bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterization of poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofiber mats crosslinked with blocked isocyanate prepolymer
Authors: Lee Ji‐Hui , Lee Un‐Soo , Jeong Kwang‐Un , Seo Yun‐A , Park Soo‐Jin , Kim Hak‐Yong
Published: July 2010

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers crosslinked with blocked isocyanate prepolymer (BIP) were successfully prepared using the electrospinning process and subsequent thermal treatment. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and solid‐state 13C NMR spectroscopy demonstrated that chemical crosslinks between the hydroxyl group of PVA and the isocyanate group of BIP were formed. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry results indicated that when the BIP content was increased, the thermal stability of PVA/BIP nanofibers increased, and the crystallinity of PVA decreased. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to measure the average diameter (200–300 nm) of the electrospun PVA/BIP nanofibers. The water contact angles were 10.2° and 113° for the pristine PVA nanofibers and PVA nanofibers crosslinked with 8 wt% BIP, respectively. The tensile strength of the crosslinked PVA nanofibers was 53.7 MPa, which was seven times higher than that of pristine PVA. The improved tensile strength and water resistance of the crosslinked PVA/BIP nanofibers were due to a combination of increased crosslinking density and decrease in the number of hydroxyl groups on the surface of the PVA/BIP nanofibers. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Photochemical generation of thiophene analogs of 9‐fluorenyl cations
Authors: Bancerz Mathew , Huck Lawrence A. , Leigh William J. , Mladenova Gabriela , Najafian Katayoun , Zeng Xiaofeng , Lee‐Ruff Edward
Published: July 2010

The 9‐fluorenyl cation is a member of the 4N Hückel antiaromatic series of intermediates, first observed by time‐resolved spectroscopy on UV photo‐excitation of 9‐fluorenol. Thiophene analogs of 9‐fluorenol in which one of the annelated benzene rings is replaced by a thiophene were prepared in three regioisomeric forms, and subjected to preparative and laser flash photolysis. Photoproduct studies in methanol indicated products derived from the corresponding fluorenyl cations and radical intermediates. Time‐resolved spectroscopy showed transients which were assigned to the corresponding cations as evident from methanol quenching. The lifetimes and methanol quenching rates of these transients were compared with those of parent fluorenyl cation, and were found to be about two orders of magnitude more stable than the latter. On the other hand thermodynamic stabilities obtained from theoretical calculations based on isodesmic reactions of the open form cations, and NICS indicate that two of these ions (2 and 4) are less stable than 9‐fluorenyl cation, whereas the “side” isomer 3 is slightly more stable. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interest in a group psychotherapy program among Philippine breast cancer patients and its associated factors
Authors: Ledesma Dianne , Takahashi Miyako , Kai Ichiro
Published: July 2010

Objective: A wide variety of psychosocial interventions are available for cancer patients, among which group psychotherapy (GPT) programs have made improvements in cancer patients' quality of life, coping abilities, and emotional distress. Few research data are available describing Philippine breast cancer patients' interest in GPT. This study aimed at enumerating the factors that determine Philippine breast cancer patients' interest in a GPT program.

Methods: Patients recruited from the University of Santo Tomas Hospital Benavides Cancer Institute were asked to answer a survey questionnaire about their demographic, clinical, and psychosocial status, as well as whether they would be interested in joining GPT and why.

Results: Of 135 patients approached, 123 patients completed the survey. 104 (85%) women indicated interest in GPT. Patients were mostly interested because they wanted to learn coping skills (79%) and gain knowledge or information in dealing with cancer (69%). Patients said they were ‘very interested’ in learning about cancer recurrence (96%) and treatments (94%). Bivariate analysis showed that compared to the uninterested group, interested patients were younger, more likely to be married, and were more likely to have used complementary therapy for breast cancer. Logistic regression showed that married women were more likely to be interested in GPT (OR 3.30, CI 1.07–10.20).

Conclusion: There is a potentially high interest in GPT among Philippine breast cancer patients. The attributes of Philippine patients interested in GPT are similar to and yet unique, compared to other populations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of procaterol on Th2‐related chemokines production in human monocyte and bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Huang Ching‐Hua , Chu Yu‐Te , Kuo Chang‐Hung , Wang Wei‐Li , Hua Yi‐Ming , Lee Min‐Sheng , Hung Chih‐Hsing
Published: July 2010

Procaterol is a β2‐adrenoceptor agonist used as a bronchodilator for the treatment of asthma; it also possesses an anti‐inflammatory property. As chemokines play a pivotal role in inflammation and the pathogenesis of asthma, we investigated the effects of procaterol on type 2 helper T cell (Th2)‐related [macrophage‐derived chemokine (MDC) and I‐309] and type 1 helper T cell (Th1)‐related chemokines [monokine‐induced by IFN‐gamma (Mig) and interferon‐inducible protein 10 (IP‐10)] production of THP‐1 cells and human primary monocytes. The effect on thymus‐ and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC) production in BEAS‐2B cells was also evaluated. Nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors were used to ascertain the intracellular signal pathways involved, and etazolate, a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, was used to assess the correlation between the β2‐adrenoceptor‐cAMP pathway and the effect on chemokines. In addition, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays (ChIPs) were performed to detect histone modification in the TARC promoter region. MDC and I‐309 production of both THP‐1 cells and primary human monocytes, as well as TARC expression of BEAS‐2B cells, were significantly inhibited by procaterol (10−10–10−7 M); however, procaterol did not suppress Mig and IP‐10 expression by THP‐1 cells. MDC secreted by monocytes is associated with the NF‐κB and MAPK signaling pathways, in particular p38‐ and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) MAPKs. Etazolate blocked the expression of MDC by THP‐1 cells and TARC by BEAS‐2B cells. ChIP assay revealed decreased trimethylation of lysine 4 in histone 3 (H3K4) in the TARC promoter region of BEAS‐2B cells. In conclusion, procaterol could inhibit Th2‐related chemokines production in human monocytes and bronchial epithelial cells, an effect that may be mediated through not only the NF‐κB, p38, and JNK‐MAPK pathways, but also the β2‐adrenoceptor‐cAMP pathway. Most importantly, the suppressive effect of Th2‐related chemokines production by procaterol might be regulated via post‐transcriptional modification by decreasing H3K4 trimethylation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:977–984. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PSGR and PCA3 as biomarkers for the detection of prostate cancer in urine
Authors: Rigau Marina , Morote Juan , Mir Maria Carmen , Ballesteros Carlos , Ortega Israel , Sanchez Alex , Colás Eva , Garcia Marta , Ruiz Anna , Abal Miguel , Planas Jacques , Reventós Jaume , Doll Andreas
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND

Several studies have demonstrated the usefulness of monitoring an RNA transcript in urine, such as PCA3, for prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis. PCa screening would benefit from additional biomarkers of higher specificity and could be used in conjunction with prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing, in order to better determine biopsy candidates.

METHODS

We used urine sediments after prostate massage (PM) from 215 consecutive patients, who presented for prostate biopsy. We tested whether prostate‐specific G‐protein coupled receptor (PSGR), a biomarker previously described to be over‐expressed in PCa tissue, could also be detected by quantitative real‐time PCR in post‐PM urine sediment. We combined these findings with prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3), the current gold standard for PCa diagnosis in urine, to test if a combination of both biomarkers could improve the sensitivity of PCA3 alone.

RESULTS

By univariate analysis we found that PSGR and PCA3 were significant predictors of PCa. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis and its multivariate extension, multivariate ROC (MultiROC), were used to assess the outcome predictive values of the individual and the paired biomarkers. We obtained the following area under the curve values: PSA (0.602), PSGR (0.681), PCA3 (0.656), and PSGRvPCA3 (0.729). Then, we tested whether a combination of PSGR and PCA3 could improve specificity by fixing the sensitivity at 95%. We obtained specificities of 15% (PSGR), 17% (PCA3), and 34% (PSGRvPCA3).

CONCLUSIONS

A multiplexed model including PSGR and PCA3 improves the specificity for the detection of PCa, especially in the area of high sensitivity. This could be clinically useful for determining which patients should undergo biopsy. Prostate 70: 1760–1767, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is Apis mellifera more sensitive to insecticides than other insects?
Authors: Hardstone Melissa C , Scott Jeffrey G
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND: Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are among the most important pollinators in natural and agricultural settings. They commonly encounter insecticides, and the effects of insecticides on honey bees have been frequently noted. It has been suggested that honey bees may be (as a species) uniquely sensitive to insecticides, although no comparative toxicology study has been undertaken to examine this claim. An extensive literature review was conducted, using data in which adult insects were topically treated with insecticides. The goal of this review was to summarize insecticide toxicity data between A. mellifera and other insects to determine the relative sensitivity of honey bees to insecticides.

RESULTS: It was found that, in general, honey bees were no more sensitive than other insect species across the 62 insecticides examined. In addition, honey bees were not more sensitive to any of the six classes of insecticides (carbamates, nicotinoids, organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethroids and miscellaneous) examined.

CONCLUSIONS: While honey bees can be sensitive to individual insecticides, they are not a highly sensitive species to insecticides overall, or even to specific classes of insecticides. However, all pesticides should be used in a way that minimizes honey bee exposure, so as to minimize possible declines in the number of bees and/or honey contamination. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
A probabilistic framework for harmonisation of migration statistics
Authors: Nowok Beata , Willekens Frans
Published: July 2010

Inadequate and inconsistent data are a common and persistent problem in the field of migration. Deficiencies in migration statistics may be tackled using modelling techniques, which has recently been recognised by the European Union (EU) policymakers. The new Regulation on Community statistics on international migration, which obliges countries to supply harmonised statistics, provides for the possibility of using estimation methods to adapt statistics based on national definitions to comply with the required 1‐year duration of stay definition. The main objective of this paper is to provide a theoretical probabilistic framework to capture various migration flow statistics that are available. It is a crucial step towards better understanding and then harmonising the data. Different migration measures represent the same continuous data‐generating process. They differ depending on how the data happened to be collected and how the statistics happened to be produced. We introduce the key concepts of migration statistics using a simple duration model, namely an exponential distribution. While more complex models can better reflect the reality, they do not fundamentally modify the framework presented. The main focus is put on the time criterion used in the migration definition. It refers to the duration of stay following relocation, which is specified very differently among countries and constitutes the main source of discrepancies in operationalisation of the migration concept in the EU member states. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Student and school predictors of high‐stakes assessment in science
Authors: Maerten‐Rivera Jaime , Myers Nicholas , Lee Okhee , Penfield Randall
Published: July 2010

This study examined both student and school predictors of science achievement as measured by a high‐stakes state test. The study involved 23,854 fifth‐grade students from 198 elementary schools in a large urban school district with a diverse student population. Multilevel modeling was conducted to examine both student and school predictors simultaneously. The study examined three sets of variables: (a) student characteristics, (b) the impact of reading and mathematics achievement on science achievement with English language learners, and (c) school characteristics. The results add new insights to the existing literature while also confirming the known results. The study contributes to the literature by addressing a high‐stakes science test (compared to national and international databases), using diverse student groups including English language learners in urban settings, examining elementary school science (compared to middle and high school science), and using a multilevel framework (compared to a single predictor). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 94:937–962, 2010
What is evidence?
Authors: Normand Sharon‐Lise T. , McNeil Barbara J.
Published: July 2010

The assumption that comparative effectiveness research will provide timely, relevant evidence rests on changing the current framework for assembling evidence. In this commentary, we provide the background of how coverage decisions for new medical technologies are currently made in the United States. We focus on the statistical issues regarding how to use the ensemble of information for inferring comparative effectiveness. It is clear a paradigm shift in how clinical information is integrated in real‐world settings to establish effectiveness is required. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigations on Semi‐solid Joined Steel Components and their Bonding Quality
Authors: Hirt G. , Baadjou R. , Knauf F.
Published: July 2010

To characterise the bonding quality of semi‐solid joined components, fundamental investigations were carried out by producing composite test specimens. By using steel as a semi‐solid base matrix and different steel or copper alloys as inserted materials, an interesting field of material combinations was realised. Two different steel grades, the cold forming tool steel X210CrW12 and the bearing steel 100Cr6, were chosen as the material of the base matrix. Geometry variations were tested along with the variation of materials mentioned. The results supply information about the influence of the inserts shape on an early cooling of the base material during form filling or remelting of the insert caused by overheating. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the mechanical characteristics of the bonding were carried out using mechanical tests. Metallographic analyses complete the description of the bonding mechanisms at the contact zone between the solidified matrix and the insert. The investigations on basic geometries show a good joining quality, which is mainly based on a strong force and form closure caused by contraction of the solidifying and cooling base matrix. In addition, material closure occurs in areas that are strongly heated during the joining process. These results provide key information for the design of prospective components of a new generation.
Up‐scaling of a Low Temperature PACVD Process for the Deposition of α/γ‐Nanocrystalline Alumina Coated Tools for Thixocasting of 1.2208 steel
Authors: Jiang K. , Münstermann S. , Günther H.‐J. , Schneider J. M.
Published: July 2010

An industrial‐scale pulsed plasma‐assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) process for crystalline alumina growth was developed. To obtain a homogeneous coating thickness distribution over complex geometries and large dimensions, a suitable gas injection system was designed. A phase formation diagram for alumina coatings as a function of pulse length and cathode voltage has been compiled, allowing for the deposition of dense α/γ‐Al2O3 coatings at a substrate temperature of 590 °C. Moulds coated with an α/γ‐Al2O3 coating were utilized in steel thixocasting at temperatures of ∼1400 °C. The coatings were intact after thixocasting and showed significantly improved chemical wear resistance compared to plain steel moulds.
Stretch‐Flangeability of High Mn TWIP steel
Authors: Chen L. , Kim J.‐K. , Kim S.‐K. , Kim G.‐S. , Chin K.‐G. , De Cooman B.C.
Published: July 2010

The mechanical properties of austenitic high Mn Twinning Inducted Plasticity (TWIP) steel provide an excellent combination of strength and ductility when tested in uni‐axial tension. The performance of TWIP steel during some critical formability tests such as deep drawing, bulge test and cutting edge stretching has not yet been studied extensively. In this contribution, the stretch‐flangeability of Fe18Mn0.6C1.5Al TWIP steel and Ti Interstitial‐Free (IF) steel were studied by means of hole expansion test. In‐situ strain analysis and Infra‐red (IR) thermography were carried out during the test. It was found that TWIP steel, despite having a higher uniform elongation in uniaxial tension, had poorer hole expansion properties than Ti IF steel. Strain distribution analysis revealed that the hole edge deformed in a deep drawing mode which was similar to a tensile deformation. Away from the hole edge, the deformation mode changed gradually from deep drawing to stretch forming mode. The IR‐thermography of TWIP steel revealed a high degree of adiabatic heating which was absent in the case of IF steel. The crack associated with the edge fracture revealed a local temperature increase at the crack tip of up to 92°C. Two types of hole edge preparations were studied. A high quality hole edge finish resulted in a better hole expansion performance. The fractography of the crack plane surface of TWIP steel and Ti IF were also studied by SEM, and revealed a plastic failure mode in both cases.
Observations of Crystallization in Mold Slags with Varying Al2O3/SiO2 Ratio
Authors: Zhang Z.T. , Wen G.H. , Liao J.L. , Sridhar S.
Published: July 2010

The present paper is an investigation into how the Al2O3/SiO2 ratio in the compositions of mold slags influences the crystallization behavior of molten slags. The experimental work is based upon observing the crystallization events through a Confocal Scanning Laser Microscope equipped with a hot‐stage. The study is motivated by the variation in crystallization that might occur in mold slags due to the pickup of alumina during continuous casting of high Al containing TRIP steels. The crystallization temperature was found to increase with increasing Al2O3/SiO2 ratio, and the crystal morphology was dependent upon the chemical composition and isothermal temperature. The crystallization path was complex, with CaF2 found to precipitate first, and followed by a second precipitation event. In this second event, the precipitated phase depended on the chemical composition of mold slag and changed from cuspidine to gehlenite as the mass ratio of Al2O3/SiO2 was increased beyond 0.65, and finally Al2O3 was observed when the alumina content was 30wt.% (corresponding to a mass ratio of ${\rm m}_{{\rm Al}_{{\rm 2}} {\rm O}_{{\rm 3}} } {\rm /m}_{{\rm SiO}_{{\rm 2}} } $ = 1.42).
Binding of amino acids to hypochlorite‐oxidized potato starch
Authors: Li Jihong , Vasanthan Thava , Bressler David C. , Tyler Robert T.
Published: July 2010

Novel starch derivatives were prepared by derivatization of oxidized potato starch with amino acids in aqueous suspension. Potato starch was oxidized using sodium hypochlorite and then reacted with amino acids under mildly alkaline conditions. By analysis of increased nitrogen content and by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy, efficient binding of positively charged amino acids to oxidized starch molecules was confirmed. A degree of substitution (DS) of up to 0.015 was obtained using oxidized starch (degree of oxidation (DO) of up to 1.0%) and positively charged amino acids (2–5%, dry starch basis) at reaction conditions of starch/water ratio of 1:2–2.5, pH 10, 40°C, 30–60 min. The DS was positively correlated with the DO of the starch. Derivatization of oxidized starch using amino acids generally enhanced the influence of oxidation on starch pasting characteristics, perhaps showing interesting functional properties and potential industrial application.
MicroRNAs in cardiomyocyte development
Authors: Malizia Andrea P. , Wang Da‐Zhi
Published: July 2010

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) negatively regulate gene expression at the post‐ transcriptional level, primarily by base‐pairing with the 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of their target mRNAs. Many miRNAs are expressed in a tissue/organ‐specific manner and are associated with an increasing number of cell proliferation, differentiation, and tissue development events. Cardiac muscle expresses distinct genes encoding structural proteins and a subset of signal molecules that control tissue specification and differentiation. The transcriptional regulation of cardiomyocyte development has been well established, yet only until recently has it been uncovered that miRNAs participate in the regulatory networks. A subset of miRNAs are either specifically or highly expressed in cardiac muscle, providing an opportunity to understand how gene expression is controlled by miRNAs at the post‐transcriptional level in this muscle type. miR‐1, miR‐133, miR‐206, and miR‐208 have been found to be muscle‐specific, and thus have been called myomiRs. The discovery of myomiRs as a previously unrecognized component in the regulation of gene expression adds an entirely new layer of complexity to our understanding of cardiac muscle development. Investigating myomiRs will not only reveal novel molecular mechanisms of the miRNA‐mediated regulatory network in cardiomyocyte development, but also raise new opportunities for therapeutic intervention for cardiovascular disease. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2011 3 183–190 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.111

This article is categorized under:

Developmental Biology > Developmental Processes in Health and Disease
Rare Earth Polymerization Catalysts Supported by Bulky Aminopyridinato Ligands
Authors: Kempe Rhett
Published: July 2010

The coordination and polymerization chemistry of molecular rare earth catalysts stabilized by bulky aminopyridinato (= Ap) ligands are reviewed. The selective synthesis of dialkyls allows the generation of rare earth alkyl hydride clusters and the generation of organo rare earth cations. These cations are able to catalyze polyethylene chain growing at aluminum and are able to polymerize isoprene stereoselectively. Complexes of the type [ApLn(thf)mX2] (X = Cl, Br; m = 2, 3) allow controlled ring opening polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactone in the presence of NaBH4. α,ω‐Dihydroxytelechelic polymers are obtained. Bis‐Ap alkyl complexes undergo C–H activation of one of the methyl groups of the Ap ligand. The rates of this activation reaction depend strongly from the nature of the “leaving” ligand and the radius of the rare earth ion that mediates C–H activation.
Kawasaki disease: a review with emphasis on cardiovascular complications
Authors: Duarte Ricardo , Cisneros Silvia , Fernandez Gabriel , Castellon Daniel , Cattani Cesar , A Melo Cíntia , Apocada Asier
Published: July 2010

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis that is currently the leading cause of acquired heart disease in childhood in the United States. Cardiovascular complications are the major cause of morbidity, are responsible for virtually all deaths from KD and should be evaluated as soon as possible after the acute phase to establish the baseline status, in order to predict disease progression and determine adequate treatment. In selected patients, electrocardiography (ECG)-gated cardiac computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are valuable non-invasive techniques that can be used to help diagnose the cardiovascular complications associated with KD. In this article, we review the epidemiology, aetiology and pathogenesis, histopathology, clinical features, cardiovascular complications and imaging, focusing on the role of cardiac CT and MR on the initial assessment and follow-up of the cardiovascular complications of KD.
Orofacial dysfunction in children and adolescents with myotonic dystrophy
Authors: Sjögreen Lotta , Engvall Monica , Ekström Anne‐Berit , Lohmander Anette , Kiliaridis Stavros , Tulinius Már
Published: July 2010

Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is a neuromuscular disorder caused by an expansion of a CTG repeat sequence on chromosome 19q13. The aim of the present study was to describe the characteristics and prevalence of oral motor dysfunction in a cohort of children and adolescents with DM and to correlate different aspects of oral motor function with the type of DM and sex. Fifty‐six individuals with DM (30 males, 26 females; median age 13y 2mo; range 2y 6mo‐21y 5mo) were compared with healthy controls. They were divided into four subgroups: severe congenital DM (n=18); mild congenital DM (n=18); childhood DM (n=18); and classical DM (n=2). A speech‐language pathologist assessed different variables of oral motor function, intelligibility, and lip force. The families used a questionnaire to report on eating difficulties and drooling. All individuals with DM had impaired facial expression. Intelligibility was moderately or severely reduced in 30 patients (60%), excluding six patients without speech. Most had a moderate or severe impairment of lip motility (76.0%), tongue motility (52.2%), and lip force (69.2%), causing deviant production of bilabial and dental consonants. The families reported problems with eating (51.9%) and drooling (37.0%). Oral motor dysfunction was most prominent in congenital DM, and males were more affected than females.
Modified constraint‐induced movement therapy after childhood stroke
Authors: Gordon Anne , Connelly Alan , Neville Brian , Vargha‐Khadem Faraneh , Jessop Nicola , Murphy Tara , Ganesan Vijeya
Published: July 2010

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate feasibility, tolerability, and effect of modified constraint‐induced movement therapy (mCIT) in children with hemiparesis after arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS). Children with chronic hemiparesis and impaired hand function after AIS had mCIT for 2 hours a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Pre‐ and post‐therapy assessments included indices of sensorimotor function, quality of upper limb movement, functional therapy goals, and child and parent interviews. Of eight participants initially recruited, six (one male, five females) completed mCIT (median age 12y 3mo; range 6y 10mo–15y 2mo). Hemiparesis was predominantly spastic in three participants and dystonic in the others; all had severely impaired hand function. After mCIT there were no significant improvements in sensorimotor function or quality of upper limb movement. However, all children improved in individual therapy goals related to functional performance. Children and parents were positive about mCIT. The use of mCIT is a promising intervention for children with chronic acquired hemiparesis. In this severely impaired group functional improvements were seen after therapy despite unchanged sensorimotor measures.
Developmental delay and magnocellular visual pathway function in very‐low‐birthweight preterm infants
Authors: Hammarrenger Benoit , Roy Marie‐Sylvie , Ellemberg Dave , Labrosse Mélanie , Orquin Jacqueline , Lippe Sarah , Lepore Franco
Published: July 2010

This study investigated the effect of very preterm birth (gestation ≤30wks) and very low birth weight (≤1500g) on the development of magnocellular and parvocellular visual processing streams. Participants were preterm infants (n=55: 31 females, 24 males) born between 24 and 30 weeks’gestation (mean 27.4wks [SD 1.3]), weighing between 720 and 1470g (mean 1015g [SD 215]) and term infants (n=52: 27 females, 25 males) born between 38 and 42 weeks’gestation (mean 39.4wks [SD 0.9]), weighing between 2670 and 4405g (mean 3549g [SD 440]). Visual‐evoked potentials to phase‐reversing sine‐wave gratings, varying in spatial frequency and contrast, were used to elicit magnocellular and parvocellular specific responses. Previous studies found that the N1 component reflects the parvocellular response, while P1 reflects the magnocellular response in adults and infants. Findings from the current study indicate significantly lower P1 amplitudes in preterm compared with term infants under most conditions. No difference was found for the amplitude of the N1 waveform. Results indicate that, for the age‐range tested, preterm birth has little effect on the development of parvocellular function, while it appears to disrupt the development of magnocelluar function.
Motor function following multilevel botulinum toxin type A treatment in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Desloovere Kaat , Molenaers Guy , De Cat Jos , Pauwels Petra , Van Campenhout Anja , Ortibus Els , Fabry Guy , De Cock Paul
Published: July 2010

This study evaluated the effects of multilevel botulinum toxin type A (BTX‐A) treatments on the gait pattern of children with spastic cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification System Levels I‐III). In this nested case—control design, 30 children (mean age 6y 11mo [SD 1y 5mo]; 21 males, nine females; 19 with hemiplegia, 11 with diplegia) were treated according to best practice guidelines in paediatric orthopaedics, including BTX‐A injections. A matched control group of 30 children (mean age 7y 8mo [SD 1y 10mo]; 13 males, 17 females; 19 with hemiplegia, 11 with diplegia) were treated identically, but without BTX‐A. Motor development status at 5 to 10 years of age was assessed by means of three‐dimensional gait analysis at a mean time of 1 year 10 months (SD 10mo) after the last BTX‐A treatment. The control group showed a significantly more pronounced pathological gait pattern than the BTX‐A group. Major differences were found for pelvic anterior tilt, maximum hip and knee extension, and internal hip rotation. These results provide evidence for a prolonged effect of BTX‐A and suggest that BTX‐A injections, in combination with common conservative treatment options, result in a gait pattern that is less defined by secondary problems (e.g. bony deformities) at 5 to 10 years of age, minimizing the need for complex surgery at a later age and enhancing quality of life.
Variance in the reproductive success of flat oysterOstrea edulisL. assessed by parentage analyses in natural and experimental conditions
Authors: LALLIAS D. , TARIS N. , BOUDRY P. , BONHOMME F. , LAPÈGUE S.
Published: July 2010

In order to document further the phenomena of variance in reproductive success in natural populations of the European flat oysterOstrea edulis, two complementary studies based on natural and experimental populations were conducted. The first part of this work was focused on paternity analyses using a set of four microsatellite markers for larvae collected from 13 brooding females sampled in Quiberon Bay (Brittany, France). The number of individuals contributing as the male parent to each progeny assay was highly variable, ranging from 2 to more than 40. Moreover, paternal contributions showed a much skewed distribution, with some males contributing to 50–100% of the progeny assay. The second part of this work consisted of the analysis of six successive cohorts experimentally produced from an acclimated broodstock (62 wild oysters sampled in the Quiberon Bay). Allelic richness was significantly higher in the adult population than in the temporal cohorts collected. Genetic differentiation (Fstestimates) was computed for each pair of samples and all significant values ranged from 0·7 to 11·9%. A limited effective number of breeders (generally below 25) was estimated in the six temporal cohorts. The study gives first indications of the high variance in reproductive success as well as a reduced effective size, not only under experimental conditions but also in the wild. Surprisingly, the pool of the successive cohorts, based on the low number of loci used, appeared to depict a random and representative set of alleles of the progenitor population, indicating that the detection of patterns of temporal genetic differentiation at a local scale most likely depends on the sampling window.
Impact of impairment in instrumental activities of daily living and mild cognitive impairment on time to incident dementia: results of the Leipzig Longitudinal Study of the Aged
Authors: Luck T. , Luppa M. , Angermeyer M. C. , Villringer A. , König H.-H. , Riedel-Heller S. G.
Published: July 2010

Background

Early diagnosis of dementia requires knowledge about associated predictors. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and impairment in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) on the time to an incident dementia diagnosis.

Method

Data were derived from the Leipzig Longitudinal Study of the Aged (LEILA75+), a population-based study of individuals aged ⩾75 years. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine time to incident dementia. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to determine the impact of MCI and IADL impairment on the time to incident dementia.

Results

In total, 180 (22.0%) of 819 initially dementia-free subjects developed dementia by the end of the study. Mean time to incident dementia was 6.7 years [95% confidence interval (CI) 6.5–6.9]. MCI combined with IADL impairment was associated with a higher conversion rate to dementia, a shorter time to clinically manifest diagnosis and a lower chance of reversibility to cognitive normal. The highest risk for a shorter time to incident dementia was found for amnestic MCI combined with IADL impairment. The mean time to incident dementia was 3.7 years (95% CI 2.9–4.4) and thus half as long as in subjects without MCI and IADL impairment.

Conclusions

Subjects with MCI and IADL impairment constitute a high-risk population for future dementia. The consideration of both – MCI and IADL impairment – might help to improve the prediction of dementia.
PD control with feedforward compensation for rigid robots actuated by brushless DC motors
Authors: Carrillo-Serrano R. V. , Hernández-Guzmán V. M. , Santibáñez V.
Published: July 2010

This work is concerned with trajectory tracking of robots when the electrical dynamics of the brushless DC motor actuators is considered. It is shown that proportional-derivative (PD) control with feedforward compensation, plus some additional terms to cope with the electrical dynamics, ensures state boundedness. Furthermore, tracking error converges to zero from arbitrarily large initial conditions if controller gains are correctly chosen. Under mild assumptions, this controller reduces to the well-known PD control with feedforward compensation when implemented according to torque control, a successful industrial practice. Thus, it is explained, for the first time, why this strategy works well in applications.
Ionospheric response to the initial phase of geomagnetic storms: Common features
Authors: Wang Wenbin , Lei Jiuhou , Burns Alan G. , Solomon Stanley C. , Wiltberger Michael , Xu Jiyao , Zhang Yongliang , Paxton Larry , Coster Anthea
Published: July 2010

Ionospheric responses to the initial phases of three geomagnetic storms: 2–5 April 2004, 7–9 November 2004, and 13–16 December 2006, were compared using both ground‐based GPS total electron content (TEC) data and coupled magnetosphere ionosphere thermosphere (CMIT) model simulations. The onset times for these storms all occurred at local daytime in the North American sector. This similarity of onset times and other factors resulted in some common features in their ionospheric response. These common features include (1) enhanced TEC (positive response) at low and middle latitudes in the daytime, (2) depleted TEC (negative response) around the geomagnetic equator in the daytime, (3) a north‐south asymmetry in the positive response as the northern hemispheric response appeared to be more pronounced, and (4) negative response at high latitudes as the storms progressed. The CMIT model captured most of these features. Analysis of model results showed that storm‐time enhancements in the daytime eastward electric field were the primary cause of the observed positive storm effects at low and middle latitudes as well as the negative response around the geomagnetic equator in the daytime. These eastward electric field enhancements were caused by the penetration of high latitude electric fields to low latitudes during southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) periods, when IMF Bz oscillated between southward and northward direction in the initial, shock phase of the storms. Consequently, the ionosphere was lifted up at low and middle latitudes to heights where recombination was weak allowing the plasma to exist for a long period resulting in higher densities. In addition, the CMIT model showed that high‐latitude negative storm responses were related to the enhancements of molecular nitrogen seen in TIMED/Global Ultraviolet Imager observations, whereas the negative storm effects around the geomagnetic equator were not associated with thermospheric composition changes; they were the result of plasma transport processes.
Water‐CO2‐mineral systems: Interfacial tension, contact angle, and diffusion—Implications to CO2 geological storage
Authors: Espinoza D. Nicolas , Santamarina J. Carlos
Published: July 2010

The interfacial interaction between mineral surfaces and immiscible fluids determines the efficiency of enhanced oil or gas recovery operations as well as our ability to inject and store CO2 in geological formations. Previous studies have shown that the interfacial tension and contact angle in CO2‐water‐mineral systems change noticeably with fluid pressure. We compile previous results and extend the scope of available data to include saline water, different substrates (quartz, calcite, oil‐wet quartz, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)), and a wide pressure range (up to 20 MPa at 298K). Data analysis provides interfacial tension and contact angle as a function of fluid pressure; in addition, we recover the diffusion coefficient of water in liquid CO2 from long‐term observations. Results show that CO2‐water interfacial tension decreases significantly as pressure increases in agreement with previous studies. Contact angle varies with CO2 pressure in all experiments in response to changes in CO2‐water interfacial tension: it increases on nonwetting surfaces such as PTFE and oil‐wet quartz and slightly decreases in water‐wet quartz and calcite surfaces. Water solubility and its high diffusivity (D = 2 × 10−8 to 2 × 10−7 m2/s) in liquid CO2 govern the evolution of interparticle pendular water. CO2‐derived ionic species interaction with the substrate leads to surface modification if reactions are favorable, e.g., calcite dissolution by carbonic acid and precipitation as water diffuses and migrates into the bulk CO2. Pressure‐dependent interfacial tension and contact angle affect injection patterns and breakthrough mechanisms, in other words, the performance of geological formations that act as either reservoirs or seals.
Role of synoptic eddy feedback on polar climate responses to the anthropogenic forcing
Authors: Kug Jong‐Seong , Choi Da‐Hee , Jin Fei‐Fei , Kwon Won‐Tae , Ren Hong‐Li
Published: July 2010

Amplified polar warming and moistening under global warming are critical issues for the climate changes. The authors find that a poleward shift of the westerly jet stream and associated synoptic eddy feedback play a critical role in enhancing polar warming and moistening. Namely, the mean circulation changes due to anthropogenic forcing lead to the changes in storm feedbacks, which reinforce again climate responses, particularly the polar responses such as the enhanced polar warming and moistening. It is demonstrated here that the storm feedback can be explained by a simple rule based on the mean circulation change. This rule can be used for understanding other regional climate responses to the anthropogenic forcing.
Variations of fluid pressure within the subducting oceanic crust and slow earthquakes
Authors: Kato Aitaro , Iidaka Takashi , Ikuta Ryoya , Yoshida Yasuhiro , Katsumata Kei , Iwasaki Takaya , Sakai Shin'ichi , Thurber Clifford , Tsumura Noriko , Yamaoka Koshun , Watanabe Toshiki , Kunitomo Takahiro , Yamazaki Fumihito , Okubo Makoto , Suzuki Sadaomi , Hirata Naoshi
Published: July 2010

We show fine‐scale variations of seismic velocities and converted teleseismic waves that reveal the presence of zones of high‐pressure fluids released by progressive metamorphic dehydration reactions in the subducting Philippine Sea plate in Tokai district, Japan. These zones have a strong correlation with the distribution of slow earthquakes, including long‐term slow slip (LTSS) and low‐frequency earthquakes (LFEs). Overpressured fluids in the LTSS region appear to be trapped within the oceanic crust by an impermeable cap rock in the fore‐arc, and impede intraslab earthquakes therein. In contrast, fluid pressures are reduced in the LFE zone, which is deeper than the centroid of the LTSS, because there fluids are able to infiltrate into the narrow corner of the mantle wedge, leading to mantle serpentinization. The combination of fluids released from the subducting oceanic crust with heterogeneous fluid transport properties in the hanging wall generates variations of fluid pressures along the downgoing plate boundary, which in turn control the occurrence of slow earthquakes.
Evaluation of mobile source emission trends in the United States
Authors: Dallmann Timothy R. , Harley Robert A.
Published: July 2010

A fuel‐based approach is used to estimate exhaust emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from mobile sources in the United States for the years 1996–2006. Source categories considered include on‐road and off‐road gasoline and diesel engines. Pollutant emissions for each mobile source category were estimated by combining fuel consumption with emission factors expressed per unit of fuel burned. Over the 10‐year time period that is the focus of this study, sales of gasoline and diesel fuel intended for on‐road use increased by 15 and 43%, respectively. Diesel fuel use by off‐road equipment increased by ∼20% over the same time period. Growth in fuel consumption offset some of the reductions in pollutant emission factors that occurred during this period. For NOx, there have been dramatic (factor of 2) decreases in emission factors for on‐road gasoline engines between 1996 and 2006. In contrast, diesel NOx emission factors decreased more gradually. Exhaust PM2.5 emission factors appear to have decreased for most engine categories, but emission uncertainties are large for this pollutant. Diesel engines appear to be the dominant mobile source of both NOx and PM2.5; the diesel share of total NOx has increased over time as gasoline engine emissions have declined. Comparing fuel‐based emission estimates with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's national emission inventory led to the following conclusions: (1) total emissions of NOx and PM2.5 estimated by two different methods were similar, (2) source contributions to these totals differ significantly, with higher relative contributions coming from on‐road diesel engines in this study.
HLA‐DRB1, DQB1 and DPB1 polymorphism in the Naxi ethnic group of South‐western China
Authors: Fu Y. , Liu Z. , Lin J. , Jia Z. , Chen W. , Pan D. , Liu Y. , Zhu Y. , Chen R. , Xu A.
Published: July 2010

Abstract:  Polymorphism of HLA‐DRB1, DQB1 and DPB1 was revealed with a sequencing‐based typing (SBT) method in unrelated healthy volunteers from the Naxi ethnic group. Among the 43 DRB1 alleles detected, the most common allele was DRB1*12021 with a frequency of 17%, followed by DRB1*08032, DRB1*09012 and DRB1*1404 with frequencies of 8.5%, 7.4% and 7.4%, respectively. Among 23 DQB1 alleles detected, the most frequent DQB1 allele was DQB1*03011/0309 (21.9%), followed by DQB1*0502 (16.4%) and DQB1*05031 (9.6%). For the DPB1 locus, the most common alleles were DPB1*0501 (25.5%), DPB1*0402 (14.6%) and DPB1*02012 (12.0%). The most common DRB1‐DQB1‐DPB1 haplotype was DRB1*1404‐DQB1*05031‐DPB1*0402 with a frequency of 5.26%, followed by the DRB1*08032‐DQB1*06011‐DPB1*1301 (3.51%). The distribution characteristics of the HLA class II alleles revealed that the Naxi ethnic group belonged to the Southern group of Chinese.
Muramidases found in the foregut microbiome of the Tammar wallaby can direct cell aggregation and biofilm formation
Authors: Pope Phillip B , Totsika Makrina , Aguirre de Carcer Daniel , Schembri Mark A , Morrison Mark
Published: July 2010

We describe here the role of muramidases present in clones of metagenomic DNA that result in cell aggregation and biofilm formation by Escherichia coli. The metagenomic clones were obtained from uncultured Lachnospiraceae-affiliated bacteria resident in the foregut microbiome of the Tammar wallaby. One of these fosmid clones (p49C2) was chosen for more detailed studies and a variety of genetic methods were used to delimit the region responsible for the phenotype to an open reading frame of 1425 bp. Comparative sequence analysis with other fosmid clones giving rise to the same phenotype revealed the presence of muramidase homologues with the same modular composition. Phylogenetic analysis of the fosmid sequence data assigned these fosmid inserts to recently identified, but uncultured, phylogroups of Lachnospiraceae believed to be numerically dominant in the foregut microbiome of the Tammar wallaby. The muramidase is a modular protein containing putative N-acetylmuramoyl--alanine amidase and an endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase catalytic module, with a similar organization and functional properties to some Staphylococcal autolysins that also confer adhesive properties and biofilm formation. We also show here that the cloned muramidases result in the production of extracellular DNA, which appears to be the key for biofilm formation and autoaggregation. Collectively, these findings suggest that biofilm formation and cell aggregation in gut microbiomes might occur via the concerted action of carbohydrate-active enzymes and the production of extracellular DNA to serve as a biofilm scaffold.
Desensitization of CholecystokininBReceptors in GH3Cells
Authors: Shinohara Shunji , Kawasaki Kazuo
Published: July 2010

Abstract:Desensitization of the cholecystokinin (CCK) octapeptide (CCK‐8)‐induced rise in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+],) was characterized in GH3cells, a pituitary tumor cell line, which are known to possess CCKBreceptor subtype. The CCK‐8‐induced [Ca2+], transient was reduced following the initial application of CCK‐8. A similar desensitization of the CCK‐8‐induced response was observed following the first application of thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH). By contrast, the TRH‐ induced response was not desensitized by the preceding application of CCK‐8. Desensitization of the CCK‐8‐induced [Ca2+], transient was associated with diminished inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate formation. The recovery of desensitization of the CCK‐8‐induced response was delayed by a phosphoserine/phosphothreonine phosphatase inhibitor, calyculin A (100 nM). The responsiveness to CCK‐8 was also reduced by phorbol 12, 13‐dibutyrate (PDBu), and this effect of PDBu was completely abolished by preincubation with staurosporine. Staurosporine significantly attenuated the desensitization caused by preincubation with CCK‐8, but this effect was too small to attribute the desensitization to the protein kinase C transduction pathway alone. It is likely that desensitization of CCK receptors involves multiple transduction pathways.