bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significance of Vectorcardiogram in the Cardiological Diagnosis of the 21st Century
Authors: Pérez Riera Andrés Ricardo , Uchida Augusto H. , Filho Celso Ferreira , Meneghini Adriano , Ferreira Celso , Schapacknik Edgardo , Dubner Sergio , Moffa Paulo
Published: August 2007

Until the mid‐1980s, it was believed that the vectorcardiogram presented a greater specificity, sensitivity and accuracy in comparison to the conventional electrocardiogram, in the diagnosis of the different heart diseases. Recent studies revealed that the vectorcardiogram still is superior to the electrocardiogram in very specific situations, such as in the evaluation of electrically inactive areas, in intraventricular conduction disorders combined and/or in association to inactive areas, in the identification and location of ventricular preexcitation, in the differential diagnosis of patterns varying from normal of electrical axis deviation, in the evaluation of particular aspects of Brugada syndrome, and in the estimation of the severity of some enlargements, among others.

With the advent of computerized vectorcardiography, a technology that improves the processing and recording method; a future still promising is expected for this methodology.

In the fields of education and research, vectorcardiography provided a better and more rational insight into the electrical phenomena that occurs spatially, and represented an important impact on the progress of electrocardiography. Although a few medical centers still use the method as a routine, we hope that the use of this resource will not get lost over time, since vectorcardiography still represents a source to enrich science by enabling a better morphological interpretation of the electrical phenomena of the heart. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Utility of Thoracic Sonography for Follow‐up Examination of Chronic Heart Failure Patients with Previous Decompensation
Authors: Kataoka Hajime
Published: August 2007

Background

Thoracic sonography searching for pleural effusion is helpful in diagnosing heart failure (HF) in emergency situations, but utility of this test for follow‐up examination of chronic HF patient is unknown.

Hypothesis

Thoracic sonography searching for pleural effusion may be suitable for monitoring deterioration in chronic HF outpatients during long‐term follow‐up.

Methods

Patients with stable HF at the time of study entry, but with previous deterioration (n = 46) were recruited and followed between June 2003 and September 2005. Evaluated HF‐related variables included symptoms and signs of HF, pleural effusion on an ultrasonogram, and B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels.

Results

During the study period, 26 patients developed deterioration in chronic HF and 20 maintained a stable clinical course. Of the 26 patients with deteriorating HF, 25 (96%) demonstrated objective HF‐related sign(s) under examination. Among the signs tested in the present study, pleural effusion on a sonogram was the leading HF‐related sign (77%), followed by rales (46%) and edema (46%). Eleven patients (42%) presented with only one feature, in which pleural effusion on a sonogram was the most frequent (7 of 11 patients). Using plasma BNP levels as a reference for HF deterioration, sonographic detection of pleural effusion exhibited the highest sensitivity (74%), best negative predictive value (73%), and highest predictive accuracy (78%) for identifying patients with higher BNP levels at deterioration compared to stable periods.

Conclusions

Thoracic sonography allows sensitive detection of HF deterioration and improves clinical decision making in outpatient clinic during follow‐up examination of HF patient with previous decompensation. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prognostic Significance of Atrial Fibrillation is a Function of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Pai Ramdas G. , Varadarajan Padmini
Published: August 2007

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been reported to be associated with decreased survival in population‐based studies. Its prognostic importance in end‐stage heart failure is not clear.

Methods and Results

We investigated the prognostic implications of AF as function of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) in 8,931 consecutive patients undergoing echocardiography at our medical center between 1990 and 1999. Patient characteristics were: age 66 ± 13 years, EF 51 ± 15, AF in 1,203 patients. There were 1,911 deaths over a mean follow up of 913 days. The prevalence of AF was 11% in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (EF ≥ 55%, n = 5, 130), and 18% each in those with mild (EF 41–54%, n = 1209), moderate (EF 26–40%, n = 1183) and severe reductions in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (EF ≤ 25%, n = 961). The 5‐year survival rate was 72% for those in sinus rhythm compared to 56% for those in AF (p < 0.0001). The effect of AF on 5‐year survival was most pronounced in those with normal LVEF (62 vs 78%, p < 0.0001) followed by those with mild reduction in LVEF (57 vs 72%, p = 0.02). It was not a predictor of survival in those with moderate (5‐year survival 55 vs 61%, p = ns) or severe LV dysfunction (5‐year survival 47 vs 45%, p = ns). Using the Cox regression model, AF was an independent predictor of mortality after correcting for age and LVEF in the entire cohort and in those with normal LVEF, but not in those with reduced LVEF. Among the other co‐morbidities analyzed, an independent effect of AF on mortality was present in those with QTc ≥ 450, raising a possibility of enhanced susceptibility of these patients.

Conclusions

The effect of AF on mortality diminishes with worsening LV function and is absent in those with severe LV dysfunction. Susceptibility of patients with QT prolongation to AF mortality warrants further attention. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adaptive immune responses fail to provide protection against genital HSV‐2 infection in the absence of IL‐15
Authors: Gill Navkiran , Ashkar Ali A.
Published: August 2007

IL‐15 plays a crucial role in innate defense against viral infections. The role of IL‐15 in the generation and function of adaptive immunity, following mucosal immunization, against genital HSV‐2 has not been studied. Here, we report that immunized IL‐15–/– mice were able to generate antibody and T cell‐mediated immune responses against HSV‐2, comparable to those seen in immunized B6 mice. However, immunized IL‐15–/– mice were not protected against subsequent HSV‐2 challenge, compared to B6 immunized mice, even with a ten times lower challenge dose. We then examined if the adaptive immune responses generated in the absence of IL‐15 could provide protection against HSV‐2 in an IL‐15‐positive environment. Adoptive transfer of lymphocytes from immunized IL‐15–/– to naive mice were able to provide protection against HSV‐2 challenge similar to protection with immunized cells from control mice. This suggests that the adaptive immune responses raised in the absence of IL‐15 are functional in vivo. Reconstitution of the innate components, particularly IL‐15, NK cells and NK cell‐derived IFN‐γ, in immunized IL‐15–/– mice restored their protective adaptive immunity against subsequent genital HSV‐2 challenge. Our results clearly suggest that innate antiviral activity of IL‐15 is necessary for protective adaptive immunity against genital HSV‐2 infection.
Synthetic multi‐epitope peptides identified in silico induce protective immunity against multiple influenza serotypes
Authors: Stoloff Gregory A. , Caparros‐Wanderley Wilson
Published: August 2007

Influenza causes yearly epidemics of mild disease and, occasionally, pandemics with millions of fatalities. Currently, no vaccine is effective against all influenza strains. Analysis of influenza sequences from animal and human isolates using CLUSTALW and a novel proprietary epitope prediction algorithm identified six conserved T cell‐reactive regions in several proteins. Immunisation of transgenic mice with a preparation of these six regions as chemically synthesised peptides (FLU‐v) induced a specific HLA‐A*0201‐mediated CD8+ T cell response. This T cell population also reacted against human cells infected with three non‐related influenza strains, confirming that the identified regions contain epitopes naturally presented by infected human cells and conserved amongst non‐related viruses. Moreover, FLU‐v immunisation significantly increased survival of transgenic mice against lethal challenge with influenza. Overall, FLU‐v represents a promising influenza vaccine candidate, obviating the need for yearly vaccinations and allowing the stockpiling and initiation of a worldwide vaccination program in advance of a pandemic outbreak.
Molecular mechanisms underlying the synergistic induction of CXCL10 by LPS and IFN‐γ in human neutrophils
Authors: Tamassia Nicola , Calzetti Federica , Ear Thornin , Cloutier Alexandre , Gasperini Sara , Bazzoni Flavia , McDonald Patrick P. , Cassatella Marco A.
Published: August 2007

The CXCL10 chemokine is a critical chemoattractant for the recruitment of activated Th1 and NK cells into inflammatory sites. CXCL10 is typically produced by myeloid cells in response to IFN‐γ, as well as by neutrophils, though the latter require a costimulation with IFN‐γ and LPS. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism(s) whereby IFN‐γ and TLR4 ligation synergize to induce CXCL10 expression in neutrophils. By primary transcript real‐time PCR analysis, we demonstrate that the CXCL10 gene is transcriptionally induced by the LPS plus IFN‐γ combination in neutrophils, consistent with previous studies showing that increased CXCL10 gene expression does not reflect enhanced mRNA stability. The IFN‐γ‐induced STAT1 activation and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced NF‐κB activation were not enhanced if neutrophils were exposed to both stimuli, whereas both transcription factors were activated by IFN‐γ or LPS in monocytes. Finally, pharmacological inhibitors of NF‐κB demonstrated its role in the induction of CXCL10 expression by LPS plus IFN‐γ in neutrophils, and by LPS or IFN‐γ in monocytes. Together, these results suggest that in neutrophils, the synergy observed between LPS and IFN‐γ toward CXCL10 gene expression likely reflects the cooperative induction of the NF‐κB and STAT1 transcription factors by LPS and IFN‐γ, respectively.
Optimization of Electrochemical Total Creatine Kinase Biosensors Based on Three‐Au‐Electrode
Authors: Cai Xinxia , Liu Chunxiu , Liu Hongmin , Guo Zonghui , Liu Juntao
Published: August 2007

For point‐of‐care examination, total CK (creatine kinase: adenosine‐5‐triphosphate‐creatine phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.3.2) biosensors were developed and optimized. The biosensors were fabricated with three‐Au‐electrode system modified with polyvinylpyridine‐osmium‐wired horseradish peroxidase (PVP‐Os‐HRP) redox polymer film. The reagents were separately immobilized on the single layer biosensor and double layer biosensor which contained lens paper layer and the surface layer of the working electrode. The mediator, the working potential, the structure of working electrode and the stabilizer agent were studied. The biosensor with double reagent layer showed good stability at room temperature (≥2 months) and the biosensor with single reagent layer had excellent response signal (a sensitivity of 11 nA L U−1 cm−2).
Characterization of guanine and guanosine transport in primary cultured rat cortical astrocytes and neurons
Authors: Nagasawa Kazuki , Kawasaki Fumio , Tanaka Akiko , Nagai Katsuhito , Fujimoto Sadaki
Published: August 2007

In this study, we examined the transport mechanisms for guanine and guanosine in rat neurons and astrocytes, and compared their characteristics. In the both types of cell, the uptake of [3H]guanine and [3H]guanosine was time‐, temperature‐, and concentration‐dependent, and Na+‐independent. Their uptake decreased on the addition of purine and pyrimidine nucleobases or nucleosides, and the inhibitory effect of the purine analogues was greater than that of the pyrimidine ones. In both cell types, equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT) 1 and ENT2 expression was confirmed at the mRNA level, and nitrobenzylmercaptopurine riboside, a representative inhibitor for ENT, decreased their uptake at concentrations of over 10 μM. Comparing uptake characteristics between the substrates, [3H]guanine uptake exhibited higher affinity and clearance than [3H]guanosine uptake in each type of cell. Although between neurons and astrocytes, there was no difference in the apparent uptake clearance for [3H]guanine and [3H]guanosine, which was calculated based upon the cellular protein content, the cellular uptake clearance was significantly greater in astrocytes than in neurons. These findings indicate that guanine and guanosine, of which the former is a preferable substrate, are taken up into both neurons and astrocytes via ENT2, and that the extracellular concentrations of guanine and guanosine are mainly regulated by astrocytes to maintain brain physiology. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Astrocyte‐specific expression of a soluble form of the murine complement control protein Crry confers demyelination protection in the cuprizone model
Authors: Briggs Dustin T. , Martin Carol B. , Ingersoll Sarah A. , Barnum Scott R. , Martin Brian K.
Published: August 2007

Complement has been implicated as a potential effector mechanism in neurodegeneration; yet the precise role of complement in this process remains elusive. In this report, we have utilized the cuprizone model of demyelination‐remyelination to examine the contribution of complement to disease. C1q deposition was observed in the corpus callosum of C57BL/6 mice during demyelination, suggesting complement activation by apoptotic oligodendrocyte debris. Simultaneously, these mice lost expression of the rodent complement regulatory protein, Crry. A soluble CNS‐specific form of the Crry protein (sCrry) expressed in a transgenic mouse under the control of an astrocyte‐specific promoter was induced in the corpus callosum during cuprizone treatment. Expression of this protein completely protected the mice from demyelination. Interestingly, sCrry mice had low levels of demyelination at later times when control mice were remyelinating. Although the sCrry transgenic mice had lower levels of demyelination, there was no decrease in overall cellularity, however there were decreased numbers of microglia in the sCrry mice relative to controls. Strikingly, sCrry mice had early recovery of mature oligodendrocytes, although they later disappeared. TUNEL staining suggested that production of the sCrry protein in the transgenic mice protected from a late apoptosis event at 3 weeks of cuprizone treatment. Our data suggest complement provides some protection of mature oligodendrocytes during cuprizone treatment but may be critical for subsequent remyelination events. These data suggest that temporal restriction of complement inhibition may be required in some disease settings. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Translocator protein (18 kDa) is involved in the regulation of reactive gliosis
Authors: Veiga Sergio , Carrero Paloma , Pernia Olga , Azcoitia Iñigo , Garcia‐Segura Luis Miguel
Published: August 2007

Translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO), previously known as peripheral‐type benzodiazepine receptor, is a critical component of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Brain inflammation results in the induction of the expression of TSPO in glial cells and some TSPO ligands decrease reactive gliosis after brain injury. However, since some TSPO ligands are neuroprotective, their effects on reactive gliosis may be the consequence of a reduced neurodegeneration. To assess whether TSPO ligands can modulate reactive gliosis in absence of neuronal death, we have tested their effects on the inflammatory response induced in the hippocampus of male rats by the intracerebroventricular infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS treatment did not induce neuronal death, assessed by Fluoro jade‐B staining, but increased the number of cells immunoreactive for vimentin and MHC‐II, used as markers of reactive astrocytes and reactive microglia, respectively. Furthermore, LPS produced an increase in the number of proliferating microglia. The TSPO ligand PK11195 reduced the number of MHC‐II immunoreactive cells and the proliferation of microglia in LPS treated rats. In contrast, another TSPO ligand, Ro5‐4864, did not significantly affect the response of microglia to LPS. Neither PK11195 nor Ro5‐4864 affected the LPS‐mediated increase in the number of vimentin‐immunoreactive astrocytes at the time point studied, although PK11195 reduced vimentin immunoreactivity. These findings identify TSPO as a potential target for controlling neural inflammation, showing that the TSPO ligand PK11195 may reduce microglia activation by a mechanism that is independent of the regulation of neuronal survival. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Past and recent deliberate self‐harm: Emotion and coping strategy differences
Authors: Brown Seth A. , Williams Kelly , Collins Amanda
Published: August 2007

Only limited information on nonsuicidal deliberate self‐harm behavior among nonclinical populations is available, and it is unclear whether coping and emotional difficulties remain among those with a past history of self‐harm behavior. The purpose of this study is to examine emotions and coping strategies among three nonclinical groups with a recent, past, and no history of nonsuicidal deliberate self‐harm behavior. College students completed self‐report measures of self‐harm behavior, suicidal thoughts, emotional dispositions, and coping strategies. Contrary to expectations, there were few differences in coping strategies among the three groups ( p > .0033). Those with a recent history (n = 23; in the last 12 months) and past history (n = 32; more than 12 months ago) of self‐harm behavior reported greater levels of negative emotion (e.g., hostility, guilt, sadness) than those who have never self‐harmed (n = 161; p < .0045). This indicates that although self‐harm behavior had discontinued (>12 months ago), negative emotion differences were present, and both recent and past self‐harmers merit concern in managing their negative emotions to lower their risk for future difficulties. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 63: 791–803, 2007.
Florida obsessive‐compulsive inventory: Development, reliability, and validity
Authors: Storch Eric A. , Bagner Daniel , Merlo Lisa J. , Shapira Nathan Andrew , Geffken Gary R. , Murphy Tanya K. , Goodman Wayne K.
Published: August 2007

The Florida Obsessive‐Compulsive Inventory (FOCI) is a new self‐report questionnaire that has separate scales for symptom enumeration (The Checklist) and evaluation of symptom severity (Severity Scale). The present research investigated the FOCI in a sample of 113 patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD). The results indicated that the FOCI Severity Scale is internally consistent (α = .89) and highly correlated with the total score from the Yale–Brown Obsessive‐Compulsive Scale (Y‐BOCS; Goodman et al., 1989a). The correlations of the FOCI Severity Scale with measures of depression and global severity of psychopathology were similar to those obtained with the Y‐BOCS Total Severity Score. The FOCI Symptom Checklist had adequate reliability (K‐R 20 = .83) and moderate correlations (rs < .45) with the FOCI Severity Scale, the Y‐BOCS scales, and measures of depression and severity of psychopathology. These findings imply concurrent validity for the FOCI Severity Scale. A strength of the FOCI is that it offers a quick evaluation of both presence and severity of OCD symptoms. An important limitation is that the FOCI does not assess the severity of individual symptoms. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 63: 851–859, 2007.
Multidimensional patterns of change in outpatient psychotherapy: The phase model revisited
Authors: Stulz Niklaus , Lutz Wolfgang
Published: August 2007

In this study, groups of psychotherapy outpatients were identified on the basis of shared change patterns in the three dimensions of the phase model of psychotherapeutic outcome: well‐being, symptom distress, and life functioning. Treatment courses provided by a national provider network of a managed care company in the United States (N = 1128) were analyzed using growth mixture models. Several initial patient characteristics (treatment expectations, amount of prior psychotherapy, and global assessment of functioning) allowed for the discrimination between three patient groups of shared change patterns. Those patterns can be classified into three groups as phase model consistent, partial rapid responders, or symptomatically highly impaired patients with each having typical change patterns. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 63: 817–833, 2007.
Experiential avoidance as a functional dimensional approach to psychopathology: An empirical review
Authors: Chawla Neharika , Ostafin Brian
Published: August 2007

The construct of experiential avoidance has become more frequently used by clinical researchers. Experiential avoidance involves the unwillingness to remain in contact with private experiences such as painful thoughts and emotions and is often proposed to be critical to the development and maintenance of psychopathology. This review summarizes the empirical studies on experiential avoidance as a factor in the etiology of maladaptive behavior and its relationship to specific diagnostic categories. Although some of the current literature suggests that experiential avoidance may be implicated in various forms of psychopathology, a fundamental limitation of this research is the lack of theoretical integration and refinement with regard to operationalizing and assessing experiential avoidance. Future studies should attempt to understand the core processes involved in experiential avoidance better, and then clearly operationalize the construct and determine its incremental validity relative to other constructs. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 63: 871–890, 2007.
Promoting resiliency in children of mothers with co‐occurring disorders and histories of trauma: Impact of a skills‐based intervention program on child outcomes
Authors: Noether Chanson D. , Brown Vivian , Finkelstein Norma , Russell Lisa A. , VanDeMark Nancy R. , Morris Laura S. , Graeber Carla
Published: August 2007

Using a quasi‐experimental design, this study examined the effectiveness of a standardized intervention model designed to build resiliency in children of women with co‐occurring mental health and substance use disorders and histories of interpersonal abuse. The children and mothers who participated in this study were a subset of the sample used for the Women, Co‐occurring Disorders and Violence Study (WCDVS). The children's intervention model consisted of three components: clinical assessment, service coordination and advocacy, and a psychoeducational skills‐building group. Children in the comparison group received individual, group, and family services. Six‐month and 12‐month outcomes were examined among 253 children. Children in the intervention group improved significantly more than children in the comparison group. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 35: 823–843, 2007.
Effects of trauma intervention on HIV sexual risk behaviors among women with co‐occurring disorders in substance abuse treatment
Authors: Amaro Hortensia , Larson Mary Jo , Zhang Annie , Acevedo Andrea , Dai Jianyu , Matsumoto Atsushi
Published: August 2007

Women in substance abuse treatment often have co‐occurring mental health disorders and a history of trauma; they are also at high risk for HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases via unprotected sex. A quasi‐experimental study evaluated the effectiveness of trauma‐enhanced substance abuse treatment combined with HIV/AIDS prevention (N = 122) on reducing sexual risk behaviors compared to treatment with services‐as‐usual (N = 110). Participants in the services‐as‐usual condition were 2.8 times more likely to engage in unprotected sex at the 6‐month follow‐up and 4.5 times more likely to do so at the 12‐month follow‐up than those in the intervention program. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 35: 895–908, 2007.
The impact of violence and abuse on women's physical health: Can trauma‐informed treatment make a difference?
Authors: Weissbecker Inka , Clark Colleen
Published: August 2007

A history of traumatic experiences has been associated with poor physical health. This study examined associations between trauma and physical health, as well as changes in physical health over time, in women with co‐occurring disorders and histories of violence who received either integrated trauma‐informed services or usual care. Results revealed that women who had experienced more severe trauma also suffered worse physical health and were more likely to engage in poor health behaviors. Receiving behavioral health care services was associated with improved physical health and health behaviors. Predictors of physical health improvements included reduced interpersonal abuse, reduced severity of posttraumatic symptoms, improved health behaviors, and adequate access to medical care. Implications for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention are discussed.
Air bells of water spiders are an extended phenotype modified in response to gas composition
Authors: Schütz Dolores , Taborsky Michael , Drapela Thomas
Published: August 2007

The water spider Argyroneta aquatica (Clerck) is the only spider that spends its whole life under water. Water spiders keep an air bubble around their body for breathing and build under‐water air bells, which they use for shelter and raising offspring, digesting and consuming prey, moulting, depositing eggs and sperm, and copulating. It is unclear whether these bells are an important oxygen reservoir for breathing under water, or whether they serve mainly to create water‐free space for feeding and reproduction. In this study, we manipulated the composition of the gas inside the bell of female water spiders to test whether they monitor the quality of this gas, and replenish oxygen if required. We exchanged the entire gas in the bell either with pure O2, pure CO2, or with ambient air as control, and monitored behavioural responses. The test spiders surfaced and replenished air more often in the CO2 treatment than in the O2 treatment, and they increased bell building behaviour. In addition to active oxygen regulation, they monitored and adjusted the bells by adding silk. These results show that water spiders use the air bell as an oxygen reservoir, and that it functions as an external lung, which renders it essential for living under water permanently. A. aquatica is the only animal that collects, transports, and stores air, and monitors its property for breathing, which is an adaptive response of a terrestrial animal to the colonization of an aquatic habitat. J. Exp. Zool. 307A:549–555, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Targeting of the glucocorticoid hormone receptor with plasmid DNA comprising glucocorticoid response elements improves nonviral gene transfer efficiency in the lungs of mice
Authors: Dames Petra , Laner Andreas , Maucksch Christof , Aneja Manish Kumar , Rudolph Carsten
Published: August 2007

Background

It has been previously demonstrated that plasmid DNA transport into the nucleus could be increased by transcription factor binding. We chose the glucocorticoid responsive element (GRE) which binds to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a transcription factor which is shuttled into the nucleus upon ligand binding such as dexamethasone.

Methods

We cloned two, four, and eight repetitive sequences of the GRE into the reporter plasmid pEGFPLuc. Binding of the pEGFPLuc‐GRE to the GR was examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) experiments. GR expression in bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial cells was confirmed by Western blotting. Intracellular trafficking of GR was examined using a fusion protein of cyano‐fluorescent protein (CFP) and GR. Transfection efficiencies of pEGFPLuc compared to pEGFPLucGRE2–8 were examined in vitro and in vivo upon tail vein injection of cationic liposome gene vectors containing dexamethasone (safeplexes) and aerosol application of polyethylenimine (PEI)‐pDNA particles.

Results

Binding of GRE containing plasmids to the GR was shown in EMSA experiments and intranuclear shuttling of CFP‐GR after ligand stimulation was confirmed. Enhanced gene transfer efficiency of pEGFPLucGRE2 in vitro was only observed on confluent cells. A 2.5‐fold increase in gene expression in the lungs of mice after tail vein injection of pEGFPLucGRE2 complexed with safeplexes compared with pEGFPLuc was observed. PEI‐mediated aerosol gene delivery of pEGFPLucGRE2 was 4.7‐fold higher than pEGFPLuc only after intraperitoneal dexamethasone.

Conclusion

The results suggest that inclusion of GRE sequences into plasmid DNA vectors combined with dexamethasone application could improve transgene expression in the lungs in vivo. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A pyrazolylamine‐phosphonate monoester chelator for the fac‐[M(CO)3]+ core (M = Re, 99mTc): synthesis, coordination properties and biological assessment
Authors: Palma Elisa , Oliveira Bruno L. , Figueira Flávio , Correia João D. G. , Raposinho Paula D. , Santos Isabel
Published: August 2007

Aiming to develop new strategies for the labeling of hydroxyl‐containing biomolecules with the organometallic core fac‐[99mTc(CO)3]+, we have prepared a new model bifunctional chelator, L4 (ethyl hydrogen (2‐{[2‐(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)ethyl]amino}ethyl)phosphonate), combining a pyrazolyl‐amine chelating group and a monophosphonate ethyl ester function (–P(O)OHOEt). The phosphonate group allows metal stabilization, and, simultaneously, can be considered as a potential attachment site for a biomolecule. Reaction of L4 with the precursor [99mTc(H2O)3(CO)3]+ gave the model radiocomplex [99mTc(CO)3(k3‐L4)] (6a). This radiocomplex was identified by comparing its chromatographic profile with that of the corresponding Re analog (6) under the same conditions, also prepared and fully characterized by the usual analytical techniques. Radiocomplex 6a is moderately lipophilic (log Po/w = 1.07), presenting high stability in vitro without any measurable decomposition or ligand exchange, even in the presence of strong competing chelators such as histidine and cysteine (37°C, 24 h). Biodistribution studies of the complex in CD‐1 mice indicated a rapid blood clearance, and a rapid clearance from main organs, occurring primarily through the hepatobiliary pathway. Complex 6a presents also a high robustness in vivo, demonstrated by its resistance to metabolic degradation in blood, and intact excretion into the urine, after RP‐HPLC analysis of blood and urine samples. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differentiating emotional intelligence in leadership
Authors: Dijk Carina Fiedeldey‐Van , Freedman Joshua
Published: August 2007

Leadership has received considerable attention since the 1990s. We claim that leaders can be found at all levels of employment, and at the very least, all managers are expected to be leaders. Yet managerial status does not guarantee leadership. Leadership is a necessary component of and a filter for successful management. Effective managers demonstrate leadership capabilities. Leadership attributes are well captured in measures of emotional intelligence (EQ). Hence, leadership can improve if managers work to develop their EQ. We show how EQ, and hence leadership, can vary by level of employment among a composite international group of 3,305 employees with the Six Seconds Emotional Intelligence Assessment. The relationship between six leadership groups, as based on their EQ performance, across different employment levels was statistically examined, suggesting that leadership is realized in different ways depending on level of employment. It appears that employees become more skillful in emotional literacy and consequential thinking as they progress up the employment ladder. Intrinsic motivation and optimism are best leveraged by nonmanagerial rather than senior employees. The diminishing incorporation of empathy with an increase in employment level seems to stand in sharp contrast. Nonmanagerial employees, specialists, and entrepreneurs will benefit from developing their competence in pursuing their objectives with an overarching sense of purpose. The finding that high‐EQ leaders seem to dominate in the managerial levels may be viewed as encouraging.
Combined otolith morphology and morphometry for assessing taxonomy and diversity in fossil and extant killifish (Aphanius, †Prolebias)
Authors: Reichenbacher Bettina , Sienknecht Ulrike , Küchenhoff Helmut , Fenske Nora
Published: August 2007

Systematic assignment of fossil otoliths is virtually always based on studies of otolith morphology and subsequent comparisons with otoliths from collections and/or literature. Although this usually represents a practical method, comparisons and subsequent evaluation may be biased by subjective criteria used in the individual descriptions. Quantitative morphometric studies focusing on variations in the otolith morphology of extant fishes have been conducted in fisheries research, mostly based on Fourier shape analysis and related methods. However, with regard to fossil otoliths, these approaches are generally not suitable, mainly due to preservation‐related problems. Here we present a new approach for quantifying otolith variation between species and populations of killifish (cyprinodontiforms) in the genera Aphanius Nardo and †Prolebias Sauvage that can be used with both extant and fossil otoliths. Our new approach includes the definition of 10 variables from linear and angle measurements of an otolith and statistical analyses. Best results were obtained by presorting the otoliths into three groups based on sulcus shape (straight, bent, S‐shaped). In this case, canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) with jackknifed cross‐validation yielded an overall species classification success of 86–96%. The three groups based on sulcus shape separate according to zoogeographic patterns (i.e., Mediterranean Aphanius, Arabian Aphanius, European †Prolebias) and probably reflect phylogenetic lineages. Application of CDA to compare otolith variation between populations resulted in an overall classification success (jackknifed) of 33–83%. High levels of variation were observed for Aphanius dispar and †Prolebias malzi, but not for A. fasciatus and †P. weileri. We suggest that otolith variation between populations results predominantly from geographic separation. Combination of qualitative characters (sulcus morphology) with quantitative approaches (otolith morphometry) presents a new approach for obtaining a better understanding of the taxonomy, diversity, and zoogeography of both fossil and extant killifishes. Moreover, the method may also be suitable for assessing taxonomy and diversity in other species‐rich groups like the atheriniforms and many perciforms because these groups display otolith Bauplans that are similar to those seen in killifishes. J. Morphol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution model for Folch partition
Authors: Qian Jing , Poole Colin F.
Published: August 2007

Partition coefficients for 86 varied compounds were determined for the chloroform–methanol–water (8:4:3 v/v) biphasic partition system and used to derive a model for the distribution of neutral compounds between the water‐rich and chloroform‐rich layers. The partition coefficients, log Kp, were correlated through the solvation parameter model giving log Kp = 1.336 – 0.014E + 0.413S + 1.583A + 1.344B – 1.378V with a multiple correlation coefficient of 0.973, standard error of the estimate 0.151, and Fischer statistic 286. In the model the solute descriptors are excess molar refraction, E, dipolarity/polarizability, S, overall hydrogen‐bond acidity, A, overall hydrogen‐bond basicity, B, and McGowan's characteristic volume, V. The model is expected to be able to estimate further values of the partition coefficient to about 0.13 log units. The chloroform–methanol–water partition system is shown to have different selectivities to 44 common water–organic solvent and totally organic biphasic partition systems.
Label‐free LC‐MS/MS quantitative proteomics for large‐scale biomarker discovery in complex samples
Authors: Levin Yishai , Schwarz Emanuel , Wang Lan , Leweke F. Markus , Bahn Sabine
Published: August 2007

Proteomic platforms that enable researchers to profile a high number of proteins across large sets of complex samples hold a great potential for biomarker discovery. LC‐MS/MS‐based methods can be used to analyse many samples without the need for protein labelling. As the analysis is a sequential process, the performance of the system has to be consistent throughout the entire experiment. In this study we used a set of spiked serum samples as well as a set of 55 clinical serum samples from schizophrenia patients and healthy volunteers to show that the label‐free proteomic approach yields reproducible results across a large number of samples and can be used to accurately measure the relative protein abundance. Using this approach, we identified 1709 serum proteins covering a dynamic range of over three orders of magnitude. We believe that label‐free quantitative proteomics is especially suited for biomarker discovery in large sample sets.
Crystalline Structure and Properties of Carbon Nanofiber Composites Prepared by Melt Extrusion
Authors: Sui Gang , Zhong Wei‐Hong , Fuqua Mike A. , Ulven Chad A.
Published: August 2007

The effects of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on the microstructure and properties of semi‐crystalline polymers were studied based on the preparation of poly(propylene) (PP) nanocomposites by a twin screw extrusion method. The crystallization behavior and morphology, as well as the thermal and mechanical properties of the CNF/PP nanocomposites, were characterized. Studies using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) indicated that the CNFs promoted heterogeneous nucleation. The relative amount, crystallite size and distribution of different crystallites in PP varied because of the addition of CNFs, which affected the final properties of the nanocomposites. Meanwhile, the degree of crystallinity of the PP exhibited an increasing trend with the addition of CNFs, followed by moderate decreases at higher content. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) test showed that the stiffness of the PP was enhanced as a result of the addition of CNFs. With increasing of CNF content, the flexural strength and modulus of the nanocomposites were enhanced continuously. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations indicated that the CNFs were uniformly dispersed in the PP matrix. The effect of CNFs on the thermal stability was analyzed by comparing the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) curves of the neat PP and CNF/PP composites. The thermal stability of PP composites at high temperature increased with enhanced CNF content.

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pH‐Sensitive Micelles Formed by Interchain Hydrogen Bonding of Poly(methacrylic acid)‐block‐Poly(ethylene oxide) Copolymers
Authors: Koňák Čestmír , Sedlák Marián
Published: August 2007

pH‐sensitive micelles formed by interchain hydrogen bonding of poly(methacrylic acid)‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) copolymers were prepared and investigated at pH < 5. Both$\overline M _{\rm w}$andRhof the micelles increase with decreasing pH of the solution, displaying an asymptotic tendency at low pH values. The observed micelles are well‐defined nanoparticles with narrow size distributions (polydispersity ΔRh/Rh ≤ 0.05) comparable with regular diblock copolymer micelles. The CMCs occur slightly belowc = 1 × 10−4g · mL−1. The micelles are negatively charged and their time stability is lower than that of regular copolymer micelles based purely on hydrophobic interactions.

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James Parkinson's London
Authors: Williams David R.
Published: August 2007

James Parkinson's London was filmed in 2005 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Parkinson's birth, and to give the viewer a glimpse of the streets where he lived. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Methylphenidate improves fatigue scores in Parkinson disease: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mendonça Dan A. , Menezes Krishe , Jog Mandar S.
Published: August 2007

Fatigue is a common nonmotor symptom in idiopathic Parkinson disease (IPD) that can prominently affect everyday function. This study was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial evaluating methylphenidate for the treatment of fatigue in patients with IPD maintained on their regular medications. Thirty‐six patients were randomized to receive either methylphenidate (10 mg three times per day; n = 17) or placebo (n = 19) for 6 weeks. Primary outcomes were the change from baseline on two separate self‐report fatigue questionnaires: the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI). Secondary outcomes included the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score and the five individual domains of the MFI. Fourteen patients in the methylphenidate group and 16 patients in the control group remained on the intervention for the entire study period. In the treatment arm, mean FSS score was reduced by 6.5 points (from a baseline of 43.8) and mean MFI score was reduced by 8.4 points (from a baseline of 51.0). Both these reductions were significant (P < 0.04). Smaller reductions in the placebo group were nonsignificant. Mean UPDRS motor score did not change significantly in either group. Analysis of MFI subscores showed a significant reduction in General Fatigue in the methylphenidate group (P < 0.001). Overall, adverse effects of medication were more frequent in the placebo group. In conclusion, methylphenidate was effective in lowering fatigue scores in patients with IPD following a 6‐week treatment period. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Dual task interference in psychogenic tremor
Authors: Kumru Hatice , Begeman Maaike , Tolosa Eduardo , Valls‐Sole Josep
Published: August 2007

Psychogenic tremor (PT) is visually indistinguishable from voluntarily mimicked tremor. Healthy volunteers have difficulties with carrying out simultaneously two tasks due to the phenomenon known as dual task interference. Therefore, performing voluntary rhythmic movements would be a burden for carrying out fast ballistic movements with the contralateral hand. We hypothesized that, similarly to healthy volunteers performing rhythmic movements, patients with PT should show the effects of dual task interference, and this may distinguish them from patients with other types of tremor. We studied 6 patients with PT, 9 with Parkinson's disease (PD) and predominantly unilateral tremor, 11 with essential tremor (ET), and 10 normal volunteers (NV) mimicking tremor. They were requested to perform a unilateral simple reaction time task (SRT) to a visual imperative signal in two different conditions: at rest (rSRT) and during contralateral hand tremor (tSRT). Reaction time was significantly longer in tSRT than in rSRT in PT and in NV groups (P < 0.01 for both groups). However, no significant differences were observed between rSRT and tSRT in PD and ET. The delay of unilateral tSRT with respect to rSRT suggests an effect of tremorlike oscillatory movements on reaction time that is consistent with the concept of dual‐task interference in NV or PT patients but not in PD or ET. These observations may be useful in the evaluation of psychogenic movement disorders. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Hyolitha from the Early Paleozoic glacial erratic boulders (Geschiebe) of Germany and Poland
Authors: Malinky J. M.
Published: August 2007

Abstract. Hyoliths from glacial erratic boulders, or Geschiebe, from northern Germany and Poland include representatives of Hyolithes acutus Eichwald, 1840, the type of the genus. Geschiebe individuals of that taxon reinforce and augment the revised generic concept of Hyolithes of Malinky (2006), and extend the range of morphologic variation in terms of longitudinal sculptural elements and apical curvature. Occurrences in the Geschiebe of Crispatella Malinky, 2002 and Dorsolinevitus Syssoiev, 1958, reinforce the notion of distinct hyolith paleobiogeographic provinces in the Ordovician, with these forms belonging to the Baltic province of Marek (1976). Operculum A is the first operculum identified to possess an epibiont on the exterior. Hyolithes esthonus Koken, 1889 is herein transferred to Dorsolinevitus with question, and several other specimens are assigned to that genus but left in open nomenclature at the species level. Nevadotheca ? sp. and Holmitheca ? sp. are both recognized from Early Cambrian erratic sandstone boulders, suggesting that these forms lived in shallower, more nearshore environments than their occurrences elsewhere would suggest. "Hyolithes" vaginati (Quenstedt, 1852), the first hyolith species recognized from a boulder, is deemed unrecognizable due to inadequate preservation. The supposed Silurian hyolith Ceratotheca erratica (Koken, 1889) is herein transferred to the Gastropoda. Hyolithen aus Geschieben Norddeutschlands und Polens umfassen Exemplare von Hyolithes acutus Eichwald, 1840, der Typusart der Gattung. Die aus den Geschieben stammenden Exemplare dieser Art unterstützen und erweitern das Konzept der Gattung Hyolithes nach Malinky (2006) und führen weitere morphologische Variationen der longitudinalen Strukturelemente sowie der Krümmung des Apex ein. Das Vorkommen von Crispatella Malinky, 2002 und Dorsolinevitus Syssoiev, 1958 in Geschieben erweitert die bisherigen Kenntnisse der paläobiogeographischen Provinzen im Ordovizium. Diese Formen gehören zu der baltischen Provinz nach Marek (1976). Operculum A ist das erste Operculum mit einem Epibionten auf der Außenseite. Hyolithes esthonus Koken, 1889 wird in dieser Arbeit unter Vorbehalt Dorsolinevitus angeschlossen. Weitere Exemplare werden ebenfalls dieser Gattung zugeordnet, verbleiben aber auf der Artebene in offener Nomenklatur. Nevadotheca ? sp. und Holmitheca sp. wurden aus unterkambrischen Sandstein-Geschieben bekannt. Das lässt vermuten, dass diese Formen in flachen, küstennahen Gewässern lebten, und steht damit im Widerspruch zu bisherigen Funden. Pugiunculus vaginati Quenstedt, 1852, der erste jemals aus einem Geschiebeblock bekannt gewordene Hyolith, ist für eine Bestimmung nicht ausreichend erhalten. doi:10.1002/mmng.200600020
Effect of montmorillonite on properties of styrene–butadiene–styrene copolymer modified bitumen
Authors: Yu Jianying , Wang Lin , Zeng Xuan , Wu Shaopeng , Li Bin
Published: August 2007

Clay/styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) modified bitumen composites were prepared by melt blending with different contents of sodium montmorillonite (Na‐MMT) and organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT). The structures of clay/SBS modified bitumen composites were characterized by XRD. The XRD results showed that Na‐MMT/SBS modified bitumen composites may form an intercalated structure, whereas the OMMT/SBS modified bitumen composites may form an exfoliated structure. Effects of MMT on physical properties, dynamic rheological behaviors, and aging properties of SBS modified bitumen were investigated. The addition of Na‐MMT and OMMT increases both the softening point and viscosity of SBS modified bitumens and the clay/SBS modified bitumens exhibited higher complex modulus, lower phase angle. The high‐temperature storage stability can also be improved by clay with a proper amount added. Furthermore, clay/SBS modified bitumen composites showed better resistance to aging than SBS modified bitumen, which was ascribed to barrier of the intercalated or exfoliated structure to oxygen, reducing efficiently the oxidation of bitumen, and the degradation of SBS. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1289–1295, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers