bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rare‐Earth Metal Alkyl and Hydride Complexes Supported by a Linked Anilido–cyclopentadienyl Ligand: Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity
Authors: Robert Dominique , Voth Peter , Spaniol Thomas P. , Okuda Jun
Published: May 2008

Trimethylsilylmethyl complexes of the type [Ln(η5‐C5Me4CH2SiMe2NC6H4R‐4‐κN)(CH2SiMe3)(thf)n] containing a dianionic ligand [C5Me4CH2SiMe2NC6H4R‐4]2– with a para‐substituted anilido group and a CH2SiMe2 link were prepared. The yttrium complex [Y(η5‐C5Me4CH2SiMe2NPh‐κN)(CH2SiMe3)(thf)2] (2a) reacts with H2 to generate the corresponding dimeric hydride [Y(η5‐C5Me4CH2SiMe2NPh‐κN)(μ‐H)(thf)]2 (5a). Pyridine inserts into the Y–H bond in a 1,2‐fashion to afford the stable 2‐hydropyridyl complex [Y(η5‐C5Me4CH2SiMe2NPh‐κN)(η1‐NC5H6)(py)2] (6a). Upon reaction with tBuC≡CH, protonolysis takes place to give the dimeric alkynyl complex [Y(η5‐C5Me4CH2SiMe2NPh‐κN)(μ‐C≡CtBu)(thf)]2 (7a).(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Fabrication and Electrochemical Behavior of Hemoglobin Modified Carbon Ionic Liquid Electrode
Authors: Sun Wei , Gao Ruifang , Li Xiaoqing , Wang Dandan , Yang Maoxia , Jiao Kui
Published: May 2008

A new hemoglobin (Hb) and room temperature ionic liquid modified carbon paste electrode was constructed by mixing Hb with 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIMPF6) and graphite powder together. The Hb modified carbon ionic liquid electrode (Hb‐CILE) was further characterized by FT‐IR spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Hb in the carbon ionic liquid electrode remained its natural structure and showed good direct electrochemical behaviors. A pair of well‐defined quasireversible redox peaks appeared with the apparent standard potential (E′) as −0.334 (vs. SCE) in pH 7.0 phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The electrochemical parameters such as the electron transfer number (n), the electron transfer coefficient (α) and the heterogeneous electron transfer kinetic constant (ks) of the electrode reaction were calculated with the results as 1.2, 0.465 and 0.434 s−1, respectively. The fabricated Hb‐CILE exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity to the reduction of H2O2. The calibration range for H2O2 quantitation was between 8.0×10−6 mol/L and 2.8×10−4 mol/L with the linear regression equation as Iss (μA)=0.12 C (μmol/L)+0.73 (n=18, γ=0.997) and the detection limit as 1.0×10−6 mol/L (3σ). The apparent Michaelis–Menten constant (KMapp) of Hb in the modified electrode was estimated to be 1.103 mmol/L. The surface of this electrochemical sensor can be renewed by a simple polishing step and showed good reproducibility.
Semi‐active multi‐step predictive control of structures using MR dampers
Authors: Xu Long‐He , Li Zhong‐Xian
Published: May 2008

A semi‐active multi‐step predictive control (SAMPC) system with magnetorheological (MR) dampers is developed to reduce the seismic responses of structures. This system can predict the next multi‐step responses of structure according to the current state and has a function of self‐compensation for time delay that occurred in real application. To study the performance of the proposed control algorithm for addressing time delay and reducing the seismic responses, a numerical example of an 11‐story structure with MR dampers is presented. Comparison with the uncontrolled structure indicates that both the peak and the norm values of structural responses are all clearly reduced when the predictive length l⩽10 and the delayed time step d⩽20 are selected, and the SAMPC strategy can guarantee the stability of the controlled structure and reduce the effects of time delay on controlled responses to a certain extent. A performance comparison is also made between the SAMPC strategy and the passive‐off and passive‐on methods; results indicate that this SAMPC system is more effective than the two passive methods in reducing structural responses subjected to earthquakes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biological importance of a polymorphic CA sequence within intron 1 of the epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) in high grade central osteosarcomas
Authors: Kersting Christian , Agelopoulos Konstantin , Schmidt Hartmut , Korsching Eberhard , August Christian , Gosheger Georg , Dirksen Uta , Juergens Heribert , Winkelmann Wilfried , Brandt Burkhard , Bielack Stefan , Buerger Horst , Gebert Carsten
Published: May 2008

Expression of EGFR in high grade osteosarcomas has been observed to be correlated with an improved prognosis. Yet, the underlying mechanism remained unclear since amplifications of EGFR have rarely been described. Recently, the length of a polymorphic CA repeat located at a 5′‐regulatory sequence in the intron 1 of the EGFR gene (SSR I) has been shown to be associated with its basal transcriptional activity. We therefore determined the allelic length of CA SSR‐I in 219 cases of high grade osteosarcoma and correlated the results with EGFR expression in 34 cases, the presence of amplifications within the CA SSR‐I repeat in 59 cases, and clinical follow‐up. Our results confirm that in osteosarcoma patients short alleles are more frequent than longer ones, 16 CA repeats being the most frequent. The allele composition differed significantly from the one recently described in a healthy control population (P < 0.01). Short alleles tended to be associated with increased expression of EGFR. Amplifications of the EGFR gene were seen in 13.5% of cases. Significant correlations between allele length composition and neoadjuvant chemotherapy response or long term clinical outcome could not be established. While we were able to show that high frequency of EGFR expression in osteosarcomas is associated with predominantly short alleles of EGFR‐CA SSR I, persisting shortcomings in the correspondence with clinical data point toward the existence of additional, putatively more important transcription control mechanisms for EGFR in osteosarcomas which might account for the good prognostic value of EGFR expression. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of 2‐substituted O,O‐bis(trimethylsilyl) alkylphosphonites with aryl and heterocyclic fragments and their amino or amido derivatives
Authors: Prishchenko Andrey A. , Livantsov Mikhail V. , Novikova Olga P. , Livantsova Ludmila I. , Petrosyan Valery S.
Published: May 2008

Free‐radical addition of bis(trimethyl‐siloxy)phosphine to various functionalized alkenes with aryl and heterocyclic fragments is proposed as a convenient procedure for the synthesis of new 2‐substituted alkylphosphonites of corresponding structures. Also the new functionalized derivatives of these phosphonites, including various amino and amido groups as well as certain properties of these compounds, are presented. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:345–351, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20431
Thiol–thione tautomeric forms recognition on the example of 4‐[3‐(2‐methyl‐furan‐3‐yl)‐5‐thioxo‐1,2,4‐triazolin‐4‐yl]acetic acid
Authors: Siwek Agata , Wujec Monika , Wawrzycka‐Gorczyca Irena , Dobosz Maria , Paneth Piotr
Published: May 2008

The synthesis of 4‐[3‐(2‐methyl‐furan‐3‐yl)‐5‐thioxo‐1,2,4‐triazolin‐4‐yl]acetic acid, its structural study in the solid state, and the thiol–thione tautomeric recognition on the basis of spectroscopic data and theoretical calculations are presented. It is shown that NMR spectra, especially 13C and 15N, are indicative of the actual tautomeric form whereas vibrational data can be ambiguous. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:337–344, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20433
Synthesis of tervalent phosphorus esters in biphasic system using potassium phosphate as unique solid base
Authors: Ilia Gheorghe , Iliescu Smaranda , Macarie Lavinia , Popa Adriana
Published: May 2008

The synthesis of tervalent phosphorus esters continues to be a significant area of interest, much of it again directed toward the synthesis of phosphite ligands for metal‐catalyzed reactions. Typically, they were obtained through esterification of the corresponding phosphorus chlorides with the appropriate alcohols in the presence of an amine. In this paper, we present a new method for the synthesis of tervalent phosphorus esters, not yet mentioned in the literature, when potassium phosphate, as a unique base, is used in liquid–solid system. Symmetrical and unsymmetrical phosphites were obtained with good yields (65%–80%) using this method. The compounds were characterized by 31P NMR spectroscopy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:360–364, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20438
A mild and efficient synthesis of chiral tetrahydroquinolino pyranose derivatives catalyzed by lanthanum(iii) nitrate hexahydrate
Authors: Narasimhulu M. , Reddy S. Malla , Rajesh K. , Suryakiran N. , Ramesh D. , Venkateswarlu Y.
Published: May 2008

A mild and highly efficient synthesis of chiral tetrahydroquinolino pyranose derivatives is described. The reaction of a chiral α,β‐unsaturated aldehyde containing a hydroxyl group with different aryl amines using lanthanum(III) nitrate hexahydrate as a catalyst afforded corresponding chiral tetrahydroquinolinated pyranosides in excellent yields. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:429–433, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20441
Halogen switching of azacarbenes C2NH ground states at ab initio and DFT levels
Authors: Kassaee M. Z. , Ghambarian M. , Musavi S. M.
Published: May 2008

Relative stabilities and singlet–triplet energy differences are calculated for 24 C2NX azacarbenes (where X is H, F, Cl, and Br). Three skeletal arrangements are employed including azacyclopropenylidene, [(imino)methylene]carbene, and cyanocarbene. Halogens appear to alternate the electronic ground states of C2NH azacarbenes, from triplet to singlet states, at MP3/6‐311++G**, B1LYP/6‐311++G**, B3LYP/6‐311++G**, MP2/6‐311++G**, MP4(SDTQ)/6‐311++G**, QCISD(T)/6‐311++G**, CCSD(T)/6‐311++G**, CCSD(T)/cc‐pVTZ, G1, and G2 levels of theory. The aromatic characters of singlet cyclic azacyclopropenylidenes are measured using GIAO–NICS calculations. Linear correlations are found between the B3LYP/6‐311++G** calculated LUMO–HOMO energy gaps (ΔEHOMO ‐ LUMO) of the singlet carbenes versus their corresponding singlet–triplet energy separations (ΔE). Electrophilic characters are found for all singlet azacarbenes in their addition reactions to alkenes with the highest electrophilicity being exhibited for X = F. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:377–388, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20442
Ylide character and stability of heterocyclic benzenes
Authors: Kassaee M. Z. , Vessally E. , Pirelahi H. , Arshadi S.
Published: May 2008

Optimizations are carried out on heterocyclic benzenes including oxabenzene (1O), thiabenzene (1S), selenabenzene (1Se), tellurabenzene (1Te), 1,1‐dihydropyridinium (2N), 1,1‐dihydrophosphinium (2P), 1,1‐dihydroarsinium (2As), and 1,1‐dihydrostybinium (2Sb), using HF and DFT methods with 6‐311++G* basis sets. These partly aromatic compounds have 6π‐electrons showing ylide character. Nonplanar boat conformers appear as global minima for 1X. In contrast, planar conformers are the most stable in 2X series. The inversion barrier energy of heteroatom in 1O appears the least in 1X structures. Ylide character increases in series 1X and 2X with the orders of 1Te > 1O > 1Se > 1S and 2As > 2N > 2Sb > 2P, respectively. Homodesmic studies show stability order for series 1X to be 1S > 1Se > 1Te > 1O, whereas the order of stability for series 2X is 2As > 2P > 2Sb > 2N. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:412–417, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20443
Synthesis of new organophosphorus‐substituted derivatives of functionalized propionates and their analogues
Authors: Prishchenko Andrey A. , Livantsov Mikhail V. , Novikova Olga P. , Livantsova Ludmila I. , Petrosyan Valery S.
Published: May 2008

Nucleophilic or radical addition of trimethylsilyl esters of trivalent organophosphorus acids to various functionalized acrylates and their cyclic analogues is proposed as convenient methods for the synthesis of new 2‐trimethylsiloxycarbonyl‐substituted alkylphosphonites and their derivatives under mild conditions. Also the new functionalized derivatives of these phosphonites, including amino, amido, and amino acids fragments as well as certain properties of these compounds, are presented as important precursors of new organophosphorus‐substituted derivatives of functionalized propionates and their analogues. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:418–428, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20446
Novel bile acid derived H‐phosphonate conjugates: Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization
Authors: Li Yan , Chu Weijun , Ju Yong
Published: May 2008

The H‐phosphonate bioconjugates of bile acids, conjugated with various alcohols and nucleosides, were obtained in one pot by a tandem transesterification with diphenyl phosphite (DPP). The synthesis of cholic acid derived phosphoramide from the corresponding H‐phosphonate was also demonstrated. The structures of these novel conjugates were confirmed on the basis of IR,31P NMR, 1H NMR, and mass spectra. The synthesized bile acid conjugates were mixtures of diastereoisomers due to the chirality of the phosphorus. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:402–407, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20447
Variations in obstetric practice in Russia: a story of professional autonomy, isolation and limited evidence
Authors: Danishevski Kirill , McKee Martin , Balabanova Dina
Published: May 2008

The Russian health system seeks to ensure consistent models of care through a series of nationwide decrees. Yet patterns of care vary widely, often unrelated to evidence of effectiveness. This study examines care provided by obstetricians in all 19 facilities in a typical Russian region. A first set of structured interviews was conducted with 52 obstetricians, with emerging themes explored in a second set of interviews with 36 of the original interviewees. Accounts were compared with quantitative data on patterns of practice.

Obstetricians had little access to information, with only limited use of Russian journals and textbooks and minimal access to international evidence.

The decisions made by obstetricians largely determined the overall pattern of care, with midwives, nurses and anaesthetists clearly subordinate. Care was highly medicalized, with many interventions long discarded in the west. There was no obvious reason for widespread variations.

Obstetric care in Russia is characterized by widespread use of many harmful or ineffective practices, while many effective ones are not used. Effective policies to tackle these problems will require wide‐ranging policies addressing factors ranging from educational policies to the status of professionals but, above all, will have to confront the legacy of Soviet science that prioritized ideology over evidence. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass transfer enhancement by pulsatile flows in grooved channels (the effects of groove length on the resonant mass transfer enhancement)
Authors: Kunitsugu Koji , Nishimura Tatsuo , Tanoue Ken‐Ichiro
Published: May 2008

The effect of groove length on the resonant mass transfer enhancement by pulsatile flow in grooved channel at intermediate Reynolds number was studied for five channels using experimental methods. The mass transport processes from the bottom of the groove to the channel were visualized by an electrolytic precipitation method, and overall and local mass transfer rates were measured by electrochemical methods with a high Schmidt number fluid. The qualitative and quantitative observations show that the range of Strouhal numbers, which gives inertia‐dominated flow, is extended to the low‐value region with groove length. Moreover, it is revealed that a noticeable enhancement is obtained in a specific channel at a Reynolds number for a wide range of Strouhal numbers. The results indicate that there is a specific Reynolds number for transfer enhancement in a channel. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 37(4): 240–257, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20197
Experimental investigations of a double‐decker jet impingement/film structure's cooling effectiveness
Authors: Liu Zhenxiong , Mao Junkui , Guo Wen , Jiang Hefu
Published: May 2008

Experiments were carried out to investigate the cooling coefficient of a laminar double‐decker jet impingement/film structure. Blowing rate M, the ratio of the jet impingement distance to the diameter of the jet hole H/D, the ratio of the distance between the jet hole and film hole to the diameter of the jet hole P/D were changed to study the rules of local cooling coefficient varying with these parameters. All the results show that a higher cooling coefficient was achieved under larger blowing rate conditions. There exists a proper range of H/D and P/D, which can result in a maximum cooling coefficient. It is verified that when H/D=0.5 and P/D=4, the maximum cooling coefficient can be achieved. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 37(4): 232–239, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20199
Transient flow patterns in a microfluidic chip with a complicated microstructure
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xu Jinliang
Published: May 2008

The transient flow patterns of the boiling flow in a microfluidic chip with a complicated microstructure were studied at low mass fluxes and high heat fluxes. The periodic flow pattern in the timescale of milliseconds and the stratified flow pattern were observed. For a specific separated zone, the liquid film thickness was increased along the flow direction and the dry‐out always occurred earlier at the microchannel upstream rather than downstream. However, for different microchannel zones, the dry‐out took place earlier in the downstream zone. It was determined that the low liquid Froude number was responsible for the formation of the stratified flow. The large boiling number resulted in a large shear stress at the vapor–liquid interface, leading to the accumulation of the liquid in the microchannel downstream, causing the increased liquid film thickness along the flow direction. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 37(4): 224–231, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20201
Research on the thermal corridor of a hypersonic vehicle
Authors: Jin Ling , Wang An‐Ling , Gui Ye‐Wei , Geng Xiang‐Ren , Tang Wei
Published: May 2008

The establishment of a reasonable physical model and an effective solution scheme for the thermal corridor is very important to thermal protection structure design, trajectory selection, aerodynamic configuration optimization design, etc. The concept of a thermal corridor for a hypersonic vehicle was analyzed and a physical model was proposed in this paper. Furthermore, the governing equations and the corresponding algorithm for the thermal corridor were discussed. The envelopes of the height–velocity curves at typical positions of the vehicle X43 were calculated, the characteristics of the thermal corridor were summarized, the effect of the thermal protection material on the thermal corridor was discussed, and the emission coefficient of the thermal protection material was defined. The results indicate that the thermal corridor depends on the emission coefficient of the surface material, the flow conditions, and turbulence transition position. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 37(4): 218–223, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20203
Investigation of film cooling and superposition method for double row dustpan‐shaped holes
Authors: Zhu Huiren , Guo Tao , Xu Duchun
Published: May 2008

Film cooling effectiveness for injection from single row and double row dustpan‐shaped holes was studied experimentally. The difference in cooling performance between single row and double row holes are described. The results show that the optimal blowing ratio of injection from double row holes is higher than that of injection from a single row hole. In the case of higher blowing ratios, the traditional superposition calculation method underpredicts the film cooling effectiveness of the double row injection based on that of the single row hole injection. The modified superposition calculation method is given in this paper. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 37(4): 208–217, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20204
Haptoglobin‐β chain defined by monoclonal antibody RM2 as a novel serum marker for prostate cancer
Authors: Saito Seiichi , Murayama Yasuko , Pan Yuzhuo , Taima Takenobu , Fujimura Tsutomu , Murayama Kimie , Sadilek Martin , Egawa Shin , Ueno Seiji , Ito Akihiro , Ishidoya Shigeto , Nakagawa Haruo , Kato Masanori , Satoh Makoto , Endoh Mareyuki , Arai Yoichi
Published: May 2008

In our previous study, monoclonal antibody RM2, established toward the glycosyl epitope, reflected grade of malignancy of prostate cancer cells whereas RM2 reactivity to benign glands was negative or weak. RM2 reactivity was also detected in stroma, suggesting the glycoprotein RM2 recognizes could be released into the bloodstream. Then, we explored RM2 reactivity to sera of early prostate cancer. We compared RM2 reactivity to sera between 62 patients with early prostate cancer and 43 subjects with benign prostatic disease, and examined RM2 reactivity before and after radical prostatectomy in 15 patients by Western blotting. We also examined RM2 reactivity to sera of the other urogenital cancers. RM2 reactivity was significantly enhanced on a serum glycoprotein with molecular mass ∼40 kDa, hereby termed GPX, in the patients with early prostate cancer when compared with those with benign prostatic disease (p < 0.0001). Setting an appropriate cutoff level, RM2 reactivity to GPX for detection of prostate cancer had sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 84%, respectively. Furthermore, the level of RM2 reactivity significantly decreased after radical prostatectomy (p = 0.006). However, increased RM2 reactivity to GPX was also observed in the other urogenital cancers. The proteomics approach identified GPX as haptoglobin‐β chain and RM2 showed preferential reactivity toward haptoglobin‐β chain derived from prostate cancer when compared with polyclonal anti‐haptoglobin antibody. Haptoglobin‐β chain defined by RM2 is a novel serum marker that may be useful for detection of early prostate cancer when coupled with prostate‐specific antigen because it is not specific to prostate cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selective sensitivity to carboxyamidotriazole by human tumor cell lines with DNA mismatch repair deficiency
Authors: Yang Jia‐Lin , Qu Xian‐Jun , Yu Yan , Kohn Elise C. , Friedlander Michael L.
Published: May 2008

We have previously reported that high‐dose nifedipine had a selective antiproliferative effect on colon cancer cell lines deficient in DNA mismatch repair (MMR).We hypothesized that carboxyamidotriazole (CAI), a calcium channel blocker, would also have a selective inhibitory effect on colon cancer cell lines with DNA MMR deficiency. In addition, we speculated that this effect may also be seen in cell lines deficient in DNA MMR derived from other tumor types. Fourteen human cancer cell lines with and without DNA MMR derived from carcinomas of the colon, bladder, ovary and prostate were treated with CAI, vehicle or control drugs (nifedipine and 5‐flurouracil). The effect of treatment on growth inhibition, invasion, apoptosis and cell cycle progression was assessed. Selective sensitivity to CAI was observed in all cancer cell lines deficient in MMR. Compared with the MMR‐proficient cells, the matched deficient cells were significantly more sensitive to the growth inhibitory effect of CAI and nifedipine, but less sensitive to 5‐flurouracil. CAI significantly inhibited the invasive ability of MMR‐deficient cancer cells compared to 5‐flurouracil. CAI induced more apoptosis but similar level of G2/M arrest in MMR (hMLH1− or hMSH6−)‐deficient colon cancer cells than MMR‐proficient counterparts. CAI selectively inhibits proliferation and invasion in MMR‐deficient human cancer cell lines. The antitumor effect is at least partly explained by G2/M cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis. These findings may have clinical implications directing clinical trials in selectively targeted patients with DNA MMR tumors. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two years after in vivo implantation of poly(DL‐lactide‐ε‐caprolactone) nerve guides: Has the material finally resorbed?
Authors: Meek Marcel F. , Jansen Koen
Published: May 2008

Long‐term nerve guide studies on nerve regeneration in vivo are scarce. Previously, we showed that small fragments of biomaterial could still be found on the edge of the epineurium of the regenerated nerve after implantation of poly(DL‐lactide‐ϵ‐caprolactone) [poly(DLLA‐ϵ‐CL), Neurolac®] nerve guides. As these nerve guides are assumed to fully resorb, we studied the 2‐year degradation and possible long‐term foreign body reaction against the nerve guides after implantation in the sciatic nerve of the rat. In addition, the distribution of both collagen type III and IV, and nerve regeneration through the nerve guides were studied and compared with the non‐operated control side. The results demonstrate that nerve regeneration took place through the poly(DLLA‐ϵ‐CL) nerve guides. After 2 years of implantation, biomaterial could not be found macroscopically. Biomaterial fragments in company of multi‐nucleated giant cells and macrophages were found along the regenerated nerve tissue. Collagen III and IV were both found around the epineurium and perineurium in the regenerated nerve, the organization of these layers resembled that of the contra‐lateral non‐operated nerve. Although sufficient nerve regeneration was obtained after long‐term implantation in the rat sciatic nerve, biomaterial fragments and foreign body reactions against these fragments, even after 24 months of implantation, could still be found. The poly(DLLA‐ϵ‐CL), Neurolac nerve guides do resorb, however, not complete up to 2 years of implantation. It is not known whether the remaining biomaterial fragments and foreign body reactions may cause granulomas or other complications after longer implantation periods. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2009
Structural features of glutamate‐based lipidic materials for small interfering RNA delivery system
Authors: Kusumoto Ken‐ichi
Published: May 2008

Understanding of materials for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery system is essential for the effective design and selection of appropriate materials as potential applications in basic and therapeutic research. However, little attempt has been made to investigate how the structural features of lipidic materials are essential for delivery function. The purpose of this study was to identify the structural features of glutamate‐based lipidic materials as potential siRNA carriers for intracellular delivery. Totally designed lipid didodecylacetylglutamatetrimethylammonium (TMA‐C2‐Glu‐C12) and its analogs were synthesized and estimated by silencing effects of fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression in CHO‐EGFP cells. Here, we demonstrate that TMA‐C2‐Glu‐C12 among a series of lipidic materials is able to perform efficient siRNA delivery with low cytotoxicity into the cells; the transfer ability resulted in 92.2% ± 1.16% of the transferred cells with Cy3‐labeled siRNA. The chemical structure of TMA‐C2‐Glu‐C12 having both hydrophobic chain (CH2CO) in head region, hydrophobic chain ((CH2)11CH3) in tail regions, and ethylene (CH2 CH2) in connector region played a crucial role to enhance the siRNA transfer efficiency. Moreover, compared with commercial reagents, TMA‐C2‐Glu‐C12 was found to have an effective activity for siRNA delivery. These results may improve the novel design and development of lipidic materials on siRNA delivery system. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
The effect of Zn contents on phase composition, chemical stability and cellular bioactivity in Zn–Ca–Si system ceramics
Authors: Wu Chengtie , Ramaswamy Yogambha , Chang Jiang , Woods Joy , Chen Yiqing , Zreiqat Hala
Published: May 2008

Ca–Si system ceramics, in particular CaSiO3 ceramics, are regarded as potential bioactive bone repair/regeneration material. However, their high dissolution rate limits their biological applications. The aim of this study was to incorporate Zinc (Zn) into the Ca–Si system ceramics to produce part (at 10 and 20% Zn) or complete (at 50% Zn) new crystal phase (hardystonite: Ca2ZnSi2O7) with improved chemical stability and cellular activity. Zn–Ca–Si ceramics with four Zn contents (0, 10, 20, and 50%) were successfully prepared by sintering sol–gel‐derived Zn–Ca–Si powder compacts. A new pure crystal phase Ca2ZnSi2O7 was formed only when 50% Zn was added. The chemical stability of Zn–Ca–Si ceramics was evaluated by soaking in simulating body fluid (SBF), and the ion release from ceramics and the change in pH values of the SBF were measured. Their ability to form apatite in SBF was determined by analyzing the surface phase composition and morphology of the ceramics using X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicated that, with the increase of Zn contents, the chemical stability of ceramics increased while the apatite‐formation ability decreased. The ability of Zn–Ca–Si ceramics to support attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of the human bone osteoblastic‐like cells (HOB) was assessed using SEM, MTS, and alkaline phosphate activity assays, respectively. Zn–Ca–Si ceramics supported HOB attachment and their proliferation increased with the increase of Zn content. ALP activity of HOB on Zn–Ca–Si ceramics with 50% Zn (Ca2ZnSi2O7) was the highest among the levels obtained for the four ceramics tested. Taken together, Ca2ZnSi2O7 ceramics possessed the best chemical stability and cellular bioactivity in Zn containing Ca–Si ceramics, indicating their potential application in skeletal tissue regeneration. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Reduction and suppression of methemoglobin loaded in the polymeric nanoparticles intended for blood substitutes
Authors: Zhang Xiaolan , Liu Changsheng , Yuan Yuan , Shan Xiaoqian , Sheng Yan , Xu Feng
Published: May 2008

Oxidation of hemoglobin (Hb) to nonfunctional methemoglobin (metHb) is a main challenge for the fabrication of an ideal Hb‐based blood substitute. In this study, a novel nonenzymatic reduction and suppression route, combined with a fast prereduction, optimized double emulsion preparation, and a second sustaining postreduction, was developed to control the metHb in Hb‐loaded nanoparticles (HbP) with porous microstructure to a desirable level. In the prereduction, the metHb in the raw Hb was effectively reduced from over 90% to 1.2% using sodium dithionite following gel filtration separation. During the preparation, higher the emulsion strength performed, higher was the extent of Hb oxidized. PEGylated polymer and addition of miscible solvent, such as acetonitrile, into the oil phase could pronouncedly suppress metHb formation. The resultant metHb level in HbP under the optimal fabrication was about 5.6%, which could be further reduced to 1.4% by the model reducing agents in human plasma with the help of superoxide dismutatse and catalase system, which are capable of sustaining postreduction. The oxygen dissociation curve of the HbP was close to that of native Hb, indicating that the oxygen‐carrying ability of the Hb, despite initially losing this function due to the severe oxidation, recovered and retained well. The results achieved are promising for the fabrication of blood substitutes with controlled metHb level, which can fulfill the binding/delivering oxygen to tissues in vivo for future trials. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Effective CCTV and the challenge of constructing legitimate suspicion using remote visual images
Authors: Williams David
Published: May 2008

This paper compares the effectiveness of public CCTV systems according to meta‐reviews, with what might be expected based upon theoretical predictions. The apparent gulf between practice and prediction is explored in the light of the challenges faced by CCTV operators in terms of effective target selection. In addition, counter‐intuitive reactions by members of the public to situational symbols of crime deterrence may also undermine the efficacy of CCTV. Evidence is introduced and reviewed that suggests CCTV operators may employ implicit profiles to select targets. Essentially, young, scruffy males who appear to be loitering are disproportionately targeted compared with their base rate use of surveyed areas. However, the extent to which such a profile is diagnostic of criminal intent or behaviour is unclear. Such profiles may represent little more than ‘pattern matching’ within an impoverished visual medium. Finally, suggestions for future research and effective CCTV operator practice are offered in order to improve target selection. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Triangulation mobility of auto‐theft offenders
Authors: Westerberg Kelly , Grant Tim , Bond John W.
Published: May 2008

This research paper presents an examination of the journey to and from crime for auto‐theft offenders in the UK. For 852 offences, ‘wheel’ distances are calculated for triangles formed by offenders' home location, theft location, and vehicle disposal location. The study demonstrates typical isosceles mobility triangles; distances travelled to and from home locations are roughly equal, whereas distances between theft and disposal points were shorter. Distances travelled by offenders under 17 years old and offences involving drug and drink were shown to be shorter than comparison groups. Prolific offenders tend to travel further, although there is significant variation in this subgroup. Explanations and implications are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GB virus type C infection in hemodialysis patients considering co‐infection with hepatitis C virus
Authors: Hosseini‐Moghaddam S.M. , Keyvani H. , Samadi M. , Alavian S.M. , Mahdavimazdeh M. , Daneshvar S. , Razzaghi Z.
Published: May 2008

GB virus type C is a well‐known viral agent with capability of infecting patients undergoing hemodialysis. Liver enzyme levels in infected individuals have been reported to remain within the normal range. Simultaneous infection of GBV‐C and other viral agents may occur due to common routes of transmission. A total of 104 hemodialysis patients living in Tehran were included in this case‐control study (53 patients with HCV infection, group I; and 51 with no HCV infection, group II). Diagnosis was made by detection Anti‐E2 protein using ELISA and HCV–RNA using RT‐PCR. History of HBV‐infection, organ transplantation, depression, malignancies, chemotherapy, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders and chronic cutaneous disorders were considered. Patients were evaluated for high‐ risk behaviors such as intravenous drug injection, addiction or substance abuse. A total of 14 patients (13.6%) were GBV‐C‐infected. Four of them were co‐infected with HCV. All patients with GBV‐C infection had viral genotype 2. Thirteen patients (12%) had a history of multiple blood transfusions. Mean (±SD) age of GBV‐C‐infected patients was 48.7 ± 13.8 years. Among GBV‐C infected patients, three patients had a history of organ transplantation and three had a co‐morbidity of diabetes mellitus. This study as the first case‐control study to evaluate the association between GBV‐C and HCV infection, to our knowledge, shows hemodialysis patients living in Tehran are infected with GBV‐C with intermediate level of frequency. The association of GBV‐C transmission with other viral blood‐borne agents might be necessary. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1260–1263, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sequential evolution of genotype GII.4 norovirus variants causing gastroenteritis outbreaks from 2001 to 2006 in Eastern Spain
Authors: Buesa Javier , Montava Rebeca , Abu‐Mallouh Reem , Fos Marta , Ribes Juan M. , Bartolomé Rosa , Vanaclocha Herme , Torner Núria , Domínguez Àngela
Published: May 2008

Noroviruses are the most common cause of outbreaks of viral gastroenteritis worldwide. Norovirus outbreaks were surveyed in Catalonia and the region of Valencia (Eastern Spain) between January 2001 and December 2006 as part of the European Union funded network “Food‐borne viruses in Europe”. During this time the etiology and epidemiological features of 194 outbreaks of acute non‐bacterial gastroenteritis were investigated and norovirus was identified as causing 169 (87.1%) of them. Molecular epidemiology of viral strains was studied by RT‐PCR and sequencing part of the RNA polymerase gene in ORF1 from 153 outbreak strains. The most commonly identified norovirus genotype was GII.4 (71.9% of the characterized outbreak strains), which is also the predominant genotype worldwide. During this survey five genetic variants of GII.4 genotype have been sequentially detected and identified as 1996, 2002, 2004, 2006a, and 2006b variants. The transition from one variant to a new one always took place over a short period of time, and thereafter the replacement of strains circulating previously was observed. These new GII.4 variants may have arisen as a consequence of viral evasion from the host immune responses, although apparently there is a lack of long‐term immunity after norovirus infections. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1288–1295, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison between the clinical and laboratory features of enterovirus and West Nile virus infections
Authors: Middleton Joanna , Lee Bonita E. , Fox Julie D. , Tilley Peter A.G. , Robinson Joan L.
Published: May 2008

The seasonality and clinical features of enterovirus (EV) infections overlap with those of West Nile virus (WNV). The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of EV detection in patients being tested for WNV and to look for features that could be used to distinguish between infections with these two viruses. Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) for EV was performed on all plasma samples submitted for WNV testing in 2003 and 2004. Demographics, clinical features, and laboratory results for patients with documented EV viremia were compared with those for patients with confirmed WNV infection (as diagnosed by NAT and/or serology). NAT for EV was positive on 50 of 1,784 serum or plasma samples submitted for WNV testing (2.8%). Clinical information was compared for 45 patients with EV viremia and 214 patients with WNV infection. Patients with EV viremia were younger and less likely to have heart disease or a travel history (P < 0.05). The EV viremia cases were distributed throughout the whole province while the WNV cases were predominantly in the southern part of the province. Symptoms were remarkably similar, although patients with WNV infection were more likely to have anorexia, dizziness, rash, and cranial nerve palsy (P < 0.05). There are no consistent differences in the features of WNV infection and enteroviral viremia so diagnostic tests for both viruses should be performed when WNV is present in local mosquitoes. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1252–1259, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of erythrovirus genotypes in the myocardium of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kühl U. , Lassner D. , Pauschinger M. , Gross U.M. , Seeberg B. , Noutsias M. , Poller W. , Schultheiss H.‐P.
Published: May 2008

Parvovirus B19 (PVB19) is a member of the human erythrovirus family detected frequently in endomyocardial biopsies from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Human erythroviruses cluster into three genotypes 1–3 which share a high degree of homology between major structural proteins and may cause indistinguishable infections clinically and serologically. In human cardiac tissue erythrovirus genotypes other than PVB19 have not yet been reported. Three hundred seventeen consecutive patients with symptomatic dilated cardiomyopathy (median left ventricular ejection fraction: 28.6%, range 5–45%) who underwent endomyocardial biopsy for the elucidation of the etiology, were analyzed using a new consensus PCR assay designed for the detection of the three erythrovirus genotype sequences. Endomyocardial biopsies of 151 (47.6%) patients were erythrovirus‐positive. Genotype 1 specific sequences were detected in 43/151 (28.5%) of positive biopsy samples, whereas genotype 2‐specific sequences so far considered rare in human disease and not yet been described in human heart tissue was identified in 108/151 (71.5%) of virus‐positive endomyocardial biopsies with a preference in patients above 50 years of age. In spite of younger age, systolic left ventricular dysfunction of genotype 1‐positive patients was significantly reduced as compared to genotype 2‐positive patients (24.4 ± 10.4% vs. 31.0 ± 9.5%, P = 0.0001) at the initial presentation. The data show that two genetically distinct erythrovirus variants with a different age distribution are detectable in endomyocardial biopsies of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. The erythrovirus genotype 2, not described previously in human heart tissue, is highly prevalent in the heart but the less prevalent genotype 1 is associated with more severe disturbed cardiac function. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1243–1251, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of, and risk factors for Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus infection among blood donors in Brazil: A multi‐center serosurvey
Authors: Nascimento Maria Claudia , de Souza Vanda Akico , Sumita Laura Masami , Freire Wilton , Weiss Helen A. , Sabino Ester C. , Franceschi Silvia , Pannuti Claudio Sergio , Mayaud Philippe
Published: May 2008

Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is endemic in the Amazon and rare in southern regions of Brazil. However, geographical distribution and epidemiological correlates of infection in this large country are still poorly defined. To estimate the seroprevalence of, and risk factors for, KSHV infection in Brazil, a multi‐center study was conducted among 3,493 first‐time voluntary unpaid blood donors from Salvador, Sao Paulo and Manaus. Antibodies against KSHV were detected using a whole‐virus ELISA validated prior to the serosurvey. Antibodies against the latency‐associated nuclear antigen (LANA) were detected by immuno‐fluorescence assay (IFA) among ELISA‐positive sera and a random sample of ELISA‐negative sera. Overall, seroprevalence of KSHV by whole‐virus ELISA was 21.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 20–23.4%) in men and 31.7% (95% CI: 29–34.3%) in women (P < 0.0001). KSHV antibodies were detected by IFA‐LANA in 3% (95% CI: 2–4.3%) of 867 ELISA‐positive samples and in none of 365 randomly selected ELISA‐negative samples. In multivariate analysis, KSHV seroprevalence by whole‐virus ELISA was independently associated with female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.4–1.9); residence in the Amazon (OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2–1.8; compared to Salvador); Caucasian ethnicity (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.6) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV‐2) infection (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.6). KSHV seroprevalence did not significantly increase with age, nor was it associated with self‐reported sexual behavior. KSHV seroprevalence is high among Brazilian blood donors, particularly from the Amazon region. This study supports the co‐existence of sexual and non‐sexual routes of KSHV transmission in this population. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1202–1210, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HPV prevalence among healthy Italian male sexual partners of women with cervical HPV infection
Authors: Benevolo Maria , Mottolese Marcella , Marandino Ferdinando , Carosi Mariantonia , Diodoro Maria Grazia , Sentinelli Steno , Visca Paolo , Rollo Francesca , Mariani Luciano , Vocaturo Giuseppe , Sindico Roberto , Terrenato Irene , Donnorso Raffaele Perrone , Vocaturo Amina
Published: May 2008

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the causative agent of cervical cancer and is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Only limited and controversial data are available regarding HPV transmission in male sexual partners of women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and the genotype distribution of HPV in penile scrapings of a series of Italian men, who had no visible penile lesions and were partners of women who were affected, or had been affected previously by cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or who were infected with HPV. The concordance of the viral group in the infected partners was determined. A total of 77 penile scrapings were screened for HPV infection by the polymerase chain reaction, while 59 cervicovaginal brushings of their female partners were tested. 35% of evaluable male samples and 64% of female sexual partners were found to be HPV positive. In the 55 simultaneously evaluable couples, a concordance of 45% was found, 11 couples (20%) with both partners being HPV negative and 14 couples (25%) with both partners HPV positive (P = 0.001). Six out of the 14 couples (43%), where both partners were HPV positive, harbored the same HPV genotype group. These data, although preliminary, could support further the hypothesis that male HPV infection is more frequent in sexual partners of HPV positive or women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia indicating that men could represent an important source of HPV transmission between sex partners. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1275–1281, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of the performance of different HPV genotyping methods for detecting genital HPV types
Authors: Klug Stefanie J. , Molijn Anco , Schopp Betti , Holz Barbara , Iftner Angelika , Quint Wim , J.F. Snijders Peter , Petry Karl‐Ulrich , Kjær Susanne Krüger , Munk Christian , Iftner Thomas
Published: May 2008

Classification of high‐risk HPV types for cervical cancer screening depends on epidemiological studies defining HPV type‐specific risk. The genotyping tests that are used, are however, not uniform with regard to type‐specific detection rates making comparisons between different studies difficult. To overcome the lack of a “gold standard” four tests were evaluated crosswise using 824 cervical smears pretested by HC2. The tests evaluated were the L1‐PCR‐based assays PGMY09/11 LBA, HPV DNA Chip and SPF LiPA and an E1 consensus PCR followed by cycle sequencing (E1‐PCR). A subset of 265 samples was tested in addition with the GP5+/6+ reverse line blot assay. Differences were noted in the sensitivity and range for specific HPV types, e.g. with detection rates for HPV53 ranging from 2.3% to 11.6%. HPV16 was the most prevalent type detected by all tests except for the SPF‐10 LiPa, which detected HPV31 more often. Kappa values calculated ranged from poor (k = 0.20) to intermediate (k = 0.54) for HPV positivity, but were higher for high‐risk type positivity (k = 0.31–0.61) and best for recognition of HPV16 (k = 0.53–0.72). The analytical sensitivity of the tests ranged between 15% and 97% for individual types and specificity was highly dependent on which test system was used as “gold standard” for the analysis. The results of histology were used for calculation of clinical sensitivity and specificity. E1‐PCR, PGMY09/11 LBA and SPF‐10 LiPA had a high clinical sensitivity (>95%) for the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or higher, whereas the HPV DNA Chip reached only 84.1%. J. Med. Virol. 80: 1264–1274, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.