bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive value of p53 and 14‐3‐3σ for the effect of chemoradiation therapy on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Okumura Hiroshi , Natsugoe Shoji , Matsumoto Masataka , Yokomakura Naoya , Uchikado Yasuto , Takatori Hiroyuki , Ishigami Sumiya , Takao Sonshin , Aikou Takashi
Published: July 2005

Background and Objectives

The p53 family regulates cell‐cycle arrest, triggers apoptosis, repairs DNA damage caused by various genotoxic stresses, and protects cells from death upon irradiation. The purpose of the present study was to examine the expressions of p53 and one of the p53 family proteins, 14‐3‐3σ, in biopsy specimens and to predict the clinical and histological responses to chemoradiation therapy (CRT) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

We investigated with the relationship between p53 and 14‐3‐3σ expressions in biopsy specimens obtained from 62 patients with ESCC and analyzed these patients' clinical and histological responses to CRT. Chemoradiation therapy consisted of 5‐fluorouracil plus cisplatin and 40 Gy of radiation.

Results

Following CRT, 71.0% of patients showed a positive clinical response and 52.8% showed a positive histological response. The rate of positive expression was 43.5% for p53 and 58.1% for 14‐3‐3σ. Statistically significant correlations were found between p53 expression and clinical response to CRT (P = 0.001) and histological response to CRT (P = 0.041), and between 14‐3‐3σ expression and histological response to CRT (P = 0.01). Furthermore, in p53‐positive tumors, CRT was more effective in tumors with 14‐3‐3σ‐positive expressions than those with 14‐3‐3σ‐negative expressions (P = 0.037). The survival rate of the patients with 14‐3‐3σ‐positive tumors was better than those with 14‐3‐3σ‐negative tumors in patients with p53‐positive tumors (P = 0.047).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that p53‐negative or 14‐3‐3σ‐positive expressions were closely related to the response to CRT. It is clinically useful to examine the expression of these genes in biopsy specimens for predicting the CRT outcomes in patients with ESCC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2005;91:84–89. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Butyrate regulates the expression of c‐Src and focal adhesion kinase and inhibits cell invasion of human colon cancer cells
Authors: Lee Jenq‐Chang , Maa Ming‐Chei , Yu Hsiu‐Shan , Wang Jung‐Hui , Yen Chia‐Kuang , Wang Shan‐Tair , Chen Yen‐Jen , Liu Yuan , Jin Ying‐Tai , Leu Tzeng‐Horng
Published: July 2005

Epidemiological studies indicate that dietary fiber‐derived fermentation products such as butyrate can prevent colon cancer development. To further dissect the role of butyrate in anticarcinogenesis, its effect on cellular growth and invasion as well as the expression of c‐Src and FAK, two mutually interactive nonreceptor tyrosine kinases, in three different human colon cancer cell lines (Caco‐2, SW480, and SW620) were investigated. In addition to growth inhibition, butyrate treatment results in a significant downregulation of c‐Src and FAK in human colon cancer cells, which can be attributable to their reduced transcripts and implicates the participation of a butyrate‐sensitive pathway in modulating their expression. Concurrent to butyrate‐reduced c‐Src and FAK expression is the decrease of FAK Tyr‐decrease 397 phosphorylation. Besides, butyrate also abolished the secretion of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. And these butyrate‐mediated effects severely impaired invasion of SW620 cells through Matrigel in vitro. Interestingly, in situ parallel enhancement of c‐Src and FAK was also observed in human colorectal tumor specimens. These results imply that by virtue of suppression of c‐Src and FAK along with other butyrate targets in colonocytes, butyrate could effectively inhibit tumor growth and invasion. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transcultural comparison of psychogenic movement disorders
Authors: Cubo Esther , Hinson Vanessa K. , Goetz Christopher G. , Garcia Ruiz Pedro , Garcia de Yebenes Justo , Marti María José , Rodriguez Oroz Maria Cruz , Linazasoro Gurutz , Chacón José , Vázquez Antonio , López del Val Javier , Leurgans Sue , Wuu Joanne
Published: July 2005

Prompted by the lack of cross‐cultural comparative data, and because a better understanding in the different clinical presentations of psychogenic movement disorders (PMDs) is relevant to neurological assessment and interventions, we compared the phenomenology, anatomical distribution, and functional impairment of PMDs in the United States and Spain. Consecutive patients diagnosed with PMD by a movement disorder specialist from one US site and from eight Spanish university centers were included in the study. The two groups were similar in their movement types, anatomical distribution, and functional impairment. PMDs were more prevalent in women than in men and were most common in upper and lower extremities. Gait and speech dysfunctions were distributed similarly in both countries. We found action tremor to be the most frequent PMD in both countries. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
No going home for hospitalized Huntington's disease patients
Authors: Dubinsky Richard M.
Published: July 2005

Little is known as to what happens to people with Huntington's disease (HD) at the end of life. Exploratory analysis was performed for all admissions of people with HD in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, a 20% stratified sample of all US hospitalizations, from 1996 to 2002. Using the principal diagnosis and procedure, admission cohorts were determined. The common HD‐associated reasons for admission were pneumonia (including aspiration, 22%), psychiatric (21.5%), debilitation (hypovolemia, nutritional deficiencies, and decubitus ulcers, 15.5%), trauma (5.7%), and nonpulmonary infections (urinary tract infections and sepsis, 11.%). Twenty‐two percent were admitted for medical problems unrelated to HD. Emergency departments were the most frequent source of admission (60%), most had Medicare or Medicaid as the expected payer (80.6%), 54.4% of all admissions were discharged to long‐term care facilities (LTCFs), and 3.7% died. The highest mortality was seen in the pneumonia (7.68%) and sepsis (7.39%) cohorts. Of the elective admissions, between 49.71% and 60.31% were discharged to LTCFs, representing new LTCF admissions. Based on this exploratory analysis, hospitalized HD patients are admitted late in the course of their illness, are severely disabled, and are commonly discharged to LTCFs. With 60.31% of the discharges representing new LTCF admissions, this finding shows that there is no going home from the hospital for people with HD. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Defining the breakpoints of the quakingviable mouse mutation reveals a duplication from a Parkin intron
Authors: Dapper Jason D. , Justice Monica J.
Published: July 2005

The quakingviable (qkv) mutant mouse shows a recessive neurological phenotype that includes central nervous system (CNS) dysmyelination, seizures, and tremor associated with voluntary movement. The molecular defect of qkv has been previously reported to be a spontaneous ∼1 megabase (Mb) deletion in the proximal region of mouse chromosome 17 that occurred in the DBA mouse strain more than four decades ago. The mutation has recently been shown to affect three genes in the region: Quaking (qk), Parkin‐coregulated gene (Pacrg), and Parkin. Here we determine the exact deletion breakpoints and demonstrate that the mutation is not just comprised of a ∼1.1 Mb deletion, but also harbors a small 163 bp duplication fragment between the deletion breakpoints. Although the distal deletion breakpoint is within the fifth intron of the mouse Parkin gene, the duplicated sequence is derived from the sixth Parkin intron and shows positive transcriptional activity on a reporter gene in vitro. This complexity provides insight into a well‐studied neurological mutant and may have a role in affecting the phenotype observed. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Poly(caprolactone‐co‐lactide)/perfluoropolyether block copolymers: Synthesis, thermal, and surface characterization
Authors: Bongiovanni Roberta , Malucelli Giulio , Messori Massimo , Pilati Francesco , Priola Aldo , Tonelli Claudio , Toselli Maurizio
Published: July 2005

Poly[(caprolactone‐co‐lactide)‐b‐perfluoropolyether‐b‐(caprolactone‐co‐lactide)] copolymers (TXCLLA) were prepared by ring‐opening polymerization of D,L‐dilactide (LA2) and caprolactone (CL) in the presence of α,ω‐hydroxy terminated perfluoropolyether (Fomblin Z‐DOL TX) as macroinitiator and tin(II) 2‐ethylexanoate as catalyst. 1H NMR analysis showed that LA2 is initially incorporated into the copolymer preferentially with respect to CL. A blocky structure of the polyester segment was also indicated by the sequence distribution analysis of the monomeric units. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed the compatibility between poly(lactide) (PLA) and poly(caprolactone) (PCL) blocks inside the amorphous phase with glass‐transition temperature values increasing from −60 to −15 °C by increasing the PLA content. Copolymers with high average length of CL blocks were semicrystalline with a melting temperature ranging from +35 to +47 °C. Surface analysis showed a high surface activity of TXCLLA copolymers with values of surface tension independent from the PLA/PCL content and very close to those of pure TX. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 3588–3599, 2005
Alternating π‐conjugated block copolymers with precise block length
Authors: Schappel Jörg , Schmidt Kathrin , Klemm Elisabeth
Published: July 2005

A Sonogashira polycondensation reaction has been used to synthesize copolymers consisting of alternating oligo(p‐phenyleneethynylene) with a precise block length as an electron‐rich component and 1,4‐bis(2‐phenylene‐2‐cyanovinylene)benzene or 2,6‐bis(2‐pyridinylene‐ethynylene)pyridine as an electron‐poor component. The copolymers differ in the length of the phenyleneethynylene block (trimer or pentamer) and the content of the electron‐poor component. The length of the phenyleneethynylene block has no influence on the maximum wavelength. The electron‐poor cyano‐block component lowers the optical band‐gap energy of the copolymers. The value is equivalent to that of poly(cyano‐phenylenevinylene) (CN‐PPV) (2.3–2.4 eV). © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 3574–3587, 2005
Design of improved protein inhibitors of HIV‐1 cell entry: Optimization of electrostatic interactions at the binding interface
Authors: Green David F. , Tidor Bruce
Published: July 2005

Continuum electrostatic methods are a powerful tool for the analysis and design of biomolecular complexes, with methodologies that allow for the detailed analysis of the electrostatic contributions to binding affinities and procedures for computing the properties of electrostatically optimal ligands. We have applied these methods to the design of improved inhibitors of HIV‐1 cell entry. HIV infection of a cell requires viral–cell membrane fusion, an event partially driven by a large‐scale conformational change in the viral membrane glycoprotein gp41. This transformation involves the docking of a helix from the C‐terminal region of three gp41 chains against a pre‐formed trimeric‐coiled coil; several protein constructs that inhibit membrane fusion act by binding to an isolated C‐terminal helix and blocking the formation of the fusogenic structure. A detailed analysis of the electrostatic contributions to the binding of one such inhibitor (5‐Helix) to a C‐terminal helix was performed using the X‐ray crystal structure of the core of the HIV‐1 gp41 ectodomain as a structural model, and several residues on 5‐Helix that make substantial contributions to binding, both favorable and unfavorable, were identified. An electrostatic affinity optimization methodology was applied to the side chains of 5‐Helix, with the results showing that significant improvements in binding affinity are possible if the electrostatic contributions to the binding free energy are optimized. Several mutations accessible by experimental methods are suggested, with calculated improvements in binding affinity of as much as 500‐fold and greater. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypocrea jecorina (Trichoderma reesei) Cel7A as a molecular machine: A docking study
Authors: Mulakala Chandrika , Reilly Peter J.
Published: July 2005

Hypocrea jecorina (formerly Trichoderma reesei) Cel7A has a catalytic domain (CD) and a cellulose‐binding domain (CBD) separated by a highly glycosylated linker. Very little is known of how the 2 domains interact to degrade crystalline cellulose. Based on the interaction energies and forces on cello‐oligosaccharides computationally docked to the CD and CBD, we propose a molecular machine model, where the CBD wedges itself under a free chain end on the crystalline cellulose surface and feeds it to the CD active site tunnel. Enzyme–substrate interactions produce the forces required to pull cellulose chains from the surface and also to help the enzyme move on the cellulose chain for processive hydrolysis. The energy to generate these forces is ultimately derived from the chemical energy of glycosidic bond breakage. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Zn2SiO4‐coated microparticles with biologically‐controlled 3D shapes
Authors: Cai Ye , Sandhage Kenneth H.
Published: July 2005

The synthesis of zinc silicate‐coated microparticles with well‐controlled three‐dimensional (3D) shapes, via chemical modification of the surfaces of diatom microshells, is demonstrated. ZnO nanoparticle‐based coatings were first applied by exposing the microshells to a zinc acetate‐bearing solution and then firing at 700 °C. The ZnO nanoparticles were then allowed to react with the underlying SiO2 micro‐shells at 1050 °C. Thin (submicron), compact, and continuous Zn2SiO4 coatings were generated that conformed to the microshell surfaces. The Zn2SiO4‐coated microparticles retained the starting 3D microshell shape. Given the wide range of microshell shapes available among different species of diatoms (or other SiO2‐forming organisms), this simple and scalable microshell coating method may be used to synthesize functional microparticles with a variety of well‐controlled 3D shapes and tailored silicate chemistries. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electron microscopy investigation of structural transformations in tungsten oxide (WO3) thin films
Authors: Ramana C. V. , Utsunomiya S. , Ewing R. C. , Julien C. M. , Becker U.
Published: July 2005

The phase transformations in tungsten oxide (WO3) thin films have been investigated in the temperature range of 30–500 °C using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) measurements. The results indicate that the phase transitions in WO3 thin films occur in sequence exhibiting various crystal phases above room temperature in the order: monoclinic → orthorhombic → hexagonal. The crystallographic distortions and tilting of the WO6 octahedra are responsible for the phase transitions and significantly affect the electronic properties and, hence, the device applications of WO3. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Adolescent mental health literacy: Young people's knowledge of depression and help seeking
Authors: Burns John R. , Rapee Ronald M.
Published: July 2005

This study examined the mental health literacy of a group of adolescents, with particular reference to their ability to recognize symptoms of depression in their peers. Respondents were 202 Australian adolescents (122 males, 80 females) aged 15–17 years. Their mental health literacy was examined through a questionnaire that presented them with five scenarios of young people. Respondents showed a mixed ability to correctly recognize and label depression, although they were able to differentiate depressed and non‐depressed scenarios in terms of severity and expected recovery time. Results are discussed in light of findings from adult mental health literacy and clinical implications.
Brief report: Young people at risk for eating disorders in Southeast Brazil
Authors: Moya Tatiana , Fleitlich‐Bilyk Bacy , Goodman Robert
Published: July 2005

A representative sample of 7–14‐year‐old young people in southeast Brazil was assessed using standardized parent and youth interviews, thereby identifying an ‘at‐risk’ group of young people who met one or more DSM‐IV criteria for anorexia and/or bulimia nervosa. These young people were compared with an age and gender matched comparison group for body mass index (BMI) and socio‐economic status (SES). The prevalence of young people at risk for eating disorders was 1.4% (higher in females and rising with age). ‘At‐risk’ individuals did not differ from controls in BMI but were of higher SES. In Brazil, the link between symptoms of eating disorders and higher SES is not just a referral artefact but is evident in a representative community sample. This might reflect a stronger preference for thinness among more westernized social groups.
PrP(106–126) activates neuronal intracellular kinases and Egr1 synthesis through activation of NADPH‐oxidase independently of PrPc
Authors: Gavín Rosalina , Braun Nathalie , Nicolas Oriol , Parra Beatriz , Ureña Jesus Mariano , Mingorance Ana , Soriano Eduardo , Torres Juan María , Aguzzi Adriano , del Río José Antonio
Published: July 2005

Prion diseases are characterised by severe neural lesions linked to the presence of an abnormal protease‐resistant isoform of cellular prion protein (PrPc). The peptide PrP(106–126) is widely used as a model of neurotoxicity in prion diseases. Here, we examine in detail the intracellular signalling cascades induced by PrP(106–126) in cortical neurons and the participation of PrPc. We show that PrP(106–126) induces the activation of subsets of intracellular kinases (e.g., ERK1/2), early growth response 1 synthesis and induces caspase‐3 activity, all of which are mediated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen‐oxidase activity and oxidative stress. However, cells lacking PrPc are similarly affected after peptide exposure, and this questions the involvement of PrPc in these effects.
Identification of Escherichia coli K12 YdcW protein as a γ‐aminobutyraldehyde dehydrogenase
Authors: Samsonova Natalya N. , Smirnov Sergey V. , Novikova Anna E. , Ptitsyn Leonid R.
Published: July 2005

γ‐Aminobutyraldehyde dehydrogenase (ABALDH) from wild‐type E. coli K12 was purified to apparent homogeneity and identified as YdcW by MS‐analysis. YdcW exists as a tetramer of 202 ± 29 kDa in the native state, a molecular mass of one subunit was determined as 51 ± 3 kDa. K
m parameters of YdcW for γ‐aminobutyraldehyde, NAD+ and NADP+ were 41 ± 7, 54 ± 10 and 484 ± 72 μM, respectively. YdcW is the unique ABALDH in E. coli K12. A coupling action of E. coli YgjG putrescine transaminase and YdcW dehydrogenase in vitro resulted in conversion of putrescine into γ‐aminobutyric acid.
Identification of ADP‐ribosylation site in human glutamate dehydrogenase isozymes
Authors: Choi Myung-Min , Huh Jae-Wan , Yang Seung-Ju , Cho Eun Hee , Choi Soo Young , Cho Sung-Woo
Published: July 2005

When the influence of ADP‐ribosylation on the activities of the purified human glutamate dehydrogenase isozymes (hGDH1 and hGDH2) was measured in the presence of 100 μM NAD+for 60 min, hGDH isozymes were inhibited by up to 75%. If incubations were performed for longer time periods up to 3 h, the inhibition of hGDH isozymes did not increased further. This phenomenon may be related to the reversibility of ADP‐ribosylation in mitochondria. ADP‐ribosylated hDGH isozymes were reactivated by Mg2+‐dependent mitochondrial ADP‐ribosylcysteine hydrolase. The stoichiometry between incorporated ADP‐ribose and GDH subunits shows a modification of one subunit per catalytically active homohexamer. Since ADP and GTP had no effects on the extent of modification, it would appear that the ADP‐ribosylation is unlikely to occur in allosteric sites. It has been proposed that Cys residue may be involved in the ADP‐ribosylation of GDH, although identification of the reactive Cys residue has not been reported. To identify the reactive Cys residue involved in the ADP‐ribosylation, we performed cassette mutagenesis at three different positions (Cys59, Cys119, and Cys274) using synthetic genes of hGDH isozymes. Among the Cys residues tested, only Cys119 mutants showed a significant reduction in the ADP‐ribosylation. These results suggest a possibility that the Cys119 residue has an important role in the regulation of hGDH isozymes by ADP‐ribosylation.
Die Entwicklung räumlicher Zahlenrepräsentationen und Rechenfertigkeiten bei Kindern
Authors: Schweiter Martin , Weinhold Zulauf Monika , von Aster Michael
Published: July 2005

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Die Repräsentation der Größe von Zahlen in einem von links nach rechts orientierten mentalen Zahlenstrahl wurde bei Erwachsenen mit dem SNARC-Effektes dargestellt (Spatial Numerical Association of Response Codes: schnellere Reaktion linke Hand bei kleinen Zahlen und rechte Hand bei großen Zahlen; Dehaene, Bossini & Giraux; 1993 ). Fragestellung: Die Studie untersucht die Frage, ob SNARC-Effekte (SE) schon bei Kindern der 2. Klasse nachweisbar sind und welche Zusammenhänge zu Rechenleistungen bestehen. Methode: Untersucht wurden N = 113 Kinder aus einer repräsentativen Stichprobe aus dem Kanton Zürich. Die Überprüfung von Fertigkeiten der Zahlenverarbeitung erfolgte longitudinal im Kindergarten und in der 2. Klasse. Ebenfalls zum zweiten Testzeitpunkt erfolgte die Durchführung des computergestützten SNARC-Paradigmas. Ergebnisse/Diskussion: Etwa ein Drittel der Kinder zeigten einen SE. Über die gesamte Stichprobe ließ sich kein signifikanter Einfluss des SE auf die Testleistung nachweisen, es besteht jedoch eine signifikante Wechselwirkung mit dem Geschlecht. Bei Knaben korreliert der SE positiv, bei Mädchen negativ mit der Testleistung. Die Ergebnisse werden in Hinblick auf geschlechtsspezifische Aspekte der Entwicklung kognitiver Denkstile diskutiert.
Aktueller Stand der Liquidation neuropsychologischer Gutachten
Authors: Neumann-Zielke L. , Riepe J. , Roschmann R. , Schötzau-Fürwentsches P. , Wilhelm H.
Published: July 2005

Zusammenfassung: Der Beitrag fasst die wichtigsten juristischen Grundlagen, allgemeinen Bedingungen und Gepflogenheiten für die Abrechnung neuropsychologischer Gutachten mit verschiedenen Auftraggebern zusammen. Die unterschiedlichen Abrechnungsmodalitäten der wichtigsten Auftraggeber (Gerichte/Staatsanwaltschaft, gesetzliche Unfallversicherung, Rentenversicherungsträger der Reichsversicherungsordnung (RVO), Krankenkassen, Pflegeversicherung, private Krankenversicherung, private Unfallversicherung, Haftpflichtversicherung, Behörden und Selbstzahler) werden vor dem Hintergrund der verfügbaren Richtlinien, Erfahrungswerte und an Hand von Rechnungsbeispielen vorgestellt. Die einzelnen Liquidationsformen und das Fehlen eines angemessenen Taxensystems für neuropsychologische Leistungen werden kritisch diskutiert und Vorschläge für eine Gebührenordnung unter der Berücksichtigung der Spezifika neuropsychologischer Gutachten entwickelt.
Kann eine spezifische Aufmerksamkeitsdiagnostik zur Differentialdiagnostik psychischer Störungen beitragen?
Authors: Oh Hyunsook , Moosbrugger Helfried , Poustka Fritz
Published: July 2005

Zusammenfassung: Fragestellung: Die vorliegende Studie behandelt die Frage, ob sich klinisch auffällige Kinder und Jugendliche anhand von quantitativen und qualitativen Aufmerksamkeitsaspekten differentialdiagnostisch unterscheiden lassen. Methode: Hierzu wurden N = 88 klinisch auffällige Kinder und Jugendliche aus sieben ICD-10-Diagnosegruppen im Alter von 10 bis 18 Jahren mit dem Frankfurter Aufmerksamkeitsinventar FAIR ( Moosbrugger & Oehlschlägel, 1996 ) untersucht, dessen Testwerte in quantitativer Hinsicht die selektive Aufmerksamkeitsleistung (FAIR-L) und die Aufmerksamkeitskontinuität (FAIR-K) sowie in qualitativer Hinsicht die Selbstkontrollfunktion bei der Erbringung der Aufmerksamkeitsleistung (FAIR-Q) erfassen. Ergebnisse: Insgesamt zeigten die verschiedenen Gruppen hinsichtlich der selektiven Aufmerksamkeitsleistung und der Aufmerksamkeitskontinuität nur geringe Unterschiede und bewegten sich im durchschnittlichen Bereich. Hinsichtlich der Selbstkontrollfunktion zeigten sich jedoch beträchtliche Unterschiede, die eine differentialdiagnostische Zweiteilung der Gruppen ermöglichen. Zur Gruppe mit deutlich bis sehr deutlich verringerter Selbstkontrollfunktion zählen insbesondere die Diagnosen Schizophrenie, aber auch hyperkinetische Störungen, Störung des Sozialverhaltens, depressive Störungen und Zwangsstörungen; zur Gruppe mit hoher Selbstkontrollfunktion die Diagnose Essstörungen und sonstige neurotische Störungen. Schlussfolgerung: Die Selbstkontrollfunktion erweist sich somit zur Differentialdiagnostik bei klinisch auffälligen Kindern und Jugendlichen als leistungsstarker Aufmerksamkeitsparameter.
Indikationsentscheidungen zur stationären Aufnahme in kinder- und jugendpsychiatrische Kliniken
Authors: Robatzek Monika , Höger Christoph , Rothenberger Aribert
Published: July 2005

Zusammenfassung: Fragestellung: Indikationen zur stationären Aufnahme in die Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie sind bisher kaum empirisch untersucht. Über eine Analyse der Entscheidungsmodelle von Fachleuten sollen daher relevante Indikationskriterien für eine kinder- und jugendpsychiatrische stationäre Aufnahme identifiziert werden. Annahme ist, dass Expertise, die soziale Handlungsorientierung der Fachleute und die Perspektive des jeweiligen Versorgungssystems einen Einfluss auf die Indikationskonzepte haben. Methode: Mit einer adaptierten Struktur-Lege-Technik wurden die Entscheidungsmodelle von 71 Fachleuten aus dem stationären und ambulanten kinder- und jugendpsychiatrischen Tätigkeitsfeld erfasst. Ein Vergleich der Modelle wurde einerseits zwischen einzelnen stationären Berufsgruppen und andererseits zwischen niedergelassenen Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatern gegenüber Chef-/Oberärzten vorgenommen. Ergebnisse: Die Bedeutung der berufspezifischen Expertise spiegelt sich nur in der starken Gewichtung psychosozialer Indikationskriterien durch das Stationspflegepersonal wider, und ist in unserer Studie somit als gering einzuschätzen. Ein Einfluss der Versorgungsperspektive zeigte sich darin, dass die ambulanten Ärzte die Indikation enger stellten und die eigenen ambulanten Ressourcen als tragfähiger bewerteten als die Chef- und Oberärzte des stationären Bereichs. Wesentliche Indikationskriterien für alle Berufsgruppen waren Selbstgefährdung, Fremdgefährdung, Schweregrad der Symptomatik, Bewertung ambulanter Ressourcen und Erfolgsaussichten sowie Notwendigkeit einer Intensivbehandlung. Schlussfolgerungen: Diese Ergebnisse liefern weitere Forschungsperspektiven, z.B. hinsichtlich regional- und klinikspezifischer Indikationsvorstellungen, und verdeutlichen die Notwendigkeit eines fachlichen Diskurses über die Indikationspraxis.
Familientherapie als Frühintervention bei drogenabhängigen Jugendlichen, jungen Erwachsenen und deren Müttern - Effektstärken und individuelle Verbesserungsquoten bei den Therapie-Beendern
Authors: Thomasius Rainer , Sack Peter-Michael , Schindler Andreas , Küstner Udo J. , Gemeinhardt Brigitte , Redegeld Michael , Weiler Detlef , Zeichner Dirk
Published: July 2005

Zusammenfassung: Fragestellung: Welche kurzfristigen Effekte einer familientherapeutischen Frühintervention (der «Eppendorfer Familientherapie») bei Familien mit einem polytoxikoman drogenabhängigen Jugendlichen bzw. jungen Erwachsenen sind in einer multikriterialen Evaluation beobachtbar? Methodik: Die eingesetzte Familientherapie ist ambulant und abstinenz-orientiert. Das Design ist prospektiv, naturalistisch und misst prä-post-Effekte. Es beginnen 86 Familien die Therapie (86 drogenabhängige Indexpatienten, IP, im frühen Suchtstadium, 76 Mütter, 57 Väter, 36 Geschwister). Zu 5 Zielkriterien werden intraindividuelle Verbesserungsquoten von IP und Müttern berichtet (Sucht-Status, Familienfunktion, Psychopathologie, Psychosoziale Integration, Therapiezufriedenheit), jeweils in Patientenangaben und Expertenbeurteilungen. Ergebnisse: Die Behandlung haben n = 62 (72%) der IP regulär beendet. Bei 45 dieser 62 (73%) ergeben sich signifikante intraindividuelle Besserungen im Sucht-Status. IP und Mütter weisen in allen Zielkriterien Verbesserungen auf. Schlussfolgerungen: Polytoxikoman drogenabhängige Jugendliche im frühen Suchtstadium, die noch in Kontakt mit ihrer Herkunftsfamilie stehen, profitieren von ambulanter familientherapeutischer Frühintervention.
Evidence for an Integrative Role of P3b in Linking Reaction to Perception
Authors: Verleger Rolf , Jaśkowski Piotr , Wascher Edmund
Published: July 2005

Abstract. Hypotheses about the P3 component of the event-related EEG potential have usually assumed that P3b reflects some processing independent from organizing the response. In contrast, the notion that P3b is related to a decision process implies some mediating function between stimulus and response. If P3b does indeed reflect the link between perceptual processing and response preparation (1) amplitudes should be as large in response-locked averages as in stimulus-locked averages, (2) this should be true independent of response speed, for separate subaverages of slow and fast responses, and (3) latencies should vary across response speed both in stimulus-locked and in response-locked averages. These hypotheses were tested in data evoked by visual and auditory stimuli in choice-response tasks. All three predictions were confirmed. In contrast to this balanced relation to perception and responding, fronto-central P3 with auditory stimuli was stimulus-related and, for comparison, the peak amplitudes of both the response-force and of the lateralized readiness potential were response-related. We conclude that P3b reflects a process that mediates between perceptual analysis and response initiation, possibly monitoring whether the decision to classify some stimulus is appropriately transformed into action.
Comparability of Spot Versus Band Electrodes for Impedance Cardiography
Authors: McGrath Jennifer J. , O'Brien William H. , Hassinger Hilary J. , Shah Purvi
Published: July 2005

Abstract. Although band and spot electrodes have been compared in prior research, they have not been evaluated (a) at identical anatomical locations, (b) during a single laboratory session, (c) with measures taken in close temporal proximity, (d) using a single impedance cardiograph unit, or (e) using sufficiently powerful statistical tests. Thirty-one healthy young adults completed a psychophysiological assessment which consisted of baseline, mental arithmetic stressor, and recovery conditions. Data from spot and band electrodes were collected by alternating between electrode types every minute of the experiment. Correlations between spot and band electrodes at absolute levels of all cardiovascular measures (cardiac output, impedance derivative, basal impedance level, Heather index, heart rate, left ventricular ejection time, pre-ejection period, stroke volume) were of high magnitude (ravg = .78), while the correlations for difference scores were lower (ravg = .50). Analyses of mean levels indicated spot electrodes yielded significantly lower values for the impedance derivative, Heather index, and basal impedance, and higher values for cardiac output and stroke volume, than band electrodes. The advantages and disadvantages associated with spot and band electrode configurations, as well as their use in ambulatory recording, are discussed.
The binding of the ubiquitous transcription factor Sp1 at the locus control region represses the expression of β-like globin genes
Authors: Feng Dongxiao , Kan Yuet Wai
Published: July 2005

To investigate the function of transcription factor Sp1 in β-like globin gene activation, we analyzed the recruitment of Sp1, fetal Krüppel-like factor 2 (FKLF2), and related factors at the human β-globin locus in a human fetal liver and mouse erythroleukemia hybrid cell (A181γ cell) that contains a single copy of human chromosome 11. Sp1 binds at the GT boxes of the cis-elements throughout the β-locus, but it is phosphorylated and lost over DNase I hypersensitive site (HS)2, HS3, HS4, and the human β-globin gene promoter after A181γ cell differentiation. The binding of FKLF2 at HS2 and HS3 was unchanged. Histone deacetylase 1, which could be recruited by Sp1, is also lost over HS2 and HS3 after differentiation, resulting in the acetylation of histones 3 and 4 across the human β-globin locus. We previously detected
in vivo
GT footprints over the β-globin locus after A181γ differentiation. Here, we report that after differentiation, the p300/CREB-binding protein-associated factor is recruited by FKLF2 to the locus control region to acetylate histones 3 and 4 at the human β-globin gene locus. Our results suggest that Sp1 is an inhibitor of β-like globin gene transcription during erythroid terminal differentiation. Its phosphorylation and release allow the erythroid-specific FKLF2 or erythroid Krüppel-like factor to interact with other erythroid-specific transcription factors to initiate the transcription of β-like globin genes.
The phagosomal transporter A couples threonine acquisition to differentiation and replication of
Legionella pneumophila
in macrophages
Authors: Sauer John-Demian , Bachman Michael A. , Swanson Michele S.
Published: July 2005

Differentiation in response to environmental cues is integral to the success of many intracellular pathogens. By characterizing a
Legionella pneumophila
mutant defective for differentiation in broth and replication in macrophages, we identified a subfamily of major facilitator superfamily transporters, here named Pht (phagosomal transporter), that also is conserved in two other vacuolar pathogens,
Coxiella burnetii
and
Francisella tularensis
. Biolog phenotype microarray analysis indicated that PhtA transports threonine, an essential amino acid. Either excess threonine or threonine peptides bypass
phtA
function. In minimal medium,
phtA
mutants do not replicate; in rich broth, the bacteria prematurely differentiate to the transmissive phase, as judged by the kinetics of
flaA-gfp
expression, heat resistance, and sodium sensitivity. PhtA is dispensable for transmissive
L. pneumophila
to establish and persist within a replication vacuole but is essential for their differentiation to the replicative phase, based on phenotypic and RT-PCR analysis. Accordingly, we propose that the Pht transporter family equips transmissive
L. pneumophila
,
C. burnetii
, and
F. tularensis
to assess their phagosomal nutrient supply before committing to reenter the cell cycle.
Annotation of cis-regulatory elements by identification, subclassification, and functional assessment of multispecies conserved sequences
Authors: Hughes Jim R. , Cheng Jan-Fang , Ventress Nicki , Prabhakar Shyam , Clark Kevin , Anguita Eduardo , De Gobbi Marco , de Jong Pieter , Rubin Eddy , Higgs Douglas R.
Published: July 2005

An important step toward improving the annotation of the human genome is to identify cis-acting regulatory elements from primary DNA sequence. One approach is to compare sequences from multiple, divergent species. This approach distinguishes multispecies conserved sequences (MCS) in noncoding regions from more rapidly evolving neutral DNA. Here, we have analyzed a region of ≈238kb containing the human α globin cluster that was sequenced and/or annotated across the syntenic region in 22 species spanning 500 million years of evolution. Using a variety of bioinformatic approaches and correlating the results with many aspects of chromosome structure and function in this region, we were able to identify and evaluate the importance of 24 individual MCSs. This approach sensitively and accurately identified previously characterized regulatory elements but also discovered unidentified promoters, exons, splicing, and transcriptional regulatory elements. Together, these studies demonstrate an integrated approach by which to identify, subclassify, and predict the potential importance of MCSs.
Computational prediction of native protein ligand-binding and enzyme active site sequences
Authors: Chakrabarti Raj , Klibanov Alexander M. , Friesner Richard A.
Published: July 2005

Recent studies reveal that the core sequences of many proteins were nearly optimized for stability by natural evolution. Surface residues, by contrast, are not so optimized, presumably because protein function is mediated through surface interactions with other molecules. Here, we sought to determine the extent to which the sequences of protein ligand-binding and enzyme active sites could be predicted by optimization of scoring functions based on protein ligand-binding affinity rather than structural stability. Optimization of binding affinity under constraints on the folding free energy correctly predicted 83% of amino acid residues (94% similar) in the binding sites of two model receptor-ligand complexes, streptavidin-biotin and glucose-binding protein. To explore the applicability of this methodology to enzymes, we applied an identical algorithm to the active sites of diverse enzymes from the peptidase, β-gal, and nucleotide synthase families. Although simple optimization of binding affinity reproduced the sequences of some enzyme active sites with high precision, imposition of additional, geometric constraints on side-chain conformations based on the catalytic mechanism was required in other cases. With these modifications, our sequence optimization algorithm correctly predicted 78% of residues from all of the enzymes, with 83% similar to native (90% correct, with 95% similar, excluding residues with high variability in multiple sequence alignments). Furthermore, the conformations of the selected side chains were often correctly predicted within crystallographic error. These findings suggest that simple selection pressures may have played a predominant role in determining the sequences of ligand-binding and active sites in proteins.
Synchronous neural activity in scale-free network models versus random network models
Authors: Grinstein Geoffrey , Linsker Ralph
Published: July 2005

Synchronous firing peaks at levels greatly exceeding background activity have recently been reported in neocortical tissue. A small subset of neurons is dominant in a large fraction of the peaks. To investigate whether this striking behavior can emerge from a simple model, we constructed and studied a model neural network that uses a modified Hopfield-type dynamical rule. We find that networks having a power-law (“scale-free”) node degree distribution readily generate extremely large synchronous firing peaks dominated by a small subset of nodes, whereas random (Erdös–Rényi) networks do not. This finding suggests that network topology may play an important role in determining the nature and magnitude of synchronous neural activity.
Commercialization of plant-based vaccines from research and development to manufacturing
Authors: Howard John A.
Published: July 2005

The benefits of using plant-based oral vaccines are discussed. Transgenic maize expressing an antigen of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is reported as a model to demonstrate efficacy. Young pigs that were fed the TGEV corn orally were protected against challenge with virulent TGEV. Additional parameters important in providing a reliable and consistent supply of plant-based vaccines are discussed. Finally, vaccines developed in maize are evaluated for their potential to contaminate either the food supply or the environment.
Development of a medical digital library managing multiple collections
Authors: Nikolaidou Mara , Anagnostopoulos Dimosthenis , Hatzopoulos Michael
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Aims to present the authors' efforts towards the development of a digital library environment supporting research at the Medical School of Athens University, Greece.

Design/methodology/approach

The digital library facilitates access to medical material produced by laboratories for both research and educational purposes. As the material produced varies (regarding its type and structure) and the search requirements imposed by potential users differ, each laboratory develops its own collection. All collections must be bilingual, supporting both Greek and English. Extended requirements were imposed regarding the services offered by the digital library environment, due to the following reasons: end‐users actively participate in the cataloguing workflow; cataloguers should be able to create and manage multiple collections in a simplified manner; and different search requirements must be supported for different user groups. To formulate and then deal with these requirements, the authors introduced the term “dynamic collection management” denoting automated collection definition and unified collection management within an integrated digital library environment. Digital library components providing the desired functionality and the interaction between them are described. System performance, especially during collection search, and bilingual support are also explored.

Findings

Finds that Athens Medical School Digital Library facilitates access to medical material to researchers and students for both research and educational purposes.

Originality/value

The paper provides useful information on a digital library environment which supports research.
The impact of linear algebra on QFD
Authors: Fehlmann Thomas M.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

This paper introduces a new method to calculate a QFD matrix.

Design/methodology/approach

One of the most prominent tools in QFD is the matrix. Matrices represent cause‐effect relationships. Matrices are well‐known in mathematics for representing linear mappings between vector spaces. Vectors, the elements of a vector space, represent the customer's needs profile or a product profile. Linear mappings define relationships between vector spaces. QFD matrices are constructed from cause‐effect relationships. Thus, they represent a linear mapping from the solution space (technical requirements, or “hows” in a house of quality) into the goal space (customer needs or “whats”).

Findings

A solution for a QFD matrix (e.g. a set of technical requirements) is an optimum profile that best approximates the goal topics (e.g. customer needs). The traditional way of calculating solution profiles from a QFD matrix is the first step but does not yield the optimum solution. The convergence factor is the natural metric for optimization. Moreover, one can also use the cause‐effect matrices to translate measurements. Thus one can compare planned goal profiles with actual outcome.

Originality/value

The new mathematical approach to QFD was presented at the QFD Conference in Orlando, Florida in 2003, but has not yet been published in an international journal.
Auditing standards in Poland: past, present and future
Authors: Brody Richard G. , Moscove Stephen , Wnek Robert
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To describe and discuss historical, current and possible future auditing standards and related issues in Poland so that investors, auditors and others are aware of the specific needs and limitations facing the country.

Design/methodology/approach

The accounting and auditing history of Poland is provided as background information and then more recent developments since the fall of Communism to the present day are discussed to demonstrate that progress has been made. Future needs are outlined and various suggestions are made.

Findings

Provides specific details as to the current state of the auditing standards in Poland as they relate to the standards in other countries. Recognizes the need for time to make improvements but highlights areas of critical importance.

Practical implications

A comprehensive analysis of the state of auditing standards in Poland. Useful for academics and others who might have a desire to participate/assist in the development of new standards. Provides perspective with respect to the development of these standards in an emerging capital market country.

Originality/value

This paper provides information that is not well‐disseminated and offers practical advice to those dealing with Polish companies, including auditors and financial statement users. The material is of interest to practitioners, academics and students.
Real‐option valuation of research and development investments
Authors: Herath Hemantha S.B. , Bremser Wayne G.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Aims to promote an integrated performance measurement system.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature on R&D performance measurement identifies the need for an integrated performance measurement system for strategy implementation. Develops a theoretical framework for R&D performance measures, incorporating real options to define strategic net present value, which values the plan to make R&D investments.

Findings

Real options techniques can be used to value managers' options to shelter investments from adverse effects and exploit upside potential. The shift in valuation paradigms from a naïve net present value model to active risk management implicit in real options requires performance measures that reflect real option value and defines strategic value created (SVC), which is based on residual income concepts. Since residual income is known to be superior to ROI in motivating goal congruence, infers that SVC has similar advantages.

Originality/value

Illustrates how SVC would be used as a performance measure for a new drug in the commercialization stage, considers several relevant questions and discusses how SVC could be used in a firm's balanced scorecard.
Italian Universities for Open Access: Towards Open Access for Scholarly Literature: Report of the Messina Workshop
Authors: Comba Valentina
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To report on the Open Access workshop held in Messina, Italy, November 2004.

Design/methodology/approach

A summary of the main points of the workshop.

Findings

There is recognition of a growing awareness about e‐publishing changes and the new economic models which may provide more impact for research papers, providing a viable (and less expensive) solution for the information provision to authors and readers.

Originality/value

A useful summary of a workshop of interest to those concerned with information management.
Virtual Reference Desk 2004
Authors: Hill J.B.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To report on the 6th Virtual Reference Desk (VRD) 2004 Conference held in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 2004.

Design/methodology/approach

The VRD Conference is a two day meeting, organized annually by the Information Institute of Syracuse University, that focuses on the latest reference trends. The report is prepared by a library professional.

Findings

The conference was divided into the following tracks: Management, General, Evaluation/Standards, Technology, Resources, Research/Policy and Vendor Demonstrations. Generally there were six simultaneous sessions. The report includes sessions primarily from the Management and Evaluation/Standards tracks.

Originality/value

A brief conference report of interest to library and information management professionals.
Serving Maps of Public Library Customer Data over the Internet (www.geolib.org/PLGDB.cfm)
Authors: Koontz Christine M.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Aims to provide the reasons why cartographic and spatial information have become increasingly important in different library settings.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents very clear insights about the reasons cartographic and spatial information have become increasingly important and valuable in many different library settings.

Findings

Less intimidating than in the past, with better tools available to help libraries serve users with online maps, data, and cartographic information this article focuses on how the Public Library Geographic Database can provide a range of utility. Not often is the public library included as a source of GIS, but the ease of use supports this direction well and offers a new service point with www.GeoLib.org Originality/value – This paper is useful for information management professionals who seek greater understanding of geographic information systems in information management work.