bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of glyphosate on digestion and horizontal gene transfer during in vitro ruminal fermentation of genetically modified canola
Authors: Reuter Tim , Alexander Trevor W , Martínez Tomás F , McAllister Tim A
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND: The impact of glyphosate on ruminal fermentation, selective pressure on ruminal bacteria and horizontal transfer of the gene encoding 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (epsps) to ruminal bacteria was studied using batch culture with glyphosate‐tolerant (Roundup Ready®) canola meal as substrate.

RESULTS: A glyphosate concentration × time interaction (P < 0.05) occurred when glyphosate (0–100 mmol L−1) was included in in vitro ruminal incubations with a diet containing 150 g kg−1 Roundup Ready® canola meal (Experiment 1). Glyphosate at 50 and 100 mmol L−1 inhibited fermentation. In Experiment 2, epsps fragments were detected in plant debris for up to 16 h of incubation using primer sets that amplified three fragments (62, 108 and 300 bp) of DNA spanning the transgenic construct. Persistence was affected by fragment size but not by glyphosate concentration (0, 10 or 60 mmol L−1). Extensive polymerase chain reaction assays provided no evidence of acquisition of epsps by feed‐ or fluid‐associated bacteria during fermentation. A glyphosate concentration × time interaction (P < 0.05) was observed for all fermentation parameters measured, and glyphosate caused a general inhibition of fermentation.

CONCLUSION: The presence of glyphosate did not increase selective pressure for gene transfer of DNA encoding glyphosate resistance from Roundup Ready® canola meal to ruminal bacteria. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Polymer‐Controlled, Bio‐Inspired Calcium Phosphate Mineralization from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Schweizer Sylvia , Taubert Andreas
Published: August 2007

Nowadays, the majority of the commercially available calcium phosphate materials is fabricated by ‘classical’ materials science approaches, i.e., from rather poorly defined slurries or from organic solvents, often at high temperatures and pressures. Bioinspired precipitation of inorganics with (polymeric) additives from aqueous solution, on the other hand, enables the synthesis of intriguing inorganic or organic/inorganic materials that are often much more closely related to biological structures. This article discusses approaches for the fabrication of bio‐inspired calcium phosphate hybrid materials by precipitation from aqueous solution. The article focuses on polymers and related self‐assembling structures for the design of CaP/organic hybrids and pure CaP with crystal structures and morphologies regulated by the respective additive.

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Novel Bulky Esters of Cellulose
Authors: Heinze Thomas , Pohl Matthias , Schaller Jens , Meister Frank
Published: August 2007

Novel bulky esters of cellulose were synthesized homogeneously, applying the solvent systems DMA/LiCl or DMSO/TBAF, by conversion of the biopolymer with aryl polyester dendrons. The carboxylic acid moieties were efficiently activated in situ with CDI or the acid chloride was applied. Cellulose esters with DS values of up to 0.7 were obtained. The functionalization pattern was analyzed by different NMR spectroscopic techniques indicating that not only position 6 (primary hydroxyl group) but also the secondary one at position 2 was included in the reaction.

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Semiconductor Nanocomposites of Emissive Flexible Random Copolymers and CdTe Nanocrystals: Preparation, Characterization, and Optoelectronic Properties
Authors: Qi Xiao‐Ying , Pu Kan‐Yi , Fang Chun , Wen Gui‐An , Zhang Hua , Boey Freddy Y. C. , Fan Qu‐Li , Wang Lian‐Hui , Huang Wei
Published: August 2007

Synthesis and characterization of a series of new emissive flexible copolymers composed of two kinds of special side‐chain functional groups is demonstrated. One of the side‐chain groups provides emissive properties, while the other serves as the ligand unit. The copolymers are used to prepare a new kind of CdTe nanocrystal‐based semiconductor nanocomposite. Their structures and morphologies are characterized and their optoelectronic properties are studied. The results reveal that an energy‐transfer process from the emissive random copolymers to the CdTe nanocrystals occurs, while a photoinduced charge transfer is estimated to be thermodynamically forbidden.

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Photochromic and Photoresponsive Properties of Methacrylic Polymers Bearing Optically Active Hydroxysuccinimide in the Side Chain
Authors: Angiolini Luigi , Benelli Tiziana , Giorgini Loris
Published: August 2007

The photochromic and photoresponsive properties of a series of optically active azoaromatic polymers, containing in the side chain the rigid (S)‐ and/or (R)‐hydroxysuccinimide residue, have been investigated in solution and in the solid state as thin films by observing the trans‐cis photoisomerisation of the azobenzene chromophore, and the results are compared to the corresponding monomeric (S) and (R) model compounds. The presence of exciton splitting due to dipole‐dipole interactions between the trans‐azoaromatic rings in the CD spectra confirms the intrinsic chirality of the macromolecules. Thin films of the polymers display the same chiroptical properties as the solution, thus suggesting that the macromolecules maintain chiral conformations also in the solid amorphous state.

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Molecular Motion in Surfactant Layers Inside Polymer Composites with Synthetical Magadiite
Authors: Mao Qinghui , Schleidt Silvia , Zimmermann Herbert , Jeschke Gunnar
Published: August 2007

Clays used in polymer‐layered silicate nanocomposites are heterogeneous. To improve insight into structure and dynamics of the interface, the iron‐free and structurally homogeneous layered silicate magadiite was synthesized. Morphology of the magadiite and the extent of intercalation in melt‐prepared composites were characterized by SEM and WAXS. Carbonyl groups in the main chain of the polymer appear to facilitate intercalation. Surfactant motion was studied by 2H NMR and CW EPR. Nanocomposite formation with PCL enhances and microcomposite formation with PS diminishes motion. The activation energies change at the glass transition temperature of PS and the melting temperature of PCL.

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Composition and Morphology Control in Ordered Mesostructured High‐Temperature Ceramics from Block Copolymer Mesophases
Authors: Kamperman Marleen , Du Phong , Scarlat Raluca O. , Herz Erik , Werner‐Zwanziger Ulrike , Graf Robert , Zwanziger Josef W. , Spiess Hans W. , Wiesner Ulrich
Published: August 2007

The co‐assembly between a polyisoprene‐block‐poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) block copolymer and poly(ureamethylvinyl)silazane is investigated. The hybrid morphology can be controlled by systematically increasing the inorganic‐to‐organic ratio or by changing the molecular weight of the block copolymer. Temperature treatment up to 1 500 °C of the hybrids resulted in mesoporous, ordered non‐oxide‐type ceramics. The results suggest that careful control of co‐assembly processes enables access to nanostructured high‐temperature ceramics that may have novel mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties.

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Probing Proton Mobility in Polyvinazene and its Sulfonated Derivatives Using 1H Solid‐State NMR
Authors: Ye Gang , Fortier‐McGill Blythe , Traer Jason W. , Czardybon Agata , Goward Gillian R.
Published: August 2007

The proton dynamics of PV and its sulfonated derivatives have been studied using high‐resolution solid state 1H MAS NMR. Variable temperature experiments were used to determine the activation energy for transportation of hydrogen bonded protons, found to be 22 ± 1 kJ · mol−1 for PV and 13 ± 1 kJ · mol−1 for PV–B25. The proton exchange between sulfonic acid group and vinazene ring observed from both variable temperature experiments and 1H EXSY NMR experiments provides a good explanation for this difference. A rotor‐synchronized homonuclear double quantum filter sequence was used to distinguish protons of differing mobilities. A model is proposed to understand the distinct proton mobilities in these materials.

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Comparison Between Coarse‐Graining Models for Polymer Systems: Two Mapping Schemes for Polystyrene
Authors: Harmandaris Vagelis A. , Reith Dirk , van der Vegt Nico F. A. , Kremer Kurt
Published: August 2007

We present a detailed study of a new, optimized coarse‐grained (CG) model of polystyrene (PS) and compare it with a recently published one (Harmandaris et al.,Macromolecules2006,39, 6708). By implementing a different mapping scheme, the new model, augmented with softer nonbonded interactions, better reproduces the local chain conformations and melt packing observed in atomistic simulations of atactic PS. Both models properly predict the bonded distributions and are capable of simulating different tacticities without needing sidegroups. Both CG models fit dynamic data from long atomistic simulations after determining the scale factor for the simulation time. Together with a rigorous back‐mapping procedure from the mesoscopic to atomistic description, this opens up a very feasible way for generating very long atomistic trajectories.

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Director Orientation of Nematic Side‐Chain Liquid Crystalline Polymers Under Shear Flow: Comparison of a Flow‐Aligning and a Non‐Flow‐Aligning Polysiloxane
Authors: Siebert Hartmut , Quijada‐Garrido Isabel , Vermant Jan , Noirez Laurence , Burghardt Wesley R. , Schmidt Claudia
Published: August 2007

The flow behavior and phase structure of two side‐chain liquid‐crystalline polysiloxanes with the same mesogens but different spacers of either four (PSi4) or six (PSi6) methylene groups are studied in the nematic phase by2H NMR, polarization microscopy, and scattering of light, neutrons, and X‐rays. PSi4 is flow‐aligning, forming a monodomain with the director close to the flow direction, whereas PSi6 is non‐flow‐aligning showing a polydomain structure with a preferred director orientation corresponding to the log‐rolling state. The flow behavior of PSi6 is related to the presence of strong smectic clusters. The director tilt in the smectic clusters of both polymers is reported.

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Rheological Properties of Concentrated Solutions of Aliphatic Hyperbranched Polyesters
Authors: Vuković Jasna , Lechner Manfred D. , Jovanović Slobodan
Published: August 2007

The rheological investigation of concentrated solutions of aliphatic hyperbranched polyesters (AHBP) in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinon (NMP) is presented. Two series of hydroxy‐functional AHBP were synthesized using pseudo‐one‐step and one‐step procedure. Three commercial (Boltorn®) AHBP were also investigated. In the examined temperature region (10–50 °C), AHBP solutions (c ≤ 45 wt.‐%) exhibited Newtonian behavior. The same was observed for 50 and 55 wt.‐% solutions at T ≥ 40 °C. However, at T < 50 °C, solutions of AHBP of higher concentrations (50 and 55 wt.‐%) showed shear thinning behavior. Values of the flow activation energies were calculated for all examined AHBP. The influence of the procedure for the synthesis, concentration and temperature on rheological behavior of AHBP solutions in NMP is discussed.

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Enhanced, Perpendicular Liquid‐Crystal Alignment on Rubbed Films of a Coumarin‐Containing Polystyrene
Authors: Kang Hyo , Kwon Ki‐Sun , Kang Daeseung , Lee Jong‐Chan
Published: August 2007

We synthesized a series of polystyrene derivatives containing coumarin side groups using polymer analogous reactions. The liquid‐crystal (LC) alignment director for these polymer films was found to be perpendicular to the rubbing direction. The contrast ratio and anchoring‐energy values of these polystyrene derivatives were found to be much greater than those of polystyrene and poly(chloromethylstyrene), indicating that the coumarin side groups increase the aligning ability. For example, the anchoring energy of a polymer with 82 mol‐% of coumarin‐containing monomeric units, compared to polystyrene, is about 7 × 10−5 J · m−2 and 1 × 10−7 J · m−2, respectively.

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Mechanical Properties of Hemp‐Fibre‐Reinforced Euphorbia Composites
Authors: Mwaikambo Leonard Y. , Tucker Nick , Clark Andrew J.
Published: August 2007

A composite material consisting of hydroxide‐modified hemp fibres and euphorbia resin was produced. The composites were tested in tension, short‐beam interlaminar shear stress and in impact. There was an increase in the tensile strength and modulus for resins with high‐hydroxyl‐group based composites. Similar results were obtained for interlaminar shear stress while low‐hydroxyl group euphorbia resin based composites exhibited high impact strength. The euphorbia resin with high hydroxyl content yielded composites with high stiffness. The use of euphorbia‐based resins in composite manufacture increases the value of the euphorbia oil as well as creating a new route of composite manufacturing.

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Use of SEBS/EPR and SBR/EPR as Binary Compatibilizers for PE/PP/PS/HIPS Blends: A Work Oriented to the Recycling of Thermoplastic Wastes
Authors: Equiza Nilton , Yave Wilfredo , Quijada Raúl , Yazdani‐Pedram Mehrdad
Published: August 2007

Recycling of thermoplastic wastes consisting of PE/PP/PS/HIPS blends was investigated by using SEBS/EPR and SBR/EPR as compatibilizers. The effect of the binary compatibilizer systems and processing conditions on the mechanical properties and morphology of the blends are discussed. The SEBS/EPR system allowed blends with better mechanical properties to be obtained than the SBR/EPR system; this was attributed to the chemical structure similarity between compatibilizers and recycled materials. The optimal conditions for processing of the recycled thermoplastics (blends) were found to be 190 °C, 14 min of processing time and 3.5 wt.‐% of compatibilizer. The morphology and mechanical properties of the blends were discussed using theoretical phase diagrams and models proposed in the literature, and good agreements between these properties were found.

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EVA Nanocomposites Elaborated with Bentonite Organo‐Modified by Wet and Semi‐Wet Methods
Authors: Cárdenas Miguel Angel , García‐López David , Fernández José Francisco , Gobernado‐Mitre Isabel , Merino Juan Carlos , Pastor José María , Martínez Juan de Dios , Barbeta Javier , Calveras Daniel
Published: August 2007

EVA copolymer/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared using melt‐compounding. Organoclays were obtained using wet and semi‐wet modification methods. These methods enable us to obtain organoclays with adequate modifier incorporation, but organoclays with a homogeneous and narrow agglomeration size distribution were obtained only with the wet method. TS and EB were higher for nanocomposites obtained with organoclays prepared using the wet method. Analysis of Limiting Oxygen Index, UL94 test and Cone Calorimeter test showed that the retardant properties of nanocomposites were also influenced by the kind of modifiers and the modification method.

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The Influence of Interchain Branches on Solid State Packing, Hole Mobility and Photovoltaic Properties of Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT)
Authors: Tu Guoli , Bilge Askin , Adamczyk Sylwia , Forster Michael , Heiderhoff Ralf , Balk Ludwig Josef , Mühlbacher David , Morana Mauro , Koppe Markus , Scharber Markus C. , Choulis Stelios A. , Brabec Christoph J. , Scherf Ullrich
Published: August 2007

The hole mobility and power conversion efficiency of bulk heterojunction solar cells based on P3HT‐type donor polymers and the soluble fullerene derivative [6,6]‐phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as an acceptor both show a strong sensitivity to the introduction of interchain branches into the P3HT backbones. Branched B‐P3HT copolymers display a distinctly decreased hole mobility and reduced solar cell power conversion efficiency with increasing amount of interchain 3.3′‐bithiophene branches within the polythiophene macromolecules. The results illustrate the primary importance of proper solid state packing towards optimum charge transport and solar cell performance.

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Anionic Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate with the Aid of Lithium Trimethylsilanolate (Me3SiOLi) ‐ Superior Control of Isotacticity and Molecular Weight
Authors: Kitaura Takehiro , Kitayama Tatsuki
Published: August 2007

Highly isotactic‐specific polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) was developed by using a combined anionic initiator comprising α‐lithioisobutyrate (Li‐iPrIB) and a large excess of lithium trimethylsilanolate (Me3SiOLi), which afford, in particular, isotactic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with isotactic triad content of up to 99.5% under the adjusted polymerization conditions. The polymerization system also exhibited a high activity such that isotactic PMMA with $\overline M _{\rm n}$ of over 800 000 and narrow molecular weight distribution ($\overline M _{\rm w} /\overline M _{\rm n}$ < 1.2) was obtained.

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Poly(2,7‐carbazole) Derivatives as Semiconductors for Organic Thin‐Film Transistors
Authors: Wakim Salem , Blouin Nicolas , Gingras Emilie , Tao Ye , Leclerc Mario
Published: August 2007

New poly(2,7‐carbazole) derivatives have been synthesized using Yamamoto or Stille coupling reaction. These polymers are highly soluble in common organic solvents and have relatively high molecular weights. Solution‐processed organic field‐effect transistors using these new polymeric semiconductors were found to exhibit a hole mobility up to 2.0 × 10−3 cm2·V−1s−1 with a current on/off ratio of 5 × 104 under ambient conditions.

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Easy One‐Pot Synthesis of a Reactive Hydrogel from Commercially Available 2‐Isocyanatoethyl Methacrylate and K2S2O5
Authors: Barruet Julien , Gaillet Christine , Penelle Jacques
Published: August 2007

Addition of commercially available 2‐isocyanatoethyl methacrylate to a water solution of potassium bisulfite unexpectedly yields an anionically charged hydrogel. Structural analysis shows the presence of sulfonato‐blocked isocyanates (with no detectable residual isocyanates), a full polymerization of the vinyl groups, and the appearance of urea functional groups. A mechanism is proposed to explain the gel formation, based on a combination of bisulfite‐initiated free‐radical polymerization, crosslinking by urea bridge formation, and addition of bisulfite ions to isocyanate groups. Some basic physical properties (TGA, swelling) of the gel are presented.

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Macromol. Theory Simul. 6/2007
Authors: Fröhlich Markus G. , Vana Philipp , Zifferer Gerhard
Published: August 2007

Cover: The picture on the cover shows a sketch of the central step of Z‐RAFT star polymerization (scheme of the docking process and corresponding cubic lattice simulation model) as well as a log‐log plot of the shielding factor K for this reaction versus chain (arm) length n. Further details can be found in the article by M. G. Fröhlich, P. Vana, and G. Zifferer* on page 610.
Freezing of gait affects quality of life of peoples with Parkinson's disease beyond its relationships with mobility and gait
Authors: Moore Orna , Peretz Chava , Giladi Nir
Published: August 2007

The aim of this study was to examine the association between freezing of gait (FOG) and quality of life (QoL) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). PD patients (n = 118) completed the PDQ‐39 (QoL) and FOG‐Q questionnaires. Disease severity was assessed by the Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) staging and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). The relations between those parameters were assessed using regression models. 66 men and 52 women (mean age 65.8 ± 10.2 years, UPDRS total score 48.4 ± 17.1, disease duration 8.5 ± 5.8 years, H&Y stage 2.7 ± 0.8) participated. FOG severity had a significant effect on QoL (P < 0.0015), accounting for disease severity assessed by UPDRS. Specifically, FOG severity was correlated with all the dimensions of the PDQ‐39 except for stigma and social support, as follows: with mobility, bodily discomfort, activity of daily living (ADL) (P < 0.005 in all), with emotional, communication, and cognition (P < 0.05 in all). FOG severity (FOG‐Q) was also found to affect a modified PDQ total score, without the mobility aspect (P = 0.0081). FOG should be viewed as a highly important symptom with regard to QoL of PD patients beyond its effect on gait and mobility. On the basis of the present results, special attention should be given to FOG in the treatment of patients with PD. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Patients with adult‐onset dystonic tremor resembling parkinsonian tremor have scans without evidence of dopaminergic deficit (SWEDDs)
Authors: Schneider Susanne A. , Edwards Mark J. , Mir Pablo , Cordivari Carla , Hooker Juzar , Dickson John , Quinn Niall , Bhatia Kailash P.
Published: August 2007

We present the clinical details and dopamine transporter SPECT scan results of 10 patients with arm tremor, including a rest component and reduced arm swing on the affected side, in whom the possibility of PD had been raised. All patients had signs of dystonia or components of their arm tremor that were compatible with dystonic tremor, and none had true akinesia with fatiguing or decrement, even after a mean follow‐up period of 5.8 years. All patients had normal dopamine transporter SPECT scans. Clinicians should be aware that primary adult‐onset dystonia can present with an asymmetric resting arm tremor, with impaired arm swing and sometimes also facial hypomimia or a jaw tremor, but without evidence of true akinesia. Given the important consequences of misdiagnosing such patients as PD, in cases with diagnostic uncertainty functional imaging should be considered. Among patients suspected of PD, dystonic tremor may be one cause of SWEDDs (Scans Without Evidence of Dopaminergic Deficit). © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
A large Italian family with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome: Clinical study and analysis of the SLITRK1 gene
Authors: Fabbrini Giovanni , Pasquini Massimo , Aurilia Cinzia , Berardelli Isabella , Breedveld Guido , Oostra Ben A. , Bonifati Vincenzo , Berardelli Alfredo
Published: August 2007

Our objective was to report the clinical characteristics and to investigate the role of SLITRK1 gene in a large Italian family with Tourette syndrome (TS). The diagnosis of TS and chronic motor tics (CMT) was made according to “The Tourette Syndrome Classification Study Group” (1993). Psychiatric diagnoses were made by administering the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM and the Yale‐Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. Genetic study included direct sequencing and copy number analysis of the SLITRK1 gene, and haplotype analysis. We found tics or other behavioral manifestations in 15 subjects. Of these, 5 received a diagnosis of definite TS, 5 were classified as having definite CMT, 2 had definite nonspecific tic disorder, and 3 patients had obsessive–compulsive disorder without motor or phonic tics. Tics mainly involved the craniocervical district. Many patients with tics had coexisting psychiatric disorders, especially obsessive–compulsive disorder, performed poorly at school and had social problems. Direct sequencing and copy number analysis of the SLITRK1 gene, and haplotype analysis suggested that the SLITRK1 locus was not involved in this family. In conclusion, the distinctive clinical features in this family are the motor tics mainly involving the face and the neck and the severe coexisting psychiatric disorders. The negative results of the SLITRK1 analysis point to genetic heterogeneity in TS. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Genetic analysis of SCA 2 and 3 repeat expansions in essential tremor and atypical Parkinsonism
Authors: Tan Eng‐King , Tong Justina , Pavanni Ratnagopal , Wong Meng‐Cheong , Zhao Yi
Published: August 2007

Anecdotal reports suggest that patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA 2) patients can present with postural tremor with ataxia. We determined the prevalence of SCA2 and SCA3 mutations in a cohort of ET and atypical Parkinsonism patients. A total of 277 subjects comprising of 177 ET and 100 atypical Parkinsonism were examined. We identified one positive case of SCA3 among those who were diagnosed with ET, yielding a prevalence of 0.5%, but a zero prevalence among our atypical Parkinsonism patients. No study subjects carried an abnormal SCA2 repeat expansion. Our study highlights that SCA3 can present initially with ET symptoms, expanding the spectrum of genetic diseases that can be associated with ET‐like phenotype. Routine screening for SCA2 and SCA3 in ET and atypical Parkinsonism patients may not be cost effective. However, in the long‐term follow‐up of patients who present with an ET phenotype, clinicians should be vigilant for other neurological signs, which may be point to an alternate diagnosis. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Acute ataxia, Graves' disease, and stiff person syndrome
Authors: Chia Su‐Ynn , Chua Richard , Lo Yew‐Long , Wong Meng‐Cheong , Chan Ling‐Ling , Tan Eng‐King
Published: August 2007

Stiff person syndrome (SPS) has been associated with autoimmune diseases, such as Type 1 diabetes mellitus and autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis), among others. The association of SPS with hyperthyroidism is extremely rare. We describe a patient with uncontrolled Graves' disease and undiagnosed SPS, who presented initially with acute ataxia simulating a cerebrovascular accident. Initiation of immunosuppressive therapy dramatically improved the patient's Graves' disease within 2 weeks but the neurological symptoms were not alleviated after a follow‐up period of 3 years. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Coffee and tea consumption and the risk of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Hu Gang , Bidel Siamak , Jousilahti Pekka , Antikainen Riitta , Tuomilehto Jaakko
Published: August 2007

Several prospective studies have assessed the association between coffee consumption and Parkinson's disease (PD) risk, but the results are inconsistent. We examined the association of coffee and tea consumption with the risk of incident PD among 29,335 Finnish subjects aged 25 to 74 years without a history of PD at baseline. During a mean follow‐up of 12.9 years, 102 men and 98 women developed an incident PD. The multivariate‐adjusted (age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, education, leisure‐time physical activity, smoking, alcohol and tea consumption, and history of diabetes) hazard ratios (HRs) of PD associated with the amount of coffee consumed daily (0, 1–4, and ≥5 cups) were 1.00, 0.55, and 0.41 (Pfor trend = 0.063) in men, 1.00, 0.50, and 0.39 (Pfor trend = 0.073) in women, and 1.00, 0.53, and 0.40 (Pfor trend = 0.005) in men and women combined (adjusted also for sex), respectively. In both sexes combined, the multivariate‐adjusted HRs of PD for subjects drinking ≥3 cups of tea daily compared with tea nondrinkers was 0.41 (95% CI 0.20–0.83). These results suggest that coffee drinking is associated with a lower risk of PD. More tea drinking is associated with a lower risk of PD. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Psychogenic camptocormia
Authors: Skidmore Frank , Anderson Karen , Fram David , Weiner William
Published: August 2007

Camptocormia describes a severe forward‐flexion at the waist. Originally used in reference to a conversion disorder seen in military personel (Souques and Rosanoff‐Saloff, Rev Neurol 1915, 22, 937; Rosen and Frymoyer, Spine 1985, 10, 325; Miller and Forbes, Br J Psychiatry 1990, 157, 765; Perez‐Sales, Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1990, 71, 1078; Sinel and Eisenberg, Rev Rhum Mal Osteoartic 1992, 59, 169; Miller and Forbes, Mil Med 1990, 155, 561; Belgrano and Giordano, Rev Neurol 1947, 79, 25–35), the term has been adapted to describe severely flexed postures observed in Parkinson disease (Djaldetti et al., Mov Disord 1999, 14, 443), other basal ganglia disorders (Nieves et al., Mov Disord 2001, 16, 177; Reichel et al., Nervenarzt 2001, 72, 281), and muscular disease (Delcey et al., Rev Med Intern 2002, 23, 144; Van Gerpen, Mov Disord 2001, 16, 358). Although rare, psychogenic camptocormia is seen in civilian populations, presenting diagnostic challenges. We describe a patient whose initial history and examination suggested a psychogenic etiology for his camptocormic posture. A multidisciplinary approach elucidated the patient's motivations and emotional state, and has been helpful in management of this patient. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Immunolocalization of the High‐Mobility Group N2 protein and acetylated histone H3K14 in early developing parthenogenetic bovine embryos derived from oocytes of high and low developmental competence
Authors: Bastos Guilherme M. , Gonçalves Paulo Bayard D. , Bordignon Vilceu
Published: August 2007

This study investigated differences in the distribution of acetylated histone H3 at Lysine 14 (H3K14ac) and the High‐Mobility Group N2 (HMGN2) protein in the chromatin of early‐ (before 24 hr) and late‐cleaved (after 24 hr) bovine embryos derived from small‐ (1–2 mm) and large‐follicles (4–8 mm). The presence of HMGN2 and H3K14ac has been associated with different nuclear functions including chromatin condensation, transcription, DNA replication and repair. In vitro matured oocytes were parthenogenetically activated (PA) and cultured in synthetic oviduct fluid medium. Early‐ and late‐cleaved embryos were fixed at 36, 50, 60, 70 and 80 hr after PA to detect the presence of H3K14ac and HMGN2. The rates of nuclear maturation (81.1% vs. 58.7%), early cleavage (46.9% vs. 38.9%), and development to blastocyst stage (34.3% vs. 18.9%) were higher (P < 0.05) in oocytes derived from large‐ compared to small follicles. The proportion of positively stained nuclei at 50 and 60 hr after PA was higher for both H3K14ac (27.2% vs. 4.8% and 64.3% vs. 30%) and HMGN2 (47% vs. 21.3% and 60.6% vs. 46%) in early versus late cleaved embryos derived from small‐ versus large‐follicles, respectively. However, the rate of positive nuclei in early‐cleaved embryos from small‐versus large‐follicles was similar for HMGN2 (87% vs. 93%) but lower for H3K14ac (51% vs. 64.4%) at 80 hr after PA. These data suggest that less developmentally competent embryos derived from small follicles had an altered chromatin remodeling process at the early stages of development compared to those derived from large follicles that are more competent to support development to blastocyst stage. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 282–290, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In the land of the blind, the one‐eyed man is king
Authors: Perugini Marco , Richetin Juliette
Published: August 2007

A cautionary note is reported on the results and conclusions of McCrae et al. (this issue). The main counter argument to a straightforward interpretation of mean differences at a national level is the arbitrary nature of the metrics for personality traits. It is argued that this fundamental property lies behind potential threats to the interpretation of mean scores, such as frame‐of‐reference and accessibility effects. An empirical example of how accessibility can also have an influence on correlations is reported. The main message is that one should be very cautious in assuming that mean personality self‐reports are necessarily more accurate than national stereotypes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of personality in defeat: a revised social rank model
Authors: Sturman Edward D. , Mongrain Myriam
Published: August 2007

This study sought to test the role of personality within the social rank theory of depression. Specifically, self‐criticism was hypothesised to be a risk factor for mechanisms underlying involuntary subordination, while self‐efficacy was hypothesised to have a protective function. Involuntary subordination has been implicated as an underlying cause of depression and it was therefore important to determine the personality variables and other intrapsychic mechanisms that lead to this condition. The sample consisted of 115 participants (average age of 20.2 years) who were involved in athletic competition. Participants were evaluated at baseline for personality and social rank variables and for mood immediately before and after a competitive match. Two models were tested: the first model showed that self‐criticism and neuroticism predicted a heightened perception of defeat following a loss. Self‐criticism also predicted an inability to accept defeat which was associated with a latent variable interpreted as involuntary subordination. The second model demonstrated that self‐efficacy was associated with a more adaptive response to defeat, being negatively related to the perception of defeat. Both models proved to be viable and suggest that different personality styles confer specific vulnerabilities to involuntary subordination in the context of defeating events. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence for conditional sex differences in emotional but not in sexual jealousy at the automatic level of cognitive processing
Authors: Penke Lars , Asendorpf Jens B.
Published: August 2007

The two evolutionary psychological hypotheses that men react more jealous than women to sexual infidelity and women react more jealous than men to emotional infidelity are currently controversial because of apparently inconsistent results. We suggest that these inconsistencies can be resolved when the two hypotheses are evaluated separately and when the underlying cognitive processes are considered. We studied jealousy with forced‐choice decisions and emotion ratings in a general population sample of 284 adults aged 20–30 years using six infidelity dilemmas and recordings of reaction times. The sex difference for emotional jealousy existed for decisions under cognitive constraint, was also evident in the decision speed, increased for faster decisions, and was stronger for participants with lower education. No evidence for a sex difference in sexual jealousy was found. Our results support the view of a specific female sensitivity to emotional infidelity that canalizes the development of an adaptive sex difference in emotional jealousy conditional to the sociocultural environment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single‐item big five ratings in a social network design
Authors: Denissen Jaap J. A. , Geenen Rinie , Selfhout Maarten , van Aken Marcel A. G.
Published: August 2007

To develop and validate an ultra‐short measure to assess the Big Five in social network designs, the unipolar items of the Ten‐Item Personality Inventory were adapted to create a bipolar single‐item scale (TIPI‐r), including a new Openness item. Reliability was examined in terms of the internal consistency and test–retest stability of self‐ratings and peer‐rating composites (trait reputations). Validity was examined by means of convergence between TIPI‐r and Big Five Inventory (BFI) scores, self‐peer agreement and projection (intra‐ individual correlation between self‐ and peer‐ratings). The psychometric quality of the TIPI‐r differed somewhat between scales and the different reliability and validity criteria. The high reliability of the peer‐rating composites motivates to use the TIPI‐r in future studies employing social network designs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The human peripheral blood mononuclear cell proteome responds to a dietary flaxseed‐intervention and proteins identified suggest a protective effect in atherosclerosis
Authors: Fuchs Dagmar , Piller Regina , Linseisen Jakob , Daniel Hannelore , Wenzel Uwe
Published: August 2007

Flaxseed is one of the richest sources of lignans that are converted to enterolactone by the intestinal microflora. Enterolactone has been suggested to be the prime active compound mediating atherosclerosis‐protective effects that were shown for flaxseed. The effects of a 1‐wk intervention with 0.4 g of flaxseed/kg body weight per day on enterolactone plasma levels in seven healthy men revealed that all participants (PAs) responded with enhanced enterolactone plasma levels. Proteome analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from donors before, during, and after the intervention showed that flaxseed consumption affected significantly the steady‐state levels of 16 proteins of which four were altered in a similar manner when blood mononuclear cells were exposed ex vivo to enterolactone. Enhanced levels of peroxiredoxin and reduced levels of the long‐chain fatty acid β‐oxidation multienzyme complex may be taken as indicators of a reduced oxidative stress whereas reduced levels of glycoprotein IIIa/II could indicate improved protection from thrombotic and inflammatory processes. In conclusion, the blood mononuclear cell proteome responds to dietary flaxseed intake with changes in a number of atherosclerosis‐relevant proteins that may be taken as biomarkers of exposure and some of these changes observed can be attributed to the action of the lignan metabolite enterolactone.
Antibody screening database for protein kinetic modeling
Authors: Spurrier Brett , Washburn Frank L. , Asin Samuel , Ramalingam Sundhar , Nishizuka Satoshi
Published: August 2007

Knowledge‐based proteomic studies rely on the availability of quality antibodies. The increasing number of commercially available antibodies covers a wide range of protein networks; however, performance of each antibody can vary, depending on what type of cells, treatments, and time points are studied. Here, we describe an antibody database in which we screened 279 antibodies against multiple cell lysates after various treatments and from different time points. We applied these quality‐confirmed antibodies on protein arrays, showing their utility for protein kinetic modeling.
Proteomic profiling of chronic low‐frequency stimulated fast muscle
Authors: Donoghue Pamela , Doran Phil , Wynne Kieran , Pedersen Kasper , Dunn Michael J. , Ohlendieck Kay
Published: August 2007

Skeletal muscle fibre transitions occur in many biological processes, in response to alterations in neuromuscular activity, in muscular disorders, during age‐induced muscle wasting and in myogenesis. It was therefore of interest to perform a comprehensive proteomic profiling of muscle transformation. Chronic low‐frequency stimulation of the rabbit tibialis anterior muscle represents an established model system for studying the response of fast fibres to enhanced neuromuscular activity under conditions of maximum activation. We have conducted a DIGE analysis of unstimulated control specimens versus 14‐ and 60‐day conditioned muscles. A differential expression pattern was observed for 41 protein species with 29 increased and 12 decreased muscle proteins. Identified classes of proteins that are changed during the fast‐to‐slow transition process belong to the contractile machinery, ion homeostasis, excitation–contraction coupling, capillarization, metabolism and stress response. Results from immunoblotting agreed with the conversion of the metabolic, regulatory and contractile molecular apparatus to support muscle fibres with slower twitch characteristics. Besides confirming established muscle elements as reliable transition markers, this proteomics‐based study has established the actin‐binding protein cofilin‐2 and the endothelial marker transgelin as novel biomarkers for evaluating muscle transformation.
Telephone prompts and psychiatry attendance rates
Authors: Krishna Murali , Sharma Vimal , Sadasivan Asha
Published: August 2007

High non‐attendance rates are an ongoing problem in psychiatric clinics. The authors describe their study that investigated the effect of telephone prompts on attendance rates at a community mental health centre. They discuss their findings in the context of other studies and consider the variation in attendance rates among different patient groups. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
Getting the measure of the impact of NAbs in MS
Authors: O'Connell Nicola
Published: August 2007

The European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) guidelines on the use of anti‐interferon beta neutralising antibody measurements put the spotlight on the importance of neutralising antibodies (NAbs) in multiple sclerosis (MS) therapy, and the need for effective testing and monitoring. Freelance medical writer Nicola O'Connell looks at the impact of NAbs on the efficacy of MS treatment and at the options for measuring NAbs. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
Do cholinesterase inhibitors alter the course of dementia?
Authors: Larner Andrew J
Published: August 2007

Cholinesterase inhibitors are generally believed to have solely symptomatic effects – the benefit being lost on termination of the drug. Dr Larner describes an audit carried out at his cognitive function clinic between 2001 and 2005 to investigate whether cholinesterase inhibitors can alter the natural history of dementia, by observing the number of patients entering nursing homes during the study period. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
Primhe: Primary Care Mental Health & Education
Authors: Fisher Denise , Lyons Christina , Rossiter Roisin , Balls Makala
Published: August 2007

PCGMHW workplace activity 12 months post‐qualifying

An audit of the work of Primary Care Graduate Mental Health Workers (PCGMHWs) suggests they may be under‐utilised. Greater awareness of these new mental health workers and their role could mean improved access to care for greater numbers of people with mild to moderate mental health problems, reduced pressure on specialist secondary care mental health services and development of primary care mental health services.

Bibliotherapy: The process of developing a Book Prescription Scheme

The increasing demand for access to psychological therapies within primary care has resulted in greater awareness of the potential benefits of utilising bibliotherapy and self‐help materials as part of a stepped care approach. Book prescription schemes are one example of how bibliotherapy can be applied within primary care mental health services. Roisin Rossiter and Makala Balls reflect on the process of developing a book prescription scheme within Buckinghamshire. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
DC conductivity and spectroscopic characterization of binary dopant (ZrO2/AgI)‐doped polyaniline
Authors: Ameen Sadia , Ali Vazid , Zulfequar M. , Mazharul Haq M. , Husain M.
Published: August 2007

Binary dopant mixture of (ZrO2/AgI) (v/v) is prepared in different ratios to enhance the conductivity of the synthesized PANI. DC conductivity of (ZrO2/AgI) (v/v) doped PANI samples is measured in the temperature range (300‐400K). The calculated values of pre‐exponential factor (σ0) indicates that conduction is taking place through hopping process due to localized states present near the Fermi level. Structural changes due to interaction of dopant species with PANI are studied through FT‐IR and Photoluminescence characterization. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the doped samples occurred in the form of peaks and the intensities of these peaks vary according to the concentration of dopant mixture. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2682–2687, 2007
Longitudinal quantification of growth and changes in primary tracheobronchomalacia sites in children
Authors: Masters Ian B. , Zimmerman Paul V. , Chang Anne B.
Published: August 2007

Rationale

Longitudinal follow‐up of children with tracheobronchomalacia is essential to improving our understanding of these disorders, yet currently, there is no such data.

Objectives

To longitudinally define malacia sites and quantify the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the lumen using a bronchoscopic technique and to relate these measurements to illness profiles.

Methods

The validated color histogram mode technique was utilized to quantify primary malacia lesions and airway sites' CSA. Illness frequency, validated scales of illness and cough diary scores were prospectively used to assess clinical profiles.

Results

Thirty‐five malacia sites were defined from the 2 studies of 21 children. CSA of 21 (60%) of the malacia lesions increased, 5 (14%) new lesions appeared, 5 (14%) decreased in size, 3 (8%) remained unchanged, and 1(3%) was indeterminate. Overall there was no statistically significant change in paired‐data assessments of malacia sites' area while there was a significant increase in area of non‐malacia sites. The median yearly growth rate for the malacia sites and non‐malacia was 3.65 mm2/year sites and 5.38 mm2/year, respectively (P = 0.31). The type and severity of lesion was not associated with any difference in growth rates, illness frequency or clinical scores.

Conclusions

Malacia lesions increase in size at the same rate as non‐malacia sites. However malacia may worsen and new primary lesions may develop. Neither malacia type nor severity influences their growth pattern or illness profile. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:906–913. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Erratum: Preferential chemosensitization of PTEN‐mutated prostate cells by silencing the Akt kinase
Authors: Priulla Marcella , Calastretti Angela , Bruno Paola , Azzariti Amalia , Paradiso Angelo , Canti Gianfranco , Nicolin Angelo
Published: August 2007

When originally published, Amalia Azzariti's name appeared incorrectly in the byline. Her name appears correctly in the above.

The original article to which this erratum refers was published in The Prostate 2007;67(7):782–789.
Preparation, characterization and conductivity studies of a Nasicon system Ag3–2xTax Al2–x (PO4)3 (x = 0.6–1.4)
Authors: Rambabu G. , Anantharamulu N. , Koteswara Rao K. , Sarma J. A. R. P. , Vithal M.
Published: August 2007

Rhombohedral Nasicon type materials of composition Ag3–2x Tax Al2–x (PO4)3 (x = 0.6, 0.7,0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1,1.2, 1.3 and 1.4) have been prepared and characterized by powder XRD and IR. All these compositions are found to be isomorphous with NbTiP3O12, lithium and sodium analogues of same Nasicon framework. The unit cell parameters were derived from powder XRD. All the compounds show characteristic PO4 vibrational bands. DC conductivity measurements were carried out in the temperature range 300–650 K. The activation energies for conduction were deduced from the Arrhenius plots and are in the range 0.42–0.71 eV. Among the series investigated, Ag0.8Ta1.1Al0.9P3O12 exhibits the highest conductivity, σ ≈ 5.01 × 10–3 S cm–1 at 350 °C (Ea = 0.55 eV). (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of B2O3 addition to the LNT ceramic composite on sintering behavior and microwave dielectric properties
Authors: Zeng Qun , Li Wei , Shi Jian‐lin , Dong Xian‐lin , Guo Jing‐kun
Published: August 2007

The effects of the addition B2O3 on the sintering behavior, microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of 5Li2O–1Nb2O5–5TiO2 (LNT) ceramics have been investigated. With low‐level doping of B2O3 (≤2 wt%), the LNT ceramics could be fully densified at around 900 °C without much degradation in microwave dielectric properties. Similar structures and microwave dielectric properties could be obtained for the densified 1–2 wt% B2O3‐doped ceramics. The 1 wt% B2O3‐doped ceramics sintered at 900 °C have better microwave dielectric properties of εr = 41.2, Q × f = 9320 GHz (at 4.66 GHz), τf = 42 ppm/°C. The LNT ceramics could be applied in multilayer microwave devices requiring low sintering temperatures. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)