bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the methodologies used in clinical trials and effectiveness of chemo-mechanical caries removal with CarisolvTM
Authors: Marquezan Marcela , Faraco Junior Italo Medeiros , Feldens Carlos Alberto , Tovo Maximiano Ferreira , Ottoni Andréia Bertani
Published: March 2007

This investigation aims to discuss the methodologies applied in clinical trials published about CarisolvTM, in order to assess the best scientific evidence concerning chemo-mechanical caries removal. Papers concerning the use of CarisolvTM were sought using a search strategy. The titles and abstracts of all the reports identified through the search were analyzed by a single reviewer. The inclusion criterion involved: clinical trials having CarisolvTM in one of the study groups. Then, those that fulfilled the inclusion criterion underwent methodology assessment and data extraction. Only 12 papers met the inclusion criterion. It was observed that none of these studies complied with all the evaluated research methodological principles required in order to have power of evidence generation. CarisolvTM proved to be effective in caries removal. Appointment mean time was greater, but the perceived time was shorter than that using conventional techniques due to patients' perception of more comfort and a reduction of anesthesia needs. There were no adverse effect in long-term assessments. In studies with microbiological evaluation of the remaining dentine, it was observed that both the conventional and chemo-mechanical methods produced statistically significant reduction on counts of viable microorganisms.
Classical Indicators in the 21st Century—Far and Beyond the Coliform
Authors: Yates Marylynn V.
Published: March 2007

Indicators have been used for many years to designate the microbiological quality of water. In 1914, the U.S. Public Health Service set a standard that required that drinking water show no evidence of coliform organisms (U.S. Treasury Department, 1914). Today, almost 100 years later, drinking waters in the United States must meet the standards established in the Total Coliform Rule, which requires that drinking water show no evidence of the presence of total coliform bacteria in 100 mL of water (U.S. EPA, 1989). However, as limitations with the use of coliforms have become apparent and the applications for indicator microorganisms have expanded, new indicators have been proposed and, in some cases, adopted, for specific purposes, as discussed in detail in a number of recent reports (i.e., National Research Council, 2004; World Health Organization, 2003).
Adverse reactions suggestive of type III hypersensitivity in six healthy dogs given human albumin
Authors: Francis A. Heather , Martin Linda G. , Haldorson Gary J. , Lahmers Kevin K. , Luther Teresa Y. , Alperin Debra C. , Hines Stephen A.
Published: March 2007

Case Description—6 healthy dogs given human albumin solution as part of a study were examined following development of an immediate hypersensitivity reaction (1 dog) and signs suggestive of a type III hypersensitivity reaction (all 6 dogs).

Clinical Findings—All 6 dogs were healthy prior to administration of human albumin solution. One dog developed signs of an immediate hypersensitivity reaction, characterized by vomiting and facial edema, during administration of human albumin solution. All 6 dogs developed signs of a delayed adverse reaction 5 to 13 days after administration of human albumin solution. Initial clinical signs included lethargy, lameness, edema, cutaneous lesions indicative of vasculitis, vomiting, and inappetance.

Treatment and Outcome—In the dog with signs of immediate hypersensitivity, signs resolved after administration of human albumin solution was discontinued and diphenhydramine was administered. Supportive treatment was provided after dogs developed signs of a delayed adverse reaction. Four dogs recovered, but 2 dogs died despite treatment. All 6 dogs were found to have antihuman albumin antibodies. There was no evidence of contamination of the human albumin solution.

Clinical Relevance—Findings suggest that administration of human albumin solution in healthy dogs with normal serum albumin concentrations may result in signs of a type III hypersensitivity reaction.
Incidence of and risk factors for diabetes mellitus in cats that have undergone renal transplantation: 187 cases (1986–2005)
Authors: Case Joseph B. , Kyles Andrew E. , Nelson Richard W. , Aronson Lillian , Kass Philip H. , Klose Tyler C. , Bailiff Nathan L. , Gregory Clare R.
Published: March 2007

Objective—To compare incidence of diabetes mellitus in cats that had undergone renal transplantation with incidence in cats with chronic renal failure, compare mortality rates in cats that underwent renal transplantation and did or did not develop diabetes mellitus, and identify potential risk factors for development of posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) in cats.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—187 cats that underwent renal transplantation.

Procedures—Medical records were reviewed.

Results—26 of the 187 (13.9%) cats developed PTDM, with the incidence of PTDM being 66 cases/1,000 cat years at risk. By contrast, the incidence of diabetes mellitus among a comparison population of 178 cats with chronic renal failure that did not undergo renal transplantation was 17.9 cases/1,000 cat years at risk, and cats that underwent renal trans-plantation were 5.45 times as likely to develop diabetes mellitus as were control cats with chronic renal failure. The mortality rate among cats with PTDM was 2.38 times the rate among cats that underwent renal transplantation but did not develop PTDM. Age, sex, body weight, and percentage change in body weight were not found to be significantly associ-ated with development of PTDM.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that cats that undergo renal transplantation have an increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus, compared with cats with chronic renal failure, and that mortality rate is higher for cats that develop PTDM than for cats that do not.
Alkyd Resins
Authors: Wicks, Zeno W.
Published: March 2007

Alkyd resins of several types are used in coatings. Oxidizing alcohols prepared using semidrying or drying oils are used in architectural gloss paints. Waterborne alkyds are best used by emulsifying oxidizing alkyds. Styrenated alkyds are used particularly in fast drying primers. Nonoxidizing alkyds are used as nonvolatile plasticizers and in baking finishes with melamine‐formaldehyde or polyisocyanate crosslinkers. Uralkyds are made by using an isocyanate to replace the phthalic acid used in alkyds. They are more expensive but have superior abrasion and hydrolytic resistance. Stable waterborne oxidizing urethanes have superior stability and abrasion resistance as compared to alkyds. Similarly, epoxy resins are prepared by esterifying with drying oil fatty acids. They exhibit excellent adhesion and saponification resistance and are used in primers. Waterborne epoxy esters are made by reacting with maleic anhydride and are stale to hydrolysis.
Reversible Hydrogen Storage by a Li–Al–N–H Complex
Authors: Xiong Z. , Wu G. , Hu J. , Liu Y. , Chen P. , Luo W. , Wang J.
Published: March 2007

Stepwise solid‐state reaction between LiNH2 and LiAlH4 at a molar ratio of 2:1 is investigated in this paper. It is observed that approximately four H atoms are evolved from a mixture of LiNH2–LiAlH4 (2:1) after mechanical ball milling. The transformation of tetrahedral [AlH4]– in LiAlH4 to the octahedral [AlH6]3– in Li3AlH6 is observed after ball milling LiAlH4 with LiNH2. Al–N bonding is identified by using solid‐state 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements. The NMR data, together with the results of X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform IR measurements, indicate that a Li–Al–N–H intermediate with the chemical composition of Li3AlN2H4 forms after ball milling. Heating the post‐milled sample to 500 °C results in the liberation of an additional four H atoms and the formation of Li3AlN2. More than 5 wt % hydrogen can be reversibly stored by Li3AlN2. The hydrogenated sample contains LiNH2, LiH, and AlN. The role of AlN in the reversible hydrogen storage over Li–Al–N–H is discussed.
Nanowire Structural Evolution from Fe3O4 to ϵ‐Fe2O3
Authors: Ding Y. , Morber J. R. , Snyder R. L. , Wang Z. L.
Published: March 2007

The ϵ‐Fe2O3 phase is commonly considered an intermediate phase during thermal treatment of maghemite (γ‐Fe2O3) to hematite (α‐Fe2O3). The routine method of synthesis for ϵ‐Fe2O3 crystals uses γ‐Fe2O3 as the source material and requires dispersion of γ‐Fe2O3 into silica, and the obtained ϵ‐Fe2O3 particle size is rather limited, typically under 200 nm. In this paper, by using a pulsed laser deposition method and Fe3O4 powder as a source material, the synthesis of not only one‐dimensional Fe3O4 nanowires but also high‐yield ϵ‐Fe2O3 nanowires is reported for the first time. A detailed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study shows that the nanowires of pure magnetite grow along [111] and <211> directions, although some stacking faults and twins exist. However, magnetite nanowires growing along the <110> direction are found in every instance to accompany a new phase, ϵ‐Fe2O3, with some micrometer‐sized wires even fully transferring to ϵ‐Fe2O3 along the fixed structural orientation relationship, (001) ∥ (111), [010] ∥ <110>. Contrary to generally accepted ideas regarding epsilon phase formation, there is no indication of γ‐Fe2O3 formation during the synthesis process; the phase transition may be described as being from Fe3O4 to ϵ‐Fe2O3, then to α‐Fe2O3. The detailed structural evolution process has been revealed by using TEM. 120° rotation domain boundaries and antiphase boundaries are also frequently observed in the ϵ‐Fe2O3 nanowires. The observed ϵ‐Fe2O3 is fundamentally important for understanding the magnetic properties of the nanowires.
Enhanced Dielectric and Crystalline Properties in Ferroelectric Barium Titanate Thin Films
Authors: Ihlefeld J. F. , Borland W. J. , Maria J.‐P.
Published: March 2007

A chemical solution synthesis technique incorporating barium titanate and a high‐temperature liquid phase is developed. In a temperature range conventional to thin‐film growth, the presence of the liquid phase dramatically enhances grain growth, densification, and overall crystalline quality. By controlling the liquid‐phase stoichiometry and molar fraction, thin films with grain sizes greater than 10 μm that pronounce X‐ray peak splitting, low loss, and permittivity values in excess of 3000 at room temperature can be produced. These properties are comparable, and in some cases superior, to those observed in well‐prepared bulk barium titanate. As such, the historical difficulty in reproducing bulklike properties in polycrystalline barium titanate is overcome. These results have broad implications for the expanded use of ferroelectric thin films by demonstrating bulk properties in thin layers and by providing a means of achieving these properties with low thermal budgets.
Artificial Surface‐Mounted Molecular Rotors: Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Vacek J. , Michl J.
Published: March 2007

The development of artificial surface‐mounted molecular rotors has benefited from theoretical guidance by molecular dynamics simulations. After a brief survey of the origins of the project, the present understanding of the way in which these simple molecular machines operate is reviewed.
Big Challenges for Tiny Machines
Authors: Credi A. , Tian H.
Published: March 2007

This Special Issue on molecular machines and switches is dedicated to Prof. J. Fraser Stoddart on the occasion of his 65th birthday. As well as giving a brief summary of Prof. Stoddart's work, this Guest Editorial provides an overview of the contributions to the issue, selected to give a quick yet authoritative look at the field of molecular machines and switches as it stands now, and its direction for the near future.
Molecular and clinical characterization of cardio‐facio‐cutaneous (CFC) syndrome: Overlapping clinical manifestations with Costello syndrome
Authors: Narumi Yoko , Aoki Yoko , Niihori Tetsuya , Neri Giovanni , Cavé Hélène , Verloes Alain , Nava Caroline , Kavamura Maria Ines , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Kurosawa Kenji , Hennekam Raoul C.M. , Wilson Louise C. , Gillessen‐Kaesbach Gabriele , Wieczorek Dagmar , Lapunzina Pablo , Ohashi Hirofumi , Makita Yoshio , Kondo Ikuko , Tsuchiya Shigeru , Ito Etsuro , Sameshima Kiyoko , Kato Kumi , Kure Shigeo , Matsubara Yoichi
Published: March 2007

Cardio‐facio‐cutaneous (CFC) syndrome is a multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation syndrome characterized by heart defects, a distinctive facial appearance, ectodermal abnormalities and mental retardation. Clinically, it overlaps with both Noonan syndrome and Costello syndrome, which are caused by mutations in two genes, PTPN11 and HRAS, respectively. Recently, we identified mutations in KRAS and BRAF in 19 of 43 individuals with CFC syndrome, suggesting that dysregulation of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway is a molecular basis for CFC syndrome. The purpose of this study was to perform comprehensive mutation analysis in 56 patients with CFC syndrome and to investigate genotype–phenotype correlation. We analyzed KRAS, BRAF, and MAP2K1/2 (MEK1/2) in 13 new CFC patients and identified five BRAF and one MAP2K1 mutations in nine patients. We detected one MAP2K1 mutation in three patients and four new MAP2K2 mutations in four patients out of 24 patients without KRAS or BRAF mutations in the previous study [Niihori et al., 2006]. No mutations were identified in MAPK3/1 (ERK1/2) in 21 patients without any mutations. In total, 35 of 56 (62.5%) patients with CFC syndrome had mutations (3 in KRAS, 24 in BRAF, and 8 in MAP2K1/2). No significant differences in clinical manifestations were found among 3 KRAS‐positive patients, 16 BRAF‐positive patients, and 6 MAP2K1/2‐positive patients. Wrinkled palms and soles, hyperpigmentation and joint hyperextension, which have been commonly reported in Costello syndrome but not in CFC syndrome, were observed in 30–40% of the mutation‐positive CFC patients, suggesting a significant clinical overlap between these two syndromes. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Familial neonatal Marfan syndrome due to parental mosaicism of a missense mutation in the FBN1 gene
Authors: Tekin Mustafa , Cengiz Filiz Başak , Ayberkin Eda , Kendirli Tanıl , Fitoz Suat , Tutar Ercan , Çiftçi Ergin , Conba Atakan
Published: March 2007

We present a family in which three siblings were born with neonatal Marfan syndrome (MFS) to unaffected parents. The clinical findings included joint contractures, large ears, loose skin, ectopia lentis, muscular hypoplasia, aortic root dilatation, mitral and tricuspid valve insufficiency, and pulmonary emphysema. All three siblings died due to cardiorespiratory insufficiency by 2–4 months of age. Screening of the FBN1 gene showed the heterozygous c.3257G > A (p.Cys1086Tyr) mutation in the proband. Mosaicism of the mutation was demonstrated in the somatic cells and in the germ line of the father. Although three examples of parental mosaicism for classical MFS were demonstrated previously, this is the first report of familial occurrence of neonatal MFS due to a heterozygous mutation in FBN1. In conclusion, the p.Cys1086Tyr mutation in FBN1 is consistently associated with neonatal MFS. Parental mosaicism should always be kept in mind when counseling families with MFS. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
To ‘start the ball rolling,’ Dupont pledges support for diversity task force
Authors: Bleemer Russ
Published: March 2007

Details on support for the CPR National Task Force on Diversity in ADR; a new CPR award, and a new CPR CPA neutrals' panel
As judicial tolerance for appeals wanes, litigants are risking sanctions when seeking to vacate awards
Authors: Marinelli Marisa , Hoey Christelette
Published: March 2007

Federal courts aren't hesitating in sanctioning parties who challenge arbitration awards when the moves are rooted in delay or dissatisfaction. Marisa Marinelli and Christelette Hoey, of New York, explain
Extreme cerebrospinal fluid amyloid β levels identify family with late‐onset Alzheimer's disease presenilin 1 mutation
Authors: Kauwe John S. K. , Jacquart Sarah , Chakraverty Sumi , Wang Jun , Mayo Kevin , Fagan Anne M. , Holtzman David M. , Morris John C. , Goate Alison M.
Published: March 2007

Objective

Aggregation and deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) in the brain is thought to be central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent studies suggest that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ levels are strongly correlated with AD status and progression, and may be a meaningful endophenotype for AD. Mutations in presenilin 1 (PSEN1) are known to cause AD and change Aβ levels. In this study, we have investigated DNA sequence variation in the presenilin (PSEN1) gene using CSF Aβ levels as an endophenotype for AD.

Methods

We sequenced the exons and flanking intronic regions of PSEN1 in clinically characterized research subjects with extreme values of CSF Aβ levels.

Results

This novel approach led directly to the identification of a disease‐causing mutation in a family with late‐onset AD.

Interpretation

This finding suggests that CSF Aβ may be a useful endophenotype for genetic studies of AD. Our results also suggest that PSEN1 mutations can cause AD with a large range in age of onset, spanning both early‐ and late‐onset AD. Ann Neurol 2007;61:446–453
Inclusion body myositis with human immunodeficiency virus infection: Four cases with clonal expansion of viral‐specific T cells
Authors: Dalakas Marinos C. , Rakocevic Goran , Shatunov Alexey , Goldfarb Lev , Raju Raghavan , Salajegheh Mohammad
Published: March 2007

Objective

Sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM), a common adult‐onset myositis, is characterized by an antigen‐driven inflammatory response and vacuolar degeneration. The cause is unknown. We report the association of sIBM with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and explore the clonality and viral specificity of the autoinvasive T cells.

Methods

Clinicopathological studies in four HIV‐infected patients with IBM were performed. The clonal restriction of endomysial T cells, compared with peripheral blood, was examined by spectratyping. Immunohistochemical studies using human leukocyte antigen‐A* 0201‐gag tetramers and the most dominant Vb families were performed in serial muscle biopsy sections to examine whether clonally expanded autoinvasive T cells are viral specific and invade muscle fibers expressing the allele‐specific monomorphic major histocompatibility complex class I antigen.

Results

Prominent clonal restriction of certain Vb families was noted among the endomysial T cells with evidence of in situ expansion. Approximately 10% of the autoinvasive CD8+ cells were human leukocyte antigen‐A* 0201‐HIV‐gag specific and invaded muscle fibers expressing the specific human leukocyte antigen‐A* 0201 allele. These cells belonged to restricted Vb families. The HIV gag antigen was present on several endomysial macrophages but not within the muscle fibers.

Interpretation

sIBM develops in patients who harbor HIV. In HIV‐IBM, a subset of CD8+ T cells surrounding muscle fibers are viral specific and may play a role in the disease mechanism by cross‐reacting with antigens on the surface of muscle fibers. This study provides a paradigm that a chronic viral infection in genetically susceptible individuals can trigger viral specific T cell clones that persist within the muscle and lead to development of sIBM. Ann Neurol 2007
A new CuAl–hydrotalcite catalyzed homocoupling reaction of terminal alkynes at room temperature
Authors: Zhu Bing Chun , Jiang Xuan Zhen
Published: March 2007

CuAl–LDH has been prepared and applied, for the first time, in the homocoupling reaction of a variety of terminal alkynes at room temperature. The Cu (II) in the host layers of the hydrotalcite exhibits high activity and the catalyst can be easily recovered and reused for eight cycles without depreciation of catalytic activity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphology and nonisothermal crystallization behavior of PP/Novolac blends
Authors: Cui Limei , Wang Shifeng , Zhang Yong , Zhang Yinxi
Published: March 2007

The morphology and nonisothermal crystallization behavior of PP/Novolac blends were studied with scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimeter, polarized optical microscopy (POM), and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD). The results showed that the crystallization of PP in PP/Novolac blends was strongly influenced by cooling rate, size of Novolac particles, crosslinking, and compatibilizer maleic anhydride‐grafted PP (MPP). In dynamically cured PP/MPP/Novolac blends, the MPP grafted on the surface of cured Novolac particles and formed a chemical linkage through the reaction of anhydride groups with the hexamethylenetetramine. The graft copolymer not only improved interfacial compatibility but also acted as an effective heterogeneous nucleating agent, which accelerates the crystallization of PP. The combination of Avrami and Ozawa equations exhibited great advantages in treating the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics in dynamically cured PP/MPP/Novolac blends. The POM results showed that the spherulite morphology and the size of PP in PP/MPP/Novolac blends were greatly affected by Novolac. WAXD experiment demonstrates that the PP and dynamically cured PP/MPP/Novolac blends showed only the α crystal form. At the same time, the addition of Novolac resin also affects the crystal size of PP. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Identification of trf2 mutants of Drosophila with defects in anterior spiracle eversion
Authors: Shima Seigo , Aigaki Toshiro , Nojima Tetsuya , Yamamoto Daisuke
Published: March 2007

TATA‐box‐binding protein (TBP)‐related factor (Trf)2 is a member of the family of TBP‐related factors present in metazoan organisms. In Drosophila, Trf2 immunoprecipitates with the nucleosome remodeling factor (NURF) chromatin remodeling complex and the DNA replication element (DRE)‐binding factor DREF. When it forms a complex with DREF, Trf2 activates transcription from the DRE‐binding sites of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) gene. Despite these observations at the molecular level, no mutations in the trf2 locus have been found in Drosophila. Here, we identify two P‐element insertion alleles, PL28 and GS7403, as hypomorphic mutants with a decreased expression level of trf2. Pupae of these mutant alleles show failure in anterior spiracle eversion, a hallmark of mutations in the loci associated with ecdysteroid signaling. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 64:157–163, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification and expression analysis of an actin gene from the soft tick, Ornithodoros moubata (Acari: Argasidae)
Authors: Horigane Mari , Ogihara Kazumasa , Nakajima Yoshiro , Honda Hiroshi , Taylor DeMar
Published: March 2007

Actin genes are found in all living organisms and highly conserved in various animals as shown by numerous studies on actin gene expression and function. Because of this ubiquitous nature of actin, it is often used as an internal control in gene expression studies. To clarify the suitability of actin gene as an internal control in soft ticks, isolation and expression analyses of an actin gene from Ornithodoros moubata was performed. An actin gene of Ornithodoros moubata (OmAct2, GenBank accession no. AB208021) with 1,131 bp and 376 amino acid residues was identified. The homology of OmAct2 with other arthropod actin genes was greater than 80% in nucleotides and 99% in amino acids. OmAct2 gene was classified as a cytoskeletal actin type by absence of muscle‐specific amino acids commonly found in insects and ubiquitous expression in all stages and both sexes. Southern blot revealed that O. moubata has four to seven actin genes. In addition, actin expression analyzed by real‐time PCR before and after blood feeding was not significantly different indicating OmAct2 is an appropriate internal control for the analysis of gene expression in these ticks. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 64:186–199, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of a putative azadirachtin‐binding complex from Drosophila Kc167 cells
Authors: Robertson Susan L. , Ni Weiting , Dhadialla Tarlochan S. , Nisbet Alasdair J. , McCusker Catherine , Ley Steven V. , Mordue William , Mordue (Luntz) A. Jennifer
Published: March 2007

Cell‐proliferation in Drosophila Kc167 cells was inhibited by 50% when cell cultures contained 1.7 × 10–7 M azadirachtin for 48 h (a tertranortriterpenoid from the neem tree Azadirachta indica). Drosophila Kc167 cells exhibited direct nuclear damage within 6‐h exposure to azadirachtin (5 × 10–7 M and above) or within 24 h when lower concentrations were used (1 × 10–9 M). Fractionation of an extract of Drosophila Kc167 cells combined with ligand overlay technique resulted in the identification of a putative azadirachtin binding complex. Identification of the members of this complex by Peptide Mass Fingerprinting (PMF) and N‐terminal sequencing identified heat shock protein 60 (hsp60) as one of its components. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 64:200–208, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stylistic text classification using functional lexical features
Authors: Argamon Shlomo , Whitelaw Casey , Chase Paul , Hota Sobhan Raj , Garg Navendu , Levitan Shlomo
Published: March 2007

Most text analysis and retrieval work to date has focused on the topic of a text; that is, what it is about. However, a text also contains much useful information in its style, or how it is written. This includes information about its author, its purpose, feelings it is meant to evoke, and more. This article develops a new type of lexical feature for use in stylistic text classification, based on taxonomies of various semantic functions of certain choice words or phrases. We demonstrate the usefulness of such features for the stylistic text classification tasks of determining author identity and nationality, the gender of literary characters, a text's sentiment (positive/negative evaluation), and the rhetorical character of scientific journal articles. We further show how the use of functional features aids in gaining insight about stylistic differences among different kinds of texts.
Tetrahydrofuran Activates Fluorescence Resonant Energy Transfer from a Cationic Conjugated Polyelectrolyte to Fluorescein‐Labeled DNA in Aqueous Media
Authors: Liu Bin , Bazan Guillermo C.
Published: March 2007

A cationic water‐soluble conjugated polyelectrolyte, poly[9,9‐bis(6′′‐(N,N,N‐trimethylammonium)hexyl)fluorene‐co‐alt‐2,5‐bis(6′‐(N,N,N‐trimethylammonium)hexyloxyphenylene) tetrabromide], was synthesized. Fluorescence resonant energy transfer (FRET) experiments between the polymer and fluorescein‐labeled single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA‐Fl) were conducted in aqueous buffer and THF/buffer mixtures. Weak fluorescence emission in aqueous buffer was observed upon excitation of the polymer, whereas addition of THF turned on the fluorescence. Fluorescence self‐quenching of ssDNA‐Fl in the ssDNA‐Fl/polymer complexes as well as electron transfer from the polymer to fluorescein may account for the low fluorescence emission in buffer. The improved sensitization of fluorescence by the polymer observed in THF/buffer could be attributed to the weaker binding between the polymer and ssDNA‐Fl and a decrease in dielectric constant of the solvent mixture, which disfavors electron transfer. THF‐assisted signal sensitization was also observed for the polymer and fluorescein‐labeled double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA‐Fl). These results indicate that the use of cosolvent provides a strategy to improve the detection sensitivity for biosensors based on the optical amplification provided by conjugated polymers.
Variable‐Temperature Powder X‐ray Diffraction of Aromatic Carboxylic Acid and Carboxamide Cocrystals
Authors: Reddy L. Sreenivas , Bhatt Prashant M. , Banerjee Rahul , Nangia Ashwini , Kruger Gert J.
Published: March 2007

The effect of temperature on the cocrystallization of benzoic acid (BA), pentafluorobenzoic acid (FBA), benzamide (BAm), and pentafluorobenzamide (FBAm) is examined in the solid state. BA and FBA formed a 1:1 complex 1 at ambient temperature by grinding with a mortar and pestle. Grinding FBA and BAm together resulted in partial conversion into the 1:1 adduct 2 at 28 °C and complete transformation into the product cocrystal at 78 °C. Further heating (80–100 °C) and then cooling to room temperature gave a different powder pattern from that of 2. BAm and FBAm hardly reacted at ambient temperature, but they afforded the 1:1 cocrystal 3 by melt cocrystallization at 110–115 °C. Both BA+FBAm (4) and BA+BAm (5) reacted to give new crystalline phases upon heating, but the structures of these products could not be determined owing to a lack of diffraction‐quality single crystals. The stronger COOH and CONH2 hydrogen‐bonding groups of FBA and FBAm yielded the equimolar cocrystal 6 at room temperature, and heating of these solids to 90–100 °C gave a new crystalline phase. The X‐ray crystal structures of 1, 2, 3, and 6 are sustained by the acid–acid/amide–amide homosynthons or acid–amide heterosynthon, with additional stabilization from phenyl–perfluorophenyl stacking in 1 and 3. The temperature required for complete transformation into the cocrystal was monitored by in situ variable‐temperature powder X‐ray diffraction (VT‐PXRD), and formation of the cocrystal was confirmed by matching the experimental peak profile with the simulated diffraction pattern. The reactivity of H‐bonding groups and the temperature for cocrystallization are in good agreement with the donor and acceptor strengths of the COOH and CONH2 groups. It was necessary to determine the exact temperature range for quantitative cocrystallization in each case because excessive heating caused undesirable phase transitions.
Unusual Rate Acceleration in Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Dehydration Reactions: Local Hydrophobic Environment in Aggregated N‐(2,6‐diphenylphenyl)‐N‐mesitylammonium Pentafluorobenzenesulfonates
Authors: Sakakura Akira , Watanabe Hitoshi , Nakagawa Shoko , Ishihara Kazuaki
Published: March 2007

Bulky diarylammonium pentafluorobenzenesulfonates effectively promote dehydration reactions, such as condensation reactions to give esters and the dehydrative cyclization of 1,3,5‐triketones. In particular, N‐(2,6‐diphenylphenyl)‐N‐mesitylammonium pentafluorobenzenesulfonate shows much higher catalytic activity than C6F5SO3H under reaction conditions without the removal of generated water, even though the former is a weaker acid. Its crystallization gives an aggregated cyclic ion pair, which is composed of two diarylammonium cations, four pentafluorobenzenesulfonate anions, and two oxonium cations. This ion pair is strongly stabilized by four intermolecular and two intramolecular π–π attractive interactions and 10 hydrogen bonds. The extremely high catalytic activity of N‐(2,6‐diphenylphenyl)‐N‐mesitylammonium pentafluorobenzenesulfonate in the dehydration reactions may be ascribed to the local hydrophobic environment of the tightly aggregated ammonium salts.
“Chiral Amnesia” as a Driving Force for Solid‐Phase Homochirality
Authors: Blackmond Donna G.
Published: March 2007

The formation of a single homochiral solid phase from crystallization of achiral compounds has recently been under discussion. We show that the state of single solid‐phase homochirality does not represent a more stable thermodynamic state than that of a racemate consisting of two separate homochiral solids. We introduce the term “chiral amnesia” as a more appropriate molecular‐level description than “chiral recognition” to describe the driving force for establishing solid‐phase homochirality in the case of achiral molecules that form chiral solids as well as in the case of rapidly racemizing enantiomers.
Aminoborylene Complexes of Group 6 Elements and Iron: A Synthetic, Structural, and Quantum Chemical Study
Authors: Blank Benoît , Colling‐Hendelkens Miriam , Kollann Carsten , Radacki Krzysztof , Rais Daniela , Uttinger Katharina , Whittell George R. , Braunschweig Holger
Published: March 2007

Transition‐metal–borylene complexes of the type [(OC)5MBR] {M=Cr, Mo, W; R=N(SiMe3)2, 1 a–3 a, Si(SiMe3)3, 4 a} and [(OC)4FeBN(SiMe3)2] (8) were prepared by salt elimination reactions. Synthesis of the latter complex was accompanied by the formation of substantial amounts of an unusual dinuclear iron complex [Fe2{μ‐C2O2(BN(SiMe3)2)}2(CO)6] (9). The aminoborylene complexes of Group 6 metals were converted to trans‐[(Cy3P)(CO)4MBN(SiMe3)2] (5 a–7 a) by irradiation in the presence of PCy3. Structural and spectroscopic parameters were discussed with respect to the trans‐effect of the borylene ligand and the degree of MB dπ–pπ‐backbonding. Computational studies were performed on Group 6–borylene complexes. The population and topological analyses as well as the molecular orbital composition are consistent with the presence of both σ‐and π‐type interactions. There are, however, indications that the dπ–pπ‐backbonding in the silylborylene complex is significantly more pronounced than in the aminoborylene complexes.
An Abnormal Resonance Light Scattering Arising from Ionic‐Liquid/DNA/Ethidium Interactions
Authors: Cheng De‐Hong , Chen Xu‐Wei , Wang Jian‐Hua , Fang Zhao‐Lun
Published: March 2007

In the aqueous phase, ethidium bromide (EB) intercalates into the double helix structure of dsDNA (ds=double‐stranded) with a notable enhancement in fluorescence and resonance light scattering (RLS). However, when dsDNA was extracted into an ionic liquid (IL), 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BmimPF6), an abnormal RLS arising from the interactions of IL–DNA–EB was observed, with a substantial decrease of the recorded RLS. The cationic Bmim+ groups of BmimPF6 intercalate into the DNA helix structure, in which they interact with the PO bonds of phosphate groups in DNA strands and result in a reduction of the base‐pair interstice along with transformation of DNA conformations that consequently prohibits the intercalation of EB with DNA. Thus, in the IL phase, the interactions between ethidium and DNA were dominated by electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding, leading to a congregation of EB entities around the DNA strands that results in an increase of absorption by ethidium, and consequently the inner filter effect leads to a reduction of the RLS. The present observation has been applied to the direct quantification of DNA in an ionic‐liquid phase after DNA from human whole blood was extracted into BmimPF6.
Redox‐Driven Intramolecular Anion Translocation between a Metal Centre and a Hydrogen‐Bond‐Donating Compartment
Authors: Amendola Valeria , Colasson Benoît , Fabbrizzi Luigi , Rodriguez Douton Maria‐Jesús
Published: March 2007

Dicationic ligands incorporating two 2,2′‐bipyridine units and two imidazolium moieties, [1]2+ and [2]2+, form stable chelate complexes with CuII and CuI in acetonitrile solution. Each CuII complex binds two X− ions according to two stepwise equilibria, the first involving the CuII centre and the second involving the bis‐imidazolium compartment. CuI complexes are able to host only one NO3− ion in the bis‐imidazolium cavity, while other anions induce demetallation. Thus, in the presence of one equivalent of NO3−, the CuII/CuI redox change makes the anion translocate quickly and reversibly from one binding site to the other within the [CuII,I(1)]4+/3+ system, as demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry and controlled‐potential electrolysis experiments.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of 1,3‐Disubstituted 1,2,3,4‐Tetrahydro‐β‐carbolines Using Pictet‐Spengler Reaction in Non‐acidic Aprotic Media.
Authors: Sharma S. D. , Bhaduri Susmita , Kaur Gurpreet
Published: March 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Adenosine triphosphate‐based chemotherapy response assay (ATP‐CRA)‐guided platinum‐based 2‐drug chemotherapy for unresectable nonsmall‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Moon Yong Wha , Choi Sung Ho , Kim Yong Tai , Sohn Joo Hyuk , Chang Joon , Kim Se Kyu , Park Moo Suk , Chung Kyung Young , Lee Hyoun Ju , Kim Joo‐Hang
Published: March 2007

BACKGROUND.

The study investigated correlations between adenosine triphosphate / chemotherapy response assay (ATP‐CRA) and clinical outcomes after ATP‐CRA‐guided platinum‐based chemotherapy for unresectable nonsmall‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS.

The authors performed an in vitro chemosensitivity test, ATP‐CRA, to evaluate the chemosensitivities of anticancer drugs such as cisplatin, carboplatin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, gemcitabine, and vinorelbine for chemonaive, unresectable NSCLC. The cell death rate was determined by measuring the intracellular ATP levels of drug‐exposed cells compared with untreated controls. A sensitive drug was defined as a drug producing 30% or more reduction in ATP compared with untreated controls. Assay‐guided platinum‐based 2‐drug chemotherapy was given to patients with pathologically confirmed NSCLC.

RESULTS.

Thirty‐four patients were enrolled. Thirty tumor specimens were obtained by bronchoscopic biopsies and 4 obtained surgically. The median age was 61 years and 27 patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0–1. The response rate was 43.8%. At a median follow‐up period of 16.9 months, the median progression‐free and overall survivals were 3.6 and 11.2 months, respectively. Patients were dichotomized into the platinum‐sensitive (S; 20 patients) and resistant (R; 14 patients) groups. The positive/negative predictive values were 61.1% and 78.6% with a predictive accuracy of 68.8%. Although without significant differences in pretreatment parameters, the S‐group showed better clinical response (P = .036), longer progression‐free survival (P = .060), and longer overall survival (P = .025).

CONCLUSIONS.

Despite using bronchoscopic biopsied specimens, ATP‐CRA and clinical outcomes correlated well after assay‐guided platinum‐based 2‐drug chemotherapy for unresectable NSCLC. There was a favorable response and survival in the platinum‐sensitive vs resistant groups. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Acute binocular blindness
Authors: Chamberlain Marc C. , Chalmers Lisa
Published: March 2007

BACKGROUND.

Acute binocular blindness is an uncommon cause for neurologic consultation.

METHODS.

Over the last 20 months 10 patients with acute onset blindness were seen at a tertiary cancer center. Probable cause was identified in all patients.

RESULTS.

Treatment varied and was determined by etiology of visual loss.

CONCLUSIONS.

Six patients made a complete or near complete recovery. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
OFF midget bipolar cells in the retina of the marmoset,Callithrix jacchus, express AMPA receptors
Authors: Puller Christian , Haverkamp Silke , Grünert Ulrike
Published: March 2007

Recent studies suggested that different types of OFF bipolar cells express specific types of ionotropic (AMPA or kainate) glutamate receptors (GluRs) at their contacts with cone pedicles. However, the question of which GluR type is expressed by which type of OFF bipolar cell in primate retina is still open. In this study, the expression of AMPA and kainate receptor subunits at the dendritic tips of flat (OFF) midget bipolar (FMB) cells was analyzed in the retina of the common marmoset,Callithrix jacchus. We used preembedding electron microscopy and double immunofluorescence with subunit‐specific antibodies. The FMB cells were labeled with antibodies against the carbohydrate epitope CD15. Cone pedicles were identified with peanut agglutinin. Immunoreactivity for the GluR1 subunit and for CD15 is preferentially located at triad‐associated flat contacts. Furthermore, the large majority of GluR1 immunoreactive puncta is localized at the dendritic tips of FMB cells. These results suggest that FMB cells express the AMPA receptor subunit GluR1. In contrast, the kainate receptor subunit GluR5 is not colocalized with the dendritic tips of FMB cells or with the GluR1 subunit. Immunoreactive puncta for the GluR1 subunit are found at all M/L‐cone pedicles but are only rarely associated with S‐cone pedicles. This is consistent with our recent findings in marmoset retina that FMB cells do not contact S‐cone pedicles. The presence of GluR5 clusters at S‐cone pedicles indicates that in primate retinas OFF bipolar cells expressing kainate receptor subunits receive some S‐cone input. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:442–454, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dopamine D4receptor activation decreases the expression of μ‐opioid receptors in the rat striatum
Authors: Gago Belén , Fuxe Kjell , Agnati Luigi , Peñafiel Antonio , De La Calle Adelaida , Rivera Alicia
Published: March 2007

The dopaminergic and opioid peptide systems interact in many nuclei of the brain. In the striatum, dopamine/opioid peptide interactions modulate locomotor and motivated behaviors as well as reward, motivational, and tolerance processes in opiate dependence. Dopamine D4receptors (D4R) and μ‐opioid receptors (MOR) are highly concentrated in the striosomes (islands) of the striatum, suggesting the existence of receptor–receptor interactions between them. In the present work we studied the role of D4R in modulating MOR expression in the islands by using immunohistochemistry and image analysis. The activation of D4R by the agonist PD168,077 (1 mg/kg) decreased MOR immunoreactivity (IR) in the striosomes 6 hours after drug treatment. MOR IR levels had recovered 12 hours later. Treatment with a D4R antagonist (L745,870, 1mg/kg) blocked downregulation of MOR IR, showing that the D4R agonist effects observed were specific. Furthermore, treatment with the D2/D3receptor agonist quinpirol (1 mg/kg) and D2/D3receptor antagonist raclopride (1 mg/kg) had no effect in MOR IR, suggesting that D4R is the only D2‐like receptor producing an MOR downregulation in the islands. The decreases of MOR IR in the striosomes suggest that D4R activation may reduce MOR signaling. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that the islands in the striatum play a critical role in habit acquisition during drug addiction. D4R/MOR interactions could be crucial in such processes. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:358–366, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Specificity and generality of the involvement of catecholaminergic afferents in hypothalamic responses to immune insults
Authors: Schiltz Jennifer C. , Sawchenko Paul E.
Published: March 2007

Catecholamine‐containing projections from the medulla have been implicated in the mediation of activational responses of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) provoked by moderate doses of interleukin‐1 (IL‐1). To test the generality of this mechanism, rats bearing unilateral transections of aminergic projections were challenged with intravenous IL‐1 (2 μg/kg), bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0.1, 2.0, or 100 μg/kg), or saline and perfused 3 hours later; their brains were then prepared for quantitative analysis of Fos induction and relative levels of corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) mRNA. LPS provoked a robust and dose‐related increase in Fos expression within the PVH on the intact side of the brain at all doses tested; the response to IL‐1 approximated that to the lowest LPS dose. On the lesioned side, Fos induction was significantly reduced at all dosage levels but was eliminated only at the lowest dosage. The percentage reduction was greatest (75%) in IL‐1‐challenged rats and was progressively less in animals treated with increasing LPS doses (67, 59, and 46%, respectively). Specificity of aminergic involvement was tested by using intra‐PVH administration of the axonally transported catecholamine immunotoxin, antiDBH‐saporin. This treatment abolished IL‐1‐induced elevations of Fos‐ir and CRF mRNA in the PVH but left intact comparable responses to restraint stress. These data support a specific involvement of ascending catecholaminergic projections in mediating PVH responses to IL‐1 and LPS. Residual Fos induction seen in lesioned animals in response to higher doses of LPS provides a basis for probing additional circuits that may be recruited in a hierarchical manner in response to more strenuous or complex immune insults. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:455–467, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patterns of SDF‐1α and SDF‐1γ mRNAs, migration pathways, and phenotypes of CXCR4‐expressing neurons in the developing rat telencephalon
Authors: Stumm Ralf , Kolodziej Angela , Schulz Stefan , Kohtz Jhumku D. , Höllt Volker
Published: March 2007

Cortical GABAergic neurons originate in the ventral telencephalon, invade the cortex via tangential migration, and integrate into the cortical plate by surface‐directed and ventricle‐directed migration. In mice lacking CXCR4 or SDF‐1, GABAergic neurons fail to complete their migration. It is presently unknown which parts of the migration of CXCR4‐expressing GABAergic neurons are driven by SDF‐1. Here we compared patterns of SDF‐1 isoforms and CXCR4 in the developing rat telencephalon. In the ventral telencephalon, radial glia, striatal, and migratory GABAergic neurons expressed CXCR4. Tangentially migrating CXCR4‐expressing neurons populated the marginal zone and started to invade the lateral intermediate zone at embryonic day (E)14. Until E17 the spread of CXCR4‐expressing neurons in the dorsomedial direction was accompanied by progressive upregulation of SDF‐1α in the dorsomedial intermediate/subventricular zone. In the meninges, SDF‐1α and SDF‐1γ were expressed persistently. During invasion of the cortical plate the orientation of CXCR4‐immunoreactive neurons changed gradually from tangential (E17/E18) to radial (postnatal day [P] 0), which was paralleled by downregulation of SDF‐1α in the intermediate/subventricular zone. At E17, CXCR4‐immunoreactive cells were colabeled with markers for ventral forebrain‐derived neurons (Dlx) but not markers for glutamatergic (Tbr) or subplate (calretinin) neurons. Postnatally, calretinin‐ and somatostatin‐expressing but not parvalbumin‐expressing GABAergic neurons or pyramidal cells contained CXCR4. Pyramidal cells and few large blood vessels expressed SDF‐1α, while microvessels contained SDF‐1γ transcripts. In summary, SDF‐1α is expressed along cortical but not subcortical migration routes of GABAergic neurons. We propose that regulated expression of SDF‐1 in the intermediate/subventricular zone influences lateromedial tangential migration of CXCR4‐expressing GABAergic neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:382–399, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunohistochemical characterization of substance P receptor (NK1R)‐expressing interneurons in the entorhinal cortex
Authors: Wolansky Trish , Pagliardini Silvia , Greer John J. , Dickson Clayton T.
Published: March 2007

It has been reported that application of substance P (SP) to the medial portion of the entorhinal cortex (EC) induces a powerful antiepileptic effect (Maubach et al. [1998] Neuroscience 83:1047–1062). This effect is presumably mediated via inhibitory interneurons expressing the neurokinin‐1 receptor (NK1R), but the existence of NK1R‐expressing inhibitory interneurons in the EC has not yet been reported. The present immunohistochemical study was performed in the rat to examine the existence and distribution of NK1R‐expressing neurons in the EC as well as any co‐expression of other neurotransmitters/neuromodulators known to be associated with inhibitory interneurons: γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), parvalbumin (PARV), calretinin (CT), calbindin (CB), somatostatin (SST), and neuropeptide Y (NPY). Our results indicated that NK1R‐positive neurons were distributed rather sparsely (especially in the medial EC), primarily in layers II, V, and VI. The results of our double‐immunohistochemical staining indicated that the vast majority of NK1R‐expressing neurons also expressed GABA, SST, and NPY. In addition, CT was co‐expressed in a weakly stained subgroup of NK1R‐expressing neurons, and CB was co‐expressed very rarely in the lateral EC, but not in the medial EC. In contrast, SP‐immunopositive axons with fine varicosities were distributed diffusely throughout all layers of the EC, appearing to radiate from the angular bundle. SP may be released in a paracrine manner to activate a group of NK1R‐expressing entorhinal neurons that co‐express GABA, SST, and NPY, exerting a profound inhibitory influence on synchronized network activity in the EC. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:427–441, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.