bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Immune Peptidases Change Specificity: Cathepsin G Gained Tryptic Function but Lost Efficiency during Primate Evolution
Authors: Raymond Wilfred W. , Trivedi Neil N. , Makarova Anastasia , Ray Manisha , Craik Charles S. , Caughey George H.
Published: October 2010

Cathepsin G is a major secreted serine peptidase of neutrophils and mast cells. Studies in Ctsg-null mice suggest that cathepsin G supports antimicrobial defenses but can injure host tissues. The human enzyme has an unusual “Janus-faced” ability to cleave peptides at basic (tryptic) as well as aromatic (chymotryptic) sites. Tryptic activity has been attributed to acidic Glu226 in the primary specificity pocket and underlies proposed important functions, such as activation of prourokinase. However, most mammals, including mice, substitute Ala226 for Glu226, suggesting that human tryptic activity may be anomalous. To test this hypothesis, human cathepsin G was compared with mouse wild-type and humanized active site mutants, revealing that mouse primary specificity is markedly narrower than that of human cathepsin G, with much greater Tyr activity and selectivity and near absence of tryptic activity. It also differs from human in resisting tryptic peptidase inhibitors (e.g., aprotinin), while favoring angiotensin destruction at Tyr4 over activation at Phe8. Ala226Glu mutants of mouse cathepsin G acquire tryptic activity and human ability to activate prourokinase. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that the Ala226Glu missense mutation appearing in primates 31–43 million years ago represented an apparently unprecedented way to create tryptic activity in a serine peptidase. We propose that tryptic activity is not an attribute of ancestral mammalian cathepsin G, which was primarily chymotryptic, and that primate-selective broadening of specificity opposed the general trend of increased specialization by immune peptidases and allowed acquisition of new functions.
Insights into the Structures of DNA Damaged by Hydroxyl Radical: Crystal Structures of DNA Duplexes Containing 5‐Formyluracil
Authors: Tsunoda Masaru , Sakaue Takeshi , Naito Satoko , Sunami Tomoko , Abe Naoko , Ueno Yoshihito , Matsuda Akira , Takénaka Akio
Published: October 2010

Hydroxyl radicals are potent mutagens that attack DNA to form various base and ribose derivatives. One of the major damaged thymine derivatives is 5‐formyluracil (fU), which induces pyrimidine transition during replication. In order to establish the structural basis for such mutagenesis, the crystal structures of two kinds of DNA d(CGCGRATfUCGCG) with R = A/G have been determined by X‐ray crystallography. The fU residues form a Watson‐Crick‐type pair with A and two types of pairs (wobble and reversed wobble) with G, the latter being a new type of base pair between ionized thymine base and guanine base. In silico structural modeling suggests that the DNA polymerase can accept the reversed wobble pair with G, as well as the Watson‐Crick pair with A.
Lycopene Prevents Development of Steatohepatitis in Experimental Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Model Induced by High-Fat Diet
Authors: Bahcecioglu Ibrahim Halil , Kuzu Nalan , Metin Kerem , Ozercan Ibrahim Hanifi , Ustündag Bilal , Sahin Kazim , Kucuk Omer
Published: October 2010

We investigated the preventive effect of lycopene on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-induced by high-fat diet in rats. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups. They were fed standard diet, high-fat diet (HFD), high-fat diet plus lycopene at a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight and the high-fat diet lycopene at a dose of 4 mg/kg BW for a period of 6 weeks. Inflammation, steatosis, -smooth muscle actin (-SMA), and cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP 2E1) expression increased significantly in the rats fed HFD and decreased in the rats administered by lycopene. Significantly elevated levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), tumor necrosis factor (TNF ), and serum and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed in rats fed the high-fat diet as compared to the control rats (). Supplementation with lycopene lowered serum MDA and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-) levels and elevated liver GSH level (). Insulin resistance was higher in the rats fed HFD than in rats supplemented with lycopene. The data indicate that supplementation with lycopene can reduce high-fat diet-induced oxidative stress to the cells.
The Interaction of Large Bowel Microflora with the Colonic Mucus Barrier
Authors: Pearson Jeffrey P. , Brownlee Iain A.
Published: October 2010

The colonic mucus barrier is the first line of defence that the underlying mucosa has against the wide range of potentially damaging agents of microbial, endogenous, and dietary origin that occur within the colonic lumen. The functional component of mucus is the secreted, polymeric glycoprotein mucin. The mucus barrier can either act as an energy source or a support medium for growth to the intestinal microflora. The mucus barrier appears to effectively partition the vast number of microbial cells from the underlying epithelium. The normal functionality and biochemistry of this mucus barrier appears to be lost in diseases of the colorectal mucosa. Germ-free animal studies have highlighted the necessity of the presence of the colonic microflora to drive the maturation of the colonic mucosa and normal mucus production. A number of by-products of the microflora have been suggested to be key luminal drivers of colonic mucus secretion.
A randomized, open labeled, comparative study to assess the efficacy and safety of controller medications as add on to inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting β2 agonist in the treatment of moderate-to-severe persistent asthma
Authors: Patel YA , Patel P , Bavadia H , Dave J , Tripathi CB
Published: October 2010

Background:

The goal of asthma therapy is to achieve clinical control and near normal lung functions. Many patients with persistent asthma fail to achieve this goal with a single controller medication add on to a inhaled corticosteroid. We have checked whether another controller medication add on to inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting β2agonist helps in achieving the asthma goal or not.

Objectives:

To identify the effect of controller medication add on to inhaled corticosteroid and the long-acting β2agonist on the clinical symptom, lung function, and compliance in patients with asthma.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a randomized, open-labeled, comparative trial in 50 participants with moderate-to-severe persistent asthma. The study duration was of 10 weeks. During the first two weeks of the run-in period all the participants received a dry powder inhaler drug delivery of budesonide (400 mcg/day) and formoterol (12 mcg/day) combination. At the end of the run-in period the participants were randomly allocated into three groups: group A (n = 16) received oral montelukast (10 mg/day); group B (n = 17) received oral doxophylline (400 mg/day), and group C (n = 17) received inhaled budesonide (400 mcg) as add on to the above-mentioned drugs of the run-in period. The primary outcome was improvement in forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1).

Results:

All the participants of the three groups had significant improvement in FEV1(P < 0.001) and asthma symptoms at the end of 10 weeks. The mean increase in FEV1(% of predicted) from the baseline, in groups A, B, and C was: 24.6; 21.33, and 19.86%, respectively.

Conclusions:

All add on controller medications helped, with a significant improvement of lung functions and asthma symptoms.
Exogenous Antioxidants—Double‐Edged Swords in Cellular Redox State: Health Beneficial Effects at Physiologic Doses versus Deleterious Effects at High Doses
Authors: Bouayed Jaouad , Bohn Torsten
Published: October 2010

The balance between oxidation and antioxidation is believed to be critical in maintaining healthy biological systems. Under physiological conditions, the human antioxidative defense system including e.g., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH) and others, allows the elimination of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) including, among others superoxide anions (O2.-), hydroxyl radicals (OH.), alkoxyl radicals (RO.) and peroxyradicals (ROO.). However, our endogenous antioxidant defense systems are incomplete without exogenous originating reducing compounds such as vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids and polyphenols, playing an essential role in many antioxidant mechanisms in living organisms. Therefore, there is continuous demand for exogenous antioxidants in order to prevent oxidative stress, representing a disequilibrium redox state in favor of oxidation. However, high doses of isolated compounds may be toxic, owing to prooxidative effects at high concentrations or their potential to react with beneficial concentrations of ROS normally present at physiological conditions that are required for optimal cellular functioning. This review aims to examine the double‐edged effects of dietary originating antioxidants with a focus on the most abundant compounds, especially polyphenols, vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids. Different approaches to enrich our body with exogenous antioxidants such as via synthetic antioxidants, diets rich in fruits and vegetables and taking supplements will be reviewed and experimental and epidemiological evidences discussed, highlighting that antioxidants at physiological doses are generally safe, exhibiting interesting health beneficial effects.
Smoothness Properties of the Lower Semicontinuous Quasiconvex Envelope
Authors: Wagner Marcus
Published: October 2010

Assume that

K\subset ℝ^{nm}

is a convex body with

o \in \mathrm{int} (K)

and

\widetilde f: ℝ^{nm} → ℝ

is a Lipschitz resp.

C^1

-function. Defining the unbounded function

f: ℝ^{nm} → ℝ \cup \{(+∞)\}

through

f(v) =
\begin{cases}
\widetilde f(ν), &v ∈ K\\
f(+∞), &v ∈ ℝ^{nm} \setminus K,
\end{cases}

we provide sufficient conditions in order to guarantee that its lower semicontinuous quasiconvex envelope

\begin{align*}
f^{(qc)}(w) = \mathrm{sup} \left\{g(w)\ |\right.
&g: ℝ^{nm} → ℝ\cup \{(+∞)\} \text{ quasiconvex and lower }\\
&\left. \text{semicontinuous, }g(v)≤ f(v)\ \forall v \in ℝ^{nm} \right \}
\end{align*}

is globally Lipschitz continuous on

K

or differentiable in

v \in \mathrm{int} (K)

, respectively. An example shows that the partial derivatives of

f^{(qc)}

do not necessarily admit a representation with a “supporting measure” for

f^{qc}

in

v_0

.
A Necessary Condition for the Instantaneous Shrinking Property of Solutions to a Semilinear Heat Equation
Authors: Zhang Jing-Jun
Published: October 2010

In the paper, we prove that if the support of the solution of a semilinear heat equation has the instantaneous shrinking property, then the initial data must vanish at infinity. We apply the weak comparison principle to prove this conclusion. We also give an example to illustrate our results.
A Quasilinear Eigenvalue Problem with Robin Conditions on the Non-Smooth Domain of Finite Measure
Authors: Drábek Pavel , Rasouli S. H.
Published: October 2010

In this paper, we consider a nonlinear eigenvalue problem involving the
p
-Laplacian with Robin boundary conditions on a domain of finite measure. We show the existence, simplicity and isolation of principal eigenvalue and regularity results for the corresponding eigenfunction. Furthermore we establish the link between the Dirichlet and Neumann problems by means of the Robin boundary conditions with variable parameter.
On the Point Behavior of Fourier Series and Conjugate Series
Authors: Estrada Ricardo , Vindas Jasson
Published: October 2010

We investigate the point behavior of periodic functions and Schwartz distributions when the Fourier series and the conjugate series are both Abel summable at a point. In particular we show that if

f

is a bounded function and its Fourier series and conjugate series are Abel summable to values

γ

and

β

at the point

θ_0

, respectively, then the primitive of

f

is differentiable at

θ_0

, with derivative equal to

γ

, the conjugate function satisfies

\lim_{θ→θ_0} \frac{3}{(θ–θ_0)^3} \int^θ_{θ_0} \tilde f(t)(θ–t)^2 dt = β

, and the Fourier series and the conjugate series are both

(\mathrm{C}, κ)

summable at

θ_0

, for any

κ > 0

. We show a similar result for positive measures and

L^1

functions bounded from below. Since the converse of our results are valid, we therefore provide a complete characterization of simultaneous Abel summability of the Fourier and conjugate series in terms of “average point values”, within the classes of positive measures and functions bounded from below. For general

L^1

functions, we also give a.e. distributional interpretation of

− \frac{1}{2π} p.v. \int^π_{–π} f (t+θ_0) \cot \frac t2 dt

as the point value of the conjugate series when viewed as a distribution.

We obtain more general results of this kind for arbitrary trigonometric series with coefficients of slow growth, i.e., periodic distributions.
Do ESL Essay Raters' Evaluation Criteria Change With Experience? A Mixed‐Methods, Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: BARKAOUI KHALED
Published: October 2010

This study adopted a mixed‐methods cross‐sectional approach to identify similarities and differences in the English as a second language (ESL) essay holistic scores and evaluation criteria of raters with different levels of experience. Each of 31 experienced and 29 novice raters rated a sample of ESL essays holistically and analytically and provided written explanations for each holistic score they assigned. Score and qualitative data analyses were conducted to identify the criteria that the raters employed to rate the essays holistically. The findings indicated that both groups gave more importance to the communicative quality of the essays than to other aspects of writing. However, the novice raters tended to be more lenient and to give more importance to argumentation than the experienced raters did. The experienced raters tended to be more severe, to give more importance to linguistic accuracy, and to refer to evaluation criteria other than those listed in the rating scale more frequently than the novices did. The article concludes with a call for longitudinal research to investigate to what extent, how, and why rater evaluation criteria change over time and across contexts.
Looking Again at Add‐On ESOL Certification
Authors: REEVES JENELLE
Published: October 2010

The TESOL Quarterly invites commentary on current trends or practices in the TESOL profession. It also welcomes responses to rebuttals to any articles or remarks published here in The Forum or elsewhere in the Quarterly.
Efficacy of Composite Restorative Techniques in Marginal Sealing of Extended Class V Cavities
Authors: Khier Salwa , Hassan Khamis
Published: October 2010

Objectives. To compare the efficacy of three placement techniques in marginal sealing of Class V composite restorations extending onto the root. Materials and Methods. Class V cavities were prepared on buccal surfaces of 30 extracted human molars, with gingival margins 1.5 mm on the root. Prepared teeth were randomly assigned into 3 groups of 10 each and restored with Single Bond/Filtek Supreme using following techniques; Group I: oblique; Group II: occlusogingival; and Group III: split-increment. After restoration finishing, teeth were thermocycled, and immersed in 2% methylene blue dye for 24 h. Teeth were sectioned buccolingually. Digital photographs were made of sectioned surfaces using digital camera fitted on stereomicroscope. Microleakage was scored at occlusal and gingival margins using 0–3 scale. Dye penetration depth (DPD) at both margins was also measured using AnalySIS software. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni multiple comparison test. Results. 5% of occlusal margins in Groups I and III had 50  average (DPD). In Group II, only 10% of occlusal margins showed dye penetration, with 60  average depth. For gingival margins, Groups I and III presented dye penetration in 55% of specimens, with 220 and 150  average (DPD), respectively. Group II had 60% of gingival margins, with 230  average (DPD). There was no significant difference in microleakage at occlusal and gingival margins in all groups. Dye penetration was larger at gingival than at occlusal margins (). Conclusion. None of placement techniques produced gap-free margins. Oblique and occlusogingival techniques exhibited higher degrees of microleakage at occlusal and gingival margins, as compared to that of split-increment technique. Splitting flat composite increment by diagonal cut, prior to light-curing, preserved bonded gingival margin integrity and reduced microleakage.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice among Women and Doctors Concerning the Use of Folic Acid
Authors: Auriel Eithan , Biderman Aya , Belmaker Ilana , Freud Tamar , Peleg Roni
Published: October 2010

Background and Objective. Daily folic acid intake, prior to conception and in early pregnancy, significantly reduces neural tube defects (NTDs). We compared folic acid consumption among Jewish and Bedouin women and the recommendations of family physicians and gynecologists.
Methods. We compared 64 Muslim Bedouin women and 65 Jewish women. We also compared 39 gynecologists and 60 family physicians. Results. Fifty-one Jewish women (78.5%) took folic acid during pregnancy, but only seven (10.8%) before conception. Sixty Bedouin women (93.75%) took folic acid during pregnancy, but only four (6.25%) before conception (). Five Jewish women (7.7%) and two Bedouin women (3.1%) took folic acid three months before conception. Thirty-three gynecologists (87%) recommend preconception folic acid compared with thirty-six family physicians (60%) (). Conclusions. The majority of women use folic acid during pregnancy, but only few do so to prevent NTDs. There is a significant difference between doctors' recommendations and actual practice.
Sex and age differences in the diet and ingestive behaviors of sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys) in the Tai forest, Ivory coast
Authors: McGraw W. Scott , Vick Anna E. , Daegling David J.
Published: October 2010

Members of the Cercocebus‐Mandrillus clade are united by several morphological features, including expanded premolars which are argued to be associated with a preponderance of hard objects in the diet. We test the association between premolar expansion and hard object feeding by examining how different dental regions are used during food processing. We examined the diet and oral processing activities of sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys) in the Ivory Coast's Tai forest from August 2008 to September 2009. In addition to compiling diet profiles, we recorded the frequency that individuals performed four activities: 1) incising, 2) canine puncturing/scraping, 3) postcanine crushing (i.e., isometric biting), and 4) routine mastication (chewing cycles). Sooty mangabeys have a relatively narrow diet that consists largely of nuts/seeds, fruits, and invertebrates. While there are age and sex differences in diet, the most frequently consumed foods are similar across age and sex classes. The most frequently consumed foods are seeds of Sacoglottis gabonensis which are the hardest items in the sooty mangabey diet. Patterns of ingestive behavior vary with food type, but adults and nonadults (excluding infants dependent onmothers) of both sexes process similar foods. Premolar expansion in Cercocebus atys is associated with powerful crushing of hard objects of specific size and durophagy is a constant feature of sooty mangabey feeding ecology throughout ontogeny. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantum particles from classical statistics
Authors: Wetterich C.
Published: October 2010

Quantum particles and classical particles are described in a common setting of classical statistical physics. The property of a particle being “classical” or “quantum” ceases to be a basic conceptual difference. The dynamics differs, however, between quantum and classical particles. We describe position, motion and correlations of a quantum particle in terms of observables in a classical statistical ensemble. On the other side, we also construct explicitly the quantum formalism with wave function and Hamiltonian for classical particles. For a suitable time evolution of the classical probabilities and a suitable choice of observables all features of a quantum particle in a potential can be derived from classical statistics, including interference and tunneling. Besides conceptual advances, the treatment of classical and quantum particles in a common formalism could lead to interesting cross‐fertilization between classical statistics and quantum physics.
Evolution and predictors of morphological and functional arterial changes in the course of type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Vastagh Ildikó , Horváth Tamás , Nagy Géza , Varga Tímea , Juhász Eszter , Juhász Viktória , Kollai Márk , Bereczki Dániel , Somogyi Anikó
Published: October 2010

Background

Diabetes mellitus results in accelerated atherosclerosis. We evaluated preclinical, morphological and functional vascular changes in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Diameter, intima‐media thickness, intima‐media cross‐section area, and elasticity features (compliance, distensibility coefficient, circumferential strain, stiffness index, incremental elastic modulus) of the common carotid arteries and carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity were studied in 42 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus without macroangiopathy, and 41 control subjects matched for sex, age and body mass index using an ultrasonographic vessel wall‐movement tracking system and applanation tonometry.

Results

Significantly larger intima‐media thickness (523 ± 55 versus 567 ± 89 µm, p < 0.01), intima‐media cross‐section area (11.60 ± 1.81 versus 13.08 ± 3.02 mm2, p < 0.01), SI (5.58 ± 1.24 versus 7.08 ± 2.69, p < 0.01) and pulse wave velocity (6.00 ± 0.82 versus 6.61 ± 1.56 m/s, p < 0.05) were found in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients compared to controls. When type 1 diabetes mellitus patients with short and long disease duration (≤ or > 10 years) were compared, diameter (6450 ± 433 versus 6847 ± 750 µm, p < 0.05), intima‐media cross‐section area (11.97 ± 1.98 versus 14.01 ± 3.43 mm, p < 0.05) and pulse wave velocity (5.90 ± 0.92 versus 7.20 ± 1.74 m/s, p < 0.01) differed significantly. When multivariate analyses were restricted to type 1 diabetes mellitus patients, age was an independent predictor of stiffness index and pulse wave velocity, the duration of diabetes mellitus of intima‐media cross‐section area and pulse wave velocity, systolic blood pressure of diameter and pulse wave velocity, and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol of intima‐media thickness, intima‐media cross‐section area and stiffness index.

Conclusions

There are differences in the time course of evolution and in predictors of morphological and functional changes in arteries in type 1 diabetes mellitus. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ectopic expression of GATA6 bypasses requirement for Grb2 in primitive endoderm formation
Authors: Wang Ying , Smedberg Jennifer L. , Cai Kathy Qi , Capo‐Chichi D. Callinice , Xu Xiang‐Xi
Published: October 2010

Gene knockouts in mice have showed that Grb2 and GATA6 are essential for the formation of primitive endoderm in blastocysts. Here, we confirmed that implanted Grb2‐null blastocysts lack primitive or extraembryonic endoderm cells either at E4.5 or E5.5 stages. We analyzed the relationship between Grb2 and GATA6 in the differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells to primitive endoderm in embryoid body models. Upon transfection with GATA6 expression vector, Grb2‐null ES cells underwent endoderm differentiation as indicated by the expression of the extraembryonic endoderm markers Dab2 and GATA4. Transfection of GATA4 expression vector also had the same differentiation potency. When GATA6‐ or GATA4‐transfected Grb2‐null ES cells were allowed to aggregate, fragments of an endoderm layer formed on the surface of the spheroids. The results suggest that GATA6 is downstream of Grb2 in the inductive signaling pathway and the expression of GATA6 is sufficient to compensate for the defects caused by Grb2 deficiency in the development of the primitive and extraembryonic endoderm. Developmental Dynamics 240:566–576, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lifetime imaging of FRET between red fluorescent proteins
Authors: Rusanov Alexander L. , Ivashina Tatiana V. , Vinokurov Leonid M. , Fiks Ilya I. , Orlova Anna G. , Turchin Ilya V. , Meerovich Irina G. , Zherdeva Victorya V. , Savitsky Alexander P.
Published: October 2010

Numerous processes in cells can be traced by using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between two fluorescent proteins. The novel FRET pair including the red fluorescent protein TagRFP and kindling fluorescent protein KFP for sensing caspase‐3 activity is developed. The lifetime mode of FRET measurements with a nonfluorescent protein KFP as an acceptor is used to minimize crosstalk due to its direct excitation. The red fluorescence is characterized by a better penetrability through the tissues and minimizes the cell autofluorescence signal. The effective transfection and expression of the FRET sensor in eukaryotic cells is shown by FLIM. The induction of apoptosis by camptothecine increases the fluorescence lifetime, which means effective cleavage of the FRET sensor by caspase‐3. The instruments for detecting whole‐body fluorescent lifetime imaging are described. Experiments on animals show distinct fluorescence lifetimes for the red fluorescent proteins possessing similar spectral properties. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
4D retrospective lineage tracing using SPIM for zebrafish organogenesis studies
Authors: Swoger Jim , Muzzopappa Mariana , López‐Schier Hernán , Sharpe James
Published: October 2010

A study demonstrating an imaging framework that permits the determination of cell lineages during organogenesis of the posterior lateral line in zebrafish is presented. The combination of Selective Plane Illumination Microscopy and specific fluorescent markers allows retrospective tracking of hair cell progenitors, and hence the derivation of their lineages within the primodium. It is shown that, because of its superior signal‐to‐noise ratio and lower photo‐damaged properties, SPIM can provide significantly higher‐quality images than Spinning Disk Confocal technology. This allows accurate 4D lineage tracing for the hair cells over tens of hours of primordium migration and neuromast development. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ab initio molecular geometry and anharmonic vibrational spectra of thiourea and thiourea‐d4
Authors: Kowal Andrzej T.
Published: October 2010

Potential energy surface (PES) of thiourea, SC(NH2)2, has been searched for stable conformers under C1, Cs, C2, and C2v symmetry constraints by post‐Hartree–Fock ab initio methods with electron correlation level varying from second‐order Moeller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) to quadratic configuration interaction with single and double excitations (QCISD) and basis sets of double‐ and triple‐zeta quality within 6‐31+G(d,p) to aug‐cc‐pVTZ range. Thiourea conformers of C2 and Cs symmetry have been found as stationary points on the PES with no imaginary frequencies at MP2/6‐31+G(d,p) level, whereas only the C2 conformer seems as true minimum when basis sets containing more polarization and/or diffuse functions were used. At QCISD/cc‐pVTZ level, only the C2 thiourea conformer has been found as true minimum on the PES. Anharmonic vibrational spectra of C2 conformers of thiourea and thiourea‐d4 have been computed by vibrational self‐consistent field (VSCF) and correlation‐corrected VSCF methods using quartic force field approximation at MP2/TZV+(2d,2p), and MP2/6‐311+G(3df,2p) level and direct approach at MP2/6‐31+G(2d,p) level. Both quartic force field and direct VSCF methods used PES expansion in curvilinear (internal) coordinates. Wavenumbers of fundamental, first overtone, and combination transitions of C2 symmetry conformer have been calculated for natural abundance thiourea and thiourea‐d4 isotopomer. Anharmonic corrections originating from mean field and mode coupling effects vary from 5 to 60 cm−1, whereas mode–mode correlation contribution seems significant in the case of ν(N‐H) stretching and δ(NH2) deformation modes (15–5 cm−1). Application of internal coordinates in the VSCF calculation results in slight underestimation of δ(NH2) deformation mode fundamentals and correct description of out‐of‐plane large‐amplitude τ(SCNH) modes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Comparison of orally dissolving carbidopa/levodopa (Parcopa) to conventional oral carbidopa/levodopa: A single‐dose, double‐blind, double‐dummy, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial
Authors: Ondo William G. , Shinawi Lina , Moore Steven
Published: October 2010

Levodopa use in fluctuating Parkinson's disease (PD) is complicated by an inconsistent and prolonged onset to clinical improvement. An orally dissolved carbidopa/levodopa (OD C/L) preparation (Parcopa UCB Pharma) is available in the United States. This offers potential advantages to shorten the duration from ingestion to clinical improvement. Surprisingly, this has never been clinically assessed. We tested 20 patients with fluctuating PD and a Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) “off” motor score of ≥25 in a 2‐day, single‐dose, double‐blind, double‐dummy, crossover study. Patients arrived in the morning in the practically defined “off” state and were randomly assigned to receive identical doses of either oral C/L and OD placebo or OD C/L and oral C/L placebo on 1st day and the reverse combination on a 2nd day. After training, patients underwent bilateral hand tapping at baseline and every 5 minutes for 60 minutes after dose ingestion. Stride length (SL) was recorded at 5‐minute intervals with an ambulatory gait monitor. Patients identified their subjective latency to “on” and noted drug preferences and adverse events. They also underwent a UPDRS motor examination at baseline and 60 minutes after dose. Twenty subjects [15 male, age 68.7 (9.7), PD duration 13.4 (6.8)] completed. There were no significant group differences in tapping speed, subjective time to “on,” latency of increased SL, or overall preference. However, all trends did favor OD C/L. Adverse events were similar. This small pilot study did not show significant group differences favoring OD C/L; however, larger studies may be justified, and individual patients may benefit. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Gender differences in Parkinson's disease: Clinical characteristics and cognition
Authors: Miller Ivy N. , Cronin‐Golomb Alice
Published: October 2010

More men than women are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD), and a number of gender differences have been documented in this disorder. Examples of clinical characteristics that appear in men more often than women include rigidity and rapid eye movement behavior disorder, whereas more women than men exhibit dyskinesias and depression. Differences between men and women in cognition have not been extensively examined, though there are reports of deficits in men in aspects of cognition that contribute to activities of daily living, in verbal fluency, and in the recognition of facial emotion, and deficits in women in visuospatial cognition. Side of disease onset may interact with gender to affect cognitive abilities. One possible source of male‐female differences in the clinical and cognitive characteristics of PD is the effect of estrogen on dopaminergic neurons and pathways in the brain. This effect is not yet understood, as insight into how the fluctuation of estrogen over the lifetime affects the brain is currently limited. Further attention to this area of research will be important for accurate assessment and better management of PD. Attention should also be directed to multiple covariates that may affect clinical characteristics and cognition. Knowledge about differences in the presentation of PD symptoms in men and women and about the pathophysiology underlying those differences may enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of clinical assessment and treatment of the disease. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Carbazole end‐capped pyrene starburst with enhanced electrochemical stability and device performance
Authors: Liu Feng , Zou Jian‐hua , He Qi‐yuan , Tang Chao , Xie Ling‐hai , Peng Bo , Wei Wei , Cao Yong , Huang Wei
Published: October 2010

Carbazole end‐capped starburst molecule based on pyrene core “4CzFP” was synthesized and characterized. The starburst material shows good film‐forming ability and bright blue fluorescence. In cyclic voltammetry test, 4CzFP shows a high highest occupied molecular orbital energy level of −5.26 eV, indicating it has good hole‐injection ability. The material is quite stable under series of cyclic voltammetry scans, implying its good electrochemical stability. Single‐layered electroluminescent device takes on stable blue emission with a peak current efficiency of 0.84 cd/A. Double‐layered device by adding Poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK) as a hole‐injection layer does not show any improvement, indicating that 4CzFP could be efficiently used as the hole‐injection/light‐emitting layer. The device performance is largely improved by adding a thin TPBI electron‐injection/transporting layer. The peak efficiency reaches 3.28 cd/A and the maximum brightness is over 2200 cd/m2. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Optically active polyacrylamides bearing an oxazoline pendant: Influence of stereoregularity on both chiroptical properties and chiral recognition
Authors: Lu Wei , Lou Liping , Hu Fangyu , Jiang LiMing , Shen Zhiquan
Published: October 2010

Enantiopure acrylamide derivatives, N‐[o‐(4‐methyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1,3‐oxazol‐2‐yl) phenyl]acrylamide (MeOPAM), N‐[o‐(4‐isopropyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1,3‐oxazol‐2‐yl)phenyl]acrylamide (PriOPAM), and N‐[o‐(4‐phenyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1,3‐oxazol‐2‐yl)phenyl]acrylamide (PhOPAM), were synthesized and radically polymerized in the presence of rare earth metal trifluoromethanesulfonates (Ln(OTf)3, Ln = La, Nd, Sm, and Y) to yield corresponding optically active polymers. Among these Lewis acids, Y(OTf)3 was found to be most effective for increasing the isotactic specificity during the radical polymerizations when using n‐butanol as solvent. Also, the effect of the Lewis acids was significantly influenced by the ratio of Ln(OTf)3 to monomer. The relationship of both chiroptical property and the chiral recognition with the stereoregularity was then examined for the resulting polymers having various tacticity by spectroscopic techniques such as NMR, fluorescence, and circular dichroism. The results indicated that the polymers rich in isotacticity exhibited a favorable enantioselective discrimination ability toward 1,1′‐bi‐2‐naphthol as evidenced by 1H NMR study, where the characteristic hydroxyl proton signal was split into two peaks that ascribed respectively to the levo‐ and dextro‐isomer; furthermore, the splitting magnitude was linearly correlated with the diad isotacticity of the polymers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Guidance for safety performance indicators
Authors: Louvar J.
Published: October 2010

At a recent PSP Editorial Review Board meeting, the Board recommended that we periodically include an article that summarizes some major findings from safety bulletins and articles. This particular summary focuses on safety performance indicators.

Industry has found that the traditional emphasis on personnel safety will not prevent the low probability and high consequence process accidents. Process accidents are prevented by identifying, measuring, analyzing, and adjusting key process activities or indicators. The development of a safety performance indicator program is an important management responsibility that will prevent process accidents.

The motivation for and methods to develop an effective safety performance indicator program are discussed in this article. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2010
Wind energy literature survey no. 18
Authors: Henriksen Lars Christian
Published: October 2010

As a service to readers, Wind Energy regularly conducts literature surveys and publishes lists of relevant articles drawn from recent issues of a large number of periodicals including: Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, International Journal of Energy Research, Renewable Energy, Energy Sources, Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Journal, Electric Power Components and Systems along with a number of periodicals published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, etc. The list is limited exclusively to journals not specifically devoted to wind energy and its applications. To assist the reader, the list is separated into broad categories. Although many papers fit several categories, each paper is listed only once under the category thought most appropriate. Please note that the inclusion in the list is not an endorsement of a paper's quality. Please e‐mail any suggestions to corresponding author.
Discoid Bicelles as Efficient Templates for Pillared Lamellar Periodic Mesoporous Silicas at pH 7 and Ultrafast Reaction Times
Authors: Mohanty Paritosh , Lee Jinwoo , Glover Kerney Jebrell , Landskron Kai
Published: October 2010

We report the first synthesis of periodic mesoporous silicas templated by bicelles. The obtained materials form novel pillared lamellar structures with a high degree of periodic order, narrow pore size distributions, and exceptionally high surface areas.
Application of long-range weather forecasts to agricultural decision problems in Europe
Authors: CALANCA P. , BOLIUS D. , WEIGEL A. P. , LINIGER M. A.
Published: October 2010

Agriculture can benefit substantially from long-range weather forecasts, for the month or the season, which can help to optimize farming operations and deal more effectively with the adverse impacts of climate variability, including extreme weather events. In the context of climate change, long-range weather forecasts also represent key elements for the development of adaptation strategies. In spite of an undeniable potential, long-range forecasts issued for instance by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) have yet to find widespread application in European agriculture. To address partially the question of why this is the case, the performance of the ECMWF monthly ensemble forecasting system was examined. It was noted that predictability is currently limited to about 3 weeks for temperature and 2 weeks for precipitation and solar radiation. This may appear deceptive at first sight, but it was noticed that precipitation forecasts over a month are, overall, at least as valuable as information obtained from observed climatology. Encouraged by this finding, the possibility of using monthly forecasts to predict soil water availability was tested. In an operational context, this could serve as a basis for scheduling irrigation. Positive skills were found for lead times of up to 1 month. It was concluded that more systematic investigations of the possibilities offered by long-range forecasts should be undertaken in the future. However, this will require additional efforts to increase the quality of the forecasts, design appropriate application tools and promote the dissemination of the outcome within the agriculture community.
Pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 influenza: review of the Southern Hemisphere experience
Authors: FALAGAS M. E. , KOLETSI P. K. , BASKOUTA E. , RAFAILIDIS P. I. , DIMOPOULOS G. , KARAGEORGOPOULOS D. E.
Published: October 2010

We sought to systematically review the published literature describing the epidemiological aspects of the first wave of pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 influenza in the Southern Hemisphere. Fifteen studies were included in this review, originating from South America, Australia or New Zealand, and Africa. Across the different studies, 16·8–45·3% of the laboratory-confirmed cases were admitted to hospital, and 7·5–26·0% of these cases were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). The fatality rate was 0·5–1·5% for laboratory-confirmed cases in 6/8 studies reporting specific relevant data, and 14·3–22·2% for cases admitted to ICUs in 5/7 studies, respectively. In 4/5 studies the majority of laboratory-confirmed cases were observed in young and middle-aged adults, the percentage of older adults increased the higher the level of healthcare the cases received (e.g. laboratory confirmation, hospitalization or ICU admission) or for fatal cases. Many of the cases had no prior comorbidity, including conditions identified as risk factors for seasonal influenza. Pregnant women represented 7·4–9·1% and 7·1–9·1% of unselected laboratory-confirmed cases and of those admitted to ICUs, respectively. Obesity and morbid obesity were more commonly reported as the level of healthcare increased.
Introduction
Authors: Alon Noga , Bollobás Béla
Published: October 2010

This special issue is devoted to papers from the meeting on Combinatorics and Probability, held at the Mathematisches Forschungsinstitut in Oberwolfach from 26 April to 2 May. This meeting focused on the common themes of Combinatorics, Discrete Probability and Theoretical Computer Science, and the lectures, many of which were given by young participants, stimulated fruitful discussions. The open problems session held during the meeting, and the fact that the participants work in different and related topics, encouraged interesting discussions and collaborations.
Plate‐driven mantle dynamics and global patterns of mid‐ocean ridge bathymetry
Authors: Weatherley Samuel M. , Katz Richard F.
Published: October 2010

Global observations of mid‐ocean ridge (MOR) bathymetry reveal a correlation between the difference in axial depth across ridge offsets and ridge migration. If upwelling and melt production rates are asymmetric across a ridge axis, three‐dimensional (3‐D) melt focusing and different crustal thickness across offsets may account for the observed differences in axial depth. In this article we use a 3‐D numerical model to constrain the flow and thermal structure of a ridge‐transform‐ridge plate boundary. By coupling a model of melt focusing to our simulations we generate predictions of crustal thickness and axial depth change across offsets of different lengths. These predictions are consistent with the morphological changes observed along the global MOR system. In making these predictions we produce new constraints on the scale of melt focusing at mid‐ocean ridges and on the extent of melt redistribution at the ridge axis. Results from our simulations also suggest that plate‐induced mantle dynamics and melt focusing beneath a migrating MOR may produce global, systematic variations in the geochemistry of axial lavas.
Supervision: Formative Assessment as a Clinical Supervision Tool
Authors: Daly Gayle
Published: October 2010

Formative assessment is a critical component to effective supervision for graduate students in both on-campus clinical assignments as well as in external placements. This article focuses on the role of student participation and self-reflection in effective formative assessments. A number of self-reflection formative assessment tools will be discussed along with a survey of students' perception of the value of each.
Business: Earning Your Trophy: Considerations for Interviewing the Millennial Applicant
Authors: DeRuiter Mark , VandeWaa Elizabeth
Published: October 2010

Hiring and working alongside the millennial worker has been a popular topic in recent press. Millennials are those who were born between the years of 1980 and 2000 and who are typically “new” to the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology. This article provides a brief description of different generations in the workforce and a detailed discussion of the millennial applicant. Tips for interviewing these applicants are shared, with an emphasis on common pitfalls and considerations in their job-seeking. Aspects unique to the millennial applicant are discussed in order to assist the new hiring manager so that a good fit between applicant and organization may be found.
Syllable- and Rhythm-Based Approaches in the Treatment of Apraxia of Speech
Authors: Ziegler Wolfram , Aichert Ingrid , Staiger Anja
Published: October 2010

This paper presents new treatment approaches for patients with apraxia of speech (AOS), which are based on current theoretical work relating to the pathomechanism of AOS. Particularly, we focus on the question of which speech units and structural properties are involved in the error mechanism of speakers with apraxia. Based on a psycholinguistic model of spoken language production (Levelt, Roelofs, & Meyer, 1999), we review data from single-word production experiments and from analyses of spontaneous speech demonstrating an impact on (a) the degree of “over-learnedness” of syllables (syllable frequency), (b) the internal structure of syllables (syllable complexity), and (c) supra-syllabic, metrical aspects of utterances (word stress) on error production in AOS.

In the second section, we present two experimental learning studies and a treatment study that take these results into consideration. The first learning experiment suggests that syllables are more natural units than segments in the treatment of patients with severe AOS. Based on the results of the second learning study, we recommend a treatment approach which uses formally related training syllables in the reacquisition of complex target syllables. Finally, results of a treatment study using a metrical pacing technique led to the assumption that fluency and segmental accuracy could be enhanced by external rhythmic cues.
Conditions of Practice and Feedback in Treatment for Apraxia of Speech
Authors: Maas Edwin
Published: October 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to review a number of conditions of practice and feedback (sometimes referred to as principles of motor learning) in relation to treatment for apraxia of speech (AOS).

Methods: A narrative review of pertinent literature is provided.

Conclusions: Although there has been little systematic study of these conditions in treatment for AOS, the emerging evidence is consistent with the idea that conditions of practice and feedback have similar effects in treatment for AOS as those seen in the motor learning literature.
Promising Approaches to Treatment of Apraxia of Speech: Preliminary Evidence and Directions for the Future
Authors: Ballard Kirrie J. , Varley Rosemary , Kendall Diane
Published: October 2010

This paper provides a brief review of three interventions for apraxia of speech (AOS) that are in preliminary stages of development with evidence at the level of Phase I intervention trials. The first, Rapid Syllable Transition Treatment (ReST), combines intervention for dysprosody and segmental accuracy in apraxia of speech (AOS). The second is a word-level neurobiological approach that incorporates a substantial sensory-perceptual stimulation component and encourages error-free productions during practice. The third, phono-motor rehabilitation of AOS, provides intensive multi-sensory therapy for production of single sounds and words. These early studies have provided motivation for refining and exploring these interventions further.
Dynamic Assessment: Whys and Hows
Authors: Austin Lynette
Published: October 2010

Recent research indicates that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) typically do not implement dynamic assessment (DA) in evaluating the language skills of children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, despite recommendations from the American Speeh-Lanugage-Hearing Association (ASHA) and strong support in the literature. This article reviews different dynamic assessment formats and relevant research while making a case for DA implementation in school-based practices. Steps in designing dynamic assessments are outlined, and sample dynamic assessment write-ups from actual cases are provided.