bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abnormal activity in reward brain circuits in human narcolepsy with cataplexy
Authors: Ponz Aurélie , Khatami Ramin , Poryazova Rositsa , Werth Esther , Boesiger Peter , Bassetti Claudio L. , Schwartz Sophie 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectiveHypothalamic hypocretins (or orexins) regulate energy metabolism and arousal maintenance. Recent animal research suggests that hypocretins may also influence reward‐related behaviors. In humans, the loss of hypocretin‐containing neurons results in a major sleep‐wake disorder called narcolepsy‐cataplexy, which is associated with emotional disturbances. Here, we aim to test whether narcoleptic patients show an abnormal pattern of brain activity during reward processing.MethodsWe used functional magnetic resonance imaging in 12 unmedicated patients with narcolepsy‐cataplexy to measure the neural responses to expectancy and experience of monetary gains and losses. We statistically compared the patients' data with those obtained in a group of 12 healthy matched controls.Results and InterpretationOur results reveal that activity in the dopaminergic ventral midbrain (ventral tegmental area) was not modulated in narcolepsy‐cataplexy patients during high reward expectancy (unlike controls), and that ventral striatum activity was reduced during winning. By contrast, the patients showed abnormal activity increases in the amygdala and in dorsal striatum for positive outcomes. In addition, we found that activity in the nucleus accumbens and the ventral‐medial prefrontal cortex correlated with disease duration, suggesting that an alternate neural circuit could be privileged over the years to control affective responses to emotional challenges and compensate for the lack of influence from ventral midbrain regions. Our study offers a detailed picture of the distributed brain network involved during distinct stages of reward processing and shows for the first time, to our knowledge, how this network is affected in hypocretin‐deficient narcoleptic patients. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:190–200
Developmental plasticity connects visual cortex to motoneurons after stroke
Authors: Basu Anna , Graziadio Sara , Smith Martin , Clowry Gavin J. , Cioni Giovanni , Eyre Janet A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe report motor cortical function in the left occipital cortex of a subject who suffered a left middle cerebral artery stroke early in development. Transcranial magnetic stimulation of the left occipital cortex evoked contraction of right hand muscles. Electroencephalogram recorded over the left occipital cortex showed: 1) coherence with electromyogram from a right hand muscle; 2) a typical sensorimotor Mu rhythm at rest that was suppressed during contraction of right hand muscles. This is the first evidence that cortical plasticity extends beyond reshaping of primary sensory cortical fields to respecification of the cortical origin of subcortically projecting pathways. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:132–136
Overall crystallization behavior of polypropylene–clay nanocomposites; Effect of clay content and polymer/clay compatibility on the bulk crystallization and spherulitic growth
Authors: Perez C. J. , Alvarez V. A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe effect of clay nanoparticles on the overall crystallization (isothermal crystallization, spherulitic growth, and nonisothermal crystallization) behavior of polypropylene (PP) was studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry and polarized light optical microscopy. In addition, the changes produced by the compatibility between the filler and the matrix were analyzed by using more hydrophobic clays or incorporating PP grafted with maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA). Different models were used to predict the relative degree of crystallinity and several parameters were analyzed. A clear nucleating effect of clay nanoparticles was found on the experimental behavior (induction time, half‐crystallization time, and overall crystallization time) and also deducted from the models parameters (Avrami exponent, rate constant, nucleation activity, activation energy). The effect was also related with the matrix/clay compatibility. In addition, the polarized light optical microscopy showed that the number of spherulites increased and their size decreased when clay was incorporated, which is also an indication of the heterogeneous nucleating behavior of such particles. We also noted faster spherulitic growth and increasing Kg (the model parameter). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Nielsen thermal conductivity model for single filler carbon/polypropylene composites
Authors: Gaxiola Daniel Lopez , Keith Jason M. , King Julia A. , Johnson Beth A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn this study, three different carbon fillers (Thermocarb TC‐300 synthetic graphite, Ketjenblack EC‐600 JD carbon black, and Hyperion Catalysis International's FIBRIL™ carbon nanotubes) were added to a polypropylene matrix to produce single filler composites with filler concentrations of up to 80 wt % synthetic graphite (61.6 vol %), 15 wt % carbon black (8.1 vol %), and 15 wt % carbon nanotubes (7.4 vol %). The through‐plane thermal conductivity for each formulation was measured. For the synthetic graphite, carbon black, and carbon nanotubes composites, the Nielsen model was applied to the experimental through‐plane thermal conductivity data. The Nielsen Model presented in this work showed very good agreement with experimental data. The model parameters were similar to those used in the literature for these fillers in other polymers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Blends of novel L‐tyrosine‐based polyurethanes and polyphosphate for potential biomedical applications
Authors: Shah Parth N. , Lopina Stephanie T. , Yun Yang H. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractElastomeric biodegradable polyurethanes and polyphosphate have been developed using an L‐ tyrosine‐based diphenolic monomer desaminotyrosine‐tyrosine hexyl ester (DTH). Soft segments, which are polycaproloctone diol (PCL) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) have been used for the synthesis of two biodegradable L‐tyrosine polyurethanes (LTUs), which are PEG‐C‐DTH and PCL‐C‐DTH. An investigation of the physico‐chemical properties shows that these polymers have dramatically different properties. By blending LTUs with L‐tyrosine polyphosphate (LTP), we hope to produce a family of materials with a wide range of thermal, morphological, surface, and degradative properties. Examination of the blends shows a smooth surface morphology with a partially phase‐separated structure. These findings are consistent with the results obtained from thermal analysis of the blends. Hydrophilic nature of PEG imparts the PEG‐based blends (PEG‐C‐DTH/LTP) with a significantly higher surface and bulk hydrophilicity compared with the PCL‐based blends (PCL‐C‐DTH/LTP). Finally, the blends demonstrate a rapid initial hydrolytic degradation in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) followed by a significantly slower, prolonged degradation. The observed trend may occur due to the rapid hydrolytic degradation rate of the polyphosphate polymer followed by the degradation of the polyurethane component. Thus, tuning the physical properties by blending LTUs with LTP may be useful for drug delivery device and soft tissue engineering scaffold applications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Mechanical properties, flame retardancy, hot‐air ageing, and hot‐oil ageing resistance of ethylene‐vinyl acetate rubber/hydrogenated nitrile‐butadiene rubber/magnesium hydroxide composites
Authors: Chen Shuguo , Zhang Yong , Wang Ruyin , Yu Haiyang , Hoch Martin , Guo Sharon 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe mechanical properties, flame retardancy, hot‐air ageing, and hot‐oil ageing resistance of ethylene‐vinyl acetate rubber (EVM)/hydrogenated nitrile‐butadiene rubber (HNBR)/magnesium hydroxide (MH) composites were studied. With increasing HNBR fraction, elongation at break and tear strength of the EVM/HNBR/MH composites increased, whereas the limited oxygen index and Shore A hardness decreased slightly. Hot‐air ageing resistance and hot‐oil ageing resistance of the composites became better with increasing HNBR fraction. Thermal gravimetric analysis results demonstrated that the presence of MH and low HNBR fraction could improve the thermal stability of the composites. Differential scanning calorimeter revealed that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the composites shifted toward low temperatures with increasing HNBR fraction, which was also confirmed by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Atomic force microscope images showed MH has a small particle size and good dispersion in the composites with high HNBR fraction. The flame retardancy, extremely good hot‐oil ageing, and hot‐air ageing resistance combined with good mechanical properties performance in a wide temperature range (−30°C to 150°C) make the EVM/HNBR/MH composites ideal for cables application. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Endoscopic retroperitoneal neurectomy for chronic pain after groin surgery
Authors: Giger U , Wente M N , Büchler M W , Krähenbühl S , Lerut J , Krähenbühl L 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
Chronic postoperative pain after inguinal surgery remains a difficult problem. The role of minimally invasive surgery in this complex setting is still unexplored.

Methods
Between January 1997 and January 2007, 34 men and five women with a mean(s.d.) age of 47(16) years underwent endoscopic retroperitoneal neurectomy (ERN) for chronic neuropathic groin pain due to genitofemoral nerve with or without ilioinguinal nerve entrapment. Follow-up data were obtained 1 and 12 months after surgery.

Results
At both timepoints after ERN, the severity of chronic postoperative groin pain at rest and during daily activities, and the rate of occupational disability, were significantly decreased in 27 of the 39 patients compared with preoperative values (all P &lt; 0·001).

Conclusion
ERN for chronic postoperative genitofemoral nerve entrapment neuropathy was successful in the majority of patients selected for the procedure. This minimally invasive approach allows simultaneous neurectomy of genitofemoral and ilioinguinal nerves.
Outcomes following repair of traumatic cloacal deformities
Authors: Hollingshead J R F , Warusavitarne J , Vaizey C J , Northover J M A 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
Severe obstetric injury can result in a defect similar to a congenital cloacal deformity, with associated faecal incontinence and sexual dysfunction. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of surgical repair of such injuries.

Methods
Patients were identified retrospectively from hospital records. Long-term follow-up data were collected by telephone interview.

Results
Outcomes in 31 consecutive patients seen over a 14-year period were reviewed. An overlapping external sphincter repair, with repair of the anorectum and vagina, was performed in 29 patients. Detailed long-term follow-up data were available for 20 patients at a median of 5 years after surgery. Three patients had a stoma at presentation. Surgical repair reduced incontinence to solid stool from seven of 17 to none of 20 patients, to liquid stool from 14 of 17 to ten of 20, and to flatus from 17 of 17 to 12 of 20. Nine patients reported improvement in sexual function.

Conclusion
Surgical repair of a cloacal injury is associated with significant improvements in faecal incontinence and sexual function. Outcomes are similar to those seen with repair of less severe injuries, and may be maintained in the long term.
Randomized clinical trial of folate supplementation in patients with peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Khandanpour N , Armon M P , Jennings B , Finglas P M , Willis G , Clark A , Meyer F J 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
The aim was to determine whether folate supplementation improved arterial function in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Methods
Individuals with PAD were randomly assigned to receive 400 µg folic acid (45 patients) or 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) (48) daily, or placebo (40) for 16 weeks. Primary endpoints were changes in plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), ankle : brachial pressure index (ABPI) and pulse wave velocity (PWV). Secondary outcomes were changes in plasma inflammatory markers.

Results
Plasma tHcy was significantly reduced in folic acid and 5-MTHF groups compared with controls: median difference: − 2·12 (95 per cent confidence interval − 3·70 to − 0·75) µmol/l (P = 0·002) and − 2·07 (−3·48 to − 0·54) µmol/l (P = 0·007) respectively. ABPI improved significantly: median difference 0·07 (0·04 to 0·11) (P &lt; 0·001) and 0·05 (0·01 to 0·10) (P = 0·009) respectively. Brachial–knee PWV (bk-PWV) decreased significantly in individuals receiving 5-MTHF and tended to be reduced in those taking folic acid compared with controls: median difference: − 1·10 (−2·20 to − 0·20) m/s (P = 0·011) and − 0·90 (−2·10 to 0·00) m/s (P = 0·051) respectively. Plasma levels of inflammatory markers were not affected.

Conclusion
Folate administration reduced plasma homocysteine, and slightly improved ABPI and bk-PWV.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of interferon after curative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with viral hepatitis
Authors: Breitenstein S , Dimitroulis D , Petrowsky H , Puhan M A , Müllhaupt B , Clavien P-A 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
A combined antiviral and tumoricidal effect of interferon (IFN) is assumed to occur after resection or ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods
An electronic search of the Medline, Embase and Central databases from January 1998 to October 2007 was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating adjuvant effects of IFN after curative treatment of HCC. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate the effects of IFN on 2-year outcome.

Results
Seven trials enrolling a total of 620 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Adjuvant treatment with IFN significantly reduced the 2-year mortality rate after curative treatment of HCC, with a pooled risk ratio of 0·65 (95 per cent confidence interval 0·52 to 0·80); P &lt; 0·001) in absence of any significant heterogeneity (I2 = 0 per cent, P = 0·823 for χ2). The effect on reduction of tumour recurrence was less pronounced but still significant (pooled risk ratio 0·86 (95 per cent c.i. 0·76 to 0·97); P = 0·013). IFN had to be discontinued in 8–20 per cent of patients.

Conclusion
IFN has a significant beneficial effect after curative treatment of HCC in terms of both survival and tumour recurrence.
Development of working competence items for mechatronics with graphical monitoring and control
Authors: Shyr Wen‐Jye 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to identify the working competence items which considered important for mechatronics with graphical monitoring and control for industry requirements. The data were collected by document analysis, expert interview, and Delphi technique surveys. The Delphi technique involved three questionnaire surveys of field experts and scholars followed by Kendall coefficient of concordance analysis to evaluate the Chi‐Square value and examine the consistency of respondent opinions to check the items whether reach the level of significance. Further, a Kolmogorov–Smirnov one‐sample test examined working competence items using 31 items divided into 7 domains. The survey items were selected according to consensus opinions of 10 experts by Delphi survey technique. The findings of this study provide guidelines for assessing professional working competence for mechatronics by applying graphical monitoring and control systems. The research findings reveal the practical competency requirements for students in a technology institute program, and a relevant curriculum is suggested. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 88–92, 2012
Suppressed Native Hydrolytic Activity of a Lipase to Reveal Promiscuous Michael Addition Activity in Water
Authors: Svedendahl Maria , Jovanović Biljana , Fransson Linda , Berglund Per 
Published: August 2009

AbstractSuppression of the native hydrolytic activity of Pseudozyma antarctica lipase B (PalB) (formerly Candida antarctica lipase B) in water is demonstrated. By replacing the catalytic Ser 105 residue with an alanine unit, promiscuous Michael addition activity is favored. A Michael addition reaction between methyl acrylate and acetylacetone was explored as a model system. For the PalB Ser 105 Ala mutant, the hydrolytic activity was suppressed more than 1000 times and, at the same time, the Michael addition activity was increased by a factor of 100. Docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations revealed an increased ability of the PalB Ser 105 Ala mutant to harbor the substrates close to a catalytically competent conformation.
Quantitative frame by frame analysis of regional contraction and lengthening on left ventricular cineangiograms: Application to the study of normal left ventricles and left ventricles with mitral valve prolapse
Authors: Colle J.‐P. , Le Goff G. , Ohayon J. , Bonnet J. , Bricaud H. , Besse P. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis work attempted to study the segmental wall motion on left ventriculograms, in terms of segmental shortening, velocity of segmental shortening, and temporal sequences of various events in systole as well as in diastole. The ability of such a method to characterize patterns of normal regional wall motion and to detect mild abnormalities such as isolated asynchronisms, was tested on two groups of patients. Group I included 25 patients presenting evidence of a normal left ventricle (LV) after left heart catheterization. Group II consisted of 21 patients suffering from an isolated pure idiopathic mitral valve prolapse (MVP), with no mitral insufficiency and with an unaffected global LV function. In all patients left ventriculography was filmed in the right anterior oblique view at a rate of 50 frames/s. For each patient a cycle was chosen, distant from any premature beat, with acceptably contrasted outlines, and a quantitative frame by frame study of the motion of 10 segments was performed using a semiautomated method derived from the Stanford method. In the control group (Group I), analysis of the segmental motion by means of this method demonstrates a mild nonuniformity of the normal wall motion. This is principally marked by a stronger and faster contraction in anterolateral segments (segments 7, 8, 9) and by a shorter duration of the contraction in this region. In contrast the MVP group (Group II), exhibited a frank asynergy of the anterolateral region occurring from end systole to early diastole. In the anterolateral region, asynergy of the MVP group is characterized mainly by a poor shortening velocity (2.8 ± 0.4 circ/s in segment 8 in Group II vs. 3.4 ± 0.7 circ/s in Group I, p<0.001), an early end of contraction (segment 8: 94.5 ± 4% of systolic time interval in Group II vs. 97.4 ± 3% in Group I, p<0.01), an early beginning of outward motion (shortening velocity of segment 9 at end systole: ‐ 0.58 ± 0.44 in Group II vs. 0 ± 0.48 circ/s in Group I, p<0.01), and finally an altered velocity of lengthening. A subjective estimate provided by a visual inspection of LV cineangiogram is not reliable for evaluating such phenomena. Our method proved a good ability to detect mild abnormalities in the temporal sequence of segmental contraction lengthening. We think that such quantitative methods using a high temporal resolution (0.02 s) are required for an accurate description of nonuniformity phenomena, and could allow early detection of local contractility impairments or local relaxation compliance.
Prognostic significance of 24‐hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring in patients with dilative cardiomyopathy: A prospective study
Authors: Ikegawa T. , Chino M. , Hasegawa H. , Usuba F. , Suzuki S. , Ookura M. , Nishikawa K. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe studied 33 patients with dilative cardiomyopathy to evaluate the predicting factors for sudden death occurring within one year. The information on each of the patients included history, physical examinations, two‐dimensional echocardiograms, 24‐h ambulatory electrocardiograms, and cardiac catheterization or autopsy. Patients were followed up for one year. Univariate analysis showed maximum number of premature ventricular complexes per hour (PVCs/h)(p= .0012), maximum beats per episode of ventricular tachycardia (VTmax) (p=.0012), and left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (p=.046) to be significant prognostic risk indicators of sudden death within one year. To select the best combination of factors that predict sudden death, multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed. By this method, only PVCs/h and VTmax were selected as the best combination. Probability of sudden cardiac death was 80% in patients showing both frequent (> 100/h) PVCs and presence of VT (VTmax≤3), and 6% in patients with neither or both. We concluded that PVCs/h and VTmax are independent and significant prognostic factors in patients with dilative cardiomyopathy.
Serum lipoproteins during antihypertensive therapy with beta blockers and diuretics: A controlled long‐term comparative trial
Authors: Middeke M. , Weisweiler P. , Schwandt P. , Holzgreve H. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe influence of hydrochlorothiazide and atenolol on serum lipoproteins was investigated in a randomized, prospective study on 68 men with essential hypertension. Cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDH) cholesterol, triglycerides, and the apolipoproteins AI and B were followed up to 42 months after starting therapy. Following atenolol serum (HDL) cholesterol decreased and serum triglycerides increased significantly (p < 0.01) from 6 to 42 months. After hydrochlorothiazide serum triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol all increased significantly (p < 0.01) from 12 to 42 months. The changes were more pronounced under higher doses with beta blockade, but not with diuretics. Thus, both atenolol and hydrochlorothiazide have adverse but different effects on serum lipoproteins after long‐term administration. Continuing investigation is necessary to determine whether these side effects decrease the benefit of blood pressure reduction in patients with hypertension.
Acute pulmonary edema as the inaugural symptom of Becker's muscular dystrophy in a 19‐year‐old patient
Authors: Borgeat A. , Goy J. J. , Sigwart U. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA 19‐year‐old male presenting with acute pulmonary edema and severe biventricular heart failure was diagnosed as having Becker's muscular dystrophy. This case is remarkable in that congestive heart failure had not been largely preceded by neuromuscular symptoms.