bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of avascular necrosis of the hip by a non-vascularised cortical graft
Authors: Keizer S. B. , Kock N. B. , Dijkstra P. D. S. , Taminiau A. H. M. , Nelissen R. G. H. H.
Published: March 2006

This retrospective study describes the long-term results of core decompression and placement of a non-vascularised bone graft in the management of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. We treated 80 hips in 65 patients, 18 by a cortical tibial autograft and 62 by a fibular allograft. The mean age of the patients was 36 years (sd 13.2). A total of 78 hips were available for evaluation of which pre-operatively six were Ficat-Arlet stage 0, three stage I, 31 stage IIA, 16 stage IIB, 13 stage III and nine stage IV.

A total of 34 hips (44%) were revised at a mean of four years (sd 3.8). Survivorship analysis using a clinical end-point showed a survival rate of 59% five years after surgery. We found a significant difference (p = 0.002) in survivorship, when using a clinical and radiological end-point, between the two grafts, in favour of the tibial autograft. We considered this difference to be the result of the better quality and increased volume of tibial bone compared with that from the trochanteric region used with the fibular allograft.

This is a relatively simple, extra-articular and reproducible procedure. In our view core decompression, removal of the necrotic tissue and packing of the cancellous grafts into the core track are vital parts of the procedure.
Therapists' recall of early sudden gains in routine clinical practice
Authors: Davies Lene , Leach Chris , Lucock Mike , Stiles William B. , Iveson Steve , Barkham Michael
Published: March 2006

This study followed up one by Stiles et al. (2003), which identified sudden gains – large reductions from one session to the next on a short form of clinical outcomes in routine evaluation outcome measure (CORE‐SF) – by some clients in routine clinical practice. We interviewed the therapists who had treated sudden gain and non‐sudden gain clients. Results showed that therapists could retrospectively identify which clients had or had not experienced sudden CORE‐SF gains at substantially better than chance rates, although they identified only about half of the clients who had experienced such gains.
A naturalistic comparison of the effectiveness of trainee and qualified clinical psychologists
Authors: Buckley Jessica V. , Newman David W. , Kellett Stephen , Beail Nigel
Published: March 2006

Objective. To compare the effect of clinician type on the outcome for adult mental health clients treated by trainee and qualified clinical psychologists.

Design. Naturalistic, non‐random between‐participants group design: a group of 60 adult mental health out‐patients treated by trainees and a matched group of 60 patients treated by qualified clinical psychologists.

Method. Participants completed a range of established measures at assessment and outcome of their treatment during routine clinical practice.

Results. Significant improvements in mental health were made for both groups from assessment to outcome; however, no significant effect of clinician type was evident.

Conclusions. A variety of factors (e.g. quantity of supervision) contributing to trainee effectiveness are identified and discussed.
Remembered parenting style and psychological well‐being in young adults whose parents had experienced early child loss
Authors: Pantke Renate , Slade Pauline
Published: March 2006

Background. Pre‐, peri‐, or postnatal childloss can have devastating consequences for bereaved families. This study explored the long‐term sequelae of these experiences for the young adult siblings' psychological well‐being and the perceived quality of parenting received during participants' first 16 years of life.

Methods. A bereaved group of young adult sibilings was compared to a non‐bereaved group on the Parent Bonding Instrument, the Rosenberg Self‐esteem Scale and the Mental Health Index‐5.

Results. The loss group reported their mothers, but not their fathers, to have been more protective/controlling than non‐bereaved participants. No differences between the loss group and the comparison group were found for parental care, their own mental health or self‐esteem. Those participants whose siblings died during the peri/post‐natal period perceived their parents as more controlling than the miscarriage group as well as the non‐bereaved group. Higher protection scores were evident among those born subsequent to the loss than those who were born before. Lower levels of protection were associated with better mental health across all groups. In the non‐bereaved group lower levels of protection were associated with better self‐esteem, but in the bereaved group a different even opposite pattern was shown.

Conclusions. Young adults who lost a sibling when they themselves were under 5 recall their mothers as more protective/controlling than non‐bereaved groups, although they do not report less care nor differ in mental health nor self‐esteem. Higher levels of parental protection/control were found where the child was born subsequent to loss and for peri/post‐natal loss rather than miscarriage. While high protection was associated with poorer mental health regardless of loss this may not be necessarily disadvantageous to the child's self‐esteem. Differences with regard to parent gender were found.
Improved Specificity of a New Homogeneous Assay for LDL-Cholesterol in Serum with Abnormal Lipoproteins
Authors: Iwasaki Yasumasa , Matsuyama Hiroyuki , Nakashima Nobuo
Published: March 2006

Background: Although a homogeneous assay for serum LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) has become a routine clinical procedure, problems remain in assay performance characteristics.

Methods: We examined the performance of a recently developed automated homogeneous assay (New-Daiichi assay) for serum LDL-C and compared the results with those obtained by the current homogeneous method (Denka-Seiken assay) or by ultracentrifugation as a control.

Results: The New-Daiichi assay showed satisfactory basic performance characteristics such as reproducibility, linearity, and stability. There was no interference in the assay by various substances examined. The LDL-C values obtained with this method correlated well with those obtained by ultracentrifugation. In samples from patients with obstructive jaundice, both methods detected cholesterol from abnormal lipoproteins (such as lipoprotein-X and -Y), but the New-Daiichi assay was less reactive and more specific for LDL-C.

Conclusion: The new method has improved performance for the accurate measurement of LDL-C in clinical practice.
Microfluidic Techniques for Single-Cell Protein Expression Analysis
Authors: Fitzpatrick Ethan , McBride Sterling , Yavelow Jonathan , Najmi Saltanat , Zanzucchi Peter , Wieder Robert
Published: March 2006

Background: The analysis of single cells obtained from needle aspirates of tumors is constrained by the need for processing. To this end, we investigated two microfluidic approaches to measure the expression of surface proteins in single cancer cells or in small populations (<50 cells).

Methods: One approach involved indirect fluorescence labeling of cell-surface proteins and channeling of cells in a microfluidic device past a fluorescence detector for signal quantification and analysis. A second approach channeled cells in a microfluidic device over detection zones coated with ligands to surface proteins and measured rates of passage and of retardation based on transient interactions between surface proteins and ligands.

Results: The fluorescence device detected expression of integrin α5 induced by basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) treatment in MCF-7 cells and that of Her-2/neu in SK-BR-3 cells compared with controls. Experiments measuring passage retardation showed significant differences in passage rates between FGF-2–treated and untreated MCF-7 cells over reaction regions coated with fibronectin and antibody to integrin α5β1 compared with control regions. Blocking peptides reversed the retardation, demonstrating specificity.

Conclusions: Immunofluorescence detection in a microfluidic channel demonstrates the potential for assaying surface protein expression in a few individual cells and will permit the development of future iterations not requiring cell handling. The flow retardation device represents the first application of this technology for assessing cell-surface protein expression in cancer cells and may provide a way for analyzing expression profiles of single cells without preanalytical manipulation.
Sensitive Quantitative Analysis of C-Peptide in Human Plasma by 2-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Isotope-Dilution Assay
Authors: Rogatsky Eduard , Balent Beate , Goswami Gayotri , Tomuta Vlad , Jayatillake Harsha , Cruikshank Greg , Vele Louis , Stein Daniel T
Published: March 2006

Background: Isotope-dilution assays (IDAs) are well established for quantification of metabolites or small drug molecules in biological fluids. Because of their increased specificity, IDAs are an alternative to immunoassays for measuring C-peptide.

Methods: We evaluated a 2-dimensional liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (2D LC/MS) IDA method. Sample preparation was by off-line solid-phase extraction, and C-peptide separation was performed on an Agilent 1100 2D LC system with a purification method based on high-pressure switching between 2 high-resolution reversed-phase columns. Because of the low fragmentation efficiency of C-peptide, multiple-reaction monitoring analysis was omitted and selective-ion monitoring mode was chosen for quantification. Native and isotope-labeled ([M+18] and [M+30]) C-peptides were monitored in the +3 state at m/z 1007.7, 1013.7, and 1017.7.

Results: The assay was linear (r2 = 0.9995), with a detection limit of 300 amole (1 pg) on column. Inter- and intraday CVs for C-peptide were ≤2%. Comparison with an established polyclonal-based RIA showed high correlation (r = 0.964). Plasma concentrations of total C-peptide measured by RIA were consistently higher than by IDA LC/MS, consistent with the higher specificity of IDAs compared with immunoassays.

Conclusions: The 2D LC/MS IDA approach eliminates matrix effects, enhancing assay performance and reliability, and has a detection limit 100-fold lower than any previously reported LC/MS method. Isotope-labeled C-peptide(s) can be clearly differentiated from endogenous C-peptide by the difference in m/z ratio, so that both peptides can be quantified simultaneously. The method is highly precise, robust, and applicable to pharmacokinetic detection of plasma peptides.
Disabling Corporate Sovereignty in a Transnational Lawsuit
Authors: Sawyer Suzana
Published: March 2006

This article examines the opening proceedings of a lawsuit against Chevron‐Texaco filed on behalf of 30,000 Ecuadorians for industrial contamination in the country's Amazonian region. It asks what are the legal and ethical regimes at play in defining (and denying) corporate sovereignty and impunity, corporate entanglements and accountabilities. Sawyer argues that while the notion of the corporation as a sovereign embodied entity ("natural person") serves ChevronTexaco management and legal counsel in sidestepping culpability for environmental degradation in Ecuador, the same notion of embodied corporate sovereignty situated in another discursive imaginary serves as foundational to the plaintiffs and their demands for exacting accountability.
Transplantation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Cells to a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease: Effect of In Vitro Differentiation on Graft Survival and Teratoma Formation
Authors: Brederlau Anke , Correia Ana Sofia , Anisimov Sergey V. , Elmi Muna , Paul Gesine , Roybon Laurent , Morizane Asuka , Bergquist Filip , Riebe Ilse , Nannmark Ulf , Carta Manolo , Hanse Erik , Takahashi Jun , Sasai Yoshiki , Funa Keiko , Brundin Patrick , Eriksson Peter S. , Li Jia-Yi
Published: March 2006

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have been proposed as a source of dopamine (DA) neurons for transplantation in Parkinson's disease (PD). We have investigated the effect of in vitro predifferentiation on in vivo survival and differentiation of hESCs implanted into the 6-OHDA (6-hydroxydopamine)-lesion rat model of PD. The hESCs were cocultured with PA6 cells for 16, 20, or 23 days, leading to the in vitro differentiation into DA neurons. Grafted hESC-derived cells survived well and expressed neuronal markers. However, very few exhibited a DA neuron phenotype. Reversal of lesion-induced motor deficits was not observed. Rats grafted with hESCs predifferentiated in vitro for 16 days developed severe teratomas, whereas most rats grafted with hESCs predifferentiated for 20 and 23 days remained healthy until the end of the experiment. This indicates that prolonged in vitro differentiation of hESCs is essential for preventing formation of teratomas.
Failure of Transdifferentiation of Adult Hematopoietic Stem Cells into Neurons
Authors: Roybon Laurent , Ma Zhi , Asztely Fredrik , Fosum Anna , Jacobsen Sten Eirik W. , Brundin Patrik , Li Jia-Yi
Published: March 2006

Previous studies of bone marrow-derived stem cell transdifferentiation into neurons have not involved purified cell populations and determined their exact phenotype prior to differentiation. The present study investigates whether highly purified mouse adult hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), characterized by lineage marker depletion and expression of the cell surface markers Sca1 and c-Kit (Lin− Sca1+ c-Kit+ [LSK]), can be stimulated to adopt a neuronal fate. When the HSCLSK cells were cultured in vitro in neuronal differentiation medium supplemented with retinoic acid, 50% of the cells expressed the neural progenitor marker nestin and no cells had become postmitotic. Electrophysiological recordings on neuron-like cells showed that these cells were incapable of generating action potentials. When the HSCLSK cells either were grown in vitro together with neural precursor cells or were transplanted into the striatum or cerebellum of wild-type mouse, they either differentiated into Iba1-immunopositive macrophage/microglia or died. In conclusion, we demonstrate that adult HSCLSK cells do not have the capacity to leave the hematopoietic lineage and differentiate into neurons.
Polyesters, Thermoplastic
Authors: East Anthony J.
Published: March 2006

This article covers semicrystalline thermoplastic polyesters and their applications as molding resins. The principal polymers described are PET, PBT, PEN, PTT, PCT, thermoplastic elastomers of the PBT–PTMEG‐T type, and liquid crystalline polymers. The raw materials for various polyesters and their production are described and general routes to polyester polymer synthesis outlined. Individual polyesters are described in more detail with particular reference to special features of their polymer chemistry. PET stretch blow‐molded bottles and containers are a very large market and the production of PET bottle resin by continuous polymerization and solid‐state polymerization is described together with an outline of the stretch blow‐molding process. Physical properties, polymer characterization and mechanical properties together with details of polymer injection molding are described.

Particular reference is given to the growing demands for PCT of new electronic and electrical fabrication techniques such as surface mounting technology and its requirements for high temperature polymer properties. PBT polymer is described in detail. Flame‐retardant additives are described and how they affect polymer performance. Safety and health factors for the polymers in use are discussed.

Liquid‐crystal polymers are relatively new high performance thermoplastics. The nature of the mesophase state and how LCPs differ from conventional materials is described. The LCP polymer synthesis is outlined and physical and mechanical properties of several commercial LCP polymers are given.
Polyimides
Authors: Bryant Robert G.
Published: March 2006

Polyimides are a class of high performance polymers that contain an imide group, defined as an sp
3
nitrogen bonded to two adjacent carbonyls. This imide structure is most commonly found as part of a five or six membered ring. Aromatic polyimides are noted for their mechanical properties, chemical resistance and dielectric strength. They exist as thermoplastics and thermosets and are available in many formats. Polyimides are used as hot melt adhesives, matrix resins for composites, dielectric films, photoimageable coatings, flex circuits, foams, wire insulation, thin walled tubing, molding resins and high performance bushings and seals. Products that compete with polyimides for niche applications include aerospace epoxies (Dow, Ciba and Shell), cyanate resins (Dow), polysulfones (Solvay), filled polycarbonates and polyesters (Dow, Amoco and GE), polybenzimidazoles (Hoechst‐Celanese) and some high Tg filled phenolics. Although polyimides command a premium price, their versatility, reliability, and demonstrated performance makes them suitable use in high performance applications where failure and replacement costs are high.
White Electroluminescence from a Single‐Polymer System with Simultaneous Two‐Color Emission: Polyfluorene as the Blue Host and a 2,1,3‐Benzothiadiazole Derivative as the Orange Dopant
Authors: Liu J. , Zhou Q. G. , Cheng Y. X. , Geng Y. H. , Wang L. X. , Ma D. G. , Jing X. B. , Wang F. S.
Published: March 2006

New single‐polymer electroluminescent systems containing two individual emission species—polyfluorenes as a blue host and 2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole derivative units as an orange dopant on the main chain—have been designed and synthesized. The resulting single polymers are found to have highly efficient white electroluminescence with simultaneous blue (λmax = 421 nm/445 nm) and orange emission (λmax = 564 nm) from the corresponding emitting species. The influence of the photoluminescence (PL) efficiencies of both the blue and orange species on the electroluminescence (EL) efficiencies of white polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs) based on the single‐polymer systems has been investigated. The introduction of the highly efficient 4,7‐bis(4‐(N‐phenyl‐N‐(4‐methylphenyl)amino)phenyl)‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole unit to the main chain of polyfluorene provides significant improvement in EL efficiency. For a single‐layer device fabricated in air (indium tin oxide/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonic acid/polymer/Ca/Al), pure‐white electroluminescence with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.35,0.32), maximum brightness of 12 300 cd m–2, luminance efficiency of 7.30 cd A–1, and power efficiency of 3.34 lm W–1 can be obtained. This device is approximately two times more efficient than that utilizing a single polyfluorene containing 1,8‐naphthalimide moieties, and shows remarkable improvement over the corresponding blend systems in terms of efficiency and color stability. Thermal treatment of the single‐layer device before cathode deposition leads to the further improvement of the device performance, with CIE coordinates of (0.35,0.34), turn‐on voltage of 3.5 V, luminance efficiency of 8.99 cd A–1, power efficiency of 5.75 lm W–1, external quantum efficiency of 3.8 %, and maximum brightness of 12 680 cd m–2. This performance is roughly comparable to that of white organic light‐emitting diodes (WOLEDs) with multilayer device structures and complicated fabrication processes.
Regulation of tack development of acrylate films by the properties of the support
Authors: Fike Gregory M. , Banerjee Sujit
Published: March 2006

Drying an acrylate formulation on carbon and stainless steel coupons leads to films with dramatic differences in tack. The tack of the film deposited on stainless steel is high, as expected, but that of the film on carbon steel is much lower. This difference arises from changes in the polar component of the surface energy. Atomic force microscopy showed that the carbon steel‐based film had a rougher surface, and that the components separated into the valleys in the surface, thereby reducing the overall tack. The origin of the phenomenon lies in the nonuniformity of carbon steel. Local differences in heat transfer from the metal to the adjoining liquid layer gives rise to temperature differences at the surface of the film as it dries. This induces Marangoni flow, which leads to inhomogeneities in the composition and topology of the surface. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
On the breakup of fluid particles in turbulent flows
Authors: Andersson Ronnie , Andersson Bengt
Published: March 2006

Dynamics of bubble and drop breakup in turbulent flows have been studied in detail, using a high‐speed CCD camera. Analysis of breakup times, deformations, deformation velocities, number of fragments, and the resulting daughter size distributions show that there are several important differences in the breakup mechanism of bubbles and drops. It is shown that the increase in interfacial energy prior to breakup exceeds the increase after breakup. The use of an activation barrier that better describes the turbulent structures that can interact with fluid particles and also cause breakup is proposed. Measurements under identical hydrodynamic conditions reveal that an internal flow redistribution mechanism is responsible for generation of unequal‐sized bubble fragments. Due to the three orders of magnitude higher density of liquids than of gases, this mechanism does not occur for drops. The measurements also show that assumption of binary breakup is reasonable for bubbles but not for drops. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Movement‐related cortical potentials in primary lateral sclerosis
Authors: Bai Ou , Vorbach Sherry , Hallett Mark , Floeter Mary Kay
Published: March 2006

Objective

Some patients with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) have a clinical course suggestive of a length‐dependent dying‐back of corticospinal axons. We measured movement‐related cortical potentials (MRCPs) in these patients to determine whether cortical functions that are generated through short, intracortical connections were preserved when functions conducted by longer corticospinal projections were impaired.

Methods

An electroencephalogram was recorded from scalp electrodes of 10 PLS patients and 7 age‐matched healthy control subjects as they made individual finger‐tap movements on a keypad. MRCPs were derived from back‐averaging the electroencephalogram to the movement.

Results

MRCPs produced by finger taps were markedly reduced in PLS patients, including components generated by premotor areas of the cortex as well as the primary motor cortex. In contrast, the β‐band event‐related desynchronization from the motor cortex was preserved.

Interpretation

These findings suggest that impairment in PLS is not limited to the distal axons of corticospinal neurons, but also affects neurons within the primary motor cortex and premotor cortical areas. The loss of the MRCP may serve as a useful marker of upper motor neuron dysfunction. Preservation of event‐related desynchronization suggests that the cells of origin differ from the large pyramidal cells that generate the MRCP. Ann Neurol 2006;59:682–690
Microphthalmia and brain atrophy: A novel neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Kanavin Øivind J. , Haakonsen Monika , Server Andrès , Bajwa Tariq J. , van der Knaap Marjo S. , Strømme Petter
Published: March 2006

Objective

To delineate the features of a novel neurodegenerative disease.

Methods

We report three children of three related families with congenital microphthalmia and blindness, and progressive spasticity, microcephaly, seizures, and profound mental retardation.

Results

A magnetic resonance imaging scan was normal at birth. However, follow‐up studies showed progressive atrophy involving the cerebral white matter and cortex, cerebellum, brainstem, and corpus callosum. The white matter changes extended into the subcortical region leaving only small islands of remaining cortical tissue. Known metabolic conditions involving white matter degeneration were excluded.

Interpretation

We propose this to be a novel autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder to be coined MOBA (microphthalmia brain atrophy) disease. Ann Neurol 2006;59:719–723
Magnetic resonance imaging as a surrogate outcome measure of disability in multiple sclerosis: Have we been overly harsh in our assessment?
Authors: Goodin Douglas S.
Published: March 2006

Objective

The validity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a surrogate outcome measure in multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trials has been greeted skeptically both by the US Food and Drug Administration and by clinical researchers because the correlation between current MRI measures and clinical disability, although significant, has generally been low. Thus, the reported correlations have varied between ρ = 0.09 and ρ = 0.60, and have often been at the lower end of this range. Nevertheless, it still appears possible that this apparently poor correlation is due not to any deficiency either with our current MRI measures or with our disability scale, but rather to the intrinsic variability in the clinical expression of MS plaques in different anatomical locations.

Methods

This article explores this possibility through the development of a general mathematical model for the relation between MRI changes and clinical disability in patients with MS.

Results

Under the conditions of this general model, the maximum expected correlation between clinical disability and MRI will typically be quite low (eg, ρ = 0.2–0.3), even when it is assumed that the MRI changes are the sole determinant of disability and, furthermore, that the scale used to measure disability is ideal.

Interpretation

These observations, together with the significant relations already reported between MRI and disability (with observed correlations in the range of 0.2–0.6), actually suggest that our available clinical and MRI measures are considerably better than is currently believed and, in fact, that the MRI may be a valid surrogate marker in the assessment of treatment efficacy in MS. Ann Neurol 2006;59:597–605
Titelbild: Enantioselektive Katalyse und Analyse auf einem Mikrochip (Angew. Chem. 15/2006)
Authors: Belder Detlev , Ludwig Martin , Wang Li‐Wen , Reetz Manfred T.
Published: March 2006

Synthese und Analyse auf einem Chip werden durch ein Mikrofluidik‐System ermöglicht (zum Größenvergleich ist eine 2‐Euro‐Münze gezeigt). Dieser Chip wurde zum Testen enantioselektiver Biokatalysatoren aus der gerichteten Evolution eingesetzt. Als Modellsystem fungierte dabei die hydrolytische kinetische Racematspaltung von Glycidylphenylether mit Epoxidhydrolase‐Mutanten. Die integrierte elektrophoretische Auftrennung der chiralen Produkte nach On‐Chip‐Katalyse gelang in 80 s. Dies schildern D. Belder, M. T. Reetz et al. in der Zuschrift auf S. 2523 ff.
Synthetic Multivalent Ligands as Probes of Signal Transduction
Authors: Kiessling Laura L. , Gestwicki Jason E. , Strong Laura E.
Published: March 2006

Cell‐surface receptors acquire information from the extracellular environment and coordinate intracellular responses. Many receptors do not operate as individual entities, but rather as part of dimeric or oligomeric complexes. Coupling the functions of multiple receptors may endow signaling pathways with the sensitivity and malleability required to govern cellular responses. Moreover, multireceptor signaling complexes may provide a means of spatially segregating otherwise degenerate signaling cascades. Understanding the mechanisms, extent, and consequences of receptor co‐localization and interreceptor communication is critical; chemical synthesis can provide compounds to address the role of receptor assembly in signal transduction. Multivalent ligands can be generated that possess a variety of sizes, shapes, valencies, orientations, and densities of binding elements. This Review focuses on the use of synthetic multivalent ligands to characterize receptor function.
Cover Picture: Enantioselective Catalysis and Analysis on a Chip (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 15/2006)
Authors: Belder Detlev , Ludwig Martin , Wang Li‐Wen , Reetz Manfred T.
Published: March 2006

Synthesis and analysis on a chip are possible with the microfluidic system shown (a two‐Euro coin is shown for scale). D. Belder, M. T. Reetz et al. show in their Communication on page 2463 ff. how this chip is used to test enantioselective biocatalysts created by directed evolution. The model system used is the hydrolitic kinetic resolution of chiral glycidyl phenyl ether with different epoxide hydrolase mutants. Aided by integrated electrophoreses, chiral separation of the products is possible within 80 s.
Cues they use: clinicians' endorsement of risk cues in predictions of dangerousness
Authors: Odeh Michael S. , Zeiss Robert A. , Huss Matthew T.
Published: March 2006

Clinical predictions of violence are a necessary part of clinical practice despite extensive literature validating the use of actuarial rather than clinical prediction. The current study examined clinicians' use of risk cues in predictions of violence. Clinicians identified several risk cues as significant in clinical assessments of risk, including a history of assaults, hostility, medication noncompliance, paranoid delusions, presence of psychosis, and family problems. However, further results indicated that clinician‐endorsed risk cues lack predictive power in the present sample. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of selected Rorschach variables of violent female offenders and female non‐offenders
Authors: Weizmann‐Henelius Ghitta , Ilonen Tuula , Viemerö Vappu , Eronen Markku
Published: March 2006

A national sample of incarcerated violent female offenders (N = 45) and a sample of female non‐offenders (N = 30) were compared on nine selected Rorschach CS (Exner, 2003) variables and three of the aggression variables of Gacono and Meloy (1994). The results indicate that an avoidant and inconsistent coping style was more characteristic of the offenders than the non‐offenders. The offenders were characterized by social immaturity and limited capacities to cope with stress as compared with the non‐offenders. No significant differences were found between the two groups in handling intense emotions. Although the aggressive scores revealed no discrimination between the groups, significant correlations were found between the aggressive content score and childhood victimization. An inverse relation was found between the aggressive past score and the emotional intensity of the violent offense. The study indicates that the selected RCS variables related to adaptive resources for coping discriminate between violent offenders and non‐offenders, but that the variables related to affective features need further examination. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the “evolving standards of decency:” perceptions of capital punishment for juveniles
Authors: Kalbeitzer Rachel , Sevin Goldstein Naomi E.
Published: March 2006

This study examines whether public opinion parallels recent judicial and statutory changes limiting the applicability of capital sentences to offenders younger than 18 years old. Two hundred and thirty‐five undergraduate students were administered a vignette of a capital case and asked to render a sentence of death or life in prison without parole. Results revealed that age of the defendant was not a significant predictor of sentence type; participants sentenced 16‐ and 17‐year‐old defendants similarly to 18‐ and 25‐year‐old defendants. Therefore, public opinion appears inconsistent with legal and legislative changes to abandon the practice of executing juveniles. Findings also suggested that perceived level of the defendant's responsibility and general opinion about capital sentences significantly predicted sentence type; perceptions of greater responsibility were associated with an increased likelihood of a death sentence. However, participants did not perceive differences in responsibility between juvenile and adult defendants. In addition, participants were more comfortable sentencing defendants to death compared with life in prison. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Opinion formation in evaluating the adjudicative competence and restorability of criminal defendants: a review of 8,000 evaluations
Authors: Warren Janet I. , Murrie Daniel C. , Stejskal William , Colwell Lori H. , Morris James , Chauhan Preeti , Dietz Park
Published: March 2006

Evaluations of competence to stand trial (CST) are the most common type of criminal forensic evaluation conducted, and courts tend to defer to clinician opinions regarding a defendant's competence. Thus, it is important to study the ways in which clinicians arrive at opinions regarding adjudicative competence and the data they consider in forming their opinions. We reviewed 8,416 evaluations conducted by forensic evaluators in Virginia over a 12 year period, and examined (a) the clinical, demographic, and criminal characteristics of a defendant as related to opinions regarding competence, predicted restorability, and impairment on “prongs” of the Dusky standard, (b) process and outcome differences in evaluations conducted by psychiatrists versus psychologists and inpatient versus outpatient evaluators, and (c) the consistency of incompetence base rates over a 10 year period. Overall, clinicians opined that 19% of defendants were incompetent and considered 23% of these unlikely to be restored to competence. Not surprisingly, psychotic and organic/intellectual disorders were most strongly associated with findings of incompetence. However, there were some notable differences between evaluations by psychologists versus psychiatrists and between evaluations conducted in inpatient versus outpatient settings. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biomedical image visualization research using the Visible Human Datasets
Authors: Robb Richard A. , Hanson Dennis P.
Published: March 2006

The practice of medicine and conduct of research in major segments of the biologic sciences have always relied on visualizations to study the relationship of anatomic structure to biologic function. Traditionally, these visualizations have either been direct, via vivisection and postmortem examination, or have required extensive mental reconstruction. The revolutionary capabilities of 3‐D and 4‐D medical imaging modalities, together with computer reconstruction and rendering of multidimensional medical and histological volume image data, obviate the need for physical dissection or abstract assembly. The availability of the Visible Human Datasets from the National Library of Medicine, coupled with the development of advanced computer algorithms to accurately and rapidly process, segment, register, measure, and display high resolution 3‐D images, has provided a rich opportunity to help advance these important new imaging, visualization, and analysis methodologies from scientific theory to clinical practice. Clin. Anat. 19:240–253, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of Novel 3‐(Alkylcarbamoyl)‐2‐aryl‐1,2‐dihydro‐6,7‐(methylenedioxy)‐3H‐quinazolin‐4‐ones as Anticonvulsant Agents
Authors: Micale Nicola , Postorino Giovanna , Grasso Silvana , Zappalà Maria , Zuccalà Giuseppe , Ferreri Guido , De Sarro Giovambattista
Published: March 2006

A series of 3‐(alkylcarbamoyl)‐2‐aryl‐1,2‐dihydro‐6,7‐(methylenedioxy)‐3H‐quinazolin‐4‐ones, compounds 3–6, were synthesized, and screened as anticonvulsant agents in DBA/2 mice against sound‐induced seizure (Table). The new compounds were found to display anticonvulsant properties inferior to those of the known dehydro congeners 1 and 2. The binding affinities of 1–6 at the AMPA and NMDA receptors were also evaluated.
Kinetics of Heterogeneous Deacetylation of β‐Chitin
Authors: Jiang C. J. , Xu M. Q.
Published: March 2006

β‐Chitin was extracted from squid pens and its heterogeneous alkaline deacetylation was performed under various conditions. The kinetics of the first, second and third deacetylation reaction of β‐chitin was investigated under conditions minimizing bulk mass transfer. It was found that the effects of temperature and reaction time on the first, second and third deacetylation of β‐chitin were similar. A shrinking core model of a sphere with surface reaction is proposed to describe the deacetylation reaction of β‐chitin. The experimental data fit the theoretical model very well. The controlling step of the reaction changes from the chemical reaction to diffusion through an ash layer with increase in temperature and time of deacetylation. The phenomenon of stagnation is mainly caused by the structure of β‐chitin.
Rapid and Effective Adsorption of Lead Ions on Fine Poly(phenylenediamine) Microparticles
Authors: Huang Mei‐Rong , Peng Qian‐Yun , Li Xin‐Gui
Published: March 2006

Fine microparticles of poly(p‐phenylenediamine) (PpPD) and poly(m‐phenylenediamine) (PmPD) were directly synthesized by a facile oxidative precipitation polymerization and their strong ability to adsorb lead ions from aqueous solution was examined. It was found that the degree of adsorption of the lead ions depends on the pH, concentration, and temperature of the lead ion solution, as well as the contact time and microparticle dose. The adsorption data fit the Langmuir isotherm and the process obeyed pseudo‐second‐order kinetics. According to the Langmuir equation, the maximum adsorption capacities of lead ions onto PpPD and PmPD microparticles at 30 °C are 253.2 and 242.7 mg g−1, respectively. The highest adsorptivity of lead ions is up to 99.8 %. The adsorption is very rapid with a loading half‐time of only 2 min as well as initial adsorption rates of 95.24 and 83.06 mg g−1 min−1 on PpPD and PmPD particles, respectively. A series of batch experiment results showed that the PpPD microparticles possess an even stronger capability to adsorb lead ions than the PmPD microparticles, but the PmPD microparticles, with a more‐quinoid‐like structure, show a stronger dependence of lead‐ion adsorption on the pH and temperature of the lead‐ion solution. A possible adsorption mechanism through complexation between Pb2+ ions and N groups on the macromolecular chains has been proposed. The powerful lead‐ion adsorption on the microparticles makes them promising adsorbents for wastewater cleanup.
The Mechanism of the Hydroalkoxycarbonylation of Ethene and Alkene–CO Copolymerization Catalyzed by PdII–Diphosphine Cations
Authors: Liu Jianke , Heaton Brian T. , Iggo Jonathan A. , Whyman Robin , Bickley Jamie F. , Steiner Alexander
Published: March 2006

All the intermediates in the “carboalkoxy” pathway, and their interconversions giving complete catalytic cycles, for palladium–diphosphine‐catalyzed hydroalkoxycarbonylation of alkenes, and for alkene–CO copolymerization, have been demonstrated using 31P{1H} and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy. The propagation and termination steps of the “hydride” cycles and the crossover between the hydride and carboalkoxy cycles have also been demonstrated, providing the first examples of both cycles, and of chain crossover, being delineated for the same catalyst. Comparison of the propagation and termination steps in the pathways affords new insight into the selectivity‐determining steps. Thus, reaction of [Pd(dibpp)(CH3CN)2](OTf)2 (dibpp = 1,3‐(iBu2P)2C3H6) with Et3N and CH3OH affords [Pd(dibpp)(OCH3)(CH3CN)]OTf, which, on exposure to CO, gives [Pd(dibpp){C(O)OCH3}(CH3CN)]OTf immediately. Labeling studies show the reaction to be readily reversible. However, the back reaction is strongly inhibited by PPh3, indicating an insertion/deinsertion pathway. Ethene reacts with [Pd(dibpp){C(O)OCH3}(CH3CN)]OTf at 243 K to give [Pd(dibpp){CH2CH2C(O)OCH3}]OTf, that is, there is no intrinsic barrier to alkene insertion into the PdC(O)OMe bond, as had been proposed. Instead, termination is proposed to be selectivity determining. Methanolysis of the acyl intermediate [Pd(dibpp){C(O)CH3}L]X (L = CO, CH3OH; X = CF3SO3− (OTf−), CH3C6H4SO3− (OTs−)) is required in the hydride cycle to give an ester and occurs at 243 K on the timescale of minutes, whereas methanolysis of the β chelate, required to give an ester from the carbomethoxy cycle, is slow on a timescale of days, at 298 K. These results suggest that slow methanolysis of the β chelate, rather than slow insertion of an alkene into the Pdcarboalkoxy bond, as had previously been proposed, is responsible for the dominance of the hydride mechanism in hydroalkoxycarbonylation.
α‐Carbonyl Substituent Effect on the Lifetimes of Triplet 1,4‐Biradicals from Norrish‐Type‐II Reactions
Authors: Cai Xichen , Cygon Peter , Goldfuss Bernd , Griesbeck Axel G. , Heckroth Heike , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Majima Tetsuro
Published: March 2006

Triplet 1,4‐biradicals were generated by Norrish‐Type‐II hydrogen transfer from α‐heteroatom‐substituted β‐branched butyrophenones 1–6 and detected by laser flash absorption measurements. For three oxy‐substituted compounds 2–4 (Rα=OH, OCOMe, OCOOEt) comparable lifetimes were determined in acetonitrile (roughly 1.5 μs). In benzene, divergent trends were observed: for the hydroxy compound 2 a lower lifetime of 790 ns was determined, whereas for 3 and 4 the lifetimes increased to 4.9 μs. Photolyses of the α‐amino‐substituted compounds 1 and 6 resulted in transient species with significant lower lifetimes (for 1 160 ns in benzene and 450 ns in acetonitrile; for 6 <100 ns in both solvents). The mesyloxy substrate 5 undergoes rapid CO bond cleavage upon photolysis and no transient triplet species were detected. Computational (UB3 LYP/6–31G* and natural don orbital (NBO) analyses) results supported the assumption of a negative hyperconjugative interaction strongly stabilizing α‐oxy‐substituted over α‐amino‐substituted radicals.
Structural Development of Free or Coordinated 4′‐(4‐Pyridyl)‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine Ligands through N‐Alkylation: New Strategies for Metallamacrocycle Formation
Authors: Constable Edwin C. , Dunphy Emma L. , Housecroft Catherine E. , Kylberg William , Neuburger Markus , Schaffner Silvia , Schofield Emma R. , Smith Christopher B.
Published: March 2006

A series of N‐alkylated derivatives of [Ru(pytpy)2]2+ (pytpy=4′‐(4‐pyridyl)‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine) has been synthesised and characterised. These include both model and functionalised complexes that complement previously reported iron(II) analogues. Reaction of [Ru(pytpy)2]2+ with bis[4‐(bromomethyl)phenyl]methane leads to the formation of a [2+2] ruthenamacrocycle. Related ferramacrocycles could not be accessed by this route, and instead were prepared in two steps by first reacting bis[4‐(bromomethyl)phenyl]methane or 4,4′‐bis(bromomethyl)biphenyl with two equivalents of pytpy, and then treating the resulting bis(N‐alkylated) product with iron(II) salts.
An Extremely Stable Host–Guest Complex That Functions as a Fluorescence Probe for Calcium Ions
Authors: Lin Chi‐Feng , Liu Yi‐Hung , Lai Chien‐Chen , Peng Shie‐Ming , Chiu Sheng‐Hsien
Published: March 2006

Herein, we report a crown ether based molecular cage that forms extremely stable supramolecular complexes with dimethyldiazapyrenium (DMDAP) ions in CD3CN through the collaboration of multiple weak CH⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonds. The very strong binding affinity in this host–guest system allows the molecular cage to bleach the fluorescence signal of DMDAP substantially in equimolar solutions at concentrations as low as 1×10−5 M. Remarkably, a 1×10−5 M equimolar solution of the molecular cage and DMDAP is highly selective toward Ca2+ ions—relative to other biologically important Li+, Na+, K+, and Mg2+ ions—and causes a substantial increase in the fluorescence intensity of the solution. As a result, this molecular cage/DMDAP complex behaves as a supramolecular fluorescence probe for the detection of Ca2+ ions in solution.
Combination therapy of intraarterial 5‐fluorouracil and systemic interferon‐alpha for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal venous invasion
Authors: Obi Shuntaro , Yoshida Haruhiko , Toune Risa , Unuma Tadao , Kanda Miho , Sato Shinpei , Tateishi Ryosuke , Teratani Takuma , Shiina Shuichiro , Omata Masao
Published: March 2006

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal venous invasion (PVI) has a very poor prognosis, with a median survival of 3 months and virtually no survival at 1 year. The combination of intraarterial 5‐fluorouracil (FU) and systemic interferon‐α (IFNα) was recently reported to be effective against HCC with PVI, but these were small pilot studies.

METHODS

One hundred and sixteen patients with HCC with PVI received IFNα (5,000,000 U intramuscularly on Days 1, 3, and 5 of each week of treatment) and 5‐FU (500 mg into hepatic artery on Days 1‐5 of the first and second week of each 4‐week cycle). The therapy was either terminated at the end of the first cycle in cases with progressive disease, or continued for at least 3 cycles, when responses to treatment were evaluated by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group criteria. The survival rate was compared with that of historical controls (n = 40).

RESULTS

Nineteen (16%) patients showed complete response and another 42 (36%) showed partial response. Adverse events were limited to nausea and appetite loss. The survival rates at 12 and 24 months among overall patients were 34% and 18%, respectively, in contrast to 15% and 5% among the historical controls. Survival rates at 12 and 24 months were 81% and 59% among complete responders, respectively, and 43% and 18% among partial responders.

CONCLUSION

The combination therapy with 5‐FU and IFN was safe, and substantially improved the survival rate among the complete responders. These results provide a rationale for future randomized controlled trials. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Multicenter Phase II trial of high‐dose imatinib mesylate in metastatic melanoma
Authors: Wyman Ken , Atkins Michael B. , Prieto Victor , Eton Omar , McDermott David F. , Hubbard Francie , Byrnes Christine , Sanders Kathleen , Sosman Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2006

BACKGROUND

Systemic treatment of metastatic melanoma is largely ineffective and alternative approaches are needed. Imatinib mesylate is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets bcr‐Abl, c‐kit, platelet‐derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)‐α, and PDGFR‐β, leading to remarkable clinical responses in several cancers. Signal transduction via c‐kit, PDGFR‐α, and PDGFR‐β has been demonstrated in malignant melanoma.

METHODS

The primary objective of this Phase II study was to determine the response rate, response duration, and the frequency of 6‐month progression‐free survival in patients who could receive up to 2 prior therapeutic regimens. Initially, patients received imatinib at at dose of 400 mg twice orally each day. Based on Simon's optimal design, the study allowed entry of 21 patients; if there were ≥ 2 objective responses, accrual would then continue to a total of 41 patients.

RESULTS

Twenty‐six patients were enrolled. Patients experienced 29 episodes of Grade 3 and 2 episodes of Grade 4 toxicity (according to National Cancer Institute common toxicity criteria). No objective clinical responses were noted among the 25 evaluable patients. The median time to progression was 54 days and the median overall survival was 200 days. No patient was free of disease progression at 6 months. Paraffin‐embedded tumor specimens from 15 patients were tested for expression of imatinib responsive kinases by immunohistochemistry. Three tumors had moderate and 5 tumors had weak staining for c‐kit. Five tumor samples had weak staining for PDGFR‐α and ‐β.

CONCLUSIONS

Imatinib is an inactive single agent in metastatic melanoma in a population of predominately pretreated patients. The levels of c‐kit and/or PDGFR‐α, ‐β expression in the current study were lower than previously reported. Alternative treatment strategies remain a priority for patients with advanced melanoma. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.