bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel receptor-like kinase ALE2 controls shoot development by specifying epidermis inArabidopsis
Authors: Tanaka Hirokazu , Watanabe Masaru , Sasabe Michiko , Hiroe Tomonori , Tanaka Toshihiro , Tsukaya Hirokazu , Ikezaki Masaya , Machida Chiyoko , Machida Yasunori
Published: March 2007

The epidermis plays crucial roles in the development of various organs and in water retention in both animals and plants. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the subtilase ABNORMAL LEAF SHAPE 1 (ALE1) and the Arabidopsis homolog of the Crinkly4 (ACR4) receptor-like protein kinase (RLK) have been implicated in the intercellular communication that is required for surface functions of the epidermis. We have identified a novel mutant gene in Arabidopsis, ale2, which is associated with various epidermal defects, including disorganization of epidermis-related tissues,defects in the leaf cuticle and the fusion of organs. ALE2 encodes a previously uncharacterized RLK with a cluster of basic amino acid residues followed by a cysteine-containing sequence in the putative extracellular domain. Our genetic investigations suggest that ALE2 and ACR4 function in the same process, whereas ALE1 has a different mode of action, and that these three genes play partially overlapping roles in positively regulating protoderm-specific gene expression and for the formation of leafy organs. We propose that at least two modes of intercellular communication facilitate the specification of epidermis, thereby promoting shoot organogenesis in Arabidopsis.
Specific ablation of the transcription factor CREB in sympathetic neurons surprisingly protects against developmentally regulated apoptosis
Authors: Parlato Rosanna , Otto Christiane , Begus Yvonne , Stotz Stephanie , Schütz Günther
Published: March 2007

The cyclic-AMP response element-binding (CREB) protein family of transcription factors plays a crucial role in supporting the survival of neurons. However, a cell-autonomous role has not been addressed in vivo. To investigate the cell-specific role of CREB, we used as a model developing sympathetic neurons, whose survival in vitro is dependent on CREB activity. We generated mice lacking CREB in noradrenergic (NA) and adrenergic neurons and compared them with the phenotype of the germline CREB mutant. Whereas the germline CREB mutant revealed increased apoptosis of NA neurons and misplacement of sympathetic precursors, the NA neuron-specific mutation unexpectedly led to reduced levels of caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in sympathetic ganglia during the period of naturally occurring neuronal death. A reduced level of p75 neurotrophin receptor expression in the absence of CREB was shown to be responsible. Thus, our analysis indicates that the activity of cell-autonomous pro-survival signalling is operative in developing sympathetic neurons in the absence of CREB.
The use of informed consent for medication treatment in hospital: a qualitative study of the views of doctors and nurses
Authors: Wirtz V , Cribb A , Barber N
Published: March 2007

The use of informed consent for surgery or research has been widely studied; however, its use in other areas of clinical practice has received less attention. This study investigates how doctors and nurses understand informed consent in relation to the prescription and administration of medicines in secondary care. It uses a qualitative analysis of semi-structured in-depth interviews with 19 doctors and 6 nurses recruited from various specialties in a teaching hospital. The results indicate a striking gap between official and actual standards of practice. Providing information, assuring adherence and communication about potential treatment harms were raised as key issues instead of the principal goals of informed consent. Rather than simply treating these findings as support for a 'deficit' account of professionalism, the paper concludes that we need a richer and more grounded account of exactly when hospital medication decisions need to be subjected to the highest standards of informed consent.
Operationalizing cognitive vulnerability and stress from the perspective of the hopelessness theory: A multi‐wave longitudinal study of children of affectively ill parents
Authors: Abela John R. Z. , McGirr Alexander
Published: March 2007

ObjectivesThe current study tested the diathesis‐stress component of the hopelessness theory (HT) in a sample of youth using (1) a weakest link approach towards operationalizing cognitive vulnerability (e.g. a child's degree of vulnerability is determined by his/her most depressogenic inferential style; DIS) and (2) an idiographic approach towards operationalizing high stress (e.g. high stress is when a child is experiencing a level of stress that is higher than his/her own average level of stress). We also examined whether the association between within‐subject fluctuations in hassles and depressive symptoms in cognitively vulnerable youth was moderated by absolute stress levels (the between‐subject effect of stress).

DesignA multi‐wave longitudinal design was used to examine whether the association between within‐subject fluctuations in hassles and depressive symptoms was moderated by a depressogenic weakest link.

MethodsAt Time 1, 140 children (between 6 and 14 years of age) of parents with a history of major depressive episodes completed measures assessing DISs and depressive symptoms. Every 6 weeks, for the subsequent year, children completed measures assessing depressive symptoms and hassles.

ResultsThe results of hierarchical linear modelling analyses indicated that a depressogenic weakest link was associated with greater elevations in depressive symptoms following elevations in hassles in girls but not in boys.

ConclusionsResults provide partial support for the applicability of the diathesis‐stress component of the HT to youth. Integration of the current findings with those obtained in past research examining the diathesis‐stress component of the hopelessness theory in youth suggests the utilization of an idiographic approach to examining vulnerability‐stress theories may potentially lead to an increased understanding of gender differences in depression.
Immunomagnetic CD45 depletion does not improve cytokeratin 20 RT-PCR in colorectal cancer
Authors: Ausch Christoph , Dandachi Nadia , Buxhofer-Ausch Veronika , Balic Marija , Huber Klaus , Bauernhofer Thomas , Ogris Emil , Hinterberger Wolfgang , Braun Stephan , Schiessel Rudolf
Published: March 2007

Background: Cytokeratin 20 reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (CK20 RT-PCR) of blood and bone marrow specimens has been suggested for assessment of hematogenously disseminated tumor cell (DTC) spread in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Considerable discrepancies among the studies reported indicate a need for better evaluation procedures. We investigated whether mononucleated cell (MNC) enrichment by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation followed by immunomagnetic depletion of CD45-positive cells (extended enrichment) allows better detection of DTC-associated CK20 mRNA compared to MNC enrichment by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation alone (Ficoll enrichment).

Methods: We analyzed 53 samples [38 peripheral blood (PB), 15 bone marrow (BM)] from 38 CRC patients. Extended enrichment was performed for 30 specimens (PB and BM, n=15 each), and Ficoll enrichment for 23 blood specimens. Total RNA was extracted, reverse-transcribed and analyzed by real-time RT-PCR using a LightCycler instrument.

Results: Despite extended enrichment, 10 PB and 8 BM samples could not be analyzed because of low cellular yield. The depletion efficiency of CD45 separation was 2 log. RT-PCR of the housekeeping gene PBGD resulted in high and varied crossing point values (mean 37.1+3.0) for five PB and seven BM specimens. Ficoll enrichment yielded 23 analyzable blood specimens for which the mean crossing point value was 26.7+0.5 in PBGD RT-PCR. CK20 RT-PCR of 23 blood samples (all from Dukes D patients) revealed CK20 transcripts in four cases (17%).

Conclusions: Extended enrichment was not superior to Ficoll enrichment; in fact, the sensitivity was lower. Improvement of the reported CK20 RT-PCR assay of Ficoll-enriched MNC populations is warranted.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:351–6.
Die Unerwünschten als Feinde: Die Exklusion von Menschen aus dem status personae
Authors: Sánchez Jesús-María Silva
Published: March 2007

I. Einführung

1. Feinde und Nicht-Personen

Ein guter Teil der strafrechtlichen Diskussion des letzten Jahrzehnts ist auf zwei grundlegende, von Jakobs eingeführte Unterscheidungen zurückzuführen. Erstens soll auf dem Gebiet der Kriminalpolitik zwischen einem „Bürgerstrafrecht“ und einem „Feindstrafrecht“ zu differenzieren sein. Und zweitens sei unter rechtsphilosophischen und, darauf aufbauend, dogmatischen Gesichtspunkten im (Straf)Recht zwischen „Personen“ und „Nicht-Personen“ zu differenzieren. Beide Unterscheidungen sind nicht deckungsgleich; vielmehr lassen sie sich theoretisch in beliebiger Weise kombinieren. Denkbar wären damit sowohl ein „Bürger(straf)recht für Personen“ als auch ein „Bürger(straf)recht für Nicht-Personen“ und genauso ein „Feind(straf)recht für Personen“ wie ein „Feind(straf)recht für Nicht-Personen“.
Die Abgrenzung zwischen strafloser Vorbereitung und strafbarem Versuch im deutschen, europäischen und im Völkerstrafrecht
Authors: Safferling Christoph J. M
Published: March 2007

I. Einleitung: ein Problem – drei Antworten?

1. Ein Problem: Die Abgrenzung zwischen Vorbereitung und Versuch

Die Frage nach der Abgrenzung zwischen strafloser Vorbereitung und strafbarem Versuch ist ein Dauerbrenner strafrechtlicher Dogmatik und Kriminalpolitik. So behauptete Frank 1931, eine saubere Grenze sei bislang nicht gefunden und „wohl überhaupt nicht möglich“. Mehr als 70 Jahre danach gibt es keinen großen Durchbruch zu vermelden. Es ist durchaus fraglich, welche grundsätzliche politische Direktive einem demokratischen Strafrecht gut ansteht. In beiden Bereichen, Dogmatik und Kriminalpolitik streiten seit jeher zwei Strömungen: die objektive und die subjektive Theorie. Die Suche nach dem Strafgrund des Versuchs führt unmittelbar zu der Frage nach der Legitimität von Strafe überhaupt. Die Frage nach dem Strafgrund des Versuchs hängt nicht nur mit der Bestimmung der Abgrenzung zwischen Vorbereitung und Versuch inhaltlich zusammen, sondern behandelt letztlich das gleiche Problem auf einer unterschiedlichen Ebene. Die subjektive Theorie geht davon aus, dass der verbrecherische Wille, jedenfalls sobald er sich nach außen manifestiert hat, strafwürdig genug ist. Hingegen verlangt die objektive Theorie die Existenz einer Gefahr. Zugleich wird häufig darauf hingewiesen, dass die Frage nach dem Strafgrund einfach zu beantworten sei. Er unterscheide sich nicht vom Strafgrund für das vollendete Delikt; beides läge im Angriff auf ein Rechtsgut. Das mag richtig sein oder falsch, die Aussage ist jedenfalls so pauschal, dass sie für die Frage, ob eine tatsächliche Gefährdung notwendig ist oder nicht, unergiebig scheint.
Cryptorchidism in common eutherian mammals
Authors: Amann R P , Veeramachaneni D N R
Published: March 2007

Cryptorchidism is failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum. Primary fault lies in the testis. We provide a unifying cross-species interpretation of testis descent and urge the use of precise terminology. After differentiation, a testis is relocated to the scrotum in three sequential phases: abdominal translocation, holding a testis near the internal inguinal ring as the abdominal cavity expands away, along with slight downward migration; transinguinal migration, moving a cauda epididymidis and testis through the abdominal wall; and inguinoscrotal migration, moving a s.c. cauda epididymidis and testis to the bottom of the scrotum. The gubernaculum enlarges under stimulation of insulin-like peptide 3, to anchor the testis in place during gradual abdominal translocation. Concurrently, testosterone masculinizes the genitofemoral nerve. Cylindrical downward growth of the peritoneal lining into the gubernaculum forms the vaginal process, cremaster muscle(s) develop within the gubernaculum, and the cranial suspensory ligament regresses (testosterone not obligatory for latter). Transinguinal migration of a testis is rapid, apparently mediated by intra-abdominal pressure. Testosterone is not obligatory for correct inguinoscrotal migration of testes. However, normally testosterone stimulates growth of the vaginal process, secretion of calcitonin gene-related peptide by the genitofemoral nerve to provide directional guidance to the gubernaculum, and then regression of the gubernaculum and constriction of the inguinal canal. Cryptorchidism is more common in companion animals, pigs, or humans (2–12%) than in cattle or sheep (≤1%). Laboratory animals rarely are cryptorchid. In respect to non-scrotal locations, abdominal testes predominate in cats, dogs, and horses. Inguinal testes predominate in rabbits, are common in horses, and occasionally are found in cats and dogs. S.c. testes are found in cattle, cats and dogs, but are most common in humans.
Optical rewritable liquid‐crystal‐alignment technology
Authors: Muravsky Alexander , Murauski Anatoli , Li Xihua , Chigrinov Vladimir , Kwok Hoi‐Sing
Published: March 2007

Abstract— A new optical rewritable (ORW) liquid‐crystal‐alignment technology has been developed to create a display and to demonstrate its maturity and potential. ORW displays have no electrodes and use polarizers as substrates. The display requires no photolithography on plastic. Its simple construction secures durability and low cost for mass production. The on‐screen information is optically changed in a writing unit that consists of an LCD mask and an exposure source that is based on LEDs, low power, and low cost in comparison with Hg lamps or lasers. A high contrast image can be easily written, viewed, and rewritten through a polarizer, while the multi‐stable gray‐level image requires zero power to maintain the image. Reconfigurable LC alignment using ORW technology best suits plastic‐card displays as well as for LC photonics and various one‐mask processes of patterned LC‐alignment applications.
Advanced Extraction and Lower Bounds for Removal of Pollutants from Wastewater by Water Plants
Authors: Zimmels Y. , Kirzhner F. , Malkovskaja A.
Published: March 2007

The capacity to reach lower bounds for extraction of pollutants from wastewater by four floating aquatic macrophytes—water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), salvinia (Salvinia rotundifolia), and water primroses (Ludvigia palustris)—is investigated. It is shown that the following lower bounds can be established for wastewater purification with water hyacinth: biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), 1.3 mg/L; chemical oxygen demand (COD), 11.3 mg/L; total suspended solids (TSS), 0.5 mg/L; turbidity, 0.7 NTU; ammonia, 0.2 mg/L; and phosphorus, 1.4 mg/L. Also, the following lower bounds can be established for wastewater purification with water lettuce: BOD, 1.8 mg/L; COD, 12.5 mg/L; TSS, 0.5 mg/L; turbidity, 0.9 NTU; ammonia, 0.2 mg/L; and phosphorus, 1.6 mg/L. These lower bounds were reached in 11‐ to 17‐day experiments that were performed on diluted wastewater with reduced initial contents of the tested water quality indicators. As expected, water hyacinth exhibited the highest rates and levels of pollutant removal, thereby producing the best lower bounds of the water quality indicators. Given the initially low levels, BOD was further reduced by 86.3%, COD by 66.6%, ammonia by 97.8%, and phosphorus by 65.0% after 11 days of a batch experiment. The capacity of water plants to purify dilute wastewater streams opens new options for their application in the water treatment industry.
Use of Natural Clinoptilolite to Improve Water Quality: Sorption and Selectivity Studies of Lead(II), Copper(II), Zinc(II), and Nickel(II)
Authors: Oter Ozlem , Akcay Husamettin
Published: March 2007

Natural clinoptilolite can be used as an ion exchanger for removal of heavy metals and treatment of environmental pollution because of its desirable characteristics of high ion exchange selectivity and resistance to different media.    In this work, the potential of natural clinoptilolite from Gördes mines (West Anatolia, Turkey) for the uptake of lead(II), nickel(II), copper(II), and zinc(II), from their single and mixed ion solutions, was evaluated using the batch method. The mineralogical and chemical properties of the sorption material were carried out by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluoremetry, scanning electron microscopy, and wet analysis.    Contact time, initial solution pH, solid‐to‐liquid ratio, and initial metal cation concentration were determined as single ion sorption parameters. The silicon/aluminum ratio and the theoretical and equivalent exchange capacities, both in single and mixed solutions, were established. Corresponding adsorption constants and distribution coefficients have been found.
Selective neuronal damage and chronic hemodynamic cerebral ischemia
Authors: Yamauchi Hiroshi , Kudoh Takashi , Kishibe Yoshihiko , Iwasaki Jinei , Kagawa Shinya
Published: March 2007

Objective

In atherothrombotic internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusive disease, chronic hemodynamic compromise may increase the risk for cerebral ischemic damage. To determine whether selective neuronal damage demonstrated as a decrease in central benzodiazepine receptor (BZR) in the normal‐appearing cerebral cortex is associated with increased oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) (misery perfusion).

Methods

We measured BZR and OEF using positron emission tomography in 105 nondisabled patients with atherothrombotic internal carotid artery or MCA occlusive disease and no cortical infarction. By using three‐dimensional stereotactic surface projections and the stereotactic extraction estimation method, without correction for partial volume effects, the abnormally decreased BZR index [(the extent of the pixels with Z‐score more than 2 compared with controls) × (average Z‐score in those pixels)] in the cerebral cortex of the MCA distribution with arterial disease was calculated, and it was found to be correlated with the mean hemispheric value of OEF and several clinical variables.

Results

All patients had pixels with abnormally decreased BZR, with the extent varying from 0.04 to 60.91%. Multivariate analysis showed that the abnormally decreased BZR index was positively correlated with the value of OEF and the history of stroke, whereas it was negatively correlated with the presence of hypercholesterolemia with statin treatment. Follow‐up examinations of 17 patients without ischemic episode showed that a decrease of BZR was associated with an increase of OEF.

Interpretation

In atherothrombotic internal carotid artery or MCA occlusive disease, misery perfusion may cause selective neuronal damage, and statins might have beneficial effects against neuronal damage. Ann Neurol 2007
Preparation and characterization of polyaniline–polypyrrole composite from polyaniline dispersions
Authors: Xing Shuangxi , Zhao Chun , Zhou Tieli , Jing Shengyu , Wang Zichen
Published: March 2007

Polyaniline–polypyrrole (PANI‐PPy) composite was prepared by in situ polymerization of pyrrole in PANI dispersion using FeCl3·6H2O as oxidant and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) as surfactant. Different synthesis conditions of PANI dispersion including the relative concentration of aniline and SDBS and the amount of acid (HCl) on the morphology and conductivity of the resulting composites were investigated. Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectra, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, and contact angles of the composites showed there existed certain interaction between PANI (or PANI‐SDBS) and PPy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 3523–3529, 2007
Effect of chemical interaction on morphology and mechanical properties of CPI‐OH/SiO2 hybrid films with coupling agent
Authors: Qin Jiaqiang , Zhao Hui , Zhu Rongqi , Zhang Xinyuan , Gu Yi
Published: March 2007

A novel hybrid film composed of copolyimide with hydroxyl group, silica and γ‐glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (CPI‐OH/SiO2/GOTMS) was prepared by the sol–gel process based on hydrolyzed tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) under acidic condition. GOTMS, as the coupling agent, and hydroxyl group in PI chain were used to improve the compatibility between the PI and SiO2. The components, morphologies, and mechanical properties of the hybrids were investigated by FTIR, UV–vis, SEM, stress–strain tests, and DMA. The results showed that SiO2 particle size significantly decreased, fractured cross sections of hybrid were rougher, and the surfaces of spherical SiO2 particles were more widely covered by PI component. The tensile mechanical properties of hybrids increased when adding GOTMS. The critical points of maximum tensile strength and elongation at break move from 11 to 16 wt % SiO2 content. DMA results showed that the storage moduli of hybrids with GOTMS, when above 260°C, were obviously higher than those without GOTMS; the tan δ transition temperature of hybrid films went up from 317 to 337°C. It suggests that chemical interaction between CPI‐OH and SiO2 is formed and the PI molecular mobility is restricted by the chemical interaction. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 3530–3538, 2007
Effect of diphenyldisulfides with different substituents on the reclamation of NR based latex products
Authors: Rajan V. V. , Dierkes W. K. , Joseph R. , Noordermeer J. W. M.
Published: March 2007

The latex industry has expanded over the years to meet the world demands for gloves, condoms, latex thread etc. Because of the strict specifications for the products and the unstable nature of the latex, as high as 15% of the final latex products are rejected. Since waste latex rubber (WLR) represents a source of high quality rubber hydrocarbon, it is a potential candidate for generating reclaimed rubber of superior quality. Two types of WLR with different amounts of polysulfidic bridges are used in these experiments, which are reclaimed with variation of the concentration of the reclaiming agents, the reclamation temperature and time. Diphenyldisulfide, 2‐aminophenyldisulfide and 2,2′‐dibenzamidodiphenyldisulfide (DBADPDS) are used as reclaiming agents, and the effect of diphenyldisulfides (DPDS) with different substituents, on the reclamation efficiency of WLR is investigated. A kinetic study of the reclamation reaction with the three reclaiming agents is done. The reaction rates and activation energies are calculated and compared with literature values. The comparative study of the three different reclaiming agents shows that (DBADPDS) is able to break the crosslinks at temperature levels ∼ 20°C below the temperature levels normally used with DPDS. Another advantage of this reclaiming agent is the reduced smell during the reclamation process and of the final reclaims, one of the most important shortcomings of other disulfides used for this purpose. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 3562–3580, 2007
New approach to fabricate densificated continuous fiber reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene composites with significantly improved interfacial bonding and mechanical properties
Authors: Gu Aijuan , Liang Guozheng
Published: March 2007

An unique two‐step technique to fabricate densified continuous fiber reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites with significantly improved interfacial bonding and mechanical properties have been successfully developed. The technique is conventional sintering followed by resin film infusion (RFI). The mechanical properties of the composites were studied, and results show that the composites have significantly improved interfacial bonding and mechanical properties. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 3588–3591, 2007
Physik und Politik in der frühen Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Max Born, Werner Heisenberg und Pascual Jordan als politische Grenzgänger
Authors: Schirrmacher Arne
Published: March 2007

Physics and Politics in the Early Federal Republic of Germany. Max Born, Werner Heisenberg and Pascual Jordan between Scientific and Political Discourse. – Contrasting the historiography of two major developments in 20th century German history, the creation of quantum mechanics in 1925 and the dispute on the nuclear armament of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1957, the question is raised to which extent the scientific culture was able to bridge political disagreement within the German physicists' community. A twofold story of the private and public exchange between Max Born, Werner Heisenberg and Pascual Jordan among others on the scientists' position to nuclear armament on the one hand and the writing of the history of quantum mechanics on the other hand displays different types of relating scientific work and moral responsibility. Neither politics nor science went on unaltered after the disputes between physics and politics in the early Federal Republic of Germany.
Editorial. Berichte zur Wissenschaftsgeschichte: Zum dreißigsten Jahrgang
Authors: Wahrig Bettina , Ash Mitchell G.
Published: March 2007

Editorial: «Berichte zur Wissenschaftsgeschichte» – on its 30th volume. – The current Vice‐President and President of the «Gesellschaft für Wissenschaftsgeschichte – Société d'Histoire des Sciences – Society for History of Science» commemorate the publication of the 30th volume of its journal Berichte zur Wissenschaftsgeschichte with a brief overview of the journal's history and development, which is also presented as a contribution to the history of the Society itself.
Image-guided surgery of liver metastases by three-dimensional ultrasound-based optoelectronic navigation
Authors: Beller S , Hünerbein M , Lange T , Eulenstein S , Gebauer B , Schlag P M
Published: March 2007

Background

Vessel-oriented surgery and tumour-free resection margins are essential for resection of liver metastases to preserve liver parenchyma and improve oncological outcome. Preoperative three-dimensional models reconstructed from imaging data could facilitate surgical planning with the use of navigation technology.

Methods

Thirty-three patients with central and/or impalpable liver metastases were scheduled for navigated hepatic resection. Intraoperative three-dimensional ultrasonography and an infrared-based optical tracking system were used for data registration and image-guided surgery. Postoperative three-dimensional data were compared with the preoperative virtual surgical plan to assess the accuracy of navigation, and clinical results were compared with those of a matched control group of 32 patients.

Results

Navigation was successful in 32 of 33 patients. Realization of the preoperative plan and R0 resection was achieved in 30 of these 32 patients. The median discrepancy between the planned and actual vascular dissection level was 6 (range 0–11) mm. There was a reduced rate of R1 resection in the navigated group compared with the control group (two versus four patients), and more parenchyma was preserved.

Conclusion

Three-dimensional ultrasound-based optoelectronic navigation technology improves intraoperative orientation and enables parenchyma-preserving surgery with high precision.
Virtual endoscopy using multidetector‐row CT for coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus
Authors: Hayabuchi Yasunobu , Mori Kazuhiro , Kagami Shoji
Published: March 2007

The objective of this study was to report the clinical value of virtual endoscopy using multidetector‐row CT (MDCT) for coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). We studied 10 consecutive patients with PDA undergoing cardiac catheterization and coil occlusion. All patients had previously undergone MDCT, and subsequently underwent transcatheter closure of ductus. MDCT evaluations were performed again in 1–3 months after occlusion. Virtual endoscopy showed the anatomy of the orifice of the ductus and spatial relations of adjacent structures from both the aortic and pulmonary sides in all patients. We were able to observe the inner space, and fly through the PDA. This approach is the virtual view of the catheter advancing during coil occlusion. Following occlusion, visualization of the coil can also be established by viewing from inside. Coil protrusion into the aortic and pulmonary sides was clearly observed. Virtual endoscopy provides unique information regarding the ductal lumen that is of use for the coil occlusion of PDA. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of Novel Oxazolyl‐indoles.
Authors: Roy Sudipta , Haque Sakhina , Gribble Gordon W.
Published: March 2007

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.
Total Synthesis of Antibacterial Dibromotyrosine Derived Alkaloid Purpuramine‐K.
Authors: Reddy S. Malla , Srinivasulu M. , Venkateswarlu Y.
Published: March 2007

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.
Scaffold‐Hopping: How Far Can You Jump
Authors: Schneider Gisbert , Schneider Petra , Renner Steffen
Published: March 2007

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.
Education predicts quality of life among men with prostate cancer cared for in the department of Veterans affairs
Authors: Knight Sara J. , Latini David M. , Hart Stacey L. , Sadetsky Natalia , Kane Christopher J. , DuChane Janeen , Carroll Peter R. ,   the CaPSURE Investigators
Published: March 2007

BACKGROUND.

Previous findings have suggested that patient educational attainment is related to cancer stage at presentation and treatment for localized prostate cancer, but there is little information on education and quality of life outcomes. Patient education level and quality of life were examined among men diagnosed with prostate cancer and cared for within an equal‐access health care system, the Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration (VA).

METHODS.

Participants were 248 men with prostate cancer cared for in the VA and enrolled in CaPSURE. Repeated‐measures analysis of variance was used to examine quality of life over time according to education level, controlling for age, ethnicity, income, site of clinical care, and year of diagnosis.

RESULTS.

Patients with lower levels of education tended to be younger, nonwhite, and have lower incomes. Controlling for age, ethnicity, income, year of diagnosis, and site, men with less formal education, compared with those with more, had worse functioning in the physical (P = .0248), role physical (P = .0048), role emotional (P = .0089), vitality (P = .0034), mental health (P = .0054), social function (P = .0056), and general health (P = .0002) domains and worse urinary (P = .003) and sexual (P = .0467) side effects.

CONCLUSIONS.

Men with less education experienced worse health‐related quality of life across a wide range of domains and greater urinary and sexual symptoms than their peers who had more education. Clinicians should be aware that, even within an equal access to health care system, men with less education are vulnerable, having greater difficulty functioning in their daily lives after their prostate cancer treatment. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Effects of neonatal novelty exposure on sexual behavior, fear, and stress‐response in adult rats
Authors: Benetti Fernando , Andrade de Araujo Paulo , Luiz Sanvitto Gilberto , Lucion Aldo Bolten
Published: March 2007

Environmental stimuli in early life may result in permanent behavioral and physiological changes. Present study evaluated the effects of exposing pups to a novel environment on behaviors (open‐field test and sexual behavior) and prolactin stress‐responses in adult male rats. Half of a litter was daily removed outside (OUT) from the nest and stimulated by handling for 3 min, while the other half remained inside (IN) the nest and was also handled for the same period during the first 10 days postpartum. Maternal behavior after all the pups were returned to the nest was not different between IN and OUT littermates. In adulthood, OUT males showed increased general and central locomotion activity in the open‐field test, reduced sexual behavior, and attenuated prolactin secretion in response to restraint stress compared with the IN littermates. The repeated exposition of rat pups to a novel environment is a causal factor for the long‐lasting behavioral and endocrine changes. The premature exposition of the pup to unfamiliar environments decreases fear and stress‐response, and also reduces sexual behavior. We suggest that the absence of the odor of the mother may be crucial to explain the effects detected in adulthood. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 49: 258–264, 2007.
Prenatal cocaine and other substance exposure: Effects on infant autonomic regulation at 7 months of age
Authors: Schuetze Pamela , Eiden Rina D. , Coles Claire D.
Published: March 2007

This study examined the association between prenatal exposure to cocaine and autonomic regulation at 7 months of age. Heart rate (HR) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) were obtained from 154 (79 exposed, and 75 nonexposed) infants during baseline and tasks designed to elicit positive and negative affect. Cocaine‐exposed infants had higher HR during the positive affect task. There was a significant suppression of RSA during the negative affect task for nonexposed infants but not for exposed infants. Fetal growth and maternal caregiving behavior did not mediate or moderate this association. These results provide additional support for an association between prenatal cocaine exposure and dysregulation during infancy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 49: 276–289, 2007.
Protonolysis Reactions of [(Me3Si)2N]3Ln(μ‐Cl)Li(thf)3 with tBuSH or EtSH: Isolation, Structures and Catalytic Properties of Dinuclear Complexes [{(Me3Si)2N}2Ln(μ‐StBu)]2 and Tetranuclear Complexes [Li(thf)4][{(Me3Si)2N}4Ln4(μ4‐SEt)(μ‐SEt)8] (Ln = Pr, Sm)
Authors: Cheng Mei‐Ling , Li Hong‐Xi , Zhang Wen‐Hua , Ren Zhi‐Gang , Zhang Yong , Lang Jian‐Ping
Published: March 2007

Reactions of [(Me3Si)2N]3Ln(μ‐Cl)Li(thf)3 (1: Ln = Pr; 2: Ln = Sm) with an equimolar amount of tBuSH or EtSH gave rise to four amidolanthanide alkylthiolate complexes [{(Me3Si)2N}2Ln(μ‐StBu)]2 (3: Ln = Pr; 4: Ln = Sm) and [Li(thf)4][{(Me3Si)2N}4Ln4(μ4‐SEt)(μ‐SEt)8] (5: Ln = Pr; 6: Ln = Sm). Compounds 3–6 were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and their catalytic properties were also investigated. Compounds 3 and 4 are thiolate‐bridged dimers in which each Ln atom adopts a distorted tetrahedral coordination. Compounds 5 and 6 contain a Ln4 square plane, which is capped by a μ4‐SEt– ligand. The edges of the square are bridged by four pairs of SEt– ligands on both sides of the Ln4 plane. Each Ln atom has a distorted octahedral geometry. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Seismic response due to travelling shear wave including soil‐structure interaction with base‐mat uplift
Authors: Wolf J. P.
Published: March 2007

The seismic response due to a travelling shear wave is investigated. The resulting input consists of a translational‐and a torsional‐acceleration time history, which depend on the ratio of the wavelength to the dimension of the footing. A nuclear reactor building is used for illustration. The combined result of the translational and torsional elastic response (the latter arises even in an axisymmetric structure) will not, in general, be larger than that encountered in the case of a spatially uniform earthquake. If the footing slips or becomes partially separated from the soil, a non‐linear dynamic analysis has to be performed to determine the response. Substantial motions in all three directions will take place. The peak structural responses and the floor‐response spectra are found to be highly non‐linear for high acceleration input values.
Response of circular bridge decks to moving vehicles
Authors: Ramakrishnan R. , Kunukkasseril V. X.
Published: March 2007

This paper discusses the dynamic response of a curved bridge deck to a moving vehicle. The bridge deck is idealized as a set of annular sector plates and circular rings rigidly jointed together. On the basis of classical plate and ring theories a method has been developed to obtain the response to a moving vehicle idealized as a spring mass system. After obtaining the normal modes and frequencies and establishing the orthogonality conditions, the problem of the forced motion of the deck is solved by the method of spectral representation. Numerical results have been presented to illustrate the effect of several vehicle and bridge parameters on the response.
Empirical shear wave velocity equations in terms of characteristic soil indexes
Authors: Ohta Yutaka , Goto Noritoshi
Published: March 2007

An investigation to systematize empirical equations for the shear wave velocity of soils was made in terms of four characteristic indexes. The adopted indexes are the N‐value of the Standard Penetration Test, depth where the soil is situated, geological epoch and soil type. As some of these indexes are variates belonging to interval scales while others belong to nominal or ordinal scales, the technique known as a multivariate analysis cannot be employed. A new approach to the theory of quantification, after C. Hayashi, was introduced and developed for solving this difficulty.

Fifteen sets of empirical equations to estimate low strain shear wave velocity theoretically may be obtained by combining the above four indexes. All of these sets were derived by use of about 300 data, and their accuracies were evaluated by means of correlation coefficients between the measured and estimated shear wave velocities. The best equation was found to be the one which included all the indexes, and its correlation coefficient was 0.86. The empirical equation relating the standard penetration N‐value to the shear wave velocity provided a correlation of only 0.72, and is one of the lowest ranking among the 15 sets of equations.
A mathematical model to predict the inelastic response of a steel frame: Formulation of the model
Authors: McNiven Hugh D. , Matzen Vernon C.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this research is to use data from experiments to formulate a mathematical model that will predict the non‐linear response of a single‐storey steel frame to an earthquake input. The process used in this formulation is system identification.

The form of the model is a second‐order non‐linear differential equation with linear viscous damping and Ramberg—Osgood type hysteresis. The damping coefficient and the three parameters in the hysteretic model are to be established. An integral weighted mean squared error function is used to evaluate the [goodness of fit] between the model's response and the structure's response when both are subjected to the same excitation. The function includes errors in displacement and acceleration and is integrated from zero to a time T, which may be the full duration of the recorded response or only a portion of it. The parameters are adjusted using a modified Gauss‐Newton method until the error function is minimized.

The computer program incorporating these steps in the system identification process is verified with simulated data. Results given in the paper show that in every case the program converges in few iterations to the assigned set of parameters.
The vibrational characteristics of a twelve‐storey steel frame building
Authors: Foutch Dougla S. A.
Published: March 2007

The Ralph M. Parsons World Headquarters building, a twelve‐storey steel frame structure, was subjected to a series of forced vibration tests. The natural frequencies, three‐dimensional mode shapes and damping coefficients of nine modes of vibration were determined. Other features of this investigation included the study of non‐linearities associated with increasing levels of response, detailed measurements of the deformation of the first floor and the ground surrounding the structure, and measurements of strain in one of the columns of the structure during forced excitation.

The dynamic characteristics of the building determined by these tests are compared to those predicted by a finite element model of the structure. The properties of primarily translational modes are predicted reasonably well, but adequate prediction of torsional motions is not obtained. The comparison between measured and predicted strains suggests that estimates of stress determined from finite element analyses of buildings might be within 25 per cent of those experienced by the structure for a known excitation.
Natural vibrations of shear wall buildings on flexible supports
Authors: Coull A. , Mukherjee P. R.
Published: March 2007

A shear wall building is considered as an assembly of plane and curvilinear shear walls tied together by floor slabs to act as a composite unit. Based on this conception and the continuous medium approach, the governing dynamic equations and boundary conditions are derived from energy principles, using Vlasov's theory of thin‐walled beams. All primary and secondary inertia forces, as well as the influence of elastic foundation flexibility, have been taken into consideration. A numerical solution of the dynamic equations is achieved by employing the Ritz‐Galerkin technique, yielding both natural frequencies and mode shapes. The technique is applicable to buildings containing coupled and non‐coupled, open section shear walls oriented in plan in any arbitrary manner. The use of the method is illustrated by the example of a complex building with unsymmetric plan, and the analytical natural frequencies of two shear wall building models are compared with those obtained experimentally by other investigators.
Monetary valuation of informal care: the well‐being valuation method
Authors: van den Berg Bernard , Ferrer‐i‐Carbonell Ada
Published: March 2007

This paper estimates the monetary value of providing informal care by means of a well‐being valuation method. This is done by assessing the compensating variation necessary to maintain the same level of well‐being after an informal caregiver provides an extra hour of informal care. The informal caregiver's well‐being is proxied by the answer to two subjective well‐being questions that were posed in a questionnaire answered by 865 Dutch informal caregivers between the end of 2001 and the beginning of 2002. In the econometric analysis, a distinction is made between the care recipients who are and the ones who are not a family member of the informal caregiver. The results indicate that an extra hour of informal care is worth about 9 or 10 Euros. This equals 8 or 9 Euros if the care recipient is a family member and about 7 or 9 Euros if not. When applying the contingent valuation method to the same sample, the value obtained was 10.52 Euros per hour. This paper concludes that the well‐being valuation method is a useful complement to the more traditional valuation methods in the health economics literature in general and more particularly for the economic valuation of informal care: it includes all costs and effects associated with providing care from the perspective of the informal caregiver, it is relatively cheap to implement, and it offers an additional possibility to determine the convergent validity of the different monetary valuation methods. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of cyclodextrins on the proliferation of HaCaT keratinocytes in vitro
Authors: Hipler U.C. , Schönfelder U. , Hipler C. , Elsner P.
Published: March 2007

Safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical agents can be greatly improved by encapsulation within, or covalent attachment to, a biomaterial carrier. Drug delivery systems must deliver the necessary amount of drug to the targeted site for a necessary period of time, both efficiently and precisely. Various kinds of high‐performance biomaterials are being constantly developed for this purpose. Cyclodextrins are potential candidates for such a role, because of their ability to alter physical, chemical, and biological properties of guest molecules through the formation of inclusion complexes. The α‐, β‐, and γ‐cyclodextrins are widely used natural cyclodextrins, consisting of six, seven, and eight D‐glucopyranose residues, respectively, linked by ‐1,4 glycosidic bonds into a macro cycle. Each cyclodextrin has its own ability to form inclusion complexes with specific guests, an ability, which depends on a proper fit of the guest molecule into the hydrophobic cyclodextrin cavity. The most common pharmaceutical application of cyclodextrins is to enhance the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of drug molecules. Such kinds of ligand–receptor complexes can be used for different applications, e.g., for a transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) or in biofunctional textiles. The aim of this study was the investigation of the influence of the different cyclodextrins on the cell proliferation using HaCaT keratinocytes as an in vitro test system. Moreover, the study was performed to find harmless and nontoxic cyclodextrin concentrations for dermal applications. By means of different independent in vitro tests could be confirmed that α‐, β‐, and γ‐cyclodextrins in concentrations up to 0.1% (w/v) do not show any antiproliferative influence on HaCaT keratinocytes. Sometimes even proliferative effects could be found. However, all used cyclodextrins (besides γ‐cyclodextrin and its derivatives) in concentrations of 0.5 and 1% (w/v), respectively, exert a cytotoxic influence on the proliferation of HaCaT keratinocytes. On the basis of these findings, the following rank order of cyclodextrins regarding their cytotoxicity was proposed: M‐β‐CD ≫ β‐CD ≫ HP‐β‐CD ≫ α‐CD ≫ (γ‐CD). It could be confirmed that β‐CD and M‐β‐CD trigger the activity of the effectors caspases ‐3 and ‐7. A significant increase of LDH release could be found for β‐CD and methyl‐β‐CD in concentrations of 0.5 and 1% (w/v). The calculated cytotoxicity amounted 45 and 79%, respectively. The measurements of the interleukins IL‐6 and IL‐8 confirmed the findings of the proliferation assays as well as the LDH measurements. These findings may provide further rationale to the use of CDs in topical formulations for dermal and transdermal drug delivery or as raw material to functionalize textiles for medical applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2007