bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal oxidation for crystalline silicon solar cells exceeding 19% efficiency applying industrially feasible process technology
Authors: Schultz Oliver , Mette Ansgar , Hermle Martin , Glunz Stefan W.
Published: January 2008

Thermal oxides are commonly used for the surface passivation of high‐efficiency silicon solar cells from mono‐ and multicrystalline silicon and have led to the highest conversion efficiencies reported so far. In order to improve the cost‐effectiveness of the oxidation process, a wet oxidation in steam ambience is applied and experimentally compared to a standard dry oxidation. The processes yield identical physical properties of the oxide. The front contact is created using a screen‐printing process of a hotmelt silver paste in combination with light‐induced silver plating. The contact formation on the front requires a short high‐temperature firing process, therefore the thermal stability of the rear surface passivation is very important. The surface recombination velocity of the fired oxide is experimentally determined to be belowS ≤ 38 cm/s after annealing with a thin layer of evaporated aluminium on top. Monocrystalline solar cells are produced and 19·3% efficiency is obtained as best value on 4 cm2cell area. Simulations show the potential of the developed process to approach 20% efficiency. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electronic effects of heterocyclic ring systems as evaluated with the aid of 13C and 15N NMR chemical shifts and NBO analysis
Authors: Neuvonen H. , Fülöp F. , Neuvonen K. , Koch A. , Kleinpeter E.
Published: January 2008

The electronic effects of the 5‐ and 6‐membered heterocyclic rings on the CNN unit of five different hydrazone derivatives of pyridine‐2‐, ‐3‐ and ‐4‐carbaldehydes, pyrrole‐2‐carbaldehyde, furan‐2‐ and ‐3‐carbaldehydes and thiophene‐2‐ and ‐3‐carbaldehydes have been studied with the aid of 13C and 15N NMR measurements together with the natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. As model compounds are used the corresponding substituted benzaldehyde derivatives. The polarization of the CN unit of the hydrazone functionality of the heteroaryl derivatives occurs in an analogous manner with that of phenyl derivatives. The electron‐withdrawing heteroaryl groups destabilize and the electron‐donating groups stabilize the positive charge development at the CN carbon while the effect on the negative charge development is opposite. The 15N NMR chemical shift of the CN and CNN nitrogens and the NBO charges at CNN unit can be correlated with the replacement substituent constants σ of the heteroaryl groups. 13C NMR shifts of the CN carbon of N,N‐dialkylhydrazones of the heteroarenecarbaldehydes can be correlated with a dual parameter equation possessing the polar substituent constant σ* of the heteroaryl group and the electronegativity of the heteroatom as variables. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photoelectrochemistry on TiO2/Ti anodes as a tool to increase the knowledge about some photo‐oxidation mechanisms in CH3CN
Authors: Bettoni Marta , Rol Cesare , Sebastiani Giovanni V.
Published: January 2008

Through current efficiency measurements, obtained from the photoelectrochemical oxidation at TiO2 (rutile)/Ti anodes, further mechanistic information has been obtained regarding the TiO2 photosensitized oxidation of benzylic alcohols, ethers and 1,2‐diols in CH3CN. In deaerated medium, two electrons are captured by the semiconductor from all the considered substrates (one from the substrate, the second from the intermediate benzylic radical). In contrast, in aerated CH3CN, the number of TiO2‐captured electrons can be reduced to one because, depending on its oxidizability, the benzylic radical can be competitively captured by oxygen. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amino‐acid‐functionalized solvatochromic probes
Authors: Schreiter Katja , Spange Stefan
Published: January 2008

N‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐L‐proline (2) has been obtained by a nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction of 4‐fluoronitrobenzene with L‐proline. The corresponding amide derivatives 3–5 have been synthesized by peptide coupling of 2 with different amino acid derivatives and chiral amines. Solvatochromism of the long‐wavelength UV/Vis band in the electronic absorption spectra of the compounds 2–5 has been studied and analyzed using the empirical Kamlet–Taft solvent polarity parameters π* (dipolarity/polarizability), α (hydrogen bond donating ability), and β (hydrogen bond accepting ability). Reasonable Kamlet–Taft solvatochromic correlations (r > 0.95) were established for the three amide derivatives 3–5 in a range of common solvents and three room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs). The UV/Vis absorption of the 4‐nitroaniline derivative 2 showed a hypsochromic shift with increasing concentration due to intermolecular hydrogen bonded aggregate formation in protic solvents, which is not observed for compounds 3–5. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and ion‐sensing phenomena of two new helical conjugated oligomers containing 1,10‐phenanthroline and oligo‐alkylthiophene
Authors: Wu Chun‐Guey , Lu Hung‐Chieh , Chen Liang‐Nien , Lin Yung‐Chou
Published: January 2008

Two new 1,10‐phenanthroline (Phen) containing conjugated oligomers, oligo‐3,8‐bis(4‐octylthiophene‐2‐yl)‐1,10‐phenanthroline) (PDTPh) and oligo‐3,8‐bis‐(4‐octyl‐5‐(4‐ctylthiophene‐2‐yl)thiophene‐2‐yl)‐1,10‐phenanthroline) (PTTPh), as well as their corresponding monomers (OTPhOT and OTOTPhOTOT) were prepared and their metal ion‐sensing properties were investigated. The oligomers showed high thermal stability, good proccessibility, and gave varied color when reacted with different metal ions. Oligomers also showed distinct responses toward metal ions when compared with their corresponding monomers, suggesting that the ionochromic responses were determined by not only the coordinating ability of Phen unit but also the conformation of oligomer chains. Moreover, the differences in the ion‐sensing behaviors between OTPhOT and OTOTPhOTOT also suggested that the coordination ability of Phen depends on its substituents. The oligo‐alkylthiophene moieties in PDTPh and PTTPh acted as spacers to reorganize the conformation of the oligomer chains, as well as the electron donating groups to adjust the coordination ability of the Phen. These findings provide a clue for designing Phen‐containing ion‐sensors for specified ion‐sensing applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 1586–1597, 2008
The interaction of post‐traumatic growth and post‐traumatic stress symptoms in predicting depressive symptoms and quality of life
Authors: Morrill E. Forrest , Brewer Noel T. , O'Neill Suzanne C. , Lillie Sarah E. , Dees E. Claire , Carey Lisa A. , Rimer Barbara K.
Published: January 2008

Objective: We sought to explore whether post‐traumatic growth (PTG) (positive change or benefit finding resulting from trauma) moderates relationships between post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and both depression and quality of life (QOL) among breast cancer survivors.

Methods: We interviewed 161 women previously treated for early stage breast cancer. We assessed PTG using the Post‐traumatic Growth Inventory, PTSS using the PTSD Checklist, depressive symptoms using the CES‐D and QOL using the FACT‐B.

Results: Higher PTSS was associated with greater depressive symptoms and lower QOL (p<0.01). The relationship between PTSS and depression was attenuated among women with higher levels of PTG (PTSS × PTG interaction,p<0.05). The same pattern of results was found for QOL (interactionp<0.01).

Conclusions: We report the novel finding that PTG moderated relationships between PTSS and both depression and QOL. We speculate that finding positive meaning in response to a distressing event, such as diagnosis of cancer, may be psychologically protective and could indirectly influence the long‐term occurrence of depressive symptoms and impaired QOL. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening cancer patients' families with the distress thermometer (DT): a validation study
Authors: Zwahlen Diana , Hagenbuch Niels , Carley Margaret I. , Recklitis Christopher J. , Buchi Stefan
Published: January 2008

Although family members of cancer patients are at great risk of experiencing psychological distress, clinical tools to assist with recognizing and intervening with appropriate psychosocial care are sparse. This study reports on the first validation of the distress thermometer (DT) as a screening instrument for symptoms of depression and anxiety in family members of cancer patients. The DT was administered with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in a sample of 321 family members. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) demonstrated that the DT has good diagnostic utility relative to the HADS (area under the curve= 0.88 relative to the HADS anxiety scale; 0.84 relative to the HADS depression scale, respectively). The ROC curves indicate that using a cut‐off of 4/5 maximizes sensitivity (86.2% HADS anxiety scale; 88.2% HADS depression scale) and specificity (71.2% HADS anxiety scale; 67.6% HADS depression scale); however, the alternative lower cut‐off of 3/4 increases sensitivity (94.1% for both scales) and hence reduces the risk of missing distressed family members (specificity is 62.9% for HADS anxiety scale; 59.1% for HADS depression scale). The results offer validation of the DT for screening family members of cancer patients and support its use for clinical assessment. Distress screening with DT for family members of cancer patients is a promising and efficient approach to integrating family members in the program of care and provides the first step toward meeting their unmet needs with referral for supportive services. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Degradation kinetics and safety evaluation of tetraconazole and difenoconazole residues in grape
Authors: Banerjee Kaushik , Oulkar Dasharath P , Patil Sangram H , Dasgupta Soma , Adsule Pandurang G
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND: Tetraconazole and difenoconazole are triazole fungicides with proven bioefficacy against grapevine powdery mildew disease. In the present work, the authors explored the residue dynamics of these two compounds in grapes and determined their preharvest intervals (PHIs) corresponding to multiple field applications at recommended and double rates considering the most critical use pattern in Indian viticulture. A confirmatory residue analysis method was validated for trace‐level determination of both the compounds.

RESULTS: Dissipation of both the fungicides followed non‐linear two‐compartment first + first‐order rate kinetics. Tetraconazole and difenoconazole dissipated with PHIs of 12.5 and 25.5 days at recommended rates and of 28.5 and 38.5 days at double application rates respectively. On all the sampling days, the residues were below the maximum permissible intake, indicating consumer safety. The residues in the grape samples drawn from the farms where these two fungicides were applied, maintaining the above PHIs, were below their respective MRLs.

CONCLUSION: The rate of degradation of tetraconazole was faster than that of difenoconazole. Thus, the growers will have the choice of using these new chemicals for the management of powdery mildews in succession, difenoconazole at early growth stages, followed by tetraconazole during the last month before harvest. The recommendations of PHIs proved to be effective in minimizing residues in farm grape samples. Thus, this work is of high significance to the grape industry of India, and will support the registration of these new fungicides for effective management of powdery mildews with minimum residue problems. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Improving the affinity of antigens for mutated antibodies by use of statistical molecular design
Authors: Mandrika Ilona , Prusis Peteris , Bergström Jakob , Yahorava Sviatlana , Wikberg Jarl E. S.
Published: January 2008

We demonstrate the use of statistical molecular design (SMD) in the selection of peptide libraries aimed to systematically investigate antigen‐antibody binding spaces. Earlier, we derived two novel antibodies by mutating the complementarity‐determining region of the anti‐p24 (HIV‐1) single chain Fv antibody, CB4‐1 that had lost their affinity for a p24 epitope‐homologous peptide by 8‐ and 60‐fold. The present study was devoted to explore how peptide libraries can be designed under experimental design criteria for effective screening of peptide antigens. Several small peptide–antigen libraries were selected using SMD principles and their activities were evaluated by their binding to SPOT‐synthesized peptide membranes and by fluorescence polarization (FP). The approach was able to reveal the most critical residues required for antigen binding, and finally to increase the binding activity by proper modifications of amino acids in the peptide antigen. A model of the active peptide binding pocket formed by the mutated scFv and the antigen was compatible with the information gained from the experimental data. Our results suggest that SMD approaches can be used to explore peptide antigen features essential for their interactions with antibodies. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical study of the HS (v′,j′ = 1) + O2(v″ = 0, j″ = 1) reaction
Authors: Ballester M. Y. , Guerrero Y. O. , Garrido J. D.
Published: January 2008

We report a theoretical study of the title four‐atom reaction for a wide range of translational energies, considering the reactants in the ground vibrational state and also in some vibrationally excited levels of the HS radical. All calculations have employed the quasi‐classical trajectory (QCT) method and a reported double many‐body expansion potential energy surface for ground electronic state of HSO2. Cross sections as well as specific rate constants for HS elimination are reported and compared with literature data for such processes. To account the zero‐point energy problem in QCT calculations, an internal energy quantum mechanics threshold (IEQMT) criteria is used. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Minimally invasive surgical approaches to retrovesical structures
Authors: Passerotti Carlo , Cendron Marc , Gargollo Patricio , Diamond David A. , Borer Joseph G. , Cilento Bartley , Bauers Stuart , Retik Alan B. , Peters Craig A. , Nguyen Hiep T.
Published: January 2008

Background

With open surgery, it is difficult to access structures posterior to the bladder. The advent of laparoscopy provides a more direct approach to these structures. In this study, we report on our experience in treating these structures using minimally invasive techniques.

Methods

Between 1998 and 2006, 11 patients underwent conventional or robotic‐assisted laparoscopic (RAL) surgeries to treat various anomalies posterior to the bladder; 5/11 procedures were performed with conventional laparoscopy and the others utilized robotic‐assistance.

Results

There were no complications. Average EBL was 49.1 ml. Mean operative time was 233.3 min. Median total i.v. analgesic use was 0.9 mg/kg MSO4. Median hospital stay was 2.0 days.

Conclusions

Our study confirms the safety and feasibility of conventional and RAL surgery posterior to the urinary bladder. This minimally invasive procedure allows the retrovesical structures to be approach more directly, allows for excellent visualization of these structures and avoids the morbidity associated with open surgery. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The height of increasing trees
Authors: Broutin N. , Devroye L. , McLeish E. , de la Salle M.
Published: January 2008

We extend results about heights of random trees (Devroye, JACM33 (1986) 489–498, SIAM J COMP28 (1998) 409–432). In this paper, a general split tree model is considered in which the normalized subtree sizes of nodes converge in distribution. The height of these trees is shown to be in probability asymptotic toclognfor some constantc. We apply our results to obtain a law of large numbers for the height of all polynomial varieties of increasing trees (Bergeron et al. Lect Notes Comput Sci(1992) 24–48).© 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2008
An Adenoviral Platform for Selective Self‐Assembly and Targeted Delivery of Nanoparticles
Authors: Saini Vaibhav , Martyshkin Dmitri V. , Mirov Sergei B. , Perez Alex , Perkins Guy , Ellisman Mark H. , Towner Victoria D. , Wu Hongju , Pereboeva Larisa , Borovjagin Anton , Curiel David T. , Everts Maaike
Published: January 2008

Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) can be used for the diagnosis, imaging, and therapy of tumors and cardiovascular disease. However, targeted delivery of NPs to specific cells remains a major limitation for clinical realization of these potential treatment options. Herein, a novel strategy for the specific coupling of NPs to a targeted adenoviral (Ad) platform to deliver NPs to specific cells is defined. Genetic manipulation of the gene‐therapy vector is combined with a specific chemical coupling strategy. In particular, a high‐affinity interaction between a sequence of six‐histidine amino acid residues genetically incorporated into Ad capsid proteins and nickel(II) nitrilotriacetic acid on the surface of gold NPs is employed. The selective self‐assembly of gold NPs and Ad vectors into multifunctional platforms does not negatively affect the targeting of Ad to specific cells. This opens the possibility of using Ad vectors for targeted NP delivery, thereby providing a new type of combinatorial approach for the treatment of diseases that involves both nanotechnology and gene therapy.
Distance bounding protocols for RFID enhanced by using void‐challenges and analysis in noisy channels
Authors: Munilla Jorge , Peinado Alberto
Published: January 2008

RFID systems are vulnerable to different attacks related to the location; distance fraud attack, relay attack and terrorist attack. The main countermeasure against these attacks is the use of protocols capable of measuring the round trip time of single challenge‐response bit. In this paper, we consider a modification of these protocols applying a new feature; the ‘void challenges’. This way, the success probability for an adversary to access to the system decreases. We use as reference‐point the most popular of this kind of protocols, the Hancke and Kuhn's protocol, to show the improvements achieved when different cases are analysed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Role of Unilateral Adrenalectomy in ACTH‐Independent Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia (AIMAH)
Authors: Iacobone Maurizio , Albiger Nora , Scaroni Carla , Mantero Franco , Fassina Ambrogio , Viel Giovanni , Frego Mauro , Favia Gennaro
Published: January 2008

Background

ACTH‐independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (AIMAH) is a rare cause of Cushing’s syndrome. Bilateral adrenalectomy is considered the treatment of choice, with subsequent lifetime steroid replacement, but unilateral adrenalectomy has been recently proposed to reduce the secreting tissue. This prospective study was designed to evaluate the long‐term results of unilateral adrenalectomy in AIMAH concerning the main laboratory and clinical abnormalities and the patient’s quality of life.

Methods

Seven consecutive patients with confirmed AIMAH underwent unilateral adrenalectomy of the largest gland. ACTH and cortisol levels, arterial blood pressure (BP), glycometabolic parameters, and patient’s subjective perception of health‐related quality of life (by the SF‐36 questionnaire) were measured preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results

No surgery‐related morbidity occurred. One patient with a large contralateral adrenal enlargement required a completion adrenalectomy after 7 months because of persistent hypercortisolism. At a median follow‐up of 53 (range, 27–68) months, the remaining six patients were cured, because serum and urinary free cortisol levels significantly decreased and ACTH increased, thus regaining the normal range. Both systolic and diastolic BP levels significantly reduced: 50% of patients definitively became normotensive, and the remaining patients reduced the need for antihypertensive treatment; 40% of patients suffering from preoperative diabetes were cured, whereas 40% reduced the need for hypoglycemizing drug. SF‐36 evaluation of the health‐related quality of life confirmed a significant amelioration.

Conclusions

Unilateral adrenalectomy of the largest gland can be an effective and safe treatment for AIMAH in case of asymmetric involvement. It may achieve long‐term remission of Cushing’s syndrome and improve BP values, glycemic control, and patient’s quality of life.
Surgical Management of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in 2007: What is New?
Authors: Brown Morgan L. , Schaff Hartzell V.
Published: January 2008

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has a variable clinical presentation and penetrance. Many patients will have a benign course, but others will become symptomatic and develop left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Echocardiograph remains the standard for diagnosis and assessment of obstruction, but gains are being made in the our understanding of the genetic basis of this condition. Pharmacologic therapy remains the first‐line therapy in the majority of patients, but alcohol septal ablation and surgical septal myectomy may be considered in many patients. Patients should assess both the benefits and risks of each procedure based on the best available current evidence. This paper summarizes important recent developments in HCM diagnosis and therapy.
A Perspective on the Surgical Management of Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Massad Malek G. , Prasad Sunil M. , Chedrawy Edgar G. , Lele Himalaya
Published: January 2008

Surgical treatment of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) has steadily advanced from rescue procedures such as aneurysmectomy, rupture repair, ventricular assist devices (VADs), and transplantation to procedures that can prevent or delay the progression of cardiac dysfunction and failure. The latter include operations such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and mitral valve repair for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP) and mitral annular dilatation, ventricular restoration and remodeling, and cardiac resynchronization therapy. As the number of heart transplants reported worldwide continues to decline over the past decade (by over 30%), newer surgical therapies have emerged. A need arises for clinical registries such as the NIH‐sponsored LVAD registry and registries for biventricular pacing and AICD implantation, for total artificial heart implants, and for mitral valve repair in patients with ICMP. Prospective trials comparing sole ventricular restoration therapy (SVR) to SVR with concomitant CABG/MVR, coronary sinus versus epicardial LV pacing for ventricular resynchronization therapy, trials comparing LVAD as destination therapy to AICD implants, mitral valve repair versus chordal‐sparing valve replacement for ischemic and valvular cardiomyopathy, and off‐pump versus on‐pump CABG for patients with ICMP are urgently needed. Future research should also be directed toward drugs targeting “B‐cell mediated” humeral vascular rejection—the Achilles heel of cardiac transplantation, xenotransplantation, permanently implantable VADs, gene therapy, and myocardial cell regeneration therapy.
Long-term outcome of chronic dialysis in children
Authors: Shroff Rukshana , Ledermann Sarah
Published: January 2008

As the prevalence of children on renal replacement therapy (RRT) increases world wide and such therapy comprises at least 2% of any national dialysis or transplant programme, it is essential that paediatric nephrologists are able to advise families on the possible outcome for their child on dialysis. Most children start dialysis with the expectation that successful renal transplantation is an achievable goal and will provide the best survival and quality of life. However, some will require long-term dialysis or may return intermittently to dialysis during the course of their chronic kidney disease (CKD). This article reviews the available outcome data for children on chronic dialysis as well as extrapolating data from the larger adult dialysis experience to inform our paediatric practice. The multiple factors that may influence outcome, and, particularly, those that can potentially be modified, are discussed.
Persistent host–parasitoid interaction caused by host maturation variability
Authors: Nakamichi Yasufumi , Toquenaga Yukihiko , Fujii Koichi
Published: January 2008

The heterogeneity of parasitism risk among host individuals is a key factor for stabilizing or sustaining host–parasitoid interactions. Host maturation variability, or the variation in the maturation times among host individuals, is the simplest source of such heterogeneity, but it has often been neglected in previous theoretical studies. We developed a configuration individual‐based model (cIBM) of host–parasitoid interaction to investigate to what degree of host maturation variability promotes the persistence of host–parasitoid interactions. We ran simulations with various degrees of host maturation variability for different lengths of unsusceptible period. The result showed that low host maturation variability could sustain host–parasitoid dynamics when the host‐unsusceptible period was short. Conversely, high levels of variability could sustain host–parasitoid dynamics when the host‐unsusceptible period was about half of the total larval period. This suggests that the balance between variability and unsusceptible period is important for the persistence of host–parasitoid interaction. We conclude that maturation variability is a factor that can contribute to the sustainment of host–parasitoid interactions.
Clinical manifestations and natural history of Japanese heterozygous females with Fabry disease
Authors: Kobayashi M. , Ohashi T. , Sakuma M. , Ida H. , Eto Y.
Published: January 2008

Fabry disease is an X linked lysosomal storage disorder resulting from deficiency of α‐galactosidase A activity. Although disease manifestations in heterozygous females with Fabry disease have been considered to be rare and mild, heterozygous patients with severe symptoms have recently been reported. In this study we focused on the clinical characteristics of Japanese females patients with Fabry disease and analysed data from 36 women. Data on clinical manifestations such as acroparaesthesia, hypohidrosis, angiokeratoma, corneal opacities, proteinuria, end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and cerebral infarction were obtained by questionnaire; these analysed by the Kaplan–Meier method and compared with the data from Japanese male patients. Eighty‐six per cent of female patients had at least one clinical sign of Fabry disease. Their most common symptoms were acroparaesthesia and corneal opacities, and diagnosis was most commonly based on family history. The cumulative incidences of angiokeratoma, corneal opacities, proteinuria, ESRD, LVH and cerebral infarction were significantly lower in female than in male patients. However, corneal opacities, proteinuria and LVH developed progressively in female patients as well as in male patients. The incidence of LVH was especially high in older female patients and the cumulative incidence of LVH in women over 68 years of age was 100%. We consider that the term X‐linked ‘recessive’ is inappropriate for Fabry disease because of the high prevalence of its pathognomonic signs in heterozygous female patients. Careful and long‐term evaluation of clinical signs is important in heterozygous females patients with Fabry disease.
Long-term effect of repeated injections of botulinum toxin in children with cerebral palsy: A prospective study
Authors: Fattal-Valevski Aviva , Domenievitz Dafna , Giladi Nir , Wientroub Shlomo , Hayek Shlomo
Published: January 2008

Purpose

To prospectively evaluate long-term effects of repeated botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injections in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

Repeated injections of BTX-A were offered to children with CP, according to clinical indications, for a maximum of four injections within a period of two years. Injections were administered into lower extremity muscles of 26 consecutive children (age 3.7 ± 1.2 years, 16 boys) with hemiplegic or diplegic CP. Clinical assessments before and one month following each injection included a gross motor function measure (GMFM), a modified Ashworth scale, and range-of-motion of knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion.

Results

Twelve children received two injections, six received three injections, five received one injection, and three received four injections. The most common reason for discontinuing treatment was the need for orthopedic surgery ( n = 17). A long-term effect was demonstrated by a significant increase of the GMFM score before the first injection compared with the last injection for each patient ( P < 0.0001). There was no comparable change in the muscle tone or range-of-motion. The mean rate of GMFM change during the study was significantly higher than literature norms for CP children (13.2 vs. 5.37 per year, respectively, P < 0.01). The increase of the GMFM score before and one-month after injection (short-term effect) was significantly higher after the first injection than after the last injection ( P < 0.05). Similar results were found for the Ashworth scale and popliteal angle.

Conclusions

Botulinum toxin A injections have a long-term effect on gross motor function in children with CP even though the effect on muscle tone is short-term. The effect apparently declines with repeated injections, with most children benefitting from 2 to 3 injections.
Perception of General Health in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease who no Longer Attend Medical Follow-Up
Authors: Kikkenborg Berg Selina , Pedersen Preben U.
Published: January 2008

Background: Numerous patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) do not attend regular follow-up. How these patients perceive their health is unknown. A news story recently reached the front pages in Denmark, stating that patients with CHD not attending medical follow-up could be at great risk. This made a number of “lost” patients come forward and offered a unique opportunity to learn more about how these patients manage life.

Aims: To describe the perception of general health in a sample of grown-up congenital heart disease (GUCH) patients who are no longer in medical follow-up and to determine whether patients feel affected in daily life because of their heart disease.

Methods: A convenient sample of 125 respondents was asked to complete a questionnaire, using questions from Short Form 36 and self-constructed questions. Data were processed in SPSS and analysed by means of Student's t-test, ANOVA, Chi-square test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results: 125 patients participated, with a mean age of 38 years, 37% were men. Mean scores for general health perception were 75.8 for men and 77.2 for women. The scores seem to follow the pattern seen in the general population. Most patients, 83%, did not feel limited in their daily activities. 67% of women and 52% of men, however, worried about their heart disease.

Conclusion: Patients not attending medical follow-up seem to be affected to some degree by their heart disease.
Significant differences in central imaging of histamine‐induced itch between atopic dermatitis and healthy subjects
Authors: Schneider Gudrun , Ständer Sonja , Burgmer Markus , Driesch Georg , Heuft Gereon , Weckesser Matthias
Published: January 2008

Background/aim: This is the first investigation of the central processing of itch in the brain in 8 subjects with atopic dermatitis (AD) in comparison to 6 healthy controls (HC), comparing histamine‐induced itch related activations in the frontal, prefrontal, parietal, cingulate cortex, thalamus, basal ganglia and cerebellum.

Methods: We employed 1% histamine‐dihydrochlorid‐iontophoresis of the left hand, recorded H2
15O‐PET‐scans and perception of itch intensity on a numeric rating scale.

Results: There was no significant difference in perceived itch intensity between AD and HC. Significant increase in rCBF was found in HC in the contralateral somatosensory and motor cortex, midcingulate gyrus, and ipsilateral prefrontal cortex; in AD: in the contralateral thalamus, somatosensory, motor and prefrontal cortex and cerebellum, in the ipsilateral precentral, prefrontal, orbitofrontal cortex, insula, pallidum and cerebellum. More brain sites were activated in AD than in HC. Activation in AD was significantly higher in the contralateral thalamus, ipsilateral caudate and pallidum.

Conclusions: We interpret our findings as possible central correlates of changes in the motor system in subjects with chronic itch, with activation of the basal ganglia possibly correlating to the vicious itch‐scratch‐circle in subjects with chronic itching skin diseases. However, further neuroimaging studies in healthy subjects and also in different skin diseases are needed to understand the complex mechanisms of the processing of itch.
Topographical mapping and mechanical pain sensitivity of myofascial trigger points in the infraspinatus muscle
Authors: Ge Hong‐You , Fernández‐de‐las‐Peñas César , Madeleine Pascal , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars
Published: January 2008

Objectives: To screen for the presence of latent and active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in patients with unilateral shoulder and arm pain and perform topographical mapping of mechanical pain sensitivity bilaterally in the infraspinatus muscles.

Methods: Nineteen patients with unilateral musculoskeletal shoulder pain participated in the study. The area overlying the infraspinatus on each side was divided into 10 adjacent sub‐areas of 1cm2, corresponding to the area of a pressure algometer probe. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured in each sub‐area bilaterally in the infraspinatus muscles. Following PPT measurement, an acupuncture needle was inserted into each sub‐area five times in different directions in order to induce local twitch response and/or referred pain.

Results: A significantly lower PPT level in the infraspinatus muscle was detected on the painful side compared with the non‐painful side (P=0.001). PPT at midfiber region of the infraspinatus muscles was lower than that at other muscle parts (P<0.05). Multiple, but not single, active MTrPs were found in the infraspinatus muscle on the painful side and there were also multiple latent MTrPs bilaterally in the infraspinatus muscles. PPT at active MTrPs was much lower than the latent MTrPs and again lower than the non‐MTrPs.

Conclusions: There exists bilateral mechanical hyperalgesia in patients with unilateral shoulder pain. Further, the association of multiple active MTrPs with unilateral shoulder pain and the heterogeneity of mechanical pain sensitivity distribution suggest a crucial role of peripheral sensitization in chronic myofascial pain conditions. Additionally, the locations of MTrPs identified with dry needling correspond well to PPT topographical mapping, suggesting that dry needling and PPT topographical mapping are sensitive techniques in the identification of MTrPs.
Modulation of nucleobindin‐1 and nucleobindin‐2 by caspases
Authors: Valencia C. Alexander , Cotten Steven W. , Duan Jinzhu , Liu Rihe
Published: January 2008

Nucleobindin‐1 (NUCB1) and nucleobindin‐2 (NUCB2) are multifunctional proteins that interact with Ca2+, nucleic acids and various regulatory proteins in different signaling pathways. So far, our understanding of the regulation of the biological functions of nucleobindins remains limited. In our proteome‐wide selection for downstream caspase substrates, both NUCB1 and NUCB2 are found to be the downstream substrates of caspases. We report here the detailed analyses of the cleavage of nucleobindins by caspases. Significantly, the caspase cleavage sites are located exactly at one of the Ca2+‐binding EF‐hand motifs. Our results suggest that the functions of nucleobindins could be modulated by caspase‐mediated cleavage in apoptosis.
Rac, PAK and p38 regulate cell contact‐dependent nuclear translocation of myocardin‐related transcription factor
Authors: Sebe Attila , Masszi András , Zulys Matthew , Yeung Tony , Speight Pam , Rotstein Ori. D. , Nakano Hiroyasu , Mucsi István , Szászi Katalin , Kapus András
Published: January 2008

We investigated the mechanism whereby cell contact injury stimulates the α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA) promoter, a key process for epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) during organ fibrosis. Contact disruption by low‐Ca2+ medium (LCM) activated Rac, PAK and p38 MAPK, and triggered the nuclear accumulation of myocardin‐related transcription factor (MRTF), an inducer of the SMA promoter. Dominant negative (DN) Rac, DN‐PAK, DN‐p38, or the p38 inhibitor SB203580 suppressed the LCM‐induced nuclear accumulation of MRTF and the activation of the SMA promoter. These studies define novel pathway(s) involving Rac, PAK, and p38 in the regulation of MRTF and the contact‐dependent induction of EMT.
Squalene cyclase and oxidosqualene cyclase from a fern
Authors: Shinozaki Junichi , Shibuya Masaaki , Masuda Kazuo , Ebizuka Yutaka
Published: January 2008

Ferns are the most primitive vascular plants. The phytosterols of ferns are the same as those of higher plants, but they produce characteristic triterpenes. The most distinct feature is the lack of oxygen functionality at C‐3, suggesting that the triterpenes of ferns may be biosynthesized by direct cyclization of squalene. To obtain some insights into the molecular bases for the biosynthesis of triterpenes in ferns, we cloned ACX, an oxidosqualene cyclase homologue, encoding a cycloartenol synthase (CAS) and ACH, a squalene cyclase homologue, encoding a 22‐hydroxyhopane synthase from Adiantum capillus‐veneris. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that ACH is located in the cluster of bacterial SCs, while ACX is in the cluster of higher plant CASs.
LPS‐induced Toll‐like receptor 4 signalling triggers cross‐talk of apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and HIF‐1α protein
Authors: Sumbayev Vadim V.
Published: January 2008

Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) is required for recognition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Gram‐negative bacteria and induction of the innate immune response to them. Nevertheless, the involvement of some crucial pathways in TLR4 signalling is poorly understood. Here, we report that LPS‐induced TLR4 signalling triggers cross talk of HIF‐1α and ASK1 in THP‐1 human myeloid monocytic leukaemia cells. Both pathways are activated via redox‐dependent mechanism associated with tyrosine kinase/phospholipase C‐1γ‐mediated activation of protein kinase C α/β, which are known to activate NADPH oxidase and the production of reactive oxygen species that activate both HIF‐1α and ASK1. ASK1 contributes to the stabilisation of HIF‐1α, most likely via activation of p38 MAP kinase.
Induction of proline‐rich tyrosine kinase2 (Pyk2) through C/EBPβ is involved in PMA‐induced monocyte differentiation
Authors: Park Mi Hee , Park Sun Young , Kim YoungHee
Published: January 2008

Proline‐rich tyrosine kinase2 (Pyk2) is a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase related to focal adhesion kinase. Pyk2 expression has been known to be restricted to neuronal and hematopoietic cells and Pyk2 tyrosine phosphorylation and its kinase activity is important for the function of monocytes/macrophages. In NB4 acute promyelocytic leukemia cells, the expression of Pyk2 was increased in parallel with differentiation, and inhibited by PD98059, indicating Pyk2 expression is regulated through MAPK/ERK pathway. Dominant‐negative kinase‐deficient mutant of Pyk2 reduced the differentiation of NB4 cells in response to phorbol 12‐mystate 13‐acetate. Transcription factor CCAAT enhancer‐binding protein (C/EBP) β was required to induce Pyk2 expression in promoter analysis. These results suggest that Pyk2 is induced and involved in monocyte differentiation and C/EBPβ is a critical regulator of the Pyk2 expression.
Identification of the GDP‐N‐acetyl‐d‐perosamine producing enzymes from Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Albermann Christoph , Beuttler Holger
Published: January 2008

GDP‐N‐acetyl‐d‐perosamine is a precursor of the LPS‐O‐antigen biosynthesis in Escherichia coli O157:H7. Like other GDP‐6‐deoxyhexoses, GDP‐N‐acetyl‐d‐perosamine is supposed to be synthesized via GDP‐4‐keto‐6‐deoxy‐d‐mannose, followed by a transamination‐ and an acetylation‐reaction catalyzed by PerA and PerB. In this study, we have overproduced and purified PerA and PerB from E. coli O157:H7 in E. coli BL21. The recombinant proteins were partly characterized and the final product of the reaction catalyzed by PerB was shown to be GDP‐N‐acetyl‐d‐perosamine by chromatography, mass spectrometry, and 1H‐NMR. The functional expression of PerB provides another enzymatically defined pathway for the synthesis of GDP‐deoxyhexoses, which is needed to further study the corresponding glycosyltransferases in vitro.
The role of conserved residues of chagasin in the inhibition of cysteine peptidases
Authors: dos Reis Flavia C.G. , Smith Brian O. , Santos Camila C. , Costa Tatiana, F.R. , Scharfstein Julio , Coombs Graham H. , Mottram Jeremy C. , Lima Ana Paula C.A.
Published: January 2008

We have evaluated the roles of key amino acids to the action of the natural inhibitor chagasin of papain‐family cysteine peptidases. A W93A substitution decreased inhibitor affinity for human cathepsin L 100‐fold, while substitutions of T31 resulted in 10–100‐fold increases in the K

i
for cruzipain of Trypanosoma cruzi. A T31A/T32A double mutant had increased affinity for cathepsin L but not for cruzipain, while the T31‐T32 deletion drastically affected inhibition of both human and parasite peptidases. These differential effects reflect the occurrence of direct interactions between chagasin and helix 8 of cathepsin L, interactions that do not occur with cruzipain.
Accuracy of marker-assisted selection with single markers and marker haplotypes in cattle
Authors: HAYES B. J. , CHAMBERLAIN A. J. , McPARTLAN H. , MACLEOD I. , SETHURAMAN L. , GODDARD M. E.
Published: January 2008

A key question for the implementation of marker-assisted selection (MAS) using markers in linkage disequilibrium with quantitative trait loci (QTLs) is how many markers surrounding each QTL should be used to ensure the marker or marker haplotypes are in sufficient linkage disequilibrium (LD) with the QTL. In this paper we compare the accuracy of MAS using either single markers or marker haplotypes in an Angus cattle data set consisting of 9323 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyped in 379 Angus cattle. The extent of LD in the data set was such that the average marker–marker r2 was 0·2 at 200 kb. The accuracy of MAS increased as the number of markers in the haplotype surrounding the QTL increased, although only when the number of markers in the haplotype was 4 or greater did the accuracy exceed that achieved when the SNP in the highest LD with the QTL was used. A large number of phenotypic records (>1000) were required to accurately estimate the effects of the haplotypes.
Population genetic inference using a fixed number of segregating sites: a reassessment
Authors: RAMOS-ONSINS SEBASTIÁN E. , MOUSSET SYLVAIN , MITCHELL-OLDS THOMAS , STEPHAN WOLFGANG
Published: January 2008

Coalescent theory is commonly used to perform population genetic inference at the nucleotide level. Here, we examine the procedure that fixes the number of segregating sites (henceforth theFSprocedure). In this approach a fixed number of segregating sites (S) are placed on a coalescent tree (independently of the total and internode lengths of the tree). Thus, although widely used, theFSprocedure does not strictly follow the assumptions of coalescent theory and must be considered an approximation of (i) the standard procedure that uses a fixed population mutation parameter θ, and (ii) procedures that condition on the number of segregating sites. We study the differences in the false positive rate for nine statistics by comparing theFSprocedure with the procedures (i) and (ii), using several evolutionary models with single-locus and multilocus data. Our results indicate that for single-locus data theFSprocedure is accurate for the equilibrium neutral model, but problems arise under the alternative models studied; furthermore, for multilocus data, theFSprocedure becomes inaccurate even for the standard neutral model. Therefore, we recommend a procedure that fixes the θ value (or alternatively, procedures that condition onSand take into account the uncertainty of θ) for analysing evolutionary models with multilocus data. With single-locus data, theFSprocedure should not be employed for models other than the standard neutral model.
The geographic distribution of the ACE II genotype: a novel finding
Authors: Saab Y. B. , Gard P. R. , Overall A. D. J.
Published: January 2008

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism insertion (I) or deletion (D) has been widely studied in different populations, and linked to various functional effects and associated with common diseases. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the ACE I/D frequency in different populations and geographic location; ACE I/D allele frequency in the Lebanese population and ACE II genotype contribution to the geographic trend were also identified. Five hundred and seventy healthy volunteers were recruited from the Lebanese population. Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal cells, and amplified by polymerase chain reaction; products were then identified by gel electrophoresis. The frequencies of the different ACE I/D genotypes were determined and tested for Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). To assess the relationship between ACE I/D frequency and geographic location, and to identify how the Lebanese population contributes to the geographic trend in ACE I/D frequencies, Eurasian population samples and Asians were incorporated in the analyses from the literature. The frequency of the I allele in the Lebanese population was 27% and the corresponding II genotype was at a frequency of 7·37% (in HWE;P=0·979). The ACE I allele and genotype frequencies show an association with longitude, with frequencies increasing eastwards and westwards from the Middle East.
Sting-free measurements on a magnetically supported right circular cylinder aligned with the free stream
Authors: HIGUCHI HIROSHI , SAWADA HIDEO , KATO HIROYUKI
Published: January 2008

The flow over cylinders of varying fineness ratio (length to diameter) aligned with the free stream was examined using a magnetic suspension and balance system in order to avoid model support interference. The drag coefficient variation of a right circular cylinder was obtained for a wide range of fineness ratios. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to examine the flow field, particularly the behaviour of the leading-edge separation shear layer and its effect on the wake. Reynolds numbers based on the cylinder diameter ranged from 5×104to 1.1×105, while the major portion of the experiment was conducted atReD=1.0×105. For moderately large fineness ratio, the shear layer reattaches with subsequent growth of the boundary layer, whereas over shorter cylinders, the shear layer remains detached. Differences in the wake recirculation region and the immediate wake patterns are clarified in terms of both the mean velocity and turbulent flow fields, including longitudinal vortical structures in the cross-flow plane of the wake. The minimum drag corresponded to the fineness ratio for which the separated shear layer reattached at the trailing edge of the cylinder. The base pressure was obtained with a telemetry technique. Pressure fields and aerodynamic force fluctuations are also discussed.