bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon nanotube Josephson junctions with Nb contacts
Authors: Pallecchi E. , Gaaß M. , Ryndyk D. A. , Strunk Ch.
Published: August 2008

We report on the preparation of carbon nanotube Josephson junctions using superconducting electrodes made of niobium. Gate-controllable supercurrents with values of up to 30 nA are induced by the proximity effect. The IV curves are hysteretic at low temperature and the corresponding switching histograms have a width of 0.5%–2%. An on-chip resistive environment integrated in the sample layout is used to increase the switching current.
Enhancement of optical and magneto-optical effects in three-dimensional opal/Fe3O4 magnetic photonic crystals
Authors: Pavlov V. V. , Usachev P. A. , Pisarev R. V. , Kurdyukov D. A. , Kaplan S. F. , Kimel A. V. , Kirilyuk A. , Rasing Th.
Published: August 2008

Three-dimensional magnetic photonic crystals, based on an artificial opal matrix with embedded magnetite Fe3O4, were investigated in both transmission and reflection in the near-infrared and visible spectral range. A strong enhancement of the polar Kerr effect and a modification of the Faraday effect have been found near the photonic band gap at about 1.8 eV. Surprisingly the shapes of the loops of magnetic hysteresis measured by magnetic circular dichroism were found to depend on the wavelength of light. This observation has been explained using a model where two types of magnetite particles have different coercive fields.
Control of the discharge chemistry of CHF3 in dual-frequency capacitively coupled plasmas
Authors: Yuan Q. H. , Ye C. , Xin Y. , Huang X. J. , Ning Z. Y. , Yin G. Q.
Published: August 2008

The discharge chemistry of CHF3 in 27/2, 60/2, and 60/13.56 MHz dual-frequency capacitively coupled plasmas (DF-CCPs) is studied with actinometric optical emission spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The frequency effect on the generation of reactive species was investigated. The reactive radicals and the density ratio of F/CF2 could be controlled by the 2 MHz rf power in 27/2 and 60/2 MHz DF-CCPs. The density ratios of F/CF2 in 27/2 and 60/2 MHz DF-CCPs are observed to increase with an increase in low-frequency power. However, this control could not be obtained in 60/13.56 MHz DF-CCP.
Dispersal and the influence of rainfall on a population of the carnivorous marsupial swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus maritimus)
Authors: Magnusdottir Rannveig , Wilson Barbara A. , Hersteinsson Pall
Published: August 2008

Although there is evidence that recent climatic changes have had significant impacts on a wide range of species in the Northern Hemisphere, the influence of climate change, particularly drought, on Australian native small mammal species is poorly understood. In this study we investigated dispersal patterns and the influence of rainfall on the swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus maritimus). Peak abundance occurred after the highest total annual rainfall for two decades, in 2001. A year later the population had declined to 10% of the peak. Birth dates appeared to occur three weeks earlier following a year of high rainfall. The dispersal of nine litters of pouch young (n = 62) was assessed following two breeding seasons. Young males remained on the natal site until December–January and dispersed before the breeding season. New males entered the population between January and June. More than 50% of females were residents and remained on the site to breed; the remaining females were trapped only once. After the male die-off the movements of pregnant females increased and they appeared to expand their home ranges. A. minimus exhibits philopatry of females and dispersal of males, as observed in other Antechinus species but dispersal occurs 2–3 months after weaning. This contrasts with juveniles of other Antechinus species that disperse abruptly after weaning. This study provides evidence that precipitation does have a major effect on the abundance of dasyurid species, making them vulnerable to drought and local or regional extinctions, particularly in areas of fragmented habitat and drying climates.
Home range, burrow-use and activity patterns in common wombats (Vombatus ursinus)
Authors: Evans Murray C.
Published: August 2008

Wombats are large, marsupial herbivores able to exploit low-productivity habitats largely because of their low energy requirements. In addition to using deep, thermally favourable burrows, wombats might use a strategy of conservative above-ground ranging behaviour to achieve their low energy expenditure. This study examined home range, burrow use and diurnal activity patterns of common wombats (Vombatus ursinus) in eucalypt forest, woodland and pasture using trapping and radio-tracking. Wombats ranged through all three vegetation types with forest and pasture clearly being important habitats. Home ranges (95% harmonic mean) were typically almost circular, and averaged 17.7 ha with core areas (50% harmonic mean) averaging 2.9 ha. Home-range size is small compared with that expected for most mammals of comparable body mass. Ranging behaviour for wombats was similar between sexes and ranges extensively overlapped between and within sexes, indicating that ranges are not actively defended. Wombats did not markedly change the size or location of home ranges, ranging behaviour or feeding areas between summer and winter. The density of active burrows (0.25 ha–1) far exceeded the estimated density of wombats (0.13 ha–1). Wombats typically spent 1–4 days sleeping in the same burrow and then moved to another. On average, each active burrow was used by 2.2 different individuals. The activity pattern of wombats is characterised by a strong diel cycle, with most activity occurring nocturnally. Activity peaks at the beginning and end of each night are consistent with a ‘travel out, graze, travel back’ movement pattern. Despite widely distributed food resources, small home ranges and obligate burrow use constrain wombats to meeting their year-round food and water requirements from a small area near their burrows.
Differential space use inferred from live trapping versus telemetry: northern flying squirrels and fine spatial grain
Authors: Wheatley Matthew , Larsen Karl
Published: August 2008

Small mammal space use is inferred from live-capture data or various methods of tracking, with differences between these methods potentially affecting the input and subsequent inferential abilities of resulting wildlife-habitat models. Unlike tracking via radio telemetry, live trapping employs use of bait, which is known to change proximate animal density as evident in many food addition studies (the ‘pantry effect’), and conceivably bias individuals’ space use, particularly if measured over small spatial extents in heterogeneous areas. The present study analysed both trapping and telemetry data from northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) to assess whether different habitat associations could be generated based on methods alone. Conditional on sampling method, two different space-use patterns were identified from the same group of squirrels and two significantly different sets of habitat model input were associated with each. Trap areas were not used post capture; once enumerated, animals on average (n = 34) spent over 80% of their time from 100 to 200+ m, upwards of 800 m, away from trap areas. Using telemetry and fine-grained habitat structure data, this study found 33% of sampled squirrels used areas not identified via habitat-stratified trap effort (specifically black spruce habitat). It is concluded that wildlife-habitat investigations dealing with fine spatial grain are likely to acquire different results using trapping versus telemetry, especially if animals are relatively mobile and habitat structure is relatively heterogeneous.
Uncovering G protein-coupled receptor kinase-5 as a histone deacetylase kinase in the nucleus of cardiomyocytes
Authors: Martini Jeffrey S. , Raake Philip , Vinge Leif E. , DeGeorge Brent R. , Chuprun J. Kurt , Harris David M. , Gao Erhe , Eckhart Andrea D. , Pitcher Julie A. , Koch Walter J.
Published: August 2008

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinases (GRKs) are critical regulators of cellular signaling and function. In cardiomyocytes, GRK2 and GRK5 are two GRKs important for myocardial regulation, and both have been shown to be up-regulated in the dysfunctional heart. We report that increased levels and activity of GRK5 in failing myocardium may have unique significance due to its nuclear localization, a property not shared by GRK2. We find that transgenic mice with elevated cardiac GRK5 levels have exaggerated hypertrophy and early heart failure compared with control mice after pressure overload. This pathology is not present in cardiac GRK2-overexpressing mice or in mice with overexpression of a mutant GRK5 that is excluded from the nucleus. Nuclear accumulation of GRK5 is enhanced in myocytes after aortic banding
in vivo
and
in vitro
in myocytes after increased Gαq activity, the trigger for pressure-overload hypertrophy. GRK5 enhances activation of MEF2 in concert with Gq signals, demonstrating that nuclear localized GRK5 regulates gene transcription via a pathway critically linked to myocardial hypertrophy. Mechanistically, we show that this is due to GRK5 acting, in a non-GPCR manner, as a class II histone deacetylase (HDAC) kinase because it can associate with and phosphorylate the myocyte enhancer factor-2 repressor, HDAC5. Moreover, significant HDAC activity can be found with GRK5 in the heart. Our data show that GRK5 is a nuclear HDAC kinase that plays a key role in maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy apparently independent of any action directly on GPCRs.
Metal-organic frameworks with high capacity and selectivity for harmful gases
Authors: Britt David , Tranchemontagne David , Yaghi Omar M.
Published: August 2008

Benchmarks have been established for the performance of six metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and isoreticular MOFs (IRMOFs, which have the same underlying topology as MOF-5), MOF-5, IRMOF-3, MOF-74, MOF-177, MOF-199, and IRMOF-62, as selective adsorbents for eight harmful gases: sulfur dioxide, ammonia, chlorine, tetrahydrothiophene, benzene, dichloromethane, ethylene oxide, and carbon monoxide. Kinetic breakthrough measurements are used to determine the calculated dynamic adsorption capacity of each “benchmark” MOF for each gas. The capacity of each MOF is compared to that of a sample of Calgon BPL activated carbon. We find that pore functionality plays a dominant role in determining the dynamic adsorption performance of MOFs. MOFs featuring reactive functionality outperform BPL carbon in all but one case and exhibit high dynamic adsorption capacities up to 35% by weight.
Normal ovarian surface epithelial label-retaining cells exhibit stem/progenitor cell characteristics
Authors: Szotek Paul P. , Chang Henry L. , Brennand Kristen , Fujino Akihiro , Pieretti-Vanmarcke Rafael , Lo Celso Cristina , Dombkowski David , Preffer Frederic , Cohen Kenneth S. , Teixeira Jose , Donahoe Patricia K.
Published: August 2008

Ovulation induces cyclic rupture and regenerative repair of the ovarian coelomic epithelium. This process of repeated disruption and repair accompanied by complex remodeling typifies a somatic stem/progenitor cell-mediated process. Using BrdU incorporation and doxycycline inducible histone2B-green fluorescent protein pulse–chase techniques, we identify a label-retaining cell population in the coelomic epithelium of the adult mouse ovary as candidate somatic stem/progenitor cells. The identified population exhibits quiescence with asymmetric label retention, functional response to estrous cycling
in vivo
by proliferation, enhanced growth characteristics by
in vitro
colony formation, and cytoprotective mechanisms by enrichment for the side population. Together, these characteristics identify the label-retaining cell population as a candidate for the putative somatic stem/progenitor cells of the coelomic epithelium of the mouse ovary.
Mosquitoes smell and avoid the insect repellent DEET
Authors: Syed Zainulabeuddin , Leal Walter S.
Published: August 2008

The insect repellent DEET is effective against a variety of medically important pests, but its mode of action still draws considerable debate. The widely accepted hypothesis that DEET interferes with the detection of lactic acid has been challenged by demonstrated DEET-induced repellency in the absence of lactic acid. The most recent hypothesis suggests that DEET masks or jams the olfactory system by attenuating electrophysiological responses to 1-octen-3-ol. Our research shows that mosquitoes smell DEET directly and avoid it. We performed single-unit recordings from all functional ORNs on the antenna and maxillary palps ofCulex quinquefasciatusand found an ORN in a short trichoid sensillum responding to DEET in a dose-dependent manner. The same ORN responded with higher sensitivity to terpenoid compounds. SPME and GC analysis showed that odorants were trapped in conventional stimulus cartridges upon addition of a DEET-impregnated filter paper strip thus leading to the observed reduced electrophysiological responses, as reported elsewhere. With a new stimulus delivery method releasing equal amounts of 1-octen-3-ol alone or in combination with DEET we found no difference in neuronal responses. When applied to human skin, DEET altered the chemical profile of emanations by a “fixative” effect that may also contribute to repellency. However, the main mode of action is the direct detection of DEET as indicated by the evidence that mosquitoes are endowed with DEET-detecting ORNs and corroborated by behavioral bioassays. In a sugar-feeding assay, both female and male mosquitoes avoided DEET. In addition, mosquitoes responding only to physical stimuli avoided DEET.
Engineered recombinant human paraoxonase 1 (rHuPON1) purified fromEscherichia coliprotects against organophosphate poisoning
Authors: Stevens Richard C. , Suzuki Stephanie M. , Cole Toby B. , Park Sarah S. , Richter Rebecca J. , Furlong Clement E.
Published: August 2008

The high-density lipoprotein-associated enzyme paraoxonase 1 (PON1) hydrolyzes lactones, aromatic esters, and neurotoxic organophosphorus (OP) compounds, including insecticide metabolites and nerve agents. Experiments with mice lacking PON1 (PON1−/−mice) have established that plasma PON1 protects against chlorpyrifos/chlorpyrifos-oxon and diazinon/diazoxon (DZO) exposure but does not protect against parathion/paraoxon or nerve agents. The catalytic efficiency of PON1 determines whether or not it will protect against a given OP exposure. Expression of active recombinant human PON1 (rHuPON1) inEscherichia coliprovides a system in which PON1 can be engineered to achieve a catalytic efficiency sufficient to protect against or treat specific OP exposures. Here, we describe the generation of highly purified engineered rHuPON1K192that protects against DZO exposure when injected intoPON1−/−mice. The injected rHuPON1 is nontoxic, persists in serum for at least 2 days after injection, and provides protection against DZO exposures of at least three times the median lethal dose value.
Loss of AKAP150 perturbs distinct neuronal processes in mice
Authors: Tunquist Brian J. , Hoshi Naoto , Guire Eric S. , Zhang Fang , Mullendorff Karin , Langeberg Lorene K. , Raber Jacob , Scott John D.
Published: August 2008

A-Kinase Anchoring Proteins (AKAPs) ensure the fidelity of second messenger signaling events by directing protein kinases and phosphatases toward their preferred substrates. AKAP150 brings protein kinase A (PKA), the calcium/calmodulin dependent phosphatase PP2B and protein kinase C (PKC) to postsynaptic membranes where they facilitate the phosphorylation dependent modulation of certain ion channels. Immunofluorescence and electrophysiological recordings were combined with behavioral analyses to assess whether removal of AKAP150 by gene targeting in mice changes the signaling environment to affect excitatory and inhibitory neuronal processes. Mislocalization of PKA in AKAP150 null hippocampal neurons alters the bidirectional modulation of postsynaptic AMPA receptors with concomitant changes in synaptic transmission and memory retention. AKAP150 null mice also exhibit deficits in motor coordination and strength that are consistent with a role for the anchoring protein in the cerebellum. Loss of AKAP150 in sympathetic cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons reduces muscarinic suppression of inhibitory M currents and provides these animals with a measure of resistance to seizures induced by the non-selective muscarinic agonist pilocarpine. These studies argue that distinct AKAP150-enzyme complexes regulate context-dependent neuronal signaling events
in vivo
.
Emergent treatment of variceal bleeding in two infants
Authors: Park A. , Cwikiel W.
Published: August 2008

Two infants with portal hypertension were treated on an emergency basis for life-threatening uncontrollable variceal bleeding. One 9-month-old girl had portal vein thrombosis, and the other 28-months-old girl had liver cirrhosis secondary to biliary atresia. Following percutaneous transhepatic embolization of the varices, successful bleeding control was achieved in both patients.
Pre‐treatment change in psychotherapy with adult children of problem drinkers: The significance of leaving home
Authors: Mackrill Thomas
Published: August 2008

In a qualitative diary study of four adult children of problem drinkers in psychotherapy, it transpired that all four clients had experienced significant changes before they entered psychotherapy. This study first addresses the issue of how pre‐treatment change may be conceptualised in psychological theory and research. Five ways of understanding pre‐treatment change are presented. Data from the case studies are then presented, highlighting how these clients experienced a diminishing sense of self‐control in relation to leaving the home they cohabited with their alcoholic parent. The dynamics of how leaving home affects the clients are analysed. It is suggested that change experienced in relation to leaving home is significant to the decision to enter therapy. The fit between the data and the theories of pre‐treatment change is discussed.
Understanding Pamina's recovery: An application of the hermeneutic single‐case efficacy design
Authors: Carvalho Maria João , Faustino Inês , Nascimento Ana , Sales Célia Maria Dias
Published: August 2008

This article reports an effectiveness case study of the individual systemic therapy of a 22‐year‐old Portuguese woman with a diagnosis of paranoid personality disorder, conducted in a university‐based clinic in Lisbon, Portugal. Data were analysed using the hermeneutic single‐case efficacy design, a non‐experimental interpretive approach that aims to determine whether change occurred, whether change was due to therapeutic strategies, and what in therapy caused the change. Results indicate that the treatment was effective and that de‐pathologising Pamina's condition and genogram‐based exploration techniques played a crucial role in her recovery.
Mechanotransduction in an extracted cell model: Fyn drives stretch- and flow-elicited PECAM-1 phosphorylation
Authors: Chiu Yi-Jen , McBeath Elena , Fujiwara Keigi
Published: August 2008

Mechanosensing followed by mechanoresponses by cells is well established, but the mechanisms by which mechanical force is converted into biochemical events are poorly understood. Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) exhibit flow- and stretch-dependent responses and are widely used as a model for studying mechanotransduction in mammalian cells. Platelet EC adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1) is tyrosine phosphorylated when ECs are exposed to flow or when PECAM-1 is directly pulled, suggesting that it is a mechanochemical converter. We show that PECAM-1 phosphorylation occurs when detergent-extracted EC monolayers are stretched, indicating that this phosphorylation is mechanically triggered and does not require the intact plasma membrane and soluble cytoplasmic components. Using kinase inhibitors and small interfering RNAs, we identify Fyn as the PECAM-1 kinase associated with the model. We further show that stretch- and flow-induced PECAM-1 phosphorylation in intact ECs is abolished when Fyn expression is down-regulated. We suggest that PECAM-1 and Fyn are essential components of a PECAM-1–based mechanosensory complex in ECs.
Novel role of the muskelin–RanBP9 complex as a nucleocytoplasmic mediator of cell morphology regulation
Authors: Valiyaveettil Manojkumar , Bentley Amber A. , Gursahaney Priya , Hussien Rajaa , Chakravarti Ritu , Kureishy Nina , Prag Soren , Adams Josephine C.
Published: August 2008

The evolutionarily conserved kelch-repeat protein muskelin was identified as an intracellular mediator of cell spreading. We discovered that its morphological activity is controlled by association with RanBP9/RanBPM, a protein involved in transmembrane signaling and a conserved intracellular protein complex. By subcellular fractionation, endogenous muskelin is present in both the nucleus and the cytosol. Muskelin subcellular localization is coregulated by its C terminus, which provides a cytoplasmic restraint and also controls the interaction of muskelin with RanBP9, and its atypical lissencephaly-1 homology motif, which has a nuclear localization activity which is regulated by the status of the C terminus. Transient or stable short interfering RNA–based knockdown of muskelin resulted in protrusive cell morphologies with enlarged cell perimeters. Morphology was specifically restored by complementary DNAs encoding forms of muskelin with full activity of the C terminus for cytoplasmic localization and RanBP9 binding. Knockdown of RanBP9 resulted in equivalent morphological alterations. These novel findings identify a role for muskelin–RanBP9 complex in pathways that integrate cell morphology regulation and nucleocytoplasmic communication.
Structural basis for distinctive recognition of fibrinogen γC peptide by the platelet integrin αIIbβ3
Authors: Springer Timothy A. , Zhu Jianghai , Xiao Tsan
Published: August 2008

Hemostasis and thrombosis (blood clotting) involve fibrinogen binding to integrin αIIbβ3 on platelets, resulting in platelet aggregation. αvβ3 binds fibrinogen via an Arg-Asp-Gly (RGD) motif in fibrinogen's α subunit. αIIbβ3 also binds to fibrinogen; however, it does so via an unstructured RGD-lacking C-terminal region of the γ subunit (γC peptide). These distinct modes of fibrinogen binding enable αIIbβ3 and αvβ3 to function cooperatively in hemostasis. In this study, crystal structures reveal the integrin αIIbβ3–γC peptide interface, and, for comparison, integrin αIIbβ3 bound to a lamprey γC primordial RGD motif. Compared with RGD, the GAKQAGDV motif in γC adopts a different backbone configuration and binds over a more extended region. The integrin metal ion–dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) Mg2+ ion binds the γC Asp side chain. The adjacent to MIDAS (ADMIDAS) Ca2+ ion binds the γC C terminus, revealing a contribution for ADMIDAS in ligand binding. Structural data from this natively disordered γC peptide enhances our understanding of the involvement of γC peptide and integrin αIIbβ3 in hemostasis and thrombosis.
Stress induces the assembly of RNA granules in the chloroplast of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Uniacke James , Zerges William
Published: August 2008

Eukaryotic cells under stress repress translation and localize these messenger RNAs (mRNAs) to cytoplasmic RNA granules. We show that specific stress stimuli induce the assembly of RNA granules in an organelle with bacterial ancestry, the chloroplast of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. These chloroplast stress granules (cpSGs) form during oxidative stress and disassemble during recovery from stress. Like mammalian stress granules, cpSGs contain poly(A)-binding protein and the small, but not the large, ribosomal subunit. In addition, mRNAs are in continuous flux between polysomes and cpSGs during stress. Localization of cpSGs within the pyrenoid reveals that this chloroplast compartment functions in this stress response. The large subunit of ribulosebisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase also assembles into cpSGs and is known to bind mRNAs during oxidative stress, raising the possibility that it plays a role in cpSG assembly. This discovery within such an organelle suggests that mRNA localization to granules during stress is a more general phenomenon than currently realized.
Distribution, abundance, and growth of anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) on the Porcupine Bank (west of Ireland)
Authors: Velasco Francisco , Landa Jorge , Barrado Joaquín , Blanco Marian
Published: August 2008

Velasco, F., Landa, J., Barrado, J., and Blanco, M. 2008. Distribution, abundance, and growth of anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) on the Porcupine Bank (west of Ireland). – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1316–1325. This manuscript presents the first results on abundance and distribution of white anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) from a series of groundfish surveys carried out on the Porcupine Bank. White anglerfish were caught in all trawlable areas, recruits and juveniles mainly from the shallower parts of the bank, around the central mound and closer to the Irish shelf. A strong cohort was manifest in 2001, and it could be tracked over time by age matrices obtained with illicia age–length keys (ALKs) collected during the surveys. However, a mismatch in the cohort analysis suggests that the growth pattern based on illicia underestimates around three of the younger age classes. Using an ALK estimated numerically from a faster growth model, this mismatch disappears, which seems to confirm faster growth. Recruits of the 0-group and adults of age 4 (with the faster growth: ca. ∼57–65 cm) dominated, whereas the intermediate age groups were scarce on the bank. These results and recent findings from tag-and-recapture experiments suggest that white anglerfish move to and from the Porcupine Bank, calling into question the stock boundaries currently accepted for the species in the North Atlantic.
Prognosis of Chronic or Recurrent Abdominal Pain in Children
Authors: Gieteling Marieke J , Bierma‐Zeinstra Sita MA , Passchier Jan , Berger Marjolein Y
Published: August 2008

Background:

Chronic abdominal pain (CAP) or recurrent abdominal pain is common in childhood and is rarely associated with organic disease. With modern diagnostic technology, new organic abnormalities are found in children with CAP. Thus far a causal relation between these abnormalities and CAP has not been established. The additional prognostic value of extensive testing of children with CAP is a subject of debate.

Objectives:

To investigate how often abdominal pain persists in children with CAP and to investigate whether medical tests such as laboratory tests, imaging, and endoscopy have additional prognostic value to history taking and clinical examination.

Materials and Methods:

A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO for prospective cohort studies published from 1960 until October 2005. The most common medical key words for CAP were used in our search strategy. The methodological quality of studies was determined. Clinical heterogeneity between studies was analyzed. The percentages of children with abdominal pain after follow‐up were pooled.

Results:

The search yielded 2620 citations, of which 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. In total, 1331 children were followed up for 5 years (median, range 1–29 years). In total, 29.1% (95% CI 28.1–30.2) of patients with CAP had abdominal pain after follow‐up. The prognosis of CAP diagnosed clinically was similar to that diagnosed after additional medical testing.

Conclusions:

CAP persisted in 29.1% (95% CI 28.1–30.2) of children. In the absence of alarming symptoms, additional diagnostic testing did not influence the prognosis of CAP.
Assessing the Validity of Clinical Trials
Authors: Akobeng Anthony K
Published: August 2008

Clinical trials use scientific methods to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of treatments or other interventions. Trials should have both internal and external validity, and a well‐conducted randomised controlled trial is considered to be the most powerful tool for evaluating interventions. Systematic error (bias) and random error could threaten the internal validity of trials, and all efforts should be made to minimise these in the design, conduct, and analysis of studies. Careful attention should be paid to issues such as randomisation, allocation concealment, blinding, and sample size. In an internally valid trial, external validity refers to the ability of the results to be generalised to the “real world” population. Issues to consider in determining the external validity of a study include the setting of the trial, the study population, the types of interventions used, duration of follow‐up, and the types of outcome and how they were assessed.
Secular and Seasonal Trends in Obesity in Chilean Preschool Children, 1996–2004
Authors: Stanojevic Sanja , Kain Juliana , Uauy Ricardo
Published: August 2008

Objectives:

Chile is a unique example of the nutrition transition, with improvements in undernutrition and subsequent rapid increases in obesity occurring at a rate much faster than in other countries. This study aims to describe the cross‐sectional obesity trends in Chilean preschool children from 1996 to 2004.

Materials and Methods:

Anthropometric measurements from preschool children (ages 2–5) registered in the Junta Nacional de Jardines Infantiles program from 1996 to 2004 were analysed. The weight‐for‐height z score using the World Health Organization 1977/1985 reference curves for age, sex, height, and weight were defined to estimate overweight and obesity. The overall trends in obesity were described for each study year and generalized estimating equation models were used to describe trends in obesity after adjusting for the correlated nature of repeated measurements in individual children in consecutive years.

Results:

The prevalence of obese and overweight children has remained constant in both boys and girls during the past 9 years; however, after adjustment for repeated measurements in individual children, the odds of obesity increased by 30% each year (odds ratio [OR] 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27–1.31, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the odds of obesity were significantly greater in both August and November compared with March.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of obesity in Chilean preschool children continues to be a major public health concern, and cross‐sectional trends may underestimate the magnitude of the problem.
Aqua(hexamethylenetetramine-κN)bis(methanol-κO)bis(thiocyanato-κN)cobalt(II)
Authors: Shang Wei-Li , Bai Yan , Ma Chao-Zhong , Li Zhi-Min
Published: August 2008

In the title complex, [Co(NCS)2(C6H12N4)(CH4O)2(H2O)], the six-coordinated Co atom has a slightly distorted octahedral geometry. The molecules are linked by intermolecular O—H...S and O—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming a three- dimensional crystal structure. Intramolecular C—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonds are also present.
Tri-p-tolylphosphine
Authors: Wang Hao , Wang Yi-Bin , Liu Bo-Nian , Tang Shi-Gui , Wei Ping
Published: August 2008

In the title compound C21H21P, the P atom is situated on a crystallographic threefold rotatory-inversion axis, resulting in threefold rotation symmetry of the title compound. The dihedral angles between the symmetry-related benzene rings are 87.40 (18)°.
(±)-Ethyl 6,7-dimethoxy-1-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-2-carboxylate
Authors: Nikolova Rosica Petrova , Kolev Tsonko , Statkova-Abeghe Stela M. , Shivachev Boris Lubomirov
Published: August 2008

In the title compound, C18H22N2O4, the dihedral angle between the pyrrolyl and quinolinyl fragments is 68.97 (2)°. Two non-classical intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds stabilize the molecular geometry. In the crystal structure, molecules form infinite chains via moderate intermolecular N—H...O(CH3) hydrogen bonds.
Zwitterionic 6-methyl-2-oxo-3-[1-(ureidoiminio)ethyl]-2H-pyran-4-olate monohydrate
Authors: Djedouani Amel , Boufas Sihem , Allain Magali , Bouet Gilles , Khan Mustayeen
Published: August 2008

The title compound, C9H11N3O4·H2O, was prepared by the reaction of dehydroacetic acid and semicarbazide hydrochloride. It crystallizes in a zwitterionic form with cationic iminium and anionic enolate groups. In the crystal structure, the almost planar molecules are held together by N—H...O, O—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, some of them involving the water molecules.
(E)-1,2-Diphenylvinyl p-toluenesulfonate
Authors: Cui Dongmei , Meng Qian , Zhang Chen , Gu Jianming
Published: August 2008

The title compound, C21H18O3S, is the E isomer, the ester oxy link being trans to one of the phenyl groups. The planes of the phenyl substituents at the vinyl C atoms form a dihedral angle of 66.32 (7)° with each other. The vinyl group shows noticeable non-planarity, the C(Ph)—C=C—C(Ph) torsion angle being 8.4 (3)°.
N-(1H-1,2,3-Benzotriazol-1-ylmethyl)phthalimide
Authors: Wang Su-Qing , Jian Fang-Fang , Liu Huan-Qiang
Published: August 2008

The title compound [systematic name: 2-(1H-1,2,3-benzotriazol-1-ylmethyl)isoindole-1,3-dione], C15H10N4O2, was prepared by the reaction of 1H-benzotriazole and 2-bromomethylisoindole-1,3-dione. The benzotriazole and isoindole units are almost planar and make a dihedral angle of 70.2 (1)° (mean planes include C and N atoms). A weak C—H...O intramolecular hydrogen bond involving a carbonyl O atom as acceptor stabilizes the observed molecular conformation.
(R)-3,4,5-Trideoxy-5,6-didehydro-1,2-O-(2,2,2-trichloroethylidene)-α-D-glucofuranose-6,3-carbolactone: a new derivative of α-chloralose
Authors: Aburto-Luna Violeta , Meza-León Rosa-Luisa , Bernès Sylvain
Published: August 2008

The title compound [systematic name: (R)-2-trichloromethyl-3a,3b,7a,8a-tetrahydro-5H-pyrano[2′,3′:4,5]furano[2,3-d][1,3]dioxol-5-one], C9H7Cl3O5, a triyclic system that contains a central α-D-furanose ring cis-fused with a dioxolane ring as well as a δ-lactone ring, exhibits a twisted conformation. The CCl3 group has an axial orientation. The furanose ring approximates an envelope conformation due to the α,β-unsaturated lactone functionality. The asymmetric unit contains two independent molecules with almost identical geometries.
3,7-Dichloroquinoline-8-carboxylic acid
Authors: Guo Xin-Hong
Published: August 2008

The title compound (trade name: quinclorac), C10H5Cl2NO2, was crystallized from a dimethyl sulfoxide solution. Quinclorac molecules are packed mainly via π–π stacking interactions between neighbouring heterocycles (interplanar distance: 3.31 Å) and via O—H...N hydrogen bonding.
(E)-4-[(5-Methyl-2-furyl)methyleneamino]benzenesulfonic acid
Authors: Suo Jianlan
Published: August 2008

The title compound, C12H11NO4S, is a Schiff base derived from the condensation reaction of equimolar quantities of sulfamide and furfural. The molecule has a trans configuration with respect to the imine C=N double bond. The N atom is involved in an intermolecular O—H—N hydrogen bond.
N′-(3-Phenylallylidene)isonicotinohydrazide
Authors: Bao Feng-Yu
Published: August 2008

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C15H13N3O, contains two similar molecules. Each molecule is non-planar, as indicated by the dihedral angles between the pyridine and benzene rings of 45.2 (2) and 56.6 (2)°. The crystal structure is consolidated by intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds.
3,3′-Di-2-naphthoyl-1,1′-(o-phenylene)dithiourea
Authors: Du Hai-Tang , Du Hai-Jun , Zhou Weiyi
Published: August 2008

In the molecule of the title compound, C30H22N4O2S2, the central benzene ring is oriented at dihedral angles of 63.83 (3) and 1.37 (3)° with respect to the naphthalene ring systems, while the two naphthalene ring systems are oriented at a dihedral angle of 62.78 (3)°. Intramolecular N—H...O and N—H...N hydrogen bonds result in the formation of one five- and two six-membered rings. The twisting modes of the two side arms are different [C—N—C—O and C—N—C—N torsion angles = 11.1 (4) and 1.5 (3)°, respectively, in one arm, and −2.2 (4) and 0.8 (3)° in the other arm]. In the crystal structure, intermolecular N—H...S hydrogen bonds link the molecules into centrosymmetric dimers. There is a C—H...π contact between the naphthalene rings and π–π contacts between the naphthalene rings and the naphthalene and benzene rings [centroid–centroid distances = 3.651 (1), 3.828 (1), 3.811 (2) and 3.786 (1) Å].
Industrial Legislation in 2001
Authors: Riley Joellen
Published: August 2008

At the federal level, the year 2001 saw much legislative activity in the form of bills, debates, revisions and rejections--but very little progress for the government’s ‘third wave’ industrial reform program. Apart from some changes to the unfair dismissals regime, much important legislation was left on the table when Parliament rose before the November federal election. Around the states, small but important changes to leave entitlements and other matters suggest some fine-tuning to ensure the most vulnerable workers are protected, but generally indicate stability in state industrial regimes.
Mediators of a successful web‐based smokeless tobacco cessation program
Authors: Danaher Brian G. , Smolkowski Keith , Seeley John R. , Severson Herbert H.
Published: August 2008

Aim  To examine self‐efficacy and program exposure as possible mediators observed treatment effects for a web‐based tobacco cessation intervention.

Design  The ChewFree trial used a two‐arm design to compare tobacco abstinence at both the 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up for participants randomized to either an enhanced intervention condition or a basic information‐only control condition.

Setting  Internet in US and Canada.

Participants  Our secondary analyses focused upon 402 participants who visited the web‐based program at least once, whose baseline self‐efficacy rating showed room for improvement, who reported that they were still using tobacco at the 6‐week assessment, and for whom both 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up data were available.

Intervention  An enhanced web‐based behavioral smokeless tobacco cessation intervention delivered program content using text, interactive activities, testimonial videos and an ask‐an‐expert forum and a peer forum. The basic control condition delivered tobacco cessation content using static text only.

Measurements  Change in self‐efficacy and program exposure from baseline to 6 weeks were tested as simple and multiple mediators on the effect of treatment condition on point‐prevalence tobacco abstinence measured at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up.

Findings  While both participant self‐efficacy and program exposure satisfied the requirements for simple mediation, only self‐efficacy emerged as a mediator when we used the more robust test of multiple mediation.

Conclusions  Results confirm the importance of self‐efficacy change as a probable underlying mechanism in a successful web‐based behavioral intervention. While program exposure was found to be a simple mediator of tobacco abstinence, it failed to emerge as a mediator when tested with self‐efficacy change in a multiple mediator test suggesting that self‐efficacy and program exposure share a complex, possibly reciprocal relationship with the tobacco abstinence outcome. Our results underscore the utility of searching for mediators in research on web‐based interventions.
Initiation and persistence with clopidogrel treatment after acute myocardial infarction – a nationwide study
Authors: Sørensen Rikke , Gislason G. H. , Fosbøl E. L. , Rasmussen S. , Køber L. , Madsen J. K. , Torp‐Pedersen C. , Abildstrom S. Z.
Published: August 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Treatment with clopidogrel after myocardial infarction (MI) is recommended to almost all patients for 12 months.

• There is interpatient variation in the effect of clopidogrel treatment, one possible explanation for this being low initiation or poor persistence with therapy.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• We found remarkably high initiation and persistence with clopidogrel treatment among MI patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); interpatient variation cannot be explained by poor initiation and persistence in these patients.

• Among MI patients without PCI and among MI patients with concomitant heart failure we found substantial underuse; therefore, focus on these groups is important.

AIMS

To identify possible underuse by analysing initiation and persistence with clopidogrel treatment in an unselected population of patients admitted with myocardial infarction (MI) with or without subsequent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

Patients admitted with first‐time MI from 2000 to 2005 and subsequent prescription claims of clopidogrel were identified by individual‐level linkage of nationwide administrative registries in Denmark. Independent factors affecting initiation and persistence with treatment were analysed by multivariable logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

A total of 46 190 MI patients were included in the study, of whom 14 939 were treated with PCI. From 2000 to 2005 initiation of clopidogrel increased from 80.4 to 93.7% among MI patients with PCI and from 2.8 to 39.3% among MI patients without PCI. MI patients with concomitant heart failure received less treatment [odds ratio (OR) 0.49, confidence interval (CI) 0.43, 0.56 among patients with PCI and OR 0.90, CI 0.81, 0.99 among patients without PCI in 2002–2003, and OR 0.89, CI 0.80, 1.00 in 2004–2005, respectively]. Of MI patients with PCI, 77.5% completed 9 months' clopidogrel treatment in 2004–2005, the corresponding figures for MI patients without PCI being 53.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

Initiation and persistence with clopidogrel treatment is high in MI patients with PCI. However, we found substantial underuse among MI patients without PCI and in MI patients with heart failure.
High density lipoprotein‐cholesterol levels increase with age in American women but not in Hong Kong Chinese women
Authors: Cheung Bernard M. Y. , Li Mingfang , Ong Kwok Leung , Wat Nelson M. S. , Tam Sidney , Pang Richard W. C. , Thomas G. Neil , Woo Jean , Janus Edward D. , Lau Chu Pak , Lam Tai Hing , Lam Karen S. L.
Published: August 2008

Objectives  High‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is a powerful cardiovascular risk factor. Important gender and ethnic differences in plasma HDL levels exist and warrant investigation.

Design  Cross‐sectional survey in two different general populations.

Patients  7700 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2002 and 1944 participants of the Hong Kong Cardiovascular Risk Factor Prevalence Study‐2 (CRISPS2) 2000–2004.

Measurements  Plasma HDL levels.

Results  Plasma HDL levels were higher in women than in men in both populations. In the United States women, it increased with age, whereas in Chinese women, it declined with age and converged with male HDL levels. In the United States, 37·1 ± 1·2% men and 38·9 ± 1·1% women had low HDL levels. In Hong Kong, 34·3 ± 1·6% men and 34·5 ± 1·5% women had low HDL levels. In Americans, the independent predictors of low HDL levels were lower age, being non‐Mexican Hispanic, waist circumference, triglycerides and not drinking alcohol in men, and lower age, being Hispanic, waist circumference, triglycerides, current smoking and not drinking alcohol in women. In Hong Kong Chinese, the independent predictors of low HDL levels were body mass index, triglycerides, current smoking and not drinking alcohol in men, and lower age, waist circumference, triglycerides, diabetes and former smoking in women.

Conclusions  The decline in plasma HDL with age in Chinese women is opposite to that seen in American women. The increased cardiovascular risk in elderly Chinese women requires further study.
Exploring factors affecting Chinese consumers' usage of short message service for personal communication
Authors: Lu Yaobin , Deng Zhaohua , Wang Bin
Published: August 2008

Abstract.  Short message service (SMS) is very popular in China. While many reports indicate that the SMS market has great potential, little is known about why people adopt SMS. This study uses the technology acceptance model and network externalities to examine the factors influencing the adoption of SMS for personal communication in China. Using data collected from 262 mobile phone users, we find that perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment and perceived service cost affect SMS use. Perceived network externalities also contribute to higher perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use and affect SMS adoption. The results provide insight to SMS marketing strategies.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: Pentylenetetrazole‐induced status epilepticus following training does not impair expression of morphine‐induced conditioned place preference
Authors: Zhang Jie , Tan Hua , Niu Hai C. , Wang Jian H. , Tang Xiang D. , Sanford Larry D. , Ma Yuan‐Ye
Published: August 2008

Learning and memory play an important role in morphine addiction. Status epilepticus (SE) can impair the spatial and emotional learning and memory. However, little is known about the effects of SE on morphine‐induced conditioned place preference (CPP). The present study was designed to investigate the effects of SE on morphine CPP, with food CPP being used as a control. The effects of SE on spatial memory in the Morris water maze (MWM) and Y‐maze were investigated. SE was induced in adult mice using intraperitoneal injection of pentylenetetrazole; control mice received saline. The data indicated that SE had no effects on the formation of morphine CPP; however, the formation of food CPP was blocked by SE. Meanwhile, spatial memory assayed in the MWM and Y‐maze was impaired by SE. In addition, the data demonstrated that SE did not cause a lasting disturbance of motor activity nor a change in the mice's appetite. These results suggested that although SE had no effects on morphine CPP, there was impaired food CPP and spatial memory in both the MWM and the Y‐maze. The mechanisms underlying memory process of morphine CPP may be different from other types of memory.
Cognitive Orientation to (daily) Occupational Performance (CO‐OP) with children with Asperger's syndrome who have motor‐based occupational performance goals
Authors: Rodger Sylvia , Brandenburg Julia
Published: August 2008

Background/aim:  Motor difficulties associated with Asperger's syndrome (AS) are commonly reported, despite these not being diagnostically significant. Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO‐OP) is a verbal problem‐solving intervention developed for use with children with developmental coordination disorder to address their motor‐based difficulties. This paper reports on two case studies of children with AS illustrating the outcomes of CO‐OP to address motor‐based occupational performance goals.

Methods:  A case study approach was used to document how two children with AS engaged in 10 weekly sessions of CO‐OP addressing child‐chosen motor‐based occupational performance goals and the outcomes of this intervention.

Results:  Pre and post‐intervention assessment using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales and the Performance Quality Rating Scale indicated that both children were able to engage in CO‐OP intervention to successfully improve their occupational performance.

Conclusions:  Further research into the application of CO‐OP with children with AS is warranted based on preliminary positive findings regarding the efficacy of this intervention to address motor‐based performance difficulties in two children with AS.