bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paleopathology and the origin of agriculture in the Levant
Authors: Eshed Vered , Gopher Avi , Pinhasi Ron , Hershkovitz Israel
Published: May 2010

This study addresses changes in health which were consequential to the Neolithic transition in the southern Levant, judged on the basis of the study of specific and nonspecific stress indicators, trauma, and degenerative joint disease in 200 Natufian (hunter‐gatherer) skeletons (10,500–8300 BC) and 205 Neolithic (agricultural) skeletons (8300–5500 BC) from the southern Levant. The comparison of the health profiles of pre‐Neolithic (Natufian) and Neolithic populations reveals a higher prevalence of lesions indicative of infectious diseases among the Neolithic population, and an overall reduction in the prevalence of skull trauma among males. No change over time was observed in the prevalence of degenerative joint disease. These results indicate that in the southern Levant the Neolithic transition did not simply lead to an overall deterioration in health but rather resulted in a complex health profile which was shaped by 1) an increase exposure to disease agents, 2) changes in diet, 3) population aggregation in larger and denser settlements, 4) changes in activity patterns and the division of labor, and possibly 5) a higher resistant immunological system and response capacity to environmental aggressions (mainly infections). Am J Phys Anthropol 143:121–133, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regional shape change in adult facial bone curvature with age
Authors: Williams Shanna E. , Slice Dennis E.
Published: May 2010

Life expectancies have increased dramatically over the last 100 years, affording greater opportunities to study the impact of age on adult craniofacial morphology. This article employs a novel application of established geometric morphometric methods to examine shape differences in adult regional facial bone curvature with age. Three‐dimensional semilandmarks representing the curvature of the orbits, zygomatic arches, nasal aperture, and maxillary alveolar process were collected from a cross‐sectional cranial sample of mixed sex and ancestry (male and female; African‐ and European‐American), partitioned into three age groups (young adult = 18–39; middle‐aged = 40–59 years; and elderly = 60+ years). Each facial region's semilandmarks were aligned into a common coordinate system via generalized Procrustes superimposition. Regional variation in shape was then explored via a battery of multivariate statistical techniques. Age‐related shape differences were detected in the orbits, zygomatic arches, and maxillary alveolar process. Interactions between age, sex, and ancestry were also identified. Vector plots revealed patterns of superoinferior compression, lateral expansion, and posterior recession depending on the population/subpopulation, location, and age groups examined. These findings indicate that adult craniofacial curvature shape is not static throughout human life. Instead, age‐related spatial modifications occur in various regions of the craniofacial skeleton. Moreover, these regional alterations vary not only through time, but across human populations and the sexes. Am J Phys Anthropol 143:437‐447, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Von der Struktur und Funktion des Ribosoms zu neuen Antibiotika (Nobel‐Aufsatz)
Authors: Steitz Thomas A.
Published: May 2010

Eine komplexe Struktur: Der Nobelpreis 2009 wurde für Untersuchungen der Struktur und Funktion des Ribosoms – der Proteinfabrik der Zelle – vergeben. Die Preisträger berichten hier aus erster Hand über die Entwicklungen auf diesem Gebiet, von den Anfänge ihrer Forschungen bis hin zum heutigen, detaillierten Wissensstand.
Selective solid‐phase extraction of naphazoline using imprinted polymers as matrix prepared by precipitation polymerization
Authors: Xu Lan , Lv Ruihong , Wang Yaqiong , Gao Jiuzhi
Published: May 2010

The molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) for drug naphazoline (NAZ) have been synthesized by precipitation polymerization. The effect of the dispersive solvents dichloromethane (DCM), acetonitrile (ACN), and Methanol (MeOH) on particle size and morphology of MIP (P1, P2, and P3) was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The selectivity of P1, compared with nonimprinted polymer (NIP), C8 and C18 were evaluated via static adsorption using UV spectrophotometer. The result showed that the bond amount of P1 for NAZ was significantly higher than other sorbents. The P1 were applied as a solid‐phase extraction (SPE) stationary phase to extract the NAZ from nasal drops and recoveries of more than 89% (relative standard deviations, RSD <5%) were obtained by high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) analyses. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Ammonium polyphosphate/montmorillonite nanocompounds in polypropylene
Authors: Yi Deqi , Yang Rongjie
Published: May 2010

Ammonium polyphosphate (APP)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocompounds were prepared. The crystal forms and morphologies of the nanocompounds were studied by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TEM. The APP/MMT nanocompounds were applied to intumescent flame‐retarded polypropylene (PP) composites. The PP composites were studied by using oxygen index measurements, UL‐94 flame testing, thermogravimetric analysis, and mechanical measurement. It was found that the APP/MMT nanocompounds enhanced the flame retardancy of the IFR/PP compared with the form II APP and its mixture with micro‐MMT. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Two‐dimensional electrolyte nature of exfoliated montmorillonite nanoplatelets fabricated by soap‐free emulsion polymerization and their affinity for cations
Authors: Lee Chia‐Hsin , Weng Ting Hsiang , Liu Ken Yen , Lin Keng Jen , Lin King‐Fu
Published: May 2010

Montmorillonite (MMT) nanoplatelets, fabricated by the exfoliation of MMT during participating in the soap‐free emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate, were well‐dispersed in water and performed like a two‐dimensional electrolyte. Their ionic conductivity roughly follows the Manning's limiting law for the conduction of a polyelectrolyte. The dissociated MMT nanoplatelets that carry negative charges in water were able to rapidly adsorb cations, such as tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)) and methylene blue (MB+), and recover into a smectic configuration floating as a separating phase. By using the Langmuir equation, we were able to estimate the occupied surface areas of MMT nanoplatelets by each Ru(bpy) and MB+ cations as 4.708 and 1.806 nm2/ion, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Applied analysis and identification of ancient lacquer based on pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Honda Takayuki , Lu Rong , Kitano Nobuhiko , Kamiya Yoshimi , Miyakoshi Tetsuo
Published: May 2010

Three lacquer samples taken from a “four‐eared” pottery container, which was designated an important National Cultural Property of Japan excavated in 16–17th century ruins of Kyoto City, were analyzed by pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py‐GC/MS) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy to determine the source of the lacquer. It is an unexpected result that the lacquer in this pottery container is actually used by Melanorrhoea usitata. Alkylbenzene and alkenylbenzene as cleavage pieces of undecylbenzene (MW = 232 g/mol) and undecenylbenzene (MW = 230 g/mol), which are products of the pyrolysis of thitsiol, were detected in all three samples. Moreover, ω‐phenylalkylcatechols and ω‐phenylalkylphenols, which are the specific components of M. usitata, were also detected by Py‐GC/MS, suggesting that lacquer sap of M. usitata was used by the Japanese people in the 16–17th centuries. In addition, Japanese lacquer culture and the advantages of the Py‐GC/MS method for lacquer analysis are discussed in detail. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Study on micellization of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐butyl acrylate) macromonomers in aqueous solution
Authors: Zheng Siqi , Shi Shuxian , Xia Yuzheng , Wu Qijiayu , Su Zhiqiang , Chen Xiaonong
Published: May 2010

A kind of thermo‐sensitive macromonomer, styrene‐terminated poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐butyl acrylate) [P(NIPAm‐BA)] has been synthesized in this work. With the help of ultraviolet spectrum (UV), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), potentiometric titration and dynamic light scattering (DLS), the molecular structure, thermo‐sensitive characteristics, and micellization behaviors of this kind of macromonomer have been investigated. The obtained results demonstrate that, the molecular structure of thermo‐sensitive macromonomer, including the content of comonomer unit on the backbones and the variety of terminal groups, has great influence on its low critical solution temperature (LCST) and critical micelle concentration (CMC). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Seaweed as novel biofiller in polypropylene composites
Authors: Luan Lixing , Wu Wei , Wagner Manfred H. , Mueller Marco
Published: May 2010

Based on former exploratory research, we used seaweed (SW) fiber as a novel biofiller for the production of polypropylene (PP) biocomposites. Maleic anhydride‐grafted polypropylene (MAPP) and a CNT masterbatch (CESA) were applied as compatibilizers. Mechanical properties, crystallization behavior, dynamic mechanical performance as well as interfacial morphology were characterized. SW fiber was successfully incorporated in the PP matrix in terms of mechanical reinforcement. Accelerated crystallization process of PP matrix was observed. DMA results also indicated the favorable adhesion between SW fiber and PP matrix, which could be confirmed by SEM characterization. The effect and efficiency of MAPP and CESA as compatibilizers were evaluated. Moreover, potential flame retardancy of SW fibers for PP matrix was observed, and satisfying results warrant further investigations. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effect of weak reductant on properties of electroless copper polyacrylonitrile nanocomposites for electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Tsao Keng‐Yu , Chen Chang‐Cheng , Huang Chi‐Yuan , Tsai Ching‐Shan , Yang Sung‐Yeng , Yeh Jen‐Taut , Chen Kan‐Nan
Published: May 2010

In this work, the electroless copper method with different reductant compositions (NaHSO3/Na2 S2O3·5H2O and Na2S2O3·5H2O) without sensitizing and activating, was used to deposit copper‐sulfide deposition on the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) surface for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials. The weak reductant, NaHSO3, in the electroless copper method was used to control the phase of copper‐sulfide deposition. The Cux(x=1–1.8)S was deposited on the PAN (CuxS‐PAN) by reductant composition (NaHSO3/Na2S2O3·5H2O) and the Cux(x=1–1.8)S deposition of CuxS‐PAN possesses three kinds of copper‐sulfide phases (CuS, Cu1.75S and Cu1.8S). However, the electroless copper with reductant was only Na2S2O3·5H2O (without weak reductant, NaHSO3), the hexagonal CuS deposition was plated on the PAN (CuS‐PAN) and increased the EMI shielding effectiveness of CuS‐PAN composites about 10–15 dB. In this study, the best EMI SE of CuS‐PAN and CuxS‐PAN composites were about 27–30 dB and 15–17 dB respectively, as the cupric ion concentration was 0.24 M. The volume resistivity of CuS‐PAN composite was about 1000 times lower than that of CuxS‐PAN composite and lowest volume resistivity of CuS‐PAN composites was 0.012 Ω cm, as the cupric ion concentration was 0.24 M. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Improvement of tensile properties of ramie yarns by applying a winding machine with heat treatment
Authors: Zhu Lu , Ren Baosheng , Goda Koichi
Published: May 2010

A winding machine with heat treatment was newly developed to strengthen ramie yarns. During the treatment process, ramie yarn in normal or wet state was wound on a winding machine and passed continuously through a heater at 100 and 150°C, respectively, with different winding speeds and tensions. Higher tensile strength and stiffness of ramie yarn was achieved after heat treatment on wet yarn and winding speed had a significant influence on the tensile properties of yarns. However, a little decline in tensile strength was found for ramie yarns after heat treatment in normal state. This implies that the water‐swollened structure of ramie yarn during the heat treatment is crucial in strengthening yarns. In the case of heat treatment on wet yarns, the effect of winding tension on the tensile properties of yarns was studied. It was found that the tensile strengths and Young's moduli of ramie yarns first increased and then reached equilibrium as the winding tension was increased. The crystallinity calculated from X‐ray diffraction diagrams showed a slight decrease in heat‐treated ramie yarns whereas the crystalline orientation factors had no appreciable change. It was considered that the improved effect was related to the more oriented molecular chains in amorphous region and optimized yarn structure. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Preparation, characterization, and polymerization of novel maleimidobenzoxazine containing carboxylic moiety and its cocuring behaviors with epoxy resin
Authors: Zhong Hailin , Lu Yanbing , Chen Junren , Xu Weijian , Liu Xi
Published: May 2010

A novel benzoxazine containing maleimide and carboxylic moieties, 1‐[3‐(4‐carboxylphenyl)‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐benzo[e][1,3]‐oxazin‐6‐yl]maleimide (Mal‐Bz‐Co), was synthesized and the structure was identified by 1H‐NMR and FTIR. Mal‐Bz‐Co exhibited good solubility in common organic solvents. The cure behavior of Mal‐Bz‐Co and cocure behavior of Mal‐Bz‐Co with o‐cresol formaldehyde epoxy resin were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. Results indicated that Mal‐Bz‐Co showed a single curing exothermic peak at about 238.3°C. However, the maximum curing temperature (Tp) decreased to 146.1°C when Mal‐Bz‐Co cocured with o‐cresol formaldehyde epoxy resin in the molar ratio of 1 : 1. The Tp was about 92°C lower than that of Mal‐Bz‐Co. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that high‐decomposition temperature and char yield were observed for the cured resins of Mal‐Bz‐Co and Mal‐Bz‐Co/o‐CFER. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Exogenous and endogenous protease inhibitors in the gut of the fall armyworm larvae, Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Lwalaba Digali , Weidlich Sandy , Hoffmann Klaus H. , Woodring Joseph
Published: May 2010

A dose‐dependent inhibition of endogenous trypsin and aminopeptidase occurs in the lumen of Spodoptera frugiperda after feeding L6 larvae exogenous inhibitors soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI), tosyl‐L‐lysine chloromethyl ketone‐HCl (TLCK), or bestatin, respectively, for 3 days. TLCK inhibits trypsin in tissue extracts and in secretions more strongly than SBTI. The aminopeptidase released into the lumen (containing the peritrophic membrane) is strongly inhibited by bestatin, but the membrane‐bound enzyme is not. A bound enzyme may be more resistant to an inhibitor than unbound. A cross‐class elevation of aminopeptidase activity occurs in response to ingested trypsin inhibitor, but there was no cross‐class effect of aminopeptidase inhibitor (bestatin) on trypsin activity. An endogenous trypsin and aminopeptidase inhibitor is present in the lumen and ventricular cells. The strength of the endogenous trypsin inhibition seems to be in the same range as that resulting from ingestion of the exogenous inhibitor SBTI. In some insect species, considerable trypsin secretion occurs in unfed as well as in fed animals, and endogenous protease inhibitors might function to protect the ventricular epithelium by inactivation of trypsin when less food is available. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quick dissection of the segmental bronchi
Authors: Nakajima Yuji
Published: May 2010

Knowledge of the three‐dimensional anatomy of the bronchopulmonary segments is essential for respiratory medicine. This report describes a quick guide for dissecting the segmental bronchi in formaldehyde‐fixed human material. All segmental bronchi are easy to dissect, and thus, this exercise will help medical students to better understand the bronchopulmonary segments. Anat Sci Educ 2010. © 2010 American Association of Anatomists.
Visioning future emergency healthcare collaboration: Perspectives from large and small medical centers
Authors: Söderholm Hanna M. , Sonnenwald Diane H.
Published: May 2010

New video technologies are emerging to facilitate collaboration in emergency healthcare. One such technology is 3D telepresence technology for medical consultation (3DMC) that may provide richer visual information to support collaboration between medical professionals to, ideally, enhance patient care in real time. Today only an early prototype of 3DMC exists. To better understand 3DMC's potential for adoption and use in emergency healthcare before large amounts of development resources are invested we conducted a visioning study. That is, we shared our vision of 3DMC with emergency room physicians, nurses, administrators, and information technology (IT) professionals working at large and small medical centers, and asked them to share their perspectives regarding 3DMC's potential benefits and disadvantages in emergency healthcare and its compatibility and/or lack thereof with their and their organization's current ways of working. We found that social and technical challenges can be identified regarding new innovations even before working prototypes are available. The compatibility of 3DMC with current ways of working was conceptualized by participants in terms of processes, relationships, and resources. Both common and unique perceptions regarding 3DMC emerged, illustrating the need for 3DMC, and other collaboration technologies, to support interwoven situational awareness across different technological frames.
HAADS: A Hebrew Aramaic abbreviation disambiguation system
Authors: HaCohen‐Kerner Yaakov , Kass Ariel , Peretz Ariel
Published: May 2010

In many languages abbreviations are very common and are widely used in both written and spoken language. However, they are not always explicitly defined and in many cases they are ambiguous. This research presents a process that attempts to solve the problem of abbreviation ambiguity using modern machine learning (ML) techniques. Various baseline features are explored, including context‐related methods and statistical methods. The application domain is Jewish Law documents written in Hebrew and Aramaic, which are known to be rich in ambiguous abbreviations. Two research approaches were implemented and tested: general and individual. Our system applied four common ML methods to find a successful integration of the various baseline features. The best result was achieved by the SVM ML method in the individual research, with 98.07% accuracy.
Science overlay maps: A new tool for research policy and library management
Authors: Rafols Ismael , Porter Alan L. , Leydesdorff Loet
Published: May 2010

We present a novel approach to visually locate bodies of research within the sciences, both at each moment of time and dynamically. This article describes how this approach fits with other efforts to locally and globally map scientific outputs. We then show how these science overlay maps help benchmarking, explore collaborations, and track temporal changes, using examples of universities, corporations, funding agencies, and research topics. We address their conditions of application and discuss advantages, downsides, and limitations. Overlay maps especially help investigate the increasing number of scientific developments and organizations that do not fit within traditional disciplinary categories. We make these tools available online to enable researchers to explore the ongoing sociocognitive transformations of science and technology systems.
Triazole‐Functionalized N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes of Palladium and Platinum and Efficient Aqueous Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling Reaction
Authors: Gu Shaojin , Xu Hui , Zhang Na , Chen Wanzhi
Published: May 2010

Imidazolium salts bearing triazole groups are synthesized via a copper catalyzed click reaction, and the silver, palladium, and platinum complexes of their N‐heterocyclic carbenes are studied. [Ag4(L1)4](PF6)4, [Pd(L1)Cl](PF6), [Pt(L1)Cl](PF6) (L1=3‐((1‐benzyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methyl)‐1‐(pyrimidin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐imidazolylidene), [Pd2(L2)2Cl2](PF6)2, and [Pd(L2)2](PF6)2 (L2=1‐butyl‐3‐((1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methyl)imidazolylidene) have been synthesized and fully characterized by NMR, elemental analysis, and X‐ray crystallography. The silver complex [Ag4(L1)4](PF6)4 consists of a Ag4 zigzag chain. The complexes [Pd(L1)Cl](PF6) and [Pt(L1)Cl](PF6), containing a nonsymmetrical NCN′ pincer ligand, are square planar with a chloride trans to the carbene donor. [Pd2(L2)2Cl2](PF6)2 consists of two palladium centers with CN2Cl coordination mode, whereas the palladium in [Pd(L2)2](PF6)2 is surrounded by two carbene and two triazole groups with two uncoordinated pyridines. The palladium compounds are highly active for Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling reactions of aryl bromides and 1,1‐dibromo‐1‐alkenes in neat water under an air atmosphere.
Susceptibility to the Shepard illusion in participants with autism: reduced top‐down influences within perception?
Authors: Mitchell Peter , Mottron Laurent , Soulières Isabelle , Ropar Danielle
Published: May 2010

Previous research [Ropar & Mitchell, 2002] has shown that autistic individuals are somewhat immune to biases induced by top‐down processes, particularly the influence of previous knowledge on perception. In order to test this hypothesis within perception, 18 participants with autism who had measured intelligence in the normal range were compared against 18 matched controls in their susceptibility to the Shepard illusion. The illusion consists in misperceiving the shape of a parallelogram in the presence of depth cues. It is attributed [Mitchell, Ropar, Ackroyd, & Rajendran, 2005] to the effect of top‐down constraints within perception. The task involved adjusting a stimulus to the dimensions of a template on a computer screen. Both groups were susceptible to the illusion and the illusion effect was stronger when three‐dimensional perspective cues were prominent. Notably, participants with autism were less susceptible to the illusion than typically developing individuals. The findings raise the possibility that in some instances top‐down influences are attenuated in individuals with autism.
Externalizing and internalizing behaviors in ASD
Authors: Bauminger Nirit , Solomon Marjorie , Rogers Sally J.
Published: May 2010

The current study investigated the relationships between internalizing and externalizing (I‐E) behaviors and family variables, including both parenting stress and quality of attachment relations, in children aged 8–12 with high‐functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or with typical development. Compared to the group with typical development, children with ASD exhibited significantly greater levels of psychopathology as assessed by the Child Behavior Checklist [Achenbach, 1991], and parents of children with ASD exhibited higher parenting stress as assessed by the Parenting Stress Index [Abidin, 1995]. In a hierarchical multiple regression analysis, parenting stress emerged as the most important predictor of children's I‐E problems. Results are discussed in light of the two groups' similar relationships between parenting stress and child psychopathology.
Leader‐driven distortion of probability and payoff information affects choices between risky prospects
Authors: DeKay Michael L. , Stone Eric R. , Miller Seth A.
Published: May 2010

Research indicating that decision makers often distort new information to favor nascent preferences has focused primarily on riskless choice rather than risky choice. In addition, the critical assumption that information distortion mediates the link between the initially preferred alternative and the final choice has not been tested in a compelling manner. In an experiment designed to fill these gaps, participants made six choices involving pairs of hypothetical three‐outcome monetary gambles. We manipulated initial preferences by varying the order in which gamble features were presented. Multilevel regressions indicated that participants distorted their evaluations of precise probabilities and payoffs in the direction of their emerging preferences and that they used their biased evaluations to update those preferences. As expected, information distortion mediated the effect of initial preferences on final choices and final preference strength. In a follow‐up experiment, we compared a standard measure of information distortion (based on comparisons to mean ratings in a no‐choice control task) to a more personalized measure (based on participants' own ratings in the control task) and found the mean‐based measure to be superior for the probability and payoff information in question. Other findings in Experiment 2 corroborated the results of Experiment 1. In both studies, the distortion of quantitative inputs in a simple task highlights the non‐normative circularity of the choice process. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Embryonic expression of the cysteine rich protein 61 (CYR61) gene: A candidate for the development of human epispadias
Authors: Draaken Markus , Proske Judith , Schramm Charlotte , Wittler Lars , Bartels Enrika , Nöthen Markus M. , Reutter Heiko , Ludwig Michael
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: Isolated epispadias is the mildest phenotype of the exstrophy‐epispadias complex, a urogenital birth defect of variable severity. The androgen receptor antagonist flutamide (FLU) is known to cause malformations in the rat genital and reproductive tract, and single‐dose prenatal FLU exposure can induce epispadias in rat offspring. The Cyr61 gene exhibited the highest response to FLU in rat fetal testis, and we suggested it a promising candidate gene for epispadias in humans, because its protein product promotes proliferation, migration, and adhesion of endothelial cells and fibroblasts. METHODS: We used whole mount in situ analysis in mice to investigate ventrocaudal expression of the Cyr61 transcript at gestational days 9.5 to 11.5, which is the equivalent of human gestational weeks 4 to 6 (postulated time of epispadias organogenesis in humans). We also performed mutational analysis of the CYR61 gene in 11 patients with isolated epispadias and in additional eight patients with the related classic bladder exstrophy phenotype. RESULTS: Expression of Cyr61 was detected in endothelial cells of vessels surrounding the cloaca and the umbilical cord on gestational days 10 and 11.5. The mutation screening, however, revealed no alterations in the coding region of human CYR61. CONCLUSIONS: The spatiotemporal expression pattern observed suggests a role for Cyr61 in the development of the external genitalia. Our mutation screening study, however, could not confirm that mutations affecting the CYR61 gene are a frequent cause of epispadias or classic bladder exstrophy, although rare mutations might be detectable in larger patient samples. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An update to the list of mouse mutants with neural tube closure defects and advances toward a complete genetic perspective of neural tube closure
Authors: Harris Muriel J. , Juriloff Diana M.
Published: May 2010

The number of mouse mutants and strains with neural tube defects (NTDs) now exceeds 240, including 205 representing specific genes, 30 for unidentified genes, and 9 multifactorial strains. These mutants identify genes needed for embryonic neural tube closure. Reports of 50 new NTD mutants since our 2007 review (Harris and Juriloff,2007) were considered in relation to the previously reviewed mutants to obtain new insights into mechanisms of NTD etiology. In addition to null mutations, some are hypomorphs or conditional mutants. Some mutations do not cause NTDs on their own, but do so in digenic, trigenic, and oligogenic combinations, an etiology that likely parallels the nature of genetic etiology of human NTDs. Mutants that have only exencephaly are fourfold more frequent than those that have spina bifida aperta with or without exencephaly. Many diverse cellular functions and biochemical pathways are involved; the NTD mutants draw new attention to chromatin modification (epigenetics), the protease‐activated receptor cascade, and the ciliopathies. Few mutants directly involve folate metabolism. Prevention of NTDs by maternal folate supplementation has been tested in 13 mutants and reduces NTD frequency in six diverse mutants. Inositol reduces spina bifida aperta frequency in the curly tail mutant, and three new mutants involve inositol metabolism. The many NTD mutants are the foundation for a future complete genetic understanding of the processes of neural fold elevation and fusion along mechanistically distinct cranial‐caudal segments of the neural tube, and they point to several candidate processes for study in human NTD etiology. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maternal prepregnancy body mass index and risk of neural tube defects: A population‐based case–control study in Shanxi province, China
Authors: Li Zhiwen , Liu Jianmeng , Ye Rongwei , Zhang Le , Pei Lijun , Zheng Xiaoying , Ren Aiguo
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND:

Many studies from the Western world have indicated that maternal obesity is associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects (NTDs). However, few reports have been available on this association from Asian populations. Our aim was to examine the relationship between maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and the risk of NTDs in a population of northern China.

METHODS:

Data were derived from an ongoing population‐based case–control study of birth defects in Shanxi province, China. Subjects were 511 NTD cases and 687 controls selected from the same population between January 2003 and June 2007. BMI was based on maternal height and prepregnancy weight as reported within 1 week of delivery.

RESULTS:

We found no significantly increased risk of NTDs for obese women (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29–1.49) or for underweight women (adjusted OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.62–1.62) relative to normal‐weight women. We found a significantly reduced risk of overall NTDs (adjusted OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.41–0.76) and anencephaly (adjusted OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.26–0.62) for overweight women compared to normal‐weight women.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results do not support the association between maternal prepregnancy obesity and increased risk of overall NTDs or of any subtype of NTDs in the Chinese population. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Caffeine, selected metabolic gene variants, and risk for neural tube defects
Authors: Schmidt Rebecca J. , Romitti Paul A. , Burns Trudy L. , Murray Jeffrey C. , Browne Marilyn L. , Druschel Charlotte M. , Olney Richard S.
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND:

Investigations of maternal caffeine intake and neural tube defects (NTDs) have not considered genetic influences. Caffeine metabolism gene effects were examined in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study.

METHODS:

Average daily caffeine was summed from self‐reported coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate intake for mothers of 768 NTD cases, and 4143 controls delivered from 1997 to 2002. A subset of 306 NTD and 669 control infants and their parents were genotyped forCYP1A2*1F,NAT2 481C>T, andNAT2 590G>A.CYP1A2*1Fwas classified by fast or slow oxidation status, andNAT2variants were categorized into rapid or slow acetylation status. Case‐control logistic regression analyses, family‐based transmission/disequilibrium tests and log‐linear analyses, and hybrid log‐linear analyses were conducted to produce odds ratios (ORs) or relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for caffeine intake and maternal and infant gene variants, and to examine interaction effects.

RESULTS:

NTDs were independently associated with infant slowNAT2acetylator status (RR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.10–3.64) and maternalCYP1A2*1Ffast oxidation status (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.10–2.03). Mothers who consumed caffeine, oxidizedCYP1A2*1Fquickly, and acetylizedNAT2slowly had a nonsignificantly elevated estimated risk for an NTD‐affected pregnancy (OR, 3.10; 95% CI, 0.86–11.21). Multiplicative interaction effects were observed between maternal caffeine and infantCYP1A2*1Ffast oxidizer status (pinteraction= 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS:

The association identified between maternalCYP1A2*1Ffast oxidation status and NTDs should be examined further in the context of the other substrates ofCYP1A2.Maternal caffeine and its metabolites may be associated with increased risk for NTD‐affected pregnancies in genetically susceptible subgroups. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of childbirth after treatment on long-term survival from breast cancer
Authors: Verkooijen H M , Lim G H , Czene K , Bhalla V , Chow K Y , Yap K P L , Chia K S , Hartman M
Published: May 2010

Background

This study quantified long-term absolute and relative mortality risks of survivors of breast cancer with subsequent childbirth.

Methods

The Singapore Birth Register (n = 319 437), Swedish Multi-Generation Register (n = 11 million) and population-based cancer registries were linked to identify 492 women with childbirth after breast cancer. For these women, cumulative mortality risks and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated and compared with those of 8529 women aged less than 40 years with breast cancer without subsequent childbirth, and with those predicted by Adjuvant! Online.

Results

Women with subsequent childbirth had a lower 15-year cumulative overall mortality rate than other women with breast cancer (16·8 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 13·3 to 20·9) versus 40·7 (39·5 to 41·9) per cent), but a higher relative mortality risk than the background population (SMR 13·6, 95 per cent c.i. 10·6 to 17·3). Mortality risks decreased significantly with increasing interval between diagnosis and subsequent childbirth. Mean 10-year cumulative mortality risks of women with subsequent childbirth were within the range of 10-year mortality predicted by Adjuvant! Online for women with T1 N0 tumours in otherwise perfect health.

Conclusion

This study reinforced the view that pregnancy after breast cancer is not detrimental to survival. However, women who gave birth after this diagnosis had substantially higher mortality risks than young women in the general population. This information may be a valuable addition to routine mortality estimates.
Validation of an LC/MS method for the determination of gemfibrozil in human plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Rower Joseph E. , Bushman Lane R. , Hammond Kyle P. , Kadam Rajendra S. , Aquilante Christina L.
Published: May 2010

Gemfibrozil, a fibric acid hypolipidemic agent, is increasingly being used in clinical drug–drug interaction studies as an inhibitor of drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters. The validation of a fast, accurate and precise LC/MS method is described for the quantitative determination of gemfibrozil in an EDTA‐anticoagulated human plasma matrix. Briefly, gemfibrozil was extracted from human plasma by an acetonitrile protein precipitation method. The assay was reproducible with intra‐assay precision between 1.6 and 10.7%, and inter‐assay precision ranging from 4.4 to 7.8%. The assay also showed good accuracy, with intra‐assay concentrations within 85.6–108.7% of the expected value, and inter‐assay concentrations within 89.4–104.0% of the expected value. The linear concentration range was between 0.5 and 50 µg/mL with a lower limit of quantitation of 0.5 µg/mL when 125 µL of plasma were extracted. This LC/MS method yielded a quick, simple and reliable protocol for determining gemfibrozil concentrations in plasma and is applicable to clinical pharmacokinetic studies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The step space: example‐based footprint‐driven motion synthesis
Authors: van Basten B.J.H. , Peeters P.W.A.M. , Egges A.
Published: May 2010

Especially in a constrained virtual environment, precise control of foot placement during character locomotion is crucial to avoid collisions and to ensure a natural locomotion. In this paper, we present the step space: a novel technique for generating animations of a character walking over a set of desired foot steps in real‐time. We use an efficient greedy nearest‐neighbor approach and warp the resulting animation such that it adheres to both spatial and temporal constraints. We use smart aligning and inverse kinematics to ensure spatial constraints and time warping for temporal constraints. We will show that our technique can generate realistic locomotion animations very efficiently even though we impose many constraints on the animation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time expression of affect through respiration
Authors: de Melo Celso M. , Kenny Patrick , Gratch Jonathan
Published: May 2010

Affect has been shown to influence respiration in people. This paper takes this insight and proposes a real‐time model to express affect through respiration in virtual humans. Fourteen affective states are explored: excitement, relaxation, focus, pain, relief, boredom, anger, fear, panic, disgust, surprise, startle, sadness, and joy. Specific respiratory patterns are described from the literature for each of these affective states. Then, a real‐time model of respiration is proposed that uses morphing to animate breathing and provides parameters to control respiration rate, respiration depth and the respiration cycle curve. These parameters are used to implement the respiratory patterns. Finally, a within‐subjects study is described where subjects are asked to classify videos of the virtual human expressing each affective state with or without the specific respiratory patterns. The study was presented to 41 subjects and the results show that the model improved perception of excitement, pain, relief, boredom, anger, fear, panic, disgust, and startle. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthetic vision‐based perceptual attention for augmented reality agents
Authors: Oh Sejin , Baek Woonhyuk , Woo Woontack
Published: May 2010

We describe our model for synthetic vision‐based perceptual attention for autonomous agents in augmented reality (AR) environments. Since virtual and physical objects coexist in their environment, such agents must adaptively perceive and attend to objects relevant to their goals. To enable agents to perceive their surroundings, our approach allows the agents to determine currently visible objects from the scene description of what virtual and physical objects are configured in the camera's viewing area. In our model, a degree of attention is assigned to each perceived object based on its similarity to target objects related to an agent's goals. The agent can thus focus on a reduced set of perceived objects with respect to the estimated degree of attention. Moreover, by continuously and smartly updating the perceptual memory, it eliminates the processing loads associated to previously observed objects. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, we implemented an animated character that was overlaid over a miniature version of campus in real‐time and that attended to building blocks relevant to given tasks. Experiments showed that our model could reduce a character's perceptual load at any time, even when surroundings change. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production of Highly Loaded Nanocomposites by Dispersing Nanoparticles in Epoxy Resin
Authors: Nolte H. , Schilde C. , Kwade A.
Published: May 2010

The objective of this study was the investigation of techniques for dispersing alumina nanoparticles with different surface modifications in epoxy resin. In order to prepare the matrix suspension, high contents of fillers (up to 50 wt %) were dispersed by conducting shear mixing techniques in a high performance laboratory kneader. The intention was to attain solutions that were stable against re‐agglomeration, while the mass fraction and the product fineness were maintained as high as possible. Therefore, both the formulations and the dispersion parameters were varied systematically. An epoxy resin was used as a carrier fluid and a corresponding amine hardener system was chosen. Tests were performed using alumina particles and surface modified alumina particles at different particle concentrations. Furthermore, the effect of diluting the colloidal suspensions and the resulting long term stability were also examined. The matrix suspension was examined with respect to viscosity, stability and particle size distribution.
Model population analysis for variable selection
Authors: Li Hong‐Dong , Liang Yi‐Zeng , Xu Qing‐Song , Cao Dong‐Sheng
Published: May 2010

To build a credible model for given chemical or biological or clinical data, it may be helpful to first get somewhat better insight into the data itself before modeling and then to present the statistically stable results derived from a large number of sub‐models established only on one dataset with the aid of Monte Carlo Sampling (MCS). In the present work, a concept model population analysis (MPA) is developed. Briefly, MPA could be considered as a general framework for developing new methods by statistically analyzing some interesting parameters (regression coefficients, prediction errors, etc.) of a number of sub‐models. New methods are expected to be developed by making full use of the interesting parameter in a novel manner. In this work, the elements of MPA are first considered and described. Then, the applications for variable selection and model assessment are emphasized with the help of MPA. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Boron‐Based Dipolar Multicomponent Reactions: Simple Generation of Substituted Aziridines, Oxazolidines and Pyrrolidines
Authors: Kielland Nicola , Catti Federica , Bello Davide , Isambert Nicolas , Soteras Ignacio , Luque F. Javier , Lavilla Rodolfo
Published: May 2010

New multicomponent reactions of aldehydes, isocyanides, trialkylboron reagents and dipolarophiles have been developed as an efficient route to diverse scaffolds, including aziridines, oxazolidines and poly‐substituted pyrrolidines. This chemistry, inspired by a report by Hesse in 1965, is simple and involves mild conditions. Computational studies provide a basis to investigate the stereochemical features observed in the formation of oxazolidines and four‐component adducts, and permit identification of potential factors that might influence the outcome of the multicomponent reaction. Thus, a rational screening of all the components and reaction parameters is made to examine the manifold mechanistic pathways and establish the practical limits for standard applications. Finally, intramolecular and solid‐supported versions of these reactions bring new synthetic possibilities and practical protocols. Overall, the results describe a new family of multicomponent reactions valuable not only for organic reactivity, but also for combinatorial chemistry and drug discovery.
ChemInform Abstract: Evolution of Crystalline Aluminates from Hybrid Gel‐Derived Precursors Studied by XRD and Multinuclear Solid State MAS NMR. Part 4. Calcium Dialuminate, CaAl4O7 and Calcium Hexaluminate, CaAl12O19.
Authors: MacKenzie K. J. D. , Schmuecker M. , Smith M. E. , Poplett I. J. F. , Kemmitt T.
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Vibrational Spectra of the Cluster Anions. Part 1. Vibrational Spectra of the Cluster Anions [E4]4‐ in the Metallic Sodium and Barium Compounds Na4E4 and Ba2E4 (E: Si, Ge).
Authors: Somer Mehmet
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: The Lithium Chloromolybdate Li[Mo6Cl13].
Authors: Stroebele Markus , Meyer H.‐Juergen
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Contributions on Crystal Structures and Thermal Behavior of Anhydrous Phosphates. Part 29. Preparation and Structure Determination of SrMn2(PO4)2 and Redetermination of β′‐Mn3(PO4)2.
Authors: El‐Bali B. , Boukhari A. , Glaum R. , Gerk M. , Maass K.
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: The Crystal Packing in Three Modifications of PPh4[ReO(S4)2] and PPh4[ReS(S4)2].
Authors: Mueller Ulrich , Noll Andrea
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Highly Enantioselective Rh‐Catalyzed Hydrogenation Reactions Based on Chiral Monophosphite Ligands.
Authors: Reetz Manfred T. , Mehler Gerlinde
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Enantiomerically Enriched Aminoalkenols and Glycosides Thereof.
Authors: Ziegler Thomas , Jurisch Claus
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Reduction of Ketones by Geotrichum candidum in the Presence of Amberlite XAD, a Solid Organic Solvent.
Authors: Nakamura Kaoru , Fujii Mikio , Ida Yoshiteru
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Carbonyl Propargylation by 1‐Substituted Prop‐2‐ynyl Mesylates and Carbonyl Allenylation by 3‐Substituted Prop‐2‐ynyl Mesylates with Tin(II) Iodide and Tetrabutylammonium Iodide.
Authors: Masuyama Yoshiro , Watabe Akiko , Ito Akihiro , Kurusu Yasuhiko
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: On the Behavior of α,β‐Unsaturated Thioaldehydes and Thioketones in the Diels—Alder Reaction.
Authors: Li Guang Ming , Niu Shuqiang , Segi Masahito , Tanaka Koichiro , Nakajima Tadashi , Zingaro Ralph A. , Reibenspies Joseph H. , Hall Michael B.
Published: May 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.