bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pilot study to assess the use of protein a immunoadsorption for chronic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cooper Leslie T. , Belohlavek Marek , Korinek Josef , Yoshifuku Shiro , Sengupta Partho P. , Burgstaler Edwin A. , Winters Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2007

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a leading cause of end‐stage heart failure and cardiac transplantation. Anticardiac antibodies are common and removal of these through immunoadsorption (IA) is associated with improvement in global cardiac function. The effect of IA on regional function and quality of life (QOL) without intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) substitution has not been described. We performed a pilot trial using Immunosorba® columns in four patients with chronic DCM and NYHA Class II–III congestive heart failure. Subjects were followed for 6 months with serial echocardiograms and validated QOL assessments. Regional and global left ventricular (LV) end‐systolic deformations were assessed by two‐dimensional strain echocardiography. Total IgG decreased 95% (from 1,210 ± 274 mg/dl to 57 ± 16 mg/dl, P = 0.003) and IgG3 decreased 61% (from 33 ± 16 mg/dl to 13 ± 7 mg/dl, P = 0.024). QOL improved from baseline to 6 months as assessed by the Living with Heart Failure questionnaire (from 54 ± 18 to 19 ± 7, P = 0.029). Mean LV ejection fraction improved from 35 to 40% at Day 5 and to 44% at 6 months (P = NS). The LV end diastolic and end systolic volumes decreased (220–202 ml, 159–130 ml, P = NS) at 6 months. Global end‐systolic strain improved from −7.3% at baseline to −8.5% at Day 5 and −8.8% at 6 months (P = NS). Regional LV function and response to IA was not uniform. Even without IVIG substitution, IA for the treatment of chronic DCM is associated with improved QOL up to 6 months after treatment. A randomized, sham‐controlled trial is required to confirm the benefits of IA for DCM. J. Clin. Apheresis., 2007 © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serum immune complexes as diagnostic and therapeutic markers in lymphatic filariasis
Authors: Dixit Vandana , Gupta A.K. , Bisen P.S. , Prasad G.B.K.S. , Harinath B.C.
Published: March 2007

In the present study we examined the utility of measuring antigen‐specific soluble immune complexes (ICs) for the differential diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of Bancroftian filariasis. Antigen‐specific ICs were detected in significantly elevated levels in 90% of lymphatic filarial subjects suffering from disease manifestations, and very low levels in 8–10% of microfilaria (MF) carriers. The high incidence of antigen‐specific ICs in the circulation of filarial subjects with clinical manifestations in contrast to the negligible presence in MF carriers facilitates serological differentiation of these two important stages of lymphatic filarial infection. A sudden spurt in circulating levels of antigen‐specific ICs was recorded in all MF carriers on diethylcarbamazine (DEC) therapy, and the magnitude of the increase correlated positively with the pretreatment levels of circulating MF. Thus, it is evident from the present study that circulating ICs (CICs) are potential serological markers for both the differential diagnosis of filarial infection and therapeutic monitoring of MF carriers. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:114–118, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional polymorphism of thymidylate synthase, but not of the COMT and IL‐1B genes, is associated with breast cancer
Authors: Akisik Elif , Dalay Nejat
Published: March 2007

Polymorphic variations may affect the rate of gene transcription, the stability of the mRNA, or the quantity and activity of the resulting protein. In this study we evaluated the association between the interleukin‐1B C‐31T, catechol‐O‐methyltransferase Val158Met, and thymidylate synthase (TS) 1494del6 polymorphisms and breast cancer. Each genetic polymorphism was investigated by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) analysis. No significant difference in either the genotype distribution or the allelic frequencies of the IL‐1B and COMT gene polymorphisms was observed between the patient and control groups. For the TS 1494del6 polymorphism a significant difference was observed for both the genotypes (P=0.01) and the allele frequencies (P=0.0097), indicating a decreased risk associated with the variant allele. Our data do not provide evidence for an association between the polymorphic variants of the IL‐1B and COMT genes and breast cancer risk. On the other hand, the TS 1494del6 polymorphism is associated with a significantly lower risk of breast cancer and may be a potential genetic marker. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:97–102, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of idiopathic generalized epilepsy with polymorphisms in the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits
Authors: Lee Cheng‐Chun , Chou I‐Ching , Tsai Chang‐Hai , Wan Lei , Shu Yu‐An , Tsai Yuhsin , Li Tsai‐Chung , Tsai Fuu‐Jen
Published: March 2007

Idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) refers to a common group of epilepsies, and genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of these disorders. Mutations in CHRNA4 and CHRNB2 are associated with some cases of familial epilepsies classified as autosomal‐dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsies. We aimed to evaluate whether polymorphisms of CHRNA4 and CHRNB2are associated with IGE. A total of 75 children with IGE and 80 normal control subjects were included in the study. Each genetic polymorphism was typed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based restriction analysis. The genotypes and allelic frequencies of each polymorphism were compared between the IGE patients and controls. The results showed that genotype and allelic frequency for CHRNB2 did not differ significantly between the groups. However, the genotype proportion of the CHRNA4 (Ser543Ser) gene in both groups was significantly different (P<0.0001). The T allele frequency was significantly higher (P=0.0126) in patients with IGE compared to healthy controls. The odds ratio (OR) for developing IGE in individuals with the CHRNA4 (Ser543Ser)‐T homozygote was 4.9 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.71–14.04) compared to individuals with two copies of the CHRNA4 (Ser543Ser)‐C allele. This study demonstrates that the CHRNA4 gene may be one of the susceptibility factors for IGE. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:67–70, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The proteome of the developing tooth of the sea urchin, Lytechinus variegatus: mortalin is a constituent of the developing cell syncytium
Authors: Alvares Keith , Dixit Saryu N. , Lux Elizabeth , Barss Joseph , Veis Arthur
Published: March 2007

Echinoderm teeth are continuously growing calcite‐mineralized tissues of complex structure. Two features are of special interest: (1) cell division takes place in a restricted aboral domain, the plumula, and the cells immediately merge into multinucleated syncytial layers; (2) the major part of the heavily mineralized tooth elongates and moves towards the adoral incisal tip continuously as the syncytial cells actively expand the syncytium and intermembrane mineral phase. As the first step to understanding the nature of the mineralization processes, we have isolated the proteins of the plumula and of the mature mineralized portions of the tooth, and begun their characterization. Peptide sequences were used to screen a plumula cDNA library by polymerase chain reaction. One primer set yielded a prominent amplified product which was cloned, and sequenced. Comparison with the nucleotide and protein data banks revealed the protein to be Mortalin, a member of the hsp‐70 family, with >75% of its sequences identical to that of human mortalin. Immunocytochemical localization of mortalin within the plumula, using Anti‐human Grp75, showed staining of the odontoblast cytosol and matrix at the point where syncytial formation was occurring. The cytosol of the syncytial layers was weakly stained. The nuclei within the syncytia were stained at their periphery. In the mature part of the tooth, the perinuclear staining of the nuclei was more prominent. We conclude that mortalin is involved in syncytium formation and maintenance. The urchin mortalin has a distinctive aspartic acid and serine‐rich C‐terminal domain that may link it to the mineralization process. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 308B:357–370, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification method for detection of human papillomavirus type 6, 11, 16, and 18
Authors: Hagiwara Masanori , Sasaki Hajime , Matsuo Koma , Honda Mariko , Kawase Masaaki , Nakagawa Hidemi
Published: March 2007

A new method was developed for detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) by loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), which was compared with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and real‐time PCR for specificity and sensitivity. All initial validation studies with the control DNA proved to be type‐specific. In order to evaluate the reliability of HPV type‐specific LAMP detecting HPV DNA from clinical samples, tissue specimens were obtained from 27 patients with external genital polypoid lesions. The histologic diagnoses included condyloma acuminatum (n = 21), bowenoid papulosis (n = 2), seborrheic keratosis (n = 2), epidermolytic acanthoma (n = 1), and hairy nymphae (n = 1). HPV‐6 DNA and HPV‐11 DNA were detected in 18 and 3 of 21 condylomata acuminata, respectively, and there was no simultaneous infection. HPV‐16 DNA was detected in one of two bowenoid papuloses. HPV DNA was not detected in the seborrheic keratoses, epidermolytic acanthoma, and hairy nymphae. These results correlated perfectly with those from real‐time PCR analysis. Most positive samples contained high copy numbers of HPV DNA. HPV‐11 DNA was detected in one case that could not be detected by PCR. The average reaction time was about 59 min. There was a linear correlation between the genome quantity and reaction time to reach the threshold. The LAMP method has an additional advantage as a quantitative method, and is superior in terms of sensitivity, specificity, rapidity, and simplicity, and can potentially be a valuable tool for the detection of HPV DNA. J. Med. Virol. 79:605–615, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of sapovirus infection among infants and children with acute gastroenteritis in Dhaka City, Bangladesh during 2004–2005
Authors: Dey Shuvra Kanti , Phan Tung Gia , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Nishio Osamu , Salim Abul Faiz Mohammad , Yagyu Fumihiro , Okitsu Shoko , Ushijima Hiroshi
Published: March 2007

Sapovirus, a member of the family Caliciviridae is one of the major causative agents of viral gastroenteritis affecting all age group. Sapovirus was detected in 25 of 917 stool specimens from infants and children with acute gastroenteritis in a Children Hospital in Dhaka City, Bangladesh during 2004–2005. All fecal specimens were examined for sapovirus by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Molecular analysis of sapovirus was carried out by sequencing methods. Sapovirus detected in this study was clustered into only one distinct genogroup I. Sapovirus GI/1 was predominant, followed by GI/2 and accounted for 92% (23 of 25) and 8% (2 of 25), respectively. The results clearly indicated that sapovirus infections were observed most commonly in the autumn to winter seasons (September to January) in Dhaka City. The common clinical symptoms of sapovirus infected patients were dehydration (88%), vomiting (76%), and abdominal pain (60%). This is the first report of sapovirus in Bangladesh. J. Med. Virol. 79:633–638, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The janus faces of botulinum neurotoxin: Sensational medicine and deadly biological weapon
Authors: Osborne Shona L. , Latham Catherine F. , Wen Peter J. , Cavaignac Sonia , Fanning Jonathon , Foran Patrick G. , Meunier Frederic A.
Published: March 2007

The botulinum neurotoxins are the most dangerous toxins known (BoNTs serotypes A–G) and induce profound flaccid neuromuscular paralysis by blocking nerve–muscle communication. Poisoned motoneurons react by emitting a sprouting network known to establish novel functional synapses with the abutting muscle fiber. Understanding how our motoneurons are capable of bypassing such transmission blockade, thereby overcoming paralysis, by an astonishing display of plasticity is one of the research goals that have numerous therapeutic ramifications. This Mini‐Review aims at giving a brief update on the recent discoveries regarding the molecular mechanism of botulinum toxins intoxication. Curing botulism still is a challenge once the toxin has found his way inside motoneurons. In view of the potential use of botulinum toxins as biological weapon, more research is needed to find efficient ways of curing this disease. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computer‐assisted estimation in the CNS of 3D multimarker ‘Overlap’ or ‘Touch’ at the level of individual nerve endings: A confocal laser scanning microscope application
Authors: Wouterlood Floris G. , Boekel Amber J. , Meijer Gerrit A. , Beliën Jeroen A.M.
Published: March 2007

Presynaptic boutons and associated postsynaptic structures in the CNS express markers that are highly synapse type‐specific. In multilabel immunofluorescence imaging, coexpression of such markers appears as overlap of signals in the same structures whereas closely related yet segregated markers, e.g., located pre‐and postsynaptically, translate into signals that touch. ‘Overlap’ and ‘touch’ occur in three dimensions (3D). The instrument of choice to study overlap vs. touch of small objects in tissue volumes is the confocal laser scanning microscope (CSLM). To quantify overlap and touch we used two paradigms. Overlap was studied in rat brain sections triple‐immunostained with antibodies against markers predominantly located presynaptically: glutamic acid decarboxylase, vesicular glutamate transporter 2, and calretinin. Touch was studied in rat temporal cortex where afferent, tracer‐labeledentorhinohippocampal fibers in the subiculum were imaged together with possible postsynaptic target neurons immunostained with an antibody against the calcium binding protein, parvalbumin. Z‐series of CLSM images were obtained in multiple channels. After post‐acquisition deconvolution we further processed the images via software written in the C/C++ SCIL_Image computer programming environment. The software receives parameters via scripts, after which it first identifies 3D objects through establishing isodensity envelopes around pixels representing small biologic structures (in our case: boutons) and then compares associated Z‐series in which it determines whether there is overlap or touch between recognized 3D objects. Finally, graphic and numeric output is produced. With this script‐commanded software we feel equipped to accurately and objectively quantify overlap and touch. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A protein derived from the fusion of TAT peptide and FNK, a Bcl‐xL derivative, prevents cochlear hair cell death from aminoglycoside ototoxicity in vivo
Authors: Kashio Akinori , Sakamoto Takashi , Suzukawa Keigo , Asoh Sadamitsu , Ohta Shigeo , Yamasoba Tatsuya
Published: March 2007

We constructed a powerful artificial cytoprotective protein, FNK, from an antiapoptotic member of the BCL‐2 family, Bcl‐xL. To test the efficacy of FNK in protecting cochlear hair cells (HCs) from aminoglycoside‐induced cell death in vivo, we fused FNK with protein transduction domain, TAT, of the HIV/Tat protein to construct a fusion protein of TAT‐FNK. We demonstrated that, after an intraperitoneal administration to guinea pigs, TAT‐myc‐FNK protein was diffusely distributed in the cochlea, most prominently in the HCs and supporting cells, followed by the spiral ganglion cells, 3 hr after the injection. We next demonstrated that TAT‐FNK attenuated cochlear damage induced by an ototoxic combination of kanamycin sulfate (KM) and ethacrynic acid (EA) administered at 2 different dosages: 400 mg/kg KM + 50 mg/kg EA and 200 mg/kg KM + 40 mg/kg EA. TAT‐FNK or vehicle was intraperitoneally injected from 3 hr before through 5 hr after inducing the ototoxic insults, 14 days after which auditory brainstem response (ABR) and HC loss were evaluated. In comparison with vehicle‐administered controls, the TAT‐FNK protein significantly attenuated ototoxic drug‐induced ABR threshold shifts and the extent of HC death at either dosage. The TAT‐FNK protein also significantly reduced the amount of cleaved poly‐(ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐positive HCs 8 hr after the ototoxic insults compared with that in the vehicle‐administered controls. These findings indicate that systemically administered TAT‐FNK was successfully delivered to the guinea pig cochlea and effectively prevented apoptotic cell death of the cochlear HCs induced by KM and EA. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of phosphatidylserine biosynthesis in developing rat brain by maternal exposure to ethanol
Authors: Wen Zhiming , Kim Hee‐Yong
Published: March 2007

Phosphatidylserine (PtdSer), major acidic phospholipids in neuronal membranes, participate in important cell signaling processes. The PtdSer in brain is highly enriched with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n‐3), and the DHA status or ethanol exposure has been shown to influence the PtdSer level. This study shows that ethanol exposure during prenatal and developmental period significantly attenuates microsomal PtdSer biosynthetic activities and reduces PtdSer, particularly 18:0, 22:6‐PtdSer, in developing rat brain cortices. Brain microsomes were incubated with deuterium labeled exogenous substrates in vitro and the products formed were detected by reversed phase HPLC‐electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). These in vitro bioassays showed that 1‐stearoyl‐2‐docosahexaenoyl (18:0, 22:6) species is the best substrate for PtdSer synthesis from both phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn). The PtdSer biosynthetic activity of brain, especially for 18:0, 22:6‐PtdSer production, was hampered significantly by maternal exposure to ethanol. PtdSer levels were consistently reduced significantly in brain cortices of the pups from ethanol‐exposed dams, due mainly to the depletion of 18:0, 22:6‐PtdSer. The mRNA expression of PtdSer synthase 1 (PSS1) and PtdSer synthase 2 (PSS2) was not reduced by ethanol. Similarly, the PSS1 enzyme level did not change after ethanol exposure but PSS2 could not be probed with the antibody available currently. Degradation of PtdSer by mitochondrial PtdSer decarboxylation was not enhanced but also inhibited. Taken together, attenuated PtdSer biosynthetic activities are largely responsible for the PtdSer reduction observed in developing rat brains after maternal exposure to ethanol. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Renal failure after high‐dose methotrexate in a child homozygous for MTHFR C677T polymorphism
Authors: Turello Rita , Rentsch Katharina , Di Paolo Ermindo , Popovic Maja Beck
Published: March 2007

We report the case of an 11‐year‐old female treated for mediastinal T‐cell lymphoma who presented renal failure following the second cycle of high‐dose methotrexate (HDMTX). Because of life threatening plasma methotrexate (MTX) levels, carboxypeptidase G2 (CPDG2) was administered resulting in a dramatic decrease within 1 hr. The patient recovered from renal failure and no other side effects were observed. Homozygosity for the methylentetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism diagnosed by molecular genetic analysis was the only explanation for this toxicity. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:154–156. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy in surveillance of pediatric brain malignancies
Authors: Khanna Geetika , O'Dorisio M. Sue , Menda Yusuf , Glasier Charles , DeYoung Barry , Smith Brian J , Graham Michael , Juweid Malik
Published: March 2007

Background

Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) has been successfully used in imaging PBTs and, as a functional imaging modality, may be better able to differentiate tumor from scar/necrosis. This retrospective study evaluates the role of SRS in post‐treatment surveillance of PBTs.

Procedure

Twenty children (age range: 7 months to 24 years, mean: 9 years) with known brain malignancies underwent serial SRS and MRI. The sensitivity and specificity of SRS and MRI were compared for surveillance scanning using patient outcome as the reference standard. Somatostatin receptors (sstrs) expression was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) of available tumor specimens.

Results

SRS was true positive (TP) in 15 of 16 patients with proven disease found post‐resection (n = 5) or during follow‐up (n = 11). In contrast, MRI was positive in 12 of these 16 patients and equivocal in another two patients where it could not distinguish between radiation necrosis and tumor recurrence. The two patients with false negative (FN) MRI and proven disease were positive by SRS. SRS was negative in all four patients with no evidence of disease by follow‐up (mean follow‐up = 58 months). The only patient with a FN SRS (TP by MRI) was one without IHC evidence of sstrs. SRS was TP in 7/7 tumors with IHC documented sstrs.

Conclusions

SRS is a useful adjunct to MRI for post‐treatment surveillance of sstr‐positive PBTs, particularly when MRI is equivocal. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:561–566. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of processing parameters on the electric conductivity and on the mechanical properties of thick polypyrrole films
Authors: Pini Niccolò , Siegrist Mathias , Busato Stephan , Ermanni Paolo
Published: March 2007

The electric conductivity and the mechanical properties of electrochemically synthesized polypyrrole/p‐toluene sulfonic acid (PPy/pTSA) as a function of its processing parameters were investigated. The influence of polymerization current density, pyrrole concentration, and counter ion concentration on the electric conductivity of thick (≫100 μm) polymer films was examined and the electric conductivity was found to be in a range between 1.6 and 97 S · cm−1. Analysis of the polymer's chemical composition delivered a result in agreement with literature data of one counter ion for every 2.97 pyrrole rings for the best conducting samples. In mechanical tests, maximum values for Young's modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break, were found to be 4.0 GPa, 72.6 MPa, and 11.2%, respectively. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:662–666, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Process optimization of injection molding using an adaptive surrogate model with Gaussian process approach
Authors: Zhou Jian , Turng Lih‐Sheng
Published: March 2007

This article presents an integrated, simulation‐based optimization procedure that can determine the optimal process conditions for injection molding without user intervention. The idea is to use a nonlinear statistical regression technique and design of computer experiments to establish an adaptive surrogate model with short turn‐around time and adequate accuracy for substituting time‐consuming computer simulations during system‐level optimization. A special surrogate model based on the Gaussian process (GP) approach, which has not been employed previously for injection molding optimization, is introduced. GP is capable of giving both a prediction and an estimate of the confidence (variance) for the prediction simultaneously, thus providing direction as to where additional training samples could be added to improve the surrogate model. While the surrogate model is being established, a hybrid genetic algorithm is employed to evaluate the model to search for the global optimal solutions in a concurrent fashion. The examples presented in this article show that the proposed adaptive optimization procedure helps engineers determine the optimal process conditions more efficiently and effectively. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:684–694, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Synthesis of poly(sodium acrylate‐co‐sodium 1‐(acryloyloxy) propan‐2‐yl phosphate) and comparative study on its swelling properties with poly(sodium acrylate) and poly(sodium acrylate‐co‐2‐hydroxypropyl acrylate)
Authors: Chen Zhenbin , Liu Mingzhu , Qi Xiaohua , Liu Zhen
Published: March 2007

A new superabsorbent copolymer, poly(sodium acrylate‐co‐sodium 1‐(acryloyloxy) propan‐2‐yl phosphate) [P(SA‐co‐SAPP)], was synthesized by a novel prepared monomer, 1‐(acryloyloxy) propan‐2‐yl phosphoryl dichloride. The swelling properties of the superabsorbent were investigated by comparison with poly(sodium acrylate) (PSA) and the copolymer of poly(sodium acrylate‐co‐2‐hydroxypropyl acrylate) [P(SA‐co‐HPA)]. The results showed that (1) the superabsorbent containing sodium 1‐(acryloyloxy) propan‐2‐yl phosphate had higher water absorbency at general testing conditions; (2) the swelling properties of P(SA‐co‐SAPP) and PSA were obviously influenced by pH of solutions, which were different from that of P(SA‐co‐HPA); (3) the swelling process and the saturated water absorbency of all superabsorbents were remarkably affected by cations, especially multivalent ones, while barely affected by anions. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:728–737, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Poly(triarylamine): Its synthesis, properties, and blend with polyfluorene for white‐light electroluminescence
Authors: Lin Hung‐Yi , Liou Guey‐Sheng , Lee Wen‐Ya , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: March 2007

A new high‐molecular‐weight poly(triarylamine), poly[di(1‐naphthyl)‐4‐anisylamine] (PDNAA), was successfully synthesized by oxidative coupling polymerization from di(1‐naphthyl)‐4‐anisylamine (DNAA) with FeCl3 as an oxidant. PDNAA was readily soluble in common organic solvents and could be processed into freestanding films with high thermal decomposition and softening temperatures. Cyclic voltammograms of DNAA and PDNAA exhibited reversible oxidative redox couples at the potentials of 0.85 and 0.85 V, respectively, because of the oxidation of the main‐chain triarylamine unit. This suggested that PDNAA is a hole‐transporting material with an estimated HOMO level of 5.19 eV. The absorption maximum of a PDNAA film appeared at 370 nm, with an estimated band gap of 2.86 eV from the absorption edge. Unusual multiple photoluminescence maxima were observed at 546 nm, and this suggested its potential application in white‐light‐emission devices. Nearly white‐light‐emission devices could be obtained with either a bilayer‐structure approach {indium tin oxide/poly(ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate)/PDNAA/poly[2,7‐(9,9‐dihexylfluorene)] (PF)/Ca} or a polymer‐blend approach (PF/PDNAA = 95:5). The luminance yield and maximum external quantum efficiency of the light‐emitting diode with the PF/PDNAA blend as the emissive layer were 1.29 cd/A and 0.71%, respectively, and were significantly higher than those of the homopolymer. This study suggests that the PDNAA is a versatile material for electronic and optoelectronic applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1727–1736, 2007
Strain hardening of high density polyethylene
Authors: Haward R. N.
Published: March 2007

The introduction of true stress strain measurements, at constant strain rate, has promoted the development of empirical or semiempirical models for large deformations in thermoplastics. One such theory, which proposes that the post yield deformation process can be represented by equations derived from the theories of rubber elasticity, has been successfully applied to several glassy polymers. Unexpectedly, it can also model the post yield deformation of many different grades of polyethylene, even when rubber theory is employed in the simplest Gaussian form. Strain hardening is then represented by the single strain hardening coefficient Gp. Examples are given of this equation, which can be modified to give the true engineering or nominal stress σn and then be differentiated to give dσn/dλ = Gp − Y0 / λ2 + 2Gp / λ3, where Y0 is the yield stress and λ the extension ratio. Negative values of this differential then predict the onset of necking in tension and positive values stabilization of the neck. The relation of Gp to molecular weight is then discussed using literature measurements for polyethylenes of differing molecular weight and similar molecular weight distributions. When these results are then plotted, a strong dependency of Gp on molecular weight is observed. Some implications of these measurements are then considered. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 1090–1099, 2007
Effects of clay nanoparticles and electron irradiation in the crystallization rate of syndiotactic polypropylene
Authors: Cerrada M. L. , Rodríguez‐Amor V. , Pérez E.
Published: March 2007

Several composites of a metallocene syndiotactic polypropylene with an organophilic silicate have been prepared and analyzed to investigate the effects of the nanoparticles on the crystallization of syndiotactic polypropylene. Moreover, the influence of an electron‐irradiation dose of 166 kGy on the different materials has been studied. Although the melting temperatures are practically unchanged, irradiation leads to a considerably slower crystallization rate of the syndiotactic polypropylene homopolymer in such a way that an important cold crystallization has been observed in the second melting along with a much higher value of the isothermal crystallization half‐time. On the contrary, the nanocomposites are much less sensitive to irradiation because only a small shift of the crystallization temperature has been observed, and the isothermal crystallization half‐time remains practically unaffected. However, irradiation leads to important changes in the low‐angle region of X‐ray diffractograms. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 1068–1076, 2007
Property‐based sequence representations do not adequately encode local protein folding information
Authors: Solis A.D. , Rackovsky S.
Published: March 2007

We examine the informatic characteristics of amino acid representations based on physical properties. We demonstrate that sequences rewritten using contracted alphabets based on physical properties do not encode local folding information well. The best four‐character alphabet can only encode ∼57% of the maximum possible amount of structural information. This result suggests that property‐based representations that operate on a local length scale are not likely to be useful in homology searches and fold‐recognition exercises. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Filariasis vector in China: insecticide resistance and population structure of mosquito Culex pipiens complex
Authors: Cui Feng , Tan Yi , Qiao Chuan‐Ling
Published: March 2007

Seven field populations of mosquito Culex pipiens complex (Diptera: Culicidae) were collected from four provinces of China. The resistance status of larvae to dichlorvos, parathion, chlorpyrifos, fenobucarb (BPMC) and propoxur were determined by bioassays, disclosing that they were more resistant to organophosphate (moderate or low resistance) than to carbamate (low or no significant resistance) insecticides. Starch gel electrophoresis confirmed the presence and distribution of overproduced esterases B1, A2‐B2, A8‐B8 and A9‐B9, the frequencies of which varied according to their regional origins. Electrophoretic polymorphism at four putatively neutral loci (got‐1, got‐2, pgi and pgm) showed that the overall genetic differentiation found across all populations was significantly large (Fst = 0.28, P < 10−4), and genetic exchange was slightly restricted by distance isolation (P = 0.018). Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Learning and prediction of slip from visual information
Authors: Angelova Anelia , Matthies Larry , Helmick Daniel , Perona Pietro
Published: March 2007

This paper presents an approach for slip prediction from a distance for wheeled ground robots using visual information as input. Large amounts of slippage which can occur on certain surfaces, such as sandy slopes, will negatively affect rover mobility. Therefore, obtaining information about slip before entering such terrain can be very useful for better planning and avoiding these areas. To address this problem, terrain appearance and geometry information about map cells are correlated to the slip measured by the rover while traversing each cell. This relationship is learned from previous experience, so slip can be predicted remotely from visual information only. The proposed method consists of terrain type recognition and nonlinear regression modeling. The method has been implemented and tested offline on several off‐road terrains including: soil, sand, gravel, and woodchips. The final slip prediction error is about 20%. The system is intended for improved navigation on steep slopes and rough terrain for Mars rovers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collaboration as a pathway for sustainability
Authors: Lozano Rodrigo
Published: March 2007

Conventional individualistic behaviours with their quest for profit maximization and wealth accumulation have created economic, environmental and social imbalances in today's world. These imbalances threaten to become worse in the coming years, decades and centuries. Calls and efforts towards sustainable development (SD) seek to establish a dynamic equilibrium among these elements. One of the key elements in the transition towards more sustainable societies is collaboration.

This research presents three game theory tools to help rationalize that collaborative behaviours offer better results than individualistic ones. The first presented is the prisoners' dilemma. The second is the tragedy of the commons, a tool similar to the prisoners' dilemma but with more actors increasing the complexity. The third, the Nash equilibrium, offers a mathematical way to attempt to reach a system's optimum, i.e. to obtain the result that would in a totality benefit all the players. The tools are linked to SD problems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Some issues in software reliability assessment
Authors: Veevers Alan
Published: March 2007

The debate between those who prefer formal methods and those who advocate the use of reliability‐growth models in the assessment of software reliability continues. Some issues arising from this conflict are raised and discussed, beginning with the definition of quantified software reliability. After arguing that the stochastic modelling approach is conceptually sound, its possible relationship with the structure of the software is discussed. Evidence that certain structural counts can be used in place of time as the argument in reliability growth models is reported. The question of the extent to which the many non‐stochastic metrics now available contribute to software reliability quantification is aired. A relationship between reliability and a hierarchy of coverage metrics is reported, which may help to draw together the modellers and the testers.
Management of Recurrent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Microneurolysis and the Hypothenar Fat Pad Flap
Authors: Craft Randall O. , Duncan Scott F. M. , Smith Anthony A.
Published: March 2007

A retrospective chart review for the period between 1998 and 2006 was conducted to evaluate microneurolysis combined with a hypothenar fat pad flap (HTFPF) for patients at Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, who were being treated for recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome. After exclusion of patients with incomplete release of the transverse carpal ligament at the time of the original operation, 28 consecutive patients were identified. Their average age was 68.5 years (range 43–89 years). The average interval between the original carpal tunnel release and reexploration was 82 months (range 5–298 months). The average follow-up was 10.5 months (range 3–48.4 months). The preoperative two-point discrimination tests averaged 7 mm (range 5–12 mm). At surgery, all patients were found to have fibrosis surrounding the median nerve with adherence of the nerve to the radial leaf of the transverse carpal ligament. After surgery, the Tinel sign disappeared in 26 of 28 patients and two-point discrimination improved to an average of 6 mm (range 4–8 mm). Postoperative grip strength averaged 20 kg, compared with 11 kg preoperatively. Pain completely disappeared in 83% of patients (average improvement 93%, range 5–100%). Numbness completely disappeared in 42% of patients (average improvement 82.9%, range 5–100%). Tingling disappeared in 50% of patients (average improvement 84.7%, range 5–100%). No patient reported being worse after reoperation. These results suggest that the combination of microneurolysis and HTFPF can restore median nerve gliding and provide soft-tissue coverage, improving symptoms in patients with recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome.
Application of a [13CO2] breath test to study short-term amino acid catabolism during the postprandial phase of a meal
Authors: Bujko Jacek , Schreurs Victor V. A. M. , Nolles Jelmer A. , Verreijen Amely M. , Koopmanschap Rudie E. , Verstegen Martin W. A.
Published: March 2007

A [13CO2] breath test was applied as a non-invasive method to study the catabolism of ingested amino acids shortly after a meal. This test requires the ingestion of a [1-13C]-labelled amino acid and the analysis of expired air for [13C] enrichment and CO2. The recovery of label as [13CO2] reflects the catabolism of the [1-13C]-labelled substrate. Such a non-steady state approach provides information that is complementary to the information obtained by steady-state methods using a primed continuous infusion of tracer amino acids during the fed state. In a model study with twenty adult male rats, two groups of animals were fed twice a day with one of two semi-synthetic iso-energetic diets. One diet contained egg white protein (EW) as the sole amino acid source. The second diet contained a mixture of free amino acids with a pattern similar to that of the EW diet. On day 5 of the dietary treatment, l-[1-13C]leucine, either bound in EW protein or in free form, was ingested as part of the morning meal. The expired air was sampled at 30 min intervals for 5 h. The rate of recovery ranged from 0 % to 6 % of the dose/h. Up to 120 min after the onset of the meal, the recovery values for the free amino acid diet were higher than those for the EW diet. Differences in recovery reflect differences in postprandial utilisation. The differences in label recovery were mainly determined by the [13C] enrichment of the expired air. As a consequence, CO2 measurements are not mandatory when CO2 production is comparable.
Some bovine proteins behave as dietary fibres and reduce serum lipids in rats
Authors: Ruvini Liyanage , Hashimoto Naoto , Han Kyu-Ho , Kajiura Teppei , Watanabe Shoko , Shimada Ken-ichiro , Sekikawa Mitsuo , Ohba Kiyoshi , Fukushima Michihiro
Published: March 2007

We examined the physiological importance of bovine dietary proteins in rats fed diets prepared from bovine Achilles' tendons and arteries. Rats were fed for 4 weeks, with a 20 % casein diet (CON), in comparison with two diets containing 15 % casein and 5 % of either bovine Achilles' tendon (AC) or artery (AR) protein preparations. The serum total cholesterol concentration and non-HDL-cholesterol level in the AR-fed group were significantly lower (P < 0·05) than those in the CON-fed group at the end of the 4-week feeding period. The hepatic mRNA were measured, and the hydroxyl methyl glutaryl-CoA reductase mRNA level was significantly lower (P < 0·05) in the AR-fed group compared with the CON-fed group. Total hepatic cholesterol concentration in AC-fed rats was significantly (P < 0·05) higher than in the CON-fed group. The serum TAG concentration and fatty acid synthase mRNA level in AC- and AR-fed groups were significantly lower (P < 0·05) compared with the CON-fed group throughout the feeding period. Faecal neutral sterol excretion was significantly (P < 0·05) higher in the AC- and AR-fed groups compared with the CON-fed group. The results of the present study demonstrate that some bovine dietary proteins have similar functions as dietary fibres, lowering serum lipid concentration by enhancing faecal neutral sterol excretion or suppressing lipid synthesis in the liver. Moreover, favourable amino acid compositions in the AR and AC preparations may also have a lowering effect on plasma lipid concentration in bovine protein diet-fed groups.
The effect of absence of protozoa on rumen biohydrogenation and the fatty acid composition of lamb muscle
Authors: Yáñez-Ruiz David R. , Williams Selwyn , J. Newbold Charles
Published: March 2007

The effects of the absence of protozoa in the rumen of lambs on animal growth, rumen fermentation, microbial diversity and fatty acid profiles in abomasal fluid and intramuscular fat were measured in ten control and ten protozoa-free (PF) lambs. PF lambs were prepared by isolating them from ewes within the first 24 h after birth. The PF and control lambs were kept for 4 months in two different fields and received a daily supplement of 250 g concentrate. The bacterial populations visualised by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis differed between the two groups of animals and showed a higher bacterial diversity in control lambs than in PF lambs. Abomasal contents from control lambs contained higher concentrations of 22 : 5n-3 and 22 : 6n-3 and lower concentrations of vaccenic acid (trans-11–18 : 1) and 20 : 3n-6 than PF lambs. The rest of the fatty acids, including the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers, were present at the same concentrations in abomasal contents from both experimental groups. Fatty acid composition in intramuscular fat showed differences between the groups. PF lambs had higher proportions of 18 : 0, 18 : 3,trans-10,cis-12-CLA and total SFA than control lambs. Control lambs had higher proportions ofcis-9–18 : 1,cis-9,cis-12–18 : 2, 20 : 3n-6, 22 : 6n-3 (DHA) and MUFA. In conclusion, rumen defaunation led to higher tissue levels of thetrans-10,cis-12-CLA isomer and SFA and lower PUFA:SFA ratio andn-3 PUFA in lamb muscle.
The Salafiyya and Sufism: Muhammad ‘Abduh and his Risālat al-Wāridāt (Treatise on Mystical Inspirations)
Authors: Scharbrodt Oliver
Published: March 2007

This article questions certain assumptions on the intellectual history of modern Islam and on one of the most influential modern reform movements, the Salafiyya. By looking at the Sufi origins of one of the main Salafī reformers, it relativizes the notion of an inherent anti-Sufism of this reform movement. The article examines how Muhammad ‘Abduh (1849–1905), the famous Egyptian reformer, converted to Sufism in his youth after experiencing a spiritual and intellectual crisis. The influence of his paternal great-uncle Shaykh Darwīsh al-Khādir and of Sayyid Jamāl al-Dīn al-Afghānī (1837–1897) on ‘Abduh's spiritual and intellectual formation will be investigated. In his youth, Sufism provided him with an alternative form of religiosity with which he could express his dissatisfaction with the representatives of mainstream Islam in his time. ‘Abduh's mystical inclinations found its literary expression in his first major work, the Risālat al-Wāridāt (Treatise on Mystical Inspirations), whose contents will be discussed in detail.
HN stability of the Vlasov–Poisson–Boltzmann system near Maxwellians
Authors: Yu Hongjun
Published: March 2007

We study the HN stability of the Vlasov–Poisson Boltzmann system near Maxwellians. Under a suitable smallness assumption on initial data, we show that the global classical solutions constructed by Guo are HN stable. For a stability estimate, we employ the energy methods of Guo.
Aufmerksamkeitsstörungen bei Kindern
Authors: Jacobs Claus , Petermann Franz
Published: March 2007

Zusammenfassung. Ein Großteil der unaufmerksamen Kinder leidet auch an einer Störung der Aufmerksamkeitsselektivität (Aufmerksamkeitssteuerung). Jacobs und Petermann (2005) wiesen bereits signifikante und bedeutsame Effekte bei einfacher Prä-Postmessung vor und unmittelbar nach Durchführung der Therapie nach. In der vorliegenden Studie erfolgte die Postmessung zwischen sechs Wochen und vier Monate nach Abschluss der Therapie. Damit liegen Langzeiteffekte für das neuropsychologische Gruppenprogramm ATTENTIONER vor. Es zeigen sich signifikante und bedeutsame Effekte sowohl für die fokussierte als auch für die geteilte Aufmerksamkeit.
A simple model for predicting water table fluctuations in a tidal marsh
Authors: Montalto Franco A. , Parlange Jean‐Yves , Steenhuis Tammo S.
Published: March 2007

Wetland restoration efforts are ongoing in many urban estuaries. In this context the hydrologic characteristics of restored wetlands are of paramount importance since the spatially and temporally variable position of the water table and of soil saturation establishes the oxidation state of the substrate, which, in turn, affects the wetland's biogeochemical composition and the biological communities it is capable of supporting. A relatively simple analytical model developed here describes tidal marsh hydrology from creek bank to interior, considering transient drainage, net meteorological inputs, and tidal effects. Given a series of physical and time‐dependent inputs, the analytical solution derived predicts the position of the water table at points along a transect perpendicular to a tidal creek. Validation of the model using water table time series data collected along three transects at Piermont Marsh, a tidal wetland on the Hudson River in the New York/New Jersey Estuary, indicates good general agreement between observations and predictions, although it may not be precise enough for some kinds of ecological applications. A sensitivity analysis on the model indicates that a range of pairs of transmissivity and specific yield values that increase with distance from the creek results in the same spatial and temporal fluctuations in the water table. This equifinality result is discussed as it relates to the predictive capacity of the model presented.
Global atmospheric forcing data for Arctic ice‐ocean modeling
Authors: Hunke Elizabeth C. , Holland Marika M.
Published: March 2007

We compare three forcing data sets, all variants of National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) forcing, in global ice‐ocean simulations and evaluate them for use in Arctic model studies. The data sets include the standard Arctic Ocean Model Intercomparison Project (AOMIP) protocol, standard NCEP forcing fields, and the data set of Large and Yeager (2004). We explore their performance in Arctic simulations using a global, coupled, sea ice‐ocean model, and find that while these forcing data sets have many similarities, the resulting simulations present significant differences, most notably in ice thickness and ocean circulation. This underscores the sensitivity of Arctic sea ice and ocean to slight changes in environmental forcing parameters. This study also highlights the difficulties faced by the model intercomparison community attempting to disentangle simulation differences due to model physics from those caused by small differences in forcing parameters. Assessing the simulation uncertainty due to inaccuracies in the forcing data provides context for the simulation uncertainty associated with model physics.