bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of a genome‐wide supported psychosis variant in the ZNF804A gene on memory function in schizophrenia
Authors: Hashimoto Ryota , Ohi Kazutaka , Yasuda Yuka , Fukumoto Motoyuki , Iwase Masao , Iike Naomi , Azechi Michiyo , Ikezawa Koji , Takaya Masahiko , Takahashi Hidetoshi , Yamamori Hidenaga , Okochi Tomo , Tanimukai Hitoshi , Tagami Shinji , Morihara Takashi , Okochi Masayasu , Tanaka Toshihisa , Kudo Takashi , Kazui Hiroaki , Iwata Nakao , Takeda Masatoshi
Published: October 2010

A recent genome‐wide association study showed that a variant (rs1344706) in the ZNF804A gene was associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Replication studies supported the evidence for association between this variant in the ZNF804A gene and schizophrenia and that this variant is the most likely susceptibility variant. Subsequent functional magnetic resonance imaging studies in healthy subjects demonstrated the association of the high‐risk ZNF804A variant with neural activation during a memory task and a theory of mind task. As these cognitive performances are disturbed in patients with schizophrenia, this gene may play a role in cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. The aim of the current study was to investigate the potential relationship between this ZNF804A polymorphism and memory function. The effects of the high‐risk ZNF804A genotype, diagnosis, and genotype–diagnosis interaction on verbal memory, visual memory (VisM), attention/concentration, and delayed recall (measured by the Wechsler Memory Scale‐Revised) were analyzed by two‐way analysis of covariance in 113 patients with schizophrenia and 184 healthy subjects. Consistent with previous studies, patients with schizophrenia exhibited poorer performance on all indices as compared to healthy control subjects (P < 0.001). A significant ZNF804A genotype–diagnosis interaction was found for VisM performance (P = 0.0012). Patients with the high‐risk T/T genotype scored significantly lower on VisM than G carriers did (P = 0.018). In contrast, there was no genotype effect for any index in the healthy control subjects (P > 0.05). Our data suggest that rs1344706 may be related to memory dysfunction in schizophrenia. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine‐mapping reveals novel alternative splicing of the dopamine transporter
Authors: Talkowski Michael E. , McCann Kathleen L. , Chen Michael , McClain Lora , Bamne Mikhil , Wood Joel , Chowdari Kodavali V. , Watson Annie , Prasad Konasale M. , Kirov George , Georgieva Lyudmilla , Toncheva Draga , Mansour Hader , Lewis David A. , Owen Michael , O'Donovan Michael , Papasaikas Panagiotis , Sullivan Patrick , Ruderfer Douglas , Yao Jeffrey K , Leonard Sherry , Thomas Pramod , Miyajima Fabio , Quinn John , Lopez A. Javier , Nimgaonkar Vishwajit L.
Published: October 2010

The dopamine transporter gene (SLC6A3,DAT) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, including schizophrenia (SZ). We previously detected association between SZ and intronicSLC6A3variants that replicated in two independent Caucasian samples, but had no obvious function. In follow‐up analyses, we sequenced the coding and intronic regions ofSLC6A3to identify complete linkage disequilibrium patterns of common variations. We genotyped 78 polymorphisms, narrowing the potentially causal region to two correlated clusters of associated SNPs localized predominantly to introns 3 and 4. Our computational analysis of these intronic regions predicted a novel cassette exon within intron 3, designated E3b, which is conserved among primates. We confirmed alternative splicing of E3b in post‐mortem human substantia nigra (SN). As E3b introduces multiple in‐frame stop codons, theSLC6A3open reading frame is truncated and the spliced product may undergo nonsense mediated decay. Thus, factors that increase E3b splicing could reduce the amount of unspliced product available for translation. Observations consistent with this prediction were made using cellular assays and in post‐mortem human SN. In mini‐gene constructs, the extent of splicing is also influenced by at least two common haplotypes, so the alternative splicing was evaluated in relation to SZ risk. Meta‐analyses across genome‐wide association studies did not support the initial associations and further post‐mortem studies did not suggest case‐control differences in splicing. These studies do not provide a compelling link to schizophrenia. However, the impact of the alternative splicing on other neuropsychiatric disorders should be investigated. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Childhood maltreatment, the corticotropin‐releasing hormone receptor gene and adult depression in the general population
Authors: Grabe Hans Jörgen , Schwahn Christian , Appel Katja , Mahler Jessie , Schulz Andrea , Spitzer Carsten , Fenske Kristin , Barnow Sven , Lucht Michael , Freyberger Harald Jürgen , John Ulrich , Teumer Alexander , Wallaschofski Henri , Nauck Matthias , Völzke Henry
Published: October 2010

Dysregulations of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis have been implicated in the pathogenesis of depressive disorders and the corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) was found to modulate emotional memory consolidation. Recently, two studies have reported an interaction between childhood abuse and the TAT–haplotype of the CRH‐Receptor Gene (CRHR1) connecting childhood adversities and genetic susceptibility to adult depression. We tested the hypothesis of an interaction of childhood maltreatment with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes of theCRHR1gene not previously investigated. Caucasian subjects (n = 1,638) from the German general population (Study of Health in Pomerania, SHIP) were analyzed. As in the previous studies, childhood abuse and neglect were assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and depression with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI‐2). TheCRHR1‐SNPs were genotyped on the Affymetrix Genome‐Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 platform. We identified an interaction between the TAT–haplotype and childhood physical neglect. The interaction with physical neglect showed significant (P < 0.05) results in 23 of the 28 SNPs, with rs17689882 (P = 0.0013) reaching “gene‐wide” significance. Although we did not replicate the specific interaction of abuse and the TAT–haplotype of theCRHR1gene we confirmed the relevance of an interplay between variants within theCRHR1gene and childhood adversities in the modulation of depression in adults. The largest effect was found for rs17689882, a SNP previously not analyzed. Relevant sample differences between this and prior studies like lower BDI‐2 scores, less childhood maltreatment and higher psychosocial functioning may account for the differences in gene–environment interaction findings. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of the A(−115)G variant on CREB1 promoter activity in two brain cell lines: Interactions with gonadal steroids
Authors: Zubenko George S. , Hughes Hugh B.
Published: October 2010

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading contributor to disease burden worldwide. Previous genetic studies have revealed significant evidence of linkage of the CREB1 region to mood disorders among women from families with recurrent, early‐onset MDD (RE‐MDD), a severe and familial subtype of MDD. Systematic resequencing of the CREB1 gene in affected members of these families has identified rare sequence variants at positions −656 and −115 that appear to cosegregate with unipolar mood disorders in two large multigenerational families and three small nuclear families, respectively. Results from previous transfection experiments that employed constructs containing the wild‐type or variant CREB1 promoters coupled to a reporter gene support the hypothesis that the A−656 allele contributes to the development of MDD in women by selectively increasing the activity of the CREB1 promoter in brain cell lines exposed to 17 β‐estradiol. Analogous transfection experiments described in the current study revealed that the G−115 promoter variant reduced promoter activity in CATH.a neuronal cells regardless of the hormonal environment, consistent with the observation that increased risk for unipolar mood disorders conferred by this allele was not limited by sex. The effects of CREB1 promoter variants on promoter activity, their influence on the development of mood disorders and related clinical features, and the interaction of their phenotypic expression with sex seem likely to be complex and allele‐specific rather than a general property of the CREB1 locus. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Applying electrical resistivity tomography to the identification of endokarstic geometries in the Pleistocene Sites of the Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos, Spain)
Authors: Ortega A.I. , Benito‐Calvo A. , Porres J. , Pérez‐González A. , Martín Merino M.A.
Published: October 2010

In this paper we have applied the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) in order to prospect and to analyse the morphological and geological subsurface of the Torcas‐Cueva Mayor endokarst system (Sierra de Atapuerca). These works are essential to establish the development of the sedimentary infills where the Early and Middle Pleistocene archaeo‐palaeoanthropological sites of the Sierra de Atapuerca are located. The prospecting was based on the elaboration of 15 ERT sections, which were interpreted using topographic, archaeological, geological and geomorphological data. Through this procedure we have indentified the endokarst morphologies and the main lithological groups. The latter correspond to the Upper Cretaceous limestones and dolostones (> 1500 ohm m−1) and Neogene sediments and Quaternary valley infills (< 400 ohm m−1). The endokarst structures inside the Upper Cretaceous carbonates were related to empty cavities (> 1500 ohm m−1), passages filled with speleothems (400–1500 ohm m−1and with detrital materials (< 400 ohm m−1), such as the deposits of the Dolina, Elefante and Galería sites. The analysis of these subsurface structures shows that the karstic passages present a regular south–north development, starting with subsurface faults detected in the north margin of the main valley (Arlanzón River) and finishing along the Pico valley headwaters. These passages were cut off by the Pleistocene incision of the Sierra de Atapuerca minor valleys (e.g. Propiedad valley), forming entrances to caves that were occupied by hominids and fauna from Early Pleistocene times. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
State‐feedback stabilization for stochastic high‐order nonlinear systems with SISS inverse dynamics
Authors: Liu Liang , Xie Xue‐Jun
Published: October 2010

This paper investigates the problem of state‐feedback control for a class of stochastic high‐order nonlinear systems with stochastic inverse dynamics. Under the assumption that the inverse dynamics of the subsystem are stochastic input‐to‐state stable (SISS), by extending through adding a power integrator technique, choosing an appropriate Lyapunov function and using the idea of changing supply function, a smooth state‐feedback controller is explicitly constructed to render the system globally asymptotically stable in probability and the states can be regulated to the origin. A simulation example is provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
A computational model for the probit‐based dynamic stochastic user optimal traffic assignment problem
Authors: Meng Qiang , Khoo Hooi Ling
Published: October 2010

This paper focuses on computational model development for the probit‐based dynamic stochastic user optimal (P‐DSUO) traffic assignment problem. We first examine a general fixed‐point formulation for the P‐DSUO traffic assignment problem, and subsequently propose a computational model that can find an approximated solution of the interest problem. The computational model includes four components: a strategy to determine a set of the prevailing routes between each origin–destination pair, a method to estimate the covariance of perceived travel time for any two prevailing routes, a cell transmission model‐based traffic performance model to calculate the actual route travel time used by the probit‐based dynamic stochastic network loading procedure, and an iterative solution algorithm solving the customized fixed‐point model. The Ishikawa algorithm is proposed to solve the computational model. A comparison study is carried out to investigate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed algorithm with the method of successive averages. Two numerical examples are used to assess the computational model and the algorithm proposed. Results show that Ishikawa algorithm has better accuracy for smaller network despite requiring longer computational time. Nevertheless, it could not converge for larger network. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new automated grading approach for computer programming
Authors: Liu Xiong'en
Published: October 2010

The current grading systems for computer programming assignments have taken correctness, efficiency, complexity, and maintainability into account. Of these four components, the most important measurement is the correctness. However, the existing grading systems still have some drawbacks. It is hard to measure college students' overall programming skills based only on their answers to a single form of programming questions. The author proposes a new approach by presenting multiple forms of computer programming questions, such as statement filling‐in, program modifying and algorithm designing, and by providing an automated grading algorithm to measure the correctness, time efficiency, space efficiency, complexity, and robustness. This proposed automated grading method has been employed successfully in the development of C programming and Delphi programming exam systems for Computer Application Ability Exam for College Students in Fujian. It has also been applied to the development of an online programming self‐testing system for Data Structure course which is offered by Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 21: 484–490, 2013
Discursive deracialization in talk about asylum seeking
Authors: Goodman Simon , Burke Shani
Published: October 2010

In this paper we explore the extent to which ‘discursive deracialization’, the removal of ‘race’ from potentially racially motivated arguments, is taking place in talk about asylum seeking. A discourse analysis is conducted on the part of a corpus of data collected from focus groups with undergraduate students talking about asylum seeking, in which they were asked if they considered it to be racist to oppose asylum. We show that speakers use three arguments for opposing asylum that are explicitly framed as non‐racist: opposition is based on (1) economic reasons (2) religious grounds and the associated threat of terrorism and (3) the lack of asylum seekers' ability to integrate into British society. These findings are discussed with regard to the implications they have for our understanding of discursive deracialization in which it is shown that there is a common knowledge understanding, albeit one that needs qualifying, that opposition to asylum is not racist. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐Pressure Investigations under CO/H2 of Rhodium Complexes Containing Hemispherical Diphosphites
Authors: Sémeril David , Matt Dominique , Toupet Loïc , Oberhauser Werner , Bianchini Claudio
Published: October 2010

The two rhodium complexes [Rh(acac)(LR)] (LR=(S,S)‐5,11,17,23‐tetra‐tert‐butyl‐25,27‐di(OR)‐26,28‐bis(1,1′‐binaphthyl‐2,2′‐dioxyphosphanyloxy)calix[4]arene; 6: R=benzyl, 7: R=fluorenyl), each based on a hemispherical chelator forming a pocket about the metal centre upon chelation, are active in the hydroformylation of 1‐octene and styrene. As expected for this family of diphosphanes, both complexes resulted in remarkably high selectivity towards the linear aldehyde in the hydroformylation of 1‐octene (l/b≈15 for both complexes). Linear aldehyde selectivity was also observed when using styrene, but surprisingly only 6 displayed a marked preference for the linear product (l/b=12.4 (6) vs. 1.9 (7)). A detailed study of the structure of the complexes under CO or CO/H2 in toluene was performed by high‐pressure NMR (HP NMR) and FT‐IR (HP‐IR) spectroscopies. The spectroscopic data revealed that treatment of 6 with CO gave [Rh(acac)(CO)(η1‐Lbenzyl)] (8), in which the diphosphite behaves as a unidentate ligand. Subsequent addition of H2 to the solution resulted in a well‐defined chelate complex with the formula [RhH(CO)2(Lbenzyl)] (9). Unlike 6, treatment of complex 7 with CO only led to ligand dissociation and concomitant formation of [Rh(acac)(CO)2], but upon addition of H2 a chelate complex analogous to 9 was formed quantitatively. In both [RhH(CO)2(LR)] complexes the diphosphite adopts the bis‐equatorial coordination mode, a structural feature known to favour the formation of linear aldehydes. As revealed by variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy, these complexes show the typical fluxionality of trigonal bipyramidal [RhH(CO)2(diphosphane)] complexes. The lower linear selectivity of 7 versus 6 in the hydroformylation of styrene was assigned to steric effects, due to the pocket in which the catalysis takes place being less adapted to accommodate CO or larger olefins and, therefore, possibly leading to facile ligand decoordination. This interpretation was corroborated by an X‐ray structure determination carried out for 7.
Modeling and Biological Investigations of an Unusual Behavior of Novel Synthesized Acridine‐Based Polyamine Ligands in the Binding of Double Helix and G‐Quadruplex DNA
Authors: Bazzicalupi Carla , Chioccioli Matteo , Sissi Claudia , Porcù Elena , Bonaccini Claudia , Pivetta Claudia , Bencini Andrea , Giorgi Claudia , Valtancoli Barbara , Melani Fabrizio , Gratteri Paola
Published: October 2010

Three novel 2,7‐substituted acridine derivatives were designed and synthesized to investigate the effect of this functionalization on their interaction with double‐stranded and G‐quadruplex DNA. Detailed investigations of their ability to bind both forms of DNA were carried out by using spectrophotometric, electrophoretic, and computational approaches. The ligands in this study are characterized by an open‐chain (L1) or a macrocyclic (L2, L3) framework. The aliphatic amine groups in the macrocycles are joined by ethylene (L2) or propylene chains (L3). L1 behaved similarly to the lead compound m‐AMSA, efficiently intercalating into dsDNA, but stabilizing G‐quadruplex structures poorly, probably due to the modest stabilization effect exerted by its protonated polyamine chains. L2 and L3, containing small polyamine macrocyclic frameworks, are known to adopt a rather bent and rigid conformation; thus they are generally expected to be sterically impeded from recognizing dsDNA according to an intercalative binding mode. This was confirmed to be true for L3. Nevertheless, we show that L2 can give rise to efficient π–π and H‐bonding interactions with dsDNA. Additionally, stacking interactions allowed L2 to stabilize the G‐quadruplex structure: using the human telomeric sequence, we observed the preferential induction of tetrameric G‐quadruplex forms. Thus, the presence of short ethylene spacers seems to be essential for obtaining a correct match between the binding sites of L2 and the nucleobases on both DNA forms investigated. Furthermore, current modeling methodologies, including docking and MD simulations and free energy calculations, provide structural evidence of an interaction mode for L2 that is different from that of L3; this could explain the unusual stabilizing ability of the ligands (L2>L3>L1) toward G‐quadruplex that was observed in this study.
Equivalence of the time‐domain matched filter and the spectral‐domain matched filter in one‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Spencer Richard G.
Published: October 2010

A type of “matched filter” (MF), used extensively in the processing of one‐dimensional spectra, is defined by multiplication of a free‐induction decay (FID) by a decaying exponential with the same time constant as that of the FID. This maximizes, in a sense to be defined, the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) in the spectrum obtained after Fourier transformation. However, a different entity known also as the MF was introduced by van Vleck in the context of pulse detection in the 1940's and has become widely integrated into signal processing practice. These two types of MFs appear to be quite distinct. In the NMR case, the “filter”, that is, the exponential multiplication, is defined by the characteristics of, and applied to, a time domain signal to achieve improved SNR in the spectral domain. In signal processing, the filter is defined by the characteristics of a signal in the spectral domain, and applied to improve the SNR in the temporal (pulse) domain. We reconcile these two distinct implementations of the MF, demonstrating that the NMR “MF” is a special case of the MF more rigorously defined in the signal processing literature. In addition, two limitations on the use of the MF are highlighted. First, application of the MF distorts resonance ratios as defined by amplitudes, although not as defined by areas. Second, the MF maximizes SNR with respect to resonance amplitude, while intensity is often more appropriately defined by area. Maximizing the SNR with respect to area requires a somewhat different approach to matched filtering. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 36A: 255–265, 2010.
Improved outcome of patients with low‐ and intermediate‐risk cytogenetics acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first relapse with gemtuzumab and cytarabine versus cytarabine
Authors: Prebet Thomas , Etienne Anne , Devillier Raynier , Romeo Emilie , Charbonnier Aude , D'incan Evelyne , Esterni Benjamin , Arnoulet Christine , Blaise Didier , Vey Norbert
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND:

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first relapse is associated with a poor outcome even when treated with intermediate‐ to high‐dose cytarabine (IHDAraC). Gemtuzumab ozogamycin (GO) used as a single agent has clinical activity in relapsed and refractory AML. Various combination regimens of GO have been developed, but few data are available regarding their efficacy compared with IHDAraC‐based regimens.

METHODS:

The authors performed a retrospective analysis of response and survival in 90 AML patients in first relapse treated with either IHDAraC (n = 56) or IHDAraC + GO (n = 34). Patient characteristics of the two groups were comparable.

RESULTS:

Median follow‐up was 37 months. Compared with IHDAraC, IHDAraC + GO induction was associated with a better response rate (68% vs 45%, P = .04), a better overall survival (median, 35 months vs 6 months, P = .001), and a better event‐free survival (24 months vs 6 months, P = .002). This effect was limited to patients with low‐risk and intermediate‐risk cytogenetics. In multivariate analysis, age, cytogenetic risk, first complete remission duration, and the use of IHDAraC + GO were independently associated with better results.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study showed that the addition of GO to IHDAraC is associated with a better efficacy for patients in first relapse of AML with low‐ or intermediate‐risk cytogenetics. Prospective controlled studies of GO in this population are warranted. Patients with high‐risk cytogenetics should be offered investigational new drugs. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Using claims‐based measures to predict performance status score in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Salloum Ramzi G. , Smith Thomas J. , Jensen Gail A. , Lafata Jennifer Elston
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND:

Performance status (PS) is a good prognostic factor in lung cancer and is used to assess chemotherapy appropriateness. Researchers studying chemotherapy use are often hindered by the unavailability of PS in automated data sources. To the authors' knowledge, no attempts have been made to estimate PS using claims‐based measures. The current study explored the ability to estimate PS using routinely available measures.

METHODS:

A cohort of insured patients aged ≥50 years who were diagnosed with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage II through IV lung cancer between 2000 and 2007 was identified via a tumor registry (n = 552). PS was abstracted from medical records. Automated medical and pharmaceutical claims from the year preceding diagnosis were linked to tumor registry data. A logistic regression model was fit to estimate good versus poor PS in a random half of the sample. C statistics, sensitivity, specificity, and R2 were used to compare the predictive ability of models that included demographic factors, comorbidity measures, and claims‐based utilization variables. Model fit was evaluated in the other half of the sample.

RESULTS:

PS was available in 80% of medical records. The multivariable regression model predicted good PS with high sensitivity (0.88 or 0.94 depending on how good PS was defined), but moderate specificity (0.45 or 0.32) with a 0.50 prediction cutoff, and good sensitivity (0.64 or 0.83) and specificity (0.69 or 0.55) when the cutoff was 0.70. The goodness‐of‐fit c statistic was 0.76 or 0.78.

CONCLUSIONS:

PS can be estimated, with some accuracy, using claims‐based measures. Emphasis should be placed on documenting PS in medical records and tumor registries. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society
Photochemistry of Methyl Ethyl Ketone: Quantum Yields and S1/S0‐Diradical Mechanism of Photodissociation
Authors: Nádasdi Rebeka , Zügner Gábor L. , Farkas Mária , Dóbé Sándor , Maeda Satoshi , Morokuma Keiji
Published: October 2010

Pulsed laser photolysis (PLP) at λ=248 and 308 nm coupled with gas‐chromatographic analysis is applied to determine the photodissociation quantum yield (QY) of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). Temperature dependent UV absorption cross‐sections [σMEK(λ,T)] are also determined. At 308 nm, the QY decreases with decreasing temperature (T=323–233 K) and with increasing pressure (P=67‐998 mbar synthetic air). Stern–Volmer (SV) analysis of the T and P dependent QYs provides the experimental estimate of ES1=398±9 kJ mol−1 (=300±6 nm) for the barrier of the first excited singlet state (S1). The QY at 248 nm is close to unity and independent of pressure (T=298 K). Theoretical reaction pathways are examined systematically on the basis of CASPT2/6‐31+G* calculations. Among three possible pathways, a S1/S0‐diradical mechanism, which involves H atom transfer on the S1 surface, followed by a nonadiabatic transition at a diradical isomer of MEK, explains the experimental data very well. Therefore, this unusual mechanism, which is not seen in any smaller carbonyl compounds, is proposed as an important pathway for the MEK dissociation. Our study supports the view that both the absorption cross‐sections and the QYs of carbonyls have significant temperature dependences that should be taken into account for accurate modelling of atmospheric chemistry.
Animal models of early life stress: Implications for understanding resilience
Authors: Lyons David M. , Parker Karen J. , Schatzberg Alan F.
Published: October 2010

In the mid‐1950s, Levine and his colleagues reported that brief intermittent exposure to early life stress diminished indications of subsequent emotionality in rats. Here we review ongoing studies of a similar process in squirrel monkeys. Results from these animal models suggest that brief intermittent exposure to stress promotes the development of arousal regulation and resilience. Implications for programs designed to enhance resilience in human development are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 52: 616–624, 2010.
Characterization of a mouse Scube3 reporter line
Authors: Xavier Guilherme M. , Economou Andrew , Senna Guimarães André Luis , Sharpe Paul T. , Cobourne Martyn T.
Published: October 2010

The SCUBE gene family encode secreted, extracellular proteins that share a distinct domain organization of at least five recognizable motifs, including an amino‐terminal signal peptide sequence, multiple EGF‐like domains, a large spacer region containing multiple N‐linked glycosylation sites, three repeated stretches of six‐cysteine residues and a carboxy‐terminal CUB domain. We describe a Scube3tm1Dge/H targeted allele, which replaces the entire coding region for Exons 2 and 3 with a neomycin‐lacZ selectable marker cassette predicted to delete the first two EGF‐like domains of the transcribed protein. Scube3+/tm1Dge/H embryos demonstrate strong β‐galactosidase activity in the early facial epithelium, including the branchial arches and facial processes, the otic vesicle, limb buds, and neural tube. In addition, strong reporter activity was identified in the epithelial compartments of developing teeth and hair follicles. However, analysis of the Scube3tm1Dge/H allele revealed that it encodes a truncated protein, which contains part of the spacer region and CUB domain. It is likely that this protein retains functionality because our analysis reveals that Scube3tm1Dge/H; tm1Dge/H mice are phenotypically normal. Whilst acting as a useful reporter, these mice do not provide any insight into the potential role of Scube3 during embryonic development. genesis 48:684–692, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is there a causal link from a phonological awareness deficit to reading failure in children at familial risk for dyslexia?
Authors: Blomert Leo , Willems Gonny
Published: October 2010

The knowledge that reading and phonological awareness are mainly reciprocally related has hardly influenced the status of a phonological awareness deficit as the main cause of a reading deficit in dyslexia. Because direct proofs for this theory are still lacking we investigated children at familial risk for dyslexia in kindergarten and first grade. The familial risk was genuine; 40% developed reading deficits in first grade. However, we did not find any relationship between a phonological awareness or other phonological processing deficits in kindergarten and reading deficits in first grade. Finally, we did not find evidence for the claim that a phonological awareness deficit assumedly causes a reading deficit via ‘unstable’ or otherwise corrupted letter–speech sound associations. Although earlier research indicated letter knowledge as another significant determinant of later reading deficits, we found no support for this claim. Letter knowledge learning and learning to associate and integrate letters and speech sound are different processes and only problems in the latter process seem directly linked to the development of a reading deficit. The nature of this deficit and the impact it might have on multisensory processing in the whole reading network presents a major challenge to future reading and dyslexia research. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coherence motion perception in developmental dyslexia: a meta‐analysis of behavioral studies
Authors: Benassi Mariagrazia , Simonelli Letizia , Giovagnoli Sara , Bolzani Roberto
Published: October 2010

The magnitude of the association between developmental dyslexia (DD) and motion sensitivity is evaluated in 35 studies, which investigated coherence motion perception in DD. A first analysis is conducted on the differences between DD groups and age‐matched control (C) groups. In a second analysis, the relationship between motion coherence threshold and reading ability is considered. Globally, the mean effect size (ES) is moderate (d= 0.675, 2334 subjects) with a large value (d= 0.747) for the between‐groups differences in motion perception and a smaller mean ES (d= 0.178) for the correlational studies. The influence on ES of the stimuli parameters and subjects age is analyzed. The number of dots, the age of the subjects, and the type of analysis (i.e. between‐group or correlational) are significantly related to the ES. Looking at the ES values, a smaller number of dots constituting the stimuli are associated with larger ES and, interestingly, the children studies are associated with lower ES in comparison with the researches evaluating adults. The large ES value supports the importance of studying motion perception deficits in DD groups, consistently with the claim that dorsal impairment/noise‐exclusion deficit could be one of the risk factor of reading difficulties. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring dyslexics' phonological deficit III: foreign speech perception and production
Authors: Soroli Efstathia , Szenkovits Gayaneh , Ramus Franck
Published: October 2010

This study investigates French dyslexic and control adult participants' ability to perceive and produce two different non‐native contrasts (one segmental and one prosodic), across several conditions varying short‐term memory load. For this purpose, we selected Korean plosive voicing (whose categories conflict with French ones) as the segmental contrast and lexical stress as the prosodic contrast (French does not use contrastive lexical stress). We also used a French (native) segmental contrast as a control. Tasks were either auditory discrimination or repetition of CVCV nonsense words. Short‐term memory load was varied by presenting the stimuli either in isolation, in sequences of two, or in sequences of three. Our results show overall few differences between dyslexic and control participants. In particular, dyslexic participants performed similarly to controls in all tasks involving Korean plosives, whether in discrimination or in production, and regardless of short‐term memory load. However, some group differences emerged with respect to lexical stress, in the discrimination task at greater short‐term memory load. Various analyses suggest that dyslexic participants' difficulties are due to the meta‐phonological nature of the task and to short‐term memory load. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Striking the right balance: motor difficulties in children and adults with dyslexia
Authors: Brookes Rebecca L. , Tinkler Susie , Nicolson Roderick I. , Fawcett Angela J.
Published: October 2010

Balance difficulties are an enduring feature of dyslexia research, however results have been inconsistent. We propose that between‐study heterogeneity may be attributable to variability in balance tasks, balance measurement, participant age, and inclusion of comorbid disorders such as ADHD. This study attempted to clarify these issues, employing quantitative, continuous measures of balance and blindfolded balance, and using both adult and child participants without comorbid ADHD. Eighty‐seven individuals participated: dyslexic adults (n = 17), matched adult controls (n = 30), dyslexic children (n = 16) and matched child controls (n = 24). The study found significant balance deficits for the child dyslexic group in the eyes‐open task and a result approaching significance in the blindfolded task. By contrast, the adult dyslexic group showed significant deficits in the blindfolded task only. This result is interpreted in terms of lack of sensitivity of the non‐blindfolded balance task for adults, owing to ceiling effects. This highlights the need for the use of age‐appropriate tests, and may explain some of the heterogeneity in the literature. It is concluded that there is a significant incidence of balance difficulties in children and adults with dyslexia, even for those without comorbid attention deficit. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictive significance of changes in dietary restraint in obese patients with binge eating disorder during treatment
Authors: Blomquist Kerstin K. , Grilo Carlos M.
Published: October 2010

Objective:

To examine whether changes in different aspects of dietary restraint in obese patients with binge eating disorder (BED) participating in a treatment study predict outcomes.

Method:

Fifty obese patients with BED in a randomized controlled study of orlistat administered with cognitive‐behavioral therapy, guided‐self‐help (CBTgsh) completed dietary restraint measures at baseline, during‐ and post‐treatment, and three‐month follow‐up.

Results:

Change in the restraint scale of the Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire did not predict binge abstinence or 5% weight loss. Increased flexible restraint subscale of the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) during treatment significantly predicted binge abstinence at post‐treatment and three‐month follow‐up and 5% weight loss at post‐treatment. Change in the rigid restraint subscale of the TFEQ predicted binge abstinence at post‐treatment.

Discussion:

Our findings clarify further pathologic and adaptive aspects of restraint and suggest the importance of enhancing flexible restraint in order to improve both binge eating and weight loss outcomes. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2011)
Bivariate analysis of disordered eating characteristics in adolescence and young adulthood
Authors: Munn Melissa A. , Stallings Michael C. , Hyun Rhee Soo , Sobik Laura E. , Corley Robin P. , Rhea Sally Ann , Hewitt John K.
Published: October 2010

Objective

We examined the etiology of two disordered eating characteristics.

Method

Participants included 1,470 female adolescent and young adult twins and their female nontwin siblings. Phenotypic factor analyses of a seven‐item eating pathology screening tool yielded two factors: weight and shape concerns and behaviors (WSCB) and binge eating (BE). Univariate and bivariate extended twin analyses (including cotwins and nontwin siblings) were used to estimate the magnitude of genetic and environmental influences on these characteristics.

Results

Analyses indicated that individual differences in WSCB and BE could be explained by additive genetic influences (a2 = 0.43 (95% CI: 0.33–0.52) and 0.49 (95% CI: 0.36–0.58), respectively), with the remaining variance due to nonshared environmental influences. The genetic correlation between WSCB and BE was estimated at 0.64; the nonshared environmental correlation was estimated at 0.27.

Discussion

These results corroborate previous findings on genetic and environmental influences on disordered eating characteristics and suggest that findings can be extended to nontwin populations. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2010; 43:751–761
Automatic detection of proximity AE doublets for relative location of subsurface fracture reservoir
Authors: Nagano Koji , Ehara Daisuke
Published: October 2010

This paper describes the automatic detection of proximity acoustic emission (AE) doublets. Proximity AE doublets are microseismic data in which a second event with a similar waveform arrives before the attenuation of the first event. The number of AE events is much greater than 1000 when a subsurface fracture reservoir is stimulated during hydraulic fracturing. It is routine and daunting work to detect proximity AE doublets in the many AE events. The cepstrum of proximity AE doublets has a peak at a quefrency that shows an interval between P waves. We analyze three‐component AE signals, which represent the three‐dimensional particle motion of the AE. Three‐component AE measurement is often carried out in subsurface AE measurement. The quefrency of the cepstral maximum is compared among the three components. The cepstra of proximity AE doublets have maxima at similar quefrencies in the three components. On the other hand, the cepstra of AE events other than those of proximity AE doublets have their maxima at different quefrencies in the three components. Ninety‐four percent of proximity AE doublets are detected automatically and 100% of 80 events that are not proximity AE doublets are not recognized as proximity AE doublets in the automatic detection. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(11): 38–45, 2010; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10234
Influence of VIA stacking for high density of consumer electronics products
Authors: Nakanishi Tohru , Hase Tomohiro
Published: October 2010

The multistage stacked VIA technology is one of the key technologies for the achievement of high‐density packaging, but it appears that the influence of VIA stacking is not sufficiently well understood. The influence of one‐ to five‐level VIA stacking technologies is studied with respect to the parameters of stress and strain from the viewpoint of reliability, comparing the conditions in which these VIAs are located directly on the RFP [Resin Filled PTH (Pin Through Hole)], and the condition in which they are located to the left and right at some distance from the RFP. The maximum stress occurs at the smallest VIA neck, and it is recommended that VIA stacking be designed at some distance from the RFP. Guidelines for optimized design of substrates that have stacked VIAs are provided. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(11): 1–7, 2010; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10320
Analysis of chemoresistance in lung cancer with a simple microfluidic device
Authors: Zhang Lichuan , Wang Jiarui , Zhao Long , Meng Qiang , Wang Qi
Published: October 2010

Microchip‐based systems have been developed rapidly due to their desirable advantages over conventional platforms. Higher level system integration and complex microdevices are emerging to satisfy the demand for high‐throughput and large‐scale applications. However, most of the devices need to be fabricated with complicated microvalves and micropumps, which, to some extent, limit the use of the novel technique. In this study, a simple microdevice was developed to perform chemotherapy resistance analysis in lung cancer cell line SPCA1. This device includes a PDMS chip for which a simple external small clip served as a microvalve to control the fluid flow so that the parallel control experiment could be carried out simultaneously, and a syringe pump, which supplied the cells with fresh medium mimicking the microenvironment in vivo. Cell culture, detection of drug resistance related protein P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) and glutathione S‐transferase‐π (GST‐π) and cell viability after VP‐16 treatment on experimental (pretreated with corresponding inhibitors) and control groups were achieved. The results demonstrated that the cells could grow and spread well for at least 3 days. The expression of P‐gp and GST‐π was obviously downregulated by corresponding inhibitors. The percentage of apoptotic cells for P‐gp inhibition group increased 2.9‐fold compared with that of control group (23.7±2.6 versus 8.1±3.0%, p<0.05), while for GST‐π inhibition, there was no obvious distinction between the experimental and control group. The simple microdevice is capable of integrating parallel operations involving cell culture and functional analysis, offering an easy and flexible platform for a stable long‐term cell culture and comparison research.
Investigations on trivalent arsenic tolerance and removal potential of a facultative marine Aspergillus niger
Authors: Vala Anjana K. , Sutariya Vishnu , Upadhyay R.V.
Published: October 2010

The main objective of this work was to examine tolerance of a facultative marine Aspergillus niger isolate toward trivalent arsenic and its arsenic removal potential. When exposed to different concentrations (25, 50, and 100 mg/L) of trivalent arsenic over a period of 9 days, the test fungus exhibited luxuriant growth at all the test concentrations. There was an increase in biomass accumulation with incubation period in all cases indicating the test culture's noteworthy tolerance towards all the three test concentrations of As[III]. Removal of arsenic (mg/g biomass dry weight) was found to be highest on Day 3 in all the cases. These preliminary observations are suggestive of possible exploitation of the test fungus for bioremediation purpose. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2010
‘Bankruptcy tourism’ under the EC regulation on insolvency proceedings: A view from England and Wales
Authors: Walters Adrian , Smith Anton
Published: October 2010

This article provides an account of the emergent phenomenon of ‘bankruptcy tourism’—forum shopping by debtors for favourable personal insolvency law—within the EU and with particular reference to England and Wales. After outlining the structural features of the European legal framework that make forum shopping for personal insolvency law possible, including the EC Regulation on Insolvency Proceedings and explaining why England and Wales in particular has proved to be an attractive ‘tourist’ destination, the article charts how the official receivers and the courts in England and Wales have sought to manage the influx of foreign bankruptcies in terms of legal principle and process drawing on two reported cases, Eichler and Mitterfellner. It will be seen that the institutional response in England and Wales has been twofold. First, the ‘problem’ of forum shopping debtors has been framed as a problem of policing the line between genuine and fictional relocations. Secondly, there are signs that the procedural onus on debtors to evidence their claim to English jurisdiction before a bankruptcy order is made has been increased, a move that can be interpreted as a form of institutional resistance designed to raise the barrier to entry. Having sought to illuminate the problems, costs and inconvenience associated with forum shopping from a practitioner standpoint, we explore the ‘good’ versus ‘bad’ forum shopping question and consider the scope for reform of the EC Regulation. Adopting a creditor perspective, we conclude provisionally that the Regulation could usefully be reformed to limit the scope for insolvent debtors to switch their COMI in anticipation of filing for bankruptcy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response assessment in gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Authors: Desai Jayesh
Published: October 2010

Imatinib is standard first‐line treatment for patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Initial responses are not always accompanied by reductions in tumor size; consequently, other parameters should be considered in response assessments. Conventional size‐based criteria such as Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) may underestimate responses to imatinib and have poor predictive value for outcome. Imatinib‐responding tumors demonstrate decreased metabolic activity on positron emission tomography within the first weeks of treatment, often showing reduced density and greater homogeneity on computed tomography (CT) scans regardless of initial changes in tumor size. New criteria, based on reductions in tumor size or in tumor density on CT, seem more sensitive and specific for detecting early responses to imatinib, and more predictive of time to tumor progression and disease‐specific survival. Compared with conventional size‐based criteria, new CT‐based criteria may potentially offer improved response assessment and be predictive of outcome in GIST. However, such emerging criteria should be further explored and validated in large, multicenter trials with imatinib and other kinase inhibitors in GIST and in other solid tumors.
Spectroscopic identification of interactions of formaldehyde with bovine serum albumin
Authors: Liu Yihong , Liu Rutao , Mou Yue , Zhou Guangjun
Published: October 2010

The mechanism of formaldehyde–protein interactions was investigated by determining the effects of formaldehyde on the common protein bovine serum albumin (BSA). The effects at the molecular level were determined by fluorescence, ultraviolet absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectrometry. Formaldehyde could decrease the amount of alpha‐helix, leading to loosening of the protein skeleton. In the loose structure, internal amino acids are exposed and the characteristic fluorescence of BSA is obviously quenched. The spectroscopic results reveal that formaldehyde exposure induces changes in the microenvironment and conformation of serum albumin, which could lead to toxic effects on the organism. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 25:95–100, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20364