bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pure aluminium shear panels as dissipative devices in moment‐resisting steel frames
Authors: De Matteis G. , Mazzolani F. M. , Panico S. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe use of energy dissipation systems for the seismic control of steel structures represents a valid alternative to conventional seismic design methods. The seismic devices currently employed are mostly based on the metallic yielding technology due to the large feasibility and efficiency they can provide. Within this context, in the current paper an innovative solution based on the adoption of low‐yield‐strength pure aluminium shear panels (SPs) for seismic protection of steel moment‐resisting frames is proposed and investigated. In order to prove the effectiveness of the system, a wide numerical study based on both static and dynamic non‐linear analyses has been carried out, considering a number of different frame‐to‐shear panel combinations, aiming at assessing the effect of the main influential parameters on the seismic response of the structure. The obtained results show that the contribution provided by aluminium SPs is rather significant, allowing a remarkable improvement of the seismic performance of the structure in terms of stiffness, strength and ductility, with the possibility to strongly limit the damage occurring in the members of moment‐resisting frames. In particular, it is clearly emphasized that the stiffening effect provided by SPs allows a more rational design procedure to be adopted, since the serviceability limit state check does not lead to unavoidable and uneconomical increase of the size of main structural members. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the dynamic rating of overhead transmission lines
Authors: Saied Mohamed M. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThis paper addresses the achievable advantage of the dynamic rating of overhead power lines based on the continuous monitoring of the ambient temperature and wind speed. Starting from their measured profiles on a typical summer day, the corresponding possible current loading of the line could be determined over the 24 hours. It is then compared with the conventional line rating calculated using the maximum daily temperature and the typically assumed value of 0.6 m/s for the wind speed. The additional daily transmitted energy resulting from the dynamic line rating (DLR) could be found. The procedure is applied to lines of different conductor radii. Results indicate an achievable increase in the daily transmitted energy of about 40%. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy and safety of donepezil over 3 years: an open‐label, multicentre study in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Burns A. , Gauthier S. , Perdomo C. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractObjectiveThis 132‐week, open‐label extension study assessed the long‐term efficacy and safety of donepezil in 579 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) who had previously participated in a 24‐week double‐blind study of 5 or 10 mg/day donepezil vs placebo.MethodPatients enrolled in the present study had a 6‐week single‐blind placebo washout period followed by treatment with donepezil 5 mg/day for 6 weeks with an optional increase in dosage to 10 mg/day between weeks 6 and 32.ResultsAfter 6 weeks of open‐label treatment with donepezil 5 mg/day, mean Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale—cognitive subscale scores (ADAS‐cog) improved by approximately two points, while after 12 weeks of open‐label treatment (with a majority of patients receiving 10 mg/day), the mean ADAS‐cog score was 1 point better than the score at the end of the placebo washout period. Scores then declined gradually over the remainder of the study. Mean changes in Clinical Dementia Rating‐Sum of Boxes scores showed slight improvement over the first 12 weeks of open‐label treatment and then slowly declined for the remainder of the study period. Donepezil was well tolerated over the entire 162‐week study period. Overall, 85% of patients experienced at least one adverse event (AE). The most common included diarrhoea (12%), nausea (11%), infection (11%) and accidental injury (10%). Some patients discontinued the study due to AEs (15%).ConclusionsThese results support the conclusion that donepezil is safe and effective for the long‐term treatment of patients with mild to moderate AD. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Construction and validation of a patient‐ and user‐friendly nursing home version of the Geriatric Depression Scale
Authors: Jongenelis K. , Gerritsen D. L. , Pot A. M. , Beekman A. T. F. , Eisses A. M. H. , Kluiter H. , Ribbe M. W. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo construct a patient‐ and user‐friendly shortened version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) that is especially suitable for nursing home patients.MethodsThe study was carried out on two different data bases including 23 Dutch nursing homes. Data on the GDS (n = 410), the Mini Mental State Examination (n = 410) and a diagnostic interview (SCAN; n = 333), were collected by trained clinicians. Firstly, the items of the GDS‐15 were judged on their clinical applicability by three clinical experts. Subsequently, items that were identified as unsuitable were removed using the data of the Assess project (n = 77), and internal consistency was calculated. Secondly, with respect to criterion validity (sensitivity, specitivity, area under ROC and positive and negative predictive values), the newly constructed shortened GDS was validated in the AGED data set (n = 333), using DSM‐IV diagnosis for depression as measured by the SCAN as ‘gold standard’.ResultsThe eight‐item GDS that resulted from stage 1 showed good internal consistency in both the Assess data set (α = 0.86) and the AGED dataset (α = 0.80). In the AGED dataset, high sensitivity rates of 96.3% for major depression and 83.0% for minor depression were found, with a specificity rate of 71.7% at a cut‐off point of 2/3.ConclusionThe GDS‐8 has good psychometric properties. Given that the GDS‐8 is less burdening for the patient, more comfortable to use and less time consuming, it may be a more feasible screening test for the frail nursing home population. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive performance in elderly women: significance of the 19bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in the 5′ flank of the dopamine beta‐hydroxylase gene, educational level, body fat measures, serum triglyceride, alcohol consumption and age
Authors: Togsverd Mads , Werge Thomas M. , Tankó Laszlo B. , Bagger Yu Z. , Qin George G. , Hansen Thomas , Christiansen Claus , Rasmussen Henrik B. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackgroundGenetic and environmental factors influence cognitive aging. The gene encoding dopamine beta‐hydroxylase (DBH) could be one such factor since this hydroxylase converts dopamine to norepinephrine both of which are involved in cognition regulation.ObjectiveTo assess the effect of the 19bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in the 5′ flank of the DBH gene on cognitive performance in elderly women relative to other factors of cognitive aging.MethodsWe examined a cross‐sectional sample of 1371 postmenopausal women. Cognitive abilities were assessed by the 6‐item orientation‐memory‐concentration test. The 19bp insertion/deletion polymorphism of the DBH gene was genotyped and apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele status was determined. In addition blood pressure, body fat mass and blood lipids were measured. Information was also obtained by personal interviews. Data were analyzed by regression analysis.ResultsCognition was univariately associated with DBH genotype (p = 0.04). A univariate association of borderline significance was observed for APOE ε4 allele status (p = 0.07). Exclusion of women with severe cognition impairment did not alter the strength of the association with the DBH gene polymorphism markedly (p = 0.06) but obliterated the weak association between APOE ε4 allele status and cognition. The association of the DBH gene polymorphism with cognition persisted after adjustment for other variables (p = 0.03).ConclusionsThe 19bp insertion/deletion polymorphism of the DBH gene influences cognition in elderly women and might have a stronger effect than APOE ε4 allele status on mild cognitive impairment. Both genetic polymorphisms had a significantly smaller impact on cognition than age, education, alcohol consumption and body fat measures. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visible‐laser desorption/ionization on gold nanostructures
Authors: Chen L. C. , Yonehama J. , Ueda T. , Hori H. , Hiraoka K. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractIn this report, we describe the visible‐laser desorption/ionization of biomolecules deposited on gold‐coated porous silicon and gold nanorod arrays. The porous silicon made by electrochemical etching was coated with gold using argon ion sputtering. The gold nanorod arrays were fabricated by electrodepositing gold onto a porous alumina template, and the subsequent partial removal of the alumina template. A frequency‐doubled/tripled Nd : YAG laser was used to irradiate the gold nanostructured substrate, and the desorbed molecular ions were mass‐analyzed by a time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer. The desorption/ionization of biomolecules for both substrates was favored by the use of the 532‐nm visible‐laser, which is in the range of the localized surface plasmon resonance of the gold nanostructure. The present technique offers a potential analytical method for low‐molecular‐weight analytes that are rather difficult to handle in the conventional matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assembly of Polyaniline Nanostructures
Authors: Wang Jixiao , Wang Junsheng , Zhang Xiaoyan , Wang Zhi 
Published: January 2007

AbstractPolyaniline nanostructures (nanosheets, nanofibers, and nanoparticles) can be assembled at the organic/aqueous interface or in solution by controlling the diffusion rate and the polymerization induction time of aniline. The quality of polyaniline nanostructures is determined by the polymerization solution conditions. Polyaniline nanosheets formation mechanism was proposed. Under certain polymerization conditions, polyaniline nanofibers or/and nanoparticles were obtained.magnified image
Autophagy, organelles and ageing
Authors: Terman A , Gustafsson B , Brunk UT 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAs a result of insufficient digestion of oxidatively damaged macromolecules and organelles by autophagy and other degradative systems, long‐lived postmitotic cells, such as cardiac myocytes, neurons and retinal pigment epithelial cells, progressively accumulate biological ‘garbage’ (‘waste’ materials). The latter include lipofuscin (a non‐degradable intralysosomal polymeric substance), defective mitochondria and other organelles, and aberrant proteins, often forming aggregates (aggresomes). An interaction between senescent lipofuscin‐loaded lysosomes and mitochondria seems to play a pivotal role in the progress of cellular ageing. Lipofuscin deposition hampers autophagic mitochondrial turnover, promoting the accumulation of senescent mitochondria, which are deficient in ATP production but produce increased amounts of reactive oxygen species. Increased oxidative stress, in turn, further enhances damage to both mitochondria and lysosomes, thus diminishing adaptability, triggering mitochondrial and lysosomal pro‐apoptotic pathways, and culminating in cell death. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reproductive ageing in women
Authors: Djahanbakhch O , Ezzati M , Zosmer A 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe traditional view in respect to female reproduction is that the number of oocytes at birth is fixed and continuously declines towards the point when no more oocytes are available after menopause. In this review we briefly discuss the embryonic development of female germ cells and ovarian follicles. The ontogeny of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis is then discussed, with a focus on pubertal transition and normal ovulatory menstrual cycles during female adult life. Biochemical markers of menopausal transition are briefly examined. We also examine the effects of age on female fertility, the contribution of chromosomal abnormalities of the oocyte to the observed decline in female fertility with age and the possible biological basis for the occurrence of such abnormalities. Finally, we consider the effects of maternal age on obstetric complications and perinatal outcome. New data that have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of mammalian oogenesis and follicular formation, and of the female reproductive ageing process, are also briefly considered. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Pullulanase Debranching of Sago (Metroxylon sagu) Starch at Subgelatinization Temperature on the Yield of Resistant Starch
Authors: Leong Yin H. , Karim Alias A. , Norziah Mond H. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe effects of pullulanase debranching of sago (Metroxylon sagu) starch in the granular state and subsequent physical treatments on the formation and yield of type III resistant starch (RS 3) have been investigated. Sago starch was enzymatically debranched with pullulanase at 60°C and at pH 5.0 using different enzyme concentrations (24, 30, 40, 50 PUN/g dry starch) which was added to 20% (w/v) starch slurry and incubated for 0 to 48 h. Optimum enzyme concentration of 40 PUN/g dry starch and three debranching times (8, 16 and 24 h) have been selected for subsequent preparation of RS. Granule morphology and molecular weight distribution (MWD) of the debranched and resistant starch were examined. Debranched starch samples showed blurred birefringence patterns, a decrease in amylopectin fraction, an increase in low molecular weight fraction and a broadening of MWD. Debranched starch samples with a maximum RS yield of 7% were obtained at 8 h debranching time. Temperature cycling and incubation at certain temperature and storage time enhanced the formation of RS. Under the conditions used in this study, the optimum conditions to obtain the highest RS yield (11.6%) were 8 h of debranching time, followed by incubation at 80°C for seven days. The MWD analysis showed that RS consisted of material with relatively low degree of polymerization. This study showed that pullulanase treatment of starch in the granular state resulted in limited debranching of amylopectin but the subsequent physical treatments (incubation time/temperature) can be manipulated to promote crystallization and enhance formation of RS 3.
Synthesis, Molecular Structure and Coordination Chemistry of the First 1‐Aza‐3,7‐diphosphacyclooctanes
Authors: Karasik Andrey A. , Naumov Roman N. , Spiridonova Yulia S. , Sinyashin Oleg G. , Lönnecke Peter , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe first representatives of a novel type of cyclic bis‐phosphines, namely, 1‐aza‐3,7‐diphosphacyclooctanes (4, 5), were synthesized by condensation of 1,3‐bis(arylphosphino)propanes (2, 3; aryl = phenyl or mesityl), formaldehyde and 5‐aminoisophthalic acid. Only the meso isomers were obtained, in good to satisfactory yield. The cyclic bis‐phosphines readily form P,P chelate complexes (6, 7) with [PtCl2(cod)] (cod = 1,5‐cyclooctadiene). The bisphosphine 4 and the corresponding complex 6 are soluble in water in the presence of two equivalents of alkali metal hydroxide. The molecular structures of 1‐(meta‐dicarboxyphenyl)‐3,7‐dimesityl‐1‐aza‐3,7‐diphosphacyclooctanes (5) and cis‐{P,P‐1‐(meta‐dicarboxyphenyl)‐3,7‐diphenyl‐1‐aza‐3,7‐diphosphacyclooctane}dichloroplatinum(II) (6) are reported.
Synthese und Struktur der basischen Erdalkalinitrate Sr2(OH)3NO3 und Ba2(OH)3NO3
Authors: Dill Simone , Gibson Katharina , Glaser Jochen , Tragl Sonja , Meyer H.‐Jürgen 
Published: January 2007

AbstractSynthesis and Structure of the Basic Alkaline Earth Nitrates Sr2(OH)3NO3 and Ba2(OH)3NO3Sr2(OH)3NO3 and Ba2(OH)3NO3 were synthesized from mixtures of freshly prepared strontium or barium hydroxides and their corresponding nitrates in evacuated quartz glass ampoules at 420 °C and 360 °C, respectively. Single crystals of Sr2(OH)3NO3 were obtained in a solidified Sr(NO3)2 melt after subsequent heating and cooling cycles in air up to 600 °C. The crystal structure of the strontium compound was refined from single crystal and powder X‐ray data. Sr2(OH)3NO3 crystallizes hexagonally in the space group $\rm P{\bar 6}\rm 2m$ (No. 189) with Z = 1 and the lattice parameters a = 6.624(2) Å and c = 3.560(1) Å (single crystal data). The powder pattern of Ba2(OH)3NO3 was indexed isotypically to Sr2(OH)3NO3 with the lattice parameters a = 6.9260(1) Å and c = 3.8086(1) Å, and the crystal structure was refined from powder X‐ray data. Alkaline earth ions in the structures are surrounded trigonal‐prismatically by six hydroxide ions. These prisms are sharing their trigonal faces along [001] building up columns. These columns are connected in the ab‐plane by shared edges, and form hexagonal tunnels with the nitrate groups stacked inside. Infrared and thermoanalytical data of Sr2(OH)3NO3 are presented.
Adducts of NaOSiMePh2 Oligomers with THF and Cyclopentadienyl Iron Dicarbonyl Dimer
Authors: Kückmann Theresa I. , Bolte Michael , Wagner Matthias , Lerner Hans‐Wolfram 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe sodium siloxide NaOSiMePh2 is accessible from the reaction of Ph2MeSiOH with sodium. The crystal structures of three hexameric double heterocubane compounds containing NaOSiMePh2, one without additional donors and one each supported by THF and [CpFe(CO)2]2 are described. Using an excess of THF results in the formation of tetrameric sodium siloxide NaOSiMePh2. The structures of (NaOSiMePh2)4·(THF)4 (Aba2) and (NaOSiMePh2)4·2[CpFe(CO)2]2 (I41/acd) feature a heterocubane structure.
Extraction of Lipids from Municipal Wastewater Plant Microorganisms for Production of Biodiesel
Authors: Dufreche Stephen , Hernandez R. , French T. , Sparks D. , Zappi M. , Alley E. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractMunicipal wastewater treatment plants in the USA produce over 6.2 × 106 t of dried sewage sludge every year. This microorganism‐rich sludge is often landfilled or used as fertilizer. Recent restrictions on the use of sewage sludge, however, have resulted in increased disposal problems. Extraction of lipids from sludge yields an untapped source of cheap feedstock for biodiesel production. Solvents used for extraction in this study include n‐hexane, methanol, acetone, and supercritical CO2. The gravimetric yield of oil was low for nonpolar solvents, but use of polar solvents gave a considerably increased yield; however, the percentage of saponifiable material was less. Extraction of lipids with a mixture of n‐hexane, methanol, and acetone gave the largest conversion to biodiesel compared with other solvent systems, 4.41% based on total dry weight of sludge. In situ transesterification of dried sludge resulted in a yield of 6.23%. If a 10% dry weight yield of fatty acid methyl esters is assumed, the amount of biodiesel available for production in the USA is 1.4 × 106 m3/year. Outfitting 50% of municipal wastewater plants for lipid extraction and transesterification could result in enough biodiesel production to replace 0.5% of the national petroleum diesel demand (0.7 × 106 m3).
Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Films Based on Hydroxylated Soybean Oils
Authors: Brasil Márcia Campos , Gerbase Annelise Engel , de Luca Maria Augusta , Gregório José Ribeiro 
Published: January 2007

AbstractHybrid organic–inorganic films were prepared using four different hydroxylated soybean oils (HSO) or epoxidized soybean oil as organic precursor and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as inorganic precursor in a mass ratio of HSO:TEOS of 90:10. The films were macroscopically homogeneous and were characterized by swelling and extraction in solvent, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) including energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), adhesion and hardness. Their properties varied as a function of the number of OH groups present in the HSO. The best hybrid system was HSOF198/TEOS, with an OH value of 198 mg of KOH/g, which presents lower swelling coefficient, very good adhesion on aluminium surface and good hardness.
Trauma and defense style as response predictors of pharmacological treatment in panic patients
Authors: Kipper Letícia , Blaya Carolina , Wachleski Cláudia , Dornelles Marina , Salum Giovanni Abrahão , Heldt Elizeth , Manfro Gisele G. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackgroundAs panic disorder (PD) has a chronic course, it is important to identify predictors that might be related to non-remission. The aim of this study is to verify whether history of trauma and defense style are predictors to pharmacological treatment response in PD patients.MethodThe sample was composed by 47 PD patients according to DSM-IV who were treated with sertraline for 16 weeks. Evaluations were assessed by the C.G.I. (Clinical Global Impression), the Hamilton-Anxiety Scale, the Hamilton-Depression Scale, the Panic Inventory and the DSQ-40 (Defense Style Questionnaire) at baseline and after treatment.ResultsFull remission was observed in 61.7% of the sample. The predictors significantly associated with non-remission were: severity of PD (p = 0.012), age of onset (p = 0.02) and immature defenses (p = 0.032). In addition, the history of trauma was associated with early onset of PD (p = 0.043).ConclusionPanic patients had as predictors of worse response to pharmacological treatment the early onset and the severity of PD symptoms as well as the use of immature defenses at baseline. This finding corroborates the relevance of the evaluation of factors that might affect the response so as to enable the development of appropriate treatment for each patient.
Introduction of Caged Peptide/Protein into Cells Using Bead Loading: Figure 1.
Authors: Humphrey David , Rajfur Zenon , Imperiali Barbara , Marriott Gerald , Roy Partha , Jacobson Ken 
Published: January 2007

INTRODUCTIONActivation and inactivation of proteins using photoactivation of caged peptides or proteins offers insights into cellular dynamics not achievable using genetic means. The ability to selectively alter the activity of a specific protein at a defined time and location inside a cell allows the correlation of changes in protein activity and cellular behavior. A caged compound, peptide, or protein is prepared by covalently linking it to a photolabile, protecting group via a limited number of critical functional groups in the biomolecules. Under carefully defined conditions, a brief irradiation with UV light (320-400 nm) can lead to an intramolecular photoisomerization reaction that induces the cleavage of the chemical bond between the cage group and the unmodified, biologically active species. Three strategies can be used to introduce caged compounds into cells: cell-permeant peptide vectors, bead loading, and microinjection. In bead loading, cells are bathed in a medium containing the peptide/protein of interest. Glass beads are then sprinkled onto the cells. The beads create temporary holes in the cell membranes, allowing some of the peptide molecules to enter cells at random. Due to the low efficiency of this technique, a large amount of protein or peptide is needed to label a relatively small number of cells. If the peptides or proteins are not fluorescent, it is useful to co-load the cells with an inert fluorescent marker, such as rhodamine dextran, to indicate successful loading. A representative bead-loading protocol using fish keratocytes is given here.