bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct association of Bazooka/PAR-3 with the lipid phosphatase PTEN reveals a link between the PAR/aPKC complex and phosphoinositide signaling
Authors: von Stein Walter , Ramrath Andreas , Grimm Alexandra , Müller-Borg Marion , Wodarz Andreas
Published: March 2005

Cell polarity in Drosophila epithelia, oocytes and neuroblasts is controlled by the evolutionarily conserved PAR/aPKC complex, which consists of the serine-threonine protein kinase aPKC and the PDZ-domain proteins Bazooka(Baz) and PAR-6. The PAR/aPKC complex is required for the separation of apical and basolateral plasma membrane domains, for the asymmetric localization of cell fate determinants and for the proper orientation of the mitotic spindle. How the complex exerts these different functions is not known. We show that the lipid phosphatase PTEN directly binds to Baz in vitro and in vivo, and colocalizes with Baz in the apical cortex of epithelia and neuroblasts. PTEN is an important regulator of phosphoinositide turnover that antagonizes the activity of PI3-kinase. We show that Pten mutant ovaries and embryos lacking maternal and zygotic Pten function display phenotypes consistent with a function for PTEN in the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. In freshly laid eggs, the germ plasm determinants oskarmRNA and Vasa are not localized properly to the posterior cytocortex and pole cells do not form. In addition, the actin-dependent posterior movement of nuclei during early cleavage divisions does not occur and the synchrony of nuclear divisions at syncytial blastoderm stages is lost. Pten mutant embryos also show severe defects during cellularization. Our data provide evidence for a link between the PAR/aPKC complex, the actin cytoskeleton and PI3-kinase signaling mediated by PTEN.
High UV‐B Exposures in the Continental USA: Towards Realistic Short‐term Exposure Regimes for Plant‐effects Research
Authors: Grant Richard H. , Slusser James R.
Published: March 2005

Understanding the biological effects of acute ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) exposure requires understanding the typical intensity and duration of such exposures. The occurrence of high hourly biologically effective UV‐B (UV‐Bbe) exposures was evaluated using two response functions (1971 and 2003) for the 1997–2002 summer growing seasons (May–August) at five locations across the continental United States. The frequency of occurrence of the upper 5% of all seasonal UV‐Bbe hourly exposures of 1 h to 4 h duration in 1 day and repeating the same exposure over consecutive days was evaluated. High hourly UV‐Bbe exposures occurred most frequently during June and July. There was a 30% frequency of occurrence of a day during the growing season with 2 h of hourly exposure in the upper 5% of UV‐Bbe (1971) values across any of the five locations studied. The frequency of occurrence of 2 h of UV‐Bbe (2003) exposure in the uppermost 5% of all observed hourly values was 14%. An approach and specific experimental square‐wave enhancement exposure regimes that are consistent with the range of actual exposures and total ozone column (TOC) during the May through August period are provided. A 2 day high UV‐B event with 2 h of high UV‐Bbe occurred at least 10% of all days in the growing season, representing a reasonable short‐term high‐exposure regime. Different exposure statistics and resulting enhancement regimes would likely result if only June and July were included in the analysis.
Cover Picture: Dendritic Nanowire Growth Mediated by a Self‐Assembled Catalyst (Adv. Mater. 5/2005)
Authors: May S. J. , Zheng J.‐G. , Wessels B. W. , Lauhon L. J.
Published: March 2005

The dendritic nanostructures shown on the cover background were generated by self‐assembled Mn clusters deposited from the vapor phase during vapor–liquid–solid growth of InAs nanowires. By carefully controlling the timing and amount of the Mn precursor, on p. 598 Lauhon and co‐workers demonstrate a route to the formation of ordered hierarchical nanowire structures shown from various perspectives in the cover insets.
Finite element analysis in functional morphology
Authors: Richmond Brian G. , Wright Barth W. , Grosse Ian , Dechow Paul C. , Ross Callum F. , Spencer Mark A. , Strait David S.
Published: March 2005

This article reviews the fundamental principles of the finite element method and the three basic steps (model creation, solution, and validation and interpretation) involved in using it to examine structural mechanics. Validation is a critical step in the analysis, without which researchers cannot evaluate the extent to which the model represents or is relevant to the real biological condition. We discuss the method's considerable potential as a tool to test biomechanical hypotheses, and major hurdles involved in doing so reliably, from the perspective of researchers interested in functional morphology and paleontology. We conclude with a case study to illustrate how researchers deal with many of the factors and assumptions involved in finite element analysis. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Magnetic Behaviour of [NnBu4]4[Ni16Pd16(CO)40]: An Even‐Electron Homoleptic Carbonyl–Metal Cluster Anion Displaying aJ=2 Ground State
Authors: Riccò Mauro , Shiroka Toni , Carretta Stefano , Bolzoni Fulvio , Femoni Cristina , Iapalucci M. Carmela , Longoni Giuliano
Published: March 2005

The magnetic behaviour of the even‐electron [Ni16Pd16(CO)40]4−cluster, in its [NnBu4]+salt, has been investigated by magnetometry and muon spin rotation/relaxation (μSR) spectroscopy. The susceptibility measurements show an exceptionally high magnetic moment corresponding to a total spin valueJ=2. This suggests a Hund filling of a quadruplet ground state, quite unique in carbonyl–metal clusters. SQUID magnetometry shows a departure from the Curie–Weiss law, forT>150 K, and strong deviation from a Brillouin behaviour of the magnetisation curves. μSR spectroscopy in zero applied field shows a temperature independent decay of the muon spin polarisation, similar to that of a purely paramagnetic system. The observed muon spin repolarisation in a moderate external longitudinal field, however, invalidates this simple picture and suggests the presence of a local anisotropy field acting on the cluster's magnetic moment. A consistent interpretation of magnetometry and μSR results implies the occurrence of an additional interaction of the cluster spin with an effective crystalline field. The inclusion of this interaction in a model Hamiltonian allows us to successfully reproduce both the susceptibility and magnetisation data.
Loss of Ammine from Platinum(II) Complexes: Implications for Cisplatin Inactivation, Storage, and Resistance
Authors: Lau Justin Kai‐Chi , Deubel Dirk V.
Published: March 2005

Potential consequences of the binding of the anticancer drug cisplatin to various biomolecules in the cell have been investigated by using a combined density functional theory and continuum dielectric model approach. Since the ammine ligands remain coordinated at the metal upon formation of the most frequent DNA adducts, whereas they were found to be displaced from the metal upon formation of drug metabolites, we have analyzed the factors governing ammine loss from platinum(II) complexes as a possible pathway of cisplatin inactivation. The calculations systematically show the effect of 1) the trans ligand, 2) the charge of complex, 3) the nucleophile, and 4) the environment on the thermodynamic instability and kinetic lability of the platinum–ammine bonds. After initial binding of cisplatin hydrolysis products to thioethers or thiols, loss of the ammine trans to this sulfur ligand rather than replacement of the sulfur ligand itself by other nucleophiles like guanine‐N7 is predicted to be the predominant reaction. The results of this study contribute to an understanding of the modes of cisplatin inactivation prior to DNA binding, for example, by elevated glutathione levels in cisplatin‐resistant cancer cells.
Designing the “Search Pathway” in the Development of a New Class of Highly Efficient Stereoselective Hydrosilylation Catalysts
Authors: César Vincent , Bellemin‐Laponnaz Stéphane , Wadepohl Hubert , Gade Lutz H.
Published: March 2005

The direct coupling of oxazolines and N‐heterocyclic carbenes leads to chelating C,N ancillary ligands for asymmetric catalysis that combine both an “anchor” unit and a stereodirecting element. Reacting various N‐substituted imidazoles with 2‐bromo‐4(S)‐tert‐butyl‐ and 2‐bromo‐4(S)‐isopropyloxazoline gave the imidazolium precursors of the stereodirecting ancillary ligands. A library of ten different ligand precursors was obtained by using this simple procedure (65–97 % yield). These protioligands were metalated in a subsequent step by reaction with [{Rh(μ‐OtBu)(nbd)}2] (nbd=norbornadiene), generated in situ from KOtBu and [{RhCl(nbd)}2] giving the corresponding N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes [RhBr(nbd)(oxazolinyl‐carbene)] 4 a–j in good yields. X‐ray diffraction studies of two of the rhodium complexes, 4 d and 4 j, established a distorted square‐pyramidal coordination geometry with the bromo ligand occupying the apical position. The rhodium–carbene bond length was found to be 2.070(4) Å (4 d) and 2.012(3) Å (4 j). Complexes 4 a–j were treated with AgBF4 in dichloromethane, giving the active cationic square‐planar catalysts for the hydrosilylation of ketones. As a reference reaction for the catalyst optimisation, the hydrosilylation of acetophenone with diphenylsilane was studied and the system optimised with respect to the counterion (BF4−), solvent (THF) and the silane reducing agent (diphenylsilane). The reaction product (1‐phenylethanol) was obtained with the highest enantiomeric excess (ee) by carrying out the reaction at −60 °C, whilst the enantioselectivity drops upon going both to lower and higher temperatures. The observation that the temperature dependence of the ee values goes through a maximum indicated a change in the rate‐determining step as the temperature is varied. The determination of the initial reaction rate in the hydrosilylation of acetophenone upon varying the catalyst (4 d) and substrate concentrations at −55 °C established a rate law for the initial conversion which is first‐order in both substrates as well as the catalyst (Vi=k[4][PhCOMe][Ph2SiH2]). The catalytic system derived from complex 4 d was found to afford high yields and good enantioselectivities in the reduction of various aryl alkyl ketones (acetophenone: 92 % isolated yield and 90 % ee, 2‐naphtyl methyl ketone: 99 % yield, 91 % ee). The selectivity for the reduction of prochiral dialkyl ketones is comparable or even superior to the best previously reported for prochiral nonaromatic ketones; whereas cyclopropyl methyl ketone is hydrosilylated with an enantioselectivity of 81 % ee, the increase of the steric demand of one of the alkyl groups leads to improved ee's, reaching 95 % ee in the case of tert‐butyl methyl ketone. Linear chain n‐alkyl methyl ketones, which are particularly challenging substrates, are reduced in good asymmetric induction, such as 2‐octanone (79 % ee) and even 2‐butanone (65 % ee).
Cryosurgical ablation of the prostate
Authors: Prepelica Kristofer L. , Okeke Zephaniah , Murphy Alana , Katz Aaron E.
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND

The authors report their experience with cryosurgical ablation of the prostate in men with high‐risk features for prostate carcinoma who were unwilling to undergo radical surgery or radiation therapy.

METHODS

Between January 1998 and April 2002, 65 men underwent primary cryosurgery for prostate carcinoma with high‐risk features. All patients had biopsy‐proven prostate carcinoma without evidence for metastatic disease on magnetic resonance images, computed tomography scans, or radionuclide images of bones. High‐risk parameters were defined as either a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level ≥ 10 ng/mL, or a Gleason sum score ≥ 8, or both. Patients who had undergone prior surgery, radiation therapy, or cryoablation for prostate carcinoma were excluded from the study. Patients were monitored with physical examination and PSA screening every 3 months and with radiologic imaging when indicated.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 72 years (range, 41–86 years), and t he median follow‐up was 35 months (range, 4–77 months). There were 2 patients (3.1%) with rectal pain and incontinence. Durable PSA biochemical disease‐free survival was noted in 83.3% of patients according to the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) criteria. A 6‐year Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed an 81.7% ASTRO survival probability as well as PSA nadir < 4.0 ng/mL and PSA nadir < 1.0 ng/mL projections of 50% and 35%, respectively. One of 8 postcryosurgery biopsies (12.5%) were positive. No patient had progressed at last follow‐up, and the overall survival rate was 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

Cryoablation was a feasible treatment option in patients with organ‐confined prostate carcinoma who had high‐risk features. Longer follow‐up will be necessary to determine the effectiveness of this approach. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Toxin‐based selection of insulin‐producing cells with improved defense properties for islet cell transplantation
Authors: Bloch Konstantin , Vardi Pnina
Published: March 2005

Insulin‐producing pancreatic β‐cells are known to be extremely susceptible to destruction, primarily by autoimmune mechanisms, infectious agents, and by chemical toxins that cause overt type I diabetes. As development of highly protected insulin‐producing cells would be important for successful cell therapy of diabetic patients, gene transfection technique was utilized by several investigators in order to improve the defense properties of transplanted cells. In this article, we summarize other approaches based on a selection strategy that has been developed in our laboratory and by other research groups that engineer pancreatic β‐cells to provide protection against diabetogenic toxins (streptozotocin and alloxan), oxidative stress and cytokines. Selection strategies based on acute repeated or long‐term continuous treatment of cell lines with cytotoxic agents have resulted in the selection of highly resistant cell subpopulations. We discuss possible involvement of different expression of cytoprotective genes in the selection of cell subpopulations, which demonstrate a broad spectrum of resistance. Importantly, toxin‐based selection did not impair functional activity of the cells as it was shown in vitro. In addition, selected cells preserved their improved metabolic characteristics following encapsulation in alginate and subsequent implantation in diabetic animals. Identifying the mechanisms through which cell defense properties act will help clarify the process responsible for β‐cell regeneration in type I diabetes patients. Such knowledge might be useful in developing strategies focusing on the regeneration of β‐cell resistant populations. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forced vibration testing of buildings using the linear shaker seismic simulation (LSSS) testing method
Authors: Yu Eunjong , Whang Daniel H. , Conte Joel P. , Stewart Jonathan P. , Wallace John W.
Published: March 2005

This paper describes the development and numerical verification of a test method to realistically simulate the seismic structural response of full‐scale buildings. The result is a new field testing procedure referred to as the linear shaker seismic simulation (LSSS) testing method. This test method uses a linear shaker system in which a mass mounted on the structure is commanded a specified acceleration time history, which in turn induces inertial forces in the structure. The inertia force of the moving mass is transferred as dynamic force excitation to the structure. The key issues associated with the LSSS method are (1) determining for a given ground motion displacement, xg, a linear shaker motion which induces a structural response that matches as closely as possible the response of the building if it had been excited at its base by xg (i.e. the motion transformation problem) and (2) correcting the linear shaker motion from Step (1) to compensate for control–structure interaction effects associated with the fact that linear shaker systems cannot impart perfectly to the structure the specified forcing functions (i.e. the CSI problem). The motion transformation problem is solved using filters that modify xg both in the frequency domain using building transfer functions and in the time domain using a least squares approximation. The CSI problem, which is most important near the modal frequencies of the structural system, is solved for the example of a linear shaker system that is part of the NEES@UCLA equipment site. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of morphological approaches to determine unit hydrographs of urban catchments
Authors: Rodriguez Fabrice , Cudennec Christophe , Andrieu Hervé
Published: March 2005

Determining the hydrological response of urban catchments is of great interest for urban water management. Since most urban catchments are ungauged, this response must be deduced from catchment features, the description of which can be processed more easily today thanks to the availability of urban databases and geographical information systems within many cities. We compare three complementary methods for determining unit hydrographs, with varying degrees of catchment morphology description. The first method, displaying a high degree of description (URBS‐UH), is derived from the analysis of urban databases and yields an explicit description of runoff production areas and their downstream flow channels. The second method (H2U), which corresponds to a moderate degree of description, consists of a gamma law whose parameters are based on both the Strahler's catchment order and the average hydraulic length of water paths through the drainage system. The third method, corresponding to a low degree (FDTF), derives the unit hydrograph by means of an iterative deconvolution identification technique using observed rainfall and flow data. The three methods have all been applied to two urban catchments (of 60 and 180 ha), located within the Nantes metropolitan area (western France). Their comparison is discussed and reveals encouraging results: the variability of unit hydrographs due to rainfall intensity is observed with all three of the methods. Deriving unit hydrographs from the morphology of an ungauged catchment would appear beneficial for hydrological purposes, and the degree of information inclusion regarding this morphology can be adapted depending on the availability of geographical data on the catchment studied. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Drainage efficiency in urban areas: a case study
Authors: Aronica G. T. , Lanza L. G.
Published: March 2005

Urban drainage systems may prove locally inefficient as a consequence of an unexpected amount of water failing to reach a certain number of inlets in the network. Local failures are indeed observed as a consequence of precipitation events with even lower intensities than the design rainfall, when inlets are requested to drain contributing areas that are larger than the design ones. Micro‐topography effects are usually responsible for local failures of the urban drainage system, and their potential in terms of local flooding can be investigated by taking a proper degree of topographic details into consideration. The flooding potential associated with the failure of a number of inlets in the system is investigated in this paper by means of a flood propagation model specifically designed for areas with complex topography and applied herein to the urban environment. The model involves a hyperbolic two‐dimensional solution of the De Saint Venant equations that is obtained over a finite element representation of the spatial domain with an unstructured triangular network. This approach allows detailed description of the flow patterns associated with stormwater volumes along the surface drainage network according to the actual performance of the existing inlets. The results presented refer to the application of the model to the case study of an urban catchment within the Historic Centre of the town of Genoa. The simulations confirm that micro‐topography effects have the potential to produce local flooding with significant water depth and velocity in zones of flow concentration, and that local topography may significantly affect the behaviour of the urban drainage system as a whole. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of sulphur mustard on human skin cell lines with differential agent sensitivity
Authors: Simpson Rachel , Lindsay Christopher D.
Published: March 2005

The ability of sulphur mustard (HD) to induce DNA damage places limits on the efficacy of approaches aimed at protecting human cells from the cytotoxic effects of HD using a variety of protective agents such as thiolcontaining esters and protease inhibitors. In the present study, potential alternative strategies were investigated by examining the differential effects of HD on G361, SVK14, HaCaT and NCTC 2544 human skin cells.

The G361 cell line was more resistant to the cytotoxic effects of HD than the NCTC, HaCaT and SVK14 cell lines at HD doses of >3 and <100 µM HD as determined by the MTT assay. At 72 h after exposure to 60 µM HD there was up to an 8.8‐fold difference (P < 0.0001) between G361 and SVK14 cell culture viability. Buthionine sulphoximine (BSO) pretreatment increased the sensitivity of all four cell lines to HD. A substantial proportion of the resistance of G361 cells to HD was attributable to BSO‐mediated effects on antioxidant‐mediated metabolism, although G361 cultures still retained a high degree of viability at 30 µM HD following BSO pretreatment. Cell cycle analysis confirmed that SVK14 cells were relatively more sensitive to HD, as shown by the 2.1‐fold reduction (P < 0.0001) in the percentage of cells in G0[sol ]G1 phase 24 h after HD exposure compared with control cultures. This compared well with a 1.2‐fold increase (P < 0.05) in the percentage of G361 cells in G0[sol ]G1 phase following HD exposure, suggesting the existence of a more efficient G0[sol ]G1 checkpoint control mechanism in this cell line. Manipulation of the cell cycle using various modulating agents did not increase the resistance of cell lines to the cytotoxic effects of HD. © Crown copyright 2005. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Orthogonal rational matrix‐valued functions on the unit circle
Authors: Fritzsche Bernd , Kirstein Bernd , Lasarow Andreas
Published: March 2005

This paper contains first steps towards a Szegö theory of orthogonal rational matrix‐valued functions on the unit circle 𝕋. Hereby we are guided by former work of Bultheel, González‐Vera, Hendriksen, and Njåstad on scalar orthogonal rational functions on the one side and by investigations of Delsarte, Genin, and Kamp on orthogonal matrix polynomials on the other side. An essential characteristic of our matricial orthogonalization procedure is marked by an intensive interplay between left and right matrix‐valued inner products generated by a nonnegative Hermitian Borel measure on the unit circle. The main feature of our approach is the distinguished role of Christoffel‐Darboux formulas. We consider pairs of rational matrix‐valued functions linked via Christoffel‐Darboux type relations as an own subject. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Novel compound heterozygous mutations in the PANK2 gene in a Chinese patient with atypical pantothenate kinase‐associated neurodegeneration
Authors: Zhang Yu‐hu , Tang Bei‐sha , Zhao Ai‐ling , Xia Kun , Long Zhi‐gao , Guo Ji‐feng , Westaway Shawn K. , Hayflick Susan J.
Published: March 2005

We investigated the presence of mutations in the pantothenate kinase (PANK2) gene in a 27‐year‐old male Chinese patient with atypical pantothenate kinase‐associated neurodegeneration (PKAN), formerly Hallervorden‐Spatz syndrome. Automated DNA sequence analyses revealed compound heterozygous mutations in the exon 3 and 5. This patient had a 10‐year history of PKAN characterized by a slight tremor of the right hand when writing at onset and a slow progressive rigidity of the neck and the right arm and resting tremor in upper extremities. Dysarthria, dysphagia, and dystonic‐athetoid movements of the face and right fingers were marked. Magnetic resonance showed the typical “eye‐of‐the‐tiger” sign. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Genetic polymorphism of catechol‐O‐methyltransferase and levodopa pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic pattern in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Contin Manuela , Martinelli Paolo , Mochi Mirella , Riva Roberto , Albani Fiorenzo , Baruzzi Agostino
Published: March 2005

We explored the potential effect of catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) genetic polymorphism on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a standard oral dose of levodopa in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). We prospectively collected blood samples for COMT genotyping from a population of 104 PD patients. Each patient was examined by a standard oral levodopa/benserazide test, based on simultaneous serial measurements of plasma levodopa concentrations, finger‐tapping motor effects and dyskinesia ratings, up to 4 hours after dosing. The main levodopa pharmacokinetic outcome variables were time to peak and peak plasma concentration, plasma elimination half‐life, and the area under the plasma concentration–time curve. The main outcome levodopa pharmacodynamic variables were latency, duration, and magnitude of the motor effect elicited by the levodopa test dose, the area under the tapping effect–time curve, and the presence of dyskinesias. Nineteen patients (18%) harbored the low‐activity homozygous COMT genotype (A/A), 63 patients (61%) carried the intermediate‐activity heterozygous COMT genotype (A/G) and 22 patients (21%) had the high‐activity homozygous COMT genotype (G/G). The three groups were comparable for vital and clinical characteristics. No significant difference was found in levodopa main pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic variables and dyskinesia incidence among the three subgroups of patients. We failed to identify clinically relevant levodopa pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic response patterns associated with the COMT polymorphism in PD patients. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Chorea in a patient with cerebral palsy: Treatment with levetiracetam
Authors: Recio Maria V. , Hauser Robert A. , Louis Elan D. , Radhashakar Harsha , Sullivan Kelly L. , Zesiewicz Theresa A.
Published: March 2005

We report on the case of an adult cerebral palsy patient who developed severe chorea coincident with a febrile illness from a nonstreptococcal infection. The chorea improved markedly with the use of levetiracetam (LEV, Keppra). © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Impact of internal versus external cueing on driving performance in people with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Stolwyk Rene J. , Triggs Tom J. , Charlton Judith L. , Iansek Robert , Bradshaw John L.
Published: March 2005

Numerous aspects of driving performance seem compromised in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Measures of cognitive impairment consistently correlate with poor driving simulator performance in this population; however, the effects of specific cognitive difficulties on discrete aspects of driving behavior have not been investigated thoroughly. Previous studies have demonstrated that people with PD exhibit difficulties internally cueing cognitive processes. This study examined the impact of impaired internal cueing on specific driving behaviors. A simulator measured the driving behavior of 18 current drivers in the mild‐to‐moderate stages of PD and 18 matched controls. Participants navigated through different driving conditions where the opportunity to use internal and external cues was manipulated. People with PD exhibited difficulties using internal cues to regulate driving behavior around traffic signals and curves. Instead of using internal cues, participants with PD were more reliant on external cues to regulate driving behavior. They were also less able to adapt their driving behavior to suit driving conditions. Because all participants with PD were current drivers in the mild‐to‐moderate stages of the disease, findings challenge the widely‐held assumption that cognitive difficulties only impact on driving performance in the moderate‐to‐severe stages of PD. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Reply: Rebound psychosis in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Fernandez Hubert H. , Okun Michael S.
Published: March 2005

The original letter to which this reply refers was published in Movement DisordersMov Disord (2005) 20 (4) 515.
The neurochemical mechanism of rebound psychosis in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Papapetropoulos Spiridon , Mash Deborah C.
Published: March 2005

A reply to this letter has been published in Movement DisordersMov Disord (2005) 20 (4) 515.
Asymptotic properties of the QR factorization of banded Hessenberg–Toeplitz matrices
Authors: Chang Xiao‐Wen , Gander Martin J. , Karaa Samir
Published: March 2005

We consider Givens QR factorization of banded Hessenberg–Toeplitz matrices of large order and relatively small bandwidth. We investigate the asymptotic behaviour of the R factor and Givens rotation when the order of the matrix goes to infinity, and present some interesting convergence properties. These properties can lead to savings in the computation of the exact QR factorization and give insight into the approximate QR factorizations of interest in preconditioning. The properties also reveal the relation between the limit of the main diagonal elements of R and the largest absolute root of a polynomial. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavioural, cognitive and emotional responses to SARS: differences between college students in Beijing and Suzhou
Authors: Qian Mingyi , Ye Dongmei , Zhong Jie , Xu Kaiwen , Zhang Lili , Huang Zheng , Dong Wei , Liu Xinghua , Zhang Xiaoyun , Zhang Zheyu , Wang Cixin , Nie Jing
Published: March 2005

This research was designed to explore the differences in behaviour, cognition and emotion between college students in Beijing and Suzhou, who were under different external stresses during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) prevalence time in China from 22 April to 23 June, 2003. A ‘Psychological responses questionnaire on SARS’ designed by the authors was filled out by subjects. A total of 268 valid cases were collected in Beijing through e‐mails or websites, and 397 valid copies were collected in Suzhou through pencil‐and‐paper tests. The two groups differed in their behaviours, cognitions and emotions. Cognitive and behavioural responses of the Beijing sample changed along with the time and the epidemic situation, and so did the negative emotions of the Suzhou sample. Path analysis of the Beijing sample found support for the mediating effects of the cognition on the relationships of stress and the emotional and behavioural responses, while the results of the Suzhou sample did not. Differences between the two samples are discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An epidemiological survey of job stress and health in four occupational populations in Fuzhou city of China
Authors: Tian Jun , Wang Xiaodong
Published: March 2005

This study describes the levels of job stress amongst intellectuals in China, analyzes the association between job stress and health, and factors influencing job stress. Self‐completed questionnaires were used to survey the participants. Descriptive statistics applied to describe the levels of job stress in the populations. Logistic regression was performed to estimate relative risk (RR) of each health outcome. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were conducted to analyze the factors influencing job stress. The total scores means in male and female were 143.81 and 141.70, respectively. The relative risks of high job stress level for peptic ulcer, depression, anxiousness, bad temper, sleep disturbances, fatigue, having a poor appetite and backache, adjusted for age, sex and smoking, are 1.86, 6.55, 14.16, 7.09, 2.05, 1.75, 2.52 and 1.70 (p < 0.05), respectively. At the significance level α = 0.05, the eight factors were selected into the models. Our results may suggest that the intellectuals in China have suffered a high risk of high level of job stress, and this stress has impacted on their bodily and mental health. Living a colorful life, enhancing physical activities and improving social support are active and effective coping tactics. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effort–reward imbalance at work: the effects of work stress on anger and cardiovascular disease symptoms in a community sample
Authors: Smith Luke A. , Roman Angela , Dollard Maureen F. , Winefield Anthony H. , Siegrist Johannes
Published: March 2005

Two studies of the Effort–Reward Imbalance (ERI) model of work stress with different end points were undertaken in community samples from the Adelaide (Australia) metropolitan area. Study 1 examined the relationship between ERI at work and state anger. Study 2 extended the first and examined the relationship between ERI, anger and cardiovascular disease (CVD) symptoms. Hierarchical multiple regression confirmed a significant relationship between ERI and state anger in Study 1 even after controlling for extraneous variables. Study 2 showed that ERI increases CVD symptoms via the mediating variable of anger (an indirect effect). Furthermore, Study 2 revealed that people of lower income were more likely to experience higher anger. The results of both studies have far ranging consequences for the emotional and physical health of individuals who are experiencing an imbalance between their efforts and perceived rewards at work and those with lower incomes may be more vulnerable. The wider public health implications of the relationship between work stress, and emotional and physical well being in the community are discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing a student‐based evaluation tool for authentic assessment
Authors: La Lopa Joseph M.
Published: March 2005

Authentic learning activities call for understandable assessments. In this chapter, the process used to involve students in developing an evaluation tool is described. This tool was used by a panel to grade proposal presentations developed in an authentic learning task.
Alternative assessment in a mathematics course
Authors: Simpson Nancy J.
Published: March 2005

Sometimes a radical shift in assessment procedures may uncover a whole new set of objectives that neither the students nor the instructor expected. Such an experience is described in the context of freshman mathematics.
Group exams in science courses
Authors: Hodges Linda C.
Published: March 2005

Group exams in science courses can enhance students' achievement and encourage retention of students within the discipline. The challenge to instructors is to recognize when and how they are best used.
Making student thinking visible by examining discussion during group testing
Authors: Castor Theresa
Published: March 2005

In the project described in this chapter, discussions during group exams were analyzed to gain insight into how students make group decisions for their answers and the implications of their decision‐making methods for deepening student understanding.
Post‐test analysis: A tool for developing students' metacognitive awareness and self‐regulation
Authors: Achacoso Michelle V.
Published: March 2005

Instructors can help students improve their metacognitive awareness and future exam performance by analyzing an exam after it has been taken.
Periodic solutions of density dependent predator‐prey systems with Holling Type 2 functional response and infinite delays
Authors: Ye Dan , Fan Meng , Zhang Weipeng
Published: March 2005

Easily verifiable and realistic sufficient conditions are derived for the existence of periodic solution with strictly positive components for periodic density dependent predator‐prey systems with Holling Type 2 functional response and infinite delays. The method involves the application of a continuation theorem in coincidence degree theory and some priori estimates on solutions.
Direct determination of the rotation in the polar decomposition of the deformation gradient by maximizing a Rayleigh quotient
Authors: Bouby C. , Fortuné D. , Pietraszkiewicz W. , Vallée C.
Published: March 2005

We develop a new effective method of determining the rotation R and the stretches U and V in the polar decomposition F = RU = VR of the deformation gradient. The method is based on a minimum property of R to have the smallest “distance” from F in the Euclidean norm. The proposed method does not require to perform any square root and/or inverse operations. With each F having nine independent components we associate a 4 × 4 symmetric traceless matrix Q. The rotation is described by quaternion parameters from which a quadrivector X is formed. It is shown that X corresponding to R maximizes XT QX over all X satisfying XTX = 1. We prefer to equivalently maximize the Rayleigh quotient YTQY/YTY over all non‐vanishing Y and to deduce X by subsequent normalization $X = Y/\sqrt{Y^{T}Y}$. The maximization of the Rayleigh quotient is performed by a conjugate gradient algorithm with all iterative steps carried out by explicit closed formulae. Efficiency and accuracy of the method is illustrated by a numerical example.
Two‐dimensional splines on fairly arbitrary meshes
Authors: Riedel K.O.
Published: March 2005

Applying tension to the cubic spline in order to avoid spurious oscillations leads to the well known exponential spline. We use a special kind of such an exponential spline with variable knots in order to define two‐dimensional splines with tension for fairly arbitrary meshes. Hence, the drawback of tensor product splines, which are only defined on grids consisting of horizontal and vertical lines covering the whole support, is overcome. Further, the efficiency of these novel splines in denoising camera images is shown.
Exact 3D piezothermoelasticity solution for buckling of hybrid cross‐ply plates using state space approach
Authors: Kapuria S. , Achary G.G.S.
Published: March 2005

A three dimensional exact piezothermoelasticity solution is presented for buckling of simply‐supported symmetrically laminated hybrid plates with elastic substrate and piezoelectric layers. Buckling is considered under thermal load in open as well as closed circuit conditions of the piezolayers. A mixed formulation is used to form the governing equations for buckling mode in terms of eight primary variables: Three displacements, electric potential, three transverse stresses and the transverse electric displacement. Using double Fourier series expansion of the entities, which satisfy the end conditions, the governing equations is reduced to a z‐invariant state equation with the state vector consisting of the the above eight variables. The state vector at the bottom of the laminate is related to that at its top through a global transfer matrix using continuity/jump conditions at the layer interfaces. The eight homogenous boundary conditions at the top and the bottom of the plate are used to set up four homogeneous equations for the three displacements and electric potential/electric displacement at the bottom. The determinant of their coefficient matrix is set to zero to obtain the buckling temperature/potential. Benchmark results are presented for hybrid highly inhomogeneous test plate, cross‐ply composite plate and sandwich plates. The effect of the exclusion of the prebuckling strains in the formulation on the buckling temperature is investigated. The effects of thickness parameter, aspect ratio and the electric boundary conditions on the buckling loads are illustrated. The enhancement of buckling temperature by the application of actuation potential is discussed.
Social psychology of institutional change: General principles for intervention
Authors: Reppucci N. Dickon
Published: March 2005

Six principles for achieving total institutional change are presented as a framework for developing intervention strategies for changing established human‐service institutions for deviants. These principles are discussed and then explicated with examples from a total change effort in a state training school for adjudicated male delinquents. It is argued that most human service institutions for deviants are in desperate need of massive change and that all six of these principles must be realized, at least to some degree, if such change is to be effected.
A social learning theory approach to sensitivity groups
Authors: Stein Donald K.
Published: March 2005

This study was concerned with (1) assessing the processes that determine the behavior of participants in sensitivity groups from a social learning perspective, and (2) exploring motivational factors involved in volunteering for a sensitivity group experience. A total of 80 volunteers were divided into eight groups and administered the Rotter ISB. Four groups were given descriptions to foster “self awareness” expectancies in an upcoming sensitivity group, and the other four groups were given “other awareness” expectancies. Graduate students modeled behaviors consistent with the expectancies given each group and served as group trainers. The modeling and instructional manipulation of expectancies influenced the behavior of the participants in a manner that was generally consistent with predictions from social learning theory. The sensitivity group volunteers had significantly higher ISB scores than control subjects, suggesting that they had a greater frequency and intensity of conflicts.
Assessing social competencies in lower income preschool children
Authors: Rickel Annette U. , Burgio Joanne C.
Published: March 2005

This study examined social competencies in 4‐year‐old, lower income, nonwhite preschool children in a replication of work by Shure, Spivack, and Jaeger. Age differential interpersonal cognitive problem‐solving skills were investigated, i.e., ability to generate alternative solutions to interpersonal problems, consequential thinking, and school achievement as they relate to behavioral adjustment ratings by teachers and independent observers. A teacher's rating of a child as aberrant or adjusted predicted an independent observer's rating of that child in a naturalistic setting. Children who were rated as adjusted by their teachers had significantly higher scores on an achievement inventory than those children who were rated aberrant, but the study did not find the predicted relationship between problem‐solving thinking and adjustment.
Residential and community treatment services utilized by a sample of youth with severe emotional disturbances
Authors: Julian David A. , Julian Teresa W. , Mastrine Barry J. , Wessa Pauline , Atkinson Elizabeth
Published: March 2005

Analyzed case records to determine the costs and service usage patterns for a group of 25 youth randomly selected from the case load of a regional mental health agency. Study participants had extensive histories of publicly supported psychiatric hospitalizations. An average of 36.2 contacts per youth (905 total contacts) with human services providers were documented. Approximately 2 out of every 5 contacts resulted in out‐of‐home placements. The estimated cost of providing services to the 25 youth exceeded 3 million dollars. The types and costs of treatment services provided to study participants are discussed.
In what ways are adolescents who engage in self‐harm or experience thoughts of self‐harm different in terms of help‐seeking, communication and coping strategies?
Authors: Evans Emma , Hawton Keith , Rodham Karen
Published: March 2005

The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether adolescents who deliberately harmed themselves or had thoughts of self‐harm differed from other adolescents in terms of help‐seeking, communication and coping strategies. The participants were 6020 15–16 year‐old school pupils who were surveyed using an anonymous self‐report questionnaire. Adolescents with one or more episodes of deliberate self‐harm (DSH) in the previous year were more likely to identify themselves as having serious problems than other adolescents. However, a substantial proportion of adolescents with either DSH or thoughts of self‐harm did not identify themselves as having serious problems. Adolescents with DSH were most likely to feel the need for help but not try to get any; they were less able to talk to family members and teachers and had fewer categories of people who they were able to talk to. Like other adolescents, those with DSH or thoughts of self‐harm were more likely to seek and receive help from their friends than from other sources. They differed from other adolescents in terms of coping strategies they reported employing when faced with difficulties, showing less focus on problems and more avoidant behaviours. The findings have important implications for preventive strategies, including educational programmes on emotional health and coping, and for the clinical care of adolescents identified as at risk or having self‐harmed.
Gender and ethnic differences in formal and informal help seeking among Israeli adolescents
Authors: Grinstein‐Weiss Michal , Fishman Gideon , Eisikovits Zvi
Published: March 2005

This study examines the willingness of Jewish and Arab Israeli adolescents to look for help in times of distress and explores the factors that are associated with the willingness of these adolescents to look for help from formal vs. informal sources. The sample consisted of 6017 randomly selected respondents, 14–18 years old, attending secondary schools. Multiple regression analyses were used in order to explore what predicts formal vs. informal help seeking. Results indicate that satisfaction with school, family and friends, and ethnicity are all important predictors that are associated with the willingness of Israeli adolescents to ask for formal and informal help. The interaction between gender and ethnicity was also examined. The findings present the specific differences between formal and informal help seeking and are discussed in the Israeli context.
Structural basis of gating of CNG channels
Authors: Giorgetti Alejandro , Nair Anil V. , Codega Paolo , Torre Vincent , Carloni Paolo
Published: March 2005

Cyclic nucleotide‐gated (CNG) ion channels, underlying sensory transduction in vertebrate photoreceptors and olfactory sensory neurons, require cyclic nucleotides to open. Here, we present structural models of the tetrameric CNG channel pore from bovine rod in both open and closed states, as obtained by combining homology modeling‐based techniques, experimentally derived spatial constraints and structural patterns present in the PDB database. Gating is initiated by an anticlockwise rotation of the N‐terminal region of the C‐linker, which is then, transmitted through the S6 transmembrane helices to the P‐helix, and in turn from this to the pore lumen, which opens up from 2 to 5 Å thus allowing for ion permeation. The approach, here presented, is expected to provide a general methodology for model ion channels and their gating when structural templates are available and an extensive electrophysiological analysis has been performed.
Pregnancy spacing and maternal morbidity in Matlab, Bangladesh
Authors: Razzaque A. , Da Vanzo J. , Rahman M. , Gausia K. , Hale L. , Khan M.A. , Mustafa A.H.M.G.
Published: March 2005

Objective

The study examines the relationship between pregnancy spacing and seven measures of maternal morbidity in Matlab, Bangladesh.

Method

The study analyzes maternal morbidity data on 11,122 women who visited a health center during their third trimester of pregnancy between 1996 and 2002. Adjusted odds ratios were obtained through logistic regression analysis to assess the effects of pregnancy intervals of differing lengths while holding constant other influences (six variables) on maternal morbidity.

Results

After controlling these variables, pre‐eclampsia and high blood pressure are significantly more likely for women with preceding inter‐pregnancy intervals of less than 6 months or 75 months or more compared to those with intervals of 27–50 months. Premature rupture of membranes is significantly more likely following inter‐pregnancy intervals of 6–14 months, and edema is significantly more likely following inter‐pregnancy intervals over 50 months.

Conclusion

Short and long inter‐pregnancy intervals are associated with increased incidence of some maternal morbidities.