bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Insights into Polylactide Biodegradation from Molecular Ecological Techniques
Authors: Sangwan Parveen , Wu Dong Yang
Published: March 2008

Molecular ecological techniques for direct identification of microbes involved in PLA degradation under aerobic composting conditions are described. Gene sequences from genera Paecilomyces, Thermomonospora, and Thermopolyspora were most abundant in the compost samples. Members of these phylogenetic lineages are therefore likely to play an important role in PLA degradation. The use of molecular ecological techniques to design cultivation strategies may also provide a new tool for identification and investigation of biodegradation mechanisms and for future development of efficient biological treatment or recycling processes for PLA and other biodegradable polymers.

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Electrochemically Active Block Copolymer Micelles Containing Coumarin Moieties
Authors: Dahmane Smail , Lasia Andrzej , Zhao Yue
Published: March 2008

We report the first study of using CPE to disrupt block copolymer micelles containing an organic chromophore. Micelles formed by an amphiphilic diblock copolymer composed of PEO and PCMA are electrochemically active in aqueous electrolyte solution, displaying an irreversible oxidation process of coumarin at a potential of about 1.75 V. CPE of the micellar solution at the fixed oxidation potential allows a large amount of coumarin moieties inside the hydrophobic micelle core to be electrochemically oxidized, resulting in the transformation of small polymer micelles (ca. 38 nm) onto larger aggregates (ca. 1 µm). This study demonstrates that electrochemical redox reactions can be explored as a means to disrupt block copolymer micelles that contain a light‐sensitive organic chromophore such as coumarin.

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Stimuli‐Responsive Hybrid Coatings of Polyelectrolyte Multilayers and Nano‐Patterned Polymer Brushes
Authors: Yang Sung Yun , Kim Dul‐Yi , Jeong Sang‐Mi , Park Ji‐Woong
Published: March 2008

A new type of polymeric hybrid coating is created by layer‐by‐layer deposition of polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEM) onto nano‐patterned polymer brushes (NPB). The PEM is a hydrogen‐bonded multilayer consisting of poly(acrylic acid) and poly(acrylamide) and the NPB is derived from a surface reactive rod‐coil block copolymer, polystyrene‐block‐poly[3‐(triethoxysilyl)propylisocyanate]. The thickness of the PEM coating is optimized with respect to the height of the NPB mounds, to yield PEM/NPB hybrid coatings with unique nano‐embossed or nano‐porous structures that can be interchangeable by heating and moisture annealing. The hybrid coating is patternable by the micro‐contact printing method. The results demonstrate that the combination of surface‐bound, hydrophobic NPB layer with hydrophilic PEM films at the nanoscopic level offers a new organic hybrid coating with novel surface properties.

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A multi‐angular mass spectrometric view at cyclic nucleotide dependent protein kinases: In vivo characterization and structure/function relationships
Authors: Scholten Arjen , Aye Thin‐Thin , Heck Albert J.R.
Published: March 2008

Mass spectrometry has evolved in recent years to a well‐accepted and increasingly important complementary technique in molecular and structural biology. Here we review the many contributions mass spectrometry based studies have made in recent years in our understanding of the important cyclic nucleotide activated protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase G (PKG). We both describe the characterization of kinase isozymes, substrate phosphorylation, binding partners and post‐translational modifications by proteomics based methodologies as well as their structural and functional properties as revealed by native mass spectrometry, H/D exchange MS and ion mobility. Combining all these mass spectrometry based data with other biophysical and biochemical data has been of great help to unravel the intricate regulation of kinase function in the cell in all its magnificent complexity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 27: 331–353, 2008
Resveratrol directly targets COX‐2 to inhibit carcinogenesis
Authors: Zykova Tatyana A. , Zhu Feng , Zhai Xiuhong , Ma Wei‐Ya , Ermakova Svetlana P. , Lee Ki Won , Bode Ann M. , Dong Zigang
Published: March 2008

Targeted molecular cancer therapies can potentially deliver treatment directly to a specific protein or gene to optimize efficacy and reduce adverse side effects often associated with traditional chemotherapy. Key oncoprotein and oncogene targets are rapidly being identified based on their expression, pathogenesis and clinical outcome. One such protein target is cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), which is highly expressed in various cancers. Research findings suggest that resveratrol (RSVL; 3,5,4′‐trihydroxy‐trans‐stilbene) demonstrates nonselective COX‐2 inhibition. We report herein that RSVL directly binds with COX‐2 and this binding is absolutely required for RSVL's inhibition of the ability of human colon adenocarcinoma HT‐29 cells to form colonies in soft agar. Binding of COX‐2 with RSVL was compared with two RSVL analogues, 3,3′,4′,5′,5‐pentahydroxy‐trans‐stilbene (RSVL‐2) or 3,4′,5‐trimethoxy‐trans‐stilbene (RSVL‐3). The results indicated that COX‐2 binds with RSVL‐2 more strongly than with RSVL, but does not bind with RSVL‐3. RSVL or RSVL‐2, but not RSVL‐3, inhibited COX‐2‐mediated PGE2 production in vitro and ex vivo. HT‐29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells express high levels of COX‐2 and either RSVL or RSVL‐2, but not RSVL‐3, suppressed anchorage independent growth of these cells in soft agar. RSVL or RSVL‐2 (not RSVL‐3) suppressed growth of COX‐2+/+ cells by 60% or 80%, respectively. Notably, cells deficient in COX‐2 were unresponsive to RSVL or RSVL‐2. These data suggest that the anticancer effects of RSVL or RSLV‐2 might be mediated directly through COX‐2. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Deep brain pulse‐generator and lead‐extensions: Subjective sensations related to measured parameters
Authors: Sherif Camillo , Dorfer Christian , Kalteis Karin , Thun Caroline , Kaiser Iris , Gibson Daniel , Alesch François
Published: March 2008

This study analyzed subjective sensations caused by DBS pulse‐generator and lead‐extensions in relation with objectively measured parameters. In 50 patients implant‐related sensations were evaluated. The pulse‐generator mobility was video‐analyzed. Insufficient lead‐extension/pulse‐generator tolerability (72%/84%) was documented. Furthermore, 54% of the patients described movement impairments and 48% cosmetic deformity. High body mass index (BMI) was associated with low lead‐extension related pain (P < 0.001). High generator mobility resulted in high lead‐extension related pain (P < 0.001). Compared with lead‐extension type 7482, type 7495 showed less lead‐extension related pain (P = 0.0138), we suppose secondary to surgical tunneling instruments with a larger tip diameter. The lead‐extension path with one tissue tunnel for both lead‐extensions had 36% lead‐extension related pain versus 11% for the path with one single tunnel for each lead‐extension. Smaller pulse‐generators for better cosmetic results, surgical procedures using larger tunneling instruments and one single tunnel for each lead‐extension would provide better results forpatients with BMI <30. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Low LDL cholesterol and increased risk of Parkinson's disease: Prospective results from Honolulu‐Asia Aging Study
Authors: Huang Xuemei , Abbott Robert D. , Petrovitch Helen , Mailman Richard B. , Ross G. Webster
Published: March 2008

Low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels are suggested to be associated inversely with Parkinson's disease (PD). To test the hypothesis that LDL‐C levels may increase PD risk, we studied a prospective cohort of 3,233 men (Honolulu‐Asia Aging Study) for whom the LDL‐C from fasting lipid profiles was obtained during 1991 to 1993. The cohort was followed longitudinally until 2001 for incident Parkinson's cases. During follow‐up, 41 men developed PD (18.4/10,000 person‐years). Although the incidence of PD increased with decreasing LDL‐C in a dose‐dependent manner, the association was only significant for men aged 71 to 75 years. In the latter group, risk of PD declined from 38.5/10,000 person‐years in men with LDL‐C levels <80 mg/dl to less than 9/10,000 person‐years for concentrations that were ≥140 mg/dl. After adjustment for age, smoking, coffee intake, and other factors, the relative odds of PD for men at the 80th versus the 20th percentile of LDL‐C (135 vs. 85 mg/dl) was 0.4 (95% confidence interval: 0.2, 0.9). This prospective study supports the hypothesis that low LDL‐C is associated with an increased risk of PD. Although confirmation is required, the underlying mechanisms may be useful in understanding key aspects of PD. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Childhood‐onset restless legs syndrome: Clinical and genetic features of 22 families
Authors: Muhle Hiltrud , Neumann Anja , Lohmann‐Hedrich Katja , Lohnau Thora , Lu Yang , Winkler Susen , Waltz Stephan , Fischenbeck Anke , Kramer Patricia L. , Klein Christine , Stephani Ulrich
Published: March 2008

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensory‐motor disorder that is underdiagnosed in children and often misclassified as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Five different gene loci (RLS1‐5) and three susceptibility loci have been identified in adult‐onset RLS. We included 23 children with RLS (age at onset ≤14 years) from 22 families. In 14 families, we performed linkage and genotype analyses. Of the 23 RLS patients, only seven (30.4%) were admitted for a suspected diagnosis of RLS. Five patients had a retrospectively established onset at an age as early as 1 year. The most frequent complaint in patients were sleep problems (21 of 23; 91%) resulting in fatigue in 14 children (60.9%). Twelve of the 19 tested cases (63.2%) exhibited an index of periodic limb movements in sleep greater than 5. Dopaminergic therapy was successful in 12 of 14 treated patients (85.7%). Family history for RLS was positive in 20 of 23 children (87.0%) and compatible with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Linkage analysis excluded all five loci in two families. A trend for an association at two of the three reported susceptibility regions was observed. RLS symptoms can occur in early childhood. The positive family history suggests a genetic cause in most families with at least one additional RLS gene locus. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
A variational formulation for magneto‐active elastomers based on a total energy function
Authors: Bustamante Roger , Dorfmann Luis , Ogden Ray W.
Published: March 2008

This paper focuses on a variational formulation for a magneto‐active elastomer completely surrounded by free space. The free space is considered infinite, with an applied magnetic field or magnetic induction vector as the far field boundary conditions. In addition to the effect of the Maxwell stress exterior to the body on its surface, a mechanical load is applied over a portion of the surface, but no displacement constraints are considered. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Statistical shape priors for level set segmentation
Authors: Cremers Daniel
Published: March 2008

Starting in the early 1990's level set methods have become a popular mathematical framework for variational image segmentation. In many applications of segmentation, however, cost functionals which merely take into account the intensity information of the input image will not give rise to the desired segmentation results. To cope with missing or misleading image information, researchers have proposed to impose statistical shape priors into the segmentation process. Such shape priors favor the evolving embedding function to remain similar to embedding functions associated with a collection of training shapes. As a consequence, one can obtain shape‐consistent segmentation despite large amounts of noise, background clutter and partial occlusion of the object of interest. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the peculiarities of a crack growth path in anisotropic solid
Authors: Goldstein R.V. , Shifrin E.I.
Published: March 2008

One of the possibilities to increase the resistance of a structure to catastrophic fracture is to force a main line crack to deviate from its path. In this connection the influence of the elastic moduli of an anisotropic material on the possibilities of crack rotation are studied. In particular a linear elastic problem for a straight Mode I crack, located on a symmetry axis of an orthotropic plane is considered. The strength properties of the material are supposed to be isotropic. For studying a direction of a crack growth path several crack models are considered. It is shown that a thin elongated elliptical hole as a crack model leads to more plausible results concerning crack rotation conditions than an ideal cut model. The maximal tensile stresses are taken as a crack growth criterion. It is shown that for some class of orthotropic materials a crack deviates from the straight path just after it starts to grow even in the conditions of uniaxial normal tension. The problem of the stability of a straight crack path under Mode I loading is also considered. This problem is reduced to the problem of the fracture direction determination for thin elongated elliptical cavity slightly inclined to the initial direction. In the frame of the proposed approach the conditions of instability are obtained. It is shown that for some class of orthotropic materials a straight crack path is unstable in the conditions of uniaxial normal tension. This class of materials is wider than one for which a crack deviates from the straight crack path just after its start. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Finite element methods for semilinear parabolic interface problems
Authors: Sinha Rajen Kumar , Deka Bhupen
Published: March 2008

In this exposition we study the finite element methods for second‐order semilinear parabolic interface problems in two dimensional convex polygonal domains with smooth interface. Both semidiscrete and fully discrete schemes are analyzed. Optimal order error estimates in the L2(0, T; H1(Ω))‐norm are established. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Numerical simulation of the residence time distribution in flotation cells
Authors: Streng Mario , Wünsch Olaf
Published: March 2008

Two methods for the numerical determination of residence time distributions (RTD) have been tested and proofed to be applicable. One has been used to obtain the RTD of solid particles in a laboratory size flotation machine. Emphasis has been laid on the influence of various parameters, e.g. numerical method, geometry or particle properties. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Passivity‐preserving model reduction of differential‐algebraic equations in circuit simulation
Authors: Reis Timo , Stykel Tatjana
Published: March 2008

We present an extension of the positive real balanced truncation model reduction method for differential‐algebraic equations that arise in circuit simulation. This method is based on balancing the solutions of the projected generalized algebraic Riccati equations. Important properties of this method are that passivity is preserved in the reduced‐order model and that there exists an approximation error bound. Numerical solution of the projected Riccati equations using the special structure of circuit equations is also discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An accuracy analysis of mass matrix lumping for three‐dimensional, unsaturated flow, finite element, porous media computations using analytical solutions
Authors: Tracy Fred T.
Published: March 2008

Lumping of the mass matrix for transient problems is the state of the practice for finite element groundwater programs. This improves nonlinear convergence where there is unsaturated flow, but the discovery was made that the accuracy of the results is reduced significantly for a test problem. This paper compares results from a recently derived transient three‐dimensional (3‐D) analytical solution for a given unsaturated flow test problem with those obtained from a standard parallel Galerkin 3‐D finite element groundwater program with the mass matrix lumping option turned both on and off. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Reliability based optimization using a decoupling approach and reliability approximations
Authors: Valdebenito Marcos A. , Schueller Gerhart I.
Published: March 2008

This contributions focuses on the solution of a reliability‐based optimization (RBO) problem using an approximate representation of the structural reliability and a decoupling approach. Such strategy may lead to considerable numerical savings. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A masked process for the industrial production of buried contact solar cells on multi‐crystalline silicon
Authors: McCann Michelle , Wefringhaus Eckard , Melnyk Ihor , Hauser Alexander , Fath Peter , Roberts Steve , Bruton Tim , Jordan David
Published: March 2008

This paper reports on the development of a masked process for the production of buried contact solar cells on multi‐crystalline silicon. The process results in high efficiencies, and only includes steps that would be feasible in an industrial environment. We report here on different mask candidates and on the importance of hydrogenation with the new process. Using the developed process, we produced 111 large area (12 × 12 cm2) cells and achieved an average cell efficiency of 16·2%. The best cell had an efficiency of 16·9%, a Voc of 616 mV, a Jsc of 35·0 mA/cm2 and a fill factor of 78·3%. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of lure dispensers for fruit fly surveillance in New Zealand
Authors: Suckling David M , Jang Eric B , Holder Peter , Carvalho Lori , Stephens Andrea EA
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) represent a major biosecurity threat to the horticulture sector of New Zealand, which is entirely free of these invasive pests. A nationwide surveillance programme is conducted to ensure any incursion is detected as early as possible. A review of the lure dispensers used is reported here.

RESULTS: Lure dispenser emission trials found that the currently used lure plugs release lure more slowly under New Zealand subtropical to temperate climates than wafer dispensers. Subsequent trapping experiments at high altitude in Hawaii (as a mimic of New Zealand meteorological and expected fruit fly ecological conditions) compared Lynfield traps baited with the existing lure plug dispensers and newer wafer dispensers. Catches of wild Oriental fruit flies, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), were 9.5‐fold higher with methyl eugenol wafers than with the plugs. Recaptures of sterile melon flies, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillet), were 2.6‐fold higher with cuelure wafers than with the plugs. Recaptures of sterile Mediterranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata Weid., were not significantly higher with trimedlure wafers than with the plugs.

CONCLUSIONS: Release rate and trapping experiments found new lure dispensers differed in release rate characteristics from existing dispensers under temperate and subtropical conditions, and indicated some potential for improvement in surveillance efficacy. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Sub one minute inhibition assays for the major cytochrome P450 enzymes utilizing ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Rainville Paul D. , Wheaton Jessalynn P. , Alden Peter G. , Plumb Robert S.
Published: March 2008

The measurement of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) isoenzyme inhibition is often done during evaluation of new chemical entities in drug discovery. Typical assay protocol consists of multiple CYP450 probe substrates incubated with selected drug candidates and CYP450. Results of the assay, the amount of probe substrate metabolite formed with respect to control, are used to determine the level of interaction. Liquid chromatography utilizing columns packed with sub‐2‐micron particles have been shown to provide up to 8× faster analysis time and 3× increases in sensitivity over traditional high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The work presented here shows the development of a high‐throughput, sub‐2‐micron particle LC method coupled with tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry for the rapid analysis of six CYP450 probe substrate metabolites in 30 s. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of electrospray capillary temperature on amide hydrogen exchange
Authors: Coales Stephen J. , Tomasso Justine C. , Hamuro Yoshitomo
Published: March 2008

Amide hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange coupled with proteolysis, high‐perfeomance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) separation and mass spectrometry (MS) has become a powerful tool to study protein dynamics in solution. Prior to the execution of H/D exchange experiments, various experimental parameters have to be set, including proteolysis, HPLC, and MS conditions. Here we investigate the effects of electrospray capillary temperature on deuterium retention in backbone amides of various pepsin‐generated cytochrome c peptides. Lower capillary temperature generally helps retain more deuterium than higher capillary temperature. When the capillary temperature was 150°C, on average 26% more deuterium was retained than when the capillary temperature was set at 250°C. The effects of capillary temperature varied depending on the ions monitored. There was little difference in deuterium retention among different charge state species of the same peptide at 150°C. However, a lower charge state ion loses more deuterium atoms going from 150°C to 250°C than the corresponding higher charge state species. These results indicate that the capillary temperature should be optimized not only to maximize the signal‐to‐noise of each ion followed in H/D exchange experiments, but also to minimize the deuterium loss of the ions. Also the loss of deuterium in several ions, especially lower charge state ones, should be monitored in the optimization, as the temperature effects vary among ions and are more significant for lower charge state ions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure analysis of SiCGe films grown on SiC
Authors: Lianbi Li , Zhiming Chen , Tao Lin , Hongbin Pu , Jia Li , Qingmin Li
Published: March 2008

The island growth of SiCGe films on SiC at different temperatures has been investigated by SEM and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The island growth of SiCGe thin films depends on the processing parameter such as the growth temperature and follows the Stranski‐Krastanov (SK) mode. When the growth temperature is comparatively low, the thin film has two types of islands: one is a SiGe sphere‐like island of diamond‐cubic structure; another is a SiCGe cascading triangular island of zinc‐blende structure. As the growth temperature increases, the quantity of the sphere‐like islands reduces, while that of the cascading triangular islands increases. When the growth temperature is about 1060 °C, only cascading triangular islands are observed on the surface of the thin film, and the thickness of the 2D interfacial growth layer formed at the initial stage of the growth process is about 40 nm, which is twice of that grown at low temperature. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanoscale elemental identification by synchrotron‐radiation‐based scanning tunneling microscopy
Authors: Saito Akira , Takagi Yasumasa , Takahashi Koji , Hosokawa Hiromasa , Hanai Kazuhisa , Tanaka Takehiro , Akai‐kasaya Megumi , Tanaka Yoshihito , Shin Shik , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Kuwahara Yuji , Aono Masakazu
Published: March 2008

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) combined with synchrotron radiation (SR) enabled elemental analysis on solid surfaces at an anometer scale. The principle of analysis is based on the inner‐shell excitation of a specific energy level under STM observation. After first demonstrative results on a semiconductor heterointerface (Ge nanoisland on an Si(111) 7 × 7 surface), a second trial of nanoscale elemental analysis by the SR‐STM system was accomplished for Cu nanodomains on a Ge(111) 2 × 8 surface. A key to achieve successful results is to effectively increase the signal to noise (S/N) ratio and to extract the element‐specific modulation of the tunneling current, which is derived from the inner‐shell excitation. An essential point for signal detection with a high S/N ratio is to construct a total system including lock‐in amplifier with an optical chopper for high accuracy, and a real‐time control system to check the incident‐beam condition by observing the beam‐induced current profiles. Using these techniques, it has been shown that the SR‐STM system provides new possibilities forn anoscale surface analysis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First‐principles analysis of He and H atom incidence onto hydrogen‐terminated Si(001) 2 × 1 surface
Authors: Inagaki Kouji , Hirose Kikuji , Yasutake Kiyoshi
Published: March 2008

In order to analyze the fundamental processes in atmospheric pressure plasma chemical vapor deposition, which has an ability to form silicon epitaxial films under low‐substrate‐temperature conditions, first‐principles microcanonical molecular‐dynamics simulations of collision process between plasma gas atoms (H and He) and Si(001) 2 × 1 hydrogen‐terminated surface are performed. In contrast to the He collision which results in simple bound, the formation of H2 molecule with exothermally generated kinetic energy of 1.1 eV, and the absorption of H atom, are observed in the case of H collision. The generated H2 molecule occasionally hits the adjacent H‐termination atom transferring a considerable amount of the kinetic energy of about 0.25 eV to the surface. It is suggested that this transferred energy might enhance the migration of reaction precursors, which is important for the improvement of the crystal quality of epitaxial films. In the comparison of induced energies to the surface, the collision process of H atom is more important than that of He. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct Soft‐Chemical Synthesis of Chalcogen‐Doped Manganese Oxide 1D Nanostructures: Influence of Chalcogen Doping on Electrode Performance
Authors: Kim Tae Woo , Park Dae Hoon , Lim Seung Tae , Hwang Seong‐Ju , Min Bong‐Ki , Choy Jin‐Ho
Published: March 2008

We have developed a direct nonhydrothermal route to nanostructured chalcogen‐doped manganese oxides; KxMnO2Qy (Q = S, Se, and Te). According to combinative diffraction and microscopic analyses, the S‐ and Se‐doped manganese oxides exhibit 1D nanowire‐type morphology with layered δ‐MnO2‐ and α‐MnO2‐structures, respectively, whereas the Te‐doped compound consists of 3D nanospheres that are amorphous according to X‐ray diffraction. X‐ray absorption and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses clearly demonstrate that the doped chalcogen ions exist in the form of hexavalent chalcogenate clusters mainly on the sample surface or grain boundary. According to electrochemical and ex situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy investigations, the Se‐doped manganate nanowires show higher structural stability and better electrode performance with excellent rate characteristics compared to the S‐/Te‐doped and undoped manganate nanostructures. This is attributed to the presence of chemically stable ${\rm SeO}_4^{2 - }$ species, leading to enhanced stability of the manganate lattice through the prevention of structural deformation during cycling and/or to the improvement of Li+ ion transport through the maintenance of intercrystallite voids. Based on the present experimental findings, we are able to conclude that the present one‐pot soft‐chemical route with chalcogen dopants can provide a simple method not only to economically synthesize 1D nanostructured manganese oxides but also to finely control their electrode performance, crystal structure and morphology, and lattice stability.
Correction of knee and ankle valgus in hereditary multiple exostoses using the Ilizarov apparatus
Authors: Ofiram E. , Eylon S. , Porat S.
Published: March 2008

Background

Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) is a genetic disorder that causes limb deformities due to disturbance at the growth plates.

Materials and methods

Six adolescents, whith symptomatic valgus deformity at the ankle and knee (seven affected legs) underwent correction procedures using the Ilizarov apparatus. In 5 legs, a bifocal Ilizarov apparatus was used, whereas in 2 legs the use of a monofocal apparatus was sufficient.

Results

Correction of the mechanical axis was achieved in all cases, and limb length discrepancy was equalized in the 3 cases that underwent limb elogation. The average knee and ankle corrections were 15° and 18°, respectively. The average time from application to removal of the Ilizarove apparatus was 4.6 months. No major complication occurred.

Conclusions

The use of the Ilizarov method in adolescents with HME enables successful simultaneous correction of multiplanar, multifocal complex limb deformities.
JNK as a positive regulator of angiogenic potential in endothelial cells
Authors: Uchida Cassandra , Gee Eric , Ispanovic Eric , Haas Tara L.
Published: March 2008

Angiogenesis (the growth of new capillaries) occurs in adults in response to physiological stimuli such as wound healing and exercise. The mitogen‐activated protein kinase c‐jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) has a controversial role in the process of angiogenesis, with previous evidence supporting JNK as both a positive and negative regulator of blood vessel growth. The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of JNK in the angiogenesis process. Phosphorylated JNK was observed in cultured endothelial cells, and levels were constant regardless of extracellular matrix composition. Using SP600125, inhibition of JNK attenuated sprout growth in 3D capillary sprout cultures. Inhibition of JNK reduced endothelial cell proliferation and migration in vitro. JNK inhibition and siRNA knockdown of c‐jun (a downstream target of JNK) decreased protein levels of the transcription factor Egr‐1, a regulator of genes involved in proliferation and migration. Matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) production, and activity also, was reduced in sprout cultures treated with SP600125. c‐Jun silencing decreased both MMP‐2 and membrane type‐1 (MT1)‐MMP mRNA in endothelial cells, implicating both JNK and c‐jun as activators of proteolysis. Taken together, these results provide evidence that JNK and its downstream target c‐jun positively regulate angiogenesis via activation of endothelial cell proliferation, migration and proteolysis.
First evidence of cell division in circulating haemocytes from the Manila clam Tapes philippinarum
Authors: Matozzo Valerio , Marin Maria Gabriella , Cima Francesca , Ballarin Loriano
Published: March 2008

In the present study, we report on haemocyte distribution, determined by a Coulter Counter, in the clam Tapes philippinarum. In addition, cytoskeleton components of haemocytes were examined using specific probes for F‐actin and α‐tubulin. The mean number of circulating haemocytes was 5 (×106) cells/ml haemolymph. Two main haemocyte populations were found in the haemolymph: small cells, 2–3 μm in diameter and 10–100 fl in volume; and large cells, 6–10 μm in diameter and 150–400 fl in volume. Analysis of the haemocyte cytoskeleton revealed bundles of actin filaments oriented according to the cell major axis, and microtubules radiating from the microtubule‐organizing centre in proximity of the nucleus. Interestingly, mitotic spindles were also found radiating from the microtubule‐organizing centres, located at the spindle poles (centrosomes) of undifferentiated cells. On the basis of both our previous findings regarding circulating stem cells (Cima, F., Matozzo, V., Marin, M.G., Ballarin, L., 2000. Haemocytes of the clam Tapes philippinarum (Adams & Reeve, 1850): morphofunctional characterisation. Fish Shellfish Immunol 10, 677‐693) and new information from the present study, we suggest that haemoblasts are able to divide in the haemolymph of T. philippinarum. To our knowledge, this is the first report of mitotic spindles in circulating haemocytes from a bivalve species.
Injurious effects of acute ethanol exposure during late gestation on developing white matter in fetal sheep
Authors: Dalitz Penelope , Cock Megan , Harding Richard , Rees Sandra
Published: March 2008

Fetal exposure to maternal alcohol intake can be harmful to the developing brain but the effects of acute exposures are less well documented. Our objective was to determine the effects of acute alcohol exposure on developing white matter and to investigate the potential role of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Fifteen pregnant ewes underwent surgery at 110.0 ± 1.0 days of the 147 day gestation for fetal catheterization. Ethanol (1 g/kg maternal weight) was administered intravenously to 8 ewes for 1 h on 3 consecutive days at 116.0 ± 1.0 days of gestation (0.8 of full term); 7 pregnant control ewes received saline. Fetal brains were collected at necropsy 5 days after the initial ethanol exposure and processed for structural analysis. Maternal and fetal blood ethanol concentrations reached maximal values (0.11 ± 0.01 g/dL) 1 h after infusions commenced, declining to zero thereafter. Ethanol exposure did not cause fetal hypoxemia, acidemia, hypercapnia, hypoglycemia or hypotension. Subcortical white matter injury, defined as microglia/macrophage infiltration, axonal disruption, increased apoptosis, astrogliosis and altered glial cell morphology, was observed in 4 of the 8 ethanol‐exposed fetuses. The injury occupied 6.6–18.3% of the cross‐sectional area of cerebral white matter examined and was substantial in 2/8 and modest in 2/8 ethanol‐exposed fetuses. Three remaining fetuses exhibited astrogliosis and elevated levels of apoptosis in cerebral white matter. There was a positive correlation between maternal and fetal blood ethanol concentrations and the extent of brain damage. There was no significant elevation in concentrations of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐6 in fetal plasma. Developing white matter in the late gestation fetus is vulnerable to acute alcohol exposure, but mechanisms remain unclear.
Overcoming the barriers in pain control: An update of pain management in China
Authors: Liu Wei , Luo Ailun , Liu Huili
Published: March 2008

China is a country with a long history of treating pain as a disease entity. However, the current status of pain relief is not optimal. Major barriers to pain management include historical reasons, differences between Chinese philosophy and Western countries, government policies of pain relief and drug availability, patients' fear of addiction and side effects, and professionals' lack of knowledge on pain control. Following the release of the 3‐step analgesic ladder guideline for cancer pain relief in 1991, the government has made many approaches to encourage the treatment of cancer pain including adjustment of the national narcotics control policy, approval of new opioid analgesics for sale and distribution, increase of opioids manufacturing volumes, and streamlined procedures for hospitals to obtain sufficient opioids. At the same time, the government has made a lot of efforts in education and training medical professionals on pain control. In 2005, a clinical practice guideline for the management of chronic non‐cancer pain was published. Utilization of potent opioids in non‐malignant pain patients is described in detail. In addition, invasive interventions have also been introduced in chronic pain control. Although great improvements have been made during the past few years, three main aspects of improving pain control in China still remain to be undertaken, including (1) consistent training and education for health care workers to minimize the variation between cities and rural areas; (2) government support and development of an insurance system to minimize the economic burden of pain patients; (3) development new analgesic drugs with less side effects and new mechanisms of action.
Du vote bloc au vote social: le cas des citoyens issus de l'immigration de Montréal, 1995-1996
Authors: Lavoie Nathalie , Serré Pierre
Published: March 2008

Following the Quebec referendum on sovereignty-association in 1995, many political observers assumed that immigrant voters would support the federalist option, and that only a minority among them would vote for the Parti Québécois option. However, in view of the considerable changes in the linguistic integration of immigrants over the last 20 years, their electoral behaviour might vary. Focusing on a survey in Spring 1996, the authors confirm the existence of a greater pluralism among immigrant voters. Moreover, the data emphasize factors in favour of a social vote among those citizens, especially in the Montreal region. Diversification of electoral choice is supported by the percentage of those who learned French and who identified themselves as Quebeckers.
Health Care as Citizenship Development: Examining Social Rights and Entitlement
Authors: Redden Candace Johnson
Published: March 2008

The political importance of rights in liberal democracies, and of universally accessible health care in Canada, are trite observations. However, the increasing use of the language of rights to defend existing patterns of health care in Canada is a curious if not alarming phenomenon. What do citizens mean when they say that they have the right to health care? How can health care rights be defined philosophically and politically? This article examines the increasing popularity of rights claiming for health care, and argues that the ''right to health care'' has a non-possessive, normative nature that is at odds with legalistic individualistic rights claiming. This is a significant philosophical finding, one that informs the political debate over health care by revealing that legal rights claims are not sufficient to defend social entitlements. The conceptual project undertaken in this article illuminates directions of reform and suggests that differentiated citizenship provides a better model than legal rights to guide reform efforts.
Fosterage, Kinship, and Legend: When Milk Was Thicker than Blood?
Authors: Parkes Peter
Published: March 2008

When social ties are put to the test, proverbs affirm, those of consanguinity usually prevail: “Blood is thicker than water”; or as Arabs put it, “Blood is thicker than milk” (Lane 1893:1097). These enigmatic adages refer to former institutions ofadoptive kinshipin western Eurasia, contrasting the blood of natal kinship with the water of baptism or “spiritual kinship” in Christendom, and with infant fosterage or “milk kinship” in Islam. Other sayings, cited as epigraphs above, argue that the nurture of such adoptive kinship may match or supersede natal kinship, just as baptismal sponsorship was supposed to create a spiritual cognation superior to that of mere flesh and blood (Gudeman 1972; Guerreau-Jalabert 1995).
Prevalence and intensity of infections in the lymnaeid snail Omphiscola glabra experimentally infected with Fasciola hepatica, Fascioloides magna and Paramphistomum daubneyi
Authors: Dreyfuss G. , Novobilský A. , Vignoles P. , Bellet V. , Koudela B. , Rondelaud D.
Published: March 2008

Single and double infections of juvenile Omphiscola glabra (Gastropoda: Lymnaeidae) with Paramphistomum daubneyi and/or Fasciola hepatica were carried out to determine the redial burden and cercarial production in snails dissected at day 60 or at day 75 post-exposure (p.e.) in the laboratory at 20°C. The results were compared with those obtained with single-miracidium infections by Fascioloides magna. Compared to F. hepatica, low values were noted at day 75 p.e. for the prevalence of snail infections with P. daubneyi (4.6–8.3% instead of 23.6–25.9%), the total number of free rediae (10.7–17.9 per snail instead of 26.3–34.7), and that of free cercariae (112.8–136.9 per snail instead of 177.8–248.5). Despite a greater number of free rediae at day 75 p.e. (36.2–45.6 per snail), the prevalences of snail infections with F. magna and cercarial production were similar to those noted for F. hepatica. The results concerning F. hepatica and P. daubneyi might partly be explained by a progressive adaptation of O. glabra to sustain the larval development of these digeneans over the years, as this snail is a natural intermediate host of F. hepatica and P. daubneyi in central France since 1995. Compared with the high number of fully-grown rediae of F. magna in O. glabra, cercarial production seemed limited and this might be explained by the presence of high numbers of rediae which reduced the avaibility of nutrients for cercarial differentiation within the snail.
Early stage biliary and intrahepatic migration of Opisthorchis viverrini in the golden hamster
Authors: Nithikathkul C. , Tesana S. , Sithithaworn P. , Balakanich S.
Published: March 2008

In Thailand, infection with the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini is a serious health problem, with over 8.6 million human infections each year. Early stage biliary intrahepatic migration and infection of O. viverrini in the Syrian golden hamster were used to study the growth and development of this fluke. Fifty metacercariae of O. viverrini were introduced into each hamster by gastric intubation. Worms were found to migrate rapidly from the stomach to the gall bladder and hepatic duct, where they remained in relatively constant numbers until the end of week 8. Sexual development of worms was rapid, with full development of the uterus and testes by one and one half weeks and the appearance of eggs in the uterus by the beginning of the third week of infection. Worm growth as indicated by body length had ceased by week 8. Hamsters demonstrated development of a full reproductive cycle with in three to four weeks, and this generation continued until 8 weeks.
The occurrence of the trematodePlagiorchis murisin the wood mouseApodemus sylvaticusin North Yorkshire, UK
Authors: Rogan M.T. , Craig P.S. , Hide G. , Heath S. , Pickles A. , Storey D.M.
Published: March 2008

Wood miceApodemus sylvaticuswere trapped each September over a 13-year period, from 1993 to 2005, in a wooded area adjacent to Malham Tarn, Yorkshire, UK.Plagiorchis muriswas found to be the dominant intestinal trematode and occurred in every year of sampling, with an overall prevalence of 16.9%. This appears to be the first record ofP. murisinA. sylvaticuswithin the UK. The mean worm burden was 2.03 and the distribution of the parasite within mice was typically overdispersed. No difference in prevalence relative to host sex was evident although there was a higher prevalence of 21.9% in larger older mice compared with 9.1% in juveniles, which probably relates to a greater foraging activity in older mice. Annual prevalence values ofP. murisinfections varied significantly over the study period with higher prevalences being associated with years with a high spring/summer rainfall. The second intermediate hosts forP. murisinclude a variety of aquatic insect larvae and it is likely that the higher rainfall may result in the occurrence of temporary water bodies suitable for the development of insect larvae.
Specific status and pathogenicity of syngamid nematodes in bird species (Ciconiformes, Falconiformes, Gruiformes) from Germany
Authors: Krone O. , Friedrich D. , Honisch M.
Published: March 2008

A total of 549 birds from four orders were examined for nematodes in their respiratory system from 1995 to 2000. Twelve individuals of Falconiformes (n = 503), one of Gruiformes (n = 22) and one of Ciconiformes (n = 1), but no bird of the order Strigiformes (n = 23) were infected with syngamids. The syngamid species includedHovorkonema variegatum,Syngamus tracheaandCyathostoma trifurcatumfrom the trachea, bronchi and air sacs, withH. variegatumbeing the most prevalent.Cyathostoma trifurcatumfrom a black storkCiconia nigrais a new record for Germany. The marsh harrierCircus aeruginosusand the white-tailed sea eagleHaliaeetus albicillaare new hosts forH. variegatum. Morphological characters such as the dorsal rays of the bursa copulatrix, length of the spicules and the mouth capsule are used to differentiate species of the family Syngamidae. Egg size is different betweenS. tracheaandH. variegatum. In addition to morphological characters, the nucleotide sequence of the SSU ribosomal gene was determined forH. variegatum. Pairwise comparisons with the SSU sequence ofS. trachea(AF036606) revealed sequence difference of 2.6%. The nucleotide sequence of the second internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA for different populations ofH. variegatumwas also determined. Pairwise comparisons revealed two separate strains with a sequence difference of 14.0% to 14.5% suggesting the existence of a cryptic species. Pathological findings associated withH. variegatumwere found in 7 of 12 cases and consisted of thickened air sac walls and lesions or granuloma at the site of attachment of the worm, which occasionally involved the underlaying tissues. Lymphoplasmocytic air sacculitis was the most prominent histological lesion found.
Utilizing a polymerase chain reaction method for the detection of Toxocara canis and T. cati eggs in soil
Authors: Fogt-Wyrwas R. , Jarosz W. , Mizgajska-Wiktor H.
Published: March 2008

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique has been used for the differentiation of T. canis and T. cati eggs isolated from soil and previously identified from microscopical observations. The method, using specific primers for the identification of the two Toxocara species, was assessed in both the field and laboratory. Successful results were obtained when only a single or large numbers of eggs were recovered from 40 g soil samples. The method is sensitive, allows analysis of material independent of the stage of egg development and can be adapted for the recovery of other species of parasites from soil.
Defining Disability in Theory and Practice: A Critique of the British Disability Discrimination Act 1995
Authors: WOODHAMS CAROL , CORBY SUSAN
Published: March 2008

This article presents a theoretical critique of the employment provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) (1995), focusing on the definition of disability. It argues that the underpinning medical assumption of the statutory definition of disability is detrimental to the achievement of disability equality in the workplace and is problematic for practitioners and Employment Tribunals. In particular there are four areas of significant confusion arising from the need for medical evidence, the lack of congruence between managerial and legal definitions, the focus on the negative aspects of disability and the fact that disability is often hidden. By exploring these four themes and drawing on comparisons with the other equality laws, the article concludes that the definition of disability contained in the DDA (1995) contradicts many of the principles of the liberal equality framework that underpins it. Finally the article considers the public policy implications and suggests a new statutory approach.