bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the BDNF val66met polymorphism on prefrontal brain function in a population at high genetic risk of schizophrenia
Authors: Whalley Heather C. , Baig Benjamin J. , Hall Jeremy , Job Dominic E. , McIntosh Andrew M. , Cunningham‐Owens David G. , Johnstone Eve C. , Lawrie Stephen M.
Published: October 2010

A single nucleotide polymorphism (val66met) in the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene has been shown to be a risk factor for a number of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. This polymorphism has also been shown to have effects on prefrontal brain morphology and function. This study aims to clarify the effects of the val66met polymorphism on prefrontal brain function in a population at high genetic risk for schizophrenia. The Edinburgh High Risk Study has followed young individuals who had one first‐ or second‐degree relative with schizophrenia and a minimum of one further genetic relative with the illness. A sample of 62 individuals provided both genetic and functional imaging data using the Hayling sentence completion task. Individuals with the BDNF ValVal (presumed risk) genotype (n = 41) showed relatively increased activation of the anterior cingulate cortex in relation to Met carrier individuals (n = 21) during sentence completion conditions versus baseline, against a background of similar levels of task performance. It appeared from further investigation that this relatively increased activation was attributable to a failure to disengage or suppress activation in the high risk ValVal group during the task condition, suggesting that BDNF may contribute to the abnormal default network reported in schizophrenia. These results suggest that this gene affects prefrontal brain function in those at high genetic risk for the disorder, unconfounded by medication effects. BDNF may therefore be one of the heritable factors involved in the development of abnormal prefrontal function in schizophrenia. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Implications upon theory discrimination of an accurate measurement of the time rate of change of the gravitational “constant” G and other cosmological parameters
Authors: Sanders A.J. , Gillies G.T. , Schmutzer E.
Published: October 2010

A substantial improvement in the accuracy of ˙ G tests (The dot denotes the time derivative.) would make it realistic to speak in terms of a measurement of ˙G , rather than merely a smaller upper bound on | ˙G|. We show that the accuracy Δ | ˙G/G|≈︁ 10‐14 yr‐1 may be sufficient, given the accuracy of other cosmological parameters, to observe effects predicted by higher dimensions theories and, hence, to discriminate among different models. The ˙G design goal for the SEE (Satellite Energy Exchange) mission is Δ (˙G/G) ≈︁ 10‐14 yr‐1.
Salen‐Complex‐Mediated Formation of Cyclic Carbonates by Cycloaddition of CO2 to Epoxides
Authors: Decortes Antonello , Castilla Ana M. , Kleij Arjan W.
Published: October 2010

Metal complexes of salen ligands are an important class of compounds, and they have been widely studied in the past. Among their successful catalytic applications, the synthesis of cyclic carbonates by the coupling reaction of epoxides with CO2 has received increased attention; this is mostly due to the importance of using a greenhouse gas as a feedstock for the synthesis of useful molecules. Herein the most relevant past and present research surrounding this topic is presented.
Levels of theory‐of‐mind reasoning in competitive games
Authors: Goodie Adam S. , Doshi Prashant , Young Diana L.
Published: October 2010

The literature on recursive theory of mind (TOM) reasoning in interactive decision making (reasoning of the type “I think that you think that I think…”) has been pessimistic, suggesting that adults attribute to others levels of reasoning that are low and slow to increase with learning. In four experiments with college‐age adults playing sequential games, we examined whether choices and predictions were consistent with believing that others pursue their immediate self‐interest, or with believing that others reason through their own decision making, with fixed‐sum games that were simpler and more competitive. This manipulation led to higher‐level default TOM reasoning; indeed, reasoning against a lower‐level opponent was frequently consistent with assuming the opponent's reasoning to be higher‐level, leading to sub‐optimal choices. We conclude that TOM reasoning is not of a low level in all game settings; rather, individuals may display effective TOM reasoning, reflecting realistic assumptions about their opponents, in competitive and relatively simple games. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamin self‐assembly and the vesicle scission mechanism
Authors: Pawlowski Nikolaus
Published: October 2010

Recently, Gao et al. and Chappie et al. elucidated the crystal structures of the polytetrameric stalk domain of the dynamin‐like virus resistance protein, MxA, and of the G‐domain dimer of the large, membrane‐deforming GTPase, dynamin, respectively. Combined, they provide a hypothetical oligomeric structure for the complete dynamin protein. Here, it is discussed how the oligomers are expected to form and how they participate in dynamin mediated vesicle fission during the process of endocytosis. The proposed oligomeric structure is compared with the novel mechanochemical model of dynamin function recently proposed by Bashkirov et al. and Pucadyil and Schmid. In conclusion, the new model of the dynamin oligomer has the potential to explain how short self‐limiting fissogenic dynamin assemblies are formed and how concerted GTP hydrolysis is achieved. The oligomerisation of two other dynamin superfamily proteins, the guanylate binding proteins (GBPs) and the immunity‐related GTPases (IRGs), is addressed briefly.
Early carotid endarterectomy following thrombolysis in the hyperacute treatment of stroke
Authors: Crozier J E M , Reid J , Welch G H , Muir K W , Stuart W P
Published: October 2010

Background

Thrombolysis with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator improves the probability of complete neurological recovery if given promptly following the onset of acute ischaemic stroke. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can reduce the risk of further embolic stroke in selected patients and is most effective within 14 days of the incident event. The safety of surgery so soon after thrombolysis is unknown. The aim of this study was to report the immediate outcomes of this management strategy early in the unit experience and to encourage pooling of data, recognizing that this will be an uncommon procedure even in busy stoke units with an active lysis programme.

Methods

Data were extracted from two prospectively collected databases, and included patient demographics, type of stroke, type and timing of surgical procedure, and immediate outcome. On presentation with a stroke, all patients underwent urgent computed tomography (CT) of the brain. Those eligible received thrombolysis according to the unit protocol. They underwent CT angiography 24 h after thrombolysis and patients with a severe carotid stenosis had surgery.

Results

Ten of a cohort of 450 patients who had received lysis underwent CEA. Seven of these were women and eight of the procedures were carried out under local anaesthetic. Surgery was performed a median of 8 (range 2–23) days after the index event; there were no major complications.

Conclusion

Few patients with acute stroke are eligible, but CEA performed soon after thrombolytic therapy for stroke appears to be safe.
“Good and bad, I defined these terms, quite clear no doubt somehow”: Neuroimaging and competency to be executed after Panetti
Authors: Perlin Michael L.
Published: October 2010

There has been little consideration, in either the caselaw or the scholarly literature, of the potential impact of neuroimaging on cases assessing whether a seriously mentally disabled death row defendant is competent to be executed. The Supreme Court's 2007 decision in Panetti v. Quarterman significantly expanded its jurisprudence by ruling that such a defendant had a constitutional right to make a showing that his mental illness “obstruct[ed] a rational understanding of the State's reason for his execution.” This article considers the impact of neuroimaging testimony on post‐Panetti competency determination hearings, and looks at multiple questions of admissibility of evidence, adequacy of counsel, availability of expert assistance, juror attitudes, trial tactics, and application of the Daubert doctrine, and also considers the implications of the lesser‐known Panetti holding (that enhances the role of expert witnesses in all competency‐to‐be‐executed inquiries). It warns that the power of the testimony in question has the capacity to inappropriately affect fact‐finders in ways that may lead “to outcomes that are both factually and legally inaccurate and constitutionally flawed.” Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors affecting jail detention of defendants adjudicated incompetent to proceed
Authors: Christy Annette , Otto Randy , Finch Jacquelyn , Ringhoff Daniel , Kimonis Eva R.
Published: October 2010

The movement of defendants through the legal process who have been adjudicated incompetent to proceed is little studied, yet it is important. The purpose of this study was to provide empirical data regarding factors that affected the amount of time defendants adjudicated incompetent to proceed and ordered to undergo hospitalization remained in jail while awaiting transfer to a state hospital. Statewide data collected in Florida between July 2005 and June 2008 were used to determine the lengths of time incompetent defendants spent at certain stages in the legal process. The addition of forensic bed capacity following media attention and litigation resulted in a significant decrease in the amount of time defendants adjudicated incompetent to proceed waited in jail for transfer to a state hospital for treatment. The amount of time it took for completed commitment orders to be submitted to the state mental health authority by the Clerks of Court of each county accounted for a meaningful portion of days defendants spent in jail awaiting transfer to a state hospital, with considerable variation across counties with respect to waiting times. These findings reflect how various stakeholders can affect the amount of time defendants spend in jail while awaiting hospitalization. These issues are discussed in the context of controversy related to Florida's forensic mental health system, as well as issues related to the political process and funding of the state's mental health authority. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Obstacles for child participation in care and protection cases—why Norwegian social workers find it difficult
Authors: Vis Svein Arild , Holtan Amy , Thomas Nigel
Published: October 2010

Although some attempts are being made to increase children's participation in Norwegian child protection cases, much needs to be done in order to comply with the participation principle in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. This paper reports on a study of factors that are likely to predict if social workers will attempt to give children an effective voice in decision making processes. 53 child protection case managers and 33 social work students participated in a questionnaire survey in which they were asked to agree or disagree with 20 statements about child participation. Statistical factor analysis was used in order to identify underlying factors in the dataset. The results suggest three main reasons for children not being allowed to participate: communication difficulties (communication factor); because child participation was not deemed necessary (participation advocacy factor); or that participation was considered inappropriate because it might be harmful (protectionism factor). This research suggests that, if we are to improve participation within the child protection system, formal regulations and guidelines need to be accompanied by a greater attention to development of social work skills in working with children through participatory processes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bismuth‐Doped Ordered Mesoporous TiO2: Visible‐Light Catalyst for Simultaneous Degradation of Phenol and Chromium
Authors: Sajjad Shamaila , Leghari Sajjad A. K. , Chen Feng , Zhang Jinlong
Published: October 2010

A controllable and reproducible synthesis of highly ordered two‐dimensional hexagonal mesoporous, crystalline bismuth‐doped TiO2 nanocomposites with variable Bi ratios is reported here. Analyses by transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveal that the well‐ordered mesostructure is doped with Bi, which exists as Bi3+ and Bi(3+x+). The Bi‐doped mesoporous TiO2 (ms‐TiO2) samples exhibit improved photocatalytic activities for simultaneous phenol oxidation and chromium reduction in aqueous suspension under visible and UV light over the pure ms‐TiO2, P‐25, and conventional Bi‐doped titania. The high catalytic activity is due to both the unique structural characteristics and the Bi doping. This new material extends the spectral response from UV to the visible region, and reduces electron–hole recombination, which renders the 2.0 % Bi‐doped ms‐TiO2 photocatalyst highly responsive to visible light.
On the Origin of Altered Diastereomeric Ratios for Anionic versus Neutral Reaction Conditions in the Oxy‐Cope/Ene Reaction: An Interplay of Experiment and Computational Modeling
Authors: Hooper James , Sauer Effiette L. O. , Arns Steve , Woo Tom K. , Barriault Louis
Published: October 2010

We report herein a detailed investigation into the reaction mechanism for a sequential oxy‐Cope/ene reaction under anionic conditions. With DFT calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, the observed diastereoselectivity is shown to be the result of an isomerization of the enolate olefin, which would evidently not occur under neutral conditions. The potential energy surface was thoroughly mapped out for the reaction pathways and the proposed mechanism confirmed the different product distributions observed under neutral and anionic oxy‐Cope conditions. In addition, other possible pathways are shown to be higher in energy and experimental evidence is given that supports the olefin‐isomerization pathway.
Tetra‐ to Dodecanuclear Oxomolybdate Complexes with Functionalized Bisphosphonate Ligands: Activity in Killing Tumor Cells
Authors: Compain Jean‐Daniel , Mialane Pierre , Marrot Jérôme , Sécheresse Francis , Zhu Wei , Oldfield Eric , Dolbecq Anne
Published: October 2010

We report the synthesis and characterization of five novel Mo‐containing polyoxometalate (POM) bisphosphonate complexes with nuclearities ranging from 4 to 12 and with fully reduced, fully oxidized, or mixed‐valent (MoV, MoVI) molybdenum, in which the bisphosphonates bind to the POM cluster through their two phosphonate groups and a deprotonated 1‐OH group. The compounds were synthesized in water by treating [MoV2O4(H2O)6]2+ or [MoVIO4]2− with H2O3PC(C3H6NH2)OPO3H2 (alendronic acid) or its aminophenol derivative, and were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and 31P NMR spectroscopy. (NH4)6[(MoV2O4)(MoVI2O6)2‐ (O3PC(C3H6NH3)OPO3)2]⋅12 H2O (1) is an insoluble mixed‐valent species. [(C2H5)2NH2]4[MoV4O8(O3PC(C3H6NH3)OPO3)2]⋅6 H2O (2) and [(C2H5)2NH2]6[MoV4O8(O3PC(C10H14NO)OPO3)2]⋅18 H2O (4) contain similar tetranuclear reduced frameworks. Li8[(MoV2O4(H2O))4(O3PC(C3H6NH3)OPO3)4]⋅45 H2O (3) and Na2Rb6[(MoVI3O8)4(O3PC(C3H6NH3)OPO3)4]⋅26H2O (5) are alkali metal salts of fully reduced octanuclear and fully oxidized dodecanuclear POMs, respectively. The activities of 2–5 (which are water‐soluble) against three human tumor cell lines were investigated in vitro. Although 2–4 have weak but measurable activity, 5 has IC50 values of about 10 μM, which is about four times the activity of the parent alendronate molecule on a per‐alendronate basis, which opens up the possibility of developing novel drug leads based on Mo bisphosphonate clusters.
[Ln(binolam)3]⋅(OTf)3, a New Class of Propeller‐Shaped Lanthanide(III) Salt Complexes as Enantioselective Catalysts: Structure, Dynamics and Mechanistic Insight
Authors: Di Bari Lorenzo , Di Pietro Sebastiano , Pescitelli Gennaro , Tur Fernando , Mansilla Javier , Saá José M.
Published: October 2010

The ligand 3,3'‐bis(diethylaminomethyl)‐1,1'‐bi‐2‐naphthol (binolam) contains an arrayed Brønsted acid–Brønsted base (BABB) system, which is responsible for the original shape of its lanthanide compounds. The solution structure of Pr, Nd and Yb compounds is solved by means of paramagnetic NMR spectroscopy and it is demonstrated that they are substantially isostructural, but with a completely new fold compared to the apparently similar heterobimetallic systems based on 1,1'‐bis(2‐naphthol) (binol) and alkali cations. The aromatic nuclei lie in a region equatorial with respect to the C3 symmetry axis, whereas the alkylamine chain stretches almost parallel to C3, above (and below) Ln3+. This is also found in the crystal structure of the binolamo–scandium complex. A detailed study of the proton‐exchange processes within the network of BABBs present in the complex is reported, which provides insight into the mechanism of the enantioselective Henry reaction promoted by these systems.
Thallium Distribution in Sediments from the Pearl River Basin, China
Authors: Liu Juan , Wang Jin , Chen Yongheng , Qi Jianying , Lippold Holger , Wang Chunlin
Published: October 2010

Thallium (Tl) is a rare element of high toxicity. Sediments sampled in three representative locations near industries utilizing Tl‐containing raw materials from the Pearl River Basin, China were analyzed for their total Tl contents and the Tl contents in four sequentially extracted fractions (i.e., weak acid exchangeable, reducible, oxidizable, and residual fraction). The results reveal that the total Tl contents (1.25–19.1 µg/g) in the studied sediments were slightly high to quite high compared with those in the Chinese background sediments. This indicates the apparent Tl contamination of the investigated sediments. However, with respect to the chemical fractions, Tl is mainly associated with the residual fraction (>60%) of the sediments, especially of those from the mining area of Tl‐bearing pyrite minerals, indicating the relatively low mobility, and low bioavailability of Tl in these sediments. This obviously contrasts with the previous findings that Tl is mainly entrapped in the first three labile fractions of the contaminated samples. Possible reasons were given for the dominating association of Tl with the residual fraction (>95%) of the mining area sediments. The significant role of certain K‐containing silicates or minerals of these sediments on retaining Tl in the residual fraction, discovered by this study, provides a special field of research opportunity for the Tl‐containing wastewater treatment.
Double Click Reaction for the Acquisition of a Highly Potent and Selective mPTPB Inhibitor
Authors: He Rongjun , Yu Zhihong , He Yantao , Zeng Li‐Fan , Xu Jie , Wu Li , Gunawan Andrea M. , Wang Lina , Jiang Zhong‐Xing , Zhang Zhong‐Yin
Published: October 2010

Tuberculosis (TB), which is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is a major worldwide threat to public health. Mycobacterium protein tyrosine phosphatase B (mPTPB) is a virulent phosphatase secreted by Mtb, which is essential for the survival and persistence of the bacterium in the host. Consequently, small‐molecule inhibitors of mPTPB are expected to serve as anti‐TB agents with a novel mode of action. Herein, we report the discovery of highly potent and selective mPTPB inhibitors using a novel, double Click chemistry strategy. The most potent mPTPB inhibitor from this approach possesses a Ki value of 160 nM and a >25‐fold selectivity for mPTPB over 19 other protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTBs). Molecular docking study of the enzyme–inhibitor complex provides a rationale for the high potency and selectivity of the lead compound and reveals an unusual binding mode, which may guide further optimization effort.
Virtual photons in magnetic resonance
Authors: Engelke Frank
Published: October 2010

Magnetic resonance often relies on a semi‐classical picture in which the spin particles are submitted to quantum theory and the electromagnetic field is treated as a classical field. Although in many applications there are very good reasons to work within this theoretical framework, it appears worthwhile either for educational purposes, or for studies in magnetic resonance with microscopically small samples or very weak rf fields as well as for other applications that may seem exotic today, to ask how to gain a unified view when comparing the concepts and methods of quantum electrodynamics (QED) with those of classical electrodynamics commonly used in magnetic resonance. The present article attempts to develop such a unified view for electromagnetic interactions in magnetic resonance by focusing on the concept of virtual photon exchange based on the Feynman propagator technique and by exploring the cross links between basic aspects of “semi‐classical magnetic resonance” and the same basic aspects of magnetic resonance as seen through the frame of QED. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 36A: 266–339, 2010.
Tunable Electronic Properties of a Proton‐ResponsiveN,N‐Dimethylaminoazobenzene Fullerene (C60) Dyad
Authors: Kumar K. Senthil , Patnaik Archita
Published: October 2010

A basicN,N‐dimethylaminoazobenzene–fullerene (C60) dyad molecular skeleton is modelled and synthesized. In spite of the myriad use of azobenzene as a photo‐ and electrochromic moiety, the idea presented herein is to adopt a conceptually different path by using it as a bridge in a donor–bridge–acceptor single‐molecular skeleton, connecting the electron acceptorN‐methylfulleropyrrolidine with an electron donorN,N‐dimethylaniline. Addition of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) results in a drastic colour change of the dyad from yellow to pink in dichloromethane (DCM). The structure of the protonated species are established from electronic spectroscopy and time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations. UV/Vis spectroscopic investigations reveal the disappearance of the 409 nm1(π→π*) transition with appearance of new features at 520 and 540 nm, attributed to protonated β and α nitrogens, respectively, along with a finite weight of the C60pyrrolidinic nitrogen. Calculations reveal intermixing of n(NN)→π*(NN)and charge transfer (CT) transitions in the neutral dyad, whereas, the n(NN)→π*(NN)transition in the protonated dyad is buried under the dominant1(π →π*) feature and is red‐shifted upon Gaussian deconvolution. The experimental binding constants involved in the protonation ofN,N‐dimethylanilineazobenzene and the dyad imply an almost equal probability of existence of both α‐ and β‐protonated forms. Larger binding constants for the protonated dyads imply more stable dyad complexes than for the donor counterparts. One of the most significant findings upon protonation resulted in frontier molecular orbital (FMO) switching with the dyad LUMO located on the donor part, evidenced from electrochemical investigations. The appearance of a new peak, prior to the first reduction potential ofN‐methylfulleropyrrolidine, clearly indicates location of the first incoming electron on the donor‐centred LUMO of the dyad, corroborated by unrestricted DFT calculations performed on the monoanions of the protonated dyad. The protonation of the basic azo nitrogens thus enables a rational control over the energetics and location of the FMOs, indispensable for electron transport across molecular junctions in realizing futuristic current switching devices.
Modulating the Photochemistry of Bipyridylic Compounds by Symmetric Substitutions
Authors: Ortiz‐Sánchez Juan M. , Gelabert Ricard , Moreno Miquel , Lluch José M.
Published: October 2010

A quantum electronic study of the effect of substituents on (2,2′‐bipyridyl)‐3,3′‐diol and (2,2′‐bipyridyl)‐3,3′‐diamine is presented. A large difference in the photochemical behavior between the original and the substituted selected systems is expected. For the sake of simplicity, the study is restricted to the symmetrically bi‐substituted compounds: fluorine, the more electronegative atom and thus a strong σ‐acceptor but also a weak π‐donor group, and NO2, a strong π‐acceptor substituent. Among the large set of compounds studied, two receive special attention: 5,5′‐dinitro‐(2,2′‐bipyridyl)‐3,3′‐diamine and 6,6′‐difluoro‐(2,2′‐bipyridyl)‐3,3′‐diol. While in the former case the nitro substitution transforms (2,2′‐bipyridyl)‐3,3′‐diamine, previously suggested to behave as a photomemory material, into a simple fluorescent species, the latter substitution turns (2,2′‐bipyridyl)‐3,3′‐diol into a fresh new candidate for a photomemory device.
Dyslexia in regular orthographies: manifestation and causation
Authors: Wimmer Heinz , Schurz Matthias
Published: October 2010

This article summarizes our research on the manifestation of dyslexia in German and on cognitive deficits, which may account for the severe reading speed deficit and the poor orthographic spelling performance that characterize dyslexia in regular orthographies. An only limited causal role of phonological deficits (phonological awareness, phonological STM, and rapid naming) for the emergence of reading fluency and spelling deficits is inferred from two large longitudinal studies with assessments of phonology before learning to read. A review of our cross‐sectional studies provides no support for several cognitive deficits (visual–attention deficit, magnocellular dysfunction, skill automatization deficit, and visual–sequential memory deficit), which were proposed as alternatives to the phonological deficit account. Finally, a revised version of the phonological deficit account in terms of a dysfunction in orthographic–phonological connectivity is proposed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Children's eating attitudes test: Validation in a sample of Spanish schoolchildren
Authors: Rojo‐Moreno Luis , García‐Miralles Isabel , Plumed Javier , Barberá María , Morales María M. , Ruiz Elías , Livianos Lorenzo
Published: October 2010

Objective:

To validate the Spanish version of the Children's Eating Attitudes Test (ChEAT).

Method:

The factor structure and other psychometric characteristics of the questionnaire were examined using the answers of 38,554 schoolchildren. Diagnostic efficiency was based on a standardized clinical interview of 968 schoolchildren who had previously completed the questionnaire.

Results:

Five factors (“preoccupation with thinness,” “dieting,” “social pressure to eat,” “purging,” and “preoccupation with food and oral control”) explained 46% of the variance. Cronbach's α was .858 for the total scale. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was .851. Sensitivity (SE) was 27% and specificity (SP) 96% for a cut‐off of 20. A more appropriate cut‐off was 15, where SE and SP were 62% and 90% respectively, and the positive and negative predictive values 27 and 98%.

Discussion:

The ChEAT psychometric characteristics are adequate. The questionnaire is valid. A cut‐off point of 15 is recommended for adolescents. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2011)
Haptograph representation of real‐world haptic information by wideband force control
Authors: Katsura Seiichiro , Irie Kouhei , Ohishi Kiyoshi
Published: October 2010

Artificial acquisition and reproduction of human sensations are basic technologies in communication engineering. For example, auditory information is obtained by a microphone, and a speaker reproduces it by artificial means. Furthermore, a video camera and a television make it possible to transmit visual sensation by broadcasting. On the other hand, since tactile or haptic information is subject to Newton's “law of action and reaction” in the real world, a device that acquires, transmits, and reproduces information has not been established. From this perspective, real‐world haptics is the key technology for future haptic communication engineering. This paper proposes a novel acquisition method for haptic information called a “haptograph”. The haptograph visualizes the haptic information like a photograph. The proposed haptograph is applied to haptic recognition of the contact environment. A linear motor contacts the surface of the environment and its reaction force is used to make a haptograph. A robust contact motion and sensor‐less sensing of the reaction force are attained by using a disturbance observer. As a result, an encyclopedia of the contact environment is obtained. Since temporal and spatial analyses are conducted to represent haptic information as the haptograph, intuitive recognition and evaluation are possible. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(11): 28–37, 2010; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10235
Model of transient response of semiconductor gas sensors
Authors: Fujimoto Akira , Kuwahara Takashi
Published: October 2010

A model of the transient response of a semiconductor gas sensor under modulation heating has been successfully constructed. The model consists of the heat conduction process from the heater to the sensor surface, the reaction process on the sensor surface, and the diffusion process near the sensor surface which provides a supply of flammable gas. The calculated sensor response agreed well with experimental results obtained with a pulsed power supply to the heater. Because we can predict the sensor transient response, the model will be useful in distinguishing kinds of gases and odors by using the transient response of semiconductor gas sensors. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 93(11): 20–27, 2010; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10318
Synthesis of a New Family of Heteronuclear Thiolate Iron Complexes that Contain Isocyanide Ligands
Authors: Chen Pingping , Peng Ying , Jia Chunmei , Qu Jingping
Published: October 2010

Treatment of complex [Cp*Fe(μ‐SEt)3FeCp*] (1; Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) with isocyanides CNR affords the mononuclear complexes [Cp*FeSEt(CNR)2] (2a, R = tBu; 2b, R = Ph; 2c, R = Cy; 2d, R = Bn) in moderate yield. The heterobinuclear complexes [Cp*FeCNR(μ‐CNR)(μ‐SEt)PdCl(PPh3)][PF6] (3a, R = tBu; 3b, R = Ph; 3c, R = Cy; 3d, R = Bn), [Cp*Fe(CNtBu)2(μ‐SEt)NiCl(PPh3)][PF6] (4), and heterotrinuclear complexes [{Cp*Fe(CNtBu)2(μ‐SEt)}2M][PF6] (5, M = Au; 6, M = Ag; 7, M = Cu) have been prepared by the reaction of 2 with complexes [PdCl2(PPh3)2], [NiCl2(PPh3)2], and [(Ph3P)M][X] (X = PF6 or OTf, OTf = OSO2CF3), respectively. These complexes have been spectroscopically and crystallographically characterized.
Synthesis of Limonoid Natural Products
Authors: Heasley Brian
Published: October 2010

Limonoid natural products are a large family of oxygenated terpenoid compounds that are best known as secondary metabolites found in citrus fruit. The diverse array of significant bioactivities associated with limonoids has stimulated targeted synthetic investigations that are often confounded by complex three‐dimensional landscapes and dense functionalization within a compact molecular framework. This Microreview aims to delineate the various structural subcategories of the limonoid aglycon class as well as provide an overview of synthetic efforts invested toward the laboratory preparation of these fascinating molecules.
Simultaneous removal of metal ions and methyl orange by combined selective adsorption and photocatalysis
Authors: Zhao Xiaolei , Li Qiang , Zhang Xin , Su Haijia , Lan Kai , Chen Anzan
Published: October 2010

The technology of the selective biosorption and photocatalysis were coupled to synthesize a double functional Chitosan‐TiO2 adsorbent (CTA). CTA can not only degrade organic pollutants but also adsorb metal ions simultaneously. It was interesting that the photocatalysis of CTA for methyl orange (MO) was promoted when MO was coexisted with metal ions. In the presence of Ni2+, the degradation ratio of MO gradually increased from 78.9 to 94.2% with the increasing of Ni2+ concentration from 50 to 150 mg L−1; furthermore with the presence of Ag+, the degradation ratio for MO increased from 65.9 to 79.3%. At the same time the existence of MO had no obvious effect on the adsorption ability for metal ions. CTA can be reused more than 10 batches without losing its adsorption and degradation ability. XPS showed the binding energy of Ni2+ increased with Ni2+ initial concentration growing in a particular range. Higher binding energy of Ni will result in stronger OH• formation, so it has a positive influence on the photocatalysis of CTA. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that silver nanoparticles were found on the surface of CTA and in the solution of MO and Ag+, and the silver nanoparticles had promoter action on the degradation for MO. The results showed that the technology of biosorption and photocatalysis were synergistic when they were applied to the system of binary pollutants containing metal ions and MO. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2010
Time‐varying market price of risk in the crude oil futures market
Authors: Bhar Ramaprasad , Lee Damien
Published: October 2010

In this study, a three‐factor model of crude oil prices is estimated, which incorporates a time‐varying market price of risk. The model is able to accurately capture the term structure of futures prices with evidence suggesting that risk premiums in the crude oil market are time‐varying. Using the cross‐section of futures prices, we estimate a time‐series of the market price of risk in the crude oil market implied by the model. We find that the risk premiums in the crude oil market are driven by the same risk factors as equity and bond markets. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 31:779–807, 2011
Oral contraceptives, menopausal hormone therapy use and risk of B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in the California Teachers Study
Authors: Lu Yani , Wang Sophia S. , Sullivan‐Halley Jane , Chang Ellen T. , Clarke Christina A. , Henderson Katherine D. , Ma Huiyan , Duan Lei , Lacey James V. , Deapen Dennis , Bernstein Leslie
Published: October 2010

We examined oral contraceptive (OC) and menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT) use in relation to risk of B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Women under age 85 years participating in the California Teachers Study with no history of hematopoietic cancer were followed from 1995 through 2007. A total of 516 of 114,131 women eligible for OC use analysis and 402 of 54,758 postmenopausal women eligible for MHT use analysis developed B‐cell NHL. Multivariable adjusted and age stratified Cox proportional hazards models were fit to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Ever versus never OC use was marginally associated with lower B‐cell NHL risk, particularly among women first using OCs before age 25 years (RR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.51–0.99); yet, no duration‐response effect was observed. No association was observed for ever versus never MHT use among postmenopausal women (RR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.83–1.33) overall or by formulation (estrogen alone, ET, or estrogen plus progestin, EPT). Among women with no MHT use, having bilateral oophorectomy plus hysterectomy was associated with greater B‐cell NHL risk than having natural menopause (RR = 3.15, 95% CI = 1.62–6.13). Bilateral oophorectomy plus hysterectomy was not associated with risk among women who used ET or EPT. These results indicate that exogenous hormone use does not strongly influence B‐cell NHL risk.
A comparison of human papillomavirus testing of clinician‐collected and self‐collected samples during follow‐up after screen‐and‐treat
Authors: Taylor Sylvia , Wang Chunhui , Wright Thomas C. , Denny Lynette , Kuhn Louise
Published: October 2010

Screen‐and‐treat cervical cancer prevention programs based on high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and cryotherapy have been shown to be effective in resource‐limited settings. However, because cryotherapy is not 100% effective, follow‐up is needed after treatment to detect post‐treatment failures. We compared the test performances of high‐risk HPV testing (Hybrid Capture 2) using self‐collected and clinician‐collected samples as well as cervical cytology for identifying cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2 or 3 or invasive cervical cancer (CIN2+) among women who did (n = 812) and did not (n = 1858) undergo cryotherapy in a South African screen‐and‐treat trial. At 6 months after enrolment (and after cryotherapy, if performed), women were tested using all three screening methods and then underwent colposcopy/biopsy. A predefined subset of women (n = 1,455) had extended follow‐up with colposcopy/biopsy at 12 months. A total of 33 and 91 cases of CIN2+ were detected among treated and untreated women, respectively. The sensitivity of HPV testing using clinician‐collected samples and cervical cytology did not differ by treatment status. HPV testing of clinician‐collected samples detected the most cases of CIN2+ among both treated (85%) and untreated (91%) women (p = 0.31). Cytology (at a cutoff of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or greater) detected 76% of cases among both treated and untreated women. However, the sensitivity of HPV testing using self‐collected samples was significantly lower among treated versus untreated women (55% vs. 78%, p = 0.01). HPV testing using self‐collected vaginal specimens may be useful in primary screening but performs poorly for detecting post‐treatment failures.
Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin immunotherapy of bladder cancer induces selection of human leukocyte antigen class I‐deficient tumor cells
Authors: Carretero Rafael , Cabrera Teresa , Gil Hernani , Saenz‐Lopez Pablo , Maleno Isabel , Aptsiauri Natalia , Cozar Jose M. , Garrido Federico
Published: October 2010

Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy is a standard treatment for high‐risk non‐muscle‐infiltrating bladder cancer patients. Although the outcomes are good, cancer relapse is observed in around 40% of patients. We present the comparative analysis of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression in recurrent bladder tumors in patients treated with mitomycin or BCG. HLA class I expression was analyzed by RT‐Q‐PCR and immunohistochemical techniques. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was determined by microsatellite amplification of markers in chromosome 6 and 15. More profound alterations in HLA class I expression were found in post‐BCG recurrent tumors than in pre‐BCG lesions, whereas mitomycin treatment did not change the HLA class I expression pattern. Post‐BCG recurrent tumors also showed a higher incidence of structural defects underlying altered HLA class I expression. We hypothesize that the immunotherapy‐activated immune system recognizes and eliminates tumor cells with reversible (“soft”) HLA class I changes but not transformed cells with additional, irreversible (“hard”) alterations. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical evidence of immunotherapy‐induced immunoselection of HLA class I loss tumor variants in bladder cancer, although the study involved a small number of patients.
Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 is associated with disease‐free survival and overall survival in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Chu Dake , Zhang Zixi , Li Yunming , Zheng Jianyong , Dong Guanglong , Wang Weizhong , Ji Gang
Published: October 2010

Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 is a member of the Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) family, which is overexpressed in some solid tumor and thought to enhance the tumor invasion and metastasis ability. Our study is to investigate the association of MMP‐9 expression with disease‐free survival and overall survival of patients with gastric cancer. Clinical gastric cancer specimens and adjacent normal tissues from 286 patients who had not received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were investigated by immunohistochemistry assay. Staining evaluation results were analyzed statistically in relation to various clinicopathological characters, disease‐free survival and overall survival. High level of MMP‐9 expression was detected in gastric cancer, significantly more than in adjacent normal epithelial cells. In gastric cancer, MMP‐9 was significantly positively correlated with depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. However, no correlations between MMP‐9 expression and patients' age, sex, tumor location or differentiation status were detected. The disease‐free survival and overall survival were significantly shorter for patients with MMP‐9 positive than those with MMP‐9 negative tumors. Multivariate analysis identified MMP‐9 was an independent prognostic factor for both disease‐free survival and overall survival. Our findings provided convincing evidence for MMP‐9 as an important role in human gastric cancer recurrence and prognosis. It might also serve as a novel target for both prognostic prediction and therapeutics.
Osteopontin—An important downstream effector of S100A4‐mediated invasion and metastasis
Authors: Berge Gisle , Pettersen Solveig , Grotterød Ida , Bettum Ingrid J. , Boye Kjetil , Mælandsmo Gunhild M.
Published: October 2010

Substantial evidence has linked the small calcium‐binding protein S100A4 to metastatic progression. S100A4‐mediated effects include stimulation of angiogenesis, regulation of cell death and increased cell motility and invasion, but the exact molecular mechanisms by which the protein exerts these effects are incompletely elucidated. In the present study, we demonstrate that S100A4 induces NF‐κB‐dependent expression and secretion of osteopontin (OPN) in a selection of osteosarcoma cell lines. OPN is, as S100A4, known to result in a variety of cellular effects potentially leading to increased angiogenesis and metastasis, and several of the activated signaling pathways are common for the two proteins. In our study, extracellular S100A4 was found to upregulate enzymes of the plasminogen activator system and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family, especially urokinase plasminogen activator and MMP‐13. Furthermore, increased motility and invasion was observed in vitro as a result of S100A4 treatment. OPN expression was inhibited by the use of siRNA molecules, and a partial blocking of S100A4‐induced effects on protease expression and invasive capacity was detected. In conclusion, our results suggest regulation of OPN as a downstream molecular mechanism of S100A4 signaling. This novel finding adds more information to how S100A4 mediates tumor development and metastatic progression. The observation of a link between S100A4 and OPN, and also identification of common downstream effect molecules, highlights them, their receptors or downstream proteins, as targets for therapeutic approaches.
Modulatory effects of lipoic acid and selenium against cadmium‐induced biochemical alterations in testicular steroidogenesis
Authors: EL‐Maraghy Shohda A. , Nassar Noha N.
Published: October 2010

Exposure to toxic metals including cadmium has become an increasingly recognized source of illness worldwide. Cadmium (Cd2+) is one of the environmental pollutants affecting various tissues and organs including testis. The protective effect of lipoic acid and selenium on Cd2+‐induced testicular damage was investigated. Accordingly, male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups (n = 8; each). Gp I: (control), whereas the other 3 groups received CdCl2 (2 mg/kg, i.p. for 28 days) alone or in combination with either (i) lipoic acid (35 mg/kg, p.o) or (ii) selenium (0.35 mg/kg, p.o) throughout the experiment. Serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle‐stimulating hormone levels significantly decreased in the Cd2+‐exposed rats. The activities of testicular key androgenic enzymes, 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17 β‐HSD significantly decreased in Cd2 exposed rats compared to the control counterparts. In addition, the activities of testicular marker enzymes were significantly altered in cadmium‐treated animals. Significant reductions in body and testicular weight as well as antioxidant status were also observed in Cd2+‐exposed rats. Moreover, some testicular metal levels were altered. Lipoic acid and selenium significantly increased serum testosterone level and restored testicular activity of 3β‐HSD and 17 β‐HSD and were effective in modulation of most of the measured biochemical parameters. The biochemical parameters were further confirmed with histopathological findings. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated the beneficial influences of lipoic acid and selenium in reducing harmful effects of Cd2+ in rats' testes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 25:15–25 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20354
Efficient quantification of the importance of contacts for the dynamical stability of proteins
Authors: Hamacher Kay
Published: October 2010

Understanding the stability of the native state and the dynamics of a protein is of great importance for all areas of biomolecular design. The efficient estimation of the influence of individual contacts between amino acids in a protein structure is a first step in the reengineering of a particular protein for technological or pharmacological purposes. At the same time, the functional annotation of molecular evolution can be facilitated by such insight. Here, we use a recently suggested, information theoretical measure in biomolecular design — the Kullback–Leibler‐divergence — to quantify and therefore rank residue–residue contacts within proteins according to their overall contribution to the molecular mechanics. We implement this protocol on the basis of a reduced molecular model, which allows us to use a well‐known lemma of linear algebra to speed up the computation. The increase in computational performance is around 101‐ to 104‐fold. We applied the method to two proteins to illustrate the protocol and its results. We found that our method can reliably identify key residues in the molecular mechanics and the protein fold in comparison to well‐known properties in the serine protease inhibitor. We found significant correlations to experimental results, e.g., dissociation constants and Φ values. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Sonographically guided percutaneous excision of clinically benign breast masses
Authors: Wang Zhi Li , Liu Gang , Lai Li Jun , Ding Qian , Su Li , Tang Jie , Ma Lin
Published: October 2010

Purpose.

To report our experience with a vacuum‐assisted biopsy device system in percutaneous excision of clinically benign breast masses under sonographic guidance.

Methods.

Percutaneous removal of 79 masses in 58 patients was performed with a vacuum‐assisted biopsy device under sonographic guidance from April 2008 to September 2008. The lesions were category 3 lesions on sonogram, according to Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (n = 74), or had been confirmed as benign by a previous core needle biopsy (n = 5).

Results.

All procedures were technically successful. Confirmed as benign were 98.7% (78/79) lesions on pathology after resection, and 93.7% (74/79) lesions were excised completely as demonstrated by follow‐up sonographic examination. The duration of the procedure ranged from 2 to 19 minutes (mean ± SD, 9.6 ± 9.3).

Conclusions.

Percutaneous excision using a vacuum‐assisted biopsy device is an alternative to surgical excision of benign breast masses. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011.
Four‐dimensional and Doppler sonography in the diagnosis and surveillance of a true cord knot
Authors: Scioscia Marco , Fornalè Mariangela , Bruni Francesco , Peretti Daniela , Trivella Giamberto
Published: October 2010

Prenatal diagnosis of a true knot of the umbilical cord is often an incidental observation at ultrasound with a difficult differential diagnosis between true and false knots. Furthermore, little is known about the optimal management of these cases. We report the importance of color Doppler and four‐dimensional ultrasound for the differential diagnosis in the case of true cord knot and the role of Doppler flow velocimetry in the management of that case. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011