bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Novel C1 Domain Ligands of Protein Kinase C to Clarify the Precise Structure and Activation Mechanism
Authors: Hirai Go , Shimizu Tadashi , Sodeoka Mikiko
Published: September 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Small‐Molecule Initiated Chemical Biology
Authors: Sato Ayato , Uesugi Motonari
Published: September 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Concrete Chemical Admixtures: Perspectives and Challenges
Authors: Spiratos Nelu , Joliecoeur Carmel
Published: September 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Computer Simulation Studies of Molecular Systems and Their Reactions
Authors: Janezic D. , Penca M. , Poljanec K. , Hodoscek M.
Published: September 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Advances in Time‐Resolved Approaches to Characterize the Dynamical Nature of Enzymatic Catalysis
Authors: Callender Robert , Dyer R. Brian
Published: September 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Bestimmung von nicht messbaren Prozessgrößen mit Hilfe von optimierungsbasierten Techniken
Authors: Faber R. , Arellano‐Garcia H. , Wozny G.
Published: September 2006

Zur Bestimmung von nicht messbaren Prozessgrößen in Online‐Anwendungen wird eine systematische Untersuchung der Identifizierbarkeit bzw. Beobachtbarkeit des Systems vorgestellt. Anschließend an einen Überblick über Methoden zur Bestimmung der Identifizierbarkeit und Beobachtbarkeit wird ein optimierungsbasierter Ansatz zur Ermittlung von nicht messbaren Größen mit iterativer Anpassung der Gewichtungsmatrix präsentiert. Der Ansatz wird anhand eines industriellen Beispiels zur Koksofengasreinigung validiert, bei dem die nicht messbaren Feed‐Konzentrationen anhand von online zur Verfügung stehenden Messwerten ermittelt werden sollen. Zuerst werden durch systematische Analyse die benötigten Messgrößen berechnet, und danach wird der entwickelte Ansatz zur Bestimmung der Feed‐Konzentrationen angewendet.
Discontinuity correction in piecewise‐linear models of oscillators for phase noise characterization
Authors: Carbone A. , Palma F.
Published: September 2006

Decomposition of noise perturbation along Floquet eigenvectors has been extensively used in order to achieve a complete analysis of phase noise in oscillator. Piecewise‐linear approximation of nonlinear devices is usually adopted in numerical calculation based on multi‐step integration method for the determination of unperturbed oscillator solution. In this case, exact determination of the monodromy matrix can be hampered by the presence of discontinuities between models introduced by the approximation.

In this paper we demonstrate that, without the proper corrections, relevant errors occur in the determination of eigenvalues and eigenvectors, if adjacent linear models presents discontinuities.

We obtain this result by the analysis of a simple 2‐D oscillator with piecewise‐linear parameter. We also demonstrate that a correct calculation can be achieved introducing properly calculated state vector boundary conditions by the use of interface matrices. This correction takes into account the effects of discontinuities between the linear models, leading to exact calculation of eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and, consequently, of the phase noise spectrum. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy and delay trade‐off of the GTS allocation mechanism in IEEE 802.15.4 for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Koubaa Anis , Alves Mário , Tovar Eduardo
Published: September 2006

The IEEE 802.15.4 protocol proposes a flexible communication solution for low‐rate wireless personal area networks (LR‐WPAN) including wireless sensor networks (WSNs). It presents the advantage to fit different requirements of potential applications by adequately setting its parameters. When in beacon‐enabled mode, the protocol can provide timeliness guarantees by using its Guaranteed Time Slot (GTS) mechanism. However, power‐efficiency and timeliness guarantees are often two antagonistic requirements in wireless sensor networks. The purpose of this paper is to analyze and propose a methodology for setting the relevant parameters of IEEE 802.15.4‐compliant WSNs that takes into account a proper trade‐off between power‐efficiency and delay bound guarantees. First, we propose two accurate models of service curves for a GTS allocation as a function of the IEEE 802.15.4 parameters, using Network Calculus formalism. We then evaluate the delay bound guaranteed by a GTS allocation and express it as a function of the duty cycle. Based on the relation between the delay requirement and the duty cycle, we propose a power‐efficient superframe selection method that simultaneously reduces power consumption and enables meeting the delay requirements of real‐time flows allocating GTSs. The results of this work may pave the way for a power‐efficient management of the GTS mechanism in an IEEE 802.15.4 cluster. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Authority through synergism: the roles of climate change linkages
Authors: Linnér Björn‐Ola
Published: September 2006

This article examines the conceptual basis of synergies between the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other international organizations and agreements. It discusses why synergies are made, what kinds there are and their potential consequences. Considering actors' divergent goals, synergies do not necessarily imply win–win outcomes. The article distinguishes between positive and negative synergetic effects, which should be explicated at different levels, such as the differing goals of various agreements, institutions, parties and social groups. Efforts of international organizations to increase synergy can be regarded as attempts to build authority. Yet, synergy is also used by countries to influence this process. Current synergetic efforts may profoundly affect the relocation of authority in global environmental governance, not only by streamlining mandates, practices and objectives, but also by leading to more powerful international organizations (e.g. WTO) increasingly taking precedence over climate change agreements. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Regulating the use of genetic resources – between international authorities
Authors: Rosendal G. Kristin
Published: September 2006

This article examines interaction between multilateral agreements and the assessment of implementation efforts. The first aim is to portray how regulations emanating from different international regimes are developed and implemented in an interdependent manner. The second main theme concerns the assessment of implementation measures in a situation of interaction. The focus here is on the high level of interaction between regulations pertaining to genetic resources and technological utilization of these through bioprospecting. Particular attention is given to where authority stems from in this context of multiple and interacting institutions. What is the most legitimate framework for making authoritative decisions on the use of genetic resources? Empirical evidence suggests a dual development. First, norm diffusion through international institutions increasingly plays a legitimizing role in international transactions with genetic resources. At the same time, there is a high correlation between dominating countries and key economic interests in the global economy of life sciences, and these interests wield their authority and power through a different set of institutions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Familiarity impacts person perception
Authors: Garcia‐Marques Teresa , Mackie Diane M.
Published: September 2006

We investigated the effects of familiarity on person perception. We predicted that familiarity would increase non‐analytic processing, reducing attention to and the impact of individuating information, and increasing the impact of category labels on judgments about a target person. In two studies participants read either incriminating or exculpatory individuating information about a defendant in a criminal case and made judgments of guilt. In Study 1, participants were subliminally exposed to the defendant's photo, another matched photo, or no photo before seeing the evidence. Participants familiar with the defendant's photo both processed and used the individuating information less. In Study 2, participants were subtly made familiar or not with the incriminating and exculpatory information itself, and the defendant was described either as a priest or as a skinhead. Familiarity with the information reduced attention to its content and also tended to increase reliance on category information in guilt judgments. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The KKK won't let me play: ostracism even by a despised outgroup hurts
Authors: Gonsalkorale Karen , Williams Kipling D.
Published: September 2006

Previous research has shown that ostracism even by outgroup members is aversive. In this study we examined whether ostracism by a particular type of outgroup, a despised outgroup, was sufficient to inflict emotional distress. We manipulated ostracism using Cyberball, an on‐line ball toss game. Ostracized participants reported lower levels of belonging, self‐esteem, control, and meaningful existence, and more negative mood, than included participants. Moreover, ostracism by despised outgroup members was no less aversive than ostracism by rival outgroup or ingroup members. Participants differentiated between the groups, however; ostracized individuals reported greater outgroup negativity than included participants only when their co‐players were members of the despised outgroup. We interpret these results as evidence for the powerful impact of ostracism and the potential importance of distinguishing between qualitatively different outgroups. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the relationship between responsibility and guilt: antecedent appraisal or elaborated appraisal?
Authors: Berndsen Mariëtte , Manstead Antony S. R.
Published: September 2006

Three studies are reported in which we examined the relation between responsibility and guilt. Results from Study 1 suggested that responsibility increased as a function of guilt, but that the reverse relation did not emerge. In the second and third studies we primed either responsibility or guilt and examined how these primes influenced subsequent appraisals for novel events. We also used different manipulations of responsibility and guilt. In Study 2 guilt was operationalized as negative interpersonal consequences as evidenced by the reactions of others. Responsibility was varied by manipulating the controllability of negative outcomes. In Study 3 responsibility was manipulated in terms of the severity of negative consequences for oneself. Results of both studies showed that guilt primes gave rise to perceptions of responsibility but that responsibility primes did not affect perceptions of guilt. We conclude that responsibility is best regarded as an elaborated appraisal generated by guilt, rather than an antecedent of guilt. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seroprevalence atlas of infections with oncogenic and non‐oncogenic human papillomaviruses in Finland in the 1980s and 1990s
Authors: Lehtinen Matti , Kaasila Marjo , Pasanen Kari , Patama Toni , Palmroth Johanna , Laukkanen Päivi , Pukkala Eero , Koskela Pentti
Published: September 2006

Vaccines against high‐risk (hr) human papillomaviruses (HPVs) causing cervical cancer may soon be licensed. Thus, nature of HPV epidemics needs to be studied now. Random sampling for studies on HPV epidemiology was done from all 230,998 women belonging to the population‐based Finnish Maternity Cohort and having a minimum of 2 pregnancies between 1983 and 1994. First pregnancy serum specimens were retrieved for 7,805 subjects, and were analyzed for antibodies to HPV6/11, 16 and 18 with standard ELISAs. HPV16 seroprevalence almost doubled from the 1980s to the 1990s, and the epidemic spread to new areas in 23–31 year olds, i.e. the bulk of pregnant female population in the southwest part of the country. The HPV16 epidemic in the 14–22 year olds in 1983–1988 (1961–1974 birth cohorts) and in the 23–31 year olds in 1989–1994 (1958–1971 birth cohorts) overlapped with strong clustering of HPV16 and HPV18 infections in the latter (odds ratio 8.0, 95% confidence interval 6.6–9.7). Similar clustering of HPV16 and HPV6/11 infections was not found. The epidemic and the clustering may be due to high transmission probability of the hrHPV types and increase in sexual activity of the index birth cohorts. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wnt signaling promoter hypermethylation distinguishes lung primary adenocarcinomas from colorectal metastasis to the lung
Authors: Tang Moying , Torres‐Lanzas Juan , Lopez‐Rios Fernando , Esteller Manel , Sanchez‐Cespedes Montserrat
Published: September 2006

Promoter hypermethylation is responsible for gene inactivation during carcinogenesis. It has been proposed that there is some degree of specificity in the set of genes that become altered by this mechanism in distinct tumor types. To understand whether promoter hypermethylation may differentiate the site of origin, 49 lung adenocarcinomas from 31 lung primaries and 18 metastases from colorectal primaries, respectively, were tested for the presence of this alteration in the APC, CDH1, DAPK, GSTP1, MLH1, MGMT, P14, P16, RARβ2, RASSF1, sFRP1 and WIF‐1 genes. A distinct profile was apparent for the 2 groups of lung tumors and the frequencies of promoter hypermethylation at sFRP1 and WIF‐1, 2 genes involved in Wnt signaling, and at CDH1 were significantly higher in colorectal metastases than in lung primaries, whereas methylation of the APC promoter was significantly more common in lung primary adenocarcinomas. Some tumors showed concomitant APC, sFRP1 and WIF‐1 gene inactivation, indicating that multiple DNA methylation events must have occurred to definitively down‐regulate the signaling through Wnt. However, promoter hypermethylation at the APC and CDH1 genes tended to be mutually exclusive (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.006), suggesting a similar role in carcinogenesis. In conclusion, we propose that inactivation by promoter hypermethylation at the APC, CDH1, sFRP1 and WIF‐1 genes may contribute to the discrimination of lung primary adenocarcinomas from colorectal metastasis to the lung, and report the simultaneous presence of methylation at the promoters of multiple genes involved in the Wnt signaling. This may have biological consequences for carcinogenesis. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Urinary biomarker profiling in transitional cell carcinoma
Authors: Munro Nicholas P. , Cairns David A. , Clarke Paul , Rogers Mark , Stanley Anthea J. , Barrett Jennifer H. , Harnden Patricia , Thompson Douglas , Eardley Ian , Banks Rosamonde E. , Knowles Margaret A.
Published: September 2006

Urinary biomarkers or profiles that allow noninvasive detection of recurrent transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder are urgently needed. We obtained duplicate proteomic (SELDI) profiles from 227 subjects (118 TCC, 77 healthy controls and 32 controls with benign urological conditions) and used linear mixed effects models to identify peaks that are differentially expressed between TCC and controls and within TCC subgroups. A Random Forest classifier was trained on 130 profiles to develop an algorithm to predict the presence of TCC in a randomly selected initial test set (n = 54) and an independent validation set (n = 43) several months later. Twenty two peaks were differentially expressed between all TCC and controls (p < 10−7). However potential confounding effects of age, sex and analytical run were identified. In an age‐matched sub‐set, 23 peaks were differentially expressed between TCC and combined benign and healthy controls at the 0.005 significance level. Using the Random Forest classifier, TCC was predicted with 71.7% sensitivity and 62.5% specificity in the initial set and with 78.3% sensitivity and 65.0% specificity in the validation set after 6 months, compared with controls. Several peaks of importance were also identified in the linear mixed effects model. We conclude that SELDI profiling of urine samples can identify patients with TCC with comparable sensitivities and specificities to current tumor marker tests. This is the first time that reproducibility has been demonstrated on an independent test set analyzed several months later. Identification of the relevant peaks may facilitate multiplex marker assay development for detection of recurrent disease. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved HSV‐1 amplicon packaging using virion host shutoff mutants lacking mRNAse activity
Authors: Halterman M. W. , Giuliano R. E. , Bowers W. J. , Federoff H. J.
Published: September 2006

Given their generous transgene capacity and inherent neurotropism, herpes simplex virus (HSV‐1)‐based viral vectors are promising tools for gene delivery to the central nervous system. Despite their widespread pre‐clinical use, vector toxicity remains a concern with regard to the use of herpes vectors in humans. One potential source of toxicity stems from the tegument‐associated virion host shutoff protein (vhs), which induces translational arrest in the host cell through non‐specific mRNAse activity. In the current study we utilized a series of HSV‐1 viruses containing a deletion in the UL41 open reading frame to investigate: (1) the requirement of intact vhs function in amplicon packaging and (2) whether vhs influences the post‐transduction survival of dissociated cortical neurons. Our results demonstrate that while amplicon yield was reduced an order of magnitude, UL41 deletion was associated with reduced vector toxicity. Furthermore, partial reconstitution of vhs function using mRNAse‐inactive point mutants improved amplicon titers without imparting the toxicity observed with wild‐type controls. These findings offer a novel approach to improving the titer and toxicity profiles of HSV‐based viral vectors. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Teaching but not learning: how medical residency programs handle errors
Authors: Hoff Timothy J. , Pohl Henry , Bartfield Joel
Published: September 2006

This study examines how easily organizations with pluralistic missions enact those missions on an everyday basis. A teaching‐focused organization located in the health care industry is explored for its ability to also pursue a learning‐focused mission with respect to medical errors and patient safety. Extended observations and interviews were conducted of attending and resident physicians working in surgical and medical intensive care unit settings. The results suggest that the everyday work and social organization associated with residency programs fulfilling their core mission of creating competent clinicians leave little room for new or alternative routines, exchanges, and beliefs that would enhance resident learning around safety and error. This supports the idea, in need of further investigation, that multiple missions within an organization may be pursued jointly at the workplace level through a process whereby existing work and social organization effectively meeting one type of mission is used to help meet the goals of additional imperatives. Specifically, the findings highlight the difficulty of establishing new routines, beliefs, and exchanges to heighten organization learning capacity that are not derived from existing forms of behavior within the work environment. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality improvement and hospital financial performance
Authors: Alexander Jeffrey A. , Weiner Bryan J. , Griffith John
Published: September 2006

The objective of this study was to examine the association between the scope and intensity of Quality improvement (QI) implementation in hospitals and organizational performance. A sample of 1,784 community hospitals was used to assess relationships between QI implementation approach and two hospital‐level performance indicators: cash flow and cost per case. Two‐stage instrumental variables estimation, in which predicted values (instruments) of eight QI intensity and scope variables plus control (exogenous) variables were used to estimate hospital‐level performance indicators. Our results suggest that QI has a measurable impact on global measures of organizational performance and that both control and leaning approaches to QI matter in these settings. Hospitals that implement QI effectively can reasonably expect to improve their financial and cost performance, or at least not place the hospital at risk for investing in quality improvement. These outcomes are specific to QI strategies that emphasize both control and learning. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Civic minded: Programs for youths focus on community
Authors: Yu Hanh Cao , Lewis‐Charp Heather
Published: September 2006

Recognizing that young people strongly want to make civic contributions, a number of youth leadership development programs have expanded their focus from the individual to the community level. The thinking is that involvement in their communities not only helps youths build leadership skills but also enables them to expand their knowledge of and access to resources within those communities. How well are such programs working?
Patient selection and assessment recommendations for deep brain stimulation in Tourette syndrome
Authors: Mink Jonathan W. , Walkup John , Frey Kirk A. , Como Peter , Cath Danielle , DeLong Mahlon R. , Erenberg Gerald , Jankovic Joseph , Juncos Jorge , Leckman James F. , Swerdlow Neal , Visser‐Vandewalle Veerle , Vitek Jerrold L.
Published: September 2006

In response to recent publicity regarding the potential use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for reducing tic severity in Tourette's syndrome (TS), the Tourette Syndrome Association convened a group of TS and DBS experts to develop recommendations to guide the early use and potential clinical trials of DBS for TS and other tic disorders. The goals of these recommendations are to ensure that all surgical candidates are (1) fully informed about the risks, benefits, and alternative treatments available; (2) receive a comprehensive evaluation before surgery to ensure that DBS is clearly the appropriate clinical treatment choice; and (3) that early clinical experience will be documented publicly to facilitate rational decision‐making for both clinical care and future clinical trials. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Effect of daily repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on motor performance in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Khedr Eman M. , Rothwell John C. , Shawky Ola A. , Ahmed Mohamed A. , Hamdy Ahmed
Published: September 2006

Previous studies in patients with Parkinson's disease have reported that a single session of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve some or all of the motor symptoms for 30 to 60 minutes. A recent study suggested that repeated sessions of rTMS lead to effects that can last for at least 1 month. Here we report data that both confirm and extend this work. Fifty‐five unmedicated PD patients were classified into four groups: two groups (early and late PD) received 25 Hz rTMS bilaterally on the motor arm and leg areas; other groups acted as control for frequency (10 Hz) and for site of stimulation (occipital stimulation). All patients received six consecutive daily sessions (3,000 pulses for each session). The first two groups then received a further three booster sessions (3 consecutive days of rTMS) after 1, 2, and 3 months, while the third group had only one additional session after the first month. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), walking time, key‐tapping speed, and self‐assessment scale were measured for each patient before and after each rTMS session and before and after the monthly sessions. Compared to occipital stimulation, 25 Hz rTMS over motor areas improved all measures in both early and late groups; the group that received 10 Hz rTMS improved more than the occipital group but less than the 25 Hz groups. The effect built up gradually during the sessions and was maintained for 1 month after, with a slight reduction in efficacy. Interestingly, the effect was restored and maintained for the next month by the booster sessions. We conclude that 25 Hz rTMS can lead to cumulative and long‐lasting effects on motor performance. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Reversible Parkinsonism and T1W pallidal hyperintensities in acute liver failure
Authors: Aggarwal Annu , Vaidya Sachin , Shah Samir , Singh Joshita , Desai Shrinivas , Bhatt Mohit
Published: September 2006

We report on a young woman who survived acute liver failure (ALF) without liver transplant. During the ALF, she developed a disabling, levodopa‐unresponsive, symmetrical Parkinsonism. This was characterized by severe bradykinesia, mild rigidity, mutism, and prominent gait impairment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bilateral T1W pallidal hyperintensities. Parkinsonism and MRI changes remitted in parallel with normalization of hepatic function. We implicate excessive pallidal manganese deposition secondary to ALF in the pathogenesis of this neuroradiological syndrome. Though hitherto unreported, we propose that Parkinsonism with T1W pallidal hyperintensities may not be uncommon in ALF. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Neuromotor deficits in children with the 22q11 deletion syndrome
Authors: Sobin Christina , Monk Samantha H. , Kiley‐Brabeck Karen , Khuri Jananne , Karayiorgou Maria
Published: September 2006

The 22q11 chromosomal deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is associated with a heterogeneous physical phenotype, neurocognitive deficits, and increased risk of later psychiatric illness. Sporadic clinical reports suggested motor differences, but quantitative studies of movement in children with 22q11DS are rare. If present in a majority of affected school‐age children, characterization of neuromotor deficits may prove to be critical for intervention, neurocognitive test interpretation, and understanding etiology. We administered the Movement Assessment Battery for Children to 72 children ages 4.3 to 16.1, including 49 children confirmed positive for the 22q11 deletion and 23 control siblings. We predicted a higher frequency of global and domain impairment in manual dexterity, eye–hand coordination, and balance among affected children. Ninety‐four percent of affected children had marked neuromotor deficits, and group scores differed broadly for both global and subarea measures. Secondary analyses showed no impairment differences between younger and older children with 22q11DS, and longitudinal trajectories for 12 affected children suggested stability of deficits over 3‐year intervals. Neuromotor deficits in children with 22q11DS occur early in development, continue throughout the school‐age years, should be considered in the interpretation of motor‐based achievement and IQ tests, and require targeted and ongoing remediation throughout childhood and adolescence. Further studies examining the specificity of motor impairment to 22q11DS are needed. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Side and type of motor symptom influence cognition in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Katzen Heather L. , Levin Bonnie E. , Weiner William
Published: September 2006

It is well known that many patients with Parkinson's disease experience neuropsychological decline. However, the nature and extent of mental status change varies widely, with some patients showing mild or no cognitive impairments and others exhibiting frank dementia. Research has shown that several clinical disease parameters may differentially correlate with patterns of neuropsychological dysfunction. The present study examined side and type of motor symptom at disease onset and their relationship to cognition in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). We identified 58 patients who initially presented with one of the following symptom profiles: right‐side tremor onset (RSO‐T; n = 15), right‐side bradykinesia/rigidity onset (n = 12), left‐side tremor onset (n = 19), and left‐side bradykinesia/rigidity onset (n = 12). There were no differences between groups in disease duration, overall mental status, education, or depression severity. We administered a battery of neuropsychological measures to the four PD subgroups and a group of matched control subjects (n = 40). MANCOVAs controlling for age revealed patients with RSO‐T performed significantly better than the other three PD subgroups across the entire neuropsychological battery. Further, the RSO‐T subgroup performed comparably to controls. In contrast, the other three PD subgroups showed widespread cognitive deficits. These findings suggest an intricate relationship between motor symptom and side of disease onset and it is the combination of these factors that may influence the disease course and extent of cognitive deterioration. Furthermore, patients who develop tremor on the right side of their body represent a distinct subgroup of PD patients who exhibit relative sparing of cognitive function. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Cardiac [123I]metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy for vascular Parkinsonism
Authors: Kim Joong‐Seok , Lee Phil‐Hyu , Lee Kwang‐Soo , Park Jeong‐Wook , Kim Yeong‐In , Chung Yong‐An , Kim Sung‐Hoon , Kim Seung‐Hyun , Kim Juhan , Choi Yun‐Young , Kim Hee‐Tae
Published: September 2006

The purpose of our study was to prospectively evaluate cardiac [123I]metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) uptake in patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD) who develop clinical symptoms of vascular Parkinsonism (VP). A total of 19 consecutive patients who developed Parkinsonism during the course of their CVD were enrolled in the study; 16 age‐matched subjects, and 30 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) were also evaluated with cardiac MIBG uptake. MIBG uptake was assessed using the ratio of the heart to the upper mediastinum (H/M) according to planar scintigraphic data. The mean H/M ratio was significantly higher in patients with VP than in those with PD (2.28 ± 0.41 vs. 1.27 ± 0.13; P < 0.001). MIBG uptake did not differ between VP and controls (2.46 ± 0.33; P > 0.05). Our findings suggest that myocardial postganglionic sympathetic dysfunction found in PD is absent in most patients with VP. MIBG single photon emission computed tomography imaging may be useful to help distinguish between PD and VP patients in clinical practice. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Assessing fear of falling: Can a short version of the Activities‐specific Balance Confidence scale be useful?
Authors: Peretz Chava , Herman Talia , Hausdorff Jeffrey M. , Giladi Nir
Published: September 2006

We present the process of further validation of the 16‐item Activities‐specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC‐16) and a short version (ABC‐6) derived by us, to assess balance confidence and fear of falling (FOF). The ABC‐16 was administrated to three groups who were anticipated to have a range of balance confidence: 70 patients with higher level gait disorders (HLGDs), 68 healthy controls, and 19 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Item reduction was based on identifying items with the lowest scores (high FOF) among the patients. Internal consistency and discriminative validity were assessed using Cronbach's alpha and logistic regression, respectively. The intraclass correlation (ICC) between the short and long versions was assessed using a mixed model approach, accounting for the difference between the scores of the two versions. Six items were found to reflect the most frightening conditions, especially in the patient groups, and to form the short version (ABC‐6). Internal consistency of the ABC‐16 and ABC‐6 were high in the three groups: Cronbach's alpha was between 0.83 and 0.91 and 0.81 and 0.90, respectively. Compared to the control group, the sensitivity of the ABC‐16 was 96% for identification of patients with HLGDs (greatest FOF) and 58% for identification of PDs (moderate FOF), based only on the ABC scores. Similar values were obtained for the short version, i.e., 91% for HLGDs and 53% for PDs. ICCs between the short and the long versions was 0.88 (HLGDs), 0.83 (PDs), and 0.78 (Controls). To conclude, the short version of the ABC has properties analogous to the parent questionnaire and is apparently useful in assessing FOF. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Parkinson's disease due to the R1441G mutation in Dardarin: A founder effect in the basques
Authors: Simón‐Sánchez Javier , Martí‐Massó José‐Félix , Sánchez‐Mut José Vicente , Paisán‐Ruiz Coro , Martínez‐Gil Angel , Ruiz‐Martínez Javier , Sáenz Amets , Singleton Andrew B. , López de Munain Adolfo , Pérez‐Tur Jordi
Published: September 2006

The recent discovery of mutations in Dardarin (LRRK2) have been related to the appearance of Parkinson's disease in several families. Notably, one single mutation in this gene (R1441G) not only appeared in familial, but also in apparently sporadic Parkinson disease (PD) patients of Basque descent. A clinical population was ascertained, and subjects were classified into Basque and non‐Basque descent according to their known ancestry. The R1441G mutation was assayed using an allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction, and several single nucleotide polymorphisms surrounding this mutation were analyzed by direct sequencing. In addition to 22 members of the original Basque families where R1441G was identified, we observed 17 carriers of the mutation who were apparently related through a common ancestor. From a clinical perspective, the disease observed in mutation carriers is indistinguishable from that in noncarriers. The R1441G mutation causes a form of Parkinson's disease that is equivalent to that observed in idiopathic Parkinson's disease. This mutation appears in 16.4% and 4.0% of familial and sporadic PD in this Basque population, respectively. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
The structure of ammonium pyrazolates in the solid state
Authors: Navarro Pilar , Reviriego Felipe , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José , López Concepción , Claramunt Rosa M. , García‐España Enrique
Published: September 2006

The crystals obtained by mixing equimolar amounts of diethyl 1H‐pyrazole‐3,5‐dicarboxylate and the primary amines phenethylamine and homoveratrylamine are ammonium pyrazolate salts as determined by 13C and 15N CPMAS NMR. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simplification of the 1H NMR spectra of enantiomers dissolved in chiral liquid crystals, combining variable angle sample spinning and selective refocusing experiments
Authors: Beguin Laetitia , Courtieu Jacques , Ziani Latifa , Merlet Denis
Published: September 2006

This work presents a technique to simplify overcrowded proton spectra in chiral liquid crystal solvents using rotation of the sample near the magic angle, VASS, combined with homonuclear selective refocusing 2D NMR experiments, SERF. This methodology provides a powerful tool to visualise enantiomers out of unresolved proton spectra. A modified SERF sequence is presented where the resulting 2D spectrum can be phased to increase the resolution. Accurate enantiomeric excesses are determined that are not possible to measure on static samples. Two examples are presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Erratum: Xyloccensin X and Y, two new limonoids from xylocarpus molluccensis: NMR investigation in mixture
Authors: Deb Roy Abhijeet , Kumar Rajesh , Gupta Poonam , Khaliq Tanvir , Narender Tadigoppula , Aggarwal Vijailakshmi , Roy Raja
Published: September 2006

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in Magnetic Resonance in Chemistry, on 15 August 2006.
Donors and fundraising in the 2004 presidential campaigns
Authors: Graf Joseph
Published: September 2006

This article is adapted from the report “Small Donors and Online Giving: A Study of Donors to the 2004 Presidential Campaigns,” written by Joseph Graf, Grant Reeher, Michael J. Malbin, and Costas Panagopoulos. Washington, D.C.: Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet, George Washington University, and Campaign Finance Institute, March, 2006. 64 pages. www.ipdi.org and www.cfinst.org.
Evaluation of a pediatric palliative care educational workshop for oncology fellows
Authors: Baughcum Amy E. , Gerhardt Cynthia A. , Young‐Saleme Tammi , Stefanik Regina , Klopfenstein Kathryn J.
Published: September 2006

Background

Recent efforts have focused on improving pediatric palliative care to relieve physical and psychological suffering throughout the course of illness, as well as to improve care at the end‐of‐life (EOL). One area of attention has been medical training, as healthcare providers have often reported feeling ill‐equipped to manage EOL issues. As a pilot study, we developed and evaluated a daylong educational workshop on pediatric palliative care for oncology fellows.

Procedure

Fellows (N = 32) from 20 hospitals participated in one of two workshops covering palliative care topics, such as pain/symptom management, communication, ethics, and bereavement. Training, knowledge, behavior, and attitudes regarding pediatric palliative care were assessed before the workshop, and knowledge was re‐assessed immediately afterwards.

Results

Fellows reported a general lack of training in EOL care, and only 41% rated their education as at least “somewhat” adequate. Colleagues and personal experience were more often sources on EOL care, rather than formal classes or textbooks. Although fellows reported open attitudes toward palliative care, such as involving adolescents in decision‐making, only half felt comfortable in the presence of a dying person. Fewer than half felt comfortable providing EOL care, managing families' expectations, or knowledgeable enough to discuss hospice with patients/families. Following the workshop, knowledge of palliative care increased significantly from 75 to 85% correct.

Conclusions

Fellows reported open beliefs about palliative care, but acknowledged weaknesses in their training and level of competence. The workshop showed efficacy in improving knowledge, but additional research is needed to evaluate larger educational initiatives and their long‐term impact on clinical services and family satisfaction. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:154–159. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Non‐hematopoietic stem cell transplantation treatment of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia: A retrospective analysis and definition of response criteria
Authors: Bergstraesser Eva , Hasle Henrik , Rogge Tim , Fischer Alexandra , Zimmermann Martin , Noellke Peter , Niemeyer Charlotte M.
Published: September 2006

Background

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a rare myeloproliferative disease of infancy. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is currently the only curative treatment modality, while the role of anti‐leukemic therapy prior to HSCT is uncertain. A comparative evaluation of the efficacy of different clinical protocols and great variety of anti‐neoplastic drugs applied pre‐HSCT is hampered by the lack of uniform criteria of response. Classification schemas applied in other forms of leukemia are of little value, because in JMML therapy may result in divergent responses in solid organs compared to peripheral blood (PB).

Procedure

We therefore defined separate response criteria for white blood count (WBC), platelet count, liver size, and spleen size. We then retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of 129 treatment courses other than HSCT administered to 63 children with JMML. Treatment consisted of intensive therapy according to AML‐type chemotherapy, maintenance‐type combination therapy, and single agent therapy. To account for the variability observed in the natural course of disease, we also evaluated 32 episodes of “no therapy.”

Results

Best responses within 3 months of initiation of therapy were highly variable for the four response criteria. In contrast to platelet count and liver size, there was a significant correlation between WBC or spleen size and therapy. Response rates for WBC and spleen size were best for purine analogs, etoposide, and cytarabine as single agents or for maintenance‐type combination therapy.

Conclusion

To rigorously test future therapeutic strategies in this rare disease an international consensus on the definition of response criteria will be helpful. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:629–633. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute transient encephalopathy following paclitaxel treatment in an adolescent with a recurrent suprasellar germinoma
Authors: Rook James , Rosser Tena , Fangusaro Jason , Finlay Jonathan
Published: September 2006

Paclitaxel is an antineoplastic agent that is used in the treatment of a variety of solid tumors. Dose‐limiting side effects of myelosuppression and peripheral neuropathy are well known. Paclitaxel has minimal penetration of the blood‐brain barrier and central nervous system side effects are rare. However, transient encephalopathy following paclitaxel infusion has been described in adults but not in children. We present the case of a 14‐year‐old female with a recurrent suprasellar germinoma who developed an acute encephalopathy 4–6 hr following paclitaxel infusion. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:699–700. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute myelogenous leukemia associated with Ollier disease
Authors: White Matthew S. , Martin Paul L. , McLean Thomas W.
Published: September 2006

Ollier disease is a rare disorder characterized by the presence of multiple enchondromas and a propensity to develop malignancies. We report the case of a 7‐year‐old Caucasian male with Ollier disease who developed acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). This report describes a patient with Ollier disease and AML and may offer a clue into the genetic pathogenesis of these disorders. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:645–646. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Screening new cancer patients for psychological distress using the hospital anxiety and depression scale
Authors: Sellick Scott M. , Edwardson Alan D.
Published: September 2006

The diagnosis of a life‐threatening illness creates immediate psychosocial distress for the patient and his or her family. The threat is real and the rational response is to be afraid. We need to be reaching out to patients and their families and not waiting for crises. The responsibility remains with the healthcare system and psychosocial healthcare professionals to identify those who are in most need. Psychological distress is something that can be relatively easily measured and responded to when psychosocial oncology healthcare professionals are immediately available to address those needs. This paper describes the process used to gather this information, how that information has been used by the psychosocial clinicians in the Supportive Care programme, and what we have learned, in terms of a retrospective data analysis, about our patient population. At the Cancer Centre in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada new cancer patients complete the HADS on the day of their first appointment. Since October 2000 we have collected baseline psychological distress data for 3,035 new cancer patients who fully completed all 14 items on the HADS. Of those, 781 patients, or 25.7%, scored above cut‐off points and were given a telephone call. We were able to contact 607 (or 77.7%) of these patients. Five hundred and eight (or 83.7%) of those contacted made, and subsequently attended, one or more appointments with a psychosocial counsellor. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetization and quadrupolar plateaus in the one‐dimensional antiferromagnetic spin‐3/2 and spin‐2 Blume–Capel model
Authors: Aydıner Ekrem , Akyüz Cenk , Gönülol Meltem , Polat Hamza
Published: September 2006

We employed the classical transfer matrix technique to investigate the magnetization and quadrupolar plateaus, phase diagrams and other thermodynamical properties of the one‐dimensional antiferromagnetic spin‐3/2 and spin‐2 Blume–Capel model in the presence of an external magnetic field at very low temperatures. We showed that single‐ion anisotropy is one of the indispensable ingredients for an energy gap which causes to magnetization and quadrupolar plateaus in one‐dimensional antiferromagnetic Ising spin chains. Other thermodynamical predictions seem to be provide this argument. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
ESR studies of gas adsorption on carbon nanotubes
Authors: Clewett Catherine F. M. , Kombarakkaran Justine , Pietraß Tanja
Published: September 2006

The effect of gas adsorption on different carbon nanotube systems is studied using ESR spectrosocpy. One system consists of purified and unpurified single‐walled carbon nanotubes, one of unpurified multi‐walled tubes, and one of multi‐walled tubes where defects have been introduced purposefully at different levels. In single‐ and multi‐walled tubes, hydrogen adsorbs preferentially on defects. Electron‐donating ammonia seems to affect the interlayer interaction in multi‐walled carbon nanotubes. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Progress in single‐walled carbon nanotube based nanoelectromechanical systems
Authors: Meyer Jannik C. , Cech Jirka , Hornbostel Björn , Roth Siegmar
Published: September 2006

We present torsional pendulums based on small bundles of single‐walled carbon nanotubes and ultimately on individual single‐walled carbon nanotubes. The nanotubes serve as mechanical support and torsional spring for a lithographically defined metal plate. The plate can be actuated in an electric field and the device is operated inside the transmission electron microscope. In comparison with previous works we have built mechanically much more fragile devices, i.e. almost three orders of magnitude heavier suspended metal structures, and metal blocks suspended on smaller diameter nanotubes. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Transition from Coulomb blockade to insulator regime in multiwall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Dayen J.‐F. , Jehl X. , Wade T. L. , Sanquer M. , Wegrowe J.‐E.
Published: September 2006

An experimental study of electronic transport at very low temperature of multiwall carbon nanotubes is presented. We observed two manifestations of a transition from a Coulomb blockade regime to an insulator regime. The first one is on the temperature dependence of the sample resistance, changing from a power law regime to an activated law at a transition temperatureTC. The second one manifests itself belowTCin the dV/dI(V) profile: at a threshold voltageVCthe resistance changes abruptly from an insulating state to a Coulomb blockade regime characterized by a power law dependence on the voltage. Influence of disorder on Coulomb blockade regime is also enlightened. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Tube–tube interaction in double‐wall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Pfeiffer R. , Simon F. , Kuzmany H. , Popov V. N. , Zólyomi V. , Kürti J.
Published: September 2006

In a Raman map of double‐wall carbon nanotubes, the radial breathing modes of the inner tubes are grouped into clusters with similar resonance behavior. These clusters are located close to the resonances of SDS wrapped HiPco tubes and can spread over 30 cm–1. Compared to the HiPco tubes the resonances of the inner tubes are shifted about 50 meV to the red. Each cluster represents one fixed inner tube type in several different outer tube types and each component of a cluster originates from a well defined inner/outer tube pair. Elaborate inter‐shell interaction models showed an increasing charge transfer from the outer to inner tube with decreasing diameter difference. Additionally, many DWCNTs systems seem to be metallic, i.e. they have a finite density of states at the Fermi level. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)