bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Stereotypic” delusional offending
Authors: Junginger John
Published: June 2006

Some patients with serious mental illness appear to respond violently to the same delusional content throughout the course of their illness. Anecdotal, empirical, and theoretical evidence is presented establishing the premise of “stereotypic” delusional offending. A method for measuring the similarity of two delusions separated in time also is presented. An empirical focus on stereotypic delusional offending may help identify more accurately persons at risk for violence and those at risk for becoming targets of violence. It also may provide a better understanding of successful treatment of outpatient violence and conceivably could inform the ongoing debate on involuntary outpatient commitment laws. Among the major issues of this debate in the United States are the potential benefits of a forced medication provision. One rationale for such a provision may be found in the treatment response of seriously mentally ill outpatients whose violent behavior appears inescapably tied to their persistent or recurrent delusions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paranoia in the criminal courts
Authors: Gunn John , Buchanan Alec
Published: June 2006

It is generally accepted that those who suffer from mental illness are less responsible for their criminal actions than others. A fictitious case of a woman suffering from a paranoid psychosis, who severely injures her legal advisor, is considered in two different but related jurisdictions, England & Wales and Connecticut, USA. Four elements of the criminal process are considered. Significant differences between the jurisdictions are found in all four elements. There is greater pragmatism in the English system and a greater chance of the woman ending up in long‐term hospital care, but both systems aim to prevent further violence by the use of institutionalisation. International and intra‐national variations in the care of this hypothetical woman are briefly discussed, and it is clear that in both countries medical care is compromised by attitudinal and political considerations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The application of civil commitment law and practices to a case of delusional disorder: a cross‐national comparison of legal approaches in the United States and the United Kingdom
Authors: Fennell Philip , Goldstein Robert Lloyd
Published: June 2006

Legal approaches to civil commitment in the United States and the United Kingdom are compared. A concise overview of the historical evolution of civil commitment in both countries precedes a discussion of the present scheme of commitment standards in each system. These current standards in U.S. and U.K. jurisdictions are then applied to a hypothetical case of delusional disorder. A discussion of the constructive use of civil commitment in patients with delusional disorder who may be dangerous focuses on its value as a preventive measure against potential harm to self or others, as well as the pros and cons of coercive assessment and treatment. Despite the many differences in approach to commitment, the authors concur that in both countries the patient with delusional disorder was committable before the commission of a serious criminal offense. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A hypothetical clinical vignette of delusional disorder: how potential legal issues could be addressed in the United Kingdom and the United States
Authors: Taylor Pamela J. , Felthous Alan R.
Published: June 2006

One of the major difficulties in presenting an international perspective on delusional disorders and their impact on offending or violent behaviour is that no two legal systems are quite the same, and there are substantial differences between some of them; in addition, there is international variation in relevant service provision or use. We therefore invited several experts practising in forensic mental health services or the law to consider the following case and to use relevant literature, statute and case law to draw out similarities and differences in process and management of the following case. Annie Smith is not a real person; the things that happened really occurred. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical assessment of a new real time 3D quantitative coronary angiography system: Evaluation in stented vessel segments
Authors: Gradaus Rainer , Mathies Klara , Breithardt Günter , Böcker Dirk
Published: June 2006

Background: Foreshortening is a recognized problem that is present in angiography and results from views that are not perpendicular to coronary lesions. This limits visual coronary analysis as well as 2D quantitative coronary angiography systems (QCA). The CardiOp‐B System® is a 3D image acquisition and processing software system designed as an add‐on to conventional X‐ray angiography system. CardiOp‐B's features include real time and off line analysis with comprehensive 3D reconstruction integrating all of the available information of two 2D vessel angiographies into one 3D image. It was the aim of the study to analyze the accuracy of this new 3D QCA system. Methods: 3D QCA was performed in 50 patients (age 64 ± 10.9; 84% male; LV‐EF 63 ± 16%) measuring 61 stents during high‐pressure inflation (diameter: 2.25–4 mm; length: 8–32 mm). The obtained values (proximal and distal stent diameter, stent length) were correlated with the predefined size of the stents at the used inflation pressure. Results: The linear correlation for the proximal stent diameter was Stentprox= 0.03 + 0.93 × real stent size (r2 = 0.85). The linear correlation for the distal stent diameter was Stentdistal= −0.03 + 0.89 × real stent size (r2 = 0.81). The linear correlation for the stent length was Stentlength= −0.61 + 1.02 × real stent length (r2 = 0.98). Conclusions: The CardiOp‐B System® is a new 3D QCA system with a high linear correlation between the real vessel size and the obtained vessel dimension. It provides real time or off line accurate and comprehensive diagnostic information to the interventional cardiologist without changing the basic coronary angiography procedure. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sugar‐Assisted Kinetic Resolution of Amino Acids and Amplification of Enantiomeric Excess of Organic Molecules
Authors: Córdova Armando , Sundén Henrik , Xu Yongmei , Ibrahem Ismail , Zou Weibiao , Engqvist Magnus
Published: June 2006

The origins of biological homochirality have intrigued researchers since Pasteur's discovery of the optical activity of biomolecules. Herein, we propose and demonstrate a novel alternative for the evolution of homochirality that is not based on autocatalysis and forges a direct relationship between the chirality of sugars and amino acids. This process provides a mechanism in which a racemic mixture of an amino acid can catalyze the formation of an optically active organic molecule in the presence of a sugar product of low enantiomeric excess.
Aberrant promoter methylation of multiple genes in malignant ovarian tumors and in ovarian tumors with low malignant potential
Authors: Wiley Andrew , Katsaros Dionyssios , Chen Haigang , Rigault de la Longrais Irene A. , Beeghly Alicia , Puopolo Manuela , Singal Rakesh , Zhang Yan , Amoako Agyenim , Zelterman Daniel , Yu Herbert
Published: June 2006

BACKGROUND.

Methylation‐mediated suppression of detoxification, DNA repair, and tumor suppressor genes has been implicated in cancer development and progression. Studies also have indicated that concordant methylation of multiple genes (methylator phenotypes), rather than a single gene, may predict cancer prognosis. The current study was designed to determine whether a methylator phenotype exists in ovarian cancer, whether methylation frequencies differ between malignant ovarian tumors and ovarian tumors with low malignant potential (LMP or borderline), and whether methylation of multiple genes affects patient survival.

METHODS.

The current study included 234 consecutively diagnosed patients with either LMP (n = 19 patients) or malignant (n = 215 patients) ovarian tumors. DNA samples were extracted from fresh frozen tissues and were analyzed for methylation in the promoter region of 6 genes (p16, breast cancer 1 [BRCA1], insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 3 [IGFBP‐3], glutathione S‐transferase π 1 [GSTP1], estrogen receptor‐α [ER‐α], and human MutL homologue 1 [hMLH1]) by using methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction analysis.

RESULTS.

The frequencies of methylation in malignant tumors and LMP tumors were 0% and 0% for GSTP1, respectively; 9% and 0% for hMLH1, respectively; 21% and 5% for BRCA1, respectively; 42% and 21% for p16, respectively; 44% and 26% for IGFBP‐3, respectively; and 57% and 42% for ER‐α, respectively. A methylator phenotype was not detected, but a calculated methylation index (MI) that was based on the total number of genes methylated in each tumor was associated with ovarian cancer risk and progression. A higher MI was associated with malignant tumors (odds ratio, 10.11; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.19–85.75) and disease progression (hazards ratio, 6.53; 95% CI, 1.39–30.65).

CONCLUSIONS.

Although a methylator phenotype was not identified, the current results suggested that methylation of multiple genes may play an important role in ovarian cancer development and progression and may have clinical implications in prognosis. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
DNA ploidy compared with human papilloma virus testing (Hybrid Capture II) and conventional cervical cytology as a primary screening test for cervical high‐grade lesions and cancer in 1555 patients with biopsy confirmation
Authors: Guillaud Martial , Benedet John L. , Cantor Scott B. , Staerkel Gregg , Follen Michele , MacAulay Calum
Published: June 2006

BACKGROUND.

Because 80% of cervical cancers arise in low‐resource settings, many inexpensive strategies are being tested. In that spirit, the authors are testing large‐scale genomic or DNA ploidy measurements as an inexpensive and semiautomated strategy.

METHODS.

Patients entered either a screening or diagnostic study of several optical technologies: quantitative cytology, quantitative histopathology, and fluorescence and reflectance spectroscopy using a point probe, a multispectral digital colposcope, or a combination of the two. We calculated sensitivities, specificities, positive and negative predictive values, and their confidence interval testing conventional cytology, Hybrid Capture (HC) II testing, and DNA ploidy measured on the Feulgen‐stained quantitative Pap smear.

RESULTS.

The current investigation reports on 1555 patients for whom colposcopically directed biopsies were read 3 times by study pathologists. The final histopathologic diagnosis was high grade (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN] 2, CIN 3, carcinoma in situ [CIS], and cancer) in 16% of patients. Using high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) histopathology as the threshold and gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity, respectively, were: 0.47 and 0.96 for conventional cytology, 0.91 and 0.80 for HC II, and 0.59 and 0.93 for DNA ploidy. The positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) for conventional cytology were 0.70 and 0.90, 0.46 and 0.98 for HC II, and 0.63 and 0.92 for DNA ploidy.

CONCLUSIONS.

DNA ploidy shows comparable sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV values to conventional cytology and HC II. Unlike conventional cytology, DNA ploidy is semiautomated and can be performed in less than 8 hours. Cost effectiveness studies are under way, but in the authors' laboratory DNA ploidy is inexpensive. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Obesity and survival after radical prostatectomy: A 10‐year prospective cohort study
Authors: Siddiqui Sameer A. , Inman Brant A. , Sengupta Shomik , Slezak Jeffrey M. , Bergstralh Eric J. , Leibovich Bradley C. , Zincke Horst , Blute Michael L.
Published: June 2006

BACKGROUND.

Obesity and prostate cancer are among the most common health problems affecting American men today. The authors' goal was to assess the impact of obesity on clinical and pathologic features of prostate cancer and long‐term outcomes.

METHODS.

The authors performed a prospective cohort study on 5313 men who underwent radical prostatectomy between 1990 and 1999. Patient height and weight were measured at the time of surgery to calculate the body mass index (BMI). The patients were separated into 3 BMI groups: BMI <25, 25–29.9, and ≥30 kg/m2. The associations between BMI and age, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, and Gleason score were assessed with the Spearman rank correlation test. The associations between BMI and pathologic features were assessed with the Mantel–Haenszel χ2 test. Fifteen‐year biochemical progression‐free survival, systemic progression‐free survival, cancer‐specific survival, and overall survival were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and evaluated using Cox models.

RESULTS.

The median length of follow‐up for the entire cohort was 10.1 years. Clinical and pathologic features appear worse in patients with a higher BMI. On univariate and multivariate analyses, it was found that BMI had no impact on biochemical progression, systemic progression, prostate cancer survival, or overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS.

Obese patients appear to have worse pathologic features at the time of prostatectomy. Despite these features, long‐term oncologic outcomes, including cancer‐specific survival, remain the same regardless of BMI. BMI appears to influence prostate cancer outcomes at the time of prostatectomy, as evidenced by more aggressive pathologic features. However, after prostatectomy, BMI does not appear to be an independent predictor of recurrence or survival. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Impact of renal impairment on eligibility for adjuvant cisplatin‐based chemotherapy in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Dash Atreya , Galsky Matthew D. , Vickers Andrew J. , Serio Angel M. , Koppie Theresa M. , Dalbagni Guido , Bochner Bernard H.
Published: June 2006

BACKGROUND.

Perioperative cisplatin‐based chemotherapy has shown benefit in patients with high‐risk localized urothelial bladder cancer, but it is not widely used. Renal impairment may be a major factor limiting its use. The current study was designed to determine the proportion of patients ineligible to receive adjuvant cisplatin‐based chemotherapy based on inadequate renal function alone.

METHODS.

Patients who underwent radical cystectomy for urothelial cancer of the bladder with evidence of extravesical disease (≥pT3 or any N+) were identified. Patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were excluded. Serum creatinine immediately before and nadir serum creatinine after cystectomy were used to calculate creatinine clearance (CrCl) or glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using the Cockroft‐Gault (CG), Jelliffe, and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study formulas. A cutoff of CrCl <60 mL/min or GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was used to determine ineligibility for cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. The proportion of patients ineligible by each formula was compared by univariate logistic regression. Univariate linear regression was performed to determine the effect of age on CrCl or GFR.

RESULTS.

Most patients were pT3 or greater; 39% were lymph node‐positive. The overall proportion of patients ineligible for cisplatin‐based chemotherapy was 28% by the CG formula, 52% by Jelliffe, and 24% by MDRD. Concordance between formulas was low. With all formulas the probability of ineligibility increased with age: by the CG equation, >40% of patients age >70 years were ineligible.

CONCLUSIONS.

The widespread use of cisplatin‐based perioperative chemotherapy in patients with high‐risk localized bladder cancer may be significantly limited by the high prevalence of baseline renal insufficiency in this population. This finding is most striking in the elderly. Better selection of patients who may safely receive cisplatin and more effective regimens devoid of cisplatin are required to optimize outcomes in this group of patients. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Effects of low noise amplifier non‐linearities on blind adaptive beamforming performance in CDMA wireless systems
Authors: Dadashzadeh G. , Jedari E. , Hakkak M. , Kamarei M.
Published: June 2006

We report a new approach to analyse the effects of low noise amplifier (LNA) non‐linear distortions in the code division multiple access (CDMA) wireless communication systems using spatio‐temporal analysis and Volterra series theory. For this purpose, the bit error rate (BER) performance of three blind algorithms is studied based on post correlated model of received signal, and a time‐varying multiple vector channel model which is an extended form of the Gaussian wide sense stationary uncorrelated scattering (GWSSUS) channel. By using the Volterra series theory, an analytical expression for amplitude modulation to phase modulation (AM–PM) conversion is determined as a phase statement of LNA compression. In this approach, by combining the analytical expression for AM–PM conversion and CDMA blind beamforming techniques, we evaluate the AM–PM distortion effects on BER performance of a CDMA system originated from multiple non‐linear LNA blocks. Simulation results show that conditions are found to minimize AM–PM conversion introduced by multiple non‐linear blocks in the system leading to low BER. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
C‐reactive protein and metabolic syndrome in women with previous gestational diabetes
Authors: Di Cianni G. , Lencioni C. , Volpe L. , Ghio A. , Cuccuru I. , Pellegrini G. , Benzi L. , Miccoli R. , Del Prato S.
Published: June 2006

Background

This study evaluates the presence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its association with C‐reactive protein (CRP) and other cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, in a sample of women with and without previous Gestational Diabetes (pGDM).

Methods

One hundred and sixty‐six women with pGDM and 98 women (controls) with uncomplicated pregnancy were studied 16 months after delivery. In all women, plasma glucose, insulin, lipid profile, serum uric acid, C‐reactive protein, fibrinogen and homocysteine were measured. MS was defined according to NCEP ATPIII criteria.

Results

MS was identified in 15 pGDM women (9%) versus 1 control (1%) (p < 0.001). The more frequent metabolic traits were abdominal obesity (36% vs 17%) and low HDL‐cholesterol (34% vs 17% in pGDM women and controls, respectively; all p < 0.01). HOMA‐R, LDL‐cholesterol, fibrinogen, serum uric acid and CRP resulted significantly higher in pGDM women with MS as compared to those without MS after adjustment for BMI.

In women with no criteria for MS, only CRP levels were found to be higher in pGDM women compared to controls (p < 0.05). Seventeen percent of pGDM women with no criteria for MS had CRP levels ≥1 mg/L (all controls showed CRP levels <1 mg/L).

After a stepwise regression analysis, CRP levels were independently correlated to HOMA‐R (r2 = 0.27, p < 0.001) and fibrinogen (r2 = 0.30, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In our population, MS occurs in a sizable proportion of pGDM women and is associated with increased levels of CRP, fibrinogen, uric acid and LDL‐cholesterol. Moreover, higher levels of CRP, a marker of chronic low‐grade inflammation, are present in a subset of women with pGDM, independently of MS. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative expression of mouse and chicken shisa homologues during early development
Authors: Filipe Mário , Gonçalves Lisa , Bento Margaret , Silva Ana Cristina , Belo José António
Published: June 2006

During vertebrate embryogenesis, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and Wnt signaling have been implicated in diverse cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and tissue patterning. The recently identified Xenopus Shisa protein promotes head formation by inhibiting Wnt and FGF signaling through its interaction with the immature forms of Frizzled and FGF receptors in the endoplasmic reticulum, which prevents their posttranslational maturation. Here, we describe the mouse and chicken homologues of Xenopus Shisa. The mouse and chicken Shisa proteins share, respectively, 33.6% and 33.8% identity with the Xenopus homolog. In situ hybridization analysis shows that mouse shisa is expressed throughout embryonic development, predominantly in the anterior visceral endoderm, headfolds, somites, forebrain, optic vesicle, and limb buds. Cross‐species comparison shows that the expression pattern of cshisa closely mirrors that of mshisa. Our observations indicate that the Shisa family genes are typically expressed in tissues known to require the modulation of Wnt and FGF signaling. Developmental Dynamics 235:2567–2573, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The expression of Scratch genes in the developing and adult brain
Authors: Marín Faustino , Nieto M. Angela
Published: June 2006

The Scratch genes belong to the Snail superfamily of zinc‐finger transcription factors present in the metazoa, represented in mammals by the Scratch1 and Scratch2 genes. We have analyzed the expression of these genes in the brain of mice at developmental stages between 9.5 days‐post‐coitum to adulthood. Both genes are expressed in the mantle layer of the neuroepithelium at mid‐gestational stages in all regions except for the region corresponding to the V2 interneuron column, which lacked Scratch2 transcripts. From perinatal to adult stages, the expression patterns of the two genes differ. Scratch1 remains strongly expressed in almost all brain regions, although it is not found in some ventral structures such as motor nuclei and hypothalamic regions. In contrast, Scratch2 expression progressively diminishes and virtually no expression can be detected in the adult brain. Nevertheless, strong expression of Scratch2 is retained in the postnatal cortical subventricular zone, in the inner part of the cerebellar external granular layer, and in the glial cells of the adult vomeronasal nerve. Developmental Dynamoics 235:2586–2591, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cyanoresorc[5]arenes: Isolation, Conformation and Crystal Structure
Authors: D’Acquarica Ilaria , Nevola Laura , Delle Monache Giuliano , Gács‐Baitz Eszter , Massera Chiara , Ugozzoli Franco , Zappia Giovanni , Botta Bruno
Published: June 2006

As a result of our ongoing studies on resorcarenes, we obtained three new resorc[5]arene decamethyl ethers 3a–3c containing cyanomethyl side chains together with the three previously described resorc[4]arenes 2a–2c by treatment of 2‐(2,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)acrylonitrile (1) with BF3·Et2O. From the X‐ray crystallographic structure of 3a, molecular mechanics calculations of the three novel stereoisomers in the gas phase, and the NMR spectroscopic data, the three compounds were attributed architectures of partial 1,3‐alternate (3a), partial cone (3b) and partial 1,2‐alternate (3c). The relative positions of the substituents were determined by DIF NOE experiments. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Synthesis of Pyrrolizidine Derivatives by 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions of Chiral Five‐Membered Cyclic Azomethine Ylides
Authors: Argyropoulos Nikolaos G. , Sarli Vasiliki C. , Gdaniec Maria
Published: June 2006

The 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reactions of chiral five‐membered cyclic azomethine ylides, generated in situ from ethyl glyoxylate and protected (3S,4S)‐dihydroxypyrrolidines 3 and 6 have been studied. The facial selectivity of the cycloaddition reaction is governed by the steric effect of the substituent on the pyrrolidine ring next to the azomethine ylide functionality, leading in all cases to an exclusive Si face approach of the dipolarophile. The exo/endo selectivity depends on the dipolarophile and on the size of the other substituent on the pyrrolidine ring. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Numerical study on flash‐boiling spray of multicomponent fuel
Authors: Kawano Daisuke , Ishii Hajime , Suzuki Hisakazu , Goto Yuichi , Odaka Matsuo , Senda Jiro
Published: June 2006

Flash‐boiling occurs when a fuel is injected into a combustion chamber where the ambient pressure is lower than the saturation pressure of the fuel. It has been known that flashing is a favorable mechanism for atomizing liquid fuels. On the other hand, alternative fuels, such as gaseous fuels and oxygenated fuels, are used to achieve low exhaust emissions in recent years. In general, most of these alternative fuels have high volatility and flash‐boiling takes place easily in the fuel spray when injected into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine under high pressure. In addition the multicomponent mixture of high‐ and low‐volatility fuels has been proposed in the previous study in order to control the spray and combustion processes in an internal combustion engine. It was found that the multicomponent fuel produces flash‐boiling with an increase in the initial fuel temperature. Therefore, it is important to investigate these flash‐boiling processes in fuel spray.

In the present study, the submodels of a flash‐boiling spray are constructed. These submodels consider the bubble nucleation, growth, and disruption in the nozzle orifice and injected fuel droplets. The model is implemented in KIVA3V and the spray characteristics of multicomponent fuel with and without flashing are numerically investigated. In addition, these numerical results are compared with experimental data obtained in the previous study using a constant volume vessel. The flashing spray characteristics from numerical simulation qualitatively show good agreement with the experimental results. In particular, it is confirmed from both the numerical and experimental data that flash‐boiling effectively accelerates the atomization and vaporization of fuel droplets. This means that a lean homogeneous mixture can be quickly formed using flash‐boiling in the combustion chamber. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 35(5): 369–385, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20117
Experimental research of high‐temperature regenerative heat transfer
Authors: Mao Ying , Jia Li
Published: June 2006

A small‐scale high‐temperature air combustion experimental system was set up. The effects of the switching period on the heat transfer characteristics of a regenerator were discussed, and an optimal switching period was suggested. The temperature distribution in the combustion chamber was analyzed and the emission of NOX and CO with the operational parameters was summarized. The decomposability of CF4 was primarily studied. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 35(5): 359–368, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20118
Experimental study on heat transfer enhancement on natural convection in a vertical plate by using longitudinal vortex generators arranged in rows
Authors: Long JingAn , Yang ZeLiang
Published: June 2006

Longitudinal vortices are capable of producing beneficial effects in heat transfer enhancement. Experiments in natural convection heat transfer enhancement were done on a vertical flat heating plate using delta‐winglet longitudinal vortex generators (LVGs) arranged in rows. In an experimental range of Rayleigh number, the height and width of the winglet of the longitudinal vortex generator (LVG), the array form of the longitudinal vortex generators on the heat transfer performance were experimentally investigated, and the best height of the winglet of the longitudinal vortex generator was obtained. The results showed the change of the array form of the longitudinal vortex generators could affect the heat transfer effect. Finally by arranging some longitudinal vortex generator arrays with the appropriate interval, the whole heat transfer effect of the interval could reach a prime value. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 35(5): 351–358, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20119
Quantum mechanical and molecular dynamics simulations of ureases and Zn β‐lactamases
Authors: Estiu Guillermina , Suárez Dimas , Merz Kenneth M.
Published: June 2006

Herein we briefly review theoretical contributions that have increased our understanding of the structure and function of metallo‐β‐lactamases and ureases. Both are bimetallic metalloenzymes, with the former containing two zinc ions and the latter containing two nickel ions. We describe the use of several different methodologies, including quantum chemical calculations, molecular dynamic simulations, as well as mixed QM/MM approaches and how they have impacted our understanding of the structure and function of metallo‐β‐lactamases and ureases. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 1240–1262, 2006
Sensitive analysis of aconitine, hypaconitine, mesaconitine and jesaconitine in human body fluids and Aconitum tubers by LC/ESI‐TOF‐MS
Authors: Kaneko Rina , Hattori Satoshi , Furuta Shiho , Hamajima Makoto , Hirata Yukari , Watanabe Kanako , Seno Hiroshi , Ishii Akira
Published: June 2006

The Aconitum species (Ranunculaceae) are widely distributed in northern Asia and North America. Their roots are popularly used in herbal medicines in China and Japan. Many cases of accidental, suicidal and homicidal intoxication with this plant have been reported; some of these were fatal because the toxicity of Aconitum is very high. It is thus important to detect and quantify Aconitum alkaloids in body fluids, with high sensitivity. We have developed a simple and sensitive method for measuring four kinds of Aconitum alkaloids (aconitine, hypaconitine, jesaconitine and mesaconitine) by LC/electrospray (ESI)‐time‐of‐flight (TOF)‐MS. For all of them, only molecular ions were observed at an orifice voltage of 75 V; at 135 V, base peaks corresponding to [M − 60 + H]+ ions were observed. These four compounds and methyllycaconitine (internal standard) in human plasma samples were purified by solid‐phase extraction. The four extracted compounds were completely separated in mass chromatograms; the calibration curves showed good linearity in the range 10–300 ng/ml, and the detection limits were estimated to be 0.2–0.5 ng/ml. Using our method, we also determined the amounts of these compounds in tuber samples. The present method is applicable in clinical and forensic toxicology. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous separation and identification of oligomeric procyanidins and anthocyanin‐derived pigments in raw red wine by HPLC‐UV‐ESI‐MSn
Authors: Pati S. , Losito I. , Gambacorta G. , Notte E. La , Palmisano F. , Zambonin P. G.
Published: June 2006

Samples of raw red wine (Primitivo di Manduria, Apulia, Southern Italy) were analysed without any pre‐treatment (except 1 : 2 dilution with water) using HPLC with detection based on UV absorbance and Electrospray Ionisation Sequential Mass Spectrometry (ESI‐MSn, with n = 1–3) in a series configuration.

In particular, absorbance at 520 nm was monitored for UV detection in order to identify pigments responsible for wine colour. On the other hand, two subsequent stages of MS detection based on positive ions were adopted. The first consisted of an explorative MS acquisition, aimed at the individuation of the m/z ratios for positively charged compounds; the second was based on fragmentation of the detected ions within an ion trap analyser, followed by MS/MS and, if required, MS3 acquisitions.

The synergy between UV detection and MSn analysis led to the identification of 41 pigments, which can be classified into five groups: grape anthocyanins, pyranoanthocyanins, vinyl‐linked anthocyanin‐flavanol pigments, ethyl‐bridged anthocyanin‐flavanol pigments and flavanol‐anthocyanin compounds. Many isomeric and oligomeric structures were found within each group.

A further class of compounds, not absorbing in the visible spectrum, could be also characterised by ESI‐MSn and corresponded to B‐type procyanidins, i.e. proanthocyanidins arising from C4→C8/C4→C6 couplings between catechin or epicatechin units. In particular, oligomeric structures (from dimers to pentamers), often present with several isomers, were identified and their fragmentation patterns clarified. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fundamental aspects of electrospray droplet impact/SIMS
Authors: Hiraoka Kenzo , Mori Kunihiko , Asakawa Daiki
Published: June 2006

A new ionization method, electrospray droplet impact ionization (EDI), has been developed for matrix‐free secondary‐ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The charged droplets formed by electrospraying 1 M acetic acid aqueous solution are sampled through an orifice with a diameter of 400 µm into the first vacuum chamber, transported into a quadrupole ion guide, and accelerated by 10 kV after exiting the ion guide. The droplets impact on a dry solid sample (no matrix used) deposited on a stainless steel substrate. The secondary ions formed by the impact are transported to a second quadrupole ion guide and mass‐analyzed by an orthogonal time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (TOF‐MS). Ten pmol of gramicidin S could be detected with the presence of as much as 10 nmol of NaCl. The ion signal for arginine disappeared with decrease in the substrate temperature below 150 K owing to the formation of ice film over the sample surface. While 10 fmol of gramicidin S could be detected for 30 min, the ionization/desorption efficiency for EDI becomes smaller with an increase in the molecular weight (MW) of a biological sample. The largest protein samples detected to date are cytochrome c and lysozyme. The high sensitivity for EDI is due to the fact that samples only a few monolayers thick are subject to desorption/ionization by EDI, with little fragmentation. A coherent phonon excitation may be the main mechanism for the desorption/ionization of the solid sample. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
17β‐estradiol attenuates excitatory neurotransmission and enhances the excitability of rat parabrachial neurons in vitro
Authors: Fatehi Mohammad , Zidichouski Jeffrey A. , Kombian Samuel B. , Saleh Tarek M.
Published: June 2006

The steroid hormone 17β‐estradiol and its respective receptors have been found in several cardiovascular nuclei in the central nervous system including the parabrachial nucleus. In a previous study, we provided evidence that 17β‐estradiol attenuated an outward potassium conductance in parabrachial neurons of male rats, using an in vitro slice preparation. In this study we sought to enhance the comprehensive information provided previously on estradiol's postsynaptic effects in the parabrachial nucleus by directly examining whether 17β‐estradiol application will modulate excitatory synaptic neurotransmission. Using a pontine slice preparation and whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording, bath application of either 17β‐estradiol (20–100 μM) or BSA‐17β‐estradiol (50 μM) decreased the amplitude of evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (from 30–60% of control) recorded from neurons in the parabrachial nucleus. The paired pulse ratio was not significantly affected and suggests a post‐synaptic site of action. The inhibitory effect on the synaptic current was relatively long‐lasting (non‐reversible) and was blocked by the selective estrogen receptor antagonist, ICI 182,780. Furthermore, 17β‐estradiol reduced the maximum current elicited by a ramp protocol, increased the input resistance measured between resting membrane potential and action potential threshold and caused an increase in the firing frequency of the cells under current‐clamp. In summary, 17β‐estradiol caused 3 effects: first, a depolarization; second, a reduction in evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials; and third, an enhancement of action potential firing frequency in neurons of the parabrachial nucleus. These observations are consistent with our previous findings and support a role for estrogen in modulating neurotransmission in this nucleus. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Myelin basic protein functions as a microtubule stabilizing protein in differentiated oligodendrocytes
Authors: Galiano M.R. , Andrieux A. , Deloulme J.C. , Bosc C. , Schweitzer A. , Job D. , Hallak M.E.
Published: June 2006

Myelin basic protein (MBP) is an oligodendrocyte‐specific protein essential for oligodendrocyte morphogenesis at late stages of cell differentiation. There is evidence that the morphogenetic function of MBP is mediated by MBP interaction with the cytoskeleton. Thus, an MBP/cytoplasmic microtubule association has been reported, and MBP has Ca2+/calmodulin‐regulated microtubule cold‐stabilizing activity in vitro. However, the unambiguous demonstration of a microtubule‐stabilizing activity for MBP in cells has been difficult because oligodendrocytes contain variants of STOP (stable tubule only polypeptide) proteins, which are responsible for microtubule cold stability in different cell types. Herein, we have used genetic mouse models and RNA interference to assay independently the microtubule cold‐stabilizing activities of MBP and of STOP in developing oligodendrocytes. In wild‐type oligodendrocytes, microtubules were cold stable throughout maturation, which is consistent with the presence of STOP proteins from early stages of differentiation. In contrast, in oligodendrocytes from STOP‐deficient mice, microtubules were cold labile in the absence of MBP expression or when MBP expression was restricted to the cell body and became stable in fully differentiated oligodendrocytes, where MBP is expressed in cell extensions. The suppression of MBP by RNA interference in STOP‐deficient oligodendrocytes suppressed microtubule cold stability. Additionally, STOP suppression in oligodendrocytes derived from shiverer mice that lack MBP led to the complete suppression of microtubule cold stability at all stages of cell differentiation. These results demonstrate that both STOP and MBP function as microtubule‐stabilizing proteins in differentiating oligodendrocytes and could be important for the morphogenetic function of MBP. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bone marrow stromal cells reduce axonal loss in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Yi , Lu Mei , Cui Yisheng , Chen Jieli , Noffsinger Lori , Elias Stanton B. , Chopp Michael
Published: June 2006

We investigated the ability of human bone marrow stromal cell (hBMSC) treatment to reduce axonal loss in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice. EAE was induced in SJL/J mice by injection with proteolipid protein (PLP). Mice were injected intravenously with hBMSCs or PBS on the day of clinical onset, and neurological function was measured daily (score 0–5) until 45 weeks after onset. Mice were sacrificed at week 1, 10, 20, 34, and 45 after clinical onset. Bielshowsky silver was used to identify axons. Immunohistochemistry was performed to measure the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and MAB1281, a marker of hBMSCs. hBMSC treatment significantly reduced the mortality, the disease severity, and the number of relapses in EAE mice compared with PBS treatment. Axonal density and NGF+ cells in the EAE brain were significantly increased in the hBMSC group compared with the PBS group at 1, 10, 20, 34, and 45 weeks. Disease severity was significantly correlated with decreased axonal density and decreased NGF, and increased axonal density was significantly correlated with reduced loss of NGF expression after hBMSC treatment. Most of the NGF+ cells are brain parenchymal cells. Under 5% of MAB1281+ cells colocalized with NG2+, a marker of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Nearly 10% of MAB1281+ cells colocalized with GFAP, a marker of astrocytes, and MAP‐2, a marker of neurons. Our findings indicate that hBMSCs improve functional recovery and may provide a potential therapy aimed at axonal protection in EAE mice, in which NGF may play a vital role. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitation of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and myelin basic protein in the thymus and central nervous system and its relationship to the clinicopathologic features of autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Sakuma Hiroshi , Park Il‐Kwon , Kohyama Kuniko , Feng Dongyun , Matsumoto Yoh
Published: June 2006

There is controversy whether the amount of autoantigens expressed in the thymus regulates negative selection of autoreactive T cells and determine susceptibility or resistance to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In the present study, we have addressed this issue by quantifying neuroantigens in the thymus of two EAE‐susceptible (LEW and LEW.1AV1) and one EAE‐resistant (BN) rat strains. We further examined whether amounts of neuroantigens in various parts of the central nervous system (CNS) affect the clinical course and lesion distribution of acute and chronic EAE. Real‐time PCR and histologic analyses showed that there was no significant difference in the amount and distribution of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and myelin basic protein in the thymus and CNS among the three strains and that both acute and chronic EAE lesions in the CNS were preferentially distributed in the area where neuroantigens were abundantly present. These findings suggest that susceptibility or resistance to EAE is not regulated by the amount of the neuroantigens expressed in the thymus. Furthermore, the lesion distribution, but not the clinical course, of EAE is related to the neuroantigen expression in the CNS. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Carbenoxolone and mefloquine suppress tremor in the harmaline mouse model of essential tremor
Authors: Martin Fredricka C. , Handforth Adrian
Published: June 2006

Excessive olivo‐cerebellar synchrony is implicated in essential tremor. Because synchrony in some networks is mediated by gap junctions, we examined whether the gap junction blockers heptanol, octanol, carbenoxolone, and mefloquine suppress tremor in the mouse harmaline model, and performed an open‐treatment clinical study of mefloquine for essential tremor. Digitized motion was used to quantify tremor in mice administered harmaline, 20 mg/kg s.c. In mice the broad‐spectrum gap junction blockers heptanol, octanol (350 mg/kg i.p. each), and carbenoxolone (20 mg/kg) suppressed harmaline tremor. Mefloquine (50 mg/kg), which blocks gap junctions containing connexin 36, robustly suppressed harmaline tremor. Glycyrrhizic acid (related to carbenoxolone) and chloroquine (related to mefloquine), which do not block gap junctions, failed to suppress harmaline tremor in mice. Clinically, tremor was assessed with standard rating scales, and subjects asked to take 62.5, 125, and 250 mg mefloquine weekly for 12 weeks at each dose. None of the four human subjects showed a meaningful tremor reduction with mefloquine, likely because clinical levels were below those required for efficacy. In view of recent genetic evidence, the anti‐tremor mechanism of these compounds is uncertain but may represent a novel therapeutic target, possibly involving gap junctions other than those containing connexin 36. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Impaired bed mobility and disordered sleep in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Stack Emma L. , Ashburn Ann M.
Published: June 2006

The contribution of impaired mobility to disordered sleep in Parkinson's disease (PD) remains uncertain. We evaluated the sleep of 38 people with PD and observed their turning strategies. Most reported difficulty maintaining sleep and difficulty turning. Those who hip‐hitched rated themselves more disabled and those who sat up had more severe PD than those who used support. Using multiple strategies was associated with sleep disturbance. As the ability to turn deteriorates, we recommend patients identify the single strategy least disruptive to sleep. Research must address whether improving mobility improves sleep quality. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
High‐intensity resistance training amplifies muscle hypertrophy and functional gains in persons with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Dibble Leland E. , Hale Tessa F. , Marcus Robin L. , Droge John , Gerber J. Parry , LaStayo Paul C.
Published: June 2006

Strength deficits in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD) have been identified as a contributor to bradykinesia. However, there is little research that examines the effect of resistance training on muscle size, muscle force production, and mobility in persons with PD. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine, in persons with PD, the changes in quadriceps muscle volume, muscle force production, and mobility as a result of a 12‐week high‐force eccentric resistance training program and to compare the effects to a standard‐care control. Nineteen individuals with idiopathic PD were recruited and consented to participate. Matched assignment for age and disease severity resulted in 10 participants in the eccentric group and 9 participants in the control group. All participants were tested prior to and following a 12‐week intervention period with testing and training conducted at standardized times in their medication cycle. The eccentric group performed high‐force quadriceps contractions on an eccentric ergometer 3 days a week for 12 weeks. The standard‐care group exercise program encompassed standard exercise management of PD. The outcome variables were quadriceps muscle volume, muscle force, and mobility measures (6‐minute walk, stair ascent/descent time). Each outcome variable was tested using separate one‐way analyses of covariance on the difference scores. Muscle volume, muscle force, and functional status improvements occurred in persons with PD as a result of high‐force eccentric resistance training. The eccentric group demonstrated significantly greater difference scores for muscle structure, stair descent, and 6‐minute walk (P< 0.05). Magnitude of effect size estimators for the eccentric group consistently exceeded those in the standard‐care group for all variables. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical trial to investigate and demonstrate the effects of eccentric resistance training on muscle hypertrophy, strength, and mobility in persons with PD. Additional research is needed to determine the anatomical and neurological mechanisms of the observed strength gains and mobility improvements. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
The sequence effect and gait festination in Parkinson disease: Contributors to freezing of gait?
Authors: Iansek Robert , Huxham Frances , McGinley Jennifer
Published: June 2006

Festination and freezing of gait (FOG) are poorly understood gait disorders that cause disability and falls in people with Parkinson disease (PD). In PD, basal ganglia malfunction leads to motor set deficits (hypokinesia), while altered motor cue production leads to a sequence effect, whereby movements becomes progressively smaller as in festination. We suggest both factors may contribute to FOG. Disturbance of set maintenance by the basal ganglia in PD has previously been examined in gait, but limited systematic evaluation of the sequence effect exists. In this study, we investigated the step‐to‐step amplitude relationship in 10 PD subjects with clinical evidence of festination and FOG. Four conditions were examined: off levodopa, off with attentional strategies, off with visual cues, and on levodopa. Participants demonstrated a sequence effect (F = 6.24; P = 0.001), which was reversed only by use of visual cues. In contrast, medication, attentional strategies, and visual cues all improved hypokinesia. Variability was marked both within and between participants in all conditions. The variability of FOG is suggested to relate to a combination of factors, including the sequence effect and its variability, as well as the severity of hypokinesia and its response to medications. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society