bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crystallization kinetics and melting behaviour of microbial poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate)
Authors: Chen Cheng , Cheung Man Ken , Yu Peter HF 
Published: March 2005

AbstractIsothermal and non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics of microbial poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) [P(3HB‐3HHx)] was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and 13C solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Avrami analysis was performed to obtain the kinetic parameters of primary crystallization. The results showed that the Avrami equation was suitable for describing the isothermal and non‐isothermal crystallization processes of P(3HB‐3HHx). The equilibrium melting temperature of P(3HB‐3HHx) and its nucleation constant of crystal growth kinetics, which were obtained by using the Hoffman–Weeks equation and the Lauritzen–Hoffmann model, were, respectively, 121.8 °C and 2.87 × 105 K2 when using the empirical ‘universal’ values of U* = 1500 cal mol−1. During the heating process, the melting behaviour of P(3HB‐3HHx) for both isothermal and non‐isothermal crystallization showed multiple melting peaks, which was the result of melting recrystallization. The lower melting peak resulted from the melting of crystals formed during the corresponding crystallization process, while the higher melting peak resulted from the recrystallization that took place during the heating process. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and characterization of poly(o‐anisidine)/V2O5 and poly(o‐anthranilic acid)/V2O5 nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Gengchao , Wang Lin , Li Xingwei 
Published: March 2005

AbstractPoly(o‐anisidine)/V2O5 and poly(o‐anthranilic acid)/V2O5 nanocomposites were prepared by in situ intercalative polymerization, and the structure and electrical properties of these nanocomposites were investigated using GPC, TGA, XRD, TEM, FTIR, UV‐vis as well as conductivity measurement. The results show that the steric effect and nature of the substituting groups in the aromatic ring has an influence on the structure and electrical properties of the nanocomposites. Poly(o‐anisidine) or poly(o‐anthranilic acid) exists as a monolayer of outstretched chains in the gallery of the V2O5 xerogel owing to the confined environment in the nanometer‐size gallery. And intercalation of poly(o‐anisidine) or poly(o‐anthranilic acid) can improve the conductivity of V2O5 xerogel. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Enantiomer ratio of MK‐0767 in humans and nonclinical species
Authors: Shen Zhongzhou , Bakhtiar Ray , Komuro Masakatsu , Awano Katsuya , Taga Fukutaro , Colletti Adria , Hora Don , Feeney William , Iliff Susan , Franklin Ronald B. , Vincent Stella 
Published: March 2005

AbstractMK‐0767, (±)‐5‐[(2,4‐dioxothiazolidin‐5‐yl)methyl]‐2‐methoxy‐N‐[[(4‐trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl]benzamide, is a thiazolidinedione‐containing dual peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) α/γ agonist that has been studied as a potential treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes. MK‐0767 contains a chiral center at the C‐5 position of the thiazolidinedione ring and was being developed as the racemate, due to the rapid interconversion of its enantiomers in biological samples. In the present work the in vitro and in vivo concentration ratios of the (+)‐(R) to (−)‐(S) enantiomers of MK‐0767 were determined in plasma from humans (in vitro only) and nonclinical species used in the toxicological evaluation of rac‐MK‐0767, namely CD‐1 mice, Sprague‐Dawley rats, beagle dogs, New Zealand white rabbits, and rhesus monkeys. The R/S ratio was determined by chiral liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Species differences were observed in the in vitro and in vivo enantiomeric ratios, as well as differences between in vitro and in vivo in some species. The in vitro R/S ratio was similar in dogs and humans (∼1.5–1.7). In rats and monkeys, the ratio was approximately unity, both in vitro and in vivo. In mice, the ratio was higher in vitro (∼1) than in vivo (∼0.6), while in rabbits it was higher in vivo (∼1) than in vitro (∼0.5). These results suggested that differential binding of the MK‐0767 enantiomers to plasma and tissue proteins and other macromolecules may be affecting the R/S ratio both in vitro and in vivo, since in protein‐free systems MK‐0767 exists as the racemate. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visual inspection with acetic acid and cytology as screening methods for cervical lesions in Cameroon
Authors: Doh A.S. , Nkele N.N. , Achu P. , Essimbi F. , Essame O. , Nkegoum B. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the accuracy of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) as a screening method for cervical lesions.MethodsVIA and cytological smears were carried out on the cervices of non‐pregnant women aged 30–60 years with no previous history of cervical cancer. Cervices with aceto white lesions or positive Pap smears, and one in ten negative cervices (control), were biopsied.Results5010 women were enrolled, 4813 (96.1%) were screened. 4767 (99.%) had adequate cytology smears. 574 (11.9%) had colposcopy. 1743 biopsies were obtained of which 528 were controls. The sensitivity of VIA was 70.4% versus 47.7% for Pap smear. VIA specificity was 77.6% versus 94.2% for Pap smear; PPV for VIA was 44.0% versus 67.2% for Pap smear; and NPV for VIA was 91.3% versus 87.8% for Pap smear.ConclusionsVIA has acceptable test qualities and may in low resource settings be implemented as a large scale screening method.
DPOAE‐Grams in Patients with Acute Tonal Tinnitus
Authors: Gouveris Haralampos , Maurer Jan , Mann Wolf 
Published: April 2005

OBJECTIVE:To investigate cochlear outer hair cell function in patients with acute tonal tinnitus and normal or near‐normal hearing threshold.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING:Prospective controlled study in an academic tertiary health center. Distortion products of otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE)‐grams of 32 ears with acute tonal tinnitus and normal hearing or minimal hearing loss were compared with those of 17 healthy nontinnitus ears.RESULTS:Tinnitus ears exhibited relatively increased amplitudes of DPOAE at high frequencies (4‐6.3 kHz) when compared with the group of healthy ears and relatively decreased DPOAE amplitudes at middle frequencies (1650‐2400 Hz). Statistically significant (P < 0.01) increased mean values of DPOAE amplitudes were observed only at a frequency of f2 equal to 4.9 kHz.CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE:These findings suggest an altered functional state of the outer hair cells at a selected high‐frequency region of the cochlea in ears with acute tonal tinnitus and normal or near‐normal hearing threshold.
The Bone‐Anchored Hearing Aid in Children: A Surgical and Questionnaire Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Priwin Claudia , Granström Gösta 
Published: April 2005

OBJECTIVES:The main objectives were to evaluate the surgical techniques and problems seen in children with bone‐anchored hearing aids (BAHA) as well as to determine the children's attitudes toward BAHA.STUDY DESIGN:A retrospective study of 41 children with unilateral BAHA was conducted. Surgical recordings were investigated and a questionnaire was distributed.RESULTS:Surgery was performed as a 2‐stage procedure. Available bone thickness was measured in 29 patients and found to be on average 2.5 mm. Thin temporal bone necessitated bone augmentation in 8 patients. Of the implants, 70.5% were installed in contact with the dura or the sigmoid sinus. Implant failures were seen in 9.1% and adverse skin reactions appeared in 7.6% of the patients. Twenty‐seven patients responded to the questionnaire, 19 were still BAHA users. Overall, these patients were very content with their BAHAs.CONCLUSION:BAHA is a good alternative in children despite limited thickness of the temporal bone.
Reliability of the “Sydney,” “Sunnybrook,” and “House Brackmann” Facial Grading Systems to Assess Voluntary Movement and Synkinesis after Facial Nerve Paralysis
Authors: Coulson Susan E. , Croxson Glen R. , Adams Roger D. , O'dwyer Nicholas J. 
Published: April 2005

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the extent of within‐system reliability and between‐system correlation for the “Sydney” and “Sunnybrook” systems of grading facial nerve paralysis, and to examine the interobserver reliability and agreement of the “House Brackmann” grading system.STUDY DESIGN:A fixed‐effects reliability study in which 6 otolaryngologists viewed videotapes of patients with facial nerve paralysis.SETTING:University and medical Centers.PATIENTS:Patients with unilateral lower motor neurone facial nerve dysfunction greater than 1 year after onset, none of whom had undergone surgical reanimation procedures.INTERVENTION:Twenty‐one patients with facial nerve paralysis were videotaped while they performed a protocol of facial movements. Six otolaryngologists viewed the videotapes and scored them with the Sydney and Sunnybrook systems, and then gave a House Brackmann grade.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:The 3 systems of grading facial nerve paralysis were evaluated and compared with the use of intraclass correlation coefficients, Pearson's weighted kappa, and percentage exact agreement values.RESULTS:The Sydney and the Sunnybrook systems had good intrasystem reliability and high intersystem association for the assessment of voluntary movement. Grading of synkinesis was found to have low reliability both within and between systems. The House Brackmann system had substantial reliability as shown by weighted kappa but had a percentage exact agreement of 44%.CONCLUSIONS:For clinical grading of voluntary movement, there is good correlation between ratings given on the Sydney and Sunnybrook systems, and within each system there is good reliability. The assessment of synkinesis was far less reliable within, and less related between, systems. Although the reliability of the House Brackmann system was found to be high, examination of individual grades revealed some wide variation between trained observers.
Towards a Palestinian Arabic Emotive Lexicon: An Invitation for Discussion
Authors: Alon Ilai 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThis paper invites discussion on the proposition of compiling a Palestinian Arabic emotive lexicon that would incorporate in its entries, in addition to cognitive definitions, the emotions, associations, connotations, metaphors, idioms, and non-verbal expressions that are commonly associated with a given word. My main working hypothesis is that semantics must address emotions, i.e., that words, and not only their peripheral elements, carry emotive content. Ignoring these, empathies (temporary term), the manner in which expression is “understood” within a given culture, is partial, at best. Research is to be carried out both quantitatively, in field research, and qualitatively, by literary analysis. The many theoretical, as well as the practical, pitfalls of this suggestion are taken into consideration. The paper's appendices include a sample entry and a sample questionnaire.
The Assassination of King Het'um II: The Conversion of The Ilkhans and the Armenians
Authors: Stewart Angus 
Published: March 2005

AbstractOn November 17, 1307, the Armenian king, Het'um II, was assassinated by a Mongol, recently converted to Islam, the noyan Bularghu. In this paper I will look at this assassination, which has often been seen as significant in the context of the conversion of the Mongols of Persia to Islam, and also at the effects, or perceived effects, of that conversion, especially regarding Ilkhanid foreign policy. I shall consider the attitude of the Ilkhans to the small Armenian kingdom centred on Cilicia, now in south-eastern Turkey, which, by 1307 had shrunk from the size and importance it had enjoyed in the middle of the thirteenth century. First, I intend briefly to describe Armenian relations with the Mongols, from the irruption of the latter until about 1307; then I shall discuss the assassination, the sources and reasons for it; next I shall look at the conversion of the Mongol rulers of Persia to Islam, and any effects that this may have had on Ilkhanid foreign policy; finally I shall consider how both this conversion and the assassination have been interpreted by historians, and what this event actually shows us about the effects of the Mongol Ilkhans' conversion to Islam on their relationship with their subject, Christian, Armenian satellite.
Topiramate Inhibits the Initiation of Plateau Potentials in CA1 Neurons by Depressing R‐type Calcium Channels
Authors: Kuzmiski Joseph Brent , Barr Wendy , Zamponi Gerald W. , MacVicar Brian A. 
Published: March 2005

Summary:  Purpose: Cholinergic‐dependent plateau potentials (PPs) are intrinsically generated conductances that can elicit ictal‐type seizure activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the actions of topiramate (TPM) on the generation of PPs. Methods: We used whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings from CA1 pyramidal neurons in rat hippocampal slices to examine the effects of TPM on the PPs. Results: In current‐clamp mode, action potentials evoked PPs after cholinergic receptor stimulation. Therapeutically relevant concentrations of TPM (50 μM) depressed the PPs evoked by action potentials. Surprisingly, in voltage‐clamp mode, we discovered that the cyclic nucleotide–gated (CNG) current that underlies PP generation (denoted as Itail) was not depressed. However, significantly longer depolarizing voltage steps were required to elicit Itail. This suggested that the calcium entry trigger for evoking PPs was depressed by TPM and not Itail itself. TPM had no effect on calcium spikes in control conditions; however, TPM did reduce calcium spikes after cholinergic‐receptor stimulation. We recently found that R‐type calcium spikes are enhanced by cholinergic‐receptor stimulation. Therefore we isolated R‐type calcium spikes with a cocktail containing tetrodotoxin, ω‐conotoxin MVIIC, ω‐conotoxin‐GVIA, ω‐agatoxin IVA, and nifedipine. R‐type calcium spikes were significantly depressed by TPM. We also examined the effects of TPM on recombinant CaV2.3 calcium channels expressed in tsA‐201 cells. TPM depressed currents mediated by CaV2.3 subunits by a hyperpolarizing shift in steady‐state inactivation. Conclusions: We have found that TPM reduces ictal‐like activity in CA1 hippocampal neurons through a novel inhibitory action of R‐type calcium channels.
Epilepsy and Neurocysticercosis in Atahualpa: A Door‐to‐Door Survey in Rural Coastal Ecuador
Authors: Brutto Oscar H. Del , Santibáñez Rocío , Idrovo Luis , Rodrìguez Silvia , Díaz‐Calderón Enrique , Navas Carlos , Gilman Robert H. , Cuesta Fausto , Mosquera Aurelio , Gonzalez Armando E. , Tsang Victor C. W. , García Hector H. 
Published: March 2005

Summary:  Purpose: To determine the prevalence of epilepsy and the role of neurocysticercosis in the occurrence of epilepsy in Atahualpa. Methods: We used a door‐to‐door survey to detect subjects with epileptic seizures, to collect a blood sample for determination of anticysticercal antibodies, and to evaluate social characteristics of the population, including household pig ownership. Neurologists examined suspected cases and a sample of negative individuals. Then patients with epilepsy, as well as age‐ and sex‐matched controls, underwent a head computed tomography (CT) and a scalp EEG. Results: The questionnaire was answered by 2,415 of 2,548 residents of Atahualpa, and cysticercosis serology was performed in 1,687 consenting individuals. Cysticercosis seroprevalence was 145 (8.6%) per 1,686). Neurologic examination confirmed 24 patients with epilepsy (crude prevalence, 9.9 per 1,000 population, and 10.8 per 1,000 when adjusted to the United States population). After adjustment by age, sex, and pig raising, positive serology was strongly associated with epilepsy (odds ratio (OR), 4.16; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.6–11.2). CT findings compatible with neurocysticercosis were found in five patients with epilepsy and also were more frequent than in controls, although this did not reach statistical significance (five of 19 vs. one of 19; p = 0.125, McNemar's test). Besides these five cases, three other patients with epilepsy had positive serology (one with a normal CT and two who did not have a CT). Conclusions: Neurocysticercosis is associated with one‐third of cases of epilepsy in Atahualpa and may be a major contributory factor for the excess fraction of epilepsy seen in this population.
A 5‐Month Period of Epilepsy Impairs Spatial Memory, Decreases Anxiety, but Spares Object Recognition in the Lithium‐pilocarpine Model in Adult Rats
Authors: Detour Julien , Schroeder Henri , Desor Didier , Nehlig Astrid 
Published: March 2005

Summary:  Purpose: In temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), interictal behavioral disorders affect patients' quality of life. Therefore we studied long‐term behavioral impairments in the lithium‐pilocarpine (li‐pilo) model of TLE. Methods: Eleven li‐pilo adult rats exhibiting spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRSs) during 5 months were compared with 11 li‐saline rats. Spatial working memory was tested in a radial arm maze (RAM), anxiety in an elevated plus‐maze (EPM), and nonspatial working memory in an object‐recognition paradigm. Neuronal loss was assessed on thionine brain sections after behavioral testing. Results: In the RAM, the time to complete each session and the number of errors per session decreased over a 5‐day period in li‐saline rats but remained constant and significantly higher in li‐pilo rats. In the EPM, the number of entries in and time spent on open arms were significantly higher in li‐pilo than li‐saline rats. In the object‐recognition task, the two groups exhibited a comparable novelty preference for the new object. Neuronal loss reached 47–90% in hilus, CA1, amygdala, and piriform and entorhinal cortex. Conclusions: In li‐pilo rats having experienced SRS for 5 months, performance in the object‐recognition task is spared, which suggests that object discrimination remains relatively intact despite extensive damage. Neuronal loss in regions mediating memory and anxiety, such as hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and amygdala, may relate to impaired spatial orientation and decreased anxiety.
Electrical and Chemical Long‐term Depression Do Not Attenuate Low‐Mg2+–induced Epileptiform Activity in the Entorhinal Cortex
Authors: Solger Jörg , Heinemann Uwe , Behr Joachim 
Published: March 2005

Summary:  Purpose: Low‐frequency electrical and magnetic stimulation of cortical brain regions has been shown to reduce cortical excitability and to decrease the susceptibility to seizures in humans and in vivo models of epilepsy. The induction of long‐term depression (LTD) or depotentiation of a seizure‐related long‐term potentiation has been proposed to be part of the underlying mechanism. With the low‐Mg2+‐model of epilepsy, this study investigated the effect of electrical LTD, chemical LTD, and depotentiation on the susceptibility of the entorhinal cortex to epileptiform activity. Methods: The experiments were performed on isolated entorhinal cortex slices obtained from adult Wistar rats and mice. With extracellular recording techniques, we studied whether LTD induced by (a) three episodes of low‐frequency paired‐pulse stimulation (3 × 900 paired pulses at 1 Hz), and by (b) bath‐applied N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA, 20 μM) changes time‐to‐onset, duration, and frequency of seizure‐like events (SLEs) induced by omitting MgSO4 from the artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Next we investigated the consequences of depotentiation on SLEs themselves by applying low‐frequency stimulation after onset of low‐Mg2+–induced epileptiform activity. Results: LTD, induced either by low‐frequency stimulation or by bath‐applied NMDA, had no effect on time‐to‐onset, duration, and frequency of SLEs compared with unconditioned slices. Low‐frequency stimulation after onset of SLEs did not suppress but induced SLEs that lasted for the time of stimulation and were associated with a simultaneous increase of the extracellular K+ concentration. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that neither conditioning LTD nor brief low‐frequency stimulation decreases the susceptibility of the entorhinal cortex to low‐Mg2+–induced epileptiform activity. The present study does not support the hypothesis that low‐frequency brain stimulation exerts its anticonvulsant effect via the induction of LTD or depotentiation.
A Child with Epilepsy in Whom Multifocal VEPs Facilitated the Objective Measurement of the Visual Field
Authors: Yukawa Eiichi , Kim Yeong‐Jin , Kawasaki Kensuke , Taketani Futoshi , Hara Yoshiaki 
Published: March 2005

Summary:  Purpose: We investigated whether visual field defects can be objectively evaluated by using multifocal visual evoked potential (multifocal VEP) in children with epilepsy in whom it is difficult to measure the visual field. Methods: First, to determine normal waves in multifocal VEP, recording was performed by using a VERIS Junior Science (Mayo, Aichi, Japan) in 21 healthy children (21 eyes) consisting of 12 boys and nine girls aged 6 to 15 years (mean age, 11.4 years). Responses from eight sites in each subject were divided into four quadrants (superior and inferior temporal quadrants and superior and inferior nasal quadrants). In each quadrant, two response waves were grouped and averaged; peak latency and amplitude were used for assessment. In a child with epilepsy in whom kinetic or static perimetry was impossible, multifocal VEPs were recorded and compared with the peak latency and amplitude in the healthy subjects. Results: In the 21 healthy children, no significant differences were observed in the peak latency or amplitude among four quadrants by one‐way analysis of variance. Multifocal VEPs in the child with epilepsy showed abnormal waves in the right hemivisual field, which corresponded to the lesion observed with magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusions: The objective evaluation of visual field defects by using multifocal VEP may be useful in children with epilepsy in whom kinetic/static perimetry as a subjective examination is difficult.
Somatosensory Processing Is Impaired in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Grant Arthur C. , Henry Thomas R. , Fernandez Raquel , Hill Mary Ann , Sathian K. 
Published: March 2005

Summary:  Purpose: Growing evidence suggests that temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a network disease. In this view, the seizure focus may produce measurable deficits in specific cortical functions. Methods: A tactile grating orientation (GrOr) discrimination task associated with parietal lobe function was administered at the index fingertip to 15 subjects with medically intractable TLE and to 19 neurologically normal controls. TLE subjects were tested bilaterally at baseline while taking their usual antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and off AEDs during inpatient video‐EEG monitoring (n = 9). Three subjects also were tested after temporal lobectomy. t Tests were used to compare baseline performance between TLE subjects and controls, and between hands ipsilateral and contralateral to side of seizure onset, with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. TLE subjects' baseline thresholds were compared with those obtained off AEDs by using a repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: TLE subjects were severely impaired bilaterally on the GrOr task, with mean discrimination thresholds nearly twice those of controls (p ≤ 0.001 for each hand). No significant difference was found in baseline performance between hands (p = 0.37), or between baseline and off‐AED testing (p = 0.42). The three subjects tested after temporal lobectomy demonstrated improved performance compared with baseline, but statistics were not performed because of the small subject number. Conclusions: Patients with medically intractable TLE have impaired tactile GrOr discrimination bilaterally that is not due to nonspecific effects of AEDs. This impaired perceptual ability may be reversible with surgical removal of the seizure focus.