bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid attachment of adipose stromal cells on resorbable polymeric scaffolds facilitates the one‐step surgical procedure for cartilage and bone tissue engineering purposes
Authors: Jurgens Wouter J. , Kroeze Robert Jan , Bank Ruud A. , Ritt Marco J. P. F. , Helder Marco N.
Published: January 2011

The stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of adipose tissue provides an abundant source of mesenchymal stem cells. For clinical application, it would be beneficial to establish treatments in which SVF is obtained, seeded onto a scaffold, and returned into the patient within a single surgical procedure. In this study, we evaluated the suitability of both a macroporous poly(L‐lactide‐co‐caprolactone) and a porous collagen type I/III scaffold for this purpose. Surprisingly, cell attachment was rapid (∼10 min) and sequestered the majority of adipose stem cells, as deduced from colony‐forming unit assays. Proliferation occurred in both polymeric scaffolds. Upon chondrogenic induction, up‐regulation of chondrogenic genes, production of glycosaminoglycans, and accumulation of collagen type II was observed, indicating differentiation of scaffold‐attached SVF cells along the chondrogenic lineage. Osteogenic differentiation was achieved in both scaffold types, as visualized by up‐regulation of osteogenic genes, increase of alkaline phosphatase production over time, and accumulation of bone sialoprotein and osteonectin. In conclusion, this study identifies both poly(L‐lactide‐co‐caprolactone) and collagen type I/III as promising scaffold materials for rapid attachment of adipose stem cell‐like (stromal) cells, enhancing the development of one‐step surgical concepts for cartilage and bone tissue engineering. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:853–860
Molecular mechanism of fatty degeneration in rotator cuff muscle with tendon rupture
Authors: Itoigawa Yoshiaki , Kishimoto Koshi N. , Sano Hirotaka , Kaneko Kazuo , Itoi Eiji
Published: January 2011

Fatty degeneration often occurs in rotator cuff muscle with tendon rupture. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this change has not been fully clarified yet. We investigated the gene expression of Wnt10b and adipogenic marker gene, PPARγ and C/EBPα in C2C12 myogenic cell line under inhibition of Wnt10b by adipogenic induction medium, isobutylmethylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin (MDI). The role of Wnt‐signal was confirmed by adding Lithium chloride (LiCl), which mimics Wnt signaling to the cultured cell with MDI. We also assessed the expression profiles of same genes in the rat rotator cuff tear model in vivo. MDI induced Oil red‐O staining positive adipocytes and upregulated PPARγ and C/EBPα expression. LiCl inhibited adipogenic induction of MDI. Rotator cuff muscle with tendon rupture showed positive staining for Oil red‐O. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed decreased expression of Wnt10b followed by increased PPARγ and C/EBPα gene expression in the supraspinatus muscle. Fatty degeneration and its molecular events were remarkably seen in the distal one‐third of the detached supraspinatus muscle versus control. Wnt signaling may regulate adipogenic differentiation both in the myoblasts in vitro and the muscle in vivo. Our results indicate that the reduction of Wnt10b in muscle with a rotator cuff tear is a key signal in fatty degeneration of the muscle. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:861–866
Obesity augmented breast cancer risk: A potential risk factor for Indian women
Authors: Singh Alok K. , Pandey Anjita , Tewari Mallika , Pratyush Daliparthy D. , Singh Hemant K. , Pandey Hausila P. , Shukla Hari S.
Published: January 2011

Background

Obesity is caused by disturbances of energy balance, which is homeostasized by the physiological processes. The study aims to determine the possible impact of rising prevalence of obesity and its effect in the development of breast carcinoma (BC) in Indian population.

Methods

This study is carried out on patients (N = 358) who were diagnosed with BC and breast diseases (BD) by calculating their BMI admitted during the period of 2005 to 2009. NIH criteria were used to categorize the patients. Pathological factors of BC patient were then compared among groups.

Result

These results were indicative of significant positive association between BC risks with peri/post menopausal status, residence, diet nature, and tobacco uses. Metastases were identified more commonly with increasing weight. It was found to be independently associated with obesity I (OR = 3.103, 95% CI = 1.633–5.895) and obesity II (OR = 6.803, 95% CI = 2.415–19.162). Disease stage and cancer related mortality were significantly associated with increased BMI.

Conclusion

The higher prevalence of severe obesity among Indian population was associated with BC. The only alteration apart from early diagnosis is opting for a more natural lifestyle that will affect energy equilibrium and prove to be a viable option for prevention in carcinoma of breast for better survival. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 103:217–222. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predictors of cure after hepatic resection of colorectal liver metastases: An analysis of actual 5‐ and 10‐year survivors
Authors: Chua Terence C. , Saxena Akshat , Chu Francis , Zhao Jing , Morris David L.
Published: January 2011

Background

Hepatic resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM) is now regarded the standard of care. Evaluation of true long‐term suvivors will demonstrate the curative potential of this therapy with cure being defined as actual 10‐year survival versus a satisfactory oncological outcome of 5‐year survival. Limited data exists on outcomes of patients beyond 5 years. Studying the rates of cure and predictive factors for cure are essential to define the true benefit of this therapy.

Methods Retrospectiv

e review of a prospectively maintained hepatobiliary surgical database was performed on patients who underwent hepatic resection of CLM between 1991 and 2005 with a minimum of 5‐year follow‐up. Survival was calculated from the time of surgery using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results Ther

e were 455 consecutive patients with a minimum of 5‐year follow‐up. The actuarial median overall survival was 33 months (95% CI, 29–37%), actuarial 5‐, and 10‐year survival rates were 34% and 25%, respectively. Hundred twenty four patients were identified as actual 5‐year survivors (27%) with their actuarial median overall survival being 11.1 years, actuarial 10‐year survival rate of 59%, and a median disease‐free survival of 4.9 years. Patients requiring subsequent treatment of modern systemic chemotherapy for post‐resection recurrence (P = 0.003) was a negative predictors of cure from multivariate analysis.

Conclusion Thi

s study demonstrate that approximately one in three patients undergoing resection for CLM will become actual 5‐year survivors from which approximately half will go on to survive 10‐years and be cured of CLM. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011;103:796–800. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electromembrane extraction of levamisole from human biological fluids
Authors: Seidi Shahram , Yamini Yadollah , Saleh Abolfazl , Moradi Morteza
Published: January 2011

Electromembrane extraction coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultraviolet (UV) detection was developed for the determination of levamisole in some human biological fluids. Levamisole migrated from 4 mL of different acidized biological matrices, through a thin layer of 2‐nitrophenyl octyl ether containing 5% tris‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphate immobilized in the pores of a porous hollow fiber, into a 20‐μL acidic aqueous acceptor solution present inside the lumen of the fiber. The parameters influencing electromigration were investigated and optimized. Within 15 min of operation at 200 V, levamisole was extracted from different biological fluid samples with recoveries in the range of 59–65%, which corresponded to preconcentration factors in the range of 118–130. The calibration curves showed linearity in the range of 0.5–10, 0.2–10 and 0.1–10 μg/mL for plasma, urine and saliva, respectively. Limits of detection of 0.1, 0.07 and 0.05 μg/mL and limits of quantification of 0.5, 0.2 and 0.1 μg/mL were obtained for plasma, urine and saliva, respectively. The relative standard deviations of the analysis were found to be in the range of 5.6–9.7% (n=3). Electromembrane extraction was successfully processed for determination of levamisole in plasma, urine and saliva samples.
Traumatic events and suicidality in a German adolescent community sample
Authors: Plener Paul L. , Singer Hanneke , Goldbeck Lutz
Published: January 2011

Exposure to traumatic events has been related to suicide attempts and suicidal ideation in adolescents. This study analyzes the association between suicidality and preceding traumatic life events in 665 German school students with an average age of 14.81 (SD = 0.66). Forty‐three (6.5%) students reported suicide attempts and 239 (35.9%) reported suicidal ideation. Adolescents with a history of suicide attempts reported sexual abuse 6 months before their suicidal behavior significantly more often than students with only suicidal ideation. Sexual victimization seems to be especially linked to a risk for suicide attempts during adolescence. Screening for students at risk for developing suicidality should include assessment of traumatic events.
Pulsed dye laser treatment of pigmented lesions: a randomized clinical pilot study comparison of 607‐ and 595‐nm wavelength lasers
Authors: Chern Peggy L. , Domankevitz Yacov , Ross E. Victor
Published: January 2011

Background

The 595‐nm pulsed dye laser has been used for the treatment of benign epidermal pigmented lesions (EPLs), but there is a risk of inducing undesirable purpura with treatment.

Objective

To compare a 607‐nm laser with a commercially‐available 595‐nm laser for the treatment of EPLs.

Materials and Methods

Monte‐Carlo simulations were performed to characterize laser interaction with skin. Ten patients with EPLs were treated with a 607‐nm study prototype laser and the 595‐nm pulsed dye laser twice at 2‐ to 4‐week intervals on the left or right side on a randomized basis. Study endpoints included clearance rate of lesions, side effects immediately after treatment and at final follow‐up, and patient discomfort/pain.

Results

Monte‐Carlo simulations show that the 607‐nm is absorbed more specifically by melanin than the 595‐nm wavelength. Both lasers were effective in treatment of EPLs. The average degree of improvement overall was 41.2% with the 607‐nm laser and 40% with the 595‐nm laser. Patients reported less discomfort/pain during treatment with the 607‐nm laser.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the 607‐nm laser is safe and at least as effective as the 595‐nm laser in treatment of EPLs. There was less patient discomfort/pain during treatment using the 607‐nm laser. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:865–869, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microarray analysis of cellular thermotolerance
Authors: Beckham Josh T. , Wilmink Gerald J. , Opalenik Susan R. , Mackanos Mark A. , Abraham Alex A. , Takahashi Keiko , Contag Chris H. , Takahashi Takamune , Jansen E. Duco
Published: January 2011

Background and Objectives

Previously, we have shown that a 43°C pretreatment can provide thermotolerance to a following, more severe, thermal stress at 45°C. Using cells that lack the Hsp70 gene, we have also shown that there is still some thermotolerance in the absence of HSP70 protein. The purpose of this study was to determine which genes play a role in thermotolerance by measuring viability and proliferation of the cells at 2 days after heating. Specifically, we wanted to understand which pathways may be responsible for protecting cells in the absence of HSP70.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Murine embryonic fibroblast cells with and without Hsp70 (MEF(+/+) and MEF(−/−), respectively) were exposed to a mild heat shock of 43°C for 30 minutes in a constant temperature water bath. After 3 hours of recovery, RNA was harvested from three heated samples alongside three untreated controls using a MicroRNeasy kit with DNAse treatment. RNA quality was verified by an Agilent Bioanalyzer. The RNA was then converted to cDNA and hybridized to Affymetrix gene expression DNA microarrays. The genes that showed a twofold change (up or down) relative to unheated controls were filtered by t‐test for significance at a threshold of P < 0.05 using Genespring software. Data were verified by qRT‐PCR. Genes were then categorized based upon their ontology.

Results

While many genes were similarly upregulated, the main difference between cell types was an increase in transcription factors and nucleic acid binding proteins. Several genes known to be involved in the heat response were upregulated more than twofold (Hsp70, Hsp40, Hsp110, Hsp25, Atf3), however, another well studied heat responsive gene Hsp90 only increased by 1.5‐fold under these conditions despite its role in thermotolerance.

Conclusions

The data herein presents genetic pathways which are candidates for further study of pretreatment protocols in laser irradiation. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:912–925, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The fidelity of spin trapping with DMPO in biological systems
Authors: Ranguelova Kalina , Mason Ronald P.
Published: January 2011

Unlike direct ESR, spin trap methodology depends on the absolute fidelity of the spin trap reaction. Two alternative reactions of 5,5‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrrolineN‐oxide (DMPO) leading to radical adduct artifacts have been discovered and investigated: inverted spin trapping and the Forrester–Hepburn nucleophilic mechanism. These two alternate pathways to radical adducts are a combination of one‐electron oxidation and nucleophilic addition, in either order. In biological systems, serious artifacts have been reported due to the Forrester–Hepburn mechanism, which is initiated by the addition of a nucleophile to DMPO. It has recently been demonstrated that (bi)sulfite (hydrated sulfur dioxide) can react with DMPO via a nonradical, nucleophilic reaction, and it has been further proposed that DMPO/•SO3−formation in biological systems is an artifact and not the result of spin trapping of sulfur trioxide anion radical (•SO3−). The one‐electron oxidation of (bi)sulfite catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase (HRP)/hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been reinvestigated by ESR spin trapping with DMPO and oxygen uptake studies to obtain further evidence for the radical reaction mechanism. In the absence of DMPO, the initial rate of (bi)sulfite‐dependent oxygen and H2O2consumption was determined to be half of the initial rate of DMPO/•SO3−radical adduct formation as determined by ESR, demonstrating that, under our experimental conditions, DMPO exclusively forms the radical adduct by trapping the•SO3−. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A CW‐EPR, ENDOR and special TRIPLE resonance study of a novel magnesium ketyl radical
Authors: Murphy Damien M. , McDyre Lucia E. , Carter Emma , Stasch Andreas , Jones Cameron
Published: January 2011

In this paper, the paramagnetic properties of a novel magnesium ketyl radical (compound 1), formed by reduction of benzophenone with a dimeric Mg(I) complex in the presence of dimethylaminopyridine, are described. Using CW EPR, ENDOR and special TRIPLE resonance, the spin distribution in the radical has been explored at variable temperatures (200–298 K). At 298 K, most of the unpaired spin is found to be confined to the (OCPh2•) fragment based on the hyperfine couplings (hfc's) of o‐H = 8.30, m‐H = 3.00 and p‐H = 9.95 MHz. Smaller hfc's to 25 Mg (5.54 MHz) and 14NDMAP (0.90 MHz) were also evidenced in the 298 K EPR spectrum, indicating some spin delocalisation onto the Mg(Nacnac)(DMAP) fragment. At lower temperatures, restricted rotations of the diphenyl rings create an inequivalent spin distribution in the two rings, with o1‐H = 8.80, o2‐H = 7.85, m‐H = 3.00 and p‐H = 10.00 MHz. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal role attainment with medically fragile infants: Part 1. measurement and correlates during the first year of life
Authors: Miles Margaret Shandor , Holditch‐Davis Diane , Burchinal Margaret R. , Brunssen Susan
Published: January 2011

The purpose of this study was to extend scholarship on maternal role attainment (MRA). We used a triangulation of behavioral and self‐report variables to measure MRA—identity, presence, and competence—with mothers of medically fragile infants (n = 81), and explored characteristics that influenced MRA longitudinally. Competence and presence were best measured using both self‐report and observational methods, whereas identity was best measured with a questionnaire. Mothers with less worry reported higher levels of identity. Presence was higher with less alert infants, whereas competence was higher with more alert infants, lower parental role stress, higher education, and being married. Mothers with more illness‐related distress and less alert infants, and unmarried and less educated mothers may need interventions to enhance MRA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 34:20–34, 2011
Muting the whistleblower through retaliation in selected African countries
Authors: Domfeh Kwame Ameyaw , Bawole Justice Nyigmah
Published: January 2011

The paper discusses whistleblowing in selected African countries as public service ethical issue with a view to identifying its attendant hazards. It was developed mainly from secondary sources of data. It relied on relevant reported cases of whistleblowing that received wide and credible coverage in the selected African countries and international news media as well as attracting the attention of local and international human rights activists and advocates. The paper attempts to stimulate discussions on the phenomenon of whistleblowing as a way of getting policy makers fashion out policies meant to promote whistleblowing. It asserts that legal provisions alone are not sufficient to protect the whistleblower from retaliation and intimidation and proposes a strong political will from the ruling elite and their collaborators to follow not only the letter, but also the spirit of the tenets of the law. It is only when people are truly confident that the protections guaranteed by the legislation and institutional set up are substantive in nature will they be motivated to expose wrongdoing. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Western Australian children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia are taller at diagnosis than unaffected children of the same age and sex
Authors: Davis Esther , Jacoby Peter , de Klerk Nicholas H. , Cole Catherine , Milne Elizabeth
Published: January 2011

Background

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the commonest childhood malignancy in Australian children. Recently published data from Western Australia suggest a link between proportion of optimal birth weight and the risk of ALL, but few studies have investigated the relationship between growth during infancy and early childhood and risk of leukemia. The aim of this study was to determine whether children diagnosed with ALL in Western Australia were taller at the time of diagnosis than children of the same age and sex in the general population.

Methods

Records of children diagnosed with ALL between January 1984 and June 2008 were accessed. Height before the commencement of chemotherapy was recorded and compared to the height of population norms derived from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children.

Results

On average, male cases were 0.67 cm (95% CI −0.21, 1.54 cm) taller and female cases were 0.30 cm (95% CI −0.68, 1.28 cm) taller than population controls.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that children diagnosed with ALL in Western Australia are slightly taller than their counterparts in the general population. These findings are consistent with at least one previous study. While this increase in height may be too small to be recognizable clinically, it is consistent with the notion that growth factors play a role in the pathogenesis of ALL beyond infancy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:767–770. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photoactive liquid crystalline polymers: A comprehensive study of linear and hyperbranched polymers synthesized by A2B2, A2B3, A3B2, and A3B3 approaches
Authors: Rao V. Srinivasa , Samui A. B.
Published: January 2011

A series of linear and hyperbranched polyester epoxies, with varied structural parameters such as kinked structure and different dendritic architectures, were synthesized by A2 + B2, A2 + B3, A3 + B2, and A3 + B3 approaches. The structures of synthesized monomers and polymers were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopic techniques. The effect of varied structural parameters on phase behavior and photoresponsive properties was investigated by using differential scanning calorimeter, thermal optical polarized microscope, UV–visible spectroscopy, photoviscosity, and refractive index studies. The transition temperatures of hyperbranched polymers were higher than that of the corresponding linear analogues. All the polymers showed nematic phase (nematic droplets) over a broad temperature range. The effect of kinked structural unit on photoresponsive property is less in both linear and hyperbranched architectures. Although the effect of architectural nature is highly considerable within the hyperbranched architectures, the polymer (HPE–33) synthesized by A3 + B3 approach showed highest rate of photocrosslinking, followed by HPE–I 32; HPE–T 32, and HPE–23, which were synthesized by A3 + B2 and A2 + B3 approaches, respectively. The findings in photoresponsive properties were further supported by molecular modeling studies. Substantial variation of refractive index (0.015–0.024) indicates that these polymers could be used for optical recording. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Impact of chorioamnionitis on exhaled nitric oxide and endotracheal aspirate levels of nitrites–nitrates and interleukin‐8 in mechanically ventilated preterm neonates
Authors: Figueras‐Aloy Josep , Salvia‐Roiges Maria Dolors , Rodriguez‐Miguélez J. Manuel , Miracle‐Echegoyen Xavier , Botet‐Mussons Francesc , Marín‐Soria J. Luís , Carbonell‐Estrany Xavier
Published: January 2011

Objectives

To assess the influence of maternal chorioamnionitis on early exhaled nitric oxide (NO) and levels of nitrites–nitrates and interleukin (IL)‐8 in endotracheal aspirate fluid in mechanically ventilated preterm neonates.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Patient–Subject Selection

Between September 2007 and August 2009, 54 mechanically ventilated preterm neonates were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of maternal chorioamnionitis, and those without chorioamnionitis (controls) were further stratified into two subgroups by birth weight < or ≥2,000 g.

Methodology

The ventilator used was a Babylog 8000. The NO level assessed was the plateau value given by the software of the Sievers NOA apparatus. Collection of endotracheal aspirate fluid samples was performed coinciding with routine aspirations and using the dry technique.

Results

The two groups of control neonates showed statistically significant differences in exhaled NO expressed as nl/min and normalized exhaled NO expressed as either nl/min or nl/min/kg, so they are not homogeneous and cannot be used in clinical practice. Serum C‐reactive protein and endotracheal aspirate levels of nitrites–nitrates were significantly higher in the chorioamnionitis group than in controls (3.6 vs. 1.07 µmol/L; P = 0.035). Nitrites–nitrates levels were positively correlated with exhaled NO in ppb (ρ = 0.367; P = 0.006). Minute exhaled endogenous NO was significantly higher in the chorioamnionitis group (0.48 vs. 0.27 nl/min/kg; P = 0.021).

Conclusions

In mechanically ventilated preterm infants weighing <2,000 g, maternal chorioamnionitis was associated with an increase of early exhaled NO (nl/min/kg) and serum levels of C‐reactive protein and levels of nitrites–nitrates in endotracheal aspirate fluid. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:595–603. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural changes of Listeria monocytogenes sortase A: A key to understanding the catalytic mechanism
Authors: Tian Boxue , Eriksson Leif A.
Published: January 2011

Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most virulent foodborne pathogens. L. monocytogenes Sortase A (SrtA) enzyme, which catalyzes the cell wall anchoring reaction of the leucine, proline, X, threonine, and glycine proteins (LPXTG, where X is any amino acid), is a target for the development of antilisteriosis drugs. In this study, the structure of the L. monocytogenes SrtA enzyme‐substrate complex was obtained using homology modeling, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Explicit enzyme‐substrate interactions in the inactive and active forms of the enzyme were compared, based on 30ns simulations on each system. The active site arginine (Arg 197) was found to be able change its hydrogen donor interactions from the LP backbone carbonyl groups of the LPXTG substrate in the inactive form, to the TG backbone carbonyls in the active form, which could be of importance for holding the substrate in position for the catalytic process. Proteins 2011; © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computation of ionization and various excited state energies ofhelium and helium‐like quantum dots
Authors: Yakar Yusuf , Çakir Bekir , Özmen Ayhan
Published: January 2011

In the effective mass approximation, we calculated the wave functions and some energy states of helium and helium‐like quantum dots (QDs) with impurity charges Z = 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. In addition, we carried out the ionization energies of these QDs as a function of dot radius, and we investigated the influence of impurity on the ionization energy. We utilized the method that is a combination of quantum genetic algorithm (QGA) and Hartree‐Fock Roothaan (HFR). The results are in a good agreement with literature results. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Influence of the active space on CASSCF nonadiabatic dynamics simulations
Authors: Szymczak Jaroslaw J. , Barbatti Mario , Lischka Hans
Published: January 2011

Nonadiabatic dynamics simulations are performed at four different extended ab initio CASSCF levels for 4‐aminopyrimidine, which had been selected because of its structural relationship to DNA nucleobases, aiming at the assessment of the influence of the active space composition on the qualitative and quantitative dynamics predictions. Reaction pathways connecting the Franck‐Condon region to the three main regions of the conical intersection seam were also computed at the same four levels and also using the CASPT2 method. The results show that the theoretical approach has significant influence on quantitative aspects of the dynamics. Nevertheless, relatively uniform qualitative predictions are obtained independently of the CAS level. A well‐balanced treatment of lone‐pair orbitals in the active space was shown to be a key factor for the reliability of the results. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 111:3307–3315, 2011
An Ab initio theoretical investigation on the geometrical and electronic structures of BAun−/0 (n = 1–4) clusters
Authors: Li Da‐Zhi , Li Si‐Dian
Published: January 2011

An ab initio theoretical investigation on the geometrical and electronic structures and photoelectron spectroscopies (PES) of BAun−/0 (n = 1–4) auroboranes has been performed in this work. Density functional theory and coupled cluster method (CCSD(T)) calculations indicate that BAu (n = 1–4) clusters with n‐Au terminals possess similar geometrical structures and bonding patterns with the corresponding boron hydrides BH. The PES spectra of BAu (n = 1–4) anions have been simulated computationally to facilitate their future experimental characterizations. In this series, the Td BAu anion appears to be unique and particularly interesting: it possesses a perfect tetrahedral geometry and has the highest vertical electron detachment energy (VDE = 3.69 eV), largest HOMO‐LUMO gap (ΔEgap = 3.0 eV), and the highest first excitation energy (Eex = 2.18 eV). The possibility to use the tetrahedral BAu unit as the building block of Li+[BAu4]− ion‐pair and other [BAu4]−‐containing inorganic solids is discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Characterization and selectivity studies of molecular imprinted membranes of Puerarin using scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Qin Peiyong , Yang Jie , Karim M. Nazmul
Published: January 2011

Molecular‐imprinted membranes of Puerarin were prepared by phase inversion technique with acrylonitrile–acrylic acid copolymer (P (AN‐co‐AA)). To characterize P (AN‐co‐AA), ubbelohde viscometer was used to measure its viscosity–molecular weight. P (AN‐co‐AA) with different molecular weight was used to prepare membranes. The copolymer–dimethyl sulfoxide solution with Puerarin (PU) template was coagulated in water at various temperatures. The increase in P (AN‐co‐AA) molecular weight and the decrease in coagulation temperature caused an increase in PU recognition property of the resultant membrane. The PU imprinted membrane prepared with P (AN‐co‐AA) showed good selective ability to PU. The purity of PU increased from 56.51 to 98.41 wt%. Surface and cross‐section morphology of the membranes were analyzed by using scanning electron micrograph. High‐performance liquid chromatography was used for the quantification of Puerarin in isolated fraction. SCANNING 33: 7–12, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A dynamic model of counterinsurgency policy including the effects of intelligence, public security, popular support, and insurgent experience
Authors: Anderson Edward G.
Published: January 2011

A system dynamics model of insurgencies is built using the U.S. Army and Marine Counterinsurgency Manual (FM 3‐24) as a basis. It must, however, be supplemented by additional theory from outside sources to enable calibration to a historical dataset. Parameter and policy analyses are conducted. These highlight the criticality of some features of insurgencies described by FM 3‐24 such as the importance of obtaining and maintaining popular support and employing sufficient counterinsurgency forces to gather intelligence. Other features, not highlighted by FM 3‐24, are also shown to be important such as the rate at which the number of violent incidents committed per insurgent increases during the insurgency and how easily detained/eliminated insurgents can be replaced. A number of sensitivity and policy tests are conducted. One finding, which supports conventional wisdom, is that the timing of withdrawal of counterinsurgency forces is critical. In particular, if the withdrawal is too early, the insurgency may end up being worse than if no counterinsurgency forces had ever been deployed. A second result is support for the contention that counterinsurgency policies are synergistic, which implies that policies are most effective if deployed together. Finally, contraindicating the expectations of FM 3‐24 and other conventional wisdom, results from optimization simulations suggest that counterinsurgency forces should in many cases initially emphasize intelligence‐gathering efforts and minimize direct combat action against the insurgents. Only later in the counterinsurgency effort should counterinsurgency forces reverse this policy and ramp up direct combat action against the insurgents. Copyright © 2011 System Dynamics Society.
Time‐dependent ROC analysis under diverse censoring patterns
Authors: Li Jialiang , Ma Shuangge
Published: January 2011

In biomedical studies, statistical approaches based on the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis have been extensively used in the evaluation of classification performance of markers and construction of classifiers. In this article, we investigate time‐dependent ROC approaches for censored survival data. While most existing studies have been focused on uncensored and right‐censored data, insufficient attention has been paid to other censoring schemes. This study advances from existing studies by investigating more diverse censoring schemes and developing ROC measurements under such censoring. Both estimation and inference are investigated. We conduct simulation and find satisfactory performance of the proposed approaches. We apply the proposed approaches to two real data sets, compare the prognostic power of markers, and investigate whether their linear combinations have better prognostic performance. We also explore graphical tools that can assist diagnostics and efficiently monitor the classification performance. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiwalled Carbon‐Nanotube‐Functionalized Microelectrode Arrays Fabricated by Microcontact Printing: Platform for Studying Chemical and Electrical Neuronal Signaling
Authors: Fuchsberger Kai , Goff Alan Le , Gambazzi Luca , Toma Francesca Maria , Goldoni Andrea , Giugliano Michele , Stelzle Martin , Prato Maurizio
Published: January 2011

A facile method is proposed for the deposition of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) layers onto microelectrode arrays by means of a microcontact printing technique, leading to the fabrication of MEAs characterized by well defined electrical and morphological properties. Using polydimethyl siloxane stamps, produced from different mold designs, a flexibility of printing is achieved that provides access to microscale, nanostructured electrodes. The thickness of MWCNT layers can be exactly predetermined by evaluating the concentration of the MWCNT solution employed in the process. The electrode morphology is further characterized using laser scanning and scanning electron microscopy. Next, by means of impedance spectroscopy analysis, the MWCNT–electrode contact resistance and MWCNT film resistance is measured, while electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is used to estimate the obtained electrode–electrolyte interface. Structural and electrochemical properties make these electrodes suitable for electrical stimulation and recording of neurons and electrochemical detection of dopamine. MWCNT‐functionalized electrodes show the ability to detect micromolar amounts of dopamine with a sensitivity of 19 nA μm−1. In combination with their biosensing properties, preliminary electrophysiological measurements show that MWCNT microelectrodes have recording properties superior to those of commercial TiN microelectrodes when detecting neuronal electrical activity under long‐term cell‐culture conditions. MWCNT‐functionalized microelectrode arrays fabricated by microcontact printing represent a versatile and multipurpose platform for cell‐culture monitoring.
Handover of relay stations for load balancing in IEEE 802.16
Authors: Mach Pavel , Becvar Zdenek , Bestak Robert
Published: January 2011

The load balancing in wireless networks is a very effective way for maximization of a system throughput. The paper proposes a new load balancing scheme in order to avoid a congestion of base stations (BSs) in IEEE 802.16 standards. While in many technical studies the load balancing is achieved by a handover (HO) of mobile stations (MSs), the novelty of our approach lies in the utilization of the HO of relay stations (RSs). Hence, the algorithm enabling load balancingviaRSs is developed and optimized. Furthermore, the paper contemplates the implementation of the proposed mechanism to networks based on IEEE 802.16 standards. The performance of the mechanism is evaluated in terms of achieved system throughput and signaling overhead both at the air interface and over the wired backbone. The obtained results indicate that the load balancing mechanism through the HO of RSs outperforms existing load balancing mechanisms exploiting conventional HO of MSs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of the tension‐free vaginal tape obturator procedure on sexual function in women with stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Xu Ying , Song Yanfeng , Huang Huijuan
Published: January 2011

Objective

To evaluate prospectively the impact of the tension‐free vaginal tape obturator (TVT‐O) procedure on sexual function in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

The present prospective study included women with SUI and no concomitant prolapse who underwent a TVT‐O procedure at Fuzhou General Hospital in Fuzhou, Fujian, China. Before and 6 months after surgery, the patients had their sexual function evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Only sexually active women were included in the final analysis.

Results

Among the 55 sexually active patients, 21.8% had coital incontinence, which was cured in 11 of 12 patients (91.7%). More than half (54.5%) the women reported an improvement in sexual function after surgery and 45.5% reported no change. No statistically significant difference was found between preoperative and postoperative total or domain (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) scores on the FSFI.

Conclusion

The TVT‐O procedure in women with SUI did not significantly affect sexual function. Further studies are needed to verify the findings and compare the impact of TVT‐O on sexual function with that of other anti‐incontinence procedures.
Intrauterine insemination in Jamaica as a low‐cost subfertility treatment in a low‐resource region
Authors: Christie Loxley R. , Harriott John A. , Dacosta Vernon E. , Wynter Shaun H. , Everett Denise M. , Foster Rochelle A.
Published: January 2011

Objective

To determine the impact of intrauterine insemination on the management of subfertility in Jamaica.

Methods

The present study was a retrospective analysis of all intrauterine insemination cycles completed from May 1, 2002, to August 31, 2005, at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica. The cycle pregnancy rate (CPR), live‐birth rate (LBR), and cumulative pregnancy rate were obtained and prognostic factors were reviewed.

Results

The CPR, LBR, and cumulative pregnancy rate were 10.1%, 8.8%, and 13.9%, respectively. Improved success was significantly associated with a shorter period of infertility (3.10 ± 1.43 years vs 5.22 ± 2.89 years; P = 0.01). Women younger than 40 years of age, men with increased post‐preparation sperm counts, and couples undergoing 2–3 cycles had improved outcomes.

Conclusion

Intrauterine insemination represents a safe and cost‐effective option for mild male factor infertility or unexplained infertility, especially in resource‐poor regions such as the Caribbean. Repeated failed cycles identify those who would probably benefit from early intervention with in vitro fertilization.
Magnetic resonance imaging findings among women with tubercular tubo‐ovarian masses
Authors: Sharma Jai B. , Karmakar Debjyoti , Hari Smriti , Singh Neeta , Singh Shakti P. , Kumar Sunesh , Roy Kallol K.
Published: January 2011

Objective

To assess the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in women with tubercular tubo‐ovarian masses.

Methods

Twenty‐four women with a confirmed diagnosis of tubercular tubo‐ovarian masses underwent MRI. The findings were compared with laparotomy/laparoscopy results wherever possible.

Results

The mean age was 30.7 years and the mean parity was 1.5. The main symptom in 37.5% of patients was infertility. The MRI findings included unilateral definitive tubo‐ovarian masses (n = 4 [16.7%]); bilateral definitive tubo‐ovarian masses (n = 4 [16.7%]); unilateral hydrosalpinx (n = 8 [33.3%]); bilateral hydrosalpinx (n = 4 [16.7%]); unilateral adnexal cyst (n = 4 [16.7%]), tuberculous deposits on the liver (n = 1 [4.2%]); and cervical growth (n = 1 [4.2%]). Other associated findings were endometriosis (n = 2 [8.3%]), inclusion cyst (n = 1 [4.2%]), subserous fibroid (n = 1 [4.2%]), sacroiliac joint arthritis (n = 1 [4.2%]), and enteritis (n = 1 [4.2%]).

Conclusion

MRI seems to be a useful modality for the diagnosis of tubercular tubo‐ovarian masses.
Oral contraceptives and the risk of venous thromboembolism: An update
Authors: Reid Robert , Leyland Nicholas , Wolfman Wendy , Allaire Catherine , Awadalla Alaa , Best Carolyn , Dunn Sheila , Lemyre Madeleine , Marcoux Violaine , Menard Chantal , Potestio Frank , Rittenberg David , Singh Sukhbir , Senikas Vyta
Published: January 2011

Objective

To provide current and emerging evidence on oral contraceptives and the risk of venous thromboembolism.

Evidence

Articles published in English from 2005 were retrieved through searches of PubMed and Medline, using the following terms: venous thromboembolism, VTE, contraception, oral contraceptives, hormonal contraception. Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to May 2010. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment‐related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies.

Values

The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table).
Rationalism and public policy: Mode of analysis or symbolic politics?
Authors: Saint-Martin Denis , Allison Christine Rothmayr
Published: January 2011

This article takes up the distinction between incremental analysis and incremental politics as elaborated by Lindblom in his 1979 article. We argue that while rationalism as a mode of analysis has lost much of its prominence, rationalism as symbolic politics is still very much alive and might even be more present today than it was back when Lindblom wrote his famous 1959 article. The recent shift to new modes of governance whereby elected officials are increasingly delegating decision-making powers to independent bureaucracies – what Majone calls the “regulatory state” or what the British describe as “agencification” or quangoisation” – has created an important legitimacy deficit for those non-majoritarian institutions that exercise political authority without enjoying any direct link to the electoral process. In such a context – and in addition to growing public distrust towards partisan politics – rationalist politics is likely to become more rampant as independent bureaucracies lack the legitimacy to publicly recognize the fundamentally incrementalist – and thus values-laden – nature of their decision-making processes.

To develop these ideas, the article looks at the case of “supreme audit institutions”. We argue that the synoptic model is a mean for SAIs to legitimize their shift from classical financial auditing to performance auditing. In comparison to other independent bureaucracies, they are particularly prone to rationalist politics not only because of their institutional independence, but also because of the tradition of financial auditing and the rise of new public management.
Promise and pitfalls for characterizing and correlating the zeolitically altered tephra of the Pleistocene Peninj Group, Tanzania
Authors: McHenry Lindsay J. , Luque Luis , Gómez José Ángel , Diez-Martín Fernando
Published: January 2011

The Pleistocene Humbu and Moinik formations of the Peninj Group in northern Tanzania preserve an important archaeological and paleontological record, in addition to a record of local volcanism in the form of tephra and lavas. Samples of the major Humbu and Moinik formations' basaltic and trachytic tephra were collected and characterized using phenocryst composition and both primary and authigenic mineral assemblage, since the volcanic glass was completely altered to zeolite. Some tephra are distinguishable solely using phenocrysts, but some are too similar in mineral composition or too poor in phenocrysts to definitively “fingerprint” without glass. Titanomagnetite phenocrysts were mostly altered; characterization was thus limited to feldspar, augite, and hornblende compositions for most tephra. Phenocryst compositions were compared to Olduvai tephra compositions to see if any regional tephra could be identified that could help correlate the sites. Augite or hornblende composition rules out potential correlations of Olduvai Bed I Tuff IF and the Bed II Bird Print Tuff or Tuff IID to otherwise similar Peninj Group tephra. Despite their overlap in age and locations at less than ~ 80 km from the Ngorongoro Volcanic Highlands, Peninj and Olduvai have different tephra records, which limits the possibilities for establishing a regional tephrostratigraphic framework.
Agricultural drought monitoring in semi-arid and arid areas using MODIS data
Authors: SHAHABFAR A. , EITZINGER J.
Published: January 2011

The performances of two remote sensing drought indices were evaluated at selected agricultural sites in different agro-climatic zones in Iran to detect the severity of drought phenomena related to temporal variation and different climatic conditions. The indices used were the perpendicular drought index (PDI) and the modified perpendicular drought index (MPDI), which are derived from moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite images (MOD13A3 V005). The correlations between these perpendicular indices and two other remote sensing indices in ten different agro-climatic zones of Iran from February 2000 to December 2005 were analysed. The additional indices evaluated were the enhanced vegetation index (EVI) and the vegetation condition index (VCI) along with five water balance parameters, including climatic water balance (CL), crop water balance (CR), monthly reference crop evapotranspiration (ET0), crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and required irrigation water (I). Winter wheat was selected as the reference crop because it is grown in the majority of climatic conditions in Iran.

The results show that in several climatic regions, there is a statistically significant correlation between PDI and MPDI and the water balance parameters, indicating an acceptable performance in detecting crop drought stress conditions. In all zones except at the sites located in northwest and northeast of Iran, VCI and EVI are less correlated with the applied water balance indicators compared to PDI and MPDI. In a temporal analysis, PDI and MPDI showed a greater ability to detect CR conditions than VCI and EVI in the most drought-sensitive winter wheat-growing stages. Since Iran is characterized by arid or semi-arid climatic conditions and winter wheat is a major agricultural crop, a combination of both PDI and MPDI could be used as simple remote sensing-based tool to map drought conditions for crops in Iran and in other developing countries with similar climatic conditions.
BETTER NEVER TO HAVE BEEN BELIEVED: BENATAR ON THE HARM OF EXISTENCE
Authors: Brown Campbell
Published: January 2011

In Better Never to Have Been, David Benatar argues that existence is always a harm (Benatar 2006: 18–59). His argument, in brief, is that this follows from a theory of personal good which we ought to accept because it best explains several ‘asymmetries’. I shall argue here (a) that Benatar's theory suffers from a defect which was already widely known to afflict similar theories, and (b) that the main asymmetry he discusses is better explained in a way which allows that existence is often not a harm.
THE BOUNDS OF ADULT LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
Authors: Ellis Nick C. , Sagarra Nuria
Published: January 2011

The current study investigates the limited attainment of adult language acquisition in terms of an associative learning phenomenon whereby earlier learned cues attentionally block those that are experienced later. Short- and long-term blocking are demonstrated in experimental investigations of learned attention in the acquisition of temporal reference in a small set of Latin phrases. In Experiment 1, previous experience with adverbial cues blocks the acquisition of verbal tense morphology, and, in contrast, early experience with tense blocks later learning of adverbs. Experiment 2 demonstrates long-term transfer effects: Native speakers of Chinese languages, which do not exhibit verb tense morphology, fail to acquire inflectional cues when adverbial and verbal cues are equally available.