bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability of a simple method for determining muscle fiber conduction velocity
Authors: McIntosh Kyle C.D. , Gabriel David A. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIntroduction:This study evaluated the reliability of muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) measurement.Methods:Forty healthy, young participants performed isometric dorsiflexion of the foot on 3 non‐consecutive days. The reliability of force, root‐mean‐square (RMS) amplitude of the surface electromyographic (sEMG) signal, and MFCV were evaluated using the intraclass correlational analysis of variance technique.Results:The means across test days for all measures exhibited slight changes (<5%) and were considered stable. All measures exhibited remarkable consistency within subjects as indicated by high intraclass correlation coefficients (0.83–0.98).Conclusions:The procedures resulted in highly reliable MFCV values, and included: (1) electric identification of motor points prior to electrode placement; (2) twitch identification of muscle fiber orientation to guide initial electrode placement; (3) rotation of electrodes clockwise or counter‐clockwise to maximize the similarity and delay of compound muscle action potentials across all detection surfaces; and (4) minimization of synergistic activity during voluntary contractions. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Chorea‐acanthocytosis presenting as motor neuron disease
Authors: Neutel Dulce , Miltenberger‐Miltenyi Gabriel , Silva Ines , de Carvalho Mamede 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Chorea‐acanthocytosis (ChAc) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by involuntary movements, seizures, cognitive changes, myopathy, and axonal neuropathy. Methods: We report a patient who presented with gait impairment and dysarthria. Clinical and neurophysiological assessment disclosed upper and lower motor neuron signs suggestive of motor neuron disease (MND). Results: Later observation of involuntary movements prompted further investigation. Acanthocytes were identified, and the patient's chorein level was low. Genetic studies identified a novel double heterozygous mutation of the chorein gene involving an exon‐stop mutation associated with another mutation that can affect the normal splicing of the RNA. Conclusions: We speculate that this genetic mutation could cause the atypical presentation. ChAc should be included in the differential diagnosis of atypical MND. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Coping strategies in relation to quality of life in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Montel Sébastien , Albertini Laurence , Spitz Elisabeth 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIntroduction:The aim of this study was to examine the coping strategies of 49 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the relationships of these strategies to their perceived health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).Methods:Forty‐nine subjects were assessed for collection of demographic and medical data. Each one was then asked to complete a questionnaire of coping strategies (Brief COPE) as well as a questionnaire of health‐related duality of life (36‐item Short Form).Results:Correlation analysis showed strong relationships between some coping and HRQoL dimensions, including: emotional support and physical functioning (P = 0.01) and emotional role functioning (P = 0.02); venting and mental health (P = 0.04); positive reframing and mental health (P = 0.03); and disengagement and emotional role functioning (P = 0.03).Conclusions:The relationships between some coping strategies and certain dimensions of HRQoL are shown. We now understand the usefulness of focusing on coping strategies to improve HRQoL in ALS. Muscle Nerve 45: 131–134, 2012
Mouse intermittent hypoxia mimicking apnoea of prematurity: effects on myelinogenesis and axonal maturation
Authors: Cai Jun , Tuong Chi Minh , Zhang Yiping , Shields Christopher B , Guo Gang , Fu Hui , Gozal David 
Published: August 2011

AbstractPremature babies are at high risk for both infantile apnoea and long‐term neurobehavioural deficits. Recent studies suggest that diffuse structural changes in brain white matter are a positive predictor of poor cognitive outcomes. Since oligodendrocyte maturation, myelination, axon development, and synapse formation mainly occur in the third trimester of gestation and first postnatal year, infantile apnoea could lead to and/or exaggerate white matter impairments in preterm neonates. Therefore, we investigated oligodendroglia and axon development in a neonatal mouse model of intermittent hypoxia between postnatal days 2 and 10. During critical phases of central nervous system development, intermittent hypoxia induced hypomyelination in the corpus callosum, striatum, fornix, and cerebellum, but not in the pons or spinal cord. Intermittent hypoxia‐elicited alterations in myelin‐forming processes were reflected by decreased expression of myelin proteins, including MBP, PLP, MAG, and CNPase, possibly due to arrested maturation of oligodendrocytes. Ultrastructural abnormalities were apparent in the myelin sheath and axon. Immature oligodendrocytes were more vulnerable to neonatal intermittent hypoxia exposures than developing axons, suggesting that hypomyelination may contribute, at least partially, to axonal deficits. Insufficient neurofilament synthesis with anomalous components of neurofilament subunits, β‐tubulin, and MAP2 isoforms indicated immaturity of axons in intermittent hypoxia‐exposed mouse brains. In addition, down‐regulation of synapsin I, synaptophysin, and Gap‐43 phosphorylation suggested a potential stunt in axonogenesis and synaptogenesis. The region‐selective and complex impairment in brain white matter induced by intermittent hypoxia was further associated with electrophysiological changes that may underlie long‐term neurobehavioural sequelae. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serious medical complications in children with cancer and fever in chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia: Results of the prospective multicenter SPOG 2003 FN study
Authors: Lüthi Fabienne , Leibundgut Kurt , Niggli Felix K. , Nadal David , Aebi Christoph , Bodmer Nicole , Ammann Roland A. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundFever and chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia (FN) is the most frequent potentially lethal complication of therapy in children with cancer. This study aimed to describe serious medical complications (SMC) in children with FN regarding incidence, clinical spectrum, and associated characteristics.ProcedurePediatric patients presenting with FN induced by non‐myeloablative chemotherapy were observed in a prospective multicenter study. SMC was defined as potentially life‐threatening complication (PLTC), transfer to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), or death.ResultsA total of 443 FN episodes were reported from 8 centers. Of these, 411 episodes were reported from 4 centers recruiting consecutively and without bias regarding the risk of complications. They were used for calculation of proportions. An SMC was reported in 23 episodes [5.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.7–8.1], usually defined by more than one criterion. These were PLTC in 13 episodes, PICU in 22, and death in 3 (mortality, 0.7%; 95% CI: 0.2–2.1). Both a delayed onset of SMC (14 of 23 episodes, 61%) and a biphasic clinical course (11 of 23, 48%) were frequently observed. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, 4 characteristics were significantly and independently associated with the risk of SMC: diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, interval since chemotherapy ≤7 days, severely reduced general condition, and hemoglobin ≥9.0 g/dl at presentation.ConclusionsIn children with FN, SMC were rare, and mortality was very low. Those with SMC often had a delayed onset and biphasic clinical course with secondary deterioration. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 90–95. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photo‐induced association behavior of poly(sodium acrylate) bearing a small amount of malachite green
Authors: Kousaka Shouta , Ito Masanori , Yusa Shin‐Ichi 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe photo‐induced association and dissociation of poly(sodium acrylate) containing a small amount of photoresponsive malachite green (MG) in aqueous solution were studied. It is known that MG dissociates into ion pairs under UV irradiation to produce the green triphenylmethyl cation. The cation thermally recombines with its counter anion to regenerate the colorless neutral compound. The random copolymer of acrylic acid with 0.05 mol % of MG monomer [P(A/MG0.05)] was soluble in aqueous 0.01 M NaCl at pH 12 as a unimer due to electrostatic repulsion between carboxylate pendent groups when the MG moieties were in the neutral form. On the other hand, these MG groups were converted to the cationic form on UV irradiation, leading to polymer aggregation driven by electrostatic interactions between the cationic MG and anionic carboxylate pendent groups. These aggregates could be dissociated by heating in the dark, as the cationic MG reverted to its neutral form, eliminating these attractive electrostatic interactions. The association and dissociation of the copolymer was monitored by dynamic light scattering (DLS). When the salt concentration in aqueous solutions of P(A/MG0.05) was increased from 0.01 to 0.5 M at pH 12, no aggregation was observed on UV irradiation because of ionic screening of the aforementioned electrostatic interactions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Selective synthesis of poly(p‐oxybenzoyl) by fractional polycondensation: Enhancement of selectivity by shearing
Authors: Ichimori Toshimitsu , Yamazaki Shinichi , Kimura Kunio 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe influence of shear flow, especially the timing for the application of shearing, was examined to enhance the selectivity for the preparation of poly(p‐oxybenzoyl) (Pp‐OB) by using hydrodynamically induced phase separation during polymerization of 4‐(4‐acetoxybenzoyloxy)benzoic acid (p‐ABAD) and m‐acetoxybenzoic acid (m‐ABA). The polymers containing few m‐oxybenzoyl (m‐OB) moieties were obtained as precipitates even at high content of m‐OB moiety in feed (χf) under shear flow. The content of m‐OB moiety in the precipitates (χp) prepared under shearing throughout the polymerization at the shear rate (γ) of 489 s−1 was 6.3 mol % even at χf of 60 mol %. Especially, the Pp‐OB was obtained as the precipitates at χf of less than 50 mol %. The timing of the application of the shearing influenced the selectivity significantly, and the shearing just after the precipitation of the oligomers started was quite efficient to enhance the selectivity more. The χp of the precipitates prepared with shearing at γ of 489 s−1 just after the precipitation was only 3.9 mol % even at χf of 60 mol %. The shear flow reduced the difference in the reactivity between p‐ABAD and m‐ABA, resulting in the decrease in the selectivity with regard to the formation of p‐oxybenzoyl homo‐oligomer. However, the shear flow enhanced the difference in the miscibility between homo‐oligomers and co‐oligomers. This change in the miscibility by shear flow brought about the more rapid precipitation of homo‐oligomers, leading to the enhancement of the selectivity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Phase behavior of SEBS triblock copolymer gels
Authors: Chantawansri Tanya L. , Duncan Andrew J. , Ilavsky Jan , Stokes Kristoffer K. , Berg Michael C. , Mrozek Randy A. , Lenhart Joseph L. , Beyer Frederick L. , Andzelm Jan W. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractDynamic density functional theory calculations were performed for thermoplastic elastomer gels composed of an ABA triblock copolymer immersed in a B‐attractive solvent. The triblock copolymer model was parameterized for poly[styrene‐b‐(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐styrene] (SEBS), while the solvent model was parameterized for the hydrocarbon oil tetradecane. The effect of the solvent concentration and S‐EB interaction on the morphology was investigated, where complementary experimental data was used to validate results at χABN≈ 100. Agreement was observed at solvent volume fractions of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6, which correspond to the cylindrical, spherical, and spherical phases, respectively. Qualitative agreement was observed for 0.8 volume fraction solvent, where a core‐shell spherical micelle morphology was found. For a 50/50 vol % mixture of polymer/solvent, the effect of solvent molecular weight on the morphology was considered, where a transition between micro and macrophase separation was predicted at a critical solvent molecular weight. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 1479–1491, 2011
Design of a Microplasma Device for Spatially Localised Plasma Polymerisation
Authors: Al‐Bataineh Sameer A. , Szili Endre J. , Mishra Apurva , Park Sung‐Jin , Eden J. Gary , Griesser Hans J. , Voelcker Nicolas H. , Short Robert D. , Steele David A. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThere is considerable interest in the spatial control of plasma polymerisation such as to produce sub‐millimetre features with high fidelity, versatility and reproducibility, for example, for arrays or writable specific patterns. This study reports the design of a microcavity plasma device and a method for its fabrication, with the device comprising a single cavity of ≈400 µm diameter. The device can be fabricated within a short time and at low cost in a standard laboratory, with no need for a clean room facility. The device is capable of multiple operations in plasma polymerisation mode. XPS imaging combined with small‐spot ROI analysis showed localised thin film deposition of an acrylic acid plasma polymer with good retention of carboxylate groups from the monomer. The device can be configured with flexibility and addressed for plasma polymer writing of complex patterns.
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Effect of storage temperature as a preanalytical variable on the lens crystallins protein quality for proteomic studies
Authors: Bhattacharjee Soma , Mohanty Sasmita , Sharma Anil P. , Mohanty Bimal P. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractPurpose: To study the effect of storage temperature on lens crystallins quality for proteomic analysis, using αA‐crystallins as internal marker.Experimental design: Lenses were stored at −40°C, −10°C and ice for up to 10 days. Protein extracts were prepared from samples stored at −40°C and −10°C on completion of 10 days; for samples kept under ice‐storage, lenses were taken out at every 24 h, extracts prepared and stored. Fresh lens extracts served as the control.Results: SDS‐PAGE analysis of proteins from lens stored at −40°C and −10°C for 10 days did not show any appreciable change in profiles; however, two protein bands of 27 and 29 kDa disappeared from lens stored in ice. A time‐course analysis showed that such changes in ice‐stored lens occurred beyond six days of storage. Appearance of additional αA‐crystallin fragments on 1‐D and 2‐D immunoblots confirmed degradation of αA‐crystallins. Protein spots altered in abundance and identified by peptide mass fingerprinting include αA‐, αB‐, βB1‐, βB2‐ and γ‐crystallins.Conclusions and clinical relevance: For proteomic studies, quality of the starting material must be ensured to avoid erroneous and misleading interpretation of results. Under field conditions where deep freezing or immediate preparations of samples are not the options, eye lens can be transported under ice‐storage for about six days without deterioration in protein quality.
Tasquinimod prevents the angiogenic rebound induced by fractionated radiation resulting in an enhanced therapeutic response of prostate cancer xenografts
Authors: Dalrymple Susan L. , Becker Robyn E. , Zhou Haoming , DeWeese Theodore L. , Isaacs John T. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBACKGROUNDTasquinimod is a novel inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis which enhances therapeutic efficacy when combined with androgen ablation and/or taxane‐based chemotherapies in pre‐clinical prostate cancer models. It has entered registration Phase III evaluation for the treatment of castration resistant prostate cancer. Since tasquinimod suppresses the angiogenic switch induced by tumor hypoxia as prostate cancers outgrow their blood supply, this raises the issue of whether tasquinimod also suppresses the angiogenic rebound induced by fractionated radiation thereby enhancing therapeutic response to fractionated radiation.METHODSHuman endothelial and prostate cancer cells in culture and human prostate cancer xenografts growing in castrated male nude mice were evaluated for their response to radiation alone and in combination with tasquinimod.RESULTSAt clinically relevant drug levels, tasquinimod significantly (P < 0.05) enhances anti‐cancer efficacy of fractionated radiation with optimal timing for initiating daily tasquinimod treatment being after completion of the fractionated radiation.CONCLUSIONSBased upon cell culture studies and tumor tissue oxygenation (i.e., pO2), tumor vascular volume, and tumor blood vessel density measurements, the mechanism for such enhancement and optimal timing involves tasquinimod's ability to prevent the angiogenic rebound induced by fractionated radiation. Prostate 72:638–648, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel physical phenomena in proximity to quantum critical point
Authors: Kaul Sharika Nandan 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe weakly interacting quasiparticle picture of a Fermi liquid proposed by Landau (the phonon‐mediated electron‐pairing theory of Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer) provided a coherent theoretical basis for understanding how the interactions between electrons affect the low‐temperature properties of metals (metallic superconductors) for the past five decades. However, in recent years, strong departures from the predictions of these theories have been observed in an increasingly large number of systems, particularly in the vicinity of a quantum phase transition (QPT). This paper briefly reviews the current state of research in the areas of the non‐Fermi liquid (NFL) state, spin‐fluctuation‐mediated anisotropic superconductivity, and Bose–Einstein condensation (BEC) of magnons (bosonic quasiparticle excitations) near a quantum critical point (QCP), which is induced by external pressure or doping or nanocrystallite size or magnetic fields.
Influence of airborne Doppler wind lidar profiles near Typhoon Sinlaku on ECMWF and NOGAPS forecasts
Authors: Weissmann M. , Langland R. H. , Cardinali C. , Pauley P. M. , Rahm S. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractA set of about 2500 Doppler wind lidar (DWL) profiles was measured by the DLR Falcon aircraft during the life cycle of Typhoon Sinlaku in the western North Pacific as part of the THORPEX Pacific Asian Regional Campaign (T‐PARC) 2008. These DWL profiles were assimilated in the global models of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). The beneficial impact of DWL observations is demonstrated with data denial experiments of both models and differences of the observation impact on analyses and forecasts are analysed. Additionally, the impact is quantified using the adjoint observation impact calculation. These calculations confirm the beneficial impact of DWL observations. The total relative contribution of DWL observations is about twice as high in the NRL system compared to the ECMWF system, which may be due to the lower number of satellite observations assimilated in the NRL system. In the NRL system, the DWL impact per observation is higher than that of other wind observations, whereas in the ECMWF system the DWL impact per observations is similar to other aircraft observations and lower than that of radiosondes. The results confirm preceding studies assimilating airborne DWL observations in numerical weather prediction models and underline the high expectations for future space‐borne DWL instruments. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Comparing the UK Met Office Climate Prediction System DePreSys with idealized predictability in the HadCM3 model
Authors: Liu Chunlei , Haines Keith , Iwi Alan , Smith Doug 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe initial condition effect on climate prediction skill over a 2‐year hindcast time‐scale has been assessed from ensemble HadCM3 climate model runs using anomaly initialization over the period 1990–2001, and making comparisons with runs without initialization (equivalent to climatological conditions), and to anomaly persistence. It is shown that the assimilation improves the prediction skill in the first year globally, and in a number of limited areas out into the second year. Skill in hindcasting surface air temperature anomalies is most marked over ocean areas, and is coincident with areas of high sea surface temperature and ocean heat content skill. Skill improvement over land areas is much more limited but is still detectable in some cases. We found little difference in the skill of hindcasts using three different sets of ocean initial conditions, and we obtained the best results by combining these to form a grand ensemble hindcast set.Results are also compared with the idealized predictability studies of Collins (Clim. Dynam. 2002; 19: 671–692), which used the same model. The maximum lead time for which initialization gives enhanced skill over runs without initialization varies in different regions but is very similar to lead times found in the idealized studies, therefore strongly supporting the process representation in the model as well as its use for operational predictions. The limited 12‐year period of the study, however, means that the regional details of model skill should probably be further assessed under a wider range of observational conditions. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society and British Crown Copyright, the Met Office
Density functional computational studies on 2‐[(2,4‐Dimethylphenyl)iminomethyl]‐3,5‐dimethoxyphenol
Authors: Tanak Hasan 
Published: August 2011

AbstractDensity functional calculations of the structure, molecular electrostatic potential, and thermodynamic functions have been performed at B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level of theory for the title compound of 2‐[(2,4‐dimethylphenyl)iminomethyl]‐3,5‐dimethoxyphenol (I). To investigate the tautomeric stability, optimization calculations at B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level were performed for the enol and keto forms of I. Calculated results reveal that the enol form of I is more stable than its keto form. The predicted nonlinear optical properties of I are much greater than ones of urea. The changes of thermodynamic properties for the formation of the title compound with the temperature ranging from 200 to 500 K have been obtained using the statistical thermodynamic method. At 298.15 K, the change of Gibbs free energy for the formation reaction of I is 32.973 kJ/mol. The title compound can not be spontaneously produced from the isolated monomers at room temperature. The tautomeric equilibrium constant is computed as 0.868 at 298.15 K for enol‐imine↔keto‐amine tautomerization of I. In addition, natural bond orbital analysis of I was performed using the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) method. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012