bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stroke Prevalence in a Poor Neighbourhood of SãO Paulo, Brazil: Applying a Stroke Symptom Questionnaire
Authors: Abe Ivana M. , Lotufo Paulo A. , Goulart Alessandra C. , Benseñor Isabela M.
Published: January 2011

Background

Brazil has one of the highest stroke mortality rates in the world, these rates are most endemic in the poor. We verified the prevalence of stroke in a deprived neighbourhood in the city of São Paulo, Brazil and compared it with other surveys worldwide.

Methods

A questionnaire with six questions concerning limb and facial weakness, articulation, sensory disturbances, impaired vision, and past diagnosis of stroke was completed door-to-door in a well-defined area of 15 000 people. Questionnaires were considered positive when a participant answered two or more questions about stroke symptoms or the presence of stroke being confirmed by a physician, or at least three questions in the positive, even if not confirmed by a doctor.

Results

Of the 4496 individuals over 35-years old living in the area, 243 initially screened positive for stroke. The age-adjusted prevalence rate for men was 4·6% (95% confidence interval 3·5–5·7). For women, the prevalence rate was 6·5% (95% confidence interval 5·5–7·5); when considering only one question, the rate was 4·8% (95% confidence interval 3·9–5·7). The most commonly reported symptoms were limb weakness and sensory disturbances. Hypertension and heart disease were the conditions most commonly associated with previous stroke.

Conclusion

Stroke prevalence rates were higher in this poor neighbourhood compared with other surveys.
Poststroke Chronic Disease Management: Towards Improved Identification and Interventions for Poststroke Spasticity-Related Complications
Authors: Brainin Michael , Norrving Bo , Sunnerhagen Katharina S. , Goldstein Larry B. , Cramer Steven C. , Donnan Geoffrey A. , Duncan Pamela W. , Francisco Gerard , Good David , Graham Glenn , Kissela Brett M. , Olver John , Ward Anthony , Wissel Jörg , Zorowitz Richard ,   on behalf of International PSS Disability Study Group
Published: January 2011

This paper represents the opinion of a group of researchers and clinicians with an established interest in poststroke care and is based on the recognised need for long-term care following stroke, especially in view of the global increase of disability due to stroke. Among the more frequent long-term complications following stroke are spasticity-related disabilities. Although spasticity alone occurs in up to 60% of stroke survivors, disabling spasticity affects only 4–10%. Spasticity further interferes with important functions of daily life when it occurs in association with pain, motor impairment, and overall declines of cognitive and neurological function. It is proposed that the aftermath of stroke be considered a chronic disease requiring a multifactorial and multilevel approach. There are, however, knowledge gaps related to the prediction and recognition of poststroke disability. Interventions to prevent or minimise such disabilities require further development and evaluation. Poststroke spasticity research should focus on reducing disability and be considered as part of a continuum of chronic care requirements and should be recognised as a part of a comprehensive poststroke disease management programme.
Knowledge of Risk Factors, and Warning Signs of Stroke: A Systematic Review from a Gender Perspective
Authors: Stroebele Nanette , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk , Nolte Christian H. , Müller-Nordhorn Jacqueline , Bockelbrink Angelina , Willich Stefan N.
Published: January 2011

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death globally. Awareness of stroke risk factors and warning signs are important for stroke prevention and seeking care. The purpose of this systematic review was to review existing literature that assessed the knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs and allowed separate gender analysis. We conducted a systematic review of all published studies (to August 2008) examining knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs that included women and provided results separated by gender. Two reviewers selected studies for inclusion, assessed quality, and extracted data. The database search identified 2158 references for screening and 158 were selected for possible inclusion. Twenty-two studies were reviewed including 20 cross-sectional and two pretest–posttest design surveys. Overall, better stroke knowledge was observed in women compared with men in the majority of the studies although there is a general lack of knowledge in both genders. Four out of 18 studies reported better risk factor knowledge and eight out of 15 studies reported better knowledge in stroke warning signs in women compared with men. Women tended to know more evidence-based stroke risk factors than men. Stroke knowledge also appeared to be related to country of study origin, age, education, and medical history. Stroke knowledge among different populations and both in men and women is suboptimal. More research is necessary to further investigate gender differences in stroke knowledge with specific focus on how to use these differences to improve public health campaigns.
History of Animal Models of Stroke
Authors: O'Collins Victoria E. , Donnan Geoffrey A. , Howells David W.
Published: January 2011

Scientists tend to focus on the present and the future. But the practice of experimental stroke is not new. Here, we reflect on the changing landscape of the stroke laboratory over the past 2000-years, focusing on shifts in the rationale for undertaking experiments, the methodologies deployed and the colourful characters involved in this science.
Proximal to Middle One-Third Humerus Shaft Fractures may Lead to Poorer Shoulder Function Compared to Middle to Distal One-Third Humerus Shaft Fractures following Internal Fixation
Authors: Bormann Kurt T. , Carlson Michael J. , Daccarett Miguel S. , Mormino Matthew A. , Fehringer Edward V.
Published: January 2011

Background

The radiographic and functional outcomes following an anterior approach for plate fixation of humeral shaft fractures were evaluated and compared with those of a group having undergone plate fixation from a posterior approach. The hypothesis was that there would be no significant difference between these two groups in shoulder, elbow and overall upper extremity function.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed radiographs and data for 78 humerus shaft fractures. Twenty-six patients returned to complete the Constant–Murley Score (CMS), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire.

Results

The overall median CMS [76.5 (A) versus 83.5 (P)] approached a significant difference between anterior and posterior fixation groups ( p = 0.07). Active shoulder elevation was significantly better ( p = 0.03) in the posterior group. There was no significant difference in median DASH score ( p = 0.51), MEPS score ( p = 0.69), nor in 10 of 12 individual responses on the SST. Fracture union rate was 97%.

Discussion

Anterior fixation of humeral shaft fractures yields satisfactory upper extremity functional outcomes that are comparable to those of extremities that have undergone posterior fixation. However, shoulder function tends to be better following posterior fixation, possibly as a result of anterior approaches being more commonly performed for more proximal shaft fractures.
Infection by Spotted Fever Rickettsiae in People, Dogs, Horses and Ticks in Londrina, Parana State, Brazil
Authors: Toledo R. S. , Tamekuni K. , Filho M. F. Silva , Haydu V. B. , Barbieri A. R. M. , Hiltel A. C. , Pacheco R. C. , Labruna M. B. , Dumler J. S. , Vidotto O.
Published: January 2011

Spotted fever is a disease caused by bacteria from the genus Rickettsia of the spotted fever group (SFG). Rickettsia rickettsii is likely the main agent of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF). With the objective of gathering information on the circulation of SFG rickettsiae in Londrina, Parana state, ticks from dogs and horses and also blood from dogs, horses and humans were collected in a neighbourhood of the city which presented potential for circulation of rickettsiae between hosts and vectors. Amblyomma cajennense, Dermacentor nitens, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks were subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction targeting a fragment of the Rickettsia gltA gene. This specific gene encodes the enzyme citrate synthase of Rickettsia spp., and results on all ticks were negative. Human and animal sera were tested by Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay in which R. rickettsii and R. parkeri were used as antigens. Sera from 4.7% human, 2.7% canine and 38.5% equine were positive for R. rickettsii. For R. parkeri, 0.9% human, 2.7% canine and 11.5% equine samples were positive. All samples reactive to R. parkeri also reacted to R. rickettsii. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied, but there were no statistically significant results. Comparison of our serological results with previous studies in Brazil, among BSF endemic and non‐endemic areas, indicates that there is no established rickettsial infection in the study area, a statement corroborated with our molecular analysis. Nonetheless, as humans of the present study are highly exposed to tick infestations, health education within the population is needed to obtain efficient tick control.
Simulation Model for Campylobacter Cross‐Contamination During Poultry Processing at Slaughterhouses
Authors: Hayama Y. , Yamamoto T. , Kasuga F. , Tsutsui T.
Published: January 2011

Broiler meat is regarded as the most common source of Campylobacter infection and risk management measures are required to reduce broiler meat contamination. Among the quantitative risk assessments for Campylobacter in broiler meat, evaluation of the poultry processing stage is particularly important for predicting the contamination level of broiler meat and the effects of control measures. In this study, we built a simulation model for cross‐contamination during poultry processing focusing on Campylobacter contamination at the individual carcass level. Using this model, we examined changes in the prevalence of contaminated carcasses and the number of Campylobacter per carcass after processing. As a result, it was found that the prevalence and number of Campylobacter after processing were largely influenced by the number of Campylobacter on the contaminated carcasses before processing. In the baseline model, where it was assumed that the mean number of Campylobacter on contaminated carcasses before processing was 4.7 log10 cfu per carcass, the prevalence after processing was less than that before processing. Although the median value of Campylobacter on contaminated carcasses was reduced after processing, the distributions after processing became wider and the upper limit of the 95% credible interval of Campylobacter on contaminated carcasses remained elevated. The individual‐based simulation model can trace individual level changes considering discrete interactions, while models tracing mean values cannot handle these interactions in detail. The individual‐based approach is considered useful for modelling cross‐contamination among individual carcasses during poultry processing.
CHARACTERIZING SPECIES DISTRIBUTIONS BY PRODUCTIVITY AND MORTALITY RATES IN MULTISPECIES MODELS
Authors: POWERS JOSEPH E. , BROOKS ELIZABETH N.
Published: January 2011

Abstract The temporal change in species composition is one dimension that may be used to characterize ecosystems. Multispecies interactions and species abundance (or biomass) distributions can be analyzed by an N‐species Lotka–Volterra (LV) system of equations. We derive a statistical approximation to the stationary probability distribution of relative species biomass for a system of interacting species. The distribution is parameterized by the mean and variance of the LV species interaction coefficients and can exhibit a variety of shapes. Given this distribution, one can describe the state of the system, and subsequent perturbations within the system, in terms of shifts in the resulting stable distribution. Theoretical distributions with known properties were compared to distributions estimated from simulations and good agreement was found. Our analytical result could be used to develop “ecosystem indicators” for describing changes in the state of species within an ecosystem.
Prevalence of impacted teeth in a Greek population
Authors: Gisakis Ioannis G. , Palamidakis Fotios D. , Farmakis Eleftherios‐Terry R. , Kamberos George , Kamberos Spyros
Published: January 2011

Aim:  Τo determine the prevalence of impacted teeth in an adult Greek population, according to type, sex, and age.

Methods:  The major source of data for this study was the orthopantomographic films and the physical examinations of 425 patients (202 males and 223 females) with impacted teeth. The elements that were examined and processed were relevant to the age, sex, total number of impacted teeth, and the type and frequency of impaction of each tooth. Moreover, the associated pathology, if any, of the impacted tooth was recorded.

Results:  A total of 152 patients (35.8%) had one impacted tooth, 134 patients (31.5%) had two impacted teeth, and 139 patients (32.7%) had three or more impacted teeth; 777 (82.7%) impacted teeth revealed associated pathology.

Conclusions:  The third molars revealed the highest frequency of impaction (P < 0.001); the number of impacted teeth of the mandible was larger than that of the maxilla (P < 0.001), and the number of impacted anterior teeth in the maxilla was larger than that in the mandible (P < 0.001). Cases of impacted posterior teeth were more numerous than anterior teeth (P < 0.001). The majority of patients revealed pathological signs, which dictated the surgical removal of the impacted tooth/teeth.
Electrical activity‐triggered glucagon‐like peptide‐1 secretion from primary murine L‐cells
Authors: Rogers G. J. , Tolhurst G. , Ramzan A. , Habib A. M. , Parker H. E. , Gribble F. M. , Reimann F.
Published: January 2011

Non‐technical summary  Glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) based therapies are now widely used for the treatment of diabetes. The physiological source of the hormone is the intestinal L‐cell, and attempts to boost secretion have been hindered by difficulties in distinguishing these cells from their epithelial neighbours and our consequent limited understanding of their physiology. Using recently developed transgenic mice with fluorescently labelled L‐cells, we show that these cells are electrically active and use voltage‐gated ion channels to couple the presence of nutrients to the secretion of GLP‐1. We present the identification and characterisation of the ion channels. This improves our understanding of enteroendocrine physiology and will support therapeutic programmes aiming to target gut hormone secretion.
Presynaptic action potential waveform determines cortical synaptic latency
Authors: Boudkkazi Sami , Fronzaroli‐Molinieres Laure , Debanne Dominique
Published: January 2011

Non‐technical summary  Synaptic delay at cortical synapses is determined by the presynaptic release probability. We show here that the duration and amplitude of the presynaptic action potential also determine synaptic latency at neocortical and hippocampal excitatory synapses. Broadening the presynaptic spike with blockers of potassium channels increased latency by 1–2 ms. Decreasing the amplitude of the presynaptic action potential by partly blocking sodium channels reduced synaptic latency by ∼0.5 ms. These changes may contribute to stabilization of synaptic timing during repetitive stimulation. The regulation of synaptic timing by these pharmacological agents could not be attributed to modulation of axonal conduction. Rather, the effects are compatible with modifications of the kinetics of the presynaptic calcium current. We conclude that synaptic latency at cortical neurons is not constant but dynamically regulated by presynaptic action potential waveform.
Regulation of gene expression by carbon dioxide
Authors: Taylor Cormac T. , Cummins Eoin P.
Published: January 2011

Abstract  Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a physiological gas found at low levels in the atmosphere and produced in cells during the process of aerobic respiration. Consequently, the levels of CO2 within tissues are usually significantly higher than those found externally. Shifts in tissue levels of CO2 (leading to either hypercapnia or hypocapnia) are associated with a number of pathophysiological conditions in humans and can occur naturally in niche habitats such as those of burrowing animals. Clinical studies have indicated that such altered CO2 levels can impact upon disease progression. Recent advances in our understanding of the biology of CO2 has shown that like other physiological gases such as molecular oxygen (O2) and nitric oxide (NO), CO2 levels can be sensed by cells resulting in the initiation of physiological and pathophysiological responses. Acute CO2 sensing in neurons and peripheral and central chemoreceptors is important in rapidly activated responses including olfactory signalling, taste sensation and cardiorespiratory control. Furthermore, a role for CO2 in the regulation of gene transcription has recently been identified with exposure of cells and model organisms to high CO2 leading to suppression of genes involved in the regulation of innate immunity and inflammation. This latter, transcriptional regulatory role for CO2, has been largely attributed to altered activity of the NF‐κB family of transcription factors. Here, we review our evolving understanding of how CO2 impacts upon gene transcription.
Ten questions about systems biology
Authors: Joyner Michael J. , Pedersen Bente K.
Published: January 2011

Abstract  In this paper we raise ‘ten questions’ broadly related to ‘omics’, the term systems biology, and why the new biology has failed to deliver major therapeutic advances for many common diseases, especially diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We argue that a fundamentally narrow and reductionist perspective about the contribution of genes and genetic variants to disease is a key reason ‘omics’ has failed to deliver the anticipated breakthroughs. We then point out the critical utility of key concepts from physiology like homeostasis, regulated systems and redundancy as major intellectual tools to understand how whole animals adapt to the real world. We argue that a lack of fluency in these concepts is a major stumbling block for what has been narrowly defined as ‘systems biology’ by some of its leading advocates. We also point out that it is a failure of regulation at multiple levels that causes many common diseases. Finally, we attempt to integrate our critique of reductionism into a broader social framework about so‐called translational research in specific and the root causes of common diseases in general. Throughout we offer ideas and suggestions that might be incorporated into the current biomedical environment to advance the understanding of disease through the perspective of physiology in conjunction with epidemiology as opposed to bottom‐up reductionism alone.
Dynamic Analysis of a Motion Transformer Mimicking a Hula Hoop
Authors: Lu C. X. , Wang C. C. , Sung C. K. , Chao Paul C.P.
Published: January 2011

Hula-hoop motion refers to the spinning of a ring around a human body; it is made possible by the interactive force between the moving ring and the body. Inspired by the generic concept of hula-hoop motion, this study proposes a novel motion transformer design that consists of a main mass sprung in one translational direction and a free-moving mass attached at one end of a rod, the other end of which is hinged onto the center of the main mass. It is expected that the transformer is capable of transforming linear reciprocating motion into rotational motion. In addition, the transformer could be integrated with coils, magnets, and electric circuits to form a portable energy scavenging device. A thorough dynamic analysis of the proposed transformer system is conducted in this study in order to characterize the relationships between the varied system parameters and the chance of hula-hoop motion occurrence. The governing equations are first derived with Lagrange’s method, which is followed by the search for steady-state solutions and the corresponding stability analysis via the homotopy perturbation method and the Floquet theory. Direct numerical simulation is simultaneously performed to verify the correctness of the approximate analysis. In this manner, the feasibility of the proposed design and the occurrence criteria of hula-hoop motion are assessed.
Enhancement of Reversible Rotation Journal Bearing Performance Using Elliptical Grooves
Authors: Yen Ruey-Hor , Chen Chien-Yu
Published: January 2011

To improve the performance of a reversible rotation herringbone journal bearing (Rev-HGJB), this study uses reversible elliptical grooves on a journal bearing (Rev-EGJB) and numerically analyzes its characteristics, utilizing the spectral element method. Load capacity, pressure distribution, power loss, and dimensionless radial stiffness of the Rev-EGJB are compared with those of the Rev-HGJB. This comparison shows that the introduced Rev-EGJB exhibits a higher load capacity and a lower power loss than the Rev-HGJB. The pressure region in the Rev-EGJB is higher than that in the Rev-HGJB, which is achieved not only in the pressure-generated region, but also in the pressure-restored region. The load distributions of the Rev-HGJB and Rev-EGJB are also compared in order to determine how the elliptical grooves enhance the load characteristics. The optimum groove parameters of the Rev-EGJB at an eccentricity of 0.1 are investigated by studying the groove parametric matrix, which is given by taking several values in the effective range of each groove parameter. Ultimately, the radial stiffness of the Rev-EGJB with grooved bearing was also shown to be greater compared with that of a Rev-HGJB with optimum geometry; thus, the Rev-EGJB is more stable than the Rev-HGJB when the bearing is grooved.
Mechanistic considerations of low temperature hydrogen-based plasma etching of Cu
Authors: Wu Fangyu , Levitin Galit , Hess Dennis W.
Published: January 2011

A simple plasma-based, low temperature etch process is described, which allows subtractive etching of copper (Cu) films and thereby offers an alternative to damascene technology for microelectronic and integrated circuit device fabrication. Hydrogen (H2)-based plasma etching of blanket and SiO2 masked Cu thin films is performed in an inductively coupled plasma reactor at temperatures below room temperature. This process achieves anisotropic Cu features and an etch rate of ∼13 nm/min. Although Ar and He are more efficient sputter gases, Cu etching in these plasma atmospheres displays lower etch rates than those observed with H2 plasmas. Moreover, anisotropy degraded with enhanced ion bombardment due to mask ablation. Cu etch rate and patterning results are consistent with an etch process that involves both chemical and physical characteristics. Specifically, the combination of ultraviolet photon impingement, ion bombardment, and hydrogen interaction with Cu surfaces appears to be responsible for the efficient removal of Cu in low temperature H2-based plasma environments.
Temperature threshold for nanorod structuring of metal and oxide films grown by glancing angle deposition
Authors: Deniz Derya , Lad Robert J.
Published: January 2011

Thin films of tin (Sn), aluminum (Al), gold (Au), ruthenium (Ru), tungsten (W), ruthenium dioxide (RuO2), tin dioxide (SnO2), and tungsten trioxide (WO3) were grown by glancing angle deposition (GLAD) to determine the nanostructuring temperature threshold, ΘT, above which adatom surface diffusion becomes large enough such that nanorod morphology is no longer formed during growth. The threshold was found to be lower in metals compared to oxides. Films were grown using both dc and pulsed dc magnetron sputtering with continuous substrate rotation over the temperature range from 291 to 866 K. Film morphologies, structures, and compositions were characterized by high resolution scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Films were also grown in a conventional configuration for comparison. For elemental metals, nanorod structuring occurs for films with melting points higher than that of Al (933 K) when grown at room temperature with a rotation rate of ∼5 rpm, corresponding to a value of ΘT≈0.33±0.01. For the oxide films, a value of ΘT≈0.5 was found, above which GLAD nanorod structuring does not occur. The existence of a nanostructuring temperature threshold in both metal and oxide GLAD films can be attributed to greater adatom mobilities as temperature is increased resulting in nonkinetically limited film nucleation and growth processes.
Improving Drug Potency and Efficacy by Nanocarrier-Mediated Subcellular Targeting
Authors: Murakami Mami , Cabral Horacio , Matsumoto Yu , Wu Shourong , Kano Mitsunobu R. , Yamori Takao , Nishiyama Nobuhiro , Kataoka Kazunori
Published: January 2011

Polymeric micelles containing a chemotherapeutic drug carry it adjacent to the DNA target in tumor cells, enhancing the drug potency.
Epigenetic Modification of the
FMR1
Gene in Fragile X Syndrome Is Associated with Differential Response to the mGluR5 Antagonist AFQ056
Authors: Jacquemont Sébastien , Curie Aurore , des Portes Vincent , Torrioli Maria Giulia , Berry-Kravis Elizabeth , Hagerman Randi J. , Ramos Feliciano J. , Cornish Kim , He Yunsheng , Paulding Charles , Neri Giovanni , Chen Fei , Hadjikhani Nouchine , Martinet Danielle , Meyer Joanne , Beckmann Jacques S. , Delange Karine , Brun Amandine , Bussy Gerald , Gasparini Fabrizio , Hilse Talita , Floesser Annette , Branson Janice , Bilbe Graeme , Johns Donald , Gomez-Mancilla Baltazar
Published: January 2011

An antagonist for the metabotropic glutamate receptor may improve symptoms in patients with fragile X syndrome whose
FMR1
promoters are fully methylated.
Nature Versus Nurture in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Bentley-Lewis Rhonda
Published: January 2011

A genetic risk factor for Type 2 diabetes was shown, in a population study, to be associated with newly diagnosed disease.
Assessing leg health in chickens using a force plate and gait scoring: how many birds is enough?
Authors: Sandilands V. , Brocklehurst S. , Sparks N. , Baker L. , McGovern R. , Thorp B. , Pearson D.
Published: January 2011

Meat chickens from experimental flocks were tested repeatedly from three to six weeks of age using gait score (GS) and force plate (FP) techniques, and the findings were related to postmortem results for leg health. This initial study indicated that five weeks was the optimal age to test birds using the FP to indicate abnormalities and pathologies. Birds (n=492) with a range of walking styles were then selected at five weeks of age from three commercial flocks, gait scored and tested using a FP. A subsample of these birds (n=191) was examined postmortem, and relationships between leg abnormalities and pathologies, GS and FP results were investigated. Models of leg abnormalities and pathologies with GS or FP measurements as covariates left much variation unexplained; hence, the number of birds that would need to be tested using these methods to assess the flock prevalence of leg abnormalities or pathologies is high.
Mediolateral hoof balance in relation to the handedness of apprentice farriers
Authors: Ronchetti A. , Day P. , Weller R.
Published: January 2011

Horses that had been trimmed and shod by apprentice farriers were sourced from the Royal School of Military Engineering, Melton Mowbray (37 horses) and from the Household Cavalry, Knightsbridge (54 horses). The lateral and medial hoof wall angles of both forelimbs were measured using a Ruidoso hoof gauge by the same operator. The difference between the lateral and medial hoof wall angles for each horse was calculated and the results were compared between right‐handed and left‐handed farriers using the Mann‐Whitney U test (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in the mediolateral hoof balance obtained between right‐handed and left‐handed farriers for each forelimb (P<0.001). Right‐handed farriers were shown to create an imbalance in 47 per cent of left forelimbs and 46 per cent of right forelimbs assessed, while left‐handed farriers created an imbalance in 41 per cent of left forelimbs and 71 per cent of right forelimbs. The tendency was for right‐handed farriers to over‐trim the medial (inner) aspect of the left forelimb and the lateral (outer) aspect of the right forelimb; the reverse was demonstrated for left‐handed farriers. Performing a risk ratio confirmed these findings.
Activity and stability of rat liver xanthine oxidase in the presence of pyridine
Authors: Amini Kaveh , Sorouraddin Mohammad-Hossein , Rashidi Mohammad-Reza
Published: January 2011

In the present study, rat liver xanthine oxidase activity and its thermostability in the presence of pyridine were investigated. The activity of the enzyme was determined by following the formation of uric acid spectrophotometrically. The thermal stability of the enzyme was studied in the presence of 0.0%–2.0% of pyridine in Sorenson’s buffer. Thermal stability parameters (half-life, inactivation constant, and activation energies for enzyme inactivation), thermodynamic constants (ΔH*, ΔS*, and ΔG*) and the kinetic parameters (Kmand Vmax), were determined in pyridine-free and pyridine-containing buffer solution. A dramatic reduction was observed in xanthine oxidase activity in the presence of pyridine. However, the pyridine-treated enzyme showed a marked enhancement in thermal stability compared with the native enzyme. The ΔG values for the enzyme activity in the presence of pyridine were found to be about 1.5-fold larger than that calculated for the native enzyme, indicating that the enzyme becomes kinetically more stable in the presence of pyridine. The Kmvalue for xanthine oxidase in the presence of 0.5% pyridine increased by 4.8-fold compared with the enzyme in the pyridine-free buffer solution; however, there was 1.8-fold reduction in the Vmaxvalue in the hydro-organic solution compared with the enzyme activity in the buffer solution. As the stability of enzymes is one of the most difficult problems in protein chemistry, this thermostability property of xanthine oxidase could be of great value in developing novel strategies to improve and expand its application in various areas.
Influence of molecular weight on the spectroscopic properties of a series of well-defined poly(3-hexylthiophene) polymers
Authors: Peng Qiliang , Wyman Ian W. , Han Dehui , Liu Guojun
Published: January 2011

A series of five poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) polymers were prepared, and their spectroscopic properties were studied. These polymers were well defined, with polydispersity indices no larger than 1.20 and regioregularities that were above 90% for each member of the series. The P3HT polymers were characterized using UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, and their specific refractive index increments were measured in tetrahydrofuran. The influence of the molecular weight of these polymers on their maximum absorbance and emission wavelengths, molar extinction coefficients, and refractive index increments was studied.
New active and recyclable catalytic systems based on [Zn4(H2O)2(PW9O34)2]10– for alcohol oxidation with hydrogen peroxide in water
Authors: Ding Yong , Zhao Wei , Ma Bao-chun , Qiu Wen-yuan
Published: January 2011

A “sandwich” type tungstophosphate, [Zn4(H2O)2(PW9O34)2]10–, was used as the efficient and reusable catalyst for alcohol oxidation. The catalyst I of K10Zn4(H2O)2(PW9O34)2·20H2O and the catalyst II of [(C18H37)2(CH3)2N]8K2[Zn4(H2O)2(PW9O34)2] were used to catalyze the oxidation of alcohols in water. High yields of the corresponding carbonyl compounds were obtained. The catalysts were recycled several times without loss in activity.
Efficient process for the conversion of xylose to furfural with acidic ionic liquid
Authors: Tao Furong , Song Huanling , Chou Lingjun
Published: January 2011

An efficient and simple process for the dehydration of xylose into furfural was studied, which was catalyzed by 1-(4-sulfonic acid)butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate (IL-1) under mild conditions. A xylose conversion of 95.3% with a furfural yield of 91.45% was achieved in a 25 min reaction time at 150 °C; the xylose conversion and furfural yield greatly depended on the operation conditions, such as reaction time and temperature. IL-1 could be recycled and exhibited constant activity for five successive trials. This system was an important improvement, relative to the reactions using mineral acids at high temperatures, for further development on a pilot scale.
Computational study of proper and improper hydrogen bonding in methanol complexes
Authors: Keefe C. Dale , Istvankova Zuzana
Published: January 2011

The bulk properties of alcohols, like those of aqueous solutions, are governed mostly by hydrogen bonding; however, in contrast with water molecules, the chemical structure of a simple alcohol such as methanol offers an opportunity to explore the effects of both proper and improper hydrogen bonding on a single hydrogen donor. The presence of the hydroxyl group generally gives rise to a strong proper hydrogen bond, while the methyl group of methanol is likely involved in the weaker improper hydrogen bond, among other weak non-covalent interactions. The effects of the two types of hydrogen bonds on the stability, geometric parameters, and properties of electron density of methanol complexes are examined while considering different geometrical arrangements of the methanol dimer and the binary complexes of methanol with water, acetonitrile, and chloromethane. Subsequently, potential conclusions about the nature of improper hydrogen bonding and the origin of the C–H bond contraction that results upon complex formation are discussed. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules and natural bond orbital methods were used in the analysis; all calculations were performed at the MP2(full)/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory.
Active Ear Acupuncture Points in Neonates with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Authors: Raith Wolfgang , Kutschera Jörg , Müller Wilhelm , Urlesberger Berndt
Published: January 2011

The aim of the study was to determine the presence of acupuncture ear points in neonates with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). NAS occurs in the first days of life in neonates whose mothers have a history of drug abuse, and may also occur in neonates whose mothers are currently following substitution therapy.

The patients are neonates with NAS admitted over one year to the Division of Neonatology at the University Hospital Graz. The examination took place on the third day after delivery (mean value 70.3 hours) and was performed by a neuronal pen (PS 3 © Silberbauer, Vienna, Austria). An integrated sound and optical signal detected the active ear points that were then placed on an ear map. We investigated six neonates (four male, two female). All investigated neonates showed the presence of active ear acupuncture points. The psychovegetative rim was the most common organic area of the children, following by a few organic points. This corresponds with the results found in healthy neonates. In all neonates with NAS, we found the presence of psychic ear points. The identified psychic ear points are the frustration-point, R-point and the psychotropic area nasal from the incisura intertragica. In all neonates with NAS, active organic and psychic ear points were detectable in both ears. In the future, it could be possible to use active ear points for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Hypotensive, Hypolipidemic, and Vascular Protective Effects of Morus alba L. in Rats Fed an Atherogenic Diet
Authors: Lee Yun Jung , Choi Deok Ho , Kim Eun Ju , Kim Hye Yoom , Kwon Tae Oh , Kang Dae Gill , Lee Ho Sub
Published: January 2011

Morus alba L. has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and almost all parts of this plant are useful in cardiovascular, liver and spleen disorders. The present study was designed to investigate the inhibitory effect of a water extract from Morus alba L. (WMA) on vascular dysfunction in rat models fed a high fat and high cholesterol diet. Male rats were fed an atherogenic diet consisting of food with 7.5% cocoa butter and 1.25% cholesterol, with or without 100 or 200 mg/day/kg WMA, for 14 weeks. Chronic treatment with low (100 mg/kg/day) or high (200 mg/day/kg) doses of WMA markedly attenuated hypertension and the impairments of acetylcholine-induced relaxation of aortic rings in rats fed an atherogenic diet. WMA reduced intima/media thickness in rats fed an atherogenic diet. WMA improved plasma levels of triglyceride (TG) and augmented plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL), but did not affect blood glucose levels. Interestingly, WMA suppressed increased cell adhesion molecules such as E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in the aorta. Taken together, these results suggested that Morus alba L. could improve an atherogenic diet-induced hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and vascular dysfunction through inhibition of cell adhesion molecules expression and induction of vascular relaxation.
Cerebral Protection of Salvianolic Acid A by the Inhibition of Granulocyte Adherence
Authors: Jiang Min , Wang Xiao-Ying , Zhou Wang-Yi , Li Jing , Wang Jie , Guo Li-Ping
Published: January 2011

Ischemic stroke is one of the most common causes of death and disability that is induced by ischemia reperfusion (IR). Granulocyte adherence has been proven to be a principal cause of IR. Salvianolic acid A (Sal A) is one of the major active components of Danshen, a Chinese herbal medicine used for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as ischemic stroke. Some experimental studies have shown the strong cerebral protection effect of Sal A. However, little information is available about the effect of Sal A on granulocyte adherence to brain micro-vascular endothelial cells (BMEC). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Sal A on the leukocyte adhesion rate and the intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in BMEC injured by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), using a rheometer, qRT-PCR, and flow cytometry (FCM). The results of the adhesion rate gathered by the rheometer showed that Sal A could remarkably inhibit the adherence of granulocytes on BMEC in the case of H/R injury. Moreover, PCR and FCM results showed that Sal A could decrease the expression of ICAM-1 on BMEC on the gene and protein levels. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that the inhibition of granulocyte adherence is one of the targets of Sal A in the treatment of ischemic stroke. Meanwhile, Sal A inhibits of granulocyte adherence by decreasing the expression of ICAM-1 in BMEC.
Inhibition of Urinary Bladder Carcinogenesis by Aqueous Extract of Sclerotia of Polyporus umbellatus Fries and Polyporus Polysaccharide
Authors: Zhang Guowei , Zeng Xing , Li Caixia , Li Jijun , Huang Yu , Han Ling , Wei Jian-An , Huang Haiding
Published: January 2011

The study aimed to evaluate inhibition effect of sclerotia of Polyporus umbellatus Fries aqueous extract (SPUE) and polyporus polysaccharide (PPS) on bladder cancer, then to measure their effect on mRNA expression of glutathione S-transferase π (GSTPi) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in female Fischer-344 rats model. The model rats were induced by N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine (BBN) for a period of 8 weeks and saccharin for 12 weeks. SPUE (50 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg) and PPS (28 mg/kg) were orally administrated to the model rats during the whole study. Compared to the control group, a more preventive effect of SPUE and PPS treatment on bladder cancer was discovered, higher mRNA upregulation of GSTpi and NQO1 was seen in the treatment group. Furthermore, the GSTPi and NQO1 mRNA upregulated level in the low-dose group (SPUE 50 mg/kg) was at maximum. In brief, SPUE and PPS are highly effective in inhibiting bladder carcinogenesis in rats, which may be associated with upregulation of GSTPi and NQO1 in the bladder.
VIDEO-SHOT TRANSITION DETECTION: A SPATIO-TEMPORAL SALIENCY APPROACH
Authors: WU XIAN , LAI JIANHUANG , YUEN PONG C.
Published: January 2011

This paper proposes a novel approach for video-shot transition detection using spatio-temporal saliency. Both temporal and spatial information are combined to generate a saliency map, and features are available based on the change of saliency. Considering the context of shot changes, a statistical detector is constructed to determine all types of shot transitions by the minimization of the detection-error probability simultaneously under the same framework. The evaluation performed on videos of various content types demonstrates that the proposed approach outperforms a more recent method and two publicly available systems, namely VideoAnnex and VCM.
SIGNATURE AND IRIS AUTHENTICATION BASED ON DERIVED KINEMATIC VALUES
Authors: RADHIKA K. R. , SHEELA S. V. , VENKATESHA M. K. , SEKHAR G. N.
Published: January 2011

Authentication systems which are covenant with a measurable behavioral and physiological traits are essential for an online system. In this paper, two types of biometric sample authentication from different databases on a common algorithm using Continuous Dynamic Programming [CDP] are discussed. Using a common algorithm, a method for user-dependent threshold decisions can be achieved for both biometrics in a uniform fashion. The integration of static iris information and dynamic signature information are done at decision level. Inferences are drawn using voting techniques. The derived kinematic feature, acceleration, is used in this paper.
DETECTION OF CADMIUM-RESISTANT RHIZOBACTERIA USING PIEZOELECTRIC NANOBIOSENSOR
Authors: CHOUDHARY M. K. , AGRAWAL RUCHI , KUMAR RAJESH , SINGH PRASHANT , GUPTA B. R. K. , SINGH K. P.
Published: January 2011

Traditionally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is used for the interaction study of antibody–antigen ( Ab – Ag ) along with Western blot, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. These are the processes which give the result at the end on the basis of amount of bound label. Piezoelectric quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) has more advantages like elimination of the use of the enzyme or radioactive-labelled material, simple concept, rapid turn-around time, cost effectiveness and easy automation over traditional techniques. Efforts are being made to enhance the efficacy of QCM biosensor by employing appropriate nanomaterials. In the present piece of work silver nanoparticles were prepared, characterized and applied on AT-cut gold-coated quartz crystal to get more surface area and hence more Ag – Ab complex. The gold electrode of quartz crystal modified with silver nanoparticles was exposed to antibody (anti-Rhizobacteria) and finally to the corresponding antigen (Rhizobacteria). The change in the resonant frequency of quartz crystal of QCM was measured after each modification. The sharp decrease in resonant frequency reflects the interaction of Rhizobacteria with its corresponding antibody (anti-Rhizobacteria). The signals obtained from such a nanobiosensor were compared with ELISA. A similar selectivity and higher sensitivity along with less time was observed with the developed QCM nanobiosensor.
OPTICAL AND ELECTRICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ZnO THIN FILM
Authors: KHAN ZISHAN H. , ISLAMUDDIN  , KUMAR RAVI K. , SALAH NUMAN , HABIB SAMI , EL-HAMIDY S. M. ABDALLAH , RAFAT M. , HUSAIN M.
Published: January 2011

The optical and electrical studies on ZnO thin film are reported. Thin film of ZnO is deposited on glass substrate by physical vapor deposition method. In this method, Zn powder is evaporated at a temperature of 400°C in the presence of oxygen and argon gases, and the resulting ZnO is deposited on the glass substrate which is kept at liquid nitrogen temperature. The crystallinity of this ZnO film is studied using XRD technique. The XRD pattern suggests that the nature of this film is polycrystalline. The prominent peaks observed at 31.78, 34.34, 36.18, and 56.32 correspond to the (100), (002), (101), and (110) planes, confirming the formation of hexagonal zinc oxide phase (JCPD 36-1451 for wurtzite zinc oxide). The XRD spectrum very clearly demonstrates that the film deposited in oxygen atmosphere has a dominant (101) orientation. The d hkl values are estimated for this as-deposited ZnO thin-film. It is observed that these calculated values in close agreement with the reported d hkl values for ZnO . Debye–Scherrer equation is used to estimate the size of these nanoparticles. It is found that size estimated by Debye–Scherrer equation agrees well with the size observed by TEM images. It is clear from the transmission electron microscope (TEM) images that the film contains nanoparticles of ZnO and the diameter of these nanoparticles varies from 5–20 nm. In optical properties, the UV visible spectrum of these nanoparticles is recorded in the wavelength range (300–900 nm). The absorption coefficient increases exponentially with the increase in photon energy. The direct optical band gap is calculated which comes out to be 3.54 eV. The value of Urbach energy (E U ) is also calculated using the slope of the plot ln α versus photon energy and it comes out to be 805.8 meV. For electrical properties, the DC conductivity of ZnO film deposited on glass substrate is measured in the temperature range of 450–300 K. On the basis of temperature dependence of DC conductivity of ZnO film, it is suggested that the conduction takes place via thermally activated process.
SIZE DEPENDENCE OF THERMOELASTIC PROPERTIES OF NANOMATERIALS
Authors: KUMAR R. , KUMAR MUNISH
Published: January 2011

A simple theoretical method is developed to study the size dependence of bulk modulus, Young modulus, and coefficient of volume thermal expansion of nanomaterials. We have considered different nanomaterials, viz., Ni (spherical, nanofilm), α-Fe (spherical), and Cu (nanowire). The results obtained are compared with the available experimental data. A good agreement between theory and experiment supports the validity of the model developed in the present work.