bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in blink reflex excitability after globus pallidus internus stimulation for dystonia
Authors: Tisch Stephen , Limousin Patricia , Rothwell John C. , Asselman Peter , Quinn Niall , Jahanshahi Marjan , Bhatia Kailash P. , Hariz Marwan 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA pathophysiological feature of dystonia is reduced inhibition at various levels of the nervous system, which may be detected in clinically unaffected body parts. Chronic deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) has emerged as an effective treatment for primary torsion dystonia (PTD), although its mechanism of action and impact on inhibitory abnormalities in dystonia are unknown. We sought to understand the effect of GPi DBS on brainstem excitability in patients with PTD. We measured the blink reflex from orbicularis oculi in response to paired electrical stimulation of the supraorbital nerve at interstimulus intervals of 500 and 1,000 milliseconds in 10 patients with PTD before and at intervals of 1, 3, and 6 months after bilateral GPi DBS and in 10 healthy subjects. Patients were clinically evaluated using the Burke–Fahn–Marsden dystonia rating scale. We found R2 inhibition was significantly decreased in PTD patients compared with control subjects and progressively increased after GPi DBS, which correlated with clinical improvement in dystonia. We conclude that GPi DBS for PTD results in functional reorganization of the nervous system, which includes a long‐term increase in brainstem inhibition. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Early condition, song learning, and the volume of song brain nuclei in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Gil Diego , Naguib Marc , Riebel Katharina , Rutstein Alison , Gahr Manfred 
Published: October 2006

AbstractSongbirds are an important model system for the study of the neurological bases of song learning, but variation in song learning accuracy and adult song complexity remains poorly understood. Current models of sexual selection predict that signals such as song must be costly to develop or maintain to constitute honest indicators of male quality. It has been proposed that reductions of nestling condition during song development might limit the expression of song learning. Adult song could thus act as an indicator of early stress as only males that enjoy good condition during development could learn accurately and sing long songs or large repertoires. We tested this hypothesis in the zebra finch by modifying early condition through cross‐fostering chicks to small, medium, and large broods. Song learning was very accurate and was found to reflect very closely tutor song characteristics and to depend on the number of males in the tutoring group. Although the brood size manipulation strongly affected several measures of nestling condition and adult biometry, we found no relationship between early condition and song learning scores or song characteristics. Similarly, brain mass and high vocal center (HVC), robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA), and lateral magnocellular nucleus of the anterior nidopallium (LMAN) volumes did not covary with nestling condition and growth measurements. We found no significant relationship between song repertoire size and HVC and RA volumes, although there was a nonsignificant trend for HVC to increase with increasing proportion of learnt elements in a song. In conclusion, the results provide no evidence for song learning to be limited by nestling condition during the period of nutritional dependence from the parents in this species. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006
Preparation of narrow‐disperse or monodisperse poly{[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate]‐co‐(acrylic acid)} microspheres with ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate as crosslinker by distillation precipitation polymerization
Authors: Dai Zhao , Yang Xinlin , Huang Wenqiang 
Published: October 2006

AbstractNarrow‐disperse or monodisperse poly{[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate]‐co‐(acrylic acid)} (poly(PEGMA‐co‐AA)) microspheres were prepared by distillation precipitation polymerization with ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as crosslinker with 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator in neat acetonitrile in the absence of any stabilizer, without stirring. The diameters of the resultant poly(PEGMA‐co‐AA‐co‐EGDMA) microspheres were in the range 200–700 nm with a polydispersity index of 1.01–1.14, which depended on the comonomer feed of the polymerization. The addition of the hydrogen bonding monomer acrylic acid played an essential role in the formation of narrow‐disperse or monodisperse polymer microspheres during the polymerization. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Homogeneous tandem catalysis of the bis‐(diphenylphosphino)‐amine/chromium tetramerization catalyst with metallocene catalysts
Authors: Wet‐Roos Deon DE , Toit Aletta DU , Joubert Dawie J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractHomogeneous tandem catalysis of the bis(diphenylphoshino)amine‐chromium oligomerization catalyst with the metallocenes Ph2C(Cp)(9‐Flu)ZrCl2 and rac‐EtIn2ZrCl2, is discussed. GC, CRYSTAF, and 13C NMR analysis of the products obtained from reactions at constant temperatures show that during tandem catalysis, α‐olefins, mainly 1‐hexene and 1‐octene, are produced from ethylene by the oligomerization catalyst and subsequently built into the polyethylene chain. At 40 °C the Cr/PNP catalyst acts as a tetramerization catalyst while the polymerization catalyst activity is low. Copolymerization of ethylene and the in situ produced α‐olefins have also been carried out by increasing the temperature from 40 °C, where primarily oligomerization takes place, to above 100 °C, where polymerization becomes dominant. The melting temperature of the polymer is dependent on the catalyst and cocatalyst ratios as well as on the temperature gradient followed during the reaction, while the presence of the oligomerization catalyst reduces the activity of the polymerization catalyst. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6847–6856, 2006
Surface covalent encapsulation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes with poly(acryloyl chloride) grafted poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Liu Yan‐Xin , Du Zhong‐Jie , Li Yan , Zhang Chen , Li Cong‐Ju , Yang Xiao‐Ping , Li Hang‐Quan 
Published: October 2006

AbstractMultiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT) was grafted with polyacrylate‐g‐poly (ethylene glycol) via the following two steps. First, hydroxyl groups on the surface of acid‐treated MWNT reacted with linear poly(acryloyl chloride) to generate graft on MWNT; secondly, the remaining acryloyl chloride groups were subjected to esterification with poly(ethylene glycol) leading the grafted chains on the surface of MWNTs. Thus obtained grafted MWNT was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the weight fraction of grafted polymers amounted to 80% of the modified MWNT. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6880–6887, 2006
Polystyrene microspheres having epoxy functional dangling chains linked by hydrolytically stable bonds via ATRP
Authors: Bicak Niyazi , Gazi Mustafa , Galli Giancarlo , Chiellini Emo 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWe report application of copper‐mediated atom transfer radical polymerization in graft copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) from N‐bromosulfonamide groups on polystyrene‐divinyl benzene (PS‐DVB) microspheres (210–420 μm). The surface initiator groups were introduced by simple modification of crosslinked PS‐DVB (10% mol/mol) beads in three steps: (i) chlorosulfonation, (ii) sulfamidation with propylamine, and (iii) bromination. Initiation from surface‐bound N‐bromosulfonamide groups showed first‐order kinetics (k = 1.04 × 10−4 s−1 in toluene at 70 °C) and gave poly(GMA) graft chains linked to the surface by hydrolytically stable sulfonamide bonds. High graft yields were attained (up to 294.4% within 21 h) while retaining the epoxy groups. Epoxy content of the resulting product (5.41 mmol g−1) revealed an average 17 GMA repeating units in the graft per initiation site. Taking advantage of the hydrolytic stability of sulfonamide linkages and well‐known reactivity of the epoxy groups on dangling chains, “the hair‐like structure” of the polymer beads prepared can be considered when devising more efficient functional polymers as catalysts or reagent carriers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6708–6716, 2006
Reduction of the shrinkage of thermosets by the cationic curing of mixtures of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and 6,6‐dimethyl‐(4,8‐dioxaspiro[2.5]octane‐5,7‐dione)
Authors: González Lidia , Ramis Xavier , Salla Josep Maria , Mantecón Ana , Serra Angels 
Published: October 2006

AbstractYtterbium and lanthanum triflates were used as initiators to cure mixtures of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and 6,6‐dimethyl‐(4,8‐dioxaspiro[2.5]octane‐5,7‐dione) in several proportions. The evolution of the epoxy and 6,6‐dimethyl‐(4,8‐dioxaspiro[2.5]octane‐5,7‐dione) bands during curing and the linear ester groups in the final materials were evaluated with Fourier transform infrared in the attenuated‐total‐reflection mode. The use of a conventional cationic initiator, boron trifluoride monoethylamine, was also studied to test the advantages of lanthanide triflates. The shrinkage after curing and the thermal degradability of the materials with variations in the comonomer ratio and the initiator were evaluated and related to the chemical structure of the final network. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6869–6879, 2006
Development of novel phosphorus‐containing epoxy resins from renewable resources
Authors: Lligadas G. , Ronda J. C. , Galià M. , Cádiz V. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractNovel biobased epoxy resins were prepared from two fatty acid derivatives; epoxidized 10‐undecenoyl triglyceride and epoxidized methyl 3,4,5‐tris(10‐undecenoyloxy)benzoate, with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane as a crosslinking agent. The flame retardancy of these epoxy resins was improved by the addition of 10‐[2′, 5′‐bis(9‐oxiranyl‐nonayloxy)phenyl]‐9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide and by crosslinking with a phosphorus‐containing curing agent, bis(m‐aminophenyl)methylphosphine oxide. The thermal, thermomechanical, and flame‐retardant properties of the cured materials were measured with differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and the limiting oxygen index. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6717–6727, 2006
Rectus Sheath Hematoma: A Series of Unfortunate Events
Authors: Luhmann Andreas , Williams Eiffon Vaughn 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIntroductionRectus sheath hematoma is rare. It can present to physicians in many specialties, but invariably the surgeon is contacted regarding management. It is frequently difficult to diagnose, which can result in delay of treatment or unnecessary surgery. Its incidence is on the rise.MethodsWe present a series of four cases of rectus sheath hematoma that presented to our hospital within a 5‐month period. A comprehensive up‐to‐date review of the literature was undertaken.ResultsOur research highlights the diagnostic dilemmas, the spectrum of severity (all three grades are represented), the complications, and the need for interdisciplinary awareness.ConclusionsRectus sheath hematoma is a rare but important entity in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain. Interdisciplinary awareness of this condition is essential, as it is frequently difficult to diagnose, leading to delay in treatment or unneeded surgery. Grade 3 hematomas can lead to abdominal compartment syndrome and can be fatal.
Efficacy of Postoperative Transarterial Chemoembolization and Portal Vein Chemotherapy for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Complicated by Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis—a Randomized Study
Authors: Li Q. , Wang J. , Sun Y. , Cui Y.L. , Juzi J.T. , Li H.X. , Qian B.Y. , Hao X.S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this single, randomized study was to explore the efficacy of postoperative transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and portal vein chemotherapy (PVC) for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicated by portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) and to evaluate prognostic factors.MethodsThe study cohort consisted of 112 patients with HCC and PVTT randomly divided into three groups: Group A (37 patients), operation only; Group B (35 patients), operation plus TACE; Group C (40 patients), operation plus TACE and PVC. Disease‐free survival rates and prognostic factors were analyzed.ResultsMost of the side effects and complications were related to the operation, catheters, and local chemotherapy and included liver decompensation (15.0%), catheter obstruction (11.6%), and nausea and loss of appetite (22.1%). The disease‐free survival curve was significantly different among the three groups, as estimated by the Kaplan‐Meier method (both P < 0.05). Group C showed a significantly higher disease‐free survival rate than Group A (P < 0.05), but no statistical differences were found between group A and group B, and group B and group C (both P > 0.05). Tumor size, tumor number, PVTT location, and treatment modalities were independent prognostic factors (P < 0.05).ConclusionPostoperative TACE combined with PVC may benefit the survival of patients with HCC complicated by PVTT in the short‐term (less than 60 months), but long‐term efficacy is not yet certain and needs to be confirmed by further studies.
SURNAMES AS ALLELES: SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF SURNAMES IN A PROVINCE OF THE ITALIAN ALPS
Authors: CARAVELLO G. U. , TASSO M. 
Published: October 2006

Summary.The present paper seeks to analyse the spatial distribution of surnames in the province of Belluno in the Italian Alps, and describes the internal mobility of the population taking into consideration one of the most important and ancient roads in the area. The study is based on the analysis of the similarity of the frequencies of some autochthonous surnames depending on their geographical distance apart. The population considered turned out to be basically sedentary. When forced to migrate, the population preferred to go far from their homeland rather than inside the area: this happened probably because the opportunities that the province of Belluno could offer were quite scarce throughout the whole territory, and people hoped to improve their economic situation by going abroad.
Early childhood factors associated with the development of post-traumatic stress disorder: results from a longitudinal birth cohort
Authors: KOENEN KARESTAN C. , MOFFITT TERRIE E. , POULTON RICHIE , MARTIN JUDITH , CASPI AVSHALOM 
Published: October 2006

Background. Childhood factors have been associated with increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous studies assessed only a limited number of childhood factors retrospectively. We examined the association between childhood neurodevelopmental, temperamental, behavioral and family environmental characteristics assessed before age 11 years and the development of PTSD up to age 32 years in a birth cohort.Method. Members of a 1972–73 New Zealand birth cohort (n=1037) who were assessed at ages 26 and 32 years for PTSD as defined by DSM-IV.Results. We identified two sets of childhood risk factors. The first set of risk factors was associated both with increased risk of trauma exposure and with PTSD assessed at age 26. These included childhood externalizing characteristics and family environmental stressors, specifically maternal distress and loss of a parent. The second set of risk factors affected risk for PTSD only and included low IQ and chronic environmental adversity. The effect of cumulative childhood factors on risk of PTSD at age 26 was substantial; over 58% of cohort members in the highest risk quartile for three developmental factors had PTSD as compared to only 25% of those not at high risk on any factors. Low IQ at age 5, antisocial behavior, and poverty before age 11 continued to predict PTSD related to traumatic events that occurred between the ages of 26 and 32.Conclusions. Developmental capacities and conditions of early childhood may increase both risk of trauma exposure and the risk that individuals will respond adversely to traumatic exposures. Rather than being solely a response to trauma, PTSD may have developmental origins.
Measuring average alcohol consumption: the impact of including binge drinks in quantity–frequency calculations
Authors: Stahre Mandy , Naimi Timothy , Brewer Robert , Holt James 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTAims  Average daily alcohol consumption is usually calculated based on self‐reports of the quantity (number of drinks consumed per drinking‐day) and frequency (number of drinking‐days) of alcohol consumption within a given time period. However, this method may underestimate average daily alcohol consumption (and in turn, the prevalence of heavy drinking), because studies demonstrate that respondents do not typically include binge drinking occasions in estimates of their ‘usual’ or ‘average’ daily alcohol consumption.Design  We used the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), an annual random‐digit telephone survey of US adults aged 18 years or older, to estimate average daily alcohol consumption using standard quantity–frequency questions, and then recalculated this measure by including self‐reports of binge drinking. The proportion of respondents who met a standard, sex‐specific definition of heavy drinking based on average daily alcohol consumption was then assessed nationally and for each state.Findings  Compared to standard quantity–frequency methods, including binge drinks in calculations of average daily alcohol consumption increased the relative prevalence of heavy drinking among all adults by 19% to 42% (depending on the method used to estimate the number of drinks per binge). Among binge drinkers, the overall prevalence of heavy drinking increased 53% relative to standard quantity–frequency methods. As a result, half of women binge drinkers and half of binge drinkers aged 55 or older met criteria for heavy drinking.Conclusions  Including binge drinks (especially the application of age‐ and sex‐specific estimates of binge drinks) in the calculation of average daily alcohol consumption can improve the accuracy of prevalence estimates for heavy drinking among US adults, and should be considered to increase the usefulness of this measure for alcohol surveillance.
Effects of low‐dose continuous combined hormone replacement therapy on glucose homeostasis and markers of cardiovascular risk in women with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kernohan A. F. B. , Sattar N. , Hilditch T. , Cleland S. J. , Small M. , Lumsden M. A. , Connell J. M. C. , Petrie J. R. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryBackground  Low‐dose hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has attracted interest for the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms in diabetes because of concerns about increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke with conventional HRT containing conjugated equine oestrogens (CEEs) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA).Objectives  We assessed the effects on glucose homeostasis and cardiovascular risk factors of continuous oral 17β oestradiol (1 mg) and norethisterone (0·5 mg) in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.Design  Double‐blind, randomized placebo‐controlled trial.Assessments  Hyperinsulinaemic isoglycaemic clamp and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed before and after 3 months of treatment.Results  Twenty‐eight women completed the study. HRT decreased fasting glucose compared with placebo [−9·4% with HRT vs.+2·3% for placebo, 95% confidence interval (CI) −23·2 to −0·3] and total cholesterol (−13·7 vs.+1·0%, 95% CI −22·4 to −3·1%) No significant effect was seen on metabolic clearance rate of glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol or C‐reactive protein (CRP).Conclusions  In women with type 2 diabetes, low‐dose HRT decreased fasting glucose and total cholesterol without detectable adverse effects on glucose clearance, triglycerides and CRP as reported with conventional HRT.
Estimation of the day‐specific probabilities of conception: current state of the knowledge and the relevance for epidemiological research
Authors: Lynch Courtney D. , Jackson Leila W. , Buck Louis Germaine M. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryConception, as defined by the fertilisation of an ovum by a sperm, marks the beginning of human development. Currently, a biomarker of conception is not available; as conception occurs shortly after ovulation, the latter can be used as a proxy for the time of conception. In the absence of serial ultrasound examinations, ovulation cannot be readily visualised leaving researchers to rely on proxy measures of ovulation that are subject to error. The most commonly used proxy measures include: charting basal body temperature, monitoring cervical mucus, and measuring urinary metabolites of oestradiol and luteinising hormone.Establishing the timing of the ovulation and the fertile window has practical utility in that it will assist couples in appropriately timing intercourse to achieve or avoid pregnancy. Identifying the likely day of conception is clinically relevant because it has the potential to facilitate more accurate pregnancy dating, thereby reducing the iatrogenic risks associated with uncertain gestation. Using data from prospective studies of couples attempting to conceive, several researchers have developed models for estimating the day‐specific probabilities of conception. Elucidating these will allow researchers to more accurately estimate the day of conception, thus spawning research initiatives that will expand our current limited knowledge about the effect of exposures at critical periconceptional windows. While basal body temperature charting and cervical mucus monitoring have been used with success in field‐based studies for many years, recent advances in science and technology have made it possible for women to get instant feedback regarding their daily fertility status by monitoring urinary metabolites of reproductive hormones in the privacy of their own homes. Not only are innovations such as luteinising hormone test kits and digital fertility monitors likely to increase study compliance and participation rates, they provide valuable prospective data that can be used in epidemiological research. Although we have made great strides in estimating the timing and length of the fertile window, more work is needed to elucidate the day‐specific probabilities of conception using proxy measures of ovulation that are inherently subject to error. Modelling approaches that incorporate the use of multiple markers of ovulation offer great promise to fill these important data gaps.
Anti‐tumour necrosis factor‐α activity in Ixodes ricinus saliva
Authors: KONÍK P. , SLAVÍKOVÁ V. , SALÁT J. , ŘEZNÍČKOVÁ J. , DVOROŽŇÁKOVÁ E. , KOPECKÝ J. 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARY Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) is one of the most prominent inflammatory mediators playing a central role in starting off the inflammatory reactions of the innate immune system. We identified a TNF‐α‐inhibitory activity in the saliva and salivary gland extract (SGE) from partially fed Ixodes ricinus ticks. Using mouse and human TNF‐α specific ELISA, we showed that tick saliva or SGE markedly reduced the level of detectable cytokine. Both saliva and SGE inhibited the cytotoxic effect of TNF‐α in a bioassay. Elimination of the TNF‐α‐inhibitory activity in SGE by trypsin digestion demonstrated that the anti‐TNF‐α factor is a protein. Fast protein liquid chromatography fractionation of SGE showed one peak of TNF‐α‐inhibitory activity corresponding to a protein with estimated molecular mass 23 kDa. The likely mechanism of the inhibitory effect is a direct binding of the cytokine. The TNF‐α‐inhibitory molecule seems to play an important role in the anti‐inflammatory effect of tick saliva at the tick feeding site, providing a gateway to the host for tick‐borne pathogens.