bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oro‐facial‐digital syndrome IX with severe microcephaly: A new variant in a genetically isolated population
Authors: Erickson Robert P. , Bodensteiner John B.
Published: November 2007

We describe four patients, two pairs of siblings, with a somewhat unique oro‐facial‐digital syndrome. The siblings come from the Navajo population which has undergone several genetic “bottlenecks.” Thus, as would be anticipated, this syndrome seems to show autosomal recessive inheritance. The combination of the presence of retinal colobomata and the paucity of digital findings in these patients leads us to believe that their condition is best described as a variant of oro‐facial‐digital syndrome IX. In addition to retinal colobomata, these patients also show severe microcephaly, mental retardation and short stature. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Syndromic craniosynostosis due to complex chromosome 5 rearrangement andMSX2gene triplication
Authors: Bernardini Laura , Castori Marco , Capalbo Anna , Mokini Vahe , Mingarelli Rita , Simi Paolo , Bertuccelli Alice , Novelli Antonio , Dallapiccola Bruno
Published: November 2007

Craniosynostosis is a common birth defect (∼1/3,000 births) resulting from chromosome imbalances, gene mutations or unknown causes. We report a 6‐month‐old female with multiple sutural synostosis and prenatal onset growth deficiency, developmental delay, facial dysmorphism, congenital heart defect, and inguinal hernia. An integrated approach of standard cytogenetics, mBAND, locus‐specific FISH, and 75 kb resolution array‐CGH disclosed a complex chromosome 5 rearrangement, resulting in 3 paracentric inversions, 2 between‐arm insertions, and partial duplication of 5q35. An extra copy of theMSX2gene, which maps within the duplicated segment and is mutated in Boston‐type craniosynostosis, was confirmed by molecular cytogenetic studies. Our study confirms that early fusion of cranial sutures commonly observed in the dup(5q) syndrome is caused by triplication of theMSX2gene and strongly supports the crucial role of this gene in the development of craniofacial structures. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Testing the quality of nonadult Bayesian dental age assessment methods to juvenile skeletal remains: The Lisbon collection children and secular trend effects
Authors: Heuzé Yann , Cardoso Hugo F.V.
Published: November 2007

Age estimation of nonadult skeletons from archaeological or forensic contexts has relied heavily on modern schedules of dental formation developed on samples of children of affluent populations. Although genetic factors have been considered to have had the greatest influence on population differences in dental development, increased interest has been placed on the role of environmental influences, such as differences in socioeconomic status and secular trends. This study evaluates the quality (i.e., accuracy and reliability) of two Bayesian dental age estimation methods to a sample of identified child skeletons from the Lisbon collection (20th century Portugal). The two Bayesian methods are developed on a reference sample of modern children from France, Ivory Coast, Iran, and Morocco. The test sample from Lisbon, compared to the reference sample, is separated by over 50 years of secular trends and comprises a lower socioeconomic segment. The two Bayesian methods show that the Lisbon children are consistently 1‐year behind in dental age compared to the modern children of the reference sample. Environmental factors largely explain the differences between dental and chronological age in historic samples of nonadults. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stature in archeological samples from central Italy: Methodological issues and diachronic changes
Authors: Giannecchini Monica , Moggi‐Cecchi Jacopo
Published: November 2007

Stature reconstructions from skeletal remains are usually obtained through regression equations based on the relationship between height and limb bone length. Different equations have been employed to reconstruct stature in skeletal samples, but this is the first study to provide a systematic analysis of the reliability of the different methods for Italian historical samples. Aims of this article are: 1) to analyze the reliability of different regression methods to estimate stature for populations living in Central Italy from the Iron Age to Medieval times; 2) to search for trends in stature over this time period by applying the most reliable regression method. Long bone measurements were collected from 1,021 individuals (560 males, 461 females), from 66 archeological sites for males and 54 for females. Three time periods were identified: Iron Age, Roman period, and Medieval period. To determine the most appropriate equation to reconstruct stature the Delta parameter of Gini (Memorie di metodologia statistica. Milano: Giuffre A. 1939), in which stature estimates derived from different limb bones are compared, was employed. The equations proposed by Pearson (Philos Trans R Soc London 192 (1899) 169–244) and Trotter and Gleser for Afro‐Americans (Am J Phys Anthropol 10 (1952) 463–514; Am J Phys Anthropol 47 (1977) 355–356) provided the most consistent estimates when applied to our sample. We then used the equation by Pearson for further analyses. Results indicate a reduction in stature in the transition from the Iron Age to the Roman period, and a subsequent increase in the transition from the Roman period to the Medieval period. Changes of limb lengths over time were more pronounced in the distal than in the proximal elements in both limbs. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Melt‐state miscibility of poly(ethylene‐co‐1‐octene) and linear polyethylene
Authors: Shin Kyusoon , Nam Byeong Uk , Bang Joona , Jho Jae Young
Published: November 2007

On purpose to examine the effect of branch length on the miscibility of polyolefin blends, miscibility behavior of linear polyethylene/poly(ethylene‐co‐1‐octene) blend was studied and compared to that of linear polyethylene/poly(ethylene‐co‐1‐butene) blend. Miscibility of the blend was determined by observing the morphology quenched from the melt, and by using the relation between interaction parameter and copolymer composition. When the weight composition and molecular weight was the same, poly(ethylene‐co‐1‐octene) was slightly more miscible with linear polyethylene than poly(ethylene‐co‐1‐butene) was. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Conductive polymer composite materials and their utility in electromagnetic shielding applications
Authors: Fox Richard T. , Wani Vijay , Howard Kevin E. , Bogle Andrew , Kempel Leo
Published: November 2007

Commercial electronic devices require shielding solutions that ensure electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) while accounting for effects of specific enclosure structural features such as seams, vents, and port dimensions. In practice, suitable EMC materials combine with the device operating characteristics to determine an overall shielding response. To optimally couple plastic design practices with EMC requirements, both polymer materials science and electrical engineering concepts, must be considered. Use of extrinsically conductive polymer (ECP) formulations for electronic applications has advantages in that they can be directly molded to a desired shape and serve to provide the necessary shielding while also meeting mechanical integrity requirements. Shielding and mechanical performance can be varied via filler loading or altered through wall thickness changes to satisfy demands associated with a particular device. Injection‐moldable ECP polycarbonate‐based formulations can attain average shielding effectiveness (SE) levels of ∼50–60 dB through 2 GHz at 2‐mm thickness as measured using ASTM D 4935 procedures. These values vary with thickness, and SE improvements of ∼10–20 dB are observed when increasing from 1 to 2 mm. Additionally, resultant mechanical properties of shielding composites are strong functions of overall fiber content. These interrelated material and shielding characteristics, which form the basis for filled conductive polymer use within practical enclosure shielding designs, are described. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Direct grafting of ε‐caprolactone on solid core/mesoporous shell silica spheres by surface‐initiated ring‐opening polymerization
Authors: Moon Jin‐Ho , Ramaraj B. , Lee Soo Min , Yoon Kuk Ro
Published: November 2007

Poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) was formed on Solid core/mesoporous shell (SCMS) silica surface by surface‐initiated ring‐opening polymerization (SI‐ROP). The SI‐ROP of ϵ‐caprolactone was achieved by heating a mixture of SCMS silica, ϵ‐caprolactone and the tin(II) 2‐ethylhexanoate [Sn(Oct)2] in a anhydrous toluene for 20 h at different temperatures viz. 40, 60, and 80°C. The PCL grafted SCMS silica was characterized by fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The FTIR spectroscopic analysis reveals the formation of ester linkage between PCL and hydroxyl terminated SCMS silica. TGA investigation shows increase in PCL content on SCMS silica surface with increase in reaction temperature. The SEM photographs clearly show the formation of PCL polymer on the SCMS silica surface without altering the spherical nature of SCMS silica. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Effect of mixing conditions on the rheological and optical properties of chemically modified poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐ethylene isophthalate)
Authors: Yamaguchi Masayuki , Wakabayashi Takashi , Kanoh Taichi
Published: November 2007

The optical properties and rheological properties were studied for binary reactive blends composed of poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐ethylene isophthalate) [P(ET–EI)] and a styrene–acrylate based copolymer with glycidyl functionality. The blade rotation speed in the internal mixer greatly affected the structure and properties for the blend system. Intensive mixing at a high rotation speed enhanced the optical transparency because of the reduced particle size of the dispersed phase. The graft copolymer generated by the reaction between P(ET–EI) and the modifier was responsible for the fine morphology. Furthermore, the copolymer also enhanced the elastic nature in the molten state because it acted as a long‐chain branched polymer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
The effect of crosslinker structure upon the rate of hydroperoxide formation in dried, crosslinked poly(vinylpyrrolidone)
Authors: Tallon M. A. , Malawer E. G. , Machnicki N. I. , Brush P. J. , Wu C. S. , Cullen J. P.
Published: November 2007

The hydroperoxide levels of two commercial types of crosslinked poly(vinylpolypyrrolidinone) (or crospovidone) disintegrants were studied as a function of time and temperature using the titanyl sulfate titration method. It was noted that the two crospovidone types exhibited significantly different rates of hydroperoxide buildup and that this difference increases with increasing temperature. While the chemical and physical structures of these commercial types are essentially the same, they are known to be different with respect to their crosslinkers which represent nominally 2% of the total mass. These crosslinkers are 3‐ethylidene‐N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone and N,N′‐divinylimidazolidinone. While both contain lactam type rings, the latter possesses two nitrogen atoms versus one in the former. It was hypothesized that this difference in the number of heteroatoms results in a greater susceptibility to oxidative attack at carbon positions vicinal to these nitrogen atoms. To test this hypothesis, model compounds representing the two crosslinker ring structures were subjected to oxidative attack and analyzed for hydroperoxide buildup over time and at several temperatures. The results of the model compound study were consistent with the observations made for hydroperoxide buildup in the corresponding crospovidone types thereby supporting this hypothesis. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Molecular and structural characterization of a trypsin highly expressed in larval stage of Zabrotes subfasciatus
Authors: Magalhães Cláudio P. , Fragoso Rodrigo R. , Souza Djair S.L. , Barbosa Aulus E.A.D. , Silva Carlos P. , Finardi‐Filho Flávio , Da Silva Maria C.M. , Rocha Thales L. , Franco Octavio L. , Grossi‐De‐Sa Maria F.
Published: November 2007

The Mexican bean weevil, Zabrotes subfasciatus, feeds on several seeds such as Vigna unguiculata, Phaseolus vulgaris, and Pisum sativum, causing severe crop losses. This ability to obtain essential compounds from different diets could possibly be explained due to a wide variability of digestive proteinases present in the weevil's midgut. These may improve digestion of many different dietary proteins. Coleopteran serine‐like proteinases have not been thoroughly characterized at the molecular level. In this report, a full‐length cDNA encoding a trypsin‐like protein, named ZsTRYP, was isolated from Z. subfasciatus larvae using RT‐PCR, 5′ and 3′ RACE techniques. The quantitative real‐time PCR analysis strongly correlated the Zstryp transcript accumulation to the major feeding developmental larval stage. Zstryp cDNA was subcloned into pET101 vector and expressed in a Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) strain. Nickel‐nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni‐NTA) affinity chromatography was used to purify a 29.0‐kDa recombinant enzyme. The purified ZsTRYP was then assayed with several synthetic peptide substrates and also challenged with different inhibitors. The biochemical data allowed us to classify ZsTRYP as a trypsin. Moreover, homology modeling analysis indicated a typical trypsin structural core and a conserved catalytic triad (His41, Asp86, and Ser182). Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 66:169–182, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identifying work preferences among supported workers with severe disabilities: efficiency and accuracy of a preference‐assessment protocol
Authors: Reid Dennis H. , Parsons Marsha B. , Towery Donna , Lattimore L. Perry , Green Carolyn W. , Brackett Leah
Published: November 2007

Despite considerable research on assessing preferences among people with severe disabilities, relatively little investigatory attention has been directed to preferences in supported work situations. We evaluated a protocol for identifying work preferences among adults with severe disabilities in supported jobs. The protocol involved obtaining opinions of support staff regarding most and least preferred tasks of a supported worker, conducting a multi‐task preference assessment and then if necessary, a paired‐task assessment for workers for whom the former assessment did not reveal work preferences. For the 12 participating workers, the multi‐task assessment revealed preferences for 7 of the workers and subsequently, the paired‐task assessment revealed preferences for 4 of the 5 remaining workers. The former assessment required 40% less time than the latter. Staff opinion required much less time to obtain, but accurately identified preferences (based on validation through systematic assessment) only somewhat consistently. Results are discussed regarding guidelines for efficiently identifying supported work preferences, and future research areas are noted for developing more definitive guidelines. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of a high‐probability instructional sequence to increase compliance to feeding demands in the absence of escape extinction
Authors: Patel Meeta , Reed Gregory K. , Piazza Cathleen C. , Mueller Michael , Bachmeyer Melanie H. , Layer Stacy A.
Published: November 2007

We evaluated the effects of a high‐probability (high‐p) instructional sequence on the feeding‐related compliance (food acceptance) of a young boy diagnosed with a feeding disorder. The high‐p sequence consisted of three presentations of an empty spoon; the low‐probability (low‐p) instruction was the presentation of a spoon with food. Results showed that acceptance of food increased in the presence and not the absence of the high‐p sequence. Data are discussed in terms of the role of high‐p instructional sequences in the treatment of feeding problems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How to create successful discussions in science classrooms
Authors: Grover Neena
Published: November 2007

Professors often expect students to have the skills that are necessary to participate in discussions. Students, on the other hand, have been trained to glean information from the lecture format; their prior experiences in discussions are likely to be limited to personal opinions on topics such as stem–cell research or evolution. Sudden changes in expectations are jarring and unwelcome at any stage of life but especially when it affects our performance. Thus, bringing any new pedagogy into the classroom has to come with proper preparation for both the students and the faculty. Here, I present my guidelines for bringing discussions into small classrooms. A great deal of structure and preparation are needed to make a discussion‐based class successful. To teach using a discussion‐based format requires creating pedagogical links to every aspect of the course. It requires changing not only what we teach but also what we value. Various components that are needed for a successful discussion‐based course are outlined here.
Bridging the educational research‐teaching practice gap
Authors: Anderson Trevor R.
Published: November 2007

Student assessment, in all its forms, is central to the educational process. In this paper in the series, “Bridging the Gap”, I describe how assessment can be used as a powerful instrument for influencing how and what students learn and how and what instructors teach in a manner that is conducive to educationally sound curriculum change and improvement. In this way assessment is seen as a useful strategy for colleagues interested in bridging the gap between educational research and its application in teaching practice.
High performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination and pharmacokinetic studies of oxyresveratrol and resveratrol in rat plasma after oral administration ofSmilax chinaextract
Authors: Huang Huilian , Zhang Jinqiang , Chen Guangtong , Lu Zhiqiang , Wang Xiaoming , Sha Na , Shao Bo , Li Ping , Guo De‐an
Published: November 2007

A sensitive and simple HPLC method has been developed and validated for the determination of oxyresveratrol (trans‐2,4,3′,5′‐tetrahydroxystilbene, OXY) and resveratrol (trans‐3,5,4′‐trihydroxystilbene, RES) in rat plasma. The plasma samples were extracted with ethyl acetate and analyzed using HPLC on an Aglient Zorbax SB‐C18column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) at a wavelength 320 nm, with a linear gradient of (A) acetonitrile and (B) 0.5% aqueous acetic acid (v/v), at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The method was linear over the range of 0.1265–25.3 µg/mL for OXY and 0.117–23.4 µg/mL for RES. The extraction recovery for OXY, RES and internal standard ranged from 71.1 to 88.3%. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were better than 10%, and the accuracy ranged from 89 to 108%. The validated method was used to study the pharmacokinetic profiles of OXY and RES in rat plasma after oral administration ofSmilax chinaroot extract. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics and predictors of self‐mutilation: a study of incarcerated women
Authors: Roe‐Sepowitz Dominique
Published: November 2007

Background Research on self‐mutilating behaviour and incarcerated adults has found that nearly 50% of people in prison participated in it (Holley and Alborleda‐Florez, 1988). This is an enormous liability for the criminal justice system as well as a human concern.

Aims/hypotheses The research question for this study was to explore whether a history of childhood abuse in a sample of incarcerated women would increase their likelihood of self‐mutilation.

Methods Participants were 256 female inmates from five prisons in a large southern state who volunteered to attend a 12‐week trauma and abuse psychosocial intervention group. The participants were evaluated for childhood abuse, criminal history, risk‐taking behaviour and self‐mutilation. Data are presented regarding individual, criminal, abuse, family and risk‐taking behaviours comparing self‐mutilators (n = 109) with non‐self‐mutilators (n = 147).

Results The self‐mutilation group was more likely to report higher rates of emotional, sexual and physical abuse and on clinical significance scales of anxiety, depression, dissociation, impaired self‐reference, anger, tension reduction and intrusive experiences. The self‐mutilation group was also younger and was more often Caucasian. The results of the regression model suggest that a history of suicide attempts, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, bingeing and vomiting and impaired self‐reference are predictors of self‐mutilation.

Conclusions/implications for practice Recommendations and implications for practice are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
It all depends on your point of view: An historical account of an ethical conundrum in grain handling, ca. 1931
Authors: Earl Paul D.
Published: November 2007

In 1931, charges against Manitoba Pool Elevators of cheating their members on weights and grades in order to conceal losses on their grain elevators – and of concealing these activities – were proven accurate by a provincial Royal Commission. This was ironic given that these were the same practices that the Pool had condemned in the private grain trade for 30 years, and that, they had pledged, the Pool would put an end to. This paper describes these events and examines the ethical issues from the perspective of Reinhold Niebuhr's thought. It then briefly examines more current events in the western Canadian grain business to show how they are illuminated by Niebuhr's insights and why certain problems in the grain industry have been so intractable for the last half century. Copyright © 2007 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel 3‐D Supramolecular Architectures Constructed from Zn2+ ions, Oxybis(4‐benzoate) and Di(2‐pyridyl)amine Ligands
Authors: TANG Long , LI Dong‐Sheng , FU Feng , WANG Ji‐Jiang , HU Huai‐Ming , WANG Yao‐Yu
Published: November 2007

Using the V‐shaped oba dianions as bridging ligands and dpa molecules as terminal ligands, a new 1D helical coordination‐polymeric chain, [Zn(oba)(dpa)]n [oba=oxybis(4‐benzoate), dpa=di(2‐pyridyl)amine], was synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analyses, UV‐Vis and IR spectra, and TGA analysis. X‐ray structural analysis revealed that, oba and dpa ligands played an important role in the self‐assembly of the helical chains by providing potential supramolecular recognition sites for π‐ π aromatic stacking and hydrogen‐bond interactions, resulting in the self‐assembly of the (4,4) networks to give a 3‐D supramolecular framework. The photoluminescence properties of the title compound were also investigated, showing intense blue photoluminescence properties at room temperature.
Comparison of Artificial Neural Networks with Partial Least Squares Regression for Simultaneous Determinations by ICP‐AES
Authors: KHAYATZADEH MAHANI Mohamad , CHALOOSI Marzieh , GHANADI MARAGHEH Mohamad , KHANCHI Ali Reza , AFZALI Dariush
Published: November 2007

Simultaneous determination of several elements (U, Ta, Mn, Zr and W) with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES) in the presence of spectral interference was performed using chemometrics methods. True comparison between artificial neural network (ANN) and partial least squares regression (PLS) for simultaneous determination in different degrees of overlap was investigated. The emission spectra were recorded at uranium analytical line (263.553 nm) with a 0.06 nm spectral window by ICP‐AES. Principal component analysis was applied to data and scores on 5 dominant principal components were subjected to ANN. A 5‐5‐5 (input, hidden and output neurons) network was used with linear transfer function after both hidden and output layers. The PLS model was trained with five latent variables and 20 samples in calibration set. The relative errors of predictions (REP) in test set were 3.75% and 3.56% for ANN and PLS respectively.
Spectroscopic Study on Interaction of Lomefloxacin with Human Serum Albumin in the Presence of Copper Ion
Authors: JIN Fen , LÜ Jian‐Quan , ZHOU Xing‐Wang , SUN Ting‐Quan
Published: November 2007

The interaction of lomefloxacin (LMF) with human serum albumin (HSA) in the presence of copper ions in a physiological medium and its thermodynamic characteristics were investigated by multi‐spectroscopy. The experimental results showed that both LMF and LMF‐Cu2+ could quench the fluorescence of HSA with a static quenching mechanism, indicating that LMF or LMF‐Cu2+ could react with HSA. The apparent binding constants/numbers of binding sites were estimated as 4.924×105 L·mol−1/1.473 for LMF‐HSA, 8.990×104 L·mol−1/1.785 for LMF‐Cu2+‐HSA, 1.10×105 L·mol−1/1.21 for LMF‐Cu2+ and 7.30×102 L·mol−1/0.82 for HSA‐Cu2+, respectively. ΔH and ΔS for LMF‐HSA system were calculated to be −2.189 kJ·mol−1 and 61.25 J·mol−1·K−1, while those for LMF‐Cu2+‐HSA system were −7.401 kJ·mol−1 and 47.63 J·mol−1·K−1. Although the values of ΔH and ΔS in these two systems were different, the treads were similar, which indicated that electrostatic interactions in these two systems played a major role. According to Forster theory, the distances were given as 5.006 nm for HSA‐LMF and 4.709 nm for HSA‐LMF‐Cu2+. Synchronous fluorescence and circular dichroism spectra confirmed further that the conformations of human serum albumin before and after interacting with LMF or LMF‐Cu2+ were different. All the results revealed that copper ions promoted the interaction of lomefloxacin with human serum albumin.
Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Bissalicylaldimine Ligands and bis‐Schiff Base Cobalt Complexes with Benzo‐10‐aza‐15‐crown‐5 Pendant
Authors: LI Jian‐Zhang , XU Bin , FENG Fa‐Mei , ZHOU Bo , QIN Sheng‐Ying
Published: November 2007

Novel unsymmetrical bissalicylaldimine bis‐Schiff bases with a benzo‐10‐aza‐15‐crown‐5 pendant and their cobalt complexes have been synthesized via condensation of 3 or 5‐[(benzo‐10‐aza‐15‐crown‐5)‐10‐ylmethyl] salicylaldehyde with the half unit Schiff bases and characterized by 1H NMR, IR, mass spectroscopy, elemental analysis, molar conductances and molar magnetic susceptibility.
A Convenient and Efficient Route to 1,4‐Bis(heteroaryl)‐ buta‐1,3‐diene and 4‐Heteroarylbut‐1‐en‐3‐yne from 1,4‐Dichlorobut‐2‐yne
Authors: ZHANG Xiao‐Ming , WU Guo‐Qiang , CHEN Wan‐Zhi
Published: November 2007

A convenient and practical route to functionalized conjugated 1,3‐enynes and 1,3‐dienes is described. 1,4‐Bis(heteroaryl)‐1,3‐diene and 1‐heteroarylbut‐1‐en‐3‐yne derivatives were prepared from 1,4‐dichloro‐2‐butyne and corresponding N‐heteroarenes such as imidazole, pyrrole, pyrazole and indole derivatives in the presence of bases in good to high yields.
Multicompartment Micelles From π‐Shaped ABC Block Copolymers
Authors: XIA Jun , ZHONG Chong‐Li
Published: November 2007

Dissipative particle dynamics simulations were performed on the morphology and structure of multicompartment micelles formed from π‐shaped ABC block copolymers in water. The influences of chain architectures were studied in a systematic way, and a rich variety of morphologies were observed, such as spherical, wormlike, X‐shaped, Y‐shaped, ribbon‐like, layered rod‐like, layered disk‐like, as well as network morphologies. The simulations show that the distance between the two grafts plays an important role in control of the morphology. Since π‐shaped ABC block copolymers can be reduced to linear ABC and star ABC block copolymers, they are good model copolymers for studying the self‐assembly of complex block copolymers into micelles. The knowledge obtained in this work as well as the new morphologies identified provide useful information for future rational design and synthesis of novel multicompartment micelles.
Initial Presenting Electrocardiogram as Determinant for Hospital Admission in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department with Chest Pain: A Pilot Investigation
Authors: Challa Prasanna K. , Smith Karen M. , Conti C. Richard
Published: November 2007

Background

Evaluation of chest pain accounts for millions of costly Emergency Department (ED) visits and hospital admissions annually. Of these, approximately 10–20% are myocardial infarctions (MI).

Hypothesis

Patients with chest pain whose initial electrocardiogram (ECG) is normal do not require hospital admission for evaluation and management of a possible myocardial infarction.

Methods

The medical records of a consecutive cohort of 250 patients who presented to the ED with chest pain and were admitted by the ED physician to a cardiology inpatient service of an academic tertiary care medical center were reviewed. Reasons for admission to hospital was to rule out an acute coronary syndrome, specifically, myocardial infarction. The initial ECG of each patient was evaluated for abnormalities and compared with the final diagnosis.

Results

Of the 75 patients presenting with normal ECGs (normal, upright T waves and isoelectric ST segments), 1 (1.3%) was subsequently diagnosed with a myocardial infarction by Troponin I elevation alone. Of the 55 patients presenting with abnormal ECGs but no clear evidence of ischemia [i.e., left bundle branch block (LBBB), right bundle branch block (RBBB), left anterior hemiblock (LAH)], 2 (3.6%) were diagnosed with MI. Of the 48 patients presenting with abnormal ECGs questionable for ischemia (nonspecific ST and T wave changes that were not clearly ST segment elevation or depression), 7 (14.6%) were diagnosed with an MI. Of the 72 patients who presented with abnormal ECGs showing ischemia (acute ST segment elevation and/or depression), 39 (54.2%) were shown to have evidence for MI.

Patients who presented with normal ECGs (category 1) were extremely low risk for acute myocardial infarction. Patients with abnormal ECGs but no evidence of definite ischemia (category 2) had a relatively low incidence of MI. Patients with abnormal ECGs questionable for ischemia (category 3) had an intermediate risk of acute myocardial infarction. The majority of patients with abnormal ECGs demonstrating ischemia (category 4) were subsequently shown to evolve an acute myocardial infarction.

Conclusions

Patients with chest pain and initial ECGs with ST segment abnormalities suggestive or diagnostic for ischemia, should be admitted to the hospital for further evaluation and management. Patients with ECGs that do not display acute ST segment changes are at a lower risk for acute myocardial infarction than those with acute ST segment changes and should be admitted on the basis of cardiac risk profile. (i.e., age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, known coronary artery disease, etc.) Patients with normal ECGs (category 1) are at extremely low risk, and it may be acceptable to consider further evaluation on an outpatient basis. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determination of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds and Acidic Drugs in Water by Coupling of Derivatization, Gas Chromatography and Negative‐Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Möder Monika , Braun Peter , Lange Franziska , Schrader Steffi , Lorenz Wilhelm
Published: November 2007

The determination of acidic pharmaceutical and endocrine disrupting compounds at low ng/L levels in surface and wastewater requires highly selective and sensitive analytical procedures. Therefore, the water samples under study were prepared by means of solid phase extraction (SPE) for analyte enrichment and clean up. Prior to GC‐NCI‐MS, the polar analytes were derivatized using pentafluorobenzyl bromide. The performance of this analytical method has been revealed in fortification experiments by limits of detection ranging from 0.01 to 0.2 ng/L for, e. g., ibuprofen and 17α‐ethinylestradiol, respectively. SPE may be the most rate determining step of the analytical procedure. Therefore, the performance of SPE disks and cartridges was additionally compared. Method evaluation demonstrated that even complex sample matrices, such as model wastewater or even synthetic humic acids, did not interfere with the quantification and identification of target analytes. The performance of the analytical method developed for water monitoring was further emphasized by the investigation of surface water of the River Saale and effluents of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) at Halle, Saxony‐Anhalt, Germany. In those samples, acidic pharmaceuticals and corresponding metabolites occurred at 0.1 ng/L for clofibric acid up to 498 ng/L for bezafibrate. Technical nonylphenol and bisphenol A were found in every water sample. Meanwhile, 17α‐ethinylestradiol was determined only in one WWTP effluent sample at 1 ng/L.
FeIII‐TAML‐Catalyzed Green Oxidative Decolorization of Textile Dyes in Wastewater
Authors: Chahbane Naima , Lenoir Dieter , Souabi Salah , Collins Terrence J. , Schramm Karl‐Werner
Published: November 2007

The FeIII‐TAML®/hydrogen peroxide system was first tested for decolorization of structurally different synthetic dyes. The kinetic of decolorization was greatly affected by pH. In alkaline medium the system is much faster, with more than 90% decolorization being attained within the first minutes. At pH 11, the treatment achieves over 98% degradation of the eight tested dyes within 15 min, and around 60% for another four dyes. Furthermore, when the performances of the oxidizing system were checked for decolorization of real textile wastewater, FeIII‐TAML®/H2O2 showed promising results by a complete decolorization of the samples studied within 5 min at a temperature ranging between 25 to 40°C.
Metabolic Fate Modeling of Selected Human Pharmaceuticals in Soils
Authors: Richter Otto , Kullmer Christoph , Kreuzig Robert
Published: November 2007

As a consequence of human pharmaceuticals being found in surface, ground and drinking water, there is growing interest in their fate and behavior in soil environments. Therefore, laboratory tests on the degradation of the 14C‐labeled model substances ibuprofen and diazepam were performed in two different soils. Based on the results of the laboratory‐batch experiments, metabolic fate models have been devised using model discriminating techniques based on likelihood tests for nested models. Although, the data for ibuprofen fit well into the frame of linear compartment theory, the diazepam data show pronounced nonlinearities. The kinetic behavior of both pharmaceuticals in soil is characterized by the participation of microbial processes in the formation of non‐extractable residues and by low degradation rates out of the non‐extractable fractions. An accumulation of those non‐extractable residues may occur in soils under simulated multiple contaminations.
Novel Strategies in Sewage Sludge Treatment
Authors: Dichtl Norbert , Rogge Svenja , Bauerfeld Katrin
Published: November 2007

Sewage sludge is not only the sink for nutrients removed from wastewater but also for hazardous substances. When sewage sludge is reused in agriculture these hazardous substances can be harmful to the environment depending on their concentration. Nevertheless, the mere disposal of sewage sludge cannot be purposeful as the contained nutrients and the organic material offer a biologically valuable fertilizer. Currently, agricultural reuse of sewage sludge is discussed controversially in Germany. Changes in legal requirements for sewage sludge application are planned that will set lower limit values for hazardous substances and higher quality requirements in general. With these new restrictions, sewage sludges may not be suitable for agricultural reuse any longer. The focus is on alternative sewage sludge treatment technologies that gain the most economic and ecological benefit from the sludge's valuables. Several technologies for nutrient recovery, especially phosphorus, have been developed to recycle finite natural resources. This article will provide an overview on novel strategies for sewage sludge treatment and management especially in regard to new legal requirements.
Carbon Trade Project “Biological Waste Treatment” for Gaobeidian (PR China)
Authors: Kölsch Florian , Fricke Klaus , Müller Wolfgang
Published: November 2007

The Department of Waste Management at the Braunschweig University of Technology is designing a biological treatment plant for municipal solid waste (MSW) for the City of Gaobeidian (Hebei province/PR China). A German‐Chinese joint venture has contracted the project, KfW banking group provides financial assistance. The project aims on the reduction of methane emissions from decay of organic waste components at landfills. Due to biological treatment, organic components are being stabilized, what reduces methane emissions after final disposal significantly. The mechanical biological treatment (MBT) plant is designed for a capacity of 40000 t/year. In the first project phase a feasibility study is being conducted. The residual waste has been analyzed and treated in a pilot plant. Regarding the project financing, additional turnovers shall be achieved by the sale of Certified Emission Reductions (CERs). Emission reductions of approximately 10000 t CO2 equivalents (CO2eq) per year are expected, worth some 80000 to 100000 Euro/year. The official registration of the project at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is being prepared.
Modulation of actin mechanics by caldesmon and tropomyosin
Authors: Greenberg M. J. , Wang C‐L. A. , Lehman W. , Moore J. R.
Published: November 2007

The ability of cells to sense and respond to physiological forces relies on the actin cytoskeleton, a dynamic structure that can directly convert forces into biochemical signals. Because of the association of muscle actin‐binding proteins (ABPs) may affect F‐actin and hence cytoskeleton mechanics, we investigated the effects of several ABPs on the mechanical properties of the actin filaments. The structural interactions between ABPs and helical actin filaments can vary between interstrand interactions that bridge azimuthally adjacent actin monomers between filament strands (i.e. by molecular stapling as proposed for caldesmon) or, intrastrand interactions that reinforce axially adjacent actin monomers along strands (i.e. as in the interaction of tropomyosin with actin). Here, we analyzed thermally driven fluctuations in actin's shape to measure the flexural rigidity of actin filaments with different ABPs bound. We show that the binding of phalloidin increases the persistence length of actin by 1.9‐fold. Similarly, the intrastrand reinforcement by smooth and skeletal muscle tropomyosins increases the persistence length 1.5‐ and 2‐ fold respectively. We also show that the interstrand crosslinking by the C‐terminal actin‐binding fragment of caldesmon, H32K, increases persistence length by 1.6‐fold. While still remaining bound to actin, phosphorylation of H32K by ERK abolishes the molecular staple (Foster et al. 2004. J Biol Chem 279;53387–53394) and reduces filament rigidity to that of actin with no ABPs bound. Lastly, we show that the effect of binding both smooth muscle tropomyosin and H32K is not additive. The combination of structural and mechanical studies on ABP‐actin interactions will help provide information about the biophysical mechanism of force transduction in cells. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and Immobilization of erythro‐C14‐ω‐Aminosphingosine‐1‐phosphate as a Potential Tool for Affinity Chromatography
Authors: Ullrich Thomas , Ghobrial Michael , Peters Carsten , Billich Andreas , Guerini Danilo , Nussbaumer Peter
Published: November 2007

A sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) analogue containing a terminal alkyl chain amino group is synthesized in a few steps via olefin cross‐metathesis of an optically resolved intermediate and subsequent phosphorylation. Regioselective acylation of this intermediate at its N terminus in solution is demonstrated as a model reaction and provides a biologically active derivative. Finally, the ω‐amino intermediate is immobilized on an affinity matrix. The choice of a UV‐active phosphate protecting group allows for quantification of resin loading after cleavage which amounted to 66 %.
Monitoring of minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kern Wolfgang , Haferlach Claudia , Haferlach Torsten , Schnittger Susanne
Published: November 2007

Two highly sensitive methods, multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) and real‐time quantitative PCR (RQ‐PCR), are increasingly used to monitor minimal residual disease (MRD) and to guide risk‐adapted management in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). An independent prognostic impact has been demonstrated for MRD levels obtained by both methods. MFC has been found particularly useful for assessment of early clearance of malignant cells and after consolidation therapy. At the latter checkpoint, MRD levels quantified by RQ‐PCR in AML with fusion genes also have the strongest prognostic power. In addition, highly predictive initial expression levels have been identified by RQ‐PCR. Both methods are capable of early detection of relapse. Through the use of all available markers including NPM1 mutations and FLT3 mutations in addition to fusion genes, RQ‐PCR‐based MRD assessment is possible in more than half of patients, whereas MFC is applicable to most AML cases. With a sensitivity of 10−4 (PML‐RARA) to 10−7 (patient‐specific primers, FLT3 and NPM1 mutations), RQ‐PCR is more sensitive in most cases. Large clinical trials will determine the exact role and place of immunologic and RQ‐PCR‐based monitoring of MRD in the therapy of patients with AML. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
From computation models to models of provenance: the RWS approach
Authors: Ludäscher Bertram , Podhorszki Norbert , Altintas Ilkay , Bowers Shawn , McPhillips Timothy
Published: November 2007

Scientific workflows often benefit from or even require advanced modeling constructs, e.g. nesting of subworkflows, cycles for executing loops, data‐dependent routing, and pipelined execution. In such settings, an often overlooked aspect of provenance takes center stage: a suitable model of provenance (MoP) for scientific workflows should be based upon the underlying model of computation (MoC) used for executing the workflows. We can derive an adequate MoP from a MoC (such as Kahn's process networks) by taking into account the assumptions that a MoC entails, and by recording the observables which it affords. In this way, a MoP captures or at least better approximates ‘real’ data dependencies for workflows with advanced modeling constructs. As a specific instance, we elaborate on the Read–Write–ReSet model, a simple and flexible MoP suitable for a number of different MoCs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimum modality for photodynamic therapy of tumors: gels containing liposomes with hydrophobic photosensitizers
Authors: Nekvasil Miloš , Zadinová Marie , Tahotná Ludmila , Žáčková Markéta , Poučková Pavla , Ježek Petr
Published: November 2007

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has entered an era of clinical acceptance; however, for its wider use, including drug formulations for topical applications, it must have a rapid effect and be free of skin‐photosensitization effects. Preclinical studies of two prototype formulations exhibiting successful therapeutic rates based on translucent gels containing liposomes with hydrophobic photosensitizers are presented. Experimental PDT of human tumors implanted in nude mice with liposomal gels containing meso‐tetrakisphenylporphyrin (TPP) or hydroxy‐aluminum phthalocyanine (PC) caused significant dystrophy of human basal cell carcinoma, amelanotic melanoma, breast carcinoma, and colorectal carcinoma. Whereas the drug‐to‐light time interval for TPP was 12 h, much less than that of most commercially available approved photosensitizers, 10 min was sufficient to disintegrate the effects of the PC liposomal gel. Liposomes containing hydrophobic photosensitizers were prepared either by extrusion through 100‐nm filters or using a microfluidizer. Histology of tumors in remission showed existence of overall necrosis and the presence of only small islets of tumorous cells in incomplete remission. Fibrinoid necrosis of the tumors was a visible sign of the therapeutic effect. TPP and PC from the gel were distributed by circulation to the organs and tissues in a different and more favorable pattern than by intravenous injection. We conclude that hydrophobic photosensitizers are preferable and more efficient for PDT (Ježek et al., Int J Cancer 103:693–702, 2003) and their liposomal gel formulations are predicted to be optimum preparations enabling wide ranging use of topical PDT for numerous cancer indications, initially for nonmelanoma skin cancer. Drug Dev Res 68:235–252, 2007 © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The proteasome as a potential target for chemotherapy of African trypanosomiasis
Authors: Steverding Dietmar
Published: November 2007

Trypanosomes are parasitic protozoans that afflict both humans and livestock in sub‐Saharan Africa. The current chemotherapy of African trypanosomiasis relies on a few drugs, most of which were developed decades ago. Combinations of toxic side effects and poor efficacy of current drugs demand an urgent need for the development of novel and effective therapeutic agents. The proteasome is a multisubunit proteinase complex that plays a critical role in intracellular protein degradation. Despite being essential to all eukaryotic cells, there are significant differences between the trypanosomal and mammalian proteasomes that makes this enzyme complex a promising target for anti‐trypanosomal drug development. In this review article, the structural properties, enzymatic activities, and inhibitor sensitivities of the proteasomes of Trypanosoma brucei and mammalian cells are compared. In addition, the trypanocidal activities of the different classes of proteasome inhibitors are summarized. Drug Dev Res 68:205–212, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental signaling pathways in brain tumor‐derived stem‐like cells
Authors: Clark Paul A. , Treisman Daniel M. , Ebben Johnathan , Kuo John S.
Published: November 2007

Recently, a subpopulation of cells highly efficient in tumor initiation and growth has been isolated from brain tumors. Of interest, these brain tumor initiating cells exhibit many stem‐like properties, including self‐renewal, extended proliferation, and multipotency, and are both phenotypically and genetically similar to normal neural stem cells (NSCs). Aberrant expression of developmental pathways, such as WNT, Hedgehog, Notch, and transforming growth factor‐β/bone morphogenetic protein, have been demonstrated in brain tumors, and extrinsic regulation of these pathways may be used to target brain tumor stem‐like cells (BTSCs) and form the basis of novel biological therapies. Because of regulatory redundancy during normal development, future therapeutic strategies to inhibit BTSC‐mediated tumor growth and minimize NSC‐related deleterious effects may require detailed understanding and regulation of multiple cellular mechanisms. This review analyzes the role developmental pathways play in brain tumors, focusing on the potential effects of pathway regulation on BTSC‐driven tumorigenesis. Developmental Dynamics 236:3297–3308, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.