bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain lesions and their implications in criminal responsibility
Authors: Batts Shelley
Published: March 2009

For over 200 years, Western courts have considered pleas of “not guilty by reason of insanity” (NGRI) for defendants in possession of a mental defect rendering them unable to understand the wrongfulness of their act. Until recently, determining the mental state of a defendant has fallen largely upon the shoulders of court psychologists and experts in psychiatry for qualitative assessments related to NGRI pleas and mitigation at sentencing. However, advances in neuroscience—particularly neurological scanning techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), computed tomography scanning (CT), and positron emission tomography scanning (PET)—may provide additional, pertinent biological evidence as to whether an organically based mental defect exists. With increasing frequency, criminal defense attorneys are integrating neuroimaging data into hearings related to determinations of guilt and sentencing mitigation. This is of concern, since not all brain lesions and abnormalities indicate a compromised mental state that is relevant to knowing whether the act was wrong at the time of commission, and juries may be swayed by neuroscientific evidence that is not relevant to the determination of the legal question before them. This review discusses historical and modern cases involving the intersection of brain lesions and criminality, neuroscientific perspectives of how particular types of lesions may contribute to a legally relevant mental defect, and how such evidence might best be integrated into a criminal trial. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emotional evidence and jurors' judgments: the promise of neuroscience for informing psychology and law
Authors: Salerno Jessica M. , Bottoms Bette L.
Published: March 2009

This article is a review of psychological and neuroscience research addressing how juror decision making is influenced by emotion elicited from potentially disturbing evidence such as gruesome autopsy photographs, victim impact statements, and information about a defendant's tragic personal history presented as mitigating evidence. We review (a) converging evidence suggesting that the presence versus absence of such evidence results in more punitive juror judgments, (b) social cognition theories that provide potential explanations for these effects, and (c) neuroscience research aimed at understanding the role of emotion in moral judgments by identifying how brain activity is affected by emotion‐eliciting stimuli. We argue that neuroimaging evidence showing that emotional stimuli cause heightened emotion and decreased effortful cognitive processing is relevant in understanding jurors' increased punitiveness after being exposed to emotional evidence, and in turn relevant to debates about the admissibility of emotional evidence in courts of law. Ultimately, we argue for more ecologically valid psychological research to clarify these important issues. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fatty Acid Synthase Inhibitors from Geum japonicumThunb. var. chinense
Authors: Liu Hongwei , Li Jiankuan , Zhao Wenhua , Bao Li , Song Xiaohong , Xia Ying , Wang Xue , Zhang Chao , Wang Xiaozhu , Yao Xinsheng , Li Ming
Published: March 2009

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Bioassay‐guided fractionation of the MeOH extract of Geum japonicum Thunb. var. chinense using the fatty acid synthase inhibition assay led to the isolation of a new dimeric ellagitannin, gemin G (1), together with six known compounds, gemin A (2), casuarinin (3), pedunculagin (4), potentillin (5) , tellimagrandin II (6), and ellagic acid (7). Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses. Compounds 1–7 displayed strong inhibitory activities on fatty acid synthase with IC50 values in the range of 0.21–41.4 μM. Compounds 1–4 exhibited significant antioxidant activities higher than vitamin C in the ORAC assay. Compounds 1 and 2 also showed weak cytotoxic effects on BGC‐823 cell.
Nematicidal Cardenolides from Nerium indicumMill.
Authors: Wang Xing‐Biao , Li Guo‐Hong , Zheng Li‐Jun , Ji Kai‐Yan , Lü Hua , Liu Fang‐Fang , Dang Li‐Zhi , Mo Ming‐He , Zhang Ke‐Qin
Published: March 2009

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Three nematicidal cardenolides were obtained from the AcOEt extract of Nerium indicum Mill. by bioassay‐guided fractionation. They include a new compound, 3β‐O‐(β‐D‐diginosyl)‐14,15α‐dihydroxy‐5α‐card‐20(22)‐enolide (1), and two known compounds, uzarigenin (2) and cardenolide N‐1 (3). The median lethal concentrations (LC50) of compounds 1–3 against the nematodes Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, Panagrellus redivivus, and Caenorhabditis elegans at 72 h were 103.3, 49.0, and 45.4 mg l−1, 257.0, 62.7, and 177.8 mg l−1, and 242.9, 29.1, and 41.7 mg l−1, respectively. This is the first report about the nematicidal activity of cardenolides.
Chemical and Pharmacological Aspects of the Genus Calophyllum
Authors: Cechinel Filho Valdir , Meyre‐Silva Christiane , Niero Rivaldo
Published: March 2009

The Calophyllum genus (Clusiaceae) is composed of ca. 200 species, with a pantropical distribution. Some species are used as medicinal agents to treat a large number of diseases, including gastric ulcers, infections, pain, tumors, and inflammatory processes, among others. A review of the literature regarding the chemical and biological aspects of these plants indicates cytotoxic activity against several cell lines, inhibition of HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase, antisecretory and cytoprotective properties, antinociceptive, molluscicidal and antimicrobial effects, etc., related particularly to the presence of coumarins, xanthones, flavonoids, and triterpenes. This review, therefore, deals with the chemistry, and pharmacology or biology of the main plants belonging to the genus Calophyllum, with particular emphasis on C. brasiliense, studied by our research group.
Tucupentol, a Novel Mono‐tetrahydrofuranic Acetogenin from Annona montana, as a Potent Inhibitor of Mitochondrial Complex I
Authors: Álvarez Colom Olga , Neske Adriana , Chahboune Nadia , Zafra‐Polo M. Carmen , Bardón Alicia
Published: March 2009

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Ten acetogenins, one of them new, were isolated from leaves and twigs of a Bolivian collection of Annona montana. The new compound that we named tucupentol (1) is a mono‐tetrahydrofuran‐pentahydroxy‐acetogenin. The inhibitory potency of tucupentol (1) on the mitochondrial complex I was evaluated, and this activity was compared with that of the known acetogenins, annonacin‐A, cis‐annonacin‐10‐one, aromin, and gigantetronenin, also isolated from this plant material. The mentioned acetogenins acted as selective inhibitors of mitochondrial complex I in the 0.8–5.4‐nM range.
Nitrooxymethyl‐Substituted Analogues of Celecoxib: Synthesis and Pharmacological Characterization
Authors: Boschi Donatella , Lazzarato Loretta , Rolando Barbara , Filieri Andrea , Cena Clara , Di Stilo Antonella , Fruttero Roberta , Gasco Alberto
Published: March 2009

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Nitrooxymethyl‐substituted analogues of celecoxib were synthesized and tested for their cyclooxygenase (COX)‐inhibiting, vasodilator, and anti‐aggregatory activities, as well as for their metabolic stability in human serum and whole blood. The results showed their potency and selectivity in inhibiting the COX isoforms, evaluated in whole human blood, as well as their anti‐aggregatory activity to depend closely on the position at which the NO‐donor moiety is introduced. All products dilated rat aorta strips precontracted with phenylephrine in a dose‐dependent manner through a cGMP‐dependent mechanism. They were stable in human serum while, in blood, they were metabolically transformed, principally to the related alcohols.
3‐Fluoro‐2,4‐dioxa‐3‐phosphadecalins as Inhibitors of Acetylcholinesterase. A Reappraisal of Kinetic Mechanisms and Diagnostic Methods
Authors: Baici Antonio , Schenker Patricia , Wächter Michael , Rüedi Peter
Published: March 2009

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A systematic survey of the acetylcholine‐mimetic 2,4‐dioxa‐3‐phosphadecalins as irreversible inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase revealed hitherto overlooked properties as far as the kinetic mechanisms of interaction are concerned. As a support to past and future work in this field, we describe the kinetics of eight reaction schemes that may be found in irreversible enzyme modification and compare them with two mechanism of reversible, slow‐binding inhibition. The relevant kinetic equations and their associated graphical representations are given for all mechanisms, and concrete examples illustrate their practical use. Since irreversible inhibition is a time‐dependent phenomenon, kinetic analysis is greatly facilitated by fitting the appropriate integrated rate equations to reaction‐progress curves by nonlinear regression. This primary scrutiny provides kinetic parameters that are indispensable tools for diagnosing the kinetic mechanism and for calculating inhibition constants. Numerical integration of sets of differential equations is an additional useful investigation tool in critical situations, e.g., when inhibitors are unstable and/or act as irreversible modifiers only temporarily.
In vitro cardiomyogenic differentiation of adipose‐derived stromal cells using transforming growth factor‐β1
Authors: Gwak So‐Jung , Bhang Suk H. , Yang Hee S. , Kim Sang‐Soo , Lee Dae‐Hee , Lee Soo‐Hong , Kim Byung‐Soo
Published: March 2009

Transplanting stem cells differentiated towards a cardiac lineage can regenerate cardiac muscle tissues to treat myocardial infarction. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) induces cardiomyogenic differentiation of adipose‐ derived stromal cells (ADSCs) in vitro. Rat ADSCs were cultured with TGF‐β1 (10 ng ml−1) for 2 weeks in vitro. ADSCs cultured without TGF‐β1 served as a control. The mRNA expression of cardiac‐specific gene was induced by TGF‐β1, while the control culture did not show cardiac‐specific gene expression. Immunocytochemical analyses showed that a small fraction of ADSCs cultured with TGF‐β1 for 2 weeks stained positively for cardiac myosin heavy chain (MHC) and α‐sarcomeric actin. Flow cytometric analyses showed that the proportion of cells expressing cardiac MHC increased with TGF‐β1. However, no mesenchymal differentiation (e.g., osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation) was detected other than cardiomyogenic differentiation. These results showed that TGF‐β1 induce ADSC cardiomyogenic differentiation in vitro, which could be useful for myocardial infarction stem cell therapy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Congenital atresia of the left main coronary artery: Cardiac CT
Authors: Levisman Jeffrey , Budoff Matthew , Karlsberg Ronald
Published: March 2009

Congenital coronary artery disease is a rare occurrence, and atresia of the left main is one of the least frequently observed variations. In a recent review of 1,950 angiograms, 110 congenital coronary anomalies were seen, and of those, only 13 cases represented an absent left main coronary artery (LMCA). This case is of a 53‐year‐old male who initially presented 2 years prior for atypical chest pain. The anatomy described in this case is typical for LMCA atresia. Cardiac CT was used to demonstrate the anomaly. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gender‐based evaluation of the XIENCE V™ everolimus‐eluting coronary stent system:
Authors: Lansky Alexandra J. , Ng Vivian G. , Mutlu Halil , Cristea Ecaterina , Guiran Julian Benetato , Midei Mark , Newman William , Sanz Mark , Sood Poornima , Doostzadeh Julie , Su Xiaolu , White Roseann , Cao Sherry , Sudhir Krishnankutty , Stone Gregg W.
Published: March 2009

Objectives:

We evaluated the role of gender on clinical and angiographic results of the everolimus‐eluting stent in the SPIRIT III trial.

Background:

The SPIRIT III trial demonstrated superior efficacy of the XIENCE V everolimus‐eluting stent compared with the TAXUS paclitaxel‐eluting stent. Whether these results are applicable to women is unknown.

Methods:

A total of 1,002 patients with coronary artery lesions of 28 mm or less long in 2.5–3.75 mm diameter vessels were prospectively randomized to receive percutaneous coronary intervention with either XIENCE V stent or TAXUS stent placement. Post hoc gender subset analysis was performed.

Results:

A total of 669 patients (200 women) received the XIENCE V stent, and 332 patients (114 women) were assigned to the TAXUS stent. Women were older and had more hypertension and diabetes than men. At 1 year, rates of MACE (11.1% vs. 5.7%, P = 0.004), TVF (13.7% vs. 7.5%, P = 0.003), TVR (10.8% vs. 4.6%, P = 0.0007), and TLR (7.2% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.002) were higher in women compared with men. The difference in 1 year MACE and TVF rates between men and women remained after adjusting for baseline covariates. Although the angiographic characteristics at baseline were similar among the female cohort, women assigned to XIENCE V had lower in‐stent late loss (0.19 vs. 0.42 mm, P = 0.01) compared with women treated with the TAXUS stent. Although 30‐day clinical outcomes were similar for women treated with XIENCE V and TAXUS stents, at 1 year, women with XIENCE V stents had significantly lower MACE (8.2% vs. 16.1 %, P = 0.04) and TVR (3.1% vs. 8.9%, P = 0.03) compared with those treated with TAXUS stents. Stent thrombosis rates were similar between women receiving either XIENCE V or TAXUS stents.

Conclusions:

Women in the SPIRIT III trial had inherently higher MACE and TVF rates than men. However, the angiographic and clinical benefits of using XIENCE V stents are generalizable to women. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of dendrimer‐type chiral stationary phases based on the selector of (1S,2R)‐(+)‐2‐Amino‐1,2‐diphenylethanol derivate and their enantioseparation evaluation by HPLC
Authors: He Bao‐Jiang , Yin Chuan‐Qi , Li Shi‐Rong , Bai Zheng‐Wu
Published: March 2009

In our recent work, a series of dendritic chiral stationary phases (CSPs) were synthesized, in which the chiral selector was L‐2‐(p‐toluenesulfonamido)‐3‐phenylpropionyl chloride (selector I), and the CSP derived from three‐generation dendrimer showed the best separation ability. To further investigate the influence of the structures of dendrimer and chiral selector on enantioseparation ability, in this work, another series CSPs (CSPs 1‐4) were prepared by immobilizing (1S,2R)‐1,2‐diphenyl‐2‐(3‐phenylureido)ethyl 4‐isocyanatophenylcarbamate (selector II) on one‐ to four‐generation dendrimers that were prepared in previous work. CSPs 1 and 4 demonstrated the equivalent enantioseparation ability. CSPs 2 and 3 showed the best and poorest enantioseparation ability respectively. Basically, these two series of CSPs exhibited the equivalent enantioseparation ability although the chiral selectors were different. Considering the enantioseparation ability of the CSP derived from aminated silica gel and selector II is much better than that of the one derived from aminated silica gel and selector I, it is believed that the dendrimer conformation essentially impacts enantioseparation. Chirality, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hetero‐Bimetallic Ni‐Rh Carbido Carbonyl Clusters: Synthesis, Structure and 13C NMR of [Ni10Rh2C(CO)20]2–, [Ni9Rh3C(CO)20]3– and [Ni6Rh8(C2)2(CO)24]4–
Authors: Femoni Cristina , Iapalucci Maria Carmela , Longoni Giuliano , Zacchini Stefano
Published: March 2009

The reaction of [Ni9C(CO)17]2– (1) with [Rh(cod)Cl]2 (2) results in the formation of the new hetero‐bimetallic [Ni10Rh2C(CO)20]2– (3) and [Ni9Rh3C(CO)20]3– (4) clusters, which have been separated by differential solubility. Degradation of 3 under a carbon monoxide atmosphere leads to the formation of the first bis‐acetylide Ni‐Rh cluster, i.e. [Ni6Rh8(C2)2(CO)24]4– (5). These new compounds have been characterised by X‐ray crystallography, elemental analysis, ESI‐MS, IR and 13C NMR spectroscopy (on 13C‐carbido‐enriched samples). The 13C NMR spectra indicate that 3 exists as a mixture of two isomers in a 4:1 ratio, as also inferable from partial Ni/Rh disorder in the solid‐state structure. More interestingly, coordination of Rh atoms to the interstitial carbide atom seems to be very effective in shortening its longitudinal relaxation time (T1) by ca. two orders of magnitude compared to homometallic Ni carbido clusters. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Quasi‐isothermal crystallisation kinetics, non‐classical nucleation and surfactant‐dependent crystallisation of emulsions
Authors: Povey Malcolm J. W. , Awad Tarek S. , Huo Ran , Ding Yulong
Published: March 2009

Ultrasound velocity measurements were used to measure accurately the volume fraction of crystallised material in ‘monodispersed’ (120–2440 nm) n‐alkane and cocoa butter emulsions during crystallisation. The emulsions were temperature cycled, the ‘quasi’ isothermal nucleation rate determined from ultrasound velocity, and the crystallisation kinetics estimated. Emulsions were prepared using a variety of ‘emulsifiers’ (polyglycerol esters, Tween 20, Caflon phc060 and sodium caseinate). In practice, these emulsifiers behaved as stabilisers, preventing particle coalescence during collisions. The type of surfactant has a relatively small effect on the magnitude of the undercooling, which varied only a little (14.5–16.5 °C) as the emulsifier was changed, at a given particle size. On the other hand, the type of surfactant did make a significant difference to the crystallisation rate, once nucleation had been initiated. The surfactant type also altered the details of the crystallisation process. Reducing the size increased the nucleation rates dramatically in the size range studied in these experiments. It is suggested that dramatically increased droplet diffusion and collision rates are responsible for the observations in the case of droplets in the 100‐nm region. In the case of polyglycerol esters, the data suggests that they formed a solution with the n‐hexadecane.
Modeling temperature in chocolate mass to predict tempering quality
Authors: Bettens Delphine , Kegelaers Yves , Haut Benoit , Halloin Véronique , Debaste Frédéric
Published: March 2009

A computational model is developed to predict the temperature in chocolate as a function of space and time during a new tempering process where pellets of seed crystals of form V are added to the melted chocolate. The model, a refined version of a previous one (Debaste et al., J Food Eng. 2008, 88, 568–575) including a new expression for the heat sink, is based on the energy equation, simplified by the use of an effective thermal conductivity. A shrinking core model is used to express the heat sink term associated with the melting of pellets. The width of the limit layer around the pellets is the fitting parameter. The model is validated on experimental temperature profiles in bowls and compared to a previous kinetic model. The quality of tempering is then assessed by differential scanning calorimetry. Combining this information with the model, the quality of tempering based on the initial experimental conditions is predicted.
The Assignment of Absolute Stereostructures through Quantum Chemical Circular Dichroism Calculations
Authors: Bringmann Gerhard , Bruhn Torsten , Maksimenka Katja , Hemberger Yasmin
Published: March 2009

The determination of the absolute configuration of a chiral compound of synthetic or natural origin is a problem that every organic chemist willl certainly have to face some day. An efficient and reliable method for the assignment of absolute stereostructures, independent of empirical CD rules, is the combination of experimental circular dichroism (CD) investigations with quantum chemical CD calculations. The availability of a broad variety of quantum chemical methods and the continuing appearance of new approaches permits – but also requires – the most appropriate method to be selected in each particular case, with respect to accuracy, time consumption, and computational resources. With examples of selected chiral compounds of the most diverse structures and origins, and inclusion of several methods based on substantially different theoretical backgrounds, this review describes the basic principles and concepts of quantum chemical CD calculations for the configurational assignment of chiral compounds with stereogenic centers and/or elements of axial or planar chirality. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Catalyzed Imidation of Tertiary Amines by Simple Copper Salts
Authors: Liu Nan , Tang Bo‐Yang , Chen Yue , He Ling
Published: March 2009

Copper salt catalyzed imidation of tertiary amines by using sulfonyl azides as the nitrogen source was achieved with moderate to high yields. Formation of the carbon–nitrogen bond occurred chemoselectively with the use of a simple and inexpensive catalyst under moderate conditions, with a simple workflow, and with easy preparation of the nitrogen precursors.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
When I and me are different: assimilation and contrast in temporal self‐comparisons
Authors: Hanko Karlene , Crusius Jan , Mussweiler Thomas
Published: March 2009

In two studies, we show that comparisons with past or possible future selves shape current self‐evaluation and that the direction of this influence is determined by one's current comparison focus. In Study 1, participants primed to focus on similarities versus dissimilarities were asked to remember an introverted or extraverted past self and then to evaluate their current level of extraversion. Participants who focused on similarities assimilated current self‐evaluations to the past self, whereas those who focused on dissimilarities contrasted current self‐evaluations away from the past self. In Study 2, participants imagined a possible future self that differed from their current self in terms of body weight. Participants who imagined a moderate weight change exhibited assimilation to the possible self, whereas those who imagined an extreme weight change exhibited contrast. These studies highlight the important role cognitive factors such as comparison focus play in shaping the consequences of temporal self‐comparisons. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Competitive conflict regulation and informational dependence in peer learning
Authors: Buchs Céline , Pulfrey Caroline , Gabarrot Fabrice , Butera Fabrizio
Published: March 2009

The present set of studies investigates the role of competitive conflict regulation and informational dependence in peer learning. Previous studies have shown that peer work on identical information produces not only confrontation of viewpoints but also competitive conflict regulation, the latter of which is detrimental for learning. Conversely, working on complementary information produces positive interactions but also informational dependence, and good quality information transmission is needed to foster learning. The present research shows that discussion aids (note‐taking and access to the study materials during discussion), a variable related to the quality of informational input, moderated the relationship between information interdependence and learning. This moderation was mediated by competitive conflict regulation: Students who worked on identical information with discussion aids reported more competitive conflict regulation than those without discussion aids, which in turn reduced learning, a pattern that did not appear for students working on complementary information. Moreover, when students worked on complementary information, the good quality of information transmission elicited by discussion aids led to high levels of learning for all students. Contributions to research on resource interdependence, socio‐cognitive conflict, and peer learning are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simply and reliably integrating micro heaters/sensors in a monolithic PCR‐CE microfluidic genetic analysis system
Authors: Zhong Runtao , Pan Xiaoyan , Jiang Lei , Dai Zhongpeng , Qin Jianhua , Lin Bingcheng
Published: March 2009

A novel fabrication process was presented to construct a monolithic integrated PCR‐CE microfluidic DNA analysis system as a step toward building a total genetic analysis microsystem. Microfabricated Titanium/Platinum (Ti/Pt) heaters and resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) were integrated on the backside of a bonded glass chip to provide good thermal transfer and precise temperature detection for the drilled PCR‐wells. This heater/RTD integration procedure was simple and reliable, and the resulting metal layer can be easily renewed when the Ti/Pt layer was damaged in later use or novel heater/RTD design was desired. A straightforward “RTD‐calibration” method was employed to optimize the chip‐based thermal cycling conditions. This method was convenient and rapid, comparing with a conventional RTD‐calibration/temperature adjustment method. The highest ramping rates of 14°C/s for heating and 5°C/s for cooling in a 3‐μL reaction volume allow 30 complete PCR cycles in about 33 min. After effectively passivating the PCR‐well surface, successful λ‐phage DNA amplifications were achieved using a two‐ or three‐temperature cycling protocol. The functionality and performance of the integrated microsystem were demonstrated by successful amplification and subsequent on‐line separation/sizing of λ‐phage DNA. A rapid assay for Hepatitis B virus, one of the major human pathogens, was performed in less than 45 min, demonstrating that the developed PCR‐CE microsystem was capable of performing automatic and high‐speed genetic analysis.
Helical‐ and ahelical‐dependent chiral recognition mechanisms in capillary electrophoresis using amylose as the selector
Authors: Wei Weili , Guo Baoyuan , Lin Jin‐Ming
Published: March 2009

The present study discovered that helical structures of amylose were not always responsible for its chiral recognition abilities in CE. Several enantiomers with different structures were selected as models. Based on ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and 13C NMR measurements, it was found that helical structures were gradually destroyed by temperature elevation and almost entirely transformed to extended ahelical structures above 60°C. Then, CE and 1H NMR chiral recognitions were investigated at different temperatures; chiral selectivity of the enantiomers varied in two different ways. Summarily, helical structures were necessary only for chiral separations of the enantiomers with small (<0.78 nm) and flexible molecular structures. However, for the gauche enantiomers (>0.78 nm) with high steric hindrances over their chiral centers, ahelical structures alone can realize chiral recognitions. By using iodine as a helix including competitor, it was further proved that helical structures functioned through the inclusive complexations only in the chiral separations of small enantiomers and had no effect for the others. The underlying mechanisms of the functions of helical and ahelical structures in molecular level were discussed as well.
The association between different cognitive domains and age in a multi‐centre study of middle‐aged and older European men
Authors: Lee David M. , Tajar Abdelouahid , Ulubaev Aslan , Pendleton Neil , O'Neill Terence W. , O'Connor Daryl B. , Bartfai Gyorgy , Boonen Steven , Casanueva Felipe F. , Finn Joseph D. , Forti Gianni , Giwercman Aleksander , Han Thang S. , Huhtaniemi Ilpo T. , Kula Krzysztof , Lean Michael E. J. , Punab Margus , Silman Alan J. , Vanderschueren Dirk , Wu Frederick C. W. ,   and the EMAS study group
Published: March 2009

Objectives

We determined levels of cognitive functioning in community dwelling men aged 40–79 (n = 3265) from eight European centres and investigated to what extent cognitive performance varied between centres, the association between different cognitive domains and age, educational level, co‐morbidity and lifestyle factors and the respective contributions of centre and individual factors to cognitive performance.

Methods

Cognitive domains assessed were visuo‐constructional ability and visual memory (Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure test, ROCF), topographical memory (Camden Topographical Recognition Memory test, CTRM) and processing speed (Digit‐Symbol Substitution test, DSST).

Results

There were significant between‐centre differences in all four cognitive test scores. Using multilevel linear regression analysis (MLRA), age, education, depression, physical performance and smoking were independent predictors of cognitive function and these variables explained 10–13% of the variation in cognitive scores between centres and 17–36% of the variation in scores between individuals within centres.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that although a proportion of the variance in cognitive function among European men is explained by individual level differences, a significant proportion is due to contextual phenomenon. Such contextual factors need to be considered when analysing multi‐centre data and European men should not be treated as homogeneous when assessing cognitive performance using existing instruments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactions of 3‐carboxyacryloylhydrazines III. Correlation of acid dehydration products with NMR spectra
Authors: Parnarouskis Michael , Rubinstein Harry
Published: March 2009

The dehydration of 3‐carboxyacryloylhydrazines in acid media has been shown to give either aminomaleimides or pyridazinones. Criteria, using nmr techniques, are presented for correlating the nmr spectra with product formation.
Azeto[1,2‐a]quinoxaline‐1,3‐diones, a new class of bridgehead nitrogen β‐lactams
Authors: Abdulla Riaz F. , Fuhr Kenneth H.
Published: March 2009

Two synthetic procedures have been developed for the preparation of azeto[1,2‐a]quinoxaline‐ 1,3‐diones, a novel class of fused heterocyclic β‐lactams possessing a bridgehead nitrogen atom. Both processes are general and afford the title compounds in good yield. The infrared, proton magnetic resonance, and mass spectroscopic properties of the title compounds are discussed.
Preparation of 2‐isoxazolines from C(α),O‐dilithiooximes and aldehydes and ketones
Authors: Park Charles A. , Beam Charles F. , Kaiser Edwin M. , Kaufman Robert J. , Henoch Fred E. , Hauser Charles R.
Published: March 2009

C(α),O‐Dilithiooximes were condensed with aldehydes and ketones to give β‐hydroxyoximes which were usually isolated and characterized. These materials could be acid‐cyclized to give the 2‐isoxazoline. When the dianion was condensed with p‐anisaldehyde, it was not necessary to isolate the intermediate; direct acid‐cyclization after condensation led to the 2‐isoxazoline.
Synthesis of some 5‐aryl‐2,2′‐dipyrromethenes as analogs of prodigiosin
Authors: Campaigne E. , Shutske G. M.
Published: March 2009

Three new dipyrromethenes have been synthesized as analogs of prodigiosin: 3‐methoxy‐5‐phenyl‐2,2′‐dipyrromethene (10a), 3‐methoxy‐4 ‐pentyl‐5‐phenyl‐5′‐methyl‐2,2′‐dipyrromethene (10b), and 3‐methoxy‐4′‐pentyl‐5′‐methyl‐5‐(2″‐thienyl)‐2,2′‐dipyrromethene (10c). The Michael addition of ethyl glycinate to an appropriate arylidenemalonate, quenched with ethyl chloroformate and followed by a Dieckmann cyclization gave diethyl 1‐ethoxycarbonyl‐3‐oxo‐5‐phenyl and thienylpyrrolidine‐2,4‐dicarboxylate, 2a and 2b. Methylation of the highly enolic keto‐esters, followed by oxidation to N‐ethoxycarbonylpyrroles led, after appropriate elaboration of the pyrrole nucleus, to 2‐phenyl‐ and 2‐thienyl‐4‐methoxypyrroles. The acid catalyzed condensation of these arylmethoxypyrroles with either pyrrole‐2‐carboxaldehyde or 5‐methyl‐4‐pentylpyrrole‐2‐carboxaldehyde led to 10a, 10b and 10c.
Synthèse d'acides acyl‐3 ylidéne‐5 tétroniques
Authors: Gelin Suzanne , Hartmann Daniel
Published: March 2009

Une nouvelle méthode générale de synthèse d'acides tétroniques acyl‐3 ylidène‐5 par transposition basique de carbéthoxy‐4 méthyl‐5 ylidène‐2 (2H)furannones‐3 est décrite.
Nmr spectroscopic studies on the tautomerism in tenuazonic acid analogs
Authors: Yamaguchi Tatsuaki , Saito Kimitoshi , Tsujimoto Toshio , Yuki Hidetaka
Published: March 2009

Nmr spectra of structural analogs of tenuazonic acid such as 3‐acetyltetramic acid, 3‐acetyltetronic acid, 3‐acetylthiotetronic acid and others were investigated for elucidation of the tautomeric structures. These compounds have completely enolized β,β′‐triketone systems, and the position of the nmr signals for the enolic proton shows that the strength of their intramolecular hydrogen‐bonding is weaker than those of acyclic β,β′‐triketones and six‐membered cyclic triketones. The assignment was made for nmr signals split by the difference of the diamagnetic anisotropic effect in each tautomers. The percentages of each of the tautomers were calculated from the intensities of the corresponding nmr signals. The results were confirmed by means of 13C‐nmr spectroscopy.
Photolyse d'oxazirannes V. Comparaison entre le réarrangement thermique et photochimique d'oxazirannes à jonction spirannique
Authors: Oliveros E. , Antoun H. , Rivière M. , Lattes A.
Published: March 2009

Thermolysis and photolysis of spiro‐oxaziridines have been compared. These reactions proceed with the same regioselectivity.
Entrepreneurship, police leadership, and the investigation of crime in changing times
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: March 2009

Entrepreneurship, or more importantly, entrepreneurial behaviour, is not a subject one normally associates with policing per se. By considering this slippery subject in relation to police leadership styles and how they influence the investigation of crime, this essay opens up considerations of organisational theory within the rubric of investigative psychology. The tying of the meaning of being an entrepreneur into the dominant narrative of police leadership opens up fruitful lines for empirical enquiry. This is achieved via an auto‐ethnographic focus. This is important because such work is currently lacking in the fields of investigative psychology and offender profiling. At present, the prevailing organisational ethos in policing is that success is measured by promotion and the focus of attention of ambitious officers is upon being promoted. Thus, it is paradoxical that the dominant narrative of police leadership and, by extension, police culture can be articulated by the underlying (yet dominant) narrative that is entrepreneurship. As a consequence, investigative ability is no longer a key idiom in deciding the police leaders of the future. This has implications and consequences for recruitment and retention of its future pool of investigators because contemporary organisational practices may be counterproductive in that in seeking to produce its leaders, the organisation has lost sight of its core business, the investigation of crime. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mutations associated with the therapeutic efficacy of adefovir dipivoxil added to lamivudine in patients resistant to lamivudine with type B chronic hepatitis
Authors: Ohkawa Kazuyoshi , Takehara Tetsuo , Kato Michio , Kanada Aimi , Deguchi Matsuo , Kagita Masanori , Hikita Hayato , Sasakawa Akira , Kohga Keisuke , Uemura Akio , Sakamori Ryotaro , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Miyagi Takuya , Ishida Hisashi , Tatsumi Tomohide , Hayashi Norio
Published: March 2009

Factors influencing the therapeutic efficacy of adefovir dipivoxil added to continuing lamivudine have not been elucidated in lamivudine‐resistant patients with type B chronic hepatitis. The viral mutations influencing the efficacy of treatment with adefovir dipivoxil were investigated by sequencing analysis of the whole virus genome. Thirty patients resistant to lamivudine receiving adefovir dipivoxil therapy added to lamivudine were studied. From serum samples obtained before the administration of adefovir dipivoxil, full‐length viral DNA sequences were determined by PCR‐direct sequencing. Susceptibility of the virus to adefovir was examined further using in vitro transfection analysis. By screening the whole viral genome, the presence of two mutations, a T‐to‐C/G/A mutation at nt1753 (V1753) and an A‐to‐C mutation at nt2189 (C2189), correlated with the higher incidence of sustained viral DNA clearance during therapy (P < 0.005 and P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, the V1753 (P = 0.001) and the C2189 (P = 0.007) mutations, and elevated transaminase (P = 0.011) and low viral load (P = 0.008) at the baseline were selected as significant independent factors associated with improved antiviral efficacy. In vitro transfection analysis showed no differences in susceptibility to adefovir among wild‐type virus and C1753 and C2189 mutant viruses, suggesting that the virus possessing these mutations may be eradicated more efficiently than the wild‐type virus by treatment regardless of a direct antiviral effect of adefovir. J. Med. Virol. 81:798–806, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plasma HHV‐8 viral load in HHV‐8‐related lymphoproliferative disorders associated with HIV infection
Authors: Simonelli C. , Tedeschi R. , Gloghini A. , Talamini R. , Bortolin M.T. , Berretta M. , Spina M. , Morassut S. , Vaccher E. , De Paoli P. , Carbone A. , Tirelli U.
Published: March 2009

This is a mono‐institutional analysis of the clinical features, immunological and virological findings, and prognostic factors of patients with HIV infection and HHV‐8‐lymphoproliferative disorders. Patients with Multicentric Castleman Disease and HHV‐8‐related lymphoma diagnosed and treated from April 1987 to June 2004 were included in the study. HHV‐8 and HIV plasma viral load, CD4+ count, hematologic parameters, and general wellbeing (performance status) were assessed at the onset of the diseases and analyzed in order to identify possible prognostic factors. Nine patients with Multicentric Castleman disease, and 16 with HHV‐8‐related lymphomas (13 primary effusion lymphomas and 3 solid lymphomas), were diagnosed and treated out of 327 HIV‐related non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas. Four patients with Multicentric Castleman disease received only antiretroviral drugs; 5 HAART plus oral etoposide. Nine patients with primary effusion lymphoma were treated with a CHOP‐like regimen (Cyclophosphamide, Prednisone anthracyclines, Vinca alkaloids, Bleomycin, Etoposide) and HAART; 1 with etoposide and HAART, 1 with HAART alone. The patients with solid lymphoma underwent CHOP‐like chemotherapy. Patients with Multicentric Castleman disease showed lower median values of HHV‐8 viral load and longer overall survival compared with HHV‐8‐related lymphomas. Patients with viral load of HHV‐8, >40,000 cp/ml had a significant shorter overall survival. In the univariate analysis, HHV‐8‐related lymphoma, HHV‐8 viral load >40,000 cp/ml and performance status >2 were associated with an increased risk of death. Multivariate analysis confirmed the diagnosis of lymphoma as an independent predictor of shorter survival. J. Med. Virol. 81:888–896, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of basal core promoter and precore mutations in Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients and correlation with serum HBeAG titers
Authors: Qin Yanli , Zhang Jiming , Mao Richeng , Guo Hongying , Yin Youkuan , Wu Xianghui , Weng Xinhua , Wands Jack , Tong Shuping
Published: March 2009

The A1762T and G1764A mutations in the basal core promoter (BCP) region and the G1896A mutation in the precore (PC) region of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome are found commonly in HBeAg‐negative patients. Experiments in vitro suggest that BCP and PC mutation reduce and abolish HBeAg expression, respectively. In the present study, the prevalence of the BCP and PC mutations were determined in 207 patients with HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B from China and correlated with the titers of serum HBeAg. None of the patients received antiviral therapy. The HBV genotype was determined by direct sequencing of the HBsAg gene. The BCP and PC mutations were detected by the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) and confirmed by DNA sequencing. The HBeAg titer was measured by the microparticle enzyme immunoassay. Fifty‐one of the 207 patients (24.6%) were infected with genotype B and the remainder with genotype C. The BCP mutations were detected in 103 patients (50%) while the PC mutation was present in 43 (20.8%). Thirteen patients (6.3%) harbored both BCP and PC mutations. No significant difference in the titers of HBeAg was found between patients infected with the two HBV genotypes, but the presence of either the BCP or PC mutation was associated with reduced HBeAg titer (P < 0.05). The presence of both the BCP and PC mutations was accompanied by even lower HBeAg titer (P < 0.05). These findings confirm that in patients with HBeAg, the BCP and PC mutations reduced the expression of HBeAg. J. Med. Virol. 81:807–814, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ala67Thr mutation in the poliovirus receptor CD155 is a potential risk factor for vaccine and wild‐type paralytic poliomyelitis
Authors: Kindberg Elin , Ax Cecilia , Fiore Lucia , Svensson Lennart
Published: March 2009

Poliovirus infections can be asymptomatic or cause severe paralysis. Why some individuals develop paralytic poliomyelitis is unknown, but a role for host genetic factors has been suggested. To investigate if a polymorphism, Ala67Thr, in the poliovirus receptor, which has been found to facilitate increased resistance against poliovirus‐induced cell lysis and apoptosis, is associated with increased risk of paralytic poliomyelitis, poliovirus receptor genotyping was undertaken among Italian subjects with vaccine‐associated (n = 9), or with wild‐type paralytic poliomyelitis (n = 6), and control subjects (n = 71), using RFLP‐PCR and pyrosequencing. Heterozygous poliovirus receptor Ala67Thr genotype was found in 13.3% of the patients with paresis and in 8.5% of the controls (Odds Ratio = 1.667). The frequency of Ala67Thr among the controls is in agreement with earlier published data. It is concluded that the Ala67Thr mutation in the poliovirus receptor is a possible risk factor for the development of vaccine‐associated or paralytic poliomyelitis associated with wild‐type virus. J. Med. Virol. 81:933–936, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lack of association between genotypes and subtypes of HCV and occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in Egypt
Authors: Ryu Soo Hyung , Fan Xiaofeng , Xu Yanjuan , Elbaz Tamerl , Zekri Abdel‐Rahman N. , Abdelaziz Ashraf Omar , Di Bisceglie Adrian M.
Published: March 2009

The distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes was evaluated in individuals with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis in Egypt. A total of 206 patients sero‐positive for HCV‐RNA among 400 surveyed individuals (186 with HCC, 100 with cirrhosis, and 114 healthy volunteers) were analyzed for HCV genotype. Of 206 patients, 129 had HCC, 65 had cirrhosis without HCC, and 12 were healthy volunteers. Phylogenetic analysis of sequence showed that of 206 samples, 186 contained HCV genotype 4 (90.3%), while 20 had HCV genotype 1 (9.7%). Among subjects with genotype 4, subtype 4a was predominant (79%), other subtypes included 4d, 4m, 4n, and 4o. Among those with HCV genotype 1, 15 had subtype 1g and five subtype 1a. Although subtype 4a was noted slightly more frequently in HCC (76%) compared to cirrhosis (66%) and controls (50%), there was no statistically significant difference between these three groups (P = 0.08). In conclusion, HCV genotype 4 predominates in Egypt. There was no association between subtypes of genotype 4 and the development of HCC. J. Med. Virol. 81:844–847, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of mixed infections by multiple genotypes of human cytomegalovirus in immunocompromised patients
Authors: Sowmya P. , Madhavan H.N.
Published: March 2009

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. The present study was carried out to determine the frequency of occurrence of multiple genotypes of HCMV in immunocompromised patients, to determine if there is any discrepancy in identification of mixed infections by multiple genotypes in paired clinical specimens obtained from patients and to determine the significance of viral load differences between patients infected with single and multiple genotypes. One hundred clinical specimens from 75 patients were included in the study. Real‐time PCR; Multiplex PCR and PCR‐based RFLP were applied for the determination of viral load and genotyping of HCMV, respectively. Out of the 75 patients, 36 (48%) carried multiple genotypes. Discrepancy with regard to detection of genotypes were found in 17/25 patients whose paired clinical specimens were analyzed. Mixed genotypes were found more often in peripheral blood than urine or intraocular fluids collected from the same patient. There was a statistically significant difference between the median viral loads of clinical specimens carrying single genotypes and multiple genotypes. Mixed infections with multiple genotypes were found predominantly in the leukocyte fraction of peripheral blood specimens. The detection of mixed infections by multiple genotypes in the hypervariable regions of HCMV can be a surrogate marker of an increase in viral load. J. Med. Virol. 81:861–869, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular characterization and functional analysis of occult hepatitis B virus infection in Chinese patients infected with genotype C
Authors: Fang Yong , Teng Xu , Xu Wei‐Zhen , Li Di , Zhao Hong‐Wei , Fu Li‐Juan , Zhang Feng‐Min , Gu Hong‐Xi
Published: March 2009

Occult HBV infection is defined as the persistence of HBV DNA in individuals negative for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), and many different mechanisms have been reported in different countries. However, in China, one of the endemic areas for HBV infection, no reports have been published on occult HBV infection. The present study investigated the virological features and the mechanism of occult HBV infection in China. Full‐length HBV DNA from eight patients with occult HBV infection (S1–S8) and three HBsAg‐positive cases (SWT1–SWT3) was cloned and sequenced. Additionally, four entire linear HBV genomes from occult cases were transfected transiently into HepG2 cells. The sequencing results showed two major mutations in patients with occult HBV infection as follows: deletions in the pre‐S1 (S3, S4, and S7) and X (S1, S2, and S5) regions. Such deletions covered the S promoter and the basal core promoter (BCP), and function analysis of these variants also showed a decrease in DNA replication and antigen expression. Two patients with occult infection (S6 and S8) had no mutations capable of interfering with viral replication and gene expression in the major viral population. Thus, the deletions in the S promoter and the BCP regions that disable the regulatory elements may be the reason for the absence of HBsAg, and multiple mechanisms may be responsible for occult HBV infection. J. Med. Virol. 81:826–835, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.