bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Full Structural Characterisation of the Lipooligosaccharide of a Burkholderiapyrrocinia Clinical Isolate
Authors: Silipo Alba , Molinaro Antonio , Comegna Daniela , Sturiale Luisa , Cescutti Paola , Garozzo Domenico , Lanzetta Rosa , Parrilli Michelangelo
Published: September 2006

This paper deals with the full structural elucidation of the lipooligosaccharide from the Gram‐negative bacterium Burkholderia pyrrocinia. B. pyrrocinia is one of the nine species included in the Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC), a group of important opportunistic pathogens in patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic granulomatous disease. B. pyrrocinia strain BTS7, isolated from a patient with cystic fibrosis, was found to exclusively produce a lipooligosaccharide (LOS). This component of the external membrane plays a key role in the virulence of BCC bacteria and is required for resistance to antimicrobial compounds and for bacterial survival. Here we present, for the first time, a detailed study of the structure of the lipooligosaccharide (LOS) elucidated by means of compositional analysis, MALDI and ESI mass spectrometry and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The LOS of B. pyrrocinia was degraded by complete deacylation, dephosphorylation and reduction. The major oligosaccharide representing the carbohydrate backbone was isolated by size‐exclusion chromatography and identified. The structural determination of molecules (such as the LOS of B. pyrrocinia) involved in the activation of the pro‐inflammatory processes is the first step in the adoption of new therapeutic strategies against lung infections.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
α‐Amino‐α‐vinyl‐γ‐butyrolactone Derivatives from α‐{[(Trimethylsilyl)methyl]alkylidene}‐γ‐butyrolactones
Authors: Capuzzi Marinella , Gambacorta Augusto , Gasperi Tecla , Loreto M. Antonietta , Tardella P. Antonio
Published: September 2006

N‐Protected α‐amino‐α‐vinyl‐γ‐butyrolactones1are obtained by the aza‐Michael‐type addition of NsONHCO2Et to novel silylated α‐ylidene‐γ‐butyrolactones2, through ring opening of the intermediate aziridine and loss of the trimethylsilyl group. The stereoselective synthesis of compounds2, by cross‐coupling reactions between α‐[(triflyloxy)ylidene]‐γ‐butyrolactones3and tris[(trimethylsilyl)methyl]aluminum, is also described. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Cascade Reactions of Aromatic Aldehydes with Electron‐Deficient Acetylenes: Regioselective Construction of Diverse Aromatic Ring Systems
Authors: Cui Sun‐Liang , Lin Xu‐Feng , Wang Yan‐Guang
Published: September 2006

A new triethylamine‐catalyzed cascade reaction of aromatic aldehydes with terminal conjugated acetylenes has been developed. This serial multiple bond forming process furnishes diverse polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons including naphthalenes, phenanthrenes, benzofurans, and tetrahydronaphtho[2,3‐b]furans. The chemical outcome of the process depends on the reaction temperature and can therefore be tailored selectively by an appropriate choice of experimental conditions. The resulting tetrahydronaphthofurans can be aromatized further to give strongly fluorescent naphtho[2,3‐b]furans (fluorescent quantum yield, Φf, up to 0.94) in a one‐pot procedure. Furthermore, polysubstituted furans are obtained when the reaction is performed in the presence of dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates. These cascade processes exhibit high bond‐forming efficiency and high regioselectivity.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
How malleable is comparative self‐positivity? The effects of manipulating judgemental focus and accessibility
Authors: Pahl Sabine , Eiser J. Richard
Published: September 2006

The present research investigated accessibility effects on comparative self‐positivity in the environmental domain. In a pretest we established comparative self‐positivity and a focus effect for environmental awareness. In the main study we aimed at shifting these effects by manipulating the accessibility of harmful behaviours of either the self or the typical student before obtaining comparative judgements. Specifically, we used two types of accessibility manipulations: anchoring and ease of retrieval. We predicted that judgements would be affected by content in the anchoring paradigm but by subjective ease in the ease of retrieval paradigm. We found the predicted pattern of effects, but it was strongest when participants focused on the typical student. The findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying comparative biases and may have applied implications. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving performance expectancies in stereotypic domains: task relevance and the reduction of stereotype threat
Authors: Rosenthal Harriet E. S. , Crisp Richard J. , Suen Mein‐Woei
Published: September 2006

The experiments presented here extend previous research on reducing stereotype threat, along with examining the mediating role of performance expectancies. Women who generated shared academic characteristics between men and women predicted higher scores for themselves on a math test compared to the baseline and those who generated shared non‐academic characteristics or shared physical characteristics. No effects were found for male participants' performance expectancies on an English test. Extending the relevance of these findings for stereotype threat research, women completing a math test, who first completed the shared academic characteristics task, both expressed higher performance expectancies and greater accuracy in math performance than participants in all other conditions. A partially mediating role of performance expectancies in relation to task and math performance was also found. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automated screening using microfluidic chip‐based PCR and product detection to assess risk of BK virus‐associated nephropathy in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Kaigala Govind V. , Huskins Ryan J. , Preiksaitis Jutta , Pang Xiao‐Li , Pilarski Linda M. , Backhouse Christopher J.
Published: September 2006

The cost‐effective detection of viral particles in bodily fluids could enable more effective responses to viral outbreaks, whether isolated clinical cases, or influenza epidemics. In renal transplant recipients, complications arising from high levels of BK virus can lead to graft dysfunction, graft loss, and/or reduced patient survival. We describe a microfluidic system for the sensitive analysis of BK virus (viral load) in unprocessed urine samples that are applied directly onto the chip, thus avoiding labor‐intensive processing and sources of inter‐assay variability. Integration of small volume genetic amplification (PCR) and electrophoretic analysis detects as few as 1–2 viral copies, distinguishes between high, medium and low levels of virus and reliably identifies viral loads requiring clinical intervention. As a first step to wider application in the clinic and in the field, the present work presents an entirely microchip‐based system, validated against conventional clinical methods using clinical samples.
Multiplex primer extension analysis for rapid detection of major European mitochondrial haplogroups
Authors: Wiesbauer Martina , Meierhofer David , Mayr Johannes A. , Sperl Wolfgang , Paulweber Bernhard , Kofler Barbara
Published: September 2006

The evolution of the human mitochondrial genome is reflected in the existence of ethnically distinct lineages or haplogroups. Alterations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been instrumental in studies of human phylogeny, in population genetics, and in molecular medicine to link pathological mutations to a variety of human diseases of complex etiology. For each of these applications, rapid and cost effective assays for mtDNA haplogrouping are invaluable. Here we describe a hierarchical system for mtDNA haplogrouping that combines multiplex PCR amplifications, multiplex single‐base primer extensions, and CE for analyzing ten haplogroup‐diagnostic mitochondrial single nucleotide polymorphisms. Using this rapid and cost‐effective mtDNA genotyping method, we were able to show that within a large, randomly selected cohort of healthy Austrians (n = 1172), mtDNAs could be assigned to all nine major European haplogroups. Forty‐four percent belonged to haplogroup H, the most frequent haplogroup in European Caucasian populations. The other major haplogroups identified were U (15.4%), J (11.8%), T (8.2%) and K (5.1%). The frequencies of haplogroups in Austria is within the range observed for other European countries. Our method may be suitable for mitochondrial genotyping of samples from large‐scale epidemiology studies and for identifying markers of genetic susceptibility.
Surface modification of poly(methyl methacrylate) for improved adsorption of wall coating polymers for microchip electrophoresis
Authors: Shah Jayna J. , Geist Jon , Locascio Laurie E. , Gaitan Michael , Rao Mulpuri V. , Vreeland Wyatt N.
Published: September 2006

The development of rapid and simple wall coating strategies for high‐efficiency electrophoretic separation of DNA is of crucial importance for the successful implementation of miniaturized polymeric DNA analysis systems. In this report, we characterize and compare different methods for the chemical modification of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) surfaces for the application of wall coating polymers. PMMA surfaces coated with 40 mol% diethylacrylamide and 60 mol% dimethylacrylamide are compared to the PMMA surfaces first oxidized and then coated with hydroxypropylmethyl‐cellulose or poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). PMMA oxidation was accomplished with UV/ozone or an aqueous solution of HNO3 to yield hydrogen‐bond donors for the spontaneous adsorption of the coating polymers. Contact angle measurements of UV/ozone exposed PMMA surfaces indicate increase in hydrophilicity, and polymer coated surfaces show a strong dependence on the coating polymer and the oxidation method. Fast and repeatable electrophoretic separations of a 10‐base and 20‐base DNA ladder were performed in PMMA micro CE devices. All analyses were completed in less than 10 min, resulting in the number of theoretical plates as high as 583 000 in a 7.7 cm long separation channel. The duration of UV/ozone treatment was found to have a considerable impact on separation performance. The microchips irradiated with UV for 10 min and coated with PVA as well as the microchips treated with HNO3 and coated with HPMC were found to have the best separation performance. These results demonstrate facile and robust methods for the surface modification of PMMA enabling low‐cost single use devices for electrophoretic DNA separations.
DNA sequencing and multiplex STR analysis on plastic microfluidic devices
Authors: Shi Yining
Published: September 2006

The ability of plastic microfluidic devices with separation channel lengths of 6, 10 or 18 cm to perform high‐quality and high‐performance ssDNA analysis was evaluated. Specifically, four‐color DNA sequencing separation of a terminator sequencing standard using replaceable, urea‐denaturing linear polyacrylamide (LPA) solution as a sieving matrix, yielded read lengths of 410 bases in 15 min with base calling accuracy of 99.2% on a 6‐cm device, and 640 bases in 35 min with accuracy of 98.0% on a 18‐cm device. A two‐color sizing analysis of four‐locus (CSF1PO, TPOX, TH01, vWA) short tandem repeats (STRs) allelic ladder on a 10‐cm device indicated a mean SD of ± 0.08 base pairs (bp) between runs, and single bp resolution of spiked TH01 allele 9.3 (198 bp) from TH01 allele 10 (199 bp) of the CTTv ladder with R = 0.81. A four‐color multiplex sizing analysis of three different AmpFlSTR allelic ladders consisting of nine loci (D3S1358, vWA, FGA, D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820) and gender alleles (Amelogenin) on a 10‐cm device had a mean SD of ± 0.15 bp between runs for sizing three loci, i.e., FGA, D18S51 and D3S818; alleles differing by 2 bp in size were resolved with resolutions close to baseline. This work demonstrates that plastic microfluidic devices are capable of quality sequencing and STR sizing comparable to that of glass devices of similar separation lengths.
Do‐it‐yourself microelectrophoresis chips with integrated sample recovery
Authors: Mohanty Swomitra K. , Kim Dongshin , Beebe David J.
Published: September 2006

We present a microelectrophoresis chip that is simple to fabricate using the µfluidic tectonics (µFT) platform (Beebe, D. J. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2000, 97, 13488–13493; Agarwal, A. K. et al.,. J. Micromech. Microeng. 2006, 16, 332–340). The device contains a removable capillary insert (RCI) for easy sample collection after separation (Atencia, J. et al.,. Lab Chip 2006, DOI: 10. 1039/b514068d). Device construction is accomplished in less than 20 min without specialized equipment traditionally associated with microelectrophoresis chip construction. µFT was used to build a PAGE device utilizing two orthogonal microchannels. One channel performs standard separations, while the second channel serves as an access point to remove bands of interest from the chip via the RCI. The RCI contains an integrated electrode that facilitates the removal of bands using electrokinetic techniques. The device was characterized using prestained proteins (Pierce BlueRanger and TriChromRanger). Samples were loaded into the microelectrophoresis device via a standard micropipette. An electrical field of 40 V/cm was used to separate and collect the proteins. The microPAGE device is simple to fabricate, benefits from microscale analysis, and includes an on‐chip collection scheme that interfaces the macroworld with the microworld.
Family interaction among white and ethnic minority adolescents with bulimia nervosa and their parents
Authors: Hoste Renee Rienecke , Hewell Kristen , le Grange Daniel
Published: September 2006

Objective

To examine family adaptability, cohesion and satisfaction among white and ethnic minority families of adolescents seeking treatment for BN.

Method

Families completed the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES III) as part of their baseline assessment.

Results

No differences were found between white and ethnic minority patients' perceived and ideal levels of family cohesion and adaptability or level of satisfaction with family functioning, nor were differences found between white and ethnic minority parents on these measures. Both white and ethnic minority patients perceived their families to be less cohesive than did their fathers and their mothers, and their ideal levels of cohesion were lower than that of their fathers and their mothers.

Conclusion

These findings are consistent with a growing literature on eating disorders among ethnic minorities, which suggests that there may be fewer differences and more similarities among ethnic groups than previously thought. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Relating aerial erosion, soil erosion and sub‐soil erosion to the evolution of Lunan Stone Forest, China
Authors: Jian Peng , Yunlong Cai , Minde Yang , Hong Liang , Fuyuan Liang , Linhua Song
Published: September 2006

Stone forest (‘Shilin’ in Chinese) is a unique karst landform with a complex evolution process. Based mainly on the characteristics and interrelationships of sub‐soil, soil and sub‐aerial erosion in Lunan karst area, the authors develop a triplex erosion model to describe the evolution of stone forest, and apply it to examine the current development stage and the prospect of the Lunan Stone Forest. The study shows that sub‐soil corrosion, a basic driving force for the vertical scope of a stone forest, usually occurs within 10 m below ground surface but is observed to be most active within the top 2 m, which constitutes the best development zone for stone forest. Under modern climatic conditions, the tip of the stone pillars in Lunan karst area is lowering at a rate of 10·4 mm ka−1, whereas the base of the stone pillars is deepening at 26·17 mm ka−1. Therefore, the height of stone pillars is increasing at a rate of 15·77 mm ka−1. Considering that soil erosion in the study area is as high as 650 mm ka−1, the visible height of the stone forest is actually increasing at a rate of 639·6 mm ka−1. However, the best evolution time for Lunan Stone Forest has already passed despite the fact that it is still growing taller at the present time. This is because the soil layer, which plays an extremely significant role in the heightening of stone pillars, is rapidly thinning at a rate of 623·83 mm ka−1. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Graded pairs comparison ‐ does strength of preference matter? Analysis of preferences for specialised nurse home visits for pain management
Authors: Bech Mickael , Gyrd‐Hansen Dorte , Kjær Trine , Lauridsen Jørgen , Sørensen Jan
Published: September 2006

In the stated preference method called graded pairs comparisons respondents are asked to rate the intensity of their preference for their preferred alternative in a pairwise comparison of alternatives. Econometricians anticipate that the additional information will improve statistical efficiency compared to the standard DCE format. However, this paper reveals that added information inherent in graded pairs scale does not provide smaller standard deviations for the WTP estimated. Secondly, the ordered‐response regression models employing the full range of the graded pairs data tend to overestimate WTP, which presumably is caused by the inherent tendency of the ordered‐response models to ‘predict to the extremes’. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative study between coral‐mesenchymal stem cells‐rhBMP‐2 composite and auto‐bone‐graft in rabbit critical‐sized cranial defect model
Authors: Hou Rui , Chen Fulin , Yang Yaowu , Cheng Xiaobing , Gao Zhan , Yang Hongwei Ou , Wu Wei , Mao Tianqiu
Published: September 2006

Tissue engineered bone has become a bone substitute for the treatment of bone defects in animal research. This study investigated the osteogenesis capacity of coral‐MSCs‐rhBMP‐2 composite with the auto‐bone‐graft as control. Coral‐MSCs‐rhBMP‐2 composite were fabricated by coral (as main scaffold), rhBMP‐2 (as growth factor), and MSCs (cultured from iliac marrow as seed cells). Critical‐sized defects (d = 15 mm) were made on forty rabbits crania and treated by different composite scaffolds: iliac autograft (n = 8), coral (n = 8), rhBMP‐2/coral (n = 8), and MSCs/rhBMP‐2/coral (n = 8). The defects were evaluated by gross observation, radiographic examination, histological examination, and histological fluorescence examinations after 8 and 16 weeks. The results showed that repair of bone defect was the least in coral group, and significant ingrowth of new bone formation and incorporation could be seen with 77.45% ± 0.52% in radiopacity in MSCs/rhBMP‐2/coral group, which was similar to that in iliac autograft group (84.61% ± 0.56% in radiopacity). New bone formation in MSCs/rhBMP‐2/coral group was more than that in rhBMP‐2/coral group. And osteogenesis rate in MSCs/rhBMP‐2/coral group (10.23 ± 1.45 μm) was much faster than that in rhBMP‐2/coral group (5.85 ± 2.19 μm) according to histological fluorescence examination. Newly formed bone partly came from induced MSCs in composite scaffold according to bromodeoxyuridine immunohistochemical examination. These data implicated that MSCs could produce synergic effect with coral‐rhBMP‐2, and the tissue engineered bone of coral‐MSCs‐rhBMP‐2 is comparable to auto‐bone‐graft for the repair of critical‐sized bone defect. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Induction of directional sprouting angiogenesis by matrix gradients
Authors: Borselli Cristina , Oliviero Olimpia , Battista Sabrina , Ambrosio Luigi , Netti Paolo A.
Published: September 2006

The fate of any tissue engineering implant relies upon an adequate oxygen and nutrients supply throughout the cellular construct and, hence, by the ability of the scaffold to induce and guide vascular ingrowth. However, implant vascularization is usually an uncontrolled process that takes several weeks. In this work, we assessed the feasibility of controlling vascular sprout rate and direction within three‐dimensional collagen–hyaluronic acid semi‐interpenetrated networks by modulating the spatial distribution of the matricellular cues. Results indicated that increasing amount of hyaluronic acid (HA) within the matrix led to a progressive inhibition of sprouting. In HA‐rich matrices, the sprout number and the propagation rate showed a 2.7‐ and 4‐fold reduction, respectively, compared to collagen matrices. Furthermore, by creating HA gradients within the collagen network, we were able to direct and enhance the sprouting rate. This study provides an experimental platform for controlling vascularization of engineered tissues. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Acrylic bone cements with bismuth salicylate: Behavior in simulated physiological conditions
Authors: Hernández L. , Vázquez B. , López‐Bravo A. , Parra J. , Goñi I. , Gurruchaga M.
Published: September 2006

In a previous work, we reported the development of acrylic bone cement formulations for application in percutaneous vertebroplasty, by using bismuth salicylate (BS) as the radiopaque agent. Our objective was to obtain high radiopacity along with a therapeutical effect produced by the release of salicylic acid in situ. To follow that study, the setting kinetics and static and dynamical mechanical properties of the BS cements were studied in simulated physiological conditions. Moreover, radiopacity after various times of immersion in saline and the wettability of the cements surfaces were determined. The study finished with the analysis of the biological response. From the results, it can be concluded that physiological conditions did not affect negatively to the cements performance, since all BS‐loaded cements fulfilled the ISO standard requirements. Radiopacity of the formulations was maintained over time and cements with BS were found to be biocompatible. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
The β3 chain short arm of laminin‐332 (laminin‐5) induces matrix assembly and cell adhesion activity of laminin‐511 (laminin‐10)
Authors: Nakashima Yukiko , Kariya Yoshinobu , Miyazaki Kaoru
Published: September 2006

The basement membrane (BM) protein laminin‐332 (Lm332) (laminin‐5) has unique activity and structure as compared with other laminins: it strongly promotes cellular adhesion and migration, and its α3, β3, and γ2 chains are all truncated in their N‐terminal regions (short arms). In the present study, we investigated the biological function of the laminin β3 chain. When the β3 chain short arm (β3SA) was overexpressed in HEK293 cells (β3SA‐HEK), they deposited a large amount of β3SA and a small amount of laminin‐511 (Lm511) (laminin‐10) on culture plates. Control HEK293 cells secreted Lm511 but failed to deposit it. The extracellular matrix (ECM) deposited by β3SA‐HEK cells strongly promoted cell attachment and spreading. The β3SA‐HEK ECM did not directly bind Lm511, but it stimulated control HEK293 cells to deposit Lm511 on the culture plates. Although purified β3SA did not support cell adhesion by itself, it enhanced the cell adhesion activity of Lm511. Experiments with anti‐integrin antibodies also suggested that the strong cell adhesion activity of the β3SA‐HEK ECM was derived from the synergistic action of β3SA and Lm511. It has previously been found that β3SA binds an unknown cell surface receptor. Taken together, the present study suggests that the short arm of the laminin β3 chain enhances the matrix assembly of Lm511 and its cell adhesion activity by interacting with its receptor. J. Cell. Biochem. 100: 545–556, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression profiling of vitamin D treated primary human keratinocytes
Authors: Moll Pamela Renate , Sander Veronika , Frischauf Anna‐Maria , Richter Klaus
Published: September 2006

Vitamin D has attracted much attention by its ability to stop cell proliferation and induce differentiation, which became of particular interest for the treatment of cancer and psoriasis. We performed an expression profile of 12 hours and 24 hours 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3) treated primary human keratinocytes, to determine the changes in gene expression induced by the steroid in order to improve our understanding of the biological activity of 1α,25(OH)2D3. This we expect to be useful for establishing a test system for vitamin D analogs or might open new therapeutic targets or uses for the hormone. For the filter array experiments a non‐redundant set of 2135 sequence verified EST clones was used. The normalized raw data of 2 filters per time point were combined and subjected to SAM analysis to further increase the statistical significance. 86 positive and 50 negative genes were identified after 12 h. The numbers went down to 43 positive and 1 negative gene after 24 h of treatment. Fifteen genes are up‐regulated over a longer period of time (12 h and 24 h). Results were verified by real‐time PCR and/or Northern blots. Targets identified are involved in intracellular signaling, transcription, cell cycle, metabolism, cellular growth, constitution of the extracellular matrix or the cytoskeleton and apoptosis, immune responses, and DNA repair, respectively. Expression profiles showed an initial stop of proliferation and induction of differentiation, and resumed proliferation after prolonged incubation, most likely due to degradation of the hormone. J. Cell. Biochem. 100: 574–592, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Torsion of a giant omental cyst mimicking ascites
Authors: Fitoz Suat , Atasoy Cetin , Ekim Mesiha , Yildiz Secil , Erden Ayse , Aktug Tanju
Published: September 2006

We report a case of omental cyst in an 11‐month‐old infant. The cyst occupied nearly the whole abdomen and mimicked massive ascites on sonography. The correct preoperative diagnosis was achieved through the use of CT, and partial torsion of a huge omental cyst was found at surgery. The diagnostic role of sonography and CT in ascites of unknown etiology is emphasized. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2006.
Sonographic appearance of a testicular yolk sac tumor in a 2‐year‐old boy
Authors: Xu Hui‐Xiong , Yi Xian‐Ping
Published: September 2006

Yolk sac tumor (YST) of testis is the most common of all childhood testicular malignancies. We report a case of testicular YST in a 2‐year‐old boy. The tumor appeared sonographically as an ovoid, homogeneous, well‐circumscribed, isoechoic, solid testicular mass with good sound‐through transmission and increased internal vascularity on color Doppler imaging. The serum alpha‐fetoprotein level was 4,396 ng/ml. Pathological examination confirmed YST at at stage I. Although the sonographic appearance of YST of the testis is nonspecific, the diagnosis is achievable in clinical practice on the combination of elevated serum alpha‐fetoprotein level and sonograms depicting a solid testicular hypervascular mass. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2006.
Clarifying conditions and decision points for mediational type inferences in Organizational Behavior
Authors: Mathieu John E. , Taylor Scott R.
Published: September 2006

Although mediational designs and analyses are quite popular in Organizational Behavior research, there is much confusion surrounding the basis of causal inferences. We review theoretical, research design, and construct validity issues that are important for drawing inferences from mediational analyses. We then distinguish between indirect effects, and partial and full mediational hypotheses and outline decision points for drawing inferences of each type. An empirical illustration is provided using structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques, and we discuss extensions and directions for future research. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Promoting felt responsibility for constructive change and proactive behavior: exploring aspects of an elaborated model of work design
Authors: Fuller Jerry Bryan , Marler Laura E. , Hester Kim
Published: September 2006

Although new theoretical models that are suggestive of how work design might be used to foster proactive motivation and proactive performance have been proposed, these models need further elaboration and testing if they are to be useful tools for contemporary organizations. Accordingly, we examine the extent to which feelings of responsibility for constructive change is a proactive psychological mechanism that explains how work design characteristics influence constructive change‐oriented behavior and proactive performance. Specifically, we examine job autonomy, position in the organizational hierarchy, access to resources, access to strategy‐related information, and role ambiguity as antecedents to felt responsibility for constructive change (FRCC). We also examine the extent to which feelings of responsibility for constructive change are positively related to voice behavior (i.e., constructive, change‐oriented communication) and continuous improvement (i.e., proactive role performance). Results indicate hierarchical position and access to resources are positively related to FRCC. Results also indicate proactive personality moderates the relationship between access to resources and FRCC and the relationship between access to strategy‐related information and FRCC. Plots of the interactions reveal that these relationships are enhanced for individuals with proactive personalities. The results also indicate that FRCC is positively related to voice behavior and continuous improvement. Perhaps more importantly, the results suggest that FRCC explains the psychological process by which structural and socio‐structural forces influence proactive behavior. The results are discussed as they pertain to updated work design theory and theories of high involvement work systems, job characteristics, and leadership prototypes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managing employee perceptions of the psychological contract over time: the role of employer social accounts and contract fulfillment
Authors: Lester Scott W. , Kickul Jill R. , Bergmann Thomas J.
Published: September 2006

This study proposed and tested relationships pertaining to employee perceptions of psychological contract type over time. Using a longitudinal design, we examined the mediated role that adequacy of social accounts and psychological contract fulfillment play in determining the development of contract perceptions. More specifically, our model posits that perceptions of contract type will influence employee perceptions of the adequacy of social accounts that are offered by the organization and its agents to explain job‐related decisions. These initial perceptions of social accounts at Time 1 were expected to impact perceptions of psychological contract fulfillment at Time 2 (6 months later) and psychological contract fulfillment was proposed to be positively associated with perceptions of a relational psychological contract. Results support the mediating roles of social accounts and psychological contract fulfillment in determining perceptions of contract type over time. Practical implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current in vivo wear of metal‐on‐metal bearings assessed by exercise‐related rise in plasma cobalt level
Authors: Khan Munir , Takahashi Tomoki , Kuiper Jan H. , Sieniawska Christine E. , Takagi Katsumasa , Richardson James B.
Published: September 2006

Baseline metal ion levels are elevated in patients with metal‐on‐metal (MOM) hip arthroplasty. Interpretation of baseline levels is difficult as measurements are influenced by wear, corrosion, and metal ion release from stored metal in the body. Schmalzried et al. demonstrated that “wear is the function of use, not time.” The specific research question we asked was: Does physiological exercise increase the wear of metal‐on‐metal articulation which can be measured from the plasma metal ion levels? Patients with three different well functioning MOM bearings [two types of resurfacing (BHR 46.8 mm and Cormet 48 mm) and Metasul 28 mm] were included. Blood samples were taken immediately before, immediately after, and 1 h after exercise to determine cobalt and chromium levels. A significant increase (p < 0.005) in serum cobalt and chromium of 13% and 11%, respectively, was noticed after the exercise. Rise of cobalt levels in patients with a resurfacing MOM was 8.5 times (BHR group) or 6.5 times (Cormet group) larger than in those with a Metasul MOM (p = 0.021 and p = 0.047). Neither rise of metal levels nor baseline levels correlated with any other factor (p > 0.27). Exercise‐related elevations of plasma cobalt level provides information on current in vivo wear production that cannot be inferred from a baseline measurement of cobalt levels. Chromium levels cannot provide reliable information on the in vivo wear of the devices. Diameter was the important feature of the implant in determining exercise‐related elevations of plasma cobalt level. Exercise‐related elevations of plasma cobalt level is a potential in vivo tool to understand and improve the tribology of metal–metal bearings. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:2029–2035, 2006
Unilateral positive–negative myoclonus in Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease
Authors: Ohnari Keiko , Matsunaga Kaoru , Uozumi Takenori , Tamagawa Akira , Hashimoto Tomoko , Tsuji Sadatoshi
Published: September 2006

We report a patient with Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease who presented asymmetric myoclonus. Positive–negative myoclonus was seen only in the right extremities in association with periodic synchronous discharges (PSDs) on the electroencephalogram, although pure positive myoclonus was rarely seen in the left extremities, independently in PSDs. The duration of the silent period recorded in the right‐hand muscle produced by transcranial magnetic stimulation was much longer than that in the left‐hand muscle or that in normal subjects. Brain MRI diffusion‐weighted images showed signal hyperintensities in the putamen and cerebral cortex, including the motor cortex, predominantly on the left side. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Intention tremor of the head in patients with essential tremor
Authors: Leegwater‐Kim Julie , Louis Elan D. , Pullman Seth L. , Floyd Alicia G. , Borden Sarah , Moskowitz Carol B. , Honig Lawrence S.
Published: September 2006

Patients with essential tremor (ET) have kinetic arm tremor; this tremor can also have an intentional component. We are unaware of reports of intention tremor of the head in ET. Our aims were to describe, provide electrophysiological data and video documentation of, and estimate the prevalence of intention tremor of the head in our sample. Ten (9.0%; 95% confidence interval = 4.7%–14.3%) of 111 patients had intention tremor of the head; in 7 it involved the neck and in 3 the chin. These patients trended toward having more severe kinetic arm tremor and they had more severe intention tremor of the arms. These observations provide further support for the evolving view that the cerebellum may be involved in ET. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Prevalence of primary blepharospasm in Sardinia, Italy: A service‐based survey
Authors: Cossu Giovanni , Mereu Alessandra , Deriu Marcello , Melis Maurizio , Molari Andrea , Melis Giannina , Minafra Laura , Pisano Tiziana , Cianchetti Carlo , Ortu Enzo , Sau Gianfranco , Aiello Isidoro , Fresu Miriana , Marrosu Maria Giovanna , Contu Paolo
Published: September 2006

We performed a service‐based epidemiological study of primary blepharospasm in the island of Sardinia (Italy). Due to its favorable geographical location, we are confident we will provide reliable data from patients seeking botulinum toxin treatment. A total of 53 patients were assessed. Prevalence was estimated to be 32.2 per 1 million (95% confidence interval, 23.0–40.8). These results are in line with those obtained in other similar surveys, that is, record‐based, and performed in various European regions such as Northern England, the Munich area, as well as the Epidemiologic Study of Dystonia in Europe. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Existence, uniqueness, stochastic persistence and global stability of positive solutions of the logistic equation with random perturbation
Authors: Ji Chunyan , Jiang Daqing , Shi Ningzhong , O'Regan Donal
Published: September 2006

This paper discusses a randomized logistic equation
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with initial value x(0)=x0>0, where B(t) is a standard one‐dimension Brownian motion, and θ∈(0, 0.5). We show that the positive solution of the stochastic differential equation does not explode at any finite time under certain conditions. In addition, we study the existence, uniqueness, boundedness, stochastic persistence and global stability of the positive solution. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elasto‐plastic model for cement‐treated sand
Authors: Namikawa Tsutomu , Mihira Shingo
Published: September 2006

This paper presents an elasto‐plastic model for non‐linear analyses of cement‐treated sand. Various laboratory tests were systematically carried out to investigate the pre‐peak and post‐peak behaviours of a cement‐treated sand. On the basis of these experimental results, the new model was built within the framework of a relatively simple elasto‐plastic theory.

Two failure criteria are employed to express tensile and shear failure characteristics observed in the experimental results of the cement‐treated sand. The proposed model can describe strain‐hardening and strain‐softening responses under both failure modes. In the strain‐softening rules, the smeared crack concept is used, and a characteristic length is considered to avoid the issue of mesh‐size dependency. Since the failure criterion and strain‐hardening/softening rules are based on the experimental evidences, the model is relatively easy to understand and the parameters used in the model have clear physical meaning. The proposed model was applied to simulate the behaviour of cement‐treated sand in various laboratory tests, allowing for a reasonable comprehensive evaluation. It was demonstrated that the proposed model is suitable for describing both the tensile and shear failure behaviours of cement‐treated sand. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
No adverse effect of vincristine on handwriting in children after completion of therapy
Authors: Hartman A. , van den Bos C. , van Dartel N. , Stijnen Th. , Pieters R.
Published: September 2006

Background

Long‐term writing difficulties in children after treatment with vincristine for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Wilms tumor, B non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, and malignant mesenchymal tumors, were investigated.

Procedure

Handwriting of 33 survivors and 33 controls matched for age, sex, and grade, was assessed with the BHK‐scale. The examiner was blinded for whether a child was a case or a control.

Results

No significant difference in writing speed was found. Mean difference in number of letters produced during 5 min was 6.4 (±67.1, range −103 to +169). No significant difference was found in quality of writing scores; mean difference in points was 1.5 (±7.7, range −19 to +22). Cumulative vincristine dose, age at diagnosis or time since completion of treatment did not affect writing speed or quality.

Conclusion

Chemotherapy, including vincristine, does not lead to long‐term problems in speed or quality of writing in children treated for cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:841–845. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Are the new Joint British Societies 2 (JBS 2) targets achievable?
Authors: Balasintharan A , Sahathevan SK , Lasker SS , Chowdhury TA
Published: September 2006

The Joint British Societies 2 (JBS 2) guidelines suggest targets for glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (≤6.5%), blood pressure (≤130/80mmHg), total cholesterol (≤4.0mmol/L), and aspirin therapy in patients with diabetes. The aim of this survey was to determine whether patients attending a hospital new patient diabetes clinic achieved these targets one year after referral.

We conducted a review of electronic diabetes and primary care records of all patients attending a single consultant‐led new patient diabetes clinic between 1 January and 31 December 2004. Demographic and clinical data at first visit and one year later (HbA1c, blood pressure, total cholesterol, aspirin prescribing) were obtained.

In total, 259 patients had full data. The results at one‐year follow up showed: an HbA1c median reduction of ‐1.6% (64.9% achieving HbA1c reduction ≥1%, 54.1% achieving HbA1c ≤7.5%, 20.1% achieving HbA1c ≤6.5%); a median blood pressure reduction of ‐10/6mmHg (81.5% achieving systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≤140mmHg, 43.6% achieving SBP ≤130mmHg); and a median reduction in total cholesterol ‐1.2mmol/L (78.4% achieving total cholesterol ≤5.0mmol/L, 64.1% achieving total cholesterol ≤4.0mmol/L). Aspirin prescribing did not increase between the two visits.

It was concluded that improvements in cardiovascular risk factors can be achieved in a hospital diabetic clinic setting, although attainment of targets suggested by the recent JBS 2 guidelines, particularly for glycaemic control and aspirin prescribing, requires significant further effort. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnosing diabetes mellitus: contemporary use of the oral glucose tolerance test in a regional diabetes centre
Authors: Viswanath Ak , Pereira O , Philip S , Mchardy KC
Published: September 2006

Following considerable debate on whether or not the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) should be retained, the revised WHO diagnostic criteria for diabetes recommended its continued use in certain defined circumstances. We have reviewed contemporary use of the OGTT over 12 months in our regional diabetes centre.

One hundred and eighty patients underwent an OGTT over a one‐year period. The most common indication was fasting plasma glucose in the 5.5–6.9mmol/L range. Based on the OGTT and prior blood results, nine (5%) had normal carbohydrate tolerance, 40 (22%) had impaired fasting glucose, 52 (29%) had impaired glucose tolerance, and 53 (29.5%) satisfied the criteria for diabetes. Finally, 26 (14.5%) had, by this stage, only a single ‘diagnostic’ glucose value and required further testing. Twelve of these went on to have a second OGTT which confirmed diabetes in three and impaired glucose tolerance in nine. The remaining 14 had further fasting glucose estimations that confirmed diabetes in two cases, were normal in a further two and in the impaired fasting glucose range in 10.

The test provided important information on the classification and diagnosis of diabetes. The OGTT continues to have a role in a selected group of patients with fasting blood glucose levels in the uncertain range. The need for a repeat OGTT is likely to increase as more asymptomatic patients are screened earlier in the evolution of glucose intolerance. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Who shapes the self of independents and interdependents? Explicit and implicit measures of the self's relatedness to family, friends and partner
Authors: Pöhlmann Claudia , Hannover Bettina
Published: September 2006

We suggest that social relationships shape the self in different ways, depending on whether persons define themselves as independent or interdependent. While the self of independents is most strongly associated with mental representations of others to whom they are related because of their own deliberate action (e.g. friends), the self of interdependents is most strongly connected with representations of others with whom they share allocated group memberships (e.g. family members). We took both explicit (Study 1) and implicit measures (Studies 2, 3 and 4) on how strongly independent and interdependent selves are associated with self‐chosen versus allocated close others. In Studies 3 and 4, we additionally primed the independent or interdependent self. Both explicit and implicit measures indicated that mental representations of family members were more strongly associated with the interdependent self than with the independent self, while romantic partners and friends were connected with both the independent and interdependent self. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interface properties of an AlN/(AlN)x (SiC)1–x/4H‐SiC heterostructure
Authors: Edgar J. H. , Gu Z. , Gu L. , Smith David J.
Published: September 2006

The crystal structure and compositional changes near the two interfaces of a AlN/(AlN)x (SiC)1–x /4H‐SiC heterostructure prepared by sublimation‐recondensation growth were examined by cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy. Deposition of an (AlN)x (SiC)1–x layer between a SiC seed and a bulk AlN crystal is potentially beneficial for gradually changing the lattice constants and coefficient of thermal expansion from SiC to AlN. A compositional transition layer adjacent to the 4H‐SiC substrate suggested interdiffusion between the substrate and the alloy layer. The alloy had the 4H‐polytype crystal structure in this layer; above the layer, the alloy exhibited the typical 2H‐polytype. Voids were present at the AlN/(AlN)x (SiC)1–x interface, due to the decomposition of the (AlN)x (SiC)1–x layer before the AlN layer had completely coalesced. The nominally pure AlN layer contained approximately 8% of Si and C, possibly coming from the decomposition of the alloy layer and/or the substrate during growth of the AlN layer. Both interfaces were abrupt, to less than 50 nm, with low densities of threading dislocations. Dislocations in both the (AlN)x (SiC)1–x and AlN layers were not threading, but ran parallel to the (0001) planes. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of substituted IIIB transition metals on electronic properties of indium oxide by first‐principles calculations
Authors: Kompany A. , Rahnamaye Aliabad H. A. , Hosseini S. M. , Baedi J.
Published: September 2006

The effect of IIIB transition metals on the electronic properties of Indium Oxide (In2O3) has been studied, using first‐principles calculations method based on the density functional theory (DFT), with generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The results show a band gap of 1.03 eV for pure indium oxide, in the absence of the scissors operation. The calculated density of states indicated that the valance bands were composed mainly due to O‐2p states and conduction bands due to In‐5s states. Substituting indium atoms at b positions by IIIB elements considerably increases the value of the band gap mainly due to number of states originating from IIIB‐d states in the conduction bands. We found that the effect of doping on band gaps is mostly due to impurity d‐states rather than expanding of lattice parameter. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)