bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silicon PV Wafers: Mechanical Strength and Correlations with Defects and Stress
Authors: Rozgonyi George A. , Youssef Khaled M. , Kulshreshtha P. , Shi M. , Good Ethan
Published: August 2011

Nanoindentation was used to measure the mechanical properties of 200mm diameter (100) CZ Si wafers subjected to the initiation and propagation of micro-crack defects. Silicon amorphization and phase changes were observed and accompanied by a monotonic decrease in hardness and elastic modulus, as the nanoindent tip approached the micro-crack shank or point. Identification and profiling of these localized phase transitions was obtained in the vicinity of the micro-cracks using electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) and Raman spectroscopy. It was found that the amorphous Si regions extend for about 10 µm at the edges and ahead of a moving crack tip. Wafers from ingots grown at faster growth rates with enhanced thermal gradients and associated point defect/impurity produce large localized stresses in the wafer core, which are capable of changing the path of propagating cracks. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy analysis were used to quantify local stresses due to radial oxygen precipitate variations. The resulting stress modified crack deviates considerably from energetically favorable [110]/(111) directions, following a radial path suggesting a ductile fracture failure mode.
Plasma Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor in Children with Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Wittenhagen Per , Andersen Jesper Brandt , Hansen Anita , Lindholm Lone , Rønne Frederik , Theil Jørn , Tvede Michael , Eugen-Olsen Jesper
Published: August 2011

Objective

In this prospective study we investigated the role of plasma levels of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) in children with urinary tract infection.

Material and Methods

We measured the levels of plasma suPAR during admission in 42 children with suspected acute pyelonephritis and compared the results to acute DMSA scintigraphy.

Results

The mean level of plasma suPAR at admission was significantly elevated in children with renal involvement (7.3 ng/ml) assessed by the DMSA scintigraphy compared to children without renal involvement (4.4 ng/ml, P = 0.010). The positive predictive value of suPAR seems high, since all patients without renal involvement had low suPAR values. During treatment the mean level of plasma suPAR decreased.

Conclusion

We conclude that plasma suPAR could be of clinical use for the diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis and that high levels of plasma suPAR might reflect the level of renal involvement and could therefore be a new indicator for renal scarring.
Dietary cholecalciferol lowers the maximal activity of intestinal mucosa phytase in ducklings fed low-phosphorus diets
Authors: Onyango E. M. , Adeola O.
Published: August 2011

Onyango, E. M. and Adeola, O. 2011. Dietary cholecalciferol lowers the maximal activity of intestinal mucosa phytase in ducklings fed low-phosphorus diets. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 399–404. The role of cholecalciferol and phosphorus in the regulation of intestinal mucosa phytase was investigated in White Pekin ducklings. Ninety-six 7-d-old male ducklings were grouped by weight into six blocks of four cages with four ducklings per cage. The average weights of the individual birds in the six subgroups were: 282, 270, 263, 255, 247 and 236 g, respectively. Four corn-soybean meal-based mash diets were randomly assigned to cages within each block. The four diets consisted of cholecalciferol at 0 or 75 µg kg–1 and total phosphorus at 3.6 or 7.0 (or 0.12 or 0.46 available phosphorus, respectively) g kg−1 in a 2×2 factorial arrangement. Birds were fed the experimental diets for 9 d under conditions that excluded ultraviolet light. Ducklings fed diets with cholecalciferol concentration at 75 µg kg−1 of diet showed a lower maximal activity and Km value of intestinal mucosa phytase (P<0.05), and higher apparent ileal digestibility of calcium (P<0.0001). Ducklings fed diets with total phosphorus concentration at 7.0 g kg−1 of diet showed no change in intestinal mucosa phytase activity, but had higher weight gain, feed intake, tibia ash, ileal digestibility of phosphorus (P<0.0001), and feed efficiency (P<0.001). In conclusion, dietary cholecalciferol decreased the maximal activity and Km value of intestinal mucosa phytase in ducklings fed low-phosphorus diets.
Anisotropic Structure and Charge Transport in Highly Strain‐Aligned Regioregular Poly(3‐hexylthiophene)
Authors: O'Connor Brendan , Kline R. Joseph , Conrad Brad R. , Richter Lee J. , Gundlach David , Toney Michael F. , DeLongchamp Dean M.
Published: August 2011

A novel method of strain‐aligning polymer films is introduced and applied to regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT), showing several important features of charge transport. The polymer backbone is shown to align in the direction of applied strain resulting in a large charge‐mobility anisotropy, where the in‐plane mobility increases in the applied strain direction and decreases in the perpendicular direction. In the aligned film, the hole mobility is successfully represented by a two‐dimensional tensor, suggesting that charge transport parallel to the polymer backbone within a P3HT crystal is strongly favored over the other crystallographic directions. Hole mobility parallel to the backbone is shown to be high for a mixture of plane‐on and edge‐on packing configurations, as the strain alignment is found to induce a significant face‐on orientation of the originally highly edge‐on oriented crystalline regions of the film. This alignment approach can achieve an optical dichroic ratio of 4.8 and a charge‐mobility anisotropy of 9, providing a simple and effective method to investigate charge‐transport mechanisms in polymer semiconductors.
Clinically relevant single gene or intragenic deletions encompassing critical neurodevelopmental genes in patients with developmental delay, mental retardation, and/or autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Mikhail Fady M. , Lose Edward J. , Robin Nathaniel H. , Descartes Maria D. , Rutledge Katherine D. , Rutledge S. Lane , Korf Bruce R. , Carroll Andrew J.
Published: August 2011

Recent studies suggest that copy number variations (CNVs) encompassing several genes involved in neurodevelopmental pathways are associated with a variety of neuropsychiatric phenotypes, including developmental delay (DD), mental retardation (MR), and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Here we present eight patients in a cohort of ∼1,200 patients referred for clinical array CGH testing for various neurodevelopmental phenotypes, who were identified to carry small (<1.0 Mb with the majority <500 kb) either total gene or intragenic deletions encompassing critical synaptic and other neurodevelopmental genes. The presentations of these patients included variable degrees of DD, speech problems, learning disabilities, MR, autistic‐like features, and mild non‐specific dysmorphic features. These genes belong to four functional categories, including neuronal transcription factor genes (NFIA at 1p31.3, MEF2C at 5q14.3, and CAMAT1 at 1p36.23p36.31), neuron‐specific splicing factor genes (RBFOX1 at 16p13.2p13.3), genes involved in synapse formation and maintenance (CNTNAP2 at 7q35 and LRFN5 at 14q21.2), and genes involved in neurotransmission (CHRNA7 at 15q13.3 and IL1RAPL1 at Xp21.2p21.3). Our report expands the list of neurodevelopmental genes deleted in various neurobehavioral phenotypes, expands the phenotypes caused by haploinsufficiency of previously reported critical neurodevelopmental genes, and elucidates the clinical relevance and need for careful clinical interpretation of some small CNVs <500 kb. This report also suggests that small clinically relevant deletions encompassing critical synaptic and other neurodevelopmental genes can present clinically with various neurobehavioral phenotypes, which implies the existence of overlapping neuronal pathways in the pathogenesis of these phenotypes. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surface properties of methyl methacrylate hardened hybrid poplar wood
Authors: Koubaa Ahmed , Ding Wei‐Dan , Chaala Abdelkader , Bouafif Hassine
Published: August 2011

The surface properties of fast‐growing poplar clones and their methyl methacrylate (MMA)‐hardened wood related to potential end uses were investigated. Samples from 24 trees of six hybrid poplar clones in one plantation in Quebec were hardened with MMA. The effects of MMA hardening on the density and surface properties were studied. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that filling the voids in the wood structure was the main hardening mechanism. The incorporation of the polymer increased the density of all of the poplar clones by 120–160%. The Janka hardness was found to be 2.5–4 times higher in the treated poplar wood than in the untreated poplar wood. The treated wood also exhibited superior abrasion resistance compared to the controls. The results indicate that hardening with MMA improved the surface properties and that the MMA‐hardened wood was comparable to natural hardwoods. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Separation of polyolefins based on comonomer content using high‐temperature gradient adsorption liquid chromatography with a graphitic carbon column
Authors: Miller Matthew D. , deGroot A. Willem , Lyons John W. , Van Damme Freddy A. , Winniford Bill L.
Published: August 2011

This report describes the application of a recently developed polyolefin characterization tool based upon gradient adsorption high‐temperature liquid chromatography (HT‐LC) using a graphitic carbon stationary phase to polyolefin homopolymer and previously unreported copolymer systems. Polyolefin‐based materials find utility in a broad range of applications and are differentiated by parameters such as molecular weight and comonomer content. Polymer comonomer distribution is commonly determined by crystallinity‐based separations (ATREF, CRYSTAF). These techniques, however, are time consuming. In addition, some semicrystalline polymers undergo cocrystallization, impacting the techniques' universal utility. Adsorption‐based HT‐LC can ideally overcome the limitations of crystallinity‐based separations, shedding new light on the composition of randomly‐polymerized polyolefins. In this report the basic separation capability of the adsorption HT‐LC technique, using a graphitic carbon column, is demonstrated for poly (ethylene‐co‐octene) and poly(ethylene‐co‐propylene) systems and compared with select precipitation/redissolution HT‐LC and ATREF results. Select results in this paper are also compared and contrasted to other recent publications on similar separations of polyolefins. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Novel fully conjugated 2H‐ and metal‐phthalocyanine network polymers: Synthesis, characterization, and dielectric spectra analysis
Authors: Abdel‐Razik H. H. , Mahmoud K. H.
Published: August 2011

2,7‐di‐tert‐butylpyrene was oxidized to 2,7‐di‐tert‐butylpyrene‐4,5,9,10‐tetraone. The latter through condensation reactions with vicinal diamine such as 4,5‐diaminophthalonitrile produced heterocyclic monomer, 2,7‐di‐tert‐butyl pyrene[4,5][9,10]bisquinoxaline‐6,7‐dinitrile, which was cyclo‐tetramerized to the corresponding tetra[2,3‐(1,4‐diaza‐6,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenanthreno)[4,5]phthalocyanine]‐based network polymer (2H‐Pc), and tetra [2,3‐(1,4‐diaza‐6,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenanthreno)[4,5]phthalo‐cyaninato metal II‐based network polymers (M‐Pc, M= Co, Ni, Zn, or Cu). Elemental analytical results, IR and NMR spectral data of the new prepared molecules are consistent with their assigned formulations. Molecular masses and metal contents of the synthesized polymers proved to be of high molecular masses which confirm the efficiency of tetramerization polymerization and complexation reactions. The dielectric constant (ε′) and dielectric loss tangent (tan δ) were studied as a function of temperature and frequency. The detailed analysis of the results showed that the dielectric dispersion consists of both dipolar and interfacial polarization. Measurements of ac conductivity as a function of frequency at different temperatures revealed that the nonoverlapping small polaron tunneling is the most suitable mechanism for ac conduction behavior. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of dimethyl formamide in the synthesis of linear low density polyethylene on branched and molecular structure
Authors: Torabi Seyed Roohallah , Fazeli Naghmeh , Zarand Mehdi Ghafelehbashi
Published: August 2011

In this research work, effect of dimethyl formamide (DMF) as an external electron donor in gas phase ethylene/1‐butene copolymerization process in the presence of Ziegler–Natta catalyst has been investigated. Different experiments were performed using TiCl4/MgCl2as catalyst, triethyl aluminum as cocatalyst and in the presence of various amounts of DMF as an external electron donor. Then, effect of DMF on various parameters such as catalyst activity, molecular weight, and short chain branching content of the samples has been studied. The results showed that the more the ratio of DMF/Ti, the lower the catalyst activity. Moreover, the curves relating molecular weight and short chain branching content of the samples to the ratio of DMF/Ti passed through an extremum point at about DMF/Ti = 0.25. A justification for the occurrence of the extremum point has been proposed in this research work, and some analysis methods are adopted to confirm the suggested justification. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 123: 1267–1272, 2012
Observation and Mechanistic Study of Facile CO Bond Formation between a Well‐Defined Aryl–Copper(III) Complex and Oxygen Nucleophiles
Authors: Huffman Lauren M. , Casitas Alicia , Font Marc , Canta Mercè , Costas Miquel , Ribas Xavi , Stahl Shannon S.
Published: August 2011

A well‐defined macrocyclic aryl–CuIII complex (2) reacts readily with a variety of oxygen nucleophiles, including carboxylic acids, phenols and alcohols, under mild conditions to form the corresponding aryl esters, biaryl ethers and alkyl aryl ethers. The relationship between these reactions and catalytic CO coupling methods is demonstrated by the reaction of the macrocyclic aryl–Br species with acetic acid and p‐fluorophenol in the presence of 10 mol % CuI. An aryl‐CuIII‐Br species 2Br was observed as an intermediate in the catalytic reaction. Investigation of the stoichiometric CO bond‐forming reactions revealed nucleophile‐dependent changes in the mechanism. The reaction of 2 with carboxylic acids revealed a positive correlation between the log(kobs) and the pKa of the nucleophile (less‐acidic nucleophiles react more rapidly), whereas a negative correlation was observed with most phenols (more‐acidic phenols react more rapidly). The latter trend resembles previous observations with nitrogen nucleophiles. With carboxylic acids and acidic phenols, UV‐visible spectroscopic data support the formation of a ground‐state adduct between 2 and the oxygen nucleophile. Collectively, kinetic and spectroscopic data support a unified mechanism for aryl‐O coupling from the CuIII complex, consisting of nucleophile coordination to the CuIII center, deprotonation of the coordinated nucleophile, and CO (or CN) reductive elimination from CuIII.
Hypoxia-inducible MicroRNA-210 augments the metastatic potential of tumor cells by targeting vacuole membrane protein 1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ying Qiao , Liang Linhui , Guo Weijie , Zha Ruopeng , Tian Qi , Huang Shenglin , Yao Jian , Ding Jie , Bao Meiyan , Ge Chao , Yao Ming , Li Jinjun , He Xianghuo
Published: August 2011

As the “master” microRNA that is induced by hypoxia, miR-210 is involved in multiple processes in the hypoxia pathway. However, whether miR-210 mediates hypoxia-induced tumor cell metastasis still remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that miR-210 is frequently up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples and promotes the migration and invasion of HCC cells. Furthermore, miR-210 can be induced by hypoxia in HCC cells and mediates hypoxia-induced HCC cell metastasis. We identify vacuole membrane protein 1 (VMP1) as the direct and functional downstream target of miR-210; in addition, we show that its expression is negatively correlated with the expression of miR-210 in HCC. Intriguingly, VMP1 is reduced by hypoxia, and down-regulation of VMP1 by miR-210 mediates hypoxia-induced HCC cell metastasis.

Conclusion:

These findings extend our understanding of the function of miR-210 in the hypoxia pathway, and this newly identified hypoxia/miR-210/VMP1 pathway should facilitate the development of novel therapeutics against hypoxic tumor cells. (Hepatology 2011)
Photo‐crosslinkable cyanoacrylate bioadhesive: Shrinkage kinetics, dynamic mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of adhesives containing TMPTMA and POSS nanostructures as crosslinking agents
Authors: Ghasaban S. , Atai M. , Imani M. , Zandi M. , Shokrgozar M.‐A.
Published: August 2011

The study investigates the photo‐polymerization shrinkage behavior, dynamic mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of cyanoacrylate bioadhesives containing POSS nanostructures and TMPTMA as crosslinking agents. Adhesives containing 2‐octyl cyanoacrylate (2‐OCA) and different percentages of POSS nanostructures and TMPTMA as crosslinking agents were prepared. The 1‐phenyl‐1, 2‐propanedione (PPD) was incorporated as photo‐initiator into the adhesive in 1.5, 3, and 4 wt %. The shrinkage strain of the specimens was measured using bonded‐disk technique. Shrinkage strain, shrinkage strain rate, maximum and time at maximum shrinkage strain rate were measured and compared. Mechanical properties of the adhesives were also studied using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). Biocompatibility of the adhesives was examined by MTT method. The results showed that shrinkage strain increased with increasing the initiator concentration up to 3 wt % in POSS‐containing and 1.5 wt % in TMPTMA‐containing specimens and plateaued out at higher concentrations. By increasing the crosslinking agent, shrinkage strain, and shrinkage strain rate increased and the time at maximum shrinkage strain rate decreased. The study indicates that the incorporation of crosslinking agents into the cyanoacrylate adhesives resulted in improved mechanical properties. Preliminary MTT studies also revealed better biocompatibility profile for the adhesives containing crosslinking agents comparing to the neat specimens. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
Cranial muscles of the anuransleiopelma hochstetteriandascaphus trueiand the homologies of the mandibular adductors in lissamphibia and other gnathostomes
Authors: Johnston Peter
Published: August 2011

The frogsAscaphus trueiandLeiopelma hochstetteriare members of the most basal lineages of extant anurans. Their cranial muscles have not been previously described in full and are investigated here by dissection. Comparison of these taxa is used to review a controversy regarding the homologies of the jaw adductor muscles in Lissamphibia, to place these homologies in a wider gnathostome context, and to define features that may be useful for cladistic analysis of Anura. A new muscle is defined inAscaphusand is designated m. levator anguli oris. The differences noted betweenAscaphusandLeiopelmaare in the penetration of the jaw adductor muscles by the mandibular nerve (V3). In the traditional view of this anatomy, the paths of the trigeminal nerve branches define homologous muscles. This scheme results in major differences among frogs, salamanders, and caecilians. The alternative view is that the topology of origins, insertions, and fiber directions are defining features, and the nerves penetrate the muscle mass in a variable way. The results given here support the latter view. A new model is proposed for Lissamphibia, whereby the adductor posterior (levator articularis) is a separate entity, and the rest of the adductor mass is configured around it as a folded sheet. This hypothesis is examined in other gnathostomes, including coelacanth and lungfish, and a possible sequence for the evolution of the jaw muscles is demonstrated. In this system, the main jaw adductor in teleost fish is not considered homologous with that of tetrapods. This hypothesis is consistent with available data on the domain of expression of the homeobox geneengrailed 2, which has previously not been considered indicative of homology. Terminology is discussed, and “adductor mandibulae” is preferred to “levator mandibulae” to align with usage in other gnathostomes. J. Morphol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiplexing Interactions to Control Antibiotic Release from Cyclodextrin Hydrogels
Authors: Thatiparti Thimma R. , Averell Nicole , Overstreet Derek , von Recum Horst A.
Published: August 2011

A new strategy for affinity‐based drug delivery by modification of the drug rather than modification of the device is presented. Rifampin is modified to contain either one or two PEG‐adamantane arms, and the drug release properties of dimeric coumermycin are compared to novobiocin with only one biding domain. The drugs are loaded into affinity‐based and diffusion‐only delivery platforms, the loading efficiency is calculated, and the release kinetics is determined in vitro. The presence of additional binding domains prolongs the release of antibiotics. Release rates differ little between modified and unmodified drug from the diffusion‐only system. The results demonstrate the feasibility of custom‐tuning drug delivery by multiplexing interactions with an affinity‐based polymer platform.

magnified image
Rule‐Based Classification of Chemical Structures by Scaffold
Authors: Schuffenhauer Ansgar , Varin Thibault
Published: August 2011

Databases for small organic chemical molecules usually contain millions of structures. The screening decks of pharmaceutical companies contain more than a million of structures. Nevertheless chemical substructure searching in these databases can be performed interactively in seconds. Because of this nobody has really missed structural classification of these databases for the purpose of finding data for individual chemical substructures. However, a full deck high‐throughput screen produces also activity data for more than a million of substances. How can this amount of data be analyzed? Which are the active scaffolds identified by an assays? To answer such questions systematic classifications of molecules by scaffolds are needed. In this review it is described how molecules can be hierarchically classified by their scaffolds. It is explained how such classifications can be used to identify active scaffolds in an HTS data set. Once active classes are identified, they need to be visualized in the context of related scaffolds in order to understand SAR. Consequently such visualizations are another topic of this review. In addition scaffold based diversity measures are discussed and an outlook is given about the potential impact of structural classifications on a chemically aware semantic web.
Microscopic differential cell counts in milk for the evaluation of inflammatory reactions in clinically healthy and subclinically infected bovine mammary glands
Authors: Schwarz Daniel , Diesterbeck Ulrike S , König Sven , Brügemann Kerstin , Schlez Karen , Zschöck Michael , Wolter Wilfried , Czerny Claus-Peter
Published: August 2011

Somatic cell count (SCC) is generally regarded as an indicator of udder health. A cut-off value of 100×103cells/ml is currently used in Germany to differentiate between normal and abnormal secretion of quarters. In addition to SCC, differential cell counts (DCC) can be applied for a more detailed analysis of the udder health status. The aim of this study was to differentiate somatic cells in foremilk samples of udder quarters classified as normal secreting by SCC <100×103cells/ml. Twenty cows were selected and 72 normal secreting udder quarters were compared with a control group of six diseased quarters (SCC >100×103cells/ml). In two severely diseased quarters of the control group (SCC of 967×103cells/ml and 1824×103cells/ml)Escherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureuswere detected. DCC patterns of milk samples (n=25) with very low SCC values of ⩽6·25×103cells/ml revealed high lymphocyte proportions of up to 92%. Milk cell populations in samples (n=41) with SCC values of (>6·25 to ⩽25)×103cells/ml were also dominated by lymphocytes (mean value 47%), whereas DCC patterns of milk from udder quarters (n=6) with SCC values (>25 to ⩽100)×103cells/ml changed. While in samples (n=3) with SCC values of (27–33)×103cells/ml macrophages were predominant (35–40%), three milk samples with (43–45)×103cells/ml indicated already inflammatory reactions based on the predominance of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) (54–63%). In milk samples of diseased quarters PMN were categorically found as dominant cell population with proportions of ⩾65%. Macrophages were the second predominant cell population in almost all samples tested in relationship to lymphocytes and PMN. To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating cell populations in low SCC milk in detail. Udder quarters classified as normal secreting by SCC <100×103cells/ml revealed already inflammatory processes based on DCC.
Purely functional lazy nondeterministic programming
Authors: FISCHER SEBASTIAN , KISELYOV OLEG , SHAN CHUNG-CHIEH
Published: August 2011

Functional logic programming and probabilistic programming have demonstrated the broad benefits of combining laziness (nonstrict evaluation with sharing of the results) with nondeterminism. Yet these benefits are seldom enjoyed in functional programming because the existing features for nonstrictness, sharing, and nondeterminism in functional languages are tricky to combine. We present a practical way to write purely functional lazy nondeterministic programs that are efficient and perspicuous. We achieve this goal by embedding the programs into existing languages (such as Haskell, SML, and OCaml) with high-quality implementations, by making choices lazily and representing data with nondeterministic components, by working with custom monadic data types and search strategies, and by providing equational laws for the programmer to reason about their code.
A dynamic scaffolding mechanism for rhodopsin and transducin interaction in vertebrate vision
Authors: Dell'Orco Daniele , Koch Karl-Wilhelm
Published: August 2011

The early steps in vertebrate vision require fast interactions between Rh (rhodopsin) and Gt (transducin), which are classically described by a collisional coupling mechanism driven by the free diffusion of monomeric proteins on the disc membranes of rod and cone cells. Recent findings, however, point to a very low mobility for Rh and support a substantially different supramolecular organization. Moreover, Rh–Gt interactions seem to possibly occur even prior to light stimuli, which is also difficult to reconcile with the classical scenario. We investigated the kinetics of interaction between native Rh and Gt in different conditions by surface plasmon resonance and analysed the results in the general physiological context by employing a holistic systems modelling approach. The results from the present study point to a mechanism that is intermediate between pure collisional coupling and physical scaffolding. Such a ‘dynamic scaffolding’, in which prevalently dimeric Rh and Gt interact in the dark by forming transient complexes (~25% of Gt is precoupled to Rh), does not slow down the phototransduction cascade, but is compatible with the observed photoresponses on a broad scale of light stimuli. We conclude that Rh molecules and Rh–Gt complexes can both absorb photons and trigger the visual cascade.
Innate C-H trifluoromethylation of heterocycles
Authors: Ji Yining , Brueckl Tobias , Baxter Ryan D. , Fujiwara Yuta , Seiple Ian B. , Su Shun , Blackmond Donna G. , Baran Phil S.
Published: August 2011

Direct methods for the trifluoromethylation of heteroaromatic systems are in extremely high demand in nearly every sector of chemical industry. Here we report the discovery of a general procedure using a benchtop stable trifluoromethyl radical source that functions broadly on a variety of electron deficient and rich heteroaromatic systems and demonstrates high functional group tolerance. This C-H trifluoromethylation protocol is operationally simple (avoids gaseous CF
3
I), scalable, proceeds at ambient temperature, can be used directly on unprotected molecules, and is demonstrated to proceed at the innately reactive positions of the substrate. The unique and orthogonal reactivity of the trifluoromethyl radical relative to aryl radicals has also been investigated on both a complex natural product and a pharmaceutical agent. Finally, preliminary data suggest that the regioselectivity of C-H trifluoromethylation can be fine-tuned simply by judicious solvent choice.
Quality in early years settings: Government, research and practitioners’ perspectives
Authors: Cottle Michelle , Alexander Elise
Published: August 2011

This article begins by outlining the UK Government policy context, offering a brief critique before moving on to summarise recent research into ‘quality’ in the early years. The main body of the article locates the perspectives of early years practitioners within this context, drawing on data from an Economic and Social Research Council‐funded study of 18 early years settings, including interviews and focused group discussions with 165 practitioners. The findings reveal that practitioners’ understandings of ‘quality’ are influenced by government discourses but appear to be linked to the context of their setting together their personal and professional histories. In discussing the nature of ‘quality’, the authors focus on tensions inherent in the government discourses and draw out the implications for children's experiences and the training and development of early years practitioners.
The Schwarzian derivative and polynomial iteration
Authors: Ye Hexi
Published: August 2011

We consider the Schwarzian derivative

S
f

S_f

of a complex polynomial

f
f

and its iterates. We show that the sequence

S

f
n

/

d

2
n

S_{f^n}/d^{2n}

converges to

−
2
(
∂

G
f

)
2

-2(\partial G_f)^2

, for

G
f

G_f

the escape-rate function of

f
f

. As a quadratic differential, the Schwarzian derivative

S

f
n

S_{f^n}

determines a conformal metric on the plane. We study the ultralimit of these metric spaces.
Disturbed development of the enteric nervous system after in utero exposure of selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants. Part 2: Testing the hypotheses
Authors: Nijenhuis Cynthia M. , ter Horst Peter G. J. , van Rein Nienke , Wilffert Bob , de Jong‐van den Berg Lolkje T. W.
Published: August 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Antidepressant use has increased in the last decade. Several studies have suggested a possible association between maternal antidepressant use and teratogenic effects. In a review of the pharmacologic literature we showed that antidepressant exposure might disturb the development of the enteric nervous system.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• In utero exposure to selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the second and third trimester or to tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in the first trimester leads to a significant increase in laxative use compared with non‐exposed children. SSRI exposure was not associated with significant increased antidiarrhoeal medication use, but TCA exposure was.

AIMS

Antidepressant use has increased in the last decade. Several studies have suggested a possible association between maternal antidepressant use and teratogenic effects.

METHODS

The pharmacy prescription database IADB.nl was used for a cohort study in which laxative and antidiarrhoeal medication use in children after in utero exposure to antidepressants (TCA, SSRI, fluoxetine or paroxetine exposed) was compared with no antidepressant exposure. Laxatives and antidiarrhoeal medication use were applied as a proxy for constipation and diarrhoea respectively, which may be associated with disturbed enteric nervous system (ENS) development.

RESULTS

Children exposed in utero to SSRIs (mainly fluoxetine and paroxetine) in the second and third trimester or to TCAs in the first trimester, more often received laxatives. Combined exposure to TCAs and SSRIs in pregnancy was associated with a 10‐fold increase in laxative use. In utero exposure to SSRIs is not associated with antidiarrhoeal medication use compared with non‐exposed children. In contrast, antidiarrhoeal medication use was significantly higher in children exposed to TCAs anytime in pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased laxative use after second and third trimester exposure to SSRIs might be explained through the inhibitory effect of the serotonin re‐uptake transporter (SERT) and because of selectivity for the 5‐HT2B receptor which affects the ENS. TCA exposure during the first trimester leads to increased laxative use probably through inhibition of the norepinephrine transporter (NET). Exposure of TCAs anytime in pregnancy leads to increase diarrhoeal use possibly through down‐regulation of α2‐adrenoceptors or up‐regulation of the pore forming α1c subunit.
Balance between somatostatin and D2 receptor expression drives TSH‐secreting adenoma response to somatostatin analogues and dopastatins
Authors: Gatto Federico , Barbieri Federica , Gatti Monica , Wurth Roberto , Schulz Stefan , Ravetti Jean‐Louis , Zona Gianluigi , Culler Michael D. , Saveanu Alexandru , Giusti Massimo , Minuto Francesco , Hofland Leo J. , Ferone Diego , Florio Tullio
Published: August 2011

Context  First‐line therapy for thyrotropin‐secreting pituitary adenomas (TSHomas) is neurosurgery, while medical treatment rests mainly on somatostatin analogues. Clinically available sst2‐preferring analogues, octreotide and lanreotide, induce normalization of hormone levels in approximately 90% of patients and tumour shrinkage in 45%.

Objective  We evaluated somatostatin 1, 2, 3 and 5 and dopamine D2 receptor expression in tumour samples from three TSHomas, and the relationships between receptor expression, in vitro antiproliferative response and clinical data, including octreotide test and three months of therapy with octreotide long‐acting repeatable (LAR). TSHoma cell proliferation was tested in vitro using octreotide, cabergoline and two chimeric compounds, BIM‐23A760 and BIM‐23A387.

Results  All patients showed significant TSH lowering to acute octreotide test, but a hormonal response to long‐term treatment was observed in only two patients, showing a high sst5/sst2 ratio. Patient 2, characterized by high expression of sst2 and sst1 and a relative lower expression of sst5, experienced tachyphylaxis after prolonged octreotide treatment. In vitro, the somatostatin/dopamine receptor agonist BIM‐23A760 caused the highest antiproliferative effect among those tested. Combined treatment with octreotide and cabergoline displayed an additive effect of magnitude comparable to that of the other chimeric compound (BIM‐23A387). Octreotide resistance was confirmed in cells isolated from the nonresponder patient, although it could be overcome by treatment with the chimeric compounds.

Conclusions  A high sst5/sst2 ratio might be predictive of a positive outcome to long‐term treatment with somatostatin analogues in TSHomas. Moreover, combined somatostatin and D2 receptor targeting might be considered as a potential tool to improve the response rate in octreotide‐resistant tumours.
Effects of listening to music on pain intensity and pain distress after surgery: an intervention
Authors: Vaajoki Anne , Pietilä Anna‐Maija , Kankkunen Päivi , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri
Published: August 2011

Aims.  To evaluate the effects of music listening on pain intensity and pain distress on the first and second postoperative days in abdominal surgery patients and the long‐term effects of music on the third postoperative day.

Background.  Music has been found to relieve pain intensity in surgery patients. There are only a few studies on music intervention in abdominal surgery. Music intervention studies assessing multidimensional pain such as pain intensity and pain distress are also scarce.

Design.  Prospective clinical study with two parallel groups.

Methods.  Patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery (n = 168) were divided into either a music group (n = 83) or a control group (n = 85). Patients assessed pain intensity and pain distress in bed rest, during deep breathing and in shifting position once in the evening of the operation day and on the first and second postoperative days in the morning, at noon and in the evening. On the third postoperative day, the patients assessed their pain intensity and pain distress only once.

Results.  In the music group, the patients’ pain intensity and pain distress in bed rest, during deep breathing and in shifting position were significantly lower on the second postoperative day compared with control group of patients. On the third postoperative day, when long‐term effects of music on pain intensity and pain distress were assessed, there were no significant differences between music and control groups.

Conclusion.  This study demonstrates that the use of music alleviates pain intensity and pain distress in bed rest, during deep breathing and in shifting position after abdominal surgery on the second postoperative day. Music intervention is safe, inexpensive and easily used to improve the healing environment for abdominal surgery patients.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Music intervention should be offered as an adjunct alternative to pharmacological pain relief after abdominal surgery in nursing practice.
Sett density as an estimator of population density in the European badger Meles meles
Authors: LARA‐ROMERO Carlos , VIRGÓS Emilio , REVILLA Eloy
Published: August 2011

Estimations of European badger population density in the UK are usually based on surveys of numbers of main setts. However, this approach cannot be used in low‐density areas, such as the Mediterranean region, where no main setts can be defined. Therefore, an alternative method is needed to estimate badger density over large areas.

We reviewed the existing published information to evaluate whether badger density is correlated to the density of all setts in an area (not only the main setts) and to ask whether badger density can be predicted from total sett number throughout the geographical range of the species.

In multiple regression analysis, badger density and the size of the study area explained 73% of the variance in sett density. Badger density had a significant positive effect on sett density, while the effect of study area size was not significant. Therefore, total sett density can be used to obtain an estimation of relative badger density in all habitats and regions throughout the badger's geographical range, allowing comparative research.
Intellectual disability nursing – responding to health inequity
Authors: Sheerin Fintan K.
Published: August 2011

Accessible summary

 This article is about learning disability nursing. Some people think that nurses should be on about health and that some nurses spend too much time working on social issues.

 The writer of this article thinks that many of the health problems that people with learning disabilities have are caused by people not being able to get equal access to health care. He says that this not only about health. It is also about equality.

 The writer thinks that learning disability nurses should provide excellent health care. He also believes that nurses must work with people who have learning disabilities to make sure that they get the same health care as everyone else.

It is being increasingly recognised that the achievement of improved health outcomes for people with learning disabilities is central to the role of learning disability nurses. This is in recognition of the fact that an increasing body of evidence has demonstrated that these people often have poorer health outcomes than those in the mainstream population. Whilst accepting the role of the nurse in this regard, this paper argues that the continued enactment of that role solely within the margin, whether metaphorical or literal, will fail to achieve improved outcomes and will prolong the marginalisation of people with learning disabilities. In identifying the basis of such outcomes to be social inequity, it proposes that nursing must act in two orientations: health‐oriented service provision and social activism. It is argued that only when such an approach is adopted will there be a real opportunity for people with learning disabilities to achieve optimal health outcomes.
The inhibitory effects of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans on oligodendrocytes
Authors: Siebert Justin R. , Osterhout Donna J.
Published: August 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 176–188.

The formation of the glial scar following a spinal cord injury presents a significant barrier to the regenerative process. It is primarily composed of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) that can inhibit axonal sprouting and regeneration. Although the inhibitory effects on neurons are well documented, little is known about their effects on oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). In this study, we examined the effects of CSPGs on OPC process outgrowth and differentiation in vitro. The results show that specific CSPGs, in particularly those highly up‐regulated following spinal cord injury, inhibit OPC process outgrowth and differentiation, and that treatment with chondroitinase ABC can completely reverse this inhibition. Additionally, treatment with the Rho kinase inhibitor Y‐27632 also reverses the observed inhibition, implicating the activation of Rho kinase in the CSPG inhibition of OPC growth. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the CSPGs found within the glial scar are not only inhibitory to neurons, but also to OPCs. Moreover, this study shows that chondroitinase ABC treatment, having shown promise in promoting axonal regeneration, may also enhance remyelination.
Microvascular Reactivity in Response to Smoking and Oral Antioxidants in Humans
Authors: HENRIKSSON PETER , DICZFALUSY ULF , FREYSCHUSS ANNA
Published: August 2011

Please cite this paper as: Henriksson, Diczfalusy and Freyschuss (2012). Microvascular Reactivity in Response to Smoking and Oral Antioxidants in Humans. Microcirculation 19(1), 86–93.

Objective:  To investigate whether a daily intake of a moderate dose of antioxidants modifies the microcirculatory response to smoking, assuming a major influence of oxidative stress on microcirculation.

Methods:  The microvascular response to smoking was assessed in individual capillaries by capillaroscopy before and after two weeks of treatment with oral antioxidants.

Results:  Smoking prolonged time to peak (TtP) capillary blood flow velocity in all subjects. When the subjects were pre‐treated with ascorbate, TtP was comparable to baseline values of untreated subjects. No significant effect of vitamin E was observed either before or after smoking. Capillary blood flow velocity increased after treatment with ascorbate as well as after vitamin E. However, significant reductions in velocity were still observed in response to smoking even after subjects consumed ascorbate and vitamin E (p < 0.0004 and p < 0.000008 respectively).

Conclusions:  This study focused on individual capillaries, and confirms that smoking has a very pronounced, direct and reproducible microvascular effect possible to demonstrate in vivo in human capillaries. Moderate intake of the antioxidant ascorbate clearly mitigated the effects induced by smoking. TtP after smoking in subjects treated with ascorbate was similar to that observed in untreated subjects before smoking a cigarette. Thus, oxidative stress could be assumed to play a role in the effects of smoking on microcirculation.
A Separate Peace? The Politics of Localized Law in the Post-Revolutionary Era
Authors: Lowe Jessica K.
Published: August 2011

Law is often seen as peripheral to Southern life before the Civil War, and the South as an outlier in the American legal history of that era. InThe People and Their Peace(2009), Laura Edwards demonstrates the profoundly legal nature of Southern society and takes an important step toward integrating the legal history of the South with that of the nation. Edwards identifies two dueling legal cultures in North and South Carolina between 1787 and 1840—the law of local courts, which she terms localized law, and the state law of professionalized lawyers and reformers. She argues that white women, slaves, and the poor fared better in localized law—which was based on notions of popular sovereignty and the flexible rubric of restoring “the peace”—than in state courts, which were steeped in a national culture of individual rights that led to more restrictive results. This essay questions Edwards's dichotomy between local law and state law and her depiction of the popular content of localized law, while building on Edwards's innovations to suggest a new direction for Southern legal history.
Corneal nerve fiber pathology in Japanese type 1 diabetic patients and its correlation with antecedent glycemic control and blood pressure
Authors: Ishibashi Fukashi , Okino Mika , Ishibashi Marina , Kawasaki Asami , Endo Naoko , Kosaka Aiko , Uetake Harumi
Published: August 2011

Aims/Introduction:  Morphological changes to corneal C‐fibers in Japanese type 1 diabetic patients were visualized by corneal confocal microscopy (CCM). The effects of prior glycemic control and blood pressure on morphological parameters were clarified.

Materials and Methods:  Corneal nerve fibers were visualized by CCM in 38 Japanese type 1 diabetic patients (14 with and 24 without neuropathy) and 38 controls. Morphological parameters were compared and related to annual mean HbA1c, blood pressure, and serum lipid levels of previous years prior to CCM examination.

Results:  Compared with controls, diabetic patients had reduced corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL; 9.80 ± 0.38 vs 13.65 ± 0.88 mm/mm2; P < 0.001), reduced density (CNFD; 25.32 ± 1.04 vs 36.62 ± 2.37/mm2; P < 0.0005), lower frequency of beading (22.38 ± 0.73 vs 30.44 ± 1.03/0.1 mm; P < 0.0001), and increased tortuosity (3.13 ± 0.09 vs 1.74 ± 0.06; P < 0.0001). These changes were found in patients without neuropathy. There was no difference in nerve branches between controls and diabetic patients. The mean annual HbA1c level for the 7–10 years prior to CCM examination was an independent predictor of reduced CNFL and CNFD; HbA1c levels obtained 1–3 months and 1 year prior to CCM, as well as blood pressure 3, 5, and 6 years prior to CCM, were independent predictors of reduced beading frequency.

Conclusions:  Corneal confocal microscopy is a novel, noninvasive technique to evaluate morphological changes of corneal C‐fibers in type 1 diabetes. Antecedent hyperglycemia and blood pressure have different time‐dependent effects on CNFL and CNFD and the frequency of beading. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2011.00157.x, 2011)
Fatal Retroperitoneal Bleeding Caused by Metastasis of a Sigmoid Carcinoma
Authors: Vos Cornelis G. , Hoksbergen Arjan W. J.
Published: August 2011

Retroperitoneal bleeding is relatively rare and a potentially life-threatening condition with significant mortality. Early recognition requires a high index of suspicion. Increased life expectancy, the widespread use of anticoagulants, and the rise of endovascular interventions have caused an increase in the incidence of retroperitoneal bleeding. We present a case of a 74-year-old woman who died because of retroperitoneal bleeding caused by retroperitoneal metastasis of a sigmoid carcinoma with angioinvasive growth into a lumbar artery. In addition we discuss etiology, diagnostic management, and treatment strategy.