bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid Crystalline Phase Formation by Cholesterol in Aqueous Fatty Acid Salt Solutions
Authors: Bogardus Joseph B.
Published: September 2008

The interaction of cholesterol with fatty acid salt solutions was investigated as a potential method for gallstone dissolution. In the presence of sodium oleate or laurate, crystalline cholesterol was rapidly converted into a lamellar liquid crystalline phase. Analysis of the mesophase showed that it contained approximately equimolar amounts of the lipid components, although water was the major constituent. The rate of conversion of cholesterol to mesophase was determined from compressed disc immersed in a stirred solution, as if it were a simple dissolution process. The apparent rate of solubilization was independent of oleate concentration in the 2.5 to 10% range and was approximately 200 times faster than micellar dissolution of cholesterol in 5% sodium cholate. A mechanism is proposed in which the rate-limiting step in mesophase formation dispersion of liquid crystalline fragments into the bulk medium.
Kinetics and Mechanisms of Cholesterol Gallstone Dissolution
Authors: Higuchi William I.
Published: September 2008

The purpose of this paper is to review the past and current in vitro studies aimed at understanding the mechanisms of cholesterol gallstone dissolution in bile. As is pointed out, there has been considerable progress in this area during the past 15 years with regard to the physical chemistry of the dissolution process.
Crystallization in Bile
Authors: Nancollas George H.
Published: September 2008

The formation of crystalline components in gallstones is governed by the physical-chemical factors controlling the crystallizaton of minerals in aqueous systems. The elucidation of the mechanism of these reactions, especially at the low supersaturations of interest in vivo, is facilitated by the use of a constant composition method in which the reactions are studied at supersaturation levels automatically sustained, potentiometrically, during the experiments. Not only is it possible to distinguish between the various theoretical models of crystal growth, but the influence of in vivo modifiers of mineralization can be investigated at the same conditions of low supersaturation. The method is illustrated for the calcium phosphate system in which it is shown that precursor phases may be stabilized kinetically for long periods of time despite the fact that the driving forces for the formation of the thermodynamically most stable phase are appreciable. These factors will have important consequences during the precipitation of mineral phases in the formation of gallstones.
The Etiology of Pigment Gallstones
Authors: Ostrow Donald J.
Published: September 2008

Pigment gallstones are of two major types, black and earthy brown, each consisting of calcium salts of bilirubin and other anions, along with an unmeasured residue that is largely mucin glycoproteins. Studies in model systems indicate that the small proportion of unconjugated bilirubin in bile is solubilized by bile salts and that the ionized bilirubin is more soluble than the protonated diacid. Solubility is decreased by added lecithin but is unaffected by cholesterol. At the pH of bile, unconjugated bilirubin exists mainly as a monoanion with sufficient solubility in mixed micelles not to precipitate, were it not for the presence of calcium, which forms highly insoluble salts with unconjugated bilirubin anions. Supersaturation of bile with calcium bilirubinates is inhibited by bile salts, which bind calcium, reducing the activity of free calcium ions. When supersaturation occurs, usually due to increased concentrations of bilirubinate anion, nucleation may be initiated by binding of calcium bilirubinate to mucin glycoproteins in bile.

In earthy brown stones, which form mainly in the bile ducts, the pigment is mostly calcium bilirubinate, combined with calcium palmitate. These components form due to hydrolysis, by enzymes in infecting bacteria, of conjugated bilirubin and lecithin, respectively. In black stones, which form mainly in the gallbladder, the pigment is mostly a highly cross-linked network polymer of bilirubin, which is insoluble in all solvents. Concomitant polymerization and oxidation of calcium bilirubinate probably occur in the solid state, after precipitation of the pigment due to hydrolysis of conjugated bilirubin by endogenous β-glucuronidase from the biliary tract and/or liver. This may result from a diet-related decrease in inhibitors of β-glucuronidase in bile. In hemolytic states, increased concentrations of conjugated bilirubin in bile, providing more substrate for hydrolysis, may contribute also to black stone formation. Black stones also contain coprecipitated calcium phosphate and/or carbonate, but the insoluble polymer renders them resistant to physical dissolution therapy.
Physical-Chemical Methods for Determining Bilirubin Solubilities in Simulated Bile Systems
Authors: Carey Martin C.
Published: September 2008

This report describes a rigorous physical-chemical approach to determine the solubilities of unconjugated bilirubin in model bile systems. In the absence of calcium ions, metastable and equilibrium solubilities can be obtained by acidimetric (HC1) titration of excess unconjugated bilirubin in aqueous solutions of simple and mixed conjugated bile salt micelles. The experiments must be performed with degassed water under argon, in dim light and at constant temperature and ionic strength. This approach provides metastable and equilibrium solubilities of unconjugated bilirubin at a unique pH, i.e., the precipitation pH (pHppt) of bilirubin in the bile salt system. Because high levels of supersaturation can be acidimetrically induced, equilibration is usually complete in less than 20 min. To obtain equilibrium solubilities of bilirubin in simulated bile systems at other pH values (), it is necessary to perform equilibrium dissolution studies of crystalline diacid bilirubin in the presence of a strong buffer (at least 0.2 M). This method must, perforce, be the procedure of choice to estimate micellar bilirubin solubilities in the presence of calcium ions. Each dissolution experiment takes from 2 to 3 days, hence meticulous attention must be paid to the photochemical stability of bilirubin during the equilibration period, and appropriate precautions taken. Bilirubin solubilities obtained by both methods can be validated by titrating predetermined concentrations of unconjugated bilirubin spectrophotometrically in the model bile systems to the pH value at which saturation solubility was obtained. As a check of equilibration, it is imperative that bilirubin solubility values at the pHppt obtained by both dissolution and titra-metric methods display satisfactory agreement. For a complete description of the system, chemical and physical analyses of the excess solid-phase bilirubin that was in equilibrium with the bilirubin-saturated micellar phase should be performed.
Survival of pleural malignant mesothelioma in Italy: A population‐based study
Authors: Montanaro Fabio , Rosato Rosalba , Gangemi Manuela , Roberti Sara , Ricceri Fulvio , Merler Enzo , Gennaro Valerio , Romanelli Antonio , Chellini Elisabetta , Pascucci Cristiana , Musti Marina , Nicita Carmela , Barbieri Pietro Gino , Marinaccio Alessandro , Magnani Corrado , Mirabelli Dario
Published: September 2008

A median survival time of about 9 months is generally reported among malignant pleural mesothelioma cases. Recently, better results in terms of survival and performance status have been reported in clinical trials that included highly selected patients. We describe the survival of pleural mesothelioma patients and the factors predictive of survival in an unselected, population‐based setting. Pleural mesothelioma cases (4,100) registered from 1990 to 2001 by 9 Italian regional mesothelioma registries contributing to the network of the National Mesothelioma Registry were followed until December 31, 2005. Univariate (Kaplan‐Meier) and multivariate (Cox proportional hazards regression) analyses of survival were carried out according to selected individual characteristics, including limited information on treatment in a subset of 578 cases. The median survival time was 9.8 months (95% confidence interval: 9.4–10.1). In multivariate analysis, younger age at diagnosis and epithelioid histotype were associated with significantly reduced hazard ratios. Positive effects of gender (women) and being diagnosed in a hospital with a thoracic surgery unit were of border‐line statistical significance. No association with calendar period of diagnosis or asbestos exposure was present. Treatment was not associated with a statistically significant improvement in survival. This is the largest population‐based study on survival in patients with pleural mesothelioma to date. Age and morphology were the main prognostic factors. Results regarding the effect of treatment were disappointing but may be useful to assess the future impact, at the population level, of recently introduced therapies. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vascular density in carcinoma of the uterine cervix and its predictive value for radiotherapy
Authors: Siracka Eva , Révész L. , Kovač R. , Siracký J.
Published: September 2008

The vascular density (VD) in stage‐III tumors of the uterine cervix was determined by morphometric analysis of histologic, Masson‐trichrome stained sections prepared from biopsies. In a retrospective study, VD was found to be related to results of radiotherapy, larger VD being associated with prolonged survival, in agreement with similar observations made earlier with stage‐IB and ‐IIA tumors of the cervix. In a complementary study the variation of VD within tumors was investigated in relation to the variation between tumors using surgically removed cervical carcinomas in stage IB. Statistically significant F‐ratios were calculated, suggesting a more or less individual pattern of vascularization of the tumors despite a considerable intra‐tumoral heterogeneity of the vas‐culature. It is concluded that VD may reflect oxygenation of neoplastic tissue, and may have a predictive value in regard to the response of tumors to irradiation.
Isolation, characterization and long term preservation of mutant strains of Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous
Authors: Baeza Marcelo , Retamales Patricio , Sepúlveda Dionisia , Lodato Patricia , Jiménez Antonio , Cifuentes Víctor
Published: September 2008

The yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous is biotechnologically important due to its ability to produce the pigment astaxanthin, but is poorly understood at the genetic level. This is mainly because its preservation is difficult and many of the mutants obtained are unstable. The objectives of the present work were (i) the mutagenesis X. dendrorhous and, (ii) isolation of mutants with auxotrophic markers suitable for genetic studies of the carotenogenesis pathway and sexual cycle. Additionally, two kinds of preservation methods at the laboratory level were tested for the storage of strains. A collection of X. dendrorhous mutants affected in the production of carotenoid pigments or development of sexual structures and auxotrophic requirements were isolated by treatment with N‐methyl‐N′‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine and the antibiotic nystatin. From a detailed analysis about the requirements of auxotrophic mutants the ARG7, ARG3 and PRO3 loci can be defined in this yeast. Among the methods assayed for the long‐term preservation of X. dendrorhous strains, the dehydrated gelatin drop method showed the highest recovery of viable yeast after storage for 65 months. No changes in auxotrophic properties and in macro or micro morphology were observed after applying the latter method. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Tolypocladium inflatum CPA element encodes a RecQ helicase‐like gene
Authors: Kempken Frank
Published: September 2008

Previously, a repetitive CPA element was discovered in the genome of the filamentous fungus Tolypocladium inflatum; however, no further characterization was technically possible at that time. In this study, PCR amplification was used to detect a 4 kb conserved portion of the CPA element that appeared to be present in most, if not all, genomic CPA elements. The amplicons included a large open reading frame that was most similar to a RecQ helicase‐like gene from Metarhizium anisopliae. The repetitive nature of the CPA element suggests that it is related to the eukaryotic Helitron class of transposable elements. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The use of GC×GC with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry to investigate dienes and Diels–Alder polymerisation products in high‐temperature Fischer–Tropsch‐based fuels
Authors: van der Westhuizen Rina , Crouch Andrew , Sandra Pat
Published: September 2008

Comprehensive GC in the reversed polarity mode i.e. a polar main column and an apolar secondary column have been used to differentiate cyclic olefins, dienes and cyclic dienes in high temperature Fischer–Tropsch (FT)‐based fuels. The elucidation of the blobs in the contour plot was based on spectral data obtained by TOF‐MS. The effectiveness of selective catalytic hydrogenation in transforming dienes into olefins could be studied. Dienes are prone to polymerisation by Diels–Alder reactions and dimers and trimers were detected in the 2‐D plot by operating the MS in the ion extraction mode. Polymerisation is thought to be partially responsible for gum formation in high temperature FT‐derived products.
Comparison of separation power of ultra performance liquid chromatography and comprehensive two‐dimensional liquid chromatography in the separation of phenolic compounds in beverages
Authors: Kivilompolo Maarit , Hyötyläinen Tuulia
Published: September 2008

In this study, 1‐D and 2‐D liquid chromatographic systems, namely, conventional HPLC, UPLC, HPLC×HPLC and HPLC×UPLC systems were developed and evaluated for the separation of phenolic acids in wine and juices. In the LC×LC studies, the first dimension separation was based on RPLC and the second dimension was performed with ion‐pair chromatography. Three different columns, namely two short columns packed with either 2.5 or 1.7 μm particles and a monolithic column, were tested for the fast second dimension separation. The best results were obtained when the monolithic column was applied for the second dimension separation. The peak capacities for comprehensive 2‐D systems varied from 330 to 616.
Offline LC‐GC×GC in combination with rapid‐scanning quadrupole mass spectrometry
Authors: Sciarrone Danilo , Quinto Tranchida Peter , Costa Rosaria , Donato Paola , Ragonese Carla , Dugo Paola , Dugo Giovanni , Mondello Luigi
Published: September 2008

The present research is focused on the offline combination of normal‐phase LC to double‐oven GC×GC‐quadrupole MS. Initially, a diesel sample was subjected to automated LC×GC in order to define the elution windows of four fractions, viz., saturated hydrocarbons, monocyclic aromatics, dicyclic aromatics, tri‐ + tetracyclic aromatics; each fraction was collected exploiting the LC system in a further analysis and subjected to large‐volume‐injection‐GC×GC analysis using an apolar–polar column combination. The GC×GC operational conditions were tuned in relation to the specific separation requirements of each heart‐cut. The main benefits of what can be defined as offline LC‐GC×GC were: (i) the high first‐dimension LC selectivity; (ii) the injection of high sample amounts in the GC×GC system, enabling the detection and quantification of a series of low‐amount diesel constituents; (iii) improved GC×GC operational conditions for each heart‐cut with respect to direct GC×GC.
Psychosocial research in traumatic stress: An update
Authors: Green Bonnie L.
Published: September 2008

This report presents an update of psychosocial research in the traumatic stress field, presenting an overview of recent studies in several areas: the epidemiology of traumatic events and of PTSD in the general adult population, other diagnoses associated with trauma exposure and PTSD, the course and longevity of PTSD symptomatology, and risk factors for the diagnosis. Other areas of increasing interest and focus are briefly noted.
Sensitivity analysis and robust experimental design of a signal transduction pathway system
Authors: Yue Hong , Brown Martin , He Fei , Jia Jianfang , Kell Douglas B.
Published: September 2008

Experimental design for cellular networks based on sensitivity analysis is studied in this work. Both optimal and robust experimental design strategies are developed for the IκB‐NF‐κB signal transduction model. Based on local sensitivity analysis, the initial IKK intensity is calculated using an optimal experimental design process, and several scalarization measures of the Fisher information matrix are compared. Global sensitivity analysis and robust experimental design techniques are then developed to consider parametric uncertainties in the model. The modified Morris method is employed in global sensitivity analysis, and a semidefinite programming method is exploited to implement the robust experimental design for the problem of measurement set selection. The parametric impacts on the oscillatory behavior of NF‐κB in the nucleus are also discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 730–741, 2008
Uncertainty analysis of NO production during methane combustion
Authors: Zsély I. Gy. , Zádor J. , Turányi T.
Published: September 2008

Local and Monte Carlo uncertainty analyses of NO production during methane combustion were carried out, investigating the effect of uncertainties of kinetic parameters and enthalpies of formation. In Case I, the original Leeds methane oxidation mechanism with the NOx reaction block was used, but the enthalpies of formation of all species were updated. In Case II, the NCN‐containing reactions of the prompt NO formation route were added and the rate parameters of several reactions were also updated. The NO production was examined at the conditions of the Bartok et al. experiments (PSR, T = 1565–1989 K, φ = 0.8–1.2, residence time 3 ms). The Monte Carlo analysis provided the approximate probability density function and the variance of the calculated NO concentration, and also its attainable minimum and maximum values. Both mechanisms provided similarly good to acceptable agreement with the experimental results for lean and stoichiometric mixtures, whereas only mechanism Case II could reproduce the experimental data for rich mixtures after a realistic tuning of the parameters. Local uncertainty analysis was used to assess the contribution of the uncertainty of each parameter to the uncertainty of the calculated NO concentration. Enthalpies of formation of NNH and HCCO, and rate parameters of 20 reaction steps cause most of the uncertainty of the calculated NO concentrations at all conditions. The relative importance of the four main NO formation routes was investigated via the inspection of the reaction rates, embedded in the Monte Carlo analysis. NO formation in rich mixtures was dominated by the prompt route, whereas in leaner mixtures the share of the NO formation routes depended very much on the values of rate parameters, when varied within the uncertainty limits of kinetic data evaluations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 754–768, 2008
Reversible Hydrogels from an Ampholytic An(B‐b‐C)n Heteroarm Star Block Terpolymer
Authors: Stavrouli Nikoletta , Kyriazis Apostolos , Tsitsilianis Constantinos
Published: September 2008

An asymmetric, amphiphilic, An(B‐b‐C)n heteroarm star block terpolymer bearing polystyrene and poly(2‐vinyl pyridine)‐block‐poly(acrylic acid) arms, was synthesized by anionic polymerization, using an extending “in‐out” method and a post polymerization deprotection reaction. Due to the pH‐dependent protonation/deprotonation equilibrium of the P2VP/PAA blocks, a rich phase behavior was observed as a function of pH. At pH = 2, the star terpolymers form a physical hydrogel through a solvent‐induced sol/gel transition in a DMF/water solvent mixture. The gelation mechanism was attributed to a jamming effect mediated by increasing the dielectric permittivity of the medium.

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The Effect of Protonation on the Optical Properties of Conjugated Fluorene–Pyridine Copolymers
Authors: Kappaun Stefan , Horner Stephan , Kelterer Anne‐Marie , Waich Kerstin , Grasse Florian , Graf Michael , Romaner Lorenz , Niedermair Fabian , Müllen Klaus , Grimsdale Andrew C. , Saf Robert , List Emil J. W. , Zojer Egbert , Slugovc Christian
Published: September 2008

A series of conjugated alternating and statistical copolymers of fluorene and pyridine are synthesized and characterized. The compounds under investigation, namely poly[2,7‐(9,9‐dihexylfluorenyl)‐alt‐(2,6‐pyridinyl)] and poly[2,7‐(9,9‐dihexylfluorenyl)‐stat‐(2,6‐pyridinyl)], are prepared by a Suzuki‐type cross‐coupling reaction starting from commercially available materials utilizing the recently described catalyst trans‐bis(dicyclohexylamine) palladiumdiacetate (“DAPCy”). The target compounds are investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy, matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, thermal analysis, UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, and luminescence measurements in solution and in the solid state. Special emphasis is placed on studying the consequences of protonation on the photophysical properties of the described materials. Achieving a concise microscopic understanding of the effects of protonation on the absorption and luminescence characteristics is crucial for potential applications in, e.g., optical sensors. To that aim, the results of the systematic studies of the photophysical properties are explained by quantum mechanical calculations.

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Does “Passing the Courvoisier” always pay off? Positive and negative evaluative conditioning effects of brand placements in music videos
Authors: Schemer Christian , Matthes Jörg , Wirth Werner , Textor Samuel
Published: September 2008

The proliferation of brands in television programming has abounded in recent times. Especially in rap videos, actors frequently depict brands and products. One mechanism by which placements can affect consumers' attitudes is evaluative conditioning. Given that in rap videos brands are paired with liked as well as disliked actors, there is a high potential for positive and negative conditioning effects. In an experiment with an authentic rap video, the appearance of placements and the image of the rap actors were varied. The results indicate that the pairing of a brand with positively evaluated artists produces positive attitudes toward the brand. In contrast, a negative conditioning procedure results in negative attitudes toward the brand. Further analyses demonstrate that conditioning effects are even stronger when preference for rap music is high and recognition of the brand rather low. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
If employees “go the extra mile,” do customers reciprocate with similar behavior?
Authors: Yi Youjae , Gong Taeshik
Published: September 2008

This study proposes an integrated framework depicting the effects of two types of employee behavior (employee citizenship behavior and employee dysfunctional behavior) on customer satisfaction, which in turn, influences customer commitment. Customer satisfaction and commitment are then expected to affect two types of customer behavior (customer citizenship behavior and customer dysfunctional behavior). A survey of matched responses from 123 employees and 590 customers reveals that employee citizenship behavior, employee dysfunctional behavior, customer satisfaction, and customer commitment are important predictors of customer citizenship behavior and customer dysfunctional behavior. Furthermore, this study identifies variables (relationship age, group size, and communication frequency) that moderate the relationships being considered. The results show that the effects of two types of employee behavior on customer satisfaction are stronger when relationship age and communication frequency are higher. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The CAT model: Extensions and moderators of dominance in technology acceptance
Authors: Nasco Suzanne A. , Kulviwat Songpol , Kumar Anand , Bruner II Gordon C.
Published: September 2008

Recently, Kulviwat et al. (2007) proposed a new model, Consumer Acceptance of Technology (CAT), that was shown to significantly improve the prediction of intentions to adopt high tech products by integrating affect constructs and an additional cognitive construct into the well‐known Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The purpose of the current study is to examine issues that were beyond the scope of the first article. In particular, the dominance dimension of a fect did not previously show the expected positive effect on attitudes toward adopting technology. The current study clarifies the role of dominance in technology acceptance by uncovering a significant interaction it has with another construct within CAT. In addition, CAT is explored across different types of consumer tasks performed with a high‐tech innovation and is expanded by including a measure of social influence felt by the consumer. Finally, the CAT model is further validated using additional statistical analyses not applied in the initial publication. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatioselective Modification of Bicompartmental Polymer Particles and Fibers via Huisgen 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition
Authors: Bhaskar Srijanani , Roh Kyung‐Ho , Jiang Xuwei , Baker Gregory L. , Lahann Joerg
Published: September 2008

Precise nano‐ and microscale control of the architecture of biodegradable biomaterials is desirable for several biotechnological applications such as drug delivery, diagnostics, and medical imaging. Herein, we combine electrohydrodynamic co‐jetting and highly specific surface modification (via Huisgen 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition) to prepare particles and fibers with spatioselective surface modification. We first prepared biphasic particles and fibers from commercial poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) copolymers via electrohydrodynamic co‐jetting of two organic solutions loaded with fluorescent macromolecules and acetylene‐modified PLGA derivatives. (i) Spatially controlled reaction of poly[lactide‐co‐(propargyl glycolide)] with O‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐O′‐(2‐azidoethyl)heptaethylene glycol and (ii) subsequent conversion of the newly introduced amino groups with fluorescence probes resulted in particles and fibers with surface modification of one hemisphere only.

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A proliferation‐related constraint on endogenous and interferon‐induced 2–5A synthetase activity in normal and neoplastic Syrian hamster cells
Authors: Hassel Bret A. , Ts'o Paul O. P.
Published: September 2008

2–5A Synthetase is one of the most extensively characterized enzymes induced by interferon (IFN) and is the central enzyme in a pathway that may be involved in the control of cellular proliferation. We examined the activity of this enzyme in normal diploid Syrian hamster cells (FC13) and their neoplastically transformed derivatives (BP6T); the former cell strain possesses regulated proliferative control, while the latter cell line has escaped from this control. A significant threefold increase in 2–5A Synthetase activity was observed in density‐arrested versus proliferating FC13 cells, whereas endogenous enzyme activity was uniformly low in BP6T cultures. The increase in enzyme activity in FC13 cultures was not accompanied by the production of IFN at a detectable level, but was parallelled by an increase in the intracellular level of 2′,5′‐oligoadenylate. IFN treatment resulted in a differential induction of enzyme activity depending on the proliferative state of FC13 cells. After IFN treatment, BP6T cells and subconfluent FC13 cells responded similarly with a fivefold increase in enzyme activity, whereas confluent FC13 cells displayed only a 1.4‐fold increase. 2–5A Synthetase enzyme activity reflected steady‐state mRNA levels in BP6T and subconfluent FC13 cells. In contrast, a noncoordinate regulation of 2–5A synthetase mRNA expression and enzyme activity was detected in confluent FC13 cells, suggesting that posttranscriptional mechanisms may be involved. The different patterns of endogenous and IFN‐induced 2–5A synthetase enzyme activity in FC13 and BP6T cells found in this comparative study may represent an alteration fundamental to the loss of proliferative control in transformed cells.
Hassler and Dieckmann's seminal paper on stereotactic thalamotomy for Gilles de la Tourette syndrome: Translation and critical reappraisal
Authors: Rickards Hugh , Wood Clare , Cavanna Andrea E.
Published: September 2008

Papers concerning the use of deep brain stimulation to the thalamus for relief of symptoms of Tourette syndrome have frequently cited a paper by Hassler and Dieckmann, published in 1970. We present a translation of this paper and discussion in English. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Autonomic dysfunction in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Schmidt Claudia , Herting Birgit , Prieur Silke , Junghanns Susann , Schweitzer Katherine , Reichmann Heinz , Berg Daniela , Ziemssen Tjalf
Published: September 2008

The most important features that characterize and differentiate progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) from other parkinsonian syndromes are postural instability, supranuclear gaze palsy, pseudobulbar palsy, and cognitive disturbances. Although it has been reported that significant autonomic dysfunction is an exclusionary feature for PSP diagnosis, we could demonstrate in this study using semiquantitative clinical interview and cardiovascular testing that both PSP and idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) patients can present with significant autonomic dysfunction. The parasympathetic cardiovascular system seems to be involved to a similar extent in PD and PSP patients, whereas sympathetic cardiovascular dysfunction is more frequent and severe in PD patients, but can also be found in PSP patients. Our findings have a profound implication on the diagnosis and treatment of PSP patients. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Curcumin and the cellular stress response in free radical‐related diseases
Authors: Calabrese Vittorio , Bates Timothy E. , Mancuso Cesare , Cornelius Carolin , Ventimiglia Bernardo , Cambria Maria Teresa , Di Renzo Laura , De Lorenzo Antonino , Dinkova‐Kostova Albena T.
Published: September 2008

Free radicals play a main pathogenic role in several human diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and cancer. Although there has been progress in treatment of these diseases, the development of important side effects may complicate the therapeutic course. Curcumin, a well known spice commonly used in India to make foods colored and flavored, is also used in traditional medicine to treat mild or moderate human diseases. In the recent years, a growing body of literature has unraveled the antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antinfectious activity of curcumin based on the ability of this compound to regulate a number of cellular signal transduction pathways. These promising data obtained in vitro are now being translated to the clinic and more than ten clinical trials are currently ongoing worldwide. This review outlines the biological activities of curcumin and discusses its potential use in the prevention and treatment of human diseases.
Remission induction in children with acute non‐lymphocytic leukemia using cytosine arabinoside and doxorubicin or daunorubicin: A report from the childrens cancer study group
Authors: Buckley Jonathan D. , Lampkin Beatrice C. , Nesbit Mark E. , Bernstein Irwin D. , Feig Stephen A. , Kersey John H. , Piomelli Sergio , Kim Tae , Hammond G. Denman
Published: September 2008

Four hundred ninety evaluable patients were treated on an induction regimen consisting of two to four courses of cytosine arabinoside plus an anthracycline. Overall, 78% of patients went into remission, 10% died during induction, and 12% were induction failures. For the first 152 patients, courses consisted of 7 days continuous infusion with cytosine arabinoside (Ara‐C, 100 mg/m2) and 3 days of doxorubicin (30 mg/m2). Because of unacceptable toxicity, particularly for children less than 3 years of age, the anthracycline was changed to daunorubicin, and the doses of both induction drugs for children under 3 was reduced. For children aged 3 years and older the change in anthracycline was associated with a significant increase in induction failures (7% to 16%, P = .04) and a decrease in deaths (15% to 8%, P = .09). For younger children, for whom doses were also changed, the effect was greater: Mortality decreased from 29% to 1% (P < .0001), and the remission induction rate increased from 66% to 88% (P = .005). The therapy modifications also influenced survival following remission induction: Daunorubicintreated patients, aged 3 years and over, did significantly better than those given doxorubicin (P = .03), but the opposite was seen in younger children (P = .06). Gastrointestinal and skin toxicities and septicemia were significantly more common when doxorubicin was being used, but the extent of myelosuppression was similar for the two anthracyclines.
A2B2 type miktoarm star copolymers via alkyne homocoupling reaction
Authors: Gungor Eda , Hizal Gurkan , Tunca Umit
Published: September 2008

The terminal alkyne homocoupling reaction (oxidative alkyne coupling) is presented here as a new route for the preparation of A2B2 type 4‐miktoarm star copolymer. The block copolymer with terminal alkyne at the junction point prepared by NMP‐ATRP and ROP‐NMP sequential routes is coupled via diyne formation to give (PS)2‐(PMMA)2 and (PCL)2‐(PS)2 4‐miktoarm star polymers, respectively, by using a combination of (PPh3)2PdCl2/PPh3/CuI in a solvent mixture of Et3N/CH3CN at room temperature for 72 h. The molecular weight, intrinsic viscosity ([η]), radius of gyration (Rg), and hydrodynamic radius (Rh) of A2B2 4‐miktoarm star copolymers were calculated using triple‐detection GPC as results of three detectors response. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 6703–6711, 2008
Synthesis of a [60] fullerene—Functionalized isotactic polypropylene derivative
Authors: Martínez Gerardo , Gómez Marián A. , Marco Carlos , Ellis Gary , Gómez Rafael , Segura José L.
Published: September 2008

The covalent attachment of [60] fullerene (C60) to isotactic polypropylene (i‐PP) is achieved by direct reaction in 1,2,4‐trichlorobenzene (TCB) solution in the presence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP). The chemically modified pendant C60/i‐PP polymers are soluble in chlorinated solvents and have been characterized by ultraviolet–visible and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, cyclic voltametry, and thermogravimetric analysis. From the results it can be concluded that the modification of i‐PP by grafting via a free‐radical reaction competes with the possibility of chain scission of i‐PP due to the presence of DCP. The functionalized polymers crystallize in the monoclinic crystal modification, and have high crystallinity. The incorporation of C60 significantly enhances the thermal stability of the i‐PP. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate good electron acceptor properties of the fullerenated i‐PP samples. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 6722–6733, 2008
One‐pot synthesis of heterograft copolymers via “graft onto” by atom transfer nitroxide radical coupling chemistry
Authors: Fu Qiang , Liu Chao , Lin Wencheng , Huang Junlian
Published: September 2008

Heterograft copolymers poly(4‐glycidyloxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl‐co‐ ethylene oxide)‐graft‐polystyrene and poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) (poly (GTEMPO‐co‐EO)‐g‐PS/PtBA) were synthesized in one‐pot by atom transfer nitroxide radical coupling (ATNRC) reaction via “graft onto.” The main chain was prepared by the anionic ring‐opening copolymerization of ethylene oxide (EO) and 4‐glycidyloxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (GTEMPO) first, then the polystyrene and poly (tert‐butyl acrylate) with bromine end (PS‐Br, PtBA‐Br) were prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). When three of them were mixed each other in the presence of CuBr/N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) at 90 °C, the formed secondary carbon radicals at the PS and PtBA chain ends were quickly trapped by nitroxide radicals on poly(GTEMPO‐co‐EO). The heterograft copolymers were well defined by 1H NMR, size exclusion chromatography, fourier transform infrared, and differential scanning calorimetry in detail. It was found that the density of GTEMPO groups on main chain poly(GTEMPO‐co‐EO), the molecular weights of PS/PtBA side chains, and the structure of macroradicals can exert the great effects on the graft efficiency. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 6770–6779, 2008
Synthesis of well‐defined polymeric activated esters
Authors: Theato Patrick
Published: September 2008

Monomers bearing an activated ester group can be polymerized under various controlled polymerization techniques, such as ATRP, NMP, RAFT polymerization, or ROMP. Combining the functionalization of polymers via polymeric activated esters with these controlled polymerization techniques generate possibilities to realize highly functionalized polymer architectures. Within this highlight two different research areas of activated esters in polymer science will be discussed: (i) the preparation of defined reactive polymer architectures by controlled polymerization techniques and (ii) the preparation of defined reactive thin films. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 6677–6687, 2008
Existential concerns among patients with cancer and interventions to meet them: an integrative literature review
Authors: Henoch Ingela , Danielson Ella
Published: September 2008

Objectives: An integrative literature review was undertaken to explore existential concerns among patients with cancer with respect to components, related concepts and targets of interventions.

Methods: Comprehensive searches in MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Social Citation Index, SweMed+, Eurethics, NLM Gateway, Faculty of 1000 Medicine, Cochrane Library, EMBACE were undertaken. Each paper was read and classified according to design as descriptive qualitative, descriptive quantitative or interventional. Main themes, interventions and outcomes were identified.

Results: The searches yielded a total of 162 articles, of which 109 met inclusion criteria. Existential components from the qualitative studies were divided into two main themes: struggle to maintain self‐identity and threats to self‐identity. Quantitative studies mainly concerned relationships between existential concerns and other concepts. Interventions and assessed outcomes were consistent with components and relationships found in the descriptive studies. Relationships concerned physical and psychological domains; however, few interventions were evaluated against physical outcomes. No interventions applicable to everyday health‐care practice were found.

Conclusion: Interventions targeted and evaluated concepts related to existential concerns found in the descriptive studies. Gaps in research on existential concerns in patients with cancer include the need to clarify the concept; how patients' existential well‐being may best be supported by health‐care professionals in everyday practice; effects of existential interventions on physical symptoms; and stability of results of interventions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mycoherbicides and other biocontrol agents for Senecio spp
Authors: Paul Nigel D. , Ayres Peter G. , Hallett Steven G.
Published: September 2008

Classical biocontrol of Senecio jacobaea (ragwort) has generally utilised herbivorous insects, although the nisi Puccinia expansa has also been considered. Although this rust is specific and damaging in the glasshouse. It has not been used in the field.

Research into the ecophysiology of Senecio vulgaris (groundsel) infected by the rust Puccinia lagenophorae has revealed the extent to which the effects of infection are dependent on environmental factors. The damage caused by rust is enhanced under mild drought conditions, during periods of frost in winter and by competition between groundsel and neighbouring plants, bui is reduced by nutrient deficiency. Rust injury is also greatly increased by secondary infection of pustules by necrotrophic fungi. Such secondary infection can be achieved artificially with a range of opportunistic necrolrophs and can selectively kill groundsel: the effective inoculum dose of both fungi is significantly reduced. Attempts to apply our understanding of rust‐necrotroph injury to ragwort have been partially successful but we have not succeeded in causing significant mortality of this host.

This paper discusses these, and other weed—pathogen—environment interactions, and their possible application to biocontrol.
The effect of carbon on the electronic structure of FeNi alloys with a stacking fault
Authors: Jasen P. , González E. , González G. , Moro L. , Juan A.
Published: September 2008

The bonding of C to Fe and Ni in Fe50Ni50(L10) alloy with a stacking fault (SF) is analyzed using density functional calculations (DFT). The changes in the electronic structure of the bulk alloy upon SF introduction and after C absorption is addressed. C locates in an octahedral site with Ni atoms in its base and capped with Fe atoms. The Fe–Ni and Ni–Ni bonding decrease while the Fe–Fe bonding increases when the SF is introduced. The effect of C is to reduce the Fe–Ni and Ni–Ni overlap population (OP) up to 75% of its original value, while the Fe–Fe OP only changes by 3.6%. Both Fe and Ni bond to C atom at a distance of 1.80 Å, which is close to that in Fe and Ni carbides metallic, clusters or C as a impurity at grain boundaries or dislocations. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The electric‐field effect on the exciton photoconductivity and Urbach tail in GaSe crystals
Authors: Mamedov G. M. , Karabulut M. , Kodolbaş A. O. , Öktü Ö.
Published: September 2008

The direct free exciton (n = 1) photoconductivity in GaSe crystals has been investigated as a function of applied electric field. The changes observed in the exciton photoconductivity have been analyzed using the Franz–Keldysh, exciton electroabsorption, and Frenkel thermoelectric‐field effects. The intensity of exciton photoconductivity peak was found to increase exponentially with the applied field. The exciton peaks broaden as the magnitude of applied field is increased and shift to lower energies with the square root of applied field. The Urbach energy determined from the long‐wavelength part of the exciton photoconductivity in GaSe crystals varies with the applied electric field. The Frenkel thermoelectric‐field effect has been found to be dominant for the changes observed in the exciton photoconductivity as a result of the applied field. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nested case–control data utilized for multiple outcomes: a likelihood approach and alternatives
Authors: Saarela Olli , Kulathinal Sangita , Arjas Elja , Läärä Esa
Published: September 2008

Suppose a nested case–control design has been applied for collecting covariate data when studying a specific disease. With possible new outcomes of interest it would be sensible to utilize the previously selected control group instead of (or in addition to) a new control selection, given that the same covariate data were relevant and available, and that their measurements had adequate stability and quality. We formulate this problem in the framework of the competing risks survival model. In this approach covariate information collected for all outcomes can be utilized in the analysis. We not only propose likelihood‐based parameter estimation but we also review alternative methods based on weighted partial/pseudolikelihoods. The methods discussed here are closely related to the analysis of a case–cohort design, where the control group is not tied to cases of a specific disease. The different methods are compared in a simulation study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seed yield, oil content and fatty acid composition of three botanical sources of ω‐3 fatty acid planted in the Yungas ecosystem of tropical Argentina
Authors: Ayerza Ricardo , Coates Wayne
Published: September 2008

Studies have shown that the fatty acid composition of oils consumed can affect the risk of cardiovascular heart disease, and many consumers are therefore looking for sources of ω‐3 fatty acids. Three herbs of the family Lamiaceae, chia (Salvia hispanica L.), golden chia (Salvia columbariae Benth.) and winter savory (Satureja montana L.), all of which produce seeds rich in ω‐3 fatty acid, were planted in northwestern Argentina to determine their production potential in terms of seed yield, oil content and fatty acid composition. Chia seed had the highest oil content (29.9%), followed by golden chia (21.0%) and winter savory (8.0%). All three crops exhibited similar fatty acid profiles, with α‐linolenic ω‐3 fatty acid being the largest component. Golden chia had the highest α‐linolenic fatty acid content: 17% and 11% more than chia and winter savory, respectively. Golden chia's shattering, however, is a major disadvantage for commercial production, making this the least attractive crop of the three. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Effect of transesterification of lard on stability, antioxidant‐synergist efficiency, and rancidity development
Authors: Zalewski Stanislaw , Gaddis A. M.
Published: September 2008

Glyceride rearrangement of lard did not affect its resistance to oxidation or alter the efficiency of antioxidants and synergists. Changes in stability were due to the decomposition of tocopherol and the formation of reducing substances. The position of unsaturated fatty acids in the glyceride may influence the free volatile carbonyl compounds present in autoxidized lard and in rancidity development, Interesterification under vacuum produced an odorless and colorless randomized lard with natural stability in the range of the parent lard.
Alcoholic extraction of oilseed with the aid of ultrasonics
Authors: Schurig W. Fred , Sole Pedro
Published: September 2008

The ultrasonic extraction of cottonseed with ethyl alcohol is studied. Several treating systems are evaluated with the seed in different positions in regard to the ultrasonic field. A calorimetric method was used for measuring the ultrasonic power to the treating vessels. The ultrasonic field had a frequency of 26 Kc/sec, and there was a power range from 0 to 2 watts/cm2. The temperature was varied between 25 and 75C for a set of runs, and a solvent flow rate of about 1 ml/sec was used for most runs. It appears that the temperature effect is the same for runs with and without ultrasonics. A capillary flow mechanism is discussed to explain the temperature effect. Only the extraction without ultrasonics could be predicted by the latter model at a given temperature level.

Considerable improvement in the extraction rate was obtained when the ultrasonic pressure gradient was used parallel to the main solid liquid interface. A generalized empirical equation is presented, relating the rate of extraction to the calorimetric power to the extraction vessel, the total area normal to the ultrasonic field, and the seed loading for a particular geometry. By using Fick's law of diffusion and a simplified physical model, the data are also presented as an equation of the diffusion coefficient as a function of the calorimetrically measured ultrasonic power, the total area in the path of the ultrasonic field, and the seed loading.
Deodorization, principles and practices
Authors: Zehnder C. T. , Mcmichael C. E.
Published: September 2008

Deodorization of fats is a steam‐distillation process in which the small percentage of volatile, odoriferous materials is stripped out with steam. A brief discussion of the mathematics involved is included. The effects of time, temperature, vacuum, steaming rate, and materials of construction are discussed. Three general types of deodorizers, batch, continuous, and semicontinuous are presented with brief descriptions of the apparatus employed. Means for collection and recovery of the overheads are described. Protection of the oil during processing is mentioned.