bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactions of [Et4N][Tp*W(μ3‐S)(μ‐S)2­(CuSCN)2] with Nitrogen Donor Ligands: Syntheses, Structures, and Third‐Order Nonlinear Optical Properties
Authors: Wei Zhen‐Hong , Li Ling‐Ling , Ren Zhi‐Gang , Li Hong‐Xi , Lang Jian‐Ping , Zhang Yong , Sun Zhen‐Rong
Published: August 2009

Reactions of the preformed cluster [Et4N][Tp*W(μ3‐S)(μ‐S)2(CuSCN)2] (1) with pyridine (py), 4,4′‐bipyridine (4,4′‐bipy), or 1,3‐bis(4‐pyridyl)propane (bpp) led to the formation of three neutral [Tp*W(μ3‐S)(μ‐S)2Cu2]‐based compounds [Tp*W(μ3‐S)(μ‐S)2Cu2(SCN)(py)2] (2), [{Tp*W(μ3‐S)(μ‐S)2Cu2(SCN)}2(4,4′‐bipy)]·3.5H2O (3·3.5H2O), and [Tp*W(μ3‐S)(μ‐S)2Cu2(SCN)(bpp)]2 (4), respectively. Compounds 2–4 were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, UV/Vis spectra, 1H NMR, and X‐ray analysis. There are two linkage isomers [Tp*W(μ3‐S)(μ‐S)2Cu2(SCN)(py)2] and [Tp*W(μ3‐S)(μ‐S)2Cu2(NCS)(py)2], each of which has its own enantiomeric pair in the crystal of 2. Compound 3 has a double butterfly‐shaped structure in which two [Tp*W(μ3‐S)(μ‐S)2Cu2(SCN)] fragments are linked with a single 4,4′‐bipy bridge. For 4, the two butterfly‐shaped [Tp*W(μ3‐S)(μ‐S)2Cu2(SCN)] fragments are interconnected by a pair of bpp bridges. The third‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) performances of 2–4 in DMF were also investigated by Z‐scan techniques.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Aziridine Synthesis via Nucleophilic Attack of Carbene Equivalents on Imines: the Aza‐Darzens Reaction
Authors: Sweeney Joseph
Published: August 2009

The development of new methods for the efficient synthesis of aziridines has been of considerable interest to researchers for more than 60 years, but no single method has yet emerged as uniformly applicable, especially for asymmetric synthesis of chiral aziridines. One method which has been intensely examined and expanded of late involves thenucleophilic addition to imines by anions bearing α‐leaving groups; by analogy with the glycidate epoxide synthesis, these processes are often described as “aza‐Darzens reactions”. This Microreview gives a summary of the area, with a focus on contemporary developments.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
A New Synthetic Route to Unsymmetrical 9‐Arylxanthenes
Authors: Das Sajal Kumar , Singh Ritesh , Panda Gautam
Published: August 2009

A facile and general three‐step synthetic route towards unsymmetrical 9‐arylxanthenes was developed. The reaction sequence involves nucleophilic substitution of commercially available 2‐fluorobenzaldehydes with arenoxides, Grignard reaction of the resulting 2‐arenoxybenzaldehydes with arylmagnesium bromides, followed by FeCl3‐catalyzed intramolecular diarylmethylation of the resulting carbinols. This strategy was extended to access symmetrical as well as unsymmetrical 9‐arylthioxanthenes.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
On the application of decorrelating receiver to multicode system
Authors: Krenz Rafał
Published: August 2009

In this letter a novel decorrelating detector for multicode system is proposed and analysed. Multicode transmission is an alternative technique for providing multirate data to multiple users. However, it suffers from an inter‐channel‐interference when the signal is transmitted over a multipath channel. The proposed receiver processes the received message in a symbol‐by‐symbol fashion, which reduces the computational complexity of the decorrelating receiver considerably comparing to the more traditional approach, where the full frame is processed at a time. Simulation results show that the performance improvement is substantial using the proposed receiver, e.g. the irreducible BER can be lowered as much as 2 orders of magnitude @ 20 dB. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal hedge ratios in the presence of common jumps
Authors: Chan Wing Hong
Published: August 2009

This study derives optimal hedge ratios with infrequent extreme news events modeled as common jumps in foreign currency spot and futures rates. A dynamic hedging strategy based on a bivariate GARCH model augmented with a common jump component is proposed to manage currency risk. We find significant common jump components in the British pound spot and futures rates. The out‐of‐sample hedging exercises show that optimal hedge ratios which incorporate information from common jump dynamics substantially reduce daily and weekly portfolio risk. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 30:801–807, 2010
Shades of gray: a comparison of linkage disequilibrium between Hutterites and Europeans
Authors: Thompson Emma E. , Sun Ying , Nicolae Dan , Ober Carole
Published: August 2009

Founder or isolated populations have advantages for genetic studies due to decreased genetic and environmental heterogeneity. However, whereas longer‐range linkage disequilibrium (LD) in these populations is expected to facilitate gene localization, extensive LD may actually limit the ability for gene discovery. The North American Hutterite population is one of the best characterized young founder populations and members of this isolate have been the subjects of our studies of complex traits, including fertility, asthma and cardiovascular disease, for >20 years. Here, we directly assess the patterns and extent of global LD using single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes with minor allele frequencies (MAFs) ≥5% from the Affymetrix GeneChip® Mapping 500 K array in 60 relatively unrelated Hutterites and 60 unrelated Europeans (HapMap CEU). Although LD among some marker pairs extends further in the Hutterites than in Europeans, the pattern of LD and MAF are surprisingly similar. These results indicate that (1) identifying disease genes should be no more difficult in the Hutterites than in outbred European populations, (2) the same common susceptibility alleles for complex diseases should be present in the Hutterites and outbred European populations, and (3) imputation algorithms based on HapMap CEU should be applicable to the Hutterites. Genet. Epidemiol. 34: 133–139, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extent and distribution of linkage disequilibrium in the Old Order Amish
Authors: Van Hout Cristopher V. , Levin Albert M. , Rampersaud Evadnie , Shen Haiqing , O'Connell Jeffrey R. , Mitchell Braxton D. , Shuldiner Alan R. , Douglas Julie A.
Published: August 2009

Knowledge of the extent and distribution of linkage disequilibrium (LD) is critical to the design and interpretation of gene mapping studies. Because the demographic history of each population varies and is often not accurately known, it is necessary to empirically evaluate LD on a population‐specific basis. Here we present the first genome‐wide survey of LD in the Old Order Amish (OOA) of Lancaster County Pennsylvania, a closed population derived from a modest number of founders. Specifically, we present a comparison of LD between OOA individuals and US Utah participants in the International HapMap project (abbreviated CEU) using a high‐density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) map. Overall, the allele (and haplotype) frequency distributions and LD profiles were remarkably similar between these two populations. For example, the median absolute allele frequency difference for autosomal SNPs was 0.05, with an inter‐quartile range of 0.02–0.09, and for autosomal SNPs 10–20 kb apart with common alleles (minor allele frequency≥0.05), the LD measure r2 was at least 0.8 for 15 and 14% of SNP pairs in the OOA and CEU, respectively. Moreover, tag SNPs selected from the HapMap CEU sample captured a substantial portion of the common variation in the OOA (∼88%) at r2≥0.8. These results suggest that the OOA and CEU may share similar LD profiles for other common but untyped SNPs. Thus, in the context of the common variant‐common disease hypothesis, genetic variants discovered in gene mapping studies in the OOA may generalize to other populations. Genet. Epidemiol. 34: 146–150, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Stroud/ADI dementia quality framework: a cross‐national population‐level framework for assessing the quality of life impacts of services and policies for people with dementia and their family carers
Authors: Banerjee Sube , Willis Rosalind , Graham Nori , Gurland Barry J.
Published: August 2009

Objectives

To generate an internationally applicable framework for the systematic assessment of the quality of life impacts of services and policies for people with dementia and their family carers.

Design

A qualitative analysis of text.

Setting

Open groups at six consecutive Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) Conferences (1999–2005) lasting between 1.5 and 2 h. Data were: presenters' texts, transcribed points made during discussion and written contributions.

Participants

Three hundred and twelve contributors of text.

Results

From 2246 chunks of text, eight interacting domains relating to quality of life emerged: Public Attitudes and Understanding; Government and Social Policy; Funding for Services; Health; Communication; Choice and Personhood; Environment; and Quality of Care leading to the development of the Stroud/ADI Dementia Quality Framework.

Conclusions

The Stroud/ADI Dementia Quality Framework helps to structure assessment of the quality of life impacts of population level approaches in dementia impacts of population‐level approaches in dementia. Information available can be mapped onto the framework. With its international approach, the Stroud/ADI Dementia Quality Framework has validity across cultures within and between countries. It is intended as a useful aid for the assessment of services and policies for people with dementia and their family carers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating cognition in an elderly cohort via telephone assessment
Authors: Mitsis Effie M. , Jacobs Diane , Luo Xiaodong , Andrews Howard , Andrews Karen , Sano Mary
Published: August 2009

Objective

Longitudinal neuropsychological assessment provides the opportunity to observe the earliest transition to cognitive impairment in healthy, elderly individuals. We examined the feasibility, and its comparability to in‐person assessment, of a telephone administered battery of established neuropsychological measures of cognitive functioning in healthy, elderly women.

Methods

Fifty‐four women (age = 79 ± 7.7; education = 15.4 ± 3.3) who were in self‐reported good health were recruited from senior centers and other community sources. A two‐way cross‐over design was used in which participants were randomly assigned to receive either (1) in‐person neuropsychological assessment followed by telephone assessment and (2) telephone assessment followed by in‐person assessment, separated by approximately 4 weeks. Linear regression models were used to determine whether there were performance differences by method (in‐person vs. telephone), and equivalence testing assessed comparability of the two methods.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in performance between in‐person and telephone assessments on most neuropsychological tests, with the exception of digit span backward, Oral Trail Making Test Part A, and delayed recall on the SRT, the latter likely related to non‐comparable exposure (6‐trials in‐person vs. 3‐trials telephone). Equivalence testing differences fell in the pre‐specified clinical equivalence zones, providing evidence of comparability of the two methods.

Conclusions

These pilot data support telephone administration of a neuropsychological battery that yields comparable performance to in‐person assessment with respect to most instruments. Significant differences in scores on some measures suggest care should be taken in selecting specific measures used in a neuropsychological battery administered by telephone. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tuberculariols A – C, New Sesquiterpenes from the Mutant Strain M‐741 of Tubercularia sp. TF5
Authors: Xu Ren , Wang Ming‐Zi , Lu Chun‐Hua , Zheng Zhong‐Hui , Shen Yue‐Mao
Published: August 2009

Three new sesquiterpenes, tuberculariols A–C (1–3, resp.), were isolated from the mutant strain M‐741 of Tubercularia sp. TF5, an endophytic fungus of Taxus mairei. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments, and HR‐Q‐TOF‐MS. Antitumor and antibacterial properties of these compounds were evaluated.
Cycloheximide Derivatives from the Fruits of Dipteronia dyeriana
Authors: Shi Ya‐Na , Zhou Yi‐Ping , Long Chun‐Lin , Li Ma‐Lin , Wang Yue‐Hu , Li Xing‐Yu , Guo Rong , Wang Hong‐Sheng
Published: August 2009

The phytochemical investigation of Dipteronia dyeriana (Aceraceae) resulted in the isolation and identification of three new cycloheximide derivatives: dipteronines A–C (1–3). Their structures were elucidated based on the 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectra. Dipteronine A (1) is the first example of a 10,11‐secocycloheximide. Cytotoxic and antifungal activities of these isolates were also evaluated.
Lanostanoids Isolated from Ganoderma lucidum Mycelium Cultured by Submerged Fermentation
Authors: Li Yuan‐Yuan , Mi Zhi‐Yuan , Tang Yang , Wang Guan , Li Dong‐Sheng , Tang Ya‐Jie
Published: August 2009

Three new lanostane triterpene acids, 3‐O‐acetylganoderic acid B (1), 8β,9α‐dihydroganoderic acid C (3), and 3‐O‐acetylganoderic acid K (4), as well as two new lanostane triterpene acid ethyl esters, ethyl 3‐O‐acetylganoderate B (2) and ethyl ganoderate J (5), were isolated and characterized from Ganoderma lucidum mycelia which was cultured by submerged fermentation method. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods. In addition, the identification of two known lanostane triterpene acid methyl esters, methyl O‐acetyl ganoderate C and methyl 3,7,11,15,23‐pentaoxo‐lanost‐8‐en‐26‐oate were identified by comparison of the NMR data with those reported in the literature.
Cu‐Mediated Selective N‐Arylation of Aminotriazole Acyclonucleosides
Authors: Li Wei , Fan Yuting , Xia Yi , Rocchi Palma , Zhu Ruizhi , Qu Fanqi , Neyts Johan , Iovanna Juan L. , Peng Ling
Published: August 2009

Novel N‐aryltriazole nucleosides were synthesized via a Cu‐mediated CN cross‐coupling reaction, using 3‐aminotriazole acyclonucleosides and various boronic acid reagents. Interestingly, N‐arylation proceeded much more rapidly on the amide group than on the amine group, leading to selective N‐arylation of the amide functionality on nucleosides containing both groups on the triazole nucleobase.
Synthesis of Oxygen‐Containing Spirobipyrrolidinium Salts for High Conductivity Room Temperature Ionic Liquids
Authors: Higashiya Seiichiro , Devarajan Thamarai Selvi , Rane‐Fondacaro Manisha V. , Dangler Christopher , Snyder Jeremy , Haldar Pradeep
Published: August 2009

Synthesis of ionic liquids (IL) based on oxygen‐containing spirobipyrrolidinium salts with BF4, BF3C2F5, and NTf2 as counterions was undertaken. Their physical and electrochemical properties were evaluated for suitability for Room Temperature Ionic Liquids (RTIL) application. Reduction in melting point occurred upon exchange of C(2) by an O‐atom of spirobipyrrolidinium, without sacrificing the electrochemical stability; while introduction of alkyl groups between the N‐ and O‐atoms led to incorporation of asymmetry, and hence reduced the melting points, and viscosity.
Germacrane‐Type Sesquiterpenes from Curcuma wenyujin
Authors: Lou Yan , Zhao Feng , Wu Zhaohua , Peng Kai‐Feng , Wei Xing‐Chuan , Chen Li‐Xia , Qiu Feng
Published: August 2009

Two new germacrane‐type sesquiterpene lactones, curdionolides A and B (1 and 2, resp.), and a novel germacrane‐type sesquiterpene lactam, curdionolide C (3), were isolated from Curcuma wenyujin. Y. H. Chen et C. Ling together with five known germacrane‐type sesquiterpenes, 4–8. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The inhibitory effects of compounds 1–8 on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide‐activated macrophages were evaluated.
Two‐ and Three‐Component Reactions Leading to New Enamines Derived from 2,3‐Dicyanobut‐2‐enoates
Authors: Mlostoń Grzegorz , Celeda Małgorzata , Linden Anthony , Heimgartner Heinz
Published: August 2009

The three‐component reactions of 1‐azabicyclo[1.1.0]butanes 1, dicyanofumarates (E)‐5, and MeOH or morpholine yielded azetidine enamines 8 and 9 with the cis‐orientation of the ester groups at the CC bond ((E)‐configuration; Schemes 3 and 4). The structures of 8a and 9d were confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. The formation of the products is explained via the nucleophilic addition of 1 onto (E)‐5, leading to a zwitterion of type 7 (Scheme 2), which is subsequently trapped by MeOH or morpholine (10a), followed by elimination of HCN. Similarly, two‐component reactions between secondary amines 10a–10c and (E)‐5 gave products 12 with an (E)‐enamine structure and (Z)‐oriented ester groups. On the other hand, two‐component reactions involving primary amines 10d–10f or NH3 led to the formation of the corresponding (Z)‐enamines, in which the (E)‐orientation of ester groups was established.
Assembly of Two‐Dimensional DNA Crystals Carrying N4‐[2‐(tert‐Butyldisulfanyl)ethyl]cytosine Residues
Authors: Garibotti Alejandra V. , Sisquella Xavier , Martínez Elena , Eritja Ramon
Published: August 2009

DNA Lattices carrying two cytosine residues bearing the N4‐[(tert‐butyldisulfanyl)ethyl] group at the apex of hairpin topological markers are prepared for first time. We show that these residues are important for the deposition of DNA lattices on gold surfaces.
Dose dependency of brain histamine H1 receptor occupancy following oral administration of cetirizine hydrochloride measured using PET with [11C]doxepin
Authors: Tashiro Manabu , Kato Motohisa , Miyake Masayasu , Watanuki Shoichi , Funaki Yoshihito , Ishikawa Yoichi , Iwata Ren , Yanai Kazuhiko
Published: August 2009

Aims

The strength of sedation due to antihistamines can be evaluated using positron emission tomography (PET). The purpose of the present study is to measure histamine H1 receptor (H1R) occupancy following oral administration of cetirizine (10 and 20 mg) in order to examine dose dependency.

Methods

Fifteen healthy male volunteers (age range, 20–35 years) were divided into 3 subgroups and were studied following single oral administration of cetirizine at 10 mg (n = 5) and 20 mg (n = 5) or hydroxyzine at 30 mg (n = 5) using PET with 11C‐doxepin. Each subject was scanned also following the administration of placebo. Binding potential and H1RO values were calculated in the prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices. Subjective sleepiness was also measured, and the correlation to H1RO was examined for each antihistamine.

Results

The averaged H1ROs of cetirizine 10 mg, 20 mg, and hydroxyzine 30 mg in the prefrontal and cingulate cortices was 12.6%, 25.2%, and 67.6%, respectively. The H1RO of hydroxyzine 30 mg correlated well with subjective sleepiness (p < 0.001); however, those of cetirizine 10 and 20 mg showed no correlation with subjective sleepiness.

Conclusion

It was demonstrated that the brain penetration of orally administered cetirizine was dose‐dependent. Cetirizine 10 mg, with its low H1RO and thus minimal sedation, could be more safely used than cetirizine 20 mg for the treatment of various allergic disorders. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glyfoline induces mitotic catastrophe and apoptosis in cancer cells
Authors: Wu Yi‐Chen , Yen Wen‐Yen , Ho Hsiao‐Yung , Su Tsann‐Long , Yih Ling‐Huei
Published: August 2009

Glyfoline exhibits cytotoxic activity in vitro and antitumor activity in mice bearing murine or human solid tumors, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. In our study, we found that glyfoline inhibited cell growth and induced accumulation of mitotic cells in human cancer cell lines. Glyfoline induced the appearance of spindle abnormalities, chromosome mis‐segregation, multipolar cell division and multiple nuclei, all of which are indicative of mitotic catastrophe. However, glyfoline did not bind to DNA and did not inhibit or stabilize tubulin polymerization, but slightly increased the resistance of mitotic spindles to nocodazole‐induced disassembly. In addition, microtubule aster formation was significantly enhanced in the extract prepared from glyfoline‐arrested mitotic cells compared to that from synchronized mitotic cells. When Eg5, a mitotic kinesin that plays an essential role in establishing mitotic spindle bipolarity, was inhibited using S‐trityl‐cysteine in glyfoline‐treated cells, formation of spindle multipolarity, multipolar cell division, and multinuclei was significantly reduced. After glyfoline‐mediated arrest of cells at mitosis, considerable poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase degradation was induced and the number of annexin V‐positive cells significantly increased, indicating that glyfoline ultimately induces apoptosis. Small interfering RNA‐mediated silencing of the spindle checkpoint proteins BUBR1 and MAD2 markedly reduced induction of mitotic cell accumulation, but did not affect glyfoline‐induced mitotic catastrophe and apoptosis. Thus, glyfoline induces mitotic catastrophe probably by enhancing microtubule aster formation and subsequent apoptosis in cancer cells independently of spindle checkpoint function.
Vascular targeting by EndoTAG™‐1 enhances therapeutic efficacy of conventional chemotherapy in lung and pancreatic cancer
Authors: Eichhorn Martin E. , Ischenko Ivan , Luedemann Siiri , Strieth Sebastian , Papyan Armine , Werner Alexander , Bohnenkamp Hermann , Guenzi Eric , Preissler Gerhard , Michaelis Uwe , Jauch Karl‐Walter , Bruns Christiane J. , Dellian Marc
Published: August 2009

Cationic lipid complexed paclitaxel (EndoTAG™‐1) is a novel vascular targeting agent for the treatment of cancer. Here, the aim was to investigate intratumoral drug distribution after EndoTAG™‐1 therapy and analyze the impact of EndoTAG™‐1 scheduling on antitumoral efficacy. The therapeutic effect of EndoTAG™‐1 in combination with conventional gemcitabine or cisplatin therapy was evaluated in L3.6pl orthotopic pancreatic cancer and a subcutaneous Lewis lung (LLC‐1) carcinoma model. Oregon Green paclitaxel encapsulated in cationic liposomes in combination with intravital fluorescence microscopy clearly exhibited delivery of the drug by EndoTAG™‐1 to the tumor endothelium, whereas Oregon Green paclitaxel dissolved in cremophor displayed an interstitial distribution pattern. The therapeutic efficacy of EndoTAG™‐1 was critically dependent on the application schedule with best therapeutic results using a metronomic rather than a maximum tolerated dose application sequence. The combination of EndoTAG™‐1 therapy and cytotoxic chemotherapy significantly enhanced antitumoral efficacy in both tumor models. Interestingly, only EndoTAG™‐1 in combination with gemcitabine was able to inhibit the incidence of metastasis in pancreatic cancer. In conclusion, vascular targeting tumor therapy by EndoTAG™‐1 combined with standard small molecular chemotherapy results in markedly enhanced antitumoral efficacy. Therefore, this combination represents a promising novel strategy for clinical cancer therapy.
Tristetraprolin regulates expression of VEGF and tumorigenesis in human colon cancer
Authors: Lee Hyun Hee , Son Young Joon , Lee Won Hyeok , Park Young Woo , Chae Seoung Wan , Cho Wha Ja , Kim Young Min , Choi Hye‐Jeong , Choi Dae Hwa , Jung Seok Won , Min Young Joo , Park Soon Eun , Lee Byung Ju , Cha Hee Jeong , Park Jeong Woo
Published: August 2009

Tristetraprolin (TTP) is an AU‐rich element‐binding protein that regulates mRNA stability. Here, we report that TTP suppress the growth of human colon cancer cells both in vivo and in vitro by regulating of the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). TTP protein expression in human colonic tissues was markedly decreased in colonic adenocarcinoma compared with in normal mucosa and adenoma. VEGF expression was higher in colonic adenocarcinoma than in normal mucosa and adenoma. Specific inhibition of TTP expression by RNA‐interference increased the expression of VEGF in cultured human colon cancer cells, and TTP overexpression markedly decreased it. In addition, elevated expression of TTP decreased the expression level of luciferase linked to a 3′ terminal AU‐rich element (ARE) of VEGF mRNA. Colo320/TTP cells overexpressing TTP grew slowly in vitro and became tumors small in size when xenografted s.c into nude mice. These findings demonstrate that TTP acts as a negative regulator of VEGF gene expression in colon cancer cells, suggesting that it can be used as novel therapeutic agent to treat colon cancer.
Will the EU survive an Eastern European crisis?
Authors: Tokic Damir
Published: August 2009

Austria has lent 70 percent of its gross domestic product to Eastern European countries. Even a modest default rate on these loans will cause the collapse of the Austrian financial system. Other Western European banks also have significant exposure to Eastern Europe, which is heavily indebted and likely to default. Will the European Union be able to survive this crisis? © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Healing the global financial crisis
Authors: Goldberg Stephen R. , Giedeman Daniel C.
Published: August 2009

Right now, the world is in the grips of a global financial crisis. The world economy is ailing. But what are the causes of this illness, and how can we heal it? The authors take a detailed look at the history, causes, and cure of our current economic woes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The threat of global white‐collar crime
Authors: McGee Jo Ann , Byington J. Ralph
Published: August 2009

There is no completely safe place in the world to do business. Most top executives accept this fact as a risk they have to manage. But how many understand the true scope of global white‐collar crime (WCC)—and its potential threats? For example, did you know that, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers, WCC is the most problematic issue for businesses worldwide? © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Navigating with the IFRS convergence roadmap
Authors: Cheng Kang
Published: August 2009

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been moving toward letting U.S. firms prepare financial statements using International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), “converging” U.S. and international reporting standards. Even firms not otherwise involved in international trade may have to follow IFRSs. The author takes a close look at the SEC's proposed convergence road map, discusses the possible effects of IFRS convergence, pinpoints issues and concerns, and examines strategies to handle the changes ahead. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Managing late payments for international sales
Authors: Lobo Bento J. , Wann Christi , Fulmer John G.
Published: August 2009

With the global economic downturn, more of your customers worldwide will be paying late. But late payments can significantly affect your firm's net margin. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Due diligence in a new era of accountability
Authors: Sherman Andrew J. , Welch John E.
Published: August 2009

Following the scandalous collapse of Enron, WorldCom, and other firms, we entered a new era of accountability—which brought us the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX) in 2002. It ushered in stricter standards for corporate conduct and governance.

But now we're experiencing a second wave of accountability and reforms. Its highlights include the election of President Obama and his commitment to transparency; the failure of banks and automobile companies; the Madoff scandal; the severe global recession; and mistrust of Wall Street.

All this has triggered an increase in staffing at the Securities and Exchange Commission. Many see vigorous enforcement actions and new GAAP standards ahead.

But how does this second new wave of accountability affect merger‐and‐acquisition (M&A) due diligence? And how can your firm avoid its dangers? The authors take a close look at how to operate in this new environment. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
FIN 46(R) Info: Not useful!
Authors: Soroosh Jalal , Zhu Hong
Published: August 2009

In response to the abuse of accounting standards by Enron, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation No. 46(R) (FIN 46(R)) to bring certain off‐balance‐sheet debts back on companies' financial statements. But in a survey, the authors found that chief financial officers and controllers doubted the usefulness of information they provided in response to FIN 46(R). What's more, FIN 46(R) didn't substantially affect the financial statements of most of the companies studied that were involved in variable interest entities (VIEs). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An automatic integrated approach for stained neuron detection in studying neuron migration
Authors: Huang Yue , Sun Xuezhi , Hu Guangshu
Published: August 2009

Neurons that come to populate the six‐layered cerebral cortex are born deep within the developing brain in the surface of the embryonic cerebral ventricles. It is very important to detect these neurons for studying histogenesis of the brain and abnormal migration that had been linked to cognitive deficits, mental retardation, and motor disorders. The visualization of labeled cells in brain sections was performed by immunocytochemical examination and its image data were documented to microscopic pictures. Based on the fact, automatic accurate neurons labeling is prerequisite instead of time‐consuming manual labeling. In this article, a fully automated image processing approach is proposed to detect all the stained neurons in microscopic images. First of all, dark stained neurons are achieved by thresholding in blue channel of image. And then a modified fuzzy c‐means clustering method, called alternative fuzzy c‐means is applied to achieve higher classification accuracy in extracting constraint factor. Finally, watershed based on gradient vector flow is employed to the constraint factor image to segment all the neurons, including clustered neurons. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can be a useful tool in neuron image analysis. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative and functional morphology of wing coupling structures in Trichoptera: Annulipalpia
Authors: Stocks Ian C.
Published: August 2009

Several orders of morphologically four‐winged insects have evolved mechanisms that enforce a union between the mesothoracic and metathoracic wings (forewings and hindwings) during the wing beat cycle. Such mechanisms result in a morphologically tetrapterous insect flying as if it were functionally dipterous, and these mechanisms have been described for several insect orders. The caddisfly suborders Annulipalpia and Integripalpia (Trichoptera) each have evolved a wing coupling apparatus, with at least three systems having evolved within the suborder Annulipalpia. The comparative and inferred functional morphology of the putative wing coupling mechanisms is described for the annulipalpian families Hydropsychidae (subfamilies Macronematinae and Hydropsychinae), Polycentropodidae and Ecnomidae, and a novel form‐functional complex putatively involved with at‐rest forewing‐forewing coupling is described for Hydropsychidae: Smicrideinae. It is proposed that the morphology of the wing coupling apparatuses of Hydropsychinae and Macronematinae are apomorphies for those clades. J. Morphol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seasonal influenza activity in Hong Kong and its association with meteorological variations
Authors: Chan Paul K.S. , Mok H.Y. , Lee T.C. , Chu Ida M.T. , Lam Wai‐Yip , Sung Joseph J.Y.
Published: August 2009

Influenza seasons appear consistently in the temperate regions, but are more variable in tropical/subtropical regions. The determinant for such variation remains poorly understood. This study documented the activity of influenza over a 10‐year period in Hong Kong; examining its association with changes in temperature and relative humidity. The two types of influenza exhibited different correlations with meteorological variations. Influenza A showed two seasonal peaks occurring respectively in winter/spring and summer months in most years. Influenza B showed a clear winter/spring peak, but its activity during summer months was more variable. Cold and humid conditions were associated with a higher activity of both influenza A and B. In contrast, hot and humid conditions were associated with a higher activity of influenza A, but were associated with only a moderate, less consistent increase in the activity of influenza B. A trend of increase in the magnitude of summer peaks of influenza A, but not influenza B, was observed. A hypothetical 2°C rise in temperature would decrease the proportion of favorable days for influenza A in December–April from 78% to 57%, but an increase from 58% to 71% in May–November; with a similar effect (from 83% to 62%) for influenza B during December–April, but a modest change (from 17% to 18%) during May–November. The presence of two seasonal peaks of influenza annually emphasizes the need to evaluate the duration of protective immunity offered by vaccination. Further study on the effects of climate change and global warming on the activity of influenza is warranted. J. Med. Virol. 81:1797–1806, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Frequent transmission of hepatitis E virus among piglets in farms in Southern France
Authors: Kaba Mamadou , Davoust Bernard , Marié Jean‐Lou , Barthet Marc , Henry Mireille , Tamalet Catherine , Raoult Didier , Colson Philippe
Published: August 2009

The present study aimed to assess whether hepatitis E virus (HEV) is present in domestic pigs in Southern France, and to determine the relationship between HEV sequences detected from pigs and from humans. Two hundred fifteen sera, 207 stools, and 107 bile samples were collected from 3‐ or 6‐month‐old pigs from different regions of Southern France. Pig IgG anti‐HEV antibodies testing was performed using a commercial ELISA kit with minor modifications. Pig HEV RNA was tested by real‐time PCR and sequencing assays using “in‐house” protocols. Forty percent of pigs were HEV‐seropositive. Sixty‐five percent of 3‐month‐old pigs and none of 6‐month‐old pigs were HEV RNA‐positive. HEV RNA was significantly more frequently detected from stools than from sera (65% vs. 22%; P < 0.001). Phylogenetic analysis showed that pig HEV sequences belonged to genotype 3 and formed two clusters of genotype 3f and 3e. Nucleotide homology between pig HEV sequences of each cluster was high (>97%), and clusters were correlated with the geographical origin of pigs and with their repartition into pens and buildings in the pig farm. Based on analysis of 331 nucleotides, pig HEV sequences were close genetically to HEV sequences found from humans or pigs in Europe, and one showed complete nucleotide identity with an HEV sequence obtained in France from a human. The present data indicate that 3‐month‐old pigs from Southern France might represent a potential source of HEV transmission to humans, and stress the potential of HEV to cause epizootic infections in population of farm pigs. J. Med. Virol. 81:1750–1759, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of all four human metapneumovirus subtypes in nasopharyngeal specimens from children with respiratory disease in Uberlândia, Brazil
Authors: Carneiro Bruno M. , Yokosawa Jonny , Arbiza Juan , Costa Lourenço F. , Mirazo Santiago , Nepomuceno Lysa L. , Oliveira Thelma F.M. , Goulart Luiz Ricardo , Vieira Carlos U. , Freitas Guilherme R.O. , Paula Nayhanne T. , Queiróz Divina A.O.
Published: August 2009

The human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a pathogen of the respiratory tract identified first in the Netherlands in 2001 and since then it has been detected worldwide. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize hMPV in samples collected from children <5 years presenting with acute respiratory disease (ARD) seen at a public hospital in Uberlândia, in Southeastern Brazil. One hundred fourteen nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) samples that were negative for the presence of nine other respiratory viruses were tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for the presence of hMPV RNA. Fourteen out of 114 (12.3%) samples were positive for presence of hMPV RNA. PCR products, obtained by the amplification of partial nucleotide sequence of gene N, were sequenced and compared with sequences deposited in GenBank. Sequences from eight samples were obtained and all four subtypes were identified. Also, the recently proposed sublineages “a” and “b” of subtype A2 were found; mean age was 21 months old; upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) was the most common clinical symptom; the virus was detected in samples collected from March to November, a period that corresponds to late summer to mid‐spring in Brazil. This is the first study to describe the circulation of all hMPV subtypes in Minas Gerais state. J. Med. Virol. 81:1814–1818, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation of a mumps outbreak among university students with two measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccinations, Virginia, September–December 2006
Authors: Rota J.S. , Turner J.C. , Yost‐Daljev M.K. , Freeman M. , Toney D.M. , Meisel E. , Williams N. , Sowers S.B. , Lowe L. , Rota P.A. , Nicolai L.A. , Peake L. , Bellini W.J.
Published: August 2009

Following the clinical diagnosis of the first case of mumps on September 22, 2006 at the University of Virginia (UVA), 52 suspected cases were identified through active surveillance for mumps by the end of December 2006. Samples were collected from 47 students who presented with parotitis despite a documented history of two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Six of 47 serum samples (13%) were positive for mumps IgM, and 46/47 specimens were positive for mumps IgG. Endpoint titration of acute phase serum samples from laboratory‐confirmed cases did not provide evidence that elevated serum IgG is a consistent marker for infection among cases due to secondary vaccine failure. Buccal swab samples from 39 of the 47 students were tested by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and/or viral culture. Mumps virus or mumps RNA was detected in 12 of 39 buccal samples (31%). Genetic analysis of the virus from the outbreak at UVA indicated that the outbreak was not linked to the large mumps outbreak in the Midwestern US that occurred earlier in 2006. Our findings support the use of viral detection to improve laboratory diagnosis of mumps among persons who have received two doses of MMR. J. Med. Virol. 81:1819–1825, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid immunity to vaccination with woodchuck hepatitis virus surface antigen using cationic liposome–DNA complexes as adjuvant
Authors: Cote Paul J. , Butler Scott D. , George Andrea L. , Fairman Jeffery , Gerin John L. , Tennant Bud C. , Menne Stephan
Published: August 2009

Complexes of cationic liposomes and non‐coding DNA (CLDC) have shown promise as vaccine adjuvant. Using the woodchuck animal model of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the immunogenic effects of CLDC were evaluated following vaccination with three doses of woodchuck hepatitis virus surface antigen (WHsAg) adjuvanted with either CLDC or conventional alum and administered intramuscularly (im) or subcutaneously (sc). IM vaccination with WHsAg and CLDC elicited antibodies earlier, in more woodchucks, and with higher titers than WHsAg and alum. After two vaccine doses, antibody titers were higher following im than sc administration. Woodchucks administered two vaccine doses sc received the third vaccine dose im, and antibody responses reached titers comparable to those elicited by im administration. Following the second vaccine dose, im vaccination with WHsAg and CLDC induced T cell responses to WHsAg and selected WHs peptides and expression of the leukocyte surface marker CD8 and of the Th1 cytokines interferon‐gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha in woodchucks. T cell responses and CD8/cytokine expression were diminished in woodchucks from the other groups suggesting that this vaccine regimen induced a skew toward Th1 immune responses. The present study in woodchucks demonstrates that CLDC‐adjuvanted WHsAg vaccine administered im resulted in a more rapid induction of humoral and cellular immune responses compared to conventional, alum‐adjuvanted WHsAg vaccine. While less rapid, the immune responses following sc administration can prime the im immune responses. This adjuvant activity of CLDC over alum may be beneficial for therapeutic vaccination in chronic HBV infection. J. Med. Virol. 81:1760–1772, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Syndrome surveillance and molecular epidemiology for early detection and tracing of an outbreak of measles in Liguria, Italy
Authors: Ansaldi Filippo , Orsi Andrea , Altomonte Fiorella , Bertone Giuseppe , Parodi Valentina , Carloni Roberto , Moscatelli Paolo , Pasero Ermanno , Comaschi Marco , Oreste Paola , Orengo Giovanni , Durando Paolo , Icardi Giancarlo
Published: August 2009

The performances of surveillance systems for measles in Europe are poorly investigated, despite the fundamental role they should play in the early detection of outbreaks and in the assessment of the progress towards elimination. A new chief complaint syndrome surveillance system has been developed in Genoa, Italy, using data from the Emergency Department records of the regional reference university hospital and its ability to early detect an outbreak of measles that began during the winter months of 2007/2008 was evaluated. For the 23‐month period from January 2007 to November 2008, the Emergency Department registration and triage software was used to obtain the time series of daily counts, that were related with cases notified by the statutory notification system and detection and characterization data from the measles regional reference laboratory. One hundred fifty five cases of measles‐like illness were identified by the syndrome surveillance system. Two epidemic threshold breakthroughs were able to anticipate the first notified case by 54 and 11 days. Globally, the new syndrome surveillance system allows the activation of the alert state with a specificity of 94.3% and a sensitivity of 91%. Molecular investigation showed the spread of the virus from United Kingdom to Piemonte and then to Liguria and allowed us to exclude the re‐ circulation of strains circulating in Northern Italy during the previous seasons. Syndrome surveillance integrated with a rapid detection and characterization of the agent responsible for the disease could be an effective, specific and sensitive tool for measles surveillance. J. Med. Virol. 81:1807–1813, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rhinovirus infections in children: A retrospective and prospective hospital‐based study
Authors: Peltola Ville , Jartti Tuomas , Putto‐Laurila Anne , Mertsola Jussi , Vainionpää Raija , Waris Matti , Hyypiä Timo , Ruuskanen Olli
Published: August 2009

To analyze clinical characteristics and prevalence of rhinovirus infections in children in the hospital, we reviewed a retrospective dataset from a 20‐year period, and conducted a short‐term prospective study. Records of children and adolescents treated at our hospital during 1987–2006 with a documented rhinovirus infection were reviewed and compared with patients with other respiratory virus infections. Prospective study included all children ≥1 month of age admitted to pediatric infectious disease ward during an autumn period. Rhinoviruses were detected by reverse transcription‐PCR and/or culture, and sequence analysis was used for virus typing. In the retrospective study, the median age of 580 children with rhinovirus infection was 1.9 years (interquartile range, 1.0–4.3 years), and 27% had an underlying medical condition. Eighty‐four children (16% of in‐patients) were treated at pediatric intensive care unit. Twenty‐one children (4%) had a hospital‐acquired rhinovirus infection. In the prospective study, rhinoviruses were detected in 28% of 163 hospital episodes. Acute wheezing illness was diagnosed in 61% of children with rhinovirus and in 31% of children with respiratory syncytial virus, enterovirus, or no study virus (P < 0.001). One‐half of sequence‐analyzed rhinovirus strains belonged to the newly identified C group. In conclusion, rhinovirus infections are a frequent cause of pediatric hospitalizations, and they are common also at the intensive care unit. Acute wheezing is the most frequent manifestation in hospital setting, but the range of clinical presentations is wide. Group C rhinoviruses may account for a large part of rhinovirus hospitalizations. J. Med. Virol. 81:1831–1838, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of the diversity of the HIV‐1 pol gene and drug resistance associated changes among drug‐naïve patients in Burkina Faso
Authors: Tebit Denis M. , Sangaré Lassana , Tiba Fabrice , Saydou Yameogo , Makamtse Aline , Somlare Hermann , Bado Guillaume , Kouldiaty Boris G. , Zabsonre Inoussa , Yameogo Sibiri L. , Sathiandee Kanokporn , Drabo Joseph Y. , Kräusslich Hans‐Georg
Published: August 2009

A cross‐sectional study was undertaken among drug‐naïve HIV patients at the University Hospital in Ouagadougou shortly before and after the introduction of large‐scale antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Burkina Faso. Baseline clinical and virological data as well as protease (PR) and 5′ reverse transcriptase (RT) sequences from 104 HIV infected patients were analyzed. Genotypic classification revealed the following subtypes and recombinant forms: CRF06_cpx, n = 46 (44.2%); CRF02_AG, n = 39 (37.5%); subtype A, n = 4 (3.8%); CRF09_cpx, n = 2 (1.9%); and unclassified, n = 13 (12.5%). Bootstrap analysis of CRF02_AG and CRF06_cpx viruses showed that >80% had a similar structure to their respective prototypes. The prevalence of primary drug resistance mutations was 12.5%, all mutations arising in the RT sequences in accordance with the dominance of this drug class in Burkina Faso. The mutations were distributed as follows: NRTI (10.6%): M41L (n = 2), D67N (n = 2), K70K/E (n = 2), L210W (n = 1), T215S/Y (n = 2), and K219K/Q (n = 2); NNRTI (6.1%): K103K/N (n = 2), Y181C (n = 2), G190G/A (n = 1), and P236P/L (n = 1). Subtype specific secondary polymorphisms such as K20I and M36I in the PR were observed in almost all patients. Drug resistance mutations occurred at similar frequencies (12.8% and 10.8%, respectively) among patients infected with CRF02_AG and CRF06_cpx. Some subtype specific polymorphisms were observed within important HLA epitopes, including B35, B7, and A2 in the RT, and A*6802 in the PR sequences. The observed resistance mutations are most likely to have been transmitted based on the timing of the study but prior undocumented use of ART cannot be excluded. J. Med. Virol. 81:1691–1701, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transformational and transactional leadership and innovative behavior: The moderating role of psychological empowerment
Authors: Pieterse Anne Nederveen , van Knippenberg Daan , Schippers Michaéla , Stam Daan
Published: August 2009

Innovative behavior is increasingly important for organizations' survival. Transformational leadership, in contrast to transactional leadership, has been argued to be particularly effective in engendering follower innovative behavior. However, empirical evidence for this relationship is scarce and inconsistent. Addressing this issue, we propose that follower psychological empowerment moderates the relationship of transformational and transactional leadership with follower innovative behavior. In a field study with 230 employees of a government agency in the Netherlands combining multisource ratings, we show that transformational leadership is positively related to innovative behavior only when psychological empowerment is high, whereas transactional leadership has a negative relationship with innovative behavior only under these conditions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.