bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary health care: applying the principles within a community-based participatory health research project that began in a Canadian women’s prison
Authors: Martin Ruth Elwood , Murphy Kelly , Chan Rene , Ramsden Vivian R. , Granger-Brown Alison , Macaulay Ann C. , Kahlon Roopjeet , Ogilvie Gina , Hislop T. Gregory
Published: December 2009

Objectives: the purpose of this research was to determine the feasibility of engaging incarcerated women in community-based participatory research and to identify, by and with the women, the health concerns to be addressed. Design: the integration of primary health care, community-based participatory research, a settings approach to health promotion and transformative action research guided the overall design of this study. Participants: Incarcerated women, correctional centre staff and academic researchers participated collaboratively. Setting. The study was conducted in the main short sentence (two years or less) minimum/medium security women’s correctional centre in a Canadian province. Results: In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 incarcerated women; in-depth group interviews were facilitated with 16 correctional centre staff. Twenty-one themes, which emerged from participatory, inductive and content analysis of the data, were presented at a face-to-face meeting attended by 120 incarcerated women, 10 correctional centre staff and 5 academic researchers. Underlying values and principles for the project were identified prior to a discussion of the results. During the course of this meeting, the themes were converged into five major categories: addictions and mental health; HIV, hepatitis and infections; health care in prison; life skills and re-entry into society (including homelessness and housing); and children, family and relationships. Numerous suggestions for health interventions and participatory projects were generated, each relating to one of the five major categories. Conclusions: this study was unique in that, to our knowledge, no other studies have utilized community-based participatory research methods in which incarcerated women played a role in designing the research questions and tools, collecting the data, analyzing the data, interpreting the data and authoring the publications and presentations. This study demonstrated that it is feasible for incarcerated women to engage in developing and utilizing community-based participatory research methods and that these methods can be grounded in a settings approach to whole prison health promotion. (Global Health Promotion, 2009; 16 (4): pp. 43—53)
Proof of concept pilot study: prevalence of grass virus infection and the potential for effects on the allergenic potency of pollen
Authors: Pallett Denise W , Soh Emily , Edwards Mary-Lou , Bodey Kathleen , Lau Laurie CK , Cooper J Ian , Howarth Peter H , Walls Andrew F , Wang Hui
Published: December 2009

Background

Wild plants harbour a variety of viruses and these have the potential to alter the composition of pollen. The potential consequences of virus infection of grasses on pollen-induced allergic disease are not known.

Methods

We have collected pollen from Dactylis glomerata (cocksfoot; a grass species implicated as a trigger of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis) from Wytham Wood, Oxfordshire UK. Extracts were prepared from pollen from uninfected grass, and from grass naturally infected by the Cocksfoot streak potyvirus (CSV). Preparations of pollen from virus-infected and non-infected grasses were employed in skin testing 15 grass pollen-allergic subjects with hayfever. Allergen profiles of extracts were investigated by Western blotting for IgE with sera from allergic subjects.

Results

The prevalence of CSV infection in cocksfoot grasses sampled from the study site varied significantly over an eight-year period, but infection rates of up to 70% were detected. Virus infection was associated with small alterations in the quantities of pollen proteins detected by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and in the patterns of allergens identified by Western blotting with IgE from grass pollen allergic subjects. For individual subjects there were differences in potencies of standardised extracts of pollen from virus-free and virus-infected plants as assessed by skin testing, though a consistent pattern was not established for the group of 15 subjects.

Conclusion

Infection rates for CSV in cocksfoot grass can be high, though variable. Virus-induced alterations in components of grass pollen have the potential to alter the allergenic potency.
A framework to explore micronutrient deficiency in maternal and child health in Malawi, Southern Africa
Authors: Dickinson Natalie , Gulliver John , MacPherson Gordon , Atkinson John , Rankin Jean , Cummings Maria , Nisbet Zoe , Hursthouse Andrew , Taylor Avril , Robertson Chris , Burghardt Wolfgang
Published: December 2009

Background

Global food insecurity is associated with micronutrient deficiencies and it has been suggested that 4.5 billion people world-wide are affected by deficiencies in iron, vitamin A and iodine. Zinc has also been identified to be of increasing concern. The most vulnerable are young children and women of childbearing age. A pilot study has been carried out in Southern Malawi, to attempt to link the geochemical and agricultural basis of micronutrient supply through spatial variability to maternal health and associated cultural and social aspects of nutrition. The aim is to establish the opportunity for concerted action to deliver step change improvements in the nutrition of developing countries.

Results

Field work undertaken in August 2007 and July/August 2008 involved the collection of blood, soil and crop samples, and questionnaires from ~100 pregnant women. Complex permissions and authorisation protocols were identified and found to be as much part of the cultural and social context of the work as the complexity of the interdisciplinary project. These issues are catalogued and discussed. A preliminary spatial evaluation is presented linking soil quality and food production to nutritional health. It also considers behavioural and cultural attitudes of women and children in two regions of southern Malawi, (the Shire Valley and Shire Highlands plateau). Differences in agricultural practice and widely varying soil quality (e.g. pH organic matter, C/N and metal content) were observed for both regions and full chemical analysis of soil and food is underway. Early assessment of blood data suggests major differences in health and nutritional status between the two regions. Differences in food availability and type and observations of life style are being evaluated through questionnaire analysis.

Conclusion

The particular emphasis of the study is on the interdisciplinary opportunities and the barriers to progress in development support in subsistence communities. Engaging at the community level and the balance of expectations from both study subjects and research team highlight the merit of careful and detailed planning and project delivery.
Rapid neurite outgrowth in neurosecretory cells and neurons is sustained by the exocytosis of a cytoplasmic organelle, the enlargeosome
Authors: Racchetti Gabriella , Lorusso Anna , Schulte Carsten , Gavello Daniela , Carabelli Valentina , D'Alessandro Rosalba , Meldolesi Jacopo
Published: December 2009

Neurite outgrowth is known as a slow (days) process occurring in nerve cells and neurons during neurotrophin treatment and upon transfer to culture, respectively. Using Y27632, a drug that induces activation of Rac1, a downstream step of the neurotrophin signaling cascade, we have identified a new form of outgrowth, which is rapid (<1 hour) and extensive (>500 μm2 surface enlargement/single cell/first hour). However, this outgrowth takes place only in cells (PC12-27 and SH-SY5Y cells, and embryonic and neonatal neurons) rich in an exocytic organelle, the enlargeosome. Golgi vesicles, TGN vesicles and endosomes are not involved. The need for enlargeosomes for plasma-membrane expansion was confirmed by the appearance of their marker, Ahnak, at the cell surface and by the dependence of neurite outgrowth on VAMP4, the vSNARE of enlargeosome exocytosis. In enlargeosome-rich cells, VAMP4 downregulation also attenuated the slow outgrowth induced by nerve growth factor (NGF). Similar to NGF-induced neurite outgrowth in enlargeosome-lacking cells, the new, rapid, Y27632-induced process required microtubules. Other properties of neurite outgrowth in cells lacking enlargeosomes — such as dependence on VAMP7, on microfilaments, on gene transcription and on protein synthesis, and blockade of mitoses and accumulation of neuronal markers — were not evident. The enlargeosome-sustained process might be useful for the rapid neurite outgrowth at peculiar stages and/or conditions of nerve and neuronal cells. However, its properties and its physiological and pathological role remain to be investigated.
Structure of the SOC-13 in Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Clients: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Authors: Lin Chen-Ping , Chiu Chung-Yi , Sung Connie , Lai Justine , Chan Fong , Cardoso Elizabeth da Silva
Published: December 2009

The objective of the study was to validate the factorial structure of the short form of the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-13) with a sample of substance abuse clients to facilitate health promotion research with this population in the future. Participants were 406 clients recruited from seven residential therapeutic community programs for the treatment of substance abuse. Four confirmatory factor models were tested: (1) a three-factor correlated model; (2) a two-factor correlated model; (3) a 13-item one-factor model; and (4) a 9-item one-factor model. The results indicated that the data did not fit the three-factor correlated model and the two-factor correlated model, whereas empirical data fits the 13-item one-factor and the 9-item one-factor models reasonably well, with the latter representing a significantly better fit than the former one. These results are consistent with previous studies and reflected a unidimensional factor in the sense of coherence, as opposed to the two or three-factor structure. The SOC-9 has considerable promise as a brief measure of SOC in substance abuse assessment and treatment settings.
Psychosocial Adjustment of People with Chronic Pain: A Conceptual Framework of Risk and Resistance Factors
Authors: Lee Gloria K. , Mercurio-Riley Denise
Published: December 2009

The purposes of this review article are to gather existing evidence on the contributing factors in affecting the psychosocial adjustment among people with chronic pain, and to promote a comprehensive conceptual framework in this topic by adapting Wallander and colleagues' (1989) Risk and Resistance Model of Adjustment. Our intention is to promote future empirical research that will validate this working conceptual framework and will provide and clinical guidelines for rehabilitation professionals who work with people with chronic pain.
Behavioral and Physiological Response of White Sturgeon to an Electrical Sea Lion Barrier System
Authors: Ostrand Kenneth G. , Simpson William G. , Suski Cory D. , Bryson Amanda J.
Published: December 2009

Action agencies have encouraged the development of a modified electrical fish barrier system to deter upstream movements of California sea lions Zalophus californianus as a means to reduce their predation on returning adult Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. within rivers along the West Coast of North America. Given that the barrier system does not discriminate which species will experience electrical shock, we studied the potential effects of the sea lion barrier on the survival, behavior, physiology, and injury of white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus. Fish subjected to acute electroshock had high survival (100%). Conversely, fish that became entrained within the electric field and therefore experienced chronic electroshock had lower survival (93%). White sturgeon altered their behavior by spending significantly more time avoiding the area over the barrier when electrical power was applied as compared with controls. Fish that experienced acute electroshock spent more time remaining motionless, presumably recovering from physiological disturbance. Our results indicate that white sturgeon had significantly higher plasma lactate than controls and that lactate remained at elevated levels for at least 4 h after electroshock. Plasma glucose, ion concentrations (chloride, sodium, and potassium), and indicators of cell damage (plasma hemoglobin and enzyme activity of aspartate transaminase) did not differ between electroshocked fish and controls. We did not observe any notable hemorrhages or notochord injuries in white sturgeon that experienced electrical shock. Our results suggest that the location for the electrical barrier system should be rigorously examined before barrier deployment and that the dates, frequency, and duration of use should be further refined to ensure that negative effects on nontarget species such as white sturgeon are minimized.
Size matters: Improved color‐difference estimation for small visual targets
Authors: Carter Robert C. , Silverstein Louis D.
Published: December 2009

Abstract— A long‐standing problem in color science is the accurate estimation of color differences for visual targets of small angular subtense. For instance, “What is the magnitude of a 0.5° color difference that will be as discriminable as a given 2° color difference?” Or, “What is the reduced angular subtense (or increased distance) at which two visual fields of given colors will become appreciably less discriminable than they were at larger subtense (or smaller distance)?” Past attempts at solving this problem have been specific to a particular color‐difference equation and, as such, the work lost relevance as improved color‐difference formulae were developed. This article proposes a structural model based upon the response of retinal cone cells to small‐subtense symbol images scattered by the ocular media. The method is demonstrated to be applicable without alteration to very different contemporary color‐difference equations, to be practical with a wide range of surround intensities, and to have high correlation with human search performance involving small color symbols on an electronic information display.
Analysis and inhibition of progressive photomask contamination in long‐term use for liquid‐crystal panel production
Authors: Yanagita Yoshinori , Kaneko Yasushi , Abe Yasuyuki , Ogawa Hiroshi , Takayama Shigeki , Shinchi Hiroyuki , Tsuchiya Masayoshi , Murai Makoto
Published: December 2009

Abstract— Progressive contamination on photomasks has become a serious concern as a source of defects in long‐term TFT‐LCD manufacturing. The chemical structure and mechanism of formation of such contamination was determined, an accelerated test to replicate it was devised, and a means of inhibiting it was developed.
Efficient white organic light‐emitting diodes based on a balanced split of the exciton‐recombination zone using a graded mixed layer as an electron‐blocking layer
Authors: Kim C. K. , Noh I ‐H. , Lee T ‐S. , Lee B ‐W. , Hong C. , Moon D. G.
Published: December 2009

Abstract— Efficient white organic light‐emitting diodes with both a graded mixed layer as the blue‐emitting layer and an electron‐blocking layer, and a DPVBi:Rubrene layer as a yellow‐emitting layer have been demonstrated. The mixing of the two colors occurs due to a balanced split of the exciton‐recombination zone by the graded mixed layer serving as the electron‐blocking layer. The white organic light‐emitting diode with an ITO/2‐TNATA 30 nm/NPB 30 nm/DPVBi:Rubrene (1.0 wt.%) 5 nm/NPB:DPVBi (9:1) 150 nm/NPB:DPVBi (5:5) 75 nm/NPB:DPVBi (3:7) 75 nm/NPB:DPVBi (2:8) 75 nm/NPB:DPVBi (0.5:9.5) 75 nm/BCP 5 nm/Alq3 30 nm/LiF 0.5 nm/Al 100 nm structure is chosen as a device with an optimal configuration among devices investigated in this study. The employment of the graded mixed layer in the device is effective in suppressing the color shift at different voltages. The white light, with a Commission Internationale d'Eclairage chromaticity coordinates of (0.33, 0.34), is obtained with an applied voltage of 10.5 V for the device. At the applied voltage, the luminance is 4882 cd/m2 and the current efficiency is 5.03 cd/A.
Correlation between Antioxidant Activities and Phenolic Contents of Radix Angelicae Sinensis (Danggui)
Authors: Li Xican , Wu Xiaoting , Huang Ling
Published: December 2009

Radix Angelicae Sinensisis (RAS) is one of the most popular traditional Chinese herbal medicines. In the present study, six RAS extracts (i.e., phenolic extract PE, petroleum ether extract PEE, ethyl acetate extract EAE, absolute ethanol extract AEE, 95% ethanol extract 95 EE, and water extract WE) were prepared and their antioxidant activities measured by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical), ABTS [2,2′-azino-bis(3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid diammonium salt)], Reducing power, •O2– and lipid peroxidation assays. In general, PE, PEE and EAE had relatively high antioxidant activity, followed by AEE with moderate activity, as compared with 95 EE and WE that had low activity. Their phenolic contents (including total phenolic, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, same as below) were then determined by HPLC or spectrophotometry. The sequence of phenolic contents was roughly identical with that of antioxidant activity. When the values of 1/IC50 of various antioxidant assays were used to evaluate the level of antioxidant of the RAS extracts, (plot between 1/IC50 values and phenolic contents), the correlation coefficient (R) ranged from 0.642 to 0.941, with an average value of 0.839. Significant positive correlations demonstrated that the antioxidant effects of RAS might generally be considered a result of the presence of the phenolic compounds, especially ferulic acid and caffeic acid.
Discovery of Artemisinin (Qinghaosu)
Authors: Liao Fulong
Published: December 2009

Artemisinin (Qinghaosu), a new antimalarial drug, was discovered in China in the early 1970s. The discovery of artemisinin is attributed to You-You Tu, at that time a middle-aged phytochemist working in the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The following paragraph provides a brief summary of her discovery. [...]
A 3D Sensor Based on a Profilometrical Approach
Authors: Pedraza-Ortega Jesús Carlos , Efren Gorrostieta-Hurtado Efren , Delgado-Rosas Manuel , Canchola-Magdaleno Sandra  L. , Ramos-Arreguin Juan Manuel , Aceves Fernandez Marco  A. , Sotomayor-Olmedo Artemio
Published: December 2009

An improved method which considers the use of Fourier and wavelet transform based analysis to infer and extract 3D information from an object by fringe projection on it is presented. This method requires a single image which contains a sinusoidal white light fringe pattern projected on it, and this pattern has a known spatial frequency and its information is used to avoid any discontinuities in the fringes with high frequency. Several computer simulations and experiments have been carried out to verify the analysis. The comparison between numerical simulations and experiments has proved the validity of this proposed method.
Chromatographic determination of radiochemical purity
Authors: Herrling P. , Zürn A. , Anders P. , Kotzerke J. , Wunderlich G.
Published: December 2009

Thin layer chromatography is well established for quality control of radiopharmaceuticals. A convenient and widely used stationary phase are ITLC SG strips. However, the Pall Corporation stopped manufacturing of the silica gel impregnated glass fibre strips (ITLC SG). Material, Methode: As a replacement we tested silicic acid impregnated glass fibre strips from Varian (ITLC SA) and sufficient mobile phases. Results: The chromatography with these strips takes two to three times longer than with ITLC SG, but it is in an acceptable range. Only three mobile phases are necessary to test most of the common in-house made radiopharmaceuticals. Conclusion: The proposed method is suitable for routinely measuring the radiochemical purity of radiophamaceuticals.
Interior h1 Estimates for Parabolic Equations with LMO Coefficients
Authors: Tang Lin
Published: December 2009

In this paper we establish a priori h1-estimates in a bounded domain for parabolic equations with vanishing LMO coefficients.
The Role of Ion Pairs in the Second‐Order NLO Response of 4‐X‐1‐Methylpiridinium Salts
Authors: Tessore Francesca , Cariati Elena , Cariati Franco , Roberto Dominique , Ugo Renato , Mussini Patrizia , Zuccaccia Cristiano , Macchioni Alceo
Published: December 2009

A series of 4‐X‐1‐methylpyridinium cationic nonlinear optical (NLO) chromophores (X=(E)‐CHCHC6H5; (E)‐CHCHC6H4‐4′‐C(CH3)3; (E)‐CHCHC6H4‐4′‐N(CH3)2; (E)‐CHCHC6H4‐4′‐N(C4H9)2; (E,E)‐(CHCH)2C6H4‐4′‐N(CH3)2) with various organic (CF3SO3−, p‐CH3C6H4SO3−), inorganic (I−, ClO4−, SCN−, [Hg2I6]2−) and organometallic (cis‐[Ir(CO)2I2]−) counter anions are studied with the aim of investigating the role of ion pairing and of ionic dissociation or aggregation of ion pairs in controlling their second‐order NLO response in anhydrous chloroform solution. The combined use of electronic absorption spectra, conductimetric measurements and pulsed field gradient spin echo (PGSE) NMR experiments show that the second‐order NLO response, investigated by the electric‐field‐induced second harmonic generation (EFISH) technique, of the salts of the cationic NLO chromophores strongly depends upon the nature of the counter anion and concentration. The ion pairs are the major species at concentration around 10−3 M, and their dipole moments were determined. Generally, below 5×10−4 M, ion pairs start to dissociate into ions with parallel increase of the second‐order NLO response, due to the increased concentration of purely cationic NLO chromophores with improved NLO response. At concentration higher than 10−3 M, some multipolar aggregates, probably of H type, are formed, with parallel slight decrease of the second‐order NLO response. Ion pairing is dependent upon the nature of the counter anion and on the electronic structure of the cationic NLO chromophore. It is very strong for the thiocyanate anion in particular and, albeit to a lesser extent, for the sulfonated anions. The latter show increased tendency to self‐aggregate.
Self‐Diffusion on Au(100): A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Pötting Kay , Schmickler Wolfgang , Jacob Timo
Published: December 2009

We used density functional theory to detail new self‐diffusion mechanisms on perfect and imperfect Au(100) surfaces. Herein, we report binding energies of stable intermediates and transition states lying on the potential energy surface for these systems. We report migration pathways in the presence of a variety of surface defects and along different step edges, explaining their energetics in terms of chemical bonding. Furthermore, diffusion rate constants are deduced, which are useful for both experimental verification and for implementation into large‐scale kinetic Monte Carlo simulations.
Festigkeit und Verformungseigenschaften von Mauerwerk unter Zugbeanspruchung parallel zu den Lagerfugen
Authors: Schubert Peter
Published: December 2009

Die Zugfestigkeit von Mauerwerk parallel zu den Lagerfugen βZ und wesentliche Verformungseigenschaften wie Spannungs‐Dehnungslinie σ‐ε‐Linie, E‐Modul EZ, Dehnung bei Höchstspannung εu, werden zur Risssicherheitsbeurteilung benötigt. Schädliche Risse im Mauerwerk lassen sich u. a. durch Dehnungsfugen, aber auch durch Lagerfugenbewehrung in einer dehnungsfugenfreien Wand vermeiden [1]. Um die erforderliche Bewehrung zu bestimmen, muss die Mauerwerk‐Zugfestigkeit – möglichst genau – bekannt sein.

Die Mauerwerk‐Zugfestigkeit kann experimentell, meistens mit brauchbarer Näherung auch theoretisch, ermittelt werden. Die Prüfverfahren, die verfügbaren Versuchswerte und Berechnungsgleichungen werden dargestellt und kommentiert.
Narrow‐band imaging for detecting early recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Lin Yen‐Chun , Wang Wen‐Hung
Published: December 2009

Background.

Detection of early recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is clinically challenging. Narrow‐band imaging (NBI) is powerful in detecting early superficial lesions in the head and neck, although the utility of NBI in detecting nasopharyngeal cancer is still unknown.

Methods and Results.

We describe a case of a 51‐year‐old man with early recurrent NPC detected in subclinical stage by NBI coupled with conventional endoscopy. MRI revealed no obvious bulging or inward invasion over the nasopharynx. Because of superficial, localized recurrence, we performed laser nasopharyngectomy and his postoperation course was uneventful.

Conclusions.

We demonstrated that postirradiated NPC in a patient with early recurrence was successfully detected by NBI coupled with conventional endoscopy. NBI endoscopy is a simple, convenient, and reliable tool, and adds additional value to detect local recurrence in the early phase. It may serve as an ideal tool in posttreatment surveillance in a patient with NPC. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Intrinsic differences in cisplatin sensitivity of head and neck cancer cell lines: Correlation to lysosomal pH
Authors: Nilsson Cathrine , Roberg Karin , Grafström Roland C. , Öllinger Karin
Published: December 2009

Background

Cisplatin treatment is beneficial for approximately 20% of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Tools to predict the clinical outcome and evaluate intrinsic cisplatin sensitivity are, therefore, required.

Methods

Cisplatin sensitivity, lysosomal pH, and cell death pathway was studied in 5 HNSCC lines and compared with normal oral keratinocytes.

Results

We identified a linear relationship between lysosomal pH and cisplatin sensitivity. Reduced lysosomal acidification was correlated to decreased expression of the V0V1‐ATPase B2 subunit, which is part of the lysosomal acidifying complex. Cisplatin caused apoptosis accompanied by lysosomal membrane permeabilization, and inhibition of lysosomal proteases (cathepsins) partly prevented cell death.

Conclusion

Cisplatin‐induced apoptosis of HNSCC is more efficient in cell lines with low lysosomal pH and is mediated by the release of lysosomal content. Lysosomal pH and expression of V0V1‐ATPase subunits are possible future markers of intrinsic cisplatin sensitivity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Partial divestitures as an M&A alternative: The case of GMAC
Authors: Anderson J. Richard , Muise Cristina , Gancarz David
Published: December 2009

In November 2006, General Motors completed the sale of 51 percent of its financial subsidiary, GMAC, to Cerberus Capital Management. Most observers assumed the sale was motivated by GM's need for cash. But perhaps other factors were much more important in the decision. This article looks at partial divestiture as a merger and acquisition (M&A) in the case of the GMAC sale. And it also points to the subprime loan crisis as an example of how an unanticipated event can destroy a well‐laid plan. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three‐component synthesis of 4‐aryl‐1H‐pyrimido[1,2‐a]benzimidazole derivatives in ionic liquid
Authors: Yao Changsheng , Lei Song , Wang Cuihua , Li Tuanjie , Yu Chenxia , Wang Xiangshan , Tu Shujiang
Published: December 2009

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A green and simple synthesis of 4‐ayrl‐3,4‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrimido[1,2‐a]benzimidazole derivatives was accomplished in excellent yields via the reaction of aryl aldehyde, 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds and 1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐amine in ionic liquid of [bmim+][BF]. This protocol has the advantages of easier work‐up, mild reaction conditions, high yields, and an environmentally benign procedure compared with the reported methods. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
N‐substituted isoquinoline derivatives as potential AChE inhibitors
Authors: Gitto Rosaria , De Luca Laura , Ferro Stefania , De Grazia Sara , Di Giorgio Rosa Maria , Festa Filomena , De Luca Grazia
Published: December 2009

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N‐substituted donepezil‐related isoquinolines have been prepared as potential acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs). Microwave assisted procedures and solution‐phase parallel synthesis were chosen to optimize the synthetic approach and improve the yields. All synthesized compounds were tested for their AChE inhibitory activity by colorimetric Ellman method and some of them (10, 13, and 28) displayed low inhibitory effects at μM concentrations. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Immunomodulatory cytokines determine the outcome of Japanese encephalitis virus infection in mice
Authors: Biswas S.M. , Kar S. , Singh R. , Chakraborty D. , Vipat V. , Raut C.G. , Mishra A.C. , Gore M.M. , Ghosh D.
Published: December 2009

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) induces an acute infection of the central nervous system, the pathogenic mechanism of which is not fully understood. To investigate host response to JEV infection, 14‐day‐old mice were infected via the extraneural route, which resulted in encephalitis and death. Mice that received JEV immune splenocyte transfer were protected from extraneural JEV infection. Pathology and gene expression profiles were then compared in brains of mice that either succumbed to JEV infection or were protected from infection by JEV immune cell transfer. Mice undergoing progressive JEV infection had increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and signal transducers associated with the interferon (IFN) pathway. In contrast, mice receiving immune cell transfer had increased production of the Th2 cytokine IL‐4, and of IL‐10, with subdued expression of IFN‐γ. We observed IL‐10 to be an important factor in determining clinical outcome in JEV infection. Data obtained by microarray analysis were further confirmed by quantitative RT‐PCR. Together, these data suggest that JEV infection causes an unregulated inflammatory response that can be countered by the expression of immunomodulatory cytokines in mice that survive lethal infection. J. Med. Virol. 82:304–310, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human bocavirus infection in young children with acute respiratory tract infection in Lanzhou, China
Authors: Zheng Li‐shu , Yuan Xin‐hui , Xie Zhi‐ping , Jin Yu , Gao Han‐chun , Song Jing‐rong , Zhang Rong‐fang , Xu Zi‐qian , Hou Yun‐de , Duan Zhao‐jun
Published: December 2009

Human bocavirus (HBoV) is a recognized human parvovirus associated with acute respiratory tract infection. However, HBoV has yet to be established as a causative agent of respiratory disease. In this study, the epidemiological and virological characteristics of HBoV infection were studied in children with acute respiratory tract infection in China. In total, 406 children younger than 14 years of age with acute respiratory tract infection were included in this prospective 1‐year study. HBoV was detected in 29 (7.1%) of the 406 children. No clear seasonal fluctuation was observed in infection rates of HBoV. Of the 29 children infected with HBoV, 16 (55.2%) were coinfected with other respiratory viruses, most commonly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Viral coinfection with HBoV did not affect the severity of the respiratory disease (P = 0.291). The number of HBoV genome copies ranged from 5.80 × 102 to 9.72 × 108 copies/ml in nasopharyngeal aspirates among HBoV‐positive specimens by real‐time PCR, and neither coinfection nor the severity of disease correlated with the viral load (P = 0.148, P = 0.354, respectively). The most common clinical features were cough and acute upper respiratory infection, and acute bronchopneumonia. Additionally, the NP‐1 gene of HBoV showed minimal sequence variation. These data suggest that HBoV is frequent in young children with acute respiratory tract infection in Lanzhou, China, and RSV is the most common coinfecting virus. There was no apparent association between the viral load of HBoV and coinfection or disease severity. The NP‐1 gene was highly conserved in HBoV. J. Med. Virol. 82:282–288, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Involvement of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the functional elimination of synaptic contacts at polyinnervated neuromuscular synapses during development
Authors: Garcia N. , Santafe M.M. , Tomàs M. , Lanuza M.A. , Besalduch N. , Tomàs J.
Published: December 2009

We use immunohistochemistry to describe the localization of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptors trkB and p75NTR in the neuromuscular synapses of postnatal rats (P6–P7) during the synapse elimination period. The receptor protein p75NTR is present in the nerve terminal, muscle cell and glial Schwann cell whereas BDNF and trkB proteins can be detected mainly in the pre‐ and postsynaptic elements. Exogenously applied BDNF (10 nM for 3 hr or 50 nM for 1 hr) increases ACh release from singly and dually innervated synapses. This effect may be specific for BDNF because the neurotrophin NT‐4 (2–8 nM) does not modulate release at P6–P7. Blocking the receptors trkB and p75NTR (with K‐252a and anti‐p75‐192‐IgG, respectively) completely abolishes the potentiating effect of exogenous BDNF. In addition, exogenous BDNF transiently recruits functionally depressed silent terminals, and this effect seems to be mediated by trkB. Calcium ions, the L‐type voltage‐dependent calcium channels and protein kinase C are involved in BDNF‐mediated nerve ending recruitment. Blocking experiments suggest that endogenous BDNF could operate through p75NTR receptors coupled to potentiate ACh release in all nerve terminals because the anti‐p75‐192‐IgG reduces release. However, blocking the trkB receptor (K‐252a) or neutralizing endogenous BDNF with the trkB‐IgG fusion protein reveals a trkB‐mediated release inhibition on almost mature strong endings in dual junctions. Taken together these results suggest that a BDNF‐induced p75NTR‐mediated ACh release potentiating mechanism and a BDNF‐induced trkB‐mediated release inhibitory mechanism may contribute to developmental synapse disconnection. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Guaranteed computable error bounds for conforming and nonconforming finite element analyses in planar elasticity
Authors: Ainsworth Mark , Rankin Richard
Published: December 2009

We obtain fully computable a posteriori error estimators for the energy norm of the error in second‐order conforming and nonconforming finite element approximations in planar elasticity. These estimators are completely free of unknown constants and give a guaranteed numerical upper bound on the norm of the error. The estimators are shown to also provide local lower bounds, up to a constant and higher‐order data oscillation terms. Numerical examples are presented illustrating the theory and confirming the effectiveness of the estimator. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of oily core‐hybrid shell nanocapsules through interfacial free radical copolymerization in miniemulsion: Droplet formation and nucleation
Authors: Cao Z. H. , Shan G. R. , Sheibat‐Othman N. , Putaux J.‐L. , Bourgeat‐Lami E.
Published: December 2009

Nanocapsules with an oily core and an organic/inorganic hybrid shell were elaborated by miniemulsion (co)polymerization of styrene, divinylbenzene, γ‐methacryloyloxy propyl trimethoxysilane, and N‐isopropyl acrylamide. The hybrid copolymer shell membrane was formed by polymerization‐induced phase separation at the interface of the oily nanodroplets with water. It was shown that the size, size distribution, and colloidal stability of the miniemulsion droplets were extremely dependent on the nature of the oil phase, the monomer content and the surfactant concentration. The less water‐soluble the hydrocarbon template and the higher the monomer content, the better the droplet stability. The successful formation of nanocapsules with the targeted core‐shell morphology (i.e., a liquid core surrounded by a solid shell) was evidenced by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. Both nanocapsules and nanoparticles were produced by polymerization of the miniemulsion droplets. The proportion of nanoparticles increased with increasing monomer concentration in the oil phase. These undesirable nanoparticles were presumably formed by homogeneous nucleation as we showed that micellar nucleation could be neglected under our experimental conditions even for high surfactant concentrations. The introduction of γ‐methacryloyloxy propyl trimethoxysilane was considered to be the main reason for homogeneous nucleation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 593–603, 2010
Synthesis of highly refractive and transparent polyimides derived from 4,4′‐thiobis[2″,6″‐dimethyl‐4″‐(p‐phenylenesulfanyl)aniline]
Authors: You Nam‐Ho , Higashihara Tomoya , Ando Shinji , Ueda Mitsuru
Published: December 2009

New sulfur‐containing aromatic diamines with methyl groups at the ortho position of amino groups have been developed to prepare highly refractive and transparent aromatic polyimides (PIs) in the visible region. All aromatic PIs derived from 4,4′‐thiobis[2″‐methyl‐4″‐(p‐phenylenesulfanyl)aniline (2), 4,4′‐thiobis[2,″6″‐dimethyl‐4″‐(p‐phenylenesulfanyl)aniline (5), and aromatic dianhydride, 4,4′‐[p‐thiobis(phenylenesulfanyl)]diphthalic anhydride (6) were prepared via a two‐step polycondensation. All PIs showed good thermal properties, such as 10% weight loss temperature in the range of 497–500 °C and glass transition temperatures above 196 °C. In addition, the PIs showed good optical properties, such as optical transparency above 75% at 450 nm with a 10‐μm film thickness, high refractive indices ranging from 1.7135 to 1.7301, and small in‐plane/out‐of‐plane birefringences between 0.0066 and 0.0076. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 656–662, 2010
Effect of different matrices and nanofillers on the rheological behavior of polymer‐clay nanocomposites
Authors: Botta Luigi , Scaffaro Roberto , La Mantia Francesco Paolo , Dintcheva Nadka Tzankova
Published: December 2009

In this work, a comprehensive study of the rheological behavior under shear and isothermal and nonisothermal elongational flow of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) based nanocomposites was reported to evaluate their “filmability”, that is, the ability of these material to be processed for film forming applications. The influence of two different kinds of organoclay – namely Cloisite 15A and Cloisite 30B – and their concentration was evaluated. The presence of filler clearly affects the rheological behavior in oscillatory state of polyolefin‐based nanocomposites but the increase of complex viscosity and the shear thinning are not dramatic. A larger strain‐hardening effect in isothermal elongational flow is shown by the nanocomposites compared to that of the pure matrix, particularly for EVA based nanocomposites. The melt strength measured under nonisothermal elongational flow increases in the presence of the nanofiller, while the drawability is only slightly lower than that measured for the neat matrix. Moreover, the rheological behavior under nonisothermal elongational flow of EVA‐based nanocomposites is similar for both nanoclays used. Differently, LDPE‐based nanocomposites show a strong dependence on the type of organoclay. Finally, the mechanical properties of the materials were measured by tensile tests. They revealed that the presence of the filler provokes, in all the cases, an increase of the rigidity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 344–355, 2010
Potential surrogate endpoints in cancer research – some considerations and examples
Authors: Duffy S. W. , Treasure F. P.
Published: December 2009

We present an introductory survey of the use of surrogates in cancer research, in particular in clinical trials. The concept of a surrogate endpoint is introduced and contrasted with that of a biomarker. It is emphasized that a surrogate endpoint is not universal for an indication but will depend on the mechanism of treatment. We discuss the measures of validity of a surrogate and give examples of both cancer surrogates and biomarkers on the path to surrogacy. Circumstances in which a surrogate endpoint may actually be preferred to the clinical endpoint are described. We provide pointers to the recent substantive literature on surrogates. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A density functional theory study on the reactions of Y atom and Y+ cation with carbonyl sulfide
Authors: Dai Guo‐Liang , Wang Chuan‐Feng , Jin Yan‐Xian , Zhong Ai‐Guo
Published: December 2009

The mechanism of the title reactions have been studied by using the DFT (B3LYP/ECP/6‐311+G*) level of theory. Both ground and excited state potential energy surfaces are discussed. It is found the reaction mechanism is insertion mechanism both along the CS and CO bond activation branches, but the CS bond activation is much more favorable in energy than the CO bond activation. The reaction of Y atom with SCO was shown to occur preferentially on the ground state (doublet) PES throughout the reaction process, and the experimentally observed species, have been explained according to the mechanism revealed in this work. Different from that of Y + SCO system, the reaction between Y+ cation and SCO involves potential energy curve‐crossing which dramatically affects reaction mechanism. Due to the intersystem crossing existing in the reaction process of Y+ with SCO, the intermediates SY+(η2CO) and OY+(η2CS) may not form. All our theoretical results not only support the existing conclusions inferred from early experiment, but also complement the pathway and mechanism for this reaction. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
The Creative, Originative, and Useful Progress of Surge Arresters and Insulation Coordination for AC 66–1100 kV Power Systems Described in the IEEJ Technical Report No. 1132
Authors: Shirakawa S. , Kado H. , Watahiki S. , Hirano H. , Nakamura T. , Kobayashi T. , Fukumitsu H. , Shinohara Y. , Matsushita Y. , Ishizaki Y. , Ishibe S. , Watanabe H. , Kobayashi M. , Tsuge K. , Fukui H. , Ozaki Y. , Kawamura T. , Ishii M. , Kawaguchi Y. , Nishimura S.
Published: December 2009

It is essential to prove that the technology of metal (zinc) oxide surge arresters born in Japan is very creative, originative, and useful to insulation coordination for power systems. Surge arresters investigating R&D Committee of Japan have summarized ‘power technology of Japan through the experience of developments and applications of surge arresters—AC 3.3–1100 kV and HVDC 125–600 kV power systems’. This technical report No. 1132 describes lightning phenomena, manufacturing of ZnO elements, surge arresters and insulation coordination for AC 3.3–550 kV, 800 kV, 1100 kV substations, 22–500 kV transmission lines, power cables, HVDC 125–DC 600 kV systems, 6.6–33 kV distribution lines, 100–200 V surge protective devices, and maintenance methods. This paper describes that the creative, originative and useful progress of metal (zinc) oxide surge arresters contributes drastically to the insulation coordination for AC 66–1100 kV power systems. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Large fetal size in early pregnancy associated with macrosomia
Authors: Thorsell M. , Kaijser M. , Almström H. , Andolf E.
Published: December 2009

Objective

To assess if fetal size at the time of ultrasound dating examination is associated with the risk of macrosomia and complications associated with macrosomia.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of 19 377 singleton pregnancies dated in gestational weeks 16–20 during the period 1998–2004 at Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Obstetric outcome was assessed through linkage to the Swedish Medical Birth Register.

Results

When fetuses were ≥ 7 days larger than expected at dating, compared with the expected size according to last menstrual period, there was a 59% increase in the risk of birth weight ≥ 4500 g and a 145% increase in the risk of birth weight ≥ 5000 g (odds ratio (OR), 1.59; 95% CI, 1.12–2.24 and OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.22–4.90, respectively). For a birth weight of ≥ 4000 g the risk estimate was 1.19 (95% CI, 0.96–1.47).

Conclusion

Fetuses that are larger than expected in the second trimester have an increased risk of macrosomia. This emphasizes that fetal size in early pregnancy is not only a function of gestational duration, but also of fetal growth. However, only a limited proportion of all infants born macrosomic can be identified as such at the time of ultrasound dating. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of cyst content using mean gray value for discriminating endometrioma from other unilocular cysts in premenopausal women
Authors: Alcázar J. L. , León M. , Galván R. , Guerriero S.
Published: December 2009

Objective

To assess whether the analysis of cyst content using mean gray value (MGV) can discriminate ovarian endometriomas from other unilocular ovarian cysts in premenopausal women.

Methods

Stored three‐dimensional (3D) volumes from 54 unilocular ovarian cysts diagnosed in 50 premenopausal women (mean age, 37 (range, 22–50) years) were analyzed to calculate the MGV from cyst content. Cysts with solid components or septations were excluded. MGV was calculated in all cases with the Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis™ technique. The B‐mode presumptive diagnosis based on the examiner's subjective impression was also recorded.

Results

Sixteen of the cysts resolved spontaneously and were given a final clinical diagnosis of hemorrhagic functional cyst, while 38 cysts were removed surgically (diagnosed histologically as seven simple cysts, three hemorrhagic cysts, 20 endometriomas, five mucinous cysts and three paraovarian cysts). B‐mode diagnoses were as follows: seven simple cysts, 18 hemorrhagic cysts, 24 endometriomas, three mucinous cysts and two paraovarian cysts. MGV was significantly higher in ovarian endometrioma when compared with all other kinds of cyst. The receiver–operating characteristics curve showed that using an MGV cut‐off ≥ 15.560 had a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 76.5% for diagnosing ovarian endometrioma (area under the curve, 0.831; 95% CI, 0.718–0.944). These figures were similar to those for B‐mode diagnosis (sensitivity, 90%; specificity, 82%) (McNemar test, P = 1.000). Combining B‐mode and MGV gave a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 91%.

Conclusion

Cyst content MGV is higher in ovarian endometrioma than it is in other unilocular ovarian cysts. The diagnostic performance of MGV is similar to that of the examiner's subjective impression. The combination of both criteria achieves the highest specificity. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactive power compensation and active filtering capability of WECS with DFIG without any over‐rating
Authors: Gaillard Arnaud , Poure Philippe , Saadate Sharokh
Published: December 2009

This paper presents a novel approach for reactive power compensation and active filtering capability of a variable speed wind energy conversion system (WECS) with doubly fed induction generator (DFIG), without any over‐rating. First, the WECS is capable of capturing maximum wind power under fluctuating wind speed. Second, depending on the available wind power value versus nominal WECS power, power quality can be improved by compensating the reactive power and the grid harmonic currents, without any system over‐rating. The proposed rotor side converter (RSC) control manages the WECS function's priorities, between main active power generation and power quality management. To ensure high filtering performances, we used an improved harmonic isolator in the time domain, based on a selective pass band filter (SPBF) developed in our laboratory. Moreover, we took advantage of the high amplification effect of the rotor side‐controlled DFIG to compensate harmonic currents. Consequently, no over‐rating is necessary for the proposed additional active filtering capability. Simulation results for a 2 MW WECS with DFIG confirm the effectiveness and the performances of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.