bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of the polyamine analogue N1,N11‐diethylnorspermine on cell survival and susceptibility to apoptosis of human chondrocytes
Authors: Stanic Ivana , Cetrullo Silvia , Facchini Annalisa , Stefanelli Claudio , Borzì Rosa Maria , Tantini Benedetta , Guarnieri Carlo , Caldarera Claudio Marcello , Flamigni Flavio 
Published: January 2008

AbstractChondrocyte survival is closely linked to cartilage integrity, and forms of chondrocyte apoptotic death can contribute to cartilage degeneration in articular diseases. Since growing evidence also implicates polyamines in the control of cell death, we have been investigating the role of polyamine metabolism in chondrocyte survival and apoptosis. Treatment of human C‐28/I2 chondrocytes with N1,N11‐diethylnorspermine (DENSPM), a polyamine analogue with clinical relevance as an experimental anticancer agent, inhibited polyamine biosynthesis and induced polyamine catabolism, thus rapidly depleting all main polyamines. DENSPM did not increase significantly caspase activity, but provoked a late cell death associated to DNA fragmentation. A short treatment with DENSPM did not reduce cell viability when given alone, but enhanced caspase‐3 and ‐9 activation in chondrocytes exposed to tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF) and cycloheximide (CHX). A longer treatment with DENSPM however reduced caspase response to TNF plus CHX. Depletion of all polyamines obtained by specific inhibitors of polyamine biosynthesis did not cause cell death and contrasted apoptosis by decreasing caspase activities. In conclusion, following DENSPM treatment, C‐28/I2 chondrocytes are initially sensitized to caspase 9‐dependent apoptosis in the presence of TNF and CHX and may eventually undergo a late and mainly caspase‐independent cell death in the absence of other stimuli. Moreover, these results indicate that a reduction of polyamine levels not only leads to inhibition of cell proliferation, but also of caspase‐mediated pathways of chondrocyte apoptosis. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 153–161, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The electronic delocalization in para‐substituted β‐nitrostyrenes probed by resonance Raman spectroscopy and quantum‐chemical calculations
Authors: Ando Rômulo A. , Cunha Rodrigo L. O. R. , Juliano Luiz , Borin Antonio C. , Santos Paulo S. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe electronic (UV‐vis) and resonance Raman (RR) spectra of a series of para‐substituted trans‐β‐nitrostyrenes were investigated to determine the influence of the electron donating properties of the substituent (X = H, NO2, COOH, Cl, OCH3, OH, N(CH3)2, and O−) on the extent of the charge transfer to the electron‐withdrawing NO2 group directly linked to the ethylenic (C = C) unit. The Raman spectra and quantum chemical calculations show clearly the correlation of the electron donating power of the X group with the wavenumbers of the νs(NO2) and ν (C = C)sty normal modes. In conditions of resonance with the lowest excited electronic state, one observes for X = OH and N(CH3)2 that the symmetric stretching of the NO2, νs(NO2), is the most substantially enhanced mode, whereas for X = O−, the chromophore is extended over the whole molecule, with substantial enhancement of several carbon backbone modes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micro‐Raman spectroscopy on analcime and pollucite in comparison to X‐ray diffraction
Authors: Presser V. , Kloužková A. , Mrázová M. , Kohoutková M. , Berthold C. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractNatural and synthetic samples of analcime and pollucite (both zeolites belonging to the analcime group) were studied by means of micro‐Raman spectrometry, X‐ray fluorescence analysis (XFA) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). On knowing the chemical and structural characteristics of each solid‐solution member, the observed shift in the spectral position of the Raman active modes can be explained and used for phase determination. As shown, the distinction between members of the analcime–pollucite solid‐solution series using Raman spectroscopy is significantly more conclusive than the corresponding XRD findings. Also, information about the structurally bound water inside the zeolite structure can be gained using Raman spectroscopy as long as a suitable exciting wavelength is selected. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional biscuits with PUFA‐ω3 from Isochrysis galbana
Authors: Gouveia Luísa , Coutinho Carla , Mendonça Emanuel , Batista Ana Paula , Sousa Isabel , Bandarra Narcisa M , Raymundo Anabela 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Sweet biscuits, a traditional and nutritious food, can be healthy and very attractive when redesigned to be prepared with the addition of a natural product, the microalgal biomass of Isochrysis galbana. This marine microalga is recognised as a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), mainly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5ω3), and is a promising ingredient in the food and feed industries. The importance of PUFA‐ω3 (an alternative to fish oils) in food, and the need to increase the daily intake of these substances to promote a healthier lifestyle is now well known.RESULTS: Traditional butter biscuits were enriched with I. galbana biomass (1% and 3%) and evaluated in terms of colour, texture and fatty acid profile, within 3 months of storage. I. galbana biscuits presented total levels of 100 mg 100 g−1 and 320 mg 100 g−1 of PUFA‐ω3 (EPA + DPA (docosapentaenoic acid; 22:5ω3) + DHA (docosahexaenoic acid; 22:6ω3) for 1% and 3% I. galbana, respectively.CONCLUSION: The enhancement of texture properties, the high stability of colour and texture and the good profile of polyunsaturated fatty acids, with emphasis on EPA and DHA, of the biscuits obtained, reveal a new food market niche opportunity. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Reconstructive microsurgery in pediatric population—A series of 25 patients
Authors: Yildirim Serkan , Calikapan Gaye Taylan , Akoz Tayfun 
Published: January 2008

AbstractPediatric microsurgery procedures possess various difficulties when compared with adults. However, both free tissue transfers and replantation of the amputated parts show remarkable success rates in children. The concerns of survival of the flaps and the amputated parts have shifted to the function of these in the adulthood. Several key points and hints allow successfull rates for both survival and function. We present a series of microsurgical procedures both free tissue transfers (12 patients) and digital replantations (13 patients). Free tissue transfers included toe‐to‐hand transfers in 5, latsissimus dorsi flaps in 4, fibular flaps in 4, and anterolateral thigh flaps in 2 patients. Thirteen patients involved 17 digital replantations. The survival rate was less in the replantation group (58.75%) than in the free tissue transfer group (93%). Both the functional and the cosmetic results were promising. The follow‐up period was between 1 and 6 years (mean 37 months) for the free tissue transfer group and 1–5 years (mean 20 months) for the replantation group. The major technical difficulties include the age group of 0–2 years. Aside from these the high capacity of regeneration and the improved learning capacity increase the feasibility of the microsurgical procedures proceeded among children. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
Primary posterior capsulorhexis with anterior vitrectomy in preventing posterior capsule opacification in pediatric cataract microsurgery
Authors: Luo Yi , Lu Yi , Lu Guosheng , Wang Man 
Published: January 2008

AbstractOur study was performed to investigate the operative effects of pediatric cataract surgery with anterior vitrectomy. The study comprised of 38 pediatric patients aged 2–5 years and involved a total of 60 eyes with congenital cataracts. The study was done between March 2004 and December 2005. Posterior capsulorhexis with anterior vitrectomy was performed on 34 eyes of 20 children, and cataract extraction was performed on 26 eyes of 18 children. The percentages of various complications and rate of neodymium YAG (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy were followed up for 12–36 months. There were significant differences in the percentages of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and rate of neodymium YAG (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy between the anterior vitrectomy group and cataract extraction group (P < 0.01). The anterior vitrectomy group was associated with less posterior capsular opacification (11.8%) than the cataract extraction group (76.9%). The YAG capsulotomy rate was 2.9% for the anterior vitrectomy group, and 57.7% for the cataract extraction group. After operation the fibrous exudates in anterior chamber and the intraocular lens subluxation or capture were 5.9% and 2.9% for the anterior vitrectomy group while for the cataract extraction group they were 23.1% and 15.4%; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The results suggest that primary posterior capsulorhexis with anterior vitrectomy in pediatric cataract surgery who are between 2 and 5 years old is necessary and effective procedure with low PCO rate. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
Local B1+ shimming for prostate imaging with transceiver arrays at 7T based on subject‐dependent transmit phase measurements
Authors: Metzger Gregory J. , Snyder Carl , Akgun Can , Vaughan Tommy , Ugurbil Kamil , Van de Moortele Pierre‐Francois 
Published: January 2008

AbstractHigh‐quality prostate images were obtained with transceiver arrays at 7T after performing subject‐dependent local transmit B1 (B1+) shimming to minimize B1+ losses resulting from destructive interferences. B1+ shimming was performed by altering the input phase of individual RF channels based on relative B1+ phase maps rapidly obtained in vivo for each channel of an eight‐element stripline coil. The relative transmit phases needed to maximize B1+ coherence within a limited region around the prostate greatly differed from those dictated by coil geometry and were highly subject‐dependent. A set of transmit phases determined by B1+ shimming provided a gain in transmit efficiency of 4.2 ± 2.7 in the prostate when compared to the standard transmit phases determined by coil geometry. This increased efficiency resulted in large reductions in required RF power for a given flip angle in the prostate which, when accounted for in modeling studies, resulted in significant reductions of local specific absorption rates. Additionally, B1+ shimming decreased B1+ nonuniformity within the prostate from (24 ± 9%) to (5 ± 4%). This study demonstrates the tremendous impact of fast local B1+ phase shimming on ultrahigh magnetic field body imaging. Magn Reson Med 59:396–409, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Compressed sensing in dynamic MRI
Authors: Gamper Urs , Boesiger Peter , Kozerke Sebastian 
Published: January 2008

AbstractRecent theoretical advances in the field of compressive sampling—also referred to as compressed sensing (CS)—hold considerable promise for practical applications in MRI, but the fundamental condition of sparsity required in the CS framework is usually not fulfilled in MR images. However, in dynamic imaging, data sparsity can readily be introduced by applying the Fourier transformation along the temporal dimension assuming that only parts of the field‐of‐view (FOV) change at a high temporal rate while other parts remain stationary or change slowly. The second condition for CS, random sampling, can easily be realized by randomly skipping phase‐encoding lines in each dynamic frame. In this work, the feasibility of the CS framework for accelerated dynamic MRI is assessed. Simulated datasets are used to compare the reconstruction results for different reduction factors, noise, and sparsity levels. In vivo cardiac cine data and Fourier‐encoded velocity data of the carotid artery are used to test the reconstruction performance relative to k‐t broad‐use linear acquisition speed‐up technique (k‐t BLAST) reconstructions. Given sufficient data sparsity and base signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), CS is demonstrated to result in improved temporal fidelity compared to k‐t BLAST reconstructions for the example data sets used in this work. Magn Reson Med 59:365–373, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative magnetic resonance of postmortem multiple sclerosis brain before and after fixation
Authors: Schmierer Klaus , Wheeler‐Kingshott Claudia A.M. , Tozer Daniel J. , Boulby Phil A. , Parkes Harold G. , Yousry Tarek A. , Scaravilli Francesco , Barker Gareth J. , Tofts Paul S. , Miller David H. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractUnfixed and fixed postmortem multiple sclerosis (MS) brain is being used to probe pathology underlying quantitative MR (qMR) changes. Effects of fixation on qMR indices in MS brain are unknown. In 15 postmortem MS brain slices T1, T2, MT ratio (MTR), macromolecular proton fraction (fB), fractional anisotropy (FA), and mean, axial, and radial diffusivity (MD, Dax, and Drad) were assessed in white matter (WM) lesions (WML) and normal appearing WM (NAWM) before and after fixation in formalin. Myelin content, axonal count, and gliosis were quantified histologically. Student's t‐test and regression were used for analysis. T1, T2, MTR, and fB obtained in unfixed MS brain were similar to published values obtained in patients with MS in vivo. Following fixation T1, T2 (NAWM, WML) and MTR (NAWM) dropped, whereas fB (NAWM, WML) increased. Compared to published in vivo data all diffusivity measures were lower in unfixed MS brain, and dropped further following fixation (except for FA). MTR was the best predictor of Tmyelin (inversely related to myelin) in unfixed MS brain (r = −0.83; P < 0.01) whereas postfixation T2 (r = 0.92; P < 0.01), T1 (r = 0.89; P < 0.01), and fB (r = −0.86; P < 0.01) were superior. All diffusivity measures (except for Dax in unfixed tissue) were predictors of myelin content. Magn Reson Med 59:268–277, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Using saliva to measure endogenous cortisol in nursing home residents with advanced dementia
Authors: Woods Diana Lynn , Kovach Christine R. , Raff Hershel , Joosse Laura , Basmadjian Alicia , Hegadoren Kathleen M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractTwo research teams determined the feasibility of saliva collection for cortisol measurement in nursing home residents with advanced dementia. Study aims were to: (a) determine if sufficient saliva could be obtained for assay and (b) examine whether cortisol values exhibited range and variability for meaningful interpretation. Useable samples were consistent across sites, suggesting that saliva collection for cortisol assay is a viable method in this setting. Cortisol values showed range and variability. More than half of the residents showed the normal adult pattern of high morning levels decreasing throughout the day. A third of the participants demonstrated an increase in the evening cortisol levels, while the remaining profiles were flat, suggesting hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) dysregulation in this population. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 31:283–294, 2008
Redesigning health information systems in developing countries: the need for local flexibility and distributed control
Authors: Kimaro Honest C. , Mengiste Shegaw A. , Aanestad Margunn 
Published: January 2008

AbstractDespite widespread aims to strengthen the Health Information System (HIS) as a tool for decentralised health care, there is a strong tendency in most developing countries that the HIS continues to reflect the central level's needs and requirements. The traditional design approach with little or no end user involvement results in a centralised HIS with an extensive, somewhat inappropriate, but also inflexible set of standards. Consequently, the HIS is not very useful for the wished‐for decentralisation of health services, and there is an urgent need to redesign the existing HIS in order to make it locally relevant and appropriately decentralised. Based on a comparative case analysis of the HIS in Tanzania and Ethiopia, we offer practical recommendations on the way to achieve this redesign. A central design goal should be to achieve a balance between centralised control and local autonomy. Some degree of control over a decentralised HIS, including budgets and the use of resources, should be delegated to the district administration. In order to achieve the aim of a locally relevant, well‐working HIS, it is necessary that appropriate authority, capacity and decentralised allocation of resources for HIS will be developed at the district and sub‐district levels. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bringing psychological science to the forefront of educational policy: Collaborative efforts of the American Psychological Association's Coalition for Psychology in the Schools and Education
Authors: Rollin Stephen A. , Subotnik Rena F. , Bassford Maya , Smulson Jennifer 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe following article details the work of the American Psychological Association's (APA's) Coalition for Psychology in the Schools and Education (CPSE). First, a brief history of the background and creation of the coalition is described. The article then details the projects, completed and ongoing, of the CPSE. Those projects include a Teacher Needs Survey, the work of the Applications of Psychological Science to Teaching and Learning Task Force, and work in education advocacy and on the Higher Education Act. The article concludes with details regarding the composition of the CPSE and specifics regarding the APA divisions represented. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mastery learning and assessment: Implications for students and teachers in an era of high‐stakes testing
Authors: Zimmerman Barry J. , Dibenedetto Maria K. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractFederal efforts to improve American students' achievement through high‐stakes testing have led to significant concerns about the fairness and effectiveness of standardized tests. We attribute these concerns to the use of summative tests to assess academic progress without the benefits of an effective formative model of assessment and instruction, such as mastery learning. Historically, mastery learning models emerged as a reaction to the misuse of psychometric models of assessment for instructional purposes. Differences between these models are discussed along with a more recent form of mastery assessment, curriculum‐based measurement. Apprehensions about the summative testing requirements of No Child Left Behind are considered along with efforts to make these tests fairer, such as the inclusion of a growth provision. Finally, we identified a mastery learning intervention program in mathematics in a high school that achieved national recognition, and we interviewed participating teachers and students. They reported the positive academic and motivational outcomes expected of a mastery learning approach and a few concerns about drawbacks associated with high‐stakes testing. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Health locus of control questionnaire for patients with chronic low back pain: psychometric properties of the Brazilian–Portuguese version
Authors: Oliveira Vinícius Cunha , Furiati Thiago , Sakamoto Ana , Ferreira Paulo , Ferreira Manuela , Maher Chris 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackground and Purpose. Low back pain is common among Brazilians, especially affecting those who are working. Psychosocial factors, such as the health locus of control, are associated with low back pain prognoses. Although the multidimensional health locus of control questionnaire is widely employed in individuals with low back pain, a Brazilian–Portuguese version is not yet available. The aim of the present study was to translate and adapt the multidimensional health locus of control (MHLC) questionnaire, and to investigate its psychometric properties in a Brazilian population with non‐specific chronic low back pain. Method. Translation and adaptation of the questionnaire was carried out in the first phase of the study. In the second phase it was administered to Brazilians with non‐specific chronic low back pain to evaluate its intra‐examiner reliability (n = 20), concurrent validity, internal consistency (n = 40), and floor and ceiling effects. To evaluate concurrent validity the Brazilian–Portuguese version of the Roland–Morris disability questionnaire was used as the comparison. Results. The sub‐scales demonstrated good to excellent reliability with intra‐class coefficient (ICC) values of 0.75 for the external subscale (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.46–0.89), 0.87 for the internal sub‐scale (95% CI: 0.69–0.94) and 0.90 for the chance sub‐scale (95% CI: 0.77–0.96). For concurrent validity, the external and chance sub‐scales correlated positively with disability (Pearson's r = 0.58; p < 0.001 and Pearson's r = 0.35; p = 0.025), respectively, while the internal sub‐scale correlated negatively with disability (Pearson's r = −0.33; p = 0.037). The questionnaire had acceptable internal consistency, with a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.65 (95% CI: 0.46–0.80) for external sub‐scale, 0.77 (95% CI: 0.64–0.87) for internal sub‐scale and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.73–0.90) for chance sub‐scale. Conclusions. The Brazilian–Portuguese version of the MHLC questionnaire has acceptable measurement properties similar to that observed with the original English language version. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single impurity Anderson model and band anti‐crossing in the Ga1–xInx Ny As1–y material system
Authors: Vogiatzis Nikolaos , Rorison Judy M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe role of the single‐N impurity in the GaInNAs system is evaluated using the single impurity Anderson model. The N impurities can act either as scattering resonances or as bound states depending on their energy position. For the former case, using self‐energy calculations and Matsubara Green's functions we investigate the nature of the mixed single‐N state (energy broadening, shift). The effect of this interaction on the perturbed conduction subbands is also examined. The single impurity Anderson model results in a complex band structure. The real part of the band structure can be directly related to the dispersion obtained with the band anti‐crossing model and is in very good agreement. The imaginary bandstructure contains further information about the mixing of the nitrogen state and the conduction band which is not contained within the band anti‐crossing model. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Research on inorganic electroluminescence – present status
Authors: Kobayashi H. , Ohmi K. , Ichino K. , Kunimoto T. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIn this paper, we discuss the present status of electroluminescence (EL) of inorganic materials. From 1970's, the main research was made on multicolor and fullcolor EL. Finally blue inorganic EL of BaAl2S4:Eu was developed, resulting in fullcolor EL‐TV using “color by blue®” by iFire Technology. Very recently, a new ultra bright inorganic EL of dc driven at lower than 10 V has been developed. These three findings will stimulate the researches on inorganic EL, which slowed down and were not active in the past two decades. Some new findings are expected. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoluminescence spectra of Eu‐doped GaN
Authors: Sawahata J. , Seo J. W. , Chen S. , Akimoto K. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractLuminescence spectra of Eu‐doped GaN with varying Eu concentration and V/III ratio were investigated. Eu‐related luminescence originating from the 5D0–7F2 transition of Eu3+ was observed at about 622 nm. The luminescence basically consisted of three peaks, and the relative intensity of the three peaks was affected by the Eu concentration and the V/III ratio. These results indicate that the Eu incorporation site is very sensitive to the Eu concentration and the V/III ratio. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)