bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of gene expression changes associated with long‐lasting synaptic enhancement in hippocampal slice cultures after repetitive exposures to glutamate
Authors: Kawaai Katsuhiro , Tominaga‐Yoshino Keiko , Urakubo Tomoyoshi , Taniguchi Naoko , Kondoh Yasumitsu , Tashiro Hideo , Ogura Akihiko , Tashiro Tomoko
Published: June 2010

We have previously shown that repetitive exposures to glutamate (100 μM, 3 min, three times at 24‐hr intervals) induced a long‐lasting synaptic enhancement accompanied by synaptogenesis in rat hippocampal slice cultures, a phenomenon termed RISE (for repetitive LTP‐induced synaptic enhancement). To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying RISE, we first analyzed the time course of gene expression changes between 4 hr and 12 days after repetitive stimulation using an original oligonucleotide microarray: “synaptoarray.” The results demonstrated that changes in the expression of synapse‐related genes were induced in two time phases, an early phase of 24–96 hr and a late phase of 6–12 days after the third stimulation. Comprehensive screening at 48 hr after the third stimulation using commercially available high‐density microarrays provided candidate genes responsible for RISE. From real‐time PCR analysis of these and related genes, two categories of genes were identified, 1) genes previously reported to be induced by physiological as well as epileptic activity (bdnf, grm5, rgs2, syt4, ania4/carp/dclk) and 2) genes involved in cofilin‐based regulation of actin filament dynamics (ywhaz, ssh1l, pak4, limk1, cfl). In the first category, synaptotagmin 4 showed a third stimulation‐specific up‐regulation also at the protein level. Five genes in the second category were coordinately up‐regulated by the second stimulation, resulting in a decrease in cofilin phosphorylation and an enhancement of actin filament dynamics. In contrast, after the third stimulation, they were differentially regulated to increase cofilin phosphorylation and enhance actin polymerization, which may be a key step leading to the establishment of RISE. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Composition and antioxidant activity of Thymus vulgaris volatiles: Comparison between supercritical fluid extraction and hydrodistillation
Authors: Grosso Clara , Figueiredo Ana Cristina , Burillo Jesus , Mainar Ana M. , Urieta José S. , Barroso José G. , Coelho José A. , Palavra António M. F.
Published: June 2010

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of the volatile oil from Thymus vulgaris L. aerial flowering parts was performed under different conditions of pressure, temperature, mean particle size and CO2 flow rate and the correspondent yield and composition were compared with those of the essential oil isolated by hydrodistillation (HD). Both the oils were analyzed by GC and GC‐MS and 52 components were identified. The main volatile components obtained were p‐cymene (10.0–42.6% for SFE and 28.9–34.8% for HD), γ‐terpinene (0.8–6.9% for SFE and 5.1–7.0% for HD), linalool (2.3–5.3% for SFE and 2.8–3.1% for HD), thymol (19.5–40.8% for SFE and 35.4–41.6% for HD), and carvacrol (1.4–3.1% for SFE and 2.6–3.1% for HD). The main difference was found to be the relative percentage of thymoquinone (not found in the essential oil) and carvacryl methyl ether (1.0–1.2% for HD versus t−0.4 for SFE) which can explain the higher antioxidant activity, assessed by Rancimat test, of the SFE volatiles when compared with HD. Thymoquinone is considered a strong antioxidant compound.
Corrosion behaviour and biocompatibility of a new dental noble AuPdAgTi alloy
Authors: Raducanu D. , Cimpean A. , Vasilescu E. , Cojocaru V. D. , Cinca I. , Drob P. , Ivanescu S.
Published: June 2010

The aims of the study were to investigate the electrochemical response of a new dental Au‐20Pd‐10Ag‐5Ti alloy in artificial Carter‐Brugirard saliva and to assess its biocompatibility using gingival fibroblast culture. Electrochemical techniques of potentiodynamic and linear polarization were used. Also, the open circuit potentials and the corresponding open circuit potential gradients were monitored for 5000 exposure hours. The gingival fibroblast response to Au‐20Pd‐10Ag‐5Ti alloy was estimated by LDH‐cytotoxicity, MTT cell proliferation assays, the assessment of substrate‐dependent changes in extracellular fibronectin network, cell morphology and actin cytoskeleton organization. The cyclic potentiodynamic curves of Au‐20Pd‐10Ag‐5Ti alloy exhibited a passive behaviour with transpassive dissolution of silver, without pitting corrosion. Open circuit potentials were finally stable at noble values. Open circuit potential gradients have low values that could not generate galvanic or local corrosion. The new Au‐20Pd‐10Ag‐5Ti alloy did not promote cell damage and alterations in cell adhesion and morphological features, exhibiting a good biocompatibility.
Developmental and benign movement disorders in childhood
Authors: Bonnet Cecilia , Roubertie Agathe , Doummar Diane , Bahi‐Buisson Nadia , Cochen de Cock Valérie , Roze Emmanuel
Published: June 2010

Developmental and benign movement disorders are a group of movement disorders with onset in the neonatal period, infancy, or childhood. They are characterized by the absence of associated neurological manifestations and by their favorable outcome, although developmental abnormalities can be occasionally observed. Knowledge of the clinical, neurophysiological, and pathogenetic aspects of these disorders is poor. Based on a comprehensive review of the literature and our practical experience, this article summarizes current knowledge in this area. We pay special attention to the recognition and management of these movement disorders in children. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Psychogenic paralysis and recovery after motor cortex transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Chastan Nathalie , Parain Dominique
Published: June 2010

Psychogenic paralysis presents a real treatment challenge. Despite psychotherapy, physiotherapy, antidepressants, acupuncture, or hypnosis, the outcome is not always satisfactory with persistent symptoms after long‐term follow‐up. We conducted a retrospective study to assess clinical features and to propose an alternative treatment based on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Seventy patients (44 F/26 M, mean age: 24.7 ± 16.6 years) experienced paraparesis (57%), monoparesis (37%), tetraparesis (3%), or hemiparesis (3%). A precipitating event was observed in 42 patients, primarily as a psychosocial event or a physical injury. An average of 30 stimuli over the motor cortex contralateral to the corresponding paralysis was delivered at low frequency with a circular coil. The rTMS was effective in 89% of cases, with a significantly better outcome for acute rather than chronic symptoms. In conclusion, motor cortex rTMS seem to be very effective in patients with psychogenic paralysis and could be considered a useful therapeutic option. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Molecularization in nutritional science: A view from philosophy of science
Authors: Ströhle Alexander , Döring Frank
Published: June 2010

Scope: Over the past decade, a trend toward molecularization, which could be observed in almost all bioscientific disciplines, now appears to have also developed in nutritional science. However, molecular nutrition research gives birth to a series of questions. Therefore, we take a look at the epistemological foundation of (molecular) nutritional science.

Methods and results: We (i) analyze the scientific status of (molecular) nutritional science and its position in the canon of other scientific disciplines, (ii) focus on the cognitive aims of nutritional science in general and (iii) on the chances and limits of molecular nutrition research in particular. By taking up the thoughts of an earlier work, we are analyzing (molecular) nutritional science from a strictly realist and emergentist–naturalist perspective.

Conclusion: Methodologically, molecular nutrition research is bound to a microreductive research approach. We emphasize, however, that it need not be a radical microreductionism whose scientific reputation is not the best. Instead we favor moderate microreductionism, which combines reduction with integration. As mechanismic explanations are one of the primary aims of factual sciences, we consider it as the task of molecular nutrition research to find profound, i.e. molecular‐mechanismic, explanations for the conditions, characteristics and changes of organisms related to the organism–nutrition environment interaction.
Analysis of a sperm surface molecule that binds to a vitelline envelope component of Xenopus laevis eggs
Authors: Kubo Hideo , Shiga Keiko , Harada Yuichirou , Iwao Yasuhiro
Published: June 2010

To analyze sperm surface molecules involved in sperm–egg envelope binding in Xenopus laevis, heat‐solubilized vitelline envelope (VE) dot blotted onto a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) sheet was incubated with a detergent extract of sperm plasma membrane (SP‐ML). The membrane components bound to the VE were detected using an antibody library against sperm plasma membrane components, and a hybridoma clone producing a monoclonal antibody (mAb) 16A2A7 was identified. This mAb was used in a Far Western blotting experiment in which VE was separated by electrophoresis, and then transferred to a PVDF strip that was incubated with SP‐ML. It was found that SP‐ML binds to the VE component gp37 (Xenopus homolog of mammalian ZP1). The antigens reactive to mAb 16A2A7 showed apparent molecular weights of 65–130 and 20–30 kDa, and were distributed relatively evenly over the entire sperm surface. Periodate oxidation revealed that both the pertinent epitope on the sperm surface and the ligands of VE gp37 were sugar moieties. VE gp37 was exposed on the VE surface, and the mAb 16A2A7 dose‐dependently inhibited sperm binding to VE. The sperm membrane molecules reactive with mAb 16A2A7 also reacted with mAb 2A3D9, which is known to recognize the glycoprotein SGP in the sperm plasma membrane and is involved in interactions with the egg plasma membrane, indicating that the sperm membrane glycoprotein has a bifunctional role in Xenopus fertilization. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77: 728–735, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of PEG chain length and hydrophilic weight fraction on polymersomes prepared from branched (PEG)3‐PLA co‐polymers
Authors: Ayen Wubeante Yenet , Chintankumar Bhavsar , Jain Jay Prakash , Kumar Neeraj
Published: June 2010

A series of monomethoxy‐polyethylene glycol (mPEG)‐based branched amphiphilic copolymers of poly(dl‐lactic acid) (PLA) with varying hydrophilic fraction and mPEG chain length were synthesized and used for preparing polymersomes by emulsion‐diffusion‐evaporation method. Effect of mPEG chain length and hydrophilic weight fraction on polymersome's particle size, protein adsorption, degradation, drug loading, and release kinetics were studied. For degradation study, polymersomes were suspended in acidic buffer at 37°C where they degraded by poration followed by fragmentation and were stable at 4°C and pH 7.4. Polymersomes were relatively stable with increased mPEG chain length and hydrophilic weight fraction, maintaining vesicular integrities under conditions of study. Protein adsorption studies showed a decrease in protein adsorption with increasing mPEG chain length and hydrophilic weight fraction of the copolymer. Drug loading and drug release profile of polymersomes were carried out using hydrophobic and hydrophilic dyes. The copolymers with short hydrophobic block chain have shown lower hydrophobic dye loading, while copolymers with longer hydrophobic block have shown higher hydrophobic dye loading however such trend was not observed for hydrophilic dye. The results indicated that hydrophobic dye, localized in the membrane of polymersomes, released within 2 hr while hydrophilic dye showed 25% burst release followed by sustained release till 21 days that could be attributed to thick bilayer membrane. The findings of this study have suggested that polymersomes made from such copolymers would be potential carrier systems for hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs and would be able to control and sustain the release of hydrophilic dye. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electroactive alumina particles embedded in an acrylic elastomer
Authors: Tangboriboon Nuchnapa , Wongpinthong Piraya , Sirivat Anuvat , Kunanuruksapong Ruksapong
Published: June 2010

Composites of alumina particles embedded in a polar acrylic rubber polymer matrix are being investigated as potential electroactive polymer actuators. The measured FTIR spectra, XRD patterns, and SEM micrographs suggest that the alumina particles with an average diameter of 9.873 ± 0.034 μm having the rhombohedral form of the corundum phase are intercalated homogeneously within the acrylic rubber matrix. At an Al2O3 volume fraction of 0.144, the electrical conductivity increases from 10−9 to 10−8 (Ω m)−1 at 500 Hz. The storage modulus without applied electrical field, G′o, increases from 9,533 to 105,540 Pa, an order of—a single—magnitude increase, as the particle volume fraction is varied from 0 to 0.144. The increase in the matrix rigidity of the hybrid organic‐inorganic composites are because of the stress transfer from matrix to the reinforcement particles, the partial substitution of a soft matrix with a stiffer filler, and the segmental immobilization caused by the interaction between the matrix polymer chains and the filler surface. Under an applied electric field, induced dipole moments and particle‐particle interaction are generated, leading to an increase in the matrix rigidity. Under an applied electrical field, G′2 kV/mm increases from 9,775 to 139,080 within the same volume fraction range, a difference of more than 30% is observed because of presence of an electrical field. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
High temperature vacuum assisted resin transfer molding of phenylethynyl terminated imide composites
Authors: Fu Xiang , Zhang Chuck , Liang Richard , Wang Ben , Fielding Jennifer C.
Published: June 2010

Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) has proven to be a cost effective process for manufacturing composite structures compared with prepreg/autoclave and traditional resin transfer molding (RTM) processes. However, VARTM has not been accomplished with high temperature resins (such as polyimides) until recently, primarily because no resins had low melt viscosity and long melt stability that are required by VARTM. With the recent invention of phenylethynyl terminated imides (PETIs), high temperature VARTM has been achieved. Two processing methods, in‐plane and through‐thickness resin flow, were proposed and tested. Both methods are capable of fabricating polyimide matrix composites; and the carbon fiber laminates yield good fiber‐resin interfacial bonding and comparable mechanical properties to those laminates fabricated using RTM. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Hybrid effect on mechanical properties of M40‐T300 carbon fiber reinforced Bisphenol A Dicyanate ester composites
Authors: Ren Penggang , Zhang Zengping , Xie Li , Ren Fang , Jin Yanling , Di Yingying , Fang Changqing
Published: June 2010

Interply and intraply hybrid composites based on Bisphenol A Dicyanate ester (BADCy), high strength carbon fibers T300, and high modulus carbon fibers M40 were prepared by monofilament dip‐winding and press molding technique. The tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear properties and SEM analysis of the hybrid composites with different fiber content and fiber arrangement were investigated. The results indicated that the mechanical properties of intraply hybrid composites were mainly determined by fiber volume contents. When the ratio of fiber volume content was close to 1:1, the intraply hybrid composites possessed lowest tensile and flexural strength. The mechanical properties of interply hybrid composite mainly depended on the fiber arrangement, instead of the fiber volume contents. The hybrid composites using T300 fiber layout as outside layer possessed high flexural strength and low flexural modulus, which was close to that of T300/BADCy composites. The hybrid composites ([(M40)x/(T300)y]S) using M40 fiber layout as outside layer and T300 fibers in the mid‐plane had high flexural modulus and interlaminar shear strength. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Studies of reinforcement behavior of unique elastomer‐based nanocomposite gels
Authors: Mitra Suman , Chattopadhyay Santanu , Bhowmick Anil K.
Published: June 2010

Unique nanocomposite (NC) gels were prepared by blending water swollen unmodified montmorillonite clay suspension with natural rubber (NR) and styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) latices followed by prevulcanization. These were extensively characterized by dynamic light scattering, solvent swelling, tensile, and dynamic mechanical measurements. Reinforcement behavior of NC gels was investigated by adding NC gels into virgin NR and SBR matrices at various loadings. The distribution and morphology of NC gels in the elastomer matrices was studied by X‐ray dot mapping and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. Experimental results indicated tremendous improvement of tensile strength (TS) and modulus of the NC gel‐filled matrices along with noticeable changes in dynamic mechanical and rheological properties. Compared with virgin NR, the TS of 16 phr NC gel‐filled NR system increased by 117%. Similar level of enhancement of TS was also registered for the NC gel‐filled SBR systems. NC gel‐filled systems showed higher shear viscosities and lower die‐swell values compared with their virgin counterparts. Contemporary particulate composite and nanofiller reinforcement models were used to understand the reinforcing behavior of these NC gels. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Characterization of ACS modified epoxy resin composites with fly ash and cenospheres as fillers: Mechanical and microstructural properties
Authors: Mohammed Altaweel Abdullah M.A. , Ranganathaiah C. , Kothandaraman B. , Raj J.M. , Chandrashekara M.N.
Published: June 2010

Composites of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A resin modified with Amine Containing Silicone as matrix and fly ash and cenospheres as fillers have been examined for their mechanical and microstructural properties. The microstructural features of the composites in terms of free volume size and content, and its influence on the mechanical properties has been investigated. The results indicate that amine containing silicones works as a good coupling agent between the filler and the resin. Composites with 5 phr fly ash and 30 phr cenospheres showed improved thermal stability as indicated by the increased Tg of the composites, possibly because of increased SiOSi linkages. The tensile strength of cenospheres‐filled composites showed good improvement compared with that of the fly ash‐filled composites. Low density (0.6 g/cc) and higher silica content (60%) of cenospheres seems to be the reason for this observation, which is well corroborated by the free volume data. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Ethylene maleated amorphous propylene compatibilized polyethylene nanocomposites: Stress and temperature effects on nonlinear creep
Authors: Shaito Ali , Fairbrother Debora , Sterling Jerry , D'Souza Nandika Anne
Published: June 2010

The effects of stress and temperature on the nonlinear creep behavior of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) nanocomposites reinforced with montmorillonite‐layered silicate (MLS) nanoclay and compatibilized with an amorphous maleated ethylene copolymer (amEP) is investigated. To study the effect of stress on the creep resistance of these materials, creep tests were conducted at different stress levels (10, 25, and 50% yield stress). The effect of temperature was examined by analyzing the creep and recovery of the films at temperatures in the range of −100 to 25°C. The individual creep compliance curves for each stress level and temperature were fitted to both the Burgers model and the Kohlrausch‐Williams‐Watts (KWW) function. The results indicate that modification of the polyethylene results in a suppression of relaxation times but the temperature trends are reversed below the β transition temperature. Filled systems exhibited a distribution in relaxation times whose trend matched the relaxation time trends in both Burger and KWW models. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1633–1645, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
NMR and DFT calculation study on structures of 2‐[2‐nitro‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione (NTBC) and its two metabolites isolated from urine of patients suffering from tyrosinemia type I
Authors: Gryff‐Keller Adam , Szczeciński Przemysław , Kraska‐Dziadecka Anna
Published: June 2010

2‐[2‐Nitro‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione (NTBC) is an active component of nitisinone, a medicine against tyrosinemia type I. Using 1H, 13C and 19F NMR spectroscopy it has been found that in the urine of patients treated with nitisinone two compounds possessing CF3 group are always present. They have been isolated by using TLC technique and identified as 4‐hydroxy‐2‐[2‐nitro‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione and 5‐hydroxy‐2‐[2‐nitro‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione, the latter being previously unknown. The constitution, tautomerism and stereochemistry of these compounds have been thoroughly investigated using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy supported by theoretical calculations. Molecular structures have been optimized using density functional theory (DFT) with PBE1PBE functional and 6‐31G* basis set. In NMR parameter calculations, the larger 6‐311++G(2d,p) basis set has been used. At both calculation stages, the polarizable continuum model of the solvent has been employed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence and associated factors of sexual problems after early‐stage breast cancer treatment: results of a French exploratory survey
Authors: Brédart Anne , Dolbeault S. , Savignoni A. , Besancenet C. , This P. , Giami A. , Michaels S. , Flahault C. , Falcou M.‐C. , Asselain B. , Copel L.
Published: June 2010

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of sexual activity, sexual problems or sexual satisfaction in French early‐stage breast cancer survivors (BCS).

Methods: Eight hundred and fifty eligible, post‐treatment (6 months–5 years) female patients, aged 18–70 years, randomly selected from a consultation list, were invited to fill in questionnaires exploring quality of life (EORTC QLQ‐C30 and QLQ‐BR23), body image scale, and sexuality (Sexual Activity Questionnaire–SAQ; Relationship and Sexuality Scale; French Sexual Behaviour Survey—CSF).

Results: Fifty‐three percent of BCS agreed to participate. Participating women (n=378) were younger, more often premenopausal at diagnosis and with a more recent diagnosis than non‐respondents. The prevalence of sexual problems was significantly higher in BCS compared with adjusted data from a French female representative sample (p<0.0001). In logistic regression, no sexual activity (R2=0.37) or sexual dissatisfaction (R2=0.28) were associated with the feeling of emotional separation in the couple or of partner's fear of sexual intercourse, lower emotional functioning, poorer body image, or co‐morbidities. In sexually active women (71% of respondents), lower frequency of sexual activity (R2=0.26), lower sexual pleasure (R2=0.22), or higher sexual discomfort (R2=0.22) were associated with the feeling of emotional separation in the couple or of partner's fear of sexual intercourse, lower emotional functioning, age (>50 years), nausea, or insomnia (all Hosmer–Lemeshow tests:p=NS).

Conclusions: Psychological factors including the perception of the couple relationship appeared prominent in BCS women's experience of sexual problems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
String models with massive boson‐fermion degeneracy
Authors: Florakis I.
Published: June 2010

We discuss constructions of string vacua with a novel Massive boson‐fermion Degeneracy Symmetry (MSDS) as candidate vacua able to describe the early non‐geometrical era of the universe.
Mutual dependence, partner substitutability, and repeated partnership: the survival of cross‐border alliances
Authors: Xia Jun
Published: June 2010

Drawing on the resource dependence perspective, this study suggests that alliance survival is an adaptive response to both environmental dependence and partner dependence independently and jointly. Based on a sample of cross‐border alliances formed and terminated by local and foreign firms in a longitudinal setting, the results suggest that the mutual trade dependence between a home country and a host country is positively related to the survival of cross‐border alliances in the host country. Whereas partner substitutability reduces the probability of alliance survival, repeated partnership increases the probability. Moreover, mutual trade dependence reduces the negative effect of partner substitutability on alliance survival. The findings support the idea that resource dependence theory provides an important framework for the study of cross‐border alliances. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dual agency view of board compensation: the joint effects of outside director and CEO stock options on firm risk
Authors: Deutsch Yuval , Keil Thomas , Laamanen Tomi
Published: June 2010

This paper contributes to multiple agency theory by examining how the compensation schemes awarded to outside directors and the CEO jointly affect firm‐level risk taking. Using data of the S&P 1500 firms from 1997 to 2006, we find support for earlier arguments that providing the CEO, the outside directors, or both with stock options increases risk taking. More importantly, we find that compensating outside directors with stock options has significantly stronger effects than CEO stock options. Finally, contrary to what one would expect, we find that these effects are mutually substituting; that is, if both the outside directors and the CEO are provided with stock option compensation, outside directors' incentives weaken the effect of the CEO's incentives on firms' risk taking. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and physical properties of maltodextrin stearates of low to high degree of substitution
Authors: Shogren Randal L. , Biswas Atanu , Willett Julious L.
Published: June 2010

Maltodextrin stearates of degree of substitution (DS) 0.07–2.40 were prepared by heating dry maltodextrin and vinyl stearate in the ionic liquid BMIM dca at 75°C. Stearates of low DS (0.07) were insoluble in water but formed a gel and absorbed over seven times their weight of water. Stearates with high DS (2.4) were soluble in chloroform or toluene and had a high degree of swelling in hydrocarbons such as hexane. Films cast from maltodextrin stearates had water contact angles of 84–93°, indicating a very hydrophobic surface. X‐ray diffraction and DSC of DS >0.6 indicated some short‐range crystallization of the stearate side chains. Optical birefringence was noted at moderate to high DS, suggesting liquid crystal formation. Maltodextrin stearates of DS ∼0.6 showed intense birefringence resembling starch granules in DMSO while cholesteric liquid crystalline behavior was observed in toluene (reflected blue light). Blue light reflection disappeared on heating to >60–80°C then reformed on cooling. These results suggest that starch stearates have some interesting structural ordering and have potential applications as water absorbents, hydrocarbon/oil absorbents, water resistant coatings, and liquid crystalline materials.
Thermally Stimulated Currents of SiO2/Low‐density Polyethylene Micro‐ and Nanocomposites
Authors: Yin Yi , Li Zhe , Li Xuguang , Jiang Pingkai
Published: June 2010

Composite samples of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE)/nano‐SiO2and LDPE/micro‐SiO2were prepared with the method of double‐solution mixture. Depolarization currents of all samples were investigated with thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC). It was found that the currents of both composites increased with the loading level of nano‐SiO2and/or micro‐SiO2, and that the peak width of each composite is greater than that of pure LDPE. In addition, the peak position of the nanocomposite shifts as the loading level increases, while that of the microcomposite does not shift significantly. In order to understand activation energy of both composites and pure LDPE, the initial‐rise method was used to analyze the depolarization current. It was found that LDPE has the greatest activation energy among all samples and the activation energy of both composites decreases with increasing loading levels. Moreover, the activation energy of the nanocomposite is less than that of the microcomposite at each of the same loading level. As the nano‐SiO2loading level reaches 5.0%wt, the composite has the lowest activation energy of 0.25 eV. In addition, dielectric spectra of all samples were investigated in the range of 10−4to 107Hz, and it was found that the peak position of loss tangent varied consistently with the TSDC curves as the loading levels of nano‐SiO2and/or micro‐SiO2were increased. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
HVDC, the Next Generation of Transmission: Highlights with Focus on Extruded Cable Systems
Authors: Jeroense Marc
Published: June 2010

Our world carries an increasing burden of increasing CO2 emissions. Rather than rationing the use of electric power, we should all together organize ourselves toward a positive solution that benefits growth and a sustainable society. The high voltage direct current (HVDC) technology is a cornerstone that makes it possible to transport sustainable energy to the regions of consumptions that are often far away from the location of generation. Today's commercially available highest HVDC transmission voltage is 800 kV. This system makes use of classic converter stations. The newer HVDC Light technology, Voltage source converters (VSCs) and extruded cable systems, that are commercially available, are characterized today by a highest voltage of 320 kV and 1000–1200 MW of transmission power. This paper describes the need for higher HVDC transmission powers, the general technology of the VSC stations, and an in‐depth description of HVDC technology with a focus on extruded cable systems. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Charge Accumulation in Various Electron‐Beam‐Irradiated Polymers
Authors: Nagasawa Kenichiro , Honjoh Masato , Miyake Hiroaki , Watanabe Rikio , Tanaka Yasuhiro , Takada Tatsuo
Published: June 2010

Charge accumulations in electron‐beam (e‐beam)‐irradiated polymers are investigated by observing them using the pressure wave propagation method. The purpose of our research work is to measure the charge distribution in e‐beam‐irradiated dielectric materials for spacecrafts. We have been developing a system for measuring such a charge distribution in dielectric materials. Using this system, we tried to measure the charge distribution in various typical polymers (poly(ethylene terephthalate), polystyrene, low‐density polyethylene) under e‐beam irradiation. As a result, it is found that charging characteristics of insulating material is strongly influenced by the existence of benzene ring in the molecular architecture. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Two‐dimensional Numerical Simulation on the MHD Flow Behavior in a Pulse‐Detonation‐Driven MHD Electrical Power Generator
Authors: Matsumoto Masaharu , Murakami Tomoyuki , Okuno Yoshihiro
Published: June 2010

The magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow behavior in a pulse‐detonation‐driven Faraday‐type linear MHD electrical power generator with a converging–diverging nozzle connected to a linear pulse‐detonation tube has been examined by time‐dependent two‐dimensional numerical simulations. Cesium‐seeded stoichiometric hydrogen‐air mixture as the working gas is detonated under atmospheric pressure in the generator. The two‐dimensional temporal evolutions of the propagating detonation wave and the subsequent supersonic flow in the generator are successfully revealed, which result in two peaks of the power output against time. The first peak, provided by the propagation of the detonation wave, hardly deteriorates even in the continuous electrode configuration because of a low Hall parameter due to the high pressure behind the detonation wave front. Such a robust detonation wave, however, can be moderated under a strong MHD interaction. In the supersonic flow following the propagation of the detonation wave, the Hall parameter can be high enough to affect the performance. Thus, if continuous electrodes are used, the second peak shrinks owing to Hall effect, as is well known in the conventional MHD power generator. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Proposal of User Authentication Infrastructure for Next‐Generation Telematics
Authors: Umezawa Katsuyuki , Susaki Seiichi , Kashiyama Masamori , Tezuka Satoru
Published: June 2010

To receive a telematics service, it must first be authenticated, and each automobile (or car navigation system) has typically to be linked to a particular vehicle owner who could authenticate such services. However, an increasing number of drivers use cars that are rented, leased, or obtained through a car‐sharing program; in such cases, the present form of car authentication is insufficient. A better system would authenticate the individual who is using a car at a particular time, but is not necessarily the owner. In this paper, we propose a personal authentication infrastructure for next‐generation telematics. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Hybrid EDA for Protein Folding Based on HP Model
Authors: Chen Benhui , Hu Jinglu
Published: June 2010

Protein structure prediction (PSP) is one of the most important problems in computational biology. This paper proposes a novel hybrid estimation of distribution algorithm (EDA) to solve the PSP problem on HP model. First, a composite fitness function containing the information of folding structure core (H‐core) is introduced to replace the traditional fitness function of HP model. The proposed fitness function is expected to select better individuals for the probabilistic model of EDA. Second, local search with guided operators is utilized to refine the found solutions for improving the efficiency of EDA. Third, an improved backtracking‐based repairing method is proposed to repair invalid individuals sampled by the probabilistic model of EDA. It can significantly reduce the number of backtracking searching operation and the computational cost for a long‐sequence protein. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperform the basic EDA method. At the same time, it is very competitive with other existing algorithms for the PSP problem on lattice HP models. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
xBCI: A Generic Platform for Development of an Online BCI System
Authors: Susila I Putu , Kanoh Shin'ichiro , Miyamoto Ko‐ichiro , Yoshinobu Tatsuo
Published: June 2010

A generic platform for realizing an online brain–computer interface (BCI) named xBCI was developed. The platform consists of several functional modules (components), such as data acquisition, storage, mathematical operations, signal processing, network communication, data visualization, experiment control, and real‐time feedback presentation. Users can easily build their own BCI systems by combining the components on a graphical‐user‐interface (GUI) based diagram editor. They can also extend the platform by adding components as plug‐ins or by creating components using a scripting language. The platform works on multiple operating systems and supports parallel (multi‐threaded) data processing and data transfer to other PCs through a network transmission control protocol/internet protocol or user datagram protocol (TCP/IP or UDP). A BCI system based on motor imagery and a steady‐state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) based BCI system were constructed and tested on the platform. The results show that the platform is able to process multichannel brain signals in real time. The platform provides users with an easy‐to‐use system development tool and reduces the time needed to develop a BCI system. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Microfluidic transport in magnetic MEMS and bioMEMS
Authors: Ganguly Ranjan , Puri Ishwar K.
Published: June 2010

Magnetic materials, such as ferrimagnetic and ferromagnetic nanoparticles and microparticles in the form of ferrofluids, can be advantageously used in micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (MEMS) and bioMEMS applications, as they possess several unique features that provide solutions for major microfluidic challenges. These materials come with a wide range of sizes, tunable magnetic properties and offer a stark magnetic contrast with respect to biological entities. Thus, these magnetic particles are readily and precisely maneuvered in microfluidic and biological environments. The surfaces of these particles offer a relatively large area that can be functionalized with diverse biochemical agents. The useful combination of selective biochemical functionalization and ‘action‐at‐a‐distance’ that a magnetic field provides makes superparamagnetic particles useful for the application in micro‐total analysis systems (µ‐TAS). We provide insight into the microfluidic transport of magnetic particles and discuss various MEMS and bioMEMS applications.WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol2010 2 382–399

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vitro Nanoparticle-Based Sensing
Video‐Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Lobectomy for Lung Cancer: The Learning Curve
Authors: Zhao Hui , Bu Liang , Yang Fan , Li Jianfeng , Li Yun , Wang Jun
Published: June 2010

Background

Video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy is an acceptable alternative to open lobectomy for treating early‐stage lung cancer. As with any video‐assisted surgical procedure, there is a learning curve to overcome before becoming proficient. In this study, the outcomes of 90 consecutive VATS lobectomies for lung cancer were evaluated to determine the learning curve for this procedure.

Methods

A single group of surgeons performed VATS lobectomy with systematic lymph node dissection in 90 patients with lung cancer between September 2006 and January 2009. The patients were divided equally and chronologically into three groups: group A, group B, and group C; group A was the earliest group of patients treated. Clinical data were collected. The operative time, blood loss, number of dissected mediastinal lymph nodes and nodal stations, conversion rate to thoracotomy, postoperative complications, duration of chest drainage, and hospital stay duration were compared between the three groups.

Results

There were no differences between the three groups with respect to age, gender, size of tumor, pathological stage, and operative procedure. The operative time and blood loss were significantly lower in groups B and C than in group A (P< 0.01); however, there were no differences between groups B and C. There were no differences among the groups in the number lymph nodes harvested, conversion rate, postoperative complications, duration of chest drainage, or hospital stay duration.

Conclusions

A learning curve for VATS lobectomy existed in this series. The surgeon became more proficient after 30–60 cases and was able to perform the procedure with decreased blood loss and operative time.
Microemulsion Systems with Rhodium Tris(3‐sulfophenyl)phosphine Trisodium Salt Complex for Product Isolation and Catalyst Recycling in the Hydrogenation of Dimethyl Itaconate
Authors: Milano‐Brusco Juan S. , Touitou Jamal , Strempel Verena , Schomäcker Reinhard
Published: June 2010

Microemulsion systems with the nonionic surfactant p‐tert‐octylphenoxy polyethoxyethanol (OP9.5EO), the anionic surfactant dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt (DOSS) and the narrow range nonionic surfactant alkyl polyethylene glycol ether (C10EO5) were used as solvent systems in the catalytic hydrogenation of dimethyl itaconate (DMI) catalysed by the water soluble catalyst complex Rh‐TPPTS in order to achieve product isolation and catalyst recycling. The DOSS systems, which are more sensitive to the substrate and catalyst addition allowed for the hydrogenation to proceed with an initial hydrogenation rate about three times higher than with the nonionic surfactants, when the surfactant concentration was 15 wt%. Systems with 3 wt% surfactant were used in order to accomplish catalyst recycling. With a biphasic DOSS mixture a turnover number (TON) of 1,200 mol of DMI hydrogenated per mol of catalyst (Rh) was obtained in 3 consecutive runs. A three‐phase system for the OP9.5EO mixture allowed the catalyst to be recycled 3 times and a TON of 1,500 in 4 runs was obtained. A TON of 800 in 2 runs was obtained using a three‐phase C10EO5 mixture.
Les larges vacuoles des têtes spermatiques sont-elles associées à des altérations du noyau ou de l’acrosome du spermatozoïde ?
Authors: Travers A. , Perdrix A. , Legrand F. , Milazzo J.-P. , Do Rego J.-L. , Escalier D. , Macé B. , Rives N.
Published: June 2010

Objectifs

Rechercher la présence d’altérations nucléaires ou acrosomiques dans les spermatozoïdes présentant des vacuoles occupant au moins 13 % de la surface de la tête des spermatozoïdes (spermatozoïdes dits de type 3), détectées à l’aide de la technique MSOME (motile sperm organelle morphology examination).

Matériel et méthodes

Notre étude a été effectuée sur des recueils de sperme de 20 hommes infertiles. Une évaluation de l’acrosome par immunomarquage à l’aide d’un anticorps monoclonal antiproacrosine (Mab4D4) a été associée à une détection de la fragmentation de l’ADN par la technique TUNEL. La condensation de la chromatine spermatique a été évaluée par une coloration au bleu d’aniline, et le taux d’aneuploïdie a été déterminé par hybridation in situ en fluorescence (FISH). Une observation des échantillons spermatiques par microscopie électronique à transmission (MET) [sperme entier] et confocale [spermatozoïdes de type 3 isolés] a complété ces analyses. Les résultats ont été comparés entre des spermatozoïdes provenant du sperme entier et des spermatozoïdes de type 3 isolés.

Résultats

Une augmentation significative de la proportion d’acrosomes anormaux a été constatée dans les spermatozoïdes isolés de type 3 par comparaison au sperme entier (77,8 ± 2,49 % vs 70,6 ± 2,62 %). La fragmentation de l’ADN a été observée de manière comparable dans les spermatozoïdes de type 3 et le sperme entier (14,5 ± 3,45 % vs 11,5 ± 1,25%), un défaut de condensation de la chromatine ainsi qu’une augmentation significative du taux d’aneuploïdie ont été retrouvés dans les spermatozoïdes isolés par comparaison à ceux provenant du sperme entier (50,4 ± 3,10 % vs 26,5 ± 2,60 % et 7,8 ± 1,98 % vs 1,3 ± 0,18 %). Les larges vacuoles sont à localisation nucléaire exclusive (MET et microscopie confocale).

Conclusion

Les vacuoles seraient en relation directe avec un défaut de maturation nucléaire survenant au cours de la spermiogenèse.
Assessing the opinions and experiences of German-speaking psychiatrists regarding necessary changes for the 11th revision of the mental disorders chapter of the international classification of disorders (ICD-11)
Authors: Zielasek J. , Freyberger H.J. , Jänner M. , Kapfhammer H.P. , Sartorius N. , Stieglitz R.D. , Gaebel W.
Published: June 2010

We performed an Internet-based questionnaire survey of the opinions of German-speaking psychiatrists regarding the experiences with the 10th revision of the international classification of mental disorders (chapter F of ICD-10). We received 304 completed questionnaires including more than 500 free-text comments. The responding group was characterized by professionally experienced middle-aged psychiatrists. German-speaking psychiatrists were comparatively content with ICD-10. Most diagnostic categories received a “satisfied” or “very satisfied” rating by the majority of respondents. Negative “goodness of fit” ratings – a possible indicator of the need for revision – were not higher than 50% for any category. Based on free-text entries, neurasthenia was the single diagnostic category most often suggested for deletion in ICD-11. Changes were considered necessary mainly for dementias and personality disorders. Adult attention deficit disorder and narcissistic personality disorder were the two diagnostic categories most frequently suggested to be added as new categories. This study provides valuable information related to perceived clinical utility of the classification, though with a narrow sample. Information about clinicians’ experiences should be combined with scientific evidence for the revision process of ICD-11.
Comparative biology of telomeres: Where plants stand
Authors: Watson J. Matthew , Riha Karel
Published: June 2010

Telomeres are essential structures at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. Work on their structure and function began almost 70 years ago in plants and flies, continued through the Nobel Prize winning work on yeast and ciliates, and goes on today in many model and non‐model organisms. The basic molecular mechanisms of telomeres are highly conserved throughout evolution, and our current understanding of how telomeres function is a conglomeration of insights gained from many different species. This review will compare the current knowledge of telomeres in plants with other organisms, with special focus on the functional length of telomeric DNA, the search for TRF homologs, the family of POT1 proteins, and the recent discovery of members of the CST complex.
The amyloid fibrils of the constant domain of immunoglobulin light chain
Authors: Yamamoto Kaori , Yagi Hisashi , Lee Young-Ho , Kardos József , Hagihara Yoshihisa , Naiki Hironobu , Goto Yuji
Published: June 2010

Light chain‐associated (AL) amyloidosis is characterized by dominant fibril deposition of the variable domain (VL) of an immunoglobulin light chain, and thus its constant domain (CL) has been considered not to be amyloidogenic. We examined the in vitro fibril formation of the isolated CL in comparison with β2‐microglobulin (β2‐m), an immunoglobulin domain‐like amyloidogenic protein responsible for dialysis‐related amyloidosis. Two methods useful for β2‐m at neutral pH also induced amyloid fibrils of CL, which were monitored by thioflavin‐T binding and electron microscopy (EM). These results suggest that CL plays an important role, more than previously assumed, in the development of AL‐amyloidosis.
A predicted S‐type pyocin shows a bactericidal activity against clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates through membrane damage
Authors: Ling Hua , Saeidi Nazanin , Rasouliha Bahareh Haji , Chang Matthew Wook
Published: June 2010

The nucleic acid sequence at the positions 1067817–1066321 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 genome was predicted to encode a novel S‐type pyocin, designated S5, based on the genome sequence. However, its antimicrobial spectrum, activity and mechanism have not been investigated. Herein, we report that pyocin S5 has an antimicrobial activity against seven clinical P. aeruginosa isolates (DWW3, InA, InB, In3, In4, In7, and In8). Among them, DWW3 is most sensitive with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 12.6 μg/ml and a killing percentage of 95.7 at 225 μg/ml. Further, we demonstrated that the antimicrobial mechanism of pyocin S5 is membrane damage, evidenced by the leakage of intracellular materials, the increase of membrane permeability, and cell surface disruption.