bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Switching between low and high affinity for the Syk tandem SH2 domain by irradiation of azobenzene containing ITAM peptidomimetics
Authors: Kuil Joeri , van Wandelen Loek T.M. , de Mol Nico J. , Liskamp Rob M.J.
Published: August 2009

Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) plays an essential role in IgE receptor signaling (FcεRI), which leads to mast cell degranulation. Divalent binding of the tandem SH2 domain (tSH2) of Syk to the intracellular ITAM motif of FcεRI activates the kinase domain of Syk, and thereby initiates cell degranulation. The inter SH2 domain distance in Syk tSH2 might be important for Syk kinase activation. In this study, photoswitchable ITAM peptidomimetics containing an azobenzene moiety were synthesized. Irradiation of these constructs changes the distance between the two SH2 binding epitopes and therefore, they may be used as photoswitches. The affinity of the cis‐ and trans‐isomer for tSH2 was assayed with SPR. The ITAM peptidomimetic with the smallest linker displayed the largest difference in affinity between the two isomers (at least 100‐fold), and the affinity of the cis‐isomer was comparable to monovalent binding. The ITAM mimics with larger photoswitchable linkers displayed modest differences. These results indicate that Syk tSH2 is able to adapt the inter SH2 domain distance to ligands larger than native ITAM, but not to smaller ones. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Whittaker–Hill equation, Ince polynomials, and molecular torsional modes
Authors: Roncaratti Luiz F. , Aquilanti Vincenzo
Published: August 2009

We present an analysis of the Whittaker–Hill equation in view of its usefulness in quantum mechanics when periodic potentials are involved. The transformation due to Ince leads to polynomial solutions which have not attracted much attention so far in the applications. With respect to Mathieu equation, here we have an additional parameter, which permits to describe a variety of phenomena, including the treatment of the torsional motion of flexible molecules. Examples are discussed, with particular attention payed to the case of H2O2 and similar molecules. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Theoretical study of photochromic compounds, part 2: Thermal mechanism for byproduct formation and fatigue resistance of diarylethenes used as data storage materials
Authors: Patel Pansy D. , Mikhailov Ivan A. , Belfield Kevin D. , Masunov Artëm E.
Published: August 2009

Certain organic compounds possess the ability to change color under the influence of light, called photochromism. This change is due to ultrafast chemical transition from open to closed ring isomers (photocyclization), which can be used for optical data storage and photoswitching applications. These applications require minimization of the irreversible photodegradation of the material, called photofatigue. This property is related to the chemical rate of byproduct formation. We use density functional theory methods to predict the mechanism and activation barriers to the byproduct formation for 1,2‐bis(2‐methyl‐5‐phenyl‐3‐thienyl)perfluorocyclopentene in order to estimate its fatigue resistance. We also explain higher fatigue resistance for its methylated derivative. The methods used in this study may become a part of rational design strategy for the new photochromic materials. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Extended Hartree–Fock theory of chemical reactions. IX. Diradical and perepoxide mechanisms for oxygenations of ethylene with molecular oxygen and iron‐oxo species are revisited
Authors: Yamaguchi Kizashi , Yamanaka Syusuke , Shimada Jiro , Isobe Hiroshi , Saito Toru , Shoji Mitsuo , Kitagawa Yasutaka , Okumura Mitsutaka
Published: August 2009

Symmetry and broken symmetry (BS) in molecular orbital description of transition structures and intermediates in oxygenation reactions have been revisited to elucidate states correlation diagrams and mechanisms for addition reactions of molecular oxygen and metal‐oxo MO (M = Mn(II) and Fe(II)) species to CC double bonds. Relative stabilities between diradical (DR) and perepoxide (PE) intermediates were thoroughly investigated by several BS hybrid DFT (HDFT) methods and BS CCSD(T) method with and without spin projection. It has been found that recovery of spin symmetry, namely eliminating spin contamination error from the BS solutions, is crucial for the elucidation of reasonable state correlation diagrams and energy differences of the key structures in the oxygenation reactions because the singlet‐triplet energy gap for molecular oxygen is large (22 kcal/mol). The BS HDFT followed by spin correction reproduced activation barriers for transition structures along both PE and DR reaction pathways by the use of the CASPT2 method. Basis set dependence on the relative stability between PE and DR intermediates were also examined thoroughly. Solvation effect for DR and PE intermediates was further examined with self‐consistent reaction field (SCRF) and SCIPCM methods. Both BS HDFT and CASPT2 have concluded that the DR mechanism is favorable for the addition reaction of singlet oxygen to ethylene, supporting our previous conclusions. The BS HDFT with spin correction was concluded to be useful enough for theoretical investigations of mechanisms of oxygenation reactions. Implications of the computational results were discussed in relation to the theoretical framework (four configuration model) for elucidation of possible mechanisms of epoxidation reactions with Fe(IV)O cores in metalloenzymes on the basis of isolobal analogies among O, OO, and Fe(IV)O. Correspondence between magnetic coupling mode and radical pathway in oxygenations with these species was clarified based on the BS MO interaction diagrams, leading to local singlet and triplet diradical mechanisms for epoxidations. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Approximately spin‐projected Hessian for broken symmetry method and stretching frequencies of F2 and singlet O2
Authors: Kitagawa Yasutaka , Saito Toru , Nakanishi Yasuyuki , Kataoka Yusuke , Shoji Mitsuo , Koizumi Kenichi , Kawakami Takashi , Okumura Mitsutaka , Yamaguchi Kizashi
Published: August 2009

An approximate spin projection (AP) method is applied to a second derivative of energy (Hessian) of the broken‐symmetry (BS) method in order to eliminate a spin contamination error. Stretching frequencies of F2 (X1 ∑) and singlet molecular oxygen (a1Δg) are calculated by using the spin‐projected Hessian (AP Hessian). In case of F2 molecule, a potential curve of an unrestricted Hartree‐Fock (UHF) method does not have an energy minimum but the stretching frequency can be calculated by the AP UHF method. The difference in the calculated stretching frequencies between a restricted HF (RHF) and the AP UHF methods is 650–700 cm−1, and indicates that a static correlation correction is a crucial to consider the frequency. On the other hand, we cannot find a significant difference in calculated frequencies of RHF and AP‐BS HF in case of 1O2 molecule within the HF method. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Assigning glucose or galactose as the primary glycosidic sugar in 3‐O‐mono‐, di‐ and triglycosides of kaempferol using negative ion electrospray and serial mass spectrometry
Authors: Kite Geoffrey C. , Veitch Nigel C.
Published: August 2009

Kaempferol 3‐O‐β‐glucopyranoside, kaempferol 3‐O‐β‐galactopyranoside and higher glycosides of these two flavonoids with α‐rhamnose at C‐2 and/or C‐6 of the primary sugar were studied by negative ion electrospray ionisation and serial mass spectrometry in a three‐dimensional (3D) ion trap mass spectrometer. Kaempferol 3‐O‐β‐glucopyranoside and kaempferol 3‐O‐α‐rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)‐β‐glucopyranoside could be distinguished from their respective galactose analogues by differences in the ratio of the radical aglycone ion [Y0 – H]•− to the rearrangement aglycone ion Y following MS/MS of the deprotonated molecules. Kaempferol 3‐O‐rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)‐β‐glucopyranoside and kaempferol 3‐O‐α‐rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)[α‐rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)]‐β‐glucopyranoside could be distinguished from their respective galactose analogues by differences in the product ion spectra of the [(M – H) – rhamnose]− ion following serial mass spectrometry. In the triglycoside, it was deduced that this ion resulted from the loss of the rhamnose substituted at 2‐OH of the primary sugar by observing that MS/MS of deprotonated kaempferol 3‐O‐β‐glucopyranosyl(1→2)[α‐rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)]‐β‐glucopyranoside showed the loss of glucose and not rhamnose. Thus the class of sugar (hexose, deoxyhexose, pentose) at C‐2 and C‐6 of the primary sugar can be determined. These observations aid the assignment of kaempferol 3‐O‐glycosides, having glucose or galactose as the primary glycosidic sugar, in LC/MS analyses of plant extracts, and this can be done with reference to only a few standards. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laser desorption ionization of red phosphorus clusters and their use for mass calibration in time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Sládková Kateřina , Houška Jan , Havel Josef
Published: August 2009

Phosphorus clusters Pn (n = 1–89) are easily formed from red phosphorus by laser desorption ionization (LDI) and they cover a range of up to approx. m/z 3000 in both positive and negative ion mode. The clusters are singly charged and the spectra are simple because phosphorus is monoisotopic. The mass spectra can be measured with an acceptable resolution and intensity. The use of positively charged Pn clusters for calibration in mass spectrometry was examined and it was demonstrated that in external calibration a standard deviation of ±0.04 m/z units can be achieved even when using a common commercial matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) instrument. When used as internal standards the Pn clusters react with some analytes – C60 and C70 fullerenes and cucurbituril[8], for example. It was also found that red phosphorus is a suitable MALDI matrix for peptides and proteins, illustrated by the examples of a Calmix mixture of bradykinin, angiotensin, renin, adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH fragment 18‐359 and insulin, and of insulin alone. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managing for stakeholders, stakeholder utility functions, and competitive advantage
Authors: Harrison Jeffrey S. , Bosse Douglas A. , Phillips Robert A.
Published: August 2009

A firm that manages for stakeholders allocates more resources to satisfy the needs and demands of its legitimate stakeholders than would be necessary to simply retain their willful participation in the firm's productive activities. We explain why this sort of behavior unlocks additional potential for value creation, as well as the conditions that either facilitate or disrupt the value‐creation process. Firms that manage for stakeholders develop trusting relationships with them based on principles of distributional, procedural, and interactional justice. Under these conditions, stakeholders are more likely to share nuanced information regarding their utility functions, thereby increasing the ability of the firm to allocate its resources to areas that will best satisfy them (thus increasing demand for business transactions with the firm). In addition, this information can spur innovation, as well as allow the firm to deal better with changes in the environment. Competitive advantages stemming from a managing‐for‐stakeholders approach are argued to be sustainable because they are associated with path dependence and causal ambiguity. These explanations provide a strong rationale for including stakeholder theory in the discussion of firm competitiveness and performance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differentiation of Neural Progenitor Cells in a Microfluidic Chip-Generated Cytokine Gradient
Authors: Park Joong Yull , Kim Suel-Kee , Woo Dong-Hun , Lee Eun-Joong , Kim Jong-Hoon , Lee Sang-Hoon
Published: August 2009

In early embryonic development, spatial gradients of diffusible signaling molecules play important roles in controlling differentiation of cell types or arrays in diverse tissues. Thus, the concentration of exogenous cytokines or growth factors at any given time is crucial to the formation of an enriched population of a desired cell type from primitive stem cells in vitro. Microfluidic technology has proven very useful in the creation of cell-friendly microenvironments. Such techniques are, however, currently limited to a few cell types. Improved versatility is required if these systems are to become practically applicable to stem cells showing various plasticity ranges. Here, we built a microfluidic platform in which cells can be exposed to stable concentration gradients of various signaling molecules for more than a week with only minimal handling and no external power source. To maintain stability of the gradient concentration, the osmotic pumping performance was optimized by balancing the capillary action and hydraulic pressure in the inlet reagent reservoirs. We cultured an enriched population of neural progenitors derived from human embryonic stem cells in our microfluidic chamber for 8 days under continuous cytokine gradients (sonic hedgehog, fibroblast growth factor 8, and bone morphogenetic protein 4). Neural progenitors successfully differentiated into neurons, generating a complex neural network. The average numbers of both neuronal cell body clusters and neurite bundles were directly proportional to sonic hedgehog concentrations in the gradient chip. The system was shown to be useful for both basic and translational research, with straightforward mechanisms and operational schemes.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Transcriptional Activation by the Mixl1 Homeodomain Protein in Differentiating Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Zhang Hailan , Fraser Stuart T. , Papazoglu Cristian , Hoatlin Maureen E. , Baron Margaret H.
Published: August 2009

Members of the Mix/Bix family of paired class homeobox genes play important roles in the development of vertebrate mesoderm and endoderm. The single Mix/Bix family member identified in the mouse, Mix-like 1 (Mixl1), is required for mesendoderm patterning during gastrulation and promotes mesoderm formation and hematopoiesis in embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived embryoid bodies. Despite its crucial functions the transcriptional activity and targets of Mixl1 have not been well described. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of Mixl1-mediated transcriptional regulation, we have characterized the DNA-binding specificity and transcriptional properties of this homeodomain protein in differentiating ESCs. Mixl1 binds preferentially as a dimer to an 11-base pair (bp) Mixl1 binding sequence (MBS) that contains two inverted repeats separated by a 3-bp spacer. The MBS mediates transcriptional activation by Mixl1 in both NIH 3T3 cells and in a new application of an inducible ESC differentiation system. Consistent with our previous observation that early induction of Mixl1 expression in ESCs results in premature activation of Goosecoid (Gsc), we have found that Mixl1 occupies two variant MBSs within and activates transcription from the Gsc promoter in vitro and in vivo. These results strongly suggest that Gsc is a direct target gene of Mixl1 during embryogenesis.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Clone- and Gene-Specific Aberrations of Parental Imprinting in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Pick Marjorie , Stelzer Yonatan , Bar-Nur Ori , Mayshar Yoav , Eden Amir , Benvenisty Nissim
Published: August 2009

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic phenomenon whereby genes are expressed in a monoallelic manner, which is inherited either maternally or paternally. Expression of imprinted genes has been examined in human embryonic stem (ES) cells, and the cells show a substantial degree of genomic imprinting stability. Recently, human somatic cells were reprogrammed to a pluripotent state using various defined factors. These induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are thought to have a great potential for studying genetic diseases and to be a source of patient-specific stem cells. Thus, studying the expression of imprinted genes in these cells is important. We examined the allelic expression of various imprinted genes in several iPS cell lines and found polymorphisms in four genes. After analyzing parent-specific expression of these genes, we observed overall normal monoallelic expression in the iPS cell lines. However, we found biallelic expression of the H19 gene in one iPS cell line and biallelic expression of the KCNQ10T1 gene in another iPS cell line. We further analyzed the DNA methylation levels of the promoter region of the H19 gene and found that the cell line that showed biallelic expression had undergone extensive DNA demethylation. Additionally we studied the imprinting gene expression pattern of multiple human iPS cell lines via DNA microarray analyses and divided the pattern of expression into three groups: (a) genes that showed significantly stable levels of expression in iPS cells, (b) genes that showed a substantial degree of variability in expression in both human ES and iPS cells, and (c) genes that showed aberrant expression levels in some human iPS cell lines, as compared with human ES cells. In general, iPS cells have a rather stable expression of their imprinted genes. However, we found a significant number of cell lines with abnormal expression of imprinted genes, and thus we believe that imprinted genes should be examined for each cell line if it is to be used for studying genetic diseases or for the purpose of regenerative medicine.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Teaching for understanding of science in context: Evidence from the pilot trials of the Twenty First Century Science courses
Authors: Ratcliffe Mary , Millar Robin
Published: August 2009

The framework developed for the PISA 2006 science survey starts from everyday contexts in which citizens encounter scientific issues and knowledge claims. Recent curriculum changes in England, making possible the introduction of courses for 15‐ to 16‐year olds with an explicit “scientific literacy” emphasis, are based on a very similar analysis, identifying knowledge about science itself as a key element of knowledge, alongside scientific knowledge of the natural world. The pilot trials and implementation of such courses provide an unrivalled opportunity to study the nature and extent of the challenge facing policymakers, curriculum developers, and teachers in re‐focusing secondary science on the learning needs of the citizen. This article examines the extent to which teachers recognized and were able in their practice to implement teaching of “ideas about science” (IaS), by looking at teachers' views and practices during the pilot trials of the Twenty First Century Science courses in England. Using classroom observations and teacher interviews, the practice in 8 schools was followed in depth over two years, supplemented by questionnaire survey to all 78 schools piloting Twenty First Century Science. Contemporary contexts were emphasized in the curriculum resources and welcomed by pupils and teachers. Teachers' perceptions and actions indicated that science content knowledge continued to dominate over knowledge about science, despite the curriculum emphasis on teaching the latter strand in the context of current socio‐scientific issues. Dealing with contemporary contexts and IaS posed pedagogic problems for many teachers, even when professional support was available. Only after at least one full cycle of teaching the course had some of the teachers begun to modify their practice to address knowledge about science and contexts of application more effectively. The study suggests that teachers' practices can be changed, but that this takes time and requires considerable support from teaching materials and other forms of professional development that encourage reflection on practice. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 46: 945–959, 2009
Structure, Microstructure, Composition and Properties of Lanthanum Lithium Titanates and some Substituted Analogues
Authors: García‐Martín Susana , Amador Ulises , Morata‐Orrantia Ainhoa , Rodríguez‐Carvajal Juan , Alario‐Franco Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2009

The very high value of ionic conductivity at room temperature reported for La0.51Li0.34TiO2.94 some years ago did originate a great deal of interest in the study of materials of general formula La2/3–xLi3xTiO3 (LaLiTiO) and related systems. These oxides have shown to be potential solid electrolytes for lithium secondary batteries, but other aspects, apart from the conducting properties, such as their dielectric behaviour and crystal structure, have been the main focus of important studies in the area of inorganic solid‐state chemistry. LaLiTiO‐related compounds have the perovskite‐type structure (ABO3) with A‐cation ordering. However, essential details of their crystal structure, as for instance the location of the lithium atoms, are still under discussion and are the subject of current work. We show in this short review of mainly our own work that the complex microstructure of these materials, which has been studied in detail by transmission electron microscopy, is the cause of the difficulties on the precise determination of their crystal structure. We have developed a new approach for crystal structure refinement, which takes into account the microstructural effects, obtaining significantly better results than conventional methods of refinement. The microstructure of these oxides also affects their conducting and dielectric properties. Therefore, different parameters such as composition and microstructure must be considered to understand and, eventually, optimise, as we have done, the conducting properties of LaLiTiO‐related systems.
Ferrocenophanes with Interannular Nitrogen–Gallium Bridges. 1,3,2‐Diazagalla‐[3]Ferrocenophanes and an 1‐Aza‐3‐Azonia‐2‐Gallata‐[3]Ferrocenophane. Synthesis and Structure
Authors: Wrackmeyer Bernd , Klimkina Elena V. , Milius Wolfgang
Published: August 2009

1,1′‐Bis(trimethylsilylamino)ferrocene reacts with trimethyl‐ and triethylgallium to give the μ‐[ferrocene‐1,1′‐diyl‐bis(trimethylsilylamido)]tetraalkyldigallanes. These were converted into the 1,3‐bis(trimethylsilyl)‐2‐alkyl‐2‐pyridine‐1,3,2‐diazagalla‐[3]ferrocenophanes, of which the ethyl derivative was characterized by X‐ray structural analysis. Treatment of gallium trichloride with N,N′‐dilithio‐1,1′‐bis(trimethylsilylamino)ferrocene affords μ‐[ferrocene‐1,1′‐diyl‐bis(trimethylsilylamido)]tetrachlorodigallane along with bis(trimethylsilyl)‐2,2‐dichloro‐1‐aza‐3‐azonia‐2‐gallata‐[3]ferrocenophane as a side product, and both were structurally characterized by X‐ray analysis. The solution‐state structures of the new gallium compounds and aspects of their molecular dynamics in solution were studied by NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, 29Si NMR).
Synthesis, Structure, and Physical Properties of Calcium and Strontium Complexes with the Ligand Sulfosalicylic Acid
Authors: Wu Gang , Wang Xiao‐Feng , Lin Guo Xue , Yu Li
Published: August 2009

Two isostructural complexes [Ca(hssal)(H2O)2]n (1) and [Sr(hssal)(H2O)2]n (2) (hssal2– = 5‐sulfosalicylate anion) are obtained byusing the ligand 5‐sulfosalicylic acid and alkaline earth metal salts under hydrothermal conditions. Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis and further characterized by elemental analyses and IR spectroscopy. Complexes 1 and 2 have a two‐dimensional network structure, in which the CaII and SrII ions have an octacoordinate distorted square antiprismatic arrangement. Each sulfosalicylate anion acts as a μ4‐bridging ligand, whereas the carboxylate group adopts a chelating coordination. Luminescence properties and thermal stabilities of complexes 1 and 2 were investigated.
Reduction of Disilane (tBu3Si)Br2Si‐SiBr2(SitBu3) in Presence of C2H4: A Mechanistic Approach
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Kumar Vasisht Sham , Mayer Peter
Published: August 2009

The reduction of R*–SiBr2–SiBr2–R* (2) with NaR* (R* = supersilyl = SitBu3) in presence of C2H4 provides a white crystalline solid (η2‐C2H4)R*Si–SiR*(Br)(CH2–CH2–R*) (3) characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis. Compound 3 is accompanied with an impurity of R*(Br)2Si–Si(Br)(R*)(CH2–CH2–R*) (4). The formation of 3 and 4 runs complicated because of several reactive partners. However, reduction of 2 with sodium naphthalenide in presence of ethene runs straightforward with formation of a mixture of tetrahedrane R*4Si4 (1) and bis(silirane) R*(η2‐C2H4)Si–Si(η2‐C2H4)R* (5). The latter is formed by [1+2]‐cycloaddition reaction of intermediate disilyne R*Si≡SiR* with ethene. Compound 5 has been characterized by X‐ray structure determination. The 1H NMR spectrum of the silacyclopropane ring protons shows AA′BB′ complex spectrum comprising of 2 sets each of 12 transitions.
Profiles of British Muslim identity: Adolescent girls in Birmingham
Authors: Hutnik Nimmi , Street Rebecca Coran
Published: August 2009

By asking students to fill in 10 statements beginning with ‘I am…’ and a further 10 statements beginning with ‘I am not…’ we constructed profiles of British Muslim ethnic and national identity. Participants were 108 British Muslim girls of mean age 12.6 years studying in a single sex girls' school in Birmingham, UK. Using content analysis we found that some adolescent girls are rooted only in their personal identity. Others are rooted in their social identity. We found a number of major categories: rooted in ethnic identity only, rooted in ethnic identity but differentiating self from other groups, rooted in bicultural identity, rooted in national identity and confused ethnic and national identity. Significantly a number of participants were concerned to transcend group identities and described themselves as ‘not racist’ or ‘not prejudiced’. A model of ethnic and national identity is presented incorporating rootedness, differentiation, confusion and transcendence.
A comparison of anatomical pain sites from a tertiary care sample: Evidence of disconnect between functional and perceived disability specific to lower back pain
Authors: Carleton R.N. , Abrams M.P. , Kachur S.S. , Asmundson G.J.G.
Published: August 2009

Heterogeneity has been identified within chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) patient samples; however, investigations have typically focused on psychological constructs or coping (e.g., pain‐related anxiety, catastrophizing) in this regard. Furthermore, studies to date have included either samples presenting with a specific anatomical site (e.g., only lower back pain) or a mix of anatomical sites (e.g., lower back, shoulder, or leg pain) as the primary pain complaint, without making comparisons based on the anatomical site of reported pain. For example, patients with chronic lower back pain (CLBP) may differ from those with chronic upper or lower extremity pain (ULEP) in presentation, recovery trajectory, and psychological variables. The current investigation explored whether systematic differences existed between patients participating in a multidisciplinary reconditioning third‐party‐payer program who have CLBP relative to patients with ULEP. Patients included those with CLBP (n=23; 35% women) or ULEP (e.g., arm, shoulder, leg, knee;n=28; 29% women). The ULEP group began and finished the program with more pain‐related anxiety, more catastrophic thoughts, and more fearful cognitions than the CLBP group. There were no significant correlations between functional deficit and perceived levels of disability or associations between group and return to work status; however, there was an unexpected significant interaction between group and perceived disability. Specifically, CLBP patients reported increasing perceived disability despite improvements in functional deficit, whereas ULEP patients did not. These findings suggest a disconnect between perceived disability and function that may be specific to lower back pain. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
GPI‐anchored proteins at the node of Ranvier
Authors: Labasque Marilyne , Faivre-Sarrailh Catherine
Published: August 2009

Contactin and TAG‐1 are glycan phosphatidyl inositol (GPI)‐anchored cell adhesion molecules that play a crucial role in the organization of axonal subdomains at the node of Ranvier of myelinating fibers. Contactin and TAG‐1 mediate axo‐glial selective interactions in association with Caspr‐family molecules at paranodes and juxtaparanodes, respectively. How membrane proteins can be confined in these neighbouring domains along the axon has been the subject of intense investigations. This review will specifically examine the properties conferred by the lipid microenvironment to regulate trafficking and selective association of these axo‐glial complexes. Increasing evidences from genetic and neuropathological models point to a role of lipid rafts in the formation or stabilization of the paranodal junctions.
Return to Europe e A double — edged sword for notaries? The case of Poland and Hungary
Authors: Shaw Gisela
Published: August 2009

Using Poland as a case study, the Polish sociologist Piotr Sztompka has demonstrated most persuasively the significance of trust (and distrust) as a key to the analysis and understanding of socio-political and socio-cultural developments in Central Europe in the transition to democracy. Sztompka’s study ends upbeat with a brief glance at the situation in the late 1990s. Had the book been written a decade later, it would have revealed that the path ahead has remained rocky. Public trust in governments, politicians and public institutions generally has remained a scarce commodity.

It is against this background that the restoration of an independent civil law notariat, as an integral part of the ‘return to Europe’ project, has occurred in Poland, and, mutatis mutandis, in other Central European countries. However, following a first decade of successful transformation from state employment to liberal profession, notaries in Central Europe now find that it is precisely because they have embraced the status of Western-style liberal professionals that they are coming under attack by both the European Commission and their own national governments. As a result, they have had to embark on a process of reconsideration of their position in order to ensure the profession’s survival. This paper traces and compares developments in Poland and Hungary. As can be expected there is a strong common denominator between them. But equally and more interestingly, there are distinctive national features which now, as ‘bloc history’ recedes, are coming increasingly to the fore.
Triodontoderes anulap gen. et sp. nov.—a new cyclorhagid kinorhynch genus and species from Micronesia
Authors: Sørensen Martin V. , Rho Hyun Soo
Published: August 2009

A new kinorhynch genus and species is described from coralline sand collected on the atoll of the Chuuk Islands, Micronesia. The new genus and species, Triodontoderes anulap gen. et sp. nov., is characterized by having an introvert with only five scalid rings, segment 1 consisting of one tergal and one sternal plate, segments 2 to 4 of one tergal and two sternal plates, and segments 5 to 11 of one tergal plate with midventral articulation. Triodontoderes anulap gen. et sp. nov. shares several characters with species of Zelinkaderes, including reduced number of scalid rings, distally tripartite placids, a trunk being circular in cross-section, and segments 5 to 10 being composed of a single tergal plate with midventral articulation. Until the kinorhynch relationships have been examined in a formal phylogenetic analysis, Triodontoderes gen. et sp. nov. are tentatively assigned to Zelinkaderidae.
A developmental model of number representation
Authors: Kucian Karin , Kaufmann Liane
Published: August 2009

We delineate a developmental model of number representations. Notably, developmental dyscalculia (DD) is rarely associated with an all-or-none deficit in numerosity processing as would be expected if assuming abstract number representations. Finally, we suggest that the “generalist genes” view might be a plausible – though thus far speculative – explanatory framework for our model of how number representations develop.
Inactivation and adaptation of number neurons
Authors: Mayo J. Patrick
Published: August 2009

Single-neuron recordings may help resolve the issue of abstract number representation in the parietal lobes. Two manipulations in particular – reversible inactivation and adaptation of apparent numerosity – could provide important insights into the causal influence of “numeron” activity. Taken together, these tests can significantly advance our understanding of number processing in the brain.
Numerical abstractness and elementary arithmetic
Authors: Campbell Jamie I. D. , Metcalfe Arron W. S.
Published: August 2009

Like number representation, basic arithmetic seems to be a natural candidate for abstract instantiation in the brain. To investigate this, researchers have examined effects of numeral format on elementary arithmetic (e.g., 4+5 vs. four+five). Different numeral formats often recruit distinct processes for arithmetic, reinforcing the conclusion that number processing is not necessarily abstracted away from numeral format.
Numerical representations are neither abstract nor automatic
Authors: Cohen Dale J.
Published: August 2009

In this commentary, I support and augment Cohen Kadosh & Walsh's (CK&W's) argument that numerical representations are not abstract. I briefly review data that support the non-abstract nature of the representation of numbers between zero and one, and I discuss how a failure to test alternative hypotheses has led researchers to erroneously conclude that numerals automatically activate their semantic meaning.
Automatic numerical processing is based on an abstract representation
Authors: Ganor-Stern Dana
Published: August 2009

The goal of the present commentary is to show that past results on automatic numerical processing in different notations are consistent with the idea of an abstract numerical representation. This is done by reviewing the relevant studies and giving alternative explanations to the ones proposed in the target article.
Expertise in symbol-referent mapping
Authors: Grabner Roland H.
Published: August 2009

Much evidence cited by Cohen Kadosh & Walsh (CK&W) in support of their notation-specific representation hypothesis is based on tasks requiring automatic number processing. Several of these findings can be alternatively explained by differential expertise in mapping numerical symbols onto semantic magnitude representations. The importance of considering symbol-referent mapping expertise in theories on numerical representations is highlighted.
The discussion of methodological limitations in number representation studies is incomplete
Authors: Orban Guy A.
Published: August 2009

Cohen Kadosh & Walsh (CK&W) discuss the limitations of the behavioral, imaging, and single-cell studies related to number representation in human parietal cortex. The limitations of the imaging studies are grossly underestimated, particularly those using adaptation paradigms, and the problem of establishing a link between single-cell studies and imaging is not even addressed. Monkey functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), however, provides a solution to these problems.
Symbolic, numeric, and magnitude representations in the parietal cortex
Authors: Rosenberg-Lee Miriam , Tsang Jessica M. , Menon Vinod
Published: August 2009

We concur with Cohen Kadosh & Walsh (CK&W) that representation of numbers in the parietal cortex is format dependent. In addition, we suggest that all formats do not automatically, and equally, access analog magnitude representation in the intraparietal sulcus (IPS). Understanding how development, learning, and context lead to differential access of analog magnitude representation is a key question for future research.
Beyond format-specificity: Is analogue magnitude really the core abstract feature of the cultural number representation?
Authors: Szűcs Dénes , Soltész Fruzsina , Goswami Usha
Published: August 2009

The issue of abstractness raises two distinct questions. First, is there a format-independent magnitude representation? Second, does analogue magnitude really play a crucial role in the development of human mathematics? We suggest that neither developmental nor cultural studies support this notion. The field needs to redefine the properties of the core number representation as used in human arithmetic.
Non-abstract numerical representations in the IPS: Further support, challenges, and clarifications
Authors: Cohen Kadosh Roi , Walsh Vincent
Published: August 2009

The commentators have raised many pertinent points that allow us to refine and clarify our view. We classify our response comments into seven sections: automaticity; developmental and educational questions; priming; multiple representations or multiple access(?); terminology; methodological advances; and simulated cognition and numerical cognition. We conclude that the default numerical representations are not abstract.
A shape memory alloy based tendon-driven actuation system for biomimetic artificial fingers, part II: modelling and control
Authors: Gilardi Gabriele , Haslam Edmund , Bundhoo Vishalini , Park Edward J.
Published: August 2009

In this paper, the dynamics and biomimetic control of an artificial finger joint actuated by two opposing one-way shape memory alloy (SMA) muscle wires that are configured in a double spring-biased agonist–antagonist fashion is presented. This actuation system, which was described in Part I, forms the basis for biomimetic tendon-driven flexion/extension and abduction/adduction of the artificial finger. The work presented in this paper centres on thermomechanical modelling of the SMA wire, including both major and minor hysteresis loops in the phase transformation model, and co-operative control strategy of the agonist–antagonist muscle pair using a pulse-width-modulated proportional-integral-derivation (PWM–PID) controller. Parametric analysis and identification are carried out based on both simulation and experimental results. The performance advantage of the proposed co-operative control is shown using the metacarpophalangeal joint of the artificial finger.
Evaluative processing of ambivalent stimuli in patients with schizophrenia and depression: A [15O] H2O PET study
Authors: KIM JAE-JIN , PARK HAE-JEONG , JUNG YOUNG-CHUL , CHUN JI WON , KIM HYE SUN , SEOK JEONG HO , KIM NAM WOOK , PARK IL HO , OH MAENG-GUN , LEE JONG DOO
Published: August 2009

Decision making in an emotionally conflicting situation is important in social life. We aimed to address the similarity and disparity of neural correlates involved in processing ambivalent stimuli in patients with schizophrenia and patients with depression. Behavioral task-related hemodynamic responses were measured using [15O]H2O positron emission tomography (PET) in 12 patients with schizophrenia and 12 patients with depression. The task was a modified word-stem completion task, which was designed to evoke ambivalence in forced and non-forced choice conditions. The prefrontal cortex and the cerebellum were found to show increased activity in the healthy control group. In the schizophrenia group, activity in these two regions was negligible. In the depression group, the pattern of activity was altered and a functional compensatory recruitment of the inferior parietal regions was suggested. The prefrontal cortex seems to be associated with the cognitive control to resolve the conflict toward the ambivalent stimuli, whereas the cerebellum reflects the sustained working memory to search for compromise alternatives. The deficit of cerebellar activation in the schizophrenia group might underlie the inability to search and consider compromising responses for conflict resolution. (JINS, 2009,15, 990–1001.)
Diagnostic efficiency of demographically corrected Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III and Wechsler Memory Scale-III indices in moderate to severe traumatic brain injury and lower education levels
Authors: WALKER ALEXANDRA J. , BATCHELOR JENNIFER , SHORES E. ARTHUR , JONES MIKE
Published: August 2009

Despite the sensitivity of neuropsychological tests to educational level, improved diagnostic accuracy for demographically corrected scores has yet to be established. Diagnostic efficiency statistics of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III (WAIS-III) and Wechsler Memory Scale-III (WMS-III) indices that were corrected for education, sex, and age (demographically corrected) were compared with age corrected indices in individuals aged 16 to 75 years with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 12 years or less education. TBI participants (n= 100) were consecutive referrals to an outpatient rehabilitation service and met careful selection criteria. Controls (n= 100) were obtained from the WAIS-III/WMS-III standardization sample. Demographically corrected indices did not provide higher diagnostic efficiency than age corrected indices and this result was supported by reanalysis of the TBI group against a larger and unmatched control group. Processing Speed Index provided comparable diagnostic accuracy to that of combined indices. Demographically corrected indices were associated with higher cut-scores to maximize overall classification, reflecting the upward adjustment of those scores in a lower education sample. This suggests that, in clinical practice, the test results of individuals with limited education may be more accurately interpreted with the application of demographic corrections. Diagnostic efficiency statistics are presented, and future research directions are discussed. (JINS, 2009,15, 938–950.)
Seismotectonics beneath the Tokyo metropolitan area, Japan: Effect of slab‐slab contact and overlap on seismicity
Authors: Nakajima Junichi , Hirose Fuyuki , Hasegawa Akira
Published: August 2009

We first determine the configuration of the upper surface of the Pacific (PAC) slab beneath Kanto, Japan, from the distribution of interplate earthquakes relocated by an appropriate 1‐D velocity model. Then, traveltime tomography is carried out to estimate three‐dimensional seismic velocity structures around Kanto using 735,520 P wave and 444,049 S wave arrival times from 6508 local earthquakes. The obtained results suggest that the Philippine Sea (PHS) slab is subducting to depths of 130–140 km without a gap, even to the northwest of the Izu collision zone. We subsequently define the lateral extent of the contact zone between the bottom of the PHS slab and the upper surface of the PAC slab (PHS‐PAC interface) and reveal that the slab contact zone underlies a wider area beneath Kanto in harmony with the Kanto plain. The downdip limit of interplate (thrust‐type) earthquakes on the PAC slab is deepened by ∼30 km locally under the slab contact zone. This deepening is probably caused by a lower‐temperature environment in the PAC slab, resulting from the overlap with the PHS slab subducting above and consequent thermal shielding by the PHS slab from the hot mantle wedge. We detect an extremely low‐velocity anomaly in the easternmost portion of the PHS slab, which is probably attributable to serpentinization of mantle peridotite. Interplate earthquakes are almost absent along the PHS‐PAC interface overlain by the serpentinized mantle in the PHS slab, suggesting that ductile deformation takes place along the interface because of low viscosity of the serpentine.
Fluxes of water and nutrients from river runoff to the Mediterranean Sea using GIS and a watershed model
Authors: Strobl Robert O. , Somma Francesca , Evans Barry M. , Zaldívar José M.
Published: August 2009

The Mediterranean Sea is an important regional European Union (EU) sea, often used to assess the global change of the environment because of its practically enclosed character. As most of the northern part is bordered by the EU, it is also of interest in the evaluation of the environmental and economic impact of the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive and related legislation. Within this framework, nutrient loads from the adjacent land surfaces need to be assessed. For this purpose, the geographic information system (GIS)–interfaced hydrologic/water quality model ArcView Generalized Watershed Loading Function Model (AVGWLF) was applied to all coastal‐adjacent catchments of the Mediterranean Sea. Results of this exercise have shown that the modeled average streamflow and nutrient loads fall within the ranges reported in the literature. Therefore, successful application of this model is feasible. However, for improved representation of the actual Mediterranean Sea streamflow and nutrient status, more accurate input data are required, particularly for the Asian and North African regions.
An estimate of the terrestrial influx of large meteoroids from infrasonic measurements
Authors: Silber Elizabeth A. , ReVelle Douglas O. , Brown Peter G. , Edwards Wayne N.
Published: August 2009

The influx rate of meteoroids hitting the Earth is most uncertain at sizes of ∼10 m. Here we make use of historical data of large bolides recorded infrasonically over a period of 13 years by the U.S. Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) to refine the terrestrial influx rate at these sizes. Several independent techniques were applied to these airwave data to calculate bolide kinetic energies. At low energies our flux results are within a factor of two in agreement with previous estimates. For 5–20‐m diameter objects, however, our measurements of the cumulative number of Earth‐impacting meteoroids are as much as an order of magnitude higher than estimates from telescopic surveys of near‐Earth objects and satellite‐detected bolides impacting the Earth. The precise cause of this disagreement is unclear, though we propose several possible explanations. From our infrasound study, our best estimate for the cumulative annual flux of impactors with energy equal to or greater than E (in kilotons of TNT equivalent) is N = 4.5 E−0.6.
Identification of genes for dimethyl sulfide production in bacteria in the gut of Atlantic Herring (Clupea harengus)
Authors: Curson Andrew R J , Sullivan Matthew J , Todd Jonathan D , Johnston Andrew W B
Published: August 2009

Phytoplankton are the primary producers of the sulfur-containing compatible solute dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP). These cells are consumed by mesozooplankton, which, in turn, may be eaten by marine vertebrates. From the gut of one such animal, the Atlantic Herring Clupea harengus, we isolated strains of the γ-proteobacteria Pseudomonas and Psychrobacter that grew on DMSP as sole carbon source, and which produced the environmentally important sulfurous volatile dimethyl sulfide (DMS). In both bacterial genera, this ability was because of the previously identified gene dddD, which specifies an enzyme that liberates DMS from DMSP. DMS production was stimulated by pre-growth of cells on the substrate DMSP. This is the first identification of DMSP-degrading bacteria and their relevant genes in the gut microflora of any vertebrate.