bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social learning and mother's behavior in manipulative tasks in infant marmosets
Authors: Dell'Mour Vera , Range Friederike , Huber Ludwig
Published: March 2009

High levels of social tolerance are considered to promote social learning, as they allow direct observation of a manipulating conspecific and facilitate scrounging. Owing to tolerance toward infants, infancy is thought to be especially suited for learning socially transmitted behaviors. Despite this, few studies have investigated social learning of infants, particularly in manipulative tasks where observation might be most helpful. Here, we investigated (1) the influence of social learning on task acquisition in infant marmosets, and (2) whether the mother augments her behavior in a way that may enhance social learning by her infants. We tested infant and juvenile marmosets in four different complex foraging‐related tasks, featuring large living insects (two tasks) or artificially embedded prey (two tasks). Each individual observed the mother solving two of the tasks and served as a control in the other two tasks. Observers manipulated more and succeeded sooner than control animals, suggesting that observing the mother promoted learning either directly or by decreasing neophobia. Moreover, the data suggest that learning in 11–15 week‐old infants might be promoted actively by the mother. She solved the tasks, consumed less food, and consumed it later than when foraging with older offspring or alone. Furthermore, the results indicate the possible importance of the third and fourth month of infancy as the crucial ontogenetic period for social learning in marmosets, corroborating recent observations of free‐living common marmosets. Am. J. Primatol. 71:503–509, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Titelbild: Compartmentalization of Chemically Separated Components into Droplets (Angew. Chem. 15/2009)
Authors: Edgar J. Scott , Milne Graham , Zhao Yiqiong , Pabbati Chaitanya P. , Lim David S. W. , Chiu Daniel T.
Published: March 2009

Elektroosmotische Tröpfchenerzeugung in Kombination mit Kapillarelektrophorese ermöglicht die Kompartimentalisierung molekularer Komponenten in einem Tröpfchenstrom, wie D. T. Chiu et al. in der Zuschrift auf S. 2757 ff. berichten und wie das Titelbild illustriert. Die tröpfchenweise separierten Banden können entweder auf einem Chip untersucht oder isoliert und einzeln analysiert werden.

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Acrylic rubber/nitrile rubber blends: The effect of curatives on the mechanical, morphological, and dynamic mechanical properties
Authors: Celestino Micheli L. , de Oliveira Marlucy , Sirqueira Alex S. , Soares Bluma G.
Published: March 2009

The curing characteristics and mechanical properties of blends constituted by acrylic rubber (ACM) and nitrile rubber (NBR) were investigated. The curing process was performed by a combination of curing systems specific for each rubber component. The curing system for the ACM phase consisted of hexamethylene diamine carbamate/sodium stearate, whereas the NBR phase was cured with different systems: accelerated sulfur or bismaleimide/peroxide. In all of the curing systems employed, the blends presented more outstanding ultimate tensile properties than the individual rubbers, which indicated a compatibilization effect of the curing systems. Dynamic mechanical analysis of the blends revealed a broadening of tan δ peak and a shift in the glass‐transition temperature of the ACM phase in the direction of the NBR transition in most of the systems studied and an increase in the storage modulus, which was also an indication of a compatibilization effect. Scanning electron microscopy also revealed a very thin rubber phase, which confirmed the compatibilization. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Monitoring cure in epoxies containing carbon nanotubes with an optical‐fiber Fresnel refractometer
Authors: Dimopoulos Athanasios , Buggy Stephen J. , Skordos Alexandros A. , James Stephen W. , Tatam Ralph P. , Partridge Ivana K.
Published: March 2009

Fresnel refractometry was used to follow the changes in the refractive index during the isothermal curing of a simple difunctional epoxy resin, a commercial formulated multifunctional epoxy blend, and the same two resin systems modified by the addition of multiwalled carbon nanotubes. The refractive index change, monitored via an embedded optical fiber, was correlated with the degree of cure established from isothermal differential scanning calorimetry measurements. A good correlation was established in all cases, indicating the potential of the technique to be used for online cure monitoring in thermosetting resin carbon nanocomposites. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Venom of Pteromalus puparum (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) induced endocrine changes in the hemolymph of its host, Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)
Authors: Zhu Jia‐Ying , Ye Gong‐Yin , Dong Sheng‐Zhang , Fang Qi , Hu Cui
Published: March 2009

Pteromalus puparum is a predominant endoparasitoid wasp of Pieris rapae. Its venom is the only active factor injected into host associated with oviposition. In this report, we explored whether the venom alone from this wasp affects the endocrine system of its host or not. We monitored the changes of hemolymph juvenile hormone (JH; only JH III detected), ecdysteroid, and juvenile hormone esterase activity (JHE) over 72 h in parasitized and venom‐microinjected P. rapae pupae. Non‐parasitized and PBS‐microinjected P. rapae served as controls. Results showed that JH titers were significantly higher in parasitized and venom‐microinjected pupae than that in control pupae during 24 to 72 h. After 12 h, JH titers were significantly promoted by parasitization and venom microinjection. JHE activities of non‐parasitized and PBS‐microinjected pupae were significantly higher than that of parasitized and venom‐microinjected pupae, which was with a peak at 12 h (parasitized pupae) or 24 h (venom‐microinjected pupae) during 6 to 48 and 12 to 36 h, respectively. The hemolymph titers of ecdysteroid in non‐parasitized and PBS‐microinjected pupae increased rapidly during 12 to 36 h with a peak at 36 h, and were higher than treatments before 48 h, while presenting a significant difference at 24 to 48 h between the treatments and controls. The results demonstrate that venom alone of this parasitoid wasp can disrupt its host's endocrine system. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Revisiting the concept of lineage in prokaryotes: a phylogenetic perspective
Authors: Boucher Yan , Bapteste Eric
Published: March 2009

Mutation and lateral transfer are two categories of processes generating genetic diversity in prokaryotic genomes. Their relative importance varies between lineages, yet both are complementary rather than independent, separable evolutionary forces. The replication process inevitably merges together their effects on the genome. We develop the concept of “open lineages” to characterize evolutionary lineages that over time accumulate more changes in their genomes by lateral transfer than by mutation. They contrast with “closed lineages,” in which most of the changes are caused by mutation. Open and closed lineages are interspersed along the branches of any tree of prokaryotes. This patchy distribution conflicts with the basic assumptions of traditional phylogenetic approaches. As a result, a tree representation including both open and closed lineages is a misrepresentation. The evolution of all prokaryotic lineages cannot be studied under a single model unless new phylogenetic approaches that are more pluralistic about lineage evolution are designed.
MeCP2 post‐translational regulation through PEST domains: two novel hypotheses
Authors: Thambirajah Anita A. , Eubanks James H. , Ausió Juan
Published: March 2009

Mutations in the methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MeCP2) cause Rett syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disease associated with ataxia and other post‐natal symptoms similar to autism. Much research interest has focussed on the implications of MeCP2 in disease and neuron physiology. However, little or no attention has been paid to how MeCP2 turnover is regulated. The post‐translational control of MeCP2 is of critical importance, especially as subtle increases or decreases in MeCP2 amounts can affect neuron morphology and function. The latter point is of particular importance for gene therapeutic approaches in which exogenous wild‐type MeCP2 is being introduced into diseased neurons. Further to this, we propose two hypotheses. The first hypothesis discusses the poly‐ubiquitin‐mediated post‐translational regulation of MeCP2 through its two PEST domains. The second hypothesis explores the use of histone deacetylase inhibitors to modulate the amounts of MeCP2 expressed in conjunction with the aforementioned therapeutic approaches.
How did parasitic worms evolve?
Authors: Viney Mark E.
Published: March 2009

Nematodes are important parasites of humans and other animals. Nematode parasitism is thought to have evolved by free‐living, facultatively developing, arrested larvae becoming associated with animals, ultimately becoming parasites. The formation of free‐living arrested larvae of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is controlled by the environment, and involves dafachronic acid (DA) and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β signalling. Recent data have shown that DA acid signalling plays a conserved role in controlling larval development in both free‐living and parasitic species. In contrast, TGF‐β signalling does not seem to be conserved; this difference perhaps points to how nematode parasitism did evolve.
Study of influence of additives of tyloxapol on the chromatographic characteristics of the model compounds: the comparative characterization of micellar mobile phases of tyloxapol and Triton X‐100
Authors: Rukhadze Marina , Sebiskveradze Maya , Makharadze Theona , Kutkhashvili Maya
Published: March 2009

The chromatographic behavior of model compounds of biomedical significance (organic acids, amino acids, drugs) was investigated using mobile phases modified with tyloxapol. The influence of factors such as concentration of tyloxapol, content of organic modifier and pH of mobile phase on the retention factor of solutes was studied. The results were compared with the data obtained by elution with mobile phases containing Triton X‐100 additives, since units of Triton X‐100 are repeated in the structure of tyloxapol. Divergence in chromatographic behavior of model compounds was explained by the difference in physico‐chemical characteristics (microviscosity, polarity, critical micelle concentration, shape of micelles, etc.) of tyloxapol and Triton X‐100 micelles. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lysophosphatidylcholine—biomarker of Metformin action: studied using UPLC/MS/MS
Authors: Cai Shuang , Huo Taoguang , Li Ning , Xiong Zhili , Li Famei
Published: March 2009

An UPLC/MS/MS based metabonomic method was developed and applied to the elucidation of biomarker of metformin action. The plasma metabolite profiling in healthy volunteers before and after per os metformin was determined with UPLC/MS/MS and analyzed by using multivariate statistics. Significant difference in endogenous metabolite profiles was revealed before and after administration of metformin. Four biomarkers found were lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), and their structures were tentatively identified to be 16:0 LPC, 18:0 LPC, 18:1 LPC and 18:2 LPC according to the molecular ions information and corresponding fragments of product ion scan. Lysophosphatidylcholine in blood may be involved in metformin treatment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of montelukast, a selective cysteinyl leukotriene receptor (CysLT1) antagonist in human plasma by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry: validation and its application to a human pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Bharathi D. Vijaya , Hotha Kishore Kumar , Jagadeesh B. , Mullangi Ramesh , Naidu A.
Published: March 2009

A highly sensitive, rapid assay method has been developed and validated for the estimation of montelukast (MTK) in human plasma with liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry with electro spray ionization in the positive‐ion mode. Liquid–liquid extraction was used to extract MTK and amlodipine (internal standard, IS) from human plasma. Chromatographic separation was achieved with 10 mm ammonium acetate (pH 6.4): acetonitrile (15:85, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.50 mL/min on a Discovery HS C18 column with a total run time of 3.5 min. The MS/MS ion transitions monitored were 586.10 → 422.10 for MTK and 409.20 → 238.30 for IS. Method validation and clinical sample analysis were performed as per FDA guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. The lower limit of quantitation achieved was 0.25 ng/mL and linearity was observed from 0.25 to 800 ng/mL. The intra‐day and inter‐day precisions were 5.97–8.33 and 7.09–10.13%, respectively. This novel method has been applied to a pharmacokinetic study of MTK in humans. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neurobiology of empathy and callousness: Implications for the development of antisocial behavior
Authors: Shirtcliff Elizabeth A. , Vitacco Michael J. , Graf Alexander R. , Gostisha Andrew J. , Merz Jenna L. , Zahn‐Waxler Carolyn
Published: March 2009

Information on the neurobiology of empathy and callousness provides clinicians with an opportunity to develop sophisticated understanding of mechanisms underpinning antisocial behavior and its counterpart, moral decision‐making. This article provides an integrated in‐depth review of hormones (e.g. peripheral steroid hormones such as cortisol) and brain structures (e.g. insula, anterior cingulate cortex, and amygdala) implicated in empathy, callousness, and psychopathic‐like behavior. The overarching goal of this article is to relate these hormones and brain structures to moral decision‐making. This review will begin in the brain, but will then integrate information about biological functioning in the body, specifically stress‐reactivity. Our aim is to integrate understanding of neural processes with hormones such as cortisol, both of which have demonstrated relationships to empathy, psychopathy, and antisocial behavior. The review proposes that neurobiological impairments in individuals who display little empathy are not necessarily due to a reduced ability to understand the emotions of others. Instead, evidence suggests that individuals who show little arousal to the distress of others likewise show decreased physiological arousal to their own distress; one manifestation of reduced stress reactivity may be a dysfunction in empathy, which supports psychopathic‐like constructs (e.g. callousness). This integration will assist in the development of objective methodologies that can inform and monitor treatment interventions focused on decreasing antisocial behavior. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of primary culture condition for mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood with factorial design
Authors: Fan Xiubo , Liu Tianqing , Liu Yang , Ma Xuehu , Cui Zhanfeng
Published: March 2009

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can not only support the expansion of hematopoietic stem cells in vitro, but also alleviate complications and accelerate recovery of hematopoiesis during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, it proved challenging to culture MSCs from umbilical cord blood (UCB) with a success rate of 20–30%. Many cell culture parameters contribute to this outcome and hence optimization of culture conditions is critical to increase the probability of success. In this work, fractional factorial design was applied to study the effect of cell inoculated density, combination and dose of cytokines, and presence of serum and stromal cells. The cultured UCB‐MSC‐like cells were characterized by flow cytometry and their multilineage differentiation potentials were tested. The optimal protocol was identified achieving above 90% successful outcome: 2 × 106 cells/mL mononuclear cells inoculated in Iscove's modified Dulbecco's medium supplied with 10% FBS, 15 ng/mL IL‐3, and 5 ng/mL Granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF). Moreover, the UCB‐MSC‐like cells expressed MSC surface markers of CD13, CD29, CD105, CD166, and CD44 positively, and CD34, CD45, and human leukocyte antigens‐DR (HLA‐DR) negatively. Meanwhile, these cells could differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes similarly to MSCs derived from bone marrow. In conclusion, we have developed an efficient protocol for the primary culture of UCB‐MSCs by adding suitable cytokines into the culture system. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
On extremum seeking in bioprocesses with multivalued cost functions
Authors: Bastin Georges , Nešić Dragan , Tan Ying , Mareels Iven
Published: March 2009

Finding optimal operating modes for bioprocesses has been, for a long time, a relevant issue in bioengineering. The problem is of special interest when it implies the simultaneous optimization of competing objectives. In this paper, we address the problem of finding optimal steady states that achieve the best tradeoff between yield and productivity by using nonmodel ‐ based extremum‐seeking control with semiglobal practical stability and convergence properties. A special attention is paid to processes with multiple steady states and multivalued cost functions. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Redox Properties of a Constructed Wetland: Theoretical and Practical Aspects
Authors: Šíma Jan , Diáková Kateřina , Pavelcová Lenka , Havelka Michal
Published: March 2009

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Constructed wetlands represent a progressive approach to the wastewater treatment. A fundamental prerequisite of the efficient water quality improvement is the presence of redox potential gradients (connected with the aeration of the system) inside the vegetation bed. Redox properties of a constructed wetland were tested in three longitudinal transects crossing the vegetation bed from the inflow zone to the outflow using diverse indicators (e.g., FeIII/FeII, SO$\rm{ {_{4}^{2-}}}$/S2−). Approximately 10–25% of iron was reoxidized in samples taken 10 m from the inflow zone in 2006. Redox processes of iron in artificial (constructed wetland) and natural (peat bog) ecosystems were compared. The peat bog was characterized with higher percentages of FeII (usually ca. 90–100%). Thus, the aeration of the peat land was lower in comparison with the constructed wetland. The constructed wetland efficiently reduced sulfates (average concentrations of 44.7 and 11.2 mg/l at the inflow and the outflow, resp., in 2007). Organics, expressed as CODCr and BOD5, and NH$\rm{ {_{4}^{+}}}$ were removed with efficiencies of 86.4, 92.2, and 60.4%, respectively. However, total phosphorus (redox processes play a negligible role in this case) was removed only with 39.6% efficiency. Redox properties of the wetland did not significantly depend on the heterogeneity of the treated wastewater flow.
Acylated Flavonol Bisdesmosides, Sinocrassosides A3–A7 and B3, with Aminopeptidase N Inhibitory Activity from Sinocrassula indica
Authors: Morikawa Toshio , Xie Haihui , Wang Tao , Matsuda Hisashi , Yoshikawa Masayuki
Published: March 2009

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Six new acylated flavonol bisdesmosides, sinocrassosides A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, and B3 (1–6, resp.), were isolated from the MeOH extract of the whole plant of Sinocrassula indica. The structures of 1–6 were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. Among them, 2 and 6 which have an acyl group in the 3′′′‐position were found to show strong inhibitory effects on aminopeptidase N activity, which were stronger than that of curcumin.
Degradation of High‐Molar‐Mass Hyaluronan by Ascorbate plus Cupric Ions: Effects of D‐Penicillamine Addition
Authors: Valachová Katarína , Rapta Peter , Kogan Grigorij , Hrabárová Eva , Gemeiner Peter , Šoltés Ladislav
Published: March 2009

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Pro‐ and anti‐oxidative effects of an anti‐rheumatoid drug, D‐penicillamine (D‐PN), on the kinetics of high‐molar‐mass hyaluronan (HA) degradation were monitored using the method of rotational viscometry. The degradation of the dissolved HA macromolecules was attained by applying the Weissberger's system comprising ascorbic acid plus cupric ions. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was used to identify the generated free radicals. The results obtained indicate that the initial anti‐oxidative action of D‐PN is followed by induction of pro‐oxidative conditions due to the generation of reactive free radicals. It is speculated, however, that the latter situation may be considered as an advantageous property of D‐PN. Hydroxyl radicals formed in this way may participate in decomposition of proteinases, which are believed to be responsible for the destruction of joint cartilage under rheumatoid arthritic conditions.
Flufuran, an Antifungal 3,5‐Disubstituted Furan Produced by Aspergillus flavusLink
Authors: Evidente Antonio , Cristinzio Gennaro , Punzo Biancavaleria , Andolfi Anna , Testa Antonino , Melck Dominique
Published: March 2009

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A 3,5‐disubstituted furan, named flufuran, was isolated from a culture filtrate of a strain of Aspergillus flavus obtained from a chestnut compost created in the same orchard. Flufuran was identified by spectroscopic methods, and its structure was confirmed through the preparation of some key derivatives, also used to test the antifungal activity. At a concentration of 0.2 mg/ml, assayed against three Phytophthora species, pathogenic of some forest and agrarian plants, flufuran and especially its acetyl derivative showed significant antifungal activity. Although flufuran appears to be identical to a fungal metabolite isolated previously from some Polyporus spp., its interesting antifungal activity has never been reported before.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Enantiomerically Pure cis‐ and trans‐2,4‐Dioxa‐3‐fluoro‐3‐phosphadecalins as Inhibitors of Acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Wächter Michael , Rüedi Peter
Published: March 2009

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The title compounds, the P(3)‐axially‐ and P(3)‐equatorially‐substituted cis‐ and trans‐configured 3‐fluoro‐2,4‐dioxa‐3‐phosphadecalin 3‐oxides (=3‐fluoro‐2,4‐dioxa‐3‐phosphabicyclo[4.4.0]decane 3‐oxides) have been prepared (ee>99%) and fully characterized. The compounds are irreversible inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase, and both the kinetic data and the mechanisms of the inhibition are determined by a novel enzyme‐kinetic approach that is described in the preceding report. The inhibitors display pronounced stereoselectivity, and several of them are significantly stronger than diisopropyl fluorophosphate that is generally used as a potent standard.
Value of intravascular ultrasound in the management of coronary chronic total occlusions
Authors: Rathore Sudhir , Terashima Mitsuyasu , Suzuki Takahiko
Published: March 2009

Failure of guide wire crossing is the commonest reason for failed procedure in chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the coronary arteries. Intravascular ultrasound can be useful in some cases to achieve. Successful guide wire crossing into the distal true lumen of the coronary artery. We describe two cases demonstrating the role of intravascular ultrasound in successful recannalization of the CTO. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ligand binding strategies of human serum albumin: How can the cargo be utilized?
Authors: Varshney Ankita , Sen Priyankar , Ahmad Ejaz , Rehan Mohd. , Subbarao Naidu , Khan Rizwan Hasan
Published: March 2009

Human serum albumin (HSA), being the most abundant carrier protein in blood and a modern day clinical tool for drug delivery, attracts high attention among biologists. Hence, its unfolding/refolding strategies and exogenous/endogenous ligand binding preference are of immense use in therapeutics and clinical biochemistry. Among its fellow proteins albumin is known to carry almost every small molecule. Thus, it is a potential contender for being a molecular cargo/or nanovehicle for clinical, biophysical and industrial purposes. Nonetheless, its structure and function are largely regulated by various chemical and physical factors to accommodate HSA to its functional purpose. This multifunctional protein also possesses enzymatic properties which may be used to convert prodrugs to active therapeutics. This review aims to highlight current overview on the binding strategies of protein to various ligands that may be expected to lead to significant clinical applications. Chirality, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interoperation of world‐wide production e‐Science infrastructures
Authors: Riedel M. , Laure E. , Soddemann Th. , Field L. , Navarro J. P. , Casey J. , Litmaath M. , Baud J. Ph. , Koblitz B. , Catlett C. , Skow D. , Zheng C. , Papadopoulos P. M. , Katz M. , Sharma N. , Smirnova O. , Kónya B. , Arzberger P. , Würthwein F. , Rana A. S. , Martin T. , Wan M. , Welch V. , Rimovsky T. , Newhouse S. , Vanni A. , Tanaka Y. , Tanimura Y. , Ikegami T. , Abramson D. , Enticott C. , Jenkins G. , Pordes R. , Sharma N. , Timm S. , Sharma N. , Moont G. , Aggarwal M. , Colling D. , van der Aa O. , Sim A. , Natarajan V. , Shoshani A. , Gu J. , Chen S. , Galang G. , Zappi R. , Magnoni L. , Ciaschini V. , Pace M. , Venturi V. , Marzolla M. , Andreetto P. , Cowles B. , Wang S. , Saeki Y. , Sato H. , Matsuoka S. , Uthayopas P. , Sriprayoonsakul S. , Koeroo O. , Viljoen M. , Pearlman L. , Pickles S. , Wallom David , Moloney G. , Lauret J. , Marsteller J. , Sheldon P. , Pathak S. , De Witt S. , Mencák J. , Jensen J. , Hodges M. , Ross D. , Phatanapherom S. , Netzer G. , Gregersen A. R. , Jones M. , Chen S. , Kacsuk P. , Streit A. , Mallmann D. , Wolf F. , Lippert Th. , Delaitre Th. , Huedo E. , Geddes N.
Published: March 2009

Many production Grid and e‐Science infrastructures have begun to offer services to end‐users during the past several years with an increasing number of scientific applications that require access to a wide variety of resources and services in multiple Grids. Therefore, the Grid Interoperation Now—Community Group of the Open Grid Forum—organizes and manages interoperation efforts among those production Grid infrastructures to reach the goal of a world‐wide Grid vision on a technical level in the near future. This contribution highlights fundamental approaches of the group and discusses open standards in the context of production e‐Science infrastructures. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Aerosol‐Assisted CVD of Silver Films from Single‐Source Precursors
Authors: Panneerselvam Arunkumar , Malik Mohammad A. , O'Brien Paul , Helliwell Madeleine
Published: March 2009

Thin films of silver are deposited from tetraphenyldioxoimidodiphosphinato silver(I) [Ag{(OPPh2)2N}]4 · 2H2O (1) and silver(I) triflouoroacetate CF3COOAg (2) single‐source precursors (SSPs) by the aerosol‐assisted (AA)CVD method. The complex (1) is a tetramer with linear and distorted tetrahedral coordination modes at silver. Two types of films, silvery and brownish, are observed from both SSPs due to the temperature gradient in the AACVD reactor. The as‐deposited films are characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis, and ultraviolet/visible (UV‐vis) spectroscopy methods.
Differences in cardiovascular risk profile based on relationship between post‐load plasma glucose and fasting plasma levels
Authors: Succurro Elena , Marini Maria Adelaide , Grembiale Alessandro , Lugarà Marina , Andreozzi Francesco , Sciacqua Angela , Hribal Marta Letizia , Lauro Renato , Perticone Francesco , Sesti Giorgio
Published: March 2009

Background

It has been shown that subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), whose plasma glucose (PG) levels do not return to their fasting PG level within 2 h during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (Group I), have a significantly higher risk to develop type 2 diabetes than NGT subjects whose 2‐h glucose returns to, or drops below, the fasting level (Group I). However, it is still unsettled whether individuals in Group II have a more atherogenic profile than Group I subjects.

Methods

To address this issue, we examined 266 non‐diabetic offspring of type 2 diabetic patients, recruited in the context of EUGENE2 cross‐sectional study. All subjects underwent an euglycaemic‐hyperinsulinemic clamp to assess glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, cardiovascular risk factors and ultrasound measurement of carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) were evaluated.

Results

Individuals in Group II exhibited significantly higher waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, 2‐h post‐load PG, hsC‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), IMT, and lower insulin sensitivity than subjects in Group I.

Conclusions

Subjects with NGT, whose PG concentration does not return to their fasting PG level within 2 h during OGTT, have an atherogenic profile, suggesting that performing OGTT with measurement of PG every 30 min may be useful to assess the risk for cardiovascular disease in glucose‐tolerant subjects. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electro‐ and Photoinduced Formation and Transformation of Oxido‐Bridged Multinuclear Mn Complexes
Authors: Collomb Marie‐Noëlle , Deronzier Alain
Published: March 2009

The extensive chemistry of oxido‐bridged multinuclear manganese complexes arises to a large extent from their relevance to redox‐active metalloenzymes such as manganese catalases and the oxygen‐evolving complex of photosystem II containing, as active centres, oxido‐ and carboxylato‐bridged dinuclear and tetranuclear Mn complexes, respectively. During the enzymatic catalytic cycles the oxidation state changes of the Mn ions induce some structural changes of these active centres such as the formation of oxido bridges. In this area, this review is focused on examples from the literature of the formation and transformation of oxido‐bridged multinuclear manganese complexes that are induced by electrochemical or photochemical means. Representative examples of such transformations are provided by polypyridyl Mn complexes, with interconversion between mononuclear, dinuclear and tetranuclear cores accompanied by the concomitant formation or breaking of μ‐oxido bridges. Other important examples are furnished by dinuclear Mn complexes having multipodal amino‐pyridyl ligands, some of which contain phenolic units, for which a clean interconversion between μ‐oxido and μ‐acetato bridges are observed.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
The role of physical properties data in product development
Authors: Flöter Eckhard
Published: March 2009

Good input data are an essential base to understand how materials and compositions behave. In this contribution, the role of physical properties data in the process of developing fat‐based products is discussed. Based on a few examples, it is concluded that physical properties data, including the characterization of raw materials, is of paramount importance to transform from an experience‐based domain towards a knowledge‐based domain. Furthermore, it is illustrated that, even though a priori modeling of product properties remains practically impossible, modeling based on adequate input data, thus physical properties data, helps to design better experimental strategies during the search for product solutions.
How acts of forgiveness restore a sense of justice: Addressing status/power and value concerns raised by transgressions
Authors: Wenzel Michael , Okimoto Tyler G.
Published: March 2009

Commonly it is understood that forgiveness means sacrificing justice. However, the present study shows that the act of forgiving can increase a sense of justice, which in turn facilitates benevolent sentiments towards the offender. University students (N = 88) imagined themselves as victims and, after the offender either did or did not offer an apology, they either were or were not instructed to express their forgiveness to the offender (via an email). Results showed that, irrespective of apology, the expression of forgiveness led to a greater sense of justice in victims, mediated via feelings of status/power and the perception of a value consensus with the offender. The feeling of justice further mediated the effects of the forgiveness expression in terms of reducing hostile emotions, revenge motivation and retributive attitudes, as well as increasing the willingness to reconcile with the offender. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving sensitivity in micro‐free flow electrophoresis using signal averaging
Authors: Turgeon Ryan T. , Bowser Michael T.
Published: March 2009

Microfluidic free‐flow electrophoresis (μFFE) is a separation technique that separates continuous streams of analytes as they travel through an electric field in a planar flow channel. The continuous nature of the μFFE separation suggests that approaches more commonly applied in spectroscopy and imaging may be effective in improving sensitivity. The current paper describes the S/N improvements that can be achieved by simply averaging multiple images of a μFFE separation; 20–24‐fold improvements in S/N were observed by averaging the signal from 500 images recorded for over 2 min. Up to an 80‐fold improvement in S/N was observed by averaging 6500 images. Detection limits as low as 14 pM were achieved for fluorescein, which is impressive considering the non‐ideal optical set‐up used in these experiments. The limitation to this signal averaging approach was the stability of the μFFE separation. At separation times longer than 20 min bubbles began to form at the electrodes, which disrupted the flow profile through the device, giving rise to erratic peak positions.
Social relationships and depression among people 65 years and over living in rural and urban areas of Quebec
Authors: Mechakra‐Tahiri Samia , Zunzunegui Maria Victoria , Préville Michel , Dubé Micheline
Published: March 2009

Objective

To compare the prevalence of depression within the elderly Quebec population residing in rural areas, urban areas and metropolitan Montreal, and to assess differences in the associations between social relationships and depression across these urban and rural settings.

Methods

Data originate from the first wave of the ESA (Étude de Santé des Ainés) longitudinal study on mental health of community dwelling older persons aged over 65 (n = 2670). Depression, including major and minor depression, measured using a computer questionnaire; the ESA– Q developed by the research team and based on the DSM‐IV criteria. Assessments of associations between depression and geographic area, informal social networks and community participation were estimated adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic and health characteristics.

Results

The prevalence of depression was higher in rural (17%) and urban areas (15.1%) than in metropolitan Montreal (10.3%). The odds ratio of rural (OR = 2.01 95% CI 1.59–2.68) and urban (OR = 1.75; 95% CI 1.25–2.45) areas compared to the metropolitan area increased slightly after adjustment by all social and health covariates. Our study indicated that social support and the lack of conflict in intimate relationships were associated with lower prevalence of depression in all areas.

Conclusion

Geographic differences in depression exist within the elderly population in Quebec that may generate significant impact on their health and functional abilities. Further research should be conducted to explain these differences. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving treatment access and primary care referrals for depression in a national community‐based outreach programme for the elderly
Authors: Nyunt Ma Shwe Zin , Ko Soo Meng , Kumar Rajeev , Fones Calvin CS , Ng Tze Pin
Published: March 2009

Background

Mental illness is highly prevalent and disabling, but is under‐treated. Outreach services attempt to overcome system and personal barriers to care, but there are few reports of their effects in improving access and use of mental health services. In the Community‐based Early Psychiatric Interventional Strategy (CEPIS) programme in Singapore, community nurses routinely screened seniors for depressive symptoms, and provided psychoeducation and referral for primary care treatment. We evaluated the impact of the outreach programme and the extent to which determinants of treatment‐seeking were altered by removing socioeconomic, physical and cognitive barriers to care.

Methods

Participants were screened using the geriatric depression scale (GDS) and independently assessed using structured clinical interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV) diagnosis. Treatment‐seeking at 1 month post‐outreach was compared retrospectively to pre‐outreach spontaneous treatment‐seeking in the previous 1 year.

Results

Among 4633 participants, 370 (8%) with depressive symptoms included 214 (57.8%) with diagnosed mental disorder(s). Pre‐outreach treatment‐seeking was 10.3%. The programme resulted in 73.8% being successfully referred to GP treatment. Pre‐outreach treatment‐seeking was significantly associated with a diagnosed mental disorder (OR = 2.22), fair or poor self‐reported mental health (OR = 3.26), ≥10 depressive symptoms (OR = 3.18), perceived need for professional help (OR = 3.58), ≥3 medical comorbidities (OR = 2.67), younger age <70 (OR = 2.55), female gender (OR = 3.58) and at least primary education (OR = 3.06). All but a few of these predisposing and enabling variables were not associated with post‐outreach treatment‐seeking.

Conclusion

By eliminating socioeconomic, physical and cognitive barriers, equitable care provided in an outreach programme vastly increased referrals for primary care treatment for depression. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of the risk of postoperative delirium in elderly patients using E‐PASS and the NEECHAM Confusion Scale
Authors: Hattori Hideyuki , Kamiya Junichi , Shimada Hiroshi , Akiyama Hirotoshi , Yasui Akihiro , Kuroiwa Kojiro , Oda Koji , Ando Masahiko , Kawamura Takashi , Harada Atsushi , Kitagawa Yuichi , Fukata Shinji
Published: March 2009

Background

The incidences of surgery‐field disorders such as femur neck fracture and colorectal cancer in elderly persons have increased with the rapid aging of society. In such patients, postoperative delirium is also frequent. Patients should be generally assessed from the aspect of both physical and mental conditions in order to predict a high‐delirium risk group. If so, delirium may be prevented more efficiently. In this study, we investigated whether the early detection of postoperative delirium in elderly patients is possible using a simple, useful behavior‐assessing scale, the NEECHAM Confusion Scale, and a method for comprehensively evaluating elderly persons' stress related to surgery, E‐PASS.

Methods

The subjects were 160 patients aged more than 75 years who underwent surgery. Among them, three patients had vascular surgery‐field disorders, 67 had orthopedic‐field disorders, and 90 had digestive surgery‐field disorders. To comprehensively evaluate surgery‐related stress, E‐PASS was employed. In addition, we assessed recognition, activities of daily living (ADL), and the quality of life (QOL). For delirium diagnosis and severity assessment, we used the NEECHAM Confusion Scale. The cut‐off value of the NEECHAM score was established as 20 points, and patients showing values less than this after surgery were regarded as having postoperative delirium. Evaluation was performed until 10 days after surgery.

Results

Postoperative delirium was noted in 54.7% of the subjects. There was a decrease in the NEECHAM score between the first and fourth postoperative days, but it gradually increased thereafter. Both uni‐ and multivariate analyses showed that postoperative delirium was associated with an advanced age (more than 80 years), low preoperative NEECHAM and MMSE scores, the preoperative QOL, and E‐PASS. In groups showing an MMSE score of less than 25 or a preoperative NEECHAM score of less than 27, the incidence of postoperative delirium was 76%.

Conclusion

The results suggest that E‐PASS and the NEECHAM score facilitate assessment of the risk of postoperative delirium in elderly patients, contributing to early prevention/treatment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of anxiety on conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Devier Deidre J. , Pelton Gregory H. , Tabert Matthias H. , Liu Xinhua , Cuasay Katrina , Eisenstadt Rachel , Marder Karen , Stern Yaakov , Devanand D.P.
Published: March 2009

Objective

To compare state and trait anxiety in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients and matched control subjects, and to assess the impact of these variables in predicting conversion to Alzheimer's disease.

Methods

One hundred and forty‐eight patients with MCI, broadly defined, were assessed and followed systematically. Baseline predictors for follow‐up conversion to AD (entire sample: 39/148 converted to Alzheimer's disease (AD)) included the Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).

Results

At baseline evaluation, MCI patients had higher levels of state and trait anxiety than controls, with no differences between future AD converters (n = 39) and non‐converters. In age‐stratified Cox proportional hazards model analyses, STAI State was not a significant predictor of conversion to AD (STAI State ≤30 vs. > 30 risk ratio, 1.68; 95% CI, 0.75, 3.77; p = 0.21), but higher Trait scores indicated a lower risk of conversion when STAI State, education, the Folstein Mini‐Mental State Examination and HAM‐D (depression score) were also included in the model (STAI Trait ≤30 vs. > 30 risk ratio, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.16, 0.82; p = 0.015).

Conclusions

In contrast to two other recent studies that showed anxiety predicted cognitive decline or conversion to AD, in this clinic‐based sample, state anxiety was not a significant predictor. However, higher Trait anxiety predicted a lower risk of future conversion to AD. Further research with systematic long‐term follow‐up in larger samples is needed to clarify the role of state and trait anxiety in predicting MCI conversion to AD. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oxidative stress parameters after combined fluoxetine and acetylsalicylic acid therapy in depressive patients
Authors: Gałecki Piotr , Szemraj Janusz , Bieńkiewicz Małgorzata , Zboralski Krzysztof , Gałecka Elżbieta
Published: March 2009

Objective

There are numerous reports indicating disturbed equilibrium between oxidative processes and antioxidative defense in patients with depression. Moreover, depressive patients are characterized by the presence of elements of an inflammatory process, which is one of the sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In view of the above, it was decided to study both the effect of fluoxetine monotherapy and that of fluoxetine co‐administered with acetylsalicylic acid on lipid peroxidation and antioxidative defense in patients with the first depressive episode in their life.

Method

Seventy seven patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), divided into two groups were included in the study. The first group, consisting of 52 patients, received fluoxetine 20 mg, and the second one, in addition to fluoxetine 20 mg, received 150 mg of acetylsalicylic acid. The activity of antioxidative enzymes, copper‐zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD, SOD1), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPSH‐x) and the concentration of malonyldialdehyde (MDA) was determined in erythrocytes, whereas the total antioxidant status (TAS) was determined in the plasma. All parameters were measured before and after three month therapy.

Results

The obtained results indicate a significant decrease in the activity of SOD1, CAT and GSHP‐x, as well as in MDA concentration after the combined therapy. Also a significant TAS increase was observed after the combined therapy. The study demonstrated that combined therapy with fluoxetine and ASA is characterized by the same efficacy and clinical safety as fluoxetine monotherapy, resulting additionally in improvement of oxidative stress parameters in the patients treated for depression. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The dynamic epigenetic program in male germ cells: Its role in spermatogenesis, testis cancer, and its response to the environment
Authors: Godmann Maren , Lambrot Romain , Kimmins Sarah
Published: March 2009

Spermatogenesis is a truly remarkable process that requires exquisite control and synchronization of germ cell development. It is prone to frequent error, as paternal infertility contributes to 30–50% of all infertility cases; yet, in many cases, the mechanisms underlying its causes are unknown. Strikingly, aberrant epigenetic profiles, in the form of anomalous DNA and histone modifications, are characteristic of cancerous testis cells. Germ cell development is a critical period during which epigenetic patterns are established and maintained. The progression from diploid spermatogonia to haploid spermatozoa involves stage‐ and testis‐specific gene expression, mitotic and meiotic division, and the histone–protamine transition. All are postulated to engender unique epigenetic controls. In support of this idea are the findings that mouse models with gene deletions for epigenetic modifiers have severely compromised fertility. Underscoring the importance of understanding how epigenetic marks are set and interpreted is evidence that abnormal epigenetic programming of gametes and embryos contributes to heritable instabilities in subsequent generations. Numerous studies have documented the existence of transgenerational consequences of maternal nutrition, or other environmental exposures, but it is only now recognized that there are sex‐specific male‐line transgenerational responses in humans and other species. Epigenetic events in the testis have just begun to be studied. New work on the function of specific histone modifications, chromatin modifiers, DNA methylation, and the impact of the environment on developing sperm suggests that the correct setting of the epigenome is required for male reproductive health and the prevention of paternal disease transmission. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quinazolines and 1,4‐benzodiazepines. LXXIII. The ring expansion of 2‐chloromethylquinazoline 3‐oxides with nitromethane
Authors: Fryer R. Ian , Earley James V. , Gilman Norman W. , Zally William
Published: March 2009

The reaction of 2‐chloromethylquinazoline 3‐oxides (3) with the anion of nitromethane gave the 2‐nitromethylene benzodiazepine oxides (4) as a result of ring expansion. Other nucleophiles led only to products derived from substitution of the halogen. The ring expansion of 2,2‐dichloro‐1,2‐dihydroquinazolines with nitromethane anion is also described.
Synthesis of 2‐amino‐4‐hydroxy‐1,3,5‐triazanaphthalenes
Authors: DeGraw J. I. , Brown V. H.
Published: March 2009

The synthesis of 2‐amino‐4‐hydroxy‐6‐amyl‐1,3,5‐triazanaphthalene (8) is described as a model sequence pertinent to preparation of 8‐deazafolic acid and its analogs. Condensation of 2‐acet‐amido‐4‐hydroxy‐6‐pyrimidinealdehyde (3) with dimethyl 2‐oxoheptylphosphonate afforded 1‐(2′‐acetamido‐4′‐hydroxy‐6′‐pyrimidinyl)‐1‐octene‐3‐one (4) as a key intermediate. Conversion of 4 to 1‐(2′‐amino‐4′‐hydroxy‐5′ ‐phenylazo‐6′ pyrimidinyl)‐3‐octanone (7) followed by reductive cyclization yielded 8 or its tetrahydro derivative (9).
Synthesis and properties of some tetracyclic derivatives of 9H‐carbazole, 10,11‐dihydro‐5H‐dibenz[b,f]azepine, and 5,11‐dihydrodibenz[b,e] [1,4]oxazepine
Authors: Toscano Luciano , Seghetti Ennio , Fioriello Giuseppe
Published: March 2009

The behavior of 5,6‐dihydro‐4H‐pyrido[3,2,1‐jk]carbazol‐4‐one (10), 1,2,7,8‐tetrahydro‐3H‐quino[1,8‐ab][1]benzazepin‐3‐one (11), 1,2‐dihydro‐9H‐[1]benzazepino[1,9‐ab] [4,1]benzoxazepin‐4 (3H)one (13), and 1,2‐dihydro‐8H‐[1]benzazepino[1,9‐cd] [1,5]benzoxazepin‐4(3H)one (14) towards the Schmidt reaction has been determined in polyphosphoric acid and in benzeneor chloroform‐sulfuric acid. Evidence for the structure of the new heterocyclic systems obtained from these four compounds is presented.