bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of bacteria in oral cancer
Authors: Chocolatewala Noureen , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Desale Rushikesh
Published: February 2011

Despite the widening interest in the possible association between bacteria and different stages of cancer development, our knowledge in its relation to oral cancers remains inadequate. The aim of this review article is to derive a better understanding on the role of various micro-organisms in the etiogenesis of oral cancers through all the available data on the pubmed. Different bacteria have been proposed to induce carcinogenesis either through induction of chronic inflammation or by interference, either directly or indirectly, with eukaryotic cell cycle and signaling pathways, or by metabolism of potentially carcinogenic substances like acetaldehyde causing mutagenesis. Studies have shown diversity of isolated bacterial taxa between the oral cancer tissue specimens and the control, with Exiguobacterium oxidotolerans, Prevotella melaninogenica, Staphylococcus aureus and Veillonella parvula being specific for tumorogenic tissues. Most isolates are saccharolytic and acid tolerant. Streptococcus anginosus, commonly linked with esophageal and pharyngeal cancers, is not of significance in oral cancers. Similarly, significant salivary specificity is noted for three bacteria, namely, Capnocytophaga gingivalis, P. melaninogenica, and Streptococcus mitis in oral cancer patients, making these species salivary markers for the early detection of oral cancers and thus improving the survival rate significantly. Also, such high degree of bacterial specificity in oral cancers has also provoked the designing of new treatment options for cancer prevention by way of vaccine delivery. However, for the success of these steps, a deeper exploration into this subject with a greater understanding is warranted.
Targeting mTOR pathway: A new concept in cancer therapy
Authors: Advani S H
Published: February 2011

This article highlights the current knowledge of mTOR biology and provides new insights into the role of mTOR in different cancers. An active mTOR coordinates a response in cell growth directly through its effects on cell cycle regulators and indirectly by sustaining nutrient supply into the cell through the production of nutrient transporters and also through the promotion of angiogenesis. A primary way that mTOR exerts its regulatory effects on cell proliferation is by controlling the production of cyclin D1. mTOR increases the translation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1)/HIF-2.The HIF transcription factors drive the expression of hypoxic stress response genes, including angiogenic growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor b (PDGF- b), and transforming growth factor a (TGF-a).mTOR also increases the surface expression of nutrient transporters proteins. An increase in these proteins results in greater uptake of amino acids and other nutrients by the cell leading to adequate nutrient support to abnormal cell growth and survival. There is also emerging evidence that mTOR activation may play a role in promoting cell survival through the activation of antiapoptotic proteins that contribute to tumor progression. Given that the mTOR pathway is deregulated in a number of cancers, it is anticipated that mTOR inhibitors will have broad therapeutic application across many tumor types. Until now, no treatment demonstrated Phase III evidence after disease progression on an initial VEGF-targeted therapy in advanced renal cell carcinoma. Everolimus is the first and only therapy with Phase III evidence after failure of VEGF-targeted therapy. Everolimus is a once-daily, oral inhibitor of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) indicated for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma in patients, whose disease has progressed on or after treatment with VEGF-targeted therapy.
Staring secondaries, where is the primary?
Authors: Sundaram P Shanmuga , Padma S , Rai Jay Kumar , Harish Vijay
Published: February 2011

An asymptomatic issueless young staff nurse underwent pre-employment health screening and USG abdomen showed multiple hypodense lesions in liver. Further screening with whole body positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan showed significantly FDG avid mass involving most of the right lobe of liver with multiple large FDG avid lymph nodal metastases. Unsuspected focal abnormal, FDG avid, hyperdense mural nodule was seen in uterus, which is the site of primary.
The Ample Cone for a K3 Surface
Authors: Baragar Arthur
Published: February 2011

In this paper, we give several pictorial fractal representations of the ample or K¨ahler cone for surfaces in a certain class of K3 surfaces. The class includes surfaces described by smooth (2, 2, 2) forms in ℙ1 × ℙ1 × ℙ1 defined over a sufficiently large number field K that have a line parallel to one of the axes and have Picard number four. We relate the Hausdorff dimension of this fractal to the asymptotic growth of orbits of curves under the action of the surface's group of automorphisms. We experimentally estimate the Hausdorff dimension of the fractal to be 1.296 ± .010.
Linear Combinations of Composition Operators on the Bloch Spaces
Authors: Hosokawa Takuya , Nieminen Pekka J. , Ohno Shûichi
Published: February 2011

We characterize the compactness of linear combinations of analytic composition operators on the Bloch space. We also study their boundedness and compactness on the little Bloch space.
Spectral Asymptotics of Laplacians Associated with One-dimensional Iterated Function Systems with Overlaps
Authors: Ngai Sze-Man
Published: February 2011

We set up a framework for computing the spectral dimension of a class of one-dimensional self-similar measures that are defined by iterated function systems with overlaps and satisfy a family of second-order self-similar identities. As applications of our result we obtain the spectral dimension of important measures such as the infinite Bernoulli convolution associated with the golden ratio and convolutions of Cantor-type measures. The main novelty of our result is that the iterated function systems we consider are not post-critically finite and do not satisfy the well-known open set condition.
Plasma transport modelling in the inner magnetosphere: effects of magnetic field, electric field and exospheric models
Authors: Woelfflé A. , Boscher D. , Dandouras I.
Published: February 2011

Abstract. A qualitative study is performed on plasma transport modelling in the inner magnetosphere, revealing the significance of a model use choice and its parameterization. First, we examine particle transport using comparative analysis of both magnetic and electric field models. This work reveals that the electric field plays an important role in understanding particle dynamics and the models lead to various results in terms of plasma source, energy and particle trajectory. We then concentrate particularly on proton loss assessment considering the charge exchange phenomenon. For that, models are needed to provide a neutral hydrogen density estimation. So, exospheric models were tested in light of the Dynamics Explorer 1 measurements analysed by Rairden.
Carbon metabolism limits recombinant protein production in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Heyland Jan , Fu Jianan , Blank Lars M. , Schmid Andreas
Published: February 2011

The yeast Pichia pastoris enables efficient (high titer) recombinant protein production. As the molecular tools required are well established and gene specific optimizations of transcription and translation are becoming available, metabolism moves into focus as possible limiting factor of recombinant protein production in P. pastoris. To investigate the impact of recombinant protein production on metabolism systematically, we constructed strains that produced the model protein β‐aminopeptidase BapA of Sphingosinicella xenopeptidilytica at different production yields. The impact of low to high BapA production on cell physiology was quantified. The data suggest that P. pastoris compensates for the additional resources required for recombinant protein synthesis by reducing by‐product formation and by increasing energy generation via the TCA cycle. Notably, the activity of the TCA cycle was constant with a rate of 2.1 ± 0.1 mmol g h−1 irrespective of significantly reduced growth rates in high BapA producing strains, suggesting an upper limit of TCA cycle activity. The reduced growth rate could partially be restored by providing all 20 proteinogenic amino acids in the fermentation medium. Under these conditions, the rate of BapA synthesis increased twofold. The successful supplementation of the growth medium by amino acids to unburden cellular metabolism during recombinant protein production suggests that the metabolic network is a valid target for future optimization of protein production by P. pastoris. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1942–1953. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mass spectrometry to describe product and contaminant adsorption properties for bioprocess development
Authors: Berrill Alex , Ho Sa V. , Bracewell Daniel G.
Published: February 2011

Process development for biologics is expensive and lengthy, tools are needed to rapidly understand where the difficulties will lie, and, hence, rationally deploy resources. In this work we introduce and evaluate a methodology to determine the manufacturability of a protein candidate. The methodology determines protein impurities by mass spectrometry and separation difficulty from the product based on adsorption properties deduced from a single set of experiments. This information can aid early process strategy decisions to target hard to remove protein impurities (nearest neighbors) and allow the re‐evaluation of conventional process synthesis. The methodology chosen gives consideration to the fact that at this point in early phase development, material, and established analytical methods are limiting. This study uses surface enhanced laser desorption ionization mass spectroscopy (SELDI‐MS), for its rapid analysis and minimal sample requirement to measure product and contaminant adsorption properties. The technique is used to provide an array of hydrophobic and electrostatic conditions for protein adsorption. The adsorption pattern produced for each protein is analyzed and visualized via a star plot. Dendrograms then define nearest neighbor protein contaminants by quantifying differences in the adsorption pattern between the product and contaminants. By comparison to an existing process to manufacture a 28 kDa recombinant protein expressed in Escherichia coli, we confirm the method is capable of determining where the greatest separation difficulty lies and what separation methods should be considered. The technique identified that the nearest neighbor contaminants were product‐related proteins (28.6 and 29.1 kDa/e). Thus demonstrating a capability to measure the relative difficulty of purifying early stage protein candidates where little is known about the separation properties of products and contaminants, or the process sequence for their production. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1862–1871. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hofmeister series salts enhance purification of plasmid DNA by non‐ionic detergents
Authors: Lezin George , Kuehn Michael R. , Brunelli Luca
Published: February 2011

Ion‐exchange chromatography is the standard technique used for plasmid DNA purification, an essential molecular biology procedure. Non‐ionic detergents (NIDs) have been used for plasmid DNA purification, but it is unclear whether Hofmeister series salts (HSS) change the solubility and phase separation properties of specific NIDs, enhancing plasmid DNA purification. After scaling‐up NID‐mediated plasmid DNA isolation, we established that NIDs in HSS solutions minimize plasmid DNA contamination with protein. In addition, large‐scale NID/HSS solutions eliminated lipopolysaccharides (LPS) contamination of plasmid DNA more effectively than Qiagen ion‐exchange columns. Large‐scale NID isolation/NID purification generated increased yields of high‐quality DNA compared to alkali isolation/column purification. This work characterizes how HSS enhance NID‐mediated plasmid DNA purification, and demonstrates that NID phase transition is not necessary for LPS removal from plasmid DNA. Specific NIDs such as IGEPAL CA‐520 can be utilized for rapid, inexpensive, and efficient laboratory‐based large‐scale plasmid DNA purification, outperforming Qiagen‐based column procedures. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1872–1882. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of polybutylcyanoacrylate‐encapsulated rose fragrance nanocapsule
Authors: Hu Jing , Xiao Zuobing , Zhou Rujun , Li Zhen , Wang Mingxi , Ma Shuangshuang
Published: February 2011

Rose fragrance, containing many kinds of volatile compound, is widely applied in the textile and cosmetics industry. If it can be encapsulated into polymer materials, the duration of its aroma can be extended for a much longer period. Microcapsules cannot be firmly fixed on the fibres, due to their size limitation. However, encapsulating fragrance in nanocapsules could avoid the evaporation of volatile components and prolong the service life of aromatic textiles. In this study, polybutylcyanoacrylate (PBCA) with excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability was used to encapsulate rose fragrance to form nanocapsules via anionic polymerization. The mean diameter of the nanocapsules was 67.3 nm and the encapsulation efficiency was 65.83% with 0.8% BCA, 0.5% rose fragrance, 2.6% polyoxyethylene(20) sorbitan monolaurate (Tween‐20), <pH 2. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the size of spherical nanocapsule varied in the range 30–100 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) demonstrated that BCA had been completely polymerized and could interact with rose fragrance via the hydrogen bonds. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) showed that the washing resistance of cotton fabrics finished by 67.3 nm nanocapsules was much better than that by rose fragrance alone. Both GC–MS and UV analysis displayed that the loss of the fragrance released from cotton fabrics finished by 67.3 nm nanocapsules was obviously lower than that by 339 nm nanocapsules and rose fragrance. Nanoencapsulation by PBCA of the fragrance by anionic polymerization appears to be an effective technique for fragrance encapsulation, providing a well‐sustained release property. The smaller the nanocapsule size, the better the sustained release property. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy of selective transarterial chemoembolization in inducing tumor necrosis in small (<5 cm) hepatocellular carcinomas
Authors: Golfieri Rita , Cappelli Alberta , Cucchetti Alessandro , Piscaglia Fabio , Carpenzano Maria , Peri Eugenia , Ravaioli Matteo , D'Errico-Grigioni Antonia , Pinna Antonio Daniele , Bolondi Luigi
Published: February 2011

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is commonly used as a bridge therapy for patients awaiting liver transplantation (LT) and for downstaging patients initially not meeting the Milan criteria. The primary aim of this study was to analyze whether a difference exists between selective/superselective and lobar TACE in determining tumor necrosis by a pathological analysis of the whole lesion at the time of LT. The secondary aim was to investigate the relationship between the tumor size and the capacity of TACE to induce necrosis. Data were extracted from a prospective database of 67 consecutive patients who underwent LT for hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis from 2003 to 2009 and were treated exclusively with TACE as a bridging (n = 53) or downstaging therapy (n = 14). We identified 122 nodules; 53.3% were treated with selective/superselective TACE. The mean histological necrosis level was 64.7%; complete tumor necrosis was obtained in 42.6% of the nodules. In comparison with lobar TACE, selective/superselective TACE led to significantly higher mean levels of necrosis (75.1% versus 52.8%,

P

= 0.002) and a higher rate of complete necrosis (53.8% versus 29.8%,

P

= 0.013). A significant direct relationship was observed between the tumor diameter and the mean tumor necrosis level (59.6% for lesions < 2 cm, 68.4% for lesions of 2.1–3 cm, and 76.2% for lesions > 3 cm). Histological necrosis was maximal for tumors > 3 cm: 91.8% after selective/superselective TACE and 66.5% after lobar procedures. Independent predictors of complete tumor necrosis were selective/superselective TACE (

P

= 0.049) and the treatment of single nodules (

P

= 0.008). Repeat sessions were more frequently needed for nodules treated with lobar TACE (31.6% versus 59.3%,

P

= 0.049).

Conclusion:

Selective/superselective TACE was more successful than lobar procedures in achieving complete histological necrosis, and TACE was more effective in 3- to 5-cm tumors than in smaller ones. (Hepatology 2011;)
Shortened telomeres in individuals with abuse in alcohol consumption
Authors: Pavanello Sofia , Hoxha Mirjam , Dioni Laura , Bertazzi Pier Alberto , Snenghi Rossella , Nalesso Alessandro , Ferrara Santo Davide , Montisci Massimo , Baccarelli Andrea
Published: February 2011

Alcohol abuse leads to earlier onset of aging‐related diseases, including cancer at multiple sites. Shorter telomere length (TL) in peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs), a marker of biological aging, has been associated with alcohol‐related cancer risks. Whether alcohol abusers exhibit accelerated biological aging, as reflected in PBL‐TL, has never been examined. To investigated the effect of alcohol abuse on PBL‐TL and its interaction with alcohol metabolic genotypes, we examined 200 drunk‐driving traffic offenders diagnosed as alcohol abusers as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [DSM‐IV‐TR] and enrolled in a probation program, and 257 social drinkers (controls). We assessed alcohol intake using self‐reported drink‐units/day and conventional alcohol abuse biomarkers (serum γ‐glutamyltrasferase [GGT] and mean corpuscular volume of erythrocytes [MCV]). We used multivariable models to compute TL geometric means (GM) adjusted for age, smoking, BMI, diet, job at elevated risk of accident, genotoxic exposures. TL was nearly halved in alcohol abusers compared with controls (GMs 0.42 vs. 0.87 relative T/S ratio; p < 0.0001) and decreased in relation with increasing drink‐units/day (p‐trend = 0.003). Individuals drinking >4 drink‐units/day had substantially shorter TL than those drinking ≤4 drink‐units/day (GMs 0.48 vs. 0.61 T/S, p = 0.002). Carriers of the common ADH1B*1/*1 (rs1229984) genotype were more likely to be abusers (p = 0.008), reported higher drink‐units/day (p = 0.0003), and exhibited shorter TL (p < 0.0001). The rs698 ADH1C and rs671 ALDH2 polymorphisms were not associated with TL. The decrease in PBL‐TL modulated by the alcohol metabolic genotype ADH1B*1/*1 may represent a novel mechanism potentially related to alcohol carcinogenesis in alcohol abusers.
Development of lamprey mucocartilage and its dorsal–ventral patterning by endothelin signaling, with insight into vertebrate jaw evolution
Authors: Yao Tuoya , Ohtani Kaoru , Kuratani Shigeru , Wada Hiroshi
Published: February 2011

Because vertebrate jaw evolution involved modification of the anteriormost pharyngeal arch, it is important to understand the skeletal patterning of the lamprey pharyngeal arch. In this study, we visualized mucocartilage, which constitutes most of the skeletal elements in the anterior pharyngeal arches of the lamprey, and traced the development of these skeletal elements. We found that the basic framework of the mucocartilage skeletal elements is established in stage‐30 larvae (about 1‐month‐old at 16°C) and that the expression pattern of the SoxE homolog, LjSoxE3, prefigures the development of the skeletal elements in the craniofacial region. This enabled us to trace the developmental pattern of the anterior pharyngeal arch skeletal elements. We obtained evidence that endothelin signaling is involved in development of the ventral element of the first pharyngeal arch. These results suggest that endothelin signaling was already involved in the specification for the ventral skeleton and that the gnathostome jaw innovation must have been achieved by modifying downstream regulatory systems. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 316:339–346, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decay functions and criminal spatial processes: geographical offender profiling of volume crime
Authors: Hammond Laura , Youngs Donna
Published: February 2011

Although it is now well established across diverse samples that the frequency of offending ‘decays’ as distance from the home/base increases, it remains unclear what form of decay function best characterises this relationship. Different forms of decay function reflect different patterns and rates of decrease in the likelihood of offending as distance from the home/base increases. These different patterns imply rather different underlying psychological processes. Therefore, considerations of the particular function characterising distance decay elucidate explanations of offender spatial behaviour. To bring to light the possible psychological and behavioural processes inherent in offending distance decay, the present study examined the fit of logarithmic, negative exponential, and quadratic decay functions to the distribution of the distances travelled to offend by a sample of 70 prolific burglars from the UK. It is argued that these functions are consistent with the operation of perceptual processes of magnitude estimation, friction or effort effects, and the influences of cost‐benefit assessments, respectively. The results indicate that offending distance decay patterns most closely fit the logarithmic function, consistent with Stevens' perceptual processes of distortion in magnitude estimation, whilst not ruling out additional processes relating to the increased effort required in travelling greater distances to offend. Because most geographical profiling systems are built upon the distance decay function, the impact of utilising the different forms of function on the accuracy of geographic profiles was also assessed utilising ‘search cost’ calculations. The results showed little impact of applying different decay functions. Thus, whilst the decay function does have important theoretical implications for understanding offender spatial behaviour, it is noted that the particular variant used does not significantly impact on the effectiveness of geographical profiling systems as they currently exist. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of plasmonic bowtie nanoring array with high sensitivity and reproducibility for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Lina , Cai Likang , Zhang Jing , Bai Wenli , Hu Haifeng , Song Guofeng
Published: February 2011

A metallic bowtie nanoring array is designed to gain high sensitive and reproducible substrate for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), the electric field enhancement factors (EFs) and the electric field distribution of the bowtie and bowtie nanoring array are numerically investigated by means of the finite‐difference time domain (FDTD) method. After the optimization of the particle size and the array period, the maximum electromagnetic field EF approaches 153, and the corresponding SERS electromagnetic enhancement factor (EMEF) reaches 5.4 × 108. This highly sensitive and reproducible substrate can be a good candidate for SERS applications. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental and ab initio DFT calculated Raman spectrum of Sudan I, a red dye
Authors: Kunov‐Kruse Andreas J. , Kristensen Steffen B. , Liu Chuan , Berg Rolf W.
Published: February 2011

The red dye Sudan I was investigated by Raman spectroscopy using different excitation wavelengths (1064, 532 and 244 nm). A calculation of the Raman spectrum based on quantum mechanical ab initio density functional theory (DFT) was made using the RB3LYP method with the 3‐21G and 6‐311 + G(d,p) basis sets. The vibrations in the region 1600–1000 cm−1 were found to comprise various mixed modes including in‐plane stretching and bending of various CC, NN, CN and CO bonds and angles in the molecule. Below ∼900 cm−1, the out‐of‐plane bending modes were dominant. The central hydrazo chromophore of the Sudan I molecule was involved in the majority of the vibrations through NN and CN stretching and various bending modes. Low‐intensity bands in the lower wavenumber range (at about 721, 616, 463 and 218 cm−1) were selectively enhanced by the resonance Raman effect when using the 532 nm excitation line. Comparison was made with other azo dyes in the literature on natural, abundant plant pigments. The results show that there is a possibility in foodstuff analysis to distinguish Sudan I from other dyes by using Raman spectroscopy with more than one laser wavelength for resonance enhancement of the different bands Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman, infrared, SERS and theoretical study of 3‐(1‐phenylpropan‐2‐ylamino) propanenitrile, fenproporex
Authors: Fleming Guillermo Diaz , Célis Freddy , Campos‐Vallette Marcelo , Aliaga Alvaro E. , Escobar Marcela , Koch Rainer
Published: February 2011

Infrared, Raman and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of 3‐(1‐phenylpropan‐2‐ylamino)propanenitrile (fenproporex) have been recorded. Density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP functional was used for optimizations of ground state geometries and simulation of Raman and SERS vibrational spectra of this molecule. Bands of the vibrational spectra were assigned in detail. The comparison of SERS spectra obtained by using colloidal silver and gold nanoparticles with the corresponding Raman spectrum reveals enhancement and shifts in bands, suggesting a possible partial charge‐transfer mechanism in the SERS effect. Information about the orientation of fenproporex on the nanometer‐sized metal structures is also obtained. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen bonding dynamics of cyclodextrin–water solutions by depolarized light scattering
Authors: Rossi B. , Comez L. , Fioretto D. , Lupi L. , Caponi S. , Rossi F.
Published: February 2011

Depolarized light scattering measurements performed on aqueous solutions of α‐cyclodextrin are used for investigating the hydration properties of this natural cyclic oligosaccharide, which is well known for its ability to form inclusion complexes with a large variety of guest hydrophobic molecules. The spectral analysis allows the characterization of the solvent relaxation process assigned to hydration water, which is found to be seven to eight times slower than the bulk. As a structural information, the number of water molecules involved in the hydration process is also estimated at about 46. These results are a key step for understanding the role played by water in determining the properties of different forms of cyclodextrins and their derivatives, in turn related to complexation ability of these macrocycles. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Origin of the Raman mode at 379 cm−1 observed in ZnO thin films grown on sapphire
Authors: Souissi A. , Marzouki A. , Sayari A. , Sallet V. , Lusson A. , Oueslati M.
Published: February 2011

In this work, we present a detailed Raman scattering study to clarify the origin of the mode at 379 cm−1 which is observed in Raman spectra of the ZnO films grown on c‐sapphire substrates and generally attributed to the A1‐transverse optical (A1‐TO) mode of ZnO. The studied ZnO films were deposited by metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition on c‐sapphire and (0001) ZnO substrates. In the z(−,−)z̄ backscattering configuration, the A1‐TO mode is forbidden, while the 379 cm−1 peak is still observed in the as‐deposited film grown on sapphire substrate. However, this mode is not observed in Raman spectra of the as deposited film grown on ZnO substrate. We suggest that the peak at 379 cm−1 is the E1g mode of the sapphire substrate which is allowed in z(−,−)z̄ backscattering configuration. The effects of annealing, the substrate and the collection cross‐section on Raman active modes were analyzed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of Raman spectra through a case‐based reasoning system: application to artistic pigments
Authors: Castanys M. , Perez‐Pueyo R. , Soneira M. J. , Golobardes E. , Fornells A.
Published: February 2011

This paper presents a methodology conceived as a support system to identify unknown materials by means of the automatic recognition of their Raman spectra. Initially, the design and implementation of the system were framed in an artistic context where the Raman spectra analyzed belong to artistic pigments. The analysis of the pigmentation used in an artwork constitutes one of the most important contributions in its global study. This paper proposes a methodology to systematically identify Raman spectra, following the way analysts usually work in their laboratory but avoiding their assessment and subjectivity. It is a three‐phase methodology that automates the spectral comparison, which is based on one of the most powerful paradigms inmachine learning: the case‐based reasoning (CBR) systems. A CBR system is able to solve a problem by using specific knowledge of previous experiences (well‐known spectral library of patterns) and finding the most similar past cases (patterns), reusing and adapting them to the new problem situation (unknown spectrum). The system results in a global signal processing methodology that includes different phases such as reducing the Raman spectral expression by means of the principal component analysis, the definition of similarity measures to objectively quantify the spectral similarity and providing a final value obtained by a fuzzy logic system that will help the analyst to take a decision. The major benefit of a Raman spectral identification system lies in offering a decision‐support tool to those who are not experts or under difficult situations with respect to Raman spectroscopy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SVD‐based method for intensity normalization, background correction and solvent subtraction in Raman spectroscopy exploiting the properties of water stretching vibrations
Authors: Palacký Jan , Mojzeš Peter , Bok Jiří
Published: February 2011

A semiautomated method combining intensity normalization with effective elimination of the solvent signal and non‐Raman background is presented for Raman spectra of biochemical and biological analytes in aqueous solutions. The method is particularly suitable for rapid and effortless preprocessing of extensive datasets taken as a function of gradually varied physicochemical parameters, e.g. analyte and/or ligand concentration, temperature, pH, pressure, ionic strength, time, etc. For intensity normalization, the strong Raman OH stretching band of water in the range of 2700–3900 cm−1 recorded together with the analyte spectrum in the fingerprint region below 1800 cm−1 is employed as internal intensity standard. Concomitant dependences of the solvent Raman spectra are taken into account and, in some cases, turned into advantage. Once the Raman spectra of the solvent are acquired for a particular range of the parameter varied, solvent contribution can be subtracted correctly from any analyte spectrum taken within this range. The procedure presented can be efficiently applied only for the analytes having their own Raman signal in the range of OH stretching vibrations much weaker than that of the solvent. However, this is the case for a great number of biochemical and biological samples. Accuracy, reliability and robustness of the method were tested under the conditions of spontaneous Raman, resonance Raman and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering. Serviceability of the method is demonstrated by several real‐world examples. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopy of sol–gel derived titanium oxide thin films
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Shen Jun , Pan Qiang
Published: February 2011

Raman spectra of TiO2 films prepared via the sol–gel process were studied by UV and visible Raman spectroscopy. The evolution of the phases of TiO2 films during annealing was investigated, and the relative intensities of the Raman bands excited with 325 nm were found to be distinct from those of the bands excited with 514 nm. The transmittance and FTIR spectra of the films annealed at different temperatures were characterized. The crystallization process of the powders and thin films treated by different annealing methods were also studied with Raman spectroscopy. The results show that the change in the relative intensities is caused by the resonance Raman effect. The anatase to rutile transition of the powder occurs at 700 °C, while that of the thin film occurs at 800 °C. The analysis of Raman band shape (peak position and full width at half‐maximum) after conventional furnace annealing and rapid thermal annealing indicates the influence of the non‐stoichiometry and phonon confinement effect. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Softening behavior of acoustic phonon mode in ZnO nanoparticles: the effect of impurities and particle size variation with temperature
Authors: Yadav Harish Kumar , Sreenivas K. , Katiyar R. S. , Gupta Vinay
Published: February 2011

Decay dynamics of the acoustic phonon mode in ZnO nanoparticles, synthesized using the wet chemical technique, is investigated. It is well established that optic phonon modes in a semiconductor favor an anharmonic decay dynamics; in contrast, acoustic modes evidence a rather complex decay behavior, manifesting their dependence on other parameters such as particle size, impurity species, etc. At lower temperatures (T < 500 K), the anharmonic decay process, caused by the weakening of the bond strength, is responsible for the observed decrease in the acoustic mode wavenumbers. However, particle growth due to the coalescence sintering process is prominent at higher temperatures (>600 K) and governs the softening behavior of the acoustic phonon mode towards the Rayleigh line. On the other hand, the precursor species and reaction byproducts on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles induce an anomalous softening behavior in the decay dynamics at specific temperatures by damping the acoustic phonon mode. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immune response to pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza a vaccination in pediatric liver transplant recipients
Authors: Haller Wolfram , Buttery Jim , Laurie Karen , Beyerle Kathe , Hardikar Winita , Alex George
Published: February 2011

After the announcement of a worldwide pandemic in June 2009, a single dose of a monovalent pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza A (pH1N1/09) vaccine was advocated for all Australians who were 10 years and older because of excellent immunogenicity trial results for healthy children and adults. Immunocompromised patients have previously been shown to have lower seroconversion rates after routine vaccinations. There is a lack of data concerning the immune response of this patient group after pH1N1/09 vaccination. The aim of this study was to assess the immunogenicity of a pH1N1/09 vaccine in pediatric liver transplant recipients 10 years of age or older. Liver transplant recipients ≥ 10 years were prospectively recruited. All participants were administered a single intramuscular injection of the pH1N1/09 vaccine (15 μg). Serum antibody levels were determined by hemagglutination immediately before and ≥ 6 weeks after vaccination. Clinical and laboratory data (age, time since transplantation, immunosuppression, and lymphocyte counts) were analyzed comparing seroconverters and nonconverters with the Student's t test. A second dose of the vaccine was offered to all those who displayed no seroprotective titers after the first vaccination. Antibody levels were again determined 6 weeks later. Twenty-one of 28 liver transplant patients completed the study. The seroconversion rate was 62% after the first dose and 89.5% after the second dose. At baseline, 7 of 21 patients (33.4%) were already seropositive. Increasing time since transplantation positively correlated with successful seroconversion. In conclusion, a single dose of a pandemic influenza A vaccine does not elicit a reliable immune response in adolescent pediatric liver transplant patients. A second dose of the vaccine is warranted in this group of patients, at least in a pandemic scenario. There is an urgent need to further assess vaccine strategies in this high-risk group. Liver Transpl 17:914–920, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Sonography in carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Hunderfund Andrea N. Leep , Boon Andrea J. , Mandrekar Jayawant N. , Sorenson Eric J.
Published: February 2011

Introduction: Our objective in this study was to assess the diagnostic utility of the median nerve cross‐sectional area (CSA) at the wrist, the wrist–forearm ratio, and the wrist–forearm difference in patients with and without carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods: Individuals with electrodiagnostically proven CTS and asymptomatic control subjects were recruited prospectively from among patients referred to our electrodiagnostic laboratory. Blinded measurements of CSA were made from transverse sonographic images of the median nerve at the wrist (pisiform) and mid‐forearm. Results: Fifty‐five cases and 49 controls were recruited. Wrist median nerve CSA (15 vs. 9 mm2; P < 0.0001), wrist–forearm ratio (3.09 vs. 1.90 mm2; P < 0.0001), and wrist–forearm difference (10 vs. 4 mm2; P < 0.0001) were all significantly larger in CTS cases (areas under the curve = 0.89, 0.82, and 0.88, respectively). Conclusions: Median nerve CSA at the carpal tunnel inlet and wrist–forearm difference provides the best discrimination between patients with CTS and controls according to receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis. Age, gender, height, weight, and wrist size have no effect on CSA. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Epidermolysis bullosa with late‐onset muscular dystrophy and plectin deficiency
Authors: Yiu Eppie M. , Klausegger Alfred , Waddell Leigh B. , Grasern Nikolaus , Lloyd Lyn , Tran Kim , North Kathryn N. , Bauer Johann W. , McKelvie Penelope , Chow C.W. , Ryan Monique M. , Murrell Dedee F.
Published: February 2011

Epidermolysis bullosa associated with muscular dystrophy is a rare, autosomal recessive form of epidermolysis bullosa simplex caused by mutations in the plectin gene, PLEC1. We describe a phenotypically mild case due to compound heterozygous mutations in PLEC1 (2677_2685del and the novel mutation Q1644X). Clinical features included mild skin blistering since birth, slowly progressive and late‐onset upper limb–predominant weakness, facial weakness, ptosis, incomplete ophthalmoplegia, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Muscle Nerve 44: 135–141, 2011
Paediatric post‐marketing pharmacovigilance: comparison of the adverse event profile of vigabatrin prescribed to children and adults
Authors: Aurich‐Barrera Beate , Wilton Lynda , Brown David , Shakir Saad
Published: February 2011

Purpose

Post‐marketing pharmacovigilance is a cornerstone of monitoring and evaluating the safety of medicines in children and adults. However the methods may require modification to detect paediatric signals. The aim of this study was to compare the adverse event (AE) profile of children and adults taking vigabatrin, using modified signal detection methods (SDMs).

Methods

Data from the vigabatrin prescription‐event monitoring study an observational cohort study (cohort 10 177 patients), stratified into one paediatric (0–17 years) and one adult (≥18 years) age group were examined using summary statistics for adverse drug reactions (ADRs), reasons for stopping and deaths. Incidence densities of AEs in children and adults in the first month of treatment were compared to months two to six to examine whether the AE rate was different in these two periods. AE rates in children were compared to those in adults (proportional reporting rates; PRRs and incidence rate ratios), to compare the AE profile between these age groups.

Results

Abnormal behaviour (PRR 5.3) and hyperactivity (PRR 4.5) were more frequently reported in children; confusion (PRR 25.0) and psychosis (PRR 12.5) more frequently in adults. In children 11.8% of ADRs were reported to the regulatory authority compared to 27.3% in adults. A higher proportion of children stopped treatment due to lack of effectiveness (57.7% vs. 47.5%). No deaths were attributed to vigabatrin.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that modified SDMs can be used to detect differences in the AE profiles between children and adults taking a medicinal product, and also to identify drug safety signals. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Successful graduate students: The roles of personality traits and emotional intelligence
Authors: Grehan Patrick M. , Flanagan Rosemary , Malgady Robert G.
Published: February 2011

Given the complex role of school psychologists, it is in the interest of stakeholders to identify characteristics related to student success in graduate training, which is suggestive of their effectiveness as practitioners. This study explores the relationship of personality traits and Emotional Intelligence (EI) to graduate students' performance in the classroom and the field. Participants were 63 school psychology students who completed measures of EI and Big Five personality traits. These measures were compared with two outcomes that can be indicators of success: Graduate grade point average (GGPA) and supervisor ratings of student performance at internship upon completion of their studies. EI was significantly correlated with GGPA; personality traits were not. The personality trait Conscientiousness and EI were significantly correlated with internship ratings. The implications and limitations of this preliminary data set for school psychology training programs are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Examining the accuracy of teachers' judgments of DIBELS performance
Authors: Martin Stacy D. , Shapiro Edward S.
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the accuracy of teachers' judgments of students' early literacy skills and to determine if students' achievement levels influenced teachers' judgments. Typical and lower‐achieving kindergarten and first‐grade students' scores on the Nonsense Word Fluency and Phoneme Segmentation Fluency measures of the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) were compared to the predicted performance by their teachers. Results showed a moderately strong correlation between teachers' judgments and students' performance across all of the students, which is consistent with past research. Teachers' judgments, however, consistently and significantly overestimated the actual performance of students, particularly those who were typically performing students. The findings of the investigation suggest that relying on teachers' judgments of students' early literacy skills alone may be insufficient to accurately identify students at risk for reading difficulties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The fragmentation of the global climate governance architecture
Authors: Zelli Fariborz
Published: February 2011

The term fragmentation implies that policy domains are marked by a patchwork of public and private institutions that differ in their character, constituencies, spatial scope, subject matter, and objectives. While the degree of fragmentation varies across issue areas and their respective architectures, global climate politics is characterized by an advanced state of institutional diversity. In recent years, scholars have increasingly addressed this emerging phenomenon of international relations. The article finds that the predominant focus of these studies has been on dyadic overlaps, i.e., interlinkages between two institutions, and less on the overarching level of entire architectures and their degree of fragmentation. This goes in particular for research on the global climate change architecture. Many studies have attended to the relationship between the United Nations climate regime and other institutions: multilateral technology partnerships, regimes regulating other environmental domains like ozone or biological diversity, and regimes from non‐environmental issue areas like the world trade regime. However, a cross‐cutting account of these overlaps which addresses the overall implications of institutional fragmentation on climate change is still missing. As possible areas for further research the article identifies: consequences of fragmentation (e.g., a new division of labor or increased inter‐institutional conflict), fragmentation management and conditions of its effectiveness; theory‐driven analyses on the reasons of fragmentation within and across policy domains.WIREs Clim Change2011 2 255–270 DOI: 10.1002/wcc.104

This article is categorized under:

Policy and Governance > Multilevel and Transnational Climate Change Governance
Laparoscopic Versus Single‐Incision Cholecystectomy
Authors: Khambaty Fatima , Brody Fred , Vaziri Khashayar , Edwards Claire
Published: February 2011

Background

Although recent reports demonstrate large series of single‐incision cholecystectomies, few articles compare single‐incision data with traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) data. This article compares a large series of single‐incision cholecystectomies to a series of traditional LCs performed at an urban tertiary‐care center.

Methods

A consecutive series of single‐incision cholecystectomies was performed from August 2008 to March 2010. All cholecystectomies were attempted through a single incision on an intent‐to‐treat basis. Patient demographics, including height, weight, body mass index (BMI), pathologic diagnosis, ASA classification, operative time, complications, narcotic use, and length of stay (LOS), were recorded. Data for a matched cohort of patients undergoing a traditional four‐port LC were gathered over a similar time period. Data were compared using a t test with a P < 0.05 for significance.

Results

Single‐incision cholecystectomy was successful in 81 (76%) of 107 patients. The 26 (24%) converted cases showed a higher BMI (33.0 ± 8.7 vs. 28.4 ± 6.4 kg/m2, P < 0.05) and longer operative times (98.3 ± 33 vs. 76.1 ± 23 min, P < 0.003). Postoperatively, the converted patients had a longer LOS compared to that of the single‐incision group (1.6 ± 1.0 vs. 1.1 ± 0.4 days, P = 0.02). Overall, the single‐incision group had longer operative times compared to the four‐port LC group (81.5 ± 28 vs. 69.1 ± 21 min, P < 0.004). However, after the tenth single‐incision case, there was no difference in operative times. From a narcotic standpoint, the successful single‐incision patients used significantly less narcotic versus the traditional LC group (20 ± 22.7 vs. 32.3 ± 31.2 mg, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

The data suggests that individuals with a BMI over 33 may not be candidates for single‐incision cholecystectomy. Those patients that undergo a successful single‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy require fewer narcotics postoperatively and have a shorter LOS. Although this data is intriguing, the overall utility of single‐incision procedures requires more analysis and potentially randomized trials.