bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Omega‐3 Index and cardiovascular disease prevention: principle and rationale
Authors: von Schacky Clemens
Published: July 2010

A clearer picture emerges when correlating blood levels of marine omega‐3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, DHA) to cardiovascular events than when correlating dietary intake. Therefore, the Omega‐3 Index has been proposed as a novel biomarker of cardiovascular risk. The Omega‐3 Index is defined as the percentage of EPA+DHA in red blood cell (RBC) fatty acids. The definition includes the analytical method, which has been standardized (HS‐Omega‐3 Index) similarly to other routine clinical laboratory parameters. Completed and ongoing research projects (more than 80) indicate that the HS‐Omega‐3 Index presently fulfils many criteria for a novel biomarker for cardiovascular risk. Because the research results are obtained with a standardized methodology, introducing the HS‐Omega‐3 Index into clinical routine is possible.
Low‐intensity laser irradiation stimulates mineralization via increased BMPs in MC3T3‐E1 cells
Authors: Fujimoto Keiko , Kiyosaki Takeshi , Mitsui Narihiro , Mayahara Kotoe , Omasa Saori , Suzuki Naoto , Shimizu Noriyoshi
Published: July 2010

Background

Previously, we reported that low‐intensity laser irradiation accelerated bone formation, and that this mechanism deeply involved insulin‐like growth factor I expression. However, as bone formation is supported by many local factors, the mechanism involved in laser irradiation remains incompletely understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of laser irradiation on the osteogenic response in vitro.

Methods

Mouse osteoblast‐like cells, MC3T3‐E1, were cultured and were irradiated for 5–20 minutes (0.96–3.82 J/cm2) at the subconfluent stage using a low‐intensity Ga–Al–As diode laser apparatus. After laser irradiation, expression of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), transcription factors (Runx2, Osterix, Dlx5, Msx2), and phosphorylation of Smad1 were determined, and calcium content of cell cultures was also determined.

Results

Irradiation at 1.91 J/cm2 significantly increased the expression of BMPs and Runx2, Osterix, Dlx5, Msx2, and the phosphorylation of Smad1. Noggin, a BMP receptor blocker, inhibited the laser‐induced Runx2 expression and phosphorylation of Smad1. Moreover, laser irradiation significantly increased the calcium content of cell cultures, and noggin inhibited this increase.

Conclusion

These results suggest that low‐intensity laser irradiation stimulates in vitro mineralization via increased expression of BMPs and transcription factors associated with osteoblast differentiation. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:519–526, 2010. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Mitochondrial signaling for histamine releases in laser‐irradiated RBL‐2H3 mast cells
Authors: Wu Zu‐Hui , Zhou Yu , Chen Ji‐Yao , Zhou Lu‐Wei
Published: July 2010

Background

The low power laser irradiation (LPLI) can promote the wound healing, but the mechanism is still not fully understood. We have found in our previous work that the LPLI induces mast cells to release the histamine and thus suggested that the increased histamine release is probably one of the causes for promoting the wound healing since mast cells have been found to play positive roles in the process of wound healing. This study aims to explore the mechanism of histamine release in RBL‐2H3 mast cells under laser irradiations.

Materials and Methods

The wavelength effect of laser irradiations, the permeability function of mitochondrial membrane, the Bcl‐2 effect, the cytosolic alkalinization and the increment of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), on histamine release in RBL‐2H3 cells were studied, respectively, with the corresponding fluorescence probes.

Results

The action bands of laser irradiations were consistent with the absorption bands of cytochrome c oxidase, suggesting that cytochrome c oxidase is the photoacceptor. After laser irradiation, (1) the cytochrome c releases from mitochondrial to cytosol reflecting an increased permeability of mitochondrial membrane, (2) the cytosolic alkalinization appears, (3) [Ca2+]i increases, and (4) finally the enhancement of histamine release occurs. When Bcl‐2 was used to inhibit the permeability of mitochondrial membrane these cellular signaling from (1) to (4) were all suppressed obviously.

Conclusion

As a photoacceptor, cytochrome c oxidase absorbs incident photons and initiates the mitochondrial signaling. When the signals are transferred from the mitochondrial to the cytosol, the cytosolic alkalinization appears leading to the opening of a Ca2+ channel on the membrane, the transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV), and an increment of [Ca2+]i. The increased [Ca2+]i consequently mediates an enhanced histamine release. Such a responding chain is a suggested mechanism to understand the histamine release in RBL‐2H3 cells under laser irradiations. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:503–509, 2010. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Single session to infrared low level diode laser on TNF‐α and IL‐6 cytokines release by mononuclear spleen cells in mice: A pilot study
Authors: Fukuda Thiago Y. , Tanji Maury M. , Jesus Julio F. , Sato Maria N. , Duarte Alberto J.S. , Plapler Hélio
Published: July 2010

Background and Objective

The results of low‐level infrared laser (LLL) systemic action on inflammatory modulation process, specifically diminishing pro‐inflammatory and producing anti‐inflammatory cytokines are extremely controversial in the literature. More studies are necessary to clarify the biomodulation process. The main objective was to investigate the effect of a single session of an AsGaAl laser on spleen cells interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor ‐ alpha (TNF‐α) release, in vivo, in mice.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

In a pilot study, 18 isogenic mice were distributed in three groups: control (no surgical procedure, n = 6), sham (surgical procedure with three standard cutaneous incisions, followed by abdominal muscle incision followed by suture, n = 6) and LLL (same procedure followed by a single LLL exposure 12 hours after the procedure, n = 6). The animals in the LLL group received a single infrared continuous laser session (780 nm wavelength, power of 20 mW, energy density of 10 J/cm2) on three points (20 seconds per point), and final energy of 0.4 J. All animals of the sham and LLL groups were sacrificed 36 hours after surgical procedure; the spleen mononuclear cells were isolated and cultivated for 48 hours. The IL‐6 and TNF‐α were measured by the ELISA method.

Results

IL‐6 and TNF‐α concentrations released by the mononuclear cells showed significant differences between the control and sham group (P < 0.07). However, there were no differences between the control and LLL group and between the sham and LLL groups (P > 0.07).

Conclusion

The single session of infrared LLL showed a tendency of decreasing the IL‐6 and TNF‐α release by mononuclear spleen cells in mice after application, although there was not a significant difference between the sham and LLL group. Conclusions regarding effectiveness of a single session procedure cannot be made due to the low statistical power of this pilot study. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:584–588, 2010. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Photoluminescent Color and Polarized Light Emission Tuning of Fluorene Derivatives Using a Photoreactive H‐Bonded Liquid Crystalline Polymer
Authors: Kawatsuki Nobuhiro , Ando Ryoichi , Ishida Ryosuke , Kondo Mizuho , Minami Yuta
Published: July 2010

Three fluorene (FL) derivatives with pyridine end groups were synthesized to control the photoluminescence (PL) wavelength and polarized light emission using a photoreactive H‐bonded polymer containing cinnamic acid side groups (P6CAM). The FL derivatives, which possessed pyridine end groups, formed H‐bonds with cinnamic acid, and changed the PL behavior of the derivatives. The controllability λmax of the PL depended on the position of the N‐atom at the pyridine end group and the degree of the photoreaction of the P6CAM. For F1, λmax of the PL was tuned from 470 to 518 nm. Employing P6CAM as the photoalignment layer to reorient the cinnamic acid side groups realized polarized PL up to PL||/PL⟂ = 3.9. Furthermore, photopatterning of the PL color and the direction of the polarized light emission using patterned P6CAM films were demonstrated.

magnified image
Temperature‐induced tissue susceptibility changes lead to significant temperature errors in PRFS‐based MR thermometry during thermal interventions
Authors: Sprinkhuizen Sara M. , Konings Maurits K. , van der Bom Martijn J. , Viergever Max A. , Bakker Chris J. G. , Bartels Lambertus W.
Published: July 2010

Proton resonance frequency shift‐based MR thermometry (MRT) is hampered by temporal magnetic field changes. Temporal changes in the magnetic susceptibility distribution lead to nonlocal field changes and are, therefore, a possible source of errors. The magnetic volume susceptibility of tissue is temperature dependent. For water‐like tissues, this dependency is in the order of 0.002 ppm/°C. For fat, it is in the same order of magnitude as the temperature dependence of the proton electron screening constant of water (0.01 ppm/°C). For this reason, proton resonance frequency shift‐based MR thermometry in fatty tissues, like the human breast, is expected to be prone to errors. We aimed to quantify the influence of the temperature dependence of the susceptibility on proton resonance frequency shift‐based MR thermometry. Heating experiments were performed in a controlled phantom set‐up to show the impact of temperature‐induced susceptibility changes on actual proton resonance frequency shift‐based temperature maps. To study the implications for a clinical case, simulations were performed in a 3D breast model. Temperature errors were quantified by computation of magnetic field changes in the glandular tissue, resulting from susceptibility changes in a thermally heated region. The results of the experiments and simulations showed that the temperature‐induced susceptibility changes of water and fat lead to significant errors in proton resonance frequency shift‐based MR thermometry. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simultaneous acquisition of gradient echo/spin echo BOLD and perfusion with a separate labeling coil
Authors: Glielmi C. B. , Xu Q. , Craddock R. C. , Hu X.
Published: July 2010

Arterial spin labeling‐based cerebral blood flow imaging complements blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) imaging with a measure that is more quantitative and has better specificity to neuronal activation. Relative to gradient echo BOLD, spin echo BOLD has better spatial specificity because it is less biased to large draining veins. Although there have been many studies comparing simultaneously acquired cerebral blood flow data with gradient echo BOLD data in fMRI, there have been few studies comparing cerebral blood flow with SE BOLD and no study comparing all three. We present a pulse sequence that simultaneously acquires cerebral blood flow data with a separate labeling coil, gradient echo BOLD, and spin echo BOLD images. Simultaneous acquisition avoids interscan variability, allowing more direct assessment and comparison of each contrast's relative specificity and reproducibility. Furthermore, it facilitates studies that may benefit from multiple complementary measures. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ionische Flüssigkeiten zur Metallabscheidung
Authors: Endres Frank
Published: July 2010

Dünne Silciumschichten oder Siliciumnanopartikel erzeugen, Aluminium auf Stahlblechen abscheiden, Tantalverbindungen bei relativ niedrigen Temperaturen elektrolysieren: Ionische Flüssigkeiten können die Galvanik revolutionieren, die Plasmaelektrochemie vorantreiben und Grundlagenforschern neue Themen geben.
Neues aus der Welt der endohedralen Fullerene
Authors: Dunsch Lothar
Published: July 2010

Vielfalt aus dem Inneren: In Kohlenstoffkäfige lassen sich Carbid‐ und Methancluster einsperren, Schalen bis hin zu C100 erweisen sich bei Metalleinbau als isolierbar und die Stabilitätskriterien, die für Fullerene gelten, sind bei manchen endohedralen Strukturen offenbar außer Kraft gesetzt. Dazu kommen die vielversprechenden magnetischen und elektrochemischen Eigenschaften endohedraler Fullerene.
Molekulare Ursachen des Autismus
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: July 2010

Die Veranlagung zum Autismus ist erblich, doch tragen so viele verschiedene Gene dazu bei, daß die genauen genetischen Grundlagen bis heute nicht aufgeklärt werden konnten. Großangelegte Untersuchungen auf Genomebene sollen jetzt Abhilfe schaffen.
Chemiedozententagung 2007 in Halle
Authors: Abicht Hans‐Peter , Steinborn Dirk
Published: July 2010

Die Tradition der Chemiedozententagungen bleibt lebendig: Vom 11. bis 14. März war das Institut für Chemie der Martin‐Luther‐Universität Halle‐Wittenberg Gastgeber für etwa 500 Professoren, angehende Hochschullehrer, Vertreter der chemischen Industrie und eine erfreulich hohe Zahl von Doktoranden.
Senior Professor Service for Sustainability and Chemical Safety
Authors: Bahadir Müfit
Published: July 2010

Ein Projekt mit Zukunftsvision in Indonesien gestartet: Deutsche Senior‐Professoren stellen sich als Lehrkräfte zur Verfügung, um in Yogyakarta MSc‐Kurse in “Nachhaltigkeit und Chemikaliensicherheit” zu unterrichten.
Bioethanol als erneuerbare, wirtschaftliche Alternative
Authors: Dietrich Andreas , Nielsen Morten
Published: July 2010

Steigende Ölpreise und wachsendes Umweltbewusstsein veranlassen Regierungen und Verbraucher, nach alternativen Treibstoffquellen zu suchen – Bioethanol ist hierbei einer der Favoriten.
Ready for Reach?
Authors: Milmo Sean
Published: July 2010

With Reach now a reality, companies are being urged to get ready to deal with its complexities. This is not an easy process, with many areas of the legislation still decidedly fuzzy, as Sean Milmo reports.
Zuarbeiter für Ab‐initio‐Programme
Authors: Horn Anselm
Published: July 2010

Das Windowsprogramm ChemCraft vereinfacht die Arbeit mit Ab‐initio‐Programmpaketen durch graphisches Editieren der Eingabestruktur und durch Visualisierung der Ergebnisse. Hauptsächlich unterstützt es dabei die Programme Gaussian und Gamess‐US.
Marketing churches on the Internet: an analysis of the dialogic potential of Christian web sites
Authors: Waters Richard D. , Tindall Natalie T.J.
Published: July 2010

The Internet has affected every aspect of society, and religion is no exception. Nearly 28 million Americans use the Internet to supplement their spiritual life by visiting Web sites to communicate with their churches and other congregation members. Online communication with religious organizations can be enhanced by the incorporation of five dialogic loop principles that foster relationship growth. Through a content analysis of randomly sampled Church Web sites from a national database, this study found that Christian churches were laggards in terms of creating an interactive environment for church‐goers.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein kinase inhibitors can control the progression of endometriosis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Ngô Charlotte , Nicco Carole , Leconte Mahaut , Chéreau Christiane , Arkwright Sylviane , Vacher‐Lavenu Marie‐Cécile , Weill Bernard , Chapron Charles , Batteux Frédéric
Published: July 2010

Endometriosis affects 6–10% of women in their reproductive years, causing chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Its pathogenesis remains poorly understood and current treatments, based on hormonal therapy or surgery, are often insufficient. The purpose of our study was to investigate the role of the ERK pathway in the development of endometriosis and to test the effects of protein kinase inhibitors on the proliferation of endometriotic cells in vitro and in vivo. We studied ex vivo human endometrial and endometriotic cells in culture. Stromal and epithelial cells were extracted from endometrial and endometriotic biopsies from patients with endometriosis and from patients without endometriosis. The ERK pathway was explored by western blot on cell lysates and by ELISA on total crushed specimens of endometrium. Cells in culture were treated with A771726, PD98059, and U0126. Human endometriotic lesions were implanted in nude mice. Mice were treated with A771726, leflunomide, PD98059, U0126 or PBS during 2 weeks before sacrifice and extraction of the endometriotic implants for histological examination. We found that the ERK pathway was significantly activated in endometriotic cells and in endometrial cells from patients with endometriosis compared to endometrial cells of control patients, both by ELISA and by western blot. This phenomenon was associated with an increased proliferation of endometriotic cells compared to endometrial cells. Treating endometriotic cells with A771726, PD98059 or U0126 abrogated the phosphorylation of ERK and significantly decreased the cellular proliferation in vitro. In vivo, A771726, leflunomide, PD98059, and U0126 controlled the growth of endometriotic implants in the mouse model of endometriosis. Our study shows that protein kinase inhibitors could be new candidates to treat endometriosis. However, further studies are needed to evaluate their effects and tolerability in humans. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of surfactants on the characteristics and biosensing properties of polyaniline
Authors: Kuczynska Agnieszka , Uygun Aysegul , Kaim Andrzej , Wilczura‐Wachnik Hanna , Yavuz Ayse Gul , Aldissi Matt
Published: July 2010

To investigate the effects of surfactants on the properties of polyaniline (PANI), a series of PANIs was synthesized in the presence of surfactants by chemical polymerization of aniline in an acidic medium, using (NH4)2S2O8 as oxidant. Three types of surfactant were used: (i) non‐ionic poly(ethylene oxide) (20) sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20) and poly(ethylene oxide) (20) sorbitan monopalmitate (Tween 40); (ii) cationic (1‐tetradecyl)trimethylammonium bromide; and (iii) anionic sodium 1‐dodecanesulfonate and sodium 1‐pentanesulfonate. The structural, morphological and thermal properties of the various samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared and UV‐visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Calorimetry was used to compare enthalpy changes during polymerization. The electrochemical and glucose biosensor properties of the PANIs were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and amperometric measurements. PANI‐Tween 20 and PANI‐Tween 40 were found to be good for immobilization of glucose oxidase enzymes and potential candidates for use in glucose biosensing. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of networks from photoreactive copolymers: an attempt to correlate chemical composition to network structure
Authors: Husár Branislav , Commereuc Sophie , Chmela Štefan , Verney Vincent
Published: July 2010

The photoreactivity of polystyrene bearing photoreactive benzil (BZ) pendant groups was studied. Upon irradiation (λ > 370 nm), BZ groups were transformed to benzoyl peroxide (BP) groups that caused crosslinking of the polymer upon heating. The main goal of this study was to characterize the final network. Melt viscoelasticity is a powerful method to assess some specific parameters of a crosslinking process (gel point, crosslink density). Classical methods based on low‐frequency slope variations, such as the Winter and Chambon method, were successfully applied. A good correlation was established between the content of BP groups after the first irradiation and the final density of the network after crosslinking. It was determined that at least two peroxidic species (BP groups) per macromolecular chain are necessary to reach the gel point. The concentration of BZ groups and their conversion into BP groups are the factors supporting a denser network. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Radiographic findings among children hospitalized with severe community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Ferrero F. , Nascimento‐Carvalho C.M. , Cardoso M.‐R. , Camargos P. , March M.‐F.P. , Berezin E. , Ruvinsky R. , Sant'Anna C. , Feris‐Iglesias J. , Maggi R. , Benguigui Y. ,   the CARIBE group
Published: July 2010

Background

Community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of childhood death. There are few published reports of radiographic findings among children with severe CAP.

Objective

To describe chest X‐ray (CXR) findings and assess association between these radiographic findings and pneumococcal isolation in children with severe CAP.

Methods

A prospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted in 12 centers in Argentina, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic. Children aged 3–59 months, hospitalized with severe pneumonia, were included. On admission, blood and pleural effusion cultures were performed. Streptococcus pneumoniae was identified according to standard procedures in the respective national reference laboratory. Chest X‐rays were taken on admission and read before the culture results were reported.

Results

Out of 2,536 enrolled patients, 283 (11.2%) had S. pneumoniae isolated, in 181 cases (7.1%) from blood. The follow radiographic patterns were observed: alveolar infiltrate (75.2%), pleural effusion (15.6%), and interstitial infiltrate (9.2%). Overall, pleural effusion was associated with pneumococcal isolation and pneumococcal bacteremia (P < 0.001). Infiltrates were unilateral (78.7%) or bilateral (21.3%), right‐sided (76%) or left‐sided (24%), in the lower lobe (53.6%) or the upper lobe (46.4%). Multivariate analysis including patients with affection of only one lobe showed that upper lobe affection and pleural effusion were associated with pneumococcal isolation (OR 1.8, 95% CI, 1.3–2.7; OR 11.0, 95% CI, 4.6–26.8, respectively) and with pneumococcal bacteremia (OR 1.7, 95% CI, 1.2–2.6; OR 3.1, 95% CI, 1.2–8.0, respectively).

Conclusions

Three‐quarters of the patients studied had alveolar infiltrates. Upper lobe compromising and pleural effusion were associated with pneumococcal invasive disease. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:1009–1013. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An aspartate to glycine change in the carboxyl transferase domain of acetyl CoA carboxylase and non‐target‐site mechanism(s) confer resistance to ACCase inhibitor herbicides in a Lolium multiflorum population
Authors: Kaundun Shiv Shankhar
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND: The increasing use of ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides has resulted in evolved resistance in key grass weeds infesting cereal cropping systems worldwide. Here, a thorough and systematic approach is proposed to elucidate the basis of resistance to three ACCase herbicides in a Lolium multiflorum Lam. (Italian rye grass) population from the United Kingdom (UK24).

RESULTS: Resistance to sethoxydim and pinoxaden was always associated with a dominant D2078G (Alopecurus myosuroides Huds. equivalent) target‐site mutation in UK24. Conversely, whole‐plant herbicide assays on predetermined ACCase genotypes showed very high levels of resistance to diclofop‐methyl for all three wild DD2078 and mutant DG2078 and GG2078 ACCase genotypes from the mixed resistant population UK24. This indicates the presence of other diclofop‐methyl‐specific resistance mechanism(s) yet to be determined in this population. The D2078G mutation could be detected using an unambiguous DNA‐based dCAPS procedure that proved very transferable to A. myosuroides, Avena fatua L., Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv. and Phalaris minor Retz.

CONCLUSION: This study provides further understanding of the molecular basis of resistance to ACCase inhibitor herbicides in a Lolium population and a widely applicable PCR‐based method for monitoring the D2078G target‐site resistance mutation in five major grass weed species. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
My views on medicines management past and present
Authors: Bevan Beryl
Published: July 2010

Chief pharmacist and experienced pharmaceutical adviser Beryl Bevan shares her views on medicines management and NHS restructuring over the past 20 years. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Defect levels through hybrid density functionals: Insights and applications
Authors: Alkauskas Audrius , Broqvist Peter , Pasquarello Alfredo
Published: July 2010

Hybrid density functional calculations applied to defect charge transition levels are explored in the attempt to overcome the band‐gap problem of semilocal density functionals. Charge transition levels of a large set of point defects calculated with semilocal and hybrid density functionals are found to correspond closely when aligned with respect to the average electrostatic potential. This strongly suggests that the defect levels defined in this way are already accurately described at these levels of theory. In particular, this then also applies to the energy separation between different defect levels, which is directly accessible experimentally. At variance, within the same alignment scheme, the band edges obtained with hybrid functionals are found to undergo significant shifts with respect to those obtained with semilocal functionals. While these shifts systematically give larger band gaps, the agreement with experiment is not always satisfactory when a fixed fraction of exact exchange is admixed. This describes a current limitation of hybrid functional schemes. In the attempt of identifying a viable theoretical description within the class of one‐parameter hybrid functionals based on bare exchange, we explore the validity of the empirical procedure which consists in tuning the fraction of nonlocal exchange to a value which gives a theoretical band gap reproducing the experimental one. Comparisons with experiment for band offsets and specific defect levels record very encouraging results. Despite its inherent limitations, such an empirical scheme based on hybrid functionals represents a definite improvement with respect to semilocal functionals.
Application of AFM from microbial cell to biofilm
Authors: Wright Chris J. , Shah Maia Kierann , Powell Lydia C. , Armstrong Ian
Published: July 2010

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) has proven itself over recent years as an essential tool for the analysis of microbial systems. This article will review how AFM has been used to study microbial systems to provide unique insight into their behavior and relationship with their environment. Immobilization of live cells has enabled AFM imaging and force measurement to provide understanding of the structure and function of numerous microbial cells. At the macromolecular level AFM investigation into the properties of surface macromolecules and the energies associated with their mechanical conformation and functionality has helped unravel the complex interactions of microbial cells. At the level of the whole cell AFM has provided an integrated analysis of how the microbial cell exploits its environment through its selective, adaptable interface, the cell surface. In addition to these areas of study the AFM investigation of microbial biofilms has been vital for industrial and medical process analysis. There exists a tremendous potential for the future application of AFM to microbial systems and this has been strengthened by the trend to use AFM in combination with other characterization methods, such as confocal microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, to elucidate dynamic cellular processes. SCANNING 32: 134–149, 2010. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐resolution X‐ray spectrometry of solids using the microcalorimeter X‐ray detector
Authors: Jach Terrence
Published: July 2010

We analyze here the spectrum of the Al Kα and Mg Kα X‐ray lines obtained by electron excitation of a multielement glass. The spectrum was obtained in an electron beam probe using a microcalorimeter X‐ray detector. With 7 eV resolution, we are able to observe and compare the intensity ratios of the Kα3, 4 satellites to the Kα1, 2 main lines. These satellites are sensitive to the chemistry of the solid. We compare our observed values to the intensity ratios obtained by Klauber and by Krause & Ferreira. The agreement of the relative satellite intensities in our measurement is more consistent with ratios for metals than for oxides. The ability to observe satellites of lines in multielement samples using the microcalorimeter detector opens up new possibilities for the interpretation of atomic core‐valence processes in solids. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The transfer of organics onto glass studied by ToF‐SIMS
Authors: Sano Naoko , Abel Marie‐Laure , Watts John F.
Published: July 2010

The transfer of organic materials from a polyolefin‐based film onto glass was studied using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS). Polyolefin films were brought in contact with glass and then removed either by peeling or twisting. The polyolefin films include minor additives, the transfer of which was followed by analysis of the glass side of the interface. In this study, we consider the effects of two different treatments in relation with the migration of the organic additives to the glass.

ToF‐SIMS images are obtained over a large area using macrorastering. These images, and also spectra recorded in discrete areas, show the presence of organics from polyolefin films and, hence, transfer of minor organic components to the glass. Comparison of imaging data between the two different treatments confirms that not only do additives migrate to the surface but also segregate with clear patterns on the glass surface as a result of one particular treatment.

Principle component analysis (PCA) was also carried out on all data and the results obtained show good agreement with the imaging results (ion‐selected images). ToF‐SIMS and PCA results show that samples produced with treatment 1 exhibit a more organic‐like surface on the glass side than samples obtained with treatment 2 which exhibit a more glass‐like surface. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SIMS depth profile analysis of particles collected in an urban environment
Authors: Konarski P. , Kaczorek K. , Balcerzak B. , Haluszka J. , Scibor M. , Iwanejko I. , Zawada A.
Published: July 2010

Analytical procedures of collection and sample preparation of micro‐ and nanoparticles from urban environment as well as results of analyses are presented. Particulate matter is collected from indoor and outdoor urban air by several methods using mechanical collectors: personal cascade impactor and quartz filters. The other method treats human organisms as collectors: the method is based on induced sputum. Elemental analysis of the collected material performed by spark‐source mass spectrometry (SSMS) on magnetic sector JEOL JMS‐1BM2 mass analyzer, gives concentration of over 20 elements with ppb sensitivity. SIMS depth profile analysis is performed on SAJW‐05 apparatus with quadrupole QMA‐410 analyzer and Physical Electronics ion gun. Indium substrate covered with particulate matter is scanned with 100 µm diameter 5 keV Ar+ ion beam. Particles collected by cascade impactor were deposited at indium substrates. Four aerodynamic diameter classes were analyzed, i.e. 10–2.5 µm, 2.5–1 µm, 1–0.5 µm and 0.5–0.25 µm. Depth profile analysis was performed up to 100 nm depth of eroded material. Results were obtained on sets of particles, and the measured secondary ion currents gave integral values of the analyzed material. Assuming average surface composition of the analyzed particles some hints on the compositional morphology of the type of ‘core‐shell’ are extracted. Obtained data on the bulk elemental composition and SIMS depth profile results show the dependence on the grain size. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fixed‐bed column study of the removal of anions and heavy metals from cotton textile waste water by using polyaniline and its nanocomposite containing nanometer‐size Fe3O4
Authors: Ghorbani Mohsen , Eisazadeh Hossein , Katal Reza
Published: July 2010

Preparation of polyaniline (PAn) and its nanocomposite containing nanometer‐size Fe3O4 is discussed, and their capability of separating anions and heavy metals from cotton textile industry waste water is studied. The removal of anions and heavy metals from the waste water was investigated and compared when PAn, nanometer‐size Fe3O4, and PAn/Fe3O4 nanocomposite were used. The results indicated that PAn and its composite were able to remove the anions and heavy metals. The anion and heavy metal removal percentages were increased by using PAn and nanometer‐size Fe3O4. The morphology and chemical structure of the adsorbents were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mutual but unequal: Mentoring as a hybrid of familiar relationship roles
Authors: Keller Thomas E. , Pryce Julia M.
Published: July 2010

This chapter employs a conceptual framework based on the relationship constructs of power and permanence to distinguish the special hybrid nature of mentoring relationships relative to prototypical vertical and horizontal relationships common in the lives of mentor and mentee. The authors note that mentoring occurs in voluntary relationships among partners with unequal social experience and influence. Consequently, mentoring relationships contain expectations of unequal contributions and responsibilities (as in vertical relationships), but sustaining the relationships depends on mutual feelings of satisfaction and commitment (as in horizontal relationships). Keller and Pryce apply this framework to reveal the consistency of findings across several qualitative studies reporting particular interpersonal patterns in youth mentoring relationships. On a practical level, they suggest that the mentor needs to balance the fun, interest, and engagement that maintain the relationship with the experienced guidance, structure, and support that promote the growth and well‐being of the mentee.
Beyond the dichotomy of work and fun: Measuring the thorough interrelatedness of structure and quality in youth mentoring relationships
Authors: Nakkula Michael J. , Harris John T.
Published: July 2010

Measuring the various structural aspects of the organizing framework for this volume and relating them to match quality and relevant developmental outcomes is a critical step toward assessing the framework's utility for practitioners, policymakers, and program evaluators. Nakkula and Harris take a step in that direction by exploring core interrelationships between match structure, as defined in the framework, and mentor and mentee experiences of match quality. Central to their findings is the pivotal role of sharing—mentor and mentee discussions of concerns and everyday experiences—as a moderator of fun in the prediction of relationship quality as experienced by both the mentor and mentee, and as a moderator of more growth‐oriented emphases in the prediction of instrumental match quality. In short, sharing seems to provide the boost that helps make fun and instrumental orientations more holistically developmental. Training mentors and mentees to share more effectively in their matches may serve to enhance the overall experience of match quality for both partners.
Deconstructing serendipity: Focus, purpose, and authorship in lunch buddy mentoring
Authors: Cavell Timothy A. , Henrie Joye L.
Published: July 2010

Lunch buddy mentoring is a particular kind of school‐based mentoring program: college student mentors meet twice weekly during school lunch with mentees, and a new mentor is provided each semester. The program is designed to benefit elementary school children who are highly aggressive or chronically bullied. Novel to lunch buddy mentoring is a deemphasis on the strength and length of the relationship as mechanisms of change. It is thought that lunch buddy mentoring operates through provisions that are temporally proximal and context specific. Proposed are two key mechanisms: enhanced social reputation among lunchtime peers and positive interactions with lunchtime peers. Cavell and Henrie describe how lunch buddy mentoring fits within the conceptual framework of focus, purpose, and authorship.
The structure of effective academic mentoring in late adolescence
Authors: Larose Simon , Cyrenne Diane , Garceau Odette , Brodeur Pascale , Tarabulsy George M.
Published: July 2010

This chapter reports findings from the evaluation of an academic mentoring program for late adolescents that highlight the role of exposition to structured activities and mentors' use of some behavioral strategies. Specifically, different types of interactions in mentoring (such as discussing personal projects, resolving academic problems, and participating in social activities) and different mentors' behaviors (such as emotional involvement, directivity, and reciprocity) were examined in relation to the quality of the mentoring relationship and mentees' adjustment at the end of the program. The findings generally support the initial assumption. Mentoring that focused more on activities produced significant and positive effects on mentee adjustment, whereas mentoring that focused almost exclusively on problem solving or mostly involved open discussion did not produce significant effects. Findings also indicate that mentors who expressed some directivity coupled with high emotional involvement and reciprocity were more likely to connect with their mentees and improve their academic adjustment.
Molecular correlates of epilepsy in early diagnosed and treated Menkes disease
Authors: Kaler Stephen G. , Liew Clarissa J. , Donsante Anthony , Hicks Julia D. , Sato Susumu , Greenfield Jacquelyn C.
Published: July 2010

Epilepsy is a major feature of Menkes disease, an X‐linked recessive infantile neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in ATP7A, which produces a copper‐transporting ATPase. Three prior surveys indicated clinical seizures and electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities in a combined 27 of 29 (93%) symptomatic Menkes disease patients diagnosed at 2 months of age or older. To assess the influence of earlier, presymptomatic diagnosis and treatment on seizure semiology and brain electrical activity, we evaluated 71 EEGs in 24 Menkes disease patients who were diagnosed and treated with copper injections in early infancy (≤6 weeks of age), and whose ATP7A mutations we determined. Clinical seizures were observed in only 12.5% (3/24) of these patients, although 46% (11/24) had at least one abnormal EEG tracing, including 50% of patients with large deletions in ATP7A, 50% of those with small deletions, 60% of those with nonsense mutations, and 57% of those with canonical splice junction mutations. In contrast, five patients with mutations shown to retain partial function, either via some correct RNA splicing or residual copper transport capacity, had neither clinical seizures nor EEG abnormalities. Our findings suggest that early diagnosis and treatment improve brain electrical activity and decrease seizure occurrence in classical Menkes disease irrespective of the precise molecular defect. Subjects with ATP7A mutations that retain some function seem particularly well protected by early intervention against the possibility of epilepsy.
A neonatal‐onset succinyl‐CoA:3‐ketoacid CoA transferase (SCOT)‐deficient patient with T435N and c.658‐666dupAACGTGATT p.N220_I222dup mutations in the OXCT1 gene
Authors: Fukao Toshiyuki , Ishii Tomohiro , Amano Naoko , Kursula Petri , Takayanagi Masaki , Murase Keiko , Sakaguchi Naomi , Kondo Naomi , Hasegawa Tomonobu
Published: July 2010

Succinyl‐CoA:3‐ketoacid CoA transferase (SCOT) deficiency causes episodic ketoacidotic crises and no apparent symptoms between them. Here, we report a Japanese case of neonatal‐onset SCOT deficiency. The male patient presented a severe ketoacidotic crisis, with blood pH of 7.072 and bicarbonate of 5.8 mmol/L at the age of 2 days and was successfully treated with intravenous infusion of glucose and sodium bicarbonate. He was diagnosed as SCOT deficient by enzymatic assay and mutation analysis. At the age of 7 months, he developed a second ketoacidotic crisis, with blood pH of 7.059, bicarbonate of 5.4 mmol/L, and total ketone bodies of 29.1 mmol/L. He experienced two milder ketoacidotic crises at the ages of 1 year and 7 months and 3 years and 7 months. His urinary ketone bodies usually range from negative to 1+ but sometimes show 3+ (ketostix) without any symptoms. Hence, this patient does not show permanent ketonuria, which is characteristic of typical SCOT‐deficient patients. He is a compound heterozygote of c.1304C > A (T435N) and c.658‐666dupAACGTGATT p.N220_I222dup. mutations in the OXCT1 gene. The T435N mutation was previously reported as one which retained significant residual activity. The latter novel mutation was revealed to retain no residual activity by transient expression analysis. Both T435N and N220_I222 lie close to the SCOT dimerization interface and are not directly connected to the active site in the tertiary structure of a human SCOT dimer. In transient expression analysis, no apparent interallelic complementation or dominant negative effects were observed. Significant residual activity from the T435N mutant allele may prevent the patient from developing permanent ketonuria.
Antioxidant enzymes, presbycusis, and ethnic variability
Authors: Bared Anthony , Ouyang Xiaomei , Angeli Simon , Du Li Lin , Hoang Kimberly , Yan Denise , Liu Xue Zhong
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE

A proposed mechanism for presbycusis is a significant increase in oxidative stress in the cochlea. The enzymes glutathione S‐transferase (GST) and N‐acetyltransferase (NAT) are two classes of antioxidant enzymes active in the cochlea. In this work, we sought to investigate the association of different polymorphisms of GSTM1, GSTT1, and NAT2 and presbycusis and analyze whether ethnicity has an effect in the genotype‐phenotype associations.

STUDY DESIGN

Case‐control study of 134 DNA samples.

SETTING

University‐based tertiary care center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Clinical, audiometric, and DNA testing of 55 adults with presbycusis and 79 control patients with normal hearing.

RESULTS

The GSTM1 null genotype was present in 77 percent of white Hispanics and 51 percent of white non‐Hispanics (Fisher's exact test, 2‐tail, P = 0.0262). The GSTT1 null genotype was present in 34 percent of control patients and in 60 percent of white presbycusis subjects (P = 0.0067, odds ratio [OR] = 2.843, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.379–5.860). The GSTM1 null genotype was more frequent in presbycusis subjects, i.e., 48 percent of control patients and 69 percent of white subjects carried this deletion (P = 0.0198, OR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.163–5.067). The NAT2∗6A mutant genotype was more frequent among subjects with presbycusis (60%) than in control patients (34%; P = 0.0086, OR = 2.88, 95% CI = 1.355–6.141).

CONCLUSION

We showed an increased risk of presbycusis among white subjects carrying the GSTM1 and the GSTT1 null genotype and the NAT∗6A mutant allele. Subjects with the GSTT1 null genotypes are almost three times more likely to develop presbycusis than those with the wild type. The GSTM1 null genotype was more prevalent in white Hispanics than in white non‐Hispanics, but the GSTT1 and NAT2 polymorphisms were equally represented in the two groups.

© 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Comparison between videofluoroscopy and endoscopic evaluation of swallowing for the diagnosis of dysphagia in children
Authors: Silva Andréa P. da , Neto José F. Lubianca , Santoro Patrícia Paula
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE

To compare videofluoroscopy swallowing study (VFSS) with the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in children and to determine the accuracy of FEES in the diagnosis of specific swallowing disorders.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross‐sectional study.

SETTING

Hospital da Criança Santo Antônio, affiliated with Santa Casa de Misericórdia Hospital Complex, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

FEES findings were compared to those of VFSS in 30 children. Kappa coefficients for interobserver agreement were calculated. Thereafter, these coefficients were evaluated in terms of agreement between FEES and VFSS. In addition, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of FEES were calculated for four swallowing parameters (posterior spillover, pharyngeal residues, laryngeal penetration, and laryngotracheal aspiration).

RESULTS

Interobserver agreement rates greater than 70 percent were obtained for all FEES parameters analyzed, except for pharyngeal residues with puree consistency (agreement = 66.7%, κ = 0.296, P = 0.091). Laryngeal aspiration and penetration yielded the best level of agreement (100%, κ = 1) for the laryngeal aspiration of puree residues.

CONCLUSION

The diagnostic agreement between FEES (both observers) and VFSS was low. Regarding the analyzed parameters, laryngeal penetration and aspiration yielded the highest interobserver agreement in terms of FEES, and also showed the highest specificity and positive predictive value when compared to VFSS.

© 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.
Evaluation of optical rhinometry for nasal provocation testing in allergic and nonallergic subjects
Authors: Luong Amber , Cheung Esther J. , Citardi Martin J. , Batra Pete S.
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE

Optical rhinometry is a new method that quantifies light extinction in optical density to assess nasal blood volume as a measure of nasal patency. The purpose of this study is to evaluate optical rhinometry as an objective evaluation of nasal patency using nasal provocation testing with histamine and oxymetazoline.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective pilot.

SETTING

Academic tertiary rhinologic practice.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Convenience sample of five adult subjects with allergic rhinitis and five adult normal subjects who underwent challenge with histamine and oxymetazoline. Patients underwent challenge with increasing concentrations of histamine to determine the amount of histamine needed to cause a positive optical rhinometry reading. The same subjects then underwent histamine challenge with this amount followed by oxymetazoline. Nasal patency was assessed subjectively after each challenge with the visual analog scale.

RESULTS

The median histamine amount needed to cause a positive response was statistically lower in allergic rhinitis as compared with nonallergic subjects at 150 μg and 300 μg, respectively (P = 0.04). When comparing the optical rhinometry with subjective nasal congestion after histamine and oxymetazoline challenges, there was a statistically significant correlation with r = 0.79 (P = 0.00003).

CONCLUSION

This initial study demonstrates a correlation between subjective symptoms of nasal patency and objective measurements with the optical rhinometer. Less histamine amount necessary to incite nasal congestion in allergic rhinitis suggests that these patients may be primed to the effects of histamine. These preliminary data suggest that optical rhinometry is able to assess changes in nasal patency during challenges with histamine and oxymetazoline.

© 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.