bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nasal congestion index: A measure for nasal obstruction
Authors: Kjaergaard Thomas , Cvancarova Milada , Steinsvåg Sverre K 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjectives:The relationship between congestion of the nasal mucosa and subjective nasal obstruction remains poorly defined. Applying the novel Nasal Congestion Index (NCI), we compared subjective nasal obstruction with objective measures for reversible congestion of the nasal mucosa.Study Design:A total of 2,523 consecutive patients were included in this cross‐sectional study. Eligible subjects were adults referred to the ENT department, Sørlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway, for evaluation of chronic nasal or sleep‐related complaints.Methods:Subjects underwent acoustic rhinometry (AR) and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) at baseline and after decongestion of the nasal mucosa. Based on these registrations, an NCI was calculated for minimal cross‐sectional area (MCA), nasal cavity volume (NCV), and PNIF, and employed for quantification of reversible mucosal congestion. Subjective nasal obstruction was measured by nasal obstruction visual analogue scales (NO‐VAS). Statistical analyses were based on ANOVA and multiple linear and logistic regression, adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, asthma, allergy, smoking history, and type of planned intervention.Results:Crude estimates indicated that the NCIs were significantly higher in subjects with severe complaints of nasal obstruction compared with subjects with lesser symptoms (P < .001). These associations were confirmed by linear and logistic regression analyses. NCI for MCA, NCV, and PNIF showed highly significant associations with subjective nasal obstruction (P < .001).Conclusions:We have clearly demonstrated an association between subjective nasal obstruction and reversible congestion of the nasal mucosa by employing the NCI. The measure has proven to be useful for evaluating patients with complaints of nasal obstruction. Laryngoscope, 2009
Identification of process parameters affecting distortion of disks for gear manufacture ‐ Part II: heating, carburizing, quenching
Authors: Clausen B. , Frerichs F. , Kohlhoff T. , Lübben Th. , Prinz C. , Rentsch R. , Sölter J. , Surm H. , Stöbener D. , Klein D. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIn this work the applied approach to ‘Distortion Engineering’ is based on the consideration of the entire manufacturing chain of disks, from casting to the final heat treatment, made from the steel grade 20MnCr5 (SAE 5120). Part II presents the results of the investigations concerning the final heat treatment parameters on the distortion of the disks, whereas part I describes the effect of the influence parameters from casting to cutting. The disk geometry was selected, in order to reduce the expected complexity of influence parameters in gear wheel distortion. The parameter identification took place by means of the design of experiments (DoE). Volume flow rate of quenching gas, hardening temperature and carburizing depth have the expected effect on the volume change of the disks. In addition, occurring differences in the size changes of the inner and the outer surfaces were detected. For the shape changes it was found, that the choice of the loading tool shows the main influence. Furthermore a change in the loading tool does clearly affect the dishing behavior of the disks. Whereas, a relevant influence of the carburizing depth on the shape changes of disks could not be identified in this investigation. As a conclusion from the results presented in part I and II it is assumed that the identified parameters of disk distortion also effect the distortion of gear wheels.
Parent–child agreement and prevalence estimates of diagnoses in childhood: Direct interview versus family history method
Authors: Rothen Stéphane , Vandeleur Caroline L. , Lustenberger Yodok , Jeanprêtre Nicolas , Ayer Eve , Gamma Franziska , Halfon Olivier , Fornerod Daniel , Ferrero François , Preisig Martin 
Published: June 2009

AbstractDiagnostic information on children is typically elicited from both children and their parents. The aims of the present paper were to: (1) compare prevalence estimates according to maternal reports, paternal reports and direct interviews of children [major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety and attention‐deficit and disruptive behavioural disorders]; (2) assess mother–child, father–child and inter‐parental agreement for these disorders; (3) determine the association between several child, parent and familial characteristics and the degree of diagnostic agreement or the likelihood of parental reporting; (4) determine the predictive validity of diagnostic information provided by parents and children. Analyses were based on 235 mother–offspring, 189 father–offspring and 128 mother–father pairs. Diagnostic assessment included the Kiddie‐schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K‐SADS) (offspring) and the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies (DIGS) (parents and offspring at follow‐up) interviews. Parental reports were collected using the Family History – Research Diagnostic Criteria (FH‐RDC). Analyses revealed: (1) prevalence estimates for internalizing disorders were generally lower according to parental information than according to the K‐SADS; (2) mother–child and father–child agreement was poor and within similar ranges; (3) parents with a history of MDD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) reported these disorders in their children more frequently; (4) in a sub‐sample followed‐up into adulthood, diagnoses of MDD, separation anxiety and conduct disorder at baseline concurred with the corresponding lifetime diagnosis at age 19 according to the child rather than according to the parents. In conclusion, our findings support large discrepancies of diagnostic information provided by parents and children with generally lower reporting of internalizing disorders by parents, and differential reporting of depression and ADHD by parental disease status. Follow‐up data also supports the validity of information provided by adolescent offspring. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive cognitive testing in dementia
Authors: Wouters Hans , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , van Gool Willem A. , Schmand Ben , Lindeboom Robert 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate whether the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG), a widely used screening test for dementia, can be tailored to the individual patient with Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT). CAT accomplishes this by only using items that are appropriate for the level of ability of the patient under investigation. Potential advantages of CAT for clinical practice and research are efficient cognitive testing and a reduction of the test burden in elderly patients and consequently less measurement error during testing. In a two step method with previously collected CAMCOG data (n = 797) (1) patient abilities and CAMCOG item difficulties were estimated with the One Parameter Logistic Model (OPLM), a Rasch type of model. CAT was then used (2) to re‐estimate the patient abilities. Despite an average test reduction of 60%, CAT estimates were in excellent agreement (intra‐class correlation >0.98) with the results based on the entire CAMCOG and they also had similar accuracy for the diagnosis of dementia (area under the curve 0.91) as the original CAMCOG. These results were replicated in an independent sample (n = 170). We conclude that tailored testing with CAT enables much more efficient screening for dementia than testing with an extensive instrument. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interactions between mitogen‐activated protein kinase and protein kinase C signaling during oocyte maturation and fertilization in a marine worm
Authors: Stricker Stephen A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIn the marine nemertean worm Cerebratulus, follicle‐free oocytes re‐initiate meiosis and undergo nuclear disassembly (=germinal vesicle breakdown, GVBD) after being stimulated to mature by seawater (SW) or cAMP‐elevating drugs. Previously, it has been shown that inhibitors of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) or protein kinase C (PKC) signaling can reduce SW‐induced GVBD in nemertean oocytes without affecting cAMP‐induced GVBD. Thus, SW and cAMP elevators may trigger alternative pathways that vary in their dependence on MAPK and PKC. To further characterize such signaling cascades, immunoblotting analyses of MAPK and PKC activities were conducted on oocytes treated with U0126, an inhibitor of the MAPK kinase (MAPKK) that is responsible for activating MAPK. Based on these analyses and comparisons with the MAPKK inhibitor CI1040 that inactivates MAPK without preventing GVBD, U0126 seems to block GVBD via a non‐MAPK‐mediated effect that involves PKC. Moreover, evidence is presented for post‐GVBD oocytes establishing positive feedback between MAPK and PKC signaling. Such feedback apparently allows the activities of both kinases to be maintained before insemination and to undergo concomitant downregulation after fertilization. Furthermore, in oocytes treated with MAPKK and PKC inhibitors during fertilization, sperm incorporation and polar body formation still occur, but normal cleavage is prevented. This suggests that although GVBD and aspects of post‐fertilization activation may proceed in the absence of MAPK or PKC, such kinases are apparently required for proper embryogenesis. Collectively, these results are discussed relative to previous analyses of the interactions and functions of MAPK and PKC signaling during oocyte maturation and fertilization. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 708–721, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic responses of a pile embedded in a layered poroelastic half‐space to harmonic lateral loads
Authors: Xu Bin , Lu Jian‐Fei , Wang Jian‐Hua 
Published: June 2009

AbstractA single pile embedded in a layered poroelastic half‐space subjected to a harmonic lateral load is investigated in this study. Based on Biot's theory, the frequency domain fundamental solution for a horizontal circular patch load applied in the layered poroelastic half‐space is derived via the transmission and reflection matrices method. Utilizing Muki and Sternberg's method, the second kind of Fredholm integral equation describing the dynamic interaction between the layered half‐space and the pile subjected to a top harmonic lateral load is constructed. The proposed methodology is validated by comparing results of this paper with some existing results. Numerical results show that for a two‐layered half‐space, the thickness of the upper softer layer has pronounced influences on the dynamic response of the pile and the half‐space. For a three‐layered half‐space, the presence of a softer middle layer in the layered half‐space will enhance the compliance for the pile significantly, while a stiffer middle layer will diminish the dynamic compliance of the pile considerably. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modification of isoprene rubber by in situ silica generation
Authors: Messori Massimo , Bignotti Fabio , De Santis Riccardo , Taurino Rosa 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: The reinforcement of elastomers by the addition of fillers is one of the most important aspects in rubber science and technology. In order to optimise the filler–polymer interface, innovative in situ generation of silica within isoprene rubber was carried out by means of a bottom‐up approach through a sol–gel process starting from tetraethoxysilane as silica precursor. The main aim was the study of the effect of the silica concentration and of the presence of coupling agent on the morphology and the dynamic mechanical behaviour of the composites.RESULTS: The in situ generated silica particles were homogeneously dispersed in the vulcanised rubber with dimensions from a few nanometres to the submicrometre scale. In the presence of coupling agent a good polymer–filler adhesion was observed. The dynamic mechanical behaviour was nonlinear for silica contents higher than 20 wt%. In this range of compositions silica exerted a marked reinforcement on the low‐amplitude storage modulus, which is related to the silica content according to the Huber–Vilgis model.CONCLUSION: Isoprene rubber can be effectively reinforced by the in situ generation of silica for silica contents higher than 20 wt%, and the interaction at the silica–rubber interface can be optimised by using suitable coupling agents. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Prediction of In‐Service Time Period of Three Differently Stabilized Single Base Propellants
Authors: Bohn Manfred A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThree nitrocellulose‐based propellants for use in micro gas generators equipped with different stabilizing systems have been investigated to assess the stabilization capability with regard to in‐service time, whereby strong time–temperature profiles have been applied. The three stabilizing systems have been (i) 0.74 mass‐% diphenylamine (DPA) and 0.48 mass‐% Akardite II (Ak II); (ii) 1.25 mass‐% Ak II; (iii) 2.04 mass‐% Ak II. Several profiles were considered. Two simulate the heating at sun exposure in hot areas, others consider environmental temperatures in hot‐humid and hot‐dry areas. They were evaluated according to the load and finally one was chosen for the assessment. The contents of stabilizers were determined by high performance liquid chromatography after Soxhlet type extraction. To describe stabilizer consumption, the most suitable kinetic model was taken. Therewith a prediction was made using the chosen time–temperature profile named ‘Phoenix’, designed for temperatures at the steering wheel. The objective was to reach with this profile 15 years until the consumption of primary stabilizer content. This is conservative, because with the stabilizing action of the consecutive products of the stabilizers longer times are possible.
Angiotensin II up‐regulates PAX2 oncogene expression and activity in prostate cancer via the angiotensin II type I receptor
Authors: Bose Sudeep K. , Gibson Willietta , Giri Shailendra , Nath Narender , Donald Carlton D. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBACKGROUNDPaired homeobox 2 gene (PAX2) is a transcriptional regulator, aberrantly expressed in prostate cancer cells and its down‐regulation promotes cell death in these cells. The molecular mechanisms of tumor progression by PAX2 over‐expression are still unclear. However, it has been reported that angiotensin‐II (A‐II) induces cell growth in prostate cancer via A‐II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and is mediated by the phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) as well as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3).METHODSHere we have demonstrated that A‐II up‐regulates PAX2 expression in prostate epithelial cells and prostate cancer cell lines resulting in increased cell growth. Furthermore, AT1R receptor antagonist losartan was shown to inhibit A‐II induced PAX2 expression in prostate cancer. Moreover, analysis using pharmacological inhibitors against MEK1/2, ERK1/2, JAK‐II, and phospho‐STAT3 demonstrated that AT1R‐mediated stimulatory effect of A‐II on PAX2 expression was regulated in part by the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JAK II, and STAT3 pathways. In addition, we have showed that down‐regulation of PAX2 by an AT1R antagonist as well as JAK‐II and STAT3 inhibitors suppress prostate cancer cell growth.RESULTSCollectively, these findings show for the first time that the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) may promote prostate tumorigenesis via up‐regulation of PAX2 expression.CONCLUSIONSTherefore, PAX2 may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of carcinomas such as prostate cancer via the down‐regulation of its expression by targeting the AT1R signaling pathways. Prostate 69:1334–1342, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In‐situ surface absorptivity prediction during 1.06 μm wavelength laser low aspect ratio machining of structural ceramics
Authors: Samant Anoop N. , Du Baoshuai , Dahotre Narendra B. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis study predicts the variation of surface absorptivity with temperature for structural ceramics such as magnesia (MgO), alumina (Al2O3), silicon nitride (Si3N4), and silicon carbide (SiC). In‐situ temperatures reached during pulsed 1.06 μm Nd:YAG laser low aspect ratio cavity machining of the ceramics under various number of pulses were sensed by a K‐type thermocouple. A thermal model was calibrated by varying the absorptivity to match the computed temperature to that with the measured temperature in the ranges of 860–980 K (MgO), 1020–1120 K (Al2O3), 900–1150 K (Si3N4), and 700–950 K (SiC) at a given distance from center of the laser beam. Such absorptivity predictions are critical for accurate predictions of suitable machining parameters and in determining actual energy absorbed during low aspect ratio laser machining of structural ceramics. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship for Inhibition of CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 by Azole Compounds – Comparison with Their Binding Affinity
Authors: Itokawa Daisuke , Yamauchi Aiko , Chuman Hiroshi 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAzole compounds are widely used as antifungal agents. They interact with cytochrome P45014DM (CYP51) via coordination of the nucleophilic nitrogen of their heterocyclic ring to the heme iron in CYP51. In our previous study, we showed that the binding affinity of eighteen azole compounds for rat CYP2B and CYP3A was nicely expressed by the bilinear model of log P. In this study, the same azole compounds were examined as to their inhibitory effect on the substrates for human CYP2B6 and CYP3A4. The inhibitory activity determined was analyzed as to the molecular properties of the azole compounds. A nice correlation was found with the bilinear model of log P. These results suggested that the molecular hydrophobicity of the azole compounds plays a major role in the inhibition as well as in the binding. For the binding, HOMO was significant as an additional descriptor in the correlation equations, whereas the existence of a hydroxyl group was significant for the inhibition.
In situ Visualization of Gene Expression Using Polymer‐Coated Quantum–Dot–DNA Conjugates
Authors: Choi Youngseon , Kim Hwa Pyung , Hong Suk Min , Ryu Ji Young , Han Sung Jun , Song Rita 
Published: June 2009

AbstractImaging of specific mRNA targets in cells is of great importance in understanding gene expression and cell signaling processes. Subcellular localization of mRNA is known as a universal mechanism for cells to sequester specific mRNA for high production of required proteins. Various gene expressions in Drosophila cells are studied using quantum dots (QDs) and the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method. The excellent photostability and highly luminescent properties of QDs compared to conventional fluorophores allows reproducible obtainment of quantifiable mRNA gene expression imaging. Amine‐modified oligonucleotide probes are designed and covalently attached to the carboxyl‐terminated polymer‐coated QDs via EDC chemistry. The resulting QD–DNA conjugates show sequence‐specific hybridization with target mRNAs. Quantitative analysis of FISH on the Diptericin gene after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment shows that the intensity and number of FISH signals per cell depends on the concentration of LPS and correlates well with quantitative real‐time PCR results. In addition, our QD–DNA probes exhibit excellent sensitivity to detect the low‐expressing Dorsal‐related immunity factor gene. Importantly, multiplex FISH of Ribosomal protein 49 and Actin 5C using green and red QD–DNA conjugates allows the observation of cellular distribution of the two independent genes simultaneously. These results demonstrate that highly fluorescent and stable QD–DNA probes can be a powerful tool for direct localization and quantification of gene expression in situ.
Mesostructured Thin Films as Responsive Optical Coatings of Photonic Crystals
Authors: Hidalgo Nuria , Calvo Mauricio E. , Míguez Hernán 
Published: June 2009

AbstractA synthetic route is presented to attain high‐optical‐quality multilayered structures that result from coupling ordered mesoporous titanium oxide thin films to the surface of a dense one‐dimensional photonic crystal. Such architectures present spectrally well‐defined photon resonant modes localized in the outer coating that finely respond to physicochemically induced modifications of its pore volume. The potential of these porous coatings in detection of environmental changes through variations of the photonic response of the ensemble is demonstrated by performing isothermal optical reflectance measurements under controlled vapor‐pressure conditions.
Effects of Ultra High Pressure, Pressing Time and HCl Concentration on Non‐thermal Starch Hydrolysis Using Ultra High Pressure
Authors: Choi Hyun‐Wook , Lee Jae‐Hwang , Ahn Soon‐Chul , Kim Byung‐Yong , Baik Moo‐Yeol 
Published: June 2009

AbstractEffects of ultra high pressure (UHP), pressing time and HCl concentration on non‐thermal starch hydrolysis using ultra high pressure were investigated. As regards ultra high pressure, starch granules maintained their structure up to 450 MPa and were partially disintegrated at 600 MPa. Degree of hydrolysis did not change up to 450 MPa and dramatically increased at 600 MPa indicating that starch hydrolysis increased with increasing destruction of starch granules. Pressing time did not affect the degree of hydrolysis. However, degree of hydrolysis and destruction of starch granules increased with increasing HCl concentration up to 4 M. Gel permeation chromatography showed that the soluble fraction of starch formed by hydrolysis mainly consisted of maltooligomers and maltose. X‐ray diffraction pattern changed from A type to C type upon hydrolysis, otherwise it remained as A type. This work provides fundamental information of UHP processing for starch and shows a potential of non‐thermal UHP processing for a new starch hydrolysis method.
A QPCR‐based reporter system to study post‐transcriptional regulation via the 3′ untranslated region of mRNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Lind Kristina , Norbeck Joakim 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPost‐transcriptional regulation via the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) of mRNA is an important factor in governing eukaryotic gene expression. Achieving detailed understanding of these processes requires highly quantitative systems in which comparative studies can be performed. To this end, we have developed a plasmid reporter system for Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in which the 3′ UTR can be easily replaced and modified. Accurate quantification of the tandem affinity purification tag (TAP)‐reporter protein and of TAP‐mRNA is achieved by immuno‐QPCR and by RT‐QPCR, respectively. We have used our reporter system to evaluate the consequences on gene expression from varying the 3′ UTR, a problem often encountered during C‐terminal tagging of proteins. It was clear that the choice of 3′ UTR was a strong determinant of the reporter expression, in a manner dependent on the growth conditions used. Mutations affecting either decapping (lsm1Δ) or deadenylation (pop2Δ) were also found to affect reporter gene expression in a highly 3′ UTR‐dependent manner. Our results using this set‐up clearly indicate that the common strategy used for C‐terminal tagging, with concomitant replacement of the native 3′ UTR, will very likely provide incorrect conclusions on gene expression. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.