bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quaternary ammonium chitosan derivative dynamic coating for the separation of veterinary sulfonamide residues by CE with field‐amplified sample injection
Authors: Ma Ming , Zhang Hua‐Shan , Xiao Ling‐Yan , Xiao Ling , Wang Peng , Cui Hai‐Rong , Wang Hong
Published: October 2007

A quaternary ammonium chitosan, 2‐hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride chitosan (HACC), has been developed for the dynamic coating material in CE for the first time. It presented many advantages such as favorable water solubility, satisfactory coating efficiency, and EOF toward the anode at pH >7.0. Using the modified fused‐silica capillary, sulfonamides (SAs), an important group of veterinary drugs, were separated and detected by CE combined with field‐amplified sample injection (FASI). The LODs of sulfonamides with UV detection were less than 0.5 ng/mL. The proposed method has been applied to the determination of veterinary sulfonamide residues in samples such as chicken, beef, and honey with fast separation (15 sulfonamides within 20 min), low LODs (0.1–0.5 ng/mL), and good reliability compared to the criteria of China (GB/T 18932.17‐2003).
NACE for the analysis of acrylamide in food
Authors: Başkan Selda , Erim F. Bedia
Published: October 2007

An NACE method was developed for the quantitative determination of acrylamide in processed food. The method is premised on the modification of the aqueous acid–base character of acrylamide in an organic solution. Acrylamide, which is a polar molecule in aqueous solution, in a low‐pH environment in ACN acquires a proton, and thereby migrates under its own electrophoretic mobility in CE. Thus, nonaqueous separation of acrylamide was achieved by employing 30 mmol/L HClO4 in ACN as the running electrolyte. The detection limit of the method for acrylamide was found as 0.041 mg/L using UV detection at 200 nm. The run‐to‐run and day‐to‐day precisions for the corrected peak areas were calculated as 1.65 and 3.90%, respectively. The applicability of the method has been demonstrated by analyzing acrylamide in the samples of potato chips and French fries. The method is simple, rapid, inexpensive, and widely applicable for the determination of acrylamide in food samples.
Penalty formulation for postfilling analysis during injection molding
Authors: Kang Sung Yong , Kim Sun Kyoung , Lee Woo Il
Published: October 2007

We propose an approximate method that can simulate the packing stage during the injection molding using the penalty parameter method. In order to account for the compressibility effect, an update scheme based on similarity between the slightly compressible and the penalty formulations is proposed. The method allows for solving the entire injection molding process using a single algorithm with the penalty method in spite of the transition from the incompressible regime during the filling stage into the compressible regime for the packing stage. Several test cases have been presented to prove the validity of the method. It has been shown that the accuracy of the proposed method is identical to that of the mixed method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley
& Sons, Ltd.
Emergence of NMDAR‐independent long‐term potentiation at hippocampal CA1 synapses following early adolescent exposure to chronic intermittent ethanol: Role for sigma‐receptors
Authors: Sabeti Jilla , Gruol Donna L.
Published: October 2007

Adolescent humans who abuse alcohol are more vulnerable than adults to the development of memory impairments. Memory impairments often involve modifications in the ability of hippocampal neurons to establish long‐term potentiation (LTP) of excitatory neurotransmission; however, few studies have examined how chronic ethanol exposure during adolescence affects LTP mechanisms in hippocampus. We investigated changes in LTP mechanisms in hippocamal slices from rats exposed to intoxicating concentrations of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) vapors in their period of early‐adolescent (i.e., prepubescent) or late‐adolescent (i.e., postpubescent) development. LTP was evaluated at excitatory CA1 synapses in hippocampal slices at 24 h after the cessation of air (control) or CIE vapor treatments. CA1 synapses in control slices showed steady LTP following induction by high‐frequency stimulation, which was fully dependent on NMDAR function. By contrast, slices from early‐adolescent CIE exposed animals showed a compound form of LTP consisting of an NMDAR‐dependent component and a slow‐developing component independent of NMDARs. These components summated to yield LTP of robust magnitude above LTP levels in age‐matched control slices. Bath‐application of the σ‐receptor antagonist BD1047 and the neuroactive steroid pregnenolone sulfate, but not acute ethanol application, blocked NMDAR‐independent LTP, while leaving NMDAR‐dependent LTP intact. Analysis of presynaptic function during NMDAR‐independent LTP induction demonstrated increased presynaptic function via a σ‐receptor‐dependent mechanism in slices from early‐adolescent CIE‐exposed animals. By contrast, CIE exposure after puberty onset in late‐adolescent animals produced decrements in LTP levels. The identification of a role for σ‐receptors and neuroactive steroids in the development of NMDAR‐independent LTP suggests an important pathway by which hippocampal synaptic plasticity, and perhaps memory, may be uniquely altered by chronic ethanol exposure during the prepubescent phase of adolescent development. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pharmacotherapy in the community‐based treatment of children with bipolar I disorder
Authors: Jerrell Jeanette M.
Published: October 2007

Objective

To examine the services and medications received, and psychosocial functioning changes over time of children and adolescents with bipolar I disorder in a public mental health system.

Method

Medical records were reviewed for 82 patients, 6–17 years of age, diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, and newly admitted to one public mental health system between 1 July 2003 and 30 June 2004. A retrospective cohort design was employed, with an 18‐month follow‐up period.

Results

One‐third of the patients dropped out treatment within a few months. The psychosocial functioning ratings of patients who remained in treatment improved over time on several dimensions (total, school/work, behavior toward others). Children and adolescents prescribed both a mood stabilizer and an atypical antipsychotic medication regimen (35%) were rated as higher functioning on self‐harm behavior and mood/emotions by clinical staff, but their improvement could not be attributed directly to the pharmacotherapy in this small cohort.

Conclusion

Community‐based pharmacotherapy for children and adolescents with bipolar I disorder does not differ substantially from the extant literature, given the complexity and severity of these cases, and may lead to improvement for children and adolescents who remain in treatment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MMTV‐EGF receptor transgene promotes preneoplastic conversion of multiple steroid hormone‐responsive tissues
Authors: Marozkina Nadzeya V. , Stiefel Steven M. , Frierson Henry F. , Parsons Sarah J.
Published: October 2007

Correlative analyses of tumors and patient‐derived cell lines of the human reproductive system suggest that overexpression of EGF contributes to the oncogenic phenotype. However, it is unclear at what stage in disease overexpression of the EGFR is most critical. To assess its role as an initiator of reproductive tissue tumor development, transgenic mice were derived with mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)‐regulated overexpression of the human EGFR. Although elevated expression of the EGFR in hormonally responsive tissues was observed, only one EGFR transgenic mouse developed a visible tumor over a 2‐year period. However, of 12 females monitored over the same time, hyperplasia, hypertrophy, or slight dysplasia was found in mammary glands of 55% of the animals examined, in the uterus or uterine horn of 89%, and in ovaries or oviducts of 100%. None of the reproductive tissues of the male transgenic animals or age‐matched, normal mice displayed these changes. These results revealed a role for the EGFR in the initiation of ovarian and uterine cancer and supported previous studies in breast cancer that the receptor can contribute to the neoplastic process in a significant albeit incremental way. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 2010–2018, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Opposing effects of curcuminoids on serum stimulated and unstimulated angiogenic response
Authors: Kiran M.S. , Kumar V.B. Sameer , Viji R.I. , Sherin G.T. , Rajasekharan K.N. , Sudhakaran P.R.
Published: October 2007

Curcumin is known to be a potent wound healer. Despite this, studies on curcumin using certain model systems have shown it to be anti‐angiogenic. Results of the present investigations suggest that curcumin causes opposing effects on angiogenesis in serum stimulated and unstimulated conditions. The evidence in support of this are: (a) in serum free conditions, curcumin promoted sprouting in rat aortic ring, increased vascular density in CAM and induced morphological changes indicative of angiogenic phenotype in HUVECs and rat aortic endothelial cells in culture, (b) increased the expression of biochemical markers of angiogenesis such as CD 31, E‐selectin, VEGF and VEGFR‐2 in HUVECs on treatment with curcumin, and (c) supplementation of curcumin along with serum caused decrease in CD 31 and E‐selectin levels, downregulation of VEGF, angiopoietin‐1 and VEGFR‐2 and delayed formation of capillary network‐like structure. Proangiogenic effect of the individual components of the natural curcumin differed and the presence of the three components in the natural mixture has a synergistic effect. Effect of curcuminoids in the absence of serum appears to depend on VEGF as (a) anti‐VEGF antibody blocked the effect of curcuminoids (b) curcuminoids caused decrease in PAR modification of VEGF increasing its biological activity. Treatment with curcuminoids in serum‐free conditions resulted in activation of PI3K‐Akt pathway; but in serum‐supplemented condition, curcuminoids caused inhibition of the MAPK pathways thereby inhibiting the expression of angiogenic phenotype. These results suggest that PI3K‐Akt and MAPK pathways involved in the expression of angiogenic phenotype respond differently to the extracellular microenvironment. J. Cell. Physiol. 215: 251–264, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Musculoskeletal underpinnings to differences in killing behavior between North American accipiters (Falconiformes: Accipitridae) and falcons (Falconidae)
Authors: Sustaita Diego
Published: October 2007

Accipiters (Accipiter spp.) and falcons (Falco spp.) both use their feet to seize prey, but falcons kill primarily with their beaks, whereas accipiters kill with their feet. This study examines the mechanistic basis to differences in their modes of dispatching prey, by focusing on the myology and biomechanics of the jaws, digits, and distal hindlimb. Bite, grip, and distal hindlimb flexion forces were estimated from measurements of physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA) and indices of mechanical advantage (MA) for the major jaw adductors, and digit and tarsometatarsal flexors. Estimated bite force, total jaw adductor PCSA, and jaw MA (averaged over adductors) tended to be relatively and absolutely greater in falcons, reflecting their emphasis on biting for dispatching their prey. Differences between genera in estimated grip force, total digit flexor PCSA, and digit MA (averaged over inter‐phalangeal joints and digits) were not as clear‐cut; each of these parameters scaled positively allometric in accipiters, which may reflect the scaling of both prey size, and the proportion of mammalian prey consumed by this lineage with increasing body size. Estimated tarsometatarsal force was greater in falcons than in accipiters, due to their greater MA, which may reflect selection for incurring greater forces during prey strikes. Conversely, the comparatively lower tarsometatarsal MA in accipiters reflects their capacity for greater foot speed potentially necessary for grasping elusive prey. Thus, this study elucidates how differences in jaw and hindlimb musculoskeletal morphology of accipiters and falcons are reflected in differences in their killing modes, and through differences in their force‐generating capacities. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The morphology and evolutionary significance of the ciliary fields and musculature among marine bryozoan larvae
Authors: Santagata Scott
Published: October 2007

Despite the embryological and anatomical disparities present among lophotrochozoan phyla, there are morphological similarities in the cellular arrangements of ciliated cells used for propulsion among the nonfeeding larval forms of kamptozoans, nemerteans, annelids, mollusks, and bryozoans. Evaluating whether these similarities are the result of convergent selective pressures or a shared (deep) evolutionary history is hindered by the paucity of detailed cellular information from multiple systematic groups from lesser‐known, and perhaps, basal evolutionary phyla such as the Bryozoa. Here, I compare the ciliary fields and musculature among the major morphological grades of marine bryozoan larvae using light microscopy, SEM, and confocal imaging techniques. Sampling effort focused on six species from systematic groups with few published accounts, but an additional four well‐known species were also reevaluated. Review of the main larval types among species of bryozoans and these new data show that, within select systematic groups of marine bryozoans, there is some conservation of the cellular arrangement of ciliary fields and larval musculature. However, there is much more morphological diversity in these structures than previously documented, especially among nonfeeding ctenostome larval types. This structural and functional diversification reflects species differences in the orientation of the apical disc during swimming and crawling behaviors, modification of the presumptive juvenile tissues, elongation of larval forms in the aboral–oral axis, maximizing the surface area of cell types with propulsive cilia, and the simplification of ciliary fields and musculature within particular lineages due to evolutionary loss. Considering the embryological origins and functional plasticity of ciliated cells within bryozoan larvae, it is probable that the morphological similarities shared between the coronal cells of bryozoan larvae and the prototrochal cells of trochozoans are the result of convergent functional solutions to swimming in the plankton. However, this does not rule out cell specification pathways shared by more closely related spiralian phyla. Overall, among the morphological grades of larval bryozoans, the structural variation and arrangement of the main cell groups responsible for ciliary propulsion have been evolutionarily decoupled from the more divergent modifications of larval musculature. The structure of larval ciliary fields reflects the functional demands of swimming and substrate exploration behaviors before metamorphosis, but this is in contrast to the morphology of larval musculature and presumptive juvenile tissues that are linked to macroevolutionary differences in morphogenetic movements during metamorphosis. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two‐dimensional electrophoresis with cationic detergents, a powerful tool for the proteomic analysis of myelin proteins. Part 1: Technical aspects of electrophoresis
Authors: Yamaguchi Yoshihide , Miyagi Yudai , Baba Hiroko
Published: October 2007

The analysis of proteins in damaged myelin is crucial to clarify the mechanisms of dysmyelination and demyelination. In the present study, proteomic analysis of myelin using a modified two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) method was carried out to obtain a better understanding of myelin biology. Although standard 2‐DE (immobilized pH gradient isoelectric focusing/sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; IPG/SDS‐PAGE) methods of analysis provide high resolutions of soluble proteins with isoelectric focusing points in the pH range of 4–8, major myelin components include highly basic proteins are compacted at the basic edge of the 2‐DE gels and are not sufficiently separated for satisfactory analysis. In an attempt to improve the separation of these proteins, an alternative 2‐DE method using the cationic detergents was applied. In part 1 of this study, we describe technical aspects of conditioning 2‐DE using cationic detergent. In the accompanying paper (part 2), practical 2‐DE analysis using cationic detergents is described to identify proteins in the purified CNS myelin fraction. We carried out benzyldimethyl‐n‐hexadecylammonium chloride (16‐BAC)/SDS‐PAGE 2‐DE and tested 2‐DE with four other cationic detergents. We found that 16‐BAC was the most effective agent for separation of myelin proteins and that hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide; CTAB) was the most effective agent for solubilization of myelin proteins. The combination of 16‐BAC/SDS‐PAGE and CTAB/SDS‐PAGE is a powerful tool for the analysis of myelin proteins, including highly basic, high‐MW (MW > 100K), and integral membrane proteins. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
How ABN AMRO and other international banks are succeeding in Romania
Authors: Wright Roxana , Fellman Philip Vos
Published: October 2007

The dynamic financial environment of Central and Eastern Europe allows for a clear determination of “best practices” in the banking industry through analysis of common patterns in banking and finance. We explain the specific practices that have led to successful adaptation on the part of international banks like ABN AMRO in Romania and to Romanian financial markets.

In general, we have found, through a series of case studies designed to assess best practices, that the best performing strategies are those which are based upon “distributed decision making,” allowing for decisive action and rapid organizational learning at the local level. In order for rapid organizational learning to take place, efficient business relationships are critical to the firm's functioning. In addition, the firm must develop a substantial diversity in both its internal and external networks. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of adult equine bone marrow‐ and adipose‐derived progenitor cell chondrogenesis in hydrogel cultures
Authors: Kisiday John D. , Kopesky Paul W. , Evans Christopher H. , Grodzinsky Alan J. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Frisbie David D.
Published: October 2007

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) and adipose‐derived progenitor cells (ADPCs) are potential alternatives to autologous chondrocytes for cartilage resurfacing strategies. In this study, the chondrogenic potentials of these cell types were compared by quantifying neo‐tissue synthesis and assaying gene expression and accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components of cartilage. Adult equine progenitor cells encapsulated in agarose or self‐assembling peptide hydrogels were cultured in the presence or absence of TGFβ1 for 3 weeks. In BM‐MSCs‐seeded hydrogels, TGFβ1 stimulated ECM synthesis and accumulation 3–41‐fold relative to TGFβ1‐free culture. In ADPC cultures, TGFβ1 stimulated a significant increase in ECM synthesis and accumulation in peptide (18–29‐fold) but not agarose hydrogels. Chromatographic analysis of BM‐MSC‐seeded agarose and peptide hydrogels cultured in TGFβ1 medium showed extensive synthesis of aggrecan‐like proteoglycan monomers. ADPCs seeded in peptide hydrogel also synthesized aggrecan‐like proteoglycans, although to a lesser extent than seen in BM‐MSC hydrogels, whereas aggrecan‐like proteoglycan synthesis in ADPC‐seeded agarose was minimal. RT‐PCR analysis of TGFβ1 cultures showed detectable levels of type II collagen gene expression in BM‐MSC but not ADPC cultures. Histological analysis of TGFβ1‐cultured peptide hydrogels showed the deposition of a continuous proteoglycan‐ and type II collagen rich ECM for BM‐MSCs but not ADPCs. Therefore, this study showed both protein and gene expression evidence of superior chondrogenesis of BM‐MSCs relative to ADPCs. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:322–331, 2008
Characteristics of fractionated flours from whole buckwheat grain using a gradual milling system and their application for noodle making
Authors: Van Hung Pham , Maeda Tomoko , Tsumori Rie , Morita Naofumi
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND: Recently, the quality of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum, Moench) flour was improved by using a gradual milling method in which whole buckwheat grains were milled into various fractions. In this study, 16 fractions milled from whole buckwheat grains from the outer to inner parts are characterised and used for noodle making.

RESULTS: Protein and ash contents of flours increased in the order from the inner to the outer fractions. Each fraction contained nine main fatty acids in which the concentration of palmitic, stearic, linoleic and linolenic acids tended to decrease from the inner to outer parts of the grain, whereas the concentration of oleic acid in the middle parts of grain was higher than in the other parts. The peak viscosity was different among the fractions and the middle fractions had significantly higher peak viscosity than the other fractions. The optimum cooking time and whiteness of uncooked and cooked noodles substituted with 40% of the fractions decreased from the inner to outer fractions, whereas noodles made from the inner fractions were harder and less elastic than those from the outer fractions.

CONCLUSION: The different buckwheat fractions contributed to different quality of soba noodles. However, the appropriate fractions could be used for noodle making to improve the quality of noodles depending on nutritional demands. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of zero‐phosphorus engine oils
Authors: Gangopadhyay Arup K. , Jensen R. K. , Carter R. O. , Uy D. , O'Neill A. E. , Simko S. J. , Gao H. , Stockwell R. T. , Phillips C. B. , Graham M. E.
Published: October 2007

Poisoning by phosphorus in engine oil limits the useful life of automotive catalysts. The amount of phosphorus in engine oil has been decreasing for over a decade, and currently is limited to 0.08 wt% maximum. The source of phosphorus in engine oil is zinc dialkyldithiophosphate, which is a very effective antioxidant and anti‐wear compound. Therefore, elimination of phosphorus in engine oil requires replacement of both anti‐wear and antioxidation functions with novel additive compounds. This research describes the current state of developing zero‐phosphorus engine oils while maintaining GF‐4 performance attributes. A systematic approach was taken for this development beginning with the base oil and viscosity modifier system selection, followed by antioxidant compounds selection, and then anti‐wear compound selection. The effectiveness of antioxidant and anti‐wear compounds was evaluated using a laboratory oxidation test, and friction and wear tests when the oil was both fresh and aged. The oil showing the most promising result was evaluated in industry accepted TEOST MHT 4 for oxidation, and ASTM Sequence IIIG test for high temperature wear and piston deposits. Results to date show excellent oxidation characteristics, but wear control requires further work. Analysis of surface films showed the presence of carbonate and iron oxide when the oil was fresh, but only iron oxide when tested with 40 and 100 h aged oil samples from the Sequence IIIG test. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐level light stimulates excisional wound healing in mice
Authors: Demidova‐Rice Tatiana N. , Salomatina Elena V. , Yaroslavsky Anna N. , Herman Ira M. , Hamblin Michael R.
Published: October 2007

Background

Low levels of laser or non‐coherent light, termed low‐level light therapy (LLLT) have been reported to accelerate some phases of wound healing, but its clinical use remains controversial.

Methods

A full thickness dorsal excisional wound in mice was treated with a single exposure to light of various wavelengths and fluences 30 minutes after wounding. Wound areas were measured until complete healing and immunofluorescence staining of tissue samples was carried out.

Results

Wound healing was significantly stimulated in BALB/c and SKH1 hairless mice but not in C57BL/6 mice. Illuminated wounds started to contract while control wounds initially expanded for the first 24 hours. We found a biphasic dose–response curve for fluence of 635‐nm light with a maximum positive effect at 2 J/cm2. Eight hundred twenty nanometer was found to be the best wavelength tested compared to 635, 670, and 720 nm. We found no difference between non‐coherent 635±15‐nm light from a lamp and coherent 633‐nm light from a He/Ne laser. LLLT increased the number of α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA)‐positive cells at the wound edge.

Conclusion

LLLT stimulates wound contraction in susceptible mouse strains but the mechanism remains uncertain. Lesers Surg. Med. 39:706–715, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Examples of Using 3D‐GPC‐TREF for Polyolefin Characterization
Authors: Yau Wallace W.
Published: October 2007

Summary: Selected examples of using 3D‐GPC‐TREF to solve polyolefin characterization problems are described in this paper. The term 3D‐GPC‐TREF stands for a home‐build hybrid system of gel permeation chromatograph (GPC) coupled with the capability of the temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF) that includes three online detectors, i.e. the infrared (IR), the differential‐pressure viscometer (DP), and the light scattering (LS) detectors.
Separation and Characterization of Ethylene‐Propylene Copolymers by High‐Temperature Gradient HPLC Coupled to FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Albrecht Andreas , Heinz Lars‐Christian , Lilge Dieter , Pasch Harald
Published: October 2007

Summary: The chromatographic separation of ethylene‐propylene (EP) copolymers with regard to chemical composition was accomplished by a new technique ‐ high‐ temperature gradient HPLC. Using a mobile phase of ethylene glycol monobutylether (EGMBE) and 1,2,4–trichlorobenzene (TCB), and silica gel as the stationary phase, copolymers with different ethylene contents were separated according to their chemical compositions. Using a sample solvent of n‐decanol and a column temperature of 140 °C, chromatographic conditions were established that correspond to separation in a precipitation‐redissolution mechanism. With the aim to obtain further information on the separation process, the HPLC system was coupled to FTIR spectroscopy through a LC‐Transform interface. The FTIR data confirmed that the copolymers were separated according to the ethylene content of the eluted samples.
Crystallization Elution Fractionation. A New Separation Process for Polyolefin Resins
Authors: Monrabal B. , Sancho‐Tello J. , Mayo N. , Romero L.
Published: October 2007

Summary: New crystallization procedures have been developed for the analysis of the chemical composition distribution in polyolefins by pumping a small flow of solvent during the crystallization cycle. One of the new techniques, crystallization elution fractionation (CEF) combines the separation power of TREF and CRYSTAF and has been shown to provide very fast analysis of the composition distribution.
The phenomenon of disproportionate antecollis in Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy
Authors: van de Warrenburg Bart P.C. , Cordivari Carla , Ryan Aisling M. , Phadke Rahul , Holton Janice L. , Bhatia Kailash P. , Hanna Mike G. , Quinn Niall P.
Published: October 2007

We sought to explore the phenomenon of disproportionate antecollis in multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The etiology is much debated and the main issue is whether it represents a primary myopathy or is secondary to the underlying motor disorder. The clinical, electrophysiological, and biopsy data of MSA or PD patients with antecollis were reviewed. We reviewed 16 patients (7 MSA and 9 PD) who developed antecollis during the course of their disease. The interval between onset of motor symptoms and of antecollis was shorter in the MSA group (4.6 ± 1.7 years vs. 10.5 ± 7.0 years). In 6 patients, the antecollis developed subacutely, and in 2 the abnormal neck flexion was initially an off‐period phenomenon. Two additional patients also showed some dopa‐responsiveness. Clinically, the antecollis was characterized by a forward flexion and anterior shift of the neck, with prominent cervical paraspinal and levator scapulae muscles, usually without weakness of residual neck extension. Electromyography of cervical paraspinal muscles showed mixed myopathic, normal, and neurogenic units, without early recruitment. Cervical paraspinal muscle biopsy in 2 patients disclosed fibrosis and nonspecific myopathic changes. We suggest that, in the context of MSA or PD, the initiating event in antecollis could be a disproportionately increased tone in anterior neck muscles that leads to secondary fibrotic and myopathic changes. However, a primary but yet unexplained neck extensor myopathy still remains the alternative possibility and longitudinal studies are necessary to settle this issue. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Adult‐onset Alexander disease with progressive ataxia and palatal tremor
Authors: Howard Katherine L. , Hall Deborah A. , Moon Michelle , Agarwal Pinky , Newman Elizabeth , Brenner Michael
Published: October 2007

A novel glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) mutation, Y257C, is reported in a patient with adult‐onset Alexander disease. This is the oldest reported case with confirmation of a GFAP mutation. Onset was late in the sixth decade. Genetic analysis of the GFAP gene is recommended in cases of progressive ataxia and palatal tremor. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
On the solution of indefinite systems arising in nonlinear programming problems
Authors: Bonettini Silvia , Ruggiero Valeria , Tinti Federica
Published: October 2007

This work is concerned with the convergence properties and the numerical analysis of the preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG) method applied to the solution of indefinite linear systems arising in nonlinear optimization. Our approach is based on the choice of quasidefinite preconditioners and of a suitable factorization routine. Some theoretical and numerical results about these preconditioners are obtained. Furthermore, we show the behaviour of the PCG method for different formulations of the indefinite system and we compare the effectiveness of the proposed variants. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Children's views on their involvement in clinical research
Authors: Chappuy Hélène , Doz François , Blanche Stéphane , Gentet Jean‐Claude , Tréluyer Jean‐Marc
Published: October 2007

Objective

To examine the level of children's understanding of informed consent in clinical trials and factors that may influence these processes.

Design

Twenty nine children who were included in clinical trials for treatment of cancer or HIV, were offered the possibility to complete a semidirective interview, with parental permission.

Methods

Children's understanding was measured by a score of 0–9 including items required to obtain a valid consent according to French and European legislations.

Results

Children were 8.5–18 years old (13.6 ± 2.8 years). The higher percentage of understanding was obtained for the study objectives (n = 18, 62%), the risks (n = 17, 58%), the potential self‐benefits (n = 18, 62%) and the potential benefits to other children (n = 17, 58%). The lower percentage of understanding was obtained for the procedures (n = 5, 17%), the possibility of alternative treatments (n = 9, 31%), the duration of participation (n = 6, 21%), their right to withdraw (n = 6, 21%), and the voluntary participation (n = 6, 21%). Sixteen children (55%) thought that the given information was adequate. Understanding was significantly correlated with child's age (r = 0.65; P = 0.0001) and the mean score was higher in patients over 14 years old compared to patients under the age of 14 (4.4 ± 2.4, n = 14 vs. 2.6 ± 2.6, n = 15, P < 0.05). The mean score was also higher in children when informed consent was sought some time after the diagnosis (>7 days) rather than at the same time (<7 days) (score: 4.14 ± 2.59 n = 21 vs. 1.87 ± 2.03 n = 8; P = 0.03). The clarity of information perceived by children did not influence their understanding (score: 3.6 ± 2.6 n = 14 vs. 3.5 ± 2.7 n = 15; P = 0.91).

Conclusion

Children have an incomplete understanding of the elements included in the informed consent forms. Understanding is related to age and timing of informed consent. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:1043–1046. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Second trimester prenatal screening for Down syndrome: the associations between the levels of serum markers in successive pregnancies
Authors: Huang Tianhua , Boucher Karen , Summers Anne M.
Published: October 2007

Objective

To investigate the association of Down syndrome screening results in successive pregnancies, and assess the impacts of including previous screening results in the current risk estimation on screening performance.

Methods

The study was based on 56 951 women who had triple marker screening in two or more singleton pregnancies in the Ontario Maternal Serum Screening (MSS) program between October 1993 and September 2000. The problem of recurrent false positive results was examined by comparing screening results from different pregnancies in the same individuals. Between‐pregnancy associations in the levels of serum markers were estimated using correlation analysis. A published method was used to adjust current risk estimation for previous screening results. The effect of this adjustment was assessed by comparing screening performances prior and subsequent to the adjustment.

Results

The observed false positive rate (FPR) in subsequent pregnancies was 2.5 times higher than that expected (26.4% vs 10.7%) among women who screened positive in one previous pregnancy, and 3.9 times higher (47.4% vs 12.1%) among women who screened positive in two previous pregnancies. Adjusting for a previous screening result will significantly reduce the recurrent FPR without compromising detection.

Conclusion

Risk estimation for Down syndrome may be adjusted using the screening result from a previous pregnancy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A quantitative and qualitative method for direct 2‐DE analysis of murine cartilage
Authors: Pecora Fabio , Forlino Antonella , Gualeni Benedetta , Lupi Anna , Giorgetti Sofia , Marchese Loredana , Stoppini Monica , Tenni Ruggero , Cetta Giuseppe , Rossi Antonio
Published: October 2007

Direct 2‐DE analysis of cartilage is difficult due to the high proteoglycan content. Proteoglycan removal before IEF may however cause the partial or total loss of specific proteins making this approach ineffective when quantitative data are required to investigate protein expression differences. Thus, we have developed a 2‐DE method including passive rehydration loading that does not require sample pretreatment and allows direct protein expression studies in cartilage samples.
Parent‐reported symptoms may not be adequate to define asthma control in children
Authors: Dell Sharon D. , Foty Richard , Becker Allan , Franssen Edmee , Chapman Kenneth R.
Published: October 2007

Introduction

Asthma guidelines have suggested that treatment decisions should be guided by indices of asthma control and not only by disease severity. In adults, symptom‐based asthma control parameters have been shown to predict exacerbations and health care services use (HSU). We hypothesize that defining asthma control using parent‐reported symptoms alone is not adequate in children.

Materials and Methods

Cross‐sectional data from the population‐based asthma in Canada study were reanalyzed. Random‐digit dialing was used to produce the final sample, consisting of 1,001 asthmatics: 801 adults (aged 16+) and 200 children (aged 4–15) participating by parental proxy. Weighted frequencies of Canadian guideline defined asthma control parameters, perceived asthma control, HSU and medication use were calculated separately for adults and children. Stratified analyses compared HSU in controlled versus uncontrolled asthmatics.

Results

Over 90% of parents of asthmatic children believed their child's asthma to be controlled. Only 45% were actually controlled as defined by guideline parameters. Among controlled asthmatics, children reported higher HSU (32% reported 2+ health care encounters versus 17% of adults, P < 0.001). Irrespective of control and despite similar use of controller therapy, children reported a higher number of health care encounters than adults (any emergency department visits 37% vs. 24%, P = 0.00003; unscheduled doctor visits 59% vs. 36%, P < 0.00001). While reporting higher HSU, asthmatic children had less frequent episodes of excessive daytime symptoms than adults (29% vs. 49%, respectively, P < 0.0001).

Discussion

Current symptom‐based asthma control parameters reported by parental proxy are likely poor predictors of asthma HSU and may not provide adequate asthma control estimates in children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:1117–1124. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigations of the g ‐factors and local phase‐transition behavior for Ni3+ ion in the tetragonal phase of RbCaF3 crystal
Authors: Zhang Shun‐Ru , Liu Hong‐Gang , Qu Gui‐Qiang , Zheng Wen‐Chen
Published: October 2007

The EPR g factors g‖ and g⊥ for Ni3+ ion (created by room‐temperature X‐irradiation of nickel‐doped RbCaF3) in the tetragonal phase of RbCaF3 crystal are calculated from the second‐order perturbation formulas based on a cluster approach for high‐spin 3d7 ions in tetragonal octahedral clusters. The calculated results are in reasonable agreement with the experimental values. The local phase‐transition behavior of the Ni3+ impurity center in RbCaF3 is also estimated from the calculation. It is found that the local phase‐transition behavior in the Ni3+ center is unlike the intrinsic one in the host crystal (in particular, the fluorine octahedra surrounding the cations change from tetragonal compression in the host crystal to tetragonal elongation in the Ni3+ impurity center). The results are discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Differential surface photovoltage spectroscopy of δ‐doped GaAs/AlAs multiple quantum wells below and close to Mott transition
Authors: Kavaliauskas J. , Krivaitė G. , Čechavičius B. , Valušis G. , Seliuta D. , Sherliker B. , Halsall M. , Harrison P. , Linfield E. , Steer M.
Published: October 2007

Differential surface photovoltage (DSPV) spectra of Be δ‐doped GaAs/AlAs multiple quantum wells (MQWs) with doping densities below (5 × 1010 cm–2) and near (5 × 1012 cm–2) a Mott transition were studied at 300 K and 90 K. From the line shape analysis of the DSPV spectra, exhibiting obvious doping and temperature dependences, an origin of optical transitions has been revealed. The spectra of lightly doped structures were accounted for by ground state heavy and light‐hole related excitonic transitions. In highly doped GaAs/AlAs MQWs the heavy‐hole excitons were found to be quenched while rather broadened light‐hole related transitions still exhibited an excitonic character. The experimental observations suggest that with increasing doping level phase‐space filling effects dominate over Coulomb screening. The renormalization effects due to many body interactions were found to be more pronounced for the lowest heavy‐hole subband when compared to the light‐hole one. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic properties of multiferroic TbMnO3 doped with Al
Authors: Pérez F. , Heiras J. , Escudero R.
Published: October 2007

The synthesis, characterization, and magnetic properties of polycrystalline Tb1–xAlxMnO3 with x = 0.05 and 0.1 is reported. Samples were synthesized by the conventional solid state reaction method producing single phase compounds. Rietveld refinements indicate that Al substitutes Tb in the structure. Samples were highly porous with grain sizes up to ∼10 μm. The magnetic measurements show a magnetic ordering, starting from antiferromagnetism, for the undoped sample, to a weak ferromagnetic phase coexisting with the antiferromagnetic phase for the two x values. The magnetic ordering is attributed to two different contributions of Mn and Tb sublattices. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Hardness and wearing properties of SiO2–PMMA hybrid coatings reinforced with Al2O3 nanowhiskers
Authors: Alvarado‐Rivera J. , Muñoz‐Saldaña J. , Castro‐Beltrán A. , Quintero‐Armenta J. M. , Almaral‐Sánchez J. L. , Ramírez‐Bon R.
Published: October 2007

Some properties of SiO2–PMMA hybrid coatings can be tailored by controlling the weight content of each component. For instance, hardness of SiO2–PMMA hybrid coatings takes values between those of SiO2 and PMMA, depending on the molar concentration ratio. Thus, these coatings are quite appropriated to be applied as antiscratch and abrasion resistant on polymeric materials such as acrylic. In this work we have evaluated the hardness and wearing properties of SiO2–PMMA‐Al2O3 hybrid coatings deposited on acrylic substrates. The hybrid coatings were deposited by the sol‐gel method from a precursor solution with a molar ratio 1:0.25:0.25 for tetraethil‐orthosilicate (TEOS), methylmethacrylate (MMA) and 3‐trimetoxi‐silil‐propil‐methacrylate (TMSPM) as the coupling agent, respectively. Another set of hybrid coatings with additional 0.1 wt.% of Al2O3 nanowhiskers in an identical precursor solution were also deposited on acrylic substrates. Hardness, creep and wearing properties of both types of hybrid coatings were evaluated by nanoindentation and nanoscratching. Complementary atomic force microscopy and optical transmission spectroscopy measurements were done in all the hybrid films studied. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cutting tools performance enhancement by using a TiN/TiAlN multilayer coating system
Authors: Bejarano Gaitan G. , Caicedo J. C. , Balogh Adam G. , Gottschalk S.
Published: October 2007

TiN and TiAlN monolayer as well as TiN/AlTiN multilayer were deposited by d.c. reactive magnetron sputtering using titanium and aluminum targets with 10 cm in diameter and 99.99% purity in an argon/nitrogen atmosphere, applying a substrate temperature of 300 °C and a pressure of 7 mbar. Silicon (100) and steel AISI M2 were utilized as substrate. The influence of aluminum content on the properties of TiAlN coatings was first investigated, afterwards the mechanical and tribological properties behavior of TiN/AlTiN coating were analyzed as function of multilayer number. For this purpose, the coatings chemical composition was determined by EDX spectroscopy, the crystalline structure through X‐ray diffractometry and its morphology using scanning electron microscopy. Hardness and adherence were determined by means of nanoindentation and scratch techniques respectively. Hardness increased from 18.9 GPa for 51%Al content in the TiAlN films up to 23.9 GPa for 66.7% Al. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of bias voltage on the crystallographic orientation and morphology of sputter deposited yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thin films
Authors: Amaya C. , Caicedo J. , Bejarano G. , Cortés Escobedo C. A. , Muñoz‐Saldaña J. , Zambrano G. , Prieto P.
Published: October 2007

ZrO2‐8% mol. Y2O3 (8YSZ) thin films were deposited onto silicon [100] and AISI 304 stainless steel substrates by r.f. (13.56 MHz) multi‐target magnetron sputtering. To improve the adhesion of a YSZ monolayer to the stainless steel substrate, a buffer layer of Al2O3 was incorporated too. Crystal structure and Infrared (IR) absorption bands of YSZ were investigated as functions of substrate bias by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The influence of the bias voltage on the roughness, grain size, and microstructure of deposited thin films was determined by AFM and SEM. XRD results show the presence of a tetragonal phase with [111] and [200] orientations. On the other hand, FTIR spectra exhibit the 2Eu and F1u modes as two broad bands in the frequency range of 450 ∼ 550 cm–1 and 550 ∼ 650 cm–1, corresponding to the tetragonal and cubic phases of ZrO2, respectively. In this work we present the systematic influence of the bias voltage on the crystalline structure, the presence of the tetragonal phase and morphology of the YSZ thin films. The XRD, FTIR, and AFM results indicate that when the bias voltage increases from ‐20 V to ‐60 V the preferential crystallographic orientation of YSZ tetragonal phase changes from [111] to [200], and the percentage of the tetragonal phase diminishes, as well as the grain size of deposited films from (560 ± 5) to (470 ± 5) nm. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nanoindentation and structural characterization of molded starch
Authors: Morin‐Alcazar S. , Muñoz‐Saldaña J. , Aguilar‐Palazuelos E. , Jímenez‐Arevalo O. , Ramírez‐Bon R. , Martínez‐Bustos F.
Published: October 2007

Starch processed by injection molding is a good candidate to substitute inorganic polymers because of its renewable and environmental friendly characteristics. However, starch usable products show an ageing process that affects structural and mechanical properties. In this work mechanical and structural properties of extruded‐injection molded samples of corn starch prepared with 25% moisture content were characterized in “as molded”, and after ageing conditions. The microstructure and morphology of the samples were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Standard indentation tests as well as creep ones were performed to obtain the static elastic modulus, creep rate and hardness of the samples. Results showed that after the period of ageing the CR of the materials increased due to a crystalline reordering in the aged material. Moreover, elastic modulus and creep behavior showed a close correlation to the ageing process in the molded starch sample leading to a material with homogeneous elastic properties with the penetration depth. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Solution and solid state properties of 3,3′′′‐didodecylquaterthiophene and benzodithiophene copolymers
Authors: Jaramillo‐Isaza F. , Turner Michael L.
Published: October 2007

The solution and solid state properties of a library of conjugated copolymers based on dodecyl quarterthiophene (DQT) and benzodithiophene (BDT) repeating units is presented. The influence of the copolymer composition on the conjugation length and the solid state properties of these copolymers have been investigated to evaluate these materials as candidates for use in flexible organic electronic devices. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Benchmarking the Reliability of QikProp. Correlation between Experimental and Predicted Values
Authors: Ioakimidis Leukothea , Thoukydidis Loizos , Mirza Amin , Naeem Saira , Reynisson Jóhannes
Published: October 2007

The theoretical prediction power of the software package QikProp was tested. This was achieved by comparing experimentally known results to predicted values. First, simple molecular descriptors for physicochemical properties: octanol–water partition (log P), water solubility (log S), dipole moment, Ionisation Potential (IP) and Electron Affinity (EA) were compared to their experimentally determined counterparts. For all of the descriptors, except EA, a relatively good linear correlation was obtained. Experimentally derived EA values are relatively scarce and often quite inconsistent, which made it difficult to construct a reliable test collection. When compared to values calculated by the Density Functional Theory (DFT) method a reasonable correlation was observed but there is much room for improvement. A clear Gaussian distribution pattern was obtained when a collection of ∼470 marketed orally bioavailable drug compounds was used to generate the physicochemical properties investigated. The idea was explored whether the prediction power of ADME modules could be tested in a qualitative way, based on broad assumptions, using different classes of marketed drug compounds. It was found that this approach gives one a good idea about which modules deserve further attention for evaluation. In this way it is concluded that cell permeation and the blood–brain barrier modules merit more evaluation work whereas work on the HERG K+ and CNS activity modules was discontinued.