bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micas of the muscovite–lepidolite series from Karibib pegmatites, Namibia
Authors: Roda E. , Keller P. , Pesquera A. , Fontan F.
Published: July 2007

Micas of the muscovite–lepidolite series are main constituents of the evolved pegmatites from the Okatjimukuju-Kaliombo portion of the Karibib belt, Namibia. The compositional variations shown by the micas from the intermediate zones are mainly controlled by the Li3Al-1□-2 and SiLi2Al-2□-1 substitution schemes, whereas for the micas from the core margins and the replacement bodies, only the first of these two exchange vectors seems to operate. The chemical composition of the micas not only depends on the degree of pegmatite evolution, but also on the position in the internal zonation of the pegmatite. Micas from the core margins and the replacement units are generally richer in F, Li, Rb, Cs and Zn than those from the intermediate zones. In general, the contents of these elements increase with decreasing K/Rb ratio. However, some data departing from this general trend are also observed, which could be related to subsolidus processes. Some pegmatite bodies show a complete internal evolution, developed from the margins to the core zone, which is reflected in the chemical composition of the micas. The regional distribution of pegmatites does not define a zonation, because an overlapping of pegmatites with different degrees of evolution occurs. This could be due to the high level of evolution attained by most of the rare-element pegmatites, and to their topography with respect to a dome structure of the basement.
Mineral-melt-fluid composition of carbonate-bearing cumulate xenoliths in Tertiary alkali basalts of southern Slovakia
Authors: Hurai V. , Huraiová M. , Konečný P. , Thomas R.
Published: July 2007

Two types of carbonatic cumulate xenoliths occur in alkali basalts of the northern part of the Carpatho-Pannonian region, Central Europe. One is dominated by Ca-Fe-Mg carbonates with randomly distributed bisulphide globules (Fe1+xS2, x = 0–0.1), Mg-Al spinel, augite, rhönite, Ni-Co-rich chalcopyrite, and a Fe(Ni,Fe)2S4 phase. The second, carbonatic pyroxenite xenolith type, is composed of diopside, subordinate fluorapatite, interstitial Fe-Mg carbonates, and accessory K-pargasite, F-Al-rich ferroan phlogopite, Mg-Al spinel, albite and K-feldspar. All accessory minerals occur in ultrapotassic dacite-trachydacite glass in primary silicate melt inclusions in diopside, together with calcio-carbonatite and CO2-N2-CO inclusions. Textural evidence is provided for multiphase fluid-melt immiscibility in both xenolith types. The carbonatic pyroxenite type is inferred to have accumulated from differentiated, volatile-rich, ultrapotassic magma derived by a very low-degree partial melting of strongly metasomatized mantle. Mineral indicators point to a genetic link between the carbonatite xenolith with olivine-fractionated, silica-undersaturated alkalic basalt ponded at the mantle-crust boundary.
Long-term follow-up of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation with reduced-intensity conditioning for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kebriaei Partow , Detry Michelle A. , Giralt Sergio , Carrasco-Yalan Antonio , Anagnostopoulos Athanasios , Couriel Daniel , Khouri Issa F. , Anderlini Paolo , Hosing Chitra , Alousi Amin , Champlin Richard E. , de Lima Marcos
Published: July 2007

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) remains an effective strategy for inducing durable remission in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens extend HSCT to older patients and those with comorbidities who would otherwise not be suitable candidates for HSCT. The long-term efficacy of this approach is not established. We evaluated outcomes of 64 CML patients with advanced-phase disease (80% beyond first chronic phase), not eligible for myeloablative preparative regimens due to older age or comorbid conditions, who were treated with fludarabine-based RIC regimens. Donor type was matched related (n =30), 1 antigen-mismatched related (n =4), or matched unrelated (n =30). With median follow-up of 7 years, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 33% and 20%, respectively, at 5 years. Incidence of treatment-related mortality (TRM) was 33%, 39%, and 48% at 100 days, and 2 and 5 years after HSCT, respectively. In multivariate analysis, only disease stage at time of HSCT was significantly predictive for both OS and PFS. RIC HSCT provides adequate disease control in chronic-phase CML patients, but alternative treatment strategies need to be explored in patients with advanced disease. TRM rates are acceptable in this high-risk population but increase over time.
Poor perception of dyspnoea in children with undiagnosed asthma
Authors: van Gent R. , van Essen-Zandvliet L. E. M. , Rovers M. M. , Kimpen J. L. L. , de Meer G. , van der Ent C. K.
Published: July 2007

The aim of the present study was to establish the differences in dyspnoea perception between children with undiagnosed and diagnosed asthma.

A cross-sectional community-based study was performed, which included a parental questionnaire on the child's respiratory health and testing of airway reversibility and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). “Diagnosed asthma” was defined by a physician's diagnosis of asthma. “Undiagnosed asthma” was defined by the presence of asthma symptoms combined with either airway reversibility or BHR without a physician's diagnosis of asthma. Only children with a positive BHR test were selected for further analysis. Perception of dyspnoea was assessed using the Borg scale and the visual analogue scale (VAS), plotted against the percentage fall in forced expiratory volume in one second and expressed as the slope of the regression line.

Of the initial 1,758 participating children, 70 had undiagnosed asthma and 38 had diagnosed asthma. The Borg and VAS slopes in children with undiagnosed asthma were less steep than those of children with diagnosed asthma (Borg: 0.07 and 0.14, respectively; VAS: 0.06 and 0.11, respectively).

Among children with bronchial hyperresponsiveness, those without a parent's report of physician's diagnosis of asthma had a worse perception of dyspnoea than children with diagnosed asthma.
Control of the growth of human breast cancer cells in culture by manipulation of arachidonate metabolism
Authors: Hammamieh Rasha , Sumaida Dena , Zhang XiaoYan , Das Rina , Jett Marti
Published: July 2007

Background

Arachidonate metabolites are important regulators of human breast cancer cells. Production of bioactive lipids are frequently initiated by the enzyme phospholipase A2 which releases arachidonic acid (AA) that is rapidly metabolized by cyclooxygenases (COX) or lipoxygenases (LO) to other highly potent lipids.

Methods

In this study we screened a number of inhibitors which blocked specific pathways of AA metabolism for their antiproliferative activity on MCF-7 wild type and MCF-7 ADR drug resistant breast cancer cells. The toxicity of these inhibitors was further tested on human bone marrow cell proliferation.

Results

Inhibitors of LO pathways (specifically the 5-LO pathway) were most effective in blocking proliferation. Inhibitors of platelet activating factor, a byproduct of arachidonate release, were also effective antiproliferative agents. Curcumin, an inhibitor of both COX and LO pathways of eicosanoid metabolism, was 12-fold more effective in blocking proliferation of the MCF-7 ADRs cells compared to MCF-7 wild type (WT) cells. These inhibitors that effectively blocked the proliferation of breast cancer cells showed varying degrees of toxicity to cultures of human bone marrow cells. We observed greater toxicity to bone marrow cells with inhibitors that interfere with the utilization of AA in contrast to those which block utilization of its downstream metabolites. MK-591, MK-886, PCA-4248, and AA-861 blocked proliferation of breast cancer cells but showed no toxicity to bone marrow cells.

Conclusion

These inhibitors were effective in blocking the proliferation of breast cancer cells and may be potentially useful in human breast cancer therapy.
Accelerated gene evolution and subfunctionalization in the pseudotetraploid frog Xenopus laevis
Authors: Hellsten Uffe , Khokha Mustafa K , Grammer Timothy C , Harland Richard M , Richardson Paul , Rokhsar Daniel S
Published: July 2007

Background

Ancient whole genome duplications have been implicated in the vertebrate and teleost radiations, and in the emergence of diverse angiosperm lineages, but the evolutionary response to such a perturbation is still poorly understood. The African clawed frog Xenopus laevis experienced a relatively recent tetraploidization ~40 million years ago. Analysis of the considerable amount of EST sequence available for this species together with the genome sequence of the related diploid Xenopus tropicalis provides a unique opportunity to study the genomic response to whole genome duplication.

Results

We identified 2218 gene triplets in which a single gene in X. tropicalis corresponds to precisely two co-orthologous genes in X. laevis – the largest such collection published from any duplication event in animals. Analysis of these triplets reveals accelerated evolution or relaxation of constraint in the peptides of the X. laevis pairs compared with the orthologous sequences in X. tropicalis and other vertebrates. In contrast, single-copy X. laevis genes do not show this acceleration. Duplicated genes can differ substantially in expression levels and patterns. We find no significant difference in gene content in the duplicated set, versus the single-copy set based on molecular and biological function ontologies.

Conclusion

These results support a scenario in which duplicate genes are retained through a process of subfunctionalization and/or relaxation of constraint on both copies of an ancestral gene.
Pivotal Advance: Cannabinoid-2 receptor agonist HU-308 protects against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis
Authors: Rajesh Mohanraj , Pan Hao , Mukhopadhyay Partha , Bátkai Sándor , Osei-Hyiaman Douglas , Haskó György , Liaudet Lucas , Gao Bin , Pacher Pál
Published: July 2007

In this study, we have investigated the role of the cannabinoid CB2 (CB2) receptor in an in vivo mouse model of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. In addition, we have assessed the role of the CB2 receptor in TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (HLSECs) and in the adhesion of human neutrophils to HLSECs in vitro. The potent CB2 receptor agonist HU-308, given prior to the induction of I/R, significantly attenuated the extent of liver damage (measured by serum alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase) and decreased serum and tissue TNF-α, MIP-1α, and MIP-2 levels, tissue lipid peroxidation, neutrophil infiltration, DNA fragmentation, and caspase 3 activity. The protective effect of HU-308 against liver damage was also preserved when given right after the ischemic episode. HU-308 also attenuated the TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in HLSECs, which expressed CB2 receptors, and the adhesion of human neutrophils to HLSECs in vitro. These findings suggest that selective CB2 receptor agonists may represent a novel, protective strategy against I/R injury by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis.
Cumulative Dose of Hypertension Predicts Outcome in Intracranial Hemorrhage Better Than American Heart Association Guidelines
Authors: Barton Christopher W. , Hemphill J. Claude
Published: July 2007

BackgroundHypertension is common after intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and may be associated with higher mortality and adverse neurologic outcome. The American Heart Association recommends that blood pressure be maintained at a mean arterial pressure (MAP) less than 130 mm Hg to prevent secondary brain injury.

ObjectivesTo prospectively evaluate whether a new method of assessing hypertension in ICH more accurately identifies patients at risk for adverse outcomes.

MethodsThe authors prospectively studied all patients presenting to two University of California, San Francisco hospitals with acute ICH from June 1, 2001, to May 31, 2004. Factors related to acute hospitalization were recorded in a database, including all charted vital signs for the first 15 days. Patients were followed up for one year, with their modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 12 months as primary outcome. Hypertension dose was determined as the area under the curve between patient MAP and a cut point of 110 mm Hg while in the emergency department (ED). The dose was adjusted for time spent in the ED (dose/timeed [d/ted]). Hypertension dose was divided into four categories (none, and progressive tertiles). Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio for adverse mRS by tertiles of d/ted.

ResultsA total of 237 subjects with an ED average (±SD) length of stay of 3.42 (±3.7) hours were enrolled. In a multivariate logistic regression model controlling for the effects of age, volume of hemorrhage, presence of intraventricular hemorrhage, race, and preexisting hypertension, there was a 4.7‐ and 6.1‐fold greater likelihood of an adverse neurologic outcome (by mRS) at one and 12 months, respectively, in the highest d/ted tertile relative to the referent group without hypertension.

ConclusionsHypertension after acute ICH is associated with adverse neurologic outcome. The dose of hypertension may more accurately identify patients at risk for adverse outcomes than the American Heart Association guidelines and may lead to better outcomes if treated when identified in this manner.
Do Knowledge and Experience Have Specific Roles in Triage Decision‐making?
Authors: Considine Julie , Botti Mari , Thomas Shane
Published: July 2007

Accuracy of triage decisions is a major influence on patient outcomes. Triage nurses' knowledge and experience have been cited as influential factors in triage decision‐making. The aim of this article is to examine the independent roles of factual knowledge and experience in triage decisions. All of the articles cited in this review were research papers that examined the relationship between triage decisions and knowledge and/or experience of triage nurses. Numerous studies have shown that factual knowledge is an important factor in improving triage decisions. Although a number of studies have examined the role of experience as an independent influence on triage decisions, none have found a significant relationship between experience and triage decision‐making. Factual knowledge appears to be more important than years of emergency nursing or triage experience in triage decision accuracy. Many triage education programs are underpinned by the assumption that knowledge acquisition will result in improved triage decisions. A better understanding of the relationships between clinical decisions, knowledge, and experience is pivotal for the rigorous evaluation of education programs.
Mice lacking sister chromatid cohesion protein PDS5B exhibit developmental abnormalities reminiscent of Cornelia de Lange syndrome
Authors: Zhang Bin , Jain Sanjay , Song Haengseok , Fu Ming , Heuckeroth Robert O. , Erlich Jonathan M. , Jay Patrick Y. , Milbrandt Jeffrey
Published: July 2007

PDS5B is a sister chromatid cohesion protein that is crucial for faithful segregation of duplicated chromosomes in lower organisms. Mutations in cohesion proteins are associated with the developmental disorder Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) in humans. To delineate the physiological roles of PDS5B in mammals, we generated mice lacking PDS5B (APRIN). Pds5B-deficient mice died shortly after birth. They exhibited multiple congenital anomalies,including heart defects, cleft palate, fusion of the ribs, short limbs, distal colon aganglionosis, abnormal migration and axonal projections of sympathetic neurons, and germ cell depletion, many of which are similar to abnormalities found in humans with CdLS. Unexpectedly, we found no cohesion defects in Pds5B-/- cells and detected high PDS5B expression in post-mitotic neurons in the brain. These results, along with the developmental anomalies of Pds5B-/- mice, the presence of a DNA-binding domain in PDS5B in vertebrates and its nucleolar localization, suggest that PDS5B and the cohesin complex have important functions beyond their role in chromosomal dynamics.
Poly(A)-binding protein is differentially required for translation mediated by viral internal ribosome entry sites
Authors: Bradrick Shelton S. , Dobrikova Elena Y. , Kaiser Constanze , Shveygert Mayya , Gromeier Matthias
Published: July 2007

The 3′ poly(A) tail present on the majority of mature eukaryotic mRNAs is an important regulator of protein synthesis and mRNA stability. The poly(A) tail improves the efficiency of translation initiation through recruitment of PABP, enabling its interaction with eIF4F located at the mRNA 5′-end. Recent evidence has also implicated a possible role for PABP and the poly(A) tract in translation control at steps beyond the initiation phase. Similar to conventional mRNAs, plus-strand RNA virus genomes that utilize internal ribosome entry sites (IRESes) to promote cap-independent translation are influenced by PABP and poly(A) status. However, the relative contribution of these factors to translation initiation mediated by distinct IRESes is unclear. We have investigated cis- and trans-acting effects of poly(A) and PABP, respectively, on RNAs harboring IRESes from three diverse viruses: encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and coxsackievirus B3 (CBV3). A 3′ poly(A) tract enhanced translation of both capped and IRES-containing reporter RNAs. However, only CBV3 and capped transcripts were stabilized as a result of polyadenylation. Correspondingly, translation of polyadenylated CBV3 and capped RNAs displayed heightened sensitivity to the PABP inhibitor Paip2 compared with EMCV and HCV. Sucrose density gradient analyses suggested a stimulatory role for PABP and 3′ poly(A) in the CBV3 initiation phase, while assembly of HCV and EMCV RNAs into ribosomal complexes was little affected by either factor. Collectively, the observed differential effects of PABP and poly(A) on translation imply mechanistic differences between viral IRES elements and suggest modulating roles for PABP and the poly(A) tail at multiple phases of translation.
Chewing gum and context‐dependent memory: The independent roles of chewing gum and mint flavour
Authors: Johnson Andrew J. , Miles Christopher
Published: July 2007

Two experiments independently investigated the basis of the chewing gum induced context‐dependent memory effect. At learning and/or recall, participants either chewed flavourless gum (Experiment 1) or received mint‐flavoured strips (Experiment 2). No context‐dependent memory effect was found with either flavourless gum or mint‐flavoured strips, indicating that independently the contexts were insufficiently salient to induce the effect. This is found despite participants’ subjective ratings indicating a perceived change in state following administration of flavourless gum or mint‐flavoured strips. Additionally, some preliminary evidence for a non‐additive facilitative effect of receiving gum or flavour at either learning and/or recall is reported. The findings raise further concerns regarding the robustness of the previously reported context‐dependent memory effect with chewing gum.
Expectancy violation and perceptions of rape victim credibility
Authors: Hackett Louisa , Day Andrew , Mohr Philip
Published: July 2007

Purpose. Rape victims have been found to have a heightened risk of secondary victimization in the legal system through biased perceptions of their credibility. In this study, participants observed a video of a rape victim reporting the crime and evaluated her credibility, to establish the influence of victim emotional expressiveness on evaluations of victim credibility.

Methods. The nonverbal (eye‐contact, crying) and paralinguistic (tone of voice) behaviour of the rape victim was manipulated such that the emotional presentation viewed by observers was either expressive, or not expressive. One hundred and thirty seven participants were randomly allocated to observe a videotape of either an expressive or a non‐expressive victim. Participants’ specific expectations about the emotional expressiveness of rape victims in general were also measured.

Results. Results revealed no significant main effect of emotional expressiveness on perceptions of credibility. However, among participants with a strong expectation of emotional expressiveness, a rape victim who was emotionally expressive was perceived to be significantly more credible than a victim who was not emotionally expressive.

Conclusions. It appears to be expectancy violation rather than emotional expressiveness per se that biases observers’ perceptions of rape victim credibility.
Metabolic and hormonal changes during the refeeding period of prolonged fasting
Authors: Korbonits Márta , Blaine David , Elia Marinos , Powell-Tuck Jeremy
Published: July 2007

Objective: The discovery of leptin, a hormone primarily involved in adaptation to fasting, led to an increased interest in appetite regulation and appetite-modulating hormones. Here, we present unique data from a case of extreme starvation and refeeding, showing changes in plasma concentrations of appetite-modulating and metabolic hormones as well as biochemical changes, and draw attention to the dangers of the refeeding syndrome.

Patients and methods: We studied the refeeding period of a 44-day voluntary fast uncomplicated by underlying disease. Biochemical and hormonal variables were compared with 16 matched subjects such that the BMI range of the controls covered the entire spectrum for the index subject’s recovering BMI.

Results: Lack of calorie intake with free access to water resulted in 25% loss of body weight. Haemoconcentration was observed and feeding was started with a low sodium, hypocaloric liquid formulation. During early refeeding, marked hypophosphataemia, haemodilution and slight oedema developed. Vitamins B1, B12 and B6 were depleted while serum free fatty acids, ketone bodies and zinc levels were abnormally high; abnormal liver function developed over the first week. The hormonal profile showed low IGF-I and insulin levels, and elevated IGF-binding protein-1 concentrations. Appetite-regulating hormones were either very low (leptin and ghrelin) or showed no marked difference from the control group (peptide YY, agouti-related peptide, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, neuropeptide Y and pro-opiomelanocortin). Appetite was low at the beginning of refeeding and a transient increase in orexin and resistin was observed coincidently with an increase in subjective hunger.

Conclusions: Our study illustrates the potential dangers of refeeding and provides a comprehensive insight into the endocrinology of prolonged fasting and the refeeding process.
Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein is associated with markers of obesity, but is an unlikely link between obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome women
Authors: Möhlig Matthias , Weickert Martin O , Ghadamgadai Elham , Machlitt Andrea , Pfüller Bettina , Arafat Ayman M , Pfeiffer Andreas F H , Schöfl Christof
Published: July 2007

Objective: Many polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women suffer from adiposity and insulin resistance (IR), which play an important role in the development and maintenance of PCOS. Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) is mainly expressed in adipocytes, and circulating A-FABP has been associated with markers of obesity and IR. Thus, as observed with other adipose tissue derived factors, secreted A-FABP might be involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-associated disorders such as PCOS.

Design: Plasma A-FABP concentrations were measured in 102 non-diabetic PCOS women, and associations with markers of obesity, IR, inflammation, and hyperandrogenism were investigated by correlation and multiple linear regression analyses. The effect of lifestyle intervention on A-FABP was studied in a second cohort of 17 obese PCOS women.

Results: A-FABP correlated with body mass index (BMI; R = 0.694, P < 0.001), dual-energy X-ray-absorptiometry (DEXA) fat mass (R = 0.729, P < 0.001), DEXA lean body mass (R = 0.399, P = 0.001), HOMA %S (R = −0.435, P < 0.001), hsCRP (R = 0.355, P = 0.001), and free testosterone (fT; R = 0.230, P = 0.02). Adjusted for age, smoking, and glucose metabolism the association of A-FABP with HOMA %S was still significant (P < 0.001), whereas the associations with fT (P = 0.09) and hsCRP (P = 0.25) were not. Inclusion of BMI into the model abolished the impact of A-FABP on HOMA %S. In BMI-matched PCOS women (n = 20 pairs), neither HOMA %S (P = 0.3) nor fT (P = 0.6) were different despite different A-FABP levels (P < 0.001), and in 17 obese PCOS women undergoing a lifestyle intervention, changes in IR were not paralleled by changes in A-FABP.

Conclusions: Circulating A-FABP was correlated with markers of obesity, but had no major impact on IR, inflammation, or hyperandrogenemia in PCOS women.
Retinol-binding protein 4 levels are elevated in polycystic ovary syndrome women with obesity and impaired glucose metabolism
Authors: Hahn Susanne , Backhaus Manuel , Broecker-Preuss Martina , Tan Susanne , Dietz Tiina , Kimmig Rainer , Schmidt Markus , Mann Klaus , Janssen Onno E
Published: July 2007

Objective: Insulin resistance and obesity are common features of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), a new fat-derived adipokine, has been described to be elevated in obesity and type 2 diabetes. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether serum RBP4 levels are correlated with metabolic parameters, indices of insulin resistance, and endocrine variables in German PCOS women.

Design: We assessed the correlation between metabolic and endocrine parameters with RBP4 levels in 200 PCOS patients and 64 healthy controls.

Methods: Serum RBP4 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Immundiagnostik AG, Bensheim, Germany). In addition, anthropometric variables, clinical signs of hyperandrogenism, and body fat were evaluated, and a glucose tolerance test was performed to assess parameters of insulin resistance and glucose metabolism.

Results: Taking the entire PCOS cohort, RBP4 levels were positively correlated with body mass index (BMI), body fat, waist circumference, fasting glucose, and area under the curve for glucose (all P<0.05), but not with indices of insulin resistance. On the other hand, PCOS women with impaired glucose metabolism had higher RBP4 levels than PCOS women with normal glucose metabolism (median 30.6, range 23.3–73.9 versus median 26.3, range 6.4–61.4, P<0.05). Furthermore, no differences were found in RBP4 levels between lean PCOS women and BMI-matched healthy controls.

Conclusion: In German PCOS women, serum RBP4 levels are associated with obesity and parameters of glucose metabolism but not with PCOS per se.
Vitamin D status and parathyroid hormone in obese children before and after weight loss
Authors: Reinehr Thomas , de Sousa Gideon , Alexy Ute , Kersting M , Andler Werner
Published: July 2007

Objective: The roles of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) are discussed controversially in obesity, and studies of these hormones in obese children are limited. Therefore, we studied the relationships between PTH, 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D (1,25-OH Vit D), 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH Vit D), weight status, and insulin sensitivity before and after weight loss in obese children.

Methods: Fasting serum PTH, 1,25-OH Vit D, 25-OH Vit D, inorganic phosphate, calcium, alkaline phosphatase (AP), insulin, glucose, and weight status (SDS–BMI and percentage body fat) were determined in 133 obese children (median age 12.1 years) and compared with 23 non-obese children. Furthermore, these parameters were analyzed in 67 obese children before and after participating in a 1-year obesity intervention program.

Results: Obese children had significantly (P < 0.001) higher PTH and lower 25-OH Vit D concentrations compared with non-obese children, while calcium, phosphate, AP, and 1,25-OH Vit D did not differ significantly. Changes of PTH (r = 0.23, P = 0.031) and 25-OH Vit D (r = −0.27, P = 0.013) correlated significantly with changes of SDS–BMI, but not with changes of insulin sensitivity (homeostasis model assessment; HOMA-B%). Reduction of overweight in 35 children led to a significant (P < 0.01) decrease of PTH concentrations and an increase in 25-OH Vit D levels.

Conclusions: PTH levels were positively and 25-OH Vit D concentrations were negatively related to weight status. Since these alterations normalized after weight loss, these changes are consequences rather than causes of overweight. A relationship between PTH, vitamin D, and insulin sensitivity based on the HOMA index was not found in obese children. Further longitudinal clamp studies are neccessary to study the relationship between vitamin D and insulin sensitivity.
Psychological implications of Graves’ orbitopathy
Authors: Coulter I , Frewin S , Krassas G E , Perros P
Published: July 2007

Patients with thyroid eye disease, Graves’ orbitopathy (GO), often appear distressed and it is likely that features of the condition such as disturbances in visual function, orbital discomfort and alterations in facial appearance can impart significant psychological morbidity upon the patient, which in turn can be detrimental to their quality of life. When considering the psychological impact of GO, two elements of the disease are important. The disfiguring changes to the eyes and face can have a direct effect upon psychological health, while physical aspects of the disease such as altered visual acuity, diplopia, orbital pain and lacrimation may influence psychological function as a secondary phenomenon, due to interference with daily living. Evidence appears to confirm the anecdotal impression of many clinicians dealing with GO patients that the prevalence of psychological morbidity in this patient group is high. A ‘biopsychosocial’ approach to care that addresses biological and psychosocial functioning as major determinants of health is an appropriate strategy when treating patients with GO.
Quality of life is decreased in female patients treated for microprolactinoma
Authors: Kars M , van der Klaauw A A , Onstein C S , Pereira A M , Romijn J A
Published: July 2007

Objective: Most studies on treatment of microprolactinoma have focused on clinical and biochemical outcome rather than on functional and mental well-being. We evaluated this topic in female patients with microprolactinoma, because other pituitary adenomas are associated with decreased quality of life.

Design: We conducted a cross-sectional study.

Patients and methods: To assess the impact of treatment for microprolactinoma on subjective well-being, quality of life was investigated in 55 female patients (mean age 45 ± 10 years), treated for microprolactinoma in our center, using four validated, health-related questionnaires: Short-Form-36 (SF-36), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Patient outcomes were compared with those of 183 female controls with equal age distributions.

Results: Anxiety and depression scores were increased when compared with controls for all subscales as measured by HADS, and fatigue for all but one subscale as measured by MFI-20. Patients treated for microprolactinoma had worse scores on social functioning, role limitations due to physical problems (SF-36), energy, emotional reaction, and social isolation (NHP) when compared with control subjects. Important independent predictors of quality of life were reproductive status and anxiety and depression scores according to the HADS.

Conclusion: Quality of life is impaired in female patients treated for microprolactinoma, especially due to increased anxiety and depression. These increased anxious and depressive feelings might be due to possible effects of hyperprolactinemia on the central nervous system. Failure to recognize this association may adversely affect patient–doctor relationships.
Sources of Nonnative Centrarchids in the Upper Colorado River Revealed by Stable Isotope and Microchemical Analyses of Otoliths
Authors: Whitledge Gregory W. , Johnson Brett M. , Martinez Patrick J. , Martinez Anita M.
Published: July 2007

Nonnative fishes represent a significant impediment to the recovery of imperiled fishes, including those endemic to the Colorado River in the southwestern United States. Efforts to control nonindigenous fish abundance in the upper Colorado River basin have been unsuccessful owing in part to lack of knowledge regarding nonnative fish recruitment sources. We determined the source habitat (floodplain pond versus riverine habitats) for nonnative centrarchid fishes (largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus, bluegill L. macrochirus, and black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus) in the upper Colorado River using stable hydrogen isotopic composition (δD) and strontium: Calcium (Sr: Ca) ratios in fish otoliths as natural markers of environmental history. Stable hydrogen isotope analysis revealed that 59% of centrarchids exhibited the otolith core signatures expected for riverine‐origin fish, while 22% had emigrated from floodplain ponds and 19% were of uncertain origin. Strontium: Calcium ratio data were consistent with the δD assays and indicated that relatively few fish immigrated to the river from high‐salinity habitats. Black crappie was the only species that originated primarily from floodplain ponds. Efforts to control the abundance of most of the fishes included in this study should be concentrated in riverine habitats given the hydrologic conditions (below‐average river discharge) present during our study. However, the proportion of pond‐origin fish increased with fish age, which, coupled with historical river discharge data, suggested that floodplain pond contributions to riverine nonnative fish populations fluctuate with the interannual variations in flow regime and river‐pond connectivity. Our results are the first to demonstrate the utility of δD as a natural marker of fish environmental history that will probably provide valuable insights into the management of fish in other environments.
Static and seismic numerical modeling of geosynthetic-reinforced soil segmental bridge abutments
Authors: Fakharian K. , Attar I. H.
Published: July 2007

This paper presents numerical modeling verification of a block-faced geogrid-reinforced soil bridge abutment (‘segmental bridge abutment’), subjected to construction-induced loads and seismic loads. The static response of the well-instrumented Founders/Meadow segmental bridge abutment, near Denver, USA, during different stages of construction and in-service behavior, and also the static/seismic response of a carefully instrumented reduced-scale reinforced soil-retaining wall tested on a shaking table at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC), have been used for numerical modeling verification purposes. A 2-D, explicit dynamic finite difference program was used to perform the analyses, with user-defined static/seismic constitutive models. The comparisons between the predicted results from the numerical models and the measured physical results from instrumented prototypes were judged to show good agreement for vertical and horizontal displacements, reinforcement forces, and vertical/horizontal soil pressures. The lessons learned to model the physical structures were used to investigate the seismic response of the Founders/Meadow segmental bridge abutment.
Tensile strength of plasma-treated nonwoven geotextiles
Authors: Jeon H.-Y. , Bouazza A.
Published: July 2007

The surface of nonwoven geotextiles was modified by plasma treatment to improve their strength performance. Plasma treatment was applied to polyvinyl alcohol needle-punched geotextiles, polypropylene needle-punched geotextiles, and polyester spun-bonded geotextiles. The nonwoven geotextiles' tensile strength was measured before and after plasma treatment to compare the change in strength properties. The present experimental results show that the tensile strength of the nonwoven geotextiles increased after plasma treatment, with the largest increase observed in polyvinyl alcohol geotextiles (more than 200% gain in strength); polypropylene and polyester geotextiles showed a much lower gain in tensile strength (15–35% gain compared with the non-treated samples).
Preparation and Gas Sensing Characteristics of Nanoparticulate p‐Type Semiconducting LnFeO3 and LnCrO3 Materials
Authors: Siemons M. , Leifert A. , Simon U.
Published: July 2007

Nanoparticulate perovskite‐type LnBO3 (Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu; B = Cr, Fe) oxides are prepared by polyol‐mediated synthesis. X‐ray diffraction is used to confirm the structure of the materials, and scanning electron microscopy is applied to image the sample morphology. The powders are used for the preparation of suspensions that are deposited as thick films on comb‐type Pt electrodes on alumina substrates. Electrical characterization is performed by using high‐throughput impedance spectroscopy. The materials exhibit p‐type semiconductor behavior, and their sensitivity towards H2, CO, NO, NO2, and propylene in a temperature range from 200 to 500 °C is analyzed. In addition, the time‐resolved response of the LnFeO3 materials is investigated. A correlation between the Ln–O binding energy and the sensing properties is observed.
Development of a new infrared device for monitoring the coefficient of variation in yarns
Authors: Huang Chang‐Chiun , Tang Tsann‐Tay
Published: July 2007

The coefficient of variation (CV) in yarns is the most important evenness characteristic in textile processing and quality control. This article develops a new infrared device for monitoring the coefficient of variation in yarns, based on on‐line measurement of the yarn diameter, during the yarn manufacturing process. The device is composed of a 555 astable oscillator, four pairs of infrared emitters and receivers, a summing amplifier, an inverting amplifier, an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converter, a unity‐gain second‐order Sallen–Key low‐pass filter, and a data acquisition system. The optimum values of some factors with the circuit, including the oscillator frequency, amplified gain, cutoff frequency of the low‐pass filter, sampling time, and number of sampling data to be averaged in the moving average method, are systematically chosen by the Taguchi method to reduce the variance in the output voltage of the device. The CV based on measured yarn diameter data is transformed to that based on mass profiles. The experimental results reveal that the CVs evaluated by the infrared device are close to those by the Uster Evenness Tester, which is verified by the statistical analysis of variance. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Selective chemical absorbance in electrospun nonwovens
Authors: Xiang Chunhui , Frey Margaret W. , Taylor Alan G. , Rebovich Mary E.
Published: July 2007

The absorbance of liquids and compounds with various degrees of hydrophilicity into electrospun fabrics and conventional fabrics was measured. Electrospun cellulose and poly(lactic acid) fabrics had comparable fiber diameters and pore spacings between fibers. Woven cotton and polyester [poly(ethylene terephthalate)] fabrics had pore spacings between fibers 10–20 times larger than the electrospun fabrics. The absorbance of liquids and chemicals with various degrees of water/octanol solubility onto the hydrophobic [poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(lactic acid)] and hydrophilic (cellulose and cotton) fabrics was compared. Both the surface chemistry of the fibers and the pore size in the fabrics were found to affect the liquid uptake, with smaller pores and similar chemistry resulting in the greatest liquid absorbance. The absorbance of chemical compounds also increased with decreasing fabric pore size, increasing surface‐to‐volume ratio, and compatible surface chemistry of the fabric. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Synthesis of hyperbranched aromatic polyamide–imide and its grafting onto multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Feng Qing‐Ping , Xie Xu‐Ming , Liu Yi‐Tao , Zhao Wei , Gao Yan‐Fang
Published: July 2007

A flexible hyperbranched aromatic polyamide–imide (PAI) having an amine group in the center and carboxyl groups in the ends was synthesized from a AB2 type of monomer of 2‐(6‐aminohexylcarbomoyl) terephthalic acid that was prepared from trimellitic anhydride and 1,6‐diaminohexane. Fourier transformed infrared spectra (FTIR), NMR, and ES‐MS were used to characterize the structure of the monomer and the synthesized hyperbranched polymer. Then the hyperbranched PAI was grafted onto the multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) that was first treated by acid and changed into MWNT‐COCl by SOCl2 in a tetrahydrofuran solution. By observation with transmission electron microscopy and characterization with FTIR and thermal gravity of analysis, the functionalized MWNTs were terminally enclosed with polymer; it was believed that the MWNTs were linked with a big carboxylic claw at the end and the adsorption ability of the MWNTs to NH2‐substrate was enhanced. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Effects of water deprivation on the pharmacokinetics of metformin in rats
Authors: Choi Young H. , Lee Inchul , Lee Myung G.
Published: July 2007

It was reported that metformin was mainly metabolized via hepatic CYP2C11, 2D1 and 3A1/2 in rats, and in a rat model of dehydration, the expressions of hepatic CYP2C11 and 3A1/2 were not changed. Hence, it could be expected that the Clnr of metformin is comparable between two groups of rats if the contribution of CYP2D1 in the rat model of dehydration is not considerable. It was also reported that the timed‐interval renal clearance of metformin was dependent on the urine flow rate in rats. In the rat model of dehydration, the 24h urine output was significantly smaller than in the controls. Hence, the urinary excretion of metformin was expected to be smaller than the controls. The above expectations were proven as follows. After intravenous administration of metformin (100mg/kg) to the rat model of dehydration, the Clnr were comparable between the two groups of rats. After both intravenous and oral administration of metformin (both 100mg/kg) to the rat model of dehydration, the 24h urinary excretion of the drug was significantly smaller than in the controls. After oral administration of metformin to the rat model of dehydration, the AUC was significantly greater (99.2% increase) than the controls. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lagged association between geomagnetic activity and diminished nocturnal pain thresholds in mice
Authors: Galic M.A. , Persinger M.A.
Published: July 2007

A wide variety of behaviors in several species has been statistically associated with the natural variations in geomagnetism. To examine whether changes in geomagnetic activity are associated with pain thresholds, adult mice were exposed to a hotplate paradigm once weekly for 52 weeks during the dark cycle. Planetary A index values from the previous 6 days of a given hotplate session were correlated with the mean response latency for subjects to the thermal stimulus. We found that hotplate latency was significantly (P < 0.05) and inversely correlated (rho = −0.25) with the daily geomagnetic intensity 3 days prior to testing. Therefore, if the geomagnetic activity was greater 3 days before a given hotplate trial, subjects tended to exhibit shorter response latencies, suggesting lower pain thresholds or less analgesia. These results are supported by related experimental findings and suggest that natural variations in geomagnetic intensity may influence nociceptive behaviors in mice. Bioelectromagnetics 28:577–579, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Binding and enrichment of Escherichia coli spheroplasts expressing inner membrane tethered scFv antibodies on surface immobilized antigens
Authors: Jung Sang Taek , Jeong Ki Jun , Iverson Brent L. , Georgiou George
Published: July 2007

Anchored periplasmic expression (APEx) is a new method for the isolation of high affinity ligand‐binding proteins from large combinatorial libraries (Harvey et al., 2004, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 101(25): 9193–9198). In APEx, proteins are expressed as fusions to a membrane anchor that tethers them onto the periplasmic side of the Escherichia coli inner membrane. Conversion of the cells into spheroplasts and incubation with soluble fluorescently conjugated ligands results in the specific labeling of cells expressing ligand‐binding proteins and their subsequent isolation by flow cytometry. Here we show that scFv antibody fragments expressed in the APEx format allow the binding of spheroplasts to immobilized ligands. ScFv antibodies specific for the cardiac glycoside digoxin or for the protective antigen (PA) of Bacillus anthracis as a negative control were expressed in E. coli as fusions to either N‐terminal or C‐terminal membrane anchoring domains. Only the C‐terminally anchored fusions resulted in specific recognition and binding of spheroplasts onto TentaGel beads with immobilized antigen. Following three rounds of flow cytometric screening, spheroplasts expressing anti‐digoxin scFvs were enriched 950‐fold from a large excess (1,000×) of spheroplasts expressing anti‐PA antibodies. These results indicate that the APEx technology may be employed for the screening of libraries based on binding to insoluble antigens possibly including antigens on cell surfaces. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 98: 39–47. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shape‐ and Phase‐Controlled Synthesis of Monodisperse, Single‐Crystalline Ternary Chalcogenide Colloids through a Convenient Solution Synthesis Strategy
Authors: Du Weimin , Qian Xuefeng , Yin Jie , Gong Qiang
Published: July 2007

Colloidal, monodisperse, single‐crystalline pyramidal CuInS2 and rectangular AgInS2 nanocrystals were successfully synthesized through a convenient and improved solvothermal process that uses hexadecylamine as a capping reagent. The crystal phase, morphology, crystal lattice, and chemical composition of the as‐prepared products were characterized by using X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high‐resolution TEM, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Results revealed that the as‐synthesized CuInS2 colloid is in the tetragonal phase (size: 13–17 nm) and the AgInS2 in the orthorhombic structure (size: 17±0.5 nm). A possible shape evolution and crystal growth mechanism has been suggested for the formation of pyramidal CuInS2 and rectangular AgInS2 colloids. Control experiments indicated that the morphology‐ and/or phase‐change of CuInS2 and orthorhombic AgInS2 colloids are temperature‐ and/or time‐dependent. CuInS2 colloids absorb well in the range of visible light at room‐temperature, indicating its potential application as a solar absorber. Two photoluminescence (PL) subbands at 1.938 and 2.384 eV in the PL spectra of CuInS2 colloids revealed that the recombination of the closest and the second closest donor–acceptor pairs within the CuInS2 lattice, in which the donor defect (Cui) occupies an interstitial position and the acceptor defect (VIn) resides at an adjacent cation site. In addition, the synthesis strategy developed in this study is convenient and inexpensive, and could also be used as a general process for the synthesis of other pure or doped ternary chalcogenides that require a controlled size (or shape). This process could be extended to the synthesis of other functional nanomaterials.
On Chebyshev‐type methods free from second derivative
Authors: Kou Jisheng , Li Yitian
Published: July 2007

In this paper, we present a new Chebyshev‐type method free from second derivative. An analysis of convergence shows that the new method has fourth‐order convergence. Per iteration, the method requires one evaluation of the function and two of its first derivative and therefore this method has the efficiency index equal to 1.587. Numerical examples show that the method has definite practical utility. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.