bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Donepezil‐ or rivastigmine‐induced acetylcholinesterase inactivation is not modulated by neramexane in rat brain
Authors: Gupta Ramesh C. , Dekundy Andrzej
Published: November 2007

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the involvement of cholinergic deficit and overstimulation of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors by excessively released glutamate has been proposed. Since no existing drug currently addresses both pathologies, a combination therapy may be used clinically to target both mechanisms. The objective of the current study was to determine whether the NMDA receptor antagonist, neramexane affects the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition produced by donepezil and rivastigmine, two drugs used in the treatment of AD, or a prototype organophosphate compound diisopropylphosphorofluoridate (DFP) in rat cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and brainstem. Neramexane, at therapeutically relevant or higher doses (3.1, 6.2, or 12.4 mg/kg, ip), did not produce any apparent behavioral toxicity. Donepezil (0.75 mg/kg, ip), rivastigmine (0.35 mg/kg, ip) or DFP (1.5 mg/kg, ip) were administered at doses that produced approximately 50% inhibition of AChE and were well tolerated. Also, neramexane in combination with either of the AChE inhibitors did not produce any behavioral toxicity. This magnitude of AChE inhibition has been shown to increase extracellular acetylcholine (ACh) concentrations to therapeutically relevant levels. Neramexane (12.4 mg/kg) did not inhibit AChE activity in any of the brain regions tested when evaluated over a 24‐h period. Rats receiving neramexane alone or in combination with an AChE inhibitor (donepezil, rivastigmine, or DFP) were sacrificed 60 min after neramexane or DFP, 15 min after donepezil, and 30 min after rivastigmine administration. The times at which drug (donepezil, rivastigmine, or DFP) effects were assessed were based on maximal AChE inhibition established from previously reported time course studies. The current findings indicate that neramexane alone did not affect AChE activity at any dose tested nor did it influence the AChE inhibition produced by donepezil or rivastigmine in any brain region examined. However, a low dose of neramexane (3.1 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the inhibition of AChE produced by DFP in the hippocampus, striatum and brainstem, while higher doses (6.2 or 12.4 mg/kg) attenuated DFP‐induced AChE inhibition in all four of the brain regions evaluated. These results suggest that AChE inhibition produced by donepezil or rivastigmine is not altered by the co‐administration of neramexane. Drug Dev Res 68:253–260, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oxidation of Spirocyclohexyl‐1,2,4‐trithiolane and Complexation Reaction with [Pt(η2‐nb)(PPh3)2]
Authors: Petzold Holm , Bräutigam Silvio , Görls Helmar , Weigand Wolfgang , Romanski Jaroslaw , Mloston Grzegorz
Published: November 2007

Oxidation of spirocylcohexyl‐1,2,4‐trithiolane 1 yielded the 4‐S‐ and 1‐S‐oxide, 2 and 3, respectively. The complexation reactions of 1–3 with [Pt(η2‐nb)(PPh3)2] (4; nb = norbornene) have been studied. The formed dithiolato, thioketone, thiolatosulfenato and sulfine complexes 5–8 have been isolated and characterized by 1H‐, 31P NMR and IR spectroscopy and by mass spectrometry. The mechanism of the reaction is discussed. The reaction proceeds by insertion of the Pt0 complex fragment into the sulfur–sulfur bond and subsequent ring contraction by extrusion of a thioketone or sulfine. Comparison of the molecular structures of the oxidized complexes 7 and 8 with the nonoxidized complex 5 shows elongation of the sulfenato–platinum bond and elongation of the platinum–phosphorus bond in the corresponding trans position. The product formed suggests that, in this system, formation of thiolato–platinum bonds is energetically favoured to sulfenato–platinum bonds. The structures of 5, 7 and 8 were established by X‐ray crystallography. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Reservations inside clusters of all‐optical core nodes achieve distributed burst aggregation and switching improving efficiency and loss
Authors: Stavdas A. , Kanonakis K. , Koukouvakis G. , Leligou H. C. , Orphanoudakis Th. , Angelopoulos J. D.
Published: November 2007

Clustering neighbouring nodes of an all‐optical core network into medium‐sized rings controlled by a master node allows two‐way reservation‐based control to aggregate bursts destined for other clusters in a lossless way with tolerable delay. The densely packed bursts can then be sent over static or switched light paths and be received in the destination cluster ring without the delay of end‐to‐end reservations. This hybrid approach where two‐way reservations are geographically limited inside clusters only avoids both the handicap of heavy loss of one‐way Optical Burst Switching (OBS) and the intolerable delay and multiplexing gain of end‐to‐end reservations. In addition, the number of multi‐port space‐switching all‐optical nodes is reduced delegating part of this function to the distributed control of the laser sources of the ring under the guidance of the medium access protocol. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TVD adaptive mesh redistribution scheme for the shallow‐water equations
Authors: Louaked M.
Published: November 2007

This work presents a high‐resolution scheme combined with a moving mesh method for approximating the solution of shallow water system. The main difficulties in deriving stable and convergent numerical approximations can be due to solutions that vanish in nontrivial parts of domain such as dry states in water flows. In these situations, the coupling between characteristic fields gradually increases as water height is stepped down. The basic methodology in our method is to avoid characteristic decompositions in the spatial discretization. Moving dry regions within the computing domain are captured without the appearance of negative values. The high‐resolution properties of the scheme as well as its resistance to mesh orientation gives the great potential of the moving mesh methods for reducing computational costs without sacrificing the overall level of accuracy, which is demonstrated in a variety of hydraulic examples. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implicit FEM‐FCT algorithms and discrete Newton methods for transient convection problems
Authors: Möller M. , Kuzmin D. , Kourounis D.
Published: November 2007

A new generalization of the flux‐corrected transport (FCT) methodology to implicit finite element discretizations is proposed. The underlying high‐order scheme is supposed to be unconditionally stable and produce time‐accurate solutions to evolutionary convection problems. Its nonoscillatory low‐order counterpart is constructed by means of mass lumping followed by elimination of negative off‐diagonal entries from the discrete transport operator. The raw antidiffusive fluxes, which represent the difference between the high‐ and low‐order schemes, are updated and limited within an outer fixed‐point iteration. The upper bound for the magnitude of each antidiffusive flux is evaluated using a single sweep of the multidimensional FCT limiter at the first outer iteration. This semi‐implicit limiting strategy makes it possible to enforce the positivity constraint in a very robust and efficient manner. Moreover, the computation of an intermediate low‐order solution can be avoided. The nonlinear algebraic systems are solved either by a standard defect correction scheme or by means of a discrete Newton approach, whereby the approximate Jacobian matrix is assembled edge by edge. Numerical examples are presented for two‐dimensional benchmark problems discretized by the standard Galerkin finite element method combined with the Crank–Nicolson time stepping. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quasi‐gasdynamic numerical algorithm for gas flow simulations
Authors: Elizarova T. G. , Khokhlov A. A. , Sheretov Yu. V.
Published: November 2007

The quasi‐gasdynamic equation system and the numerical algorithm for non‐stationary viscous gasdynamic flow calculations are presented. The quasi‐gasdynamic equation system generalizes the Navier–Stokes equations and differs from it by the additional dissipative terms. The numerical examples are presented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymorphisms in nonhomologous end‐joining genes associated with breast cancer risk and chromosomal radiosensitivity
Authors: Willems Petra , Claes Kathleen , Baeyens Ans , Vandersickel Veerle , Werbrouck Joke , De Ruyck Kim , Poppe Bruce , Van den Broecke Rudy , Makar Amin , Marras Emanuela , Perletti Gianpaolo , Thierens Hubert , Vral Anne
Published: November 2007

As enhanced chromosomal radiosensitivity (CRS) results from non‐ or misrepaired double strand breaks (DSBs) and is a hallmark for breast cancer and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DSB repair genes, such as non homologous end‐joining (NHEJ) genes, could be involved in CRS and genetic predisposition to breast cancer. In this study, we investigated the association of five SNPs in three different NHEJ genes with breast cancer in a population‐based case‐control setting. The total patient population composed of a selected group of patients with a family history of the disease and an unselected group, consisting mainly of sporadic cases. SNP analysis showed that the c.2099‐2408G>A SNP (XRCC6) has a significant, positive odds ratio (OR) of 2.81 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.30–6.05) for the heterozygous (He) and homozygous variant (HV) genotypes in the selected patient group. For the c.‐1310 C>G SNP (XRCC5) a significant OR of 1.85 (95%CI: 1.01–3.41) was found for the He genotype in the unselected patient group. On the contrary, the HV genotype of c.1781G>T (XRCC5) displays a significant, negative OR of 0.43 (95%CI: 0.18–0.99) in the total patient population. The He+HV genotypes of the c.2099‐2408G>A SNP (XRCC6) also showed high and significant ORs in the group of “radiosensitive,” familial breast cancer patients. In conclusion, our results provide preliminary evidence that the variant allele of c.‐1310C>G (XRCC5) and c.2099‐2408G>A (XRCC6) are risk alleles for breast cancer as well as CRS. The HV genotype of c.1781G>T (XRCC5) on the contrary, seems to protect against breast cancer and ionizing radiation induced micronuclei. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Are patients' attitudes towards and knowledge of electroconvulsive therapy transcultural? A multi‐national pilot study
Authors: Bustin Julian , Rapoport Mark J , Krishna Murali , Matusevich Daniel , Finkelsztein Carlos , Strejilevich Sergio , Anderson David
Published: November 2007

Introduction

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective, yet controversial treatment. Most patients receiving ECT have depression and it is likely that the majority having this treatment are older adults. However, attitudes towards ECT and knowledge of ECT in this population have never been studied in relation to the patients' cultural background.

Objective

To compare the attitudes and knowledge of ECT among older adults depressed patients across three culturally different populations and to explore the relationship between culture, knowledge and attitudes.

Methods

The study was conducted in one centre in each country. A semi‐structured survey was used which included three sections: demographics characteristics, attitudes towards and knowledge of ECT.

Results

A total of 75 patients were recruited in this study: 30 patients from England; 30 patients from Argentina; and 15 patients from Canada. There was a significant difference in knowledge about ECT across the three countries. No significant difference was found in terms of attitudes. Knowledge was poor in all three countries. The most influential factor shaping subjects' attitudes and knowledge of ECT differed for the three countries. A weak correlation was found between knowledge of and attitudes towards ECT across all patients from the three different countries.

Conclusion

Attitudes towards ECT are a very complex phenomenon. We could not find evidence that a particular cultural background affects attitudes towards ECT. Generalising the results of our study is restricted by the fact that this was a pilot study that suffered from limitations including small sample size and number of settings. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Convergence of entorhinal and CA3 inputs onto pyramidal neurons and interneurons in hippocampal area CA1—An anatomical study in the rat
Authors: Kajiwara Riichi , Wouterlood Floris G. , Sah Anupam , Boekel Amber J. , Baks‐te Bulte Luciënne T.G. , Witter Menno P.
Published: November 2007

The entorhinal cortex (EC) conveys information to hippocampal field CA1 either directly by way of projections from principal neurons in layer III, or indirectly by axons from layer II via the dentate gyrus, CA3, and Schaffer collaterals. These two pathways differentially influence activity in CA1, yet conclusive evidence is lacking whether and to what extent they converge onto single CA1 neurons. Presently we studied such convergence. Different neuroanatomical tracers injected into layer III of EC and into CA3, respectively, tagged simultaneously the direct entorhino‐hippocampal fibers and the indirect innervation of CA1 neurons by Schaffer collaterals. In slices of fixed brains we intracellularly filled CA1 pyramidal cells and interneurons in stratum lacunosum‐moleculare (LM) and stratum radiatum (SR). Sections of these slices were scanned in a confocal laser scanning microscope. 3D‐reconstruction was used to determine whether boutons of the labeled input fibers were in contact with the intracellularly filled neurons. We analyzed 12 pyramidal neurons and 21 interneurons. Perforant path innervation to pyramidal neurons in our material was observed to be denser than that from CA3. All pyramidal neurons and 17 of the interneurons received contacts of both perforant pathway and Schaffer input on their dendrites and cell bodies. Four interneurons, which were completely embedded in LM, received only labeled perforant pathway input. Thus, we found convergence of both projection systems on single CA1 pyramidal and interneurons with dendrites that access the layers where perforant pathway fibers and Schaffer collaterals end. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Toughening of Epoxy Resin by Methyl Methacrylate/2‐Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymers: The Effect of Copolymer Composition
Authors: Zaioncz Soraia , Silva Adriana A. , Sirqueira Alex S. , Soares Bluma G.
Published: November 2007

MMA‐EHA copolymers with different compositions and with a low amount of AA were synthesized and used as impact modifier for epoxy networks. The effect of the copolymers on the tensile and dynamic mechanical properties as well as impact resistance of the epoxy network was evaluated. The addition of 10 phr of low‐molar‐mass MMA‐EHA copolymer with defined composition resulted in a significant increase in impact resistance without any significant changes in the tensile strength, modulus, and glass transition temperature. The morphology of the modified epoxy network depends upon the copolymer composition.

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Social economic costs and health‐related quality of life in patients with degenerative cerebellar ataxia in Spain
Authors: López‐Bastida Julio , Perestelo‐Pérez Lilisbeth , Montón‐álvarez Fernando , Serrano‐Aguilar Pedro
Published: November 2007

To determine the economic burden (direct and indirect costs), as well as health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) in Spain. A cross‐sectional study was carried out on 84 patients with SCA from the Spanish Ataxia Federation (FEDAES) during 2004. A retrospective assessment of the use of resources was obtained through questionnaires filled out by the patients or the patient's caregivers. The approach used was the cost‐of‐illness study based on a societal perspective. To assess HRQOL in patients with SCA, they were asked to fill out the EQ‐5D generic questionnaire. The mean annual cost per patient with SCA was €18,776. The most important categories of costs were informal care, early retirement (permanent disability), medications, and orthopaedic devises. The mean EQ‐5D index score was 0.48 (0.38 for high and 0.58 for low severity patients) and the mean EQ‐5D VAS score was 48 (43 for high and 52 for low severity patients). Considerations of the costs related to caregivers due to the patients' disabilities, as well as the high indirect costs resulting from permanent disabilities in patients with SCA, should become a priority for health authorities. Furthermore, the patients' quality of life, as determined by the EQ‐5D questionnaire, was very low and substantially influenced by the degree of severity of SCA. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Anticholinergic‐responsive gait freezing in a patient with pantothenate kinase‐associated neurodegeneration
Authors: Lyoo Chul Hyoung , Prokisch Holger , Meitinger Thomas , Lee Seung Yeob , Kim Do Hyoun , Lee Myung Sik
Published: November 2007

A 43‐year‐old male patient suddenly developed freezing of gait (FOG) when making a first step, turning, or passing through a narrow path. Dystonic plantar flexion of his left foot always accompanied with FOG. He could walk without FOG when stepping on visual cues. Brain magnetic resonance imaging study showed typical “eye of the tiger” sign in the globus pallidus. He had heterozygous mutations in the exons 3 and 4 in the PANK2 gene. His FOG dramatically responded to the anticholinergic treatment. We report the first instance of a patient with genetically confirmed pantothenate kinase associated neurodegeneration showing typical FOG that responded to anticholinergic treatment. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
A novel AF9 breakpoint in MLL‐AF9‐positive acute monoblastic leukemia
Authors: Alonso Cristina N. , Longo Patricia L. Rubio , Gallego Marta S. , Medina Adriana , Felice María S.
Published: November 2007

MLL‐AF9 is the most frequent MLL rearrangement in childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and it may be also found in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) of patients younger than 1‐year‐old (infants). We report a novel AF9 breakpoint site, located between previously reported sites A and B, detected in an infant who was diagnosed with AML‐FAB M5. The occurrence of this new breakpoint should be considered when designing RT‐PCR assays for the screening of MLL abnormalities. The precise characterization of the MLL‐AF9 transcript is important to carry out the minimal residual disease analysis during the follow‐up of the patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:869–871. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Primhe: Primary Care Mental Health & Education
Authors: Randall Jason , Rankin Jennifer
Published: November 2007

Benefits of mindfulness‐based stress reduction groups to primary care mental health

In this article, Jason Randall provides a brief description of meditation, mindfulness, and the mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) group developed by Dr Jon Kabat‐Zinn. He discusses the benefits of this group to the primary care mental health team (PCMHT) as well as some of the obstacles to its implementation.

Mental Health in the Mainstream: a new approach to mental health

Here, Jennifer Rankin, author of the Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr) report Mental Health in the Mainstream, outlines the main recommendations of the report and discusses the changes that are needed for these recommendations to be implemented. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
Diagnosis and management of asthma in primary care
Authors: Corrigan Chris
Published: November 2007

Perfect control of asthma is now a realistic aim in patients with mild to moderate disease, although there are many factors that may limit the success of treatment. Our Drug review considers the current stepwise approach to management, followed by sources of further information, an analysis of prescription data and the Datafile. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
QSAR of Antiproliferative Activity of N‐Substituted 2‐Amino‐5‐(2,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐1,3,4‐thiadiazoles in Various Human Cancer Cells
Authors: Matysiak Joanna
Published: November 2007

Antiproliferative activities in vitro against some human cancer cell lines of N‐substituted 2‐amino‐5‐(2,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐1,3,4‐thiadiazoles were correlated with their structure‐dependent properties. Phase affinity: lipophilicity and phospholipophilicity were determined by Reversed‐Phase Overpressured Layer Chromatography (RP‐8 OPLC) and Immobilized Artificial Membrane (IAM) High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), respectively. Electronic and steric descriptors were calculated by computational methods. The results indicate that phospholipophilicity and electronic properties expressed by partial charge of atoms of 2‐amino‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole moiety are the main factors that influence the antiproliferative effects of studied compounds. The Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship (QSAR) equations obtained by the Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis predict activity of compounds of high and average effects precisely and can be used in screening of new potential antiproliferative analogues of 2‐amino‐5‐(2,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole set. At the same time, these dependences as well as Quantitative Activity–Activity Relationship (QAAR) equations point to some differences in the individual human cancer cell lines studied.
Sensitive, preclinical detection of prions in brain by nanospray liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Onisko Bruce C. , Silva Christopher J. , Dynin Irina , Erickson Melissa , Vensel William H. , Hnasko Robert , Requena Jesús R. , Carter John Mark
Published: November 2007

More sensitive detection of prions in brain is important because it would allow early detection of disease in young animals and assure a safer food supply. We have quantitated the amount of proteinase K‐resistant prion protein (PrP 27–30) by use of nano‐scale liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry using the multiple reaction monitoring mode of operation. We used a method based on the detection of VVEQMCTTQYQK (residues 209–220) obtained by reduction, alkylation and digestion with trypsin. Quantitation of the amount of PrP 27–30 in the brains of Syrian hamsters was possible as early as 24 h after inoculation. Our results show sensitive detection of 180 fmol of PrP 27–30 per g brain (wet weight) as early as 24 h after inoculation. Clinical symptoms are not observed until 9 weeks after inoculation. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Memantine agonist action at dopamine D2High receptors
Authors: Seeman Philip , Caruso Carla , Lasaga Mercedes
Published: November 2007

Memantine is reported to improve symptoms in moderate cases of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, but is also known to trigger psychosis in some Parkinson patients. Because these clinical features suggested a possible dopamine component of memantine action, we measured the potency of memantine on the functional high‐affinity state of dopamine D2 receptors, or D2High. Using [3H]domperidone to label D2 receptors, the memantine dissociation constant at D2High was 917 ± 23 nM for rat striatal D2 receptors and 137 ± 19 nM for human cloned D2Long receptors. The memantine dissociation constant for striatal N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors labeled by [3H]MK 801 was 2200 ± 400 nM. Memantine stimulated the incorporation of [35S]GTP‐γ‐S into D2‐expressing Chinese Hamster Ovary cells with a dissociation constant of 1200 ± 400 nM. Memantine, between 200 and 2000 nM, directly acted on D2High to inhibit the release of prolactin from isolated anterior pituitary cells in culture. Because the memantine potencies at NMDA receptors and dopamine D2High receptors are of a similar order of magnitude, it is likely that the clinical features of memantine can be attributed to its action at both types of receptors. Synapse 62:149–153, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phytotoxicity assay of crop plants to phenanthrene and pyrene contaminants in acidic soil
Authors: Chouychai Waraporn , Thongkukiatkul Amporn , Upatham Suchart , Lee Hung , Pokethitiyook Prayad , Kruatrachue Maleeya
Published: November 2007

Four selected plants (corn, groundnut, cow pea, and mungbean) were tested for their ability to germinate and grow in an acidic soil contaminated with phenanthrene or pyrene, two typical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The growth of corn root was the least sensitive to, but its germination rate was the lowest in the presence of, contaminants. Among the legumes, the growth of groundnut root was better than others. Corn and groundnut were selected to further test their ability to tolerate a mixture of phenanthrene and pyrene in the acidic soil. The presence of both PAHs led to a greater decrease in the lengths of shoot and root of groundnut than phenanthrene or pyrene alone, but the lengths of shoot and root of corn were decreased to a similar extent as when phenanthrene or pyrene was present alone. The growth of corn root was also better than that of groundnut root when they were grown in oil‐contaminated soil. Based on these results, we conclude that corn is the most suitable to be grown in PAH‐contaminated acidic soil. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 597–604, 2007.
Phosphoprotein analysis for investigation of in vivo relationship between protein phosphatase inhibitory activities and acute hepatotoxicity of microcystin‐LR
Authors: Tachi Masahiko , Imanishi Susumu Y. , Harada Ken‐ichi
Published: November 2007

Microcystin‐LR (MCLR) produced by freshwater cyanobacteria is a potent hepatotoxin and inhibits protein serine/threonine phosphatases 1 and 2A (PP1 and PP2A). Okadaic acid (OA) is a similar phosphatase inhibitor, which has less affinity to PP1 than PP2A. MCLR and OA behave similarly with primary culture hepatocytes with the induction of phosphorylation of the cytokeratins, morphological changes, and apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vivo relationship between the protein phosphatase inhibitory activities and the acute hepatotoxicity of MCLR compared to OA. MCLR and OA were intraperitoneally administrated to mice at ∼220 μg/kg. After 30 min, the liver of only the MCLR‐treated mouse was dark‐colored and heavier than that of the control mouse. Subsequently, the phosphoproteins of the mouse liver were chemically modified with reversible biotinylation reagent and selectively analyzed by LC/MS/MS. Consequently, the phosphorylated Ser 354 of formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase, which is an abundant enzyme in the liver cytoplasm, was observed in the MCLR‐ and the OA‐treated mice 9.5 and 5.3 times more intensely than in the control mouse respectively, suggesting that MCLR and OA inhibited PP2A and induced the resulting phosphorylation. These results supported the hypothesis that the acute hepatotoxicity is possibly caused by the PP1 inhibition, and not by the PP2A inhibition. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 620–629, 2007.
Enemy‐free space? Host preference and larval performance of a willow leaf beetle
Authors: Ishihara Michihiro , Ohgushi Takayuki
Published: November 2007

To examine whether enemy‐free space is an important factor determining the host utilization pattern of a leaf beetle Plagiodera versicolora, we investigated the relationship between adult preference and offspring performance on three co‐occurring willow species, Salix sachalinensis, S. miyabeana and S. integra. Salix sachalinensis was by far the most preferred host plant of feeding adults, while both S. miyabeana and S. integra were rarely fed upon. The fact that most oviposition was observed on S. sachalinensis also suggested that P. versicolora preferred S. sachalinensis to other willows for oviposition. This adult preference did not correspond well to patterns of larval performance on the three willow species in the absence of enemies. Higher survivorship, shorter developmental time and larger adult size were achieved on S. sachalinensis and S. miyabeana than on S. integra. Performance as indicated by female adult size and development time on S. miyabeana were higher than on S. sachalinensis. In the presence of enemies, however, the survivorship of first‐instar larvae on S. miyabeana was much lower than on other willows. Adults of P. versicolora apparently avoided S. miyabeana as an oviposition and feeding host and preferred S. sachalinensis as an enemy‐free space. This was not because larvae had poorer performance on S. miyabeana, but because predation pressure on eggs and early instar larvae was more severe on S. miyabeana.
The Pathology of the Long Ulna: Anatomy and Treatment
Authors: SAFFAR P.
Published: November 2007

A long ulna, as a result of congenital differential growth, such as Madelung’s disease, or injury, commonly a consequence of a malunited distal radial fracture, may present clinically as pain, decreased motion, mainly of pronosupination, and weakness of grip. Secondary effects may include perforations and tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex, cartilage wear of the proximal surface of lunate and triquetrum and tears of the lunotriquetral ligament. Positive ulnar variance may be evident on X-rays but a prominent ulnar head cannot always be excluded when there is neutral ulnar variance and further investigations, such as an arthroCTscan or arthroscopy, may be necessary. The two principle treatment options are (a) resection of the distal ulna (Darrach’s and Sauvé –Kapandji’s techniques are commonly used) and (b) techniques preserving the ulnar head, including different modalities of shortening osteotomy. The aim is to regain a congruent distal radioulnar joint, restore painless and normal pronosupination and prevent onset of osteoarthritis of this joint.
The construction of national musical identities by Greek Cypriot primary school children – implications for the Cyprus music education system
Authors: Pieridou-Skoutella Avra
Published: November 2007

Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork with Greek Cypriot elementary school children in urban and rural areas of the Republic of Cyprus, the author describes and analyses the ways in which national musical identity is constructed in and out of school in connection with Cypriot traditional music. Findings reveal the development of fluid and often insecure, ambiguous and contradictory national musical identities as a result of the ideological messages children receive from their musical enculturation contexts. In addition public music education not only fails to assist pupils to become familiar with the tradition's inherent meanings and processes of creation and performance, but enhances children's contradictory ideological understanding and construction of an ambiguous national musical identity.
A perennial problem in gendered participation in music: what's happening to the boys?
Authors: Harrison Scott D.
Published: November 2007

Despite three decades of research, gendered participation in music continues to be problematic. While many aspects of Western society maintain a patriarchal stance in the workplace, it is apparent that girls have made some significant changes in their musical choices. Males, it seems, are maintaining the same preferences for instruments as they did 100 years ago, avoiding ‘gentler pursuits’ like singing and playing the flute. This paper seeks to investigate the continued existence of stereotyping of musical participation and to discover some of the underlying reasons for this in the musical choices for boys through the literature. Furthermore, themes arising from existing research are investigated through fieldwork recently conducted in Australia.
Method of Detecting and Targeting Mutations in Cancer
Authors: Edwards Byard
Published: November 2007

While there are many differences between tumor and non-tumor cells, the basic underlying distinction is in the DNA. Tumor cells harbor mutations, at least some of which are not present in non-tumor cells. Thus, a method of directly targeting cells containing specific mutations has potential for detection or treatment of cancer without the toxicity associated with more indirect approaches. Also, as mutations are a necessary component of malignancy, such a method is potentially applicable to all tumors. I propose a method by which several recently developed techniques can be utilized in a novel way to accomplish the goal of directly targeting mutations for cancer detection and therapy. The model can be summarized as follows: (1) Determine potential target mutations present in tumor cells but not non-tumor cells. (2) Construct molecules that will bind to DNA at the sites of mutation, but will not bind to DNA in normal cells. And, as a consequence of the molecules binding to the mutation, the cells will be destroyed. (3) Deliver these molecules to all cells (or at least all tumor cells). I hypothesize that such molecules can now be constructed using sequence-specific DNA binding proteins (such as customized zinc-finger DNA binding proteins) fused to transcriptional activator domains (such as VP16) and reporter or toxin genes. The necessary genes can be linked to the DNA binding proteins utilizing a recently described method based on expressed protein ligation.
The regulation of the B‐cell gene expression programme by Pax5
Authors: Holmes Melissa L , Pridans Clare , Nutt Stephen L
Published: November 2007

The activity of the transcription factor paired box gene 5 (Pax5) is essential for many aspects of B lymphopoiesis including the initial commitment to the lineage, immunoglobulin rearrangement, pre‐B cell receptor signalling and maintaining cell identity in mature B cells. Deregulated or reduced Pax5 activity has also been implicated in B‐cell malignancies both in human disease and mouse models. Candidate gene approaches and biochemical analysis have revealed that Pax5 regulates B lymphopoiesis by concurrently activating B cell‐specific gene expression as well as repressing the expression of genes, many of which are associated with non‐B cell lineages. These studies have been recently complemented with more exhaustive microarray studies, which have identified and validated a large panel of Pax5 target genes. These target genes reveal a gene regulatory network, with Pax5 at its centre that controls the B‐cell gene expression programme.
Long time wave packet dynamics from energy eigenfunctions: Nonuniform energy resolution via adaptive bisection fast Fourier transformation
Authors: Khorasani Reza Rajaie , Dumont Randall S.
Published: November 2007

This article presents a new approach to long time wave packet propagation. The methodology relies on energy domain calculations and an on-the-surface straightforward energy to time transformation to provide wave packet time evolution. The adaptive bisection fast Fourier transform method employs selective bisection to create a multiresolution energy grid, dense near resonances. To implement fast Fourier transforms on the nonuniform grid, the uniform grid corresponding to the finest resolution is reconstructed using an iterative interpolation process. By proper choice of the energy grid points, we are able to produce results equivalent to grids of the finest resolution, with far fewer grid points. We have seen savings 20-fold in the number of eigenfunction calculations. Since the method requires computation of energy eigenfunctions, it is best suited for situations where many wave packet propagations are of interest at a fixed small set of points—as in time dependent flux computations. The fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm used is an adaptation of the Danielson-Lanczos FFT algorithm to sparse input data. A specific advantage of the adaptive bisection FFT is the possibility of long time wave packet propagations showing slow resonant decay. A method is discussed for obtaining resonance parameters by least squares fitting of energy domain data. The key innovation presented is the means of separating out the smooth background from the sharp resonance structure.
Intermolecular potential energy surface of Ar–NO
Authors: Sumiyoshi Yoshihiro , Endo Yasuki
Published: November 2007

Rotational spectra of an open-shell complex, Ar–NO, in the electronic ground state have been analyzed by employing an analysis using a free-rotor model, where previously observed data by Mills et al. [J. Phys. Chem. 90, 3331 (1986); 90, 4961 (1986)] and additional transitions observed by Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy in the present study are simultaneously analyzed with a standard deviation of the least-squares fit to be 27.5kHz. A two-dimensional intermolecular potential energy surface for Ar–NO has been determined from the analysis. The determined potential energy surface is compared with those of Ar–OH and Ar–SH, which are also complexes containing an open-shell species with the Π2 ground electronic state.
Monte Carlo-based linear Poisson-Boltzmann approach makes accurate salt-dependent solvation free energy predictions possible
Authors: Simonov Nikolai A. , Mascagni Michael , Fenley Marcia O.
Published: November 2007

The prediction of salt-mediated electrostatic effects with high accuracy is highly desirable since many biological processes where biomolecules such as peptides and proteins are key players can be modulated by adjusting the salt concentration of the cellular milieu. With this goal in mind, we present a novel implicit-solvent based linear Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) solver that provides very accurate nonspecific salt-dependent electrostatic properties of biomolecular systems. To solve the linear PB equation by the Monte Carlo method, we use information from the simulation of random walks in the physical space. Due to inherent properties of the statistical simulation method, we are able to account for subtle geometric features in the biomolecular model, treat continuity and outer boundary conditions and interior point charges exactly, and compute electrostatic properties at different salt concentrations in a single PB calculation. These features of the Monte Carlo-based linear PB formulation make it possible to predict the salt-dependent electrostatic properties of biomolecules with very high accuracy. To illustrate the efficiency of our approach, we compute the salt-dependent electrostatic solvation free energies of arginine-rich RNA-binding peptides and compare these Monte Carlo-based PB predictions with computational results obtained using the more mature deterministic numerical methods.
The effect of substrates on the Raman spectrum of graphene: Graphene- on-sapphire and graphene-on-glass
Authors: Calizo Irene , Bao Wenzhong , Miao Feng , Lau Chun Ning , Balandin Alexander A.
Published: November 2007

The authors investigated the influence of substrates on Raman scattering spectrum from graphene. The room-temperature Raman signatures from graphene layers on GaAs, sapphire, and glass substrates were compared with those from graphene on the standard Si∕SiO2 (300nm) substrate, which served as a reference. It was found that while G peak of graphene on Si∕SiO2 and GaAs is positioned at 1580cm−1, it is downshifted by ∼5cm−1 for graphene on sapphire and, in some cases, splits into doublets for graphene on glass with the central frequency around 1580cm−1. The obtained results are important for nanometrology of graphene and graphene-based devices.
Current sheet formation at a magnetic neutral line in Hall magnetohydrodynamics
Authors: Litvinenko Yuri E.
Published: November 2007

The dynamics of a plasma in the vicinity of a neutral line of the magnetic field is considered in the framework of incompressible Hall magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). A self-similar solution for the collapse to a current sheet is obtained. Numerical and analytical results are presented. In contrast to the standard incompressible MHD model in two dimensions, the Hall effect leads to the formation of finite-time singularities of the velocity derivatives and the electric current density at the neutral line. Analytical expressions are derived for the collapse time and the form of the solution near the singularity, which agree closely with the numerical results. If the ion skin depth is set to zero, the singularity formation time becomes infinite, corresponding to the standard MHD result. Implications of the results for Hall MHD models of fast magnetic reconnection are discussed.
Studies on forming gas annealing treated BiFeO3 thin films and capacitors
Authors: Lee Chia-Ching , Wu Lin-Jung , Wu Jenn-Ming
Published: November 2007

The structure and electric properties of BiFeO3(BFO)∕BaPbO3(BPO) and Pt/BFO/BPO capacitors with forming gas annealing (FGA) treatment were investigated. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that the annealing did not affect the structure and phase of BFO films. A degraded electric property was obtained in FGA-treated Pt/BFO/BPO films. It can be attributed to the formation of reduction and incomplete reduction of Bi+3 of BFO. Retention and fatigue properties were obtained in FGA-treated BPO/BFO/BPO capacitors. The normalized Pr loss was 22.8% after applying a voltage above 2Vc (coercive voltage) with 1011cycles. The retention behavior within 30000s is governed by the logarithmic time dependence.
Tailoring surface plasmon polariton propagation via specific symmetry properties of nanostructures
Authors: Ashall B. , Berndt M. , Zerulla D.
Published: November 2007

We report on an experimental investigation on surface plasmon polariton (SPP) propagation and interaction on two-dimensional arrays of differing symmetry properties. Providing the required symmetry variations and forming the basis of the arrays are tailor designed nanostructures. We demonstrate that as a result of a 120° symmetry presence, our triquetra-rotor nanostructures can be used for SPP guiding and propagation direction control. As a result, the polarization angle at which the far field SPP related minimum reflectivity occurs can be predetermined by design characteristics and orientation of the nanostructures.
Origin of photomultiplication in C60 based devices
Authors: Huang Jinsong , Yang Yang
Published: November 2007

In this manuscript, the origin of the photomultiplication effect was studied in C60 based devices by evaluating the wavelength dependent external and internal quantum efficiencies under various biases. The effect of materials with disordered structures on the photomultiplication effect was determined by intentionally integrating both ordered and disordered material structures into one organic solar cell device with a configuration of indium tin oxide/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)∕pentacene∕C60 fullerene/bathocuproine (BCP)/Al. Our results show that both the disordered structure of C60 and the charge trapping effect at the C60∕PEDOT:PSS interface contribute to the photomultiplication effect. By studying the C60-only single layer device, the charge trapping sites are identified to be at the C60 and PEDOT:PSS interface. The interfacial traps behave as an electronic valve that enables a significant increase in electron injection, which causes the photomultiplication phenomena. Quantitative comparisons indicate that photomultiplication induced by C60 disordered structure is much less significant than that by charge trapping at the interface.
Coulomb potential in one dimension with minimal length: A path integral approach
Authors: Nouicer Khireddine
Published: November 2007

We solve the path integral in momentum space for a particle in the field of the Coulomb potential in one dimension in the framework of quantum mechanics with the minimal length given by (ΔX)0=ℏβ, where β is a small positive parameter. From the spectral decomposition of the fixed energy transition amplitude, we obtain the exact energy eigenvalues and momentum space eigenfunctions.
Direct current and alternating current electrical transport properties of regioregular poly[3-(4-alkoxyphenyl)-thiophenes]
Authors: Barra M. , Biasiucci M. , Cassinese A. , D’Angelo P. , Barone A. C. , Carella A. , Roviello A.
Published: November 2007

In this paper, the direct current and alternating current (ac) electrical transport properties of doped and undoped regioregular poly[3-(4-alkoxyphenyl)-thiophenes], where the alkoxy groups are O-(CH2)n−1CH3 with n=1,4,6, and 8, have been investigated. The films have been synthesized by an experimental procedure based on the oxidation of 3-(4-alkoxylphenyl)-thiophenes with molecular oxygen in presence of VO(acac)2, as the catalyst. Unlike other examples reported in the literature, this approach allows obtaining well structured spin-coated films without the necessity of further processes, such as annealing or exposition to solvent vapors. Direct current-voltage measurements, performed in planar and transverse configuration on 1 μm thick films, show both ohmic and space charge limited current behavior, at low and high applied fields, respectively. Due to the film ordered structure, a significant electrical anisotropy was found. In order to deeply investigate the basic conduction mechanisms, ac measurements have been also carried out in the frequency range between 100 Hz and 100 kHz. Finally, direct current and alternating current conductivity temperature dependence is discussed in the framework of thermally activated hopping and tunneling models.
Direct visualization of triplex DNA molecular dynamics by fluorescence resonance energy transfer and atomic force microscopy measurements
Authors: Chang Chia-Ching , Lin Po-Yen , Chen Yen-Fu , Chang Chia-Seng , Kan Lou-Sing
Published: November 2007

We have detected the dynamics of 17-mer DNA triplex dissociation mechanism at the molecular level. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was used as an indicator of intermolecular interaction in nanometer range, whereas atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed to address single molecule with sub-angstrom precision. The maximum rupture force of DNA triplex was found at pH 4.65, consistent with macroscopic observations. These results indicated that the FRET together with an AFM detection system could be used to reveal the DNA triplex interaction in nanometer scale unambiguously.
Connected Au network in annealed Ni∕Au thin films on p-GaN
Authors: Lee S. P. , Jang H. W. , Noh D. Y. , Kang H. C.
Published: November 2007

We report the formation of a connected Au network in annealed Ni∕Au thin films on p-GaN, which was studied by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and synchrotron x-ray diffraction. As the Ni was oxidized into NiO upon annealing at 530°C in air, the Au layer was transformed to an interconnected network with an increased thickness. During annealing, Ni atoms diffuse out onto the Au through defects to form NiO, while Au atoms replace the Ni positions. The Au network grows downward until it reaches the p-GaN substrate, and NiO columns fill the space between the Au network.
Size dependence of nonlinear optical absorption and refraction of Mn-doped ZnSe nanocrystals
Authors: Gan Chenli , Xiao Min , Battaglia David , Pradhan Narayan , Peng Xiaogang
Published: November 2007

Nonlinear refractive index and nonlinear absorption coefficient of high-quality Mn:ZnSe nanocrystals are measured by z-scan technique at 800nm wavelength. The synthesized nanocrystals with nucleation doping have tunable wavelength (between 565–610nm), high quantum yield (∼50%), and high thermal as well as photochemical stabilities. The unique nanocrystal structure (with a MnSe core, Zn1−xMnxSe diffusion region, and an outer ZnSe layer) shows size-dependent nonlinear effects, which can be qualitatively explained by a simple model using crystal field. Studies of nonlinear optical properties are very important and necessary for high-power optical applications (such as light-emitting diodes and lasers) of such Mn-doped ZnSe nanocrystals.