bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glasses for Seeing Beyond Visible
Authors: Zhang XiangHua , Bureau Bruno , Lucas Pierre , Boussard‐Pledel Catherine , Lucas Jacques
Published: December 2007

Conventional glasses based on oxides have a transparency limited by phonon absorption in the near IR region and have a limited interest for analyzing information located far beyond the visible. The IR spectral domain is nevertheless of prime interest, since it covers fundamental wavelength ranges used for thermal imaging as well as molecular vibrational signatures. Besides spectacular advances in the field of IR detectors, the main significant progresses are related to the development of IR glass optics, such as lenses or IR optical fibres. The field of IR glasses is almost totally dominated by glasses formed from heavy atoms such as the chalcogens S, Se and Te. Their transparency extends up to 12, 16 and 28 μm for sulfide‐, selenide‐ and the new generation of telluride‐based glasses, respectively. They cover the atmospheric transparency domains, 3–5 and 8–13 μm, respectively, at which the IR radiation can propagate allowing thermal imaging and night‐vision operations through thick layers of atmosphere. The development of new glass compositions will be discussed on the basis of structural consideration with the objective of moulding low‐cost lenses for IR cameras used, for instance, in car‐driving assistance. Additionally, multimode, single‐index, optical fibres operating in the 3 to 12 μm window developed for in situ remote evanescent‐wave IR spectroscopy will also be mentioned. The detection of molecular IR signatures is applied to environmental monitoring for investigating the pollution of underground water with toxic molecules. The extension of this technique to the investigation of biomolecules in three different studies devoted to liver tissues analysis, bio‐film formation, and cell metabolism will also be discussed. Finally we will mention the developments in the field of single‐mode fibres operating around 10 μm for the Darwin space mission, which is aiming at discovering, signs of biological life in telluric earth‐like exoplanets throughout the universe.
Specific Binding Effects for Cucurbit[8]uril in 2,4,6‐Triphenylpyrylium–Cucurbit[8]uril Host–Guest Complexes: Observation of Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence and their Application in Electroluminescence
Authors: Montes‐Navajas Pedro , Teruel Laura , Corma Avelino , Garcia Hermenegildo
Published: December 2007

2,4,6‐Triphenylpyrylium (TP+) forms host–guest complexes with cucurbiturils (CBs) in acidic aqueous solutions. 1H NMR spectroscopic data indicates that complexation takes place by encapsulation of the phenyl ring at the four position within CB. Formation of the complex with CB[6] and CB[7] leads to minor shifts in the fluorescence wavelength maximum (λfl) or quantum yield (Φfl). In sharp contrast, for complexes with CB[8], the emission results in the simultaneous observation of fluorescence (λfl=480 nm, Φfl=0.05) and room‐temperature phosphorescence (λph=590 nm, Φph=0.15). The occurrence of room‐temperature phosphorescence can be used to detect the presence of CB[8] visually in solution. Molecular modeling and MM2 molecular mechanics calculations suggest that this effect arises from locking the conformational mobility of the 2‐ and 6‐phenyl rings as a result of CB[8] encapsulation. The remarkably high room‐temperature phosphorescence quantum yield of the TP+@CB[8] complex has been advantageously applied to develop an electroluminescent cell that contains this host–guest complex. In contrast, analogous cells prepared with TP+ or TP+@CB[7] fail to exhibit electroluminescence.
Recycling of Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) in Electronic Waste
Authors: Herat Sunil
Published: December 2007

The management of used electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) or e‐waste is a significant problem worldwide due to rapid uptake of the technology and early obsolescence of EEE. Cathode ray tubes (CRTs) from used televisions and computer monitors represent a major e‐waste problem as they consist of glass with different compositions. The front panel is a lead‐free barium‐strontium glass whereas parts such as the funnel hidden inside are composed of glass with lead oxides. Regulations require the glass from waste CRTs to be recycled or re‐utilized. Closed‐loop recycling and open‐loop recycling are two principal ways of recycling CRT glass. The aim of this paper is to examine the technical characteristics and composition of the CRTs, its generation, environmental impacts and related regulatory requirements and to review the current technologies and their limitations for recycling CRT glass and its end use.
Heterogeneous expression of γ‐aminobutyric acid and γ‐aminobutyric acid‐associated receptors and transporters in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus
Authors: Belenky Michael A. , Yarom Yosef , Pickard Gary E.
Published: December 2007

The hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the primary mammalian circadian clock that regulates rhythmic physiology and behavior. The SCN is composed of a diverse set of neurons arranged in a tight intrinsic network. In the rat, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)‐ and gastrin‐releasing peptide (GRP)‐containing neurons are the dominant cell phenotypes of the ventral SCN, and these cells receive photic information from the retina and the intergeniculate leaflet. Neurons expressing vasopressin (VP) are concentrated in the dorsal and medial aspects of the SCN. Although the VIP/GRP and VP cell groups are concentrated in different regions of the SCN, the separation of these cell groups is not absolute. The inhibitory neurotransmitter γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is expressed in most SCN neurons irrespective of their location or peptidergic phenotype. In the present study, immunoperoxidase labeling, immunofluorescence confocal microscopy, and ultrastructural immunocytochemistry were used to examine the spatial distribution of several markers associated with SCN GABAergic neurons. Glutamate decarboxylase, a marker of GABA synthesis, and vesicular GABA transporter were more prominently observed in the ventral SCN. KCC2, a K+/Cl– cotransporter, was highly expressed in the ventral SCN in association with VIP‐ and GRP‐producing neurons, whereas VP neurons in the dorsal SCN were devoid of KCC2. On the other hand, GABAB receptors were observed predominantly in VPergic neurons dorsally, whereas, in the ventral SCN, GABAB receptors were associated almost exclusively with retinal afferent fibers and terminals. The differential expression of GABAergic markers within the SCN suggests that GABA may play dissimilar roles in different SCN neuronal phenotypes. J. Comp. Neurol. 506:708–732, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution of bursting neurons in the CA1 region and the subiculum of the rat hippocampus
Authors: Jarsky Tim , Mady Rina , Kennedy Benjamin , Spruston Nelson
Published: December 2007

We performed patch‐clamp recordings from morphologically identified and anatomically mapped pyramidal neurons of the ventral hippocampus to test the hypothesis that bursting neurons are distributed on a gradient from the CA2/CA1 border (proximal) through the subiculum (distal), with more bursting observed at distal locations. We find that the well‐defined morphological boundaries between the hippocampal subregions CA1 and subiculum do not correspond to abrupt changes in electrophysiological properties. Rather, we observed that the percentage of bursting neurons is linearly correlated with position in the proximal‐distal axis across the CA1 and the subiculum, the percentages of bursting neurons being 10% near the CA1–CA2 border, 24% at the CA1–subiculum border, and higher than 50% in the distal subiculum. The distribution of bursting neurons was paralleled by a gradient in afterdepolarization (ADP) amplitude. We also tested the hypothesis that there was an association between bursting and two previously described morphologically distinct groups of pyramidal neurons (twin and single apical dendrites) in the CA1 region. We found no difference in output mode between single and twin apical dendrite morphologies, which was consistent with the observation that the two morphologies were equally distributed across the transverse axis of the CA1 region. Taken together with the known organization of connections from CA3 to CA1 and CA1 to subiculum, our results indicate that bursting neurons are most likely to be connected to regular spiking neurons and vice versa. J. Comp. Neurol. 506:535–547, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Localization of N‐acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE‐PLD) expression in mouse brain: A new perspective on N‐acylethanolamines as neural signaling molecules
Authors: Egertová Michaela , Simon Gabriel M. , Cravatt Benjamin F. , Elphick Maurice R.
Published: December 2007

N‐acylethanolamines (NAEs) are membrane‐derived lipids that are utilized as signaling molecules in the nervous system (e.g., the endocannabinoid anandamide). An N‐acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE‐PLD) that catalyzes formation of NAEs was recently identified as a member of the zinc metallohydrolase family of enzymes. NAPE‐PLD−/− mice have greatly reduced brain levels of long‐chain saturated NAEs but wild‐type levels of polyunsaturated NAEs (e.g., anandamide), suggesting an important role for NAPE‐PLD in the biosynthesis of at least a subset of endogenous NAEs in the mammalian nervous system. To provide a neuroanatomical basis for investigation of NAPE‐PLD function, here we have analyzed expression of NAPE‐PLD in the mouse brain using mRNA in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry. NAPE‐PLD−/− mice were utilized to establish the specificity of probes/antibodies used. The most striking feature of NAPE‐PLD expression in the brain was in the dentate gyrus, where a strong mRNA signal was detected in granule cells. Accordingly, immunocytochemical analysis revealed intense NAPE‐PLD immunoreactivity in the axons of granule cells (mossy fibers). Intense NAPE‐PLD immunoreactivity was also detected in axons of the vomeronasal nerve that project to the accessory olfactory bulb. NAPE‐PLD expression was detected in other brain regions (e.g., hippocampus, cortex, thalamus, hypothalamus), but the intensity of immunostaining was weaker than in mossy fibers. Collectively, the data obtained indicate that NAPE‐PLD is expressed by specific populations of neurons in the brain and targeted to axonal processes. We suggest that NAEs generated by NAPE‐PLD in axons may act as anterograde synaptic signaling molecules that regulate the activity of postsynaptic neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 506:604–615, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complementary circuits connecting the orbital and medial prefrontal networks with the temporal, insular, and opercular cortex in the macaque monkey
Authors: Saleem Kadharbatcha S. , Kondo Hideki , Price Joseph L.
Published: December 2007

The origin and termination of axonal connections between the orbital and medial prefrontal cortex (OMPFC) and the temporal, insular, and opercular cortex have been analyzed with anterograde and retrograde axonal tracers, injected in the OMPFC or temporal cortex. The results show that there are two distinct, complementary, and reciprocal neural systems, related to the previously defined “orbital” and “medial” prefrontal networks. The orbital prefrontal network, which includes areas in the central and lateral part of the orbital cortex, is connected with vision‐related areas in the inferior temporal cortex (especially area TEav) and the fundus and ventral bank of the superior temporal sulcus (STSf/v), and with somatic sensory‐related areas in the frontal operculum (OPf) and dysgranular insular area (Id). No connections were found between the orbital network and auditory areas. The orbital network is also connected with taste and olfactory cortical areas and the perirhinal cortex and appears to be involved in assessment of sensory objects, especially food. The medial prefrontal network includes areas on the medial surface of the frontal lobe, medial orbital areas, and two caudolateral orbital areas. It is connected with the rostral superior temporal gyrus (STGr) and the dorsal bank of the superior temporal sulcus (STSd). This region is rostral to the auditory parabelt areas, and there are only relatively light connections between the auditory areas and the medial network. This system, which is also connected with the entorhinal, parahippocampal, and cingulate/retrosplenial cortex, may be involved in emotion and other self‐referential processes. J. Comp. Neurol. 506:659–693, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heterogeneous expression of SNAP‐25 in rat and human brain
Authors: Garbelli Rita , Inverardi Francesca , Medici Valentina , Amadeo Alida , Verderio Claudia , Matteoli Michela , Frassoni Carolina
Published: December 2007

Confocal laser scanning microscope image of double‐labeling immunohistochemistry for SNAP‐25 (green) and v‐GAT (magenta) in the rat somatosensory cortex. SNAP‐25 immunoreactivity was undetectable in inhibitory terminals identified by v‐GAT antibody both scattered in the neuropil and clustered around unlabeled neurons. Golgi‐like SNAP‐25 immunoreactivity was rarely seen in unlabeled large pyramidal neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 506:373–386, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Deposition of Lanthanum Zirconium Oxide High‐k Films by Liquid Injection ALD and MOCVD
Authors: Gaskell J. M. , Jones A. C. , Chalker P. R. , Werner M. , Aspinall H. C. , Taylor S. , Taechakumput P. , Heys P. N.
Published: December 2007

Thin films of lanthanum zirconium oxide, LaxZr1–xO2–δ (x = 0.09 – 0.77) are deposited by liquid injection metal‐organic (MO)CVD and atomic layer deposition (ALD) using toluene solutions of the precursors [(iPrCp)3La] and [(MeCp)2ZrMe(OMe)]. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) shows that LaxZr1–xO2–δ films grown by ALD at 300 °C contain carbon at levels of 3.2 – 5.4 at.‐ %, whilst films grown by MOCVD at 400 °C contain carbon levels of 2.4 – 10.5 at.‐ %. Analysis by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) shows that films with lower La contents (x) of 0.09 and 0.22 crystallize into cubic lanthanum‐stabilized zirconia phase on annealing at 700 °C, whereas films of higher La content (x = 0.35, 0.63) remain amorphous. In general, the onset of crystallization of these films increases with the lanthanum fraction. For x = 0.35, crystallization to the cubic phase of ZrO2 is observed between 800 and 900 °C. LaxZr1–xO2–δ films grown by ALD show good dielectric properties with low hysteresis voltages, negligible flatband voltage shifts, and k values ranging from 11 to 14. LaxZr1–xO2–δ films grown by ALD have leakage current densities of 2.6 × 10–6 – 5.3 × 10–7 A cm–2, while films grown by MOCVD have leakage current densities of between 1.1 × 10–6 A cm–2 and 8.3 × 10–7 A cm–2.
Improved detection of branching points in algorithms for automated neuron tracing from 3D confocal images
Authors: Al‐Kofahi Yousef , Dowell‐Mesfin Natalie , Pace Christopher , Shain William , Turner James N. , Roysam Badrinath
Published: December 2007

Automated tracing of neuronal processes from 3D confocal microscopy images is essential for quantitative neuroanatomy and neuronal assays. Two basic approaches are described in the literature—one based on skeletonization and another based on sequential tracing along neuronal processes. This article presents algorithms for improving the rate of detection, and the accuracy of estimating the location and process angles at branching points for the latter class of algorithms. The problem of simultaneously detecting branch points and estimating their measurements is formulated as a generalized likelihood ratio test defined on a spatial neighborhood of each candidate point, in which likelihoods were computed using a ridge detection approach. The average detection rate increased from from 37 to 86%. The average error in locating the branch points decreased from 2.6 to 2.1 voxels in 3D images. The generalized hypothesis test improves the rate of detection of branching points, and the accuracy of location estimates, enabling a more complete extraction of neuroanatomy and more accurate counting of branch points in neuronal assays. More accurate branch point morphometry is valuable for image registration and change analysis. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Tris(4‐methylpiperazin‐1‐yl)phosphane, P(NC4H8NMe)3: Synthesis, Structural Studies, Group 10 and 11 Metal Complexes and Catalytic Investigations
Authors: Ganesamoorthy Chelladurai , Mague Joel T. , Balakrishna Maravanji S.
Published: December 2007

Group 10 and 11 metal complexes of a multidentate phosphorus–nitrogen donor ligand tris(4‐methylpiperazin‐1‐yl)phosphane, P(NC4H8NMe)3 (1) are reported. The reactions of 1 with an equimolar amount of CuX (X = Cl, Br and I) afford tetranuclear cubane‐like complexes [(CuX){P(NC4H8NMe)3}]4 (2, X = Cl; 3, X = Br and 4, X = I) in excellent yield. Treatment of 1 with AuCl(SMe2) produces a mononuclear complex, [(AuCl){P(NC4H8NMe)3}] (5). Reaction of 1 with AgCN produces a 2D AgI polymeric sheet, [(AgCN)2{P(NC4H8NMe)3}]n (6) in moderate yield. The similar 1:1 reactions of 1 with AgX (X = Cl and Br) furnish dinuclear complexes, [(AgX){P(NC4H8NMe)3}]2 (7, X = Cl and 8, X = Br). The 2:1 reactions of 1 with [M(COD)Cl2] (M = Pd or Pt) afford [{P(NC4H8NMe)3}2MCl2] (9, M = Pd and 10, M = Pt) in quantitative yield. The molecular structures of complexes 1–3 and 6 are established through single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. The catalytic activity of the PdII complex 9 has been investigated in Suzuki cross coupling reactions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Optical remote mapping of rivers at sub‐meter resolutions and watershed extents
Authors: Marcus W. Andrew , Fonstad Mark A.
Published: December 2007

At watershed extents, our understanding of river form, process and function is largely based on locally intensive mapping of river reaches, or on spatially extensive but low density data scattered throughout a watershed (e.g. cross sections). The net effect has been to characterize streams as discontinuous systems. Recent advances in optical remote sensing of rivers indicate that it should now be possible to generate accurate and continuous maps of in‐stream habitats, depths, algae, wood, stream power and other features at sub‐meter resolutions across entire watersheds so long as the water is clear and the aerial view is unobstructed. Such maps would transform river science and management by providing improved data, better models and explanation, and enhanced applications.

Obstacles to achieving this vision include variations in optics associated with shadows, water clarity, variable substrates and target–sun angle geometry. Logistical obstacles are primarily due to the reliance of existing ground validation procedures on time‐of‐flight field measurements, which are impossible to accomplish at watershed extents, particularly in large and difficult to access river basins. Philosophical issues must also be addressed that relate to the expectations around accuracy assessment, the need for and utility of physically based models to evaluate remote sensing results and the ethics of revealing information about river resources at fine spatial resolutions. Despite these obstacles and issues, catchment extent remote river mapping is now feasible, as is demonstrated by a proof‐of‐concept example for the Nueces River, Texas, and examples of how different image types (radar, lidar, thermal) could be merged with optical imagery. The greatest obstacle to development and implementation of more remote sensing, catchment scale ‘river observatories’ is the absence of broadly based funding initiatives to support collaborative research by multiple investigators in different river settings. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resource allocation in the downlink of cellular multi‐hop networks
Authors: Newton Mark , Thompson John S. , Naden J. Mark
Published: December 2007

The growth of high‐data rate services on mobile cellular networks necessitates more efficient use of the finite bandwidth/power resources available. Ideally this should be achieved with minimum additional infrastructure since it is expensive both in terms of capital outlay and also network redesign. One such evolutionary path which is currently fuelling a lot of interest is multi‐hop. This scheme uses one or more relays to forward transmissions between the base station (BS) and the target user equipment (UE). Given a large enough density of relays, there will always be a more path loss efficient multi‐hop route between the BS and target UE than the direct hop one. However, it is not so obvious how this will translate into realizable improvements in cell throughput and coverage. The actual benefits of multi‐hop are dependent upon a number of key system choices such as the scheduling algorithm and type of antenna array processing used. This paper considers through simulation how the benefits of multi‐hop vary for systems that employ combinations of round robin or equal throughput scheduling with either 2 or 4 element maximal ratio combining. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
International equity flows and the predictability of US stock returns
Authors: Hartmann Daniel , Pierdzioch Christian
Published: December 2007

We examined the link between international equity flows and US stock returns. Based on the results of tests of in‐sample and out‐of‐sample predictability of stock returns, we found evidence of a strong positive (negative) link between international equity flows and contemporaneous (one‐month‐ahead) stock returns. Our results also indicate that an investor, in real time, could have used information on the link between international equity flows and one‐month‐ahead stock returns to improve the performance of simple trading rules.  Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass screening programmes and trends in cervical cancer in Finland and the Netherlands
Authors: van der Aa Maaike A. , Pukkala Eero , Coebergh Jan Willem W. , Anttila Ahti , Siesling Sabine
Published: December 2007

With respect to cervical cancer management, Finland and the Netherlands are comparable in relevant characteristics, e.g., fertility rate, age‐of‐mother at first birth and a national screening programme for several years. The aim of this study is to compare trends in incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer in Finland and the Netherlands in relation to the introduction and intensity of the screening programmes. Therefore, incidence and mortality rates were calculated using the Cancer Registries of Finland and the Netherlands. Data on screening intensity were obtained from the Finnish Cancer Registry and the Dutch evaluation centre at ErasmusMC‐Rotterdam. Women aged 30–60 have been screened every 5 years, in Finland since 1992 and in the Netherlands since 1996. Screening protocols for smear taking and referral to the gynaecologist are comparable. Incidence and mortality rates have declined more in Finland. In 2003, age‐adjusted incidence and mortality in Finland were 4.0 and 0.9 and in the Netherlands 4.9 and 1.4 per 100,000 woman‐years, respectively. Excess smear use in the Netherlands was estimated to be 24 per 1,000 women during a 5‐year interval compared to 121 in Finland. The decline in mortality in Finland seems to be almost completely related to the screening programme whereas in the Netherlands it was initially considered to be a natural decline. Differences in risk factors might also play a role: the Netherlands has higher population density and higher percentages of immigrants and (female) smokers. The greater excess smear use in Finland might also have affected incidence. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Natural agents targeting the α7‐nicotinic‐receptor in NSCLC: A promising prospective in anti‐cancer drug development
Authors: Grozio Alessia , Paleari Laura , Catassi Alessia , Servent Denis , Cilli Michele , Piccardi Federica , Paganuzzi Michela , Cesario Alfredo , Granone Pierluigi , Mourier Gilles , Russo Patrizia
Published: December 2007

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are expressed on normal bronchial epithelial and nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and are involved in cell growth regulation. Nicotine induced cell proliferation. The purpose of this study was to determine if interruption of autocrine nicotinic cholinergic signaling might inhibit A549 NSCLC cell growth. For this purpose α‐Cobratoxin (α‐CbT), a high affinity α7‐nAChR antagonist was studied. Cell growth decrease was evaluated by Clonogenic and MTT assays. Evidence of apoptosis was identified staining cell with Annexin‐V/PI. Characterization of the basal NF‐κB activity was done using the Trans‐AM NF‐κB assay colorimetric kit. “In vivo” antitumour activity was evaluated in orthotopically transplanted nude mice monitored by In vivo Imaging System technology. α‐CbT caused concentration‐dependent cell growth decrease, mitochondrial apoptosis caspases‐9 and 3‐dependent, but caspase‐2 and p53‐independent and down‐regulation of basal high levels of activated NF‐κB. α‐CbT treatment determines a significant reduction of tumor growth in nude mice orthotopically engrafted with A549‐luciferase cells (4.6% of living cells vs. 31% in untreated mice). No sign of toxicity was reported related to treatment. These findings suggest that α7‐nAChR antagonists namely α‐CbT may be useful adjuvant for treatment of NSCLC and potentially other cancers. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Physicochemical characterization, in vitro, and in vivo evaluation of indomethacin‐loaded nanocarriers self‐assembled by amphiphilic polyphosphazene
Authors: Zhang Jian Xiang , Li Shu Hui , Li Xiao Hui , Qiu Li Yan , Li Xiao Dong , Li Xiao Jing , Jin Yi , Zhu Kang Jie
Published: December 2007

Copolymeric nanocarriers assembled by amphiphilic polyphosphazene bearing poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and ethyl glycinate (EtGly) as substitutes, were investigated as drug vehicles for indomethacin (IND). The physicochemical characteristics of the novel nanocontainers were studied, including lower critical solution temperature (LCST), critical micelle concentration (CMC) and drug loading capacity. LCST measurements revealed that copolymer is more sensitive to the introduction of salts into aqueous solution compared with homopolymer. A significant decrease in CMC was observed when the temperature increased above LCST. As evidenced by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurement, morphological transformation from multicompartment into spherical nanoparticles was observed when nanocarriers with higher IND content were concerned. In vitro release tests suggested that IND‐loaded nanocontainers exhibited pH dependent release profiles. In vivo pharmacokinetic study after subcutaneous administration provided a relatively sustained release behavior. Additionally, compared with free drug solution at the same dose, IND concentration in rat plasma showed a prolonged retention in experimental group treated with IND‐loaded micelles. In vivo pharmacodynamic study based on both carrageenan‐induced acute and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced adjuvant‐arthritis models indicated that sustained therapeutic efficacy could be achieved through intraarticular injection of IND‐loaded micelles. Most importantly, local delivery of IND can avoid the severe gastrointestinal stimulation, which is frequently associated with oral administration. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2008
Growth, viability, adhesion potential, and fibronectin expression in fibroblasts cultured on zirconia or feldspatic ceramics in vitro
Authors: Raffaelli Luca , Iommetti Pierfrancesco Rossi , Piccioni Elisabetta , Toesca Amelia , Serini Simona , Resci Federica , Missori Mauro , De Spirito Marco , Manicone Paolo F. , Calviello Gabriella
Published: December 2007

Zirconia, a biomaterial widely used in dentistry, has recently attracted much attention for its mechanical strength and toughness. Previously, its lack of mutagenic and carcinogenic power was reported. We describe here other essential aspects to be taken into account to define in vitro the biocompatibility of a material: the growth rate, viability, and adhesion capacity of normal stabilized cells growing on it. To this aim, immortalized RAT‐1 fibroblasts, growing either on zirconia and on feldspatic (FE) ceramics were compared. In particular, the level of expression and the intra‐ and extra‐cellular organization of fibronectin, a glycoprotein involved in cellular adhesion and migration during tissue repair, was analyzed. Fibroblasts cultured on zirconia showed a higher growth rate, and underwent necrosis at lower levels than cells on FE ceramic, whereas either materials did not stimulate apoptosis. Adhesion capacity of fibroblasts was evaluated measuring adherent cell nucleic acids with the fluorimetric CyQuant® assay, and it was found significantly higher in cells cultured on zirconia than on FE ceramic. This finding may be explained by the higher and more precocious expression of the adhesion protein fibronectin observed by indirect immunofluorescence in fibroblasts on zirconia. Overall, the results suggest that zirconia, exerting low cytotoxicity and strongly inducing adhesion capacity, increases cellular growth rate of fibroblasts. All these features suggest that zirconia could represent a more suitable biomaterial than FE ceramic for prosthesis in dentistry. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2008
One‐step preparation of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) nanoparticles for plasmid DNA delivery
Authors: Huang Mei Juan , Gou Ma Ling , Qian Zhi Yong , Dai Mei , Li Xing Yi , Cao Mei , Wang Ke , Zhao Jian , Yang Jing Liang , Lu You , Tu Ming Jing , Wei Yu Quan
Published: December 2007

In this article, a kind of biodegradable poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)‐Poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL‐PEG‐PCL, PCEC) copolymer was synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization method. The PCEC nanoparticles were prepared at one‐step by modified emulsion solvent evaporation method using CTAB as stabilizer. With increase in PCEC concentration, the particle size increased obviously, but zeta potential only increased slightly. The obtained cationic PCEC nanoparticle was employed to condense and adsorb DNA onto its surface. Plasmid GFP (pGFP) was used as model plasmid to evaluate the loading capacity of cationic PCEC nanoparticles in this work. The DNA/nanoparticles weight ratio at 1:16 induced almost neutral zeta potential of DNA‐nanoparticles complex. At this time, the size of complex became abnormally large which implied aggregates formed. So DNA‐nanoparticles weight ratio should be chosen carefully. The cationic PCEC nanoparticles had the capacity of condensing plasmid DNA into complex when the DNA/nanoparticles weight ratio was lower than 1:8, which was evidenced by gel retardation assay.In vitrorelease behavior of DNA/nanoparticle complexes was also studied here. The obtained cationic PCEC nanoparticles might have great potential application in DNA delivery. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Supramolecular hydrogels based on inclusion complexation between poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly (ε‐caprolactone) diblock copolymer and α‐cyclodextrin and their controlled release property
Authors: Li Xu , Li Jun
Published: December 2007

Supramolecular hydrogels formed through inclusion complexation between high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) showed the most sustained release kinetics in vitro with molecular weight of PEO of 35,000 within 5 days. To improve the sustained release and overcome using high molecular weight PEO, novel supramolecular hydrogels have been prepared by using biodegradable amphiphilic poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PEO–PCL) diblock copolymer instead of PEO. Rheologic studies indicate that the prepared hydrogel is thixotropic and reversible. The in vitro release kinetics of hydrogels has been studied by using fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled dextran (dextran‐FITC) as model drug. Compared with that of α‐CD/PEO supramolecular hydrogels, the sustained release of α‐CD/PEO–PCL supramolecular hydrogel was increased significantly even if with much lower molecular weight of PEO block. This result indicates incorporating hydrophobic PCL block could reduce the molecular weight of PEO required for long‐term drug release system. The sustained release is also dependent on the α‐CD content in supramolecular hydrogels. Thus, the properties of supramolecular hydrogel can be fine‐tuned with different polymer and at different α‐CD content, opening a wide range of applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Evaluation of the skin sensitizing potential of biodegradable magnesium alloys
Authors: Witte Frank , Abeln Inken , Switzer Elinor , Kaese Volker , Meyer‐Lindenberg Andrea , Windhagen Henning
Published: December 2007

Corroding metals made of magnesium alloys represent a new class of degradable implants for musculoskeletal surgery. These implants may be associated with skin sensitizing reactions because of the release of metal ions. This study was conducted to compare the sensitizing potential of four different magnesium alloys (AZ31, AZ91, WE43, and LAE442) to current implant materials such as titanium (TiAl6V4) and a degradable polymer (SR‐PLA96). Solutions and solid chips of these materials were prepared and tested in 156 guinea pigs according to the Magnusson–Kligman test. A standard allergen (hydroxy‐cinnamon‐aldehyde) causing allergic erythema was used as positive control and a standard irritant (sodium‐lauryl‐sulfate) causing local skin irritation for less than 24 h was used as negative control. All erythema were graded immediately and 24 h after patch removal by three independent observers. Histomorphological analyses were performed on skin biopsies taken 24 h after patch removal. We found that initial erythema in animals treated with solid chips diminished within 24 h and were caused by local skin irritation. Local skin irritation was also determined in erythema remaining for 24 h after patch removal in animals treated with dissolved test materials. No allergenic reactions according to the histomorphological criteria were observed in skin biopsies. We conclude that no skin sensitizing potential were detected for standard materials as well as for all tested magnesium alloys by the used methods. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Comparison of fat quantification methods: A phantom study at 3.0T
Authors: Bernard Clare P. , Liney Gary P. , Manton David J. , Turnbull Lindsay W. , Langton Christian M.
Published: December 2007

Purpose

To compare different imaging methods with single‐voxel MR spectroscopy (MRS) for the quantification of fat content in phantoms at 3.0T.

Materials and Methods

Imaging and spectroscopy was performed on a GE Signa system. Eleven novel homogeneous fat‐water phantoms were constructed with variation in fat content from 0% to 100%. These were imaged using three techniques and compared with single‐voxel non‐water‐suppressed MRS. Pixel‐by‐pixel maps of fat fraction were produced and mean values compared to MRS‐determined measurements. Preliminary in vivo examinations were subsequently performed in the breast and spine to compare the best imaging technique with MRS.

Results

All imaging methods significantly correlated with MRS (P < 0.001): IDEAL (r2 = 0.985), IOP (r2 = 0.888), WS (r2 = 0.939), and FS (r2 = 0.938). In addition, IDEAL provided artifact‐free maps of fat fraction with superior uniformity. In vivo results using IDEAL produced values that were between 9% to 16% of the corresponding MRS values.

Conclusion

This work demonstrates that imaging may be utilized as a high‐resolution alternative to MRS for the quantification of fat content. In the future we intend to replace MRS with IDEAL in our clinical studies involving fat measurement. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Failure of recognition of drug‐induced parkinsonism in the elderly
Authors: Esper Christine D. , Factor Stewart A.
Published: December 2007

Our objective was to evaluate the ability of neurologists to recognize and diagnose drug‐induced Parkinsonism (DIP) in the elderly. DIP is a diagnostic challenge because it can be indistinguishable from Parkinson's disease, especially in the elderly. It is frequently under‐recognized by psychiatrists and primary care physicians. Atypical antipsychotics (AA) are advertised for their low propensity to cause DIP. This may add to problems with recognition. We performed a retrospective record review of consecutive new parkinsonian patients seen over 2 years in a movement disorders clinic to examine the frequency, causative agents, and diagnostic accuracy of DIP by physicians, particularly neurologists. Of 354 Parkinsonian patients evaluated, 24 (6.8%) had DIP, 46% of these were due to AA and 29% were caused by metoclopramide. Of the 24 patients with DIP, only one was previously diagnosed accurately according to records. Nineteen patients (79%) were previously evaluated by a neurologist, and none of them was diagnosed with DIP. The primary reason for failure to recognize DIP relates to under‐recognition of AA as possible cause. A majority remained on the inciting agents while dopaminergic drugs were prescribed. DIP was reversible when the inciting drug was stopped. DIP is a common form of parkinsonism and is under‐recognized, even by neurologists. AA and metoclopramide do not appear to be well‐known to cause DIP. Cessation of the offending agent results in improvement of symptoms and would eliminate the need for dopaminergic agents, which are known to commonly cause side effects in the elderly. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Aripiprazole: A treatment for severe coprolalia in “refractory” Gilles de la Tourette syndrome
Authors: Ben Djebara Mouna , Worbe Yulia , Schüpbach Michael , Hartmann Andreas
Published: December 2007

Coprolalia is one of the most distressing symptoms in Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. We report on a 28‐year‐old man with severe coprolalia at the forefront of symptoms, which had a dramatic impact on his social and professional life and that did not fluctuate for years. Moreover, he presented hypersensitivity to neuroleptics. The use of aripiprazole, as a last resort, induced a 75% of improvement of his symptoms with good tolerance. This suggests that aripiprazole constitutes a valuable therapeutic in coprolalia. Moreover, its biochemical class specificity makes it an alternative for patients hypersensitive to other classes of neuroleptics. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
The relationship between impulsivity and impulse control disorders in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Isaias Ioannis U. , Siri Chiara , Cilia Roberto , De Gaspari Danilo , Pezzoli Gianni , Antonini Angelo
Published: December 2007

A range of behaviors presumed to be related to dopaminergic medications have been recently recognized in Parkinson's disease (PD). We evaluated 50 consecutive cognitively intact PD patients on stable dopamine agonist and levodopa therapy and 100 healthy controls for compulsive sexual behavior, compulsive buying, or intermittent explosive disorders assessed by the Minnesota Impulsive Disorders Interview (MIDI), pathological gambling (South Oaks Gambling Screen, SOGS), impulsivity (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale), compulsivity (Maudsley obsessional‐compulsive inventory), and depression scores (Geriatric Depression Scale). Overall 28% PD (14/50) and 20% healthy controls (20/100) reported at least one abnormal behavior at MIDI or pathological SOGS score. PD patients had higher scores than controls for impulsivity (P = 0.006), compulsivity (P < 0.001), and depression (P < 0.001). There was no correlation between impulsivity, compulsivity, and depression scores in PD. Male gender and higher impulsivity score, but not dose and kind of dopaminergic medications, were associated in PD with increased probability of impulsive disorders at MIDI. Impulse control disorders are also common in the control population. Individual susceptibility factors, such as high impulsivity and depression, underline abnormal behaviors in PD patients treated with stable dopaminergic therapy. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
High‐temperature catalysts for the production of α‐olefins based on iron(II) and iron(III) tridentate bis(imino)pyridine complexes modified by nitrilo group
Authors: Ionkin Alex S. , Marshall William J. , Adelman Douglas J. , Fones Barbara Bobik , Fish Brian M. , Schiffhauer Matthew F. , Soper Paul D. , Waterland Robert L. , Spence Rupert E. , Xie Tuyu
Published: December 2007

Series of Fe(II) and Fe(III) tridentate bis(imino)pyridine complexes without nitrilo groups 2–6 and with nitrilo groups 7–13 were synthesized. According to X‐ray analysis, the introduction of nitrilo groups in para‐ and ortho‐positions tends to result in shorter axial FeN bonds. Both types of complexes, 2–6 and 9–13, afforded very productive catalysts for the production of α‐olefins with higher K values and better linearity of Schultz–Flory distribution α‐olefins than the parent methyl substituted Fe(II) complex 1. Noticeably, the complexes functionalized with a para‐nitrilo group 9–13 tend to make α‐olefins with higher K values of the Schultz–Flory distribution, more ideal distributions, and less of the heavier insoluble fractions of α‐olefins than corresponding nonsymmetrically substituted complexes without para‐nitrilo groups 2–6. Statistically significant correlations were obtained between % solids of total α‐olefins and the blocked solid angle fraction in the +z hemisphere (
$ R_{{\rm adj}}^2 $
= 51.3%, p = 0.012) and between catalyst productivity and total blocked solid angle fraction ($ R_{{\rm adj}}^2 $
= 43.5%, p = 0.023). The modest values of $ R_{{\rm adj}}^2 $
show that, while steric effects are significant, they are not the sole factor determining catalyst performance. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 585–611, 2008
Photocrosslinking in dichromated poly(acrylic acid) during hologram recording and comparison with dichromated poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Barichard Anne , Israëli Yaël , Rivaton Agnès
Published: December 2007

Phototransformations involved in dichromated poly(acrylic acid) (DCPAA) were analyzed under irradiation conditions representative of hologram formation. It was shown that, in parallel to the reduction of chromium(VI) into chromium(III), the crosslinking of the matrix occurred through formation of covalent bonds between macromolecular chains. A comparison with dichromated poly(vinyl alcohol) (DCPVA) irradiated under the same conditions was also reported giving evidence for the crucial role played by the chemical structure of the polymeric matrix in the hologram formation. The combined approach based on the fate of both the absorbing species, chromium(VI) and the polymer allowed to completely elucidate the reactions taking place upon irradiation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 636–642, 2008
Crown‐like macrocycle zinc complex derived from β‐diketone ligand for the polymerization of rac‐lactide
Authors: Pang Xuan , Chen Xuesi , Zhuang Xiuli , Jing Xiabin
Published: December 2007

Enolic Schiff base zinc (II) complex 1 was synthesized. XRD revealed 1 was a novel crown‐like macrocycle structure consisted of hexanuclear units of (LZnEt)6 via the coordination chelation between the Zn atom and adjacent amine nitrogen atom. Further reaction of 1 with one equivalent 2‐propanol at RT produced Zn‐alkoxide 2 by in situ alcoholysis. Complex 2 was used as an initiator to polymerize rac‐lactide in a controlled manner to give heterotactic enriched polylactide. Factors that influenced the polymerization such as the polymerization time and the temperature as well as the monomer concentration were discussed in detail in this paper. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 643–649, 2008
Synthesis of poly(ester amide)s with lateral groups from a bulk polycondensation reaction with formation of sodium chloride salts
Authors: Vera Montserrat , Franco Lourdes , Puiggalí Jordi
Published: December 2007

Poly(ester amide)s with a regular sequence and derived from diamine, dicarboxylic acid, and glycolic acid units can be easily synthesized by using a thermal polycondensation method based on the formation of metal halide salts as a driving force. These new poly(ester amide)s have tuneable properties depending on the number of methylene groups and constitute a group of materials with potential interest as biodegradable materials in applications such as surgical sutures. The present work reveals that the proposed synthesis can also be applied when esters of L‐lysine are used as a diamine unit since no secondary reactions such as transesterification occur under the required polymerization conditions. The possibility of linking compounds with pharmacological activity to the carboxylic acid groups of lysine extends the interest of the referred materials, for example, as drug delivery systems. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 661–667, 2008
Review of Estimation Models for Biodegradation
Authors: Pavan Manuela , Worth Andrew P.
Published: December 2007

This paper reviews the state‐of‐the‐art of in silico methods for estimating the readily biodegradability of organic chemicals, and describes their (potential) applicability in the identification of chemicals that are persistent or very persistent in the environment, such as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). The paper is based on an in‐depth review performed by the European Chemicals Bureau (ECB) of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre in support of the development of technical guidance for the implementation of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) legislation, and is one of the series of minireviews in this journal. The review covers the most commonly used approaches for estimating the ready biodegradability of organic compounds, such as group contribution approaches, expert systems, probabilistic approaches and hybrid approaches. The main sources of experimental data used to develop the models are also briefly described. The review concludes with an appraisal of the challenges of developing new models and some recommendations are made for further research.
To Weight or Not to Weight? Balancing Influence of Initial Items in Adaptive Testing
Authors: Chang Hua-Hua , Ying Zhiliang
Published: December 2007

It has been widely reported that in computerized adaptive testing some examinees may get much lower scores than they would normally if an alternative paper-and-pencil version were given. The main purpose of this investigation is to quantitatively reveal the cause for the underestimation phenomenon. The logistic models, including the 1PL, 2PL, and 3PL models, are used to demonstrate our assertions. Our analytical derivation shows that, under the maximum information item selection strategy, if an examinee failed a few items at the beginning of the test, easy but more discriminating items are likely to be administered. Such items are ineffective to move the estimate close to the true θ, unless the test is sufficiently long or a variable-length test is used. Our results also indicate that a certain weighting mechanism is necessary to make the algorithm rely less on the items administered at the beginning of the test.
Role of Wnt Signaling in Bone Remodeling and Repair
Authors: Issack Paul S. , Helfet David L. , Lane Joseph M.
Published: December 2007

The Wnt genes encode a highly conserved class of signaling factors required for the development of several types of tissues including musculoskeletal and neural structures. There is increasing evidence that Wnt signaling is critical for bone mass accrual, bone remodeling, and fracture repair. Wnt proteins bind to cell-surface receptors and activate signaling pathways which control nuclear gene expression; this Wnt-regulated gene expression controls cell growth and differentiation. Many of the components of the Wnt pathway have recently been characterized, and specific loss-of-function or gain-of-function mutations in this pathway in mice and in humans have resulted in disorders of deficient or excess bone formation, respectively. Pharmacologically targeting components of the Wnt signaling pathway will allow for the manipulation of bone formation and remodeling and will have several orthopedic applications including enhancing bone formation in nonunion and osteoporosis and restricting pathologic bone formation in osteogenic tumors and heterotopic ossification.