bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience with the Expanded Endonasal Approach for Resection of the Odontoid Process in Rheumatoid Disease
Authors: Nayak Jayakar V. , Gardner Paul A. , Vescan Allan D. , Carrau Ricardo L. , Kassam Amin B. , Snyderman Carl H.
Published: October 2007

Background

One of the common indications for removal of the odontoid process includes decompression of the cervicomedullary junction in patients with arthritic degeneration. Resection of the odontoid process can be accomplished using a completely transnasal endoscopic approach.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of patients with rheumatoid pannus undergoing transnasal endoscopic resection of the odontoid to assess preoperative characteristics, postoperative complications, and outcomes. Patients were followed for a minimum of 3 months in the postoperative period and/or until death. In addition to the primary procedure, those patients with preoperative cervical instability underwent posterior fusion of the upper cervical spine to the occiput for stabilization during the same hospitalization.

Results

Nine patients underwent transnasal endoscopic resection of the odontoid process for rheumatoid or degenerative pannus and brainstem compression. Perioperatively, four patients required a tracheostomy; two of whom had significant preoperative pharyngeal dysfunction. Two patients experienced postoperative velopharyngeal incompetence, which was transient. No patients had cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and there were no perioperative infectious complications noted. There was one delayed death in this patient cohort because of a presumed pulmonary embolus. Otherwise, all patients showed an improvement of their preoperative neurological symptoms.

Conclusion

This early series of patients with rheumatoid pannus shows the feasibility of a fully endoscopic, completely transnasal approach for the resection of the odontoid process. Potential advantages include improved visualization, limited morbidity, decreased pain, and faster recovery than traditional approaches.
Recent Developments in Polymer MEMS
Authors: Liu C.
Published: October 2007

Polymer materials, including elastomers, plastics and fibers, are being actively used for MEMS sensors and actuators. Polymer materials provide many advantages in terms of cost, mechanical properties, and ease of processing. In addition, polymers are being investigated for displays, memory, and circuitry. However, the incorporation of polymers for structural or functional purposes in MEMS systems raises new issues and challenges. This article provides a comprehensive review of the recent state of the art of polymer based MEMS—including materials, fabrication processes, and representative devices, including microfluidic valves and tactile sensors. Frequently used materials are reviewed, including polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), parylene, nanocomposite elastomers, and SU‐8 epoxy.
Ancestry informative markers in Amerindians from Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Luizon Marcelo Rizzatti , Mendes‐Junior Celso Teixeira , De Oliveira Silviene Fabiana , Simões Aguinaldo Luiz
Published: October 2007

Ancestry informative markers (AIMs) are genetic loci with large frequency differences between the major ethnic groups and are very useful in admixture estimation. However, their frequencies are poorly known within South American indigenous populations, making it difficult to use them in admixture studies with Latin American populations, such as the trihybrid Brazilian population. To minimize this problem, the frequencies of the AIMs FY‐null, RB2300, LPL, AT3‐I/D, Sb19.3, APO, and PV92 were determined via PCR and PCR‐RFLP in four tribes from Brazilian Amazon (Tikúna, Kashinawa, Baníwa, and Kanamarí), to evaluate their potential for discriminating indigenous populations from Europeans and Africans, as well as discriminating each tribe from the others. Although capable of differentiating tribes, as evidenced by the exact test of population differentiation, a neighbor‐joining tree suggests that the AIMs are useless in obtaining reliable reconstructions of the biological relationships and evolutionary history that characterize the villages and tribes studied. The mean allele frequencies from these AIMs were very similar to those observed for North American natives. They discriminated Amerindians from Africans, but not from Europeans. On the other hand, the neighbor‐joining dendrogram separated Africans and Europeans from Amerindians with a high statistical support (bootstrap = 0.989). The relatively low diversity (GST = 0.042) among North American natives and Amerindians from Brazilian Amazon agrees with the lack of intra‐ethnic variation previously reported for these markers. Despite genetic drift effects, the mean allelic frequencies herein presented could be used as Amerindian parental frequencies in admixture estimates in urban Brazilian populations. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Socioeconomic and lifestyle determinants of body fat distribution in young working males from Cracow, Poland
Authors: Suder Agnieszka
Published: October 2007

The aim of the study was to determine the degree of explanation of the central adiposity variation, presented by waist circumference (WC), waist‐hip ratio (WHR), and the sum of the three trunk skinfold thicknesses (subscapular, abdominal, suprailiac) (TTS) through the socioeconomic status (SES) and lifestyle. The material included cross‐sectional population‐based research of 259 healthy working males aged 20–30 from the city of Cracow, Poland. Objective anthropometric measurements, the results of motor fitness tests, and social and lifestyle data from a questionnaire were analyzed. The independent variables were: age, SES (the birthplace, place of residence until the age of 14, social class, educational level, and the type of work done), and lifestyle elements (smoking habits, dietary habits, family obesity resemblance, sport activity in the past, leisure time physical activity (LTPA), and the level of motor fitness). Three separate full models were created using stepwise straightforward regression with WC, WHR, and TTS as dependent variables. The highest autonomous influence on WC was ascribed to age, level of motor fitness, and family obesity resemblance. Variation in WHR was explained by age, level of motor fitness, upper‐middle class, LTPA, and village as the birthplace. Level of motor fitness, place of residence until the age of 14 (city), age, smoking fewer than 20 cigarettes a day, and family obesity resemblance had greatest influence on TTS. The findings indicated the importance, besides age, of lifestyle elements connected with motor fitness and LTPA in determining body fat distribution in young working males. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Visualization of human prenatal development by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Authors: Shiota Kohei , Yamada Shigehito , Nakatsu‐Komatsu Tomoko , Uwabe Chigako , Kose Katsumi , Matsuda Yoshimasa , Haishi Tomoyuki , Mizuta Shinobu , Matsuda Tetsuya
Published: October 2007

It is essential to visualize the structures of embryos and their internal organs three‐dimensionally to analyze morphogenesis; this used to rely solely on serial histological sectioning and solid reconstruction, which were tedious and time‐consuming. We have applied imaging with a magnetic resonance (MR) microscope equipped with a 2.35 T superconducting magnet to visualize human embryos; we were successful in acquiring high‐resolution sectional images and in identifying the detailed structures of major organs. The imaging process was facilitated by using a super‐parallel MR microscope. A dataset of MR images of more than 1,000 human embryos, now collected, will be important for future biomedical research and for education. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Embryogenesis of holoprosencephaly
Authors: Shiota Kohei , Yamada Shigehito , Komada Munekazu , Ishibashi Makoto
Published: October 2007

Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is a malformation of the human brain caused primarily by incomplete division of the prosencephalon into two halves and is often associated with various facial anomalies. Although HPE is rather rare in newborns (1/10,000–15,000 births), it is frequently encountered in therapeutic abortuses (>1/250). To date, nine gene mutations responsible for human HPE have been identified, but the pathogenetic mechanisms of the craniofacial anomalies in HPE have just begun to be understood. Here, we summarize our studies on human embryos with HPE and discuss the embryogenesis and the underlying molecular mechanisms of HPE malformations under the following headings: pathology, pathogenesis, and critical period of development. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Newly delineated syndrome of congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformations, and epidermal nevi (CLOVE syndrome) in seven patients
Authors: Sapp Julie C. , Turner Joyce T. , van de Kamp Jiddeke M. , van Dijk Fleur S. , Lowry R. Brian , Biesecker Leslie G.
Published: October 2007

We present a series of seven patients who were previously diagnosed with Proteus syndrome, but who do not meet published diagnostic criteria for this disorder and whose natural history is distinct from that of Proteus syndrome. This newly recognized phenotype comprises progressive, complex, and mixed truncal vascular malformations, dysregulated adipose tissue, varying degrees of scoliosis, and enlarged bony structures without progressive bony overgrowth. We have named this condition congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformations, and epidermal nevi (CLOVE syndrome) on a heuristic basis. In contrast to the bony distortion so characteristic of Proteus syndrome, distortion in CLOVE syndrome occurs only following major or radical surgery. Here, we contrast differences and similarities of CLOVE syndrome to Proteus syndrome. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oral–facial–digital syndromes: Review and diagnostic guidelines
Authors: Gurrieri Fiorella , Franco Brunella , Toriello Helga , Neri Giovanni
Published: October 2007

The oral–facial–digital syndromes (OFDS) result from the pleiotropic effect of a morphogenetic impairment affecting almost invariably the mouth, face and digits. Other organ systems can be involved, defining specific types of OFDS. To date, 13 types have been distinguished based on characteristic clinical manifestations. An updated list of these types is provided and recent molecular data are discussed. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Benzylated modification and dyeing of ramie fiber in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Liu Zhao‐Tie , Sun Zhifeng , Liu Zhong‐Wen , Lu Jian , Xiong Heping
Published: October 2007

The effects of pretreatment conditions, including the addition of a phase‐transfer catalyst, on the benzylation of ramie fiber were investigated in this study. Raw and benzylated ramie fibers were dyed in supercritical carbon dioxide, and the color strength (K/S) of the ramie fiber was measured by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. An obviously improved dyeing capability of the benzylated ramie fiber, that is, a better level‐dyeing property and a higher K/S, was achieved. Moreover, the color strength of the ramie fiber, indexed as the value of K/S, increased significantly with the degree of substitution of the benzylated ramie fiber. The raw and modified ramie fibers were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Surface modification of CNFs via plasma polymerization of styrene monomer and its effect on the properties of PS/CNF nanocomposites
Authors: Ramos‐deValle L. F. , Neira‐Velázquez M. G. , Hernández‐Hernández E.
Published: October 2007

Carbon nanofibers (CNF) were modified via plasma assisted polymerization in a specially designed reactor. The effect of the plasma reactor conditions, such as power and time, on the extent of the CNFs modification was examined. Polystyrene (PS) coated nanofibers plus PS polymer were then processed in a Brabender torque rheometer mixing chamber to obtain PS/CNF nanocomposites, with 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 wt % of CNF. The effect of the plasma treatment on the dispersion of the nanofibers and on the compatibility between the nanofibers and the polymer matrix was also examined. Modification of the CNFs was assessed by measuring the contact angle of water in a “bed” of nanofibers and by examining its dispersion in several solvents. The morphology of PS/CNF nanocomposites was studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Contact angles decreased in all cases, indicating a change in hydrophobicity of the modified CNFs. This change was confirmed in the CNF dispersion tests in several solvents. SEM micrographs show the difference between the original and the PS coated CNF. In addition, fractured samples show the effect of this treatment, in the sense that the CNF seem to be completely embedded in the polymer matrix, which clearly indicates the high compatibility between the PS and the modified (PS coated) CNF. As a consequence, a much better dispersion of the treated CNF was observed. Finally, the tensile modulus of PS/CNF composites increased slightly with respect to PS when using untreated CNFs, but more than doubled when using plasma treated CNFs. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Establishment of a lipid accumulation model in an insect cell line
Authors: Akiduki Gaku , Imanishi Shigeo
Published: October 2007

The study of adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation in insects has been limited by the lack of a system suitable for analysis of molecular mechanisms. Here, we describe the establishment of a model system of lipid accumulation in BmN4 cells, which are derived from silkworm ovary. In BmN4 cells, dexamethasone treatment induced accumulation of lipid, suppressed cellular proliferation, and caused the cells to form aggregates. We isolated the Bombyx mori fatty acid binding protein 1 gene (BmFABP1), which is the silkworm homologue of mouse Fabp4 (aP2), a marker of adipocyte differentiation in mammals. BmFABP1 expression was increased by dexamethasone treatment. We also isolated the BmFABP1 promoter, and found that it was activated by a combination of drugs that included dexamethasone. The demonstration of dexamethasone‐stimulated lipid accumulation and BmFABP1 expression in BmN4 cells provides a useful model of inducible adipogenesis. This system should be valuable for investigation of the molecular mechanisms of fat body formation, adipocyte differentiation, and lipid accumulation in the silkworm and other Lepidopteran insects. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 66:109–121, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure of Bombyx mori chemosensory protein 1 in solution
Authors: Jansen Séverine , Chmelík Josef , Žídek Lukáš , Padrta Petr , Novák Petr , Zdráhal Zbyněk , Picimbon Jean‐François , Löfstedt Christer , Sklenář Vladimír
Published: October 2007

Chemosensory Proteins (CSPs) represent a family of conserved proteins found in insects that may be involved in chemosensory functions. BmorCSP1 is expressed mainly in antennae and legs of the silkworm moth Bombyx mori and was cloned from antennal cDNA. Here we report the determination of the structure of Bombyx mori CSP1 (BmorCSP1) by NMR. The overall fold of BmorCSP1 is globular and comprises six α‐helices. These helices span residues 10–14, 17–27, 35–49, 57–72, 75–85, and 92–100. The internal hydrophobic sides of the helices are formed mostly by leucine and isoleucine residues and, therefore, well suited to constitute a binding site for hydrophobic ligands. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 66:135–145, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factors affecting the information quality of personal Web portfolios
Authors: Katerattanakul Pairin , Siau Keng
Published: October 2007

Personal Web portfolios have become a popular information source and an effective method for individuals to present themselves to others in cyberspace. Thus, the quality of personal Web portfolios is critical and affects the perception that others have of the individuals. But how do we measure quality of personal Web portfolios? What are the important factors affecting quality of personal Web portfolios? This study presents the development of an instrument measuring factors affecting information quality of personal Web portfolios. The proposed instrument, based on the Information Quality framework, was refined and validated to assess its construct validity, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. The proposed instrument can be used to guide those who want to design their personal Web portfolios and also to help those who need to evaluate the quality of personal Web portfolios.
An investigation into the stability of contextual document clustering
Authors: Rooney Niall , Patterson David , Galushka Mykola , Dobrynin Vladimir , Smirnova Elena
Published: October 2007

In this article, we assess the effectiveness of Contextual Document Clustering (CDC) as a means of indexing within a dynamic and rapidly changing environment. We simulate a dynamic environment, by splitting two chronologically ordered datasets into time‐ordered segments and assessing how the technique performs under two different scenarios. The first is when new documents are added incrementally without reclustering [incremental CDC (iCDC)], and the second is when reclustering is performed [nonincremental CDC (nCDC)]. The datasets are very large, are independent of each other, and belong to two very different domains. We show that CDC itself is effective at clustering very large document corpora, and that, significantly, it lends itself to a very simple, efficient incremental document addition process that is seen to be very stable over time despite the size of the corpus growing considerably. It was seen to be effective at incrementally clustering new documents even when the corpus grew to six times its original size. This is in contrast to what other researchers have found when applying similar simple incremental approaches to document clustering. The stability of iCDC is accounted for by the unique manner in which CDC discovers cluster themes.
Faserbeton unter hochdynamischer Einwirkung
Authors: Fuchs Maximilian , Keuser Manfred , Schuler Harald , Thoma Klaus
Published: October 2007

Hochdynamische Einwirkungen wie schnelle Stoßbeanspruchungen und Detonationsbelastungen auf Bauwerke und Bauteile stellen i. d. R. außergewöhnliche Lastfälle dar. Im Zuge sicherheitspolitischer Überlegungen gewinnt deren Betrachtung im konstruktiven Ingenieurbau zunehmend an Bedeutung. Neben der Berücksichtigung bei Bemessung und Konstruktion von Bauteilen ergibt sich auch die Notwendigkeit der Entwicklung und Optimierung neuer Baustoffe gegen hochdynamische Einwirkungen. Dabei hat sich in Hinblick auf eine zuverlässige Schutzwirkung die Zugabe von Fasern für Betonkonstruktionen als unverzichtbar erwiesen. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird im vorliegenden Beitrag das Verhalten von Faserbetonen unter hochdynamischen Einwirkungen näher behandelt. Nach einer kurzen Darstellung der Grundlagen werden die durchgeführten Hopkinson‐Bar‐Versuche zur Bestimmung der dynamischen Eigenschaften von Faserbetonen beschrieben und die Versuchsergebnisse erläutert. Durch Penetrationsversuche an Schutzplatten aus Faserbeton wird ein praktisches Anwendungsbeispiel aufgezeigt und die Eignung von Faserbetonen für die Anwendung in Schutzkonstruktionen der militärischen und zivilen Infrastruktur nachgewiesen.
Elemente der Werkstoffformulierung für Beton und deren Verwendung in der Kurzzeitdynamik
Authors: Schuler Harald
Published: October 2007

Beton weist unter kurzzeitdynamischer Einwirkung in einigen Kennwerten veränderte Eigenschaften gegenüber statischer Einwirkung auf. Beispielsweise steigt die Festigkeit mit der Verzerrungsgeschwindigkeit, oder es tritt ein extrem nichtlineares volumetrisches Materialverhalten bei hohen Drücken charakterisiert durch die Hugoniot‐Eigenschaften auf. Zustandsgleichungen für poröse Materialien beschreiben dieses thermo‐mechanische Materialverhalten unter Stoßbelastung.

In Werkstoffgesetzen sind diese “hochdynamischen” Eigenschaften einzubinden. Bekannte Ansätze aus der Kontinuumsschädigungsmechanik, der Plastizitätstheorie oder der verschmierten Beschreibung von Rissen können hierbei als Basis verwendet werden. Der folgende Aufsatz beschreibt in Kürze wichtige Elemente der Werkstoffformulierung von Beton und bewertet diese hinsichtlich ihrer Verwendung in der Kurzzeitdynamik.
Spectrofluorimetric determination of dopamine using 1,5‐bis(4,6‐dicholro‐1,3,5‐triazinylamino) naphthalene
Authors: Wei Wei , Wang Hong‐jian , Jiang Chong‐Qiu
Published: October 2007

A new fluorescent reagent, 1,5‐bis(4,6‐dichloro‐1,3,5‐triazinylamino)naphthalene, containing two active chlorines, was synthesized by a one‐step reaction. Under the optimum conditions for the determination of dopamine, the enhanced fluorescence intensity is proportional to the dopamine concentration. The fluorescence intensity was measured at λex/em = 400/460 nm, with and without dopamine. The linear range and detection limit for the determination of dopamine were 1.0 × 10−7 mol/L–5.0 × 10−5 mol/L and 4.0 × 10−8 mol/L. This method is simple, practical, can afford good precision and accuracy and can be successfully applied to assess dopamine in injections and human serum samples. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reaction‐Crystallization of Struvite in a Continuous Liquid Jet‐Pump DTM MSMPR Crystallizer with Upward Circulation of Suspension in a Mixing Chamber – an SDG Kinetic Approach
Authors: Koralewska J. , Piotrowski K. , Wierzbowska B. , Matynia A.
Published: October 2007

The experimental results concerning kinetic aspects of struvite precipitation in a continuous DTM‐type crystallizer with internal circulation of suspension forced by a liquid jet‐pump are presented and discussed. Nucleation and crystal growth rates of struvite during reaction‐crystallization processes in diluted water solutions of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate ions were identified. Kinetic parameters were calculated on the basis of population density distributions adopting a simplified model of the mass crystallization process in a MSMPR crystallizer taking under consideration size‐dependent growth (SDG) mechanism. The Rojkowski hyperbolic SDG model has proved to be the equation best statistically fitted to our own data set.
CO2‐Alkanolamine Reaction Kinetics: A Review of Recent Studies
Authors: Vaidya P. D. , Kenig E. Y.
Published: October 2007

Alkanolamines are the most popular absorbents used to remove CO2 from process gas streams. Therefore, the CO2 reaction with alkanolamines is of considerable importance. The aim of this article is to provide an overview on the kinetics of the reaction of CO2 with aqueous solutions of alkanolamines. The various reaction mechanisms that are used to interpret experimental kinetic data – zwitterion, termolecular and base‐catalyzed hydration – are discussed in detail. Recently published data on reaction kinetics of individual amine systems and their mixtures are considered. In addition, the kinetic behavior of several novel amine‐based solvents that have been proposed in the literature is analyzed. Generally, the reaction of CO2 with primary, secondary and sterically hindered amines is governed by the zwitterion mechanism, whereas the reaction with tertiary amines is described by the base‐catalyzed hydration of CO2.
Ionic Liquids as Operating Fluids in High Pressure Applications
Authors: Predel T. , Schlücker E. , Wasserscheid P. , Gerhard D. , Arlt W.
Published: October 2007

During the past years a growing number of scientists and engineers have investigated ionic liquids because of their outstanding advantages in several areas. Their unique physical properties and specific chemical behavior make these liquids very interesting for new and innovative applications. For commercial implementation ionic liquids have to meet a number of requirements. For use in high pressure applications they should have a low compressibility, an adjustable gas solubility and a superior lubricating ability. A screening of the relevant parameters was conducted in several experimental setups built for these purposes. Most of these parameters were also examined under long term conditions with regard to real process conditions and safety guarantee in possible high pressure applications. A major application is the compression of oxygen using ionic liquid as operating fluid. Besides, there are many more applications where the superior chemical and physical properties of ionic liquids are of high potential benefit.
Synthesis of Hyperbranched Polyglycerol in a Continuous Flow Microreactor
Authors: Wilms D. , Nieberle J. , Klos J. , Löwe H. , Frey H.
Published: October 2007

Hyperbranched polymers have been synthesized in a microreactor for the first time, employing the known ring‐opening multibranching polymerization of glycidol. Microreactors are well‐known to be beneficial for highly exothermic reactions because of their capability to enhance mass and heat transfer due to short diffusion pathways and large interfacial areas per volume. The characteristics of the microstructured reaction system were utilized to engineer a continuous flow process for the preparation of well‐defined hyperbranched polyglycerols with molecular weights up to 1,000 g/mol. Increased flow rates, as well as the use of highly polar solvents, led to the partial formation of very narrowly distributed (Mw/Mn = 1.05–1.15) high molecular weight fractions (Mn up to 150,000 g/mol). NMR‐ and MALDI‐ToF spectra confirmed incorporation of the multifunctional initiator core into the hyperbranched polymer structure.
Application of Amphiphilic Catalysts, Ultrasonication, and Nanoemulsions for Biodiesel Production Process
Authors: Ye X. , Fernando S. , Wilson W. , Singh A.
Published: October 2007

This paper studies tuning heterogeneous transesterification catalysis and process for easy catalyst separation and enhanced reaction rate. Multibond metal alkoxides and ultrasonic pretreatment are employed to produce nanoemulsions with large interfacial area, which have the potential to be easily separated. With aluminum isopropoxide or titanium isopropoxide as the catalyst and surfactant, transparent alcohol/oil emulsions can be formed in less than four minutes and can significantly enhance the transesterification reaction rate. The micelle size was observed to be as low as 5.1 nm. Partially polymerized titanium isopropoxide also showed good catalytic activity and considerable amphiphilic properties in forming nanoemulsions. Viscosity and apparent vapor pressure reduction were also observed. The alcohol/soybean oil molar ratio was a main factor for apparent vapor pressure reduction.
The Treatment of Dyslipidemia—What's Left in the Pipeline?
Authors: Rau Oliver , Zettl Heiko , Popescu Laura , Steinhilber Dieter , Schubert‐Zsilavecz Manfred
Published: October 2007

Dyslipidemia is a pathological alteration of serum lipid levels. The most common forms are either elevations of triglycerides or low density lipoprotein cholesterol associated with a reduction of high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Most frequently both forms of lipid disorders are combined. Elevations of free fatty acid blood levels are commonly not subsumed under the term dyslipidemia. However, free fatty acids should also be considered, as they are frequently associated with dyslipidemia and represent a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Dyslipidemias are among the major etiologic factors for arterial occlusive diseases. Resulting in fatal implications such as stroke and coronary heart disease, dyslipidemias contribute to the most prevalent causes of death. Lowering of low density lipoprotein and raising of high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels have been shown in both epidemiologic and intervention studies to decrease mortality. Established treatments of dyslipidemias are statins and fibrates. However, recent research has established some new potential therapeutic targets which are currently investigated in clinical trials. New therapeutic approaches include subtype selective, dual, and pan‐agonists of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor, inhibitors of the cholesterol ester transfer protein, Acyl‐CoA‐cholesterol‐acyltransferase, squalene synthase, microsomal triglycerid‐transfer‐protein, and cholesterol absorption. Clinical implications of new drugs under investigation are discussed in this review.
Outcomes after radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid
Authors: Petsuksiri Janjira , Frank Steven J. , Garden Adam S. , Ang K. Kian , Morrison William H. , Chao K. S. Clifford , Rosenthal David I. , Schwartz David L. , Ahamad Anesa , Esmaeli Bita
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the eyelid is a rare malignancy with metastatic potential. In the current study, the outcomes of patients with SCC of the eyelid were evaluated after definitive and postoperative radiation therapy.

METHODS.

The medical records of all patients treated with radiotherapy for SCC of the eyelid at 1 institution between 1950 and 2005 were reviewed. Patient records were analyzed for clinical characteristics, pathologic features, radiation techniques, and outcomes. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan‐Meier method; factors affecting survival were assessed using the log‐rank test.

RESULTS.

During the study period, 39 patients with 42 eyelid SCCs were treated with radiotherapy. Thirty‐two tumors were treated with primary radiotherapy and 10 were treated with postoperative radiotherapy after wide local excision. Surviving patients were followed for a median of 76 months. The 5‐year disease‐specific and overall survival rates for all patients were 86% and 71%, respectively. At 5 years, local, regional, and distant disease control rates for all tumors were 88%, 95%, and 97%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the 5‐year local, regional, and distant control rates between tumors treated with definitive and those treated with postoperative radiotherapy. There were no grade 3 or 4 complications.

CONCLUSIONS.

Primary radiotherapy for SCC of the eyelid provides excellent locoregional control with reasonable complication rates and should be considered an alternative to surgery in selected patients. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Conflict resolution education in the Asian Pacific
Authors: Barnes Bruce E.
Published: October 2007

Conflict Resolution Education (CRE) is taking hold in the Oceania‐Island Pacific‐East Asia and Southeast Asia region. This article highlights several promising programs from New Zealand‐Aotearoa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Fiji, and Australia. Peer mediation programs range from the Cool Schools programs present in more than half of all the schools in New Zealand to newer programs in Singapore. Restorative justice programs are operating in New Zealand, Australia, and Hong Kong. International efforts in both CR and CRE by universities in the region are discussed, highlighting regional centers in South Australia (uniSA) and Queensland (ACPACS). Information is also given about the Asia Pacific Mediation Forum, which will be presenting its third regional conference in June 2008 in Malaysia.
Peace partners: A cooperative problem‐solving partnership among educators in Israel, Palestine, and Fairfax County, Virginia
Authors: Bleiweis Marjorie , Harris Robert D.
Published: October 2007

Using exchange visits, Fairfax County Public Schools worked with educators in Israel and in Palestine to develop programs in conflict resolution and mediation. Fairfax County Public Schools has had mediation programs in the majority of their schools for more than ten years. Starting in the fall of 2003, Fairfax County educators sought to share their programs with educators in the Middle East and also to learn from them about other ways to provide conflict resolution education and peacemaking skills.
Indigenous rights and intercultural citizenship: Introduction to a project with Tzotzil, Tseltal, and Chol teachers in Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Busquets María Bertely
Published: October 2007

This article introduces some of the results of the project entitled “Intercultural Conflict, Education, and Democracy in Mexico: Citizenship and Indigenous Rights in the Bilingual and Intercultural Pedagogical Movement of the Los Altos, Northern, and Lacandon Rainforest Regions of Chiapas.” The article describes the context in which this project was developed and the political philosophy that inspired it as well as the methodology used and the various approaches applied, including inductive (Gasché, forthcoming a, forthcoming b), qualitative (Glasser and Strauss, 1967), ethnographic (Bertely, 2000a), and evocative (Podestá, 2002, 2003; Lindenberg, 1996). The article systematizes the results of a project founded on a mutual learning process and collaboration between indigenous teachers and a nonindigenous specialist.
Aulas en Paz: A multicomponent program for the promotion of peaceful relationships and citizenship competencies
Authors: Chaux Enrique
Published: October 2007

Aulas en Paz (Classrooms in Peace) seeks to prevent aggression and promote peaceful relationships by means of a classroom curriculum for the development of socioemotional competencies; peer group sessions with two initially aggressive and four prosocial children; and workshops, home visits, and phone calls to parents. Preliminary evaluations in Colombian elementary schools have shown drastic reductions in aggression and substantial improvements in prosocial behavior, classroom climate, and friendship networks. The combination of universal components reaching all students and targeted components reaching more intensively those who need it the most appears to be responsible for such large effects.
Conflict resolution education: A key tool for the construction of citizenship in Argentina
Authors: Finger Susana Arranz De , Cecco Silvina Di , Kasman Romina G.
Published: October 2007

This article presents a summary of the rationale for citizenship education in Argentina and highlights one program as exemplar. The focus of this education is the development and implementation of educational values through civil culture.
Norway's commitment to conflict resolution education
Authors: Johannessen Helen
Published: October 2007

Norway has been a leader in policy and infrastructure development in conflict resolution education, particularly in the areas of peer mediation and bullying prevention. This article summarizes recent developments in policy and curriculum since 2005.
Peace and conflict resolution education in Armenia: The work of women for development
Authors: Mikayelyan Armine , Markosyan Gohar
Published: October 2007

This article reports the goal, main strategy, realized activities, and implementation of Peace and Conflict Resolution Education in Schools of Gyumri, Armenia, a project from Women for Development, a nongovernmental organization. It summarizes the outcomes, effectiveness, and efficiency level of a peace education and conflict resolution education project in Armenia.
Restorative practices in Australian schools: Changing relationships, changing culture
Authors: Shaw Gary
Published: October 2007

The application of restorative justice principles and practices in schools is beginning to consolidate as an area of educational interest and reform. Although there is enthusiastic support for a philosophy that focuses on problem solving and repair of damaged relationships following an incident or crime, this support is tempered by hesitation about how restorative justice works, what impact it may have on current approaches, and how it is measured. This article presents the findings of a study conducted in eighteen Australian schools in 2004 and considers how such an approach may contribute to school culture change and to broader goals associated with producing a more civil society.
Striving to sow the seeds of peace: Conflict resolution training in Indonesia
Authors: Shoemake Ann Torfin , Noel Brett R. , Hale Claudia L.
Published: October 2007

In this article, we reflect on our efforts to share the principles of conflict resolution education and conflict resolution theories with educators and community leaders in Indonesia. Our discussion is drawn from experiences working with Indonesian educators at the elementary, secondary, and university levels, as well as with community and religious leaders in a variety of settings. We explore the obstacles that we have encountered as well as moments of success. We conclude with a brief exploration of work that is yet to be done.
Mobilization through conflict resolution education–peace education in Cyprus
Authors: Yaman Ali
Published: October 2007

This article depicts the recent work done by the Mediation Association in Turkish Cyprus to raise community awareness in the field of Conflict Resolution Education–Peace Education (CRE‐PE) in Cyprus. Through the sponsorship of the United Nations Development Programme—Action for Cooperation and Trust in Cyprus, a year‐long project was designed, in close collaboration with the Turkish Cypriot Ministry of Education, to build international awareness of CRE‐PE, provide training in CRE‐PE to teachers, and enhance goodwill among disparate groups.
Electric field effects on human spinal injury: Is there a basis in the in vitro studies?
Authors: Robinson Kenneth R. , Cormie Peter
Published: October 2007

An important basis for the clinical application of small DC electric current to mammalian spinal injury is the responses of neurons in culture to applied electric fields. Our recent finding that zebrafish neurons were unresponsive to applied fields prompted us to critically examine previous results. We conclude that compelling evidence for neuronal guidance and directional stimulation of growth toward either the cathode or anode in an electric field exists only for cultured Xenopus neurons, and not for any mammalian neurons. No basis for the reported success in treating spinal injury exists in the in vitro studies, and considerable research will be required if the conditions of field application in mammalian spinal injury are to be optimized. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008
The Relative Coordinating Ability of Some Weak O‐Donor Anions and Water Towards the [Pt(terpy)]2+ (terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine) Center – X‐ray Crystal Structures of [Pt(terpy)(H2O)](CF3SO3)2 and [Pt2(μ‐OH)(terpy)2](PF6)2(CF3SO3)
Authors: Annibale Giuliano , Bergamini Paola , Bertolasi Valerio , Bortoluzzi Marco , Cattabriga Michela , Pitteri Bruno
Published: October 2007

Acidolysis of the complexes [Pt(CH3)(terpy)]Y (Y = PF6, CH3SO3, CF3SO3, ClO4, BF4; terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine) with an equimolar amount of CH3SO3 in 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (TFE) affords the corresponding methanesulfonato derivatives [Pt(OSO2CH3)(terpy)]Y. When Y = NO3 a nearly equimolar mixture of the methanesulfonato and nitrato complexes is obtained, whereas the reaction of [Pt(CH3)(terpy)](CF3SO3) with triflic acid in either dry TFE or CH2Cl2 gives the aqua species [Pt(terpy)(H2O)](SO3CF3)2 (8′), whose X‐ray crystal structure is reported. This structure shows hydrogen bonding between the coordinated water molecule and two triflate ions. 1H NMR evidence is reported that suggests that this hydrogen bonding is partially retained in CD3NO2 solution. The new hydroxido‐bridged dimers [Pt2(μ‐OH)(terpy)2](X) [X = (ClO4)3, (PF6)2(CF3SO3) (12)] have been isolated and their X‐ray crystal structures determined. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
A protein extraction method compatible with proteomic analysis for the euhalophyte Salicornia europaea
Authors: Wang Xuchu , Li Xiaofang , Deng Xin , Han Heping , Shi Wuliang , Li Yinxin
Published: October 2007

Protein extraction from plants like the halophyte Salicornia europaea has been problematic using standard protocols due to high concentrations of salt ions in their cells. We have developed an improved method for protein extraction from S. europaea, which allowed us to remove interfering compounds and salt ions by including the chemicals borax, polyvinylpolypyrrolidone, and phenol. The comparative study of this method with several other protocols using NaCl‐treated S. europaea shoots demonstrated that this method gave the best distinction of proteins on 2‐DE gels. This protocol had a wide range of applications as high yields and good distinction of 1‐DE gels for proteins isolated from twelve other plants were rendered. In addition, we reported results of 2‐DE using the recalcitrant tissue of the S. europaea roots. We also demonstrated that this protocol is compatible with proteomic analysis as eight specific proteins generated by this method have been identified by MS. In conclusion, our newly developed protein extraction protocol is expected to have excellent applications in proteomic studies of halophytes.
Analytical methods for multiresidue determination of sulfonamides and trimethoprim in meat and ground water samples by CE‐MS and CE‐MS/MS
Authors: Soto‐Chinchilla Jorge J. , García‐Campaña Ana M. , Gámiz‐Gracia Laura
Published: October 2007

This paper presents two methods based on CZE‐MS detection and CZE‐MS/MS detection developed for the multiresidue determination of ten sulfonamides (sulfapyridine, sulfadoxin, sulfamethazine, sulfadimethoxine, sulfameter, sulfamerazine, sulfachlorpyridazine, sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole, and sulfamethizole) and a potentiator, trimethoprim (TMP), whose contents are regulated by the EU Council Regulation no. 2377/90 in animal edible tissues. Experimental designs were employed to optimize the electrospray conditions. MS/MS experiments using an IT as analyzer operating in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode were carried out to achieve the minimum number of points according to the 2002/657/EC European Decision for unambiguous identification. The proposed procedures have been compared in terms of the performance characteristics and trueness. The limits of detection and quantification were in all cases lower than the maximum residue limits legislated for these compounds and the recoveries were satisfactory, being possible the application for their monitoring in foodstuff of animal origin and in environmental samples, allowing the determination of sulfonamides and TMP residues in meat and in superficial water in the low μg/L range.
Functional assays in high‐resolution clear native gels to quantify mitochondrial complexes in human biopsies and cell lines
Authors: Wittig Ilka , Carrozzo Rosalba , Santorelli Filippo M. , Schägger Hermann
Published: October 2007

We introduce high resolution clear native electrophoresis (CNE) as a powerful technique to resolve enzymatically active mitochondrial complexes from cultured human cell lines and skeletal muscle biopsy samples. Quantitative enzymatic assays can be performed using small amounts of cultured cells with low mitochondria content, for example, around 10 mg of sedimented osteosarcoma cells (wet weight) which is equivalent to around 10 million cells. High resolution CNE offers general advantages for in‐gel catalytic activity assays compared to blue native electrophoresis. It seems especially suited for assaying mitochondrial ATP synthase and respiratory chain complexes I and II in cell models of human mitochondrial disorders and for detailed analyses of patient cells and tissues with defects in oxidative phosphorylation.
Interactions between intakes of alcohol and postmenopausal hormones on risk of breast cancer
Authors: Nielsen Naja Rod , Grønbæk Morten
Published: October 2007

Alcohol and postmenopausal hormone use are well‐established modifiable risk factors for breast cancer. Alcohol may decrease the metabolic clearance of estradiol, whereby the risk of breast cancer associated with hormone use may depend on blood alcohol levels. The objective is to determine whether alcohol interacts with hormone use on risk of breast cancer. The 5,035 postmenopausal women who participated in the Copenhagen City Heart Study were asked about their alcohol intake and hormone use at baseline in 1981–1983 and were followed until 2002 in the Danish cancer registry, with <0.1% loss to follow‐up. Proportional hazard models were used to analyze data. During follow‐up, 267 women developed breast cancer. Alcohol consumption was associated with a small increased risk of breast cancer (hazard ratio = 1.11 per drink/day, 95% CI: 0.99–1.25). Women who used hormones also had a higher risk of breast cancer (HR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.52–2.61) compared to nonhormone users. We found an interaction between these 2 factors; those who had an intake of more than 2 drinks per day and took hormones had a risk of 4.74 (95% CI: 2.61–8.59) for breast cancer compared to abstainers who did not use hormones. Alcohol was not associated with breast cancer among women who did not use hormones (HR = 0.98 per drink/day, 95% CI: 0.82–1.78). In conclusion, the interaction between alcohol and hormone use should, if confirmed in other studies, have an impact both on the prescription of hormones and on sensible drinking limits for postmenopausal women. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Toward robust QSPR models: Synergistic utilization of robust regression and variable elimination
Authors: Grohmann Rainer , Schindler Torsten
Published: October 2007

Widely used regression approaches in modeling quantitative structure–property relationships, such as PLS regression, are highly susceptible to outlying observations that will impair the prognostic value of a model. Our aim is to compile homogeneous datasets as the basis for regression modeling by removing outlying compounds and applying variable selection. We investigate different approaches to create robust, outlier‐resistant regression models in the field of prediction of drug molecules' permeability. The objective is to join the strength of outlier detection and variable elimination increasing the predictive power of prognostic regression models. In conclusion, outlier detection is employed to identify multiple, homogeneous data subsets for regression modeling. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2008
Evaluation of the intramolecular basis set superposition error in the calculations of larger molecules: [n]helicenes and Phe‐Gly‐Phe tripeptide
Authors: Valdés Haydée , Klusák Vojtěch , Pitoňák Michal , Exner Otto , Starý Ivo , Hobza Pavel , Rulíšek Lubomír
Published: October 2007

Correlated ab initio calculations on large systems, such as the popular MP2 (or RI‐MP2) method, suffer from the intramolecular basis set superposition error (BSSE). This error is typically manifested in molecules with folded structures, characterized by intramolecular dispersion interactions. It can dramatically affect the energy differences between various conformers as well as intramolecular stabilities, and it can even impair the accuracy of the predictions of the equilibrium molecular structures. In this study, we will present two extreme cases of intramolecular BSSE, the internal stability of [n]helicene molecules and the relative energies of various conformers of phenylalanyl‐glycyl‐phenylalanine tripeptide (Phe‐Gly‐Phe), and compare the calculated data with benchmark values (experimental or high‐level theoretical data). As a practical and cheap solution to the accurate treatment of the systems with large anticipated value of intramolecular BSSE, the recently developed density functional method augmented with an empirical dispersion term (DFT‐D) is proposed and shown to provide very good results in both of the above described representative cases. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2008