bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of life of family caregivers at 2 years after a relative's cancer diagnosis
Authors: Kim Youngmee , Spillers Rachel L. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractPurpose: Although a growing body of research has documented the quality of life (QOL) of cancer survivors beyond the initial phase of the survivorship, similar knowledge about family caregivers of cancer survivors remains limited. Thus, the current study aimed: (a) to characterize the multidimensional aspects of the QOL of family caregivers of cancer survivors at 2 years after the diagnosis and (b) to predict certain aspects of caregivers' QOL by their demographic and caregiving characteristics.Methods: A total of 1635 caregivers of cancer survivors participated in the nationwide Quality of Life Survey for Caregivers. Multidimensional aspects of QOL were assessed, including mental and physical health, as well as psychological adjustment and spirituality at 2 years post‐diagnosis of their relatives' cancer.Results: Family caregivers reported normal levels of QOL after 2 years post‐diagnosis, except that they were more likely to experience increased awareness of spirituality than do individuals who personally experience a chronic illness. In addition, caregivers' age and income and care‐recipients' poor mental and physical functioning were significant predictors of their QOL at 2 years post‐diagnosis.Conclusions: The findings suggest that younger, relatively poor caregivers who are providing care to relatives with poor mental and physical functioning may benefit from interventions to help in their spirituality and psychological and physical adjustment, 2 years after the initial cancer diagnosis. In addition, older, relatively poor caregivers may benefit from programs to reduce the physical burden of caregiving. These findings have implications for advancing public health research and practice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Botulinum Toxin Type A Inhibits the Growth of LNCaP Human Prostate Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Karsenty Gilles , Rocha Joice , Chevalier Simone , Scarlata Eleonora , Andrieu Claudia , Zouanat Fatima Z. , Rocchi Palma , Giusiano Sophie , Elzayat Ehab A. , Corcos Jacques 
Published: April 2009

AbstractINTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVEBotulinum toxin type A (BTA) intraprostatic injection induces an improvement of urinary symptoms related to benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Infra‐clinical prostate cancer (PCa) foci and pre‐neoplasic lesions occur concomitantly with BPH in a significant number of patients. The objective of this study was to address whether BTA influences the growth of prostate tumors.METHODSProliferation of PC‐3 and LNCaP cell lines exposed or not to BTA (Botox) was assessed and compared. Presence of synaptic vesicle 2 (SV2) protein, the membrane receptor of BTA, was studied in both cell lines. After nude mice bearing LNCaP xenografts received intra‐tumoral BTA or saline injection, tumor volume, serum PSA, histopathology and detection of apoptosis were comparatively assessed.RESULTSBTA significantly reduced LNCaP cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner but did not affect PC‐3. The SV2 receptor was present in both cell lines at a ratio of 4:1 (LNCaP/PC‐3). One unit of BTA resulted in a significantly lower growth rate and slower PSA progression over 28 days compare to controls. The tumors were morphologically similar. There were significantly more apoptotic cells compared to controls.CONCLUSIONBTA inhibits the growth of LNCaP human PCa cells in vitro and in vivo. These findings indicate that intra‐prostatic BTA injections to treat BPH are unlikely to promote the growth of co‐existing infra‐clinical PCa foci in men. A potential inhibitory effect of BTA on the growth of human PCa should be further studied. Prostate 69:1143–1150, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of interactions of the β‐amyloid peptide with small molecules employing transferred NOEs
Authors: Benaki Dimitra , Stathopoulou Konstantina , Leondiadis Leondios , Ferderigos Nikolaos , Pelecanou Maria , Mikros Emmanuel 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe interaction of pineal hormone melatonin, the histological dye thioflavin T, and the olive tree polyphenol oleuropein, with the 28 amino acid residue N‐terminal fragment of the β‐amyloid peptide (β‐AP) of Alzheimer's disease, [β‐AP(1‐28)], was detected in solution through the observation of transferred NOEs (trNOEs) in 1D and 2D NOE spectroscopy (NOESY) experiments. The trNOE method is applied for the first time in the detection of interactions of soluble β‐AP(1‐28) with small molecules and may provide a means of screening for the identification of possible inhibitors of the formation of neurotoxic β‐AP assemblies. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insulator–semiconductor–metallic state transition induced by electric fields in Mn‐doped NaNbO3
Authors: Molak Andrzej , Szot Krzysztof 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe electro‐forming procedure was applied to NaNbO3:Mn and NaNbO3 insulator crystals. The electric current flow induced a transition to the metallic‐type temperature dependence of the resistance. The Mn dopant shortened the time needed for the transition. The LC‐AFM measurement showed a non‐homogeneous distribution in local resistance resulting from the electric field via the AFM tip. We ascribe this effect to percolation in the network of the highly conducting filaments, whose formation is facilitated by the Mn ions. We conclude that the insulator–metal transition is induced within a subsystem of extended defects already existing in the NaNbO3:Mn crystal lattice host. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quantification of hepcidin using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Bansal Sukhvinder S. , Halket John M. , Fusova Jane , Bomford Adrian , Simpson Robert J. , Vasavda Nisha , Thein Swee Lay , Hider Robert C. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractHepcidin is known to be a key systemic iron‐regulatory hormone which has been demonstrated to be associated with a number of iron disorders. Hepcidin concentrations are increased in inflammation and suppressed in hemochromatosis. In view of the role of hepcidin in disease, its potential as a diagnostic tool in a clinical setting is evident. This study describes the development of a matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) assay for the quantitative determination of hepcidin concentrations in clinical samples. A stable isotope labeled hepcidin was prepared as an internal standard and a standard quantity was added to urine samples. Extraction was performed with weak cation‐exchange magnetic nanoparticles. The basic peptides were eluted from the magnetic nanoparticles using a matrix solution directly onto a target plate and analyzed by MALDI‐TOF MS to determine the concentration of hepcidin. The assay was validated in charcoal stripped urine, and good recovery (70–80%) was obtained, as were limit of quantitation data (5 nmol/L), accuracy (RE <10%), precision (CV <21%), within ‐day repeatability (CV <13%) and between‐day repeatability (CV <21%). Urine hepcidin levels were 10 nmol/mmol creatinine in healthy controls, with reduced levels in hereditary hemochromatosis (P < 0.000005) and elevated levels in inflammation (P < 0.0007). In summary a validated method has been developed for the determination of hepcidin concentrations in clinical samples. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural studies on Helicobacter pylori 3‐deoxy‐D‐manno‐2‐octulosonate‐8‐phosphate synthase using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry: a tetrameric complex composed of dimeric dimers
Authors: Li Zhili , Sau Apurba Kumar 
Published: April 2009

AbstractHelicobacter pylori 3‐deoxy‐D‐manno‐2‐octulosonate‐8‐phosphate (KDO8P) synthase catalyzes the conversion of D‐arabinose‐5‐phosphate (A5P) and phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) to produce KDO8P and inorganic phosphate. Since this protein is absent in mammals, it might therefore be an attractive target for the development of new antibiotics. Unlike E. coli KDO8P synthase (class I), the H. pylori counterpart is a class II enzyme, where it requires a divalent transition metal ion for catalysis. Although the metal ions have been shown to be important for catalysis, their role in the structure is not understood. Using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS), the role of the metal ions in H. pylori KDO8P synthase has been investigated. This protein is found to be a tetramer in the gas phase but dissociates into the dimer with increasing declustering potential (DP2) suggesting an existence of a ‘structurally specific’ tetramer. An examination of mass spectra revealed that the tetrameric state of the Cd2+‐reconstituted enzyme is less stable than those of the Zn2+‐, Co2+‐ and Cu2+‐enzymes. The stoichiometry of metal binding to the protein depends on the nature of the metal ion. Taken together, our data suggest that divalent metal ions play an important role in the quaternary structure of the protein and the tetrameric state may be primarily responsible for catalysis. This study demonstrates the first structural characterization and stoichiometry of metal binding in class II KDO8P synthase using electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry under nondenaturing conditions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning to teach elementary school science as argument
Authors: Zembal‐Saul Carla 
Published: April 2009

AbstractNew views of proficiency in K‐8 science that highlight the importance of engaging children in the discourses and practices of science have raised the stakes for elementary teachers and the teacher educators who prepare them. In this paper, a framework for teaching science as argument is presented. The framework is advanced as a means of addressing problems of practices faced by preservice teachers, creating coherence for the design of teacher education experiences, and serving as a tool for shaping a design‐based research agenda. Findings of three research studies that examined preservice teachers' developing understandings and practices for teaching science as argument and the ways in which teacher education experiences mediated learning are synthesized. Across the studies, findings suggest that the framework serves as a powerful scaffold for preservice teachers' developing thinking and practice. More specifically, early attention to evidence and argument can leverage other important aspects of effective science teaching, such as attention to classroom discourse and the role of the teacher in monitoring and assessing children's thinking. In closing, a case is made for coherence among science learning opportunities, learning to teach science experiences, and field experiences. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 93:687–719, 2009
Incident angle and energy dependences of low‐energy Ar+ ion sputtering of GaAs/AlAs multilayered system
Authors: Nagatomi T. , Bungo T. , Takai Y. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractDependences of the depth resolution in Auger electron spectroscopy sputter‐depth profiling of a GaAs/AlAs superlattice reference material on the incident angle and energy of primary Ar+ ions were investigated. The results revealed that the depth resolution is improved for the lower primary energy as a square root of the primary energy of ions at both the incident angles of 50° and 70° , except for 100 eV at 50° , where the significant deterioration of the depth resolution is induced by the preferential sputtering of As in AlAs, and the difference in the etching rate between GaAs and AlAs. The deterioration of the depth resolution, i.e. the difference in the etching rate and the preferential sputtering, observed for 100 eV at 50° was suppressed by changing the incident angle of ions from 50° to 70° , resulting in the high‐depth resolution of ∼1.3 nm. The present results revealed that the glancing incidence of primary ions is effective to not only reducing the atomic mixing but also suppressing the difference in the etching rates between GaAs and AlAs and the preferential sputtering in the GaAs/AlAs multilayered system. The results also suggest that careful attention is required for the optimization of conditions of sputter‐depth profiling using GaAs/AlAs superlattice materials under low‐energy ion irradiation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Addressing between‐study heterogeneity and inconsistency in mixed treatment comparisons: Application to stroke prevention treatments in individuals with non‐rheumatic atrial fibrillation
Authors: Cooper Nicola J. , Sutton Alex J. , Morris Danielle , Ades A. E. , Welton Nicky J. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractMixed treatment comparison models extend meta‐analysis methods to enable comparisons to be made between all relevant comparators in the clinical area of interest. In such modelling it is imperative that potential sources of variability are explored to explain both heterogeneity (variation in treatment effects between trials within pairwise contrasts) and inconsistency (variation in treatment effects between pairwise contrasts) to ensure the validity of the analysis.The objective of this paper is to extend the mixed treatment comparison framework to allow for the incorporation of study‐level covariates in an attempt to explain between‐study heterogeneity and reduce inconsistency. Three possible model specifications assuming different assumptions are described and applied to a 17‐treatment network for stroke prevention treatments in individuals with non‐rheumatic atrial fibrillation.The paper demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating covariates within a mixed treatment comparison framework and using model fit statistics to choose between alternative model specifications. Although such an approach may adjust for inconsistencies in networks, as for standard meta‐regression, the analysis will suffer from low power if the number of trials is small compared with the number of treatment comparators. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stock market reaction to CEO certification: the signaling role of CEO background
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wiersema Margarethe F. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAs a direct result of the corporate scandals that started with Enron and led to general unrest in the financial markets, the Securities and Exchange Commission required chief executive officers (CEOs) and chief financial officers of large publicly traded companies to certify their financial statements. Using market signaling theory, we propose that attributes of the CEO send important signals to the investment community as to the credibility of the CEO certification and thus the quality of the firm's financial statements, which in turn impact the stock market reaction to the CEO certification. We find that a CEO's shareholdings and external directorships are positively related to the abnormal returns of CEO certification. Further, the stock market penalizes a firm with a CEO who is associated with the firm's prior financial restatement and rewards a firm with a CEO who is appointed after the firm's prior financial restatement. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metal‐exchanged clay and zeolite additives as smoke suppressants and fire retardants for poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Zestos Alexander G. , Grinnell Cole L. , Vinh Long J. , Pike Robert D. , Starnes William H. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractCone calorimetry studies showed that various metal‐exchanged clays and zeolites containing only 3–4% of Cu(II), Cu(I), Zn(II), or Al(III) were effective smoke suppressants and fire retardants for plasticized poly(vinyl chloride). Copper(II)‐Zn(II) and Cu(II)‐Al(III) synergism for smoke and heat reduction was observed with binary blends of the clays, and the effectiveness of the additives was usually improved considerably by heating plasticizer‐additive mixtures under very high shear before combining them with the polymer. Possible mechanisms of action of the additives are described. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and characterization of PVC/montmorillonite nanocomposites—A review
Authors: Pagacz Joanna , Pielichowski Krzysztof 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis article presents an overview of the preparation and characterization of poly(vinyl chloride)/montmorillonite (PVC/MMT) nanocomposites. Different methods of PVC/MMT nanocomposite preparation are discussed. The incorporation of MMT into the PVC matrix results in an increase of thermal stability and induces changes in the mechanical properties. However, the properties of PVC/MMT nanocomposites depend strongly on the MMT organic modification procedure that governs the extent of MMT penetration by PVC macrochains and plays an important role with regard to the morphology formation. Flammability as well as other properties—barrier, optical, etc.—of PVC/MMT nanomaterials are also described. Finally, a future outlook is given. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Uncommon Compounds in Antimony Pentachloride – Ionic Liquid Systems: Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Vibrational Spectra of the Complexes [TPT][SbCl6] and [Cl‐EMIm][SbCl6]
Authors: Gjikaj Mimoza , Xie Tao , Brockner Wolfgang 
Published: April 2009

AbstractSingle crystals of 2,3,5‐triphenyltetrazolium hexachloroantimonate(V), [TPT][SbCl6] (1) and of 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl‐4‐chloroimidazolium hexachloroantimonate(V), [Cl‐EMIm][SbCl6] (2) could be obtained and their crystal structures determined. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c (C2h5) with a = 1328.7(2), b = 1085.2(1), c = 1752.4(3) pm, β = 111.51(1)°, and Z = 4, whereas compound 2 crystallizes in the same monoclinic space group P21/c (C2h5) with a = 716.9(1), b = 1378.0(3), c = 1589.5(2) pm, β = 97.61(1)°, and Z = 4. The compound 1 is composed of a pair of ions, the 2,3,5‐triphenyltetrazolium cation and the hexachloroantimonate(V) anion. 2 is an ionic 1:1 compound with 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl‐4‐chloroimidazolium cations, formed by chlorination of [EMIm]+ by SbCl5 and hexachloroantimonate(V) anions. The FT‐Raman spectra of the title compounds have been recorded and interpreted, especially with respect to the inorganic part respective to the [SbCl6]–.
Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of Pentacoordinate Hydrosilanes Bearing a 2‐(Phenylazo)phenyl Group
Authors: Yamamura Masaki , Kano Naokazu , Kawashima Takayuki 
Published: April 2009

AbstractCoordination states of trihydrosilane (E)‐1, chlorodihydrosilane (E)‐2, and tetrahydrodisiloxane (E,E)‐4 bearing 2‐(phenylazo)phenyl groups were revealed by X‐ray crystallographic analysis and NMR spectroscopy. Trihydrosilane (E)‐1 with a tetracoordinate silicon showed higher reactivity with CuCl2 than trihydrophenylsilane. Photoirradiation of (E)‐2 and (E,E)‐4, which have pentacoordinate silicon atom(s), successfully gave the corresponding (Z)‐isomers. Each reaction of trihydrosilane (E)‐1 and tetrahydrodisiloxane (E,E)‐4 with fluoride ion gave 1,2‐diphenylhydrazine through an intramolecular hydrosilylation.
Feedback in laparoscopic skills acquisition: an observational study during a basic skills training course
Authors: Schaafsma B. E. , Hiemstra E. , Dankelman J. , Jansen F. W. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis study aimed to obtain insight in the effect of expert feedback during a basic laparoscopic skills training course for residents. A questionnaire was held among participants regarding provided feedback and the self-perceived laparoscopic skills improvement. The participants (n = 24) who completed the questionnaire were in their first to fifth postgraduate year. Most feedback was directed at intracorporeal knot tying (47% reported extensive feedback), while camera navigation and body positioning received the least feedback (40% and 43%, respectively, responded to have received no feedback at all). After the course, the self-perceived competence in intracorporeal knot tying and cutting had improved significantly, while camera navigation, body positioning, pointing, and grasping tasks did not improve. In conclusion, most benefit from expert feedback can be obtained at the start of the learning curve. Therefore, the basic laparoscopic skills course should be attended early in residency. Additionally, it is crucial that training objectives are clear prior to a course for both the expert and the trainee, in order to focus the feedback on all training objectives.
Management and outcome in 75 individuals with long‐chain fatty acid oxidation defects: results from a workshop
Authors: Spiekerkoetter U. , Lindner M. , Santer R. , Grotzke M. , Baumgartner M. R. , Boehles H. , Das A. , Haase C. , Hennermann J. B. , Karall D. , de Klerk H. , Knerr I. , Koch H. G. , Plecko B. , Röschinger W. , Schwab K. O. , Scheible D. , Wijburg F. A. , Zschocke J. , Mayatepek E. , Wendel U. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryAt present, long‐chain fatty acid oxidation (FAO) defects are diagnosed in a number of countries by newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry. In the majority of cases #Affected newborns are asymptomatic at time of diagnosis and acute clinical presentations can be avoided by early preventive measures. Because evidence‐based studies on management of long‐chain FAO defects are lacking, we carried out a retrospective analysis of 75 patients from 18 metabolic centres in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the Netherlands with special regard to treatment and disease outcome. Dietary treatment is effective in many patients and can prevent acute metabolic derangements and prevent or reverse severe long‐term complications such as cardiomyopathy. However, 38% of patients with very long‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency had intermittent muscle weakness and pain despite adhering to therapy. Seventy‐six per cent of patients with disorders of the mitochondrial trifunctional protein (TFP)‐complex including long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) deficiency, had long‐term myopathic symptoms. Of these, 21% had irreversible peripheral neuropathy and 43% had retinopathy. The main principle of treatment was a fat‐reduced and fat‐modified diet. Fat restriction differed among patients with different enzyme defects and was strictest in disorders of the TFP‐complex. Patients with a medium‐chain fat‐based diet received supplementation of essential long‐chain fatty acids. l‐Carnitine was supplemented in about half of the patients, but in none of the patients with VLCAD deficiency identified by newborn screening. In summary, in this cohort the treatment regimen was adapted to the severity of the underlying enzyme defect and thus differed among the group of long‐chain FAO defects.
Comparison of molecular fingerprinting methods for analysis of soil microbial community structure
Authors: Okubo Atsushi , Sugiyama Shu‐ichi 
Published: April 2009

AbstractDenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), terminal‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) analysis, and automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA) have been widely used as molecular fingerprinting methods for analysis of microbial communities. To find suitable methods, we compared the three fingerprinting methods by analyzing soil fungal communities in four differing land‐use types: bare ground, crop fields, grasslands, and forests. We also examined optimal primer pairs for DGGE analysis by comparing single and mixed DNA samples of cultured fungal populations. Principal coordinate analysis (PCO), nonmetric multidimensional scaling method (NMDS), and analysis of similarities (ANOSIM), which are major multivariate statistical analyses for quantifying fingerprint patterns, were compared. All three fingerprinting methods yielded clear discrimination of soil fungal communities among the four land‐use types, irrespective of statistical methods. The advantages and disadvantages of the three fingerprinting methods were discussed.