bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early endocrine and molecular changes in metabolic syndrome models
Authors: Larqué Carlos , Velasco Myrian , Navarro‐Tableros Victor , Duhne Mariana , Aguirre Jonathan , Gutiérrez‐Reyes Gabriela , Moreno Jaime , Robles‐Diaz Guillermo , Hong Enrique , Hiriart Marcia
Published: September 2011

The twenty‐first century arrived in the middle of a global epidemic of metabolic syndrome (MS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). It is generally accepted that an excess of nutrients linked to a low physical activity triggers the problem. However, the molecular features that interact to develop the MS are not clear. In an effort to understand and control them, they have been extensively studied, but this goal has not been achieved yet. Nonhuman animal models have been used to explore diet and genetic factors in which experimental conditions are controlled. For example, only one factor in the diet, such as fats or carbohydrates can be modified to better understand a single change that would be impossible in humans. Most of the studies have been done in rodents. However, it is difficult to directly compare them, because experiments are different in more than one variable; genetic strains, amount, and the type of fat used in the diet and sex. Thus, the only possible criteria of comparison are the relevance of the observed changes. We review different animal models and add some original observations on short‐term changes in metabolism and beta cells in our own model of adult Wistar rats that are not especially prone to get fat or develop DM2, treated with 20% sucrose in drinking water. One early change observed in pancreatic beta cells is the increase in GLUT2 expression that is located to the membrane of the cells. This change could partially explain the presence of insulin hypersecretion and hyperinsulinemia in these rats. Understanding early changes that lead to MS and in time to pancreatic islet exhaustion is an important biomedical problem that may contribute to learn how to prevent or even reverse MS, before developing DM2. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 2011
A review of pharmacological and toxicological potentials of marine cyanobacterial metabolites
Authors: Nagarajan M. , Maruthanayagam V. , Sundararaman M.
Published: September 2011

Novel toxic metabolites from marine cyanobacteria have been thoroughly explored. Biologically active and chemically diverse compounds that could be hepatotoxic, neurotoxic or cytotoxic, such as cyclic peptides, lipopeptides, fatty acid amides, alkaloids and saccharides, have been produced from marine cyanobacteria. Many reports have revealed that biosynthesis of active metabolites is predominant during cyanobacterial bloom formation. Marine cyanobacterial toxic metabolites exhibit important biological properties, such as interfering in signal transduction either by activation or blockage of sodium channels or by targeting signaling proteins; inducing apoptosis by disrupting cytoskeletal proteins; and inhibiting membrane transporters, receptors, serine proteases and topoisomerases. The pharmacological importance of these metabolites resides in their proliferation and growth‐controlling abilities towards cancer cell lines and disease‐causing potent microbial agents (bacteria, virus, fungi and protozoa). Besides their toxic and pharmacological potentials, the present review discusses structural and functional resemblance of marine cyanobacterial metabolites to marine algae, sponges and mollusks. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inflammation, mitochondria, and the inhibition of adult neurogenesis
Authors: Voloboueva Ludmila A. , Giffard Rona G.
Published: September 2011

The process of neurogenesis continues throughout life, with thousands of new neurons generated every day in the mammalian brain. Impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis has been suggested to be involved in neurodegenerative conditions, including the cognitive decline associated with aging, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and ionizing radiation. These neurodegenerative conditions are all characterized by proinflammatory changes and increased numbers of activated microglia. Activated microglia produce a variety of proinflammatory factors, including interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide, all of which are antineurogenic. These same factors have also been shown to suppress mitochondrial function, but the role of mitochondria in neurogenesis remains barely investigated. This brief review summarizes the findings of several studies that support a role for mitochondrial impairment as part of the mechanism of the reduction of neurogenesis associated with inflammation. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A refined index of model performance
Authors: Willmott Cort J. , Robeson Scott M. , Matsuura Kenji
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we develop, present and evaluate a refined, statistical index of model performance. This ‘new’ measure (dr) is a reformulation of Willmott's index of agreement, which was developed in the 1980s. It (dr) is dimensionless, bounded by − 1.0 and 1.0 and, in general, more rationally related to model accuracy than are other existing indices. It also is quite flexible, making it applicable to a wide range of model‐performance problems. The two main published versions of Willmott's index as well as four other comparable dimensionless indices—proposed by Nash and Sutcliffe in 1970, Watterson in 1996, Legates and McCabe in 1999 and Mielke and Berry in 2001—are compared with the new index. Of the six, Legates and McCabe's measure is most similar to dr. Repeated calculations of all six indices, from intensive random resamplings of predicted and observed spaces, are used to show the covariation and differences between the various indices, as well as their relative efficacies. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Vorfreude auf die neue Chemieausstellung
Authors: Rehn‐Taube Susanne
Published: September 2011

Die Chemieausstellung im Deutschen Museum, ein Fixpunkt von seinen Gründertagen an, ist seit Herbst 2009 geschlossen. Zum Internationalen Jahr der Chemie eröffnet das Museum im Oktober die Sonderausstellung “Chemie in Freizeit und Sport”. Sie ist eine Vorschau auf die geplante Dauerausstellung und präsentiert die Chemie der Kunststoffe und Farben.
Symmetrie intelligent nutzen
Authors: Schneider Tobias F. , Werz Daniel B.
Published: September 2011

Viele symmetrische Naturstoffe lassen sich retrosynthetisch in gleiche oder ähnliche Untereinheiten zerlegen. Dies zu erkennen, erleichtert ihre Synthese oft ungemein. Beispiele sind die Totalsynthesen von (—)‐Conophyllin, Torreyansäure und (—)‐Lomaiviticin.
Wasser, Politik und Frühkartoffeln
Authors: Sorsche Dieter
Published: September 2011

Seine Ausbildung an einer Universität oder Fachhochschule beendet im Schnitt nur jeder dritte Chemiestudent — der Qualitätspakt Lehre fördert neue Konzepte, die dem abhelfen sollen.
Initial liver transplantation for unresectable hepatoblastoma after chemotherapy
Authors: Héry Géraldine , Franchi‐Abella Stéphanie , Habes Dalila , Brugières Laurence , Martelli Hélène , Fabre Monique , Pariente Danièle , Gauthier Frédéric , Jacquemin Emmanuel , Branchereau Sophie
Published: September 2011

Background

SIOPEL protocols have recommended liver transplantation for unresectable hepatoblastoma (HBL) after chemotherapy in absence of visible extrahepatic disease.

Methods

This retrospective single center study includes 13 children treated following SIOPEL 3 or 4 protocols who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for HBL between February 2001 and May 2009.

Results

Twelve patients had PRETEXT IV HBL, one had PRETEXT II P + HBL, two had pulmonary metastasis at diagnosis. Extra hepatic vascular involvement was present in seven patients (two vena cava, four main portal vein). Twelve patients received a deceased donor organ graft; wait time to OLT was 16 days (1–50 days). One patient received a living donor graft. Four patients did not undergo post‐OLT chemotherapy because of major post‐OLT surgical complications. Mean follow up was 3.1 years (1–5 years). Ten patients are alive, eight in first complete remission (CR), one is in second CR after two surgical pulmonary metastasis were removed, the latter is in second CR after a surgery for excision of two local recurrences and re‐OLT for a secondary HBL in the first graft. Three patients died (two from tumor recurrence, one from cardiac failure after second OLT). Overall survival at 1 and 4 years was 100% and 83.3%.

Conclusions

Application of SIOPEL protocols for treatment of HBL in a specialized multidisciplinary team with access to liver transplantation has resulted in excellent survival. Initial extrahepatic disease should not be considered a contraindication. Future refinements of the protocol need to be considered to reduce toxicity. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 1270–1275. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Family information needs at childhood cancer treatment completion
Authors: Wakefield Claire E. , Butow Phyllis , Fleming Catharine A.K. , Daniel Gunar , Cohn Richard J.
Published: September 2011

Background

Despite the recognized importance of information provision across the cancer trajectory, little research has investigated family information needs recently after childhood cancer. This mixed‐methods, multiperspective, study explored the information needs of families of childhood cancer survivors in the first year post‐treatment.

Procedure

In total, 112 semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted with 19 survivors (mean age 16.2 years, off treatment for ≤36 months), 44 mothers, 34 fathers, and 15 siblings. Interviews were analyzed inductively, line‐by‐line, using the framework of Miles and Huberman. Emergent themes were cross‐tabulated by sample characteristics using QSR NVivo8.

Results

Participant views were mixed regarding the need for a “finishing treatment review” with their oncologist (the primary information source for most families); however, many mothers (29/44) and fathers (17/34) and most siblings (14/15) reported receiving insufficient information post‐treatment. Information regarding fertility and how to prepare for likely post‐treatment challenges were the most cited unmet needs. Online support was ranked highest by survivors (mean score: 7/2/10) and siblings (7.4/10), whilst parents preferred an information booklet (often due to concerns about accessing accurate and relevant information from the Internet). While many participants reported feelings of isolation/loneliness, many were reluctant to attend face‐to‐face support groups/seminars.

Conclusions

Family members of survivors may experience the most acute unmet needs for information about fertility and in preparation for post‐treatment challenges. However, provision of the correct amount of information at the right time for each family member during a highly stressful period remains clinically challenging. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 621–626. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation of magnetic core‐mesoporous shell microspheres with C8‐modified interior pore‐walls and their application in selective enrichment and analysis of mouse brain peptidome
Authors: Liu Shasha , Li Yan , Deng Chunhui , Mao Yu , Zhang Xiangmin , Yang Pengyuan
Published: September 2011

In this paper, magnetic mesoporous silica microspheres with C8‐modified interior pore‐walls were prepared through a facile one‐pot sol–gel coating strategy, and were successfully applied for selective enrichment of endogenous peptides in mouse brain for peptidome analysis. Through the one‐pot sol–gel approach with surfactant (CTAB) as a template, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and n‐ctyltriethoxysilane (C8TEOS) as the precursors, C8‐modified magnetic mesoporous microspheres (C8‐Fe3O4@mSiO2) consisting magnetic core and mesoporous silica shell with C8‐groups exposed in the mesopore channels were synthesized. The obtained microspheres possess highly open mesopores of 3.4 nm, high surface area (162.5 m2/g), large pore volume (0.17 cm3/g), excellent magnetic responsivity (56.3 emu/g) and good dispersibility in aqueous solution. Based on the abundant surface silanol groups, functional C8 groups and the strong magnetic responsivity of the core‐shell C8‐Fe3O4@mSiO2 microspheres, efficient and fast enrichment of peptides was achieved. Additionally, the C8‐Fe3O4@mSiO2 microspheres exhibit excellent performance in selective enrichment of endogenous peptides from complex samples that are consist of peptides, large proteins and other compounds, including human serum and mouse brain followed by automated nano‐LC‐ESI‐MS/MS analysis. These results indicate C8‐Fe3O4@mSiO2 microspheres would be a potential candidate for endogenous peptides enrichment and biomarkers discovery in peptidome analysis.
Magnetic poly(N‐propargylacrylamide) microspheres: Preparation by precipitation polymerization and use in model click reactions
Authors: Macková Hana , Proks Vladimír , Horák Daniel , Kučka Jan , Trchová Miroslava
Published: September 2011

Magnetic poly(N‐propargylacrylamide) (PPRAAm) microspheres were prepared by the precipitation polymerization of N‐propargylacrylamide (PRAAm) in a toluene/propan‐2‐ol medium in the presence of magnetic nanoparticles (oleic acid‐coated Fe3O4). The effects of several polymerization parameters, including the polarity of the medium, polymerization temperature, the concentration of monomer, and the amount of magnetite (Fe3O4) in the polymerization feed, were examined. The microspheres were characterized in terms of their morphology, size, particle‐size distribution, and iron content using transmission and scanning electron microscopies (TEM and SEM) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). A medium polarity was identified in which magnetic particles with a narrow size distribution were formed. As expected, oleic acid‐coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles contributed to the stabilization of the polymerized magnetic microspheres. Alkyne groups in magnetic PPRAAm microspheres were detected by infrared spectroscopy. Magnetic PPRAAm microspheres were successfully used as the anchor to enable a “click” reaction with an azido‐end‐functionalized model peptide (radiolabeled azidopentanoyl‐GGGRGDSGGGY(125I)‐NH2) and 4‐azidophenylalanine using a Cu(I)‐catalyzed 1,3‐dipolar azide‐alkyne cycloaddition reaction in water. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011.
Synthesis and chemosensing behavior of fluorene‐based alternating copolymers containing ether side chains and Si–vinylene units in the main chain
Authors: Naga Naofumi , Ohkura Yoshikazu , Tagaya Nanae , Tomoda Haruhiko
Published: September 2011

Alternating copolymerization of 9,9‐bis(3,6,9‐trioxadecyl)‐2,7‐dibromofluorene (ODFl) or 9,9‐bis(3,6‐dioxaheptyl)‐2,7‐dibromofluorene with Si containing divinyl compounds, divinyldiphenylsilane (VPS), or divinyldimethylsilane (VMS) is investigated using the Mizoroki–Heck reaction with palladium(II) acetate. The corresponding alternating copolymer is obtained in the copolymerization of ODFl with VPS. The copolymerization of ODFl with VMS yields low molecular weight oligomers. Optical properties of the ODFl–VPS copolymer have been investigated with UV–vis absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The ODFl–VPS copolymer shows absorption peaks due to π–π* transition and intramolecular charge transfer through σ–π moiety at around 330 and 360–400 nm, respectively. An emission peak is observed at 450 nm in the PL spectrum of the ODFl–VPS copolymer, and the PL quantum yield is 0.19. The PL spectroscopy of ODFl–VPS copolymer is investigated in the presence of Li+, Na+, and K+, and the intensity of emission peak is decreased by those metal cations, especially by Na+. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011.
Electrospun poly(aniline‐co‐ethyl 3‐aminobenzoate)/poly(lactic acid) nanofibers and their potential in biomedical applications
Authors: Gizdavic‐Nikolaidis Marija , Ray Sudip , Bennett Jared , Swift Simon , Bowmaker Graham , Easteal Allan
Published: September 2011

Poly(aniline‐co‐ethyl 3‐aminobenzoate) (3EABPANI) copolymer was blended with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and co‐electrospun into nanofibers to investigate its potential in biomedical applications. The relationship between electrospinning parameters and fiber diameter has been investigated. The mechanical and electrical properties of electrospun 3EABPANI‐PLA nanofibers were also evaluated. To assess cell morphology and biocompatibility, nanofibrous mats of pure PLA and 3EABPANI‐PLA were deposited on glass substrates and the proliferation of COS‐1 fibroblast cells on the nanofibrous polymer surfaces determined. The nanofibrous 3EABPANI‐PLA blends were easily fabricated by electrospinning and gave enhanced mammalian cell growth, antioxidant and antimicrobial capabilities, and electrical conductivity. These results suggest that 3EABPANI‐PLA nanofibrous blends might provide a novel bioactive conductive material for biomedical applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011.
Cationation of dimethylallyl alcohols by B(C6F5)3 as models of the (Re)initiation reaction in the bio‐inspired cationic polymerization of isoprene
Authors: Ouardad Samira , Kostjuk Sergei V. , Ganachaud François , Puskas Judit E. , Deffieux Alain , Peruch Frederic
Published: September 2011

The polymerization of isoprene initiated by dimethylallyl alcohols (DMAOH) in the presence of Lewis acids (LAs) as coinitiators has been selected as a potential model of the proposed cationic mechanisms involved in natural rubber (NR) biosynthesis. In view to investigate the activation/ionization mechanism of the allyl alcohol chain terminus (PIAllOH), which was shown to exist in NR, different isomers of DMAOH were used as simple models of polyisoprene chain‐end structures in the presence of tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (BLA) as a LA. It is shown that cationation of 3,3‐DMAOH by BLA proceeds by direct OH abstraction. However, this process is strongly retarded in the presence of 2,6‐di‐tert‐butylpyridine (dtBP), due to the formation of different BLA complexes, one with 3,3‐DMAOH, active for cationation, and a dormant one involving its ionized form 3,3‐DMAO−. The monomer generated in situ by ionization/proton elimination steps subsequently adds on the primary allylic carbocation form, then resulting in the formation of oligoisoprenes, whereas the tertiary carbocation form of the allylic carbocation yields exclusively to proton elimination and isoprene formation, a possible mechanism of chain‐end termination. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011.
Functional, hyperbranched polyesters via baylis–hillman polymerization
Authors: Ji Sanhao , Bruchmann Bernd , Wurm Frederik , Klok Harm‐Anton
Published: September 2011

Hyperbranched polyesters are among the most common hyperbranched polymers. One of the interesting features of hyperbranched polyesters is that they contain unreacted hydroxyl and carboxylic acid groups at the linear and terminal structural units, which can be postmodified to adjust thermal, solubility, or mechanical properties, or to prepare core–shell type architectures. This article reports on the synthesis of a novel class of hyperbranched polyesters via an A2 + B3 type Baylis–Hillman polymerization of 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxaldehyde and trimethylolpropane triacrylate. Baylis–Hillman polymerization generates highly functional polyesters that contain not only unreacted aldehyde and/or acrylate groups at the linear and terminal structural units but also chemically orthogonal vinyl and hydroxyl groups along the polymer backbone. Using 3‐hydroxyquinuclidine as the catalyst, hyperbranched polymers with number‐average molecular weights up to 7500 g/mol and degrees of branching up to 0.81 were obtained. To demonstrate the versatility of these hyperbranched polyesters to act as platforms for further derivatization, the orthogonal postpolymerization modification of the hydroxyl, vinyl, and pyridine functional moieties with phenyl isocyanate, methyl‐3‐mercaptopropionate, and methyl iodide is presented. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012.
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of poly(ester‐phosphoester)s by lanthanum triphenolate‐catalyzed ring‐opening copolymerization
Authors: Zhu Weipu , Sun Shuai , Xu Ning , Shen Zhiquan
Published: September 2011

The ring‐opening copolymerization of methyl ethylene phosphate (MEP, 2‐methoxy‐2‐oxo‐1,3,2‐dioxaphospholane) and ε‐caprolactone (CL) was performed in bulk with lanthanum tris(2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methylphenolate)s as single‐component catalyst, resulting in poly(ester‐phosphoester) random copolymers with high molecular weight and moderate molecular weight distribution. The properties of the copolymers were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffractometer, dynamic mechanical analysis, and static water contact angle measurement. The crystallinities of the copolymers were reduced with the increase of MEP molar fraction in the products. Moreover, copolymers with enhanced hydrophilicity and lower glass transition temperature could be obtained with higher MEP content, which may provide potential applications in biomedical field. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011.
Synthesis and isomerization of conjugated oligomers containing azoimidazole unit
Authors: Takagi Koji , Isomura Takato , Ito Yohei , Sakaida Masanori , Nagano Shusaku , Seki Takahiro
Published: September 2011

The Suzuki (for O1–O3) and Stille (for O4) coupling polymerization of 2‐(phenylazo)imidazole bearing the benzyl protecting group at the 1‐position gave conjugated oligomers. The transformation from the neutral imidazole in the conjugated oligomer O2, consisted of the alternating 2,5‐didecyl‐1,4‐phenylene unit, to the cationic imidazolium salt O2S was performed. Depending on the chemical structure of coupling partners, the absorption maximum of conjugated oligomers showed red shift or blue shift from that of the model compound M with the benzene ring at the 4,5‐positions. The absorption maximum wavelength of the cationic conjugated oligomer O2S showed a blue shift from that of the neutral conjugated oligomer O2. The trans‐to‐cis photoisomerization of the azoimidazole unit in conjugated oligomers was observed by irradiating the light at 436 nm, and the conversion degree to the cis structure had a rough correlation with the maximum absorption wavelength of materials. The trans‐to‐cis photoisomerization in the film state was sluggish. On the other hand, the cis‐to‐trans thermal isomerization of the azoimidazole unit was confirmed and the absorbance returned to the initial state before the photoisomerization. The trans‐to‐cis photoisomerization of the cationic conjugated oligomer O2S required large energy, and the prolonged light irradiation might decompose the azoimidazole unit. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011.
Refinement of the Distress Management Problem List as the basis for a holistic therapeutic conversation among UK patients with cancer
Authors: Brennan James , Gingell Polly , Brant Heather , Hollingworth William
Published: September 2011

Objective

Originally devised in the USA, the Distress Thermometer is being deployed in many cancer settings in the UK. It is commonly used with a Problem List (PL), which has never been validated with a UK population. This study aimed to refine the PL items based upon the concerns of a sample of UK patients attending a regional cancer centre.

Methods

Existing versions of the PL were scrutinised by a focus group comprising five ex‐patients, six health care staff and two academics. This group considered the intelligibility, ambiguity and redundancy of items, sometimes making alternative suggestions or pooling items. The resulting 46 candidate items were sent to 735 patients with mixed cancer, asking them to endorse items that had been ‘a source of concern or distress’ during their recently finished treatment. We used multivariate logistic regression to evaluate the association between the prevalence of problems and patient characteristics.

Results

In this study, 395 (53%) people responded. ‘Fatigue, exhaustion or extreme tiredness’ (70%), ‘worry, fear or anxiety’ (45%) and ‘sleep problems’ (38%) were the most frequently endorsed items. Items not appearing on the original PL were commonly endorsed such as ‘memory or concentration’ (30%) and ‘loneliness or isolation’ (15%), suggesting that they should be routinely included in the Distress Thermometer Problem List.

Conclusions

The current study offers a more comprehensive PL, on the basis of actual patients' concerns, using words that are understood by UK patients. The reluctance of some patients to volunteer their concerns suggests that screening for distress should be undertaken within the context of a structured conversation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Partners and close family members of long‐term cancer survivors: health status, psychosocial well‐being and unmet supportive care needs
Authors: Turner Daniel , Adams Eike , Boulton Mary , Harrison Sian , Khan Nada , Rose Peter , Ward Alison , Watson Eila K.
Published: September 2011

Background

A cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on partners and close family members of patients. Little is currently known about the long‐term impact.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to describe health status, levels of anxiety and depression, unmet supportive care needs and positive outcomes in the partners/family members of breast, prostate and colorectal cancer survivors 5–16 years post‐diagnosis.

Methods

Patients in a linked study were asked to invite a partner or other close family member to complete a self‐administered postal questionnaire. Data were analysed by cancer site and time since diagnosis. Matched comparisons were made between cancer patients in the linked study and their partners.

Results

An expression of interest was received from 330 partners/family members, and 257 questionnaires (77.9%) were returned. Health status and levels of anxiety and depression were comparable with population norms. Respondents reported an average of 2.7 unmet needs from 34 possible options. Hospital parking, information about familial risk, help managing fear of recurrence and coordination of care were the most cited unmet needs. There was little variation in health status, psychological morbidity and unmet needs by cancer site or time since diagnosis. Concordance between patients and partners was low for anxiety but higher with respect to positive outcomes and some unmet needs.

Conclusions

Most partners/family members of long‐term cancer survivors report few ongoing issues. However, a small proportion (<10%) have high levels of anxiety and/or moderate or strong unmet needs. Strategies for identifying this group and addressing their needs are required, while allowing the majority to resume normal life. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Have a little faith: measuring the impact of illness on positive and negative aspects of faith
Authors: Salsman John M. , Garcia Sofia F. , Lai Jin‐Shei , Cella David
Published: September 2011

Background

The importance of faith and its associations with health are well documented. As part of the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, items tapping positive and negative impact of illness (PII and NII) were developed across four content domains: Coping/Stress Response, Self‐Concept, Social Connection/Isolation, and Meaning and Spirituality. Faith items were included within the concept of meaning and spirituality.

Methods

This measurement model was tested on a heterogeneous group of 509 cancer survivors. To evaluate dimensionality, we applied two bi‐factor models, specifying a general factor (PII or NII) and four local factors: Coping/Stress Response, Self‐Concept, Social Connection/Isolation, and Meaning and Spirituality.

Results

Bi‐factor analysis supported sufficient unidimensionality within PII and NII item sets. The unidimensionality of both PII and NII item sets was enhanced by extraction of the faith items from the rest of the questions. Of the 10 faith items, nine demonstrated higher local than general factor loadings (range for local factor loadings = 0.402 to 0.876), suggesting utility as a separate but related ‘faith’ factor. The same was true for only two of the remaining 63 items across the PII and NII item sets.

Conclusions

Although conceptually and to a degree empirically related to Meaning and Spirituality, Faith appears to be a distinct subdomain of PII and NII, better handled by distinct assessment. A 10‐item measure of the impact of illness upon faith (II‐Faith) was therefore assembled. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative in vivo solubility and reconstitution of truncated circular permutants of green fluorescent protein
Authors: Huang Yao‐Ming , Nayak Sasmita , Bystroff Christopher
Published: September 2011

Several versions of split green fluorescent protein (GFP) fold and reconstitute fluorescence, as do many circular permutants, but little is known about the dependence of reconstitution on circular permutation. Explored here is the capacity of GFP to fold and reconstitute fluorescence from various truncated circular permutants, herein called “leave‐one‐outs” using a quantitative in vivo solubility assay and in vivo reconstitution of fluorescence. Twelve leave‐one‐out permutants are discussed, one for each of the 12 secondary structure elements. The results expand the outlook for the use of permuted split GFPs as specific and self‐reporting gene encoded affinity reagents.
Front‐side illuminated dye‐sensitized solar cells based on bundle shaped titania nanotube membranes
Authors: Stergiopoulos T. , Likodimos V. , Hahn R. , Schmuki P. , Falaras P.
Published: September 2011

TiO2 nanotubular (NT) membranes with bundle shape morphology were prepared by rapid breakdown anodization (RBA) in fluorine free aqueous electrolytes. The self‐assembled nanotube‐like materials were detached from the metal foil by immersion in methanolic Br2 solution and the free‐standing membranes were successfully transferred on top of transparent conductive electrodes modified by freshly prepared nanoparticulate (NP) titania films. The composite electrodes, after post‐annealing at 450 °C, were crystallized under the anatase polymorphism and, then, effectively sensitized by the standard N719 dye (confirmed by micro‐Raman spectroscopy under Resonance conditions). The resulting photoelectrodes were incorporated in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs) enabling front‐side illumination (FSI). The fabricated DSCs attained overall photovoltaic conversion efficiencies of the order of 4.6% under 1 sun (AM 1.5) illumination. The relatively high performance was mainly attributed to the successful packing of the two (NT and NP) layers creating a low resistance interface as well as to the favourable electron transport/recombination dynamics that govern these solar cells.

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Bayesian adaptive clinical trials: a dream for statisticians only?
Authors: Chevret Sylvie
Published: September 2011

Adaptive or ‘flexible’ designs have emerged, mostly within frequentist frameworks, as an effective way to speed up the therapeutic evaluation process. Because of their flexibility, Bayesian methods have also been proposed for Phase I through Phase III adaptive trials; however, it has been reported that they are poorly used in practice. We aim to describe the international scientific production of Bayesian clinical trials by investigating the actual development and use of Bayesian ‘adaptive’ methods in the setting of clinical trials. A bibliometric study was conducted using the PubMed and Science Citation Index‐Expanded databases. Most of the references found were biostatistical papers from various teams around the world. Most of the authors were from the US, and a large proportion was from the MD Anderson Cancer Center (University of Texas, Houston, TX). The spread and use of these articles depended heavily on their topic, with 3.1% of the biostatistical articles accumulating at least 25 citations within 5 years of their publication compared with 15% of the reviews and 32% of the clinical articles. We also examined the reasons for the limited use of Bayesian adaptive design methods in clinical trials and the areas of current and future research to address these challenges. Efforts to promote Bayesian approaches among statisticians and clinicians appear necessary. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A mixture model with random‐effects components for classifying sibling pairs
Authors: Martella F. , Vermunt J.K. , Beekman M. , Westendorp R.G.J. , Slagboom P.E. , Houwing‐Duistermaat J.J.
Published: September 2011

In healthy aging research, typically multiple health outcomes are measured, representing health status. The aim of this paper was to develop a model‐based clustering approach to identify homogeneous sibling pairs according to their health status. Model‐based clustering approaches will be considered on the basis of linear mixed effect model for the mixture components. Class memberships of siblings within pairs are allowed to be correlated, and within a class the correlation between siblings is modeled using random sibling pair effects. We propose an expectation–maximization algorithm for maximum likelihood estimation. Model performance is evaluated via simulations in terms of estimating the correct parameters, degree of agreement, and the ability to detect the correct number of clusters. The performance of our model is compared with the performance of standard model‐based clustering approaches. The methods are used to classify sibling pairs from the Leiden Longevity Study according to their health status. Our results suggest that homogeneous healthy sibling pairs are associated with a longer life span. Software is available for fitting the new models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Work Locus of Control and its Relationship to Stress Perception, Related Affections, Attitudes and Behaviours from a Domain‐specific Perspective
Authors: Tong Jiajin , Wang Lei
Published: September 2011

This research aims to examine the value of applying the Work Locus of Control Scale in predicting work‐related outcomes. Study 1 surveyed 323 employees from different companies in China and found that the domain‐specific scale was more predictive than the general scale in predicting perceived stressors, rather than in predicting organizational affective commitment and altruistic behaviour. Study 2 applied a multi‐wave and multi‐source design and used commensurate Likert scales to measure work and general locus of control. Participants were 344 employees from one corporation. Work locus of control was found to be more useful in predicting supervisor‐rated job performance, conscientious and altruistic behaviours. These findings help understand the theory‐based and measurement‐based reasons for the advantages of using domain‐specific measures. They claim the importance for employing the domain‐specific measure to predict work‐related perceptions and behaviours. Implications for the theory and practice are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pre‐ and postsynaptic effects of norepinephrine on γ‐aminobutyric acid‐mediated synaptic transmission in layer 2/3 of the rat auditory cortex
Authors: Salgado Humberto , Garcia‐Oscos Francisco , Martinolich Laura , Hall Shawn , Restom Robert , Tseng Kuei Y. , Atzori Marco
Published: September 2011

Noradrenergic terminals from the locus coeruleus release norepinephrine (NE) throughout most brain areas, including the auditory cortex, where they affect neural processing by modulating numerous cellular properties including the inhibitory γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic transmission. We recently demonstrated that NE affects GABAergic signaling onto cortical pyramidal cells in a complex manner. In this study, we used a combination of patch‐clamp recording and immunohistochemical techniques to identify the synaptic site and the location of the adrenergic receptors involved in the modulation of GABAergic signaling in cortical layer 2/3 of the rat. Our results showed that NE increases the frequency of spike‐independent miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs), as well as the probability of release of unitary inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) obtained with patch‐clamp pair‐recordings. The pharmacology of mIPSCs and the identification of adrenergic receptors in neurons containing the GABAergic marker parvalbumin (PV) suggest that NE increases the presynaptic probability of GABA release by activating α2‐ and β‐receptors on PV‐positive neurons. On the contrary, bath‐applied NE or phenylephrine, decreased the current mediated by pressure application of the GABAA‐receptor agonist muscimol, as well as the amplitude—but not the frequency—of mIPSCs, indicating that activation of postsynaptic α1 adrenoceptors reversibly depressed GABAergic currents. We speculate that while a generalized postsynaptic decrease of GABAergic inhibition might decrease the synaptic activation threshold for pyramidal neurons corresponding to an alert state, NE might promote perception and sensory binding by facilitating lateral inhibition as well as the production of γ‐oscillations by a selective enhancement of perisomatic inhibition. Synapse, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Striatal mitochondria in subjects with chronic undifferentiated vs. chronic paranoid schizophrenia
Authors: Somerville Shahza M. , Conley Robert R. , Roberts Rosalinda C.
Published: September 2011

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a heterogeneous disease with a spectrum of symptoms, risk factors, and etiology. Abnormalities in mitochondria, the energy‐producing organelles of the cell, have been observed in mixed cohorts of subjects with SZ. The purpose of the present study was to determine if striatal mitochondria were differentially affected in two different DSM‐IV subgroups of SZ. Postmortem striatal tissue was examined from normal controls (NC), chronic paranoid SZs (SZP), and chronic undifferentiated SZs (SZU). Tissue was processed for calbindin immunohistochemistry to identify striosomal compartments, prepared for electron microscopy and analyzed using stereological methods. In both caudate and putamen, the density of mitochondria in the neuropil was decreased in SZP compared to both NCs and SZU. In the putamen, both the SZP and the SZU subgroups had fewer mitochondria per synapse than did NCs. When examining patch matrix compartments, striatal compartments associated with different circuitry and function, only the matrix exhibited changes. In the caudate matrix, the SZP subgroup had fewer mitochondria in the neuropil than did the SZU and NCs. In the putamen matrix, the SZP had fewer mitochondria in the neuropil as compared to NCs, but not the SZU. The numbers of mitochondria per synapse in both the SZP and the SZU groups were similar to each other and fewer than that of NCs. A decrease in mitochondrial density in the neuropil distinguishes the SZP from the SZU subgroup, which could be associated with the symptoms of paranoia and/or could represent a protective mechanism against some of the symptoms that are less pronounced in this subtype than in the SZU subgroup such as cognitive and emotional deficits. Synapse, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Atmospheric stability and turbulence fluxes at Horns Rev—an intercomparison of sonic, bulk and WRF model data
Authors: Peña Alfredo , Hahmann Andrea N.
Published: September 2011

Direct estimations of turbulent fluxes and atmospheric stability were performed from a sonic anemometer at 50 m height on a meteorological mast at the Horns Rev wind farm in the North Sea. The stability and flux estimations from the sonic measurements are compared with bulk results from a cup anemometer at 15 m height and potential temperature differences between the water and the air above. Surface flux estimations from the advanced weather research and forecast (WRF) model are also validated against the sonic and bulk data. The correlation between the sonic and bulk estimates of friction velocity is high and the highest among all velocity comparisons. From the sonic–bulk–WRF inter‐comparison, it is found that the atmospheric stability measures at the sonic height tend to be closer to the neutral value than the WRF and bulk estimates, which are performed within an air layer closer to the surface, not only from a systematic bulk and WRF under‐prediction of the friction velocity when compared with the sonic value but also because of the lower magnitude of the sonic heat flux compared with that from the WRF simulations. Although they are not measured but parameterized or estimated, the bulk–WRF comparisons of friction velocity and 10 m wind speed show good agreement. It is also shown that on a long‐term basis, the WRF and bulk estimates of stability are nearly equal and that a correction towards a slightly stable atmospheric condition has to be applied to the long‐term wind profile at Horns Rev and at other locations over the North Sea, the correction being larger for points close to the coast. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Alcohol in Starch‐Thickened Fillings on the Storage Stability of Dark Chocolate Pralines
Authors: Böhme Birgit , Kretzschmar Rene , Schneider Yvonne , Fiala Petra , Rohm Harald
Published: September 2011

Commercial praline shells made from dark chocolate were filled with a mixture of invert sugar syrup, wine distillate and sucrose, which was adjusted to a viscosity of approximately 4 Pa·s by addition of pregelatinized starch. The pralines which also contained malt extract were subjected to storage at 20 and 24 °C. The liquefaction rate induced by enzymes of the malt extract depended on ethanol (0–15% w/w) and moisture content (approximately 30%) of the filling, and on storage temperature. The decay of apparent viscosity immediately after adding malt extract was delayed when ethanol was present in the filling, implying that viscosity stability after mixing and during subsequent processing is improved. Softening of the praline shells and fat bloom formation also depended on the ethanol concentration of the filling. A cross‐comparison with praline shells which were filled with pure invert sugar syrup implies that the enzymes of the malt extract do not exhibit a negative influence on praline shell firmness. Electron micrographs give evidence that ethanol in contact with chocolate causes structural damage which results in a partial solubilization of praline shells.
MONTH OF BIRTH, SOCIOECONOMIC BACKGROUND AND HEIGHT IN RURAL CHINESE MEN
Authors: ZHANG WEIGUO
Published: September 2011

This study examines the effects of birth month and socioeconomic factors on height in rural Chinese men. The analysis of sample data of 833 adult men, 18–52 years of age, collected from 600 families in rural Hebei in 2005, shows that adult men born in winter months (November to January) are, on average, 1.04 cm shorter (p<0.01) than those born during the rest of the year. In addition to the conventional OLS regression models, the household fixed and random effects models also indicate that the month-of-birth effect exists when socioeconomic variables are controlled for. The birth-month effect on height is, however, smaller than effects of socioeconomic variables, including the household registration status, household economy and father's class status.
Drugs, insurgency and state-building in Burma: Why the drugs trade is central to Burma's changing political order
Authors: Meehan Patrick
Published: September 2011

The mainstream discourse on the political economy of drugs has emphasised the negative correlation between drug production and state capacity, with the presence of a thriving drugs trade seen as both a sign and a cause of weak states. Through an analysis of the drugs trade in Burma this study argues that such an approach is deeply flawed. Focusing on the period since the 1988 protests it argues that the illicit nature of the drugs trade has provided the state with an array of incentives (legal impunity, protection, money laundering) and threats (of prosecution) with which to co-opt and coerce insurgent groups over which it has otherwise commanded little authority. Although the state's involvement in the drugs trade was initially driven by an expedient desire to co-opt insurgent groups following the 1988 protests, this study also argues that over time it has provided an arena in which more immanent and largely unanticipated processes of state formation, namely the centralisation of the means of violence and extraction, have gradually been built. Rather than being a sign of corruption-induced state incapacity, the state's involvement in the drugs trade has thus become a central arena through which state power has been constructed and reproduced.
Modernity and cultural citizenship in the Netherlands Indies: An illustrated hypothesis
Authors: Nordholt Henk Schulte
Published: September 2011

Conventional historiography presumes a linear development from urbanisation, the rise of indigenous middle classes and the spread of modernity towards nationalism as the logical outcome of this process. This article aims to disconnect modernity from nationalism by focusing on the role of cultural citizens in the late colonial period for whom modernity was a desirable lifestyle. The extent to which their desires and the interests of the colonial regime coincided is illustrated by a variety of advertisements and school posters, which invited members of the indigenous urban middle class to become cultural citizens of the colony.
Why did Kartosuwiryo start shooting? An account of Dutch–Republican–Islamic forces interaction in West Java, 1945–49
Authors: Elson R.E. , Formichi Chiara
Published: September 2011

S.M. Kartosuwiryo, famed leader of the long and bloody Darul Islam rebellion which began in West Java in 1948, was a strong supporter of the Indonesian independence struggle and a champion of the Indonesian Republic proclaimed in 1945. This article seeks to understand how it was that Kartosuwiryo came to oppose that very Republic with such violence in 1948–49. Many scholars have sought to explain the origins of the Darul Islam movement in terms of Kartosuwiryo's fanatic Islamist ambition. However, a detailed examination of the circumstances of the revolt's gestation and outbreak indicates that it was a consequence of a complex interplay of historically contingent circumstances rather than any ideological fixity.
Living together: The transformation of multi-religious coexistence in southern Thailand
Authors: Horstmann Alexander
Published: September 2011

In this article, I provide a preliminary analysis of Buddhist–Muslim coexistence in the Songkhla Lake area in southern Thailand as it unfolds on the margins of a violent conflict in the Deep South (Patani, Yala and Narathiwat provinces). I argue that in the Songkhla Lake area, social, religious, economic and political alliances are reflected in multi-religious ritual traditions that have the potential to transcend cultural difference or manage difference constructively. The article then analyses the transformation of multi-religious coexistence and concludes that the revitalisation of Theravada Buddhism and Islam results in the uneasy coexistence of old and new practices and in a dialectic of sharing and competition.