bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Micro-Attenuated Total Reflection Spectroscopy to Determine Chemically Induced Changes in Neat Human Hair: Feasibility Study on the Effect of Antipsychotic Drugs
Authors: Koçak A. , Berets S. L.
Published: July 2008

This investigation examines the feasibility of detecting changes in intact human hair upon drug exposure using diamond attenuated total reflection (ATR) infrared spectroscopy. Prior work on microtomed hair has reported spectra changes in the medulla of the hair resulting from drug exposure. This study focuses on examining the hair intact, eliminating sample preparation and thereby reducing the possibility of sample contamination. Several hair samples were first examined to determine whether the lipids in the medulla could be detected from intact hair. Once this was established, hair samples exposed to drugs were investigated to see if changes in those lipids could be detected. Both internal and external drug exposures were investigated: hair samples were externally (incorporated) exposed to Clozapine and real-life samples were obtained from a patient on alprazolam (Xanax™). In both cases, spectral differences in the C–H bands were observed in the hairs with drug exposure as compared to hair with no known drug exposure. These changes are consistent with changes in the lipids in the medulla.
Plasma Reduction of Silver Compounds for Fabrication of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrates
Authors: Kinnan Mark K. , Kumbhar Amar , Chumanov George
Published: July 2008

Several silver compounds were reduced by low-pressure air plasma to produce porous nanostructured surfaces as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates. This method is advantageous because substrates are easy to prepare and the silver metal surface is inherently clean without spectroscopic background. Silver compounds were melted into 1–2 mm slugs on quartz slides and plasma treated for different lengths of time. Silver chloride was found to be the best compound to make reproducible and stable SERS substrates. SERS activity of the substrates was tested using L-tryptophan, 4-mercaptobenzoic acid, and adenine.
Determination of Adsorbed Protein Concentration in Aluminum Hydroxide Suspensions by Near-Infrared Transmittance Spectroscopy
Authors: Lai Xuxin , Zheng Yiwu , Jacobsen Susanne , Larsen Jørgen N. , Ipsen Henrik , Løwenstein Henning , Søndergaard IB
Published: July 2008

Analysis of aluminum hydroxide based vaccines is difficult after antigen adsorption. Adsorbed protein is often assessed by measuring residual unadsorbed protein for quality control. A new method for the direct determination of adsorbed protein concentration in suspension using near-infrared (NIR) transmittance spectroscopy is proposed here. A simple adsorption system using albumin from bovine serum (BSA) and aluminum hydroxide as a model system is employed. The results show that the NIR absorbance at 700–1300 nm is correlated to the adsorbed BSA concentration, measured by the ultraviolet (UV) method, using the partial least square regression (PLSR) method to construct a calibration model. The linear concentration range of adsorbed BSA is from 0 to 1.75 mg/mL by using 10 mm path length cuvettes. The influence of the sedimentation in suspension, different buffers, and different aluminum hydroxide batches was investigated in this study. It shows that the batch variation is the main influence factor of this method, while the buffer variation has no influence. However, the pretreatment of spectral data by subtracting spectra of BSA blank control (aluminum hydroxide without BSA) can significantly reduce the batch influence, and the NIR predicted results show good agreement with the reference values. The NIR method might be the only direct method for the determination of adsorbed protein concentration in suspension so far. It is a nondestructive method, and it has great advantage for use in vaccine production as a method for quality control and quality assurance.
Raman Spectroscopic and Visible Absorption Investigation of LiCrSi2O6 Pyroxene under Pressure
Authors: Pommier C. J. S. , Redhammer G. J. , Denton M. B. , Downs R. T.
Published: July 2008

The first observation of the vibrational spectrum of the synthetic pyroxene Li-kosmochlor (LiCrSi2O6) is reported herein. The Raman and visible spectra are reported as a function of pressure. Though the pyroxene retains its P21/c symmetry, changes in the Raman spectra are observed between 6.8 and 7.7 GPa, possibly due to the formation of an additional bond between Li and O3 or some other transition that retains the mineral's P21/c space group. Splitting of the peak appearing at approximately 700 cm−1, used to characterize the P21/c phase in other studies, is not observed. Comparison is made with the Raman spectra of LiAlSi2O6 and LiFeSi2O6 in the P21/c phase and the visible spectra of NaCrSi2O6 at high pressures.
Correlation between Scattering Properties of Silver Particle Arrays and Fluorescence Enhancement
Authors: Szmacinski Henryk , Lakowicz Joseph R. , Catchmark Jeffrey M. , Eid Khalid , Erson Jon P. , Middendorf Lyle
Published: July 2008

We report on the nanofabrication of patterned silver particle arrays using electron-beam lithography and the evaluation of their optical properties using backscattering and fluorescence spectroscopy. The silver particles varied in size from 100 to 250 nm and were in the shape of circles, squares, and triangles. Three inter-particle separations, 40, 65, and 90 nm as measured from the side of one particle to the side of the next particle, were used. We observed distinctive patterns of backscattering and fluorescence intensity depending on the particle size, inter-particle spacing, and excitation/emission wavelength used. Our approach allows for a study of the correlation between the backscattering intensities and fluorescence enhancement of silver particle arrays, which can be used to optimize the arrays for multi-fluorophore configuration for advanced sensing designs.
Contribution Made by Multivariate Curve Resolution Applied to Gel Permeation Chromatography—Fourier Transform Infrared Data for an In-Depth Characterization of Styrene—Butadiene Rubber Blends
Authors: Ruckebusch C. , Vilmin F. , Coste N. , Huvenne J.-P.
Published: July 2008

We evaluate the contribution made by multivariate curve resolution–alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) for resolving gel permeation chromatography–Fourier transform infrared (GPC-FT-IR) data collected on butadiene rubber (BR) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) blends in order to access in-depth knowledge of polymers along the molecular weight distribution (MWD). In the BR–SBR case, individual polymers differ in chemical composition but share almost the same MWD. Principal component analysis (PCA) gives a general overview of the data structure and attests to the feasibility of modeling blends as a binary system. MCR-ALS is then performed. It allows resolving the chromatographic coelution and validates the chosen methodology. For SBR–SBR blends, the problem is more challenging since the individual elastomers present the same chemical composition. Rank deficiency is detected from the PCA data structure analysis. MCR-ALS is thus performed on column-wise augmented matrices. It brings very useful insight into the composition of the analyzed blends. In particular, a weak change in the composition of individual SBR in the MWD's lowest mass region is revealed.
New Method of Simulation to Evaluate the Sensitivity to Oxidation of Lubricating Oils: An Aging Cell Coupled with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Priéri F. , Gresser E. , Le Dréau Y. , Obiols J. , Kister J.
Published: July 2008

This study presents a new method for evaluating the oxidation of lubricating oils. An aging cell adapted to a Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer allows the continuous and direct study of the oxidative aging of base oils. During the test, oxidation bands appeared in the spectra (carbonyl bands around 1730 cm−1). The graphic representation of the carbonyl band modification—using a spectroscopic index—makes it possible to monitor the evolution of the lubricant composition. Comparing the oxidation constants, determined from the kinetic plots of several base oils, makes it possible to evaluate their relative sensitivity.
Characterization of the Ag Mediated Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Saxitoxin
Authors: Pearman William F. , Angel S. Michael , Ferry John L. , Hall Sherwood
Published: July 2008

The rapid detection and quantification of saxitoxin (STX) is reported using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with a colloidal hydrosol of silver nanoparticles. Under the conditions of our experiments, the limit of detection ( LD) for STX using SERS is 3 nM, with a limit of quantification ( LQ) of 20 nM. It is shown that the SERS method is rapid, with spectra being collected in as little as 5 seconds total integration time for a 40 nM STX sample. In order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, SERS spectra were generally collected with a total integration time of 1 minute (6 accumulations of 10 seconds each), with no need for extensive sample work-up or substrate preparation. Based on these results, the SERS technique shows great promise for the future detection and quantification of STX molecules in aqueous solutions.
Fluorescence Detection and Identification of Tagging Agents and Impurities Found in Explosives
Authors: Sheaff Chrystal N. , Eastwood Delyle , Wai Chien M. , Addleman R. Shane
Published: July 2008

The detection and identification of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (RDX), and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) vapors have proven to be difficult and challenging due to the low vapor pressures of these high explosives. Detecting higher vapor pressure impurity compounds found in TNT and possible tagging agents mandated to be added to plastic explosives (RDX and PETN) would allow for easier vapor detection. The higher vapor pressure nitro compounds of interest are considered to be non-fluorescent; however, once reduced to their amino analogs, they have relatively high quantum yields. The standard reduction products, the reduction products obtained in solution, and the reduction products obtained in vapor phase were analyzed by conventional fluorescence, synchronous luminescence, and derivative spectroscopy. The nitro analogs of the isomers 1,3-diaminobenzene, 1,2-diaminobenzene, and 1,4-diaminobenzene are found as impurities in TNT. We provide for the first time the synchronous luminescence derivative spectra of these isomers; including their individual spectra and a spectrum of an isomeric mixture of the three. Using the standard reduction products associated with these isomers and other aromatic amines, our data suggest that the vapors of two signature impurities, 1,3-dinitrobenzene and 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT), minor impurity compounds, and two possible tagging agents, 2-nitrotoluene (2-NT) and 4-nitrotoluene (4-NT), can be detected and selectively identified using our fluorescence approach. To prove our methodology, we show that we were able to generate, collect, and reduce 2-NT, 4-NT, and 2,4-DNT vapors to their amino analogs. Using our fluorescence approach, these vapors could be detected and selectively identified both individually and in a mixture. Collectively, our data indicate that our method of detecting and identifying higher vapor pressure explosive-like compounds could potentially be used to detect and identify low vapor pressure explosives such as TNT, RDX, and PETN.
Effects of Preprocessing of Ultraviolet-Induced Fluorescence Spectra in Plant Fingerprinting Applications
Authors: Panneton Bernard , Roger Jean-Michel , Guillaume Serge , Longchamps Louis
Published: July 2008

Preprocessing is an important step in data analysis. Dealing with spectral data, normalization is mandatory in order to compare items collected under various conditions. This paper addresses normalization of front-face fluorescence spectroscopy data where spectra are affected by an unknown multiplicative effect. The usual methods for reducing multiplicative problems are reviewed and a more detailed analysis of the normalization by closure is provided based on data on the fluorescence of plants as a means for plant species fingerprinting. As normalization is essentially the reduction of information, some methods of carrying it out are likely to remove either meaningful or discriminant pieces of information. As a result, it is demonstrated that normalization by closure should be performed using spectral data in a range where the spectra contain no information relevant to the problem at hand. This applies provided that in this range the signal-to-noise ratio is high enough. When the noise level is too high, a compromise should be found between preserving useful information and limiting the amount of noise introduced by the normalization procedure. Even if this study were carried out using fluorescence spectra, the overall process is likely to be applied to other spectral data.
Immunohistochemical Analysis of Myosin Heavy Chain Expression in Laryngeal Muscles of the Rabbit, Cat, and Baboon
Authors: Rhee Hannah S. , Hoh Joseph F.Y.
Published: July 2008

We studied myosin heavy chain (MyHC) expression and fiber type distribution in laryngeal muscles in the rabbit, cat, and baboon using immunohistochemistry with highly MyHC-specific antibodies. Two types of variation in MyHC expression were found: between muscles of different function within species and within specific muscles between species. Within species, thyroarytenoid (Ta), an adductor, had faster MyHCs and fiber type profiles than the abductor, posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA), which expressed faster MyHCs than the vocal fold tensor, cricothyroid (CT). Between species, laryngeal muscles generally expressed faster MyHCs in small animals than in larger ones: extraocular (EO) MyHC was expressed in the Ta and PCA of the rabbit but not in the cat and baboon, whereas 2B MyHC was expressed in these muscles of the cat but not of the baboon. The CT expressed only MyHC isoforms and fiber types found in the limb muscles of the same species. These results are discussed in light of the hypothesis that the between-species variations in laryngeal muscle fiber types are evolutionary adaptations in response to changes in body mass and respiratory frequency. Within-species variations in fiber types ensure that protective closure of the glottis is always faster than movements regulating airflow during respiration.
Peroxiredoxin II Expression and Its Association With Oxidative Stress and Cell Proliferation in Human Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Vuorinen Kirsi , Ohlmeier Steffen , Leppäranta Outi , Salmenkivi Kaisa , Myllärniemi Marjukka , Kinnula Vuokko L.
Published: July 2008

Oxidant burden has been suggested to be a contributor to the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The study focused on peroxiredoxin (Prx) II, an antioxidant that has been associated with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling and consequent cell proliferation. Localization and expression of Prx II, PDGF receptors (PDGFRα, PDGFRβ), Ki67, and nitrotyrosine were assessed in control ( n = 10) and IPF/usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) ( n = 10) lung biopsies by immunohistochemistry and morphometry. Prx II oxidation was determined by standard and non-reducing Western blots, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry. Prx II localized in the IPF/UIP epithelium and alveolar macrophages. Prx II–positive area in the fibroblastic foci (FF) was smaller than in other parenchymal areas ( p = 0.03) or in the hyperplastic epithelium ( p = 0.01). There was no major Prx II oxidation in IPF/UIP compared with the normal lung. The FF showed only minor immunoreactivity to the PDGFRs; Ki67, a marker of cell proliferation; and nitrotyrosine, a marker of oxidative/nitrosative stress. The results suggest that Prx II oxidation does not relate to the pathogenesis of IPF/UIP and that Prx II, PDGFRs, and proliferating cells colocalize in the IPF/UIP lung. Unexpectedly, FF represented areas of low cell proliferation.
Comprehensive profiling of the human circulating endocannabinoid metabolome: clinical sampling and sample storage parameters
Authors: Wood JodiAnne T. , Williams John S. , Pandarinathan Lakshmipathi , Courville Amber , Keplinger Melissa R. , Janero David R. , Vouros Paul , Makriyannis Alexandros , Lammi-Keefe Carol J.
Published: July 2008

: Endogenous cannabinoid-receptor ligands (endocannabinoids) and over a dozen related metabolites now comprise the “endocannabinoid metabolome”. The diverse (patho)physiological roles of endocannabinoids, the predictive/diagnostic utility of systemic endocannabinoid levels, and the growing interest in endocannabinoid-related pharmacotherapeutics mandate a valid clinical protocol for processing human blood that does not jeopardize profiling of the circulating endocannabinoid metabolome.

: We systematically evaluated the potential effect of pre-analytical variables associated with phlebotomy and sample handling/work-up on the human-blood endocannabinoid metabolome as quantified by state-of-the-art liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

: Neither subject posture during phlebotomy nor moderate activity beforehand influenced the blood levels of the 15 endocannabinoid-system lipids quantified. Storage of fresh blood at 4°C selectively enhanced ethanolamide concentrations artifactually without affecting monoglycerides and nonesterified fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid. In marked contrast, ethanolamides and monoglycerides remained stable through three plasma freeze/thaw cycles, whereas plasma arachidonic acid content increased, probably a reflection of ongoing metabolism.

: Class- and compound-selective pre-analytical influences on circulating human endocannabinoid levels necessitate immediate plasma preparation from fresh blood and prompt plasma apportioning and snap-freezing. Repeated plasma thawing and refreezing should be avoided. This protocol ensures sample integrity for evaluating the circulating endocannabinoid metabolome in the clinical setting.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2008;46:1289–95.
Suicidal Behavior in Latinas: Explanatory Cultural Factors and Implications for Intervention
Authors: Zayas Luis H. , Pilat Allyson M.
Published: July 2008

We posit that the high rates of suicidal behavior by teenage Hispanic females reported in large‐scale surveys can be understood as a cultural phenomenon, a product of specific elements of the history, tradition, ideology, or social norms of a particular society, and that treatment interventions must take family and cultural factors into consideration. For over a decade, surveys have reported that among ethnic and racial minority youth in the United States, Latinas have the highest rates of suicidal behavior compared to African American and non‐Hispanic White adolescent females. However, other research shows that the psychological profiles of suicidal Latina adolescent girls and the risk factors for Latina suicidal behavior may not be that different from non‐Hispanic suicidal adolescent females. The unique situation of adolescent Latinas involves the convergence of cultural and familial factors (i.e., familism, acculturation, relatedness, autonomy, etc.) with the developmental, social, and individual factors frequently associated with suicidal behaviors. Based on this background, family‐oriented interventions appear to be the most appropriate approach to the prevention and treatment of Hispanic suicidal girls. Factors implicated in Latina suicidal behavior and community‐based interventions that include the adolescent and her family are suggested.
Indian Cinema and the Presentist Use of History: Conceptions of “Nationhood” in Earth and Lagaan
Authors: Lichtner Giacomo , Bandyopadhyay Sekhar
Published: July 2008

This article critically assesses Deepa Mehta's Earth (1998) and Ashutosh Gowariker's Lagaan (2001) as cultural outputs of recent political and historical debates over the nature of India's nationhood. The article argues that the films politicize history, constructing an innocent past with the aim of advocating a more inclusive Indian society.
Increase in Incidence of Medically Treated Thyroid Disease in Children With Down Syndrome After Rerelease of American Academy of Pediatrics Health Supervision Guidelines
Authors: Carroll Kecia N. , Arbogast Patrick G. , Dudley Judith A. , Cooper William O.
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this work was to estimate the incidence of medically treated thyroid disease in children with Down syndrome enrolled in Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare) during 1995–2005 and to determine whether rates increased after rerelease of American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines in 2001.

PATIENTS AND METHODS. We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study in which we identified children with Down syndrome by using TennCare files and birth certificates. We included 1- to 18-year-olds who were continuously enrolled in TennCare and did not fill a prescription for thyroid medication during a 90-day prestudy period. The rate of medically treated thyroid disease (prescription filled for thyroid medication) was the main outcome. We used Poisson regression to estimate rates of medically treated thyroid disease according to study year, age, gender, race, region of residence, and payer type.

RESULTS. During the 11-year study period, 1257 children with Down syndrome (28% black, 72% white) met inclusion criteria. Overall, 10.8% filled a new prescription for thyroid medication. Rates of medically treated thyroid disease per 1000 child-years were 13.25 (1995–1997), 13.34 (1998–1999), 13.62 (2000–2001), 22.37 (2002–2003), and 22.51 (2004–2005). After adjusting for child age and race, there was an increased rate of medically treated thyroid disease in 2002–2003 and 2004–2005 compared with 1995–1997. In a comparison cohort of children without Down syndrome, there was a smaller increase in the rate of medically treated thyroid disease when comparing 2002–2003 and 2004–2005 with 1995–1997.

CONCLUSIONS. Over the 11-year period, 10.8% of children with Down syndrome filled a new prescription for a thyroid medication. A 73% increase in the incidence of medically treated thyroid disease occurred after rerelease of American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, which may have influenced screening.
FSH and TSH binding to their respective receptors: similarities, differences and implication for glycoprotein hormone specificity
Authors: Núñez Miguel R , Sanders J , Chirgadze D Y , Blundell T L , Furmaniak J , Rees Smith B
Published: July 2008

The crystal structures of the leucine-rich repeat domain (LRD) of the FSH receptor (FSHR) in complex with FSH and the TSH receptor (TSHR) LRD in complex with the thyroid-stimulating autoantibody (M22) provide opportunities to assess the molecular basis of the specificity of glycoprotein hormone–receptor binding. A comparative model of the TSH–TSHR complex was built using the two solved crystal structures and verified using studies on receptor affinity and activation. Analysis of the FSH–FSHR and TSH–TSHR complexes allowed identification of receptor residues that may be important in hormone-binding specificity. These residues are in leucine-rich repeats at the two ends of the FSHR and the TSHR LRD structures but not in their central repeats. Interactions in the interfaces are consistent with a higher FSH-binding affinity for the FSHR compared with the binding affinity of TSH for the TSHR. The higher binding affinity of porcine (p)TSH and bovine (b)TSH for human (h)TSHR compared with hTSH appears not to be dependent on interactions with the TSHR LRD as none of the residues that differ among hTSH, pTSH or bTSH interact with the LRD. This suggests that TSHs are likely to interact with other parts of the receptors in addition to the LRD with these non-LRD interactions being responsible for affinity differences. Analysis of interactions in the FSH–FSHR and TSH–TSHR complexes suggests that the α-chains of both hormones tend to be involved in the receptor activation process while the β-chains are more involved in defining binding specificity.
The seismic vulnerability of architectural heritage
Authors: Bernardini A. , Lagomarsino S.
Published: July 2008

An evaluation of the seismic vulnerability of our architectural heritage is a critical task in the planning of retrofits to buildings in seismic zones. Surviving European monumental buildings are embedded in an urban environment of traditional buildings, the preservation of which is also important. The methodology suggested in this paper is based on the European macroseismic scale in which the classes of vulnerability summarise the observed damage to types of building subjected to past earthquakes. These allow for coherent measuring of the expected behaviour of buildings designed according to modern rules for seismic protection. Criteria are presented for the classifications founded on inventories of buildings based on information varying from poor statistical data about typological parameters of buildings to detailed descriptions of single monuments. Some applications to the safety of villages in the Province of Imperia (Liguria, Italy) are given. Vulnerability curves of monumental structures have been derived from a statistical analysis of damage observed after recent Italian earthquakes. Churches appear to be particularly vulnerable.
Risk, reliability and sustainability in the developing world
Authors: Sánchez-Silva M. , Rosowsky D. V.
Published: July 2008

Developing countries need more affordable housing and a plan for infrastructure development that is environmentally sound, socially acceptable, economically justified and sustainable. The enormous shortage of funds as well as pressures resulting from other factors (e.g. poverty) can, however, make long-term and sustainable planning exceedingly difficult. A new focus should be placed on developing models that are able to use and process larger amounts of information, obtained from different sources and in different forms, to provide engineering solutions that have a positive impact on sustainability. Achieving sustainable development includes taking risks and using limited resources efficiently. Towards this end, structural risk and reliability are essential tools for defining appropriate levels of investment. It is suggested that, by adopting safety standards specified in codes of practice of developed countries, less developed countries may be spending more to achieve levels of safety not warranted by their level of development. That is, it may be more beneficial to accept a lower level of safety in favour of increased infrastructure development.
Treatment of risk and reliability in the Eurocodes
Authors: Vrouwenvelder T.
Published: July 2008

Designing a structure essentially comes down to making decisions in the face of uncertainty. This paper discusses how the new generation of European standards, the Eurocodes, deals with this issue. According to EN 1990 Eurocode-Basis of Structural Design, the theory of probability may be considered as the appropriate design tool in this respect. To keep the design process practicable, however, the probabilistic methods are translated into a verification process on the basis of partial factors. In setting values for the partial factors, theoretical considerations and long-term design experience are mixed. Next to the design for normal loading conditions, the Eurocode gives special attention to the design for accidental situations such as fire, explosions or errors. When dealing with these topics the code is of a more informal nature, giving freedom to designers and authorities. The recommendations range from prescribed solutions (minimal ductility and redundancy, horizontal and vertical tyings, etc.) to a formal risk analysis for important or extraordinary structures. Non-structural measures, extra safety for key elements and alternative load paths are presented as valuable elements in the safety strategy. The code reflects the increasing awareness of the engineering society for the importance of risk-based decision making in design and maintenance.
Strategies, Development and Applications of Polymer-Modified Electrodes for Stripping Analysis
Authors: Gouveia-Caridade Carla , Brett Christopher M.A.
Published: July 2008

Recent progress in polymer modified electrodes for stripping analysis is surveyed, mainly concerned with ionexchange polymer and conducting polymer coatings on mercury thin film electrodes and other solid electrode substrates. Film preparation methods are discussed and applications involving different types of polymer film or polymer film composites illustrated, with emphasis on recent literature published in the last five years.
Recent Developments in Stripping Analysis on Microelectrodes
Authors: Daniele Salvatore , Baldo M. Antonietta , Bragato Carlo
Published: July 2008

This review surveys the main aspects of the combination of microelectrodes and stripping analysis, including recent developments in working microelectrodes, analytical methodologies, instrumentation, and applications in both synthetic and real matrices. Emphasis is given to papers published since 2000.
Catalytic Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry at Film Electrodes
Authors: Bobrowski Andrzej , Zarebski Jerzy
Published: July 2008

The recent tendency to replace liquid mercury by less toxic electrode materials has led many analysts to investigate and design various thin film electrodes generated ex-situ or in-situ by electroplating the selected metals at different supports, and to develop new stripping and catalytic adsorptive stripping voltammetric procedures that would use them. The catalytic adsorptive stripping voltammetry (CAdSV) coupling of very efficient adsorptive accumulation of the electroactive species on the electrode surface with the catalytic reaction provides a significant amplification of the analytical response, and, consequently, a considerable decrease of the detection limit, as well as an improvement in the selectivity of the determination. The present article presents an overview of recent progress in the research on catalytic adsorptive stripping voltammetry, with a focus on procedures in which film electrodes were utilized.
Microelectrode Arrays and Microfabricated Devices in Electrochemical Stripping Analysis
Authors: Beni Valerio , Arrigan Damien W.M.
Published: July 2008

In this article a comprehensive overview of the developments in the field of electrochemical stripping analysis with microelectrode arrays and microfabricated devices is presented. Due to the vastness of the topic, this mini-review deals only with the use of regular microelectrode arrays. After the description of the main fabrication methodologies employed, a large part of the review is dedicated to applications, categorised by the electrode material. Microelectrode arrays have found application in several areas of electroanalytical science including clinical and environmental analysis. They have been used for the detection of heavy metals in waters, soil extracts and blood, proving to be reliable analytical devices and bringing the advantages of low-cost, simplicity of use and easy adaptability to field measurement. In many applications, limits of detection are sub-parts per billion. Finally a short section of the review discusses miniaturised potentiostats.
Maternal Lipids as Strong Determinants of Fetal Environment and Growth in Pregnancies With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Schaefer-Graf Ute M. , Graf Kristof , Kulbacka Irina , Kjos Siri L. , Dudenhausen Joachim , Vetter Klaus , Herrera Emilio
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE—To determine the contribution of maternal glucose and lipids to intrauterine metabolic environment and fetal growth in pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—In 150 pregnancies, serum triglycerides (TGs), cholesterol, free fatty acids (FFAs), glycerol, insulin, and glucose were determined in maternal serum and cord blood during the 3rd trimester. Maternal glucose values came from oral glucose tolerance testing and glucose profiles. Measurements of fetal abdominal circumference (AC) were performed simultaneously with maternal blood sampling and birth weight, and BMI and neonatal fat mass were obtained following delivery.

RESULTS—Maternal TGs and FFAs correlated with fetal AC size (at 28 weeks: triglycerides, P = 0.001; FFAs, P = 0.02), and at delivery they correlated with all neonatal anthropometric measures (FFA: birth weight, P = 0.002; BMI, P = 0.001; fat mass, P = 0.01). After adjustment for confounding variables, maternal FFAs and TGs at delivery remained the only parameters independently related to newborns large for gestational age (LGA) (P = 0.008 and P = 0.04, respectively). Maternal FFA levels were higher in mothers with LGA newborns than in those with appropriate for gestational age (AGA) newborns (362.8 ± 101.7 vs. 252.4 ± 10.1, P = 0.002). Maternal levels of TGs, FFAs, and glycerol at delivery correlated with those in cord blood (P = 0.003, P = 0.004, and P = 0.005, respectively). Fetal triglyceride and cholesterol levels were negatively correlated with newborn birth weight (P = 0.001), BMI (P = 0.004), and fat mass (P = 0.001). TGs were significantly higher in small for gestational age (SGA) newborns compared with AGA or LGA newborns, while insulin-to-glucose ratio and FFAs were the highest in LGA newborns.

CONCLUSIONS—In well-controlled GDM pregnancies, maternal lipids are strong predictors for fetal lipids and fetal growth. Infants with abnormal growth seem to be exposed to a distinct intrauterine environment compared with those with appropriate growth.
Authorial Ethics: How Writers Abuse Their Calling
Authors: Hauptman Robert
Published: July 2008

Scholars, researchers, novelists, journalists – indeed, all writers – are adjured to articulate their thoughts in conformance with the conventions and rules of their respective disciplines. Sometimes, though, carelessness or ambition seduces the unwary and they falsify, fabricate, or plagiarize data or text; these formal instances of misconduct are merely the most blatant and harmful of the many ethical abrogations that can occur. This article offers theoretical grounding and details of specific cases from the humanities (life-writing), social sciences (psychology), and hard sciences (biomedicine).
The Alchemy of Turning Fiction into Truth
Authors: Henige David
Published: July 2008

Our sense of the past is expressed by a wide range, from belief without any knowledge to knowledge based on incontrovertible and converging evidence. There is also an additional category: presentations of the past that are admittedly counterfactual – that is, that are known never to have happened. How libraries classify these materials has an impact on whether they are believed or rejected. Unfortunately, the Library of Congress, the agency chiefly responsible for classifying books, has made no serious effort to distinguish between probable fact and palpable fiction, leaving users unsure as to what to believe.
Ranking the Management Journals
Authors: Harris Claudia
Published: July 2008

The goal of this project was to create a ranking of journals in management and related areas. This compilation is designed for use as an aid in appraising the performance of faculty members and as a guide to potential authors seeking outlets for their work. The information in this analysis does not alter the well-accepted top-tier list of journals; instead, it provides differentiation among the remaining vast majority of journals. The rationale for developing such a list and the ways in which this list compares with those previously accessible are discussed. The methodology used to rank journals is presented, along with a description of the results. A listing of journals ranked in the top five categories is provided in the Appendix.
Peer-Review Practice and Research for Academic Journals in China
Authors: Qing Fang , Lifang Xu , Xiaochuan Lian
Published: July 2008

With the rapid development of scholarly publishing and the internationalization of academic journals in China, peer review has begun to gain ground as well. After briefly summarizing the recent academic debate on the validity of peer review and the function of peer experts, the authors look into the major problems with the existing peer-review practices of academic journals in China.
Predictors of Gait Speed in Patients after Hip Fracture
Authors: Kline Mangione Kathleen , Craik Rebecca L. , Lopopolo Rosalie , Tomlinson James D. , Brenneman Susan K.
Published: July 2008

Purpose: Following hip fracture, patients demonstrate greatly reduced walking speeds 1 year later compared with age-matched elders. The purpose of our study was to examine the factors that relate to gait speed in patients after hip fracture.

Methods: Forty-two men and women (mean age 79 ± 7.5 years) who sustained a hip fracture participated in this study. Linear regression analysis was used to determine a statistical model that best predicted gait speed, the dependent variable. Gait speed was measured with a computerized gait mat. The independent variables were age, sex, height, weight, time post-fracture, medications, mental status, depression, balance confidence, Medical Outcome Studies, Short Form (SF-36), balance, and lower extremity isometric force. All subjects were discharged from physical therapy services, and measurements were taken, on average, 17 weeks post-fracture.

Results: Using stepwise regression, 72% of the variance in gait speed was explained by summed lower extremity strength normalized by body weight, general health (SF-36), and balance confidence (Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale).

Conclusions: Impairments (summed lower extremity strength) and risk factors (perception of general health and balance confidence) are important predictors of gait speed in elders after hip fracture.
Factors Associated with Physiotherapists’ Interest in Cardiorespiratory Continuing Education Using Computer-Assisted Learning: A Survey
Authors: Reid W. Darlene , Stanton Susan J. , Kelm L. Cheryle
Published: July 2008

Purpose: To determine factors associated with Canadian physiotherapists’ interest in undertaking continuing education in various cardiorespiratory content areas and their willingness to complete a portion of study within each of these content areas via computer-assisted learning (CAL).

Methods: In a six-page mailed questionnaire, 1,426 potential participants were asked to indicate their interest in 11 cardiorespiratory content areas, their continuing-education preferences, and their access and willingness to do continuing education by CAL. Demographic data were also collected from respondents.

Results: Respondents included 285 physiotherapists from cardiorespiratory interest groups (CRGs) and 447 from the licensing bodies’ sample (overall response rate = 56%). Physiotherapists in public employment and practice areas other than orthopaedics had increased interest in all cardiorespiratory content areas except Exercise Physiology. Membership in a CRG increased their likelihood to be willing to learn the cardiorespiratory content area via CAL.

Conclusions: In developing content and determining the accessibility of cardiorespiratory continuing education, educators should consider the type of employer and area of practice of interested attendees as well as the lack of willingness to use CAL by those not involved in CRGs.
Identical twins with cervical myelopathy: a case for hereditary cervical spondylosis?
Authors: Mukerji Nitin , Sinar Ernest J.
Published: July 2008

✓Although degenerative cervical spondylosis is a common neurosurgical problem, not much has been published about the hereditary factors responsible for it. The authors report on a set of identical twins who presented to their service at a relatively young age with myelopathy due to degenerative cervical disc prolapse and who needed surgery. The early age of presentation and the fact that the patients were identical twins suggest a genetic element. The authors also review the available literature on the genetic factors in the causation of degenerative cervical spondylosis. To the best of their knowledge this is the first reported instance of identical twins with cervical myelopathy at a young age needing curative surgery.
Significance of the double-layer and single-layer signs in the ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine
Authors: Min Jun-Hong , Jang Jee-Soo , Lee Sang-Ho
Published: July 2008

Object

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the significance of the signs of dural penetration, which were previously described by Hida et al. This goal was accomplished by an analysis of preoperative computed tomography scans and a review of the medical records of patients who underwent removal of the ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) via the anterior approach.

Methods

Outcomes in 197 patients with cervical OPLL who underwent anterior decompression and fusion were studied retrospectively. The types of OPLL, single- and double-layer signs of dural penetration, diameter of the central hypodense mass of the double-layer sign, and the presence of actual dural penetration were evaluated.

Signs of dural penetration were found in 30.5% of patients. These signs were much more prevalent in patients with nonsegmental OPLL. Dural defects were present in 20 (52.6%) of 38 patients with double-layer signs and in three (13.6%) of 22 patients with single-layer signs. Among patients in the double-layer sign group, the mean diameter of the central hypodense masses was thicker in the group with an actual dural defect. Although not to the degree reported by Hida et al., the double-layer sign had a significant association with dural defects. In particular, the thicker the central hypodense mass of the double-layer sign, the greater the possibility of a dural defect. However, a single-layer sign had less significance than a double-layer one.

Conclusions

Surgeons should be alert to the increased possibility of a dural defect when there is a double-layer sign with a thick central hypodense mass in nonsegmental OPLL.
Effective prevention of surgical site infection using a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guideline–based antimicrobial prophylaxis in lumbar spine surgery
Authors: Kanayama Masahiro , Hashimoto Tomoyuki , Shigenobu Keiichi , Oha Fumihiro , Togawa Daisuke
Published: July 2008

Object

Antimicrobial prophylaxis (AMP) reduces the rate of surgical site infection (SSI) in lumbar spine surgery, but a great deal of variation exists regarding the timing and duration of AMP. The authors had previously used prophylactic antibiotics for 5 to 7 postoperative days. Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guideline, the AMP period was changed to the day of surgery only. In the current study, the authors compared the rate of SSI in lumbar spine surgeries between two different protocols of AMP.

Methods

Data from 1597 consecutive uninfected patients who had undergone lumbar spine surgery between January 1999 and September 2004 were reviewed. The pathophysiologies among these patients included disc herniation in 686, degenerative spondylolisthesis in 340, spinal stenosis in 259, failed lumbar surgeries in 73, degenerative scoliosis in 52, isthmic spondylolisthesis in 48, spinal trauma in 34, foraminal stenosis in 27, spinal tumor in 27, and miscellaneous in 51 patients. The rate of SSI was compared between the two AMP groups.

There were 1133 patients in the multiple-dose group, and 464 patients in the single-dose group. The rate of instrumentation surgery was not statistically different between the multiple-dose group (43%) and the single-dose group (39%). The overall rate of SSI was 0.7%. The SSI rate was 0.8% in the multiple-dose group and 0.4% in the single-dose group; the difference between the two was not significant. Regarding the organisms of SSI, resistant strains of bacteria were cultured in five (83.3%) of six patients in the multiple-dose group, whereas none was cultured in the single-dose group.

Conclusions

Data in the current study did not demonstrate a difference in the rate of SSI between the two different AMP protocols. Based on the CDC guideline, a single dose of AMP was proven to be efficacious for the prevention of SSI in lumbar spine surgeries. A shorter duration of first-generation cephalosporin use may effectively prevent the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection.
The Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial results for lumbar disc herniation: a critical review
Authors: McCormick Paul C.
Published: July 2008

✓The long-anticipated results of the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT) were recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. In this trial the investigators compared operative and nonoperative care in patients with symptomatic lumbar disc herniation. Despite the expenditure of several million dollars on this multi-center, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial, the SPORT investigators admitted, “conclusions about the superiority or equivalence of the treatments under study are not warranted based on the intent-to-treat analysis.” In the present article the author provides a critical review of the SPORT formulation and hypothesis, study design and methodology, and results and interpretations in an attempt to explain why the authors of this study were unable to assess the study's only intended null hypothesis that there would be no difference in outcomes between operative and nonoperative management of herniated lumbar discs. Issues related to misrepresentation and misinterpretation of the SPORT results for herniated lumbar discs are also assessed.
Transient intradural catheter lysis in a patient with a diffuse and elongated subdural hematoma of the spine due to trauma
Authors: Deininger Martin H. , Hubbe Ulrich , Moske-Eick Olaf , Vougioukas Vassilios I.
Published: July 2008

✓The often extended and elongated configuration of a diffuse subdural hematoma of the spine makes it impossible to completely evacuate with common neurosurgical approaches. The authors describe the complete evacuation of a diffuse subdural hematoma of the entire spine due to trauma in a patient who suffered myelopathy and paraplegia in succession, by using transient subdural catheter lysis. After the patient underwent a partial hemilaminectomy at T7–8 and L2–3 using a lateral transmuscular approach, a 15 cm-long intraventricular catheter was inserted at each hemilaminectomy site and connected to an external ventricular drainage system in a procedure lasting 1 hour. Subsequently, 5000 IU of urokinase was applied four times daily for 30 minutes each time over the next 5 days. Two months later, the patient presented with spastic paraparesis Manual Muscle Test Grade 4/5. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed no catheter-related complications.

The authors conclude from this case that transient catheter lysis may be an effective and gentle method to treat diffuse and elongated subdural hematomas of the spine due to trauma. A larger series needs to be analyzed, however, to address the indications and limitations of the technique compared with conventional open surgery. Such evaluation should include serial MR imaging and electrophysiological examination.