bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecology of the gastrointestinal parasites of Colobus vellerosus at Boabeng‐Fiema, Ghana: Possible anthropozoonotic transmission
Authors: Teichroeb Julie A. , Kutz Susan J. , Parkar Unaiza , Thompson R.C. Andrew , Sicotte Pascale
Published: May 2009

Parasite richness and prevalence in wild animals can be used as indicators of population and ecosystem health. In this study, the gastrointestinal parasites of ursine colobus monkeys (Colobus vellerosus) at the Boabeng‐Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (BFMS), Ghana, were investigated. BFMS is a sacred grove where monkeys and humans have long lived in relatively peaceful proximity. Fecal samples (n = 109) were collected opportunistically from >27 adult and subadult males in six bisexual groups and one all‐male band from July 2004 to August 2005. Using fecal floatation, we detected three protozoans (two Entamoeba sp., Isospora sp.), five nematodes (Ascaris sp., Enterobius sp., Trichuris sp., two strongyle sp.), and one digenean trematode. Using fluorescein labeled antibodies, we detected an additional protozoan (Giardia sp.), and with PCR techniques, we characterized this as G. duodenalis Assemblage B and also identified a protistan (Blastocystis sp., subtype 2). The most prevalent parasite species were G. duodenalis and Trichuris sp. Parasites were more prevalent in the long wet season than the long dry. Parasite prevalence did not vary by age, and average parasite richness did not differ by rank for males whose status remained unchanged. However, males that changed rank tended to show higher average parasite richness when they were lower ranked. Individuals that spent more time near human settlements had a higher prevalence of Isospora sp. that morphologically resembled the human species I. belli. The presence of this parasite and G. duodenalis Assemblage B indicates possible anthropozoonotic and/or zoonotic transmission between humans and colobus monkeys at this site. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phase II trial of CoQ10 for ALS finds insufficient evidence to justify phase III
Authors: Kaufmann Petra , Thompson John L.P. , Levy Gilberto , Buchsbaum Richard , Shefner Jeremy , Krivickas Lisa S. , Katz Jonathan , Rollins Yvonne , Barohn Richard J. , Jackson Carlayne E. , Tiryaki Ezgi , Lomen‐Hoerth Catherine , Armon Carmel , Tandan Rup , Rudnicki Stacy A. , Rezania Kourosh , Sufit Robert , Pestronk Alan , Novella Steven P. , Heiman‐Patterson Terry , Kasarskis Edward J. , Pioro Erik P. , Montes Jacqueline , Arbing Rachel , Vecchio Darleen , Barsdorf Alexandra , Mitsumoto Hiroshi , Levin Bruce
Published: May 2009

Objective

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating, and currently incurable, neuromuscular disease in which oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment are contributing to neuronal loss. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an antioxidant and mitochondrial cofactor, has shown promise in ALS transgenic mice, and in clinical trials for neurodegenerative diseases other than ALS. Our aims were to choose between two high doses of CoQ10 for ALS, and to determine if it merits testing in a Phase III clinical trial.

Methods

We designed and implemented a multicenter trial with an adaptive, two‐stage, bias‐adjusted, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, Phase II design (n = 185). The primary outcome in both stages was a decline in the ALS Functional Rating Scale‐revised (ALSFRSr) score over 9 months. Stage 1 (dose selection, 35 participants per group) compared CoQ10 doses of 1,800 and 2,700mg/day. Stage 2 (futility test, 75 patients per group) compared the dose selected in Stage 1 against placebo.

Results

Stage 1 selected the 2,700mg dose. In Stage 2, the pre‐specified primary null hypothesis that this dose is superior to placebo was not rejected. It was rejected, however, in an accompanying prespecified sensitivity test, and further supplementary analyses. Prespecified secondary analyses showed no significant differences between CoQ10 at 2,700mg/day and placebo. There were no safety concerns.

Interpretation

CoQ10 at 2,700mg daily for 9 months shows insufficient promise to warrant Phase III testing. Given this outcome, the adaptive Phase II design incorporating a dose selection and a futility test avoided the need for a much larger conventional Phase III trial. Ann Neurol 2009;66:235–244
Cycle‐Specific Organocascade Catalysis: Application to Olefin Hydroamination, Hydro‐oxidation, and Amino‐oxidation, and to Natural Product Synthesis
Authors: Simmons Bryon , Walji Abbas M. , MacMillan David W. C.
Published: May 2009

Teamarbeit: Die kombinierte Anwendung von Iminium(Im)‐ und Enamin(En)‐Katalysatoren ermöglicht eine Vielzahl an wertvollen asymmetrischen Umwandlungen, darunter die 1,2‐Hydroaminierung, 1,2‐Hydrooxidation und 1,2‐Aminooxidation von Olefinen (siehe Bild). Eine enantioselektive Organokaskadenkatalyse wurde auch für die Synthese eines komplexen Naturstoffs genutzt.

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Highlights in Colloid Science.Herausgegeben von D. Platikanov und D. Exerowa.
Authors: Fuhrhop Jürgen‐Hinrich
Published: May 2009

Wiley‐VCH, Weinheim 2009. 306 S., geb., 129.00 €.—ISBN 978‐3527320370

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Gold Supported on Hydroxyapatite as a Versatile Multifunctional Catalyst for the Direct Tandem Synthesis of Imines and Oximes
Authors: Sun Hao , Su Fang‐Zheng , Ni Ji , Cao Yong , He He‐Yong , Fan Kang‐Nian
Published: May 2009

Zwei Fliegen mit einer (goldenen) Klappe: Das Titelsystem katalysiert hoch effizient die milde Tandemsynthese von Iminen und Oximen aus Alkoholen und Aminen (siehe Schema).

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Metal Oxide Catalysis.1+2. Herausgegeben von S. David Jackson und Justin S. J. Hargreaves.
Authors: Thornton Geoff
Published: May 2009

Wiley‐VCH, Weinheim 2008. 866 S., geb., 279.00 €.—ISBN 978‐3527318155

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Gold Supported on Hydroxyapatite as a Versatile Multifunctional Catalyst for the Direct Tandem Synthesis of Imines and Oximes
Authors: Sun Hao , Su Fang‐Zheng , Ni Ji , Cao Yong , He He‐Yong , Fan Kang‐Nian
Published: May 2009

Two birds with one auric stone: The title system acts as a highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the one‐pot tandem synthesis of imines or oximes from alcohols and the corresponding amines under mild conditions (see scheme; HAP= hydroxyapatite).

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Bile Acid Derived PET‐Based Cation Sensors: Molecular Structure Dependence of their Sensitivity
Authors: Maitra Uday , Nath Suvadeep
Published: May 2009

Sensitive sensors: A general strategy of designing a PET cation sensor using Bile acids as scaffolds has been discussed. Keeping the basic molecular structure the same, different bile acid based fluoroionophores were prepared in order to achieve the highest sensitivity toward the metal ions. The dependence of sensitivity on the molecular structure has been studied.

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A number of bile acid derived photoinduced electron transfer (PET) based sensors for metal ions are prepared. A general strategy for designing the sensor with a modular nature allows for making different molecules capable of sensing different metal ions by a change in the fluorophore and receptor unit. Keeping the basic molecular structure the same, different bile acid based fluoroionophores were prepared in order to achieve the highest sensitivity toward the metal ions. The sensors showed similar binding constants for the same metal ion, but the degree of fluorescence enhancement upon addition of the metal salts were different. The sensitivities of the sensors towards a certain metal were determined from the observed fluorescence enhancement upon addition of the metal salt.
Productivity of Chlorella sorokiniana in a short light‐path (SLP) panel photobioreactor under high irradiance
Authors: Cuaresma María , Janssen Marcel , Vílchez Carlos , Wijffels René H.
Published: May 2009

Maximal productivity of a 14 mm light‐path panel photobioreactor under high irradiance was determined. Under continuous illumination of 2,100 µmol photons m−2 s−1 with red light emitting diodes (LEDs) the effect of dilution rate on photobioreactor productivity was studied. The light intensity used in this work is similar to the maximal irradiance on a horizontal surface at latitudes lower than 37°. Chlorella sorokiniana, a fast‐growing green microalga, was used as a reference strain in this study. The dilution rate was varied from 0.06 to 0.26 h−1. The maximal productivity was reached at a dilution rate of 0.24 h−1, with a value of 7.7 g dw m−2 h−1 (m2 of illuminated photobioreactor surface) and a volumetric productivity of 0.5 g dw L−1 h−1. At this dilution rate the biomass concentration inside the reactor was 2.1 g L−1 and the photosynthetic efficiency was 1.0 g dw mol photons. This biomass yield on light energy is high but still lower than the theoretical maximal yield of 1.8 g mol photons−1 which must be related to photosaturation and thermal dissipation of absorbed light energy. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 352–359 © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surgical management of gastrointestinal stromal tumours
Authors: Gervaz P , Huber O , Morel P
Published: May 2009

Background

Over the past decade, gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) have served as a model for the application of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the treatment of solid neoplasms. Operative and medical management of GISTs is rapidly evolving, but current guidelines appear restricted to basic non-organ-specific recommendations.

Methods

A PubMed search was made of the English literature from 1998 to 2008 for references containing the terms ‘gastrointestinal stromal tumours’ and ‘surgery’. This paper reviews the various operative strategies so far reported for GISTs within the digestive tract.

Results

Many original procedures tailored to the specific characteristics of these rare sarcomas have been reported. GISTs exhibit distinct features, in particular an absence of metastases within locoregional lymph nodes. Operations requiring extended lymph node dissection, typically designed for adenocarcinomas, such as gastrectomy with extended lymph node dissection, Whipple's procedure and total mesorectum excision, are inappropriate for treating GISTs originating from the stomach, duodenum and rectum respectively.

Conclusion

GISTs allow the possibility of performing oncologically adequate but limited (wedge; segmental) resections. Such surgery can be carried out in a variety of ways, such as open, laparoscopic, trans-sacral or endoscopic.
Systematic review of pancreatic surgery for metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Tanis P J , van der Gaag N A , Busch O R C , van Gulik T M , Gouma D J
Published: May 2009

Background

This study examined the clinical outcome of patients with pancreatic metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods

A systematic literature search produced individual data for 311 surgically and 73 non-surgically treated patients with pancreatic RCC metastases. A further ten patients underwent resection at the authors' institution.

Results

In the resected group, pancreatic metastases were solitary in 65·3 per cent, symptomatic in 57·4 per cent, and were preceded and/or accompanied by extrapancreatic disease in 22·3 per cent. Respective values in the unresected group were 59, 60 and 58 per cent. Disease-free survival rates were 76·0 and 57·0 per cent respectively at 2 and 5 years after resection, and overall survival rates were 80·6 and 72·6 per cent. The only significant risk factor for disease-free survival after pancreatic resection was extrapancreatic disease (P = 0·001), and that for overall survival was symptomatic RCC metastasis (P = 0·031). Two- and 5-year overall survival rates were 41 and 14 per cent respectively in unresected patients.

Conclusion

The actuarial 5-year overall survival rate following pancreatic surgery for RCC metastases was 72·6 per cent, as determined by pooled analysis from published series. Extrapancreatic disease was an independent risk factor for recurrence, but had no significant impact on overall survival.
Case-matched comparison of long-term results of non-heart beating and heart-beating donor renal transplants
Authors: Barlow A D , Metcalfe M S , Johari Y , Elwell R , Veitch P S , Nicholson M L
Published: May 2009

Background

Function and survival of non-heart-beating donor (NHBD) renal transplants have been shown to be comparable to those from heart-beating donors (HBDs) up to 10 years after transplantation. However, there are few data on outcome after 10 years, particularly from uncontrolled NHBD donors.

Methods

All NHBD renal transplants (predominantly uncontrolled) performed between April 1992 and January 2002 were retrospectively matched with HBD renal transplants performed over the same period.

Results

Some 112 NHBD renal transplants were compared with 164 HBD renal transplants. Delayed graft function was significantly higher in the NHBD group (83·9 versus 22·0 per cent respectively; P < 0·001). Primary non-function rates were similar (5·4 versus 1·8 per cent respectively; P = 0·164). Overall serum creatinine was significantly higher in NHBDs (P < 0·001). Median graft and patient survival was 126 months for NHBD and 159 months for HBD kidneys. Death-censored graft survival at 1, 5, 10 and 15 years was respectively 91·8, 77·5, 61·0 and 44·2 per cent for NHBD, and 91·1, 86·3, 71·7 and 58·5 per cent for HBD kidneys (P = 0.108).

Conclusion

Despite increased delayed graft function rates and serum creatinine levels, the long-term survival of NHBD renal transplants was similar to those from HBDs. However, there was a trend to poorer function and survival from 10 years after transplant.
Simulation in surgery
Authors: Jakimowicz J , Fingerhut A
Published: May 2009

Now essential for training
Building a virtual data acquisition chain to teach and learn instrumentation
Authors: Nonclercq Antoine , Biest Alexis Vander , Boey Cédric , Robert Frédéric
Published: May 2009

A modular virtual data acquisition chain implemented on LabVIEW is presented in this article, which is intended to illustrate and teach instrumentation. The signal can be viewed at any point of the chain and under the influence of any parameter change. The acquisition chain accuracy and student applications are detailed in the case of an electroencephalograph (EEG) setup.1

Freely available for download at http://beams.ulb.ac.be/beams/research/all/virtualchain.html

© 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 19: 660–668, 2011
Rural reversal?
Authors: McLafferty Sara , Wang Fahui
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND:

Differences in late‐stage cancer risk between urban and rural residents are a key component of cancer disparities. Using data from the Illinois State Cancer Registry from 1998 through 2002, the authors investigated the rural‐urban gradient in late‐stage cancer risk for 4 major types of cancer: breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate.

METHODS:

Multilevel modeling was used to evaluate the role of population composition and area‐based contextual factors in accounting for rural‐urban variation. Instead of a simple binary rural‐urban classification, a finer grained classification was used that differentiated the densely populated City of Chicago from its suburbs and from smaller metropolitan areas, large towns, and rural settings.

RESULTS:

For all 4 cancers, the risk was highest in the most highly urbanized area and decreased as rurality increases, following a J‐shaped progression that included a small upturn in risk in the most isolated rural areas. For some cancers, these geographic disparities were associated with differences in population age and race; for others, the disparities remained after controlling for differences in population composition, zip code socioeconomic characteristics, and spatial access to healthcare.

CONCLUSIONS:

The observed pattern of urban disadvantage emphasized the need for more extensive urban‐based cancer screening and education programs. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Frequency, nature, effects, and correlates of conflicts of interest in published clinical cancer research
Authors: Jagsi Reshma , Sheets Nathan , Jankovic Aleksandra , Motomura Amy R. , Amarnath Sudha , Ubel Peter A.
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND:

Relationships between clinical researchers and industry are becoming increasingly complex. The frequency and impact of conflicts of interest in the full range of high‐impact, published clinical cancer research is unknown.

METHODS:

The authors reviewed cancer research published in 8 journals in 2006 to determine frequency of self‐reported conflicts of interest, source of study funding, and other characteristics. They assessed associations between the likelihood of conflicts of interest and other characteristics by using chi‐squared testing. They also compared the likelihood of positive outcome in randomized trials with and without conflicts of interest by chi‐squared testing.

RESULTS:

The authors identified 1534 original oncology studies; 29% had conflicts of interest (including industrial funding) and 17% declared industrial funding. Conflicts of interest varied by discipline (P < .001), continental origin (P < .001), and sex (P < .001) of the corresponding author and were most likely in articles with corresponding authors from departments of medical oncology (45%), those from North America (33%), and those with male first and senior authors (37%). Frequency of conflicts also varied considerably depending upon disease site studied. Studies with industrial funding were more likely to focus on treatment (62% vs 36%; P < .001), and randomized trials that assessed survival were more likely to report positive survival outcomes when a conflict of interest was present (P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS:

Conflicts of interest characterize a substantial minority of clinical cancer research published in high‐impact journals. Therefore, attempts to disentangle the cancer research effort from industry merit further attention, and journals should embrace both rigorous standards of disclosure and heightened scrutiny when conflicts exist. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
The complexity of advice‐giving
Authors: Neuman Yair , Marwan Norbert , Livshitz Danny
Published: May 2009

Advice‐giving about personal problems is a common form of human interaction. However, an open question is whether there is an abstract and general logic that explains how advice‐giving works. In this study, we addressed this question from the perspective of dynamical systems. We measured the nonlinear dynamics of advice‐giving by using recurrence quantification analysis. Analyzing 600 texts of request for advice and the advice given, our results uncover a typical logic of advice‐giving, and suggest that advice‐giving may be understood as a dynamic manipulation of perspective‐taking. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 2009
Contribution of emotion regulation difficulties to disordered eating and body dissatisfaction in college men
Authors: Lavender Jason M. , Anderson Drew A.
Published: May 2009

Objective:

Affect regulation models of disordered eating propose that disordered eating behaviors function as maladaptive efforts to modulate or escape from aversive emotional states. Prior studies have shown both negative affect and emotion regulation factors to be significantly associated with disordered eating and body dissatisfaction in women. The purpose of the current investigation was to evaluate whether emotion regulation difficulties contribute to disordered eating and body dissatisfaction in men.

Method:

Two hundred and ninety‐six undergraduate men completed a series of questionnaires assessing negative affect, difficulties in emotion regulation, disordered eating, and body dissatisfaction.

Results:

A series of hierarchical regression analyses revealed that emotion regulation difficulties accounted for unique variance in both outcome measures after accounting for the variance associated with BMI and negative affect.

Discussion:

Results are discussed in terms of the role of emotion regulation difficulties in the etiology and maintenance of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in men. © 2009 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2010
Influence of Urea N–H Acidity on Receptor–Anionic and Neutral Analyte Binding in a Ruthenium(II)–Polypyridyl‐Based Colorimetric Sensor
Authors: Ghosh Amrita , Verma Sandeep , Ganguly Bishwajit , Ghosh Hirendra Nath , Das Amitava
Published: May 2009

A new ruthenium(II)–polypyridyl complex {[Ru(bpy)2L]2+; bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridyl, L = 1‐(6‐nitro‐1,10‐phenanthrolin‐5‐yl)‐3‐phenylurea} having a urea functionality as a receptor fragment for anionic analytes was synthesized. Its binding affinity towards various oxy anions and halides was studied. This complex was found to act as a selective colorimetric sensor for F– among halides and CH3COO–/H2PO4– among oxy anions. The relative binding affinity of different anions towards this receptor was examined by using quantum chemical calculations. This complex was also found to act as a colorimetric sensor for neutral molecules like DMSO and DMF, though the binding affinity was weaker than that of the three anions mentioned above. The relative acidity of two HNurea atoms was compared with that of one from the related complex by using pKa calculations, and its influence on binding affinities towards different analytes is discussed. Results of the time‐resolved fluorescence studies reveal that two nonequilibrated excited states exist involving two different 3MLCT transitions, namely Rudπ → bpyπ* and Rudπ → Lπ*.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Arene Ruthenium Cages: Boxes Full of Surprises
Authors: Therrien Bruno
Published: May 2009

Self‐assembly of polypyridyl ligands with dinuclear arene ruthenium building blocks bridged by chlorido, oxalato or benzoquinonato ligands has allowed the construction of a wide range of cationic metalla complexes possessing different architectures and functionalities: (i) metalla‐rectangles showing host–guest possibilities and allowing intramolecular template‐controlled photochemical [2 + 2] dimerisation reactions; (ii) metalla‐prisms allowing encapsulation of molecules and giving rise to potential drug delivery systems; (iii) metalla‐boxes that can be used to stabilise the formation of G‐quadruplex DNA. This microreview covers the synthetic and structural aspects of these metalla complexes, as well as their most promising applications, with a particular focus on their potential biological applications. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Long‐Lived Luminescent Dendrimers with a [Ru(dpp)3]2+‐Type Core: Synthesis and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Hahn Uwe , Vögtle Fritz , De Paoli Gabriele , Staffilani Mara , De Cola Luisa
Published: May 2009

Metallodendrimers built around a [Ru(dpp)3]2+‐type core (dpp = 4,7‐diphenyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline) were prepared containing peripheral phenyl moieties. The convergent synthesis of the ligands was accomplished by coupling dendritic branches with a focal amino function to the chelating phenanthroline precursor under the formation of sulfonamide linkages. Complexation of ruthenium ions afforded the corresponding metallodendrimers with up to 24 peripheral phenyl units in the case of the largest dendritic structure. The absorption spectra and luminescence properties of the four new dendrimers are reported. The dendritic effect is clearly visible, going from zero to second generation, as demonstrated by an elongation in the excited‐state lifetime in aerated acetonitrile and improved emission quantum yields relative to the reference complex containing a [Ru(dpp)3]2+ core. Interestingly, the use of rigid and conjugated ruthenium‐based cores results, for all dendritic structures, in luminescence lifetimes that are several microseconds long in deaerated solutions, even at room temperature.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Analysis of insect triacylglycerols using liquid chromatography‐atmospheric pressure chemical ionization‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Kofroňová Edita , Cvačka Josef , Jiroš Pavel , Sýkora David , Valterová Irena
Published: May 2009

An HPLC non‐aqueous reversed‐phase separation system was adapted for analyzing insect triacylglycerols (TAG). The method uses two conventional Nova‐Pak C18 columns connected in series, for a total length of 45 cm. The mobile phase gradient is mixed from acetonitrile and 2‐propanol, and the flow rate is programmed from 1.0 to 0.7 mL/min. TAG are detected by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization‐mass spectrometry. The method ensures efficient separation of isomers and analysis of high‐molecular‐weight TAG with equivalent chain lengths up to 72. The method performance is demonstrated on analysis of TAG isolated from the fat body of the bumblebee Bombus lucorum.
Isolation and Structural Characterization of the Most Stable, Highly Symmetric Isomer of C60(CF3)18
Authors: Samokhvalova Nadezhda A. , Khavrel Pavel A. , Markov Vitaliy Yu. , Samokhvalov Pavel S. , Goruynkov Alexey A. , Kemnitz Erhard , Sidorov Lev N. , Troyanov Sergey I.
Published: May 2009

The high thermal and chemical stability of C3v‐C60(CF3)18 allowed its isolation from a complex C60(CF3)n isomer mixture followed by characterization with 19F NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed, One‐Pot Alcohol Oxidation–Wittig Reaction Producing α,β‐Unsaturated Esters
Authors: Lee Eun Young , Kim Youngkwon , Lee Jae Sung , Park Jaiwook
Published: May 2009

By a one‐pot process, α,β‐unsaturated esters were synthesized in high yield through the Ru‐catalyzed oxidation of primary alcohols and the coupling of the resulting aldehydes and stabilized Wittig reagents. The ruthenium catalyst is composed of ruthenium nanoparticles embedded in aluminum oxyhydroxide and can be recovered simply by filtration or decantation.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Gold 3D Brush Nanoelectrode Ensembles with Enlarged Active Area for the Direct Voltammetry of Daunorubicin
Authors: Cao Lixin , Yan Peisheng , Sun Kening , Kirk Donald W.
Published: May 2009

3D gold brush nanoelectrode ensembles (BNEEs) consisted of gold nanowires 100 nm in diameter and 300 nm in length were fabricated by combining the technologies of template synthesis and controlled chemical etching of the membrane. The structure and morphology of the BNEEs was imaged by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The real active areas of BNEEs were found to be different when characterized by different redox species. The direct redox of daunorubicin (DNR) at the gold BNEEs exhibited absorption‐controlled characteristics and high current activity. BNEEs are reliable and effective in DNR detection.
On the Signaling of Electrochemical Aptamer‐Based Sensors: Collision‐ and Folding‐Based Mechanisms
Authors: Xiao Yi , Uzawa Takanori , White Ryan J. , DeMartini Daniel , Plaxco Kevin W.
Published: May 2009

Recent years have seen the emergence of a new class of electrochemical sensors predicated on target binding‐induced folding of electrode‐bound redox‐modified aptamers and directed against targets ranging from small molecules to proteins. Previous studies of the relationship between gain and probe‐density for these electrochemical, aptamer‐based (E‐AB) sensors suggest that signal transduction is linked to binding‐induced changes in the efficiency with which the attached redox tag strikes the electrode. This, in turn, suggests that even well folded aptamers may support E‐AB signaling if target binding sufficiently alters their flexibility. Here we investigate this using a thrombin‐binding aptamer that undergoes binding‐induced folding at low ionic strength but can be forced to adopt a folded conformation at higher ionic strength even in the absence of its protein target. We find that, under conditions in which the thrombin aptamer is fully folded prior to target binding, we still obtain a ca. 30% change in E‐AB signal upon saturated target levels. In contrast, however, under conditions in which the aptamer is unfolded in the absence of target and thus undergoes binding‐induced folding the observed signal change is twice as great. The ability of folded aptamers to support E‐AB signaling, however, is not universal: a fully folded anti‐IgE aptamer, for example, produces only an extremely small, ca. 2.5% signal change in the presence of target despite the larger steric bulk of this protein. Thus, while it appears that binding‐induced changes in the dynamics in fully folded aptamers can support E‐AB signaling, this signaling mechanism may not be general, and in order to ensure the design of high‐gain sensors binding must be linked to a large‐scale conformational change.
3DOM Silica Composite Membrane Including Binary PAMPS–SPEES Polymer Electrolyte for DMFC
Authors: Munakata H. , Sasajima K. , Kanamura K.
Published: May 2009

Three‐dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) silica composite membrane including a binary polymer [poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulphonic acid) (PAMPS)–sulphonated poly(1,4‐phenylene ether ether sulphone) (SPEES)] was fabricated by stepwise filling method. In the PAMPS–SPEES composite membrane, SPEES coated 3DOM silica surface and PAMPS occupied the remaining vacancy. Therefore, the structure of PAMPS–SPEES in the 3DOM silica was a core–shell like structure. The methanol permeability of composite membrane was successfully reduced from 1.9 × 10–6 to 3.2 × 10–7 cm2 s–1 at 30 °C by the stepwise filling of SPEES and then PAMPS. The proton conductivity of SPEES‐3DOM composite membrane was also improved by the PAMPS impregnation. However, the increment was not very notable regardless of the high conductivity of PAMPS. This result suggests that the proton transfer in 3DOM composite membrane mainly depends on the SPEES phase coating on 3DOM pore surface. Consequently, PAMPS‐SPEES‐3DOM composite membrane exhibited more than ten times higher performance than Nafion as an electrolyte membrane for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).
Cholangiocarcinoma in cirrhosis: Absence of contrast washout in delayed phases by magnetic resonance imaging avoids misdiagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma # †
Authors: Rimola Jordi , Forner Alejandro , Reig Maria , Vilana Ramon , de Lope Carlos Rodríguez , Ayuso Carmen , Bruix Jordi
Published: May 2009

This study assesses the magnetic resonance (MR) features of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) in patients with cirrhosis with specific analysis of the contrast enhancement pattern. Cholangiocarcinoma may show increased contrast uptake in the arterial phase, and, if washout in the delayed venous phase were to be detected, the noninvasive diagnostic criteria proposed in the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases guidelines would be refuted. We reviewed the MR findings of 25 patients with cirrhosis with 31 histologically confirmed ICC nodules. Signal intensity on basal T1-weighted and T2-weighted images and characteristics of enhancement after contrast administration on arterial, portal, and delayed phase were registered. Enhancement pattern was defined according to the behavior of the lesions in each phase, and dynamic pattern was described according to the progression of enhancement throughout the different phases. The most frequent pattern displayed by ICC was a progressive contrast uptake (80.6%). Stable contrast enhancement was registered in 19.4%. None of the ICCs showed a washout pattern, a profile that is specific for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The ICC dynamic behavior differed significantly according to tumor size: progressive enhancement pattern was the most frequent (20 of 25 cases) in lesions larger than 20 mm, whereas the stable pattern was mainly identified in nodules smaller than 20 mm. The most characteristic MR contrast pattern in ICC in cirrhosis is a progressive contrast uptake throughout the different phases, whereas contrast washout at delayed phases is not observed. Because stable enhancement pattern without washout also can be registered in small HCC nodules, the evaluation of delayed phase is mandatory for a proper nodule characterization. If washout is not registered, a biopsy should be mandatory for diagnosis. (Hepatology 2009.)
A phase III study of the safety and efficacy of viramidine versus ribavirin in treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C: ViSER1 results #
Authors: Benhamou Yves , Afdhal Nezam H. , Nelson David R. , Shiffman Mitchell L. , Halliman Deanine G. , Heise Jamie , Chun Eric , Pockros Paul J.
Published: May 2009

Pegylated interferon (peg-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) are effective in eradicating the hepatitis C virus in more than half of patients. However, anemia arising from RBV-induced hemolysis can prompt dose reductions and lower sustained virologic response (SVR) rates. In early clinical trials, Viramidine (VRD, renamed taribavirin), an RBV prodrug, was associated with less anemia and VRD given at 600 mg twice daily (BID) appeared to provide the best safety with comparable efficacy to RBV. The phase III Viramidine's Safety and Efficacy versus Ribavirin 1 (ViSER1) study randomized 972 treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C to fixed-dose VRD (600 mg BID) or weight-based RBV (1000 or 1200 mg/day), each given with peg-IFN alfa-2b at 1.5 μg/kg/week. The primary efficacy endpoint was SVR rate, and the primary safety endpoint was hemoglobin (Hb) event rate (percent of patients with Hb < 10 g/dL or at least a 2.5-g/dL decrease from baseline). SVR rates were 37.7% with VRD (244/647) and 52.3% with RBV (170/325). Thus, the ViSER1 study failed to demonstrate the primary noninferiority efficacy endpoint. Significantly fewer patients had Hb events with VRD (353/647; 54.6%) compared to those with RBV (272/325; 83.7%) (P < 0.001), and significantly fewer developed anemia (Hb < 10 g/dL) with VRD (34/647; 5.3%) compared to those with RBV (76/325; 23.5%) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Fixed doses of VRD failed to demonstrate noninferiority to RBV in producing SVR rates. The incidence of anemia was approximately four-fold significantly lower with VRD than with RBV. These results suggest fixed-dose VRD given 600 mg BID is insufficient to treat patients with chronic hepatitis C; a weight-based dosing trial of viramidine is currently under way. (Hepatology 2009.)
Disease classification with hippocampal shape invariants
Authors: Gutman Boris , Wang Yalin , Morra Jonathan , Toga Arthur W. , Thompson Paul M.
Published: May 2009

We present an Alzheimer's detection study based on a global shape description of hippocampal surface models. With global descriptors forming our bag of features, Support Vector Machine classification of 49 Alzheimer(AD) and 63 elderly control subjects yielded 75.5% sensitivity and 87.3% specificity with 82.1% correct overall in a leave‐one‐out test. We show that our description contributes new information to simpler shape measures. Armed with a rigid shape registration tool, we also present a way to visualize variation in global shape description as a local displacement map, thus clarifying the descriptors' anatomical meaning. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early emotional development in infants and toddlers: Perspectives of Early Head Start staff and parents
Authors: Brophy‐Herb Holly E. , Horodynski Mildred , Dupuis Sara B. , London Bocknek Erika , Schiffman Rachel , Onaga Esther , Van Egeren Laurie A. , Fitzgerald Hiram E. , Cunningham‐Deluca Mary , Hawver Shelley , Adkins Madonna , Thomas Sarah
Published: May 2009

As part of a curriculum‐development project, focus groups were implemented with Early Head Start staff and with parents of infants and toddlers enrolled in Early Head Start. Focus groups were designed to identify staff and parent beliefs about early emotional development. Three major themes were identified that crossed the staff and parent focus groups: (a) Infants' and toddlers' abilities to have emotions and to be aware of others' emotions; (b) roles of parents as advocates, teachers, and disciplinarians; and (c) parental reflectivity about their own experiences as influences on their parenting. The findings suggest that parents participating in Early Head Start have some knowledge about basic emotions and the developmental nature of emotions, but may easily misinterpret emotional displays only as attempts at manipulation rather than as valid expressions of feelings; expectations for gender‐appropriate emotional expressiveness begin early; more empowered parents may view themselves as role models and teachers for their children; and more reflective parents are better prepared to engage in the sensitive interactions needed to guide young children's growing awareness of their own and others' emotions. Implications for parenting education and program planning utilizing an infant mental health perspective are discussed.
Triadic nonverbal communication in mother–infant consultations: Two contrasted cases
Authors: Hervé M.J. , Grandjean H. , Visier J.P. , Maury M.
Published: May 2009

The aim of the present case study was to present and discuss the analysis of triadic nonverbal communication between mother, infant, and therapist in two early consultations as an indicator of the therapeutic alliance. The analysis explored nonverbal triadic interactions (body positions and facial orientations of the mother, infant, and therapist, and expressive behaviors of the infant) and triadic affective sharing (via a microanalytic interview of the therapist). The quality of the therapeutic alliance and clinical outcome for each case are described. The description of the two cases illustrates the importance of the progressive development of nonverbal “engagement” by the three people (triadic alliance) and of moments with triadic emotional sharing. The contribution of the therapist appears to be crucial, in particular via his or her body and affective engagement with the infant. The triadic alliance appears to be both an indicator of the therapeutic alliance and an element that can foster it.
Satellite babies in transnational families: A study of parents' decision to separate from their infants
Authors: Bohr Yvonne , Tse Connie
Published: May 2009

This study examines a practice which is characteristic of an era of intensifying globalization: As part of a transnational lifestyle, an increasing number of immigrants to North America send infants thousands of miles back to their country of origin to be raised by members of their extended families—a culturally sanctioned tradition. After several years of separation, the children return to the biological parents to attend school in the adopted country, a custom which, according to Western mental health models, could have significant sequelae for attachment relationships and other facets of development. This practice is particularly prevalent among immigrants from the People's Republic of China, but a modified version of it can be found in other groups as well. The work described here is the first phase of a longitudinal project that explores the advantages and potential repercussions, for both infants and parents, of a transnational lifestyle. The current study reviews the decision‐making process of a group of Chinese Canadian immigrant parents who are considering a separation from their infants. Preliminary findings show that the expected concerns about disrupting attachment relationships are embedded in more salient considerations of economic need and cultural perspective. These exploratory data exemplify an emergent field of culture‐focused research and practice in infant mental health, and support the call for innovative models to situate infant developmental pathways in global and transcultural contexts.
Mother–infant psychotherapy: Examining the therapeutic process of change
Authors: Paris Ruth , Spielman Eda , Bolton Rendelle E.
Published: May 2009

Treatments that involve the mother–infant dyad have shown great potential for mitigating the deleterious effects of maternal mental health problems for the mother, infant, and the mother–infant relationship. The present study utilizes focus‐group data from clinicians providing mother–infant psychotherapy in the Early Connections program, a home‐based mother–infant psychotherapy for the treatment of postpartum mood disorders. Findings highlight aspects of the process in mother–infant psychotherapy that contribute to change and positive relational development in the mother–infant dyad as well as in the therapeutic alliance. Viewed through the lens of relational theories relevant to mother–infant treatment (J.V. Jordan, A.G. Kaplan, J.B. Miller, I.P. Stiver, & J.L. Surrey, 1991; D.N. Stern et al., 1998), the findings of this study support the importance of the relational connection and the “now moment” (D.N. Stern et al., 1998, p. 304) as catalytic factors in change and growth that occur during psychotherapy. Implications for clinical practice and directions for future research are discussed.
Cartilage engineering using cell‐derived extracellular matrix scaffold in vitro
Authors: Jin Cheng Zhe , Choi Byung Hyune , Park So Ra , Min Byoung‐Hyun
Published: May 2009

A cell‐derived extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold was constructed using cultured porcine chondrocytes via a freeze‐drying method, and its ability to promote cartilage formation was evaluated in vitro. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that the scaffold had highly uniform porous microstructure. Then, rabbit chondrocytes were seeded dynamically on ECM scaffold and cultured for 2 days, 1, 2, and 4 weeks in vitro for analysis. Polyglycolic acid (PGA) scaffold was used as a control. On gross observation of neocartilage tissue, a silvery white cartilage‐like tissue was observed after 1 week of culture in ECM scaffold, while similar morphology was seen only after 4 weeks in PGA scaffold. The volume of neocartilage‐like tissue was significantly increased in both ECM and PGA groups. The compressive strength was gradually increased with time in ECM group, while gradually decreased in PGA group. DNA, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen contents also increased gradually with time in both groups, but showed more significant increase in ECM group. Histological staining for GAG (Safranin O staining) and type II collagen (immunohistochemistry) showed sustained accumulation of ECM molecules with time, which gradually and uniformly filled porous space in ECM scaffold. On the contrary, they accumulated only at the peripheral area of PGA scaffold. These results suggest that a novel cell‐derived ECM scaffold can provide a promising environment for generating a high quality cartilage in vitro. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Therapist effects: facilitative interpersonal skills as a predictor of therapist success
Authors: Anderson Timothy , Ogles, Benjamin M. , Patterson Candace L. , Lambert Michael J. , Vermeersch David A.
Published: May 2009

This study examined sources of therapist effects in a sample of 25 therapists who saw 1,141 clients at a university counseling center. Clients completed the Outcome Questionnaire‐45 (OQ‐45) at each session. Therapists' facilitative interpersonal skills (FIS) were assessed with a performance task that measures therapists' interpersonal skills by rating therapist responses to video simulations of challenging client–therapist interactions. Therapists completed the Social Skills Inventory (SSI) and therapist demographic data (e.g., age, theoretical orientation) were available. To test for the presence of therapist effects and to examine the source(s) of these effects, data were analyzed with multilevel modeling. Of demographic predictor variables, only age accounted for therapist effects. The analysis with age, FIS, and SSI as predictors indicated that only FIS accounted for variance in outcomes suggesting that a portion of the variance in outcome between therapists is due to their ability to handle interpersonally challenging encounters with clients. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65:1–14, 2009.
An approximate version of Hadwiger's conjecture for claw‐free graphs
Authors: Chudnovsky Maria , Fradkin Alexandra Ovetsky
Published: May 2009

Hadwiger's conjecture states that every graph with chromatic number χ has a clique minor of size χ. In this paper we prove a weakened version of this conjecture for the class of claw‐free graphs (graphs that do not have a vertex with three pairwise nonadjacent neighbors). Our main result is that a claw‐free graph with chromatic number χ has a clique minor of size \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\usepackage{amsbsy}\usepackage[mathscr]{euscript}\footskip=0pc\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$\lceil\frac{2}{3}\chi\rceil$\end{document}. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 63: 259–278, 2010
Metabolites from the biodegradation of 1,6‐hexanediol dibenzoate, a potential green plasticizer, by Rhodococcus rhodochrous
Authors: Kermanshahi Pour Azadeh , Mamer Orval A. , Cooper David G. , Maric Milan , Nicell Jim A.
Published: May 2009

Metabolites from the biodegradation of a potential plasticizer 1,6‐hexanediol dibenzoate in the presence of n‐hexadecane as a co‐substrate by the common soil organism Rhodococcus rhodochrous were identified using GC/MS and Fourier transform mass spectroscopy (FTMS) techniques. Trimethylsilylation of compounds from the biodegradation broth permitted detection of the following metabolites: 1‐hexadecyl benzoate, 6‐benzoyloxyhexanoic acid, 4‐benzoyloxybutanoic acid, 6‐benzoyloxyhexan‐1‐ol and benzoic acid. The presence of these metabolites was confirmed by repeating the biodegradation with 1,6‐hexanediol di[2H5]benzoate, by measurement of their exact masses in FTMS and by comparison with available authentic materials. The results show that biodegradation of 1,6‐hexanediol dibenzoate by R. rhodochrous does not lead to the accumulation of persistent metabolites as has been reported for commercial dibenzoate plasticizers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular structural analysis of noncarious cervical sclerotic dentin using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Changqi , Karan Kunal , Yao Xiaomei , Wang Yong
Published: May 2009

Molecular structure of the sclerotic dentin in noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) including both the inorganic phase and organic phase was investigated using Raman spectroscopy. It was found that NCCL sclerotic dentin was hypermineralized with the mineral/matrix ratios 2–3 times higher than those of normal dentin, which was caused by both the increase of mineral content and decrease of organic matrix (collagen) content in the sclerotic dentin. For the inorganic phase, the phosphate band (PO43−, ν1, symmetric stretching vibrational mode) in NCCL sclerotic dentin was shifted from 960 to 963 cm−1, and the width of this band was decreased from 16.4 to 10.4 cm−1, indicating that the degree of mineral crystallinity in NCCL sclerotic dentin was higher than that of normal dentin. In addition, the carbonate content in the mineral of NCCL sclerotic dentin was less than that of normal dentin. As compared to the inorganic phase, the changes within the organic phase were not dramatic. However, the changes in collagen cross‐link density along with other spectral changes were still detectable. There was a noteworthy reduction in the ratio of nonreducible to reducible cross‐links in the NCCL sclerotic dentin, indicating that cross‐link breaks occurred in the collagen matrix of the lesions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interference lithography: a powerful tool for fabricating periodic structures
Authors: Lu C. , Lipson R.H.
Published: May 2009

In this review the basic principles of interference lithography (IL) are described. IL is emerging as one of the most powerful yet relatively inexpensive methodologies for creating large‐area patterns with micron‐ to sub‐micron periodicities. N‐dimensional periodic structures (N ≤ 3) can be obtained by interfering (N + 1) non‐coplanar beams in a photoresist. The symmetry and shape of the “unit cell” can be conveniently controlled by varying the intensities, geometries, polarizations, and phases of the beams involved. IL done with shorter wavelength lasers and/or liquid immersion lithography can create features with sub‐50 nm dimensions. Such periodic structures are beginning to find wide use in photonic crystal science, optical telecommunications, data storage, and the integrated circuit industry. Newer innovations such as diffraction element assisted lithography or DEAL and phase‐controlled IL for making two‐dimensional structures are also discussed.