bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The morphogenesis of wormian bones: A study of craniosynostosis and purposeful cranial deformation
Authors: Sanchez‐Lara Pedro A. , Graham John M. , Hing Anne V. , Lee John , Cunningham Michael
Published: November 2007

Wormian bones are accessory bones that occur within cranial suture and fontanelles, most commonly within the posterior sutures. They occur more frequently in disorders that have reduced cranial ossification, hypotonia or decreased movement, thereby resulting in deformational brachycephaly. The frequency and location of wormian bones varies with the type and severity of cranial deformation practiced by ancient cultures. We considered the hypothesis that the pathogenesis of wormian bones may be due to environmental variations in dural strain within open sutures and fontanelles. In order to explore this further, we measured the cephalic index (CI) in 20 purposefully deformed pre‐Columbian skulls: 10 from Chichen Itza, Mexico, and 10 from Ancon, Peru, as well as 20 anatomically normal skulls used for medical school anatomy classes. We tested for a direct correlation between the CI and the number of wormian bones in skulls with varying degrees of brachycephalic cranial deformation and found no significant correlation. When the CI was grouped into three categories (normal (CI < 81), brachycephalic (CI 81‐93), and severely brachycephalic (CI > 93)) there was a trend toward increasing number of wormian bones as the skull became more brachycephalic (P = 0.039). A second part or our study tabulated the frequency and location of large wormian bones (greater than 1 cm) in 3‐dimentional computerized tomography (3D‐CT) scans from 207 cases of craniosynostosis and compared these data with published data on 485 normal dry skulls from a manuscript on wormian bones by Parker in 1905. Among cases of craniosynostosis, large wormian bones were significantly more frequent (117 out of 207 3D‐CT scans) than in dry skulls (131 out of 485). There was a 3.5 greater odds of developing a wormian bone with premature suture closure (P < 0.001). Midline synostosis, specifically metopic or sagittal synostosis, has more wormian bones in the midline, whereas unilateral lambdoidal or coronal synostosis more often had wormian bones on the contralateral side. Taken together, these data suggest that wormian bones may arise as a consequence of mechanical factors that spread sutures apart and affect dural strain within sutures and fontanelles. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brain anomalies in encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis
Authors: Moog Ute , Jones Marilyn C. , Viskochil David H. , Verloes Alain , Van Allen Margot I. , Dobyns William B.
Published: November 2007

Encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis (ECCL) is a sporadically occurring neurocutaneous disorder characterized by ocular anomalies, skin lesions, and CNS anomalies. We report on four new patients with this syndrome. Additionally, we reviewed (i) the brain imaging studies and clinical data of these new cases of ECCL and six other previously published ECCL patients, and (ii) the literature on 42 other patients who had undergone some form of neuroimaging, including three cases with probable or uncertain ECCL diagnoses. Thirty‐three of 52 patients showed intracranial lipomas, frequently of cerebello‐pontine location, and/or spinal lipomatosis. The latter has been found in 12/13 patients who had imaging studies of the spine. Other frequent findings included congenital anomalies of the meninges, in particular arachnoid cysts, and remarkably asymmetric anomalies caused by putative focal vascular defects, such as (partial) atrophy of one hemisphere or thin cerebral mantle, porencephalic cysts and calcifications. Vessel anomalies were found in nine patients. No correlation between the brain anomalies and the degree of retardation or epilepsy could be established. These data provide evidence that the brain anomalies in ECCL are not primary brain malformations but arise secondary to a mesenchymal defect affecting mostly neural crest derivatives. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Emerging infections and pregnancy: Assessing the impact on the embryo or fetus
Authors: Rasmussen Sonja A. , Hayes Edward B. , Jamieson Denise J. , O'Leary Daniel R.
Published: November 2007

The teratogenicity of several infections when acquired during pregnancy is well documented. However, for emerging infections (defined as those for which the incidence has risen in the past two decades or threatens to rise in the near future), the prenatal effects are often unknown, raising concern among women and their health care providers. Investigation of these effects is essential to ensure that pregnant women are appropriately assessed, advised, and treated, but such investigation is often challenging. The impact of emerging infections on the embryo or fetus is difficult to predict and varies depending on the agent and gestational timing of infection. Some women might be asymptomatic or have only mild or nonspecific symptoms, and thus, not be identified as infected, even when the embryo or fetus is severely affected. In addition, diagnosing congenital infection is often complicated. This article will discuss challenges to studying the teratogenicity of emerging infections, advantages, and disadvantages of different study designs, and examples of previous studies of the effects of emerging infections on the embryo or fetus. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development: Clinical and evolutionary considerations
Authors: Opitz John M.
Published: November 2007

The Linnean tercentenary is a most welcome opportunity to celebrate the complimentary contributions of the molecular taxonomists and the morphologists in establishing a “natural order” of living organisms depending on degree of relatedness and the 70th anniversary of birth of our friend and colleague, M. Michael Cohen Jr. These events lead one to reflect on the relationship between evolution and normal, respectively abnormal development. In part due to Mike Cohen's efforts, such reflections will at last also creep into the clinic given that more and more malformations are understood ontogenetically and phylogenetically on the basis of homology in structure, development and genetic basis in more or less closely related organisms. It is inconceivable how such an understanding can allow anyone to deny the reality of evolution and its implications for the antiquity of the earth, and its biosphere and the vulnerability of all species, humans included, for extinction. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular diagnosis of 22q11.2 deletion and duplication by multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification
Authors: Stachon Andrea C. , Baskin Berivan , Smith Adam C. , Shugar Andrea , Cytrynbaum Cheryl , Fishman Leona , Mendoza‐Londono Roberto , Klatt Regan , Teebi Ahmed , Ray Peter N. , Weksberg Rosanna
Published: November 2007

22q11 Deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is the most common microdeletion syndrome in humans, occurring with an incidence of 1 in 4,000. In most cases the submicroscopic deletion spans 3 Mb, but there are a number of other overlapping and non‐overlapping deletions that generate a similar phenotype. The majority of the 22q11.2 microdeletions can be ascertained using a standard fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay probing for TUPLE1 or N25 on 22q11.2. However, this test fails to detect deletions that are either proximal or distal to the FISH probes, and does not provide any information about the length of the deletion. In order to increase the detection rate of 22q11.2 deletion and to better characterize the size and position of such deletions we undertook a study of 22q11.2 cases using multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification (MLPA). We used MLPA to estimate the size of the 22q11.2 deletions in 51 patients positive for TUPLE1 or N25 (FISH) testing, and to investigate 12 patients with clinical features suggestive of 22q11DS and negative FISH results. MLPA analysis confirmed a microdeletion in all 51 FISH‐positive samples as well as microduplications in three samples. Further, it allowed us to delineate deletions not previously detected using standard clinical FISH probes in 2 of 12 subjects with clinical features suggestive of 22q11DS. We conclude that MLPA is a cost‐effective and accurate diagnostic tool for 22q11DS with a higher sensitivity than FISH alone. Additional advantages of MLPA testing in our study included determination of deletion length and detection of 22q11.2 duplications. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brief communication: Two and three‐dimensional analysis of bone mass and microstructure in a bog body from the Iron Age
Authors: Schilling Arndt F. , Kummer Tobias , Marshall Robert P. , Bauerochse Andreas , Jopp Eilin , Pueschel Klaus , Amling Michael
Published: November 2007

Human remains from peat bogs, called “bog bodies,” have yielded valuable insights into human history because of their excellent preservation of soft tissue. On the other hand, the acidic environment of the peat leads to an extensive demineralization of skeletal elements, complicating their analysis. We studied the skeleton of the bog body “Moora” dated to ∼650 B.C. Nondestructive evaluation of the bone was made using contact X‐rays, peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) analysis, multislice computed tomography (CT) and high resolution micro computed tomography (μCT) imaging. Two thousand seven hundred years in the acidic environment of the bog led to a loss of 92.7% of bone mineral density. Despite this demineralization and in contrast to other bog bodies, the spatial structure of the bones of “Moora” is exceptionally well preserved. We found Harris lines and were able to obtain the first three‐dimensional data on the trabecular microstructure of the bone of a young woman from the early Iron Age. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of quasi‐nanogel particles on the rheological and mechanical properties of natural rubber: A new insight
Authors: Mitra Suman , Chattopadhyay Santanu , Bhowmick Anil K.
Published: November 2007

The influence of sulfur‐crosslinked, quasi‐nanosized gels on the rheological and mechanical properties of raw natural rubber (NR) was investigated. Latex gels with different crosslink densities were prepared through the variation of the sulfur‐to‐accelerator ratio. These gels were characterized by dynamic light scattering, solvent swelling, and mechanical properties. The gels were mixed with raw NR latex at concentrations of 2, 4, 8, and 16 phr, and their effect on the rheological properties of NR was studied by Monsanto processability tester. The presence of gel in raw NR reduced the apparent shear viscosity and die swell considerably. Initially, the viscosity decreased up to a 8 phr gel loading and then increased with an increase in the gel loading. However, the change in the viscosity was related to the crosslink density of the gels. A new empirical equation relating the viscosity, volume fraction of the gels, and crosslink density was proposed. The die swell of gel‐filled raw NR was at least 10% lower than that of unfilled raw NR and decreased with an increase in the gel loading. The effect of the gels on the die swell properties was explained through the calculation of the principal normal stress difference of gel‐filled NR systems. Scanning electron photomicrographs of the extrudates revealed much better surface smoothness for the gel‐filled virgin rubber systems than for the unfilled rubber. The addition of the gels to raw NR increased the modulus and tensile strength, whereas the elongation at break decreased. The effect of the gels on the dynamic mechanical properties of NR was also investigated. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
The surface modification of nanosilica, preparation of nanosilica/acrylic core‐shell composite latex, and its application in toughening PVC matrix
Authors: Guo Yakun , Wang Meiying , Zhang Hongqi , Liu Guodong , Zhang Liqun , Qu Xiongwei
Published: November 2007

The properties and morphology of nanosilica modified with silane coupling agent, methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS), were characterized by fourier transform infrared, zeta potentials, thermogravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the grafting ratio of MPS on the surface of nanosilica increased with the MPS content. MPS‐silica/PBA/PMMA core‐shell latexes (MPS‐Si/ACR) were prepared by seeded emulsion polymerization. Then they were used to mix with PVC resin. The outer layer (PMMA) enhanced the dispersibility of MPS‐Si/ACR in the PVC matrix by increasing the interfacial interaction of these composite particles with PVC. The notched impact strengths of the blends were influenced by the weight ratio of MPS to silica, the concentration of emulsifier (SDS), and the MPS‐Si/ACR content. The relationships between the mechanical properties and the core‐shell composite structures were elaborated. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Sub‐gridscale parametrization from the perspective of a computer games animator
Authors: Shutts Glenn , Allen Thomas
Published: November 2007

Inspired by the techniques used by animators, it is argued that sub‐gridscale parametrizations (such as those representing deep convection and mountain drag) could be computed on a finer grid than the Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model and use the same dynamical equations but with reduced‐complexity physics and reduced‐accuracy numerical techniques. This fine‐scale parametrization grid would correctly capture the spatial and temporal correlation scales of the modelled processes as well as non‐equilibrium aspects which are usually absent from conventional parametrization schemes (e.g. diurnal cycle in convection). Reducing the accuracy requirement at the fine scale, as well as the algorithmic complexity of multiple interacting physical processes, could bring forward in time some of the benefits of global convective‐scale resolution that are beyond current computational resources. © Crown Copyright 2007. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computer‐based teaching of word construction and reading in two students with developmental disabilities
Authors: Sugasawara Hiroshi , Yamamoto Jun‐ichi
Published: November 2007

Students with developmental disabilities often have difficulty in learning the systematic relations between syllables (auditory stimuli) and characters (visual stimuli) required for reading. Two students with developmental disabilities participated in the present study which used computer‐based teaching applied in the home. We examined whether the students could read individual Japanese Hiragana characters after training with a constructional MTS procedure with differential outcome (DO) that was designed to teach word‐construction for pictured sample stimuli. The DO procedure provided the differential stimulus (in this case spoken syllables) after response selection. The results showed that the students not only acquired appropriate word‐construction responses through this task, they also learned to read Hiragana characters without direct training of this skill. The results are discussed in terms of the effect of the constructional MTS procedure with DO on the acquisition and transfer of reading characters and the applicability of computer‐based home teaching. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liquid chromatographic fluorescence determination of amino acids in plasma and urine after derivatization with phanquinone
Authors: Gatti Rita , Gioia Maria Grazia
Published: November 2007

Phanquinone (4,7‐phenanthroline‐5,6‐dione) has been investigated as a pre‐column derivatization fluorogenic reagent for liquid chromatographic determination of primary amino acids in biological samples. The derivatization reaction was carried out at 68°C both in the presence of aqueous phosphate buffer (pH 8) for 30 min and without buffer for 60 min to allow the determination of basic amino acids (Orn, Lys, Arg). The resulting derivatives were separated under reversed‐phase HPLC and detected at λem = 460 nm with λex = 400 nm. The proposed method was validated and applied to the determination of a variety of amino acids directly in urine and after deproteinization with 5‐sulfosalicylic acid in plasma samples. The detection and quantitation limits were found in the range 10–450 and 35–1400 fmol, respectively. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple and cost effective method for the quantification of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine from urine using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Crow Brian , Bishop Michael , Kovalcik Kasey , Norton Dean , George Joe , Bralley J. Alexander
Published: November 2007

A rapid and high‐throughput method for the determination of urinary levels of the oxidative stress biomarker, 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OH‐dG), has been developed and validated using liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The assay features a cheap and readily available non‐isotopic internal standard, a single‐step filtration sample preparation, and a total analysis time of 6 min including column re‐equilibration. The method was validated based on linearity, accuracy (100–106%), precision (CV < 7%), sample preparation stability (≤5%, 72 h). Intra‐laboratory patient ranges were established comparing children and adults (n = 345). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and validation of a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry assay for the quantification of methyl protodioscin in rat plasma: application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Cao Xiuzhen , Yao Zhihong , Chen Haifeng , Dai Yi , Sun Pinghua , Ye Wencai , Yao Xinsheng
Published: November 2007

A high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry assay was first developed and validated for the quantification of methyl protodioscin (MPD), a natural furostanol saponin with distinct antitumor activity, in rat plasma with 17α‐ethinylestradiol as internal standard (IS). Methanol‐mediated protein precipitation was employed for plasma sample pretreatment. The separation was achieved on a C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, i.d., 5 µm) by isocratic elution with methanol–water (72:28, v/v) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Ion acquisition was performed in selective reaction monitoring positive mode by monitoring the transition of m/z 1085.7 → 1053.7 for MPD, and in selective ion monitoring negative mode by monitoring the deprotonated ion m/z 295.5 for IS. The assay was linear over the concentration range of 2.024–270.0 µg/mL with 2.024 µg/mL as the lower limit of quantification. It was specific, accurate, precise and reproducible with intra‐ and inter‐run RSD <8.3% and RE between −11.5 and 12.8%. The assay was successfully applied to a preclinical pharmacokinetic study after an intravenous dose of 40 mg/kg MPD to rats. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A case study of a cooperative learning experiment in artificial intelligence
Authors: Díez Fernando , Cobos Ruth
Published: November 2007

This article describes an innovative teaching experiment (part of a project for Innovation in Teaching at the University Autónoma of Madrid) which was undertaken by the authors during the first semester of the academic year 2004/2005. This teaching experiment has been the object of evaluation by the students as part of their coursework and has consisted of the use of the groupware system KnowCat, by which the students prepare a repository of documents related to topics and themes associated with the subject matter (Artificial Intelligence). During the process of elaboration both the votes for the best documents and the annotation made about them play an essential role. These documents are carried out exclusively by the students and they are who decide, by means of their activity, which of the documents presented are to be chosen as representative of the entire collection. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 15: 308–316, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20114
Synthesis, Modeling, and Biological Evaluation of Analogues of the Semisynthetic Brevetoxin Antagonist β‐Naphthoyl‐Brevetoxin
Authors: Michelliza Sophie , Abraham William M. , Jacocks Henry M. , Schuster Thomas , Baden Daniel G.
Published: November 2007

Brevetoxins are neurotoxic compounds produced by the dinoflagellateKarenia brevis. Extensive blooms induce neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP) and asthma‐like symptoms in humans. β‐naphthoyl‐brevetoxin, the first semisynthetic brevetoxin antagonist, has been defined as the lead compound in the investigation of the mechanisms of bronchoconstriction induced by inhaled brevetoxins and relaxation or reversal of those effects by selected derivatives. In pursuit of more potent and effective brevetoxin antagonists, a series of β‐naphthoyl‐brevetoxin analogues have been synthesized. Activities were determined by competitive displacement of tritiated brevetoxin‐3 from rat brain synaptosomes and by lung resistance measurements in sheep. Additionally, preliminary computational structural studies have been performed. All analogues bound to rat brain synaptosomes with affinities similar to β‐naphthoyl‐brevetoxin but exhibited very different responses in sheep. The biological evaluations along with computational studies suggest that the brevetoxin binding site in rat brain synaptosome might be different from the ones in lung tissue and both steric and electrostatic factors contribute to the efficacy of brevetoxin antagonism.
A Delphi survey of the views of adult male patients with personality disorders on psychoeducation and social problem‐solving therapy
Authors: McMurran Mary , Wilmington Rebekah
Published: November 2007

Background Psychoeducation and social problem‐solving therapy are treatment components that work well in tandem for offenders with personality disorders, hence it is worthwhile to maintain and improve their effectiveness.

Aim The aim was to seek patients' views of these therapies to contribute to their development.

Method A Delphi survey was conducted with all 12 male inpatients of a personality disorder hospital treatment unit.

Results Round 1 produced 30 statements for psychoeducation and 59 for social problem‐solving therapy to be rated in Round 2. There was consensus at a level of 70% for all items. Both psychoeducation and social problem‐solving therapies were viewed as useful by these patients. The men also suggested improvements in psychoeducation, including minimizing the delay between assessment and feedback, provision of reference material, preparation for the work and support afterwards. Areas identified for improvement in social problem‐solving therapy included more frequent review of progress, greater consistency of delivery, eliciting problems more effectively, providing reference material, supporting patients in group work, and the development of an advanced therapy.

Discussion A Delphi approach to evaluation of therapies with the people receiving them is not only feasible but seems to offer a practical way of making useful clinical adjustments to the work. Further research with larger samples might usefully focus on whether such an approach enhances treatment compliance. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large Magnetic Anisotropy in Pentacoordinate NiII Complexes
Authors: Rebilly Jean‐Noël , Charron Gaëlle , Rivière Eric , Guillot Régis , Barra Anne‐Laure , Serrano Marc Durán , van Slageren Joris , Mallah Talal
Published: November 2007

Pentacoordinate complexes in which NiII is chelated by the tridentate macrocyclic ligand 1,4,7‐triisopropyl‐1,4,7‐triazacyclononane (iPrtacn) of formula [Ni(iPrtacn)X2] (X=Cl, Br, NCS) have relatively large magnetic anisotropies, revealed by the large zero‐field splitting (zfs) axial parameters |D| of around 15 cm−1 measured by frequency‐domain magnetic resonance spectroscopy (FDMRS) and high‐field high‐frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (HF‐HFEPR). The spin Hamiltonian parameters for the three complexes were determined by analyzing the FDMRS spectra at different temperatures in zero applied magnetic field in an energy window between 0 and 40 cm−1. The same parameters were determined from analysis of HF‐HFEPR data measured at different frequencies (285, 380, and 475 GHz) and at 7 and 17 K. The spin Hamiltonian parameters D (axial) and E (rhombic) were calculated for the three complexes in the framework of the angular overlap model (AOM). The nature and magnitude of the magnetic anisotropy of the three complexes and the origin of the influence of the X atoms were analyzed by performing systematic calculations on model complexes.
Multivalent Binding of Small Guest Molecules and Proteins to Molecular Printboards inside Microchannels
Authors: Ludden Manon J. W. , Ling Xing Yi , Gang Tian , Bula Wojciech P. , Gardeniers Han J. G. E. , Reinhoudt David N. , Huskens Jurriaan
Published: November 2007

β‐Cyclodextrin (β‐CD) monolayers have been immobilized in microchannels. The host–guest interactions on the β‐CD monolayers inside the channels were comparable to the interactions on β‐CD monolayers on planar surfaces, and a divalent fluorescent guest attached with a comparable binding strength. Proteins were attached to these monolayers inside microchannels in a selective manner by employing a strategy that uses streptavidin and orthogonal linker molecules. The design of the chip, which involved a large channel that splits into four smaller channels, allowed the channels to be addressed separately and led to the selective immobilization of antibodies. Experiments with labeled antibodies showed the selective immobilization of these antibodies in the separate channels.
The value of household life cycle variables in consumer expenditure research: An empirical examination
Authors: Putler Daniel S. , Li Tieshan , Liu Yong
Published: November 2007

We examine why studies reach contradictory conclusions concerning the value of the household life cycle model as a predictive tool in consumer expenditure research. Using a database of roughly 14,000 Canadian households, we find that household life cycle variables do not generally enhance prediction over a more parsimonious model containing a basic set of socioeconomic and demographic variables, even when comparing less aggregated to more aggregated expenditure categories. However, they do enhance prediction for categories that are defined such that the typical users of the category fall into a fairly narrow age range. The theoretical and applied significance of our findings are discussed and directions for future research are offered. Copyright © 2007 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thiamine Pyrophosphate Dependent Enzyme Catalyzed Reactions: Stereoselective C–C Bond Formations in Water
Authors: Demir Ayhan S. , Ayhan Peruze , Sopaci S. Betül
Published: November 2007

Enzymes are biodegradable and renewable resources that utilize water as the reaction solvent. Reactions catalyzed by enzymes are among the most effective, selective, and ‘green’ processes available today. The advantages of using biocatalysts include their high degree of regio‐ and stereo‐specificity, versatility, and high reaction rates under mild reaction conditions. Enzyme catalyzed enantioselective C–C bond formation reactions are rather important aspects of synthetic organic chemistry. Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) dependent enzymes, especially, have an important role in the stereoselective formation of C–C bonds. This review covers the recent advances in enzyme catalyzed asymmetric C–C bond formation using the most pronounced thiamine pyrophosphate dependent enzymes: acetohydroxyacid synthase, benzaldehyde lyase, benzoylformate decarboxylase, pyruvate decarboxylase, and phenylpyruvate decarboxylase. These enzymes are all capable of acyloin‐type condensation reactions in water under mild conditions, in turn leading to chiral α‐hydroxy ketones, which are versatile building blocks for the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
Effects of Long‐Term Sewage Sludge Amendment on the Composition, Structure and Proton Binding Activity of Soil Fulvic Acids
Authors: García‐Gil Juan Carlos , Plaza César , Senesi Nicola , Brunetti Gennaro , Polo Alfredo
Published: November 2007

The objective of this research was the evaluation of long‐term effects of amendment with sewage sludge (SL) on the compositional, structural, and functional characteristics of soil fulvic acids (FAs) with special emphasis on their acid‐base properties. For this purpose, FAs were isolated from SL, soils amended with SL after 9 and 36 months from amendment, and the corresponding unamended soil. With respect to unamended soil FA, SL‐FA was characterized by a prevalent aliphatic character, larger contents of C, H, N, and S, smaller contents of O, carboxyl and phenolic OH, total acidity, and C/N and C/H ratios. The SL‐amendment determined a number of modifications in soil FA, including an increase of aliphaticity and N, H and S contents, a decrease of O and acidic functional group contents and C/N ratios, and a slightly increase of proton affinity of the carboxylic‐type and phenolic‐type groups. Further, SL‐application induced a decrease of heterogeneity of carboxylic‐type groups, whereas the heterogeneity of phenolic‐type groups increased substantially. These changes, in turn, influenced the acid‐base buffering capacity of SL‐amended soils, which is expected to have an important impact on the biological availability, mobilization, and transport of nutrients and heavy metal ions in SL‐amended soils. However, these effects on SL‐amended soil FAs become less and less apparent with a clear trend to approach the molecular properties of native soil FA.
Preparation and NMR Spectroscopy of Selected Polychlorinated meta‐Terphenyls
Authors: Hopf Henning , Carjila Andreia , Ernst Ludger
Published: November 2007

The preparation of eight polychlorinated terphenyl (PCT) congeners by Suzuki coupling from readily available starting materials is described: the dichloride 3,3′′‐dichloro‐meta‐terphenyl (3), the tetrachlorides 2,2′′3,3′′‐tetrachloro‐meta‐terphenyl (5a), 2,2′′4,4′′‐tetrachloro‐meta‐terphenyl (5b), 2,2′′,5,5′′‐tetrachloro‐meta‐terphenyl (5c), and 3,3′′,4,4′′‐tetrachloro‐meta‐terphenyl (5d) and the pentachlorides 3,4,5′,3′′,4′′‐pentachloro‐meta‐terphenyl (8), 2,4,5′,3′′,4′′‐pentachloro‐meta‐terphenyl (9), and 2,4,5′,3′′,5′′‐pentachloro‐meta‐terphenyl (10), the latter being obtained by a combinatorial approach to these meta‐terphenyl derivatives. The structure elucidation of these model compounds rests largely on NMR spectroscopy which allows unambiguous assignment of the substitution pattern.
Management of Waste from Health Care Institutions
Authors: Meyer Roswitha
Published: November 2007

Efficient health‐care waste management is crucial for the prevention of the exposure of health care workers, patients, and the community to infections, toxic wastes and injuries as well as the protection of the environment, according to the World Health Organization. Health care waste is classified according to local governmental directives. These, as well as the disposal of the different waste streams vary extremely between different countries. This requires country specific solutions for disposal of health care wastes. Since 1989 the author participates in hospital waste management projects for the Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) and the Senior Expert Service (SES) in Brazil, Thailand, and Ghana. In 2003 she founded the consultancy “Meyro‐Consulting” (www.meyro‐consulting.de).
Selective Human Adenosine A3 Antagonists based on Pyrido[2,1‐f]purine‐2,4‐diones: Novel Features of hA3 Antagonist Binding
Authors: Priego Eva‐María , Pérez‐Pérez María‐Jesús , von Frijtag Drabbe Kuenzel Jacobien K. , de Vries Henk , IJzerman Adriaan P. , Camarasa María‐José , Martín‐Santamaría Sonsoles
Published: November 2007

Based on our previous results on the potent antagonist effect of 1H,3H‐pyrido[2,1‐f]purine‐2,4‐diones at the human A3 adenosine receptor, new series of this family of compounds have been synthesized and evaluated in radioligand binding studies against the human A1, A2A, A2B, and A3 receptors. A remarkable improvement in potency, and most noticeable, in selectivity has been achieved, as exemplified by the 3‐cyclopropylmethyl‐8‐methoxy‐1‐(4‐methylbenzyl)‐1H,3H‐pyrido[2,1‐f]purine‐2,4‐dione (10) that combines a very high affinity at hA3 (Ki=2.24 nM), with lack of affinity for the A1, A2A, and A2B receptors. On the basis of the published hA3 receptor model (PDB 1OEA), molecular modeling studies, including molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, have been performed to depict the binding mode of the 1 H,3H‐pyrido[2,1‐f]purine‐2,4‐diones and to justify the selectivity against the other adenosine receptors. These studies have led to novel features of the cavity where our antagonists are bound so that the cavity is lined by the hydrogen‐bonded Gln 167‐Asn 250 pair and by the highly conserved Phe 168.
Modeling language and tools for the semantic link network
Authors: Zhuge Hai , Yuan Kehua , Liu Jin , Zhang Junsheng , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: November 2007

The semantic link network (SLN) is the extension of the hyperlink Web by attaching semantics to hyperlinks. It is an approach to construct a semantic overlay on Web resources. The specification of the semantics of the SLN model is an essential issue of SLN application. This paper proposes a modeling language for SLN consisting of an algebraic definition for SLN, a SLN metamodel and a Unified Modeling Language (UML) profile for SLN. The SLN metamodel specifies the primitives of the modeling language. The UML profile for SLN defines the specific syntax on SLN to make the modeling language understandable and usable. The development of the SLN builder implementing this language and the graphical SLN browser is introduced. This work is a part of the SLN model. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and analysis of an electronic ballast with a secondary DC output
Authors: Cheng K. W. E. , Wang H. Y. , Cheng D. K. W.
Published: November 2007

An electronic ballast circuit for a high‐frequency operated fluorescent lamp, which uses switched‐capacitor techniques, is presented in this paper. A part of energy in the electronic ballast is derived to a secondary DC output as a power supply. All the switching devices are zero‐current switching in the proposed circuit. The circuit is integrated with the function of a DC/DC converter. Therefore, the circuit has a dual functionality with simple control method. Simulation results and experimental results of the ballast with an FL‐15D lamp are used to verify the performance of the proposed circuit. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sex difference in neural tube defects in p53‐null mice is caused by differences in the complement of X not Y genes
Authors: Chen Xuqi , Watkins Rebecca , Delot Emmanuele , Reliene Ramune , Schiestl Robert H. , Burgoyne Paul S. , Arnold Arthur P.
Published: November 2007

To shed light on the biological origins of sex differences in neural tube defects (NTDs), we examined Trp53‐null C57BL/6 mouse embryos and neonates at 10.5 and 18.5 days post coitus (dpc) and at birth. We confirmed that female embryos show more NTDs than males. We also examined mice in which the testis‐determining gene Sry is deleted from the Y chromosome but inserted onto an autosome as a transgene, producing XX and XY gonadal females and XX and XY gonadal males. At birth, Trp53 nullizygous mice were predominantly XY rather than XX, irrespective of gonadal type, showing that the sex difference in the lethal effect of Trp53 nullizygosity by postnatal day 1 is caused by differences in sex chromosome complement. At 10.5 dpc, the incidence of NTDs in Trp53‐null progeny of XY* mice, among which the number of the X chromosomes varies independently of the presence or absence of a Y chromosome, was higher in mice with two copies of the X chromosome than in mice with a single copy. The presence of a Y chromosome had no protective effect, suggesting that sex differences in NTDs are caused by sex differences in the number of X chromosomes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008
Measurement of daily activity in restrictive type anorexia nervosa
Authors: Harris Ann M. , McAlpine Donald E. , Shirbhate Rashmi , Manohar Chinmay U. , Levine James A.
Published: November 2007

Objective:

The assessment of daily activity in patients with restrictive type anorexia nervosa is limited by an absence of accurate and precise technology. We wanted to test a daily activity detecting device named, the physical activity monitoring system (PAMS).

Method:

Women participants with restrictive type anorexia nervosa (n = 8, 36 ± 11 years, 17 ± 2 kg/m2) and healthy women participants (n = 8, 30 ± 11 years, 27 ± 7 kg/m2) were asked to lie, sit, and stand motionless, and walk at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 mph while wearing PAMS.

Results:

For all restrictive type anorexia nervosa and healthy participants, body posture was correctly detected for all measurements (300/300). There was excellent correlation of an individual's body acceleration with walking velocity and walking energy expenditure (r2 > .99).

Conclusion:

The PAMS technology could serve as a tool for lending insight into the pathophysiology of restrictive type anorexia nervosa; and potentially measuring compliance with activity recommendations for medical professionals treating individuals with restrictive type anorexia nervosa. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
Peptide‐based immunotherapy of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis without anaphylaxis
Authors: Leech Melanie D. , Chung Chen‐Yen , Culshaw Abigail , Anderton Stephen M.
Published: November 2007

Administration of peptide antigens in tolerogenic form holds promise as a specific treatment for autoimmune and allergic disorders. However, experiments in rodent autoimmune models have highlighted the risk of anaphylaxis in response to systemic peptide application once the aberrant immune response is underway. Thus, mice with clinical signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) or diabetes have been reported to suffer fatal anaphylaxis upon administration of native autoantigenic peptides. Clearly, this might represent a significant barrier to the use of synthetic peptides in the treatment of ongoing human autoimmune conditions. Here we describe the development of an altered peptide ligand (APL) engineered to prevent anaphylaxis (no antibody binding) whilst retaining the ability to silence pathogenic myelin‐reactive T lymphocytes. Administration of the APL to mice with an ongoing anti‐myelin immune response did not cause anaphylaxis, but led to complete protection from the subsequent induction of EAE and, when given during ongoing EAE, led to a rapid remission of clinical signs. The approach of removing antibody recognition whilst maintaining the desired functional effect (in this case T cell tolerance) may be of value in other situations in which there is a risk of triggering anaphylaxis with peptide‐based drugs.
Monocyte‐mediated T cell suppression by HIV‐2 envelope proteins
Authors: Cavaleiro Rita , Brunn Gregory J. , Albuquerque Adriana S. , Victorino Rui M. M. , Platt Jeffrey L. , Sousa Ana E.
Published: November 2007

HIV‐2 is associated with an attenuated form of HIV disease. We investigate here the immunosuppressive effects of the HIV‐2 envelope protein, gp105. We found that gp105 suppresses activation of T cells through a monocyte‐mediated mechanism. Suppression of T cell activation by gp105 depends on contact between monocytes and T cells, but not on CD4+CD25+ T cells. The TLR4 pathway is likely involved, since gp105 activates TLR4 signaling and induces TNF‐α production by monocytes. Immunosuppression is viewed as the main pathophysiologic consequence of infection by HIV. However, the main immunologic defect caused by HIV, depletion of T cells, requires T cell activation. Our findings are consistent with a new concept that HIV‐2 envelope proteins act on monocytes to suppress T cell activation and that this property may contribute to the benign course of HIV‐2. We hypothesize that the HIV‐2 envelope immunosuppressive properties limit bursts of T cell activation, thus reducing viremia and contributing to the slow rate of disease progression that characterizes HIV‐2 disease.
Unusual biochemical features and follicular dendritic cell expression of human Fcα/μ receptor
Authors: Kikuno Kaoru , Kang Dong‐Won , Tahara Kazuki , Torii Ikuko , Kubagawa Homare M. , Ho Kang Jey , Baudino Lucie , Nishizaki Naoto , Shibuya Akira , Kubagawa Hiromi
Published: November 2007

The Fc receptor for IgA and IgM (Fcα/μR) is of particular interest because it can bind antibodies of both IgM and IgA isotypes and thus may play a pivotal role in systemic and mucosal immunity. Using IgM and IgA ligands and newly generated Fcα/μR specific monoclonal antibodies we have defined biochemical features and cellular distribution of the human Fcα/μR. Both recombinant and native forms of human Fcα/μR are expressed on the cell surface as remarkably stable homodimeric transmembrane glycoproteins that can bind specifically polymeric IgM or IgA. The only human B cells to express Fcα/μR, albeit at very low levels, are found in the pre‐germinal center subpopulation defined by the IgD+/CD38+ phenotype. Hence the expression pattern differs from that of the mouse wherein Fcα/μR is expressed by both circulating and resident B cell populations. Significantly, the predominant cell type expressing the Fcα/μR in humans is the follicular dendritic cell of germinal centers. The Fcα/μR may thus function in antigen presentation and B cell selection in the germinal center response.
Electrophoretic methods for analysis of urinary polypeptides in IgA‐associated renal diseases
Authors: Julian Bruce A. , Wittke Stefan , Novak Jan , Good David M. , Coon Joshua J. , Kellmann Markus , Zürbig Petra , Schiffer Eric , Haubitz Marion , Moldoveanu Zina , Calcatera Shannon M. , Wyatt Robert J. , Sýkora Josef , Sládková Eva , Hes Ondrej , Mischak Harald , McGuire Brendan M.
Published: November 2007

We evaluated the utility of SDS‐PAGE/Western blot and CE coupled with MS (CE‐MS) for detection of urinary polypeptide biomarkers of renal disease in patients with IgA‐associated glomerulonephritides. In a reference cohort of 402 patients with various renal disorders and 207 healthy controls, we defined CE‐MS patterns of renal damage and IgA nephropathy (IgAN). In a blinded analysis of a separate cohort of patients with IgAN (n = 10), Henoch‐Schoenlein purpura (HSP) with nephritis (n = 10), and IgA‐associated glomerulonephritis due to hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐induced cirrhosis (n = 9), and healthy controls (n = 12), we compared SDS‐PAGE/Western blot and CE‐MS against clinical urinalysis for detection of urinary proteins/polypeptides. Urinalysis indicated proteinuria for 50, 90, and 33% of patients, respectively, and for none of the healthy controls. SDS‐PAGE/Western blot showed urinary polypeptides abnormality for 90, 80, and 67% of patients, respectively, and for none of the healthy controls. CE‐MS indicated a Renal Damage Pattern in 80, 80, and 100 of patients, respectively, and in 17% of healthy controls, with the more specific IgAN Pattern in 90, 90, and 1%, respectively, and in none of the healthy controls. Based on differences in CE‐MS patterns, the disease mechanisms may differ among various IgA‐associated glomerulonephritides. These exploratory findings should be evaluated in a prospective study with contemporaneous renal biopsy and urinary testing. If validated, it may be feasible to adapt the CE‐MS methodology to develop novel tests to detect renal injury at earlier stages, assess clinical manifestations, and monitor responses to therapy in patients with IgA‐associated renal diseases.
Atypical antipsychotics in severe anorexia nervosa in children and adolescents—review and case reports
Authors: Mehler‐Wex Claudia , Romanos Marcel , Kirchheiner Julia , Schulze Ulrike M.E.
Published: November 2007

Objective

To review the literature on the use of atypical antipsychotics in anorexia nervosa of children and adolescents and to present three case reports on quetiapine treatment of this subgroup.

Method

Review of the literature and case report.

Results

Several case reports and two small open‐label trials, mainly in adults, observed beneficial effects of olanzapine on anorexic psychopathology. Only 16 case reports have been published on children and adolescents. Because of its lower propensity to induce weight gain quetiapine might be favourable with regard to patients' compliance. Our case reports revealed positive psychopathological effects and good tolerability of quetiapine in minors with severe anorexia nervosa. Careful titration and intense drug monitoring are recommended.

Discussion

In a small subset of patients with severe, treatment‐ resistant anorexia nervosa, extreme weight phobia, delusional body image disturbances or severe hyperactivity might be considered as indications for atypical antipsychotics. However, controlled studies are needed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Power transformer top‐oil temperature model based on thermal–electric analogy theory
Authors: Weigen Chen , Chong Pan , Yuxin Yun
Published: November 2007

This paper presents a thermal–electric analogous thermal model of an oil‐immersed power transformer. The model is established to calculate the top‐oil temperature in the form of simple equivalent circuit based on the fundamental heat transfer theory. The presented model takes into account application of the lumped capacitance, nonlinear thermal resistances, and oil viscosity, whereas Levenberg–Marquardt Method is used as a search method to determine the thermal model parameters. For the OFAN and OFAF power transformers, a lot of experimental data and curves show the proposed model in this paper can yield better results than IEEE thermal model and be used widely in the power transformer fault prediction field. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regression‐based modeling of market option prices: with application to S&P500 options
Authors: Pandher Gurupdesh S.
Published: November 2007

This paper presents a simple empirical approach to modeling and forecasting market option prices using localized option regressions (LOR). LOR projects market option prices over localized regions of their state space and is robust to assumptions regarding the underlying asset dynamics (e.g. log‐normality) and volatility structure. Our empirical study using 3 years of daily S&P500 options shows that LOR yields smaller out‐of‐sample pricing errors (e.g. 32% 1‐day‐out) relative to an efficient benchmark from the literature and produces option prices free of the volatility smile. In addition to being an efficient and robust option‐modeling and valuation tool for large option books, LOR provides a simple‐to‐implement empirical benchmark for evaluating more complex risk‐neutral models.  Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Composite Proton‐Conducting Membranes for PEMFCs
Authors: Mustarelli P. , Carollo A. , Grandi S. , Quartarone E. , Tomasi C. , Leonardi S. , Magistris A.
Published: November 2007

Composite membranes are of interest for PEMFCs and DMFCs. This paper describes a basic study of the influence of silica on the proton conductivity: (i) added as a filler to poly(vinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene) and poly(benzimidazole)‐based membranes activated with H3PO4, or (ii) included in the matrix of class II hybrids based on tetraethoxysilane and poly(ethylene glycol) and activated with phosphotungstic acid (PWA).

The addition of acidic silica as a filler determines proton conductivity increases up to one order of magnitude for filler amounts which strongly depend on the proton transport mechanism, and on the nature (free or partially free) of the activating acid. The increase of the silica content in the hybrid matrix induces a more complex behaviour which also depends on the amount of PWA.