bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Results of the Prolonged Use of Subcutaneous Continuous Infusion of Hydrocortisone in a Man with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Sonnet Emmanuel , Roudaut Nathalie , Kerlan Véronique
Published: April 2011

This is a case report study of a young man with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) who has been treated during 2 years by a subcutaneous continuous infusion hydrocortisone (SCIH) to optimize his treatment. Hydrocortisone was delivered via an insulin infusion device. We also studied the evolution of testicular adrenal rest tumors (TARTs) and the quality of life through SF36 survey. Four rates were determined, with a total of 47 mg per day. Biochemical parameters were normalized at 2 months. The SF36 questionnaire showed a progress of well-being. The weight decreased to 106 kg, that is, −5 kg (height: 1.71 m). Unfortunatly, there was no change of the TARTs. Two episodes of dermohypodermitis, with abscess at the infusion site, were observed. This case demonstrates the feasibility of prolonged SCIH therapy in patients with CAH, reporting positive effects on quality of life and on BMI.
Hypolipidemic and Antiobesity-Like Activity of Standardised Extract of Hypericum perforatum L. in Rats
Authors: Husain Gulam Mohammed , Chatterjee Shyam Sunder , Singh Paras Nath , Kumar Vikas
Published: April 2011

Hypericum perforatum is known to have diverse medicinal uses for centuries. The antidepressant activity of Hypericum perforatum is widely accepted and proved in both animal and clinical studies. Present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Hypericum perforatum in a battery of animal models for metabolic disorder. Hypericum is tested for hypolipidemic activity in normal rats, antiobesity activity in high-fat-diet induced obese rats, and fructose-fed rats. Hypericum was orally administered as suspension in 0.3% carboxymethyl cellulose at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight for 15 consecutive days. Hypericum significantly lowered total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol in normal rats. Hypericum significantly inhibited weight gain in high-fat-fed rats. In fructose-fed rats, Hypericum normalised the dyslipidemia induced by fructose feeding and improved the insulin sensitivity. Taken together, Hypericum could be the antidepressant therapy of choice for patients suffering from comorbid diabetes and obesity.
Recidivism of Juvenile Homicide Offenders
Authors: Vries Anne M. , Liem Marieke
Published: April 2011

Serious offenses against persons perpetrated by juveniles raise fundamental questions about the background, causes, and prevention of future crime. The current study addresses the potential of future crime of all juvenile homicide offenders (JHOs) in the Netherlands in the period 1992–2007. In contrast to former research on recidivism of JHOs, which has been merely descriptive, the present study integrates theoretical perspectives as to why some of these juveniles turn back to crime, while others do not. To this end, relationships are investigated between recidivism behavior and risk factors. Results indicate that male JHOs, and JHOs who maintain relationships with delinquents, run a greater risk of reoffending. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time mocap dance recognition for an interactive dancing game
Authors: Deng Liqun , Leung Howard , Gu Naijie , Yang Yang
Published: April 2011

In this paper, we present an interactive dancing game based on motion capture technology. We address the problem of real‐time recognition of the user's live dance performance in order to determine the interactive motion to be rendered by a virtual dance partner. The real‐time recognition algorithm is based on a human body partition indexing scheme with flexible matching to determine the end of a move as well as to detect unwanted motion. We show that the system can recognize the live dance motions of users with good accuracy and render the interactive dance move of the virtual partner. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3D soft tissue warping dynamics simulation based on force asynchronous diffusion model
Authors: Si Weixin , Yuan Zhiyong , Liao Xiangyun , Duan Zhaoliang , Ding Yihua , Zhao Jianhui
Published: April 2011

Soft tissue warping is one of the key technologies of medical dynamics simulation, such as surgical simulation, image guided surgery. In this paper, we present a novel simulation method which is stable and fast like linear models for soft tissue warping simulation. This method performs on the irregular mesh models, and it is able to represent the visual properties of physical processes with low computational complexity using the Force Asynchronous Diffusion Model (FADM) proposed in this paper. It contains three parts: model preprocessing, collision detection and simulation model solution. In model preprocessing, we establish three models based on the triangular mesh: the geometrical model, the physical model and the transitional model. A two‐level collision detection algorithm is presented based on the three models. At every time step of the simulation model solution, to more accurately reflect the internal physical properties of the soft tissue, we divide the springs in physical model into three kinds: tissue springs, connection springs and virtual springs; and we propose the asynchronous regions and active regions to simplify the computing process according to the realistic physical warping. Experimental results show the FAMD can achieve good warping effects on speed and realism. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and Cytotoxic Activity of Enzymatic Hydrolysis Products of Secoiridoid Glucosides, Isoligustroside and Isooleuropein
Authors: Kikuchi Masafumi , Yaoita Yasunori , Mano Nariyasu , Kikuchi Masao
Published: April 2011

Hydrolysis of isoligustroside (1) and isooleuropein (2), secoiridoid glucosides, in the presence of β‐glucosidase provided 2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)methyl (2R,3S,4S)‐3‐formyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐4‐(2‐methoxy‐2‐oxoethyl)‐2‐methyl‐2H‐pyran‐5‐carboxylate (3) and 2‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)methyl (2R,3S,4S)‐3‐formyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐4‐(2‐methoxy‐2‐oxoethyl)‐2‐methyl‐2H‐pyran‐5‐carboxylate (4), respectively. The structures of 3 and 4 were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectral analyses, including 2D‐NMR experiments. Compounds 3 and 4 were found to be new rearrangement products of the aglycones of 1 and 2. The cytotoxic activities of 3 and 4 were evaluated using a disease‐oriented panel of 39 human cancer cell lines and showed moderate cytotoxic activity for 4, while 3 exhibited weaker activity compared to that of 4.
Visfatin in overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases: a meta‐analysis and systemic review
Authors: Chang Yu‐Hung , Chang Dao‐Ming , Lin Kun‐Cheng , Shin Shyi‐Jang , Lee Yau‐Jiunn
Published: April 2011

There are controversies regarding the association of visfatin with overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease in published articles. A meta‐analysis was performed to identify the significance of visfatin in these diseases. We searched for relevant articles in Pubmed, Scopus and SCIE. A total of 1035 articles were surveyed and 46 articles were identified, with 14 reports reporting more than one of our investigated diseases. A total of 13 (n = 644), 19 (n = 2405), 20 (n = 2249), 5 (n = 527) and 5 (n = 851) articles/(participants) were included in each meta‐analysis regarding the association of visfatin and overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases, respectively. Plasma visfatin concentrations were increased in participants diagnosed with overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases, with pooled log odds ratios of 1.164 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.348 to 1.981, p = 0.005], 1.981 (95% CI: 1.377 to 2.584, p < 0.001), 1.094 (95% CI: 0.678 to 1.511, p < 0.001), and 2.902 (95% CI: 0.924 to 4.879, p < 0.005), respectively. The circulating visfatin level was positively associated with insulin resistance, with a Fisher's z of 0.089 (95% CI: 0.013 to 0.165, p = 0.022). No single study was found to affect the overall result of each analysis by sensitivity testing. No publication bias was found by the Egger test. Our study suggests that the use of visfatin may be promising for predicting obesity, diabetes status, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photoemission study on natural oxidation of Cu3Au with synchrotron radiation
Authors: Souwa Makoto , Yamazaki Daichi , Okada Michio , Yoshigoe Akitaka , Teraoka Yuden , Kasai Toshio
Published: April 2011

We report the results of a study of the natural oxidation of Cu3Au(110) with high‐resolution X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy in conjunction with synchrotron radiation. The clean surface of Cu3Au(110) is terminated with 50% Au and 50% Cu atoms. After natural oxidation in the air, Cu atoms segregate on the surface and produce Cu‐oxide. As a result, Au atoms move into the bulk. Au atoms below the oxide reduce the diffusion of O atoms farther into bulk and limit the oxide thickness. The face dependence of natural oxidation indicates that the diffusion of Cu atoms also contributes to oxide formation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 175(4): 43–47, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21149
A ghost fluid Lattice Boltzmann method for complex geometries
Authors: Tiwari A. , Vanka S. P.
Published: April 2011

A ghost fluid Lattice Boltzmann method (GF‐LBM) is developed in this study to represent complex boundaries in Lattice Boltzmann simulations of fluid flows. Velocity and density values at the ghost points are extrapolated from the fluid interior and domain boundary via obtaining image points along the boundary normal inside the fluid domain. A general bilinear interpolation algorithm is used to obtain values at image points which are then extrapolated to ghost nodes thus satisfying hydrodynamic boundary conditions. The method ensures no‐penetration and no‐slip conditions at the boundaries. Equilibrium distribution functions at the ghost points are computed using the extrapolated values of the hydrodynamic variables, while non‐equilibrium distribution functions are extrapolated from the interior nodes. The method developed is general, and is capable of prescribing Dirichlet as well as Neumann boundary conditions for pressure and velocity. Consistency and second‐order accuracy of the method are established by running three test problems including cylindrical Couette flow, flow between eccentric rotating cylinders and flow over a cylinder in a confined channel. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional development in the infant brain for auditory pitch processing
Authors: Homae Fumitaka , Watanabe Hama , Nakano Tamami , Taga Gentaro
Published: April 2011

Understanding how the developing brain processes auditory information is a critical step toward the clarification of infants' perception of speech and music. We have reported that the infant brain perceives pitch information in speech sounds. Here, we used multichannel near‐infrared spectroscopy to examine whether the infant brain is sensitive to information of pitch changes in auditory sequences. Three types of auditory sequences with distinct temporal structures of pitch changes were presented to 3‐ and 6‐month‐old infants: a long condition of 12 successive tones constructing a chromatic scale (600 ms), a short condition of four successive tones constructing a chromatic scale (200 ms), and a random condition of random tone sequences (50 ms per tone). The difference among the conditions was only in the sequential order of the tones, which causes pitch changes between the successive tones. We found that the bilateral temporal regions of both ages of infants showed significant activation under the three conditions. The stimulus‐dependent activation was observed in the right temporoparietal region of the both infant groups; the 3‐ and 6‐month‐old infants showed the most prominent activation under the random and short conditions, respectively. Our findings indicate that the infant brain, which shows functional differentiation and lateralization in auditory‐related areas, is capable of responding to more than single tones of pitch information. These results suggest that the right temporoparietal region of the infants increases sensitivity to auditory sequences, which have temporal structures similar to those of syllables in speech sounds, in the course of development. Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Murine hepatic stellate cells veto CD8 T cell activation by a CD54-dependent mechanism
Authors: Schildberg Frank A. , Wojtalla Alexandra , Siegmund Sören V. , Endl Elmar , Diehl Linda , Abdullah Zeinab , Kurts Christian , Knolle Percy A.
Published: April 2011

Abstract:

The liver has a role in T cell tolerance induction, which is mainly achieved through the functions of tolerogenic hepatic antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and regulatory T cells. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are known to have various immune functions, which range from immunogenic antigen presentation to the induction of T cell apoptosis. Here we report a novel role for stellate cells in vetoing the priming of naive CD8 T cells. Murine and human HSCs and stromal cells (but not hepatocytes) prevented the activation of naive T cells by dendritic cells, artificial APCs, and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate/ionomycin by a cell contact–dependent mechanism. The veto function for inhibiting T cell activation was directly correlated with the activation state of HSCs and was most pronounced in HSCs from fibrotic livers. Mechanistically, high expression levels of CD54 simultaneously restricted the expression of interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor and IL-2 in T cells, and this was responsible for the inhibitory effect because exogenous IL-2 overcame the HSC veto function. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a novel function of HSCs in the local skewing of immune responses in the liver through the prevention of local stimulation of naive T cells. These results not only indicate a beneficial role in hepatic fibrosis, for which increased CD54 expression on HSCs could attenuate further T cell activation, but also identify IL-2 as a key cytokine in mediating local T cell immunity to overcome hepatic tolerance. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;)
DHEAS induces short‐term potentiation via the activation of a metabotropic glutamate receptor in the rat hippocampus
Authors: Xu Yuxia , Tanaka Motoki , Chen Ling , Sokabe Masahiro
Published: April 2011

The neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone‐sulfate (DHEAS) is a positive modulator of synaptic transmission in mammalian brains; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. This report describes the acute effects of DHEAS on the synaptic transmission in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of rat brain slices. The application of DHEAS for 10 min augmented the optically recorded EPSP (op‐EPSP) in a dose dependent manner. The effect became visible at 1 nM and saturated at 100 nM. We focused on the effect of DHEAS at 100 nM, where the op‐EPSP amplitude was increased by 30%, and gradually decreased to the basal level in 30 min after wash out of the drug (short‐term potentiation by DHEAS; STPDHEAS). DHEAS did not alter the presynaptic properties including the presynaptic fiber volley (PSFV) and paired pulse facilitation (PPF), thus indicating that the acute DHEAS effect is of postsynaptic origin. The involvement of putative DHEAS targets, GABAA, NMDA, and σ1 receptors in STPDHEAS was also investigated; however, antagonists to these receptors only partially inhibited the acute effect of DHEAS. By contrast, STPDHEAS was totally inhibited by either the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) antagonist MPEP (10 μM) or the ryanodine receptor (RyR) inhibitors (ryanodine and ruthenium red), but not by the mGluR1 antagonist LY367385 and the IP3R antagonist 2‐APB, suggesting that STPDHEAS is mediated by an mGluR5‐RyR cascade in postsynaptic neurons. Consistent with this finding, the selective agonist for mGluR5 CHPG nearly perfectly mimicked the DHEAS effect. This is the first demonstration of mGluR involvement in the DHEAS action in regard to hippocampal synaptic transmission. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three New Cycloartane (=9,19‐Cyclolanostane) Glycosides from Cimicifuga foetida
Authors: Li Da‐Shan , Nian Yin , Sun Yun , Qiu Ming‐Hua
Published: April 2011

Three new cycloartane glycosides, 24‐epicimigenol 3‐(α‐L‐arabinopyranoside) (1), (3β,16β)‐cycloartane‐3,16,22,24,25‐pentol 3‐(β‐D‐xylopyranoside) (2), and (3β,15α,16β)‐cycloartane‐3,15,16,24,25‐pentol 3‐(β‐D‐xylopyranoside) (3), together with five known compounds, including four cycloartane glycosides and bergenin, were isolated from the rhizomes of Cimicifuga foetida. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods.
Two Unusual Xanthones from the Bark of Garcinia xanthochymus
Authors: Chen Yu , Fan Hua , Yang Guang‐Zhong , Jiang Yan , Zhong Fang‐Fang , He Hong‐Wu
Published: April 2011

A new xanthone derivative, garcinexanthone F (1), which was found to possess an α,β‐unsaturated γ‐lactone moiety, and a new bisxanthone, bigarcinenone B (2), with a terpene bridge providing the xanthonexanthone linkage, were isolated from the bark of Garcinia xanthochymus. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, especially 2D‐NMR techniques. The antioxidant assay in vitro showed that compounds 1 and 2 exhibited significant scavenging activities against 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical with IC50 values of 22.32 and 20.14 μM, and against HO. radical with IC50 values of 1.16 and 2.85 μM, respectively.
Secondary Metabolites from Magnolia kachirachirai
Authors: Chang Hsun‐Shuo , Cheng Ming‐Jen , Chen Ih‐Sheng
Published: April 2011

Investigation of the root bark of Magnolia kachirachirai led to the isolation of a new sesquiterpene, kachirachirain (1), and a new aporphine alkaloid, kachirachiranine (2), together with 20 known compounds, of which dimethyl 4,4′‐methylenebis(4,1‐phenylene)diurethane (3) was isolated for the first time from a natural source. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis.
Protein kinase D in vascular biology and angiogenesis
Authors: Evans Ian M. , Zachary Ian C.
Published: April 2011

Protein kinase D1/2 signaling in endothelial cells by Ian M. Evans and Ian C. Zachary, pp. 258–263.
Effect of environmental conditions on the retention behaviour of Pb(II) by hematite
Authors: Zhao Donglin , Chen Changlun , Sheng Guodong , Wang Xiangke
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND: The retention behaviour of Pb(II) by hematite was studied as a function of various environmental parameters such as contact time, pH, ionic strength, foreign ions, humic substances and temperature under ambient conditions.

RESULTS: Pb(II) sorption on hematite was rapid and the sorption could be described by a pseudo‐second‐order model very well. The sorption of Pb(II) on hematite was strongly dependent on pH and ionic strength. The presence of humic substances enhanced the sorption of Pb(II) on hematite at low pH, but reduced Pb(II) sorption at high pH. The Langmuir model fitted the sorption isotherms of Pb(II) better than the Freundlich model at three different temperatures, 293.15, 313.15 and 333.15 K. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH°,ΔS° and ΔG°) calculated from the temperature dependent sorption isotherms indicated that the sorption process of Pb(II) on hematite was endothermic and spontaneous.

CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that hematite is a promising candidate for the treatment of heavy metal ions from large volume solution. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
The chick optic tectum developmental stages. A dynamic table based on temporal‐ and spatial‐dependent histogenetic changes: A structural, morphometric and immunocytochemical analysis
Authors: Rapacioli Melina , Celín Alejandra Rodríguez , Duarte Santiago , Ortalli Ana Laura , Di Napoli Jennifer , Teruel Luisa , Sánchez Viviana , Scicolone, Gabriel , Flores Vladimir
Published: April 2011

Development is often described as temporal sequences of developmental stages (DSs). When tables of DS are defined exclusively in the time domain they cannot discriminate histogenetic differences between different positions along a spatial reference axis. We introduce a table of DSs for the developing chick optic tectum (OT) based on time‐ and space‐dependent changes in quantitative morphometric parameters, qualitative histogenetic features and immunocytochemical pattern of several developmentally active molecules (Notch1, Hes5, NeuroD1, β‐III‐Tubulin, synaptotagmin‐I and neurofilament‐M). Seven DSs and four transitional stages were defined from ED2 to ED12, when the basic OT cortical organization is established, along a spatial developmental gradient axis extending between a zone of maximal and a zone of minimal development. The table of DSs reveals that DSs do not only progress as a function of time but also display a spatially organized propagation along the developmental gradient axis. The complex and dynamic character of the OT development is documented by the fact that several DSs are simultaneously present at any ED or any embryonic stage. The table of DSs allows interpreting how developmental cell behaviors are temporally and spatially organized and explains how different DSs appear as a function of both time and space. The table of DSs provides a reference system to characterize the OT corticogenesis and to reliably compare observations made in different specimens. J. Morphol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cranial ontogeny and sexual dimorphism in two new world monkeys: Alouatta caraya (Atelidae) and Cebus apella (Cebidae)
Authors: Flores David , Casinos Adrià
Published: April 2011

Pattern of skull development and sexual dimorphism was studied in Cebus apella and Alouatta caraya using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistics. In both species, sexual dimorphism develops because the common growth trajectory in males extends and because of differences in growth rates between sexes. The expectation that the ontogenetic bases of adult dimorphism vary interspecifically is well substantiated by this study. A. caraya exhibits transitional dimorphism in its subadult stage, although the condylobasal length, zygomatic breadth, and rostrum length are strongly dimorphic in the final adult stage, being greater in males. Most cranial measurements in C. apella exhibit significant dimorphism in the adult stage, being strongly influenced by a faster rate of growth in males. Sexual dimorphism is also evidenced through sex differences in growth rates in several cranial measurements. These results also indicate that different ontogenetic mechanisms are acting in C. apella and A. caraya and reveal differences in the way through which neotropical primates attain adult sexual dimorphism. J. Morphol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nutrient status of apple leaves not affected by three years of irrigation using partial rootzone drying
Authors: Zegbe Jorge A. , Serna‐Pérez Alfonso , Antonio González‐Fuentes José
Published: April 2011

Partial rootzone drying (PRD) is a water‐saving irrigation technology that may affect apple (Malus domestica Borkh cv. Golden Delicious/Malling7)‐tree nutrition if applied for an extended period. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that long‐term application of PRD causes seasonal changes in macro‐ and micronutrients of apple leaves. The irrigation treatments were: (1) commercial irrigation as control (CI) and (2) PRD. After 3 years of evaluation, PRD irrigation had saved about 3240 m3 of water per hectare. Leaf xylem water potential was slightly lower in the PRD treatment than in CI. The seasonal concentration of macro‐ and micronutrients was comparable between treatments, although significant differences were found at times. The macronutrient concentrations were within the normal range in PRD apple leaves. All micronutrient concentrations were slightly above the normal range except for Zn, which was slightly below the normal range. No physiological disorders associated with plant nutrition were observed on leaves or fruits. Therefore, data suggest that PRD did not alter apple‐tree nutrition during the 3‐year trial. Thus, PRD may be feasible for apple production in Central Mexico. However, further studies need to be conducted in those regions where groundwater is the main water source for irrigation and rain is negligible, particularly during the growing season.
Caffeine improves neuromuscular function during maximal dynamic exercise
Authors: Bazzucchi Ilenia , Felici Francesco , Montini Marco , Figura Francesco , Sacchetti Massimo
Published: April 2011

Introduction: In this study we tested the hypothesis that caffeine supplementation improves neuromuscular function, which has both nutritional and clinical relevance. Methods: Fourteen male subjects (mean ± SD: 23.8 ± 2.8 years) volunteered in a double‐blind, repeated‐measures study with placebo (PLA) or caffeine (CAFF) (6 mg kg−1). Maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVCs), evoked maximal twitch, and maximal isokinetic contractions during elbow flexion were assessed. Mechanical and electromyographic (EMG) signals from the biceps brachii muscle were recorded, and muscle fiber conduction velocity (CV) was calculated to evaluate changes in the muscle force–velocity relationship and muscle fiber recruitment. Results: The torque–angular velocity curve was enhanced after CAFF supplementation. This was supported by a concomitant increase of CV values (8.7% higher in CAFF). Conclusions: Caffeine improves muscle performance during short‐duration maximal dynamic contractions. The concomitant improvement of mean fiber CV supports the hypothesis of an effect of caffeine on motor unit recruitment. Muscle Nerve, 2011.
Strength and fatigue of lumbar extensor muscles in older adults
Authors: Ajit Singh Devinder Kaur , Bailey Martin , Lee Raymond
Published: April 2011

Introduction: Loss of lumbar extensor muscle strength and fatigue resistance may contribute to functional disability. Methods: Two groups of subjects were recruited: young (n = 26, 20–35 years of age) and old (n = 26, ≥65 years of age) adults. Lumbar extensor muscle strength was measured with a load cell, and electromyographic activities were recorded to study muscle fatigue at 60% of maximum voluntary contraction. Results: We found that the muscle moments generated by the extensor muscles decreased with age (P < 0.05). Aging was associated with a significant increase in the power of the lower frequency band (101–200 Hz) of the electromyographic signals (P < 0.05), but the spectral characteristics did not appear to change with sustained contraction (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The changes in strength and spectral properties of the electromyographic signals of lumbar extensor muscles may be related to age‐related alterations in muscle fiber composition and recruitment. These changes should be considered in clinical functional task evaluation. Muscle Nerve 44: 74–79, 2011
Extraneuronal toxicity of Alzheimer's β‐amyloid peptide: Comparative study on vertebrate skeletal muscles
Authors: Mukhamedyarov Marat A. , Teplov Alexander Y. , Grishin Sergey N. , Leushina Alina V. , Zefirov Andrey L. , Palotás András
Published: April 2011

Introduction.

Alzheimer's β‐amyloid peptide (βAP) is known to possess a wide range of toxic effects on neurons in vitro and in vivo; however, there is little information available regarding its impact on other excitable tissues such as skeletal muscles, which, apart from brain cells, are thought to also be targets of βAP.

Methods.

Utilizing the combination of electrophysiology and myography, we investigated whether βAP also impairs the functioning of myocytes in frogs and mice.

Results.

Although application of βAP in the range of 10−6 to 10−8 M induced depolarization of muscle fibers in both species, it impaired contractility in frogs but not in mice, by reducing endplate potential amplitude and increasing the threshold potential.

Conclusions.

Unchanged contractility in the mouse in the presence of βAP is due to a higher safety factor of neuromuscular transmission in mammals compared with amphibians. Possible clinical implications are discussed. Muscle Nerve, 2011.
An alternating direction method for linear‐constrained matrix nuclear norm minimization
Authors: Xiao Yun‐Hai , Jin Zheng‐Fen
Published: April 2011

The aim of the nuclear norm minimization problem is to find a matrix that minimizes the sum of its singular values and satisfies some constraints simultaneously. Such a problem has received more attention largely because it is closely related to the affine rank minimization problem, which appears in many control applications including controller design, realization theory, and model reduction. In this paper, we first propose an exact version alternating direction method for solving the nuclear norm minimization problem with linear equality constraints. At each iteration, the method involves a singular value thresholding and linear matrix equations which are solved exactly. Convergence of the proposed algorithm is followed directly. To broaden the capacity of solving larger problems, we solve approximately the subproblem by an iterative method with the Barzilai–Borwein steplength. Some extensions to the noisy problems and nuclear norm regularized least‐square problems are also discussed. Numerical experiments and comparisons with the state‐of‐the‐art method FPCA show that the proposed method is effective and promising. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A supervisor like me: Race, representation, and the satisfaction and turnover decisions of public sector employees
Authors: Grissom Jason A. , Keiser Lael R.
Published: April 2011

Studies of race representation in public organizations illustrate the importance of bureaucrat race in determining client‐level outcomes. Building “upward” from this research, this study examines how supervisor race impacts outcomes for street‐level bureaucrats using data from a nationally representative sample of public schools. Employing multiple estimation methods, we find that, consistent with the predictions of representation theory, teachers report higher job satisfaction and turn over less often when supervised by an own‐race principal. We also find that race congruence impacts the tangible and intangible organizational benefits teachers receive, and, moreover, that race congruence impacts white and African American employees differently. Most troubling, we find evidence that black teachers earn substantially less in supplemental pay when they work for a white principal, even when compared to white teachers in the same school. © 2011 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Polyaniline‐modified cellulose nanofibrils as reinforcement of a smart polyurethane
Authors: Auad María L , Richardson Tara , Orts William J , Medeiros Eliton S , Mattoso Luiz HC , Mosiewicki Mirna A , Marcovich Norma E , Aranguren Mirta I
Published: April 2011

Segmented polyurethanes exhibiting shape memory properties were modified by the addition of polyaniline (PANI)‐coated cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). The two‐phase structure of the polymer is responsible for the material's ability to ‘remember’ and autonomously recover its original shape after being deformed in response to an external thermal stimulus. PANI was grown on the surface of the CNFs via in situ polymerization. Modified nanocrystals were added to the segmented polyurethane in concentrations ranging from 0 to 15 wt%. The changes in the material properties associated with the percolation of the coated fibrils appear at higher concentrations than previously observed for non‐modified CNFs, which suggests that fibril agglomeration is occurring due to the PANI coating. The shape memory behavior of the composites is maintained at about the same level as that of the unfilled polyurethane only up to 4 wt% of fibrils. At higher concentrations, the rigidity of the nanofibrils as well as their interaction with the hard‐segment phase and the increasing difficulty of dispersing them in the polymer collaborate to produce early breakage of the specimens when stretched at temperatures above the melting point of the soft segments. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of aluminum deposition and annealing on polymer‐based solar cell performance
Authors: Guralnick Brett W. , Seppala Jonathan E. , Mackay Michael E.
Published: April 2011

Previously we characterized the active layer in polymer‐based solar cells containing Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) with the electron acceptor Phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) to find a thin, pure polymer layer at the air interface just after spin coating. In this study, we find that when the aluminum back electrode was thermally evaporated onto the active layer, at high enough rate, craters were found in the pure polymer layer. This was determined by dissolving the aluminum and characterizing the active layer with an atomic force microscope. Poor device performance was noted under this condition. However, if the aluminum was evaporated at a slower rate, resulting in a flat active layer surface and no crater formation, the efficiency more than doubled. A similar result is found if lithium fluoride (LiF) is deposited before aluminum evaporation and no craters were found even for the higher aluminum evaporation rate. So, it appears that LiF acts as a momentum shield to crater formation allowing superior device performance. If the active layer is annealed before deposition of the back electrode then, regardless of deposition rate, similar device performance is found. Again, in our previous study, it was found that annealing the active layer forced PCBM to the air interface which apparently also acts as a momentum shield. Annealing the device after aluminum deposition produces poorer performance than annealing before deposition. However, these devices have a better fill factor. Examining the active layer shows that it undergoes a buckling transition due to differences in the aluminum and active layers' thermal expansivities which reduces overall contact with the electrodes. However, whatever contact is made, is superior, accounting for the improved fill factor. If the buckling instability could be avoided then this processing procedure may be used in the future to manufacture even better devices than with any of the other annealing procedures. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Thermally stimulated luminescence in aluminium nitride crystals
Authors: Bickermann Matthias , Schuster Sebastian , Epelbaum Boris M. , Filip Octavian , Heimann Paul , Nagata Shunro , Winnacker Albrecht
Published: April 2011

Electronic levels of point defects in aluminium nitride (AlN) bulk single crystals are evaluated using thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL). As the crystals were grown using AlN source material of different purity levels, the samples show different concentrations of silicon, oxygen, carbon, and (presumably) vacancies and vacancy complexes. In the TSL spectra, broad peaks are detected around 40–70 K, 100 K, 170 K, 220 K, 260 K, and 390 K. The corresponding activation energies were calculated using the Hoogenstraaten method to 8–35 meV, 40–70 meV, 150–215 meV, 130–180 meV, 150–190 meV, 80–170 meV, and 590–770 meV, respectively. TSL peak intensities are discussed in terms of chemical analysis of the samples. The results indicate that oxygen and silicon act as dominant electron traps in AlN. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Epitaxial upward transport of Al at the beginning of the Al‐induced layer exchange process
Authors: Birajdar Balaji , Antesberger Tobias , Stutzmann Martin , Spiecker Erdmann
Published: April 2011

Al‐induced layer exchange (ALILE) and crystallization in a stack of amorphous Si (a‐Si, 100 nm)/Al (50 nm)/quartz substrate, annealed at 450 °C, have been investigated at different length scales by optical microscopy as well as analytical scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Significant lateral and vertical redistribution of Al was observed, yielding Al deficient dendritic cell centers surrounded by an about 10 µm wide Al excess zone containing epitaxial islands of “pushed‐up” Al whose number density and size decreases with increasing distance from the cell boundary. This new finding is likely to be a key step forward in the understanding of the complex redistribution of Al and Si during the ALILE process. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A study of fragmentation of protonated amides of some acylated amino acids by tandem mass spectrometry: observation of an unusual nitrilium ion
Authors: Talaty Erach R. , Young Sarah M. , Dain Ryan P. , Van Stipdonk Michael J.
Published: April 2011

A tandem mass spectrometric study of a series of secondary amides of acetylglycine and hippuric acid utilizing electrospray ionization (ESI) was conducted. Among the fragment ions observed was an unusual one, which we have determined to be a nitrilium ion having the structure  or by loss of the full mass of glycine as a neutral fragment. A mechanism that we propose involves an initial protonation of the oxygen atom at the N‐terminus, followed by cyclization to a five‐membered imidazolium ring, and its subsequent collapse to the nitrilium ion. This mechanism is supported by extensive isotopic labels and considerable variation of substituents. A similar study of the amides of acyl β‐alanine and acyl γ‐aminobutyric acid revealed that the former furnishes the same nitrilium ion, but not the latter. Thus, a six‐membered intermediate is also possible and capable of losing the full mass of β‐alanine as a neutral fragment. When the size of the ring is forced to be seven‐membered, this pathway is blocked. When this study was expanded to include a variety of N‐acylproline amides, the nitrilium ion was observed in 100% abundance only when the acyl group was acetyl. Thus a proline effect (involvement of a strained bicyclic [3.3.0] structure) is being observed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of individual tetra‐ and pentacyclic naphthenic acids in oil sands process water by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Rowland Steven J. , West Charles E. , Scarlett Alan G. , Jones David , Frank Richard A.
Published: April 2011

The oils sands industry of Canada produces large volumes of process water (OSPW) which is stored in large lagoons. The OSPW contains complex mixtures of somewhat toxic, water‐soluble, acid‐extractable organic matter sometimes called ‘naphthenic acids’ (NA). Concerns have been raised over the possible environmental impacts of leakage of OSPW and a need has therefore arisen for better characterisation of the NA. Recently, we reported the first identification of numerous individual tricyclic NA in OSPW by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC/ToF‐MS) of the methyl esters. The acids were diamondoid adamantane acids, resulting, it was proposed, from biotransformation of the corresponding alkyladamantane hydrocarbons, which is a known process. Biotransformation of higher alkylated diamondoid hydrocarbons was, until now, unknown but here we describe the identification of numerous pentacyclic NA as diamantane and alkyldiamantane acids, using the same methods. Further, we suggest tentative structures for some of the tetracyclic acids formed, we propose, by ring‐opening of alkyldiamantanes. We suggest that this is further evidence that some of the acid‐extractable organic matter in the OSPW originates from extensive biodegradation of the oil, whether in‐reservoir or environmental, although other oxidative routes (e.g. processing) may also be possible. The results may be important for helping to better focus reclamation and remediation strategies for NA and for facilitating the identification of the sources of NA in contaminated environmental samples. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitive measurement of serum 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry after removing interference with immunoaffinity extraction
Authors: Yuan Chao , Kosewick Justin , He Xiang , Kozak Marta , Wang Sihe
Published: April 2011

Vitamin D plays important roles in bone health and a variety of other pathophysiological conditions. 1α,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D is the active form of vitamin D. Quantification of serum 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D is useful for evaluation of several diseases including chronic renal failure, hypoparathyroidism, sarcoidosis, and rickets. Measurement of 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D is very challenging due to its low circulating concentration and presence of interfering substances in serum. In this report, a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for quantifying serum 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D is described. Lithium adducts of 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D were formed prior to mass spectrometry analysis to improve ionization efficiency. We tested a number of different sample preparation procedures and found that immunoaffinity extraction was the method of choice because it completely removed isobaric interferences and matrix effects present in patient serum. Extraction efficiency, expressed as absolute recovery, was greater than 60% in both patient serum and charcoal‐stripped serum. This method was linear from 3.4 to 206.2 pg/mL for 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 3.9 to 212.6 pg/mL for 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D2 with an accuracy of 89.8–98.4% and 97.5–115.7%, respectively. Inter‐assay and intra‐assay coefficients of variance (CVs) for both analytes at two different concentration levels ranged from 2.5–7.0%. Comparison with a radioimmunoassay for measuring total 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D concentration using 40 patient samples showed a Deming regression slope of 0.751, a y‐intercept of 0.84 pg/mL, an r value of 0.7909, and a mean percentage difference of –27.1%. Comparison with a reference LC/MS/MS method (n = 20) showed a Deming regression slope of 1.020, a y‐intercept of 1.32 pg/mL, an r value of 0.9797, and a mean percentage difference of –2.9%. In conclusion, usage of immunoaffinity extraction enabled a sensitive LC/MS/MS method for quantification of 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D in serum. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A taxonomy of model‐based testing approaches
Authors: Utting Mark , Pretschner Alexander , Legeard Bruno
Published: April 2011

Model‐based testing (MBT) relies on models of a system under test and/or its environment to derive test cases for the system. This paper discusses the process of MBT and defines a taxonomy that covers the key aspects of MBT approaches. It is intended to help with understanding the characteristics, similarities and differences of those approaches, and with classifying the approach used in a particular MBT tool. To illustrate the taxonomy, a description of how three different examples of MBT tools fit into the taxonomy is provided. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elastography of the uterine cervix: implications for success of induction of labor
Authors: Swiatkowska‐Freund M. , Preis K.
Published: April 2011

Objectives

To perform a preliminary investigation into the use of elastography for cervical assessment, in order to determine the effectiveness of this method for the evaluation of cervical consistency.

Methods

Elastography of the uterine cervix was performed in 29 patients before induction of labor, with tissue surrounding the internal os described using a numeric scale called the elastography index (EI). A color map from purple to red was produced with the hardest tissues displayed as purple and assigned a score of 0 points and progressively softer tissues displayed as blue (1 point), green (2 points), yellow (3 points) and red (4 points). The EI of tissue around the internal os, in the middle part of the cervical canal and around the external os were analyzed in relation to the success of induction of labor using the t‐test.

Results

The mean EI of the internal os in the group of patients with successful induction of labor was 1.23, while in the group with failed induction of labor it was 0.39 (Student's t‐test, P = 0.024). No difference was found for the EI of the middle part of the cervical canal or for the EI of the external os in relation to the success of induction of labor (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Elastography of the uterine cervix may be an objective method for assessment of softening of tissue in the region of the internal os before induction of labor. Standardization of the cervical properties observed on elastography during pregnancy may help to guide the use of prostaglandins or oxytocin for induction of labor. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolution of cognition
Authors: van Horik Jayden , Emery Nathan J.
Published: April 2011

Renewed interest in the field of comparative cognition over the past 30 years has led to a renaissance in our thinking of how cognition evolved. Here, we review historical and comparative approaches to the study of psychological evolution, focusing on cognitive differences based on evolutionary divergence, but also cognitive similarities based on evolutionary convergence. Both approaches have contributed to major theories of cognitive evolution in humans and non‐human animals. As a result, not only have we furthered our understanding of the evolution of the human mind and its unique attributes, but we have also identified complex cognitive capacities in a few large‐brained species, evolved from solving social and ecological challenges requiring a flexible mind. WIREs Cogni Sci 2011 2 621–633 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.144

This article is categorized under:

Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition
Celsior Versus University of Wisconsin Preserving Solutions for Liver Transplantation: Postreperfusion Syndrome and Outcome of a 5‐Year Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: García‐Gil Francisco A. , Serrano María T. , Fuentes‐Broto Lorena , Arenas Juan , García José J. , Güemes Antonio , Bernal Vanesa , Campillo Ana , Sostres Carlos , Araiz Juan J. , Royo Pablo , Simón Miguel A.
Published: April 2011

Background

Celsior solution (CS) is a high‐sodium, low‐potassium, low‐viscosity extracellular solution that has been used for liver graft preservation in recent years, although experience with it is still limited. We performed an open‐label randomized active‐controlled trial comparing CS with the University of Wisconsin solution (UW) for liver transplantation (LT), with a follow‐up period of 5 years.

Methods

Adult transplant recipients (n = 102) were prospectively randomized to receive either CS (n = 51) or UW (n = 51). The two groups were comparable with respect to donor and recipient characteristics. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of postreperfusion syndrome (PRS). Secondary outcome measures included primary nonfunction (PNF) or primary dysfunction (PDF), liver retransplantation, and graft and patient survival. Other secondary outcome measures were days in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the rates of acute rejection, chronic rejection, infectious complications, postoperative reoperations, and vascular and biliary complications.

Results

In all, 14 posttransplant variables revealed no significant differences between the groups. There were no cases of PNF or PDF. The incidence of PRS was 5.9% in the CS group and 21.6% in the UW group (P = 0.041). After reperfusion, CS revealed greater control of serum potassium (P = 0.015), magnesium levels (P = 0.005), and plasma glucose (P = 0.042) than UW. Respective patient survivals at 3, 12, and 60 months were 95.7, 87.2, and 82.0% for the CS group and 95.7, 83.3, and 66.6% for the UW group (P = 0.123).

Conclusions

While retaining the same degree of safety and effectiveness as UW for LT, CS may yield postliver graft reperfusion benefits, as shown in this study by a significant reduction in the incidence of PRS and greater metabolic control.