bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Effect of Varying Swim Speeds on Fish Passage through Velocity Barriers
Authors: Castro‐Santos Theodore
Published: September 2006

The distance fish can swim through zones of high‐velocity flow is an important factor limiting the distribution and conservation of riverine and diadromous fishes. Often, these barriers are characterized by nonuniform flow conditions, and it is likely that fish will swim at varying speeds to traverse them. Existing models used to predict passage success, however, typically include the unrealistic assumption that fish swim at a constant speed regardless of the speed of flow. This paper demonstrates how the maximum distance of ascent through velocity barriers can be estimated from the swim speed–fatigue time relationship, allowing for variation in both swim speed and water velocity.
Do Channel Catfish Stockings Affect Growth and Size Structure of Bluegills in Small Impoundments?
Authors: Michaletz Paul H.
Published: September 2006

Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus are commonly stocked into small impoundments and may become abundant in these waters. When channel catfish are abundant, they may compete with bluegills Lepomis macrochirus for macroinvertebrate prey, resulting in reduced growth and size structure of bluegills. I determined whether bluegill growth and size structure were related to the varying abundance of channel catfish by means of two experimental pond studies and small‐lake survey data. In the first pond experiment, 16 ponds were stocked with bluegills at 39.5 kg/ha and with channel catfish at a rate of 10, 30, 50, or 100 kg/ha (4 ponds/treatment). In the second pond experiment, 12 ponds were stocked with one of four bluegill–channel catfish biomass combinations (3 ponds/treatment): 15 and 70 kg/ha, 15 and 130 kg/ha, 70 and 70 kg/ha, or 70 and 130 kg/ha. Bluegill growth increments (both length and mass) did not decrease with increases in channel catfish biomass in either experiment, but both fish species exhibited density‐dependent growth. Macroinvertebrate biomass did not differ among treatments for either experiment. Bluegill proportional stock density, relative stock density for fish of 203 mm total length (TL) or more, relative weight, and mean TL at ages 3 and 4 for females and males did not differ among lakes stocked with 12, 37, or 74 channel catfish fingerlings·ha−1·year−1. However, channel catfish abundance varied greatly among lakes within a given stocking rate. When bluegill population characteristics were compared with channel catfish catch per unit effort (CPUE; fish/tandem hoop‐net series), there was a general pattern in which bluegill variables were highly variable at low to moderate channel catfish CPUE but consistently low at high channel catfish CPUE (>200 fish/tandem hoop‐net series). Thus, bluegill growth and size structure may only be reduced when channel catfish are highly abundant.
Buoyancy Regulation and Barotrauma in Two Species of Nearshore Rockfish
Authors: Parker Steven J. , McElderry Howard I. , Rankin Polly S. , Hannah Robert W.
Published: September 2006

Fishes with closed swim bladders regulate buoyancy during depth changes by secreting and resorbing swim bladder gases. Forced ascent during fishery capture results in barotrauma caused by rapid expansion and exsolution of gases from body fluids. Pressure changes in hyperbaric chambers were used to examine changes in swim bladder integrity and acclimation rates in two ecologically different, yet congeneric, species: Black rockfish Sebastes melanops and China rockfish S. nebulosus. We also conducted simulated‐capture experiments to investigate the relationship between capture in a fishery, barotrauma from pressure change, and survival after release. Black rockfish acclimated faster than China rockfish to both increases and decreases in pressure, but both species were much slower to acclimate than other physoclists, such as Atlantic cod Gadus morhua. Black rockfish required up to 48 h to acclimate from 4 atmospheres absolute (ATA; depth equivalent of 30 m) to surface pressure and required up to 168 h to become neutrally buoyant at 4 ATA after starting from surface pressure. In contrast, China rockfish required over 250 h to become neutrally buoyant at 4 ATA after starting from surface pressure. All black rockfish exposed to a 3‐ATA decrease in pressure during simulated capture had ruptured swim bladders. However, mortality from simulated capture and subsequent recompression was low; only 3.3 ± 1.7% (mean ±SE) mortality was observed after 21 d. In experiments with black rockfish, rapid recompression reversed visible barotrauma, suggesting that a quick return to depth could be used to minimize mortality of discarded black rockfish in nearshore fisheries.
A Library to Generate Synthetic Precipitation Data
Authors: Carlini Laura , Bellocchi Gianni , Donatelli Marcello
Published: September 2006

A critical issue in biophysical modeling projects is to develop a set of reusable libraries to support the development of future applications. This is true for weather modeling as well. Rain is a software component providing a collection of stochastic approaches to generate precipitation data on daily and subdaily time steps. Synthetic data generated on a daily time step consists of precipitation occurrence and amount. Subdaily generation includes time of peak, peak intensity, storm arrival, and duration. The software design allows for extension of the models implemented without recompiling the component. The component, inclusive of a hypertext help file and of documentation generated from source code comments, has been released as compiled .NET and Java versions, allowing application development in either programming environment. Illustrative examples of Windows‐based applications using Rain are provided as source code. A sample web service and a web application were also developed as possible use of the component.
Imaging Spectroscopy for On‐Farm Measurement of Grassland Yield and Quality
Authors: Schut A. G. T. , van der Heijden G. W. A. M. , Hoving I. , Stienezen M. W. J. , van Evert F. K. , Meuleman J.
Published: September 2006

Grassland management has a large influence on the operating cost and environmental impact of dairy farms and requires accurate, detailed, and timely information about the yield and quality of grass. Our objective was to evaluate imaging spectroscopy as a means to obtain accurate, detailed, and rapid measurements of grass yield and quality. The work consisted of three steps. In the first step, a new mobile measurement system comprising several hyperspectral sensors was constructed and calibrated on measurements collected in six field experiments in the Netherlands in 2 yr. A partial least squares regression model was used to fit parameters derived from hyperspectral images to values of DM (dry matter) yield and quality obtained through destructive sampling. Leave‐k‐out cross validation showed relative errors of prediction of 8 to 22% (167–477 kg DM ha−1absolute) for DM yield, 21% (0.07 absolute) for the fraction of clover in DM, 6 to 12% for nutrient concentration, 15 to 16% for sugar concentration, and 3 to 5% for feeding values. In the second step, the measurement system was used to predict grassland yield and quality on fields from two farms. In the third step, the absence of calibration data for a specific date was simulated with a leave‐harvest‐out procedure. Predictions of absolute values were strongly biased due to system instability. Prediction of relative values was good, with a mean absolute error of 183 kg ha−1for DM yield. The instability of the measurement system requires that duosampling must be used for prediction of absolute values.
Effect of Planting Date, Clipping Height, and Cultivar on Forage and Grain Yield of Winter Wheat in Argentinean Pampas
Authors: Arzadún M. J. , Arroquy J. I. , Laborde H. E. , Brevedan R. E.
Published: September 2006

In Argentinean Pampas, new wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars are routinely introduced to farmers for dual‐purpose production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of planting date, clipping height on forage, and grain yield for wheat cultivars. Treatments were arranged as a 3 × 3 × 3 factorial distributed in a split‐split plot within a randomized complete block design. Main plots were planting date (March, April, and May); split‐plots were clipping height (3 cm, 7 cm, and no clipping); and split‐split plots were a facultative cultivar Pincen, and two nonfacultative cultivars Charrua and Bordenave 223 (Bve223). In 1995 and 1996 forage yield decreased in response to a delayed planting date from March to May, whereas in 1997 it was not affected by planting date. The 3‐cm clipping height yielded 21% more forage than plots clipped at 7 cm. Bve223 and Charrua produced significantly more forage than Pincen each year. Grain yield increased as planting date progressed from March to May. Clipping at 3 cm reduced grain yield compared with no clipping, while during 2 to 3 yr, 7 cm produced no significant change in grain yield compared with no clipping. In all years Bve223 produced more grain than Charrua or Pincen. Forage yield lost in response to later planting date ranged between 0 and 81% during the 3 yr; whereas grain yield increased from 40 to 190% for wheat planted in May compared with March. In conclusion, dual‐purpose wheat planted during April had both good forage and grain production, and its success was influenced by cultivars.
Irrigated Corn and Soybean Response to Nitrogen under No‐Till in Northern Colorado
Authors: Halvorson Ardell D. , Reule Curtis A.
Published: September 2006

Irrigated, no‐till (NT) production systems can potentially reduce soil erosion, fossil fuel consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional till (CT) systems. Including a legume in the rotation may also reduce N fertilizer requirements. Nitrogen fertilization (6 N rates) effects on irrigated, corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yields in a corn–soybean rotation were evaluated for 5 yr on a clay loam soil to determine the viability of an irrigated NT system and N needs for optimum crop yield. Corn grain yields were significantly increased by N fertilization each of 3 yr in the rotation, but soybean grain yields (2 yr) did not respond to N fertilization, averaging 2.79 Mg ha−1. Three year average corn grain yields were near maximum with an available N (AN) (soil + fertilizer + irrigation water N) level of 257 kg N ha−1. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) by corn and soybean, based on grain N removal, decreased with increasing AN level and ranged from 155 to 46 and 88 to 18 kg grain kg−1. AN for the low and high N treatments for corn and soybean, respectively. Estimated total N required to produce one Mg grain at maximum yield averaged 20 kg N for corn and 54 kg N for soybean. Corn residue increased with increasing N rate, but soybean residue was constant across N rates. Excellent irrigated, NT corn yields were obtained in this corn–soybean rotation for northern Colorado, but soybean yields were only marginally acceptable. Short soybean plant height (30–40 cm) and shattering made combine harvest difficult resulting in significant grain loss. Improved soybean cultivars are needed for this area to make a corn–soybean rotation a viable production system.
Foreign Language Teachers and Intercultural Competence Teaching. Are they in Favour or Against It? Results from an International Investigation
Authors: Sercu Lies
Published: September 2006

Foreign language curricula now frequently require foreign language teachers to integrate intercultural competence teaching in foreign language education. This study's objective was to investigate whether and to what extent foreign language teachers support this new objective. To that aim, an international research design was developed, involving teachers in Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Mexico, Poland, Spain and Sweden.

Our findings suggest that the larger part of the teachers who participated in our study are clearly willing to teach intercultural communicative competence (icc) in their classrooms, but that this overall positive disposition is conditioned by a number of convictions regarding the best way to teach ICC. In addition, we found that, despite differences in national teaching circumstances, teachers in different countries share a number of these convictions.
Jordanian EFL Teachers' Perceptions of the Appropriateness of Action Pack Textbooks
Authors: Al-Barakat Ali Ahmad , Bataineh Ruba Fahmi , Al-Karasneh Samih Mahmoud , Bataineh Rula Fahmi
Published: September 2006

This study investigates the appropriateness of the Action Pack Textbook Series (APTS) currently taught in the first four primary stage classes in Jordanian public schools. An evaluation checklist, compiled from the literature, and a semi-structured interview were used to evaluate the content, layout, assessment tasks, teacher's book and the availability of supplementary materials.

The findings support the following conclusions: Poor ratings were minimal; APTS is adaptable to the needs of both teachers and pupils and provides a broad range of resources that can be selectively integrated into the curriculum; APTS contains modes of instruction that are developmentally appropriate for a wide range of learners; APTS instructional materials are interesting, engaging and effective for the target learners; the format of the teacher's book is easy to follow, the directions for implementing activities are clear, and the teacher's book itself is flexible and allows teachers to choose from a variety of activities to use with their pupils; for the most part, non-text materials are used appropriately to promote learning; and, overall, the materials for the pupils are well written, age-appropriate and compelling in content.
Adjunct Language Instruction
Authors: Holmes Richard , Omar Megawati
Published: September 2006

This study investigated the extent to which adjunct language instruction (ALI) is effective and the reasons for its effectiveness through an analysis of the perceptions of students. The beneficial effects of teaching lab report writing in English by instruction in content-based writing using genre-based materials from a concurrent physics course were confirmed by a comparison of two groups of Malay-speaking engineering students in a Malaysian university. The primary focus of the study was, however, concerned with identifying the factors that contribute to this effectiveness using structural equation modelling (SEM) as an analytical tool. Two hundred and sixty students in ten groups were instructed, also using ALI materials and asked to complete a questionnaire. Answers were then used to construct a model of the effectiveness of ALI. It was found that the type of writing instruction needed by engineering students was instruction in lab report writing and that ALI lab report instruction led to an improvement in the students' report writing. The model developed through SEM indicated that ALI provided three factors or conditions necessary for its success: the method of teaching lab report writing, the students' acceptance of the materials, and the match between the instruction and the students'linguistic proficiency.
Agreement in the English Interlanguage of Basque/Spanish Bilinguals
Authors: García Mayo María del Pilar , Lázaro-Ibarrola Amparo , Liceras Juana M.
Published: September 2006

This study investigates the status of subject pronouns in the English interlanguage of Basque-Spanish bilinguals from a minimalist perspective. The oral production of 20 participants was analyzed at two different points in their acquisition of English (Time 1:396 hours of exposure; Time 2:564 hours of exposure). The pronoun he, systematicaily adjoined to the verb at Time 1 in sentences that already feature a DP subject, is interpreted as a place holder for the agreement morphemes in the subjects' L 1s. At Time 2 the entire pronominal system is acquired and English pronouns become independent. The reanalysis of pronouns, from agreement morphemes to free elements, is argued to have a direct impact on the distribution of inflection in the participants' English interlanguage.
Comparing Artistic Values: The Example of Movies
Authors: Ginsburgh Victor , Weyers Sheila
Published: September 2006

Analytic art philosophers suggest that artworks carry independently valuable properties that can be rated. However, they point out that since these properties are incommensurable, one cannot infer the overall value of works in order to compare them. We show how weights can be retrieved from observations in which art critics or experts rate properties, as well as the overall value of works. This will also make clear that experts do indeed implicitly use such weights. We illustrate the idea using movies for which we do observe both a rating of total value and the ratings of a certain number of properties, focusing on the 270 movies, both nominated and having been awarded the Oscar for “Best Picture” between 1950 and 2003.
Measuring the Culture of C. P. Snow's Two Cultures
Authors: McManus I. C.
Published: September 2006

C. P. Snow's (1964) The Two Cultures has been controversial, and is still much cited in the literature of both the sciences and the humanities. However, there seem to have been no empirical studies of cultural and aesthetic activities in scientists and non-scientists. This study describes a questionnaire which measured 17 different cultural activities in a stratified survey of science and non-science students in London, UK. Science students showed a significantly lower level of activity on 12 of the 17 measures (and were significantly higher on none). Among the scientists, cultural activity overall was lowest in engineering and mathematics students, and highest in medical and biological science students. Cultural activity correlated significantly with the personality measure of Openness to Experience, although the correlation was weaker in scientists than in non-scientists.
Cognitive and Affective Responses to Structural Variations of An E. A. Poe Short Story
Authors: Levorato M. C. , Ronconi L.
Published: September 2006

Two experiments studied reader responses to structurally different versions of a short story by E. A. Poe. It was modified by flashback and anticipation to produce four additional versions. In Experiment 1, the following responses were collected: Curiosity, Excitement, Imagery, Impact, Interest, Pleasure, Pleasure at the Ending, Surprise, Surprise at the Ending, Suspense; moreover, readers were asked to judge characteristics of the text, that is Coherence, Facility, and Postdictability. Results show that three dimensions underlie narrative reception: Involvement while Reading, Evaluation of the Outcome, and Cognitive Evaluation. In Experiment 2, at pre-established points, readers were asked to evaluate some responses belonging to the first dimension, namely Curiosity, Interest, Pleasure, and Excitement. The analyses show different trends in text reception according to text structure.
Effects of Time and Information on Perception of Art
Authors: Smith Lisa F. , Bousquet Suzanne G. , Chang George , Smith Jeffrey K.
Published: September 2006

This study examined whether the presence of a label and the length of viewing time affect the perception of art. Participants were 152 undergraduate students at an urban university in central New Jersey. A computer program randomly assigned participants to viewing 4 paintings under a label or no label condition and a 1-s, 5-s, 30-s, or 60-s time condition. The paintings were Cezanne's Still Life With Apples, Mondrian's Composition with Red, Yellow and Blue, Monet's Garden at Sainte-Adresse, and Davis' Report from Rockport. After viewing each painting, participants completed a rating scale of 24 adjective pairs. Multivariate analyses of variance indicated little support for the hypotheses that the label condition will lead to different ratings of the art as compared to the non-label condition and that length of viewing time will affect ratings of the art. The reliability coefficients for the rating scale were fairly strong. Results are discussed in terms of how ratings of art are dependent largely on the work of art itself.
Artistic Training and Interest in Visual Art: Applying the Appraisal Model of Aesthetic Emotions
Authors: Silvia Paul J.
Published: September 2006

Art experts find art more interesting, particularly when it is abstract or complex. These findings are explored in light of a model of aesthetic emotions rooted in appraisal theories (Silvia, 2005b, 2005d). This model attributes emotional responses to art to cognitive appraisal processes (as opposed to collative motivation, prototypicality, or processing fluency). Two experiments examined whether art experts and novices differed in the appraisals that make art interesting. In Experiment 1, people with art training found complex pictures more interesting, and they appraised them as easier to understand. Using multilevel modeling, Experiment 2 explored whether art training involved a qualitative shift in the appraisals that cause interest. Within-person effects of appraisals on emotions were essentially independent of between-person differences in training. People high and low in training make the same emotional appraisals of art, but they reach different answers to the appraisal questions.
Authenticity and power
Authors: Brookfield Stephen D.
Published: September 2006

Teaching behaviors prized by students as evidence of responsiveness—particularly making full disclosure of our agendas and having our words and actions be consistent—often bring us up against the contradictions and realities of power.
Authenticity and relationships with students
Authors: Frego Katherine A.
Published: September 2006

Although authenticity makes one vulnerable, the author believes that its impact on learning and on enjoyment of the teaching and learning process justifies the risk. This chapter describes how to offer a relationship to each student, focusing on appropriate caring for individuals and for learning.
Institutional constraints on authenticity in teaching
Authors: Hunt Russell
Published: September 2006

This chapter deals with the constraints that may inhibit authenticity, whether explicit and known to all or more insidiously embedded in our educational culture.
Teaching with presence
Authors: Kornelsen Lloyd
Published: September 2006

According to exemplars in adult education, those inner qualities that facilitate the presence of themselves, their learners, and the subject content are the aspects of the genuine self that teachers need to express in the classroom to help bring about learning. This chapter examines what it means to be present, and how teachers develop or come to have this sensibility.
Integrating perspectives on authenticity
Authors: Cranton Patricia
Published: September 2006

This chapter summarizes and integrates the main themes in the volume: examination of authenticity through a critical lens of power, culture, and gender; and consideration of authenticity as an essentially humanist endeavor.
Supercritical water oxidation: A technical review
Authors: Bermejo M. D. , Cocero M. J.
Published: September 2006

Supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) technology presents important environmental advantages for the treatment of industrial wastes and sludges. The homogeneous reaction that takes place between the oxidizable materials and oxygen, at temperatures and pressures above the critical point of the water (647.3 K and 22.12 MPa), is well known. Specific equations of state for water and aqueous mixtures, gases, and organics have been developed. The process is not having the expected industrial development. Some new plants have been closed by corrosion and operational problems related with high temperature, high pressure, and oxidative atmosphere inside of the equipments. To overcome these technical difficulties more research focused on solving operational problems is necessary. This article presents an overview of the technical aspects of the supercritical water oxidation process. Reactors design, construction materials, corrosion, salts precipitation problems, and industrial applications are discussed. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Vascular update: Morphogenesis, tumors, malformations, and molecular dimensions
Authors: Cohen Jr. M. Michael
Published: September 2006

This vascular review is organized under the following headings: vasculogenesis and angiogenesis; vascular endothelial growth factors, their receptors, TIE receptors, and angiopoietins; other factors in blood vessel formation; parallel patterning in blood vessels and nerves; physiological and pathological neovascularization; the role of VEGF receptors in metastasis; anti‐angiogenic therapy for tumors; association of blood vessels with fat; vascular malformations and vascular tumors; infantile hemangiomas; congenital hemangiomas; lymphatic malformations; molecular characteristics of some disorders with vascular malformations; Kasabach‐Merritt phenomenon; Sturge‐Weber syndrome, Klippel‐Trenaunay syndrome, and Parkes Weber syndrome; diagnostic and laboratory studies; and future perspectives. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Family‐based association study of TPH1 and TPH2 polymorphisms in autism
Authors: Ramoz Nicolas , Cai Guiqing , Reichert Jennifer G. , Corwin Thomas E. , Kryzak Lauren A. , Smith Christopher J. , Silverman Jeremy M. , Hollander Eric , Buxbaum Joseph D.
Published: September 2006

The TPH1 and TPH2 genes encode the rate‐limiting enzymes that control serotonin biosynthesis, and serotonin is clearly altered in autism. In the current study, eight SNPs in the TPH1 gene region and eight SNPs within the TPH2 gene were examined by family‐based association tests in a large cohort of 352 families with autism and in clinically defined subsets of these families with either severe obsessive‐compulsive behaviors (sOCB) or self‐stimulatory behaviors (SSB). We found no evidence for association between autism and single SNPs or haplotypes of the TPH1 and TPH2 genes in the cohort of all families or in the sOCB and SSB subsets. In particular, we failed to replicate the association between autism and variants of the TPH2 gene, rs4341581 (TRANSMIT P = 1; PDT P = 0.323; FBAT P = 0.446) and rs11179000 (TRANSMIT P = 0.174; PDT P = 0.293; FBAT P = 0.374). Furthermore, no evidence for linkage was observed between autism and SNPs in the TPH1 and TPH2 genes (although linkage at the TPH2 locus was observed in the SSB subset). Thus, it appears unlikely that the TPH1 and TPH2 genes play a significant role in the susceptibility to autism or to autism endophenotypes including sOCB and SSB. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Allelic association of a truncation mutation of the KCNMB3 gene with idiopathic generalized epilepsy
Authors: Lorenz Susanne , Heils Armin , Kasper Johannes M. , Sander Thomas
Published: September 2006

The gene encoding the β3‐subunit regulatory subunit (KCNMB3) of large conductance calcium‐sensitive potassium (BK) channels represents a positional and functional candidate gene for idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). A single base pair deletion in exon 4 of KCNMB3 (delA750) alters/truncates the terminal 21 amino acids of the 3‐subunit and affects channel inactivation of the β3b‐isoform. The present association study tested whether the KCNMB3 delA750 mutation confers susceptibility to common IGE syndromes. In total, 592 unrelated German IGE patients and 462 healthy population controls were genotyped for the delA750 truncation mutation. The frequency of the delA750 mutation was significantly increased in the IGE patients (7.9%) compared to that in the controls (5.5%; P = 0.016, one‐sided; OR = 1.52; 95%‐CI: 1.05–2.21). The increase of the delA750 frequency was accentuated in 312 patients exhibiting typical absence seizures (8.8%, P = 0.005, one‐sided; OR = 1.72; 95%‐CI: 1.13–2.62) relatively to that observed in the 237 patients with myoclonic seizures on awakening (7.2%; P = 0.11, one‐sided; OR = 1.36; 95%‐CI: 0.85–2.19), when compared with controls. The present results suggest that the functional KCNMB3 β3b‐truncation confers a common epileptogenic effect preferentially to the ictogenesis of typical absence seizures. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The genomic era and perceptions of psychotic disorders: Genetic risk estimation, associations with reproductive decisions and views about predictive testing
Authors: Austin Jehannine C. , Smith Geoffrey N. , Honer William G.
Published: September 2006

As a result of publicity surrounding genetic advances, increasing public awareness of a genetic role in major mental illness may be contributing to a “geneticization” of these illnesses. Geneticization could lead to oversimplified ideas about genetic risk, producing significant social consequences. We sought to investigate perceptions of genetic risk, associated effects on reproductive decisions and attitudes towards genetic testing amongst unaffected relatives of individuals with psychosis. A web‐based survey design was used, which all visitors to a psychosis support/information website had the option to complete. Responders were representative of website visitors, and the study design facilitated collection of a large dataset, although the response rate was low. Over‐estimating risk was associated with reproductive decisions favoring fewer children, and more positive attitudes towards genetic testing. Facilitating accurate risk perception through genetic counseling could significantly impact reproductive decisions, and the appropriate use of genetic tests in the future. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of RELN in lissencephaly and neuropsychiatric disease
Authors: Chang Bernard S. , Duzcan Fusun , Kim Seonhee , Cinbis Mine , Aggarwal Abha , Apse Kira A. , Ozdel Osman , Atmaca Munevver , Zencir Sevil , Bagci Huseyin , Walsh Christopher A.
Published: September 2006

Reelin is an extracellular matrix‐associated protein important in the regulation of neuronal migration during cerebral cortical development. Point mutations in the RELN gene have been shown to cause an autosomal recessive human brain malformation termed lissencephaly with cerebellar hypoplasia (LCH). Recent work has raised the possibility that reelin may also play a pathogenic role in other neuropsychiatric disorders. We sought, therefore, to define more precisely the phenotype of RELN gene disruption. To do this, we performed a clinical, radiological, and molecular study of a family in whom multiple individuals carry a chromosomal inversion that disrupts the RELN locus. A 6‐year‐old girl homozygous for the pericentric inversion 46,XX,inv7(p11.2q22) demonstrated the same clinical features that have been previously described in association with RELN point mutations. The girl's brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, including pachygyria and severe cerebellar hypoplasia, were identical to those seen with RELN point mutations. Fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed that one of the breakpoints of this inversion mapped to within the RELN gene, and Western blotting revealed an absence of detectable serum reelin protein. Several relatives who were heterozygous for this inversion were neurologically normal and had no signs of psychotic illness. Our findings demonstrate the distinctive phenotype of LCH, which is easily distinguishable from other forms of lissencephaly. Although RELN appears to be critical for normal cerebral and cerebellar development, its role, if any, in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders remains unclear. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serotonin transporter mRNA levels are associated with the methylation of an upstream CpG island
Authors: Philibert Robert , Madan Anup , Andersen Allan , Cadoret Remi , Packer Hans , Sandhu Harinder
Published: September 2006

The serotonin reuptake transporter (5HTT) is thought to be the principal regulator of serotonergic activity and epigenetic effects at this locus are thought to be important moderators of vulnerability to neuropsychiatric illness. In attempt to understand the basis of this regulation, several gene polymorphisms that affect 5HTT mRNA levels have been described. But to date, no clear mechanism linking these polymorphisms to vulnerability to epigenetic effects have been described. In this communication, we describe a CpG island in the 5′ region of the 5HTT gene that contains an alternative exon 1 and possible promoter for 5HTT. We then confirm the existence of this transcript and ascertain the methylation status of this CpG island in 49 lymphoblast cell lines and analyze the relationship between methylation and 5HTT mRNA levels. We demonstrate that methylation at this CpG island is associated with decreased levels of 5HTT mRNA, but that this effect is evident only when 5HTTLPR genotype is taken into account. We suggest that these findings have significant implications for the understanding of the role of this locus in behavioral illness. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metaphors, hostage‐takers, and dealing with ‘Influential Outsiders’ highlight excerpts from a ‘Canon’ on deal‐making
Authors: Kupfer Schneider Andrea , Honeyman Christopher
Published: September 2006

Andrea Kupfer Schneider, of Milwaukee, and Christopher Honeyman, of Madison, Wis., preview their comprehensive new anthology on reaching agreement, “The Negotiator's Fieldbook,” which will be published this month by the American Bar Association's Section of Dispute Resolution.
Follow‐up: Final government ADR guides put emphasis on confidentiality practices
Authors: Bleemer Russ
Published: September 2006

Federal officials finalize work on three ADR‐related guides that focus on confidentiality, incorporating comments that deal with agency reporting relationships.
Dexamethasone and long‐term outcome in adults with bacterial meningitis
Authors: Weisfelt Martijn , Hoogman Martine , van de Beek Diederik , de Gans Jan , Dreschler Wouter A. , Schmand Ben A.
Published: September 2006

Objective

This follow‐up study of the European Dexamethasone Study was designed to examine the potential harmful effect of adjunctive dexamethasone treatment on long‐term neuropsychological outcome in adults with bacterial meningitis.

Methods

Neurological, audiological, and neuropsychological examinations were performed in adults who survived pneumococcal or meningococcal meningitis.

Results

Eighty‐seven of 99 (88%) eligible patients were included in the follow‐up study; 46 (53%) were treated with dexamethasone and 41 (47%) with placebo. Median time between meningitis and testing was 99 months. Neuropsychological evaluation showed no significant differences between patients treated with dexamethasone and placebo. The proportions of patients with persisting neurological sequelae or hearing loss were similar in the dexamethasone and placebo groups. The overall rate of cognitive dysfunction did not differ significantly between patients and control subjects; however, patients after pneumococcal meningitis had a higher rate of cognitive dysfunction (21 vs 6%; p = 0.05) and experienced more impairment of everyday functioning due to physical problems (p = 0.05) than those after meningococcal meningitis.

Interpretation

Treatment with adjunctive dexamethasone is not associated with an increased risk for long‐term cognitive impairment. Adults who survive pneumococcal meningitis are at significant risk for long‐term neuropsychological abnormalities. Ann Neurol 2006
Delayed Nogo receptor therapy improves recovery from spinal cord contusion
Authors: Wang Xingxing , Baughman Kenneth W. , Basso D. Michele , Strittmatter Stephen M.
Published: September 2006

Objective

Myelin‐associated inhibitors play a role in limiting axonal growth in the adult central nervous system. Blocking these inhibitors may promote neurological recovery from spinal cord contusion.

Methods

The soluble Nogo‐66 receptor (NgR(310)ecto‐Fc) protein, which can neutralize three myelin inhibitors, was infused into rats after spinal cord contusion for 28 days. Treatment was initiated intrathecally at the time of injury or 3 days after injury by the intracerebroventricular route at a dose of 0.29mg/kg/day. Recovery of locomotion and of axonal growth was assessed. Some animals received combination therapy with NgR(310)ecto‐Fc plus rolipram, a cyclic adenosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase inhibitor.

Results

Seven weeks after spinal injury, the Basso‐Beattie Bresnahan locomotor scores were significantly improved in the 3‐day delayed NgR(310)ecto‐Fc treatment group (9.5 ± 0.7; n = 16) versus the vehicle‐treated group, (6.75 ± 0.7; n = 15) (p ≤ 0.01, analysis of variance). The percentage of NgR(310)ecto‐Fc–treated animals able to support their weight was twice that in the control group. Delayed therapy was as efficacious as acute therapy. Addition of rolipram did not alter recovery. The beneficial behavioral effects of NgR(310)ecto‐Fc correlated with sprouting of raphespinal axons in the caudal spinal cord and of corticospinal axons in the rostral spinal cord.

Interpretation

NgR(310)ecto‐Fc treatment improves outcome in a rodent model that closely mimicked human spinal cord injury. Ann Neurol 2006
Periconceptional health and lifestyle factors of both parents affect the risk of live‐born children with orofacial clefts
Authors: Krapels Ingrid P.C. , Zielhuis Gerhard A. , Vroom Fokaline , de Jong‐van den Berg Lolkje T.W. , Kuijpers‐Jagtman Anne‐Marie , van der Molen Aebele B. Mink , Steegers‐Theunissen Régine P.M.
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND:

Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) or cleft palate only (CPO) are orofacial clefts and have a multifactorial etiology. The identification of amendable parental risk factors may contribute to a reduced occurrence of these malformations in the future.

METHODS:

Standardized demographic and periconceptional exposure data from 284 parents of a child with CL/P, 66 parents of a child with a CPO and 222 parents of a child without congenital malformations were collected at ∼24 months after the periconceptional period of the index child. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to estimate relative risks by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS:

Univariate results suggest that low parental education, periconceptional maternal medication use and illnesses, paternal smoking, and first‐trimester maternal common cold increased CL/P risk. Pregnancy planning and periconceptional folic acid supplementation, however, reduced CL/P risk by ∼50% (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3–0.8) and 40% (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4–0.9), respectively. Mostly comparable results were obtained for CPO. Being a boy (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.4–3.0), folic acid supplementation (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4–0.9), and low paternal education (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0–2.3) mainly determined CL/P in the multivariate analyses, compared to low paternal (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 2.1–9.4) and maternal medication use (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.0–4.0) for CPO.

CONCLUSIONS:

Preconceptional counseling for orofacial cleft risk assessment should pay attention to maternal medication use, periconceptional folic acid supplementation, and exposures of the father. These determinants can be amended, thereby modifying orofacial cleft risk. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cover Picture: Kinetic, Thermodynamic, and Mechanistic Patterns for Free (Unbound) Cytochrome c at Au/SAM Junctions: Impact of Electronic Coupling, Hydrostatic Pressure, and Stabilizing/Denaturing Additives (Chem. Eur. J. 27/2006)
Authors: Khoshtariya Dimitri E. , Dolidze Tina D. , Seifert Stefan , Sarauli David , Lee Geoffrey , van Eldik Rudi
Published: September 2006

The cross‐testing of the CytC intrinsic ET mechanisms at the Au/SAM junctions (hydroxy‐terminated n‐alkanethiol self‐assembled monolayers) in the freely diffusing regime revealed a gradual turnover from the adiabatic to nonadiabatic mechanism through the intermediate regime. In their Full Paper on page 7041 ff., R. van Eldik, D. E. Khoshtariya et al. describe their investigations involving variation of the SAM thickness (n=2, 3, 4, 6, 11, with n=4 found to be a turnover point), the relative solution viscosity, and the hydrostatic pressure (up to 150 MPa).
A New Distorted Variant of the CaBe2Ge2 Type — Crystal Structures of SrPd2Bi2, BaPd2Bi2, and BaAu2Sb2.
Authors: Frik Lars , Johrendt Dirk , Mewis Albrecht
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.
Yb—Zn—Al Ternary System: CaCu5‐Type Derived Compounds in the Zinc‐Rich Corner.
Authors: Fornasini Maria Luisa , Manfrinetti Pietro , Mazzone Donata
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.
Thermoelectric and Structural Properties of a New Chevrel Phase: Ti0.3Mo5RuSe8.
Authors: McGuire Michael A. , Schmidt Anneliese M. , Gascoin Franck , Snyder G. Jeffrey , DiSalvo Francis J.
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.
Electronic Structure Analysis of the Difference Between Cs2AgF4 and Rb2MnF4 in Their Magnetic Properties and Single‐Crystal Structure Determination of Rb2MnF4.
Authors: Dai D. , Whangbo M.‐H. , Koehler J. , Hoch C. , Villesuzanne A.
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.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a Novel Potassium Borate with an Unprecedented [B12O16(OH)8]4‐ Anion.
Authors: Wang Guo‐Ming , Sun Yan‐Qiong , Zheng Shou‐Tian , Yang Guo‐Yu
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.
Molten Salt Synthesis (MSS) of Cu2Mo6S8 — New Way for Large‐Scale Production of Chevrel Phases.
Authors: Lancry E. , Levi E. , Mitelman A. , Malovany S. , Aurbach D.
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.
Kinetic Resolution of 2‐Oxazolidinones via Catalytic, Enantioselective N‐Acylation.
Authors: Birman Vladimir B. , Jiang Hui , Li Ximin , Guo Lei , Uffman Eric W.
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.
Asymmetric Catalysis of the [5 + 2] Cycloaddition Reaction of Vinylcyclopropanes and π‐Systems.
Authors: Wender Paul A. , Haustedt Lars O. , Lim Jaehong , Love Jennifer A. , Williams Travis J. , Yoon Joo‐Yong
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.
Catalytic Enantioselective Crossed Aldehyde‐Ketone Benzoin Cyclization.
Authors: Takikawa Hiroshi , Hachisu Yoshifumi , Bode Jeffrey W. , Suzuki Keisuke
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.
Enantio‐ and Diastereoselective Michael Addition Reactions of Unmodified Aldehydes and Ketones with Nitroolefins Catalyzed by a Pyrrolidine Sulfonamide.
Authors: Wang Jian , Li Hao , Lou Bihshow , Zu Liansuo , Guo Hua , Wang Wei
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.
trans‐1‐Sulfonylamino‐2‐isoborneolsulfonylaminocyclohexane Derivatives: Excellent Chiral Ligands for the Catalytic Enantioselective Addition of Organozinc Reagents to Ketones.
Authors: Forrat Vicente J. , Prieto Oscar , Ramon Diego , Yus Miguel
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.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of N‐Propargyl Enamine Derivatives.
Authors: Kim Hahn , Lee Chulbom
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.
Tetra‐n‐propylammonium Perruthenate (TPAP) Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation of Hydroxylamines to Nitrones.
Authors: Cardona Francesca , Gorini Lapo , Goti Andrea
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.
A Highly Active Catalyst for Suzuki—Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reactions of Heteroaryl Compounds.
Authors: Billingsley Kelvin L. , Anderson Kevin W. , Buchwald Stephen L.
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.
Facile and Selective Preparation of Esters from Carboxylic Acids Catalyzed by Aluminumdodecatangstophosphate (AlWP12O40) as a Versatile, Recyclable and a Highly Water Tolerant Green Lewis Acid Catalyst.
Authors: Friouzabadi Habib , Iranpoor Nasser , Jafari Abbas Ali
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.
Selective Hydrogenolysis of Benzyl Ethers in the Presence of Benzylidene Acetals with Raney Nickel.
Authors: Vincent Aurelie , Prunet Joelle
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.
Solventless Microwave‐Assisted Chlorodehydroxylation for the Conversion of Alcohols to Alkyl Chlorides.
Authors: Reid Mark C. , Clark James H. , Macquarrie Duncan J.
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.
Aza‐Michael Additions on α,β‐Unsaturated Esters Catalyzed by Bismuth(III) Triflate in Conventional Chemistry and under Microwave Irradiation.
Authors: Monfray Jeremy , Koskinen Ari M. P.
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.
Preparation of Thiocyanates and Isothiocyanates from Alcohols, Thiols, Trimethylsilyl‐, and Tetrahydropyranyl Ethers Using Triphenylphosphine/2,3‐Dichloro‐5,6‐dicyanobenzoquinone (DDQ)/n‐Bu4NSCN System.
Authors: Iranpoor Nasser , Firouzabadi Habib , Nowrouzi Najmeh
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.
Highly Chemo‐, Regio, and Stereoselective [3 + 2]‐Cyclization of Activated and Deactivated Allenes with Alkenyl Fischer Carbene Complexes: A Straightforward Access to Alkylidenecyclopentanone Derivatives.
Authors: Barluenga Jose , Vicente Ruben , Lopez Luis A. , Tomas Miguel
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.