bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lewis Acid Modulation in a Amido‐functional Diarylethene and Its Hypsochromism Effect
Authors: Liu Xue‐Dong , Chen Zi‐Hui , Fan Gui‐Fang , Zhang Fu‐Shi
Published: October 2006

A photochromic diarylethene, 1,2‐bis(2‐methyl‐5‐(4‐N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl)thien‐3‐yl)perfluorocyclopentene in proton‐donating media was studied. The ammonium salt came into being in the presence of acetic acid following localization of lone pair electrons of the amino group. The maximum absorption of the salt had a 36 nm hypsochromic shift, and its molar extinction coefficient increased to 3.494×104 L·mol−1·cm−1. The conjugational and delocalizational energy levels were calculated by Gaussian 98, and its hypsochromic shift mechanism was also discussed.
Acridin‐9‐ylmethoxycarbonyl (Amoc): A New Photochemically Removable Protecting Group for Alcohols
Authors: Zhuang Hong‐Bo , Tang Wen‐Jian , Yu Jing‐Yu , Song Qin‐Hua
Published: October 2006

Synthesis and photochemistry of acridin‐9‐ylmethoxycarbonyl (Amoc) as a new photochemically removable protecting group for alcohols were described. Three carbonates of alcohols 1–3 were synthesized through condensation of 9‐hydroxymethylacridine and chloroformates of alcohols, including benzyl alcohol, phenethyl alcohol and one galactose derivative. The photolysis of protected alcohols can efficiently release the corresponding alcohol in the efficiencies (Qu1ε) of 100–200 (quantum yield Qu1=0.011–0.023, and molar absorptivity ε=9.1×103–9.8×103 mol−1·L·cm−1) under 360 nm light.
Novel Stereoselective Synthesis of (E)‐β‐Silylvinylstannanes via Hydromagnesiation of Silylarylacetylenes
Authors: Huang Bin , Zhou Zhou , Cai Ming‐Zhong
Published: October 2006

Hydromagnesiation of silylarylacetylenes 1 in diethyl ether gave (E)‐β‐silylvinyl Grignard reagents 2, which reacted with trialkylstannyl chlorides 3 to afford stereoselectively (E)‐β‐silylvinylstannanes 4 in good yields.
Isolation of New Disilanylene‐bridged Bis(cyclopentadienyl)‐tetracarbonyldiiron Complexes and Molecular Structure of [η5,η5‐C5H4SiMe(SiMePh2)C5H4]Fe2(CO)2(μ‐CO)2
Authors: Sun Huai‐Lin , Zhang Hui‐Li , Zhang Zhen‐Sheng
Published: October 2006

1,2‐Diphenyl‐1,2‐dimethyldisilanylene‐bridged bis‐cyclopentadienyl complex [η5,η5‐C5H4PhMeSiSiMePh‐C5H4]Fe2(CO)2(μ‐CO)2 (1) was synthesized by a modified procedure, from which the trans‐isomer 1b that was previously difficult to obtain has been isolated for the first time. More interestingly, two new regio‐isomers [η5,η5‐C5H4SiMe(SiMePh2)C5H4]Fe2(CO)2(μ‐CO)2 (2) and [η5,η5‐C5H4Me2SiSiPh2C5H4]Fe2(CO)2(μ‐CO)2 (3) were occasionally obtained during above process, the novel structures of which opened up new options for further study of this type of Si–Si bond‐containing transition metal complexes. The molecular structure of 2 has been determined by the X‐ray diffraction method.
Cover Picture: Intercalated Smectic A Phases in Banana‐Shaped Liquid Crystals with Carbonate End Groups (ChemPhysChem 10/2006)
Authors: Fodor‐Csorba Katalin , Jákli Antal , Vajda Anikó , Prasad S. Krishna , Shankar Rao Doddamane S. , Dong Ronald Y. , Xu Jiadi , Galli Giancarlo
Published: October 2006

The cover picture shows bent‐core liquid crystals forming an intercalated smectic A (SmAint) phase, which has high birefringence and is switchable due to electric field‐induced biaxiality. The left half of the picture shows the texture and the corresponding schematic arrangement of the molecules in the ground state. The right half shows the texture and the corresponding molecular arrangement in the electrode area, where the molecular planes turn parallel to the electric field. Find out more in the Article by Fodor‐Csorba et al. on page 2184.
Maternal care patterns and behavioral development of rhesus macaque abused infants in the first 6 months of life
Authors: McCormack K. , Sanchez M.M. , Bardi M. , Maestripieri D.
Published: October 2006

We investigated the maternal care patterns of rhesus macaque mothers who physically abuse their infants, and compared their infants' behavior to that of nonabused infants. Parametric and multidimensional scaling analyses indicated that abusive mothers have a distinct parenting style characterized by high rates of rejection and contact‐breaking from their infants. Compared to control infants, abused infants exhibited signs of delayed independence from their mothers including higher rates of distress calls and anxiety, lower rates of contact‐breaking, and differences in play. Several aspects of the abused infants' behavior were correlated with rates of abuse received during the first month, or with other maternal behaviors. These findings provide a more comprehensive characterization of the parenting styles of abusive mothers and the early behavioral development of their infants than previously available. Detailed knowledge of the early experience of abused infants is crucial for understanding possible pathological alterations in behavior and neuroendocrine function later in life. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 48: 537–550, 2006.
Glucose enhances newborn memory for spoken words
Authors: Horne Pamela , Barr Ronald G. , Valiante Grace , Zelazo Philip R. , Young Simon N.
Published: October 2006

The effect of a 2 g/kg glucose feed was compared with a water feed on retention of a spoken word in 2–4 days old infants in a between group randomized trial. Infants heard a word in 30‐s trials until they demonstrated orientation (head turns towards the sound) and habituation. After a 100 s delay, infants who received glucose turned toward the word less often than infants receiving water (means 31.8 vs. 57.7%, t = 2.8, p < 0.01) implying that they remembered the word better. There were no differences between groups in measures of attention to or rate of learning of the word. Only infants who subsequently oriented towards a different word, indicating that they remained alert, were used in the data analysis. The results suggest that glucose enhanced memory for a spoken word in neonates. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 48: 574–582, 2006.
The benefits of early intervention in obese diabetic patients with FBCx™ — a new dietary fibre
Authors: Grunberger George , Jen K‐L Catherine , Artiss Joseph D.
Published: October 2006

Backgrounds

Obesity and diabetes have become epidemic in the US. Dietary fibres have been reported to reduce the absorption of dietary fat, prevent weight gain, and reduce blood lipid levels. In the current double‐blind study, obese patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited for a 3‐month study to examine the health effects of a new dietary fibre, FBCx™.

Methods

Sixty‐six participants were recruited and were randomized into FBCx™ or placebo groups. They were instructed to take two 1‐g tablets per fat‐containing meal and not to change their eating patterns or daily routine. Three‐day dietary records and fasting blood samples were collected prior to enrollment in the study and at the end of months 1, 2 and 3.

Results

Dietary records showed that some participants changed their eating patterns; therefore body weight data were adjusted according to energy intake. As a group, in the 30 days leading into the study, all participants experienced an average weight gain of 1.0 ± 0.4 kg, while those in the placebo group continued to gain weight during the study, those in the FBCx ™ group maintained their weight. Those in the FBCx™ group required more energy to maintain their body weight while those in the placebo group required less (p < 0.05). Participants with hypertriglyceridemia showed a reduction (−0.48 ± 0.24 mmol/L, − 8.2%) in total cholesterol with FBCx™, while those with placebo had an increase (0.24 ± 0.21 mmol/L, 5.2%, p < 0.05). Adiponectin was increased in the FBCx™ but reduced in the placebo group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

FBCx™ has thus shown promising benefits in weight maintenance, a reduction of blood lipids and an increase in adiponectin levels. It can be easily incorporated into a diabetic management regimen. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decline of neuroadrenergic bronchial innervation and respiratory function in type 1 diabetes mellitus: a longitudinal study
Authors: Antonelli Incalzi Raffaele , Fuso Leonello , Pitocco Dario , Basso Salvatore , Trové Andrea , Longobardi Anna , Calcagni Maria Lucia , Giordano Alessandro , Ghirlanda Giovanni
Published: October 2006

Background and aim

Type 1 diabetes mellitus complicated by autonomic neuropathy (AN) is characterized by depressed cholinergic bronchomotor tone and neuroadrenergic denervation of the lung. We explored the effects of AN on the rate of decline of pulmonary sympathetic innervation and respiratory function during a 5‐year follow‐up.

Methods

Twenty diabetic patients, 11 with AN, were enrolled in 1998 and then followed‐up until 2003. During follow‐up, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured every 3 months. In 1998 and 2003 the patients underwent respiratory function tests and a ventilatory scintigraphic study of neuroadrenergic bronchial innervation using 123I‐MIBG.

Results

During follow‐up 4 patients, all with AN, were lost, and 1 developed AN. Forced vital capacity (FVC), and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) showed comparable rates of decrease in patients with and without AN. The yearly decline of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was about double the physiologic rate, in both AN and AN‐free patients. The MIBG clearance significantly increased both in patients with AN (T1/2: 118.88 ± 30.14 min at baseline and 92.10 ± 24.52 min at the end of follow‐up) and without AN (135.14 ± 17.09 min and 92.68 ± 13.52 min, respectively), indicating a rapidly progressive neuroadrenergic denervation. The rate of the neuroadrenergic denervation was inversely related to the severity of autonomic dysfunction at baseline (Spearman's rho − 0.62, p = 0.017). Neither respiratory function indexes nor MIBG clearance changes correlated with the overall HbA1c values.

Conclusions

Neuroadrenergic denervation of the lung parallels the decline of respiratory function indexes in diabetic patients both with and without AN and seems to be independent from the quality of glycemic control. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topography of plasma membrane microdomains and its consequences for mast cell signaling
Authors: Heneberg Petr , Lebduška Pavel , Dráberová L'ubica , Korb Jan , Dráber Petr
Published: October 2006

Thy‐1 (CD90) is a glycoprotein bound to the plasma membrane by a GPI anchor. Aggregation of Thy‐1 in mast cells and basophils induces activation events independent of the expression of Fcϵ receptor I (FcϵRI). Although we and others have previously suggested that plasma membrane microdomains called lipid rafts are implicated in both Thy‐1 and FcϵRI signaling, properties of these microdomains are still poorly understood. In this study we used rat basophilic leukemia cells and their transfectants expressing both endogenous Thy‐1.1 and exogenous Thy‐1.2 genes and analyzed topography of the Thy‐1 isoforms and Thy‐1‐induced signaling events. Light microscopy showed that both Thy‐1 isoforms were in the plasma membrane distributed randomly and independently. Electron microscopy on isolated membrane sheets and fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis indicated cross‐talk between Thy‐1 isoforms and between Thy‐1 and FcϵRI. This cross‐talk was dependent on actin filaments. Thy‐1 aggregates colocalized with two transmembrane adaptor proteins, non‐T cell activation linker (NTAL) and linker for activation of T cells (LAT), which had been shown to inhabit different membrane microdomains. Thy‐1 aggregation led to tyrosine phosphorylation of these two adaptors. The combined data indicate that aggregated GPI‐anchored proteins can attract different membrane proteins in different clusters and thus can trigger different signaling pathways.
Immunisation with recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara expressing HIV‐1 gag in HIV‐1‐infected subjects stimulates broad functional CD4+ T cell responses
Authors: Ondondo Beatrice O. , Yang Hongbing , Dong Tao , di Gleria Kati , Suttill Annie , Conlon Christopher , Brown Denise , Williams Patricia , Rowland‐Jones Sarah L. , Hanke Tomáš , McMichael Andrew J. , Dorrell Lucy
Published: October 2006

Virus‐specific CD4+ T cells with IL‐2‐secreting and/or proliferative capacity are detected readily in HIV‐1‐infected long‐term nonprogressors and rarely in persons with untreated progressive infection. The contribution of these cells to viraemia control is uncertain, but this question might be addressed in clinical therapeutic vaccination studies. However, the quality of T helper responses induced by currently available HIV‐1 vaccine candidates has not been explored in depth. We determined the effect of vaccination with modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) expressing HIV‐1 gag p24/p17 (MVA.HIVA) on HIV‐1‐specific CD4+ T cell responses in 16 chronically infected, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)‐treated subjects using CD8‐depleted IFN‐γ ELISPOT assays, intracellular cytokine staining assays for IL‐2 and IFN‐γ, and a CFSE‐based proliferation assay. Gag‐specific CD4+ T cell responses were significantly increased in magnitude and breadth after vaccination and targeted both known and new epitopes, several of which were also recognised by healthy HIV‐uninfected volunteers immunised with the same vaccines. The frequencies of CD4+ T cells expressing IL‐2 or IFN‐γ, alone or simultaneously, were also augmented. These findings indicate that functional virus‐specific T helper cells can be boosted by vaccination in chronic HIV‐1 infection. Further evaluation of their role in viraemia control is warranted.
Silver, Palladium and Rhodium Complexes of Acenaphthylene‐AnullatedN‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands: A Comparative Study
Authors: Türkmen Hayati , Şahin Onur , Büyükgüngör Orhan , Çetinkaya Bekir
Published: October 2006

The newly prepared carbene precursor 1,3‐dimesitylacenaphtho[1,2‐d]imidazolinium chloride, (NHC–H)Cl, 3, could be readily converted into the NHC‐silver(I) complex, 4, which is an efficient carbene transfer agent and has been used to synthesise thione 5, trans‐[PdCl2(NHC)2], 6 and [RhCl(NHC)(COD)], 7. All compounds synthesised were characterised by elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy and the molecular structures of the thione 5 and complex 7 were determined by X‐ray crystallography. Complex 7 was converted into cis‐[RhCl(NHC)(CO)2] and the electron donating properties and trans influence of the NHC ligand were compared with nonanullated counterparts. The catalytic activity in the Heck reaction of 6 and the in situ formed palladium complex was evaluated. The activity of the in situ formed complexes for the Heck coupling of alkenes was high. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Magnetic Properties of 2D Manganese(II) and 1D Gadolinium(III) Coordination Polymers with 1H‐1,2,3‐Triazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylic Acid
Authors: Shi Wei , Chen Xiao‐Yan , Xu Na , Song Hai‐Bin , Zhao Bin , Cheng Peng , Liao Dai‐Zheng , Yan Shi‐Ping
Published: October 2006

Two new coordination polymers, namely [{Mn3(tda)2(H2O)6}·6H2O]n (1) and [{Gd(H2O)4(Htda)}·(H2tda)·H2O]n (2) (H3tda = 1H‐1,2,3‐triazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylic acid), have been prepared and characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Polymer 1 is a novel 2D stair‐like coordination polymer, while 2 is a 1D chain. Temperature‐dependent magnetic measurements indicate the existence of antiferromagnetic interactions in both 1 and 2. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Mechanochemical Control of Synthesis and Structures of Aqua‐Bridged Binuclear Nickel(II) Benzoate Complexes
Authors: Karmakar Anirban , Sarma Rupam J. , Baruah Jubaraj B.
Published: October 2006

Synthetic and structural aspects of a few binuclear nickel(II) complexes, having two bridging carboxylate groups and aqua groups are reported. Intramolecular O–H···O hydrogen bonding interactions between the bridging aqua group and the monodentate benzoate groups stabilises the bridging structures. Aqua‐bridged nickel(II) benzoate complex is stable irrespective of solvent system and also can include solvent molecules such as toluene and benzene. A mixed chloro, aqua and 4‐chloro‐benzoato‐bridged NiII binuclear complex was synthesised and structurally characterised. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Synthesis of Functionalized Amphiphilic Glycoconjugates and Glycoclusters
Authors: Dubber Michael , Patel Anupama , Sadalapure Kashinath , Aumüller Ingo , Lindhorst Thisbe K.
Published: October 2006

Glycolipids are involved in many cellular recognition processes, so there is a need for their synthesis as well as for the design and preparation of glycolipid mimetics. In addition to the application of glycolipid mimetics in a glycobiological context, they are also of interest in many other fields of research, due to their amphiphilic characters. Our goal was to elaborate a series of known orthogonally functionalized glycomimetics and cluster glycosides into glycomimetics of a glycolipid type, so monosaccharide building blocks such as 3, glycodendrons such as 19, and branched cluster glycosides of the type 24 were ligated with lipophilic molecules by peptide coupling, this conjugation providing a new class of complex amphiphilic glycoconjugates with high molecular diversity. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Cell dimensioning in the CDMA uplink based on economic modelling
Authors: Siris Vasilios A.
Published: October 2006

We introduce a new approach, based on economic modelling, for determining the optimal cell coverage in the CDMA uplink. The approach takes into account resource usage in the uplink direction and user preferences, which are expressed through utility functions, and captures the tradeoff between having a large cell with many users versus having a smaller cell with fewer users, which however are able to transmit at a higher rate. Numerical investigations demonstrate how the optimal cell coverage is affected by the path propagation characteristics, the transmission power limit, the distribution of mobile users in a cell and the users' preferences. Copyright © 2006 AEIT.
Advance market commitments for vaccines against neglected diseases: estimating costs and effectiveness
Authors: Berndt Ernst R. , Glennerster Rachel , Kremer Michael R. , Lee Jean , Levine Ruth , Weizsäcker Georg , Williams Heidi
Published: October 2006

The G8 is considering committing to purchase vaccines against diseases concentrated in low‐income countries (if and when desirable vaccines are developed) as a way to spur research and development on vaccines for these diseases. Under such an ‘advance market commitment,’ one or more sponsors would commit to a minimum price to be paid per person immunized for an eligible product, up to a certain number of individuals immunized. For additional purchases, the price would eventually drop to close to marginal cost. If no suitable product were developed, no payments would be made. We estimate the offer size which would make revenues similar to the revenues realized from investments in typical existing commercial pharmaceutical products, as well as the degree to which various model contracts and assumptions would affect the cost‐effectiveness of such a commitment. We make adjustments for lower marketing costs under an advance market commitment and the risk that a developer may have to share the market with subsequent developers. We also show how this second risk could be reduced, and money saved, by introducing a superiority clause to a commitment. Under conservative assumptions, we document that a commitment comparable in value to sales earned by the average of a sample of recently launched commercial products (adjusted for lower marketing costs) would be a highly cost‐effective way to address HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Sensitivity analyses suggest most characteristics of a hypothetical vaccine would have little effect on the cost‐effectiveness, but that the duration of protection conferred by a vaccine strongly affects potential cost‐effectiveness. Readers can conduct their own sensitivity analyses employing a web‐based spreadsheet tool. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroimaging H.M.: A 10‐year follow‐up examination
Authors: Salat D.H. , van der Kouwe A.J.W. , Tuch D.S. , Quinn B.T. , Fischl B. , Dale A.M. , Corkin S.
Published: October 2006

In 1997, Corkin et al. described the anatomical boundaries of the amnesic patient H.M.'s surgical resection, based on a comprehensive analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans collected in 1992 and 1993 (Corkin et al. (1997) J Neurosci 17:3964–3979). We subsequently scanned H.M. on several occasions, employing more advanced data acquisition and analysis methods, and now describe additional details about his brain anatomy and pathology. This account combines results from high‐resolution T1‐weighted scans, which provide measures of cortical and subcortical morphometry, diffusion tensor images, which provide quantitative information about white matter microstructure and the anatomy of major fasciculi, and T2‐weighted images, which highlight damage to deep white matter. We applied new MRI analysis techniques to these scans to assess the integrity of areas throughout H.M.'s brain. We documented a number of new changes, including cortical thinning, atrophy of deep gray matter structures, and a large volume of abnormal white matter and deep gray matter signal. Most of these alterations were not apparent in his prior scans, suggesting that they are of recent origin. Advanced age and hypertension likely contributed to these new findings. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lifetime adult weight gain, central adiposity, and the risk of pre‐ and postmenopausal breast cancer in the Western New York exposures and breast cancer study
Authors: Han Daikwon , Nie Jing , Bonner Matthew R. , McCann Susan E. , Muti Paola , Trevisan Maurizio , Ramirez‐Marrero Farah A. , Vito Dominica , Freudenheim Jo L.
Published: October 2006

While there are quite consistent data regarding associations of body weight and postmenopausal breast cancer, there are now accumulating data that would indicate that weight gain in adult life is more predictive of risk than absolute body weight. There is, however, little known about the relative impact of timing of weight gain in adult life as well as other characteristics of the weight and breast cancer association that might provide insight into the mechanism of the observation. We conducted a population‐based case control study of breast cancer (1996–2001), the Western New York Exposures and Breast Cancer Study. Included were 1,166 women with primary, histologically confirmed, incident breast cancer and 2,105 controls frequency‐matched on age, race and county of residence. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. We found increased risk of breast cancer associated with lifetime adult weight gain among post‐ but not premenopausal women, and there was a 4% increase in risk for each 5 kg increase in adult weight. Further there was a tendency toward a stronger association for those with higher waist circumference and those with positive estrogen or progesterone status, and who had never used HRT. We also found an association with risk for weight gain since first pregnancy and for weight gain between the time of the first pregnancy and menopause, independent of body mass index and lifetime adult weight gain. Our results suggest that there are time periods of weight gain that have greater impact on risk, and that central body fat, receptor status and hormone replacement therapy may all affect the observed association. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of bioaugmentation by an anaerobic lipolytic bacterium on anaerobic digestion of lipid‐rich waste
Authors: Cirne Dores G. , Björnsson Lovisa , Alves Madalena , Mattiasson Bo
Published: October 2006

The effect of bioaugmentation with an anaerobic lipolytic bacterial strain on the anaerobic digestion of restaurant lipid‐rich waste was studied in batch experiments with a model waste containing 10% lipids (triolein) under two sets of experimental conditions: (A) methanogenic conditions, and (B) initially acidogenic conditions in the presence of only the lipolytic strain biomass (4 days), followed by methanogenic conditions. The bioaugmenting lipolytic strain, Clostridium lundense (DSM 17049T), was isolated from bovine rumen. The highest lipolytic activity was detected at the beginning of the experiments. A higher methane production rate, 27.7 cm3 CH4(STP) g−1 VSadded day−1 (VS, volatile solids) was observed in experiment A with the presence of the bioaugmenting lipolytic strain under methanogenic conditions. The highest initial oleate concentration, 99% of the total oleate contained in the substrate, was observed in the experiments with the bioaugmenting lipolytic strain under treatment A conditions; the levels of palmitate and stearate were also higher until day 15, indicating that the bioaugmentation strategy improved the hydrolysis of the lipid fraction. In general, the results indicated that degradation of the long chain fatty acids (LCFAs) controlled the digestion process. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Inhibition of integrin αvβ3 reduces blood–brain barrier breakdown in focal ischemia in rats
Authors: Shimamura Norihito , Matchett Gerald , Solaroglu Ihsan , Tsubokawa Tamiji , Ohkuma Hiroki , Zhang John
Published: October 2006

Ischemic stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in industrialized nations. We tested the effect of postischemic treatment of cyclo‐RGDfV (cRGDfV), a selective inhibitor of integrin αvβ3, in the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of ischemic stroke in rats. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation (n = 13), MCAO with no treatment (n = 18), and MCAO with cRGDfV treatment (n = 28). Focal ischemia was induced with the suture occlusion method for 2 hr, and treatment was given 1 hr after reperfusion (3 hr after ischemia). All animals were sacrificed 24 hr after reperfusion. Assessment included neurological scores, infarction volumes, brain water content, Evans blue exudation, IgG exudation, histology, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. Treatment with cRGDfV ameliorated neurological deficits, reduced brain edema, and reduced exudation of Evans blue dye and IgG, but failed to reduce infarction volumes. Western blotting showed a reduction in phosphorylation of one subset of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors in the cRGDfV treatment group. Western blotting also demonstrated a significant reduction of fibrinogen in the cRGDfV treatment group. We conclude that poststroke treatment with cRGDfV reduces blood–brain barrier breakdown in focal ischemia, possibly through inhibition of VEGF‐mediated vascular breakdown. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polycystin‐1 can interact with homer 1/Vesl‐1 in postnatal hippocampal neurons
Authors: Stokely Martha E. , Hwang Sung‐Yong , Hwang Ji‐yeon , Fan Betty , King Michael A. , Inokuchi Kaoru , Koulen Peter
Published: October 2006

Polycystin‐1 (PC‐1) has been identified as critical to development of the nervous system, but the significance of PC‐1 expression in neurons remains undefined, and little is known of its roles outside the kidney, where mutation results in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). In kidney, PC‐1 interacts with cadherins, catenins, and its cognate calcium channel polycystin‐2 (PC‐2), which in turn interacts with a number of actin‐regulatory proteins. Because some of the proteins that interact with PC‐1 in kidney also participate in synaptic remodeling and plasticity in the hippocampus, we decided to test PC‐1's potential to interact with a recently discovered type of plasticity‐associated protein (homer 1a/Vesl‐1S) in postnatal mouse hippocampus. Homer 1a/Vesl‐1S is an activity‐induced protein believed to participate in synaptic remodeling/plasticity responses to temporal lobe seizure and learning. Here we report the following. 1) PC‐1 contains a homer‐binding motif (PPxxF), which lies within its purported cytoplasmic domain. 2) Immunoreactivity for PC‐1 (PC‐1‐ir) is highly colocalized with homer 1a immunoreactivity (H1a‐ir) in primary cultured hippocampal neurons. 3) PC‐1‐ir and H1a‐ir are present and appear to be colocalized in mouse hippocampus but not cortex on postnatal day 2 (P2), when higher frequencies of spontaneous activity are normal for hippocampus compared with cortex. 4) An endogenous PC‐1‐ir band with the correct size for the reported C‐terminal G‐protein‐sensitive domain cleavage product of PC‐1 (∼150 kDa) coimmunoprecipitates with endogenous homer 1/Vesl‐1 proteins from mouse brain, suggesting that PC‐1 can interact with homer 1/Vesl‐1 proteins in postnatal hippocampal neurons. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cryoprotective additives and cryostabilisation effects on muscle fillets of the freshwater teleost fish Rohu carp (Labeo rohita) during prolonged frozen storage
Authors: Jasra Shashi Kiran , Zielinski Barbara , Jasra Pardeep Kumar
Published: October 2006

The effects of various cryoprotective additives separately and in combination were studied on the myofibrillar protein integrity, biochemical enzyme activity levels and muscle ultrastructure in the freshwater teleost fish Rohu carp (Labeo rohita). Fish muscle samples were divided into eight groups and immersed in different mixtures of cryoprotective additives (S1–S8), then frozen at − 20 or − 30 °C for 24 months. Electrophoretic studies revealed early (within 6 months) alteration of the myofibrillar proteins myosin light chain, α‐actinin and tropomyosin. Reduction of the storage temperature from − 20 to − 30 °C slowed down the degradative processes. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that fish muscle treated with cryoprotective mixture S8 (40 g L−1 sorbitol/3 g L−1 sodium tripolyphosphate/4 g L−1 sodium alginate) showed minimal post mortem changes in myofibrillar proteins. Ultrastructural results also revealed post mortem damage to the muscle, seen earliest (within 6 months) in the sample frozen‐stored without additives (S2), as compared with the normal, unfrozen muscle (S1). The influence of cryoprotectants alone and in combination on fish muscle structural proteins, myosin and actin filaments (A and I bands), during prolonged frozen storage was investigated. After 12 months, samples frozen‐stored with various cryoprotective additives (S2‐S7), except S8, showed signs of myofibrillar disintegration. Beyond that time the degradative processes started showing up in all samples, with minimal muscle ultrastructural damage in sample S8. Again, reducing the storage temperature from − 20 to − 30 °C slowed down the degradative processes. Ultrastructural results correlated well with levels of biochemical enzymes (Ca2+ myofibrillar ATPase and succinic dehydrogenase) during frozen storage. This is the first report of the cryoprotective effects of these additives on this popular edible fish species. Of the various combinations of additives tested, cryoprotective mixture S8 was found to preserve the muscle structure longest under frozen storage conditions. However, even this mixture was only effective for 18 months at − 30 °C. Beyond that time the myofibrillar degradative processes were apparent with correlative electrophoretic, biochemical and ultrastructural studies. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
The molecular basis of urgency: regional difference of vanilloid receptor expression in the human urinary bladder
Authors: Liu Lu , Mansfield Kylie J. , Kristiana Ika , Vaux Kenneth J. , Millard Richard J. , Burcher Elizabeth
Published: October 2006

Aim

Treatments targeting vanilloid receptor TRPV1 are effective in some bladder disorders. Our aim was to determine the expression profiles of TRPV1 in regions of human bladder and test the hypothesis that there would be an upregulation of TRPV1 in mucosa of patients with bladder hypersensitivity but not idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO).

Materials and Methods

Women with sensory urgency (SU), interstitial cystitis (IC), and IDO were investigated by videourodynamics and cystoscopy. Control biopsies were used for comparison. Biopsies were dissected into mucosa and muscle, and evaluated for TRPV1 mRNA expression using quantitative competitive RT‐PCR (QC‐RT‐PCR).

Results

TRPV1 mRNA from SU trigonal mucosa was significantly higher than control trigonal mucosa or SU bladder body mucosa. In contrast, in IDO patients, there was no difference between trigonal mucosa and body mucosa. In IC biopsies, RNA quality was substandard and unable to be used for analysis. The most striking finding was that TRPV1 mRNA expressed in SU trigonal mucosa was significantly inversely correlated with the bladder volume at first sensation of filling during cystometry. No such relationship was seen for IDO trigonal mucosa. No difference was seen in bladder body mucosa from any disease groups compared with age‐matched control.

Conclusions

The symptoms of SU were associated with the increased expression of TRPV1 mRNA in the trigonal mucosa. No upregulation or regional differences of TRPV1 mRNA were seen in IDO patients. TRPV1 may play a role in SU and premature first bladder sensation on filling. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:433–438, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of methods of diagnostic assessment for urinary incontinence
Authors: Martin J.L. , Williams K.S. , Sutton A.J. , Abrams K.R. , Assassa R.P.
Published: October 2006

Aims

To evaluate the performance of all tests proposed for the diagnosis of urinary incontinence.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analyses of the published literature of methods for diagnostic assessment of urinary incontinence.

Results

One hundred twenty‐one papers were included in the full review [Martin et al., 2006]. The quality of reporting in the primary studies was poor which reduced the number of studies that could be included in the data analysis. The literature suggests that women with urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) can be correctly identified in primary care from clinical history alone with a sensitivity of 0.92 (95% C.I.: 0.91–0.93) and specificity of 0.56 (0.53–0.60). A clinical history for the diagnosis of detrusor overactivity (DO) was found to be 0.61 (0.57–0.65) sensitive and 0.87 (0.85–0.89) specific. Within secondary care imaging of leakage by ultrasound was found to be effective in the diagnosis of USI in women with a sensitivity of 0.89 (0.84–0.93) and specificity of 0.82 (0.73–0.89).

Conclusions

Clinical interpretation of the results of the review is difficult because few studies could be synthesized and conclusions made. The published evidence suggests that a large proportion of women with USI can be correctly identified in primary care from history alone. Ultrasound offers a useful diagnostic tool which could be used prior to, and possibly instead of, multi‐channel urodynamics in some circumstances. If a patient is to undergo urodynamic testing, multi‐channel urodynamics is likely to give the most accurate result. Further primary studies adhering to STARD guidelines are required on commonly used tests. Neurourol. Urodynam. 25:674–683, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A family of H1 ‐conforming finite element spaces for calculations on 3D grids with pinch‐outs
Authors: Lyons S. L. , Parashkevov R. R. , Wu X. H.
Published: October 2006

In this paper, we develop scalar nodal bases for a family of shapes that degenerate from hexahedra due to the merging of two neighbouring vertices on an edge with zero length, a phenomenon commonly referred to as ‘pinch‐out’. These nodal bases together with compatible mapping functions from the reference space to the physical space can be used to build H1 conforming, finite element spaces on meshes consisting of mixed elements with triangular and non‐planar quadrilateral faces. A novel feature in our constructions is the use of rational functions, whose first partial derivatives are uniformly bounded albeit discontinuous at isolated points. Properties of these bases and resulting finite element spaces are studied. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Knowledge Discovery in Proteomics. By Igor Jurisica and Dennis Wigle
Authors: Cagney Gerard
Published: October 2006

No abstracts.
Cascade configuration of logical gates processing information encoded in molecular potentials
Authors: Seminario Jorge M. , Yan Liuming
Published: October 2006

We demonstrate that the outputs of two molecular devices encoding information as electrostatic potentials are able to trigger a third one and yield a correct truth table, thus demonstrating the possibility to successfully interconnect extremely low‐power consumption molecular devices. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Rapid and sensitive determination of donepezil in human plasma by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry: application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Xie Zhiyong , Liao Qiongfeng , Xu Xinjun , Yao Meicun , Wan Jinzhi , Liu Dan
Published: October 2006

A liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of donepezil in human plasma samples. Diphenhydramine was used as the internal standard. The collision‐induced transition m/z 380 → 91 was used to analyze donepezil in selected reaction monitoring mode. The signal intensity of the m/z 380 → 91 transition was found to relate linearly with donepezil concentrations in plasma from 0.1–20.0 ng/mL. The lower limit of quantification of the LC/MS/MS method was 0.1 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were below 10.2% and the accuracy was between −2.3% and +2.8%. The validated LC/MS/MS method was applied to a pharmacokinetic study in which healthy Chinese volunteers each received a single oral dose of 5 mg donepezil hydrochloride. The non‐compartmental pharmacokinetic model was used to fit the donepezil plasma concentration‐time curve. Maximum plasma concentration was 12.3 ± 2.73 ng/mL which occurred at 3.50 ± 1.61 h post‐dosing. The apparent elimination half‐life and the area under the curve were, respectively, 60.86 ± 12.05 h and 609.3 ± 122.2 ng · h/mL. LC/MS/MS is a rapid, sensitive and specific method for determining donepezil in human plasma samples. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Random trees and general branching processes
Authors: Rudas Anna , Tóth Bálint , Valkó Benedek
Published: October 2006

We consider a tree that grows randomly in time. Each time a new vertex appears, it chooses exactly one of the existing vertices and attaches to it. The probability that the new vertex chooses vertex x is proportional to w(deg(x)), a weight function of the actual degree of x. The weight function w : ℕ → ℝ+ is the parameter of the model.

In 4 and 11 the authors derive the asymptotic degree distribution for a model that is equivalent to the special case, when the weight function is linear. The proof therein strongly relies on the linear choice of w.

Using well‐established results from the theory of general branching processes we give the asymptotical degree distribution for a wide range of weight functions. Moreover, we provide the asymptotic distribution of the tree itself as seen from a randomly selected vertex. The latter approach gives greater insight to the limiting structure of the tree.

Our proof is robust and we believe that the method may be used to answer several other questions related to the model. It relies on the fact that considering the evolution of the random tree in continuous time, the process may be viewed as a general branching process, this way classical results can be applied. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2007
The VC dimension of k‐uniform random hypergraphs
Authors: Ycart B. , Ratsaby J.
Published: October 2006

A set of vertices is shattered in a hypergraph if any of its subsets is obtained as the intersection of an edge with the set. The VC dimension is the size of the largest shattered subset. Under the binomial model of k‐uniform random hypergraphs, the threshold function for the VC dimension to be larger than a given integer is obtained. The same is done for the testing dimension, which is the largest integer d such that all sets of cardinality d are shattered. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2007
Comparison of surface and bulk doping levels in chemical polypyrroles of low, medium and high conductivity
Authors: Carrasco Pedro M. , Cortazar Milagros , Ochoteco Estibalitz , Calahorra Elena , Pomposo José A.
Published: October 2006

Chemical polypyrroles (PPys) of low (σ < 75 S/cm), medium (75 < σ < 200 S/cm) and high electrical conductivity (σ > 200 S/cm) having chloride dopants have been investigated by XPS, chloride ion‐selective electrode (ISE) measurements and high‐resolution termogravimetric analysis (TGA). The average surface doping level in these PPys was 0.28 ± 0.03 as determined from deconvoluted XPS N 1s, Cl 2p and C 1s spectra by using the well‐established N+/N and Cl−/N atomic ratios as well as a new ratio denoted as Cα*/CαTotal. This new ratio provides an estimation of the relative amount of α‐C atoms in charged pyrrole units per total α‐C atoms. The average bulk doping level in these materials was 0.31 ± 0.02 from direct chloride ISE measurements. High‐resolution TGA was employed for the first time in the determination of the amount of hydrogen chloride evolved from the PPy samples during degradation at high temperatures. The resulting average bulk doping level by TGA was 0.30 ± 0.04 for these PPys, in very good agreement with the ISE results. Since surface and bulk doping levels are almost identical for the PPys of low, medium and high conductivity, the differences in conductivity between samples have been attributed to differences in conjugation length among them. For PPy of high conductivity (σ = 288 S/cm), a conjugation length 2.6 times higher than that of PPy of low conductivity (σ = 29 S/cm) has been calculated. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon Nanotube–DNA Nanoarchitectures and Electronic Functionality
Authors: Wang Xu , Liu Fei , Andavan G. T. Senthil , Jing Xiaoye , Singh Krishna , Yazdanpanah Vahid R. , Bruque Nicolas , Pandey Rajeev R. , Lake Roger , Ozkan Mihrimah , Wang Kang L. , Ozkan Cengiz S.
Published: October 2006

Biological molecules such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) possess inherent recognition and self‐assembly capabilities, and are attractive templates for constructing functional hierarchical material structures as building blocks for nanoelectronics. Here we report the assembly and electronic functionality of nanoarchitectures based on conjugates of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) functionalized with carboxylic groups and single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) sequences possessing terminal amino groups on both ends, hybridized together through amide linkages by adopting a straightforward synthetic route. Morphological and chemical‐functional characterization of the nanoarchitectures are investigated using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. Electrical measurements (I–V characterization) of the nanoarchitectures demonstrate negative differential resistance in the presence of SWNT/ssDNA interfaces, which indicates a biomimetic route to fabricating resonant tunneling diodes. I–V characterization on platinum‐metallized SWNT–ssDNA nanoarchitectures via salt reduction indicates modulation of their electrical properties, with effects ranging from those of a resonant tunneling diode to a resistor, depending on the amount of metallization. Electron transport through the nanoarchitectures has been analyzed by density functional theory calculations. Our studies illustrate the great promise of biomimetic assembly of functional nanosystems based on biotemplated materials and present new avenues toward exciting future opportunities in nanoelectronics and nanobiotechnology.
Cover Picture: Assembly at the Nanoscale – Toward Functional Nanostructured Materials (Small 11/2006)
Authors: Ozkan Cengiz S. , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: October 2006

The cover picture illustrates novel zinc oxide nanostructures, which were synthesized by a solid–vapor‐phase process by the group of Z. L. Wang at Georgia Institute of Technology. The interest and importance in preparing such novel structures as building blocks for the preparation of new functional nanomaterials were recently highlighted at the 2005 MRS Fall Meeting in Boston, USA, in particular during the symposium entitled “Assembly at the Nanoscale – Toward Functional Nanostructured Materials”. Research presented at this symposium is highlighted in the special section of this issue, which starts on page 1322.
Synthesis, Characterization and Crystal Structure of a Silver(I) Complex containing AMTT (AMTT = 4‐amino‐5‐methyl‐2H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3(4H)‐thione)
Authors: Yazdanbakhsh Mohammad , Hakimi Mohammad , Heravi Majid M. , Boese Roland
Published: October 2006

The reaction of 4‐amino‐5‐methyl‐2H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3(4H)‐thione with AgNO3 in methanol led to the complex [Ag(ATT)2]NO3 (2). 2 was characterized by elemental analyses, IR, 1HNMR and Raman spectroscopy as well as single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Crystal data for 2 at −70 °C: space group P21/n with a = 1356.7(12), b = 770.4(7), c = 1475.2(12) pm, β = 111.730(15)°, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0402.
Coordination Centres of Purine Nucleotides: Adenosine‐5′‐diphosphate and Adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate in their Reactions with Nickel(II), Cobalt(II) and Tetramines
Authors: Gasowska Anna
Published: October 2006

Interactions between the nucleotides: adenosine‐5′‐diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate (ATP) with NiII and CoII ions, as well as with spermine (Spm) and 1,11‐diamine‐4,8‐diazaundecane (3,3,3‐tet) are the subject of this study. Composition and stability constants of mixed complexes thus formed have been determined on the basis of the potentiometric measurements, whereas interaction centres in ligands have been identified by VIS and NMR spectral parameter analysis. Mixed tetraprotonated complexes with NiII, i.e. Ni(ADP)H4(Spm), Ni(ATP)H4(Spm), Ni(ADP)H4(3,3,3‐tet) and Ni(ATP)H4(333‐tet), are identified as ML·······L′ type adducts, in which the main coordination centre is the nucleotide nitrogen N(1) or N(7) donor atom, and the fully protonated polyamine is engaged in noncovalent interactions with nucleotide phosphate group oxygen atoms. Ni(ADP)H2(Spm), Ni(ATP)H2(Spm), Ni(ADP)H2(3,3,3‐tet) and Ni(ATP)H2(3,3,3‐tet) complexes represent the {N3} coordination type In diprotonated mixed complexes of NiII with spermine are weak noncovalent interligand interactions, providing an additional stabilising effect. Formation of ML·······L′ type molecular complexes has been observed in systems with CoII: Co(ADP)H4(Spm), Co(ATP)H4(Spm), Co(ADP)H4(3,3,3‐tet) and Co(ATP)H4(3,3,3‐tet), in which the N(7) atom and oxygen atoms of the phosphate group are involved in coordination and the fully protonated polyamine is engaged in noncovalent interactions with the nucleotide N(1).
LaPt2Ge2 und EuPt2Ge2 – Neubestimmung der Kristallstrukturen
Authors: Imre Anette , Hellmann Andrea , Mewis Albrecht
Published: October 2006

LaPt2Ge2 and EuPt2Ge2 – Revision of the Crystal Structures

LaPt2Ge2 was rechecked by single crystal X‐ray methods resulting in space group P21/c (in place of P21) and the lattice constants a = 9.953(3), b = 4.439(1), c = 8.879Å, β = 90.62(4)°, and Z = 4. In contrast to previous reports the cell volume had to be doubled. The same is true for EuPt2Ge2 (a = 9.731(1), b = 4.446(1), c = 8.823(1) Å, β = 91.26(1)°). The crystal structures correspond to a monoclinic variant of the tetragonal CaBe2Ge2 type, whereas the distortion can be described as different rotations of the coordination polyhedra around the La and Eu atoms, respectively. It is most likely that the compounds APt2Ge2 with A = Ca, Y, La‐Dy undergo phase transitions at higher temperatures forming then the undistorted CaBe2Ge2 type, space group P4/nmm. This was confirmed for SmPt2Ge2 (a = 4.292(1), c = 9.980(1) Å; Z = 2) and might also be the case for APt2Ge2 with A = Ca, Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd.