bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acceptor-related low-energy photoluminescence from boron-doped Si nanocrystals
Authors: Sugimoto Hiroshi , Fujii Minoru , Fukuda Masatoshi , Imakita Kenji , Hayashi Shinji
Published: September 2011

Boron (B) doped Si nanocrystals (Si-ncs) dispersed in hydrofluoric (HF) acid solution are prepared by dissolving borosilicate films containing B-doped Si-ncs in HF solution. We find that the etching rate of B-doped Si-ncs is much smaller than that of undoped Si-ncs. The difference of the etching rate allows us to extract only doped Si-ncs in the mixture of doped and undoped Si-ncs and observe the photoluminescence (PL) due to the transition from the conduction band to the acceptor state. The PL was very broad with the maximum around 1.15 eV. From the analysis of the PL data obtained for the samples prepared under different conditions and different etching time, preferential doping sites of B atoms are estimated. The data suggests that B-doped Si-ncs consists of intrinsic cores and heavily B-doped shells.
Surfactant free magnetic nanofluids based on core-shell type nanoparticle decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Theres Baby Tessy , Sundara Ramaprabhu
Published: September 2011

Magnetic nanofluids consisting of fluids suspended with magnetic materials are of current interest and have potential applications in both energy related and biomedical fields. In this paper, we present a novel magnetic nanofluid obtained by dispersing silicon dioxide (SiO2) coated on magnetite (Fe3O4) particle decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) (Fe3O4@SiO2/MWNTs) in de-ionized water. As compared to a magnetite decorated MWNT based nanofluid, the present system shows better stability and thermal properties without the use of any surfactants. Fe3O4/MWNTs and Fe3O4@SiO2/MWNTs have been synthesized via a simple chemical reduction technique and dispersed in de-ionized water via ultrasonication. Dispersed de-ionized water based nanofluids containing Fe3O4/MWNTs with surfactant and Fe3O4@SiO2/MWNTs without surfactant show a thermal conductivity enhancement of 20% and 24.5%, respectively, for a volume fraction of 0.03% in the presence of magnetic field. The enhancement in the thermal conductivity has been observed for other volume fractions also. The increase in the thermal conductivity of these nanofluids can be attributed to the chain formation of magnetic nanomaterials in the base fluid in the presence of magnetic field.
Photoemission characteristics of different-structure reflection-mode GaAs photocathodes
Authors: Zhang Yijun , Zou Jijun , Niu Jun , Zhao Jing , Chang Benkang
Published: September 2011

The quantum yield formula for the reflection-mode GaAs photocathode is revised by taking into account the influencing factors of active-layer thickness and interface recombination velocity. By using the revised quantum yield formula, the experimental quantum yield data of three different-structure reflection-mode GaAs photocathodes grown by molecular beam epitaxy are well fitted to compare the cathode performance parameters. The fitted results show that the GaAlAs buffer layer–based gradient-doping reflection-mode GaAs photocathode can achieve a better photoemission capability in the long-wavelength response region than other reflection-mode uniform-doping ones, which is ascribed to the increased electron diffusion length and electron escape probability, due to the gradient-doping GaAs active-layer on one hand and the decreased interface recombination velocity due to the introduced GaAlAs buffer layer on the other hand.
All-optical fabrication of three-dimensional photonic crystals in photopolymers by multiplex-exposure holographic recording
Authors: Orlic Susanna , Müller Christian , Schlösser Alexander
Published: September 2011

We develop holographic recording techniques for the versatile fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) photonic crystals in photopolymers. We introduce multiplex exposure schemes to overcome the restrictions of four-beam holographic lithography. A three-step exposure process makes it possible to fabricate hexagonal structures with three independent lattice constants. 3D photonic crystals with arbitrary geometry can be created by holographic multiplexing. Next, we extend the holographic lithography to six-beam interference to enable further design flexibility. Thick samples of different photopolymer systems are used for fabricating large-area 3D crystals. Structural properties of the fabricated crystals are investigated in a confocal laser scan setup.
Inter/intra granular exchange and thermal activation in nanoscale granular magnetic materials
Authors: Morrison C. , Saharan L. , Hrkac G. , Schrefl T. , Ikeda Y. , Takano K. , Miles J. J. , Thomson T.
Published: September 2011

We explain the effect of inter/intra granular exchange coupling and thermal activation on the switching behavior of nano-scale granular magnetic materials. For an ideal, non-interacting granular system, the minimum switching field occurs at 45° from the easy axis of the grains. We show through simulation and measurements, using a CoCrPt oxide-segregated granular film as a model system, that there is a clear shift in the angle of applied field at which the minimum switching field occurs. This arises solely due to incoherent reversal induced by inter-granular exchange coupling or incoherency within larger grains, rather than thermal activation.
One-Pot Pathway: Fabricating Ordered Hollow Silica Spheres Using Sodium Silicate as the Precursor
Authors: Wu Weiwei , Yuan Xinhua , Cao Shunsheng , Ge Yi , Li Songjun , Zhao Zhiyuan , Fang Long
Published: September 2011

The preparation of hollow silica spheres via the sodium silicate route presents many advantages such as a low-cost silica source, and an environmentally friendly reaction system. Unfortunately, it is extremely hard to prepare the well-defined hollow silica spheres by using sodium silicate as the silica source owing to its rapid, disordered precipitation under the acid catalysis. As a result, we, in this paper, report a facile, economic, one-pot pathway for preparation of the ordered hollow silica spheres by employing a sodium silicate precursor. In this approach, the cationic polystyrene (CPS) templates can be first prepared via emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization by using the cationic monomer vinylbenzyltrimethylammonium chloride, then, the silica shells were attached on the surfaces of CPS particles via electrostatic interaction, finally CPS particles were in situ dissolved and removed by adding toluene to create ordered hollow silica spheres. Some modern techniques and instruments, including the transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller theory were employed to monitor and characterize the resulting hollow silica spheres.
Rapid increase in coral cover on an isolated coral reef, the Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve, north-western Australia
Authors: Ceccarelli D. M. , Richards Z. T. , Pratchett M. S. , Cvitanovic C.
Published: September 2011

Against a background of coral reef ecosystem decline, understanding the propensity for coral communities to recover after acute disturbances is fundamental to forecasting and maintaining resilience. It may be expected that offshore reef ecosystems are less affected by anthropogenic disturbances compared with reefs closer to population centres, but that recovery may be slower on isolated reefs following disturbances. To test the hypothesis that community recovery is slow in isolated locations, we measured changes in coral cover and relative abundance of coral genera over a 4 year period (2005–09) at Ashmore Reef, north Western Australia, following severe bleaching. The percent cover of hard coral tripled, from 10.2% (±1.46 s.e.) in 2005 to 29.4% (±1.83 s.e.) in 2009 in all habitats (exposed and lagoonal) and depth zones (2–5 and 8–10 m), and the percent cover of soft corals doubled, from 4.5% (+0.63 s.e.) in 2005 to 8.3% (+1.4 s.e.) in 2009. Significant shifts in the taxonomic composition of hard corals were detected. Our results imply that coral recovery in isolated locations can occur rapidly after an initial delay in recruitment, presumably through the interacting effects of self-recruitment and reduced exposure to additive impacts such as coastal pollution.
Sedimentation effects on the benthos of streams and estuaries: a cross-ecosystem comparison
Authors: Reid David J. , Chiaroni Luca D. , Hewitt Judi E. , Lohrer Drew M. , Matthaei Christoph D. , Phillips Ngaire R. , Scarsbrook Mike R. , Smith Brian J. , Thrush Simon F. , Townsend Colin R. , van Houte-Howes Kristel S. S. , Wright-Stow Aslan E.
Published: September 2011

Connected ecosystems can be detrimentally affected by the same stressor, such as occurs when excess fine sediment moves from streams into estuaries. However, no previous study has directly compared sedimentation effects across these ecosystems. Responses of benthic macroinvertebrate communities to sedimentation were predicted to vary between streams and estuaries, because of intersystem differences in the physical environment and representation of species traits. To compare these responses, fine terrigenous sediment was added simultaneously to replicated plots in stream-run habitats and the adjacent estuary. Although sediment addition to streams caused reduced invertebrate densities after 1 week, no changes in taxon richness or consistent changes in community structure were detected, and densities had recovered another week later. In contrast, sediment addition to estuarine sites caused large declines in invertebrate densities and changes in community structure, which remained evident at the innermost sites 16 days after addition. Across both systems, sedimentation effects were detectable only for some of the common taxa, and biological traits were not predictive of effects. The potential for more severe effects in estuaries should be considered when predicting the implications of land-use changes that may increase sedimentation, and when setting guidelines for maintaining stream and estuarine condition.
The role of monocytes and inflammation in the pathophysiology of heart failure
Authors: Wrigley Benjamin J. , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Shantsila Eduard
Published: September 2011

There is growing evidence to support an important role of inflammation in the underlying pathophysiology of heart failure (HF). Indeed, inflammatory cytokine levels are well recognized to be increased in patients with left ventricular dysfunction and appear to have prognostic implications. Monocytes play a pivotal role in the inflammatory cascade and are a major source of both pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. They are intimately involved in tissue damage and repair and an imbalance of these processes may have detrimental consequences for the failing myocardium. Importantly, monocytes comprise of distinct subsets with different cell surface markers and functional characteristics and this heterogeneity may be important in understanding their specific role in HF. In HF, monocyte activation involves interplay between pattern recognition molecules, endotoxins, cytokines, and acute phase proteins. Activated monocytes migrate to the myocardium in response to powerful chemokines, where they must then attach to the endothelial wall before infiltrating into the myocardium itself. This review article aims to discuss the role of monocytes and inflammation in HF, focusing on monocyte activation, mobilisation, recruitment and endothelial adherence, as well as the effects they may have on myocardial performance. The therapeutic modulation of inflammation and monocyte activation in HF treatment will also be reviewed.
George Evelyn Hutchinson. 13 January 1903 — 17 May 1991
Authors: Lovejoy Thomas E.
Published: September 2011

George Evelyn Hutchinson, born on 13 January 1903 in Cambridge, is considered by many to be the father of modern ecology because he infused the science with theory that was anchored in natural history. When called the father of ecology in 1973 on receiving the very first Tyler Prize, he instantly demurred, saying that credit should go to Darwin and Charles Elton, and further that what he was really proud of was the string of wonderfully bright students who had studied with him. Nonetheless in many senses and to a major extent Hutchinson can be credited with transforming natural history into a science. He spent most of his professional years at Yale and returned to England in 1991 for the last months of his life.
Pressurized vascular systems for self-healing materials
Authors: Hamilton A. R. , Sottos N. R. , White S. R.
Published: September 2011

An emerging strategy for creating self-healing materials relies on embedded vascular networks of microchannels to transport reactive fluids to regions of damage. Here we investigate the use of active pumping for the pressurized delivery of a two-part healing system, allowing a small vascular system to deliver large volumes of healing agent. Different pumping strategies are explored to improve the mixing and subsequent polymerization of healing agents in the damage zone. Significant improvements in the number of healing cycles and in the overall healing efficiency are achieved compared with prior passive schemes that use only capillary forces for the delivery of healing agents. At the same time, the volume of the vascular system required to achieve this superior healing performance is significantly reduced. In the best case, nearly full recovery of fracture toughness is attained throughout 15 cycles of damage and healing, with a vascular network constituting just 0.1 vol% of the specimen.
The original colours of fossil beetles
Authors: McNamara Maria E. , Briggs Derek E. G. , Orr Patrick J. , Noh Heeso , Cao Hui
Published: September 2011

Structural colours, the most intense, reflective and pure colours in nature, are generated when light is scattered by complex nanostructures. Metallic structural colours are widespread among modern insects and can be preserved in their fossil counterparts, but it is unclear whether the colours have been altered during fossilization, and whether the absence of colours is always real. To resolve these issues, we investigated fossil beetles from five Cenozoic biotas. Metallic colours in these specimens are generated by an epicuticular multi-layer reflector; the fidelity of its preservation correlates with that of other key cuticular ultrastructures. Where these other ultrastructures are well preserved in non-metallic fossil specimens, we can infer that the original cuticle lacked a multi-layer reflector; its absence in the fossil is not a preservational artefact. Reconstructions of the original colours of the fossils based on the structure of the multi-layer reflector show that the preserved colours are offset systematically to longer wavelengths; this probably reflects alteration of the refractive index of the epicuticle during fossilization. These findings will allow the former presence, and original hue, of metallic structural colours to be identified in diverse fossil insects, thus providing critical evidence of the evolution of structural colour in this group.
Genome-Wide Direct Target Analysis Reveals a Role for SHORT-ROOT in Root Vascular Patterning through Cytokinin Homeostasis
Authors: Cui Hongchang , Hao Yueling , Kovtun Mikhail , Stolc Viktor , Deng Xing-Wang , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Kojima Mikiko
Published: September 2011

SHORT-ROOT (SHR) is a key regulator of root growth and development in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Made in the stele, the SHR protein moves into an adjacent cell layer, where it specifies endodermal cell fate; it is also essential for apical meristem maintenance, ground tissue patterning, vascular differentiation, and lateral root formation. Much has been learned about the mechanism by which SHR controls radial patterning, but how it regulates other aspects of root morphogenesis is still unclear. To dissect the SHR developmental pathway, we have determined the genome-wide locations of SHR direct targets using a chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by microarray analysis method. K-means clustering analysis not only identified additional quiescent center-specific SHR targets but also revealed a direct role for SHR in gene regulation in the pericycle and xylem. Using cell type-specific markers, we showed that in shr, the phloem and the phloem-associated pericycle expanded, whereas the xylem and xylem-associated pericycle diminished. Interestingly, we found that cytokinin level was elevated in shr and that exogenous cytokinin conferred a shr-like vascular patterning phenotype in wild-type root. By chromatin immunoprecipitation-polymerase chain reaction and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays, we showed that SHR regulates cytokinin homeostasis by directly controlling the transcription of cytokinin oxidase 3, a cytokinin catabolism enzyme preferentially expressed in the stele. Finally, overexpression of a cytokinin oxidase in shr alleviated its vascular patterning defect. On the basis of these results, we suggest that one mechanism by which SHR controls vascular patterning is the regulation of cytokinin homeostasis.
Salt Stress–Induced Disassembly ofArabidopsisCortical Microtubule Arrays Involves 26S Proteasome–Dependent Degradation of SPIRAL1
Authors: Wang Songhu , Kurepa Jasmina , Hashimoto Takashi , Smalle Jan A.
Published: September 2011

The dynamic instability of cortical microtubules (MTs) (i.e., their ability to rapidly alternate between phases of growth and shrinkage) plays an essential role in plant growth and development. In addition, recent studies have revealed a pivotal role for dynamic instability in the response to salt stress conditions. The salt stress response includes a rapid depolymerization of MTs followed by the formation of a new MT network that is believed to be better suited for surviving high salinity. Although this initial depolymerization response is essential for the adaptation to salt stress, the underlying molecular mechanism has remained largely unknown. Here, we show that the MT-associated protein SPIRAL1 (SPR1) plays a key role in salt stress–induced MT disassembly. SPR1, a microtubule stabilizing protein, is degraded by the 26S proteasome, and its degradation rate is accelerated in response to high salinity. We show that accelerated SPR1 degradation is required for a fast MT disassembly response to salt stress and for salt stress tolerance.
Energy-Efficient Reconfigurable Computing Using a Circuit-Architecture-Software Co-Design Approach
Authors: Paul Somnath , Chatterjee Subho , Mukhopadhyay Saibal , Bhunia Swarup
Published: September 2011

Reconfigurable computing frameworks such as field programmable gate array (FPGA) provide flexibility to map arbitrary applications. However, their intrinsic flexibility comes at the cost of significantly worse performance and power dissipation than their custom counterparts. Existing design solutions such as voltage scaling and multi-threshold assignment typically trade off energy for performance or vise versa. In this paper, we show that an integrated circuit-architecture-software co-design approach can be extremely effective to simultaneously improve the power and performance of a reconfigurable hardware framework, leading to large improvement in energy-delay product (EDP). First, we select a spatio-temporal reconfigurable computing architecture based on 2-threshold assignment-D memory-array. Applications are mapped to memory as multiple-input multiple-output lookup tables (LUTs) and are evaluated in temporal manner inside a computing element. Multiple such computing elements communicate spatially through programmable interconnects. Next, we exploit the read-dominant memory access pattern in reconfigurable hardware to design an asymmetric memory cell, which provides higher read performance and lower read power leading to improvement in the overall EDP during operation. We note that the proposed memory cell is also asymmetric in terms of its content, providing better read power for one of the logic states (logic “0” or “1”). Based on this observation, next we propose a content-aware application mapping approach, which tries to maximize the logic “0” or logic “1” content in the lookup tables. A design flow is presented to incorporate the proposed architecture, asymmetric memory cell design and content-aware mapping. We show that for both nanoscale complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) [static random access memory (SRAM)] as well as emerging non-CMOS [spin torque transfer random access memory (- TTRAM)] memory technologies, such a co-design solution can achieve significant improvement in system EDP over a conventional FPGA framework.
Spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma not expressing stratified but simple epithelial cytokeratin: Efficacy of simple epithelial cytokeratin immunoreactivity
Authors: TOKURIKI Atsushi , KIYOHARA Takahiro , KOURABA Sachio , KUMAKIRI Masanobu
Published: September 2011

We present two cases of spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma, which were derived from solar keratosis and burn scar in two elderly Japanese patients, respectively. The tumors involved the whole dermis and subcutis in connection with the overlying epidermis. They were composed mainly of anaplastic spindle cells partially forming storiform patterns. The tumor cells were diffusely positive for vimentin and cytokeratin 8/18 (clone CAM5.2, simple epithelial cytokeratin), but negative for cytokeratin 1/5/10/14 (clone 34βE12, stratified epithelial cytokeratin). Ultrastructural analysis of a patient demonstrated desmosomes and tonofilaments in the tumor cells. Although spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma is usually positive for vimentin, detailed cytokeratin profile is controversial. The present cases revealed immunohistochemistry not expressing stratified but simple epithelial cytokeratin and vimentin. We should be reminded of the efficacy of simple epithelial cytokeratin immunoreactivity in spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma.
Prediction of additional lymph node positivity and clinical outcome of micrometastases in sentinel lymph nodes in cutaneous melanoma: A multi‐institutional study of 450 patients in Japan
Authors: NAMIKAWA Kenjiro , YAMAZAKI Naoya , NAKAI Yasuo , IHN Hironobu , TOMITA Yasushi , UHARA Hisashi , TAKENOUCHI Tatsuya , KIYOHARA Yoshio , MOROI Yoichi , YAMAMOTO Yuhei , OTSUKA Fujio , KAMIYA Hideki , IIZUKA Hajime , HATTA Naohito , KADONO Takafumi
Published: September 2011

Various microscopic classifications of metastatic sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) have been reported along with predictors of additional lymph node positivity and their correlations with the prognosis. The purpose of this study was to re‐evaluate these classifications in the Japanese population. We selected the following three classifications, based on the procedural simplicity of the measurements: maximum diameter (maximum diameter of the largest tumor lesion in the SLN; <0.1, 0.1–1.0, >1.0 mm), invasion depth (depth of tumor invasion measured from the capsule in the SLN; SI ≤0.3 mm, SII >0.3 to ≤1.0 mm, SIII >1.0 mm), and microanatomic location (microanatomic location of the tumor deposits within the SLN; “subcapsular”, “parenchymal”, “combined”, “multifocal”, “extensive”). A retrospective study, using prescribed survey forms, was carried out. Among the 450 patients, including the 149 cases with SLN metastasis, an additional lymph node positivity rate of 0% could be predicted only in patients with a maximum diameter category of less than 0.1 mm. As compared with that in the SLN metastasis‐negative cases, however, the prognosis was poorer in cases with SLN metastasis, even those with lesions falling under the maximum diameter category of less than 0.1 mm, invasion depth category of SI (≤0.3 mm) and microanatomic location category of subcapsular. The prognosis is particularly poor for the microanatomic location category of extensive, which should thus be regarded as a macrometastasis. A prospective study with standardized procedures, including pathological evaluation, is needed in order to confirm our conclusion.
Two cases of erythema exsudativum multiforme associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae infection
Authors: HOSOKAWA Ryoko , KOBAYASHI Takashi , HIGASHINO Toshihide , ASANO Chika , ONO Koji , FUJIMOTO Norihiro , TAJIMA Shingo
Published: September 2011

We report two cases of erythema exsudativum multiforme (EEM) that we concluded were caused by infections with Chlamydia pneumoniae. High titers of IgG antibody for Chlamydia pneumoniae were shown in the sera of both cases. One case showed the classical symptoms of pneumonia together with radiological changes in the chest; the other case did not show these symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, only three cases of erythema multiforme associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae infection have been reported.
Significance of combination therapy of zoledronic acid and gemcitabine on pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhao Ming , Tominaga Yohei , Ohuchida Kenoki , Mizumoto Kazuhiro , Cui Lin , Kozono Shingo , Fujita Hayato , Maeyama Ryo , Toma Hiroki , Tanaka Masao
Published: September 2011

In the present study, we examined the cytotoxic effects of combination therapy with zoledronic acid (ZOL) and gemcitabine (GEM) on pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Four human pancreatic cancer cell lines were treated with ZOL, GEM or a combination of both, and the effects of the respective drug regimens on cell proliferation, invasion and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression were examined. A pancreatic cancer cell line was also intrasplenically or orthotopically implanted into athymic mice and the effects of these drugs on tumor metastasis and growth in vivo were evaluated by histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Combination treatment with low doses of ZOL and GEM efficiently inhibited the proliferation (P < 0.001) and invasion (P < 0.001) of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. Western blotting assay revealed that MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 expression levels were decreased after ZOL treatment. In vivo, combined treatment significantly inhibited tumor growth (P < 0.05) and the development of liver metastasis (P < 0.05). These data revealed that ZOL and GEM, when used in combination, have significant antitumor, anti‐metastatic and anti‐angiogenic effects on pancreatic cancer cells. The present study is the first to report the significance of the combination treatment of ZOL and GEM in pancreatic cancer using an in vivo model. These data are promising for the future application of this drug regimen in patients with pancreatic cancer. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 58–66)
The analgesic effect of pregabalin in patients with chronic pain is reflected by changes in pharmaco‐EEG spectral indices
Authors: Graversen Carina , Olesen Søren S. , Olesen Anne E. , Steimle Kristoffer , Farina Dario , Wilder‐Smith Oliver H. G. , Bouwense Stefan A. W. , van Goor Harry , Drewes Asbjørn M.
Published: September 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Pregabalin is an anticonvulsive agent prescribed as a secondary analgesic for patients when standard pain treatment is insufficient.

• The analgesic effect resides in the central nervous system.

• The central analgesic effect can be evaluated by electroencephalography.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• The analgesic effect of pregabalin is reflected as a slowing of brain oscillations.

• The slowing of brain oscillations for each individual patient is correlated with subjective pain scores.

• The developed methodology may be used as a mechanistic approach to monitor the analgesic effect of pregabalin in pharmacological studies.

AIM To identify electroencephalographic (EEG) biomarkers for the analgesic effect of pregabalin in patients with chronic visceral pain.

METHODS This was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study in 31 patients suffering from visceral pain due to chronic pancreatitis. Patients received increasing doses of pregabalin (75 mg–300 mg twice a day) or matching placebo during 3 weeks of treatment. Pain scores were documented in a diary based on a visual analogue scale. In addition, brief pain inventory‐short form (BPI) and quality of life questionnaires were collected prior to and after the study period. Multi‐channel resting EEG was recorded before treatment onset and at the end of the study. Changes in EEG spectral indices were extracted, and individual changes were classified by a support vector machine (SVM) to discriminate the pregabalin and placebo responses. Changes in individual spectral indices and pain scores were correlated.

RESULTS Pregabalin increased normalized intensity in low spectral indices, most prominent in the theta band (3.5–7.5 Hz), difference of −3.18, 95% CI −3.57, −2.80; P= 0.03. No changes in spectral indices were seen for placebo. The maximum difference between pregabalin and placebo treated patients was seen in the parietal region, with a classification accuracy of 85.7% (P= 0.009). Individual changes in EEG indices were correlated with changes in pain diary (P= 0.04) and BPI pain composite scores (P= 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS Changes in spectral indices caused by slowing of brain oscillations were identified as a biomarker for the central analgesic effect of pregabalin. The developed methodology may provide perspectives to assess individual responses to treatment in personalized medicine.
Behavioural profile and maternal stress in Greek young children with Williams syndrome
Authors: Papaeliou C. , Polemikos N. , Fryssira E. , Kodakos A. , Kaila M. , Yiota X. , Benaveli E. , Michaelides C. , Stroggilos V. , Vrettopoulou M.
Published: September 2011

Background  Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetic disorder causing intellectual disability. Children with WS often exhibit various kinds of maladaptive behaviours that affect their social functioning. In order to determine whether these behaviours are syndrome‐specific, it would be necessary to compare children with WS with children with other syndromes as well as to provide data on the socio‐emotional profile in WS from a variety of cultures. The present study investigated the behavioural profile and its relation to maternal stress in Greek young children with WS in comparison with young children with Down syndrome and typically developing (TD) children.

Methods  Participants were 60 mothers, 20 in each syndrome group and 20 in the control group. The three groups were matched for mental age. The behavioural profile of the participants was investigated through the Child Behaviour Checklist (1.5–5 years) and maternal stress through the Parental Stress Index.

Results  In accordance with studies in other cultures, it was found that young children with WS received significantly higher rates in emotional problems and anxiety/depression, compared with both children with Down syndrome and TD children. Moreover, mothers of children with WS reported significantly higher scores in the Total Stress index compared with mothers of TD children. However, in contrast with previous studies, only 25% of children with WS fell into the clinical range in the total Child Behavior Checklist score.

Conclusion  The consistency of the socio‐emotional characteristics of children with WS across cultures and developmental stages implies a strong influence of the genetic phenotype. However, Greek mothers avoided to characterize these behaviours as pathological. Implications of these findings for clinical practice are also discussed.
Supporting language and cognitive development of infants and young children living in children's homes in Turkey
Authors: Berument S. K. , Sönmez D. , Eyüpoğlu H.
Published: September 2011

Aim The purpose of the present study was to improve language and cognitive development of infant and young children residing in institutional settings in Turkey.

Method In Study I, there were 12 children with a mean age of 35 months in the intervention group and 12 children with a mean age of 36 months in the control group.

Results When both groups' pre‐test post‐test general developmenttscores and cognitive and language sub‐domain developmental gaps were compared, neither the time nor the time by group interactions were significant. Nevertheless, both groups' developmental gap appeared to decline. In Study II, children were recruited from the same institution and randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. Results indicated that infants and children who were in the intervention group showed a decline in the language and cognitive development gaps, whereas the control group children's developmental gaps were increased.

Conclusions It can be concluded that by increasing the quality of care in children's homes infants' and young children's development can be enhanced.
Generation of anti-tumour immune response using dendritic cells pulsed with carbonic anhydrase IX-Acinetobacter baumanniiouter membrane protein A fusion proteins against renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kim B-R , Yang E-K , Kim D-Y , Kim S-H , Moon D-C , Lee J-H , Kim H-J , Lee J-C
Published: September 2011

Carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9), a specific molecular marker for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), serves as a potential target for RCC-specific immunotherapy using dendritic cells (DCs). However, pulsing of DCs with CA9 alone is not sufficient for generation of a therapeutic anti-tumour immune response against RCC. In this study, in order to generate a potent anti-tumour immune response against RCC, we produced recombinant CA9-Acinetobacter baumannii outer membrane protein A (AbOmpA) fusion proteins, designated CA9-AbOmpA, and investigated the ability of DCs pulsed with CA9-AbOmpA fusion proteins in a murine renal cell carcinoma (RENCA) model. A recombinant CA9-AbOmpA fusion protein was composed of a unique proteoglycan-related region of CA9 (1–120 amino acids) fused at the C-terminus with transmembrane domain of AbOmpA (1–200 amino acids). This fusion protein was capable of inducing DC maturation and interleukin (IL)-12 production in DCs. Interaction of DCs pulsed with CA9-AbOmpA fusion proteins with naive T cells stimulated secretion of IL-2, interferon (IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α in T cells. Lymphocytes harvested from mice immunized with DCs pulsed with CA9-AbOmpA fusion proteins secreted IFN-γ and showed a specific cytotoxic activity against CA9-expressing RENCA (RENCA-CA9) cells. Administration of CA9-AbOmpA-pulsed DC vaccine suppressed growth of RENCA-CA9 cells in mice with an established tumour burden. These results suggest that DCs pulsed with CA9-AbOmpA fusion proteins generate a specific anti-tumour immune response against RCC, which can be utilized in immunotherapy of RCC.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 in Japan: establishment and analysis of a multicentre database
Authors: Sakurai Akihiro , Suzuki Shinichi , Kosugi Shinji , Okamoto Takahiro , Uchino Shinya , Miya Akihiro , Imai Tsuneo , Kaji Hiroshi , Komoto Izumi , Miura Daishu , Yamada Masanobu , Uruno Takashi , Horiuchi Kiyomi , Miyauchi Akira , Imamura Masayuki ,   MEN Consortium of Japan
Published: September 2011

Objective  Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is less well recognized in Asian countries, including Japan, than in the West. The clinical features and optimal management of MEN1 have yet to be clarified in Japan. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical features of Japanese patients with MEN1.

Design/Patients  We established a MEN study group designated the ‘MEN Consortium of Japan’ in 2008, and asked physicians and surgeons to provide clinical and genetic information on patients they had treated. Of 680 registered patients, 560 were analysed.

Measurements  Clinical and genetic features of Japanese patients with MEN1 were examined.

Results  Primary hyperparathyroidism, gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEPNET), and pituitary tumours were seen in 94·4%, 58·6% and 49·6% of patients, respectively. The prevalence of insulinoma was higher in the Japanese than in the West (22%vs 10%). In addition, 37% of patients with thymic carcinoids were women, while most were men in western countries. The MEN1 mutation positive rate was 91·7% in familial cases and only 49·3% in sporadic cases. Eight novel mutations were identified. Despite the availability of genetic testing for MEN1, the application of genetic testing, especially presymptomatic diagnosis for at‐risk family members appeared to be insufficient.

Conclusions  We established the first extensive database for Asian patients with MEN1. Although the clinical features of Japanese patients were similar to those in western countries, there were several characteristic differences between them.
Plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and insulin‐like growth factor I levels in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
Authors: Makino Shinya , Fujiwara Masayoshi , Handa Hiroshi , Fujie Tatsuro , Aoki Yoshiyuki , Hashimoto Kozo , Terada Yoshio , Sugimoto Tamotsu
Published: September 2011

Context  We aimed to assess whether obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) affects plasma IGF‐1 and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA‐S) levels in men, factors implicated in the development of age‐related metabolic disorders.

Design  We conducted a cross‐sectional and longitudinal clinical study.

Patients and setting  We measured plasma IGF‐1 and DHEA‐S levels in 191 non–drug‐treated Japanese men (34 primary snorers (PS), 88 patients with mild‐to‐moderate OSAS and 69 patients severe OSAS ).

Results  Plasma IGF‐1 and DHEA‐S were negatively correlated with age. Plasma IGF‐1 was also negatively correlated with plasma glucose, HOMA‐IR and systolic blood pressure and apnoea parameters such as the apnoea–hypopnea index, minimum oxygen saturation and slow‐wave sleep (SWS) time. Plasma DHEA‐S was associated with plasma glucose, HbA1c and free fatty acid and was negatively correlated with SWS time. To eliminate the influence of age, PS, patients with mild‐to‐moderate OSAS and severe OSAS were divided into three groups by age: young (<40 years), middle‐aged (40–59 years) and elderly (≥60 years). Patients with severe OSAS aged <40 or <60 years had lower plasma IGF‐1 or DHEA‐S levels, respectively, than did the corresponding snorers and mild‐to‐moderate OSAS groups. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy for generally 16–18 months increased plasma IGF‐1 levels in patients with severe OSAS aged <40 years (n = 18). Plasma DHEA‐S levels were increased in patients with severe OSAS aged <60 years, whose DHEA‐S level was below the mean value for that age (n = 23/41).

Conclusion  Severe OSAS could reduce plasma IGF‐1 and DHEA‐S levels in younger, but not elderly Japanese men, which is potentially associated with the development of metabolic abnormalities.
The use of neuroimaging for assessing disorders of pituitary development
Authors: Iorgi Natascia D. , Allegri Anna E. M. , Napoli Flavia , Bertelli Enrica , Olivieri Irene , Rossi Andrea , Maghnie Mohamad
Published: September 2011

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the radiological examination method of choice for evaluating hypothalamo‐pituitary‐related endocrine disease and is considered essential in the assessment of patients with suspected hypothalamo‐pituitary pathology. Physicians involved in the care of such patients have, in MRI, a valuable tool that can aid them in determining the pathogenesis of their patients’ underlying pituitary conditions. Indeed, the use of MRI has led to an enormous increase in our knowledge of pituitary morphology, improving, in particular, the differential diagnosis of hypopituitarism. Specifically, MRI allows detailed and precise anatomical study of the pituitary gland by differentiating between the anterior and posterior pituitary lobes. MRI recognition of pituitary hyperintensity in the posterior part of the sella, now considered a marker of neurohypophyseal functional integrity, has been the most striking finding in the diagnosis and understanding of certain forms of ‘idiopathic’ and permanent growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Published data show a number of correlations between pituitary abnormalities as observed on MRI and a patient’s endocrine profile. Indeed, several trends have emerged and have been confirmed: (i) a normal MRI or anterior pituitary hypoplasia generally indicates isolated growth hormone deficiency that is mostly transient and resolves upon adult height achievement; (ii) patients with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies (MPHD) seldom show a normal pituitary gland; and (iii) the classic triad of ectopic posterior pituitary, pituitary stalk hypoplasia/agenesis and anterior pituitary hypoplasia is more frequently reported in MPHD patients and is generally associated with permanent GHD. Pituitary abnormalities have also been reported in patients with hypopituitarism carrying mutations in several genes encoding transcription factors. Establishing endocrine and MRI phenotypes is extremely useful for the selection and management of patients with hypopituitarism, both in terms of possible genetic counselling and in the early diagnosis of evolving anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies. Going forward, neuroimaging techniques are expected to progressively expand and improve our knowledge and understanding of pituitary diseases.
Environmental factors controlling temporal and spatial variability in the soil‐atmosphere exchange of CO2, CH4 and N2O from an Australian subtropical rainforest
Authors: Rowlings D. W. , Grace P. R. , Kiese R. , Weier K. L.
Published: September 2011

The temporal variations in CO2, CH4 and N2O fluxes were measured over two consecutive years from February 2007 to March 2009 from a subtropical rainforest in south‐eastern Queensland, Australia, using an automated sampling system. A concurrent study using an additional 30 manual chambers examined the spatial variability of emissions distributed across three nearby remnant rainforest sites with similar vegetation and climatic conditions. Interannual variation in fluxes of all gases over the 2 years was minimal, despite large discrepancies in rainfall, whereas a pronounced seasonal variation could only be observed for CO2 fluxes. High infiltration, drainage and subsequent high soil aeration under the rainforest limited N2O loss while promoting substantial CH4 uptake. The average annual N2O loss of 0.5 ± 0.1 kg N2O‐N ha−1 over the 2‐year measurement period was at the lower end of reported fluxes from rainforest soils. The rainforest soil functioned as a sink for atmospheric CH4 throughout the entire 2‐year period, despite periods of substantial rainfall. A clear linear correlation between soil moisture and CH4 uptake was found. Rates of uptake ranged from greater than 15 g CH4‐C ha−1 day−1 during extended dry periods to less than 2–5 g CH4‐C ha−1 day−1 when soil water content was high. The calculated annual CH4 uptake at the site was 3.65 kg CH4‐C ha−1 yr−1. This is amongst the highest reported for rainforest systems, reiterating the ability of aerated subtropical rainforests to act as substantial sinks of CH4. The spatial study showed N2O fluxes almost eight times higher, and CH4 uptake reduced by over one‐third, as clay content of the rainforest soil increased from 12% to more than 23%. This demonstrates that for some rainforest ecosystems, soil texture and related water infiltration and drainage capacity constraints may play a more important role in controlling fluxes than either vegetation or seasonal variability.
Changes in the levels of factor VIII and von Willebrand factor in the puerperium
Authors: HUQ F. Y. , KULKARNI A. , AGBIM E. C. , RIDDELL A. , TUDDENHAM E. , KADIR R. A.
Published: September 2011

Summary.  To determine changes in Factor VIII (FVIII) and von Willebrand Factor (VWF) in the first 3 days of the puerperium. A prospective study assessing FVIII clotting activity, VWF activity and antigen levels in 95 women (with singleton uncomplicated pregnancies) during labour and on days 1, 2 and 3 of the puerperium. There were no significant differences in FVIII, VWF:Ag and VWF:CB on days 1 and 2 of the puerperium compared with levels during labour. There was a significant decrease in VWF:Ag (P = 0.009) and VWF:CB (P = 0.04) on day 3. Age, ethnicity, duration of labour and mode of delivery did not have any significant effect on the changes in FVIII and VWF levels. The pregnancy induced increase in FVIII and VWF is maintained in the first 48 h after delivery. VWF levels start to decline on day 3 postdelivery.
The androgen receptor CAG repeat polymorphism as a risk factor of low serum testosterone and its cardiometabolic effects in men
Authors: Haring R. , Ernst F. , Schurmann C. , Homuth G. , Völker U. , Völzke H. , Nauck M. , Wallaschofski H.
Published: September 2011

Previous studies reported correlations of CAG repeat length with sex hormone serum concentrations and cardiometabolic risk factors, but were limited by small cross‐sectional samples. We used data of 1859 men aged 20–79 years from the population‐based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) to investigate the direct and modulating effects of CAG repeat length on androgen action and cardiometabolic risk factors. We performed cross‐sectional and longitudinal linear and Poisson regression models adjusted for age, smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption and body mass index. The CAG repeat length was categorized into quartiles and low total testosterone (TT) defined according to the age‐specific (by decades) 10th percentile, respectively. Age‐adjusted cross‐sectional linear regression models showed a positive association between CAG repeat length and serum testosterone concentrations [β coefficient for TT, 0.099 (p = 0.028) and for free T, 0.002 (p = 0.001), respectively]. After a 5.0 year median follow‐up period, men with CAG repeat length in the lowest quartile had an increased risk of incident low TT concentrations [relative risk (RR), 2.31; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18–4.55]. We found no direct association between CAG repeat length and cardiometabolic risk factors in cross‐sectional and longitudinal multivariable linear regression analyses; whereas men with longer CAG repeat length and low TT concentrations showed the highest risk of incident MetS (RR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.05–2.16). CAG repeat length is a risk factor of incident low TT concentrations and a contributing factor of testosterone‐related cardiometabolic effects. The added clinical value of a combined assessment of CAG repeat length and serum TT concentrations merits further investigation.
Spermatozoa DNA damage measured by sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and birth characteristics in children conceived by IVF and ICSI
Authors: Bungum M. , Bungum L. , Lynch K.‐F. , Wedlund L. , Humaidan P. , Giwercman A.
Published: September 2011

High levels of spermatozoa DNA damage hinder fertility in vivo but not in vitro. It is a source of worry that following in vitro fertilization (IVF) spermatozoa DNA damage, if not repaired by the oocyte, might have a negative impact on the offspring. The aim of this study was to assess if a high spermatozoa DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) is associated with alterations in birthweight (BW) and/or gestational length in IVF children. One hundred and thirty‐one singleton pregnancies established by standard IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were included in the study. DFI was measured by sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) in semen samples used for fertilization. DFI was categorized as low and high, using 20, 30, 40 and 50% as cut‐off levels. Birthweight, gestational age, as well as gestational age adjusted BW score were used in a linear regression model as end points For none of the tested birth characteristics, statistically significant differences between the groups with low and high DFI were seen regardless of whether 20, 30, 40 or 50% were used as cut‐off levels, both when the IVF and ICSI data were merged or analysed separately. Spermatozoa DNA damage as assessed by SCSA is not associated with BW or gestational length in IVF and ICSI children.