bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substance misuse: aspects of treatment and service provision
Authors: Farmer Roger
Published: September 2007

The problems associated with alcohol and drug misuse are diverse and make a major impact on the health of the nation (Anderson, 1991; Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1992). A recent survey showed that the prevalence of alcohol dependence in the population (aged 16–64 years) was 47 in 1000 and of drug dependence 22 in 1000. (This compares with a prevalence for functional psychosis of 4 in 1000) (Office of Population Censuses and Surveys, 1994).
Health procedures of the General Medical Council
Authors: Kesteven Sue , Mann Sheila , Sims Andrew
Published: September 2007

The General Medical Council (GMC) relies upon consultant psychiatrists throughout the UK to assist in carrying out its twin tasks under the health procedures of protecting patients and guiding doctors. One of the reasons for the fitness of a doctor to be seriously impaired is the illness, usually mental illness, of that doctor, and frequently doctors do not realise the extent to which their ability to carry out their work has been affected.
Limits of confidentiality
Authors: Harbour Anthony
Published: September 2007

This paper has two objectives: to review some aspects of the law of confidentiality in the health care field and to evaluate how the law of confidentiality impacts on the processes of child protection.
Drug treatment for early Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bullock Roger
Published: September 2007

Alzheimer's disease is likely to be one of the challenges for the early part of the 21st century. Better knowledge of the molecular biology, genetics and pathogenesis of the condition have led to a host of psychopharmacological compounds being developed which may help in its the treatment, while epidemiological studies have suggested that existing treatments for other chronic conditions may have an effect on the presentation of Alzheimer's disease.
Teaching general psychiatry to medical undergraduates
Authors: Hughes Tom , Williams Christopher
Published: September 2007

The future of psychiatry lies not only with advances in treatment, but also with the number and quality of undergraduates attracted into psychiatry. As the quality of teaching of psychiatry to undergraduates is probably one of the factors determining choice of a career in psychiatry (Sierles & Taylor, 1995), it is to be hoped that improved quality of teaching will not only enhance clinical practice and patient care, but also lead to an increase in the numbers of medical students who choose a career in psychiatry.
Face to face with the suicidal
Authors: Morgan Gethin , Buckley Carole , Nowers Mike
Published: September 2007

The clinical assessment and management of suicide risk depends primarily on face to face contact with the individual who presents the risk, and aims to predict behaviour in the very near future. Whether or not clinical intervention prevents suicide depends a great deal on the clinician's skill in reaching out to the individual patient. This poses a dilemma, because much of what has been written about predicting suicide has been based on averaged data concerning long-term outcome in large cohorts of patients.
What I expect of my psychiatrist: the mental health review tribunal
Authors: Wood Sir John
Published: September 2007

The proceedings of a mental health review tribunal involve two psychiatrists – one to be found among its members and the other (having care of the patient) who appears before the tribunal as the responsible medical officer (RMO). Both have a very important role to play and the juxtaposition of two psychiatrists guarantees a lively debate at many tribunal hearings.
Commentary
Authors: Martindale Brian V.
Published: September 2007

Turkington & Siddle's article is written in a way that most helpfully allows comment from a range of perspectives; indeed, I was specifically invited to ‘broaden its scope’. They clearly describe to readers the useful techniques by which cognitive therapy can diminish the power and domination of delusions in some patients with schizophrenia.
Psychiatric emergencies
Authors: Brown Tom
Published: September 2007

Despite the frequency with which psychiatric emergencies are encountered in medical and other services, the literature, at least in the UK, is relatively sparse, with little systematic research on either service provision or areas of clinical interest. Services have often evolved in an ad hoc way and psychiatric emergencies are often seen by very junior trainees early in their psychiatric careers, with little relevant training. Although the vigilance of the Royal College of Psychiatrists on its approval visits has ensured that most trainees are given advice on the recognition and management of violence (at induction courses at the start of their training), it is not uncommon to find that wider areas of training in emergency psychiatry are neglected. It is still the case, for example, that some postgraduate programmes in psychiatry provide little or no formal training on emergency psychiatry.
Managing severe epilepsy in the community
Authors: Brown Stephen W.
Published: September 2007

The term ‘epilepsy’ refers to a tendency to have recurrent seizures. Epileptic seizures arise from an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory cerebral neurotransmitters associated with sudden, paroxysmal, synchronous and repetitive discharges of neurones. All normal brains have the capability to have seizures. Epileptic seizures arise where there is lowering of the naturally occurring seizure threshold. Excitotoxins such as glutamate released in the brain during seizures can cause irreversible cell damage. Young children are especially vulnerable. Prolonged seizures (greater than 30 minutes) in children correlate with subsequent learning disability.
Dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Byrne E. Jane
Published: September 2007

Dementia with cortical Lewy bodies (LBD) was first described by Okazakiet alin 1961 and is now recognised as a relatively common cause of the dementia syndrome. The true prevalence of LBD is unknown. In post-mortem studies of patients diagnosed as having dementia in life, the mean frequency of Lewy body dementia is 12.5% (Byrne, 1997). Clinically diagnosed LBD (using operational clinical criteria) is found in 10–23% of patients presenting to, or in the care of, psychogeriatric services (Collertonet al, 1996). What is not yet certain is its nosological status; opinion is divided between regarding it as a variety of Alzheimer's disease (the Lewy body variant), a distinct disease (senile dementia of the Lewy body type) or a spectrum disorder related to both Parkinson's disease and to Alzheimer's disease (Byrne, 1992).
Review of twenty-four-hour nursed care
Authors: Macpherson Rob , Jerrom Bill
Published: September 2007

Twenty-four-hour nursed care refers to a model of psychiatric care which in fact varies quite significantly from unit to another. This sort of residential care unit has also been called the “hospital hostel” (Goldberg et al, 1985), “ward in a house” (Wykes & Wing, 1982), “psychiatric nursing home” and in some cases “staffed group home”. Although the unit size, staffing structures and ratios, and the degree of direct management within the National Health Service (NHS) vary, this model of care has some quite specific characteristics, which have been summarised by Shepherd et al (1994) as follows:
Helping to promote psychiatry in less developed countries
Authors: Broadhead J. , Piachaud J. , Birley J.
Published: September 2007

British psychiatry is appreciated all over the world for its empirical approach, its basis as a publicly funded service which is available to all citizens, and for its tradition (shared with the rest of British medicine) of educational connections with many other countries – members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists can be found in 70 countries worldwide. These connections are educational for all of those concerned. For visitors, the experience of seeing what can be done in a different context with different resources – both human and material – compels them, on their return home, to see their usual territory and practice in a new and revealing light.
Eating disorders in children and adolescents
Authors: Nicholls Dasha
Published: September 2007

The eating disorders of childhood and adolescence lie in the murky waters between those of adulthood anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, and the feeding disorders of childhood. Early-onset eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, on which this article will focus. The younger the patient, however, the more likely he or she is to present an ‘atypical’ picture. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa have been previously addressed in this journal, by Palmer (1996) and Fairburn (1997). With older adolescents, ideas relevant to adult patients will be appropriate at times. Nevertheless, developmental issues should be borne in mind.
Psychopharmacology and people with learning disability
Authors: Fraser Bill
Published: September 2007

“These medications (antipsychotic drugs) were originally developed to treat not the mentally handicapped but the mentally ill; those, for example, with schizophrenia, paranoia and other specific conditions, but now the far wider use of these drugs has been challenged because there is evidence that they can produce serious side-effects in addition to the distress already suffered. Future changes in the use of antipsychotic drugs in the UK may come from the Royal College of Psychiatrists or from action in the Law Courts” (Public Eye, BBC2, 1.5.92).
Self-Administered Stress Management Training in Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy
Authors: Krischer Mindy M. , Xu Ping , Meade Cathy D. , Jacobsen Paul B.
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This study sought to continue research on psychosocial interventions for patients being treated with radiation therapy across multiple centers and to replicate positive findings of a single-center study of patients being treated with chemotherapy. The primary objective of this study was to determine if a stress management intervention was effective in improving quality of life and decreasing psychological distress in patients undergoing radiotherapy for cancer.

Patients and Methods

A total of 310 patients about to begin radiotherapy treatment were randomly assigned to receive usual care only or self-administered stress management training. Quality-of-life assessments occurred at baseline and for 3 weeks after the beginning of radiotherapy treatment.

Results

Overall, patients assigned to receive stress management training did not report significantly less psychological distress on the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) Mental Component Summary Scale than did those assigned to usual care. When divided into subgroups based on the SF-36 Mental Component Summary Scale scores immediately after their first radiotherapy treatment, patients with above-average levels of psychological distress (scores ≤ 50) who were randomly assigned to the intervention condition reported significant improvement in their distress compared with those assigned to usual care only on the SF-36 Mental Health Subscale and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.

Conclusion

This study found that self-administered stress management training is effective only in those radiotherapy patients with initially higher levels of psychological distress. Additional research should examine the benefits of stress management training targeted specifically to patients experiencing heightened distress.
Incidence and Prognosis of Synchronous and Metachronous Bilateral Breast Cancer
Authors: Hartman Mikael , Czene Kamila , Reilly Marie , Adolfsson Jan , Bergh Jonas , Adami Hans-Olov , Dickman Paul W. , Hall Per
Published: September 2007

Purpose

Because the incidence of breast cancer is increasing and prognosis is improving, a growing number of women are at risk of developing bilateral disease. Little is known, however, about incidence trends and prognostic features of bilateral breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

Among 123,757 women with a primary breast cancer diagnosed in Sweden from 1970 to 2000, a total of 6,550 developed bilateral breast cancer. We separated synchronous (diagnosed within 3 months after a first breast cancer) and metachronous bilateral cancer, and analyzed incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer using Poisson regression models.

Results

The incidence of synchronous breast cancer increased by age and by 40% during the 1970s, whereas the incidence of metachronous cancer decreased by age and by approximately 30% since the early 1980s, most likely due to increasing use of adjuvant therapy. Women who developed bilateral cancer within 5 years and at age younger than 50 years were 3.9 times (95% CI, 3.5 to 4.5) more likely to die as a result of breast cancer than women with unilateral cancer. Women with a bilateral cancer diagnosed more than 10 years after the first cancer had a prognosis similar to that of a unilateral breast cancer. Adjuvant chemotherapy of primary cancer is a predictor of poor survival after diagnosis of early metachronous cancers.

Conclusion

We found profound differences in the incidence trends and prognostic outlook between synchronous and metachronous bilateral breast cancer diagnosed at different ages. Adjuvant chemotherapy therapy has a dual effect on metachronous cancer: it reduces the risk, while at the same time it seems to worsen the prognosis.
The RASSF1A tumor suppressor
Authors: Donninger Howard , Vos Michele D. , Clark Geoffrey J.
Published: September 2007

RASSF1A (Ras association domain family 1 isoform A) is a recently discovered tumor suppressor whose inactivation is implicated in the development of many human cancers. Although it can be inactivated by gene deletion or point mutations, the most common contributor to loss or reduction of RASSF1A function is transcriptional silencing of the gene by inappropriate promoter methylation. This epigenetic mechanism can inactivate numerous tumor suppressors and is now recognized as a major contributor to the development of cancer.

RASSF1A lacks apparent enzymatic activity but contains a Ras association (RA) domain and is potentially an effector of the Ras oncoprotein. RASSF1A modulates multiple apoptotic and cell cycle checkpoint pathways. Current evidence supports the hypothesis that it serves as a scaffold for the assembly of multiple tumor suppressor complexes and may relay pro-apoptotic signaling by K-Ras.
Deaf Cultural Production in Twentieth-Century Madrid
Authors: Fraser Benjamin R
Published: September 2007

This article chronicles the recent processes of identity formation among deaf people in Spain, both analyzing Spanish-language poetry published in the journal Faro del Silencio and outlining new directions for research on Deaf culture in Spain in terms of film, theater, visual poetry. It draws attention to the significant connections between the Spanish and American contexts in both the development of deaf history itself and the subsequent theoretical support for Deaf identity in its cultural and linguistic aspects. This essay suggests that the question of a cultural Deaf identity in Spain, and Deaf identities elsewhere, can never be an easy one. The discussion advances the notion that further analyses of Deaf culture and literature in Spain will aid in this process to promote the formation of an inclusive even contradictory identity.
Denying Claims of Discrimination in the Federal Court of Australia: Arguments against the Use of Native Sign Language in Education
Authors: Komesaroff Linda R
Published: September 2007

In this article I analyze two cases that are the result of parents' complaints against education authorities for alleged indirect discrimination on the basis of their child's lack of access to instruction through Auslan in regular school settings. Although bilingual/bicultural programs for deaf students in Australia are available in some special schools and deaf facilities, the subject of complaint in these cases relates to the lack of provision of regular classroom staff members who are fluent in Auslan. Both cases were decided in favor of the complainants. Despite the parents' calls for Auslan to be used with their deaf children, the formal complaints, and attempts at conciliation, the education providers have maintained a vigorous defense (in one case also appealing the decision of the Federal Court of Australia). It is therefore of potential interest to educational researchers and sign linguists to know how the respondents argued their cases against the use of Native Sign Language (NSL) in the classroom. Legal counsel is bound to represent its clients' views; therefore, the defendants' arguments are a reflection of the views and attitudes of the education authorities whom they represent. This article provides a detailed account of their denial of the claims of discrimination. In doing so, it presents perhaps the first comprehensive account in the public domain of the way in which these authorities view NSL and their reasons for denying its use with deaf children for whom Auslan is their first or preferred language.
Bringing Up Baby with Baby Signs: Language Ideologies and Socialization in Hearing Families
Authors: Pizer Ginger , Walters Keith , Meier Richard P
Published: September 2007

This article presents an analysis of the functional roles of "baby signing" in three hearing families in the United States, as well as a discussion of the social and ideological implications of the practice. Baby signing fits neatly into the parenting ideologies prevalent in the professional class in the United States that value early communication with infants and promote the adaptation of the physical, social, and linguistic environment to their perceived needs. In the details of everyday interaction, these baby-signing families used signs to socialize their children into particular interaction rituals. Although the practice of baby signing is based on a positive view of sign language, the relatively quick disappearance of signing from the family discourse as the children grow older will most likely limit any long-term impact on the hearing community's views of sign language.
Pancreatic Endocrine and Exocrine Cell Ontogeny From Renal Capsule–transplanted Embryonic Stem Cells in Streptozocin-injured Mice
Authors: Kodama Maho , Takeshita Fumitaka , Kanegasaki Shiro , Ochiya Takahiro , Quinn Gary
Published: September 2007

In this study, we describe pancreatic cell ontogeny in renal capsule–transplanted embryonic stem cells (ES) after injury by streptozocin (STZ), showing pancreatogenesis in situ. Seven-week-old female BALB/c nude mice were treated with either a single 175- or 200-mg/kg STZ dose, a regimen that induces substantial β-cell damage without overt hyperglycemia, and transplanted 24 hr later with 1 × 105 ES. Immunohistochemistry was performed on ES tissue at 15, 21, and 28 days after transplantation using antibodies against stage- and lineage-specific pancreatic markers. After 21 days, PDX-1+ pancreatic foci first appeared in the renal capsule and expressed both amylase and endocrine hormones (insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin). These foci increased in size by day 28 because of acinar and duct cell proliferation, whereas endocrine cells remained non-dividing, and made up 2–4% of ES tumor volume. PDX-1, Nkx6.1, Ngn3, and ISL-1 protein localization patterns in pancreatic foci were comparable with embryonic pancreatogenesis. A prevalence of multihormonal endocrine cells, a characteristic of adult β-cell regeneration, indicated a possible divergence from embryonic islet cell development. The results indicate that β-cell damage, without overt hyperglycemia, induces a process of fetal-like pancreatogenesis in renal capsule–transplanted ES, leading to β-cell neogenesis.
Neuronal Differentiation and Expression of Neural Epitopes in Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Johnson Mahlon D. , Fan Xuemo , Bourne Pat , Walters Daniele
Published: September 2007

Neural transdifferentiation is increasingly recognized in neural crest and neural stem cell tumors. Neuronal differentiation has been anecdotally described primarily in somatotroph cell adenomas associated with acromegaly, but its prevalence in adenomas and relationship to adenoma type has not been completely established. In this study we performed a retrospective morphological and immunohistochemical analysis of neurofilament, phosphoneurofilament, Neu-N, class III tubulin, and Hu in WHO grade I pituitary adenomas. Limited numbers of cells with neuronal features and neuron-associated epitopes may be more common in pituitary adenomas than previously recognized. These may occur in many forms of adenomas including somatotroph, lactotroph, mixed somatotroph and lactotroph, null cell/gonadotroph cell and, rarely, corticotroph cell adenomas.
Helminth ova control in wastewater and sludge for advanced and conventional sanitation
Authors: Jiménez B. , Maya C. , Galván M.
Published: September 2007

Worldwide, the most important reuse of wastewater, in volume, is agricultural irrigation. Therefore, there is a need to properly treat wastewater for such purpose, considering the removal of pathogens while leaving suitable amounts of nutrients and other compounds to increase productivity. Helminth ova are one of the main targeted pathogens in the new guidelines for water reuse in agriculture and aquaculture issued in 2006 by the World Health Organization. However, relatively little research has been done recently on how to remove and inactivate helminth ova from wastewater and sludge and recommendations given several decades ago are still used, but when put into practice, particularly in developing countries, produce unsatisfactory results. One problem is that these criteria were developed using inaccurate analytical techniques and the other is the large number and variety of helminth ova species found in wastewater and sludge from the developing world. In fact, the few technological options to remove and inactivate helminth ova come from research performed using wastewater and sludge with low helminth ova content, and refer almost only to Ascaris (one type of helminth). This paper summarises recent research work and results from practical experience concerning helminth ova control for advanced and conventional sanitation.
Ozone micro-bubble disinfection method for wastewater reuse system
Authors: Sumikura M. , Hidaka M. , Murakami H. , Nobutomo Y. , Murakami T.
Published: September 2007

Reuse of wastewater is regarded as one important way to deal with the world's shortage of potable water. The authors focused on a disinfection system using micro-bubbles and evaluated its capability for wastewater reuse. This paper reports experimental results from examination of the basic characteristics of micro-bubbles and disinfection of secondary effluent by air or ozone micro-bubbles. The results suggest that when micro-bubbles are applied in an ozonation system it is possible to reduce the reactor size, the amount of ozone decomposition equipment needed and the ozone dose rate.
Experiences and suggestions for collection systems for source-separated urine and faeces
Authors: Jönsson H. , Vinnerås B.
Published: September 2007

This study collects experiences from existing systems with urine diversion and dry handling of faecal matter and presents design recommendations for improved function of new systems. Urine collection and piping systems were studied in four large residential areas in Scandinavia and South Africa where urine had been collected separately for 5–9 years and dry faeces collected for 4–15 years. We found that larger (>1 toilet) urine collection systems should have odour traps. Blockages in u-bend odour traps can be efficiently prevented by cleaning the u-bend 1–4 times per year with a sewage auger, caustic soda solution or strong acetic acid. A urine pipe diameter of 75 mm and a gradient of at least 1% are recommended. In small systems without a u-bend, a diameter of 25 mm can be used in combination with a gradient of at least 4%. For faecal collection, the most important factors for good function and high acceptability of the system are diversion of the urine, small collection bins (high emptying frequency) and easy access for emptying of bins.
Making decentralised systems viable: a guide to managing decentralised assets and risks
Authors: Willetts J. , Fane S. , Mitchell C.
Published: September 2007

Decentralised systems have the potential to provide a viable option for long term sustainable management of household wastewater. Yet, at present, such systems hold an uncertain status and are frequently omitted from consideration. Their potential can only be realised with improved approaches to their management, and improved methods to decision-making in planning of wastewater systems. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the value of a novel framework to guide the planning of decentralised systems so that asset management and risk management are explicitly considered. The framework was developed through a detailed synthesis of literature and practice in the area of asset management of centralised water and wastewater systems, and risk management in the context of decentralised systems. Key aspects of the framework are attention to socio-economic risks as well as engineering, public health and ecological risks, the central place of communication with multiple stakeholders and establishing a shared asset information system. A case study is used to demonstrate how the framework can guide a different approach and lead to different, more sustainable outcomes, by explicitly considering the needs and perspectives of homeowners, water authorities, relevant government agencies and society as a whole.
Transport and detection of unlabeled nucleotide targets by microtubules functionalized with molecular beacons
Authors: Raab Matthew , Hancock William O.
Published: September 2007

Shrinking biosensors down to microscale dimensions enables increases in sensitivity and the ability to analyze minute samples such as the contents of individual cells. The goal of the present study is to create mobile microscale biosensors by attaching molecular beacons to microtubules and using kinesin molecular motors to transport these functionalized microtubules across two‐dimensional surfaces. Previous work has shown that microfluidic channels can be functionalized with kinesin motors such that microtubules can be transported and directed through these channels without the need for external power or pressure‐driven pumping. In this work, we show that molecular beacons can be attached to microtubules such that both the fluorescence reporting capability of the beacon and the motility of the microtubules are retained. These molecular beacon‐functionalized microtubules were able to bind ssDNA target sequences, transport them across surfaces, and report their presence by an increase in fluorescence that was detected by fluorescence microscopy. This work is an important step toward creating hybrid microdevices for sensitive virus detection or analyzing mRNA profiles of individual cells. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 764–773. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The conjoint junction of the triceps surae: Implications for gastrocnemius tendon lengthening
Authors: Elson D.W. , Whiten S. , Hillman S.J. , Johnson R.J. , Lo S.S. , Robb J.E.
Published: September 2007

Forty embalmed cadaver lower limbs were dissected to identify the morphology of the conjoint junction of the tendons of gastrocnemius and soleus and the location of the gastrocnemius tendon relative to bony landmarks. Five patterns of conjoint junction morphology were found: transverse (25%), oblique passing distally and medially (45%), oblique passing distally and laterally (5%) and arcuate as an inverted U (17.5%) and a U‐shape (7.5%). Left‐right asymmetry of the junction was observed in 31.6% of 19 paired cadaver legs. On the medial side of the calf the gastrocnemius tendon could be located between 38 and 46% of the proportion of the distance between the upper border of the calcaneus and the fibular head. Corresponding values for the midline and lateral side of the calf were 45–58% and 48–51%. The location of the gastrocnemius tendon relative to bony landmarks may help to guide incision planning for open or endoscopic division of the tendon. Clin. Anat. 20:924–928, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Theoretical Characterization of the Photoisomerization Channels of 1,2‐Cyclononadienes on both Singlet and Triplet Potential‐Energy Surfaces
Authors: Su Ming‐Der
Published: September 2007

The ground‐, 1(ππ*)‐, and 3(ππ*)‐state potential‐energy surfaces of 1,2‐cyclononadiene and isomeric C9H14 species, as well as 1‐methyl‐1,2‐cyclononadiene and isomeric C10H16 species were all mapped using CASSCF and the 6–31G(d) basis set. Theoretical results were found to be in good agreement with the available experimental observations for both 1,2‐cyclononadiene and 1‐methyl‐1,2‐cyclononadiene isomerization reactions under singlet and triplet direct or sensitized irradiation. Extremely efficient decay occurs from the first singlet excited state to the ground state through at least three different conical intersections (surface crossings). The first of these crossing points is accessed by a one‐bond ring closure. From this conical intersection point (CI‐A or CI‐C), some possible subsequent ground‐state reaction paths have been identified: 1) intramolecular CH bond insertion to form the bicyclic photoproduct and 2) intramolecular CH bond insertion to form tricyclic photoproducts. An excited state [1,3]‐sigmatropic shift leads to the second conical intersection (CI‐B or CI‐E), which can give a three‐bond cyclononyne species. Besides these, in the singlet photochemical reactions of 1‐methyl‐1,2‐cyclononadiene, excited‐state, one allenic CH bond insertion leads to a third conical intersection (CI‐D). Possible ground‐state reaction pathways from this structure lead to the formation of a diene photoproduct or to transannular insertion photoproducts. Moreover, in the case of triplet 1,2‐cyclononadiene and 1‐methyl‐1,2‐cyclononadiene photoisomerization reactions, both chemical reactions will adopt a 1,3‐biradical (T1/S0‐1, T1/S0‐2, and T1/S0‐3), which may undergo intersystem crossings leading to the formation of tricyclic or bicyclic photoproducts. The results obtained allow a number of predictions to be made.
The Valence Problem of Pd4Br4Te3
Authors: Janetzky Manuel , Rödel Eva , Pietzonka Clemens , Müller Ulrich , Ressler Thorsten , Harbrecht Bernd
Published: September 2007

Pd4Br4Te3 was prepared from Pd, Te, and PdBr2 at 700 K. Its structure was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction to be triclinic, P$\bar 1$, Pearson symbol aP22; a=842.5(2), b=845.0(3), c=864.8(3) pm; α=82.55(3), β=73.36(2), γ=88.80(2)°; Z=2. The Br and Te atoms are arranged according to the motif of cubic closest‐packed spheres in which every 15th position is vacant; the Pd atoms occupy 8/15 of the octahedral voids. The symmetry relations with the packing of spheres are derived. Prominent structural units are hollow cuboctahedral [(PdBrTe)6] units, the Pd atoms are positioned near the centers of the square faces of the Br6Te6 cuboctahedra; the cuboctahedra and double‐octahedral Pd2Br4Te6 units are connected to strands by sharing triangular Te3 faces. The strands are condensed by common Br atoms into layered assemblies. Conspicuously close TeTe contacts in the Te3 triangles indicate attractive TeTe interactions. The valence puzzle is resolved by the formula Pd(+II)4Br(−I)4Te(−4/3)3. Positive TeTe Mulliken orbital populations and the PdK, BrK, and TeLIII XANES spectra of Pd4Br4Te3 referenced to the spectra of PdBr2, K2PdBr6, PdTe, and PdTe2 are in accord with attractive TeTe interactions. The measured semiconducting and diamagnetic properties are compatible with the derived picture of chemical bonding in Pd4Br4Te3.
Insight into the Origin of the Thermosensitivity of Poly[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]
Authors: Liu Guangming , Wu Dan , Ma Chengcheng , Zhang Guangzhao , Wang Hongfei , Yang Shihe
Published: September 2007

We investigate the effects of pH and temperature on the conformational changes of poly[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDEM) chains at the air/water interface by using Langmuir balance and sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy. At pH 4, the tertiary amine groups are fully charged and the PDEM chains are so hydrophilic that they completely enter into the water phase and do not exhibit thermosensitivity. At pH 7, these groups are only partially charged, and the accompanying hydration/dehydration—followed by repartitioning into the water and air phases—gives rise to a marked thermosensitivty. Finally, at pH 10, the tertiary amine groups become uncharged and thus preferentially stay in the hydrophobic air phase, devoid of associated water molecules, which results in the surface‐pressure change (ΔΠ) being nearly independent of the temperature. Our Langmuir‐balance experiments, coupled with surface‐sensitive spectroscopy, demonstrate that: 1) the thermosensitivity of the PDEM chains relates to the hydration/dehydration of the tertiary amine groups, 2) the phase transition of thermosensitive polymers is most likely initiated by the dehydration of the chains, and 3) the phase transition of thermosensitive polymers at the air/water interface is markedly different from that in aqueous solution because of the redistribution of the macromolecular segments induced by the asymmetric forces at the air/water interface.
Effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acids in the control of adiposity and obesity‐related disorders
Authors: Quignard‐Boulangé Annie , Clouet Pierre , Schmitt Bernard
Published: September 2007

The body fat‐lowering effect of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) in experimental animals has attracted much interest because of the potential use of CLA as weight loss agents in humans. The objective of this review was to give an overview of the results from human intervention trials. The review also addresses experimental studies in animal models and in cultured cells. CLA appear to provoke fat mass loss and an increase of fat‐free mass in rodents, but the results in humans are inconsistent and much less clear than in rodents. Thus, the results of studies in humans do not support a body fat‐lowering effect of CLA. There are indications from animal studies that the trans‐10, cis‐12 CLA isomer induces liver steatosis and insulin resistance due to a redistribution of fat deposition. Some studies suggest that the trans‐10, cis‐12 isomer induces insulin resistance in obese subjects. In addition, no major effect of CLA on plasma lipids was detected in human studies. An overview of the potential mechanisms involved in the anti‐obesity effect of CLA in animals and humans is provided. Do draw conclusions on CLA supplementation effects on human health, further human studies are required.
Gene expression changes associated with altered growth and differentiation in benzo[a]pyrene or arsenic exposed normal human epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: Perez Damon S. , Handa Robert J. , Yang Raymond S. H. , Campain Julie A.
Published: September 2007

Both arsenic and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) inhibit terminal differentiation and alter growth potential in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) in vitro. To identify molecular alterations that may be involved in these cellular processes, microarray analysis was carried out on NHEK treated with BaP or arsenic. The gene expression microarray results measuring mRNA levels were as follows: (1) in total, the expression of 85 genes was induced and 17 genes was suppressed by 2.0 µm BaP. (2) Arsenic at an equitoxic dose (5.0 µm) induced the expression of 106 and suppressed 15 genes. Quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR was used subsequently to confirm microarray findings on selected genes involved in keratinocyte growth and differentiation pathways. These studies confirmed increased mRNA levels in NHEK by BaP of α‐integrin binding protein 63 (AIBP63) (2.48‐fold), retinoic acid‐ and interferon‐inducible protein (IFIT5) (2.74‐fold), interleukin‐1α (IL1A) (2.64‐fold), interleukin‐1β (IL1B) (2.84‐fold) and Ras guanyl releasing protein 1 (RASGRP1) (3.14‐fold). Real‐time RT‐PCR confirmed that arsenic increased mRNA levels of the following genes: retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) (5.4‐fold), retinoblastoma‐binding protein 1 (ARID4A) (6.8‐fold), transforming growth factor β‐stimulated protein (TSC22D1) (6.84‐fold), MAX binding protein (MNT) (2.44‐fold), and RAD50 (4.24‐fold). Collectively, these results indicate that these chemicals target different genes and molecular pathways involved in the regulatory processes controlling NHEK proliferation and differentiation. Mechanistic studies with a subset of genes may allow the correlation of alterations in these molecular markers with chemical‐specific blocks to differentiation in NHEK. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Residual water suppression by indirect covariance NMR
Authors: Chen Yanbin , Zhang Fengli , Brüschweiler Rafael
Published: September 2007

Residual water solvent signals in 2D NMR experiments adversely affect appearance and subsequent analysis of spectra. A method for water suppression that is based on indirect covariance processing is described. It produces a symmetric spectrum with a water signal that is substantially decreased or completely absent. The method, which can be combined with other water suppression schemes, is demonstrated for 2D TOCSY, NOESY, and ROESY spectra of the protein, ubiquitin in aqueous solution. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical simulation of smoke clearing with nanoparticle aggregates
Authors: Zhang N. , Zheng Z. C. , Maghirang R. G.
Published: September 2007

Smoke reduction processes in an indoor room‐scale chamber are generated by injecting nanoparticle aggregates. A numerical model, with a flow solver implemented with a particle collision model, is used to simulate the smoke‐reduction effect. The collision model, developed particularly for simulating collisions among particles with significantly different sizes, enables real‐time simulations of three‐dimensional, two‐phase flow when flow/particle interactions need to be considered. The accuracy of the collision model is estimated by comparing with the exact solution from the Smoluchowski equation. The simulated smoke reduction results are compared with measured data with good agreement. Optimized particle size distributions are studied using the simulation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous quantitation of five flavonoid glycosides in herba Epimedii by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Islam Nurul M. , Yoo Hye Hyun , Lee Min Woo , Dong Mi‐sook , Park Young In , Jeong Ha Sook , Kim Dong‐Hyun
Published: September 2007

A rapid and accurate reversed‐phase liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS) method has been developed and validated for the quantitative determination of five flavonoid glycosides, icariin, epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C and hyperin in Herba Epimedii. Chromatographic separations were performed using a C18 narrow‐bore HPLC column; a mixture of an aqueous solution of ammonium formate (pH 4.0) and acetonitrile was used as the mobile phase, with compounds detected in the positive ion mode with multiple‐reaction monitoring using a triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionisation interface. This method for the determination of the reported flavonoid glycosides was accurate and reproducible, with a lower limit of quantication of 0.5 µg/mL. The standard calibration curves for the above‐mentioned compounds were linear (r2 > 0.998) over the concentration range 0.5–10.0 µg/mL. The relative standard deviations for intra‐ and inter‐day precision over the concentration range for the flavonoid glycosides were lower than 7.8% with accuracy between 90.1 and 111.0%. The established method was successfully applied to the quality assessment of samples of Herba Epimedii collected from Korea and China. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automatic continuous online monitoring of polymerization reactions (ACOMP)
Authors: Alb Alina M , Drenski Michael F , Reed Wayne F
Published: September 2007

A brief overview of the principles and associated instrumentation used to monitor polymerization reactions by automatic continuous online monitoring of polymerization reactions (ACOMP) is presented. ACOMP can be used as an analytical method in R&D, as a tool for reaction optimization at the bench and pilot plant level and, eventually, for feedback control of full‐scale reactors. ACOMP measures in a model‐independent fashion the evolution of average molar mass and intrinsic viscosity, monomer conversion kinetics and, in the case of copolymers, also the average composition drift and distribution. A summary of areas of ACOMP application is given, which include free radical and controlled radical homo‐ and copolymerization, polyelectrolyte synthesis, heterogeneous phase reactions, including emulsion polymerization, adaptation to batch and continuous reactors, and modifications of polymers. Finally, a brief sketch of two novel complementary methods is given: automatic continuous mixing (ACM) and simultaneous multiple sample light scattering (SMSLS). Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Accounting for error due to misclassification of exposures in case–control studies of gene–environment interaction
Authors: Zhang Li , Mukherjee Bhramar , Ghosh Malay , Gruber Stephen , Moreno Victor
Published: September 2007

We consider analysis of data from an unmatched case–control study design with a binary genetic factor and a binary environmental exposure when both genetic and environmental exposures could be potentially misclassified. We devise an estimation strategy that corrects for misclassification errors and also exploits the gene–environment independence assumption. The proposed corrected point estimates and confidence intervals for misclassified data reduce back to standard analytical forms as the misclassification error rates go to zero. We illustrate the methods by simulating unmatched case–control data sets under varying levels of disease–exposure association and with different degrees of misclassification. A real data set on a case–control study of colorectal cancer where a validation subsample is available for assessing genotyping error is used to illustrate our methods. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Latest technical trend of arc plasma, electrical contacts, and their applications
Authors: Kaneko Eiji , Iwata Mikimasa , Onchi Toshiyuki , Kajino Hiroki , Sato Takashi , Mori Tadashi
Published: September 2007

Arc plasma generated by arc discharges is used in various fields because of its extraordinary characteristics such as very high temperature and high energy density. On the other hand, the principle of current interruption by extinguishing the arc discharge between electrical contacts is practical and useful in many types of circuit breakers. Arc discharge and electrical contacts have been well investigated, and numerous procedures have been developed. In this review paper, we introduce the recent technical trends in arc plasma treating wastes, synthesizing new materials, and the latest circuit breakers equipped with arc plasma and electrical contact techniques. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
What's Wrong with the Theory of Racial Inequality: Toward a More Effective Theory of Racial Inequality in Economic Life
Authors: Swinton David H.
Published: September 2007

Explaining or resolving the apparent incompatibility between traditional economic theory and the persistence of racial inequality or discrimination in economic life has been the most significant motivation for conventional studies of race and economics. The conventional theory that resulted from this interest, however, has been of limited utility in advancing understanding of racial inequality in economic life. This essay discusses an alternative to the conventional theory that is intended to facilitate a better understanding of racial inequality. It is also designed to provide a more effective tool for the evaluation and design of policy.

The alternative model takes the existence of racially distinct groups and initial racial difference in the ownership of resources as given and exogenous. It is specified in a manner that allows the evolution of racial inequality over time to be explained. The structure of the model responds to challenges posed by Robert S. Browne to develop viable economic theories useful in the study of the interaction of race and economics.
Economic Growth and Equity: Complements or Opposites?
Authors: Harris Donald J.
Published: September 2007

There is no automatic mechanism in a market economy to guarantee reduced inequality of income with growth. Some theories lead us to expect just the opposite. At best, there are self-limiting cyclical effects, associated with changes in unemployment. U.S. economic growth has actually been quite slow since the 1950s. Besides, there are structural barriers to reduced inequality that operate with or without growth. Historical evidence for different countries presents a mixed picture. For the U.S. economy, postwar growth has been associated with an upturn in measured inequality. Government intervention has been mildly equalizing, through transfers and expenditures but not through taxes.
Technical news feature
Authors: Yao J. J. , Wei L. S. , Steinberg M. P.
Published: September 2007

Soybeans from different maturation stages were tested for their chemical composition and storage stability. Maturation was arrested at specified times by spraying paraquat on the plant. The same level of trypsin inhibitor activity was found regardless of maturation. However, the lipoxygenase activity and phytate content were significantly lower in immature beans. Crude oil and protein contents were similar, regardless of maturation. The crude oils from immature samples were greener in color and higher in free fatty acid content than those from mature ones. Both yield of isolated soy protein and ratio of 7S to 11S protein in immature soybeans were lower than that from mature soybeans. During storage, lipoxygenase activity decreased independently of maturation but free fatty acid content in the crude oil increased at a faster rate in immature beans than that from mature ones.
Computer modeling of theoretical structures of monoacid triglyceride α‐forms in various subcell arrangements
Authors: Hagemann J. W. , Rothfus J. A.
Published: September 2007

Six theoretical triarachidin space‐filling α‐form structures were examined using a computer modeling technique that simulated restricted oscillations of carbon zigzag planes in synchronous and nonsynchronous modes. Intermolecular minimization procedures determined best‐fit positions around a centralized molecule, which enabled calculation of total lattice energy values for nine different hexagonal subcell arrangements. Subcell arrangement had a greater effect on the energy of the system than did the configuration of the triglyceride. The analysis thus far indicates several equally preferred structure‐sub cell arrangement combinations for triglyceride α‐forms rather than a single crystalline entity.
Characteristics of uruguayan beef tallow1
Authors: Grompone Maria A. , Moyna Patrick
Published: September 2007

The characteristics of Uruguayan commercial beef tallow are described. The mean values of some properties and their variation limits are summarized. Uruguayan beef tallow differs from those that have been described in other countries.
Synthesis of sulfur‐Containing derivatives from olefinic fatty esters
Authors: Husain S. Rafat , Ahmad F. , Ahmad M.
Published: September 2007

The reaction of 3‐mercaptopropan‐l,2‐diol with methyl 10‐undecenoate (Ib) yielded three products, methyl 11‐(3′‐mercaptopropan‐l′,2′‐diacetoxy) undecanoate (II, 48.9%), methyl 11‐(1‐oxapropan‐2′‐acetoxy‐3′‐mercaptoacetyl) undecanoate (III, 27.4%) and methyl 10‐(3′‐mercaptopropan‐1′‐acetoxy‐2′‐ol) undecanoate (IV, 23.0%) along with hydrolyzed starting material (Ia, 5.4%). The same reaction with methyl 9‐octadecenoate (Vb) gave an isomeric product, 9(10)‐(3′‐mercaptopropan‐l′‐acetoxy‐2′‐ol) octadecanoic acid (VI, 78.5%) and oleic acid (Va, 21.4%). Reaction withtrans‐2‐octadecenoic acid (VII) afforded 2(3)‐(3′‐mercaptopropan‐l′‐acetoxy‐2′‐ol) octadecanoic acid (VIII, 85.7%).