bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jesus Heals a Leper: Mark 1.40-45 and Egerton Gospel 35-47
Authors: Webb Robert
Published: April 2006

While recent historical Jesus studies often appreciate the role played by Jesus’ characteristic activities, debate continues over the historicity of specific examples of such activities. This essay examines the story of Jesus healing a leper as a specific example of Jesus’ activity of healing. In particular it shows the contribution to be made by analyzing the account in the Egerton Gospel 35–47 alongside Mark 1.40-45. The nature of leprosy in the ancient Mediterranean world and the sociocultural realities of a frst-century Jewish context contribute to this analysis. The essay concludes that within the bounds of historical probability Jesus healed a leper (not Hansen's disease but a flaking skin condition). Jesus responded to the man's request by anticipating the priestly declaration that he would be clean and making this possible by curing the man's disease (i.e., his bio-medical condition) by means of verbal command and probably also through touch. Jesus instructed the man to seek a priest's declaration of cleanness in order to heal his illness (i.e., his socio-cultural condition) which Jesus had anticipated would be the result of his response.
Differentiating CPE from Training: Reconsidering Terms, Boundaries, and Economic Factors
Authors: Van Loo Jasper B. , Rocco Tonette S.
Published: April 2006

The differences between continuing professional education (CPE) and training are examined by presenting a systems view of the factors that make CPE different from training. The authors analyze these differences by discussing scope, stakeholders, control, and occupational mobility. These factors provide a framework for examining differences between CPE and training from an economic perspective. The authors review economic rationales for CPE and discuss how existing training evaluation concepts, such as cost-benefit analysis and return on investment may be adapted to the specific characteristics of CPE. They end by reflecting on the possibilities that the proposed approach offers and list a number of recommendations for further research.
Mixing art and science
Authors: Muncey Tessa
Published: April 2006

Nursing commentators exhort that nursing practice is both an art and a science, without really considering the differing philosophical assumptions implicit in the divide. This mixture of competing ideals and philosophies is set within a rigid, fundamentalist medical model of healthcare that compels empirical evidence to be the foundation of decision-making. Some of this evidence is derived from within the emergent methodologies of the social sciences, but there is little credence given to the vast resource of the humanities. The resulting plethora of methodologies has created warring factions between the extremes of the quantitative and qualitative researcher. Beyond this argument is the certainty that the uniting feature of all research is language and, as Bakhtin suggests, ‘language is only in the dialogic interaction of those who make use of it’. To understand how art and science can intertwine to create a human science, an exploration of how nursing is embedded in the heteroglossia of a diverse society is needed. My own developmental journey into the world of research illustrates the iteration of multiple influences to find an explanation that feels comfortable. If we taught health carers to think creatively rather than respond unimaginatively, citing evidence as the rationale, perhaps the current paradox of individualised patient care appearing to consist of doing universal tasks to a named person could be avoided.
Relations among questionnaire and laboratory measures of rhinovirus infection
Authors: Barrett B. , Brown R. , Voland R. , Maberry R. , Turner R.
Published: April 2006

Due to high incidence and quality-of-life impact, upper respiratory infection substantially impacts on population health. To test or compare treatment effectiveness, a well-designed and validated illness-specific quality-of-life instrument is needed.

Data reported in the current study were obtained from a trial testing echinacea for induced rhinovirus infection. Laboratory-assessed biomarkers included interleukin (IL)-8, nasal neutrophil count (polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN)), mucus weight, viral titre and seroconversion. The questionnaires used included the general health short form (SF)-8 (24-h recall version), the eight-item Jackson cold scale, and the 44-item Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS).

In total, 399 participants were inoculated with rhinovirus and monitored over 2,088 person-days. Statistically significant associations were found among nearly all variables. Between-questionnaire correlations were: WURSS–Jackson = 0.81; WURSS–SF-8 = 0.62; and Jackson–SF-8 = 0.60. Correlations with laboratory values were as follows: WURSS–mucus weight = 0.53; Jackson–mucus weight = 0.55; WURSS–viral titre = 0.37; Jackson–viral titre = 0.46; WURSS–IL-8 = 0.31; Jackson–IL-8 = 0.36; WURSS–PMN = 0.31; and Jackson–PMN = 0.28. Neither WURSS nor Jackson yielded satisfactory cut-off scores for diagnosis of infection.

Symptomatic and biological outcomes of upper respiratory infection are highly variable, with only modest associations. While Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey and Jackson questionnaires both correlate with biomarkers, neither is a good predictor of induced infection. The inclusion of functional and quality-of-life items in the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey does not significantly decrease the strength of association with laboratory-assessed biomarkers.
Lack of tolerance to the protective effect of montelukast in exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in children
Authors: de Benedictis F. M. , del Giudice M. M. , Forenza N. , Decimo F. , de Benedictis D. , Capristo A.
Published: April 2006

The effect over time of regular treatment with montelukast (MNT) in inhibiting exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) has never been evaluated in children. The aim of the present study was to examine the preventive effect of MNT against EIB in children at different time-points over a 4-week treatment period.

Thirty-two asthmatic children (aged 6–12 yrs) were enrolled in a double-blinded, randomised, parallel group design to receive a 4-week treatment with MNT (5 mg chewable tablets administered once daily in the evening) or placebo. Exercise challenge was performed at baseline and after 3, 7 and 28 days of treatment, 20–24 h after dosing.

MNT was significantly more protective than placebo against EIB at each time. The mean percentage drop of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was 24.6, 13.6, 12.0 and 11.6 for MNT, and 24.4, 22.4, 21.8 and 21.0 for placebo, at baseline and after 3, 7 and 28 days, respectively. For each drug, no significant difference in the percentage drop of FEV1was found between different days.

Regular treatment with montelukast provided significant protection against exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children over a 4-week period with no tolerance to the bronchoprotective effect.
Negligible clearance of ultrafine particles retained in healthy and affected human lungs
Authors: Wiebert P. , Sanchez-Crespo A. , Seitz J. , Falk R. , Philipson K. , Kreyling W. G. , Möller W. , Sommerer K. , Larsson S. , Svartengren M.
Published: April 2006

Ambient particles are believed to be a specific health hazard, although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. There are data in the literature indicating fast and substantial systemic uptake of particles from the lung.

The present authors have developed an improved method to produce ultrafine particles with more stable radiolabelling and defined particle size range. Fifteen subjects inhaled technetium 99m (99mTc)-labelled carbonaceous particles of 100 nm in size. Radioactivity over the lung was followed for 70 h. The clearance of these ultrafine particles from the lungs and specifically translocation to the circulation was tested.

Lung retention for all subjects at 46 h was mean±sd99±4.6%. Cumulative leaching of99mTc activity from the particles was 2.6±0.96% at 70 h. The 24-h activity leaching in urine was 1.0±0.55%.

No evidence of a quantitatively important translocation of 100-nm particles to the systemic circulation from the lungs was found. More research is needed to establish if the ∼1% cleared activity originates from leached activity or insoluble translocated particles, and whether a few per cent of translocated particles is sufficient to cause harmful effects.
Time to positivity in blood cultures of adults with Streptococcus pneumoniaebacteremia
Authors: Peralta Galo , Rodríguez-Lera María José , Garrido Jose Carlos , Ansorena Luis , Roiz María Pía
Published: April 2006

Background

previousstudies have established that bacterial blood concentration is related with clinical outcome. Time to positivity of blood cultures (TTP) has relationship with bacterial blood concentration and could be related with prognosis. As there is scarce information about the usefulness of TTP, we study the relationship of TTP with clinical parameters in patients withStreptococcus pneumoniaebacteremia.

Methods

TTP of all cases ofStreptococcus pneumoniaebacteremia, detected between January 1995 and December 2004 using the BacT/Alert automated blood culture system in a teaching community hospital was analyzed. When multiple cultures were positive only the shortest TTP was selected for the analysis.

Results

inthe study period 105 patients withStreptococcus pneumoniaebacteremia were detected. Median TTP was 14.1 hours (range 1.2 h to 127 h). Immunosuppressed patients (n = 5), patients with confusion (n = 19), severe sepsis or shock at the time of blood culture extraction (n = 12), those with a diagnosis of meningitis (n = 7) and those admitted to the ICU (n = 14) had lower TTP. Patients with TTP in the first quartile were more frequently hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, had meningitis, a non-pneumonic origin of the bacteremia, and a higher number of positive blood cultures than patients with TTP in the fourth quartile. None of the patients with TTP in the 90thdecile had any of these factors associated with shorter TTP, and eight out of ten patients with TTP in the 10thdecile had at least one of these factors. The number of positive blood cultures had an inverse correlation with TTP, suggesting a relationship of TTP with bacterial blood concentration.

Conclusion

Our data support the relationship of TTP with several clinical parameters in patients withStreptococcus pneumoniaebacteremia, and its potential usefulness as a surrogate marker of outcome.
Ectopic Cushing' syndrome caused by a neuroendocrine carcinoma of the mesentery
Authors: Fasshauer Mathias , Lincke Thomas , Witzigmann Helmut , Kluge Regine , Tannapfel Andrea , Moche Michael , Buchfelder Michael , Petersenn Stephan , Kratzsch Juergen , Paschke Ralf , Koch Christian A
Published: April 2006

Background

ACTH overproduction within the pituitary gland or ectopically leads to hypercortisolism. Here, we report the first case of Cushing' syndrome caused by an ectopic ACTH-secreting neuroendocrine carcinoma of the mesentery. Moreover, diagnostic procedures and pitfalls associated with ectopic ACTH-secreting tumors are demonstrated and discussed.

Case presentation

A 41 year-old man presented with clinical features and biochemical tests suggestive of ectopic Cushing's syndrome. First, subtotal thyroidectomy was performed without remission of hypercortisolism, because an octreotide scan showed increased activity in the left thyroid gland and an ultrasound revealed nodules in both thyroid lobes one of which was autonomous. In addition, the patient had a 3 mm hypoenhancing lesion of the neurohypophysis and a 1 cm large adrenal tumor. Surgical removal of the pituitary lesion within the posterior lobe did not improve hypercortisolism and we continued to treat the patient with metyrapone to block cortisol production. At 18-months follow-up from initial presentation, we detected an ACTH-producing neuroendocrine carcinoma of the mesentery by using a combination of octreotide scan, computed tomography scan, and positron emission tomography. Intraoperatively, use of a gamma probe after administration of radiolabeled 111In-pentetreotide helped identify the mesenteric neuroendocrine tumor. After removal of this carcinoma, the patient improved clinically. Laboratory testing confirmed remission of hypercortisolism. An octreotide scan 7 months after surgery showed normal results.

Conclusion

This case underscores the diagnostic challenge in identifying an ectopic ACTH-producing tumor and the pluripotency of cells, in this case of mesenteric cells that can start producing and secreting ACTH. It thereby helps elucidate the pathogenesis of neuroendocrine tumors. This case also suggests that patients with ectopic Cushing's syndrome and an octreotide scan positive in atypical locations may benefit from explorative radioguided surgery using 111In-pentetreotide and a gamma probe.
The silent HIV epidemic among pregnant women within rural Northern Tanzania
Authors: Yahya-Malima Khadija I , Olsen Bjørg E , Matee Mecky I , Fylkesnes Knut
Published: April 2006

Background

Many national antenatal clinics (ANC) based HIV surveillance systems in sub-Saharan Africa have limited coverage of remote rural sites, a weakness that compromises adequate estimation, monitoring and development of effective preventive and care programmes. To address this void in rural Manyara and Singida within Northern Tanzania, we conducted antenatal clinic-based sentinel surveillance.

Methods

We consecutively enrolled 1377 counselled and consenting pregnant women attending ANC clinics for the first time during the current pregnancy. The study was conducted in six antenatal clinics, within three divisions of rural Manyara and Singida regions in 2003/2004. Interviews were conducted and blood samples for routine purposes were collected and tested for anti-HIV IgG antibody anonymously, using Bionor HIV-1 & 2 assay ®.

Results

Among enrolees, 94% (1296/1377) participated fully. The overall prevalence of HIV was 2.0% (95%CI: 1.34–2.97). The highest HIV prevalence was among women aged between 15–19 years in both rural and remote rural populations. The odds of HIV infection was 4.3 (95%CI: 1.42–12.77) times among women reporting more than one lifetime sexual partners compared with those with one partner. HIV infection was associated with history of genital sores or foul smelling discharge, OR 6.8 (95%CI: 2.78–16.66) and age at first pregnancy (2.5 times higher likelihood of infection if before the age of 18 years versus at a later age).

Conclusion

Including rural remote sites, as part of the national ANC routine surveillance, is crucial in order to discover imminent silent epidemics such as the one described in this paper. Scaling up HIV prevention efforts is mandatory to prevent the imminent escalation of the HIV epidemic highly associated with a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), multiple sexual partners and pregnancies at a younger age. Ignorance of relevant knowledge and low utilisation of condoms underscores the urgency for large-scale preventive efforts. Research to capture a wider representation of the risk factors in the general population should be a priority to enable further customised HIV prevention efforts.
Self-reported safety belt use among emergency department patients in Boston, Massachusetts
Authors: Fernandez William G , Mehta Supriya D , Coles Tara , Feldman James A , Mitchell Patricia , Olshaker Jonathan
Published: April 2006

Background

Safety belt use is 80% nationally, yet only 63% in Massachusetts. Safety belt use among potentially at-risk groups in Boston is unknown. We sought to assess the prevalence and correlates of belt non-use among emergency department (ED) patients in Boston.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey with systematic sampling was conducted on non-urgent ED patients age ≥18. A closed-ended survey was administered by interview. Safety belt use was defined via two methods: a single-item and a multiple-item measure of safety belt use. Each was scored using a 5-point frequency scale. Responses were used to categorize safety belt use as 'always' or less than 'always'. Outcome for multivariate logistic regression analysis was safety belt use less than 'always'.

Results

Of 478 patients approached, 381 (80%) participated. Participants were 48% female, 48% African-American, 40% White, median age 39. Among participants, 250 (66%) had been in a car crash; 234 (61%) had a valid driver's license, and 42 (11%) had been ticketed for belt non-use. Using two different survey measures, a single-item and a multiple-item measure, safety belt use 'always' was 51% and 36% respectively. According to separate regression models, factors associated with belt non-use included male gender, alcohol consumption >5 drinks in one episode, riding with others that drink and drive, ever receiving a citation for belt non-use, believing that safety belt use is 'uncomfortable', and that 'I just forget', while 'It's my usual habit' was protective.

Conclusion

ED patients at an urban hospital in Boston have considerably lower self-reported safety belt use than state or national estimates. An ED-based intervention to increase safety belt use among this hard-to-reach population warrants consideration.
Selection of a set of reliable reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in normal equine skin and in equine sarcoids
Authors: Bogaert Lies , Van Poucke Mario , De Baere Cindy , Peelman Luc , Gasthuys Frank , Martens Ann
Published: April 2006

Background

Real-time quantitative PCR can be a very powerful and accurate technique to examine gene transcription patterns in different biological conditions. One of the critical steps in comparing transcription profiles is accurate normalisation. In most of the studies published on real-time PCR in horses, normalisation occurred against only one reference gene, usually GAPDH or ACTB, without validation of its expression stability. This might result in unreliable conclusions, because it has been demonstrated that the expression levels of so called "housekeeping genes" may vary considerably in different tissues, cell types or disease stages, particularly in clinical samples associated with malignant disease. The goal of this study was to establish a reliable set of reference genes for studies concerning normal equine skin and equine sarcoids, which are the most common skin tumour in horses.

Results

In the present study the gene transcription levels of 6 commonly used reference genes (ACTB, B2M, HPRT1, UBB, TUBA1 and RPL32) were determined in normal equine skin and in equine sarcoids. After applying the geNorm applet to this set of genes, TUBA1, ACTB and UBB were found to be most stable in normal skin and B2M, ACTB and UBB in equine sarcoids.

Conclusion

Based on these results, TUBA1, ACTB and UBB, respectively B2M, ACTB and UBB can be proposed as reference gene panels for accurate normalisation of quantitative data for normal equine skin, respectively equine sarcoids. When normal skin and equine sarcoids are compared, the use of the geometric mean of UBB, ACTB and B2M can be recommended as a reliable and accurate normalisation factor.
CPR in medical schools: learning by teaching BLS to sudden cardiac death survivors – a promising strategy for medical students?
Authors: Robak Oliver , Kulnig Johannes , Sterz Fritz , Uray Thomas , Haugk Moritz , Kliegel Andreas , Holzer Michael , Herkner Harald , Laggner Anton N , Domanovits Hans
Published: April 2006

Background

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training is gaining more importance for medical students. There were many attempts to improve the basic life support (BLS) skills in medical students, some being rather successful, some less. We developed a new problem based learning curriculum, where students had to teach CPR to cardiac arrest survivors in order to improve the knowledge about life support skills of trainers and trainees.

Methods

Medical students who enrolled in our curriculum had to pass a 2 semester problem based learning session about the principles of cardiac arrest, CPR, BLS and defibrillation (CPR-D). Then the students taught cardiac arrest survivors who were randomly chosen out of a cardiac arrest database of our emergency department. Both, the student and the Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) survivor were asked about their skills and knowledge via questionnaires immediately after the course. The questionnaires were then used to evaluate if this new teaching strategy is useful for learning CPR via a problem-based-learning course. The survey was grouped into three categories, namely "Use of AED", "CPR-D" and "Training". In addition, there was space for free answers where the participants could state their opinion in their own words, which provided some useful hints for upcoming programs.

Results

This new learning-by-teaching strategy was highly accepted by all participants, the students and the SCD survivors. Most SCD survivors would use their skills in case one of their relatives goes into cardiac arrest (96%). Furthermore, 86% of the trainees were able to deal with failures and/or disturbances by themselves. On the trainer's side, 96% of the students felt to be well prepared for the course and were considered to be competent by 96% of their trainees.

Conclusion

We could prove that learning by teaching CPR is possible and is highly accepted by the students. By offering a compelling appreciation of what CPR can achieve in using survivors from SCD as trainees made them go deeper into the subject of resuscitation, what also might result in a longer lasting benefit than regular lecture courses in CPR.
Optimization and evaluation of surface-enhanced laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for protein profiling of cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Guerreiro Nelson , Gomez-Mancilla Baltazar , Charmont Stéphane
Published: April 2006

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) potentially carries an archive of peptides and small proteins relevant to pathological processes in the central nervous system (CNS) and surrounding brain tissue. Proteomics is especially well suited for the discovery of biomarkers of diagnostic potential in CSF for early diagnosis and discrimination of several neurodegenerative diseases. ProteinChip surface-enhanced laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) is one such approach which offers a unique platform for high throughput profiling of peptides and small proteins in CSF. In this study, we evaluated methodologies for the retention of CSF proteins < 20 kDa in size, and identify a strategy for screening small proteins and peptides in CSF. ProteinChip array types, along with sample and binding buffer conditions, and matrices were investigated. By coupling the processing of arrays to a liquid handler reproducible and reliable profiles, with mean peak coefficients of variation < 20%, were achieved for intra- and inter-assays under selected conditions. Based on peakm/zwe found a high degree of overlap between the tested array surfaces. The combination of CM10 and IMAC30 arrays was sufficient to represent between 80–90% of all assigned peaks when using either sinapinic acid or α-Cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid as the energy absorbing matrices. Moreover, arrays processed with SPA consistently showed better peak resolution and higher peak number across all surfaces within the measured mass range. We intend to use CM10 and IMAC30 arrays prepared in sinapinic acid as a fast and cost-effective approach to drive decisions on sample selection prior to more in-depth discovery of diagnostic biomarkers in CSF using alternative but complementary proteomic strategies.
Molecular characterization and exclusion of porcine GUSBas a candidate gene for congenital hernia inguinalis/scrotalis
Authors: Beck Julia , Bornemann-Kolatzki Kirsten , Knorr Christoph , Taeubert Helge , Brenig Bertram
Published: April 2006

Background

Inguinal hernias are usually caused by a congenital defect, which occurs as a weakness of the inguinal canal. Porcine β-glucuronidase gene (GUSB) was chosen as functional candidate gene because of its involvement in degradation of hyaluronan within gubernacular tissue during descent of testes. Since a genome-wide linkage analysis approach has shown evidence that two regions on porcine chromosome 3 (SSC 3) are involved in the inheritance of hernia inguinalis/scrotalis in German pig breeds, GUSB also attained status as a positional candidate gene by its localization within a hernia-associated chromosomal region.

Results

A contig spanning 17,157 bp, which contains the entire GUSB, was assembled. Comparative sequence analyses were conducted for the GUSB gene locus. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within the coding region of GUSB were genotyped in 512 animals. Results of transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) for two out of a total of five detected SNPs gave no significant association with the outcome of hernia in pigs.

Conclusion

On the basis of our studies we are able to exclude the two analyzed SNPs within the porcine GUSB gene as causative for the transmission of inguinal hernia.
Decomposition of overlapping protein complexes: A graph theoretical method for analyzing static and dynamic protein associations
Authors: Zotenko Elena , Guimarães Katia S , Jothi Raja , Przytycka Teresa M
Published: April 2006

Background

Most cellular processes are carried out by multi-protein complexes, groups of proteins that bind together to perform a specific task. Some proteins form stable complexes, while other proteins form transient associations and are part of several complexes at different stages of a cellular process. A better understanding of this higher-order organization of proteins into overlapping complexes is an important step towards unveiling functional and evolutionary mechanisms behind biological networks.

Results

We propose a new method for identifying and representing overlapping protein complexes (or larger units called functional groups) within a protein interaction network. We develop a graph-theoretical framework that enables automatic construction of such representation. We illustrate the effectiveness of our method by applying it to TNFα/NF-κ B and pheromone signaling pathways.

Conclusion

The proposed representation helps in understanding the transitions between functional groups and allows for tracking a protein's path through a cascade of functional groups. Therefore, depending on the nature of the network, our representation is capable of elucidating temporal relations between functional groups. Our results show that the proposed method opens a new avenue for the analysis of protein interaction networks.
Critical involvement of IL-12 in IFN-γ induction by calcineurin antagonists in activated human lymphocytes
Authors: Wittmann Miriam , Killig Claudia , Bruder Manuela , Gutzmer Ralf , Werfel Thomas
Published: April 2006

Calcineurin antagonists are known as potent immunosuppressants working particularly on T cells by virtue of their capacity to block nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) activation and translocation to the nucleus. In addition to interleukin (IL)-2 suppression, T helper cell type 1 (Th1) as well as Th2 cytokine transcription is blocked by calcineurin antagonists. Here, we show that calcineurin antagonists such as cyclosporin A (CsA) or tacrolimus can markedly enhance the production of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) by human T cells. This increased IFN-γ production is dependent on T cell receptor (TCR) and CD28 signaling as well as on the presence of IL-12. IL-27, which could mimic the effect of IL-12, was however less potent in inducing IFN-γ production in the presence of CsA and TCR stimulation. Other cytokines such as IL-23, IL-18, IL-2, or the Th2-related cytokine IL-4 are not able to support a calcineurin antagonist-dependent up-regulation of IFN-γ. CsA-dependent IFN-γ production is observable in therapeutic concentrations. The effect is independent of IL-10 or IL-4, as addition of these cytokines could not inhibit the CsA-induced IFN-γ production. The effect of calcineurin antagonists is associated with an increased c-fos expression and DNA-binding activity of the transcription factor activated protein-1 but not with increased DNA-binding activity of T-bet. Our study further supports the relevance of known calcineurin activities other than NFAT activation. The presented data may help to explain why concomitant infections (resulting in increased IL-12 expression) under therapy with calcineurin antagonists often have a negative impact on the activity of the underlying disease (e.g., autoimmune disease).
Accuracy and utility of post-conviction polygraph testing of sex offenders
Authors: Grubin Don , Madsen Lars
Published: April 2006

Background

Polygraphy is used increasingly in the treatment and supervision of sex offenders, but little research has addressed its accuracy in this setting, or linked accuracy with utility.

Aims

To investigate the utility and accuracy of polygraphy in post-conviction testing of community-based sex offenders.

Method

A self-report measure examined the experiences of offenders with polygraphy.

Results

Based on self-report, the polygraph's accuracy was approximately 85%. False negatives and false positives were not associated with demographic characteristics, personality variables or IQ. The majority of offenders found the polygraph to be helpful in both treatment and supervision. Nine per cent of offenders claimed to have made false disclosures; these individuals had higher scores on ratings of neuroticism and lower scores on ratings of conscientiousness.

Conclusions

These results support the view that the polygraph is both accurate and useful in the treatment and supervision of sex offenders.
Effect of month of birth on the risk of suicide
Authors: Salib Emad , Cortina-Borja Mario
Published: April 2006

Background

Month of birth as a suicide risk factor has not been adequately explored. The findings of published studies are contradictory and inconclusive.

Aims

To examine the association between suicide and month of birth using suicide data for a 22-year period in England and Wales. The sample size of 26915 suicides greatly exceeds all previous studies.

Method

We analysed all suicides (ICD-9 codes E950-959) and deaths from undetermined injury (E980-989) reported between 1979 and 2001 in England and Wales for persons born between 1955 and 1966, using Poisson and negative binomial generalised linear models with seasonal components.

Results

Birthrates of people who later kill themselves show disproportionate excess for April, May and June compared with the other months. Overall, we found an increase of 17% in the risk of suicide for people born in the peak month (spring -early summer) compared with those born in the trough month (autumn-early winter); this risk increase was larger for women (29.6%) than for men (13.7%).

Conclusions

The ‘month of birth’ factor in suicide can be interpreted in terms of the foetal origins hypothesis. Our findings might have implications for our understanding of the multifaceted aetiology of suicide and may eventually offer new strategies for research and prevention.
Dose-Response in Radiotherapy for Localized Prostate Cancer: Results of the Dutch Multicenter Randomized Phase III Trial Comparing 68 Gy of Radiotherapy With 78 Gy
Authors: Peeters Stephanie T.H. , Heemsbergen Wilma D. , Koper Peter C.M. , van Putten Wim L.J. , Slot Annerie , Dielwart Michel F.H. , Bonfrer Johannes M.G. , Incrocci Luca , Lebesque Joos V.
Published: April 2006

Purpose

To determine whether a dose of 78 Gy improves outcome compared with a conventional dose of 68 Gy for prostate cancer patients treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy.

Patients and Methods

Between June 1997 and February 2003, stage T1b-4 prostate cancer patients were enrolled onto a multicenter randomized trial comparing 68 Gy with 78 Gy. Patients were stratified by institution, age, (neo)adjuvant hormonal therapy (HT), and treatment group. Four treatment groups (with specific radiation volumes) were defined based on the probability of seminal vesicle involvement. The primary end point was freedom from failure (FFF). Failure was defined as clinical failure or biochemical failure, according to the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology definition. Other end points were freedom from clinical failure (FFCF), overall survival (OS), and toxicity.

Results

Median follow-up time was 51 months. Of the 669 enrolled patients, 664 were included in the analysis. HT was prescribed for 143 patients. FFF was significantly better in the 78-Gy arm compared with the 68-Gy arm (5-year FFF rate, 64% v 54%, respectively), with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.74 (P = .02). No significant differences in FFCF or OS were seen between the treatment arms. There was no difference in late genitourinary toxicity of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer grade 2 or more and a slightly higher nonsignificant incidence of late gastrointestinal toxicity of grade 2 or more.

Conclusion

This multicenter randomized trial shows a significantly improved FFF in prostate cancer patients treated with a higher dose of radiotherapy.
Carboxylation of Propane with CO to Butyric Acids by Pd(II)/Cu(II) Based Catalysts
Authors: Miyata Tsutomu , Nakata Kazuyuki , Yamaoka Yoshinori , Taniguchi Yuki , Takaki Ken , Fujiwara Yuzo
Published: April 2006

Propane reacts with CO leading to isobutyric and butyric acids in good yields by the Pd(OAc)2/Cu(OAc)2/K2S2O8 catalyst system via C–H bond activation. It is essential to use more than unity of the Cu(OAc)2/Pd(OAc)2 ratio to attain high yield.
Chemical Speciation of Large Molecular Metal Complexes in Pond Water
Authors: Itoh Akihide , Aikawa Masahide , Sawatari Hideyuki , Hirose Akio , Haraguchi Hiroki
Published: April 2006

The concentrated large molecules in pond water were separated by size exclusion chromatography, where organic molecules and trace metals were on-line detected by UV absorption and ICP-AES, respectively. It was found that some metal ions combined with large molecular substances of molecular weight larger than 10000.
Cl2 Gas Sensor Using BaCl2-KCl Solid Electrolyte Prepared by Melting Method
Authors: Aono Hiromichi , Sugimoto Eisuke , Mori Yoshiaki , Okajima Yasuhiro
Published: April 2006

The Cl2 gas sensor using 0.97BaCl2–0.03KCl solid electrolyte and an Ag metal reference electrode was prepared by a melting method. The melting method has the advantage of ease for the sensor preparation. The sensor probe obtained has a high mechanical strength. The measured EMF agreed with the calculated one for Cl2 gas concentrations from 50 ppm to 10000 ppm.
Preparation of Porphyrins Having Phenylboronic Acid Groups
Authors: Toi Hiroo , Nagai Yoshiro , Aoyama Yasuhiro , Kawabe Hirofumi , Aizawa Katsuo , Ogoshi Hisanobu
Published: April 2006

Tetra- and disubstituted porphyrins with p-dihydroxyborylphenyl groups on their meso-positions have been prepared as BNCT target compounds. The resulting porphyrins were solubilized upon formation of sugar-boronic acid complexes.
Direct Electrical Communication between D-Amino Acid Oxidase and Electrodes via a Conductive Polymer Chain
Authors: Arai Gorou , Hayashi Mamoru , Noma Tatsuya , Yasumori Iwao
Published: April 2006

D-amino acid oxidase, a flavoprotein, was immobilized in a conductive redox polymer prepared on Au-electroplated glassy carbon electrode by an electrochemical polymerization of mercaptohydroquinone. The enzyme-modified electrode possessed of an excellent selectivity for D-amino acids and showed fast response and good stability with the substrates.
Preparation and Some Reactions of the Tungsten Hydridotosylato Complex Cp2WH(OTs)
Authors: Minato Makoto , Tomita Hideshi , Ren Jian-Guo , Ito Takashi
Published: April 2006

Reaction of Cp2WH2 (Cp = η-C5H5) with TsOH (p-toluenesulfonic acid) in acetone afforded Cp2WH(OTs) 2 together with a novel binuclear complex [Cp2W(μ-OH)2WCp]2+(OTs−)2  3. The determination of the molar conductivity suggest that the complex 2 has less ionic nature as compared to the molybdenum analog. The complex 2 reacted with tertiary phosphines and phosphite to give cationic complexes [Cp2WH(PR3)]+OTs−  5 (R = Ph, Bun, OEt).
Porphyrin-Quinone Compounds with a Spacer of Diacetylene Unit
Authors: Imahori Hiroshi , Tanaka Yoshinori , Okada Tadashi , Sakata Yoshiteru
Published: April 2006

Porphyrin-quinone model compounds with a diacetylene spacer were synthesized. Electronic state of the porphyrin ring was found to be altered due to the direct introduction of the diacetylene group into the meso position, and very fast charge separation was observed in these model compounds.
Electrochemical Preparation of Active Avidin Films for Enzyme Sensor Applications
Authors: Anzai Jun-ichi , Hoshi Tomonori , Osa Tetsuo
Published: April 2006

A thin film of avidin was prepared on the surface of platinum electrode by applying an alternating potential of a triangular-wave form (38.5 Hz) from −0.5 to +2.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl to the electrode immersed in the avidin solution. The electro-deposited avidin film exhibited a strong ability to bind biotin-labeled glucose oxidase. The optimum conditions for the deposition of avidin film were studied in relation to the application of the film to enzyme sensors.
Preparation and Structure of the Novel Dinuclear Vanadium(III) Complex Bridged by an Alkoxo Group and a Carboxylato Group
Authors: Kanamori Kan , Yamamoto Kaori , Okamoto Ken-ichi
Published: April 2006

The reaction of 1,3-diamino-2-propanol-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetate (dpot) with VCl3 followed by the addition of benzoic acid (Hbza) or hydroxybenzoic acid (Hhbza) has yielded the dinuclear vanadium(III) complex, [V2(dpot)(bza or hbza)(H2O)2], bridged by both a deprotonated alkoxo group of dpot and a carboxylato group of bza or hbza.
Reactions of Benzopentathiepin with Trialkyl Phosphites. A New Preparative Method for S-Aryl O,O′-Dialkyl Thiophosphates
Authors: Sato Ryu , Murata Toshitaka , Chida Shin-ichi , Ogawa Satoshi
Published: April 2006

Benzopentathiepin readily reacted with trialkyl phosphites to give S-[2-(alkylthio)-phenyl] O,O′-dialkyl thiophosphates and/or O,O′-dialkyl S-(2-mercaptophenyl) thiophosphates. The selectivity for formation of these thiophosphates was dramatically affected by the reaction temperature and the solvent used.
Intramolecular Spin-Spin Exchange in Cation Radicals of Tetrathiafulvalene Derivatives Substituted with Imino Pyrolidine- and Piperidine-1-oxyls
Authors: Sugimoto Toyonari , Yamaga Seiji , Nakai Makoto , Ohmori Kazunari , Tsujii Masaya , Nakatsuji Hiroshi , Fujita Hideo , Yamauchi Jun
Published: April 2006

The ESR spectra of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) derivatives substituted with imino pyrolidine- and piperidine-1-oxyls and their cation radicals were investigated. For the neutral TTF’s the unpaired electron is localized at the nitroxide group. While, an intramolecular spin-spin exchange albeit weak occurs between the TTF cation radical and the nitroxide radical in the one-electron oxidized TTF’s, and the ground spin state of the biradical is a singlet.
Mechanistic Studies on Oxidation Reaction of Ethane-Bridged Porphyrin Dimers to trans-Ethylene-Bridged Species
Authors: Borovkov Victor V , Ponomarev Gelii V , Ishida Akito , Kaneda Takahiro , Sakata Yoshiteru
Published: April 2006

A facile aerobic oxidation of 1,2-bis(meso-octaethylporphyrinyl)ethane and other similar dimers to the corresponding trans-1,2-bis(meso-porphyrinyl)ethenes in several organic acids has been studied by UV-vis and 1H NMR spectroscopy and the general mechanism of the oxidation has been proposed. The key step of the oxidation is monoprotonation of the two porphyrin rings in dimer followed by two electron oxidation.
Reconstitution of Myoglobin with a Heme Cofactor Bearing a Ruthenium Tris(2,2′-bipyridine) Pendant
Authors: Hamachi Itaru , Tanaka Shigeaki , Shinkai Seiji
Published: April 2006

A protoheme derivative with covalently-bound tris(2,2′-bipyridine) ruthenium (II) [Ru(bpy)3]2+ was successfully incorporated into apo-myoglobin. In the reconstituted myoglobin emission of *[Ru(bpy)3]2+ was quenched intramolecularly, the efficiency being greater by more than 30-fold than that of the corresponding intermolecular process.
Preparation of New π-Conjugated Poly(2,3-diphenylquinoxaline-5,8-diyl) and Poly(2,3-di(p-tolyl)-quinoxaline-5,8-diyl). Electrochemical Activity and Light-emitting Diode
Authors: Kanbara Takaki , Yamamoto Takakazu
Published: April 2006

Reactions of 5,8-dibromo-2,3-diphenylquinoxaline and 5,8-dibromo-2,3-di(p-tolyl)-quinoxaline with a zero-valent nickel complex afford poly(2,3-diphenylquinoxaline-5,8-diyl) (poly-1) and poly(2,3-di(p-tolyl)quinoxaline-5,8-diyl), respectively. These polymers show good electrochemical activity for n-type doping and strong fluorescence in solutions as well as in cast films. A light-emitting diode consisted of MgAg/poly-1/ITO electric junction is driven at about 2 V and has a peak emission wavelength of 490 nm.
A Three-Dimensional Interaction Network of δ(M-M) and π(ligand) Electrons. The Crystal Structure of [Rh2(mhp)4](SbCl6)·2CH2ClCH2Cl (mhp = 2-oxy-6-methylpyridine)
Authors: Kawamura Takashi , Ebihara Masahiro , Miyamoto Makoto
Published: April 2006

In the crystal of the title compound, the aromatic ring of the cationic radical overlaps with a ring of a neighboring radical. The shortest intermolecular C····C distances are 3.617(5) and 3.646(6) Å. The result of HMO calculations is consistent with intermolecular interaction between the neighboring radicals, resulting in a three-dimensional interaction network involving Rh-Rh δ and aromatic π systems.
Energy Transfer from Zinc-Myoglobin to a Cyanine Dye Facilitated by Their Simultaneous Binding to a Phosphate Bilayer Membrane
Authors: Hamachi Itaru , Fujimura Hidetoshi , Kunitake Toyoki
Published: April 2006

Zinc-substituted myoglobin (Zn-Mb) and a cationic cyanine dye were bound simultaneously to an aqueous dispersion or a cast film of a phosphate bilayer membrane. The energy transfer from Zn-Mb to the cyanine was more efficient in the cast film than in aqueous dispersion.
A New Organic Superconductor, λ-(BEDT-TSF)2GaCl4
Authors: Kobayashi Hayao , Udagawa Takashi , Tomita Hideto , Bun Kozo , Naito Toshio , Kobayashi Akiko
Published: April 2006

λ(BEDT-TSF)2GaCl4 has revealed to be a new organic superconductor, where BEDT-TSF is bis(ethylenedithio)tetraselena-fulvalene. The onset temperature of the superconducting transition was about 9.5 K and the mid-point transition temperature (Tc) was 8 K. The crystal belongs to triclinic system. BEDT-TSF molecules are arranged to form a “quasi-stacking structure,” where four molecules form a repeating unit.
Synthesis of a 2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D-mannuronic Acid-Containing Artificial Glycolipid Corresponding to the Repeating Unit of a Teichuronic Acid from Micrococcus luteus
Authors: Osa Yumiko , Kaji Eisuke , Takahashi Keiko , Hirooka Motoko , Zen Shonosuke , Lichtenthaler Frieder W
Published: April 2006

A new type of artificial glycolipid constituted with 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D-mannuronic acid was synthesized utilizing a readily accessible building block, methyl 2-(benzoyloxy)iminoglycosuronate as the glycosyl donor. Stereocontrolled β-glycosidation of the donor was as smoothly effected as the subsequent stereospecific reduction of (benzoyloxy)imino function. After anomeric activation, attachment of the spacer (2-aminoethanol)-linked stearic acid and final deblocking gave the designed glycolipid in good overall yield.
Generation of Thiosulfines by Dithiation of Diarylmethylenetriphenylphosphoranes
Authors: Okuma Kentaro , Shimasaki Masashi , Kojima Kazuki , Ohta Hiroshi , Okazaki Renji
Published: April 2006

Reaction of phosphonium ylides with excess sulfur afforded the corresponding thiosulfines, which were trapped with maleic anhydride to give the corresponding cycloadducts (1,2-dithiolanes) in good yields. Intermediary thiosulfines were also formed by sulfurization of thiobenzophenones with elemental sulfur to give the 1,2-dithiolanes in moderate yields.
Catalytic Stereoselective Synthesis of β-Ribonucleosides from Methyl Ribofuranosyl Carbonate and Trimethylsilylated Nucleoside Bases by Combined Use of Silver Salts and Diphenyltin Sulfide
Authors: Mukaiyama Teruaki , Matsutani Takafumi , Shimomura Naoyuki
Published: April 2006

Catalytic stereoselective synthesis of several ribonucleosides from 2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl methyl carbonate and trimethylsilylated nucleoside bases is efficiently carried out by combined use of silver salts and diphenyltin sulfide (Ph2Sn=S) under mild conditions.
Electrochemical Conversion of Carbon Dioxide to Methanol with Use of Enzymes as Biocatalysts
Authors: Kuwabata Susumu , Tsuda Ryo , Nishida Kazufumi , Yoneyama Hiroshi
Published: April 2006

Electrolysis of carbon dioxide-saturated phosphate buffer solution (pH 7) in the presence of formate dehydrogenase and methanol dehydrogenase as electrocatalysts together with methylviologen as an electron relay yielded formaldehyde and methanol as the reduction products of carbon dioxide under suitable electrolysis conditions, and the use of pyrrolo-quinoline quinone in place of methylviologen as the electron relay afforded selective reduction of carbon dioxide to methanol.
A Stabilized Phosphinothioylidene Generated by Deselenation of a Selenoxothioxophosphorane
Authors: Yoshifuji Masaaki , Sangu Shinya , Hirano Masaru , Toyota Kozo
Published: April 2006

Selenoxothioxo(2,4-di-t-butyl-6-dimethylaminophenyl)phosphorane was prepared and was deselenated with tris(dimethylamino)phosphine to give the corresponding phosphinothioylidene (thioxophosphine, thionophosphine, or phosphinidene sulfide), for the first time, as a thermally stable compound, which is considered to be stabilized with the lone pair electrons of the o-dimethylamino group.
Mixed Anion Effect on Conductivity of the Glasses in the System AgI-Ag2MoO4-AgPO3
Authors: Machida Nobuya , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Shigematsu Toshihiko , Nakanishi Norihiko , Minami Tsutomu
Published: April 2006

The AgI-Ag2MoO4-AgPO3 glasses were prepared and their silver ion conducting properties were investigated. An enhancement of conductivity was observed in the glasses containing two kinds of oxosalts at a constant AgI content. The enhancement of conductivity was closely related to the structural change of oxoanions included in the glasses.
Influences of Organic Bases on the Vapor Phase Beckmann Rearrangement Catalyzed by Pentasil-type Zeolite
Authors: Sato Hiroshi , Hirose Ken-ichi
Published: April 2006

The influences of organic bases on the vapor phase Beckmann rearrangement of cyclohexanone oxime to ε-caprolactam catalyzed by pentasil zeolite were examined. Almost no influence was observed with amines, and furthermore, even the excess amount of n-Pr3N (utilized as a solvent for oxime) did not inhibit the reaction greatly. These results indicate that the active site is not the acidic one as generally considered but the neutral silanol group.
Effect of Surface Hydrophilicity of an Indium Oxide Electrode on Direct Electron Transfer of Myoglobins
Authors: Tominaga Masato , Kumagai Toru , Takita Shinya , Taniguchi Isao
Published: April 2006

Effect of hydrophilicity of the surface of an In2O3 electrode on the electrode reaction of myoglobins was clearly demonstrated for the first time. At the highly hydrophilic surface of an In2O3 electrode, well-defined redox waves of myoglobins from both horse heart and sperm whale skeletal muscle were observed with the heterogeneous electron transfer rate constants (k°′) of ca. 3 × 10−4 and 1 × 10−4 cm s−1 at pH 6.5, respectively.
Fabrication of Dye Dissolved Polymer Film Using Thermal Treatment under Ultra High Vacuum
Authors: Hiraga Takashi , Yamasaki Yuuichi , Tanaka Norio , Hayamizu Kikuko , Moriya Tetsuo
Published: April 2006

A poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) film capable of dissolving an organic dye was prepared at an elevated temperature under ultra high vacuum (UHV). Residual solvents in PMMA film which may reduce the threshold power of irradiated light to breakdown were analyzed by means of quadrupole mass spectroscopy. It has been established that treatment of the polymer under UHV is essential for optical use.