bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gynecomastia Possibly Induced by Rosuvastatin
Authors: Oteri Alessandro , Catania Maria Antonietta , Travaglini Rita , Russo Alessandra , Giustini Saffi E. , Caputi Achille P. , Polimeni Giovanni
Published: March 2008

Gynecomastia is characterized by benign progressive enlargement of the male breast. A pharmacologic origin is identified in 10–20% of cases. Several case reports have associated this condition to the use of statins. However, to our knowledge, no case of rosuvastatin‐induced gynecomastia has been reported in the literature. We describe a 57‐year‐old man who developed bilateral gynecomastia after 2 months of rosuvastatin therapy. After switching to a different statin, atorvastatin, his symptoms resolved within 1 month. Use of the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale indicated a possible relationship between the patient's development of gynecomastia and rosuvastatin therapy. The relatively strong effect of rosuvastatin on inhibiting steroidogenesis might have explained why our patient's gynecomastia occurred only with this agent. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of adverse endocrine reactions when statins are prescribed, including newer agents such as rosuvastatin.
Surface‐treatment effects of a sapphire substrate by He+‐, Ar+‐, and Xe+‐ion implantations for GaN epitaxial layers
Authors: Jhin Junggeun , Baek Jong Hyeob , Byun Dongjin
Published: March 2008

Abstract— The structural, electrical, and optical properties of GaN epilayers grown on various ion‐implanted sapphire(0001) substrates by MOCVD were investigated. GaN or AlN buffer layers and pre‐treatment were indispensably introduced before GaN‐epilayer growth. The ion‐implanted substrate's surface had decreased internal free energies during the growth of the ion‐implanted sapphire(0001) substrates. The crystal and optical properties of the GaN epilayers grown in ion‐implanted sapphire(0001) substrates were improved. Also, an excessively roughened and modified surface caused by ions degraded the GaN epilayers. Not only the ionic radius but also the chemical species of implanted sapphire(0001) substrates improved the properties of the GaN epilayers grown by MOCVD. It is obvious that the ion‐implanted pre‐treatment of sapphire(0001) substrates can be an alternative pre‐treatment procedure for GaN deposition and has the potential to improve the properties of the GaN epilayers on sapphire(0001) substrates.
Design of a prism light‐guide plate for an LCD backlight module
Authors: Li Chen‐Jung , Fang Yi‐Chin , Chu Wei‐Tang , Cheng Ming‐Chia
Published: March 2008

Abstract— This paper describes the development of a design method for a prism pattern for an LCD light‐guide plate to improve the uniformity of its exiting light. First, the prism surface of the light‐guide plate is divided into several equal regions. With the aid of ASAP simulation, this method uses the mean light flux of all regions as a reference value to adjust the distribution density of the prism pattern for each region. Curve fitting is then performed to provide a smoothly changing distribution density for further improvement of the exiting light uniformity. ASAP results demonstrate that the illuminance uniformity for a 2.5‐in. light‐guide plate is substantially improved from 45% to 90.9% by using this design method.
Temperature dependence of residual DC voltage and its evaluation parameter related to liquid‐crystal and alignment‐layer materials
Authors: Mizusaki Masanobu , Miyashita Tetsuya , Uchida Tatsuo , Yamada Yuichiro , Ishii Yutaka , Mizushima Shigeaki
Published: March 2008

Abstract— The temperature dependence of residual DC voltage was studied based on the adsorption and desorption of ions in the liquid‐crystal (LC) layer to and from the interface between the LC and alignment layers during the application of an external DC offset voltage. The relaxation process of the adsorbed ions during the open‐circuit state was also studied after applying the DC offset voltage. Those processes were found to follow the Arrhenius rule, and a new evaluation parameter related to the temperature is proposed for the design of the LC and alignment‐layer materials.
Application of molecular technologies to monitor the microbial content of biosolids and composted biosolids
Authors: Novinscak A. , Filion M. , Surette C. , Allain C.
Published: March 2008

Disposal of human biosolids is a source of concern for public health and the environment. Composting appears to be an interesting alternative to traditional disposal methods as it can decrease the load of human pathogenic microorganisms often present in biosolids and yield an end-product rich in nutrients for use as a soil supplement. Assessing the exact microbial content of biosolids, both for biosafety and operational reasons, has traditionally relied on the use of standard microbiological methods. Recent developments in molecular-based technologies now offer more rapid and specific monitoring of microorganisms in biosolids than culture-based methods. In this study, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) was adapted to monitor the succession of bacteria in composted biosolids through different steps of compost production. Secondly, a TaqMan quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) approach was developed to detect and quantify the presence of Salmonella species, a model human pathogenic bacterium, susceptible to be found in biosolids. DGGE results indicated that the bacterial content of composted biosolids of different ages belongs to various taxa and significantly changes with age. qPCR results indicated that the quantity of Salmonella species found in composted biosolids ranging from 1 to 24 months significantly decreases with composting time.
Role of dissolved humic substances surrogates on phthalate esters migration from sewage sludge
Authors: Zheng Z. , He P. J. , Zhang H. , Shao L. M.
Published: March 2008

The facilitated transport of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), the priority endocrine disrupting chemicals in sludge, by dissolved humic substances (HS) was evaluated by batch extraction. The DBP, much less hydrophobic than DEHP, was inclined to migrate from sludge matrix into humic substances solutions, while the DEHP could not migrate facilitated by most humic and fulvic acids solutions, except the humic acid surrogate of high humification. This result revealed that the affinity of DEHP in sludge matrix exceeded DBP and was not susceptible by weak HS. The hydrophobic property controlled the association of phthalic acid esters on sludge residual phases. Migration rate of DBP was positively correlated to the weight-average molecular weight of HS surrogates and the aromatic extents of HA. Some functional groups in HS molecules benefited to the facilitated transport of DBP.
Low temperature anaerobic biotreatment of priority pollutants
Authors: McKeown R. M. , Collins G. , Chinalia F. A. , Mahony T. , O'Flaherty V.
Published: March 2008

The effect of low operating temperature and pollutant concentration on the performance of five anaerobic hybrid reactors was investigated. Stable and efficient long-term (>400 days) treatment of a cold (6–13°C), volatile fatty acid (VFA)-based, wastewater was achieved at applied organic loading rates (OLRs) of 5 kg chemical oxygen demand (COD) m−3 d−1 with COD removal efficiencies c. 84% at 6°C (sludge loading rate (SLR) 1.04–1.46 kg COD kg [VSS]−1 d−1). VFA-based wastewaters, containing up to 14 g pentachlorophenol (PCP) m−3 d−1 or 155 g toluene m−3 d−1 were successfully treated at applied OLRs of 5–7 kg COD m−3 d−1. Despite transient declines in reactor performance in response to increasing toxicant loading rates, stable operation (COD removal efficiencies > 90%) and satisfactory toxicant removal efficiencies (>88%) were demonstrated by the systems.
Using on-farm sedimentation ponds to improve microbial quality of irrigation water in urban vegetable farming in Ghana
Authors: Keraita B. , Drechsel P. , Konradsen F.
Published: March 2008

This paper presents an assessment of the potential of using on-farm ponds to reduce levels of microbial contamination in wastewater -contaminated irrigation water. The study involved observations on the use of ponds in urban agriculture in Kumasi, Ghana, and more than 300 irrigation water samples were taken for physico-chemical and microbial laboratory analysis. The study shows that while on-farm ponds are commonly used, their potential to remove pathogens through sedimentation has not been fully optimized. Two-thirds of helminth eggs were in the sediments and careful collection of irrigation water without disturbing sediments reduced helminth eggs in irrigation water by about 70%. Helminth eggs reduced from about 5 to less than 1 egg per litre in three days in both dry and wet seasons while thermotolerant coliforms took six days in the dry season to reduce from about 8 to 4 log units per 100 ml, to meet the WHO guidelines. For optimal pathogen removal, better pond designs, farmers’ training on collection of water with minimal disturbance and any other means to enhance sedimentation and pathogen die-off can be essential components of a multiple-barrier approach complementing farm-based measures like simple filtration techniques, better irrigation methods and post-harvest contamination.
The water reclamation and reuse project of El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
Authors: Mujeriego R. , Compte J. , Cazurra T. , Gullón M.
Published: March 2008

Water reclamation and reuse have become essential components of water resources management in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, by helping to develop additional water resources in the lower Llobregat River, one of its main sources of water supply. By generating a reliable flow of 300,000 m3/day of high quality reclaimed water, the options available for integrated water resources management have widely expanded to allow in-stream river water substitution, restoration of natural wetland areas, agricultural irrigation, and supply to a seawater intrusion barrier. Those management options have been possible thanks to the implementation of an extensive water distribution system that allows distribution of reclaimed water to a point 15 km upstream of the reclamation facility, and to a seawater intrusion barrier within a few kilometres of the plant. The cost of producing reclaimed water using a physico-chemical process (0.05 €/m3) and the investment required for such a facility (0.21 €/m3 annual capacity) are very close to those of similar large scale projects in Spain. However, higher degrees of treatment, such as demineralization for agricultural irrigation and for injection into a seawater intrusion barrier, result in considerable increases of both water reclamation cost and investment costs.
Analytical investigation of transient molecular-motor-assisted transport in elongated cells
Authors: Kuznetsov Andrey , Avramenko Andriy
Published: March 2008

This paper investigates analytically the molecular-motor-assisted transport between the cell nucleus and cell membrane in an elongated cell, which allows the formulation of governing equations in a cylindrical coordinate system. This problem is relevant to biomimetic transport systems as well as to many biological processes occurring in living cells, such as the viral infection of a cell. The obtained analytical solution is shown to agree well with a high-accuracy numerical solution of the same problem. The developed analytical technique extends the applicability of the generalized Fourier series method to a new type of problems involving intracellular transport of organelles.
Band structure and optical properties of antimony-sulfobromide: density functional calculation
Authors: Akkus Harun , Mamedov Amirullah , Kazempour Ali , Akbarzadeh Hadi
Published: March 2008

The electronic structure, linear, and non-linear optical properties of ferroelectric-semiconductor SbSBr are investigated in the non-polar (paraelectric) and polar (ferroelectric) phase, using the density functional methods in the generalized gradient approximation. The electronic band structure obtained shows that SbSBr has an indirect forbidden gap of 2.16 and 2.21 eV in the paraelectric and ferroelectric phase, respectively. The linear photon-energy dependent dielectric functions and some optical functions, such as absorption and extinction coefficients, refractive index, energy-loss function, reflectivity, and optical conductivity in both phases and photon-energy dependent second-order susceptibilities in the ferroelectric phase are calculated. Moreover, some important optical parameters, such as the effective number of valence electrons and the effective optical dielectric constant, are calculated in both phases.
Theoretical study of NO3− interacting with carbon nanotube
Authors: Guerini Silvete , Azevedo David , Lima Maria , Zanella Ivana , Filho Josué
Published: March 2008

This paper deals with quantum mechanical interaction of no
3− with (5,5) and (8,0) swcnts. To perform this we have made an ab initio calculation based on the density functional theory. In these framework the electronic density plays a central role and it was obtained of a self-consistent field form. It was observed through binding energy that NO3− molecule interacts with each nanotube in a physisorption regime. We propose these swcnts as a potential filter device due to reasonable interaction with NO3− molecule. Besides this type of filter could be reusable, therefore after the filtering, the swcnts could be separated from NO3− molecule.
Arbitrary /-state approximate solutions of the Hulthén potential through the exact quantization rule
Authors: Qiang Wen-Chao , Gao Yang , Zhou Run-Suo
Published: March 2008

In this paper, using the Exact Quantization Rule, we present approximate analytical solutions of the radial Schrödinger equation with non-zero l values for the Hulthén potential in the frame of an approximation to the centrifugal potential for any l states. The energy levels of all bound states can be easily calculated from the Exact Quantization Rule. Specifically, the normalized analytical wave functions are also obtained. Some energy eigenvalues are numerically calculated and compared with those obtained by other methods such as asymptotic iteration, supersymmetry, numerical integration methods, and the schroedinger Mathematica package.
Reflection of spin waves from a ferromagnetic multilayer with interfacial coupling of finite strength (reflection of spin waves from multilayer)
Authors: Gorobets Yuri , Reshetnyak Sergey
Published: March 2008

The reflection coefficient of bulk spin waves from a ferromagnetic multilayer with periodically modulated parameters of the exchange interaction, the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy and the saturation magnetization (a magnonic crystal) is calculated. The dependence of the reflection coefficient upon the spin wave frequency and the values of the bias magnetic field, the parameter of interfacial coupling, and the internal structure of the unit cell are investigated.
Exact analytical solutions for shallow impurity states in symmetrical paraboloidal and hemiparaboloidal quantum dots
Authors: Assaid M. , Aydi M’hamed , Feddi M. , Dujardin Françis
Published: March 2008

The problem of a shallow donor impurity located at the centre of a symmetrical paraboloidal quantum dot (SPQD) is solved exactly. The Schrödinger equation is separated in the paraboloidal coordinate system. Three different cases are discussed for the radial-like equations. For a bound donor, the energy is negative and the solutions are described by Whittaker functions. For a non-bound donor, the energy is positive and the solutions become coulomb wave functions. In the last case, the energy is equal to zero and the solutions reduce to Bessel functions. Using the boundary conditions at the dot surfaces, the variations of the donor kinetic and potential energies versus the size of the dot are obtained. The problem of a shallow donor impurity in a Hemiparaboloidal Quantum dot (HPQD) is also studied. It is shown that the wave functions of a HPQD are specific linear combinations of those of a SPQD.
Role of optical techniques in combined use of selected methods of medical imaging
Authors: Cysewska-Sobusiak A. , Wiczyński G. , Krawiecki Z. , Sowier A.
Published: March 2008

The subject matter of this paper concerns advanced techniques of imaging used in diagnosis and minimally invasive procedures applied in non-operable cases of the digestive tract tumour therapy. The role of optical techniques in current medical imaging is significant. Optical properties of transilluminated or illuminated tissues and organs depend on strong light absorption and scattering. Numerous issues related to the result interpretation still remain unsolved. Effectiveness and precision can be especially improved when some combined methods of imaging are used. Videoendoscopy imaging, X-ray imaging, and endoscopic ultrasound imaging are three complementary methods applied during the interventions described in this work. All interventions have concerned with the upper part of the digestive tract. Especially, interdisciplinary issues of combined medical imaging are presented using some examples of a modern approach to imaging of esophagus and biliary stenting. The selected examples of effects obtained during interventions assisted by combined imaging of the operation site are presented. The operator can have great control over the appearance of desirable effects as well as undesirable complications in order to work comfortably and safe.
K-Radical classes and product radical classes of MV-algebras
Authors: Jakubík Ján
Published: March 2008

For an MV-algebra let J
0() be the system of all closed ideals of ; this system is partially ordered by the set-theoretical inclusion. A radical class X of MV-algebras will be called a K-radical class iff, whenever ∈ X and is an MV-algebra with J
0() ≅ J
0(), then ∈ X. An analogous notation for lattice ordered groups was introduced and studied by Conrad. In the present paper we show that there is a one-to-one correspondence between K-radical classes of MV-algebras and K-radical classes of abelian lattice ordered groups. We also prove an analogous result for product radical classes of MV-algebras; product radical classes of lattice ordered groups were studied by Ton.
A note on the multiplicity in factor ring
Authors: Boďa Eduard
Published: March 2008

Let (R,m) = k[x
1,..., x
n](x
1,...,x
n) be a local polynomial ring (k being an algebraically closed field), and Q:= (F
1,..., F
r)R be a primary ideal in R with respect to a maximal ideal m ⊂ R. In this short note we give a formula for the multiplicity e
0 (QR/(F
1)R, R/(F
1)R).
Fundamental group of tiles associated to quadratic canonical number systems
Authors: Loridant Benoit
Published: March 2008

If A is a 2 × 2 expanding matrix with integral coefficients, and ⊂ ℤ2 a complete set of coset representatives of ℤ2/Aℤ2 with |det(A)| elements, then the set ℐ defined by Aℐ = ℐ + is a self-affine plane tile of ℝ2, provided that its two-dimensional Lebesgue measure is positive.

It was shown by Luo and Thuswaldner that the fundamental group of such a tile is either trivial or uncountable.

To a quadratic polynomial x
2 + Ax + B, A, B ∈ ℤ such that B ≥ 2 and −1 ≤ A ≤ B, one can attach a tile ℐ. Akiyama and Thuswaldner proved the triviality of the fundamental group of this tile for 2A < B + 3, by showing that a tile of this class is homeomorphic to a closed disk. The case 2A ≥ B + 3 is treated here by using the criterion given by Luo and Thuswaldner.
The Emotional Ambivalence of Socially Just Teaching: A Case Study of a Novice Urban Schoolteacher
Authors: Chubbuck Sharon M. , Zembylas Michalinos
Published: March 2008

The authors contend that studying emotional perspectives can facilitate understanding of the complexities of socially just teaching. They explore the intersection between emotions and socially just teaching via a case study of a White novice teacher at one urban school as she struggles to formulate socially just teaching practices. Drawing from feminist and critical theory, the authors propose the term critical emotional praxis to denote critical praxis informed by emotional resistance to unjust pedagogical systems and practices. The authors’ analysis may assist in the development of socially just teachers: First, emotions and their expression play an important, ongoing role in socially just teaching, and second, emotional negotiation related to socially just teaching can provide deeper understanding of possible change, perhaps even in counterresponse to wider social, political contexts of schools.
What determines emergence and net recruitment in an early succession plant community? Disentangling biotic and abiotic effects
Authors: Luzuriaga Arantzazu L. , Escudero Adrián
Published: March 2008

Question: How do different regeneration scenarios shape species composition at two stages of plant community establishment (emergence and net recruitment) in an early succession?

Location: Northern Spain.

Methods: In a recently ploughed field, we created eight regeneration scenarios with light, water and nitrogen availability (five replicates each). Seedlings of all species were monitored from emergence to death during one year. Abiotic and biotic variables were measured per quadrat, i.e. soil texture, nutrient contents, seed bank densities and composition, neighbour plant species densitiy and cover. We used partial ordination methods in order to separate the effect of each environmental variable on species composition during emergence and adult net recruitment.

Results: Light treatment determined annual plant density at time of emergence and recruitment, while water addition controlled the recruitment of perennials. Resource levels explained the emerged species composition; this effect was not translated into the recruited species composition. N‐addition and N + water addition were strongly associated to species abundances at the time of emergence. Seedling composition in summer was correlated with seed abundance of Cerastium spp. Neighbour species density and cover (mainly Arrhenatherum bulbosum, Agropyron repens and Picris echioides) explained significant fractions of species composition in the emergence and recruitment of the different cohorts. Interactions between species seem to vary in intensity among cohorts and in the key plant species that determined species abundance along succession.

Conclusions: Our scenarios exerted contrasting and multilevel effects on the development of our early succession community. Resource availability differently affected plant density and species composition at different life stages. It is relevant to consider different life stages in plant community studies. However, regeneration conditions and other abiotic factors are not enough to explain how community composition varies.
A new and improved MILP formulation to optimize observability, redundancy and precision for sensor network problems
Authors: Kelly Jeffrey D. , Zyngier Danielle
Published: March 2008

New mathematical formulations of observability, redundancy, and an improved formulation for precision are provided which can be explicitly and analytically solved using mixed integer linear programming (MILP). By using the Schur complement found at the heart of both Gaussian elimination and Cholesky factorization for direct block matrix reduction and the variable classification and covariance calculations found in the reconciliation, regression, and regularization approach of Kelly, it is possible to efficiently optimize the overall instrumentation cost considering both estimability and variability as constraints during the branch‐and‐bound search of the MILP. Two illustrative examples are highlighted which minimize the cost of sensor placement subject to software and hardware redundancy of the measured variables, observability of the unmeasured variables, and their precision (i.e., inverse of their variance). This formulation is well suited to the problems of designing as well as retrofitting sensor locations in arbitrary networks. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Nicotine and lung development
Authors: Maritz Gert S.
Published: March 2008

Nicotine is found in tobacco smoke. It is a habit forming substance and is prescribed by health professionals to assist smokers to quit smoking. It is rapidly absorbed from the lungs of smokers. It crosses the placenta and accumulates in the developing fetus. Nicotine induces formation of oxygen radicals and at the same time also reduces the antioxidant capacity of the lungs. Nicotine and the oxidants cause point mutations in the DNA molecule, thereby changing the program that controls lung growth and maintenance of lung structure. The data available indicate that maternal nicotine exposure induces a persistent inhibition of glycolysis and a drastically increased cAMP level. These metabolic changes are thought to contribute to the faster aging of the lungs of the offspring of mothers that are exposed to nicotine via the placenta and mother's milk. The lungs of these animals are more susceptible to damage as shown by the gradual deterioration of the lung parenchyma. The rapid metabolic and structural aging of the lungs of the animals that were exposed to nicotine via the placenta and mother's milk, and thus during phases of lung development characterized by rapid cell division, is likely due to “programming” induced by nicotine. It is, therefore, not advisable to use nicotine during gestation and lactation. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 84:45–53, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nicotine and brain development
Authors: Dwyer Jennifer B. , Broide Ron S. , Leslie Frances M.
Published: March 2008

Preclinical studies, using primarily rodent models, have shown acetylcholine to have a critical role in brain maturation via activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), a structurally diverse family of ligand‐gated ion channels. nAChRs are widely expressed in fetal central nervous system, with transient upregulation in numerous brain regions during critical developmental periods. Activation of nAChRs can have varied developmental influences that are dependent on the pharmacologic properties and localization of the receptor. These include regulation of transmitter release, gene expression, neurite outgrowth, cell survival, and synapse formation and maturation. Aberrant exposure of fetal and neonatal brain to nicotine, through maternal smoking or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), has been shown to have detrimental effects on cholinergic modulation of brain development. These include alterations in sexual differentiation of the brain, and in cell survival and synaptogenesis. Long‐term alterations in the functional status and pharmacologic properties of nAChRs may also occur, which result in modifications of specific neural circuitry such as the brainstem cardiorespiratory network and sensory thalamocortical gating. Such alterations in brain structure and function may contribute to clinically characterized deficits that result from maternal smoking, such as sudden infant death syndrome and auditory‐cognitive dysfunction. Although not the only constituent of tobacco smoke, there is now abundant evidence that nicotine is a neural teratogen. Thus, alternatives to NRT should be sought as tobacco cessation treatments in pregnant women. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 84:30–44, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cell‐based assays in GPCR drug discovery
Authors: Siehler Sandra
Published: March 2008

G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) transmit extracellular signals into the intracellular space, and play key roles in the physiological regulation of virtually every cell and tissue. Characteristic for the GPCR superfamily of cell surface receptors are their seven transmembrane‐spanning α‐helices, an extracellular N terminus and intracellular C‐terminal tail. Besides transmission of extracellular signals, their activity is modulated by cellular signals in an auto‐ or transregulatory fashion. The molecular complexity of GPCRs and their regulated signaling networks triggered the interest in academic research groups to explore them further, and their drugability and role in pathophysiology triggers pharmaceutical research towards small molecular weight ligands and therapeutic antibodies. About 30% of marketed drugs target GPCRs, which underlines the importance of this target class. This review describes current and emerging cellular assays for the ligand discovery of GPCRs.
Transcatheter treatment for systemic‐to‐pulmonary artery shunt obstruction in infants and children
Authors: Gillespie Matthew J. , Rome Jonathan J.
Published: March 2008

Systemic‐to‐pulmonary artery shunt occlusion is a life‐threatening complication in patients with shunt‐dependent pulmonary blood flow. In the current era, the definitive diagnosis of shunt obstruction, and interventions to re‐establish shunt patency are performed in the catheterization laboratory, rather than the operating room. This review summarizes the various transcatheter techniques used by the interventionalist to re‐establish flow through occluded shunts. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Carotid sheath rescue with a distal filter retrieval catheter
Authors: Chiam Paul T. L. , Roubin Gary S.
Published: March 2008

Sheath placement prior to carotid artery stenting is usually uncomplicated, and provides sufficient support for the procedure. In certain patients, especially those with unfavorable arch anatomy, tortuous vessels, and heavily calcified lesions, the sheath backs out into the aortic arch with compromise of wire and embolic protection device (EPD) position, and risk of “dragging” the EPD back through the lesion. A novel use of the distal filter retrieval catheter to “rescue” a prolapsed guide sheath is described. Use of the filter retrieval catheter as a “body” to retrack the sheath but not recapturing the deployed filter is a useful technique, since the equipment is already available. This avoided the need to pull a retrieved filter through a severe undilated carotid stenosis, reducing the amount of manipulations needed to reposition the sheath and thus reducing the risk of embolic events. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Remarkable Biological Properties of Cyclodextrins Bearing Guanidinoalkylamino and Aminoalkylamino Groups on Their Primary Side
Authors: Mourtzis Nikolaos , Paravatou Maria , Mavridis Irene M. , Roberts Michael L. , Yannakopoulou Konstantina
Published: March 2008

The introduction of aminoalkylamino and guanidinoalkylamino substituents on the primary side of β‐ and γ‐cyclodextrin (CDs) resulted in a series of novel compounds that were extensively characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Bromination of the primary side of β‐ and γ‐CD, and reaction with neat alkylene diamines at a pressure of 7 atm afforded aminoalkylamino derivatives that were then guanylated at the primary amino group to give the corresponding guanidinoalkylamino‐CDs. These compounds are water soluble and display pKa values that allow them to be mostly protonated at neutral pH; for example, pK∼6.4 and pK∼9.5 for the aminoethylamino‐β‐CD and pK∼7.8 and pK∼11.0 for the guanidinoethylamino‐β‐CD. The title CDs are rigid, cyclic α‐D‐glucopyranose oligomers (heptamers or octamers) with branches that resemble lysine and arginine side chains that enable multiple interactions with suitable substrates. Thus, they bear similarities to known cell‐penetrating peptides. Indeed, the compounds were found to cross the membranes of HeLa cells and penetrate inside the cytoplasm quickly, the guadinylated ones within 15 min, as shown by fluorescence microscopy using fluorescein‐labeled derivatives. The toxicity of the compounds, measured by performing MTT tests, ranged from 50 to 300 μM. Furthermore, some of the aminated CDs could facilitate the transfection of DNA expressing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) in HEK 293T cells, with effectiveness comparable to the commercial agent Lipofectamine 2000. Circular dichroism, atomic force microscopy and electrophoresis experiments confirmed the strong interaction of the compounds with DNA. Because of their carbohydrate, non‐peptide nature the title compounds are not anticipated to be enzymatically labile or immunogenic, and thus they fulfill many of the criteria for non‐hazardous transport vectors in biological and pharmaceutical applications.
Properties of Alkali Metal Atoms Deposited on a MgO Surface: A Systematic Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Finazzi Emanuele , Di Valentin Cristiana , Pacchioni Gianfranco , Chiesa Mario , Giamello Elio , Gao Hongjun , Lian Jichun , Risse Thomas , Freund Hans‐Joachim
Published: March 2008

The adsorption of small amounts of alkali metal atoms (Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs) on the surface of MgO powders and thin films has been studied by means of EPR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. From a comparison of the measured and computed g values and hyperfine coupling constants (hfccs), a tentative assignment of the preferred adsorption sites is proposed. All atoms bind preferentially to surface oxide anions, but the location of these anions differs as a function of the deposition temperature and alkali metal. Lithium forms relatively strong bonds with MgO and can be stabilized at low temperatures on terrace sites. Potassium interacts very weakly with MgO and is stabilized only at specific sites, such as at reverse corners where it can interact simultaneously with three surface oxygen atoms (rubidium and cesium presumably behave in the same way). Sodium forms bonds of intermediate strength and could, in principle, populate more than a single site when deposited at room temperature. In all cases, large deviations of the hfccs from the gas‐phase values are observed. These reductions in the hfccs are due to polarization effects and are not connected to ionization of the alkali metal, which would lead to the formation of an adsorbed cation and a trapped electron. In this respect, hydrogen atoms behave completely differently. Under similar conditions, they form (H+)(e−) pairs. The reasons for this different behavior are discussed.
The Phenoxy/Phenol/Copper Cation: A Minimalistic Model of Bonding Relations in Active Centers of Mononuclear Copper Enzymes
Authors: Milko Petr , Roithová Jana , Schröder Detlef , Lemaire Joël , Schwarz Helmut , Holthausen Max C.
Published: March 2008

The “bare” complex [Cu(PhOH)(PhO)]+ with a phenol (PhOH) and a phenoxy (PhO) ligand bound to copper is studied both experimentally and computationally. The binding energies and structure of this complex are probed by mass spectrometry, infrared multi‐photon dissociation, and DFT calculations. Further, the monoligated complexes [Cu(PhO)]+ and [Cu(PhOH)]+ are investigated for comparison. DFT calculations on the [Cu(PhOH)(PhO)]+ complex predict that a phenolate anion interacts with copper(II) preferentially through the oxygen atom, and the bonding is associated with electron transfer to the metal center resulting in location of the unpaired electron at the aromatic moiety. Neutral phenol, on the other hand, interacts with copper preferentially through the aromatic ring. The same arrangements are also found in the monoligated complexes [Cu(PhO)]+ and [Cu(PhOH)]+. The calculations further indicate that the bond strength between the copper atom and the oxygen atom of the phenoxy radical is weakened by the presence of neutral phenol from 2.6 eV in bare [Cu(PhO)]+ to 2.1 eV in [Cu(PhOH)(PhO)]+.
Update on atrial fibrillation: Part II
Authors: Savelieva Irina , Camm John
Published: March 2008

Antiarrhythmic drugs are an essential tool in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although we are already on the threshold of a large expansion in the use of ablation therapies, these will not, however, be appropriate for all patients, and pharmacological therapies will continue to have an important place in the management of atrial fibrillation. The plethora of antiarrhythmic drugs currently available for the treatment of atrial fibrillation is a reflection that none is wholly satisfactory, each having limited efficacy combined with poor safety and tolerability. Improved class III antiarrhythmic drugs, such as dronedarone, new classes of antiarrhythmic agents, such as atrial repolarization delaying agents, and upstream therapies dealing with substrate, represent potential sources of new pharmacological therapies. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wellens' Syndrome or Inverted U‐waves?
Authors: Movahed Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2008

This report describes an example of a patient with chest pain and classic electrocardiographic changes consistent with ischemia in the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) territory. This electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormality is known as Wellens' syndrome. However, the same abnormality is also described as inverted U‐waves. The significance of this abnormality and the controversy of describing this syndrome is reviewed and discussed. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Osmotic Pressure and Phase Boundary Determination of Multiphase Systems by Analytical Ultracentrifugation
Authors: Page Miles G. , Zemb Thomas , Dubois Monique , Cölfen Helmut
Published: March 2008

We show that analytical ultracentrifugation can be applied to derive full equations of state of colloids in a single sedimentation equilibrium experiment, by determination of single‐phase boundaries as well as of osmotic pressure versus concentration at fixed temperatures. A continuous dependence of the osmotic pressure, over orders of magnitude between at least ∼101 and 104 Pa, and a wide concentration range, are determined in agreement with standard theoretical considerations. Two model experimental colloidal systems are investigated: For a well‐known synthetic clay system (laponite), it is shown that two regimes—counter‐ion ideal gas and interacting double layers—can easily be identified in the equation of state, whereas metastable glass‐ or microphase‐separated gel states previously encountered in osmotic stress measurements of laponite are circumvented. For the case of rigid, crystallized catanionic bilayers, single phase domains can be identified. Osmotic pressure results in this case disagree with results obtained using the classical osmotic stress technique, as a result of sample adhesion to the ultracentrifuge cell windows and uncertainty due to possible micromolar ion contamination.
Density Functional Investigations of Electronic Structure and Dehydrogenation Reactions of Al‐ and Si‐Substituted Magnesium Hydride
Authors: Kelkar Tuhina , Pal Sourav , Kanhere Dilip G.
Published: March 2008

The effect on the hydrogen storage attributes of magnesium hydride (MgH2) of the substitution of Mg by varying fractions of Al and Si is investigated by an ab initio plane‐wave pseuodopotential method based on density functional theory. Three supercells, namely, 2×2×2, 3×1×1 and 5×1×1 are used for generating configurations with varying amounts (fractions x=0.0625, 0.1, and 0.167) of impurities. The analyses of band structure and density of states (DOS) show that, when a Mg atom is replaced by Al, the band gap vanishes as the extra electron occupies the conduction band minimum. In the case of Si‐substitution, additional states are generated within the band gap of pure MgH2—significantly reducing the gap in the process. The reduced band gaps cause the MgH bond to become more susceptible to dissociation. For all the fractions, the calculated reaction energies for the stepwise removal of H2 molecules from Al‐ and Si‐substituted MgH2 are much lower than for H2 removal from pure MgH2. The reduced stability is also reflected in the comparatively smaller heats of formation (ΔHf) of the substituted MgH2 systems. Si causes greater destabilization of MgH2 than Al for each x. For fractions x=0.167 of Al, x=0.1, 0.167 of Si (FCC) and x=0.0625, 0.1 of Si (diamond), ΔHf is much less than that of MgH2 substituted by a fraction x=0.2 of Ti (Y. Song, Z. X. Guo, R. Yang, Mat. Sc. & Eng. A 2004, 365, 73). Hence, we suggest the use of Al or Si instead of Ti as an agent for decreasing the dehydrogenation reaction and energy, consequently, the dehydrogenation temperature of MgH2, thereby improving its potential as a hydrogen storage material.
The primary cilium as a gravitational force transducer and a regulator of transcriptional noise
Authors: Moorman Stephen J. , Shorr Ardon Z.
Published: March 2008

Circumstantial evidence has suggested that the primary cilium might function as a gravity sensor. Direct evidence of its gravity‐sensing function has recently been provided by studies of rohon beard neurons. These neurons showed changes in the variability of gene expression levels that are linked to the cyclic changes in the Earth's gravitational field due to the Sun and Moon. These cyclic changes also cause the tides. Rohon beard neurons, after the primary cilia have been selectively destroyed, no longer show changes in gene expression variability linked to the cyclic changes in Earth's gravitational field. After the neurons regrow their primary cilia, the link between variability in gene expression levels and the Earth's changing gravitational field returns. This suggests two new functions for the primary cilia, detecting the cyclical changes in the Earth's gravitational field and transducing those changes into changes in the variability (stochastic nature) of gene expression. Developmental Dynamics 237:1955–1959, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
E2f6 and Bmi1 cooperate in axial skeletal development
Authors: Courel Maria , Friesenhahn Laurie , Lees Jacqueline A.
Published: March 2008

Bmi1 is a Polycomb Group protein that functions as a component of Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) to control axial skeleton development through Hox gene repression. Bmi1 also represses transcription of the Ink4a‐Arf locus and is consequently required to maintain the proliferative and self‐renewal properties of hematopoietic and neural stem cells. Previously, one E2F family member, E2F6, has been shown to interact with Bmi1 and other known PRC1 components. However, the biological relevance of this interaction is unknown. In this study, we use mouse models to investigate the interplay between E2F6 and Bmi1. This analysis shows that E2f6 and Bmi1 cooperate in the regulation of Hox genes, and consequently axial skeleton development, but not in the repression of the Ink4a‐Arf locus. These findings underscore the significance of the E2F6–Bmi1 interaction in vivo and suggest that the Hox and Ink4a‐Arf loci are regulated by somewhat different mechanisms. Developmental Dynamics 237:1232‐1242, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Summary of ‘Early developmental intervention programs post hospital discharge to prevent motor and cognitive impairments in preterm infants’
Authors: Milne Andrea
Published: March 2008

This is a summary of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Spittle AJ, Orton J, Doyle LW, Boyd R. Early developmental intervention programs post hospital discharge to prevent motor and cognitive impairments in preterm infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD005495. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005495.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Commentary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables articles. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentaries on ‘Bicycle helmet legislation for the uptake of helmet use and the prevention of head injuries’
Authors: Stevenson Mark , Ivers Rebecca , Warda Lynne
Published: March 2008

These are commentaries on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Macpherson A, Spinks A. Bicycle helmet legislation for the uptake of helmet use and prevention of head injuries. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD005401. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005401.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary article. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Characteristics and key findings for ‘Interventions for primary vesicoureteric reflux’
Authors: van Dalen E. C. , Offringa M.
Published: March 2008

These are the characteristics and key findings for a Cochrane review published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Hodson EM, Wheeler DM, Vimalchandra D, Smith GH, Craig JC. Interventions for primary vesicoureteric reflux. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD001532. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001532.pub3.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Commentary articles. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
A novel form of NF‐κB is induced by Leishmania infection: Involvement in macrophage gene expression
Authors: Gregory David J. , Godbout Marianne , Contreras Irazú , Forget Geneviève , Olivier Martin
Published: March 2008

Leishmania spp. are obligate intracellular parasites that inhabit the phagolysosomes of macrophages. Manipulation of host cell signaling pathways and gene expression by Leishmania is critical for Leishmania’s survival and resultant pathology. Here, we show that infection of macrophages with Leishmania promastigotes in vitro causes specific cleavage of the NF‐κB p65RelA subunit. Cleavage occurs in the cytoplasm and is dependent on the Leishmania protease gp63. The resulting fragment, p35RelA, migrates to the nucleus, where it binds DNA as a heterodimer with NF‐κB p50. Importantly, induction of chemokine gene expression (MIP‐2/CXCL2, MCP‐1/CCL2, MIP‐1α/CCL3, MIP‐1β/CCL4) by Leishmania is NF‐κB dependent, which implies that p35RelA/p50 dimers are able to activate transcription, despite the absence of a recognized transcriptional transactivation domain. NF‐κB cleavage was observed following infection with a range of pathogenic species, including L. donovani, L. major, L. mexicana, and L. (Viannia) braziliensis, but not the non‐pathogenic L. tarentolae or treatment with IFN‐γ. These results indicate a novel mechanism by which a pathogen can subvert a macrophage's regulatory pathways to alter NF‐κB activity.
Chimpanzee CD4+ T cells are relatively insensitive to HIV‐1 envelope‐mediated inhibition of CD154 up‐regulation
Authors: Rutjens Erik , Vermeulen Joost , Verstrepen Babs , Hofman Sam , Prins Jan M. , Srivastava Indresh , Heeney Jonathan L. , Koopman Gerrit
Published: March 2008

CD40‐CD154 interaction forms a key event in regulation of crosstalk between dendritic cells and CD4 T cells. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1 infected patients CD154 expression is impaired, and the resulting loss of immune responsiveness by CD4+ T cells contributes to a progressive state of immunodeficiency in humans. Although chimpanzees are susceptible to chronic HIV‐1/SIVcpz infection, they are relatively resistant to the onset of AIDS. This relative resistance is characterized by maintenance of CD4+ T cell populations and function, which is highly compromised in human patients. In our cohort of chronically HIV‐1‐ and SIVcpz‐infected chimpanzees, we demonstrated the capacity to produce IL‐2, following CD3/CD28 stimulation, as well as preserved CD154 up‐regulation. Cross‐linking of CD4 with mAb was found to inhibit CD3/CD28‐induced up‐regulation of CD154 equally in chimpanzees and humans. However, specific cross‐linking with trimeric recombinant HIV‐1 gp140 revealed reduced sensitivity for inhibition of CD154 up‐regulation in chimpanzees, requiring fourfold higher concentrations of viral protein. Chimpanzee CD4+ T cells are thus less sensitive to the immune‐suppressive effect of low‐dose HIV‐1 envelope protein than human CD4+ T cells.