bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fastness and dyeability improvement of wool fabric pretreated with oxalate derivatives
Authors: Tutak Mustafa , Özdemir Figen
Published: July 2011

Wool fabrics were pretreated with calcium and sodium oxalate in acidic and alkaline pH media. The pretreated and untreated fabric samples were then dyed in the same bath with acid dyes by the exhaustion technique. The pretreated fiber sample surfaces were observed using a scanning electron microscope. The color strength and fastness properties of the fabrics were investigated. The results of the study showed that pretreatment with oxalate derivatives can be used as a means of improving the dyeability of wool fibers. As the dyed, pretreated wool fabrics had higher color strength and fastness results than the untreated wool fabrics, the mechanical properties were affected negatively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Chiral Silver Amides as Effective Catalysts for Enantioselective [3+2] Cycloaddition Reactions
Authors: Yamashita Yasuhiro , Imaizumi Takaki , Guo Xun‐Xiang , Kobayashi Shū
Published: July 2011

Asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition of α‐aminoester Schiff bases with substituted olefins is one of the most efficient methods for the preparation of chiral pyrrolidine derivatives in optically pure form. In spite of its potential utility, applicable substrates for this method have been limited to Schiff bases that bear relatively acidic α‐hydrogen atoms. Here we report a chiral silver amide complex for asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition reactions. A silver complex prepared from silver bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (AgHMDS) and (R)‐DTBM‐SEGPHOS worked well in asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition reactions of α‐aminoester Schiff bases with several olefins to afford the corresponding pyrrolidine derivatives in high yields with remarkable exo‐ and enantioselectivities. Furthermore, α‐aminophosphonate Schiff bases, which have less acidic α‐hydrogen atoms, also reacted with olefins with high exo‐ and enantioselectivities. The stereoselectivities of the [3+2] cycloadditions with maleate and fumarate suggested that the reaction proceeded by means of a concerted mechanism. An NMR spectroscopic study indicated that complexation of AgHMDS with the bisphosphine ligand was not complete, and that free AgHMDS, which did not show any significant catalytic activity, existed in the catalyst solution. This means that significant ligand acceleration occurred in the current reaction system.
One‐Pot Multimolecular Macrocyclization for the Expedient Synthesis of Macrocyclic Aromatic Pentamers by a Chain Growth Mechanism
Authors: Qin Bo , Shen Sheng , Sun Chang , Du Zhiyun , Zhang Kun , Zeng Huaqiang
Published: July 2011

POCl3‐mediated one‐pot macrocyclization allows the highly selective formation of five‐residue macrocycles that are rigidified by internally placed intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Mechanistic investigation by using tailored competition experiments and kinetic simulation provides a comprehensive model, supporting a chain‐growth mechanism underlying the one‐pot formation of aromatic pentamers, whereby the successive addition of a bifunctional monomer unit onto either another monomer or the growing oligomeric backbone is faster than other types of bimolecular condensations involving oligomers longer than monomers. DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6‐31G* level reveal the five‐residue pentamer to be the most stable with respect to alternative four‐, six‐, and seven‐residue macrocycles. These novel mechanistic insights may become useful in analyzing other macrocyclization, oligomerization, and ploymerization reactions.
Simultaneous estimation of 16α‐hydroxycleroda‐3,13(14) Z‐dien‐15,16‐olide from Polyalthia longifolia and its metabolite in hamster plasma: application to pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Bhatta R. S. , Kumar Devendra , Chhonker Y. S. , Kumar Deepak , Singh Suriya P. , Sashidhara Koneni V. , Jain G. K.
Published: July 2011

A selective and sensitive LC–MS‐MS method was developed and validated for simultaneous estimation and pharmacokinetic studies of 16α‐hydroxycleroda‐3,13(14) Z‐dien‐15,16‐olide (K‐09) obtained from Polyalthia longifolia and its metabolite (K‐9T), a novel antidyslipidemic agent. Sample clean‐up involved liquid–liquid extraction of both the analytes and internal standard (rosuvastatin) from 200 μL of hamster plasma. The analytes were chromatographically separated on a Symmetry‐Shield C18 (5 µm, 4.6 × 150 mm) column, using acetonitrile–0.1% aqueous formic acid (92:08, v/v) as the mobile phase. Detection was performed using negative ion electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The MS/MS response was linear over the concentration range 1.56–200 ng/mL, with a correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.998 or better. The within‐ and between‐batch precisions (relative standard deviation, %RSD) and the accuracy (percentage bias) were within acceptable limits as per FDA guidelines. The validated method was successfully applied to reveal the pharmacokinetic parameters of K‐09 and metabolite after oral administration. This method will therefore be highly useful for future studies of K‐09 and metabolite K‐9T pharmacokinetics in preclinical and clinical studies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Family Climate and Recovery in Adolescent Onset Eating Disorders: A Prospective Study
Authors: Nilsson Karin , Engström Ingemar , Hägglöf Bruno
Published: July 2011

Objective

This prospective study investigated the self‐assessed family climate of adolescent patients and their parents during treatment of and recovery from eating disorders.

Method

One hundred two girls aged 13–17 years with eating disorders, answered the self‐report Family Climate Scale (FCS) and Eating Disorders Inventory for Children at initial assessment and after 18 and 36 months. The FCS was also answered by their parents at the same time points.

Results

Self‐assessed family climate and eating disorder symptoms were similar for recovered (R) and nonrecovered (NR) adolescents at initial assessment and at 18 months. At 36 months, FCS Closeness was higher for R, and FCS Distance was lower for R compared with NR. Parents of R adolescents had higher scores on FCS Closeness and lower scores on FCS Chaos compared with parents of NR adolescents at the 36‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

Self‐reported family climate was associated with recovery. Changes in eating disorder symptoms preceded changes in family climate. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Generation companies' adaptive bidding strategies using finite‐state automata in a single‐sided electricity market
Authors: Sheblé Gerald B. , Gutierrez‐Alcaraz Guillermo
Published: July 2011

This paper explores the use of genetic algorithms (GAs) in the development of the bidding strategies used by generation companies under two different market clearing mechanisms, uniform pricing and pay‐as‐bid pricing. The bidding strategies are represented by two modifications of a classical data processing structure known as finite‐state automata. Semi‐fixed fitness function and co‐evolutionary fitness function were incorporated in our GA. A third simple representation to obtain a comparison baseline for the other two representations, showing how their behaviors compare with a “standard” solution, was also incorporated. The strategies developed by our method were adaptive, and all GA types were based on maximizing profit in a competitive bidding situation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved production implicit continuous‐fluid Eulerian method for compressible flow problems in Uintah
Authors: Tran L. T. , Berzins M.
Published: July 2011

The implicit continuous‐fluid Eulerian (ICE) method is a successful and widely used semi‐implicit finite‐volume method that applies to flows that range from supersonic to subsonic regimes. The classical ICE method has been expanded to problems in multiphase flow, which spans a wide area of science and engineering. The ICE method is utilized by the Center for the Simulation of Accidental Fires and Explosions code Uintah written at the University of Utah to simulate explosions, fires and other fluid and fluid‐structure interaction phenomena. The ICE method used in Uintah (referred to here as Production ICE) is described in many papers by Kashiwa at Los Alamos National Laboratory and Harman at University of Utah. However, Production ICE does not perform as well as many current methods for compressible flow problems governed by the Euler equations. We show, via examples, that changing the nonconservation form of the solver in Production ICE to a conservation form improves the numerical solutions. In addition, the use of slope limiters makes it possible to suppress the nonphysical oscillations generated by the ICE method in conservation form. This new form of ICE is referred to as IMPICE, the IMproved Production ICE method. The accuracy of IMPICE for one‐dimensional Euler equations is investigated by using a number of test cases. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐Temperature Electrochemical Characterization of Ru Core Pt Shell Fuel Cell Catalyst
Authors: Bokach D. , de la Fuente J. L. G. , Tsypkin M. , Ochal P. , Endsjø I. C. , Tunold R. , Sunde S. , Seland F.
Published: July 2011

The electrooxidation of methanol was studied at elevated temperature and pressure by cyclic voltammetry and constant potential experiments at real fuel cell electrocatalysts. Ruthenium core and platinum shell nanoparticles were synthesized by a sequential polyol route, and characterized electrochemically by CO stripping at room temperature to quickly confirm the structure of the synthesized core–shell structure as compared to pure commercial Pt/C and Pt–Ru/C alloy catalysts. A significant promotional effect of Pt decorated Ru cores in the methanol oxidation was found at elevated temperatures and rather high‐electrode potentials. A negative potential shift of the methanol oxidation peak is observed for the Ru@Pt/C core–shell catalyst at moderate temperatures, while a significant shift to positive potentials of the methanol oxidation peak occurs for Pt/C catalysts. The onset potential for methanol oxidation is lowered some 200 mV from room temperature and up to 120 °C for all electrocatalysts, indicating that it is the thermal activity of water adsorption that dictates the onset potential. Direct methanol fuel cell experiments showed only small performance differences between Ru@Pt/C and Pt/C anode electrocatalysts, suggesting the necessity of render possible the formation of surface oxygen species at lower electrode potentials.
Characterising soil moisture in transport corridor environments using airborne LIDAR and CASI data
Authors: Hardy Andrew J. , Barr Stuart L. , Mills Jon P. , Miller Pauline E.
Published: July 2011

Much of the world's transport networks are located on cutting and embankment earthworks. In the UK, many of these earthwork structures were constructed in the mid‐19th century and are susceptible to slope instability. Instability in transport corridors tends to be triggered by an increase in pore water pressure, which is directly influenced by an increase in soil moisture. This study explores the integration of high spatial resolution airborne (1 m) LIght Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) and Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager (CASI) imagery to characterize soil moisture distribution for a transport corridor near Haltwhistle, UK. The distribution of soil moisture is estimated using these sensors through techniques that are relatively unaffected by, or make use of, the presence of vegetation, unlike other techniques using thermal, shortwave and microwave sensors. Terrain analysis calculations of potential solar radiation and a topographic wetness index were applied to a DEM interpolated from the LIDAR point data. The CASI imagery was used to map Ellenberg moisture indicator values using partial least squares regression. Individually, the remotely sensed metrics were found to have poor correlations with observed soil moisture. However, improvements could be made using an integrated model which demonstrated a correlation coefficient of 0·68. The resulting integrated model showed soil moisture content to increase on north‐facing earthworks and towards the toe of earthwork slopes. Concentrations of moisture were also predicted in cuttings where water is contributed from areas surrounding the earthworks. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Framework for generalized reference image reconstruction methods including HYPR‐LR, PR‐FOCUSS, and k‐t FOCUSS
Authors: Chen Liyong , Samsonov Alexey , DiBella Edward V.R.
Published: July 2011

Purpose:

To investigate the relationships among highly constrained back projection (HYPR)‐LR, projection reconstruction focal underdetermined system solver (PR‐FOCUSS), and k‐t FOCUSS by showing how each method relates to a generalized reference image reconstruction method. That is, the generalized series model employs a fixed reference image and multiplicative corrections—that model is extended here to consider reference images more broadly, both in image space and in transform spaces (x‐t and x‐f spaces), and that can evolve with iteration.

Materials and Methods:

Theoretical relationships between the methods were derived. Computer simulations were done to compare HYPR‐LR to one iteration of PR‐FOCUSS. The generalized reference approaches applied in the x‐t or x‐f domain were compared using computer simulation, five cardiac cine imaging datasets, and six myocardial perfusion datasets.

Results:

PR‐FOCUSS and HYPR‐LR gave comparable errors, with PR‐FOCUSS slightly outperforming HYPR‐LR. The baseline image is important to the performance of k‐t FOCUSS and x‐t FOCUSS, as demonstrated by results from cardiac cine imaging. For cardiac perfusion reconstructions with the use of a temporal average image as the baseline image, k‐t FOCUSS gave lower errors than x‐t FOCUSS.

Conclusion:

HYPR‐LR and PR‐FOCUSS are closely related: both work for radial sampling and use reference images in the x‐t domain; HYPR‐LR is an approximate implementation of the generalized reference framework, while PR‐FOCUSS is a conjugate gradient implementation of the generalized reference framework. The superiority of generalized reference approaches applied in the x‐t or x‐f domain was sensitive to the characteristics of the acquired data and to the baseline image used. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Zoom imaging for rapid aortic vessel wall imaging and cardiovascular risk assessment
Authors: Hussain Tarique , Clough Rachel E. , Cecelja Marina , Makowski Marcus , Peel Sarah , Chowienczyk Philip , Schaeffter Tobias , Greil Gerald , Botnar Rene
Published: July 2011

Purpose:

To demonstrate the utility of a “reduced field‐of‐view” (zoom imaging) technique to accelerate free‐breathing, ECG‐triggered, turbo‐spin‐echo black‐blood sequences, which have been previously described to detect subclinical aortic atherosclerosis.

Materials and Methods:

Fifteen healthy volunteers underwent MRI of the thoracic and abdominal aorta. Imaging with the conventional full field‐of‐view sequence was compared with zoom imaging. Total scan time, image quality (i.e., contrast‐to‐noise ratio and vessel wall sharpness) and vessel wall thickness were analyzed. A subgroup of 10 volunteers also underwent acceleration of imaging using sensitivity encoding (SENSE) for comparison.

Results:

Zoom imaging significantly reduced imaging time from a mean of 41 ± 9 min (conventional imaging) to 15 ± 0.5 min (P < 0.01). There was no difference in image quality between conventional and zoom imaging with respect to CNR (10.1 ± 6 versus 10.1 ± 6) or vessel wall sharpness (38 ± 4% versus 39 ± 4%). Furthermore, Bland Altman plots showed excellent agreement in vessel wall thickness measurements using the two methods. In comparison, SENSE not only reduced CNR but also resulted in underestimation of vessel wall thickness compared with the conventional sequence.

Conclusion:

Zoom imaging allows accurate and time‐efficient imaging of the abdominal and thoracic aorta for cardiovascular risk prediction. In this application, it is preferable to SENSE. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tissue conservation using circular defect with dog‐ear deformities excision technique
Authors: Lee Thomas S. , Murakami Craig S. , Suryadevara Amar C.
Published: July 2011

Objectives:

Compare circular defect with dog‐ear deformities excision (CDDE) technique to 3:1 fusiform excision technique when removing facial lesions to analyze which technique provides superior wound closure.

Methods:

Identical 1‐cm circular skin defects were created on bilateral cheek, forehead, and parietal scalp on three fresh cadavers. Similarly, using four fresh cadavers, identical 2‐cm circular skin defects were created on bilateral cheek, forehead, and scalp. In both the 1‐cm and 2‐cm circular defects (n = 19), a 3:1 fusiform excision and closure was performed on one side of the cadaver head for control. On the opposite side, CDDE excision technique was performed. The following measurements were recorded: circumferential incision length after tissue excision, average of wound widening widths after an approximation suture was placed at the halfway point, and the final incision length after primary closure. Final incision length upon closure was divided by the original defect size to obtain a final incision length to defect ratio. A paired t‐test was performed on all variables for analysis.

Results:

When using the CDDE excision technique, there were statistically significant decreases in circumference, average wound widening, final incision length in both 1‐cm and 2‐cm circular defects (P < .01). The final incision length upon closure to defect ratio in CDDE excision was approximately 2.5:1, whereas 3:1 fusiform excision resulted in the final incision length to defect ratio of approximately 3.5:1.

Conclusions:

When compared to fusiform excision technique, CDDE excision technique appears to minimize tissue excision, decrease wound widening and the final incision length.
Subthalamic nucleus stimulation affects incentive salience attribution in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Serranová Tereza , Jech Robert , Dušek Petr , Sieger Tomáš , Růžička Filip , Urgošík Dušan , Růžička Evžen
Published: July 2011

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) can induce nonmotor side effects such as behavioral and mood disturbances or body weight gain in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. We hypothesized that some of these problems could be related to an altered attribution of incentive salience (ie, emotional relevance) to rewarding and aversive stimuli. Twenty PD patients (all men; mean age ± SD, 58.3 ± 6 years) in bilateral STN DBS switched ON and OFF conditions and 18 matched controls rated pictures selected from the International Affective Picture System according to emotional valence (unpleasantness/pleasantness) and arousal on 2 independent visual scales ranging from 1 to 9. Eighty‐four pictures depicting primary rewarding (erotica and food) and aversive fearful (victims and threat) and neutral stimuli were selected for this study. In the STN DBS ON condition, the PD patients attributed lower valence scores to the aversive pictures compared with the OFF condition (P < .01) and compared with controls (P < .01). The difference between the OFF condition and controls was less pronounced (P < .05). Furthermore, postoperative weight gain correlated with arousal ratings from the food pictures in the STN DBS ON condition (P < .05 compensated for OFF condition). Our results suggest that STN DBS increases activation of the aversive motivational system so that more relevance is attributed to aversive fearful stimuli. In addition, STN DBS–related sensitivity to food reward stimuli cues might drive DBS‐treated patients to higher food intake and subsequent weight gain. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Characterization of SrTiO3 thin films at microwave frequencies using coplanar waveguide linear resonator method
Authors: Marulanda J. I. , Cremona M. , Santos R. , Carvalho M. C. R. , Demenicis L. S.
Published: July 2011

Experimental characterization of the dielectric properties of a SrTiO3 (STO) thin film in the microwave frequency range at room temperature is presented. The coplanar waveguide linear resonator technique, which is already well‐established for thick film characterization, was tailored and improved to allow thin film measurements. Experimental results are in very good agreement with theoretical analysis. Using this approach, a relative dielectric constant of 95 and a loss tangent less than 10−3 were measured for a STO film with 4.2 μm of thickness deposited by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2418–2422, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26233
Integrated coherent receiver for linear optical phase demodulation
Authors: Krishnamachari Uppiliappan , Ristic Sasa , Ramaswamy Anand , Johansson Leif A. , Chen Chin‐Hui , Klamkin Jonathan , Bhardwaj Ashish , Rodwell Mark J. , Bowers John E. , Coldren Larry A.
Published: July 2011

An ultracompact coherent receiver with negative feedback was developed for highly linear phase demodulation.The receiver demonstrates a spur‐free dynamic range of 122 dB Hz2/3 at a signal frequency of 300 MHz. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2343–2345, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26236
Wave scattering from rough building surfaces in a virtual city model for the land mobile satellite propagation channel
Authors: Valtr Pavel , Perez‐Fontan Fernando
Published: July 2011

The diffuse multipath component is studied in land mobile satellite (LMS) built‐up propagation scenarios. The method of physical optics (PO) was implemented to model scattering from rough building facades. The results in terms of received power time‐series are used to obtain the average multipath power level relative to free space for several roughness levels and various elevations and azimuths toward the transmitter. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2310–2314, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26237
A new numerical technique for analysis of periodic structures
Authors: Yoo Kyungho , Mehta Nikhil , Mittra Raj
Published: July 2011

We introduce a numerically efficient technique to analyze doubly infinite periodic structures by applying Floquet's theorem and the Characteristic Basis Function Method to the corresponding truncated array.We use reciprocity to compute the reflection coefficient of the array and avoid integration of induced currents for calculating scattered far fields by the periodic Green's function. We show that our method is able to analyze both planar and nonplanar frequency selective surfaces by comparing the reflection coefficient of frequency selective surface of standard elements with other codes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2332–2340, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26250
Mechanically induced long‐period fiber grating array sensor
Authors: Lee Namkwon , Song Jaewon , Park Jaehee
Published: July 2011

This article presents the experimental characterization of a mechanically induced long‐period fiber grating (MLPFG) array sensor for measuring the amplitude and width of an applied weight as well as detecting its position. The MLPFG array sensor consists of an optical fiber placed between a rubber cover and a 45‐cm‐long metal bar with round grooves on its upper surface divided into 10 different grating periods. The grating periods are sequentially increased by 10 μm from 690 to 780 μm, and the number of grooves per grating period is 60. Experimental results show that the MLPFG array sensor can be used for measuring the amplitude of an applied weight from the optical attenuation at the resonance wavelength, measuring the loading width from the full width at half maximum of the dip, and detecting the position of the applied weight from the resonance wavelength. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2295–2298, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26289
A compact mimo antenna with improved isolation bandwidth for mobile applications
Authors: Yu Yeonsik , Ji Jeongkeun , Seong Wonmo , Choi Jaehoon
Published: July 2011

An internal MIMO antenna for mobile applications is proposed. Helical‐type antenna elements are used to construct the MIMO system. The resonance frequencies of the MIMO antenna are controlled by the number of turns per helix. A multi suspended line with lumped elements is used to reduce the coupling between the antenna elements. The antenna elements are located at the top edges of the ground plane, and a decoupling network is inserted between the two antenna elements. The performance of the prototype antenna is analyzed through the scattering parameters, actual diversity gain, envelope correlation coefficient, and channel capacity measurements. The isolation characteristic and MIMO performance can be improved by using the decoupling network at the LTE service band. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2314–2317, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26293
Multiband planar metamaterials
Authors: Sabah Cumali
Published: July 2011

New method for design and realizing multiband metamaterial is presented.For this purpose, resonator‐based metamaterial is designed and investigated by both simulation and experiment with well agreement. By serially arranging the nonconcentric open loop metallic elements with different dimensions, the structure exhibits multipassbands related to the metamaterials' unique features. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2255–2258, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26296
Design of UHF radio frequency identification metal tag antenna using T‐shaped slot
Authors: Park Sang Yong , Lee Jung Nam , Park Jong Kweon
Published: July 2011

In this article, we have proposed a novel ultra high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) metal tag antenna mountable on the metallic surface. Three techniques (T‐shaped slot, two rectangular slots for impedance matching, and air gap technique for reading distance enhancement) are used to obtain a good performance of metal tag antenna on the metallic surface. All simulations are carried out by Ansoft HFSS software. Moreover, by fabricating the antenna, the simulation results are verified by experimental data. Good performances such as reading distance and sensitivity have been observed. Details of the proposed antenna design and the simulated and measured results are presented and discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2251–2255, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26297
Distribution of interstitial cells of cajal and expression of nitric oxide synthase after experimental bladder outlet obstruction in a rat model of bladder overactivity
Authors: Kim Sun‐Ouck , Oh Byung Seok , Chang In‐Yeup , Song Seung Hee , Ahn Kuyoun , Hwang Eu Chang , Oh Kyung Jin , Kwon Dongdeuk , Park Kwangsung
Published: July 2011

Aims

Recent studies have showed that interstitial cells (ICs) are widely distributed in the genitourinary tract and have suggested their involvement in spontaneous electrical activity and muscle contraction. Nitric oxide (NO) is thought to play a role in bladder overactivity related with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). The purposes of this study were to investigate the effect of bladder overactivity induced by BOO on ICs and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms in rat urinary bladder.

Methods

Female Sprague‐Dawley rats (230–240 g, n = 40) were divided into two groups: control (group Con, n = 20) and partial BOO (group BOO, n = 20). After 4 weeks, urodynamic studies measuring contraction interval and contraction pressure were done. The cellular localization of cKit immunoreactive ICs and the expression of endothelial NOS (eNOS) and neuronal NOS (nNOS) were determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry in the rat urinary bladder.

Results

Filling cystometry studies demonstrated a reduced interval between voiding contractions and an increased voiding pressure in BOO bladders. The contraction interval time (2.9 ± 0.35 min) was significantly decreased in the BOO group compared to the control (6.1 ± 0.05; P < 0.05). The population of ICs was increased in the suburothelial and muscle layers in BOO bladders. ICs had a close contact with each other and neighboring nNOS expressing cells.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated an increased population of ICs in the BOO rat model and suggest that the functional change of ICs and NOS isoforms may contribute to the pathophysiology of bladder overactivity induced by BOO. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30: 1639–1645, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Non‐invasive techniques in the diagnosis of bladder storage disorders
Authors: Farag Fawzy F. , Heesakkers John P.
Published: July 2011

Aims

To review clinical studies thus have been conducted to develop non‐invasive diagnostic tools in the storage phase of the micturition cycle.

Methods

Pub Med and Web of Science searches were carried out. The search covered the published data of non‐invasive diagnostic techniques for detrusor overactivity (DO) and/or low compliance bladder in patients with urinary storage symptoms. The patho‐physiological and clinical relevance of these methods were addressed. Diagnostic accuracy of these techniques was scrutinized.

Results

Eighteen studies were included in the review. Ultrasonography and biomarkers were the most investigated techniques in the diagnosis of storage disorders. Assessment of diagnostic accuracy was possible in four studies. The heterogeneity in data reporting was too high to conduct a meta‐analysis. Ultrasonographic parameters and cut‐off values have been developed to define DO; such as bladder wall thickness (BWT), detrusor wall thickness and bladder weight. The likelihood ratio of vaginal ultrasonography in measurement of BWT was good. Guidelines are currently developing to standardize the methodologies applied in these techniques. Laboratory biomarkers of DO are gaining more attention recently, but their specificity for DO should be carefully defined. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is potential non‐invasive diagnostic method that is able to detect the DO episodes in real time. However, a solution needs to be found for motion artifacts in this technique.

Conclusion

Non‐invasive diagnostic techniques for storage disorders show limited progress with some limitations. Yet these techniques still cannot replace the standard filling cystometry in standard clinical practice. Neurourol. Urodynam. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30: 1422–1428, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Does patient activity level affect 24‐hr pad test results in stress‐incontinent women?
Authors: Painter Virginia , Karantanis Emmanuel , Moore Kate H.
Published: July 2011

Aim

Standardization of the 24‐hr pad test procedure would increase its validity as an objective measure of urinary incontinence. Our aim was to establish whether patient activity levels affect pad test results in stress‐incontinent women, and if so, to develop a standard activity level during the testing period.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, 25 women with pure stress urinary incontinence (SUI) completed two 24‐hr pad tests and documented their daily activities during a “normally active” and “minimally active” day. Activity level was compared with pad weight gain and the number of leakage episodes due to activity according to a patient activity diary (diarized activity leakage episodes) using non‐parametric tests.

Results

There was a significant difference between the “normally active” and “minimally active” days for median pad weight gain (9.9 g vs. 5.2 g, P < 0.05) and diarized activity leakage episodes (2 vs. 1, P < 0.05). When the days were re‐categorized, there was a significant difference between “mild activity” and “moderate activity” days for median pad weight gain (4.85 g vs. 7.1 g, P < 0.05) and diarized activity leakage episodes (0 vs. 2, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Increased patient activity levels increase the degree of leakage as measured by 24‐hr pad weight gain therefore patients with SUI should perform the 24‐hr pad test with standardized activity instructions. In scientific research, we recommend that women perform minimal physical activity, as this decreases the variation of activity. This approach will enhance the function of the 24‐hr pad test as a severity measure between patients with SUI. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:143–147, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Culturally Sensitive Diabetes Peer Support for Older Mexican‐Americans
Authors: Haltiwanger Emily Piven , Brutus Henry
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this study was to determine if a peer‐led diabetes support group intervention could improve adherence to recommendations for self‐management in 42 Mexican‐American elders with type 2 diabetes. This mixed‐method pilot study occurred at a community‐based diabetes education centre in Texas. The 10‐week intervention programme was compared to usual care on five self‐reported questionnaires and blood tests during four collection periods. Participants displayed statistically significant improvements in blood sugar, self‐efficacy, transformational change and personal resources. Qualitative themes were derived from 30 focus group meetings, which were as follows: do not trust the system, choice + control = power and the social cost of diabetes. The results suggested a consultation role for occupational therapists in training peer leaders to learn to lead and manage community‐based diabetes self‐management programmes. Limitations were the sample size of the convenience sample, and the lack of qualitative analysis of the control group discussions. Future research should involve a study of expanded community‐based social networks using experimental design. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A system for debugging via online tracing and dynamic slicing
Authors: Nagarajan Vijay , Jeffrey Dennis , Gupta Rajiv , Gupta Neelam
Published: July 2011

Dynamic slicing is a promising trace based technique that helps programmers in the process of debugging. In order to debug a failed run, dynamic slicing requires the dynamic dependence graph (DDG) information for that particular run. The two major challenges involved in utilizing dynamic slicing as a debugging technique are the efficient computation of the DDG and the efficient computation of the dynamic slice, given the DDG. In this paper, we present an efficient debugger, which first computes the DDG efficiently while the program is executing; dynamic slicing is later performed efficiently on the computed DDG, on demand. To minimize program slowdown during the online computation of DDG, we make the design decision of not outputting the computed dependencies to a file, instead, storing them in memory in a specially allocated fixed size circular buffer. The size of the buffer limits the length of the execution history that can be stored. To maximize the execution history that can be maintained, we introduce optimizations to eliminate the storage of most of the generated dependencies, at the same time ensuring that those that are stored are sufficient to capture the bug. Experiments conducted on CPU‐intensive programs show that our optimizations are able to reduce the trace rate from 16 to 0.8 bytes per executed instruction. This enables us to store the dependence trace history for a window of 20 million executed instructions in a 16‐MB buffer. Our debugger is also very efficient, yielding slicing times of around a second, and only slowing down the execution of the program by a factor of 19 during the online tracing step. Using recently proposed architectural support for monitoring, we are also able to handle multithreaded programs running on multicore processors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Donepezil, but not galantamine, blocks muscarinic receptor‐mediated in vitro and in vivo responses
Authors: Ago Yukio , Koda Ken , Ota Yuki , Kita Yuki , Fukada Asako , Takuma Kazuhiro , Matsuda Toshio
Published: July 2011

We have found that galantamine, but not donepezil, reversed isolation rearing‐induced deficits of prepulse inhibition (PPI) via an activation of muscarinic M1 receptors. To explain this difference, the present study examined the effects of these acetylcholinesterase inhibitors on muscarinic receptor‐mediated responses in in vitro and in vivo systems. Ca2+‐imaging study showed that donepezil, but not galantamine, blocked a muscarinic agonist carbachol‐induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels in SH‐SY5Y cells. Moreover, a microdialysis study showed that intraperitoneal administration of donepezil, but not galantamine, attenuated a preferential M1 receptor agonist Ndesmethylclozapine‐induced increase in dopamine release in mouse cerebral cortex. These results suggest that donepezil, but not galantamine, has an ability to block muscarinic receptor function and imply that the differential effects may be responsible for the difference in the effects on isolation rearing‐induced deficits of PPI between these drugs. Synapse, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hydrothermal Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Luminescent Properties of Three Organic‐Lanthanide Complexes with 3‐Hydroxycinnamic Acid
Authors: Ye Li‐Qing , Tang Zhi‐Wei , Wen Yi‐Hang
Published: July 2011

Three new homodinuclear lanthanide(III) complexes [Ln2(L)6(2,2′‐bipy)2] [Ln = TbIII (1), SmIII (2), EuIII (3); HL = 3‐hydroxycinnamic acid (3‐HCA); 2,2′‐bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine] were synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analyses, and X‐ray diffraction techniques. Complexes 1–3 crystallize in triclinic system, space group P$\bar{1}$. In all complexes the lanthanide ions are nine‐coordinate by two nitrogen atoms from the 2,2′‐bipy ligand and seven oxygen atoms from one chelating L ligands and four bridging L ligands, forming distorted tricapped trigonal prismatic arrangements. The lanthanide(III) ions are intramolecularly bridged by eight carboxylate oxygen atoms forming dimeric complexes with Ln···Ln distances of 3.92747(15), 3.9664(6), and 3.9415(4) Å for complexes 1–3, respectively. The luminescent properties in the solid state of HL ligand and EuIII complex are also discussed.
Gastrointestinal disturbances and their management in miglustat‐treated patients
Authors: Belmatoug Nadia , Burlina Alberto , Giraldo Pilar , Hendriksz Chris J. , Kuter David J. , Mengel Eugen , Pastores Gregory M.
Published: July 2011

Miglustat (Zavesca®) is approved for the oral treatment of adult patients with mild to moderate type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1) for whom enzyme replacement therapy is unsuitable, and for the treatment of progressive neurological manifestations in adult and paediatric patients with Niemann‐Pick disease type C (NP‐C). Gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhoea, flatulence and abdominal pain/discomfort have consistently been reported as the most frequent adverse events associated with miglustat during clinical trials and in real‐world clinical practice settings. These adverse events are generally mild or moderate in severity, occurring mostly during the initial weeks of therapy. The mechanism underlying these gastrointestinal disturbances is the inhibition by miglustat of intestinal disaccharidase enzymes (mainly sucrase and maltase), leading to sub‐optimal hydrolysis of carbohydrates and subsequent osmotic diarrhoea and altered colonic fermentation. Transient decreases in body weight, which are often observed during initial miglustat therapy, are considered likely due to gastrointestinal carbohydrate malabsorption and associated negative caloric balance. While most cases of diarrhoea resolve spontaneously during continued miglustat therapy, diarrhoea also responds well to anti‐propulsive medications such as loperamide. Dietary modifications such as reduced consumption of dietary sucrose, maltose and lactose have been shown to improve the gastrointestinal tolerability of miglustat and reduce the magnitude of any changes in body weight, particularly if initiated at or before the start of therapy. Miglustat dose escalation at treatment initiation may also reduce gastrointestinal disturbances. This article discusses these aspects in detail, and provides practical recommendations on how to optimize the gastrointestinal tolerability of miglustat.
Beckett in Performance
Authors: Kalb Jonathan
Published: July 2011

This book takes a critical look at the work of one of the twentieth-century's most influential playwrights from the viewpoint of those whose job it is to give the work life on the stage. From personal experience of over seventy productions, from interviews with numerous Beckett actors and directors, and in rare conversations with the playwright himself, Kalb addresses such fundamental questions as: is the task of performing Beckett categorically different from that of performing other forms of theatre? Is the audience's role different, and if so, how? The result is a new insight into particular problems of producing Beckett's early and late works, television plays, and prose works adapted for the stage. The book contains numerous performance photographs and an appendix of interviews with actors and directors involved in seminal Beckett productions.
Inside/Outside
Authors: Walker R. B. J.
Published: July 2011

In this book Rob Walker offers an original analysis of the relationship between twentieth-century theories of international relations, and the political theory of civil society since the early modern period. He views theories of international relations both as an ideological expression of the modern state, and as a clear indication of the difficulties of thinking about a world politics characterized by profound spatiotemporal accelerations. International relations theories should be seen, the author argues, more as aspects of contemporary world politics than as explanations of contemporary world politics. These theories are examined in the light of recent debates about modernity and post-modernity, sovereignty and political identity, and the limits of modern social and political theory. This book is a major contribution to the field of critical international relations, and will be of interest to social and political theorists and political scientists, as well as students and scholars of international relations.
Society, Politics and Culture
Authors: James Mervyn Evans
Published: July 2011

In a number of related case-studies, this book traces the social political, and cultural factors making for conformity and obedience, and those promoting dissidence and revolt in sixteenth- and early seventeenth-century England. The essays explore the significance of the concept of honour in forming the mentality of the ruling elites, the role of region, humanism, and law in promoting social and political solidarity, and the influences at work in the changing styles of political action as illustrated by the careers of four magnates.
Power from Steam
Authors: Hills Richard L.
Published: July 2011

Power from Steam is the first comprehensive history of the steam engine in 50 years, following the development of the reciprocating steam engine. Hills covers its history from its earliest form to the beginning of the twentieth century when it was replaced by the steam turbine. Although the first steam engine was used to pump water, its development really started with the mechanisation of the textile industry. This development is studied closely and the theoretical understanding of its operation is covered. The background of thermodynamics is introduced to show how science and design coupled to produce increasingly more efficient and powerful engines. This book will be indispensable to steam power enthusiasts as well as historians of technology.
Absolutism and Society in Seventeenth-Century France
Authors: Beik William
Published: July 2011

Why was Louis XIV successful in pacifying the same aristocrats who had caused so much trouble for Richelieu and Mazarin? What role did absolutism play in reinforming or changing the traditional social system in seventeenth-century France? In this analysis of the provincial reality of absolutism, Professor Beik argues that the answers to these questions lie in the relationship between the regional aristocracy and the crown. Starting with a critical examination of current approaches to state and society by institutional, social , 'Annales', and Marxist historians, he calls for a new class analysis based on the findings of all these schools. This is the first appearance as a paperback of Professor Beik's book, which won the 1986 Herbert Baxter Adams Prize awarded by the American historical Association for the year's outstanding work in European history.
The Theatre of Sam Shepard
Authors: Bottoms Stephen J.
Published: July 2011

This comprehensive analysis traces Sam Shepard's career from his experimental one-act plays of the 1960s to the 1994 play Simpatico. Curse of the Starving Class, Buried Child, True West, Fool for Love and A Lie of the Mind are all examined in depth. Concentrating on his playwriting, this book charts Shepard's various developments and shifts of direction, and the changing contexts in which his work appeared. Engaging, informative, and insightful, The Theatre of Sam Shepard is the definitive source on the works of this innovative and original writer.
Divine Discourse
Authors: Wolterstorff Nicholas
Published: July 2011

Prominent in the canonical texts and traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam is the claim that God speaks. Nicholas Wolterstorff argues that contemporary speech-action theory, when appropriately expanded, offers us a fascinating way of interpreting this claim and showing its intelligibility. He develops an innovative theory of double-hermeneutics - along the way opposing the current near-consensus led by Ricoeur and Derrida that there is something wrong-headed about interpreting a text to find out what its author said. Wolterstorff argues that at least some of us are entitled to believe that God has spoken. Philosophers have never before, in any sustained fashion, reflected on these matters, mainly because they have mistakenly treated speech as revelation.
Nation-building in the Post-Soviet Borderlands
Authors: Smith Graham , Law Vivien , Wilson Andrew , Bohr Annette , Allworth Edward
Published: July 2011

This book examines how national and ethnic identities are being reforged in the post-Soviet borderland states. The first chapter provides a conceptual and theoretical context for examining national identities, drawing in particular upon post-colonial theory. The rest of the book is divided into three parts. In Part I, the authors examine how national histories of the borderland states are being rewritten especially in relation to new nationalising historiographies, around myths of origin, homeland, and descent. Part II explores the ethnopolitics of group boundary construction and how such a politics has led to nationalising policies of both exclusion and inclusion. Part III examines the relationship between nation-building and language, especially with regard to how competing conceptions of national identity have informed the thinking of both political decision-takers and nationalising intellectuals, and the consequences for ethnic minorities. Such perspectives on nation-building are illustrated with substantive studies drawn from the Baltic states, Ukraine, and Belarus, Transcaucasia, and Central Asia.