bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The 12-Month Prevalence of Patient-Initiated Aggression against Psychiatrists: A New Zealand National Survey
Authors: Gale Christopher , Arroll Bruce , Coverdale John
Published: May 2009

Objectives:

We surveyed the prevalence of various types of threats or assaults by patients against psychiatrists and determined the impact of the most distressing event.

Method:

An anonymous questionnaire was mailed to all 308 vocationally registered psychiatrists practicing in New Zealand.

Results:

A response rate of 63.9% ( n = 197) was obtained. In the preceding 12 months, as many as 46% ( n = 89) of respondents had been verbally threatened and 39% ( n = 76) had been physically intimidated by patients. In addition 16% ( n = 32) had been assaulted without requiring medical attention, 14% ( n = 27) had been harassed through formal complaint mechanisms, 10% ( n = 20) had been sexually harassed, and 5% ( n = 9) had been stalked. As indicated by responses on the Impact of Event Scale, only one-third of the psychiatrists had any symptoms related to the most distressing event and only two had symptoms that might be associated with clinically significant levels of distress.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of these events suggest a need for the development and evaluation of preventive interventions.
A Case Control Study of Psychiatric Morbidities among Subjects with Leprosy in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Erinfolami Adebayo R. , Adeyemi Joseph D.
Published: May 2009

Objectives:

To determine the pattern of psychiatric morbidity prevalent among leprosy patients and to compare it with two control groups; those suffering from Tinea vesicolor and Normal subjects.

Design:

Eighty-eight leprosy patients were matched for age and sex with those suffering from Tinea vesicolor as well as normal subjects. The subjects were assessed for psychiatric morbidity through a clinical interview with PSE-9.

Results:

The prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among leprosy patients (580/1000) was significantly more than those with tinea vesicolor patients (182/1000) and normal subjects (148/1000) ( p < 0.05). Depressive illness was the most common diagnosis in the three groups.

Conclusions:

Leprosy patients are more likely to manifest with psychiatric illness than those suffering from Tinea vesicolor and normal subjects.
Sense of Coherence in Patients Treated for Depression with ECT
Authors: Berg John E. , Kononova Natalia
Published: May 2009

Objective:

The purpose of the study was to investigate whether the Antonovsky Sense of Coherence test administered before and after electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) can contribute more information pertinent to outcome than a test of depression.

Method:

Twenty patients with a severe unipolar or bipolar depression underwent a series of unipolar ECT under standard conditions. As part of the routine of the department, the patients filled in, before and after ECT, the following questionnaires: Beck Depression Inventory (Beck), 20-item version and Antonovsky Sense of Coherence test (SOC), 13-item version. Mean age was 40.3, somewhat less for women.

Results:

A reduction was obtained from 35 to 17 in total score on Beck, i.e., to mild depression. The SOC value increased to the normal range from a mean of 2.5 to 3.2, indicating a better manageability, comprehensibility and meaningfulness in life. Four patients had an invalidity pension. Ten of the 16 remaining patients attained work after ECT, and scored better than those not starting to work on both tests, SOC >Beck. A low SOC value may indicate increased mortality risk.

Conclusions:

Patients who are favorably treated with ECT against any depression, but who do not show a considerable improvement in SOC, would need special follow-up on factors not directly related to mental illness to reduce relapse and mortality risk.
Measuring the Effectiveness of the Broadband Stimulus Plan
Authors: Wallsten Scott J.
Published: May 2009

The newly enacted economic stimulus package includes $7.2 billion to bring broadband to rural areas lacking high-speed Internet services: let's not spend the money without testing its effectiveness, says Scott Wallsten.
Topological representation for monadic implication algebras
Authors: Abad Manuel , Cimadamore Cecilia , Díaz Varela José
Published: May 2009

In this paper, every monadic implication algebra is represented as a union of a unique family of monadic filters of a suitable monadic Boolean algebra. Inspired by this representation, we introduce the notion of a monadic implication space, we give a topological representation for monadic implication algebras and we prove a dual equivalence between the category of monadic implication algebras and the category of monadic implication spaces.
An extragradient iterative scheme by viscosity approximation methods for fixed point problems and variational inequality problems
Authors: Petruşel Adrian , Yao Jen-Chih
Published: May 2009

In this paper, we introduce a new iterative process for finding the common element of the set of fixed points of a nonexpansive mapping and the set of solutions of the variational inequality problem for an α-inverse-strongly-monotone, by combining an modified extragradient scheme with the viscosity approximation method. We prove a strong convergence theorem for the sequences generated by this new iterative process.
A criterion of SNT(X) = {[X]} for hyperformal spaces
Authors: Ni Jinsong
Published: May 2009

We will give a condition characterizing spaces X with SNT(X) = {[X]} which generalizes the corresponding result of McGibbon and Moller [8] for rational H-spaces.
Erratum to “Curvature of hyperkähler quotients”
Authors: Bielawski Roger
Published: May 2009

The original version of the article was published in Central European Journal of Mathematics, 2008, 6(2), 191–203, DOI: 10.2478/s11533-008-0026-8. Unfortunately, the original version of this article contains a mistake, which we correct here.
Groups with small deviation for non-subnormal subgroups
Authors: Kurdachenko Leonid , Smith Howard
Published: May 2009

We introduce the notion of the non-subnormal deviation of a group G. If the deviation is 0 then G satisfies the minimal condition for nonsubnormal subgroups, while if the deviation is at most 1 then G satisfies the so-called weak minimal condition for such subgroups (though the converse does not hold). Here we present some results on groups G that are either soluble or locally nilpotent and that have deviation at most 1. For example, a torsion-free locally nilpotent with deviation at most 1 is nilpotent, while a Baer group with deviation at most 1 has all of its subgroups subnormal.
Ordinary reduction of K3 surfaces
Authors: Bogomolov Fedor , Zarhin Yuri
Published: May 2009

Let X be a K3 surface over a number field K. We prove that there exists a finite algebraic field extension E/K such that X has ordinary reduction at every non-archimedean place of E outside a density zero set of places.
I-convergence theorems for a class of k-positive linear operators
Authors: Özarslan Mehmet
Published: May 2009

In this paper, we obtain some approximation theorems for k- positive linear operators defined on the space of analytical functions on the unit disc, via I-convergence. Some concluding remarks which includes A-statistical convergence are also given.
Optimal time and space regularity for solutions of degenerate differential equations
Authors: Favaron Alberto
Published: May 2009

We derive optimal regularity, in both time and space, for solutions of the Cauchy problem related to a degenerate differential equation in a Banach space X. Our results exhibit a sort of prevalence for space regularity, in the sense that the higher is the order of regularity with respect to space, the lower is the corresponding order of regularity with respect to time.
North American Natural Gas Supply Forecast: The Hubbert Method Including the Effects of Institutions
Authors: Reynolds Douglas  B. , Kolodziej Marek
Published: May 2009

In this article, the U.S. and southern Canadian natural gas supply market is considered. An important model for oil and natural gas supply is the Hubbert curve. Not all regions of the world are producing oil or natural gas following a Hubbert curve, even when price and market conditions are accounted for. One reason is that institutions are affecting supply. We investigate the possible effects of oil and gas market institutions in North America on natural gas supply. A multi-cycle Hubbert curve with inflection points similar to the Soviet Union’s oil production multi-cycle Hubbert curve is used to determine North American natural gas discovery rates and to analyze how market specific institutions caused the inflection points. In addition, we analyze the latest shale natural gas projections critically. While currently, unconventional resources of natural gas suggest that North American natural gas production will increase without bound, the model here suggests a peak in North American natural gas supplies could happen in 2013.
To What Extent Is Water Responsible for the Maintenance of the Life for Warm-Blooded Organisms?
Authors: Fisenko Anatoliy  I. , Malomuzh Nikolay  P.
Published: May 2009

In this work, attention is mainly focused on those properties of water which are essentially changed in the physiological temperature range of warm-blooded organisms. Studying in detail the half-width of the diffusion peak in the quasi-elastic incoherent neutron scattering, the behavior of the entropy and the kinematic shear viscosity, it is shown that the character of the translational and rotational thermal motions in water radically change near TH ~ 315 K, which can be interpreted as the temperature of the smeared dynamic phase transition. These results for bulk pure water are completed by the analysis of the isothermic compressibility and the NMR-spectra for water-glycerol solutions. It was noted that the non-monotone temperature dependence of the isothermic compressibility (βT) takes also place for the water-glycerol solutions until the concentration of glycerol does not exceed 30 mol%. At that, the minimum of βT shifts at left when the concentration increases. All these facts give us some reasons to assume that the properties of the intracellular and extracellularfluidsare close to ones for pure water. Namely therefore, we suppose that the upper temperature limit for the life of warm-blooded organisms [TD = (315 ± 3) K] is tightly connected with the temperature of the dynamic phase transition in water. This supposition is equivalent to the assertion that the denaturation of proteins at T ≥ TH is mainly provoked by the rebuilding of the H-bond network in the intracellular and extracellular fluids, which takes place at T ≥ TH. A question why the heavy water cannot be a matrix for the intracellular and extracellular fluids is considered. The lower physiological pH limit for the life of warm-blooded organisms is discussed.
Relative Stabilities of Conserved and Non-Conserved Structures in the OB-Fold Superfamily
Authors: Guardino Kaitlyn  M. , Sheftic Sarah  R. , Slattery Robert  E. , Alexandrescu Andrei  T.
Published: May 2009

The OB-fold is a diverse structure superfamily based on a β-barrel motif that is often supplemented with additional non-conserved secondary structures. Previous deletion mutagenesis and NMR hydrogen exchange studies of three OB-fold proteins showed that the structural stabilities of sites within the conserved β-barrels were larger than sites in non-conserved segments. In this work we examined a database of 80 representative domain structures currently classified as OB-folds, to establish the basis of this effect. Residue-specific values were obtained for the number of Cα-Cα distance contacts, sequence hydrophobicities, crystallographic B-factors, and theoretical B-factors calculated from a Gaussian Network Model. All four parameters point to a larger average flexibility for the non-conserved structures compared to the conserved β-barrels. The theoretical B-factors and contact densities show the highest sensitivity.Our results suggest a model of protein structure evolution in which novel structural features develop at the periphery of conserved motifs. Core residues are more resistant to structural changes during evolution since their substitution would disrupt a larger number of interactions. Similar factors are likely to account for the differences in stability to unfolding between conserved and non-conserved structures.
Synthesis and Analysis of Some Bis-Heterocyclic Compounds Containing Sulphur
Authors: Mabkhoot Yahia Nasser
Published: May 2009

A facile and convenient synthesis of a series of bisheterocycles 7a,b 10, 12 and 13a,b containing a thieno[2,3-b]thiophene base unit via the versatile, hitherto unreported 3-[3,4-dimethyl-5-(3-nitrilopropanoyl)thieno[2,3-b]thiophen-2-yl]-3-oxopropanenitrile (4) is described.
Silica Bonded S-Sulfonic Acid: A Recyclable Catalyst for the Synthesis of Quinoxalines at Room Temperature
Authors: Niknam Khodabakhsh , Saberi Dariush , Mohagheghnejad Maleki
Published: May 2009

The reaction of 3-mercaptopropylsilica (MPS) and chlorosulfonic acid in chloroform afforded silica bonded S-sulfonic acid (SBSSA), which was used as a catalyst for the room temperature synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives from 1,2-diamino compounds and 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds. The catalyst could be recycled and reused several times without any loss of efficiency.
New Macrocyclic Amines Showing Activity as HIV Entry Inhibitors Against Wild Type and Multi-Drug Resistant Viruses
Authors: Rusconi Stefano , Cicero Mirko Lo , Viganò Ottavia , Sirianni Francesca , Bulgheroni Elisabetta , Ferramosca Stefania , Bencini Andrea , Bianchi Antonio , Ruiz Lidia , Cabrera Cecilia , Martinez-Picado Javier , Supuran Claudiu  T. , Galli Massimo
Published: May 2009

Considering as a lead molecule the chemokine CXCR4 receptor antagonist AMD-3100, which shows significant anti-HIV activity in vitro and in vivo, we investigated a series of structurally related macrocyclic polyamines incorporating o,o’-phenanthroline or 2,2’-bipyridyl scaffolds as potential antiviral agents with lower toxicity and increased activity against both wild type X4-tropic and dual tropic HIV strains. The antiviral activity of these compounds was evaluated by susceptibility assays in PBMC (Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells) and compared to that of AMD-3100. The newly investigated compounds showed IC50s values in the low micromolar range and significantly inhibited the viral replication of wild type X4-tropic isolate and dual tropic strains. These macrocyclic polyamines constitute a promising class of HIV entry inhibitors.
Polarised Multiangular Reflectance Measurements Using the Finnish Geodetic Institute Field Goniospectrometer
Authors: Suomalainen Juha , Hakala Teemu , Peltoniemi Jouni , Puttonen Eetu
Published: May 2009

The design, operation, and properties of the Finnish Geodetic Institute Field Goniospectrometer (FIGIFIGO) are presented. FIGIFIGO is a portable instrument for the measurement of surface Bidirectional Reflectance Factor (BRF) for samples with diameters of 10 – 50 cm. A set of polarising optics enable the measurement of linearly polarised BRF over the full solar spectrum (350 – 2,500 nm). FIGIFIGO is designed mainly for field operation using sunlight, but operation in a laboratory environment is also possible. The acquired BRF have an accuracy of 1 – 5% depending on wavelength, sample properties, and measurement conditions. The angles are registered at accuracies better than 2°. During 2004 – 2008, FIGIFIGO has been used in the measurement of over 150 samples, all around northern Europe. The samples concentrate mostly on boreal forest understorey, snow, urban surfaces, and reflectance calibration surfaces.
Agricultural Systems Located in the Forest-Savanna Ecotone of the Venezuelan Amazonian. Are Organic Agroforestry Farms Sustainable?
Authors: López-Hernández Danilo , Hernández Carmen Leonor , Netuzhilin Igor , López-Contreras Ana Yamila
Published: May 2009

The savannas located in the forest-savanna ecotone in the Venezuelan Amazon have unfertile sandy ultisols and entisols which show a very low crop production unless they are supplemented with large amounts of fertiliser. In spite of this restriction, local farmers have established long-term production systems by using low input doses of organic manure. The use of organic waste in unfertile ultisols and entisols typical of savannas have resulted in increases in organic matter content and biological activities in soils with respect to inorganic fertilised or non-fertilised natural savanna, which, in turn, may be related to increases in crop productivity. These results could be a successful and reliable soil management technique for rehabilitation of the South American savannas.
Survey of College Students on iPod Use and Hearing Health
Authors: Danhauer Jeffrey L. , Johnson Carole E. , Byrd Anne , DeGood Laura , Meuel Caitlin , Pecile Angela , Koch Lindsey L.
Published: May 2009

Background: The popularity of personal listening devices (PLDs) including iPods has increased dramatically over the past decade. PLDs allow users to listen to music uninterrupted for prolonged periods and at levels that may pose a risk for hearing loss in some listeners, particularly
those using earbud earphones that fail to attenuate high ambient noise levels and necessitate increasing volume for acoustic enjoyment. Earlier studies have documented PLD use by teenagers and adults, but omitted college students, which represent a large segment of individuals who use these
devices. Purpose: This study surveyed college students' knowledge about, experiences with, attitudes toward, and practices and preferences for hearing health and use of iPods and/or other PLDs. The study was designed to help determine the need, content, and preferred format for educational
outreach campaigns regarding safe iPod use to college students. Research Design: An 83-item questionnaire was designed and used to survey college students' knowledge about, experiences with, attitudes toward, and practices/preferences for hearing health and PLD use. The questionnaire
assessed Demographics and Knowledge of Hearing Health, iPod Users' Practices and Preferences, Attitudes toward iPod Use, and Reasons for iPod Use. Results: Generally, most college students were knowledgeable about hearing health but could use information about signs of and how
to prevent hearing loss. Two-thirds of these students used iPods, but not at levels or for durations that should pose excessive risks for hearing loss when listening in quiet environments. However, most iPod users could be at risk for hearing loss given a combination of common practices. Conclusions:
Most of these college students should not be at great risk of hearing loss from their iPods when used conscientiously. Some concern is warranted for a small segment of these students who seemed to be most at risk because they listened to their iPods at high volume levels for long durations
using earbuds, and reported that they may already have hearing loss due to their iPods.
Effects of Speech Rate, Background Noise, and Simulated Hearing Loss on Speech Rate Judgment and Speech Intelligibility in Young Listeners
Authors: Adams Elizabeth M. , Moore Robert E.
Published: May 2009

Purpose: To study the effect of noise on speech rate judgment and signal-to-noise ratio threshold (SNR50) at different speech rates (slow, preferred, and fast). Research Design: Speech rate judgment and SNR50 tasks were completed in a normal-hearing condition and a simulated
hearing-loss condition. Study Sample: Twenty-four female and six male young, normal-hearing participants. Results: Speech rate judgment was not affected by background noise regardless of hearing condition. Results of the SNR50 task indicated that, as speech rate increased, performance
decreased for both hearing conditions. There was a moderate correlation between speech rate judgment and SNR50 with the various speech rates, such that as judgment of speech rate increased from too slow to too fast, performance deteriorated. Conclusions: These findings can be used to
support the need for counseling patients and their families about the potential advantages to using average speech rates or rates that are slightly slowed while conversing in the presence of background noise.
Statistically Derived Factors of Varied Importance to Audiologists When Making a Hearing Aid Brand Preference Decision
Authors: Johnson Earl E. , Mueller H Gustav , Ricketts Todd A.
Published: May 2009

Purpose: To determine the amount of importance audiologists place on various items related to their selection of a preferred hearing aid brand manufacturer. Research Design: Three hundred forty-three hearing aid‐dispensing audiologists rated a total of 32 randomized
items by survey methodology. Results: Principle component analysis identified seven orthogonal statistical factors of importance. In rank order, these factors were Aptitude of the Brand, Image, Cost, Sales and Speed of Delivery, Exposure, Colleague Recommendations, and Contracts and
Incentives. While it was hypothesized that differences among audiologists in the importance ratings of these factors would dictate their preference for a given brand, that was not our finding. Specifically, mean ratings for the six most important factors did not differ among audiologists preferring
different brands. A statistically significant difference among audiologists preferring different brands was present, however, for one factor: Contracts and Incentives. Its assigned importance, though, was always lower than that for the other six factors. Conclusions: Although most audiologists
have a preferred hearing aid brand, differences in the perceived importance of common factors attributed to brands do not largely determine preference for a particular brand.
Recognition of Randomly Presented One-, Two-, and Three-Pair Dichotic Digits by Children and Young Adults
Authors: Moncrieff Deborah W. , Wilson Richard H.
Published: May 2009

Purpose: To establish normative data for children and to characterize developmental differences in performance with the free recall version of the Randomized Dichotic Digits Test.Research Design: Group comparison of behavioral data derived from administration of the Randomized
Dichotic Digits Test.Study Sample: Children from 10 to 18 years of age (167) and young adults from 19 to 28 years of age (50).Results: Performance improved with age across all types of digit pairs, especially in the left ear, leading to smaller interaural asymmetries among older
participants. A left-ear advantage was produced by 39 subjects (18%), only two of whom were left-handed. Normative data are reported for right and left ear scores and for interaural asymmetry (percent correct difference between the two ears) under one-, two-, and three-pair conditions of the
test and for interaural asymmetry across the entire test. A unilateral deficit was identified in children (15.5%) and young adults (12%) for the left ear and in children (11.3%) and young adults (6%) for the right ear. A bilateral deficit was also identified in children (6.5%) and young adults
(6%).Conclusions: This test may be useful as part of the clinical battery for identifying binaural integration weaknesses and referring individuals for auditory rehabilitation for interaural asymmetry (ARIA).
Effects of Training on Recognition of Musical Instruments Presented through Cochlear Implant Simulations
Authors: Driscoll Virginia D. , Oleson Jacob , Jiang Dingfeng , Gfeller Kate
Published: May 2009

Background: The simulation of the CI (cochlear implant) signal presents a degraded representation of each musical instrument, which makes recognition difficult.Purpose: To examine the efficiency and effectiveness of three types of training on recognition of musical instruments
as presented through simulations of the sounds transmitted through a CI.Research Design: Participants were randomly assigned to one of three training conditions: repeated exposure, feedback, and direct instruction. Study Sample: Sixty-six adults with normal hearing.Intervention:
Each participant completed three training sessions per week, over a five-week time period, in which they listened to the CI simulations of eight different musical instruments.Data Collection and Analysis: Analyses on percent of instruments identified correctly showed statistically significant
differences between recognition accuracy of the three training conditions (p< .01). Results: those assigned to the direct instruction group showed the greatest improvement over the five-week training period as well as sustained improvement after training. The feedback group
achieved the next highest level of recognition accuracy. The repeated exposure group showed modest improvement during the first three-week time period, but no subsequent improvements.Conclusions: These results indicate that different types of training are differentially effective with
regard to improving recognition of musical instruments presented through a degraded signal, which has practical implications for the auditory rehabilitation of persons who use cochlear implants.
On‐Wafer Crystallization of Ultralow‐κ Pure Silica Zeolite Films
Authors: Liu Yan , Lew Christopher M. , Sun Minwei , Cai Rui , Wang Junlan , Kloster Grant , Boyanov Boyan , Yan Yushan
Published: May 2009

Höhere Ziele: Ein waferbasierter Kristallisationsprozess zur Herstellung von MEL‐Filmen aus Silica‐Zeolith stellt eine Verbesserung gegenüber den üblichen Hydrothermalverfahren dar. Die streifenfreien MEL‐Filme (rechts) sind durch Schleuderbeschichtung erhaltenen Filmen (links) hinsichtlich κ‐Wert, mechanischen Eigenschaften, Rauigkeit, Mesoporengröße und Größenverteilung überlegen.

magnified image
Synthesis of Diphenylalanine/Polyaniline Core/Shell Conducting Nanowires by Peptide Self‐Assembly
Authors: Ryu Jungki , Park Chan Beum
Published: May 2009

Leicht entkernbar: Selbstorganisierte Peptidnanodrähte fungieren als Templat für die Synthese hohler Polyanilin(PANI)‐Nanoröhren (siehe Rasterelektronenmikroskopie‐Aufnahmen). Die Dicke und Morphologie der PANI‐Nanostrukturen lassen sich leicht durch Variation der Reaktionszeit oder durch Aufbringen mehrerer PANI‐Schichten steuern.

magnified image
Isolation and Hydrogenation of a Complex with a Terminal Iridium–Nitrido Bond
Authors: Schöffel Julia , Rogachev Andrey Yu. , DeBeer George Serena , Burger Peter
Published: May 2009

Nur ein N am Ir: Ein Komplex eines späten Übergangsmetalls mit einem terminalen Nitridoliganden wurde synthetisiert und röntgenstrukturanalytisch charakterisiert. Die Hydrierung dieser Verbindung zum Amidokomplex wird beschrieben (siehe Schema).

magnified image
Synthesis of Diphenylalanine/Polyaniline Core/Shell Conducting Nanowires by Peptide Self‐Assembly
Authors: Ryu Jungki , Park Chan Beum
Published: May 2009

Breaking the mold: Self‐assembled peptide nanowires were used as a template for the synthesis of hollow polyaniline (PANI) nanotubes (see scanning electron microscopy images). The thickness and the morphology of the PANI nanostructures could be controlled readily either by varying the reaction time or by applying multiple PANI coatings.

magnified image
Regulatory hurdles for transgenic biofuel crops
Authors: Lee David , Nair Ramesh , Chen Alice
Published: May 2009

Policy‐makers have described the many potential benefits that biofuels can provide, but there are numerous challenges in realizing this potential. The technical hurdles to producing biofuels economically and on a scale to replace a significant fraction of petroleum‐based transportation fuels have been well described, along with the potential environmental concerns. The use of biotechnology can potentially address many of these technical challenges and environmental concerns, but brings significant regulatory obstacles that have not been discussed extensively in the scientific community. This review will give an overview of some of the approaches being developed to produce transgenic biofuel feedstocks, particularly cellulosic ethanol, and the regulatory process in the United States that oversees the introduction of new transgenic plants. We hope to illustrate that the level of regulation for transgenic organisms is not proportional to their potential risk to human health or to the environment, and that while revisions to the regulatory system in the USA are currently under consideration, further modifications are necessary to reflect the risk level of transgenic crops and realize their benefits. © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Multiple Pathways for the Irreversible Inhibition of Steroid Sulfatase with Quinone Methide‐Generating Suicide Inhibitors
Authors: Ahmed Vanessa , Liu Yong , Taylor Scott D.
Published: May 2009

Unexpected inhibition: 2‐ and 4‐mono‐ and difluoromethyl estrone sulfate derivatives are suicide inhibitors of steroid sulfatase (STS). Kinetic studies suggest that inhibition by the monofluoro derivatives is a result of a quinone methide intermediate that reacts with active‐site nucleophiles, whereas the main inhibition pathway of the 4‐difluoromethyl derivative is a result of decomposition of the initial quinone methide to an aldehyde that acts as potent, almost irreversible inhibitor.

magnified image
Facile Optimal Synthesis of Inherently Electroconductive Polythiophene Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Xin‐Gui , Li Ji , Huang Mei‐Rong
Published: May 2009

The straight dope: Polythiophene (PTh) nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution were successfully synthesized by a chemical oxidative polymerization (see image). The highest conductivity of virgin PTh is 3.1×10−4 S cm−1 and can be dramatically enhanced to 50 S cm−1 by doping in iodine vapor.

magnified image

Polythiophene (PTh) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a simple chemical oxidative polymerization in the presence of a very small amount of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The polymerization yield, particle size, bulk electrical conductivity, and solubility of the PTh nanoparticles have been optimized by adjusting the CTAB/FeCl3 oxidant/thiophene monomer ratio, thiophene concentration, polymerization temperature, and reaction time. The structure of the PTh nanoparticles was systematically characterized by IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, laser particle‐size analysis, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that the number‐average diameter (Dn) and size polydispersity index (PDI) of the particles decrease significantly from 4.19 μm and 1.21 to 203 nm and 1.056, respectively, with a slightly increasing CTAB concentration. SEM and TEM reveal that the PTh particle size is reduced to 67 and 36 nm, respectively. The conductivity increases on raising the FeCl3/thiophene ratio or on lowering the CTAB concentration and polymerization temperature. A moderate monomer concentration and polymerization time are very beneficial for achieving highly conducting PTh. The highest conductivity of virgin PTh is 3.1×10−4 S cm−1 and can be further elevated to 50 S cm−1 by doping in iodine vapor. Under optimized polymerization conditions, the significant variation of the conductivity of the PTh particles in virgin and doped states was well confirmed by the intensity and wavelength of the UV/Vis spectral band owing to the large π conjugation. The PTh particles demonstrate uncommon characteristics including easy synthesis, low cost of production, large π‐conjugated structure, high conductivity, solution processability, and extensive potential for further application.
Chiral (2,5)Pyrido[74]allenoacetylenic Cyclophanes: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Alonso‐Gómez José Lorenzo , Navarro‐Vázquez Armando , Cid M. Magdalena
Published: May 2009

Chiral pyridoallenophanes! The synthesis and characterization of chiral acetylenic pyridoallenophanes along with 2,4‐ and 2,5‐pyridyl[Re(CO)4LBr] complexes are reported. The relative configurations of the four stereoisomers have been unambiguously assigned. Chromatographic resolution of the racemate of the C4 stereoisomer was accomplished and mirror‐image CD spectra have been obtained (see figure).

magnified image

Chiral macrocycles bearing four 2,5‐substituted pyridine units have been prepared regioselectively. The four possible diastereoisomers (twist, chair, crown, and boat) were obtained in the reaction and separated by preparative HPLC. The isomers were fully characterized through their chirality and also their symmetry properties, taking into account the number of nonequivalent cumulenic carbon atoms in the 13C NMR spectra. The reaction of the isolated twist cyclophane with [Re(CO)5Br] led to an uncommon tetracarbonyl rhenium complex [Re(CO)4L]. The arrangement of the ligands around the metal core was studied through the 2,4‐ and 2,5‐bis(ethynylallenylethynylpyridyl) model compounds by analysis of their NMR, IR, and UV/Vis spectra.
The role of offender experience and crimes in shaping accounts
Authors: de Gregorio Eugenio
Published: May 2009

The paper summarises the main findings obtained in a wide study on the construction of deviant actions' narratives. In this paper, we focused on two topics: both topics are crucial to suggest new directions in investigative psychology. Narratives provide investigative psychologists with new sets of tools to define criminal profiles, such as narrative profiling. This paper deals with a qualitative investigation undertaken by collecting narrative interviews. These interviews were conducted with 34 prisoners held in two penal institutes in Rome and their goal was to reveal the typical form of constructing accounts taken in a non‐investigative context. The specific aim of the project was to show whether differences exist in the narrative accounts provided by perpetrators of crime considering two factors: the type of crime committed and the experience in the deviance arena, which are hypothesised to shape narrations. Interviews were analysed with particular reference to the ‘Evaluation model’ by W. Labov. Participants were divided into three groups on the basis of the type of experience in the deviant field (professionals, intermediates and amateurs) and into four groups according to the crime committed (homicide, robbery and theft, and crimes linked to drugs and fencing). The results show the significant existence of clear differences in the reconstruction of the crime committed compared to the experience of the protagonist. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐step radiosynthesis of [18F]N‐succinimidyl‐4‐fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB)
Authors: Glaser Matthias , Årstad Erik , Luthra Sajinder K. , Robins Edward G.
Published: May 2009

The acylation reagent [18F]N‐succinimidyl‐4‐fluorobenzoate (18F‐SFB) has been prepared using a new two‐step approach. The starting material p‐[18F]fluorobenzaldehyde (18F‐FBA) was obtained by an improved radiosynthesis with a decay‐corrected radiochemical yield of 66±6 % (n=3). Reaction of 18F‐FBA with (diacetoxyiodine)benzene and N‐hydroxysuccinimide and preparative HPLC purification furnished 18F‐SFB in an r.c.y. of 49±6 % (n=3), based on the starting radioactivity of 18F‐FBA. The radiochemical purity of 18F‐SFB was >99%. Alternatively, purification by solid phase extraction gave 18F‐SFB with an r.c.y. of 77±9% (n=4) and a radiochemical purity of 89±5% (n=4). This radiochemical synthesis only used non‐aqueous solvents, which simplifies the method and facilitates subsequent applications of 18F‐SFB. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cure characterization of the ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of linseed oil‐based thermosetting resins
Authors: Haman Karen , Badrinarayanan Prashanth , Kessler Michael R
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Bio‐based polymers from vegetable oils are excellent alternatives to petroleum‐based resins for both environmental and economic reasons. A detailed understanding of the cure behavior of bio‐based polymers is essential to optimize cure schedules and the final properties of the polymers. In this work, the cure of newly developed linseed oil‐based thermosetting resins, synthesized using Grubbs' first‐generation catalyst and a bis‐norbornadiene cross‐linking agent by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization, is characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and parallel plate oscillatory rheometry.

RESULTS: Experimental results reveal that the rate of cure increases and the gel time decreases with increasing cross‐linker loading; however, the activation energy of the cure does not vary systematically with cross‐linker loading. Phenomenological reaction models are used to describe the dynamic DSC measurements and to determine the kinetic parameters which facilitate cure predictions under isothermal conditions.

CONCLUSION: This work demonstrates that the cure kinetics of a linseed oil‐based thermosetting resin can be controlled by varying the cross‐linker loading. Furthermore, the kinetic parameters and cure rates at any cross‐linker loading for this system can be described by a simple autocatalytic reaction model which facilitates development of cure schedules. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
1‐methyl malate from Berberis integerrima fruits enhances the antibacterial activity of ampicillin against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Alimirzaee P. , Gohari A. R. , Hajiaghaee R. , Mirzaee S. , Jamalifar H. , Monsef‐Esfahani H. R. , Amin Gh. , Saeidnia S. , Shahverdi A. R.
Published: May 2009

The enhancement of the antibacterial activity of ampicillin by different extracts of Berberis integerrima fruits was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus. Disk diffusion and agar dilution methods were used to determine the antibacterial activity of ampicillin in the absence and presence of different plant extracts or various fractions eluted by column chromatography. A clinical isolate of S. aureus was used as a test strain. The active component of B. integerrima fruits involved in the enhancement of ampicillin activity was purified and identified as 1‐methyl malate using different spectroscopic methods. Both the ethanol extract of B. integerrima fruits and 1‐methyl malate enhanced the antibacterial activity of ampicillin. The total extract as well as 1‐methyl malate increased the antibacterial activity of ampicillin against the test strain. The potency of ampicillin against the test strain was increased 64‐fold when tested with a sub‐toxic concentration of total extract of B. integerrima fruits. Also, 1‐methyl malate increased the bactericidal activity of ampicillin. In the presence of 2 mg/mL of 1‐methyl malate the MIC of ampicillin for S. aureus decreased from 128 to 1 µg/mL (128‐fold). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental study of the bone marrow protective effect of a traditional Chinese compound preparation
Authors: Chen Yongfeng , Zhu Bide , Zhang Li , Yan Suchun , Li Jing
Published: May 2009

This study investigated the effect of Wei Gan Li on bone marrow haemopoiesis in myelosuppressed anaemic mice induced by 60Coγ, cyclophosphamide and chloramphenicol. After treatment with Wei Gan Li, colony forming units of granulocyte macrophages, erythroid cells, burst forming unit‐erythroid cells, megakaryocytes and the proliferation of bone marrow stromal cells were measured by in vitro cell culture techniques. Bone marrow haemopoietic stem cells were measured by flow cytometry. The peripheral blood cell count was found to have significantly recovered after Wei Gan Li administration and the proliferation of bone marrow haemopoietic stem/progenitor cells and BMSC were also significantly increased. Wei Gan Li was therefore found to promote the recovery of bone marrow haemopoietic function in myelosuppressed anaemic mice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New results of stability analysis for systems with time‐varying delay
Authors: Zhu Xun‐Lin , Yang Guang‐Hong
Published: May 2009

This paper studies the problem of stability analysis for continuous‐time systems with time‐varying delay. By developing a delay decomposition approach, the information of the delayed plant states can be taken into full consideration, and new delay‐dependent sufficient stability criteria are obtained in terms of linear matrix inequalities. The merits of the proposed results lie in their less conservatism, which are realized by choosing different Lyapunov matrices in the decomposed integral intervals and estimating the upper bound of some cross term more exactly. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and less conservatism of the proposed method. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semi‐global finite‐time observers for multi‐output nonlinear systems
Authors: Shen Yanjun , Shen Weimin , Jiang Minhui , Huang Yuehua
Published: May 2009

Finite‐time stability is investigated for nonlinear systems, which satisfy uniqueness of solution. First, a new sufficient condition for local finite‐time stability is presented. Next, by using the high‐gain observers and carefully selecting the homogeneity powers and weights, the problem of semi‐global and finite‐time stable observers is studied for multi‐output nonlinear systems with uniform observability and a triangular structure. Then, a design procedure is worked out for such observers. Finally, two numerical examples further verify the validity of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of Nonepithelial Multipotent Cells in the Embryonic Olfactory Mucosa
Authors: Tomé Mercedes , Lindsay Susan L. , Riddell John S. , Barnett Susan C.
Published: May 2009

Olfactory mucosal (OM) tissue, a potential source of stem cells, is currently being assessed in the clinic as a candidate tissue for transplant-mediated repair of spinal cord injury. We examined the ability of embryonic rat OM tissue to generate stem cells using culture conditions known to promote neural stem cell proliferation. Primary spheres formed that proliferated and exhibited two main morphologies: (a) CNS neurosphere-like (OM-I) and (b) small, tight spheroid-like (OM-II). The OM-I spheres expressed the neural stem cell marker nestin but also markers of peripheral glia, neurons, and connective tissue. Further studies demonstrated the presence of multipotential mesenchymal-like stem cells within OM-I spheres that differentiated into bone, adipose, and smooth muscle cells. In contrast, the OM-II spheres contained mainly cytokeratin-expressing cells. Immunolabeling of rat olfactory tissue with Stro-1, CD90, and CD105 showed the presence of multipotent mesenchymal cells in the lamina propria, whereas cytokeratin was expressed by the epithelial cells of the olfactory epithelium. In addition, a comparable pattern of immunoreactivity was detected in human tissue using Stro-1 and cytokeratin, suggesting the presence of similar cells in this tissue. The identification of a nonepithelial multipotent cell in the OM may explain the varied reports on olfactory stem cell differentiation capacity in vitro and in vivo and illustrates the cellular complexity of this tissue as a potential source of stem cells for transplantation and translation to the clinic.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
CARM1 is Required in Embryonic Stem Cells to Maintain Pluripotency and Resist Differentiation
Authors: Wu Qiang , Bruce Alexander W. , Jedrusik Agnieszka , Ellis Peter D. , Andrews Robert M. , Langford Cordelia F. , Glover David M. , Zernicka-Goetz Magdalena
Published: May 2009

Histone H3 methylation at R17 and R26 recently emerged as a novel epigenetic mechanism regulating pluripotency in mouse embryos. Blastomeres of four-cell embryos with high H3 methylation at these sites show unrestricted potential, whereas those with lower levels cannot support development when aggregated in chimeras of like cells. Increasing histone H3 methylation, through expression of coactivator-associated-protein-arginine-methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) in embryos, elevates expression of key pluripotency genes and directs cells to the pluripotent inner cell mass. We demonstrate CARM1 is also required for the self-renewal and pluripotency of embryonic stem (ES) cells. In ES cells, CARM1 depletion downregulates pluripotency genes leading to their differentiation. CARM1 associates with Oct4/Pou5f1 and Sox2 promoters that display detectable levels of R17/26 histone H3 methylation. In CARM1 overexpressing ES cells, histone H3 arginine methylation is also at the Nanog promoter to which CARM1 now associates. Such cells express Nanog at elevated levels and delay their response to differentiation signals. Thus, like in four-cell embryo blastomeres, histone H3 arginine methylation by CARM1 in ES cells allows epigenetic modulation of pluripotency.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Cognitive, behavioural and adaptive profiles of children with glutaric aciduria type I detected through newborn screening
Authors: Beauchamp M. H. , Boneh A. , Anderson V.
Published: May 2009

Background: Glutaric aciduria type I (GA I) is an autosomal recessive disorder of lysine and tryptophan metabolism due to a deficiency in glutaryl‐CoA dehydrogenase activity. Recent reports suggest that early diagnosis through newborn screening and initiation of preventive therapy result in improved functional outcome; however, detailed neuropsychological profiles of children with GA I are seldom reported and thus the impact of the disease on cognition, motor abilities and behaviour remains uncertain. Method: We present detailed neuropsychological profiles of three children who were diagnosed with GA I through newborn screening and treated from early age, and one asymptomatic patient diagnosed through cascade screening. A comprehensive battery of standardized tests was administered including measures of intellectual function, attention/memory, executive function, motor skills, speech/language, as well as behavioural and adaptive skills. Results: The results reveal overall average cognitive outcomes; however, subtle, but significant, fine motor and articulation deficits were observed. The results are discussed with regard to potential links between fine motor deficits and speech impairments in children with GA I. Such difficulties can impact on the child's ability to engage in academic, leisure and daily activities. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of in‐depth assessments of all aspects of neuropsychological function in patients with GA I and provide a basis for future neuropsychological assessment in similar groups of children. In spite of relatively preserved overall functioning, using a broad range of sensitive cognitive and motor measures facilitates the detection of subtle deficits, and allows for planning of early and adequate therapeutic interventions.
Clinical Practice Guideline Development Manual: A Quality‐Driven Approach for Translating Evidence into Action
Authors: Rosenfeld Richard M. , Shiffman Richard N.
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Guidelines translate best evidence into best practice. A well‐crafted guideline promotes quality by reducing health‐care variations, improving diagnostic accuracy, promoting effective therapy, and discouraging ineffective—or potentially harmful—interventions. Despite a plethora of published guidelines, methodology is often poorly defined and varies greatly within and among organizations.

PURPOSE: This manual describes the principles and practices used successfully by the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery to produce quality‐driven, evidence‐based guidelines using efficient and transparent methodology for action‐ready recommendations with multidisciplinary applicability. The development process, which allows moving from conception to completion in 12 months, emphasizes a logical sequence of key action statements supported by amplifying text, evidence profiles, and recommendation grades that link action to evidence.

CONCLUSIONS: As clinical practice guidelines become more prominent as a key metric of quality health care, organizations must develop efficient production strategies that balance rigor and pragmatism. Equally important, clinicians must become savvy in understanding what guidelines are—and are not—and how they are best utilized to improve care. The information in this manual should help clinicians and organizations achieve these goals.