bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reelin Regulates Neuronal Progenitor Migration in Intact and Epileptic Hippocampus
Authors: Gong Chao , Wang Tsu-Wei , Huang Holly S. , Parent Jack M.
Published: February 2007

Dentate granule cell (DGC) neurogenesis persists throughout life in the mammalian hippocampal dentate gyrus and increases after epileptogenic insults. The DGC layer in human and experimental mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) often shows abnormal dispersion and the appearance of hilar-ectopic DGCs. In the pilocarpine mTLE model, hilar-ectopic DGCs arise as a result of an aberrant chain migration of neural progenitors. Reelin is a secreted migration guidance cue that persists in the adult rodent and human hippocampus. We tested the hypothesis that loss of Reelin in the epileptic dentate gyrus leads to aberrant chain migration of DGC precursors. We found that interneuron subsets typically lost in human and experimental mTLE express Reelin, and DGC progenitors express the downstream Reelin signaling molecule Disabled 1 (Dab1). Prolonged seizures decreased Reelin immunoreactivity in the adult rat dentate gyrus and increased Dab1 expression in hilar-ectopic neuroblasts. Exogenous Reelin increased detachment of chain-migrating neuroblasts in dentate gyrus explants, and blockade of Reelin signaling increased chain migration. These findings suggest that Reelin modulates DGC progenitor migration to maintain normal DGC integration in the neonatal and adult mammalian dentate gyrus. Loss of Reelin expression in the epileptic adult hippocampus, moreover, likely contributes to ectopic chain migration and aberrant integration of newborn DGCs.
Target Selection Signals for Arm Reaching in the Posterior Parietal Cortex
Authors: Scherberger Hansjörg , Andersen Richard A.
Published: February 2007

The selection of visual stimuli as a target for a motor action may depend on external as well as internal variables. The parietal reach region (PRR) in the posterior parietal cortex plays an important role in the transformation of visual information into reach movement plans. We asked how neurons in PRR of macaque monkeys reflect the decision process of selecting one of two visual stimuli as a target for a reach movement. Spiking activity was recorded while the animal performed a free-choice task with one target presented in the preferred direction and the other in the off direction of the cell. Stimulus-onset asynchrony (SOA) was adjusted to ensure that both targets were selected equally often and the amount of reward was fixed. Neural activity in PRR was action specific for arm reaching and reflected the timing of the SOA as well as the selection of reach targets. In individual trials, activity was strongly linked to the choice of the animal, and, for the majority of cells, target selections could be predicted from activity in the stimulation or planning period, i.e., before the movement started. Many neurons were gain modulated by the fixation position, but gain modulation did not influence the target selection process directly. Finally, it was found that target selection for saccade movements was only weakly represented in PRR. These findings suggest that PRR is involved in decision making for reach movements and that separate cortical networks exist for target selection of different types of action.
Darbepoetin alfa: An Effective Treatment with Flexible and Simplified Dosing for Anemia in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Stevenson James G. , Natale James J.
Published: February 2007

Anemia is common in patients with cancer or myelodysplastic syndrome. Erythropoietic therapy offers an effective way to manage anemia by increasing hemoglobin levels, decreasing transfusion requirements, and alleviating symptoms. We reviewed data showing the feasibility and effectiveness of treatment with the erythropoiesis‐stimulating protein darbepoetin alfa at extended dosing intervals to treat anemia in patients with cancer receiving multicycle chemotherapy. We also explored the darbepoetin alfa's potential for treating anemia in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. Data from clinical studis and drug therapy evaluations confirm that darbepoetin alfa administered weekly, every 2 weeks, and every 3 weeks corrects and maintains hemoglobin levels in patients with chemotherapy‐induced anemia. In addition, the data demonstrate that both weight‐based and fixed dosing with darbepoetin alfa are effective, and that early intervention to treat anemia has clinical benefits. Darbepoetin alfa also is an effective treatment for anemia in patients with cancer not receiving chemotherapy, at extended dosing intervals of at least 3 weeks. Extended dosing for anemia treatment can provide benefits for patients, caregivers, and clinicians because it reduces the number of clinic visits needed and permits synchronizing anemia treatment with chemotherapy cycles. Data from recent studies suggest that darbepoetin alfa is effective for treating anemia in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome; this potential use is being investigated further in ongoing studies. Thus, darbepoetin alfa is an attractive therapy option for patients with chemotherapy‐or cancer‐induced anemia. It allows increased flexibility and simplified dosing and may offer some benefit in the treatment of anemia in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome.
Estimating frequencies of emotions and actions: a web‐based diary study
Authors: Brown Norman R. , Williams Rebecca L. , Barker Erin T. , Galambos Nancy L.
Published: February 2007

Mental health questionnaires often ask respondents to report how frequently they experience different emotions. We report two experiments designed to assess the accuracy of these reports and the strategies used to generate them. Each day for 2 weeks, participants in Experiment 1 filled out a web‐based emotions‐and‐activities checklist. Then, they estimated the diary‐period frequency of these emotions and activities and indicated how they generated each estimate. In Experiment 2, participants provided frequency estimates and strategy reports, but did not fill out the checklist. We found that (a) the frequency estimates were quite accurate for emotions and activities, (b) participants relied on memory‐based strategies (enumeration and direct retrieval) when estimating activity frequencies, but (c) used self‐knowledge strategies (personality beliefs and schematic inferences) somewhat more than memory strategies for emotions and (d) the relationship between strategy use and question type was unaffected by diary keeping. We conclude by considering practical and theoretical implications. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Answering attitudinal questions: modelling the response process underlying contrastive questions
Authors: Chessa Antonio G. , Holleman Bregje C.
Published: February 2007

We analyse reaction time distributions and responses for attitudinal survey questions, which were part of a self‐administered questionnaire about medical and ethical issues. Two contrastive versions of each question were asked, whether an issue should be forbidden or whether the government should allow it. Logically, the answers to these contrastive questions should oppose, but numerous investigations have shown that they result in the so‐calledforbid/allow asymmetry: respondents tend to rather say ‘no’ to both questions. We present a mathematical model, based on point process theory, which formalises attitude representations in memory and different stages in the response process. The data of the allow questions are used for parameter estimation, while the forbid data are used to test the predictive power of different model versions. The result is a model that describes the cognitive processes underlying the asymmetry. It indicates that the forbid/allow asymmetry is caused by the use of an increased response threshold in forbid answers, and that the asymmetry size varies due to both respondent characteristics and the issue at hand. This model is capable of simultaneously predicting the asymmetry in the reaction time distributions and in the response scores for the answering categories. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hemispherectomy for intractable epilepsy in adults: The first reported series
Authors: McClelland Shearwood , Maxwell Robert E.
Published: February 2007

Hemispherectomy for intractable unihemispheric epilepsy (IUE) has long been established in pediatric patients. This study reports the first series examining hemispherectomy exclusively in adult patients (>18 years old). Nine adults with IUE underwent hemispherectomy at the University of Minnesota. All patients had unilateral hemiplegia and visual field loss. Seven patients (77.8%) were Engel class I/II at last follow‐up. Five (83.3%) of the six patients with >30 years of follow‐up were seizure free. No surgery‐related mortality, hydrocephalus, or superficial cerebral hemosiderosis occurred. Hemispherectomy is an effective procedure in appropriately selected adult patients, resulting in excellent long‐term seizure control and no mortality. Ann Neurol 2007
Reconstitution of bluetongue virus polymerase activity from isolated domains based on a three‐dimensional structural model
Authors: Wehrfritz Josa‐marie , Boyce Mark , Mirza Sahdia , Roy Polly
Published: February 2007

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is a double‐stranded RNA virus of the Reoviridae family. The VP1 protein of BTV is the viral RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which is responsible for the replication of the viral genome. Currently there is no structural information available for VP1. By manual alignment of BTV, Reovirus and other viral RdRps we have generated a model for the structure of VP1, the RdRp of BTV. The structure can be divided into three domains: an N‐terminal domain, a C‐terminal domain, and a central polymerase domain. Mutation of the putative catalytic site in the central polymerase domain by site‐directed mutagenesis abrogated in vitro replicase activity. Each of the domains was expressed individually and subsequently partially purified to obtain direct evidence for the location of polymerase activity and the nucleoside triphosphate binding site. The nucleoside triphosphate binding site was located by showing that CTP only bound to the full‐length protein or to the polymerase domain and not to either of the other two domains. None of the domains had catalytic activity when tested individually or in tandem but when all three domains were mixed together the RdRp activity was reconstituted. This is the first report of the reconstitution of a functional viral RdRp in vitro from individual domains. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 86: 83–94, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Dependence on glucose limitation of the pCO2 influences on CHO cell growth, metabolism and IgG production
Authors: Takuma Shinya , Hirashima Chikashi , Piret James M.
Published: February 2007

The culture levels of glucose and CO2 have been reported to independently have important influences on mammalian cell processes. In this work the combined effects of glucose limitation and CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) on monoclonal antibody (IgG) producing Chinese Hamster Ovary cells were investigated in a perfusion reactor operated with controlled cell specific medium feed rate, pH and osmolality. Under high glucose conditions (14.3 ± 0.8 mM), the apparent growth rate decreased (from 0.021 to 0.009 h−1) as the pCO2 increased to ∼220 mmHg, while the cell specific IgG productivity was almost unchanged. The lactate yield from glucose was not affected by pCO2 up to ∼220 mmHg and glucose was mainly converted to lactate. A feed medium modification from high (33 mM) to low (6 mM) glucose resulted in <0.1 mM glucose in the culture. As a result of apparently shifting metabolism towards the conversion of pyruvate to CO2, both the ratio of lactate to glucose and the alanine production rate were lowered (1.51–1.14 and 17.7–0.56 nmol/106 cells h, respectively). Interestingly, when the pCO2 was increased to ∼140 mmHg, limiting glucose resulted in 1.7‐fold higher growth rates, compared to high glucose conditions. However, at ∼220 mmHg pCO2 this beneficial effect of glucose limitation on these CHO cells was lost as the growth rate dropped dramatically to 0.008 h−1 and the IgG productivity was lowered by 15% (P < 0.01) relative to the high glucose condition. The IgG galactosylation increased under glucose‐ limited compared to high‐glucose conditions Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97:1479–1488. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Location of scaffolds in bioreactors modulates the hydrodynamic environment experienced by engineered tissues
Authors: Bilgen Bahar , Barabino Gilda A.
Published: February 2007

Physical forces experienced by engineered‐tissues during in vitro cultivation influence tissue growth and function. The hydrodynamic environment within bioreactors plays a decisive role in providing the necessary physical stimuli and nutrient transport to support tissue development. Our overall goal is to investigate interrelationships between the local hydrodynamic environment in the bioreactor and the structural and functional tissue properties in order to optimize the production of clinically relevant engineered‐tissues. To this end, we used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to characterize the complex hydrodynamic environment in a wavy‐walled bioreactor used for cultivation of tissue‐engineered cartilage constructs and examined the changes in the flow field due to the presence of constructs. The flow‐induced shear stress range experienced by engineered constructs cultivated in the wavy‐walled bioreactor (0–0.67 dyn/cm2) was found to be significantly lower than that in the spinner flask (0–1.2 dyn/cm2), and to be modulated by the radial or axial position of the constructs. These CFD results are validated by experimental particle‐image velocimetry (PIV) measurements previously reported by our group. Results from the present study indicate that the location of constructs in the bioreactor not only affected the magnitude and distribution of the shear stresses on the constructs, but also other hydrodynamic parameters, such as the directional distribution of the fluid velocity and the degree of fluid recirculation, all of which may differentially influence the development of tissue‐engineered constructs. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 98: 282–294. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fractionating recalcitrant lignocellulose at modest reaction conditions
Authors: Zhang Yi‐Heng Percival , Ding Shi‐You , Mielenz Jonathan R. , Cui Jing‐Biao , Elander Richard T. , Laser Mark , Himmel Michael E. , McMillan James R. , Lynd Lee R.
Published: February 2007

Effectively releasing the locked polysaccharides from recalcitrant lignocellulose to fermentable sugars is among the greatest technical and economic barriers to the realization of lignocellulose biorefineries because leading lignocellulose pre‐treatment technologies suffer from low sugar yields, and/or severe reaction conditions, and/or high cellulase use, narrow substrate applicability, and high capital investment, etc. A new lignocellulose pre‐treatment featuring modest reaction conditions (50°C and atmospheric pressure) was demonstrated to fractionate lignocellulose to amorphous cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and acetic acid by using a non‐volatile cellulose solvent (concentrated phosphoric acid), a highly volatile organic solvent (acetone), and water. The highest sugar yields after enzymatic hydrolysis were attributed to no sugar degradation during the fractionation and the highest enzymatic cellulose digestibility (∼97% in 24 h) during the hydrolysis step at the enzyme loading of 15 filter paper units of cellulase and 60 IU of beta‐glucosidase per gram of glucan. Isolation of high‐value lignocellulose components (lignin, acetic acid, and hemicellulose) would greatly increase potential revenues of a lignocellulose biorefinery. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97: 214–223. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the relative efficiency of two‐ vs. one‐stage production of astaxanthin by the green alga Haematococcus pluvialis
Authors: Aflalo Claude , Meshulam Yuval , Zarka Aliza , Boussiba Sammy
Published: February 2007

Haematococcus pluvialis under stress conditions overproduces the valuable red ketocarotenoid astaxanthin. Two proposed strategies for commercial production are under current analysis. One separates in time the production of biomass (optimal growth, green stage) and pigment (permanent stress, red stage), while the other uses an approach based on continuous culture under limiting stress at steady state. The productivities, efficiencies and yields for the pigment accumulation in each case have been compared and analyzed in terms of the algal basic physiology. The two‐stage system indoors yields a richer astaxanthin product (4% of dry biomass) with a final astaxanthin productivity of 11.5 mg L−1 day−1, is more readily upscalable and amenable to outdoors production. Furthermore, each stage can be optimized for green biomass growth and red pigment accumulation by adjusting independently the respective ratio of effective irradiance to cell density. We conclude that the two‐stage system performs better (by a factor of 2.5–5) than the one‐stage system, and the former is best fit in an efficient mass production setup. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 98: 300–305. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The relationship between DSM‐IV cluster B personality disorders and psychopathy according to Hare's criteria: clarification and resolution of previous contradictions
Authors: Huchzermeier Christian , Geiger Friedemann , Bruß Emelie , Godt Nils , Köhler Denis , Hinrichs Günter , Aldenhoff Josef B.
Published: February 2007

This study examines the relationship between DSM‐cluster B personality disorders (PDs) and psychopaths according to Hare's criteria as detected by the Psychopathy Checklist (PCL:SV) in 299 violent offenders. To clarify some contradictions among several previous studies on this issue, individual cluster B PDs were looked at alone, excluding any cases of comorbidity with other PDs of this cluster. We found highly significant relationships between antisocial and borderline PD and Factor II of the PCL and a highly significant correlation between narcissistic PD and Factor I of the PCL. These results were to be expected from the theoretical basis of the development of the PCL and provide a contribution to the construct validity of the PCL, which until now has not been validated on such a large sample in Germany. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A passive EMI filter with access to the ungrounded motor neutral line: direct connection of a general‐purpose inverter to a three‐phase grounded voltage source
Authors: Doumoto Takafumi , AKAGI Hirofumi
Published: February 2007

This paper proposes a small‐sized passive EMI filter for the purpose of eliminating high‐frequency shaft voltage and ground leakage current from an AC motor. The motor is driven by a general‐purpose PWM inverter connected to a three‐phase grounded voltage source. The passive EMI filter requires access to the ungrounded neutral point of the motor. This unique circuit configuration makes the common‐mode inductor effective in reducing the high‐frequency common‐mode voltage generated by the PWM inverter with a carrier frequency of kHz. As a result, both high‐frequency shaft voltage and ground leakage current can be eliminated very efficiently. However, the common‐mode inductor may not play any role in reducing the low‐frequency common‐mode voltage generated by the diode rectifier, so that a low‐frequency component still remains in the shaft voltage. Such a low‐frequency shaft voltage may not produce any bad effect on motor bearings. The validity and effectiveness of the EMI filter are verified by experimental results obtained from a 200‐V 5‐kVA laboratory system. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 159(2): 80–87, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20243
A PCP‐Pincer RuII–Terpyridine Building Block as a Potential “Antenna Unit” for Intramolecular Sensitization
Authors: Gagliardo Marcella , Rizzo Fabio , Lutz Martin , Spek Anthony L. , van Klink Gerard P. M. , Merbach André E. , De Cola Luisa , van Koten Gerard
Published: February 2007

The redox‐ and photoactive mononuclear complex [Ru(PCP)(tpy–DTTANa4)]Cl {PCP = [C6H3(CH2PPh2)2‐2,6]–; tpy–DTTA4– = 4′‐(2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine)‐diethylenetriamine‐N,N,N″,N″‐tetraacetate} possesses an externally directed, vacant N3O4 polyaminocarboxylate‐type binding site that coordinates to lanthanide(III) ions to give the neutral heterodinuclear RuII–LnIII complexes [Ru(PCP)(tpy–DTTA)Ln(H2O)2] (Ln = Gd3+, Eu3+). The photophysical properties of solutions of the mononuclear complex [Ru(PCP)(tpy–DTTANa4)]Cl were investigated in MeOH/EtOH (1:4) and compared to those of the solutions of heterodinuclear complexes [Ru(PCP)(tpy–DTTA)Ln(H2O)2] (Ln = Gd3+, Eu3+). Rigid matrix excitation at 77 K of the ππ* level of the ruthenium chromophore in the [Ru(PCP)(tpy–DTTA)Eu(H2O)2] complex results in a weak europium(III) emission pointing to a transfer of energy from Ru→Eu as a result of the metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (MLCT) excited state of the ruthenium component to the luminescent lanthanide ion. The excited state lifetime of the europium complex is 0.2 ms in methanol solution. In deuterated solvents, the lifetime increases to 0.4 ms, which indicates that the process is solvent‐dependent as a result of the strongly coordinated molecules of water that are responsible for the quenching in nondeuterated solvents.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Anion Separation with Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Custelcean Radu , Moyer Bruce A.
Published: February 2007

The application of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to anion separations with a special emphasis on anion selectivity is reviewed. The coordination frameworks are classified on the basis of the main interactions to the included anion, from weak and non‐specific van der Waals forces to more specific interactions such as coordination to Lewis acid metal centers or hydrogen bonding. The importance of anion solvation phenomena to the observed anion selectivities is highlighted, and strategies for reversing the Hofmeister bias that favors large, less hydrophilic anions, and for obtaining peak selectivities based on shape recognition are delineated. Functionalization of the anion‐binding sites in MOFs with strong and directional hydrogen‐bonding groups that are complementary to the included anion, combined with organizational rigidity of the coordination framework, appears to be the most promising approach for achieving non‐Hofmeister selectivity.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Antioxidant properties and composition of Majorana syriaca extracts
Authors: Al‐Bandak Ghada , Oreopoulou Vassiliki
Published: February 2007

Majorana syriaca is an important food‐flavouring ingredient in the Middle Eastern culture known commonly as Za'atar. The components of the plant were extracted in a Soxhlet apparatus sequentially with solvents of increasing polarity, specifically with petroleum ether (P), diethyl ether (D), ethyl acetate (EAc), and ethanol (E). The activity of the extracts to scavenge the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•) followed the order D > E > EAc > P. Moreover, the antioxidant activity in corn oil at concentrations of 200, 500 and 1000 ppm was monitored through peroxide value and conjugated hydroperoxide measurements and revealed that D and E extracts resulted in the highest protection followed by EAc and P extracts. Increasing the concentration from 200 to 500 ppm depressed peroxide formation, while a further increase had no effect. The main components of the P extract according to GS‐MS analysis were thymol (42.89%) and carvacrol (42.75%). The remaining extracts comprise flavonoids and phenolic acids that provide the antiradical and antioxidant activity.
Visible‐Light Photoresponsivity of a 4‐(Dimethylamino)azobenzene Unit Incorporated into Single‐Stranded DNA: Demonstration of a Large Spectral Change Accompanying Isomerization in DMSO and Detection of Rapid (Z)‐to‐(E) Isomerization in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Kamei Takashi , Kudo Masabumi , Akiyama Haruhisa , Wada Momoyo , Nagasawa Jun'ichi , Funahashi Masahiro , Tamaoki Nobuyuki , Uyeda Taro Q. P.
Published: February 2007

We demonstrate significant visible‐light photoresponsivity in a synthesized oligonucleotide containing a built‐in pseudo‐nucleotide possessing a 4‐(dimethylamino)azobenzene (4‐DMAzo) side chain. In dry DMSO as solvent, two clearly distinguishable spectra corresponding to the (E) and (Z) forms of the 4‐DMAzo moiety tethered to the oligonucleotide were recorded with a conventional spectrophotometer before and after irradiation with 420 nm wavelength light, which induced (E)‐to‐(Z) isomerization. In addition, (Z)‐to‐(E) isomerization was accelerated by irradiation with either visible (λ = 550 nm) or UV (λ = 350 nm) light, demonstrating reversible photoresponsivity of the pseudo‐oligonucleotide. In aqueous solutions the (Z)‐to‐(E) thermal isomerization of the photoresponsive pseudo‐oligonucleotide was very rapid and was only detectable by laser flash photolysis.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Supramolecular Dendrimers Self‐Assembled from Dendritic Fullerene Ligands and a Homotritopic Hamilton Receptor
Authors: Hager Kristine , Hartnagel Uwe , Hirsch Andreas
Published: February 2007

Supramolecular dendrimers resulting from the self‐assembly of a series of dendrofullerens 2a–4b containing a cyanuric acid building block at their focal point with the homotritopic Hamilton receptor 1 were prepared. The 1:3 compositions of the supramolecular dendrimers as well as the association constants Kn and the cooperativity of binding expressed by Scatchard plots and Hill coefficients nH were determined by NMR titration experiments. The most pronounced positive cooperativity was observed for the 1:L3 complexes with L being first generation dendrons. With the bulky second generation dendrons less stable complexes are formed.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Versatile Base‐Catalyzed Route to Polycyclic Heteroaromatic Compounds by Intramolecular Aza‐Michael Addition
Authors: Bandini Marco , Eichholzer Astrid , Monari Magda , Piccinelli Fabio , Umani‐Ronchi Achille
Published: February 2007

A catalytic new synthetic approach to 3,4‐dihydropyrazino[1,2‐a]indol‐1(2H)‐ones by intramolecular 1,4‐addition of readily available α,β‐unsaturated esters, is described. Here, the use of a range of organic as well as inorganic bases (5–10 mol‐%) allowed a fast (30 min) and regioselective ring‐closing reaction to be performed in high yields under simple operational conditions. Moreover, the protocol was effectively employed, as the key step, in the synthesis of the dibromopyrrolo alkaloid derivative N‐Bn‐longamide b.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Transcranial magnetic stimulation and the challenge of coil placement: A comparison of conventional and stereotaxic neuronavigational strategies
Authors: Sparing Roland , Buelte Dorothee , Meister Ingo G. , Pauš Tomás , Fink Gereon R.
Published: February 2007

The combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with functional neuroimaging has expanded the potential of TMS for human brain mapping. The precise and reliable positioning of the TMS coil is not a simple task, however. Modern frameless stereotaxic systems allow investigators to base navigation either on the subject's structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI data, or the use of functional neuroimaging data from the literature, so‐called “probabilistic approach.” The latter assumes consistency across individuals in the location of task‐related “activations” in standardized stereotaxic space. Conventional nonstereotaxic localization of brain areas is also a common method for defining the coil position. Our aim was to evaluate the accuracy of five different localization strategies in one single study. The left primary motor cortex (left M1‐Hand) was used as target region. Three approaches were based on real‐time frameless stereotaxy using information based on either anatomical or functional MRI. The remaining two strategies relied either on standard cranial landmarks (i.e., the International 10–20 EEG system) or a standardized function‐guided procedure (i.e., the spatial relationship between the left and right M1‐Hand). The results were compared to a TMS‐based mapping of the primary motor cortex; center of gravity of motor‐evoked potentials (MEP‐CoG) was calculated for each subject (n = 10). Our findings suggest that highest precision can be achieved with fMRI‐guided stimulation, which was accurate within the range of millimeters. Very consistent results were also obtained with the “probabilistic” approach. In view of these findings, we discuss the methods and special characteristics of each localization strategy. Hum Brain Mapp, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human resource integration in the South African military: A view from the trenches
Authors: Menon Sanjay T. , Kotze Elize
Published: February 2007

Following the dramatic transformation of SouthAfrican civil society in the postapartheid era, the SouthAfrican National Defence Force (SANDF) literally has had to reinvent itself, changing its mission and attempting to integrate diverse personnel into a cohesive whole.The present study examines the success of these efforts through select perceptual measures reflecting the extent of integration.A survey of 2,212 personnel from various units of the SouthAfrican military showed significant differences in empowerment by race and gender. Female personnel reported lower levels of goal internalization, delegated responsibilities, job involvement, and organizational commitment compared to male personnel. BlackAfrican personnel reported lower levels of perceived control, competence, delegated responsibilities, and consultation by superiors while exhibiting higher levels of goal internalization and job involvement than white personnel. Follow‐up interviews provided insight into the underlying dynamics of the integration process and potential explanations for the results. ©2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seeking the best: Leadership lessons from the military
Authors: Loughlin Catherine , Arnold Kara A.
Published: February 2007

Based on the experiences of the armed forces in the United States and Canada, and incorporating insights from interviews recently conducted in the Canadian military, this article discusses lessons learned about moving women into positions of leadership.The masculine nature of the military exposes many barriers facing women elsewhere. First, we discuss the need for a new kind of leader, and then the consequences for organizations ignoring external realities.Third, we discuss innovative research demonstrating that genuine change must go beyond legislation. Finally, the military illustrates some challenges in identifying the best candidates for leadership positions. Implications for management are discussed throughout the article. ©2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, characterization, effect of architecture on crystallization of biodegradable poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) copolymers with different arms and nanoparticles thereof
Authors: Hua Chong , Dong Chang‐Ming
Published: February 2007

Well‐defined biodegradable poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) (PCL‐b‐PEO) copolymers with different arms were synthesized via controlled ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone, followed by coupling reaction with carboxyl‐terminated PEO, where these copolymers included both star‐shaped copolymers having four and six arms and linear analogues having one and two arms. When the weight percent of both PCL and PEO blocks within copolymer was similar to each other, the maximal melting temperature, the crystallization temperature, degree of crystallinity, and the spherulitic growth rate of these copolymers decreased with the increasing arm number of polymer. Moreover, the diameter of nanoparticles fabricated from these copolymers had a decreased tendency over the arm number of polymer, while it slightly increased with increasing weight percent of PCL within copolymer. These results indicate that both the arm number of polymer (macromolecular architecture) and the arm length ratio of PCL to PEO not only controlled the crystallization behavior and spherulitic growth, but also adjusted the size of nanoparticles. Significantly, this will provide a starting point not only to improve the physical properties and drug release profiles of PCL‐based biomaterials, but also to design new PCL/PEO‐based biomaterials from both the arm number of polymer and the balance between hydrophobic PCL and hydrophilic PEO. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2007
Systemic alendronate treatment improves fixation of press‐fit implants: A canine study using nonloaded implants
Authors: Jensen Thomas B. , Bechtold Joan E. , Chen Xinqian , Søballe Kjeld
Published: February 2007

Bone resorption associated with local trauma occurring during insertion of joint prostheses is recognized as an early event. Being an osteoclastic inhibitor, alendronate is a potential candidate means to decrease early periprosthetic bone resorption and thereby improve implant fixation. We investigated the influence of oral alendronate treatment on early implant fixation in two implant interface settings representing sites of an implant that are in contact with surrounding bone, and other sites without intimate bone contact. One plasma‐sprayed cylindrical titanium implant (6 mm diameter) was inserted into each proximal tibia of 16 dogs. On one side the implant was inserted press‐fit whereas on the contralateral side, the implants were surrounded by a 2 mm concentric gap. Oral alendronate (0.5 mg/kg/day) was given 2 weeks following surgery to eight dogs. The dogs were euthanized after 10 weeks of alendronate treatment. Bone ongrowth (bone in contact with implant surface) was estimated using the linear intercept technique and shear strength was calculated as the slope on a load‐displacement curve. For the press fit implants, alendronate treatment significantly increased bone ongrowth from 24% to 29% and significantly increased ultimate shear strength from 1.26 to 3.72 MPa. Also, the fraction of periprosthetic bone significantly increased from 10% to 18%. For implants surrounded by a gap, alendronate neither stimulated nor impaired implant fixation, bone ingrowth, or new bone formation in the gaps. Because early implant stability is an important predictor of longevity, systemic alendronate treatment could be an important clinical tool to positively influence the early stages of implant incorporation. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25: 772–778, 2007
Reduced cortical bone mass in mice with inactivation of interleukin‐4 and interleukin‐13
Authors: Silfverswärd Carl‐Johan , Larsson Sune , Ohlsson Claes , Frost Anders , Nilsson Olle
Published: February 2007

The aim of the present study was to study the in vivo role of IL‐4 and IL‐13 on bone metabolism. The skeletal phenotypes of male and female IL‐13−/− (n = 7+7), IL‐4−/−IL‐13−/− (n = 7+7), and WT (n = 7+7) mice were compared. Analysis was made at 6 weeks of age (juvenile) by pQCT, and at 20 weeks of age (adult) by pQCT, biomechanical testing, and by S‐IGF‐1 and S‐Osteocalcin measurements. The skeletal phenotype was affected only in adult male IL‐4−/−IL‐13−/− mice. These animals displayed a reduction in cortical bone mineral content (BMC) of both the tibia and the femur, as measured by mid‐diaphyseal pQCT scans, compared with WT mice (tibia −8.2%; femur −8.5%; p < 0.01). This reduction in cortical BMC was due to a decreased cross‐sectional area as a result of a reduced cortical thickness. The mechanical strength of the cortical bone, tested by three‐point‐bending at the mid‐diaphyseal region of the femurs, demonstrated a significant reduction of displacement at failure (−11.4%), maximal load at failure (−10.6%), and total energy until failure (−29.4%). S‐IGF‐1 and S‐Osteocalcin levels as well as trabecular bone mineral density (tvBMD) were unaffected in adult male IL‐4−/−IL‐13−/− mice. IL‐4−/−IL‐13−/− male mice show adult onset reduction of cortical bone mass and strength, indicating that the two anti‐inflammatory Th2 cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐13 are involved in the regulation of bone remodeling. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25: 725–731, 2007
Towards development of a nonhuman primate model of carpal tunnel syndrome: Performance of a voluntary, repetitive pinching task induces median mononeuropathy in Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Sommerich Carolyn M. , Lavender Steven A. , Buford John A. , J. Banks Jacob , Korkmaz Sahika Vatan , Pease William S.
Published: February 2007

This study investigated changes in median sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) over several weeks of exposure to a voluntary, moderately forceful, repetitive pinching task performed for food rewards by a small sample of young adult female monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). SNCV, derived from peak latency, decreased significantly in the working hands of three of the four subjects. The overall decline in NCV was 25%–31% from baseline. There was no decrease in SNCV in the contralateral, nonworking hands. Several weeks after being removed from the task, SNCV returned to within 87%–100% of baseline. MRI showed enlargement of the affected nerves near the proximal end of the carpal tunnel, at the time of maximal SNCV slowing. This new animal model demonstrates a temporally unambiguous relationship between exposure to a moderately forceful, repetitive manual task and development of median mononeuropathy at the wrist, and recovery of SNCV following termination of task exposure. This study contributes to the pattern of evidence of a causal relationship between manual work, median mononeuropathy, and carpal tunnel syndrome in humans. In the future, this new animal model could be used to characterize dose–response relationships between risk factors and carpal tunnel syndrome. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25: 713–724, 2007
Chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus with clinical evidence of adjacent organ invasion
Authors: de Manzoni Giovanni , Pedrazzani Corrado , Pasini Felice , Bernini Marco , Minicozzi Anna Maria , Giacopuzzi Simone , Grandinetti Antonio , Cordiano Claudio
Published: February 2007

Background

The role of surgery for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with clinical evidence of adjacent organ invasion (cT4) is a debated issue. This study was aimed at analyzing our experience with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgery as treatment for non‐metastatic cT4 SCC of the thoracic esophagus.

Methods

The results of 51 patients consecutively treated at the First Department of General Surgery, University of Verona, from January 1987 to December 2004 were analyzed.

Results

The most frequently clinically involved structures were the trachea (43.1%), the main left bronchus (17.6%), and the thoracic aorta (15.7%). CRT was completed in all but one of the patients (98.0%) without toxicity‐related deaths. After completion of induction treatment 49 patients underwent surgery (96.1%), and resection was possible in 40 patients (78.4%) but R0 surgery was rarely obtained (39.2%). Pathologic downstaging was achieved in 18 cases (35.3%) while a major response (responders) was observed in 10 patients (19.6%) and a complete response (pT0N0) in 7 (13.7%). The overall median survival time was 11.1 months with a 3‐year survival rate of 8.8%. A significantly better survival (P < 0.001) was observed after a R0 resection (median: 22.3 months; 3‐year survival: 25.4%; P < 0.001) and for responders (median: 33.1 months; 3‐year survival: 25.7%; P = 0.019).

Conclusions

Aggressive multi‐modal therapy with CRT followed by surgery in cT4 SCC of the thoracic esophagus is feasible. Surgery should be limited to patients with significant response to induction treatment and a high probability of R0 resection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:261–266. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Resonance Raman spectroscopy for the detection of carotenoids in foodstuffs. Influence of the nutrition on the antioxidative potential of the skin
Authors: Darvin M E , Gersonde I , Albrecht H , Sterry W , Lademann J
Published: February 2007

Various fruit, vegetables and plants contain a high amount of carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and other antioxidants in different concentrations and combinations. These substances used by nature are an effective defense mechanism against the destructive action of free radicals, which are the result of the negative influence of the environment. It was found that the peel of fruit and vegetables usually contains a higher amount of carotenoids than the pulp. Humans cannot synthesize carotenoids by itself, thus, they should be applied systemically with a supplementation rich in these substances. The diet, based on the consumption of a high amount of carotenoid rich products, increased the concentration of carotenoids in the human skin. Taking into consideration the results of previous studies, there is a strong correlation between the appearance of the skin concerning furrows and wrinkles and the level of carotenoid lycopene obtained in the skin. The present results demonstrate that a diet rich in products, which contain a high amount of carotenoids, can be an efficient strategy to reduce skin aging. In the present study, resonance Raman spectroscopy was used as a fast non-invasive optical method for the determination of the carotenoid antioxidant substances in fruit, vegetables and for the determination of the influence of a carotenoid rich diet on the antioxidant level of the human skin.
Enamel caries resistance accidentally irradiated by the Nd:YAG laser
Authors: deAndrade L E H , Lizarelli R F Z , Pelino J E P , Bagnato V S , de Oliveira Jr. O B
Published: February 2007

When the carious tissue is eliminated either by conventional methods (with burs) or with lasers, the risk of accidentally damage the surface of adjacent teeth may occur, which hypothetically could lead to a more susceptible surface for caries formation. This in vitro study aims to evaluate the caries resistance of the dental enamel surface irradiated by the Nd:YAG laser applied in conditions simulating accidental exposition. Thirteen third molars were used in this study. The experimental groups were: G1: sound control and control + carious; G2: contact Nd:YAG laser at 0.75, 1, 2, or 3 W; 10 Hz; 3 sec (27, 35, 71, and 106 J/cm2); G3: same parameters from G2 + caries artificial induction through the demineralization and demineralization (DES/RE) dynamic model. The caries resistance analysis was evaluated by the superficial morphological aspect through SEM images and also by Ca/P proportion through energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The micrograph images showed that the Nd:YAG laser changed the normalmorphology of the enamel prisms resulting in a melted and re-solidified surface intensified with the power increase. Significant statistical differences were observed applying the Kruskal-Wallis statistical test (p ⩽ 0.01) among the Nd:YAG laser irradiated groups and the control with caries regarding the Ca/P proportion. As an exception, this was not observed when 3 W; 10 Hz; 3 sec; 106 J/cm2 was applied and posteriously submitted to a cariogenic challenge. The results indicate that the Nd:YAG laser accidental irradiation at low power settings did not represent risks to the enamel caries resistance.
Investigation of the penetration and storage of a shampoo formulation containing caffeine into the hair follicles by in vivo laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Teichmann A , Richter H , Knorr F , Antoniou Ch , Sterry W , Lademann J
Published: February 2007

In the present study, the ability of a shampoo formulation containing caffeine as well as the fluorescent dye fluorescein to penetrate into hair follicles was investigated by in vivo laser scanning microscopy. A contact time of two minutes between the shampoo and the skin surface was sufficient for the formulation to penetrate deeply into the hair follicles and to remain there for up to 48 hours, even after washing. As hair follicles are surrounded by a close network of capillaries, dendritic cells and stem cells, they represent an important target for drug delivery. The results of the present study demonstrated that in vivo laser scanning microscopy is an efficient tool for the investigation of the dermatopharmacokinetics of topically applied molecules and their penetration pathways, as the method yields space- and time-resolved measurements.
The study of structure and photophysical processes of polyelectrolyte-surfactant-dye molecules complex by laser spectroscopy
Authors: Bulakov D V , Saletsky A M
Published: February 2007

Using laser correlation spectroscopy, we have investigated the structure of polyelectrolyte-micelle complex. The influence of polymerization degree and concentration of polyelectrolyte on complex-sizing distribution has been established. Eosin has been used as a fluorescence probe in micellar solution of polyelectrolyte. We showed the differences in values of lifetime and association degree with difference of solution structure.
Separation of binary gas mixtures in a capillary with an optical lattice
Authors: Shneider M N , Gimelshein S F , Barker P F
Published: February 2007

Gas species separation in thin capillaries is proposed based on the non-resonant interaction of polarizable gas molecules with an optical lattice produced by the interaction of two counter-propagating laser beams. Analytical expressions are developed for the evaluation of separation efficiency based on the gas and laser properties. The analytical predictions are compared with the direct simulation Monte Carlo method both in terms of flow velocities and concentrations and are found in good agreement.
Desertification in western Hainan Island, China (1959 to 2003)
Authors: Li S. , Zheng Y. , Luo P. , Wang X. , Li H. , Lin P.
Published: February 2007

Western Hainan Island is the only tropic region in China that is experiencing desertification. In this paper, we hope to reconstruct the evolution of desertification from 1959 to 2003 and identify the driving force during this process. Using remote sensing, mapping, GIS analysis and statistical analysis with climatic factors and human factors, we found five phases of desertification in the western part of Hainan Island between the late‐1950s and the early‐2000s. Desertification first developed rapidly, then reversed, and is now fluctuating, due to natural and human driving forces. Human activities interact with climatic factors. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do stable strategic time periods exist? Towards new methodological and theoretical insights
Authors: Fuente‐Sabaté Juan Manuel de la , Rodríguez‐Puerta Julio , Vicente‐Lorente José David , Zúñiga‐Vicente José Angel
Published: February 2007

This paper investigates a fundamental issue in the current research on strategic groups: the existence or non‐existence of the so‐called ‘stable strategic time periods’ (SSTPs). Our study provides new evidence by adding new methodological and theoretical insights. The research setting is the Spanish banking industry over a 15‐year period, 1983–1997. Unlike all prior longitudinal research that found SSTPs, the multi‐method procedure that we used in this study (i.e. equality of variance and covariance matrix and mean vector of strategic variables and a subsequent grouping analysis performed through the MCLUST) has led us to reject the existence of SSTPs in the industry under study. Based on these original findings, we conclude by suggesting a proposition which should be corroborated in future empirical studies on strategic groups. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.