bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insulin VNTR I/III genotype is associated with autoantibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes
Authors: Rajasalu T. , Haller K. , Salur L. , Kisand K. , Tillmann V. , Schlosser M. , Uibo R.
Published: April 2007

Background

In type 1 diabetes (T1D), the influence of age at diagnosis and of the IDDM1 and IDDM2 genetic susceptibility loci on the profile of β‐cell autoantibodies has been demonstrated. We studied these associations in a group of 92 patients (children, adolescents and adults, aged 2–62 years) with newly diagnosed T1D.

Methods

The prevalence of the HLA‐DQB1*02 and *0302 alleles and of the classes of variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) of the insulin gene (INS), and of β‐cell autoantibodies (GADA, IA‐2A, ICA and IAA) was determined. Statistical analysis was performed using linear and logistic regression models.

Results

The presence of IAA, IA‐2A and ICA, but not of GADA, was negatively associated with age at diagnosis. Younger patients were more likely to have multiple autoantibodies. There was a tendency of a higher prevalence of IAA in patients with the HLA‐DQB1*02/0302 genotype or with the DQB1*0302 allele compared to patients lacking these markers. As a novel observation, the INS VNTR I/III genotype was significantly associated with the presence of GADA (OR = 4.79; p = 0.018).

Conclusion

The association between the INS VNTR I/III genotype and GADA may suggest that in patients with T1D lacking the INS VNTR I/I genotype, the effect of other susceptibility factors prevails, which promotes the development of autoimmunity to β‐cell antigens other than insulin. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Synthesis of Iridabenzenes by the Coupling of Iridacyclopentadienes and Olefins
Authors: Paneque Margarita , Poveda Manuel L. , Rendón Nuria , Álvarez Eleuterio , Carmona Ernesto
Published: April 2007

The iridacyclopentadiene [(TpMe2)Ir{C1(R)=C(R)C(R)=C4(R)}(H2O)(Ir–C4)] (1; R = CO2Me) reacts with propene at 60 °C to give the iridabenzene [(TpMe2)Ir{C1(Et)C(R)C(R)C(R)C5(R)}(H)(Ir–C5)] (6), which also contains a hydride ligand, as the main product, accompanied by complexes 7 and 8 derived from the insertion of propene into the Ir–C bonds of 1. In contrast, the closely related metallacycle [(TpMe2)Ir{C1(R)=C(H)C(R)=C4(R)}(H2O)(Ir–C4)] (1‐H) gives the iridabenzene [(TpMe2)Ir{C1(Me)C(R)C(H)C(R)C5(R)}(Me)(Ir–C5)] (13), which contains an iridium‐bonded methyl group, upon treatment with propene at 20 °C. The proposed mechanism for the formation of metallabenzenes 6 and 13 postulates Ir–propene → Ir=CHEt or Ir–propene → Ir=CMe2 isomerisations, followed by insertion of the alkylidene ligand into an Ir–C(R) bond (regioselective for 1‐H) and α‐H or α‐Me elimination from the resulting alkyliridium moiety. At 25 °C, neat acetonitrile induces stereoselective hydride migration onto both the Ir[pb2]C bonds of 6 to give a kinetic mixture (6:1 ratio) of the isomeric adducts [(TpMe2)Ir{C1H(Et)C(R)=C(R)C(R)=C5(R)}(MeCN)(Ir–C5)] (9) and [(TpMe2)Ir{C1H(R)C(R)=C(R)C(R)=C5(Et)}(MeCN)(Ir–C5)] (10), with the latter being the thermodynamically preferred product. In contrast, complex 13 is stable in acetonitrile up to 100 °C, where it mainly experiences ring fragmentation to give the iridacyclopentadiene 1‐H as its MeCN adduct. All new compounds have been fully characterised by microanalysis and spectroscopy. Additionally, the solid‐state structures of 5, 6 and 13 have been determined by X‐ray crystallography. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Prof. Dr‐Ing. Dr‐Ing. E.h. Joachim Hagenauer on occasion of his 65th birthday
Authors: Huber Johannes , Eberspächer Jörg
Published: April 2007

The following nine contributions are dedicated to Prof. Dr‐Ing. Dr‐Ing. E.h. Joachim Hagenauer, who was the Head of the Institute for Communications Engineering at the Munich University of Technology from April 1993 to September 2006. Among the authors are 22 Ph.D. students of Prof. Hagenauer. This editorial provides a brief overview on his enormous contributions to science around Applied Information Theory so far. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real exchange rates may have nonlinear trends
Authors: Cushman David O.
Published: April 2007

The unit root null is tested against possible nonlinear‐trend stationarity for 13 US and German bilateral real exchange rates over the floating exchange rate period. Eight tests specified with nonlinear trends are applied. Simulations are used to determine individual and joint significance levels and to help interpret the results. Unit roots can be rejected for a number of the exchange rates, and nonlinear‐trend stationarity appears more plausible than mean or linear‐trend stationarity as the alternative. In several cases, estimates of the trends support the nonlinear‐trend conclusion with statistical and economic significance. Thus, purchasing power parity is probably violated, but real exchange rates have meaningful long‐run equilibrium values. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Still‐face and separation effects on depressed mother‐infant interactions
Authors: Field Tiffany , Hernandez‐Reif Maria , Diego Miguel , Feijo Larissa , Vera Yanexy , Gil Karla , Sanders Chris
Published: April 2007

Maternal emotional and physical unavailability have differential effects on infant interaction behavior as noted in a study by Field, Vega‐Lahr, Scafidi, and Goldstein (1986). In that study, four‐month‐old infants experienced their mother's still face and a brief separation from the mother. Spontaneous interactions preceded and followed these to serve as baseline and reunion episodes. Although the infants became more negative and agitated during both conditions, the still face elicited more stressful behaviors. The present study replicated the Field et al. (1986) study but also compared infants of depressed and infants of nondepressed mothers. The infants of depressed versus those of nondepressed mothers were less interactive during the spontaneous interactions, as were their mothers, and they showed less distress behaviors during the still‐face condition. During the “return to spontaneous interaction” following the still‐face condition, they were also less interactive, as evidenced by fewer positive as well as fewer negative behaviors. Their mothers were also less active. The nondepressed mothers and infants were extremely active, as if trying to reinstate the initial spontaneous interaction. Minimal change occurred during the separation condition except that both groups of infants vocalized less than they had during the spontaneous interaction. During the reunion following the separation period, the infants of depressed versus nondepressed mothers were paradoxically more active, although their mothers continued to be less interactive.
In vitro biological effects of sodium titanate materials
Authors: Davis R. R. , Lockwood P. E. , Hobbs D. T. , Messer R. L. W. , Price R. J. , Lewis J. B. , Wataha J. C.
Published: April 2007

Monosodium titanate (MST) particles effectively bind specific metals and are therefore promising compounds for delivery or sequestration of metals in biological contexts. Yet, the biological properties of MST are largely unexplored. Our previous study showed that the cytotoxicity of these compounds was mild, but the nature of the dose response curves suggested that residual titanates in culture may have interfered with the assay. In the current study, we assessed the importance of these artifacts, and extended our previous results using fibroblasts for biological evaluation. We also assessed the biological response to a new type of titanate (referred to as amorphous peroxo‐titanate or APT) that shows more promising metal binding properties than MST. Methods: The degree of titanate‐induced interference in the MTT (mitochondrial activity assay) was estimated by means of cell‐free assays with and without a final centrifugation step to remove residual titanate particulate. Cytotoxic responses to titanates were assessed by measuring succinate dehydrogenase activity (by MTT) in THP1 monocytes or L929 fibroblasts after 24–72 h exposures. Monocytic activation by APT was assessed by TNFα secretion (ELISA) from monocytes with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation. Results: We confirmed that residual titanate particulates may alter the SDH activity assay, but that this effect is eliminated by adding a final centrifugation step to the standard MTT procedure. Addition of MST or APT at concentrations up to 100 mg/L altered succinate dehydrogenase activity by < 25% in both monocytes and fibroblasts. Fibroblasts displayed time‐dependent adaptation to the MST. APT did not trigger TNFα secretion or modulate LPS‐induced TNFα secretion from monocytes. Conclusions: Although further in vitro and in vivo assessment is needed, MST and APT exhibit biological properties that are promising for their use as agents to sequester or deliver metals in biological systems. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
The TGFβ/Smad 3‐signaling pathway is involved in butyrate‐mediated vitamin D receptor (VDR)‐expression
Authors: Daniel Carolin , Schroder Oliver , Zahn Nadine , Gaschott Tanja , Steinhilber Dieter , Stein Jurgen M.
Published: April 2007

Previously, we demonstrated the pivotal role of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in mediating the butyrate‐induced differentiation in colon cancer cells. Smad 3, a downstream component of transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ) signaling, has been shown to act as a coactivator of VDR and to possibly regulate the vitamin D signaling pathway. In this study, we demonstrate a distinct impact of the TGFβ/Smad 3‐signaling pathway in the butyrate‐mediated VDR expression and induction of differentiation. Butyrate treatment resulted in a significant induction of the phosphorylation level of Smad 3, while the combination of butyrate and a specific TGFβ1‐antibody or a TGFβ‐receptor inhibitor considerably diminished the butyrate‐induced upregulation of VDR expression. Using a specific inhibitor, we were also able to demonstrate an involvement of the p38 MAPK in the increase of Smad 3 phosphorylation following butyrate treatment, thus opening the view to further elucidate possible mechanisms mediating the upregulation of VDR expression following butyrate treatment in colon cancer cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 1420–1431, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New type B colorableS(2, 4,v) designs
Authors: Forbes A. D. , Grannell M. J. , Griggs T. S.
Published: April 2007

AnS(2, 4,v) design has a type B χ‐coloring if it is possible to assign one of χ colors to each point such that each block contains three points of one color and one point of a different color, and all χ colors are used. In this article we describe the constructions of type B χ‐colorableS(2, 4,v)s for (v, χ) = (61, 3), (100, 2) and (109, 3), and we give a new general construction. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 15: 357–368, 2007
A result on extendibility in the powers of graphs
Authors: Shavo Kara Walcher
Published: April 2007

Let G be a graph on p vertices. Then for a positive integer n, G is said to be n‐extendible if (i) n < p/2, (ii) G has a set of n independent edges, and (iii) every such set is contained in a perfect matching of G. The purpose of this article is to show that if G2k is n‐extendible, for some k ∈ ℕ, then so is G2k+1, where Gq is the graph with the same vertex set as G and in which two vertices u and v are adjacent if and only if dG(u,v) ≤ q. We will also show that if Gk is 1‐extendible then so is Gk+1. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 56: 1–22, 2007
Universal graphs with a forbidden near‐path or 2‐bouquet
Authors: Cherlin Gregory , Tallgren Lasse
Published: April 2007

We consider the problem of the existence of universal countable C‐free graphs with C a connected finite graph. For C a tree arising by from a path by adjunction of one additional edge we show that a universal countable C‐free graph exists. We determine precisely the 2‐bouquets C (i.e., unions of two complete graphs with jost one point in common) for which a universal countable C‐free graph exists. We lay out some elements of a program for determining all the connected finite graphs C for which a countable universal C‐free graph exists. One element of this program is the Tree Conjecture, which is now proved [2]. Our methods involve a mixture of model theory and combinatorics, with the Δ‐system lemma playing a significant role. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 56: 41–63, 2007
Synthesis and biological evaluation of a lipophilic, fluorine‐18‐labeled 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine derivative
Authors: Chitneni Satish K. , De Ruymaeker Tom , Balzarini Jan , Verbruggen Alfons M. , Bormans Guy M.
Published: April 2007

The synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of a lipophilic, fluorine‐18‐labeled 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine derivative [18F]‐3 is described. Initially, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine 5 was synthesized by coupling trimethylsilyl protected acetylene to 5‐iodo‐2′‐deoxyuridine 4, followed by deprotection in alkaline conditions. Compound 5 was then reacted with 4‐(4′‐iodophenyl)phenol to give 5‐[4(4′‐hydroxyphenyl)phenyl]ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine 6. Compound 6 was reacted with BrCH2CHF as alkylating agent to give stable or radiolabeled 3. The crude products were purified using reversed phase‐high performance liquid chromatography to obtain compound 3 and [18F]‐3 in 33 and 7.4% yield (decay corrected), respectively. The synthesis time to obtain pure [18F]‐3 was about 60 min (starting from BrCH2CHF). The specific radioactivity of the tracer was between 74 and 222 GBq/µmol. The log P7.4 of [18F]‐3 was found to be 2.4. However, biodistribution study in normal mice showed low uptake of the tracer in the brain. The affinity of compounds 6 and 3 for varicella‐zoster virus thymidine kinase enzyme (VZV‐TK) was examined in vitro and the results revealed that the fluorinated analog 3 has a poor affinity for the enzyme in contrast to the phenol precursor 6. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of the enteropneust Ptychodera flava: Ciliary bands and nervous system
Authors: Nielsen Claus , Hay‐Schmidt Anders
Published: April 2007

Ripe specimens of Ptychodera flava were collected at Paiko Peninsula, Oahu, Hawaii, USA, and the development from egg to tornaria larva was followed in the laboratory. To complete the series, large tornaria larvae were collected from the plankton off the nearby Ala Moana Beach, and followed through metamorphosis to a juvenile stage with four pairs of gill slits. Ciliary band development was examined by scanning electron microscopy, and the development of the serotonergic nervous system was followed by means of immunostaining. The development of the apical tuft and neotroch (circumoral/perioral ciliary band) and their subsequent degeneration accorded fully with previous descriptions. A perianal ciliary ring of separate cilia develops just after hatching. This later develops a midventral extension, the neurotroch, extending to the neotroch posterior to the mouth. The cilia of this ring apparently beat diaplectically, with the effective stroke in the clockwise direction when seen from behind. An additional ring of cilia develops several days later anterior to the perianal ring. This opisthotroch (called telotroch by previous authors) consists at first of separate cilia, but later they became organized as large compound cilia. The apical tuft disappears after about a week, the neotroch degenerates at the transition to the Agassiz stage, and the opisthotroch degenerates just after metamorphosis. The serotonergic nervous system of the fully grown tornaria consists of an apical ganglion with many perikarya, a paired lateral group of perikarya on the postoral ciliary band, and scattered perikarya along the opisthotroch. Serotonergic processes are found along the ciliary bands except for the ventral and perianal ciliary bands and are scattered along the epidermis. At the Spengel stage and at metamorphosis (Agassiz stage), the processes along the ciliary bands are concentrated in the three ciliated food grooves so as to form three separate nerves, and are retained on the proboscis at least until 2–3 gill slit stage. No serotonergic processes were found to extend from the proboscis to the collar region, and no serotonergic neurons were observed in the collar cord or in the ventral nerve cord. Our results therefore do not provide any clues as to the origin of the chordate neural tube relative to the dorsal‐ventral orientation of the enteropneusts. J. Morphol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expansion and characterization of ventral mesencephalic precursor cells: Effect of mitogens and investigation of FA1 as a potential dopaminergic marker
Authors: Jensen Pia , Bauer Matthias , Jensen Charlotte H. , Widmer Hans R. , Gramsbergen Jan B. , Blaabjerg Morten , Zimmer Jens , Meyer Morten
Published: April 2007

Methods for identification and in vitro expansion of ventral mesencephalic dopaminergic precursor cells are of interest in the search for transplantable neurons for cell therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD). We investigated the potential use of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) for expansion of such dopaminergic precursor cells, and fetal antigen‐1 (FA1), a secreted neuronal protein of unknown function, as a non‐invasive dopaminergic marker. Tissue from embryonic day (ED) 12 rat ventral mesencephalon was dissociated mechanically and cultured for 4 days in the presence of FGF2, FGF8, or without mitogens (control). After mitogen withdrawal and addition of 0.5% bovine serum, cells were differentiated for 6 days. Before differentiation, significantly more cells incorporated BrdU in cultures exposed to FGF2 (19‐fold; P < 0.001) and FGF8 (3‐fold; P < 0.05) compared to controls. After differentiation, biochemical analyses showed significantly more dopamine and FA1 in conditioned medium from both FGF2 and FGF8 expanded cultures than in controls. Correspondingly, numbers of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐ and FA1‐immunoreactive cells had increased 16‐fold (P < 0.001) and 2.1‐fold (P < 0.001), respectively in the FGF2 group and 10‐fold (P < 0.001) and 1.8‐fold (P < 0.05), respectively in the FGF8 group. In conclusion, the present procedure allows efficient expansion and differentiation of dopaminergic precursor cells and provides novel evidence of FGF8 as a mitogen for these cells. Furthermore, FA1 was identified as a potential supplementary non‐invasive marker of cultured dopaminergic neurons. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intermittent pneumatic compression enhances neurovascular ingrowth and tissue proliferation during connective tissue healing: A study in the rat
Authors: Dahl Johan , Li Jian , Bring Daniel K.‐I. , Renström Per , Ackermann Paul W.
Published: April 2007

Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is a treatment method to decrease venous stasis and stimulate blood flow. Recently, it was hypothesized that IPC may exert positive effects on tissue healing, a process highly dependent upon adequate circulation. In this study, we investigated the effects of daily 1‐h IPC treatment during 2 and 4 weeks post–rat Achilles tendon rupture. The tendons were subjectively and semiquantitatively analyzed for collagen organization, fibroblast density, angiogenesis, and the occurrence of sensory neuropeptides, substance P (SP) and calcitonine gene related peptide (CGRP), as well as for a nerve regeneration marker, growth associated protein 43 (GAP‐43). After 2 weeks of treatment, fibroblast density increased by 53% (p = 0.0004), vessel density by 64% (p = 0.022), and the occurrence of SP by 110% (p = 0.047) and CGRP by 47% (p = 0.0163) compared to untreated controls. Following 4 weeks of treatment, both the occurrence of sensory neuropeptides and the vessel density remained significantly higher (p < 0.05), whereas fibroblast density returned to normal. However, at 4 weeks the treated tendons displayed a higher degree of organized parallel collagen fibers, a sign of increased maturation. Daily IPC treatment improves neurovascular ingrowth and fibroblast proliferation in the healing tendon and may accelerate the repair process. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:1185–1192, 2007
Changes during ensilage in fermentation products, tea catechins, antioxidative activity and in vitro gas production of green tea waste stored with or without dried beet pulp
Authors: Nishino Naoki , Kawai Tetsuya , Kondo Makoto
Published: April 2007

Wet green tea waste (GTW) was ensiled in laboratory silos with or without dried beet pulp at a ratio of 2:1 on a fresh weight basis. The silos were opened at 15, 30 and 60 days after anaerobic storage; fermentation products, tea catechins, antioxidative activity and in vitro gas production were determined. Acetic acid prevailed over the fermentation and the pH declined to below 4.2 when wet GTW was ensiled alone. Addition of dried beet pulp greatly enhanced lactic acid production and the pH further decreased to below 3.8 with no butyric acid being detected. Approximately 90% and 80% of (−)‐epicatechin gallate and (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate, respectively, were degraded in silage prepared from wet GTW alone, while the degradation was ameliorated in mixed silage to about 55% and 70%, respectively. Antioxidative activity was not markedly altered by ensiling and 70–80% of the initial activity was detected after 60 days. Changes were small in (−)‐epigallocatechin, caffeine and total phenols with or without mixing with dried beet pulp. In vitro gas production was similar between materials and their silages, indicating that reduction of tea catechins would not elicit an improvement in digestibility. It is concluded that wet GTW can be ensiled successfully without bacterial inoculants when mixed with other materials containing certain sugars. Ensiling may degrade part of the components of tea catechins, while not affecting total phenols, antioxidative activity and digestibility of wet GTW. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Val bean (Lablab purpureus L.) proteins: composition and biochemical properties
Authors: Venkatachalam Mahesh , Sathe Shridhar K
Published: April 2007

Val bean (Lablab purpureus L.) proteins were fractionated using the Osborne protein fractionation scheme and biochemically characterized. The seed flour contained 302 g kg−1 protein (micro‐Kjeldahl N × 6.25) on a dry weight basis. Albumin, globulin, prolamin, and glutelin accounted for 22.8%, 45.1%, 1.8% and 30.3%, respectively, of the total soluble seed proteins. Among the solvents tested, 0.1 mol L−1 aqueous NaOH was the most effective protein solubilizer. Isoelectric focusing indicated the seed proteins to be predominantly acidic (pI range was ∼4–7). Val globulin is a glycoprotein composed of at least three polypeptides in the molecular mass range 51–64 kDa. Albumin fraction had the highest trypsin inhibitory activity, while the globulin fraction registered the highest hemagglutinating activity. Sulfur amino acids were the first limiting amino acids in the total seed proteins. The proportion of essential to total [E/T(%)] amino acids for the bean flour was 36.97%. Among the protein fractions, glutelin fraction had the highest E/T (42.86%) followed by albumin (41.57%), globulin (39.87%), and prolamin (39.15%). Native globulin, although resistant to pepsin, was effectively digested in vitro upon moist heat (100 °C, 30 min) denaturation. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
The coming of age of agroforestry
Authors: Nair PK Ramachandran
Published: April 2007

The success of modern agricultural and forestry production can be largely attributed to monoculture systems using a few select species. In the drive for maximizing yield and profit, the age‐old tradition of using combined farming systems was essentially avoided and in some cases this has resulted in environmental problems such as land and water degradation and increased land clearing. During the last 30 years, however, the positive benefits of agroforestry to the producer and the environment have been increasingly recognized. Combining trees and crops in spatial or temporal arrangements has been shown to improve food and nutritional security and mitigate environmental degradation, offering a sustainable alternative to monoculture production. By providing supportive and complimentary roles with a flexible approach, agroforestry can offer specific social and environmental benefits across a range of landscapes and economies. More research and effort is needed to explore the full potential of agroforestry applications and to fuel awareness. As the plethora of benefits of agroforestry are realized, modern land‐use systems are evolving towards a more sustainable and holistic approach to land management. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Routine drainage after thyroid surgery—A meta‐analysis
Authors: Sanabria Alvaro , Carvalho André L. , Silver Carl E. , Rinaldo Alessandra , Shaha Ashok R. , Kowalski Luiz P. , Ferlito Alfio
Published: April 2007

Thyroidectomy is a common surgical procedure. The results of some clinical trials suggest that routine drainage does not offer advantages, but the evidence is not strong either in favor of or against this intervention. The effect of routine drainage compared to no drainage in patients subject to thyroidectomy was measured using a meta‐analysis. After an extensive literature review, suitable randomized clinical trials were selected for analysis. Outcome measures included the comparative incidence of neck hematoma or seroma and length of hospital stay. Eleven randomized clinical trials were included. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of neck hematoma/seroma (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.59‐1.81) between the groups. The mean length of hospital stay was 1.53 days longer for the drainage group (95% CI 1.39–1.68). There was no difference found between routine drainage and no drainage with regard to the frequency of postoperative hematoma/seroma in patients following thyroidectomy. In addition, the mean length of hospital stay was longer in the routine drainage group. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96: 273–280. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamics of two-level systems irradiated by sub-one-cycle laser pulses
Authors: Bordyug N V , Krainov V P
Published: April 2007

Transitions in a two-level system irradiated by linearly polarized cosine and sine waveform sub-one-cycle pulses are considered. The probabilities of transition after the end of laser pulse are derived numerically as functions of two dimensionless variables: E
τ and F
τ, where τ is the pulse duration, E is the energy distance between considered levels, and F is the dipole matrix element of the transition (all quantities are presented in atomic units). We derive also the dipole moment of a two-level system after the pulse termination as a function of the same dimensionless parameters. There is no significant dependence of dipole moment and inversion population on the cosine, or sine waveform.
Conditioning of flaked rapeseed using the Exergy steam processor – a report from full scale test runs in a Swedish crushing plant
Authors: Münter Claes
Published: April 2007

Using superheated pressurised steam for conditioning seeds and beans is very effective and can reduce the costs for cleaning and refining the oil. By using the Exergy system the time to achieve 120–140°C is only 10–30 s and all enzymes will be deactivated. After water‐degumming the oil will contain less than 10 ppm phosphorous. At appropriate processing conditions the proteins can be heat‐treated to produce rumen by‐pass (protected protein), which has significant added value on the feed market. The process and product development has been done together with a Swedish crushing company. They have used the Exergy for many years. Results on both oil and protein from treatment of flaked rapeseed are presented.
Should we be concerned about the dietary ω‐6:ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio?
Authors: Stanley John C.
Published: April 2007

Omega‐6 and ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids compete at the active sites of enzymes responsible for Δ‐6 desaturation, incorporation into membrane phospholipids, release from membrane phospholipids and conversion into either prostaglandins or leukotrienes. Since prostaglandins are involved in the processes of platelet aggregation and inflammation then it has been suggested that ω‐6 and ω‐3 PUFA compete in vivo and that this has consequences for cell function and ultimately for health. It has been proposed that the dietary ω‐6: ω‐3 PUFA ratio should be used to measure this competition. Theoretical objections to the use of this ratio have recently been confirmed by hard scientific evidence showing that absolute amounts of ω‐6 and ω‐3 PUFA in the diet are more important than the ratio.
Screening of EPDM Cure States Using Depth‐Sensing Indentation
Authors: Kranenburg Johannes M. , van Duin Martin , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: April 2007

The applicability of depth‐sensing indentation as a characterization tool for high throughput experimentation (HTE) in the field of rubber curing was investigated. Depth‐sensing indentation is a suitable candidate for HTE as small amounts of material per sample suffice and large numbers of samples can be automatically measured sequentially. The applicability of this technique to characterize rubber crosslinking was studied using a set of peroxide cured EPDM vulcanizates. Depth‐sensing indentation results were correlated with state of cure, Shore A hardness and macroscopic mechanical properties such as modulus and compression set.

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Temperature‐Responsive Water‐Soluble Copolymers Based on 2‐Hydroxyethyl Acrylate and Butyl Acrylate
Authors: Mun Grigoriy A. , Nurkeeva Zauresh S. , Beissegul Aliya B. , Dubolazov Artem V. , Urkimbaeva Perizat I. , Park Kinam , Khutoryanskiy Vitaliy V.
Published: April 2007

Amphiphilic copolymers have been synthesised by free radical copolymerisation of 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate with butyl acrylate, the reactivity ratios of which indicate practically equal reactivity. The copolymers containing less than 30 mol‐% of BA were soluble in water and exhibited a LCST in aqueous solutions. It was found that the interaction between these copolymers and poly(acrylic acid) in aqueous solutions resulted in the formation of interpolymer complexes stabilised by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. This interaction was significantly affected by solution pH and led to modification of the temperature‐responsive behaviour of the copolymers.

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Chemical Synthesis of Polyaniline Inverse Opals by Templating Colloidal Crystals in the Presence of Dodecylbenzenesulfonic Acid
Authors: Yang Ling‐Yueh , Liau Wen‐Bin
Published: April 2007

A simple method for chemically synthesizing PANI inverse opals by templating colloidal crystals is presented. The use of dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid resulted in structures with reduced shrinkage, allowing the position of the optical stop band to be tuned. The conductivity of the inverse opals was increased, and that of PANI was estimated to be 8 S · cm−1. The inverse opals were of good structural integrity and fidelity, and the overall thickness could be controlled by that of the templates. Optical reflection spectra provided additional evidence of the high crystalline quality of the samples. These inverse opals might be attractive materials for sensor applications and studies of novel optical properties.

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Uniform Embeddings into Coreflections of Products
Authors: Hager Anthony W.
Published: April 2007

The fine coreflector, the locally fine coreflector and the real line are shown to be curiously related. A general setting for the result is explored other examples of the situation are discussed, and the first result is given a more categorical proof.
Reflexive Objekte in einer Funktorkategorie mit Dualität
Authors: Lorenz Klaus Jürgen
Published: April 2007

The reflexive objects of a functor category with duality, constructed by the author in [KJL], are characterized. Especially emphasized are the functors on the category L of complete locally convex spaces and continuous linear operators.
Existenz‐ und Eindeutigkeitsbeweise für Gezeitenwellen mit allgemeinen Wirbelverteilungen
Authors: Beyer Klaus , Zeidler Eberhard
Published: April 2007

Für Gezeitenwellen von Meeresflüssigkeiten mit allgemeinen Wirbelverteilungen auf rotierenden Planeten mit oder ohne Mond wird mit Hilfe der Birfurkationstheorie die Existenz und Eindeutigkeit von Lösungen des entsprechenden freien Randwertproblems nachgewiesen. Die Lösungen sind Entwicklungen nach kleinen Parametern. Für die Berechnung der Entwicklungskoeffizienten werden brauchbare Näherungsverfahren angegeben.
The ∑‐Property for Positive Linear Functionals on W‐algebras and its Application to the Problem of Unitary Mixing in the State Space
Authors: Alberti P. M.
Published: April 2007

In this paper we are dealing with positive linear functionals on W‐algebras. We introduce the notion of a positive linear functional with ∑‐property (see Definition 1.1). It is shown that each positive linear functional on a W‐algebra possesses the ∑‐property. This fact allows to give a short proof of UHLMANN's conjecture on unitary mixing in the state space of a W‐algebra. In proving our main theorem (see Theorem 1.2.) we obtain some results on positive linear functionals and orthoprojections which are useful in other context, too.
Ideals in Algebras of Unbounded Operators
Authors: Timmermann W.
Published: April 2007

A general procedure is given to get ideals in algebras of unbounded operators starting with ideals in ℬ︁(ℋ︁). Algebraical and topological properties of ideals obtained in this manner from the well‐known symmetrically‐normed ideals Sϕ(ℋ︁) are described.
On the asymptotic behaviour of solutions of nonlinear integral equations in BANACH spaces
Authors: Gripenberg G.
Published: April 2007

The asymptotic behaviour of solutions of nonlinear VOLTERRA integral equations is studied in a real BANACH spaces. The nonlinear operator is assumed to satisfy some accretivity‐type conditions.
Anwendung des SCHAUDERschen Fixpunktsatzes auf elliptische Randwertaufgaben
Authors: Ade Hans
Published: April 2007

In the first section of this paper we prove an existence theorem for a system of two operator equations with the aid of SCHAUDERS fixpoint theorem. In section two we apply this abstract theorem to get HÖLDERcontinuous solutions of boundary value problems with partial elliptic differential equations. For this purpose we employ some potentialtheoretic auxiliaries and some imbedding properties of HÖLDER spaces.
In Vitro Degradation of Poly(lactic‐co2‐glycolic) Acid Random Copolymers
Authors: Vey Elisabeth , F. Miller Aline , Claybourn Mike , Saiani Alberto
Published: April 2007

We have investigated the in vitro degradation of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid copolymer with a lactic to glycolic ratio of 65/35. The degradation studies were performed on solvent‐cast films of controlled thickness and shape. The samples were then incubated at 37 °C in phosphate buffered saline solution. The degradation was followed using potentiometry, light microscopy, gravimetry, gel permeation chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry. Water was found to diffuse inside the film as soon as the sample was placed in the degradation media. Wrinkles formed on the upper layer while degradation took place via chain scission in the bulk of the film. After 10 days, this led to the creation of a vesicle where liquid low molecular weight oligomers were trapped inside a thin film of high molecular weight polymer. This thin film acted as a membrane allowing only low molecular weight compounds to diffuse out of the film.
Deep brain stimulation and medication for parkinsonian tremor during secondary tasks
Authors: Sturman Molly M. , Vaillancourt David E. , Metman Leo Verhagen , Sierens Diane K. , Bakay Roy A.E. , Corcos Daniel M.
Published: April 2007

This study examined the efficacy of subthalamic nucleus (STN), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and medication for resting tremor during performance of secondary tasks. Hand tremor was recorded using accelerometry and electromyography (EMG) from 10 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and ten matched control subjects. The PD subjects were examined off treatment, on STN DBS, on medication, and on STN DBS plus medication. In the first experiment, tremor was recorded in a quiet condition and during a cognitive task designed to enhance tremor. In the second experiment, tremor was recorded in a quiet condition and during isometric finger flexion (motor task) with the contralateral limb at 5% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) that was designed to suppress tremor. Results showed that: (1) STN DBS and medication reduced tremor during a cognitive task that exacerbated tremor, (2) STN DBS normalized tremor frequency in both the quiet and cognitive task conditions, whereas tremor amplitude was only normalized in the quiet condition, (3) a secondary motor task reduced tremor in a similar manner to STN DBS. These findings demonstrate that STN DBS still suppresses tremor in the presence of a cognitive task. Furthermore, a secondary motor task of the opposite limb suppresses tremor to levels comparable to STN DBS. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
High prevalence of LRRK2 mutations in familial and sporadic Parkinson's disease in Portugal
Authors: Ferreira Joaquim J. , Guedes Leonor Correia , Rosa Mário Miguel , Coelho Miguel , van Doeselaar Marina , Schweiger Dorothea , Di Fonzo Alessio , Oostra Ben A. , Sampaio Cristina , Bonifati Vincenzo
Published: April 2007

Mutations in the Leucine‐Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are the most frequent known cause of Parkinson's disease (PD), but their prevalence varies markedly between populations. Here we studied the frequency and associated phenotype of four recurrent LRRK2 mutations (R1441C, R1441G, R1441H, and G2019S) in familial and sporadic PD from a single referral center in Lisbon, Portugal. Among 138 unrelated PD probands, we identified 9 heterozygous G2019S carriers (6.52%) and 1 heterozygous R1441H carrier (0.72%). The G2019S mutation was present in 4 of the 107 sporadic (3.74%) and in 5 of the 31 familial probands (16.1%). Mutations were not found among 101 Portuguese controls. The G2019S mutation was present on a single haplotype and displayed reduced penetrance. Heterozygous parkin gene mutations were also found in 2 G2019S‐positive probands, but their pathogenic role is unclear. The clinical phenotype in patients with LRRK2 mutations was indistinguishable from that of typical PD, including impaired sense of smell. The G2019S mutation is a very common genetic determinant among the Portuguese patients with PD, and the R1441H mutation is also present in this population. These data have important implications for the diagnostic work‐up and genetic counseling of patients with this disease in Portugal. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Power‐law temporal autocorrelation of activity reflects severity of parkinsonism
Authors: Pan Weidong , Ohashi Kyoko , Yamamoto Yoshiharu , Kwak Shin
Published: April 2007

We aimed to obtain a reliable, objective scale representing disease severity for appropriate management of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Nineteen patients with PD at the Department of Neurology, Tokyo University Hospital, were classified into mild (n = 10) or severe groups (n = 9) depending on their Hoehn‐Yahr scores, and wore accelerometers on their wrists for more than 6 consecutive days. During this time we monitored their subjective assessments of symptom severity and analyzed the power‐law exponents (α) for local maxima and minima of fluctuations in the activity time series. Statistical comparisons were made between the severe and mild groups and of individual patients on “good condition” and “bad condition” days, as well as between days before and after antiparkinsonism medication. In all patients, the α for local maxima was always lower when parkinsonism was mild than when severe. Presence of tremor did not influence the α for local maxima. As the lower α value for local maxima of fluctuations in activity records reflects more frequent switching behavior from low to high physical activities or the severity of akinesia, actigraph monitoring of parkinsonism, and analysis of its power‐law correlation may provide useful objective information for controlling parkinsonism in outpatient clinics and for evaluating new antiparkinsonism drugs. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
A computer method based on simulated annealing to identify aquifer parameters using pumping‐test data
Authors: Huang Yen‐Chen , Yeh Hund‐Der , Lin Yu‐Chung
Published: April 2007

Conventional graphical or computer methods for identifying aquifer parameters have their own inevitable limitations. This paper proposes a computer method based on a drawdown model and a heuristic approach of simulated annealing (SA) to determine the best‐fit aquifer parameters of the confined and unconfined aquifer systems. The drawdown model for the confined aquifer is the Theis solution and the unconfined aquifer is the Neuman solution. The estimated results of proposed method have better accuracy than those of the graphical methods and agree well with those of the computer methods based on the extended Kalman filter and Newton's method. Finally, the sensitivity analyses for the control parameters of SA indicate that the proposed method is very robust and stable in parameter identification procedures. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silver nanoparticles immobilized on thin film composite polyamide membrane: characterization, nanofiltration, antifouling properties
Authors: Lee Seung Yun , Kim Hee Jin , Patel Rajkumar , Im Se Joon , Kim Jong Hak , Min Byoung Ryul
Published: April 2007

Microbial biofouling is one of the major obstacles for reaching the ultimate goal of realizing a high permeability over a prolonged period of nanofiltration operation. In this study, the hybrid nanocomposite membranes consisting of silver (Ag) nanoparticles with antibiofouling capability on microorganism and polyamide (PA) were prepared by in situ interfacial polymerization and characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The hybrid membranes were shown to possess the dramatic antibiofouling effect on Pseudomonas. In addition, Ag nanocomposite membranes had little influence on the performances of the membrane such as on water flux and salt rejection. SEM analysis results showed that all Pseudomonas were dead on the PA/Ag nanocomposite membrane, indicating the effectiveness of silver nanoparticles. This investigation offers a strong potential for possible use as a new type of antibiofouling membrane. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tubular kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1) in human renal disease
Authors: van Timmeren MM , van den Heuvel MC , Bailly V , Bakker SJL , van Goor H , Stegeman CA
Published: April 2007

KIM‐1, a transmembrane tubular protein with unknown function, is undetectable in normal kidneys, but is markedly induced in experimental renal injury. The KIM‐1 ectodomain is cleaved, detectable in urine, and reflects renal damage. KIM‐1 expression in human renal biopsies and its correlation with urinary KIM‐1 (uKIM‐1) is unknown. In biopsies from various renal diseases (n = 102) and controls (n = 7), the fraction of KIM‐1 positive tubules and different renal damage parameters were scored. Double labelling was performed for KIM‐1 with macrophages (MØ), α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), proximal (aquaporin‐1) and distal (E‐cadherin) tubular markers and a dedifferentiation marker (vimentin). uKIM‐1 at the time of biopsy (n = 53) was measured by ELISA. Renal KIM‐1 was significantly increased in all diseases versus controls (p < 0.05), except minimal change. KIM‐1 was primarily expressed at the luminal side of dedifferentiated proximal tubules, in areas with fibrosis (α‐SMA) and inflammation (MØ). Independent of the disease, renal KIM‐1 correlated positively with renal damage, negatively with renal function, but not with proteinuria. uKIM‐1 was increased in renal patients versus controls (p < 0.001), including minimal change, and correlated positively with tissue KIM‐1 and MØ, negatively with renal function, but not with proteinuria. In conclusion, KIM‐1 is upregulated in renal disease and is associated with renal fibrosis and inflammation. uKIM‐1 is also associated with inflammation and renal function, and reflects tissue KIM‐1, indicating that it can be used as a non‐invasive biomarker in renal disease. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HDPE/expanded graphite nanocomposites prepared via masterbatch process
Authors: Li Yu‐Chao , Chen Guo‐Hua
Published: April 2007

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) was melt extruded with different amounts of expanded graphite (EG) based masterbatches. Conductive composites were obtained by diluting PE and PS masterbatches with 60 wt% content of expanded graphite. These masterbatches were readily dispersed into the molten HDPE matrix yielding well‐dispersed HDPE/EG nanocomposites which couldn't be done by direct melt extrusion process under the same conditions. Electrical conductivity measurements showed a reduced percolation threshold by this masterbatch filling technique while the resulting composites were 2–3 orders of magnitude lower than that of direct melt extrusion because EG sheets were effectively encapsulated by PE or PS carriers in these masterbatches which leads to a better EG dispersion in composites. Both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) proved an excellent dispersion of EG in polymer matrix with the worm‐like structure tended to break into pieces under intensive rolling. The improvements in mechanical and thermal properties have been studied for the nanocomposites as prepared by masterbatch process. The results depended greatly on the dispersion of EG and the compatibility between masterbatch and HDPE matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:882–888, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
The evolutionary genetics of personality
Authors: Penke Lars , Denissen Jaap J. A. , Miller Geoffrey F.
Published: April 2007

Genetic influences on personality differences are ubiquitous, but their nature is not well understood. A theoretical framework might help, and can be provided by evolutionary genetics. We assess three evolutionary genetic mechanisms that could explain genetic variance in personality differences: selective neutrality, mutation‐selection balance, and balancing selection. Based on evolutionary genetic theory and empirical results from behaviour genetics and personality psychology, we conclude that selective neutrality is largely irrelevant, that mutation‐selection balance seems best at explaining genetic variance in intelligence, and that balancing selection by environmental heterogeneity seems best at explaining genetic variance in personality traits. We propose a general model of heritable personality differences that conceptualises intelligence as fitness components and personality traits as individual reaction norms of genotypes across environments, with different fitness consequences in different environmental niches. We also discuss the place of mental health in the model. This evolutionary genetic framework highlights the role of gene‐environment interactions in the study of personality, yields new insight into the person‐situation‐debate and the structure of personality, and has practical implications for both quantitative and molecular genetic studies of personality. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.