV cell model is used to calculate the energy production from the modules. Electrical needs for a family living under normal conditions of comfort are modelled and used within simulation of the system performance, with an average daily load of approximately 9·0 kWh. The system's performance simulations are carried out with typical yearly solar radiation and ambient temperature data from five different sites in Turkey. The typical years are selected from a total of 6 years data for each site. The life cycle cost of the PV system is analysed for various system configurations for a 20‐year system life. The role of the batteries in PV energy systems are analysed in terms of the cost and power loss. The system performance is analysed as a function of various parameters such as energy production and cost. It is shown that these change substantially for different system configurations and locations. The life cycle assessment of the energy system described was also carried out to determine the environmental impact. It was found that, with the conservative European average electricity mix, energy pay back time (EPBT) is 6·2 years and CO2 pay back time is 4·6 years for the given system. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantum yields and potential energy surfaces: a theoretical study
Authors: Nakamura Shinichiro , Kobayashi Takao , Takata Atsushi , Uchida Kingo , Asano Yukako , Murakami Akinori , Goldberg Alexander , Guillaumont Dominique , Yokojima Satoshi , Kobatake Seiya , Irie Masahiro
Published: August 2007

A theoretical study on quantum yields (QYs) of the photochromic cyclization and cycloreversion reactions is presented. It is shown that the thermodynamic relative stability of various energy minima on the ground state is primarily important for the cyclization reactions. On the other hand, the profile of the excited state potential energy surfaces (PESs) and the locations of conical intersections (CI) are important for the cycloreversion reactions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancing electrochromic properties of conducting polymers via copolymerization: Copolymer of 1‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐2,5‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrrole with 3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene
Authors: Turkarslan Ozlem , Ak Metin , Tanyeli Cihangir , Akhmedov Idris M. , Toppare Levent
Published: August 2007

A copolymer of 1‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐2,5‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrrole (FPTP) with 3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene (EDOT) was electrochemically synthesized and characterized. While poly(FPTP) (P(FPTP)) has only two colors in its oxidized and neutral states (blue and yellow), its copolymer with EDOT has five different colors (purple, red, light gray, green, and blue). Electrochromic devices based on P(FPTP‐co‐EDOT) and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) were constructed and characterized. The oxidized state of the device shows blue color whereas it shows purple for the reduced state. At several potentials the device has good transparency with green and gray colors. Maximum contrast (Δ%T) and switching time of the device were measured as 23% and 1.1 s at 555 nm. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 4496–4503, 2007
Hydrophilic segmented block copolymers based on poly(ethylene oxide) and monodisperse amide segments
Authors: Husken Debby , Feijen Jan , Gaymans Reinoud J.
Published: August 2007

Segmented block copolymers based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) flexible segments and monodisperse crystallizable bisester tetra‐amide segments were made via a polycondensation reaction. The molecular weight of the PEO segments varied from 600 to 4600 g/mol and a bisester tetra‐amide segment (T6T6T) based on dimethyl terephthalate (T) and hexamethylenediamine (6) was used. The resulting copolymers were melt‐processable and transparent. The crystallinity of the copolymers was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR). The thermal properties were studied by DSC, temperature modulated synchrotron small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The elastic properties were evaluated by compression set (CS) test. The crystallinity of the T6T6T segments in the copolymers was high (>84%) and the crystallization fast due to the use of monodisperse tetra‐amide segments. DMA experiments showed that the materials had a low Tg, a broad and almost temperature independent rubbery plateau and a sharp flow temperature. With increasing PEO length both the PEO melting temperature and the PEO crystallinity increased. When the PEO segment length was longer than 2000 g/mol the PEO melting temperature was above room temperature and this resulted in a higher modulus and in higher compression set values at room temperature. The properties of PEO‐T6T6T copolymers were compared with similar poly(propylene oxide) and poly(tetramethylene oxide) copolymers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 4522–4535, 2007
Relict cryopedogenic features in soils with secondary carbonate horizons, western Wyoming, USA
Authors: Dillon Jeremy S. , Sorenson Curtis J.
Published: August 2007

We document relict cryopedogenic features in strongly developed calcic horizons on a flight of fluvial terraces in a mid‐latitude, intermontane basin in western Wyoming, USA. The calcic horizons show many distinctive cryopedogenic features including relict sand wedges, involutions, mixed horizons, fragmented and displaced carbonate/silica stone pendants and indurated soil material, and vertically oriented stones. Evidence of mixing, fracture, displacement and orientation of soil materials, independent of evidence for biologic or recrystallisation processes, strongly suggests cryoturbation. The soils also include micro‐scale features such as orbiculic and suscitic fabrics, vesicular and elongated pores, shattered pedogenic ooids and sand grains, and platy to blocky microstructure. The micro‐scale features are likely related to seasonal frost. The calcic horizons do not include progressive morphological differences across the upper eight terraces in the study area. The overall similarity is likely caused by the fracturing and mixing processes associated with cryoturbation. There is a need to further document cryoturbation features in calcic horizons to understand the specific cryogenic processes related to their genesis. Cryoturbation implies movement and mixing of soil material. Thus the recognition of relict cryoturbation features in mid‐latitude calcic soils may have significant implications regarding their use for geochronology, palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic reconstruction. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Permafrost aggradation caused by tephra accumulation over snow‐covered surfaces: examples from the Hekla‐2000 eruption in Iceland
Authors: Kellerer‐Pirklbauer Andreas , Farbrot Herman , Etzelmüller Bernd
Published: August 2007

The relationship between explosive volcanic eruptions and permafrost aggradation is discussed at a regional (Hekla volcano, Iceland, 63°59′N 19°40′W) and a global scale. During the most recent Hekla eruption in winter 2000, tephra buried the adjacent winter snow cover. Observations of denivation landforms, excavated sections and active‐layer thickness were carried out 15 to 77 months after the eruption. Results show that the combination of climate that favours permafrost and a thin layer of tephra is sufficient to reduce the sub‐tephra snow ablation substantially, possibly even to zero, causing aggradation of the surface and preserving massive ground ice and permafrost. Based on these observations, a conceptual model for permafrost aggradation related to tephra accumulation was developed. On a global scale, about one third of all active volcanoes seems to be located in permafrost‐favourable areas, suggesting that explosive volcanic eruptions may be significant for permafrost aggradation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phosphoproteomics for the discovery of kinases as cancer biomarkers and drug targets
Authors: Yu Li‐Rong , Issaq Haleem J. , Veenstra Timothy D.
Published: August 2007

Early detection and targeted therapy represent a novel regimen of cancer management. The understanding of receptor tyrosine kinases in tumorigenesis at the molecular level has led to the first generation of kinase inhibitors for anticancer therapy that targets a specific kinase or pathway. While the therapeutic advantage is obvious, targeted therapy often relapses and results in drug resistance for advanced cancers. To achieve feasible early detection and better efficacy of therapeutics targeting multiple pathways, significantly more biomarkers and drug targets are in demand, especially for individualized therapy. Recent advances in phosphoprotein enrichment and MS technologies for quantitative phosphoproteome analysis provide great opportunities in the identification and validation of kinases as drug targets. The MS‐based phosphoproteomic technologies would be useful tools as well for the identification of phosphosignatures unique to a specific type or subtype of cancer and drug responsive biomarkers. This review summarizes the major kinases acting as cancer biomarkers and drug targets, the advances of MS‐based phosphoproteomic technologies, and some potential values and challenges of this emerging phosphoproteomics‐based biomarker and drug target discovery field. Strategies for global, targeted, and quantitative phosphoproteomics are discussed, and some recent interesting applications are also evaluated.
Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of preeclampsia using proteomic technologies
Authors: Webster Rose P. , Myatt Leslie
Published: August 2007

Preeclampsia, a disease of pregnancy, is a multisystem disorder associated with elevated maternal blood pressure, proteinurea, oedema, and fetal abnormalities. It is a major cause of mortality, morbidity, perinatal death, and premature delivery. Despite active research in the past decade, there is yet no definitive cure for preeclampsia. The disease has been treated symptomatically with antihypertensives, antieclamptics, bed rest, and a whole gamut of isolated therapies. In an attempt to understand the molecular basis of this disease and many other fatal diseases including cancer and heart disease, the scientific community has been turning to understanding the genome and more lately the “proteome”. Proteomics enables researchers to identify all proteins expressed in a cell or organ and detect any PTM in the protein expression patterns. Deciphering the placental proteome and studying the differences in protein expression patterns in the normal as against the preeclamptic proteome might possibly in future lead to early detection and therapeutic targeting of preeclampsia.
Antibody‐based Proteomics: From bench to bedside
Authors: Dahan Sophie , Chevet Eric , Liu Jian‐Feng , Dominguez Michel
Published: August 2007

Over the past 75 years, antibodies have gone from being recognized as disease biomarkers to being used as very powerful therapeutic tools. This evolution has been accelerated by the identification of mAb and the extensive use of immunological tools both at fundamental and clinical levels. In this review, we evaluate how antibodies can be used to assess the proteome of cells or tissues and their relevance for clinical applications. These antibody‐based proteomics approaches also require analytical and technological pipelines as well as specific enabling tools which are described. Our first objective was to establish how large‐scale datasets (provided by high‐throughput studies such as proteomics and transcriptomics) can be integrated with literature searches and clinical data to identify potentially relevant markers against which antibodies should be raised. Then based on an extensive literature review and our experience, we compare the methodologies developed to produce specific antibodies either in vivo or in vitro. This is followed by the description of the validation tools currently available and it also includes the use of antibody‐based approaches in the establishment of molecular signatures utilized at the bench and soon available for bedside use.
Body fluid proteomics: Prospects for biomarker discovery
Authors: Ahn Sung‐Min , Simpson Richard J.
Published: August 2007

Many diseases are caused by perturbations of cellular signaling pathways and related pathway networks as a result of genetic aberrations. These perturbations are manifested by altered cellular protein profiles in the fluids bathing tissue/organs (i.e., the tissue interstitial fluid, TIF). A major challenge of clinical chemistry is to quantitatively map these perturbed protein profiles – the so‐called “signatures of disease” – using modern proteomic technologies. This information can be utilized to design protein biomarkers for the early detection of disease, monitoring disease progression and efficacy of drug action. Here, we discuss the use of body fluids in the context of prospective biomarker discovery, and the marked 1000–1500‐fold dilution of body fluid proteins, during their passage from TIF to the circulatory system. Further, we discuss proteomics strategies aimed at depleting major serum proteins, especially albumin, in order to focus on low‐abundance protein/peptides in plasma. A major limitation of depletion strategies is the removal of low‐molecular weight protein/peptides which specifically bind major plasma proteins. We present a prototype model, using albumin, for understanding the multifaceted nature of biomarker research, highlighting the involvement of albumin in Alzheimer's disease. This model underscores the need for a system‐level understanding for biomarker research and personalized medicine.
Identification and functional characterization of the bile acid transport proteins in non‐mammalian ileum and mammalian liver
Authors: Guariento Mara , Raimondo Domenico , Assfalg Michael , Zanzoni Serena , Pesente Patrizia , Ragona Laura , Tramontano Anna , Molinari Henriette
Published: August 2007

It has been proposed that intracellular carrier proteins mediate active transport of the bile acids within hepatocytes and ileocytes, during the enterohepatic circulation. In mammalian species only ileal bile acid binding proteins have been so far identified, while liver cytosolic carriers have never been found. On the contrary, in non‐mammalian vertebrates, only liver, and not ileal, bile acid binding proteins were reported. The aim of the present work is to find the missing cytosolic transport proteins. A bioinformatic search allowed us to identify a non‐mammalian putative bile acid binding protein in the chicken ileum (cI‐BABP), which we recombinantly expressed and purified. The protein exhibits the capability, tested by in vitro NMR experiments, of binding bile acids. Furthermore, strong NMR evidence reported that the human liver fatty acid binding protein (hL‐FABP) can also bind bile acids. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that both cI‐BABP and hL‐FABP have a bile acid binding function in the two organisms, and support a previous hypothesis on the role of hL‐FABP in regulating bile acid metabolism and determining bile acid pool size. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A model for the assembly of nicotinic receptors based on subunit–subunit interactions
Authors: Ortells Marcelo O. , Barrantes Georgina E.
Published: August 2007

Neuronal ion‐channels are complex multimeric proteins. Within a given family, the variability of their pharmacological responses depends on subunit composition and subunit arrangement. We report here that protein assembly in the pentameric nicotinic acetylcholine receptor family, the best characterized of all neuronal receptors, can be predicted using information derived from homology modeled surface to surface subunit interactions based on the atomic structure of a snail acetylcholine‐binding protein. An empirical assembly model is able to establish both subunit stoichiometry and subunit arrangement of known neuronal and muscle nicotinic receptors. This contribution to the understanding of nicotinic receptor assembly and variability might be extended to other types of ion‐channels. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dose rate effects on the thermoluminescence kinetics properties of MWCVD diamond films
Authors: Gastélum S. , Cruz‐Zaragoza E. , Favalli A. , Chernov V. , Meléndrez R. , Soto‐Puebla D. , Pedroza‐Montero M. , Barboza‐Flores M.
Published: August 2007

Dose rate effects are important in thermoluminescent (TL) dosimeter applications because a certain absorbed dose given at different dose rates may result in a different TL yield. The present work reports about the dose rate effects on TL glow curves and kinetics properties of microwave plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition (MWCVD) diamond films grown on (100) silicon. The diamond films were exposed to γ radiation at 20.67, 43.4 and 81.11 Gy min–1 dose rates in the range of 0.05–10 kGy. The films showed a linear dose behavior up to 2 kGy and reached saturation for higher doses. The TL intensity varied as a function of dose rate and the samples had a maximum TL response for relatively lower dose rates. A single first order kinetics TL peak was typical for low doses while at higher doses two first order kinetics peaks were necessary to fit the glow curves. The results indicate that dose rate effects may be significant in dosimetric applications of MWCVD diamond. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Afterglow and thermally stimulated luminescence induced by UV radiation in CVD diamond
Authors: Barboza‐Flores M. , Schreck M. , Preciado‐Flores S. , Meléndrez R. , Pedroza‐Montero M. , Chernov V.
Published: August 2007

Afterglow (AG) and thermoluminescence (TL) of CVD diamond UV‐irradiated with wavelength of 200–260 nm at room temperature are reported. The AG curves monotonously decrease with time and are fitted well by the hyperbolic law. The decay times depends on UV wavelength and decreases with the AG intensity increasing. The TL glow curves exhibit two pronounced TL peaks with maxima at about 350 K and 513 K with unstructured signal between them and are fitted well by four TL peaks. The first, 350 K peak with the activation energy of 0.59 eV was supposed to be second kinetics order. The higher temperature peaks at 402 K, 445 K and 513 K with the activation energies of 0.46 eV, 0.49 eV and 0.68 eV, respectively were assumed to be first kinetics order. The comparison of the AG decay times with the kinetics parameters of the 350 K TL peak proved that AG is caused by thermal emptying of the traps responsible for the 350 K peak. The behaviour of AG and 350 K TL peak was described by the model, in which shallow traps, recombination centers and deep thermally disconnected traps are taken into account. The AG and TL creation spectra are practically the same and consists of a broad band, which exponentially increases from 260 nm, reaches a maximum at 240 nm and then begins decreasing. The creation spectra of the AG and TL peaks are the same and closely related with the fundamental absorption of UV light near indirect band gap of diamond. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Correlation of atomic force microscopy detecting local conductivity and micro‐Raman spectroscopy on polymer–fullerene composite films
Authors: Čermák Jan , Rezek Bohuslav , Cimrová Věra , Výprachtický Drahomír , Ledinský Martin , Mates Tomáš , Fejfar Antonín , Kočka Jan
Published: August 2007

Thin hetero‐junction composite films of polymer (electron donor) and fullerene (electron acceptor) are prepared on indium‐tin‐oxide coated glass by spin‐coating from solution in dichlorobenzene. Optimized atomic force microscopy (AFM) parameters allowed us to scan these soft composite films in contact mode and to measure their local conductivity with high lateral resolution by current‐sensing AFM. The morphology and local conductivity data are correlated with Kelvin force microscopy and micro‐Raman mapping and discussed with view to their photovoltaic properties. Regions with both compounds present are compared to areas where the components segregated, acting as shunts of the junction. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Antiplasmodial compounds from Cassia siamea stem bark extract
Authors: Ajaiyeoba E. O. , Ashidi J. S. , Okpako L. C. , Houghton P. J. , Wright C. W.
Published: August 2007

Cassia siamea L. (Fabaceae) was identified from the southwest Nigerian ethnobotany as a remedy for febrile illness. This led to the bioassay‐guided fractionation of stem bark of the plant extract, using the parasite lactate dehydrogenase assay and multi‐resistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum (K1) for assessing the in vitro antimalarial activity. Emodin and lupeol were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction by a combination of chromatographic techniques. The structures of the compounds were determined by spectroscopy, co‐spotting with authentic samples and comparison with literature data. Both compounds were found to be the active principles responsible for the antiplasmodial property with IC50 values of 5 µg/mL, respectively. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant and neurosedative properties of polyphenols and iridoids from Lippia alba
Authors: Hennebelle Thierry , Sahpaz Sevser , Gressier Bernard , Joseph Henry , Bailleul François
Published: August 2007

The neurosedative and antioxidative properties of some major compounds isolated from a citral chemotype of Lippia alba were investigated. Binding assays were performed on two CNS inhibitory targets: benzodiazepine and GABAA receptors. The most active compound was luteolin‐7‐diglucuronide, with half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 101 and 40 µm, respectively. Fifteen compounds isolated from Lippia alba were tested for their radical scavenging capacities against DPPH. Four of the major compounds (verbascoside, calceolarioside E, luteolin‐7‐diglucuronide and theveside) were also tested for their antioxidant activity against superoxide radical‐anion in cell‐free (hypoxanthine‐xanthine oxidase) and cellular (PMA‐stimulated neutrophil granulocytes) systems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spin‐optimized resonating Hartree‐Fock configuration interaction
Authors: Takeda Ryo , Yamanaka Shusuke , Yamaguchi Kizashi
Published: August 2007

The resonating Hartree‐Fock Configuration Interaction (Res HF‐CI) method is an efficient tool to investigate complicated strongly correlated systems such as ion‐radical systems. In this method, we explore several spin‐unrestricted Hartree‐Fock (UHF) solutions that are energetically low‐lying. However it is difficult to choose the symmetry‐broken references appropriately as the site increases. In this study, we present the spin‐optimized procedure, which is based on the Löwdin spin‐projection method, for the Res HF‐CI theory, denoted as SO Res‐HF CI. We apply this SO Res‐HF CI method to depict the potential curves of typical polyradical systems and compared the computational results using complete‐active‐space (CAS) CI based on UHF natural orbital (UNO), spin‐projected UHF, and the previous version of Res HF‐CI. We discuss the relation between computational results and the electronic configurations that are important to cover the electron correlation effects for each system. Further, we apply SO Res‐HF CI method for the simple organic radical. In addition, we extend this scheme to the GHF case, and show that the use of GHF as a seed of SO Res‐HF CI is desirable for the spin‐frustrated systems. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
The N‐particle wave function as a homogeneous functional of the density
Authors: Gál Tamás
Published: August 2007

It is shown that requiring consistency with the structure of the equation that determines the wave function associated to a density ρ() by density‐functional theory, yields the N‐particle wave function as a degree‐half homogeneous functional of the density, and leads to a separation A[N, ρ] of N dependence (with N = ∫ρ() d) of density functionals A[ρ] = A[∫ρ, ρ] for which A[∫ρ, λρ] = λ A[ρ, ρ]; as a consequence of the linearity of quantum mechanical operators. This implies that the ground‐state value of any quantum mechanical observable arises naturally as a degree‐one homogeneous N‐particle density functional. This general scheme for the structure of density functionals can be considered as the conceptual generalization of the Weizsäcker functional, which is the exact degree‐one homogeneous one‐particle kinetic‐energy density functional. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Normalization of measured stable isotopic compositions to isotope reference scales – a review
Authors: Paul Debajyoti , Skrzypek Grzegorz , Fórizs István
Published: August 2007

In stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), the stable isotopic composition of samples is measured relative to the isotopic composition of a working gas. This measured isotopic composition must be converted and reported on the respective international stable isotope reference scale for the accurate interlaboratory comparison of results. This data conversion procedure, commonly called normalization, is the first set of calculations done by the users. In this paper, we present a discussion and mathematical formulation of several existing routinely used normalization procedures. These conversion procedures include: single‐point anchoring (versus working gas and certified reference standard), modified single‐point normalization, linear shift between the measured and the true isotopic composition of two certified reference standards, two‐point and multi‐point linear normalization methods. Mathematically, the modified single‐point, two‐point, and multi‐point normalization methods are essentially the same. By utilizing laboratory analytical data, the accuracy of the various normalization methods (given by the difference between the true and the normalized isotopic composition) has been compared. Our computations suggest that single‐point anchoring produces normalization errors that exceed the maximum total uncertainties (e.g. 0.1‰ for δ13C) often reported in the literature, and, therefore, that it must not be used for routinely anchoring stable isotope measurement results to the appropriate international scales. However, any normalization method using two or more certified reference standards produces a smaller normalization error provided that the isotopic composition of the standards brackets the isotopic composition of unknown samples. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a simple and reliable accurate mass liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry method for high‐resolution accurate mass determinations of new drug entities on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer
Authors: Pucci Vincenzo , Bonelli Fabio
Published: August 2007

Accurate mass measurements are used to determine the elemental composition and formulae of molecules to confirm their identity or to assist in their characterization. Currently, the most widely used techniques for measuring exact masses employ magnetic sector instruments, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometers and lower resolution instruments such as time‐of‐flight (TOF) and quadrupole‐TOF. This paper reports the accurate mass measurement using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Indeed, the recently introduced triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, with unique enhanced mass‐resolution capability, has demonstrated simple data acquisition methods and requires few experiments to measure exact masses with accuracy and determines elemental compositions of both protonated and deprotonated molecules. All the accurate mass measurements were performed using both positive and negative electrospray ionization in enhanced mass‐resolution mode (peak width of 0.1 Th FWMH). Several new drug entities were investigated as simulated unknowns and analyzed by means of an accurate mass liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (AM‐LC/ESI‐MS) method. The accurate mass measurements resulted in only one proposed elemental composition for all tested compounds, using reasonable elemental limits and mass tolerance for the calculation. Moreover, all the experimentally determined accurate mass measurements gave satisfactory results in terms of accuracy (lower than 5 ppm). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A multiresidue method for the determination of 109 pesticides in rice using the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) sample preparation method and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with temperature control and vacuum concentration
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Dong , Lee Byung Soo , Lee Bo Reum , Lee Dae Myung , Lee Gae‐Ho
Published: August 2007

A rapid, specific and sensitive multiresidue method based on the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) sample preparation method and gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection by selected ion monitoring (GC/MS‐SIM) has been developed for the routine analysis of 109 pesticides in rice. The method uses one quantification ion and two identification ions. Temperature control during sample preparation helps improve the recovery of thermally labile pesticides such as captan. The method was validated by the analysis of samples spiked at 0.025–0.150 mg/kg in rice matrix. The recoveries of all pesticides were between 80% and 115% with a relative standard deviation of less than 15%. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) for most compounds met the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides in rice in Korea. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cultural care and Indian elders: Hindu spiritual life in the Ashram
Authors: West Bernice J.M. , Lyon Michael H.
Published: August 2007

In contemporary India family structures have shrunk from an extended, or joint, family to a small or nuclear family. This modern residential structure typically contains a two‐generational household – and represents a much less complete world with truncated supports. Despite Indian high principles about parental care, the family system increasingly cannot cope with the needs of elderly ‘retired’ parents. As the family has diminished so the ashram has become more important for support in older age. This paper aims to bring together these two strands of rising concern: the problems of ageing and the solutions offered by ashrams. This thematic connection, with its spiritual challenges and answers, is studied in respect of the experiences of Indian elders and the meaning of their lives, both previously and currently, within the context of available support, inside two ashrams. The holistic completeness of care seems to be particularly beneficial to elders: in the religious roundedness of concern for all of the aspects of social health, and capability of ensuring that support is total – embracing the round of daily activities, yet dividing the service work of catering and carrying, of care and conversing so well that everyone has an occupational niche, feels like a community participant and takes pride in his/her contribution to the common welfare and spiritual fulfilment of the ashram. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spirituality: its starring role in recovery from addiction
Authors: Marie Victoria
Published: August 2007

The recovery experiences of professionals and volunteers in the alcohol and drug addiction recovery field serve as a glimpse of the role spirituality played in transforming them from substance abusers into abstainers from their drug of choice. Study participants include former addicts who now serve as outreach workers, mentors, peer and professional counsellors to people with addictions. The paths and forms of spirituality are varied and, for some, changing but from the participants' experiences two aspects of spirituality emerge. The first is the notion of community, which the author calls ‘we‐ness’. The second aspect is the desire to be of service. This paper presents the participants' definitions of spirituality. It also describes how, for the participants, spirituality serves as a catalyst for compassionate service to people still in active addiction. Correspondingly, one's own abstinence from drugs and alcohol is cultivated and maintained by helping others. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epiphanies: Writing for compassion
Authors: Maultsaid Deirdre
Published: August 2007

Interest grows in the concepts and applications of narrative medicine. Medical practitioners and healthcare educators can use stories to describe experiences. When practitioners and educators use the principles of creative writing – plot, imagery, character, sensations – they are listening differently and expressing their understanding in narrative form. When practitioners and educators describe experiences in these ways, they are more likely to see the ethical dilemmas, and feel compassion for others. When patients write of their experiences in narrative ways, as some samples here show, they may feel that their lives have meaning. Narrative helps make communication transformative between the practitioner and patient. Narrative can inspire us to better medicine. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why is this happening to me? Illness beliefs held by haredi Jewish breast cancer patients: an exploratory study
Authors: Coleman Kate , Koffman Jonathan , Daniels Charles
Published: August 2007

Cultural factors influence how cancer patients interpret their illness. This paper explores the meanings haredi (strictly orthodox) Jewish breast cancer patients give to their illness. In‐depth interviews were conducted with five haredi breast cancer patients. The full transcripts were subjected to interpretive phenomenological analysis. Participants' interpretations of their cancer were strongly influenced by their religious beliefs. Two interwoven themes emerged: the cancer came from God as part of a meaningful plan; the disease was a test. The implications these beliefs may have for healthcare behaviour in this group are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sourcing practices and boundaries of the firm in the financial services industry
Authors: Safizadeh M. Hossein , Field Joy M. , Ritzman Larry P.
Published: August 2007

We investigate sourcing decisions related to the back‐office operations of 108 processes used by financial services companies. Guided by the arguments of transaction cost economics and the resource‐based and knowledge‐based view of organizations, we hypothesize that service customization and volume represent two key drivers of a service company's sourcing decisions. The inherent uncertainty of service customization gives rise to the transaction cost risks of opportunism and holdups and thus favors insourcing. Moreover, the competency gained from performing high‐volume back‐office operations aligns with the tenets of the resource‐based view, which also favors insourcing. The empirical results corroborate these theoretical expectations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.