bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
T‐ and L‐type calcium channels mediate α1‐adrenoceptor‐evoked contraction in the guinea‐pig vas deferens
Authors: Shishido Toshihide , Sakai Saeko , Tosaka Tsuneo 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAimsThe importance of the T‐ and L‐type Ca2+ channels on the α1‐adrenoceptor‐mediated contraction of guinea‐pig vas deferens was investigated in relation to the SK and BK channels.MethodsIsometric contractile response to electrical stimulation (ES) of 50 pulses at 40 Hz was recorded. ES responses were modulated via calcium and potassium channels in the presence of purinergic inhibitors.ResultsThe α1‐adrenoceptor‐mediated contraction of guinea‐pig vas deferens consisted of early and late α1‐components. The early α1‐component was insensitive to nifedipine (10 µM) but was suppressed by T‐type Ca2+ channel antagonists mibefradil and amiloride with IC50 values (µM) of 7.2 ± 1.8 (n = 5) and 27.2 ± 10.4 (n = 6), respectively. The late α1‐component was inhibited by nifedipine, nimodipine and nicardipine with IC50 values (µM) of 0.19 ± 0.04 (n = 5), 1.9 ± 0.8 (n = 5), and 4.2 ± 2.5 (n = 5), respectively. Nicardipine also inhibited the early α1‐component with an IC50 value of 20.3 ± 2.5 µM (n = 5). An SK channel antagonist apamin (1–100 nM) increased both early and late α1‐components. A BK channel antagonist iberiotoxin (100 nM) increased the late α1‐component without affecting the early one.ConclusionsThe results may indicate that the α1‐adrenoceptor‐induced contraction was mediated by Ca2+ influx through T‐ and L‐type Ca2+ channels for the early and late α1‐components, respectively and that SK and BK channels contributed to protect the musculature of the guinea‐pig vas deferens from excess tension development induced by sympathetic volley. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:447–454, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of urodynamics between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients; Can we suggest the category of urinary dysfunction in patients with cerebrovascular accident according to type of stroke?
Authors: Han Kyung‐Sik , Heo Sung Hyuk , Lee Sun‐Ju , Jeon Seung Hyun , Yoo Koo Han 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study is to compare the urodynamic parameters in ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients with bladder dysfunction.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed medical records such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and urodynamic study and identified 84 cases among 150 stroke patients underwent urodynamic test due to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) from June 2003 to May 2008. Exclusion criteria are diabetes mellitus (DM) cystopathy, previous pelvic surgery, spinal cord injury, benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and other neurologic etiology.ResultsAmong analyzed variables of urodynamic study, total bladder capacity, postvoid residual urine volume and bladder compliance have a significant value between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke group (P = 0.004, P = 0.017, P = 0.007). Ischemic group have detrusor overactivity (DO) (70.7%), detrusor underactivity (DU) (29.3%), and hemorrhagic group have DO (34.6%), DU (65.4%). (P = 0.003).ConclusionsEvaluation of the stroke type may be helpful in the determination of the type of urinary dysfunction and in deciding the appropriate bladder management. The urodynamic study, however, is essential to manage LUTS in stroke patients. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:387–390, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The impact of female urinary incontinence and urgency on quality of life and partner relationship
Authors: Margareta Nilsson , Ann Lalos , Othon Lalos 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAimsTo examine the impact of female urinary incontinence, urgency and frequency on quality of life, and partner relationship in women (18–74 years) and their partners, and make comparisons with the corresponding age groups in a Swedish population‐based study.MethodsWomen with urinary incontinence, urgency and frequency (n = 206) completed specific questionnaires concerning medical history and the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire. Women who had a stable relationship (n = 170) also answered a questionnaire regarding psychosocial situation, partner relationship and sexual life, and were asked to give a similar questionnaire to their partner. Totally, 109 partners participated.ResultsThe vast majority of the women considered that their urinary problems affected their physical activities negatively and almost half reported negative consequences for social life and joint activities. One third of both women and men experienced a negative impact on their relationship and about every fifth felt it had a harmful influence on physical proximity, intimacy, affection, and warmth. Compared to the older women, the younger were less satisfied with their psychological health, sexual life, leisure and financial situation, and compared to the younger men, the young women were less content with their somatic health. Overall, women with urinary problems and their partners were less satisfied with their somatic health than the corresponding age groups in the national population‐based study.ConclusionsFemale urinary incontinence, urgency and frequency significantly impair the quality of life in both younger and older women, and also have negative effects on the partner relationship and the partner's life. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:976–981, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computational modeling of cardiac electrophysiology: A novel finite element approach
Authors: Göktepe S. , Kuhl E. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe key objective of this work is the design of an unconditionally stable, robust, efficient, modular, and easily expandable finite element‐based simulation tool for cardiac electrophysiology. In contrast to existing formulations, we propose a global–local split of the system of equations in which the global variable is the fast action potential that is introduced as a nodal degree of freedom, whereas the local variable is the slow recovery variable introduced as an internal variable on the integration point level. Cell‐specific excitation characteristics are thus strictly local and only affect the constitutive level. We illustrate the modular character of the model in terms of the FitzHugh–Nagumo model for oscillatory pacemaker cells and the Aliev–Panfilov model for non‐oscillatory ventricular muscle cells. We apply an implicit Euler backward finite difference scheme for the temporal discretization and a finite element scheme for the spatial discretization. The resulting non‐linear system of equations is solved with an incremental iterative Newton–Raphson solution procedure. Since this framework only introduces one single scalar‐valued variable on the node level, it is extremely efficient, remarkably stable, and highly robust. The features of the general framework will be demonstrated by selected benchmark problems for cardiac physiology and a two‐dimensional patient‐specific cardiac excitation problem. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential of ball milling to improve clay dispersion in nanocomposites
Authors: Perrin‐Sarazin Florence , Sepehr Maryam , Bouaricha Salim , Denault Johanne 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe preparation of exfoliated polymer nanocomposites (PNC) in nonpolar system is still preoccupying researchers in the domain. The ball milling coupled with melt‐compounding was used for the preparation of polypropylene/montmorillonite PNC to evaluate the potential of ball milling in the improvement of clay dispersion. Different approaches were used for doing a preliminary ball milling of clay with or without coupling agent and of all components prior to melt‐compounding. The microstructure as well as the rheological and the dynamic mechanical behaviors of the PNC compounds were characterized. The best improvements in clay dispersion were obtained by ball milling clay in the presence of other components to reduce particle agglomeration. The rheological behavior of the compounds confirmed their microstructure. The thermomechanical properties of PNC showed an enhancement in the storage modulus in the glassy and the rubbery states, independent of their microstructure. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Preparation and properties of epoxy nanocomposites. I. The effect of premixing on dispersion of organoclay
Authors: Ngo T.‐D. , Ton‐That M.‐T. , Hoa S.V. , Cole K.C. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe objective of this work was to systematically study the effect of the conditions of shear and temperature used to premix nanoclay with epoxy resin on the dispersion and intercalation/exfoliation of the nanoclay in the resulting epoxy nanocomposites. The different mixing approaches used were hand stirring, conventional mechanical stirring, a high‐speed homogenizer, and a microfluidizer. The quality of dispersion and intercalation/exfoliation of the organoclay in the epoxy resin was analyzed after premixing (before adding hardener) by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and rheological measurements. Nanocomposites obtained after adding hardener and curing were characterized by means of XRD, field emission gun scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and image analysis. Both the premixing and curing steps were found to play a determining role in the dispersion and intercalation/exfoliation of organoclay. Increased intercalation and exfoliation can take place during curing, with the extent depending on the curing rate. Although full exfoliation of clay cannot be achieved at the premixing stage, this step appears to be very important in controlling the micro‐dispersion and thus affecting the further intercalation and exfoliation that take place during the curing step. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Pre‐treatment biomarker levels improve the accuracy of post‐prostatectomy nomogram for prediction of biochemical recurrence
Authors: Svatek Robert S. , Jeldres Claudio , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Suardi Nazareno , Walz Jochen , Roehrborn Claus G. , Montorsi Francesco , Slawin Kevin M. , Shariat Shahrokh F. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPURPOSEWe tested the ability of several pre‐operative blood‐based biomarkers to enhance the accuracy of standard post‐operative features for the prediction of biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP).METHODSPre‐operative plasma levels of Endoglin, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐6 soluble receptor (IL‐6sR), transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), urokinase plasminogen inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1), urokinase plasminogen receptor (uPAR), vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured using commercially available enzyme immunoassays in 423 consecutive patients treated with RP for clinically localized prostate cancer. Standard post‐operative features consisted of surgical margin status, extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, lymph node involvement, and pathologic Gleason sum. Multivariable modeling was used to explore the gain in the predictive accuracy. The accuracy was quantified by the c‐index statistic and was internally validated with 200 bootstrap resamples.RESULTSPlasma IL‐6 (P = 0.03), IL‐6sR (P < 0.001), TGF‐β1 (P = 0.005), and V‐CAM1 (P = 0.01) achieved independent predictor status after adjusting for the effects of standard post‐operative features. After stepwise backward variable elimination, a model relying on RP Gleason sum, IL‐6sR, TGF‐β1, VCAM1, and uPA improved the predictive accuracy of the standard post‐operative model by 4% (86.1% vs. 82.1%, P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSPre‐operative plasma biomarkers improved the accuracy of established post‐operative prognostic factors of BCR by a significant margin. Incorporation of these biomarkers into standard predictive models may allow more accurate identification of patients who are likely to fail RP thereby allowing more efficient delivery of adjuvant therapy. Prostate 69: 886–894, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
BS DFT and BS HDFT studies of CrCr sextuple bond from the viewpoint of electron correlation effects
Authors: Kitagawa Yasutaka , Nakanishi Yasuyuki , Saito Toru , Kawakami Takashi , Okumura Mitsutaka , Yamaguchi Kizashi 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe nature of CrCr bond and effectiveness of broken‐symmetry (BS) density functional theory (DFT) and hybrid DFT (HDFT) methods are examined in terms of electron correlation effects. Two types of correlation energies, i.e., static and dynamical correlation energies are estimated by relative energy curves and correlation energy curves. Energy decomposition analyses and natural orbital analyses reveal how these electron correlation effects affect the CrCr bonding. In addition, the effect of those effects to an energy gap between the lowest spin (LS) state (S = 0) and the highest spin (HS) state (S = 6) is also discussed with respect to calculations of effective exchange integrals (J). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
A review of two algorithms for acceleration of convergence of a sequence of vectors
Authors: Graves‐Morris P. R. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe purposes of this article are threefold: (i) to review the role of Wynn's epsilon algorithm as a method for acceleration of convergence of an ordinary (scalar) series (possibly representing the value of a physical quantity), (ii) to review the role of Wynn's vector‐epsilon algorithm and another vector Padé‐type method in cases where a number of such series should be treated simultaneously, and (iii) to point out that these general methods for the acceleration of convergence of a vector‐valued series are readily applied to the solution of linear and nonlinear systems of equations. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
The strange history of B functions or how theoretical chemists and mathematicians do (not) interact
Authors: Weniger Ernst Joachim 
Published: February 2009

AbstractB functions are a class of relatively complicated exponentially decaying basis functions. Because the molecular multicenter integrals of the much simpler Slater‐type functions are notoriously difficult, it is not at all obvious why B functions should offer any advantages. However, B functions have Fourier transforms of exceptional simplicity, which greatly simplifies many of their molecular multicenter integrals. This article discusses the historical development of B functions from the perspective of the interaction between mathematics and theoretical chemistry, which traditionally has not been very good. Nevertheless, future progress in theoretical chemistry depends very much on a fertile interaction with neighboring disciplines. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Seasonal and inter‐annual variability in hyporheic water quality revealed by continuous monitoring in a salmon spawning stream
Authors: Soulsby C. , Malcolm I. A. , Tetzlaff D. , Youngson A. F. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractOver a 3.5 year period, levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) saturation were continuously monitored in surface waters and at depths of 150 and 300 mm in the hyporheic zone of a riffle in a montane stream where Atlantic salmon spawn. Throughout this period, DO in surface waters remained close to 100% saturation, but exhibited daily variations related to CO2 cycling driven by diurnal patterns of respiration and photosynthesis. However, in the hyporheic zone, variations were much more dynamic over storm event, seasonal and inter‐annual timescales. At 300 mm, DO saturation was generally close to 100% during summer low flows, though levels occasionally fell during warm periods which appeared to be related to diffusion gradients caused by benthic respiration. Such DO decreases at low flows were much more common and marked at 150 mm. During wetter conditions, DO saturation at 300 mm fell to zero for prolonged periods; this is consistent with increased fluxes of groundwater discharging through the hyporheic zone. During the wettest periods this also affects DO saturation at 150 mm. However, during hydrological events, hyporheic water quality is ‘re‐set’ as head reversals cause streamwater ingress which results in transient periods of re‐oxygenation, which end during the hydrograph recession. This is consistent with stream‐ward hydraulic gradients being re‐established in riparian ground water as the stream stage falls. The connectivity between groundwater and streamwater through the hyporheic zone is driven by climatic conditions and is reflected in marked inter‐annual variability in water quality characteristics. In some cases, this variability may have implications for the ecology of the hyporheic environment—including the survival of salmon eggs—particularly if oxygen levels are affected. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theory and applications of X party material flow
Authors: Hou Hanping 
Published: February 2009

AbstractX party material flow (XPMF) is a new type of material flow (MF) under the emerging new information technology. Based on the theory of MF, this paper analyses the recent research progress that was made in XPMF from the angle of bio‐evolution complexity including factor type primitive reconstruction driving type XPMF, enterprise primitive fractal synergetic type XPMF, adapting primitive swarm intelligence XPMF. Such progress has enriched and systematized the research of XPMF theory. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinic and genetic evaluation of variegate porphyria (VP) in a large family from the Balearic Islands
Authors: Bonnin A. , Picornell A. , Orfila J. , Castro J. A. , Ramon M. M. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryVariegate porphyria (VP) (an autosomal dominant disease), is clinically characterized by skin photosensitivity and/or acute neurovisceral crises and biochemically by high levels of faecal protoporphyrin and coproporphyrin. It results from the partial deficiency of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPOX gene). Genetic heterogeneity has been reported in this gene, although no genotype–phenotype correlation has been evidenced. We have sequenced 27 members of a single large Majorcan family with several individuals that exhibit VP symptoms: two of the eight patients had only skin symptoms (25%), one patient had only acute visceral crises (12.5%), one patient had both manifestations (12.5%) and the rest were completely asymptomatic (50%). In eight individuals, a T>A transversion at the intron 6 consensus splicing site was found (IVS6+2T>A), but only four of them presented clinical symptoms. We have also detected four polymorphic positions, three non‐coding and one non‐synonymous coding: c.−414A>C; IVS2+121G>C; c.1188G>A and IVS12+34C>T. Although IVS12+34C>T change has been reported to cause VP, generalized linear model (GLM) analyses showed no significant association between these SNPs and phenotypic manifestations. Only three mtDNA haplogroups were detected in this family: H, K and U5a1. Two of them are relatively common in Balearic Islands. Our family evidenced a positive correlation between the clinically overt VP and haplogroup H. Thus, it seems that, in this family, the haplogroup H could be involved in the expression of the disease. The GLM analyses evidenced an association between haplogroup H, mutation IVS6+2T>A and clinically overt variegate porphyria.
Surgical management of windblown hand: Results and literature review
Authors: Gavaskar K. G. Ashok Sunil , Chowdary Naveen 
Published: February 2009

Purpose Windblown hand is a congenital anomaly characterized by multiple hand deformities. The condition is extremely rare as shown by the paucity of cases reported in the literature. The deformities, which can result in a cosmetically unsatisfactory appearance and, if left untreated, maladaptive behavior, are progressive in nature. Consequently early treatment is necessary. Methods We operated upon 23 hands in 18 patients (age range at surgery 6 months to 16 years) at a tertiary care center over a period of 7 years. The patients were followed for an average period of 7 years. The surgical approach was chosen based on the severity of the condition according to Zancolli and Zancolli's classification [Hand Clin 1:443–456 (1985)]. Results According to the criteria of Wood and Biondi [J Hand Surg 15A:431–438 (1990)], of the 23 hands operated upon, 17 had excellent cosmetic results, and 15 had excellent functional results. The results were better in patients undergoing early surgery—before the age of 2 years. Relapse of the deformity to a lesser extent than the original condition was seen in two hands at the last follow up. Conclusion Definitive conclusions on this condition cannot be drawn due to limited experience in the surgical management of this rare condition. We believe that early surgical management is probably the best option available for the patient based on the results obtained. Early surgery and good post-operative compliance from patients can facilitate successful management of this rare condition with predictable results.
Sound climate, energy, and transport policy for a carbon constrained world
Authors: Sovacool Benjamin K 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
This article briefly surveys three emerging global challenges related to climate change, electricity and energy, and transportation before summarizing the contributions from this special issue of Policy & Society. Articles in the issue attempt to inform policymakers, scholars, and even members of the public to make better decisions about energy, electricity, modes of transport, and greenhouse gas emissions. In doing so, they cover a wide range of technologies, policies, scales, and case studies. Such a discussion is urgently needed given the interconnected nature of the world's impending climate, energy, and transport needs.
Host tree age as a selective pressure leading to local adaptation of a population of a polyphagous Lepidoptera in virgin boreal forest
Authors: Berthiaume R. , Bauce É. , Hébert C. , Brodeur J. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe tested the hypothesis that host tree age may act as a selective factor and lead to local adaptation of the hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria), a geometrid Lepidoptera that has a wide geographical distribution and has evolved in different eco-zones characterized by different levels of floristic composition, age structure and fragmentation level. Considering that hemlock looper outbreaks mainly occurred in old forests, we compared the biological performances of two populations. The first population was collected in the northern virgin boreal forest, which is dominated by mature and overmature coniferous stands that have not suffered from human disturbance. The other population was collected in the southern mixed-wood forest, which is more diversified and has been modified by forest harvesting. Larvae were reared under controlled conditions on foliage from three age classes of balsam fir trees: juvenile, mature and overmature. Although we measured significant variations of biological performances between the two populations, no significant effect of the age of the balsam fir trees could be detected for males from both populations or for females from the southern population. However, northern females were strongly affected by the age of balsam fir trees on which they fed, as their pupal weight was 12% higher and their fecundity increased by 27% on overmature trees compared with juvenile ones. These results indicate that under the same selective pressure, females adapt their strategy to maximize their fitness, and thus they appear as the driving force of evolution through the local adaptation concept. Furthermore, the two populations evolved in distinct habitats and their adaptation reflects selective pressures occurring inside their original environment. This is the first report on local adaptation of an herbivore that is mediated by host tree age. Changes in forest age structure may have a considerable impact on insect local adaptation and presumably on their population dynamics.