bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multinetwork nanobiosensing: Potential approaches in understanding, diagnosing, and tracking discogenic pain
Authors: El‐Hosseiny Amr , Genaidy Ash , Shell Richard , Stambough Jeffery L. , Dimov Mina
Published: April 2008

Background Lower back pain associated with disc degeneration is a common and costly health condition. As a symptom, lower back pain is considered the leading cause of disability. Many studies have indicated that the intervertebral disc and supportive structures are indirectly and directly innervated, which is a factor in acute and chronic lower back pain. Unfortunately, the cellular and neural mechanisms during disc degeneration that lead to discogenic pain are not well understood. The pain caused by intervertebral disc degeneration is coined discogenic pain and is due in part to the lack of accurate diagnostic tests.

Objective The long‐term objective of this preliminary study is to develop an accurate diagnostic test of a multinetwork nanobiosensing method for the objective of diagnosing discogenic pain. Within the context of the long‐term research objectives, this pilot study is aimed at providing a basic understanding of the in vivo biomechanics of human intervertebral disc with or without the degeneration process over time.

Methods Medline and PubMed databases were searched from 1966 to March 2006. Studies describing the neural and cellular changes during disc degeneration were reviewed and discussed in an effort to provide a basis for understanding mechanisms of disc degeneration; however, they do not measure pain. In addition, the most current studies of diagnostic tests available today for assessing discogenic pain were also reviewed, especially those relative to the clinical association of pain with disc degeneration.

Results Despite recent developments in noninvasive imaging technology, the pathophysiology of discogenic pain is poorly understood. Other than discography, there is no imaging technology that relates to this clinical problem. Currently published studies demonstrate inherent inaccuracy in the sensitivity and specificity of testing, especially for discogenic lower back pain.

Conclusions There is a need to develop more reliable diagnostic tests for discogenic pain. The available literature shows that the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to discogenic pain is largely nonexistent. The emergence of nanotechnology is opening new horizons for biosensing applications. The proposed diagnostic test should be based on in vivo measurement(s), instead of noninvasive imaging, which would capture the biochemical and biophysical mechanisms at the intervertebral disc level.

Significance This project has the potential of adding a new level of understanding with a broad societal impact. From an intellectual merit standpoint, it is expected that there will be a quantum leap in our basic understanding of disc degeneration changes in vivo over time and indirectly the mechanism of discogenic pain. The societal impact standpoint will be severalfold, including the significant reduction of human suffering with increasing human productivity and quality of life. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hypermethylation of RAS effector related genes and DNA methyltransferase 1 expression in endometrial carcinogenesis
Authors: Liao Xiaoyun , Siu Michelle Kwan‐Yee , Chan Kelvin Yuen‐Kwong , Wong Esther Shuk‐Ying , Ngan Hextan Yuen‐Sheung , Chan Queeny Kwan‐Yi , Li Albert Siu‐Ming , Khoo Ui‐Soon , Cheung Annie Nga‐Yin
Published: April 2008

Epigenetic aberration is known to be important in human carcinogenesis. Promoter methylation status of RAS effector related genes, RASSF1A, RASSF2A, hDAB2IP (m2a and m2b regions) and BLU, was evaluated in 76 endometrial carcinomas and their non‐neoplastic endometrial tissue by methylation specific PCR. Hypermethylation of at least one of the 5 genes was detected in 73.7% of carcinomas. There were significant correlations between methylation of hDAB2IP and RASSF1A, RASSF2A (p = 0.042, p = 0.012, respectively). Significantly, more frequent RASSF1A hypermethylation was found in Type I endometrioid carcinomas than Type II carcinomas (p = 0.049). Among endometrioid cancers, significant association between RASSF1A hypermethylation and advanced stage, as well as between methylation of hDAB2IP at m2a region with deep myometrial invasion (p < 0.05) was observed. mRNA expression of RASSF1A, RASSF2A and BLU in endometrial cancer cell lines significantly increased after treatment with the demethylating agent 5‐Aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine supporting the repressive effect of hypermethylation on their transcription. Immunohistochemical study of DNMT1 on eight normal endometrium, 16 hyperplastic endometrium without atypia, 40 atypical complex hyperplasia and 79 endometrial carcinomas showed progressive increase in DNMT1 immunoreactivity from normal endometrium to endometrial hyperplasia and endometrioid carcinomas (p = 0.001). Among carcinomas, distinctly higher DNMT1 expression was observed in Type I endometrioid carcinomas (p < 0.001). DNMT1 immunoreactivity correlated with RASSF1A and RASSF2A methylation (p < 0.05). The data suggested that hypermethylation of RAS related genes, particularly RASSF1A, was involved in endometrial carcinogenesis with possible divergent patterns in different histological types. DNMT1 protein overexpression might contribute to such aberrant DNA hypermethylation of specific tumor suppressor genes in endometrial cancers. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Skin reactions to human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 specific antigens intradermally injected in healthy subjects and patients with cervical neoplasia
Authors: van den Hende Muriel , van Poelgeest Mariëtte I.E. , van der Hulst Jeanette M. , de Jong Joan , Drijfhout Jan W. , Fleuren Gert Jan , Valentijn A. Rob P.M. , Wafelman Amon R. , Slappendel Gijs M. , Melief Cornelis J.M. , Offringa Rienk , van der Burg Sjoerd H. , Kenter Gemma G.
Published: April 2008

We have tested the safety and feasibility of a synthetic long peptide‐based HPV16‐specific skin test to detect cellular immune responses to HPV16 E2, E6 and E7 in vivo. Women with cervical neoplasia (n = 11) and healthy individuals (n = 19) were intradermally challenged with 8 different pools of HPV16 E2, E6 and E7 peptides. The skin test was safe as the injections were perceived as mildly painful and no adverse events were observed. The majority of skin reactions appeared significantly earlier in HPV16+ patients (<8 days) than in healthy subjects (8–25 days). The development of late skin reactions in healthy subjects was associated with the appearance of circulating HPV16‐specific T cells and the infiltration of both HPV16‐specific CD4+ Th1/Th2 and CD8+ T cells into the skin. These data show that the intradermal injection of pools of HPV16 synthetic long peptides is safe and results in the migration of HPV16‐specific T cells into the skin as well as in an increase in the number of circulating HPV16‐specific T cells. The use of this test to measure HPV16‐specific immunity is currently tested in a low resource setting for the measurement of spontaneously induced T‐cell responses as well as in our HPV16 vaccination trials for the detection of vaccine‐induced immunity. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TGF‐β1 and WISP‐1/CCN‐4 can regulate each other's activity to cooperatively control osteoblast function
Authors: Inkson Colette A. , Ono Mitsuaki , Kuznetsov Sergei A. , Fisher Larry W. , Robey Pamela Gehron , Young Marian F.
Published: April 2008

Wnt‐induced secreted protein‐1 (WISP‐1), like other members of the CCN family, is expressed in skeletal tissues. Its mechanism of action remains unknown. Expression of WISP‐1 was analyzed in human bone marrow stroma cells (hBMSC) by RT‐PCR. We identified two major transcripts corresponding to those of full‐length WISP‐1, and of the splice variant WISP‐1va which lacks a putative BMP/TGF‐β binding site. To investigate the function of WISP‐1 in bone, hBMSC cultures were treated with recombinant human (rh)WISP‐1 and analyzed for proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. WISP‐1 treatment increased both BrdU incorporation and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity. Considering the known functional synergy found between the TGF‐β super‐family and members of the CCN family, we next tested the effect of WISP‐1 on TGF‐β1 activity. We found that rhWISP‐1 could reduce rhTGF‐β1 induced BrdU incorporation. Similarly, rhTGF‐β1 inhibited rhWISP‐1 induction of AP activity. To explore functional differences between the WISP‐1 variants, WISP‐1 or WISP‐1va were transfected into hBMSC. Both variants could strongly induce BrdU incorporation. However, there were no effects of either variant on AP activity without an additional osteogenic stimulus such as TGF‐β1. Taken together our results suggest a functional relationship between WISP‐1 and TGF‐β1. To further define this relationship we analyzed the effect of WISP‐1 on TGF‐β signaling. rhWISP‐1 significantly reduced TGF‐β1 induced phosphorylation of Smad‐2. Our data indicates that full‐length WISP‐1 and its variant WISP‐1va are modulators of proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, and may be novel regulators of TGF‐β1 signaling in osteoblast‐like cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1865–1878, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epigenetics regulate centromere formation and kinetochore function
Authors: Gieni Randall S. , Chan Gordon K.T. , Hendzel Michael J.
Published: April 2008

The eukaryote centromere was initially defined cytologically as the primary constriction on vertebrate chromosomes and functionally as a chromosomal feature with a relatively low recombination frequency. Structurally, the centromere is the foundation for sister chromatid cohesion and kinetochore formation. Together these provide the basis for interaction between chromosomes and the mitotic spindle, allowing the efficient segregation of sister chromatids during cell division. Although centromeric (CEN) DNA is highly variable between species, in all cases the functional centromere forms in a chromatin domain defined by the substitution of histone H3 with the centromere specific H3 variant centromere protein A (CENP‐A), also known as CENH3. Kinetochore formation and function are dependent on a variety of regional epigenetic modifications that appear to result in a loop chromatin conformation providing exterior CENH3 domains for kinetochore construction, and interior heterochromatin domains essential for sister chromatid cohesion. In addition pericentric heterochromatin provides a structural element required for spindle assembly checkpoint function. Advances in our understanding of CENH3 biology have resulted in a model where kinetochore location is specified by the epigenetic mark left after dilution of CENH3 to daughter DNA strands during S phase. This results in a self‐renewing and self‐reinforcing epigenetic state favorable to reliably mark centromere location, as well as to provide the optimal chromatin configuration for kinetochore formation and function. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 2027–2039, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Histone deacetylase 5 represses the transcription of cyclin D3
Authors: Roy Sangita , Shor Audrey C. , Bagui Tapan K. , Seto Edward , Pledger W. Jackson
Published: April 2008

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) modulate the transcription of a subset of genes by various means. HDAC5 is a class II HDAC whose subcellular location is signal‐dependent. At present, its known gene targets are few in number. Here we identify a new HDAC5 target: the gene encoding the cell cycle‐regulatory protein cyclin D3. When overexpressed in Balb/c‐3T3 cells or mouse embryo fibroblasts, HDAC5 substantially reduced the activity of the cyclin D3 promoter and the abundance of endogenous cyclin D3 protein. Conversely, conditions that blocked HDAC5 function increased cyclin D3 expression: treatment of cells with the class I/II HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA), depletion of HDAC5 from cells by RNA interference, and cytoplasmic sequestration of HDAC5 by co‐expression of catalytically active calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase. HDAC5 interacted with the cyclin D3 promoter in vivo, and the HDAC5‐responsive element was within 118 base pairs upstream of the transcription start site. Mutation of the Sp1 site and the cyclic AMP response element within this region did not affect the responsiveness of the cyclin D3 promoter to HDAC5 or TSA. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 2143–2154, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rhesus glycoprotein and urea transporter genes are expressed in early stages of development of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Hung Carrie C. , Nawata C. Michele , Wood Chris M. , Wright Patricia A.
Published: April 2008

The objective of this study was to determine if the genes for the putative ammonia transporters, Rhesus glycoproteins (Rh) and the facilitated urea transporter (UT) were expressed during early development of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum. We predicted that the Rh isoforms Rhbg, Rhcg1 and Rhcg2 would be expressed shortly after fertilization but UT expression would be delayed based on the ontogenic pattern of nitrogen excretion. Embryos were collected 3, 14 and 21 days postfertilization (dpf), whereas yolk sac larvae were sampled at 31 dpf and juveniles at 60 dpf (complete yolk absorption). mRNA levels were quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and expressed relative to the control gene, elongation factor 1α. All four genes (Rhbg, Rhcg1, Rhcg2, UT) were detected before hatching (25–30 dpf). As predicted, the mRNA levels of the Rh genes, especially Rhcg2, were relatively high early in embryonic development (14 and 21 dpf), but UT mRNA levels remained low until after hatching (31 and 60 dpf). These findings are consistent with the pattern of nitrogen excretion in early stages of trout development. We propose that early expression of Rh genes is critical for the elimination of potentially toxic ammonia from the encapsulated embryo, whereas retention of the comparatively benign urea molecule until after hatch is less problematic for developing tissues and organ systems. J. Exp. Zool. 309A:262–268, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cycles passing through k + 1 vertices in k‐connected graphs
Authors: Fujisawa Jun , Yamashita Tomoki
Published: April 2008

In this article, we prove the following theorem. Let k ≥ 3 be an integer, G be a k‐connected graph with minimum degree d and X be a set of k + 1 vertices on a cycle. Then G has a cycle of length at least min {2d,|V(G)|} passing through X. This result gives the positive answer to the Question posed by Locke [8]. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 58:179–190, 2008
Differential effects of biologic versus bisphosphonate inhibition of wear debris‐induced osteolysis assessed by longitudinal micro‐CT
Authors: Tsutsumi Ryosuke , Hock Colleen , Bechtold C. Dustin , Proulx Steven T. , Bukata Susan V. , Ito Hiromu , A. Awad Hani , Nakamura Takashi , O'Keefe Regis J. , Schwarz Edward M.
Published: April 2008

Aseptic loosening of total joint replacements is caused by wear debris‐induced osteoclastic bone resorption, for which bisphosphonates (BPs) and RANK antagonists have been developed. Although BPs are effective in preventing metabolic bone loss, they are less effective for inflammatory bone loss. Because this difference has been attributed to the antiapoptotic inflammatory signals that protect osteoclasts from BP‐induced apoptosis, but not RANK antagonists, we tested the hypothesis that osteoprotegerin (OPG) is more effective in preventing wear debris‐induced osteolysis than zoledronic acid (ZA) or alendronate (Aln) in the murine calvaria model using in vivo micro‐CT and traditional histology. Although micro‐CT proved to be incompatible with titanium (Ti) particles, we were able to demonstrate a 3.2‐fold increase in osteolytic volume over 10 days induced by polyethylene (PE) particles versus sham controls (0.49 ± 0.23mm3 versus 0.15 ± 0.067mm3; p < 0.01). Although OPG and high‐dose ZA completely inhibited this PE‐induced osteolysis (p < 0.001), pharmacological doses of ZA and Aln were less effective but still reached statistical significance (p < 0.05). Traditional histomorphometry of the sagital suture area of calvaria from both Ti and PE‐treated mice confirmed the remarkable suppression of resorption by OPG (p < 0.001) versus the lack of effect by physiological BPs. The differences in drug effects on osteolysis were largely explained by the significant difference in osteoclast numbers observed between OPG versus BPs in both Ti‐ and PE‐treated calvaria; and linear regression analyses that demonstrated a highly significant correlation between osteolysis volume and sagittal suture area versus osteoclast numbers (p < 0.001). © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1340–1346, 2008
Comparative in vivo study of six hydroxyapatite‐based bone graft substitutes
Authors: Habibovic Pamela , Kruyt Moyo C. , Juhl Maria V. , Clyens Stuart , Martinetti Roberta , Dolcini Laura , Theilgaard Naseem , van Blitterswijk Clemens A.
Published: April 2008

Improvement of synthetic bone graft substitutes as suitable alternatives to a patient's own bone graft remains a challenge in biomaterials research. Our goal was to answer the question of whether improved osteoinductivity of a material would also translate to better bone‐healing orthotopically. Three porous biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics (BCPA, BCPB, and BCPC), consisting of hydroxyapatite and β‐tricalcium phosphate, a porous biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic reinforced with a bioresorbable polylactic acid to improve its mechanical properties (BCPC+), a pure hydroxyapatite ceramic (HA), and a carbonated apatite ceramic (CA) were implanted intramuscularly and orthotopically by using a transverse process model in 11 goats for 12 weeks. BCPA and BCPB had similar chemical composition but differed in their microstructure. BCPB was not osteoinductive at all, but BCPA induced ectopic bone formation in 9 of 11 animals. Orthotopically, BCPA performed better than BCPB in both the amount and rate of bone formation. BCPC, similar to BCPA structurally and physicochemically, showed comparable results ectopically and orthotopically. Addition of resorbable polymer to BCPC made the material less osteoinductive (4 of 11 animals) and delayed bone formation orthotopically. Neither HA nor CA were osteoinductive, and their orthotopic performance was inferior to the osteoinductive ceramics. The results of the present study showed that material‐derived osteoinduction significantly enhanced bone healing orthotopically, and that this material property appeared more sensitive for predicting orthotopic performance than physicochemical and structural characteristics. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1363–1370, 2008
Changes in gene expression of individual matrix metalloproteinases differ in response to mechanical unloading of tendon fascicles in explant culture
Authors: Leigh Diane R. , Abreu Eduardo L. , Derwin Kathleen A.
Published: April 2008

Immobilization of the tendon and ligament has been shown to result in a rapid and significant decrease in material properties. It has been proposed that tissue degradation leading to tendon rupture or pain in humans may also be linked to mechanical unloading following focal tendon injury. Hence, understanding the remodeling mechanism associated with mechanical unloading has relevance for the human conditions of immobilization (e.g., casting), delayed repair of tendon ruptures, and potentially overuse injuries as well. This is the first study to investigate the time course of gene expression changes associated with tissue harvest and mechanical unloading culture in an explant model. Rat tail tendon fascicles were harvested and placed in culture unloaded for up to 48 h and then evaluated using qRT‐PCR for changes in two anabolic and four catabolic genes at 12 time points. Our data demonstrates that Type I Collagen, Decorin, Cathepsin K, and MMP2 gene expression are relatively insensitive to unloaded culture conditions. However, changes in both MMP3 and MMP13 gene expression are rapid, dramatic, sustained, and changing during at least the first 48 h of unloaded culture. This data will help to further elucidate the mechanism for the loss of mechanical properties associated with mechanical unloading in tendon. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:1306–1312, 2008
Micro‐Raman spectroscopy applied to the study of inclusions within sapphire
Authors: Palanza Valentina , Di Martino Daniela , Paleari Alberto , Spinolo Giorgio , Prosperi Loredana
Published: April 2008

The present research concerns the characterization of samples of corundum (Al2O3), varieties of sapphire, by micro‐Raman spectroscopy. Ten samples of natural corundum from Australia, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tanzania, and Vietnam were studied. After standard gemmological analysis, micro‐Raman analysis was also performed in order to identify mineral inclusions within the sapphire samples and to obtain information on the geological genres of the minerals. Several inclusions were evidenced within the sapphires and identified by Raman spectroscopy thanks to a confocal spectrometer, which allowed detection also below the external surface of the gem. Finally, the Raman spectra are discussed taking into account the provenance of the samples and their optical absorption. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibrational line shapes of liquid and subcritical carbon dioxide in nano‐pores
Authors: Arakcheev V. G. , Bagratashvili V. N. , Dubyanskiy S. A. , Morozov V. B. , Olenin A. N. , Popov V. K. , Tunkin V. G. , Valeev A. A. , Yakovlev D. V.
Published: April 2008

Coherent anti‐Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) spectra of the Fermi‐dyad ν1/2ν2 Q‐branches were recorded in subcritical (T = 30.5 °C) carbon dioxide imbedded in a nano‐porous glass (NG) matrix with pore size of 4 nm and in bulk. The spectral broadening of liquid carbon dioxide confined inside the pores is essentially not homogeneous in contrast to the case of the unconfined one. Analysis shows that the spectral line shape is defined by two resonant contributions provided by the core bulk molecules and those near the surface layer inside the NG pores as well as by nonresonant contributions of the glass matrix. The spectrum attributed to the molecules from near‐surface layer has several times greater linewidth and is shifted to the low‐wavenumber side in comparison with the spectrum in the bulk. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopy of the transition of α‐gallium oxyhydroxide to β‐gallium oxide nanorods
Authors: Zhao Yanyan , Yang Jing , Frost Ray L.
Published: April 2008

The thermo‐Raman spectra of synthesised α‐gallium oxyhydroxide nanorod prove that the transition of α‐gallium oxyhydroxide to β‐gallium oxide nanorods occurs above 350 °C but below 400 °C. Scanning electron microscopy proves that the morphology of the α‐gallium oxyhydroxide nanorods is retained upon calcination to β‐gallium oxide. X‐ray diffraction patterns show that the nanorods are α‐gallium oxyhydroxide converting upon calcination to β‐gallium oxide.

Intense Raman bands are observed at 190, 262, 275, 430, 520, 605, and 695 cm−1, which undergo a red shift of ∼5 cm−1 upon heating to 350 °C. Upon thermal treatment above 350 °C, the Raman spectrum shows a significantly different pattern. Raman bands are observed at 155, 212, 280, 430, 570, and 685 cm−1. The thermo‐Raman spectra are in harmony with the TG and DTG patterns, which show that the reaction of α‐gallium oxyhydroxide to β‐gallium oxide occurs at 365 °C. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PTSD diagnoses, subsyndromal symptoms, and comorbidities contribute to impairments for breast cancer survivors
Authors: Shelby Rebecca A. , Golden‐Kreutz Deanna M. , Andersen Barbara L.
Published: April 2008

The clinical importance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology for cancer patients is unclear. The association between the magnitude of cancer‐related PTSD symptoms, comorbidity, and functioning is tested. Breast cancer patients (N = 74) were assessed at diagnosis/surgery, followed, and screened for cancer‐related PTSD 18 months later. Participants then completed diagnostic interviews and PTSD (n = 12), subsyndromal PTSD (n = 5), and no symptom (n = 47) patient groups were identified. Posttraumatic stress disorder cases were distinguished by having experienced violent traumas and anxiety disorders predating cancer, whereas subsyndromal cases were not. Also, longitudinal data show that PTSD covarys with poorer functioning and lower quality of life among breast cancer survivors. Both PTSD and subsyndromal PTSD were associated with employment absenteeism and the seeking of mental health services.
PTSD symptom clusters are differentially related to substance use among community women exposed to intimate partner violence
Authors: Sullivan Tami P. , Holt Laura J.
Published: April 2008

Women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) have higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse compared to women who do not experience IPV. However, the extent to which IPV‐related PTSD symptoms are related to women's substance use involvement largely has been unexplored. The current study investigated PTSD symptomatology and substance use in a community sample of 212 IPV‐exposed women. Drug‐using women reported higher PTSD severity scores compared to women who reported no substance use or alcohol use only. Moreover, the reexperiencing, avoidance and numbing, and arousal clusters demonstrated unique associations with substance use involvement. Findings not only elucidate the associations among IPV‐related PTSD symptoms and substance use, but they also can inform community‐based preventive interventions.
Resting electroencephalogram asymmetry and posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Shankman Stewart A. , Silverstein Steven M. , Williams Leanne M. , Hopkinson Patrick J. , Kemp Andrew H. , Felmingham Kim L. , Bryant Richard A. , McFarlane Alexander , Clark C. Richard
Published: April 2008

The valence‐arousal (W. Heller, 1993) and approach‐withdrawal (R. J. Davidson, 1998a) models hypothesize that particular patterns of hemispheric brain activity are associated with specific motivational tendencies and psychopathologies. We tested several of these predictions in two groups—a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a “supercontrol” group, selected to be maximally different from those with PTSD. Contrary to almost all hypotheses, individuals with PTSD did not differ from controls on resting electroencephalogram (EEG) asymmetry. Particular aspects of PTSD were also not related to EEG hemisphere differences. Our null findings are consistent with the few studies that have examined resting EEG asymmetries in PTSD and suggest that PTSD may be associated with different processes than psychopathologies previously examined in studies of hemispheric brain activity (e.g., major depressive disorder, panic disorder).
Acute dissociation predicts rapid habituation of skin conductance responses to aversive auditory probes
Authors: Giesbrecht Timo , Merckelbach Harald , Burg Linda ter , Cima Maaike , Simeon Daphne
Published: April 2008

The present study examined how acute dissociation, trait‐like dissociative symptoms, and physiological reactivity relate to each other. Sixty‐nine undergraduate students were exposed to 14 aversive auditory probes, while their skin conductance responses were measured. A combination of self‐reported anxiety and trait‐like dissociation was found to predict variability in peritraumatic dissociation levels induced by the aversive probes. Furthermore, high levels of acute dissociation were associated with faster habituation of skin conductance responding, while trait‐like dissociation was unrelated to habituation. Interestingly, individuals who reported childhood trauma displayed elevated skin conductance responses. Our findings contribute to the growing body of evidence indicating that subjective feelings of acute dissociation have their objective concomitants, notably fast habituation of physiologic responses.
Symptom comparison across multiple solicitation methods among Burundians with traumatic event histories
Authors: Yeomans Peter D. , Herbert James D. , Forman Evan M.
Published: April 2008

Debate continues over whether posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are more biologically based and therefore relatively universal or are more culturally constructed. This study aimed to describe traumatic stress reactions in a Burundian sample and to investigate the influences of the solicitation method (open‐ended questions and standardized measures) and psychoeducation (as a process of acculturation) on symptoms reported. Standardized measures showed that distress was manifested in somatization, anxiety, and depression, and less so in specific PTSD symptoms. Content analysis of open‐ended questions revealed frequent material complaints. Prior exposure to Western ideas about trauma was predictive of more severe PTSD symptoms. The implications of the findings are discussed in terms of how methodological and cultural factors may influence posttraumatic reactions in nonindustrialized settings.
War‐related posttraumatic stress disorder in Black, Hispanic, and majority White Vietnam veterans: The roles of exposure and vulnerability
Authors: Dohrenwend Bruce P. , Turner J. Blake , Turse Nicholas A. , Lewis‐Fernandez Roberto , Yager Thomas J.
Published: April 2008

Elevated prevalence rates of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been reported for Black and Hispanic Vietnam veterans. There has been no comprehensive explanation of these group differences. Moreover, previous research has relied on retrospective reports of war‐zone stress and on PTSD assessments that fail to distinguish between prevalence and incidence. These limitations are addressed by use of record‐based exposure measures and clinical diagnoses of a subsample of veterans from the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study (NVVRS). Compared with Majority White, the Black elevation is explained by Blacks' greater exposure; the Hispanic elevation, by Hispanics' greater exposure, younger age, lesser education, and lower Armed Forces Qualification Test scores. The PTSD elevation in Hispanics versus Blacks is accounted for mainly by Hispanics' younger age.
A cohort study of the long‐term impact of a fire disaster on the physical and mental health of adolescents
Authors: Dorn Tina , Yzermans Joris C. , Spreeuwenberg Peter M. M. , Schilder Agatha , Zee Jouke van der
Published: April 2008

The literature on adult trauma survivors demonstrates that those exposed to traumatic stress have a poorer physical health status than nonexposed individuals. Studies on physical health effects in adolescent trauma survivors, in contrast, are scarce. In the current study, it was hypothesized that adolescents who have been involved in a mass burn incident (N = 124) will demonstrate more physical and mental health problems than an unaffected cohort from the same community (N = 1,487). Health data were extracted from electronic medical records, covering 1‐year prefire and 4‐years postfire. When compared to the prefire baseline, survivors showed significantly larger increases in mental, respiratory, and musculoskeletal problems than community controls during the first year after the fire, but not during the later years.
Virtual reality exposure therapy using a virtual Iraq: Case report
Authors: Gerardi Maryrose , Rothbaum Barbara Olasov , Ressler Kerry , Heekin Mary , Rizzo Albert
Published: April 2008

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been estimated to affect up to 18% of returning Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans. Soldiers need to maintain constant vigilance to deal with unpredictable threats, and an unprecedented number of soldiers are surviving serious wounds. These risk factors are significant for development of PTSD; therefore, early and efficient intervention options must be identified and presented in a form acceptable to military personnel. This case report presents the results of treatment utilizing virtual reality exposure (VRE) therapy (virtual Iraq) to treat an OIF veteran with PTSD. Following brief VRE treatment, the veteran demonstrated improvement in PTSD symptoms as indicated by clinically and statistically significant changes in scores on the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS; Blake et al., 1990) and the PTSD Symptom Scale Self‐Report (PSS‐SR; Foa, Riggs, Dancu, & Rothbaum, 1993). These results indicate preliminary promise for this treatment.
Strengths of character and posttraumatic growth
Authors: Peterson Christopher , Park Nansook , Pole Nnamdi , D'Andrea Wendy , Seligman Martin E. P.
Published: April 2008

How are strengths of character related to growth following trauma? A retrospective Web‐based study of 1,739 adults found small, but positive associations among the number of potentially traumatic events experienced and a number of cognitive and interpersonal character strengths. It was concluded that growth following trauma may entail the strengthening of character.
Shock‐tube and modeling study of chloroethane pyrolysis and oxidation
Authors: Wakamatsu Hitoshi , Hidaka Yoshiaki
Published: April 2008

The high‐temperature pyrolysis and oxidation of chloroethane were studied behind reflected shock waves using single‐pulse, time‐resolved IR absorption (3.39 μm), time‐resolved UV absorption (306.7 nm), and time‐resolved IR emission (4.24 μm) methods. The studies were performed over the temperature range 900–1650 K at total pressures between 0.8 and 3.2 atm. From a computer simulation study, a 201‐reaction mechanism that could explain all of our data was constructed. The reactions at high temperatures were discussed in detail. It was found that, in the chloroethane pyrolysis and oxidation under our experimental conditions, reactions (1)–(7) and (9) and the submechanism of ethylene were important to predict our data.

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© 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 320–339, 2008
Autooxidation of hydrocarbons with oxygen in ionic liquids as solvents
Authors: Baj Stefan , Chrobok Anna
Published: April 2008

The results of hydrocarbons autooxidation process carried out using several ionic liquids (IL) as solvents are demonstrated. Test studies to check the influence of ILs on this process showed that most ILs can accelerate the initiation rate of autooxidation. The results could be very useful for choosing an IL not only for autooxidation processes but also for catalytic oxidation systems. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 287–293, 2008
Yet another look at the reaction CH3 + H + M = CH4 + M
Authors: Golden David M.
Published: April 2008

Rate and equilibrium constant parameters for the title system have been evaluated. In general the format used by Baulch et al. (J Phys Chem Ref Data 2005, 34, 757) is compatible with the results. For Ar as the bath gas, the following parameters are suggested: k0 (cm6 molec−2 s−1) = 1.53 × 10−23 T−2.17 with Fc = 0.876 exp(−T/1801) + 0.124 exp(−T/33.1). k∞ = 3.5 × 10−10 cm3 molec−1 s−1 as suggested in Baulch et al. (2005). However, since master equation calculations based on a hindered‐Gorin transition state along with an exponential‐down energy transfer model (Golden et al., J Phys Chem 2003, 107, 11057–11057) have been carried out herein and compared with data, the results can be stored in lookup tables, avoiding errors introduced by universal expressions, or values can be computed on the fly using the parameters for the master equation calculation given in the paper. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 310–319, 2008
Multirate nonblocking multicast Log2(N, m, p) networks
Authors: Lin Bey‐Chi , Lea Chin‐Tau
Published: April 2008

We study necessary and sufficient conditions for multirate, multicast, and wide‐sense nonblocking (WSNB) log 2(N, m, p) networks. We show necessary and sufficient conditions for different values of m. The results allow us to find a speedup requirement in the network for a given traffic load. We also present a sufficient condition for making the network nonblocking when a limit is imposed on the multicast group size. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2008
On persistent directed graphs
Authors: Bang‐Jensen Jorgen , Jordán Tibor
Published: April 2008

The concept of persistent directed graphs was introduced by Hendrickx et al. to help analyze the stability of autonomous agent systems. They provided a combinatorial characterization for persistence but the complexity of testing persistence remained open. In this note we show that for directed graphs D with ∑vεV(D) min{δD(v), 2} ≤ 2∣V(D)∣ − 3 persistence can be tested in polynomial time, where δD(v) denotes the out‐degree of vertex v in D. This family of directed graphs includes acyclic digraphs (for which an efficient algorithm was known) as well as all digraphs with a leader‐follower structure. We also discuss some related orientation problems. Among others we point out that the existence of an acyclic persistent orientation can be tested in polynomial time for all graphs. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2008
Polyplatinayne/polyoxometalate composite Langmuir‐Blodgett films: Preparation, structural characterization, and potential optoelectronic applications
Authors: Liu Li , Qiao Ling‐Xiang , Liu Shi‐Zhong , Cui Dong‐Mei , Zhang Chun‐Mei , Zhou Zheng‐Ji , Du Zu‐Liang , Wong Wai‐Yeung
Published: April 2008

A new family of organometallic/inorganic composite Langmuir‐Blodgett (LB) films consisting of rigid‐rod polyplatinayne polymer ([Pt‐T(OMe‐Fl)T]∞ or [Pt‐T(F‐Fl)T]∞, where the triplet bonds are abbreviated by T, and fluorene ring by Fl) as the π‐conjugated organometallic molecule, polyoxometalate (POM, POM = K3PMo12O40, H3PW12O40, or H6P2W18O62) of the Keggin and Dawson structures as the inorganic component, and dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DODA) or a mixture of octadecanoic acid (OA) and docosanoic acid (DA) as the auxiliary film‐forming agent were prepared and characterized by π–A isotherms, UV–Vis absorption spectra, photoluminescence spectra, atomic force microscopy imaging, scanning tunneling microscopy, and low‐angle X‐ray diffraction. Our experimental results indicate that steady, even, and ordered Langmuir and LB films are formed in pure water and polyoxometalate subphases. It was shown that the POM molecules are probably embedded inside the polyplatinayne molecules in the LB film structure and they can quench the luminescence of the Pt polyyne. These Pt‐polyyne based LB films display interesting electric conductivity behavior. [Pt‐T(OMe‐Fl)T]∞/DODA/HPW12 monolayer film shows a good electrical conductivity, and the tunneling current amounts to ±100 nA when the voltage is set at ±8 V. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 3193–3206, 2008
Use of fluorinated maleimide and telechelic bismaleimide for original hydrophobic and oleophobic polymerized networks
Authors: Soules Aurélien , Pozos Vázquez Cuauhtémoc , Améduri Bruno , Joly‐Duhamel Christine , Essahli Mohamed , Boutevin Bernard
Published: April 2008

The syntheses of original fluorinated maleimide and telechelic bismaleimide bearing C6F13 and C6F12 groups, respectively, and their use as reactive additives in photopolymerizable formulations of telechelic poly(propylene glycol) bismaleimide (PPGBMI) are presented. Fluorinated maleimide was synthetized in five steps in 63% overall yield from C6F13C2H4I precursor, whereas the fluorinated bismaleimide was prepared in six steps in 14% overall yield from IC6F12I. These latter led to fluorinated azido and diazido intermediates that were reduced into the fluorinated amine and diamines in two steps. The condensation of amine and diamine onto maleic anhydride offered an amic acid and a diamic acid, which were subsequently cyclized into fluorinated maleimide and bismaleimide. Formulations of telechelic PPGBMI containing a low concentration of these fluorinated maleimide and bismaleimide were UV cured and the surface properties of the resulting films were investigated. A deep modification of the surface properties was noted when the monomaleimide was used. In all the cases, a selective enrichment of the fluorinated monomer at the film surface was observed. The dependence of the surface properties on the fluorinated maleimide and bismaleimide concentrations were also studied, and showed an asymptotic behavior of the contact angle with only 1.5 wt % of fluorinated maleimide additive, whatever the conditions. This monomaleimide led to better hydrophobic and oleophobic properties of the resulting material than that containing the telechelic one. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 3214–3228, 2008
Solid mechanochemical preparation of core‐shell SiO2 particles and their improvement on the mechanical properties of PVC composites
Authors: Ying Xiong , Guangshun Chen , Shaoyun Guo
Published: April 2008

In this article, a solid mechanochemical route to prepare core‐shell structured particles was introduced. X‐ray photoelectron spectrum, transmission electron microscope and dissolving experimental results indicated the formation of [(inorganic particle)/(elastomer)] core‐shell structured particles. The thermal stable experiments showed that untreated SiO2 can cause dehydrochlorination of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and discoloration of PVC/SiO2 composites and the formation of core‐shell structured SiO2 particles will improve the thermal stability of PVC/SiO2 composites. The mechanical properties and rheological results showed that the formation of core‐shell structured SiO2 particles can both improve the mechanical and processing properties of PVC/SiO2 composite. ACR in PVC/(SiO2‐PMMA‐ACR) composites acted not only as toughener for PVC matrix but also as cushion breaker if the content of ACR is enough. Meanwhile compared with other SiO2 particles the formation of core‐shell structured SiO2 particles can decrease the apparent viscosity, increase the critical shear rate and improve the appearance of extrudes of PVC/SiO2 composites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 938–948, 2008
Compact image stabilization system using camera posture information
Authors: Miyauchi Ryo , Shiroma Naoji , Matsuno Fumitoshi
Published: April 2008

A teleoperated robot that works in unstructured environments such as disaster sites is mainly controlled based on images obtained from cameras mounted on the robot. Because the robot runs on rough terrains, the images from the mounted camera are nonsteady ones. These nonsteady images will make it difficult for the operator to understand the surrounding information and will cause the camera motion sickness. We have developed an image stabilization system using camera posture information for a mobile robot that moves on uneven terrains. Because the camera posture information is detected by a three‐dimensional‐motion sensor separately from the camera image, this system works even in bad light condition environments and is robust for light condition changes. The wide‐field‐of‐view images obtained by the fish‐eye‐lens camera are used to handle a large‐amplitude disturbance. The sphere mapping and the image shifting of a region of © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mixed‐effects Poisson regression analysis of adverse event reports: The relationship between antidepressants and suicide
Authors: Gibbons Robert D. , Segawa Eisuke , Karabatsos George , Amatya Anup K. , Bhaumik Dulal K. , Brown C. Hendricks , Kapur Kush , Marcus Sue M. , Hur Kwan , Mann J. John
Published: April 2008

A new statistical methodology is developed for the analysis of spontaneous adverse event (AE) reports from post‐marketing drug surveillance data. The method involves both empirical Bayes (EB) and fully Bayes estimation of rate multipliers for each drug within a class of drugs, for a particular AE, based on a mixed‐effects Poisson regression model. Both parametric and semiparametric models for the random‐effect distribution are examined. The method is applied to data from Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) on the relationship between antidepressants and suicide. We obtain point estimates and 95 per cent confidence (posterior) intervals for the rate multiplier for each drug (e.g. antidepressants), which can be used to determine whether a particular drug has an increased risk of association with a particular AE (e.g. suicide). Confidence (posterior) intervals that do not include 1.0 provide evidence for either significant protective or harmful associations of the drug and the adverse effect. We also examine EB, parametric Bayes, and semiparametric Bayes estimators of the rate multipliers and associated confidence (posterior) intervals. Results of our analysis of the FDA AERS data revealed that newer antidepressants are associated with lower rates of suicide adverse event reports compared with older antidepressants. We recommend improvements to the existing AERS system, which are likely to improve its public health value as an early warning system. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Initial Resection of Potentially Viable Tissue is not Optimal Treatment for Grades II–IV Pancreatic Injuries
Authors: Vane Dennis W. , Kiankhooy Armin , Sartorelli Kennith H. , Vane Jerrie L.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This study was designed to ascertain the optimal therapy and diagnostics for children with pancreatic injury.

Methods

From January 1, 2001 to January 1, 2007, all children (newborn to 17 years) who presented to this Level I trauma center with demonstrated pancreatic injury were prospectively entered into the TRACS IV system and reviewed for injury type, diagnostics, therapy, demographics, and outcome.

Results

Fourteen children sustained grade II or higher pancreatic injury during this period. CT scan was performed for diagnosis in all cases. There were 11 boys and 3 girls, and mean age was 6.9 (range, 2–16) years. There were five grade II injuries, four grade III injuries, four grade IV injuries, and one grade V injury. All grade II injuries were treated successfully nonoperatively with observation. The nine grade III–IV injuries all underwent operative external drainage without pancreatectomy or stent placement. The single grade V injury died of multiple associated injuries after operative intervention. No pseudocysts developed in these children. All children have normal pancreatic function, and all except one have normal anatomy on follow‐up scans. Early exploration and drainage directly reduces length of stay.

Conclusion

Grade II pancreatic injuries do not require routine surgical exploration in children. Grade III and IV injuries in this series were treated with expeditious drainage of the pancreatic bed and did not require routine pancreatectomy or endoscopic stint placement as some have recommended. Early drainage shortens hospital stay, and outcomes from this therapy are excellent. Pancreatic resection of exocrine defunctionalized segments of pancreas may be performed safely electively after acute injury if necessary, but anecdotal information from this series indicates that too may not be necessary. Grade V injuries often are accompanied by multiple other organ injuries and are associated with a significant mortality rate. A multi‐institutional investigation is warranted to reassess optimal therapy for pancreatic injury in children.