bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of neurocognitive function after protected carotid artery stenting
Authors: Mlekusch Wolfgang , Mlekusch Irene , Haumer Markus , Kopp Christoph W. , Lehrner Johann , Ahmadi Ramazanali , Koppensteiner Renate , Minar Erich , Schillinger, Martin
Published: December 2007

Objective: To investigate the effect of protected carotid artery stenting on neurocognitive function with particular consideration of the angiographic filling of the ipsilateral anterior cerebral artery (ACA). Background: An improved inflow to the supply area of the anterior cerebral artery after revascularisation of severe carotid artery stenosis may beneficially affect frontal lobe cognitive functions. Methods: We prospectively included 71 consecutive patients who underwent carotid artery stenting (CAS) due to high grade carotid artery stenosis. Intracranial angiograms and filling status of the ACA pre‐ and post‐stenting were analyzed and a battery of 5 selected neuropsychological tests for frontal lobe function were applied prior to and 6 months after CAS. Patients with improvement in at least two tests were defined as having improved neurocognitive function. Results: Compared to baseline, we found a significant improvement of the Trail‐Making Test A (median 6% improved change‐score; P = 0.01), the test of supermarket items showed a trend towards significant improvement (median 3.7% improved change‐score; P = 0.09). In 32 patients (45%) an improvement of at least 2 neurocognitive tests was observed. Neuropsychological improvement was found more frequently in patients with a contrasted ipsilateral ACA after CAS (88%, 95% CI 77 to 99) compared to patients without angiographic filling of the ipsilateral ACA post CAS (13%, 95% CI 1 to 25), respectively (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Carotid artery stenting improves neurocognitive function in a considerable proportion of patients. A contrasted ipsilateral anterior cerebral artery after CAS is associated with improved neurocognitive function, presumably due to amelioration of frontal lobe perfusion. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new method of three‐dimensional coronary artery reconstruction from X‐ray angiography: Validation against a virtual phantom and multislice computed tomography
Authors: Andriotis Adamantios , Zifan Ali , Gavaises Manolis , Liatsis Panos , Pantos Ioannis , Theodorakakos Andreas , Efstathopoulos Efstathios P. , Katritsis Demosthenes
Published: December 2007

Objective: To develop and implement a method for three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction of coronary arteries from conventional monoplane angiograms. Background: 3D reconstruction of conventional coronary angiograms is a promising imaging modality for both diagnostic and interventional purposes. Methods: Our method combines image enhancement, automatic edge detection, an iterative method to reconstruct the centerline of the artery and reconstruction of the diameter of the vessel by taking into consideration foreshortening effects. The X‐Ray‐based 3D coronary trees were compared against phantom data from a virtual arterial tree projected into two planes as well as computed tomography (CT)‐based coronary artery reconstructions in patients subjected to coronary angiography. Results: Comparison against the phantom arterial tree demonstrated perfect agreement with the developed algorithm. Visual comparison against the CT‐based reconstruction was performed in the 3D space, in terms of the direction angle along the centerline length of the left anterior descending and circumflex arteries relative to the main stem, and location and take‐off angle of sample bifurcation branches from the main coronary arteries. Only minimal differences were detected between the two methods. Inter‐ and intraobserver variability of our method was low (intra‐class correlation coefficients > 0.8). Conclusion: The developed method for coronary artery reconstruction from conventional angiography images provides the geometry of coronary arteries in the 3D space. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
First direct in vivo comparison of two commercially available three‐dimensional quantitative coronary angiography systems
Authors: Ramcharitar Steve , Daeman Joost , Patterson Mark , van Guens Robert Jan , Boersma Eric , Serruys Patrick W. , van der Giessen Willem J.
Published: December 2007

Aim: The in vivo comparison of the accuracy of two 3‐dimensional quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) systems. Methods: Precision‐drilled plexiglass phantoms with five different luminal diameters (0.5–1.9 mm) were percutaneously inserted into the coronary arteries of four Yorkshire pigs. Twenty‐one angiographic images of these stenotic phantoms were acquired for in vivo validation testing. Quantitative assessments of the minimum, maximum, and mean luminal diameters together with the minimum luminal area were determined using two 3D QCA systems, the CardiOp‐B® and CAAS 5. Results: The CardiOp‐B system significantly underestimated the minimum luminal diameter MLD whilst both systems significantly overestimated the maximum luminal diameter at the minimal luminal area (MLA) over the phantom's true value. The CAAS 5 system had a greater degree of accuracy/mm (mean difference = 0.01 vs. 0.03) and precision/mm (SD = 0.09 vs. 0.23) than the CardiOp‐B in assessing the minimal LD. An increased precision/mm (SD = 0.01 vs. 0.29) and accuracy/mm (mean difference = 0.03 vs. 0.11) in the mean LD was observed with the CAAS 5. In comparing the MLA/mm2 the CAAS 5 was more precise/mm2 (SD = 0.14 vs. 0.55) and accurate/mm2 (mean difference = 0.12 vs. 0.02) to the true phantom MLA compared to the CardiOp‐B system. Conclusions: In a 21 phantom study, the CAAS 5 3D QCA system had a greater degree of accuracy and precision in both the luminal and area measurements than the CardiOp‐B 3D QCA system. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genes of Hippo signaling network act unconventionally in the control of germline proliferation in Drosophila
Authors: Sun Shuguo , Zhao Shaowei , Wang Zhaohui
Published: December 2007

Hippo pathway and its related genes are required for growth control in various somatic tissues. The mutations of Hippo pathway components lead to tissue overgrowth cell‐autonomously. Surprisingly, when we generated germline mutant clones of Hippo‐network genes such as fat, expanded, hippo, salvador, and warts, we did not observe any overgrowth of these mutant cells. Consistently, overexpression of the progrowth gene yorkie, which is normally inhibited by Hippo signaling, did not lead to germline overgrowth either. In contrast to previous studies in epithelial tissues, these tumor suppressor genes are dispensable in germline cells for their proliferation control. Furthermore, we demonstrate that expanded functions nonautonomously to regulate spermatogonial proliferation. It appears that expanded acts from the somatic support cells surrounding the germline to restrict spermatogonial amplification. Developmental Dynamics 237:270–275, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Position sensorless driving of BLDCM using neural networks
Authors: GUO Hai‐Jiao , Sagawa Seiji , Ichinokura Osamu
Published: December 2007

A sensorless driving method of brushless DC motors (BLDCM) using neural networks has been studied in this paper. Considering the nonlinear characteristics and the parameter error of the modeling, neural networks are introduced to estimate the electromotive force (EMF). The results of simulation and experiment using offline trained neural networks show that the proposed method is useful. In addition, the robustness about the parameters is discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 162(4): 64–71, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20240
Mesolamellar Phases Containing [Re6Q8(CN)6]4– (Q = Te, Se, S) Cluster Anions
Authors: Suh Min‐Jung , Vien Vo , Huh Seong , Kim Youngmee , Kim Sung‐Jin
Published: December 2007

We synthesized new mesostructured materials through the surfactant‐templated assembly of octahedral rhenium cluster [Re6Q8(CN)6]4– (Q = Te, Se and S) anions. The mesostructured lamellar phases with the general formula [CnH2n+1N(CH3)3]4[Re6Q8(CN)6] (n = 14, 16, 18; Q = Te, Se, S; 1: n = 14, Q = Te; 2: n = 16, Q = Te; 3: n = 18, Q = Te; 4: n = 16, Q = Se; 5: n = 16, Q = S) were prepared by an ion exchange/precipitation reaction of alkyltrimethylammonium surfactants and the corresponding cluster K4[Re6Q8(CN)6] in an H2O/acetone medium at room temperature. The orange plate‐like crystals of 1 and 4 were obtained by slow concentration of their solutions and their crystal structures determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In the structure, the rhenium clusters form layers with a pseudo‐hexagonal arrangement, and these inorganic layers are separated by a bilayer of interdigitated surfactant cations. Compounds 1–5 were characterized using powder X‐ray diffraction, TEM, IR, Raman, FL, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Local retrofit of exterior RC beam–column joints using thin RC jackets—An experimental study
Authors: Karayannis Chris G. , Chalioris Constantin E. , Sirkelis George M.
Published: December 2007

The use of a new type of reinforced concrete (RC) jacket for RC exterior beam–column connections damaged by seismic excitations is addressed and experimentally investigated. The proposed jacket has very small thickness and includes small diameter steel reinforcement. This jacketing applies at the joint region and at a small part of the columns and the beam. The main advantage of the proposed thin and locally applied jacket compared with the commonly used concrete jacket is the fact that its application is not restrained by space limitations, and since it slightly changes the initial size of the elements, the building's dynamics and seismic behaviour remain practically unaffected. For the needs of this study, 10 exterior beam–column joint subassemblages were constructed and subjected to increasing cyclic loading. Later, the damaged specimens were locally retrofitted using the proposed thin RC jackets and they were retested with the same load sequence. Three different specimen configurations with various amounts of shear reinforcement in the joint area were examined and two types of jackets (a) with light and (b) with dense reinforcement were applied. Test results indicated that the seismic performance of the retrofitted specimens was fully restored and in some cases substantially improved with respect to the performance of the same specimens in the initial loading, since they exhibited higher values of load capacity and hysteretic energy dissipation. Discussion for the conditions of the use of the examined jacketing technique either as a repair or as a strengthening method is also included. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Survival and recurrence of hepatitis C after liver transplantation in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus
Authors: Duclos-Vallée Jean-Charles , Féray Cyrille , Sebagh Mylène , Teicher Elina , Roque-Afonso Anne-Marie , Roche Bruno , Azoulay Daniel , Adam René , Bismuth Henri , Castaing Denis , Vittecoq Daniel , Samuel Didier
Published: December 2007

Liver transplantation in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a recent indication. In a single center, we have compared the survival and severity of recurrent HCV infection after liver transplantation in HIV-HCV–coinfected and HCV-monoinfected patients. Seventy-nine patients receiving a first liver graft for HCV-related liver disease between 1999 and 2005 were included. Among them, 35 had highly active antiretroviral therapy–controlled HIV infection. All patients were monitored for HCV viral load and liver histology during the posttransplantation course. Coinfected patients were younger (43 ± 6 versus 55 ± 8 years,

P

< 0.0001) and had a higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (18.8 ± 7.4 versus 14.8 ± 4.7;

P

= 0.008). The 2-year and 5-year survival rates were 73% and 51% and 91% and 81% in coinfected patients and monoinfected patients, respectively (log-rank

P

= 0.004). Under multivariate Cox analysis, survival was related only to the MELD score (

P

= 0.03; risk ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.01, 1.15). Using the Kaplan-Meier method, the progression to fibrosis ≥ F2 was significantly higher in the coinfected group (

P

< 0.0001).

Conclusion:

The results of liver transplantation in HIV-HCV–coinfected patients were satisfactory in terms of survival benefit. Earlier referral of these patients to a liver transplant unit, the use of new drugs effective against HCV, and an avoidance of drug toxicity are mandatory if we are to improve the results of this challenging indication for liver transplantation. (Hepatology 2007.)
Convective heat transfer and pressure drop of annular tubes with three different internal longitudinal fins
Authors: Tian Lin , Wang Qiuwang , Xie Gongnan , Zhao Cunlu , Luo Laiqin
Published: December 2007

Pressure drop and heat transfer characteristics of air in three annular tubes with different internal longitudinal fins were investigated experimentally at uniform wall heat flux. The tested tubes have a double‐pipe structure with the inner blocked tube as an insertion. Three different kinds of fins, plain rectangle fin, plain rectangle fin with periodical ridges and wave‐like fin, were located peripherally in the annulus. The friction factor and Nusselt number can be corrected by a power‐law correction in the Reynolds number range tested. It was found that the tube with periodical ridges on the plain fin or with wave‐like fin could augment heat transfer; however, the pressure drop was increased simultaneously. In order to evaluate the comprehensive heat transfer characteristics of the tested tubes, two criteria for evaluating the comprehensive thermal performance of tested tubes were adopted. They are: 1) evaluating the comprehensive heat transfer performance under three conditions: identical mass flow, identical pumping power, and identical pressure drop; 2) the second law of thermodynamics, i.e., the entropy generation. According to the two different evaluating methods, it was found that the tube with wave‐like fins provided the most excellent comprehensive heat transfer performance among the three tubes, especially when it was used under higher Reynolds number conditions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 37(1): 29–40, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20186
Overweight, appetite control, and the role of glutamate and excess nutritional protein during child development
Authors: Hermanussen Michael , Tresguerres Jesus Angel Fernandez
Published: December 2007

Preventing and treating obesity has become a major public health concern and develops from an only medical into an interdisciplinary and already political problem. Yet, current ideas about lifestyle and strategies to maintain health and weight are still dominated by very popular beliefs that clearly contrast scientifi c evidence. Meta‐analyses showed that most of the variance in body fatness is not explained physical activity, and energy, fat and carbohydrate intake. Instead, it has been noted that protein intake also correlates with body mass index (BMI), and reaches maximum infl uence in the group of 10–12 year old boys (r=0.31) and girls (r=0.36) explaining up to 13% of the BMI variance in young adolescents.
Induction of colitis and rapid development of colorectal tumors in mice deficient in the neuropeptide PACAP
Authors: Nemetz Nicole , Abad Catalina , Lawson Greg , Nobuta Hiroko , Chhith Seririthanar , Duong Lucy , Tse Gary , Braun Jonathan , Waschek James A.
Published: December 2007

Pituitary adenylyl cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) is expressed in central, sensory, autonomic, and enteric neurons. Although it classically acts as a neurotransmitter/neuromodulator, recent studies indicate that PACAP can also regulate immune function. To this effect, PACAP has been shown to reduce clinical symptoms and inflammation in mouse models of human immune‐based diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's Disease, septic shock and multiple sclerosis. Despite these findings, the role of the endogenous peptide in regulating immune function is unknown. To determine if endogenous PACAP plays a protective role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IBD‐associated colorectal cancer in mice, PACAP‐deficient (KO) mice were subjected to 3 cycles of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water over 2 months, an established mouse model for colitis. Compared to wild type (WT) controls, PACAP KO mice exhibited more severe clinical symptoms of colitis and had significantly higher colonic inflammation on pathological examination. Moreover, 60% of the PACAP KO mice developed colorectal tumors with an aggressive‐appearing pathology. Consistent with published data, DSS‐treated WT mice did not develop such tumors. The results demonstrate a new mouse model which rapidly develops inflammation‐associated colorectal cancer in the absence of a carcinogen. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Folate metabolism genes, vegetable intake and renal cancer risk in central Europe
Authors: Moore Lee E. , Hung Rayjean , Karami Sara , Boffetta Paolo , Berndt Sonya , Hsu Charles C. , Zaridze David , Janout Vladimir , Kollarova Helen , Bencko Vladmir , Navratilova Marie , Szeszenia‐Dabrowska N. , Mates Dana , Mukeria Anush , Holcatova Ivana , Yeager Meredith , Chanock Stephen , Garcia‐Closas Montse , Rothman Nat , Chow Wong‐Ho , Brennan Paul
Published: December 2007

In a multicenter case‐control study of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) conducted in central and eastern Europe, we reported a strong inverse association with high vegetable intake and RCC risk. The odds ratio (OR) for high compared to the lowest tertile of vegetable intake was OR = 0.67; (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.53–0.83;p‐trend < 0.001). We hypothesized that variation in key folate metabolism genes may modify this association. Common variation in 5 folate metabolism genes (CBS: Ex9+33C > T(rs234706),Ex13 +41C > T(rs1801181),Ex18 −391 G > A(rs12613);MTHFR:A222VEx5+79C > T (rs1801133),Ex8−62A > C(rs1801131);MTR: Ex26 20A > G (rs1805087),MTRR: Ex5+136 T > C (rs161870), andTYMS:IVS2−405 C > T (rs502396),Ex8+157 C > T(rs699517),Ex8+227 A > G(rs2790)) were analyzed among 1,097 RCC cases and 1,555 controls genotyped in this study. Having at least 1 variant T allele ofMTHFRA222V was associated with higher RCC risk compared to those with 2 common (CC) alleles (OR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.17–1.77;p= 0.001). After stratification by tertile of vegetable intake, the higher risk associated with the variant genotype was only observed in the low and medium tertiles (p‐trend = 0.001), but not among those in the highest tertile (p‐interaction = 0.22). The association remained robust after calculation of the false discovery rate (FDR = 0.05). Of the 3TYMSSNPs examined, only theTYMSIVS2 −405 C (rs502396) variant was associated with a significantly lower risk compared to the common genotype (OR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.57–0.93). Vegetable intake modified the association between all 3TYMSSNPs and RCC risk (p‐interaction < 0.04 for all). In summary, these findings suggest that common variation inMTHFRandTYMSgenes may be associated with RCC risk, particularly when vegetable intake is low. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The combination of epigallocatechin gallate and curcumin suppresses ERα‐breast cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Somers‐Edgar Tiffany J. , Scandlyn Marissa J. , Stuart Emma C. , Le Nedelec Martin J. , Valentine Sophie P. , Rosengren Rhonda J.
Published: December 2007

Both epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and curcumin have shown efficacy in various in vivo and in vitro models of cancer. This study was designed to determine the efficacy of these naturally derived polyphenolic compounds in vitro and in vivo, when given in combination. Studies in MDA‐MB‐231 cells demonstrated that EGCG + curcumin was synergistically cytotoxic and that this correlated with G2/M‐phase cell cycle arrest. After 12 hr, EGCG (25 μM) + curcumin (3 μM) increased the proportion of cells in G2/M‐phase to 263 ± 16% of control and this correlated with a 50 ± 4% decrease in cell number compared to control. To determine if this in vitro result would translate in vivo, athymic nude female mice were implanted with MDA‐MB‐231 cells and treated with curcumin (200 mg/kg/day, po), EGCG (25 mg/kg/day, ip), EGCG + curcumin, or vehicle control (5 ml/kg/day, po) for 10 weeks. Tumor volume in the EGCG + curcumin treated mice decreased 49% compared to vehicle control mice (p < 0.05), which correlated with a 78 ± 6% decrease in levels of VEGFR‐1 protein expression in the tumors. Curcumin treatment significantly decreased tumor protein levels of EGFR and Akt, however the expression of these proteins was not further decreased following combination treatment. Therefore, these results demonstrate that the combination of EGCG and curcumin is efficacious in both in vitro and in vivo models of ERα‐ breast cancer and that regulation of VEGFR‐1 may play a key role in this effect. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An innovative method to obtain porous PLLA scaffolds with highly spherical and interconnected pores
Authors: Vaquette Cédryck , Frochot Céline , Rahouadj Rachid , Wang Xiong
Published: December 2007

Scaffolding is an essential issue in tissue engineering and scaffolds should answer certain essential criteria: biocompatibility, high porosity, and important pore interconnectivity to facilitate cell migration and fluid diffusion. In this work, a modified solvent casting‐particulate leaching out method is presented to produce scaffolds with spherical and interconnected pores. Sugar particles (200–300 μm and 300–500 μm) were poured through a horizontal Meker burner flame and collected below the flame. While crossing the high temperature zone, the particles melted and adopted a spherical shape. Spherical particles were compressed in plastic mold. Then, poly‐L‐lactic acid solution was cast in the sugar assembly. After solvent evaporation, the sugar was removed by immersing the structure into distilled water for 3 days. The obtained scaffolds presented highly spherical interconnected pores, with interconnection pathways from 10 to 100 μm. Pore interconnection was obtained without any additional step. Compression tests were carried out to evaluate the scaffold mechanical performances. Moreover, rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were found to adhere and to proliferate in vitro in the scaffold over 21 days. This technique produced scaffold with highly spherical and interconnected pores without the use of additional organic solvents to leach out the porogen. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Histological evaluation and surface componential analysis of modified micro‐arc oxidation‐treated titanium implants
Authors: Ma Wei , Wei Jian‐Hua , Li Ying‐Zhe , Wang Xin‐Mu , Shi Hui‐Ying , Tsutsumi Sadami , Li De‐Hua
Published: December 2007

The objective of this study is to investigate soft tissue and bone tissue reaction to titanium implants treated by a modified micro arc oxidation (MAO) technique, and analyze the surface components and implant‐bone contact ratio by animal experiments to evaluate the osseointegration condition of implants with this modified MAO surface. MAO titanium plates were installed subcutaneously in rabbits. Tissue reaction was evaluated by HE sections. MAO titanium implants designed for endosseous examination were installed in Beagles' femurs. Bone tissue surrounding implants was analyzed histologically. Surfaces of retrieved implants were observed and examined by SEM and EDX. All procedures were performed under the control of untreated pure titanium implants. Thin homogeneous fibrous envelope could be found without apparent inflammation cells infiltration around the subcutaneously imbedded MAO titanium plates, which was almost same as control group. Fast osteoid deposition comprising high content of calcium, phosphor, carbon, and nitrogen elements was found on the retrieved MAO implant surfaces, while comparatively less amount of carbon and nitrogen elements were found on the retrieved implants of control group. Matured bone tissue comprising bone trabeculae and Haversian canals appeared in 8 weeks, while it took 12 weeks needed to form matured bone tissue in control group. In conclusion, MAO titanium materials shows good biocompatibility and calcium phosphate inducement capability in vivo and could accelerate bone tissue growth and shorten the osseointegration time. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Mass spectrometry of hydantoin‐derived selective androgen receptor modulators
Authors: Thevis Mario , Kohler Maxie , Schlörer Nils , Kamber Matthias , Kühn Andreas , Linscheid Michael W. , Schänzer Wilhelm
Published: December 2007

N‐Aryl‐hydroxybicyclohydantoins represent a new class of tissue‐selective anabolic agents [selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs)] and are promising therapeutics as well as drugs prohibited in amateur and professional sport. The dissociation behavior after negative and positive electrospray ionization (ESI) and subsequent collision‐induced dissociation (CID) was studied with a drug candidate (BMS 564929) as well as structurally related and isotope‐labeled analogs using high resolution/high accuracy orbitrap mass spectrometry. Positive ionization and CID yielded characteristic product ions resulting from the cleavage of the hydantoin structure providing information about the proline‐derived nucleus as well as the substituted aryl residue at m/z 96 and 193, respectively. Negative ESI and CID (MS/MS) yielded product ions mainly representing losses of water and CO2, the latter of which is of particular significance as the hydantoin structure does not contain a carboxyl function. Employing MSn experiments with accurate mass determination on six model SARMs, dissociation pathways to characteristic product ions were proposed supporting the identification of these drugs, their metabolites or related compounds in future doping control assays. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agreement of rubella IgG antibody measured in serum and dried blood spots using two commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays
Authors: Hardelid P. , Williams D. , Dezateux C. , Cubitt W.D. , Peckham C.S. , Tookey P.A. , Cortina‐Borja M.
Published: December 2007

Cases of congenital rubella are now rare in the United Kingdom. However, in certain areas such as London, where a significant proportion of pregnant women has been born abroad and uptake of trivalent measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccination is low, the risk of a rubella outbreak remains. Prior to carrying out a seroprevalence study using rubella IgG antibody in newborn dried blood spots as an indirect marker of maternal immunity, rubella IgG antibody concentrations in serum and dried blood spot samples were investigated. Anonymous paired serum–dried blood spot samples left over from occupational health screening were tested for rubella IgG antibody by two commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) (Dade Behring, Marburg, Germany, and Diesse, Siena, Italy). Agreement between serum samples and dried blood spot samples was high for both assays. There were no significant differences in antibody concentrations in paired samples, as 67 of 73 samples tested with the Diesse ELISA (91.8%), and 76 out of 79 samples tested with the Dade Behring ELISA (96.2%) were within two standard deviations of the mean difference. Commercial ELISAs are an appropriate test for seroprevalence surveys based on rubella IgG in dried blood spot samples. J. Med. Virol. 80:360–364, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Corporate social performance: Creating resources to help organizations excel
Authors: Dennis Bryan , D'Intino Robert S. , Houghton Jeffery D. , Neck Christopher P. , Boyles Trish
Published: December 2007

The most commonly employed theories of corporate social performance (CSP) tend to ignore firm‐level processes and structures as sources of competitive advantage. But, by taking a resource‐based view (RBV), and by enhancing a firm's capability to engage in socially responsible activities, it can potentially create its own competitive advantages. We examine four major components of CSP—community relations, the environment, diversity, and employee relations. And we show that the ability of a firm to develop its knowledge and skills—as well as policies and implementation plans and procedures—in each of these areas is a potential resource that may in fact provide competitive advantages and higher organizational performance, bringing benefits to both society and the firm.

The community dimension evaluates the firm's performance in relationship to philanthropic giving and community support. The environmental aspect considers such firm stewardship activities as pollution prevention, global warming, and recycling. The diversity component measures CSP considering such factors as board member diversity and a firm's hiring, evaluation, training, and promotion policies concerning women and minorities. The employee relations dimension examines such socially responsible human resource practices as innovative employee involvement programs and profit sharing. Together, these capabilities can provide tangible and intangible resources that can provide the firm with competitive advantages. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
IR tunable narrow-band nanosecond converter with a microchip pump source and periodically-poled Lithium Niobate
Authors: Kir'yanov A V , Klimentov S M , Powers P E , Mel'nikov I V , Korkishko Y N
Published: December 2007

We report a compact nanosecond source based on optical parametric generation in a periodically-poled Lithium Niobate slab pumped with a Nd3+:YAG/Cr4+:YAG microchip laser at the wavelength 1.064 μm and capable of generating a diffraction-limited beam widely tunable through the mid-IR. The device efficiency is shown to reach 30% at relatively low (units of μJs) pump pulse energy and its spectrum to be narrowed down to 0.2 nm using low-power CW seed provided by a DFB laser.
The Development of Proton Conducting Polymer Membranes for Fuel Cells Using Sulfonated Carbon Nanofibres
Authors: Barroso‐Bujans Fabienne , Verdejo Raquel , Arroyo Miguel , Lopez‐Gonzalez Maria del Mar , Riande Evaristo , Lopez‐Manchado Miguel Angel
Published: December 2007

This study describes a new strategy to improve the performance of PEMFCs by the addition of S/CNF. The presence of 2.08 vol.‐% S/CNF increased the proton conductivity of a S/EPDM by one order of magnitude, which made it comparable to that of Nafion® 117, and without creating an electronic path. Furthermore, the filled membranes showed improved thermal stability and mechanical properties.

magnified image
Spastic paraplegia 15: Linkage and clinical description of three Tunisian families
Authors: Boukhris Amir , Feki Imed , Denis Elodie , Miladi Mohamed Imed , Brice Alexis , Mhiri Chokri , Stevanin Giovanni
Published: December 2007

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by slowly progressive spasticity of the lower limbs. The locus designated spastic paraplegia 15 (SPG15), located in a 16‐Mb interval on chromosome 14q, is associated with a rare autosomal recessive complicated form of HSP known as Kjellin's syndrome. In this study, we describe three additional families, of Tunisian origin, linked to the SPG15 locus, one of which had a significant multipoint LOD score of 3.46. In accordance with previous reports, the phenotype of our patients consisted of early onset spastic paraparesis associated with mental impairment and severe progression. Retinal degeneration was not observed, however, but we extended the phenotype of this form to include peripheral neuropathy and white matter abnormalities on MRI. Interestingly, like retinal degeneration, thin corpus callosum is not a constant feature in this entity. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
An analysis of substrate effects on transmission‐lines for millimeter‐wave CMOS RFIC applications
Authors: Chang Jin‐Fa , Lin Yo‐Sheng , Chen Chi‐Chen , Chen Chang‐Zhi , Huang Pen‐Li , Wang Tao , Lu Shey‐Shi
Published: December 2007

A set of transmission lines (TLs) for millimeter‐wave (MMW) CMOS RFIC applications was implemented in a standard 0.18 μm CMOS technology and then postprocessed by CMOS‐compatible inductively‐coupled plasma (ICP) etching, which removed the silicon underneath the TLs completely. TL parameters such as characteristic impedance ZC, attenuation constant α, phase constant β, effective permittivity εeff, minimum noise figure (NFmin), parallel capacitance/conductance C/G, and series inductance/resistance L/R, as a function of frequency were extracted. It was found that α, εeff, NFmin, C, and G were greatly improved after silicon removal. The state‐of‐the‐art performances of the on‐chip TLs‐on‐air suggest that they are very suitable for application to realize ultralow‐noise MMW CMOS RFICs. Besides, the CMOS‐compatible backside ICP etching technique is very promising for MMW system‐on‐a‐chip applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 319–324, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23055
Design and fabrication of miniaturized loop dual‐band fractal antenna based on the silicon substrate
Authors: Guo Xinglong , Liu Lei , Ou'Yang Weixia , You Shuzhen , Lai Zongsheng
Published: December 2007

Miniaturization techniques for antenna designs based on fractal geometries are of growing interest in wireless communications. This letter demonstrates miniature fractal antenna designed and fabricated on the high‐resistivity Si substrate. This antenna is used for SoC (system on the chip). The proposed concept also can be extended to linear antenna arrays or to more complex antenna structures with large improvements in antenna performance. To this end, the effectiveness of the approach is confirmed by simulated and experimental results. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 363–365, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23079
Characterization of artificial magnetic conductor strips for parallel plate planar antennas
Authors: de la Torre P. Padilla , Fernández J.M. , Sierra‐Castañer M.
Published: December 2007

Metamaterial structures have unique properties in controlling the propagation of electromagnetic waves. In this work, we analyze the effect of artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) surface strips on the bottom face of an oversized parallel plate waveguide to enhance the wave guidance within it. The results using these configurations in a linear slot array antenna fed by a rectangular parallel plate waveguide are presented as an example of application. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 498–504, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23092
Quasi‐elliptic filter based on substrate integrated waveguide
Authors: Bian Lei , Guo Y. X. , Shi X. Q.
Published: December 2007

In this article, a 34‐GHz substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) quasi‐elliptic filter fabricated in PCB is presented. The filter consists of one SIW cavity and four coupling metallic circular post. It is found that the filter can deliver a simulated bandwidth of 600 MHz, centered at 34 GHz with an insertion loss of 1 dB, with two transmission zeros at each side of the passband. The good agreement between the simulated and measured results is presented at the end of this article. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 402–404, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23097
A novel catadioptric dielectric lens for microwave and terahertz applications
Authors: Banik Biddut K. , Vukusic Josip , Merkel Harald , Stake Jan
Published: December 2007

A novel dielectric catadioptric lens, suitable for near‐field sensing and imaging, is presented. The focusing property and the far‐field pattern of the lens are investigated using a 3D full‐wave electromagnetic solver. Furthermore, the proposed catadioptric lens has been designed and fabricated from Delrin. Simulations and measurements of the far‐field at 5 GHz and return loss versus frequency using a Bow‐tie slot feeding antenna are presented. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 416–419, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23100
A discussion on the performance of impedance matched antenna system and considerations for a better performance
Authors: Kaya Adnan , Yesim Yüksel E.
Published: December 2007

Impedance matching networks are used extensively in radio communications. In this study, π‐matching circuit has been used as a matching network. The return loss level of several impedance matched microstrip antennas are compared as a function of matching techniques. The π‐matching device is used to construct the antenna tuning units, which is only used to match the front module and the antenna. This circuit impedance region has been investigated analytically under the variable load condition. When the mismatch is occurred, the result is an increase in the energy consumption or transmission quality deterioration. In addition, the input module in antenna system could be damaged if reflection of the signal levels is excessively high. This is interesting application because antennas cannot be considered alone as component with changing electromagnetic properties. The rectangular microstrip antenna was designed at 2.5 GHz frequency by using microstrip feed line. Better return loss level which is −16.86 dB has been obtained for this antenna using π‐matching circuit. It is shown that theoretical, simulation, and laboratory results are good agreement. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 410–415, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23101
Study of a dielectric‐loaded folded monopole antenna at UHF band for DVB‐H terminals
Authors: Gao Y. , Kariyawasam R. , Chiau C. C. , Chen X. , Parini Clive G.
Published: December 2007

This article presents a study on a dielectric‐loaded folded monopole antenna operating at ultra high frequency band for Digital Video Broadcasting‐Handheld terminals. It is an optimization of the folded monopole antenna in our previous work. The proposed antenna has a 43% reduction in volume when compared with the previous design. Because of the ground plane independency of the antenna, the proposed antenna can be mounted on any type of ground plate, thus improving the adaptability to different terminal designs. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 487–490, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23111
Harmonics suppressed substrate‐integrated waveguide filter with integration of low‐pass filter
Authors: Yun Tae‐Soon , Nam Hee , Kim Jin‐Young , Lee Byoungje , Choi Jin‐Joo , Kim Ki‐Byoung , Ha Tae‐Jun , Lee Jong‐Chul
Published: December 2007

In this paper, the harmonics suppressed waveguide filter with SIW (substrate‐integrated waveguide) structure using inductive windows at satellite communication band is discussed. The SIW structure is realized by via‐holes and can be integrated with other circuits on the same substrate. The SIW filter has the insertion loss of 2.85 dB and return loss of 17.57 dB at the center frequency of 12 GHz. Also, the proposed SIW filter has the harmonics suppression under 20 dB until 30 GHz by inserted low‐pass filter (LPF). This harmonics suppressed SIW filter can be used in satellite communication systems. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 447–450, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23114
Antennas for a battery‐assisted RFID tag with thin and flexible film batteries
Authors: Yeo Junho , Moon Sang‐Gook , Jung Jae‐Young
Published: December 2007

A design concept and some examples of antennas suitable for battery‐assisted radio frequency identification (RFID) tag with a thin and flexible film battery are presented. For the antenna design of this kind of a battery‐assisted RFID tag, a special caution is necessary considering the presence of a thin and flexible film battery. A very simple and easy way to design an antenna for such a tag is to place the film battery on some part of the antenna to avoid the influence or interference of it on the antenna performance. One reference antenna and two types of reduced‐size antennas are designed based on this concept, and their performance on communication distance with a reader is compared experimentally. It is demonstrated by measurement that the normal read range with continuous reading is around 4.5–4.9 m and the maximum read range is 6–6.2 m between the reader and the battery‐assisted RFID tags with three different antenna types. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 494–498, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23127
Design of a 3–10 GHz UWB CMOS T/R switch
Authors: Pao K.‐H , Hsu C.‐Y. , Chuang H.‐R. , Chen C.‐Y
Published: December 2007

A 3–10 GHz broadband CMOS T/R Switch for ultra‐wideband (UWB) transceiver is proposed. This broadband CMOS transmit/receive (T/R) Switch is fabricated based on the 0.18 μm 1P6M standard CMOS process. On‐chip measurement of the CMOS T/R Switch is performed. The insertion loss of the proposed CMOS T/R Switch is about 3.1 ± 1.3 dB. The return losses at both input and output terminals are higher than 14 dB. It is also characterized with 25–34 dB isolation and 18–20 dBm input P1dB. The broadband CMOS T/R Switch shows highly linear phase and group delay of 20 ± 10 ps from 10 MHz to 15 GHz. It can be easily integrated with other CMOS RFICs to form on‐chip transceivers for various UWB applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 457–460, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23129
Solid‐state NMR analysis of the orientation and dynamics of epigallocatechin gallate, a green tea polyphenol, incorporated into lipid bilayers
Authors: Kajiya Katsuko , Kumazawa Shigenori , Naito Akira , Nakayama Tsutomu
Published: December 2007

Catechins are the principle polyphenolic compounds in green tea; the four major compounds identified are epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECg) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg). Tea catechins tend to attach externally to their targets, such as viral envelopes, cell membranes, or the surface of low‐density lipoproteins. In order to further our understanding of the molecular mobility of these compounds in cells, we examined the interaction of tea catechins with lipid membranes using solid‐state NMR techniques. Our previous work indicated that the EGCg molecule is incorporated into lipid bilayers in a unique orientation. However, the detailed configuration, orientation, and dynamics of EGCg in lipid bilayers have not been well‐characterized. Here, we investigated the orientation and dynamics of EGCg incorporated into multi‐lamellar vesicles (MLVs) and bicelles using solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind pilot trial of ramipril in McArdle's disease
Authors: Martinuzzi Andrea , Liava Alexandra , Trevisi Enrico , Frare Mara , Tonon Caterina , Malucelli Emil , Manners David , Kemp Graham J. , Testa Claudia , Barbiroli Bruno , Lodi Raffaele
Published: December 2007

McArdle's disease causes limitation in exercise capacity as well as disability, the severity of which has been associated with the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) insertion (I)/deletion (D) haplotype—patients with the genotype associated with higher ACE activity show the most severe phenotype. Modulation of ACE activity through the use of inhibitors may thus positively affect disease expression. In a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial, we assessed the efficacy of an ACE inhibitor (2.5 mg ramipril) in 8 patients with McArdle's disease. End‐points were changes in parameters of exercise physiology (cycloergometer and muscle 31P‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy), quality of life (QoL) according to the Short Form 36 (SF‐36), and disability according to the World Health Organization–Disability Assessment Scale II (WHO‐DAS II). Patients had lower QoL and higher disability than controls. Measures of exercise physiology were not changed by ramipril in the whole group, but treatment induced higher peak VO2 (P = 0.017) in ACE D/D patients, yet not in I/D patients. Treatment significantly improved disability (P < 0.05). McArdle's disease is a disabling condition affecting patients' QoL. Treatment with ramipril improves disability and modifies exercise physiology only in D/D patients, raising the possibility of a differential haplotype‐linked sensitivity to the treatment. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Urine protein profile of IgA nephropathy patients may predict the response to ACE‐inhibitor therapy
Authors: Rocchetti Maria Teresa , Centra Marta , Papale Massimo , Bortone Grazia , Palermo Carmen , Centonze Diego , Ranieri Elena , Di Paolo Salvatore , Gesualdo Loreto
Published: December 2007

This study was aimed at the search of urinary biomarkers which might help to predict the clinical response of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi). First, we studied the urinary proteome of 18 IgAN patients (toward 20 healthy controls) who had been chronically treated with ACEi by using 2‐D PAGE coupled to nano‐HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS analysis. We identified 3 proteins, kininogen (p = 0.02), inter‐α‐trypsin‐inhibitor heavy chain 4 (35 kDa fragment) (p = 0.02) and transthyretin (p<0.0001), whose urinary excretion was different in IgAN patients' responders when compared to those who had not responded to ACEi. A reduction of daily proteinuria >50% and a stable renal function over time were used to classify patients as responders. Then, we adopted immunoblotting to confirm the predictive power of one of the above proteins, kininogen, in 20 patients with biopsy‐proven IgAN, before starting any therapy. Thus, we confirmed that very low levels of kininogen urine excretion were indeed predictive of an inadequate or absent clinical response to ACEi therapy of IgAN patients, after 6‐month follow‐up. Concluding, the analysis of urine proteome of IgAN patients generated a set of proteins which distinguished subjects responsive to ACEi from those unresponsive to the inhibition of renin–angiotensin system (RAS).
Effect of rate retardation in RAFT grafting polymerization from silicon wafer surface
Authors: Li Deling , Luo Yingwu , Li Bo‐Geng , Zhu Shiping
Published: December 2007

Polystyrene and poly(butyl acrylate) were grafted from silicon wafer surface by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Three RAFT agents were immobilized onto silicon wafer through their leaving/initiating groups (R group). Grafting polymerization of butyl acrylate (BA) and styrene (St) was then carried out from the immobilized RAFT agents. The immobilization of the RAFT agents and the subsequent grafting polymerization of St and BA were evaluated by ellipsometry and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that type of monomer, structure of RAFT agent, and local RAFT concentration on the surface have dramatic influences on the thickness of grafted polymer layer. The grafting polymerization with more severe rate retardation effect yielded thinner polymer films on the silicon wafer. Selection of a RAFT agent with little rate retardation was critical in the grafting polymerization to achieve thick films. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 970–978, 2008