bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative 6‐Month Clinical Study of a Semilunar Coronally Positioned Flap and Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft for the Treatment of Gingival Recession
Authors: Bittencourt Sandro , Del Peloso Ribeiro Érica , Sallum Enilson A. , Sallum Antônio W. , Nociti Francisco H. , Casati Márcio Zaffalon
Published: February 2006

Background: The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the outcome of gingival recession therapy using the semilunar coronally positioned flap (SCPF) or the subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG).

Methods: Seventeen patients with bilateral Miller Class I buccal gingival recessions (≤4 mm) in maxillary canines or premolars were selected. The recessions were randomly assigned to receive either the SCPF or the SCTG. Recession height (RH), recession width (RW), width of keratinized tissue (WKT), thickness of keratinized tissue (TKT), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured at baseline and 6 months post‐surgery. Patient satisfaction with esthetics, root sensitivity, and postoperative pain was also evaluated.

Results: The average percentages of root coverage for SCPF and SCTG were 90.95% and 96.10% (P <0.05), respectively, and the complete root coverage observed was 52.94% and 76.47%, respectively. The SCTG showed a statistically significant increase in TKT (P <0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to RH, RW, WKT, PD, and CAL. The esthetic condition after both treatments was considered satisfactory by the patients.

Conclusion: The findings from this study indicate that SCPF and SCTG can be successfully used to treat Class I gingival recession.
Inhibition of Proinflammatory Activities of Major Periodontal Pathogens by Aqueous Extracts From Elder Flower (Sambucus nigra)
Authors: Harokopakis Evlambia , Albzreh Mohamad H. , Haase Elaine M. , Scannapieco Frank A. , Hajishengallis George
Published: February 2006

Background: Prolonged induction of excessive levels of inflammatory mediators contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic disease states, such as periodontitis. It is thus important to develop safe and effective anti‐inflammatory strategies for therapeutic reasons. In this study, we determined the ability of aqueous extracts from elder flower (Sambucus nigra) to inhibit the proinflammatory activity of major virulence factors from the periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.

Methods: Monocytes/macrophages or neutrophils were incubated with whole cells of P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans, or purified components thereof (lipopolysaccharide and fimbriae) in the absence or presence of elder flower extract and were assayed for cytokine production, integrin activation, or induction of the oxidative burst.

Results: The elder flower extract was found to potently inhibit all proinflammatory activities tested. Investigation of the underlying mechanisms revealed that the anti‐inflammatory extract inhibited activation of the nuclear transcription factor κB and of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase.

Conclusion: The elder flower extract displays useful anti‐inflammatory properties that could be exploited therapeutically for the control of inflammation in human periodontitis.
Aspects of achondroplasia in the skulls of dwarf transgenic mice: A cephalometric study
Authors: Wadler Bloom Melissa , Murakami Shunichi , Cody Dianna , Montufar‐Solis Dina , Duke Pauline Jackie
Published: February 2006

Achondroplasia, the most common short‐limbed dwarfism in humans, results from a single nucleotide substitution in the gene for fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3). FGFR3 regulates bone growth in part via the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway (MAPK). To examine the role of this pathway in chondrocyte differentiation, a transgenic mouse was generated that expresses a constitutively active mutant of MEK1 in chondrocytes and exhibits dwarfing characteristics typical of human achondroplasia, i.e., shortened axial and appendicular skeletons, mid‐facial hypoplasia, and dome‐shaped cranium. In this study, cephalometrics of the MEK1 mutant skulls were assessed to determine if the MEK1 mice are a good model of achondroplasia. Skull length, arc of the cranial vault, and area, maximum and minimum diameters of the brain case were measured on digitized radiographs of skulls of MEK1 and control mice. Cranial base and nasal bone length and foramen magnum diameter were measured on midsagittal micro‐CT sections. Data were normalized by dividing by the cube root of each animal's weight. Transgenic mice exhibited a domed skull, deficient midface, and (relatively) prognathic mandible and had a shorter cranial base and nasal bone than the wild‐type. Skull length was significantly less in transgenic mice, but cranial arc was significantly greater. The brain case was larger and more circular and minimum diameter of the brain case was significantly greater in transgenic mice. The foramen magnum was displaced anteriorly but not narrowed. MEK1 mouse cephalometrics confirm these mice as a model for achondroplasia, demonstrating that the MAP kinase signaling pathway is involved in FGF signaling in skeletal development. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vasculogenesis of the embryonic heart: Origin of blood island‐like structures
Authors: Ratajska Anna , Czarnowska Elżbieta , Kołodzińska Agnieszka , Kluzek Wojciech , Leśniak Wojciech
Published: February 2006

The earliest vascular structures (blood island‐like) in the embryonic heart are clusters of angioblasts and nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs), which differentiate into endothelial cells and erythrocytes, respectively. Our purpose was to define the area and chronology of NRBC appearance in the mouse embryonic heart at the stages before a patency between coronary vessels and peripheral circulation is established (10.5–13.5 dpc). Before and at the onset of vascularization, NBCs were not present within the proepicardium; however, Ter/119+ differentiating erythroblasts and single scattered CD45+ were found in the heart beginning from 10.5 dpc. The Ter/119+ cells were in close apposition to angioblasts (PECAM1+) and were recognized as components of blood island‐like structures or vascular vesicles in transmission electron microscope and were located mostly in the subepicardium. Some of the NRBCs were not accompanied by angioblasts and located close to the endocardial endothelium or at the border of the endocardial endothelium or in the subepicardium. These erythroblasts were beginning to assemble with angioblasts. CD34+ NBCs as well as progenitor cells of erythroid lineage were not detected in the heart at these stages of development. The state of differentiation of NRBCs of blood islands was similar/the same as the morphology of circulating blood cells at the respective stages of embryo development. The presence of mature NRBCs in the subendocardial area and lack of progenitor cells of erythroid lineage within the heart indicate that erythroid commitment occurs outside the heart. We suggest that NRBCs enter the heart from the blood stream at 10.5–12 dpc independently from angioblasts. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protein distribution of Kcnq1, Kcnh2, and Kcne3 potassium channel subunits during mouse embryonic development
Authors: de Castro María Pilar , Aránega Amelia , Franco Diego
Published: February 2006

Voltage‐dependent potassium channels consist of a pore‐forming α‐subunit, which is modulated by additional β‐ancillary or regulatory subunits. Kcnq1 and Kcnh2 α‐channel subunits play pivotal roles in the developing and adult heart. However, Kcnq1 and Kcnh2 have a much wider expression profile than strictly confined to the myocardium, similar to their putative regulatory Kcne1‐5 β‐subunits. At present, the distribution of distinct potassium channel subunits has been partially mapped in adult tissues, whereas almost no information is available during embryonic development. In this study, we report a detailed analysis of Kcnq1, Kcnh2, and Kcne3 protein expression during mouse embryogenesis. Our results demonstrate that Kcnq1 and Kcnh2 are widely distributed. Coexpression of both α‐subunits is observed in a wide variety of organs, such as heart and the skeletal muscle, whereas others display unique Kcnq1 or Knch2 expression. Interestingly, Kcne3 expression is also widely observed in distinct tissue layers during embryogenesis, supporting the notion that an exquisite balance of α‐ and β‐subunit expression is required for modulating potassium conductance in distinct organs and tissue layers. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synovial fluid levels of anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies and IgA rheumatoid factor in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis
Authors: Caspi Dan , Anouk Marina , Golan Itzhak , Paran Daphna , Kaufman Ilana , Wigler Irena , Levartovsky David , Litinsky Irena , Elkayam Ori
Published: February 2006

Objective

To assess the levels of anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP) and IgA rheumatoid factor (IgA‐RF) in synovial fluids of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Knee effusions of 29 patients with RA (23 women, 6 men; mean ± SD age 60 ± 15 years), 20 with PsA (6 women, 14 men; mean age 51 ± 12 years), and 19 with OA (9 women, 10 men; mean age 73 ± 11.8 years) were aspirated, tested for white blood cell (WBC) counts, centrifuged, and stored at −20°. Sera of 22, 11, and 12 of these patients with RA, PsA, and OA, respectively, were similarly stored. IgG anti‐CCP and IgA‐RF were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C‐reactive protein levels were used as measures of disease activity.

Results

Mean levels of synovial fluid anti‐CCP and IgA‐RF were significantly increased in RA joint effusions compared with PsA and OA (anti‐CCP: 150 ± 134, 34 ± 29, and 24 ± 26 units, respectively [P < 0.003]; IgA‐RF: 76 ± 77, 15.7 ± 10, and 18 ± 20 units, respectively). No significant difference was noted between OA and PsA. A significant correlation was found between synovial fluid anti‐CCP and serum anti‐CCP and IgA‐RF. In patients with RA, a significant correlation was found between synovial fluid WBC counts and IgA‐RF (P = 0.03) and serum IgA‐RF (P = 0.008), but not between synovial fluid and serum anti‐CCP levels. In RA patients, C‐reactive protein correlated with serum IgA‐RF.

Conclusion

Anti‐CCP and IgA‐RF were significantly increased in synovial fluid of RA in comparison with PsA and OA patients.
Effectiveness of the primary therapist model for rheumatoid arthritis rehabilitation: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Linda C. , Davis Aileen M. , Lineker Sydney C. , Coyte Peter C. , Bombardier Claire
Published: February 2006

Objective

To compare the primary therapist model (PTM), provided by a single rheumatology‐trained primary therapist, with the traditional treatment model (TTM), provided by a physical therapy (PT) and/or occupational therapy (OT) generalist, for treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Eligible patients were adults requiring rehabilitation treatment who had not received PT/OT in the past 2 years. Participants were randomized to the PTM or TTM group. The primary outcome was defined as the proportion of clinical responders who experienced a ≥20% improvement in 2 of the following measures from baseline to 6 months: Health Assessment Questionnaire, pain visual analog scale, and Arthritis Community Research and Evaluation Unit RA Knowledge Questionnaire.

Results

Of 144 consenting patients, 33 (10 PTM participants, 23 TTM participants) dropped out without completing any followup assessment, leaving 111 for analysis (63 PTM participants, 48 TTM participants). The majority were women (PTM 87.3%, TTM 79.2%), with a mean age of 54.2 years and 56.8 years for the PTM and TTM groups, respectively. Average disease duration was 10.6 years and 13.2 years for each group, respectively. At 6 months, 44.4% of patients in the PTM group were clinical responders versus 18.8% in the TTM group (χ2 = 8.09, P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Compared with the TTM, the PTM was associated with better outcomes in patients with RA. The results, however, should be interpreted with caution due to the high dropout rate in the TTM group.
Profile of arthritis disability: II
Authors: Verbrugge Lois M. , Juarez Lucia
Published: February 2006

Objective

Arthritis is the most common chronic condition and the most common cause of disability among older US adults. We studied social participation, disabilities in many life domains, accommodations used (buffers), and accommodations needed (barriers) for US adults with arthritis disability compared with adults with disability from other conditions.

Methods

The data source is the National Health Interview Survey Disability Supplement Phase Two. Arthritis‐disabled individuals named arthritis as the main cause of ≥1 disabilities. Other‐disabled individuals named only other conditions as causes of their disabilities. We compared outcomes for the groups, taking sample weights and complex variances into account.

Results

Arthritis‐disabled individuals get out and about less often than other‐disabled individuals, but they manage to maintain active social ties. They have more disabilities of all types (personal care, household management, physical tasks, transportation, home, work), and the disabilities often cause fatigue, long task time, and pain. Despite this, arthritis‐disabled individuals use less personal assistance than other‐disabled individuals; they do use more equipment assistance. Arthritis‐disabled individuals report more barriers in getting around outside their home and at their workplace.

Conclusion

The distinctive profile of arthritis disability includes extensive and uncomfortable disabilities, yet there are active management strategies to handle these disabilities. Problems away from home and at work should inspire engineers and planners to improve public access and equipment for persons with this high‐prevalence disability.
Prescription opioid use among older adults with arthritis or low back pain
Authors: Solomon Daniel H. , Avorn Jerry , Wang Philip S. , Vaillant George , Cabral Danielle , Mogun Helen , Stürmer Til
Published: February 2006

Objective

To examine patterns of chronic opioid use in selected groups with arthritis and low back pain and compare them with patterns among persons with ischemic heart disease.

Methods

The study database consisted of Medicare beneficiaries who were enrolled in a drug benefit program for low‐to‐moderate income Pennsylvania residents. We identified selected patients who had a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic low back pain, or ischemic heart disease since 1995. Chronic opioid use, defined as at least six 30‐day prescriptions in a year, was the endpoint of interest. We examined the proportion of patients meeting this definition during the period 1996–2001 and determined predictors based on multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Four percent of subjects with rheumatoid arthritis used opioids chronically in 2001, compared with <1% in each of the other groups. There was no increase in the chronic use of opioids over the 6‐year study period. Low‐potency opioids were the most commonly prescribed preparations for chronic users from all patient groups. The prior use of medicines for psychiatric illness, including benzodiazepines or barbiturates, was associated with chronic prescription opioid use across all diagnoses. However, subjects with a prior diagnosis of psychiatric illness were less likely to receive chronic opioids.

Conclusion

Chronic opioid use is relatively uncommon, even among older individuals with arthritis or low back pain. The proportion of these individuals receiving such medicines has not increased in the late 1990s. There seems to be a complex relationship between psychiatric medication use, psychiatric diagnoses, and the use of chronic opioids among these individuals.
Glucocorticoid use, other associated factors, and the risk of tuberculosis
Authors: Jick Susan S. , Lieberman Eric S. , Rahman Mahboob U. , Choi Hyon K.
Published: February 2006

Objective

To evaluate the association of glucocorticoids and other purported risk factors with the development of tuberculosis.

Methods

We conducted a case‐control study of tuberculosis cases identified during 1990–2001 using the General Practice Research Database in the United Kingdom. Cases were patients with a first time diagnosis of tuberculosis accompanied by at least 6 months of treatment with at least 3 different tuberculosis medications. Up to 4 controls were matched to each case on age, sex, the practice attended by the case, index date, and amount of prior computerized records.

Results

The study encompassed 497 new cases of tuberculosis and 1,966 controls derived from 16,629,041 person‐years at risk (n = 2,757,084 persons). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of tuberculosis for current use of a glucocorticoid compared with no use was 4.9 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.9–8.3). The adjusted ORs for use of <15 mg and ≥15 mg of prednisone or its equivalent daily dose were 2.8 (95% CI 1.0–7.9) and 7.7 (95% CI 2.8–21.4), respectively. Adjusted ORs of tuberculosis were 2.8 for patients with a body mass index (BMI) <20 compared with normal BMI; 1.6 for current smokers compared with nonsmokers; and 3.8, 3.2, 2.0, and 1.4 for those with history of diabetes, emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma, respectively, compared with those without such history (all P values <0.05).

Conclusion

These results indicate that patients treated with glucocorticoids have an increased risk of developing tuberculosis, independent of other risk factors. Low adiposity, diabetes, current smoking, and obstructive pulmonary disorders are also important independent risk factors for tuberculosis.
Mutational screening of theCYP26A1gene in patients with caudal regression syndrome
Authors: De Marco Patrizia , Merello Elisa , Mascelli Samantha , Raso Alessandro , Santamaria Andrea , Ottaviano Catherine , Calevo Maria Grazia , Cama Armando , Capra Valeria
Published: February 2006

BACKGROUND

The retinoic acid (RA)–catabolizing enzyme Cyp26a1 plays an important role in protecting tailbud tissues from inappropriate exposure to RA.Cyp26a1‐null animals exhibit caudal agenesis and spina bifida, imperforate anus, agenesis of the caudal portions of the digestive and urogenital tracts, and malformed lumbosacral skeletal elements. This phenotype closely resembles the most severe form of caudal agenesis in humans. In view of these findings, we investigated a potential involvement of the humanCYP26A1gene in the pathogenesis of caudal regression syndrome (CRS).

METHODS

Mutational screening of 49 CRS patients and 132 controls was performed using denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography and sequencing. Differences in the genotype and allele frequency of each SNP were evaluated by χ2analysis. The biological significance of the intronic variants was investigated by transfection assays of mutant constructs and by analysis of the splicing patterns with RT‐PCR.

RESULTS

Mutational screening allowed us to identify 6 SNPs, 4 of which (447C>G, 1134G>A, IVS1+10G>C, and IVS4+8AG>GA) are new. In addition, we describe a novel 2‐site haplotype consisting of the 2 intronic SNPs. Both single‐locus and haplotype analyses revealed no association with increased risk for CRS. The consequences of the 2 intronic polymorphisms on the mRNA splicing process were also investigated. Moreover, using functional and computational methods we demonstrated that both of these intronic polymorphisms affect the intron splicing efficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research did not provide evidence thatCYP26A1has implications for the pathogenesis of human CRS. However, the relationship between CRS risk and theCYP26A1genotype requires further study with a larger number of genotyped subjects. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recent advances in management of patients with platinum‐refractory testicular germ cell tumors
Authors: Kollmannsberger Christian , Nichols Craig , Bokemeyer Carsten
Published: February 2006

With the use of cisplatin‐based combination chemotherapy, metastatic testicular germ cell tumors can be cured in 70–80% of patients, but patients refractory to cisplatin‐based chemotherapy continue to have a very poor prognosis. Various chemotherapeutic agents have been evaluated in intensively pretreated or cisplatin‐refractory patients, but as single agents, only orally administered etoposide, paclitaxel, gemcitabine, and, most recently, oxaliplatin have been shown to be active with selected patients achieving complete remissions. This has for the first time lead to clinical evaluation of combination chemotherapy regimens such as gemcitabine–paclitaxel or oxaliplatin–gemcitabine, demonstrating the feasibility of combination therapy in these heavily pretreated patients. High response rates of up to 45% were observed in particular with the latter combination. Salvage surgery remains a very important treatment option for patients with resectable disease. The molecular mechanisms of cisplatin resistance have been intensively studied, and several mechanisms have been discussed such as a decreased intracellular concentration of the drug, increased repair of the drug‐induced damage, or an altered apoptotic response to this damage. This increasing knowledge may now allow design of new therapeutic options. Ongoing studies in refractory germ cell tumors are evaluating 3‐drug regimens such as gemcitabine–paclitaxel–oxaliplatin but also biologic approaches such as inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor or the vascular endothelial growth factor. This research may eventually allow the development of a noncross‐resistant multidrug combination regimen that can be evaluated in an earlier line of therapy. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Intratumoral hemorrhage among children with newly diagnosed, diffuse brainstem glioma
Authors: Broniscer Alberto , Laningham Fred H. , Kocak Mehmet , Krasin Matthew J. , Fouladi Maryam , Merchant Thomas E. , Kun Larry E. , Boyett James M. , Gajjar Amar
Published: February 2006

BACKGROUND

Children with diffuse brainstem glioma (BSG) commonly undergo novel therapies because their outcome is poor with radiation therapy (RT). Although recent clinical trials using new biologic agents documented intratumoral hemorrhage (IH) among several children with BSG, to the authors' knowledge little is known regarding this phenomenon. In the current study, the authors assessed the characteristics and estimated the cumulative incidence of IH among children with BSG.

METHODS

All available brain imaging studies and medical records of 48 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed BSG treated at the study institution over a 10‐year interval (1992–2002) were reviewed. Treatment was comprised of RT and various regimens of conventional chemotherapy; none of these patients received biologic agents. At the time of last follow‐up, all patients had died of tumor progression.

RESULTS

The authors reviewed 319 imaging studies (251 magnetic resonance imaging scans and 68 computed tomography scans). IH was present in 6.25% of patients at the time of diagnosis. The 6‐month and 12‐month cumulative incidence estimates of IH regardless of the associated symptoms were 15.5% ± 5.5% and 24.4% ± 6.5%, respectively. The same estimates for symptomatic cases were 8.9% ± 4% and 17.8% ± 6%, respectively. All cases of IH at the time of diagnosis and 78% of symptomatic cases that developed after diagnosis were located in necrotic areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Although IH is uncommon at the time of diagnosis, symptomatic IH may occur among nearly 20% of children after the diagnosis of BSG. The uniform occurrence of IH among patients treated with various chemotherapeutic regimens and its association with necrotic areas suggests that tumor biology plays a significant role in this event. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
In situ and Online Monitoring of Hydrodynamic Flow Profiles in Microfluidic Channels Based upon Microelectrochemistry: Optimization of Electrode Locations
Authors: Amatore Christian , Klymenko Oleksiy V. , Svir Irina
Published: February 2006

Herein, we extend our previous approach concerning the reconstruction of profiles of pressure‐driven hydrodynamic flow in microfluidic channels based on current measurements at band electrode(s) [see the preceding paper ChemPhysChem 2005, 6, 1581]. We address the central issue of optimization of geometrical parameters describing the electrode(s) assembly (a single band and two bands working in generator–collector mode) within the channel flow cell to enhance the speed and precision of the flow profile reconstruction method.
Optical Properties of Gas‐Phase Tryptophan–Silver Cations: Charge Transfer from the Indole Ring to the Silver Atom
Authors: Antoine Rodolphe , Tabarin Thibault , Broyer Michel , Dugourd Philippe , Mitrić Roland , Bonačić‐Koutecký Vlasta
Published: February 2006

We present a joint experimental and theoretical investigation of the electronic excitation spectra of the tryptophan–silver complex. The photodissociation spectrum of gas‐phase [Trp‐Ag]+was measured from 215 to 330 nm using a quadrupole ion trap coupled to an optical parametric‐oscillator laser. The calculated time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) absorption spectra for different prototypes of structures are presented. Low‐energy transitions that are experimentally observed are only calculated for the charge‐solvation (CS) structures. These transitions are a signature of the metal–π interaction in [Trp‐Ag]+. The recorded spectrum is compared to a Boltzmann average of the absorption spectrum obtained from direct molecular dynamics (MD) simulations involving simultaneous transitions to excited states based on semiempirical configuration interaction (CI) calculations. The results demonstrate that charge transfer can be photoinduced from the indole ring to the silver atom.
Cover Picture: Multifunctional Carbon Nanofibers with Conductive, Magnetic and Superhydrophobic Properties (ChemPhysChem 2/2006)
Authors: Zhu Ying , Zhang Jing Chang , Zhai Jin , Zheng Yong Mei , Feng Lin , Jiang Lei
Published: February 2006

The cover picture shows water droplets on a superhydrophobic surface of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) forming spheres. Inspired by self‐cleaning plant leaves an interesting hybrid material, made of electrospun nanofibers, has been obtained with not only conductive and magnetic (see the hysteresis loop of the CNFs) but also superhydrophobic properties. This self‐cleaning material may find application as corrosive protection or electromagnetic shielding coating. To read how Y. Zhu et al. combine conductive, magnetic and superhydrophobic properties of these CNFs, please turn to page 336.
An improved algorithm for multicast topology discovery from end‐to‐end measurements
Authors: Tian Hui , Shen Hong
Published: February 2006

We present a new multicast topology inference algorithm called binary loss tree classification with hop count (HBLT). HBLT improves the previous algorithm of binary loss tree classification (BLT) not only in time complexity but also in misclassification probability and inference accuracy. The time complexity of HBLT isO(l2) instead ofO(l3) required by BLT in the worst case, andO(l· logl) instead ofO(l3) by BLT in the expected case, wherelis the number of receivers in the multicast network. The misclassification probability of HBLT decreases more quickly than that of BLT as the number of probe packets increases. For correct classification, the inference accuracy of HBLT is always 1, i.e. the inferred tree is identical to the physical tree, whereas that of BLT is dependent on the shape of the physical tree and inversely proportional to the number of internal nodes with single child. We also show through simulation that HBLT requires fewer probe packets to infer the correct topology and hence has a lower misclassification probability and higher inference accuracy than BLT. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel Water‐Soluble Carbosilane Dendrimers: Synthesis and Biocompatibility
Authors: Ortega Paula , Bermejo Jesus F. , Chonco Louis , de Jesus Ernesto , de la Mata F. Javier , Fernández Gerónimo , Flores Juan Carlos , Gómez Rafael , Serramía M. Jesús , Muñoz‐Fernandez M. Angeles
Published: February 2006

A synthetic strategy has been developed for the preparation of new peripheral amine‐ or ammonium‐terminated carbosilane dendrimers of type nG‐[Si(OCH2CH2NMe2)y]x or nG‐[Si(OCH2CH2NMe3+I–)y]x, respectively. It consists of the alcoholysis of well‐known chlorosilane‐terminated dendrimers with N,N‐dimethylethanolamine and the subsequent quaternization with MeI. All these systems are susceptible to hydrolysis, although the decomposition depends on concentration and dendrimer generation. Evaluation of dendrimer toxicities by phase‐contrast light microscopy and MTT assay were carried out, and evidence of dendrimer/oligonucleotide complex formation was carried out by gel electrophoresis. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Density‐Functional Calculation of the 183W and 17O NMR Chemical Shifts for Large Polyoxotungstates
Authors: Gracia Jose , Poblet Josep M. , Autschbach Jochen , Kazansky Leonid P.
Published: February 2006

A phosphane sulfate relativistic DFT method (ZORA)has been used to calculate the 183W and 17O NMR chemicalshifts for large polyoxotungstates, including W6O192–,CH3OTiW5O183–, W5O18WIINO3–, W10O324–, α‐δ‐γ‐XW12O40n–, β‐PW9O28Br63–, P2W18O626–, PW2O143–, and W7O246–, based on their optimized molecular structures. Despite sizeable deviations between the calculated and experimental values, the calculations correctly reproduce the trends in the change of the chemical shift for both nuclei. As expected, the diamagnetic term is almost constant throughout the whole series. The change in the chemical shifts is shown to be determined by the paramagnetic term, which depends on the electronic structure of the whole anion under study and, in particular, on the local geometry around a given tungsten atom. On the other hand, there is no correlation between the chemical shift and HOMO–LUMO gap, showing that deeper occupied levels and several unoccupied orbitals play an important role in the paramagnetic term. However, analysis of the components of the paramagnetic shielding has shown that the most significant transitions determining the change of both 183W and 17O NMR chemical shifts for anions consisting of tungsten and oxygen atoms are the occupied–occupied and not the occupied–virtual ones.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
DFT Calculations of the 183W NMR Chemical Shifts in Reduced Polyoxotungstates
Authors: Gracia Jose , Poblet Josep M. , Fernández Jorge A. , Autschbach Jochen , Kazansky Leonid P.
Published: February 2006

A relativistic DFT method (ZORA) is used to calculate the 183W and 17O NMR chemical shifts for the reduced polyoxotungstates W5O18WIINO3–, γ‐SiW12O406–, P2W18O628–, and W10O326– with different degrees of (de)localization of the electrons introduced. Despite some discrepancies in the calculated and experimental data, the calculations adequately describe the changes in the chemical shifts upon reduction. The reduction of a fully oxidized anion is accompanied by an expansion of the geometry. The effect of the charge localization and change in geometry on the chemical shift is evaluated. The shift of the resonance of the tungsten atoms largely depends on the reduced charge acquired upon reduction. On the other hand, those tungsten atoms that do not increase the electron density upon reduction have a negative shift. The calculations also reproduce the negative shifts of all the 17O NMR resonances upon reduction of the polyoxotungstates. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Unexpected Selectivity in Sodium Borohydride Reductions of α‐Substituted Esters: Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Li Liang‐Chun , Jiang Ju‐Xing , Ren Jie , Ren Yi , Pittman Charles U. , Zhu Hua‐Jie
Published: February 2006

The propensity of sodium borohydride to reduce the carbonyl group in eleven α‐substituted and two aromatic esters has been investigated by experiments and at the B3LYP/6‐31++G(d,p)//HF/6‐31G(d,p) level of theory. The chemoselectivities in nine of these reductions have been examined by experiments. Experimental results agree well with the calculated order of activation energies for hydride transfer to the ester carbonyl group. Methyl α‐bromoacetate reduces faster than methyl α‐fluoroacetate. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Quantitative comparison of AIR, SPM, and the fully deformable model for atlas‐based segmentation of functional and structural MR images
Authors: Wu Minjie , Carmichael Owen , Lopez‐Garcia Pilar , Carter Cameron S. , Aizenstein Howard J.
Published: February 2006

Typical packages used for coregistration in functional image analyses include automated image registration (AIR) and statistical parametric mapping (SPM). However, both methods have limited‐dimension deformation models. A fully deformable model, which combines the piecewise linear registration for coarse alignment with demons algorithm for voxel‐level refinement, allows a higher degree of spatial deformation. This leads to a more accurate colocalization of the functional signal from different subjects and therefore can produce a more reliable group average signal. We quantitatively compared the performance of the three different registration approaches through a series of experiments and we found that the fully deformable model consistently produces a more accurate structural segmentation and a more reliable functional signal colocalization than does AIR or SPM. Hum Brain Mapp, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of soil moisture patterns in forested and suburban catchments in Baltimore, Maryland, using high‐resolution photogrammetric and LIDAR digital elevation datasets
Authors: Tenenbaum D. E. , Band L. E. , Kenworthy S. T. , Tague C. L.
Published: February 2006

Field observations of near‐surface soil moisture, collected over several seasons in a watershed in suburban Maryland, are compared with values of the topographic soil moisture index generated using digital elevation models (DEMs) at a range of grid cell sizes from photogrammetric and light detection and ranging (LIDAR) data sources. A companion set of near‐surface soil moisture observations, DEMs and topographic index values are also presented for a nearby forested catchment. The degree to which topographic index values are an effective indicator of near‐surface soil moisture conditions varies in the two environments. The urbanizing environment requires topographic index values from a DEM with a much finer grid cell resolution than the LIDAR data can provide, and the relationship is stronger in wetter conditions. In the forested environment, the DEM resolution required is considerably lower and adequately supported by the photogrammetric data, and the relationship is strong under all moisture conditions. These results provide some insights into the length scales of near‐surface hydrological processes in the urbanizing environment, and the resolution of terrain data required to model those processes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One hundred years of mountain hydrology in Switzerland by the WSL
Authors: Hegg Christoph , McArdell Brian W. , Badoux Alexandre
Published: February 2006

In 1903 the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL started its first forest hydrology measurements with the aim to deliver a sound scientific basis for the implementation of new forest legislation introduced in Switzerland in 1876. This legislation was triggered by several large floods that occurred in Switzerland, for which a major cause was widely seen as the poor condition of forests at that time. Consequently, hydrologic research at WSL first focused on the influence of forests on floods. In the second half of the 20th century, other hydrological issues such as water quality, snow hydrology and sediment transport complemented the hydrologic research at WSL. Some recent results of this work are presented in three papers joining this introductory paper to mark the 100th anniversary of hydrologic research at WSL. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigations on the runoff generation at the profile and plot scales, Swiss Emmental
Authors: Badoux Alexandre , Witzig Jonas , Germann Peter F. , Kienholz Hans , Lüscher Peter , Weingartner Rolf , Hegg Christoph
Published: February 2006

This article describes an investigation on runoff generation at different scales in the forested catchment of the Sperbelgraben in the Emmental region (Swiss Prealps) where studies in the field of forest hydrology have a history of 100 years. It focuses on the analysis of soil profiles and the subsequent sprinkling experiments above them (1 m2), as well as on surface runoff measurements on larger plots (50 to 110 m2). In the Sperbelgraben investigation area, two very distinct runoff reactions could be observed. On the one hand, very high production of saturation overland flow was registered on wet areas of gleyic soils, with runoff coefficients between 0·39 and 0·94 for profile irrigation. On the other hand, almost no surface runoff was measured on Cambisols, with the exception at some sites of a hydrophobic reaction detected at the beginning of storms after dry periods (coefficients for profile irrigation: 0·01–0·16). This pattern was observed during 1 m2 soil plot irrigation and on surface runoff plots. Apart from a less distinctive signal of the water‐repellent litter layer on the larger surface runoff plots, the dominant hydrological processes at the two scales are the same. The determined runoff reaction at the two scales corresponds well with information from a forest site type map describing soil and vegetation characteristics and used as a substitute for a soil map in this study. Theoretical considerations describing forest influence on flood discharge are discussed and evaluated to be in good agreement with observations. These findings are a sound foundation for application in hydrological catchment modelling. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term investigations of the snow cover in a subalpine semi‐forested catchment
Authors: Stähli Manfred , Gustafsson David
Published: February 2006

To improve spring runoff forecasts from subalpine catchments, detailed spatial simulations of the snow cover in this landscape is obligatory. For more than 30 years, the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL has been conducting extensive snow cover observations in the subalpine watershed Alptal (central Switzerland). This paper summarizes the conclusions from past snow studies in the Alptal valley and presents an analysis of 14 snow courses located at different exposures and altitudes, partly in open areas and partly in forest. The long‐term performance of a physically based numerical snow–vegetation–atmosphere model (COUP) was tested with these snow‐course measurements. One single parameter set with meteorological input variables corrected to the prevailing local conditions resulted in a convincing snow water equivalent (SWE) simulation at most sites and for various winters with a wide range of snow conditions. The snow interception approach used in this study was able to explain the forest effect on the SWE as observed on paired snow courses. Finally, we demonstrated for a meadow and a forest site that a successful simulation of the snowpack yields appropriate melt rates. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐frequency logging technologies reveal state‐dependent hyporheic process dynamics: implications for hydroecological studies
Authors: Malcolm I. A. , Soulsby C. , Youngson A. F.
Published: February 2006

This paper presents a novel method for assessing hyporheic water quality dynamics using advances in sensor technology. High‐resolution (15 min) dissolved oxygen (DO) and hydraulic head data were combined to assess groundwater–surface water (GW–SW) interactions in the hyporheic zone. DO concentrations varied at fine temporal and spatial scales, depending on the relative contributions of GW and SW. The effect of sample frequency on observed patterns of variability was assessed with reference to studies of the ecology of salmon spawning habitat. Conventional approaches fail to capture the full range of temporal variability in hyporheic water quality and demonstrate the need to reassess the interpretations of previous studies of the hyporheic zone. © Crown Copyright 2006. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Green tea polyphenol stimulates cancer preventive effects of celecoxib in human lung cancer cells by upregulation of GADD153 gene
Authors: Suganuma Masami , Kurusu Miki , Suzuki Kaori , Tasaki Emi , Fujiki Hirota
Published: February 2006

To more clearly understand the molecular mechanisms involved in synergistic enhancement of cancer preventive activity with the green tea polyphenol (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), we examined the effects of cotreatment with EGCG plus celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase‐2 selective inhibitor. We specifically looked for induction of apoptosis and expression of apoptosis related genes, with emphasis on growth arrest and DNA damage‐inducible 153 (GADD153) gene, in human lung cancer cell line PC‐9: Cotreatment with EGCG plus celecoxib strongly induced the expression of both GADD153 mRNA level and protein in PC‐9 cells, while neither EGCG nor celecoxib alone did. However, cotreatment did not induce expression of other apoptosis related genes, p21WAF1 and GADD45. Judging by upregulation of GADD153, only cotreatment with EGCG plus celecoxib synergistically induced apoptosis of PC‐9 cells. Synergistic effects with the combination were also observed in 2 other lung cancer cell lines, A549 and ChaGo K‐1. Furthermore, EGCG did not enhance GADD153 gene expression or apoptosis induction in PC‐9 cells in combination with N‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)retinamide or with aspirin. Thus, upregulation of GADD153 is closely correlated with synergistic enhancement of apoptosis with EGCG. Cotreatment also activated the mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), such as ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK: Preteatment with PD98059 (ERK1/2 inhibitor) and UO126 (selective MEK inhibitor) abrogated both upregulation of GADD153 and synergistic induction of apoptosis of PC‐9 cells, while SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor) did not do so, indicating that GADD153 expression was mediated through the ERK signaling pathway. These findings indicate that high upregulation of GADD153 is a key requirement for cancer prevention in combination with EGCG. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computation of hydration free energies of organic solutes with an implicit water model
Authors: Basilevsky Mikhail V. , Leontyev Igor V. , Luschekina Sofia V. , Kondakova Olga A. , Sulimov Vladimir B.
Published: February 2006

A new approach for computing hydration free energies ΔGsolv of organic solutes is formulated and parameterized. The method combines a conventional PCM (polarizable continuum model) computation for the electrostatic component ΔGel of ΔGsolv and a specially detailed algorithm for treating the complementary nonelectrostatic contributions (ΔGnel). The novel features include the following: (a) two different cavities are used for treating ΔGel and ΔGnel. For the latter case the cavity is larger and based on thermal atomic radii (i.e., slightly reduced van der Waals radii). (b) The cavitation component of ΔGnel is taken to be proportional to the volume of the large cavity. (c) In the treatment of van der Waals interactions, all solute atoms are counted explicitly. The corresponding interaction energies are computed as integrals over the surface of the larger cavity; they are based on Lennard Jones (LJ) type potentials for individual solute atoms. The weighting coefficients of these LJ terms are considered as fitting parameters. Testing this method on a collection of 278 uncharged organic solutes gave satisfactory results. The average error (RMSD) between calculated and experimental free energy values varies between 0.15 and 0.5 kcal/mol for different classes of solutes. The larger deviations found for the case of oxygen compounds are probably due to a poor approximation of H‐bonding in terms of LJ potentials. For the seven compounds with poorest fit to experiment, the error exceeds 1.5 kcal/mol; these outlier points were not included in the parameterization procedure. Several possible origins of these errors are discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 552–570, 2006
Ylidic radical–molecule reactions
Authors: Xie Hong‐Bin , Ding Yi‐Hong , Sun Chia‐Chung
Published: February 2006

The known reactions between a neutral radical and a neutral closed‐shell σ‐type molecule are generally associated with the atom/group‐abstraction (e.g., CN, OH reactions) or the carbenoid insertion processes (e.g., CH reactions). In this article, we describe a new type of neutral radical–molecule reaction that feature the nucleophilic addition and elimination mechanism based on the systematic Gaussian‐3//MP2(full)/6‐31G(d) investigations on the PH3CH+HX model reactions (X = CH3, NH2, OH, F, CH2F, CHF2, CF3, NHCH3/CH2NH2, OCH3/CH2OH). The novel properties are found to benefit both from the radical and ylidic characters of PH3CH, and the type of reagent HX determines the nucleophilic addition reactivity. The present work is the first study on the chemical reactivity of the ylidic radicals. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 545–551, 2006
Introduction to the special issue: Addressing mental health disparities through culturally competent research and community‐based practice
Authors: Kim Irene J. , Lorion Raymond P.
Published: February 2006

As we enter a new millennium in which rapid demographic changes in the United States are predicted to dramatically change the face of “mainstream” America, it is essential that researchers, practitioners, and policymakers come to grips with mental health disparities through culturally competent research and community‐based practice. This introduction to the special issue outlines the rationale for this volume and briefly describes the main underlying themes across this set of articles. The purpose of this special issue is twofold: (a) to present studies which serve as illustrative examples of empirical research focusing on the needs and characteristics of diverse populations within various contexts in the community and also point to implications for culturally sensitive intervention/prevention; and (b) to provide directions for future research in this area of culturally competent mental health services and treatment. Implications for future research, practice, and policy are discussed.© 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Well‐being in the context of workplace ethnic diversity
Authors: Enchautegui‐de‐Jesús Noemí , Hughes Diane , Johnston Kristen E. , Oh Hyun Joo
Published: February 2006

This research examined the relation between the effects of workplace diversity (defined as the proportion of coworkers of same ethnicity as the respondent) and psychosomatic complaints, psychological well‐being, life satisfaction, and job satisfaction. A sample of 648 African American and Latino workers was surveyed in Chicago and New York City. A nonlinear (inverted U‐shaped) relationship between co‐ethnicity and the outcomes was found, such that poorer psychological functioning was observed among workers with a very small or a very high proportion of co‐ethnic coworkers. The importance of disentangling the meaning of diversity in light of occupational segregation issues is discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.