bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cover Picture: Conducting and Superhydrophobic Rambutan‐like Hollow Spheres of Polyaniline (Adv. Mater. 16/2007)
Authors: Zhu Y. , Hu D. , Wan M. X. , Jiang L. , Wei Y. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractConductive and superhydrophobic rambutan‐like hollow spheres of polyaniline are formed through self‐assembly by using perfluorooctane sulfonic acid as a dopant, soft template, and superhydrophobic agent at the same time, as reported by Meixiang Wan and Lei Jiang on p. 2092. The results show that the approach used is not only simple, but also that the hollow spheres have a large specific area and exhibit physical properties that are required for many applications in nanotechnology.
Prevalence of overweight and cardiovascular risk factors in rural and urban children from Central Asia: The Kazakhstan health and nutrition examination survey
Authors: Facchini Fiorenzo , Fiori Giovanni , Bedogni Giorgio , Galletti Livia , Belcastro Maria Giovanna , Ismagulov Orazak , Ismagulova Ainagul , Sharmanov Turegeldy , Tsoy Igor , Rizzoli Sara , Goldoni Matteo 
Published: August 2007

AbstractKazakhstan is undergoing a rapid modernization process, which carries the risk of an epidemic of obesity and cardiovascular disease. We enrolled a sample of about 50 children for every combination of gender, environment (urban vs. rural), ethnic group (Kazakh vs. Russian), and age group from 7 to 18 years, for a total of 4,808 children. Anthropometry and blood pressure were measured on all children while fasting blood cholesterol and glucose were measured only in 2,616 children aged ≥12 years. The prevalence of overweight and risk of overweight ranged from 2.8 (rural male Kazakhs) to 9.1% (urban male Russians). The prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension ranged from 8.3 (urban females) to 15.9% (rural females); that of hypercholesterolemia from 11.5 (male rural Russians) to 26.5% (female rural Kazakhs); and the overall prevalence of impaired fasting glucose was 0.1%. We conclude that overweight and cardiovascular risk factors are less prevalent in children living in Kazakhstan than in those living in Western countries. However, these figures are not negligible and suggest that preventive measures are needed to contain the epidemic of overweight and cardiovascular disease that will most likely accompany the modernization of Kazakhstan in the next years. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early life influences on adult leg and trunk length in the 1958 British birth cohort
Authors: Li Leah , Dangour Alan D. , Power Chris 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectives: Short leg length has been associated with increased disease risk. We investigated (1) whether taller childhood stature predicts longer adult leg than trunk length; (2) the effects of early life factors on adult leg/trunk length. Methods: We used data from the 1958 British birth cohort on height in childhood and at 45 years, leg and trunk length at 45 years and early life factors (n≈ 5,900). Results: For a SD increase in height at 7 years, adult leg length increased more than trunk length (2.5–2.8 cm vs. 1.9 cm). Parental height had a stronger association with adult than childhood height, and leg than trunk length. Prenatal factors were associated with leg (maternal smoking) and trunk length (birth order); birth weight had a similar effect on leg and trunk lengths. Large family size, overcrowding, and social housing were more strongly associated with leg than trunk length: deficits in adult height (0.4–0.8 cm) were mostly due to shorter legs. Conclusions: Socio‐economic adversity in childhood is associated with delayed early growth, shorter adult leg length, and stature. Leg length is the height component most sensitive to early environment. Studies of early life and adult disease could usefully assess adult leg length in addition to height. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two unique patients with novel microdeletions in 4p16.3 that exclude the WHS critical regions: Implications for critical region designation
Authors: South Sarah T. , Bleyl Steven B. , Carey John C. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWolf‐Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is characterized by growth delay, developmental delay, hypotonia, seizures, feeding difficulties, and characteristic facial features. Deletion of either of two critical regions (WHSCR and WHSCR‐2) within chromosome band 4p16.3 has been proposed as necessary for the minimal clinical manifestations of WHS and controversy remains regarding their designation. We describe two patients with novel terminal microdeletions in 4p16.3 who lack the characteristic facial features but do show some of the more nonspecific manifestations of WHS. The first patient had a ring chromosome 4 with an intact 4q subtelomere and a terminal 4p microdeletion of approximately 1.27–1.46 Mb. This deletion was distal to both proposed critical regions. The second patient had a normal karyotype with a terminal 4p microdeletion of approximately 1.78 Mb. This deletion was distal to WHSCR and the breakpoint was near or within the known distal boundary for WHSCR‐2. Both patients showed significant postnatal growth delay, mild developmental delays and feeding difficulties. Their facial features were not typical for WHS. The phenotype of the first patient may have been influenced by the presence of a ring chromosome. Seizures were absent in the first patient whereas the second patient had a complex seizure disorder. Characterization of these patients supports the hypothesis that a gene in WHSCR‐2,LETM1, plays a direct role in seizure development, and demonstrates that components of the WHS phenotype can be seen with deletions distal to the known boundaries of the two proposed critical regions. These patients also emphasize the difficulty of mapping clinical manifestations common to many aneusomy syndromes. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Health‐related quality of life in multiple sclerosis: effects of natalizumab
Authors: Rudick Richard A. , Miller Deborah , Hass Steve , Hutchinson Michael , Calabresi Peter A. , Confavreux Christian , Galetta Steven L. , Giovannoni Gavin , Havrdova Eva , Kappos Ludwig , Lublin Fred D. , Miller David H. , O'Connor Paul W. , Phillips J. Theodore , Polman Chris H. , Radue Ernst‐Wilhelm , Stuart William H. , Wajgt Andrzej , Weinstock‐Guttman Bianca , Wynn Daniel R. , Lynn Frances , Panzara Michael A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo report the relationship between disease activity and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in relapsing multiple sclerosis, and the impact of natalizumab.MethodsHRQoL data were available from 2,113 multiple sclerosis patients in natalizumab clinical studies. In the Natalizumab Safety and Efficacy in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (AFFIRM) study, patients received natalizumab 300mg (n = 627) or placebo (n = 315); in the Safety and Efficacy of Natalizumab in Combination with Interferon Beta‐1a in Patients with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (SENTINEL) study, patients received interferon beta‐1a (IFN‐β‐1a) plus natalizumab 300mg (n = 589), or IFN‐β‐1a plus placebo (n = 582). The Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) and a subject global assessment visual analog scale were administered at baseline and weeks 24, 52, and 104. Prespecified analyses included changes from baseline to week 104 in SF‐36 and visual analog scale scores. Odds ratios for clinically meaningful improvement or worsening on the SF‐36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary were calculated.ResultsMean baseline SF‐36 scores were significantly less than the general US population and correlated with Expanded Disability Status Scale scores, sustained disability progression, relapse number, and increased volume of brain magnetic resonance imaging lesions. Natalizumab significantly improved SF‐36 PCS and Mental Component Summary scores at week 104 in AFFIRM. PCS changes were significantly improved by week 24 and at all subsequent time points. Natalizumab‐treated patients in both studies were more likely to experience clinically important improvement and less likely to experience clinically important deterioration on the SF‐36 PCS. The visual analog scale also showed significantly improved HRQoL with natalizumab.InterpretationHRQoL was impaired in relapsing multiple sclerosis patients, correlated with severity of disease as measured by neurological ratings or magnetic resonance imaging, and improved significantly with natalizumab. Ann Neurol 2007
Extended spectrum of idiopathic generalized epilepsies associated with CACNA1H functional variants
Authors: Heron Sarah E. , Khosravani Houman , Varela Diego , Bladen Chris , Williams Tristiana C. , Newman Michelle R. , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Berkovic Samuel F. , Mulley John C. , Zamponi Gerald W. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectiveThe relationship between genetic variation in the T‐type calcium channel gene CACNA1H and childhood absence epilepsy is well established. The purpose of this study was to investigate the range of epilepsy syndromes for which CACNA1H variants may contribute to the genetic susceptibility architecture and determine the electrophysiological effects of these variants in relation to proposed mechanisms underlying seizures.MethodsExons 3 to 35 of CACNA1H were screened for variants in 240 epilepsy patients (167 unrelated) and 95 control subjects by single‐stranded conformation analysis followed by direct sequencing. Cascade testing of families was done by sequencing or single‐stranded conformation analysis. Selected variants were introduced into the CACNA1H protein by site‐directed mutagenesis. Constructs were transiently transfected into human embryo kidney cells, and electrophysiological data were acquired.ResultsMore than 100 variants were detected, including 19 novel variants leading to amino acid changes in subjects with phenotypes including childhood absence, juvenile absence, juvenile myoclonic and myoclonic astatic epilepsies, as well as febrile seizures and temporal lobe epilepsy. Electrophysiological analysis of 11 variants showed that 9 altered channel properties, generally in ways that would be predicted to increase calcium current.InterpretationVariants in CACNA1H that alter channel properties are present in patients with various generalized epilepsy syndromes. We propose that these variants contribute to an individual's susceptibility to epilepsy but are not sufficient to cause epilepsy on their own. The genetic architecture is dominated by rare functional variants; therefore, CACNA1H would not be easily identified as a susceptibility gene by a genome‐wide case–control study seeking a statistical association. Ann Neurol 2007
Early growth in brain volume is preserved in the majority of preterm infants
Authors: Boardman James P. , Counsell Serena J. , Rueckert Daniel , Hajnal Jo V. , Bhatia Kanwal K. , Srinivasan Latha , Kapellou Olga , Aljabar Paul , Dyet Leigh E. , Rutherford Mary A. , Allsop Joanna M. , Edwards A. David 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectivePreterm infants have reduced cerebral tissue volumes in adolescence. This study addresses the question: Is reduced global brain growth in the neonatal period inevitable after premature birth, or is it associated with specific medical risk factors?MethodsEighty‐nine preterm infants at term equivalent age without focal parenchymal brain lesions were studied with 20 full‐term control infants. Using a deformation‐based morphometric approach, we transformed images to a reference anatomic space, and we used the transformations to calculate whole‐brain volume and ventricular volume for each subject. Patterns of volume difference were correlated with clinical data.ResultsCerebral volume is not reduced compared with term born control infants (p = 0.765). Supplemental oxygen requirement at 28 postnatal days is associated with lower cerebral tissue volume at term (p < 0.001), but there were no significant differences in cerebral volumes attributable to perinatal sepsis (p = 0.515) and quantitatively defined diffuse white matter injury (p = 0.183). As expected, the ventricular system is significantly larger in preterm infants at term equivalent age compared with term control infants (p < 0.001).InterpretationCerebral volume is not reduced during intensive care for the majority of preterm infants, but prolonged supplemental oxygen dependence is a risk factor for early attenuation of global brain growth. The reduced cerebral tissue volume seen in adolescents born preterm does not appear to be an inevitable association of prematurity, but rather caused by either specific disease during intensive care or factors operating beyond the neonatal period. Ann Neurol 2007
Disruption of cerebral cortex MET signaling in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Campbell Daniel B. , D'Oronzio Rosanna , Garbett Krassi , Ebert Philip J. , Mirnics Karoly , Levitt Pat , Persico Antonio M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectiveMultiple genes contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) susceptibility. One particularly promising candidate is the MET gene, which encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase that mediates hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling in brain circuit formation, immune function, and gastrointestinal repair. The MET promoter variant rs1858830 allele “C” is strongly associated with ASD and results in reduced gene transcription. Here we examined expression levels of MET and members of the MET signaling pathway in postmortem cerebral cortex from ASD cases and healthy control subjects.MethodsProtein, total RNA, and DNA were extracted from postmortem temporal cortex gray matter samples (BA 41/42, 52, or 22) belonging to eight pairs of ASD cases and matched control subjects. MET protein expression was determined by Western blotting; messenger RNA expression of MET and other related transcripts was assayed by microarray and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.ResultsMET protein levels were significantly decreased in ASD cases compared with control subjects. This was accompanied in ASD brains by increased messenger RNA expression for proteins involved in regulating MET signaling activity. Analyses of coexpression of MET and HGF demonstrated a positive correlation in control subjects that was disrupted in ASD cases.InterpretationAltered expression of MET and related molecules suggests dysregulation of signaling that may contribute to altered circuit formation and function in ASD. The complement of genes that encode proteins involved in MET activation appears to undergo long‐term compensatory changes in expression that may be a hallmark contribution to the pathophysiology of ASD. Ann Neurol 2007
COL4A1 mutation in Axenfeld–Rieger anomaly with leukoencephalopathy and stroke
Authors: Sibon Igor , Coupry Isabelle , Menegon Patrice , Bouchet Jean‐Pierre , Gorry Philippe , Burgelin Ingrid , Calvas Patrick , Orignac Isabelle , Dousset Vincent , Lacombe Didier , Orgogozo Jean‐Marc , Arveiler Benoît , Goizet Cyril 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectiveSeveral hereditary ischemic small‐vessel diseases of the brain have been reported during the last decade. Some of them have ophthalmological, mainly retinal, manifestations. Herein, we report on a family affected by vascular leukoencephalopathy and variable abnormalities of the anterior chamber of the eye.MethodsAfter the occurrence of a small, deep infarct associated with white matter lesions in a patient with a medical history of congenital cataract and amblyopia, we conducted clinical and neuroradiological investigations in 10 of her relatives.ResultsDiffuse leukoencephalopathy associated with ocular malformations of the Axenfeld–Rieger type was observed in five individuals. Familial genetic analyses led to the identification of a novel missense mutation in the COL4A1 gene, p.G720D, which cosegregates with the disease.InterpretationOur data corroborate previous observations demonstrating the role of COL4A1 in cerebral microangiopathy and expand the phenotypic spectrum associated with mutations in this gene. We delineate a novel association between the Axenfeld–Rieger anomaly and leukoencephalopathy and stroke. Ann Neurol 2007
Mutations in the cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element of the tyrosine hydroxylase gene
Authors: Verbeek Marcel M. , Steenbergen‐Spanjers Gerry C. H. , Willemsen Michèl A. A. P. , Hol Frans A. , Smeitink Jan , Seeger Jürgen , Grattan‐Smith Padraic , Ryan Monique M. , Hoffmann Georg F. , Donati Maria A. , Blau Nenad , Wevers Ronald A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractTyrosine hydroxylase (TH) deficiency (OMIM 191290) is one cause of early‐onset dopa‐responsive dystonia. We describe seven cases from five unrelated families with dopa‐responsive dystonia and low homovanillic acid in cerebrospinal fluid who were suspected to suffer from TH deficiency. Analysis of part of the TH promotor showed five homozygous and two heterozygous mutations in the highly conserved cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element. Our data suggest that, if no mutations are found in the coding regions of the gene in patients strongly suspected of TH deficiency, the search for pathogenic mutations should be extended to regulatory promotor elements. Ann Neurol 2007
Saccadic palsy after cardiac surgery: characteristics and pathogenesis
Authors: Solomon David , Ramat Stefano , Tomsak Robert L. , Reich Stephen G. , Shin Robert K. , Zee David S. , Leigh R. John 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo characterize the syndrome of saccadic palsy that may follow cardiac surgery, and to interpret the findings using current concepts of the neurobiology of fast eye movements.MethodsUsing the magnetic search coil technique, we measured eye, eyelid, and head movements of 10 patients who developed selective palsy of saccades after cardiac surgery.ResultsPatients showed varying degrees of slowing and hypometria of saccades in the vertical plane or both horizontal and vertical planes, with complete loss of all saccades in one patient. Quick phases of nystagmus were also affected, but smooth pursuit, vergence, and the vestibuloocular reflex were usually spared. The smallest saccades were less slowed than larger saccades. Affected patients were visually disabled by loss of ability to voluntarily shift their direction of gaze. Blinks and head thrusts modestly improved the range and speed of voluntary movement. The syndrome usually followed aortic valve replacement. Common accompanying features included dysarthria, labile emotions, and unsteady gait. The saccadic palsy either improved during the early part of the course or remained static.InterpretationSelective loss of all forms of saccades, with sparing of other eye movements, indicates malfunction of the brainstem machinery that generates saccades. A current model of brainstem circuits could account for both hypometria and slowing. This syndrome and the visual disability it causes often go unrecognized unless saccades are systematically tested at the bedside. Ann Neurol 2007
Influence of ZnO nanoparticles on the cure characteristics and mechanical properties of carboxylated nitrile rubber
Authors: Sahoo Suchismita , Bhowmick Anil K. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractZinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles assembled in one dimension to give rod‐shaped morphology were synthesized. The effect of these ZnO nanoparticles (average particle size ∼ 50 nm) as the curing agent for carboxylated nitrile rubber was studied with special attention to cure characteristics, mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties, and swelling. These results were compared with those of the conventional rubber grade ZnO. The study confirmed that the ZnO nanoparticles gave a better state of cure and higher maximum torque with a marginal decrease in optimum cure time and scorch time. The mechanical properties also showed an improvement. There was an increase in tensile strength by ∼ 120%, elongation at break by ∼ 20%, and modulus at 300% elongation by ∼ 30% for the vulcanizate cured with ZnO nanoparticles, as compared with the one containing rubber grade ZnO. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the vulcanizates exhibited two transitions—one occurring at lower temperature due to the Tg of the polymer, while the second at higher temperature corresponding to the hard phase arising due to the ionic structures. The second transition showed a peak broadening because of an increase in the points of interaction of ZnO nanoparticles with the matrix. The tan δ peak showed a shift towards higher Tg in the case of ZnO nanoparticle‐cured vulcanizate, indicating higher crosslinking density. This was further confirmed by volume fraction of rubber in the swollen gel and infrared spectroscopic studies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Mechanism of filler action in reducing the wear of PTFE polymer by differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Lai Shi‐Quan , Yue Li , Li Tong‐Sheng 
Published: August 2007

AbstractTwo types of representative nanometer materials, i.e., fibroid nanometer attapulgite and approximate spherical ultrafine diamond, were selected as fillers of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to study the mechanism of the wear‐reducing actions of the fillers in PTFE composites. The friction and wear tests were performed on a block‐on‐ring wear tester under dry sliding conditions. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to investigate material microstructure and to examine modes of failure. No significant change in coefficient of friction was found, but the wear rate of PTFE composites was orders of magnitude less than that of pure PTFE. DSC analysis revealed that nanometer attapulgite and ultrafine diamond played a heterogeneous nucleation role in PTFE matrix and consequently resulted in increasing the crystallinity of PTFE composites. Moreover, the PTFE composite with higher heat absorption capacity and crystallinity exhibited improved wear resistance. A propositional “sea‐frusta” frictional model explained the wear mechanism of filler action in reducing the wear of PTFE polymer, i.e., fillers in the PTFE matrix effectively reduced the size of frictional broken units for PTFE composites and restrained the flowability of the units, as well as supporting the applied load. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Dual‐phase polymer electrolytes based on blending poly(MMA‐g‐NBR) and PMMA
Authors: Li Weili , Yang Mujie , Yuan Mingyong , Tang Zheng , Zhang J. Q. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractA new type dual‐phase polymer electrolyte (DPE) based on poly(MMA‐g‐NBR) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was prepared by film‐casting method. In the DPE, PMMA phase is selectively impregnated with the lithium salt solution, forming an ion‐conducting network, while poly(MMA‐g‐NBR) phase maintains mechanical strength in the system. With grafting effect, the compatibility of two phases (PMMA/poly(MMA‐g‐NBR)) can be enhanced obviously. The chemical and physical characteristics, morphology and ionic conductivity behavior of DPEs, and their interfacial stability between lithium metal electrode were characterized by using of FTIR, 1HMNR, DSC, SEM, optical microscopic images, AC impedance, and linear sweep voltammetry. A new type DPE with good mechanics and high electrochemistry properties is obtained at an optimum proportion of two blending polymers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Carboxyl‐terminated butadiene–acrylonitrile rubber modified cyanate ester resin
Authors: Shi Honghao , Fang Zhengping , Gu Aijuan , Tong Lifang , Xu Zhongbin 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe carboxyl‐terminated butadiene‐a‐acrylonitrile rubber (CTBN) has been proved to be the most effective toughener for cyanate ester (CE) resin. This work mainly focuses on the different modification effects caused by the addition of CTBN with different acrylonitrile content. The phase separation, morphology of fracture surface, and physical properties of the blends are studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic mechanic analysis (DMA), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It is testified that the compatibility and toughness between CE and CTBN had a positive correlation with the acrylonitrile content of CTBN. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007