bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced stress responses in adolescent versus adult rats exposed to cues of predation threat, and peer interaction as a predictor of adult defensiveness
Authors: Wright Lisa D. , Muir Katherine E. , Perrot Tara S.
Published: June 2011

Development of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis is influenced by external factors during early life in mammals, which optimizes adult function for predicted conditions. We have hypothesized that adolescence represents a sensitive period for the development of some aspects of adult stress response regulation. This was based on prior work showing that repeated exposure of rats to a stressor across an adolescent period increases fearfulness in a novel environment in adulthood and results in lower levels of dopamine receptor subtype‐2 protein in prefrontal cortex. Here, we further our investigation of both acute and long‐term effects of repeated adolescent stressor exposure on physiological (i.e., corticosterone) and behavioral (i.e., defensive behavior) measures of stress responding in male and female rats. Furthermore, we compared outcomes with those following identical manipulations administered in early adulthood and found that animals exposed to cues of predation threat during adolescence showed the most robust defensive responses to a homotypic stressor encountered in adulthood. Peer interaction during control manipulation in adolescence was identified as an important individual characteristic mediating development of adult defensive strategies. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 54:47–69, 2012.
Development of hand preference for object‐directed actions and pointing gestures: A longitudinal study between 15 and 25 months of age
Authors: Cochet Hélène
Published: June 2011

The development of hand preferences for object‐directed actions and pointing gestures was investigated in toddlers sampled bimonthly between 15 and 25 months of age. Language level was also assessed, in an attempt to examine the relationship between handedness and language development. Results did not reveal any changes over the study period in the mean Handedness Index of the whole sample, both for bimanual manipulative activities and pointing gestures. However, the categorization of participants as left‐handers, right‐handers, or non‐lateralized revealed that most of children presented nonlinear individual trajectories in the development of hand preference. Moreover, the only significant correlations observed between hand preferences for manipulation and pointing were negative correlations between the strength of hand preferences at 19 and 21 months of age, suggesting that manipulative actions and communicative gestures are controlled by different networks in the left cerebral hemisphere. These findings are discussed in relation to the development of speech–gesture links in infancy. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 54:105–111, 2012.
Variability of moisture in coarse woody debris from several ecologically important tree species of the Temperate Zone of Europe
Authors: Pichler Viliam , Homolák Marián , Skierucha Wojciech , Pichlerová Magdaléna , Ramírez David , Gregor Juraj , Jaloviar Peter
Published: June 2011

Deadwood moisture affects multiple functions of downed logs in forest ecosystems. They include provision of habitats for xylobionts, additional water stores and organic carbon stocks. In contrast to Northern American forests, little is known about moisture variability in downed logs of important tree species within the Temperate Zone of Europe. Therefore, our study aimed at elucidating this variability according to species, site and decay class (DC). Measurements were taken by TDR during two vegetation periods in eight Carpathian natural forests representing distinct site conditions, ranging from xerothermophilous to subalpine. Downed logs of Quercus spp., Abies alba Mill., Fagus sylvatica L., and Picea abies L., belonging to various DCs, were selected and instrumented with TDR probes. Species and DC‐specific TDR calibration showed the importance of intrinsic wood porosity. The course of deadwood moisture consisted of drying during the early decay stage, except for A. alba and F. sylvatica, and an intense water reabsorption at later decay stages. Average moisture for all species and sites displayed seasonal trends, reflecting the occurrence of precipitation clusters and dry periods, as well as short‐term fluctuations. Cross‐spectral analysis revealed that both sapwood and heartwood participated in wetting and drying processes, but only after reaching an advanced stage of decay. New findings can be applied in interpreting, modelling and predicting deadwood water stores, habitat properties and respiration. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of lipopolysaccharide‐binding peptide regions within HMGB1 and their effects on subclinical endotoxemia in a mouse model
Authors: Youn Ju Ho , Kwak Man Sup , Wu Jie , Kim Eun Sook , Ji Yeounjung , Min Hyun Jin , Yoo Ji‐Ho , Choi Ji Eun , Cho Hyun‐Soo , Shin Jeon‐Soo
Published: June 2011

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers deleterious systemic inflammatory responses when released into the circulation. LPS‐binding protein (LBP) in the serum plays an important role in modifying LPS toxicity by facilitating its interaction with LPS signaling receptors, which are expressed on the surface of LPS‐responsive cells. We have previously demonstrated that high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) can bind to and transfer LPS, consequently increasing LPS‐induced TNF‐α production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We report here on the identification of two LPS‐binding domains within HMGB1. Furthermore, using 12 synthetic HMGB1 peptides, we define the LPS‐binding regions within each domain. Among them, synthetic peptides HPep1 and HPep6, which are located in the A and B box domains of HMGB1, bind to the polysaccharide and lipid A moieties of LPS respectively. Both HPep1 and HPep6 peptides inhibited binding of LPS to LBP and HMGB1, LBP‐mediated LPS transfer to CD14, and cellular uptake of LPS in RAW264.7 cells. These peptides also inhibited LPS‐induced TNF‐α release in human PBMCs and induced lower levels of TNF‐α in the serum in a subclinical endotoxemia mouse model. These results indicate that HMGB1 has two LPS‐binding peptide regions that can be utilized to design anti‐sepsis or LPS‐neutralizing therapeutics.
Enzymatic Total Synthesis of Banana Volatile (S)‐2‐Pentyl (R)‐3‐Hydroxyhexanoate
Authors: Kallergi Maria , Kalaitzakis Dimitris , Smonou Ioulia
Published: June 2011

The banana volatile (S)‐2‐pentyl (R)‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate has been synthesized in 79 % yield and high optical purity (>99 % ee, >99 % de) starting from methyl 3‐oxohexanoate and 2‐pentanone. The synthetic method consists of three steps and the key reactions are enzymatic reduction and enzymatic transesterification.
Stereoselective Addition of Grignard Reagents to New P‐Chirogenic N‐Phosphinoylbenzaldimines: Effect of the Phosphorus Substituents on the Stereoselectivity
Authors: Notar Francesco Irene , Egloff Coraline , Wagner Alain , Colobert Françoise
Published: June 2011

Several phosphinoylimines have been synthesized in five steps by starting from the appropriate phosphane oxide and were then treated with methylmagnesium bromide to give both diastereoisomers in high yields and with promising diastereomeric ratios. Then N‐[(tert‐butyl)(phenyl)phosphinoyl]benzaldimine, which displayed the best results, was subjected to the 1,2‐addition of various Grignard reagents to evaluate the best chiral induction due to the stereogenic phosphorus atom. The corresponding adducts were obtained in excellent yields and with moderate to excellent diastereoisomeric ratios.
A Novel Rearrangement of Cyclic Glutamine Derivatives: Ring Contraction in 3,6‐Diamino‐2,3,4,5‐tetrahydropyridin‐2‐ones to Yield 5‐Iminoproline Amides
Authors: Belov Vladimir N. , Sokolov Viktor V. , Zlatopolskiy Boris D. , de Meijere Armin
Published: June 2011

A new rearrangement of the cyclic L‐glutamine derivative(S)‐6‐carbamoylamino‐3‐(methylamino)‐2,3,4,5‐tetrahydropyridin‐2‐one (2) and its descarbamoyl analogue 10‐H was found to yield enantiomerically pure 5‐carbamoylimino‐1‐methyl‐L‐proline amide (12‐CONH2) and its descarbamoyl analogue 12‐H, respectively. Cyclic amidines 2 and 10‐H were generated from the amide N2‐ZGlnOEt 3 in seven and six steps, respectively. Deprotection of (S)‐6‐amino‐3‐[(N‐benzyloxycarbonyl‐N‐methyl)amino]‐2,3,4,5‐tetrahydropyridin‐2‐one (8) led directly to 5‐iminoproline amide 12‐H (via 10‐H and the bicyclic orthoamidine 11‐H) in 66 % overall yield from 3. Carbamoylation of 8 with ZNCO (Z = PhCH2OCO) followed by hydrolytic removal of both Z groups gave 5‐(carbamoylimino)proline amide 12‐CONH2 (via 2 and orthoamidine 11‐CONH2) in 70 % overall yield from 3.
Soil loss rates due to piping erosion
Authors: Verachtert E. , Maetens W. , Van Den Eeckhaut M. , Poesen J. , Deckers J.
Published: June 2011

Compared with surface soil erosion by water, subsurface erosion (piping) is generally less studied and harder to quantify. However, wherever piping occurs, it is often a significant or even the main sediment source. In this study, the significance of soil loss due to piping is demonstrated through an estimation of soil volume lost from pipes and pipe collapses (n = 560) in 137 parcels under pasture on loess‐derived soils in a temperate humid climate (Belgium). Assuming a period of 5 to 10 years for pipe collapse to occur, mean soil loss rates of 2.3 and 4.6 t ha−1 yr−1 are obtained, which are at least one order of magnitude higher than surface erosion rates (0.01–0.29 t ha−1 yr−1) by sheet and rill erosion under a similar land use. The results obtained for the study area in the Flemish Ardennes correspond well to other measurements in temperate environments; they are, however, considerably smaller than soil loss rates due to subsurface erosion in semi‐arid environments. Although local slope gradient and drainage area largely control the location of collapsed pipes in the study area, these topographic parameters do not explain differences in eroded volumes by piping. Hence, incorporation of subsurface erosion in erosion models is not straightforward. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fire behavior and smoke emission of phosphate–based inorganic fire‐retarded polyester resin
Authors: Ricciardi M. R. , Antonucci V. , Zarrelli M. , Giordano M.
Published: June 2011

The fire behavior and the smoke emission of an unsaturated polyester resin modified by the addition of three phosphorus‐based fire‐retardant materials (ammonium polyphosphate (APP), silane‐coated APP, and melamine pyrophosphate) at two concentration levels (20% w/w, 35% w/w) have been investigated. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and optical microscopy analysis have been performed to verify the dispersion and the action mechanism of additives within the resin. Results from cone calorimetric tests demonstrated that the incorporation of the fire retardants at 35% w/w has a strong effect on flammability and smoke suppressant properties with respect to both the neat resin and the loaded systems at 20% (w/w). In particular, the smoke formation and smoke parameters are reduced by 50% and 80%, respectively, leading to the conclusion that APP can be used single‐handedly without combination with specific smoke suppressors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automated, Model‐Based Analysis of Uj‐Data for Electrolyte‐Supported SOFC Short‐Stacks
Authors: Linder M. , Hocker T. , Denzler R. , Mai A. , Iwanschitz B.
Published: June 2011

A simplified model is presented to analyse current–voltage characteristics of electrolyte supported solid oxide fuel cell stacks that run on reformed hydrocarbon fuels such as natural gas. The model takes into account the fuel reforming process, fuel leakages and electrochemical conversions all in an idealised manner, i.e. it assumes thermodynamic equilibrium. However, the model explicitly accounts for parameter variations that are often unavoidable under realistic testing conditions. These variations include changes in the fuel composition, changes in the fuel mass fluxes and changes in the operation temperature. In addition, internal repeat unit resistances as extracted from current–voltage data are compared with the ohmic and polarisation losses obtained from independent electrical impedance measurements data. Since the data analysis is done in a highly automated fashion, large sets of current–voltage data can be compared and ‘normal' data sets can be discriminated from ‘abnormal' ones. The model has the potential to accelerate testing by eliminating variations that lead to corruption and unwanted scattering of current–voltage data.
Increased inhibition and enhancement of memory retrieval are associated with reduced hippocampal volume
Authors: Depue B.E. , Banich M.T.
Published: June 2011

Putative control of encoding and retrieval processes have been linked to communication between the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) and the hippocampus. Moreover, correlations between the LPFC (e.g., MFG) and hippocampus have predicted individuals' ability to inhibit memory retrieval. Anatomically, differences in volume of the hippocampus have been related to changes in long‐term episodic memories. Although the relationship between these ideas is clear, few studies have examined the association of how anatomy may affect the role of control over brain regions involved in distint memory processes. The current study sought to examine hippocampal volume and its relationship to LPFC control over the hippocampus. Using an automated cortical/subcortical segmentation technique (FIRST) on brain imaging gata from the Think/No‐Think task, we show that hippocampal volume is associated to changes in both enhancement and inhibitory processes of memory retrival. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Derivatives of molecular surface area and volume: Simple and exact analytical formulas
Authors: Klenin Konstantin V. , Tristram Frank , Strunk Timo , Wenzel Wolfgang
Published: June 2011

The computational effort of biomolecular simulations can be significantly reduced by means of implicit solvent models in which the energy generally contains a correction depending on the surface area and/or the volume of the molecule. In this article, we present simple derivation of exact, easy‐to‐use analytical formulas for these quantities and their derivatives with respect to atomic coordinates. In addition, we provide an efficient, linear‐scaling algorithm for the construction of the power diagram required for practical implementation of these formulas. Our approach is implemented in a C++ header‐only template library. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Comparison of ionic liquid, acid and alkali pretreatments for sugarcane bagasse enzymatic saccharification
Authors: Yoon Li Wan , Ngoh Gek Cheng , May Chua Adeline Seak , Hashim Mohd. Ali
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND: Much attention has been given to applying ionic liquids (ILs) as an alternative pretreatment method for lignocellulosic biomass. This study aims to select the most suitable type of IL for pretreating sugarcane bagasse (SCB). The potential of ILs for pretreatment was evaluated and compared with conventional pretreatment media, acids and alkalis. The performance of the pretreatment media was evaluated based on the amount of reducing sugar produced from enzymatic saccharification, the energy requirement, and changes in the chemical structure and crystallinity index of the pretreated bagasse.

RESULTS: 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate [EMIM]oAc was selected as the most suitable IL for SCB pretreatment. The optimum yields of reducing sugar obtained from [EMIM]oAc‐, alkali‐, and acid‐pretreated SCB were 69.5%, 92.8% and 41.3%, respectively. Although a lower yield of reducing sugar was obtained, [EMIM]oAc pretreatment required the least energy to pretreat 1 kg of SCB. Moreover, the percentage of SCB loss during [EMIM]oAc pretreatment was the lowest. [EMIM]oAc‐pretreated SCB also had the lowest crystallinity index (CI) with the most amorphous structure.

CONCLUSION: [EMIM]oAc appears to be another option for pretreating SCB, and other issues such as the recyclability of [EMIM]oAc is worth investigating. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Mesophilic anaerobic digestion of corn thin stillage: a technical and energetic assessment of the corn‐to‐ethanol industry integrated with anaerobic digestion
Authors: Lee Po‐Heng , Bae Jaeho , Kim Jeonghwan , Chen Wen‐Hsing
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to reduce the VS (volatile solid) and recover energy (methane) from thin stillage through mesophilic anaerobic digestion in corn–ethanol plants. The performance of a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) with different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) was evaluated in this study.

RESULTS: The results show no differences in volatile solid (VS) destruction (82–83%) in the reactor with HRTs ranging from 25 to 40 days. The maximum volumetric methane production rate of 1.41 L L−1 day−1 was produced at 25‐day HRT, whereas the maximum methane yield of approximately 0.63 L CH4 g−1 VSfed (0.77 L g−1 VSremoved) was achieved with HRTs between 30 and 40 days. Simulation results using a kinetic model indicate that the reactor needs to be operated for longer than 23 days in order to achieve 80% of maximum methane yield. The techno‐economic potential of a corn–ethanol facility to produce an estimated 57% energy recovery using mesophilic anaerobic digestion has long been overlooked. A corn–ethanol plant integrated with mesophilic anaerobic digestion increases the net energy balance ratio from 1.26 to 1.80.

CONCLUSION: Mesophilic anaerobic digestion complements the corn–ethanol business so that the sustainable energy obtained from corn recovery is made more lucrative and renewable. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Dynamic regulation of aquaglyceroporin expression in erythrocyte cultures from cold‐ and warm‐acclimated cope's gray treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis
Authors: Mutyam Venkateshwar , Puccetti Matthew V. , Frisbie James , Goldstein David L. , Krane Carissa M.
Published: June 2011

Cope's gray treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis,is a freeze‐tolerant anuran which accumulates and distributes glycerol as a cryoprotectant before freezing. We hypothesize that HC‐3, an aquaglyceroporin member of the MIP family of water pores, may play an important role in the process of freeze tolerance by mediating transmembrane passage of glycerol and water during cold‐acclimation. The objectives of this study were two‐fold: to examine HC‐3 protein abundance and cellular localization in erythrocytes from cold‐ and warm‐acclimated frogs and to develop and characterize an erythrocyte cell culture system for examining HC‐3 gene regulation. Compared with warm‐acclimated frogs, erythrocytes from cold‐acclimated frogs had higher HC‐3 protein expression and enhanced plasma membrane localization. Furthermore, erythrocytes from cold‐ and warm‐acclimated frogs maintained in culture at 4 and 20°C exhibited time‐ and temperature‐dependent regulation of HC‐3 expression and an increase in the abundance of high molecular weight immunoreactive species within 24 hr of culture at 20°C. Deglycosylation of erythrocyte proteins resulted in the disappearance of the high molecular weight species, indicating that HC‐3 is post‐translationally modified by N‐linked glycosylation. Erythrocytes cultured in media containing glycerol also showed an increased abundance of the high molecular weight bands and enhanced plasma membrane localization of HC‐3, suggesting a role for glycerol in regulating HC‐3 subcellular trafficking. Thus, the development of this erythrocyte cell culture system from H. chrysoscelis opened an opportunity to study the properties of cells with changing expression of an aquaglyceroporin, HC‐3, and to explore the factors regulating that expression. J. Exp. Zool. 315:424–437, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microwave assisted synthesis of 2,6‐substituted aromatic‐aminopurine derivatives
Authors: Lu Hong‐Fei , Zhang Liang‐Ze , Wu Ding‐Ming , Zhou Jun‐Tao
Published: June 2011

A series of novel 2, 6‐diaromatic‐aminopurines (6a–6t) have been synthesized from guanine and characterized fully. The effects of different catalysts on the N‐alkylation of 2‐position of purine ring were discussed. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
An efficient synthesis of 5‐aryl‐4,5‐dihydro‐3‐(5‐methyl‐1‐p‐tolyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)‐1‐(4‐phenylthiazol‐2‐yl)pyrazoles
Authors: Dong Wang‐Jun , Cui Fu‐Hong , Gao Zhong‐Lian , Li Rong‐Shan , Shen Guo‐Liang , Dong Heng‐Shan
Published: June 2011

Some new target products 5‐aryl‐4,5‐dihydro‐3‐(5‐methyl‐1‐p‐tolyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)‐1‐(4‐phenylthiazol‐2‐yl)pyrazoles 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i, 5j have been synthesized by reaction of 2‐bromo‐1‐phenylethanone and compounds 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j which were prepared from the combination of thiosemicarbazide and (E)‐3‐aryl‐1‐(5‐methyl‐1‐p‐tolyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)‐prop‐2‐en‐1‐ones 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j. All the structures were established by MS, IR, CHN, and 1H NMR spectra data. Synthesis of structure diversity is applied. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
Chronic isolation stress predisposes the frontal cortex but not the hippocampus to the potentially detrimental release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and the activation of caspase‐3
Authors: Filipović D. , Zlatković J. , Inta D. , Bjelobaba I. , Stojiljkovic M. , Gass P.
Published: June 2011

Mitochondria are central integrators and transducers of proapoptotic signals for neuronal apoptosis. The tumor suppressor protein p53 can trigger apoptosis independently of its transcriptional activity, through subcellular translocation of cytochrome c and caspase activation. To define better the proapoptotic role of p53 under various stress conditions, we investigated the protein levels of p53 and cytochrome c in mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions, as well as caspase‐3 activation and apoptosis, in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of male Wistar rats subjected to acute, chronic, or combined stressors. Mitochondrial p53 can suppress the antioxidant enzyme MnSOD, so its activity was also determined. In the prefrontal cortex, but not in hippocampus, increased protein levels of p53 were found in mitochondria, leading to cytochrome c release into cytoplasm, activation of caspase‐3, and apoptotic cell death following combined stressors. Decreased mitochondrial MnSOD activity following combined stressors in both brain structures indicated a state of oxidative stress. This suggests that chronic isolation stress compromises mitochondrial MnSOD activity in both the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus but likely results in mitochondrial‐triggered proapoptotic signaling mediated by a transcription‐independent p53 mechanism only in the prefrontal cortex. Thus, our data demonstrate a tissue‐specific (prefrontal cortex vs. hippocampus) response to applied stressors. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of laterally wedged shoes on the loading of the medial knee compartment‐in vivo measurements with instrumented knee implants
Authors: Kutzner Ines , Damm Philipp , Heinlein Bernd , Dymke Jörn , Graichen Friedmar , Bergmann Georg
Published: June 2011

A conventional method to unload the medial compartment of patients with gonarthrosis and thus to achieve pain reduction is the use of laterally wedged shoes. Our aim was to measure in vivo their effect on medial compartment loads using instrumented knee implants. Medial tibio‐femoral contact forces were measured in six subjects with instrumented knee implants during walking with the following shoes: without wedge, with 5 and 10 mm wedges under the lateral sole, and with a laterally wedged insole (5 mm). Measurements were repeated with the shoes in combination with an ankle‐stabilizing orthosis. Without orthosis, peak medial forces were reduced by only 1–4% on average. With orthosis, the average reduction was 2–7%. Highest reductions were generally observed with the 10 mm wedge, followed by the 5 mm wedge, and the 5 mm insole. Individual force reductions reached up to 15%. Medial force reductions while walking with wedged shoes were generally small. Due to high inter‐individual differences, it seems that some patients might benefit from lateral wedges, whereas others might not. Further analyses of the individual kinematics will show which factors are most decisive for the reduction of medial compartment load. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:1910–1915, 2011
Propagation of the Storegga tsunami into ice‐free lakes along the southern shores of the Barents Sea
Authors: Romundset Anders , Bondevik Stein
Published: June 2011

Deposits in coastal lakes in northernmost Norway reveal that the Storegga tsunami propagated well into the Barents Sea ca. 8100–8200 years ago. A tsunami deposit – found in cores from five coastal lakes located near the North Cape in Finnmark – rests on an erosional unconformity and consists of graded sand layers and re‐deposited organic remains. Rip‐up clasts of lake mud, peat and soil suggest strong erosion of the lake floor and neighbouring land. Inundation reached at least 500 m inland and minimum vertical run‐up has been reconstructed to 3–4 m. In this part of the Arctic coastal lakes are usually covered by >1 m of solid lake ice in winter. The significant erosion and deposition of rip‐up clasts indicate that the lakes were ice free and that the ground was probably not frozen. We suggest that the Storegga slide and ensuing tsunami happened sometime in the summer season, between April and October. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of acetanilide herbicides in cereal crops using accelerated solvent extraction, solid‐phase extraction and gas chromatography‐electron capture detector
Authors: Zhang Yaping , Yang Jun , Shi Ronghua , Su Qingde , Yao Li , Li Panpan
Published: June 2011

A method was developed to determine eight acetanilide herbicides from cereal crops based on accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and solid‐phase extraction (SPE) followed by gas chromatography‐electron capture detector (GC‐ECD) analysis. During the ASE process, the effect of four parameters (temperature, static time, static cycles and solvent) on the extraction efficiency was considered and compared with shake‐flask extraction method. After extraction with ASE, four SPE tubes (graphitic carbon black/primary secondary amine (GCB/PSA), GCB, Florisil and alumina‐N) were assayed for comparison to obtain the best clean‐up efficiency. The results show that GCB/PSA cartridge gave the best recoveries and cleanest chromatograms. The analytical process was validated by the analysis of spiked blank samples. Performance characteristics such as linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), precision and recovery were studied. At 0.05 mg/kg spiked level, recoveries and precision values for rice, wheat and maize were 82.3–115.8 and 1.1–13.6%, respectively. For all the herbicides, LOD and LOQ ranged from 0.8 to 1.7 μg/kg and from 2.4 to 5.3 μg/kg, respectively. The proposed analytical methodology was applied for the analysis of the targets in samples; only three herbicides, propyzamid, metolachlor and diflufenican, were detected in two samples.
Quantitative analysis of endoscopic endonasal approaches to the infratemporal fossa
Authors: Prosser J. Drew , Figueroa Ramon , Carrau Ricardo I. , Ong Yew Kwang , Solares C. Arturo
Published: June 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The operative management of infratemporal skull base lesions is challenging. Expanded endonasal approaches to this area can decrease surgical morbidity. Access lateral to the natural nasal corridor can be achieved via a middle meatal antrostomy, medial maxillectomy complemented by a septotomy, or anteromedial maxillotomy (i.e., Denker's approach). We sought to compare the access to the infratemporal fossa offered by these endoscopic endonasal approaches.

Study Design:

Software‐enabled CT scan measurements.

Methods:

Axial CT scans obtained with submillimeter cuts through the skull base were examined. All calculations were performed on axial images obtained at the level of the sphenoid floor using Kodak Carestream Image Software (Rochester, NY) measuring tools.

Results:

Fifty sides were examined. A medial maxillectomy increased the exposure on average by 18.5 degrees (SD = 4.28), when compared to maxillary antrostomy. When we augmented the access with an ipsilateral Denker's approach, an additional 33.5 degrees (SD = 4.81) of exposure were obtained (P < .0001). The addition of a 1‐cm anteromedial maxillotomy accessed the entire posterior maxillary wall in 54% of cases. Equivalent access was obtained via a contralateral approach with a septotomy at 1.56 cm from the columella. To access the entire posterior maxillary wall the average anterior maxillotomy should be 1.1 cm (SD = 0.42). In contrast, to access the entire posterior maxillary wall using a contralateral approach the average septotomy position should be 1.52 cm (SD = 0.39) from the columella.

Conclusions:

This radioanatomic study provides objective support for the use of an ipsilateral Denker's approach to augment an endoscopic endonasal approach to the infratemporal fossa.
Genomewide linkage study of modifiers of LRRK2‐related Parkinson's disease
Authors: Latourelle Jeanne C. , Hendricks Audrey E. , Pankratz Nathan , Wilk Jemma B. , Halter Cheryl , Nichols William C. , Gusella James F. , Destefano Anita L. , Myers Richard H. , Foroud Tatiana ,   and the PSG–Progeni GenePD Investigators, Coordinators, and Molecular Genetic Laboratories
Published: June 2011

Mutations in the leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 gene, located at 12q12, are the most common known genetic causes of Parkinson's disease. Studies of leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 mutation carriers have shown incomplete and age‐dependent penetrance, and previous studies have suggested that inherited susceptibility factors may modify the penetrance of leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 mutations. Genomewide linkage to age of onset of leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2–related Parkinson's disease was evaluated in a sample of 113 leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 mutation carriers from 64 families using single‐nucleotide polymorphism data from the Illumina HumanCNV370 genotyping array. Association between onset age and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms under suggestive linkage peaks was also evaluated. The top logarithmic odds score for onset age (logarithmic odds score = 2.43) was in the chromosome 1q32.1 region. Moderate linkage to onset was also identified at 16q12.1 (logarithmic odds score = 1.58). Examination of single‐nucleotide polymorphism association to Parkinson's disease onset under the linkage peaks revealed no statistically significant single‐nucleotide polymorphism associations. The 2 novel genomic regions identified may harbor modifiers of leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2–related Parkinson's disease onset age or penetrance, and further study of these regions may provide important insight into leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2–related Parkinson's disease. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Tremor during movement correlates well with disability in people with essential tremor
Authors: Norman Kathleen E. , D'Amboise Shauna N. , Pari Giovanna , Héroux Martin E.
Published: June 2011

Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder, typically characterized by the presence of both postural and kinetic tremor of the hand. In recent studies, we described the effects of altering force and load conditions on tremor amplitude and power in people with essential tremor. In the same participants, we also measured tremor‐related functional disability. In this article we report on the current study on correlations of measures of tremor severity with those of tremor‐related functional disability. Twenty‐one participants with essential tremor had tremor measured in their more tremorous hand. Power spectral and amplitude measures of tremor were calculated for each of 16 conditions: force tremor at 4 submaximal force levels, postural tremor in unloaded and 3 submaximal load conditions, and kinetic tremor in unloaded and 3 submaximal load conditions for each of concentric and eccentric contractions of the wrist extensors. Participants were rated on the hand items of the Fahn‐Tolosa‐Marin rating scale and timed on the unilateral hand tasks of the Test Évaluant la Performance des Membres supérieurs des Personnes Âgées. The most consistently high and significant correlations were found between kinetic tremor measures and the hand task scores and tremor‐B scores (r = 0.548–0.780, P < .01). Postural tremor measures correlated with disability measures only in loaded conditions, most consistently with the hand task measures (r = 0.640–0.725, P < .01). Thus, measures of kinetic tremor and loaded postural tremor, but not unloaded postural tremor or force tremor, relate well to disability captured with dynamic tasks. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Long‐term efficacy and mortality in Parkinson's disease patients treated with subthalamic stimulation
Authors: Toft Mathias , Lilleeng Bård , Ramm‐Pettersen Jon , Skogseid Inger Marie , Gundersen Vidar , Gerdts Remo , Pedersen Lena , Skjelland Mona , Røste Geir Ketil , Dietrichs Espen
Published: June 2011

Background:

The objective of this study was to examine the clinical outcome and mortality of long‐term deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in advanced Parkinson's disease.

Methods:

We included all 144 patients (mean age, 60.3 years; mean disease duration, 11.0 years) treated in our center from 2001 to 2007.

Results:

Twelve months after surgery, the off‐medication Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor score was reduced by a mean of 53%, and the annual increase after surgery was 3.2 points. The daily dose of dopaminergic medication was reduced by a mean of 49% and increased only marginally during follow‐up. Twelve of the 144 patients died in the study period, including 2 suicides (1.4%). Survival was 97% after 3 years and 90% after 5 years.

Conclusions:

The study confirms the stable efficacy of long‐term subthalamic stimulation in selected patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. Throughout the study the patient characteristics at time of surgery changed, with less severe disease and shorter disease duration toward the end of the study period. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Comparison of the impact of trans fatty acids from ruminant and industrial sources on surrogate markers of cholesterol homeostasis in healthy men
Authors: Labonté Marie‐Ève , Couture Patrick , Paquin Paul , Chouinard Yvan , Lemieux Simone , Lamarche Benoît
Published: June 2011

Scope: Mechanisms by which trans fatty acids (TFA) from industrial (iTFA) and ruminant (rTFA) sources alter cholesterol homeostasis are virtually unknown. We compared the impact of dietary iTFA and rTFA on surrogate markers of cholesterol absorption (β‐sitosterol and campesterol) and synthesis (lathosterol) in healthy men.

Methods and results: In a randomized, controlled double‐blind crossover study, 38 healthy men consumed three experimental isoenergetic diets for 4 wk each. The three diets were (i) high in iTFA (10.2 g/2500 kcal), (ii) high in rTFA (10.2 g/2500 kcal) and (iii) control diet low in TFA from any source (2.2 g/2500 kcal). The sum of plasma β‐sitosterol and campesterol concentrations was significantly reduced after the iTFA diet compared with the control diet (−12%, p=0.050). The reduction in combined β‐sitosterol and campesterol levels was larger in magnitude after the rTFA diet (−29% versus the control diet and −20% versus the iTFA diet, p<0.0001). The TFA‐rich diets had no impact on plasma lathosterol concentrations.

Conclusions: Very high intakes of rTFA and iTFA decrease cholesterol absorption but have no impact on cholesterol synthesis. Consumption of rTFA reduces cholesterol absorption to a greater extent than iTFA, but this difference does not ultimately affect plasma cholesterol concentrations.
Discrete element method simulations of the seismic response of shallow foundations including soil‐foundation‐structure interaction
Authors: El Shamy Usama , Zamani Natasha
Published: June 2011

A novel three‐dimensional particle‐based technique utilizing the discrete element method is proposed to analyze the seismic response of soil‐foundation‐structure systems. The proposed approach is employed to investigate the response of a single‐degree‐of‐freedom structure on a square spread footing founded on a dry granular deposit. The soil is idealized as a collection of spherical particles using discrete element method. The spread footing is modeled as a rigid block composed of clumped particles, and its motion is described by the resultant forces and moments acting upon it. The structure is modeled as a column made of particles that are either clumped to idealize a rigid structure or bonded to simulate a flexible structure of prescribed stiffness. Analysis is done in a fully coupled scheme in time domain while taking into account the effects of soil nonlinear behavior, the possible separation between foundation base and soil caused by rocking, the possible sliding of the footing, and the dynamic soil‐foundation interaction as well as the dynamic characteristics of the superstructure. High fidelity computational simulations comprising about half a million particles were conducted to examine the ability of the proposed technique to model the response of soil‐foundation‐structure systems. The computational approach is able to capture essential dynamic response patterns. The cyclic moment–rotation relationships at the base center point of the footing showed degradation of rotational stiffness by increasing the level of strain. Permanent deformations under the foundation continued to accumulate with the increase in number of loading cycles. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The natural history of the overactive bladder syndrome in females: A long‐term analysis of a health screening project
Authors: Heidler Stefan , Mert Can , Temml Christian , Madersbacher Stephan
Published: June 2011

Aim

To analyze the natural history of the overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome in women over a period of 6.5 years.

Method

Women participating in a health screening survey in the area of Vienna in 1998/1999 underwent a detailed health investigation and completed the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptom (BFLUTS) Questionnaire. In 2005 all women who were still living in the area of Vienna, were contacted by mail to complete the BFLUTS questionnaire again.

Results

A total of 386 women with a mean age of 54 years (range: 21–81 years) entered this study and were all followed for a mean of 6.5 years. At baseline, the prevalence of OAB was 19.4% (n = 75/386) and increased to 27.2% (105/386) 6.5 years later resulting in an average annual progression rate of 1.2%. The incidence was 19.3% (n = 60/311; average annual rate: 2.9%), a remission was seen in 40% (n = 30/75; average annual rate: 6.2%), stable disease in 41.3% (n = 31/75; average annual rate: 6.4%), a progression was noticed in 6.7% (n = 5/75; average annual rate: 1.0%) and an improvement in 12% (n = 9/75; average annual rate: 1.8%). Women with a full remission were 49.9 years (±13 years), those with stable disease 58.2 years (±9.3 years), those with improvement 57.4 years (±10.4 years), those with deterioration 61.8 years (±12.8 years) and those with de novo OAB 57.3 years (±12.3 years).

Conclusion

OAB is a dynamic disease with long‐lasting stable disease courses as well as remissions and progressions. Neurourol. Urodynam. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30: 1437–1441, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validation of the multidimensional health locus of control scales for labor and delivery
Authors: Stevens Natalie R. , Hamilton Nancy A. , Wallston Kenneth A.
Published: June 2011

No current instrument assesses women's health locus of control beliefs in relation to childbirth. Form C of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales was used to develop items for a new instrument specific to labor and delivery (MHLC‐LD). Psychometric analyses conducted with two independent samples of pregnant women supported a three‐factor model of the new instrument, consisting of Internal, Powerful Others, and Chance subscales. Results revealed modest coefficient alphas (>.70) for the subscales and demonstrated construct validity in known group analyses. Future validation research will focus on improving the internal consistency reliability of the MHLC‐LD, testing factorial invariance across demographic groups, and examining the relationships between obstetric risk, previous birth experiences, and beliefs about control over childbirth outcomes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 34:282–296, 2011
An Examination of the Spatial–Temporal Isolation Model in a Nilotic Population: Variation across Space and Time in Nubians Using Cranial Discrete Traits
Authors: Godde K.
Published: June 2011

Nubian biological evolution has come under much scrutiny in preceding years with strong opinions dividing scholars' beliefs as to how it occurred. A new approach is necessary to elucidate subtleties of their population structure in order to shed light on the complex subject. This study employs a spatial–temporal model in an effort to test if in situ biological evolution was the mechanism for biological change. Biological distance was calculated from the phenotype using 20 cranial discrete traits observed in Nubian samples from the sites of Semna South, Kerma, and the islands of Hesa and Biga. The periods represented at Semna South are Meroitic, X‐Group and Christian, whereas the Kerma site yielded skeletal material from the Kerma period, and the islands of Hesa and Biga date to the Christian period. Mahalanobis D2 with a tetrachoric matrix was used to calculate biological distances among the samples, and three‐way Mantel tests were applied to the distance, spatial and temporal matrices. Time was not significantly correlated with biological distance. However, an inverse relationship of time and biological distance is expected under the spatial–temporal model. A lack of significant geographic correlations, as found here, is unusual in most populations, but given the spatial construct of the sites along the Nile, this relationship is not completely unexpected. The lack of significant correlation among time, space and biological distance does not support the in situ hypothesis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Open fetal surgery for myelomeningocele
Authors: Bebbington Michael W. , Danzer Enrico , Johnson Mark P. , Adzick N. Scott
Published: June 2011

Despite efforts at prevention through the use of preconception folic acid, spina bifida remains one of the most common congenital anomalies of the central nervous system that is compatible with life. It is, however, associated with a significant degree of lifelong morbidity. The development of open fetal surgery for myelomeningocele (MMC) has been a long process but one that serves as a model for how new procedures and technologies need to be properly evaluated before being brought into mainstream medical practice. Even so, risks and benefits need to be evaluated for each patient. The currently available studies have been carried out on a highly selected patient population where the fetal findings provided the maximum opportunity for benefit from prenatal closure of the MMC defect. There is the potential that as the surgery becomes more widely available, pressure will be brought to bear to perform surgery in cases where the likelihood for benefit is decreased and yet the risks are not. The only way to duplicate the results of the current studies is to follow the methodology and criteria that were used in the studies. This will mean that not every fetus with an MMC will be a candidate for in utero surgery. The balance of risk to benefit will continue to evolve as further technological advances are evaluated and more follow‐up information is obtained. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Removal of the copper catalyst from atom transfer radical polymerization mixtures by chemical reduction with zinc powder
Authors: Canturk Fatma , Karagoz Bunyamin , Bicak Niyazi
Published: June 2011

Simple mixing of an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) mixture with zinc powder was demonstrated to result in rapid decolorizing of the solution and precipitation of elemental copper, using small amounts of silica gel as seeding material. The experiments revealed that the chemical reduction of copper by wetted zinc powder (i.e., 0.325 g/mmol copper) is fast and completed within less than 5 min. UV spectra of the filtered polymer solution showed no any trace of copper. Terminal bromoalkyl groups of the polymers in the ATRP solution were determined to be unchanged by short‐term contact with zinc powder at room temperature and a nearly complete reductive dehalogenation takes place only after 24 h of interaction, as evidenced by reaction of elemental zinc with a model compound, ethyl bromoacetate. Indeed, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) sample (Mn: 7900, polydispersity index: 1.09) isolated from ATRP mixture after the copper removal a by short contact with zinc powder (i.e., 15 min) was determined “still living” as confirmed by chain extension with styrene, ethyl acrylate, and t‐butyl acrylate monomers to give block copolymers. The presence of acetic acid was demonstrated to accelerate reductive dehalogenation of PMMA end‐groups by zinc and yields nonliving polymer within 2 h. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
The Mini‐Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale: re‐analysis of its psychometric properties in a sample of 160 mixed cancer patients
Authors: Hulbert‐Williams Nicholas J. , Hulbert‐Williams Lee , Morrison Val , Neal Richard D. , Wilkinson Clare
Published: June 2011

Background

The mini‐Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale is designed to assess psychological responses to cancer diagnosis and is widely used in research and clinical practice. Recent evidence demonstrates adequate convergent validity but inconsistent internal consistency and factor structure. This study aimed to provide a parsimonious factor structure with clinical utility.

Methods

Repeated measures data were collected from 160 cancer patients (mixed illness type) at diagnosis and 3‐month follow‐up. Principal axis factoring with oblimin rotation was used. The number of factors was decided using parallel analysis. The resultant factors were compared against the recommended five‐factor structure on internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and test–retest reliability and convergent validity (Pearson's correlation).

Results

Parallel analysis suggested that a four‐factor model optimally fits these data. Two of these—cognitive avoidance and fighting spirit—are equivalent to the original factor structure. Redistribution of the remaining items resulted in factors of cognitive distress and emotional distress. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the new four‐factor structure are equivalent, but convergent validity is much improved overall when compared with a five‐factor structure, with the exception of the fighting spirit factor.

Conclusions

The revised four‐factor structure represents a more psychometrically sound measure of psychological adjustment in the current dataset. Findings related to the larger cognitive distress factor are congruent with data from foreign‐language validation studies. The brevity of this improved measure may make it easier to administer in the clinical setting. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.