bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análise estrutural de silos metálicos prismáticos
Authors: Lopes Neto José Pinheiro , Nascimento José Wallace Barbosa do , Calil Junior Carlito
Published: August 2008

Nos últimos anos, o crescimento da agricultura brasileira tem forçado vários setores a se adequarem aos padrões produtivos com o intuito de se manterem competitivos, frente ao processo de globalização econômica. Nesse contexto, as fábricas de ração avícola tendem a buscar novas alternativas que favoreçam a produção e reduzam custos sem afetar a qualidade do produto final. Entre essas alternativas, destaca-se o uso de silos verticais por facilitar o processo de confecção das rações e eliminar os grandes depósitos horizontais. Diante dessa possibilidade, objetivou-se, com a presente pesquisa, estudar as tensões nas paredes em conformação ziguezague de um silo metálico prismático 2m x 1m e comparar os resultados obtidos com teorias e normas. Para o cálculo das tensões, utilizaram-se os métodos simplificados de Ravenet e Troitsky. Para a obtenção dos esforços reais nas paredes, utilizaram-se extensômetros elétricos. Dessa forma, conclui-se que, tanto a teoria de Ravenet quanto de Troistky, podem ser recomendadas para o dimensionamento de silos prismáticos por apresentarem boa aproximação com valores experimentais.
Índice de sustentabilidade agroambiental para o perímetro irrigado Ayres de Souza
Authors: Carneiro Neto José Alves , Andrade Eunice Maia de , Rosa Morsyleide de Freitas , Mota Francisco Suetônio Bastos , Lopes José Frédson Bezerra
Published: August 2008

Uma análise integrada do atual uso dos recursos naturais do Perímetro Irrigado de Ayres de Souza, localizado no Vale do Acaraú, Ceará, foi realizada através do desenvolvimento de um índice de sustentabilidade agroecológica. Os dados dessa pesquisa foram oriundos de questionários aplicados a 33 produtores agrícolas beneficiados pelo projeto de irrigação. Os indicadores de sustentabilidade foram estimados pelo emprego de análise fatorial, método da análise fatorial/análise de componentes principais. O índice de sustentabilidade estimado a partir dos indicadores selecionados registrou uma situação de sustentabilidade fragilizada ou de insustentabilidade reversível. As unidades produtivas apresentaram um porcentual de 60,6% com alguma sustentabilidade; e os demais 39,4% estão em condições de insustentabilidade. Os resultados também mostraram que os fatores dominantes do índice de sustentabilidade foram: nível da atividade agrícola praticada, agricultura familiar, condições atuais do sistema água-solo e infra-estrutura, fontes alternativas de renda e experiência em tratos culturais.
Relações entre uso do solo, relevo e fertilidade do solo em escala de microbacia
Authors: Santos Antonio C. dos , Salcedo Ignacio H. , Galvão Sandra R. da S.
Published: August 2008

A produtividade em sistemas agrícolas de subsistência depende do nível de fertilidade natural do solo. Em condições de relevo forte ondulado, espera-se que a fertilidade do solo se modifique não apenas pelo tipo de uso mas, também, devido à sua posição no relevo. Para avaliar essas modificações, 260 amostras simples de solo (0-20 cm) da microbacia Vaca Brava, PB, representando combinações de três usos do solo, cinco posições no relevo e cinco classes texturais, foram analisadas quanto aos teores de P disponível, bases e acidez trocáveis. Ca e Mg compreenderam 75-80% dos cátions trocáveis, K e Na, de 10 a 15%, e H+Al, 10%; o valor de pH médio foi 5,5, enquanto P Mehlich-1 foi, em média, 3,8 mg kg-1 solo. Apesar dos efeitos significativos (p < 0,05) de uso, relevo e textura nos teores de alguns nutrientes, de forma geral a bacia pareceu relativamente uniforme. A principal diferença entre os usos decorreu da adição de esterco em áreas de roçado e capineira localizadas, preferencialmente, em áreas de pedimento e várzea. Ao redor de 80% das amostras apresentaram teores baixos de P enquanto 70% mostraram teores médios de K; entretanto, utilizando-se o índice K/(Ca+Mg)0,5 conclui-se que a quase totalidade das amostras se apresentou deficiente em K.
Influência da temperatura da massa de grãos sobre a toxicidade do ozônio a Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Pereira Alexandre de M. , Faroni Lêda R. D'A. , Sousa Adalberto H. de , Urruchi Wilfredo I. , Paes Juliana L.
Published: August 2008

Considerando que a temperatura da massa de grãos pode influenciar o período de exposição dos fumigantes, desenvolveu-se este trabalho com o propósito de investigar a influência de temperaturas crescentes da massa de grãos (20, 30, 35 e 40 ºC) no período de exposição do ozônio necessário para matar 50 e 95% de insetos adultos de Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Grãos de milho foram distribuídos em recipientes cilíndricos de PVC com conexões para injeção e exaustão de gás. Os insetos contidos em gaiolas foram colocados na camada mediana da massa de grãos em cada recipiente e estes, por sua vez foram fumigados com ozônio na concentração de 50 ppm. Os tempos letais (TL50 e TL95) para os insetos adultos de T. castaneum foram reduzidos com o aumento da temperatura da massa de grãos, de 20 para 30 ºC, porém a 35 ºC os tempos letais não foram reduzidos em relação às temperaturas menores, mas a 40 ºC os tempos letais foram reduzidos novamente, resultando no menor TL95.
Estimativa da produção de sedimentos mediante uso de um modelo hidrossedimentológico acoplado a um SIG
Authors: Silva Richarde M. da , Santos Celso A. G.
Published: August 2008

O Kineros é um modelo hidrossedimentológico usado para se estimar a vazão e a produção de sedimentos em bacias urbanas e rurais. No presente trabalho, o modelo foi aplicado à bacia do rio Pirapama, localizada na zona litorânea do Estado de Pernambuco, cujos resultados foram acoplados a um SIG com o objetivo de identificar, temporal e espacialmente, os principais locais em que o processo de erosão foi mais atuante na bacia do rio Pirapama. O modelo foi calibrado com dados diários de 1990 a 2001 de dois postos pluviométricos. Através do acoplamento dos resultados da modelagem no SIG, foi possível a identificação das principais áreas susceptíveis ao processo erosivo. Os resultados da produção de sedimentos na bacia mostraram que os planos com maior produção produziram mais de 200 t ha-1 ano-1, perfazendo o total de 653.079 t, correspondentes a uma área de 67,87 km² (11,3% da área total da bacia) revelando, assim, que grande parte da bacia é realmente susceptível ao processo de erosão. Este trabalho mostra que o modelo Kineros é viável para bacias maiores que 100 km² e o seu acoplamento ao SIG é de grande valia para a identificação e análise das principais áreas de produção de sedimentos na bacia deste rio podendo ser, assim, considerado ferramenta promissora para simulação da produção de sedimentos em bacias hidrográficas do nordeste brasileiro.
Interferon-γ inhibits cellular proliferation and ACTH production in corticotroph tumor cells through a novel janus kinases–signal transducer and activator of transcription 1/nuclear factor-kappa B inhibitory signaling pathway
Authors: Labeur Marta , Refojo Damian , Wölfel Barbara , Stalla Johanna , Vargas Vivian , Theodoropoulou Marily , Buchfelder Michael , Paez-Pereda Marcelo , Arzt Eduardo , Stalla Günter K
Published: August 2008

Interferon-γ (IFNG) is a cytokine that exerts potent antiproliferative and tumoricidal effects in a variety of cancers. Moreover, IFNG modulates normal pituitary hormone secretion, and was shown to inhibit the expression of the ACTH precursor POMC in murine ACTH-secreting AtT-2010/21/2008 tumor cells. We have studied the functional role of IFNG on pituitary tumor cells, focusing on the involvement of IFNG in the molecular events leading to the control of POMC transcriptional repression. Herein, it is shown that IFNG inhibits AtT-20 tumor cell proliferation without inducing apoptosis. Unexpectedly, an activated janus kinases–signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK–STAT1) cascade is required for IFNG inhibitory action on POMC promoter activity. Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is necessary for the inhibitory action of IFNG on Pomc transcription, since loss of NF-κB activity with IκB super-repressor abolishes this effect. In addition, 1 and 2 IFNG receptor immunoreactivity was detected in human corticotropinoma cells. Interestingly, IFNG inhibits ACTH production from these cells in primary cell culture, without affecting basal ACTH biosynthesis in normal non-tumoral pituitary cells. In conclusion, our data show for the first time that POMC transcription can be negatively regulated by a JAK–STAT1 and NF-κB-dependent pathway.
43.1: Invited Paper: Active‐Matrix Field‐Emitter Arrays for the Next‐Generation FEDs
Authors: Itoh J. , Kanemaru S. , Matsukawa T.
Published: August 2008

A new field‐emitter‐array (FEA) was developed based on Si‐MOSFET technology. The FEA has a tri‐gate MOSFET structure with a microtip made just on the drain and is addressable in active‐matrix mode with low voltage signals. Its principle, performances and possibility for monolithic integration with various circuits such as memories and drivers will be presented.
New properties and applications of rewritable azo‐dye photoalignment
Authors: Muravsky Alexander , Murauski Anatoli , Chigrinov Vladimir , Kwok Hoi‐Sing
Published: August 2008

Abstract—The rewritable azo‐dye photoalignment (ORW) of liquid crystals (LCs) for application in optical rewritable electronic paper has been investigated. It was observed that a periodic change in the azimuthal aligning direction with polarized UV light (365 nm) brings about homeotropic alignment, while utilization of visible light (450 nm) does not affect the LC tilt angle. The wavelength dependence of the ORW photoalignment result and the behavior of the photoinduced anisotropy was explored. The dark amplification of film anisotropy after exposure was observed, which is believed to be the relaxation process related to hydrogen bonding in azo‐dye film. New material, CD1, for azo‐dye rotation photoalignement that possesses a high azimuthal anchoring energy (about 2 × 10−4J/m2) was found.
Transflective ferroelectric liquid‐crystal display with a single‐cell gap
Authors: Mak Hin Yu , Li Xihua , Xu Peizhi , Du Tao , Chigrinov Vladimir G.
Published: August 2008

Abstract— A ferroelectric liquid‐crystal (FLC) display was optimized as a transflective liquid‐crystal display (LCD). In this configuration, the single‐cell‐gap approach was considered. The optimized configuration exhibits a high contrast ratio, wide viewing angles, and achromatic (black/white) switching in both the transmissive and reflective modes. Because no double‐cell‐gap structure, no subpixel separation, and no patterning polarizers and retarders are included in the configuration, the configuration is easy to fabricate and also possess a perfect dark state. This configuration is also suitable for bistable applications.
Antagonistic Effects of Trichoderma Species in Biocontrol of Armillaria Mellea in Fruit Trees in Iran
Authors: Asef Mohammad , Goltapeh Ebrahim , Danesh Younes
Published: August 2008

Antagonistic Effects ofTrichodermaSpecies in Biocontrol ofArmillaria Melleain Fruit Trees in Iran

Root and butt rot caused by species ofArmillariais one of the most serious diseases of fruit and forest trees in Iran. In this study, antagonistic effects ofTrichodermain biocontrol ofArmillariawere investigated.Armillaria melleawas isolated from infected roots and butts of cherry and almond trees and identified with pairing tests method.Trichodermaspecies were recovered from rhizomorphs and around soil ofArmillariainfected roots.Trichodermaspecies identified wereT. virens(nine isolates) andT. harzianum(three isolates).Trichodermadiscs were placed onto cultures ofArmillariato study antagonistic effects. All isolates ofTrichodermacolonizedArmillariacolonies within 5-7 days. Volatile compounds ofTrichodermaisolates inhibitedArmillariacolony growth and rhizomorph formation. Mechanisms of biocontrol were investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy, these included penetration ofTrichodermahyphae in rhizomorphs, colonization of rhizomorphs byTrichodermamycelia, colonization of apex meristemic center and apical buds of rhizomorphs, sporulation ofTrichodermain outer and inner surface of rhizomorphs, degeneration and lysis of rhizomorph tissue, and discharge of rhizomorph content.
Gait Variability in Older Adults: Observational Rating Validated by Comparison With a Computerized Walkway Gold Standard
Authors: Huang Wen-Ni Wennie , VanSwearingen Jessie M , Brach Jennifer S
Published: August 2008

Background and Purpose

Gait variability has been measured with computerized technology–intensive techniques, which are not practical in clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to validate an observational rating of gait variability for routine clinical practice.

Subjects

Community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older (n=46; mean age=81.2 years, SD=6.8 years, range=66–91 years) participated in this study.

Methods

The standard deviation of stance time (stance time variability) derived from gait characteristics recorded by use of a computerized walkway was used as the gold standard for gait variability. The validity of the diagnostic test evaluated in this study (an observational rating of gait variability) was determined by comparison with the quantitative measure of stance time variability.

Results

Six validity indexes were defined for the observational rating of gait variability: sensitivity=81%; specificity=53%; positive predictive value=65%; negative predictive value=71%; positive likelihood ratio=1.72; and negative likelihood ratio=0.36.

Discussion and Conclusion

An observational rating of gait variability was validated by comparison with stance time variability derived from a computerized walkway. The concurrent validity of the 2 methods of determining gait variability provides support for the use of the observational rating as an alternative measure of gait variability for the purpose of identifying older adults at risk for mobility disability in clinical settings.
Framed by Section 8: Constitutional Protection of Privacy in Canada
Authors: Bailey Jane
Published: August 2008

The right to privacy in Canada is not explicitly protected by the Charter. Rather, privacy is protected indirectly through other constitutional rights. Leading among these is the section 8 Charter right against unreasonable search and seizure. It is predominantly within the context of accused persons’ section 8 challenges to state searches and seizures that the Canadian constitutional protection and conception of privacy have developed. Key to the section 8 inquiry is a determination of whether an expectation of privacy should be considered reasonable in the circumstances of a challenged search or seizure by state agents. While previously introduced categories of bodily, territorial, and informational privacy may have historically played a useful role in assessing the reasonableness of expectations of privacy, emerging information and surveillance technologies available to state agents increasingly blur the lines among these categories. Robust protection of privacy in the future may depend upon assisting courts in recognizing the broader social implications of the invasive profiling made possible through the aggregation of seemingly non-revealing and individually collected pieces of data.
A New Era in Porous Metals: Applications in Orthopaedics
Authors: Levine B.
Published: August 2008

The development of porous metals and coatings has revolutionized the field of orthopaedics. However, most implants are fabricated utilizing traditional materials (i.e. sintered beads, fiber metal, plasma spray), which have several inherent limitations. Several new porous metals have been recently introduced to improve upon the biomaterial properties of these traditional metals. Tritanium (Stryker, Mahwah, NJ), Regenerex (Biomet, Warsaw, IN), Stiktite (Smith and Nephew, Memphis, TN), and Trabecular Metal (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) are currently available for use in orthopaedic surgery, all with a characteristic appearance similar to cancellous bone. The open‐cell structure of these materials affords several intriguing properties, including; high volumetric porosity (60–80 %), low modulus of elasticity, and high frictional characteristics. The following represents a review of the biomaterial properties and applications in orthopaedic surgery for this new class of highly porous metals.
Catalytic Asymmetric β‐Peroxidation of Nitroalkenes
Authors: Russo Alessio , Lattanzi Alessandra
Published: August 2008

The first example of an asymmetric β‐peroxidation of nitroalkenes is disclosed. The reaction is promoted by catalytic loadings of a commercially available diaryl‐2‐pyrrolidinemethanol derivative and tert‐butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant. A synthetically useful class of peroxides is obtained in good yield and enantioselectivity (up to 84% ee).
Structure and hydration of the amylopectin trisaccharide building blocks—Synthesis, NMR, and molecular dynamics
Authors: Hansen Peter I. , Larsen Flemming H. , Motawia Saddik M. , Blennow Andreas , Spraul Manfred , Dvortsak Peter , Engelsen Søren B.
Published: August 2008

To gain insight into the molecular details and hydration of amylopectin, the five constituting trisaccharides have been chemically synthesized as their methyl α‐glycosides. All five trisaccharides were subjected to 950 MHz NMR spectroscopy for complete assignment and nanosecond molecular dynamics trajectories were calculated to study the structure and dynamics of the trisaccharides in aqueous solution. Systematic analysis of the simulation data revealed several examples of bridging water molecules playing an important role in the stabilization of specific amylopectin conformations, which was also supported by the experimental NMR data such as interresidue NOE's and heteronuclear scalar couplings between nuclei from neighboring residues. Although α‐maltotriose, α‐iso‐maltotriose, α‐panose and α‐isopanose are relatively well characterized structures, the study also includes one less characterized trisaccharide with the structure αGlcp(1→4)αGlcp(1→6)αGlcp. This trisaccharide, tentatively labelled α‐forkose, is located at the branch point of amylopectin, forking the amylopectin into two strands that align into double‐helical segments. The results show that the conformation of α‐forkose takes a natural bend form which fits well into the structure of the double‐helical segment of amylopectin. As the only trisaccharide in this study the structure of α‐forkose is not significantly influenced by the hydration. In contrast, α‐isopanose takes a restricted, but rather extended form due to an exceptionally strong localized water density. The two homo‐linkage oligomers, α‐maltotriose and α‐iso‐maltotriose, showed to be the most extended and the most flexible trimers, respectively, providing regular structure for crystalline domains and maximum linker flexibility for amorphous domains. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 1179–1193, 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
Synthesis and Biological Characterisation of Targeted Pro‐Apoptotic Peptide
Authors: Foillard Stéphanie , Jin Zhao‐hui , Garanger Elisabeth , Boturyn Didier , Favrot Marie‐Christine , Coll Jean‐Luc , Dumy Pascal
Published: August 2008

We report herein the synthesis and in vitro assay of new, multimeric RGD‐peptide conjugates for cell‐targeted drug delivery. We generated a peptide scaffold comprising two functional domains, one a tumour blood vessel “homing” motif and the other a programmed cell‐death‐inducing peptide sequence. RGD peptides were selected to direct the molecular conjugate to αVβ3 integrin‐containing tumour cells. The pro‐apoptotic (Lys‐Leu‐Ala‐Lys‐Leu‐Ala‐Lys)2 peptide was found to be nontoxic outside cells, but toxic when internalized into targeted cells as it disrupted the mitochondrial membrane. The synthesis of these targeted pro‐apoptotic conjugates was carried out by assembling three different units (that is, scaffold, RGD units and pro‐apoptotic peptide) through chemoselective ligations. We show that one compound displays significant biological effect in αVβ3 integrin‐containing tumour cells.
0.9‐V CMOS cascode amplifier with body‐driven gain boosting
Authors: Monsurrò Pietro , Pennisi Salvatore , Scotti Giuseppe , Trifiletti Alessandro
Published: August 2008

The body‐driven variant of the gain‐boosting technique is here exploited to design a CMOS transconductance amplifier with minimum supply below 1 V. When compared with the conventional gain‐boosting technique, the proposed body‐driven approach reduces the minimum supply requirement by two thresholds in a rail‐to‐rail amplifier exploiting two complementary input stage topologies. Simulations using a 130‐nm process show that a 0.9‐V power supply is adequate for a single‐stage rail‐to‐rail amplifier providing a 56‐dB gain, which is 18 dB higher than that achieved by the same architecture but using the traditional cascoding approach. The main drawbacks are that the solution requires a twin‐tub process and an additional bias section. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EEG signal compression based on classified signature and envelope vector sets
Authors: Gürkan Hakan , Guz Umit , Yarman B. Siddik
Published: August 2008

In this paper, a novel method to compress electroencephalogram (EEG) signal is proposed. The proposed method is based on the generation process of the classified signature and envelope vector sets (CSEVS), which employs an effectivek‐means clustering algorithm. It is assumed that both the transmitter and the receiver units have the same CSEVS. In this work, on a frame basis, EEG signals are modeled by multiplying only three factors called as classified signature vector, classified envelope vector, and gain coefficient (GC), respectively. In other words, every frame of an EEG signal is represented by two indicesRandKof CSEVS and the GC. EEG signals are reconstructed frame by frame using these numbers in the receiver unit by employing the CSEVS. The proposed method is evaluated by using some evaluation metrics that are commonly used in this area such as root‐mean‐square error, percentage root‐mean‐square difference, and measuring with visual inspection. The performance of the proposed method is also compared with the other methods. It is observed that the proposed method achieves high compression ratios with low‐level reconstruction error while preserving diagnostic information in the reconstructed EEG signal. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distribution of progesterone receptor immunoreactivity in the midbrain and hindbrain of postnatal rats
Authors: Quadros Princy S. , Schlueter Lisa J. , Wagner Christine K.
Published: August 2008

Nuclear steroid hormone receptors are powerful transcription factors and therefore have the potential to influence and regulate fundamental processes of neural development. The expression of progesterone receptors (PR) has been described in the developing forebrain of rats and mice, and the mammalian brain may be exposed to significant amounts of progesterone, either from maternal sources and/or de novo synthesis of progesterone from cholesterol within the brain. The present study examined the distribution of PR immunoreactive (PRir) cells within the midbrain and hindbrain of postnatal rats. The results demonstrate that PR is transiently expressed within the first 2 weeks of life in specific motor, sensory and reticular core nuclei as well as within midbrain dopaminergic cell groups such as the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area. Additionally, robust PRir was observed in cells of the lower rhombic lip, a transient structure giving rise to precerebellar nuclei. These results suggest that progestins and progesterone receptors may play a fundamental role in the postnatal development of numerous midbrain and hindbrain nuclei, including some areas implicated in human disorders. Additionally, these findings contribute to the increasing evidence that steroid hormones and their receptors influence neural development in a wide range of brain areas, including many not typically associated with reproduction or neuroendocrine function. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008
Gasdermin D (Gsdmd) is dispensable for mouse intestinal epithelium development
Authors: Fujii Tomoaki , Tamura Masaru , Tanaka Shigekazu , Kato Yoriko , Yamamoto Hiromi , Mizushina Youichi , Shiroishi Toshihiko
Published: August 2008

Members of the novel gene family Gasdermin (Gsdm) are exclusively expressed in a highly tissue‐specific manner in the epithelium of skin and the gastrointestinal tract. Based on their expression patterns and the phenotype of the Gsdma3 spontaneous mutations, it is inferred that the Gsdm family genes are involved in epithelial cell growth and/or differentiations in different tissues. To investigate possible roles of the Gsdm gene family in the development of intestinal tracts, we generated a Gsdmd mutant mouse, which is a solitary member of the Gsdmd subfamily and which is predominantly expressed in the intestinal tract by means of targeted disruption. In the mutant homozygotes, we found no abnormality of intestinal tract morphology. Moreover, in mutant mice, there was normal differentiation of all constituent cell types of the intestinal epithelium. Thus, this study clearly shows that Gsdmd is not essential for development of mouse intestinal tract or epithelial cell differentiation. genesis 46:418–423, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cyano‐, Nitro‐ and Nitrosomethane Derivatives: Structures and Gas‐Phase Acidities
Authors: Brand Harald , Liebman Joel F. , Schulz Axel
Published: August 2008

The structures and gas‐phase acidities of resonance‐stabilized methane/methanide derivatives (H[CR1R2R3]/[CR1R2R3]– with R1,2,3 = H, NO2, NO, and CN) have been studied through B3LYP/aug‐cc‐pvTZ computations. The gas‐phase acidities lie in the range 1523–1459 for singly, 1365–1304 for doubly and 1274–1203 kJ mol–1 for triply substituted methane derivatives. In the NO‐substituted methanides, protonation always occurs at the nitroso group, leading to the corresponding oxime. For the cyano‐ and nitromethane derivatives the C–H bonded isomer was found to be the more stable species. For mixed CN/NO2‐substituted methanides, protonation of the nitro group is energetically favourable except for the simplest cyanonitromethanide in which protonation occurred at the central carbon. Significant resonance effects occur in all three classes of methanides (NO2‐, NO‐ and CN‐substituted). However, the magnitude of this effect differs significantly depending on the degree of substitution.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
3‐D Nanoporous Pt Electrode Prepared by a 2‐D UPD Monolayer Process
Authors: Huang Jing‐Fang
Published: August 2008

A simple yet effective way is described to fabricate a nanostructured platinum electrode with extra high surface area. The fabrication process is the combination of the UPD monolayer and galvanic displacement in one electrochemical process and it is conducted in one medium and at the ambient temperature without using any toxic or corrosive electrolytes. The porous structure and roughness factor of the nanostructured Pt film can be controlled with the sweeping cycle of cyclic voltammetry (CV) easily. The nanoporous Pt deposit can enhance the response of the detection of glucose significantly and selectively without any enzyme incorporation. It is demonstrated that the nanostructured Pt film serves as a new electrode material in the application of nonenzymatic glucose detection.
Data‐fused digital bathymetry and side‐scan sonar as a base for archaeological inventory of submerged landscapes in the Rideau Canal, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Sonnenburg Elizabeth P. , Boyce Joseph I.
Published: August 2008

Colonel By Lake, located near Kingston, Ontario, was created in the early 19th century during the construction of the Rideau Canal waterway. Canal flooding inundated a large area of the Cataraqui River lowlands, submerging important pre‐contact and colonial settlements. In order to gain a better understanding of the pre‐canal environment and its archaeological setting, a systematic bathymetry and side‐scan sonar survey was conducted over a 2‐km2 area of Colonel By Lake. A 2‐D digital bathymetric model (DBM) of the lake bottom was constructed and overlain with side‐scan mosaics to map the paleogeography of the river flood plain. The data‐fused sonar images clearly identify the submerged pre‐canal topography, including the former Cataraqui River channel, relict meanders, tree stump fields, and bedrock uplands defining the valley sides. By comparing the DBM with landscapes depicted in pre‐canal period maps (ca. 1828), the locations of several potential archaeological targets were identified. The DBM provides a basis for mapping submerged cultural resources in the Rideau and for predicting the location of undiscovered archaeological sites. The results show that integration of single‐beam bathymetric mapping with side‐scan imagery is an effective strategy for mapping submerged terrestrial landscapes and archaeological inventory in shallow water settings. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BT‐11 improves stress‐induced memory impairments through increment of glucose utilization and total neural cell adhesion molecule levels in rat brains
Authors: Shin Ki Young , Won Beom Young , Heo Chaejeong , Kim Hee Jin , Jang Dong‐Pyo , Park Cheol Hyoung , Kim Seonghan , Kim Hye‐Sun , Kim Young‐Bo , Lee Hyung Gun , Lee Sang Hyung , Cho Zang‐Hee , Suh Yoo‐Hun
Published: August 2008

In Oriental medicine, roots of Polygala tenuifolia Willdenow have been known to be an important herb that exhibits sedative effects in insomnia, palpitation with anxiety, restlessness, and disorientation in humans. We previously reported that BT‐11, extracted from those roots, improved scopolamine‐induced amnesia in rats and inhibited acetylcholinesterase activities in vitro. Therefore, we proposed that BT‐11 could remedy stress‐induced memory deficits in rats. In this study, the stress‐induced memory impairments in rats were significantly reversed almost to the control level by BT‐11 treatment. To seek an active component of BT‐11 that plays an important role in antipsychotic effects, we compared BT‐11 with 3,4,5‐trimethoxycinnamic acid (TMCA), which is a constituent of those root extracts. However, the effects of TMCA were less or were not consistent with those of BT‐11 in some of tests. In perticular, BT‐11 reversed the stress‐induced reduction of glucose utilization by [18fluorodeoxyglucose]FDG‐PET and the levels of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) in rat brains to the control levels, whereas TMCA did not. Therefore, BT‐11 improved stress‐induced memory impairments through increment of glucose utilization and total NCAM levels in rat brains. In conclusion, BT‐11 may be strongly effective against stress‐induced amnesia in rats, through the combined effects of TMCA and other active components of BT‐11. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of nitrogen addition on nitrogen mineralization and nutrient content of expanding Calamagrostis epigejos in the Podyjí National Park, Czech Republic
Authors: Holub Petr , Záhora Jaroslav
Published: August 2008

Effects of extra nitrogen (N) input on biomass production, the concentration of N and phosphorus (P) in plant material, and net N mineralization were studied during three growing seasons in a dry acidophilous grassland dominated by Festuca ovina and in a grassland where the tall grass Calamagrostis epigejos was aggressively expanding. In contrast to dry grassland, the Calamagrostis stand utilized more N due to higher plant and microbial demands for soil mineral N, which could prevent the N losses. Additional N supply resulted in the increased net N mineralization mainly in expanding Calamagrostis. There was no effect of N addition on biomass production of Calamagrostis, while a significant increase of total biomass was observed in Festuca in the dry grassland. This higher production was entirely accounted for by the increase in root dry weight. Concentrations of N in the aboveground biomass increased in both Calamagrostis and Festuca dry grassland as a result of N addition. However, P concentrations in Festuca were reduced, while being enhanced in Calamagrostis. The N : P ratio in aboveground biomass significantly increased in both vegetation types studied following N addition, although reaching higher values in dry grassland than in Calamagrostis. This species compensated enhanced N availability with a higher P uptake as compared to Festuca.
Optical probing and imaging of live cells using SERS labels
Authors: Kneipp Janina , Kneipp Harald , Rajadurai Anpuchchelvi , Redmond Robert W. , Kneipp Katrin
Published: August 2008

During surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), molecules exhibit a significant increase in their Raman signals when attached, or in very close vicinity, to gold or silver nanostructures. This effect is exploited as the basis of a new class of optical labels. Here we demonstrate robust and sensitive SERS labels as probes for imaging live cells. These hybrid labels consist of gold nanoparticles with Rose Bengal or Crystal Violet attached as reporter molecules. These new labels are stable and nontoxic, do not suffer from photobleaching, and can be excited at any excitation wavelength, even in the near infrared. SERS labels can be detected and imaged through the specific Raman signatures of the reporters. In addition, surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy in the local optical fields of the gold nanoparticles also provides sensitive information on the immediate molecular environment of the label in the cell and allows imaging of the native constituents of the cell. This is demonstrated by images based on a characteristic Raman line of the reporter as well as by displaying lipids based on the SERS signal of the CH deformation/bending modes at ∼1470 cm−1. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High frequency extradural motor cortex stimulation transiently improves axial symptoms in a patient with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Fasano Alfonso , Piano Carla , De Simone Celestino , Cioni Beatrice , Di Giuda Daniela , Zinno Massimiliano , Daniele Antonio , Meglio Mario , Giordano Alessandro , Bentivoglio Anna Rita
Published: August 2008

In a primate model of Parkinson's disease (PD), the benefit of extradural motor cortex stimulation (EMCS) was associated with high‐frequency stimulation (130 Hz), whereas no significant motor improvement was achieved at 10 Hz or intermediate frequencies of stimulation. We report the case of a 72‐year‐old female patient affected by severe PD who underwent bilateral EMCS. In baseline med‐off condition the patient was unable to arise from a chair and to stand without assistance. Stimulation at 3 and 60 Hz failed to provide any improvement of symptoms, whereas, when stimulating at 130 Hz, axial akinesia and walking improved consistently: the patient, in med‐off condition, was able to arise from chair and to walk without assistance. The patient underwent two brain 99mTc‐ Ethylcysteinate Dimer‐SPECT studies: semiquantitative and Statistical Parametric Mapping revealed that the regional cerebral perfusion was significantly increased in the supplementary motor area during stimulation at 130 Hz. After five months, the benefit of EMCS gradually disappeared. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Cancer and blood concentrations of the comutagen harmane in essential tremor
Authors: Louis Elan D. , Pellegrino Kathryn M. , Factor‐Litvak Pam , Rios Eileen , Jiang Wendy , Henchcliffe Claire , Zheng Wei
Published: August 2008

Blood concentrations of harmane, a tremor‐producing neurotoxin, are elevated in essential tremor (ET). Harmane is also a comutagen. Using a case‐control design, we compared the prevalence of cancer in ET cases vs. controls, and determined whether blood harmane concentrations are elevated among ET cases with cancer. 66/267 (24.7%) ET cases vs. 55/331 (16.6%) controls had cancer (adjusted OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.01–2.30, P = 0.04). Among specific cancer types, colon cancer was more prevalent in ET cases than controls (2.6% vs. 0.6%, P = 0.04). Log blood harmane concentration was higher in ET cases vs. controls (P = 0.02) and in participants with vs. without cancer (P = 0.02). Log blood harmane concentration was highest in ET cases with cancer when compared with other groups (P = 0.009). These links between cancer and ET and between high blood harmane and cancer in ET deserve further study. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Primary progressive myoclonus of aging
Authors: Alvarez Maria , Caviness John N.
Published: August 2008

Myoclonus in older individuals usually occurs in the context of associated neurologic features which allow the diagnosis of the underlying disorder. We encountered 7 patients with a newly recognized myoclonus syndrome; we use the term primary progressive myoclonus of aging (PPMA) for this syndrome. Our purpose was to characterize the clinical and electrophysiological properties of this syndrome. Our database was searched for the presence of “myoclonus” in the physical examination. Medical records and laboratory data were retrospectively reviewed, including electrophysiology data. We applied our criteria for PPMA: (1) asymmetric symptomatic action myoclonus, (2) ≥65 years of age, (3) cortical myoclonus physiology, (4) no dementia, (5) no associated features of defined neurodegenerative disorders, and (6) no secondary cause found. Seven patients fulfilled criteria. Age at presentation ranged from 70 to 87 years. Mean duration from myoclonus onset to last follow‐up was 2.9 years. Electrophysiology showed positive‐negative back‐averaged transients, consistent with cortical myoclonus. No patient demonstrated dementia. Brain imaging in all cases was unremarkable. PPMA is a unique syndrome with characteristic findings that differentiate it from dementias and defined neurodegenerative syndromes. It is important to distinguish primary PPMA from other syndromes seen in older individuals to avoid diagnostic confusion. Some cases showed a response to levetiracetam. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Subthalamotomy in cervical dystonia: A case study of lesion location and clinical outcome
Authors: Moll Christian K.E. , Hamel Wolfgang , Ostertag Christoph B. , Müller Dieter , Finsterbusch Jürgen , Engel Andreas K. , Münchau Alexander
Published: August 2008

Here we report a 63‐year‐old woman with primary cervical dystonia (CD) whose symptoms subsided for more than 30 years following a unilateral stereotactic subthalamotomy contralateral to the overactive left sternocleidomastoid muscle but then gradually recurred over a period of several months. The aim of the present study was to correlate the topography of the stereotactic lesion with the long lasting therapeutic effect. High‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging and subsequent stereotactic analysis were performed to determine the anatomical localization of the lesion. The primary coagulation focus comprised the posterior subthalamic white matter in the prelemniscal radiation and field H of Forel. Neighboring structures were implicated to various extents. It is suggested that the posterior subthalamic area, with its abundance of interconnecting fibers and related nuclei, represents an effective target for the neurosurgical treatment of CD that may be explored further with deep brain stimulation. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Manifestations of Parkinson disease differ in association with REM sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Postuma Ronald B. , Gagnon Jean‐Francois , Vendette Melanie , Charland Katia , Montplaisir Jacques
Published: August 2008

REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is commonly associated with Parkinson disease (PD), but it is unclear whether this association has implications for disease manifestations. We evaluated 36 PD patients for the presence of RBD by polysomnography. Patients underwent an extensive evaluation by a movement disorders specialist blinded to polysomnography results. Severity of motor manifestations, autonomic, visual, psychiatric, and olfactory dysfunctions and quality of life (QOL) were assessed, and compared using regression analysis that adjusted for disease duration, age and sex. Severity of motor manifestations did not differ between groups. However, the presence of RBD in PD was strongly associated with symptoms and signs of orthostatic hypotension (systolic blood pressure lying to standing = −25.7 ± 13.0 mmHg vs. −4.9 ±14.1, P < 0.001); and orthostatic symptom prevalence = 71% vs. 27%, P = 0.0076). There was no association between RBD and other autonomic symptoms. Color vision was worse in patients with RBD, but olfactory dysfunction did not differ between groups. The prevalence of depression, hallucinations, paranoia, and impulse disorders did not differ between groups. Emotional functioning and general health QOL measures were lower in those with RBD, but there were no differences between groups on disease‐specific indices or on measures of overall physical QOL. These findings suggest that the pathophysiology of RBD and nonmotor manifestations of PD, particularly autonomic dysfunction, are linked. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Intact presupplementary motor area function in early, untreated Parkinson's disease
Authors: Martin W. R. Wayne , Wieler Marguerite , Gee Myrlene , Hanstock Christopher C. , Camicioli Richard M.
Published: August 2008

Although motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are initially responsive to dopamine replacement therapy, nonresponsive features develop over time, suggesting that impaired dopaminergic function alone may not be wholly responsible for all the motor features of the disease. Previous studies suggest impaired function in the presupplementary motor area (pre‐SMA) in PD. Our objective was to determine whether pre‐SMA abnormalities are present in untreated patients with early disease. We measured N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA)/creatine (Cr) and choline (Cho)/Cr ratios in pre‐SMA in 26 untreated patients with early PD (disease duration 3.0 ± 2.0 yr) and 15 control subjects with single voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Neither NAA/Cr nor Cho/Cr ratios differed significantly between groups. These observations suggest that, although pre‐SMA function is impaired in moderately advanced PD, it is relatively spared in early disease. We suggest that pre‐SMA dysfunction is in part responsible for the dopamine nonresponsive features associated with disease progression. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Burden, perceived health status, and mood among caregivers of Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Arroyo Susana , Rojo‐Abuin Jose Manuel , Rodriguez‐Blazquez Carmen , Frades Belen , de Pedro Cuesta Jesus
Published: August 2008

The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics of the caregivers of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and to analyze the association between these characteristics and caregiver burden, perceived health and mood status, and identify their predictors. A multicenter, nationwide, observational, cross‐sectional study that included 289 patient–caregiver pairs was conducted. Caregiver self‐assessments were the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), EuroQol (EQ), and Zarit Caregiver Burden Inventory (ZCBI). Most caregivers in the study were women aged 60 years or thereabouts. Over two thirds were gainfully employed or housewives, 75% were patients' spouses, and the majority (96.5%) had been permanently taking care of the patient for 6 ± 5.4 years. Less than 5% of patients were in the most advanced stages of disease, and direct costs were 6,350 euros per patient per year. Caregivers had more mood disorders and worse health‐related quality of life (HRQol; EQ‐Tariff) than did the general population. Caregiver HADS and EuroQol scores displayed a weak correlation (rS = 0.01–0.28) with patient‐related variables (disease duration, HY, SCOPA‐Motor, SCOPA‐AUT, HADS, PPRS, and CISI‐PD) whereas the ZCBI correlated moderately (rS = 0.27–0.47). Among caregivers, the EQ‐Tariff was significantly lower and the HADS‐Anxiety scores significantly higher for women. ZCBI and HADS‐depression, though not EuroQol and HADS‐anxiety, scores significantly increased with increasing PD severity levels. Caregivers' affective status proved the most important factor influencing their burden and perceived health, whereas patient‐related variables influenced caregiver burden and mood but not health status. In PD, prevalence of affective disorders among patients' caregivers is high and influences both burden and HRQoL. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
SCOPA‐sleep and PDSS: Two scales for assessment of sleep disorder in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Visser Martine , Rodriguez‐Blazquez Carmen , Marinus Johan , Chaudhuri K. Ray , van Hilten Jacobus J.
Published: August 2008

This study evaluated the comparative validity and usefulness of the Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS) and the Scales for Outcomes in PD‐Sleep Scale (SCOPA‐S), two disease‐specific rating scales for assessing sleep disorders in Parkinson's disease (PD). Hoehn and Yahr staging (HY), SCOPA‐Motor, Mini‐Mental State Examination, Clinical Impression of Severity Index for PD, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, EuroQoL, and SCOPA‐Psychosocial, in addition to PDSS and SCOPA‐S (night‐time sleep (NS) and daytime sleepiness (DS) subscales), were applied to 187 consecutive PD patients. PDSS and SCOPA‐S proved similar in acceptability, scaling assumptions, precision, and internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.82–0.84). Factor analysis revealed five separate factors for PDSS (67% of the variance) and one factor for each SCOPA‐S subscale (60% of the variance for NS and 57% for DS). Correlation coefficient between PDSS and SCOPA‐S NS was −0.60. Sleep scales correlated moderately with mood, low‐to‐moderate with HRQoL, and low with the rest of measures. PDSS and SCOPA‐S DS discriminated between patients grouped by HY severity levels and disease duration. Cutoff points of 82/83 for PDSS and 6/7 for SCOPA‐S NS were drawn to identify PD patients with sleep problems. Depression/anxiety scores explained 26% for PDSS and 22% for SCOPA‐S NS scores. Both scales provide valid, reliable, and useful means to evaluate sleep disorders in PD. PDSS may be used to obtain a profile about potential causes of “bad sleep,” but is barely useful to assess DS, whereas SCOPA‐S assesses nocturnal sleep disorders and daytime somnolence at a similar extent, without exploring the potential causes. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Do dyskinesia and pain share common pathophysiological mechanisms in Parkinson's disease?
Authors: Lim Shen‐Yang , Farrell Michael J. , Gibson Stephen J. , Helme Robert D. , Lang Anthony E. , Evans Andrew H.
Published: August 2008

Plastic changes within the striatum resulting from pulsatile dopaminergic stimulation are thought to lead to dyskinesia in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The basal ganglia play a role in processing pain. We hypothesized that the plastic changes that lead to dyskinesia may also mediate pain responses. Our objective was to compare the change in pain sensitivity after levodopa administration between stable responders, fluctuators without dyskinesia, and dyskinetic patients, and to compare pain sensitivity between PD and healthy subjects. Fifty patients with PD were assessed with cold water immersion after overnight withdrawal of dopaminergic medications and again after a standard levodopa challenge, and carefully classified into stable responder (n = 12), fluctuator (n = 15), and dyskinetic (n = 23) groups. Twenty age‐matched controls were also tested. PD patients “off”‐medication had a lower threshold (P = 0.016) and tolerance (P < 0.0001) to cold pain compared to controls. After levodopa administration, dyskinetic patients experienced a large increase in cold pain threshold (48%) and tolerance (66%) that was absent in stable responders (P = 0.038 and P = 0.015); there was no significant difference in pain sensitivity change scores between the fluctuator and either the stable responder or dyskinetic groups. Our results suggest that dyskinesia and pain may share common pathophysiological mechanisms in PD. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society