bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of color gamuts among several types of paper with the same printing technology
Authors: Perales Esther , Martínez‐Verdú Francisco M. , Viqueira Valentín , Fernández‐Reche Jesús , Díaz José A. , Uroz Joan
Published: June 2009

In this work, we have studied the relationship among the colorimetric properties of different types of paper, having different finishing and grammage. Their color reproduction capability has also been analyzed by using the same printing technology (inkjet printing). On the one hand, we have plotted CIELAB data under the illuminant D50 into constant lightness and hue‐angle planes to be compared with MacAdam limits and with Pointer's real‐world surface color. On the other hand, we have calculated the volume gamut of the color solid associated to each color paper gamut. Analyzing the results, we have checked that there is not any clear relationship among the colorimetric properties of paper (for instance, CIE whiteness index, etc.) and the color gamut volume associated. However, the colorimetric parameters associated to the printed sample showed a quite good linear correlation between the minimum lightness (or the maximum blackness value) of the printed color chart and the color gamut volume. In particular, the greatest color gamut volume corresponds to the glossy papers taking into account this correlation for inkjet printing. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 34, 330–336, 2009
Optimization of LED‐based light blendings for object presentation
Authors: Boissard Sophie , Fontoynont Marc
Published: June 2009

This study looks at the perceived quality of light‐emitting diode (LED)‐based lighting of various colors. The objective was to find out whether LEDs could provide better (i.e., more relevant and acceptable) lighting than that which is obtained with standard halogen or fluorescent sources. The perception of objects was assessed under different lighting schemes. Subjects were invited to add red, cyan and/or amber to white LED‐based light to match the halogen and fluorescence rendering on specific targets: a color chart and a painting. They were also asked to rate the difference between the two, and to express their preference.

The results obtained for the perception of LED‐based lighting were quite positive. Color blendings of LED light were found to provide illuminated situations similar to halogens or fluorescent sources. These blendings were well accepted, and indeed often preferred, although the color rendering index (CRI) was always low. This indicates that the CRI as it stands is inadequate to characterize the color rendering of solid‐state light sources, and needs to be updated.

LED‐based lighting systems seem to have considerable potential for use in shops and display units, where they may well outperform existing lighting systems. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 34, 310–320, 2009
On the systematic synthesis of CCII‐based floating simulators
Authors: Saad Ramy A. , Soliman Ahmed M.
Published: June 2009

This paper is adopting a new approach in the systematic synthesis of CCII‐based floating simulators. The synthesis procedure is based on the generalized systematic synthesis framework for active circuits using admittance matrix expansion. The resulting derived floating simulators include circuits that have been reported earlier in the literature in addition to novel floating simulators using various types of CCII. The synthesized floating simulators can be used to realize floating coils, FDNRs, and resistance and capacitance multipliers; according to the types of passive elements employed in the design. The potentials and drawbacks of every one of the synthesized circuits vary according to the design tradeoffs including complexity, number of active devices, number and values of grounded and floating passive elements, matching requirements, and tunability. SPICE simulations are presented to verify the performance of the new circuits obtained by systematic synthesis and hence demonstrate the potentials of the generalized synthesis framework in producing novel circuits with high performance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth and differentiation of the retina and the optic tectum in the medaka fish requires olSfrp5
Authors: Ruiz Jose Maria , Rodríguez Josana , Bovolenta Paola
Published: June 2009

Secreted Frizzled‐Related Proteins (SFRPs) are extracellular modulators of Wnt and Bmp signaling. Previous studies in birds and fishes have shown that Sfrp1, a member of this family, is strongly expressed throughout the development of the eye contributing to the specification of the eye field, retina neurogenesis and providing guidance information to retina ganglion cell axons. Here, we report that in medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) the expression of olSfrp5, which is closely related to olSfrp1, largely overlaps with that of olSfrp1 in the eye, but is additionally expressed in the developing midbrain and gut primordium. Morpholino‐based interference with olSfrp5 expression causes microphthalmia and reduction of the tectum size associated with an increase in apoptotic cell death in these structures. Furthermore, interference with the levels of olSfrp5 expression impairs the patterning of the ventral portion of the optic cup, leading in some cases to a fissure coloboma. These early defects are followed by an abnormal retinal and tectal neurogenesis. In particular, only reduced numbers of photoreceptor and RGC were generated in olSfrp5 morphants retinas. The results point to an important role of olSfrp5 in visual system formation and indicate that olSfrp1 and olSfrp5, despite their overlapping expression, have only partially redundant function during eye development. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 2009
Summary of ‘Household interventions for prevention of domestic lead exposure in children’, including tables of key findings and quality of included trials
Authors: Yeoh Berlinda , Woolfenden Susan , Wheeler Danielle M. , Alperstein Garth , Lanphear Bruce , Kremer L.C.M. , van Dalen E.C.
Published: June 2009

This is a summary, including tables of key findings and quality of included trials, of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Yeoh B, Woolfenden S, Wheeler DM, Alperstein G, Lanphear B. Household interventions for prevention of domestic lead exposure in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD006047. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006047.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Commentary. Copyright © 2009 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentary on ‘Household interventions for prevention of domestic lead exposure in children’, with a response from the review authors
Authors: Petticrew Mark , Yeoh Berlinda , Woolfenden Susan , Wheeler Danielle M , Alperstein Garth , Lanphear Bruce
Published: June 2009

This is a commentary on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Yeoh B, Woolfenden S, Wheeler DM, Alperstein G, Lanphear B. Household interventions for prevention of domestic lead exposure in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD006047. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006047.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2009 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentary on ‘Parenting interventions for the prevention of unintentional injuries in childhood’
Authors: Cusimano Michael D.
Published: June 2009

This is a commentary on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Kendrick D, Barlow J, Hampshire A, Polnay L, Stewart‐Brown S. Parenting interventions for the prevention of unintentional injuries in childhood. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD006020. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006020.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Summary article. Copyright © 2009 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
A novel mutation of the LDL receptor gene leading to familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Su Pengyu , Wang Luya , Lin Jie , Liu Shu , Xia Junhui , Xu Yingjie , Yong Qiang , Yang Ya , Pan Xiaodong , Du Lanping , Qin Yanwen , Wu Zhaosu
Published: June 2009

In China, about 1 million people are expected to suffer from familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), with a similar prevalence of FH to that in Caucasian populations. The mutations underlying FH in China are largely unknown because only a few studies have been conducted. In the present study, DNA sequencing analysis was used to scan the low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and ApoB100 genes in a Chinese family with clinically diagnosed FH. The results showed that the proband had abnormal patterns at nucleotide 517 of exon 4 due to a C/T heterozygosity, and at 1757 of exon 12 due to an A/C heterozygosity in the LDLR gene. Two mutations, C152R and S565X, were identified in the LDLR protein of the proband. DNA analysis of other family members showed that the two mutations should be located in different alleles of the proband. By flow cytometry analysis, the p.S565X mutant receptor displays reduced binding and internalization activity (16 and 19%, respectively) compared with the wild‐type receptor. The proband is a compound heterozygote due to the C152R and S565X mutations, which are the possible molecular mechanisms of the etiology of FH in this family.
An Electrochemical Method for Sensitive Determination of Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Wang Ying , Calas‐Blanchard Carole , Cortina‐Puig Montserrat , Baohong Liu , Marty Jean‐Louis
Published: June 2009

A simple and sensitive electrochemical method for the determination of antioxidant capacity has been studied. 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid (4‐HBA) was used as a trapping agent for photogenerated .OH radicals, leading to 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4‐DHBA). Square‐wave voltammetry was used to quantify the amount of 3,4‐DHBA formed from the reaction between 4‐HBA and .OH. Addition of antioxidants induced the competition between 4‐HBA and antioxidants toward .OH elimination, resulting in a decrease of the measured current. The IC50 for different standard antioxidants was calculated and expressed in Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). The proposed method was successfully compared to a fluorimetric one.
High Selective Parathion Voltammetric Sensor Development by Using an Acrylic Based Molecularly Imprinted Polymer‐Carbon Paste Electrode
Authors: Alizadeh Taher
Published: June 2009

The design and construction of an extra high selective voltammetric sensor for parathion by using a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) as recognition element was introduced. A parathion selective MIP and a nonimprinted polymer (NIP) were synthesized and then incorporated in the carbon paste electrode. The MIP‐CP electrode showed very high recognition ability in comparison to NIP‐CP. It was shown that electrode washing after parathion extraction, led to enhanced selectivity. Some parameters affecting the sensor response were optimized and then the calibration curve was plotted. A dynamic linear range of 1.7–900 nM was obtained. The detection limit of the sensor was calculated as 0.5 nM. This sensor was used successfully for parathion determination in real samples such as ground water and vegetables.
Sensitive and Facile Determination of Catechol and Hydroquinone Simultaneously Under Coexistence of Resorcinol with a Zn/Al Layered Double Hydroxide Film Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Li Maoguo , Ni Fang , Wang Yinling , Xu Shudong , Zhang Dandan , Chen Shuihong , Wang Lun
Published: June 2009

A stable dihydroxybenzene sensor was fabricated by electrochemical deposition of Zn/Al layered double hydroxide film on glassy carbon electrode (LDHf/GCE). The sensitive and facile electrochemical method for the simultaneous determination of catechol (CA) and hydroquinone (HQ) under coexistence of resorcinol (RE) has been achieved at the LDHf/GCE in phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.5). Under the optimized conditions, the differential pulse voltammetry response of the modified electrode to CA (or HQ) shows a linear concentration range of 0.6 μM to 6.0 mM (or 3.2 μM to 2.4 mM) with a correlation coefficient of 0.9987 (or 0.9992) and the calculated limit of detection is 0.1 μM (or 1.0 μM) at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3. In the presence of 50 μM isomer, the linear concentration ranges for CA and HQ are 3.0 μM to 1.5 mM and 12.0 μM to 0.8 mM, respectively. The detection limits are 1.2 μM and 9.0 μM. Further, the proposed method has been performed to successfully detect dihydroxybenzene isomers in analysis of real samples, such as water and tea.
Electrochemical Behavior of 8‐Azaguanine at DNA Langmuir–Blodgett Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode and Its Analytical Application
Authors: Wang Fei , Wu Yan‐Ju , Gao Lin , Xing Tian‐Lai , Ye Bao‐Xian
Published: June 2009

A highly sensitive electrochemical biosensor for the detection of trace amounts of 8‐azaguanine has been designed. Double stranded (ds)DNA molecules are immobilized onto a glassy carbon electrode surface with Langmuir–Blodgett technique. The adsorptive voltammetric behaviors of 8‐azaguanine at DNA‐modified electrode were explored by means of cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry. Compared with bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE), the Langmuir–Blodgett film modified electrode can greatly improve the measuring sensitivity of 8‐azaguanine. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the Langmuir–Blodgett film modified electrode in pH 3.0 Britton–Robinson buffer solutions shows a linear voltammetric response in the range of 5.0×10−8to 1.0×10−5 mol L−1with detection limit 9.0×10−9 mol L−1. The method proposed was applied successfully for the determination of 8‐azaguanine in diluted human urine with wonderful satisfactory.
Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetric Determination of Nanomolar Concentration of Cerium(III) at a Carbon Paste Electrode Modified by N′‐[(2‐Hydroxyphenyl)Methylidene]‐2‐Furohydrazide
Authors: Javanbakht Mehran , Khoshsafar Hamid , Reza Ganjali Mohammad , Norouzi Parviz , Adib Mehdi
Published: June 2009

The aim of this work was to obtain an adsorptive stripping voltammetric method for the Ce(III) determination at a carbon paste electrode, chemically modified with N'‐[(2‐hydroxyphenyl)methylidene]‐2‐furohydrazide (NHMF). The electroanalytical procedure comprised two steps: the Ce(III) chemical accumulation at −200 mV followed by the electrochemical detection of the Ce(III)/NHMF complex, using anodic stripping voltammetry. The factors, influencing the adsorptive stripping performance, were optimized including the modifier quantity in the paste, the electrolyte concentrations, the solution pH and the accumulation potential or time. The resulting electrode demonstrated a linear response over a wide range of Ce(III) concentration (5.0–90 nmol dm−3). The detection limit was found to be 0.8 nmol dm−3 on the basis of a signal to noise ratio of 3. The precision for six determinations of 10 and 55 nmol dm−3 Ce(III) was 5.6% and 2.1% (relative standard deviation), respectively. Application of the procedure to the determination of cerium in phosphate rock and wastewater samples gave good results.
Reagentless Aptamer Based Impedance Biosensor for Monitoring Adenosine
Authors: Liu Zhimin , Li Zhejian , Shen Guoli , Yu Ruqin
Published: June 2009

A simple and highly sensitive electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) biosensor based on nano‐MnO2 as a platform for the immobilization of the aptamer was developed for the determination of adenosine. In the measurement of adenosine, the change in interfacial electron transfer resistance (Ret) of the biosensor using a redox couple of [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− as the probe was monitored. The change of the electron transfer resistance (ΔRet) of the biosensor was linear with the concentration of adenosine in the range from 1.0 nM to 100 nM. The fabricated sensor was shown to exhibit high sensitivity, desirable selectivity and good stability.
Transgenic peas expressing an α‐amylase inhibitor gene from beans show altered expression and modification of endogenous proteins
Authors: Islam Nazrul , Campbell Peter M. , Higgins Thomas J. V. , Hirano Hisashi , Akhurst Raymond J.
Published: June 2009

Differential in‐gel electrophoresis showed contrasting effects of the transgenic expression of an α‐amylase inhibitor from beans on the proteomes of two pea cultivars. One cultivar showed minor changes relative to its non‐transgenic parent with only one protein changing by more than about twofold. Changes in the abundance of certain endogenous proteins in the other cultivar were of greater number and magnitude with some endogenous proteins undetected while some new protein spots appeared in the transgenic proteome. The sets of proteins with altered expression were generally different between the two cultivars. Some of the proteins that were differentially expressed were identified by MS. Most were seed storage globulins, which are sited together with the transgenic product. Some of the changes may be due to alterations in expression levels but there were also changes due to post‐translational processing.
A new passive rolling‐pendulum vibration absorber using a non‐axial‐symmetrical guide to achieve bidirectional tuning
Authors: Matta Emiliano , De Stefano Alessandro , Spencer Billie F.
Published: June 2009

A new, passive, vibroprotective device of the rolling‐pendulum tuned mass damper type is presented that, relying on a proper three‐dimensional guiding surface, can simultaneously control the response of the supporting structure in two mutually orthogonal horizontal directions. Unlike existing examples of ball vibration absorbers, mounted on spherical recesses and effective for axial‐symmetrical structures, the new device is bidirectionally tuneable, by virtue of the optimum shape of the rolling cavity, to both fundamental structural modes, even when the corresponding natural frequencies are different, in such a case recurring to an innovative non‐axial‐symmetrical rolling guide.

Based on Appell's non‐holonomic mechanics, a non‐linear dynamic model is first derived for the bidirectional absorber mounted on a 1‐storey 3‐degrees‐of‐freedom linear structure translating under the effect of both imparted base motion and applied dynamic forces. A laboratory‐scaled prototype of the device is then tested to experimentally demonstrate the bidirectional tuning capability and to validate the mathematical model. The design procedure and the seismic performance of the absorber are finally exemplified through numerical simulation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using limiting factors analysis to overcome the problem of long time horizons
Authors: Gullison Raymond , Hardner Jared
Published: June 2009

In recent years, donors to biodiversity conservation projects have sought greater accountability, using professional evaluators to help assess the degree to which grantees are achieving conservation objectives. One of the most formidable challenges evaluators face is the time required both for ecological systems to respond to management interventions and over which grantees must maintain their biodiversity conservation gains. The authors present a simple methodology, called limiting factors analysis, which was developed during the course of evaluating several large portfolios of conservation projects. The method is a practical basis for rapidly assessing whether current conditions are likely to prevent grantees from achieving their long‐term objectives. Use of the methodology is illustrated with examples from recent evaluations of the Andes Amazon Initiative and the Columbia Basin Water Transactions Program. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Counterfactual thinking and impact evaluation in environmental policy
Authors: Ferraro Paul J.
Published: June 2009

Impact evaluations assess the degree to which changes in outcomes can be attributed to an intervention rather than to other factors. Such attribution requires knowing what outcomes would have looked like in the absence of the intervention. This counterfactual world can be inferred only indirectly through evaluation designs that control for confounding factors. Some have argued that environmental policy is different from other social policy fields, and thus attempting to establish causality through identification of counterfactual outcomes is quixotic. This chapter argues that elucidating causal relationships through counterfactual thinking and experimental or quasi‐experimental designs is absolutely critical in environmental policy, and that many opportunities for doing so exist. Without more widespread application of such approaches, little progress will be made on building the evidence base in environmental policy. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Key insights for the design of environmental evaluations
Authors: Mickwitz Per , Birnbaum Matthew
Published: June 2009

Improving the future quality of program and policy evaluation in the environmental arena requires addressing four issues that emerged on reading the earlier chapters in this special issue. Framing the evaluation requires careful consideration in choosing the focus, and specifying the context and potentially confounding factors. It means identifying the purpose of the evaluation and the stakeholders most important for inclusion. Addressing attribution requires recognizing the limits of establishing causality while maintaining counterfactual thinking. More effort is needed to increase the usefulness of evaluations. Multiple stakeholders come with their own perspectives; addressing this heterogeneity requires transparency and feedback during the design, implementation, and follow‐up to any evaluation study. Finally, improving the future quality of environmental evaluation will require continued deliberation and community building. Much of this is already underway, but the pluralism should still be promoted, and our community enlarged. Evaluators in the environmental field further should continue to be mindful of contributions coming from other subfields of evaluation and applied research beyond the environmental community. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Control of shared representations relies on key processes involved in mental state attribution
Authors: Spengler Stephanie , von Cramon D. Yves , Brass Marcel
Published: June 2009

Action observation leads to the automatic activation of the corresponding motor representation in the observer through “mirror‐matching.” This constitutes a “shared representational system,” which is thought to subserve social understanding by motor simulation. However, it is unclear how these shared representations can be controlled and distinguished. Brain imaging suggests that controlling shared representations, indexed by the ability to control automatic imitative responses, activates anterior fronto‐median cortex (aFMC), and temporo‐parietal junction (TPJ). Crucially, these regions are also consistently implicated in mental state attribution and have provided an alternative account for higher‐level social cognition. Here, we directly tested whether social‐cognitive processes involve similar key computational mechanisms as the control of shared representations by using functional brain imaging to reveal overlapping brain circuits. We show in a within‐subject design that commonly activated regions occurred selectively in aFMC and TPJ. Mentalizing and self‐referential thoughts recruited a region in aFMC, which was also activated when controlling imitation. In the TPJ, an area overlapped between mentalizing, agency processing, and imitative control. Behavioral and neural correlates of mentalizing were further related to the individual ability for controlling imitation. Our findings support the assumption of shared key processes and suggest a novel link between embodied and social cognition. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional segmentation of the brain cortex using high model order group PICA
Authors: Kiviniemi Vesa , Starck Tuomo , Remes Jukka , Long Xiangyu , Nikkinen Juha , Haapea Marianne , Veijola Juha , Moilanen Irma , Isohanni Matti , Zang Yu‐Feng , Tervonen Osmo
Published: June 2009

Baseline activity of resting state brain networks (RSN) in a resting subject has become one of the fastest growing research topics in neuroimaging. It has been shown that up to 12 RSNs can be differentiated using an independent component analysis (ICA) of the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) resting state data. In this study, we investigate how many RSN signal sources can be separated from the entire brain cortex using high dimension ICA analysis from a group dataset. Group data from 55 subjects was analyzed using temporal concatenation and a probabilistic independent component analysis algorithm. ICA repeatability testing verified that 60 of the 70 computed components were robustly detectable. Forty‐two independent signal sources were identifiable as RSN, and 28 were related to artifacts or other noninterest sources (non‐RSN). The depicted RSNs bore a closer match to functional neuroanatomy than the previously reported RSN components. The non‐RSN sources have significantly lower temporal intersource connectivity than the RSN (P < 0.0003). We conclude that the high model order ICA of the group BOLD data enables functional segmentation of the brain cortex. The method enables new approaches to causality and connectivity analysis with more specific anatomical details. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurocognitive processes of the religious leader in Christians
Authors: Ge Jianqiao , Gu Xiaosi , Ji Meng , Han Shihui
Published: June 2009

Our recent work suggests that trait judgment of the self in Christians, relative to nonreligious subjects, is characterized by weakened neural coding of stimulus self‐relatedness in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) but enhanced evaluative processes of self‐referential stimuli in the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC). The current study tested the hypothesis that Christian belief and practice produce a trait summary about the religious leader (Jesus) in the believers and thus episodic memory retrieval is involved to the minimum degree when making trait judgment of Jesus. Experiment 1 showed that to recall a specific incident to exemplify Jesus' trait facilitated behavioral performances associated with the following trait judgment of Jesus in nonreligious subjects but not in Christians. Experiment 2 showed that, for nonreligious subjects, trait judgments of both government and religious leaders resulted in enhanced functional connectivity between MPFC and posterior parietal cortex (PPC)/precuneus compared with self judgment. For Christian subjects, however, the functional connectivity between MPFC and PPC/precuneus differentiated between trait judgments of the government leader and the self but not between trait judgments of Jesus and the self. Our findings suggest that Christian belief and practice modulate the neurocognitive processes of the religious leader so that trait judgment of Jesus engages increased employment of semantic trait summary but decreased memory retrieval of behavioral episodes. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The rate of visuomotor adaptation correlates with cerebellar white‐matter microstructure
Authors: Della‐Maggiore Valeria , Scholz Jan , Johansen‐Berg Heidi , Paus Tomáš
Published: June 2009

Convergent experimental evidence points to the cerebellum as a key neural structure mediating adaptation to visual and proprioceptive perturbations. In a previous study, we have shown that activity in the anterior cerebellum varies with the rate of learning, with fast learners exhibiting more activity in this region than slow learners. Here, we investigated whether this variability in behavior may partly reflect inter‐individual differences in the structural properties of cerebellar white‐matter output tracts. For this purpose, we used diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging to estimate fractional anisotropy (FA), and correlated the FA with the rate of adaptation to an optical rotation in 11 subjects. We found that FA in a region consistent with the superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP), containing fibers connecting the cerebellar cortex with motor and premotor cortex, was positively correlated with the rate of adaptation but not with the general level of performance or the initial deviation. The same pattern was observed in a region of the lateral posterior cerebellum. In contrast, FA in the angular gyrus of the posterior parietal cortex correlated positively both with the rate of adaptation and the overall level of performance. Our results show that the rate of learning a visuomotor task is associated with FA of cerebellar pathways. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Facile route for the synthesis of benzothiazoles and benzimidazoles in the presence of tungstophosphoric acid impregnated zirconium phosphate under solvent‐free conditions
Authors: Aliyan Hamid , Fazaeli Razieh , Fazaeli Nahid , Mssah Ahmad Reza , Naghash Hamid Javaherian , Alizadeh Mohammad , Emami Ginous
Published: June 2009

Rapid and efficient condensation reactions of o‐phenylenediamine and o‐aminothiophenol with various aldehydes were carried out using tungstophosphoric acid impregnated zirconium phosphate in solvent‐free conditions to afford the corresponding 2‐substituted arylbenzimidazole and arylbenzothiazole derivatives in good to excellent yields. This procedure constitutes a simple and practical green synthetic method for 2‐arylbenzimidazoles and 2‐arylbenzothiazoles and their structural analogs. Furthermore, the catalyst can be reused for several times but it will be less active. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 20:202–207, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20534
A Seven-Gene Signature (Cirrhosis Risk Score) Predicts Liver Fibrosis Progression in Patients with Initially Mild Chronic Hepatitis C†
Authors: Marcolongo Moira , Young Bradford , Dal Pero Francesca , Fattovich Giovanna , Peraro Laura , Guido Maria , Sebastiani Giada , Palù Giorgio , Alberti Alfredo
Published: June 2009

Fibrosis progression is the main determinant of liver disease outcome in chronic hepatitis C, being influenced by environmental and host factors. Recently, a cirrhosis risk score (CRS) based on seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms was proposed as genetic predictor of cirrhosis in hepatitis C. To assess the role of CRS in predicting fibrosis progression in patients with initially no or minimal to moderate fibrosis, we investigated 271 untreated patients with chronic hepatitis C having initial liver biopsy showing METAVIR stage F0 (n = 104), F1 (n = 101), or F2 (n = 59) who had been followed up without antiviral therapies for at least 60 months (mean 108.5 ± 71.5 months) and had a liver biopsy at the end of this observation period. Of these, 24.4% showed no histologic progression, 75.6% progressed by at least one stage, 45.0% progressed by at least two stages, and 10.3% progressed by more than two stages. The mean CRS was significantly higher (

P

= 0.005) in patients with fibrosis progression compared with those without progression, and this difference was particularly evident (

P

= 0.002) with F0 on initial biopsy. Mean CRS scores were not associated with degree of fibrosis progression. The relative risk of fibrosis progression increased with increasing CRS values. This association was significant in males but not in females and was most evident in males with F0 at initial biopsy (odds ratio 16.5, 95% confidence interval 1.6–166;

P

= 0.02) in the presence of high CRS. Multivariate analysis confirmed the significant association of CRS score with fibrosis progression. The predictive value of CRS was confirmed in hepatitis C virus patients admitting significant alcohol intake.

Conclusion:

Host genetics defined by CRS predict fibrosis progression in males with initially mild chronic hepatitis C and may become a useful parameter for prognostic evaluation and treatment decision. (Hepatology 2009.)
A case of constitutional apples and oranges: a functional comparison of pension priority and benefit guarantees in U.S., U.K. and Canadian insolvency and pension law regimes
Authors: Davis Ronald B.
Published: June 2009

Canada's insolvency law reform increased the priority granted to employer‐sponsored pension claims. The article compares the treatment of such claims in the U.S., the U.K. and Canada. A comparison of the legislative provisions concerning pension funding shortfalls from contribution arrears or economic underperformance in relation to the assumptions used for investment income or liability valuations finds that insolvency law has been used to address contribution arrears, but risks from economic underperformance have been addressed by pension benefit insurance. Post‐insolvency priority for contribution arrears provides appropriate incentives to discourage pre‐insolvency preferences for payments to other creditors, while shortfalls from economic underperformance do not involve issues of preference between creditors. The absence of any insolvency rationale for changing priority for shortfalls from economic underperformance and the likely disparity between the assets available to satisfy clams and the much larger amounts of such shortfalls makes the use of insolvency law to address this risk much less effective than insurance. Canada, however, has not adopted the insurance policy instrument used in the U.S. and U.K. to mitigate the impact of pension funding shortfalls. The constitutional inability of Canada to legislate in respect of matters of pension regulation that would allow it to control the well‐known insurance problems of moral hazard and adverse selection may explain why it has only chosen to adopt an insolvency policy instrument. However, a change in priorities in insolvency may generate incentives for secured creditors that either undermine or reinforce this policy choice. Secured creditors could attempt to circumvent the new priority scheme through private arrangements with the debtor or to increase their monitoring activities to ensure the debtor is current in its pension contributions. Secured creditors choices will be influenced by the bankruptcy courts' interpretation of the preference provisions in the insolvency legislation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
μ‐Calpain regulates caspase‐dependent and apoptosis inducing factor‐mediated caspase‐independent apoptotic pathways in cisplatin‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Liu Lei , Xing Da , Chen Wei R.
Published: June 2009

Cisplatin, an effective anticancer agent, can induce tumor cell apoptosis via caspase‐dependent and‐independent pathways. However, the precise mechanism that regulates the pathways remains unclear. In this study, we showed that μ‐calpain mediated both caspase‐dependent and‐independent pathways during cisplatin‐induced apoptosis in human lung adenocarcinoma cells. After cisplatin treatment, calpain activation, as measured by a fluorescent substrate, was an early event, taking place well before apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) release and caspase‐9/‐3 activation. Confocal imaging of cells transfected with AIF‐GFP demonstrated that AIF release occurred about 9 hr after cisplatin treatment. The increase of μ‐calpain activity proved to be a crucial event in the apoptotic machinery, as demonstrated by the significant protection of cell death in samples suppressed the endogenous μ‐calpain expression level, as well as cotreated with the calpain inhibitors, calpeptin and PD150606. Inhibition of μ‐calpain not only significantly reduced caspase‐9/‐3 activities but also completely blocked AIF redistribution. Our study also showed that endogenous mitochondrial μ‐calpain could directly induce the truncation and release of AIF, while caspases and cathepsins were not necessary for this process. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that activation of μ‐calpain played an essential role in regulating both caspase‐dependent and AIF‐mediated caspase‐independent apoptotic pathways in cisplatin‐induced apoptosis. © 2009 UICC
Cell cycle‐related kinase supports ovarian carcinoma cell proliferation via regulation of cyclin D1 and is a predictor of outcome in patients with ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Wu Guo‐Qing , Xie Dan , Yang Guo‐Feng , Liao Yi‐Ji , Mai Shi‐Juan , Deng Hai‐Xia , Sze Johnny , Guan Xin‐Yuan , Zeng Yi‐Xin , Lin Marie C. , Kung Hsiang‐Fu
Published: June 2009

Our previous study has suggested that the cell cycle‐related kinase (CCRK) is a putative candidate oncogene in glioblastoma tumorigenesis. The potential oncogenic role of CCRK and its clinical/prognostic significance, however, in ovarian carcinoma are unclear. In this study, CCRK expression was examined by immunohistochemistry in a series of ovarian carcinoma tissues. Overexpression of CCRK was detected in 53% of the ovarian carcinomas, and it was positively correlated with an ascending histological grade and/or advanced clinical stage of the disease (p < 0.05). In addition, overexpression of CCRK in ovarian carcinoma was determined to be a strong and an independent predictor of short overall survival (p < 0.05). In ovarian carcinoma cells, CCRK knockdown by RNAi led to a G1 phase cell cycle arrest, while CCRK overexpression by stable transfection of CCRK‐containing plasmid pcDNA‐CCRK promoted cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. In addition, CCRK knockdown was found to reduce cyclin D1 expression. Consistently, CCRK overexpression increased cyclin D1 expression, and furthermore, a significant correlation between expression of CCRK and cyclin D1 in ovarian carcinomas was observed (p < 0.001). These findings suggest a potential important role of CCRK in the control of cell proliferation via regulation of cyclin D1 expression, and the overexpression of CCRK, as detected by immunohistochemistry, is an independent molecular marker for shortened survival time of patients with ovarian carcinoma. © 2009 UICC
A multi‐agent‐based hybrid framework for international marketing planning under uncertainty
Authors: Li Shuliang , Li Jim Zheng
Published: June 2009

The increased complexity and competition in the global marketing environment present new challenges to decision‐makers. The characteristics of the international marketing planning problem are clarified in this paper. The advantages and disadvantages of relevant techniques and technologies that may be applied to deal with the planning problem are analysed. A multi‐agent‐based hybrid intelligent framework for international marketing planning and associated Internet strategy formulation is then established, with underlying techniques, technologies, software architecture and integration method outlined. In addition, a software prototype of the hybrid framework, called AgentsInternational, is created and presented, with initial evaluation results reported. Further work on this topic is also planned. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of technology shocks on hours and output: a robustness analysis
Authors: Canova Fabio , Lopez‐Salido David , Michelacci Claudio
Published: June 2009

We analyze the effects of neutral and investment‐specific technology shocks on hours and output. Long cycles in hours are removed in a variety of ways. Hours robustly fall in response to neutral shocks and robustly increase in response to investment‐specific shocks. The percentage of the variance of hours (output) explained by neutral shocks is small (large); the opposite is true for investment‐specific shocks. ‘News shocks’ are uncorrelated with the estimated technology shocks. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevention of pin tract infection with titanium‐copper alloys
Authors: Shirai Toshiharu , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Shimizu Tohru , Ohtani Kaori , Zen Yo , Tomita Katsuro
Published: June 2009

The most frequent complication in external fixation is pin tract infection. To reduce the incidence of implant‐associated infection, many published reports have looked at preventing bacterial adhesion by treating the pin surface. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of a Titanium‐Copper (Ti‐Cu) alloy on implant infection, and to determine the potential use of the Ti‐Cu alloy as a biomaterial. Two forms of Ti‐Cu alloys were synthesized: one with 1% Cu and the other with 5% Cu. For analyzing infectious behavior, the implants were exposed to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The reaction of pathogens to the Ti‐Cu alloys was compared with their reaction to stainless steel and pure titanium as controls. Both Ti‐Cu alloys evidently inhibited colonization by both bacteria. Conversely, cytocompatibility studies were performed using fibroblasts and colony formation on the metals was assessed by counting the number of colonies. Ti‐1% Cu alloy showed no difference in the number of colonies compared with the control. External fixator pins made of Ti‐Cu alloys were evaluated in a rabbit model. The tissue‐implant interactions were analyzed for the presence of infection, inflammatory changes and osteoid‐formation. Ti‐1% Cu alloy significantly inhibited inflammation and infection, and had excellent osteoid‐formation. Copper blood levels were measured before surgery and at 14 days postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative blood copper values were not statistically different. Overall, it was concluded that Ti‐Cu alloys have antimicrobial activity and substantially reduce the incidence of pin tract infection. Ti‐1% Cu alloy shows particular promise as a biomaterial. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Fabrication of a biodegradable polysaccharide hydrogel with riboflavin, vitamin B2, as a photo‐initiator and L‐arginine as coinitiator upon UV irradiation
Authors: Kim Sin‐Hee , Chu Chih‐Chang
Published: June 2009

The objective of this study is to develop a completely natural material based photo‐initiation system for fabricating biologically compatible hydrogels, that is, free of any synthetic materials like conventional synthetic photo‐initiators. The resulting biodegradable hydrogels would be completely free of conventional toxic synthetic substances. Dextran‐based precursor was used as a model system for this study. The natural material based photo‐initiation system used riboflavin (vitamin B2) as photo‐initiator and L‐arginine as a coinitiator. Dextran‐methacrylate precursor was prepared to introduce photosensitive unsaturated moieties into dextran for subsequent photo‐induced gel formation. Riboflavin alone could not initiate the photo‐crosslinking reaction of the dextran methacrylate solution upon UV irradiation. L‐arginine, which can act as an electron donor in the photo‐initiation process, was used as a coinitiator. The optimum gel formulation conditions in terms of the concentrations of riboflavin and L‐arginine as well as different pH media were extensively investigated. The dextran‐methacrylate hydrogels were formed well and fast at low riboflavin concentration range (0.2–1 wt %), and L‐arginine promoted the photo‐initiation at all concentrations. The gelation was promoted most in the neutral pH and the least in the alkaline pH. The turbidity of the dextran‐methacrylate hydrogel precursor solution affected the polymerization because UV penetration was significantly hindered as the opacity of the solution increased. The swelling property and structural visualization of the prepared hydrogels were also investigated. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Effects of e‐beam radiation, storage, and hydration on osteoinductivity of DBM/AM composite
Authors: Qiu Qing‐Qing , Liu Xiang‐Hong , Connor Jerome
Published: June 2009

E‐beam irradiation is often used to sterilize medical devices including demineralized bone matrix (DBM) products. In this study, the effect of e‐beam on osteoinductivity of a DBM product in hydrous and anhydrous configurations has been evaluated at 0‐, 6‐ and 12‐month ambient storage using a nude rat muscle pouch model. The thermal and structural stabilities of DBM and acellular dermal matrix (AM) composites were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and trypsin digestion assay. Both hydrous and anhydrous DBM/AM composites exhibited osteoinductivity after e‐beam irradiation of 15 kGy. After 12‐month ambient storage, the osteoinductivity of hydrous DBM/AM was diminished, whereas the anhydrous DBM/AM retained its osteoinductive potential. However, the DSC and trypsin analysis revealed that the DBM in anhydrous DBM/AM was more vulnerable to damage from e‐beam irradiation than its hydrous counterpart. This study has found that although the anhydrous DBM has more structural damage than hydrous DBM from e‐beam irradiation, it has retained its osteoinductivity better after 1‐year ambient storage. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Comparison of periprosthetic tissue digestion methods for ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene wear debris extraction
Authors: Baxter Ryan M. , Steinbeck Marla J. , Tipper Joanne L. , Parvizi Javad , Marcolongo Michele , Kurtz Steve M.
Published: June 2009

There is considerable interest in characterization of wear debris from polyethylene (UHMWPE) bearing components used in total joint replacement. To isolate UHMWPE wear debris, tissue samples must be excised from regions adjacent to revised UHMWPE implant components, followed by exposure to one of many available tissue digestion methods. Numerous studies demonstrate successful digestion, but the relative efficiency of each method is not clear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a variety of conditions for tissue digestion to provide a quantitative comparison of methods. Porcine and human hip tissues were exposed for 24 h to basic, acidic or enzymatic agents, filtered and digestion efficiency calculated based on the percentage of initial to final tissue weight. Of the conditions tested, 5 M NaOH, 5 M KOH, 15 M KOH or 15.8 M HNO3 yielded the most complete porcine hip tissue digestion (<1% residual tissue weight; p < 0.05). Proteinase K and Liberase Blendzyme 3 did not effectively digest tissue in a 24 h period. Similar to results from the porcine dataset, human tissues digestion was most efficient using 5 M NaOH, 5 M KOH or 15.8 M HNO3 (<1% residual tissue weight; p < 0.05). To verify that particle surface modifications did not occur after prolonged reagent exposure, GUR415 and Ceridust 3715 particles were immersed in each solution for 24 h. Overall, this study provides a framework for thorough and efficient digestive methods for UHMWPE wear debris extraction. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009