bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival of patients with incident dementia who had a pre‐existing psychiatric disorder: a population‐based 7‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Meng Xiangfei , D'Arcy Carl , Tempier Raymond , Kou Changgui , Morgan Debra , Mousseau Darrell D.
Published: September 2011

Objectives

Although it is widely accepted that psychiatric disorders and dementia coexist and survival data for dementia patients have been published, there is a paucity of information regarding the survival of patients with a psychiatric disorder who develop dementia. This study fills this information gap providing survival data on patients with such comorbidity and identifies mortality risk factors.

Methods

All residents of Saskatchewan, a Canadian province, diagnosed with psychiatric problems and/or dispensed a psychiatric drug in 2000 and without dementia were followed through to 31 December 2006; the development of incident dementia was noted. Median survival time (in months) and selected predictors of mortality were measured. Analyses used Cox's proportional hazard model. Incidence density of dementia for the year 2000 was also computed.

Results

By December 2006, 5,583 subjects with psychiatric disorders in 2000 had been diagnosed with incident dementia, and 60.65% of them died. Dementia‐incidence density in this population for 2000 was 0.01 per 1000 person years at risk among those aged 18–64 years and rapidly increased to 3.13 per 1000 person years at risk among those aged 75 to 84 years. The median survival time from dementia onset to death was 32.66 months (interquartile range 31.21–34.14). Being male, later age of onset of dementia, having a lower income, and a high chronic disease score predicted shorter survival.

Conclusions

The comorbidity of psychiatric disorders and dementia resulted in shorter survival compared with that reported for patients with dementia only. These findings can be used for prognosis for patients, caregivers, and service providers. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An overview of therapies to promote repair of the brain after stroke
Authors: Cramer Steven C.
Published: September 2011

Stroke remains a leading cause of disability. Most patients show some degree of spontaneous recovery, but this is generally incomplete. Studies on the neurobiology of this recovery are providing clues to therapeutic interventions that aim to improve patient outcomes. A number of potential such restorative therapies are reviewed. Numerous treatment strategies are under study. Most have a time window measured in days or weeks and so have the potential to help a large fraction of patients. This review considers these therapies, as well as points to consider in translating their application to human trials. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Swallow remodeling of respiratory neural networks
Authors: Davenport Paul W. , Bolser Donald C. , Morris Kendall F.
Published: September 2011

Swallow is defined as the coordinated neuromuscular activity of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. Movement of a bolus and air must be coordinated by swallow remodeling of the respiratory pattern. The brainstem contains respiratory and swallow neural control networks that generate the pattern for breathing and swallow. Swallow control of respiration is proposed to be through recruitment of swallow neural elements that retask existing respiratory neural network elements. Swallow reconfiguration of the respiratory neural network is fundamental to airway protection and integrated with other airway protective reflexes. Thus, swallow, breathing, cough, and other airway defensive behaviors are produced by a central neural motor system that shares elements. It is hypothesized that swallow and airway defensive behaviors are controlled by a recruited behavioral control assembly system that is organized in a fashion that allows for precise coordination of the expression of these behaviors to maintain airway protection. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Functional MRI of swallowing: From neurophysiology to neuroplasticity
Authors: Malandraki Georgia A. , Johnson Sterling , Robbins JoAnne
Published: September 2011

Swallowing is a complex neurogenic sensorimotor process involving all levels of the neuraxis and a vast number of muscles and anatomic structures. Disruption of any of these anatomic or functional components can lead to swallowing disorders (also known as dysphagia). Understanding the neural pathways that govern swallowing is necessary in diagnosing and treating patients with dysphagia. Functional MRI (fMRI) is a prevalent and effective neuroimaging method that has been used to study the complex neurophysiologic control of swallowing in vivo. This article presents a summary of the research studies that have used fMRI to study the neural control of swallowing in normal subjects and dysphagic patients, and to investigate the effects of swallowing treatments on neuroplasticity. Methodologic challenges and caveats are discussed, and a case study of a pre‐posttreatment paradigm is presented to highlight potential future directions of fMRI applications in swallowing research and clinical practice. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
The effect of 90 day administration of a high dose vitamin B‐complex on work stress
Authors: Stough Con , Scholey Andrew , Lloyd Jenny , Spong Jo , Myers Stephen , Downey Luke A.
Published: September 2011

Objective

Occupational stress is increasing in Western societies and the impact is significant at a personal, organisational and community level. The present study examined for the first time the efficacy of 3 months administration of two forms of high dose vitamin B complex on mood and psychological strain associated with chronic work stress.

Method

Sixty participants completed the 3‐month, double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled trial in which personality, work demands, mood, anxiety and strain were assessed.

Results

After individual differences in personality and work demands were statistically controlled, the vitamin B complex treatment groups reported significantly lower personal strain and a reduction in confusion and depressed/dejected mood after 12 weeks. There were no treatment‐related changes in other measures of mood and anxiety.

Discussion

The results of the study are consistent with two previous studies examining multivitamin supplementation and personal (non‐work) feelings of strain and suggestive of significant decreases in the experience of workplace stress after 90 day supplementation of a B multivitamin.

Conclusion

Given the direct and indirect costs of workplace stress, these findings point to the utility of a cost‐effective treatment for the mood and psychological strain effects of occupational stress. These findings may have important personal health, organisational and societal outcomes given the rising cost and incidence of workplace stress. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nephrotoxicity of hexachloro‐1:3‐butadiene in the male Hanover Wistar rat; correlation of minimal histopathological changes with biomarkers of renal injury
Authors: Swain Aubrey , Turton John , Scudamore Cheryl , Maguire David , Pereira Ines , Freitas Sofia , Smyth Rosemary , Munday Michael , Stamp Clare , Gandhi Mitul , Sondh Surjit , Ashall Holly , Francis Ian , Woodfine Jennifer , Bowles John , York Malcolm
Published: September 2011

Hexachloro‐1:3‐butadiene (HCBD) causes damage specifically to the renal proximal tubule in rats. In the present study, injury to the nephron of male Hanover Wistar rats was characterized at 24 h following dosing with HCBD in the range 5–90 mg kg−1 to determine the most sensitive biomarkers of damage, that is, the biomarkers demonstrating significant changes at the lowest dose of HCBD, using a range of measurements in serum and urine, renal histopathology, and renal and hepatic gene expression. Histologically, kidney degeneration was noted at doses as low as 10 mg kg−1 HCBD. Significant changes in the hepatic and renal gene expression categories of xenobiotic metabolism and oxidative stress were observed at 5 mg kg−1 HCBD, and in the kidney alone, evidence of inflammation at 90 mg kg−1 HCBD. Increases in the urinary excretion of α‐glutathione S‐transferase (α‐GST) and kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1) were seen at 10 mg kg−1 HCBD, and increases in urinary excretion of albumin and total protein were evident at 15 mg kg−1 HCBD. The most sensitive, noninvasive biomarkers of HCBD‐induced renal toxicity in Hanover Wistar rats were urinary α‐GST and KIM‐1. Urinary albumin measurement is also recommended as, although it is not the most sensitive biomarker, together with α‐GST, albumin showed the largest relative increase of all the biomarkers investigated, and the protein is easily measured. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prawn lipocalin: characterization of a color shift induced by gene knockdown and ligand binding assay
Authors: Yang Fan , Wang Mo‐Ran , Ma Yu‐Guang , Ma Wen‐Ming , Yang Wei‐Jun
Published: September 2011

The lipocalin family of proteins functions in the transport of steroids, carotenoids, retinoids, and other small hydrophobic molecules. Recently, a lipocalin (MrLC) was isolated from the prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii and its expression varied with the molting cycle. In this study, knockdown of the MrLC gene by RNA interference (RNAi) was performed and resulted in a shift in body color from blue to orangish red over the entire carapace. By immune‐gold electron microscopy, MrLC was found to co‐localize with the lipid droplets in subepidermal adiose tissue that were found to be decreased dramatically in MrLC knockdown prawns, in which a reduction in relative fat content was also quantified. Furthermore, MrLC was found to specifically bind astaxanthin and molt hormone (20‐hydroxyecdysone) in both in vitro ligand binding assay and in vivo native ligand detection. These results suggested that MrLC plays roles in the regulation of coloration through its association with astaxanthin and may also be involved in the regulation of molting in crustacean. J. Exp. Zool. 315:562–571, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative analysis and chromatographic fingerprinting of the semen zizyphi spinosae by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode‐array detector
Authors: Niu Chunyan , Zhang Jinlan
Published: September 2011

A simple and sensitive method was developed and validated for fingerprint analysis of semen zizyphi spinosae (SZS) and simultaneous determination of six flavonoids in SZS by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode‐array detector (DAD). The analysis was performed on an Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 RRHD column. The column was maintained at 40°C and the eluents were monitored with DAD at 270 nm. A gradient elution of acetonitrile and water containing 20 mM sodium dihydrogen phosphate was used. The solvent flow rate was 0.4 mL/min. The method was validated. Standard calibration curves showed good linear behaviors (r=1.000) in the range of 0.33–201.00 μg/mL. Acceptable intra‐day precision (RSD<1.9%), inter‐day precision (RSD<4.0%), repeatability (RSD<4.1%) and recovery in the range of 97.4–104% were obtained. The validated method was successfully applied to obtain the chromatographic fingerprints and the contents of six flavonoids in 23 samples of SZS. The principal component analysis (PCA) had been applied for the chromatographic fingerprint analysis and quantitative analysis of six flavonoids to classify and discriminate the 23 samples of SZS. These results demonstrated that the method was very suitable in the analysis and quality control of SZS.
Toward an Improved Description of Constraint Release and Contour Length Fluctuations in Tube Models for Entangled Polymer Melts Guided by Atomistic Simulations
Authors: Stephanou Pavlos S. , Baig Chunggi , Mavrantzas Vlasis G.
Published: September 2011

By mapping atomistic trajectories accumulated in the course of long molecular dynamics simulations onto the tube model for model mono‐ and bidisperse polyethylene andcis‐1,‐4 andtrans‐1,4‐polybutadiene melts, we have computed contributions to chain dynamics in entangled polymers from pure reptation, contour length fluctuation, and constraint release. We find that the tube diameter is the same in the matrices with molecular weight (MW) above the characteristic valueMefor the formation of entanglements, but becomes larger in the matrices with MW belowMe, in agreement with the Viovy et al. hypothesis. Additional results for the segment survival probability functionψ(s,t) have been used to propose modifications to the dual constraint model of Pattamaprom et al. and to the Leygue et al. model.

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The effect of aging treatments on wear behavior of aluminum matrix functionally graded material under wet and dry sliding conditions
Authors: Ulukoy A. , Topcu M. , Tasgetiren S.
Published: September 2011

This study investigated that the effect of aging treatments on wear behavior of functionally graded material (FGM) that was reinforced via being integrated with aluminum 2014 alloy (AlCu4SiMg) and 15 vol% SiC. The specimens were obtained via centrifugal casting technique, and then two different aging treatments were applied. Wear experiments were applied at 1.256 m/s constant sliding velocity, under two different loads and two different sliding distances for each condition via a pin‐on‐disc wear apparatus. The variations that occurred on wear behavior of cast and aged materials were analyzed. The results show that the minimum wear loss values were obtained under dry sliding conditions due to the aging processes. On the other hand, with increasing sliding distances under wet sliding conditions, the aging processes' effect was decreased on wear resistance.
A study of corrosion performance of electroless Ni–P and Ni–W–P coatings on AZ91D magnesium alloy
Authors: Liao Y. , Zhang S. T. , Dryfe R.
Published: September 2011

The autocatalytic nature of the electroless nickel‐based alloy coating process will inevitably produce H2 bubbles which may be left in electroless nickel‐based alloy coating. If the H2 cannot be removed and left in the coating, it can lead to its poor corrosion resistance due to hydrogen cracks. So, the post treatment is an essential step for electroless deposition process. In this paper, electroless Ni–P and Ni–W–P coatings with chromium‐free pretreatment and dehydrogenation post treatment have been successfully prepared on AZ91D magnesium alloy, and the corrosion behaviors of the two kind coating samples in NaCl solution, HCl solution, and H2SO4 solution have been investigated. Both the polarization test and immersion tests show that the electroless Ni–W–P coating has better corrosion resistance than that of electroless Ni–P coating.
Evaluation of an experimental urodynamic platform to identify treatment effects: A randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover study in patients with overactive bladder
Authors: Frenkl Tara , Railkar Radha , Shore Neal , Bailen James , Sutherland Suzette , Burke Joanne , Scott Boyd B. , Ruddy Marcella , Beals Chan
Published: September 2011

Aims

To evaluate a urodynamic platform designed to identify treatment effects in small numbers of patients after a short duration of treatment using a medication with known efficacy in overactive bladder (OAB).

Methods

Twenty women with OAB were randomized in a crossover study with 7‐day treatment periods with either tolterodine 4 mg long‐acting (LA) or placebo and 7‐day washout. Patients underwent urodynamic study (UDS) at baseline, 4‐hr post‐dose on Day 1 (PD1) and 4 hr post‐dose on Day 7 (PD7) in each treatment period. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in volume at maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) at PD7. As a result of dosing errors, some patients allocated to tolterodine in Period 1 mistakenly received placebo on Day 7. The data from the time points at which patients were dosed incorrectly were excluded from the per protocol (PP) analysis.

Results

The PP and intent to treat (ITT) mean increase in volume at MCC on PD7 for tolterodine compared with placebo was 28.9% (P = 0.038, one‐sided) and 23.2% (P = 0.008, one‐sided), respectively. The PD7 mean increase in volume at first desire to void was 36.5% (P = 0.054, PP) and 40.3% (P = 0.008, ITT). No volume endpoint at PD1 was statistically significant. Of all the endpoints, MCC was the least variable.

Conclusions

This crossover design was able to detect a clinically meaningful and statistically significant treatment effect consistent with the previous reports of tolterodine. Despite multiple urodynamics per patient, the study was able to recruit quickly. This model is valuable for evaluating therapeutic effects for existing and novel treatments for OAB. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:69–74, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developing a new treatment device: How to get an idea to the marketplace
Authors: Dymond Elizabeth , Long Adele , McCarthy Avril , Drake Marcus J.
Published: September 2011

A good idea does not inevitably lead to successful innovation; it needs additional “drivers” and coherent activity of a specialized team. The initial idea needs proof‐of‐concept and prototype testing. Alongside, market review must anticipate future need and competitors, and ensure that no current patents are infringed. The likelihood that reimbursement will be secured and that health systems will “adopt” the device has to be considered. Intellectual property (IP) protection is needed to maintain sole rights to exploit the core concept. Non‐disclosure agreements (NDA) should be put in place, and commercial considerations should be remembered before any disclosure in the public domain, including publications. Prospective business partners will review the concept from many perspectives, including stage of device development, effective IP protection, any clinical trial evidence, and whether the device aligns with their business strategy. Royalties arising from sales of a marketed device are distributed to all parties contributing to its development; the party bearing the greater financial burden of developing the final product will gain the greater share of royalties. The innovator's employer will have a call on proceeds if the idea arose in the course of employment. All stages of development require fastidious documentation to meet requirements of the regulatory authorities responsible for permitting use in patients. Specific regulatory requirements depend on which region(s) of the world the device will be marketed in. This review explains all stages of the innovation pathway from concept to adoption, giving practical advice and signposting expertise relevant to each stage. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:429–436, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conjoined twins pregnancies: experience with 36 cases from a single center
Authors: Brizot M. L. , Liao A. W. , Lopes L. M. , Okumura M. , Marques M. S. , Krebs V. , Schultz R. , Zugaib M.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To review a single center´s experience in the management of twin pregnancies with conjoined fetuses.

Methods

Retrospective study describing prenatal findings, delivery details, surgical treatment and perinatal outcome.

Results

The study included 36 twin pregnancies with conjoined twins seen over a period of 12 years in a single tertiary hospital: 69.4% were thoracopagus, 13.9% parapagus, 8.3% omphaloischiopagus 5.6% omphalopagus and 2.8% cephalopagus. Cardiac defects were present in 91.6% of twin pairs and associated malformations were present in 61.8% of the cases: limb abnormalities in 36.1%, abdominal wall defects in 25.0%, cleft lip and/or palate in 13.9% and congenital diaphragmatic hernia in 5.5%. Surgical separation was considered not feasible and prognosis lethal in 30 (83.3%) cases. Termination of pregnancy was performed in 12 pregnancies of poor prognosis. Cesarean section was performed in all remaining cases. Five sets of twins underwent surgical separation and six children survived. Overall survival in our series was 8.3% and, among the livebirths, 13.6%.

Conclusion

Conjoined twin pregnancies should be referred to tertiary centers for detailed fetal anomaly and echocardiographic assessment to evaluate prognosis and determine the possibility of postnatal surgical separation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solvent‐free inkjet printing process for the fabrication of conductive, transparent, and flexible ionic liquid‐polymer gel structures
Authors: Löffelmann Ute , Wang Nan , Mager Dario , Smith Patrick J. , Korvink Jan G.
Published: September 2011

A new and solvent‐free process for the fabrication of inkjet printed ionic liquid‐polymer gel microstructures with high‐resolution (line widths of ∼40 μm), good electrical conductivity (5–30 mS cm−1), optical transparency, and mechanical flexibility is presented. Carrying out the printing and polymerization process in nitrogen atmosphere eliminates the inhibiting influence of oxygen and guarantees homogeneously gelled structures. Careful selection and combination of ionic liquids (ILs) and unsaturated monomers makes it possible to achieve low viscosities which are printable with commercially available inkjet printers and printheads without adding extra solvents. By using different types and amounts of ILs and monomers the resulting properties of the printed IL‐polymer gels can be controlled in terms of ionic conductivity, optical transmission, and mechanical flexibility. Higher conductivities are possible by using a bifunctional instead of a monofunctional monomer, which allows one to lower the amount of monomer without loss in mechanical strength. Cast samples make it possible to obtain data of transmission (∼90% for 170‐μm thick films) and mechanical flexibility (E = 0.02–0.23 MPa) of bulk material. Comparing electrical conductivity of printed and cast samples, the higher values of printed samples indicate the conductivity enhancing influence of moisture absorbed from the surrounding atmosphere after the fabrication process. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Influence of molecular weight on the short‐channel effect in polymer‐based field‐effect transistors
Authors: Tunc Ali Veysel , Ecker Bernhard , Dogruyol Zekeriya , Jüchter Sabrina , Ugur Ahmet Lütfi , Erdogmus Ali , San Sait Eren , Parisi Jürgen , von Hauff Elizabeth
Published: September 2011

In this study, we demonstrate how the intrinsic properties of a polymer can influence the electrical characteristics of organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). OFETs fabricated with three batches of poly[2‐methoxy,5‐(3′,7′‐dimethyl‐octyloxy)]‐p‐phenylene vinylene (MDMO‐PPV) were investigated. The properties of the polymers were initially investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), impedance spectroscopy (IS), gel permeation chromotography (GPC), and cyclic voltammetry (CV), respectively. The structure and purity of the polymer batches were found to be very comparable, but the molecular weight (Mn and Mw) and polydispersity (PDI = Mw/Mn), varied between the samples and the HOMO and LUMO levels of the polymers were found to depend on the molecular weight properties. OFETs were then fabricated with the polymers and electrically characterized. It was observed that the channel current and the field‐effect mobility increase with increasing polymer molecular weight. The output characteristics of the transistors, on the other hand, were found to depend on the PDI of the polymer. Saturation of the channel current occurs at higher source–drain voltages and short‐channel behavior was observed to start at longer channel lengths for polymers with a higher PDI. This behavior is observed to be thickness dependent, and the short‐channel behavior was more pronounced for thicker MDMO‐PPV films. These results are explained in terms of influences of chain packing and ordering and high bulk currents on the FET output and transistor parameters. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 50: 117–124, 2012
Transformation of isotactic polypropylene droplets from the mesophase into the α‐phase
Authors: Langhe Deepak S. , Hiltner Anne , Baer Eric
Published: September 2011

The structural transformation of homogeneously nucleated metastable mesophase of polypropylene (PP) particles was investigated in this study. We demonstrated the formation of heterogeneity‐free mesophase by slow cooling of the droplets unlike mesophase formation by quenching of the PP melt, which contained large number of bulk nuclei. Submicron size PP droplets were produced by thermal break up of PP and polystyrene layered film assembly. When cooled from melt, the PP droplets crystallized into mesophase at 44 °C revealing granular morphology. Subsequent heating thermogram of the PP particles showed a broad exotherm, which was attributed to the transformation of mesophase into α‐phase. This transformation was investigated during heating by annealing the PP particles at different temperatures. Annealed PP particles were analyzed by means of thermal, morphological and structural properties measurements. Results revealed a two step process for the transformation process. In the first step, the internal rearrangement of PP chains, as against melting and recrystallization of the mesophase, was observed. Since granular morphology was not affected significantly up to 120 °C, it was suggested that translational and rotational motions of PP helices produced ordered α‐phase. In the second step, increment in grain size distribution was observed, when the droplets were annealed at 140 °C. The results were attributed to enhanced chain mobility and merging of the grain boundaries. Annealing at 160 °C revealed the formation of short lamellar structures. Crystal thickening, melting and recrystallization of α‐phase were suggested at high temperature annealing. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
The effect of the functional, basis set, and solvent in the simulation of the geometry and spectroscopic properties of VIVO2+ complexes. chemical and biological applications
Authors: Micera Giovanni , Garribba Eugenio
Published: September 2011

The geometry of 32 VIVO2+ complexes with different donor set, electric charge, geometry, arrangement of the ligands with respect to the VO bond and type of ligand was calculated by density functional theory methods. 32 VO, 45 VO, 16 VOH, 40 VN, 24 VS, and 14 VCl bonds were examined. The performance of several functionals (B3LYP, B3P86, B3PW91, HCTH, TPSS, PBE0, and MPW1PW91), keeping constant the Pople triple‐zeta basis sets 6‐311g, was tested. The order of accuracy of the functional in the prediction of the bond distances, expressed in terms of mean of the deviation Δd (Δd = dcalcd − dexptl) and absolute deviation |Δd| (|Δd| = |dcalcd − dexptl|) from the experimental values and of the corresponding standard deviations (SD(Δd) and SD(|Δd|)), is: B3P86 ∼ PBE0 ∼ MPW1PW91 > B3PW91 ≫ TPSS > B3LYP ≫ HCTH. In the gas phase the prediction of VO, VO, VN bond lengths is rather good, but that of VOH, VS and VCl distances is by far worse. An improvement in the optimization of VS and VCl lengths is reached by adding polarization and diffuse functions on the sulfur and chlorine atoms. Finally, a general improvement in the prediction of all the calculated bond lengths and angles is obtained by simulating the structures in the solvent where they are isolated within the framework of the polarizable continuum model. The last choice allows also to improve the prediction of structural (the deviation of a penta‐coordinate geometry toward the trigonal bipyramid) and spectroscopic parameters (51V and 14N hyperfine coupling constants and 14N nuclear quadrupolar coupling constant). In most of the cases, the structures optimized in solution closely approach the experimental ones and this can be of great help in the simulations of naturally occurring vanadium compounds and metal site of V‐proteins, like amavadin and the reduced form of vanadium bromoperoxidase (VBrPO). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus: target, mechanism of action, and therapeutic potential
Authors: Coughlin Melissa M. , Prabhakar Bellur S.
Published: September 2011

The emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) led to a rapid response not only to contain the outbreak but also to identify possible therapeutic interventions, including the generation of human monoclonal antibodies (hmAbs). hmAbs may be used therapeutically without the drawbacks of chimeric or animal Abs. Several different methods have been used to generate SARS‐CoV specific neutralizing hmAbs including the immunization of transgenic mice, cloning of small chain variable regions from naïve and convalescent patients, and the immortalization of convalescent B cells. Irrespective of the techniques used, the majority of hmAbs specifically reacted with the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S) protein and likely prevented receptor binding. However, several hmAbs that can bind to epitopes either within the RBD, located N terminal of the RBD or in the S2 domain, and neutralize the virus with or without inhibiting receptor binding have been identified. Therapeutic utility of hmAbs has been further elucidated through the identification of potential combinations of hmAbs that could neutralize viral variants including escape mutants selected using hmAbs. These results suggest that a cocktail of hmAbs that can bind to unique epitopes and have different mechanisms of action might be of clinical utility against SARS‐CoV infection, and indicate that a similar approach may be applied to treat other viral infections. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modulating the Charge‐Transfer Enhancement in GERS using an Electrical Field under Vacuum and an n/p‐Doping Atmosphere
Authors: Xu Hua , Chen Yabin , Xu Weigao , Zhang Haoli , Kong Jing , Dresselhaus Mildred S. , Zhang Jin
Published: September 2011

The modulation of charger‐transfer (CT) enhancement in graphene‐enhanced Raman scattering (GERS) by an electric field under different atmospheres is reported. The GERS spectra of cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) molecules were collected by in situ Raman measurements under ambient air, vacuum, NH3 atmosphere, and O2 atmosphere, in which the Fermi level of graphene was modulated by an electrical field effect (EFE). The Raman scattering intensities of adsorbed molecules can be tuned to be stronger or weaker as the graphene Fermi level down‐shifts or up‐shifts under electrical field modulation. However, the Raman intensity modulation in GERS is seriously influenced by the hysteresis effect in graphene EFE, which makes the modulation ability small and shows strong gate voltage sweep rate dependence in ambient air. Fortunately, the hysteresis effect in graphene EFE can be decreased by performing the measurement under vacuum conditions, and thus the Raman modulation ability in GERS can be increased. Furthermore, compared with the vacuum condition, the Raman modulation ability shows an increase under an NH3 atmosphere, while it shows a decrease under an O2 atmosphere, which is due to the different Fermi level modulation region in different atmospheres. More interestingly, this Raman intensity modulation in GERS shows a hysteresis‐like behavior that is the same as the graphene Fermi level modulation under the EFE in a different atmosphere. All these observations suggest that the Raman enhancement in GERS occurs through a charge‐transfer (CT) enhancement mechanism and the CT process can be modulated by the graphene EFE. This technique will benefit the study of the basic properties of both graphene and chemical enhancement mechanism in surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).
Surface‐Confined Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticle Composite Coating on Electrospun Polyimide Nanofibers
Authors: Carlberg Björn , Ye Li‐Lei , Liu Johan
Published: September 2011

A methodology for fabricating hierarchical nanostructures by surface‐confined synthesis of silver nanoparticles on electrospun polyimide nanofibers is reported. Through surface‐confined imide cleavage at the dianhydride domain via immersion in an aqueous KOH solution, potassium polyamate coatings of accurately defined thickness are formed (at a rate of 25 nm h−1). By utilizing the ion‐exchange capability of the polyamate resin, silver ions are introduced through immersion in an aqueous AgNO3 solution. Subsequent reduction of the metal ion species leads to the formation of nanoparticles at the fiber surface. Two modes of reduction, chemical and thermal, are investigated in the report, each leading to distinct morphologies of the nanoparticle coatings. Via thermal reduction, a composite surface layer consisting of monodisperse silver nanoparticles (average diameter 5.2 nm) embedded in a re‐imidized polyimide matrix is achieved. In the case of chemical reduction, the reduction process occurs preferentially at the surface of the fiber, leading to the formation of silver nanoparticles anchored at the surface, though not embedded, in a polyamic acid matrix. By regulating the modification depth, control of the particle density on the fiber surface is established. In both reduction approaches, the polyimide nanofiber core exhibits maintained integrity.
T‐wise combinatorial interaction test suites construction based on coverage inheritance
Authors: Calvagna Andrea , Gargantini Angelo
Published: September 2011

Combinatorial interaction testing (CIT) is a testing technique that requires covering all t‐sized tuples of values out of n parameter attributes or properties modelled after the input parameters or the configuration domain of a system under test. CIT test suites have shown to be very effective in software testing already at pairwise (t  =  2) level, and the effectiveness of CIT grows with the tuple width t. Unfortunately, the number of tuples to be tested also does grow. In order to reduce the testing effort, researchers addressed the issue of computing minimal‐sized CIT test suites with effective and scalable algorithms. However, still very few generally applicable t‐wise covering construction algorithms (and tools) do exist in literature. This paper presents an original greedy algorithm to compute t‐wise covering mixed covering arrays with constant space complexity, irrespective of the number of involved parameters and strength of interaction. The proposed algorithm has been implemented in a prototype tool, featuring also support for user constraints over the inputs. Assessment of the tool performance on a set of large, real‐world test systems is reported, with results encouraging its adoption in industrial production environments. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Total synthesis and functional analysis of non‐ribosomal peptides
Authors: Inoue Masayuki
Published: September 2011

Antillatoxin and polytheonamide B are cytotoxic non‐ribosomal peptides, both isolated from marine sources. These molecules possess unique biological activities that relate to ion channel proteins. Antillatoxin binds and activates voltage‐gated sodium channels, while polytheonamide mimics functions of an ion channel protein. The goal of this research program is to control the function and behavior of ion channels in a desired fashion by exploiting structural motifs of these natural products. In the opening phase of this program, we first developed general and efficient synthetic routes to antillatoxin and polytheonamide B. The strategies for the total syntheses were then applied to the preparation of structurally varied derivatives for studies of structure‐function relationships, which resulted in deciphering important structural elements for the potent biological activities of these natural products.DOI 10.1002/tcr.201100014
Das Rechnen mit Wahrscheinlichkeiten in der Humangenetik
Authors: Fischer C. , Grimm T.
Published: September 2011

Für die Risikoberechnungen in Familien werden die wichtigsten Begriffe und Regeln aus der Wahrscheinlichkeitsrechung erläutert und die Beschreibung Mendelscher Erbgänge formalisiert.
Seismic Clusters and their Characteristics at the Arabian Sea Triple Junction: Supportive Evidences for Plate Margin Deformations
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Basab , Mukhopadhyay Manoj , Dasgupta Sujit
Published: September 2011

The plate margin features defining the Arabian Sea Triple Junction (ASTJ) are: the Aden Ridge (AR), Sheba Ridge (SR) with their intervening Alula-Fartak Transform (AFT), Carlsberg Ridge (CR) and Owen Fracture Zone (OFZ). Exact nature of ASTJ is presently debated: whether it is RRF (ridge-ridge-fault) or RRR (ridge-ridge-ridge) type. A revised seismicity map for ASTJ is given here using data for a period little more than a century. “Point density spatial statistical criterion” is applied to short-listed 742 earthquakes (mb ≥ 4.3), 10 numbers of spatio-temporal seismic clusters are identified for ASTJ and its arms. Relocated hypocentres help better constraining the cluster identification wherever such data exist. Seismic clusters actually diagnose the most intense zones of strain accumulation due to far field as well as the local stress operating at ASTJ. An earthquake swarm emanating from a prominent seismic cluster below SR provides an opportunity to investigate the pore pressure diffusion process (due to the active source) by means of “r-t plot”. Stress and faulting pattern in the active zones are deduced from 43 CMT solutions. While normal or lateral faulting is characteristic for these arms, an anomalous thrust earthquake occurs in the triangular ‘Wheatley Deep’ deformation zone proximal to ASTJ. The latter appears to have formed due to a shift of the deformational front from OFZ towards a transform that offsets SR. Though ASTJ is still in the process of evolution, available data favour that this RRF triple junction may eventually be converted to a more stable RRR type.
Widespread pain and medically certified disability pension in the Hordaland Health Study
Authors: Øverland S. , Harvey S.B. , Knudsen A.K. , Mykletun A. , Hotopf M.
Published: September 2011

Widespread pain (WSP) is common in the general population and is associated with poor outcomes. The aim of this study was to quantify the risk for medically certified disability pension from WSP. We further studied how other common physical symptoms, common mental disorders and functional limitations influenced this risk. A prospective cohort design was established by linking the large population based Hordaland Health Study (n > 18000 individuals aged 40–46) with an administrative registry on disability pension awards. We modelled hazard ratios for later all‐cause and diagnosis specific disability pensioning from WSP, adjusted for potential confounders and examined the impact of other co‐occurring health problems and functional limitations. WSP was common (12.4%) and associated with a range of mental health, and non‐specific and non‐musculoskeletal symptoms. As expected, WSP was a strong predictor for disability pension award. Hazard ratios (HR) adjusted for socio‐economic status, health behaviours and comorbid medical diagnoses indicated WSP was strongest in predicting pensioning for musculoskeletal diagnoses (HR = 5.91, 95% CI 4.64–7.54), but also predicted pensioning for mental disorder (HR = 3.13, 95% CI 2.20–4.46) and other diagnoses (HR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.30–2.51). Further adjustments for other common symptoms, including mental illness, reduced, but did not abolish these risks. WSP is a major risk factor for disability pensions, and not only pensions for musculoskeletal disorders. The global impact of WSP, and its close association to other symptoms, suggests prevention of the severe occupational outcomes for this group must have a broad focus and move beyond symptom directed approaches.
Antihyperglycaemic activity ofAsparagus racemosusroots is partly mediated by inhibition of carbohydrate digestion and absorption, and enhancement of cellular insulin action
Authors: Hannan J. M. A. , Ali Liaquat , Khaleque Junaida , Akhter Masfida , Flatt Peter R. , Abdel-Wahab Yasser H. A.
Published: September 2011

Asparagus racemosusroots have been shown to enhance insulin secretion in perfused pancreas and isolated islets. The present study investigated the effects of ethanol extracts ofA. racemosusroots on glucose homeostasis in diabetic rats, together with the effects on insulin action in 3T3 adipocytes. When administered orally together with glucose,A. racemosusextract improved glucose tolerance in normal as well as in two types of diabetic rats. To investigate the possible effects on carbohydrate absorption, the sucrose content of the gastrointestinal tract was examined in 12 h fasted rats after an oral sucrose load (2·5 g/kg body weight). The extract significantly suppressed postprandial hyperglycaemia after sucrose ingestion and reversibly increased unabsorbed sucrose content throughout the gut. The extract also significantly inhibited the absorption of glucose duringin situgut perfusion with glucose. Furthermore, the extract enhanced glucose transport and insulin action in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Daily administration ofA. racemosusto type 2 diabetic rats for 28 d decreased serum glucose, increased pancreatic insulin, plasma insulin, liver glycogen and total oxidant status. These findings indicate that antihyperglycaemic activity ofA. racemosusis partly mediated by inhibition of carbohydrate digestion and absorption, together with enhancement of insulin secretion and action in the peripheral tissue.Asparagus racemosusmay be useful as a source of novel antidiabetic compounds or a dietary adjunct for the management of diabetes.
Low concentrations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D associated with increased risk for chronic bronchitis among US adults
Authors: Zhao Guixiang , Ford Earl S. , Tsai James , Li Chaoyang , Croft Janet B.
Published: September 2011

Increasing evidence suggests that vitamin D benefits both innate and adaptive immunity, thereby eliciting an anti-inflammatory effect and reducing the risk of infectious disease. The present study examined the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and the risk of chronic bronchitis among US adults. We analysed data from 6872 US adults aged ≥ 20 years who participated in the 2003–6 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Prevalence and OR with 95 % CI of having self-reported chronic bronchitis were estimated by quintiles of 25(OH)D or vitamin D-deficiency status after adjustment for potential confounders. The results showed that the adjusted prevalence of chronic bronchitis ranged from 2·4 (95 % CI 1·4, 3·3) % among adults in the highest quintile of 25(OH)D ( ≥ 30 ng/ml) to 4·1 (95 % CI 2·5, 5·6) % among adults in the lowest quintile ( < 15 ng/ml; P for trend < 0·01). The adjusted OR for chronic bronchitis was 1·85 (95 % CI 1·06, 3·24) in adults with < 15 ng/ml 25(OH)D and 1·77 (95 % CI 1·19, 2·65) in those with 15 to < 20 ng/ml 25(OH)D compared with adults with ≥ 30 ng/ml 25(OH)D. Additionally, the adjusted OR for chronic bronchitis was 1·52 (95 % CI 1·03, 2·26) among adults with vitamin D deficiency ( < 20 ng/ml 25(OH)D) compared with those with ≥ 20 ng/ml 25(OH)D. For every 1 ng/ml increase in 25(OH)D, the likelihood of having chronic bronchitis fell by 2·6 % (P = 0·016). In conclusion, low serum 25(OH)D levels are associated with the increased risk of chronic bronchitis among US adults. The present results provide support for continuing research on the role of vitamin D in lung diseases.
Hatoko Comes Home: Civil Society and Nuclear Power in Japan
Authors: Dusinberre Martin , Aldrich Daniel P.
Published: September 2011

This article seeks to explain how, given Japan's “nuclear allergy” following World War II, a small coastal town not far from Hiroshima volunteered to host a nuclear power plant in the early 1980s. Where standard explanations of contentious nuclear power siting decisions have focused on the regional power utilities and the central government, this paper instead examines the importance of historical change and civil society at a local level. Using a microhistorical approach based on interviews and archival materials, and framing our discussion with a popular Japanese television show known as Hatoko's Sea, we illustrate the agency of municipal actors in the decision-making process. In this way, we highlight the significance of long-term economic transformations, demographic decline, and vertical social networks in local invitations to controversial facilities. These perspectives are particularly important in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima crisis, as the outside world seeks to understand how and why Japan embraced atomic energy.
Paranasal sinus computed tomography anatomy: a surgeon's perspective
Authors: Ramakrishnan Y , Zammit-Maempel I , Jones N S , Carrie S
Published: September 2011

Computed tomography scans serve as a critical ‘roadmap’ for functional endoscopic sinus surgery. A systematic evaluation of such scans, and an awareness of any anatomical variants that may modify one's surgical approach, allow one to pre-empt complications. This article describes, from a novice's perspective, two methods of evaluating paranasal sinus computed tomography scans: a quick assessment technique; and a step-wise, operative approach covering radiological features relevant to pre- and peri-operative management.
Venezuela's Social-Based Democratic Model: Innovations and Limitations
Authors: ELLNER STEVE
Published: September 2011

Under the Chávez government, the incorporation and participation of popular sectors, which is the essence of ‘social-based democracy’, has been quantitatively and qualitatively different from socialist government and welfare-state strategies of the past. Venezuela's social-based democracy focuses on education, job skills, ideology, transformation of values and empowerment, achievements which Chavista leaders consider to be imperatives for socialist development. However, Chavista social programmes have been undermined by institutional weakness, are sometimes not cost-effective, and are politicised. Conflicting views among the Chavistas on the role of the state hinge on the issue of whether initiatives from above in favour of social-based democracy represent a viable strategy for far-reaching change. The Venezuelan government's changing priorities after 2007 have detracted from the primacy of social programmes.
‘Arisen from Deep Slumber’: Transnational Politics and Competing Nationalisms among Syrian Immigrants in Argentina, 1900–1922
Authors: HYLAND STEVEN
Published: September 2011

This article examines how Syrian immigrants in Argentina responded to the intersection of transnational politics and nascent nationalisms between 1900 and 1922. In particular, it studies the role of Syrian intellectuals in Argentina in advocating a variety of political allegiances that changed over time as their homelands suffered a series of intense political transformations during the first two decades of the twentieth century. The emergence of Syrian and Lebanese ethnic identities as well as an Arab racialised identity was the product of distinct political programmes circulating in the Levant and among the Syrian émigré communities in the Americas, threatening to undermine the immigrant colony's sense of community.
Generational positions at a family dinner: Food morality and social order
Authors: Aronsson Karin , Gottzén Lucas
Published: September 2011

This article concerns generation and food morality, drawing on video recordings of dinners in Swedish middle-class families. A detailed analysis of affect displays during one family dinner extends prior work on food morality (Ochs, Pontecorvo, & Fasulo 1996; Grieshaber 1997; Bourdieu 2003; Wiggins 2004), documenting ways in which participants may shift between distinctgenerational positionswith respect to affects and food morality (from “irresponsible child” to caretaker positions). In our recordings, an elder sibling is shifting between a series of contrasting affective stances (Ochs & Schieffelin 1989; M. Goodwin 2006; Stivers 2008), linked to generational positions along an implicit age continuum: positioning himself, at one end of the continuum, as his young brother's accomplice, and at the other as an adult, a serious guardian of food morality. This study shows that generational positions are not fixed, but are positions adopted as parts of language socialization and interactional events. (Generational positions, caretaker positions, social age, affective stances, alignments, negotiations, food morality, language socialization, family life, dinnertime)*