bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Designs of Molecular Photonics Materials
Authors: Yi Yuanping , Zhu Lingyun , Shuai Zhigang
Published: January 2008

Different theoretical models for the computation of multiphoton absorption response are described and reviewed. The influences of intrinsic molecular structure parameters on the multiphoton absorption properties for organic conjugated molecules are discussed in terms of: i) the donor/acceptor substitutions; ii) the π conjugation length; iii) the ground‐state polarization mimicking structural character such as bond‐length alternation; iv) the molecular dimensionality; and, v) some other possible factors, such as vibronic coupling and the solvent, as well as aggregation effects. Some theoretical designing strategies for organic materials with large multiphoton cross‐sections are then proposed.

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Thermodynamic hydrogen bonding inpoly(styrene‐co‐acrylic acid)/poly(styrene‐co‐4‐N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) blends
Authors: ElMiloudi K. , Hadj Hamou A.S. , Djadoun S.
Published: January 2008

FTIR study of the hydrogen bonding interactions within blends of different ratios of poly(styrene‐co‐acrylic acid) containing 18, 27, and 32 mol% of acrylic acid (SAA) and poly(styrene‐co‐N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) containing 17 mol% of N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (SAD‐17) was carried out qualitatively and quantitatively in the temperature range varying from room temperature to 210°C. Two new bands characterizing these interactions appeared in the 1800–1550 cm–1 region at 1730 cm–1 and 1616 cm–1 and are attributed to “liberated” carbonyl group of the acidic copolymer and the “associated amide” carbonyl group, respectively. Equilibrium constants describing both the self‐association K2 and inter‐association KA and the enthalpy of hydrogen bonding formation in the different blends were experimentally determined using a curve fitting analysis of the infra‐red spectra as a function of temperature using the appropriate equations derived from the Painter‐Coleman association model. The obtained results confirm the miscibility of these blends in the considered temperature range from the negative values of the total free energy of mixing ΔGM. Optimization of the extent of intermolecular interactions between the two polymers in these blends is investigated. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reversible sol–gel transitions in aqueous solutions of N‐isopropylacrylamide ionic copolymers
Authors: Krzyminski Karol J , Jasionowski Marek , Gutowska Anna
Published: January 2008

Ionic copolymers of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) exhibiting sol–gel transitions in aqueous solutions were investigated. The studies were aimed at understanding of the structure–property relationship in the design of injectable, in situ forming gels for potential biomedical applications in delivery of therapeutics and tissue engineering. Aqueous solutions of NIPA ionic copolymers were found to flow freely at ambient temperatures and formed soft gels with controlled syneresis above 32 °C, the lower critical solution temperature of NIPA. The sol–gel transitions and temperature‐dependent properties of the resulting gels were analyzed using dynamic rheometry and ultraviolet and infrared spectrometry, and were found to be controlled by the molecular weight and composition of copolymers, ionization state of comonomers and composition of aqueous solvent. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteome analysis of differentiating human myoblasts by dialysis‐assisted two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (DAGE)
Authors: Gonnet Florence , Bouazza Belaid , Millot Gaël Armel , Ziaei Simin , Garcia Luis , Butler‐Browne Gillian S. , Mouly Vincent , Tortajada Jeanine , Danos Olivier , Svinartchouk Fédor
Published: January 2008

In the present study, modifications in cytosolic expressed proteins during human myoblast differentiation were studied by dialysis‐assisted 2‐DE (DAGE, [1]). About 1000 spots were analysed on the 5th and 13th day of differentiation with a dynamic range of protein expression exceeding 1000‐fold. During myogenic differentiation, the number of nonmatching spots as well as the extent of quantitative differences between matched spots significantly increased. Over one hundred differentially expressed spots were excised and identified by MALDI‐TOF MS. The differentiation‐associated expression pattern of eight proteins was validated by Western blot analysis. Differential expression of several proteins was demonstrated for the first time in human myotubes. Interestingly, Ingenuity pathway analysis grouped 30 of these proteins into two overlapping networks containing as principal nodes IGF‐1 and tumour necrosis factor, two proteins known to play a crucial role in cytogenesis. Our results illustrate the large rearrangement of the proteome during the differentiation of human myoblasts and provide evidence for new partners involved in this complex process.
Glycoproteomic characterization of butyrylcholinesterase from human plasma
Authors: Kolarich Daniel , Weber Alfred , Pabst Martin , Stadlmann Johannes , Teschner Wolfgang , Ehrlich Hartmut , Schwarz Hans‐Peter , Altmann Friedrich
Published: January 2008

Human butyrylcholinesterase (hBChE) is a highly glycosylated protein present in human plasma. The enzyme hydrolyses choline esters, for example benzoylcholine, butyrylthiocholine and acetylthiocholine as well as noncholine esters like heroin and aspirin. hBChE is primarily involved in neuronal transmission and is a potential bioscavenger of toxic organophosphates to protect acetylcholinesterase. A prerequisite for the therapeutic use of hBChE is a detailed characterization of this glycoprotein purified from human plasma. In this study, MS/MS could confirm most of the protein backbone, including the N‐ and the C‐terminus. Site‐specific analysis of all nine potential N‐glycosylation sites revealed mainly mono‐ and disialylated N‐glycans to be present on this glycoprotein. Sialic acids (Neu5Ac) are mainly α2,6‐linked, however a fraction of the N‐glycans contained Neu5Ac also in α2,3 linkage. On monosialylated N‐glycans, sialic acid is exclusively located on the 3‐arm and in α2,6 linkage, as verified by 2D‐HPLC and exoglycosidase digests of 2‐aminopyridine (PA)‐labelled N‐glycans. This first comprehensive glycoproteomic analysis of the important human plasma glycoprotein BChE did not give any indication of O‐glycosylation or any other kind of PTMs as previously postulated.
Exploring snake venom proteomes: multifaceted analyses for complex toxin mixtures
Authors: Fox Jay W. , Serrano Solange M. T.
Published: January 2008

Snake venom proteomes are complex mixtures of a large number of distinct proteins. In a sense, the field of snake venom proteomics has been under investigation since the very earliest biochemical studies on venoms where peptides and proteins were isolated and structurally and biologically characterized. With the recent developments in mass spectrometry for the identification of proteins, coupled with venom gland transcriptomes, has the field of snake venom proteomics began to flourish. These developments have led to exciting insights into the protein composition of venoms and subsequently their pathological activities. In this review, we will discuss the state of art of snake venom proteomics. Although we have not reached the ultimate goal of characterizing and quantifying all unique proteins in a venom proteome, current technologies have opened many opportunities for high‐throughput proteomic studies that have gone beyond simple protein identification to analyzing various functional aspects, such as post‐translational modifications, proteolytic processing and toxin‐target interactions. In this review, we will discuss the technological approaches used in the study of venom proteomics highlighting the advances made and future directions.
Sociomics: CESAGen Multidisciplinary Workshop on the Transformation of Knowledge Production in the Biosciences, and its Consequences 23–24 July, 2007 Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
Authors: McNally Ruth
Published: January 2008

On 23 and 24 July, 2007, the Centre for Economic and Social Aspects of Genomics (CESAGen) held its first sociomics workshop at the Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK. The topic was transformation of knowledge production. Participants included social scientists together with those working on different elements of the proteomics knowledge production‐line, including core facilities, data repositories, large‐scale projects, MS, search engines, reference databases, standardisation and public funding. Recurrent motifs included gear‐heads, black boxes, uncertainty and getting back to biology.
BSPR/EBI 2007 meeting report – Integrative Proteomics: From Molecules to Systems July 25–27, 2007 Wellcome Trust Conference Centre, Hinxton, UK
Authors: Donoghue Pamela , Byrne Jennifer , Pennington Kyla
Published: January 2008

This report reviews the joint British Society for Proteome Research (BSPR) and European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) 2007 meeting, ‘Integrative Proteomics: From Molecules to Systems’ which took place at the Wellcome Trust Conference Centre, Hinxton, UK, from 25th to 27th July. The aim of this year's meeting was to explore how the integration of ‘omic’ technologies can lead to a comprehensive understanding of cellular organization, differentiation and signalling. Studies investigating protein–protein interactions and trafficking illustrated how the combination of proteomics and bioinformatics is allowing systems biology to develop as a discipline in its own right.
‘Proteomic Basics – Sample Preparation and Separation’: The 1st European Summer School in Kloster Neustift 12–18 August, 2007 Brixen/Bressanone, South Tyrol, Italy
Authors: Marcus Katrin , Kühn‐Hölsken Eva , Schmidt Carla , Schulenborg Thomas , Urlaub Henning
Published: January 2008

Proteomics is rapidly developing into a routine approach for protein analysis in many laboratories. The series of European‐wide Summer Schools ‘Proteomics Basics’ (http://www.proteomic‐basics.eu/) aims at teaching of comprehensive knowledge in proteomics research and applied technologies for master and graduate students and postdocs currently moving into the field of proteomic research. In the next 3 years the series will cover the theoretical basis of the fundamental topics in the various areas of proteomic analysis, i.e. sample preparation and handling, mass spectrometry, post‐translational modifications and quantitation given by leading experts in the field. This summer school series embodies a unique advantage in comparison with conventional scientific meetings and university curricula: internationally renowned experts will give a detailed perspective view of the fundamentals of their particular proteome research area, something which is usually not encountered at conferences and congresses. Here, we give a report on the first European Summer School ‘Sample Preparation and Handling’ within the series ‘Proteomic Basics’ that was held at the monastery in Neustift close to Bressanone/Brixen, Italy from August 12 to 18, 2007.
Information satisfaction in breast and prostate cancer patients: implications for quality of life
Authors: Davies Nicola J. , Kinman Gail , Thomas Robert J. , Bailey Tracey
Published: January 2008

Objectives: This study aimed to assess information needs and levels of information satisfaction in breast and prostate cancer patients. It further examined relationships between information satisfaction and multi‐dimensional quality of life (QoL).

Methods: An adapted Information Satisfaction Questionnaire (ISQ, 2004) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy QoL questionnaire (FACT‐G, 1993) were randomly distributed to cancer patients during oncology clinic visits (breast cancer, n=102; prostate cancer, n=112). Hierarchal regression analyses examined information satisfaction as a predictor of global QoL and its four dimensions (i.e. physical, social, emotional, and functional well‐being).

Results: High levels of information needs and desire for decision involvement were identified, with patients expressing a considerable degree of information satisfaction. After controlling for demographic and illness factors, information satisfaction explained 21% of the variance in global QoL, 12% in physical well‐being, 13% in social well‐being, 8% in emotional well‐being, and 10% in functional well‐being (all p<0.001).

Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of information satisfaction for perceived QoL in individuals with cancer. It is clearly important to identify specific information requirements during the diagnosis and treatment process in order to provide information that is congruent with patients' needs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prostate cancer screening and shared decision‐making preferences among African‐American members of the Prince Hall Masons
Authors: Williams Randi M. , Zincke Nicole L. , Turner Ralph O. , Davis Jackson L. , Davis Kimberly M. , Schwartz Marc D. , Johnson Lenora , Kerner Jon F. , Taylor Kathryn L.
Published: January 2008

Objectives: Shared decision making (SDM) is recommended as one method to assist men in making an informed decision about prostate cancer screening (PCS). SDM preferences for PCS have not been evaluated among African‐American (AA) men. Given AA men's increased risk and the uncertainty surrounding screening, it is critical to determine how to assist AA men in making an informed decision. We assessed the extent to which a sample of AA men wished to engage in SDM regarding PCS and the demographic and psychological characteristics associated with SDM preferences.

Methods: Participants completed a telephone interview that covered demographic and medical information, SDM preferences, PCS knowledge, decisional conflict, and satisfaction with previous screening decisions. Subjects included 286 AA men aged 40–70, who were members of a Masonic organization.

Results: Fifty‐seven percent preferred SDM, 36% preferred to make their own decision, and 7% wanted their doctor to decide. A higher level of education and older age were associated with preferring SDM (p<0.05), while men with greater PCS knowledge were more likely to prefer to make the decision independently (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Results suggest that physicians need to be prepared to discuss PCS with their patients. Further, more attention may be needed to engage younger, less educated, and less knowledgeable men as they may be less likely to discuss PCS. This understanding of AA men's preferences for PCS decisions helps to clarify the issues that health professionals need to consider when attempting to assist AA men in making a PCS decision. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Airway function in infants treated with inhaled nitric oxide for persistent pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Hoskote Aparna U. , Castle Rosemary A. , Hoo Ah‐Fong , Lum Sooky , Ranganathan Sarath C. , Mok Quen Q. , Stocks Janet
Published: January 2008

Rationale

Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), used for treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn (PPHN), is an oxygen free radical with potential for lung injury. Deferring ECMO with iNO in these neonates could potentially have long‐term detrimental effects on lung function. We studied respiratory morbidity (defined as occurrence of respiratory infections requiring treatment, episodes of wheezing, and/or need for ongoing medications following discharge) and airway function at 1 year postnatal age in term neonates treated with iNO but not ECMO for PPHN, and compared data from similar infants recruited to the UK ECMO Trial randomized to receive ECMO or conventional management (CM).

Methods

Maximal expiratory flow at FRC (V'maxFRC) was measured in infants treated with iNO for PPHN (oxygenation index ≥25) at birth.

Results

V'maxFRC was measured in 23 infants and expressed as z‐scores, to adjust for sex and body size and compared to data from 71 (46 ECMO, 25 CM) infants studied at a similar age in the ECMO Trial. Respiratory morbidity was low in iNO group. V'maxFRC z‐score was lower than predicted in all groups (P < 0.001), with no significant difference between those treated with iNO [mean (SD) z‐score: −1.65 (1.2)] and those treated with ECMO [−1.59 (1.2)] or CM [−2.1(1.0)]. Within iNO, ECMO and CM groups; 26%, 37% and 56%, respectively, had V'maxFRC z‐scores below normal.

Conclusions

Respiratory outcome at 1 year in iNO treated neonates with moderately severe PPHN is encouraging, with no apparent increase in respiratory morbidity when compared to the general population. Sub‐clinical reductions in airway function are evident at 1 year, suggesting that continuing efforts to minimize lung injury in the neonatal period are warranted to maximize lung health in later life. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:224–235. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
How to get your paper rejected
Authors: Chernick Victor
Published: January 2008

This paper focuses on the main problems that authors of rejected papers have had in their submissions to Pediatric Pulmonology over the past 5 years or so. It is intended as a teaching tool for residents, fellows, allied health personnel, practicing physicians and even some academic physicians who need a refresher on what goes wrong and how they may avoid rejection of their labor. The approach is somewhat lighthearted but nevertheless the message is quite serious. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:220–223. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The current state of preclinical prostate cancer animal models
Authors: Pienta Kenneth J. , Abate‐Shen Cory , Agus David B. , Attar Ricardo M. , Chung Leland W.K. , Greenberg Norman M. , Hahn William C. , Isaacs John T. , Navone Nora M. , Peehl Donna M. , Simons Jonathon W. , Solit David B. , Soule Howard R. , VanDyke Terry A. , Weber Michael J. , Wu Lily , Vessella Robert L.
Published: January 2008

Prostate cancer continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in men around the world. The field of prostate cancer research continues to be hindered by the lack of relevant preclinical models to study tumorigenesis and to further development of effective prevention and therapeutic strategies. The Prostate Cancer Foundation held a Prostate Cancer Models Working Group (PCMWG) Summit on August 6th and 7th, 2007 to address these issues. The PCMWG reviewed the state of prostate cancer preclinical models and identified the current limitations of cell line, xenograft and genetically engineered mouse models that have hampered the transition of scientific findings from these models to human clinical trials. In addition the PCMWG identified administrative issues that inhibit the exchange of models and impede greater interactions between academic centers and these centers with industry. The PCMWG identified potential solutions for discovery bottlenecks that include: (1) insufficient number of models with insufficient molecular and biologic diversity to reflect human cancer, (2) a lack of understanding of the molecular events that define tumorigenesis, (3) a lack of tools for studying tumor–host interactions, (4) difficulty in accessing model systems across institutions, and (5) addressing why preclinical studies appear not to be predictive of human clinical trials. It should be possible to apply the knowledge gained molecular and epigenetic studies to develop new cell lines and models that mimic progressive and fatal prostate cancer and ultimately improve interventions. Prostate 68: 629–639, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Safety culture factors, group differences, and risk perception in five petrochemical plants
Authors: Kao Chen‐Shan , Lai Wei Hung , Chuang Tien Fu , Lee Jin‐Chuan
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this study was to develop and initially evaluate a survey to assess the level of present safety culture within a petrochemical organization. On the basis of the modified International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safety culture model, we identified eight global dimensions of safety culture: safety commitment and support, safety attitude and behavior, safety communication and involvement, safety training and competence, safety supervision and audit, safety management system and organization, accident investigation and emergency planning, and reward and benefits. The 73‐item questionnaire, we developed, was distributed as a self‐administered survey to 604 workers of five petrochemical companies and 533 surveys were returned with a high response rate of 88.2%. Statistical methods were used to analyze the collected data sets, including factor analysis, t‐test, and one‐way ANOVA analysis of variance. Data indicated an overall positive performance in relation to organizational safety culture dimensions. Results also showed that personal backgrounds, particularly for job position, work experience, and age, significantly affected perceptions on many safety culture dimensions. In addition, specific factors revealed areas in need of organization attention for improvement, namely, safety commitment and support, safety communication and involvement, and rewards and benefits, were provided to senior managers for their use in decision making on promoting the safety culture within the organization. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2008
Real‐time data‐based risk assessment for hazard installations storing flammable gas
Authors: Jianfeng Zhou , Guohua Chen , Qingguang Chen
Published: January 2008

Large quantities of dangerous substances, especially explosive or flammable gases, are processed or stored in hazard installations. A risk‐based warning/early‐warning system for major hazard installations is very important for the prevention of major accidents. The real‐time data‐based risk and the risk factors are analyzed in this article, and a fuzzy logic based real‐time risk assessment method is proposed. On the basis of fuzzy logic theory, the likelihood of an accident occurrence and the consequence of the accident can be assessed, and the risk value or risk level can be evaluated by utilizing a risk matrix. The method takes advantage of the real‐time data acquired from the safety monitoring system so that the change in the risk can be determined as the accident develops. The risk assessment simulation of a vapor cloud explosion (VCE) accident caused by gas leaked from an liquefied petroleum gas tank is performed. It is shown that the risk of a VCE accident varies with the change of the monitored data. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2008
Measurement and modelling of glyphosate fate compared with that of herbicides replaced as a result of the introduction of glyphosate‐resistant oilseed rape
Authors: Mamy Laure , Gabrielle Benoit , Barriuso Enrique
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND: Crops resistant to glyphosate may mitigate the increasing contamination of the environment by herbicides, since their weeding requires smaller amounts of herbicides and fewer active ingredients. However, there are few published data comparing the fate of glyphosate with that of substitute herbicides under similar soil and climatic conditions. The objectives of the work reported here were (i) to evaluate and compare the fate in soil in field conditions of glyphosate, as used on glyphosate‐resistant oilseed rape, with that of two herbicides frequently used for weed control on the same crop, albeit non‐resistant: trifluralin and metazachlor, and (ii) to compare field results with predictions of the pesticide root zone model (PRZM), parameterized with laboratory data. Dissipation and vertical distribution in the soil profile of glyphosate, trifluralin and metazachlor were monitored in an experimental site located in Eastern France for 1 year.

RESULTS: Herbicide persistence in the field increased as follows: metazachlor < glyphosate < trifluralin, contrary to laboratory results showing glyphosate to be least persistent. The main metabolite of glyphosate—aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA)—was more persistent than glyphosate. AMPA and trifluralin had the largest vertical mobility, followed by metazachlor and glyphosate. PRZM underestimated the dissipation rate of glyphosate in the field and the formation of AMPA, but its predictions for trifluralin and metazachlor were correct. The simulation of herbicides and AMPA distribution in the soil profile was satisfactory, but the mobility of trifluralin and metazachlor was slightly underestimated, probably because PRZM ignores preferential flow. In general, data from the laboratory allowed an acceptable parameterization of the model, as indicated by goodness‐of‐fit indices.

CONCLUSION: Because of the detection of AMPA in the deep soil layer, the replacement of both trifluralin and metazachlor with glyphosate might not contribute to decreasing environmental contamination by herbicides. PRZM may be used to evaluate and to compare other weed control strategies for herbicide‐resistant as well as non‐resistant crops. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Statistical tools for determining appropriate selection of regression models for analysis of environmental fate datasets
Authors: Aldworth Jeremy , Jackson Scott H
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND:In the NAFTA regulatory community, a currently consistent methodology used to estimate dissipation times for environmental fate data is not applied.

RESULTS:This work demonstrates through a case study that the inappropriate use of pseudo‐first‐order regression models can result in inaccurate estimates of soil degradation rates, and it proposes some statistical tools that can be used to identify an appropriate statistical model to fit a particular environmental fate dataset. Diagnostic procedures have been proposed to identify the appropriate scale, and statistical testing procedures have been proposed to select the appropriate model within that scale.

CONCLUSION:Results from this work demonstrate that, unless the proposed diagnostic and statistical procedures are used, inaccurate estimates of dissipation times may result. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Unraveling the oxidation of Ru using XPS
Authors: Ernst M. A. , Sloof W. G.
Published: January 2008

A method is presented to analyze XPS spectra recorded from thin (<5 nm) oxide layers with known thickness on corresponding metal substrates. With this method, the contribution of the oxide overlayer can be separated from the metal substrate for the metal core level line, even when the difference in binding energy between metallic and oxidic electrons is small. This method involves the fitting of Doniach‐Sunjic (DS) line shapes for the metallic and oxidic state to the measured spectrum, where the area ratio between the metallic and oxidic contribution is fixed through the known thickness.

The method was applied to ruthenium single crystals with a (0001) surface that were oxidized in a ultra‐high vacuum (UHV) chamber at a temperature of 673 K and an oxygen pressure between 1 × 10−4 and 1 × 10−2 Pa. Analysis of the oxidic contribution to the Ru 3p3/2 line shows that two different types of oxides can be formed in the oxidation process. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust Bayesian sample size determination in clinical trials
Authors: Brutti Pierpaolo , De Santis Fulvio , Gubbiotti Stefania
Published: January 2008

This article deals with determination of a sample size that guarantees the success of a trial. We follow a Bayesian approach and we say an experiment is successful if it yields a large posterior probability that an unknown parameter of interest (an unknown treatment effect or an effects‐difference) is greater than a chosen threshold. In this context, a straightforward sample size criterion is to select the minimal number of observations so that the predictive probability of a successful trial is sufficiently large. In the paper we address the most typical criticism to Bayesian methods—their sensitivity to prior assumptions—by proposing a robust version of this sample size criterion. Specifically, instead of a single distribution, we consider a class of plausible priors for the parameter of interest. Robust sample sizes are then selected by looking at the predictive distribution of the lower bound of the posterior probability that the unknown parameter is greater than a chosen threshold. For their flexibility and mathematical tractability, we consider classes of ε‐contamination priors. As specific applications we consider sample size determination for a Phase III trial. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organic Molecular Nanotechnology
Authors: Schiek Manuela , Balzer Frank , Al‐Shamery Katharina , Brewer Jonathan R. , Lützen Arne , Rubahn Horst‐Günter
Published: January 2008

A new route to bottom‐up organic nanotechnology is presented. Molecular building blocks with specific optoelectronic properties are designed and grown via directed self‐assembly arrays of morphologically controlled light‐emitting organic nanofibers on template surfaces. The fibers can be easily transferred from the growth substrate to device platforms either as single entities or as ordered arrays. Due to the extraordinary flexibility in the design of their optoelectronic properties they serve as key elements in next‐generation nanophotonic devices.
Introduction: Materials Research in an Aberration-Free Environment
Authors: Smith David J.
Published: January 2008

The last decade has witnessed a revolution in electron microscopy as online correction of spherical aberration has become a reality in both fixed-beam and scanning instruments. The combination of improved resolution and higher beam currents coupled with the prospect of simpler image interpretation has stimulated great interest and excitement across the entire field of microscopy. The Microscopy Society of America has an active Focused Interest Group on the topic of “Materials Research in an Aberration-Free Environment,” and its goal is to provide a forum for discussion and dissemination of the latest advances in instrumentation and novel applications of aberration-corrected electron microscopy. This special issue of Microscopy and Microanalysis contains contributions from the Pre-Meeting Congress on this topic held in Chicago, Illinois, in late July 2006, immediately preceding Microscopy & Microanalysis 2006.
The mucopolysaccharidoses: a success of molecular medicine
Authors: Clarke Lorne A.
Published: January 2008

The mucopolysaccharidoses represent a devastating group of lysosomal storage diseases affecting approximately 1 in 25 000 individuals. Advances in biochemistry and genetics over the past 25 years have resulted in the identification of the key hydrolases underlying the mucopolysaccharidoses, with subsequent isolation and characterisation of the genes involved. Ultimately these advances have led to the recent development of specific treatment regimens for some of the mucopolysaccharidoses, in the form of direct enzyme replacement. Direct replacement of the defective gene product has been attempted for very few genetic disorders, and thus the experience gained in the lysosomal storage diseases by the development, evaluation and integration of treatment regimens into healthcare is instructive for other rare genetic disorders. This review focuses on the pathophysiology of the mucopolysaccharidoses and highlights the complex biochemical and physiological perturbations that underlie the disease phenotype.
Civilization and torture: beyond the medical and psychiatric approach
Authors: Viñar Marcelo N.
Published: January 2008

The author argues that torture affects not only its victims, and also that torture is not a disease of the victim but an endemic illness of civilization which has the effect of shattering the social network that makes us human. In order to rebuild healthy social relationships, it is vital to detect and accept the existence of this invisible pathology. We must listen to the intense groan of torture victims and understand them if we are to dare to look at the oppressive order which destroys them.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins in Human Lactation
Authors: Campos  , Paixão  , Ferraz
Published: January 2008

Lactation has three distinct phases: colostrum, transition, and mature, with the quantity of fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids tending to decline while the total fat content increases. The number of deliveries seems to be directly related to higher concentrations of beta-carotene and vitamin E in colostrum. Little is known about vitamin quantities during the other phases. In the present study, vitamin A and E concentrations during different phases of lactation were measured in primiparous and multiparous mothers to analyze the variation and suitability for the diet of a breastfed child. Phase of lactation and number of deliveries were highly significant for log mean vitamin A while only one phase showed significance for log mean vitamin E. There was a sharp decline in the levels of vitamin A and E in the course of the initial phase of lactation. The variability between measurements declined as colostrum transitioned to mature milk. There were significant measurable inter-group differences in retinol levels in milk obtained during early lactation. Vitamin A and E content can reach 2.5 and 1.4 times of levels recommended intake, respectively.
Vitamin A Inadequacy Observed in a Group of 2- to 6-Year-Old Children Living in Kwangju, Republic of Korea
Authors: Kim  , Giraud  , Cho  , Driskell
Published: January 2008

Dietary intakes and plasma concentrations of retinol and carotenoids were estimated in assessing the vitamin A status of young children in Kwangju, Republic of Korea. Three consecutive 24-hour food recalls and fasting blood samples were obtained from 123 healthy children (58 boys, 65 girls), aged 2–6 years. The daily vitamin A intake (mean ± SD) was 355.9 ± 178.1 μg retinol equivalents or 239.0 ± 111.2 μg retinol activity equivalents. Provitamin A carotenoid intakes were 1211.2 ± 840.0 μg/day β-carotene, 234.6 ± 231.7 μg/day α-carotene, and 149.1 ± 160.7 μg/day β-cryptoxanthin. Approximately 15–26% of subjects consumed < Korean Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) for vitamin A; whereas, 57–64% consumed < EAR for vitamin A for USA/Canadians. The mean plasma retinol concentration was 1.108 ± 0.244 μmol/L. There were no significant correlations between intakes and plasma concentrations of retinol and carotenoids. Only 2.4% of children were vitamin A-deficient based on having plasma retinol concentrations < 0.70 μmol/L. Plasma retinol concentrations of 42.3% of subjects were 0.70– < 1.05 μmol/L, which is considered indicative of potentially suboptimal vitamin A status. Therefore, some children may be at risk of inadequate vitamin A status in Kwangju, Republic of Korea.
Seasonal Changes in Vitamin D Status and Bone Turnover in Healthy Irish Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Hill  , McCarthy  , Jakobsen  , Lamberg-Allardt  , Kiely  , Cashman
Published: January 2008

Objectives: To examine the effect of season on biochemical markers of bone turnover in 51-to 75-year-old Irish women and to investigate whether such changes are related to vitamin D status. Design: Longitudinal observational study. Setting: Cork, Ireland (52ºN). Subjects: 76 apparently healthy, free-living postmenopausal women (aged 51–75 years), not taking any medication and free from any condition likely to affect vitamin D status or calcium/bone metabolism. Results: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [S-25(OH)D] showed a clear seasonal variation with significantly higher (p < 0.001) values during late summer than late winter. Both urinary pyridinoline (Ur-Pyr) (p < 0.01) and deoxypyridinoline (Ur-Dpyr) (p < 0.001), but not serum parathyroid hormone or osteocalcin, showed a marked seasonal variation with lowest values during late-summer. Stratifying women into those with S-25(OH)D levels ≥ or < 50 nmol/L (vitamin D adequate and inadequate, respectively) during late-winter, showed that Ur-Pyr and Ur-Dpyr in both groups were significantly (p < 0.05) lower during late summer, and the magnitude of the reduction from winter to summer was similar in both groups. Conclusion: Seasonal changes in bone resorption markers appeared to be linked to seasonal changes in vitamin D status. Further research is needed to investigate the impact of these changes on risk of bone loss and fracture.
Age and Gender-Related Reference Values for Serum dl-α-Tocopherol and All-Trans-Retinol Levels in Saudi Population
Authors: Al-Saleh  , El-Doush  , Billedo
Published: January 2008

We established a reference range for dl-α-tocopherol and all-trans-retinol in a Saudi population previously selected for a cross-sectional study evaluating selenium and vitamin status. Concentrations of dl-α-tocopherol and all-trans-retinol were 0.999 ± 0.31 mg/dL (n = 994, range 0.11–3.42 mg/dL) and 49.14 ± 24.15 μg/dL (n = 1000, range 11.20–400.85 μg/dL), respectively. The levels of dl-α-tocopherol and all-trans-retinol in serum were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with a UV detector. We took the influence of age and gender into account. Both had significant effect on the levels of all-trans-retinol in serum, except in the case of dl-α-tocopherol, where no gender related effect was found. We used the 5th and 95th percentiles as reference limits. Based on these criteria, it was found that these reference limits differed between genders for all-trans-retinol. Our lower and upper limits for dl-α-tocopherol classified by three age groups were very close to the normal range of 0.5–1.6 mg/dL, as found in previous studies. The 5th percentile of all-trans-retinol in both males and females, stratified by age, was close to a level of < 20 μg/dL, which could be regarded as a mild vitamin A deficiency according to WHO criteria. But the value corresponding to the 95th percentile was higher than the upper limit of vitamin A’s normal range of 70 μg/dL, suggesting a potentially harmful high dietary intake of vitamin A. The reference intervals elaborated here may help in the assessment of the vitamin status and in detecting subjects at risk of developing pathologies associated with either excess intake or deficiency.
Pyridoxine May Protect the Cerebellar Granular Cells Against Glutamate-Induced Toxicity
Authors: Büyükokuroglu  , Gepdiremen  , Tastekin  , Örs
Published: January 2008

In the present study, the possible protective effect of the pyridoxine against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in cerebellar granular cell culture of rat pups is investigated for its therapeutic potential. Glutamate (10-7 M) was administered to cerebellar granular cell cultures that were prepared from one-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats. The neuroprotective effect of pyridoxine was examined. Pyridoxine at the doses of 10-8, 10-7, 10-6, and 10-5 M was introduced into the culture flasks before inclusion of glutamate. Pyridoxine at the doses of 10-8 M and 10-7 M significantly reduced glutamate cytotoxicity. A 10-7 M dose of pyridoxine proved to be more effective than a 10-8 M dose. The present study demonstrates that pyridoxine may protect glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Neuroprotective effect of pyridoxine, at least in part, may result from its anti-glutamatergic activity. Pyridoxine merits further investigation as a therapeutic option in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.
Determination of Serum 25-hydroxy Cholecalciferol Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: A Reliable Tool for Assessment of Vitamin D Status
Authors: Neyestani  , Gharavi  , Kalayi
Published: January 2008

This study was undertaken to design and set up a rather simple, reliable, and less expensive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based method to assay 25(OH)D as a diagnostic tool for vitamin D assessment. Serum proteins were precipitated using ethanol and, after 10 minutes incubation at room temperature, methanol:isopropanol. The extraction was performed using hexane followed by evaporation under nitrogen flow. The sediment was then reconstituted in methanol and passed through a polypropylene filter. To run the chromatographic analysis, 20 μL of the filtrate was injected to the column. Peaks of 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 were both detected using a UV detector set at 265 nm. With a flow rate of 1.2 mL/minute, peaks of D3 and D2 vitamers were detected around 9.5 and 10.7 minutes, respectively. The intra- and inter-assay variations were 8.1% and 12.6%, respectively, and the recovery percent was found to be 100 ± 5%. To compare the procedure with conventional methods, 90 serum samples from subjects (48 females and 42 males) aged 40.5 ± 13.9 yrs, were analyzed for 25(OH)D using HPLC, competitive protein-binding assay (CPBA), and radioimmunoassay (RIA). Generally, CPBA and RIA assays both showed over-estimation of serum 25(OH)D, compared to HPLC. Though all three methods correlated significantly with each other, with the strongest between HPLC and RIA (r = 0.87, p < 0.001), both RIA and CPBA were found unreliable in detection of some deficient samples.
Effects of High-Fiber Oat and Wheat Cereals on Postprandial Glucose and Lipid Responses in Healthy Men
Authors: Maki  , Davidson  , Witchger  , Dicklin  , Subbaiah
Published: January 2008

This randomized, crossover study compared the effects of consuming high-fiber oat and wheat cereals on postprandial metabolic profiles in healthy men. Twenty-seven subjects received oat (providing 5.7g/day β-glucan) or wheat (control) cereal products, in random order, incorporated into their usual diets for two weeks. Total energy and fiber (∼14 g/day) contents of the cereals were matched. A meal tolerance test that included the study cereal and a high-fat milkshake (1240 kcal, 105 g fat) was performed at the end of each treatment period. Postprandial insulin and glucose responses over 10 hours did not differ between treatments. Peak triglyceride concentration was lower after oat vs. wheat cereal consumption [2.3 ± 1.2 (mean ± standard deviation) vs. 2.9 ± 1.3 mmol/L, p = 0.016]. Mean area under the triglyceride curve also tended to be lower (15.1 ± 8.2 vs. 17.6 ± 8.6 hours × mmol/L, p = 0.068). The free fatty acid area under the curve was elevated after the oat vs. the wheat products (3.64 ± 0.91 vs. 3.38 ± 0.98 hours × mmol/L, p = 0.018). These results suggest that high-fiber oat cereal influenced postprandial triglyceride and free fatty acid levels, which may have implications regarding cardiovascular disease risk.
Self-Regulated Learning with a Text-Highlighting Strategy
Authors: Leutner Detlev , Leopold Claudia , den Elzen-Rump Viola
Published: January 2008

Abstract. Forty-five university students participated in a computer-based training program on self-regulated learning from expository text. The training program introduced students to a learning strategy helping them identify and highlight important text information. Students were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: (1) no training at all, (2) training in highlighting only, or (3) combined training in both highlighting and self-regulation. After completing the training, students were instructed to read an instructional text and apply the trained strategies. The extent to which they applied the strategies while reading the text was assessed, and the amount of knowledge and comprehension they had acquired and recalled from the text was measured. Results show that students in the combined training condition outperformed their counterparts in the learning strategy training condition, who in turn outperformed those with no training at all. The results are in line with recent self-regulated learning theories, which state that, in addition to teaching students specific cognitive learning strategies, it is worth training them to monitor and regulate their strategy use.
TALK - A Training Program to Encourage Lifelong Learning in School
Authors: Schober Barbara , Finsterwald Monika , Wagner Petra , Lüftenegger Marko , Aysner Michael , Spiel Christiane
Published: January 2008

Abstract. Lifelong learning (LLL) is a topic of high political relevance. Within the context of continuous social development toward an “information society,” individuals find themselves facing a number of challenges that they will not be able to surmount successfully if they are not willing to commit to learning over the entire course of their lifetimes. The persistent motivation to learn, as well as the correspondent learning skills, appears to be essential if one is to survive in a modern society. Schools, as a collective institution, have the task of laying the cornerstones of these skills. The present article introduces the training program TALK, which aims to provide teachers with the competencies to systematically implement the enhancement of LLL into their regular educational responsibilities. From the perspective of educational psychology, motivation, self-regulation, social skills, and cognitive abilities are developed as core aspects for LLL in a scholastic context. Building on these, the goals and structure of the TALK program are described, and a summative and formative evaluation design is depicted.
Self-Regulation from a Process Perspective
Authors: Perels Franziska , Otto Barbara , Landmann Meike , Hertel Silke , Schmitz Bernhard
Published: January 2008

Abstract. The first aim of this study was to analyze self-regulation from a process perspective. Therefore, a process model of self-regulation ( Schmitz & Wiese, 2006 ) was described, postulating state components of self-regulation in three learning phases. The relationships within the model were investigated by means of univariate and multivariate time-series analyses based on process data collected through learning diaries. The second aim was to evaluate an intervention study with 8th-grade students as an example for training evaluation based on process data. The whole sample consisted of 249 8th-grade students; for time-series analyses a subsample of 66 students was used. The results concerning the first research question support the conceptualization of the process model and underline the process character of self-regulation as well as the state conceptualization of the model. The training evaluation results show that specifying the results of standard evaluations by means of control group comparison with time-series methods is enriching.
A multidisciplinary study of a syntectonic pluton close to a major lithospheric‐scale fault—Relationships between the Montmarault granitic massif and the Sillon Houiller Fault in the Variscan French Massif Central: 2. Gravity, aeromagnetic investigations, and 3‐D geologic modeling
Authors: Joly Aurore , Martelet Guillaume , Chen Yan , Faure Michel
Published: January 2008

New gravity and aeromagnetic investigations have been carried out to understand the emplacement mechanisms of a granitic pluton and the relationships with a nearby lithospheric‐scale fault. This paper concerns the second part of a methodological multidisciplinary study and complements previous geochronologic and Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) studies on the same pluton. In the northern part of the Variscan French Massif Central (FMC) the Montmarault massif crops out along the Sillon Houiller Fault (SHF). Bouguer and aeromagnetic anomaly maps imply thickening of the pluton along the SHF and suggest laccolitic spreading northwestward. On the basis of petrophysical measurements, direct two‐dimensional (2‐D) joint gravity and magnetic modeling has been performed along 10 cross sections. In order to quantitatively constrain the 3‐D pluton geometry and its relationships with surrounding geologic units, these geophysical cross sections, new structural information (field and AMS measurements), and petrophysical data have been integrated into a regional 3‐D geological and geophysical model. Altogether, the results obtained from geochronology, petromagnetic fabrics (part 1), gravity, and aeromagnetic investigations as well as 3‐D modeling (part 2) demonstrate that the Montmarault pluton was emplaced during the Namurian period along the SHF. Our results further show that at that time, in response to a NW‐SE regional extension, if the SHF existed, it behaved as a normal fault. Mylonites attesting for synmagmatic normal motion on the northeastern part of the Montmarault pluton strengthen this tectonic scenario. During the Late Carboniferous the FMC experienced NE‐SW extension along the SHF by 80 km of brittle left lateral wrench offset. This second tectonic event is well recorded in the Stephanian coal basins which were formed along NW‐SE listric brittle faults and constrain the present‐day shape of the Montmarault pluton.