bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delayed internal capsule infarctions following radiofrequency pallidotomy
Authors: Lim Jae Y. , Salles Antonio A. F. de , Bronstein Jeff , Masterman Donna L. , Saver Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2009

✓ The authors report on a series of patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) who underwent stereotactic radiofrequency (RF) pallidotomies, three of whom suffered delayed postoperative strokes. These three belonged to a group consisting of 42 patients with medically intractable IPD in whom 50 pallidotomies were performed. All three patients had significant previous vascular disease and were in a high-risk group for cerebral infarction. A postoperative magnetic resonance (MR) image was obtained immediately after the pallidotomy was performed to document the placement of the RF lesion and to rule out any hematoma. The delayed strokes occurred on postoperative Days 10, 51, and 117 in patients with previous vascular disease (Group 1, 11 patients). No strokes occurred in the group with the vascular disease risk factor (Group 2, 11 patients) or in the group with no risk factors for vascular disease (Group 3, 20 patients). This observation is statistically significant (p < 0.05). The T2-weighted MR images showed the lesions as high-intensity signals extending to the posterior limb of the internal capsule ipsilateral to the pallidotomy site. The poststroke T1-weighted images obtained in two patients showed persistent contrast enhancement of the RF lesion and no enhancement around the stroke lesion. Clinically and radiographically, these discrete new lesions represent delayed infarctions, suggesting that RF lesioning can induce delayed injury in adjacent tissue. Patients with previously identified vasculopathy may be at risk for delayed capsular infarction following RF pallidotomy.
Pitfalls and successes of peer review in neurosurgery
Authors: Laws Edward R. , Pait T. Glenn , Jane John A.
Published: June 2009

✓ As the first editor of the Journal of Neurosurgery, Louise Eisenhardt, acting with the advice of the editorial board, was responsible for making decisions on the acceptance or rejection of submitted manuscripts. Her log, covering the first 14 years of editorial decisions, is a record of neurosurgical progress and of the forces—scientific, technical and other—that shaped the field of neurosurgery. Any peer-review process is subject to pitfalls that become evident in retrospect, but an effective peer-review process is one of the basic ingredients of scientific progress. The decisions to accept or reject manuscripts submitted to the Journal of Neurosurgery during Eisenhardt's tenure are highlighted in this historical vignette.
Peer Pressure, Psychological Distress and the Urge to Smoke
Authors: Tsai Yi-Wen , Wen Yu-Wen , Tsai Chia-Rung , Tsai Tzu-I
Published: June 2009

Background: Psychology and addiction research have found that cigarette smokers react with subjective and automatic responses to stimuli associated with smoking. This study examines the association between the number of cigarettes smokers consume per month and their response to cues derived from peer and psychological distress. Methods: We studied 1,220 adult past and current smokers drawn from a national face-to-face interview survey administered in 2004. We defined two types of cues possibly triggering a smoker to have a cigarette: peer cues and psychological cues. We used ordinary least square linear regressions to analyze smoking amount and response to peer and psychological distress cues. Results: We found a positive association between amount smoked and cue response: peer cues (1.06, 95%CI: 0.74-1.38) and psychological cues (0.44, 95%CI = 0.17-0.70). Response to psychological cues was lower among male smokers (–1.62, 95%CI = –2.26- –0.98), but response to psychological cues were higher among those who had senior high school level educations (0.96, 95%CI = 0.40-1.53) and who began smoking as a response to their moods (1.25, 95%CI = 0.68-1.82). Conclusions: These results suggest that both peer cues and psychological cues increase the possibility of contingent smoking, and should, therefore, be addressed by anti-smoking policies and anti-smoking programs. More specifically, special attention can be paid to help smokers avoid or counter social pressure to smoke and to help smokers resist the use of cigarettes to relieve distress.
Pattern of Smoking Habit among Greek Blue and White Collar Workers
Authors: Rachiotis George , Karydis Ioannis , Drivas Spyros , Hadjichristodoulou Christos
Published: June 2009

The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of smoking in a Greek working population. A questionnaire regarding smoking habit was collected from 1,005 out of 1,200 blue and white-collar employees (response rate: 84%). The overall smoking prevalence was 48.4% and did not differ by sex, age, education, and occupation. The mean cigarette consumption per day was 25.54, with no difference observed by occupation. The above-mentioned findings, if confirmed by further research, are alarming and inconsistent with the prevalent pattern of smoking habits in the West.
Measurement of Nanomolar Dissociation Constants by Titration Calorimetry and Thermal Shift Assay – Radicicol Binding to Hsp90 and Ethoxzolamide Binding to CAII
Authors: Zubrienė Asta , Matulienė Jurgita , Baranauskienė Lina , Jachno Jelena , Torresan Jolanta , Michailovienė Vilma , Cimmperman Piotras , Matulis Daumantas
Published: June 2009

The analysis of tight protein-ligand binding reactions by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and thermal shift assay (TSA) is presented. The binding of radicicol to the N-terminal domain of human heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90aN) and the binding of ethoxzolamide to human carbonic anhydrase (hCAII) were too strong to be measured accurately by direct ITC titration and therefore were measured by displacement ITC and by observing the temperature-denaturation transitions of ligand-free and ligand-bound protein. Stabilization of both proteins by their ligands was profound, increasing the melting temperature by more than 10 ºC, depending on ligand concentration. Analysis of the melting temperature dependence on the protein and ligand concentrations yielded dissociation constants equal to 1 nM and 2 nM for Hsp90aN-radicicol and hCAII-ethoxzolamide, respectively. The ligand-free and ligand-bound protein fractions melt separately, and two melting transitions are observed. This phenomenon is especially pronounced when the ligand concentration is equal to about half the protein concentration. The analysis compares ITC and TSA data, accounts for two transitions and yields the ligand binding constant and the parameters of protein stability, including the Gibbs free energy and the enthalpy of unfolding.
Synthesis of a Diamino Substituted Terphenyldivinyl Chromophore
Authors: Du Zhen-Ting , Liu Ru , Wang Jun-Ru , Li An-Pai
Published: June 2009

(E,E)-1,4-bis(4'-aminostyryl)-2,5-bis(octyloxy)-benzene (6) and its derivative (E,E)-1,4-bis(4'-acetamidostyryl)-2,5-bis(octyloxy)-benzene (7) were synthesized and characterized after alkylation, bromomethylation, Horner-Emmons reaction and reduction from hydroquinone. In order to gain more molecular electronic data, HOMO and LUMO of compound 6 have been calculated by Gaussian 03 W.
Highly Efficient Esterification of Ferulic Acid Under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Li Nian-Guang , Shi Zhi-Hao , Tang Yu-Ping , Li Bao-Quan , Duan Jin-Ao
Published: June 2009

A highly efficient synthesis of alkyl ferulates under microwave irradiation is described. The time of these reactions ranged from 3 to 5 minutes, which was much shorter than the traditional synthetic methods, and the alkyl ferulates were obtained in higher yields.
The Amelioration of Olfactory Acuity upon Sexual Maturation Might Affect Food Preferences
Authors: Bignetti Enrico , Sinesio Fiorella , Aiello Gaetano L. , Cannella Carlo
Published: June 2009

Upon sexual maturation, olfactory acuity in women ameliorates and starts oscillating across the cycle. During ovulation, mean olfactory threshold is 30 times lower than during bleeding. Interestingly, menstruated women undergo maleodorant trimethylaminuria. We argued that olfactory amelioration during ovulation might concur to a mating strategy, whereas olfactory impairment during bleeding might protect women against self-refusal. Testosterone and its 17β-estradiol derivative might be responsible for the synchronization of these menstrual events. Furthermore, we posed the question whether olfactory detection amelioration upon sexual maturation might provoke a change in food preferences, for instance a reduction in fish consumption. A preliminary survey in Italy provided encouraging results: 15-44 year-old women have lower fish consumption than 3-14 year-old girls. Surprisingly, men exhibited the same behaviour, so new olfactory tests as well as testosterone measurements are under way.
Electron‐Rich Alcohol‐Soluble Neutral Conjugated Polymers as Highly Efficient Electron‐Injecting Materials for Polymer Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Huang Fei , Zhang Yong , Liu Michelle S. , Jen Alex K.‐Y.
Published: June 2009

We report the design and synthesis of three alcohol‐soluble neutral conjugated polymers, poly[9,9‐bis(2‐(2‐(2‐diethanolaminoethoxy) ethoxy)ethyl)fluorene] (PF‐OH), poly[9,9‐bis(2‐(2‐(2‐diethanol‐aminoethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl)fluorene‐alt‐4,4′‐phenylether] (PFPE‐OH) and poly[9,9‐bis(2‐(2‐(2‐diethanolaminoethoxy) ethoxy)ethyl)fluorene‐alt‐benzothiadizole] (PFBT‐OH) with different conjugation length and electron affinity as highly efficient electron injecting and transporting materials for polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs). The unique solubility of these polymers in polar solvents renders them as good candidates for multilayer solution processed PLEDs. Both the fluorescent and phosphorescent PLEDs based on these polymers as electron injecting/transporting layer (ETL) were fabricated. It is interesting to find that electron‐deficient polymer (PFBT‐OH) shows very poor electron‐injecting ability compared to polymers with electron‐rich main chain (PF‐OH and PFPE‐OH). This phenomenon is quite different from that obtained from conventional electron‐injecting materials. Moreover, when these polymers were used in the phosphorescent PLEDs, the performance of the devices is highly dependent on the processing conditions of these polymers. The devices with ETL processed from water/methanol mixed solvent showed much better device performance than the devices processed with methanol as solvent. It was found that the erosion of the phosphorescent emission layer could be greatly suppressed by using water/methanol mixed solvent for processing the polymer ETL. The electronic properties of the ETL could also be influenced by the processing conditions. This offers a new avenue to improve the performance of phosphorescent PLEDs through manipulating the processing conditions of these conjugated polymer ETLs.
Genomic instability in the epidermis induced by atomic bomb (A‐bomb) radiation
Authors: Naruke Yuki , Nakashima Masahiro , Suzuki Keiji , Kondo Hisayoshi , Hayashi Tomayoshi , Soda Midori , Sekine Ichiro
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND:

Radiation etiology is suggested in the occurrence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin among atomic bomb (A‐bomb) survivors. Any genotoxicity, including ionizing radiation, can induce a DNA damage response (DDR), leading to genomic instability (GIN), which allows the accumulation of mutations during tumorigenesis. In this study, the authors evaluated the presence of GIN in the epidermis of survivors as a late effect of A‐bomb radiation.

METHODS:

In total, 146 BCCs, including 23 cases arising from nonexposed skin, were identified in survivors from 1968 to 1999. The incidence rate (IR) of BCC was calculated with stratification by distance in kilometers from the hypocenter (≤1.5 km, 1.6‐2.9 km, and ≥3 km). Nineteen epidermal samples surrounding BCC at the nonexposed sites were collected and tested for p53 binding protein 1 (53BP1) expression with immunofluorescence. 53BP1 rapidly forms nuclear foci at the sites of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). Because 1 manifestation of GIN is the induction of endogenous DSBs, the level of 53BP1‐focus formation (DDR type) can be considered as a marker for GIN.

RESULTS:

The incidence rate of BCC increased significantly as exposure distance approached the hypocenter. Of the 7 epidermal samples from the proximal group (≤1.5 km), 5 samples predominantly expressed DDR and an abnormal type of 53BP1 expression. In contrast, 4 of 5 samples from the distal group (≥3 km) and all samples from the control group predominantly expressed the stable type of 53BP1 expression in the epidermis.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results demonstrated the endogenous activation of DDR in the epidermis surrounding BCC in the proximal group, suggesting the presence of a GIN in the survivors as a late effect of A‐bomb radiation, which may indicate a predisposition to cancer. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Patterns and risk factors associated with aromatase inhibitor‐related arthralgia among breast cancer survivors
Authors: Mao Jun J. , Stricker Carrie , Bruner Deborah , Xie Sharon , Bowman Marjorie A. , Farrar John T. , Greene Brandon T. , DeMichele Angela
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND:

Arthralgia is common in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors (BCS) who are receiving aromatase inhibitors (AIs). The objective of this study was to evaluate the perceived onset, characteristics, and risk factors for AI‐related arthralgia (AIA).

METHODS:

In a cross‐sectional survey of postmenopausal BCS who were receiving adjuvant AI therapy at a university‐based oncology clinic, patient‐reported attribution of AIs as a cause of joint pain was used as the primary outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors.

RESULTS:

Among 300 survey respondents, 139 (47%) attributed AI as a cause of their current arthralgia. Of those patients, 74% recognized the onset of AIA within 3 months of starting medication, and 67% rated joint pain as moderate or severe in the previous 7 days. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, the time since last menstrual period (LMP) was the only significant predictor of AIA. Controlling for covariates, the women who had their LMP within 5 years had the highest probability of reporting AIA (73%), whereas those who had their LMP ≥10 years previously had the lowest probability of reporting AIA (35%; adjusted odds radio, 3.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.21‐9.44; P = .02). Wrists/hands, ankles/feet, elbows, and knees appeared to be associated more strongly with AI‐related symptoms than non‐AI–related joint symptoms (all P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS:

AIA was common, began within the first 3 months of therapy in most patients, and appeared to be related inversely to the length of time since cessation of menstrual function. These findings suggest that estrogen withdrawal may play a role in the mechanism of this disorder. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
[F‐18]‐fluorodeoxy‐D‐glucose–positron emission tomography response is associated with outcome for extremity osteosarcoma in children and young adults
Authors: Hawkins Douglas S. , Conrad Ernest U. , Butrynski James E. , Schuetze Scott M. , Eary Janet F.
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND:

Response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy is 1 of the most powerful prognostic factors for extremity osteosarcoma. [F‐18]‐fluorodeoxy‐D‐glucose–positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) is a noninvasive imaging modality that is used to predict histopathologic response. To determine the prognostic value of FDG‐PET response for progression‐free survival (PFS) in osteosarcoma, the authors of this report reviewed the University of Washington Medical Center experience.

METHODS:

Forty patients with extremity osteosarcoma were evaluated by FDG‐PET. All patients received neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy. FDG‐PET standard uptake values (SUVs) before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (SUV1) and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (SUV2) were analyzed and correlated with histopathologic response.

RESULTS:

The median SUV1 was 6.8 (range, 3.0‐24.1), the median SUV2 was 2.3 (range, 1.2‐12.8), and the median SUV2 to SUV1 ratio (SUV2:1), was 0.36 (range, 0.12‐1.10). A good FDG‐PET response was defined as anSUV2 <2.5 or an SUV2:1 ≤0.5. FDG‐PET responses according to SUV2 and SUV2:1 were concordant with histologic response in 58% and 68% of patients, respectively. SUV2 was associated with outcome (4‐year PFS, 73% for SUV2 <2.5 vs 39% for SUV2 ≥2.5; P = .021). Both the initial disease stage and the histologic response were associated with outcome.

CONCLUSIONS:

FDG‐PET imaging of extremity osteosarcoma was correlated only partially with a histologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. An SUV2 <2.5 was associated with improved PFS. Future prospective studies are warranted to determine whether FDG‐PET imaging may be used as a predictor of outcome independent of initial disease stage. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Prevalence and predictors of emotional and behavioural functioning of children where a parent has cancer
Authors: Thastum Mikael , Watson Maggie , Kienbacher Christian , Piha Jorma , Steck Barbara , Zachariae Robert , Baldus Christiane , Romer Georg
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND:

This study aimed to evaluate prevalence and risk factors for emotional and behavioral problems in dependent children of cancer patients using a multinational research design.

METHODS:

The sample comprised 350 ill parents, 250 healthy partners, and 352 children. Parents assessed the child's psychological functioning using the Child Behavior Checklist, parental depression using the Beck Depression Inventory, family functioning using the General Functioning subscale of the Family Assessment Device, quality of life using short‐form questionnaire, and adolescents (N = 168) self‐reported psychological functioning using the Youth Self Report.

RESULTS:

Children and adolescents, in particular latency‐aged boys and adolescent girls, were of higher risk of psychosocial problems than norms. There was a higher risk of problems when the father was ill than when the mother was ill, but it remains unclear whether this difference was due to the different diagnoses of fathers and mothers, gender or other factors. The best predictor of internalizing problems in children and adolescents was parental depression, and the best predictor of externalizing problems in children and adolescents was family dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results indicate the need for a family‐oriented approach to psychological support of cancer patients. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Tumor border configuration added to TNM staging better stratifies stage II colorectal cancer patients into prognostic subgroups
Authors: Zlobec Inti , Baker Kristi , Minoo Parham , Hayashi Shinichi , Terracciano Luigi , Lugli Alessandro
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND:

Reproducible and well characterized prognostic histomorphologic criteria added to current pathological staging could have an immediate effect on refining prognosis in colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the additive effect of tumor border configuration and peritumoral lymphocytic infiltration on the selection of patients for adjuvant therapy classified by TNM.

METHODS:

A total of 1420 primary colorectal cancers with complete clinicopathological data from multiple treatment centers were analyzed. The prognostic effect of tumor border configuration (pushing or infiltrating) and peritumoral lymphocytic infiltration was assessed, validated by resampling of the data, and compared with TNM staging. All P values were 2‐sided.

RESULTS:

Multivariate analysis confirmed the adverse prognostic value of the tumor border configuration (P < .001), but not of peritumoral lymphocytic infiltration. The addition of tumor border configuration to T and N category identified 2 major prognostic subgroups (relative risk of death, 4.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.53‐8.94). Moreover, stage II patients with a pushing border had a 5‐year survival rate of 82.1% (95% CI, 71.8%‐90.3%), whereas an infiltrating border resulted in a significantly more adverse outcome (5‐year survival rate, 62.7%; 95% CI, 48.0‐76.2%), closely resembling that of stage III patients. Similar results were obtained after adjusting for adjuvant therapy (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

The classification of patients into prognostic subgroups is improved with the addition of tumor border configuration to TNM stage. In particular, patients with stage II disease characterized by an infiltrating tumor border have poor clinical outcome and represent a subset of lymph node‐negative patients who could be considered for adjuvant therapy. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Quality of pathologic response and surgery correlate with survival for patients with completely resected bladder cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Sonpavde Guru , Goldman Bryan H. , Speights V. O. , Lerner Seth P. , Wood David P. , Vogelzang Nicholas J. , Trump Donald L. , Natale Ronald B. , Grossman H. Barton , Crawford E. David
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND:

In a retrospective study of Southwestern Oncology Group (SWOG)‐S8710/INT‐0080 (radical cystectomy [RC] alone vs 3 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy [NC] with methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin before RC for bladder cancer), factors found to be associated with improved overall survival (OS) included pathologic complete response, defined as P0; treatment with NC; completion of RC with negative surgical margins; and ≥10 pelvic lymph nodes (LNs) removed.

METHODS:

The authors used stratified Cox regression to retrospectively study the association of quality of pathologic response after RC with OS in the subset of S8710 patients who received NC and RC with negative surgical margins.

RESULTS:

Of 154 patients who received NC, 68 (44.2%) were <P2 (P0, Pa, P1, or carcinoma in situ [CIS]) at RC, 46 (29.9%) were P0, and the remainder had P2+ disease or did not undergo RC. In 115 patients who had RC with negative surgical margins, compared with P0 patients, those with residual Pa, P1, or CIS appeared to have worse OS (P = .054); OS was significantly worse for patients with residual P2+ disease (P = .0006). LN–positive (LN+) disease was found to be associated with worse OS than LN–negative (LN−) disease (P = .0005). Patients with LN− disease (ie, those with <10 LNs removed) appeared to have inferior OS compared with those with 10+ LNs removed (P = .079). The combination of pre‐NC clinical stage and post‐RC pathologic stage was found to be predictive of OS (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

NC and RC with negative surgical margins for bladder cancer followed by pathologic P0 and LN− disease were found to correlate with improved OS. A combination of baseline clinical stage and post‐RC pathologic stage may better predict OS. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
A meta‐predictor framework for prefetching in object‐based DSMs
Authors: Beyler Jean Christophe , Klemm Michael , Clauss Philippe , Philippsen Michael
Published: June 2009

Dynamic optimizers modify the binary code of programs at runtime by profiling and optimizing certain aspects of the execution. We present a completely software‐based framework that dynamically optimizes programs for object‐based distributed shared memory (DSM) systems on clusters. In DSM systems, reducing the number of messages between cluster nodes is crucial. Prefetching transfers data in advance from the storage node to the local node so that communication is minimized. Our framework uses a profiler and a dynamic binary rewriter that monitor the access behavior of the application and place prefetches where they are beneficial to speed up the application. In addition, we use two distinct predictors to handle different types of access patterns. A meta‐predictor analyzes the memory access behavior and dynamically enables one of the predictors. Our system also adapts the number of prefetches per request to best fit the application's behavior. The evaluation shows that the performance of our system is better than the manual prefetching. The number of messages sent decreases by up to 90%. Performance gains of up to 80% can be observed on benchmarks. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity of Dinuclear and Trinuclear Aluminum‐Bridged Ferrocenophanes
Authors: Wrackmeyer Bernd , Klimkina Elena V. , Milius Wolfgang
Published: June 2009

Ferrocene derivatives bearing substituents with aluminum in the 1,1′‐positions, in the absence of donor ligands, possess rather unusual structural features. Starting from various dipyridine adducts of such 1,1′‐disubstituted ferrocene derivatives, it proved possible to trap the pyridine as the adducts R3Al(py) and monitor the formation of dinuclear and trinuclear aluminum‐bridged ferrocenophanes in solution by NMR spectroscopy. For the first time, the dynamic behaviour of such complexes was studied and a complete set of NMR spectroscopic data has been reported. The dinuclear complex [Fe(η5‐C5H4)2]2Al3Et5 was characterized by X‐ray structural analysis. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Light‐emitting‐diode‐induced chemiluminescence detection for capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Zhang Xinfeng , Zhang Jiyou , Wu Xi , Lv Yi , Hou Xiandeng
Published: June 2009

In this work, an LED‐induced‐chemiluminescence (LED‐CL) system was developed to extend the application of CL detection in CE. In the LED‐CL, the analyte photooxidizes luminol under the irradiation of LEDs and generates CL. Taking the advantage of the small size nature of LEDs, the constructed photoreactor is greatly miniaturized, and especially suitable as a CE detector. The feasibility of the proposed detector was evaluated by detection of riboflavin (RF), flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) after CE separation. Under the optimized conditions, the LODs for RF, FMN and FAD were 0.007, 0.02 and 0.1 μg/mL, respectively, better than those by UV detection. The RSDs were 3.4, 3.6 and 4.1% for 0.5 μg/mL RF, 2 μg/mL FMN and 5 μg/mL FAD, respectively. The LED‐CL detector features low cost, miniaturization, fast response, high sensitivity and good reproducibility.
Functional and structural changes in the memory network associated with left temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Voets Natalie L. , Adcock Jane E. , Stacey Richard , Hart Yvonne , Carpenter Katherine , Matthews Paul M. , Beckmann Christian F.
Published: June 2009

Understanding functional plasticity in memory networks associated with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is central to predicting memory decline following surgery. However, the extent of functional reorganization within memory networks remains unclear. In this preliminary study, we used novel analysis methods assessing network‐level changes across the brain during memory task performance in patients with TLE to test the hypothesis that hippocampal functions may not readily shift between hemispheres, but instead may show altered intra‐hemispheric organization with unilateral damage. In addition, we wished to relate functional differences to structural changes along specific fibre pathways associated with memory function. Nine pre‐operative patients with intractable left TLE and 10 healthy controls underwent functional MRI during complex scene encoding. Diffusion tensor imaging was additionally performed in the same patients. In our study, we found no evidence of inter‐hemispheric shifts in memory‐related activity in TLE using standard general linear model analysis. However, tensor independent component analysis revealed significant reductions in functional connectivity between bilateral MTL, occipital and left orbitofrontal regions among others in left TLE. This altered orbitofrontal activity was directly related to measures of fornix tract coherence in patients (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that specific fibre pathways, potentially affected by MTL neurodegeneration, may play a central role in functional plasticity in TLE and highlight the importance of network‐based analysis approaches. Relative to standard model‐based methods, novel objective functional connectivity analyses may offer improved sensitivity to subtle changes in the distribution of memory functions relevant for surgical planning in TLE. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hydrological impacts of climate change predicted for an inland lake catchment in Ontario by using monthly water balance analyses
Authors: Yao Huaxia , Scott Lem , Guay Christiane , Dillon Peter
Published: June 2009

Potential hydrological impacts of climate change on long‐term water balances were analysed for Harp Lake and its catchment. Harp Lake is located in the boreal ecozone of Ontario, Canada. Two climate change scenarios were used. One was based on extrapolation of long‐term trends of monthly temperature and precipitation from a 129‐year data record, and another was based on a Canadian general circulation model (GCM) predictions. A monthly water balance model was calibrated using 26 years of hydrological and meteorological data, and the model was used to calculate hydrological impact under two climate change scenarios.

The first scenario with a warmer and wetter climate predicted a smaller magnitude of change than the second scenario. The first scenario showed an increase in evaporation each month, an increase in catchment runoff in summer, fall and winter, but a decrease in spring, resulting in a slight increase in lake level. Annual runoff and lake level would increase because the precipitation change overrides evaporation change. The second scenario with a warmer, drier climate predicted a greater change, and indicated that evaporation would increase each month, runoff would increase in many months, but would decrease in spring, causing the lake level to decrease slightly. Annual runoff and lake level would decrease because evaporation change overrides precipitation change. In both scenarios, the water balance changes in winter and spring are pronounced. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gigantism of the Australian Diprotodon Owen 1838 (Marsupialia, Diprotodontoidea) through the Pleistocene
Authors: Price Gilbert J. , Piper Katarzyna J.
Published: June 2009

Diprotodon Owen, 1838 was one of the first fossil mammals described from Australia and has the distinction of being the largest ever marsupial. However, until recently its taxonomy was unclear and knowledge of its continental distribution, palaeoecology and evolution was poorly known. This paper describes cranial elements from an unusually small‐bodied Diprotodon from the Early Pleistocene Nelson Bay Formation, Portland, Australia. It is intermediate in size between the smaller‐bodied Pliocene ancestor, Euryzygoma dunense de Vis 1895 and the larger‐bodied Late Pleistocene D. optatum Owen, 1838. However, it is morphologically inseparable from Late Pleistocene Diprotodon and is here referred to as D. ?optatum. A temporal morphocline most parsimoniously explains the medium body size of the Nelson Bay taxon; thus we provide the first evidence of a transitional form within Diprotodon. The cause(s) of gigantism of the E. dunense–D. ?optatum–D. optatum lineage through the late Cainozoic is unclear but most likely involved the physiological response to changes in the physical and/or biotic environment. Although the size changes within the lineage may have been initially advantageous, they were most likely disadvantageous when the optimum body size was obtained. Our results suggest that Diprotodon was at its largest ever body size during the Late Pleistocene – the time period that coincided with its extinction. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermosensitive and Dissolution Properties in Nanocomposite Polymer Hydrogels
Authors: Wu Chia‐Jung , Schmidt Gudrun
Published: June 2009

We investigate the phase transition behavior and dissolution resistant properties of thermo‐sensitive nanocomposite hydrogels made from PEO‐PPO‐PEO triblock copolymer (Pluronic F127) and Laponite silicate nanoparticles. The rapid dissolution properties of F127 copolymer hydrogels usually limit their use as sustained release drug carriers. We overcome this limitation by synergistic combination of nanoparticle gelation characteristics with polymer thermo‐sensitivity. We present a proof of concept that the temperature‐dependent phase transitions can be shifted as a function of hydrogel composition and that the dissolution of the polymer hydrogels as well as the release of a model drug, albumin, can be significantly slowed down by addition of nanoparticles. The dissolution resistant properties generated will prove useful in the future formulation, processing and application of our polymer hydrogels for sustained release drug delivery carriers.

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Identification of process parameters affecting distortion of disks for gear manufacture Part I: casting, forming and machining
Authors: Clausen B. , Frerichs F. , Kohlhoff T. , Lübben Th. , Prinz C. , Rentsch R. , Sölter J. , Surm H. , Stöbener D. , Klein D.
Published: June 2009

Towards determining the influence parameters on the distortion of gear wheels made from the steel grade 20MnCr5 (SAE 5120), in this work the analysis of the distortion of disks is presented. The parameter identification was performed by means of the design of experiments (DoE). According to a comprehensive approach to distortion engineering, the entire manufacturing chain was considered from casting to the final heat treatment. Due to the complexity of this manufacturing chain the investigation was divided into two parts, the processes before the final heat treatment and the final heat treatment process itself. Here, in part I, the results of the investigation of the processes before the final heat treatment are discussed while in part II the results of the final heat treatment are presented. Releasing the accumulated distortion potential of the influence parameters of the processes from casting to cutting by a standard case hardening led to characteristic size changes of the disks. For the shape changes the cutting strategy showed a high influence on the change of dishing. Assuming that the cutting strategy can continuously be varied there should be a strategy for which no change of the dishing occurs, which would provide the means for compensation of distortion.
Clinical phenotype and neuroimaging findings in a French family with hereditary ferritinopathy (FTL498‐499InsTC)
Authors: Ory‐Magne Fabienne , Brefel‐Courbon Christine , Payoux Pierre , Debruxelles Sabrina , Sibon Igor , Goizet Cyril , Labauge Pierre , Menegon Patrice , Uro‐Coste Emmanuelle , Ghetti Bernardino , Delisle Marie Bernadetle , Vidal Ruben , Rascol Olivier
Published: June 2009

To describe a family with a hereditary ferritinopathy (HF) due to a mutation in the ferritin light chain gene (FTL498‐499InsTC mutation). Case reports of the clinical features, MRI, 18FDG PET, and pathological findings observed in this family with two patients described in more details. Postural tremor (phenotype‐1) or cerebellar signs (phenotype‐2) were the first neurological symptoms detected. Parkinsonian, cerebellar and pyramidal syndromes, abnormal involuntary movements, dementia were observed in both phenotypes at more advanced stages. Beside characteristics T2* hypointense signals suggestive of iron accumulation in the striatum, mesencephalon, and cerebellum, we detected more diffuse changes including cerebellar, cortical and subcortical atrophy, cortical iron deposition, and severe leukoencephalopathy. 18FDG PET showed frontal and cerebellum hypometabolism with more severe frontal defect in patients with cognitive decline. Pathological examination showed ferritin and iron deposition in the liver, kidney, muscle, skin, and in the central nervous system. Members of this family affected by HF due to the FTL498‐499InsTC mutation have a specific clinical presentation with initial postural tremor or cerebellar ataxia, followed by pyramidal and extrapyramidal motor syndromes and late severe subcortical dementia. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Challenging homeostasis to define biomarkers for nutrition related health
Authors: van Ommen Ben , Keijer Jaap , Heil Sandra G. , Kaput Jim
Published: June 2009

A primary goal of nutrition research is to optimize health and prevent or delay disease. Biomarkers to quantify health optimization are needed since many if not most biomarkers are developed for diseases. Quantifying “normal homeostasis” and developing validated biomarkers are formidable tasks because of the robustness of homeostasis and of inter‐individual diversity. In this paper, we discuss the science, strategies, and technologies for measuring parameters that define individual health. The following concepts are central to define the physiology of the healthy individual: (i) responses to a challenge of homeostasis will be more informative than static homeostatic measures; (ii) processes involved in maintaining homeostasis usually are multi‐factorial and require quantitative analyses of the many individual components involved; (iii) health includes a large variation in “normality” and the effects of nutritional interventions may remain hidden in this “diversity of robustness,” if incompletely analyzed. Specifically, comprehensive multi‐parameter (“omics”) analysis may identify key parameters (biomarkers) and lead to a greater understanding of health supporting processes. Perturbation tests that accurately target aspects of the overarching drivers of health (metabolism, oxidation, inflammation, and psychological stress) may be instrumental in creating knowledge for maintaining health and preventing disease through nutrition.
On modeling the composition dependence of the bulk viscosity of immiscible polymer blends
Authors: Han Chang Dae
Published: June 2009

The purpose of this article is to clear the confusion in the literature on the following two issues: (1) determination of the bulk viscosity of immiscible polymer blends using a plunger‐type capillary viscometer and (2) modeling the composition dependence of the bulk viscosity of immiscible polymer blends. Related to the first issue, it is pointed out that measurement of the total pressure drop across the entire length of a capillary die, while using a plunger‐type viscometer, to determine the bulk viscosity of an immiscible polymer blend is not justified. This is because the morphology (the state of dispersion) of an immiscible polymer blend varies along the axis of a capillary die. Related to the second issue, it is pointed out that the use of such empirical expressions as inverse additivity or logarithmic additivity relationships is of no rheological significance to determine the composition dependence of the bulk viscosity of immiscible polymer blends. This is because such empirical expressions do not contain terms describing the state of dispersion of an immiscible polymer blend. A computational approach is suggested, though formidable but not insurmountable, which will lead to establishing rheology–morphology–processing relationships in immiscible polymer blends. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Characterisation of enzymatically oxidised lignosulfonates and their application on lignocellulosic fabrics
Authors: Kim Suyeon , Silva Carla , Zille Andrea , Lopez Carmen , Evtuguin Dmitry V , Cavaco‐Paulo Artur
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: The ‘double function’ of laccase, from the ascomycete Myceliophthora, to depolymerise/polymerise lignin was studied in this work. A lignosulfonate (LS) compound was oxidised by enzymatic action and several techniques were applied to measure the polymeric changes obtained. This study was focused on the attachment level of the oxidised LS at the flax surface.

RESULTS: Modified solutions were studied in terms of surface charge. Zeta potential values obtained showed an increase of polymerisation after several days of incubation. The change in molecular weight after LS polymerisation was detected using gel permeation chromatography. An increase of 1700 Da was achieved. Fourier transform infrared and UV‐visible spectroscopy techniques were applied and the results showed an increase of the degree of polymerisation. The colour strength of flax fabrics incubated with oxidised LS solutions was also measured and an increase of K/S (K, absorption coefficient; S, scattering coefficient) after enzymatic oxidation was observed.

CONCLUSION: The oxidised lignin products obtained show good potential for use in natural surface modification of textile materials containing flavonoids. These findings have important practical implications for lignocellulosic fibre coloration, where new polymers can replace harsh chemicals in the textile industry. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of starting‐solution pH on the growth of Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films deposited by spray pyrolysis
Authors: Kumar Y. B. Kishore , Babu G. Suresh , Bhaskar P. Uday , Raja V. Sundara
Published: June 2009

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films, a potential solar‐cell absorber material, have been successfully deposited onto soda lime glass held at a substrate temperature of 643 K. The effect of starting‐solution pH on the properties of deposited films is investigated. The solution pH was varied in the range 3.0 to 5.5. The films were characterized by studying their composition, structural, optical and electrical properties. X‐ray diffraction studies revealed that polycrystalline CZTS films with kesterite structure could be obtained from a solution with pH = 3.0. However, the films are nonstoichiometric and may contain binary phases in the amorphous form. Films deposited from a solution with pH = 4.5 contain binary phases in addition to CZTS. The lattice parameters of CZTS films are found to be a = 0.542 nm and c = 1.085 nm. The optical bandgap of these films is 1.45 eV and the optical absorption coefficient is >104 cm–1. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structure, optical and electrical properties of Al:ZnO thin films deposited by DC sputtering at room temperature on glass and plastic substrates
Authors: Guillén C. , Herrero J.
Published: June 2009

Transparent and conductive Al‐doped ZnO (AZO) films with thickness between 0.2 and 1.1 μm were deposited by sputtering at room temperature on glass and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates. All films were polycrystalline with average crystallite size increasing when the film thickness was increased, being smaller for the layers grown on PET, which showed also a higher lattice distortion. For a same thickness, the optical band gap energy is found higher for the AZO layers deposited on PET, and such variation is related to the corresponding structural distortion. Besides, carrier mobility is found increasing and resistivity decreasing when the film thickness was increased, achieving a minimum value of 1.6 mΩ cm on glass and PET samples. An inverse relationship between the free carrier concentration and the mobility has been established, applying to the films grown on both substrates. With the thickest AZO layers, sheet resistance below 15 Ω sq–1 and average visible transmittance about 85% have been obtained by sputtering at room temperature on glass and PET substrates. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Micrometer‐sized DNA–Single‐Fluorophore–DNA Supramolecule: Synthesis and Single‐Molecule Characterization
Authors: Lee Jungkyu K. , Jäckel Frank , Moerner W. E. , Bao Zhenan
Published: June 2009

The synthesis of single‐fluorophore‐bis(micrometer‐sized DNA) triblock supramolecules and the optical and structural characterization of the construct at the single‐molecule level is reported. A fluorophore‐bis(oligodeoxynucleotide) triblock is synthesized via the amide‐coupling reaction. Subsequent protocols of DNA hybridization/ligation are developed to form the supramolecular triblock structure with λ‐DNA fragments on the micrometer length scale. The successful synthesis of the micrometer‐sized DNA–single‐fluorophore–DNA supramolecule is confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis with fluorescence imaging under UV excitation. Single triblock structures are directly imaged by combined scanning force microscopy and single‐molecule fluorescence microscopy, and provide unambiguous confirmation of the existence of the single fluorophore inserted in the middle of the long DNA. This type of triblock structure is a step closer to providing a scaffold for single‐molecule electronic devices after metallization of the DNAs.
Endometrial thickness following medical abortion is not predictive of subsequent surgical intervention
Authors: Reeves M. F. , Fox M. C. , Lohr P. A. , Creinin M. D.
Published: June 2009

Objectives

To evaluate the ability of endometrial thickness after medical abortion to predict the need for subsequent dilatation and curettage (D&C).

Methods

We pooled data from two multicenter medical abortion trials involving 2208 women who received mifepristone orally followed by misoprostol vaginally. Women returned for transvaginal ultrasonography approximately 7 days later. The endometrial thickness was measured if no gestational sac was present. Final status was confirmed by a phone interview at 5 weeks. The area under the receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curve was calculated to assess the overall ability of endometrial thickness to predict the need for subsequent D&C. Endometrial thickness was dichotomized using threshold values at 5‐mm increments from 10 to 30 mm. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value were calculated to evaluate the ability of each endometrial thickness threshold value to predict subsequent D&C. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to adjust endometrial thickness values for study, treatment group, and study site.

Results

At 7 days after misoprostol treatment, 1870 women (84.7%) had endometrial thickness assessed. Thirty of these women (1.6%) subsequently underwent D&C. The mean endometrial thickness was 14.5 mm for women who underwent D&C and 10.9 mm for those who did not (difference 3.5 mm (95% CI, 1.8–5.3 mm)). Endometrial thickness was poorly predictive of the need for D&C, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.65. All endometrial thickness thresholds had positive predictive values of 25% or less. The results were unchanged by adjustment of endometrial thickness values by multivariable modeling.

Conclusions

Although endometrial thickness following successful expulsion of the gestational sac is thicker in women who will eventually require surgical intervention after medical abortion, endometrial thickness is not a clinically useful predictor of the subsequent need for D&C. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Framework for risk‐based planning of operation and maintenance for offshore wind turbines
Authors: Sørensen John Dalsgaard
Published: June 2009

For offshore wind turbines, costs to operation and maintenance (OM) are substantial. This paper describes a risk‐based life cycle approach for optimal planning of OM. The approach is based on pre‐posterior Bayesian decision theory, and can be used both to overall, initial planning of OM, and to sequential optimal decision making on planning of OM taking into account new information. Deterioration mechanisms such as fatigue, corrosion, wear and erosion are associated with significant uncertainty. Observations of the degree of damage can increase the reliability of predictions, especially in connection with condition‐based maintenance. The approach can be used for gearboxes, generators, fatigue cracks, corrosion, etc. This paper also describes how probabilistic indicators can be used to quantify indirect information about the damage state for critical components, e.g. gearboxes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.