bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MDM2 gene amplification in colorectal cancer is associated with disease progression at the primary site, but inversely correlated with distant metastasis
Authors: Sugano Nobuhiro , Suda Tetsuji , Godai Ten‐I , Tsuchida Kazuhito , Shiozawa Manabu , Sekiguchi Hironobu , Yoshihara Mitsuyo , Matsukuma Shoichi , Sakuma Yuji , Tsuchiya Eiju , Kameda Yoichi , Akaike Makoto , Miyagi Yohei
Published: April 2010

MDM2 is a crucial negative regulator of the TP53 tumor suppressor and almost 10% of human tumors exhibit MDM2 amplification. Although TP53 pathway perturbation has been extensively examined in colorectal cancer (CRC), only one previous report has evaluated MDM2 amplification in relation to clinicopathological factors. In that report, MDM2 amplification was shown to be associated with disease progression from Dukes' Stages A to D. In this study, we investigated MDM2 amplification by quantitative PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) together with the SNP309 genotypes, and analyzed the correlations with TP53 and KRAS mutations and clinicopathological features in 211 Japanese CRC patients. MDM2 amplification was detected in 8% of the specimens and its incidence was significantly higher in Dukes' stage C than in the combined earlier Stages A and B (P = 0.025). Unexpectedly, the incidence was significantly decreased in Stage D metastatic disease (P = 0.043). The copy number gain ranged from four to eight copies and was generally concordant with gain of centromere 12 using FISH analysis. Together with the results of centromere 1 FISH and TP53 copy number assessment, the MDM2 increment most likely resulted from chromosome 12 gain. The mechanism of the copy number gain and incidence in Dukes' Stage D differed considerably from the previous report. Ethnic or geographic factors could be responsible for these differences. Several promising therapeutic strategies targeting the TP53‐MDM2 system are being developed. Further understanding of the significance of MDM2 and MDM2 amplification in CRC is required to facilitate personalized treatment for CRC patients.© 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maturational dynamics of hippocampal place cells in immature rats
Authors: Scott Rod C. , Richard Gregory R. , Holmes Gregory L. , Lenck‐Santini Pierre‐Pascal
Published: April 2010

The ontogeny of neural substrates underlying episodic memory is not well described. Place cells are a surrogate for episodic memory and are important for spatial navigation in rodents. Although place cells are well described in mature brains, the nature of the maturation processes remains uncertain. We now report on the ontogeny of the place cell system in rats between P22 and P43, a time during which there is rapid improvement in spatial behavior. We found that place cells with adult like firing fields were observed at the earliest ages. However, at this age, adult like place cells were few in number and their place fields were not stable across multiple exposures to the same environment. Independently of confounding factors such as the number of exposures to the environment, the proportion of adult‐like place cells, their firing rate, and their stability increased with age and the average spatial signal of all pyramidal cells improved. These findings could account for the poor spatial behavior observed at young ages (P20–P30) and suggests that a small number of adult‐like place cells are insufficient to support navigation. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Numerical simulation of heat transfer and fluid flow over two rotating circular cylinders at low Reynolds number
Authors: Pavlovich Moshkin Nikolay , Sompong Jakgrit
Published: April 2010

This paper presents a numerical investigation of the characteristics of two‐dimensional heat transfer in a steady laminar flow around two rotating circular cylinders in a side‐by‐side arrangement. The simulation is validated by comparing our computational results for the large gap‐spacing between cylinder surfaces with the available numerical and experimental data for a single cylinder. Numerical simulations were carried out for the Reynolds number range 10≤Re ≤40, for the Prandtl number range 0.7≤Pr ≤50, and for a variety of absolute rotational speeds (|α|≤2.5) at different gap spacings. The study revealed that for the range of parameters considered the rate of heat transfer decreases with the increasing speed of rotation. An increase of the Prandtl number resulted in an increase in the average Nusselt number. The streamlines and isotherms are plotted for a numbers of cases to show the details of the velocity and thermal fields. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20293
Lichens and mosses moisture content assessment through high‐spectral resolution remote sensing technology: a case study of the Hudson Bay Lowlands, Canada
Authors: Neta T. , Cheng Q. , Bello R. L. , Hu B.
Published: April 2010

Assessing moisture contents of lichens and mosses using ground‐based high‐spectral resolution spectrometers offers immense opportunities for a comprehensive monitoring of peatland moisture status by satellite/airborne imagery. This study investigates the impact of various moisture conditions of common subarctic lichen and moss species upon the spectral signatures obtained. The lichens are Cladina stellaris and Cladina rangiferina, and the mosses are Dicranum elongatum and Tomenthypnum nitens. Reflectance and moisture content measurements of these species were made in a laboratory setting, while maintaining the natural moisture conditions of the samples; once the moisture and spectral measurements were complete, the samples were returned to the field and placed in their natural setting, continuously receiving moisture from precipitation and groundwater and losing water through evaporation and drainage. Changes in reflectance of the visible to shortwave infrared (SWIR) range (400–2500 nm) at various moisture contents were examined, as well as the potential of current spectral reflectance indices to evaluate the plants' moisture contents was examined. Results indicate that the SWIR region is useful in identifying variations in plants moisture conditions, while the unique spectral signatures of the lichens and mosses in the visible and near‐infrared range suggest that these species may be detected by satellite and airborne imagery. Of current spectral indices, the normalized difference infrared index (NDII) was most successful in identifying the above plants' moisture content (details are discussed in the paper). Future study should focus on the development of improved moisture content spectral indices, as well as upscaling reflectance data and spectral indices. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Review of thin-layer placement applications to enhance natural recovery of contaminated sediment
Authors: Merritt Karen A , Conder Jason , Kirtay Victoria , Chadwick D Bart , Magar Victor
Published: April 2010

This article provides a review of thin-layer placement applications to enhance the natural recovery of contaminated sediment. Three principal case studies are presented in which thin-layer placement has been implemented as a component of enhanced monitored natural recovery (EMNR). EMNR is defined as the application of engineered means such as thin-layer placement or broadcasting of capping material to accelerate natural recovery processes in locations not appropriate for application of monitored natural recovery (MNR) alone. Case studies examine factors affecting the implementation of EMNR, including the impact of site conditions on stable and successful thin-layer placement of clean sediment or other capping material, as well as the challenges in development and implementation of monitoring plans that chart progress toward achieving remedy success. Pilot-scale or demonstration studies of thin-layer placement of clean sand or sediment are subsequently assessed to highlight a range of potentially successful strategies for placement and post-placement monitoring. The primary difference between the pilot-scale or demonstration sites and the 3 primary EMNR case studies is that monitoring at the demonstration sites has focused more explicitly on understanding mechanisms of material placement and/or chemical migration, rather than assessing longer-term or more comprehensive remedial action objectives (RAOs) such as reductions in human health or ecological risk. All sites discussed in this review appear to have demonstrated reductions in the surface sediment concentration of at least some chemicals of concern following thin-layer placement; however, the achievement of human and ecological risk reduction has been inconsistent or is still under evaluation. Effective monitoring as an integral component of EMNR continues to represent a challenge. For cap material stability, monitoring typically focuses on surface sediment chemistry and the persistence of the cap material, whereas monitoring of ecological recovery tends to be limited or difficult and is not always correlated with successful placement of the thin-layer, especially in the short term. Recontamination of the newly placed cap material has been a relatively common occurrence in many of the sites considered herein, and has led to exceedance of remedial targets. However, in no case did recontamination return surface sediment chemical concentrations to pre-placement levels. Where the placement of cap material is stable and there is no evidence of chemical migration through the cap, recontamination signals a need to update conceptual site models to better reflect sediment and contaminant transport processes in areas in which EMNR has been implemented. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2010;6:749–760. © 2010 SETAC
Focal modulation microscopy with annular apertures: A numerical study
Authors: Gong Wei , Si Ke , Chen Nanguang , Sheppard Colin J. R.
Published: April 2010

Image formation of focal modulation microscopy with annular aperture (AFMM) is presented. The spatial resolution is discussed. Compared with confocal microscopy, AFMM can simultaneously enhance the axial and transverse resolution. By adjusting the width of the annular objective aperture, AFMM can be adjusted from best spatial resolution performance to highest signal level. The capability of background rejection is also investigated, showing AFMM has the potential to further increase the imaging penetration depth. Finally, an optimal configuration of AFMM is elaborated. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Eating Disorder symptomatology: prevalence among Latino college freshmen students
Authors: Reyes‐Rodríguez Mae Lynn , Franko Debra L. , Matos‐Lamourt Anguelique , Bulik Cynthia M. , Von Holle Ann , Cámara‐Fuentes Luis R. , Rodríguez‐Angleró Dianisa , Cervantes‐López Sarah , Suárez‐Torres Alba
Published: April 2010

This study investigated the prevalence of eating disorder symptoms in first‐year students at the University of Puerto Rico. Responses to the Bulimia Test Revised (BULIT‐R), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT‐26), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were analyzed in a sample of 2,163 freshman students. The percentage of students at or above the clinical cut‐off points was 3.24% for the BULIT‐R and 9.59% for the EAT‐26, and 1.88% met the cut‐off point for both instruments. The 36.44% of the students who screen positive on eating disorders measures scored 18 or more on the BDI and 5.93% on this group presented high suicidal risk based on their responses to BDI items assessing suicidal thoughts. Eating disorder symptoms occur frequently in Puerto Rican college students, and prevention, detection, and treatment efforts are needed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 66:1–14, 2010.
Discrepancies between adolescent, mother, and father reports of adolescent internalizing symptom levels and their association with parent symptoms
Authors: Hughes Elizabeth K. , Gullone Eleonora
Published: April 2010

Discrepancies among informants on measures of internalizing symptoms in children and adolescents are common in the literature. One reason proposed for such discrepancies is that psychopathology may distort or bias third‐party reports. In the present study, measures of adolescent internalizing symptom levels were completed by adolescents aged 13 to 18 years and their mothers and fathers. Parents also completed measures of their own depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Parent symptoms explained a small amount of variance in discrepancies between informants. Specifically, mothers' depression and stress symptoms were associated with discrepancies regarding sons' symptomatology and fathers' anxiety and stress symptoms were associated with discrepancies regarding daughters' symptomatology. Implications of informant discrepancies for both clinical practice and research are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: 66: 1–18, 2010.
Background determination‐based detection of scattered peaks
Authors: Stroebel Armin , Welzel Oliver , Kornhuber Johannes , Groemer Teja W.
Published: April 2010

In many instances of signal and image processing, it is indispensable to precisely distinguish scattered peaks from a background, e.g., camera signals in microscopy. Here we addressed the detection of Gaussian signals in simulated line profiles (LP) comparable with e.g., fluorescence microscopy data. In a first step, we measured the applicability of histogram‐based global background estimation. We find that the method is valid for typical scattered Gaussian signals if they are averagely separated by interpeak distances of 5.5 standard deviations. This enabled us to design global background determination‐based peak detection (GBPD). GBPD was compared with two local background determination‐based signal detection methods that had been designed for analysis of electrophysiological data andmicroscopy images, respectively. We were able to prove via receiver–operator characteristic (ROC) comparisons of signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), interpeak distance, and filtering behavior that, when applicable, GBPD brings advantages in knowledge needed a priori, performance at any SNR, controllability and spatial resolution. Microsc. Res. Tech. 73:1115–1122, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional HIV‐2‐ and SIVsmmPBj‐ derived lentiviral vectors generated by a novel polymerase chain reaction‐based approach
Authors: Kloke Björn‐Philipp , Schüle Silke , Mühlebach Michael D. , Wolfrum Nina , Cichutek Klaus , Schweizer Matthias
Published: April 2010

Background

Lentiviral vectors allow stable gene transfer into nonreplicating cells and are increasingly used in clinical gene therapy approaches. Vectors derived from different origins can show distinct target cell transduction properties. Therefore, the construction of modern vector systems of different viral origin remains desirable. The generation of safe and efficient lentivirus‐derived transfer vectors by gradual enhancing cloning steps is a time‐consuming process that depends on the presence of suitable restriction sites. Multiple‐step cloning protocols also enhance the risk of acquisition of mutations or other genetic instabilities.

Methods

We constructed novel HIV‐2 and SIVsmmPBj‐derived transfer vectors by amplification of three essential segments of the viral genome [5′‐long terminal repeat (LTR), rev responsive element, ΔU3‐3′‐LTR] on the template of the lentiviral full‐length genome by a highly flexible three‐step fusion polymerase chain reaction approach. Further necessary vector elements, as well as a multiple cloning site, were included into the resulting vector by extension of the primer sequences. The respective vesicular stomatitis virus G pseudotyped lentiviral vector particles were generated and analysed.

Results

Two novel transfer vectors of different lentiviral origin were successfully generated. Titers for the corresponding SIVsmmPBj‐ and HIV‐2‐derived vectors reached up to 9.9 × 107 transforming units (TU)/ml and 1.2 × 108 TU/ml, respectively. The specific capacity to transduce primary human monocytes was maintained in both newly‐generated vector systems.

Conclusions

We anticipate that this novel and fast way of generating any lentiviral transfer vector will improve the generation of such vectors. The HIV‐2‐ and SIVsmmPBj‐derived vectors described will prove valuable for future gene therapy strategies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Producing Parsons' reputation: Early critiques of Talcott Parsons' social theory and the making of a caricature
Authors: Owens B. Robert
Published: April 2010

This article examines the critical responses to Talcott Parsons' first major work,The Structure of Social Action(1937), and his two subsequent books,Toward a General Theory of ActionandThe Social System(both 1951). Because Parsons' work was the subject of such virulent debate, we cannot fully understand Parsons' impact on the discipline of sociology without understanding the source and nature of those early criticisms. I trace the responses to Parsons, first through book reviews and private letters and then in the more substantial statements of C. Wright Mills, George Homans, and Alvin Gouldner, from the largely positive but superficial reception ofStructureto the polemics that followed Parsons' 1951 works. In the late 1930s and 1940s, Parsons' reputation grew steadily but there remained no careful reception ofStructure, fostering resentment toward Parsons in some quarters while precluding a sophisticated understanding of his work. After 1951, a few critics capitalized on that tension, writing sweeping rejections of Parsons' work that spoke to a much broader audience of sociologists. That dynamic, coupled with Parsons' own indifference toward his harshest critics, produced a situation in which many sociologists simply chose not to read Parsons in the 1950s and 1960s, reinforcing a caricature and distorting perceptions of Parsons' place in mid‐twentieth‐century American sociology. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measurement and decision making at the University of Michigan in the 1950s and 1960s
Authors: Heukelom Floris
Published: April 2010

This article explores the emergence of Clyde Coombs' mathematical psychology and Ward Edwards' behavioral decision research at the University of Michigan in the 1950s and 1960s. It shows why and how the mathematical psychological focus on the mathematics of measurement neatly complemented the experimental work on rational human decision making of the behavioral decision researchers. Both understood measurement as the rational decision of a human being between two or more stimuli, or values, and viewed the experimental measurement of actual human decision behavior as a key objective of psychology. For both “measurement theory in psychology [was] behavior theory.” © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fragmentation of negative ions from N‐linked carbohydrates, Part 4. Fragmentation of complex glycans lacking substitution on the 6‐antenna
Authors: Harvey David J. , Jaeken Jaak , Butler Mike , Armitage Alison J. , Rudd Pauline M. , Dwek Raymond A.
Published: April 2010

Negative ion CID spectra of N‐linked glycans released from glycoproteins contain many ions that are diagnostic for specific structural features such as the detailed arrangement of antennae and the location of fucose residues. Identification of such ions requires reference glycans that are often difficult to acquire in a pure state. The recent acquisition of a sample of N‐glycans from a patient lacking the enzyme N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase‐2 provided an opportunity to investigate fragmentation of glycans lacking a 6‐antenna. These glycans contained one or two galactose‐N‐acetylglucosamine‐chains attached to the 3‐linked mannose residue of the trimannosyl‐chitobiose core with and without fucose substitution. The spectra from the patient sample clearly defined the antenna distribution and showed striking differences from the spectra of isomeric compounds obtained from normal subjects. Furthermore, they provided additional information on previously identified antenna‐specific fragment ions and indicated the presence of additional ions that were diagnostic of fucose substitution. Glycans obtained from such enzyme‐deficient patients can, thus, be a valuable way of obtaining spectra of specific isomers in a relatively pure state for interpretation of mass spectra. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sex differences in cerebral ischemia: Possible molecular mechanisms
Authors: Siegel Chad , Turtzo Christine , McCullough Louise D.
Published: April 2010

Sex is emerging as an important factor in the etiology and expression of many different pathological conditions, including stroke. Initially, the levels of sex hormones were thought to be the major contributor to these sex differences, especially after puberty, when gonadal steroid levels sharply diverge between the sexes. More recently, it is recognized that sex differences also result from the organizational effects of sex hormone exposure early in development, even in the absence of hormone exposure later in life, as well as effects mediated by the sex chromosomes themselves. Epigenetic modifications of developmental genes important in sexual differentiation and the response to sex steroid hormones are also emerging as another important contributor to sex differences in disease expression. This review describes recent research on the relationship between hormones, organizational‐activational effects of gonadal steroids, and epigenetic modifications in brain pathology, focusing specifically on cerebral ischemia. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
X‐linked mental retardation gene CASK interacts with Bcl11A/CTIP1 and regulates axon branching and outgrowth
Authors: Kuo Ting‐Yu , Hong Chen‐Jei , Chien Hsu‐Ling , Hsueh Yi‐Ping
Published: April 2010

Calcium/calmodulin‐dependent serine kinase (CASK), a causative gene in X‐linked mental retardation, carries out multiple functions in neurons, including vesicle trafficking of ion channels, synapse formation, and gene transcription. From a yeast two‐hybrid screen, Krüppel‐like zinc finger protein B cell lymphoma/COUP‐TF‐interacting protein 1 (Bcl11A/CTIP1) was identified as a CASK binding protein. Through alternative splicing, a single Bcl11A gene encodes two major protein products in neurons, Bcl11A‐S and Bcl11A‐L. CASK interacted with both Bcl11A‐S and Bcl11A‐L in transfected COS cells and brain. Immunofluorescence staining further indicated the colocalization of CASK and Bcl11A in the nuclei of neurons. These studies supported an interaction between CASK and Bcl11A in vivo. Bcl11A‐L has previously been shown to play a role in gene transcription as well as axon outgrowth and branching. Here, we further show that Bcl11A‐L rearranges the distribution of nuclear actin, which may be related to the function of Bcl11A‐L in gene expression. More importantly, using cultured hippocampal neurons as a model system, we show that CASK enhances the ability of Bcl11A‐L to restrict axon outgrowth and branching. Interruption of the interaction between CASK and Bcl11A increased the outgrowth and branching of axons, suggesting that the interaction between CASK and Bcl11A controls axon arborization. In conclusion, our results suggest that, through the interaction with Bcl11A, CASK plays a role in axonogenesis, which may be related to brain anatomical characteristics in humans. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aminoglycoside‐mediated partial suppression of MECP2 nonsense mutations responsible for Rett syndrome in vitro
Authors: Popescu Andreea C. , Sidorova Elena , Zhang Guangming , Eubanks James H.
Published: April 2010

Rett syndrome is a pediatric neurological condition that affects primarily girls. Approximately 30% of Rett syndrome cases arise from point mutations that introduce a premature stop codon into the MECP2 gene. Several studies have now shown that certain aminoglycosides can facilitate read‐through of some types of nonsense mutations in a context‐dependent manner and allow the generation of a full‐length protein. It remains mostly unclear whether different nonsense mutations of MECP2 will be responsive to aminoglycoside treatment. In this study, we tested whether the common premature terminating mutations of MECP2 seen in Rett syndrome cases can be partially suppressed by aminoglycoside administration. Our results show that aminoglycosides allow different mutant forms of MECP2 to be overcome in transiently transfected HEK293 cells, but with differing levels of efficiency. In addition, we also show that aminoglycosides increased the prevalence of full‐length MeCP2 protein in a dose‐dependent manner in a lymphocyte cell line derived from a Rett syndrome girl with the R255X mutation. This study helps to establish the “proof of principle” that some nonsense mutations causing Rett syndrome can be at least partially suppressed by drug treatment. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tephrochronology of recent events in the Andean Range (northern Patagonia): spatial distribution and provenance of lacustrine ash layers in the Nahuel Huapi National Park
Authors: Daga Romina , Guevara Sergio Ribeiro , Sánchez M. Lidia , Arribére María
Published: April 2010

Tephrochronology is a powerful tool for dating sedimentary sequences, especially in Patagonia, where a large number of active volcanoes have produced frequent historical eruptions. Short lacustrine sedimentary sequences were extracted from the lakes Moreno Oeste and Tonček (Nahuel Huapi National Park). Seventeen volcanic ash layers were identified in both cores, 210Pb and 137Cs were used for dating techniques, and historical volcanic records were employed for correlation. White pumice and glass shards from the tephras were characterised by measuring major and trace element contents by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Two volcanic sources – the Cordón Caulle and the Calbuco volcanoes – were recognised as the prevailing systems that impacted the area in the past 800–1000 a. The Calbuco volcano was mainly responsible for the nine tephras identified in the Lake Tonček sequence. Four of these nine tephras also contained material from the Cordón Caulle complex, and could be interpreted as composite tephras or possible reworked ones. The Calbuco volcano showed predominant influences in the Lake Moreno Oeste sequence. Six of the eight tephras identified in such a sequence were from the Calbuco volcano, and three of these six contained material from the Cordón Caulle complex. The other two were from the Cordón Caulle complex, with contributions from the Calbuco volcano in one of them. These findings show that the high frequency of volcanic events in the study region demands an accurate characterisation of the products generated by each source, as well as an evaluation of their spatial distribution, to obtain a consistent framework for dating recent environmental changes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Usefulness of the combination procedure of crash clamping and vessel sealing for hepatic resection
Authors: Nanashima Atsushi , Tobinaga Syuuichi , Abo Takafumi , Nonaka Takashi , Sawai Terumitsu , Nagayasu Takeshi
Published: April 2010

Background

Minimization of blood loss during resection of the hepatic parenchyma in hepatectomy remains a major problem. The usefulness of the LigaSure sealing system has been reported.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of combination procedure of LigaSure and forceps clamping for control blood loss and transection time in hepatectomy.

Methods

Here, we report our experience with the combination technique of LigaSure Precise™, a clamp forceps type, and crush clamping method for hepatic transection in 33 patients who underwent hepatectomy.

Results

The combination technique allows fast and bloodless transection even along the major intrahepatic vessels. Blood loss and transection time were significantly reduced in the group of LigaSure use (P < 0.05). Efficient hemostasis could be achieved also in patients with extensive liver injury such as cirrhosis. The rates of postoperative intraabdominal abscess formation in the combination technique of LigaSure and crush clamping were lower compared with the conventional crush clamping method (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The combined use of LigaSure Precise™ and crush clamping technique is safe and allows rapid completion of hepatic resection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:179–183. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Soil conservation in two English catchments: Linking soil management with policies
Authors: Posthumus H. , Deeks L. K. , Fenn I. , Rickson R. J.
Published: April 2010

Soil degradation, specifically soil compaction and soil erosion can have significant impacts in some parts of England. The southwest of England is particularly vulnerable to soil erosion and compaction due to the region's erodible soils. This paper discusses the soil degradation problems, the policies addressing these problems and the stakeholders involved in the Parrett and Axe catchments. Key informants, including farmers, farm advisors and policy makers, were interviewed on their perceptions on soil degradation and soil mitigation measures, and the effectiveness of agricultural policies to encourage sustainable soil management. Until recently, mitigating soil degradation has been indirectly addressed through various agricultural and environmental policies, such as the cross‐compliance regulations that accompany the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and agri‐environment schemes. Recent initiatives, in particular the Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) scheme, have contributed to reversing the trend of soil degradation locally by engaging farmers and providing better advice on land management. However, the main focus of current policy initiatives and accompanying measures tends to focus on the control of diffuse water pollution rather than protecting or conserving soil in situ, and gaps remain in the implementation of effective targeted measures. A more integrated approach to land and water management, consisting of voluntary and regulatory measures, involving farmers and other stakeholders, tailored to local circumstances and supported by economic incentives and advisory services, is recommended. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Initiating Systems for Thermal Cationic Polymerization at Ambient Temperature with in situ Formation of Ag(0) Nanoparticles: A Silane/Silver Salt Combination
Authors: Souane Rachid , Tehfe Mohamad Ali , Lalevée Jacques , Gigmes Didier , Fouassier Jean Pierre
Published: April 2010

New initiating systems for the thermal cationic polymerization of epoxides and vinyl ether derivatives are proposed. They are based on a silane/silver salt interaction, which ensures a good to excellent polymerization at room temperature. Moreover, the polymerization is much more efficient under air. The effects of the silane, silver salt, and monomer structures are investigated. Interestingly, silver nanoparticles Ag(0) are formed in situ. A coherent picture of the involved chemical mechanisms is presented.

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Donor/Spacer/Acceptor Block Copolymer Containing Poly(2,7‐carbazole) and Perylenetetracarboxydiimide Subunits
Authors: Yang Changduk
Published: April 2010

A straightforward synthesis of a conjugated rod/spacer/rod‐type block copolymer containing PCz electron‐donor and PDI electron‐acceptor blocks is described. Two chromophores are covalently connected through sebacate units as saturated spacer. The resulting donor/spacer/acceptor‐type block copolymer (PCz‐S‐PDI) can be applied to limit charge recombination between donor/acceptor interfaces and to control the scale length of nanostructure formation. PCz‐S‐PDI was used to produce a solar cell with the power conversion efficiency of 0.004%.

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Fabrication of Patterned Images in Photochromic Organic Microfibers
Authors: Lee Jung , Lee Chan‐Woo , Kim Jong‐Man
Published: April 2010

Photochromic spiropyran molecules were embedded in electrospun polymer microfibers. Electrospinning of a clear viscous chloroform solution containing a spiropyran and a matrix polymer, such as polystyrene and polyethylene oxide, affords polymer microfibers that are photoswitchable. Photomasked, 365 nm UV irradiation of the microfibers results in the generation of patterned color images owing to the selective transformation of the spiropyran molecules from their ring‐closed SP to ring‐opened MC form. The UV‐irradiated areas display brilliant red fluorescence, which changes to green fluorescence upon prolonged irradiation.

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The effects of an exercise program on fall risk factors in people with Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Allen Natalie E. , Canning Colleen G. , Sherrington Catherine , Lord Stephen R. , Latt Mark D. , Close Jacqueline C.T. , O'Rourke Sandra D. , Murray Susan M. , Fung Victor S.C.
Published: April 2010

This randomized controlled trial with blinded assessment aimed to determine the effect of a 6‐month minimally supervised exercise program on fall risk factors in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Forty‐eight participants with PD who had fallen or were at risk of falling were randomized into exercise or control groups. The exercise group attended a monthly exercise class and exercised at home three times weekly. The intervention targeted leg muscle strength, balance, and freezing. The primary outcome measure was a PD falls risk score. The exercise group had no major adverse events and showed a greater improvement than the control group in the falls risk score, which was not statistically significant (between group mean difference = −7%, 95% CI −20 to 5, P = 0.26). There were statistically significant improvements in the exercise group compared with the control group for two secondary outcomes: Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (P = 0.03) and timed sit‐to‐stand (P = 0.03). There were statistically nonsignificant trends toward greater improvements in the exercise group for measures of muscle strength, walking, and fear of falling, but not for the measures of standing balance. Further investigation of theimpact of exercise on falls in people with PD is warranted. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
The DRD4 gene and severity of tics and comorbid symptoms: Main effects and interactions with delivery complications
Authors: Bos‐Veneman Netty G.P. , Minderaa Ruud B. , Hoekstra Pieter J.
Published: April 2010

In this study, we investigated the role of the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) 48‐base pairs (bp) variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) and perinatal adversities regarding severity of tics and comorbid symptoms in children with tic disorders. We genotyped 110 children with tics with regard to the 48‐bp VNTR and assessed presence of prenatal smoking exposure, and pregnancy and delivery complications by parent questionnaires. We examined associations between 2, 3, 4, and 7 repeat (R) alleles and severity of tics and comorbid obsessive‐compulsive, depressive, anxious, and autistic symptoms. Through linear regressions, we investigated whether perinatal adversities and the 2R, 3R, 4R, and 7R alleles would interact with severity ratings of tics or comorbid symptoms as outcome. Presence of a 2R allele was related to more severe obsessive–compulsive symptoms, and presence of a 3R allele to increased severity of autistic features. Pregnancy complications were associated with decreased obsessive–compulsive symptom severity, and prenatal smoking exposure to more severe depressive and autistic symptoms. In children without a 3R allele delivery complications were associated with more severe tics, but in children with a 3R variant an inverse relation between delivery complications and tic severity was found. Moreover, the relation between delivery complications and internalizing symptom severity appeared to be most pronounced in children with a 2R allele. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for a role of the 48‐bp VNTR in the etiology of tic and associated disorders, and for interactions with delivery complications regarding severity of tics and co‐occurring internalizing symptoms. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Aggregation of amyloid Aβ(1–40) peptide in perdeuterated 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol caused by ultrasound sonication
Authors: Filippov Andrei V. , Gröbner Gerhard , Antzutkin Oleg N.
Published: April 2010

Ultrasound sonication of protein and peptide solutions is routinely used in biochemical, biophysical, pharmaceutical and medical sciences to facilitate and accelerate dissolution of macromolecules in both aqueous and organic solvents. However, the impact of ultrasound waves on folding/unfolding of treated proteins, in particular, on aggregation kinetics of amyloidogenic peptides and proteins is not understood. In this work, effects of ultrasound sonication on the misfolding and aggregation behavior of the Alzheimer's Aβ(1–40)‐peptide is studied by pulsed‐field gradient (PFG) spin–echo diffusion NMR and UV circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Upon simple dissolution of Aβ(1–40) in perdeuterated trifluoroethanol, CF3‐CD2‐OD (TFE‐d3), the peptide is present in the solution as a stable monomer adopting α‐helical secondary structural motifs. The self‐diffusion coefficient of Aβ(1–40) monomers in TFE‐d3 was measured as 1.35 × 10−10 m2 s−1, reflecting its monomeric character. However, upon ultrasonic sonication for less than 5 min, considerable populations of Aβ molecules (ca 40%) form large aggregates as reflected in diffusion coefficients smaller than 4.0 × 10−13 m2 s−1. Sonication for longer times (up to 40 min in total) effectively reduces the fraction of these aggregates in 1H PFG NMR spectra to ca 25%. Additionally, absorption below 230 nm increased significantly upon sonication treatment, an observation, which also clearly confirms the ongoing aggregation process of Aβ(1–40) in TFE‐d3. Surprisingly, upon ultrasound sonication only small changes in the peptide secondary structure were detected by CD: the peptide molecules mainly adopt α‐helical motifs in both monomers and aggregates formed upon sonication. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1H NMR assignment corrections and 1H, 13C, 15N NMR coordination shifts structural correlations in Fe(II), Ru(II) and Os(II) cationic complexes with 2,2′‐bipyridine and 1,10‐phenanthroline
Authors: Pazderski Leszek , Pawlak Tomasz , Sitkowski Jerzy , Kozerski Lech , Szłyk Edward
Published: April 2010

1H, 13C and 15N NMR studies of iron(II), ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) tris‐chelated cationic complexes with 2,2′‐bipyridine and 1,10‐phenanthroline of the general formula [M(LL)3]2+ (M = Fe, Ru, Os; LL = bpy, phen) were performed. Inconsistent literature 1H signal assignments were corrected. Significant shielding of nitrogen‐adjacent protons [H(6) in bpy, H(2) in phen] and metal‐bonded nitrogens was observed, being enhanced in the series Ru(II) → Os(II) → Fe(II) for 1H, Fe(II) → Ru(II) → Os(II) for 15N and bpy → phen for both nuclei. The carbons are deshielded, the effect increasing in the order Ru(II) → Os(II) → Fe(II). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of model parameter deviations on the variance of a linearly filtered time series
Authors: Apley Daniel W. , Lee Hyun Cheol
Published: April 2010

We consider a general linear filtering operation on an autoregressive moving average (ARMA) time series. The variance of the filter output, which is an important quantity in many applications, is not known with certainty because it depends on the true ARMA parameters. We derive an expression for the sensitivity (i.e., the partial derivative) of the output variance with respect to deviations in the model parameters. The results provide insight into the robustness of many common statistical methods that are based on linear filtering and also yield approximate confidence intervals for the output variance. We discuss applications to time series forecasting, statistical process control, and automatic feedback control of industrial processes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2010
Crystallization, rheological, and mechanical properties of PLLA/PEG blend with multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Li Yanli , Li Xiaoxi , Xiang Fangming , Huang Ting , Wang Yong , Wu Jun , Zhou Zuowan
Published: April 2010

Functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (FMWCNTs) were introduced into poly(L‐lactide)/polyethylene glycol (PLLA/PEG) blend and the effects of FMWCNTs on crystallization behaviors, rheological, and mechanical properties of PLLA/PEG/FMWCNTs were investigated. The results show that FMWCNTs exhibit good distribution in the nanocomposites and absorb some PEG to agglomerate around them. The crystallization behavior of PLLA in the nanocomposites is greatly dependent on the content of FMWCNTs. At low content of FMWCNTs, the addition of FMWCNTs improves the crystallization behavior of PLLA by enhancing the crystallization temperature and accelerating the crystallization rate, whereas at high content of FMWCNTs, the crystallization of PLLA is restricted to a certain degree. Rheological properties show the formation of the network structure of FMWCNTs at high content, which is the main reason for the retarded crystallization behavior of PLLA due to the network structure providing restriction to mobility and diffusion of PLLA chains to crystal growth fronts. The mechanical properties show that FMWCNTs exhibit reinforcement effect for plasticized PLLA. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MDM2 polymorphism increases susceptibility to childhood acute myeloid leukemia: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Phillips Christine L. , Gerbing Robert , Alonzo Todd , Perentesis John P. , Harley Isaac T.W. , Meshinchi Soheil , Bhatla Deepika , Radloff Gretchen , Davies Stella M.
Published: April 2010

Background

The variant polymorphism in the gene MDM2, SNP309, leads to increased level of mdm2 protein and subsequent downregulation of p53 tumor suppressor pathway. Presence of this single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been associated with earlier tumorigenesis in patients with Li–Fraumeni syndrome, as well as decreased survival in patients with CLL. In addition, cells homozygous (G/G) for SNP 309 were found to have 10‐fold increase resistance to topoisomerase II inhibitors in vitro.

Procedure

We genotyped children (n = 575) with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated on three Children's Oncology Group protocols (CCG 2941/2961/AAML 03P1) for the presence of SNP309. Healthy blood donors were genotyped as control population.

Results

The variant G/G genotype was associated with an increased susceptibility to AML (OR 1.5; P = 0.049). However, the presence of the variant allele at SNP309 did not modify disease response or toxicity in children treated on CCG protocols 2941/2961.

Conclusions

The variant SNP 309 influences susceptibility to pediatric AML, but does not impact overall response to therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:248–253. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Placing of tunneled central venous catheters prior to induction chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Handrup Mette Møller , Møller Jens Kjølseth , Frydenberg Morten , Schrøder Henrik
Published: April 2010

Background

Tunneled central venous catheters (CVCs) are inevitable in children with acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of CVC‐related complications in children with ALL in relation to timing of catheter placement and type of catheter.

Procedure

All children hospitalized from January 2000 to March 2008 with newly diagnosed ALL and with double‐lumen total implantable devices (TIDs) or tunneled external catheters (TEs) were included retrospectively. We only used data related to the patient's first catheter.

Results

We included 98 children; 35 received a TID and the remaining 63 received a TE. A total number of 29,566 catheter days and 93 catheter‐associated blood stream infections (CABSI) was identified. We found a CABSI rate of 3.1/1,000 catheter days (5.4/1,000 catheter days for TEs and 1.4/1,000 catheter days for TIDs, incidence rate ratio (IRR) 3.82 (95% CI 2.37–6.35) P = 0.0001). No difference was found in CABSI between neither early versus later placed TIDs (IRR = 0.99 (95% CI 0.41–2.45) P = 0.98) nor early versus later placed TEs (IRR = 0.81 (95% CI 0.40–1.86) P = 0.54). We found no difference between early and later placed catheters regarding non‐elective removal (RR = 0.86 (95% CI 0.72–1.03) P = 0.09). TEs had a higher risk of non‐elective removal compared with TIDs (RR = 3.95 (95% CI 1.88–8.29) P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The study did not find that children with ALL and with early placed CVCs experienced significantly more complications compared with children with late placed catheters. This study found that children with ALL and TEs experienced more complications than children with TIDs. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:309–313. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Cylinder‐to‐rod‐to‐sphere evolution of complex micelles in solution and their corresponding solvent‐induced crystallization process
Authors: Huang Weihuan , Luo Chunxia , Wang Hanfu , Han Yanchun
Published: April 2010

In a previous paper, we investigated the solvent‐induced crystallization of films made up of spherical micelles, which were prepared by mixing polystyrene‐block‐poly(acrylic acid) and polystyrene‐block‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine)‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) in the neutral solvent N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF). In the work reported in the present paper, we further studied the cylinder‐to‐rod‐to‐sphere evolution of complex micelles in solution and their corresponding solvent‐induced crystallization process. The initial morphology of the micelles in the solution was cylindrical due to a rapid growth of micelles with high unimer concentration, and spheres became the dominant form after storage at room temperature for a longer time. Regular square platelets can form after a certain period of treatment for all micelles in DMF vapor for sufficient time. However, the kinetics of their solvent‐induced crystallization process is quite different. The aggregation and subsequent nucleation of poly(ethylene oxide) blocks are determined by the distribution of crystallizable poly(ethylene oxide) blocks in the films. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Biomaterials‐based organic electronic devices
Authors: Bettinger Christopher J , Bao Zhenan
Published: April 2010

Organic electronic devices have demonstrated tremendous versatility in a wide range of applications including consumer electronics, photovoltaics and biotechnology. The traditional interface of organic electronics with biology, biotechnology and medicine occurs in the general field of sensing biological phenomena. For example, the fabrication of hybrid electronic structures using both organic semiconductors and bioactive molecules has led to enhancements in the sensitivity and specificity within biosensing platforms, which in turn has a potentially wide range of clinical applications. However, the interface of biomolecules and organic semiconductors has also recently explored the potential use of natural and synthetic biomaterials as structural components of electronic devices. The fabrication of electronically active systems using biomaterials‐based components has the potential to produce a large set of unique devices including environmentally biodegradable systems and bioresorbable temporary medical devices. This article reviews recent advances in the implementation of biomaterials as structural components in organic electronic devices with a focus on potential applications in biotechnology and medicine. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Using controlled radical polymerisation techniques for the synthesis of functional polymers containing amino acid moieties
Authors: O'Reilly Rachel K
Published: April 2010

There is great current interest in bridging the gap between robust synthetic polymers and complex biological polymers to allow for the preparation of novel functional, well‐defined, biocompatible and tailorable materials. In this mini‐review recent reports on the preparation of functional amino acid polymers using controlled radical polymerisation techniques are discussed. The future potential applications of these materials as well as the proposed further directions in the field are also highlighted. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry