bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sprachverwirrung bei Gefahrgütern. Gefahrgut‐Informations‐ und ‐kommunikationssysteme
Authors: Farahbakhsh Mahin , Eiben Mario
Published: August 2010

In den Gefahrgutvorschriften gibt es keine klaren Regeln für die einheitliche Benennung von Gefahrgütern, die nicht direkt in der Gefahrgutliste genannt sind. Die Verwendung von unterschiedlichen Namen für ein und denselben Stoff erschwert den Informationsfluss. Hinzu kommt, dass viele chemische Benennungen Sonderzeichen (z. B. griechische Buchstaben, Umlaute, etc.) enthalten, die elektronisch oft nicht gut übertragbar sind. Dies kann zu einem erheblichen Fehlerpotenzial bei Gefahrgutunfällen führen. Abhilfe könnte eine Hilfsdatenbank mit einheitlichen und elektronisch gut übertragbaren Benennungen schaffen.
Correlates of creative behaviour: the role of leadership and personal factors
Authors: Strickland Susan , Towler Annette
Published: August 2010

An organizational field study was conducted to test the relationship between subordinate openness to experience, supervisor charismatic leadership, and creative behaviour. Data were collected from 167 employee‐supervisor pairs of a manufacturing company that produces advertising specialty products. Charismatic leadership related positively to subordinates' creative behaviour only for subordinates low in openness to experience and not for their high openness to experience counterparts. Implications for theory and practice are discussed. Copyright © 2010 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human mucosal leishmaniasis: Neutrophils infiltrate areas of tissue damage that express high levels of Th17‐related cytokines
Authors: Boaventura Viviane S. , Santos Claire S. , Cardoso Cristina R. , de Andrade José , Dos Santos Washington L. C. , Clarêncio Jorge , Silva João S. , Borges Valeria M. , Barral‐Netto Manoel , Brodskyn Claudia I. , Barral Aldina
Published: August 2010

Mucosal leishmaniasis (ML) is characterised by severe tissue destruction. Herein, we evaluated the involvement of the IL‐17‐type response in the inflammatory infiltrate of biopsy specimens from 17 ML patients. IL‐17 and IL‐17‐inducing cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐23, IL‐6 and TGF‐β) were detected by immunohistochemistry in ML patients. IL‐17+ cells exhibited CD4+, CD8+ or CD14+ phenotypes, and numerous IL‐17+ cells co‐expressed the CC chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6). Neutrophils, a hallmark of Th17‐mediated inflammation, were regularly detected in necrotic and perinecrotic areas and stained positive for neutrophil elastase, myeloperoxidase and MMP‐9. Taken together, these observations demonstrate the existence of Th17 cells in ML lesions associated with neutrophils in areas of tissue injury and suggest that IL‐17 is involved in ML pathogenesis.
DX5+CD4+ T cells modulate cytokine production by CD4+ T cells towards IL‐10 via the production of IL‐4
Authors: Han Wanda G. H. , van der Voort Ellen I. H. , el Bannoudi Hanane , Louis‐Plence Pascale , Huizinga Tom W. J. , Toes René E. M.
Published: August 2010

CD4+ Th cells play a critical role in orchestrating the adaptive immune response. Uncontrolled Th1 responses are implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. T cells with immune‐modulatory properties are beneficial for inhibiting such inflammatory responses. Previously we demonstrated that repetitive injections of immature DC induce expansion of DX5+CD4+ T cells, which upon adoptive transfer show potent regulatory properties in murine collagen‐induced arthritis as well as in delayed‐hypersensitivity models. However, their regulatory mechanism remains to be defined. Here, we analyzed the effect of DX5+CD4+ T cells on other CD4+ T cells in vitro. Although proliferation of naïve CD4+ T cells upon antigenic triggering was not altered in the presence of DX5+CD4+ T cells, there was a striking difference in cytokine production. In the presence of DX5+CD4+ T cells, an IL‐10‐producing CD4+ T‐cell response was induced instead of a predominant IFN‐γ‐producing Th1 response. This modulation did not require cell–cell contact. Instead, IL‐4 produced by DX5+CD4+ T cells was primarily involved in the inhibition of IFN‐γ and promotion of IL‐10 production by CD4+ T cells. Together, our data indicate that DX5+CD4+ T cells modulate the outcome of Th‐responses by diverting Th1‐induction into Th responses characterized by the production of IL‐10.
Enzymatic degumming
Authors: Dijkstra Albert J.
Published: August 2010

The first enzymatic degumming process to be used industrially was the EnzyMax® process that was launched in 1992; it used porcine phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Subsequently, various microbial phospholipases (PLases) with different specificities have been developed. They have the advantages of being kosher/halal and of having a non‐limited availability and lower cost.

The first of these microbial enzymes were the phospholipases A1 (Lecitase® Novo and Ultra) and more recently, a phospholipase C (Purifine®) and a lipid acyl transferase (LysoMax®) with PLA2 acitivity have also become available in commercial quantities. These enzymes have different specificities. The Lecitases® and the LysoMax® enzymes catalyse the hydrolysis of all common phosphatides and differ in this respect from the Purifine® enzyme, which is specific for phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine. These phosphatides are hydrolysed to oil‐soluble diacylglycerol and water‐soluble phosphate esters. Since these diacylglycerols remain in the oil during refining, they contribute to the oil yield. That also holds for the sterol and stanol fatty esters formed as a consequence of the phosphatide hydrolysis catalysed by the LysoMax® enzyme. In addition, all enzymes cause less oil to be retained by the gums by decreasing the amount of gums and/or their oil retention, which also contributes to an improved oil yield.

On the other hand and contrary to common belief, the enzymes are incapable of catalysing the hydrolysis of non‐hydratable phosphatides (alkaline earth salts of phosphatidic acid) under industrial conditions. Consequently, the industrial enzymatic degumming step has to be preceded by a chemical degumming step to arrive at a degummed oil with a sufficiently low residual phosphorus content that can be physically refined. Accordingly, it might well be preferable to limit the oil treatment to said chemical degumming and produce oil with a low residual phosphorus content and gums, and then treat the gums separately to recover their fatty matter, whereby this recovery can be enzymatic or chemical.
Lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidants, lipid peroxidation inhibition and radical scavenging activity of two Lamiaceae food plants
Authors: Fernandes Ângela S. F. , Barros Lillian , Carvalho Ana Maria , R. Ferreira Isabel C. F.
Published: August 2010

Medicinal and aromatic plants are highly prized all over the world. According to local cuisine and pharmacopoeias, they used to be important as dietary supplements, providing bioactive compounds. Herein, we describe lipophilic (fatty acids, tocopherols and carotenoids) and hydrophilic (ascorbic acid, sugars and phenolic compounds) antioxidants, lipid peroxidation inhibition and free radical scavenging activity in aerial parts of two Lamiaceae species (Mentha pulegium and Thymus pulegioides). M. pulegium gave the highest antioxidant properties (EC50<0.56 mg/mL), which is in agreement with its highest content in tocopherols, mainly α‐tocopherol (69.54 mg/100 g), ascorbic acid (7.90 mg/100 g), reducing sugars (7.99 g/100 g) and phenolics. The presence of these lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidants could explain its use as antiseptic, anti‐inflammatory and as food preservative and special sauce. M. pulegium revealed the highest content of fat, α‐linolenic (ω‐3) and linoleic (ω‐6) fatty acids, while T. pulegioides revealed the highest content of carbohydrates (89.35 g/100 g). This could explain its use to improve the nutrition value of rye flour broth or potato based soups.
Photochemistry of Salicylaldoxime in Solid Argon: An Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Grzegorzek Joanna , Mielke Zofia
Published: August 2010

The photochemistry of salicylaldoxime in solid argon has been investigated by FTIR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. The salicylaldoxime molecule trapped in the matrix from the vapor above the solid sample has the most stable syn1 conformation with an intramolecular hydrogen bond. Irradiation (λ > 320 nm) leads to conversion of the syn1 conformer into the syn3 one, in which the C(H)NOH and (C)OH groups are rotated around the C–C and C–O bonds, respectively, and the intramolecular hydrogen bond is broken. The photochemistry of syn3 involves three possible routes: (i) conversion of syn3 into anti2 conformer, this process requires rearrangement of the NOH group with respect to the C=N bond; (ii) photodissociation of salicylaldoxime into 2‐cyanophenol and water, which form a hydrogen‐bonded complex; and (iii) regeneration of the syn1 conformer. The third route is a very small contribution to the overall process. The study performed with [D2]salicylaldoxime indicates that the dehydration reaction of salicylaldoxime involves cleavage of the N–O bond and formation of OH and Ph(OH)C(H)N radicals in the first step. Then, the OH radical abstracts a hydrogen atom from the CH group to form 2‐cyanophenol and water molecules. When the sample is exposed to the full output of the mercury lamp the 2‐cyanophenol complex with water becomes the dominating product.
Cooperative C3‐ and C13‐Substituent Effects on Synthetic Chlorophyll Derivatives
Authors: Sasaki Shin‐ichi , Yoshizato Mari , Kunieda Michio , Tamiaki Hitoshi
Published: August 2010

C3‐vinyl and C13‐keto‐carbonyl groups of methyl pyropheophorbide‐a, a chlorophyll‐a derivative, were systematically modified to investigate the substituent effects along the y‐axis of chlorin macrocycles. C131 deoxygenation resulted in blueshifts of the Qy absorption maxima and a large reduction of their redox potentials, whereas introduction of the dicyanomethylene group at the 131‐position caused the opposite effect on both optical and electrochemical properties. Among the nine chlorins examined, the Qy peak positions could be varied from 647 to 736 nm by the cooperative effects of the diagonal substituents' combinations.
A Cobalt‐Catalyzed Multicomponent Approach to Novel 2,3‐Di‐ and 2,2,3‐Trisubstituted 3‐Methoxycarbonyl‐γ‐butyrolact­ones
Authors: Le Floch Camille , Le Gall Erwan , Léonel Eric , Koubaa Jihen , Martens Thierry , Retailleau Pascal
Published: August 2010

A one‐pot, three‐component synthesis of the title butyrolactones starting from aryl bromides, dimethyl itaconate, and either aldehydes or ketones is described. The cobalt‐catalyzed domino process formally involves the in situ metalation of an aromatic bromide, conjugate addition onto dimethylitaconate, an aldolization reaction with a carbonyl compound and a final cyclization into a five‐membered lactone. This procedure is applied to the concise synthesis of a range of functionalized γ‐butyrolactones with a methyl paraconate subunit.
On pore water pressure variations causing slide velocities and accelerations observed in a seasonally active landslide
Authors: Van Genuchten Pieter M. B. , De Rijke Helenus
Published: August 2010

Individual block displacements, continuously recorded in spring 1987 in a landslide in the French Alps, are strongly affected by rain and dry spells. Although a viscous component is present in the sliding mechanism, variation of the plastic strength characteristics is necessary to explain the controlled sliding. A stick‐slip movement behaviour and a diurnal variation in slide rate, attributed to the diurnal variation in evapotranspiration, were recorded. The observed numerous accelerations and decelerations of the blocks movements are attributed to small variations in pore pressure. These variations are explained and their magnitude is calculated: starting from limit equilibrium increases of pore water pressure smaller than 0‐1 k Pa are sufficient to provoke the maximum recorded acceleration and velocity for a block of 2000 tons in weight.
Researches on Moss Vegetation on decaying wooden substratum of Bîrnova‐Repedea wooded Massif, Iasi (Romania)
Authors: Mihai Gh.
Published: August 2010

Representing the continuation of the investigations on moss vegetation this paper records of such on decaying wooden substratum of Bîrnova‐Repedea forest. Two moss associations and two bryocenoses are described.
Demethyl fruticulin A (SCO‐1) causes apoptosis by inducing reactive oxygen species in mitochondria
Authors: Monticone Massimiliano , Bisio Angela , Daga Antonio , Giannoni Paolo , Giaretti Walter , Maffei Massimo , Pfeffer Ulrich , Romeo Francesco , Quarto Rodolfo , Romussi Giovanni , Corte Giorgio , Castagnola Patrizio
Published: August 2010

Demethyl fruticulin A (SCO‐1) is a compound found in Salvia corrugata leaves. SCO‐1 was reported to induce anoikis in cell lines via the membrane scavenging receptor CD36. However, experiments performed with cells lacking CD36 showed that SCO‐1 was able to induce apoptosis also via alternative pathways. To gain some insight into the biological processes elicited by this compound, we undertook an unbiased genomic approach. Upon exposure of glioblastoma tumor initiating cells (GBM TICs) to SCO‐1 for 24 h, we observed a deregulation of the genes belonging to the glutathione metabolism pathway and of those belonging to the biological processes related to the response to stress and to chemical stimulus. On this basis, we hypothesized that the SCO‐1 killing effect could result from the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the mitochondria. This hypothesis was confirmed by flow cytometry using MitoSOX, a mitochondria‐selective fluorescent reporter of ROS, and by the ability of N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) to inhibit apoptosis when co‐administered with SOC‐1 to the GBM TICs. We further show that NAC also protects other cell types such as HeLa, MG‐63, and COS‐7 from apoptosis. We therefore propose that ROS production is the major molecular mechanism responsible for the pro‐apoptotic effect induced by SCO‐1. Consequently, SCO‐1 may have a potential therapeutic value, which deserves further investigation in animal models. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1149–1159, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predictors of parenting among economically disadvantaged latina mothers: mediating and moderating factors
Authors: Prelow Hazel M. , Weaver Scott R. , Bowman Marvella A. , Swenson Rebecca R.
Published: August 2010

Structural equation modeling was used to examine the role of ecological risk factors, maternal psychological distress, and social network support on the parenting behaviors of 535 economically disadvantaged Latina mothers, who were surveyed for the Welfare Children, & Families: A Three City Study. We predicted that ecological risk would influence mothers' parenting through their psychological distress but that social support would buffer the effects of ecological risk on mothers' depressive symptoms. As predicted, ecological risk was associated with higher contemporaneous psychological distress, which, in turn, predicted lower positive parenting behaviors approximately 18 months later. Social network support buffered the impact of the ecological risk on mothers' symptoms of psychological distress and, thereby, also buffered its indirect effect on parenting behaviors. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Up‐regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress‐related genes during the early phase of treatment of cultured cortical neurons by the proteasomal inhibitor lactacystin
Authors: Choy Meng Shyan , Chen Minghui Jessica , Manikandan Jayapal , Peng Zhao Feng , Jenner Andrew M. , Melendez Alirio J. , Cheung Nam Sang
Published: August 2010

Inhibition of proteasome degradation pathway has been implicated in neuronal cell death leading to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. We and others demonstrated that treatment of cortical neurons with the proteasomal inhibitor lactacystin leads to apoptosis. We discovered by microarray analysis that lactacystin treatment modulates the expression of both potentially neuroprotective as well as pro‐apoptotic genes in neurons. However, the significance of the genes which upon transcriptional modulation contributed to proteasomal inhibition‐induced apoptosis, remained unidentified. By employing microarray analysis to decipher the time‐dependent changes in transcription of these genes in cultured cortical neurons, we discovered different groups of genes were transcriptionally regulated in the early and late phase of lactacystin‐induced cell death. In the early phase, several neuroprotective genes such as those encoding the proteasome subunits and ubiquitin‐associated enzymes, as well as the heat‐shock proteins (HSP) were up‐regulated. However, the pro‐apoptotic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐associated genes were also up‐regulated at the early phase of lactacystin‐induced neuronal cell death. In the late phase, genes encoding antioxidants and calcium‐binding proteins were up‐regulated while those associated with cholesterol biosynthesis were down‐regulated. The data suggest that ER stress may participate in mediating the apoptotic responses induced by proteasomal inhibition. The up‐regulation of the neuroprotective antioxidant genes and calcium‐binding protein genes and down‐regulation of the cholesterol biosynthesis genes in the later phase are likely consequences of stimulation of the pro‐apoptotic signaling pathways in the early phase of lactacystin treatment. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 494–510, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Down‐regulation of Orai3 arrests cell‐cycle progression and induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells but not in normal breast epithelial cells
Authors: Faouzi Malika , Hague Frederic , Potier Marie , Ahidouch Ahmed , Sevestre Henri , Ouadid‐Ahidouch Halima
Published: August 2010

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cancer in the world in terms of incidence and mortality in women. However, the mechanism by which BC develops remains largely unknown. The increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ can result in different physiological changes including cell growth and death. Orai isoforms are highly Ca2+ selective channels. In the present study, we analyzed Orai3 expression in normal and cancerous breast tissue samples, and its role in MCF‐7 BC and normal MCF‐10A mammary epithelial cell lines. We found that the expression of Orai3 mRNAs was higher in BC tissues and MCF‐7 cells than in normal tissues and MCF‐10A cells. Down‐regulation of Orai3 by siRNA inhibited MCF‐7 cell proliferation and arrested cell cycle at G1 phase. This phenomenon is associated with a reduction in CDKs 4/2 (cyclin‐dependent kinases) and cyclins E and D1 expression and an accumulation of p21Waf1/Cip1 (a cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor) and p53 (a tumor‐suppressing protein). Orai3 was also involved in MCF‐7 cell survival. Furthermore, Orai3 mediated Ca2+ entry and contributed to intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). In MCF‐10A cells, silencing Orai3 failed to modify [Ca2+]i, cell proliferation, cell‐cycle progression, cyclins (D1, E), CDKs (4, 2), and p21Waf1/Cip1 expression. Our results provide strong evidence for a significant effect of Orai3 on BC cell growth in vitro and show that this effect is associated with the induction of cell cycle and apoptosis resistance. Our study highlights a possible role of Orai3 as therapeutic target in BC therapy. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 542–551, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The impact of carboxyalkylation of branched polyethylenimine on effectiveness in small interfering RNA delivery
Authors: Oskuee Reza K. , Philipp Alexander , Dehshahri Ali , Wagner Ernst , Ramezani Mohammad
Published: August 2010

Background

Carboxyalkylation of branched 25 kDa polyethylenimine (PEI) was considered to reduce the positive surface charge of the polymer without reducing its ‘proton sponge’ buffering capacity, and to provide alkylene domains for hydrophobic interactions, thus generating optimized novel PEI carriers for efficient delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA).

Methods

Substitution of PEI was evaluated in the range of 6 to > 50 mole percentage of primary amines. Additionally, variation of the carboxyalkyl chain (one to 15 methylene groups) was explored to modulate the carrier hydrophobicity. Carriers were characterized in their buffering capacity, capability of siRNA polyplex formation, and cytotoxicity. Marker gene‐silencing efficacy was evaluated using Neuro2A‐eGFPLuc neuroblastoma cells.

Results

Carboxyalkylation strongly reduced cytotoxicity of PEI and improved siRNA mediated luciferase gene knockdown. An optimum silencing activity was observed at an alkylcarboxylation degree of 6–9 mole percentage of primary amines and with a broad range of carboxyalkylene chains (containing one to 15 methylene groups). Strongly enhanced gene‐silencing efficacy also was observed when the biocompatible polymers were separately added at 1 h after transfection with tolerated doses of standard PEI25/siRNA polyplexes.

Conclusions

Carboxyalkylation of branched 25 kDa PEI resulted in polymers with strongly reduced cytotoxicity and improved silencing efficacy. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that the presence of a surplus of free carboxyalkylated polymer is responsible for the improved siRNA delivery. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Construction of a temperature‐controlled diffusion phantom for quality control of diffusion measurements
Authors: Reischauer Carolin , Staempfli Philipp , Jaermann Thomas , Boesiger Peter
Published: August 2010

Purpose

To construct a temperature‐controlled diffusion phantom with known diffusion properties and geometry in order to facilitate the comparison and optimization of diffusion sequences with the objective of increasing the precision of experimentally derived diffusion parameters.

Materials and Methods

A temperature‐stabilized diffusion phantom made up of two crossing strands of hydrophobic polyethylene fibers was constructed. Reproducibility and temperature dependence of several diffusion parameters was investigated and compared with computer simulations. Furthermore, in order to stimulate actual use, the precision of measurement of different diffusion‐encoding schemes was compared using bootstrap analysis.

Results

The measured values of the diffusion parameters are highly reproducible and feature strong temperature dependence which is reproduced in simulations, underlining the necessity of a temperature‐stabilized environment for quality control. The exemplary application presented here demonstrates that the phantom allows comparing and optimizing different diffusion sequences with regard to their measurement precision.

Conclusion

The present work demonstrates that the diffusion phantom facilitates and improves the comparison and quality control of diffusion sequences and the ensuing parameters. The results show that an accurate temperature control is a vital prerequisite for highly reproducible calibration measurements. As such, the phantom might provide a valuable calibration tool for clinical studies. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:692–698. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diffusion‐weighted MRI of hepatic tumor in rats: Comparison between in vivo and postmortem imaging acquisitions
Authors: Sun Xihe , Wang Huaijun , Chen Feng , De Keyzer Frederik , Yu Jie , Jiang Yansheng , Feng Yuanbo , Li Junjie , Marchal Guy , Ni Yicheng
Published: August 2010

Purpose

To determine the feasibility of in vivo diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) to distinguish between normal liver, viable tumor and necrosis compared to postmortem DWI in a rat model with vascular‐targeting treatment.

Materials and Methods

Fifteen rats with liver implantation of 30 rhabdomyosarcomas were treated with combretastatin A‐4‐phosphate (CA4P) at 10 mg/kg. Two days after treatment, T2‐weighted imaging, precontrast T1‐weighted imaging, postcontrast T1‐weighted imaging, and DWI were performed in vivo and postmortem with a 1.5T scanner. Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) calculated from DWIs with b values of 0, 50, and 100 seconds/mm2 (ADClow), 500, 750, and 1000 seconds/mm2 (ADChigh), 0, 500, and 1000 seconds/mm2 (ADC3b), and 0–1000 seconds/mm2 (ADC10b) for tumor, liver, therapeutic necrosis, and phantoms were compared and validated with ex vivo microangiographic and histopathologic findings.

Results

Except ADClow between tumor and necrosis, in vivo ADCs successfully differentiated liver, viable tumor, and necrosis (P < 0.05). Compared to in vivo outcomes, postmortem ADCs significantly dropped in tumor and liver (P < 0.05) except ADChigh of tumor, but not in necrosis and phantoms. Compared to ADClow, ADChigh was less affected by vital status.

Conclusion

Advantageous over postmortem DWI, in vivo DWI provides a noninvasive easy‐performing tool for distinguishing between liver, viable tumor, and necrosis. ADClow and ADChigh better reflect tissue perfusion and water diffusion, respectively. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;29:621–628. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The nature and origin of fissures in the East Anglian Coralline and Red Crags
Authors: Balson P. S. , Humphreys B.
Published: August 2010

Vertical or inclined planar fissures that may for the most part be classified as joints are commonly seen in exposures of both the Coralline and Red Crag in East Anglia. Measurements of fissure orientation reveal orthogonal patterns of alignment in both formations. The field relations of the fissures to the host Crag sediment suggest a tectonic rather than periglacial origin. It is proposed that the fissure system is the product of early Pleistocene tectonic flexuring in the area, on the western margin of the subsiding southern North Sea basin.
Isolated laryngeal myokymia: Diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Sedgh Jacob , Statham Melissa M. , Munin Michael C. , Small George , Rosen Clark A.
Published: August 2010

Myokymia is an uncommon neuromuscular disorder that rarely affects the human larynx. No previous reports of isolated laryngeal myokymia are present in the literature, and as such, established treatment protocols are lacking. We report the first case of isolated laryngeal myokymia in a 48‐year‐old woman with no other neurological findings, and our successful results in initial treatment and maintenance therapy with focal intralaryngeal injections of botulinum toxin A. Laryngoscope, 2010
Tonsillectomy in children: A five‐factor analysis among three techniques—Reporting upon clinical results, anesthesia time, surgery time, bleeding, and cost
Authors: D'Eredità Riccardo
Published: August 2010

Objectives:

Improved technology claims better clinical results for adenotonsillectomy (T&A) in children, and promoters of each technique announce many virtues over one another, year after year. However, cost remains one variable that is not always thoroughly addressed. In this study, monopolar cautery (MPC) T&A was compared with coblation (CAT) and molecular resonance (MR) techniques in a pediatric population.

Study Design:

Prospective analysis of 96 patients (32 for each surgical modality: MPC, MR, or CAT).

Setting:

Tertiary care pediatric institution.

Subjects and Methods:

Clinical results, anesthesia and surgery time, bleeding, and cost among these three established techniques were compared. P‐values of P < .05 were considered significant for all comparisons.

Results:

The CAT and MPC had similar operative times (mean 19.2 and 21.1 minutes, respectively, P = NS), whereas the MR group had overall saving of 7.8 minutes in surgery (P < .05). In terms of cost of technology, the cost of the MPC and MR groups was 90.6% and 83.7% less than the CAT group, respectively.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated that MR technique of T&A enabled the surgical team to save a significant amount of time, whereas CAT added substantial costs, compared to MR and standard cautery techniques. Laryngoscope, 120:2502–2507, 2010
Nano‐Level Mixing of ZnO into Poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Agrawal Mukesh , Gupta Smrati , Zafeiropoulos Nikolaos E. , Oertel Ulrich , Häßler Rudiger , Stamm Manfred
Published: August 2010

A simple, facile and versatile approach is presented for the preparation of PMMA/ZnO nanocomposite materials, which possess high transparency, no color, good thermal stability, UV absorption and improved mechanical properties. The employed process involved mixing of ZnO nanoparticles dispersed in DMAc with the PMMA matrix dissolved in the same solvent. The effect of ZnO content on the physical properties of the PMMA matrix is studied. A significant improvement in mechanical properties was observed with the incorporation of 0.5 wt.‐% ZnO particles. The beauty of the described approach lies in the fact that despite being a simple and facile approach, it offers nano‐level (2–5 nm) mixing of ZnO nanoparticles into a polymer matrix.

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Multiple system atrophy is associated with changes in peripheral insulin‐like growth factor system
Authors: Pellecchia Maria Teresa , Pivonello Rosario , Longo Katia , Manfredi Michela , Tessitore Alessandro , Amboni Marianna , Pivonello Claudia , Rocco Mariangela , Cozzolino Autilia , Colao Annamaria , Barone Paolo
Published: August 2010

Insulin‐like growth factors (IGF‐I and IGF‐II) have been shown to have several neurotrophic actions and IGF system may be impaired in neurodegenerative disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the IGF system in patients with MSA and to evaluate correlations between this endocrine system and clinical features of the disease. Serum levels of IGF‐I, IGF‐II, insulin, IGF‐binding protein 1 (BP1), and IGF‐binding protein 3 (BP3) were measured in 25 patients with probable MSA and 25 age, sex and BMI‐matched healthy controls. Clinical status of each patient was evaluated with the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS) Part II and the Hoehn and Yahr rating scale. IGF‐I levels were significantly higher in MSA (164.1 + 66.2 μg/L) than in healthy controls (111.7 + 60.3 μg/L; p = 0.001). Insulin levels were significantly higher in MSA patients (21.9 ± 14.4 μU/mL) than in healthy controls (13.3 ± 5.1 μU/mL, p = 0.048). No significant difference was found in serum IGF‐II, IGF‐BP1, and IGF‐ BP3 levels between patients with MSA and healthy controls. There was a trend toward significantly higher IGF‐II levels in MSA patients with UMSARS score <26 (1026.3 ± 442.6 μg/L) than MSA patients with UMSARS score >26 (796.1 ± 234 μg/L, p = 0.055). The results of this study demonstrated that IGF system is altered in MSA. The degenerative process in MSA could lead to a compensatory increase in IGF‐I and insulin in an attempt to provide additional support to degenerating neurons. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society.
The METEOR study of diabetes and other metabolic disorders in patients with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotic drugs. I. Methodology
Authors: De Hert Marc , Mauri Mauro , Shaw Ken , Wetterling Tilman , Doble Adam , Giudicelli Agnès , Falissard Bruno
Published: August 2010

Patients with schizophrenia present a two‐ to three‐fold higher prevalence of diabetes, of metabolic syndrome and of cardiovascular morbidity. The reason for this increased prevalence may involve intrinsic vulnerability, lifestyle factors and iatrogenic effects of antipsychotic drugs. The objective of this multinational, cross‐sectional, pharmacoepidemiological study was to determine the prevalence of diabetes, lipid disorders, obesity, hypertension and the metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotic drugs. Particular attention was taken to acquire data on a wide a range as possible of demographic, clinical and lifestyle variables that may influence the risk of metabolic disorders, which were taken into account in the calculation of prevalence data by propensity scoring. The study included 2270 subjects from 16 European countries, predominantly from Central and Eastern Europe. The proportion of subjects presenting the pathologies of interest was relatively high, ranging from 28% for glycaemic disorders to 70% for lipid disorders. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of Initial Conditions of a Prepolymer for a Solid‐State Step‐Growth Polymerization Process
Authors: Ye Yuesheng , Choi Kyu Yong
Published: August 2010

A new and simple method is described to estimate the initial properties of a condensation prepolymer for the modeling of an SSP process using BAPC synthesis as a model polymerization system. The proposed method utilizes Flory's theory of chain length distribution for a stoichiometrically unbalanced AA‐BB‐type polycondensation system. The simulation results of a solid‐state polymerization using the prepolymer properties estimated by the proposed method agreed quite well with those obtained by solving a rigorous prepolymerization process model to estimate the prepolymer properties.

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Context Specificity in Stability of Hyperactivity–Impulsivity
Authors: Kim Jungmeen , Deater–Deckard Kirby , Mullineaux Paula Y. , Beekman Charles R.
Published: August 2010

This paper exemplifies a secondary data analysis of context–specific differences in children's hyperactivity–impulsivity while controlling for informant–specific effects. Participants were boys and girls from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development whose behaviours were measured in 1st, 3rd and 5th grades. Latent factor models were structured using multi–informant reports including mothers, fathers, teachers and observers. Temporal stability within a context was stronger than cross–context consistency, and the magnitude of longitudinal stability was higher in the home context compared to the school context. Controlling for informant–specific effects resulted in a significantly improved model fit and increased within–context stability. Our findings highlight the importance of considering both context and informant effects when studying longitudinal stability and change in personality development. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a new method using HILIC‐tandem mass spectrometry for the characterization of O‐sialoglycopeptides from proteolytically digested caseinomacropeptide
Authors: Hernandez‐Hernandez Oswaldo , Lebron‐Aguilar Rosa , Quintanilla‐Lopez Jesus Eduardo , Sanz Maria Luz , Moreno Francisco Javier
Published: August 2010

This work addresses the optimization of HILIC (hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography)‐ESI‐MSn conditions for the comprehensive characterization of O‐glycopeptides from proteolytically digested caseinomacropeptide. O‐Glycopeptides were satisfactorily analysed on a zwitterionic HILIC column based on their glycan structure and amino acid sequence. The contribution of ionic interactions to the retention of charged glycopeptides was found to be substantial. Thus, O‐glycopeptides carrying neutral glycans were more retained than O‐sialoglycopeptides because negatively charged sialic acid residues were electrostatically repelled by the stationary phase. In addition, glycopeptides differing only in the position of the linkage of the sialic acid moiety could be separated. The same chromatographic behaviour was observed for model systems constituted by a synthetic tetrapeptide covalently conjugated to neutral and sialylated carbohydrates. Subsequent detection of caseinomacropeptide O‐glycopeptides was carried out on an electrospray ion trap tandem mass spectrometer at both positive and negative ionization modes. MS2 fragmentation at positive ionization mode was valid for determining the glycan structure as the resulting main fragments corresponded to Yn‐type ions derived from sequential glycosidic bond fragmentation, whilst the fragmentation of the peptide structure was preferably obtained through the formation of bn‐type ions at the MS3 stage, allowing the complete structure elucidation of the peptidic chain. Overall, the developed method allowed the identification and characterization of 41 O‐glycopeptides covering all the known glycosylation sites without any previous enrichment step. These results point out that HILIC coupled to multistage MS procedures can be a powerful technique for future glycoproteomic applications.
Preparation of size‐controlled silver nanoparticles by the hydrothermal method
Authors: Kometani Noritsugu , Teranishi Takeshi
Published: August 2010

We have examined the hydrothermal synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the flow‐type reactor system. The reactor was designed to allow for the quick mixing of two kinds of reaction solutions; solution 1 containing silver nitrate and solution 2 containing a reducing reagent along with polyvinylpyrrolidone as a stabilizer, under hydrothermal conditions. It was found that, among the reaction conditions examined, the temperature of about T =300 °C and pressure of P =20∼23 MPa were the optimal condition for the synthesis of fine and uniform Ag nanoparticles. The flow rate of solutions fed into the reactor also had a significant influence on the size distribution of obtained Ag nanoparticles. The flow rate higher than 10 cm3min–1 was favourable for the synthesis of uniform nanoparticles because of the effective mixing of solutions. To facilitate the mixing of solutions, an orifice having 0.5 or 1.0 mm pinhole at the center was installed inside the reactor. It was confirmed that the use of orifice is of great benefit for the synthesis of fine Ag nanoparticles with a narrow size‐distribution. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their stabilization in different sol‐gel matrices: Optical and structural characterization
Authors: Saraidarov Tsiala , Levchenko Viktoria , Reisfeld Renata
Published: August 2010

Different size of silver nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized, stabilized in colloidal solutions and added to various sol‐gel precursors for glassy materials. Optical and structural characteristics of the NPs were compared to the silver NPs obtained in situ in organically modified siloxanes (ormosils). Sizes of NPs were controlled by pH of the precursors and estimated from measured absorption spectra and SEM. The reaction conditions of synthesis of the NPs were determined for each ormocer matrix to obtain stabilized sol‐gel composite structure for different applications (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nanoparticle heterocoalescence induced by deposition
Authors: Jiménez‐Sáez J. C. , Ettaoussi M. S. , Pérez‐Martín A. M. C. , Kerkeb M. L. , Jiménez‐Rodríguez J. J.
Published: August 2010

Coalescence induced by collision between a projectile Cu cluster and an epitaxial Co cluster supported on a Cu (001) substrate is studied by constant‐temperature molecular dynamics simulations. Results are compared with Co‐Co and Cu‐Cu coalescences. The degree of epitaxy of the Cu cluster decreases with the impact parameter and is related to the evolution of temperature with time in both clusters after the collision, especially, with the maximum. Firstly, the type of material, and secondly, the initial structure of the projectile cluster, icosahedral or cuboctahedral, determine the evolution of grains and their boundaries, and therefore, the degree of matching between both clusters. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Temperature dependence of the ground‐state exciton in PbSe core and relevant core‐shell colloidal quantum dot structures
Authors: Maikov Georgy I. , Vaxenburg Roman , Yanover Diana , Sashchiuk Aldona , Lifshitz Efrat
Published: August 2010

The present study describes a thorough investigation of the temperature dependence of the photoluminescence (PL) and the PL decay processes in PbSe/PbS core‐shell and PbSexS1‐x/PbSeyS1‐y‐alloy core‐shell colloidal quantum dots (CQDs). The obtained data reveal a reduction of the temperature coefficient of the energy band‐gap and a slight decrease of exciton and optical phonon coupling in PbSe/PbS core‐shell, PbSexS1‐x/PbSeyS1‐y alloy core‐shell CQDs with respect to the coupling in the corresponding PbSe core. The PL decay process of core‐shell CQDs is characterized by single exponential behaviour similar to that of PbSe core CQDs. Also, the core‐shell structures lifetime is on the µs scale, and reflects substantially longer lifetimes (by a factor of 1.4‐1.8) with respect to the corresponding core samples. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Distribution of Eu ions in Y2O3:Eu nanopowders prepared by solution combustion method
Authors: Ganjkhanlou Yadolah , Hessari Fereydoun Alikhani , Kazemzad Mahmood , Darbandi Ghader
Published: August 2010

Y2O3:Eu nanopowder was prepared by urea solution combustion method. The samples were then characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The XRD patterns of samples were investigated by Warren‐Averbach method in order to determine crystallite size and strain distribution. An innovative method was developed for prediction of dopant ion distribution in host lattice using Warren‐Averbach method and micro‐strain distribution. Analyzing of Y2O3:Eu nanopowder by this method revealed that the Eu ions preferentially accumulated in near the grain boundaries more than the inner parts of crystallites. The good match between the crystallite size distribution prediction by Warren‐Averbach method and distribution calculated from HRTEM image was obtained (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical fiber pH sensor fabrication by means of indium tin oxide coated optical fiber refractometers
Authors: Zamarreño C. R. , Hernáez M. , Del Villar I. , Fernandez‐Valdivielso C. , Arregui F. J. , Matias I. R.
Published: August 2010

In this work, the fabrication of a novel optical fiber pH sensor is described. This optical fiber pH sensor is based on the utilization of a pH sensitive polymeric coating fabricated onto indium tin oxide coated optical fiber refractometers. The pH of the external medium modifies the thickness of the polymeric coating and hence the effective refractive index. Thus, ITO coated optical fiber refractometers based on electromagnetic resonances are used as suitable transducers in order to monitor the variations of the pH in the surrounding medium. The fabricated devices permit wavelength based pH detection in the near infra‐red region, showing high sensitivity (17.5 nm/pH unit) and fast response. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic‐field‐induced electron transitions in concentric double quantum rings
Authors: Escartin José Maria , Malet Francesc , Pi Marti , Barranco Manuel
Published: August 2010

Within local spin‐density functional theory, we show that changes in the intensity of a magnetic field perpendicularly applied to a few‐electron concentric double quantum ring may alter the electron distribution in the constituent rings producing an observable effect on the infrared spectrum of the system. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Proposal for measurement of repulsive Casimir forces using silicon membranes
Authors: Vidal Gabriel , Agustí Jordi , Torres Francesc , Abadal Gabriel , Barniol Nuria
Published: August 2010

We present a procedure to measure the Casimir forces, a direct manifestation of boundary dependence of quantum vacuum due to the alteration by the boundaries of the zero‐point electromagnetic energy, using MEMS. Our approach is based on the measurement of the frequency shift of a silicon membrane caused by Casimir forces. We present theoretically computations of that frequency shift using the Anharmonic Casmir Oscillator model for different experimental configurations. Our main aim is to measure the repulsive Casimir forces using geometric approach and use these repulsive forces to minimize the sticktion of MEMS. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of diallyl sulphide in chondrocyte and cartilage in experimental osteoarthritis in rabbit
Authors: Chen Wei‐Ping , Tang Jing‐Li , Bao Jia‐Peng , Hu Peng‐Fei , Yu Chong , Shi Zhong‐Li , Wu Li‐Dong
Published: August 2010

Diallyl sulphide (DAS) is known for its antioxidant, anticancer and detoxifying properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of DAS on rabbit articular chondrocytes and cartilage in experimental osteoarthritis (OA) induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). DAS inhibited matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1), MMP‐3 and MMP‐13 expression in interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β)‐induced chondrocytes. In an in vivo study, DAS ameliorated cartilage degradation as assessed by morphological and histological examination. Messenger RNA expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐3, MMP‐13 and IL‐1β was inhibited by DAS in cartilage. In addition, DAS increased the collagen II level in cartilage. The results suggest that DAS may protect cartilage in the development of OA. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Representation of correlation functions in variational assimilation using an implicit diffusion operator
Authors: Mirouze I. , Weaver A. T.
Published: August 2010

Correlation models are required in data assimilation to characterize the error structures of variables defined on a numerical grid. Previous studies have shown that the diffusion equation can provide a flexible and computationally efficient framework for representing grid‐point correlation functions for problems of large dimension such as those encountered in atmospheric or ocean variational data assimilation. In this article, an implicit formulation of the diffusion‐based correlation model is presented as an alternative to the traditional explicit formulation. The implicit formulation is analyzed in detail for the one‐dimensional (1D) problem and shown to be closely related to the first‐order recursive filter. Integrating a 1D implicit diffusion equation, with constant coefficient, over M steps is shown to be equivalent to convolving the initial condition with an Mth order auto‐regressive (AR) function. Expressions for both the length‐scale of the AR function and the normalization factor required to generate unit‐amplitude (correlation) functions are given in terms of M and the diffusion coefficient. For a fixed length‐scale the Gaussian function, which is the only function that can be represented using an explicit formulation of the constant‐coefficient diffusion equation, is the limiting case as M → ∞ of the AR functions generated by the implicit diffusion equation. Generalizations of the diffusion model are discussed to allow for different shapes in the correlation function and spatial variations in the length‐scale. An important consequence of employing spatially varying length‐scales is that the normalization factors are no longer constant. Approximate expressions for the normalization factors are evaluated in terms of their effectiveness to provide viable alternatives to estimates produced using expensive algorithms such as randomization. Boundary conditions can distort the correlation functions near the boundaries and significantly degrade the accuracy of the analytical expressions for the normalization factors. These problems can be avoided through a straightforward extension of the diffusion model that makes the boundaries effectively transparent, although the solution comes at the expense of an extra application of the diffusion equation. Extensions of the method to construct two‐ and three‐dimensional correlation models are discussed. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society