bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebellar hemorrhage and subsequent venous infarction followed by incomplete transvenous embolization of dural carotid cavernous fistulas: a rare complication
Authors: Lee Reng-Jye , Chen Chih-Feng , Hsu Shih-Wei , Lui Chun-Chung , Kuo Yeh-Lin
Published: June 2008

✓ Endovascular therapy for dural carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs) is generally accepted to be safe and effective. The authors report a rare complication of hemorrhage and subsequent venous infarcts of the pons and cerebellum after transvenous embolization.

This 41-year-old man presented with a severe left frontal headache, congestion of the left conjunctiva, blurred vision, and photophobia. Cerebral angiography demonstrated a right dural CCF. The patient underwent transvenous embolization of the cavernous sinus but had the initial complication of cerebellar hemorrhage. One month later, he developed progressive dizziness, ataxia, and right-sided weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed severe cerebellar and pontine edema. The cause was a residual fistula combined with delayed occlusion of the inferior petrosal sinus. The fistula was obliterated after repeated embolizations. The patient's symptoms gradually resolved, and there was no evidence of recurrence during the 4-year follow-up period.

Incomplete transvenous embolization of a dural CCF can result in life-threatening vascular complications due to redistribution of shunt flow. Early recognition of redistributed drainage and preventive placement of coils at the origin of draining veins during the procedure could avert this rare complication.
Clinical and economic consequences of antibiotic-impregnated cerebrospinal fluid shunt catheters
Authors: Eymann Regina , Chehab Somar , Strowitzki Martin , Steudel Wolf-Ingo , Kiefer Michael
Published: June 2008

Object

The authors evaluated the safety and efficacy of antibiotic-impregnated shunt catheters (AISCs) and determined the cost–benefit ratio related to the fact that AISCs increase the implant costs of a shunt procedure by ~ $400 per patient.

Methods

The control group comprised 98 adults with chronic hydrocephalus and 22 children, who were treated without AISCs (non-AISCs). In the treatment group, AISCs (Bactiseal, Codman, Johnson & Johnson) were implanted in 171 adults and 26 children. The minimum follow-up period was 6 months.

Results

Important risk factors for shunt infections (such as age, comorbidity, cause of hydrocephalus, operating time, and duration of external cerebrospinal fluid drainage prior to shunt placement) did not differ between the study and control groups. In the pediatric AISC group, the frequency of premature, shunt-treated infants and the incidence of external ventricular drainage prior to shunt insertion were actually higher than those in the non-AISC group. When using AISCs, the shunt infection rate dropped from 4 to 0.6% and from 13.6 to 3.8% in the adult and the pediatric cohort, respectively. Overall the infection rate decreased from 5.8 to 1%, which was statistically significant (p = 0.0145). The average costs of a single shunt infection were $17,300 and $13,000 in children and adults, respectively. The cost–benefit calculation assumed to have saved shunt infection–related costs of ~ $50,000 in 197 AISC–treated patients due to the reduction in shunt infection rate in this group compared with costs in the control group. Despite the incremental implant costs associated with the use of AISCs, the overall reduction in infection-related costs made the use of AISCs cost beneficial in the authors' department.

Conclusions

From clinical and economic perspectives, AISCs are seemingly a valuable addition in hydrocephalus therapy.
Suboccipital decompression for Chiari malformation–associated scoliosis: risk factors and time course of deformity progression
Authors: Attenello Frank J. , McGirt Matthew J. , Atiba April , Gathinji Muraya , Datoo Ghazala , Weingart Jon , Carson Benjamin , Jallo George I.
Published: June 2008

Object

Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) is often associated with scoliosis. It remains unclear which subgroups of patients are most likely to experience progression of spinal deformity after cervicomedullary decompression. The authors' goal was to determine the time frame of curvature progression and assess which patient subgroups are at greatest risk for progression of spinal deformity after surgery.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of all pediatric patients with significant scoliosis in whom suboccipital decompression was performed to treat for CM-I during a 10-year period at a single academic institution. Clinical, radiological, and operative variables were assessed as independent factors for failure (worsening of scoliosis) by using a univariate regression analysis.

Results

Twenty-one children (mean age 9 ± 3 years; 4 male) underwent hindbrain decompression for CM-I–associated scoliosis and were followed for a mean of 39 months. All patients harbored a syrinx. Eight patients (38%) experienced improvement in scoliosis curvature, whereas 10 (48%) suffered a progression. Thoracolumbar junction scoliosis (p = 0.04) and failure of the syrinx to improve (p = 0.05) were associated with 5- and 4-fold respective increases in the likelihood of deformity progression. Each increasing degree of preoperative Cobb angle was associated with an 11% increase in the likelihood of scoliotic curve progression (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Over one third of patients with CM-I–associated scoliosis will improve after cervicomedullary decompression alone. Cervicomedullary decompression is a good first-line option, particularly in children with concordant posterior fossa symptoms. Patients presenting with more severe scoliosis (increasing Cobb angle) or scoliosis that crosses the thoracolumbar junction may benefit from earlier orthopedic involvement and should be monitored regularly for curvature progression after cervicomedullary decompression. In cases in which there is a failure of the syrinx to show improvement after suboccipital decompression, the patients are also more likely to develop curvature progression.
Severe brain injury with rupture of the superior sagittal sinus after vacuum extraction birth
Authors: Musahl Christian , Schick Uta
Published: June 2008

✓ Vacuum extraction in nonprogressive labor is a relatively safe procedure. Only a few major complications have been reported in the literature. The authors present a case of severe brain damage with rupture of the sinus after vacuum extraction delivery for which surgical repair of the dural tear and brain prolapse was required.
Obstructive hydrocephalus due to a third ventricular neuroepithelial cyst
Authors: Ormond D. Ryan , Omeis Ibrahim , Mohan Avinash , Murali Raj , Narayan Prithvi
Published: June 2008

✓ Cysts occupying the third ventricle are rare lesions and may appear as an unusual cause of obstructive hydrocephalus. Various types of lesions occur in this location, and they generally have an arachnoidal, endodermal, or neuroepithelial origin. The authors present a case of acute hydrocephalus following minor trauma in a child due to cerebrospinal fluid outflow obstruction by a third ventricular cyst. Definitive diagnosis of this cystic lesion was possible only with contrast ventriculography and not routine computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The investigation, treatment, and pathological findings are discussed.
Giant intracranial capillary hemangioma associated with enlarged head circumference in a newborn
Authors: Daenekindt Thomas , Weyns Frank , Kho Kuan Hua , Peuskens Dieter , Engelborghs Koen , Wuyts Jan
Published: June 2008

✓ The authors describe the case of a patient with an intracranial capillary hemangioma, and they review the recent literature on intracranial capillary hemangiomas with special attention to their differential diagnosis and management.

The only sign in this 7-week-old boy was head enlargement. There were no neurological deficits, and imaging revealed a large intracranial lesion in the right temporal fossa. The results of biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, and, after endovascular embolization, the entire lesion was resected.

The incidence of intracranial capillary hemangioma is very low but may be underestimated. In the present case, the size of the tumor prompted surgical treatment. The natural behavior of extracranial capillary hemangiomas, however, suggests that a conservative approach with follow-up and steroid therapy may also be considered.
Cerebral mycetoma with cranial osteomyelitis
Authors: Beeram Vamseemohan , Challa Sundaram , Vannemreddy Prasad
Published: June 2008

✓ Craniocerebral maduromycetoma is extremely rare. The authors describe a case of maduromycetoma involving the left parietal cortex, bone, and subcutaneous tissue in a young male farm laborer who presented with left parietal scalp swelling that had progressed into a relentlessly discharging sinus. Computed tomography (CT) scanning of his brain revealed osteomyelitis of the parietal bone with an underlying homogeneously enhancing tumor. Intraoperatively, the mass was revealed to be a black lesion involving the bone, dura mater, and underlying cerebral cortex. It was friable and separated from the surrounding brain by a thick gliotic scar. Gross-total excision was performed, and the patient was placed on a 6-week regimen of itraconazole. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first instance of cerebral mycetoma with CT findings reported in the literature.
A new concept in the electrophysiological evaluation of syringomyelia
Authors: Roser Florian , Ebner Florian H. , Liebsch Marina , Dietz Klaus , Tatagiba Marcos
Published: June 2008

Object

The current neurophysiological assessment of syringomyelia is inadequate. Early-stage syringomyelia is anatomically predisposed to affect decussating spinothalamic fibers that convey pain and sensation primarily. Silent periods have been proven to be a sensitive tool for detecting alterations in this pathway.

Methods

Thirty-seven patients with syringomyelia were included in this prospective study. Routine electrophysiological measurements were applied including somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) and motor evoked potential (MEP) recordings for all extremities. The silent periods were recorded from the pollicis brevis muscle, and electrical stimuli were applied to the ipsilateral digiti II. To establish baseline values, the authors had 28 healthy controls undergo monitoring. Sensitivity and specificity values were statistically evaluated according to the main clinical symptoms (paresis, dissociative syndrome, and pain).

Results

All control individuals had normal silent periods in voluntarily activated muscle. In syringomyelia patients, the affected limb showed pathological silent periods with all symptoms (sensitivity 30–50%). Pain was the most specific symptom (90%), despite SSEP and MEP values that were within the normal range.

Conclusions

Silent period testing is a sensitive neurophysiological technique and an invaluable tool for preoperative assessment of syringomyelia. Silent periods are associated with early dysfunction of thin myelinated spinothalamic tract fibers, even when routine electrophysiological measurements still reveal normal values. Conduction abnormalities that selectively abolish the silent periods can distinguish between hydromyelia (a physiologically dilated central canal) and space-occupying syringomyelia.
Periosteal cells compared with autologous cancellous bone in lumbar segmental fusion
Authors: Putzier Michael , Strube Patrick , Funk Julia , Gross Christian , Perka Carsten
Published: June 2008

Object

Despite modern stabilization techniques and the use of autologous cancellous bone, bone consolidation does not occur in 10–15% of spinal fusion operations. There is also considerable donor site morbidity. Therefore, there is a definite need for material that has a larger measure of osteoinductivity, osteoconductivity, and osteogenic potential.

Methods

In this study, 24 patients with degenerative spinal disease underwent single-level circumferential lumbar fusion. The patients were randomly placed in 2 groups, each with different cage filling (Group 1, autologous iliac crest cancellous bone; Group 2, autologous periosteal cells in a fibrin/polyglactin-poly-p-dioxanone fleece). After 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, the patients underwent clinical (Oswestry Disability Index, patient satisfaction, willingness to undergo the operation again, visual analog scale for pain) and radiological (plain and flexion/extension radiographic and thin-layer computed tomography [CT]) examinations.

Results

The 6-month CT scans and 9-month radiographs obtained in Group 2 patients showed a significantly higher rate of fusion than those in Group 1 patients. Aside from this, there were no further significant differences. After 12 months, radiographic results showed a fusion rate of 80% in Group 1 and 90% in Group 2. No implant- or transplant-related complications were observed.

Conclusions

The use of autologous periosteal cells on carrier material with osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties showed comparable results with autologous cancellous bone and better results with regard to consolidation at 6–9 months postoperatively. The shorter consolidation time, as well as lower donor site morbidity, justifies the clinical use and further development of this tissue-engineering strategy.
Contributions of the fourth spinal nerve to the brachial plexus without prefixation
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Loukas Marios , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Ardalan Mohammad R. , Apaydin Nihal , Myers Candice , Shokouhi Ghaffar , Oakes W. Jerry
Published: June 2008

Object

The intradural contributions of the C-4 nerve rootlets have not been previously evaluated for their connections to the brachial plexus. The authors undertook a cadaveric study to evaluate the C-4 contributions to the upper trunk of the brachial plexus.

Methods

The posterior cervical triangles from 60 adult cadavers were dissected. All specimens that were found to have extradural C-4 contributions to the upper trunk of the brachial plexus were excluded from further study. In specimens found to have no extradural C-4 contributions to the brachial plexus a C1–T1 laminectomy was performed. Observations were made of any neural communications between adjacent spinal rootlets, specifically between C-4 and C-5.

Results

Nine (15%) of the 60 sides were found to have extradural C-4 contributions to the upper trunk of the brachial plexus. These sides were excluded from further study. No specimen was found to have a postfixed brachial plexus. Of the remaining 51 sides, 11 (21.6%) were found to have intradural neural connections between C-4 and C-5 dorsal rootlets and 1 (1.96%) had a connection between the ventral roots of C-4 and C-5. Communications between these 2 adjacent dorsal cervical cord levels were of 3 types. Type I was a vertical communication between the more horizontally traveling dorsal roots. Type II was a forked communication between adjacent C-4 and C-5 dorsal rootlets. The Type III designation was applied to connections between ventral rootlets. Although communications were slightly more frequent on left sides, this did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

In ~ 20% of normally composed brachial plexuses (those with extradural contributions from only C5–T1) we found intradural C4–5 neural connections. Such variations may lead to misinterpretation of spinal levels in pathological conditions of the spinal axis and should be considered in surgical procedures of this region, such as rhizotomy.
Bleeding spinal artery aneurysms
Authors: Longatti Pierluigi , Sgubin Donatella , Di Paola Francesco
Published: June 2008

✓The authors report a case of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage due to the rupture of multiple anterior spinal artery aneurysms. In view of the clinical and radiological findings, surgery was excluded and a wait-and-see policy was followed. A magnetic resonance imaging study performed 3 months after presentation and an angiographic study performed 6 months after presentation confirmed spontaneous regression of the aneurysms and preservation of blood flow through the anterior spinal artery.
Use of hinged rods for controlled osteoclastic correction of a fixed cervical kyphotic deformity in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Khoueir Paul , Hoh Daniel J. , Wang Michael Y.
Published: June 2008

✓Cervical kyphosis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can be severely disabling. Surgical treatment of this disorder is technically demanding, however, with a considerable risk of neurological and vascular injuries. The extension osteotomy is a well-described posterior treatment for this condition, but this approach presents the risk of acute subluxation and spinal column translation during the reduction. In this paper, the authors report the novel use of a hinged posterior cervical rod for controlled correction of cervical kyphosis. After sustaining a traumatic spinal fracture, a 57-year-old man with AS developed a delayed cervical flexion deformity. The patient was neurologically intact, but suffered from disabling impairment in horizontal gaze and activities of daily living, and from neck pain. The patient subsequently underwent surgical correction via a posterior cervical extension osteotomy at C7–T1 with manual extension of the neck for osteoclastic reduction of the cervical kyphosis. Controlled correction was performed by using a hinged rod affixed to posterior cervical and thoracic screws, allowing for free sagittal correction while restricting translational forces. Once the desired angle of correction was achieved, the hinge connector was locked, transforming the rod into a rigid device for permanent internal fixation. The use of hinged rods in cervical kyphosis correction provides a controlled method for reduction at the osteotomy site, decreasing the risk of neurological injury.
Ernte und Aufbereitung von Plantagenholz | Harvesting and conditioning of wood from short-rotation plantations
Authors: Grosse Werner , Landgraf Dirk , Scholz Volkhard , Brummack Joachim
Published: June 2008

Short-rotation plantations are harvested in cycles of three to twenty years, depending on the production aim. In contrast to the establishment and recultivation costs, the costs for harvesting and processing of the wood occur regularly. The harvesting technology should be chosen with respect to the desired outcome – logs or chips. This is crucial for the process costs as well as the possible performance. A combination of forestry harvesters and forwarders is recommended when logs will be harvested. If the wood will be used energetically, an agricultural combined harvester and chipper fitted with suitable harvesting aggregates is the best technology with respect to productivity and performance, as well as for economic reasons. For drying the wood chips, an air ventilation process based on the self-heating of freshly harvested wood chips is an effective method for drying the wood without external energy input. With this method, it is possible to reduce the water content to 30% within three months.
Einstellungen von Landwirten und Naturschutzverbänden zu Kurzumtriebsplantagen | Attitudes of farmers and nature conservation associations to short-rotation coppice
Authors: Skodawessely Constance , Glaser Thomas , Pretzsch Jürgen , Schmidt Peter A.
Published: June 2008

The large-scale establishment of short-rotation coppice requires widespread acceptance of all stakeholders concerned, depending on positive attitudes towards short-rotation coppice. Of special importance are the decision makers of agricultural enterprises as they are the ones who determine the use of their land property. The attitudes of nature conservation associations influence the current condition of opinions on short-rotation coppice in society. Based on two surveys with a low number of farmers and including members of the nature conservation associations of the regions Freiberg (Saxony) and Schradenland (Brandenburg), attitudes were assessed towards short-rotation coppice and their management on agricultural land. These surveys had explorative character and the results do not allow any generalisation. It shows that economic and technological aspects are the most relevant to farmers. Concerns of nature conservation associations refer primarily to ecological points of view. The obtained results form the basis for further surveys, which will follow representative sampling.
Bonding in Mercury-Alkali Molecules: Orbital-driven van der Waals Complexes
Authors: Kraka Elfi , Cremer Dieter
Published: June 2008

The bonding situation in mercury-alkali diatomics HgA (2Σ+) (A = Li, Na, K, Rb) has been investigated employing the relativistic all-electron method Normalized Elimination of the Small Component (NESC), CCSD(T), and augmented VTZ basis sets. Although Hg,A interactions are typical of van der Waals complexes, trends in calculated De values can be explained on the basis of a 3-electron 2-orbital model utilizing calculated ionization potentials and the De values of HgA+(1Σ+) diatomics. HgA molecules are identified as orbital-driven van der Waals complexes. The relevance of results for the understanding of the properties of liquid alkali metal amalgams is discussed.
Prodrugs of Fluoro-Substituted Benzoates of EGC as Tumor Cellular Proteasome Inhibitors and Apoptosis Inducers
Authors: Yu Zhiyong , Qin Xu Long , Gu Yan Yan , Chen Di , Cui Qiuzhi Cindy , Jiang Tao , Wan Sheng Biao , Dou Q. Ping
Published: June 2008

The most potent catechin in green tea is (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate [(-)- EGCG], which, however, is unstable under physiological conditions. To discover more stable and more potent polyphenol proteasome inhibitors, we synthesized several novel fluoro-substituted (-)-EGCG analogs, named F-EGCG analogs, as well as their prodrug forms with all of -OH groups protected by acetate. We report that the prodrug form of one F-EGCG analog exhibited greater potency than the previously reported peracetate of (-)- EGCG to inhibit proteasomal activity, suppress cell proliferation, and induce apoptosis in human leukemia Jurkat T cells, demonstrating the potential of these compounds to be developed into novel anti-cancer and cancer-preventive agents.
Adaptive robust control of nonlinear systems with dynamic uncertainties
Authors: Liu Xiangbin , Su Hongye , Yao Bin , Chu Jian
Published: June 2008

In this paper, the discontinuous projection‐based adaptive robust control (ARC) approach is extended to a class of nonlinear systems subjected to parametric uncertainties as well as all three types of nonlinear uncertainties—uncertainties could be state‐dependent, time‐dependent, and/or dynamic. Departing from the existing robust adaptive control approach, the proposed approach differentiates between dynamic uncertainties with and without known structural information. Specifically, adaptive robust observers are constructed to eliminate the effect of dynamic uncertainties with known structural information for an improved steady‐state output tracking performance—asymptotic output tracking is achieved when the system is subjected to parametric uncertainties and dynamic uncertainties with known structural information only. In addition, dynamic normalization signals are introduced to construct ARC laws to deal with other uncertainties including dynamic uncertainties without known structural information not only for global stability but also for a guaranteed robust performance in general. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Head‐to‐Head Homo‐Coupling of Arylethynes Catalysed by (Dicarbonyl)ruthenium Chloride Metallacycles: Selective Synthesis of (E)‐1,4‐Diarylbut‐1‐en‐3‐ynes
Authors: Hijazi Akram , Parkhomenko Ksenia , Djukic Jean‐Pierre , Chemmi Atika , Pfeffer Michel
Published: June 2008

Exposure of various arylethynes to catalytic amounts of dimeric ruthenacycles containing the chloro(dicarbonyl)ruthenium [Ru(CO)2Cl] motif efficiently and selectively leads to the formation of (E)‐1,4‐diaryl‐but‐1‐en‐3‐ynes that result from head‐to‐head CC coupling.
Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Aromatic Ketones Catalyzed by a Mesoporous Silica‐Supported Iridium Catalyst
Authors: Liu Guohua , Yao Mei , Wang Jianyao , Lu Xiaoquan , Liu Mouming , Zhang Fang , Li Hexing
Published: June 2008

A mesoporous, silica‐supported, chiral iridium catalyst with a highly ordered dimensional‐hexagonal mesostructure was prepared by postgrafting the organometallic complex (1‐diphenylphosphino‐2‐triethylsilylethane)[(R,R)‐1,2‐diphenylethylenediamine]iridium chloride {IrCl[PPh2(CH2)2Si(OEt)3]2[(R,R)‐DPEN] (DPEN=1,2‐diphenylethylenediamine)} on SBA‐15 silica. During the asymmetric hydrogenation of various aromatic ketones under 40 atm of hydrogen, the mesoporous, silica‐supported, chiral iridium catalyst exhibited high catalytic activity (more than 95% conversions) and excellent enantioselectivity (up to more than 99% ee). The catalyst could be recovered easily and used repetitively seven times without significantly affecting the catalytic activity and the enantioselectivity.
Novel Aqueous Phase Supramolecular Synthesis of 3‐Pyrrolylindolin‐2‐ones and Pyrrolylindeno[1,2‐b]quinoxalines
Authors: Sridhar R. , Srinivas B. , Kumar V. Pavan , Reddy V. Prakash , Kumar A. Vijay , Rao K. Rama
Published: June 2008

Various 3‐pyrrolylindolin‐2‐ones and pyrrolylindeno[1,2‐b]quinoxaline were synthesized for the first time in high yields in water under neutral conditions by supramolecular catalysis involving β‐cyclodextrin. The β‐cyclodextrin can be recovered and reused a number of times without any loss of activity.
Identification of novel dyslexia candidate genes through the analysis of a chromosomal deletion
Authors: Poelmans G. , Engelen J.J.M. , Van Lent‐Albrechts J. , Smeets H.J. , Schoenmakers E. , Franke B. , Buitelaar J.K. , Wuisman‐Frerker M. , Erens W. , Steyaert J. , Schrander‐Stumpel C.
Published: June 2008

Dyslexia is the most common childhood learning disorder and it is a significantly heritable trait. At least nine chromosomal loci have been linked to dyslexia, and additional susceptibility loci on other chromosomes have been suggested. Within two of these loci, DYX1C1 (15q21) and ROBO1 (3p12) have recently been proposed as dyslexia candidate genes through the molecular analysis of translocation breakpoints in dyslexic individuals carrying balanced chromosomal translocations. Moreover, genetic association studies have indicated a cluster of five dyslexia candidate genes in another linkage region on chromosome 6p22, although there is currently no consensus about which of these five genes contributes to the genetic susceptibility for dyslexia. In this article, we report the identification of four new dyslexia candidate genes (PCNT, DIP2A, S100B, and PRMT2) on chromosome region 21q22.3 by FISH and SNP microarray analyses of a very small deletion in this region, which cosegregates with dyslexia in a father and his three sons. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of habitat fragmentation, population size and demographic history on genetic diversity: the cross river gorilla in a comparative context
Authors: Bergl Richard A. , Bradley Brenda J. , Nsubuga Anthony , Vigilant Linda
Published: June 2008

In small and fragmented populations, genetic diversity may be reduced owing to increased levels of drift and inbreeding. This reduced diversity is often associated with decreased fitness and a higher threat of extinction. However, it is difficult to determine when a population has low diversity except in a comparative context. We assessed genetic variability in the critically endangered Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli), a small and fragmented population, using 11 autosomal microsatellite loci. We show that levels of diversity in the Cross River population are not evenly distributed across the three genetically identified subpopulations, and that one centrally located subpopulation has higher levels of variability than the others. All measures of genetic variability in the Cross River population were comparable to those of the similarly small mountain gorilla (G. beringei beringei) populations (Bwindi and Virunga). However, for some measures both the Cross River and mountain gorilla populations show lower levels of diversity than a sample from a large, continuous western gorilla population (Mondika, G. gorilla gorilla). Finally, we tested for the genetic signature of a bottleneck in each of the four populations. Only Cross River showed strong evidence of a reduction in population size, suggesting that the reduction in size of this population was more recent or abrupt than in the two mountain gorilla populations. These results emphasize the need for maintaining connectivity in fragmented populations and highlight the importance of allowing small populations to expand. Am. J. Primatol. 70:848–859, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predicting Enthalpy of Vaporization of Ionic Liquids: A Simple Rule for a Complex Property
Authors: Verevkin Sergey P.
Published: June 2008

A simple additive approach based on the empirical formula has been developed to calculate the enthalpy of vaporization of an ionic liquid, which is separated into a main contribution from the constituent elements (regardless of their position in the cation or anion) and an auxiliary contribution (correction) due to structural peculiarities, such as the presence of CF3 groups or a cyclic structure.
Oligoesters based on poly(p‐alkoxycinnamate) and poly(pentaethylene glycol cinnamate) as potential UV filters
Authors: Sasiwilaskorn S. , Klinubol P. , Tachaprutinun A. , Udomsup T. , Wanichwecharungruang S. P.
Published: June 2008

Four solid UV‐absorptive oligomers—poly(p‐ethoxycinnamate) (P2), poly(p‐propoxycinnamate) (P3), poly(p‐hexyloxycinnamate) (P6), and poly(p‐undecyloxycinnamate) (P11)—were condensation polymerized from p‐(2‐hydroxy‐ethoxy) cinnamic acid, p‐(3‐hydroxy‐propoxy) cinnamic acid, p‐(6‐hydroxy‐hexyloxy) cinnamic acid, and p‐(11‐hydroxy‐undecyloxy) cinnamic acid, respectively. The liquid UV‐absorptive oligomer, poly(pentaethylene glycol cinnamate) (PPGC), was synthesized through the copolymerization between p‐hydroxycinnamic acid and pentaethylene glycol ditosylate. Molecular weights of all five oligomers were in the range of 1600–5500. Absorption profiles of all synthesized polymers indicated UVB absorption characteristics. Upon UVB exposure, trans to cis photoisomerization of all five oligomers was observed, leading to the decrease in their UVB absorption efficiency. No transdermal penetration across a baby mouse skin (Mus musculus Linn.) was detected for the five synthesized oligomers, while the penetration of the standard UVB filter, 2‐ethylhexyl‐p‐methoxycinnamate, through the same skin could be clearly observed. In addition, PPGC, a yellowish water immiscible liquid, showed good solubility in various organic solvents and silicone fluids. PPGC and P3 could be induced into water dispersible nanoparticles using solvent displacement technique. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Melting behaviors, isothermal crystallization kinetics, and morphology of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/stainless steel fiber composites
Authors: Yao Chenguang , Xie Tingxiu , Yang Guisheng
Published: June 2008

The melting behavior and crystallization kinetics of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)/stainless steel fiber (SSF) composites were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry. The morphology was studied with scanning electron microscopy and polarized optical microscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis revealed that the crystallization temperature increased by 27°C with the addition of 1 vol % SSF to the matrix. The Avrami exponents, analyzed in isothermal crystallization kinetics, were determined to be 2–3 for both neat PTT and PTT/SSF composites. SSF, as a nucleating agent in the composites, greatly increased the crystallization rate. The activation energies of the composites were obviously lower than that of pure PTT, and this indicated much easier crystallization of the composites. All these samples exhibited banded spherulites, and the spherulite size gradually decreased with the SSF loading increasing. Subsequent melting behaviors revealed that all of these samples, especially of the composites, exhibited triple melting peaks at all crystallization temperatures studied. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
A study on the onset surface melt fracture of polypropylene materials with foaming additives
Authors: Naguib Hani E. , Park Chul B.
Published: June 2008

The melt fracture behaviors of linear and branched polypropylene resins with foaming additives were investigated. The effects of branching, processing temperature, additives, and blowing agent on the surface melt fracture of polypropylene materials were thoroughly studied. A CCD camera was installed at the die exit to precisely observe the onset of surface melt fracture of extruded foams. The critical wall shear stress was determined for various linear and branched polypropylene resins using a capillary die. It was found that the branching required to foam polypropylene resins also promotes melt fracture: the critical shear stress was decreased by 0.0175 MPa with an increase of 0.1 n/1000c in long‐chain branching. It was also observed that the dissolved blowing agent (butane) significantly suppressed the melt fracture of both linear and branched polypropylene resins. On the other hand, a noticeable increase in the critical shear stress of branched polypropylene materials was observed with the nucleating agent (talc) and the aging modifier (glycerol mono stearate), whereas almost negligible effect of the additives on the critical shear stress was observed for linear polypropylene materials. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Renal Corpuscle of the African Lungfish Protopterus dolloi: Structural and Histochemical Modifications During Aestivation
Authors: Ojeda José L. , Wong Wai P. , Ip Yuen K. , Icardo José M.
Published: June 2008

This work studies the structural and lectin‐binding modifications experienced by the renal corpuscle of the African lungfish Protopterus dolloi during aestivation. The kidney of the aestivating animals was studied by light‐ and electron‐microscopy, and by immunofluorescence methods. Upon aestivation, the renal corpuscles (RCs) undergo a marked size reduction, and all the structural RC components are affected. The parietal cells of Bowman's capsule lose their flattened appearance and adopt the organization of a stratified epithelium. The glomerular capillaries collapse. The podocytes approach each other. Concomitantly, the major processes between contiguous cells are lost, the rest of the major processes adopting a lamina‐like configuration. The foot processes lose their regular arrangement, the filtration slits are difficult to observe, and the subpodocyte space disappears. The glomerular basement membrane (GBM) thickens enormously, increases the amount of amorphous material and of collagen, and round inclusions formed by amorphous material and coiled fibrils appear. The mesangial cells compact and form a dense network embedded in the subendothelial lamina of the GBM. The endothelial cells show numerous irregularities, establishing abnormal interrelationships with the mesangial cells. These modifications are accompanied by changes in the expression of the carbohydrate moieties, as indicated by the modifications in lectin‐binding patterns. On the whole, these modifications thicken and compact the filtration barrier, thus reducing the filtration coefficient and allowing the organism to cope with dehydration. All these modifications are partially reversed during the first days of returning the animals to freshwater. The renal corpuscle appears to be a highly dynamic structure capable of modifying its architecture in response to environmental changes. Anat Rec, 291:1156‐1172, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Money and fame: vividness effects in the National Basketball Association
Authors: Wang Long
Published: June 2008

In his widely reprinted paper “On the Folly of Rewarding A, While Hoping for B,” Kerr argued that vividness was one of the major reasons for distorted rewards. Using both archival and survey data, the present paper directly tests Kerr's proposal by investigating whether, how, and why highly visible behaviors are over‐rewarded and less visible, but similarly (or more) important behaviors are under‐rewarded. The National Basketball Association (NBA) was chosen as the domain of this study because scoring is particularly vivid, even though both non‐scoring and scoring performances are critical for winning games. Findings from four studies demonstrated that the scoring performance of NBA players was weighed more heavily than their non‐scoring performance. Scorers were rewarded with higher salaries and received more support in the NBA All‐Star balloting than defenders, even though they might not necessarily make more contribution than their teammates. This pattern of findings suggests that the vividness effect may lead to pronounced differences in people's judgments, especially when they face abundant real‐world information with similar validity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reducing overestimation in reported mobile phone use associated with epidemiological studies
Authors: Tokola Kari , Kurttio Päivi , Salminen Tiina , Auvinen Anssi
Published: June 2008

Case‐control studies of mobile phones are commonly based on retrospective, self‐reported exposure information, which are often characterized as involving substantial uncertainty concerning data validity. We assessed the validity of self‐reported mobile phone use and developed a statistical model to account for the over‐reporting of exposure. We collected information on mobile phone use from 70 volunteers using two sources of data: self‐report in an interview and network operator records. We used regression models to obtain bias‐corrected estimates of exposure. A correlation coefficient of 0.71 was obtained between the self‐reported and the network operators' data on average calling time (log‐transformed minutes per month). A simple linear regression model, where the duration of calls acquired from network operators is explained with the self‐reported duration fitted the data reasonably well (adjusted R2 0.51). The constant term was 2.71 and the regression coefficient 0.49 (logarithmic scale). No significant improvement in the model fit was achieved by including potential predictors of accuracy in self‐reported exposure estimates, such as the pattern of mobile phone use, the modality of response to the questionnaire or demographic characteristics. Overestimation in self‐reported intensity of mobile phone use can be accounted for by the use of regression calibration. The estimates obtained in our study may not be applicable in other contexts, but similar methods could be used to reduce bias in other studies. Bioelectromagnetics 29:559–563, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Die Kunst des Anschlags. Elisabeth Caland und die Physio‐Ästhetik des Klavierspiels
Authors: Herrgott Gerhard
Published: June 2008

The Art of Touch. Elisabeth Caland and the Physio‐Aesthetics of Piano Playing The issue of how it is possible to play the piano without striking it was raised by Chopin: one must ‘caresser’ and not ‘frapper’ the piano. In her teachings on the art of piano playing, Elisabeth Caland (1862–1929) attempts to articulate a scientifically grounded solution to this complex (kin‐)aesthetic problem. The solution turns on her intuitively discovered ‘lowering of the shoulderblades’ which was documented in 1904, through X‐rays, by the Berlin physiologist René du Bois‐Reymond, and recorded as a way of coordinating movement which had been unknown to physiology up to that time. Caland's physio‐aesthetic of piano playing, which she worked out on the basis of du Bois‐Reymond's observations, turns on the ideal of ‘floating sound’ put forward by her teacher Ludwig Deppe, and on Ferruccio Busoni's technique of piano playing. Her method makes essential use of what Feldenkrais would later call the ‘sixth sense’ (i.e. proprioceptive perception); in fact, it represents the first modern kinaesthetically based conception of piano playing. Caland's doctrine of touch was ahead of its time and it virtually disappeared from discussions of piano technique after 1930. But it has become accessible again through reprints of her most important writings: Deppe's doctrine of piano playing (1897), Sources of power in piano playing (1904), and Artistic piano playing (1910).
Nerven‐Saiten‐Stimmung. Zum Wandel einer Denkfigur zwischen Musik und Wissenschaft 1750–1850
Authors: Welsh Caroline
Published: June 2008

‘Stimmung’. The Career of a Concept in Music and Science between 1750 and 1850. The German word ‘Stimmung’ originally refers to the musical praxis of tuning instruments. Whereas the English concepts of ‘tonus’ and ‘atunement’ used to describe the physical status of the body developed independently from the psychological ‘mood’, ‘Stimmung’ was used metaphorically in both physiology and psychology in the discussed period. This leads to various interrelations between the areas of knowledge involved. The paper investigates these on a synchronic and diachronic level. By concentrating a) on the analogy between musical strings and nerve fibres within the framework of a mechanistic conception of the body and b) on the metaphoric use of ‘Stimmung’ as a psychological concept describing the general mood of an individual, it becomes evident that the different metaphorical adaptations do not only have consequences within the specific area of knowledge, but also lead to distinct interpretations of musical effect. The second half of the paper concentrates on the diachronic development of ‘Stimmung’ in physiology and analyses the shifts within the semantic field of the metaphor occurring during the transformation from a mechanical to an organic conception of the body. On a theoretical level the emphasis lies on the conceptual potential of vague metaphors and the function of marginal metaphors in periods of theory change. In this context the results question Thomas Kuhns theory of an abrupt, gestaltlike change of theory by emphasizing the importance of continuous shifts within the semantic fields of vague metaphors.
Effect of phospholipids on conformational structure of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) and its thermolabile mutants
Authors: Izumikawa Naoshige , Nishikori Shingo , Vestergaard Mun'delanji , Hamada Tsutomu , Hagihara Yoshihisa , Yumoto Noboru , Shiraki Kentaro , Takagi Masahiro
Published: June 2008

The effects of negatively charged phosphatidylserine‐prepared membranes (PS) and neutral phosphatidylcholine‐prepared membranes (PC) on the structure of wild‐type and mutant bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) at neutral pH were investigated. The presence of PC did not have any effect on the protein structure while PS induced a non‐native structure in three mutant BPTI proteins. However, the negatively charged membrane did not have any effect on wild‐type BPTI. The findings revealed that (i) elimination of some disulphide bonds results in dramatic change in protein structure, and, (ii) that this biochemical interaction is surface‐driven and electrostatic interactions may play a very strong role in influencing the fore‐stated changes in protein structure. Of further interest were the results obtained from investigating the possible role of PS fluidity and concentration in altering mutant. When the value of Gibbs free‐energy change of unfolding (ΔGU) was positive, various non‐native structures were formed in a concentration‐dependent manner. However, when the value of ΔGU was negative, only two types of non‐native structures were formed: one with high β structure content at low PS fluidity state, and the other with a high α‐helical content at high PS fluidity state. Our study reveals how particular combinations of phospholipid:protein interactions can induce a protein conformation transition from a native to a non‐native one at neutral pH, especially when the native structure is predestabilized by amino acid substitutions. This revelation may open up opportunities to explore alternative ways in which phospholipids may play a role in protein mis‐folding and the related pathologies. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 873–880, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Self‐crosslinked and reducible fusogenic peptides for intracellular delivery of siRNA
Authors: Mok Hyejung , Park Tae Gwan
Published: June 2008

A novel self‐crosslinked and reducible peptide was synthesized for stable formation of nanoscale complexes with an siRNA‐PEG conjugate to enhance transfection efficiency in serum containing condition without compromising cytotoxicity. A fusogenic peptide, KALA, with two cysteine residues at both terminal ends was crosslinked via disulfide linkages under mild DMSO oxidation condition. The reducible crosslinked KALA (cl‐KALA) was used to form nano‐complexes with green fluorescent protein (GFP) siRNA. Size and morphology of various polyelectrolyte complexes formulated with KALA and cl‐KALA were comparatively analyzed. cl‐KALA exhibited more reduced cell cytotoxicity and formed more stable and compact polyelectrolyte complexes with siRNA, compared with naked KALA and polyethylenimine (PEI), probably because of its increased charge density. The extent of gene silencing was quantitatively evaluated using MDA‐MB‐435 cells. cl‐KALA/siRNA complexes showed comparable gene silencing efficiency with those of cytotoxic PEI. In a serum containing medium, cl‐KALA/siRNA‐PEG conjugate complexes exhibited superior gene inhibition because of the shielding effect of PEG on the surface. The formulation based on the self‐crosslinked fusogenic peptide could be used as a biocompatible and efficient nonviral carrier for siRNA delivery. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 881–888, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Relation of glutathione S‐transferase T1, M1 and P1 genotypes and breast cancer risk
Authors: Ünlü Ali , Ates Nurcan Aras , Tamer Lülüfer , Ates Cengiz
Published: June 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate associations between genetic variability in specific Glutathione S‐transferases (GST) genes (GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1) and susceptibility to breast cancer. Genotypes of blood specimen DNA were determined for 65 women with incident cases of breast cancer and 108 control subjects. Associations between specific genotypes and the development of breast cancer were examined by the use of logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Neither GSTT1 nor GSTM1 homozygous null genotype was associated with a significant increased risk of developing breast cancer. The presence of valine alleles compared to isoleucine alleles in codon 105 in GSTP1 did not increase the risk of breast cancer development. The risk of breast cancer associated with a combined GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotype was 3.37 (95% CI = 0.76–2.95, p = 0.115). The only significant association between increased risk of breast cancer development and GSTs polymorphsims was found when GSTT1 null, GSTM1 null and the presence of valine in GSTP1 in codon 105 were combined (p < 0.048, OR = 3.75, 95% CI = 1.01–13.90). Our findings suggest that combined genetic variability in members of the GST gene family may be associated with an increased susceptibility to breast cancer. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.