bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical modelling of users' behaviour and performance metrics in key distribution schemes
Authors: Tornatore Massimo , Giacomazzi Paolo
Published: October 2009

Access control for group communications must ensure that only legitimate users can access the authorised data streams. This could be done by distributing an encrypting key to each member of the group to be secured. To achieve a high level of security, the group key should be changed every time a user joins or leaves the group, so that a former group member has no access to current communications and a new member has no access to previous communications. Since group memberships could be very dynamic, the group key should be changed frequently. So far, different schemes for efficient key distribution have been proposed to limit the key‐distribution overhead. In previous works, the performance comparison among these different schemes have been based on simulative experiments, where users join and leave secure groups according to a basic statistical model of users' behaviour. In this paper, we propose a new statistical model to account for the behaviour of users and compare it to the modelling approach so far adopted in the literature. Our new model is able to to lead the system to a steady state (allowing a superior statistical confidence of the results), as opposed to current models in which the system is permanently in a transient and diverging state. We also provide analytical formulations of the main performance metrics usually adopted to evaluate key distribution systems, such as rekey overheads and storage overheads. Then, we validate our simulative outcomes with results obtained by analytical formulations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of CFD‐CSD coupling interface methodology using commercial codes
Authors: Khawar Jawad , Ghafoor Abdul , Chao Yang
Published: October 2009

Coupling interface between computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and computational structural dynamics (CSD) is required to provide exchange of information for the simulation of fluid–structure interaction (FSI) phenomena. Accuracy and consistency of information exchanged through coupling interface between the independent CFD and CSD solvers plays a central role in the simulation and prediction of FSI phenomenon, like flutter. In this paper validation of an implemented coupling interface methodology is presented for subsonic, transonic and near supersonic mach regime. The test case chosen for this purpose is the flutter of AGARD445.6 standard I‐wing weakened model configuration for subsonic to near transonic flow regime. Gambit® and Fluent® are used for CFD grid generation and solution of fluid dynamic equations, respectively. CSD modeling and simulation are provided by numerical time integration of modal dynamic equations derived through the finite element modeling in ANSYS® environment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A witness seminar: the development of old age psychiatry in Britain, 1960–1989. Themes, lessons and highlights
Authors: Hilton Claire , Arie Tom , Nicolson Malcolm
Published: October 2009

Objective

To create a record of the development of old age psychiatry in Britain, as seen through the eyes of some of the people who participated in building it, from the earliest days until it was officially recognised as a specialty by the Department of Health in 1989.

Method

Group reminiscences and discussions in the format of a witness seminar which was audio‐recorded and transcribed. Witnesses also provided written biographical information.

Results

The annotated full record created at the seminar is available on line. This paper reflecting themes, lessons and highlights has been derived from it.

Conclusions

Early old age psychiatrists often encountered opposition and incredulity from other health care professionals and managers. However, their experiences were demonstrating just how much could be achieved in improving the lives of older mentally ill people. They conveyed their enthusiasm for their work in both clinical and university settings. Clinical creativity, support when working in relative professional isolation, and dealing with opposition benefited from both the development of the Group for the Psychiatry of Old Age at the Royal College of Psychiatrists and from close links with geriatric medicine. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differentiating the frontal variant of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Woodward Michael , Jacova Claudia , Black Sandra E , Kertesz Andrew , Mackenzie Ian R. , Feldman Howard ,   the ACCORD investigator group
Published: October 2009

Objective

Individuals with a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) may have prominent features of executive dysfunction and language impairment as well as behavioral abnormalities early in the disease (‘high frontality’). When this occurs differentiation from frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is difficult. It is hypothesized that AD patients with high frontality may have clinical and pathological features that distinguish them from less frontal AD patients.

Methods

In a well‐characterized cohort of people with cognitive impairment, we used the Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBI) in an attempt to identify AD patients with prominent frontal features (high‐FBI AD) and distinguish them from the remainder of AD patients (low‐FBI AD).

Results

The 18 high‐FBI AD patients were compared with the 26 FTD patients who had an FBI performed and the 53 other low FBI AD patients. The individual FBI items did not differ significantly between the FTD and the high‐FBI AD patients, and the high FBI AD patients were more like the FTD patients than the other AD patients with respect to presence of a family history of AD, proportion with homozygous apolipoprotein E4 status, disability as measured by the Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD) Scale and the Functional Rating Scale (FRS) and neuropsychiatric impairment as measured by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Memory symptom duration was similar in the high FBI AD group compared to the low FBI AD group.

Conclusions

There is a subgroup of AD patients with high frontality that can be clinically distinguished from the remainder of AD patients but which requires pathological verification. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A brief metacognition questionnaire for the elderly: comparison with cognitive performance and informant ratings the Cache County Study
Authors: Buckley Trevor , Norton Maria C. , Deberard M. Scott , Welsh‐Bohmer Kathleen A. , Tschanz JoAnn T.
Published: October 2009

Objective

To examine the utility of a brief, metacognition questionnaire by examining its association with objective cognitive testing and informant ratings. We hypothesized that the association between self‐ratings of change and both outcomes would be greater among individuals without dementia than among those with dementia.

Methods

Participants were 535 persons without dementia and 152 with dementia from the Cache County Memory Study who had completed a metacognition questionnaire, two administrations of the Modified Mini‐Mental State Exam (3 MS) and who had data on the Informant Questionnaire of Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE). Cronbach's alpha was calculated as a measure of internal consistency of the metacognition questionnaire. Multiple regression was used to examine the relationship between metacognition and 3 MS change. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between metacognition and IQCODE ratings (no change vs. worse).

Results

Cronbach's alpha was 0.75. Among individuals without dementia, metacognition significantly predicted 3 MS change (p = .027) and IQCODE ratings (OR = 4.0, 95% CI = 1.2–13.8, p = .029), suggesting consistency among measures. For those with dementia, there was a weak, inverse relationship between 3 MS change and metacognition (r = −0.16, p = .056). IQCODE ratings were not significantly associated with metacognition (p = .729). Degree of dementia severity did not modify the relationship between metacognition and either outcome (p > .05).

Conclusions

We demonstrated adequate internal consistency and evidence for validity of a brief metacognition questionnaire. The questionnaire may provide a useful adjunct to memory and functional assessments for assessing anosognosia in elderly populations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physical modeling of pulse artefact sources in simultaneous EEG/fMRI
Authors: Yan Winston X. , Mullinger Karen J. , Geirsdottir Gerda B. , Bowtell Richard
Published: October 2009

The collection of electroencephalography (EEG) data during simultaneous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is impeded by large artefacts in the EEG recordings, with the pulse artefact (PA) being particularly challenging because of its persistence even after application of artefact correction algorithms. Despite several possible causes of the PA having been hypothesized, few studies have rigorously quantified the contributions from the different putative sources. This article presents analytic expressions and simulations describing two possible sources of the PA corresponding to different movements in the strong static field of the MR scanner: cardiac‐pulse‐driven head rotation and blood‐flow‐induced Hall voltages. Models of head rotation about a left–right axis and flow in a deep artery running in the anterior–posterior direction reproduced properties of the PA including the left/right spatial variation of polarity. Of these two sources, head rotation was shown to be the most likely source of the PA with simulated magnitudes of >200 μV being generated at 3 T, similar to the in vivo PA magnitudes, for an angular velocity of just 0.5°/s. Smaller artefact voltages of less than 10 μV were calculated for flow in a model artery with physical characteristics similar to the internal carotid artery. A deeper physical understanding of the PA is a key step in working toward production of higher fidelity EEG/fMRI data: analytic expressions for the artefact voltages can guide a redesign of the wiring layout on EEG caps to minimize intrinsic artefact pickup, while simulated artefact maps could be incorporated into selective filters. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unbiased group‐level statistical assessment of independent component maps by means of automated retrospective matching
Authors: Langers Dave R.M.
Published: October 2009

This report presents and validates a method for the group‐level statistical assessment of independent component analysis (ICA) outcomes. The method is based on a matching of individual component maps to corresponding aggregate maps that are obtained from concatenated data. Group‐level statistics are derived that include an explicit correction for selection bias. Outcomes were validated by means of calculations with artificial null data. Although statistical inferences were found to be incorrect if bias was neglected, the use of the proposed bias correction sufficed to obtain valid results. This was further confirmed by extensive calculations with artificial data that contained known effects of interest. While uncorrected statistical assessments systematically violated the imposed confidence level thresholds, the corrected method was never observed to exceed the allowed false positive rate. Yet, bias correction was found to result in a reduced sensitivity and a moderate decrease in discriminatory power. The method was also applied to analyze actual fMRI data. Various effects of interest that were detectable in the aggregate data were similarly revealed by the retrospective matching method. In particular, stimulus‐related responses were extensive. Nevertheless, differences were observed regarding their spatial distribution. The presented findings indicate that the proposed method is suitable for neuroimaging analyses. Finally, a number of generalizations are discussed. It is concluded that the proposed method provides a framework that may supplement many of the currently available group ICA methods with validated unbiased group inferences. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distinct and shared cerebral activations in processing innocuous versus noxious contact heat revealed by functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Tseng Ming‐Tsung , Tseng Wen‐Yih I. , Chao Chi‐Chao , Lin Huai‐En , Hsieh Sung‐Tsang
Published: October 2009

Whether innocuous heat (IH)‐exclusive brain regions exist and whether patterns of cerebral responses to IH and noxious heat (NH) stimulations are similar remain elusive. We hypothesized that distinct and shared cerebral networks were evoked by each type of stimulus. Twelve normal subjects participated in a functional MRI study with rapidly ramped IH (38°C) and NH (44°C) applied to the foot. Group activation maps demonstrated three patterns of cerebral activation: (1) IH‐responsive only in the inferior parietal lobule (IPL); (2) NH‐responsive only in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), secondary somatosensory cortex (S2), posterior insular cortex (IC), and premotor area (PMA); and (3) both IH‐ and NH‐responsive in the middle frontal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), anterior IC, cerebellum, superior frontal gyrus, supplementary motor area, thalamus, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), lentiform nucleus (LN), and midbrain. According to the temporal analysis of regions of interest, the IPL exclusively responded to IH, and the S2, posterior IC, and PMA were exclusively activated by NH throughout the entire period of stimulation. The IFG, thalamus, ACC, and LN responded differently during different phases of IH versus NH stimulation, and the NH‐responsive‐only S1 responded transiently during the early phase of IH stimulation. BOLD signals in bilateral IPLs were specifically correlated with the ratings of IH sensation, while responses in the contralateral S1 and S2 were correlated with pain intensity. These results suggest that distinct and shared spatial and temporal patterns of cerebral networks are responsible for the perception of IH and NH. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel cancer vaccine based on genes of Salmonella pathogenicity island 2
Authors: Xiong Guosheng , Husseiny Mohamed I. , Song Liping , Erdreich‐Epstein Anat , Shackleford Gregory M. , Seeger Robert C. , Jäckel Daniela , Hensel Michael , Metelitsa Leonid S.
Published: October 2009

Although tumors express potentially immunogenic tumor‐associated antigens (TAAs), cancer vaccines often fail because of inadequate antigen delivery and/or insufficient activation of innate immunity. Engineering nonpathogenic bacterial vectors to deliver TAAs of choice may provide an efficient way of presenting TAAs in an immunogenic form. In this study, we used genes of Salmonella pathogenicity island 2 (SPI2) to construct a novel cancer vaccine in which a TAA, survivin, was fused to SseF effector protein and placed under control of SsrB, the central regulator of SPI2 gene expression. This construct uses the type III secretion system (T3SS) of Salmonella and allows preferential delivery of tumor antigen into the cytosol of antigen‐presenting cells for optimal immunogenicity. In a screen of a panel of attenuated strains of Salmonella, we found that a double attenuated strain of Salmonella typhimurium, MvP728 (purD/htrA), was not toxic to mice and effectively expressed and translocated survivin protein inside the cytosol of murine macrophages. We also found that a ligand for CD1d‐reactive natural killer T (NKT) cells, α‐glucuronosylceramide (GSL1), enhanced MvP728‐induced interleukin‐12 production in human dendritic cells and that in vivo coadministration of a NKT ligand with MvP728‐Llo or MvP728‐survivin enhanced effector‐memory cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. Furthermore, combined use of MvP728‐survivin with GSL1 produced antitumor activity in mouse models of CT26 colon carcinoma and orthotopic DBT glioblastoma. Therefore, the use of TAA delivery via SPI‐2‐regulated T3SS of Salmonella and NKT ligands as adjuvants may provide a foundation for new cancer vaccines.
Glutamate receptor, ionotropic, kainate 2 silencing by DNA hypermethylation possesses tumor suppressor function in gastric cancer
Authors: Wu Chi‐Sheng , Lu Yen‐Jung , Li Hsin‐Pai , Hsueh Chuen , Lu Chang‐Yi , Leu Yu‐Wei , Liu Hao‐Ping , Lin Kwang‐Huei , Hui‐Ming Huang Tim , Chang Yu‐Sun
Published: October 2009

Aberrant DNA methylation is considered a major mechanism for silencing tumor suppressor genes in gastric cancer. We used CpG microarray and differential methylation hybridization strategies to identify potential tumor suppressor genes and recovered glutamate receptor, ionotropic, kainate 2 (GRIK2) as a novel epigenetic target in gastric cancer. Additional experiments showed that the promoter region of GRIK2 was hypermethylated in 3 of the 4 tested gastric cancer cell lines, and its expression was restored by treatment of cells with the DNA methylation inhibitor, 5′‐aza‐dC. In clinical samples, the GRIK2 promoter was differentially hypermethylated in tumor tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues (p < 0.001), and this methylation was inversely correlated with the expression level of GRIK2 mRNA (r = −0.44). Functional studies further showed that GRIK2‐expressing gastric cancer cell lines showed decreased colony formation and cell migration. Taken together, these results suggest that GRIK2 may play a tumor‐suppressor role in gastric cancer. Future studies are warranted to examine whether DNA hypermethylation of the GRIK2 promoter can be used as a potential tumor marker for gastric cancer.
Monitoring of glucose permeability in monkey skin in vivo using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Ghosn Mohamad G. , Sudheendran Narendran , Wendt Mark , Glasser Adrian , Tuchin Valery V. , Larin Kirill V.
Published: October 2009

Topical trans‐dermal delivery of drugs has proven to be a promising route for treatment of many dermatological diseases. The aim of this study is to monitor and quantify the permeability rate of glucose solutions in rhesus monkey skin noninvasively in vivo as a primate model for drug diffusion. A time‐domain Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) system was used to image the diffusion of glucose in the skin of anesthetized monkeys for which the permeability rate was calculated. From 5 experiments on 4 different monkeys, the permeability for glucose‐20% was found to be (4.41 ± 0.28) 10–6 cm/sec. The results suggest that OCT might be utilized for the noninvasive study of molecular diffusion in the multilayered biological tissues in vivo. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
ORAC: A molecular dynamics simulation program to explore free energy surfaces in biomolecular systems at the atomistic level
Authors: Marsili Simone , Signorini Giorgio Federico , Chelli Riccardo , Marchi Massimo , Procacci Piero
Published: October 2009

We present the new release of the ORAC engine (Procacci et al., Comput Chem 1997, 18, 1834), a FORTRAN suite to simulate complex biosystems at the atomistic level. The previous release of the ORAC code included multiple time steps integration, smooth particle mesh Ewald method, constant pressure and constant temperature simulations. The present release has been supplemented with the most advanced techniques for enhanced sampling in atomistic systems including replica exchange with solute tempering, metadynamics and steered molecular dynamics. All these computational technologies have been implemented for parallel architectures using the standard MPI communication protocol. ORAC is an open‐source program distributed free of charge under the GNU general public license (GPL) at http://www.chim.unifi.it/orac. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Primitive symmetric designs with prime power number of points
Authors: Braić Snježana , Golemac Anka , Mandić Joško , Vučičić Tanja
Published: October 2009

In this paper we either prove the non‐existence or give explicit construction of primitive symmetric (v, k, λ) designs with v=pm<2500, p prime and m>1. The method of design construction is based on an automorphism group action; non‐existence results additionally include the theory of difference sets, multiplier theorems in particular. The research involves programming and wide‐range computations. We make use of software package GAP and the library of primitive groups which it contains. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 18: 141–154, 2010
Technologies for ballast water treatment: a review
Authors: Tsolaki Efi , Diamadopoulos Evan
Published: October 2009

Invasive aquatic species discharged through ballast water is one of the most serious problems posed nowadays in the marine environment. This review paper summarizes the available technologies applied for ballast water treatment. These technologies can be either port‐based or ship‐based, with the latter being easier to implement. Special emphasis was given to onboard treatment methods, which can be categorized as physical separation, mechanical or chemical methods. The efficiency of the methods, as well as the capacity of application and the target microorganisms were compiled and are presented in this review. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Structural determination of glucosylceramides isolated from marine sponge by fast atom bombardment collision‐induced dissociation linked scan at constant B/E
Authors: Ahn Young Min , Lee Won‐Woong , Jung Jee H. , Lee Sang‐Gi , Hong Jongki
Published: October 2009

Five glucosylceramides (GlcCers) were isolated by reversed phase high‐performance liquid chromatography from the MeOH extracts of a marine sponge, Haliclona (Reniera) sp., collected from the coast of Ulleung Island, Korea, and analyzed by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB–MS) in positive‐ion mode. FAB‐mass spectra of these compounds included protonated molecules [M + H]+ and abundant sodiated molecules [M + Na]+ from a mixture of m‐NBA and NaI. The structures of these GlcCers, which were similar, were elucidated by FAB‐linked scan at constant B/E. To find diagnostic ions for their characterization, the GlcCers were analyzed by collision‐induced dissociation (CID) linked scan at constant B/E. The CID‐linked scan at constant B/E of [M + H]+ and [M + Na]+ precursor ions resulted in the formation of numerous characteristic product ions via a series of dissociative processes. The product ions formed by charge‐remote fragmentation provided important information for the characterization of the fatty N‐acyl chain moiety and the sphingoid base, commonly referred to as the long‐chain base. The product ions at m/z 203 and 502 were diagnostic for the presence of a sodiated sugar ring and β‐D‐glucosylsphinganine, respectively. For further confirmation of the structure of the fatty N‐acyl chain moiety in each GlcCer, fatty acid methyl esters were obtained from the five GlcCers by methanolysis and analyzed by FAB–MS in positive‐ion mode. On the basis of these dissociation patterns, the structures of the five GlcCers from marine sponge were elucidated. In addition, the accurate mass measurement was performed to obtain the elemental composition of the GlcCers isolated from marine sponge. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low affinity NGF receptor (p75 neurotrophin receptor) inhibitory antibody reduces pain behavior and CGRP expression in DRG in the mouse sciatic nerve crush model
Authors: Fukui Yu , Ohtori Seiji , Yamashita Masaomi , Yamauchi Kazuyo , Inoue Gen , Suzuki Munetaka , Orita Sumihisa , Eguchi Yawara , Ochiai Nobuyasu , Kishida Shunji , Takaso Masashi , Wakai Ken , Hayashi Yasushi , Aoki Yasuchika , Takahashi Kazuhisa
Published: October 2009

Nerve growth factor (NGF) and its low‐affinity receptor, p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), are important mediators of pain. To explore further the mechanisms involved, we examined suppression of pain behavior and expression of neuropeptides such as calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) using a p75 NTR inhibitory antibody, in a mouse sciatic nerve crush model. In the nerve‐injured model, 150 µg of a p75 NTR inhibitory antibody or 10 µl of saline were applied. The sciatic nerve in the sham‐operated group was uninjured. Mechanical allodynia was measured for 2 weeks. CGRP and p75NTR expression in L5 dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) was examined immunohistochemically. Mechanical allodynia was found in the two nerve injured groups, but not in the sham‐operated group (p < 0.05). However, the magnitude of the mechanical allodynia was significantly decreased after application of p75 NTR inhibitory antibody (p < 0.05). CGRP and p75NTR immunoreactivity in the L5 DRG neurons was upregulated in the injured nerve groups compared with the sham‐operated group; however, p75 NTR inhibitory antibody decreased the CGRP and p75NTR expression (p < 0.01). Application of the p75 NTR inhibitory antibody to the pinched sciatic nerve suppressed CGRP and p75NTR expression and pain behavior. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:279–283, 2010
Tip‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Deckert V.
Published: October 2009

This special issue of the Journal of Raman Spectroscopy deals with the advances of Tip‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (TERS) since its experimental verification about 10 years ago. The contributed papers reflect a snapshot of current research related to experimental, theoretical and, last but not least, application‐oriented advances in this field. The contributions highlight the fact that TERS is a very active field of research and, while the rewards with respect to lateral resolution and detection limits are intriguing, great care is necessary to avoid the pitfalls related either to the experimental design or to the interpretation of data. This special issue intends to provide the basis for a further step towards a standardised approach to TERS. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid Rayleigh, Raman and two‐photon excited fluorescence spectral confocal microscopy of living cells
Authors: Pully Vishnu Vardhan , Lenferink Aufried , Otto Cees
Published: October 2009

A hybrid fluorescence–Raman confocal microscopy platform is presented, which integrates low‐wavenumber‐resolution Raman imaging, Rayleigh scatter imaging and two‐photon fluorescence (TPE) spectral imaging, fast ‘amplitude‐only’ TPE‐fluorescence imaging and high‐spectral‐resolution Raman imaging. This multi‐dimensional fluorescence–Raman microscopy platform enables rapid imaging along the fluorescence emission and/or Rayleigh scatter dimensions. It is shown that optical contrast in these images can be used to select an area of interest prior to subsequent investigation with high spatially and spectrally resolved Raman imaging. This new microscopy platform combines the strengths of Raman ‘chemical’ imaging with light scattering microscopy and fluorescence microscopy and provides new modes of correlative light microscopy. Simultaneous acquisition of TPE hyperspectral fluorescence imaging and Raman imaging illustrates spatial relationships of fluorophores, water, lipid and protein in cells. The fluorescence–Raman microscope is demonstrated in an application to living human bone marrow stromal stem cells. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐temperature Raman spectra of racemate DL‐Alanine crystals
Authors: Lima J. A. , Freire P. T. C. , Melo F. E. A. , Filho J. Mendes , De Sousa G. P. , Lima R. J. C. , Façanha Filho P. F. , Bordallo H. N.
Published: October 2009

Raman spectra of DL‐Alanine crystals were investigated in the 50–3200 cm−1 spectral region for temperatures ranging from 15 to 295 K. The crystalline structure of DL‐Alanine represents a rare example of an amino acid racemate crystallizing in a non‐centrosymmetric space group. From this study, we have observed changes in the wavenumber of modes associated with both rocking of CO2− and skeletal vibrations. On the other hand, neither changes in the modes associated to CH or CH3 vibrations nor substantial modifications of the lattice modes of the crystal were observed. Such result indicates slight changes of the CO2 group orientation without observation of a solid–solid phase transition in the DL‐Alanine crystal. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman and infrared study of phyllosilicates containing heavy metals (Sb, Bi): bismutoferrite and chapmanite
Authors: Frost Ray L. , Bahfenne Silmarilly , Čejka Jiří , Sejkora Jiří , Plášil Jakub , Palmer Sara J.
Published: October 2009

The kaolinite‐like phyllosilicate minerals bismutoferrite BiFe3+2Si2O8(OH) and chapmanite SbFe3+2Si2O8(OH) have been studied by Raman spectroscopy and complemented with infrared spectra. Tentatively interpreted spectra were related to their molecular structure. The antisymmetric and symmetric stretching vibrations of the SiOSi bridges, δ SiOSi and δ OSiO bending vibrations, ν (SiOterminal)− stretching vibrations, ν OH stretching vibrations of hydroxyl ions, and δ OH bending vibrations were attributed to the observed bands. Infrared bands in the range 3289–3470 cm−1 and Raman bands in the range 1590–1667 cm−1 were assigned to adsorbed water. OH···O hydrogen‐bond lengths were calculated from the Raman and infrared spectra. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of a technological disaster on young children: A five‐year postdisaster multiinformant study
Authors: Boer Frits , Smit Cees , Morren Mattijn , Roorda Jan , Yzermans Joris
Published: October 2009

Children exposed to a technological disaster during an understudied part of the lifespan, preschool age and early middle childhood, were assessed in a 5‐year follow‐up regarding mental health problems, anxiety disorder symptoms, depressive symptoms, physical symptoms, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Exposed children and their parents (n = 264) reported significantly more problems than controls (n = 515). The differences were greater for conduct problems (including hyperactivity) and physical symptoms, than for anxiety and depression. The long‐term effects of a technological disaster on children of pre‐school age at exposure appear to differ from those in children, who were victimized at a later age. This may reflect interference with completion of specific developmental tasks.
Parapharyngeal space pleomorphic adenoma: A 30‐year review
Authors: Mendelsohn Abie H. , Bhuta Sunita , Calcaterra Thomas C. , Shih Hubert B. , Abemayor Elliot , St. John Maie A.
Published: October 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To evaluate the treatment results of pleomorphic adenoma (PA) of the parapharyngeal space at a single institution during a 30‐year period.

Study Design:

A retrospective review.

Methods:

This study was performed by examining the records and reviewing the pathology of 44 patients with PA of the parapharyngeal space treated at a single medical center from January 1975 to November 2005.

Results:

Of the 44 patients with PA, 35 patients underwent 38 excisions. Eleven men and 27 women were treated surgically. Follow‐up varied from 24 months to 180 months. There were three recurrences in two patients. Recurrence rates at 5 and 10 years were equal at 7.9%. Gender, age, tumor volume, surgical approach, pathologic surgical margin status, and prior resections were evaluated for significant prognostic factors. Advanced age proved a poor prognostic indicator (P < .05). History of prior resection (P < .01) was significant for recurrence. Positive surgical margins (P = .69) proved a negative association.

Conclusions:

We report low recurrence rates in this patient population with two important prognostic indicators. History of prior resection is significant to predict recurrence. Interestingly, positive surgical margins are actually shown not to effect risk of recurrence. Local recurrence of the tumor is associated with further recurrence and less favorable prognosis. Laryngoscope, 2009
Transoral robotic surgery for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A prospective study of feasibility and functional outcomes
Authors: Moore Eric J. , Olsen Kerry D. , Kasperbauer Jan L.
Published: October 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To investigate the feasibility of transoral robotic surgery as a method of surgical treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Study Design:

Prospective case study.

Methods:

Forty‐five patients with previously untreated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma underwent transoral robotic surgical removal of the tumor with or without neck dissection and with or without adjuvant therapy. Patients were observed and data were recorded on surgical time, blood loss, surgical complications, tracheostomy tube course, enteral feeding, and resumption of oral diet, speech outcomes, swallowing outcomes, and tumor recurrence.

Results:

All 45 patients underwent complete transoral robotic surgical excision with simultaneous unilateral or bilateral neck dissection. Margins were negative for tumor. Mean operating time for tumor removal was 71.3 minutes for the last 35 cases. There were 15 stage T1 tumors, 18 T2 tumors, 3 T3 tumors, and 9 T4a tumors. Twenty‐six patients had base of tongue primary tumors and 19 had tonsillar fossa tumors. Fourteen patients had a tracheostomy tube placed at surgery, and all patients had their tracheostomy tube removed (mean duration of use, 7.0 days). Twenty‐two patients (48.9%) had a nasogastric feeding tube placed, and all patients had their feeding tube removed (mean duration of use, 12.5 days). Eight patients had percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG) tubes placed, and all eight eventually had their PEG tubes removed (mean duration of use, 140.3 days). Average hospital stay was 3.8 days. There were no major complications and no procedure was aborted because of an inability to remove the tumor.

Conclusions:

Transoral robotic surgery is a safe and efficacious method of surgical treatment of oropharyngeal neoplasms. Advantages of the technique include adequate ability to visualize and manipulate with two hands lesions in the base of tongue. Patients were able to retain or rapidly regain oropharyngeal function in the majority of cases. Laryngoscope, 2009
A Contemporary Review of Hearing Aids
Authors: Palmer Catherine V.
Published: October 2009

A contemporary review of hearing aids is provided with a focus on current styles of amplification devices, the goals of a hearing aid fitting and the signal processing schemes that allow the clinician to meet these goals, and the need to couple outside devices to hearing aids. A variety of new features available on hearing aids that improve the listener's experience with amplification are described. Some future challenges in hearing aid design and hearing evaluation are presented.
Controlled Stripping of Polyelectrolyte Multilayers by Quaternary Ammonium Surfactants
Authors: Iturri Ramos Jagoba Jon , Llarena Irantzu , Fernández Luis , Moya Sergio Enrique , Donath Edwin
Published: October 2009

The quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation technique (QCM‐D) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) have been employed to study the interaction of N‐tetradecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (TdTmAB) with polyelectrolyte multilayers containing poly(sodium 4‐styrene sulfonate) (PSS) as the polyanion and either poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) or poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) as the polycations. The multilayers were exposed to aqueous solutions of TdTmAB. This resulted in a selective removal of PDADMAC PSS layers while layers with PAH as polycation remained stable. It is suggested that PDADMAC/PSS multilayers can be employed as strippable protecting layers.

magnified image
Aryl hydrocarbon nuclear translocator (hypoxia inducible factor 1β) activity is required more during early than late tumor growth
Authors: Shi S. , Yoon D.Y. , Hodge‐Bell K. , Huerta‐Yepez S. , Hankinson O.
Published: October 2009

c4 is a derivative of the mouse hepatoma cell line, Hepa‐1, that harbors a mutation in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator gene (Arnt, or hypoxia inducible factor 1β [HIF‐1β]) leading to loss of activity. Clone 3 cells were generated by introducing a doxycycline‐repressible Arnt expression vector into c4 cells. Clone 3 cells were injected subcutaneously into immunosuppressed mice, which were treated with doxycyline (a) throughout the growth of the subsequent tumor xenografts, or (b) from day 7 through to the end of the experiment (day 30), or not treated (c). Tumors in all groups grew exponentially between days 14 and 30, and at rates that were indistinguishable from each other. However, tumors in group a were smaller than those of the other two groups throughout the measurable growth period, while tumor volumes in groups b and c were not significantly different from each other. The degrees of vascularity and apoptosis did not correlate with the differences in degrees of growth between the different groups. Thus, Arnt is required during the early stages of growth of the tumors but less in later stages. Since Arnt does not detectably effect the growth kinetics of Hepa‐1 cells either during hypoxia or normoxia, this requirement is unlikely to reflect a direct effect of Arnt on cell proliferation, and is therefore probably a consequence of altered interaction(s) between the tumor cells and the host. These studies suggest that Arnt (and HIF‐1α/HIF‐2α) inhibitors will be particularly effective against smaller tumors, including micrometastases. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Werner syndrome gene variants in human sarcomas
Authors: Hsu Jessica J. , Kamath‐Loeb Ashwini S. , Glick Eitan , Wallden Brett , Swisshelm Karen , Rubin Brian P. , Loeb Lawrence A.
Published: October 2009

Werner syndrome is an autosomal inherited disease that is characterized by premature aging. The gene mutated in Werner syndrome (WS), WRN, encodes both a 3′ → 5′ DNA helicase and a 3′ → 5′ DNA exonuclease. Among the WS phenotypes is an exceptionally high incidence of sarcomas. We asked whether spontaneous sarcomas, not known to be associated with WS, also harbor mutations or unreported single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in WRN. We analyzed RNA or DNA sequences within the helicase and exonuclease domains from 51 and 69 matched sarcoma and adjacent normal tissues, respectively. Among a total of 13 nucleotide variants detected, we identified three novel nonsynonymous substitutions: c.611C>T, c.809_810insT, and c.1882C>G. We further characterized one, c.611C>T, which results in substitution of an evolutionarily conserved proline at amino acid 204 in the exonuclease domain with leucine. We show that P204L WRN exhibits a reduction of WRN exonuclease activity; the specific activity is ∼10‐fold lower than that of wild‐type WRN. In contrast, the helicase activity of P204L WRN is reduced less than twofold. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurobiology, pharmacology, and medicinal chemistry of neuropeptide S and its receptor
Authors: Guerrini Remo , Salvadori Severo , Rizzi Anna , Regoli Domenico , Calo' Girolamo
Published: October 2009

Neuropeptide S (NPS) is the last neuropeptide identified via reverse pharmacology techniques. NPS selectively binds and activates a previous orphan GPCR, now named NPSR, producing intracellular calcium mobilization and increases in cAMP levels. Biological functions modulated by the NPS/NPSR system include anxiety, arousal, locomotion, food intake, memory, and drug addiction. The primary sequence of NPS (in humans SFRNGVGTGMKKTSFQRAKS) is highly conserved among vertebrates especially at the N‐terminus. Ala‐ and D‐scan studies demonstrated that this part of the molecule is crucial for biological activity. Focused structure–activity studies performed on Phe2, Arg3, and Asn4 confirmed this indication and revealed the chemical requirements of these positions for NPSR binding and activation. The sequence Gly5‐Val6‐Gly7 seems to be important for shaping the bioactive conformation of the peptide. Structure–activity studies on Gly5 enabled identification of the first generation of peptidergic NPSR pure antagonists including [D‐Cys(tBu)5]NPS and [D‐Val5]NPS whose antagonist properties were confirmed in vivo. Finally, the pharmacological features of substituted bicyclic piperazine molecules (e.g. SHA 68 (3‐oxo‐1,1‐diphenyl‐tetrahydro‐oxazolo[3,4‐a]pyrazine‐7‐carboxylic acid 4‐fluoro‐benzylamide) were recently published making available the first generation of nonpeptide NPSR antagonists. The use in future studies of NPSR antagonists will be of paramount importance for understanding which biological functions are controlled by the NPS/NPSR system and for defining the therapeutic potential of selective NPSR ligands. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 30, No. 5, 751–777, 2010
Effect of L‐asparaginase on acrylamide mitigation in a fried‐dough pastry model
Authors: Kukurová Kristína , Morales Francisco J. , Bednáriková Alena , Ciesarová Zuzana
Published: October 2009

A dough resembling traditional Spanish rosquillas was used as a model to represent classical fried‐dough pastry to investigate the effects of asparaginase and heat treatment on amino acid levels and acrylamide mitigation. Wheat‐based dough was deep fried at 180 and 200°C for 4, 6, and 8 min. Two recipes were formulated by addition of different asparaginase levels (100 and 500 U/kg flour) to the dough. The temperature/time profile of the frying process, moisture, sugars, amino acids, acrylamide, and some indicators of the Maillard reaction (hydroxymethylfurfural, color, free fluorescence compounds, and browning) were determined to investigate the extent of the reaction and the effect on reactants. At the both levels of asparaginase used, 96–97% of the asparagine present was converted to aspartic acid, and consequently the acrylamide level was very efficiently reduced (up to 90%). The asparaginase also affected the content of glutamine and glutamic acid in dough, resulting in a 37% increase in glutamic acid compared with the untreated sample. Concerning color, browning and Maillard reaction parameters, no significant changes between untreated and enzymatically treated samples were observed, pointing out the potential industrial and domestic enzyme application.
Fatty acids and lignans in unground whole flaxseed and sesame seed are bioavailable but have minimal antioxidant and lipid‐lowering effects in postmenopausal women
Authors: Coulman Karen D. , Liu Zhen , Michaelides John , Quan Hum Winston , Thompson Lilian U.
Published: October 2009

Fatty acids and lignans in ground flaxseed and sesame seed are absorbed, metabolized, and exert some health benefits in vivo. However, it is unclear if they are absorbed, metabolized, and exert health benefits when consumed as unground whole seed; therefore, it was investigated in this study. In a randomized crossover study, 16 postmenopausal women supplemented their diets with food bars containing either 25 g unground flaxseed, sesame seed, or their combination (12.5 g each) (flaxseed+sesame seed bar, FSB) for 4 wk each, separated by 4 wk washout periods. Total serum n‐3 fatty acids increased with flaxseed (p<0.05) and FSB (p=0.064) while serum n‐6 fatty acids increased with sesame seed (p<0.05). Urinary lignans increased similarly with all treatments (p<0.05). Plasma lipids and several antioxidant markers were unaffected by all treatments, except serum γ‐tocopherol (GT), which increased with both sesame seed (p<0.0001) and FSB (p<0.01). In conclusion, fatty acids and lignans from unground seed in food bars are absorbed and metabolized; however, except for serum GT, the 25 g unground seed is inadequate to induce changes in plasma lipids and several biomarkers of oxidative stress.
Electrospray MS‐based characterization of β‐carbolines – mutagenic constituents of thermally processed meat
Authors: Crotti Antônio Eduardo Miller , Gates Paul J. , Lopes João Luis Callegari , Lopes Norberto Peporine
Published: October 2009

The β‐carbolines 1‐methyl‐9H‐pyrido [3,4‐b]indole and 9H‐pyrido[3,4b]indole have been implicated as having causative roles in a number of human diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and cancer. As they can be formed during the heating of protein‐rich food, a number of analytical methodologies have been proposed for their detection and quantification in foodstuff. For this purpose, LC‐MS and LC‐MS/MS have emerged as the most specific analytical methods, and the quantification is based on the occurrence of unusual ions, such as [M+H‐(H•)]+ and [M+H‐2H]+. In this study, we have investigated the formation of these ions by accurate‐mass electrospray MS/MS and demonstrated that these ions are formed from gas‐phase ion‐molecule reactions between water vapor present in the collision cell and the protonated molecule of 1‐methyl‐9H‐pyrido [3,4‐b]indole and 9H‐pyrido[3,4b]indole. Although this reaction has been previously described for heterocyclic amine ions, it has been overlooked in the most of recent LC‐MS and LC‐MS/MS studies, and no complete data of the fragmentation are reported. Our results demonstrate that additional attention should be given with respect to eliminating water vapor residues in the mass spectrometer when analysis of β‐carbolines is performed, as this residue may affect the reliability in the results of quantification.
13C NMR discrimination of regioisomeric bispyrroloquinone/bispyrroloiminoquinone ring systems
Authors: Chassaing Stefan , Delfourne Evelyne
Published: October 2009

The structural assignment of bispyrroloquinone and bispyrroloiminoquinone regioisomers was achieved using 13C NMR spectral data. In the case of bispyrroloiminoquinones, the carbonyl group in the regioisomer possessing a nitrogen atom in both α‐positions was systematically less deshielded than the carbonyl group in the other regioisomer. In the case of bispyrroloquinones, the most deshielded carbonyl group in the regioisomer with a nitrogen atom in both α‐positions was more deshielded than the same carbonyl group in the other regioisomer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kartographie der Moleküle
Authors: Herhaus Christian , Karch Oliver
Published: October 2009

Ein Medizinalchemiker muss mitunter viele strukturell verwandte Moleküle untersuchen, um Substanzklassen für Versuche zu identifizieren. Navigationskonzepte und Werkzeuge aus der Kartographie und der Geoinformatik können ihm helfen, sich im Raum chemischer Strukturen zu orientieren.
Operational Excellence in der biopharmazeutischen Produktion
Authors: Jagschies Günter
Published: October 2009

Eine Produktionsanlage wirtschaftlich und effizient zu betreiben, ist wohl das Ziel jedes Unternehmens. Techniken, die das Lean‐Konzept ermöglichen, reduzieren dabei die Kosten und verringern nichtwertschöpfende Arbeitsschritte.
Von der Gendiagnostik zur Genomdiagnostik
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: October 2009

Nicht einzelne Erbgutvarianten, sondern komplexe Regulationszusammenhänge gilt es zu verstehen.
Monte Carlo gradient estimation in high dimensions
Authors: Patelli E. , Pradlwarter H. J.
Published: October 2009

A Monte Carlo procedure to estimate efficiently the gradient of a generic function in high dimensions is presented. It is shown that, adopting an orthogonal linear transformation, it is possible to identify a new coordinate system where a relatively small subset of the variables causes most of the variation of the gradient. This property is exploited further in gradient‐based algorithms to reduce the computational effort for the gradient evaluation in higher dimensions. Working in this transformed space, only few function evaluations, i.e. considerably less than the dimensionality of the problem, are required. The procedure is simple and can be applied by any gradient‐based method. A number of different examples are presented to show the accuracy and the efficiency of the proposed approach and the applicability of this procedure for the optimization problem using well‐known gradient‐based optimization algorithms such as the descent gradient, quasi‐Newton methods and Sequential Quadratic Programming. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.