bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copper(II) Complexes with Bridging Diphosphinates – The Effect of the Elongation of the Aliphatic Chain on the Structural Arrangements Around the Metal Centres
Authors: Costantino Ferdinando , Ienco Andrea , Midollini Stefano , Orlandini Annabella , Sorace Lorenzo , Vacca Alberto
Published: May 2008

The reactivity in water solution of the two closely related P,P′‐diphenylmethylenediphosphinic (H2pcp) and P,P′‐diphenylethylenediphosphinic (H2pc2p) acids towards copper(II) salts, in the presence of 2,2′‐bipyridine, has been investigated. The reaction of H2pc2p with copper(II) acetate and 2,2′‐bipy resulted in the dinuclear complex of formula [(2,2′‐bipy)Cu(μ‐pc2p)2Cu(2,2′‐bipy)]·4.5H2O (2), which contrasts the monomeric complex [(2,2′‐bipy)Cu(pcp)(H2O)] (1) previously obtained from H2pcp. The reactions of H2pcp and H2pc2p with copper(II) perchlorate and 2,2′‐bipy resulted in the two different dinuclear complexes respectively of formulas [(2,2′‐bipy)(H2O)Cu(μ‐pcp)(μ‐ClO4)Cu(2,2′‐bipy)][ClO4]·[(2,2′‐bipy)(ClO4)Cu(μ‐pcp)(μ‐ClO4)Cu(2,2′‐bipy)]·H2O (3) and [(2,2′‐bipy)Cu(μ‐pc2p)(μ‐ClO4)Cu(2,2′‐bipy)(ClO4)] (4). The structures of the new complexes and those of the solid diphosphinic acids H2pcp and H2pc2p have been characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses. In spite of their close similarity the two diphosphinate ligands adopt different conformations which in turn can remarkably influence the structural arrangements of the resulting copper complexes. The magnetic properties of complex 3, which contains four metal centers, with three of them in different (even if similar) chemical environments, have been characterized by low‐temperature measurements. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Virgin olive oil ‐ Chemical implications on quality and health
Authors: García‐González Diego L. , Aparicio‐Ruiz Ramón , Aparicio Ramón
Published: May 2008

This paper provides a brief review of the most significant characteristics of olive oil. Processing, composition, authentication, sensory quality and health benefits are the examined aspects. In all these issues, the most recent challenges are described, most of them related to new environmental problems, emerging procedures of adulteration and new chemical features to detect them, and a deep knowledge of the relationship between olive oil consumption and the incidence of some diseases other than cardiovascular malfunction.
Assessment of variable effects on solvent‐free monoacylglycerol enzymatic production in AOT surfactant
Authors: Fiametti Karina G. , Rovani Suzimara , de Oliveira Débora , Corazza Marcos L. , Treichel Helen , Oliveira J. Vladimir
Published: May 2008

This work reports the application of a lipase in the glycerolysis of olive oil for the production of monoacylglycerols (MAG). For this purpose, the enzymatic glycerolysis of olive oil with an immobilized lipase (Novozym 435) was accomplished using sodium (bis‐2‐ethyl‐hexyl) sulfosuccinate (Aerosol‐OT or AOT) as surfactant in a solvent‐free system. A sequential strategy was used applying two experimental designs to optimize the MAG production. In general, it was observed that the temperature had a negligible effect on MAG conversion while the enzyme and AOT concentrations present a positive significant effect (p <0.05) and the stirring rate a negative one. An empirical model was then built so as to assess the effects of process variables on the reaction conversion. Afterwards, the operating conditions that optimized MAG production were established as follows: temperature of 70 °C, stirring rate of 600 rpm, 16 wt‐% of AOT and 7.5 wt‐% of enzyme, leading to a reaction conversion as high as 55%.
Development of a rheological method to characterize palm oil crystallizing under shear
Authors: De Graef Veerle , Goderis Bart , Van Puyvelde Peter , Foubert Imogen , Dewettinck Koen
Published: May 2008

To follow palm oil crystallization under shear, a new rheological method was developed. This method can be split up into two parts: In the first part, continuous shear is applied for a pre‐defined period and crystallization is monitored by measuring the apparent viscosity as a function of isothermal time under shear. In the second part, shear is halted and oscillation is applied during 30 s, thus recording moduli and phase angle. These moduli and phase angle are then characteristic of a sample crystallized under shear during this pre‐defined period. After repeating this procedure for increasing shearing periods in the first part, complex modulus and phase angle were plotted as a function of isothermal time under shear. The thus obtained results were compared with crystallization data obtained via time‐resolved X‐ray diffraction and polarized light microscopy.
Fluorescent Bis(oligophenylylamino)terephthalates
Authors: Zhang Yawei , Starynowicz Przemysław , Christoffers Jens
Published: May 2008

The reaction of succinyl succinates with aniline, iodoaniline and iodobiphenylamine yielded 2,5‐bis(arylamino)terephthalates. Suzuki cross‐coupling reactions of the iodo‐functionalized compounds with phenyl‐ and biphenylylboronic acids gave 2,5‐diaminoterephthalates with N‐biphenylyl, N‐terphenylyl and N‐quaterphenylyl substituents. Some of the products show interesting fluorescence behaviour. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Biomarker discovery in psychiatric disorders
Authors: Schwarz Emanuel , Bahn Sabine
Published: May 2008

Schizophrenia is a multifaceted neuropsychiatric disorder. Its onset is the result of complex interactions between genetic, developmental and environmental factors. It almost certainly presents a heterogeneous group of aetiologies which may not be reflected in the symptomatic/clinical presentation of patients. Therefore, a better molecular understanding of the disease onset and progression is urgently needed. The high complexity of the disorder and the heterogeneity of patient populations account for the slow progress of biomarker discovery approaches. Multi‐omics profiling approaches can be employed to investigate large numbers of patient and control samples in a single experiment. These large scale experiments are required to identify disease intrinsic molecular signatures as well as patient subgroups with potentially distinct biochemical pathways underpinning their symptoms. In this overview, we describe some of the most important challenges for biomarker discovery for psychiatric disorders and emphasize how these problems contribute to the requirement of large sample numbers. Results of MS‐based protein profiling studies in schizophrenia research are reviewed and technical advantages and difficulties of the methodologies described. We outline recent technological advances that generated impressive results in other areas of research and point to their applicability for biomarker discovery in psychiatric disorders.
Multiplexed quantitation of endogenous estrogens and estrogen metabolites in human peritoneal fluid
Authors: Xu Xia , Othman Essam El‐Dine R. , Issaq Haleem J. , Hornung Daniela , Al‐Hendy Ayman , Veenstra Timothy D.
Published: May 2008

Endogenous estrogens and estrogen metabolites (EM) in human peritoneal fluid may play an important role in health and disease, yet little is known regarding their types and levels present in human peritoneal fluid, primarily due to the lack of an analytical method that is capable of directly quantifying their absolute abundances. In this report, we describe the application of a capillary LC‐MS/MS method for identifying and quantifying biologically active and total endogenous EM in human peritoneal fluid. The method requires only 50 μL of peritoneal fluid, yet can quantify 13 distinct EM. Calibration curves for each EM were linear over a 103‐fold concentration range and the lower LOQ was 50 fg on‐column. For a charcoal stripped human peritoneal fluid sample containing 10 pg/mL of each EM, accuracy ranged from 83 to 118%, and intrabatch precision ranged from 0.2 to 4.4% RSD and interbatch precision ranged from 5.5 to 15.5% RSD. The analyses of human female peritoneal fluid shows that at least 10 biologically active and 11 total endogenous EM can be positively identified and quantitatively measured. Many of the biologically active forms are present in high abundance and possess distinct biological activities which warrant further study. Although micellar EKC gave baseline separation of a standard mixture of 10 EM, the LOQs using UV detection were not suitable for the assay of the low level estrogens in biological samples.
Capillary electrophoresis with inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometric and electrospray time of flight mass spectrometric detection for the determination of arsenic species in fish samples
Authors: Meermann Björn , Bartel Marc , Scheffer Andy , Trümpler Stefan , Karst Uwe
Published: May 2008

CE was coupled to inductively coupled plasma MS (ICP‐MS) and ESI‐MS to identify and quantify the arsenic species arsenobetaine (AsB), arsenite (AsIII), arsenate (AsV), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). A GC‐flame ionization detector (FID)‐based German standard method and ICP‐MS were used for validation of the data obtained for arsenobetaine and total arsenic, respectively. LODs obtained with the CE‐ESI‐TOF‐MS method were 1.0×10−7 M for AsB, 5.0×10−7 M for DMA, and 1.0×10−6 M for AsIII and AsV. For the CE‐ICP‐MS method, LODs were 8.5×10−8 M for AsB, 9.5×10−8 M for DMA, 9.3×10−8 M for AsIII, and 6.2×10−8 M for AsV. While CE‐ICP‐MS provided high sensitivity and better reproducibility for quantitative measurements, CE‐ESI‐MS with a TOF mass analyzer proved to be valuable for species identification. With this setup, fish samples were prepared and analyzed and the obtained data were successfully validated with the independent methods.
Seasonal variation of flavour content of English vineyard grapes, determined by stir‐bar sorptive extraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Caven‐Quantrill Darren J. , Buglass Alan J.
Published: May 2008

The juices (musts) of Huxelrebe, Madeleine Angevine 7672, Ortega, Schönburger and Siegerrebe wine grapes of up to four vintages from two East Anglian vineyards were analysed for volatile flavour components, using stir‐bar sorptive extraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The analytical flavour profiles for each variety differed considerably from season to season, depending on ripeness (and in turn on seasonal weather and yield), as judged by sugar content. (E)‐Anethole and estragole were most abundant in less ripe juices, although in all cases their concentrations were low. Likewise, C6 aldehydes hexanal and (E)‐2‐hexenal, as well as other carbonyl compounds, were more abundant in less ripe musts. Additionally, the aliphatic:aromatic ester ratio tended to be higher for riper musts, and higher concentrations of decanoic and dodecanoic acids tended to characterize riper juices. Aliphatic alcohols and terpenoids showed mixed trends. Despite the seasonal differences in flavour profiles, it was deduced that very few variations of individual components were likely to have much organoleptic impact in themselves. Seasonal variations in linalool and (E)‐β‐damascenone contents probably had the greatest flavour (aromatic fruity) impact on Schönburger and Siegerrebe juices and Huxelrebe and Ortega juices, respectively. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of alternative therapies in patients with dementia and mild cognitive impairment: a prospective, controlled study
Authors: Landin Julia , Frölich Lutz , Schwarz Stefan
Published: May 2008

Objectives

To study the frequency and type of alternative therapies used in patients with dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Methods

In a prospective study, 77 outpatients and 62 healthy volunteers were interviewed using a questionnaire concerning frequency, type and motivation of the use of alternative therapies.

Results

47% of patients and 18% of control subjects used alternative therapies to treat or prevent disturbances of memory (p < 0.001). No correlation could be found between use of alternative medicine and professional education, severity of disease, religion or health insurance status (p > 0.05). The most commonly used substances were vitamins. Side effects remained unreported. 52% of patients were treated with conventional medications. Only 44% of the patients informed their physician about the use of alternative medicine.

Conclusions

The use of alternative therapies, particularly vitamins, and herbal preparations of unknown efficacy is common among patients with dementia and MCI. Hence, the treating physician should actively inquire about their use as some preparations have pharmacological activity or could interact with other prescribed medications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk of severe liver disease in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with normal aminotransferase levels: A role for insulin resistance and diabetes
Authors: Fracanzani Anna Ludovica , Valenti Luca , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Andreoletti Marco , Colli Agostino , Vanni Ester , Bertelli Cristina , Fatta Erika , Bignamini Daniela , Marchesini Giulio , Fargion Silvia
Published: May 2008

It is uncertain whether patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) have a milder disease and should undergo liver biopsy. We reviewed the histological data of 458 Italian patients with NAFLD in whom liver biopsy was indicated by altered liver enzymes (395 cases, 86%), or persistently elevated ferritin or long-lasting severe steatosis (63 cases). Factors associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis ≥ 2 were identified by multivariate analysis. Patients with normal ALT were significantly older, had lower body mass index, fasting triglycerides, insulin resistance according to homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), ALT, and gamma-glutamyltransferase, but a higher prevalence of hypertension. NASH was diagnosed in 59% and 74% of the patients with normal and increased ALT, respectively (

P

= 0.01). In the overall series of patients, NASH was independently predicted by ALT (odds ratio [OR], 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–1.19 per 10-IU/mL increase) and diabetes (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–2.0). The same variables were selected in patients with increased ALT, whereas in those with normal ALT, HOMA-IR and ALT were independent predictors. Severe fibrosis was independently predicted by serum ferritin (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.001–1.08 per 50-ng/mL increase), ALT (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02–1.14), and diabetes (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.4–2.3) in the overall series, serum ferritin and diabetes in those with increased ALT, and only HOMA-IR (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.2–3.7) in patients with normal ALT.

Conclusion:

Normal ALT is not a valuable criterion to exclude patients from liver biopsy. Alterations in glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in subjects with normal ALT should also be considered in the selection of NAFLD cases for histological assessment of disease severity and progression. (Hepatology 2008.)
Relations between characteristics of workplace practices and types of informal work‐related learning: A survey study among Dutch Police
Authors: Doornbos Anja J. , Simons Robert‐Jan , Denessen Eddie
Published: May 2008

Some organizations seek to promote informal work‐related learning to stimulate organizational performance. This study focuses on six types of work‐related learning in relation to personal, relational, and work characteristics of the workplace practice. A survey was conducted to identify types and levels of work‐related learning for executive Dutch police officers in terms of intentionality, developmental relatedness, and interaction partner's professional practice and hierarchical position. Analysis of the data found that police officers frequently learn from their peers and together. They learn from new and less‐experienced colleagues infrequently. Of the nine characteristics of workplace practices researched in this study, some seemed to individually facilitate work‐related learning; in particular, the individual's value of workrelated learning, possibilities for collegial feedback, and a relatively high level of work pressure seemed to stimulate informal work‐related learning. Implications of the findings for HRD research and practice are discussed.
Effects of incubation temperature on growth and performance of the veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus)
Authors: Andrews Robin M.
Published: May 2008

I evaluated the effect of incubation temperature on phenotypes of the veiled chameleon, Chamaeleo calyptratus. I chose this species for study because its large clutch size (30–40 eggs or more) allows replication within clutches both within and among experimental treatments. The major research objectives were (1) to assess the effect of constant low, moderate, and high temperatures on embryonic development, (2) to determine whether the best incubation temperature for embryonic development also produced the “best” hatchlings, and (3) to determine how a change in incubation temperature during mid‐development would affect phenotype. To meet these objectives, I established five experimental temperature regimes and determined egg survival and incubation length and measured body size and shape, selected body temperatures, and locomotory performance of lizards at regular intervals from hatching to 90 d, or just before sexual maturity. Incubation temperature affected the length of incubation, egg survival, and body mass, but did not affect sprint speed or selected body temperature although selected body temperature affected growth in mass independently of treatment and clutch. Incubation at moderate temperatures provided the best conditions for both embryonic and post‐hatching development. The highest incubation temperatures were disruptive to development; eggs had high mortality, developmental rate was low, and hatchlings grew slowly. Changes in temperature during incubation increased the among‐clutch variance in incubation length relative to that of constant temperature treatments. J. Exp. Zool. 309A:435–446, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunohistochemical identification of the extravillous trophoblast during the placentation of the degu (Octodon degus)
Authors: Bosco Cleofina , Buffet Chosica
Published: May 2008

Recent data indicate that placentation in Octodon degus is similar to that in humans, making it a potential animal model for studies in human placental pathologies related to alterations in the migration of the extravillous trophoblast (EVT). Our objective was to immunohistochemically identify degu EVT during placentation by using cytoskeletal protein markers to establish the normal migratory pattern of the EVT. Fifteen O.degus were divided into three equal groups: day 27, 60, and 84 of gestation. The placentas were immunostained for cytokeratin (CK) and α smooth muscle actin (SMA). At day 27, the migrating EVT immunostained for SMA but not for CK. Once the EVT was incorporated in the maternal vessels (day 60) it was positive for CK but negative for SMA. The smooth muscle cells of the mesometrial arteries that remained after EVT invasion were positive for SMA. At day 84, the media muscular layer had partially regenerated but some EVT was still present. Furthermore, at day 27 cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1) was detected in the endothelium of the maternal decidual vessels. Our results suggest that during the early stages of placentation, the cytoskeletal organization of the actin network of the migrating EVT corresponds to that of a cell with motile behavior. Once the EVT invaded the spiral arteries, the cytoskeleton reorganized, adopting the structure of an epithelial‐like cell, expressing CK intermediate filaments. The media muscle layer regenerated near the end of gestation but some EVT remained. During EVT formation the endothelium of the maternal decidual vessels immunostained for COX‐1. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 310B:534–539, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Remission of CVB3‐induced viral myocarditis by in vivo Th2 polarization via hydrodynamics‐based interleukin‐4 gene transfer
Authors: Jiang Zhenggang , Xu Wei , Li Kang , Yue Yan , Xu Lin , Ye Fei , Xiong Sidong
Published: May 2008

Background

Regulation of Th polarization was critical for the prevention of Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) induced myocarditis. In the present study, interleukin (IL)‐4 was over‐expressed by hydrodynamics‐based gene transfection (HGT) to induce the in vivo Th2 bias and evaluate the influence of Th polarization on the pathogenesis of CVB3‐myocaditis.

Methods

IL‐4 expressing plasmid was delivered into BALB/c mice by HGT after CVB3 infection. In vivo Th polarization was evaluated by detecting expression of Th1/Th2 cytokine, antibody isotype and Th related transcription factor, as well as the proliferation of CD8+ T cells. The severity of myocarditis was assessed by weight loss, serological index of myocarditis, pathological feature, as well as survival rate.

Results

HGT of IL‐4 plasmid resulted in high‐level and long‐lasting expression of IL‐4 in different organs, which rescued mice from severe heart inflammation and death. This may due to the induction of a Th2‐bised immune response specified with decreased expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interferon (IFN)‐γ but increased expression of IL‐10 and IL‐4 in serum and heart tissue, more IL‐4 but less IFN‐γ secreting splenic CD4+ T cells, an immunoglobulin G1 isotype switch, increased expression of GATA‐3 and low proliferation of CD8+ T cells, without significant change of virus titer in heart tissue.

Conclusions

CVB3‐induced myocarditis could be remitted through in vivo Th2 polarization, which has implications for our understanding of the role of Th2 population in immunity to CVB3 infection and for the development of new therapies for CVB3‐myocarditis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Skull shape and feeding strategy in Sphenodon and other Rhynchocephalia (Diapsida: Lepidosauria)
Authors: Jones Marc E.H.
Published: May 2008

The Rhynchocephalia are a group of small diapsid reptiles that were globally distributed during the early Mesozoic. By contrast, the only extant representatives, Sphenodon punctatus and S. guntheri (Tuatara), are restricted to New Zealand off‐shore islands. The Rhynchocephalia are widely considered to be morphologically uniform but research over the past 30 years has revealed unexpected phenotypic and taxonomic diversity. Phylogenetically “basal taxa” generally possess relatively simple conical or columnar teeth whereas more derived taxa possessed stouter flanged teeth and sophisticated shearing mechanisms: orthal in some (e.g., Clevosaurus hudsoni) and propalinal in others (e.g., S. punctatus). This variation in feeding apparatus suggests a wide range of feeding niches were exploited by rhynchocephalians. The relationship of skull shape to skull length, phylogenetic grouping, habit, and characters relating to the feeding apparatus are explored here with geometric morphometric analysis on two‐dimensional landmarks. Principle components analysis demonstrates that there are significant differences between phylogenetic groups. In particular, Sphenodon differs significantly from all well known fossil taxa including the most phylogenetically basal forms. Therefore, it is not justifiable to use Sphenodon as a solitary outgroup when studying skull shape and feeding strategy in squamates; rhynchocephalian fossil taxa also need to be considered. There are also significant differences between the skull shapes of aquatic taxa and those of terrestrial taxa. Of the observed variation in skull shape, most variation is subsumed by variation in dentary tooth base shape, the type of jaw movement employed (e.g., orthal vs. propalinal) and the number of palatal tooth rows. By comparison, the presence or absence of flanges, dentary tooth number and palatal tooth row orientation subsume much less. Skull length was also found to be a poor descriptor of overall skull shape. Compared to basal rhynchocephalians members of more derived terrestrial radiations possess an enlarged postorbital area, a high parietal, and a jaw joint positioned ventral to the tooth row. Modification of these features is closely associated with increased biting performance and thus access to novel food items. Some of these same trends are apparent during Sphenodon ontogeny where skull growth is allometric and there is evidence for ontogenetic variation in diet. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metamorphic changes in localization of sugars in skin of the leopard frog, Rana pipiens
Authors: Faszewski Ellen E. , Tyrell Annemarie , Guin Sujata , Kaltenbach Jane C.
Published: May 2008

A lectin histochemical study was carried out to determine the distribution of specific sugars in glycoconjugates within an important osmoregulatory organ, amphibian skin. Paraffin sections were made of Rana pipiens skin from dorsal and ventral regions of aquatic larvae in representative developmental stages as well as from several body regions of semiaquatic adult frogs. Sections were incubated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP)‐conjugated lectins, which bind to specific terminal sugar residues of glycoconjugates. Such sites were visualized by DAB‐H2O2. The following HRP‐lectins were used: UEA‐1 for α‐L‐fucose, SBA for N‐acetyl‐D‐galactosamine, WGA for N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosamine, PNA for β‐galactose, and Con A for α‐mannose. We found that lectin binding patterns in larvae change during metamorphic climax as the skin undergoes extensive histological remodeling; this results in adult skin with staining patterns that are specific for each lectin and are similar in all body regions. Such findings in R. pipiens provide additional insight into the localization of molecules involved in osmoregulation in amphibian skin. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plasticity of hippocampus following perinatal asphyxia: Effects on postnatal apoptosis and neurogenesis
Authors: Morales P. , Fiedler J.L. , Andrés S. , Berrios C. , Huaiquín P. , Bustamante D. , Cardenas S. , Parra E. , Herrera‐Marschitz M.
Published: May 2008

Asphyxia during delivery produces long‐term deficits in brain development, including hippocampus. We investigated hippocampal plasticity after perinatal asphyxia, measuring postnatal apoptosis and neurogenesis. Asphyxia was performed by immersing rat fetuses with uterine horns removed from ready‐to‐deliver rats into a water bath for 20 min. Caesarean‐delivered pups were used as controls. The animals were euthanized 1 week or 1 month after birth. Apoptotic nuclear morphology and DNA breaks were assessed by Hoechst and TUNEL assays. Neurogenesis was estimated by bromodeoxyuridine/MAP‐2 immunocytochemitry, and the levels and expression of proteins related to apoptosis and cell proliferation were measured by Western blots and in situ hybridization, respectively. There was an increase of apoptosis in CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG) and cell proliferation and neurogenesis in CA1, DG, and hilus regions of hippocampus 1 week after asphyxia. The increase of apoptosis in CA3 and cell proliferation in the suprapyramidal band of DG was still observed 1 month following asphyxia. There was an increase of BAD, BCL‐2, ERK2, and bFGF levels in whole hippocampus and bFGF expression in CA1 and CA2 and hilus at P7 and P30. There was a concomitant decrease of phosphorylated‐BAD (Ser112) levels. The increase of BAD levels supports the idea of delayed cell death after perinatal asphyxia, whereas the increases of BCL‐2, ERK2, and bFGF levels suggest the activation of neuroprotective and repair pathways. In conclusion, perinatal asphyxia induces short‐ and long‐term regionally specific plastic changes, including delayed cell death and neurogenesis, involving pro‐ and antiapoptotic as well as mitogenic proteins, favoring hippocampal functional recovery. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Climate variability in the Salawusu River valley of the Ordos Plateau (Inner Mongolia, China) during Marine Isotope Stage 3
Authors: Wen Xiaohao , Li Baosheng , Zheng Yanming , Zhang David Dian , Ye Jianping
Published: May 2008

Fluctuations in climatic proxies of the Milanggouwan section in the Salawusu River valley of the Ordos Plateau (Inner Mongolia, China) during Marine Isotope stage 3 (MIS 3) coincide well with sedimentary cycles for palaeo‐mobile dune sands alternating with fluvial–lacustrine facies and palaeosols. We compared the palaeo‐mobile dune sands with modern mobile dune sands (products of a cold and dry climate dominated by the East Asian winter monsoon), whereas the fluvial–lacustrine facies and palaeosols were controlled by a wet–warm climate similar to that of the East Asian summer monsoon. The MIS 3 climate of the Salawusu River valley appears to have experienced at least nine wet–warm and ten cold–dry fluctuations, divided into five stages: MIS 3e (58 900–49500 yr BP), MIS 3d (49 500–40 700 yr BP), MIS 3c (40 700–36 900 yr BP), MIS 3b (36 900–27 000 yr BP) and MIS 3a (27 000–22 300 yr BP). The 19 cold–warm climatic fluctuations corresponded roughly to the GRIP and Guliyan records, and with fluctuations in the North Atlantic climate. Notable peaks in the spectral analysis occurred at 19 500 yr, 1020 yr, 640 yr and 500 yr. Our results show that the millennial–centennial climate was closely related to the relative strengths of East Asian monsoons, which are controlled by the North Atlantic thermohaline circulation, and which is also closely linked to the Sun's precession period. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship between CAG repeat length and clinical progression in Huntington's disease
Authors: Ravina Bernard , Romer Megan , Constantinescu Radu , Biglan Kevin , Brocht Alicia , Kieburtz Karl , Shoulson Ira , McDermott Michael P.
Published: May 2008

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between CAG repeat length (CAGn) and clinical progression in patients with Huntington's disease (HD). There are conflicting reports about the relationship between CAGn and clinical progression of HD. We conducted an analysis of data from the Coenzyme Q10 and Remacemide Evaluation in Huntington's Disease (CARE‐HD) clinical trial. We modeled progression over 30 months on the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) and supplemental neuropsychological and behavioral tests using multiple linear regression. Mean subject age was 47.9 ± 10.5 years and mean CAGn was 45.0 ± 4.1. Multiple linear regression revealed statistically significant associations between CAGn and worsening on several motor, cognitive, and functional outcomes, but not behavioral outcomes. Many effects were clinically important; 10 additional CAG repeats were associated with an 81% increase in progression on the Independence Scale. These associations were not observed in the absence of age adjustment. Age at the time of assessment confounds the association between CAGn and progression. Adjusting for age shows that longer CAGn is associated with greater clinical progression of HD. This finding may account for the variable results from previous studies examining CAGn and progression. Adjusting for CAGn may be important for clinical trials. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Diffusion‐weighted imaging and magnetization transfer imaging of tardive and edentulous orodyskinesia
Authors: Khiat Abdesslem , Kuznetsov Yevgeniy , Blanchet Pierre J. , Boulanger Yvan
Published: May 2008

Oral dyskinesias occur in elderly individuals in relation to drug use (tardive dyskinesia, TD) or edentulousness (edentulous orodyskinesia, EOD) but their characterization remains incomplete. Our aim was to investigate whether magnetic resonance techniques such as diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and magnetization transfer imaging (MTI) of the brain could be used to differentiate dyskinetic patients from control subjects. Eight drug‐treated patients with TD, 12 EOD patients, 8 drug‐treated patients without TD, and 10 control subjects were recruited and examined by DWI and MTI. Measurements in the caudate nucleus, putamen, and globus pallidus yielded globally different apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values between drug treated patients with TD and control subjects but the magnetization transfer ratios showed no significant variations. The discrimination between dyskinetic patients and control subjects offered by ADC values was however slightly poorer than the discrimination offered by the previously published choline/creatine ratios measured by MR spectroscopy in the basal ganglia. The results are consistent with the pathophysiological hypothesis of damage to cholinergic interneurons. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Movement disorders in Rett syndrome: An analysis of 60 patients with detected MECP2 mutation and correlation with mutation type
Authors: Temudo Teresa , Ramos Elisabete , Dias Karin , Barbot Clara , Vieira Jose P. , Moreira Ana , Calado Eulalia , Carrilho Ines , Oliveira Guiomar , Levy Antonio , Fonseca Maria , Cabral Alexandra , Cabral Pedro , Monteiro Joao P , Borges Luis , Gomes Roseli , Santos Manuela , Sequeiros Jorge , Maciel Patricia
Published: May 2008

Rett syndrome (RS) is one of the best human models to study movement disorders. Patients evolve from a hyperkinetic to a hypokinetic state, and a large series of abnormal movements may be observed along their lives such as stereotypies, tremor, chorea, myoclonus, ataxia, dystonia, and rigidity. The aim of this work was to analyze movement disorders in RS patients with a detected MECP2 mutation, as well as their correlation with genotype, in a clinically and genetically well‐characterized sample of patients, and thus contribute to redefine the clinical profile of this disease. In this study, we included 60 patients with detected MECP2 mutations. These were categorized and grouped for analysis, according to (1) type of change (missense or truncating, including nonsense and frameshift but also large deletions) and (2) location of the mutation. Differences were found concerning the frequency of independent gait, dystonia, type of tremor, and global score severity when comparing the group of patients with missense and truncating mutations. We also found differences in the presence, distribution, severity, or type of movement disorders in the two groups of patients according to the median duration of the disease (less than 60 months; 60 months or more). We conclude that movement disorders seem to reflect the severity and rate of progression of Rett disorder, patients with truncating mutations presenting a higher rate and more severe dystonia and rigid‐akinetic syndrome, when comparing groups with similar time of disease evolution. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
REM behavior disorder, hallucinations and cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease: A two‐year follow up
Authors: Sinforiani Elena , Pacchetti Claudio , Zangaglia Roberta , Pasotti Chiara , Manni Raffaele , Nappi Giuseppe
Published: May 2008

In Parkinson's disease (PD) the presence of REM parasonnias as REM Behaviour Disorder (RBD) or vivid dreams/nightmares, is recognized as largely associated with hallucinations, even if the risk of the development of hallucinations seem not to depend on how long the REM parasomnias had been occurring. The aim of this study was to establish if RBDs occurring earlier than hallucinations in PD are predictive of cognitive impairment development. Three groups of PD patients: i) group 1, without RBD and without hallucinations; ii) group 2, with RBD but without hallucinations; iii) group 3, with RBD and hallucinations have been prospectively investigated at baseline and after two years throughout a clinical and neuropsychological evaluation. After two years, the group 1 continued to present normal neuropsychological tests and did not present either RBDs or hallucinations. In the group 2, the frontal impairment evidenced at baseline was confirmed; the onset of newly hallucinations was reported in a subgroup of 12 patients, who proved to be older, with a more severe executive impairment at baseline and with a more severe motor symptoms progression than those RBD patients who had not manifested hallucinations. The group 3, characterized at baseline by a more severe cognitive impairment presented, after two years, a cognitive worsening and a higher mortality rate. The longitudinal but at preliminary step investigation identified a PD subgroup of patients, in whom a common background disease profile, including the presence of RBD, could represent a “red flag” in developing further cognitive impairment. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Ultramicroscopic investigation of the preservation status of hair collected from a full‐term, intrauterine baby mummy of the Joseon Dynasty, Korea
Authors: Chang B. S. , Uhm C. S. , Park C. H. , Kim H. K. , Jung H. S. , Ham J. H. , Lee G. Y. , Kim D. H. , Lee K. J. , Bang I. S. , Oh C. S. , Shin D. H.
Published: May 2008

Our previous studies on the ultramicroscopic structure of mummy hair from Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) tombs sealed with a lime‐soil mixture barrier (LSMB) have provided initial, basic information on their preservation status. Numerous additional cases of various conditions are required in order to provide data sufficient for establishing Korean mummy preservation patterns on a firm basis, however, and so we performed electron microscopic studies on hair taken from a full‐term, intrauterine baby mummy found in Paju, Korea. The baby mummy was found within the uterus of a 16th‐century mummified woman aged 20–30 years old. Since the labour and delivery stage for this case was 2, and the uterus was found to be ruptured, the cause of death of both the mother and the baby was likely to have been hypovolemic shock occurring during labour. In scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies, we found that the surface of the hair of the baby mummy was coated with crystalline substances, mainly on the side facing the vaginal orifice. We also observed well‐preserved cuticle, cortex and medullar layers, completely preserved cuticle‐layer scales, as well as macrofibrils and melanin granules evenly spread within the cuticle and cortex layers. Because studies on infant or subadult mummies are very few, and since they have focused mainly on the palaeopathological aspects of those mummies, the preservation pattern of the hair of a full‐term baby mummy could contribute significantly to our knowledge of mummies from around the world. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent changes in drug poisoning mortality in the United States by urban–rural status and by drug type
Authors: Paulozzi Leonard J. , Xi Yongli
Published: May 2008

Purpose

This study was conducted to determine how the recently reported increase in drug poisoning mortality rates in the United States varied by degree of urbanization. Although drug poisoning is traditionally seen as an urban problem, evidence suggested that at least one component of the recent increase, deaths involving opioid analgesics, was increasing more rapidly in rural areas.

Methods

The study compared age‐adjusted unintentional and undetermined drug poisoning mortality rates between 1999 and 2004 from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) in each of six urban–rural categories.

Results

Unintentional and undetermined drug poisoning mortality rates rose 62% from 1999 to 2004. Metropolitan county rates rose 51%, an increase of 2.66/100 000, while nonmetropolitan county rates rose 159%, an increase of 4.81/100 000. By 2004, metropolitan and nonmetropolitan drug poisoning rates had roughly equalized. In the narcotic drug category, which included heroin, cocaine, and opioid analgesics, the most urban (“large central metro”) counties increased only 16% while the most rural (“noncore, nonmetropolitan”) counties increased 248%. Heroin rates did not increase significantly for any urban–rural category. Cocaine rate increases were largest in nonmetropolitan counties. Opioid analgesic rate increases ranged from a low of 52% in large central metro counties to an increase of 371% in nonmetropolitan, noncore counties.

Conclusions

Prescription drugs have replaced heroin and cocaine as the leading drugs involved in fatal drug overdoses in all urban–rural categories. Fatal drug overdoses are no longer a predominantly urban phenomenon. National prevention efforts will have to shift to address nontraditional populations using nontraditional drugs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Osteoblasts‐derived BMP‐2 enhances the motility of prostate cancer cells via activation of integrins
Authors: Lai Tzu‐Hsiu , Fong Yi‐Chin , Fu Wen‐Mei , Yang Rong‐Sen , Tang Chih‐Hsin
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND

Bone metastases are common complications of prostate cancer cells. The bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) is constitutively secreted by osteoblasts and plays a key role in bone formation. Integrins are the major adhesive molecules in mammalian cells, and has been associated with cancer cells metastasis to bone. The aim of this study was to investigate whether osteoblast‐derived BMP‐2 is associated with prostate cancer metastasis.

METHOD

Cancer cells migration activity was examined using the Transwell assay. The ERK and AKT phosphorylation was examined by using Western blot method. The siRNA was used to inhibit the expression of BMP‐2. The cell surface expression of integrins was examined by using flow cytometry. A transient transfection protocol was used to examine NF‐κB activity.

RESULTS

We found that osteoblast conditioned medium (OBCM) increased the migration and cell surface expression of β1 or β3 integrin in human prostate cancer cells. β1 or β3 integrin monoclonal antibodies or siRNA against β1 or β3 integrin inhibited the OBCM‐induced increase the migration of prostate cancer cells. BMP‐2 siRNA specifically reduced the OBCM‐induced migration and integrins upregulation. BMP‐2 siRNA also suppressed the OBCM‐induced ERK, AKT and NF‐κB activation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggest that the osteoblast‐derived BMP‐2 act through Akt and ERK, which in turn activates IKKα/β and NF‐κB, resulting in the activations of β1 and β3 integrins and contributing the migration of prostate cancer cells. Prostate 68:1341–1353, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Schizophrenia as a progressive brain disease
Authors: van Haren N.E.M. , Cahn W. , Hulshoff Pol H.E. , Kahn R.S.
Published: May 2008

There is convincing evidence that schizophrenia is characterized by abnormalities in brain volume. At the Department of Psychiatry of the University Medical Centre Utrecht, Netherlands, we have been carrying out neuroimaging studies in schizophrenia since 1995. We focused our research on three main questions. First, are brain volume abnormalities static or progressive in nature? Secondly, can brain volume abnormalities in schizophrenia be explained (in part) by genetic influences? Finally, what environmental factors are associated with the brain volume abnormalities in schizophrenia?

Based on our findings we suggest that schizophrenia is a progressive brain disease. We showed different age-related trajectories of brain tissue loss suggesting that brain maturation that occurs in the third and fourth decade of life is abnormal in schizophrenia. Moreover, brain volume has been shown to be a useful phenotype for studying schizophrenia. Brain volume is highly heritable and twin and family studies show that unaffected relatives show abnormalities that are similar, but usually present to a lesser extent, to those found in the patients. However, also environmental factors play a role. Medication intake is indeed a confounding factor when interpreting brain volume (change) abnormalities, while independent of antipsychotic medication intake brain volume abnormalities appear influenced by the outcome of the illness.

In conclusion, schizophrenia can be considered as a progressive brain disease with brain volume abnormalities that are for a large part influenced by genetic factors. Whether the progressive volume change is also mediated by genes awaits the results of longitudinal twin analyses. One of the main challenges for the coming years, however, will be the search for gene-by-environment interactions on the progressive brain changes in schizophrenia.
Theorising the international rule of law
Authors: NARDIN TERRY
Published: May 2008

Recent trends in international law scholarship recycle objections to international law advanced by an earlier generation of political and legal realists. Such objections fail to understand the place of international law in the global order. To understand that place, we must distinguish the idea of the rule of law from other understandings of law. That idea is an inherently moral one. Theories of international law that ignore the moral element in law cannot distinguish law as a constraint on power from law as an instrument of power. A Kantian theory of international law can help to recover that moral element.
The responsibility to protect as a duty of care in international law and practice
Authors: ARBOUR LOUISE
Published: May 2008

This discussion focuses on the content of the responsibility to protect the norm. It specifically addresses the historical roots and development of the norm by describing its fundamental differences from the doctrine of humanitarian intervention. The legal heart of the responsibility to protect concept and questions of when and how the norm is engaged are also examined. Finally, the discussion explores the role that the UN institutions can play in interpreting and applying the norm, as well as the mechanisms of cooperation in protection available to the international community.
The political economy of global environmental governance
Authors: NEWELL PETER
Published: May 2008

This article develops a political economy account of global environmental governance to improve upon our understanding of the contemporary conduct of environmental politics and to clarify thinking about the potential for, and barriers to, effective environmental reform. By elaborating the key contours of a political economy account on the one hand and opening up to critical enquiry prevailing understandings of what is meant by ‘global’ ‘environmental’ and ‘governance’ on the other, such an approach is able to enhance our understanding of the practice of environmental governance by emphasising historical, material and political elements of its (re) constitution and evolution.
A portrait of the politician as a young pub rocker: live music venue reform in Australia
Authors: Homan Shane
Published: May 2008

This paper examines the recent NSW state government reassessment of the role of live music venues, and the gradual inclusion of live music within broader urban cultural policy across Australia. Focusing on Sydney, it maps the live music venue at the intersection of competing policy agendas, alternatively viewed as ‘vibrant’, exciting sites that represent a rejuvenated inner-city culture; or as sites of disruption, encouraging anti-social activity on the margins of legality (or sometimes both). The ‘rehabilitation’ of live music in the eyes of key government sectors was not simply a matter of ‘good’ cultural policy, but the result of a combination of many factors. The paper documents and analyses a six-year campaign by various stakeholders to implement noise, building code, late-night trading and liquor law reforms designed to ensure the survival of live performance venues and scenes.