bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structurally related TPR subunits contribute differently to the function of the anaphase-promoting complex inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Pál Margit , Nagy Olga , Ménesi Dalma , Udvardy Andor , Deák Péter
Published: September 2007

The anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome or APC/C is a key regulator of chromosome segregation and mitotic exit in eukaryotes. It contains at least 11 subunits, most of which are evolutionarily conserved. The most abundant constituents of the vertebrate APC/C are the four structurally related tetratrico-peptide repeat (TPR) subunits, the functions of which are not yet precisely understood. Orthologues of three of the TPR subunits have been identified in Drosophila. We have shown previously that one of the TPR subunits of the Drosophila APC/C, Apc3 (also known as Cdc27 or Mákos), is essential for development, and perturbation of its function results in mitotic cyclin accumulation and metaphase-like arrest. In this study we demonstrate that the Drosophila APC/C associates with a new TPR protein, a genuine orthologue of the vertebrate Apc7 subunit that is not found in yeasts. In addition to this, transgenic flies knocked down for three of the TPR genes Apc6 (Cdc16), Apc7 and Apc8 (Cdc23), by RNA interference were established to investigate their function. Whole-body expression of subunit-specific dsRNA efficiently silences these genes resulting in only residual mRNA concentrations. Apc6/Cdc16 and Apc8/Cdc23 silencing induces developmental delay and causes different pupal lethality. Cytological examination showed that these animals had an elevated level of apoptosis, high mitotic index and delayed or blocked mitosis in a prometaphase-metaphase-like state with overcondensed chromosomes. The arrested neuroblasts contained elevated levels of cyclin B but, surprisingly, cyclin A appeared to be degraded normally. Contrary to the situation for the Apc6/Cdc16 and Apc8/Cdc23 genes, the apparent loss of Apc7 function does not lead to the above abnormalities. Instead, the Apc7 knocked down animals and null mutants are viable and fertile, although they display mild chromosome segregation defects and anaphase delay. Nevertheless, the Apc7 subunit shows synergistic genetic interaction with Apc8/Cdc23 that, together with the phenotypic data, assumes a limited functional role for Apc7. Taken together, these data suggest that the structurally related TPR subunits contribute differently to the function of the anaphase-promoting complex.
Motets, French Tenors, and the Polyphonic Chanson ca. 1300
Authors: EVERIST MARK
Published: September 2007

Despite frequent attempts to explain the emergence of a coherent type of polyphonic song in the early 14th century, our understanding is dominated by views drawn from lyric poetry, romance, criticism of musical and literary register, traditions of performance, and other abstract conceptualizations of this remarkable moment in the history of music. But there exists an extensive body of musical evidence that points to an energetic and sophisticated experimentation with musical and poetic elements that anticipated the style of polyphonic song cultivated by Machaut and his contemporaries. One such experimental repertory consists of the 22 motets based on vernacular tenors copied into the seventh and eighth fascicles of the Montpellier Codex (F-MOf H 196) and in the Turin motet book (I-Tr vari 42) ca.1300.

The vernacular tenors that underpin these motets exhibit the types of repeating structures familiar from secular monody around 1300: six- and eight-line rondeaux and various other types of structure as described by Ludwig, Gennrich, and Walker. What has been less systematically explored is the degree to which the upper voices of the motets reflect the repetitions that characterize their tenors. The composers of these motets were attempting—within the stylistic restraints that the genre imposed on them—to create polyphonic works whose entire texture followed the structure of the tenor: in other words, to construct a musical entity that had much in common with the polyphonic song of the next generation, but that still retained the overlapping phrase patterns and poetic line length of the motet as had been traditional for nearly a century.
Does Early Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection Prevent Renal Damage?
Authors: Doganis Dimitrios , Siafas Konstantinos , Mavrikou Myrsini , Issaris George , Martirosova Anna , Perperidis Grigorios , Konstantopoulos Andreas , Sinaniotis Konstantinos
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE. Therapeutic delay has been suggested as the most important factor that is likely to have an effect on the development of scarring after acute pyelonephritis. However, this opinion has not been supported by prospective studies, so we tested it.

METHODS. In a prospective clinical study, we evaluated whether the time interval between the onset of the renal infection and the start of therapy correlates with the development of acute inflammatory changes and the subsequent development of renal scars, documented by dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy. A total of 278 infants (153 male and 125 female) aged 0.5 to 12.0 months with their first urinary tract infection were enrolled in the study.

RESULTS. The median time between the onset of infection and the institution of therapy was 2 days (range: 1–8 days). Renal inflammatory changes were documented in 57% of the infants. Renal defects were recorded in 41% of the patients treated within the first 24 hours since the onset of fever versus 75% of those treated on day 4 and onward. Renal scarring was developed in 51% of the infants with an abnormal scan in the acute phase of infection. The frequency of scarring in infants treated early and in those whose treatment was delayed did not differ, suggesting that once acute pyelonephritis has occurred, ultimate renal scarring is independent of the timing of therapy. Acute inflammatory changes and subsequent scarring were more frequent in the presence of vesicoureteral reflux, especially that which is high grade. However, the difference was not significant, which suggests that renal damage may be independent of the presence of reflux.

CONCLUSIONS. Early and appropriate treatment of urinary tract infection, especially during the first 24 hours after the onset of symptoms, diminishes the likelihood of renal involvement during the acute phase of the infection but does not prevent scar formation.
Flood forecasting using support vector machines
Authors: Han D. , Chan L. , Zhu N.
Published: September 2007

This paper describes an application of SVM over the Bird Creek catchment and addresses some important issues in developing and applying SVM in flood forecasting. It has been found that, like artificial neural network models, SVM also suffers from over-fitting and under-fitting problems and the over-fitting is more damaging than under-fitting. This paper illustrates that an optimum selection among a large number of various input combinations and parameters is a real challenge for any modellers in using SVMs. A comparison with some benchmarking models has been made, i.e. Transfer Function, Trend and Naive models. It demonstrates that SVM is able to surpass all of them in the test data series, at the expense of a huge amount of time and effort. Unlike previous published results, this paper shows that linear and nonlinear kernel functions (i.e. RBF) can yield superior performances against each other under different circumstances in the same catchment. The study also shows an interesting result in the SVM response to different rainfall inputs, where lighter rainfalls would generate very different responses to heavier ones, which is a very useful way to reveal the behaviour of a SVM model.
Centralised versus decentralised wastewater systems?
Authors: Orth H.
Published: September 2007

A host of centralised and decentralised systems are available for wastewater disposal purposes. Consequently, selecting the right system calls for a comprehensive and, above all, unbiased assessment of the alternatives. Costs and unsettled ecological issues can be adduced to show that total rejection of one system or the other is not warranted. An ecological assessment that, for example, also covers hygienic aspects is only in its infancy and an intensification of research work is necessary. The example of a conurbation is used to illustrate the interplay of centralised and decentralised elements.
Anthraquinones as defensive compounds in eggs of Galerucini leaf beetles: Biosynthesis by the beetles?
Authors: Pankewitz Florian , Zöllmer Anja , Gräser Yvonne , Hilker Monika
Published: September 2007

Eggs of leaf beetles of the tribe Galerucini, subfamily Galerucinae, contain polyketides that are unusual in insects: 1,8‐dihydroxylated anthraquinones (chrysazin, chrysophanol) and anthrones (dithranol, chrysarobin) deterring predators. The host plants do not contain these compounds. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the beetles, but not bacterial or fungal microorganisms living as endosymbionts within the beetles, produce the anthraquinones. The tansy leaf beetle Galeruca tanaceti was used as Galerucini model organism. It was treated with antimicrobial substances to eradicate the microorganisms and inhibit the hypothesised endosymbiotic anthraquinone production. Despite treatment, female G. tanaceti laid eggs containing anthraquinones. Although broad spectrum antimicrobials were used, it cannot be excluded that the potential endosymbiotic microorganisms are resistant. Given that the hypothesised endosymbionts are transferred via the eggs from one generation to the next, bacterial or fungal DNA was expected to be present in the eggs. With the exception of Wolbachia pipientis, however, no further 16S rDNA from bacteria responsible for anthraquinone biosynthesis was detected in eggs of untreated beetles. Because Wolbachia were also found in closely related anthraquinone‐free insects, we exclude these bacteria as producers of the defensive polyketides. Nor was any 18S rDNA from fungi with anthraquinone biosynthetic abilities detected. Our results indicate that anthraquinones and anthrones in eggs of Galerucini are produced by beetle enzymes and not by endosymbiotic microorganisms within the eggs. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 66:98–108, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of two‐phase lipase‐catalyzed esterification on micro and bench scale
Authors: Swarts Jan W. , Vossenberg Petra , Meerman Marieke H. , Janssen Anja E.M. , Boom Remko M.
Published: September 2007

Lipase type B from Candida antarctica was used to catalyze the esterification of propionic acid and 1‐butanol in a water/n‐decane two‐phase system on micro and on bench scale. The reaction was described by a Ping Pong Bi Bi mechanism with alcohol inhibition. The kinetic parameters on micro and bench scale were compared; no significant differences were found. Furthermore, effects of temperature on activation and inactivation of the enzyme were found to be similar on micro and bench scale. Therefore, parameters found on either scale can be used for the other scale. Enzyme kinetic parameters can be determined on a micro scale, with very low consumption of reagents and catalyst, and then be applied to bench scale. This can reduce the cost of optimizing enzyme processes by downscaling. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 855–861. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An anatomic study of the spinal accessory nerve: Extended harvest permits direct nerve transfer to distal plexus targets
Authors: Vathana Torpon , Larsen Mikko , de Ruiter Godard C.W. , Bishop Allen T. , Spinner Robert J. , Shin Alexander Y.
Published: September 2007

An anatomic study of the distal spinal accessory nerve (SAN) to determine the number of myelinated axons and feasibility of posterior harvest for direct neurotization of distal targets was performed. Ten fresh human cadavers were studied. A supraclavicular approach was performed followed by a posterior approach. The relationship of the SAN to bony landmarks (T1 spinous process, acromioclavicular joint, posterolateral corner of the acromium, and angle at the superior medial border of the scapula) as well as maximal harvestable length was recorded. After posterior dissection, the SAN was mobilized and the ability to reach both anterior infraclavicular and posterior targets was assessed. Axon counts were also performed at the proximal, mid, and distal points along the course of the nerve. The posteriorly harvested SAN was identified reliably with respect to bony landmarks. When harvested posteriorly, the SAN could reach the infraclavicular part of the brachial plexus (i.e., terminal branches), and posteriorly, the suprascapular nerve (SSN) both proximal and distal to the suprascapular ligament, the latter for selective reinnervation of the infraspinatus branch. The average number of myelinated fibers at the proximal end of the nerve was 1,328 axons, at the mid‐way point was 1,021 axons, and at terminal end of the nerve was 817 axons. Harvest of the SAN from a posterior approach based on these landmarks is feasible, allowing direct transfer of the nerve to the infraclavicular brachial plexus and to the SSN both proximal and distal to the suprascapular ligament, without the use of interposition nerve grafts. Clin. Anat. 20:899–904, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ternary MgTiX‐Alloys: A Promising Route towards Low‐Temperature, High‐Capacity, Hydrogen‐Storage Materials
Authors: Vermeulen Paul , van Thiel Emile F. M. J. , Notten Peter H. L.
Published: September 2007

In the search for hydrogen‐storage materials with a high gravimetric capacity, MgyTi(1−y) alloys, which exhibit excellent kinetic properties, form the basis for more advanced compounds. The plateau pressure of the MgTiH system is very low (≈10−6 bar at room temperature). A way to increase this pressure is by destabilizing the metal hydride. The foremost effect of incorporating an additional element in the binary MgTi system is, therefore, to decrease the stability of the metal hydride. A model to calculate the effect on the thermodynamic stability of alloying metals was developed by Miedema and co‐workers. Adopting this model offers the possibility to select promising elements beforehand. Thin films consisting of Mg and Ti with Al or Si were prepared by means of e‐beam deposition. The electrochemical galvanostatic intermittent titration technique was used to obtain pressure‐composition isotherms for these ternary materials and these isotherms reveal a reversible hydrogen‐storage capacity of more than 6 wt. %. In line with the calculations, substitution of Mg and Ti by Al or Si indeed shifts the plateau pressure of a significant part of the isotherms to higher pressures, while remaining at room temperature. It has been proven that, by controlling the chemistry of the metal alloy, the thermodynamic properties of Mg‐based hydrides can be regulated over a wide range. Hence, the possibility to increase the partial hydrogen pressure, while maintaining a high gravimetric capacity creates promising opportunities in the field of hydrogen‐storage materials, which are essential for the future of the hydrogen economy.
Transition Metal Bisdithiolene Complexes Based on Extended Ligands with Fused Tetrathiafulvalene and Thiophene Moieties: New Single‐Component Molecular Metals
Authors: Nunes João P. M. , Figueira Mauro J. , Belo Dulce , Santos Isabel C. , Ribeiro Bruno , Lopes Elsa B. , Henriques Rui T. , Vidal‐Gancedo Jose , Veciana Jaume , Rovira Concepció , Almeida Manuel
Published: September 2007

The gold and nickel bisdithiolene complexes based on new highly extended ligands incorporating fused tetrathiafulvalene and thiophene moieties (α‐tdt=thiophenetetrathiafulvalenedithiolate and dtdt=dihydro‐ thiophenetetrathiafulvalenedithiolate), were prepared and characterised by using cyclic voltammetry, single crystal X‐ray diffraction, EPR, magnetic susceptibility and electrical transport measurements. These complexes, initially obtained under anaerobic conditions as diamagnetic gold monoanic [nBu4N][Au(α‐tdt)2] (4), [nBu4N][Au(dtdt)2] (3) and nickel dianionic species [(nBu4N)2][Ni(α‐tdt)2] (8), [(nBu4N)2][Ni(dtdt)2] (7), can be easily oxidised to the stable neutral state just by air or iodine exposure. The monoanionic complexes crystallise in at least two polymorphs, all of which have good cation and anion segregation in alternated layers, the anion layers making a dense 2D network of short S⋅⋅⋅S contacts. All of the neutral complexes, obtained as microcrystalline or quasi amorphous fine powder, present relatively large magnetic susceptibilities that correspond to effective magnetic moments in the range 1–3 μB indicative of high spin states and very high electrical conductivity that in case of the Ni compound can reach σRT≈ 250 S cm−1 with a clear metallic behaviour. These compounds are new examples of the still rare single‐component molecular metals.
Topography of thalamic and parabrachial calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) immunoreactive neurons projecting to subnuclei of the amygdala and extended amygdala
Authors: D'Hanis W. , Linke R. , Yilmazer‐Hanke D.M.
Published: September 2007

Injections of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) into the amygdala evoke fear‐related behaviors and antinociceptive effects. In the present study we therefore characterized CGRP‐containing amygdaloid afferents by injecting the retrograde tracer FluoroGold (FG) into subnuclei of the amygdala and adjacent divisions of the extended amygdala, namely, the lateral (LA) and central (CE) amygdaloid nuclei, interstitial nucleus of the posterior limb of the anterior commissure (IPAC), and the amygdalostriatal area (AStr). The distribution of retrogradely FG‐labeled neurons and colocalization of CGRP‐immunoreactivity with FG‐labeling were mapped in the posterior paralaminar thalamic complex and parabrachial nuclei. The analysis of the posterior thalamus revealed that about 50% of CGRP‐containing neurons projected to the AStr, the projections originating in the medial part of the medial geniculate body, posterior intralaminar nucleus, parvicellular subparafascicular nucleus, and peripeduncular nucleus. However, the percentage of CGRP‐containing thalamic neurons projecting to the adjacent LA, medial part of the CE, and ventrocaudal part of the caudatoputamen rapidly dropped to 3–9%. There were no double‐labeled cells after injections into the lateral and capsular parts of the CE and the IPAC. Thus, the AStr received the heaviest CGRP‐containing projection from the posterior thalamus. CGRP‐containing parabrachial neurons projected to the AStr and lateral, capsular, and medial parts of the CE, the projections originating in the external, crescent, and central parts of the lateral parabrachial nucleus and external part of the medial parabrachial nucleus. The results demonstrate a distinct projection pattern of CGRP‐containing thalamic and parabrachial neurons to subnuclei of the amygdala and extended amygdala. J. Comp. Neurol. 505:268–291, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extracellular space in mouse cerebellar cortex revealed by in vivo cryotechnique
Authors: Ohno Nobuhiko , Terada Nobuo , Saitoh Sei , Ohno Shinichi
Published: September 2007

Conventional methods of preparing tissue specimens for morphological investigation of the central nervous system suffer from inevitable artifacts caused by anoxia during the processing. In the present study we performed ultrastructural analyses of mouse cerebellar cortex using the in vivo cryotechnique (IVCr), which minimizes ischemic artifacts of target organs through direct cryofixation in vivo. In molecular and Purkinje cell layers of the mouse cerebellum prepared with IVCr, considerably large extracellular spaces (ECS) were detected among cellular profiles and synaptic clefts. The ECS obtained with IVCr without ischemia were larger than those obtained with IVCr after 8‐minute ischemia or a conventional quick‐freezing method with fresh resected tissues (FQF), but did not decrease with IVCr after 30‐second ischemia. By contrast, the parallel fibers observed with IVCr without ischemia were slightly smaller than those after 30‐second ischemia, and significantly smaller than those prepared with IVCr after 8‐minute ischemia or FQF. ECS were frequently preserved around synaptic clefts, although the rest were totally or partially enclosed with closely apposed glial processes. The estimated sizes of the ECS around synaptic clefts did not differ between the opened and enclosed synapses, suggesting that the opened synapses might be temporarily surrounded by glial sheaths dynamically extending or retracting throughout the perisynaptic ECS. These findings indicate IVCr to be useful for some morphological analyses of ECS in the central nervous system. The appreciable ECS around synapses would allow morphological and functional changes of neuronal and glial cells dynamically involved in synaptic remodeling or signal transduction. J. Comp. Neurol. 505:292–301, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Discrete singular convolution methodology for free vibration and stability analyses of arbitrary straight‐sided quadrilateral plates
Authors: Civalek Ömer
Published: September 2007

A new discrete singular convolution (DSC) method is developed for vibration, buckling and static analyses of arbitrary straight‐sided quadrilateral plates. The straight‐sided quadrilateral domain is mapped into a square domain in the computational space using a four‐node element. By using the geometric transformation, the governing equations and boundary conditions of the plate are transformed from the physical domain into a square computational domain. Numerical examples illustrating the accuracy and convergence of the DSC method for straight‐sided quadrilateral thin plates such as rectangular, skew, trapezoidal and rhombic plates are presented. The results obtained by the DSC method were compared with those obtained by the other numerical and analytical methods. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydration of the Calcium Dication: Direct Evidence for Second Shell Formation from Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Bush Matthew F. , Saykally Richard J. , Williams Evan R.
Published: September 2007

Infrared laser action spectroscopy in a Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer is used in conjunction with ab initio calculations to investigate doubly charged, hydrated clusters of calcium formed by electrospray ionization. Six water molecules coordinate directly to the calcium dication, whereas the seventh water molecule is incorporated into a second solvation shell. Spectral features indicate the presence of multiple structures of Ca(H2O)72+ in which outer‐shell water molecules accept either one (single acceptor) or two (double acceptor) hydrogen bonds from inner‐shell water molecules. Double‐acceptor water molecules are predominately observed in the second solvent shells of clusters containing eight or nine water molecules. Increased hydration results in spectroscopic signatures consistent with additional second‐shell water molecules, particularly the appearance of inner‐shell water molecules that donate two hydrogen bonds (double donor) to the second solvent shell. This is the first reported use of infrared spectroscopy to investigate shell structure of a hydrated multiply charged cation in the gas phase and illustrates the effectiveness of this method to probe the structures of hydrated ions.
“6 markers/5 colors” extended white blood cell differential by flow cytometry
Authors: Faucher Jean‐Luc , Lacronique‐Gazaille Charlotte , Frébet Elise , Trimoreau Franck , Donnard Magali , Bordessoule Dominique , Lacombe Francis , Feuillard Jean
Published: September 2007

Electronic white blood cell (WBC) differential by standard cytology (hematology analyzer and visual inspection of blood smears) is limited to five types and identification of abnormal cells is only qualitative, often problematic, poorly reproducible, and labour costing. We present our results on WBC differential by flow cytometry (FCM) with a 6 markers, 5 colors CD36‐FITC/CD2‐PE+CRTH2‐PE/CD19‐ECD/CD16‐Cy5/CD45‐Cy7 combination, on 379 subjects, with detection of 12 different circulating cell types, among them 11 were quantified. Detection of quantitative abnormalities of whole leucocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, or lymphocytes was comparable by FCM and by standard cytology in terms of sensitivity and specificity. FCM was better than standard cytology in detection and quantification of circulating blast cells or immature granulocytes, with a first lineage orientation in the former case. All cases of lymphocytosis, with lineage assignment, were detected by FCM. FCM identified a group of patients with excess of CD16pos monocytes as those having an inflammatory syndrome. WBC differential by FCM is at least as reliable as by standard cytology. FCM superiority consists in identification and systematic quantification of parameters that cannot be assessed by standard cytology such as lineage orientation of blast cells or lymphocytes, and expression of markers of interest such as CD16 on inflammatory monocytes. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Expression of multiple class three semaphorins in the retina and along the path of zebrafish retinal axons
Authors: Callander Davon C. , Lamont Ryan E. , Childs Sarah J. , McFarlane Sarah
Published: September 2007

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) extend axons that exit the eye, cross the midline at the optic chiasm, and synapse on target cells in the optic tectum. Class three semaphorins (Sema3s) are a family of molecules known to direct axon growth. We undertook an expression screen to identify sema3s expressed in the retina and/or brain close to in‐growing RGC axons, which might therefore influence retinal‐tectal pathfinding. We find that sema3Aa, 3Fa, 3Ga, and 3Gb are expressed in the retina, although only sema3Fa is present during the time window when the axons extend. Also, we show that sema3Aa and sema3E are present near or at the optic chiasm. Furthermore, sema3C, 3Fa, 3Ga, and 3Gb are expressed in regions of the diencephalon near the path taken by RGC axons. Finally, the optic tectum expresses sema3Aa, 3Fa, 3Fb, and 3Gb. Thus, sema3s are spatiotemporally placed to influence RGC axon growth. Developmental Dynamics 236:2918–2924, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Displacement of Neutral Nitrogen Donors by Chloride in AuCl3 (3R‐py) (3R‐py = meta‐Substituted Pyridine): Comparison between meta‐ and para‐Substituted Pyridines by Kinetics and DFT Calculations
Authors: Pitteri Bruno , Bortoluzzi Marco
Published: September 2007

The kinetics of the process AuCl3(3R‐py) + Cl– → AuCl4– + 3R‐py (3R‐py = one of a number of meta‐substituted pyridines covering a wide range of basicity) have been studied in methanol at 25 °C. The reactions obey the usual two‐term rate law observed in the substitution reactions of square‐planar complexes. The second‐order rate constants, k2, are very sensitive to the nature of the leaving group and plots of log k2 against the pKa of the conjugate acids are linear with the same slope of ca. –0.6 already found for para‐substituted pyridines (4R‐py). Until now the two groups of bases have been considered to behave in the same manner in their displacement from AuIII and PtII by various nucleophiles but, on the contrary, the reactivity of the two classes of N donors is slightly different and follows the order: 4R‐py > 3R‐py. This kinetic result is explained on the basis of an energetic difference between the frontier orbitals of the AuCl3(3R‐py) and AuCl3(4R‐py) derivatives.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Testing a self‐determination theory‐based teaching style intervention in the exercise domain
Authors: Edmunds Jemma , Ntoumanis Nikos , Duda Joan L
Published: September 2007

Drawing from self‐determination theory (SDT), this study examined the effect of an autonomy supportive, well structured and interpersonally involving teaching style on exercise class participants' psychological need satisfaction, motivational regulations, exercise behaviour, behavioural intention and affect. Female exercise class participants enrolled in a 10‐week exercise program were exposed to an SDT‐based (i.e. SDTc; n = 25) or typical (i.e. control group; n = 31) teaching style. The control condition reported a significant decrease in autonomy support, amotivation and behavioural intention over time. In addition, they reported a significant increase in competence and introjected regulation. Compared to the control condition, the SDTc reported a significantly greater linear increase in structure and interpersonal involvement, relatedness and competence need satisfaction and positive affect. Attendance rates were significantly higher in the SDTc. SDT‐based social‐contextual characteristics and psychological needs predicted autonomous regulations; all these variables collectively predicted adaptive outcomes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonenzymatic Glucose Detection with Good Selectivity Against Ascorbic Acid on a Highly Porous Gold Electrode Subjected to Amalgamation Treatment
Authors: Cho Sangeun , Kang Chan
Published: September 2007

A nonenzymatic glucose sensor with good selectivity for the ascorbic acid oxidation is presented. After the gold polycrystalline electrode was subjected to amalgamation treatment, two advantageous effects were observed. One is the enhancement of the surface roughness and the other is an increase in the catalytic current in the glucose oxidation. Besides the known first effect, the latter provided another advantageous effect in a fabrication of nonenzymatic glucose sensor. Using a gold electrode subjected to amalgamation treatment for 60 s, two calibration curves for glucose oxidation at two different potentials of −0.1 V and 0.25 V were obtained and compared. At the potential of −0.1 V, at which no ascorbic acid was oxidized and no interference effect was observed, a current sensitivity of 16 μA cm−2 mM−1 from zero to 10 mM glucose concentration range was obtained. At the other potential of 0.25 V, at which ascorbic acid was easily oxidized, a satisfactory calibration curve with negligible ascorbic acid interference was also obtained together with a more enhanced current sensitivity of 32 μA cm−2 mM−1.
Getting better byte by byte: a pilot randomised controlled trial of email therapy for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder
Authors: Robinson Paul , Serfaty Marc
Published: September 2007

One hundred and ten people in an university population responded to emailed eating disorder questionnaires. Ninty‐seven fulfilling criteria for eating disorders (bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), EDNOS) were randomised to therapist administered email bulimia therapy (eBT), unsupported Self directed writing (SDW) or Waiting list control (WLC). Measures were repeated at 3 months. Diagnosis, Beck depression inventory (BDI) and Bulimia investigatory test (BITE) scores were recorded. Follow‐up rate was 63% and results must be interpreted cautiously. However significantly fewer participants who had received eBT or SDW fulfilled criteria for eating disorders at follow up compared to WLC. There was no significant difference between eBT and SDW in the analysis of variance (ANOVA), although in separate analyses, eBT was significantly superior to WLC (p < 0.02) and the difference for SDW approached significance (p = 0.06). BDI and BITE scores showed no significant change. For eBT participants there was a significant positive correlation between words written and improvement in BITE severity score. BN, BED and EDNOS can be treated via email. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Quetiapine treatment for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in Alzheimer's disease patients: a 6‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Paleacu D. , Barak Y. , Mirecky I. , Mazeh D.
Published: September 2007

Setting

Treating elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) is challenging due to the increased risk of iatrogenic movement disorders with old neuroleptics and the seemingly increasing risk of cardiovascular events with newer atypical agents. Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic agent that warrants further investigation.

Objectives

To assess tolerability, safety, and clinical benefit of quetiapine in AD patients with BPSD.

Participants and design

AD patients with BPSD participated in a 6‐week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Quetiapine was increased on the basis of clinical response and tolerability. Primary efficacy assessments included the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI‐C). Secondary efficacy measures included the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Simpson‐Angus Scale (SAS) and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS).

Results

Forty patients (26 women), mean age 82.2 (SD 6.4) years were enrolled, 27 completed treatment. Median dose of quetiapine was 200 mg/day. Significant NPI total scores reductions (79% for placebo and 68.5% for quetiapine) were observed. The CGI‐C score decreased significantly in the quetiapine group (p = 0.009 at 6 weeks) and did not change significantly in the placebo group (p = 0.48). The MMSE, AIMS, SAS scores and adverse events did not differ significantly between the two arms.

Conclusions

Quetiapine did not significantly improve psychosis scores. It did not cause cognitive and motor deterioration. These results might possibly be due to small sample size. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The current state of knowledge on the use of the benchmark dose concept in risk assessment
Authors: Sand Salomon , Victorin Katarina , Filipsson Agneta Falk
Published: September 2007

This review deals with the current state of knowledge on the use of the benchmark dose (BMD) concept in health risk assessment of chemicals. The BMD method is an alternative to the traditional no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (NOAEL) and has been presented as a methodological improvement in the field of risk assessment. The BMD method has mostly been employed in the USA but is presently given higher attention also in Europe. The review presents a number of arguments in favor of the BMD, relative to the NOAEL. In addition, it gives a detailed overview of the several procedures that have been suggested and applied for BMD analysis, for quantal as well as continuous data. For quantal data the BMD is generally defined as corresponding to an additional or extra risk of 5% or 10%. For continuous endpoints it is suggested that the BMD is defined as corresponding to a percentage change in response relative to background or relative to the dynamic range of response. Under such definitions, a 5% or 10% change can be considered as default. Besides how to define the BMD and its lower bound, the BMDL, the question of how to select the dose‐response model to be used in the BMD and BMDL determination is highlighted. Issues of study design and comparison of dose‐response curves and BMDs are also covered. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of Parkinson disease with C17.2 neural stem cells overexpressing NURR1 with a recombined republic‐deficit adenovirus containing the NURR1 gene
Authors: Li Qing‐Jun , Tang Ya‐Mei , Liu Jun , Zhou Dao‐You , Li Xiang‐Pen , Xiao Song‐Hua , Jian Dong‐Xing , Xing Yi‐Gang
Published: September 2007

To study the potential benefit of the NURR1 gene in Parkinson's disease (PD), we constructed a recombinant republic‐deficit adenovirus containing the NURR1 gene (Ad‐NURR1) and expressed it in transplanted neural stem cells (NSC). Ad‐NURR1 was constructed, and NURR1 mRNA and protein expression were identified by in situ hybridization and western blot analysis, respectively. The identified NURR1 protein could directly or indirectly induce NSC differentiation into neurons. To identify a potential therapeutic use for the transfected NSCs, cells were transplanted into 6‐hydroxydopamine lesioned rats. Histopathological and behavioral alterations were evaluated via immunohistochemistry and the ration test, respectively, in rats transplanted with NSCs with or without the Ad‐NURR1 adenovirus. The Ad‐NURR1 construct effectively expressed the NURR1 protein, which could directly or indirectly induce NSC differentiation into neurons. Both histopathological and behavioral alterations were seen in rats treated with NSCs with or without the Ad‐NURR1 construct, although in the case of the latter, the benefits were more robust. These results suggest a potential therapeutic benefit for Ad‐NURR1‐expressing cells in the treatment of PD. The Ad‐NURR1 modification induced NSC differentiation and therefore represents a potential therapy for PD. Synapse 61:971–977, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An example of dB/dt characteristics of the dynamic magnetic loss parameter
Authors: Saotome Hideo , Kuwahara Shun
Published: September 2007

Ferrite cores are used for power electronics circuits operating under excitation conditions of frequency ranging from hundreds of kilohertz to several tens of megahertz. Development of a mathematical model enabling the estimation of the power loss of ferrites in high‐frequency regions, contributes to the designing of power circuits. The power loss in high‐frequency regions consists of hysteresis and dynamic magnetic losses. Although hysteresis loss does not depend on the excitation frequency, the dynamic magnetic loss increases with increasing excitation frequency. The dynamic magnetic loss parameter, λf, has been introduced for identifying the power loss in high‐frequency regions. In this study, λf − dB/dt characteristics are experimentally obtained by a newly introduced hysteresis model that uses a normal distribution function. It is found that the λf − dB/dt characteristics do not depend on the size of B − H loops. The instantaneous power loss of a ferrite core in the high‐frequency region can be calculated using the λf − dB/dt characteristics. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Some New Historical Evidence on the Impact of Affirmative Action: Detroit, 1972
Authors: Hyclak Thomas , Taylor Larry W. , Stewart James B.
Published: September 2007

A sample of Detroit area firms in 1972 is used to determine the effects of affirmative action requirements and other firm characteristics on the recruitment and hiring of women and black men. The results suggest that affirmative action changed firm hiring practices with respect to black males. The unique data set also allows for a test of Becker's well-known hypothesis that customer prejudice may influence the hiring of blacks or females.
Effects of habitat feature, antenna position, movement, and fix interval on GPS radio collar performance in Mount Fuji, central Japan
Authors: Jiang Zhaowen , Sugita Mikio , Kitahara Masahiko , Takatsuki Seiki , Goto Takehiro , Yoshida Yotaka
Published: September 2007

The location performance of a global positioning system (GPS) collar was assessed for different habitats and geographical areas. We tested the effects of habitat features, antenna position, movement, and fix interval on location performance around Mount Fuji, a single peak surrounded by wide and flat areas. Fix rate decreased from 100% in open flat areas to 53% under sloped dense canopy. The openness (the actual available sky, i.e., the percentage of a radio collar exposed to the sky when part of the collar is blocked due to terrain and vegetation) and canopy closure affected location accuracy and most other performance parameters. All nine habitat features except for available sky (theoretical, due to terrain) influenced location time. Any combination of obstructions between collar and satellite decreased the available number of satellites, the fix rate, increased the location time, and resulted in poorer location (higher DOP, lower 3‐D proportion, or greater location error). A horizontal antenna yielded poorer location performance than a vertical one in the forest but not in the open area. Location performance always decreased when moving in forest rather than in open areas. Location performance changed with fix interval. Sixty‐minute intervals resulted in a longer location time and a lower DOP than 10‐min intervals. Vegetation affected location performance more than topography in the Mount Fuji area. Factors that cause a longer location time will shorten battery life. We suggest that location frequency and duration employed for field research should be decided by considering the aim of the study and the effects of habitat features, animal activity, and fix interval on GPS performance and battery longevity. The strengthened effect of canopy closure during windy weather should be considered for forest‐dwelling animals.
The 12‐month prevalence of DSM‐IV anxiety disorders among Nigerian secondary school adolescents aged 13–18 years
Authors: Adewuya Abiodun O. , Ola Bola A. , Adewumi Tomi A.
Published: September 2007

Aims

To estimate the 12‐month prevalence of DSM‐IV‐specific anxiety disorders among Nigerian secondary school adolescents aged 13–18 years.

Method

A representative sample of adolescents (n=1090) from senior secondary schools in a semi‐urban town in Nigeria was assessed for the 12‐month prevalence of DSM‐IV‐specific anxiety.

Results

The 12‐month prevalence for all anxiety disorders was 15.0% (females=19.6%; males=11.4%). There were significant gender differences in the prevalence for all anxiety disorders (P<0.001; OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.35–2.65) and social anxiety disorder (P=0.035; OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.03–3.19) and significant age difference in the prevalence of separation anxiety disorder (P=0.045; OR 2.43, 95% CI 0.99–5.96).

Conclusion

The prevalence of anxiety disorders in Nigerian secondary school adolescents was comparable to the rates found in the western world. Health policies must integrate adolescents’ anxiety as a disorder of public health significance. Further studies are needed to evaluate the factors associated with anxiety disorders amongst adolescents in this region.
Peripherally administered baclofen reduced food intake and body weight in db/db as well as diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Sato Ikuko , Arima Hiroshi , Ozaki Noriyuki , Ozaki Nobuaki , Watanabe Minemori , Goto Motomitsu , Shimizu Hiroshi , Hayashi Masayuki , Banno Ryouichi , Nagasaki Hiroshi , Oiso Yutaka
Published: September 2007

Peripheral administration of baclofen significantly reduced food intake and body weight increase in both diabetic (db/db) and diet‐induced obese mice for 5 weeks, whereas it had no significant effects on energy balance in their lean control mice. Despite the decreased body weight, neuropeptide Y expression in the arcuate nucleus was significantly decreased, whereas pro‐opiomelanocortin expression was significantly increased by baclofen treatment. These data demonstrate that the inhibitory effects of baclofen on body weight in the obese mice were mediated via the arcuate nucleus at least partially, and suggest that GABAB agonists could be a new therapeutic reagent for obesity.
Pseudovitamin is the corrinoid produced by Lactobacillus reuteri CRL1098 under anaerobic conditions
Authors: Santos Filipe , Vera José L. , Lamosa Pedro , de Valdez Graciela F. , de Vos Willem M. , Santos Helena , Sesma Fernando , Hugenholtz Jeroen
Published: September 2007

We have reported previously on the ability of Lactobacillus reuteri to produce a compound with vitamin activity. Here we report on the chemical characterisation of this corrinoid‐like molecule. High performance liquid chromatography coupled to an ultraviolet diode array detector, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has enabled us to identify the compound as Co‐[‐(7‐adenyl)]‐Co‐cyanocobamide or pseudovitamin . This molecule differs from cobalamin in the ‐ligand, where it has adenine instead of 5,6‐dimethylbenzimidazole bound in a ‐glycosidic linkage to C‐1 of ribose. L. reuteri is the first lactic acid bacterium in which the production of a cobalamin‐like molecule has been identified and the first microorganism reported to produce exclusively pseudo‐.
Suppression of nuclear Wnt signaling leads to stabilization of Rac1 isoforms
Authors: Esufali Susmita , Charames George S. , Bapat Bharati
Published: September 2007

The Rac1 GTPase contains a functional nuclear localization signal (NLS) and destruction box sequence in the C‐terminal polybasic region. It has been postulated that these two regulatory sequences may function together, enabling Rac1 to participate in nuclear signaling pathways that ultimately target it for degradation. We have previously shown that the NLS activity of Rac1 and the Rac1b splice variant is essential for Wnt pathway activation. In the present study, we demonstrate that suppression of nuclear Wnt signaling leads to stabilization of Rac1 protein. In addition, we show that Rac1b may be under proteasomal regulation. We propose that Rac1 and Rac1b levels are regulated by being targeted for degradation through a negative feedback loop initiated by Wnt signaling.
The two divergent PEP‐carboxylase catalytic subunits in the green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii respond reversibly to inorganic‐N supply and co‐exist in the high‐molecular‐mass, hetero‐oligomeric Class‐2 PEPC complex
Authors: Moellering Eric R. , Ouyang Yexin , Mamedov Tarlan G. , Chollet Raymond
Published: September 2007

Our recent molecular studies revealed two divergent PEP‐carboxylase (PEPC [Ppc]) encoding genes in the green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, CrPpc1 and CrPpc2, which are coordinately responsive to changes in inorganic‐N and ‐C supply at the transcript level [Mamedov, T.G., Moellering, E.R. and Chollet, R. (2005) Identification and expression analysis of two inorganic C‐ and N‐responsive genes encoding novel and distinct molecular forms of eukaryotic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase in the green microalga C. reinhardtii, Plant J. 42, 832–843]. Here, we report the distribution of these two encoded catalytic subunits in the minor Class‐1 and predominant Class‐2 PEPC enzyme‐forms, the latter of which is a novel high‐molecular‐mass, hetero‐oligomeric complex containing both CrPpc1 (p109) and CrPpc2 (p131) polypeptides. The Class‐1 enzyme, however, is a typical PEPC homotetramer comprised solely of p109. We also document that the amount of both CrPpc1/2 catalytic subunits is up‐/down‐regulated by varying levels of supplied to the culture medium.
Electoral Mandates in American Politics
Authors: GROSSBACK LAWRENCE J. , PETERSON DAVID A. M. , STIMSON JAMES A.
Published: September 2007

Political science has not come to terms with the idea of electoral mandates. The discipline's view is a hodgepodge of competing claims. In this article we review the empirical issues about mandates asking whether or not mandates occur and with what effect. We observe evidence of mandates as social constructions, as dialogues in the Washington community and in the press which serves it.We find that these dialogues accurately reflect election results – consensus emerges from actual sweeping election victories and not from mere strategic attempts to claim policy mandates. We find that Congress is highly responsive to the consensus interpretation. It engages in bursts of unusual policy activity which run for some months and then cease. And we find that these have a substantial policy legacy, that the changes that occur in these bursts produce some of the most important movements in American public policy.