bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous design of the sensory morphology and controller of mobile robots
Authors: Sugiura Komei , Kawakami Hiroshi , Katai Osamu
Published: April 2010

This paper proposes a method for automatic design of the sensory morphology of a mobile robot. The proposed method employs two types of adaptations, ontogenetic and phylogenetic, to optimize the sensory morphology of the robot. In ontogenetic adaptation, reinforcement learning searches for the optimal policy, which is highly dependent on the sensory morphology. In phylogenetic adaptation, a genetic algorithm is used to select morphologies with which the robot can learn tasks faster. Our proposed method was applied to the design of the sensory morphology of a line‐following robot. We performed simulation experiments to compare the design solution with a hand‐coded robot. The results of the experiments revealed that our robot outperformed the hand‐coded robot in terms of the following accuracy and learning speed, although our robot had fewer sensors than the hand‐coded one. We also built a physical robot using the design solution. The experimental results revealed that this physical robot used its morphology effectively and outperformed the hand‐coded robot. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 172(1): 48–57, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20965
Half‐Sandwich Benzylidene Ruthenium Complexes Bearing Phosphanyl‐Pyridine Ligands: Reactivity towards Nucleophiles and Electrophiles (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 12/2010)
Authors: Macías‐Arce Ignacio , Puerta M. Carmen , Valerga Pedro
Published: April 2010

The cover picture shows various reactions of the carbene complex [Ru(η5‐C5Me5){κ2‐P,N‐PiPr2NHC5H4N}(=CHC6H5)]+ over a view of Cádiz (phoenician Gadir), one of the oldest european continuously inhabited cities. These processes illustrate its ambiphilic character. It reacts as a nucleophile with Br?nsted acids, yielding a complex with an η2‐benzyl ligand. There are some previously described examples of this coordination mode for early transition metal benzylidene complexes, but this represents the first example of a structural characterization in the case of ruthenium complexes. The electrophilic behaviour of [Ru(η5‐C5Me5){κ2‐P,N‐PiPr2NHC5H4N}(=CHC6H5)]+ has been shown by reaction with hydride, giving rise to an η1‐benzyl complex. Normally, NMR studies allow unambiguous characterization of the η1 coordination of a benzyl ligand. However, especially for late transition metal complexes, distinction between the usually disregarded η2 and the generally considered η3 mode is difficult. We propose, from this study, that the presence of an η2‐benzyl ligand in metal complexes should not be ruled out only on the basis of their NMR spectra. The carbene complex also reacts with other bases like KOtBu, KN(SiMe3)2 and PMe3. Details are discussed in the article by I. Macías‐Arce, M. C. Puerta and P. Valerga on p. 1767 ff.
Translesion DNA synthesis polymerases in DNA interstrand crosslink repair
Authors: Ho The Vinh , Schärer Orlando D.
Published: April 2010

DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) are induced by a number of bifunctional antitumor drugs such as cisplatin, mitomycin C, or the nitrogen mustards as well as endogenous agents formed by lipid peroxidation. The repair of ICLs requires the coordinated interplay of a number of genome maintenance pathways, leading to the removal of ICLs through at least two distinct mechanisms. The major pathway of ICL repair is dependent on replication, homologous recombination, and the Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway, whereas a minor, G0/G1‐specific and recombination‐independent pathway depends on nucleotide excision repair. A central step in both pathways in vertebrates is translesion synthesis (TLS) and mutants in the TLS polymerases Rev1 and Pol ζ are exquisitely sensitive to crosslinking agents. Here, we review the involvement of Rev1 and Pol ζ as well as additional TLS polymerases, in particular, Pol η, Pol κ, Pol ι, and Pol ν, in ICL repair. Biochemical studies suggest that multiple TLS polymerases have the ability to bypass ICLs and that the extent ofbypass depends upon the structure as well as the extent of endo‐ or exonucleolytic processing of the ICL. As has been observed for lesions that affect only one strand of DNA, TLS polymerases are recruited by ubiquitinated proliferating nuclear antigen (PCNA) to repair ICLs in the G0/G1 pathway. By contrast, this data suggest that a different mechanism involving the FA pathway is operative in coordinating TLS in the context of replication‐dependent ICL repair. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multi-generational effects of polybrominated diphenylethers exposure: Embryonic exposure of male American kestrels (Falco sparverius) to DE-71 alters reproductive success and behaviors
Authors: Marteinson Sarah C. , Bird David M. , Shutt J. Laird , Letcher Robert J. , Ritchie Ian J. , Fernie Kim J.
Published: April 2010

Polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) are additive flame-retardants that are environmentally persistent and bioaccumulative compounds of particular concern to species at high trophic levels, including predatory birds. The developmental effects of in ovo exposure to male birds at environmentally relevant levels of the PBDE technical mixture, DE-71, on reproductive success and behaviors using captive American kestrels (Falco sparverius) were determined. Males were exposed in ovo by direct maternal transfer to DE-71 and unintentionally to low concentrations of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) at three mean ± standard error DE-71 concentrations of 288.60 ± 33.35 ng/g wet weight (low-exposure), 1130.59 ± 95.34 ng/g wet weight (high-exposure), or background levels of 3.01 ± 0.46 ng/g wet weight (control). One year following exposure, males were paired with unexposed females. Reproductive success was lower in the high exposure pairs: 43% failed to lay eggs while all other pairs laid complete clutches; they also laid smaller clutches and produced smaller eggs with reduced fertility, parameters that were negatively correlated with paternal in ovo concentrations of all PBDEs, as well as individual congeners and HBCD. Throughout courtship, there were fewer copulations by all in ovo exposed males, fewer mate-calls made by high-exposure males, and decreasing trends in pair-bonding and nest-box behaviors across treatments that continued during brood rearing. The reductions in clutch size and fertility were associated with the reduced frequencies of male courtship behaviors, and were associated with increasing concentrations of the PBDE congeners BDE-47, -99, -100, -53, -138, and HBCD. The results of the present study confirm effects noted in the F0 generation and demonstrate that exposure to DE-71 affects multiple generations of this predatory avian species at environmentally relevant levels of exposure. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010; 29:1740–1747. © 2010 SETAC
Perirhinal cortex hyperexcitability in pilocarpine‐treated epileptic rats
Authors: Benini Ruba , Longo Daniela , Biagini Giuseppe , Avoli Massimo
Published: April 2010

The perirhinal cortex (PC), which is heavily connected with several epileptogenic regions of the limbic system such as the entorhinal cortex and amygdala, is involved in the generation and spread of seizures. However, the functional alterations occurring within an epileptic PC network are unknown. Here, we analyzed this issue by using in vitro electrophysiology and immunohistochemistry in brain tissue obtained from pilocarpine‐treated epileptic rats and age‐matched, nonepileptic controls (NECs). Neurons recorded intracellularly from the PC deep layers in the two experimental groups had similar intrinsic and firing properties and generated spontaneous depolarizing and hyperpolarizing postsynaptic potentials with comparable duration and amplitude. However, spontaneous and stimulus‐induced epileptiform discharges were seen with field potential recordings in over one‐fifth of pilocarpine‐treated slices but never in NEC tissue. These network events were reduced in duration by antagonizing NMDA receptors and abolished by NMDA + non‐NMDA glutamatergic receptor antagonists. Pharmacologically isolated isolated inhibitory postsynaptic potentials had reversal potentials for the early GABAA receptor‐mediated component that were significantly more depolarized in pilocarpine‐treated cells. Experiments with a potassium‐chloride cotransporter 2 antibody identified, in pilocarpine‐treated PC, a significant immunostaining decrease that could not be explained by neuronal loss. However, interneurons expressing parvalbumin and neuropeptide Y were found to be decreased throughout the PC, whereas cholecystokinin‐positive cells were diminished in superficial layers. These findings demonstrate synaptic hyperexcitability that is contributed by attenuated inhibition in the PC of pilocarpine‐treated epileptic rats and underscore the role of PC networks in temporal lobe epilepsy. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lidocaine injections targeting CA3 hippocampus impair long‐term spatial memory and prevent learning‐induced mossy fiber remodeling
Authors: Holahan Matthew R. , Routtenberg Aryeh
Published: April 2010

Learning a spatial location induces remodeling of the mossy fiber terminal field (MFTF) in the CA3 subfield of the dorsal hippocampus (Ramirez‐Amaya et al. (2001) J Neurosci 21:7340–7348; Holahan et al. (2006) Hippocampus 16:560–570; Rekart et al. (2007a) Learn Mem 14:416–421). These fibers appear to grow from the stratum lucidum into distal stratum oriens. Is this axonal growth dependent on “repeated and persistent” neural activity in the CA3 region during training? To address this issue, we targeted local inactivation of the MFTF region in a post‐training, consolidation paradigm. Male Wistar rats, bilaterally implanted with chronic indwelling cannulae aimed at the MFTF CA3 region, were trained on a hidden platform water maze task (10 trials per day for 5 days). Immediately after the 10th trial on each training day, rats were injected with lidocaine (4% w/v; 171 mM; n =7) or phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS; n = 7). Behavioral measures of latency, path length, and thigmotaxis were recorded, as was directional heading. A retention test (probe trial) was given 7 days after the last training day, and brains were subsequently processed for MFTF distribution (Timm's stain) and cannula location. Lidocaine treatment was found to block the learning‐associated structural remodeling of the MFTF that was reported previously and observed in the PBS‐injected controls. During training, the lidocaine group showed elevated latencies and a misdirected heading to locate the platform on the first trial of each training day. On the 7‐day retention probe trial, the lidocaine‐injected group showed poor retention indicated by the absence of a search bias in the area where the platform had been located during training. These data suggest that the reduction of neuronal activity in the CA3 region impairs long‐term storage of spatial information. As this was associated with reduced MFTF structural remodeling, it provides initial anatomical and behavioral evidence for an activity—dependent, presynaptic growth model of memory. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differences in hippocampal protein levels between C57Bl/6J, PWD/PhJ, and Apodemus sylvaticus are paralleled by differences in spatial memory
Authors: Patil Sudarshan S. , Boddul Sanjay V. , Schlick Konstantin , Kang Sung Ung , Zehetmayer Sonja , Höger Harald , Lubec Gert
Published: April 2010

There is a significant strain‐dependent performance in the Morris water maze (MWM), a paradigm for the evaluation of spatial memory. In contrast, information on molecular differences that may be responsible for differences in spatial memory performance is limited. The aim of the study was therefore to investigate differences in hippocampal protein levels in three groups with different performance in the MWM. C57BL/6J (inbred laboratory strain), PWD/PhJ (inbred strain derived from wild animals of Mus musculus), and Apodemus sylvaticus (AS, genus Apodemus) mice were used for the experiments. Proteins from hippocampi, obtained from a behavioral study on these animals, were extracted and run on two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. Proteins spots were quantified, and spots with significantly different levels were identified by mass spectrometry using an ion trap. A series of 49 proteins from different pathways and cascades (signaling, neuronal network, protein synthesis, secretion and degradation, and antioxidant system; intermediary, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism) were significantly different among hippocampi at the stringent statistical level of P ≤ 0.001. These findings are paralleled by differences in the spatial navigation abilities between the strains within the species Mus musculus (C57BL/6 vs. PWD/PhJ) and between the genera Mus and Apodemus. As shown previously, AS learned the task in the MWM and showed good memory retention when tested at the probe trial (day 12), whereas C57BL/6J learned the task, but failed at the probe trial at day 12 as well as PWD/PhJ that failed to learn the task and failed at the probe trial at day 12. A list of above‐mentioned proteins were different between PWD/PhJ with bad and AS with good memory retention and may therefore be related to performance in the MWM and thus to spatial memory formation. The experimental approach, however, does not allow discriminating between differences in protein levels a priori and different protein levels induced by the MWM testing. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chronic psychosocial stress accelerates impairment of long‐term memory and late‐phase long‐term potentiation in an at‐risk model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Tran Trinh T. , Srivareerat Marisa , Alkadhi Karim A.
Published: April 2010

Although it is generally agreed that Aβ contributes to the pathogenesis of AD, its precise role in AD and the reason for the varying intensity and time of onset of the disease have not been elucidated. In addition to genetic factors, environmental issues such as stress may also play a critical role in the etiology of AD. This study examined the effect of chronic psychosocial stress in an at‐risk (treatment with a subpathogenic dose of Aβ; “subAβ”) rat model of AD on long‐term memory by three techniques: memory tests in the radial arm water maze, electrophysiological recordings of synaptic plasticity in anesthetized rats, and immunoblot analysis of learning‐ and long‐term memory‐related signaling molecules. Chronic psychosocial stress was induced using a rat intruder model. The subAβ rat model of AD was induced by continuous infusion of 160 pmol/day Aβ1–42 via a 14‐day i.c.v. osmotic pump. All tests showed that subAβ rats were not different from control rats. Result from behavioral tests and electrophysiological recordings showed that infusion of subAβ in chronically stressed rats (stress/subAβ group) caused significant impairment of cognitive functions and late‐phase long‐term potentiation (L‐LTP). Molecular analysis of various signaling molecules after expression of L‐LTP, revealed an increase in the levels of p‐CREB in control, stress, and subAβ rats, but not in the stress/subAβ rats. These findings suggest that the chronic stress‐induced molecular alteration may accelerate the impairment of cognition and synaptic plasticity in individuals “at‐risk” for AD. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimation of absorption of aromatic hydrocarbons diffusing from interior materials in automobile cabins by inhalation toxicokinetic analysis in rats
Authors: Yoshida Toshiaki
Published: April 2010

Aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as aliphatic hydrocarbons, diffusing from interior materials in automotive cabins are the most common compounds contributing to interior air pollution. In this study, the amounts of seven selected aromatic hydrocarbons absorbed by a car driver were estimated by evaluating their inhalation toxicokinetics in rats. Measured amounts of these substances were injected into a closed chamber system containing a rat, and the concentration changes in the chamber were examined. The toxicokinetics of the substances were evaluated on the basis of the concentration–time course using a nonlinear compartment model. The amounts absorbed in humans at actual concentrations in automobile cabins without ventilation were extrapolated from the results obtained from rats. The absorbed amounts estimated for a driver during a 2 h drive were as follows (per 60 kg of human body weight): 30 µg for toluene (interior median concentration, 40 µg m−3 in our previous study), 10 µg for ethylbenzene (12 µg m−3), 6 µg for o‐xylene (10 µg m−3), 8 µg for m‐xylene (11 µg m−3), 9 µg for p‐xylene (11 µg m−3), 11 µg for styrene (11 µg m−3) and 27 µg for 1,2,4‐trimethylbenzene (24 µg m−3). Similarly, in a cabin where air pollution was marked, the absorbed amount of styrene (654 µg for 2 h in a cabin with an interior maximum concentration of 675 µg m−3) was estimated to be much higher than those of other substances. This amount (654 µg) was approximately 1.5 times the tolerable daily intake of styrene (7.7 µg kg−1 per day) recommended by the World Health Organization. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dichlorvos, chlorpyrifos oxon and Aldicarb adducts of butyrylcholinesterase, detected by mass spectrometry in human plasma following deliberate overdose
Authors: Li Bin , Ricordel Ivan , Schopfer Lawrence M. , Baud Frédéric , Mégarbane Bruno , Masson Patrick , Lockridge Oksana
Published: April 2010

The goal of this study was to develop a method to detect pesticide adducts in tryptic digests of butyrylcholinesterase in human plasma from patients poisoned by pesticides. Adducts to butyrylcholinesterase in human serum may serve as biomarkers of pesticide exposure because organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides make a covalent bond with the active site serine of butyrylcholinesterase. Serum samples from five attempted suicides (with dichlorvos, Aldicarb, Baygon and an unknown pesticide) and from one patient who accidentally inhaled dichlorvos were analyzed. Butyrylcholinesterase was purified from 2 ml serum by ion exchange chromatography at pH 4, followed by procainamide affinity chromatography at pH 7. The purified butyrylcholinesterase was denatured, digested with trypsin and the modified peptide isolated by HPLC. The purified peptide was analyzed by multiple reaction monitoring in a QTRAP 4000 mass spectrometer. This method successfully identified the pesticide‐adducted butyrylcholinesterase peptide in four patients whose butyrylcholinesterase was inhibited 60–84%, but not in two patients whose inhibition levels were 8 and 22%. It is expected that low inhibition levels will require analysis of larger serum plasma volumes. In conclusion, a mass spectrometry method for identification of exposure to live toxic pesticides has been developed, based on identification of pesticide adducts on the active site serine of human butyrylcholinesterase. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The “Raman spectroscopic signature of life” is closely related to haem function in budding yeasts
Authors: Chiu Liang‐da , Hamaguchi Hiro‐o
Published: April 2010

HEM1 gene encodes δ‐aminolevulinate synthase that is required for haem synthesis. It is an essential gene for yeast survival. The Raman spectra of HEM1 knockout (hem1Δ) yeast cells lacks a Raman band at 1602 cm–1 that has been shown to reflect cell metabolic activity. This result suggests that the molecule giving rise to the“Raman spectroscopic signature of life” is closely related to haem functions in the cell. High amount of squalene is also observed in the hem1Δ strain, which is another new discovery of this study. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The impact of Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery for morbid obesity on second trimester obstetric ultrasound completion rates
Authors: Wax Joseph R. , Cartin Angelina , Pinette Michael G. , Blackstone Jacquelyn
Published: April 2010

Purpose.

Weight loss after bariatric surgery occurs by preferential loss of visceral and central body fat. We hypothesized that 2nd trimester sonographic completion rates would be higher among women with prior gastric bypass compared with women of similar body mass index without a prior gastric bypass.

Methods.

Women with gastric bypass undergoing 2nd trimester sonographic examination were matched 1:1 with controls for body mass index and prior cesarean section. The primary outcome was completion of the fetal anatomic evaluation according to American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine guidelines.

Results.

Initial sonogram completion rates for cases, 28/40 (70%), and controls (30/40, 75%) were similar (p = 0.62). Completion rates for women returning for follow‐up were 100% in both groups. Overall completing rates were identical for cases (37/40, 92.5%) and controls (37/40, 92.5%).

Conclusion.

Previous gastric bypass surgery does not affect 2nd trimester sonographic completion rates. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010
Human adenovirus replication in immunocompetent Syrian hamsters can be attenuated with chlorpromazine or cidofovir
Authors: Diaconu Iulia , Cerullo Vincenzo , Escutenaire Sophie , Kanerva Anna , Bauerschmitz Gerd J. , Hernandez‐Alcoceba Ruben , Pesonen Sari , Hemminki Akseli
Published: April 2010

Background

Adenoviruses can cause severe toxicity in children and in immunocompromised adults, and therefore a means to abrogate replication would be useful. With regard to cancer treatment, replication competent oncolytic adenoviruses have been safe in humans, although their efficacy has been variable. Therefore, more effective agents are now entering clinical testing and, consequently, replication‐associated side effects remain a concern. Preclinical analysis of replication related toxicity has been hampered by a lack of permissive models. Therefore, it has been difficult to study modulation of human adenovirus replication in immune competent animals.

Methods

We investigated four different hamster carcinoma cell lines for transduction and cell killing potency in vitro and in vivo. Gene transfer was assessed using replication‐deficient adenoviruses expressing luciferase. Cell killing was studied in vitro and in vivo using an oncolytic adenovirus that kills tumor cells by viral replication. After the most promising animal model had been selected, abrogation of virus replication was assessed in vitro and in vivo using a TCID50 assay.

Results

The results obtained suggest wild‐type adenovirus replication in all four tested Syrian hamster cell lines and also normal organs. Virus replication could be abrogated with chlorpromazine, cidofovir and cytosine arabinoside, and the effect occurred subsequent to nuclear delivery of the viral genome. Attenuation of virus replication also was seen in vivo both in tumors and the liver.

Conclusions

Syrian hamsters may comprise a valuable immune competent model for evaluating anti‐adenoviral drugs. Furthermore, chlorpromazine or cidofovir might be useful in case of adenovirus replication‐associated symptoms in humans. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
T1 and T2 hypopharyngeal cancer treatment with laser microsurgery
Authors: Karatzanis Alexander D. , Psychogios George , Waldfahrer Frank , Zenk Johannes , Hornung Joachim , Velegrakis George A. , Iro Heinrich
Published: April 2010

Background and Objective

To assess the oncologic results and functional outcomes of CO2 laser microsurgery in T1 and T2 hypopharyngeal cancer.

Methods

The files of 119 T1 and T2 hypopharyngeal carcinoma cases primarily managed with laser surgery were reviewed. Cases were assessed for 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) as well as local control (LC) rates, with respect to T and N classification, status of surgical margins, and decision on neck management and adjuvant therapy. Cases were additionally evaluated for incidence of major complications and retention of laryngeal and pharyngeal function.

Results

DSS and LC rates of 72.6% and 85.4%, respectively, were noted overall in this series. Survival rates were found to be significantly better for cases with negative surgical margins. The presence of regional metastases was also found to significantly affect prognosis. Satisfactory retention of function and a low rate of major complications were noted.

Conclusion

Laser surgery appears to be very effective for T1 and T2 hypopharyngeal cancer treatment as long as clear surgical margins can be achieved. Oncologic results are acceptable with low incidence of complications and satisfactory retention of function. The neck must always be included in the primary treatment plan of hypopharyngeal lesions. J. Surg. Oncol. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:27–33. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Miniemulsions via in situ Surfactant Generation
Authors: El‐Jaby Ula , Cunningham Michael , McKenna Timothy F. L.
Published: April 2010

The preparation and stabilisation of miniemulsions using in situ generated surfactants is described. Neutralising a water‐soluble base with an oil‐soluble long‐chain acid instantaneously generates in situ surfactants at the oil/water interface, resulting in a rapid homogenisation/polymerisation process. It was found that droplet sizes decreased with surfactant concentration and solid content and that in situ generated potassium stearate is not capable of simultaneously serving as a surfactant and costabiliser. However, the presence of stearic acid delays the rate of ripening. A number of in situ surfactants were prepared with different acids and bases. It was found that the droplet size decreased with the hydrated radius of the counterions.

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Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease: Two cases of dopa‐responsive juvenile parkinsonism with drug‐induced dyskinesia
Authors: Lai Szu‐Chia , Jung Shih‐Ming , Grattan‐Smith Padraic , Sugo Ella , Lin Yen‐Wen , Chen Rou‐Shayn , Chen Chiung‐Chu , Wu‐Chou Yah‐Huei , Lang Anthony E. , Lu Chin‐Song
Published: April 2010

There are very few conditions that present with dopa‐responsive juvenile parkinsonism. We present two such children with neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) who had an initial good levodopa response that was soon complicated by disabling dopa‐induced dyskinesia. One child was diagnosed by rectal biopsy in life, and the other diagnosis was confirmed at postmortem. In this patient, dopamine transporter imaging showed severely decreased binding of the radiotracer in the striatum on both sides. Bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation in this patient produced initial improvement, but this was not sustained. Both patients died within 10 years of symptom onset. As well as levodopa responsiveness with rapid onset of dyskinesia, clues to the diagnosis of NIID in patients presenting with parkinsonism include the presence of gaze‐evoked nystagmus, early onset dysarthria and dysphagia and oculogyric crises. Differential diagnosis of clinical symptoms and neuropathological findings are discussed including the approach to rectal biopsy for early diagnosis. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Clinical efficacy of istradefylline (KW‐6002) in Parkinson's disease: A randomized, controlled study
Authors: Mizuno Yoshikuni , Hasegawa Kazuko , Kondo Tomoyoshi , Kuno Sadako , Yamamoto Mitsutoshi ,   The Japanese Istradefylline Study Group
Published: April 2010

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of istradefylline at an oral dose of 20 mg or 40 mg once daily for 12 weeks in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with motor complications on levodopa therapy based on the change in the daily OFF time compared with placebo and to assess the safety at these doses. A total of 363 subjects were randomly assigned to receive 20 mg/day istradefylline (n = 119), 40 mg/day istradefylline (n = 125), or placebo (n = 119). The primary outcome variable was the change from baseline at endpoint in daily OFF time based on patients' ON/OFF diaries. At endpoint, the daily OFF time reduced from baseline by 1.31 hours for 20 mg/day istradefylline (P = 0.013 as compared to the placebo), 1.58 hours for 40 mg/day istradefylline (P < 0.001), and 0.66 hours for placebo; istradefylline significantly reduced the daily OFF time compared with placebo. The UPDRS Part III subscale score (ON state) reduced by 5.7 at endpoint in both istradefylline groups and 3.7 in the placebo group (P = 0.006 for 20 mg/day and P = 0.006 for 40 mg/day group as compared with placebo). The most commonly reported drug‐related treatment emergent adverse event (TEAE) was dyskinesia, which occurred in 2.5% (3/119) of subjects receiving placebo, 8.5% (10/118) receiving 20 mg/day istradefylline, and 6.4% (8/125) receiving 40 mg/day istradefylline. We conclude that istradefylline at 20 mg and 40 mg once daily is effective in relieving wearing‐off fluctuations of PD patients. In addition, istradefylline was well tolerated at both doses. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
3D‐QSAR CoMFA Study to Predict Orientation of Suprahistaprodifens and Phenoprodifens in the Binding‐Pocket of Four Histamine H1‐Receptor Species
Authors: Straßer Andrea , Wittmann Hans‐Joachim
Published: April 2010

Several phenylhistamines and histaprodifens were identified to act as (partial) agonists at the histamine H1‐receptor (H1R). The large diversity of these compounds led to pKivalues in a range between 4.5–7.5 at human, rat, bovine and guinea‐pig histamine H1R. Hybrid molecules, consisting of two different H1R‐agonist partial structures, like suprahistaprodifens or phenoprodifens for example, or compounds with a dimeric histamine moiety are able to bind in two different orientations into the binding‐pocket of the H1R. In order to predict the percentage of ligand bound in orientation 1 or in orientation 2, 3D‐QSAR studies at four H1R species were performed. The training set contains ligands which can only bind in one orientation and the test set all ligands with two possible orientations. In general, the predicted pKivalues of the test compounds were in good correlation to the experimental ones. Additionally, the predicted pKivalues for all ligands with two possible orientations were used to calculate the percentage of the hybrid ligands bound in orientation 1 and 2. Our models suggest that the preferred orientation of these hybrid molecules is dependent on ligand and H1R species.
NMR analysis of a series of imidazobenzoxazines
Authors: Rivara Mirko , Fantini Marco , Acquotti Domenico , Zuliani Valentina
Published: April 2010

The complete 1H and 13C NMR assignment of a series of imidazobenzoxazines by a combination of one‐ and two‐dimensional experiments (COSY, HSQC and HMBC) is studied. Moreover, 2D NOESY and 1D selective NOESY are reported. This procedure allows the identification of the regioisomers obtained. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The diffusion NMR studies of crown ethers–cyclodextrin complexation process
Authors: Gierczyk Błażej , Nowak‐Wydra Barbara , Schroeder Grzegorz , Pankiewicz Radosław
Published: April 2010

Formation of complexes between crown ethers and cyclodextrins has been studied using diffusion measurements. The structures of the complexes have been proposed on the basis of the theoretical calculations and the results obtained. Relation between the structural parameters (rings' diameter and symmetry) and the tendency of molecules' interactions are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do fall predictors in middle aged and older adults predict fall status in persons 50+ with fibromyalgia? An exploratory study
Authors: Rutledge Dana N. , Cherry Barbara J. , Rose Debra J. , Rakovski Carter , Jones C. Jessie
Published: April 2010

We explored potential predictors of fall status in 70 community‐dwelling persons ≥50 years of age with fibromyalgia (FM). Over 40% of the sample reported one or more falls in the year prior to the study. A logistic regression model using 10 variables known to predict falls in middle aged and older persons predicted 45% of the variance in fall status. Three variables offered significant independent contributions to the overall model predicting fall status: perception of postural instability, balance performance, and executive function processing speed. The results support prior work in both nonclinical and clinical populations of middle aged and older adults indicating that falls are associated with multiple risk factors. Prospective designs with larger samples are needed to (a) validate and extend these findings, and (b) identify risk factors related to fall status that are unique to persons with FM. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 33:192–206, 2010
Synthesis of high oil‐absorption resins of poly(methyl methacrylate‐butyl methacrylate) by suspended emulsion polymerization
Authors: Ji Naiyi , Chen Hou , Yu Mengmeng , Qu Rongjun , Wang Chunhua
Published: April 2010

The synthesis of high oil‐absorption resins by suspended emulsion polymerization process for the first time with butyl methacrylate (BMA) and short‐chain methyl methacrylate (MMA) as the monomers was studied. And the effects of different polymerization technological parameters, such as the comonomer, initiator, crosslinker, emulsifier, dispersant agent, and the agitation rate, on the oil absorbency of high oil‐absorption resins were discussed in detail. The optimum polymerization conditions were obtained. With the increasing contents of these factors, the oil absorbency increased first, and then decreased. The highest oil absorbency to toluene was 17.6 g/g. The particle morphology of the high oil‐absorption resins was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The resins were determined by FTIR spectrometry. Compared with the high oil‐absorption resins prepared by suspension polymerization process and emulsion polymerization process, the high oil‐absorption resins prepared by suspended emulsion polymerization process had the higher oil absorbency, faster oil‐adsorbing rate, better oil‐retention, and regeneration property. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tigecycline treatment of multi‐drug‐resistant Corynebacterium jeikeium infection in a child with relapsing and refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Dinleyici Ener Cagri , Yargic Zeynel Abidin , Bor Ozcan , Kiremitci Abdurrahman , Durmaz Gul
Published: April 2010

Corynebacterium jeikeium has been recognized as an important cause of infection, particularly among neutropenic patients who have central venous catheter (CVC). Routine use of tigecycline in children is not yet approved. Here in we present a child with relapsed‐refractory lymphoblastic leukemia who was successfully treated with tigecyline due to multi‐drug‐resistant C. jeikeium sepsis without removal of CVC. Our case highlights the use of tigecycline where there are no alternatives. Further studies regarding the efficacy and safety of tigecycline in pediatric patients are needed. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:349–351. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Association among lung function, exhaled nitric oxide, and the CAN questionnaire to assess asthma control in children
Authors: Sardón‐Prado O. , Korta‐Murua J. , Valverde‐Molina J. , Fernández‐Paredes J.J. , Mintegui J. , Corcuera‐Elosegui P. , Emparanza J.I. , Pérez‐Yarza E.G.
Published: April 2010

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the association among a validated symptom‐based questionnaire for asthma control in children (CAN), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO).

Methods

Observational cross‐sectional study was performed in a consecutive sample of asthmatic children aged between 7 and 14 years old from December 2007 to February 2008. FENO was measured with a portable electrochemical analyzer and forced spirometry was performed according to American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society. The CAN questionnaire was completed by the parents (aged <9 years old) or by the children (≥9 years old). The strength of the association among FEV1, FENO, and CAN questionnaire was studied using Spearman's rho, and the degree of agreement for asthma control among FEV1, FENO, and CAN questionnaire, with classification of these variables according to values of normality, was studied using Pearson's χ2 test and Cohen's kappa (KC).

Results

We studied 268 children, mean age 9.7 ± 2.1 years. Significant correlations were found between FENO and CAN (r = 0.2), between FEV1 and CAN (r = −0.3), and between FENO and FEV1 (r = −0.12). On classifying the variables according to values of normality, no agreement was found to establish the degree of asthma control between FENO and CAN (KC = 0.18, χ2 Pearson = 9.63); between FEV1 and CAN (KC = 0.29, χ2 = 38.5); or between FENO and FEV1 (KC = 0.07, χ2 = 4.9).

Conclusions

The association among the three measurement instruments used to assess asthma control (FEV1, FENO, and CAN) was weak. These are instruments that quantify variables that influence asthma in different ways, in this sense, none can be used instead of another in asthma management although they are complementary. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:434–439. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lung function testing in preschool‐aged children with cystic fibrosis in the clinical setting
Authors: Gangell Catherine L. , Hall Graham L. , Stick Stephen M. , Sly Peter D.
Published: April 2010

In cystic fibrosis (CF) lung function testing is a means of monitoring progression of lung disease. The preschool years have often been referred to as the “silent years” due to the previous lack suitable measures of lung function testing in this age group. This review outlines the various techniques of lung function testing in preschool children with CF in the clinical setting. This includes measures requiring tidal breathing including the forced oscillation technique, the interrupter technique, plethysmography, and multiple breath washout, as well as spirometry that requires respiratory maneuvers. We describe the feasibility and variability of different lung function methods used in preschoolers and report measurements made during tidal breathing have greater feasibility, although greater variability compared to spirometry. We also report associations with lung function and markers of CF lung disease. In the preschool age group measurements made during tidal breathing may be more appropriate in the clinic setting than those that require a higher degree of cooperation and specific respiratory maneuvers.maneuvers. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:419–433. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A computational study of RNA binding and specificity in the tandem zinc finger domain of TIS11d
Authors: Morgan Brittany R. , Massi Francesca
Published: April 2010

TIS11d is a member of the CCCH‐type family of tandem zinc finger (TZF) proteins; the TZF domain of TIS11d (residues 151–220) is sufficient to bind and destabilize its target mRNAs with high specificity. In this study, the TZF domain of TIS11d is simulated in an aqueous environment in both the free and RNA‐bound states. Multiple nanosecond timescale molecular dynamics trajectories of TIS11d wild‐type and E157R/E195K mutant with different RNA sequences were performed to investigate the molecular basis for RNA binding specificities of this TZF domain. A variety of measures of the protein structure, fluctuations, and dynamics were used to analyze the trajectories. The results of this study support the following conclusions: (1) the structure of the two fingers is maintained in the free state but a global reorientation occurs to yield a more compact structure; (2) mutation of the glutamate residues at positions 157 and 195 to arginine and lysine, respectively, affects the RNA recognition by this TIS11d mutant in agreement with the findings of Pagano et al. (J Biol Chem 2007; 282:8883–8894); and (3) we predict that the E157R/E195K mutant will present a more relaxed RNA binding specificity relative to wild‐type TIS11d based on the more favorable nonsequence‐specific Coulomb interaction of the two positively charged residues at positions 157 and 195 with the RNA backbone, which compensates for a partial loss of the stacking interaction of aromatic side chains with the RNA bases.
ATLAS and CMS initial physics program
Authors: Wingerter‐Seez I.
Published: April 2010

This lecture reviews the very first measurements to be performed by the ATLAS and CMS experiments at the CERN Large Hadron Collider.
Structural requirements for repellency: norsesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenoid derivatives of nootkatone against the Formosan subterranean termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Zhu Betty CR , Henderson Gregg , Sauer Anne M , Crowe William , Laine Roger A
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND:

Research has shown that the family of grapefruit flavors called nootkatones have significant repellant and toxic effects to Formosan subterranean termites (Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki).

RESULTS:

Nineteen synthetic nootkatone derivatives, along with three commercially available nootkatone derivatives, were tested for repellent activity against C. formosanus by a choice assay in a petri dish with a two‐step triage procedure. Based on the repellency threshold value, the relationships between structure and activity are discussed.

CONCLUSION:

Four derivatives of nootkatone have very high repellency and toxicity to C. formosanus, 9 times the potency of the primary compound nootkatone. Four other compounds have between 2 and 3 times the repellency of nootkatones, and three compounds are equal in their repellency to nootkatone. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Growth of Zn1‐xCuxO films by remote‐plasma‐enhanced metalorganic chemical vapor deposition with Cu(dibm)2
Authors: Hu B. , Adachi M. , Yamamoto K. , Nakamura A. , Temmyo J.
Published: April 2010

We have successfully grown Zn1‐xCuxO films by RPE‐MOCVD with a metalorganic source of Cu(dibm)2. Wurztite Zn1‐xCuxO films were characterized by XRD analysis and evaluated optical bandgaps and photoluminescence properties at room temperature. It was found that the c‐axis lattice length gradually decreased with increasing the Cu content and the bandgaps showed a tendency of blueshift. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Switching characteristics of ZnO based transparent resistive random access memory devices grown by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Misra Pankaj , Das Amit K. , Kukreja Lalit M.
Published: April 2010

Resistance switching characteristics, observed in metal oxide thin films, has recently attracted a great deal of attention to develop next generation low power, low cost, high speed, rugged and nonvolatile resistive random access memory (RRAM) devices. The memory effect in these materials is realized through the switching of the resistance of their thin films between two states of high and low resistances. Amongst the known metal oxides currently being explored for the development of RRAM, ZnO has been demonstrated to be a potential candidate. ZnO is an n‐type wide bandgap semiconductor and is highly transparent in the visible spectral region. Moreover its conductivity can be tailored in a broad range from metal like to insulator like by suitable impurity doping. Therefore it is possible to develop a fully transparent RRAM entirely based on ZnO. In this paper we report growth of a novel transparent RRAM devices based on ZnO and its variants. We studied the resistive switching characteristics of these devices and associated conduction mechanisms responsible for the switching. The details of this study will be presented in the paper (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Local measurement of conduction band offset for ZnCdS/ZnSSe nano‐structure by Laplace current DLTS cooperated with AFM technique
Authors: Litvinov Vladimir , Kozlovsky Vladimir , Sannikov Denis , Sviridov Dmitry , Milovanova Oksana , Rybin Nikolay
Published: April 2010

ZnCdS/ZnSSe SQW structure were investigated by current deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) with Laplace transform cooperated with atomic force microscopy (AFM) for the first time. Cathodoluminescence (CL) measurements were carried out also. Basing on Laplace current DLTS with AFM and CL data we estimated the conduction band offset of the ZnCdS/ZnSSe interface in the different regions of the structure. Size of the investigated region was commensurable with the diameter of cantilever tip. We demonstrated that Laplace current DLTS‐spectrometer switched in the circuit of an AFM cantilever may be used for an investigation of nanostructures. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mechanism of resistive memory effect in Ga doped ZnO thin films
Authors: Kinoshtia Kentaro , Hinoki Toshio , Yazawa Kenji , Ohmi Koutoku , Kishida Satoru
Published: April 2010

A hypothesis based on the model which explains the resistance change effect of resistive random access memory (ReRAM) by redox reaction is proposed. This hypothesis leads a conclusion that the relation between the polarity of the applied bias voltage and the caused resistance change in p ‐type semiconductors is opposite to that in n ‐type. Bias polarity dependence of resultant resistance change of ZnO and Ga‐doped ZnO (GZO), which are n ‐type semiconductors, were investigated using conducting atomic force microscope (C‐AFM). It was clarified that the opposite bias polarity is required to make GZO and NiO into the same resistance state, consistent with our hypothesis. In addition, enhancement of the resistance change effect by increasing Joule heating was observed. The present work also suggested that controlling the local carrier concentration of oxide films by application of localized strong electric field is possible. This technology might enable the fabrication of not only memory devices but also new nano‐scale electronic devices (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Se‐Se isoelectronic centers in high purity CdTe
Authors: Najjar Rita , Golnik Andrzej , André Régis , Kossacki Piotr , Gaj Jan A. , Mariette Henri
Published: April 2010

We evidence zero‐dimensional exciton states trapped on isoelectronic Se centers in CdTe quantum wells, δ‐doped with Se. Thanks to special precautions taken to have very high purity CdTe heterostructures, it is possible to observe, in photoluminescence spectra, sharp discrete lines arising from individual centers related to the Se doping. These emission lines appear at about 40 meV below the CdTe band gap energy. The most prominent lines are attributed to the recombination of excitons bound to nearest‐neighbor selenium pairs in a tetrahedral CdTe environment. This assignment is confirmed by a common linear polarization direction of the emitted light, parallel to <110>. These excitons localized on individual isoelectronic traps are good candidates as single photon emitters (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Surface and interface study of cermet coatings on aluminized steel by XPS
Authors: Romero R. , Martin F. , Ramos‐Barrado J. R. , Leinen D.
Published: April 2010

Cermet (Ag‐ZrO2) coatings have been deposited by spray pyrolysis on an aluminized steel (AS) sheet of large area, using two different coating procedures: i) first spraying silver particles, and above that layer a film of zirconia, or ii) simultaneously spraying zirconia and the silver particles using a unique spray solution with Zr and Ag precursors. XPS surface and subsurface analysis, with the help of mild Ar+ etching, has shown that the silver particles are metallic. On the surface of the silver particles exists a very thin oxide layer of silver zirconate. After Ar+ etching, the Ag‐ZrO2 coating material exhibits two phases showing differential charging. Both types of coatings reveal similar XPS spectra during analysis, albeit the coating obtained from the unique spray solution presents XPS peaks of slightly smaller width. SEM observations show that smaller silver particles with a smaller particle size distribution are obtained when spraying with a unique spray solution. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.