bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The APS and APS-P: A Methodological Comparison between Italian Preschool and School-Aged Children
Authors: Mazzeschi Claudia , Salcuni Silvia , Di Riso Daniela , Lis Adriana , Bonucci Samantha
Published: January 2009

Pretend play is a natural mode of expression for children. The Affect in Play Scale (APS) (Russ, 1993, 2004) is a standardized measure of affective expression in pretend play—using puppets—of children aged between 6 and 10 years, and many research studies support its usefulness. The development of the APS was guided by Russ's (1993, 2004) conceptualization and the theoretical model encompassed what was currently known about how, and the extent to which, affect is an important part of the creative process. Based on their work with the APS, Russ, Niec, and Kaugars (2000) adapted it for use with children 4 and 5 years of age. They developed the Affect in Play Scale Preschool (APS-P)—using toys—to be sensitive to individual differences in children's play at this younger age. The aim of this article is to compare the application of APS and APS-P in a balanced experimental design with 56 preschool and school-aged (4-10 years old) Italian children. Results show no significant differences between the two versions of the APS (Toys versus Puppets) except for Comfort. Children of all ages seem more comfortable playing with toys than with puppets. Gender and age-group differences were found.
Flow in Sport: A Study of College Athletes
Authors: Chavez Edward J.
Published: January 2009

The study investigated how the flow state is experienced by college athletes. Sixteen NCÁ Division I college athletes, representing both individual and team sports, participated in the study. A phenomenological method was used in capturing the subjective experiences of participants in the flow state. There was a central focus on which factors athletes perceived as being most important for facilitating entry into the flow state, which factors are perceived as preventing/disrupting flow, and which are involved in reinstating flow. The study also attempted to determine which factors athletes perceived as having volitional control. Finally, the study examined the temporal proximity, as phenomenologically determined, between flow and body sensations reported during peak performance episodes. Results indicated that having limited or no cognitive conscious thought process was the most salient characteristic of describing the flow state. Most athletes described experiencing some form of body sensation during the flow state.
Estimation and Implications of Space Use for White‐Tailed Deer Management in Southern Michigan
Authors: HILLER TIM L. , CAMPA HENRY , WINTERSTEIN SCOTT R.
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT  Studies assessing space use are often descriptive but sometimes lack guidance for managers whose objectives include altering wildlife abundance through habitat management programs. The concept of usable space (i.e., species‐specific permanent cover situations that maximize fitness) collapses commonly used home‐range estimates (e.g., kernel estimators) by excluding cover types contained within individual home ranges that lack direct evidence of use and by reducing cover types containing large areas but small proportions of location estimates. In theory, estimates of usable space provide a potentially more accurate biological representation of space use compared to kernel estimators and provide guidance for managing avoided cover types (i.e., used in a proportion less than available). Our objectives were to compare white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) space use under the kernel and usable‐space methods and to discuss the implications of cover conversions under the usable‐space concept. Using radio‐marked adult female deer (n = 20) in south central Michigan, USA, during 2004–2006, we found that fixed‐kernel home‐range estimates (x̄= 77.5 ha ± 9.6 SE for the agricultural growing season, x̄= 140.4 ha ± 23.4 SE for the nongrowing season) included cover types with no evidence of use (e.g., no telemetry locations). Usable‐space estimates (ha) were approximately 75% that of kernel home ranges and were dominated (approx. 87%) by upland deciduous forest, lowland shrub, agriculture, and coniferous cover types. Under the assumption that deer densities are positively correlated with the amount of usable space, we provided several cover‐conversion scenarios (i.e., habitat manipulation) that would theoretically change deer densities on our study area by increasing or decreasing the amount of usable space. Effects of land‐use changes (e.g., increasing urbanization, such as on our study area and throughout much of the midwestern United States) on usable space and inferences on deer population responses may also be assessed using our approach. Regardless of the wildlife species being managed, decisions regarding habitat manipulation are often constrained by several factors (e.g., social, edaphic) and managers should consider ecological processes (e.g., vegetation succession) and implications on broader objectives (e.g., biodiversity conservation).
A Comparison of Two Modeling Approaches for Evaluating Wildlife‐Habitat Relationships
Authors: LONG RYAN A. , MUIR JONATHAN D. , RACHLOW JANET L. , KIE JOHN G.
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT  Studies of resource selection form the basis for much of our understanding of wildlife habitat requirements, and resource selection functions (RSFs), which predict relative probability of use, have been proposed as a unifying concept for analysis and interpretation of wildlife habitat data. Logistic regression that contrasts used and available or unused resource units is one of the most common analyses for developing RSFs. Recently, resource utilization functions (RUFs) have been developed, which also predict probability of use. Unlike RSFs, however, RUFs are based on a continuous metric of space use summarized by a utilization distribution. Although both RSFs and RUFs predict space use, a direct comparison of these 2 modeling approaches is lacking. We compared performance of RSFs and RUFs by applying both approaches to location data for 75 Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus) and 39 mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) collected at the Starkey Experimental Forest and Range in northeastern Oregon, USA. We evaluated differences in maps of predicted probability of use, relative ranking of habitat variables, and predictive power between the 2 models. For elk, 3 habitat variables were statistically significant (P < 0.05) in the RSF, whereas 7 variables were significant in the RUF. Maps of predicted probability of use differed substantially between the 2 models for elk, as did the relative ranking of habitat variables. For mule deer, 4 variables were significant in the RSF, whereas 6 were significant in the RUF, and maps of predicted probability of use were similar between models. In addition, distance to water was the top‐ranked variable in both models for mule deer. Although space use by both species was predicted most accurately by the RSF based on cross‐validation, differences in predictive power between models were more substantial for elk than mule deer. To maximize accuracy and utility of predictive wildlife‐habitat models, managers must be aware of the relative strengths and weaknesses of different modeling techniques. We conclude that although RUFs represent a substantial advance in resource selection theory, techniques available for generating RUFs remain underdeveloped and, as a result, RUFs sometimes predict less accurately than models derived using more conventional techniques.
Dogville or an Illustration of Some Properties of General Equilibrium
Authors: Harmgart Heike , Huck Steffen
Published: January 2009

Lars von Trier's movie 'Dogville' illustrates some illuminating and poignant comparative statics of equilibrium allocations, according to Heike Harmgart and Steffen Huck.
Cost Pass-Through under Delegation
Authors: Ritz Robert A.
Published: January 2009

The rate of cost pass-through exceeds 50% under strategic delegation of decision-making to managers with sales revenue contractsregardless of the number of firms in the industry and demand curvature. This contrasts sharply with profit-maximization, for which cost pass-through can take on any positive value. The key intuition is that firms under delegation act as if they faced more rivals than they actually do, thus pushing cost pass-through towards 100%. Cost pass-through with market share contracts is similarly bounded below, and this note also generalizes existing results on equilibrium characterization for this case.
A Constructive Proof that Learning in Repeated Games Leads to Nash Equilibria
Authors: Leoni Patrick L
Published: January 2009

This paper extends the convergence result in Kalai and Lehrer (1993a, 1993b) to a class of games where players have a payoff function continuous for the product topology. Provided that 1) every player maximizes her expected payoff against her own beliefs, 2) every player updates her beliefs in a Bayesian manner, and 3) prior beliefs of other players' strategies have a grain of truth, we construct a Nash equilibrium such that, after some finite time, the equilibrium outcome of the above game is arbitrarily close to the constructed Nash equilibrium.
Automatic Synchronization as the Element of a Power System's Anti-Collapse Complex
Authors: Barkāns J. , Žalostība D.
Published: January 2009

Automatic Synchronization as the Element of a Power System's Anti-Collapse Complex

In the work, a new universal technical solution is proposed for blackout prevention in a power system, which combines the means for its optimal short-term sectioning and automatic self-restoration to normal conditions. The key element of self-restoration is automatic synchronization. The authors show that for this purpose it is possible to use automatic re-closing with a device for synchronism-check. The results of computations, with simplified formulas and a relevant mathematical model employed, indicate the area of application for this approach. The proposed solution has been created based on many-year experience in the liquidation of emergencies and on the potentialities of equipment, taking into account new features of blackout development that have come into being recently.
Comparison of Avifauna at the Edges of Contrasting Forest Patches in Western Ghat Hills of India
Authors: Aich Anulipi , Mukhopadhyay Subhra
Published: January 2009

Comparison of Avifauna at the Edges of Contrasting Forest Patches in Western Ghat Hills of India

Avifauna of shola and semi-evergreen forest patches belonging to three different sanctuaries and National Parks in the southern part of Western Ghat range of Tamil Nadu and Kerala was studied. Altogether 36 species from 17 families were recorded. One globally threatened species (A1), two restricted range species (A2) and one Palearctic-Asian migrant species have been recorded from forest edges during the relatively short study period. The highest population density of 47.59 ind./ha at Varagaliar Shola was followed by 43.69 ind./ha at Anapaddy, 27.53 ind./ha at Karian Shola, and 23.25 ind./ha at Punnumalai Shola. As Punnumalai Shola is least disturbed by human activity it got the highest number of avian families (15) and was followed by Karian Shola (9) and Vargaliar Shola and Anapaddy - 8 in both cases. Punnumalai Shola having varied bird families showed lower dominance (0.075) and higher evenness value (0.957). In contrast, the edge of semi-evergreen forest at Anapaddy, although very much disturbed by various human activities, showed almost comparable diversity value (2.890) to that of Punnumalai Shola (2.913). More open canopy and much vegetational intergradations at the ecotone of semi-evergreen biotope inherently shelter avian community of high diversity. Conversely, the edges of Karian Shola and Varagaliar Shola having much anthropogenic interferences and with edges showing much lower intergradations of vegetations, exhibited a low avian diversity.
Some Characteristics of Daytime Bird Migration in Israel: Radar Monitoring Data
Authors: Dinevich Leonid , Leshem Yossi
Published: January 2009

Some Characteristics of Daytime Bird Migration in Israel: Radar Monitoring Data

In addition, it is of high importance to have statistics on seasonal transcontinental bird migrations in order to perform long-term planning of air traffic, especially in the areas crowded with aircraft.

We analysed the radar data collected over several years, and on this basis determined the main statistical characteristics of daytime bird flights over central Israel, including: (1) average and maximum flight altitudes, (2) time of the day and the season when bird migration is especially intensive, (3) dominating directions and velocities of flights.

It was found that average daily altitude maximums of bird flights (in relation to the sea level) were within the range of 1200-3500 m in autumn, and within the range of 1000-2700 m in spring. The absolute flight maximum reached 4300 m in autumn and 3700 m in spring. In autumn, flight altitudes were higher than in spring.

The altitudes of maximum bird concentrations reached 600 m in autumn, and only in rare cases rose to 650 m, while in spring the corresponding figures were 500 and 600 m. Both in spring and in autumn, the average altitude of maximum bird concentration was located within the range of 250-400 m.

The dominant flight direction for day migration was 190-220° in autumn and 10-50° in spring.

In our study, we did not observe any pronounced impact of wind direction on the direction of bird flights, neither close to the ground level nor at the height of 600 m. In Israel, both in autumn and in spring, the winds have a distinct occidental component, and at the height of 600 m the dominant wind directions are W-NW in autumn and W-SW in spring, i.e. at the angle of approximately 90° in relation to the directions of seasonal bird migrations.

The average ground-speed of seasonal migrations was found to be 14 m/s in spring and 15 m/s in autumn, the minimum and maximum ground-speed values of 8 and 18 m/s, respectively. At the same time, average monthly grounds-speed values at the altitude of 600 m, at 11.00 a.m. local time, were found to be within the range of 4-7 m/s in autumn and 3-6 m/s in spring.

The peak of day migration intensity was observed within the time interval from 12.00 to 1.00 p.m. The spring migration started at the beginning of March, reached its monthly peak in April and came to the end in late May. The autumn migration started at the middle of August, reached its monthly peak in September and came to the end in November.

The results obtained in the present study should be applied for ensuring air-traffic safety in periods of bird migration and also can be of special interest for ornithologists.
La santé en péril: répercussions de la communication âgiste sur le désengagement psychologique et l'estime de soi des infirmiers de 45 ans et plus
Authors: Lagacé Martine , Tougas Francine , Laplante Joelle , Neveu Jean-François
Published: January 2009

These two studies are designed to evaluate the reactions of male nurses aged 45 years and older toward ageism. The goal of the first study is to test theprestigious work domain model of psychological disengagementresulting from a previous study conducted among female nurses. This model has been confirmed through path analyses conducted on a sample of 236 male nurse technicians; by the same token, it has been shown to apply in the case of lower-status employees working in a prestigious field. In particular, the more a male nurse aged 45 and older experiences relative personal deprivation, the more he discredits feedback from his co-workers and superiors; such discrediting, in turn, leads to devaluation of the domain of work, which in turn lowers self-esteem. The goal of the second study is three-fold, namely: (a) testing the disengagement model among 419 male nurse clinicians; (b) extending this model through the addition ofageist communicationas a variable triggering personal relative deprivation; and (c) constructing a scale of ageist communication. Path analyses have again confirmed that the way a domain is appreciated influences the negative impact that devaluation can produce on self-esteem, regardless of the gender or status of the employee working in that field. In addition, these results demonstrate the central role played by communication in the workplace as a vehicle of ageism and as a precursor of ageing employees' discomfort. The discussion covers the implications of ageing employees' reactions toward ageism as well as the consequences of depreciatory language and exclusionary communication practices in the workplace.
Iconic Sign Comprehension in Older Adults: The Role of Cognitive Impairment and Text Enhancement
Authors: Scialfa Charles , Spadafora Pat , Klein Marianne , Lesnik Agata , Dial Lindsay , Heinrich Antje
Published: January 2009

Bien comprendre les panneaux de signalisation est critique pour bien conduire aun véhicule, réagir aux avertissements, et s'orienter. Les aînés qui comprennent mal un panneau routier risquent davantage de subir un accident et de voir leur indépendance compromise. La présente étude visait à déterminer le degré de compréhension des pictogrammes par des aînés en bonne santé et des aînés souffrant de déficience. De plus, nous nous sommes demandé si l'ajout de texte aux pictogrammes permettrait aux aînés de les mieux comprendre. Lors de l'Expérience 1, nous avons demandé à des jeunes adultes, à des adultes plus âgés en bonne santé et aussi à des aînés souffrant de déficience cognitive à divers degrés, la signification de 65 panneaux routiers visant la conduite, les avertissements, et l'orientation. Les adultes plus âgés en bonne santé comprenaient bien la signalisation en général, mais avaient de la difficulté à déterminer ce que signifiait le panneau d'orientation. Les aînés souffrant de déficience cognitive comprenaient en général moins bien les panneaux routiers et en particulier les icônes d'orientation et les panneaux avec seulement un pictogramme. Au cours de l'Expérience 2, nous avons demandé à des aînés en bonne santé la signification de panneaux comportant seulement des icônes ou des icônes avec du texte. La compréhension était améliorée de façon importante lorsque le panneau comportait du texte. Ce travail a démontré que l'évaluation de la compréhension des panneaux de signalisation doit porter sur un vaste échantillon hétérogène d'adultes plus âgés dans l'échelle de capacités perceptuelles et cognitives représentées dans la population.
Aspects contractuels dans la gestion des interactions plurilingues en contexte universitaire
Authors: Bono Mariana , Melo-Pfeifer Sílvia
Published: January 2009

Résumé

Dans cette contribution, nous nous pencherons sur la négociation des aspects contractuels dans deux modalités d'interaction exolingue : des interactions plurilingues romanophones dans le cadre de séances de clavardage et des interactions monolingues issues de conversations informelles en espagnol langue tierce (L3). Notre objectif sera d'analyser, dans ces interactions, les négociations de sens, de forme, de l'activité, des langues de communication et des rôles des locuteurs dans une perspective plurilingue et interactionniste de l'enseignement et de l'apprentissage des langues en milieu universitaire. On fera l'hypothèse que ces activités langagières originales et innovatrices offrent un potentiel considérable pour le développement de la compétence plurilingue des apprenants, compétence que nous envisagerons non pas comme étant un atout individuel mais comme une ressource collective et partagée.
Bloodborne Viral Hepatitis Infections among Drug Users: The Role of Vaccination
Authors: Lugoboni Fabio , Quaglio Gianluca , Civitelli Paolo , Mezzelani Paolo
Published: January 2009

Drug use is a prevalent world-wide phenomenon and hepatitis virus infections are traditionally a major health problem among drug users (DUs). HBV and HCV, and to a lesser extent HAV, are easily transmitted through exposure to infected blood and body fluids. Viral hepatitis is not inevitable for DUs. Licensed vaccines are available for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. The purpose of this overview is to show some epidemiological data about HBV and the other blood-borne viral hepatitis among DUs and to summarize and discuss use of hepatitis vaccinations in this population. Successful vaccination campaigns among DUs are feasible and well described. We try to focus on the most significant results achieved in successful vaccination programs as reported in scientific literature. Vaccination campaigns among DUs represent a highly effective form of health education and they are cost-saving.
Ordered Mesoporous Silica Derived from Layered Silicates
Authors: Kimura Tatsuo , Kuroda Kazuyuki
Published: January 2009

Here, the development of ordered mesoporous silica prepared by the reaction of layered silicates with organoammonium surfactants is reviewed. The specific features of mesoporous silica are discussed with relation to the probable formation mechanisms. The recent understanding of the unusual structural changes from the 2D structure to periodic 3D mesostructures is presented. The formation of mesophase silicates from layered silicates with single silicate sheets depends on combined factors including the reactivity of layered silicates, the presence of layered intermediates, the variation of the silicate sheets, and the assemblies of surfactant molecules in the interlayer spaces. FSM‐16‐type (p6mm) mesoporous silica is formed via layered intermediates composed of fragmented silicate sheets and alkyltrimethylammonium (CnTMA) cations. KSW‐2‐type (c2mm) mesoporous silica can be prepared through the bending of the individual silicate sheets with intralayer and interlayer condensation. Although the structure of the silicate sheets changes during the reactions with CnTMA cations in a complex manner, the structural units caused by kanemite in the frameworks are retained. Recent development of the structural design in the silicate framework is very important for obtaining KSW‐2‐based mesoporous silica with molecularly ordered frameworks. The structural units originating from layered silicates are chemically designed and structurally stabilized by direct silylation of as‐synthesized KSW‐2. Some proposed applications using these mesoporous silica are also summarized with some remarks on the uniqueness of the use of layered silicates by comparison with MCM‐type mesoporous silica.
Microgel‐Based Stimuli‐Responsive Capsules
Authors: Berger Sebastian , Zhang Haiping , Pich Andrij
Published: January 2009

In this paper, a preparation of stimuli‐responsive capsules based on aqueous microgels is described. Microgel particles act as stabilizers for oil‐in‐water emulsion and organize themselves on the surface of chloroform droplets containing the biodegradable polymer poly(4‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). After chloroform evaporation, composite capsules consisting of a thin PHBV wall with integrated microgels are obtained. Due to the presence of microgels acting as sensitive building blocks, the capsules respond to different stimuli (temperature, solvent concentration). Preliminary results indicate that the capsule dimensions and morphology can be tuned by microgel and PHBV concentration in water and chloroform, respectively.
Exploiting a Dual‐Fluorescence Process in Fluorene–Dibenzothiophene‐S,S‐dioxideCo‐Polymers to Give Efficient Single Polymer LEDs with Broadened Emission
Authors: King Simon M. , Perepichka Irene I. , Perepichka Igor F. , Dias Fernando B. , Bryce Martin R. , Monkman Andrew P.
Published: January 2009

A description of the synthesis of random (9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl)–(dibenzothiophene‐S,S‐dioxide‐3,7‐diyl) co‐polymers (p(F‐S)x) by palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki cross‐coupling polymerization where the feed ratio of the latter is varied from 2 to 30 mol % (i.e., x = 2–30) is given. Polymer light emitting devices are fabricated with the configuration indium tin oxide/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonic acid)/p(F–S)x/Ba/Al. The device external quantum efficiency increased as the ratio of the S co‐monomer was increased, up to a maximum of 1.3% at 100 mA cm−2 for p(F‐S)30 and a brightness of 3 770 cd m−2 (at 10 V). The S units impart improved electron injection, more balanced mobilities, and markedly improved device performance compared to poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene) under similar conditions. These co‐polymers display broad emission, observed as greenish‐white light, which arises from dual fluorescence, viz. both local excited states and charge transfer states. Utilizing dual emission can reduce problems associated with Förster energy transfer from high‐energy to‐low energy excited states.
Modeling of a continuous rotary reactor for carbon nanotube synthesis by catalytic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Pirard Sophie L. , Pirard Jean‐Paul , Bossuot Christophe
Published: January 2009

The modeling of carbon nanotube production by the CCVD process in a continuous rotary reactor with mobile bed was performed according to a rigorous chemical reaction engineering approach. The geometric, hydrodynamic, physical and physicochemical factors governing the process were analyzed in order to establish the reactor equations. While the study of the hydrodynamic factor suggests a co‐current plug‐flow approximation, the physical factor mainly deals with the phenomena of transport and the transfer of mass, which can be neglected. Concerning the physicochemical factor, the modeling is based on knowledge of the expression of the initial reaction rate, and takes into account catalytic deactivation as a function of time, according to a sigmoid decreasing law. The reactor modeling allows obtaining the evolution of partial pressure, carbon nanotube production and catalytic deactivation along the reactor for given initial operating conditions. The comparison between experimental and calculated production highlights a very good fit of data. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Autosomal dominant inheritance of cardiac valves anomalies in two families: Extended spectrum of left‐ventricular outflow tract obstruction
Authors: Wessels Marja W. , van de Laar Ingrid M.B.H. , Roos‐Hesselink Jolien , Strikwerda Sipke , Majoor‐Krakauer Danielle F. , de Vries Bert B.A. , Kerstjens‐Frederikse Wilhelmina S. , Vos Yvonne J. , de Graaf Bianca M. , Bertoli‐Avella Aida M. , Willems Patrick J.
Published: January 2009

Only a limited number of families with clear monogenic inheritance of nonsyndromic forms of congenital valve defects have been described. We describe two multiplex pedigrees with a similar nonsyndromic form of heart valve anomalies that segregate as an autosomal dominant condition. The first family is a three‐generation pedigree with 10 family members affected with congenital defects of the cardiac valves, including six patients with aortic stenosis and/or aortic regurgitation. Pulmonary and/or tricuspid valve abnormalities were present in three patients, and ventricular septal defect (VSD) was present in two patients. The second family consists of 11 patients in three generations with aortic valve stenosis in seven patients, defects of the pulmonary valves in two patients, and atrial septal defect (ASD) in two patients. Incomplete penetrance was observed in both families. Although left‐ventricular outflow tract obstruction was present in most family members, the co‐occurrence with pulmonary valve abnormalities and septal defects in both families is uncommon. These families provide evidence that left‐sided obstructive defects and thoracic aortic aneurysm may be accompanied by right‐sided defects, and even septal defects. These families might be instrumental in identifying genes involved in cardiac valve morphogenesis and malformation. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel CDKL5 mutation in a 47,XXY boy with the early‐onset seizure variant of Rett syndrome
Authors: Sartori Stefano , Di Rosa Gabriella , Polli Roberta , Bettella Elisa , Tricomi Giovanni , Tortorella Gaetano , Murgia Alessandra
Published: January 2009

Mutations of the cyclin‐dependent kinase‐like 5 gene (CDKL5), reported almost exclusively in female subjects, have been recently found to be the cause of a phenotype overlapping Rett syndrome with early‐onset epileptic encephalopathy. We describe the first CDKL5 mutation detected in a male individual with 47,XXY karyotype. This previously unreported, de novo, mutation truncates the large CDKL5 COOH‐terminal region, thought to be crucial for the proper sub‐cellular localization of the CDKL5 protein. The resulting phenotype is characterized by a severe early‐onset epileptic encephalopathy, global developmental delay, and profound intellectual and motor impairment with features reminiscent of Rett syndrome. In light of the data presented we discuss the possible phenotypic modulatory effects of the supernumerary wild type X allele and pattern of X chromosome inactivation and stress the importance of considering the causal involvement of CDKL5 in developmentally delayed males with early‐onset seizures. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessing the understanding of biobank participants
Authors: Ormond K.E. , Cirino A.L. , Helenowski I.B. , Chisholm R.L. , Wolf W.A.
Published: January 2009

Biobanks have been developed as a tool to better understand the genetic basis of disease by linking DNA samples to corresponding medical information. The broad scope of such projects presents a challenge to informed consent and participant understanding. To address this, 200 telephone interviews were conducted with participants in the NUgene Project, Northwestern University's biobank. Interviews included a modified version of the “quality of informed consent measure” (QuIC) and semi‐structured questions which were analyzed thematically for 109 of the interviews. The QuIC, originally applied to cancer clinical trials, objectively assessed some of the components of informed consent for a biobank, and interview questions provided rich data to assist in interpreting participant understanding. The best understood domains included: the nature of the study, benefit to future patients, and the voluntary nature of participation. Lower knowledge scores included: potential risks and discomforts, experimental nature of the research, procedures in the event of study‐related injury, and confidentiality issues. Qualitatively, confidentiality protections of the study were described as good by most (>50%). Although some cited concerns with employer (12%) or insurance discrimination (25%), most considered the risks to privacy low (25%) or none (∼60%). Only 10% of participants explicitly stated they had no expectation for personal benefit, and when asked whether they expected to be contacted with study results, respondents were split between having no expectation (39%), being hopeful for results (37%) and expecting to be contacted with results (12%). These findings are informative to those establishing and implementing biobanks, and to the IRBs reviewing such studies. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interstitial deletion 2p11.2–p12: Report of a patient with mental retardation and review of the literature
Authors: Tzschach Andreas , Graul‐Neumann Luitgard M. , Konrat Kateryna , Richter Reyk , Ebert Grit , Ullmann Reinhard , Neitzel Heidemarie
Published: January 2009

Deletions of chromosome bands 2p11.2 and 2p12 are rare, and only six patients have been reported to date. Here, we report on a 5‐year‐old girl with an 11.4 Mb interstitial deletion of chromosome bands 2p11.2–p12 and the characterization of this deletion by high‐resolution array CGH. The patient presented with mental retardation, microcephaly and short stature. Facial features included broad nasal bridge, frontal bossing and mild dolichocephaly. Phenotypic comparison with previously published patients failed to reveal a consistent clinical pattern apart from developmental delay/mental retardation, which is probably due to different sizes and/or positions of the individual deletions. Among the 40 known genes deleted in our patient is REEP1, haploinsufficiency of which causes autosomal dominant spastic paraplegia type 31 (SPG31, OMIM 610250). Additional patients with well‐characterized deletions within 2p11.2 and 2p12 will be needed to determine the role of individual genes for the clinical manifestations. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heteroanalogues of PCBM: N‐Bridged Imino‐PCBMs for Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Yang Changduk , Cho Shinuk , Heeger Alan J. , Wudl Fred
Published: January 2009

Auf der Brücke: Zwei isomere Iminofullerene, das [5,6]‐offene Azafulleroid 1 und das [6,6]‐geschlossene Aziridinofulleren 2, wurden durch Cycloaddition eines organischen Azids an C60 erhalten. An diesen „Azaloga“ lässt sich der Einfluss des Brückenatoms in einem Fullerenkäfig, d. h. C60‐artig (5,6‐offen) gegenüber PCBM‐artig (6,6‐geschlossen), als Funktion des π‐Systems untersuchen (PCBM=[6,6]‐Phenyl‐C61‐buttersäuremethylester).

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Molecular Catalysts that Oxidize Water to Dioxygen
Authors: Sala Xavier , Romero Isabel , Rodríguez Montserrat , Escriche Lluís , Llobet Antoni
Published: January 2009

Water into oxygen: A good catalyst for converting water into oxygen is seen as an essential part of any sustainable solar‐energy conversion scheme. Some success has been achieved using molecular complexes as catalysts and the key factors influencing their performance are discussed. The necessity of generating a solid‐state catalytic system is presented and the first attempts to generate supported molecular water‐oxidation catalysts are analyzed.

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During the past four years we have witnessed a revolution in the field of water‐oxidation catalysis, in which well‐defined molecules are opening up entirely new possibilities for the design of more rugged and efficient catalysts. This revolution has been stimulated by two factors: the urgent need for clean and renewable fuel and the intrinsic human desire to mimic nature's reactions, in this case the oxygen‐evolving complex (OEC) of the photosystem II (PSII). Herein we give a short general overview of the established basis for the oxidation of water to dioxygen as well as presenting the new developments in the field. Furthermore, we describe the new avenues these developments are opening up with regard to catalyst design and performance, together with the new questions they pose, especially from a mechanistic perspective. Finally the challenges the field is facing are also discussed.
Heteroanalogues of PCBM: N‐Bridged Imino‐PCBMs for Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Yang Changduk , Cho Shinuk , Heeger Alan J. , Wudl Fred
Published: January 2009

Crossing the bridge: Two isomeric iminofullerenes, [5,6]‐open azafulleroid 1 and [6,6]‐closed aziridinofullerene 2, were prepared by cycloaddition of an organic azide to C60. These “azalogues” enable the study of the effects of the bridging atom in a fullerene cage, that is, C60‐like (5,6‐open) versus PCBM‐like (6,6‐closed), as a function of their π systems (PCBM=[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester).

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Fluorescence Signal Amplification by Cation Exchange in Ionic Nanocrystals
Authors: Li Jishan , Zhang Tierui , Ge Jianping , Yin Yadong , Zhong Wenwan
Published: January 2009

Lighting‐up time: A cation‐exchange reaction releases thousands of divalent cations from nonfluorescent CdSe ionic crystals and triggers fluorescence from thousands of originally nonfluorescent Fluo‐4 fluorophores to obtain a large fluorescence amplification (see picture) and a low detection limit in bioassays. The technique is fast, simple, with a large dye‐to‐reporter labeling ratio, and flexible in selection of nanocrystals and fluorophores.

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Photolysis of the Sulfonamide Bond of Metal Complexes of N‐Dansyl‐1,4,7,10‐Tetraazacyclododecane in Aqueous Solution: A Mechanistic Study and Application to the Photorepair of cis,syn‐Cyclobutane Thymine Photodimer
Authors: Aoki Shin , Tomiyama Yumiko , Kageyama Yoshiyuki , Yamada Yasuyuki , Shiro Motoo , Kimura Eiichi
Published: January 2009

Conditional cleavage: Photochemical SN bond cleavage of the Zn2+ complex of N‐dansylcyclen (ZnL2) in aqueous solution was investigated. Moreover, photolysis of ZnL2 (see scheme) facilitated photoreversion of cis,syn‐thymine photodimer (T[c,s]T).

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Sulfonamide constitutes a ubiquitous functional group that is frequently used in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and medicinal chemistry. We report herein on the photolysis of a dansylamide moiety of 1‐dansyl‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazzacyclododecane (N‐dansylcyclen, L2) in the presence of a zinc(II) ion in aqueous solution. By potentiometric pH titrations, the complexation constant for the 1:1 complex of L2 and Zn2+, log Ks(ZnL2), in aqueous solution at 25 °C with I=0.1 (NaNO3) was determined to be 6.5±0.1. The structure of the ZnL2 complex was confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. During fluorescence titrations of L2 with Zn2+ (irradiation at 308 or 350 nm) in aqueous solution at pH 7.4 (10 mM HEPES with I=0.1 (NaNO3)) and 25 °C, considerable enhancement in fluorescence emission of the Zn2+ complex of L2 (ZnL2) was observed, while metal‐free L2 exhibited only a negligible emission change upon UV irradiation. It was revealed that this emission enhancement arose from the photoinduced cleavage of a sulfonylamide moiety in ZnL2, yielding the Zn2+‐cyclen complex and 5‐dimethylaminonaphthalene‐1‐sulfinic acid, which has a greater quantum yield (Φ) for fluorescence emission than that of L2 and ZnL2. For comparison, the photolysis of N‐(1‐naphthalenesulfonyl)cyclen (L3) and its Zn2+ complex (ZnL3) under the same conditions (irradiation at 313 nm) gave the corresponding sulfonate (1‐naphthylsulfonate). We also describe the results of a photoreversion reaction of cis,syn‐cyclobutane thymine photodimer (T[c,s]T) utilizing the photolysis of ZnL2 and ZnL3.
Use of antihistamine medications during early pregnancy and isolated major malformations
Authors: Gilboa Suzanne M. , Strickland Matthew J. , Olshan Andrew F. , Werler Martha M. , Correa Adolfo ,   and The National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND:

Antihistamines are commonly used during pregnancy. There is little evidence that they have teratogenic effects, but there are knowledge gaps with respect to newer products, as well as the relationship between specific antihistamines and specific birth defects.

METHODS:

Using the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (1997–2003), the authors examined associations between maternal use of 14 antihistamines during early pregnancy and 26 isolated major birth defects. A Bayesian analysis incorporating prior knowledge about the relationships between antihistamines, birth defects, and measured covariates was conducted.

RESULTS:

Of the 364 associations investigated, 24 had 95% posterior intervals excluding 1.0. All 24 associations were positive; 23 associations were of weak to moderate magnitude (posterior OR < 3.0) and one was strong (OR > 6.0) but very imprecise. Of the 24 associations, 20 were with noncardiac defects. Eight associations involved the antihistamine diphenhydramine.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of this study generally were consistent with no association between birth defects and antihistamine use during early pregnancy. Several of the findings might warrant further investigation, although the observed elevated associations should be interpreted in the context of the number of associations investigated and the analysis of retrospective, self‐reported data. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An association study of 45 folate‐related genes in spina bifida: Involvement of cubilin (CUBN) and tRNA aspartic acid methyltransferase 1 (TRDMT1)
Authors: Franke Barbara , Vermeulen Sita H.H.M. , Steegers‐Theunissen Regine P.M. , Coenen Marieke J. , Schijvenaars Mascha M.V.A.P. , Scheffer Hans , den Heijer Martin , Blom Henk J.
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND:

Spina bifida is a class of neural tube defects, which are congenital malformations of the central nervous system with a prevalence of 0.5 to 12 per 1000 births globally. In this article we attempt to identify genes related to folate and its metabolic pathways that are involved in the etiology of spina bifida.

METHODS:

We selected 50 folate metabolism–related genes and genotyped polymorphisms in those genes. Eighty‐seven polymorphisms in 45 genes passed quality controls. Associations with spina bifida were investigated in 180 patients and 190 controls. For those polymorphisms that were nominally associated with spina bifida risk, the relation with serum and red blood cell folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine was evaluated in controls.

RESULTS:

A polymorphism in CUBN was significantly associated with decreased spina bifida risk, after correction for multiple testing, and was related to increased vitamin B12 (p = 0.039) and red blood cell folate (p = 0.001). The CUBN gene encodes the intrinsic factor–cobalamin receptor (or cubilin), a peripheral membrane protein that acts as a receptor for intrinsic factor–vitamin B12 complexes. Vitamin B12 is an important cofactor in the folate metabolism, and low B12 status in mothers has been linked to neural tube defects in children. Other interesting findings include nominally significant associations with polymorphisms in TRDMT1, ALDH1L1, SARDH, and SLCA19A1 (RFC1).

CONCLUSION:

Our study indicates interesting new candidate genes and functional pathways for further study and confirms earlier findings. None of the genes CUBN, TRDMT1, ALDH1L1, or SARDH have been investigated previously for association with spina bifida. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bladder exstrophy‐epispadias complex
Authors: Ludwig Michael , Ching Bonnie , Reutter Heiko , Boyadjiev Simeon A.
Published: January 2009

The bladder exstrophy‐epispadias complex (BEEC) represents an anterior midline defect with variable expression comprising a spectrum of anomalies involving the abdominal wall, pelvis, urinary tract, genitalia, and occasionally the spine and anus. The vast majority of BEEC cases are classified as non‐syndromic and the etiology of this malformation is still unknown. This review presents the current state of knowledge on this multifactorial disorder, including historical retrospect, phenotypic and anatomical characterization, epidemiology, proposed developmental mechanisms, existing animal models, and implicated genetic and environmental components. These published lines of evidence argue strongly that BEEC occurs as a result of strong genetic predisposition that is yet to be deciphered. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of static magnetic field on magnetosome formation and expression of mamA, mms13, mms6 and magA in Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB‐1
Authors: Wang Xiaoke , Liang Likun
Published: January 2009

Magnetotactic bacteria produce nanometer‐size intracellular magnetic crystals. The superior crystalline and magnetic properties of magnetosomes have been attracting much interest in medical applications. To investigate effects of intense static magnetic field on magnetosome formation in Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB‐1, cultures inoculated with either magnetic or non‐magnetic pre‐cultures were incubated under 0.2 T static magnetic field or geomagnetic field. The results showed that static magnetic field could impair the cellular growth and raise Cmag values of the cultures, which means that the percentage of magnetosome‐containing bacteria was increased. Static magnetic field exposure also caused an increased number of magnetic particles per cell, which could contribute to the increased cellular magnetism. The iron depletion in medium was slightly increased after static magnetic field exposure. The linearity of magnetosome chain was also affected by static magnetic field. Moreover, the applied intense magnetic field up‐regulated mamA, mms13, magA expression when cultures were inoculated with magnetic cells, and mms13 expression in cultures inoculated with non‐magnetic cells. The results implied that the interaction of the magnetic field created by magnetosomes in AMB‐1 was affected by the imposed magnetic field. The applied static magnetic field could affect the formation of magnetic crystals and the arrangement of the neighboring magnetosome. Bioelectromagnetics 30:313–321, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Music in MATLAB: A series of programming challenges for an introductory course
Authors: Moor S. Scott
Published: January 2009

Students often find introductory programming a difficult new world. To help motivate students there are many examples of courses using robotics or graphics to provide a more concrete result for programming exercises. MATLAB's ability to output a time series to the sound card of a PC provides an opportunity for problems that create sounds and music instead of numbers. This approach requires little or no equipment to implement. Project challenges involving the creation and analysis of sound were developed to illustrate engineering and programming concepts in an introductory Engineering Computer Tools Course. Easily implemented in MATLAB by first‐year students, these challenges include structured programming, graphing, file manipulation, and simple analysis of sound waves. Problems where developed that illustrate almost all aspects of the course from a script that plays a very simple tune through a general song player that reads a data file containing the note names, durations, and amplitudes. This player requires the use of different data types, loops, conditionals, and sub‐functions. In addition to developing students understanding of computer manipulations they are introduced to a range of important engineering topics including: waves, sampling, digital representation of analog phenomenon, sound, signal processing, analog/digital conversion, and bit resolution. These projects have added an interesting and memorable variation into the course. The students have found these projects challenging and it has been important to develop aids for them working with sound. Particularly important is providing materials to help students who have little or no musical training. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 18: 67–76, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20201
Matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and ‐9 activities in human keloids, hypertrophic and atrophic scars: a pilot study
Authors: Tanriverdi‐Akhisaroglu S. , Menderes A. , Oktay G.
Published: January 2009

Proteolytic degradation of extracellular matrix is one of the principal features of cutaneous wound healing but little is known about the activities of gelatinases; matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) on abnormal scar formation. The aim of this study is to determine collagen levels and the gelatinase activities in tissue from hypertrophic scars, atrophic scars, keloids and donor skin in 36 patients and 14 donors. Gelatinase levels (proenzyme + active enzyme) were determined by ELISA and their activities by gelatin zymography. MMP‐9 activity was undetectable in gelatin zymography analysis. Pro‐MMP‐2 levels (median) were highest in normal skin group 53.58 (36.40–75.11) OD µg−1 protein, while active MMP‐2 levels were highest in keloid group 52.53 (42.47–61.51) OD µg−1 protein. The active/pro ratio was the highest in keloid group 0.97 followed by hypertrophic scar, normal skin and atrophic scar groups 0.69 > 0.54 > 0.48, respectively. According to results of our study, the two‐phase theory of the duration of hypertrophic scar and keloid formation can be supported by the data of tissue collagen and gelatinase analysis. This study is the first to relate scar formation relationship in regard to gelatinase activation ratio in a keloid, hypertrophic and atrophic scar patient group which is chosen appropriate in age and sex. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.