bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ion‐exchange resins greatly facilitate refolding of like‐charged proteins at high concentrations
Authors: Wang Guo‐Zhen , Dong Xiao‐Yan , Sun Yan
Published: December 2010

Protein refolding is a crucial step for the production of therapeutic proteins expressed in bacteria as inclusion bodies. In vitro protein refolding is severely impeded by the aggregation of folding intermediates during the folding process, so inhibition of the aggregation is the most effective approach to high‐efficiency protein refolding. We have herein found that electrostatic repulsion between like‐charged protein and ion exchange gel beads can greatly suppress the aggregation of folding intermediates, leading to the significant increase of native protein recovery. This finding is extensively demonstrated with three different proteins and four kinds of ion‐exchange resins when the protein and ion‐exchange gel are either positively or negatively charged at the refolding conditions. It is remarkable that the enhancing effect is significant at very high protein concentrations, such as 4 mg/mL lysozyme (positively charged) and 2 mg/mL bovine serum albumin (negatively charged). Moreover, the folding kinetics is not compromised by the presence of the resins, so fast protein refolding is realized at high protein concentrations. It was not realistic by any other approaches. The working mechanism of the like‐charged resin is considered due to the charge repulsion that could induce oriented alignment of protein molecules near the charged surface, leading to the inhibition of protein aggregation. The molecular crowding effect induced by the charge repulsion may also contribute to accelerating protein folding. The refolding method with like‐charged ion exchangers is simple to perform, and the key material is easy to separate for recycling. Moreover, because ion exchangers can work as adsorbents of oppositely charged impurities, an operation of simultaneous protein refolding and purification is possible. All the characters are desirable for preparative refolding of therapeutic proteins expressed in bacteria as inclusion bodies. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1068–1077. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stability of a guest protein depends on stability of a host protein in insertional fusion
Authors: Pierre Brennal , Xiong Tina , Hayles Leonie , Guntaka Visweswara Reddy , Kim Jin Ryoun
Published: December 2010

Insertional fusion between host and guest protein domains has been employed to create multi‐domain protein complexes displaying integrated and coupled functionalities. The effects of insertional fusion on the stability of a guest protein are however rather controversial. In the study described here, we examined whether the stability of inserted TEM1 beta‐lactamase (BLA), as a guest protein, might be affected by the stability of a maltodextrin‐binding protein (MBP), as a host protein. Our results indicate that expression levels and in vitro stability of the BLA domain were significantly higher when inserted into thermophilic MBP from Pyrococcus furiosus (PfMBP) compared to mesophilic MBP from Escherichia coli (EcMBP). Moreover, insertion into PfMBP at selected sites was found to improve thermal stability of the BLA domain without compromise in expression levels and BLA activity. Kinetic stabilization during prolonged thermal denaturation of the BLA domain was not guaranteed by insertion into PfMBP, but rather relied on the insertion sites. Taken together, we provide evidence that (i) the stability of the guest protein depended on the stability of the host protein in insertional fusion and (ii) insertion into PfMBP, at least at selected locations, can serve as a novel method of improving protein thermal stability. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1011–1020. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Heparan sulfate: biological significance, tools for biochemical analysis and structural characterization
Authors: Malavaki Christina J. , Theocharis Achilleas D. , Lamari Fotini N. , Kanakis Ioannis , Tsegenidis Theodore , Tzanakakis George N. , Karamanos Nikos K.
Published: December 2010

Heparan sulfate (HS) and heparin (HP) are functionally important glycosaminoglycans, which interact with a plethora of proteins and participate in several cellular events. They form specific proteoglycans, which are ubiquitously distributed at both extracellular and cellular levels. HS and HP chains vary in the sulfation pattern and the degree of C‐5 epimerization of d‐glucuronic acid to l‐iduronic acid. These modifications are not uniformly distributed within the chain, providing functional oligomeric domains interacting specifically with various effective proteins. The utilization of specific lyases and chemical depolymerization are the commonest procedures used for structural analysis. Di‐ and oligosaccharide composition of HS can be accurately and sensitively determined by HPLC, CE and MS. Ultraviolet detection is satisfactory enough for unsaturated saccharides and pre‐column derivatization with fluorophores and detection with laser‐induced fluorescence results in even higher sensitivity. Solid‐phase assays can also be used for monitoring interactions with other molecules. In this article the biological significance of HS and HP in health and disease as well as the portfolio of analytical methods that may help to a deeper understanding of their roles in various pathological processes is presented. Such methodologies are of crucial importance for disease diagnosis and the design of novel synthetic sugar‐based drugs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of β‐agonists by HPLC/ESI‐MSn in horse doping control
Authors: Garcia P. , Paris A.‐C. , Gil J. , Popot M.‐A. , Bonnaire Y.
Published: December 2010

A sensitive method using LC/ESI‐MSn has been developed on a quadrupole linear ion trap mass analyser for the detection of nine β2 agonists (cimaterol, clenbuterol, fenoterol, formoterol, mabuterol, terbutaline, ractopamine, salbutamol and salmeterol) in horse urine. The method consists of solid‐phase extraction on CSDAU cartridges before analysis by LC/ESI‐MSn. The efficiency of extraction combined with the sensitivity and the selectivity of MSn allowed the detection of these compounds at pg/mL levels. Administration studies of fenoterol and formoterol are reported and show their possible detection after inhalation. The method is applicable for screening and confirmatory analysis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Process control kits: A hardware and software resource
Authors: Moor S. Scott , Piergiovanni Polly R.
Published: December 2010

Inexpensive and flexible process control kits were developed that allow students to design, implement, and test control systems in the classroom. Students can construct a variety of flow processes using ${\raise0.5ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 3$}\kern-0.1em/\kern-0.15em\lower0.25ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle {8}$}}$ in. tubing with “instant” connectors that allow process components to be snapped together quickly. The kits include a submersible pump, two tanks of different diameter, a static mixer, a relay switch box, and a control valve plus a variety of tubing, fittings, supports, and sensors. At the heart of the control system is the LEGO® NXT brick running RoboLAB software. This brick acts as an inexpensive A/D system that grabs student interest. The control system is then implemented on a PC using LabVIEW software. These hardware and software components allow students to conduct a variety of level, flow, and temperature control experiments. The software includes selection for active or passive sensors, linear calibration, and square root extraction allowing it to be easily adapted to a range of other LEGO sensors and systems. These kits have been used for both regular class experiments and for student open‐ended projects. Kits were evaluated based on an anonymous student survey, instructors' observations of student activities, and student performance. Student response to the Lego kit has been positive and instructors observed a high level of student engagement when using the kits. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 21: 491–502, 2013
Modelling of the effective thermal conductivity of carbon nanotube nanofluids based on dimensionless groups
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Masoud , Moghadassi Abdolreza , Henneke Dale
Published: December 2010

A model has been developed to predict the effective thermal conductivity of carbon nanotube (CNT) suspensions. This model uses a set of dimensionless groups based upon the properties of the base fluid, the CNT‐fluid interface, and characteristics of the nanotubes themselves, such as diameter, aspect ratio, and thermal conductivity. According to the model, the thermal conductivity of the CNT suspension increases in a nonlinear way as the CNT concentration is increased. The model is in good agreement with experimental data that was obtained for a series of CNT–R113 (Cl2FC‐CClF2) nanofluids.
Numerical and experimental analyses of anti‐fouling and heat transfer in the heat exchanger with circulating fluidized bed
Authors: Kang H. K. , Lee B. C. , Ahn S. W. , Choi J. W. , An S. H.
Published: December 2010

Fluidized bed type heat exchangers are known to increase the heat transfer and prevent the fouling. For proper design of circulating fluidized bed heat exchanger it is important to know the effect of design and operating parameters on the bed to the wall heat transfer coefficient. The numerical analysis by using CFX 11.0 commercial code was done for proper design of the heat exchanger. The present experimental studies were also conducted to investigate the effects of circulating solid particles on the characteristics of fluid flow, heat transfer, and cleaning effect in the fluidized bed vertical shell and tube type heat exchanger with counterflow, at which a variety of solid particles such as glass (3 mmØ), aluminum (2–3 mmØ), steel (2–2.5 mmØ), copper (2.5 mmØ), and sand (2–4 mmØ) were used in the fluidized bed with a smooth tube. Seven different solid particles have the same volume, and the effects of various parameters such as water flow rates, particle diameter, materials, and geometry were investigated. The present experimental and numerical results showed that the flow velocity range for collision of particles to the tube wall was higher with heavier density solid particles, and the increase in heat transfer was in the order of sand, copper, steel, aluminum, and glass. This behaviour might be attributed to the parameters such as surface roughness or particle heat capacity. Fouling examination using 25,500 ppm of ferric oxide (Fe2O3) revealed that the tube inside wall is cleaned by a mild and continuous scouring action of fluidized solid particles. The fluidized solid particles not only keep the surface clean, but they also breakup the boundary layer improving the heat transfer coefficient even at low‐fluid velocities.
Removal of solar red BA textile dye from aqueous solution by low cost barley husk: Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic study
Authors: Haq Imran‐ul , Bhatti Haq Nawaz , Asgher Mahwish
Published: December 2010

The present study investigates the sorption potential of barley husk for the removal of solar red BA from aqueous solution. Sorption capacity, q (mg/g), of barley husk decreased with increasing initial dye concentration. The sorption equilibrium established within 90 min using 0.10 g biosorbent while it was prolonged to 135 min with increasing amount of biosorbent (0.25–0.50 g). The equilibrium data were fitted to Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms at different biosorbent doses. The results indicated the applicability of Freundlich isotherm at low‐biosorbent dose. Pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model was found to be best fit to the biosorption data with three biosorbent doses. The equilibrium thermodynamic data for the adsorption of the dyes gave ΔG0 values −79.77 kJ/mol at 303 K indicated the process to be occurred spontaneously at low temperature. FTIR analysis and SEM imaging of biosorbent were also carried out.

L'objectif de la présente étude est d'analyser le potentiel de sorption du son d'orge afin d'éliminer le BA rouge solaire contenu dans les solutions aqueuses. La capacité de sorption, q (mg/g), du son d'orge diminue lorsque les concentrations initiales de colorant augmentent. L'équilibre de sorption a été établi à 90 min en utilisant 0.10 g de biorsorbant, mais a été prolongé à 135 min avec une plus grande quantité de biorsorbant (0.25 à 0.50 g). Les données relatives à l'équilibre ont été harmonisées aux isothermes de Freundlich et Langmuir à différentes doses de biosorbant. Les résultats indiquent que l'isotherme de Freundlich est applicable avec de faibles doses de biosorbant. Selon les résultats, le modèle cinétique de pseudo‐second ordre correspond le mieux aux données de biosorption avec les trois doses de biosorbant. Les données de l'équilibre thermodynamique pour l'adsorption des colorants ont permis d'obtenir des valeurs de ΔG0 de −79.77 kJ/mol à 303 K, ce qui indique que le processus s'est déroulé spontanément à faible température. Des analyses FTIR et une imagerie par MEB des biosorbants ont également été réalisées. © 2010 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Current Awareness in Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging
Authors:   John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Published: December 2010

In order to keep subscribers up‐to‐date with the latest developments in their field, John Wiley & Sons are providing a current awareness service in each issue of the journal. The bibliography contains newly published material in the field of Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging. Each bibliography is divided into 15 sections: 1 Reviews; 2 General; Contrast Agents: 3 Chemistry; 4 Technique; 5 Experimental; 6 Applications; Molecular Imaging: 7 Carbon; 8 Fluorine; 9 Gallium; 10 Hydrogen; 11 Indium; 12 Iodine; 13 Phosphorus; 14 Technetium; 15 Others. Within each section, articles are listed in alphabetical order with respect to author. If, in the preceding period, no publications are located relevant to any one of these headings, that section will be omitted.
Performance, optimization, and fitness: Connecting applications to architectures
Authors: Bhuiyan Mohammad A. , Smith Melissa C. , Pallipuram Vivek K.
Published: December 2010

Recent trends involving multicore processors and graphical processing units (GPUs) focus on exploiting task‐ and thread‐level parallelism. In this paper, we have analyzed various aspects of the performance of these architectures including NVIDIA GPUs, and multicore processors such as Intel Xeon, AMD Opteron, IBM's Cell Broadband Engine. The case study used in this paper is a biological spiking neural network (SNN), implemented with the Izhikevich, Wilson, Morris–Lecar, and Hodgkin–Huxley neuron models. The four SNN models have varying requirements for communication and computation making them useful for performance analysis of the hardware platforms. We report and analyze the variation of performance with network (problem size) scaling, available optimization techniques and execution configuration. A Fitness performance model, that predicts the suitability of the architecture for accelerating an application, is proposed and verified with the SNN implementation results. The Roofline model, another existing performance model, has also been utilized to determine the hardware bottleneck(s) and attainable peak performance of the architectures. Significant speedups for the four SNN neuron models utilizing these architectures are reported; the maximum speedup of 574x was observed in our GPU implementation. Our results and analysis show that a proper match of architecture with algorithm complexity provides the best performance. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Network analysis using a novel highly discriminating topological index
Authors: Diudea Mircea V. , Ilić Aleksandar , Varmuza Kurt , Dehmer Matthias
Published: December 2010

When characterizing networks structurally, the discriminating ability of a topological measure (or also called index) is crucial. This relates to investigate its discrimination power (or also called uniqueness or degeneracy) that indicates how meaningful the given measure can distinguish nonisomorphic networks. In terms of biological and chemical graph analysis, a highly discriminative measure is desirable because it then has the ability to detect minor structural changes within the given network. In this article, the discriminating ability of a new super index based on Shell‐matrices and polynomials is tested using (real) atomic and synthetic structures. As a result, the new descriptor can distinguish all graphs uniquely. We emphasize that some molecular descriptors which are embedded in the super index have already shown excellent correlating ability with alkanes properties. In view of the fact that most of the existing topological graph measures are degenerated, the new super index seems to be a good starting point for performing further studies in the context of network analysis. In the future, we also intent to use other sets of networks, for instance molecular graphs, to further examine the index and its meaning. In particular, we emphasize that only those indices which possess low computational complexity do have the potential to be applied for analyzing complex systems properly. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2011
Effect of capsazepine on [Ca2+]i in MDCK renal tubular cells
Authors: Tsai Jeng‐Yu , Kuo Chun‐Chi , Chou Chiang‐Ting , Chao David , Cheng He‐Hsiung , Wang Jue‐Long , Cheng Jin‐Shiung , Lin Ko‐Long , Huang Jong‐Khing , Chang Hong‐Tai , Jan Chung‐Ren
Published: December 2010

The current study explored whether capsazepine changed basal cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) levels in suspended Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells cells by using fura‐2 as a Ca2+‐selective fluorescent dye. At concentrations of 10–200 µM, capsazepine increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration‐dependent manner. The Ca2+ signal was partially reduced by 40% by removing extracellular Ca2+. Capsazepine induced Mn2+ quench of fura‐2 fluorescence, indirectly implicating Ca2+ entry. Capsazepine‐induced Ca2+ influx was unchanged by L‐type Ca2+ entry inhibitors and protein kinase C modulators [phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) and GF109203X]. In Ca2+‐free medium, 100 µM capsazepine‐induced Ca2+ release was substantially suppressed by pretreatment with thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor). Pretreatment with capsazepine nearly abolished thapsigargin‐induced Ca2+ release. Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 did not change capsazepine‐induced [Ca2+]i rises. Collectively, in MDCK cells, capsazepine induced [Ca2+]i rises by causing phospholipase C‐independent Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ influx via non‐L‐type Ca2+ channels. Drug Dev Res 72: 323–329, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Temporally‐ and spatially regulated generation of distinct descendants by sonic hedgehog‐expressing progenitors in the forebrain
Authors: Wada Yukiko , Yamauchi Kenta , Murakami Fujio , Tanabe Yasuto
Published: December 2010

The generation of distinct neural subtypes depends on the activities of cell‐extrinsic and ‐intrinsic factors during the development of the vertebrate CNS. Previous studies have provided a molecular basis for how neural progenitors are patterned and generate distinct descendants that are spatially and temporally regulated by inductive signals secreted by polarized sources. However, it still remains unknown how the generation of neural descendants by progenitors located at polarized sources of inductive signals is controlled. Sonic hedgehog (Shh), which is expressed at the ventral midline in the forebrain, has been shown to play a critical role for the patterning and specification of distinct neural subtypes in the forebrain. Here, we analyzed the identities and distributions of Shh‐descendants generated at discrete time points in the forebrain by using a ShhcreERT2 mouse driver line in which a tamoxifen‐inducible Cre cassette was inserted into the Shh locus together with a Z/EG mouse reporter line. Our results showed that Shh‐expressing neural progenitors generated neuronal and glial descendants distributed throughout the telencephalon and diencephalon in a temporally distinct manner. Furthermore, our results showed that Shh‐progenitors are located at two spatially distinct sub‐domains that can be characterized by their temporally distinct patterns of Shh expression. These results suggest that temporally‐ and spatially controlled mechanisms that specify neural subtypes operate in the Shh‐expressing progenitor domain, and raise the possibility that the distinct temporal gradient of Shh activity might be responsible for the generation of distinct neural subtypes in the telencephalon. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2012
A New Tris(phosphonomethyl) Monoacetic Acid Cyclam Derivative: Synthesis, Acid‐Base and Metal Complexation Studies
Authors: Lima Luís M. P. , Delgado Rita , Plutnar Jan , Hermann Petr , Kotek Jan
Published: December 2010

A new cyclam‐based ligand, [4,8,11‐tris(phosphonomethyl)‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradec‐1‐yl]acetic acid (H7te3p1a) was synthesised and characterised. The potentiometricand 31P NMR spectroscopic titrations of the complexes inan aqueous solution at an ionic strength of 0.10 or0.50 mol dm–3 in [N(CH3)4]NO3, respectively, indicated that the ligand is highly basic. The stepwise protonations were dominated by extensive proton relocations and were influenced by the intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The thermodynamic stability constants for the complexes formed by H7te3p1a in the presence of metal ions were determined by potentiometric titrations. The Cu2+ complexes exhibited very high stability, those of Zn2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, La3+, Sm3+, Gd3+, Ho3+ and Lu3+ presented high stability while that of Ca2+ had lower stability, as expected. The ligand and its complexes behaviour is similar to that of the tetrakis(phosphonomethyl)cyclam derivative, H8tetp. The NMR spectroscopic studies of the Zn2+ and Cd2+ complexes pointed to the involvement of the three phosphonate moieties in the coordination of the latter ion, while several isomer species were generally present in solution for the Zn2+ complex. A major isomer was stabilised in solution upon heating. In this isomer only one of the methylphosphonate arms was coordinated to the metal centre and this isomer probably adopts a distorted square pyramidal geometry with the macrocyclic ring in the type I conformation.
Crystal Structures and Physical Properties of Three New Manganese‐Based Coordination Polymers withp‐Biphenyldicarboxylic Acid Linkers
Authors: Jørgensen Mads R. V. , Clausen Henrik F. , Christensen Mogens , Poulsen Rasmus D. , Overgaard Jacob , Iversen Bo B.
Published: December 2010

Solvothermal synthesis with manganese nitrate,p‐biphenyldicarboxylic acid, and three different solvents resulted in three new metal–organic framework materials: Mn(C14H8O4)(C3H7NO)2/3(1), Mn2(C14H8O4)3/2(CHO2) (2), and Mn3(C14H8O4)3(C4H9NO)4(3). Two of the syntheses gave multiphase products, but one resulted in a phase‐pure product2. The crystal structures of1and3were solved by using conventional single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, whereas the small crystal size of2made use of intense synchrotron radiation necessary. The crystal structure of1is composed of layers, which are only held together by van der Waals forces between the solvent of one layer and the framework of the adjacent layers, and the compound decomposes upon exposure to air. Structures2and3are 3D frameworks. Phase‐pure compound2does not contain the expected solvent diethylformamide, but formic acid residues. Measurements of magnetization and heat capacity data show that2is a metastable material with irreversible phase transitions at 6.5 or 4.5 K. In the metastable state,2is antiferromagnetic. Compound3has two types of pores along thebaxis, and solvent molecules occupy the channels. Minor disorder of the solvent molecule is observed in one of the channels.
Particle size distribution in natural water via density estimation
Authors: Jarnicka Jolanta
Published: December 2010

In this paper we use density estimation to investigate the particle size distribution in surface water and to extract the components of density functions obtained. This distribution helps to investigate quality of water with respect to its physical characterization. The analysis is conducted using the two‐step density estimation method. The first step of the method is based on parametric density estimation and uses a modification of the EM algorithm to a normal mixture model. In the second step we apply the generalized kernel density estimator, being the convex combination of the well‐known kernel density estimators.
Carer's experience and perceived effects of a skills based training programme for families of people with eating disorders: A qualitative study
Authors: Macdonald Pam , Murray Joanna , Goddard Elizabeth , Treasure Janet
Published: December 2010

Purpose

The study examined the experience of carers of people with eating disorders after having participated in a skills‐based training programme that incorporated five psycho‐educational DVDs and book. Supplemental telephone coaching was also offered.

Method

Nineteen interview transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

Results

(1) The transfer of specialist skills was highly valued in lessening carer stress and care‐giving difficulties and, in some instances, appeared to have a positive effect on both carer and sufferer, (2) caregivers provided useful suggestions for building upon the current intervention, (3) future programmes would benefit from stronger fidelity to the principles of motivational interviewing, stricter monitoring of coaches and increased participation in male carers.

Conclusion

This study has confirmed that skills‐training can be beneficial in increasing carer self‐efficacy and reducing psychological distress, anxiety and burden. They can be a cost‐effective method of supporting carers who might otherwise struggle to find therapeutic family support. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Measuring self‐report obsessionality in anorexia nervosa: Maudsley obsessive–compulsive inventory (MOCI) or obsessive–compulsive inventory‐revised (OCI‐R)?
Authors: Roberts Marion , Lavender Anna , Tchanturia Kate
Published: December 2010

Self‐report measures are often used in research and clinical practise as they efficiently gather a large amount of information. With growing numbers of self‐report measures available to target single constructs, it is important to revisit one's choice of instrument to be sure that the most valid and reliable measure is employed. The Maudsley Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) and the Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory‐Revised (OCI‐R) were administered to 223 female participants: 30 inpatients with anorexia nervosa (AN), 62 community cases with AN, 69 community cases weight restored from AN and 62 healthy controls. Both measures distinguished between clinical and healthy groups; however, the OCI‐R showed superior internal reliability. Additionally, the OCI‐R measures six (to the MOCI's four) obsessive–compulsive constructs, and uses a more sensitive response format (likert scale vs. categorical). It is recommended that the OCI‐R be employed as the self‐report instrument of choice for assessing obsessive–compulsive pathology in those with AN. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for individuals with longstanding anorexia nervosa: Adaptations, clinician survival and system issues
Authors: Bamford Bryony H. , Mountford Victoria A.
Published: December 2010

Despite recent advances in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, some individuals will progress to a severe and enduring illness, with associated physical, psychological and social consequences. Working with these patients, however, may leave clinicians feeling overwhelmed, risking difficulties in the therapeutic relationship including disengagement or despair. Cognitive behaviour therapy has shown some promise in the treatment of eating disorders, yet some features may not be appropriate for this group. In this paper, we outline the ways in which we have adapted cognitive behaviour therapy to best meet the complex and challenging needs of this group. We stress the importance of maintaining a reassuring, accepting and motivational approach in combination with clear goal setting and boundaries. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Heart rate variability as a measure of cardiac autonomic function in anorexia nervosa: A review of the literature
Authors: Mazurak Nazar , Enck Paul , Muth Eric , Teufel Martin , Zipfel Stephan
Published: December 2010

Objective

Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) exhibit a wide range of autonomic system disturbances; these patients have also high mortality risk due to cardio‐vascular complications. Origin and pathogenesis of such changes are not absolutely clear.

Methods

Relevant publications were drawn from PUBMED using the keywords ‘anorexia nervosa’ AND ‘autonomic’. Fifty two abstracts were identified and screened for papers that measured the state of autonomic regulation by means of analysis of heart rate variability either during 24‐hour electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring or during a short‐term laboratory test. Studies selected were analysed for the number of patients included, the presence and quality of control groups, gender, age and body mass index (BMI) of patients, type of AN as well as methods used to determine heart rate variability (HRV).

Results

Twenty papers on HRV in patients with anorexia were identified and analysed, revealing three distinct positions regarding changes of autonomic nervous system (ANS) functions in patients with AN. The majority of papers identified parasympathetic/sympathetic imbalance with parasympathetic dominance and decreased sympathetic modulation; others could not replicate these findings, but instead described sympathetic dominance; finally a group of papers could not identify any autonomic differences in comparison to control samples. We conclude that in its current state of analysis HRV may not be suitable for routine assessment of ANS function in AN patients but rather remains a research tool. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Pyrethroid sorption to Sacramento River suspended solids and bed sediments
Authors: Fojut Tessa L , Young Thomas M
Published: December 2010

Sorption of pyrethroid insecticides to solid materials will typically dominate the fate and transport of these hydrophobic compounds in aquatic environments. Batch reactor isotherm experiments were performed with bifenthrin and λ-cyhalothrin with suspended material and bed sediment collected from the Sacramento River, California, USA. These batch reactor experiments were performed with low spiking concentrations and a long equilibration time (28 d) to be more relevant to environmental conditions. Sorption to suspended material and bed sediment was compared to examine the role of differential sorption between these phases in the environmental transport of pyrethroids. The equilibrium sorption data were fit to the Freundlich isotherm model and fit with r2 > 0.87 for all experiments. Freundlich exponents ranged from 0.72 ± 0.19 to 1.07 ± 0.050, indicating sorption nonlinearity for some of the experimental conditions and linearity for others over the concentration range tested. The Freundlich capacity factors were larger for the suspended solids than for the bed sediments, and the suspended material had a higher specific surface area and higher organic carbon content compared to the bed sediment. Calculated organic carbon-normalized distribution coefficients were larger than those previously reported in the literature, by approximately an order of magnitude, and ranged from 106.16 to 106.68 at an equilibrium aqueous concentration of 0.1 µg/L. Higher than expected sorption of pyrethroids to the tested materials may be explained by sorption to black carbon and/or mineral surfaces. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:787–792. © 2010 SETAC
Enhanced adsorption of humic acids on ordered mesoporous carbon compared with microporous activated carbon
Authors: Liu Fengling , Xu Zhaoyi , Wan Haiqin , Wan Yuqiu , Zheng Shourong , Zhu Dongqiang
Published: December 2010

Humic acids are ubiquitous in surface and underground waters and may pose potential risk to human health when present in drinking water sources. In this study, ordered mesoporous carbon was synthesized by means of a hard template method and further characterized by X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption, transition electron microscopy, elemental analysis, and zeta-potential measurement. Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate adsorption of two humic acids from coal and soil, respectively, on the synthesized carbon. For comparison, a commercial microporous activated carbon and nonporous graphite were included as additional adsorbents; moreover, phenol was adopted as a small probe adsorbate. Pore size distribution characterization showed that the synthesized carbon had ordered mesoporous structure, whereas the activated carbon was composed mainly of micropores with a much broader pore size distribution. Accordingly, adsorption of the two humic acids was substantially lower on the activated carbon than on the synthesized carbon, because of the size-exclusion effect. In contrast, the synthesized carbon and activated carbon showed comparable adsorption for phenol when the size-exclusion effect was not in operation. Additionally, we verified by size-exclusion chromatography studies that the synthesized carbon exhibited greater adsorption for the large humic acid fraction than the activated carbon. The pH dependence of adsorption on the three carbonaceous adsorbents was also compared between the two test humic acids. The findings highlight the potential of using ordered mesoporous carbon as a superior adsorbent for the removal of humic acids. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:793–800. © 2010 SETAC
Comparison of acute and chronic toxicity of silver nanoparticles and silver nitrate toDaphnia magna
Authors: Zhao Chun-Mei , Wang Wen-Xiong
Published: December 2010

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are now widely used as antibacterial products, and their potential toxicities in aquatic organisms are a matter of increasing concern. In the present study, we conducted experiments to reveal the acute and chronic toxicities of AgNP and its bioaccumulation from both aqueous and dietary sources in a model freshwater cladoceran, Daphnia magna. No mortality was observed in 48-h acute toxicity testing when the daphnids were exposed up to 500 µg Ag/L as AgNP. The AgNP accumulation reached as high as 22.9 mg Ag/g dry weight at the highest AgNP concentration tested (500 µg/L). In contrast, D. magna was extremely sensitive to free Ag ion (Ag+, added as AgNO3), with a measured 48-h 50% lethal concentration of 2.51 µg/L. Thus, any AgNP potential acute toxicity may be caused by the release of Ag+ into the solution. During the 21-d chronic exposure, dietborne AgNO3 had the most significant influence on reproduction, whereas waterborne AgNP had the most significant inhibition on growth. Significant delay and decrease of reproduction in daphnids exposed to dietborne AgNO3 occurred at a dissolved Ag concentration of 0.1 µg/L added to the algae. Significant inhibitions of growth and reproduction were also found for the AgNP exposure, with the lowest observed effective concentration of 5 µg/L and 50 µg/L, respectively. Chronic effects of AgNP were probably caused by the low food quality of algae associated with AgNP and the low depuration of ingested AgNP. Environmental risk assessments of AgNP should therefore include tests on the chronic toxicity to aquatic organisms as well as the direct and indirect effects of AgNP resulting from the release of Ag+ into the environment. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:885–892. © 2010 SETAC
Development of a polydimethylsiloxane film-based passive dosing method in the in vitro DR-CALUX® assay
Authors: Booij Petra , Lamoree Marja H , Leonards Pim E.G , Cenijn Peter H , Klamer Hans J.C , van Vliet L. Alexander , Åkerman Johan , Legler Juliette
Published: December 2010

In bioassays, exposure concentrations of test compounds are usually expressed as nominal concentrations. As a result of various processes, such as adsorption, degradation, or uptake, the actual freely dissolved concentration of the test compound may differ from the nominal concentration. The goal of the present study was to develop a method to dose passively the freely dissolved fraction of organic chemicals in an in vitro bioassay with adherent cells. To this end, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film-based method was developed for a reporter gene assay for dioxin-like compounds in a rat liver cell line. Polydimethylsiloxane films loaded with test compounds ensure that the concentration during exposure is in equilibrium and that the ratio between the concentration on the film and the concentration in medium is constant. Benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkF) was used as a model compound to develop the passive dosing method in transwell plates, which was further tested with a complex mixture, i.e., an extract prepared from a contaminated sediment. A higher dioxin-like activity was found when extracts were dosed by passive dosing with PDMS than when directly added to medium. Comparison with analysis of the concentration of BkF in medium shows that passive dosing of individual chemicals may not be necessary if freely dissolved concentrations are known. Use of PDMS for passive dosing of complex samples may represent a more realistic method for exposure in in vitro bioassays. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:898–904. © 2010 SETAC
Distributional Kalman filters for Bayesian forecasting and closed form recurrences
Authors: Smith Jim Q. , Freeman G.
Published: December 2010

Over the last 50 years there has been an enormous explosion in developing full distributional analogues of the Kalman filter. In this paper we explore how some of the second‐order processes discovered by Kalman have their analogues in Bayesian state space models. Many of the analogues in the lierature need to be calculated using numerical methods like Markov chain Monte Carlo so they retain, or even enhance, the descriptive power of the Kalman filter, but at the cost of reduced transparency. However, if the analogues are drawn properly, elegant recurrence relationships—like those of the Kalman filter—can still be developed that apply, at least, for one‐step‐ahead forecast distributions. In this paper we explore the variety of ways such models have been built, in particular with respect to graphical time series models. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A robust model of the convenience yield in the natural gas market
Authors: Volmer Thomas
Published: December 2010

This study advances the research on the convenience yield of natural gas. Econometric models confirm that air temperature is an important explanatory variable in addition to storage levels. Furthermore, an extended linear model shows that one has to account for a changing cost of physical storage in the spirit of Brennan (1958). Besides this, an alternative regime‐switching model for the convenience yield helps to put in perspective a prominent finding by Fama, and French (1987). That is, given binding capacity constraints for gas storage, the variance of the futures' basis will increase rather than decrease with the storage levels. Finally and most importantly, robustness tests demonstrate that the extended linear model produces the most viable forecasts and that these forecasts can help to amend the performance of reduced‐form models for the gas spot price. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark
On approximating deep in‐the‐money Asian options under exponential Lévy processes
Authors: Tchuindjo Leonard
Published: December 2010

This note proposes a new approach of valuing deep in‐the‐money fixed strike and discretely monitoring arithmetic Asian options. This new approach prices Asian options whose underlying asset price evolves according to the exponential of a Lévy process as a weighted sum of European options. Numerical results from experimenting on three different types of Lévy processes—a diffusion process, a jump diffusion process, and a pure jump process—illustrate the accuracy of the approach. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark
A brief dementia screener suitable for use by non‐specialists in resource poor settings—the cross‐cultural derivation and validation of the brief Community Screening Instrument for Dementia
Authors: Prince M. , Acosta D. , Ferri C. P. , Guerra M. , Huang Y. , Jacob K. S. , Llibre Rodriguez J. J. , Salas A. , Sosa A. L. , Williams J. D. , Hall K. S. ,   the 10/66 Dementia Group
Published: December 2010

Objective

Brief screening tools for dementia for use by non‐specialists in primary care have yet to be validated in non‐western settings where cultural factors and limited education may complicate the task. We aimed to derive a brief version of cognitive and informant scales from the Community Screening Instrument for Dementia (CSI‐D) and to carry out initial assessments of their likely validity.

Methods

We applied Mokken analysis to CSI‐D cognitive and informant scale data from 15 022 participants in representative population‐based surveys in Latin America, India and China, to identify a subset of items from each that conformed optimally to item response theory scaling principles. The validity coefficients of the resulting brief scales (area under ROC curve, optimal cutpoint, sensitivity, specificity and Youden's index) were estimated from data collected in a previous cross‐cultural validation of the full CSI‐D.

Results

Seven cognitive items (Loevinger H coefficient 0.64) and six informant items (Loevinger H coefficient 0.69) were selected with excellent hierarchical scaling properties. For the brief cognitive scale, AUROC varied between 0.88 and 0.97, for the brief informant scale between 0.92 and 1.00, and for the combined algorithm between 0.94 and 1.00. Optimal cutpoints did not vary between regions. Youden's index for the combined algorithm varied between 0.78 and 1.00 by region.

Conclusion

A brief version of the full CSI‐D appears to share the favourable culture‐ and education‐fair screening properties of the full assessment, despite considerable abbreviation. The feasibility and validity of the brief version still needs to be established in routine primary care. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The prevalence and predictors of passive death wishes in Europe: a 2‐year follow‐up of the survey of health, ageing, and retirement in Europe
Authors: Ayalon Liat
Published: December 2010

Objectives

This study evaluated regional variations (South, Centre, and North of Europe) in passive death wishes (wish to die) and predictors of passive death wishes, using a cross‐national longitudinal design.

Methods

The Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) is a cross national European survey of individuals over the age of 50 and their spouse of any age. This study relied on wave 1 and 2 of SHARE. Passive death wishes were evaluated using an item from the Euro‐D. A variety of clinical and sociodemographic variables were evaluated as potential predictors.

Results

The rate of passive death wishes was significantly lower in Northern Europe (4.6%) than in Southern (8.5%) and Central Europe (7.0%). Older adults, females, those reporting more depressive symptoms, more medical conditions, and lower levels of hope in wave 1 were more likely to report passive death wishes in wave 2, unrelated to geographic region. In contrast, passive death wishes reported in wave 1 were a stronger risk for passive death wishes in wave 2 for Northern Europeans than for Southern Europeans.

Conclusions

Despite notable geographic differences in the prevalence rate of passive death wishes, most predictors evaluated in the present study function similarly across the three European regions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A 6‐month, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled pilot discontinuation trial following response to haloperidol treatment of psychosis and agitation in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Devanand D.P. , Pelton Gregory H. , Cunqueiro Karine , Sackeim Harold A. , Marder Karen
Published: December 2010

Objective

In patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) with psychosis or agitation that respond to haloperidol treatment, to evaluate the risk of relapse following discontinuation.

Methods

In outpatients with AD with symptoms of psychosis or agitation, responders to 20 weeks of haloperidol (0.5–5 mg daily) were randomized to a 24‐week, double‐blind pilot trial of discontinuation on placebo versus continuation haloperidol. Phase A response criteria were minimum 50% reduction in three target symptoms, and improvement on the Clinical Global Impression‐Change (CGI‐C) score for psychosis/agitation. Phase B relapse criteria required 50% worsening in target symptoms and on the CGI‐C. α = 0.1 was the significance criterion in this pilot study.

Results

Of 44 patients, 22 patients responded in Phase A. The sum score of target symptoms, and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) psychosis and hostile suspiciousness factor scores, decreased in Phase A (p's < 0.001). Extrapyramidal signs increased in Phase A (p < 0.01). Of 22 responders, 21 patients entered Phase B, and 20 had at least one follow‐up visit. Four of 10 patients (40%) on continuation haloperidol relapsed compared to eight of 10 patients on placebo (80%, χ2 = 3.3, p = 0.07). In survival analyses, time to relapse was shorter on placebo than haloperidol (χ2 = 4.1, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Haloperidol open treatment was efficacious, and relapse was greater on placebo than with haloperidol continuation. In patients with AD who have psychosis or agitation and respond to antipsychotic medication, the increased risk of relapse after discontinuation needs to be weighed against the side effects associated with continuing the medication. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of age on prevalence, type and diagnosis of personality disorder in psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Stevenson Janine , Datyner Amy , Boyce Philip , Brodaty Henry
Published: December 2010

Objective

To examine age‐related differences in personality disorder (PD) comorbidity and in their diagnosis in psychiatric inpatients.

Methods

Two hundred thirty‐one consenting adults consecutively admitted to inpatient psychiatry units and aged between the age of 18 and 100 were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM IV Axis I and II (SCID‐I and ‐II), after excluding cognitively impaired, non‐English speaking, short stay and respite patients. Hospital files were audited for clinical diagnoses, in particular for recorded PDs. Rates of PD prevalence and clinician diagnosis were compared for young (n = 76), middle‐age (n = 57) and older (n = 98) patients.

Results

Significant personality comorbidity was evident at all ages, but rates were lowest in the older group. PD was present in 73.7% of young, 71.9% of middle‐age and 58.8% of older patients. Complex PD was more common in young patients. Only 19.8% of PDs were noted by their clinicians to have PD.

Conclusion

Comorbid PD is common in psychiatric inpatient groups regardless of age but seldom diagnosed clinically. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.