bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gel Formation during the Gilch Synthesis of Poly(p‐phenylene vinylenes): Evidence of an Unexpected Explanation
Authors: Schwalm Thorsten , Rehahn Matthias 
Published: November 2007

AbstractGelation of the reaction mixture and insolubility of the poly(p‐phenylene vinylenes) (PPVs) when isolated at this stage, but complete redissolution of the gel and excellent solubility of the resulting PPVs after further stirring for hours or days, is a phenomenon in Gilch polymerizations that has not been explained so far. It is verified that, in agreement with the literature, specific additives prevent gelation. However, it is also shown that chemical crosslinking is certainly not the reason for gel formation. Instead, it seems to be the consequence of a very high entanglement density in the pristine PPVs, which requires time for relaxation. The mentioned additives seem to support this dis‐entanglement process.magnified image
Tunable Smart Surface of Gold Nanoparticles Achieved by Light‐Controlled Molecular Recognition Effection
Authors: Luo Chunhua , Zuo Fang , Zheng Zhaohui , Cheng Xu , Ding Xiaobin , Peng Yuxing 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThermosensitive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm)‐coated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared by self‐assembly of the azobenzene‐terminated PNIPAm on the surface of the α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD)‐capped AuNPs via the host–guest molecular recognition between α‐CD and azobenzene. Reversible attachment–detachment of azobenzene‐terminated PNIPAm on the surface of α‐CD‐capped AuNPs was achieved when subjected to visible and UV light irradiation alternately, which endowed thermosensitive AuNPs with tunable smart properties.magnified image
Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease: Prevalence of adverse events and need for standardized reporting
Authors: Videnovic Aleksandar , Metman Leo Verhagen 
Published: November 2007

AbstractDeep brain stimulation (DBS) has assumed a prominent role in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). In this manuscript, we attempt to estimate the prevalence and categorize adverse events (AEs) of DBS in PD, based on efficacy studies published over the last decade. We conclude that reliable categorization and quantification of AEs based on available data poses many challenges and argue that a standardized scheme for reporting AEs should be created. This would provide a foundation for a meaningful risk/benefit analysis, for comparison of results between centers and, ultimately, for a well informed decision by physicians and patients as to whether surgery should be pursued. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Psychometric attributes of the SCOPA‐COG Brazilian version
Authors: Carod‐Artal Francisco Javier , Martínez‐Martin Pablo , Kummer Wladimir , da Silveira Ribeiro Luciola 
Published: November 2007

AbstractCross‐cultural adaptation and independent psychometric assessment of the Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's disease‐Cognition (SCOPA‐COG), Brazilian version was performed. Parkinson's disease (PD) patients were evaluated by means of the SCOPA‐Motor scale, Hoehn and Yahr staging (HY), Clinical Impression of Severity Index‐PD (CISI‐PD), Parkinson Psychosis Rating Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Cognition was evaluated using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ), and SCOPA‐COG. The following attributes were explored: acceptability, scaling assumptions, reliability, precision, and construct validity. One hundred fifty‐two patients were assessed (mean age, 63.2 years; disease duration, 7.8 years; median HY stage, 3). Mean SCOPA‐COG and MMSE were 18.2 and 25.7, respectively. The internal consistency of the SCOPA‐COG (Cronbach's alpha = 0.81; item‐total correlation, 0.38–0.62) was satisfactory. While the intraclass correlation coefficient value was 0.80, weighted kappa ranged from 0.30 (dice task) to 0.72 (animal fluency task). The standard error of measurement value for the SCOPA‐COG was 3.2, whereas the smallest real difference was 8.9. SCOPA‐COG total scores significantly decreased as the HY stage increased (Kruskal‐Wallis, P < 0.0001). Age, years of education, and PD duration (all, P < 0.001) were observed to have an independent, significant effect on the SCOPA‐COG. The SCOPA‐COG is a short, reliable, valid instrument that is sensitive to cognitive deficits specific to PD. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Combined effects of smoking, coffee, and NSAIDs on Parkinson's disease risk
Authors: Powers Karen M. , Kay Denise M. , Factor Stewart A. , Zabetian Cyrus P. , Higgins Donald S. , Samii Ali , Nutt John G. , Griffith Alida , Leis Berta , Roberts John W. , Martinez Erica D. , Montimurro Jennifer S. , Checkoway Harvey , Payami Haydeh 
Published: November 2007

AbstractInverse associations of Parkinson's disease (PD) with cigarette smoking, coffee drinking, and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) use have been reported individually, but their joint effects have not been examined. To quantify associations with PD for the individual, two‐way and three‐way combinations of these factors, a case–control association study with 1,186 PD patients and 928 controls was conducted. The study setting was the NeuroGenetics Research Consortium. Subjects completed a structured questionnaire regarding smoking, coffee, and NSAID consumption. Odds ratios were calculated using unconditional logistic regression. Smoking, coffee, and over the counter NSAID use as individual factors exhibited significantly reduced risks of 20% to 30%. The two‐way and three‐way combinations were associated with risk reduction of 37% to 49%, and 62%, respectively. Smoking and coffee exhibited significant inverse risk trends with increasing cumulative exposures, suggesting dose–response relations. With respect to the combination of all three exposures, persons who were at the highest exposure strata for smoking and coffee and used NSAIDs had an estimated 87% reduction in risk (OR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.06–0.29). Whether this finding reflects true biologic protection needs to be investigated. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Group I nonreciprocal inhibition in primary restless legs syndrome
Authors: Scaglione Cesa , Vetrugno Roberto , Plazzi Giuseppe , Rizzo Giovanni , Provini Federica , Montagna Pasquale , Martinelli Paolo 
Published: November 2007

AbstractElectrophysiological investigations of restless legs syndrome (RLS) have found spinal circuits impinging on motoneurones. We evaluated the H reflex threshold, latency, the Hmax/Mmax ratio, and the short latency autogenic inhibition in 7 patients with RLS and 10 age‐matched controls by testing the excitability changes in soleus H reflex Ib interneuron function. A significant reduction in Ib inhibition at 4 (P = 0.043), 5 (P = 0.007), and 6 ms (P = 0.001) of H reflex conditioning interstimulus interval was found in RLS patients. Data support the hypothesis that altered group I nonreciprocal inhibition is implicated in enhancing the spinal circuitry excitability of RLS, and are consistent with the view of an abnormal supraspinal drive to spinal interneurons in RLS. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Rapid switch from oral antiparkinsonian combination drug therapy to duodenal levodopa infusion
Authors: Meiler Birgit , Andrich Jürgen , Müller Thomas 
Published: November 2007

AbstractSix patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with severe motor complications were directly switched from their oral antiparkinsonian combination drug regime to nasoduodenal levodopa infusion without previously recommended transient treatment with levodopa alone. Duodenal levodopa infusion reduced motor complications to a considerable extent. We have shown that a prior change to an oral levodopa monotherapy and a slow titration of duodenal levodopa infusion may be skipped and a direct switch to duodenal levodopa is a safe option. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Mood disorder following DBS of the left amygdaloid region in a dystonia patient with a dislodged electrode
Authors: Piacentini Sylvie , Romito Luigi , Franzini Angelo , Granato Alberto , Broggi Giovanni , Albanese Alberto 
Published: November 2007

AbstractContinuous high‐frequency stimulation of the globus pallidum internum (GPi) is an accepted treatment for patients with primary dystonia. In a series of 18 consecutive dystonia cases that were successfully treated by bilateral GPi stimulation, 1 patient had an adverse event involving the downward migration of the electrodes. He developed remarkable behavioral complications and was found to have dislodgement of the left electrode to a position close to the left amygdala. The patient developed behavioral changes consisting of depression, psychotic symptoms, and heightened pain perception. This syndrome reverted when the left electrode was removed and a new one inserted in the correct position. We describe in detail the clinical features associated with left amygdala dysregulation induced by high‐frequency stimulation through the displaced electrode. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Complete assignments of NMR data of 13 hydroxymethoxyflavones
Authors: Park Younghee , Moon Byoung‐Ho , Yang Heejung , Lee Youngshim , Lee Eungjung , Lim Yoongho 
Published: November 2007

AbstractDiosmetin, 5,7,3′‐trihydroxy‐4′‐methoxyflavone shows chemopreventive, antimutagenic, and antiallergic effects. On the other hand, chrysoeriol, 5,7,4′‐trihydroxy‐3′‐methoxyflavone induced nodABC‐lacZ in Rhizobium meliloti. Both of them belong to hydroxymethoxy‐ flavones. One major difference between diosmetin and chrysoeriol is the substituted position of hydroxyl and methoxyl groups. In order to elucidate the relationships between their structures and activity, one of the first things to be done is the determination of their structures. However, most flavones occur widely in nature, and thus it is difficult to obtain in sufficient amounts from natural sources to identify their structures. Assignments of NMR data of several hydroxymethoxyflavones may help us to identify novel flavonoid compounds isolated from natural sources based on their NMR experiments. Therefore, we report here the complete assignments of 1H and 13C NMR data of 13 hydroxymethoxyflavones. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blending in the extended finite element method by discontinuous Galerkin and assumed strain methods
Authors: Gracie Robert , Wang Hongwu , Belytschko Ted 
Published: November 2007

AbstractIn the extended finite element method (XFEM), errors are caused by parasitic terms in the approximation space of the blending elements at the edge of the enriched subdomain. A discontinuous Galerkin (DG) formulation is developed, which circumvents this source of error. A patch‐based version of the DG formulation is developed, which decomposes the domain into enriched and unenriched subdomains. Continuity between patches is enforced with an internal penalty method. An element‐based form is also developed, where each element is considered a patch. The patch‐based DG is shown to have similar accuracy to the element‐based DG for a given discretization but requires significantly fewer degrees of freedom. The method is applied to material interfaces, cracks and dislocation problems. For the dislocations, a contour integral form of the internal forces that only requires integration over the patch boundaries is developed. A previously developed assumed strain (AS) method is also developed further and compared with the DG method for weak discontinuities and linear elastic cracks. The DG method is shown to be significantly more accurate than the standard XFEM for a given element size and to converge optimally, even where the standard XFEM does not. The accuracy of the DG method is similar to that of the AS method but requires less application‐specific coding. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Internal competition in a nonprofit museum context: development of a scale
Authors: Mottner Sandra , Ford John B. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract

External competition and marketing have been extensively researched in the for‐profit environment and to a lesser extent in the nonprofit environment. However, the concept of competition within a nonprofit organization is indicative of another type of competition, that of ‘internal competition’. Internal competition, operating in the nonprofit's endemic environment of scarce resources, takes place between departments, between individuals, and even within individuals in terms of time and energy spent on differing objectives. Internal competition manifests itself as internal conflicts over not only objectives but also the means for achieving the objectives. This research examines the construct of ‘internal competition’ in the museum portion of the nonprofit sector where marketing is often seen as a ‘necessary but evil’ tool essential for survival. Museum retailing, which has taken on an increasingly vital role in the financial support of museums, offers an opportunity to analyze the nature of internal competition and for developing a scale for measuring internal competition.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Down syndrome in births near landfill sites
Authors: Jarup Lars , Morris Sara , Richardson Sylvia , Briggs David , Cobley Norman , de Hoogh Cornelis , Gorog Krisztian , Elliott Paul 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the study was to examine the risk of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome associated with residence near landfill sites in England and Wales.MethodsA 2‐km zone around 6289 landfill sites processing special (hazardous), non‐special and unknown waste type was used to indicate exposure. Postcodes within the 2‐km zone were classified as ‘exposed’ and people living beyond 2 km comprised the reference population. Health outcome data were Down syndrome registrations from a national registry including 21 cytogenetic laboratories in England and Wales, for the years 1989 to 1998. With a Bayesian regression model, we calculated relative risks for the population living within 2 km of landfill sites relative to the reference population, assuming a common relative risk for all landfill sites. Adjustments were made for major confounders.ResultsThere were 4640 cases of Down syndrome within 2 km of a landfill site. We found no excess risks of Down syndrome related to landfill sites. Adjustment for socio‐economic status (SES) did not influence our estimates. There were no differences in risk between hazardous waste sites and other landfill sites.ConclusionWe found no excess risk of Down syndrome in populations living near landfill sites. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of β‐thalassemia: 12 years' experience at a single laboratory in Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Suhaib 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the service for prenatal diagnosis of β‐thalassemia in Pakistan.MethodsAll prenatal diagnoses (PNDs) for β‐thalassemia since the introduction of the service in 1994 were studied. PND was done by the Amplification Refractory Mutation System (ARMS), or linkage analysis, when required. The reported errors in PND were investigated for clerical mistakes, technical problems with PCR, maternal contamination and nonpaternity.ResultsIn the 12 years 2174 PNDs were done for β‐thalassemia at the country's main referral center. The use of PND has increased from 26 in 1994 to 381 in 2006. Over 97% of the couples who requested PND already had an affected child. In over 97% of the cases PND was done by direct mutation analysis. The reported rate of misdiagnosis was 0.37%. The causes of misdiagnoses included one clerical mistake, three false positive PCR results, and two maternal contaminations in the chorionic villus sampling (CVS).ConclusionPND for β‐thalassemia is technically feasible by direct mutation analysis in most cases in Pakistan. The procedure is quick and cost effective. Strict quality assurance can achieve an acceptably low error rate. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prescribing unlicensed and off‐label medicines in children
Authors: McDougall Marilyn , Arenas‐Lopez Sara 
Published: November 2007

AbstractOur series Prescribing in children gives practical advice for successful management of childhood problems in general practice. Here, the authors discuss the issues that arise from the use of unlicensed and off‐label medicines in children. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
Structures of cyclic, antimicrobial peptides in a membrane‐mimicking environment define requirements for activity
Authors: Appelt Christian , Wessolowski Axel , Dathe Margitta , Schmieder Peter 
Published: November 2007

AbstractNew antimicrobial compounds are of major importance because of the growing problem of bacterial resistance. In this context, antimicrobial peptides have received a lot of attention. Their mechanism of action, however, is often obscure. Here, the structures of two cyclic, antimicrobial peptides from the family of arginine‐ and tryptophan‐rich peptides determined in a membrane‐mimicking environment are described. The sequence of the peptides has been obtained from a cyclic parent peptide by scrambling the amino acids. While the activity of the peptides is similar to that of the parent peptide, the structures are not. The peptides do, however, all adopt an amphiphilic structure. A comparison between the structures helps to define the requirements for the activity of these peptides. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A minor β‐structured conformation is the active state of a fusion peptide of vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein
Authors: Sarzedas Carolina G. , Lima Carla S. , Juliano Maria A. , Juliano Luiz , Valente Ana Paula , Da Poian Andrea T. , Almeida Fabio C. L. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractEntry of enveloped animal viruses into their host cells always depends on a step of membrane fusion triggered by conformational changes in viral envelope glycoproteins. Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection is mediated by virus spike glycoprotein G, which induces membrane fusion at the acidic environment of the endosomal compartment. In a previous work, we identified a specific sequence in the VSV G protein, comprising the residues 145–164, directly involved in membrane interaction and fusion. In the present work we studied the interaction of pep[145–164] with membranes using NMR to solve the structure of the peptide in two membrane‐mimetic systems: SDS micelles and liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine (PC:PS vesicles). The presence of medium‐range NOEs showed that the peptide has a tendency to form N‐ and C‐terminal helical segments in the presence of SDS micelles. Analysis of the chemical shift index indicated helix–coil equilibrium for the C‐terminal helix under all conditions studied. At pH 7.0, the N‐terminal helix also displayed a helix–coil equilibrium when pep[145‐164] was free in solution or in the presence of PC:PS. Remarkably, at the fusogenic pH, the region of the N‐terminal helix in the presence of SDS or PC:PS presented a third conformational species that was in equilibrium with the helix and random coil. The N‐terminal helix content decreases pH and the minor β‐structured conformation becomes more prevalent at the fusogenic pH. These data point to a β‐conformation as the fusogenic active structure‐which is in agreement with the X‐ray structure, which shows a β‐hairpin for the region corresponding to pep[145‐164]. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cellular uptake of cell‐penetrating peptides pVEC and transportan in plants
Authors: Chugh Archana , Eudes François 
Published: November 2007

AbstractInternalization of fluorescently labeled CPPs, pVEC, transportan and scrambled pVEC, in a range of plant cells was investigated. Cellular uptake of the peptides was found to be tissue dependent. pVEC and transportan were distinctly internalized in triticale mesophyll protoplasts, onion epidermal cells, leaf bases and root tips of seven‐day old triticale seedlings but showed negligible florescence in coleoptile and leaf tips as observed under a fluorescence microscope. Further, pVEC and transportan uptake studies were focused on mesophyll protoplasts as a system of investigation. In fluorimetric studies transportan showed 2.3 times higher cellular internalization than pVEC in protoplasts, whereas scrambled pVEC failed to show any significant fluorescence. Effect of various factors on cellular internalization of pVEC and transportan in protoplasts was also investigated. The cellular uptake of both the peptides was concentration dependent and nonsaturable. The cellular uptake of pVEC and transportan was enhanced at low temperature (4 °C). The presence of endocytic/macropinocytosis inhibitors did not reduce the cellular uptake of the peptides, suggesting direct cell penetration, receptor‐independent internalization of pVEC and transportan into the plant cells. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time‐resolved ultrafast carrier dynamics in as‐grown nanocrystalline silicon films: the effect of film thickness and grain boundaries
Authors: Lioudakis Emmanouil , Othonos Andreas 
Published: November 2007

AbstractIn this letter, we have studied transient photoinduced absorption in as‐grown nanocrystalline silicon films with thickness varied from 5 to 30 nm. Effects of quantum confinement (QC) in z ‐direction and grain boundary distortions alter the carrier dynamics of these films considerably. Based on the determination of critical points in the first Brillouin zone of the band structure of materials, we have time‐resolved the relaxation times of surface‐related states and indirect valleys. When decreasing the film thickness down to the QC limit (∼10 nm) new ultrafast relaxation mechanisms start to play a dominant role in carrier dynamics due to the topological disordering of these ultrathin films. These relaxation mechanisms seem to be related with the traping/de‐traping of the excited carriers prior to recombination. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Modeling and analysis of disease and risk factors through learning Bayesian networks from observational data
Authors: Li Jing , Shi Jianjun , Satz Devin 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThis paper focuses on identification of the relationships between a disease and its potential risk factors using Bayesian networks in an epidemiologic study, with the emphasis on integrating medical domain knowledge and statistical data analysis. An integrated approach is developed to identify the risk factors associated with patients' occupational histories and is demonstrated using real‐world data. This approach includes several steps. First, raw data are preprocessed into a format that is acceptable to the learning algorithms of Bayesian networks. Some important considerations are discussed to address the uniqueness of the data and the challenges of the learning. Second, a Bayesian network is learned from the preprocessed data set by integrating medical domain knowledge and generic learning algorithms. Third, the relationships revealed by the Bayesian network are used for risk factor analysis, including identification of a group of people who share certain common characteristics and have a relatively high probability of developing the disease, and prediction of a person's risk of developing the disease given information on his/her occupational history. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copper Catalyzed Azide‐Alkyne Cycloadditions on Solid Surfaces: Applications and Future Directions
Authors: Devaraj Neal K. , Collman James P. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe Copper Catalyzed Azide‐Alkyne Cycloaddition (CuAAC), a paradigm of “click” chemistry has found numerous applications in the field of surface chemistry. This minireview discusses the reaction from a surface chemist's perspective. Specific advantages, limitations, and surface related concerns are discussed. We review the types of solid surfaces that have been modified via click chemistry and conclude with several elegant applications.