bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composition and structure of the parasite faunas of cod, Gadus morhua L. (Teleostei: Gadidae), in the North East Atlantic
Authors: Perdiguero-Alonso Diana , Montero Francisco E , Raga Juan Antonio , Kostadinova Aneta
Published: July 2008

Background

Although numerous studies on parasites of the Atlantic cod,Gadus morhuaL. have been conducted in the North Atlantic, comparative analyses on local cod parasite faunas are virtually lacking. The present study is based on examination of large samples of cod from six geographical areas of the North East Atlantic which yielded abundant baseline data on parasite distribution and abundance.

Materials and Methods

A total of 826 fish was sampled in the Baltic, Celtic, Irish and North seas, Icelandic waters and Trondheimsfjord (Norway) in 2002 (spring and autumn) and 2003 (spring). The gills and internal organs (oesophagus, stomach, intestine, pyloric caeca, liver, heart, spleen, gall bladder and gonads) were examined for macroparasites following a standardised protocol. The taxonomic consistency of the identification was ensured thorough the entire study.

Results

We discuss some problems in parasite identification, outline the composition of the parasite faunas in cod in the six North East Atlantic regions, provide novel data on parasite prevalence and abundance and a comparative assessment of the structure of the regional parasite faunas with respect to the higher-level taxonomic groupings, host specificity and zoogeographical distribution of the parasites. Altogether 57 different parasite forms were found including seven new host records (Diclidophora merlangi,Rhipidocotylesp.,Fellodistomumsp.,Steringotremasp.,Cucullanussp.,Spinitectussp., andChondracanthus ornatus). The predominant groups of cod parasites were trematodes (19 species) and nematodes (13 species) including larval anisakids which comprised 58.2% of the total number of individuals.

Conclusion

Our study reveals relatively rich regional parasite faunas in cod from the North East Atlantic which are dominated by generalist parasites with Arcto-Boreal distribution. Further, it provides more detailed data on the distribution in the North East Atlantic of the majority of cod parasites which may serve as baselines for future studies on the effect of climate change. Based on the faunal comparisons, predictions can be made in relation to the structure and diversity of the parasite communities in the North East Atlantic regions studied.
Visual colour rendering based on colour difference evaluations
Authors: Sándor N , Schanda J
Published: July 2008

The colour rendering index was introduced at a time when a second generation of fluorescent lamps was being brought onto the market. Today a new generation of light sources based on LED technology is becoming available, so it is opportune to consider whether the colour rendering index is applicable to these relatively new sources. In the present work a series of visual colour rendering investigations are described and their correlation with the current method of calculating colour rendering index as well as with possible updates of the calculation method is evaluated. Visual experiments have shown that the CIE Test Method is not a good predictor of visual perception. A method based on calculating colour differences using the CIECAM02 colour appearance model provides better correlation between visual and calculated colour rendering values.
Potential visibility gains on straight and curved roads from proportional increases in low-beam headlamp intensities
Authors: Sivak M , Schoettle B , Minoda T , Flannagan M J
Published: July 2008

This simulation study examined the effects of proportional increases in light output throughout the entire headlamp beam pattern on visibility. The baseline beam pattern was a median market-weighted US tungsten halogen low-beam pattern. Ten derived beam patterns were obtained by multiplying each point in the baseline beam pattern by a constant that ranged from 1.1 to 2.0, in increments of 0.1. Finally, for comparison, we also used the median market-weighted US high-beam pattern. Visibility changes were estimated by calculating the change in the reach of a 3-lux line 0.25 m above the road surface, for both straight and curved roadways. The results indicate that substantial gains in visibility on straight roadways require an increase of about 50% in the overall light output of low beams. On curves, obtaining a substantial gain in visibility in several lateral positions would require significantly greater increase in light output. These results provide an enhanced baseline against which to compare other potential improvements in low-beam visibility, including more localized changes in static beam patterns and adaptive headlighting systems.
Chromosomal Rearrangements and Novel Genes in Disorders of Eye Development, Cataract and Glaucoma
Authors: Mihelec Marija , St Heaps Luke , Flaherty Maree , Billson Frank , Rudduck Christina , Tam Patrick P. L. , Grigg John R. , Peters Greg B. , Jamieson Robyn V.
Published: July 2008

Disorders of eye development such as microphthalmia and anophthalmia (small and absent eyes respectively), anterior segment dysgenesis where there may be pupillary and iris anomalies, and associated cataract and glaucoma, often lead to visual impairment or blindness. Currently treatment options are limited, as much is unknown about the molecular pathways that control normal eye development and induce the aberrant processes that lead to ocular defects. Mutation detection rates in most of the known genes are generally low, emphasizing the genetic heterogeneity of developmental ocular defects. Identification of the disease genes in these conditions improves the clinical information available for affected individuals and families, and provides new insights into the underlying biological processes for facilitation of better treatment options. Investigation of chromosomal rearrangements associated with an ocular phenotype has been especially powerful for disease gene identification. Molecular characterization of such rearrangements, which pinpoints the region by physically disrupting the causative gene or its regulatory sequences, allows for rapid elucidation of underlying genetic factors that contribute to the phenotype. Genes includingPAX6, PITX2, FOXC1, MAF, TMEM114, SOX2, OTX2andBMP4have been identified in this way to be associated with developmental eye disorders. More recently, new methods in chromosomal analysis such as comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) microarray, have also enhanced our ability in disease gene identification.
Prozessdiagnose und Monitoring feldbusbasierter Automatisierungsanlagen mittels selbstorganisierender Karten und Watershed-Transformation (Process Diagnosis and Monitoring of Field Bus based Automation Systems Using Self-Organising Maps and Watershed Transformations)
Authors: Frey Christian W.
Published: July 2008

Die Überprüfung der korrekten Funktionalität, die Fehlersuche, das frühzeitige Erkennen von drohenden Komponentenausfällen und insbesondere die Diagnose und das Monitoring des zugrunde liegenden physikalischen Prozesses sind von entscheidender Bedeutung für das wirtschaftliche Betreiben komplexer Automatisierungsprozesse. Am Fraunhofer-Institut IITB wurde ein Softwareagenten basiertes Diagnosekonzept für feldbusbasierte Automatisierungsanlagen entwickelt, welches eine permanente und ganzheitliche Diagnose auf Kommunikationsebene wie auch auf physikalischer Prozessebene ermöglicht. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird zunächst das entwickelte hierarchische Diagnosekonzept erläutert sowie die Vorgehensweise zur modellbasierten Diagnose des zugrunde liegenden unbekannten Prozessverhaltens basierend auf Methoden des maschinellen Lernens.
SMS-EMOA – Effektive evolutionäre Mehrzieloptimierung (SMS-EMOA – Effective Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization)
Authors: Beume Nicola , Naujoks Boris , Rudolph Günter
Published: July 2008

Bei der mehrkriteriellen Pareto-Optimierung wird zu konfliktären Anforderungen eine Menge von Kompromisslösungen gesucht, die die bestmöglichen Lösungen approximieren. Evolutionäre Algorithmen haben sich hierbei als effektive und robuste Verfahren bewährt. Die Güte einer Approximation lässt sich durch das von ihr dominierte Hypervolumen im Zielraum, der sogenannten S-Metrik, quantifizieren. Die Maximierung der S-Metrik ist also ein erstrebenswertes Ziel und gleichzeitig eine adäquate einkriterielle Ersatzzielfunktion. Ein evolutionärer Algorithmus setzt diese innerhalb der Selektion ein und erreicht dadurch hervorragende Ergebnismengen. Wir zeigen anhand von Benchmarkproblemen und realen Anwendungen aus der Flugzeugtechnik und anderen Industriezweigen, dass dieser Algorithmus außerordentlich effektiv ist. Dies zeigt sich insbesondere für den Fall, dass mehr als drei Ziele zu optimieren sind, weil dann andere populäre mehrkriterielle evolutionäre Algorithmen versagen.
Data-Mining-Analysen mit der Matlab-Toolbox Gait-CAD (Data Mining Analyses with the Matlab Toolbox Gait-CAD)
Authors: Burmeister Ole , Reischl Markus , Bretthauer Georg , Mikut Ralf
Published: July 2008

Mit der umfassenden Aufzeichnung von Prozessdaten gewinnen Data-Mining-Algorithmen zunehmend an Bedeutung, um unbekannte oder nur teilweise bekannte strukturelle Zusammenhänge aus großen Datenmengen zu extrahieren. Allerdings fehlt bislang insbesondere für Zeitreihen eine einheitliche und komfortable Entwicklungs- und Anwendungsplattform, was einen Variantenvergleich verschiedener Verfahren und eine interaktive Arbeitsweise erschwert. Dieser Beitrag stellt die frei verfügbare Matlab-Toolbox Gait-CAD vor, die sich als offene Plattform für methodische Weiterentwicklungen und zur Spezifikation von Data-Mining-Algorithmen für verschiedene Anwendungsfelder eignet.
“America's Chinese”: Anti-Communism, Citizenship, and Cultural Diplomacy during the Cold War
Authors: Wu Ellen D.
Published: July 2008

With the onset of the Cold War, the federal government became concerned with the impact that the status and treatment of Chinese Americans as a racial minority in American society had on perceptions of the United States among populations in the Asian Pacific. As a response, the State Department's cultural diplomacy campaigns targeting the Pacific Rim used Chinese Americans, including Betty Lee Sung (writer for the Voice of America) and Jade Snow Wong and Dong Kingman (artists who conducted lectures and exhibitions throughout Asia). By doing so, the government legitimated Chinese Americans' long-standing claims to full citizenship in new and powerful ways. But the terms on which Chinese Americans served as representatives of the nation and the state—as racial minorities and as “Overseas Chinese”—also worked to reproduce their racial otherness and mark them as “non-white” and foreign, thus compromising their gains in social standing.
Authority 3.0: Friend or Foe to Scholars?
Authors: Jensen Michael
Published: July 2008

This essay first appeared in The Chronicle of Higher Education on 15 June 2007 and is reprinted, with minor changes, by permission.
Musings on Disciplinary Morphology and Nomenclature in the Humanities and Social Sciences: Implications for Book Selection
Authors: Hérubel Jean-Pierre V.M.
Published: July 2008

Scholarly publication reflects disciplinary orientation, so much so that publishers and library collections personnel use disciplinary nomenclature as referent. University press publications, as well as other serious academic publication venues, may reflect disciplinary nomenclature, if not alignment with those disciplines featured in the AAUP Directory. Using the Directory's discipline and publisher grid for 2007, the article discusses disciplinary nomenclature with the idea of proposing a model or perspective that illuminates the nuances and organic nature of knowledge not easily captured by disciplinary nomenclature. Commonly accepted currency in the academic enterprise, disciplinary nomenclature may be best seen as an organically foundational approach to knowledge discovery and generation and, ultimately, as situated within scholarly communication venues. As knowledge is organic in nature, it may best be seen through the morphology of disciplinary formation and ecology, permitting nuances to emerge as organic formations and intellectual contours. This useful and flexible definitional approach to disciplinarities – subdisciplinarity as well as multi-disciplinarity, interdisciplinarity, and trans-disciplinarity – permits scholars, publishers, and librarians a perspective subtle enough to consider an intellectual cartography that includes the organic nature of scholarship as well as the publication of that knowledge. Such fields as American studies, Middle Eastern studies, and urban studies offer additional perspective when confronted with disciplinary nomenclature. Without disparaging the received wisdom and attribution commonly ascribed to disciplinary nomenclature as used by researchers, publishers, and librarians, the scholarly communication system requires additional perspective, especially where nomenclature is concerned.
Complications in a contemporary series of patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease
Authors: Semple Patrick L. , Laws Edward R.
Published: July 2008

Object

Transsphenoidal surgery is the usual treatment of choice for adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas associated with Cushing's disease. In this paper the authors investigate the complications of transsphenoidal surgery in the treatment of a contemporary series of patients with Cushing's disease.

Methods

Between January 1992 and December 1997, 105 patients with Cushing's disease underwent transsphenoidal surgery at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center. A retrospective analysis of the complications was conducted, and the mortality rate was found to be 0.9% and permanent morbidity was 1.8%. The overall number of complications was 14 (13.3%), which included seven complications directly related to surgery; one instance of permanent diabetes insipidus; one syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone; and five medical complications (four patients developed deep vein thrombosis and one developed pneumonia).

Conclusions

Transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease has a higher complication rate than that for pituitary adenomas in general. This is primarily related to a greater number of medical complications, most notably deep vein thrombosis, resulting from the generally debilitated state of most patients with Cushing's disease. In view of the high incidence of deep vein thrombosis in these patients, prophylaxis for thromboembolism during the perioperative period is recommended.
The dysmorphic cervical spine in Klippel-Feil syndrome: interpretations from developmental biology
Authors: David Karoly M. , Thorogood Peter V. , Stevens John M. , Crockard H. Alan
Published: July 2008

The authors conducted a study to identify radiological patterns of Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS), and they present a new interpretation of the origin of these patterns based on recent advances in understanding of embryonic development of the spine and its molecular genetic control.

The authors studied radiographs and computerized tomography (CT) scans as well as magnetic resonance images or CT myelograms obtained in 30 patients with KFS who were referred for treatment between 1982 and 1996; the patients had complained of various neuroorthopedic complications. Homeotic transformation due to mutations or disturbed expression of Hox genes is a possible mechanism responsible for C-1 assimilation, which was found to have occurred in 19 cases (63%). Notochordal defects and/or signaling problems, which result in reduced or impaired Pax-1 gene expression, may underlie vertebral fusions. This, together with asymmetrical distribution of paraxial mesoderm cells and a possible lack of communication across the embryonic midline, could cause asymmetrical fusion patterns, which were present in 17 cases (57%). The wide and flattened shape of the fused vertebral bodies and their resemblance to the embryonic cartilaginous vertebrae as well as the process of progressive bone fusion with age suggest that the fusions occur before or, at the latest, during chondrification of vertebrae.

The authors suggest that the aforementioned mechanisms are likely to be, at least in part, responsible for the observed patterns in KFS that affect the craniovertebral junction and the cervical spine.
Pathogenesis, dynamics, and management of os odontoideum
Authors: Menezes Arnold H.
Published: July 2008

Os odontoideum is an uncommon craniovertebral junction (CVJ) abnormality that exists as a separate ossicle apart from a hypoplastic dens. It usually moves with the clivus or the anterior arch of C-1 (dystopic) or rarely with the dens (orthotopic). Its genesis and natural history have been debated, and its proper treatment remains uncertain.

Two hundred and sixty patients, with symptomatic os odontoideum, were evaluated by the author over a 20-year period; the author performed surgery in 134 of these patients. In a prospective study the author evaluated the early childhood history of trauma, the dynamic studies of motion, and the effects of traction by using pleuridirectional tomography, computerized tomography (CT), CT myelography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Operative findings were documented.

Early childhood trauma to the CVJ was recorded in 74 patients, in 30 of whom normal odontoid processes were documented at initial examination prior to the patient reaching age 4 years.

Acute neurological deterioration following trauma occurred in 63 of 134 patients. Symptoms were insidious in 71 of 134 patients. In six patients, who presented with acute neurological deterioration after trauma and in whom an abnormal spinal cord signal in the cervicomedullary junction was demonstrated on MR imaging, normal CVJ motion dynamics were shown. Motion dynamics varied and were unique to each patient. Irreducible ventral CVJ disease causing cervicomedullary compromise occurred in 28 patients in whom a transpharyngeal ventral decompressive procedure was necessitated. During the transoral operation, the transverse portion of the cruciate ligament was found to be located anterior to the axis body. All patients required dorsal CVJ arthrodesis, which, in 46, was limited to the C1-2 segment. Instability at the C1-2 joints was always multidirectional, as demonstrated on preoperative neuroimaging studies as well as at operation.

Sixteen patients presented after completed primary C1-2 dorsal fusion and with worsening deficits. They improved when the range of the fusion was extended to the occiput or if the ventrally located lesion was excised.

Os odontoideum is associated with early childhood trauma and is an acquired phenomenon. The presence of abnormal motion dynamics necessitates surgical intervention as do associated neurological deficits. Asymptomatic patients in whom os odontoideum is incidentally discovered and in whom no abnormal motion dynamics are demonstrated should be followed closely.
Instability of the craniovertebral junction and treatment outcomes in patients with Down's syndrome
Authors: Taggard Derek A. , Menezes Arnold H. , Ryken Timothy C.
Published: July 2008

Operative intervention for the treatment of instability at the craniovertebral junction in patients with Down's syndrome has become somewhat controversial because some authors have reported high surgery-related complication rates and suggested that the incidence of neurological abnormality associated with this abnormal motion may be low. In this report, the authors describe the clinical and radiographic findings in 33 patients treated at their institution. Common presenting symptoms included neck pain (14 patients), torticollis (12 patients), and myelopathy manifested as hyperreflexia (21 patients), or varying degrees of quadriparesis (11 patients). Four patients suffered acute neurological insults, two after receiving routine general anesthetics for minor surgical procedures and two other patients following minor falls. Atlantoaxial instability was the most common abnormality documented on radiography (22 patients). Atlantooccipital instability (15 patients) was also frequently observed and was coexistent with the presence of atlantoaxial luxations in 14 patients. A rotary component of the atlantoaxial luxation was present in 13 cases. In 17 patients bony anomalies were present, the most frequent of which was os odontoideum (10 patients). Twenty-four patients underwent operative intervention, and successful fusion was achieved in 23. In six of nine patients with basilar invagination, reduction was achieved with preoperative traction and thus avoided the need for ventral decompressive procedures. There were no cases of postoperative deterioration, and 22 patients made excellent or good recoveries. The results of this series highlight the clinicopathological phenomena of craniovertebral instability in patients with Down's syndrome and suggest that satisfactory outcomes can be achieved with a low rate of surgical morbidity.
Comprehensive approach to Chiari malformation in pediatric patients
Authors: Greenlee Jeremy , Garell P. Charles , Stence Nicholas , Menezes Arnold H.
Published: July 2008

Chiari malformation is a developmental disorder that is often associated with other abnormalities of the cerebrospinal axis. Despite widespread recognition of this association, there is relatively little information on the treatment of these coexisting disorders in the setting of cerebellar tonsillar ectopia. In an effort to improve the care provided to pediatric patients with Chiari malformations the authors reviewed their management practices over the last 20 years. Specifically, they recorded presenting symptoms, radiological studies, comorbidities, and management (surgical and nonsurgical) of 112 patients (all < 20 years of age) with Chiari malformation without myelodysplasia.

They found an associated syrinx in 29% of patients, basilar invagination in 17%, and scoliosis in 14%. The basal angle varied from 120 to 190° and Boogard's angle varied from 120 to 220°; both angles were larger than those measured in normal controls. The vertical height of the posterior fossa was shortened and the volume decreased as compared with normal controls.

The surgical management of this group of patients included posterior decompressive (44%), combined transoral and posterior decompressive (31%), combined posterior decompressive and posterior fusion (8%), and multiple posterior decompressive procedures in the same patient (5%).

The authors conclude that pediatric patients with a Chiari malformation should be specifically examined for evidence of additional craniovertebral malformations so that procedures are directed at correcting both the comorbidities and the herniation of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum.
The anatomical suitability of C1-2 transarticular screw placement in pediatric patients
Authors: Brockmeyer Douglas L. , York Julie E. , Apfelbaum Ronald I.
Published: July 2008

Craniovertebral instability is a challenging problem in pediatric spinal surgery. Recently, C1-2 transarticular screw fixation in pediatric patients has been used to assist in the stabilization of the craniovertebral joint. Currently there are no data that define the anatomical suitability of this technique in the pediatric population. The authors report their experience in 32 pediatric patients in whom craniovertebral instability was treated by placement of C1-2 transarticular screws.

From March 1991 to October 1998, 32 patients 16 years of age or younger with atlantooccipital, or atlantoaxial instability, or both were evaluated at our institution. There were 22 boys and 10 girls. Their ages ranged from 4 to 16 years (mean age 10.2 years). The most common causes of instability were os odontoideum (12 patients) and ligamentous laxity (nine patients). Six patients had undergone a total of nine previous attempts at posterior fusion at outside institutions.

All patients underwent extensive preoperative radiological evaluation including thin cut (1-mm) computerized tomography scanning with multiplanar reconstruction to evaluate the C1-2 joint space anatomy. Of the 64 possible C1-2 joint spaces in 32 patients, 55 sides (86%) were considered suitable for transarticular screw placement preoperatively. In three patients the C1-2 joint space anatomy was considered unsuitable for screw placement bilaterally. In three patients the anatomy was considered inadequate on one side. Fifty-five C1-2 transarticular screws were subsequently placed, with no resulting neurological or vascular complications. We conclude that C1-2 transarticular screw fixation is technically possible in a large proportion of pediatric patients with craniovertebral instability.
Microbial Transformation of Metals and Metalloids
Authors: Raab Andrea , Feldmann Jörg
Published: July 2008

Throughout evolution, microbes have developed the ability to live in nearly every environmental condition on earth. They can grow with or without oxygen or light. Microbes can dissolve or precipitate ores and are able to yield energy from the reduction/oxidation of metal ions. Their metabolism depends on the availability of metal ions in essential amounts and protects itself from toxic amounts of metals by detoxification processes. Metals are metabolised to metallorgano-compounds, bound to proteins or used as catalytic centres of enzymes in biological reactions. Microbes, as every other cell, have developed a whole range of mechanisms for the uptake and excretion of metals and their metabolised compounds. The diversity of microbial metabolism can be illustrated by the fact that certain microbes can be found living on arsenate, which is considered a highly toxic metal for most other forms of live.
Cranial cruciate ligament repair in dogs with and without meniscal lesions treated by different minimally invasive methods
Authors: Fehr M. , Ertelt J.
Published: July 2008

The goal of this study was to evaluate different minimally invasive surgical options as therapy for cranial cruciate ligament rupture and resulting meniscal injuries. In this study, 81 stifle joints of dogs with complete or partial rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament were treated with minimally invasive surgery at the Small Animal Clinic of the University of Veterinary Medicine in Hannover. The patients were divided into three groups depending on intraoperative diagnosis and the surgical technique applied. The dogs in group I (n = 26) had an isolated rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCLR), while those in groups II (n = 26) and III (n = 29) also had an injury of the medial meniscus. Re-section of the damaged meniscal part was performed by arthroscopically guided partial meniscectomy (AGPM) on the dogs in group II, while minimally invasive medial arthrotomy (MIMA) was used on the dogs of group III. All of the stifles were stabilized with a modified lateral imbrication technique using a braided, synthetic, absorbable suture material (Panacryl®). Six months after surgery 76.5% of all patients were examined clinically and 74.1% radiographically for evaluation of the success of the different treatment techniques. At this examination, there were no signs of lameness in 42.1% of group I (CCLR), 65.0% of group II (AGPM) and 87.0% of group III (MIMA). Upon palpation, 75.8% of these stifle joints were found to be stable. Radiographic evaluations did not show any indication of progression of gonarthrosis in 73.3% of all stifle joints examined here.
A Sequential Assignment Procedure for Proteins that have Intermediate Line Widths in MAS NMR Spectra: Amyloid Fibrils of Human CA150.WW2
Authors: Becker Johanna , Ferguson Neil , Flinders Jeremy , van Rossum Barth‐Jan , Fersht Alan R. , Oschkinat Hartmut
Published: July 2008

The second WW domain (WW2) of CA150, a human transcriptional activator, forms amyloid fibrils in vitro under physiological conditions. Based on experimental constraints from MAS NMR spectroscopy experiments, alanine scanning and electron microscopy, a structural model of CA150.WW2 amyloid fibrils was calculated earlier. Here, the assignment strategy is presented and suggested as a general approach for proteins that show intermediate line width. The 13C,13C correlation experiments were recorded on fully or partially 13C‐labelled fibrils. The earlier 13C assignment (26 residues) was extended to 34 of the 40 residues by direct 13C‐excitation experiments by using a deuterated sample that showed strongly improved line width. A 3D HNC‐TEDOR (transferred‐echo double‐resonance) experiment with deuterated CA150.WW2 fibrils yielded 14 amide nitrogen and proton resonance assignments. The obtained chemical shifts were compared with the chemical shifts determined with the natively folded WW domain. TALOS (Torsion angle likelihood obtained from shift and sequence similarity) predictions confirmed that, under physiological conditions, the fibrillar form of CA150.WW2 adopts a significantly different β structure than the native WW‐domain fold.
A New Catalytic Route to Boryl‐ and Borylsilyl‐Substituted Buta‐1,3‐dienes
Authors: Walkowiak Jȩdrzej , Jankowska‐Wajda Magdalena , Marciniec Bogdan
Published: July 2008

Vinyl‐substituted boronates in the presence of complexes containing RuH bonds (preferably [Ru(CO)ClH(PCy3)2], Cy: cyclohexyl) react regioselectively with terminal ethynes (involving silylethynes), albeit with the exception of phenylacetylene, to produce boryl‐ and borylsilyl‐substituted buta‐1,3‐dienes with a preference for E,E‐diene. The reaction opens a new catalytic route for the preparation of dienylboronates, and particularly dienylsilylboronates, that are functionalised building blocks in the synthesis of organic and natural products. The mechanism of this new reaction was proved to involve an insertion of alkyne into RuH bonds followed by an insertion of coordinated vinyl boronate into the RuC bond and β‐hydrogen transfer to the metal to eliminate boryldiene or borylsilyldiene.
Aptamers and molecularly imprinted polymers as artificial biomimetic receptors in affinity capillary electrophoresis and electrochromatography
Authors: Giovannoli Cristina , Baggiani Claudio , Anfossi Laura , Giraudi Gianfranco
Published: July 2008

Artificial biomimetic receptors, such as aptamers and molecular‐imprinted polymers, show antibody‐like properties which are due to molecular recognition phenomena characterized by high affinity and selectivity. These binding features have made them suitable in all those application fields in which selective recognition is required. Thus, it is not surprising that they are finding applications in affinity CE as well. Recently, a variety of ACE methods have shown themselves to be suitable tools to provide a detailed quantitative characterization of the thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of binding. At the same time, affinity CE can exploit the peculiarities of these binding interactions to set up CE‐based analytical tools for the separation and the determination of specific target molecules in microscale formats. This review will provide a detailed description of affinity CE methods recently reported in the literature and related to these topics.
Clinical evaluation of a membrane‐based voice‐producing element for laryngectomized women
Authors: Tack Johannes W. , Qiu Qingjun , Schutte Harm K. , Kooijman Piet G. C. , Meeuwis Cees A. , van der Houwen Eduard B. , Mahieu Hans F. , Verkerke Gijsbertus J.
Published: July 2008

Background.

A newly developed artificial voice source was clinically evaluated in laryngectomized women for voice quality improvements. The prosthesis was placed in a commercially available, tracheoesophageal shunt valve.

Methods.

In 17 subjects, voice‐producing element (VPE) prototypes were compared with the subject's regular tracheo‐esophageal shunt voice in a randomized cross‐over trial. The evaluation was based on aeroacoustic measurements and perceptual analysis.

Results.

Considerably higher fundamental frequencies were attained with the use of the VPE. The sound pressure level also increased for most subjects. The required driving pressures of the lung and air flow rates were altered, allowing significantly longer phonation times in 1 breath. Accumulation of mucus did not interfere with the proper functioning of the device during these tests.

Conclusion.

A VPE with sound‐generating membranes is suitable for providing a substitute voice source for laryngectomized patients, especially patients suggestive of a severely hypotonic or atonic pharyngoesophageal segment who can benefit from a more melodious and louder voice. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008
Influence of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) on growth and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Wei Xing , Hu Ya‐Jun , Xie Wen‐Peng , Lin Ruo‐Ling , Chen Guo‐Qiang
Published: July 2008

As a new member of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) family, the novel polyester poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (P(3HB‐4HB‐3HHx)) was produced by recombinant Aeromonas hydrophila 4AK4 and used for the first time to test its biocompatibility. It was shown that P(3HB‐4HB‐3HHx) had higher hydrophobicity, surface energy, and rougher surface than the well‐studied polymers poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx). Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) attached better on P(3HB‐4HB‐3HHx) film than on tissue culture plates (TCPs), PLA film, and PHBHHx film. MSC proliferation on P(3HB‐4HB‐3HHx) film was 126% higher than that on TCPs, 84% higher than that on PHBHHx film, and 312% higher than that on PLA film (p < 0.01). P(3HB‐4HB‐3HHx) also supported osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Previous studies found that all PHA materials tested were either less than or equal to TCPs for supporting cell growth. Among all PHA materials tested, P(3HB‐4HB‐3HHx) was the only PHA material to significantly promote cell proliferation compared with TCPs. P(3HB‐4HB‐3HHx) could be exploited for applications in bone tissue engineering. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2008
Best practices in community‐based prevention for youth substance reduction: towards strengths‐based positive development policy
Authors: Cheon Jeong Woong
Published: July 2008

Substance use among youth remains a major public health and safety concern. One fundamental way to address youth substance use prevention is to keep young people on a positive trajectory by engaging them in positive activities from early years of their childhood. In this article, the author offers a best practice analysis of systematic review about 12 selected community‐based preventions, and proposes policy changes towards incorporating a strengths perspective. A substantive, methodological, and value‐based critical analysis of the strongly effective preventions was conducted. A strengths‐based positive youth development perspective is specified as one feasible needed improvement and subsequent policy changes in the school district as well as in the local, state, and federal levels are proposed along with the suggestion of a mandated community youth participation strategy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
QSPR study on GC relative retention time of organic pesticides on different chromatographic columns
Authors: Hu Ruzhu , Yin Chunsheng , Wang Yang , Lu Chunhui , Ge Tiefei
Published: July 2008

In the present study, Lu index and distance‐based atom type topological index (DAI) previously developed in our team, were introduced and combined with molecular electronegativity χep to characterize quantitative structure‐property relationship of GC relative retention time (RRT) for several types of structurally diverse organic pesticides on the four kinds of chromatographic columns. Using multiple linear regression technique, four several‐variable models are obtained with the estimations correlation coefficient (R2) being between 0.9655 and 0.9285, and the correlation coefficient (R2cv) in the leave‐one‐out cross‐validation procedure are between 0.9560 and 0.9143, respectively. The results in this study indicate that the three topological indices Lu index, DAI, and molecular electronegativity χep can predict the gas chromatographic RRT of organic pesticides with diverse hetero‐atoms.
Tailoring orthogonal proteomic routines to understand protein separation during ion exchange chromatography
Authors: Cabrera Rosa , Zhelyazkova Petya , Galvis Leonardo , Fernandez‐Lahore Marcelo
Published: July 2008

Surface charge, molecular weight, and folding state are known to influence protein chromatographic behaviour onto ion exchangers. Experimentally, information related to such factors can be gathered via 2‐DE methods. The application of 2‐D PAGE under denaturing/reducing conditions was already shown to reveal separation trends within a large protein population from cell extracts. However, ion‐exchange chromatography normally runs under native conditions. A tailored protocol consisting in a first separation based on IEF on ImmobilineTM strips under native conditions followed by a second dimension SDS‐PAGE run was adopted. The chromatographic versus electrophoretic separation behaviours of two model proteins, thaumatin (TAU) and BSA, were compared to better understand which proteomic routine would be better suited to anticipate IEX chromatographic separations. It was observed that the information contained in the pI value obtained with the adapted 2‐DE protocol showed better correlation with the IEX chromatographic behaviour. On the other hand, chromatographic separations performed in the presence of urea as a denaturant have demonstrated the potential influence of hydrodynamic radius/conformation on protein separation. Moreover, the information provided by such 2‐D system correlated well with the chromatographic behaviour of an additional set of pure proteins. An initial prediction of protein ion‐exchange chromatographic behaviour could be possible utilizing an experimental approach based on 2‐DE running under milder chemical conditions. This technique provides information that more closely resembles the separation behaviour observed with a complex biotechnological feedstock.
Evaluation of the coupling between ultra performance liquid chromatography and evaporative light scattering detector for selected phytochemical applications
Authors: Russo Rossana , Guillarme Davy , Rudaz Serge , Bicchi Carlo , Veuthey Jean‐Luc
Published: July 2008

Fast analysis in LC can be performed with sub‐2 μm particles at very high pressures (up to 1000 bar) known as ultra performance LC (UPLC). With this configuration, it is possible to obtain fast and/or highly efficient separations compared to conventional LC. For the analysis of compounds without chromophores, the evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) is an attractive alternative because of its quasi‐universality, versatility, low‐cost and good sensitivity. The UPLC–ELSD was investigated in terms of sensitivity and apparent efficiency, with a conventional ELSD instrument, for two types of commercially available nebulisers, using different mobile phase flow rates and column ids. Results were finally compared with the UPLC–UV configuration. Three applications with phytochemical compounds were selected to highlight the potential of this approach (i.e. the isocratic separations of artemisinin and its derivatives, of calystegines and the gradient separation of several tropane alkaloids). Depending on the used column length, baseline separations were obtained in 3–10 min, with an average apparent efficiency ranging from 7000 to 30 000 plates.
Regioregular Phenyl and Phenoxy Substituted Polythiophenes for Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Ouhib F. , Dupuis G. , Hiorns R.C. , Khoukh A. , Bailly S. , Martinez H. , de Bettignies R. , Desbrières J. , Dagron‐Lartigau C.
Published: July 2008

Summary: Poly[3‐(4‐octylphenyl) thiophene] (POPT) and poly[3‐(4‐octylphenoxy) thiophene] (POPOT) with high head‐to‐tail regioregularities have been synthesised and photovoltaic properties have been investigated. POPT‐blend‐PCBM exhibits an interesting behaviour in bulk heterojunction whereas POPOT presents poor photovoltaic performances. UV‐visible absorption and AFM images of the blends are presented to explain these results.
Comparison of Operating Mechanisms for the Poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) Based Non‐Volatile Memory Devices
Authors: Choi Jin‐Sik , Suh Dong Hack
Published: July 2008

Summary: The organic non‐volatile memory devices (NVMs) based on poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK) with the different structures and compositions were fabricated and evaluated. The resistance states in the devices were controlled by the external electric field and exhibited the distinctive properties; the device with a single PVK layer was a write‐once read‐many‐times memory by the field induced filament as a conduction path and its memory properties depended on the PVK thickness, the PVK/Al/PVK structured device was operated by a space charge limited current model and was sensitive to preparing condition of the internal Al layer, and the device performances with the PVK based charge transfer complex depended on the composition of the CT materials and the surface condition of the bottom electrode.
Polymer Composites with Plasmonic Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Dammer Ondřej , Vlčková Blanka , Podhájecká Klára , Procházka Marek , Pfleger Jiří
Published: July 2008

Summary: A two‐phase method has been adapted for the preparation of polymer composites consisting of regioregular poly(3‐octylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) and Au or Ag nanoparticles. This work compares optical and morphological properties of nanocomposites formed by mixing metal organosols and polymer solution (type I composites) with nanocomposites formed by in‐situ reduction in polymer solutions (type II composites). Both types contained very small metal nanoparticles (1–10 nm). Interestingly, more than ten‐fold enhancement of Raman scattering of the polymer by the electromagnetic (EM) mechanism of SERS (surface‐enhanced Raman scattering) resulted from the coupling of the polymer with plasmonic Au nanoparticles into a nanocomposite system.
Estimation and extrapolation of optimal treatment and testing strategies
Authors: Robins James , Orellana Liliana , Rotnitzky Andrea
Published: July 2008

We review recent developments in the estimation of an optimal treatment strategy or regime from longitudinal data collected in an observational study. We also propose novel methods for using the data obtained from an observational database in one health‐care system to determine the optimal treatment regime for biologically similar subjects in a second health‐care system when, for cultural, logistical, or financial reasons, the two health‐care systems differ (and will continue to differ) in the frequency of, and reasons for, both laboratory tests and physician visits. Finally, we propose a novel method for estimating the optimal timing of expensive and/or painful diagnostic or prognostic tests. Diagnostic or prognostic tests are only useful in so far as they help a physician to determine the optimal dosing strategy, by providing information on both the current health state and the prognosis of a patient because, in contrast to drug therapies, these tests have no direct causal effect on disease progression. Our new method explicitly incorporates this no direct effect restriction. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retardation in somatosensory cortex development induced by postnatal BrdU treatment in mice
Authors: Béldi Melinda , Takács József , Bárdos György , Világi Ildikó
Published: July 2008

Cerebral dysgeneses are in the background of several neurological and mental disturbances. The aim of the present study was to investigate structural and activity changes following disturbed postnatal neuronal development in mice. Newborn C57Bl6 mice were exposed to 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU: daily 50 μg/g body weight) during a period between postnatal days P0–P5 or P0–P11, respectively, and neuronal malformation and malfunctioning of somatosensory (barrel field) cortex was analyzed in adolescent animals. Alterations in histological architecture of interneuronal and glial elements were studied and correlated with electrophysiological modifications. Between P30 and P35 days litters underwent ex vivo electrophysiological experiments to examine the changes in basic excitability and in synaptic efficacy. Parallel immunohistochemistry was performed to detect BrdU, GABA and GFAP.

There were no BrdU immunopositive cell nuclei in control animals, but marked staining was observed in both BrdU treated groups. Lessening in the number of GABAergic neurons was observed in the treated groups. GFAP immunohistochemical analysis has shown an increased number of activated astroglial cells in treated animals. Reduction of the number of GABAergic neurons was observed in the treated groups. Electrophysiological recordings on cortical slices showed increased excitability in the treated groups.
Expression of Rho GTPases Rho‐A and Rac1 in the adult and developing gerbil cerebellum
Authors: Richard Vaea , Dulon Didier , Hafidi Aziz
Published: July 2008

Rho GTPases proteins are essential for cytoskeletal reorganization and play important roles in the development of neuronal dendrites and axons. Several studies have implicated two members of the Rho GTPase family Rho‐A and Rac1 activities in the neuronal polarization and the formation of axons and dendrites. In order to correlate cellular expressions of Rho‐A and Rac1 with neuronal polarity (axons versus dendrite formation) in the central nervous system, the cerebellum and immunochemical techniques have been chosen. In the adult cerebellar cortex differential pattern of distribution between Rho‐A and Rac1 was observed. While Rac1 expression was restricted to Purkinje cell (somata, dendrites and axons), Rho‐A was ubiquitously distributed within the cerebellar cortex. Rac1 was localized in the Purkinje cell dendritic arborization (largest and tiny dendrites) and in their axons. This pattern of distribution was also observed during the postnatal development and followed the dendritic morphogenesis of Purkinje cell. Rho‐A was highly expressed in the adult Purkinje cells somata, in cells of the granular layer, in glia within the white matter and in axons. Intense staining was observed in Bergmann glia cell bodies and processes. In the developing cerebellum, Rho‐A was highly present in cells of the external and internal granule layers and in the Purkinje cell layer. Bergmann glia cell bodies and processes had the most intense staining during the development. The present study reveals a high expression of Rac1 and Rho‐A during Purkinje cell neurites outgrowth period which occurred after birth in the cerebellum. In addition Rho‐A is highly expressed in granule cell progenitor cells present in the external granular layer and therefore may play an important role in granule cell progenitor migration.
Tectonic control of mafic intrusions in the Tastau volcanoplutonic complex (eastern Kazakhstan)
Authors: Dokukina K.A. , Vladimirov V.G.
Published: July 2008

We discovered unusual very small (2 to 70 cm) mafic bodies intruded into metamorphosed Early Carboniferous sandstone and shale in the Late Paleozoic Tastau volcanoplutonic complex (Char shear zone, eastern Kazakhstan). The small intrusions possibly emplaced during shearing when sediments experienced cataclasis and ensuing viscosity decrease. The shear rate was comparable to that in historic crustal earthquakes. Rapid shear motion concurrent with magmatism caused fragmentation of the injecting low-viscosity melt and its dispersal in globular and other bodies along linear breccia zones. The origin of the intrusions is explained in a tectonic model.