bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The regulatory role of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors in pulsatile urea excretion of the gulf toadfish,Opsanus beta
Authors: Rodela Tamara M. , McDonald M. Danielle , Walsh Patrick J. , Gilmour Kathleen M.
Published: May 2009

Gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta, are one among a group of unusual teleosts that excrete urea as their predominant nitrogen end product in response to stressful conditions. Under conditions of crowding or confinement,fasted toadfish excrete the majority of their nitrogen waste in large pulses of urea (>90% of total nitrogen) lasting up to 3 h. An earlier study demonstrated that cortisol has an inhibitory influence on urea pulse size. The present study tested the hypothesis that cortisol mediates changes in urea pulse size in ureotelic toadfish through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and not the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). In vivo pharmacological investigations were used to manipulate the corticosteroid system in crowded toadfish, including experimentally lowering plasma cortisol levels by the injection of metyrapone, blocking cortisol receptors through exposure to either RU-486 (GR antagonist) and spironolactone (MR antagonist), or through exogenous infusion of the tetrapod mineralocorticoid aldosterone (tetrapod MR agonist). The data demonstrate that lowering the activity of cortisol, either by inhibiting its synthesis or by blocking its receptor, resulted in a two- to threefold increase in pulse size with no accompanying change in pulse frequency. Treatment with spironolactone elicited a minor (∼1.5-fold)reduction in pulse size, as did aldosterone treatment, suggesting that the anti-mineralocorticoid spironolactone has an agonistic effect in a piscine system. In summary, the evidence suggests that urea transport mechanisms in pulsing toadfish are upregulated in response to low cortisol, mediated primarily by GRs, and to a lesser extent MRs.
Larval nutrition affects life history traits in a capital breeding moth
Authors: Colasurdo Nadia , Gélinas Yves , Despland Emma
Published: May 2009

Fitness depends not only on resource uptake but also on the allocation of these resources to various life history functions. This study explores the life-history consequences of larval diet in terms not only of larval performance but also of adult body composition and reproductive traits in the forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria Hübner). Caterpillars were reared on their preferred tree host, trembling aspen(Populus tremuloides), or on one of three artificial foods: high protein:low carbohydrate, equal protein-to-carbohydrate ratio or low protein:high carbohydrate. Survivorship, larval development rate and adult body size were lowest on the carbohydrate-biased diet and similar on the protein-biased and equal-ratio diets. Fecundity increased with body size but did not otherwise differ between diets. Moths reared on the carbohydrate-biased diet allocated a lower proportion of their mass to the ovaries and more to somatic growth whereas those on equal-ratio and protein-biased diets allocated more to reproductive tissue and less to somatic tissue. These differences in allocation to reproduction arose from differences in the size of eggs, an index of offspring quality. No differences were found in lipid and protein content of female ovaries, accessory glands or somatic tissue, or of the whole body of male moths. The findings show that physiological processes regulate the composition of the different components of the adult body. Diet effects occur as differences in overall body size and in relative allocation to these components. Although lepidopterans can, to a large extent, compensate post-ingestively for nutritionally deficient diets,investment in reproduction vs somatic growth depends on the nutrients available.
Online Survey Tools: Ethical and Methodological Concerns of Human Research Ethics Committees
Authors: Buchanan Elizabeth A. , Hvizdak Erin E.
Published: May 2009

A survey of 750 university human Research Ethics Boards (HRECs) in the United States revealed that Internet research protocols involving online or Web surveys are the type most often reviewed (94% of respondents), indicating the growing prevalence of this methodology for academic research. Respondents indicated that the electronic and online nature of these survey data challenges traditional research ethics principles such as consent, risk, privacy, anonymity, confidentiality, and autonomy, and adds new methodological complexities surrounding data storage, security, sampling, and survey design. Interesting discrepancies surfaced among respondents regarding strengths and weaknesses within extant guidelines, which are highlighted throughout the paper. The paper concludes with considerations and suggestions towards consistent protocol review of online surveys to ensure appropriate human subjects protections in the face of emergent electronic tools and methodologies.
Discourses of Dislike: Responses to Ethics Education Policies by Life Scientists in the U.K., Italy, and the U.S.
Authors: Smith-Doerr Laurel
Published: May 2009

Recently established policies for ethical conduct of researchers have resulted in efforts to implement those policies through educational practices. While these policies and training efforts have good intentions, how do researchers respond? Little research has been conducted to understand how researchers react to ethics policies, and to ethics education requirements as a particularly salient part of the policies. This research explores variations in the responses of life scientists to policies originating in the U.K., E.U. and U.S., between 2000 and 2003. Semi-structured interviews with 30 life scientists in the U.K., Italy and the U.S. provide the basis for the findings. Across the interviews, scientists consistently reported dislike of the ways the ethics policies and ethics programs are implemented, but with variation by country. U.K. life scientists regarded the policies tied to Research Council (RC) funding with a skeptical attitude, expecting that policies would change with RC leadership. Italian life scientists often noted the lack of funding (and policies) at the national level, and appeared frustrated by what they viewed as overly complex policy requirements at the European level, where successful grantees employed outside consultants to complete the ethics sections of their applications. U.S. life scientists expressed distaste for the implementation of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) policy in web-based ethics training modules. This research suggests that introducing new shallow routines that are separate from daily research and educational practices in science may be worse than no ethics training at all, if it turns off young researchers to the discussion of ethical issues. Observing variation in scientists' discourse on ethics policies allows us to see how education following ethics policies might be more effective, and indicates that ethics policy formation more informed by empirical research is a desirable goal.
Transnational Construction and Local Imagination of "Crusade Christianity"
Authors: Heuser Andreas
Published: May 2009

This article focuses on a transnational urban crusade by a British representative of Pentecostal-type Christianity in 2006 in Kumasi, Ghana. Such mass-evangelism events have helped shape a new religious topography in most African countries since the mid-1980s. An integral part of the religious landscape, they accompany a "Pentecostalization" of African Christianity. This case study analyzes the interplay between international theological discourses and local appropriations of crusade Christianity. It presents crusades as performances and it researches crusade strategies to establish hegemony in public urban space. The central analysis of the theology of healing most popular in Pentecostal-type Christianity refers to the African religious discourse on well-being and disease causation in general. It concludes that local African discourses, more than crusade heroes, show a capacity to control transnational impact in crusade performances and theology.
Weight‐Based Dosing of Enoxaparin in Obese Patients with Non‐ST‐Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes: Results from the CRUSADE Initiative
Authors: Spinler Sarah A. , Ou Fang‐Shu , Roe Matthew T. , Gibler W. Brian , Ohman E. Magnus , Pollack Charles V. , Alexander Karen P. , Peterson Eric D.
Published: May 2009

Study Objective. To evaluate how enoxaparin is dosed in contemporary clinical practice as a function of patients' total body weight (TBW) and body mass index (BMI), and to determine any association between dose and major bleeding.

Design. Retrospective cohort study.

Data Source. The Can Rapid Risk Stratification of Unstable Angina Patients Suppress Adverse Outcomes with Early Implementation of the American College of Cardiology‐American Heart Association Guidelines (CRUSADE) national quality improvement initiative database.

Patients. A total of 19,061 patients enrolled in the CRUSADE initiative between January 1, 2004, and March 31, 2006, who received enoxaparin for the initial treatment of non‐ST‐segment elevation acute coronary syndromes.

Measurements and Main Results. Demographic and clinical data, enoxaparin doses, and frequency of major bleeding unrelated to coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery were compared among patient groups stratified by TBW (≤ 100, 101–120, 121–150, and > 150 kg). Adjusted odds ratios (OR) of major bleeding unrelated to CABG surgery were calculated with each dose increase of 0.25 mg/kg stratified by BMI (< 18.5, 18.5–24.9, 25.0–29.9, and ≥ 30 kg/m2), as well as for patients receiving a reduced dose (< 0.95 mg/kg) compared with those receiving a recommended dose (0.95‐1.05 mg/kg), stratified by TBW. An inverse association was noted between enoxaparin dose and patient weight. Median initial doses were 1 mg/kg in those weighing 100 kg or less, 0.96 mg/kg in those 101–120 kg, 0.92 mg/kg in those 121–150 kg, and 0.65 mg/kg in those weighing more than 150 kg (p<0.0001 for ≤ 100 kg vs > 150 kg). Up to 80% of patients weighing more than 150 kg received an initial enoxaparin dose below the recommended dose. In contrast to patients with normal body weight, those weighing more than 150 kg who received a recommended dose of enoxaparin had a higher bleeding risk relative to those who received a lower dose (adjusted OR 2.42, 95% confidence interval 0.70‐8.37).

Conclusion. Clinicians tend to use reduced weight‐based doses of enoxaparin in overweight and obese patients. Although data are limited, use of the recommended enoxaparin dose of 1 mg/kg is associated with a higher bleeding risk in those weighing more than 150 kg. Thus, further study of enoxaparin dosing in very obese patients with non‐ST‐segment elevation acute coronary syndromes is warranted.
Attention‐Deficit‐Hyperactivity Disorder: An Update
Authors: Dopheide Julie A. , Pliszka Steven R.
Published: May 2009

Attention‐deficit‐hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder that impairs social, academic, and occupational functioning in children, adolescents, and adults. In patients with ADHD, neurobiologic research has shown a lack of connectivity in key brain regions, inhibitory control deficits, delayed brain maturation, and noradrenergic and dopaminergic dysfunction in multiple brain regions. The prevalence of this disorder in the United States is 6–9% in youth (i.e., children and adolescents) and 3–5% in adults. Prevalence rates for youth are similar worldwide. Children with ADHD are at greater risk than children without ADHD for substance abuse and delinquency whether or not they receive drug therapy; however, early treatment with psychoeducation as well as drug therapy and/or behavioral intervention may decrease negative outcomes of ADHD, including the rate of conduct disorder and adult antisocial personality disorder. Drug therapy is effective for all age groups, even preschoolers, and for late‐onset ADHD in adults. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine, are the most effective therapy and have a good safety profile; although recent concerns of sudden unexplained death, psychiatric adverse effects, and growth effects have prompted the introduction of other therapies. Atomoxetine, a nonstimulant, has no abuse potential, causes less insomnia than stimulants, and poses minimal risk of growth effects. Other drug options include clonidine and guanfacine, but both can cause bradycardia and sedation. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (fish oil), acetyl‐l‐carnitine, and iron supplements (for youth with low ferritin levels) show promise in improving ADHD symptoms. As long‐term studies show that at least 50% of youth are nonadherent with their drug therapy as prescribed over a 1‐year period, longacting formulations (administered once/day) may improve adherence. Comorbid conditions are common in patients with ADHD, but this patient population can be treated effectively with individualized treatment regimens of stimulants, atomoxetine, or bupropion, along with close monitoring.
Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Nemerovski Carrie W. , Dorsch Michael P , Simpson Robert U. , Bone Henry G. , Aaronson Keith D. , Bleske Barry E.
Published: May 2009

The hormonal derivative of vitamin D, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25[OH]2D) or calcitriol, has been implicated in many physiologic processes beyond calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, and likely plays a role in several chronic disease states, in particular, cardiovascular disease. Experimental data suggest that 1,25(OH)2D affects cardiac muscle directly, controls parathyroid hormone secretion, regulates the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system, and modulates the immune system. Because of these biologic effects, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with hypertension, several types of vascular diseases, and heart failure. We conducted a MEDLINE search of the English‐language literature (1950–2008) to identify studies that examined these relationships; additional citations were obtained from the articles retrieved from the literature search. Treatment with vitamin D lowered blood pressure in patients with hypertension and modified the cytokine profile in patients with heart failure. Measurement of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration usually provides the best assessment of an individual's vitamin D status. Serum levels below 20 ng/ml represent vitamin D deficiency, and levels above 30 ng/ml are considered optimal. Although the observational data linking vitamin D status to cardiovascular disease appear robust, vitamin D supplementation is not recommended as routine treatment for heart disease until definitive prospective, randomized trials can be carried out to assess its effects. However, such supplementation is often appropriate for other reasons and may be beneficial to cardiovascular health in certain patients.
Temperament and attentional focus: Reaction time indicators of bias and cue salience
Authors: Spievak Elizabeth R. , Murtagh Anne M.
Published: May 2009

This study was designed to test and extend prior work that linked personality variables, incentive cues and target detection reaction times. Participants completed a task in which they believed they might gain or lose points, depending upon the target location and their reaction time.
After each trial, participants received a randomly generated positive or negative "feedback" message. Those higher in neuroticism showed shorter reaction times on trials following positive feedback. Participants higher in neuroticism and trait anxiety and those with lower scores for self-esteem
and venturesomeness were more attentive to point-loss cues. Response times were longer for those who scored higher in trait anxiety and lower in self-esteem. Implications for understanding individual differences in attention and feedback response are discussed.
An examination of values associated with sports attitude and consumption behavior: An exploratory study
Authors: Gau Li-Shiue , Korzenny Felipe
Published: May 2009

Values associated with sports attitudes and consumption behavior were examined. Data were collected by an online survey questionnaire (N = 3001), and one-way ANOVA was used. Results showed that people who spent money on attending/viewing events put more importance on sports than
did those who did not spend money on such events. The consumption group was more likely than the nonconsumption group to enjoy taking risks. However, the non-consumption group placed more emphasis on the value of honesty than did the consumption group. Additionally, those who placed more importance
on sports in life and on loyalty to a sports team were more likely to sacrifice now for benefit in the future, enjoy taking risks, and emphasize wealth. Results highlight the importance of understanding the effects of values on sports attitudes and consumption.
Developing a cognitive flexibility scale: Validity and reliability studies
Authors: Bilgin Mehmet
Published: May 2009

This research was aimed at developing a scale for measuring the cognitive flexibility of adolescents. This scale will help us to understand how flexible individuals are in regard to themselves, others, and the environment. It consists of 19 items and is in the form of semantic differentials.
Reliability and validity were tested using a sample of 637 adolescents. The Cognitive Flexibility Scale (CFS) was prepared so it was parallel to the structure of the 3 dimensions of semantic differential scales. The 3 dimensions in the CFS explain 51.33% of total variance of the scale. The
internal consistency for the scale was found to be .92. Item-total correlations of the items were between .49 and .63. Test-retest correlation coefficiency within an eight-week interval was .77, and the split-half coefficiency was .87. In the criterion validity tests of the scale, the divergent
validity was tested by means of the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (Weissman & Beck, 1978). The correlation between the two scales was found to be -.44.
Are obsessive beliefs and interpretative bias of intrusions predictors of obsessive compulsive symptomatology? A study with a Turkish sample
Authors: Cagin Ozlem , Dag Ihsan
Published: May 2009

The aims of the present study were to investigate the cross-cultural utility of the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire (OBQ) and the Interpretation of Intrusions Inventory (III) (both developed by the Obsessive Compulsive Cognitions Working Group, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2005) with college students.
Following factor analysis of the OBQ – unlike the original structure found by the Obsessive Compulsive Cognitions Working Groups – threat perception and responsibility emerged as separate factors. Analysis of the III resulted in a 3-factor solution showing that theoretically derived
subscales also differed empirically. Moderate to high intercorrelations were found between the subscales of both the OBQ and III and with the total score. Predictors of obsessive compulsive symptomatology and its subtypes were found to differ and results of the study provided support for the
heterogeneity hypothesis of OCD.
Stressors and burnout: The role of employee assistance programs and self-efficacy
Authors: Yu Ming-Chu , Lin Chiu-Chuan , Hsu San-Yuan
Published: May 2009

This study was aimed at exploring the roles of self-efficacy and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) in employee burnout associated with stress. A total of 600 questionnaires were sent and 205 were collected from employees in high-tech industries in a Science Park in Taiwan. The valid
collection rate was 34.2%. Path analysis was used to test the model. The results show that stressors can negatively and indirectly influence burnout through self-efficacy. This finding means that companies trying to reduce employee burnout should pay much more attention to enhancement of employee
self-efficacy. Implications for application and future research are discussed.
A Biographical Portrait of Edward Hartley Angle, the First Specialist in Orthodontics, Part 1
Authors: Peck Sheldon
Published: May 2009

Much of what is known about Edward Hartley Angle, MD, DDS (1855–1930), the acknowledged “father” of modern orthodontics, has been derived from secondary sources, accounts written by his contemporaries and others. New historical research using primary sources, largely the recently published four-volume sourcebook of Angle's correspondence and business transactions from 1899 to 1910, gives a broad view of the personality, interests, and activities of this prime mover in the evolution of orthodontics. This three-part article highlights aspects of Edward H. Angle's life and persona, based on new findings culled from his letters and other personal documents. Part 3 presents a biographical chronology of Angle's remarkable life.
Opinions of American and Swedish Orthodontists about the Role of Erupting Third Molars as a Cause of Dental Crowding
Authors: Tüfekçi E. , Svensk D. , Kallunki J. , Huggare J. , Lindauer S. J. , Laskin D. M.
Published: May 2009

Objective: To compare the opinions of Swedish orthodontists and American orthodontists regarding the association between third molar eruption and dental crowding.

Materials and Methods: A survey was distributed to Swedish orthodontists (n = 230) asking their views on the force exerted by erupting third molars, its relationship to crowding, and their recommendations for prophylactic removal. Results were compared with those from a similar study conducted in the United States. Chi square analysis was used to determine differences in responses to questions between Swedish and American orthodontists. P ≤ .05 was considered significant.

Results: Both Swedish and American orthodontists believed that lower third molars were more likely than upper third molars to cause force (65% and 58% for Swedish and American orthodontists, respectively) and crowding (42% and 40%, respectively). No statistically significant differences were seen between the answers of American and Swedish orthodontists regarding the role of upper and lower third molars in causing crowding. Although only 18% of Swedish orthodontists “generally” or “sometimes” recommended prophylactic removal of mandibular third molars, 36% of American orthodontists “generally” or “sometimes” recommended removal (P < .0001).

Conclusions: Most orthodontists in the United States and Sweden do believe that erupting lower third molars exert an anterior force; however, they also believe that these teeth “rarely” or “never” cause crowding of the dentition. The reason that more American orthodontists recommend prophylactic removal of mandibular third molars remains unexplained.
Exercise Stages of Change in Turkish University Students by Sex, Residence, and Department
Authors: Cengiz Cevdet , İnce M. Levent , Çiçek Şeref
Published: May 2009

To examine the exercise behavior of 953 Turkish university students (496 men, 457 women) by sex, residence, and department of study, a stratified sampling method, based on the total number of students in each department, was used to select participants. The mean age of the participants was 21.3 yr. ( SD = 1.9). For completed Physical Activity Stages of Change Questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests indicated that most students were at the lower stages of change in exercise habits: Precontemplation (15.2%), Contemplation (31.4%), and Preparation (25.3%), compared with the later stages of Action (7.5%) and Maintenance (20.6%). Women and students from the Department of Architecture were at lower stages of change than men and students from other departments ( p < .05), but there were no significant differences between students who were living on or off campus. Stage-based interventions would be appropriate, with focus on the physical activity of women and students in architecture.
Facilitating Effect of Natural Frequencies: Size Does Not Matter
Authors: Misuraca Raffaella , Carmeci Floriana A. , Pravettoni Gabriella , Cardaci Maurizio
Published: May 2009

The question of whether humans are able to work in a Bayesian way is currently a topic of substantial investigation. An important finding, reported by Gigerenzer and Hoffrage in 1995 is that Bayesian reasoning is facilitated when the information format corresponds to natural frequencies. The present concern was whether the facilitating effect of frequencies persists when natural frequencies relate to samples which are not convenient multiples of 10. 150 undergraduates participated as volunteers (42 men, 108 women; M age = 23 yr.). Analysis showed the effect of natural frequency formats was not dependent on size of reference class. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Relation of Physical Activity and Self-Esteem
Authors: Bobbio Andrea
Published: May 2009

The aim of this study was to examine the relation between self-esteem appraisal and physical activity testing a convenience sample of 211 individuals, ages 19 to 35 years and selected from the general population after a brief structured interview. They were grouped by sport habits into three distinct groups named Athletes, Nonathletes, and Sedentary people, and then were examined for significant differences in self-esteem scores measured via the Heatherton and Polivy State Self-esteem Scale which assesses three correlated factors, respectively, Performance, Social, and Appearance. As hypothesized, self-esteem scores between-groups differences emerged for the Appearance factor only, and the Sedentary group scored comparatively lower than the other two groups.
A Nonparametric Framework for Comparing Trends and Gaps Across Tests
Authors: Ho Andrew Dean
Published: May 2009

Problems of scale typically arise when comparing test score trends, gaps, and gap trends across different tests. To overcome some of these difficulties, test score distributions on the same score scale can be represented by nonparametric graphs or statistics that are invariant under monotone scale transformations. This article motivates and then develops a framework for the comparison of these nonparametric trend, gap, and gap trend representations across tests. The connections between this framework and other nonparametric tools, including probability–probability (PP) plots, the Mann-Whitney U test, and the statistic known as P( Y > X), are highlighted. The author describes the advantages of this framework over scale-dependent trend and gap statistics and demonstrates applications of these nonparametric methods to frequently asked policy questions.
Deep brain stimulation of the subcallosal cingulate gyrus for depression: anatomical location of active contacts in clinical responders and a suggested guideline for targeting
Authors: Hamani Clement , Mayberg Helen , Snyder Brian , Giacobbe Peter , Kennedy Sidney , Lozano Andres M.
Published: May 2009

Object

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subcallosal cingulate gyrus (SCG), including Brodmann area 25, is currently being investigated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). As a potential emerging therapy, optimal target selection within the SCG has still to be determined. The authors compared the location of the electrode contacts in responders and nonresponders to DBS of the SCG and correlated the results with clinical outcome to help in identifying the optimal target within the region. Based on the location of the active contacts used for long-term stimulation in responders, the authors suggest a standardized method of targeting the SCG in patients with MDD.

Methods

Postoperative MR imaging studies of 20 patients with MDD treated with DBS of the SCG were analyzed. The authors assessed the location of the active contacts relative to the midcommissural point and in relation to anatomical landmarks within the medial aspect of the frontal lobe. For this, a grid with 2 main lines was designed, with 1 line in the anterior-posterior and 1 line in the dorsal-ventral axis. Each of these lines was divided into 100 units, and data were converted into percentages. The anterior-posterior line extended from the anterior commissure (AC) to the projection of the anterior aspect of the corpus callosum (CCa). The dorsal-ventral line extended from the inferior portion of the CC (CCi) to the most ventral aspect of the frontal lobe (abbreviated “Fr” for the formula).

Results

Because the surgical technique did not vary across patients, differences in stereotactic coordinates between responders and nonresponders did not exceed 1.5 mm in any axis (x, y, or z). In patients who responded to the procedure, contacts used for long-term stimulation were in close approximation within the SCG. In the anterior-posterior line, these contacts were located within a 73.2 ± 7.7 percentile distance from the AC (with the AC center being 0% and the line crossing the CCa being 100%). In the dorsal-ventral line, active contacts in responders were located within a 26.2 ± 13.8 percentile distance from the CCi (with the CCi edge being 0% and the Fr inferior limit being 100%). In the medial-lateral plane, most electrode tips were in the transition between the gray and white matter of SCG.

Conclusions

Active contacts in patients who responded to DBS were relatively clustered within the SCG. Because of the anatomical variability in the size and shape of the SCG, the authors developed a method to standardize the targeting of this region.
Functional characterization of three single‐nucleotide polymorphisms present in the human APOE promoter sequence: Differential effects in neuronal cells and on DNA–protein interactions
Authors: Maloney Bryan , Ge Yuan‐Wen , Petersen Ronald C. , Hardy John , Rogers Jack T. , Pérez‐Tur Jordi , Lahiri Debomoy K.
Published: June 2009

Variations in levels of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) have been tied to the risk and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our group has previously compared and contrasted the promoters of the mouse and human ApoE gene (APOE) promoter sequences and found notable similarities and significant differences that suggest the importance of the APOE promoter's role in the human disease. We examine here three specific single‐nucleotide polymorphisms within the human APOE promoter region, specifically at −491 (A/T), −427 (T/C), and at −219 (G/T) upstream from the +1 transcription start site. The −219 and −491 polymorphic variations have significant association with instance of AD, and −491AA has significant risk even when stratified for the APOEε4 allele. We also show significant effects on reporter gene expression in neuronal cell cultures, and, notably, these effects are modified by species origin of the cells. The −491 and −219 polymorphisms may have an interactive effect in addition to any independent activity. DNA–protein interactions differ between each polymorphic state. We propose SP1 and GATA as candidates for regulatory control of the −491 and −219 polymorphic sites. This work's significance lies in drawing connection among APOE promoter polymorphisms' associations with AD to functional promoter activity differences and specific changes in DNA–protein interactions in cell culture‐based assays. Taken together, these results suggest that APOE expression levels are a risk factor for AD irrespective of APOEε4 allele status. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
[Al4(OH)2(OCH3)4(H2N‐bdc)3]⋅x H2O: A 12‐Connected Porous Metal–Organic Framework with an Unprecedented Aluminum‐Containing Brick
Authors: Ahnfeldt Tim , Guillou Nathalie , Gunzelmann Daniel , Margiolaki Irene , Loiseau Thierry , Férey Gérard , Senker Jürgen , Stock Norbert
Published: June 2009

Oktamere Bausteine, die durch organische Liganden zu einem 12er‐Netz verbunden sind, kennzeichnen das vorgestellte stabile Aluminiumaminoterephthalat (siehe Bild). Die Struktur weist eine kubisch‐innenzentrierte Packung auf, in der oktamere Einheiten individuelle Atome ersetzen und dabei verzerrte oktaedrische (rote Kugel) und tetraedrische Käfige (grüne Kugeln) mit effektiven zugänglichen Durchmessern von 1 bzw. 0.45 nm bilden.

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Quality of information in academic e‐mailing lists
Authors: Matzat Uwe
Published: May 2009

The article analyzes how researchers evaluate the quality of information in Internet e‐mailing lists and whether the embeddedness of academic e‐mailing lists in offline networks of a scientific community is related to it. The idea is that embeddedness gives researchers more opportunities to build up a reputation through contributing high‐quality information to the group. Survey and archive data are used to test hypotheses about the effects of offline networks in 47 academic e‐mailing lists used by a random sample of university researchers. Results indicate that the information in embedded online groups is regarded as more valuable than in purely virtual groups.
Meeresfische als Carbonatproduzenten
Authors: Hille‐Rehfeld Annette
Published: June 2009

Mit der Bildung von carbonathaltigen Magensteinen als Nebenprodukt der Osmoregulation leisten Meeresfische einen signifikanten Beitrag zum anorganischen Kohlenstoffzyklus.
Functional characterization of mesenchymal stem cells labeled with a novel PVP‐coated superparamagnetic iron oxide
Authors: Reddy Alavala Matta , Kwak Byung Kook , Shim Hyung Jin , Ahn Chiyoung , Cho Sun Hang , Kim Byung Jin , Jeong Sang Young , Hwang Sung‐Joo , Yuk Soon Hong
Published: June 2009

Magnetic resonance imaging of cells labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) could be a valuable tool for tracking transplanted cells in living organisms. Human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSC) were labeled with a novel polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP)‐coated SPIO. Prussian blue staining and electron microscopy revealed that almost all of the cells were efficiently labeled with PVP–SPIO nanoparticles. There were no signs of cytotoxicity, even at concentrations of up to 1600 µg Fe/ml of the nanoparticles, and the labeled cells were successfully visualized by in vitro cellular MRI. In addition, there was no significant alteration of the phenotype or the adipo/osteo/chondrogenic differentiation potential of the cells. This was in contrast to Feridex IV labeling that led to the inhibition of hBMMSC chondrogenesis. Following intramuscular injection in a rabbit hind limb ischemia model, the intercellular migration of the labeled cells toward the ablated site was clearly tracked through in vivo MRI. The localization of the transplanted cells observed by MRI correlated well with postmortem histological studies. These results demonstrate that the novel PVP–SPIO nanoparticles appear to be efficient MR contrast agents and may enable non‐invasive in vivo tracking of stem cells in experimental and clinical settings during cell therapy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Syntheses, Structures, and Catalytic Ethylene Oligomerization Behaviors of Bis(phosphanyl)aminenickel(II) Complexes Containing N‐Functionalized Pendant Groups
Authors: Song Keming , Gao Haiyang , Liu Fengshou , Pan Jin , Guo Lihua , Zai Shaobo , Wu Qing
Published: June 2009

Several N‐functionalized bis(phosphanyl)amine ligands respectively containing benzyl, furfuryl, thiophene‐2‐methyl, thiophene‐2‐ethyl, and 2‐picolyl groups (1a–e) were synthesized and characterized. The ligands reacted with (DME)NiBr2 in CH2Cl2 to give their corresponding nickel complexes [Ph2PN(R)PPh2NiBr2] [R = CH2C6H5 (2a), CH2C4H3O (2b), CH2C4H3S (2c), CH2C5H4N (2d), and CH2CH2C4H3S (2e)]. The structures of these complexes were established by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. All these nickel complexes were highly active towards ethylene oligomerization in the presence of methylaluminoxane or Et2AlCl, producing a high content of butene (C4). Especially for 2e, which contains a thiophene‐2‐ethyl pendant group, the oligomerization products obtained at –40 °C contained 95.9 mol‐% C4 fraction with 100 mol‐% 1‐butene. Over 50 °C, however, these nickel complexes underwent Friedel–Crafts alkylation of toluene with ethylene and the olefin oligomers.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Synthesis of 3‐Amino‐8‐azachromans and 3‐Amino‐7‐azabenzofurans via Inverse Electron Demand Diels–Alder Reaction
Authors: Badarau Eduard , Suzenet Franck , Fînaru Adriana‐Luminiţa , Guillaumet Gérald
Published: June 2009

The synthesis of 3‐amino‐8‐azachromans and 3‐amino‐7‐azabenzofurans derivatives is reported. The synthetic strategy is based on an inverse electron demand Diels–Alder approach, which employs 1,2,4‐triazines that are judiciously substituted with amino alkynols. This approach permits the variation of the substituent on the aromatic core and on the amine moiety, as well as of the size of the nonaromatic ring.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Discussion of Campanile trevorjacksoni sp. nov. (Mollusca: Gastropoda) from the Eocene of Jamaica—at last, a name for the first fossil used in intercontinental biostratigraphic correlation (de la Beche 1827): (v. 43, p. 542–551)
Authors: Mitchell Simon F.
Published: May 2009

Portell and Donovan (Campanile trevorjacksoni sp.nov. (Mollusca: Gastropoda) from the Eocene of Jamaica: at last, a name for the first fossil used in intercontinental biostratigraphic correlation (de la Beche 1827). Geological Journal 43: 542–551) described the gastropod Campanile trevorjacksoni from the Eocene of Jamaica suggesting it was equivalent to the specimen figured by de la Beche in 1827. The publication date of de la Beche's paper is questioned and has to be equated with 1829. Portell and Donovan suggested that this species was the first use for intercontinental correlation. De la Beche's paper of 1830 however indicates that he was neither convinced of the biostratigraphic correlation or his lithological correlations of the rocks of Jamaica with those in Europe. De la Beche's specimen came from the Chapelton Formation (Bartonian), whereas Portell and Donovan's specimen was from the Stettin Formation (Early Lutetian). The specimens are therefore neither from the same formation or of the same age, and they may represent different species. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pulmonary responses to polyhydroxylated fullerenols, C60(OH)x
Authors: Xu Jing‐Ying , Han Kaiyu , Li Shu‐Xia , Cheng Jin‐Sheng , Xu Guo‐Tong , Li Wen‐Xin , Li Qing‐Nuan
Published: May 2009

Although many scientists have been attracted by polyhydroxylated fullerenols for their radical‐scavenging and antioxidant ability in vivo and in vitro and their potential use as a drug or for drug delivery, there is little information on their pulmonary toxicological properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of polyhydroxylated derivatives of fullerene on Sprague–Dawley rats after intratracheal instillation. Polyhydroxylated fullerenols [C60(OH)x, x = 22, 24] were administered intratracheally (1, 5 or 10 mg per rat). Following 3‐day exposures, the lungs of the rats were assessed using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid biomarkers and a pathological evaluation of lung tissue. Exposures to 1 mg per rat did not induce adverse pulmonary toxicity, while the two other doses induced cell injury effect, oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammation, showing that C60(OH)x produced responses in a dose‐dependent manner. The dosage of C60(OH)x retained in lung and the ensuing aggregation might be the main factor in the process. Our results might shed light on the possible use of C60(OH)x as an inhaled drug. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toward the integration of cytomics and medicine
Authors: Leif Robert C.
Published: June 2009

The integration of cytomics research and healthcare informatics will facilitate technology transfer and reduce medical costs. The CytometryML prototype of the Advanced Cytometry Standard (ACS) has the benefits of including microscopic image and flow list‐mode data, being based on XML and thus is compatible with existing medical and scientific informatics standards, such as HL7, and employing a design based upon the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard. The reuse of the well tested DICOM model resulted in a great decrease in the design and documentation effort and increased probability of reliability. Schemas for flow cytometers and microscopes have been created. XML schemas for two related types of container (ZIP) files have been specified for a set of measurements. The series and instance containers respectively include the metadata that is constant and the metadata that is specific to an individual or small closely related group of measurements. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
OCT technology development: Where are we now? A commercial perspective
Authors: Holmes Jon
Published: June 2009

The field of optical coherence tomography (OCT) has grown enormously since its inception in 1991 at MIT, encompassing many areas of imaging research. Improvements in the optical technology used in OCT systems, and in the design of the OCT interferometers and probes, has resulted in steadily improving image quality and more practical probe designs. Successful commercial application of OCT occurred first in retina imaging, and many further applications now appear ripe for translation from the laboratory to the marketplace. In this paper, I review this translation process from a commercial perspective, and attempt to draw helpful conclusions. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Adhesion of human leukocytes on mixtures of hydroxyl‐ and methyl‐terminated self‐assembled monolayers: Effect of blood protein adsorption
Authors: Barbosa Judite N. , Martins M. C. L. , Freitas Sidónio C. , Gonçalves Inês C. , Águas Artur P. , Barbosa Mário A.
Published: May 2009

The adhesion of human leukocytes to nanostructured surfaces with different chemical properties and the effect of protein adsorption were investigated. Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) prepared with mixtures of methyl‐ and hydroxyl‐terminated alkanethiols in different percentages on gold were used. The surfaces were pre‐immersed in distinct protein solutions (human serum albumin, human fibrinogen, and autologous plasma). Adherent leukocytes were analyzed both by light and SEM. SAMs submitted to pre‐immersion in plasma presented higher numbers of adherent leukocytes in the pure OH‐terminated SAM, whereas methyl‐terminated surfaces accounted for the lowest number of adherent cells. We observed a general increase in the number of adherent human leukocytes as the percentage of OH groups on the surface of the SAMs increased for all the pre‐immersion conditions investigated. The number of adherent human leukocytes is highly influenced by the pre‐immersion conditions used, and this observation is particularly relevant in the case of the methyl‐terminated SAMs. The results obtained demonstrate that surface chemistry has a major influence in leukocyte adhesion to biomaterials, and that pre‐immersion in protein solutions has a determinant effect in leukocyte adhesion. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Characterization of the biological effect of fish fibrin glue in experiments on rats: Immunological and coagulation studies
Authors: Laidmäe Ivo , Salum Tiit , Sawyer Evelyn S. , Janmey Paul A. , Uibo Raivo
Published: May 2009

Fibrin glues (FG) of human or bovine origin are widely used for haemostasis and wound healing. In addition FGs are studied in many biomedical areas like cell therapy or tissue engineering. As any mammalian plasma products FG‐s pose risk of transmission of bacteria, viruses, or prions and may compromise patient homeostasis. In this study, we examined coagulation parameters and immunological status of rats treated with salmon‐derived FG. We evaluated the changes in thrombin time, prothrombin activity, and presence of antibodies on 46 Wistar rats. This study shows that salmon‐derived FG, injected intraperitoneally, does not cause coagulation disturbances in the peripheral blood. After a first challenge with salmon‐derived FG there were low but detectable amounts of antibodies revealed by ELISA and immunoblot. After a second administration there was substantial elevation of antibodies to FG components and other copurifying plasma proteins. Antibody reactivity to human Factor Va, revealed in three animals, was not associated with FG application. Taken together, blood immunological and coagulation parameters support the suitability of salmon‐derived FG in the development of fibrin sealants for medical use. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Effect of Nitinol surface treatments on its physico‐chemical properties
Authors: Pérez Luis Manuel , Gracia‐Villa Luis , Puértolas José Antonio , Arruebo Manuel , Irusta Silvia , Santamaría Jesús
Published: May 2009

The main purpose of this work is the study of different physicochemical treatments on Nitinol slabs and wires, with the aim of inducing the formation of a TiO2 surface film capable of increasing the corrosion resistance of the material and of reducing the release of Ni when the Nitinol samples were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF). To this end, a battery of measurements (surface roughness, contact angle, electrochemical corrosion, chemical analysis as a function of depth, and Ni release to SBF) has been used to characterize Nitinol commercial samples, as received, and also after the different treatments performed. The results clearly indicate the effectiveness of the passivation TiO2 layer as a barrier against Ni leaching, and the detrimental effects of any processes (such as polishing or cutting) that result in exposure of areas not coated by the TiO2 film. Chemical methods such as oxidation in nitric acid or hydrothermal treatment of the samples (by prolonged immersion in boiling water) seem to provide simple and efficient ways of forming TiO2 films of adequate thickness on the Nitinol surface. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
FT‐Raman, FTIR and density functional theory studies of a hydrogen‐bonded formamide:pyridine complex
Authors: Jacinto Filipe S. F. , Siqueira Leonardo J. A. , Alves Wagner A.
Published: June 2009

Raman and IR experiments have been carried out on formamide (FA) and pyridine (Py) mixtures at different compositions. The appearance of a new Raman band at 996 cm−1 (ν1 region of Py), whose intensity depends on the FA concentration, is assigned to an FA:Py adduct and this result is in excellent agreement with those of other authors who employed noisy light‐based coherent Raman scattering spectroscopy (I(2) CARS). Another band at 1587 cm−1 (ν8 region of Py) has been observed for the first time by using Raman and IR spectroscopies. Its intensity shows the same dependence on the FA concentration and this fact allows us to also attribute it to an FA:Py adduct. The good relationship between the Raman and IR data demonstrates the potential of the vibrational spectroscopy for this kind of study. Owing to higher absolute Raman scattering cross section, the ν1 region of Py has been chosen for the quantitative analysis and a stoichiometry of 1:1 FA:Py is reported. The experimental data are very well supported by the density functional theory (DFT) calculation, which was employed for the first time to the present system. Furthermore, the actual investigation shows an excellent agreement with those reported from computational calculations for similar systems. A comparison with our previous studies confirms that the solvent dielectric constant determines the stoichiometry of a given Lewis acid–base adduct in the infinite dilution limit. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.