bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HP‐NMR Study of the Pd‐Catalyzed Methoxycarbonylation of Styrene Using Monodentate and Bidentate Phosphane‐Modified Systems
Authors: Muñoz Bianca K. , Santos Garcia Eva , Godard Cyril , Zangrando Ennio , Bo Carles , Ruiz Aurora , Claver Carmen
Published: September 2008

Catalytically active palladium systems bearing the monodentate phosphetane ligand 1 and diphosphane 2 were studied by multinuclear NMR and HP‐NMR spectroscopy under methoxycarbonylation conditions. The reaction of the complex [PdCl2(1)2] (1a) with pTsOH yields the dimeric complex [PdCl(μ‐Cl)(1)]2 (1b), which was characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. The isolated complex 1b was tested as a precursor in the methoxycarbonylation of styrene, providing poor activity and enantioselectivity. Evidences for the protonation of ligand 1 under catalytic conditions were obtained. When complex [Pd(OTs)(OH2)(R,R‐bdpp)][OTs] (2b) was used as the catalyst precursor evidences for both hydride and methoxycarbonylation mechanisms were achieved. Two isomeric forms of [Pd(π‐methylbenzyl)(R,R‐bdpp)], 2h and 2i, were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. The results obtained by DFT calculations showed that the two most stable isomers contain the ligand bdpp in the “chair” conformation and that both isomers have very similar energies. The hydrido‐carbonyl‐bridged complex [Pd2(μ‐H)(μ‐CO)(R,R‐bdpp)2][OTs] (2e) was also detected under catalytic conditions. Deuterium labeling experiments using [D4]MeOH and GC‐MS analysis of the unconverted substrate and products were performed and the results indicate that the styrene insertion step into the Pd–H bond of the catalyst is irreversible when the phosphetane containing system is used, whereas this step is reversible when the diphosphane precursor is used as the incorporation of deuterium was only observed in the latter case.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Soft–Soft Interactions Involving Iodoselenophosphonium Cations: Supramolecular Structures of Iodine Adducts of Bulky Trialkylphosphane Selenides
Authors: du Mont Wolf‐W. , Bätcher Michael , Daniliuc Constantin , Devillanova Francesco A. , Druckenbrodt Christian , Jeske Jörg , Jones Peter G. , Lippolis Vito , Ruthe Frank , Seppälä Emma
Published: September 2008

The reactions of trialkylphosphane selenides tBuniPr3–nPSe (n = 3: 1a; n = 2: 1b; n = 1: 1c; n = 0: 1d) with iodine are studied with the help of heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, and X‐ray crystal structure determinations. The reaction of 1a with one equivalent of iodine provides, after crystallization from dichloromethane/pentane, solid 2a, which consists of pairs of molecular adducts tBu3PSe–I–I, together with chains of alternating [(tBu3PSe)2I]+ and I3– ions. The addition of iodine to 1b, 1c, and 1d in a 1:1 molar ratio furnishes ionic solids with the formulation [(tBuniPr3–nPSe)2I]+[I3]– (n = 2: 2b; n = 1: 2c; n = 0: 2d). Compounds 2a–2d exhibit supramolecular structures based on various kinds of weak Se···I and Se···Se interactions. In 2a, the uncharged molecules form dimers through Se···Se contacts, while the anions and cations assemble to form chains through linear P–Se···Ianion contacts. The ionic compounds 2b and 2d consist of the same type of chains, although they are not isotypic to each other. The two independent formula units of 2c are topologically different; one forms cation–anion chains analogous to those of 2b and 2d, whereas the other forms cation chains through Se···Se contacts. Se···I contacts between the latter chains and triiodide anions are very long but seem to be structurally significant; for such contacts, at well above the sum of the van der Waals radii, we propose the term tertiary contacts. On using more than one equivalent of I2, compounds corresponding to the formulation tBuniPr3–nPSeIx (x = 3, n = 3: 3a; x = 4, n = 1: 4c; x = 7, n = 2 and 0: 5b and 5d) were isolated as single crystals. Ionic 3a contains pairs of cations [(tBu3PSe)2I]+, connected by Se···Se contacts, located between corrugated layers of polymeric I5– anions. Compound 4c consists of two independent formula units tBuiPr2PSeI2·I2, which could, however, be regarded as tBuiPr2PSeI+·I–·I2 because of the long I–I distance adjacent to Se. To a fair approximation, the packing of the two units is independent; unit 1 forms dimers (···Se–I–I···I–I···)2, whereas the same motif in unit 2 forms chains. The structural subunits are linked through further contacts involving terminal iodine atoms from tBuiPr2PSeI···I units, which thereby form μ3‐bridging units, and by additional I–I···Se contacts. In 5b,iodide‐bridged cations [tBu2iPrPSeI···I···ISePiPrtBu2]+ are anchored to a polyiodide network of formal composition I11–[= (I–)(I2)5] through I···I contacts. Except for one I···I contact, the polyiodide is two‐dimensional, although highly puckered. In 5d, [iPr3PSeI]+ cations and I2 molecules exhibit weak I···I interactions with I– units from puckered square‐net‐like polyiodide layers. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
A4Ge9 (A = K, Rb) as Precursors for Hg‐Substituted Clathrate‐I Synthesis: Crystal Structure of A8Hg3Ge43
Authors: Kaltzoglou Andreas , Ponou Siméon , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: September 2008

The Hg‐substituted type‐I clathrates A8Hg3+xGe43–x (A = K, Rb) were obtained by solid‐state reactions from the corresponding Zintl phases A4Ge9 and Hg or HgO. The crystal structures of the compounds were determined by single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction methods. They crystallize in the space group Pm$\bar {3}$n, with a = 10.849(1) Å and x = 0.19(5) for K8Hg3+xGe43–x (1) and a = 10.875(1) Å and x = 0.03(7) for Rb8Hg3+xGe43–x (2). Specific atomic positions (6c site) of the Ge framework are partially substituted by Hg atoms, whereas the alkali‐metal atoms reside at the center of the cavities. Both compounds exceed the electron‐counting rule for Zintl phases. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Antitumor Activity of New Amidineplatinum(II) Complexes Obtained by Addition of Ammonia to Coordinated Acetonitrile
Authors: Intini Francesco P. , Pellicani Raffaella Z. , Boccarelli Angela , Sasanelli Rossella , Coluccia Mauro , Natile Giovanni
Published: September 2008

New cis‐ and trans‐dichloridoplatinum(II) complexes, which contain two amidine ligands or one amidine and one ammine ligand, cis‐ and trans‐[PtCl2{(Z)‐HN=C(NH2)CH3}2] (1) and cis‐ and trans‐[PtCl2(NH3){(Z)‐HN=C(NH2)CH3}] (2), have been prepared from the corresponding nitrile complexes by amminolysis in thf solution. All synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, ESI‐MS, and IR and NMR spectroscopy. Amidines are isosters of iminoethers and ketimines. The trans isomers of the platinum complexes of the latter are endowed with an unexpectedly high antitumor activity. An important feature of complexes 1 and 2, as compared to iminoethers, is the exclusive preference for the Z configuration of the amidine ligand(s). The tumor cell growth inhibitory potency of the amidine compounds was tested towards a pair of human ovarian tumor cell lines A2780 (cancer cells sensitive to cisplatin) and A2780cisR (cancer cells with acquired resistance to cisplatin), and compared to that of cisplatin. From the obtained results it appears that the resistance factor is lower for cis‐amidine complexes as compared to cisplatin, and for trans compounds it is lower as compared to cis compounds.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Terpyridineplatinum(II) Incorporation in N‐Methylpyrrole‐Based Polyamides by Solid Phase Techniques
Authors: van Holst Marcelis , Le Pevelen Delphine , Aldrich‐Wright Janice
Published: September 2008

The incorporation of terpyridineplatinum(II) centres into sequence‐selective polyamides has been explored in this study, with the aim of producing cytotoxic molecules that display DNA sequence specificity. To facilitate this a terpyridineplatinum(II)‐based metallointercalator has been developed, which can be incorporated into sequence‐selective polyamides using standard machine‐assisted peptide coupling techniques. A novel N‐methylpyrrole‐based metallopolyamide, containing the new terpyridineplatinum(II) moiety, was also synthesised to validate this new method of incorporation.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Chemical and enzymatic interesterification of tristearin/triolein‐rich blends: Microstructure and polymorphism
Authors: Ahmadi Latifeh , Wright Amanda J. , Marangoni Alejandro G.
Published: September 2008

Mixtures of fully hydrogenated canola oil and high‐oleic sunflower oil were interesterified chemically and enzymatically with sodium methoxide and Candida antarctica lipase, respectively. Polymorphic behavior and crystal morphology of the10–100% blends before and after interesterification were studied using powder X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy and polarized light microscopy. X‐ray analysis revealed a predominance of the β' form in the IE‐blends (interesterified, both chemical and enzymatic) and the β form crystals in the NI‐blends (non‐interesterified). Dilution and crystallization at 20, 30, 40 and 50 °C did not change the polymorphism of the NI‐blends, but did in the IE‐blends. Small changes in the long spacings of the blends after interesterification were observed. Small‐angle reflections centered at 45 Å suggested the presence of a 2L lamellar crystalline structure. Needle‐like crystals were predominant in the IE‐blends while large symmetrical spherulites were observed in the NI‐blends crystallized at 30 °C for 24 h. Over 75% of the structural elements had areas between 1 and 20 µm2 in the NI‐ and IE‐blends, and the NI‐blends showed a higher percentage of crystals in this range compared to the IE‐samples. The box counting dimension (Db) increased as a function of crystalline area fraction in polarized light micrographs of the samples. Moreover, a higher Db in the chemically interesterified sample relative to the enzymatically interesterified sample at an equivalent area fraction, was attributed to the homogeneity in the distribution of crystalline mass.
Stereoselective Synthesis of (+)‐Goniodiol, (+)‐Goniotriol, (–)‐Goniofupyrone, and (+)‐Altholactone Using a Catalytic Asymmetric Hetero‐Diels–Alder/Allylboration Approach
Authors: Favre Annaïck , Carreaux François , Deligny Michael , Carboni Bertrand
Published: September 2008

The stereoselective total synthesis of several members of the styryllactone family was achieved efficiently from common intermediate 8, prepared by a catalytic asymmetric inverse‐electron‐demand hetero‐Diels–Alder/allylboration sequence. The transformation of 8 into α,β‐unsaturated lactone led to the preparation of (+)‐goniodiol (1) in a reduced number of steps. The epoxidation reaction was used to generate the remaining stereogenic centers on the lactone moiety of 8, and these intermediates were then elaborated into (+)‐goniotriol (2), (–)‐goniofupyrone (3), and (+)‐altholactone (4) by an isomerization or cyclization step.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
A Coumarin‐Based Chromogenic Sensor for Transition‐Metal Ions Showing Ion‐Dependent Bathochromic Shift
Authors: Lin Weiying , Yuan Lin , Cao Xiaowei , Tan Wen , Feng Yanming
Published: September 2008

Coumarin pyridyl ketone1was designed and synthesized as a new chromogenic sensor for transition‐metal ions. Remarkably, the chemosensor showed ion discrimination by exhibiting different extents of bathochromic shifts: 118 nm for Cu2+, 80 nm for Ni2+, and 55 nm for Cd2+. This ion‐dependent redshift in the visible region allows the selective detection of these three transition‐metal ions by the naked eye. Studies of reference compounds and IR and NMR spectroscopy revealed that the pyridyl ketone moiety was the metal‐binding site, whereas the carbonyl group on the coumarin moiety did not participate in the metal‐binding process.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Stereoselective Synthesis of Bicyclo[4.2.1]nonanes – a Temporary‐Bridge Approach to Cyclooctanoids
Authors: Michaut Antoine , Miranda‐García Sonia , Menéndez J. Carlos , Coquerel Yoann , Rodriguez Jean
Published: September 2008

A series of cis‐α,γ‐difunctionalized five‐membered cyclic β‐oxo esters have been chemo‐, regio‐ and diastereoselectively prepared through an efficient domino anionic ring‐cleavage/ring‐reconstitution/alkylation sequence including a 1,3‐shift of the ester group. These unsaturated substrates were successfully engaged in various ring‐closing metatheses to provide a reliable access to functionalized bicyclo[4.2.1]nonanes, precursors of cyclooctanoids following the selective fragmentation of the one‐carbon bridge.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Using a hidden Markov model to analyse extreme rainfall events in Central‐East Sardinia
Authors: Betrò Bruno , Bodini Antonella , Cossu Q. Antonio
Published: September 2008

The aim of this paper is to investigate the capability of a hidden Markov model (HMM) in identifying possible recurrent patterns in the occurrence of extreme events over a small area of Central‐East Sardinia (Italy), for the purposes of hydrogeological risk prevention. In this area, three intense rainfall events (defined as more than 40 mm in a day) per year are expected during the period September–January. They often assume the characteristics of an extreme event, here defined as more than 100 mm of precipitation in a day. The main interest of modelling daily rainfall data by a HMM lies in the underlying correspondence between the hidden states and the concept of discrete weather states. To model the precipitation at each station, given the weather state, we suggest using a mixture of a point mass at zero and of Weibull distributions, these latter showing a better fit to the considered data than the more usual Gamma and Exponential distributions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The index rainfall in the regional frequency analysis of extreme events in Tuscany (Italy)
Authors: Caporali Enrica , Cavigli Elisabetta , Petrucci Alessandra
Published: September 2008

In the framework of regional frequency analysis of annual maximum of rainfall depth for short duration storms, the aim of this work is to find expressions of the scale factor of a non‐dimensional regional probability distribution, that is the index rainfall. Over a territory of about 22 000 km2in Tuscany (Italy), the time series of precipitation extreme events of 470 rain gauges, in the period from 1923 to 2002, have been collected and investigated. The Tuscany Region has been divided into three zones and sub‐zones on the basis of a hierarchical regionalization procedure, based on the index rainfall method, and the two‐component extreme value (TCEV) distribution, as the probabilistic model. On the time series, characterized by a low spatial correlation, a local extreme value analysis, based on the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution, has been also achieved. At the gauge site, the authors introduce the hypotheses that the estimated GEV corresponds to the estimated extreme value of the regional frequency analysis. The index rainfall at the gauge site can be therefore assumed as the ratio of the GEV distribution estimated rainfall and the probabilistic growth factor defined in the hierarchical regionalization procedure. On the basis of the assumption above, a multivariate analysis has been also proposed, with the aim to model the relationship among the spatial variability of index rainfall and the territory characteristics. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A joint association test for multiple SNPs in genetic case‐control studies
Authors: Wang Tao , Jacob Howard , Ghosh Soumitra , Wang Xujing , Zeng Zhao‐Bang
Published: September 2008

For a dense set of genetic markers such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on high linkage disequilibrium within a small candidate region, a haplotype‐based approach for testing association between a disease phenotype and the set of markers is attractive in reducing the data complexity and increasing the statistical power. However, due to unknown status of the underlying disease variant, a comprehensive association test may require consideration of various combinations of the SNPs, which often leads to severe multiple testing problems. In this paper, we propose a latent variable approach to test for association of multiple tightly linked SNPs in case‐control studies. First, we introduce a latent variable into the penetrance model to characterize a putative disease susceptible locus (DSL) that may consist of a marker allele, a haplotype from a subset of the markers, or an allele at a putative locus between the markers. Next, through using of a retrospective likelihood to adjust for the case‐control sampling ascertainment and appropriately handle the Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium constraint, we develop an expectation‐maximization (EM)‐based algorithm to fit the penetrance model and estimate the joint haplotype frequencies of the DSL and markers simultaneously. With the latent variable to describe a flexible role of the DSL, the likelihood ratio statistic can then provide a joint association test for the set of markers without requiring an adjustment for testing of multiple haplotypes. Our simulation results also reveal that the latent variable approach may have improved power under certain scenarios comparing with classical haplotype association methods.Genet. Epidemiol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The impact of diabetes on employment in Canada
Authors: Latif Ehsan
Published: September 2008

This paper examines the impact of diabetes on the employment of Canadian males and females ages 15–64. Using data from the National Population Health Survey (1998), it utilizes a recursive bivariate probit approach to take into account the potential endogeneity of diabetes in employment outcomes. The results suggest that treating diabetes as exogenous yields an over‐estimation of its impact on male employment. The study finds that diabetes has a significant negative impact on female employment probability, but has no significant impact on that of non‐white Canadians. An implication thus is that policy‐makers should take endogeneity into account in estimating labor market costs of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New evidence of preference reversals in health utility measurement
Authors: Bleichrodt Han , Pinto Prades Jose Luis
Published: September 2008

A central assumption in health utility measurement is that preferences are invariant to the elicitation method used. This assumption is challenged by preference reversals. Previous studies have observed preference reversals between choice and matching tasks and between choice and ranking tasks. We present a preference reversal that is entirely derived from choices, the basic primitive of economics and utility theory. The preference reversal was observed in two studies regarding health states after stroke. Both studies involved large representative samples from the Spanish population, interviewed professionally, and face‐to‐face. Possible explanations for the preference reversal are the anticipation of disappointment and elation in risky choice and the impact of ethical considerations about the value of life. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prognostic relevance of SOCS3 hypermethylation in patients with glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Martini Maurizio , Pallini Roberto , Luongo Giuseppe , Cenci Tonia , Lucantoni Corrado , Larocca Luigi Maria
Published: September 2008

Alterations in the signal transduction pathways are key mechanisms in the pathogenesis of de novo glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), which are also involved in the resistance to chemo‐ and radiotherapy. Here, we analyzed the methylation status and mRNA expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)1‐2‐3, 3 of the most important inhibitory molecules of the signal transduction circuitry, in 46 GBM specimens. The relationship between methylation status of SOCS1‐2‐3 and clinical outcome was investigated. Using methylation‐specific PCR (MS‐PCR) and sequencing, after bisulphite modification, we found that the promoter of SOCS1‐2‐3 was methylated in 24, 6.5 and 35% of GBM, respectively. Real‐time analysis showed that in methylated GBM, mRNA expression for SOCS1‐2‐3 was reduced by 5, 3 and 7‐folds, respectively, when compared with unmethylated GBM. Moreover, methylation of SOCS3 promoter significantly associated with an unfavorable clinical outcome (p < 0.0002). Our data suggest that methylation of SOCS3 may be involved in the pathogenesis of GBM and in the resistance of this neoplasm to conventional treatment. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Why do large breast cancers still present in a population offered screening?
Authors: Kricker Anne , Newman Beth , Gertig Dorota M. , Goumas Chris , Armes Jane , Armstrong Bruce K.
Published: September 2008

Rates of large breast cancers should decrease in a population that is offered mammography screening, but women continue to present with them. We sought an explanation in a population‐based epidemiological study of 1,459 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2002–2003 in Australia; breast cancers were ≥2 cm in 766 women (53%) and 11–1.9 cm in a comparison group (693, 47%). We interviewed the women about their personal, mammogram and breast histories in the years before diagnosis and collected biological characteristics of tumors and mammogram dates from medical records. The strongest correlate of breast cancer size at diagnosis was the method of detection: the odds of a ≥2 cm breast cancer was substantially lower for detection by a screening mammogram (OR = 0.27, 95% CI 0.21–0.34; p < 0.001) than for detection after a breast symptom. Higher BMI (ORs ∼1.6 for ≥25 kg/m2), higher cancer grade (ORs of 1.6 for moderate, 2.89 for high grade) and lobular type (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.45–3.0) were also independent correlates (p < 0.001) of a ≥2 cm breast cancer. HRT use strongly reduced the odds but only in cancers detected after a breast symptom (OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.33–0.74; p = 0.002), not in those detected by a screening mammogram. As assessed from their proportional contribution to ≥2 cm breast cancers in our study population, lack of mammogram detection, BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and moderate or high grade of the cancer were the most important factors with population attributable fractions of 42%, 11% and 29% respectively; the first 2 are amenable to intervention. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fatty acid synthase inhibition with Orlistat promotes apoptosis and reduces cell growth and lymph node metastasis in a mouse melanoma model
Authors: Carvalho Marco A. , Zecchin Karina G. , Seguin Fabiana , Bastos Débora C. , Agostini Michelle , Rangel Ana Lúcia C.A. , Veiga Sílvio S. , Raposo Helena F. , Oliveira Helena C.F. , Loda Massimo , Coletta Ricardo D. , Graner Edgard
Published: September 2008

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is the enzyme responsible for the endogenous synthesis of the saturated fatty acid palmitate. In contrast to most normal cells, malignant cells depend on FASN activity for growth and survival. In fact, FASN is overexpressed in a variety of human cancers including cutaneous melanoma, in which its levels of expression are associated with a poor prognosis and depth of invasion. Here, we show that the specific inhibition of FASN activity by the antiobesity drug Orlistat or siRNA is able to significantly reduce proliferation and promote apoptosis in the mouse metastatic melanoma cell line B16‐F10. These results prompted us to verify the effect of FASN inhibition on the metastatic process in a model of spontaneous melanoma metastasis, in which B16‐F10 cells injected in the peritoneal cavity of C57BL/6 mice metastasize to the mediastinal lymph nodes. We observed that mice treated with Orlistat 48 hr after the inoculation of B16‐F10 cells exhibited a 52% reduction in the number of mediastinal lymph node metastases, in comparison with the control animals. These results suggest that FASN activity is essential for B16‐F10 melanoma cell proliferation and survival while its inactivation by Orlistat significantly reduces their metastatic spread. The chemical inhibition of FASN activity could have a potential benefit in association with the current chemotherapy for melanoma. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions in the lung, liver and urinary tract of mice exposed to environmental cigarette smoke and UV light since birth
Authors: D'Agostini Francesco , Balansky Roumen , Steele Vernon E. , Ganchev Gancho , Pesce Carlo , De Flora Silvio
Published: September 2008

It is difficult to reproduce the carcinogenicity of cigarette smoke (CS) in animal models. Recently, we showed that exposure of mice to mainstream CS (MCS) for 120 days, starting immediately after birth, resulted in an early and potent carcinogenic response. In parallel, we implemented studies evaluating intermediate biomarkers and tumors in mice exposed to environmental CS (ECS). To this purpose, we used 263 newborn CD‐1 mice born from 27 dams. The whole‐body exposure to ECS for 120 days, starting within 12 hr after birth, resulted in an early appearance of preneoplastic lesions in lung, which however tended to attenuate after discontinuing exposure. When the experiment was stopped, after 330 days, the number of lung adenomas was higher in ECS‐exposed mice as compared to sham‐exposed mice, but such increase was statistically significant only in mice co‐exposed to smoke and halogen light mimicking solar irradiation. Moreover, exposure to ECS produced extensive histopathological changes, mainly parenchymatous degeneration, in liver. The alterations produced in both lung and liver require that exposure to ECS starts immediately after birth, no effect being observed when exposure started 8 days later. In contrast, induction by ECS of alterations in the urinary tract, such as microadenomas and adenomas in renal pelvis and kidney, papillary hyperplasia of urothelium, and urinary bladder papillomas, were unrelated to the exposure time after birth. The results obtained with ECS cannot be directly compared to those previously obtained with MCS, since the latter involved shorter daily exposures to more massive CS doses. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk of cervical cancer among immigrants by age at immigration and follow‐up time in Sweden, from 1968 to 2004
Authors: Azerkan Fatima , Zendehdel Kazem , Tillgren Per , Faxelid Elisabeth , Sparén Pär
Published: September 2008

Because of great variation in the prevalence of human papilloma virus infection and other risk factors of cervical cancer worldwide, migrant studies may help further the understanding of the aetiology and improve prevention of cervical cancer. Our aim was to study the risk of invasive cervical cancer among immigrant women. We followed 758,002 immigrants from different countries who resided in Sweden between 1968 and 2004. Age‐standardised incidence rates (ASRs) of immigrants were compared with that in their countries of origin. Poisson regression models estimated the relative risks of cervical cancer among immigrants, overall and stratified by age at migration and follow‐up time, compared to Swedish‐born women. Overall 1,991 of 19,542 observed cases of cervical cancer occurred among immigrants. Generally they had lower ASRs than in their countries of origin, with the exception of Nordic immigrants. Compared to Swedish‐born women, we observed a higher relative risk of cervical cancer among immigrants overall (RR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.08–1.18), and particularly among women from Denmark (RR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.6–2.1), Norway (RR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.5–1.9) and Central America (RR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.3–4.9), while the relative risks were lower in immigrants from Eastern Africa (RR = 0.2, 95% CI 0.1–0.6), South Central Asia (RR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.6) and South Western Asia (RR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.4–0.7). Follow‐up time and age at migration were important effect modifiers for cervical cancer risks. We suggest targeted prevention toward high‐risk immigrants, specifically older women, in the first 10 years after arrival into their new homeland. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
N‐[3‐[4‐(2‐methoxyphenyl) piperaziny‐1‐yl]propyl]cyclam: synthesized as a potential 5‐HT1A receptor ligand and labelled with 99mTc‐nitrido core
Authors: Wang Fenglong , Wang Xuebin , Yang Shuye , Liu Jian , Zhang Xianzhong
Published: September 2008

This paper reports the synthesis of new potential 5‐HT1A receptor ligand N‐[3‐[4‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)piperaziny‐1‐yl]propyl]cyclam (MPPC) and radiolabelling of it with 99mTc‐nitrido core. The novel neutral complex 99mTcN‐MPPC combines 1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam) ligand as chelate moiety for 99mTc‐nitrido with a 1‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)piperazine moiety derived from WAY 100635 via a 3‐carbon alkyl chain. This provided a reliable and reproducible method for attaching the technetium to the pharmacophore moiety of WAY 100635. 99mTcN‐MPPC was prepared by a two‐step procedure and the radiochemical purity was found to be greater than 95%. It was hydrophilic and stable for at least 4 h at room temperature. In vivo stability study in normal rats showed that no degradation of 99mTcN‐MPPC was found in deproteinated blood samples at 2 h post‐injection. This effective 99mTc‐labelling strategy for obtaining neutral 99mTc nitrido complexes would be a useful tool to prepare new SPECT agents to image 5‐HT1A receptor with cyclam conjugated ligands. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modified radical lymphadenectomy without splenectomy in patients with proximal gastric cancer: Comparison with standard D2 lymphadenectomy for distal gastric cancer
Authors: Cheong Oh , Kim Byung Sik , Yook Jeong Hwan , Oh Sung Tae , Park Young Kyu , Ryu Seong Yeop
Published: September 2008

Background and Objectives

We assessed the optimal extent of lymph node dissection and the effect of splenectomy in patients with proximal gastric cancer.

Method

Recurrence and survival rates were compared between 881 patients with proximal gastric cancer who underwent modified radical lymphadenectomy and 3,098 patients with distal gastric cancer who underwent standard D2 lymphadenectomy.

Results

The recurrence rate was significantly higher in the total than in the distal gastrectomy group (32.5% vs. 16.5%, P < 0.001), but the rates were similar after adjustment for TNM stage. The overall 5‐year survival rate was significantly higher in the distal than in the total gastrectomy group (80.4% vs. 66.2%, P < 0.001), but this difference was not observed after adjustment for TNM stage. Multivariate analysis showed that patient age, number of retrieved lymph nodes, depth of invasion, and nodal metastasis were independent prognostic determinants for survival, whereas type of lymphadenectomy was not.

Conclusion

Long‐term outcomes were similar in patients with proximal gastric cancer who underwent modified lymphadenectomy without splenectomy and in patients with distal gastric cancer who underwent standard D2 lymphadenectomy. These findings indicate that modified radical lymphadenectomy without splenectomy is sufficient for optimal lymph node dissection in patients with proximal gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:500–504. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Circumferential cutaneous traction for exposure of the layers of the abdominal wall
Authors: Sugarbaker Paul H.
Published: September 2008

Background

Clear exposure of the operative field at all stages of a surgical procedure is a requirement of an optimal intervention. Current techniques for retraction do not provide visualization of the abdominal wall.

Methods

A new method for elevation of the abdominal wall to expose all 5 layers of this structure was devised. This involved circumferential skin traction on a fixed retractor using heavy monofilament structures.

Results

This new technique allowed entrance into the abdominal cavity in patients having reoperative surgery with less damage to small and large bowel loops immediately beneath the abdominal incision. Tumor masses recurring within a midline abdominal incision were excised with margins well visualized.

Conclusions

Circumferential cutaneous traction allows strong anterior traction that spreads out the layers of the abdominal wall to expose these structures more adequately. J. Surg. Oncol. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photon confinement in photonic crystal nanocavities
Authors: Lalanne P. , Sauvan C. , Hugonin J.P.
Published: September 2008

The quest for enhanced light‐matter interactions has enabled a tremendous increase in the performance of photonic‐crystal nanoresonators in the past decade. State‐of‐the‐art nanocavities now offer mode lifetime in the nanosecond range with confinement volumes of a few hundredths of a cubic micrometer. These results are certainly a consequence of the rapid development of fabrication techniques and modeling tools at micro‐ and nanometric scales. For future applications and developments, it is necessary to deeply understand the intrinsic physical quantities that govern the photon confinement in these cavities. We present a review of the different physical mechanisms at work in the photon confinement of almost all modern PhC cavity constructs. The approach relies on a Fabry‐Perot picture and emphasizes three intrinsic quantities, the mirror reflectance, the mirror penetration depth and the defect‐mode group velocity, which are often hidden by global analysis relying on an a posteriori analysis of the calculated cavity mode. The discussion also includes nanoresonator constructs, such as the important micropillar cavity, for which some subtle scattering mechanisms significantly alter the Fabry‐Perot picture.
High‐power RF photodiodes and their applications
Authors: Nagatsuma T. , Ito H. , Ishibashi T.
Published: September 2008

There has been an increasing interest in photonic generation of RF signals in the millimeter‐wave (30 GHz∼300 GHz) and/or terahertz‐wave (0.1 THz∼10 THz) regions, and photodiodes play a key role in it. This paper reviews recent progress in the high‐power RF photodiodes such as Uni‐Traveling‐Carrier‐Photodiodes (UTC‐PDs), which operate at these frequencies. Several approaches to increasing both the bandwidth and output power of photodiodes are discussed, and promising applications to broadband wireless communications and spectroscopic sensing are described.
Antipsychotic medication treatment for mild hallucinations in Parkinson's disease: Positive impact on long‐term worsening
Authors: Goetz Christopher G. , Fan Wenqing , Leurgans Sue
Published: September 2008

To test if antipsychotic medication treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with mild hallucinations and retained insight delays deterioration to delusions or hallucinations without insight. We identified subjects at the time they developed their first hallucination, based on documented progression in their UPDRS thought disorder (TD) score from <2 to 2 (“benign” hallucinations with insight retained). We registered TD scores at follow‐up visits and their hallucination treatment: antipsychotic medication, PD medication reduction, or observation. The primary outcome measure was the time from the first TD = 2 until the TD score worsened to 3 (hallucinations with loss of insight) or 4 (delusions, psychosis). The effect of antipsychotic medication treatment on transition hazard rate was modeled by proportional hazards regression (Cox model) with antipsychotic medication use as a time‐dependent covariate. Of 64 patients, 31 received antipsychotic medication during the study (mean group follow‐up 31 months). Of the 38 subjects who reached endpoint, eight subjects had been treated with antipsychotic medication compared to 30/33 in those not treated with antipsychotic medication. Antipsychotic medication treatment reduced the risk of deterioration [hazard ratio = 0.156, CI = (0.067–0.363), P < 0.0001] compared to treatment without antipsychotic medications. The median time from the introduction of antipsychotic medication to the conversion from TD = 2 to TD > 2 was 39 months in subjects on antipsychotic medication compared to 12 months in patients treated otherwise. Until randomized treatment trials provide definitive information, early antipsychotic medication treatment for mild hallucinations should be considered with the combined goal of improving current hallucinations and reducing risks of later deterioration. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
A radiation condition for uniqueness in a wave propagation problem for 2‐D open waveguides
Authors: Ciraolo Giulio , Magnanini Rolando
Published: September 2008

We study the uniqueness of solutions of Helmholtz equation for a problem that concerns wave propagation in waveguides. The classical radiation condition does not apply to our problem because the inhomogeneity of the index of refraction extends to infinity in one direction. Also, because of the presence of a waveguide, some waves propagate in one direction with different propagation constants and without decaying in amplitude.

We provide an explicit condition for uniqueness for rectilinear waveguides, which takes into account the physically significant components, corresponding to guided and non‐guided waves; this condition reduces to the classical Sommerfeld–Rellich condition in the relevant cases.

By a careful asymptotic analysis we prove that the solution derived by Magnanini and Santosa (SIAM J. Appl. Math. 2001; 61:1237–1252) for stratified media satisfies our radiation condition. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methods for measuring utilization of mental health services in two epidemiologic studies
Authors: Novins Douglas K. , Beals Janette , Croy Calvin , Manson Spero M.
Published: September 2008

Objectives of Study: Psychiatric epidemiologic studies often include two or more sets of questions regarding service utilization, but the agreement across these different questions and the factors associated with their endorsement have not been examined. The objectives of this study were to describe the agreement of different sets of mental health service utilization questions that were included in the American Indian Service Utilization Psychiatric Epidemiology Risk and Protective Factors Project (AI‐SUPERPFP), and compare the results to similar questions included in the baseline National Comorbidity Survey (NCS).

Methods: Responses to service utilization questions by 2878 AI‐SUPERPFP and 5877 NCS participants were examined by calculating estimates of service use and agreement (κ) across the different sets of questions. Logistic regression models were developed to identify factors associated with endorsement of specific sets of questions.

Results: In both studies, estimates of mental health service utilization varied across the different sets of questions. Agreement across the different question sets was marginal to good (κ = 0.27–0.69). Characteristics of identified service users varied across the question sets.

Limitations: Neither survey included data to examine the validity of participant responses to service utilization questions.

Recommendations for Further Research: Question wording and placement appear to impact estimates of service utilization in psychiatric epidemiologic studies. Given the importance of these estimates for policy‐making, further research into the validity of survey responses as well as impacts of question wording and context on rates of service utilization is warranted. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA): rationale, objectives and methods
Authors: Penninx Brenda W.J.H. , Beekman Aartjan T.F. , Smit Johannes H. , Zitman Frans G. , Nolen Willem A. , Spinhoven Philip , Cuijpers Pim , De Jong Peter J. , Van Marwijk Harm W.J. , Assendelft Willem J.J. , Van Der Meer Klaas , Verhaak Peter , Wensing Michel , De Graaf Ron , Hoogendijk Witte J. , Ormel Johan , Van Dyck Richard
Published: September 2008

The Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA) is a multi‐site naturalistic cohort study to: (1) describe the long‐term course and consequences of depressive and anxiety disorders, and (2) to integrate biological and psychosocial research paradigms within an epidemiological approach in order to examine (interaction between) predictors of the long‐term course and consequences.

Its design is an eight‐year longitudinal cohort study among 2981 participants aged 18 through 65 years. The sample consists of 1701 persons with a current (six‐month recency) diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety disorder, 907 persons with life‐time diagnoses or at risk because of a family history or subthreshold depressive or anxiety symptoms, and 373 healthy controls. Recruitment took place in the general population, in general practices (through a three‐stage screening procedure), and in mental health organizations in order to recruit persons reflecting various settings and developmental stages of psychopathology. During a four‐hour baseline assessment including written questionnaires, interviews, a medical examination, a cognitive computer task and collection of blood and saliva samples, extensive information was gathered about key (mental) health outcomes and demographic, psychosocial, clinical, biological and genetic determinants. Detailed assessments will be repeated after one, two, four and eight years of follow‐up.

The findings of NESDA are expected to provide more detailed insight into (predictors of) the long‐term course of depressive and anxiety disorders in adults. Besides its scientific relevance, this may contribute to more effective prevention and treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal use of multi‐informant data on co‐occurrence of internalizing and externalizing problems: the TRAILS study
Authors: Noordhof Arjen , Oldehinkel Albertine J. , Verhulst Frank C. , Ormel Johan
Published: September 2008

Strong between‐informant discrepancies are found in ratings of (pre)adolescent problems and in co‐occurrence rates between different domains of psychopathology. These discrepancies can be caused by differences in the context of measurement and the perspective of informants. The aim of this study was to develop a “Multi‐Informant Co‐occurrence” model (MIC), which takes into account these differences in context and perspective. In a population‐based cohort of (pre)adolescents (n = 2230) from a longitudinal study in the north of the Netherlands, internalizing (INT) and externalizing (EXT) problems were rated by the (pre)adolescents themselves, their teachers, and their parents. As hypothesized Principal Component Analysis revealed four independent main components: Between‐domain convergence was captured by a severity component (S), while between‐domain discrepancy was captured by a direction component (D). Between‐informant discrepancies were captured by a perspective (P) and a context (C) component. The use of this MIC‐model will increase reliability and validity of measures of psychopathology and the four components each provide useful specific information. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Method for moderation: measuring lifetime risk of alcohol‐attributable mortality as a basis for drinking guidelines
Authors: Rehm Jürgen , Room Robin , Taylor Benjamin
Published: September 2008

The objective of this paper was to determine separately the lifetime risk of drinking alcohol for chronic disease and acute injury outcomes as a basis for setting general population drinking guidelines for Australia. Relative risk data for different levels of average consumption of alcohol were combined with age, sex, and disease‐specific risks of dying from an alcohol‐attributable chronic disease. For injury, combinations of the number of drinks per occasion and frequency of drinking occasions were combined to model lifetime risk of death for different drinking pattern scenarios. A lifetime risk of injury death of 1 in 100 is reached for consumption levels of about three drinks daily per week for women, and three drinks five times a week for men. For chronic disease death, lifetime risk increases by about 10% with each 10‐gram (one drink) increase in daily average alcohol consumption, although risks are higher for women than men, particularly at higher average consumption levels. Lifetime risks for injury and chronic disease combine to overall risk of alcohol‐attributable mortality. In terms of guidelines, if a lifetime risk standard of 1 in 100 is set, then the implications of the analysis presented here are that both men and women should not exceed a volume of two drinks a day for chronic disease mortality, and for occasional drinking three or four drinks seem tolerable. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in cardiovascular risk factors in a type 1 diabetes population: a 3.5‐year study
Authors: Wallymahmed Me , Morgan C , Gill Gv , Osman‐hicks V , Chamberlain P , Macfarlane IA
Published: September 2008

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes attending a routine diabetic clinic, and to compare the data with those from a previous study (2003–2004).

The clinic records of 218 patients with type 1 diabetes from the previous study were examined. The following were recorded: age, sex, duration of diabetes, insulin regimen, weight, body mass index, blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, urine albumin–creatinine ratio, and the presence of micro‐ and macrovascular complications.

Data were available from 184 (84.4%) of the original 218 patients— mean age 37.3 years (range 20–76 years), and duration of diabetes 18.4 years (4–42 years). Mean HbA1c, total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein improved significantly between the two study periods (respectively: 9.6±1.9% vs 9.1±1.7%, p<0.01; 5.0±1.0mmol/L vs 4.4±1.1mmol/L, p<0.01; 2.8±0.8mmol/L vs 2.3±0.8mmol/L, p<0.01). However, systolic (113±19mmHg vs 122±17mmHg, p<0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (65±10mmHg vs 67±9mmHg, p<0.01) increased despite greater use of antihypertensives.

It was concluded that attention to cardiovascular risk factors can result in improvements in HbA1c and lipid profile in a routine clinic. However, blood pressure levels increase and compliance with medication must be emphasised. A large proportion of patients with type 1 diabetes continue to have cardiovascular risk factors above current targets and additional strategies are required. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons.
Body image preference among Nigerians with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Okoro EO , Oyejola BA
Published: September 2008

Self‐estimates of body mass and preferred body figure for individuals with type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension and preferences of body figure for the opposite gender were measured in order to determine how Nigerians with either or both conditions perceive their body sizes and that of the opposite gender.

Adults with type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension attending a diabetes clinic, who volunteered to take part in the study, were requested to select body sizes from a standard figure rating scale (of 1–9 with 9 being the largest) to represent their current body figure perception (CBFP) and their preferred body figure (PBF) for themselves and the opposite gender. Selected anthropometric and demographic data were also collected.

A total of 139 (84 females) subjects aged 55.71±12.95 years, BMI (kg/m2) of 27.0±5.8 and CBFP of 5.14±1.42 were involved. A highly significant correlation between BMI and CBFP (r = 0.69, p<0.001) was observed. CBFP was highly predictive of actual body size (BMI) with both parameters related as CBFP = 0.59±0.17 BMI (0.02), R2 = 0.47. Strikingly, 68.3% (95) of the subjects selected a body figure with visible fat for their current self, i.e. scale 5 and above. Also, 67.2% of the males and 61.9% of females preferred the opposite gender to have body silhouettes with visible fat. PBF was not too dissimilar from CBFP selected by most subjects, but more (p<0.01) females than males were significantly dissatisfied with their existing body shape.

In conclusion, the results suggest that the study population was overweight and preferred to remain so or only slightly less overweight. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons.