bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The General Assessment of Personality Disorder (GAPD) as an Instrument for Assessing the Core Features of Personality Disorders
Authors: Berghuis Han , Kamphuis Jan H. , Verheul Roel , Larstone Roseann , Livesley John
Published: August 2012

This study presents a psychometric evaluation of the General Assessment of Personality Disorder (GAPD), a self‐report questionnaire for assessing the core components of personality dysfunction on the basis of Livesley's (2003) adaptive failure model. Analysis of samples from a general (n = 196) and a clinical population (n = 280) from Canada and the Netherlands, respectively, found a very similar two‐component structure consistent with the two core components of personality dysfunction proposed by the model, namely, self‐pathology and interpersonal dysfunction. Moreover, the GAPD discriminated between patients diagnosed with and without Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV‐TR) personality disorder(s) and demonstrated discriminative power in detecting the severity of personality pathology. Correlations with a DSM‐IV symptom measure and a pathological traits model suggest partial conceptual overlap. Although further testing is indicated, the present findings suggest the GAPD is suitable for assessing the core components of personality dysfunction. It may contribute to a two‐step integrated assessment of personality pathology that assesses both personality dysfunction and personality traits. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

The core features of personality disorder can be defined as disorders in the self and in the capacity for interpersonal functioning.

A clinically useful operationalization of disordered functioning of personality is needed to determine the maladaptivity of personality traits.

An integrated assessment of personality (dys)functioning and personality traits provides a more comprehensive clinical picture of the patient, which may aid treatment planning.
Metal‐Free Aerobic Alcohol Oxidation: Intensification under Three‐Phase Flow Conditions
Authors: Aellig Christof , Scholz David , Hermans Ive
Published: August 2012

The selective oxidation of alcohols is a pivotal transformation within industrial and synthetic chemistry. In this contribution we use O2 as terminal oxidant and (H)NOx species as oxygen shuttle in order to mediate the oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols under the influence of a solid acid catalyst. Process optimization and intensification through the use of a continuous three‐phase flow reactor is demonstrated. Space–time yields were found to increase by two orders of magnitude with respect to batch experiments, along with additional gains in selectivity and a decrease of N2O formation.
Development of ionospheric tomography using neural network and its application to the 2007 Southern Sumatra earthquake
Authors: Hirooka Shinji , Hattori Katsumi , Nishihashi Masahide , Kon Shinpei , Takeda Tatsuoki
Published: August 2012

An ionospheric anomaly prior to the 2007 Southern Sumatra earthquake (M8.5) was observed by GPS receivers around the Sumatra islands. In this paper, to investigate the three‐dimensional structure of electron density in the ionosphere, a tomographic approach (Residual Minimization Training Neural Network; RMTNN) has been used. Results of the tomographic approach are consistent with those of the total electron content (TEC) approach. We found that a significant decrease of electron density takes place at altitudes of 250 to 400 km, especially at an altitude of 330 km. But the altitude at which the maximum electron density has been observed remains unchanged. The obtained structure has a region of decreased density of Integrated Electron Content (IEC) in the southwest area (at altitudes of 400 to 550 km) and in the northern area (at altitudes of 250 to 400 km). The global tendency of the decreased electron density expands to the east with higher altitudes and it is concentrated in the southern hemisphere over the epicenter. These results show that the high capability of the RMTNN method can be used for estimation of the ionospheric electron density distribution possibly associated with earthquake. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 181(4): 9–18, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22298
Ternary Graphene–TiO2–Fe3O4 Nanocomposite as a Recollectable Photocatalyst with Enhanced Durability
Authors: Lin Yue , Geng Zhigang , Cai Hongbing , Ma Lu , Chen Jia , Zeng Jie , Pan Nan , Wang Xiaoping
Published: August 2012

We developed a ternary nanocomposite of graphene–TiO2–Fe3O4 (GTF) as a low‐cost, recollectable, and stable photocatalyst for the degradation of organic dyes. The nanocomposite has been successfully prepared by successively growing TiO2 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles on the reduced graphene oxide (RGO). The as‐synthesized GTF nanocomposite shows higher photocatalytic activity as compared with that of pure TiO2 nanoparticles and can be easily collected from water using a magnet. More importantly, benefiting from the presence of RGO, GTF can suppress the photodissolution behavior of Fe3O4 nanoparticles that usually occurrs in TiO2–Fe3O4 binary nanocomposites, rendering it a highly stable photocatalyst. Furthermore, the GTF nanocomposite works well in different pH environments and is capable of eliminating mixtures of various dyes. In addition, the GTF is also able to degrade the dyes under sunlight. These attractive features make the GTF nanocomposite a promising photocatalyst for practical use in wastewater treatment.
Mineralization of Calcium Carbonates in Cellulose Gel Membranes
Authors: Rauch Marcus W. , Dressler Martina , Scheel Hanne , Van Opdenbosch Daniel , Zollfrank Cordt
Published: August 2012

A diffusion‐driven mineralization approach for the fabrication of calcium carbonate on and in regenerated and functionalized cellulose membranes was investigated. Calcium dichloride was used as the cation source. Ammonium carbonate was applied in a gas‐phase diffusion and sodium carbonate in a liquid continuous‐flow setup. Calcium carbonate was obtained solely on the membrane surfaces from the gas‐diffusion approach, whereas by applying continuous‐flow diffusion, crystals were obtained throughout the membranes. The main polymorph was calcite with minor fractions of aragonite. The crystals were assembled from nanometer‐sized building blocks and showed a strong interaction with the cellulose matrix under continuous liquid flow conditions. The cellulose membranes acted as an insoluble template matrix with a rigid and fine mesh of cellulose fibers as superstructure, thereby resulting in a structure‐directing microenvironment for the calcium carbonate mineralization in a confined space.
Sequential Palladium‐Catalysed Direct Arylation Followed by Suzuki Coupling of Bromo‐2‐chloropyridines: Simple Access to a Variety of 2‐Arylpyridines
Authors: Baloch Marya , Roy David , Bensaid Souhila , Guerchais Véronique , Doucet Henri
Published: August 2012

2‐Arylpyridines are an important class of ligands for the synthesis of complexes with physical properties. We observed that the use of 3‐, 4‐ or 5‐bromo‐2‐chloropyridines allows the synthesis of a wide variety of heteroarylated 2‐arylpyridines by means of successive direct arylation and Suzuki coupling. For these two reactions, an air‐stable catalyst associated to a cheap and nontoxic base was employed as the catalyst. Moreover, a wide range of heteroarenes and functionalised arylboronic acids could be tolerated.
Titanyl Iodate – A Promising Material for Infrared Nonlinear Optics Showing Structural Similarities with KTP
Authors: Suffren Yan , Gautier‐Luneau Isabelle
Published: August 2012

A new nonlinear compound, TiO(IO3)2, was synthesized by the hydrothermal method and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the acentric Cmc21 space group with the following lattice parameters: a = 10.222(1) Å, b = 8.254(1) Å, c = 7.277(1) Å, and V = 613.98(13) Å3. The structure has alternating Ti–O bond lengths, short [Ti–O 1.733(12) Å, titanyl bond] and long [Ti–O 2.113(12) Å], as observed in the KTiOPO4 (KTP) material. IR spectroscopy and NLO efficiency studies on a powder sample suggest that TiO(IO3)2 is a good potential NLO material.
CAL‐B‐Catalyzed Acylation of Nucleosides and Role of the Sugar Conformation: An Improved Understanding of the Enzyme‐Substrate Recognition
Authors: Martínez‐Montero Saúl , Fernández Susana , Sanghvi Yogesh S. , Gotor Vicente , Ferrero Miguel
Published: August 2012

We demonstrate that the sugar ring conformation of nucleosides plays a critical role duringCandida antarcticalipase B (CAL‐B) catalyzed acylation. Specifically, the North (N), but not the South (S) nucleoside sugar ring conformation is preferred for efficient binding at the catalytic site. In this study, we used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy experiments to establish the sugar ring conformation of nucleosides and performed molecular modeling studies to support the observations. The ribo‐ and 2′‐substituted (OMe, F) nucleosides displaying theN‐conformation undergo rapid and facile acylation compared to the 2′‐deoxynucleosides with theS‐conformation. This study improves our understanding of the critical role that sugar conformation plays in enzyme–substrate recognition during biotransformations using CAL‐B. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first experimental report offering a rationale for the observed selectivity during acylation of nucleosides containing theN‐sugar conformation.
Unexpected Domino Synthesis of Complex Angular Naphthoimidazoles
Authors: Guedes Gema , López‐Rodríguez Matías , Ravelo Angel G. , Estévez‐Braun Ana
Published: August 2012

Several disubstituted angular naphthoimidazoles have been synthesized by a new domino reaction from (1,4‐dimethoxynaphthalen‐2‐yl)amine (1) and imines (obtained from 1 and aromatic aldehydes) in the presence of Sc(OTf)3. A plausible pathway for the reaction involves attack of the nucleophilic amine on the imine and further reaction of the resulting intermediate by intramolecular cyclization with loss of a methoxy group and subsequent oxidation to yield the final naphthoimidazole. These naphthoimidazoles were also obtained in lower yields from aromatic aldehydes, Sc(OTf)3 and 2 equiv. of 1 through an ABB′ domino process. Post‐condensation transformations allowed direct access to several derivatives.
Application of singular spectrum analysis to identify the degrading structure using deteriorating distributed element model
Authors: Loh Chin‐Hsiung , Li Jung‐Huan , Chao Shu‐Hsien
Published: August 2012

Reinforced concrete structure may exhibit significant inelastic hysteretic behavior when subject to strong earthquake excitation. To investigate such an inelastic behavior, in this study, a new system identification technique is applied by using the deteriorating distributed element (DDE) model to simulate the hysteretic behavior of a degrading structure. Through the advanced signal processing technique, the multiple singular spectrum analysis (SSA) and the nonlinear SSA, the recorded inelastic restoring force of a deteriorating structure can be decomposed into several independent additive components in its sequentially degrading order and with decreasing weight. With each decomposed hysteresis loop, the model parameters of the DDE model are identified. The evolutionary properties of the progressive stiffness degradation behavior of reinforced concrete structure can be observed from the identified model parameters. Finally, comparison on the physical properties of the identified DDE model with respect to the seismic response data of the deteriorating structure is also discussed. The result shows that the proposed identification technique can have a good estimation on the seismic behavior of the degrading structure. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Damage‐dependent vulnerability curves for existing buildings
Authors: Polese Maria , Di Ludovico Marco , Prota Andrea , Manfredi Gaetano
Published: August 2012

Seismic behavior of damaged buildings may be expressed as a function of their REsidual Capacity (REC), which is a measure of seismic capacity, reduced by damage. REC can be interpreted as the median value of collapse vulnerability curves. Its variation owing to damage is a useful indication of increased building vulnerability. REC reduction, indicating the lowering of seismic safety after an earthquake (performance loss, PL), represents an effective index for assessing the need of seismic repair/strengthening after earthquakes. The study investigates the applicability of a pushover‐based method in the analysis of damaged structures for the case of existing under‐designed RC buildings. The paper presents a systematization of the procedure in an assessment framework that applies the capacity spectrum method based on inelastic demand spectra; furthermore, the vulnerability variation of a real building is investigated with a detailed case study. The behavior of damaged buildings is simulated with pushover analysis through suitable modification of plastic hinges (in terms of stiffness, strength and residual drift) for damaged elements. The modification of plastic hinges has been calibrated in tests on nonconforming columns. The case study analysis evidenced that, for minor or moderate damages, the original structural displacement capacity was only slightly influenced, but the ductility capacity was significantly reduced (up to 40%) because of the increased structure deformability. This implied performance loss in the range 10%–20%. For severe damages the PL ranged between 41% and 56%. Local mechanism types exhibit PL nearly double with respect to global mechanism types. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A method to carry out shape optimization with a large number of design variables
Authors: Kumar Nikhil , Diwakar Anant , Attree Sandeep Kumar , Mittal Sanjay
Published: August 2012

A new method for shape optimization with relatively large number of design variables is proposed. It is well known that gradient‐based methods converge to a local optimum. As a result, utilization of a richer design space does not necessarily lead to a better design. This is demonstrated via the design of an airfoil for maximum lift for Re = 1000 and α = 4° flow. The airfoil is represented by fourth‐order non‐uniform rational B‐splines, and the control points are used as design variables. Starting with a NACA0012 airfoil, it is found that the optimal airfoil obtained with 13 control points has far superior aerodynamic performance than the ones obtained with 39 and 61 control points. For effective utilization of a richer design space, it is proposed that the number of design variables be increased gradually. The method is demonstrated by designing high lift airfoils for Re = 1000 and 1 × 104. The objective function is the maximization of the time‐averaged lift coefficient for α = 4°. The optimization cycle with 27 control points is initiated with the optimal airfoil obtained with 13 control points. The process is continued with gradual increase in the number of design variables. Beyond a certain number of control points, the optimization leads to a spontaneous appearance of corrugations on the upper surface of the airfoil. The corrugations are responsible for the generation of small vortices that add to the suction on the upper surface of the airfoil and lead to enhanced lift. A stabilized finite element method is used to solve the unsteady flow and adjoint equations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth characteristics of Changhsingian (Late Permian) carbonate platform margin reef complexes in Yuanba Gas Field, northeastern Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Chen Lei , Lu Yong‐Chao , Guo Tong‐Lou , Deng Li‐Sha
Published: August 2012

The Yuanba Gas Field is the second largest natural gas reservoir in the Sichuan Basin, SW China. The vast majority of natural gas reserve is embedded in the Changhsingian platform marginal reef complexes. Integration of facies analysis, well‐seismic calibration, well logs, seismic profiles, and RMS attribute allows reconstruction of the reef complex structure, and five growth cycles of overlapping accretionary reefs are recognized. The carbonate platform margin reef complex comprises reef core, fore reef and back reef facies associations. The retrograding–prograding growth pattern and northwesterly migrating trends of overlapping accretionary reefs were likely controlled by short‐term sea‐level changes superimposed by local currents prevailing in the eastern Palaeotethyan Ocean. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endothelins reciprocally regulate VEGF‐A and angiopoietin‐1 production in cultured rat astrocytes: Implications on astrocytic proliferation
Authors: Koyama Yutaka , Maebara Yuko , Hayashi Mio , Nagae Ryuji , Tokuyama Shogo , Michinaga Shotaro
Published: August 2012

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and angiopoietins (ANGs) are involved in pathophysiological responses in damaged nerve tissues. Astrocytes produce VEGFs and ANGs upon brain ischemia and traumatic injury. To clarify the extracellular signals regulating VEGF and ANG production, effects of endothelins (ETs), a family of endothelium‐derived peptides, were examined in cultured rat astrocytes. ET‐1 (100 nM) and Ala1,3,11,15‐ET‐1 (100 nM), an ETB receptor agonist, increased VEGF‐A mRNA levels in cultured astrocytes, while ANG‐1 mRNA was decreased by ETs. ET‐1 did not affect astrocytic VEGF‐B, placental growth factor (PLGF), and ANG‐2 mRNA levels. The effects of ET‐1 on VEGF‐A and ANG‐1 mRNAs were inhibited by BQ788, an ETB antagonist. Release of VEGF‐A proteins from cultured astrocytes was increased by ET‐1. In contrast, ET‐1 reduced release of astrocytic ANG‐1. Exogenous ET‐1 (100 nM) and VEGF165 (100 ng/mL), an isopeptide of VEGF‐A, stimulated bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation into cultured astrocytes. Treatment with ET‐1 and VEGF165 increased the numbers of cyclin D1‐positive astrocytes. Exogenous ANG‐1 (250 ng/mL) did not stimulate the BrdU incorporation. Increases in BrdU incorporation by ET‐1 and VEGF165 were not affected by ANG‐1. In 60–70% confluent cultures, SU4312 (10 μM), a VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, partially reduced the effects of ET‐1 on BrdU incorporation and cyclin D1 expression. ET‐induced BrdU incorporation and cyclin D1 expression were reduced by a neutralizing antibody against VEGF‐A. Our findings suggest that ET‐1 is a factor regulating astrocytic VEGF‐A and ANG‐1, and that increased VEGF‐A production potentiates ET‐induced astrocytic proliferation by an autocrine mechanism. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease of donor origin, following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a patient with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm
Authors: Piccin Andrea , Morello Enrico , Svaldi Mirija , Haferlach Torsten , Facchetti Fabio , Negri Giovanni , Vecchiato Cinzia , Fisogni Simona , Pusceddu Irene , Cortelazzo Sergio
Published: August 2012

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is an extremely rare condition that originates from dendritic cells. We report on the first case of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐driven post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) of donor origin in a BPDC patient post‐allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Flow cytometry study identified a cell population CD4+/CD56+/CD45RA+/CD123+/TCL1+ suggestive of BPDCN diagnosis, which was confirmed by a lymph node biopsy (cells positive for BCL11a, BDCA‐2, CD2AP, CD123, TCL1 and S100). Cytogenetic analysis revealed a complex karyotype: (19 metaphase) 47,XX,t(1;6)(q21;q2?5),‐13 + 2mar[11]/47, XX, +21 [3]/46,XX [5]. The patient was started on acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) induction schedule, and subsequently an allogeneic HSCT was performed. On day +36 post‐HSCT, bone marrow biopsy/aspirate showed complete morphological remission, and chimerism study showed 100% donor chimera. However, on day +37, the patient was found to have enlarged cervical and supraclavicular lymphoadenopathy, splenomegaly and raised lactic dehydrogenase. EBV‐DNA copies in blood were elevated, consistent with a lytic cycle. A lymph node biopsy showed EBV encoded RNA and large atypical B cells (CD45dim−, CD4+/CD56+, monoclonal for k‐chain, CD19+/CD20+/CD21+/CD22+/CD38+/CD43+/CD79β−/CD5−/CD10−), consistent with PTLD monomorphic type. Chimerism study showed that PTLD was of donor origin. This case together with the recent literature findings on BPDCN and PTLD are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of switching to risperidone after unsuccessful treatment with aripiprazole on plasma monoamine metabolites level in the treatment of acute schizophrenia
Authors: Miura Itaru , Takeuchi Satoshi , Katsumi Akihiko , Kanno Keiko , Watanabe Kenya , Mashiko Hirobumi , Niwa Shin‐Ichi
Published: August 2012

Objective

In the treatment of acute schizophrenia, risperidone and aripiprazole are both placed the first line antipsychotics. These two antipsychotics have different pharmacological effects. We investigated the effects of risperidone on plasma levels of homovanillic acid (HVA) and 3‐methoxy‐4hydroxyphenylglycol after unsuccessful aripiprazole treatment in acute schizophrenia.

Methods

Ten Japanese patients with acute schizophrenia were enrolled to this study. Plasma levels of monoamine metabolites were analyzed with high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.

Results

Risperidone improved the symptoms and 4 of 10 patients were responders. Risperidone showed a tendency to decrease plasma HVA (pHVA) levels in responders (p = 0.068), but not in non‐responders (p = 1.0). At baseline, pHVA levels of responders were significantly higher than that of non‐responders (p = 0.033). A trend for negative correlation was found between pHVA at baseline and the changes in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale‐Total (p = 0.061, r = −0.61).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that high pHVA level before switching may predict good response to the second line antipsychotics after unsuccessful first antipsychotic treatment. If aripiprazole is not effective in acute schizophrenia, switching to risperidone may be effective and reasonable strategy for improving symptoms. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of potential mercury policies: The impact of stream basin characteristics on susceptible populations
Authors: Chan Caroline , Jacobs Robert R
Published: August 2012

Human exposure to Hg through fish consumption from local waterways is an ongoing concern to regulatory decision makers. Previously described population exposure and bioaccumulation models were combined to analyze the impact of potential policies on susceptible populations. The combined model simulated the problem of Hg exposure by examining the system from the point of Hg in the water column to its concentration in population biomarkers. Evaluated policy scenarios included the protectiveness of fish consumption advisories, total maximum daily load changes, and watershed management strategies. Simulations indicated that the characteristics of a basin combined with the unique pattern of intake rates of susceptible populations determine the risk associated with fish consumption from a given waterway. Each population had a unique pattern of biomarker response to changes in fish tissue Hg. Management strategies that lowered bioaccumulation rates also reduced ecosystem services. Reducing fish tissue contamination through reductions in Hg loading to watersheds is a long-term solution. For the short-term, fish consumption advisories should be used to protect populations from adverse exposures. The combination of characteristics of the basin and the populations that fish from the waterway should be the determinant for setting advisories. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013; 9: 124–133. © 2012 SETAC
Accumulated state of the Yukon River watershed: Part I critical review of literature
Authors: Dubé Monique G , Muldoon Breda , Wilson Julie , Maracle Karonhiakta'tie Bryan
Published: August 2012

A consistent methodology for assessing the accumulating effects of natural and manmade change on riverine systems has not been developed for a whole host of reasons including a lack of data, disagreement over core elements to consider, and complexity. Accumulated state assessments of aquatic systems is an integral component of watershed cumulative effects assessment. The Yukon River is the largest free flowing river in the world and is the fourth largest drainage basin in North America, draining 855 000 km2 in Canada and the United States. Because of its remote location, it is considered pristine but little is known about its cumulative state. This review identified 7 “hot spot” areas in the Yukon River Basin including Lake Laberge, Yukon River at Dawson City, the Charley and Yukon River confluence, Porcupine and Yukon River confluence, Yukon River at the Dalton Highway Bridge, Tolovana River near Tolovana, and Tanana River at Fairbanks. Climate change, natural stressors, and anthropogenic stresses have resulted in accumulating changes including measurable levels of contaminants in surface waters and fish tissues, fish and human disease, changes in surface hydrology, as well as shifts in biogeochemical loads. This article is the first integrated accumulated state assessment for the Yukon River basin based on a literature review. It is the first part of a 2-part series. The second article (Dubé et al. 2013a, this issue) is a quantitative accumulated state assessment of the Yukon River Basin where hot spots and hot moments are assessed outside of a “normal” range of variability. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013;9:426–438. © 2012 SETAC
Characterization of nerve growth factor‐induced mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity in rats
Authors: Mills C.D. , Nguyen T. , Tanga F.Y. , Zhong C. , Gauvin D.M. , Mikusa J. , Gomez E.J. , Salyers A.K. , Bannon A.W.
Published: August 2012

Background

Injection of nerve growth factor (NGF) produces mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity in rodents and humans. Treatment with sequestering antibodies demonstrates the importance of NGF in various pain states, with efficacy seen in a number of animal pain models and in painful human conditions. However, these phenomena have not been evaluated in the context of using NGF‐induced hypersensitivities as a model of pain.

Methods

NGF‐induced behaviours were characterized using von Frey filament, pinprick and thermal endpoints and then pharmacologically evaluated with known reference agents.

Results

Intraplantar NGF injection produced a dose‐dependent increase in thermal sensitivity that lasted through 24 h post‐injection and an immediate long‐lasting (2 week) increase in mechanical sensitivity at the injection site, with no effects detected at secondary sites. NGF‐induced mechanical sensitivity was pharmacologically characterized at 4 h and 1 week post‐NGF injection. The nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), celecoxib and diclofenac, were minimally effective against both thermal and mechanical endpoints. Gabapenitn and duloxetine were only moderately effective against thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity. Morphine was effective against thermal and mechanical endpoints at every time point examined. Treatment with the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) antagonist A‐784168 partially attenuated NGF‐induced thermal and mechanical sensitivity at all time points examined.

Conclusions

The results reported here suggest that effects of NGF on thermal and mechanical sensitivity in rats are similar to those reported in human and are partially driven by TRPV1. The rat NGF model may serve as a potential translational model for exploring the effects of novel analgesic agents.
Modulation of pain by emotional sounds: A laser‐evoked potential study
Authors: Stancak A. , Ward H. , Fallon N.
Published: August 2012

Background

Previous studies have shown increases in experimental pain during induction of a negative emotion with visual stimuli, verbal statements or unpleasant odours. The goal of the present study was to analyse the spatio‐temporal activation patterns underlying pain augmentation during negative emotional sounds.

Methods

Negative (e.g., crying), positive (e.g., laughter) and neutral (e.g., distant traffic) sound samples of 4 s duration were presented while noxious laser stimuli were administered to the dorsum of the right hand in 16 healthy participants. The electroencephalographic laser‐evoked potentials (LEPs) were modelled using six equivalent source dipoles located in the left and right fronto‐opercular/anterior‐insular cortex, left parietal operculum, left primary somatosensory cortex, medial parietal cortex and left medial temporal cortex.

Results

Negative emotional sounds were associated with stronger pain than neutral or positive sounds. The source activity in the left medial temporal cortex, purportedly involving hippocampal formation, in the epoch 294–330 ms was greater during negative than neutral or positive sounds. In the left fronto‐opercular/anterior‐insular cortex, negative sounds failed to show the positive potential component at around 260 ms that was observed during positive and especially during neutral sounds.

Conclusions

Results suggest increased input of pain‐related information into the hippocampal formation when listening to negative emotional sounds, which may in turn facilitate temporal binding between representations of noxious and other behaviourally relevant stimuli, and perhaps associative learning. Absence of the positive potential component fronto‐opercular/anterior‐insular cortex during negative sounds points to a slow attentional disengagement from pain and increased awareness of the painful stimulus.
Digital holographic microtomography for high‐resolution refractive index mapping of live cells
Authors: Su Jing‐Wei , Hsu Wei‐Chen , Chou Cheng‐Ying , Chang Chen‐Hao , Sung Kung‐Bin
Published: August 2012

Quantification of three‐dimensional (3D) refractive index (RI) with sub‐cellular resolution is achieved by digital holographic microtomography (DHμT) using quantitative phase images measured at multiple illumination angles. The DHμT system achieves sensitive and fast phase measurements based on iterative phase extraction algorithm and asynchronous phase shifting interferometry without any phase monitoring or active control mechanism. A reconstruction algorithm, optical diffraction tomography with projection on convex sets and total variation minimization, is implemented to substantially reduce the number of angular scattered fields needed for reconstruction without sacrificing the accuracy and quality of the reconstructed 3D RI distribution. Tomogram of a living CA9‐22 cell is presented to demonstrate the performance of the method. Further, a statistical analysis of the average RI of the nucleoli, the nucleus excluding the nucleoli and the cytoplasm of twenty CA9‐22 cells is performed. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Consistent scheme for computing standard hydrogen electrode and redox potentials
Authors: Matsui Toru , Kitagawa Yasutaka , Okumura Mitsutaka , Shigeta Yasuteru , Sakaki Shigeyoshi
Published: August 2012

The standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) potential in aqueous solution was evaluated with new computational procedure that provides the Gibbs energy of a proton in aqueous solution from the experimental pKa value and the Gibbs energy change by deprotonation reactions of several neutral alcohol molecules. With our computational scheme, the CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVDZ method provides the SHE potential of 4.52 V, which is almost the same as the experimental SHE potential. This scheme also reproduces well the redox potentials of several typical reactions within almost 0.1 V. B3LYP also gives excellent redox potentials of the same reactions with almost the same accuracy with our new computational scheme. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Titanium(IV) Complexes of Unsymmetrical Schiff Bases Derived from Ethylenediamine and o‐Hydroxyaldehyde/Ketone and Their Anti‐microbial Evaluation
Authors: Nasir Uddin Mohammad , Chowdhury D. A. , Hossain Kamrul
Published: August 2012

The titanium(IV) complexes of the unsymmetrical Schiff base ligands (L) of ethylenediamine and salicylaldehyde, o‐hydroxyacetophenone, o‐hydroxynapthaldehyde have been prepared and characterized when unsymmetrical ligands are synthesized through in situ partial displacement of the symmetrical bis‐Schiff bases. Compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, electronic, (Infra‐red) IR, 1H NMR spectral data, magnetic susceptibility measurement and molar conductance and eight coordinated geometry of the complexes was proposed. The complexes have been found to posses 1:2:1 (M:L:B) stoichiometry (B is the secondary ligand). The bio‐efficacy of the prepared complexes has been examined against the growth of bacteria and fungi in vitro to evaluate their anti‐microbial potential.
New insights on transcriptional responses of genes involved in carbon central metabolism, respiration and fermentation to low ATP levels in Escherichia coli
Authors: Soria Sandra , de Anda Ramón , Flores Noemí , Romero‐Garcia Susana , Gosset Guillermo , Bolívar Francisco , Báez‐Viveros José Luis
Published: August 2012

Adenosine‐5‐triphosphate (ATP) plays a fundamental role in many cellular processes such as transport, central carbon metabolism, biosynthetic reactions, macromolecular synthesis, signal transduction and cellular division. In addition, the intracellular [ATP]/[ADP] ratio in Escherichia coli plays an important role in controlling the specific rates of growth (µ), glucose consumption (qGlc) and oxygen uptake (qO2), as well as the transcriptome pattern in the cell, as was recently reported. In the current study, the energetic level (expressed as [ATP]/[ADP] ratio) was substantially reduced in E. coli strains by either over‐expressing the F1‐ATPase activity (JMAGD+) or inactivating ATP synthase (JMat−). The physiological characterization of the wild‐type JM101 strain and its derivative JMAGD+ and JMatp− strains was conducted in bioreactors containing minimal medium with glucose. The inactivation of the atp operon and F1‐ATPase overexpression significantly diminished the energetic level and cAMP concentration in derivative strains. Relative transcription levels of 105 genes involved in glucose transport, glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, fermentation, respiration, transcriptional regulators, transcription and genes involved in stress were determined by using qPCR. Interestingly, in the JMAGD+ and JMatp− strains, having a reduced energetic level, many transcripts of glycolysis, TCA cycle and respiratory genes were down‐regulated when compared to wild type JM101. The transcriptional responses, detected in the strains with reduced energetic level show down‐regulation of genes involved in central carbon metabolism and respiration, these results are apposite to the observed trends of increased metabolic fluxes in glucose consumption, glycolysis, acetate synthesis, TCA cycle and respiration. Regulation mediated by CRP‐cAMP complex may explain some observed transcriptional responses of TCA cycle genes, since cAMP concentration and crp transcript level were significant reduced in the JMatp− mutant. Therefore, the substantial reduction of [ATP]/[ADP] ratio had a relevant effect on the CRP‐cAMP regulatory system (among other global regulators), which may trigger an extensive transcriptional response.
Efficacy of root‐associated fungi and PGPR on the growth of Pisum sativum (cv. Arkil) and reproduction of the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Akhtar Mohd. Sayeed , Panwar Jitendra
Published: August 2012

The effects of root‐associated fungi (Aspergillus awamori and Glomus mosseae) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) (Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas alcaligenes and Paenibacillus polymyxa) were studied alone and in combination in glasshouse experiments on the growth of pea, enzyme activity (peroxidase and catalase) and reproduction of root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Application of A. awamori, G. mosseae and PGPR caused a significant increase in pea growth and enzyme activities of both nematode inoculated and uninoculated plants. A. awamori was more effective in reducing galling and improving the growth of nematode inoculated plants than P. alcaligenes or P. polymyxa. The greatest increase in growth, enzyme activities of nematode‐inoculated plants and reduction in galling and nematode multiplication was observed when A. awamori was used with P. putida or G. mosseae as compared to the other combinations tested. Percentage root colonization was higher when AM fungus inoculated plants were treated with P. putida both in presence and absence of nematode.
Microbial volatile organic compounds in moldy interiors: A long‐term climate chamber study
Authors: Schuchardt Sven , Strube Andrea
Published: August 2012

The present study simulated large‐scale indoor mold damage in order to test the efficiency of air sampling for the detection of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). To do this, a wallpaper damaged by condensation was stored in a climate chamber (representing a hypothetical test room of 40 m3 volume) and was inoculated with 14 typical indoor fungal strains. The chamber ventilation conditions were adjusted to common values found in moldy homes, and the mold growth was allowed to continue to higher than average values. The MVOC content of the chamber air was analyzed daily for a period of 105 days using coupled gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC–MS). This procedure guarantees MVOC profiling without external factors such as outdoor air, building materials, furniture, and occupants. However, only nine MVOCs could be detected during the sampling period, which indicates that the very low concentrated MVOCs are hardly accessible, even under these favorable conditions. Furthermore, most of the MVOCs that were detected cannot be considered as reliable indicators of mold growth in indoor environments.
Sequential radiofrequency ablation and surgical debulking for unresectable colorectal carcinoma: Thermo‐surgical ablation
Authors: Ripley R. Taylor , Gajdos Csaba , Reppert Amy E. , MacDermott Tracey , McCarter Martin D. , Pearlman Nathan W.
Published: August 2012

Background and Objectives

Despite decreasing frequency, local recurrences of unresectable colorectal cancer (CRC) remain difficult problems. These patients have few treatment options with conventional therapy. Preliminary results of sequential radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and surgical debulking (thermo‐surgical ablation) suggest this technique may have benefit.

Methods

We reviewed a prospective database of patients undergoing thermo‐surgical ablation for unresectable colorectal carcinoma from 2003 to 2011.

Results

Sixteen patients were treated with unresectable, recurrent abdomino‐pelvic colorectal carcinoma: 11 in pelvis; 4 with isolated aortic/retroperitoneal disease; and 1 with pelvic and peri‐adrenal/retroperitoneal disease. Eleven patients had recurrent rectal cancer and five had recurrent colon cancer.

Median overall and 3‐year actuarial survivals were 15 months and 24%, respectively. Median and 3‐year PFS was 12 months and 19%, respectively. Three patients without disease have survived 0.75, 4.0, and 7.0 years. Two patients died at 5.0 and 5.5 years. A disease‐free interval (DFI) of >24 months after initial resection was associated with longer overall survival (60 months vs. 4 months; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Thermo‐surgical debulking appears to have a role in the treatment of some patients with recurrent, unresectable CRC; those patients with DFI >24 months after initial surgery benefited the most. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:144–147. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
RAF‐targeted therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma in the regenerating liver
Authors: Shi Ji‐Hua , Liu Shu‐Zheng , Wierød Lene , Scholz Hanne , Anmarkrud Jarl Andreas , Huitfeldt Henrik S. , Zhang Shui‐Jun , Line Pål‐Dag
Published: August 2012

Background

Post‐operative liver regeneration may contribute to tumor recurrence. There is a theoretical need for an adjuvant therapy that can suppress tumor growth without adversely affecting post‐operative liver regeneration.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of RAF inhibitor Sorafenib on cell viability and proliferation of hepatoma cells and hepatocytes in vitro and in an in vivo rat model.

Methods

Cell viability, DNA synthesis, and RAF/MAPK kinase activity in the primary hepatocyte and hepatoma cell lines were investigated after Sorafenib exposure. Sequence analysis of the B‐RAF gene in hepatic cells was determined. Tumor markers were compared within the rats after 70% hepatectomy with or without daily oral gavages of Sorafenib. Liver regeneration was assessed by liver function tests and proliferation markers.

Results

Primary hepatocytes showed higher cell viability, proliferation rate, and stronger RAF/MAPK kinase activity compared with hepatoma cell lines. The in vivo tumor volumes, size, and metastases were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) whereas no significant change in liver regeneration related to Sorafenib exposure was found (P > 0.05). B‐RAF V600E mutation was not detected neither in the hepatic cells nor untransformed hepatocytes.

Conclusions

The RAF targeted inhibitor can reduce tumor growth without retarding liver regeneration in this experiment. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:393–401. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Co‐existence of cyclin D1 and vascular endothelial growth factor protein expression is a poor prognostic factor for UICC stage I–III colorectal cancer patients after curative resection
Authors: Tsai Hsiang‐Lin , Yeh Yung‐Sung , Chang Yu‐Tang , Yang I‐Ping , Lin Chih‐Hung , Kuo Chao‐Hung , Juo Suh‐Hang , Wang Jaw‐Yuan
Published: August 2012

Background

Angiogenesis plays an important role in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Studies have indicated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the predominant angiogenic factor. Cyclin D1 (CCND1) induces production of VEGF and is required for migration of blood vessels. Our aim was to determine the roles of CCND1 and VEGF overexpression in CRC patients.

Methods

We analyzed clinicopathological features, VEGF and CCND1 expressions by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining in 100 stage I–III CRC patients (44 were postoperative relapsed; 56 were postoperative non‐relapsed) to determine the correlation between clinicopathologic features and co‐existence of CCND1 and VEGF. Furthermore, the clinical outcomes of co‐existence of CCND1 and VEGF were investigated.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed vascular invasion (P = 0.019), VEGF overexpression (P = 0.033), and high postoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels (P = 0.022) were independent predictors of postoperative relapse. Co‐existence of CCND1 and VEGF overexpression had significantly poorer disease‐free survival rates (P = 0.004) and overall survival rates (P = 0.001) than other phenotypes.

Conclusions

Co‐existence of CCND1 and VEGF overexpression would potentially assist in TNM staging systems to predict the prognosis of these patients who would benefit from intensive follow‐up and therapeutic programs. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:148–154. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hibernal thermal ecology of eastern box turtles within a managed forest landscape
Authors: Currylow Andrea F. , Macgowan Brian J. , Williams Rod N.
Published: August 2012

Box turtles are being extirpated from much of their former range and remaining populations often live in association with anthropogenically altered habitats. This is particularly evident at the northern distributional limit of eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) and is an important factor to consider during the winter months when their ability to respond to microclimatic change is limited. Using temperature dataloggers, we studied the hibernal microclimate of box turtles and associated habitat following timber harvests. We monitored the body temperatures of 38 eastern box turtles and collected detailed air and soil profile temperatures of 12 box turtle hibernacula, 6 clearcuts, and 6 adjacent forested areas during the hibernal season (winter 2009–2010). We partitioned the hibernal season into 2 biologically significant thermal periods: hibernation and emergence. The mean hibernation body temperature averaged (3.28° C, SE = 0.09) and corresponded to an average depth of 10 cm. Clearcuts were consistently colder (${\bar {x}}$ = 1.91° C) than forests (${\bar {x}}$ = 2.68° C) and hibernacula (${\bar {x}}$ = 2.77° C) during hibernation, but became the warmest areas during emergence (${\bar {x}}$ = 9.96° C). We found that in the average clearcut, turtles could burrow to approximately 20 cm to attain the average hibernation body temperature or to approximately 15 cm to attain a body temperature no different than those overwintering on colder, northeast‐facing slopes in the forest (${\bar {x}}$ = 2.83° C). Alternatively, we found that southwest‐facing slopes were warmer and if turtles chose to overwinter only in clearcuts on those slopes, they could remain shallower. All but 1 turtle overwintered in forested areas; however, our study suggests that some timber harvested areas offer various microhabitats exploitable by hibernating box turtles based on soil profile temperatures, slope aspect, and depth of hibernation. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
The Language Detective: A Course for Young Linguists
Authors: Clark Billy , Trousdale Graeme
Published: August 2012

This article reports on a residential course, held at the Villiers Park Educational Trust centre in Foxton, Cambridgeshire, which introduces linguistics to students who are in their final two years of school education. Both students and tutors find the course challenging and fun. Students find the experience of developing their own linguistic investigations hugely rewarding. This is clearly indicated in feedback questionnaires and informal discussion at the end of the course. Feedback regularly shows over 95% of responses in the most positive (‘excellent’) category. Tutors find out more about their subject and about the interests and abilities of students at this level. This is, of course, interesting to any teacher for its own sake. We also have a particular interest in developing activities which make connections between linguistics and language study at school and in higher education.
Highly Enhanced Accelerating Effect of Melt‐Recrystallized Stereocomplex Crystallites on Poly(L‐lactic acid) Crystallization, 2–Effects of Poly(D‐lactic acid) Concentration
Authors: Narita Junichi , Katagiri Mikio , Tsuji Hideto
Published: August 2012

The effects of varying concentrations of incorporated PDLA on the acceleration of PLLA homo‐crystallization due to stereocomplex (SC) crystallite formation are investigated in PLLA films doped with PDLA over the wide concentration range of 1–10 wt%. PLLA homo‐crystallization is accelerated for all the PDLA concentrations when the processing temperature Tp is just above the endset melting temperature of the SC crystallites (Tp = 226–238 °C), although the appropriate Tp range becomes narrow at low concentrations of PDLA. The accelerating effects of SC crystallites depend on the SC crystalline thickness and the interaction between the SC crystalline regions and PLLA amorphous regions for Tps below and above the melting peak temperature of the SC crystallites, respectively.

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Pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Hirsch Etienne C. , Jenner Peter , Przedborski Serge
Published: August 2012

Parkinson's disease is a common adult‐onset neurodegenerative disorder whose pathogenesis remains essentially unknown. Currently, it is believed that the neurodegenerative process in Parkinson's disease is a combination of both cell‐autonomous and non‐cell‐autonomous mechanisms. Proposed cell‐autonomous mechanisms include alterations in mitochondrial bioenergetics, dysregulation of calcium homeostasis, and impaired turnover of mitochondria. As for the proposed non‐cell‐autonomous mechanisms, they involve prion‐like behavior of misfolded proteins and neuroinflammation. This suggests that cell death in Parkinson's disease is caused by a multifactorial cascade of pathogenic events and argues that effective neuroprotective therapy for Parkinson's disease may have to rely on multiple drug interventions. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society