bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sterically Congested Molecules, 12. Acidity Constants of Sterically Shielded Protonated Imines in Hydroxylic Solvents
Authors: Knorr Rudolf , Ferchland Kathrin , Hoang Thi Phung
Published: July 2007

NMR spectra in combination with pH measurements are shown to provide a simple and convenient procedure for determining the basicities of imines which are either slowly hydrolyzed (4, 5) or completely stable but inconveniently weak bases (11–13). The method has the advantage that it does not require any precise knowledge of the concentrations of the substrates or reagents. N‐Alkyl (4, 15) and N‐unsubstituted imines (5, 8, 9, 14) show quite similar basicities with a weak solvent dependence (from pure water to 99.5% methanol) which is akin to that of pyridine. The N‐aryl imines 10–13 are less basic by ca. 4 pK units. It is concluded that spatial solvent exclusion by bulky substituents has remarkably little effect on the pKa′ values.
Synthesis of 3‐Acyl‐5,6‐dihydro‐2‐phenylthieno(‐furo‐)[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐ones
Authors: Maruoka Hiroshi , Yamagata Kenji , Yamazaki Motoyoshi
Published: July 2007

The reactions of 2‐benzamido‐4,5‐dihydro‐3‐thiophene(‐3‐furan‐)carbonitriles 1a–c (and 11a–c) with acetic (or propionic) anhydride in the presence of tin(IV) chloride give the corresponding 3‐acetyl‐5,6‐dihydro‐2‐phenylthieno(‐furo‐)‐[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐ones 2a–c (and 12a–c) or 5,6‐dihydro‐2‐phenyl‐3‐propionylthieno(‐furo‐)[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐ones 3a–c (and 13a–c). Hydrolysis of compounds 2a–c (and 12a–c) or 3a–c (and 13a–c) leads to the corresponding N‐acetyl‐2‐benzamido‐4,5‐dihydro‐3‐thiophene‐(‐3‐furan‐)carboxamides 4a–c (and 14a–c) or 2‐benzamido‐4,5‐dihydro‐N‐propionyl‐3‐thiophene‐(‐3‐furan‐)carboxamides 5a–c (and 15a–c). The reaction of compounds 4a, b (or 14a, b) with acid anhydrides in the presence of potassium carbonate or triethylamine gives the corresponding 3‐acyl‐2‐benzamido‐4,5‐dihydrothiophenes (or furans) 9, 10, 16, and 17.
Synthesis and Stereochemistry of Some New Diazatricyclic Compounds
Authors: Scheiber Pál , Nemes Péter
Published: July 2007

The diazatricyclic ketone 3 was synthesized by a double Mannich condensation starting from 2‐quinolizidone (2). Reductions of 3 by complex hydrides and hydrazine gave a mixture of isomeric amino alcohols rac‐4/5 and the diamine 6, respectively. Compounds rac‐4 and rac‐5 could be separated by selective acylation with 4‐chlorobenzoyl chloride due to the fundamental steric differences in the N → O acyl transfer interactions within the isomeric molecules. The cis‐ and trans‐4‐phenyl‐2‐quinolizidones (rac‐10, rac‐11) also underwent a Mannich condensation affording the same product rac‐12 in both cases.
Pheromone Synthesis, CLXIV. Synthesis of (2S, 6Z)‐6,8‐Nonadien‐2‐ol, a Pheromone Component of the Leafminer Nepticula malella, and Its Antipode
Authors: Mori Kenji , Ogita Haruhisa
Published: July 2007

Both the enantiomers of (Z)‐6,8‐nonadien‐2‐ol were synthesized via lipase‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrolysis of the acetate of its racemate, which was prepared from ethyl levulinate.
Biologically Active Metabolites from Fungi, 5. Palmarumycins C1–C16 from Coniothyrium sp.: Isolation, Structure Elucidation, and Biological Activity
Authors: Krohn Karsten , Michel Andreas , Flörke Ulrich , Aust Hans‐Jürgen , Draeger Siegfried , Schulz Barbara
Published: July 2007

Twelve new spiro acetal metabolites, the palmarumycins C1–C8, (1–8), C11 (11), C12 (12), C15 (15), C16 (16), and three known representatives (10, 13, 14) of this new class of antibiotics were isolated from Coniothyrium sp. The compounds show antibacterial, antifungal and herbicidal activity at concentrations of 10−6–10−4 mol/l. The structures of palmarumycin C2 (2), palmarumycin C3 (3), and palmarumycin C5 (5) were confirmed by X‐ray structure analysis.
Synthese von Azaanalogen der Ascorbinsäure und der Isoascorbinsäure
Authors: Stachel Hans‐Dietrich , Zeitler Klaus , Lotter Hermann
Published: July 2007

Synthesis of Azaanalogues of Ascorbic Acid and Isoascorbic Acid

The synthesis of the hitherto unknown azaanalogues of ascorbic acid (±)‐10b and isoascorbic acid (±)‐10a is described. The aldol‐type reaction of the tetramic acid derivative 4 with benzyloxyacetaldehyde gives rise to a mixture of the adducts (±)‐5a and (±)‐5b. By X‐ray analysis 5b proved to represent the threo isomer. Catalytic debenzylation of both adducts 5 to the glycols 9 was successful only with 5a leading to 9a. On the other hand, both isomers (±)‐9a and (±)‐9b have been obtained from the aldols 6a/6b by successive debenzylation and desilylation. Removal of the remaining protective group from 9a/9b yielded racemic N‐benzylazaisoascorbic acid and racemic N‐benzylazaascorbic acid, respectively.
Synthesis of Medium and Large Ring Compounds, XXXVIII. Ring Enlargement of Cyclodecanone by a Chiral Building Block: Synthesis and Olfactory Properties of (12R)‐(+)‐12‐Methyl‐13‐Tridecanolide
Authors: Kraft Philip , Tochtermann Werner
Published: July 2007

The title compound (+)‐3 was synthesized in four steps by ring enlargement of cyclodecanone (6) with the chiral building block 5. The protected hydroxy halide 5, easily prepared from commercially available (2S)‐(+)‐methyl 3‐hydroxy‐2‐methylpropanoate (4), was introduced by HMPA‐mediated enolate alkylation and subsequent formation of the cyclic enol ether 8. Ozonolysis and mild chemoselective reduction of the carbonyl function led to the optically active target molecule (+)‐3, which possesses a very interesting clear musk note with elegant sandalwood aspects.
Zur Dimerisierung von Indolizinen an Palladium‐Kohle
Authors: Kreher Thomas , Sonnenschein Helmut , Schmidt Lothar , Hünig Siegfried
Published: July 2007

Dimerisation of Indolizines by Palladium Coal

Oxidative dimerisation of some indolizines by Pd/C in p‐xylene was undertaken in order to evaluate reaction conditions for cyclophane syntheses. Surprisingly, alkylation by the solvent occurred at the 3‐position of the indolizines 2 and 5 as a side reaction. In toluene, yields of alkylation products 4b and 8 exceeded those of dimerisation products 3 and 6. The alkylation by the solvent was fully suppressed by using chlorobenzene or chlorotoluene. Alkylation products of indolizines with p‐xylene or toluene and previously unknown dimeric indolizines are described.
Axiceramide A and B, Two Novel tri‐α‐Glycosylceramides from the Marine Sponge Axinella sp.
Authors: Costantino Valeria , Fattorusso Ernesto , Mangoni Alfonso , Aknin Maurice , Gaydou Emil M.
Published: July 2007

Two new glycosphingolipids, axiceramide A (1a) and B (2a), have been isolated as their peracetates (1b and 2b, respectively) from the marine sponge Axinella sp., and their structures elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical analysis. Axiceramide A and B, both composed of a complex mixture of homologues, are the first example of natural triglycosylceramides with three hexopyranose units all engaged in α‐glycosidic linkages.
The Redox Pair Vitamin E and Vitamin C, A 13C‐NMR Study
Authors: Wijesundara Muthu B. J. , Berger Stefan
Published: July 2007

Vitamin E is oxidized with iodine and the oxidation product reduced with vitamin C with 13C‐NMR monitoring. It is shown that both the tocopheryl radical and the tocopherylquinone are reduced back to vitamin E by ascorbic acid.
Beam evolution equation with variable coefficients in non‐cylindrical domains
Authors: De Caldas C. S. Q. , Límaco J. , Barreto R. K.
Published: July 2007

In this article, we present results concerning with the existence of global solutions and a rate decay estimate for energy associated with an initial and boundary value problem for a beam evolution equation with variable coefficients in non‐cylindrical domains. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A nonlinear continuous time optimal control model of dynamic pricing and inventory control with no backorders
Authors: Adida Elodie , Perakis Georgia
Published: July 2007

In this paper, we present a continuous time optimal control model for studying a dynamic pricing and inventory control problem for a make‐to‐stock manufacturing system. We consider a multiproduct capacitated, dynamic setting. We introduce a demand‐based model where the demand is a linear function of the price, the inventory cost is linear, the production cost is an increasing strictly convex function of the production rate, and all coefficients are time‐dependent. A key part of the model is that no backorders are allowed. We introduce and study an algorithm that computes the optimal production and pricing policy as a function of the time on a finite time horizon, and discuss some insights. Our results illustrate the role of capacity and the effects of the dynamic nature of demand in the model. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2007
Amniocentesis in the third trimester of pregnancy
Authors: O'Donoghue Keelin , Giorgi Laura , Pontello Valentina , Pasquini Lucia , Kumar Sailesh
Published: July 2007

Background

Amniocentesis in the third trimester, which reduces risks of procedure‐related miscarriage but still allows termination of affected fetuses, may be applicable in some pregnancies. The implications of deferring amniocentesis include complications, delivery before the test and increased amniotic fluid culture failure rates. We investigated the indications, complications, karyotype results and laboratory failure rates of third‐trimester amniocentesis.

Methods

We studied all women who underwent third‐trimester amniocentesis from 2000 to 2006. Data were collected from ultrasound databases, computerised records and individual chart review.

Results

We reviewed 165 pregnancies that underwent amniocenteses after 28 weeks. Median maternal age at amniocentesis was 32 years and median gestation, 32+2 weeks. Indications included malformation (60/165), soft markers (37/165), maternal request (12/165), and positive screening test (11/165). Of the 49 women(29.7%) who declined second‐trimester amniocentesis, 24.5% had twins and 38.8%, malformations. Amniocentesis was not offered to 116 women: 57/116 (49.1%) third‐trimester referrals, 25/116 (21.5%) diagnosed late and the remainder, low‐risk indications. Fetal karyotype was abnormal in 17 cases (10.3%). Seven women who initially declined amniocentesis had abnormal results compared with one advised to have late amniocentesis. Culture failure rate was 9.7%, however results were obtained by Quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF‐PCR) from 164/165 samples. Complication rate was 1.2%.

Conclusion

For late diagnoses and for low‐risk indications, third‐trimester amniocentesis is an acceptable option, especially when utilising QF‐PCR with cytogenetic culture. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic analysis of protein complexes
Authors: Zhou Ming , Veenstra Timothy D.
Published: July 2007

While it sometimes does not generate the publicity that biomarker discovery does, the identification of protein complexes may be the most popular use of proteomic technology. The partners a protein interacts with is a key component that describes the function of any protein. Basic research has long appreciated the importance of identifying protein interactions through techniques such as Western blotting and colocalization studies using immunofluorescence microscopy. This appreciation has carried over into the field of proteomics and brought with it the development of tools that increase the capabilities to characterize protein complexes to a far greater scale. While advances in technology have had a huge impact, sample preparation issues related to the isolation of protein complexes remains a critical factor in determining the success of these types of studies.
Dissecting contact potentials for proteins: Relative contributions of individual amino acids
Authors: Buchete N.‐V. , Straub J. E. , Thirumalai D.
Published: July 2007

Knowledge‐based contact potentials are routinely used in fold recognition, binding of peptides to proteins, structure prediction, and coarse‐grained models to probe protein folding kinetics. The dominant physical forces embodied in the contact potentials are revealed by eigenvalue analysis of the matrices, whose elements describe the strengths of interaction between amino acid side chains. We propose a general method to rank quantitatively the importance of various inter‐residue interactions represented in the currently popular pair contact potentials. Eigenvalue analysis and correlation diagrams are used to rank the inter‐residue pair interactions with respect to the magnitude of their relative contributions to the contact potentials. The amino acid ranking is shown to be consistent with a mean field approximation that is used to reconstruct the original contact potentials from the most relevant amino acids for several contact potentials. By providing a general, relative ranking score for amino acids, this method permits a detailed, quantitative comparison of various contact interaction schemes. For most contact potentials, between 7 and 9 amino acids of varying chemical character are needed to accurately reconstruct the full matrix. By correlating the identified important amino acid residues in contact potentials and analysis of about 7800 structural domains in the CATH database we predict that it is important to model accurately interactions between small hydrophobic residues. In addition, only potentials that take interactions involving the protein backbone into account can predict dense packing in protein structures. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preface: phys. stat. sol. (b) 244/8
Authors: Grahn Holger T. , Koch Reinhold , Trampert Achim
Published: July 2007

The present special issue entitled Frontiers in Molecular‐Beam Epitaxy toward Novel Devices has been prepared to honor Klaus H. Ploog on the occasion of his 65th birthday and pays tribute to his long scientific career, during which he performed continuously outstanding research, always at the frontiers of molecular‐beam epitaxy. This issue of physica status solidi (b) consists of 27 contributions from leading scientists around the world covering GaAs‐based heterostructures, dilute nitride alloys with antimony, IV–VI semiconductors and nanocrystals, semiconductor quantum dots, group‐III nitride films and nanocolumns, quantum‐cascade lasers, magnetic materials such as (Ga,Mn)As as well as spin relaxation and spin lifetimes. As emphasized in the laudatio by Gerhard Abstreiter, Klaus Ploog has enormously contributed to each and every one of these fields throughout his career, often resulting in new advances that had a major impact in the fields of in‐situ monitoring of molecular‐beam‐epitaxial growth, semiconductor nanostructures, ferromagnet–semiconductor hybrid structures, and solid state physics.

In addition to providing an appropriate tribute to Klaus Ploog's long scientific career, we hope that this issue will stimulate the exploitation of new directions of these emerging and rapidly developing fields. We are sure that all contributors, colleagues, and collaborators join us in wishing Klaus Ploog a very enjoyable retirement with lots of new discoveries not only within but also outside the scientific life. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The structure and distances in Yule recursive trees
Authors: Feng Qunqiang , Su Chun
Published: July 2007

Based on uniform recursive trees, we introduce random trees with the factor of time, which are named Yule recursive trees. The structure and the distance between the vertices in Yule recursive trees are investigated in this paper. For arbitrary time t > 0, we first give the probability that a Yule recursive tree Yt is isomorphic to a given rooted tree γ; and then prove that the asymptotic distribution of ζt,m, the number of the branches of size m, is the Poisson distribution with parameter λ = 1/m. Finally, two types of distance between vertices in Yule recursive trees are studied, and some limit theorems for them are established.© 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2007
A retrospective ESI‐MS/MS analysis of newborn blood spots from 18 symptomatic patients with organic acid and fatty acid oxidation disorders diagnosed either in infancy or in childhood
Authors: Kobayashi H. , Hasegawa Y. , Endo M. , Purevsuren J. , Yamaguchi S.
Published: July 2007

To assess the usefulness of newborn mass screening by ESI‐MS/MS in Japan, an acylcarnitine analysis of blood spots on filter paper from collected from newborn infants at the age of 5 days was retrospectively conducted on 18 cases of inherited metabolic diseases that had already been diagnosed. The patients had organic acid disorders in 8 cases, fatty acid oxidation disorders in 7 cases, and amino acid disorders in 3 cases. The time of onset was from 0 days to 1 year 8 months of age. In 16 out of the 18 cases studied, it was confirmed that the analysis of the blood spots on filter paper collected during the newborn period could detect disorders. One case each of CPT‐2 deficiency and citrin deficiency could not be detected in the newborn period. Regarding CPT‐2 deficiency, the establishment of sufficient nutrition might have interfered with the detection of the disorder because the blood was collected at 5 days of age. The disorders occurred within 1 week after birth in 4 out of 18 cases, 2 of which died at an early stage. Among 13 cases in which the disorders occurred after 1 month, 10 cases were caused by defective metabolism due to infections. The prognoses of inherited metabolic diseases that occur in the early newborn period are limited. However, this study suggests that prognoses of metabolic disorders that occur after the newborn period can expect to be improved by early detection.
The association between isoflavone and lower urinary tract symptoms in elderly men
Authors: Wong Samuel Y. S. , Lau Winny W. Y. , Leung Ping C. , Leung Jason C. S. , Woo Jean
Published: July 2007

The objective of the present study is to explore the association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and dietary isoflavone in elderly men. In a large prospective cohort of 2000 Chinese men, the association between dietary isoflavone and LUTS were studied using standardized structured questionnaires. Dietary intake was assessed by a modified version of the Block FFQ. LUTS were assessed by the Chinese version of the International Prostatic Symptoms Score. Demographic, lifestyle and other medical information were also collected and were adjusted for in the analysis. After excluding 299 men with history of bladder surgery, bladder or prostate cancer or who were current users of medication for urinary problems, the association between LUTS and dietary isoflavone was explored. A total of 96·2 % of subjects reported some consumption of genistein, glycitein or daidzein. In ordinal multinominal logistic regression, subjects with dietary total isoflavone of more than 5·1 mg were significantly less likely to suffer from more severe LUTS (dietary intake from 5·1 to 9·5 mg: OR 0·59; 95 % CI 0·44, 0·80; from 9·6 to 14·3 mg: OR 0·81; 95 % CI 0·61, 1·09; from 14·4 to 21·7 mg: OR 0·68; 95 % CI 0·51, 0·92; 21·8 mg and above: OR 0·73; 95 % CI 0·54, 0·98) after adjustment for covariates. In this cross-sectional study, we showed a strong inverse association between dietary intake of isoflavone and the risk of LUTS.
Potential effects of herbal medicines and nutritional supplements on coagulation in ENT practice
Authors: Javed F , Golagani A , Sharp H
Published: July 2007

Background:

Herbal remedies and other natural supplements have become popular alternative medical therapy. Patients using these products may present to ENT surgeons with epistaxis or with unexpected, excessive peri-operative bleeding.

Objective:

The purpose of this review was to consolidate the available data regarding herb–drug interactions and the direct effects of herbal medicines and nutritional supplements in isolation, regarding disturbance in haemostasis, so as to emphasise their individual importance.

Method:

A literature review was performed using the Medline (PubMed) and UKMi databases.

Results:

Searches of these databases revealed 24 herbal products with documented interactions with anticoagulants and 98 herbal products with theoretical interactions with the coagulation system. Herbal products with effects on coagulation when given alone were also documented.

Conclusion:

When encountering patients presenting with epistaxis, or in the elective surgical setting, a thorough enquiry about the use of herbal medicines is of great importance.
Rhinitis symptoms and quality of life in patients with chronic perennial rhinitis treated with desloratadine
Authors: Lam H C K , Tong M C F , Hasselt C A Van
Published: July 2007

Objective:

To evaluate the outcome and the change in quality of life of patients with chronic rhinitis after treatment with desloratadine.

Study design:

A prospective, open-label, non-blinded, non-randomised study of patients in a secondary and tertiary ENT referral centre.

Methods:

Chinese patients with chronic rhinitis were recruited. The patients were assessed by a questionnaire that included rhinitis symptoms score and SF-36 health survey components. Endoscopic assessment was performed with a rigid nasoendoscope and scored according to the modified endoscopic appearance score of Lund and Kennedy. A 12-week course of desloratadine 5 mg daily was prescribed. Patients were re-evaluated after treatment. A total of 47 subjects completed the study.

Results:

There were significant reductions in median rhinitis symptoms score, from six to five (p < 0.001), and in median endoscopic appearance score, from five to three (p < 0.001). Patients' general health perception was also improved after treatment (p == 0.022).

Conclusion:

Desloratadine may be an effective treatment which provides symptomatic relief and improves the quality of life in patients with chronic rhinitis.
Ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin A injection: an alternative treatment for dribbling
Authors: Marina M B , Sani A , Hamzaini A H , Hamidon B B
Published: July 2007

Dribbling (sialorrhoea) affects about 10 per cent of patients with chronic neurological disease. The variety of treatments currently available is unsatisfactory. This study was a clinical trial of the efficacy of ultrasound-guided, intraglandular injection of botulinum toxin A for dribbling, performed within the otorhinolaryngology department of the National University of Malaysia. Both pairs of parotid and submandibular glands received 25 U each of botulinum toxin A.

Twenty patients were enrolled in the study. The median age was 15 years. All 20 patients (or their carers) reported a distinct improvement in symptoms after injection. Using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, there were significant reductions in dribbling rating score, dribbling frequency score, dribbling severity score, dribbling visual analogue score and towel changes score, comparing pre- and post-injection states (p<0.001). There were no complications or adverse effects during or after the injection procedure.

Intraglandular, major salivary gland injection of botulinum toxin A is an effective treatment to reduce dribbling. Ultrasound guidance enhances the accuracy of this procedure and minimises the risk of complication.
Scutula tuberculosa, the correct name of the Scutula growing on Solorina spp., with a key to Scutula s. str. in the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: WEDIN Mats , IHLEN Per G. , TRIEBEL Dagmar
Published: July 2007

The taxonomic and nomenclatural status of the common Scutula (Ramalinaceae, Lecanorales, Ascomycota) parasitizing species of Solorina (Peltigeraceae, Lecanorales) is clarified. The type of Biatorina tuberculosa Th. Fr., which, according to the protologue, was described from a Peltigera, is actually growing on Solorina saccata, and the correct name for this species is here shown to be Scutula tuberculosa (Th. Fr.) Rehm. Lectotypes are designated for Lecidea solorinaria Nyl., Scutula krempelhuberi Körb. and Lecidea solorinicola Vain. Notes on the taxonomy and classification of the genus are given, and a key to the species of Scutula s. str. in the Northern Hemisphere is presented. Scutula tuberculosa is reported as new to Asia and North America.
The genus Chrysothrix in Australia
Authors: ELIX John A. , KANTVILAS Gintaras
Published: July 2007

Chrysothrix occidentalis Elix & Kantvilas, C. palaeophila Kantvilas & Elix and C. tchupalensis Elix & Kantvilas are described as new to science. In addition, the new combination Chrysothrix sulphurella (Räsänen) Kantvilas & Elix is proposed, C. granulosa G. Thor is reported for the first time from Australia (including Tasmania) and New Zealand, and C. xanthina (Vain.) Kalb for the first time from Tasmania, Norfolk Island and New Zealand. A key to the Australian species of Chrysothrix is presented. Chemical data on non-Australasian species of the genus are also provided.
Tourism, Development and Poverty Reduction in Guizhou and Yunnan
Authors: Donaldson John A
Published: July 2007

How did the differing strategies adopted to develop tourism in Guizhou and Yunnan affect patterns of economic development and poverty reduction? The answer is paradoxical. Both provincial governments incorporated tourism as part of their overall development strategies, but their tourism sites were distributed and structured strikingly differently. In Yunnan, although tourism contributed to rapid economic growth, it did not reduce rural poverty as much as might be expected from a large rural-based industry. By contrast, Guizhou's relatively small-scale tourism industry, although not contributing significantly to growth, was distributed largely in poor areas and was structured to allow poor people to participate directly. The conclusions have implications for our understanding of provincial development strategy in China and ways that tourism can be used for development and poverty reduction.
Assimilating synthetic CryoSat sea ice thickness in a coupled ice‐ocean model
Authors: Lisæter K. A. , Evensen G. , Laxon S.
Published: July 2007

Simulated CryoSat ice thickness measurements have been assimilated into a coupled ice‐ocean model to examine the impact in Arctic ocean prediction systems. The model system is based on the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) and the EVP ice rheology, and the data assimilation method is the Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF). It is shown how ocean salinity, surface temperature, and ice concentration fields are affected by the ice thickness assimilation, and how these fields are improved relative to a free‐run experiment of the model. The ice thickness assimilation primarily affects the surface properties of the ocean. By running two different assimilation experiments, it is shown how the choice of stochastic forcing is crucial to the performance of the assimilation. Specifically, it is shown how stochastic wind forcing is important to correctly describe model prediction errors, which are important for the data assimilation step. The assimilation experiments illustrate how the ice thickness observations can have a strong impact on the ice thickness estimates of the model system. The manner in which the EnKF forcing is set up is crucial, but with the correct setup, the assimilation of ice thickness measurements could have a beneficial effect on the modeled ice thickness and ocean fields.
A rough‐surface scattering function for Titan radar studies
Authors: Campbell Bruce A.
Published: July 2007

Numerous studies show a relationship between radar backscattering and surface roughness. While estimating the statistical properties of small‐scale topography is of particular interest for geologic analysis of Cassini radar data, there is no analytic description of radar scattering over a wide range of incidence angles and roughness. This paper presents an empirical function that links the rms slope at the horizontal scale of the wavelength and HH‐ or VV‐polarization radar echoes. The model is based on comparison of 24‐cm wavelength AIRSAR data for lava flows in Hawai'i, at incidence angles of 25° to 55°, with topographic profiles at 25‐cm posting. Comparison of model predictions to the range of observed Titan echoes suggests that the radar return is often dominated by a component arising from subsurface scattering.
In situ
dissection of a Polycomb response element in
Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Sipos László , Kozma Gabriella , Molnár Enikő , Bender Welcome
Published: July 2007

Genes of the Polycomb group maintain long-term, segment-specific repression of the homeotic genes in
Drosophila
. DNA targets of Polycomb group proteins, called Polycomb response elements (PREs), have been defined by several assays, but they have not been dissected in their original chromosomal context. An enhanced method of gene conversion was developed to generate a series of small, targeted deletions encompassing the best-studied PRE, upstream of the
Ultrabithorax
(
Ubx
) transcription unit in the bithorax complex. Deletions that removed an essential 185-bp core of the PRE caused anterior misexpression of
Ubx
and posterior segmental transformations, including the conversion of the third thoracic segment toward a duplicate first abdominal segment. These phenotypes were variable, suggesting some cooperation between this PRE and others in the bithorax complex. Larger deletions up to 3 kb were also created, which removed DNA sites reportedly needed for
Ubx
activation, including putative trithorax response elements. These deletions resulted in neither loss of
Ubx
expression nor loss-of-function phenotypes. Thus, the 3-kb region including the PRE is required for repression, but not for activation, of
Ubx
.
Protein 4.1B suppresses prostate cancer progression and metastasis
Authors: Wong Sunny Y. , Haack Herbert , Kissil Joseph L. , Barry Marc , Bronson Roderick T. , Shen Steven S. , Whittaker Charles A. , Crowley Denise , Hynes Richard O.
Published: July 2007

Protein 4.1B is a 4.1/ezrin/radixin/moesin domain-containing protein whose expression is frequently lost in a variety of human tumors, including meningiomas, non-small-cell lung cancers, and breast carcinomas. However, its potential tumor-suppressive function under
in vivo
conditions remains to be validated. In a screen for genes involved with prostate cancer metastasis, we found that 4.1B expression is reduced in highly metastatic tumors. Down-regulation of 4.1B increased the metastatic propensity of poorly metastatic cells in an orthotopic model of prostate cancer. Furthermore, 4.1B-deficient mice displayed increased susceptibility for developing aggressive, spontaneous prostate carcinomas. In both cases, enhanced tumor malignancy was associated with reduced apoptosis. Because expression of Protein 4.1B is frequently down-regulated in human clinical prostate cancer, as well as in a spectrum of other tumor types, these results suggest a more general role for Protein 4.1B as a negative regulator of cancer progression to metastatic disease.
The Amyloid-β Precursor Protein Is Phosphorylated via Distinct Pathways during Differentiation, Mitosis, Stress, and Degeneration
Authors: Muresan Zoia , Muresan Virgil
Published: July 2007

Phosphorylation of amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) at Thr668is a normal process linked to neurite extension and anterograde transport of vesicular cargo. By contrast, increased phosphorylation of APP is a pathological trait of Alzheimer's disease. APP is overexpressed in Down's syndrome, a condition that occasionally leads to increased APP phosphorylation, in cultured cells. Whether phosphorylation of APP in normal versus high APP conditions occurs by similar or distinct signaling pathways is not known. Here, we addressed this problem using brainstem-derived neurons (CAD cells). CAD cells that ectopically overexpress APP frequently show features of degenerating neurons. We found that, in degenerating cells, APP is hyperphosphorylated and colocalizes with early endosomes. By contrast, in normal CAD cells, phosphorylated APP (pAPP) is excluded from endosomes, and localizes to the Golgi apparatus and to transport vesicles within the neurites. Whereas the neuritic APP is phosphorylated by c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase through a pathway that is modulated by glycogen synthase kinase 3β, the endosomal pAPP in degenerated CAD cells results from activation of cyclin-dependent kinase 5. Additional signaling pathways, leading to APP phosphorylation, become active during stress and mitosis. We conclude that distinct pathways of APP phosphorylation operate in proliferating, differentiating, stressed, and degenerating neurons.
Utp8p Is a Nucleolar tRNA-binding Protein That Forms a Complex with Components of the Nuclear tRNA Export Machinery inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Strub Benjamin R. , Eswara Manoja B.K. , Pierce Jacqueline B. , Mangroo Dev
Published: July 2007

Utp8p is an essential nucleolar component of the nuclear tRNA export machinery in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is thought to act at a step between tRNA maturation/aminoacylation and translocation of the tRNA across the nuclear pore complex. To understand the function of Utp8p in nuclear tRNA export, a comprehensive affinity purification analysis was conducted to identify proteins that interact with Utp8p in vivo. In addition to finding proteins that have been shown previously to copurify with Utp8p, a number of new interactions were identified. These interactions include aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, the RanGTPase Gsp1p, and nuclear tRNA export receptors such as Los1p and Msn5p. Characterization of the interaction of Utp8p with a subset of the newly identified proteins suggests that Utp8p most likely transfer tRNAs to the nuclear tRNA export receptors by using a channeling mechanism.
Evidence for Decreasing Helicoverpa zea Susceptibility to Pyrethroid Insecticides in the Midwestern United States
Authors: Hutchison W. D. , Burkness E. C. , Jensen B. , Leonard B. R. , Temple J. , Cook D. R. , Weinzierl R. A. , Foster R. E. , Rabaey T. L. , Flood B. R.
Published: July 2007

The corn earworm (CEW), Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), is a highly mobile pest of numerous field and vegetable crops in much of North America. In the Midwestern United States, CEW is a voracious pest of several high-value vegetable crops, including sweet corn, tomatoes, and snap beans, and seed corn grown for the field corn industry. Historically, synthetic pyrethroid insecticides have been cost-effective and have provided excellent control of CEW, with control of larvae in sweet corn exceeding 90%. However, since 2000 pyrethroids have only provided 35 to 45% control in field tests conducted in the Midwest, as indicated by small-plot sweet corn efficacy trials. During 2005, the four most commonly used pyrethroids averaged only 19.3 to 37.3% control of CEW (mean of 5 trials in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana). In addition, the survival of moths exposed to the standard pyrethroid, cypermethrin, using the Adult Vial Test (AVT), indicated high survival rates (44 to 66% at 5 μg cypermethrin and up to 45% survival at 10 μg). These levels are similar to, or higher than recent AVT results from Louisiana and Texas. These states reflect two possible “source” regions of late-season CEW that likely migrate north to the Midwestern states each summer. These results, including the stability of resistance each year in the Midwest, are discussed within the context of developing and expanding a North American resistance monitoring and management network.

Accepted for publication 3 June 2007. Published 19 July 2007.
Neuronal Markers in Allergic Rhinitis: Expression and Correlation With Sensory Testing
Authors: O'Hanlon Stephen , Facer Paul , Simpson Karen D. , Sandhu Guri , Saleh Hesham A. , Anand Praveen
Published: July 2007

Introduction: Although the role of immunoglobulin E‐mediated hypersensitivity reactions in allergic rhinitis is well known, the relative contribution of sensory nerves to the symptoms of rhinitis is uncertain. This study looked at the level of specific neuronal markers including the nerve marker protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), sensory and autonomic neuropeptides, the capsaicin/heat receptor TRPV1, and nerve growth factor (NGF) in patients with allergic rhinitis and controls and their correlation with nasal sensitivity.

Materials and Methods: Forty patients (23 controls, 17 rhinitis) having nasal surgery were recruited. Nasal sensitivity was tested using graded monofilaments. Inferior turbinate biopsies were collected and studied using immunohistology, with measurement of nerve fibers by direct observation or computerized image analysis.

Results: Nerve fibers (PGP 9.5) in the epithelium, subepithelium, and glandular/vascular regions were significantly increased in allergic rhinitis (P = .037, <.01, and .04, respectively), as were subepithelial and glandular/vascular fibers immunoreactive for neuropeptide substance P (P = .04 subepithelium; .02 glandular/vascular) and neuropeptide tyrosine (P < .01 glandular/vascular), markers for sensory and sympathetic nerves, respectively. TRPV1 epithelial fiber counts were higher in rhinitis, but this was not statistically significant. Epithelial NGF immunoreactivity (% area) was significantly increased in rhinitis (P = .027). Nasal sensitivity was correlated significantly with PGP 9.5 subepithelial innervation (control touch P = .023, irritation P = .046; rhinitis touch P = .042, irritation P = .043). A correlation was also observed between epithelial NGF and subepithelial PGP 9.5 innervation, which included all subjects (P = .044).

Conclusion: The increased number and specific phenotypical changes of sensory nerves may play a role in nasal hypersensitivity and provide new targets for the treatment of rhinitis.
Methylation levels of LINE‐1 repeats and CpG island loci are inversely related in normal colonic mucosa
Authors: Iacopetta Barry , Grieu Fabienne , Phillips Michael , Ruszkiewicz Andrew , Moore James , Minamoto Toshinari , Kawakami Kazuyuki
Published: July 2007

Hypermethylation of CpG island loci within gene promoter regions is a frequent event in colorectal cancer that is often associated with transcriptional silencing and has been referred to as CIMP+. DNA hypomethylation can occur in concert with CIMP+, although these two phenomena appear not to be related in colorectal cancer. The authors investigated here whether the methylation level of LINE‐1 repeats, a surrogate marker for genomic methylation, was associated with the level of CpG island methylation in colorectal cancers and in matching normal colonic mucosa from 178 patients. The MethyLight assay was used to quantitate the methylation of CpG islands within the MLH1, P16(INK4A), TIMP3, DAPK, APC, ER and MYOD genes. A real‐time, methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction assay was also used to quantitate the methylation of LINE‐1 repeats. In colorectal cancer, no associations were seen between methylation levels in LINE‐1 repeats and CpG island loci, including a new CpG island panel that was recently proposed for CIMP+. In normal colonic mucosa, however, the methylation level of LINE‐1 repeats was inversely correlated with CpG‐island methylation of the MLH1, P16, TIMP3, APC, ER and MYOD genes. The methylation level of LINE‐1 repeats in normal colonic mucosa also showed significant associations with common polymorphisms in the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase and methylene tetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase genes involved in methyl group metabolism. Further investigation of genomic and CpG island methylation in normal colonic mucosa and the possible influences of environmental and genetic factors may provide new insights into the development of CIMP+ colorectal cancer. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1454–1460)
Light and shadows in the iron chelation treatment of haematological diseases
Authors: Maggio Aurelio
Published: July 2007

This review outlines the main chelator groups studied to date, and the evidence for their clinical effectiveness. For each treatment, the strength of evidence was documented according to the guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. Three main haematological diseases were considered as models: thalassaemia major, sickle‐cell disorders and myelodysplasia. Although the data in the literature do not allow firmly evidence‐based conclusions, the findings suggest that in thalassaemia major: (i) deferoxamine remains the drug of choice for chelation treatment; (ii) if there is deferoxamine intolerance or a change of treatment is suggested, the options are deferiprone or, if the liver iron concentration is high, deferasirox treatment; and (iii) if the ferritin level is >2500 μg/l and liver iron concentation is >7 mg/g/dry weight, continuous subcutaneous (s.c.) or intravenous (i.v.) deferoxamine, or combined treatment with deferiprone and deferoxamine is advised. In case of heart failure, there is currently more solid documentation to support continuous s.c. or i.v. deferoxamine treatment than combined treatment with deferiprone and deferoxamine. However, more recent data in the literature suggest that the latter could be a satisfactory alternative. Finally, if iron chelation is required for sickle‐cell disorders or myelodysplastic syndromes, the current data support the use of deferoxamine treatment.
In primary effusion lymphoma cells, MYB transcriptional repression is associated with v‐FLIP expression during latent KSHV infection while both v‐FLIP and v‐GPCR become involved during the lytic cycle
Authors: Lacoste Vincent , Nicot Christophe , Gessain Antoine , Valensi Françoise , Gabarre Jean , Matta Hittu , Chaudhary Preet M. , Mahieux Renaud
Published: July 2007

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare, distinct subtype of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, which is associated with Kaposi sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection. Although MYB levels are high in most neoplastic B cells, we found that, unexpectedly, both PEL cells and uncultured PEL patients’ samples contained very low levels of MYB mRNA when compared to B‐cell leukaemia samples obtained from KSHV− patients. These results were further confirmed at the protein level. Both latent viral FLICE inhibitory protein (v‐FLIP) and early lytic viral G protein coupled receptor (v‐GPCR) KSHV proteins were found to activate nuclear factor (NF)‐κB and transrepress a MYB promoter reporter construct. In contrast, a dominant negative inhibitor of NF‐κB (IκB‐α) mutant prevented v‐FLIP and v‐GPCR from inhibiting MYB functions while a v‐GPCR mutant that was impaired for NF‐κB activation could not repress the MYB construct. Transduction of a v‐FLIP expressing vector or stable transfection of v‐GPCR both resulted in a marked downregulation of the endogenous MYB protein expression. However, MYB expression transactivated the lytic switch Replication and Transcription Activator (RTA) promoter in transient transfection assays. Taken together, our results demonstrate that, contrary to a number of other haematological malignancies, MYB expression is not required for PEL cell proliferation. Repressing MYB expression also helps in maintaining the virus in latency.
Judgements of Solomon: anxieties and defences of social workers involved in care proceedings
Authors: Taylor Hilary , Beckett Chris , McKeigue Bridget
Published: July 2007

Evidence from focus group discussions with social workers in child care and child protection was collected for a research project exploring decision‐making in care proceedings and seeking a better understanding of the causes of delay in the process. Here this material is used to examine social workers' feelings about their work and to explore the anxieties they expressed. Isabel Menzies's work on containing anxiety in institutions is used to provide a conceptual framework for thinking about the ways in which individuals' unconscious defences against anxiety may affect the structure, policies and practices of the organization in which they work. It is suggested that this dimension needs to be taken into account in understanding difficulties which arise in putting policy into practice.
Coping with change in ICT‐based learning environments: newly qualified Rwandan teachers' reflections
Authors: Mukama E. , Andersson S.B.
Published: July 2007

Abstract  The overarching aim of this study is to investigate how newly qualified Rwandan teachers can contribute to the creation of theoretical and practical knowledge for professional development with information and communication technology (ICT). Questionnaires, focus groups and interviews were used for data collection. The findings show that novice teachers are motivated to acquire ICT and that they succeed in situations where school administrators grant easy access to computers. The novice teachers expressed a strong desire to be trusted and be allowed time to use computers and related skills in their learning and teaching. These views are discussed in terms of learning conditions created in schools so that participants become active, responsible and committed practitioners. We assume that such attitudes can be a model for their future roles in fostering change in social practice. For example, this study shows that gender equity becomes an aspect of change in an ICT‐learning environment, which creates new opportunities for continuous education. To achieve this, as revealed by the findings, there is a need to develop school‐based curricula, appropriate pedagogy and teacher professional development in the area of ICT literacy, which allows the teachers to develop a critical mind to the new tools.
Development and physiology of gastric dilation air sacculitis in Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum)
Authors: Forgan L G , Forster M E
Published: July 2007

The syndrome known as gastric dilation air sacculitis (GDAS) has previously been shown to affect Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, in seawater (SW) aquaculture. Feed and osmoregulatory stress have been implicated as potential epidemiological co‐factors. The development and physiology of GDAS was investigated in SW and freshwater (FW) adapted smolts. Diet A (low‐cohesion pellets) and diet B (high‐cohesion pellets) were fed to both FW‐ and SW‐adapted fish. GDAS was induced only in the SW trial on feeding diet A. Stimulated gastro‐intestinal (GI) smooth muscle contractility, and fluid transport by the pyloric caeca were different in GDAS‐affected fish, which also showed osmoregulatory dysfunction. Cardiac stomach (CS) smooth muscle contractility in response to acetylcholine and potassium chloride (KCl) was significantly reduced in fish fed diet A relative to controls from weeks 3–5. In contrast, maximal pyloric sphincter (PS) circular smooth muscle contraction in response to KCl was significantly elevated in fish fed diet A in weeks 4 and 5. Serum osmolality was elevated in GDAS‐affected fish from week 2 of the SW trial. Fluid transport from the mucosal to serosal surface of isolated pyloric caeca was significantly reduced in weeks 3, 4 and 5 in SW fish fed diet A. Gastric evacuation from the stomach of healthy fish was shown to be significantly different when diets of low‐ and high‐cohesion were fed. The results are consistent with the intestinal brake playing a role in the development of the disease.