bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystallographic, optical and magnetic properties of Co‐doped ZnO thin films synthesized by sol gel route
Authors: Xian F. L. , Xu L. H. , Wang X. X. , Li X. Y.
Published: January 2012

ZnO thin films with various Co doping levels (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 8%, respectively) have been synthesized by sol gel spin coating method on glass substrates. XRD and XPS studies of the films reveal that cobalt ions are successfully doped into ZnO crystal lattice without changing the hexagonal wurtzite structure. The morphologies are studied by SEM and AFM and show wrinkle network structures with uniform size distribution. With Co doping concentration increasing, the wrinkle network width decreases gradually. The transmittance spectra indicate that Co doping can effectively reduce the optical bandgap of ZnO thin films. Photoluminescence show that all samples have ultraviolet, violet and green emission. When Co doping concentration increases up to 5%, the intensity of violet emission is greatly increased and a strong deep blue emission centered at 439 nm appears. The ferromagnetism of all samples was observed at room temperature. The emission mechanisms and ferromagnetism origination are discussed in detail. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Induction of canonical Wnt signaling by alsterpaullone is sufficient for oral tissue fate during regeneration and embryogenesis in Nematostella vectensis
Authors: Trevino Michael , Stefanik Derek J. , Rodriguez Richard , Harmon Shane , Burton Patrick M.
Published: January 2012

Nematostella 3 heads: Induction of canonical Wnt signaling causes regenerating Nematostella to form ectopic oral poles at sites of injury. From Trevino et al., Developmental Dynamics 240:2673–2679, 2011.
Examining the Lack of Legal Remedies for Environmental Damage in the 2006 Lebanon–Israel War
Authors: Takshe Aseel A. , Van der Molen Irna , Lovett Jon C.
Published: January 2012

The principle of ‘polluter pays’ is fundamental to environmental law. However, the principle becomes problematic in the case of environmental damage caused during conflict. The international community acknowledges that reparation should be forthcoming, but it is not clear in every case how compensation should be funded. Compensation related to environmental damage caused by military intervention has been settled by either diplomacy or political means. In the summer of 2006 Israel entered into a conflict with Lebanon that had substantial environmental impacts, including a major oil spill on the Lebanese coast and forest fires in Israel. The situation is complex because, although the Israeli attacks were sanctioned by the Israeli state, the Hezbollah actions were carried out independently of the Lebanese government. We analyze the different settlement schemes available and their applicability in such a case. The analysis is framed by the three main methods of international dispute settlement between conflicting parties. The paper concludes that the only way to claim compensation would be through unilateral recourse to the United Nations Security Council. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Di‐, Tetra‐, Penta‐ and Polynuclear Zinc Complexes Supported by a Flexible Tetradentate Schiff Base Ligand
Authors: Wilson David J. D. , Beavers Christine M. , Richards Anne F.
Published: January 2012

When treated with Et2Zn, the tetradentate Schiff base N,N′‐ethylenebis(4‐iminopentan‐2‐one) (H2L) led to the formation of dimers, [L2Zn2], a tetranuclear complex, [L4Zn4] (1) and a polymeric material [LZn(Et)]n (2), thus highlighting the coordinative versatility of the ligand. Halogenation of 1 with SO2Cl2 or Br2 afforded in moderate yield the dinuclear zinc complexes [LZn(thf)·ZnCl2] (3) and [LZn(thf)·ZnBr2] (4). [LZn·ZnI(μ‐OEt)]2 (5) was isolated from the reaction of an in situ generated mixture of 1 and 2 with iodine. This product likely results from adventitious oxygen in the reaction mixture. This was seemingly confirmed by the diffusion of air into a solution of 2 in toluene, thereby resulting in a pentanuclear zinc complex, [(LZn·ZnEt)2{Zn(μ‐OEt)4}] (6). Complex 6 features a central Zn(OEt)4 unit, in which the ethoxide groups bridge two dinuclear fragments. The identities of complexes 1–6 were conclusively identified by X‐ray crystallography, thereby revealing similar structural features that were confirmed by spectroscopic data and, for 1–5, supported by DFT calculations.
Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Unusual Four‐Membered Metallacycles from Reactions of Group 4 Metallocene Bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene Complexes with the Sulfurdiimide Me3SiN=S=NSiMe3 (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 4/2012)
Authors: Kaleta Katharina , Ruhmann Martin , Theilmann Oliver , Roy Subhendu , Beweries Torsten , Arndt Perdita , Villinger Alexander , Jemmis Eluvathingal D. , Schulz Axel , Rosenthal Uwe
Published: January 2012

The cover picture shows the skyline of Rostock at night with a titanocene bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene complex as well as the unusual metallacyclic complex [Cp2Ti(η2‐Me3SiN=S=NSiMe3)], which can readily be obtained from the former complex by reaction with the sulfurdiimide Me3SiN=S=NSiMe3, rising brightly into the sky. The synthesis and a detailed theoretical study of the structure and bonding of this exotic organometallic compound are described in the article by E. D. Jemmis, A. Schulz, U. Rosenthal et al. on p. 611 ff.

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Social identity and personality processes: Non‐Aboriginal Australian identity and Neuroticism
Authors: Reynolds Katherine J. , Bizumic Boris , Subasic Emina , Turner John C. , Branscombe Nyla , Mavor Kenneth I. , Batalha Luisa
Published: January 2012

There are ongoing debates both in personality psychology and social psychology on the causes and consequences of personality stability and change. Recent work on social roles suggests that as people change roles (e.g. employee to manager), different experiences and demands are internalised into one's self‐concept shaping identity and personality. In this paper, the emphasis moves beyond ‘roles’ to other group memberships (e.g. ethnicity) in shaping one's self‐view and self‐rated personality (e.g. Neuroticism). The results of two experiments demonstrated that the salience of a particular group membership (as a Non‐Aboriginal Australian) did significantly impact on Neuroticism. Such findings suggest that social identity processes may offer a hitherto neglected avenue for helping to explain personality (dis)continuity. Implications of these findings for both fields are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
It is irrelevant, but it matters: Using confluence theory to predict the influence of beliefs on evaluations, attitudes, and intentions
Authors: Trafimow David , Rice Stephen , Hunt Gayle , List Bethany , Nanez Bryce , Rector Natalie , Notah Josh , Brown Jennie
Published: January 2012

The present research is based on the notion of confluence—that associated mental elements have a tendency to become more consistent with each other over time, even if some of them are logically irrelevant to the issue at hand. This idea was applied to a voting paradigm where participants were exposed to varying numbers of valenced beliefs about a candidate. Two experiments tested the idea that although valenced beliefs influence attributions and voting intentions, there is an additional process whereby evaluations of irrelevant beliefs also are influenced. Not surprisingly, as more positive or negative beliefs were presented, voting intentions became more positive or more negative, respectively. More dramatically, however, positive or negative evaluations of irrelevant beliefs became more extreme in the direction of the presented items as more of them were presented. An additional experiment tested alternative mechanisms. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioimpedance and Bioimpedance Vector Analysis in patients with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Haas Verena , Riedl Andrea , Hofmann Tobias , Nischan Annette , Burghardt Roland , Boschmann Michael , Klapp Burghard
Published: January 2012

Objective

The utility of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) is imperfectly defined. Furthermore, any advantage accrued by BIA with vector analysis (BIVA) is unknown.

Method

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 57 women with AN admitted to our service who underwent BIA and BIVA. Twenty‐seven women were observed during short‐term (3 weeks) and 13 women during longer‐term (3 months) weight gain.

Results

Bioelectrical impedance analysis produced implausible results in 47% of the patients. BIVA demonstrated low body cell mass and highly variable extracellular water (ECW) volume, ranging from volume contraction to volume expansion on admission and during treatment. BIVA suggested that short‐term weight gain predominantly consisted of ECW volume, whereas longer‐term weight gain resulted in increased hydrated body cell mass.

Conclusion

Conventional BIA has little utility in these patients. However, BIVA could be a suitable alternative in the medical management reflecting ECW volume changes and later genuine tissue mass increases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Optimal Hedge Ratio Estimation and Effectiveness Using ARCD
Authors: Kostika Eleftheria , Markellos Raphael N.
Published: January 2012

This paper examines the importance of forecasting higher moments for optimal hedge ratio estimation. To this end, autoregressive conditional density (ARCD) models are employed which allow for time variation in variance, skewness and kurtosis. The performance of ARCD models is evaluated against that of GARCH and of other conventional hedge ratio estimation methodologies based on exponentially weighted moving averages, ordinary least squares and error correction, respectively. An empirical application using spot and futures data on the DJI, FTSE and DAX equity indices compares the in‐sample and out‐of‐sample hedging effectiveness of each approach in terms of risk minimization. The results show that the ARCD approach has the best performance, thus suggesting that forecasting higher moments is of practical importance for futures hedging. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Possible change in Korean streamflow seasonality based on multi‐model climate projections
Authors: Jung I. W. , Bae D. H. , Lee B. J.
Published: January 2012

Seasonality in hydrology is closely related to regional water management and planning. There is a strong consensus that global warming will likely increase streamflow seasonality in snow‐dominated regions due to decreasing snowfall and earlier snowmelt, resulting in wetter winters and drier summers. However, impacts to seasonality remain unclear in rain‐dominated regions with extreme seasonality in streamflow, including South Korea. This study investigated potential changes in seasonal streamflow due to climate change and associated uncertainties based on multi‐model projections. Seasonal flow changes were projected using the combination of 13 atmosphere–ocean general circulation model simulations and three semi‐distributed hydrologic models under three different future greenhouse gas emission scenarios for two future periods (2020s and 2080s). Our results show that streamflow seasonality is likely to be aggravated due to increases in wet season flow (July through September) and decreases in dry season flow (October through March). In South Korea, dry season flow supports water supply and ecosystem services, and wet season flow is related to flood risk. Therefore, these potential changes in streamflow seasonality could bring water management challenges to the Korean water resources system, especially decreases in water availability and increases in flood risk. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control of Dynamical Processes in Solution: An Overview and Personal Perspective
Authors: Rice Stuart A.
Published: January 2012

A brief overview of studies of optical control of dynamical processes in solution is presented, with a focus on control of selection of product in a chemical reaction. It is argued that there are circumstances under which adiabatic population transfer in the liquid phase is possible, and that variations of such transfer processes can be used to control dynamical processes in solution.
Stimuli pH‐responsive (N‐vinyl imidazole‐co‐acryloylmorpholine) Hydrogels; Mesoporous and Nanoporous Scaffolds
Authors: Fares Mohammad M. , Al‐Shboul Ahmad M.
Published: January 2012

Tunable mesoporosity and nanoporosity of stimuli pH‐responsive (N‐vinyl imidazole‐ran‐acryloylmorpholine) hydrogels studied in terms of %swelling at various ionic strength, pH, temperature, and crosslinker concentration values were investigated. Hydrogel properties including diffusional exponent, number of links between two crosslinks, rms end‐to‐end distance and mesh size of gels were evaluated. The structural sequence of the scaffolds was tested and verified using Kelen–Tudos technique, and Alfrey–Price relationship. Hydrogels were characterized using FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and freeze‐dried Scanning electron micrographs techniques. The reversible pH responsiveness and possible mesoporous and nanoporous (i.e., 0.88–4.03 nm) structures suggest their suitable candidate in membrane technology and/or is an adequate drug delivery vehicle in drug delivery systems. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2012.
Biological characterization of woven fabric using two‐ and three‐dimensional cell cultures
Authors: Moczulska M. , Bitar M. , Święszkowski W. , Bruinink A.
Published: January 2012

The integration and long‐term functional retention of tissue implants are both strongly linked to the implant material characteristics. As a first approach, the cytocompatibility and bioactivity of such materials are evaluated using in vitro‐based cell culture models. Typically, in vitro bioactivity is assessed by seeding single cells onto the test material to evaluate certain parameters such as cell adhesion, survival, proliferation, and functional differentiation. Probably, due to the reduction from three dimensional (3D) toward the two dimensional (2D) situation the data obtained from 2D culture models falls short of predicting the in vivo behavior of the biomaterial in question. In this study, a three dimensional (3D) in vitro cell culture model was applied to evaluate the bioactivity of well characterized fiber‐based scaffolds using scaffold colonization as a bioactivity indicator. Cell behavior in this culture model was evaluated against a classical comparable, 2D cell culture system using polyethylene terephthalat and polyamide 6.6 fabrics. By using the 3D culture model, however, differences in cell population performance as a function of fiber diameter and mesh angle were evident. The use of 3D cell culture model clearly outperformed typical cell culture setup as means to evaluate cell population–scaffold interaction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2012.
Endothelial cell migration and morphogenesis on silk fibroin scaffolds containing hydroxyapatite electret
Authors: Nakamura Miho , Soya Tomoko , Hiratai Rumi , Nagai Akiko , Hashimoto Kazuaki , Morita Ikuo , Yamashita Kimihiro
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of composite wound dressing films made of silk fibroin (SF) containing hydroxyapatite (HA) or polarized HA (pHA) powders on endothelial cell (EC) behaviors that have important roles in the wound‐healing process. XRD revealed the SF films to be semicrystalline, with a broad peak centered at about 20.7° which is characteristic of β‐sheets embedded within an amorphous matrix. The SF composite films with 0.6 (w/v)% in concentration of HA powder (HA/SF) or pHA powder (pHA/SF) contained HA crystals of amorphous and silk II crystalline structures. SEM observation showed that there were differences in SF morphology between HA/SF and pHA/SF. The pHA/SF exhibited a furry texture around the pHA crystals, most likely due to the stored charged and zeta potentials. The HA/SF and pHA/SF films enhanced EC migration compared with that on the SF film. The number of migrated cells on the HA/SF and pHA/SF was ∼1.5 times larger than that on the SF. The quantitative analysis of the endothelial morphogenesis indicated that the pHA/SF film enhanced the formation of capillary‐like structures compared with SF and HA/SF. Thus, pHA/SF may potentially stimulate and contribute to the enhancement of angiogenesis in the wound‐healing process. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2012.
Incidence and demography of femur fractures with and without atypical features
Authors: Feldstein Adrianne C , Black Dennis , Perrin Nancy , Rosales A Gabriela , Friess Darin , Boardman David , Dell Richard , Santora Arthur , Chandler Julie M , Rix Mary M , Orwoll Eric
Published: January 2012

The case definition, community incidence, and characteristics of atypical femoral shaft fractures (FSFs) are poorly understood. This retrospective study utilized electronic medical records and radiograph review among women ≥50 years of age and men ≥65 years of age from January 1996 to June 2009 at Kaiser Permanente Northwest to describe the incidence rates and characteristics of subgroups of femur fractures. Fractures were categorized based on the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) as atypical fracture major features (AFMs) (low force, shaft location, transverse or short oblique, noncomminuted) and AFMs with additional minor radiograph features (AFMms) (beaking, cortical thickening, or stress fracture). There were 5034 fractures in the study. The incidence rates of FSFs (without atypical features) and AFMs appeared flat (cumulative incidence: 18.2 per 100,000 person-years, 95% CI = 16.0–20.7; 5.9 per 100,000 person-years, 95% CI = 4.6–7.4; respectively) with 1,271,575 person-years observed. The proportion of AFMs that were AFMms increased over time. Thirty percent of AFMs had any dispensing of a bisphosphonate prior to the fracture, compared to 15.8% of the non-atypical FSFs. Years of oral glucocorticosteroid dispensing appeared highest in AFM and AFMm fractures. Those with AFMs only were older and had a lower frequency of bisphosphonate dispensing compared to those with AFMms. We conclude that rates of FSFs, with and without atypia, were low and stable over 13.5 years. Patients with only AFMs appear to be different from those with AFMms; it may be that only the latter group is atypical. There appear to be multiple associated risk factors for AFMm fractures. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Therapeutic effect of local administration of low-dose simvastatin-conjugated gelatin hydrogel for fracture healing
Authors: Fukui Tomoaki , Ii Masaaki , Shoji Taro , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Mifune Yutaka , Kawakami Yohei , Akimaru Hiroshi , Kawamoto Atsuhiko , Kuroda Tomoya , Saito Takashi , Tabata Yasuhiko , Kuroda Ryosuke , Kurosaka Masahiro , Asahara Takayuki
Published: January 2012

Several reports have shown the therapeutic effect of statins on bone formation and neovascularization. However, the effect of the systemic administration of statins is limited due to its metabolism in the liver and clearance in the digestive system. In addition, high-dose administration may cause adverse side effects. To avoid low-efficacy/frequent side effects of high-dose statin treatment, we utilized biodegradable gelatin hydrogel as a drug delivery system of statin for fracture healing. A femoral fracture was created in rats with periosteum cauterization leading to nonunion at 8 weeks postfracture. Rats received local administration of either simvastatin-conjugated gelatin hydrogel (ST-Gel group) or gelatin hydrogel alone (Gel group). Approximately 70% of animals in the ST-Gel group achieved fracture union radiographically and histologically, while only 7% of animals achieved fracture healing in the Gel group. Functional bone healing was also significantly greater with increased angiogenesis- and osteogenesis-related growth factor expressions in periosteal granulation tissue in the ST-Gel group than in the Gel group. Simvastatin locally applied with gelatin hydrogel to fracture sites at a dose similar to that used in clinical settings successfully induced fracture union in a rat unhealing bone fracture model via its effect on both angiogenesis and osteogenesis. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Youth sports and the emergence of chameleon leadership
Authors: Williams James Arthur , Roberts Chris , Bosselman Robert
Published: January 2012

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived youth sports experiences of a sample of 20 North Carolina managers to determine how interpersonal skills developed through youth sports impact managing change. The data resulted in an emerging theme of a fearlessness approach to change situations, labeled chameleon leadership for this research study. The discovered theme offered information toward leadership and management skills used to manage complex organizations and diverse individuals within the realm of sports and work environments to enhance productivity in today's diverse and complex organizations.
What is the role of perceived leadership capacity in presidential politics?
Authors: Popa Adrian B. , Hazel Michael , Whatley Lachlan , Andenoro Anthony , Crandall Heather
Published: January 2012

The relevance of leadership models in presidential leadership, and principally the role of perceived leadership in presidential election years, is an area of study with limited development but increasing importance. This study explores the relationship between young voters' leadership assessment of presidential candidates, Barack Obama and John McCain, and their reports of voting behavior during the 2008 presidential election. Leadership perceptions were collected from 812 respondents prior to the election. Results indicate that candidate leadership assessments have a significant effect on candidate preference after controlling for the impact of party identification and self‐perceived political efficacy. Further, political efficacy significantly impacted respondents' intent to vote in the election after controlling for these same variables. Party affiliation produced significant differences across the political ideology, leadership ratings, political efficacy, and likelihood of voting variables. The study concludes with a discussion of the implications as they pertain to political leadership.
Voices of the future: Leadership for the 21st century
Authors: Penney Sherry H.
Published: January 2012

This article discusses leadership from the point of view of Generations X and Y (primarily X)—what kind of leaders do they want to be? What leadership qualities/behaviors do they see as important? What challenges do they see facing leaders of the future? The article also discusses what organizations need to do to attract and retain Generation X. The research is based on surveys, interviews, and focus groups with over 300 young professionals in the greater Boston region. The findings come from the recent book Next Generation Leadership: Insights from Emerging Leaders (Penney & Neilson, 2010).
Bridging the leadership divide
Authors: Carucci Ron A. , Epperson Josh J.
Published: January 2012

The study of generational leadership differences has now broadened and intensified to an impressive body of literature and discussion. The problem is that the conversation continues to be framed as a demographic challenge of difference, which only furthers the division, rather than a relationship challenge that calls for new ways to connect the generations. This article discusses the nature of the relationships needed to ensure vital connections between generations of leaders. It uses the authors' own cross‐generational leadership relationship as a case study in what we believe exemplifies the kind of relationship our research suggests is both needed, and desired, by leaders in both incumbent and emerging leadership generations.
Generation Y
Authors: Tulgan Bruce
Published: January 2012

We at RainmakerThinking, Inc., have been conducting ongoing in‐depth research on the attitudes and experiences of young people in the workplace since 1993. When we began, the oldest among Generation Y (the generation born 1978 to 1990) were just arriving in the workplace as teenagers. Since then, we've followed Generation Y as they became the new young workforce, began coming of age in the early stages of their careers, and of late as they have increasingly been assuming leadership roles in organizations of all shapes and sizes. When it comes to identifying, retaining, and developing the best leadership talent among Generation Y, what are the key pitfalls to avoid? And what are the best practices? These are among the issues we've been tackling with business leaders in a wide range of organizations over the past several years.
Analysis of alendronate in human urine and plasma by magnetic solid‐phase extraction and capillary electrophoresis with fluorescence detection
Authors: Su Siao‐Wei , Liao Yu‐Chen , Whang Chen‐Wen
Published: January 2012

A simple, rapid and sensitive CE‐fluorescence (FL) detection method for the analysis of alendronate (ALEN), a bisphosphonate drug, has been developed. Using a buffer solution of 20 mM sodium phosphate (pH 10.0) and a voltage of 24 kV, separation of ALEN in a 55‐cm length (35‐cm effective length) capillary was achieved in 5 min. FL detection of ALEN was performed via pre‐column derivatization with 2,3‐naphthalene dicarbox‐yaldehyde (NDA). Linear correlation (r=0.9981, n=6) between FL intensity and analyte concentration was obtained in the range of 7–200 ng/mL ALEN. The developed CE‐FL method was applied to the analysis of ALEN in human urine and plasma samples. In order to eliminate the interfering matrix components, SPE using magnetic Fe3O4@Al2O3 nanoparticles as solid sorbents was employed to clean the biological fluids before CE‐FL analysis. The linear ranges of ALEN in urine and plasma were 5–100 ng/mL (r = 0.9982, n = 7) and 5–70 ng/mL (r = 0.9954, n = 7), respectively. The LOD and LOQ in both urine and plasma samples were 1.5 and 5 ng/mL ALEN, respectively. Total analysis time including sample pre‐treatment and CE separation was less than 1.5 h.
Common genetic variants in the 8q24 region and risk of papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Neta Gila , Yu Chu‐Ling , Brenner Alina , Gu Fangyi , Hutchinson Amy , Pfeiffer Ruth , Sturgis Erich M. , Xu Li , Linet Martha S. , Alexander Bruce H. , Chanock Stephen , Sigurdson Alice J.
Published: January 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 8q24 chromosomal region identified from genome‐wide scans have been associated with the risk of several cancers, including breast (rs1562430), prostate (rs1447295), and colon (rs6983267). A genome‐wide scan in 26 families with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) also found susceptibility loci in 8q24, supporting a closer evaluation of this chromosomal region in relation to the risk of sporadic PTC.

Study Design:

Case‐control study.

Methods:

We evaluated 157 tag SNPs in the 8q24 chromosomal region between 120.91 Mb and 128.78 Mb (including rs1562430, rs1447295, and rs6983267) in a case‐control study of 344 PTC cases and 452 age and gender frequency‐matched controls. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios and compute P values of linear trend for PTC with genotypes of interest. To account for multiple comparisons, we applied the false discovery rate (FDR) method.

Results:

We did not find a significant association between rs1562430, rs1447295, or rs6983267 and PTC risk. We found that one SNP (rs4733616) was associated with PTC risk at P = .003, and 12 other SNPs were associated with PTC risk at P < .05. However, no SNPs remained significant after FDR correction.

Conclusions:

Our findings do not support a strong association between SNPs in the 8q24 chromosomal region and risk of sporadic PTC, but several SNPs with small effects might exist.
WIND TUNNEL SIMULATION OF WINDBLOWN SAND ALONG CHINA'S QINGHAI–TIBET RAILWAY
Authors: Zhang K. , Qu J. , Han Q. , Xie S. , Kai K. , Niu Q. , An Z.
Published: January 2012

The Qinghai–Tibet Railway is frequently damaged by windblown sand, and this hinders railway operation. To better understand the characteristics of windblown sand near the railway, wind tunnel experiments were conducted for the Tuotuo River Section, a typical stretch suffering from windblown sand damage. According to climate data, the windy period combines with an arid seasonal climate to increase the risk of blowing sand in this area. Wind tunnel simulation results showed how the airflow interacted with the railway embankment to create sand deposition as well as aeolian erosion. Sand transport rates behind the railbed fitted a Gaussian function well. The results can be used to guide the design of sand‐control structures both in the study area and in other areas that experience threats from windblown sand. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Hyperbranched Polyethylene Amphiphiles by Chain Walking Polymerization in Tandem with RAFT Polymerization and Supramolecular Self‐Assembly Vesicles
Authors: Shi Xinbo , Zhao Ye , Gao Haiyang , Zhang Ling , Zhu Fangming , Wu Qing
Published: January 2012

A novel polymerization methodology for efficient synthesis of hyperbranched polyethylene amphiphiles by chain walking polymerization (CWP) followed by RAFT polymerization has been developed. Hyperbranched polyethylene with hydroxyl ends (HBPE‐OHs) is first synthesized via chain walking copolymerization of ethylene with 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate with Pd‐α‐diimine catalyst. The hydroxyl groups of hyperbranched polyethylene are then converted into thiocarbonyl thio moieties by an esterification reaction with trithiocarbonate 3‐benzylsulfanylthiocarbonyl sulfanylpropionic acid (BSPA). The hyperbranched polyethylene with thiocarbonyl thio moiety ends (HBPE‐BSPAs) is used as a macro‐RAFT agent for the synthesis of hyperbranched polyethylene amphiphiles, HBPE‐PDMAEMAs, by RAFT polymerization of N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA). The resultant HBPE‐PDMAEMAs can self‐assemble to form supramolecular polymer vesicles in aqueous solution. A preliminary investigation on thermo‐ and pH‐responsive behaviors of the polymer is also reported.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of G Protein‐Coupled Receptors
Authors: Bruno Agostino , Costantino Gabriele
Published: January 2012

G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of membrane‐bound receptors with more than 800 members encoded by 351 genes in humans. It has been estimated that more than 50 % of clinically available drugs act on GPCRs, with an amount of 400, 50 and 25 druggable proteins for the class A, B and C, respectively. Furthermore, Class A GPCRs with approximately 25 % of marketed small drugs represent the most attractive pharmaceutical class. The recent availability of high‐resolution 3‐dimensional structures of some GPCRs supports the notion that GPCRs are dynamically versatile, and their functions can be modulated by several factors. In this scenario, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations techniques appear to be crucial when studying GPCR flexibility associated to functioning and ligand recognition. A general overview of biased and unbiased MD techniques is here presented with special emphasis on the recent results obtained in the GPCRs field.
Comparison of GIAO and CSGT for calculating 13C and 15N nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shifts of substituent neutral 5‐aminotetrazole and 5‐nitrotetrazole compounds
Authors: Li Yubo , Gao Haixiang , Zhang Jiaheng , Li Songqing , Zhou Wenfeng
Published: January 2012

The comparison of the gauge‐including atomic orbital (GIAO) and the continuous set of gauge transformation methods for calculating nuclear magnetic chemical shifts (CSs) mainly at density functional levels of theory are presented. Isotropic 13 C and 15 N magnetic CS for 14 compounds of tetrazoles are reported. Compared with establishing a convenient and consistent protocol to be employed for confirming the experimental 13 C and 15 N NMR spectra of tetrazole compounds, different combinations of functionals and basis sets were considered. The most reliable results were obtained at GIAO/B3LYP/aug‐cc‐pVDZ with integral equation formulation for the polarizable continuum model (PCM), which has the smallest root mean square errors and can be used to calculate 13 C and 15 N NMR CS with a very high accuracy for tetrazoles. These results show that the accurately calculated 15N NMR CS of tetrazoles could be used for the evaluation of the intrinsic relationship between structure and explosive properties. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corticomotor plasticity following unilateral strength training
Authors: Goodwill Alicia M. , Pearce Alan J. , Kidgell Dawson J.
Published: January 2012

Introduction: We used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to investigate 3 weeks of unilateral leg strength training on ipsilateral motor cortex (iM1) excitability, and short‐latency intracortical inhibition (SICI). Methods: Right leg dominant participants (n = 14) were randomly divided into either a strength training (ST) or control group. The ST group completed 9 training sessions (4 sets of 6 to 8 repetitions of single right leg squats). Results: We observed a 41% increase in right leg strength, and a 35% increase in strength of the untrained left leg (P < 0.01). There was a significant increase in motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude recruitment curve for the untrained left leg (P < 0.01). SICI of the iM1 decreased by 21% for the untrained left leg (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The findings provide evidence for corticomotor adaptation for unilateral leg strength training within the iM1 that is modulated by changes in interhemispheric inhibition. Muscle Nerve 46: 384–393, 2012
Early inflammatory and myogenic responses to resistance exercise in the elderly
Authors: Mathers Jessica L. , Farnfield Michelle M. , Garnham Andrew P. , Caldow Marissa K. , Cameron‐Smith David , Peake Jonathan M.
Published: January 2012

Introduction and Methods: This study compared changes in myokine and myogenic genes following resistance exercise (3 sets of 12 repetitions of maximal unilateral knee extension) in 20 elderly men (67.8 ± 1.0 years) and 15 elderly women (67.2 ± 1.5 years). Results: Monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)‐1, macrophage inhibitory protein (MIP)‐1β, interleukin (IL)‐6 and MyoD mRNA increased significantly (P < 0.05), whereas myogenin and myostatin mRNA decreased significantly after exercise in both groups. Macrophage‐1 (Mac‐1) and MCP‐3 mRNA did not change significantly after exercise in either group. MIP‐1β, Mac‐1 and myostatin mRNA were significantly higher before and after exercise in men compared with women. In contrast, MCP‐3 and myogenin mRNA were significantly higher before and after exercise in the women compared with the men. Conclusions: In elderly individuals, gender influences the mRNA expression of certain myokines and growth factors, both at rest and after resistance exercise. These differences may influence muscle regeneration following muscle injury. Muscle Nerve 46: 407–412, 2012
Role of disease severity, illness perceptions, and mood on quality of life in muscle disease
Authors: Rose Michael R. , Sadjadi Reza , Weinman John , Akhtar Tayyaba , Pandya Shree , Kissel John T. , Jackson Carlayne E. ,   the Muscle Study Group
Published: January 2012

Introduction: The aim of this study was to describe the effect of muscle disease upon QoL and to explore the influence of disease severity, mood, and illness perception on the QoL of these patients. Methods: Validated questionnaires assessing QoL (Individualized Neuromuscular QoL and SF‐36), disease severity (Health Assessment Questionnaire), mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and illness perception (Illness Perception Questionnaire) were sent to adults with muscle disease. Results: We received 302 responses (return rate 75%). QoL was reduced, particularly for “physical” domains, but “psychological” domains were also affected. Disease severity was the main determinant for the “physical” domains of QoL, but mood and illness perception played a part. Conversely, mood and illness perception were the main determinants for the “psychological” domains of QoL. Conclusions: Because mood and illness perception explain significant variance in QoL in muscle disease, there is scope for devising psychosocial interventions that may improve QoL for those with muscle disease. Muscle Nerve 46: 351–359, 2012
Myopathy in autoimmune polyendocrinopathy‐ candidiasis‐ectodermal dystrophy
Authors: Watanabe Mitsuru , Ochi Hirofumi , Arahata Hajime , Matsuo Tomohito , Nagafuchi Seiho , Ohyagi Yasumasa , Kira Jun‐Ichi
Published: January 2012

Introduction: Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy‐candidiasis‐ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by monogenic mutations in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene. No attention has been paid to muscle manifestations in this disorder. We aimed to uncover whether progressive myopathy is a component of this disorder. Methods: A case description and literature search for APECED cases presenting with myopathy and analysis of AIRE gene expression in biopsied muscles from 4 healthy volunteers and the patient by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results: A 52‐year‐old woman with APECED caused by AIRE gene mutations developed progressive myopathy involving proximal limb and paraspinal muscles. Muscle biopsy specimens showed myopathic changes without inflammatory cell infiltrate. We detected AIRE gene expression in all muscle tissues examined. An extensive literature search uncovered 5 cases of APECED with myopathy, all of whom had similar features. Conclusions: Progressive myopathy involvement could be a hitherto unknown manifestation of APECED. Muscle Nerve 45: 904‐908, 2012
Prejunctional facilitatory effect of a thiol‐alkylating agent N‐Ethylmaleimide on neurogenic contractions in rat prostate smooth muscle
Authors: Büyüknacar Hacer S.G. , Eser Nadire , Göçmen Cemil , de Groat William C. , Kumcu Eda K. , Ertuğ Peyman U. , Önder Serpil
Published: January 2012

Aims

The effect of a non‐specific thiol‐alkylating agent N‐ethylmaleimide (NEM) was studied on neurogenic contractile mechanisms in rat ventral prostate gland.

Methods

Male Wistar albino rats were used. The rats were killed by cervical dislocation under sevoflurane anesthesia and ventral prostate gland was removed. Two preparations were obtained from each lobe. Neurally evoked isometric contractions were induced using trains of electrical field stimulation (EFS; 0.5, 1, 4, or 8 Hz). The effect of NEM on the contractions to EFS was examined in the absence or presence of adrenergic and/or purinergic antagonists.

Results

NEM enhanced the EFS‐evoked contractions without altering the basal tone. These effects were significantly suppressed by an α1‐adrenergic receptor antagonist (prazosin), a P2‐purinergic antagonist (suramin), a specific P2X‐receptor antagonist pyridoxal‐phosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulfonate (PPADS), an ATP analog (α,β‐methylene ATP), or a calcium channel blocker (verapamil). This facilitating effect of NEM did not occur following the administration of L‐cysteine or glutathione which saturated NEM with excess thiols. However, a thiol‐oxidant diamide failed to affect the contractions to EFS. An adrenergic neuron blocker (guanethidine) completely suppressed the responses to NEM. On the other hand, an α2‐adrenergic receptor blocker (yohimbine), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine) or a cholinergic muscarinic receptor antagonist (atropine) did not significantly affect the facilitatory response of NEM.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that NEM has a prejunctional facilitatory action on the adrenergic nerves in rat prostate tissue to enhance release of transmitters, noradrenaline, and ATP. NEM sensitive proteins involved in transmitter release mechanisms can play a role in this effect. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:579–585, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Automating classification of free‐text electronic health records for epidemiological studies
Authors: Schuemie Martijn J. , Sen Emine , 't Jong Geert W. , van Soest Eva M. , Sturkenboom Miriam C. , Kors Jan A.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Increasingly, patient information is stored in electronic medical records, which could be reused for research. Often these records comprise unstructured narrative data, which are cumbersome to analyze. The authors investigated whether text mining can make these data suitable for epidemiological studies and compared a concept recognition approach and a range of machine learning techniques that require a manually annotated training set. The authors show how this training set can be created with minimal effort by using a broad database query.

Methods

The approaches were tested on two data sets: a publicly available set of English radiology reports for which International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code needed to be assigned and a set of Dutch GP records that needed to be classified as either liver disorder cases or noncases. Performance was tested against a manually created gold standard.

Results

The best overall performance was achieved by a combination of a manually created filter for removing negations and speculations and rule learning algorithms such as RIPPER, with high scores on both the radiology reports (positive predictive value = 0.88, sensitivity = 0.85, specificity = 1.00) and the GP records (positive predictive value = 0.89, sensitivity =0.91, specificity =0.76).

Conclusions

Although a training set still needs to be created manually, text mining can help reduce the amount of manual work needed to incorporate narrative data in an epidemiological study and will make the data extraction more reproducible. An advantage of machine learning is that it is able to pick up specific language use, such as abbreviations and synonyms used by physicians. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Borderline personality disorder subtypes: A factor analysis of the DSM‐IV criteria
Authors: Lewis Kate , Caputi Peter , Grenyer Brin F. S.
Published: January 2012

This study examined the underlying factor structure of the DSM‐IV criteria to determine whether the diagnosis could be classified into subtypes. It also sought to enhance the clinical interpretation of any identified subtypes by examining their relation to comorbid axis I and II disorders. In 95 treatment‐seeking adults (82 women, 13 men), attending a psychiatric outpatient clinic principle components analysis yielded support for three subtypes: ‘affect dysregulation’, ‘rejection sensitivity’ and ‘mentalization failure’. Results of logistic regression analyses indicated that the affect dysregulation subtype was associated with the comorbid diagnosis of generalized anxiety and panic disorder and other cluster B and C personality disorders. The mentalization failure subtype was found to be predictive of posttraumatic stress disorder and other cluster B personality disorders. With further research, confirmation of these subtypes may inform diagnostic revisions and appropriate treatment regimes that are individually designed to target the patients' core symptoms. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zuckerman–Kuhlman–Aluja Personality Questionnaire as a predictor of MCMI‐III personality disorder scales: The role of facets
Authors: Aluja Anton , Blanch Angel , García Luis F. , García Oscar , Escorial Sergio
Published: January 2012

This research was planned to assess the predictive power of dimensions and facets of the Zuckerman–Kuhlman–Aluja Personality Questionnaire in relation to the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory III 10 personality disorder (PD) scales in healthy subjects. The sample was composed of 529 subjects from the general population. The average age was 44.51 (standard deviation: 18.27; range 18–85) for men and 43.94 (standard deviation: 18.01; range 18–83) for women. Five factors emerged from principal component analyses. Alpha reliabilities were acceptable for the two questionnaires. Neuroticism correlated with most PD scales. Aggressiveness and sensation seeking correlated with antisocial PD; extraversion (negative) and neuroticism (positive) correlated with several PDs such as avoidant and dependent. The facets presented a similar pattern of correlations with the PD dimensions with different values and statistical power. Sensation seeking and aggression facets were strongly related with antisocial and obsessive–compulsive PDs (in negative). The personality contribution to explain the PD scales was studied by a multiple linear stepwise regression analysis. The facets explained the PD proportion of variance a little better than the dimensions. The relevance of Zuckerman–Kuhlman–Aluja Personality Questionnaire facets in the predictions of PDs is further discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile synthesis and photochromic properties of diarylethene‐containing terpyridine and its transition metal (Zn2+/Co2+/Ru2+) complexes
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Chun , Huo Zhi‐Ming , Wang Ting‐Ting , Zeng He‐Ping
Published: January 2012

Several transition metal complexes based on 2,3‐bis(2,4,5‐trimethyl‐3‐thienyl)maleic anhydride (DTE) bearing terpyridine (TPY) have been designed and synthesized. Furthermore, the photochromism of the free ligand and the influence of transition metal moieties on the photochemical properties have been thoroughly characterized by monitoring the changes in their UVvis spectra. Compounds 3–6 all display excellent response to UV irradiation, especially Co complex 5 with optimum sensitivity that took only 5 s to reach photostationary state. The photochromic properties of DTE unit have been found to be strongly influenced by the bridging transition metals, as complexes 4 (L–Zn–L) and 6 (L–Ru–L) exhibit much better photochromic properties in tetrahydrofuran solution than complex 5 (L–Co–L) and the free ligand 3 (L). It is worth noting that the optical/chemical thermal stabilities of photochromic compounds 3–6 are all greatly improved after the precursor functionalized with TPY and further coordinated with metal ions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unpaid Caring Within and Outside the Carer's Home in England and Wales
Authors: Norman Paul , Purdam Kingsley
Published: January 2012

Unpaid caring is defined as any help or support provided to family members, friends, neighbours, or others because of their long‐term physical or mental health or disability, or problems related to old age. It is estimated that there are over 5.2 million unpaid carers in England and Wales (2001 Census). Using the Small Area Microdata from the 2001 Census Samples of Anonymised Records, we examine geographic and socio‐demographic variations in unpaid caring across England and Wales at local authority level with a particular focus on carers aged 40 years and older, comparing those who provide unpaid care within their own household and outside their household. The distinction between care within and outside the household is based on whether or not the carer lived with a co‐resident reporting a limiting long‐term illness.

We find a strong geographical relationship between levels of illness and of unpaid care. However, when this is disaggregated by whether the care is provided within or outside the household, we find that care away from the home is likely to be outside the geographical area in which the carer lives. Our individual level analyses suggest associations between rates of unpaid caring and a person's age, gender, ethnicity, social class, and the carer's own health status. Moreover, these relationships are different for people who provide care within or outside their own household.

Our findings have important implications for our understanding of the dynamics of caring and for service providers at a national and local level and also for government focus on independent living for people with social care needs and those in later old age. Unpaid carers who do not live with people they care for are likely to face different demands. Support is needed both for themselves and for the people whom they care. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.