bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood Cell Gene Expression Profiling in Subjects With Aggressive Periodontitis and Chronic Arthritis
Authors: Sørensen Lars K. , Havemose‐Poulsen Anne , Sønder Søren U. , Bendtzen Klaus , Holmstrup Palle
Published: March 2008

Background: Microarray analysis of local and peripheral cells in subjects with immune‐inflammatory diseases may identify candidate genes associated with these diseases. The present study identified differentially expressed genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from subjects with untreated localized aggressive periodontitis (LAgP) or generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP). Differentially expressed genes were validated in groups of subjects with LAgP, GAgP, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and controls.

Methods: Candidate genes were identified by gene expression profiling of PBMCs using a microarray system in untreated gender‐matched subjects with LAgP (N = 2) or GAgP (N = 3) and controls (N = 2) younger than 35 years of age. The microarray results were validated by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) using PBMCs from 103 individuals, including groups of subjects with LAgP (N = 18), GAgP (N = 27), JIA (N = 10), or RA (N = 23) and controls (N = 25).

Results: Of 53 differentially expressed candidate genes identified in subjects with LAgP, 14 were involved in immune responses and inflammatory processes. Of these, the RT‐PCR validation confirmed that Toll‐like receptor 2 gene (TLR2) and myomesin 2 gene had a significantly higher expression in subjects with LAgP than in controls. RT‐PCR also showed increased expression of TLR2 in subjects with RA. Comparison of subjects with GAgP to controls using microarray analysis identified only three upregulated genes.

Conclusion: Several genes upregulated in subjects with LAgP were related to immune responses including TLR2 and myomesin 2.
A Novel Approach to Minimizing Gingival Recession in the Treatment of Vertical Bony Defects
Authors: Zucchelli Giovanni , De Sanctis Massimo
Published: March 2008

Background: In ideal conditions, the gain in clinical attachment following regenerative therapy of infrabony defects should be equal to probing depth reduction; thus, gingival recession should not increase as a consequence of the treatment procedures. The goal of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a surgical technique for the treatment of intrabony defects aimed at minimizing gingival recession and increasing the potential for clinical periodontal regeneration.

Methods: Fifteen deep intrabony defects were treated with cause‐related therapy aimed at eliminating bleeding on probing in the surgical area with minimal mechanical trauma to the root and the soft tissues. Four weeks later, a surgical technique combining the simplified papilla preservation approach at the level of the defect and the coronally advanced buccal flap at the adjacent teeth was performed. Enamel matrix protein was used in the intrabony defect. Soft tissue measurements were made before cause‐related therapy, before and after surgery, and at the 1‐, 6‐, and 12‐month follow‐up visits. The clinical reevaluation was made 1 year after the surgery.

Results: No changes in the position of the buccal and interproximal soft tissues next to the defect area were observed before and after cause‐related therapy or when comparing the baseline (before surgery) and 1‐year follow‐up visits. The clinical attachment gain (5.9 ± 1.4 mm), probing depth reduction (6.0 ± 0.8 mm), and radiographic bone level gain (5.0 ± 0.5 mm) were statistically and clinically significant, whereas no statistically significant increase in gingival recession (0.1 ± 1.0 mm) was noted during the observation period.

Conclusions: It is possible to avoid statistically and clinically significant changes in the position of the soft tissues when treating vertical bony defects. This can be accomplished by minimizing soft tissue trauma during cause‐related therapy and by advancing the buccal flap coronally during the surgery.
Osteogenic and Adipogenic Induction Potential of Human Periodontal Cells
Authors: Zhou Yefang , Hutmacher Dietmar W. , Sae‐Lim Varawan , Zhou Zhihong , Woodruff Maria , Lim Tit Meng
Published: March 2008

Background: Human periodontium contains different cell types that have various potential roles in hard and soft tissue regeneration. However, there is limited knowledge about how these diverse cell populations contribute to the regenerative process. In this study, we investigated the surface marker difference between different periodontal cells (alveolar osteoblasts [AOs], periodontal ligament fibroblasts [PDLFs], and gingival fibroblasts [GFs]) and their differentiation potential toward osteogenic and adipogenic phenotypes.

Methods: Periodontal cells (AOs, PDLFs, and GFs) from 14 subjects were isolated. The surface antigen expression pattern of cells was analyzed by cell flow cytometry, and the molecular and histologic characterizations under osteogenic and adipogenic inductions were monitored by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunocytohistology.

Results: The cell phenotypes of AOs were verified by the high expressions of CD29 and CD49a, whereas PDLFs showed distinctively low levels of CD63 and CD73. Under adipogenic induction, limited AOs formed cube‐shaped adipose‐like cells, whereas PDLFs formed spindle‐shaped adipose‐like cells. All three cell types expressed baseline osteo‐related genes. AOs demonstrated the highest osteogenic ability followed by PDLFs and GFs.

Conclusions: Cells in alveolar bone and periodontal ligament contain osteogenic and adipogenic progenitors. These observations indicate a possible application for periodontium cells in hard or soft tissue regeneration.
Clinical Evaluation of Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite Paste in the Treatment of Human Periodontal Bony Defects – A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial: 6‐Month Results
Authors: Kasaj Adrian , Röhrig Bernd , Zafiropoulos Gregory‐George , Willershausen Brita
Published: March 2008

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcome of intrabony periodontal defects following treatment with a novel nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (NHA) paste to open flap debridement.

Methods: Twenty‐eight subjects, each displaying one intrabony defect with probing depth (PD) ≥6 mm and radiographic evidence of an intraosseous component ≥3 mm participated in the present study. Subjects were allocated randomly to treatment with NHA paste (test group) or open flap debridement (control group). At baseline and at 6 months after surgery, the following clinical parameters were recorded by a masked examiner: plaque index, gingival index, PD, clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival recession.

Results: A significant improvement in PD and CAL was observed at 6 months after surgery compared to baseline in both treatment groups (P <0.001). At 6 months following therapy, the test group showed a reduction in mean PD from 7.4 ± 1.3 mm to 3.4 ± 1.2 mm and a change in mean CAL from 8.0 ± 1.3 mm to 4.4 ± 1.7 mm, whereas in the control group the mean PD decreased from 7.4 ± 0.8 mm to 4.9 ± 0.9 mm, and mean CAL decreased from 8.1 ± 1.2 mm to 6.4 ± 1.3 mm. The intergroup comparison demonstrated significantly more PD reductions (P = 0.012) and CAL gains (P = 0.005) in the test group compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Treatment of intrabony periodontal defects with NHA paste significantly improved clinical outcomes compared to open flap debridement.
Classification of Extraction Sockets Based Upon Soft and Hard Tissue Components
Authors: Juodzbalys Gintaras , Sakavicius Dalius , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: March 2008

Background: The aim of this study was to present and validate a new classification system for the maxillary anterior extraction socket based upon soft and hard tissue parameters.

Methods: Twenty‐five maxillary anterior teeth from 25 subjects (15 men and 10 women; aged 18 to 51 years; mean age = 32.4 years) were used to validate the new proposed classification system. Two independent surgeons recommended a treatment approach based upon the classification proposed. These suggestions were verified at the time of surgery. Weighted Cohen's κ was used to calculate interobserver reliability. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired t, Kolmagorov‐Smirnov, and marginal homogeneity tests.

Results: Interobserver agreement and weighted Cohen's κ were 96% and 0.94, respectively. This indicated a high reliability for the proposed classification system. No peri‐implant soft tissues were classified as deficient when the newly developed classification was used to recommend treatment. Overall, 80% of sockets were graded as adequate based on soft tissue parameters (P <0.001).

Conclusion: The extraction socket classification proposed here is an objective and helpful tool for socket assessment and for promoting future implant esthetics.
Gingival Enlargement Among Renal Transplant Recipients in the Era of New‐Generation Immunosuppressants
Authors: Greenberg Katja V. , Armitage Gary C. , Shiboski Caroline H.
Published: March 2008

Background: Tacrolimus is a new‐generation immunosuppressant as successful as cyclosporin in suppressing organ transplant rejection. Although cyclosporin is known to cause gingival enlargement (GE), tacrolimus has not been associated with this condition. We sought to explore the prevalence of GE among renal transplant recipients (RTRs) in relation to cyclosporin and tacrolimus while controlling for the effect of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and supragingival plaque.

Methods: RTRs were recruited from our institution's Kidney Transplant Unit. Participants completed a standardized questionnaire and received a complete oral examination, including a soft tissue examination and a periodontal examination measuring probing depth, recession, bleeding on probing, plaque index (PI), and GE.

Results: Among 115 RTRs, 39 (34%) presented with GE, with the highest prevalence among those taking cyclosporin and CCBs (76%) and the lowest among tacrolimus users not on a CCB (15%). Tacrolimus was not found to be associated with GE. Cyclosporin was found to be associated with GE in a univariate analysis stratified by the use of CCBs, but multivariate analysis revealed that the only significant risk factors for GE were the use of CCBs and the widespread presence of abundant supragingival plaque (PI ≥2 on >40% of tooth surfaces).

Conclusions: This study confirmed that tacrolimus is not associated with GE. Cyclosporin taken at the currently recommended low dosage and not in combination with a CCB may not be associated with a significant risk for GE in individuals with good oral hygiene. CCBs should be avoided among patients taking cyclosporin and those with poor oral hygiene.
Roadside Passive Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW)
Authors: Park Choon B. , Miller Richard D.
Published: March 2008

A 2-D receiver array, such as a cross or circular type, should be used in a passive surface wave survey to provide the most accurate results. It is often not possible to secure such a spacious area, however, especially if the survey has to take place in an urban area. A passive version of the multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) method is described that can be implemented with the conventional linear receiver array deployed alongside a road. Offline, instead of inline, nature of source points on the road is accounted for during dispersion analysis by scanning recorded wavefields through [Formula: see text] azimuth range to separate wavefields from different azimuths and propagated with different phase velocities. Next, these wave fields are summed together along the azimuth axis to yield the azimuth-resolved phase velocity information for a given frequency. In addition, it is attempted to account for the cylindrical, instead of planar, nature of surface wave propagation that often occurs due to the proximity of source points, by considering the distance between a receiver and a possible source point. Performance of the processing schemes is compared to performance of the scheme that accounts for inline propagation only. Comparisons made with field data sets showed that the latter scheme resulted in overestimation of phase velocities up to 30 percent, whereas the overestimation could be reduced to less than 10 percent if these natures are accounted for according to the proposed schemes.
Synergy of feedback mechanisms in gene regulation systems with promoter and repressor transcription factors
Authors: Šrobár Fedor
Published: March 2008

Presence of feedback mechanisms, both positive and negative, in the gene regulation systems is generally appreciated. The present study proposes a diagrammatic representation of these phenomena that affords their exact formulation and reveals some new facts. Topology of feedback relationships is defined by diagram configuration and quantitative evaluation is afforded by analytical apparatus coming with the diagrams. In particular, criterion for occurrence of bistability and synergy of positive and negative feedback are described in exact manner using the concept of transmission functions associated with diagram edges. The approach is demonstrated on genetic regulatory system comprising two genes whose transcription is controlled by activator and repressor proteins mutually competing for binding to the same responsive element of the DNA.
Meson loop effect on high density chiral phase transition
Authors: Sakaguchi Tomohiko , Kashiwa Kouji , Matsuzaki Masayuki , Kouno Hiroaki , Yahiro Masanobu
Published: March 2008

We test the stability of the mean field solution in the Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model in a semi-quantitative manner. For stable solutions with respect to both the σ and π directions, we investigate effects of the mesonic loop corrections of 1/N
c, which correspond to the next-to-leading order in the 1/N
c expansion, on the high density chiral phase transition. The corrections weaken the first order phase transition and shift the critical chemical potential to a lower value. At N
c = 3, however, instability of the mean field effective potential prevents us from determining the minimum of the corrected one.
On the truncated Pareto distribution with applications
Authors: Zaninetti Lorenzo , Ferraro Mario
Published: March 2008

The Pareto probability distribution is widely applied in different fields such us finance, physics, hydrology, geology and astronomy. This note deals with an application of the Pareto distribution to astrophysics and more precisely to the statistical analysis of masses of stars and of diameters of asteroids. In particular a comparison between the usual Pareto distribution and its truncated version is presented. Finally, a possible physical mechanism that produces Pareto tails for the distribution of the masses of stars is presented.
Dirofilariosis in Slovakia - a new endemic area in Central Europe
Authors: Miterpáková M. , Antolová D. , Hurníková Z. , Dubinský P.
Published: March 2008

The first systematic research on canine dirofilariosis in Slovakia started in February 2007. In total 287 dogs of various age, sex, breeds, and utilization from southern Slovakia were examined within the study until September 2007. Microfilariaemia was detected in 99 (34.5 %) blood samples. Histochemical staining and PCR approach were used for Dirofilaria species identification. Dirofilaria repens was confirmed in all infected dogs; it occurred in 92 (32.1 %) dogs as a single infection and in 6 (2.1 %) dogs in mixed infection with Dirofilaria immitis. For the first time both species were detected in Eastern Slovakia. Outdoor keeping and age higher 3 years become evident as important risk factors. Male individuals and dogs with long hair were significantly more frequently infected when compared with females and short hair breeds.

The present study revealed the occurrence of highly endemic area of dirofilariosis in Slovakia and certified that climatic conditions in the country are favourable for development of the parasite and for further spread of this zoonotic infection.
Occurrence of acanthocephalans in the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra (L.) (Carnivora, Mustelidae) in Bulgaria, with a survey of acanthocephalans recorded from this host species
Authors: Dimitrova Z. , Tzvetkov Y. , Todev I.
Published: March 2008

Three Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) originating from Pazardzhik Region (South Bulgaria) were examined for helminth parasites. Three species of acanthocephalans were recorded: Pomphorhynchus laevis, Acanthocephalus anguillae and A. ranae. These species are not specific parasites of otters, the former two occurring in various freshwater fishes and the latter being a parasite of anurans. A review of acanthocephalan species recorded from L. lutra is presented. The possible transmission routes by which otters become infested with acanthocephalans are considered to be either paratenic transfer of encysted extra-intestinal juveniles in paratenic hosts or postcyclic transmission of mature intestinal worms in definitive hosts.
Attachment of Pasteuria penetrans spores on populations of Meloidogyne javanica and M. incognita virulent and avirulent on the Mi gene of resistant tomato
Authors: Tzortzakakis E.
Published: March 2008

Spore attachment of three Pasteuria penetrans isolates was assessed on juveniles of Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne javanica populations from Greece. The nematode populations differed in their ability to reproduce on tomatoes with the Mi gene, conferring resistance to rootknot nematodes. The numbers of attached spores did not discriminate virulent from avirulent populations within each species. The differences in attachment rates probably reflect the specificity of Pasteuria penetrans to different Meloidogyne populations of the same species, within a country or even the same area.
Effect of vibration on flow properties of fine glass beads
Authors: Soria‐Hoyo C. , Valverde J. M. , Castellanos A.
Published: February 2008

An estimation of cohesion C and angle of internal friction φ of fine glass beads, which have been previously subjected to small intensity vertical vibrations of controlled frequency and amplitude for a fixed period of time, is presented. In the range of vibration intensities tested previbration causes powder compaction. Experimental measurements to obtain C and φ have been performed by means of a centrifuge powder tester in which the previbrated powder bed is rotated around its vertical axis. At a critical rotation velocity the shear stress induced by rotation is large enough to drive material avalanches. From a theoretical analysis of these avalanches, based on the Coulomb's method of wedges, C and φ are derived. We have found a significant increase of cohesion, and a slight decrease of the angle of internal friction as the effective consolidation stress due to previbration is increased. The estimated interparticle cohesion force ft from the experimental measurements, and using a Rumpf's averaging equation, is in agreement with the calculated interparticle attractive force due to van der Waals and capillary interaction for the unconsolidated beds. Moreover ft increases as the effective consolidation stress is increased in agreement with estimations from theoretical models based on contact plasticity. This result suggests that, at the microscopic level of asperities, compaction due to previbration is able to induce plastic deformation of the contacts. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
A new solventless process to hydrophobize silica powders in fluidized beds
Authors: Lazghab Myriam , Saleh Khashayar , Guigon Pierre
Published: March 2008

A new hydrophiztaion technique was developed in a fluidized bed reactor to modify the surface of silica‐based powders with n‐octadecyltrichlorosilane (ODTCS). The reaction was performed at dry phase by mixing two classes of particles during the fluidization: “target‐particles” to be treated (a fine microporous silica powder) and “ODTCS‐carrier” particles consisting of coarser porous alumina beads containing an adequate amount of reagent. The results showed that ODTCS was successfully anchored on silica surface and achieved high surface coverage (1.4 groups/nm2) in only few minutes with an interesting hydrophobic behavior. The energy consumption is reduced if the reaction is carried out at low temperatures, but using humidified air (7% RH). These conditions promote, however, a vertical polymerization of the reagent on solids surface. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
PEPT and discrete particle simulation study of spout‐fluid bed regimes
Authors: Link J. M. , Deen N. G. , Kuipers J. A. M. , Fan X. , Ingram A. , Parker D. J. , Wood J. , Seville J. P. K.
Published: March 2008

The results of a combined experimental and simulation study on the flow regimes that can be encountered during spout‐fluid bed operation are reported. A regime map for a three‐dimensional (3D) spout‐fluid bed was composed, employing spectral analysis of pressure drop fluctuations and fast video recordings. In addition, 3D Euler–Lagrangian computations were performed to assess the capability of the model to reproduce the experimentally observed flow regimes. Spectral analysis of pressure drop fluctuations revealed that for most investigated regimes the model is able to predict the appropriate regime. The frequency at which the largest power is found is overpredicted by the model in most cases. The remaining differences between the simulated and the experimentally observed bed behavior are most probably related to the representation of the effective fluid–particle interaction in the model, which relies on local spatial homogeneity. The simulation results were compared with velocity maps determined from particle trajectories acquired using positron emission particle tracking. The model accurately reproduces measured particle velocities, including their root mean square, for all investigated conditions and is therefore able to capture the details of the particle flow in various flow regimes. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Possible association of the alpha‐2A‐adrenergic receptor gene with response time variability in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Cho Soo‐Churl , Kim Jae‐Won , Kim Boong‐Nyun , Hwang Jun‐Won , Park Mira , Kim Soon Ae , Cho Dae‐Yeon , Yoo Hee‐Jeong , Chung Un‐Sun , Son Jung‐Woo , Park Tae‐Won
Published: March 2008

Previous studies have demonstrated that the MspI and DraI polymorphisms at the alpha‐2A‐adrenergic receptor gene (ADRA2A) are associated with ADHD. However, few studies have been designed to ascertain the association between the ADRA2A genotypes and the performance on neurocognitive measures in ADHD. The aims of this study were to examine the association of the ADRA2A MspI and DraI polymorphisms with ADHD in Korean subjects, and to determine the relationship between the genotypes of these two polymorphisms and the candidate endophenotypes, as measured by the continuous performance test (CPT). In a case–control study, we assessed 186 ADHD probands and 150 normal controls. One hundred eight trios were studied in a family based association analysis. The transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) analysis showed preferential transmission of the C allele of the DraI polymorphism (χ2 = 5.88, P = 0.015). In the haplotype analyses, a trend of over‐transmission of haplotype C/C was observed (χ2 = 3.80, P = 0.051). The homozygous subjects for the C allele (C/C genotype) at the DraI polymorphism showed a trend toward a higher mean T‐score with respect to the response time variability profiles of the CPT than did those with the other genotypes (C/T + T/T genotypes; P = 0.042). The homozygous subjects for the G allele (G/G genotype) at the MspI polymorphism showed a tendency to have a lower mean T‐score with respect to the response time variability profiles of the CPT (P = 0.068). The results of this study provide important evidence for the involvement of the ADRA2A MspI and DraI polymorphisms in the etiology of ADHD in Korean subjects. In addition, our results provide evidence for the possible role of these two polymorphisms in ADHD symptom expression, such as increased response time variability. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Beckwith Weidemann syndrome: A behavioral phenotype–genotype study
Authors: Kent Lindsey , Bowdin Sarah , Kirby Gail A. , Cooper Wendy N. , Maher Eamonn R.
Published: March 2008

Neurobehavioral defects have been reported in human imprinting disorders such as Prader–Willi syndrome and Angelman syndrome and imprinted genes are often implicated in neurodevelopment processes. Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a classical human imprinting disorder characterized by prenatal and postnatal overgrowth and variable developmental anomalies. As neurodevelopmental aspects of BWS have not previously been studied in detail, we undertook a questionnaire based neurobehavioral survey of 87 children with BWS. A greater than expected proportion of children demonstrated abnormal scores on measures of emotional and behavioral difficulties. In addition, 6.8% of children had been diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). 4/6 BWS children with ASD had normal chromosomes and ASD occurred in children with UPD and imprinting center 2 defects. These findings suggest a potential role for the 11p15.5 imprinted gene cluster in ASD and indicate a need for further investigations of neurobehavioral phenotypes in BWS. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Hypothesis‐Free Multiple Scan Statistic with Variable Window
Authors: Cucala L.
Published: March 2008

In this article we propose a new technique for identifying clusters in temporal point processes. This relies on the comparision between all the m ‐order spacings and it is totally independent of any alternative hypothesis. A recursive procedure is introduced and allows to identify multiple clusters independently. This new scan statistic seems to be more efficient than the classical scan statistic for detecting and recovering cluster alternatives. These results have applications in epidemiological studies of rare diseases. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nanostructured microspheres produced by supercritical fluid extraction of emulsions
Authors: Della Porta Giovanna , Reverchon Ernesto
Published: February 2008

The system poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid/ piroxicam (PLGA/PX) was selected, as a model system, to evaluate the effectiveness of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) extraction of the oily phase (ethyl acetate) from oil‐in‐water emulsions used in the production of polymer/drug microspheres for sustained drug release applications. The influence of process parameters like operating pressure and temperature, flow rate and contacting time between the emulsion and SC‐CO2 was studied with respect to the microsphere size, distribution and solvent residue. Different polymer concentrations in the oily phase were also tested in emulsions formulation to monitor their effects on droplets and microspheres size distribution at fixed mixing conditions. Spherical PLGA microspheres loaded with PX (10% w/w) with mean sizes ranging between 1 and 3 µm and very narrow size distributions were obtained due to the short supercritical processing time (30 min) that prevents the aggregation phenomena typically occurring during conventional solvent evaporation process. A solvent residue smaller than 40 ppm was also obtained at optimized operating conditions. DSC and SEM‐EDX analyses confirmed that the produced microparticles are formed by a solid solution of PLGA and PX and that the drug is entrapped in an amorphous state into the polymeric matrix with an encapsulation efficiency in the range of 90–95%. Drug release rate studies showed very uniform drug concentration profiles, without any burst effect, confirming a good dispersion of the drug into the polymer particles. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 1020–1033. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry for the quantification of mitiglinide in human plasma: validation and its application to pharmacokinetic studies
Authors: Zhang Yan , Ding Likun , Tian Yun , Yang Jing , Yang Lin , Wen Aidong
Published: March 2008

A sensitive and specific method was developed and validated for the determination of mitiglinide in human plasma using liquid chromatographic separation with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric detection. Acidified plasma samples were extracted with ethyl acetate. The chromatographic separation was performed on an Agilent Zorbax Eclipse Plus C18 column with a mobile phase of methanol–10 mm ammonium acetate solution at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Analytes were detected with an Agilent 6410 Triple qudrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization source in positive multiple reaction monitoring mode: m/z 316.2 (precursor ion) to 298.2 (product ion) for mitiglinide and m/z 318.2 (precursor ion) to 120.2 (product ion) for the internal standard. This method was validated over a linear range of 0.5–4000 ng/mL for mitiglinide in human plasma. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 0.5 ng/mL, while a relative standard deviation (RSD) was less than 3.9%. The intra‐ and inter‐run precision (as RSD, %) obtained from three validation runs were all less than 15%. The validated method was successfully used to analyze human plasma samples for application in pharmacokinetic studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advances in quantifying risk in commercial real estate lending
Authors: Marrison Chris
Published: March 2008

There are strong forces in the commercial real estate industry pushing banks and investors to take more quantitative approaches in assessing risks. This quantification will affect everything from loan approvals to deal structures and loan pricing. There are four main drivers for the use of quantitative tools: 1) The Basel II regulations that require banks to have risk models to calculate their minimum capital requirements; 2) The pressure to increase returns by using more complex financial structures; 3) The need to ensure that senior managers can monitor the effect of these complex structures on the risk of the portfolio; and 4) Concern that the world has become more interlinked, increasing the risk of several sectors melting down simultaneously. This article discusses some of the ways that risk can be measured, the requirements of the new regulations and how risk measurement tools can be used to increase profitability and reduce risk in structuring new deals. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanisms underlying air aspiration in patients undergoing left atrial catheterization
Authors: Franzen Olaf W. , Klemm Hanno , Hamann Fiona , Koschyk Dietmar , Kodolitsch Yskert von , Weil Jochen , Meinertz Thomas , Baldus Stephan
Published: February 2008

Background: Air embolism in patients undergoing percutaneous interventions requiring access to the left atrium (LA) represents a potentially fatal complication. Here we tested if a decline in LA pressures following sedation represents an important mechanistic link underlying air intrusion into the LA. Methods and Results: Left atrial pressures were measured in 26 consecutive patients (49 ± 14 years; 27% male), who underwent percutaneous atrial septal occlusion for persistent foramen ovale or secundum atrial septal defects. Patients either received sedation by propofol allowing for guidance by transesophageal echocardiography (n = 13) or underwent occluder implantation without sedation and under fluoroscopic control only (n = 13). Whereas mean exspiratory LA pressures remained unchanged in either group, sedation provoked a marked decline in the mean inspiratory LA pressure as compared to non‐sedated patients (Δp 6.9 ± 8.6 mm Hg vs. 0.1 ± 1.2 mm Hg in nonsedated patients, P < 0.001). Ex vivo experiments evaluating the air‐tightness of different sheaths in response to negative pressures revealed air aspiration at –13.4 ± 1.2 mm Hg of suction in all cases, once a guide wire was inserted. Conclusions: Negative LA pressures in conjunction with air‐leaking sheaths are identified as potentially important factors for air intrusion into the LA with the patient's sedation being a primary risk factor to lower LA pressure levels. The results advocate close monitoring of LA pressures during intervention, prevention of airway collapse and protection of LA sheaths from communication with the atmosphere, during procedures under sedation. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DNA Double Helix Based Hybrid GA for the Gasoline Blending Recipe Optimization Problem
Authors: Tao J. , Wang N.
Published: February 2008

A hybrid genetic algorithm is proposed for heavily nonlinear constrained optimization problems by utilizing the global exploration and local exploitation characteristics, and the convergence rate of the proposed algorithm is analyzed. In the global exploration phase, a DNA double helix structure is used to overcome Hamming cliffs and DNA computing based operators are applied to improve the global searching capability. When the feasible domains are located, the sequential quadratic programming (SQP) method is performed to quickly find the local optimum and improve the solution accuracy. The comparison results of typical numerical examples and the gasoline blend recipe optimization problem are employed to demonstrate the reliability and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Zinc and Copper Separation through an Emulsion Liquid Membrane Containing Di‐(2‐Ethylhexyl) Phosphoric Acid as a Carrier
Authors: Fouad E. A.
Published: February 2008

The separation of zinc and copper ions from sulfuric acid solutions by an emulsion liquid membrane (ELM), using di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) as a carrier, has been investigated. The batch extraction of zinc and copper was carried out while varying a selection of experimental conditions, i.e., stirring speed, treatment ratio, concentrations of metal ions in the feed phase, carrier and Span 80 concentration in the membrane, and internal phase concentration. The results obtained demonstrate the effectiveness of D2EHPA as a carrier for the separation of zinc and copper from sulfuric acid media using an ELM. An increase of the D2EHPA concentration beyond 2 vol.‐% does not result in the improved extraction of zinc because the viscosities of the membrane and emulsion have a trend to increase for higher carrier concentrations. It was found that the extraction rate of copper was affected by the carrier concentration in the liquid membrane and by the pH and metal content in the external phase. A 3 vol.‐% concentration of surfactant in the organic phase was required to stabilize the emulsion. The number of stages required for the extraction of zinc and copper by an ELM was determined from McCabe‐Thiele plots.
Growth of YCOB single crystals by flux technique and their characterization
Authors: Kumar R. Arun , Senthilkumar M. , Dhanasekaran R.
Published: February 2008

Nonlinear optical single crystals of YCOB with good optical quality were grown by the flux technique for the first time. Polycrystalline YCOB samples were synthesized by solid state reaction method. The thermal analysis of the sample was performed with lithium carbonate flux in different weight proportions and the growth temperature was optimised. Single crystals of YCOB with dimensions 3 × 3 × 5 mm3 were obtained by the method of ‘slow‐cooling’. The grown crystals were characterized by XRD, UV‐VIS‐NIR, EDAX, FTIR and etching studies. The powder XRD pattern revealed the formation of YCOB compound. The lattice parameters were identified through single crystal XRD studies. The UV‐VIS‐NIR results showed that the crystal has a sharp cutoff at 220 nm and is nearly 55% transparent over a wide wavelength range enabling applications in the UV region. The EDAX measurement revealed the ‘flux‐free’ crystal formation. The presence of the functional groups belonging to the YCOB crystals was identified by the FTIR results. ‘Hillock‐like’ patterns are observed in the etching studies. The primary emphasis in this study is laid to describe ‘flux technique’ as an alternative method to grow YCOB crystals. The results are presented and discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mechanical properties of single crystalline and glassy lithium triborate
Authors: Shakhverdova I. P. , Paufler P. , Bubnova R. S. , Filatov S. K. , Levin A. A. , Meyer D. C.
Published: February 2008

Mechanical properties of LiB3O5 single crystal plates with different orientation as well as of glass with the same composition have been investigated. The nano‐ (H) and microhardness (HM), the reduced Young's modulus (Er) and the crack behaviour of the samples were studied. Both hardness and Young's modulus of glass appeared smaller in comparison to corresponding single crystal data (H ∼ 7 – 8 GPa, HM ∼ 6 GPa, Er ∼ 70 – 80 GPa for glass and H ∼ 10 – 15 GPa, HM ∼ 6 –11 GPa, Er ∼ 93 – 155 GPa for single crystal). H, Er, and the plane of crack propagation proved orientation‐dependent. Cracks in the glass sample were not observed up to 0.49 N microindentation load, whereas for the single crystal the cracks appeared already at 0.098N. In single crystals the observed cleavage planes {211} and/or {412} are oriented nearly parallel to planes of B‐O rings. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Reliability and validity of the Norwegian version of the Severe Impairment Battery (SIB)
Authors: Bergh Sverre , Selbæk Geir , Engedal Knut
Published: March 2008

Objective

The Severe Impairment Battery (SIB) is developed to test cognitive function in patients with dementia of moderate to severe degree. We have conducted a study to assess the inter‐rater reliability and the validity of the Norwegian version of SIB.

Methods

The reliability study comprised 30 patients, and the validity study 59 patients in nursing homes. We assessed Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale and the inter‐rater reliability for the total SIB score and its nine sub scores between two testers by means of the Spearman's correlation coefficients. In the validity study we compared the SIB scores with the scores on the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale.

Results

The mean SIB score was 72.10 (SD 25.37). The Cronbach's alpha was 0.97, and the inter‐rater reliability of total SIB score was Spearman's rho 0.85, and ranged from 0.46 to 0.76 for the nine sub‐scores. The mean SIB score for patients with a CDR score < 2 was 84.2(13.4), whereas total scores for patients with CDR 2 and 3 were 74 (18.9) and 48.4 (33.3), respectively. A cut‐off point of 80.5 points gave the highest accuracy in discriminating between patients with CDR 2 and CDR 3, while a cut‐off point of 87.5 best discriminated between CDR < 2 and CDR 3.

Conclusion

The study indicates that the Norwegian version of SIB is a reliable and valid test with which to evaluate the cognition in patients with dementia of moderate to severe degree. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of low‐crystallinity hydroxyapatite foam based on the setting reaction of α‐tricalcium phosphate foam
Authors: Karashima Satoshi , Takeuchi Akari , Matsuya Shigeki , Udoh Koh‐ichi , Koyano Kiyoshi , Ishikawa Kunio
Published: March 2008

Low‐crystallinity hydroxyapatite (HAP) foam is an ideal material for bone substitutes and scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration, because its interconnected pores provide the space for cell growth and tissue penetration, and its composition induces excellent tissue response and good osteoconductivity. In this study, the feasibility of low‐crystallinity HAP foam fabrication was evaluated based on the phase transformation reaction or the so‐called dissolution‐reprecipitation reaction of α‐tricalcium phosphate (α‐TCP) foam granules. When α‐TCP foam granules were placed in water at 37°C for 1 day, no reaction was observed. However, α‐TCP foam granules set to form low‐crystallinity HAP by treating it hydrothermally at 200°C. The network of fully interconnected pores was retained, and porosity was as high as 82%. Pore size ranged from 50 to 300 μm with an average pore size of 160 μm. Compressive strength was 207 kPa. Although no setting reaction was observed at 37°C, the setting reaction caused by the hydrothermal treatment of α‐TCP foam granules allowed the fabrication of any shape of low‐crystallinity HAP. Therefore, this method may be useful for the fabrication of bone substitutes and scaffolds in bone tissue regeneration. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Uncoupling protein‐2 induction in rat hepatocytes after acute carbon tetrachloride liver injury
Authors: Demori Ilaria , Burlando Bruno , Gerdoni Ezio , Lanni Antonia , Fugassa Emilia , Voci Adriana
Published: March 2008

This study is focused on the role of UCP‐2 in hepatic oxidative metabolism following acute CCl4 administration to rats. UCP‐2 mRNA, almost undetectable in the liver of controls, was significantly increased 24 h after CCl4 administration, peaked at 72 h and then tended to disappear. UCP‐2 protein, undetectable in controls, increased 48–72 h after CCl4 treatment. Experiments with isolated liver cells indicated that in control rats UCP‐2 was expressed in non‐parenchymal cells and not in hepatocytes, whereas in CCl4‐treated rats UCP‐2 expression was induced in hepatocytes and was not affected in non‐parenchymal cells. Addition of CCl4 to the culture medium of hepatocytes from control rats failed to induce UCP‐2 expression. Liver mitochondria from CCl4‐treated rats showed an increase of H2O2 release at 12–24 h, followed by a rise of TBARS. Vitamin E protected liver from CCl4 injury and reduced the expression of UCP‐2. Treatment with GdCl3 prior to CCl4, in order to inhibit Kupffer cells, reduced TBARS and UCP‐2 mRNA increase in hepatic mitochondria. Our data indicate that CCl4 induces the expression of UCP‐2 in hepatocytes with a redox‐dependent mechanism involving Kupffer cells. A role of UCP‐2 in moderating CCl4‐induced oxidative stress during tissue regeneration after injury is suggested. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 413–418, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile ducts: The clinical features and surgical outcome of 25 cases
Authors: Paik Kwang Yeol , Heo Jin Seok , Choi Seong Ho , Choi Dong Wook
Published: March 2008

Background and Objectives

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile ducts (IPN‐B) is considered an uncommon tumor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical, radiological, and histopathological characteristics of IPN‐B, and its prognosis.

Methods

From October 1995 to August 2006, a retrospective analysis was made of 25 patients that underwent surgery for IPN‐B. Clinical features and radiological, pathological, and operative findings were reviewed, and survival rates were determined.

Results

In five patients (20.0%), lesions were incidentally found. Radiologically, 23 of the 25 (92.0%) showed bile duct dilatation, bile duct dilatation with or without an intraductal mass, and cystic changes of bile ducts. Twenty three of the 25 patients underwent hepatic resection with or without extrahepatic bile duct resection. No in hospital mortality occurred. Median survival time of resected patients was 59.8 months and 1‐, 2‐, and 4‐year survival rates were 90.5%, 84.0%, and 84.0%, respectively. All six patients with benign IPN‐B remained alive at a mean of 26.2 postoperative months without recurrence.

Conclusions

A diagnosis of IPN‐B is usually made in patients with biliary dilatation by radiologic study. The prognosis of IPN‐B, especially of the benign category, is excellent. Aggressive surgical resection is the treatment of choice for IPN‐B. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:508–512. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Overexpression of protein kinase cα mRNA may be an independent prognostic marker for gastric carcinoma
Authors: Lin Kai‐Yuan , Fang Chia‐Lang , Uen Yih‐Huei , Chang Chun‐Chao , Lou Horng‐Yuan , Hsieh Ching‐Ruey , Tiong Cheng , Pan Shiann , Chen Sheng‐Hsuan
Published: March 2008

Background and Objectives

The variability of the prognosis of gastric carcinoma drives extensive researches for novel prognostic markers. The aims of this study were to correlate the expression of protein kinase Cα (PKCα) mRNA with clinicopathological parameters and to evaluate the significant value of PKCα in gastric carcinoma prognosis.

Methods

PKCα mRNA levels were analyzed in tumor/non‐tumor pairs of gastric tissues from surgical specimens of 41 patients with gastric carcinoma employing quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Expression of PKCα in gastric carcinoma was also examined using immunohistochemistry.

Results

PKCα mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in gastric carcinoma (P = 0.007). Overexpression of PKCα mRNA was correlated with distant metastasis (P = 0.040). Patients with high PKCα mRNA expression had a significantly poorer overall survival compared with patients with low PKCα mRNA expression (P = 0.0113). The uni‐variate Cox regression analysis showed that high PKCα mRNA expression (P = 0.0363) and depth of invasion (P = 0.0443) were two significant prognostic markers for gastric carcinoma. In backward stepwise multi‐variate analysis, PKCα mRNA overexpression was also proved to be an independent prognostic marker for gastric carcinoma (P = 0.0275).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that overexpression of PKCα mRNA has correlation with distant metastasis and may be an independent prognostic marker for gastric carcinoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:538–543. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Standard‐free kinetic calibration for rapid on‐site analysis by solid‐phase microextraction
Authors: Ouyang Gangfeng , Cai Jibao , Zhang Xu , Li Hui , Pawliszyn Janusz
Published: February 2008

In this study, a new calibration method, standard‐free kinetic calibration, is proposed for rapid on‐site analysis by solid‐phase microextraction (SPME), based on the diffusion‐controlled mass transfer model and equilibrium extraction. With this calibration method, all analytes can be directly calibrated with only two samplings. The feasibility of this calibration method was validated in a standard aqueous solution flow‐through system and a standard gas flow‐through system. The distribution coefficients of five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), including naphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene, anthracene, and pyrene, between water and the PDMS fiber coating were determined and the concentrations of the PAHs in the flow‐through system were successfully calibrated with the proposed standard‐free calibration method. The extracted amounts of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbezene, o‐xylene) at equilibrium were also successfully calibrated with this method with two rapid sampling periods at 5 and 10 s. Compared with the previous calibration methods for rapid on‐site analysis by SPME, this method does not require a standard to calibrate the extraction, nor does it require additional equipment to control or measure the flow velocity of the sample matrix. In addition, all of the extracted analytes can be quantified without considering whether the system reached equilibrium. The newly proposed standard‐free kinetic calibration approach enriched the calibration methods available for on‐site analysis by SPME.
Markieren mit dem Laser
Authors: Müller Helmut
Published: February 2008

Es gibt kein Material, das sich nicht mit dem Laser beschriften lässt. Aufgrund dieser einzigartigen Eigenschaft haben Laserhersteller und Industrie gemeinsam eine Vielzahl von Markierungsanwendungen entwickelt. Ein wesentlicher Treiber für diesen Einsatzbereich des Lasers ist die Forderung der Industrie nach 100‐prozentiger Rückverfolgbarkeit aller Produkte und Komponenten – der so genannten Traceability. Und das aus gutem Grund: Weltweit verschärfen Gesetzgeber die Produkthaftungsgesetze – und Rückrufaktionen kosten nicht nur Unsummen, sondern schaden auch dem Image.