bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
[2,3]Sigmatropic Rearrangements of Propargylic and Allenic Systems
Authors: Braverman Samuel , Cherkinsky Marina
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Pharmacokinetic and Molecular Biological Approaches to Achieve the Safety and Effective Management of Drug Therapies
Authors: Iwamoto Takuya
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Acetylene: New Prospects of Classical Reactions
Authors: Trofimov B. A. , Gusarova N. K.
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Metal Unsaturation and Ligand Hemilability in Suzuki Coupling
Authors: Weng Zhiqiang , Teo Shihui , Hor T. S. Andy
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Telomerase: A Dimeric Menage a Trois
Authors: Mergny Jean‐Louis , Lacroix Laurent , Riou Jean‐Francois
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Cramming More Sequencing Reactions onto Microreactor Chips
Authors: Leamon John H. , Rothberg Jonathan M.
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Systematic Genome Reductions: Theoretical and Experimental Approaches
Authors: Feher Tamas , Papp Balazs , Pal Csaba , Posfai Gyoergy
Published: October 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
c‐Abl is required for the signaling transduction induced by L‐selectin ligation
Authors: Chen Cuixia , Shang Xin , Xu Ting , Cui Lingling , Luo Jixian , Ba Xueqing , Hao Shui , Zeng Xianlu
Published: October 2007

Lymphocyte recruitment onto inflamed tissues requires cells tethering to and rolling on vascular surfaces under flow. L‐selectin is constitutively expressed on leukocytes to mediate the leukocytes’ initial capture and subsequent rolling along the vessel. Apart from its adhesive function, engagement of L‐selectin also results in cell activation, which is related to the completed signaling transduction. Here we show that ligation of L‐selectin with its mAb increases c‐Abl kinase activity, and that the activated c‐Abl kinase can be recruited to and phosphorylate the cytoplasmic domain of L‐selectin. In addition, the activated c‐Abl kinase can regulate Zap70 kinase by increasing the phosphorylation of the Y319 site of Zap70 kinase and connect with Zap70 kinase through its SH2 domain. These results indicate that c‐Abl kinase plays an important role in accepting and transferring the upstream activation events induced by L‐selectin ligation.
On an efficient solution strategy of Newton type for implicit finite element schemes based on algebraic flux correction
Authors: Möller Matthias
Published: October 2007

A discrete Newton approach is applied to implicit flux‐limiting schemes based on the concept of algebraic flux correction. The Jacobian matrix is approximated by divided differences and assembled edge by edge. The use of a nodal flux limiter leads to an extended stencil which can be constructed a priori. Numerical examples for 2D benchmark problems are presented to compare the performance of the algebraic Newton method with the defect correction approach. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social capital as a mediating factor in emergency preparedness and concerns about terrorism
Authors: Hausman Alice J. , Hanlon Alexandra , Seals Brenda
Published: October 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate how social capital might be instrumental in mediating concerns about terrorism and promoting appropriate responses for emergency preparedness. Results are presented from a random‐digit dialed survey of a metropolitan area measuring individual characteristics as well as community‐level characteristics as possible predictors of the practice of emergency preparedness and concerns about future terrorism. Results show that social capital is positively associated with increased preparedness and with increased concern about future terrorism events. The authors suggest that the information sharing and norm‐setting processes related to high social capital help set the stage for both increased awareness of the consequences of terrorism and the value of increased preparedness. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 35: 1073–1083, 2007.
Relationships with adults as predictors of substance use, gang involvement, and threats to safety among disadvantaged urban high‐school adolescents
Authors: Ryan Linda G. , Miller‐Loessi Karen , Nieri Tanya
Published: October 2007

Using a resilience framework, the authors examined the protective effects of parental support, self‐disclosure to parents, parent‐initiated monitoring of adolescent behavior, and relationships with school personnel on three critical problems of adolescents: substance use, gang involvement, and perceived threats to safety at school. The sample consisted of 342 ethnically diverse high‐school students in an economically disadvantaged urban area in the southwestern United States. The regression analyses controlled for academic performance, poor anger management, risk‐seeking propensities, co‐occurring substance use, and co‐occurring gang involvement. Interactions as well as main effects were examined. The specific protective roles of all four adult relationships were identified with respect to problematic outcomes. Adolescent self‐disclosure to parents, a variable rarely examined in resilience research, was associated with less chance of substance use for two high‐risk groups: those already involved with gangs, and those with high risk‐seeking tendencies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 35: 1053–1071, 2007.
Hepatocellular carcinoma developing at the puncture site after percutaneous ethanol injection
Authors: Almeida Jazon , Mesquita Maria , Ferraz José , Yamanaka Ademar , Escanhoela Cecília , Boin Ilka Fátima , Pereira Gustavo , Pereira Tiago , Soares Elza
Published: October 2007

Percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) is an option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment that is most effective for solitary lesions ≤5 cm or multiple lesions ≤3 cm. Malignant seeding along the needle tract is a rare complication of the procedure. We report a case of tumor seeding along the needle tract following PEI treatment for HCC arising 21 months after treatment. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
Development of the dermal skeleton in Alligator mississippiensis (Archosauria, Crocodylia) with comments on the homology of osteoderms
Authors: Vickaryous Matthew K. , Hall Brian K.
Published: October 2007

The dermal skeleton (= exoskeleton) has long been recognized as a major determinant of vertebrate morphology. Until recently however, details of tissue development and diversity, particularly among amniotes, have been lacking. This investigation explores the development of the dermatocranium, gastralia, and osteoderms in the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis. With the exception of osteoderms, elements of the dermal skeleton develop early during skeletogenesis, with most initiating ossification prior to mineralization of the endoskeleton. Characteristically, circumoral elements of the dermatocranium, including the pterygoid and dentigerous elements, are among the first to form. Unlike other axially arranged bones, gastralia develop in a caudolateral to craniomedial sequence. Osteoderms demonstrate a delayed onset of development compared with the rest of the skeleton, not appearing until well after hatching. Osteoderm development is asynchronous across the body, first forming dorsally adjacent to the cervical vertebrae; the majority of successive elements appear in caudal and lateral positions. Exclusive of osteoderms, the dermal skeleton initiates osteogenesis via intramembranous ossification. Following the establishment of skeletal condensations, some preossified spicules become engorged with many closely packed clusters of chondrocyte‐like cells in a bone‐like matrix. This combination of features is characteristic of chondroid bone, a tissue otherwise unreported among nonavian reptiles. No secondary cartilage was identified in any of the specimens examined. With continued growth, dermal bone (including chondroid bone) and osteoid are resorbed by multinucleated osteoclasts. However, there is no evidence that these cells contribute to the rugose pattern of bony ornamentation characteristic of the crocodylian dermatocranium. Instead, ornamentation develops as a result of localized concentrations of bone deposited by osteoblasts. Osteoderms develop in the absence of osteoblastic cells, osteoid, and periosteum; bone develops via the direct transformation of the preexisting dense irregular connective tissue. This mode of bone formation is identified as metaplasia. Importantly, it is also demonstrated that osteoderms are not histologically uniform but involve a range of tissues including calcified and uncalcified dense irregular connective tissue. Between taxa, not all osteoderms develop by homologous processes. However, it is concluded that all osteoderms may share a deep homology, connected by the structural and skeletogenic properties of the dermis. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microvascular anastomosis using a photochemical tissue bonding technique
Authors: O'Neill Anne C. , Winograd Jonathan M. , Zeballos José L. , Johnson T. Shane , Randolph Mark A. , Bujold Kenneth E. , Kochevar Irene E. , Redmond Robert W.
Published: October 2007

Background and Objectives

Photochemical tissue bonding (PTB) combines photoactive dyes with visible light to create fluid‐tight seals between tissue surfaces without causing collateral thermal damage. The potential of PTB to improve outcomes over standard of care microsurgical reanastomoses of blood vessels in ex vivo and in vivo models was evaluated.

Study Design

The mechanical strength and integrity of PTB and standard microsurgical suture repairs in ex vivo porcine brachial arteries (n = 10) were compared using hydrostatic testing of leak point pressure (LPP). Femoral artery repair in vivo was measured in Sprague–Dawley rats using either standard microvascular sutures (n = 20) or PTB (n = 20). Patency was evaluated at 6 hours (n = 10) and 8 weeks post‐repair (n = 10) for each group.

Results

PTB produced significantly higher LPPs (1,100± 150 mmHg) than suture repair (350±40 mmHg, P<0.001) in an ex vivo study. In an in vivo study all femoral arteries in both suture and PTB repair groups were patent at 6 hours post‐repair. At 8 weeks post‐repair the patency rate was 80% for both groups. No evidence of aneurysm formation was seen in either group and bleeding was absent from the repair site in the PTB‐treated vessels, in contrast to the suture repair group.

Conclusion

PTB is a feasible microvascular repair technique that results in an immediate, mechanically robust bond with short‐ and long‐term patency rates equal to those for standard suture repair. Lesers Surg. Med. 39:716–722, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Using optical coherence tomography to evaluate skin sun damage and precancer
Authors: Korde Vrushali R. , Bonnema Garret T. , Xu Wei , Krishnamurthy Chetankumar , Ranger‐Moore James , Saboda Kathylynn , Slayton Lisa D. , Salasche Stuart J. , Warneke James A. , Alberts David S. , Barton Jennifer K.
Published: October 2007

Background and Objectives

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a depth resolved imaging modality that may aid in identifying sun damaged skin and the precancerous condition actinic keratosis (AK).

Study Design/Materials and Methods

OCT images were acquired of 112 patients at 2 sun protected and 2 sun exposed sites, with a subsequent biopsy. Each site received a dermatological evaluation, a histological diagnosis, and a solar elastosis (SE) score. OCT images were examined visually and statistically analyzed.

Results

Characteristic OCT image features were identified of sun protected, undiseased, sun damaged, and AK skin. A statistically significant difference (P<0.0001) between the average attenuation values of skin with minimal and severe solar elastosis was observed. Significant differences (P<0.0001) were also found between undiseased skin and AK using a gradient analysis. Using image features, AK could be distinguished from undiseased skin with 86% sensitivity and 83% specificity.

Conclusion

OCT has the potential to guide biopsies and provide non‐invasive measures of skin sun damage and disease state, possibly increasing efficiency of chemopreventive agent trials. Lesers Surg. Med. 39:687–695, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Radiotherapy to the salivary glands as treatment of sialorrhea in patients with parkinsonism
Authors: Postma Anna‐Gerlind , Heesters Mart , van Laar Teus
Published: October 2007

This study investigated retrospectively the long‐term efficacy and safety of radiotherapy (RT) to the major salivary glands as treatment of sialorrhea in patients with parkinsonism. Twenty‐eight patients received a bilateral dose of 12 Gy to the parotid and part of the submandibular glands between 2001 and 2006. Severity of sialorrhea and adverse events were assessed at 1 and 6 months post‐RT and finally in the first quarter of 2007. Item 6 of the activities of daily living‐section of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale was used as primary endpoint. Quality of life (QoL) pre‐ and post‐RT was investigated using a shortened Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire‐8. Sialorrhea had improved significantly at 1 month post‐RT and this effect was maintained for at least 1 year. Most frequent adverse events were loss of taste and a dry mouth; however, 75% of these adverse events were transient. QoL had improved significantly on the long term. The clinical global impression scores at the final follow‐up showed that 80% of patients were satisfied. It was concluded that RT is an effective and safe treatment of sialorrhea on the long term in patients with parkinsonism. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Parkinson's disease and aging: Same or different process?
Authors: Hawkes Christopher H.
Published: October 2007

Parkinson's disease (PD), which probably commences in the olfactory bulb and nuclei of IX and X, may represent accelerated normal aging or a disease specific process. The olfactory and motor disorders are associated in PD, so that smell loss should reflect the underlying disease course. Information on age‐associated decline can be obtained by single measurement from cross‐sectional analysis of patients and controls of different ages, because the observed between‐subject picture may reflect a similar within‐subject pattern. University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) scores were examined for aging effects in 263 controls and 266 PD patients. Three models were applied that are (a) simple linear regression and (b) quadratic term in age: (i) assuming two parallel curves and (ii) allowing for two separate curves. Both groups declined with age. All three models were fitted successfully to the cross‐sectional data and none suggested that the lower mean UPSIT score in patients compared to controls was a premature ageing effect. The mean PD‐UPSIT score even at the age of 40, was lower than the control mean at the upper life‐span limit, implied that the decline in olfaction in PD is faster than simple aging. Extrapolation back in time suggested onset before birth, which is unlikely and implies that at some point there is a more rapid decline than observed in this sample. On the basis of olfactory measurement, our data are consistent with the proposal that PD starts as an acute event, followed by further disease progression more rapid than simple aging. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Strip and gap plasmon polariton optical resonators
Authors: Søndergaard T. , Bozhevolnyi S. I.
Published: October 2007

A rectangular silver strip and two strips separated by a narrow gap are considered as optical resonators. A surface integral equation method is used to study theoretically their scattering cross section and local enhancement of the electric field relative to the incident wave. Peaks in the scattering spectra are shown to be related to the excitation of standing waves caused by forward and backward travelling slow plasmon polaritons (PPs) in the silver strip or in the gap between two strips. This is shown via analysis of the electric near‐field inside and outside the strips, and by showing that an increase of the length of strips equal to half the slow PP wavelength re‐ sults in a scattering resonance at app. the same wavelength. We study the broadening of resonances with strip thickness or gap size, respectively, for the two types of resonators. For field enhancement purposes we consider taking advantage of the fact that the electric field component of slow PPs along the axis of PP propagation is dominating inside the metal strips. Due to this fact and the electromagnetics boundary conditions forcing the surface normal electric field component to jump across the silver‐air interface a small (5 nm) gap introduced in one of the strips leads to a factor ∼25 enhancement of the field magnitude. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Low energy quasiparticle dispersion of graphite by angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Grüneis A. , Pichler T. , Shiozawa H. , Attaccalite C. , Wirtz L. , Molodtsov S. L. , Follath R. , Weber R. , Rubio A.
Published: October 2007

The low energy electron dispersion in graphite is measured by angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The measured photoemission intensity maxima are compared to a tight‐binding calculation of the electronic band structure. We observe a strong trigonal warping of the equi‐energy contour which is well reproduced by the calculations. Furthermore we clearly show that the concept of Dirac Fermions breaks down for AB stacked graphite. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical properties of silver nanoparticles
Authors: González A. L. , Noguez Cecilia
Published: October 2007

The optical response of embedded silver nanoparticles in terms of their morphology and dielectric environment is studied. Employing a discrete dipole approximation, the extinction efficiencies are calculated for nanoparticles of different shapes and in diverse ambient conditions. A clear dependence of the number, width and position of the surface plasmon resonances (SPRs) is identified for various nanoparticle shapes. For faceted particles, it is found that as the truncation of sides increases, the main resonance is always blue shifted, the SPRs at smaller wavelength are closer to the dominant mode, so, they overlap, and the width of the main resonance increases. The SPRs vanish as the number of faces increases, or when the symmetry of the NP becomes larger. As the vertices become sharper, the number of resonances increases significantly. By changing the refraction index of the environment, the number of SPRs is not affected, although their width and position are modified, so that, for larger the refraction indeces the resonances are red shifted. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mechanical and tribological characterization of CNx films deposited by d.c. magnetron sputtering
Authors: Ipaz L. , Yate L. , Polcar T. , Camps E. , Escobar‐Alarcon L. , Zambrano G. , Prieto P.
Published: October 2007

Carbon nitride (CNx) thin films were deposited onto silicon and steel substrates at 400 °C from a carbon target by d.c. magnetron sputtering system. The composition, structural, and mechanical properties of deposited films were investigated as a function of argon/nitrogen concentration and sputtering power, by means of Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy (RS), and nanoindentation. The EDS and Elastic Forward Analisys Analysis (EFA) showed that the nitrogen concentration in the CNx deposited films varied between 16% and 28% at depending on nitrogen concentrations in argon/nitrogen gas mixture, and deposition power. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of 2266 and 2278 cm–1 stretching peaks associated with CN triple bonds of nitriles and isocyanides, 1640 cm–1 and 1545 cm–1 associated with the C=C and C=N bonds. The thickness of the CNx deposited films varied between 0.4 and 0.8 µm at different sputtering powers. The hardness and Young's modulus were investigated by depth sensing nanoindentation method. The obtained hardness and Young's modulus increased from 4 to 17 GPa, and from 50 to 170 GPa, respectively; when the nitrogen content in the deposited films diminished between 28 and 12%. On the other hand, the friction and wear tests were done using a pin‐on‐disc tribometer. The friction tests showed values of 0.05 and 0.4 in dry air and humid atmosphere; respectively. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nanostructured multilayers of TiN/ZrN obtained by magnetron sputtering
Authors: Caicedo A. J. C. , Bejarano G. G. , Gomez M. E. , Prieto P. , Cortéz C. , Muñoz J.
Published: October 2007

In order to find an industrial application for thin films of TiN and ZrN monolayers, as well as TiN/ZrN multilayers were deposited onto silicon (100) and AISI 5160 steel substrates by r.f. (13.56 MHz) multi‐target magnetron sputtering from high‐purity (99.5%) Ti and (99.5%) Zr targets in an Ar (93%)/N2 (7%) gas mixture. For their deposition, we applied a substrate bias voltage of ‐100 V and a target power of 350 W. The films were deposited at a pressure of 6x10–3 mbar and a temperature of 250 °C. The structure, composition, morphology, and topography were characterized by, XRD, FTIR, SEM, AFM, and optical microscopy. Mechanical properties like hardness and elastic modulus were determined by Nanoindentation. Hardness and elastic modulus of the films increased proportionally to the number of bilayers. Finally, cutting tools were coated with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 bilayers of TiN/ZrN. Cutting tests on paper blades were conducted. Increased cut quality performance was observed for cutting tools coated with 8 bilayers, as compared to uncoated tools. This work opens the possibility to use coated AISI 5160 as cutting tools for the paper industry, reducing the import of expensive high‐quality tool steel. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Incorporation of Li in MoO3 thin films grown by evaporation with a CO2 laser
Authors: Diaz D. , Pardo A. P. , Torres J. , Alfonso J. E. , Moreno L. C.
Published: October 2007

This work describes the lithium incorporation process in thin films of MoO3 prepared by evaporation with a laser of CO2, working in continuous wave mode. Targets prepared from mixtures of MoO3 (99.97%) and Li2CO3 (99.98%) in powder were used in the growth of the films. The targets had Li concentrations of 1%, 2% and 5% (lithium ions/total cations). The samples were characterized through X‐rays diffraction, (XRD) and transmittance in the visible spectrum. The XRD spectra show an evolution in the growth of the films, beginning by an amorphous phase for samples with temperatures lower than 200 °C. From this temperature on a mixture of the α and β phases of LiMoO3 and Li2MoO4 appears, which grow along planes (100), (111) for LiMoO3 and (012) for Li2MoO4. The transmittance spectra showed a shift of the material's energy gap towards long wavelengths as the lithium concentration increases in the sample. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of the confining interaction on mesoscopic superconducting cylinders
Authors: Pasaje A. , Calero J. M. , Granada J. C. , Silva E. Z. da
Published: October 2007

The most important feature of a mesoscopic superconductor is that its shape and size have an important effect on the interplay of the magnetic field and superconducting condensate. Usually this effect is investigated via the Ginzburg‐Landau (GL) equations, solved together with the conventional boundary condition. This condition implies that the normal component of the superconducting current is equal to zero. However, the approach based on the GL functional for the free energy does not include the contribution acquired by the cooper pairs due to the confining interaction. In this work we use a generalized GL theory proposed by Shanenko and Ivanov, including the confining interaction, in order to study the way the terms arising from the confining potential affect the critical behavior in mesoscopic superconducting samples with cylindrical symmetry without an applied magnetic field. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
New polymer electrolyte based on PVAL‐LiOH‐Al2O3‐H2O
Authors: Fernández M. E. , Diosa J. E. , Vargas R. A. , de los. S. Guerra J. , Villaquiran C. F. , Garcia D. , Eiras J. A.
Published: October 2007

In this work we report the preparation of membranes based on poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVAL), lithium hydroxide, alumina, and water with different alumina concentrations. The samples were characterized by impedance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry, and x‐ray diffraction. The DSC thermograms show three anomalies after the first thermal treatment, the first one as a downward jump at around 20 °C, associated to the glass transition of the polymer, the second one as an endothermic peak around 210 °C associated to the polymer melting point, and the third one as an endothermic peak around 235 °C associated to the decomposition process. The results show that the glass transition temperature is strongly sensitive to the alumina content. Impedance results show a dielectric relaxation that disappears with increasing alumina concentration. The X‐ray diffraction shows that the amorphous part of the composite increases as the alumina concentration increases, indicating an approximation effect of the dispersed ceramic nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. These results can be interpreted by considering the Hodge et al. criterion, which establishes a correlation between the height of this peak an the degree of crystallinity of PVAL. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Interplay of the Rashba and Dresselhaus spin‐orbit coupling in the optical spin susceptibility of 2D electron systems
Authors: López‐Bastidas Catalina , Maytorena Jesús A. , Mireles Francisco
Published: October 2007

We present calculations of the frequency‐dependent spin susceptibility tensor of a two‐dimensional electron gas with competing Rashba and Dresselhaus spin‐orbit interaction. It is shown that the interplay between both types of spin‐orbit coupling gives rise to an anisotropic spectral behavior of the spin density response function which is significantly different from that of vanishing Rashba or Dresselhaus case. Strong resonances are developed in the spin susceptibility as a consequence of the angular anisotropy of the energy spin‐splitting. This characteristic optical modulable response may be useful to experimentally probe spin accumulation and spin density currents in such systems. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preface: phys. stat. sol. (c) 4/11
Authors: Prieto Pedro , Ulloa Sergio
Published: October 2007

The Inter American Materials Cooperation (CIAM) Workshop “Trends on Novel Materials” provided a setting for interdisciplinary scientific exchange to gather knowledge on new tendencies on materials research. The Workshop gathered a number of the region's top scientists to reveal the most up‐to‐date development and applications of novel materials. It was an appropriate venue for science and engineering students and researchers to develop working relationships to broaden research activities. The event's poster sessions offered an opportunity to interact with young researchers who shared their investigative experiences.

Materials research and their processes will greatly improve our quality of life through efficient and environmentally friendly energy production systems. Materials research will bring about great and reliable changes in IT systems, transportation infrastructure, industrial tools, communications, better health care options, and numerous areas in science and technology. Materials research practically encompasses the whole spectrum of scientific and technological knowledge; thus, all initiatives in this direction will translate into increased progress for the benefit of our fragile earth. Our work will, undoubtedly, yield positive socio‐economic impact.

We wish to express our most sincere gratitude to our sponsors, and acknowledge that without their generous support these avenues of exchange would not be possible. The National Science Foundation (NSF), which has always promoted and supported network initiatives in materials science; the Colombian Science and Technology agency (COLCIENCIAS) as part of the Inter American Materials Cooperation (CIAM) effort, the Excellence Center for Novel Materials (CENM), and Universidad del Valle were all instrumental in furthering this workshop to aid in strengthening the region's scientific community.

The Trends on Novel Materials workshop urged us to think, innovate, and apply the knowledge we have gathered and shared through such noteworthy scientific.
Auxiliary functions for molecular integrals with Slater‐type orbitals. II. Gauss transform methods
Authors: Ema I. , López R. , Fernández J. J. , Ramírez G. , Rico J. F.
Published: October 2007

The Gauss transform of Slater‐type orbitals is used to express several types of molecular integrals involving these functions in terms of simple auxiliary functions. After reviewing this transform and the way it can be combined with the shift operator technique, a master formula for overlap integrals is derived and used to obtain multipolar moments associated to fragments of two‐center distributions and overlaps of derivatives of Slater functions. Moreover, it is proved that integrals involving two‐center distributions and irregular harmonics placed at arbitrary points (which determine the electrostatic potential, field and field gradient, as well as higher order derivatives of the potential) can be expressed in terms of auxiliary functions of the same type as those appearing in the overlap. The recurrence relations and series expansions of these functions are thoroughly studied, and algorithms for their calculation are presented. The usefulness and efficiency of this procedure are tested by developing two independent codes: one for the derivatives of the overlap integrals with respect to the centers of the functions, and another for derivatives of the potential (electrostatic field, field gradient, and so forth) at arbitrary points. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Effect of flavour components in lemon essential oil on physical or psychological stress
Authors: Fukumoto Syuichi , Morishita Aya , Furutachi Kohei , Terashima Takehiko , Nakayama Tsutomu , Yokogoshi Hidehiko
Published: October 2007

Citrus essential oils, including lemon essential oil, have long been used widely in aromatherapy and alternative medicine. This study was designed to assess the effects of flavour components in lemon essential oil on physical and psychological stress. In this evaluation, acute cold stress and communication box techniques were used to apply stress after intraperitoneal administration of essential oil components such as limonene, γ‐terpinene and citral. Serum corticosterone and monoamines in brain tissues were then determined. In the present study, it found the presence of perillic acid, a limonene metabolite, at concentrations of 1.5–2.5 μg/mL in serum and 0.4–0.6 μg/g in brain tissue collected 3 h after administration. The research also showed that the lemon components R‐limonene, citral and γ‐terpinene inhibited elevation of serum corticosterone levels and cerebral monoamine levels. S‐limonene, a stereoisomer of R‐limonene, seemed to have stronger effect than other monoterpenes and inhibited brain monoamines elevation on psychological stress. These findings suggest that limonenes, and particularly S‐limonene, have a potent stress‐alleviating effect, and the possibility that different stereoisomers of limonene have different levels of activity in their effect on stress responses. These results suggest a possibility that ingestion of lemon essential oil containing components such as limonene and citral alleviates both physical and psychological stress. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceived psychosocial stress and cardiovascular risk: observations among the Bhutias of Sikkim, India
Authors: Sarkar Sobhanjan , Mukhopadhyay Barun
Published: October 2007

Psychosocial factors (including psychosocial stress) are documented to be related to morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and their risk factors. The present study examines whether perceived psychosocial stress affects blood pressures, blood lipids and obesity among the Bhutias, a tribal population of Sikkim. A total of 428 Bhutias of both sexes aged 20 years and above inhabiting both urban and rural areas participated after providing informed consent. Data on blood pressures, blood lipids, anthropometrics and a variety of lifestyle‐related factors including perceived stress level were collected following standard methods. The results clearly indicate that perceived stress significantly affects more than one CVD risk factor selected for study both in males and females. Perceived stress significantly affects diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol (TC) and ratio of TC and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in males, while in females, although significant effect of stress does not exist on blood pressures, significant effects of stress are discernible on Low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, TC/HDL as well as adiposity/obesity measures such as body mass index, waist circumference and waist–hip ratio. Perceived stress remains an independent factor affecting CVD risk factors even after controlling other significant lifestyle‐related predictors. Again, hypertension, both systolic and diastolic, overweight and obesity, have also been significantly affected by perceived stress. It appears that contribution of psychosocial stress in addition to other lifestyle‐related factors remains substantial among a tribal population inhabiting the eastern Himalaya and experiencing rapid socio‐cultural changes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The regulation of affect, anxiety, and stressful arousal from adopting mastery‐avoidance goal orientations
Authors: Sideridis Georgios D.
Published: October 2007

Achievement goal theory has proved to be very influential in our understanding of student's regulation of academic and non‐academic behaviours. Recently, Elliot and McGregor proposed mastery‐avoidance goals in the trichotomous model of achievement motivation. The purpose of the present studies was to examine the regulation of mastery‐avoidance goals with regard to persistence, affect and arousal. In Study 1, 96 college students' regulation of their own behaviour was assessed during a stressful exam. Results showed that mastery‐avoidance goals were associated with significantly elevated cognitive anxiety, negative affect and fear of failure. Study 2 attempted to replicate and extend the findings of Study 1 by examining the regulation of affect and arousal using self‐report and physiological assessments, during stressful in‐class presentations (n = 70). Results indicated that negative affect was significantly predicted by adoption of mastery‐avoidance goals. Modelling the effects using Multilevel Random Coefficient Modelling showed that students espousing mastery‐avoidance goals were significantly more aroused, compared to students who adopted any other type of goal orientation, at both the intercept level and the slope (linear or quadratic). It is concluded that mastery‐avoidance goals have deleterious effects on student's regulation of their emotional experience in stressful achievement situations and should be avoided by all means. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stress, inflammatory markers and factors associated in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Aguilar‐Zavala Herlinda , Garay‐Sevilla Ma. Eugenia , Malacara Juan Manuel , Pérez‐Luque Elva Leticia
Published: October 2007

Stress is evaluated using tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), Heat Shock Protein 60 (Hsp60) and other markers in chronic diseases.

We examined the association of Hsp60, cortisol, TNF‐α and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) serum levels with psychological and socio‐economic factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM‐2).

We studied 151 DM‐2 patients in groups with <1 year and >5 years since diagnosis. Clinical data, family income and questionnaires of anxiety, depression, perceived stress, social support, glucose, glycated haemoglobin, lipids, Hsp60, cortisol, IL‐6 and TNF‐α were collected.

Patients with >5 years since diagnosis of DM‐2 had lower body mass index (p < 0.016), higher glucose (p < 0.005) and HbA1c (p < 0.005) levels. The group of recent diagnosis had higher Hsp60 (p < 0.00003). Hsp60 was associated negatively with years since diagnosis (p < 0.000012), and positively with glucose (p < 0.029). Cortisol was positively associated with glucose levels (p < 0.019) and family income (p < 0.037). TNF‐α was associated with years since diagnosis (p < 0.004) and perceived stress (p < 0.018).

At early stages of DM‐2, Hsp60 increases with glucose levels, cortisol is associated with glucose levels. At later stages TNF‐α increases, associated with perceived stress. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of Molecular Nanotemplates in Self‐Assembled Monolayers by Extreme‐Ultraviolet‐Induced Chemical Lithography
Authors: Turchanin Andrey , Schnietz Mark , El‐Desawy Mohamed , Solak Harun H. , David Christian , Gölzhäuser Armin
Published: October 2007

Extreme‐UV interference lithography (EUV‐IL) is applied to create chemical nanopatterns in self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of 4′‐nitro‐1,1′‐biphenyl‐4‐thiol (NBPT) on gold. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that EUV irradiation induces both the conversion of the terminal nitro groups of NBPT into amino groups and the lateral crosslinking of the underlying aromatic cores. Large‐area (≈2 mm2) nitro/amino chemical patterns with periods ranging from 2000 nm to 60 nm can be generated. Regions of pristine NBPT on the exposed samples are exchanged with protein‐resistant thiol SAMs of polyethyleneglycol, resulting in the formation of molecular nanotemplates, which can serve as the basis of complex biomimetic surfaces.
Test–retest variability and reliability of 123I‐IBZM SPECT measurement of striatal dopamine D2 receptor availability in healthy volunteers and influence of iterative reconstruction algorithms
Authors: Catafau Ana M. , Bullich Santiago , Danús Mónica , Penengo María M. , Cot Albert , Abanades Sergio , Farré Magí , Pavía Javier , Ros Domènec
Published: October 2007

Objective: 123I‐IBZM single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a widely used method to measure D2 receptor availability. However, test–retest variability and reliability have not been reported yet. This study aimed to further characterize 123I‐IBZM SPECT in healthy volunteers (HVs), by assessing (1) pseudoequilibrium interval after bolus injection; (2) normal specific uptake ratio (SUR) values using filtered‐backprojection (FBP); and the iterative reconstruction algorithm ordered‐subsets expectation maximization (OSEM); (3) test–retest variability and reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient); and (4) influence of OSEM on test–retest variability and reliability. Methods: Ten HVs (Group A) were scanned twice 48 h apart for test–retest variability and reliability measurements, and n = 4 of them were sequentially scanned over time. Eighteen HVs (Group B) were scanned once at pseudoequilibrium. For reconstruction FBP was used. Test–retest scans were reconstructed in addition using OSEM. SPECT‐MRI coregistration was used for region of interest drawing. Results: Pseudoequilibrium was achieved at 90 min postinjection (p.i.) and maintained until the end of the SPECT session (n = 4), and mean SUR at this time point was 0.96 ± 0.14 (Groups A + B, n = 28). Mean SUR at test was 0.96 ± 0.19 and at retest 0.94 ± 0.19 (Group A, n = 10). Using FBP, test–retest variability was (12.7 ± 9.6)% and reliability was 0.74. Using OSEM with 18 equivalent iterations, test–retest variability and reliability were improved to (6.5 ± 5.2)% and 0.84, respectively. Conclusions: 123I‐IBZM SPECT imaging using the bolus injection and a single scan at 90 min p.i. is a reproducible method showing acceptable test–retest variability and reliability. Test–retest variability and reliability can be substantially improved using OSEM with 12–36 equivalent iterations. Synapse 62:62–69, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Large cross‐sectional area of the umbilical cord as a predictor of fetal macrosomia
Authors: Cromi A. , Ghezzi F. , Di Naro E. , Siesto G. , Bergamini V. , Raio L.
Published: October 2007

Objective

To determine whether a large cross‐sectional area of the umbilical cord is a predictor of fetal macrosomia.

Methods

Consecutive patients of > 34 weeks' gestation, who presented for sonographic examination and who delivered within 4 weeks of the examination, were included in the study. The sonographic cross‐sectional areas of the umbilical cord, the umbilical vessels and the Wharton's jelly were measured in a free loop of the umbilical cord. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine significant predictors of macrosomia (actual birth weight > 4000 g and > 4500 g). Fetal biometric parameters (biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference and femur length), sonographic estimated fetal weight and umbilical cord area > 95th centile for gestational age were used as covariates.

Results

During the study period, 1026 patients were enrolled. Fifty‐three (5.2%) newborns had a birth weight > 4000 g, and 22 (2.1%) weighed > 4500 g. The proportion of cases with a large umbilical cord was significantly higher in the group of macrosomic compared with non‐macrosomic infants (54.7% vs. 8.7%, P < 0.0001). Multiple regression models demonstrated an independent contribution of the large cord in the prediction of birth weight > 4000 g and > 4500 g (odds ratio (95% CI), 20.6 (9.2–45.9) and 4.2 (1.2–17.7), respectively). The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of a sonographic large umbilical cord were 54.7%, 91.3%, 25.4%, and 97.4%, respectively. The combination of abdominal circumference > 95th centile and large cord predicted 100% of macrosomic infants. The proportion of umbilical cords with a Wharton's jelly area > 95th centile for gestation was significantly higher in macrosomic fetuses of diabetic compared with non‐diabetic mothers.

Conclusions

Sonographic assessment of umbilical cord area may improve the prediction of fetal macrosomia. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Family caregiver's experiences in caring for a patient with terminal cancer at home in Japan
Authors: Sano Tomomi , Maeyama Etsuko , Kawa Masako , Shirai Yuki , Miyashita Mitsunori , Kazuma Keiko , Okabe Takeshi
Published: October 2007

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to clarify the care experience of primary caregivers when caring for a terminal cancer patient in the home with the assistance of a home palliative care service. Participants were asked to provide background data and to evaluate their experience of caregiving and of the patient's response throughout the period of home palliative care, up to the time of death.

Methods:

One hundred twelve primary family caregivers were a mailed self-report questionnaire, and 74 valid questionnaires were returned (response rate 66%).

Results:

Ninety percent felt that the patient's condition of mind and body was reasonably stable, and 75% felt that the death was peaceful. About 90% reported a deepening of their bond with the patient and that the bond of other family members deepened also. Sixty percent reported that the burden of caregiving was not too great or not felt at all. Approximately 90% judged that the patient retained his or her own personal qualities to the end. Ninety percent also felt that they had done their best in their caregiving and judged that home care had been beneficial for the deceased, for the primary caregiver him/herself, and for other family members. These primary caregivers' evaluations of caring for a terminally ill patient at home in conjunction with a home palliative care service were both high and positive.

Significance of results:

Our findings suggest that it is important to maintain the patient's personal qualities up to the time of death through appropriate symptom management, to respect the family bond of the household, and to provide professional support in order to reduce the load on the family. If appropriate care is provided, peaceful home death will be possible, resulting in significant benefits for patients and their families in Japan.
Determinants of trust in the patient–oncologist relationship
Authors: Seetharamu Nagashree , Iqbal Uzma , Weiner Joseph S.
Published: October 2007

Objective:

The relationship between the patient and physician is at the heart of good medical care, and trust is an essential component of this relationship. To enable the oncologist to better form a trusting relationship with the patient, this article describes four factors that influence patient trust.

Methods:

Thematic literature review and a clinical vignette.

Results:

The authors discuss four factors that influence patient trust. These factors are whether and how the oncologist (1) minimizes the potential for shame and humiliation during the medical encounter, (2) manages the power imbalance between doctor and patient without abuse or misuse, (3) demonstrates to the patient an appreciation of how he or she is suffering from experience of cancer, and (4) demonstrates to the patient how he or she is suffering from the treatment provided by the oncologist. The authors illustrate these factors with a clinical vignette.

Significance of results:

The cancer patient is best cared for by an oncologist who can not only understand disease and treat medical problems, but also accompany the patient through the illness experience. This requires an appreciation of the challenges to trust that are inherent in the special characteristics of the patient–physician interaction.
Separation of Murine Neutrophils and Macrophages by Thermoresponsive Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Hoshino Akiyoshi , Ohnishi Noriyuki , Yasuhara Masato , Yamamoto Kenji , Kondo Akihiko
Published: October 2007

Magnetic particles have been used widely in both biotechnological and medical fields, including for immunoassay, enzyme immobilization, drug transport, and immunological diagnosis. Especially particles with bioactive molecules such as antibodies and streptavidin are very useful tools for cell separation. Here we report affinity selection of neutrophils and macrophages from peritoneal inflammatory cells performed by thermoresponsive magnetic nanoparticles conjugated with macrophage‐specific anti‐F4/80 antibody. The magnetic nanoparticles, which are capped with thermoresponsive polymers, are aggregated by heating the particles over 30 °C and show their intrinsic magnetism. The neutrophils are concentrated approximately 90% by these magnetic nanoparticles without any activation, indicating that this novel cell separation method could fulfill a wide range of applications in analysis of the isolation of fragile cells such as neutrophils.