bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Network Topology Learning and Sensitivity Analysis Based on ANOVA Decomposition
Authors: Castillo Enrique , Sánchez-Maroño Noelia , Alonso-Betanzos Amparo , Castillo Carmen
Published: November 2006

A new methodology for learning the topology of a functional network from data, based on the ANOVA decomposition technique, is presented. The method determines sensitivity (importance) indices that allow a decision to be made as to which set of interactions among variables is relevant and which is irrelevant to the problem under study. This immediately suggests the network topology to be used in a given problem. Moreover, local sensitivities to small changes in the data can be easily calculated. In this way, the dual optimization problem gives the local sensitivities. The methods are illustrated by their application to artificial and real examples.
Second-Order Cone Programming Formulations for Robust Multiclass Classification
Authors: Zhong Ping , Fukushima Masao
Published: November 2006

Multiclass classification is an important and ongoing research subject in machine learning. Current support vector methods for multiclass classification implicitly assume that the parameters in the optimization problems are known exactly. However, in practice, the parameters have perturbations since they are estimated from the training data, which are usually subject to measurement noise. In this article, we propose linear and nonlinear robust formulations for multiclass classification based on the M-SVM method. The preliminary numerical experiments confirm the robustness of the proposed method.
Fast Generalized Cross-Validation Algorithm for Sparse Model Learning
Authors: Sundararajan S. , Shevade Shirish , Keerthi S. Sathiya
Published: November 2006

We propose a fast, incremental algorithm for designing linear regression models. The proposed algorithm generates a sparse model by optimizing multiple smoothing parameters using the generalized cross-validation approach. The performances on synthetic and real-world data sets are compared with other incremental algorithms such as Tipping and Faul's fast relevance vector machine, Chen et al.'s orthogonal least squares, and Orr's regularized forward selection. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is competitive.
Exact Subthreshold Integration with Continuous Spike Times in Discrete-Time Neural Network Simulations
Authors: Morrison Abigail , Straube Sirko , Plesser Hans Ekkehard , Diesmann Markus
Published: November 2006

Very large networks of spiking neurons can be simulated efficiently in parallel under the constraint that spike times are bound to an equidistant time grid. Within this scheme, the subthreshold dynamics of a wide class of integrate-and-fire-type neuron models can be integrated exactly from one grid point to the next. However, the loss in accuracy caused by restricting spike times to the grid can have undesirable consequences, which has led to interest in interpolating spike times between the grid points to retrieve an adequate representation of network dynamics. We demonstrate that the exact integration scheme can be combined naturally with off-grid spike events found by interpolation. We show that by exploiting the existence of a minimal synaptic propagation delay, the need for a central event queue is removed, so that the precision of event-driven simulation on the level of single neurons is combined with the efficiency of time-driven global scheduling. Further, for neuron models with linear subthreshold dynamics, even local event queuing can be avoided, resulting in much greater efficiency on the single-neuron level. These ideas are exemplified by two implementations of a widely used neuron model. We present a measure for the efficiency of network simulations in terms of their integration error and show that for a wide range of input spike rates, the novel techniques we present are both more accurate and faster than standard techniques.
A Morning Stroll
Authors: Wener Richard E. , Evans Gary W.
Published: November 2006

Walking as part of the commute has been suggested as a source of healthful moderate activity, although there has been little empirical study to verify this supposition or determine whether one mode is superior to others. This cross-sectional study assessed differences between car and train commuters in level of physical activity. One hundred eleven train and car commuters were asked to wear a pedometer for one week of commuting on their regular route plus complete a standardized self-report physical activity index. Train commuters walked an average of 30% more steps per day, reported having walked for a period of 10 minutes or more while traveling significantly more often, and were 4 times more likely to walk 10,000 steps per day than car commuters. Transportation mode can significantly affect the amount of physical activity commuters accumulate during the course of a typical work day without planned or coordinated exercise programs.
Kitchenscapes, Tablescapes, Platescapes, and Foodscapes
Authors: Sobal Jeffery , Wansink Brian
Published: November 2006

Built environments at many scales influence the type and amount of food consumed. Macroscale food systems and food landscapes influence food choices, and microscale rooms, furniture, containers, and objects influence food intake. The authors review literature about how four ubiquitous microscale built environments are persistent but often unrecognized influences on food intake. Kitchenscapes influence food intake through availability, diversity, and visibility of foods; tablescapes through variety, abundance, and accessibility; platescapes through portion and/or package size, arrangement, and utensil type; and food-scapes through food-item forms and landmarks. Microgeographies of built environments provide a subtle, pervasive, and often unconscious influence on food choices, food intake, obesity, and health. Reengineering built environments may offer opportunities to shape food intake.
Notes on Black Studies: Its Continuing Necessity in the Academy and Beyond
Authors: Christian Mark
Published: November 2006

This article relates specifically to the discussion concerning the state of Black studies in the United States. Paradoxically, although providing a defense for its longevity, it is acknowledged ultimately that there is no real need to substantiate its efficacy. However, the continued attacks on the discipline from within and without make for such a defense. Employing an African-centered approach, there will be an attempt to emphasize the continued importance of Black studies to both the university and lay communities. This article will also offer some solutions to the problem of nonspecialists who proliferate the field and do little for its growth and development. They have been deemed as “Black studies opportunists” who have no allegiance to, nor philosophical grounding in, the discipline.
Remembering Communist Violence: The Bulgarian Gulag and the Conscience of the West
Authors: Kaneva Nadia
Published: November 2006

This article problematizes the rhetorical appropriations of memories of violence by focusing on a collection of narratives of former labor camp inmates in communist Bulgaria. The collection, published in the United States in 1999 under the title Voices From the GULAG: Life and Death in Communist Bulgaria, was edited and introduced by Tzvetan Todorov and represents an effort to interpret the meaning of communist political violence. By examining Todorov's strategies of interpretation, the article discusses how the personal narratives of camp survivors are appropriated in a rhetoric of conscience, directed at Western public opinion, whereby their historical and political significance is transformed. The analysis demonstrates how the painful accounts of victims are discursively subsumed into an ideological discourse about a morally superior, democratic West and a corrupt, totalitarian East.
The ‘Other’ Faces of Digital Exclusion
Authors: Törenli Nurcan
Published: November 2006

The aim of this article is to evaluate digital exclusion from the perspective of women in disadvantaged areas of society; these women are ‘information poor’ because of the disabling effects of their income levels, socioeconomic situations and traditional cultures. Digital exclusion of women in Turkey, with the exception of a small social and political elite, is giving off alarming signals. Inadequate personal professional qualifications combined with the costs of access to and use of ICTs are having a growing adverse effect on the socioeconomic lives of women. This article evaluates the possibilities to remove the inequalities in public usage of ICTs in Turkey, and looks at the increase of collaboration among disadvantaged groups and the ability of organizations to find a voice. The article concludes that rather than the market approach theory - which maintains that that where there is effective competition and adequate information, the balance of the price mechanism concerned with production-consumption of information is automatically regulated - an informed public can achieve steady development of its society. In other words, the article argues that if the utilization of ICT opportunities in disadvantaged groups is left purely to time or ‘natural’ market processes, the process of digital exclusion will continue to increase rapidly. ICTs have both qualitative and quantitative dimensions in their access and use. When these dimensions do not match, and where there are no mechanisms used to ensure that they do match, their usage and spread will remain limited to specific groups. Under these conditions, the problems caused by the present inequalities in society will reach new proportions.
Governing environmental risk: regulation, insurance and moral economy
Authors: Bennett Paul
Published: November 2006

In this article I examine the governance of environmental risks produced by business. I disagree with Ulrich Beck that we now live in a distinct ‘risk society’ which renders science, government and business impotent in managing risk. However, I argue that centralized state regulation (and its corollary in commercial insurance) discourages relationships of mutual responsibility between private actors, exacerbating any so-called ‘tragedy of the commons’. This limits the effectiveness of both public regulation and private incentives, such as liability, in altering corporate behaviour. I then examine institutional arrangements which encourage mutual regulation between private actors. Governments are increasingly attempting to enrol this ‘moral economy’, which exists within business groups such as mutual insurance clubs. Although reinforcing some limitations of traditional governmentality these co-operative arrangements may enhance corporate environmental performance.
Local trajectories in the global economy
Authors: Ettlinger Nancy
Published: November 2006

This article offers a framework for conceptualizing local development, specifically in the context of foreign direct investment (FDI). I establish my conceptual framework through a critique of three inter-related yet distinct literatures - the literature on development, broadly conceptualized (i.e., not necessarily referring to local development), the literature on globalization, also broadly conceptualized (i.e., not necessarily focused on FDI) and the literature on local impacts of FDI, which is a crosscutting subset of development and globalization. All these literatures are polarized; I wish to offer a more nuanced perspective. My critique offers a normative definition of ‘local development’ based on 1) an inclusionary definition of development and 2) convergence of corporate and worker well-being. Although empirical realities rarely correspond with normative constructs, such constructs are useful in examining and assessing change, if we specify the contingent conditions that impede or foster an idealized outcome. I specify these conditions with reference to several mediating factors, notably: mode of production, and its interplay with policy and local context, understanding that agency crosscuts all these factors.
The State of the Field of Urban China
Authors: Ma Laurence J. C.
Published: November 2006

The field of urban China has experienced rapid growth since the mid-1970s. In this special issue, the status of the field is reviewed through the disciplinary lenses of history, geography, anthropology, sociology, political science, and urban planning. These disciplines have contributed to the bulk of the literature on urban China, covering a wide range of subjects. It is suggested that more interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary approaches are needed and that transdisciplinarity can produce new knowledge capable of providing a more comprehensive picture of the Chinese city. The pitfalls and values of using the generic term “the Chinese city” are elucidated. The field would benefit by looking at the research on cities in Latin America and Central and Eastern Europe, and there is a need for the construction of conceptual and theoretical frameworks based on China’s urban experience that are suitable for the explanation of China’s urban problems.
Transformation of the Chinese City, 1995-2005
Authors: He Shenjing , Li Zhigang , Wu Fulong
Published: November 2006

Focusing primarily on the period 1995-2005 and on research published in English, this article reviews the contributions geographers have made to the field of urban China studies, which are broadly grouped around three themes: internal change and reorganization of cities; the interplay with external globalizing forces; and political and social transformations. This article also proposes research emphases for further consideration.
The City as the Focus
Authors: Hurst William
Published: November 2006

In the past, the study of cities too often played a supporting role in the field of Chinese politics. In recent years, scholars have increasingly placed various aspects of urban politics in the analytical spotlight. This article begins by outlining why urban politics is important in the study of China and ends by discussing how a discrete focus on urban politics can promote the integration of China into broader debates in political science. In between, it critically reviews some of the leading works and trends in subliteratures covering the functioning of city governments, the politics of various urban social groups, city case studies, and urban institutions and organizations.
Sociological Perspectives on Urban China
Authors: Chen Xiangming , Sun Jiaming
Published: November 2006

This article provides an integrated review of sociological perspectives and research on seven areas of inquiry regarding change and continuity in urban China over the past two decades or so. We begin with an assessment of the sociological literature on stratification and inequality in light of the state-market debate and its extensions. Then we evaluate the research on social networks as a resilient resource that can influence social stratification and social change. Next we examine the more interdisciplinary research on migration and migrant labor, highlighting its sociological insights. This is followed by a critical look at housing studies that have revealed a new residential landscape in the Chinese city. Then we present our take on the scholarly contributions to urban consumption, followed by a presentation and appraisal of studies of changing urban governance that have focused on the danwei and community. Our final review focus is the critical work on different forms of mobilization and resistance in response to tensions and conflicts from uneven reform and market transition. Following this extended albeit selective review of the rich and diverse literatures, we offer an overall assessment of their dominant themes, disciplinary weights, and diverse approaches. Finally, we advocate for more theorization, comparison, and integration as ways of advancing both sociological and interdisciplinary research on urban China.
The New ‘Creative’Brick Lane
Authors: Mavrommatis George
Published: November 2006

This article is a narrative study of local multicultural encounters taking place along Brick Lane in East London, UK. Although the area has been primarily researched for its Bangladeshi community, this article focuses on the ‘creative’ professionals who work and/or reside within the vicinity. It is a narrative investigation into their attitudes towards difference, ethnicity and the ethnic self. A multiplicity of local multicultural tales comes to the fore. In short, the multicultural realities of the area become narrated in many different ways, which clearly manifest a narrative complexity, unfolding within the new ‘creative’ Brick Lane. These different local multicultural narratives could also be indicative of the ways that multicultural meaning is created within London at large.
Immunostimulatory RNA oligonucleotides trigger an antigen-specific cytotoxic T-cell and IgG2a response
Authors: Bourquin Carole , Schmidt Laura , Hornung Veit , Wurzenberger Cornelia , Anz David , Sandholzer Nadja , Schreiber Susanne , Voelkl Andreas , Hartmann Gunther , Endres Stefan
Published: November 2006

Single-stranded RNA oligonucleotides containing an immunostimulatory motif (immunostimulatory RNA [isRNA]) are potent inducers of interferon-α via the Toll-like receptor 7. We investigated the effect of isRNA on the development of an immune response. We show that isRNA activates dendritic cells and induces production of Th1-type cytokines both in vitro and in vivo. Cytokine production led to bystander activation of T and B cells. We further demonstrate that isRNA triggers the generation of antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells and of an IgG2a-biased antibody response to antigen in a sequence-dependent manner. In summary, we provide evidence for the first time that isRNA oligonucleotides can simultaneously activate the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system.
Pharmacodynamics and safety of intravenous pegaspargase during remission induction in adults aged 55 years or younger with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Douer Dan , Yampolsky Henry , Cohen Lewis J. , Watkins Kristy , Levine Alexandra M. , Periclou Antonia P. , Avramis Vassilios I.
Published: November 2006

In contrast to that in children, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and safety information on pegaspargase in adults is very limited. We administered a single intravenous dose of pegaspargase (2000 IU/m2) as part of a standard frontline induction regimen to 25 adults with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and obtained serum samples on several time points. The population mean peak serum concentration of asparaginase enzymatic activity was 1 IU/mL, the elimination half-life was 7 days, and the volume of distribution was 2.43 L/m2. After the single dose, asparagine deamination was complete in all patients after 2 hours, and in 100%, 81%, and 44% on days 14, 21, and 28, respectively. A pharmocodynamic correlation model showed minimal enzymatic activity of 0.2 IU/mL for optimal asparagine depletion. The kinetic posthoc analyses demonstrated enzymatic activity for 3 weeks or more. One patient developed neutralizing antiasparaginase antibodies on day 22 after administration. Pegaspargase was well tolerated, with few grade 3/4 side effects. No allergic reactions or pancreatitis were observed. In adults aged 55 years or younger, pegaspargase produces a long duration of asparagine depletion and can be given intravenously, with a safety profile that is similar to equivalent multiple doses of intramuscular Escherichia coli asparaginase.
Selection for early and late adult emergence alters the rate of pre-adult development in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kumar Shailesh , Vaze Koustubh M , Kumar Dhanya , Sharma Vijay K
Published: November 2006

Background

Circadian clocks have been implicated in the regulation of pre-adult development of fruit flies Drosophila melanogaster. It is believed that faster clocks speed up development and slower clocks slow it down. We established three sets of D. melanogaster populations (early, control and late). The early and late populations were raised by selecting for flies that emerged either in the morning or in the evening under 12:12 hr light/dark (LD) cycles. After 75 generations of selection, the time course and waveform of the adult emergence and activity rhythms of the early and the late populations diverged from each other as well as from the controls. In this paper, we report the consequence of this selection on the rate of pre-adult development.

Results

We assayed the pre-adult development time of the selected and control populations under 12:12 hr LD cycles and constant darkness (DD). Under LD cycles, the early populations develop faster than the controls, while the late populations develop slower than the controls. Although flies take longer to develop under DD than in LD, the relative differences between the mean development times of the selected and control populations remain unaltered in DD. In a separate experiment designed to investigate the effect of time of egg collection and experimental conditions on the duration of pre-adult stage, we assayed the development time of the selected and control populations by collecting eggs at different times of the day (morning and evening) and by assaying their pre-adult development time under constant light (LL), LD, and DD conditions. Irrespective of the time of egg collection and assay light regime, the late flies continue to develop slower than the early flies.

Conclusion

The results of our study clearly indicate that selection on the timing of adult emergence alters the rate of pre-adult development in D. melanogaster. The timing of egg collection as well as assay light regime does not have any measurable effect on the relative differences between the developmental rates of the early and the late flies. Taken together these results appear to suggest that pleiotropic effects of clock genes mediate correlated changes in the timing of adult emergence and the rate of pre-adult development in D. melanogaster.
Post traumatic intra thoracic spleen presenting with upper GI bleed! – a case report
Authors: Hariharan Deepak , Singhal Rishi , Kinra Sonali , Chilton Andrew
Published: November 2006

Background

Isolated splenic vein thrombosis with left sided portal hypertension is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleed. Diagnosis is difficult and requires a high index of suspicion, especially in patients presenting with gastrointestinal bleed in the presence of splenomegaly and normal liver function tests.

Case presentation

A 64 year old male presented with haematemesis and melaena. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed the presence of antral erosions in the stomach and fundal varices. A computerised tomography scan of abdomen confirmed the presence of a diaphragmatic tear and the spleen to be lying in the left hemi thorax. The appearances of the splenic vein on the scan were consistent with thrombosis.

Conclusion

Left sided portal hypertension as a result of isolated splenic vein thrombosis secondary to trauma is rare. The unusual presentation of our case, splenic herniation into the left hemithorax, causing fundal varices leading to upper gastrointestinal bleed 28 years after the penetrating injury, makes this case most interesting. We believe that this has not been reported in literature before.
Comprehensive analysis of the ATM, CHEK2 and ERBB2genes in relation to breast tumour characteristics and survival: a population-based case-control and follow-up study
Authors: Einarsdóttir Kristjana , Rosenberg Lena U , Humphreys Keith , Bonnard Carine , Palmgren Juni , Li Yuqing , Li Yi , Chia Kee S , Liu Edison T , Hall Per , Liu Jianjun , Wedrén Sara
Published: November 2006

Background

Mutations in the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2) genes and amplification of the v-erb-b2 avian erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 2 (ERBB2) gene have been suggested to have an important role in breast cancer aetiology. However, whether common variation in these genes has a role in the development of breast cancer or breast cancer survival in humans is still not clear.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive haplotype analysis of the ATM, CHEK2 and ERBB2 genes in a Swedish population-based study, which included 1,579 breast cancer cases and 1,516 controls. We followed the cases for 8.5 years, on average, and retrieved information on the date and cause of death during that period from the nationwide Swedish causes of death registry. We selected seven haplotype-tagging SNPs (tagSNPs) in the ATM gene, six tagSNPs in the CHEK2 gene and seven tagSNPs in the ERBB2 gene that predicted both haplotypic and single locus variations in the respective genes with R2 values ≥ 0.8. These tagSNPs were genotyped in the complete set of cases and controls. We computed expected haplotype dosages of the tagSNP haplotypes and included the dosages as explanatory variables in Cox proportional hazards or logistic regression models.

Results

We found no association between any genetic variation in the ATM, CHEK2 or ERBB2 genes and breast cancer survival or the risk of developing tumours with certain characteristics.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that common variants in the ATM, CHEK2 or ERBB2 genes are not involved in modifying breast cancer survival or the risk of tumour-characteristic-defined breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Survival and Tumor Characteristics in Premenopausal Women Carrying the CHEK2*1100delC Germline Mutation
Authors: Schmidt Marjanka K. , Tollenaar Rob A.E.M. , de Kemp Sanne R. , Broeks Annegien , Cornelisse Cees J. , Smit Vincent T.H.B.M. , Peterse Johannes L. , van Leeuwen Flora E. , Van 't Veer Laura J.
Published: November 2006

Purpose

Women carrying a CHEK2*1100delC germline mutation have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. This study aims to determine the proportion of CHEK2*1100delC carriers in a premenopausal breast cancer population, unselected for family history of breast cancer, and to investigate tumor characteristics and disease outcome with sufficient follow-up.

Patients and Methods

We identified a retrospective cohort of 1,479 patients, who received surgery for invasive breast cancer between 1970 and 1994. All patients were diagnosed before age 50. Paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were collected for DNA isolation (normal tissue), subsequent CHEK2*1100delC analysis, and tumor revision. Median follow-up was 10.1 years.

Results

We detected a CHEK2*1100delC germline mutation in 54 patients (3.7%). Tumor characteristics of CHEK2*1100delC carriers did not differ significantly from those of noncarriers. CHEK2*1100delC carriers had a two-fold increased risk (hazard ratio [HR], 2.1; 95% CI, 1.0 to 4.3; P = .049) of developing a second breast cancer and they had worse recurrence-free survival (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.4; P = .006) and worse breast cancer–specific survival (HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0 to 2.1; P = .072) compared with noncarriers. The poorer disease outcome of CHEK2*1100delC carriers could not be explained by the increased risk of second breast cancer.

Conclusion

Our study, which is representative for the premenopausal breast cancer population, reveals approximately 4% CHEK2*1100delC carriers have an increased risk of second breast cancer and a worse long-term recurrence-free survival rate. Their identification at time of diagnosis and prolonged intensive follow-up should be considered to optimize clinical management.
Differentiation of columnar epithelia: the hensin pathway
Authors: Vijayakumar Soundarapandian , Takito Jiro , Gao XiaoBo , Schwartz George J. , Al-Awqati Qais
Published: November 2006

Epithelia, the most common variety of cells in complex organisms exist in many shapes. They are sheets of polarized cells that separate two compartments and selectively transport materials from one to the other. After acquiring these general characteristics, they differentiate to become specialized types such as squamous columnar or transitional epithelia. High density seeding converts a kidney-derived cell line from flat `generic' epithelial cells to columnar cells. The cells acquire all the characteristics of differentiated columnar cells, including microvilli, and the capacity for apical endocytosis. The high seeding density induces the deposition of a new protein termed hensin and polymerization of hensin is the crucial event that dictates changes in epithelial phenotype. Hensin is widely expressed in most epithelia. Its deletion in mice leads to embryonic lethality at the time of generation of the first columnar epithelium, the visceral endoderm. Moreover many human cancers have deletions in the hensin gene, which indicates that it is a tumor suppressor.
The First Total Synthesis of Vinaxanthone, a Fungus Metabolite Possessing Multiple Bioactivities
Authors: Tatsuta Kuniaki , Kasai Soko , Amano Yuki , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Seki Masashi , Hosokawa Seijiro
Published: November 2006

Vinaxanthone (1) has been biomimetically synthesized from vanillin (2) through an intermolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition between two molecules of the precursor 11.
Oxalic Acid-promoted Preparation of Dithioacetals from Carbonyl Compounds or Acetals
Authors: Miyake Hideyoshi , Nakao Yuichi , Sasaki Mitsuru
Published: November 2006

This letter describes oxalic acid-promoted syntheses of dithioacetals from carbonyl compounds and thiols. Acetals are also converted into dithioacetals by the reaction with thiols under similar conditions.
A Convenient, Catalyst-free Cross-coupling Reaction of α-Sulfur-substituted Alkylstannanes with Acid Chlorides Leading to α-Sulfur-substituted Ketones
Authors: Kagoshima Hirotaka , Takahashi Naoshi
Published: November 2006

A thermal cross-coupling reaction of α-sulfur-substituted alkylstannanes with acid chlorides is described. A range of substrates can be used for the present reaction and the reaction proceeds by just mixing two components under reflux in mesitylene to give the corresponding α-sulfur-substituted ketones in good yields.
Synthesis of Oxy Aminated [60] and [70]Fullerenes with Cumene Hydroperoxide as Oxidant
Authors: Lemiègre Loïc , Tanaka Takatsugu , Nanao Takeshi , Isobe Hiroyuki , Nakamura Eiichi
Published: November 2006

Treatment of [60] or [70]fullerene with excess secondary amine and 3 equiv. of cumene hydroperoxide regioselectively afforded a mono-oxygenated tetraamino or diamino fullerene in good to high yield. The reaction is operationally simple and applicable to a large-scale synthesis.
Synthesis and Structure of Optically Active 1,12-Diethyl- and 1,12-Diisopropylbenzo[c]phenanthrenes: An Isopropyl Group Can Be Smaller than a Methyl Group
Authors: Sugiura Hiroki , Sakai Daisuke , Otani Harunori , Teranishi Kazuhiro , Takahira Yusuke , Amemiya Ryo , Yamaguchi Masahiko
Published: November 2006

1,12-Diethyl- and 1,12-diisopropylbenzo[c]phenanthrene-5,8-dicarboxylic acids were synthesized, and resolved. The dihedral angles formed by the A and D rings increased in the order of diisopropyl < diethyl < dimethyl as indicated by X-ray analysis, which showed that the strain decreased with the increase of the bulkiness at the 1,12-groups.
(ET)3(Br3)5: A Metallic Conductor with an Unusually High Oxidation State of ET (ET = Bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene)
Authors: Minemawari Hiromi , Naito Toshio , Inabe Tamotsu
Published: November 2006

Electrochemical oxidation of ET with Br− in methanol/CHCl3 yields a metallic crystalline product, (ET)3(Br3)5, in which the bromine chemical species is all Br3− and the formal charge of ET becomes an unusually high value (5/3+).
Peptide Ligation Using a Building Block Having a Cysteinyl Prolyl Ester (CPE) Autoactivating Unit at the Carboxy Terminus
Authors: Kawakami Toru , Aimoto Saburo
Published: November 2006

CPE peptide ligation using a building block containing a cysteinyl prolyl ester (CPE) autoactivating unit is described. The peptide building block can be prepared by a standard Fmoc chemistry and used in thiol-mediated ligation, such as native chemical ligation.
Morphology-controlled TiO2 Nanoparticle Synthesis via Aerosol-assisted Vapor-phase Reactions
Authors: Matsui Isao , Fujimori Hiroyuki
Published: November 2006

TiO2 particles with various morphologies have been synthesized via aerosol-assisted vapor-phase reactions. Vapor source materials and/or aerosol droplets containing source materials were fed into a quartz tube and heated in a two temperature zone electric furnace. The reaction method meant that a combination of gas-phase decomposition and crystal growth in the liquid droplet phase occurred. This resulted in the controlled formation of variously shaped crystalline TiO2 nanoparticles varying from single crystal nanoparticles to unique dendritic nanostructures grown on a core particle.
Quercetin-induced Conformational Change of Human Serum Transferrin
Authors: Du Hongyan , Xiang Junfeng , Tang Yalin , Wang Zhanli
Published: November 2006

Conformational change of Tf induced by a natural compound, quercetin, is found. A possible interaction mechanism has been proposed based on the pH-dependent release of quercetin from quercetin–Tf complex and molecular modelling. These results present a potential method to use Tf for target-oriented delivery of drug molecules.
Ability of Fluorinated AOT Analogues for Microemulsion Formation in Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Nagai Takabumi , Fujii Kazuhisa , Otake Katsuto , Abe Masahiko
Published: November 2006

To clarify the relationship between the structure and the ability of fluorinated AOT analogues for W/scCO2 microemulsion formation, we examined the AOT analogues having fluoroalkyl groups of different lengths, and CF2H, CF3, or CF(CF3)2 moieties at the terminal of the fluorinated CO2-philic tails. It was found that both the length and the structure of the fluoroalkyl groups contained in AOT molecules affect the ability.
Effect of Hydrogen on Polymerizing the Fullerene Molecules in the Single-wall Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Fujita Yoko , Bandow Shunji , Iijima Sumio
Published: November 2006

Forming rate of inner tubes via the heating of C60 encased single-wall carbon nanotubes (peapods) can be controlled by the pre-heating in hydrogen gas. Once the peapods were heated in the hydrogen at 1100 °C, polymerization of C60 molecules drastically suppressed and this effect remains for a while even after exhausting the hydrogen gas. Then, the polymerization rate gradually recovered. This phenomenon reminds that the hydrogen gas effectively controls the chemical reaction in such a confined nano-space without destructing the original features.
Improving Oral Medicine Administration in Patients with Swallowing Problems and Feeding Tubes
Authors: Hanssens Yolande , Woods David , Alsulaiti Aisha , Adheir Fathia , Al-Meer Nabila , Obaidan Noora
Published: November 2006

Background:

Correct administration of oral medicines in patients with swallowing problems and feeding tubes remains a challenge.

Objective:

To improve drug administration in patients with swallowing problems and feeding tubes in a 1600 bed tertiary referral center in the State of Qatar.

Methods:

A questionnaire was used to evaluate the knowledge and practice of nursing staff from 6 different intensive care units (ICU). Questions assessed the respondents' knowledge of the purpose of controlled-release (CR) preparations, codes used for CR medication, the consequences of crushing these preparations, and their interactions with enteral feeds and feeding tubes. Based on the results of the questionnaire, a 2 day training program was conducted for a core group of 34 staff nurses from all units (ICU and non-ICU) and 3 nursing instructors. Following the principle of “training the trainers,” the core group and the nursing instructors would widen the scope of education by running programs in the future. Lecture sessions for pharmacy staff and a monitoring tool to evaluate the practice were also developed.

Results:

Overall knowledge of CR codes increased from 0% to 40%, correct crushing of solid preparations from 35% to 90%, and knowledge of possible interactions with the enteral feed or feeding tubes from 51% to 88%. Correct administration of medication in patients with feeding tubes improved from 32% to 83%. The quality and value of the 2 day training course received a mean score of 96%.

Conclusions:

While most nurses were aware of the purpose of CR formulations, little was known about the different codes used by drug companies and the consequences of crushing these preparations. Interactions with enteral feeds and feeding tubes were mostly overlooked. A 2 day training course followed by continuous in-service training, a lecture to pharmacy staff, and provision of supportive educational material greatly improved the overall medicine administration process in patients with swallowing problems and feeding tubes.
Marked Disturbance of Calcium Homeostasis in Mice With Targeted Disruption of the Trpv6 Calcium Channel Gene
Authors: Bianco Suzy DC , Peng Ji-Bin , Takanaga Hitomi , Suzuki Yoshiro , Crescenzi Alessandra , Kos Claudine H , Zhuang Liyan , Freeman Michael R , Gouveia Cecilia HA , Wu Jiangping , Luo Hongyu , Mauro Theodora , Brown Edward M , Hediger Matthias A
Published: November 2006

We report the phenotype of mice with targeted disruption of the Trpv6 (Trpv6 KO) epithelial calcium channel. The mice exhibit disordered Ca2+ homeostasis, including defective intestinal Ca2+ absorption, increased urinary Ca2+ excretion, decreased BMD, deficient weight gain, and reduced fertility. Although our Trpv6 KO affects the closely adjacent EphB6 gene, the phenotype reported here is not related to EphB6 dysfunction.

Introduction: The mechanisms underlying intestinal Ca2+ absorption are crucial for overall Ca2+ homeostasis, because diet is the only source of all new Ca2+ in the body. Trpv6 encodes a Ca2+-permeable cation channel responsible for vitamin D–dependent intestinal Ca2+ absorption. Trpv6 is expressed in the intestine and also in the skin, placenta, kidney, and exocrine organs.

Materials and Methods: To determine the in vivo function of TRPV6, we generated mice with targeted disruption of the Trpv6 (Trpv6 KO) gene.

Results: Trpv6 KO mice are viable but exhibit disordered Ca2+ homeostasis, including a 60% decrease in intestinal Ca2+ absorption, deficient weight gain, decreased BMD, and reduced fertility. When kept on a regular (1% Ca2+) diet, Trpv6 KO mice have deficient intestinal Ca2+ absorption, despite elevated levels of serum PTH (3.8-fold) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (2.4-fold). They also have decreased urinary osmolality and increased Ca2+ excretion. Their serum Ca2+ is normal, but when challenged with a low (0.25%) Ca2+ diet, Trpv6 KO mice fail to further increase serum PTH and vitamin D, ultimately developing hypocalcemia. Trpv6 KO mice have normal urinary deoxypyridinoline excretion, although exhibiting a 9.3% reduction in femoral mineral density at 2 months of age, which is not restored by treatment for 1 month with a high (2%) Ca2+ “rescue” diet. In addition to their deranged Ca2+ homeostasis, the skin of Trpv6 KO mice has fewer and thinner layers of stratum corneum, decreased total Ca2+ content, and loss of the normal Ca2+ gradient. Twenty percent of all Trpv6 KO animals develop alopecia and dermatitis.

Conclusions: Trpv6 KO mice exhibit an array of abnormalities in multiple tissues/organs. At least some of these are caused by tissue-specific mechanisms. In addition, the kidneys and bones of Trpv6 KO mice do not respond to their elevated levels of PTH and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. These data indicate that the TRPV6 channel plays an important role in Ca2+ homeostasis and in other tissues not directly involved in this process.
Memory for televised advertisements as a function of program context, viewer-involvement, and gender
Authors: Furnham Adrian , Price Marie-Therese
Published: November 2006

This study examined the recall of car and food advertisements within either a car or food television program to investigate the relationship between recall, program content, and viewer involvement. The participants, 92 (52 male, 40 female) sixth-form (high school) students, aged between 16–17 years, were randomly assigned to one of four conditions. As predicted, advertisements placed within a program of dissimilar content were recalled significantly better than if placed within a program of similar content. A gender bias in recall was found with females recalling female-orientated products significantly better than males. Viewer-involvement ratings factored onto three factor clusters: enjoyable, cheerful, and humorous. Negative correlations were shown between cheerfulness and recall in the car program, and positive correlations were shown between cheerfulness and recall in the food program. Finally, implications of the results were considered.
Are national communication journals still necessary? A case study and some suggestions
Authors: Schönbach Klaus , Lauf Edmund
Published: November 2006

The number of journals in the field of communication is increasing. Above all, new, and more specialized journals geared to an international market, and therefore published in English, have appeared. In contrast to those journals, most national journals are still published in languages not accessible to the majority of communication scholars. How could national journals position themselves to survive? Our case study of 48 years of the leading German communication journal ‘Publizistik’ provides first insights into possible USPs of national communication journals.
Insufficient Sleep Reversibly Alters Bidirectional Synaptic Plasticity and NMDA Receptor Function
Authors: Kopp Caroline , Longordo Fabio , Nicholson Janet R. , Lüthi Anita
Published: November 2006

Insufficient sleep impairs cognitive functions in humans and animals. However, whether long-term synaptic plasticity, a cellular substrate of learning and memory, is compromised by sleep loss per se remains unclear because of confounding factors related to sleep deprivation (SD) procedures in rodents. Using anex vivoapproach in C57BL/6J mice, we show that sleep loss rapidly and reversibly alters bidirectional synaptic plasticity in the CA1 area of the hippocampus. A brief (∼4 h) total SD, respecting the temporal parameters of sleep regulation and maintaining unaltered low corticosterone levels, shifted the modification threshold for long-term depression/long-term potentiation (LTP) along the stimulation frequency axis (1–100 Hz) toward the right. Reducing exposure to sensory stimuli by whisker trimming did not affect the SD-induced changes in synaptic plasticity. Recovery sleep reversed the effects induced by SD. When SD was combined with moderate stress, LTP induction was not only impaired but also occluded. Both electrophysiological analysis and immunoblotting of purified synaptosomes revealed that an alteration in the molecular composition of synaptically activated NMDA receptors toward a greater NR2A/NR2B ratio accompanied the effects of SD. This change was reversed after recovery sleep. By using an unparalleled, particularly mild form of SD, this study describes a novel approach toward dissociating the consequences of insufficient sleep on synaptic plasticity from nonspecific effects accompanying SD in rodents. We establish a framework for cellular models of cognitive impairment related to sleep loss, a major problem in modern society.
Modular Propagation of Epileptiform Activity: Evidence for an Inhibitory Veto in Neocortex
Authors: Trevelyan Andrew J. , Sussillo David , Watson Brendon O. , Yuste Rafael
Published: November 2006

What regulates the spread of activity through cortical circuits? We present here data indicating a pivotal role for a vetoing inhibition restraining modules of pyramidal neurons. We combined fast calcium imaging of network activity with whole-cell recordings to examine epileptiform propagation in mouse neocortical slices. Epileptiform activity was induced by washing Mg2+ions out of the slice. Pyramidal cells receive barrages of inhibitory inputs in advance of the epileptiform wave. The inhibitory barrages are effectively nullified at low doses of picrotoxin (2.5–5 μm). When present, however, these inhibitory barrages occlude an intense excitatory synaptic drive that would normally exceed action potential threshold by approximately a factor of 10. Despite this level of excitation, the inhibitory barrages suppress firing, thereby limiting further neuronal recruitment to the ictal event. Pyramidal neurons are recruited to the epileptiform event once the inhibitory restraint fails and are recruited in spatially clustered populations (150–250 μm diameter). The recruitment of the cells within a given module is virtually simultaneous, and thus epileptiform events progress in intermittent (0.5–1 Hz) steps across the cortical network. We propose that the interneurons that supply the vetoing inhibition define these modular circuit territories.
Steady-State Adaptation of Mechanotransduction Modulates the Resting Potential of Auditory Hair Cells, Providing an Assay for Endolymph [Ca2+]
Authors: Farris Hamilton E. , Wells Gregg B. , Ricci Anthony J.
Published: November 2006

The auditory hair cell resting potential is critical for proper translation of acoustic signals to the CNS, because it determines their filtering properties, their ability to respond to stimuli of both polarities, and, because the hair cell drives afferent firing rates, the resting potential dictates spontaneous transmitter release. In turtle auditory hair cells, the filtering properties are established by the interactions between BK calcium-activated potassium channels and an L-type calcium channel (electrical resonance). However, both theoretical andin vitrorecordings indicate that a third conductance is required to set the resting potential to a point on theICaandIBKactivation curves in which filtering is optimized like that foundin vivo. Present data elucidate a novel mechanism, likely universal among hair cells, in which mechanoelectric transduction (MET) and its calcium-dependent adaptation provide the depolarizing current to establish the hair cell resting potential. First, mechanical block of the MET current hyperpolarized the membrane potential, resulting in broadband asymmetrical resonance. Second, altering steady-state adaptation by altering the [Ca2+] bathing the hair bundle changed the MET current at rest, the magnitude of which resulted in membrane potential changes that encompassed the best resonant voltage. The Ca2+sensitivity of adaptation allowed for the first physiological estimate of endolymphatic Ca2+near the MET channel (56 ± 11 μm), a value similar to bulk endolymph levels. These effects of MET current on resting potential were independently confirmed using a theoretical model of electrical resonance that included the steady-state MET conductance.