bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermogelation of amphiphilic poly(asparagine) derivatives
Authors: Takeuchi Yasushi , Tsujimoto Takashi , Uyama Hiroshi
Published: September 2009

Thermoresponsive sol–gel transition polymers based on biodegradable poly(amino acid) were synthesized by the reaction of poly(succinimide) with dodecylamine and amino alcohols. The introduction of the hydrophobic amine into the thermoresponsive poly(amino acid)s induced the sol–gel transition in phosphate buffer saline. The effects of the side chain structure, molecular weight, concentration of the polymer, and the additives (inorganic salts and urea) in the solution on the thermoresponsive behaviors were systematically investigated. A relationship between the lowest critical solution temperature (LCST) in the dilute solution and the viscosity reduction of the concentrated solution upon heating was observed. The present poly(amino acid)s showing a thermoresponsive sol–gel transition in aqueous solutions possess immense potential as an injectable biodegradable hydrogel system for various biomedical applications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Health information needs of childhood cancer survivors and their family
Authors: Knijnenburg Sebastiaan L. , Kremer Leontien C. , van den Bos Cor , Braam Katja I. , Jaspers Monique W.M.
Published: September 2009

Background

Knowledge about past disease, treatment, and possible late effects has previously been shown to be low in survivors of childhood cancer and their relatives. This study investigated the information needs of childhood cancer survivors and their parents and explored possible determinants for differences in information need and health‐related Internet use.

Procedure

Childhood cancer survivors or their parents were contacted to complete a questionnaire about their characteristics, Internet use and requirements/expectations of a website on late effects (N = 160).

Results

One‐hundred forty‐five questionnaires (90.6%) were returned. Of the 69 respondents (49.3%) who had visited a late effects outpatient clinic prior to the survey, 20 (29.0%) had questions left after the consult. The large majority of the population had home access to Internet and 71 respondents (49.3%) used Internet for medical questions. Only 15 respondents (10.5%) used Internet to look for information on late effects of childhood cancer and only 4 survivors found what they were looking for. Main information items requested were information about recognizing late effects, personalized information on late effects treatment and information on self‐care. Only six respondents (4.2%) stated they would not visit a late effects website if it would be available.

Conclusions

The need for late effects information showed to be of high priority by the majority of respondents, as was their interest in visiting a late effects website. In the development of a late effects website, attention should be given to patient information tailored to the personal situation of the website's users. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010; 54:123–127. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of hygrothermal aging on the thermal–mechanical properties of vinylester resin and its pultruded carbon fiber composites
Authors: Yu Yunhua , Li Peng , Sui Gang , Yang Xiaoping , Liu Hongliang
Published: September 2009

Hygrothermal aging was carried out on vinyl ester (VE) resin cast and its pultruded carbon fiber reinforced composite (CF/VE) by immersing them in distilled water at 65 and 95°C. Hygrothermal aging effects on the samples were studied in terms of thermal–mechanical properties, as well as moisture absorption behavior, interfacial adhesion, and transverse mechanical properties. Moisture absorption behaviors of the VE casts and the CF/VE composites were characterized as Fickian behavior. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) tests showed that the tan δ peak temperatures of the VE casts and CF/VE composites decreased with immersion time at 65 and 95°C. Moreover, there existed a splitting in the tan δ peaks at 95°C, which was reversible and could be recovered by dehydration. Three‐point flexural test indicated that flexural strengths of both the VE casts and the composites decreased by hygrothermal aging with a trend related to their moisture absorption behaviors, while flexural modulus of the composites was less affected. The ILSS of the CF/VE composites was also depressed by deterioration in interfacial adhesion, which was proved by the interfacial adhesion parameters, A and α. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Application of microwave‐assisted extraction coupled with high‐speed counter‐current chromatography for separation and purification of Dehydrocavidine from Corydalis saxicola Bunting
Authors: Deng Jianchao , Xiao Xiaohua , Li Gongke , Ruan Guihua
Published: September 2009

Introduction – Dehydrocavidine is a major component of Corydalis saxicola Bunting with sedative, analgesic, anticonvulsive and antibacterial activities. Conventional methods have disadvantages in extracting, separating and purifying dehydrocavidine from C. saxicola. Hence, an efficient method should be established.

Objective – To develop a suitable preparative method in order to isolate dehydrocavidine from a complex C. saxicola extract by preparative HSCCC.

Methodology – The methanol extract of C. saxicola was prepared by optimised microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE). The analytical HSCCC was used for the exploration of suitable solvent systems and the preparative HSCCC was used for larger scale separation and purification. Dehydrocavidine was analysed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and further identified by ESI‐MS and 1H NMR.

Results – The optimised MAE experimental conditions were as follows: extraction temperature, 60°C; ratio of liquid to solid, 20; extraction time, 15 min; and microwave power, 700 W. In less than 4 h, 42.1 mg of dehydrocavidine (98.9% purity) was obtained from 900 mg crude extract in a one‐step separation, using a two‐phase solvent system composed of chloroform–methanol–0.3 m hydrochloric acid (4 : 0.5 : 2, v/v/v).

Conclusion – Microwave‐assisted extraction coupled with high‐speed counter‐current chromatography is a powerful tool for extraction, separation and purification of dehydrocavidine from C. saxicola. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current practice in psychopharmacology for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Floyd Elizabeth Freeman , McIntosh David E.
Published: September 2009

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a complex group of neurodevelopmental conditions that develop in early childhood and involve a range of impairments in core areas of social interaction, communication, and restricted behavior and interests. Associated behavioral problems such as tantrums, aggression, and self‐injury frequently compound the core deficits and can significantly reduce the efficacy of first‐line therapeutic behavioral and educational interventions. Although the etiology remains unclear and curative treatments are not presently available, psychopharmacologic interventions can reduce the severity of some of the symptoms of ASDs. This article reviews the medications most frequently used in the treatment of ASDs, both U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and off‐label, as well as the current evidence base on efficacy of these medications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of carbon source on the secretome of Kluyveromyces lactis
Authors: Madinger Catherine L. , Sharma Shamik S. , Anton Brian P. , Fields Lauren G. , Cushing Michelle L. , Canovas Julie , Taron Christopher H. , Benner Jack S.
Published: September 2009

A proteomic analysis was performed on spent fermentation medium following bioreactor propagation of a wild‐type industrial strain to identify proteins naturally secreted by Kluyveromyces lactis cells. Here, we report changes detected in the K. lactis secretome as a result of growth in three different carbon sources: glucose, galactose and glycerol. A total of 151 secreted proteins were detected by multi‐dimensional separations and reversed‐phase online nanoESI‐MS/MS analysis. From these, we were able to identify 63 proteins (termed the “base secretome”) that were common to all three fermentation conditions. The majority of base secretome proteins, 79%, possessed general secretory pathway (GSP) sequences and were involved with cell wall structure, glycosylation, carbohydrate metabolism and proteolysis. There was little variation in the functional groupings of base secretome GSP proteins and GSP proteins that were not part of the base secretome. In contrast, the majority of non‐GSP proteins detected were not part of the base secretome and the functions of these proteins varied significantly. Finally, through further identification of non‐GSP proteins in carbon sources not originally tested, we have gained further evidence of a protein export mechanism separate from the GSP in K. lactis.
Diminished expression of dihydropteridine reductase is a potent biomarker for hypertensive vessels
Authors: Lee Chang‐Kwon , Han Jin Soo , Won Kyung‐Jong , Jung Seung‐Hyo , Park Hyo‐Jun , Lee Hwan Myung , Kim Junghwan , Park Young Shik , Kim Hyun‐Jung , Park Pyo‐Jam , Park Tae‐Kyu , Kim Bokyung
Published: September 2009

To identify the new targets for hypertension, we analyzed the protein expression profiles of aortic smooth muscle in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) of various ages during the development of hypertension, as well as in age‐matched normotensive Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats, using a proteomic analysis. The expressions of seven proteins were altered in SHR compared with WKY rats. Of these proteins, NADH dehydrogenase 1α, GSTω1, peroxi‐redoxin I and transgelin were upregulated in SHR compared with WKY rats. On the other hand, the expression of HSP27 and Ran protein decreased in SHR. The diminution of dihydrobiopterin reductase, an enzyme located in the regeneration pathways of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), was also prominent in SHR. The results from a PCR analysis revealed that the expression of BH4 biosynthesis enzymes – GTP cyclohydrolase‐1 and sepiapterin reductase – decreased and increased, respectively, in SHR compared with WKY rats. The level of BH4 was less in aortic strips from SHR than from WKY rats. Moreover, treatment with BH4 inhibited aortic smooth muscle contraction induced by serotonin. These results suggest that the deficiency in BH4 regeneration produced by diminished dihydrobiopterin reductase expression is involved in vascular disorders in hypertensive rats.
Proteomic study of DBA/2J mice retina: Down‐regulation of Integrin β7 correlated with retinal ganglion cell death
Authors: Kanamoto Takashi , Ue Takahiro , Yokoyama Tomoko , Souchelnytskyi Nazariy , Kiuchi Yoshiaki
Published: September 2009

To identify and determine the function of the proteins associated with the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in DBA/2J mice, an animal model of glaucoma, retinas of DBA/2J mice, were analyzed by proteomics at 5‐, 7‐, and 11‐months‐of‐age. The proteins showing significant alterations were selected for identification by MS and 18 proteins were differentially expressed and the identified proteins included cell membrane receptors and proteins associated with intracellular signaling pathways. Among of identified proteins, the expression of Integrin β7 at 7‐months‐of‐age was decreased by about 89% of that at 5‐months‐of‐age. Integrin β7 was expressed in the RGCs. The effect of glutamate toxicity on the expression pattern of Integrin β7 in a RGC line was also investigated and the glutamate‐induced death of RGC was inhibited by the RNA knockdown of Integrin β7. Our data showed also that the expression of 18 proteins in the DBA/2J was significantly altered in DBA2 mice and down‐regulation of Integrin β7 may have a protective effect on glutamate‐induced death of RGCs.
Proteopathogen, a protein database for studying Candida albicans – host interaction
Authors: Vialás Vital , Nogales‐Cadenas Rubén , Nombela César , Pascual‐Montano Alberto , Gil Concha
Published: September 2009

There exist, at present, public web repositories for management and storage of proteomic data and also fungi‐specific databases. None of them, however, is focused to the specific research area of fungal pathogens and their interactions with the host, and contains proteomics experimental data. In this context, we present Proteopathogen, a database intended to compile proteomics experimental data and to facilitate storage and access to a range of data which spans proteomics workflows from description of the experimental approaches leading to sample preparation to MS settings and peptides supporting protein identification. Proteopathogen is currently focused on Candida albicans and its interaction with macrophages; however, data from experiments concerning different pathogenic fungi species and other mammalian cells may also be found suitable for inclusion into the database. Proteopathogen is publicly available at http://proteopathogen.dacya.ucm.es
Recent advances in yeast organelle and membrane proteomics
Authors: Premsler Thomas , Zahedi René Peiman , Lewandrowski Urs , Sickmann Albert
Published: September 2009

Yeast proteome research comprises two different aspects: with respect to systemic fungal infections (fungemias), invasive candidiasis, for instance by Candida albicans, is among the most common causes of morbidity and mortality particularly in the expanding population of immunocompromised patients, which rises a high medical and pharmaceutical interest in this facultative pathogenic organism. Apart from its clinical relevance, yeast research moreover provides an indispensable source of knowledge regarding fundamental biochemical processes of eukaryotic cells. In this context, the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is, in addition to its multiple industrial applications, one of the most extensively used microorganisms and serves as the best understood eukaryotic model system so far. Consequently, numerous studies have focused on gaining insight into the yeast proteome, with protein MS providing a very efficient technology to cope with this task since it enables both protein identification and differential quantification of cellular material. In this review we present an overview of recent advances in yeast organelle and membrane proteomics focusing on the cell wall, plasma membrane, mitochondria and vacuole.
Improving soil protein extraction for metaproteome analysis and glomalin‐related soil protein detection
Authors: Chen Shaoning , Rillig Matthias C. , Wang Wei
Published: September 2009

Soil contains low amounts of protein but high amounts of interfering substances. Current extraction methods for soil protein cannot produce high‐quality samples suitable for proteomic analysis. To resolve the problem, we devised a sequential extraction method, through sequentially extracting soil in citrate and SDS buffers, followed by phenol extraction. The method allows for obtaining applicable 1‐D and 2‐D protein profiles with various agricultural soils and detecting glomalin‐related soil protein. The method may be a valuable tool for soil proteomics.
Quantitative proteomics in biological research
Authors: Wilm Matthias
Published: September 2009

Proteomics has enabled the direct investigation of biological material, at first through the analysis of individual proteins, then of lysates from cell cultures, and finally of extracts from tissues and biopsies from entire organisms. Its latest manifestation – quantitative proteomics – allows deeper insight into biological systems. This article reviews the different methods used to extract quantitative information from mass spectra. It follows the technical developments aimed toward global proteomics, the attempt to characterize every expressed protein in a cell by at least one peptide. When applications of the technology are discussed, the focus is placed on yeast biology. In particular, differential quantitative proteomics, the comparison between an experiment and its control, is very discriminating for proteins involved in the process being studied. When trying to understand biological processes on a molecular level, differential quantitative proteomics tends to give a clearer picture than global transcription analyses. As a result, MS has become an even more indispensable tool for biochemically motivated biological research.
When less can yield more – Computational preprocessing of MS/MS spectra for peptide identification
Authors: Renard Bernhard Y. , Kirchner Marc , Monigatti Flavio , Ivanov Alexander R. , Rappsilber Juri , Winter Dominic , Steen Judith A. J. , Hamprecht Fred A. , Steen Hanno
Published: September 2009

The effectiveness of database search algorithms, such as Mascot, Sequest and ProteinPilot is limited by the quality of the input spectra: spurious peaks in MS/MS spectra can jeopardize the correct identification of peptides or reduce their score significantly. Consequently, an efficient preprocessing of MS/MS spectra can increase the sensitivity of peptide identification at reduced file sizes and run time without compromising its specificity. We investigate the performance of 25 MS/MS preprocessing methods on various data sets and make software for improved preprocessing of mgf/dta‐files freely available from http://hci.iwr.uni‐heidelberg.de/mip/proteomics or http://www.childrenshospital.org/research/steenlab.
Comparative study of electronic structure and optical properties of a series of Pt(II) complexes containing different electron‐donating and ‐withdrawing groups: a DFT study
Authors: Li Xiao‐Na , Wu Zhi‐Jian , Zhang Hong‐Jie
Published: September 2009

We report a quantum‐chemistry study of electronic structures and spectral properties of a series of Pt(II) complexes containing different substituents (CH3 (1), OCH3 (2), NO2 (3), CF3 (4), and COOH (5)). 1 and 2 have been previously synthesized in experiment, while 3–5 are artificial complexes that we suggest can be used to investigate the electron‐withdrawing effect on charge injection, transport, absorption, and phosphorescence properties. The results reveal that the stronger electron‐donating and ‐withdrawing groups show stronger absorption intensity, while the phosphorescence efficiency is generally higher for complexes containing electron‐donating substituents. 1 and 2 are easier for hole injection, while 3–5 are easier for electron injection. The enhanced electron injection abilities of 3–5 will confine more excitons in the light‐emitting layer (EML) and may not result in lower electroluminescence (EL) efficiency than 1 and 2. These results suggest that the three artificial complexes may be new emitters in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of Atmospheric Pressure Microplasma Jet Source and its Application to Bacterial Inactivation
Authors: Kim Sun Ja , Chung Tae Hun , Bae Se Hwan , Leem Sun Hee
Published: September 2009

Atmospheric pressure microplasma jet sources driven by radio‐frequency wave of 13.56 MHz and by low frequency continuous wave of several kHz ac were fabricated and characterized. The source consists of an ac‐driven copper wire (needle) surrounded by dielectric layer that are placed in a glass tube, and a ground plane electrode (pin‐to‐plane electrode configuration). The basic physical and chemical properties of the plasma jet sources, such as optical emission spectrum, gas temperature, and power deposition were investigated. With various geometrical and operational parameters changed, plasma jets showed different discharge characteristics. The geometrical parameters include the length of the pin wire exposed to the plasma, the distance between the pin to the outlet of the glass tube, and the distance between the pin and the plane electrode. The operational parameters include the applied voltage (amplitude and frequency) and the gas flow rate. As an example of biomedical application of the microplasma jets, the bacterial inactivation experiment was performed. Plasma power (or applied voltage), treatment time, and needle‐to‐sample distance were varied and the bacterial inactivation effects of these parameters were observed.

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Phase diagram of the three‐dimensional anisotropic Heisenberg anti‐ferromagnetic model
Authors: Rocha J. C. S. , Costa B. V.
Published: September 2009

In this work we use numerical Monte Carlo techniques to study the phase diagram of the three‐dimensional classical Heisenberg anti‐ferromagnetic (AF) model with single‐ion anisotropy model with an uniform magnetic field applied along the easy axis. Early experimental as well as theoretical calculations have shown that the phase diagram of the model is quite rich. We simulated the model on a simple cubic lattices using the Wang–Landau sampling and Metropolis algorithm. Finite size scaling theory is used to obtain the phase diagram. At low field and low temperature the system exhibits AF order separated from a spin‐flop (SF) phase by a first‐order line. As temperature grows a paramagnetic phase is reached by crossing a second‐order line both from the AF phase and from the SF phase. The critical exponents are obtained for each transition line. Contrary to early works we find that the line separating the SF phase from the paramagnetic phase is in the Ising class of universality.
Transparent, flexible and low‐resistive precision fabric electrode for organic solar cells
Authors: Castro Fernando A. , Chabrecek Peter , Hany Roland , Nüesch Frank
Published: September 2009

We report the use of conducting precision fabrics as transparent and flexible electrode for organic semiconductor‐based thin film devices. Precision fabrics have well‐defined mesh openings, excellent flexibility and are fabricated by high‐throughput roll‐to‐roll manufacturing. Optimized fabrics reached light transmittance over 95% throughout the visible and near infrared spectra. A significant part of the transmitted light is scattered, which is particularly advantageous for solar cell applications. Surface resistivity is as low as ∼3 Ohms/square, which decreases Ohmic losses when scaling up to large area devices. We demonstrate that solar cells fabricated onto these electrodes show very similar characteristics to those prepared on ITO. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A data clustering approach to discriminating impersonating devices in Wi‐Fi networks
Authors: Tao Zhiqi , Nath Baikunth , Lonie Andrew
Published: September 2009

By design, Wi‐Fi networks inherently lack reliable positional knowledge of the origin of individual network packets, and instead use the media access control (MAC) address of a received packet to assign packet identity. Given that there are a variety of tools that allow one to construct arbitrary network packets and transmit over a network, a potential security risk arises in that it is difficult to discriminate legitimate packets from packets generated by an intruder solely on the basis of packet content. We describe a data clustering approach to discriminating network nodes based on signal strength data measured from multiple angles through a distributed sensor network, and demonstrate that relatively little network data are sufficient for high discrimination accuracy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silica‐Templated Synthesis of Ordered Mesoporous Tungsten Carbide/Graphitic Carbon Composites with Nanocrystalline Walls and High Surface Areas via a Temperature‐Programmed Carburization Route
Authors: Wu Zhangxiong , Yang Yunxia , Gu Dong , Li Qiang , Feng Dan , Chen Zhenxia , Tu Bo , Webley Paul A. , Zhao Dongyuan
Published: September 2009

Ordered mesostructured tungsten carbide and graphitic carbon composites (WC/C) with nanocrystalline walls are fabricated for the first time by a temperature‐programmed carburization approach with phosphotungstic acid (PTA) as a precursor and mesoporous silica materials as hard templates. The mesostructure, crystal phase, and amount of deposited graphitic carbon can be conveniently tuned by controlling the silica template (SBA‐15 or KIT‐6), carburizing temperature (700–1000 °C), the PTA‐loading amount, and the carburizing atmosphere (CH4 or a CH4/H2 mixture). A high level of deposited carbon is favorable for connecting and stabilizing the WC nanocrystallites to achieve high mesostructural regularity, as well as promoting the carburization reaction. Meanwhile, large pore sizes and high mesoporosity of the silica templates can promote WC‐phase formation. These novel, ordered, mesoporous WC/C nanocomposites with high surface areas (74–169 m2 g−1), large pore volumes (0.14–0.17 cm3 g−1), narrow pore‐size distributions (centered at about 3 nm), and very good oxidation resistance (up to 750°C) have potential applications in fuel‐cell catalysts and nanodevices.
Growth of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes from Sharp Metal Tips
Authors: Rodríguez‐Manzo Julio A. , Janowska Izabela , Pham‐Huu Cuong , Tolvanen Antti , Krasheninnikov Arkady V. , Nordlund Kai , Banhart Florian
Published: September 2009

The nucleation and growth of single‐walled carbon nanotubes is observed in situ in a transmission electron microscope. Carbon atoms are implanted into catalytically active metal particles by electron‐beam sputtering. The metal particles are then shaped with a focused electron beam. Once the particles have a region of high surface curvature, spontaneous nucleation and growth of single‐walled carbon nanotubes occurs on the metal particles. It is shown that the local solubility of carbon in the metal determines the nucleation of nanotubes. This is confirmed by atomistic computer simulations treating the solubility of carbon in a metal particle as a function of the size of the system.
In vivo Quantum‐Dot Toxicity Assessment
Authors: Hauck Tanya S. , Anderson Robin E. , Fischer Hans C. , Newbigging Susan , Chan Warren C. W.
Published: September 2009

Quantum dots have potential in biomedical applications, but concerns persist about their safety. Most toxicology data is derived from in vitro studies and may not reflect in vivo responses. Here, an initial systematic animal toxicity study of CdSe–ZnS core–shell quantum dots in healthy Sprague–Dawley rats is presented. Biodistribution, animal survival, animal mass, hematology, clinical biochemistry, and organ histology are characterized at different concentrations (2.5–15.0 nmol) over short‐term (<7 days) and long‐term (>80 days) periods. The results show that the quantum dot formulations do not cause appreciable toxicity even after their breakdown in vivo over time. To generalize the toxicity of quantum dots in vivo, further investigations are still required. Some of these investigations include the evaluation of quantum dot composition (e.g., PbS versus CdS), surface chemistry (e.g., functionalization with amines versus carboxylic acids), size (e.g., 2 versus 6 nm), and shape (e.g., spheres versus rods), as well as the effect of contaminants and their byproducts on biodistribution behavior and toxicity. Combining the results from all of these studies will eventually lead to a conclusion regarding the issue of quantum dot toxicity.
Receptor‐Mediated Cellular Uptake of Folate‐Conjugated Fluorescent Nanodiamonds: A Combined Ensemble and Single‐Particle Study
Authors: Zhang Bailin , Li Yingqi , Fang Chia‐Yi , Chang Cheng‐Chun , Chen Chao‐Sheng , Chen Yi‐Ying , Chang Huan‐Cheng
Published: September 2009

Fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) are nontoxic and photostable nanomaterials, ideal for long‐term in vivo imaging applications. This paper reports that FNDs with a size of ≈140 nm can be covalently conjugated with folic acid (FA) for receptor‐mediated targeting of cancer cells at the single‐particle level. The conjugation is made by using biocompatible polymers, such as polyethylene glycol, as crosslinked buffer layers. Ensemble‐averaged measurements with flow cytometry indicate that more than 50% of the FA‐conjugated FND particles can be internalized by the cells (such as HeLa cells) through receptor‐mediated endocytosis, as confirmed by competitive inhibition assays. Confocal fluorescence microscopy reveals that these FND particles accumulate in the perinuclear region. The absolute number of FNDs internalized by HeLa cells after 3 h of incubation at a particle concentration of 10 µg mL−1 is in the range of 100 particles per cell. The receptor‐mediated uptake process is further elucidated by single‐particle tracking of 35‐nm FNDs in three dimensions and real time during the endocytosis.
The future of general systems research: Obstacles, potentials, case studies
Authors: Troncale L. Raphael
Published: September 2009

This paper attempts to provide an evaluative and prescriptive overview of the young field of systems science as exemplified by one of its ‘specialties’ general systems theory (GST). Subjective observation and some data on seven vital signs are presented to measure the progress of the field over the last two decades. Thirty‐three specific obstacles inhibiting current research in systems science are presented. Suggestions for overcoming these obstacles are cited as a prescription for improved progress in the field. A sampling of some of the potential near‐term developments that may be expected in the three rather distinct areas of research on systems isomorphies, improvement of systems methodologies, and the utility of systems applications are illustrated with mini‐case studies. Throughout, there is an attempt to identify ‘key’ questions and practical mechanisms that might serve as a stimulus for research. Finally, a set of criteria defining a general theory of systems is suggested and illustrated with a case study. The paper concludes with a projection of the long‐term contributions that systems science may make toward a resolution of the growing chasm between high‐tech solutions and high‐value needs in human systems.
Systems research and the hierarchy of world systems: General systems in special chaos
Authors: Boulding Kenneth E.
Published: September 2009

The hierarchy of systems is described as parallel to the hierarchy of military titles: general systems as the universe; Major General Systems as the earth; the Major Systems of earth—physical, biological and social—each with its subsystems; ‘kernel’ systems, which try to describe the ‘core of the diverse major systems’ (these divide into ecological–evolutionary systems which have the quality of being ‘resurgent’) and ‘corporal’ systems, such as organisms and organizations. Then there are the ‘private’ systems, which are the ‘minute particulars’ of the real world. Cutting across this hierarchy are the ideologies, which might well be called ‘lieutenant’ systems, as they are in place of images of the more complex systems of the real world. The General Systems movement might help ideologies to become more realistic; it is showing some ecological resurgence, and it has to sustain both its ‘special’ aspect as mathematical modelling and its more general, philosophical aspect. It must also be aware that systems emerge from a matrix of chaos, and that all reality is not systematic.
Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy: Benefits and Requirements of Localization, Diagnosis, and Intraoperative PTH Monitoring. Long‐Term Results
Authors: Fraker Douglas L. , Harsono Hasly , Lewis Robert
Published: September 2009

Background

Surgery is the only curative treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism. Initial parathyroidectomy procedures fail due to ectopic gland location and unappreciated multigland disease.

Methods

An evidence‐based literature review was performed, which surveyed all human studies in PubMed, searching for parathyroidectomy in humans between 1990 and 2009. Between 10 and 30% of patients have multigland disease caused by double adenomas or hyperplasia. Use of preoperative imaging studies and intraoperative PTH monitoring helps parathyroid surgeons overcome these obstacles.

Results

Sestamibi nuclear scan and neck ultrasound identify 70–80% of abnormal glands in patients with single adenomas. The sensitivity of ultrasound or sestamibi to identify all abnormal glands in patients with multigland disease is extremely low. Intraoperative PTH monitoring should be utilized in all patients who undergo neck exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism to reduce failures due to multigland disease. Blood samples should be drawn from peripheral veins only and a postresection level 10–15 min after gland removal should have a >50% decrease from baseline preoperative levels, and also must go to the normal range for the PTH assay being used.

Conclusions

Contemporary prospective studies (level of evidence III/IV) show that by combining preoperative imaging and IOPTH it is possible to maximize performance of successful outpatient minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.
Deleterious Effects of Intermittent Recombinant Parathyroid Hormone on Cartilage Formation in a Rabbit Microfracture Model: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Feeley Brian T. , Doty Steven B. , Devcic Zlatko , Warren Russell F. , Lane Joseph M.
Published: September 2009

Intermittent parathyroid hormone administration can enhance fracture healing in an animal model. Despite the success of exogenous parathyroid hormone on fracture healing and spine fusion, few studies have examined the role of parathyroid hormone on cartilage formation. We determined the effects of intermittent parathyroid hormone on cartilage formation in a rabbit microfracture model of cartilage regeneration. Twelve rabbits were divided into three equal groups: (1) microfracture alone, (2) microfracture + parathyroid hormone daily for 7 days, and (3) microfracture + parathyroid hormone for 28 days. Nonoperated contralateral knees were used as controls. The animals were sacrificed at 3 months and gross and histologic analysis was performed. The microfracture alone group demonstrated the most healing on gross and histologic analysis. Treatment with either 1 or 4 weeks of parathyroid hormone inhibited cartilage formation. Although discouraging from a cartilage repair point of view, this study suggests that the role parathyroid hormone administration has in clinical fracture healing must be examined carefully. Although parathyroid hormone is beneficial to promote healing in spine fusion and midshaft fractures, its deleterious effects on cartilage formation suggests that it may have adverse effects on the outcomes of periarticular fractures such as tibial plateau injuries that require cartilage healing for a successful clinical outcome.
Verbal short-term memory deficits in Down syndrome: phonological, semantic, or both?
Authors: Raitano Lee Nancy , Pennington Bruce F. , Keenan Janice M.
Published: September 2009

The current study examined the phonological and semantic contributions to the verbal short-term memory (VSTM) deficit in Down syndrome (DS) by experimentally manipulating the phonological and semantic demands of VSTM tasks. The performance of 18 individuals with DS (ages 11–25) and 18 typically developing children (ages 3–10) matched pairwise on receptive vocabulary and gender was compared on four VSTM tasks, two tapping phonological VSTM (phonological similarity, nonword discrimination) and two tapping semantic VSTM (semantic category, semantic proactive interference). Group by condition interactions were found on the two phonological VSTM tasks (suggesting less sensitivity to the phonological qualities of words in DS), but not on the two semantic VSTM tasks. These findings suggest that a phonological weakness contributes to the VSTM deficit in DS. These results are discussed in relation to the DS neuropsychological and neuroanatomical phenotype.
Evaluating the link between self‐esteem and temperament in Mexican origin early adolescents
Authors: Robins Richard W. , Donnellan M. Brent , Widaman Keith F. , Conger Rand D.
Published: September 2009

The present study examined the relation between self‐esteem and temperament in a sample of 646 Mexican‐American early adolescents (mean age = 10.4). Findings show that (a) early adolescents with high self‐esteem exhibit higher levels of Effortful Control but, contrary to findings in adult samples, do not differ from low self‐esteem adolescents in Negative Affectivity; (b) low self‐esteem is associated with Depression; and (c) low self‐esteem is associated with Aggression. These findings replicated for boys and girls, two measures of self‐esteem, and child and mother reports of temperament. The present study contributes to an emerging understanding of the link between self‐esteem and temperament, and provides much needed data on the nature of self‐esteem in ethnic minority populations.
Early life experience alters behavioral responses to sweet food and accumbal dopamine metabolism
Authors: Silveira P.P. , Portella A.K. , Assis S.A.C.N. , Nieto F.B. , Diehl L.A. , Crema L.M. , Peres W. , Costa G. , Scorza C. , Quillfeldt J.A. , Lucion A.B. , Dalmaz C.
Published: September 2009

Neonatal handling in rats persistently alters behavioral parameters and responses to stress. Such animals eat more sweet food in adult life, without alterations in lab chow ingestion. Here, we show that neonatally handled rats display greater incentive salience to a sweet reward in a runway test; however they are less prone to conditioned place preference and show less positive hedonic reactions to sweet food. When injected with methylphenidate (a dopamine mimetic agent), non‐handled rats increase their sweet food ingestion in the fasted state, while neonatally handled rats do not respond. We did not observe any differences regarding baseline general ambulatory activity between the groups. A lower dopamine metabolism in the nucleus accumbens was observed in handled animals, without differences in norepinephrine content. We suggest that early handling leads to a particular response to positive reinforcers such as palatable food, in a very peculiar fashion of higher ingestion but lower hedonic impact, as well as higher incentive salience, but diminished dopaminergic metabolism in the nucleus accumbens.
The Cretaceous crinoid Uintacrinus socialis from Jamaica and its significance for global correlation
Authors: MITCHELL SIMON F.
Published: September 2009

The late Cretaceous crinoid Uintacrinus socialis Grinnell, which is a potential marker for the base of the Upper Santonian Substage, is reported from the Inoceramus Shales of St Ann's Great River Inlier on the north coast of Jamaica. This is the first record of this species from the Caribbean region and marks its lowest latitudinal distribution reported to date. The Inoceramus Shales are a deep-water clastic mudstone unit which extends the palaeoecological distribution of this crinoid. Uintacrinus socialis proves that the Inoceramus Shales are of Santonian age and will help constrain correlations between the shallow-water platform carbonate/volcaniclastic facies found in the arc successions of the Caribbean and the international chronostratigraphy.
Self-efficacy among urban African American early adolescents: Exploring issues of risk, vulnerability, and resilience
Authors: Spencer Margaret Beale , Cole Steven P. , DuPree Davido , Glymph Alvin , Pierre Phaedra
Published: September 2009

Data from the first year of a longitudinal study of 562 African American adolescents were analyzed to examine coping methods and competence outcomes as measured by academic performance (national percentile ranking [NPR] on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills) and academic self-esteem. With resilience conceptualized as adaptive coping, regression analyses were performed to test a model of risk and resilience that takes into account family and neighborhood characteristics, youths' perceptions of their contexts, coping strategies, identity processes, and achievement outcomes. With all measures in the regression model, significant predictors of NPR for males were mother's education and academic self-esteem; predictors for females were mother's education, parental life dissatisfaction, youths' perception of family conflict, and academic self-esteem. Predictors of academic self-esteem for males were mother's education, negative life events, and youths' perception of family conflict; predictors for females were negative life events and youths' perception of family conflicts. The findings indicate that, as adaptive coping responses, both academic self-esteem and academic achievement are responsive to particular protective factors. The authors suggest that prevention and intervention efforts should be sensitive to specific coping methods and abilities that could promote resilient outcomes.
The t-Improper Chromatic Number of Random Graphs
Authors: KANG ROSS J. , McDIARMID COLIN
Published: September 2009

We consider the t-improper chromatic number of the Erdős–Rényi random graph Gn,p. The t-improper chromatic number χt(G) is the smallest number of colours needed in a colouring of the vertices in which each colour class induces a subgraph of maximum degree at most t. If t = 0, then this is the usual notion of proper colouring. When the edge probability p is constant, we provide a detailed description of the asymptotic behaviour of χt(Gn,p) over the range of choices for the growth of t = t(n).
The Oeconomy of Human Life: An ‘Ancient Bramin’ In Eighteenth-Century Tibet
Authors: BRAY JOHN
Published: September 2009

The Oeconomy of Human Life purports to be an English translation of an ancient Indian text found by a Chinese scholar in Lhasa. Almost certainly written by Robert Dodsley (1704–1764), the book became an eighteenth-century bestseller. This article discusses its place in the varied lineage of western images of Asia, beginning with Alexander the Great's encounter with a group of ‘naked philosophers’ in India. It argues that the key features of the Oeconomy are representative of the Enlightenment period, with at best tenuous links to Tibet, India and China. However, it also belongs to a much broader literary tradition with deep roots and unexpected contemporary resonances.
Religious Origin of the TermsDaoandDeand Their Signification in theLaozi
Authors: JIA JINHUA
Published: September 2009

This article applies a synthetic approach of philological, religious, philosophical, and cultural studies to explore the original meaning of the termsdao道 andde德, two primary concepts in traditional Chinese intellectual history. Through an etymological analysis of the charactersdaoandde, and supported by both received and discovered texts and materials, this article demonstrates thatdaooriginally represented the spirit of the Pole Star/High God and the movement of Heaven, andde, in relation todao, originally represented the impartial virtue and power of Heaven. In terms of this new interpretation, the article further discusses the signification ofdaoanddein the Laozi to uncover the mystic aspects of the text.
Report of the Honorary Treasurer to the Annual General Meeting, 7th May 2009
Authors: Mundy Brampton
Published: September 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellows of the Society, I am honoured to present the Annual Report for 2008.

The year was characterised by two major developments.

The first of these relates to income from ongoing activities. In 2008 we, in the Society, were largely successful in developing our various sources of income and moving closer towards financial equilibrium from ongoing activities.
Computerspiele im Kindes- und Jugendalter unter besonderer Betrachtung von Suchtverhalten, ADHS und Aggressivität
Authors: Frölich Jan , Lehmkuhl Gerd , Döpfner Manfred
Published: September 2009

Einleitung: Computerspiele gehören mittlerweile zu den beliebtesten Freizeitbeschäftigungen von Kindern und Jugendlichen und ersetzen in zunehmendem Maß traditionelle Spiel-und Interaktionsaktivitäten. Gesamt betrachtet sind mit dieser Entwicklung nicht nur emotionale oder soziale Entwicklungsrisiken verbunden und im pädagogisch-therapeutischen Bereich können sich mit der Nutzung von Computerspielen auch durchaus Förder- oder sogar therapeutische Möglichkeiten verbinden. Anderseits mehren sich Belege, dass die exzessive Nutzung von Computerspielen mit einem signifikant erhöhten Risiko zu nicht-stoffgebundenem Suchtverhalten einhergeht und die Prävalenzen hierfür altersübergreifend besorgniserregend hoch sind mit tendenzieller Zunahme. Zielsetzung: Der vorliegende Beitrag basiert auf einer Medlinerecherche. Die Zielsetzung besteht darin, zunächst motivationale und entwicklungspsychologische Besonderheiten von Computerspielen herauszuarbeiten, Prävalenzen und Risiken für eine Suchtentwicklung darzustellen und Verbindungen sowie Auswirkungen zu ausgewählten psychischen Störungen, nämlich Aufmerksamkeitsdefizitstörungen und aggressiven Verhaltensweisen darzustellen. Ergebnisse: Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse weisen aus, dass speziell von einer ADHS betroffene Kinder und Jugendliche aufgrund der neuropsychologischen Gegebenheiten dieses Störungsbildes vulnerabel sind für die Entwicklung einer Computerspielsucht. Zum anderen kann der exzessive Konsum gewalthaltiger Computerspiele ein wichtiges Bindeglied für das Zustandekommen vermehrt aggressiver Verhaltensweisen bedeuten bei Vorliegen von bereits vorbestehenden aggressiven Kognitionen und Verhaltensskripten. Schlussfolgerung: Angesichts der zunehmenden klinischen Relevanz von Suchtverhalten bei Computerspielen besteht dringend die Notwendigkeit zur Erarbeitung diagnostischer und therapeutischer Standards, wobei der Vernetzung mit ebenfalls mit der Materie befassten Fach- bzw. Arbeitsbereichen eine wichtige Bedeutung zukommt.
Der Elternfragebogen «ADHS – Wissen und Behandlungsmotivation»
Authors: Hellwig-Brida Susanne , Mangold Stefanie , Goldbeck Lutz
Published: September 2009

Fragestellung: Psychoedukation von Eltern und anderen Erziehungspersonen ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil der Behandlung von Kindern mit ADHS. Bislang fehlt es jedoch an standardisierten Instrumenten zur Erfassung des Beratungsbedarfs und der Effekte von Psychoedukation. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Entwicklung eines Elternfragebogens zur Messung von störungsspezifischem Wissen und Behandlungsmotivation. Methodik: Anhand evidenzbasierter Literatur wurde ein Itempool generiert, der einerseits Wissen über Symptome, Ursachen und Behandlungsmöglichkeiten von ADHS, andererseits die Bereitschaft zu konkreten Behandlungsmöglichkeiten erfasst. Die Entwicklung des Fragebogens erfolgte schrittweise nach theoretischen Vorüberlegungen und nach Prinzipien der klassischen Testkonstruktion. Die psychometrische Überprüfung erfolgte an einer klinischen Stichprobe von 105 Eltern von Kindern mit der Verdachtsdiagnose ADHS. Ergebnisse: Der aus 37 Items bestehende Fragebogen ergibt drei Skalen mit zufrieden stellender innerer Konsistenz: Basiswissen, Differenziertes Wissen, und Psychosoziale Behandlungsmotivation. Das Merkmal Medikamentöse Behandlungsmotivation wird getrennt erfasst. Schlussfolgerungen: Die ersten psychometrischen Befunde stützen das Konzept einer mehrdimensionalen Abbildung von Störungskonzepten und Behandlungsmotivation. Weitere Prüfungen von Validität und Änderungssensitivität sowie die Erhebung von Normwerten stehen aus.
Verhaltenstherapie und Jugendhilfe
Authors: Nitkowski Dennis , Petermann Franz , Büttner Peter , Krause-Leipoldt Carsten , Petermann Ulrike
Published: September 2009

Fragestellung: Im Setting einer Jugendhilfe-Einrichtung wurde das Training mit aggressiven Kindern (TAK; Petermann & Petermann, 2008 ) in das Betreuungskonzept (KJH) integriert. Ziel dieser Studie war es, Effekte der Kombination beider Interventionen (KJH + TAK) nach sechs Monaten mit denjenigen des TAK alleine zu vergleichen, um zu klären, wie die Versorgung aggressiver Kinder in der Jugendhilfe optimiert werden kann. Methodik: Es nahmen 25 verhaltensauffällige Kinder (24 Jungen, ein Mädchen) im Alter von 7;6 bis 13;0 Jahren an der Studie teil. Ergebnisse: Auf den Skalen der Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) gaben Eltern für die kombinierte Maßnahme eine starke Abnahme des aggressiv-delinquenten Verhaltens und der sozialen Probleme an; im Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-E) verringerten sich Verhaltensprobleme und Schwierigkeiten mit anderen Kindern deutlich. In der KJH + TAK-Maßnahme zeigten sich gegenüber der TAK-Gruppe stärkere Effekte in den Bereichen Verhaltensauffälligkeiten, Aufmerksamkeitsprobleme, soziale Probleme und delinquentes Verhalten. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Kombination von Jugendhilfe und Aggressionstraining scheint ein breiteres Spektrum an Auffälligkeiten effektiver zu reduzieren als das TAK alleine, so dass durch eine Verknüpfung die Versorgung aggressiver Kinder beachtlich verbessert werden kann.