bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matrix-Dependent Local Retention of Secretory Vesicle Cargo in Cortical Neurons
Authors: de Wit Joris , Toonen Ruud F. , Verhage Matthijs
Published: January 2009

Neurons secrete many diffusible signals from synaptic and other secretory vesicles. We characterized secretion of guidance cues, neuropeptides, neurotrophins, and proteases from single secretory vesicles using pHluorin-tagged cargo in cortical neurons. Stimulation triggered transient and persistent fusion events. Transient events represented full release followed by cargo diffusion or incomplete release followed by vesicle retrieval, as previously observed in neuroendocrine cells. Unexpectedly, we also observed that certain cargo, such as Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), was delivered at the cell surface as stable deposits. Stable deposits and transient events were observed for single cargo and both were SNARE (solubleN-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) and calcium dependent. The ratio between stable and transient events did not depend on cargo size, subcellular localization (synaptic vs extrasynaptic secretion), or the presence of the extracellular matrix. Instead, the ratio is cargo specific and depends on an interaction with the vesicle matrix through a basic domain in the cargo protein. Inhibition of this interaction through deletion of the basic domain in Sema3A abolished stable deposits and rendered all events transient. Strikingly, cargo favoring transient release was stably deposited after corelease with cargo favoring stable deposit. These data argue against cargo diffusion after exocytosis as a general principle. Instead, the vesicle matrix retains secreted signals, probably for focal signaling at the cell surface.
Loss of Modifier of Cell Adhesion Reveals a Pathway Leading to Axonal Degeneration
Authors: Chen Qi , Peto Charles A. , Shelton G. Diane , Mizisin Andrew , Sawchenko Paul E. , Schubert David
Published: January 2009

Axonal dysfunction is the major phenotypic change in many neurodegenerative diseases, but the processes underlying this impairment are not clear. Modifier of cell adhesion (MOCA) is a presenilin binding protein that functions as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rac1. The loss of MOCA in mice leads to axonal degeneration and causes sensorimotor impairments by decreasing cofilin phosphorylation and altering its upstream signaling partners LIM kinase and p21-activated kinase, an enzyme directly downstream of Rac1. The dystrophic axons found in MOCA-deficient mice are associated with abnormal aggregates of neurofilament protein, the disorganization of the axonal cytoskeleton, and the accumulation of autophagic vacuoles and polyubiquitinated proteins. Furthermore, MOCA deficiency causes an alteration in the actin cytoskeleton and the formation of cofilin-containing rod-like structures. The dystrophic axons show functional abnormalities, including impaired axonal transport. These findings demonstrate that MOCA is required for maintaining the functional integrity of axons and define a model for the steps leading to axonal degeneration.
Bulbar Acetylcholine Enhances Neural and Perceptual Odor Discrimination
Authors: Chaudhury Dipesh , Escanilla Olga , Linster Christiane
Published: January 2009

Experimental and modeling data suggest that the circuitry of the main olfactory bulb (OB) plays a critical role in olfactory discrimination. Processing of such information arises from the interaction between OB output neurons local interneurons, as well as interactions between the OB network and centrifugal inputs. Cholinergic input to the OB in particular has been hypothesized to regulate mitral cell odorants receptive fields (ORFs) and behavioral discrimination of similar odorants. We recorded from individual mitral cells in the OB in anesthetized rats to determine the degree of overlap in ORFs of individual mitral cells after exposure to odorant stimuli. Increasing the efficacy of the cholinergic neurotransmission in the OB by addition of the anticholinesterase drug neostigmine (20 mm) sharpened the ORF responses of mitral cells. Furthermore, coaddition of either the nicotinic antagonist methyllycaconitine citrate hydrate (MLA) (20 mm) or muscarinic antagonist scopolamine (40 mm) together with neostigmine (20 mm) attenuated the neostigmine-dependent sharpening of ORFs. These electrophysiological findings are predictive of accompanying behavioral experiments in which cholinergic modulation was manipulated by direct infusion of neostigmine, MLA, and scopolamine into the OB during olfactory behavioral tasks. Increasing the efficacy of cholinergic action in the OB increased perceptual discrimination of odorants in these experiments, whereas blockade of nicotinic or muscarinic receptors decreased perceptual discrimination. These experiments show that behavioral discrimination is modulated in a manner predicted by the changes in mitral cell ORFs by cholinergic drugs. These results together present a first direct comparison between neural and perceptual effects of a bulbar neuromodulator.
Laminar Specificity of Functional Input to Distinct Types of Inhibitory Cortical Neurons
Authors: Xu Xiangmin , Callaway Edward M.
Published: January 2009

Despite the presence of numerous inhibitory cell types, laminar excitatory input has only been characterized for limited identified types, and it is unknown whether there are differences between cell types in their laminar sources of inhibitory input. In the present study, we characterized sources of local input to nine distinct types of layer 2/3 inhibitory neurons in living slices of mouse somatosensory cortex. Whole-cell recordings from identified cell types, facilitated by use of transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein in limited inhibitory neuron populations, were combined with laser scanning photostimulation. We found that each inhibitory cell type received distinct excitatory and inhibitory laminar input patterns. Excitatory inputs could be grouped into three categories. All inhibitory cell types received strong excitation from layer 2/3, and for calretinin (CR)-positive Martinotti cells and burst-spiking interneurons, this was their dominant source of excitatory input. Three other cell types, including fast-spiking basket cells, CR-negative Martinotti cells, and bipolar interneurons, also received strong excitatory input from layer 4. The remaining four inhibitory cell types, including chandelier cells, neurogliaform cells, irregular spiking basket cells, and regular spiking presumptive basket cells, received strong excitatory input from layer 5A and not layer 4. Laminar sources of inhibitory input varied between cell types and could not be predicted from the sources of excitatory input. Thus, there are cell-type specific differences in laminar sources of both excitation and inhibition, and complementary input patterns from layer 4 versus layer 5A suggest cell type differences in their relationships to lemniscal versus paralemniscal pathways.
Cone Contacts, Mosaics, and Territories of Bipolar Cells in the Mouse Retina
Authors: Wässle Heinz , Puller Christian , Müller Frank , Haverkamp Silke
Published: January 2009

We report a quantitative analysis of the different bipolar cell types of the mouse retina. They were identified in wild-type mice by specific antibodies or in transgenic mouse lines by specific expression of green fluorescent protein or Clomeleon. The bipolar cell densities, their cone contacts, their dendritic coverage, and their axonal tiling were measured in retinal whole mounts. The results show that each and all cones are contacted by at least one member of any given type of bipolar cell (not considering genuine blue cones). Consequently, each cone feeds its light signals into a minimum of 10 different bipolar cells. Parallel processing of an image projected onto the retina, therefore, starts at the first synapse of the retina, the cone pedicle. The quantitative analysis suggests that our proposed catalog of 11 cone bipolar cells and one rod bipolar cell is complete, and all major bipolar cell types of the mouse retina appear to have been discovered.
Astrocyte-Derived MCP-1 Mediates Neuroprotective Effects of Noradrenaline
Authors: Madrigal Jose L. M. , Leza Juan C. , Polak Paul , Kalinin Sergey , Feinstein Douglas L.
Published: January 2009

The neurotransmitter noradrenaline (NA) can provide neuroprotection against insults including inflammatory stimuli and excitotoxicity, which may involve paracrine effects of neighboring glial cells. Astrocytes express and secrete a variety of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules; however, the effects of NA on astrocyte chemokine expression have not been well characterized. In primary astrocytes, NA increased expression of chemokine CCL2 (MCP-1) at the mRNA and protein levels. NA increased activation of an MCP-1 promoter driving luciferase expression, which was replicated by β-adrenergic receptor agonists and a cAMP analog, and blocked by a specific β2-adrenergic receptor antagonist. In primary neurons, addition of MCP-1 reduced NMDA-dependent glutamate release as well as glutamate-dependent Ca2+entry. Similarly, conditioned media from NA-treated astrocytes reduced glutamate release, an effect that was blocked by neutralizing antibody to MCP-1, whereas MCP-1 dose-dependently reduced neuronal damage attributable to NMDA or to glutamate. MCP-1 significantly reduced lactate dehydrogenase release from neurons after oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) and prevented the loss of ATP levels that occurred after OGD or treatment with glutamate. Incubation of neurons with astrocytes separated by a membrane to prevent physical contact showed that NA induced astrocyte release of sufficient MCP-1 to reduce neuronal damage attributable to OGD. These findings indicate that the neuroprotective effects of NA are mediated, at least in part, by induction and release of astrocyte MCP-1.
Polarized light pollution: a new kind of ecological photopollution
Authors: Horváth Gábor , Kriska György , Malik Péter , Robertson Bruce
Published: January 2009

The alteration of natural cycles of light and dark by artificial light sources has deleterious impacts on animals and ecosystems. Many animals can also exploit a unique characteristic of light – its direction of polarization –as a source of information. We introduce the term “polarized light pollution” (PLP) to focus attention on the ecological consequences of light that has been polarized through interaction with human‐made objects. Unnatural polarized light sources can trigger maladaptive behaviors in polarization‐sensitive taxa and alter ecological interactions. PLP is an increasingly common byproduct of human technology, and mitigating its effects through selective use of building materials is a realistic solution. Our understanding of how most species use polarization vision is limited, but the capacity of PLP to drastically increase mortality and reproductive failure in animal populations suggests that PLP should become a focus for conservation biologists and resource managers alike.
Rainbows in the Clouds
Authors: Disch Joanne , Steffen Lori
Published: January 2009

On October 14, 2007, master storyteller, scholar, and poet Maya Angelou launched the second Summit of Sages, hosted by the University of Minnesota School of Nursing. This event was a forum for people with a common interest in examining social justice—to become informed, engaged, and committed to action. Presented below are our separate, yet complementary, thoughts about the impact of her words.
Social Justice and Nursing: The Key is Respect
Authors: Manthey Marie
Published: January 2009

Respect for others as individuals and as members of diverse groups, and respect for self, are the basis of socially just health care. Respectful action has been exemplified by Robert Humphrey, Sister Madeline Clemence Vaillot, and Florence Nightingale. Respect is the foundation of relationship-based care.
Developmental Coaching: Bridge to Organizational Success
Authors: Locke Ann
Published: January 2009

Leaders of successful organizations understand the value of workforce engagement and learning. They also know that classroom training alone is not enough to ensure the transfer of learning to practice. This reality has spawned an interest in developmental coaching: an educational tool that bridges the gap between knowledge and performance and gets bottom-line results. This article discusses the background and relevance of developmental coaching and provides examples of its potential in health care.
Out of the Ordinary: Nursing in Peru
Authors: Dols Mary Ann
Published: January 2009

A high school friendship inspired a love of other cultures and a desire to pursue missionary nursing in South America. As a parish nurse in a remote village in Peru, the author trained village health workers in the basics of hygiene, first aid, and disease prevention.
“The Nurse in Me” Makes Me a Better Lawyer
Authors: Hagen Mary S.
Published: January 2009

An attorney who specializes in elder law discusses the value of her education as a nurse in providing legal services to her clients.
A Call for Change: Perspectives on Nurses’ Role in Health Care Reform
Authors: Halcón Linda
Published: January 2009

A new generation of nurse activists must follow in the footsteps of nursing pioneers such as Florence Nightingale and Lillian Wald to facilitate health care systems that promote healthy populations.
Evidence-Based Management of Identity Disturbance Following Childhood Trauma
Authors: Peppard Lora
Published: January 2009

Identity disturbance can be defined as interference with one’s sense of self. It is a criterion for several diagnoses outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text revision), and patients who have suffered childhood trauma or neglect are at risk of experiencing an identity disturbance in conjunction with mood, anxiety, psychotic, or substance use disorders. Limited guidance exists in the form of guidelines or clinical evidence on the specific management of identity disturbance. This article uses a clinical exemplar to highlight the features of one subject’s identity disturbance. The author discusses evidence and guidelines supporting various treatment strategies and applies them during the subject’s clinical course, concluding with the author’s clinical recommendations.
Xience V Spirit Women Clinical Trial: Characterization of the Female Population Undergoing Stent Implantation
Authors: Morice Marie-Claude
Published: January 2009

The XIENCE V SPIRIT WOMEN study will focus on specific aspects of women's health in relation to coronary artery disease, such as menopausal status, use of hormonal contraceptives or their surrogates, and the referral path and symptoms at presentation. The study is a prospective, open-label, single-arm, multicenter study designed to evaluate the performance of the XIENCE V™ Everolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent System in the treatment of female patients with coronary artery lesions. It also includes a prospective, single-blind, double-arm, randomized, multicenter substudy, in which patients will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio between the XIENCE V stent and the CYPHER SELECT™ Plus. In total, approximately 2000 female patients, derived from the general interventional cardiology population, will be enrolled from up to 130 sites outside of the USA.
Cardiovascular Disease in Older Women: A Challenge in Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Mankad Rekha , Best Patricia JM
Published: January 2009

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women and more heart disease is present in elderly women than men. Risk factors for heart disease affect men and women differently, with a greater impact of diabetes, hyperlipidemia and smoking in women. Diagnosis of heart disease can be more challenging in women, especially when elderly, as symptoms may be vague. Understanding the appropriate use of diagnostic testing and appropriate treatment is essential, given the high burden of disease in elderly women. This article will discuss the current guidelines for diagnosis and therapy of heart disease in women and will discuss the appropriate role of prevention strategies.
Role of Androgen Excess on Metabolic Aberrations and Cardiovascular Risk in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Christakou Charikleia D , Diamanti-Kandarakis Evanthia
Published: January 2009

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with a clustering of metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors. Insulin resistance is implicated as the major player in the metabolic abnormalities and contributes to the increased cardiovascular risk associated with the syndrome. However, androgen excess appears to participate as an independent parameter, which further aggravates the cardiovascular and metabolic aberrations in affected women with PCOS. The resultant impact of hyperandrogenemia possibly acquires clinical significance for women's health in the context of PCOS, particularly since recent data support an increased incidence of coronary artery disease and of cardiovascular events directly related to androgen levels in women with the syndrome.
The Quest for World Class Universities in China: Critical Reflections
Authors: Ngok Kinglun , Guo Weiqing
Published: January 2009

Building world-class universities has become a national policy priority in China since then-President Jiang Zemin announced in May 1998 that China must have several world-class universities of international advanced level. This article aims to offer critical reflections on the policy in relation to building world-class universities in China. It begins by introducing the policy context of China's world-class universities initiatives. Then, it examines Chinese perceptions of world-class universities, and assesses the related policy options adopted by the government and universities. It concludes that the formation and implementation of the policy of building the world-class universities in China reflects the ambition of both the Chinese government and Chinese universities to develop high quality higher education in the context of globalization and the knowledge-based economy.
Higher Education Restructuring and Academic Freedom in Hong Kong
Authors: Petersen Carole J. , Currie Jan
Published: January 2009

A former British colony, Hong Kong was reunited with the People's Republic of China in 1997 under the ‘one country two systems’ model. The Hong Kong Basic Law contains detailed provisions for academic freedom, ensuring that local academics enjoy far greater freedom than their counterparts in mainland China. Hong Kong academics and the broader community have also publicly supported academic freedom when they perceived it to be under threat. The authors argue, however, that the recent restructuring of Hong Kong's universities may ultimately pose a greater threat than any explicit interference from the local or national governments.
Incorporation of National Universities in Taiwan: Challenges for the Government and the Academics
Authors: Tien Flora F.
Published: January 2009

The Council of Education Reform of the Executive Yuan in Taiwan raised the issue of incorporating national universities in 1996. After that initial effort, the Ministry of Education in 2000 revealed its proposal to incorporate national universities in a White Paper on higher education policy. In 2003–2006 the government has tried at least twice to sell the policy to legislators in Taiwan's parliament (the Legislative Yuan). The first attempt was made in 2003 when the government submitted its bill to revise the University Act. In the bill, a whole chapter was devoted to regulations concerned with the incorporation of universities. The proposal promised university corporations autonomy, and, in particular, more flexible personnel and accounting systems. The bill, however, failed to pass the Committee of Education and Culture in the Legislative Yuan. In October 2005, the Ministry of Education tried again by including only one article related to the incorporation of universities in the bill. That article was to provide universities with a legal foundation for incorporation, but the Legislative Yuan passed the bill without including that particular article. It thus failed again. The Ministry of Education has not, however, given up on its policy of incorporating universities. In a special NT$50 billion dollar aid package to universities, the government required that all recipients include a plan for incorporation. In order to receive the special assistance, most universities have chosen not to resist. The incorporation of national universities in Taiwan is an issue that needs to be closely watched in the future.
University Restructuring in East Asia: Trends, Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Chan David , Lo William
Published: January 2009

This concluding article aims to pull together the analysis undertaken in the preceding articles in this special issue. By sketching an overview of the university reforms and developments revealed in the sectoral articles, it draws out the trends of university restructuring in East Asia. It then projects the significances of these trends in terms of cautions to be raised. Finally, the article provides some comments on the ways the university sector in East Asia moves forward.
New data on systematics of the quill mites of the genus Syringophiloidus Kethley, 1970 (Acari, Syringophilidae) from North American birds
Authors: Skoracki Maciej , Flannery Maureen , Spicer Greg
Published: January 2009

Six species of the syringophilid mites belonging to the genus Syringophiloidus Kethley, 1970 (Acari, Prostigmata) are recorded from eight avian hosts from USA. Four new species are described and illustrated: S. molothrus sp. nov. from the Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater (Boddaert) (Passeriformes, Icteridae), S. carolae sp. nov. from the Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus (Swainson) (Piciformes, Picidae) and from the Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis (Linnaeus) (Passeriformes, Cardinalidae), S. sialius sp. nov. from the Western Bluebird Sialia mexicana Swainson (Passeriformes, Turdidae), and S. thryothorus sp. nov. from the Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus (Latham) (Passeriformes, Troglodytidae). The previously described species S. motacillae Bochkov et Mironov, 1998 is new for USA. Two host species, the American Robin Turdus migratorius Linnaeus (Turdidae) and the Steller’s Jay Cyanocitta stelleri (Gmelin) (Passeriformes, Corvidae), are new for S. presentalis Chirov et Kravtsova, 1995.
The mesoparasitic copepod Trifur tortuosus Wilson, 1917 (Pennellidae): Redescription with notes on its congeners
Authors: Etchegoin Jorge , Lanfranchi Ana , Timi Juan
Published: January 2009

The genus TrifurWilson, 1917 (Siphonostomatoida, Pennellidae) comprises relatively large and conspicuous parasitic copepods infecting the body surface and gills of several marine fishes. Variations in the gross morphology have been used to discriminate between the existing species of Trifur, however all previous descriptions of these species are brief, lacking many important characteristics, especially those of the head and trunk appendages, which usually were lost in the described specimens. In this paper, T. tortuosus is redescribed based on newly collected material from three species of fishes from Argentinean coasts. A detailed description of appendages morphology is given and the validity of T. merluccii Talice, 1936; T. puntaniger Thomé, 1963; T. physiculi Heegaard, 1962 and T. lotellae (Thomson, 1890) is herewith discussed.
Two new species of Sciadicleithrum (Monogenea, Dactylogyridae) parasites of Neotropical cichlid fishes from the Paraná River, Brazil
Authors: Yamada Fábio , Takemoto Ricardo , Bellay Sybelle , Pavanelli Gilberto
Published: January 2009

Two new species of Sciadicleithrum are described from the gills of Neotropical cichlid fishes collected from Paraná River, Brazil. Sciadicleithrum satanopercae sp. nov. is described from the gills of Satanoperca pappaterra and differs from congeners by having a dorsal anchor with the distal portion complex and the inner margin with a “denticulum” between shaft and point. Sciadicleithrum joanae sp. nov. is described from the gills of Crenicichla niederleinii and C. britskii collected from Paraná River. Sciadicleithrum joanae sp. nov. differs from congeners by having a male copulatory organ comprising about half a clockwise loop and a vaginal pore “bulb-shaped”.
A survey of Skolem-type sequences and Rosa’s use of them
Authors: Francetić Nevena , Mendelsohn Eric
Published: January 2009

Let D be a set of positive integers. A Skolem-type sequence is a sequence of i ∈ D such that every i ∈ D appears exactly twice in the sequence at positions a
i and b
i, and |b
i − a
i| = i. These sequences might contain empty positions, which are filled with null elements. Thoralf A. Skolem defined and studied Skolem sequences in order to generate solutions to Heffter’s difference problems. Later, Skolem sequences were generalized in many ways to suit constructions of different combinatorial designs. Alexander Rosa made the use of these generalizations into a fine art. Here we give a survey of Skolem-type sequences and their applications.
Mining the Sources of Delay for Dray Trucks at Container Terminals
Authors: Huynh Nathan , Hutson Nathan
Published: January 2009

To isolate the causes of abnormally high truck turn time, this paper develops a methodology for examining the sources of delay for dray trucks at container terminals. It is motivated by the need of port authorities and terminal operators to develop specialized solutions to reduce turn time based on terminal-specific causes. Although many ports have taken steps to improve the general level of service for trucks, such as establishing chassis pools and extending gate hours, fewer have performed the transaction-level analysis required to determine why a certain subset of operations is significantly higher than the average, thereby hindering the overall level of service. After problematic steps in the truck transaction process are isolated, terminals can select and deploy a range of technological or organizational countermeasures to address the problem. This study draws on a database of truck activity from the port of Houston, Texas. Because of the large number of gate transactions and potential factors that could contribute to high truck turn time, a data mining technique is used. Specifically, a decision tree technique is explored and described in this paper. Results indicate that import transactions that require chassis tend to have high truck turn time because truckers need to find a matching chassis. This paper demonstrates how decision trees can be used by port authorities and terminal operators to gain insight into their operations without the need to perform exhaustive data analysis.
Tolling Heavy Goods Vehicles
Authors: Broaddus Andrea , Gertz Carsten
Published: January 2009

Growing road network needs, rapidly increasing truck traffic, and the shortfall of traditional funding sources have contributed to two important trends in Europe: increased reliance on user fees and involvement of private capital in transport infrastructure through public–private partnerships. Since 1995 more than 20 European countries have instituted tolls on heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) using national roadways. The motivations are several: expanding sources of revenue beyond the gas tax, managing demand for road space, encouraging efficient operations, leveling the tax burden on haulers registered in different countries, and reducing CO2 emissions. This paper first provides a brief overview of various toll systems in use, then focuses on the German experience as a potential model for the United States. The innovative German system combines a Global Positioning System onboard unit with mobile communications technology. In its launch year, 2005, Germany collected €2.87 billion for 23.9 billion vehicle kilometers (35% by foreign trucks) tolled an average of €.12/km for autobahn use. Support of the German trucking industry was achieved through measures to increase competitiveness with foreign shippers. The toll system's first 2 years of operation indicate that avoidance traffic is a minor issue, that potential for modal shift to rail has yet to be realized, and that subsidies for clean vehicle purchase have helped reduce the pollution of the German HGV fleet.
Transzygomatic extended middle fossa approach for upper petroclival skull base lesions
Authors: Zhao Jin-cheng , Liu James K.
Published: January 2009

Central skull base lesions in the upper retroclival and petroclival regions can be challenging to access because of their location anterior to the brainstem. Several transpetrosal approaches have been developed to access the petroclival junction, including anterior petrosal (anterior petrosectomy), posterior petrosal (retrolabyrinthine, translabyrinthine, transcochlear), and combined petrosal approaches. The anterior petrosal approach is best suited for upper petroclival lesions located anterior and superior to the internal auditory canal and superior to the inferior petrosal sinus. This approach provides direct access to the anteromedial cerebellopontine angle, petrous apex, Meckel cave, and ventrolateral brainstem between the trigeminal root and the facial nerve. The authors describe their modification of an anterior petrosal approach, the so-called transzygomatic extended middle fossa approach, which incorporates a zygomatic osteotomy, anterior mobilization of the V3, and extensive middle fossa drilling. This exposure provides a wider surgical corridor for direct view of the clivus and ventral brainstem.
Vitamin D Status of Clinical Practice Populations at Higher Latitudes: Analysis and Applications
Authors: Genuis Stephen  J. , Schwalfenberg Gerry K. , Hiltz Michelle N. , Vaselenak Sharon  A.
Published: January 2009

Background: Inadequate levels of vitamin D (VTD) throughout the life cycle from the fetal stage to adulthood have been correlated with elevated risk for assorted health afflictions. The purpose of this study was to ascertain VTD status and associated determinants in three clinical practice populationsliving in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada -a locale with latitude of 53°30'N, wheresun exposure from October through March is often inadequate to generate sufficient vitamin D. Methods: To determine VTD status, 1,433 patients from three independent medical offices in Edmonton had levels drawn for 25(OH)D as part of their medical assessment between Jun 2001 and Mar 2007. The relationship between demographic data and lifestyle parameters with VTD status was explored. 25(OH)D levels were categorized as follows: (1) Deficient:
Synthesis of 2,3-Dioxo-5-(substituted)arylpyrroles and Their 2-Oxo-5-aryl-3-hydrazone Pyrrolidine Derivatives
Authors: Mohammat M. F. , Shaameri Z. , Hamzah A. S.
Published: January 2009

Some novel2,3-dioxo-5-(substituted)arylpyrroles have been synthesized. Among these, pyrrolidine compound 1b was converted to 2,3-dioxo-5-aryl pyrrolidine 2b. Finally a set of hydrazone derivatives was obtained from the reaction of 2b with various hydrazine salts. The structures of all the new synthesized compounds were confirmed by elemental analyses, IR and 1H-NMR spectra.
Effect of Structural Design of Silver/Silver Chloride Electrodes on Stability and Response Time and the Implications for Improved Accuracy in pH Measurement
Authors: Brewer Paul  J. , Brown Richard  J. C.
Published: January 2009

The response time of thermal electrolytic Ag/AgCl reference electrodes is defined by the porous structure that limits the rate at which traces of any previous solution are diluted by any new solution environment. The electrode stabilisation time when transferred from one electrolyte to another has been shown to change when different structural designs to the conventional sphere of Ag/AgCl are used. Electrodes fabricated with cylindrical architectures of Ag/AgCl have shown improved stability and reach equilibrium faster than spherical electrodes. This work has positive implications for the accuracy and throughput of primary pH measurements made using the Harned cell.
Wideband Reflectance in Neonatal Intensive Care Units
Authors: Shahnaz* Navid
Published: January 2009

Background: Wideband reflectance (WBR) provides important information about middle ear function and can explain variations in how the middle ear receives, absorbs, and transmits sound energy across a wide range of frequencies. However, as of yet, few normative studies have been
published to guide clinicians in the practical applications of WBR. WBR has been measured more extensively in well babies than in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) babies, who have significantly higher incidence of otitis media with effusion (OME). Purpose: The goal of this study
was to explore the characteristics of the middle ear while using energy reflectance (ER) and normalized admittance in NICU babies who passed automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) and evoked otoacoustic emission (EOAE) hearing screening criteria and to compare these characteristics to
patterns in normal hearing adults. This study was done to identify ways to implement WBR so it could improve hearing assessment in newborns. Methods: Thirty-one neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) babies with an average gestational age (GA) of 37.8 weeks (range: 32‐51 weeks)
and 56 adults with normal hearing between the ages of 18 and 32 years served as subjects in this study. NICU babies and adults were tested using multifrequency tympanometry (MFT) and WBR. Results: WBR can be obtained on what appears to be a majority of NICU babies without other
abnormal findings. Maximum absorption of the incident energy appears to occur at a narrower range of frequencies in normal NICU babies in comparison to normal hearing adults. This range becomes even narrower in NICU babies who fail EOAE screening. In most NICU babies who failed EOAE screening,
ER values were closer to 1 (most incident energy is reflected) at a frequency below 3000 Hz. The measurements of normalized acoustic admittance may also be very useful and may supplement ER and tympanometric data in evaluating middle ear status.
Objective Findings with Malpositioning of a Nucleus 24RE(CA) Cochlear Implant
Authors: Pijl Sipke , Westerberg Brian D. , Gustin Cindy , Fong Lisa
Published: January 2009

Background: Proper intracochlear placement of cochlear implant electrode arrays is believed to be important for optimum speech perception results. However, objective tests of cochlear implant function typically provide little or no information about the intracochlear placement
of the array. We report the results for a variety of objective tests, including averaged electrode voltage (AEV) measurements, in a patient where the electrode array had folded up on itself during insertion. Purpose: To determine whether any of the objective measures provided evidence
of incorrect electrode placement. Research Design: Objective test data are reported for a patient with an incorrectly positioned electrode array, prior to and following reimplantation, and compared to data obtained in 42 patients with normal insertions. Study Sample: One patient
with an incorrectly placed electrode array, prior to and following reimplantation, and a sample of 42 implant recipients with correct insertions. Intervention: The patient with the malpositioned electrode array was explanted and reimplanted. The results for the first and the second
implant, with regards to objective test results, are compared. The results are also compared to the data obtained on 42 implant recipients with normal insertions. Data Collection and Analysis: The objective test data (primarily AEV data) are compared with AEV results obtained in 42
patients with normal electrode insertions. Results and Conclusions: Although the electrode array had folded up on itself during insertion, intraoperative electrode impedances and VIII nerve responses, as well as postoperative electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses, were within
normal limits. However, averaged electrode voltages, obtained with the Nucleus Crystal Integrity Test system, were abnormal and consistent with a low-impedance pathway between the apical and middle portions of the electrode array.
Degradación de la tenacidad al impacto durante el envejecimiento acelerado de soldadura en acero microaleado
Authors: Vargas-Arista B. , Hallen J. M. , Albiter A. , Ángeles-Chávez C.
Published: January 2009

Se evaluó, mediante el ensayo de impacto Charpy, fractografía y microscopia electrónica de transmisión el efecto del envejecimiento acelerado sobre la tenacidad y fractura de la soldadura en tubería de acero API5L-X52. El envejecimiento se realizó a 250 °C por 1.000 h, con control cada 100 h. Los resultados de impacto indicaron una disminución en la energía de fractura y tenacidad al impacto en función del tiempo del envejecimiento, los cuales se evidenciaron mediante fractografía, por la reducción en la fracción volumétrica de microhuecos por fractura dúctil con el tiempo, favoreciendo la fractura frágil por clivaje transgranular. Sin embargo, a 500 h, se observó la fracción volumétrica mínima debido al pico del envejecimiento. El análisis microestructural evidenció la precipitación de nanocarburos de hierro transgranulares en las muestras envejecidas, la cual se relaciono con la pérdida de tenacidad y cambio en el comportamiento dúctil a frágil, confirmado por fractografía.
Influencia de la deformación en frío sobre el proceso de precipitación en una aleación de Cu-4 at. % Ti
Authors: Donoso E.
Published: January 2009

Utilizando calorimetría diferencial de barrido (DSC), se efectuaron medidas energéticas y cinéticas asociadas con los diferentes eventos térmicos desarrollados durante el calentamiento lineal de Cu-4 at.% Ti, empleando materiales templados y deformados en frío a distintos porcentajes de deformación. Contrariamente a la situación observada en la aleación templada, en la cual se desarrolla precipitación de las fases Cu4Ti y Cu3Ti, en la aleación deformada tal proceso es inhibido por la segregación de soluto a las dislocaciones parciales. Para calcular la densidad de dislocaciones se utilizó una expresión que gobierna la energía liberada que acompaña la recristalización, con el objeto de determinar, mediante modelos apropiados, la energía que se genera durante el proceso de anclaje.
The influence of organic matter and phytoplankton pigments on the distribution of bacteria in sediments of Kaštela Bay (Adriatic Sea)
Authors: Stefanija Šestanović , Mladen Šolić , Nada Krstulović
Published: January 2009

Bacterial abundance, biomass, volume and morphological diversity were studied in sediments collected in the eastern Adriatic Sea (Kaštela Bay) in order to investigate their relationship with changes in environmental parameters. To asses the changes in the investigated parameters on a temporal scale and between sediment layers, the sediment samples were collected monthly in 2002 with a piston corer from the sediment surface to a depth of 10 cm. The concentrations of organic matter (OM), chloroplastic pigment equivalents (CPE), chlorophyll a (chl a) and phaeopigments (PHAEO) were used as indicators of substrate concentrations in sediments. Sediment depth was a significant factor influencing the distribution of bacterial abundance, biomass and volume. Granulometric properties of the sediment had no effect on the distribution of bacteria. Bacterial abundance, biomass and volume were strongly related to the indicators of substrate concentrations on both scales. The accumulation of labile OM in deeper layers also had a profound effect on the size and structure of bacteria. High amounts of OM and the low proportion of labile organic fraction (CPE; chl a and PHAEO) indicate that this environment acts as a sink for accumulation of detrital material.
Reproductive traits of an estuarine crab, Neohelice (= Chasmagnathus) granulata (Brachyura: Grapsoidea: Varunidae), in two contrasting habitats
Authors: Silva Paola V. , Luppi Tomás A. , Spivak Eduardo D. , Anger Klaus
Published: January 2009

Reproductive traits of an estuarine crab, Neohelice (= Chasmagnathus) granulata (Dana 1851), were compared between individuals living in contrasting habitats (mudflat and saltmarsh) of the same population in the brackish coastal lagoon of Mar Chiquita, Argentina. In both habitats, most measures of egg biomass decreased during embryogenesis, including total dry weight (DW) and organic matter (measured as ash-free dry weight, AFDW) per egg, the contents of ash, carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen (per egg and as percentage values of DW), the energy content (estimated from C; both per egg and per mg DW), and the C/N and C/H mass ratios. Egg size, wet weight (WW), and water content (in µg and % of WW), by contrast, increased significantly during the time of embryonic development. These parameters reached significantly higher final (near-to-hatching) values in mudflats than in saltmarshes (egg volume 0.0249 vs 0.0233 mm3; WW 36.5 vs 28.8 µg; water content 30.7 vs 23.2 µg per egg or 84.2 vs 80.2% of WW, respectively). Fecundity and reproductive effort did not differ significantly between habitats. Habitat-specific differences in the water content and size of crab eggs are discussed in relation to small-scale local variation in environmental conditions.
Associated fauna of the fan shell Pinna nobilis (Mollusca: Bivalvia) in the northern and eastern Tunisian coasts
Authors: Rabaoui Lotfi , Tlig-Zouari Sabiha , Cosentino Andrea , Ben Hassine Oum Kalthoum
Published: January 2009

Epifaunal communities associated with the fan shell Pinna nobilis Linnaeus, 1758 along the Tunisian coastline were investigated. Both univariate and multivariate analysis were done at different spatial scales within five populations located at different localities, three from northern and two from eastern Tunisia. The size of Pinna did not appear as the main factor affecting the structure of the associated biota, which seemed to be more influenced by (a) marine-lagoon and (b) biogeographic gradients. Patterns of similarity of sessile sclerobionts and motile epifauna were clearly different. The former assemblage best replied to lagoon-sea gradient and to locality, with three real clusters at 40%, whereas the latter assemblage scattered widely in a non-metrical MDS plane, with two real clusters only at 20% similarity. The spatial turnover of motile species was ten times higher than that of sessile species at a small spatial scale, being less affected by Pinna size, and three times higher though invariant at a large geographic scale. On the other hand, β-diversity of sessile species appeared to be more influenced by latitudinal (climatic) gradient at a large scale, being higher in the northern than in the eastern communities. Analysis of taxonomic (dis)similarity of the whole community detected these two sources of environmental (lagoon-sea gradient) and biogeographic (lati-longitudinal gradient) variation, although each phylum showed its peculiar pattern. In terms of Dajoz’s constancy index the majority of associated communities were dominated by rare species, and within the majority of epifaunal assemblages, the most abundant sessile epizoobiont was a bivalve mollusc. The sessile epifauna was dominated by active filterers, which led to a possible existence of trophic competition between the host and the sedentary epizoites, since both basibionts and sclerobionts occupy the same trophic niche. The fan shell played an important ecological role, providing new hard substrate to colonise, increasing the spatial heterogeneity for the surrounding soft-bottom communities, and contributing to the overall increase of the local biotope complexity level.
A Glorious Evolution
Authors: Wylie Lisa
Published: January 2009

2009 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, and as Advanced Materials commences weekly publication, we take a look back over some important changes in science, publishing, and the journal itself, to see how well scientists, journals, and editors have adapted to changes in their environment.
An Improved Process for the N‐Demethylation of Opiate Alkaloids using an Iron(II) Catalyst in Acetate Buffer
Authors: Kok Gaik , Ashton Trent D. , Scammells Peter J.
Published: January 2009

An improved process to N‐demethylate opiate alkaloids utilising a solution of the ferrous porphyrin, tetrasodium 5,10,15,20‐tetra(4‐sulfophenyl)porphyrinatoiron(II) [=Fe(II)‐TPPS (8)], in acetate buffer is described. This method provided the corresponding N‐demethylated opiates in good yield with high reproducibility.
Material design using molecular modeling for hydrogen storage
Authors: Darkrim Lamari F. , Weinberger B. , Kunowsky M. , Levesque D.
Published: January 2009

Using grand canonical Monte‐Carlo simulations, the adsorption capacities and isosteric heats of hydrogen on activated carbons, graphite nanofibers, and bundles of carbon nanotubes are estimated for identical thermodynamic states. These computations allow a systematic, meaningful, and unbiased comparison of the adsorption properties of hydrogen in such porous materials. The comparison shows that the hydrogen storage capacity can be optimized, but only to a limited extent, in adjusting the material pore sizes and functionalizing a part of the adsorption sites. Therefore, at room temperature and up to 70.0 MPa, for the three models of carbonaceous adsorbents, the hydrogen maximal excess adsorption is of the order of 2% of the adsorbent mass. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Long‐term follow‐up of 386 consecutive patients with essential thrombocythemia: Safety of cytoreductive therapy
Authors: Palandri Francesca , Catani Lucia , Testoni Nicoletta , Ottaviani Emanuela , Polverelli Nicola , Fiacchini Mauro , De Vivo Antonio , Salmi Federica , Lucchesi Alessandro , Baccarani Michele , Vianelli Nicola
Published: January 2009

Cytotoxic agents like Hydroxyurea, Busulfan and Interferon‐alpha are to date the most commonly used therapeutic approaches in Essential Thrombocythemia (ET). However, few data on the efficacy and safety of these agents in the long‐term are currently available. We report a retrospective analysis of the long‐term outcome of 386 consecutive ET patients, followed at single Institution for a median follow‐up of 9.5 years (range, 3–28.5). Cytoreductive therapy was administered to 338 patients (88%), obtaining a response in 86% of cases. Forty‐five patients (12%) experienced a thrombosis. Among baseline characteristics, only history of vascular events prior to ET diagnosis predicted a higher incidence of thrombosis. Evolution in acute leukemia/myelofibrosis occurred in 6 (1,5%) and 20 (5%) patients, and was significantly higher in patients receiving sequential cytotoxic agents. Overall survival was 38% at 19 years and was poorer for patients older than 60 years, with higher leukocytes count (>15 × 109/L), hypertension and mellitus diabetes at ET diagnosis and for patients experiencing a thrombotic event during follow‐up. Cytoreductive therapy was effective in decreasing platelet number with negligible toxicity; however, thrombocytosis control did not reduce the incidence of thrombosis and, for patients who received sequential therapies, the probability of disease evolution was higher and survival was poorer. Am. J. Hematol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gas‐Phase versus Liquid‐Phase Structures by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Tian Zhixin , Kass Steven R.
Published: January 2009

Bevorzugte Protonierung: Produziert Elektrospray‐Ionisierungsmassenspektrometrie Gasphasen‐ oder Flüssigphasenstrukturen? Die bevorzugte Protonierungsstelle in para‐Aminobenzolsäure hängt vom Medium ab, und die Struktur ihrer konjugierten Säure variiert mit dem Lösungsmittel, das beim Sprayvorgang eingesetzt wird.

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