bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular disease prevention in patients with type 2 diabetes: the role of oral anti-diabetic agents
Authors: Ajjan Ramzi A , Grant Peter J 
Published: May 2007

Multiple risk factor intervention is essential in order to prevent cardiovascular (CV) disease in patients with diabetes. Therefore, to reduce atherothrombotic events, an ideal oral anti-diabetic agent should be able to modulate most, and preferably all, cardiovascular risk factors associated with diabetes. Of the currently available agents, the insulin sensitisers (metformin, thiazolidinediones) seem to have most promise in cardiovascular protection. Metformin has a positive effect on several CV risk factors; outcome studies have shown that this agent reduces cardiac events in overweight subjects with diabetes. In a similar manner, thiazolidinediones (rosiglitazone, pioglitazone) have a wide spectrum of activity, favourably modulating most risk factors, with evidence to suggest a reduction in CV events with this class of drugs. Agents in the sulphonylurea group have beneficial, though inconsistent, effects on some risk factors but outcome studies have failed to show a cardioprotective role for these agents. New classes of drugs to manage type 2 diabetes are currently at various stages of development and their role in prevention of cardiovascular disease awaits evaluation. At present, first-line management of insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes should utilise metformin, with the addition of thiazolidinediones and sulphonylureas to achieve optimal glycaemic control.
Large Sample Neutron Activation Analysis: A Challenge in Cultural Heritage Studies
Authors: Stamatelatos Ion E. , Tzika Faidra 
Published: May 2007

AbstractLarge sample neutron activation analysis compliments and significantly extends the analytical tools available for cultural heritage and authentication studies providing unique applications of non‐destructive, multi‐element analysis of materials that are too precious to damage for sampling purposes, representative sampling of heterogeneous materials or even analysis of whole objects. In this work, correction factors for neutron self‐shielding, gamma‐ray attenuation and volume distribution of the activity in large volume samples composed of iron and ceramic material were derived. Moreover, the effect of inhomogeneity on the accuracy of the technique was examined.
Re‐Examination of Turkey Red
Authors: Karadag Recep , Dolen Emre 
Published: May 2007

AbstractCotton yarn was dyed in Turkey red using madder through a special method. Amount of the dyestuffs bound to mordanted cotton fibre and the oiling numbers of the cotton yarn was investigated by using TLC (thin layer chromatography) and spectrophotometry. Sn(II) in the bright red cotton yarn was analysed by X‐ray diffraction method.
Parallel effects of genetic variation in ACE activity in baboons and humans
Authors: Tung Jenny , Rudolph Johannes , Altmann Jeanne , Alberts Susan C. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractLike humans, savannah baboons (Papio sp.) show heritable interindividual variation in complex physiological phenotypes. One prominent example of such variation involves production of the homeostatic regulator protein angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), which shows heritable variation in both baboons and humans. In humans, this phenotypic variation is associated with an Alu insertion–deletion polymorphism in the ACE gene, which explains approximately half of the variation in serum ACE activity. We identified a similar Alu insertion–deletion polymorphism in the baboon ACE homologue and measured its frequency in a wild population and a captive population of baboons. We also analyzed the contribution of ACE genotype at this indel to variation in serum ACE activity in the captive population. When conditioned on weight, a known factor affecting ACE activity in humans, age and ACE genotype both accounted for variance in ACE activity; in particular, we identified a significant nonadditive interaction between age and genotype. A model incorporating this interaction effect explained 21.6% of the variation in residual serum ACE activity. Individuals homozygous for the deletion mutation exhibited significantly higher levels of ACE activity than insertion–deletion heterozygotes at younger ages (10–14 years), but showed a trend towards lower levels of ACE activity compared with heterozygotes at older ages (≥15 years). These results demonstrate an interesting parallel between the genetic architecture underlying ACE variation in humans and baboons, suggesting that further attention should be paid in humans to the relationship between ACE genetic variation and aging. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical and genetic study of autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia type 1
Authors: Dupré Nicolas , Gros‐Louis François , Chrestian Nicolas , Verreault Steve , Brunet Denis , de Verteuil Danielle , Brais Bernard , Bouchard Jean‐Pierre , Rouleau Guy A. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectiveDefine the phenotype and genotype of a cluster of families with a relatively pure cerebellar ataxia referred to as autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia type 1 (ARCA‐1).MethodsWe ascertained 64 probands and affected members of 30 French‐Canadian families all showing similar clinical features and originating from the same region of Quebec. After informed consent, we performed detailed clinical history, neurological examination, brain imaging, nerve conduction studies, and SYNE1 mutation detection of all available subjects.ResultsBased on the cases examined, ARCA‐1 is a cerebellar syndrome characterized by recessive transmission, middle‐age onset (mean, 31.60; range, 17–46 years), slow progression and moderate disability, significant dysarthria, mild oculomotor abnormalities, occasional brisk reflexes in the lower extremities, normal nerve conduction studies, and diffuse cerebellar atrophy on imaging. We identified a total of seven mutations in our population, thereby providing evidence of genotypic heterogeneity. Patients with different mutations did not show significant phenotypic heterogeneity.InterpretationWe identified a cluster of French‐Canadian families with a new recessive ataxia of relatively pure cerebellar type caused by mutations in SYNE1. The function of SYNE1 is thus critical in the maintenance of cerebellar structure in humans. We expect that this disease will be a common cause of middle‐age‐onset recessive ataxia worldwide. Ann Neurol 2007
DBH −1021C→T does not modify risk or age at onset in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Chun Lani S. , Samii Ali , Hutter Carolyn M. , Griffith Alida , Roberts John W. , Leis Berta C. , Mosley Anthony D. , Wander P. Luke , Edwards Karen L. , Payami Haydeh , Zabetian Cyrus P. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractDBH is a candidate gene in Parkinson's disease (PD) and contains a putative functional polymorphism (‐1021C→T) that has been reported to modify PD susceptibility. We examined −1021C→T in a sample of 1,244 PD patients and 1,186 unrelated control subjects. There was no significant difference in allele (p = 0.14) or genotype (p = 0.26) frequencies between the two groups. A similar result was obtained after pooling our data with those previously published. Furthermore, we found no evidence for an effect of genotype on age at onset among patients. Our findings argue against DBH −1021C→T as a risk factor or age at onset modifier in PD. Ann Neurol 2007
Semitransparent poly(styrene‐r‐maleic anhydride)/alumina nanocomposites for optical applications
Authors: Chandra Alexander , Turng Lih‐Sheng , Gopalan Padma , Rowell Roger M. , Gong Shaoqin 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis article presents the development and characterization of transparent poly(styrene‐r‐maleic anhydride) (SMA)/alumina nanocomposites for potential use in optical applications. Chemically treated spherical alumina nanoparticles were dispersed in an SMA matrix polymer via the solution and melt‐compounding methods to produce 2 wt % nanocomposites. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the nanoparticle dispersion. When the solution method was used, nanoparticle reagglomeration occurred, despite the fairly good polymer wetting. However, through the coating of the alumina nanoparticles with a thin layer (ca. 20 nm) of low‐molecular‐weight SMA, reagglomeration was absent in the melt‐compounded samples, and this resulted in excellent nanoparticle dispersion. The resultant nanocomposites were semitransparent to visible light at a 2‐mm thickness with improved UV‐barrier properties. Their impact strengths, tensile strengths, and strains at break were slightly reduced compared with those of their neat resin counterpart, whereas a small enhancement in their moduli was achieved. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Functional results after extended myotomy for diffuse oesophageal spasm
Authors: Leconte M , Douard R , Gaudric M , Dumontier I , Chaussade S , Dousset B 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
The role of surgery in the management of patients with diffuse oesophageal spasm (DOS) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to assess functional results after extended myotomy for DOS.

Methods
This prospective study evaluated 20 patients who had extended myotomy (14 cm on the oesophagus and 2 cm below the oesophagogastric junction) with anterior fundoplication via a laparotomy for severe DOS. Median follow-up was 50 (range 6–84) months. Functional data were assessed by means of dysphagia (range 0–3), chest pain (range 0–3) and overall clinical (range 0–12, including dysphagia, chest pain, regurgitation, gastro-oesophageal reflux) scores.

Results
All patients had severe DOS. The median preoperative overall clinical score was 6 (range 3–8) with a dysphagia score of at least 2. Median postoperative functional scores were significantly lower than preoperative values (overall clinical score 1 versus 6, dysphagia score 0 versus 3, chest pain score 0 versus 2). At final follow-up, good or excellent results were obtained for overall clinical score in 16 patients, for dysphagia score in 18 and for chest pain score in all 20 patients. Postoperative gastro-oesophageal reflux was noted in two of the 20 patients.

Conclusion
Extended myotomy with anterior fundoplication is an effective treatment for severe DOS. Medium-term postoperative functional results were excellent, especially in terms of dysphagia and chest pain.
Late vascular response at the edges of sirolimus analogous‐eluting stents in diabetic patients: An intravascular ultrasound study
Authors: Lasave Leandro I. , Abizaid Alexandre A.C. , de Ribamar Costa José , Tanajura Luiz F. , Feres Fausto , Abizaid Andrea S. , Siqueira Dimytri , Staico Rodolfo , Sousa Amanda GRM , Sousa J. Eduardo 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIntroduction: Vascular response at edges of drug‐eluting stents is still not well established, particularly in diabetic patients who are prone to aggressive atherosclerosis progression. Recently, Biolimus and Zotarolimus have demonstrated potent antiproliferative effects. Objective: To compare the vascular responses at edges of sirolimus analogous‐eluting stents in patients with and without diabetes, using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Methods: 306 edges were analyzed in 153 patients treated with drug‐eluting stents and divided in: diabetics (122 edges) and nondiabetics (166 edges). IVUS was performed postintervention and at 6‐month follow‐up and included 5 mm distal and proximal to the stented segment. Vessel, lumen, and plaque volumes were calculated. Volume variation (follow‐up minus basal) was also calculated. Edge restenosis was defined as obstruction >50%. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. In both groups the entire lesion length was covered (stent length/lesion length ratio was 1.5 for both groups). There were no differences in edge volumes and restenosis rate between the groups. Among diabetics, there was no significant volume variation. However, in nondiabetic patients there was significant increase in vessel volume in proximal (from 67.1 ± 22 mm3 to 72.2 ± 25 mm3: P = 0.02) and distal (from 54.4 ± 22 mm3 to 59.8 ± 22 mm3: P = 0.001) edges. Conclusion: Nondiabetic patients showed a significant positive vascular remodeling in proximal and distal edges of sirolimus analogous‐eluting stent. This vascular mechanism was not observed in diabetic patients. Although different vascular responses were observed, restenosis rates were equivalent between the 2 groups at 6‐month follow‐up. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Indirect Detection of Nitrogen‐14 in Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Cavadini Simone , Antonijevic Sasa , Lupulescu Adonis , Bodenhausen Geoffrey 
Published: May 2007

AbstractNMR spectra of 14N (spin I=1) are obtained by indirect detection in powders spinning at the magic angle. The method relies on the transfer of coherence from a neighboring “spy” nucleus with S=1/2, such as 13C or 1H, to single‐ or double‐quantum transitions of 14N nuclei. The transfer of coherence can occur through a combination of scalar and residual dipolar splittings (RDS); the latter are also known as second‐order quadrupole–dipole cross terms. The two‐dimensional NMR spectra reveal powder patterns determined by second‐ and third‐order quadrupolar couplings. These spectra depend on the quadrupolar coupling constant CQ (typically a few megahertz), on the asymmetry parameter ηQ of the 14N nucleus, and on the orientation of the internuclear vector rIS between the I (14N) and S (spy) nuclei with respect to the quadrupolar tensor. These parameters, which can be subject to motional averaging, can reveal valuable information about the structure and dynamics of nitrogen‐containing solids. Application of this technique to various amino acids, either enriched in 13C or with natural carbon isotope abundance, with spectra recorded at various magnetic fields, illustrates the scope of the method.
Electrochemical and Photosensitized Redox Reactions of a Prussian Blue Film Layered on a WO3/[Ru(bpy)3]2+/Polymer Hybrid Film
Authors: Sone Koji , Teraguchi Masahiro , Kaneko Takashi , Aoki Toshiki , Yagi Masayuki 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA hybrid film of WO3/tris(2,2′‐bipyridine)ruthenium(II) ([Ru(bpy)3]2+)/poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) (PSS) (denoted as a WRP hybrid film) was prepared as a base layer on an indium tin oxide electrode substrate by cathodic electrodeposition from a colloidal ternary solution containing peroxotungstic acid, [Ru(bpy)3]2+, and PSS. Prussian blue, FeIII4[FeII(CN)6]3 (FeII–FeIII) was cathodically electrodeposited on the WRP hybrid film from a Berlin brown (FeIII–FeIII) colloidal solution to give a WRP/FeII–FeIII bilayer film. Spectrocyclic voltammetry measurement of the WRP/FeII–FeIII bilayer film reveals that Prussian white (FeII–FeII) is oxidized to FeII–FeIII by electrogenerated RuIII, and FeII–FeIII is re‐reduced to FeII–FeII by electrogenerated HxWO3. Visible‐light irradiation of the WRP hybrid film generates a small photocurrent (≈8 nA cm−2) at 0.4 V of an applied potential, whereas irradiation of the WRP/FeII–FeII bilayer film (FeII–FeIII is electrochemically reduced to the FeII–FeII state) significantly generates a steady photoanodic current of 2.0–1.1 μA cm−2 under the same conditions, thus demonstrating that the photoanodic current is produced by the layered FeII–FeII film. The photoaction spectrum of the bilayer film reveals that the photoanodic current is based on the photoexcitation of [Ru(bpy)3]2+. The photogeneration of FeII–FeIII from FeII–FeII is shown by the absorption spectral change of the bilayer film on irradiation. These results corroborate the notion that FeII–FeII is oxidized by photogenerated RuIII to generate FeII–FeIII. However, the rate of photogeneration of FeII–FeIII is slow, which could be ascribed to the fast back electron transfer (ET) from WO3 to RuIII, comparable with the forward ET from FeII–FeII to RuIII. The fast back ET could be a crucial problem for the [Ru(bpy)3]2+‐sensitized reaction in the hybrid film.
Dinuclear Nickel–Ruthenium Complexes as Functional Bio‐Inspired Models of [NiFe] Hydrogenases
Authors: Oudart Yohan , Artero Vincent , Pécaut Jacques , Lebrun Colette , Fontecave Marc 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThree new dinuclear nickel ruthenium complexes, namely [Ni(xbsms)Ru(p‐cymene)Cl]+, [Ni(emi)Ru(CO)2Cl2]2– and [Ni(emi)Ru(p‐cymene)Cl]– [H2xbsms = 1,2‐bis(4‐mercapto‐3,3‐dimethyl‐2‐thiabutyl)benzene, H2emi = N,N′‐ethylenebis(2‐mercaptoisobutyramide], have been synthesized and fully characterized as models of the active site of[NiFe] hydrogenases. The three‐dimensional structure of [Ni(xbsms)Ru(p‐cymene)Cl]+ reveals a nickel center in a square‐planar dithioether‐dithiolate environment that is connected to a ruthenium moiety via a Ni(μ‐SR)2Ru bridge. These complexes catalyze hydrogen evolution by electroreduction of the weakly acidic Et3NH+ ions in dimethylformamide and are therefore among the first bio‐inspired functional models of [NiFe] hydrogenases. The catalytic activity of these new complexes is explained by the existence of a cooperative effect between the metal centers and is further related to their electronic properties. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Platinum(II) Alkynyl Complexes Containing N‐ and S‐Propargylated Ligands: Synthesis, Structures and Formation of PtII/AgI Coordination Compounds
Authors: Mohr Fabian , Mendía Aránzazu , Laguna Mariano 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAlkylation of 2‐hydroxypyridine, 2‐pyridinethiol, 2‐hydroxy‐4‐methylquinoline, phthalimide and pyrazole with propargyl bromide gave a series of alkynes in high yield. These alkynes were reacted with the chloroplatinum(II) compounds trans‐[PtCl2(PPh3)2] and cis‐[PtCl2(dppe)] to afford the respective trans‐ and cis‐bis(alkynyl)platinum(II) complexes, which were characterised by spectroscopic analysis and by X‐ray diffraction. The platinum(II) complexes containing the thiopyridyl‐ and pyrazolyl‐substituted alkynes react with 1 or 2 equiv. of [Ag(NO3)(PPh3)] to give dimetallic PtII/AgI complexes.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Cognitive processes and social identity through focused introspection
Authors: Zavalloni Marisa 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA method is presented to explore, empirically, patterns of social and personal identity: the social identity inventory (SII). The SII is based on free associations describing a person's principal group memberships (first order data). The responses obtained are used as stimuli to generate ‘second order data’ through focused introspection.The results reveal patterns of relationship between self‐representation and group representation, the differential probability of different group memberships to elicit self‐representations, and the cognitive processes underlying the natural represen‐tations of group memberships.
Pollyanna's personal judgments
Authors: Warr Peter B. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe Pollyanna hypothesis is extended into the field of intertrait inference to predict that inferential thresholds for positively evaluated characteristics will be lower than those for negatively evaluated characteristics. This prediction is confirmed, and is shown to have important implications for models of inference rules.Data from several studies are analysed to reveal that the Pollyanna threshold effect is reliably greater for women than for men, and it is shown that this effect is unrelated to sex differences in extremity of responding.
The positive‐negative asymmetry: On cognitive consistency and positivity bias
Authors: Peeters Guido 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPositivity bias is approached from three viewpoints: (a) It may be the effect of purely cognitive dispositions. (b) As such, it may function as an hypothesis about reality. The related dynamic factor would be a tendency toward cognitive validity which may lead to an orientation toward the negative as a means to test the positivity‐hypothesis. (c) Finally, the subject may seek rewarding behavioral interactions with entities within his life space. In this context cognitive positivity bias may reflect a behavioural approach bias which can be related to the dynamics of ‘mere survival’ and ‘self‐actualization’.
Studies in group decision I: Social space, patterns of communication and group concensus
Authors: Moscovici Serge , Lecuyer Roger 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe discovery of the effects of risky shift focusses the interest on the study of decision processes. Nevertheless the researches carried on until now have always shown confusion between the theoretical and experimental analysis of these processes and the risk‐related behavior. In the first part of the article the authors try to clear this confusion as well as to define the conditions of a systematic study of the mechanisms of decision leading either to an averaging or to a polarization of individual views. The authors insist on the necessity to compare groups rather than individuals to groups. To start with, one hypothesis concerning the effects of group organization on the degree of polarization of views is proposed. The experiment described in the second part of the article confirms the hypothesis: A group in which individuals have the possibility to communicate with each other and to interact directly take more extreme decisions than a group deprived of this possibility. It is presumptuous and inexact to state that groups take more extreme risk than individuals whereas it is right to say that certain groups take risks when circumstances are favorable.
Self‐image, perception of peers' risk acceptance and risky shift
Authors: Lamm Helmut , Trommsdorff Gisela , Rost‐Schaude Edith 
Published: May 2007

AbstractTwelve four‐person female groups of subjects displaying the typical underestimation of their peers' (relative to their own) risk acceptance were compared with twelve groups of subjects who (slightly) overestimated their peers' risk acceptance. Risk level was measured by responses to a set of hypothetical decision situations known to elicit risky shift on the basis of previous research. Risky shift following group discussion was not found to be different for the two types of groups, casting doubt on the widely suggested role of peer underestimation in risky shift. Nor was risky shift affected by whether or not group members stated their individual decisions publicly at the close of discussion. Larger group risky shifts were accompanied by higher self‐ratings given by group members on a number of polarity scales. In discussing the findings, we outline an explanation of group‐induced shifts in risk taking, emphasizing the motivational and informational inducements provided by group discussion whereby group members come to discard their prior positions in favor of more aspired ones.
Visual interaction in a group of introverts and extraverts
Authors: Rutter D. R. , Morley Ian E. , Graham Jane C. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractTen introverts and 10 extraverts were selected from a student population on the bask of their responses to the E.P.I. The groups contained 5 men and 5 women and were matched for Neuroticism. Each subject took part in two 4‐minute conversations, one with a male confederate, one with a female confederate. The same two confederates were used throughout the experiment, and no attempt was made to programme any aspect of their behaviour. Two trained observers, who sat behind a one way screen situated close to the speakers, recorded the visual and speech behaviour of both subject and confederate by means of a four‐channel event‐recorder. The recordings were made for the last 3 minutes of each interaction. Extraverts Looked more frequently than introverts, but there were no differences between the two groups in the proportions of time spent in Looking and eye‐contact, or in the mean length of Looks. Extraverts also spoke more frequently than introverts, a finding which may complement that for the number of Looks. The findings could not be explained by the behaviour of the confederates, since they behaved consistently across the two groups of subjects. The experiment is discussed with particular reference to Mobbs (1968) and Kendon and Cook (1969). Comparisons of methodology are made.