bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐pharmacological approaches for dementia that informal carers might try or access: a systematic review
Authors: Hulme Claire , Wright Judy , Crocker Tom , Oluboyede Yemi , House Allan
Published: November 2009

Objective

To review non‐drug treatments for dementia; to provide a source of evidence for informal carers who want ideas about non‐drug approaches for dementia, that they might try or that they could try to access. The systematic review addresses: what non‐drug treatments work and what do they work for? What non‐drug treatments might work and what for? What non‐drug treatments do not work?

Methods

Literature searches of seven electronic databases (AMED, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PSYCINFO, Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews and DARE) were carried out in November 2007 using the following search terms (or derivatives): dementia/Alzheimer's AND Review AND non‐drug therapies and aimed at finding systematic reviews.

Results

Thirty‐three reviews were identified; 25 were judged to be high or good quality. Studies within these systematic reviews were characterised by weak study designs with small sample numbers. Three interventions were found to be effective for use with particular symptoms of dementia: music or music therapy, hand massage or gentle touch and physical activity/exercise.

Conclusions

Whilst informal carers can apply some of the interventions highlighted in the home setting at little or no cost to themselves or to health or social care services, others are likely to require training or instruction. Service providers and commissioners should explore current and future provision of more structured group activities for people with dementia; in particular the provision of group music therapy and group exercise activities that meet the needs of both the person with dementia and their carer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Choosing choice?
Authors: Mendis Dulani
Published: November 2009

Patient Choice is currently a favoured public service delivery model here we review the meaning of this with reference to previous public service models. We also consider the possible effects of increasing choice on efficiency, equity, quality and user‐responsiveness with a further discussion on the financial implications in the context of the politics and the financing of the National Health Service. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is moderate substance use associated with altered executive functioning in a population‐based sample of young adults?
Authors: Piechatzek Michaela , Indlekofer Friedrich , Daamen Marcel , Glasmacher Christoph , Lieb Roselind , Pfister Hildegard , Tucha Oliver , Lange Klaus W. , Wittchen Hans‐Ulrich , Schütz Christian G.
Published: November 2009

Background

Substance use (SU) has been linked with impaired cognitive functioning. Evidence comes mainly from clinical studies or studies examining heavy users. Though, the majority of users are not involved in heavy use. This study investigates the association between moderate use and cognition in a population‐based sample.

Methods

A total of 284 young adults with ecstasy, cannabis or alcohol use and a control group were sampled from the EDSP database for participation in the Munich Assessment of Young Adults (MAYA) study. Subjects completed a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests (executive functions, working memory and impulsivity). Multiple linear regression models were conducted to examine the relationship between use and cognitive performance.

Results

Increased ecstasy consumption was associated with increased error‐proneness (Stroop task, CANTAB ID/ED‐shift, spatial working memory). More frequent cannabis use and more extensive alcohol consumption were associated with a higher degree of impulsiveness.

Conclusions

Based on mild to moderate SU, little indication of differences in executive functioning was found. For ecstasy use, an increased error‐proneness was revealed. The subtle differences in relatively young individuals warrant further investigation in prospective long‐term studies to identify subjects at risk, and to examine effects of prolonged patterns of use on executive functioning. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Associations between plasma levels of 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) and negative symptoms or cognitive impairments in early‐stage schizophrenia
Authors: Goto Naoki , Yoshimura Reiji , Kakeda Shingo , Moriya Junji , Hayashi Kenji , Ikenouchi‐Sugita Atsuko , Umene‐Nakano Wakako , Hori Hikaru , Ueda Nobuhisa , Korogi Yukunori , Nakamura Jun
Published: November 2009

Schizophrenic patients demonstrate a variety of cognitive deficits, including attention, executive functions, and working memory, even in the early stage of disease. In the present study, we examined the association between blood levels of 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), homovanillic acid (HVA), or brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and scores on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) in patients with early‐stage schizophrenia. We also investigated the association between frontal GABA levels using 1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) at 3T and scores on the WCST in the same patients. Blood levels of BDNF and catecholamine metabolites and brain GABA levels using 1H‐MRS were measured in 18 schizophrenic patients (nine males, nine females; age range 13–52 year). A significantly positive correlation was observed between plasma MHPG levels and %PEM (rho = −0.686,p = 0.0047). A trend toward negative correlation was found between frontal lobe GABA levels and the per cent of preservation error (%PEM) in the early stage of schizophrenia (rho = −0.420,p = 0.0836). These results suggest that noradrenergic neurons might be involved in neuropsychological functions in early‐stage of schizophrenia. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying experimental methods to determine the effect of pain on attention: a review of pain, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine studies
Authors: Moore David J. , Keogh Edmund , Eccleston Christopher
Published: November 2009

Objectives

To review published studies of the effects that pain and common psychopharmacological substances have on the attentional performance of healthy adults. To identify which attentional tasks have the greatest potential to investigate the effect of pain on attention and provide recommendations for future research.

Methods

A search was conducted for reports of experimental studies of attention in the context of pain. This was supplemented with studies on attention and caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. Studies were included if they used a healthy adult sample, used experimental or quasi‐experimental methods, were relevant to the study of attention or interruption of pain and/or examined the acute effects of a substance on attention.

Results

Thirty‐two papers, with 49 different experimental studies were identified (12 pain, 21 nicotine, 7 caffeine, 9 alcohol). Fourteen different tasks were reviewed across six domains of attention. The most promising measures of attention were the continuous performance task, flanker task, endogenous pre‐cuing task,n‐back task, inhibition task and dual task.

Conclusions

There are reliable tasks that could be used to determine the effects of pain on attention. Future research is required that develops the utility of these tasks to improve our understanding of the effects pain and analgesia have on attentional performance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quetiapine treatment and improved cognitive functioning in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Van den Eynde Frederique , De Saedeleer Sofie , Naudts Kris , Day Jemma , Vogels Caroline , van Heeringen Cornelis , Audenaert Kurt
Published: November 2009

Objective

We aimed to assess whether executive functioning improved over time in a sample of borderline personality disorder (BPD) subjects that took part in a quetiapine treatment trial.

Methods

Performance on the following neurocognitive tasks was assessed at enrolment and at the end of the 12 weeks quetiapine treatment: Trail Making Task, Word Fluency Task and Tower of London Task. Forty‐one BPD patients were recruited, of whom 32 completed the trial. An intention‐to‐treat analysis with a mixed linear model was applied.

Results

The data show that participants significantly improved on most executive functioning measures. Patients' scores decreased significantly (mean [SD] difference; p‐value) on the Trail Making Task Part A (11.7 [2.3]; p < 0.0001), Part B (51.8 [9.2]; p < 0.0001) and ‘B minus A’ (40.1 [8.2]; p < 0.0001), on a Phonological (15.9 [1.6]; p < 0.0001) and Semantic (9.8 [1.1]; p < 0.0001) Verbal Fluency tasks, and on the Tower of London total correct score (2.5 [0.4]; p < 0.0001), total move score (29.5 [4.5]; p < 0.0001) and total time (172.9 [35.8]; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In this study we have demonstrated that executive functioning in BPD is improved after treatment with quetiapine. Neurocognitive measures of executive functioning should be considered as valuable outcomes in the study of treatment efficacy in BPD. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lack of association of GPX1 and MnSOD genes with symptom severity and response to clozapine treatment in schizophrenia subjects
Authors: Souza Renan P. , Tampakeras Maria , Basile Vince , Shinkai Takahiro , Rosa Daniela V. F. , Potkin Steve , Meltzer Herbert Y. , Lieberman Jeffrey A. , Romano‐Silva Marco A. , Kennedy James L.
Published: November 2009

Abnormal activities of critical antioxidant enzymes and other indices of lipid peroxidation in plasma and red blood cells were detected in patients with schizophrenia. Other results have shown that oxidative stress may be modulated by clozapine. Based on that and some studies already found different clinical relations between reactive oxygen species and negative and positive symptoms, we evaluated association between clinical response and the polymorphism in the human glutathione peroxidase (GPX1) (Pro200Leu, rs1050450) and manganese SOD (MNSOD) (Ala16Val, rs4880) gene in 216 clozapine‐treated patients with schizophrenia. No association was found with these two functional polymorphisms and clozapine response and symptom change after 6 months. No correlations were found between positive/negative symptoms score and both polymorphisms. Our results present that GPX1 (Pro200Leu) and MNSOD (Ala16Val) polymorphisms seem do not play a central role in the clozapine response, although studies in larger and independent samples are necessary to confirm our findings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comprehensive post‐event survey of a flash flood in Western Slovenia: observation strategy and lessons learned
Authors: Marchi Lorenzo , Borga Marco , Preciso Emanuele , Sangati Marco , Gaume Eric , Bain Valerie , Delrieu Guy , Bonnifait Laurent , Pogačnik Nejc
Published: November 2009

Spatial and temporal scales of occurrence of flash floods, combined with the space and time scales of conventional measurement networks of rain and discharge, make these events particularly difficult to observe. The effective documentation of flash floods requires post‐flood survey strategies encompassing accurate radar rainfall estimation, field observations of the geomorphic processes associated with the flood, indirect reconstruction of peak discharges and interviews of eyewitnesses. This paper describes the methods applied and the results achieved in the survey of a flash flood that occurred on 18th September 2007 in the Selška Sora watershed (Western Slovenia). Hydrometeorological analyses of the storm are based on radar reflectivity observations. The documentation of the flash flood reveals high peak flood discharges and a complex flood response. Peak discharges were estimated at 22 cross sections, with drainage areas ranging from 0·2 to 147 km2. Among the lessons learned from the field study of the Selška Sora flash flood, there are three key conclusions that can inform similar studies. Firstly, geomorphological surveys are an important prerequisite for flood discharge reconstruction in mountainous watersheds affected by debris flow and intense sediment transport. Secondly, the accounts of eyewitnesses of the flood provide a unique contribution to event reconstruction. Finally, it is necessary to have quality controlled weather radar data, which may permit coupling field observations with rainfall‐runoff modelling. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nutritional and hormonal regulation of uncoupling protein 2
Authors: Yonezawa Tomo , Kurata Riho , Hosomichi Kazuyoshi , Kono Azumi , Kimura Minoru , Inoko Hidetoshi
Published: November 2009

Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) belong to a family of mitochondrial carrier proteins that are present in the mitochondrial inner membrane. Genetic and experimental studies have shown that UCP dysfunction can be involved in metabolic disorders and in obesity. Uncoupling protein‐1 (UCP1; also known as thermogenin) was identified in 1988 and found to be highly expressed in brown adipose tissue. UCP1 allows the leak of protons in respiring mitochondria, dissipating the energy as heat; the enzyme has an important role in nonshivering heat production induced by cold exposure or food intake. In 1997, two homologs of UCP1 were identified and named UCP2 and UCP3. These novel proteins also lower mitochondrial membrane potential, but whether they can dissipate metabolic energy as heat as efficiently as UCP1 is open to dispute. Even after a decade of study, the physiological roles of these novel proteins have still not been completely elucidated. This review aims to shed light on the nutritional and hormonal regulation of UCP2 and on its physiological roles. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61: 1123–1131, 2009
Nuclear protein 1 induced by ATF4 in response to various stressors acts as a positive regulator on the transcriptional activation of ATF4
Authors: Jin Hyeon‐Ok , Seo Sung‐Keum , Woo Sang‐Hyeok , Choe Tae‐Boo , Hong Seok‐Il , Kim Jong‐Il , Park In‐Chul
Published: November 2009

Nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1) was originally identified as p8, a member of the family of HMG‐I/Y transcription factors induced in response to various cellular stressors. However, the signaling pathway underlying NUPR1 induction by cellular stresses remains to be established. In this study, we found that the expression of NUPR1 by various stresses induced by activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4). Loss of ATF4 using siRNA significantly diminished NUPR1 expression. Overexpression of ATF4 caused NUPR1 levels to rise. NUPR1 expression was associated with enhanced transcriptional activation of genes of ATF4 downstream, suggesting that the protein promoted the transcription of stress‐regulated genes via positive feedback on the ATF4 pathway. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61: 1153–1158, 2009
Evaluation of the toxicity of veterinary antibiotics on activated sludge using modified Sturm tests—application to tetracycline and tylosine antibiotics
Authors: Prado Nolwenn , Montéléon Céline , Ochoa Juan , Amrane Abdeltif
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: CO2‐ evolution tests (OECD 301‐B), formerly known as modified Sturm tests, are commonly used for evaluation of the biodegradation potential of non‐volatile molecules through measurement of the carbon dioxide produced. Extension of the modified Sturm test to evaluation of the toxicity of veterinary antibiotics, tetracycline and tylosine, on the biological treatment of swine wastewater was examined in this work.

RESULTS: Modified Sturm test results highlighted the care which should be given to the description of the operational parameters (matrix and inoculum source). Using lab‐scale inoculum, it was shown that the toxicity threshold of tetracycline (7–10 mg L−1 total organic carbon (TOC)) was higher than that of tylosine (4–5 mg L−1 TOC). Tylosine was found to be slightly biodegradable while total non‐biodegradability was found for tetracycline.

CONCLUSION: The higher tetracycline biodegradability may be related to the molecular conformation of tetracycline and tylosine antibiotics, the former is constituted of four benzoic cycles hardly breakable, while tylosine is constituted of a central structure with attached glycosidic‐like fragments which might easily be biologically degraded. The antibiotic inhibitory effect was lower using membrane bioreactor sludge instead of lab‐scale pilot sludge, in agreement with the lower resistance compared with pilot scale or industrial scale sludge. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Differentiation of lisinopril and its RSS diastereomer by liquid chromatography combined with collision‐induced dissociation mass spectrometry
Authors: Sun Cuirong , Zhu Peixi , Hu Nan , Wang Danhua , Pan Yuanjiang
Published: November 2009

A simple and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem multiple‐stage mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) method suitable for bulk lisinopril analysis was developed, by which lisinopril and its RSS isomer were separated and differentiated. In the collision‐induced dissociation (CID) mass spectra of the [M + H]+ ions, the abundance of the fragment ion of m/z 246 for lisinopril was about two times higher than the ion of m/z 245; however, the former fragment ion was noted to be a little lower than the latter for RSS isomer at all collision energies. In the CID mass spectra of the [M + Li]+ ion, the abundance of the rearrangement ion of m/z 315 for the RSS isomer was about three times higher than that for lisinopril. Furthermore, the difference was supported by the results of energy‐resolved mass spectrometry (ERMS) in the test range of collision energies. Similar differences were also observed between the CID mass spectra of lisinopril and RSS isomer methylester, which indicated that the RSS isomer could be rapidly characterized by the CID mass spectra of both the protonated and lithium adduct ion. Elemental compositions of all the ions were confirmed by Fourier Transform ion cyclotron resonance ESI mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR‐ESI/MS). In addition, theoretical computations were carried out to support the experimental results. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fatty acid and essential oil composition of three Tunisian caraway (Carum carvi L.) seed ecotypes
Authors: Laribi Bochra , Kouki Karima , Mougou Abdelaziz , Marzouk Brahim
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: The essential oil and fatty acid composition of Tunisian annual caraway (Carum carvi L.) seeds from three ecotypes was investigated by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses.

RESULTS: Total fatty acid (TFA) proportion of caraway seeds varied from 2.95% to 5.68% (w/w). The fatty acid composition revealed that Tunisian caraway seed oil is rich in an unusual fatty acid—petroselinic acid—the proportion of which varied from 31.53% and 38.36% of TFA. Essential oil yields were relatively low and ranged from 0.86% to 1.20% (w/w). Forty‐one volatile compounds were identified, the main ones being carvone (76.78–80.53%) and limonene (13.05–20.29%).

CONCLUSION: Tunisian caraway seed oil is rich in an unusual fatty acid—petroselinic acid—which is of potential industrial significance. In addition, Tunisian caraway essential oil is carvone chemotype. This fact is of great economic interest due to the several applications of carvone in the alimentary and medicinal industries. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) isoflavones: root phenolic compounds affected by biotic and abiotic stress factors
Authors: Saviranta Niina MM , Julkunen‐Tiitto Riitta , Oksanen Elina , Karjalainen Reijo O
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: Phenolic compounds have recently received considerable attention for their ability to protect plant and human cells from oxidative stress‐induced damage. Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a rich source of isoflavonoids with multiple potential protective functions. The aim of this study was to identify and characterise phenolic compounds in red clover roots by high‐performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry and to study the effects of stress factors and growth stage on root phenolics.

RESULTS: A total of 28 phenolic compounds were tentatively identified in red clover roots. The most abundant phenolics in pot‐grown roots were formononetin glycoside malonate (G‐M) (1.51–4.26 mg g−1), formononetin (2.21–3.57 mg g−1) and biochanin A (1.73–2.17 mg g−1), whereas field‐grown roots were rich in formononetin‐G‐M (3.90–4.27 mg g−1), maackiain‐G‐M (2.35–3.02 mg g−1) and pseudobaptigenin‐G‐M (1.80–2.58 mg g−1). Concentrations were affected by the growth stage. Ozone exposure slightly affected the total phenolic content in roots and also had minor effects on individual compounds.

CONCLUSION: Elevated ozone, cultivation regime and growth stage affected the levels of phenolics in red clover roots, suggesting sensitivity of root phenolics to biotic and abiotic stress conditions. The high levels of phenolics found in roots even in late autumn may be utilised in many applications. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of a Positively Charged Moiety on Aggregation‐Disaggregation Self‐Oscillation Induced by the BZ Reaction
Authors: Hara Yusuke , Yoshida Ryo
Published: November 2009

The behavior of the transmittance self‐oscillation of a polymer chain with a positively charged MAPTAC group is studied. The polymer concentration exerts considerable influence on the behavior and lifetime of the self‐oscillation. The redox potential and transmittance are measured simultaneously showing that the reactivity of the Ru(bpy)3moiety is significantly affected by the polymer aggregation state, originating from the solubility of the polymer chain. The behavior and lifetime of the self‐oscillation can be controlled by changing the design of the polymer structure and concentration.

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Effect of Solvent–Nonsolvent Miscibility on Morphology and Electrochemical Performance of SiO2/PVdF‐HFP‐Based Composite Separator Membranes for Safer Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jeong Hyun‐Seok , Noh Jin Hee , Hwang Chu‐Gyun , Kim Sang Ho , Lee Sang‐Young
Published: November 2009

As a new approach to improve the thermal stability of separator membranes crucially affecting the internal short‐circuit failures of lithium‐ion batteries, we develop a new composite separator membrane. The composite separator membrane is prepared by introducing microporous composite coating layers onto both sides of a polyethylene (PE) separator membrane. The composite coating layers consist of silica (SiO2) nanoparticles and gel‐type polymer electrolytes (PVdF‐HFP, polyvinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene). The microporous morphology of composite coating layers is determined by controlling the phase inversion, more specifically the solvent–nonsolvent miscibility in the coating solutions. To induce the phase inversion, three different nonsolvents are chosen in the decreasing order of solubility parameter (δ) difference against the solvent (acetone, δ = 20 MPa1/2); the non‐solvents are water (δ = 48 MPa1/2), ethanol (δ = 26 MPa1/2), and isopropyl alcohol (δ = 24 MPa1/2). The microporous structure of composite coating layers becomes more developed with the increase of not only the nonsolvent content, but also the solubility parameter difference between acetone and the nonsolvent. Based on this understanding of the phase inversion, the influence of the morphological variation on the thermal shrinkage and electrochemical performance of the composite separator membranes is quantitatively identified.

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High‐Performance Carbon Nanotube‐Reinforced Bioplastic
Authors: Ramontja James , Ray Suprakas Sinha , Pillai Sreejarani K. , Luyt Adriaan S.
Published: November 2009

The inherent properties of poly(lactide), a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, are concurrently improved by the incorporation of a small amount of surface functionalized carbon nanotubes. A new method has been used to functionalize the CNTs' outer surface with hexadecylamine. A composite of PLA with functionalized CNTs has been prepared by melt‐extrusion. FT‐IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, DSC, and optical microscopy are used to investigate the thermal and mechanical property improvement mechanism in f‐CNTs containing PLA composite.

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Besov‐Morrey spaces and Triebel‐Lizorkin‐Morrey spaces for nondoubling measures
Authors: Sawano Yoshihiro , Tanaka Hitoshi
Published: November 2009

We define Morrey type Besov‐Triebel spaces with the underlying measure non‐doubling. After defining the function spaces, we investigate boundedness property of some class of the singular integral operators (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quantum field theory meets Hopf algebra
Authors: Brouder Christian
Published: November 2009

This paper provides a primer in quantum field theory (QFT) based on Hopf algebra and describes new Hopf algebraic constructions inspired by QFT concepts. The following QFT concepts are introduced: chronological products, S ‐matrix, Feynman diagrams, connected diagrams, Green functions, renormalization. The use of Hopf algebra for their definition allows for simple recursive derivations and leads to a correspondence between Feynman diagrams and semi‐standard Young tableaux. Reciprocally, these concepts are used as models to derive Hopf algebraic constructions such as a connected coregular action or a group structure on the linear maps from S (V) to V. In many cases, noncommutative analogues are derived (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Weyl quantization of Lebesgue spaces
Authors: Boggiatto Paolo , De Donno Giuseppe , Oliaro Alessandro
Published: November 2009

We study boundedness and compactness properties for the Weyl quantization with symbols in Lq (ℝ2d ) acting on Lp (ℝd ). This is shown to be equivalent, in suitable Banach space setting, to that of the Wigner transform. We give a short proof by interpolation of Lieb's sufficient conditions for the boundedness of the Wigner transform, proving furthermore that these conditions are also necessary. This yields a complete characterization of boundedness for Weyl operators in Lp setting; compactness follows by approximation. We extend these results defining two scales of spaces, namely L*q (ℝ2d ) and L♯q (R2d ), respectively smaller and larger than the Lq (ℝ2d ),and showing that the Weyl correspondence is bounded on L*q (R2d ) (and yields compact operators), whereas it is not on L♯q (R2d ). We conclude with a remark on weak‐type Lp boundedness (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Generalized Hankel operators on the Fock space
Authors: Schneider Georg , Schneider Kristan A.
Published: November 2009

In this paper we study generalized Hankel operators ofthe form : ℱ2(|z |2) → L2(|z |2). Here, (f):= (Id–Pl )($ \bar z $kf) and Pl is the projection onto Al 2(ℂ, |z |2):= cl(span{$ \bar z $m zn | m, n ∈ N, m ≤ l }). The investigations in this article extend the ones in [11] and [6], where the special cases l = 0 and l = 1 are considered, respectively. The main result is that the operators are not bounded for l < k – 1. The proof relies on a combinatoric argument and a generalization to general conjugate holomorphic L2 symbols, generalizing arguments from [6], seems possible and is planned for future work (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Perturbation of complex polynomials and normal operators
Authors: Rainer Armin
Published: November 2009

We study the regularity of the roots of complex monic polynomials P (t) of fixed degree depending smoothly on a real parameter t. We prove that each continuous parameterization of the roots of a generic C∞ curve P (t) (which always exists) is locally absolutely continuous. Generic means that no two of the continuously chosen roots meet of infinite order of flatness. Simple examples show that one cannot expect a better regularity than absolute continuity. This result will follow from the proposition that for any t0 there exists a positive integer N such that t ↦ P (t0 ± (t – t0)N ) admits smooth parameterizations of its roots near t0. We show that Cn curves P (t) (where n = deg P) admit differentiable roots if and only if the order of contact of the roots is ≥ 1. We give applications to the perturbation theory of normal matrices and unbounded normal operators with compact resolvents and common domain of definition: The eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a generic C∞ curve of such operators can be arranged locally in an absolutely continuous way (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sphere‐to‐Rod Transition of Micelles formed by the Semicrystalline Polybutadiene‐block‐Poly(ethylene oxide) Block Copolymer in a Selective Solvent
Authors: Mihut Adriana M. , Drechsler Markus , Möller Michael , Ballauff Matthias
Published: November 2009

We present a morphological study of the micellization of an asymmetric semicrystalline block copolymer, poly(butadiene)‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide), in the selective solvent n‐heptane. The molecular weights of the poly(butadiene) (PB) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blocks are 26 and 3.5 kg · mol−1, respectively. In this solvent, micellization into a liquid PEO‐core and a corona of PB‐chains takes place at room temperature. Through a thermally controlled crystallization of the PEO core at −30 °C, spherical micelles with a crystalline PEO core and a PB corona are obtained. However, crystallization at much lower temperatures (−196 °C; liquid nitrogen) leads to the transition from spherical to rod‐like micelles. With time these rod‐like micelles aggregate and form long needles. Concomitantly, the degree of crystallinity of the PEO‐cores of the rod‐like micelles increases. The transition from a spherical to a rod‐like morphology can be explained by a decrease of solvent power of the solvent n‐heptane for the PB‐corona chains: n‐Heptane becomes a poor solvent at very low temperatures leading to a shrinking of the coronar chains. This favors the transition from spheres to a morphology with a smaller mean curvature, that is, to a cylindrical morphology.

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Which is better as a buffer layer for organic light‐emitting devices, CsF or LiF?
Authors: Niu Lianbin , Guan Yunxia
Published: November 2009

The device characteristics of organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) based on tris‐(8‐hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) with a thin layer of cesium fluoride (CsF) or lithium fluoride (LiF) inserted at the organic layer and the Mg:Ag cathode or the indium tin oxide (ITO) anode and organic layer were investigated. One‐nm thick CsF or LiF can enhance the electron injection when it was inserted only between the emitting layer and the Mg:Ag alloy cathode. When 1‐nm thick CsF or LiF was inserted between the ITO anode and the organic hole‐transport layer, LiF can block hole injection and the corresponding device exhibited a high current efficiency of 2.95 cd/A; however, the current efficiency of the device inserting CsF is as low as 0.93 cd/A. Compared to the performances of the five types of devices, CsF is a better buffer layer than LiF between Mg:Ag and Alq3 in OLEDs. One‐nm thick LiF can also improve OLED performance as an anode buffer layer. But 1‐nm thick CsF is harmful to OLED performance when acting as an anode buffer layer.
Advances in collision detection and non‐linear finite mixed element modelling for improved soft tissue simulation in craniomaxillofacial surgical planning
Authors: Wang Shengzheng , Yang Jie , Gee James C.
Published: November 2009

Background

There is a huge demand to develop a method for assisting surgeons in automatically predicting soft tissue deformation in terms of a bone‐remodelling plan.

Methods

This paper introduces several novel elements into a system for the simulation of postoperative facial appearances with respect to prespecified bone‐remodelling plans. First, a new algorithm for efficient detection of collisions, using the signed distance field, is described. Next, the penalty method is applied to determine the contact load of bone on facial soft tissue. Finally, a non‐linear finite mixed element model is developed to estimate the tissue deformation induced by the prescribed bone remodelling plan.

Results

The performance of the proposed collision detection algorithm has been improved in memory requirements and computational efficiency compared with conventional methods. In addition, the methodology is evaluated over both synthetic and real data, with simulation performance averaging <0.5 mm pointwise error over the facial surface in six mid‐face distraction osteotogenesis procedures.

Conclusions

The experimental results support the novel methodological advancements in collision detection and biomechanical modelling proposed in this work. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A time differences of arrival‐based homing strategy for autonomous underwater vehicles
Authors: Batista Pedro , Silvestre Carlos , Oliveira Paulo
Published: November 2009

A new sensor‐based homing integrated guidance and control law is presented to drive an underactuated autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) toward a fixed target, in 3‐D, using the information provided by an ultra‐short baseline (USBL) positioning system. The guidance and control law is first derived at a kinematic level, expressed on the space of the time differences of arrival (TDOAs), as directly measured by the USBL sensor, and assuming the plane wave approximation. Afterwards, the control law is extended for the dynamics of an underactuated AUV resorting to backstepping techniques. The proposed Lyapunov‐based control law yields almost global asymptotic stability (AGAS) in the absence of external disturbances and is further extended, keeping the same properties, to the case where known ocean currents affect the motion of the vehicle. Simulations are presented and discussed that illustrate the performance and behavior of the overall closed‐loop system in the presence of realistic sensor measurements and actuator saturation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deferred Primary Anastomosis Versus Diversion in Patients with Severe Secondary Peritonitis Managed with Staged Laparotomies
Authors: Ordóñez Carlos A. , Sánchez Álvaro I. , Pineda Jaime A. , Badiel Marisol , Mesa Rafael , Cardona Uriel , Arias Rafael , Rosso Fernando , Granados Marcela , Gutiérrez‐Martínez María I. , Ochoa Juan B. , Peitzman Andrew , Puyana Juan‐Carlos
Published: November 2009

Background

There is inconclusive data on whether critically ill individuals with severe secondary peritonitis requiring multiple staged laparotomies may became eligible candidates for deferred primary anastomoses (DPA). We sought to compare a protocol for DPA against a protocol for diversion in severely ill critical patients with intra‐abdominal sepsis.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed examining 112 patients admitted through an ICU between 2002 and 2006, with diagnosis of secondary peritonitis and managed with staged laparotomies whom required small‐ or large‐bowel segment resections. Patients were categorized and compared according to the surgical treatment necessitated to resolve the secondary peritonitis (DPA versus diversion). Outcome measures were days on mechanical ventilation, days required in ICU, days required in hospital, incidence of fistulas/leakages, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and mortality.

Results

There were 34 patients subjected to DPA and 78 to diversion. Fistulas/leakages developed in three patients (8.8%) with DPA and four patients (5.1%) with diversion (p = 0.359). ARDS was present in 6 patients (17.6%) with DPA and 24 patients (30.8%) with diversion (p = 0.149). There were 30 patients (88.2%) with DPA and 65 patients (83.3%) with diversion discharged alive (p = 0.51). There were not statistical significant differences between groups among survivors regarding hospital length of stay, ICU length of stay, and days on mechanical ventilation.

Conclusions

We did not find significant differences in morbidity or mortality when we compared DPA versus diversion surgical treatment. It is feasible to perform a primary anastomosis in critically ill patients with severe secondary peritonitis managed with staged laparotomies.
Role of Growth Factors on Human Parathyroid Adenoma Cell Proliferation
Authors: Cavallaro Giuseppe , Cucina Alessandra , Coluccia Pierpaolo , Petramala Luigi , Cotesta Dario , Polistena Andrea , Zinnamosca Laura , Letizia Claudio , Rosato Lodovico , Cavallaro Antonino , De Toma Giorgio
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is caused by a single monoclonal adenoma in more than 80% of patients. Biomolecular mechanisms causing pHPT are still not completely known, even if a great amount of studies have been developed recently, mainly regarding angiogenesis and growth factors. Among the latter, insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) and their effects have been extensively evaluated in different kinds of endocrine disease.

Methods

Parathyroid cell cultures were prepared from six human adenomatous parathyroid glands that were surgically removed. After 7 days of culture, the cells were refed with DMEM supplemented with 2% FCS alone (control group), or containing hrTGFβ1, or hrIGF‐I, or hrbFGF, or hrVEGF. Then, after 48‐hour incubation, cell count was performed by a particle count and size analyzer, and prevalence of cell cycle was analyzed by using a flow cytometer.

Results

Cell count (×10000) in the control group was 3.73 ± 0.32. Low‐dose TGF‐β1 stimulation resulted in 5.25 ± 0.38 cells, and high‐dose TGF‐β1 stimulation resulted in 2.35 ± 0.37 cells. IGF‐1 stimulation resulted in 5.4 ± 0.65 cells, bFGF stimulation in 5.68 ± 0.86 cells, and VEGF stimulation resulted in 6.03 ± 1.03 cells. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the control group compared with the growth factor‐stimulated groups. Cytometry showed different results in the percentage of cells in S‐phase, in particular 22.65 ± 4.98% of IGF‐1‐stimulated cells were found in S‐phase compared with 7.55 ± 3.2% of control group cells (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Growth factors seem to play an important role in parathyroid adenoma cell proliferation; IGF‐1, bFGF, VEGF, and low‐dose TGF‐β1 promote cell proliferation, whereas high‐dose TGF‐β1 inhibits these phenomena.
Friction and Shear Strength at the Nanowire–Substrate Interfaces
Authors: Zhu Yong , Qin Qingquan , Gu Yi , Wang ZhongLin
Published: November 2009

The friction and shear strength of nanowire (NW)–substrate interfaces critically influences the electrical/mechanical performance and life time of NW-based nanodevices. Yet, very few reports on this subject are available in the literature because of the experimental challenges involved and, more specifically no studies have been reported to investigate the configuration of individual NW tip in contact with a substrate. In this letter, using a new experimental method, we report the friction measurement between a NW tip and a substrate for the first time. The measurement was based on NW buckling in situ inside a scanning electron microscope. The coefficients of friction between silver NW and gold substrate and between ZnO NW and gold substrate were found to be 0.09–0.12 and 0.10–0.15, respectively. The adhesion between a NW and the substrate modified the true contact area, which affected the interfacial shear strength. Continuum mechanics calculation found that interfacial shear strengths between silver NW and gold substrate and between ZnO NW and gold substrate were 134–139 MPa and 78.9–95.3 MPa, respectively. This method can be applied to measure friction parameters of other NW–substrate systems. Our results on interfacial friction and shear strength could have implication on the AFM three-point bending tests used for nanomechanical characterisation.
Use of Comparative Proteomics to Identify Key Proteins Related to Hepatic Lipid Metabolism in Broiler Chickens: Evidence Accounting for Differential Fat Deposition Between Strains
Authors: Huang Jianzhen , Tang Xue , Ruan Jiming , Ma Haitian , Zou Sixiang
Published: November 2009

In order to investigate differences in fat metabolism during embryonic development, a comparative proteomics strategy was employed using Arbor Acres (AA) and San Huang (SH) broiler chickens with different growth and fat deposition characteristics. These birds were floor‐reared and fed identical diets, and embryonic livers were collected from AA and SH chicken embryos on days 9, 14 and 19 of incubation and hatching. Proteins were extracted and fractionated by two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE), Neuhoff's colloidal Coomassie Blue G‐250 staining was carried out, and stained gels were scanned and analyzed using PDQuest7.3 software (Bio‐Rad). In‐gel trypsin digestion of the differential protein spots and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) were subsequently assessed. Peptide mass fingerprinting of the differentially expressed proteins was performed using the server from MASCOT or either Prospector or ProFound, and 37 proteins were successfully identified. In the present study, embryo and liver weights showed a trend toward enhanced growth during embryonic development. Of the 37 identified differential proteins, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), apolipoprotein A‐I (Apo A‐I), fatty acid‐binding protein (L‐FABP) and 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐Coenzyme A synthase (HMG‐CoA synthase) were up‐regulated in SH chickens to a greater extent than they were in AA chickens. These observations suggest that the lipid metabolic proteins and enzymes are inherent characteristics that contribute to the apparent differences in fat deposition between the two strains.
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Investigation of Stratum Corneum Lipid Structure
Authors: Nakagawa Kouichi
Published: November 2009

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) in conjunction with a slow‐tumbling simulation was utilized for defining stratum corneum (SC) lipid structure. We found that ordering calculated from the simulation is an appropriate index for evaluating SC lipids structure. The SC from two sites (mid‐volar forearm and lower‐leg) of human volunteers was stripped consecutively from one to three times using a glass plate coated with a cyanoacrylate resin. Aliphatic spin probes, 5‐doxylstearic acid (5‐DSA) and 3β‐doxyl‐5α‐cholestane (CHL), were used to monitor SC ordering. EPR spectrum of 5‐DSA incorporated in the SC demonstrated a characteristic peak for the first strip. However, EPR spectra of CHL in the SC did not show a clear difference for each strip, except for the peak intensity. The results imply that CHL is not incorporated into the lipid phase as easily as 5‐DSA is. A slow‐tumbling simulation of the EPR spectrum was performed to analyze the detailed lipid structure. The simulation results for 5‐DSA show differences in values of the SC ordering as a function of depth. Thus, these results along with the simulation analysis provide a detailed SC layer structure.
Effect of selenium and vitamin E on acrosome reaction in porcine spermatozoa
Authors: Tareq K. M. A. , Akter Quzi Sharmin , Takagi Yuji , Hamano Koh‐ichi , Sawada Tomio , Tsujii Hirotada
Published: November 2009

Purpose

Selenium (Se) and vitamin E (Vit‐E), as an integral part of antioxidant systems, play an important role in the motility and acrosome reaction (AR) of mammalian spermatozoa. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Se and Vit‐E on motility, viability, AR and accumulation of ammonia in the culture medium during different incubation periods in porcine sperm.

Methods

Sperm samples were washed, swum‐up and incubated at 37°C for 1 and 3 h in Sp‐TALP medium supplemented with sodium selenite (SS), seleon l‐methionine (SeMet) and Vit‐E in the presence or absence of ammonia. Sperm motility was determined on the basis of movement quality examined by phase microscopy. Viability and AR of spermatozoa were assessed by Hoechst 33258 and chlortetracycline (CTC) staining technique, and accumulation of ammonia was measured by the indophenol method. The incorporation of 14C(U)‐glucose was assessed with a liquid scintillation counter.

Results

In experiment 1, the sperm motility, viability, AR and incorporation of 14C(U)‐glucose increased significantly (P < 0.05) in SS, SeMet and Vit‐E (5, 5 μg/l and 1.0 mM, respectively) compared with the control. In experiment 2, treatment of the sperm with SeMet and SeMet + Vit‐E in the presence of 300 μM ammonia also resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the rate of motility, viability, AR and incorporation of 14C(U)‐glucose. In contrast, the accumulation of ammonia was reduced by SeMet and SeMet + Vit‐E compared with the other treatments.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that SeMet and SeMet + Vit‐E may play an important role in reducing the accumulation of ammonia and subsequently in increasing the rate of AR and the utilization of glucose in porcine spermatozoa.
Altered pain and thermal sensation in subjects with isolated parietal and insular cortical lesions
Authors: Veldhuijzen D.S. , Greenspan J.D. , Kim J.H. , Lenz F.A.
Published: November 2009

Studies of sensory function following cortical lesions have often included lesions which multiple cortical, white matter, and thalamic structures. We now test the hypothesis that lesions anatomically constrained to particular insular and parietal structures and their subjacent white matter are associated with different patterns of sensory loss. Sensory loss was measured by quantitative sensory testing (QST), and evaluated statistically within patients relative to normal values.

All seven subjects with insular and/or parietal lesions demonstrated thermal hypoesthesia, although the etiology of the lesions was heterogeneous. Cold and heat hypoalgesia were only found in the subject with the most extensive parietal and insular lesion, which occurred in utero. Cold allodynia occurred clinically and by thresholds in two subjects with isolated ischemic lesions of the posterior insular/retroinsular cortex, and by thresholds in two subjects with a lesion of parietal cortex with little or no insular involvement. Central pain occurred in the two subjects with clinical allodynia secondary to isolated lesions of the posterior insular/retroinsular cortex, which spared the anterior and posterior parietal cortex. These results suggest that nonpainful cold and heat sensations are jointly mediated by parietal and insular cortical structures so that lesions anywhere in this system may diminish sensitivity. In contrast, thermal pain is more robust requiring larger cortical lesions of these same structures to produce hypoalgesia. In addition, cold allodynia can result from restricted lesions that also produce thermal hypoesthesia, but not from all such lesions.