bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Esophageal Cancer: A Review of Meta‐Analyses
Authors: Wijnhoven Bas P. L. , van Lanschot Jan J. B. , Tilanus Hugo W. , Steyerberg Ewout W. , van der Gaast Ate
Published: September 2009

Background

Most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have compared neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery with surgery alone for locally advanced esophageal cancer have shown no difference in survival between the two treatments. Meta‐analyses on neoadjuvant chemoradiation in esophageal cancer, however, are discordant.

Methods

For the present study, published meta‐analyses on neoadjuvant chemoradiation for esophageal cancer were identified from the PubMed database and critically appraised in order to make a judgment on the applicability of neoadjuvant chemoradiation in clinical practice and decision making.

Results

Two of the six meta‐analyses examined did not show a significant survival benefit in patients with resectable esophageal cancer. Differences in the studies included and statistical methods applied might account for this. Moreover, there was heterogeneity between the RCTs included in the meta‐analyses with regard to the patients included, tumor histology, and radiotherapy and chemotherapy regimes. Also, surgical technique was not uniform. No data on individual patients were available for most meta‐analyses. The RCTs included in the meta‐analyses were of inadequate sample size. All were started in the nineties, and hence methods for diagnosis, staging, treatment delivery, and outcome measurement reflect clinical practice during that decade.

Conclusions

The current data on neoadjuvant chemoradiation for esophageal cancer strongly indicate the need for designing future high‐quality trials that will contribute to a better understanding of the role of neoadjuvant treatment for resectable cancer of the esophagus and help to identify patient subgroups that would benefit most.
The Influences of Cell Type and ZnO Nanoparticle Size on Immune Cell Cytotoxicity and Cytokine Induction
Authors: Hanley Cory , Thurber Aaron , Hanna Charles , Punnoose Alex , Zhang Jianhui , Wingett Denise G
Published: September 2009

Nanotechnology represents a new and enabling platform that promises to provide a range of innovative technologies for biological applications. ZnO nanoparticles of controlled size were synthesized, and their cytotoxicity toward different human immune cells evaluated. A differential cytotoxic response between human immune cell subsets was observed, with lymphocytes being the most resistant and monocytes being the most susceptible to ZnO nanoparticle-induced toxicity. Significant differences were also observed between previously activated memory lymphocytes and naive lymphocytes, indicating a relationship between cell-cycle potential and nanoparticle susceptibility. Mechanisms of toxicity involve the generation of reactive oxygen species, with monocytes displaying the highest levels, and the degree of cytotoxicity dependent on the extent of nanoparticle interactions with cellular membranes. An inverse relationship between nanoparticle size and cytotoxicity, as well as nanoparticle size and reactive oxygen species production was observed. In addition, ZnO nanoparticles induce the production of the proinflammatory cytokines, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-12, at concentrations below those causing appreciable cell death. Collectively, these results underscore the need for careful evaluation of ZnO nanoparticle effects across a spectrum of relevant cell types when considering their use for potential new nanotechnology-based biological applications.
A Novel Docetaxel-Loaded Poly (ε-Caprolactone)/Pluronic F68 Nanoparticle Overcoming Multidrug Resistance for Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Mei Lin , Zhang Yangqing , Zheng Yi , Tian Ge , Song Cunxian , Yang Dongye , Chen Hongli , Sun Hongfan , Tian Yan , Liu Kexin , Li Zhen , Huang Laiqiang
Published: September 2009

Multidrug resistance (MDR) in tumor cells is a significant obstacle to the success of chemotherapy in many cancers. The purpose of this research is to test the possibility of docetaxel-loaded poly (ε-caprolactone)/Pluronic F68 (PCL/Pluronic F68) nanoparticles to overcome MDR in docetaxel-resistance human breast cancer cell line. Docetaxel-loaded nanoparticles were prepared by modified solvent displacement method using commercial PCL and self-synthesized PCL/Pluronic F68, respectively. PCL/Pluronic F68 nanoparticles were found to be of spherical shape with a rough and porous surface. The nanoparticles had an average size of around 200 nm with a narrow size distribution. The in vitro drug release profile of both nanoparticle formulations showed a biphasic release pattern. There was an increased level of uptake of PCL/Pluronic F68 nanoparticles in docetaxel-resistance human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7 TAX30, when compared with PCL nanoparticles. The cytotoxicity of PCL nanoparticles was higher than commercial Taxotere®in the MCF-7 TAX30 cell culture, but the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). However, the PCL/Pluronic F68 nanoparticles achieved significantly higher level of cytotoxicity than both of PCL nanoparticles and Taxotere®(p < 0.05), indicating docetaxel-loaded PCL/Pluronic F68 nanoparticles could overcome multidrug resistance in human breast cancer cells and therefore have considerable potential for treatment of breast cancer.
Inhibition of lipolysis may contribute to the acute regulation of plasma FFA and glucose by FGF21 in ob/ob mice
Authors: Li Xiaofan , Ge Hongfei , Weiszmann Jennifer , Hecht Randy , Li Yue-sheng , Véniant Murielle M. , Xu Jing , Wu Xinle , Lindberg Richard , Li Yang
Published: September 2009

FGF21 is a unique member of the fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and a novel hormone that regulates glucose, lipid, and energy homeostasis. The beneficial effects of FGF21 reported thus far have mostly been from chronic treatments. In order to better understand the mechanism for FGF21 action, we evaluated the acute effects of FGF21 in vivo and in vitro. Here we report that a single injection of FGF21 acutely reduced plasma free fatty acid levels similar to its acute effects on plasma glucose in ob/ob mice. In vitro, FGF21 inhibited lipolysis in adipocytes during a short treatment and reduced total lipase activity. These results demonstrate the potential importance of adipocyte lipolysis to the observed acute improvements in plasma parameters.
C‐terminal binding proteins (CtBPs) attenuate KLF4‐mediated transcriptional activation
Authors: Liu Gang , Zheng Hai , Ai Walden
Published: September 2009

MINT‐7262008, MINT‐7262023: CTBP1 (uniprotkb:Q13363) physically interacts (MI:0915) with KLF4 (uniprotkb:O43474) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
Enhancement of angiogenic and vasculogenic potential of endothelial progenitor cells by haptoglobin
Authors: Park Seon-Joo , Baek Sang Hong , Oh Mi-Kyung , Choi Seung Hyun , Park Eun Hye , Kim Nam-Hoon , Shin Jong-Chul , Kim In-Sook
Published: September 2009

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were transfected with the haptoglobin (Hp) gene to investigate the effect of Hp on cell function. Hp potentiated the gene expression of various pro‐angiogenic factors in the EPCs. The Hp‐modified EPCs also increased in vitro tube formation on Matrigel compared with control cells. In hindlimb ischaemia models, Hp–EPCs showed a greater ability for improving blood perfusion and recovery from ischaemic injury. These results indicate that Hp improves EPC function in neovasculogenesis, which suggests that ex vivo modification of EPCs with the Hp gene can be applied to the treatment of vascular damage.
Human cytosolic tRNase ZL can downregulate gene expression through miRNA
Authors: Elbarbary Reyad A. , Takaku Hiroaki , Uchiumi Naoto , Tamiya Hiroko , Abe Mayumi , Nishida Hiroshi , Nashimoto Masayuki
Published: September 2009

A long form of tRNase Z (tRNase ZL) can cleave any target RNA at any desired site under the direction of artificial small guide RNA including ∼25‐nucleotide hook‐shaped RNA. Here we show that human miR‐103 can form a hook structure to guide target RNA cleavage by human cytosolic tRNase ZL in vitro. In vivo analyses using luciferase mRNAs modified to contain miR‐103 target sequences in their 3′ untranslated regions indicated that miR‐103 downregulates gene expression through directing mRNA cleavage by tRNase ZL. The present data suggest the possibility that human cytosolic tRNase ZL modulates gene expression through a subset of microRNAs in the cells.
Reducing dangerous nighttime events in persons with dementia by using a nighttime monitoring system
Authors: Rowe Meredeth A. , Kelly Annette , Horne Claydell , Lane Steve , Campbell Judy , Lehman Brandy , Phipps Chad , Keller Meredith , Benito Andrea Pe
Published: September 2009

Background

Nighttime activity, a common occurrence in persons with dementia, increases the risk for injury and unattended home exits and impairs the sleep patterns of caregivers. Technology is needed that will alert caregivers of nighttime activity in persons with dementia to help prevent injuries and unattended exits.

Methods

As part of a product development grant, a controlled pilot study was conducted to test the effectiveness of a new night monitoring system designed for informal caregivers to use in the home. Data from 53 subjects were collected at nine points in time during a 12‐month period regarding injuries and unattended home exits that occurred while the caregiver slept. Nighttime activity frequently resulted in nursing home placement.

Results

The night monitoring system proved a reliable adjunct to assist caregivers in managing nighttime activity. A total of nine events (injuries or unattended home exits) occurred during the study, with 6 events occurring in the control group. With intent‐to‐treat analysis, there was no difference between the groups. However, in a secondary analysis that was based on use of the intervention, experimental subjects were 85% less likely to sustain an event than control subjects.

Conclusions

When nighttime activity occurred, it resulted in severe injuries sometimes associated with subsequent nursing home placement. The night monitoring system represents a new technology that caregivers can use to assist them in preventing nighttime injuries and unattended home exits in care recipients with dementia.
Defining and labeling disease‐modifying treatments for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Cummings Jeffrey L.
Published: September 2009

Alzheimer's disease (AD) might be treated with symptomatic, neuroprotective, or neurorestorative therapies. Neuroprotective and neurorestorative interventions are disease‐modifying therapies. Disease modification can be defined as treatments or interventions that affect the underlying pathophysiology of the disease and have a beneficial outcome on the course of AD. In a clinical trial the criteria for affecting the underlying cause of the disease can be supported by demonstrating an effect on a biomarker such as medial temporal atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or diminished tau or phospho‐tau levels in cerebrospinal fluid. The claim for a beneficial effect on the clinical course of AD is supported by a drug‐placebo difference on the primary clinical outcomes of the clinical trial. A statistically significant correlation between the biomarker outcome and the clinical trial outcome would support the claim that these are based on the same underlying mechanism. Delayed start or staggered withdrawal designs might in themselves support a disease‐modifying claim but are difficult to implement. A combination of clinical outcomes and biomarker measures is a more likely pathway to a disease‐modifying claim. Labeling of disease‐modifying agents might refer to slowing of disease progression, delay in reaching predefined disease milestones, or reduction in progression of a biomarker such as cerebral atrophy or ventricular enlargement on MRI. Prevention claims will depend heavily on biomarker outcomes.
Association of C‐reactive protein with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Roberts Rosebud O. , Geda Yonas E. , Knopman David S. , Boeve Bradley F. , Christianson Teresa J.H. , Pankratz V. Shane , Kullo Iftikhar J. , Tangalos Eric G. , Ivnik Robert J. , Petersen Ronald C.
Published: September 2009

Background

Inflammation is proposed to play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease, and may also be involved in the pathogenesis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This study examined the association of inflammatory markers in serum or plasma with prevalent MCI and MCI subtypes in a population‐based sample.

Methods

Olmsted County, MN, residents aged 70–89 years on October 1, 2004, were evaluated using the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale, a neurological evaluation, and neuropsychological testing. Information ascertained for each participant was reviewed by an expert panel of neuropsychologists, physicians, and nurses, and a diagnosis of normal cognition, MCI, or dementia was made by consensus. C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis alpha (TNFα), and adiponectin were measured at baseline.

Results

Among 313 subjects with MCI and 1570 cognitively normal subjects, a CRP level in the upper quartile (>3.3 mg/L) was significantly associated with MCI (odds ratio [OR], 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–2.01) and with nonamnestic MCI (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.12–3.78) after adjusting for age, sex, and years of education. However, there was no association with amnestic MCI (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.81–1.82). No association was observed with the other inflammatory markers.

Conclusions

Plasma CRP is associated with prevalent MCI and with nonamnestic MCI in elderly, nondemented persons in a population‐based setting. These findings suggest the involvement of inflammation in the pathogenesis of MCI.
Severe Impairment Battery Language scale: A language‐assessment tool for Alzheimer's disease patients
Authors: Ferris Steven , Ihl Ralf , Robert Philippe , Winblad Bengt , Gatz Gudrun , Tennigkeit Frank , Gauthier Serge
Published: September 2009

Background

Communication problems are common in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, but instruments to assess these symptoms are limited. Our objective was to create a new scale, based on the language subscale of the Severe Impairment Battery (SIB), as a sensitive and reliable measurement of treatment effects on language performance.

Methods

All 24 items of the SIB language subscale were chosen for analysis. Baseline scores of 1320 moderate‐to‐severe patients (Mini‐Mental State Examination [MMSE] score, <15), from a combined AD database of four Memantine clinical trials (Study Codes: IE‐2101, MEM‐MD‐01, MEM‐MD‐02, and MRZ‐9605), were used for item reduction according to a standard principal components factor analysis. All items with loadings >0.5 on the identified factors were selected for inclusion in the new language scale. Correlations with existing AD scales were examined.

Results

The analysis indicated six factors, with 21 of 24 items showing loadings >0.5. The resulting 21‐item SIB Language (SIB‐L) scale exhibited high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.809). The maximal SIB‐L score was 41 points, with a measurement error of 3.7 points. The stratification of baseline SIB‐L scores (mean, 31.7; SD, 8.4) by MMSE scores (mean, 9.7; SD, 3.3) showed a high variance in SIB‐L scores. This confirms that patients with a low MMSE score can possess preserved language abilities. The SIB‐L scale did not exhibit substantial floor‐and‐ceiling effects.

Conclusions

The new SIB‐L is a fast (<15 minutes) and easily administered scale with favorable psychometric characteristics for assessing language impairment and treatment effects on the language performance of patients with moderate to severe AD.
Treatment effects of Memantine on language in moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease patients
Authors: Ferris Steven , Ihl Ralf , Robert Philippe , Winblad Bengt , Gatz Gudrun , Tennigkeit Frank , Gauthier Serge
Published: September 2009

Background

Language impairment is one of the most troublesome manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The objective of this post hoc analysis was to assess the treatment effects of Memantine on language in patients with moderate to severe AD, using the recently developed Severe Impairment Battery‐Language (SIB‐L) scale.

Methods

From a combined database including four Memantine clinical trials in moderate‐to‐severe AD, we analyzed 801 patients with SIB‐L scores of <38 and Mini‐Mental State Examination scores of <15. Patients were treated with either 20 mg Memantine per day or placebo. Mean changes in SIB‐L scores from baseline were calculated. For responder analyses, a change in SIB‐L score greater than or equal to the SIB‐L measurement error of 3.7 points was considered a clinically relevant response.

Results

The mean change from baseline in SIB‐L score at week 12 and weeks 24/28 (study end) significantly favored Memantine over placebo treatment (P < .0001 and P = .0182, respectively). Overall, more Memantine‐treated patients than placebo‐treated patients benefited from treatment. The effect was especially pronounced in patients with substantial language impairment on the SIB‐L (baseline score, ≤20). At weeks 24/28, significantly more Memantine‐treated patients experienced a clinically relevant improvement (25.4% vs. 10.8%, P = .0414), and significantly fewer patients experienced clinically relevant worsening (32.8% vs. 60.0%, P = .0029).

Conclusions

Memantine treatment of AD patients results in significant benefits for language function. Our results suggest that it is worth considering this therapeutic option, even for AD patients with marked language impairment.
Alzheimer's disease drug development and the problem of the blood‐brain barrier
Authors: Pardridge William M.
Published: September 2009

Alzheimer's disease (AD) drug development is limited by the presence of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB). More than 98% of all small‐molecule drugs, and ∼100% of all large‐molecule drugs, do not cross the BBB. Although the vast majority of AD drug candidates do not cross the BBB, the present‐day AD drug‐development effort is characterized by an imbalance wherein >99% of the drug‐development effort is devoted to central nervous system (CNS) drug discovery, and <1% of drug development is devoted to CNS drug delivery. Future AD drug development needs a concerted effort to incorporate BBB sciences early in the CNS drug discovery process. This goal can be achieved by a reallocation of resources, and an expansion of research efforts in the pure science of BBB biology and the applied science of brain drug‐targeting technology.
Current Alzheimer's disease clinical trials: Methods and placebo outcomes
Authors: Schneider Lon S. , Sano Mary
Published: September 2009

Background

Eighteen‐month‐long randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trials are common for phase II and phase III drug development for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Yet, no 18‐month trial has shown statistically significant outcomes favoring the test drug. We examined characteristics and underlying assumptions of these trials by assessing the placebo groups.

Methods

We searched the clinicaltrials.gov registry for randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trials for AD of at least 18‐month duration and extracted demographic, clinical, and trials characteristics, and change in main outcomes from the placebo groups. We obtained additional information from presentations, abstracts, publications, and sponsors.

Results

Of 23 trials identified, 11 were completed and had baseline data available; nine had follow‐up data available; 17 were phase III. General inclusion criteria were very similar except that minimum Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores varied from 12 to 20. Sample sizes ranged from 402 to 1,684 for phase III trials and 80 to 400 for phase II. Cholinesterase inhibitor use was from 53% to 100%, and memantine use was from 13.5% to 78%. The AD Assessment Scale‐cognitive (ADAS‐cog) was the co‐primary outcome in all trials; and activities of daily living, global severity, or global change ratings were the other co‐primaries. APOE ɛ4 genotype carriers ranged from 58% to 67%; mean baseline ADAS‐cog was 17.8 to 24.2. ADAS‐cog worsening in the placebo groups during 18 months ranged from 4.34 to 9.10, with standard deviations from 8.17 to 9.39, increasing during 18 months.

Conclusions

Inclusion criteria are essentially similar to earlier 6‐month and 12‐month trials in which cholinesterase inhibitors were not allowed, as were mean ADAS‐cog rates of change. Yet increasing variability and relatively little change overall in the ADAS‐cog placebo groups, eg, about 25% of patients do not worsen by more than 1 point, might make it more unlikely than previously assumed that a modestly effective drug can be reliably recognized, especially when the drug might work only to attenuate decline in function and not to improve function. These observations would be strengthened by pooling individual trials data, and pharmaceutical sponsors should participate in such efforts.
“Below average” self‐assessed school performance and Alzheimer's disease in the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study
Authors: Mehta Kala M. , Stewart Anita L. , Langa Kenneth M. , Yaffe Kristine , Moody‐Ayers Sandra , Williams Brie A. , Covinsky Kenneth E.
Published: September 2009

Background

A low level of formal education is becoming accepted as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although increasing attention has been paid to differences in educational quality, no previous studies addressed participants' own characterizations of their overall performance in school. We examined whether self‐assessed school performance is associated with AD beyond the effects of educational level alone.

Methods

Participants were drawn from the population‐representative Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (ADAMS, 2000‐2002). The ADAMS participants were asked about their performance in school. Possible response options included “above average,” “average,” or “below average.” The ADAMS participants also underwent a full neuropsychological battery, and received a research diagnosis of possible or probable AD.

Results

The 725 participants (mean age, 81.8 years; 59% female; 16% African‐American) varied in self‐assessed educational performance: 29% reported “above average,” 64% reported “average,” and 7% reported “below average” school performance. Participants with a lower self‐assessed school performance had higher proportions of AD: 11% of participants with “above average” self‐assessed performance had AD, as opposed to 12% of participants with “average” performance and 26% of participants with “below average” performance (P < 0.001). After controlling for subjects' years in school, a literacy test score (Wide‐Range Achievement Test), age, sex, race/ethnicity, apolipoprotein E‐ɛ4 status, socioeconomic status, and self‐reported comorbidities, respondents with “below average” self‐assessed school performance were four times more likely to have AD compared with those of “average” performance (odds ratio, 4.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–14). “Above average” and “average” self‐assessed school performance did not increase or decrease the odds of having AD (odds ratio, 0.9; 95% confidence interval, 0.5–1.7).

Conclusions

We suggest an association between “below average” self‐assessed school performance and AD beyond the known association with formal education. Efforts to increase cognitive reserve through better school performance, in addition to increasing the number of years of formal education in early life, may be important in reducing vulnerability throughout the life course.
Habit persistence, impediments to production factor adjustments, and asset returns in general equilibrium models with self‐fulfilling expectations
Authors: Gershun Natalia
Published: September 2009

I examine asset returns in the context of real dynamic stochastic general equilibrium economies with multiple equilibria (indeterminacy) that allow for aggregate fluctuations due to non‐fundamental belief shocks. The two models include habit formation in preferences. Model 1 combines restrictions on factor mobility and adjustment costs in a one‐sector economy. Model 2 uses restrictions on factor mobility in a two‐sector economy. Results demonstrate that Model 1 fails to match the stylized financial facts. Model 2 replicates the low risk‐free rate and the standard deviation of the return on the risk‐free asset, but underestimates the equity premium and standard deviation of the return on equity.
Set up of a newin vitromodel to study dietary fructans fermentation in formula-fed babies
Authors: Le Blay Gwenaëlle , Chassard Christophe , Baltzer Selina , Lacroix Christophe
Published: September 2009

A newin vitrofermentation model with immobilised infant faecal microbiota simulating the proximal colon of a formula-fed baby was developed and used to test the effects of known prebiotic fructans. Intestinal fermentation, based on a previously developed colonic fermentation model, using a new feeding medium simulating a formula-fed infant ileal chyme, was carried out for seventy-one consecutive days divided into four stabilisation periods intercalated with four prebiotic treatment periods. At the end of the first stabilisation period, total bacterial concentration in colonised beads and in faecal sample was similar, metabolite concentrations returned to stabilisation values after each treatment period. As expected, the four prebiotic treatments significantly increased the bifidobacterial populations, whereas they decreased bacteroides and clostridia. No difference was observed in the prebiotic effect of these substrates selected. The treatments significantly increased total production of SCFA and decreased ammonia compared to stabilisation periods. Long-term stability of the system together with the reproducibility of the known prebiotic effects highlights the potential of the present model to quantify and compare the effects of different substrates in a formula-fed infant microbiota within the same fermentation experiment.
Antioxidant activity, bioactive polyphenols in Mexican goats' milk cheeses on summer grazing
Authors: Hilario Mario Cuchillo , Puga Claudia Delgadillo , Ocaña Arturo Navarro , Romo Fernando Pérez-Gil
Published: September 2009

Two feeding systems trials were carried out to determine the antioxidant activity of soft goats' milk cheeses, and also to evaluate the presence of bioactive polyphenolic compounds. Two groups (A and B), each one with 20 (BW 50±5 kg) French Alpine goats were employed. All animals had between 70 to 80 milking days and were milked once a day. Group A included daily grazing on shruby rangeland vegetation, and group B was kept in full indoor confinement. Thirty kg of goats' milk from each group were collected; 15 kg from each were pasteurized and the remaining 15 kg were not pasteurized (raw), resulting in four treatments (two feeding system×two milk treatments). Soft goat's cheese antioxidant activity can be modified by the animals feeding system; grazing management represents a better option than indoor feeding to produce a healthy profile of bioactive compounds; providing an increase of total polyphenol, hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoid concentrations. Pasteurization did have a significant effect on these metabolites, and diminished total polyphenol concentration. More research is needed to elucidate the potential of soft goat's cheese as a functional food.
Separation of genetic influences on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and reaction time performance from those on IQ
Authors: Wood A. C. , Asherson P. , van der Meere J. J. , Kuntsi J.
Published: September 2009

Background

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) shows a strong phenotypic and genetic association with reaction time (RT) variability, considered to reflect lapses in attention. Yet we know little about whether this aetiological pathway is shared with other affected cognitive processes in ADHD, such as lower IQs or the generally slower responses (mean RTs). We aimed to address the question of whether a shared set of genes exist that influence RT variability, mean RT, IQ and ADHD symptom scores, or whether there is evidence of separate aetiological pathways.

Method

Multivariate structural equation modelling on cognitive tasks data (providing RT data), IQ and ADHD ratings by parents and teachers collected on general population sample of 1314 twins, at ages 7–10 years.

Results

Multivariate structural equation models indicated that the shared genetic influences underlying both ADHD symptom scores and RT variability are also shared with those underlying mean RT, with both types of RT data largely indexing the same underlying liability. By contrast, the shared genetic influences on ADHD symptom scores and RT variability (or mean RT) are largely independent of the genetic influences that ADHD symptom scores share with IQ.

Conclusions

The finding of unique aetiological pathways between IQ and RT data, but shared components between mean RT, RT variability and ADHD symptom scores, illustrates key influences in the genetic architecture of the cognitive and energetic processes that underlie the behavioural symptoms of ADHD. In addition, the multivariate genetic model fitting findings provide valuable information for future molecular genetic analyses.
Early maternal and paternal bonding, childhood physical abuse and adult psychopathic personality
Authors: Gao Y. , Raine A. , Chan F. , Venables P. H. , Mednick S. A.
Published: September 2009

Background

A significant gap in the literature on risk factors for psychopathy is the relative lack of research on parental bonding.

Method

This study examines the cross-sectional relationship between maternal and paternal bonding, childhood physical abuse and psychopathic personality at age 28 years in a community sample of 333 males and females. It also assesses prospectively whether children separated from their parents in the first 3 years of life are more likely to have a psychopathic-like personality 25 years later.

Results

Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that: (1) poor parental bonding (lack of maternal care and low paternal overprotection) and childhood physical abuse were both associated with a psychopathic personality; (2) parental bonding was significantly associated with psychopathic personality after taking into account sex, social adversity, ethnicity and abuse; (3) those separated from parents in the first 3 years of life were particularly characterized by low parental bonding and a psychopathic personality in adulthood; and (4) the deviant behavior factor of psychopathy was more related to lack of maternal care whereas the emotional detachment factor was related to both lack of maternal care and paternal overprotection.

Conclusions

Findings draw attention to the importance of different components of early bonding in relation to adult psychopathy, and may have potential implications for early intervention and prevention of psychopathy.
Outbreak of giardiasis associated with a community drinking-water source
Authors: DALY E. R. , ROY S. J. , BLANEY D. D. , MANNING J. S. , HILL V. R. , XIAO L. , STULL J. W.
Published: September 2009

Giardiasis is a common waterborne gastrointestinal illness. In 2007, a community giardiasis outbreak occurred in New Hampshire, USA. We conducted a cohort study to identify risk factors for giardiasis, and stool and environmental samples were analysed. Consuming tap water was significantly associated with illness (risk ratio 4·7, 95% confidence interval 1·5–14·4). Drinking-water samples were coliform-contaminated and a suspectGiardiacyst was identified in a home water filter. One well was coliform-contaminated, and testing indicated that it was potentially under the influence of surface water. The well was located 12·5 m from aGiardia-contaminated brook, although the genotype differed from clinical specimens. Local water regulations require well placement at least 15 m from surface water. This outbreak, which caused illness in 31 persons, represents the largest community drinking-water-associated giardiasis outbreak in the USA in 10 years. Adherence to well placement regulations might have prevented this outbreak.
A Pilot Study Measuring the Impact of Yoga on the Trait of Mindfulness
Authors: Shelov Danielle V. , Suchday Sonia , Friedberg Jennifer P.
Published: September 2009

Background: The current study examined whether yoga would increase levels of mindfulness in a healthy population. Method: Forty-six participants were randomly assigned to an 8-week yoga intervention group or a wait-list control group. Mindfulness was assessed pre and post yoga, using the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI). Results: Results indicate that the yoga group experienced a significant increase in Overall mindfulness, and in three mindfulness subscales; Attention to the present moment, Accepting and open attitudes toward experience, and Insightful understanding (p < .01). The control group experienced a significant increase in overall mindfulness (p < .02) and insightful understanding (p < .01). Findings suggest that a yoga intervention may be a viable method for increasing levels of trait mindfulness in a healthy population, potentially implicating yoga as a preventive method for the later development of negative emotional mood states (i.e. anxiety and depression). The control group also experienced moderate elevations of mindfulness at the second assessment.
ON INTEREST RATE POLICY AND EQUILIBRIUM STABILITY UNDER INCREASING RETURNS: A NOTE
Authors: Huang Kevin X.D. , Meng Qinglai
Published: September 2009

Bullard and Mitra [Journal of Monetary Economics 49 (2002), 1105–1130] find that, in a New Keynesian economy without capital and under four variants of the Taylor rule, the Taylor principle is sufficient to guarantee both determinacy and E-stability of equilibrium in most cases. Xiao [Macroeconomic Dynamics 12 (2008), 22–49] claims that with capital and mild increasing returns the Taylor principle cannot guarantee either determinacy or E-stability with any of the four rules. In this paper we show that in the Calvo-type sticky price models a second-order condition for profit maximization must be satisfied in firms' pricing decision problem, and we point out that the examples given in Xiao's paper to support his conclusion violate this condition. After imposing this condition, we find that increasing returns have little effect on determinacy and E-stability under two of the policy rules but significant effects under the other two. These results are obtained in models both with and without capital.
Interpreting temperature information from ice cores along the Antarctic Peninsula: ERA40 analysis
Authors: Sime Louise C. , Marshall Gareth J. , Mulvaney Robert , Thomas Elizabeth R.
Published: September 2009

Analysis of ERA40 temperature and accumulation data suggests that annual mean isotopic fluctuations due to temperature change will be geographically very variable across the Peninsula: isotopic variations of 0.4‰ at James Ross Island; 0.9‰ at Dyer; and 1.3‰ at Gomez are all likely to indicate an identical magnitude of temperature change. The reduction in the magnitude of the isotopic signal in the north and east is due to climatically dependent synoptic covariance between temperature and accumulation; whilst in the west and south seasonal covariance amplifies the isotopic temperature signal. Additionally we show that the relationship between accumulation and temperature is rather weak in the north‐east regions but is stronger in the central and southerly regions. Therefore isotopes may record 11% to 30% of the variance in annual mean temperatures in the north east; 75% in central regions; and 70% in the south. This study enables physically based reconstructions of Peninsula climate based on multi‐core analysis.
Mid‐tropospheric supercooled liquid water observation consistent with nucleation induced by a mountain lee wave
Authors: Madonna Fabio , Russo Felicita , Ware Randolph , Pappalardo Gelsomina
Published: September 2009

A case study relative to the observation of unexpected liquid water in an apparently cloudless atmosphere is presented. Microwave radiometer profiler observations on 14 April 2008 at Boulder, Colorado, USA, showed an increase in the liquid water path with values higher than 0.05 mm and corresponding relative humidity saturation from 4.75 to 6.75 km above the ground level in profiles retrieved using a neural network algorithm. The formation of small supercooled droplets identified in the microwave retrieval of the temperature and relative humidity vertical profiles may result from nucleation stimulated by a mountain lee wave. The presented analysis reveals the existence of supercooled liquid water in the mid troposphere related to a wave activity that occurred in a sky condition classifiable as “clear” and describes an atmospheric scenario consistent with the observation of the so‐called twilight zone.
Impact of terrestrial carbon input on methane emissions from an Alaskan Arctic lake
Authors: Mazéas Olivier , von Fischer Joseph C. , Rhew Robert C.
Published: September 2009

Arctic warming is expected to increase thermokarst erosion in thaw lakes, thus inducing large emissions of CH4 to the atmosphere. To reduce uncertainties about the mechanisms, magnitude and timing of methane emissions, we conducted an in‐situ experiment to simulate lake expansion following thermokarst erosion. Three tundra horizons were excavated, incubated at the bottom of a thaw lake and subsequently monitored for CH4 ebullition from mid‐season until lake freeze‐up. Although the permafrost and seasonally frozen active layer emitted little CH4 throughout the experiment, ebullition from the thawed active layer began the first week, quickly reaching rates (39 mg CH4 m−2 day−1) comparable to background ebullition in Siberian thaw lakes. While the long‐term fate of permafrost carbon from thermokarst lake expansion remains uncertain, the short‐term methane release is dominated by upper active layer carbon. Thus, deepening of the upper active layer in a thaw lake dominated landscape should increase CH4 ebullition rates.
Prediction of the shock arrival time with SEP observations
Authors: Qin G. , Zhang M. , Rassoul H. K.
Published: September 2009

Real‐time prediction of the arrival times at Earth of shocks is very important for space weather research. Recently, various models for shock propagation are used to forecast the shock arriving times (SATs) with information of initial coronal shock and flare from near real‐time radio and X‐ray data. In this paper, we add the use of solar energetic particles (SEP) observation to improve the shock arrival time (SAT) prediction. High‐energy SEPs originating from flares move to the Earth much faster than the shocks related to the same flares. We develop an SAT prediction model by combining a well‐known shock propagation model, STOA, and the analysis of SEPs detected at Earth. We demonstrate that the SAT predictions are improved by the new model with the help of 38–53 keV electron SEP observations. In particular, the correct prediction to false alarm ratio is improved significantly.
Palatal lift prosthesis for palatopharyngeal closure in Wilson's disease
Authors: Koidis PT , Topouzelis N
Published: September 2009

This is a report of our work on a female patient with Wilson's disease who was treated for speech improvement. A palatal lift prosthesis was constructed to displace the soft palate superiorly and posteriorly and partially restore the functional deficiencies of palatopharyngeal insufficiency. Cephalometric radiographs confirm the association between the displacement of the soft palate and speech improvement.
Molecular cloning and characterization of two tropinone reductases in Anisodus acutangulus and enhancement of tropane alkaloid production in AaTRI‐transformed hairy roots
Authors: Kai Guoyin , Li Li , Jiang Yuxin , Yan Xiangming , Zhang Yan , Lu Xuan , Liao Pan , Chen Jianbo
Published: September 2009

Tropane alkaloids are used medicinally as anticholinergic agents with increasing market demand, so the improvement and production of active components from medicinal plants using molecular biotechnology show great potential for applications that should benefit human healthcare. Two tropinone reductases constitute a branching point in the biosynthesis of tropane alkaloids. In the present paper, we report for the first time the cloning and characterization of two fulllength cDNAs encoding TRI (tropinone reductase I) (GenBank® accession number EU424321) and TRII (tropinone reductase II) (GenBank® accession number EU424322) from the solanaceous plant Anisodus acutangulus by rapid amplification of cDNA ends. Sequence comparison indicated that AaTRI (A. acutangulus TRI) and AaTRII (A. acutangulus TRII) had high homology with other tropinone reductases from Hyoscyamus niger, Datura stramonium etc., but AaTRI and AaTRII showed identity of only 60.8%. Phylogenetic‐tree analysis showed that AaTRI and AaTRII belong to different clusters and have the closest relationship with H. niger TRI and TRII respectively. Expression‐pattern analysis showed that AaTRI and AaTRII were expressed in all tissues tested, including root, stem and leaf, but the transcript level of AaTRI was much lower than AaTRII. Expression of AaTRI and AaTRII could be enhanced by methyl jasmonate, with a weak effect for AaTRI and a strong effect for AaTRII. AaTRI‐transformed hairy‐root lines were accompanied by a mean 1.87‐fold higher level of hyoscyamine and a mean 8‐fold higher level of scopolamine compared with control roots, indicating that AaTRI is a promising target for genetic engineering to increase tropane alkaloid in A. acutangulus.
Self-heating and trapping effects in AlGaN/GaN heterojunction field-effect transistors
Authors: Saidi I. , Gassoumi M. , Maaref H. , Mejri H. , Gaquière C.
Published: September 2009

This work first attempted to simulate the band edges of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) structures with Ga-face polarity at the heterointerface. The spontaneous and piezoelectric-induced polarization fields as well as the effects of temperature on the electron band parameters have been included into the modeling. In a second step, we calculated self-consistently direct-current characteristics of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs without considering any defect. Calculations were made as a function of doping concentration and Al composition. In the paper, the self-heating in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs grown on SiC substrate before and after Si3N4 passivation was also investigated revealing that: (i) power dissipation is induced due to the increase in drain bias, which leads to a temperature rise of the two-dimensional electron gas in the channel, (ii) an enhancement in drain current is achieved after Si3N4 passivation, (iii) the self-heating occurs even in AlGaN/GaN heterostructures after passivation. Including thermal and trapping effects in transistor device model can allow adjusting of some of the electron transport parameters in order to obtain optimized current at the output.
Calculation of the electron Hall mobility and Hall scattering factor in 6H-SiC
Authors: Ng G. , Vasileska D. , Schroder D. K.
Published: September 2009

The calculated electron Hall Mobility and Hall scattering factor in n-type 6H-SiC based on numerical solutions to the Boltzmann transport equation are presented. These results were obtained by solving the Boltzmann equation exactly for the electron Hall mobility using the contraction mapping principle and the electron drift mobility with Rode’s iterative method. The relative importance of the various scattering mechanisms for these calculations is discussed, and a new set of values for the acoustic deformation potential, intervalley deformation potential, and intervalley phonon energy is found, which simultaneously fit experimental Hall mobility and Hall scattering factor data. The calculated Hall mobility and Hall scattering factor are in good agreement with experimental results. In addition, predicted values of the Hall scattering factor for various temperatures and doping concentrations are given.
Morphological changes of InGaN epilayers during annealing assessed by spectral analysis of atomic force microscopy images
Authors: Oliver Rachel A. , Sumner Joy , Kappers Menno J. , Humphreys Colin J.
Published: September 2009

During annealing, the morphologies of thin InGaN epilayers have been observed to change from a terraced structure to a network of interlinking InGaN strips separated by troughs. This change in morphology may contribute to high efficiencies in some GaN-based light emitting diodes (LEDs) if the InGaN is exposed to elevated temperatures without a protective GaN capping layer. Here, we investigate the changes in morphology which occur when InGaN epilayers are annealed at their growth temperature under NH3, N2, and a small H2 flux. We observe that while the layers initially roughen, more extended anneals lead to the surface becoming smooth and terraced once again. Power spectral density analysis of atomic force microscopy data is used to show that the dominant mechanism for roughening is loss of material from pre-existing pits, while the dominant smoothening mechanism is surface diffusion. This mechanistic analysis may be relevant to the growth of InGaN quantum wells in LED structures.
Exciton condensation in homoepitaxial chemical vapor deposition diamond
Authors: Donato M. G. , Messina G. , Verona Rinati G. , Almaviva S. , Faggio G. , Marinelli Marco , Milani E. , Prestopino G. , Santangelo S. , Tripodi P. , Verona C.
Published: September 2009

In this work, the characteristics of the edge emission of a homoepitaxial diamond sample grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) are reported. Photoluminescence has been excited at 220 nm by using a tunable optical parametric oscillator laser, giving ∼5 ns wide laser pulses. The temperature of the sample has been decreased from room temperature down to 30 K. Free exciton emission and its phonon replicas have been observed at all the temperatures explored. Excitonic lifetime shows a nonmonotonic dependence on the sample temperature. Luminescence at low temperatures from electron-hole drops at approximately 5.18 eV has been observed for the first time in CVD diamond.