bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asp Viper (Vipera aspis) Envenomation: Experience of the Marseille Poison Centre from 1996 to 2008
Authors: De Haro Luc , Glaizal Mathieu , Tichadou Lucia , Blanc-Brisset Ingrid , Hayek-Lanthois Maryvonne
Published: November 2009

A retrospective case review study of viper envenomations collected by the Marseille’s Poison Centre between 1996 and 2008 was performed. Results: 174 cases were studied (52 grade 1 = G1, 90 G2 and 32 G3). G1 patients received symptomatic treatments (average hospital stay 0.96 day). One hundred and six (106) of the G2/G3 patients were treated with the antivenom Viperfav* (2.1+/-0.9 days in hospital), while 15 of them received symptomatic treatments only (plus one immediate death) (8.1+/-4 days in hospital, 2 of them died). The hospital stay was significantly reduced in the antivenom treated group (p < 0.001), and none of the 106 antivenom treated patients had immediate (anaphylaxis) or delayed (serum sickness) allergic reactions. Conclusion: Viperfav* antivenom was safe and effective for treating asp viper venom-induced toxicity.
CyanoHAB Occurrence and Water Irrigation Cyanotoxin Contamination: Ecological Impacts and Potential Health Risks
Authors: Saqrane Sana , Oudra Brahim
Published: November 2009

The world-wide occurrence of harmful cyanobacteria blooms “CyanoHAB” in fresh and brackish waters creates problems for all life forms. During CyanoHAB events, toxic cyanobacteria produce cyanotoxins at high levels that can cause chronic and sub-chronic toxicities to animals, plants and humans. Cyanotoxicity in eukaryotes has been mainly focused on animals, but during these last years, data, related to cyanotoxin (mainly microcystins, MCs) impact on both aquatic and terrestrials crop plants irrigated by water containing these toxins, have become more and more available. This last cited fact is gaining importance since plants could in a direct or indirect manner contribute to cyanotoxin transfer through the food chain, and thus constitute a potent health risk source. The use of this contaminated irrigation water can also have an economical impact which appears by a reduction of the germination rate of seeds, and alteration of the quality and the productivity of crop plants. The main objective of this work was to discuss the eventual phytotoxicity of cyanotoxins (microcystins) as the major agricultural impacts induced by the use of contaminated water for plant irrigation. These investigations confirm the harmful effects (ecological, eco-physiological, socio-economical and sanitary risk) of dissolved MCs on agricultural plants. Thus, cyanotoxin phytotoxicity strongly suggests a need for the surveillance of CyanoHAB and the monitoring of water irrigation quality as well as for drinking water.
Rotavirus Antagonism of the Innate Immune Response
Authors: Arnold Michelle  M. , Patton John  T.
Published: November 2009

Rotavirus is a primary cause of severe dehydrating gastroenteritis in infants and young children. The virus is sensitive to the antiviral effects triggered by the interferon (IFN)-signaling pathway, an important component of the host cell innate immune response. To counteract these effects, rotavirus encodes a nonstructural protein (NSP1) that induces the degradation of proteins involved in regulating IFN expression, such as members of the IFN regulatory factor (IRF) family. In some instances, NSP1 also subverts IFN expression by causing the degradation of a component of the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex responsible for activating NF-κB. By antagonizing multiple components of the IFN-induction pathway, NSP1 aids viral spread and contributes to rotavirus pathogenesis.
Diastereoselective functionalisation of benzo-annulated bicyclic sultams: Application for the synthesis of cis-2,4-diarylpyrrolidines
Authors: Kelleher Susan , Quesne Pierre-Yves , Evans Paul
Published: November 2009

The cis-dibromination of unsaturated bicyclic bridgehead sultams 5a and 5b, and experiments designed to understand the cis-stereochemical outcome of these reactions, are described. In the case of 5b, a novel solvent dependent carbocation rearrangement occurs with the formation of 18b. cis-Dibromides 13a and 13b undergo regioselective dehydrobromination, and the participation of the resultant vinyl bromide 24a in lithiation and Pd-coupling chemistry is described. In the case of the latter, hydrogenation of the styryl products afforded a single diastereoisomer. These compounds were then studied under dissolved metal reduction conditions, in which the cleavage of both N–S and C–S bonds takes place to afford cis-2,4-diaryl-substituted pyrrolidines 35–37.
Recent Advances in Research on Carbon Nanotube–Polymer Composites
Authors: Byrne Michele T. , Gun'ko Yurii K.
Published: November 2009

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) demonstrate remarkable electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, which allow a number of exciting potential applications. In this article, we review the most recent progress in research on the development of CNT–polymer composites, with particular attention to their mechanical and electrical (conductive) properties. Various functionalization and fabrication approaches and their role in the preparation of CNT–polymer composites with improved mechanical and electrical properties are discussed. We tabulate the most recent values of Young's modulus and electrical conductivities for various CNT–polymer composites and compare the effectiveness of different processing techniques. Finally, we give a future outlook for the development of CNT–polymer composites as potential alternative materials for various applications, including flexible electrodes in displays, electronic paper, antistatic coatings, bullet‐proof vests, protective clothing, and high‐performance composites for aircraft and automotive industries.
All‐Carbon Scaffolds by Rational Design
Authors: Diederich François , Kivala Milan
Published: November 2009

The search for new molecular and regular polymeric allotropes of carbon has greatly stimulated the preparation and investigation of π‐conjugated acetylenic macrocycles, which often represent substructures of proposed 2D carbon networks. Perethynylated dehydroannulenes, expanded radialenes, and radiaannulenes with large, multi‐nanometer‐sized all‐carbon cores are potent electron acceptors, and their optoelectronic as well as stability and solubility properties are greatly enhanced by peripheral donor substitution. Acetylenic scaffolding into three dimensions has generated an expanded cubane with a C56 core, the first representative of a new class of “platonic” objects. Exceptional chiroptical properties displayed by enantiomerically pure alleno‐acetylenic, shape‐persistent macrocycles promise fascinating perspectives for the development of molecular and supramolecular chiroptical materials.
Endo‐ and exo‐inulinases: Enzyme‐substrate interaction and rational immobilization
Authors: Basso Alessandra , Spizzo Patrizia , Ferrario Valerio , Knapic Lorena , Savko Nina , Braiuca Paolo , Ebert Cynthia , Ricca Emanuele , Calabrò Vincenza , Gardossi Lucia
Published: November 2009

Three‐dimensional models of exoinulinase from Bacillus stearothermophilus and endoinulinase from Aspergillus niger were built up by means of homology modeling. The crystal structure of exoinulinase from Aspergillus awamori was used as a template, which is the sole structure of inulinase resolved so far. Docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the differences between the two inulinases in terms of substrate selectivity. The analysis of the structural differences between the two inulinases provided the basis for the explanation of their different regio‐selectivity and for the understanding of enzyme‐substrate interactions. Surface analysis was performed to point out structural features that can affect the efficiency of enzymes also after immobilization. The computational analysis of the three‐dimensional models proved to be an effective tool for acquiring information and allowed to formulate an optimal immobilized biocatalyst even more active that the native one, thus enabling the full exploitation of the catalytic potential of these enzymes. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Separation of astaxanthin from cells of Phaffia rhodozyma using colloidal gas aphrons in a flotation column
Authors: Dermiki Maria , Bourquin Anne Lise , Jauregi Paula
Published: November 2009

The aim of this study is to investigate the separation of astaxanthin from the cells of Phaffia rhodozyma using colloidal gas aphrons (CGA), which are surfactant stabilized microbubbles, in a flotation column. It was reported in previous studies that optimum recoveries are achieved at conditions that favor electrostatic interactions. Therefore, in this study, CGA generated from the cationic surfactant hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) were applied to suspensions of cells pretreated with NaOH. The different operation modes (batch or continuous) and the effect of volumetric ratio of CGA to feed, initial concentration of feed, operating height, and flow rate of CGA on the separation of astaxanthin were investigated. The volumetric ratio was found to have a significant effect on the separation of astaxanthin for both batch and continuous experiments. Additionally, the effect of homogenization of the cells on the purity of the recovered fractions was investigated, showing that the homogenization resulted in increased purity. Moreover, different concentrations of surfactant were used for the generation of CGA for the recovery of astaxanthin on batch mode; it was found that recoveries up to 98% could be achieved using CGA generated from a CTAB solution 0.8 mM, which is below the CTAB critical micellar concentration (CMC). These results offer important information for the scale‐up of the separation of astaxanthin from the cells of P. rhodozyma using CGA. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Population estimation of human embryonic stem cell cultures
Authors: Thurnherr Thomas , Choo Andre , Reading Ivan , Oh Steve K. W.
Published: November 2009

Traditionally, the population of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) culture is estimated through haemacytometer counts, which include harvesting the cells and manually analyzing a fraction of an entire population. Obviously, through this highly invasive method, it is not possible to preserve any spatial information on the cell population. The goal of this study is to identify a fast and consistent method for in situ automated hESC population estimation to quantitatively estimate the cell growth. Therefore, cell cultures were fixed, stained, and their nuclei imaged through high‐resolution microscopy, and the images were processed with different image analysis techniques. The proposed method first identifies signal and background by computing an image specific threshold for image segmentation. By applying a morphological operator (watershed), we split most physically overlapping nuclei, leading to a pixel area distribution of isolated signal areas on the image. On the basis of this distribution, we derive a nucleus area model, describing the distribution of the area of cell debris, single nuclei, and small groups of connected nuclei. Through the model, we can give a quantitative estimation of the population. The focus of this study is on low‐density human embryonic stem cell populations; hence cultures were measured at days 2–3 after seeding. Compared with manual cell counts, the automatic method achieved higher accuracy with <6% error. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Making anatomic terminology of the prostate and contiguous structures clinically useful: Historical review and suggestions for revision in the 21st Century
Authors: Myers Robert P. , Cheville John C. , Pawlina Wojciech
Published: November 2009

Herein we review nomenclature of the prostate and contiguous structures in each of the 10 official publications from the 1895 [Basel] Nomina Anatomica to the 1998 Terminologia Anatomica. We then compare existing clinical terminology with official terminology endorsed by anatomists over the years with a goal to modernize official terminology. Problematic terms, namely, lobes and lobuli, fascia versus capsule, Denonvilliers' fascia, and transition versus periurethral zone, are addressed. The idea of recognizing prostate arteries, veins, nerves, and neurovascular bundles is introduced. Prostatic and membranous urethras and the closely related external urethral sphincter are covered. We believe urogenital hiatus should also be called anterior levator hiatus. Trapezoid zone should be discarded in future editions of nomenclature. Our recommended changes are supported by a series of pertinent photographs of gross and whole mount histologic specimens and magnetic resonance images. Finally, we provide a new table of terms for the prostate with recommended amendments and deletions to existing official nomenclature as contained in the 1998 Terminologia Anatomica. Clin. Anat. 23:18–29, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
John Browne (1642–1702): Anatomist and plagiarist
Authors: Loukas Marios , Akiyama Matthew , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Yalçin Bulent , Tubbs R. Shane , Cohen‐Gadol Aaron A.
Published: November 2009

In contrast to many other physicians of his age, John Browne (1642–1702), an English anatomist and surgeon, managed to strike a balance in his career that spanned relative obscurity, prestige, and notoriety. Among his more prestigious credits, Browne was Surgeon in Ordinary to King Charles II and William III. He also had numerous publications to his name, some of which are credited as great innovations. His career, however, was tempered by his most important book, which has been critiqued by his contemporaries as well as modern historians as plagiarism. Although Browne undeniably copied the works of others and published them under his name, he was not alone in this practice. Various forms of intellectual thievery were common in Browne's day, and there were many perpetrators. The life of this overlooked figure in the history of anatomy and the stigma attached to him will be examined. Clin. Anat. 23:1–7, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Medical students' approaches to learning anatomy: Students' experiences and relations to the learning environment
Authors: Smith Claire F. , Mathias Haydn S.
Published: November 2009

To examine students' perceptions and experiences of learning anatomy, an on‐line Likert‐style questionnaire was administered during 2006 to students reading a Bachelor of Medicine 4‐ and 5‐year program (n = 256, 23.8%). Statistical analysis found that students predominantly felt that understanding anatomy and working with human cadaveric material were very important in becoming a doctor. Students reported that working on cadaveric specimens was an effective way of learning anatomy, and also found the amount of anatomy they needed to learn to be daunting. Student responses were correlated with their approaches to learning [Approaches to Studying Inventory for Students (ASSIST)] scores using a Kruskal Wallis test. Significant relationships between the approach to learning anatomy adopted and students' perception and experience of anatomy were found. A deep approach to learning anatomy correlated with students who reported that the most effective way of learning anatomy in the dissecting room was to get their hands in and feel for structures, who used anatomical terms and language at clinical opportunities, and who frequently used their anatomy‐radiology knowledge in clinical situations. A surface approach to learning anatomy was associated with elements, such as students finding anatomy learning daunting and not seeing the point to it. The outcomes provide clear associations between students' perception of the anatomy learning environment, the approach to learning adopted, and the anatomy activities in which students engage. The findings highlight that understanding and applying anatomical knowledge are best accomplished by the adoption of a deep approach to learning. Clin. Anat. 23:101–103, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of mechanical left ventricular unloading by impella on left ventricular dynamics in high‐risk and primary percutaneous coronary intervention patients
Authors: Remmelink Maurice , Sjauw Krischan D. , Henriques José P.S. , de Winter Robbert J. , Vis Marije M. , Koch Karel T. , Paulus Walter J. , de Mol Bas A.J.M. , Tijssen Jan G.P. , Piek Jan J. , Baan Jan
Published: November 2009

Objectives: We studied online left ventricular (LV) dynamic effects of mechanical LV unloading directly after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background: Limited clinical information is available on the direct LV dynamic consequences of LV unloading in patients undergoing high‐risk PCI and primary PCI for acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction. Methods: The effects of the Impella LP2.5 device on LV dynamics were studied in 11 patients (elective high‐risk PCI, n = 6; primary PCI, n = 5). LV pressure and volume were continuously assessed by a pressure‐conductance catheter at 4 different support levels of the Impella, from 0 L/min at baseline to 2.5 L/min at maximal support. Results: The response to increased LV unloading was not different between both groups of patients. The pooled data showed no change on global and systolic LV function during increased LV unloading, while diastolic function showed improvement as indicated by an increased LV compliance in all patients. There was a decrease in end‐diastolic pressure from 22 ± 12 to 13 ± 9 mm Hg (P = 0.0001), in end‐diastolic elastance from 0.134 ± 0.060 to 0.091 ± 0.064 mm Hg/mL (P = 0.009), and in end‐diastolic wall stress from 84 ± 50 to 47 ± 39 mm Hg (P = 0.004). Conclusions: LV unloading decreases end‐diastolic wall stress and improves diastolic compliance dose‐dependently. Our results indicate beneficial LV unloading effects of Impella during high‐risk and primary PCI. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficiency of a Gas‐Liquid Contactor for the Oxygenation of Activated Sludge: Assessment of Mass Transfer Coefficient
Authors: Almoustafa F. , Benadda B. , Buffière P.
Published: November 2009

The aim of this work is to investigate a co‐current air‐liquid downward flow bubble column with air entrainment by liquid injection nozzle in order to use it as an aerator in activated sludge treatment plants. The study concerns the determination of mass transfer efficiency by measuring the mass transfer coefficient, kLa, both in clean water and in activated sludge. In clean water, this parameter is determined by three methods, i.e., gassing out method, absorption with chemical reaction and off‐gas method. In activated sludge medium, kLa values are measured by two methods, i.e., sludge reoxygenation and the hydrogen‐peroxide method. The values of kLa obtained in clean water are compared to those obtained in sludge, enabling the assessment of the α factor, i.e., ratio of oxygen transfer coefficient sludge/clean water. The results are in good agreement with those reported previously in the literature.
Mindfulness and the mindful therapist: possible contributions to hypnosis
Authors: Harrer Michael E.
Published: November 2009

Mindfulness, an old Buddhist practice, has gained an importance in psychotherapy such as in Hakomi, cognitive therapy or in ‘Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction’.

Mindfulness is described as being composed of four essential components: (1) attention, concentration, meta‐awareness, (2) the internal observer and disidentification, (3) attention to the present moment and beginner's mind, (4) acceptance, equanimity and nonjudging. Hypnosis and mindfulness relate to each other in a complementary way in many dimensions and create spectrums between: (1) absorption – open awareness, (2) dissociation – disidentification, (3) suggestibility – consensus consciousness – awakening, (4) goal‐ and change‐orientation – exploration – equanimity and acceptance, (5) lack of consciousness – hidden observer – internal observer, (6) regression – progression – experiencing the present moment, (7) top‐down‐interventions – bottom‐up‐interventions, (8) doing‐mode – being‐mode. In hypnosis these full spectrums can be used. Moreover, in the dimension of the therapeutic relationship, a mindful therapist can be beneficial for the therapeutic process, for example to support mindfulness and the internal observer and acceptance in the client and for the creation of corrective experiences. Aspects of interpersonal neurobiology of mindfulness and difficulties in making a comparison between hypnosis and mindfulness at the neurophysiological level are discussed. Copyright © 2009 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photo‐acoustic stimulation: theoretical background and ten years of clinical experience
Authors: Fábián Tibor Károly , Kovács Krisztina J. , Gótai Laura , Beck Anita , Krause Wolf‐Rainer , Fejérdy Pál
Published: November 2009

Light and sound effects have frequently been used for the induction of altered states of consciousness. Turning on and off light or sound leads to short‐term excitation of the central nervous system, while longer lasting stimulation has led to drowsiness and mixed alpha‐theta activity and to bodily relaxation with increased skin resistance, decreased EMG activity and a decreased salivary cortisol level; though an increased salivary IgA level and output of the salivary chaperone Hsp70 have also been reported. At the same time a strong trance inducing ability of photic stimulation (10 min) has been demonstrated. In open clinical studies orofacial psychosomatic patients have been treated: Atypical facial pain (n = 20) recovered in 34.9 %, improvement occurred in 40.4 %, with no effect in 24.7 %. Initial psychogenic denture intolerance (n = 9) symptoms recovered in 44.4 %, improvement occurred in 33.3 %, with no effect in 22.2 %. Chronic denture intolerance (n = 14) symptoms recovered in 21.4 %, improvement occurred in 50.0 %, with no effect in 28.6 %. In hyposalivation cases (n = 4), a significant increase of salivary flow rate and protein concentration occurred in 2/4. However, randomized controlled trials that might support the application of photo‐acoustic stimulation are still lacking. Copyright © 2009 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lucid dreaming – dreams of clarity
Authors: Holzinger Brigitte
Published: November 2009

Although the concept of ‘lucid dreaming’ was first coined by Frederik Willems van Eeden, a Dutch psychiatrist, and introduced at the meeting of The Society for Psychical Research held on 22 April 1913, the phenomenon of lucid dreaming was already known in earlier historical periods and its descriptions can be found in writings of Aristotle. However, modern lucid dreaming research was established only after LaBerge introduced his method for physiological investigation of lucid dreaming through eye signals in 1980. Current attempts in the field are directed at defining the neuro‐physiological correlates of lucid dreaming, an aim that still has yet to be achieved. One of the possible applications of lucid dreaming is in the field of psychotherapy where it is usually used in treating nightmares. However, other possible therapeutic potentials of lucid dreaming are still in the process of being discovered and therefore constitute a fertile area for future researchers. Copyright © 2009 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of experimental designs using neural networks
Authors: Lin Yun , Zhang Zisheng , Thibault Jules
Published: November 2009

Experimental designs were compared using stacked‐layer feed‐forward neural networks. Several traditional three‐level designs and uniform designs were investigated using three‐factor linear and nonlinear models. The prediction error was found to be inversely proportional to the number of experiments. Uniform designs displayed better performance than traditional three‐level designs for the same number of experiments. The sum of squares of prediction errors was generally smaller for uniform designs. The performance difference between three‐level designs and uniform designs was attributed to the number of factor levels. This was confirmed by further investigation on random designs with more factor levels.
Magnetic resonance molecular imaging of post‐stroke neuroinflammation with a P‐selectin targeted iron oxide nanoparticle
Authors: Jin A. Y. , Tuor U. I. , Rushforth D. , Filfil R. , Kaur J. , Ni F. , Tomanek B. , Barber P. A.
Published: November 2009

We have developed a magnetic resonance molecular imaging method using a novel iron‐oxide contrast agent targeted towards P‐selectin – MNP‐PBP (magnetic nanoparticle‐P‐selectin binding peptide) – to image endothelial activation following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. MNP‐PBP consists of ∼1000 PBP ligands (primary sequence: GSIQPRPQIHNDGDFEEIPEEYLQ GGSSLVSVLDLEPLDAAWL) conjugated to a 50 nm diameter aminated dextran iron oxide particle. In vitro P‐ and E‐selectin binding was assessed by competition ELISA. Transient focal cerebral ischemia was induced in male C57/BL 6 mice followed by contrast injection (MNP‐PBP; MNP‐NH2; Feridex; MNP‐PBP‐FITC) at 24 h after reperfusion and T2 magnetic resonance imaging at 9.4 T was performed. Infarction and microvasculature accumulation of contrast agent was assessed in coronal brain sections. MNP‐PBP attenuated antibody binding to P‐selectin by 34.8 ± 1.7%. P‐selectin was preferentially increased in the infarct hemisphere and MNP‐PBP‐FITC accumulation in the infarct hemisphere microvasculature was observed. Compared with the nontargeted iron oxide agents MNP‐NH2 and Feridex, MNP‐PBP showed a significantly greater T2 effect within the infarction. MR imaging of P‐selectin expression with a targeted iron oxide nanoparticle contrast agent may reveal early endothelial activation in stroke and other neuroinflammatory states. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling complexity in musical rhythm
Authors: Liou Cheng‐Yuan , Wu Tai‐Hei , Lee Chia‐Ying
Published: November 2009

This article constructs a tree structure for the music rhythm using the L‐system. It models the structure as an automata and derives its complexity. It also solves the complexity for the L‐system. This complexity can resolve the similarity between trees. This complexity serves as a measure of psychological complexity for rhythms. It resolves the music complexity of various compositions including the Mozart effect K488. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2010
Biotic patterns in LIGO recordings point to the creativity of gravitational interactions
Authors: Sabelli Hector
Published: November 2009

The waves recorded by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational‐Wave Observatory (LIGO) presumably represent gravitational waves. Time series analyses revealed chaotic characteristics (nonperiodic oscillations, causal generation) and features of creativity that characterize Bios: increasing diversity (as contrasted to convergence to an attractor); novelty (lesser recurrence than randomized copies); and temporal complexity (a succession of different time‐limited patterns). Bios is also observed in quantum, cosmological, biological, and economic processes. Bios can be generated mathematically by bipolar feedback. Finding features of creativity in gravitational waves indicates that gravitational interactions causally generate complex patterns. As the gravitational wave background dates from the trillionth‐of‐a‐second after the Big Bang, these results indicate that causal and creative processes were important in the early universe, in contrast to the presumed predominance of random oscillations. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2010
Heterogeneous bounds of confidence: Meet, discuss and find consensus!
Authors: Lorenz Jan
Published: November 2009

Models of continuous opinion dynamics under bounded confidence show a sharp transition between a consensus and a polarization phase at a critical global bound of confidence. In this paper, heterogeneous bounds of confidence are studied. The surprising result is that a society of agents with two different bounds of confidence (open‐ and closed‐minded agents) can find consensus even when both bounds of confidence are significantly below the critical bound of confidence of a homogeneous society. The phenomenon is shown by examples of agent‐based simulation and by numerical computation of the time evolution of the agents density. The result holds for the bounded confidence model of Deffuant, Weisbuch, and others (Weisbuch et al., Complexity 2002, 7, 55–63), as well as for the model of Hegselmann and Krause (Hegselmann and Krause, Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation 2002, 5, 2). Thus, given an average level of confidence, diversity of bounds of confidence enhances the chances for consensus. The drawback of this enhancement is that opinion dynamics becomes suspect to severe drifts of clusters, where open‐minded agents can pull closed‐minded agents towards another cluster of closed‐minded agents. A final consensus might thus not lie in the center of the opinion interval as it happens for uniform initial opinion distributions under homogeneous bounds of confidence. It can be located at extremal locations. This is demonstrated by example, which also show that the extension to heterogeneous bounds of confidence enriches the complexity of the dynamics tremendously. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2010
The self‐organization of genomes
Authors: Ferrer‐I‐Cancho Ramon , Forns Núria
Published: November 2009

Menzerath‐Altmann law is a general law of human language stating, for instance, that the longer a word, the shorter its syllables. With the metaphor that genomes are words and chromosomes are syllables, we examine if genomes also obey the law. We find that longer genomes tend to be made of smaller chromosomes in organisms from three different kingdoms: fungi, plants, and animals. Our findings suggest that genomes self‐organize under principles similar to those of human language. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2010
UW‐MAC: An underwater sensor network MAC protocol
Authors: Watfa Mohamed K. , Selman Samir , Denkilkian Hovig
Published: November 2009

As over 70% of the earth's surface is covered by water, it is desirable to deploy underwater sensor networks (UWSNs) to support oceanic research. UWSNs use acoustic waves and are characterized by long and variable propagation delays, intermittent connectivity, limited bandwidth and low bit rates. Energy savings have always been the primary concern in wireless sensor network protocols; however, there are applications where the latency and throughput are prioritized over energy efficiency and are so significant that the application would not be able to satisfy its requirements without them. Although existing duty‐cycle MAC protocols are power efficient, they introduce significant end‐to‐end delivery latency, provide poor throughput and are not suitable for the challenging environment of a UWSN. In this paper, we utilize CDMA as the underlying multiple access technique, due to its resilience to multi‐path and Doppler's effects prevalent in underwater environments. We propose UW‐MAC, a CDMA‐based power‐controlled medium access protocol that uses both transmitter‐based and receiver‐based CDMA inside a formed cluster, and uses a TDMA schedule to make the cluster heads communicate with the base station. Our MAC algorithm targets the latency and throughput needs in addition to its ability to increase the overall network lifetime. We discuss the design of UW‐MAC, and provide a head‐to‐head comparison with other protocols through extensive simulations focusing on the performance in terms of latency, throughput, and energy consumption. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Angiocentric glioma: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Mott Ryan T. , Ellis Thomas L. , Geisinger Kim R.
Published: November 2009

Angiocentric glioma (AG) is a rare central nervous system (CNS) neoplasm that was only recently recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). AG occurs in a broad age range, shows no gender predilection, and arises superficially in the cerebrum, usually resulting in medically intractable seizures. Most cases are cured by surgical excision alone, consistent with a WHO grade I neoplasm. We report a case of an AG in the right frontal lobe of a 57‐year‐old female, emphasizing the cytologic and immunohistochemical features, including confirmation and comparison with the surgical specimen. To our knowledge, this is the first report detailing the cytology of AG, including demonstration of important diagnostic findings that were only appreciated in the cytologic preparations and not in the smears or the surgical specimen. We also compare and contrast AG to other entities in the differential diagnosis and include a review of the literature. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Imprint cytologic features of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma morphologically resembling renal oncocytoma: Is this an oncocytic variant of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma?
Authors: Yamaguchi Tadanori , Kuroda Naoto , Imamura Yoshiaki , Hes Ondrej , Michal Michal , Sima Radek , Nakayama Keizou , Sato Nodoka
Published: November 2009

In this article, we report a case of 76‐year‐old woman with a rare variant of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (CRCC). Cytologically, renal tumor cells obtained from imprint cytology were isolated or arranged in small or monotonous population cells with abundant granular cytoplasm. Neoplastic cells showed regular and uniformly shaped small round to oval nuclei with smooth margin. Binucleation was occasionally seen. Immunocytochemically, the cytoplasm of almost all tumor cells was diffusely positive for vimentin and CK 7. Histologically, the cytoplasm was abundant granular eosinophilic and composed of solid cell sheets or pseudoacinar structures. Additionally, tumor cells showed infiltration into some small renal veins covered by a single layer of endothelial cells. These cytological and histological features entirely resembled those of renal oncocytoma. We performed the analysis of von Hippel‐Lindau (VHL) gene mutation, 3p loss of heterozygosity (LOH), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on chromosomes 7, 10, 13, 17, and 21. As a result, we confirmed monosomy of chromosomes 7, 10, 13, and 17, and these findings corresponded to the diagnosis of CRCC. Finally, we present a case of renal tumor morphologically resembling renal oncocytoma but genetically showing CRCC. We suggest that oncocytic variant of CRCC may actually exist. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An analysis on the combination expression of HPV L1 capsid protein and p16INK4a in cervical lesions
Authors: Huang Min‐Zhu , Li Hong‐Bo , Nie Xin‐Min , Wu Xin‐Yin , Jiang Xiao‐Man
Published: November 2009

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in cervix is the most important reason for cervical cancer, but only 2% cervical HPV infection will develop into cervical cancer. So how to identify patients at risk of progressive cervical lesions from those infected with HPV to avoid over treatment is a big issue in clinic. The aims of this study were to detect the expression of HPV L1 capsid protein and p16INK4a in cervical lesions and to investigate the combination expression of HPV L1 capsid protein and p16INK4a in cervical lesions and its diagnostic efficiency in clinic. Immunochemical method was used to detect the expression of HPV L1 capsid protein and p16INK4a in 169 cases of abnormal cytology. Histopathologic test was performed to identify cervical lesions of all the cases. χ2 test and spearman's rank correlation were used for statistical analysis. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV), accuracy, and the area under the receive operating characteristic (ROC) curve (denoted by AZ) were calculated with SPSS 13.0. All the statistical tests were two sided at the 5% level of significance. L1 expression decreased (P < 0.001), but p16INK4a expression increased (P < 0.001) with histopathologic diagnosis increasing. The expression rates of HPV L1 capsid protein, p16INK4a, and L1(−)/p16(+) in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)2, CIN3, and squamous‐cell carcinoma were statistically different from those in CIN1 (P < 0.001). The expressions of HPV L1 capsid protein, L1(+)/p16(+), L1(+)/p16(−), and L1(−)/p16(−) were negatively correlated with the severity of cervical lesions (P < 0.001), whereas the expressions of p16INK4a and L1(−)/p16(+) were positively correlated with the severity of cervical lesions (P < 0.001). The specificity and AZ of combining L1 with p16 INK4a were statistically higher than L1 or p16 INK4a alone (P < 0.05). L1 and p16INK4a are useful biomarkers for the early diagnosis of cervical lesions. The combination of L1 and p16INK4a has a higher diagnostic accuracy than L1 or p16INK4a alone in diagnosis of cervical lesions. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010;38:573–578. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adrenocortical carcinoma presenting with a peritoneal effusion
Authors: Arvanitis Leonidas D. , Pitelka Lisa A. , Gattuso Paolo
Published: November 2009

In this report, we describe the fine‐needle aspiration findings of a case of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) that spread to the peritoneal cavity in an 80‐year‐old female. Cytologically, the peritoneal fluid exhibited clusters and single, small uniform cells with round nuclei and a fine chromatin pattern, which in conjunction with the immunohistochemical stains was diagnostic of ACC. Although ACC is the most common malignant neoplasm of the adrenal gland, its metastatic spread to the peritoneal cavity is exceptionally unusual. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A cell‐block preparation using Glucomannan extracted from Amorphophallus konjac
Authors: Kaneko Chiyuki , Kobayashi Tadao K. , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Udagawa Yasuhiro , Iwai Muneo
Published: November 2009

To evaluate a cell‐block preparation using glucomannan, which was extracted from Amorphophallus konjac. Ten specimens were centrifuged at 1,500 rpm for 5 minutes, the supernatant was removed; the remnant after the preparation of smear specimens for routine cytological examination was fixed with 20% formalin. The specimen was recentrifuged at 1,500 rpm for 5 minutes, and the supernatant was removed. The residue was resuspended with 2 ml of eosin solution and 1–5 ml of 80% alcohol, and stirred well. After further centrifugation, the supernatant was removed, and one drop of a glucomannan‐formalin water solution was added gently. After immersion in methanol for 2 hours, glucomannan is solidified and becomes gelatinous. The obtained cell block was placed in the cassette for the preparation of tissue specimens, dehydrated by the routine method, infiltrated with paraffin, and a paraffin‐embedded block was prepared. Thin sections were prepared from the paraffin‐embedded cell block, and hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) stain with immunological stains was performed. H&E stain, periodic acid‐Schiff reaction, Alcian blue, and immunohistochemical stain were clearly demonstrated.

We evaluated a new modality of cell‐block preparation using a glucomannan‐formalin water solution. We found that the method was easy to perform and thought it could be useful as an alternative technique for cell‐block preparations. Thus, this novel technique should find wide application in the future. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010;38:652–656. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Access to Metal Complexes of the Elusive Imidobis(phosphaalkene) Anion by N–Si Bond Cleavage of a N‐Silylimino‐Bridged Bis(phosphaalkene)
Authors: Bîrzoi Roxana M. , Bugnariu Delia , Gimeno Rafael Guerrero , Riecke Antje , Daniliuc Constantin , Jones Peter G. , Könczöl László , Benkõ Zoltán , Nyulászi László , Bartsch Rainer , du Mont Wolf‐W.
Published: November 2009

Metalation of the aminophosphaalkene (iPrMe2Si)2C=PN(H)SiMe3 (2) with lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) in THF solution, followed by the reaction of the lithium salt 3 with the P‐chlorophosphaalkenes (RMe2Si)2C=PCl (1a, R = Me; 1b, R = iPr; 1c, R = Ph), furnishes the first N‐silylimino‐bridgedbis(phosphaalkenes) [(iPrMe2Si)2C=P]2NSiMe3 (4a) and [(iPrMe2Si)2C=P][(RMe2Si)2C=P]NSiMe3 (4b, R = Me; 4c, R = Ph). The N–Si bond cleavage of 4a under very mild conditions with AuCl(THT) and with [RhCl(COD)]2 provides binuclear AuI and RhI complexes 5, 6 of the P,P′‐coordinatedimidobis(phosphaalkene) anion [(iPrMe2Si)2C=P]2N–, the first case of elusive P=C‐unsaturated congeners of the “classic” bis(phosphanyl)amide ligands. Solid 4a exists in a helically distorted S‐shaped structure with two inequivalent P=C groups, but 31P‐NMR reveals the equivalence of both P=C groups in solution at the NMR time scale. The P=C and P–N bonds distances in 4a do not indicate significant conjugation within the C=P–N–P=C moieties whereas in complexes 5 and 6 the W‐shaped CPNPC heteropentadienide anion exhibits strong 5‐center‐6‐π conjugation according to DFT calculations and to the experimental P=C and P=N bond lengths.
Stabilization of phytosterols in rapeseed oil by natural antioxidants during heating
Authors: Kmiecik Dominik , Korczak Józef , Rudzińska Magdalena , Michałowska Anna Gramza , Hęś Marzanna
Published: November 2009

Antioxidants are substances that can reduce negative changes in fat. Many antioxidants are very effective during storage, but during heating they lose their properties. It is very important to find antioxidants that will be stable at high temperatures and protect fat throughout the entire frying process. The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of natural and synthetic antioxidants on changes in phytosterols of rapeseed oil during heating. Oil with antioxidants was heated at 180 °C for 4 h in a Rancimat® and in an Oxidograph®. Ethanol extract of rosemary, ethanol extract of green tea, and BHT were used in the study. The contents of phytosterols (sitosterol, campesterol, avenasterol, brassicasterol, stigmasterol) and oxyphytosterols (7α‐ and 7β‐hydroxysterol, 5α,6α‐ and 5β,6β‐epoxysterol, 7‐ketosterol and triols) were estimated by gas chromatography. In all samples with antioxidants, a lower decrease of phytosterols and a lower increase of total oxyphytosterols were observed in comparison with the control sample (without antioxidant). The antioxidant effect depends on the type of the antioxidant and the heating conditions. The best results were observed in samples with natural antioxidants. BHT was a substance that protected phytosterols as well, but not as effectively as the other antioxidants.
Effects of natural antioxidants on the lipid profile of electron beam‐irradiated beef burgers
Authors: Almeida da Trindade Reginaldo , Mancini‐Filho Jorge , Casañas Haasis Villavicencio Anna Lúcia
Published: November 2009

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of rosemary and oregano extracts in avoiding oxidative changes in beef burgers, and to evaluate the fatty acid profile of these products after electron beam exposition. Extracts, individually or in combination, were added to beef burgers and compared to synthetic antioxidants commonly used in food (butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole). The ground beef were submitted to electron beam irradiation at doses of 0, 3.5 and 7 kGy, and stored for 90 days. At regular time intervals, lipid oxidation and fatty acid composition were evaluated through measurement of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) and gas chromatography, respectively. The results indicate that, although the irradiation process triggers an increase in the lipid oxidation ratio expressed by TBARS values, great changes in the fatty acid profiles were not observed; instead, they continued to present characteristics very similar to that of non‐irradiated beef. Thus, as irradiation doses of up to 7 kGy for frozen meat can make foods safe from foodborne pathogens, natural antioxidants derived from spices are able to reduce and avoid lipid changes that may cause a deterioration of the sensory quality of these foods, and these natural extracts offer a good choice for replacing synthetic additives.
Insight into the interaction of E. coli with gentamycin by ultrafast electrophoresis achieved within the microscopic visual field
Authors: Xie Mingyi , Wang Hai , Chen Yi
Published: November 2009

An ultrafast electrophoresis method was developed to have an insight into the interaction of E. coli, DH5α, with an antibiotic gentamycin. The method used micro‐video to visually measure the migration of bacteria, rather than molecules, within several micrometers, taking a time down to 0.04 s. Precise bacterial mobility was measured at the electric field strength of 42.5–62.5 V/cm, with a mobility deviation of less than 1.7% compared with a common CE method. The bacterial mobility measured this way was found to have a distribution increasing with the electric field strength applied, but the averaged mobility kept constant or independent of the electric field strength. As indicated by the bacterial mobility measured, DH5α experienced four stages during interaction with the antibiotic gentamycin, namely, the outer surface adsorption equilibration, uptake or transferring of adsorbed gentamycin through cellular membrane, destruction of the membrane, and death of the bacteria. The bacterial outer surface adsorption of gentamycin was found to have duration up to about 5 min that decreased reversely with the concentration of gentamycin added. This proves that the activity of antibiotic gentamycin is dose‐dependent.
Synthesis and examination of sulfated cyclofructans as a novel class of chiral selectors for CE
Authors: Jiang Chunxia , Tong Man‐Yung , Breitbach Zachary S. , Armstrong Daniel W.
Published: November 2009

Cyclofructans (CFs) are a class of cyclic oligosaccharides with a crown ether skeleton. No enantioseparations have previously been reported using this class of chiral oligosaccharides in chromatography or electrophoresis. CFs and their sulfated derivatives were examined as chiral selectors using CE. The native CFs showed no enantioselectivity toward any tested compounds, while the sulfated CFs showed exceptional selectivity toward many cationic analytes, including primary, secondary, and tertiary amines and amino acids. Enantiomeric resolution factors as high as 15.4 were achieved within short analysis times (generally below 10 min). The effect of buffer type, buffer concentration, buffer pH, chiral selector concentration and organic modifier concentration was examined and optimized.
Receptor affinity CE for measuring bioactive inflammatory cytokines in human skin biopsies
Authors: Phillips Terry M. , Kalish Heather , Wellner Edward
Published: November 2009

A chip‐based receptor affinity CE system has been employed to measure the concentrations of bioactive pro‐inflammatory cytokines in biopsy materials obtained from human atopic skin lesions. The device employs a replaceable affinity disk to which recombinant cytokine receptors have been chemically immobilized. Homogenates obtained from micro‐dissected human skin samples were injected into the system where the bioactive cytokines were captured in the receptor affinity port and labeled in situ with a laser dye. The captured cytokines were released and separated by CE, the resolved peaks being detected and measured by laser‐induced fluorescence. When compared with conventional cell‐based bioassays, the affinity receptor chip showed reasonable correlation with r2 values of 0.998 for interferon gamma, 0.994 for IL‐6 and 0.991 for tumor necrosis factor alpha. The complete process including cytokine capture, labeling, and analysis took approximately 12.5 min with intra‐ and inter‐assay CVs below 5.3% and recoveries of 84.9–98.4% at the 100 pg/mL concentration in buffer solutions and 84.5–95% in normal human tissue extract. The system could indicate clear differences between the various clinical stages of atopic dermatitis in human patients and could run 4–6 samples per hour. This system, like previous chip‐based systems designed in our laboratory, holds the potential for being modified to be a portable unit that could be used in clinics and other biomedical screening studies.