bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Photochemionics
Authors: Ballardini R. , Ceroni P. , Credi A. , Gandolfi M. T. , Maestri M. , Semararo M. , Venturi M. , Balzani V.
Published: February 2007

Suitably designed molecular and supramolecular species are capable of combining light and chemical inputs to perform functions that mimic those of macroscopic devices. This paper describes the working principles of molecular‐level photochemionic devices for i) chemical switching of photonic input/output signals, ii) chemical tuning of photonic input/output signals, and iii) the transformation of chemical and/or optical signals for logic operation.
A New Method for Constructing Quaternary Carbon Centres: Tandem Rhodium‐Catalysed 1,4‐Addition/Intramolecular Cyclisation
Authors: Le Nôtre Jérôme , van Mele David , Frost Christopher G.
Published: February 2007

The efficient tandem rhodium‐catalysed 1,4‐addition/cyclisation of 1,1′‐alkenes using arylzinc chlorides is described. The simple one‐step synthesis of substituted cyclopentanone and cyclohexanone derivatives is performed from acyclic precursors using relatively low catalyst loadings under mild conditions. A new quaternary carbon centre is created during the cyclisation step.
Eosinophilia is associated with a higher mortality rate among patients with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome
Authors: Kim Yae‐Jean , Dale Janet K. , Noel Pierre , Brown Margaret R. , Nutman Thomas B. , Straus Stephen E. , Klion Amy D.
Published: February 2007

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is a disorder associated with heritable defects in lymphocyte apoptosis that result in chronic nonmalignant lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and autoimmunity. To examine the prevalence, mechanisms, and potential implications of eosinophilia in ALPS, we reviewed data retrospectively from 187 consecutive ALPS patients and their family members studied at the National Institutes of Health. ALPS patients with eosinophilia were compared with ALPS patients without eosinophilia with respect to their clinical and immunologic phenotype. Potential mechanisms for the eosinophilia, including abnormal Fas‐mediated eosinophil apoptosis, increased production of eosinophilopoietic cytokines, and presence of anti‐eosinophilic autoantibodies were also explored in a small number of patients from whom samples were available. Analysis of data from 68 ALPS patients and 119 of their relatives identified a distinct subgroup of patients with prominent and persisting eosinophilia that proved to be associated with increased numbers of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) of multiple lineages and a trend towards increased serum IgE levels. Eosinophilic ALPS patients also had a significantly higher risk of death due to infectious complications. Although the specific etiology of the eosinophilia in these patients remains uncertain, it does not appear to be associated with an altered serum cytokine profile, increased survival responsiveness of eosinophils to IL‐5, defective Fas‐mediated eosinophil apoptosis, or anti‐eosinophil antibodies. Eosinophilia defines a distinct subgroup of ALPS patients with increased serum IgE levels, increased numbers of PBL of multiple lineages, and higher mortality from infectious complications. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thomas Jefferson's Y chromosome belongs to a rare European lineage
Authors: King Turi E. , Bowden Georgina R. , Balaresque Patricia L. , Adams Susan M. , Shanks Morag E. , Jobling Mark A.
Published: February 2007

We have characterized the Y chromosome carried by President Thomas Jefferson, the general rarity of which supported the idea that he, or a patrilineal relative, fathered the last son of his slave Sally Hemings. It belongs to haplogroup K2, a lineage representing only ∼1% of chromosomes worldwide, and most common in East Africa and the Middle East. Phylogenetic network analysis of its Y‐STR (short tandem repeat) haplotype shows that it is most closely related to an Egyptian K2 haplotype, but the presence of scattered and diverse European haplotypes within the network is nonetheless consistent with Jefferson's patrilineage belonging to an ancient and rare indigenous European type. This is supported by the observation that two of 85 unrelated British men sharing the surname Jefferson also share the President's Y‐STR haplotype within haplogroup K2. Our findings represent a cautionary tale in showing the difficulty of assigning individual ancestry based on a Y‐chromosome haplotype, particularly for rare lineages where population data are scarce. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The impact of reproduction on gambian women: Does controlling for phenotypic quality reveal costs of reproduction?
Authors: Sear Rebecca
Published: February 2007

Life history theory predicts that where resources are limited, investment in reproduction will cause a decline in body condition and ultimately may lower survival rates. We investigate the relationship between reproduction and mortality in women in rural Gambia. We use a number of different measures of reproductive investment: the timing of reproduction, intensity of reproduction, and cumulative reproductive investment (parity). Though giving birth is clearly a risk factor for increased mortality, we find limited evidence that the timing, intensity, or cumulative effects of reproduction have a survival cost. Instead, there is some evidence that women who have invested heavily in reproduction have higher survival than women with lower reproductive investment: both high parity and late age at last reproduction are associated with high survival. The only evidence for any cost of reproduction is that women who have given birth to twins (considered a marker of heavy investment in reproduction) have higher mortality rates than other women, after the age of 50 years. A potential confounding factor may be differences in health between women: particularly healthy women may be able to invest substantially in both reproduction and their own survival, leading to the positive correlations between survival and both parity and age at last birth we observe. To control for differences in health between women, we reanalyze the relationship between reproduction and mortality but include variables correlating with health in our models (height, BMI, and hemoglobin). Even when controlling for health, the positive correlation between investment in reproduction and survival remains unchanged. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Autoantibodies to RNA helicase A: A new serologic marker of early lupus
Authors: Yamasaki Yoshioki , Narain Sonali , Yoshida Hideo , Hernandez Liza , Barker Tolga , Hahn Paulette C. , Sobel Eric S. , Segal Mark S. , Richards Hanno B. , Chan Edward K. L. , Reeves Westley H. , Satoh Minoru
Published: February 2007

Objective

To investigate the clinical and immunologic significance of autoantibodies to RNA helicase A (RHA) in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases.

Methods

The study group comprised 1,119 individuals enrolled in the University of Florida Center for Autoimmune Diseases registry from 2000 to 2005. Diagnoses were based on standard criteria. Autoantibodies were analyzed by immunoprecipitation and Western blot assays.

Results

Anti‐RHA was observed in 17 (6.2%) of 276 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 2 patients with antiphospholipid antibodies, and 3 other patients, but anti‐RHA was not observed in any patient with polymyositis/dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjögren's syndrome. Anti‐RHA was present in only 2.9% of African American patients, compared with 6.0% of white patients and 12–25% of patients of other races; this was in striking contrast to the frequency of anti‐Sm in African American patients (27.2%). Among patients with SLE, anti‐RHA was common in young patients (26% of those whose initial visit was at an age younger than 20 years versus 3–4% of those who were initially seen at ages 20–49 years) and at an early stage of disease (23% of those whose first clinic visit was within 1 year of disease onset versus 2–8% of those whose first visit was at least 1 year after disease onset). In 9 of 11 patients, levels of anti‐RHA decreased to <10% of the initial value within 9–37 months, while levels of coexisting anti‐Ro or anti‐Su remained the same. New specificities developed in 2 patients (anti–nuclear RNP and anti‐Sm, and anti–ribosomal P, respectively). These data suggest that the level of anti‐RHA diminishes over time, and that anti‐RHA is regulated via a mechanism different from that for other lupus‐related autoantibodies.

Conclusion

Anti‐RHA is a new serologic marker for SLE. It is produced mainly in young non–African Americans at an early stage of their disease. Anti‐RHA has a unique tendency to diminish over time. The production of anti‐RHA may depend on a process restricted to early SLE, or it may be highly sensitive to treatment.
Health values of patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Khanna Dinesh , Ahmed Mansoor , Furst Daniel E. , Ginsburg Shaari S. , Park Grace S. , Hornung Richard , Tsevat Joel
Published: February 2007

Objective

To assess health values in subjects with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and determine variability explained by demographics, clinical factors, health status, and disease severity.

Methods

We interviewed 107 individuals with SSc who attended national and local Scleroderma Foundation meetings in 2005. Health status was measured using the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) Physical Component Summary (PCS; range 0–100) and Mental Component Summary (MCS; range 0–100), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D; range 0–60), and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) disability index (DI; range 0–3). Disease severity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS; range 0–150). Health value measures included the 0–100 health rating scale (RS), standard gamble (SG; range 0.0–1.0), and time trade‐off (TTO; range 0.0–1.0). We performed univariate analyses to compare scores between participants with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) and diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), and multivariable analyses for 3 outcome measures: RS, SG, and TTO, controlling for demographics, type of SSc, health status, and disease severity.

Results

Of the 107 participants, 48 had dcSSc and 59 had lcSSc. Ninety‐seven were women and 83 were white. The median scores for the PCS, MCS, and HAQ DI were 36.9, 45.5, and 0.9, respectively. Fifty‐five subjects had significant depressive symptoms (CES‐D score ≥16). The median RS, SG, and TTO scores were 62, 0.83 (indicating a willingness to accept up to a 17% risk of immediate death in exchange for perfect health), and 0.88 (indicating a willingness to give up a median of 12% of life expectancy in exchange for perfect health), respectively. Subjects with dcSSc had lower RS scores but higher SG scores (corresponding to a willingness to accept only a smaller risk of death) than subjects with lcSSc. TTO scores were similar in the 2 groups. Health values were variably related to factors such as demographics, VAS score, disease classification, and SF‐36 PCS and MCS scores (R2 = 0.22, 0.23, and 0.66 for the SG, TTO, and RS models, respectively).

Conclusion

Individuals with dcSSc have lower health ratings but higher SG health values than individuals with lcSSc. These findings have implications for decision analysis and cost‐effectiveness analysis.
Use of complementary and alternative medicine providers by fibromyalgia patients under insurance coverage
Authors: Lind Bonnie K. , Lafferty William E. , Tyree Patrick Timothy , Diehr Paula K. , Grembowski David E.
Published: February 2007

Objective

To quantify how visits and expenditures differ between insured patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) who visit complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) providers compared with patients with FMS who do not. Patients with FMS were also compared with an age‐ and sex‐matched comparison group without FMS.

Methods

Calendar year 2002 claims data from 2 large insurers in Washington state were analyzed for provider type (CAM versus conventional), patient comorbid medical conditions, number of visits, and expenditures.

Results

Use of CAM by patients with FMS was 2.5 times higher than in the comparison group without FMS (56% versus 21%). Patients with FMS who used CAM had more health care visits than patients with FMS not using CAM (34 versus 23; P < 0.001); however, CAM users had similar expenditures to nonusers among patients with FMS ($4,638 versus $4,728; not significant), because expenditure per CAM visit is lower than expenditure per conventional visit. Patients with FMS who used CAM also had heavier overall disease burdens than those not using CAM.

Conclusion

With insurance coverage, a majority of patients with FMS will visit CAM providers. The sickest patients use more CAM, leading to an increased number of health care visits. However, CAM use is not associated with higher overall expenditures. Until a cure for FMS is found, CAM providers may offer an economic alternative for patients with FMS seeking symptomatic relief.
Design, implementation, and evaluation of a methodology for automatic stemmer generation
Authors: Melucci Massimo , Orio Nicola
Published: February 2007

The authors describe a statistical approach based on hidden Markov models (HMMs), for generating stemmers automatically. The proposed approach requires little effort to insert new languages in the system even if minimal linguistic knowledge is available. This is a key advantage especially for digital libraries, which are often developed for a specific institution or government because the program can manage a great amount of documents written in local languages. The evaluation described in the article shows that the stemmers implemented by means of HMMs are as effective as those based on linguistic rules.
Orbit of comet C/1860 M1 (Great Comet of 1860)
Authors: Branham R. L.
Published: February 2007

Comet C/1860 M1 (Great Comet of 1860) is one of a large number of comets with parabolic orbits. Given that there are sufficient observations of the comet, 261 in right ascension and 251 in declination, it proves possible to calculate a better orbit. The comet's orbit is hyperbolic, and statistically different from a parabola. The comet, therefore, cannot be considered to be a Near Earth Oject. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Integrated colours of Milky Way globular clusters and horizontal branch morphology
Authors: Smith G. H. , Strader J.
Published: February 2007

Broadband colours are often used as metallicity proxies in the study of extragalactic globular clusters. A common concern is the effect of variations in horizontal branch (HB) morphology – the second‐parameter effect – on such colours. We have used UBVI, Washington, and DDO photometry for a compilation of over 80 Milky Way globular clusters to address this question. Our method is to fit linear relations between colour and [Fe/H], and study the correlations between the residuals about these fits and two quantitative measures of HB morphology. While there is a significant HB effect seen in U – B, for the commonly used colours B – V, V – I, and C – T1, the deviations from the baseline colour‐[Fe/H] relations are less strongly related to HB morphology. There may be weak signatures in B –V and C –T1, but these are at the limit of observational uncertainties. The results may favour the use of B –I in studies of extragalactic globular clusters, especially when its high [Fe/H]‐sensitivity is considered. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The galactic surface density derived from K giants
Authors: Brosche P. , Schwarz O.
Published: February 2007

We compare theW velocity dispersions of Brosche, Schwan & Schwarz (2001) with more recent results. The increase with the distance |z | from the galactic plane is confirmed, although perhaps with reduced amplitude. This could be interpreted either as one homogenous population or as a superposition of (at least) two populations with two constant dispersions and two scale heights. For each of the possibilities we propose a simple model. Combined with two observational variants for the velocity variation, we obtain surface densities up to |z | = 250 pc ranging from 5 to 44 M⊙ pc–2. Thus the case for considerable dark matter in the neighbourhood of the galactic plane is not supported
Calibration accuracy of a judgmental process that predicts the commercial success of new product ideas
Authors: Åstebro Thomas , Koehler Derek J.
Published: February 2007

We examine the accuracy of forecasts of the commercial potential of new product ideas by experts at an Inventor's Assistance Program (IAP). Each idea is evaluated in terms of 37 attributes or cues, which are subjectively rated and intuitively combined by an IAP expert to arrive at a forecast of the idea's commercialization prospects. Data regarding actual commercialization outcomes for 559 new product ideas were collected to examine the accuracy of the IAP forecasts. The intensive evaluation of each idea conducted by the IAP produces forecasts that accurately rank order the ideas in terms of their probability of commercialization. The focus of the evaluation process on case‐specific evidence that distinguishes one idea from another, however, and the corresponding neglect of aggregate considerations such as the base rate (BR) and predictability of commercialization for new product ideas in general, yields forecasts that are systematically miscalibrated in terms of their correspondence to the actual probability of commercialization. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combining Adaptive Designs with Control of the False Discovery Rate – A Generalized Definition for a Global p ‐Value
Authors: Victor Anja , Hommel Gerhard
Published: February 2007

When combining adaptive designs with control of the False Discovery Rate one has to keep in mind that the most frequently used procedure for controlling the False Discovery Rate – the explorative Simes procedure – is a stepwise multiple testing procedure. At the interim analysis of an adaptive design it is however not yet known what the boundaries for rejection of hypotheses in the final analysis will be as these boundaries depend on the size of the final p ‐values. Therefore classical adaptive designs with a predefined stopping criterion for early rejection of hypotheses are not well suited. We propose a generalized definition of a global p ‐value for a two‐stage adaptive design permitting a flexible decision for stopping at the interim analysis. By means of a simulation study in the field of genetic epidemiology we illustrate how applying such a two‐stage design can reduce costs. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Step Down Procedure for Comparing Several Treatments with a Control Based on Multivariate Normal Response
Authors: Imada Tsunehisa , Douke Hideyuki
Published: February 2007

In this study we consider a multiple comparison of several treatments with a control based on multivariate normal response in clinical trials. Specifically we construct a step down procedure by referring to Dunnett and Tamhane (1991). Furthermore we formulate the all‐pairs power by using the recursive formula derived by Hayter and Tamhane (1991) and Dunnett, Horn and Vollandt (2001). Finally we compare the step down procedure with the single step procedure proposed by Nakamura and Imada (2005) in terms of some numerical examples regarding the power of the test. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Empirical Bayes Identication of Tumor Progression Genes from Microarray Data
Authors: Ghosh Debashis , Chinnaiyan Arul M.
Published: February 2007

The use of microarray data has become quite commonplace in medical and scientific experiments. We focus here on microarray data generated from cancer studies. It is potentially important for the discovery of biomarkers to identify genes whose expression levels correlate with tumor progression. In this article, we propose a simple procedure for the identification of such genes, which we term tumor progression genes. The first stage involves estimation based on the proportional odds model. At the second stage, we calculate two quantities: a q ‐value, and a shrinkage estimator of the test statistic is constructed to adjust for the multiple testing problem. The relationship between the proposed method with the false discovery rate is studied. The proposed methods are applied to data from a prostate cancer microarray study. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An evaluation of in situ training to teach sexual abuse prevention skills to women with mental retardation
Authors: Egemo‐Helm Kristin R. , Miltenberger Raymond G. , Knudson Peter , Finstrom Nicholas , Jostad Candice , Johnson Brigitte
Published: February 2007

The current study evaluated a behavioral skills training (BST) program in combination with in situ training to teach sexual abuse prevention skills to five women with mild to moderate mental retardation. In situ assessments were conducted following BST and in situ training sessions were conducted for those who were unable to demonstrate the skills in the natural setting. The results showed that generalization of the safety skills to the natural setting occurred for three of the five participants following one to two in situ training sessions. One participant required 12 in situ training sessions and three booster training sessions to reach criterion level. Three of four participants assessed 1 month following training maintained the skills. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined approach of NMR and chemometrics for screening peptones used in the cell culture medium for the production of a recombinant therapeutic protein
Authors: Luo Ying , Chen Guoxiang
Published: February 2007

Soy peptones or soy hydrolysates are widely used as key medium additives in serum‐free cell culture processes for industrial production of therapeutic recombinant proteins. The heterogeneous nature of these vegetable‐derived materials can lead to substantial lot‐ to‐lot variability in cell culture processes. In this study, we demonstrated the feasibility of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics in rapid screening peptone lots in order to optimize efficiency and consistency of large‐scale protein production. This report is the first that shows a correlation between the intrinsic NMR spectral characteristics of complex heterogeneous materials and product titer using chemometrics. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 97: 1654–1659. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Steroid Conjugates of Dichloro(6‐aminomethylnicotinate)platinum(II): Effects on DNA, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, the Estrogen Receptor, and Various Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Schobert Rainer , Bernhardt Günther , Biersack Bernhard , Bollwein Susanne , Fallahi Magid , Grotemeier Antje , Hammond Geoffrey L.
Published: February 2007

Esters of 6‐aminomethylnicotinic acid with various steroidal alcohols were treated with K2PtCl4 to give the N,N‐chelated dichloroplatinum(II) complex conjugates 4. Their interaction with plasmid DNA was monitored by electrophoretic mobility measurements. Their affinities towards sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and towards the nuclear estrogen receptor ERα were assessed by competitive displacement radioassays. The inhibitory effect of 4 on breast tumour cells MCF‐7 ER+/ER− and MDA‐MB‐231 was investigated in vitro. Conjugates with 3‐O‐linked estrogens 4 a,b or 17‐O‐linked androgens 4 g bound strongly to SHBG. The conjugate complex 4 b, featuring a 3‐O‐linked estradiol, also bound strongly and agonistically to the estrogen receptor. It also elicited distinct growth retardation of MCF‐7 (ER+) cells, presumably by a mechanism different from that of cisplatin.
Luminescence and Stability of Aqueous Thioalkyl Acid Capped CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots Correlated to Ligand Ionization
Authors: Algar W. Russ , Krull Ulrich J.
Published: February 2007

The spectroscopic properties of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) were observed to change as a function of thioalkyl acid ligand. Experiments were performed using 2, 3, 6, and 11‐carbon linear thioalkyl acids, as well as mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA) and dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA). Bathochromic shifts of up to 14 nm in the emission spectra of QDs capped with these ligands were observed. Similarly, hypsochromic or bathochromic shifts up to 7 nm were observed for a specific ligand in acidic or basic solution, respectively. These shifts could be correlated to the number of ionized ligands and the ability of the ligands to act as hole acceptors. It was also found that differences in quantum yield between the ligands were primarily due to variations in radiative decay rate and not nonradiative decay rate. This indicated that different degrees of QD surface passivation were not responsible for the differences, and that the radiative system must be considered as the sum of the ligands and the QD nanocrystal. The stability of QDs capped with mercaptoacetic acid, MSA, and DHLA towards aggregation at low pH was found to correlate with the pKa of the ligands. Spectral shifts were also observed during aggregation. Overall, the luminescence of thioalkyl acid capped QDs appears to be a complex function of dielectric constant, electrostatic or hole‐acceptor interactions with ionized ligands, and, to a lesser extent, passivation.
Solvothermal growth of single‐crystal hexagonal prismatic SrCO3 microrods
Authors: Du Fanglin , Shi Liange
Published: February 2007

Single‐crystal hexagonal prism SrCO3 microrods have been prepared by a simple solvothermal route. The effects of the reaction time, the content of 1,2‐propanediol and the reactants mass on the products have been investigated, respectively. The as‐synthesized microrods were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results reveal that the products have uniform shape and excellent monodispersity. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Notes on some supposed transitions of the phase NiBi
Authors: Vassilev G. P. , Lilova K. I.
Published: February 2007

X‐Ray, DSC and magnetic susceptibility measurements were performed with NiBi specimens in the interval from room temperature to 700 K. The hypothesis of solid‐state transitions in this phase was not confirmed. Thermal and magnetic effects are observed, but they are due to the existence of small amount of phases others than NiBi (i.e. unreacted Ni and Bi). (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Three‐dimensional thermoelastic stresses in off‐axis oriented single crystals with hexagonal symmetry
Authors: Böttcher K. , Cliffe K. A.
Published: February 2007

A three‐dimensional (3D) thermoelastic stress analysis is carried out on a single crystal with axisymmetric geometry but with a hexagonal crystallographic symmetry. The crystallographic orientation is off‐axis with respect to the cylindrical coordinate system. By applying a Fourier series expansion with respect to the rotational angle ϕ of the cylindrical coordinates, the 3D boundary value problem is reduced to a sequence of 2D ones on the meridian plane, which are solved by the finite‐element method. In our example, the off‐axis orientation is towards a direction of high symmetry, and therefore only four of the six stress tensor components are non‐zero. In the end, the stress tensor is projected onto the slip system of the crystal. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Transition Between Different Discharge Regimes in Atmospheric Pressure Air Barrier Discharge
Authors: Ráheľ J. , Šíra M. , Sťahel P. , Trunec D.
Published: February 2007

In our previous work [1], we have demonstrated the possibility of observing the transition from a filamentary dielectric barrier discharge operation regime into the diffuse barrier discharge regime in air at atmospheric pressure. This work presents our attempt to reproduce the transition conditions in newly constructed transparent discharge reactor. The role of appropriate power supply and dielectric barrier to stabilize the discharge in a Townsend‐to‐glow discharge region is investigated and discussed. Unlike operating in nitrogen, a streamer mechanism is involved in the formation of the uniform air plasma. Nevertheless the electrical current waveform of a diffuse streamer pulse differs from the filamentary streamer pulse, as the diffuse mode pulse exhibits an extended tail part. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Some Physics and Chemistry of Electrosurgical Plasma Discharges
Authors: Stalder K. R. , Woloszko J.
Published: February 2007

The physics of nonequilibrium microplasmas produced by electrical discharges in saline environments are described. Electrosurgical devices employing such discharges are finding increased use in surgical procedures requiring fine control of the tissue excision, cauterization, or debulking process. Optical spectroscopy, electrical diagnostics and gas analysis are the primary experimental methods used to study the plasmas. Water is dissociated in the plasma by electron impact processes principally into chemically‐active atomic hydrogen and hydroxyl radicals, which can subsequently interact with fibrous collagenous tissue surfaces to cut and coagulate tissue. The molecular potential energy curves of water are used to explain some features of the plasma‐induced chemistry. The Franck‐Condon principle is used to show that the fragments from electron‐impact‐dissociated water can possess excess kinetic energy, thereby enhancing their surface reactivity. Energetic electrons from the plasma can also interact directly with the tissue surface and cause fragmentation of surface proteins. Chemical kinetics simulations of water vapor periodically irradiated by energetic electrons shows that many chemical species are formed, including reactive radicals that may play a role in tissue modification useful for surgical procedures. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Perspective on the Development of Microplasma Technology: The Role of Oxygen in Downstream Microwave Plasma
Authors: Wu Y.‐T. , Liao J.‐D. , Weng C.‐C. , Wang M.‐C. , Chang J.‐E. , Chen C.‐H. , Zharnikov M.
Published: February 2007

We studied the role of a minor fraction of oxygen in nitrogen and argon downstream microwave plasma in view of plasma‐processing of ultrathin organic films ‐ self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs). As test systems we used SAMs of alkanethiolates on gold substrate. The plasma‐induced processes in the films, including their chemical modification, oxidation, and partial decomposition, were monitored in detail. These processes could be directly correlated with the presence of reactive, oxygen‐derived species in the plasma. The major plasma‐induced processes could be well described by the first order kinetics; the respective reaction rates were also derived. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Statistical criteria to establish optimal antibody dilution in flow cytometry analysis
Authors: Collino Cesar J. G. , Jaldin‐Fincati Javier R. , Chiabrando Gustavo A.
Published: February 2007

Background:

In direct techniques of flow cytometry, the optimal antibody dilution or titer point is established from the plateau area of the antibody titration curve. However, the plateau area is defined without any statistical criteria, which may lead to an incorrect selection of antibody dilution. Herein, we report statistical criteria to establish the optimal antibody dilution for CD14, CD8, CD4, and CD3 analysis by flow cytometry in peripheral whole blood.

Methods:

The unpaired t‐test (two‐tail P value) was used as statistical criteria to analyze the titration curve of the following monoclonal antibody panels: CD14‐FITC, CD8‐FITC, CD4‐RD1, and CD3‐PC5.

Results:

Using the unpaired t‐test (two‐tail P value), the plateau area from the antibody titration curve was fitted when two consecutive antibody volumes showed mean peak of channel fluorescence (MPCF) values not significantly different. When the antibody was used at volume corresponding to that of the antibody titration point, the flow cytometry analysis of whole blood samples with different density of cell antigens can be correctly discriminated.

Conclusion:

This statistical criteria allows the fitting of the plateau area of MPCF versus antibody volume and consequently, to define the optimal antibody dilution. © 2007 Clinical Cytometry Society
Polycomblike‐2‐deficient mice exhibit normal left–right asymmetry
Authors: Wang Shusheng , He Fenglei , Xiong Wei , Gu Shuping , Liu Hongbin , Zhang Tao , Yu Xueyan , Chen Yiping
Published: February 2007

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are required for maintaining the repressed state of developmentally important genes such as homeotic genes. Polycomblike (Pcl), a member of PcG genes with two characteristic PHD finger motifs, was shown to strongly enhance the effects of PcG genes in Drosophila. Three Pcl genes exist in the mouse genome, with their function largely unknown. Our previous studies demonstrate that the chick Pcl2 is essential for the left–right asymmetry by silencing Shh expression in the right side of the node (Wang et al., [2004b] Development 131:4381–4391). To elucidate the in vivo role of mouse Pcl2, we generated Pcl2 mutant mice. Phenotypic analyses indicate the normal development of left–right asymmetry in the Pcl2 mutant mice. However, Pcl2 mutant mice exhibit posterior transformation of axial skeletons and other phenotypic defects, with a relatively low penetrance. These results demonstrate that Pcl2 is dispensable for the normal left–right axis development in mice. Developmental Dynamics 236:853–861, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A hypermorphic mouse Gli3 allele results in a polydactylous limb phenotype
Authors: Wang Chengbing , Pan Yong , Wang Baolin
Published: February 2007

Gli3 protein processing to generate the Gli3 repressor is mediated by proteasome and inhibited by Hedgehog signaling. The Gli3 repressor concentration is graded along the anterior–posterior axis of the developing vertebrate limb due to posteriorly restricted Sonic hedgehog expression. In this study, we created a small deletion at the Gli3 locus (Gli3Δ68), which causes a half reduction in the Gli3 repressor levels and a slightly increased activity of full‐length mutant protein in the limb. Mice homozygous for Gli3Δ68 develop one to two extra partial digits in the anterior of the limb, while mice carrying one copy of the Gli3Δ68 allele die soon after birth and display seven digits. These phenotypes are more severe than those found in mice lacking one wild‐type Gli3 allele. The expression of dHand, Hoxd12, and Hoxd13 is anteriorly expanded in the limb, even though no up‐regulation of Gli1 and Ptc RNA expression is detected. These findings suggest that a decrease in the Gli3 repressor level in combination with an increase in Gli3 full‐length activity results in more severe digit patterning abnormalities than those caused by a loss of one wild‐type Gli3 allele. Developmental Dynamics 236:769–776, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complex genomic rearrangement in CCS‐LacZ transgenic mice
Authors: Stroud Dina Myers , Darrow Bruce J. , Kim Sang Do , Zhang Jie , Jongbloed Monique R.M. , Rentschler Stacey , Moskowitz Ivan P.G. , Seidman Jonathan , Fishman Glenn I.
Published: February 2007

The cardiac conduction system (CCS)‐lacZ insertional mouse mutant strain genetically labels the developing and mature CCS. This pattern of expression is presumed to reflect the site of transgene integration rather than regulatory elements within the transgene proper. We sought to characterize the genomic structure of the integration locus and identify nearby gene(s) that might potentially confer the observed CCS‐specific transcription. We found rearrangement of chromosome 7 between regions D1 and E1 with altered transcription of multiple genes in the D1 region. Several lines of evidence suggested that regulatory elements from at least one gene, Slco3A1, influenced CCS‐restricted reporter gene expression. In embryonic hearts, Slco3A1 was expressed in a spatial pattern similar to the CCS‐lacZ transgene and was similarly neuregulin‐responsive. At later stages, however, expression patterns of the transgene and Slco3A1 diverged, suggesting that the Slco3A1 locus may be necessary, but not sufficient to confer CCS‐specific transgene expression in the CCS‐lacZ line. genesis 45:76–82, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dendritic cells internalise and re‐present conformationally intact soluble MHC class I alloantigen for generation of alloantibody
Authors: Curry Allison J. , Pettigrew Gavin J. , Negus Margaret C. , Easterfield Alistair J. , Young Joyce L. , Bolton Eleanor M. , Bradley J. Andrew
Published: February 2007

Following organ transplantation soluble MHC class I is released from the graft and may contribute to alloimmunity. We determined in a well‐established rat model whether DC are able to internalise soluble MHC class I alloantigen and then re‐present intact alloantigen to B cells and T cells for generation of an alloantibody or CD8 T cell response. PVG.RT1u BM‐derived DC internalised (via an active process) and retained intact a recombinant soluble form of RT1‐Aa (sRT1‐Aa). When PVG.RT1u rats were immunised with sRT1‐Aa‐pulsed syngeneic DC, they developed a strong anti‐sRT1‐Aa alloantibody response and showed accelerated rejection of RT1‐Aa‐disparate PVG.R8 heart grafts. Alloantibody production and accelerated heart graft rejection were both dependent on immunisation with viable sRT1‐Aa‐pulsed DC. The alloantibody response to sRT1‐Aa‐pulsed DC was directed exclusively against conformational epitopes expressed by sRT1‐Aa and not epitopes expressed, for example, by non‐conformational sRT1‐Aa heavy chain. Immunisation with sRT1‐Aa‐pulsed syngeneic DC did not stimulate a CD8 T cell response. Our findings suggest a novel alloantigen recognition pathway whereby soluble MHC class I alloantigen released from an allograft may be taken up by recipient DC and presented in an intact unprocessed form to B cells for the generation of an alloantibody response.
Therapeutic human papillomavirus DNA vaccination strategies to control cervical cancer
Authors: Wu T.‐C.
Published: February 2007

A persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is considered causal and necessary for the continued growth of cervical cancer. Thus, vaccination against HPV represents a plausible approach to prevent and treat cervical cancer. A report in the current issue of the European Journal of Immunology describes a therapeutic HPV DNA vaccination strategy using the HPV‐16 E7 antigen fused to the invariant chain to enhance the E7‐specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cell immune responses, resulting in a potent anti‐tumor effect against E7‐expressing tumors. Continued exploration of HPV therapeutic DNA vaccines may lead to eventual clinical application.

See accompanying article http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200636233
Structural Studies of Keggin‐Type Polyoxotungstates by Extended X‐ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy
Authors: Balula M. Salete S. , Santos Isabel C. M. S. , Gamelas José A. F. , Cavaleiro Ana M. V. , Binsted Norman , Schlindwein Walkiria
Published: February 2007

Extended X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy(EXAFS) was used to characterize several Keggin‐type polyoxotungstates (tetrabutylammonium salts) in the solid state and in acetonitrile solution. The polyoxometalates studied were [PW12O40]3– (the parent Keggin anion), [PW11O39]7– (a lacunary anion), [PW11M(H2O)O39]4–, M = Fe, Ru, and [XW11MnIII(H2O)O39]n–, X = P, Si, B (transition‐metal‐substituted anions). The role of multiple‐scattering contributions was evaluated for [PW12O40]3– for which an accurate structure determination was available. The results from the multiple‐scattering analyses were compared with the single‐scattering method. The average W‐shell inter‐atomic distances were determined in relation to a selected tungsten atom (Wc) by W LIII edge transmission analysis. Several shells of up to 3.8–4.0 Å were identified. For the anion [PW12O40]3–, the obtained inter‐atomic distances in the solid sample and in acetonitrile were identical but for the lacunary anion the EXAFS spectrum of the solid was different from that in solution (the number of atoms coordinated to Wc in [PW11O39]7– was the same in both cases, but the calculated distances for the shells were slightly different). Metal‐substituted anions were studied by W LIII edge transmission and by Fe, Mn, or Ru K edge fluorescence analysis. The average coordination sphere of tungsten was affected by the replacement of a W=O by a M–OH2 group. The EXAFS results indicate that on average the MnO6 octahedron is larger than FeO6 or RuO6 and also larger than the average of all WO6 octahedra in [PW11M(H2O)O39]4–. This was attributed to the occurrence of the Jahn–Teller effect in the coordination sphere of MnIII. A comparison of the W LIII edge analysis EXAFS data for three MnIII‐substituted anions (X = P, Si, B) suggested that the average size of the W3O13 groups did not depend on X. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Electronic Control of the Rotational Barrier in η2‐Alkyne‐1‐thio Complexes
Authors: Seidel Wolfram W. , Sánchez Beatriz López , Meel Matthias J. , Hepp Alexander , Pape Tania
Published: February 2007

A family of thio‐alkyne complexes [Tp′Mo(CO)(L)(BnSC2S)] {Bn = benzyl, Tp′ = hydrotris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)borate, L = carbonyl (2), 2,6‐dimethylphenyl isocyanide (7), tert‐butyl isocyanide (8), 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine (9)} was prepared by reductive removal of a benzyl group in the corresponding bis(benzylthio)acetylene complexes [Tp′Mo(CO)(L)(BnSC2SBn)](PF6) (1‐PF6, 4‐PF6, 5‐PF6 and 6‐PF6). All complexes were characterized by IR, 1H, 13C spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. X‐ray diffraction studies of 5‐PF6, 8 and 9 were carried out. The alkyne ligand is bound symmetrically to molybdenum in 5‐PF6 and unsymmetrically in 8 and 9. The trend in the π‐acidity of ligand L is reflected in the spectroscopic and electrochemical data as well as in the molecular structures. Variable temperature 1H NMR investigations with 7, 8 and 9 disclosed that the barrier of the alkyne rotation at molybdenum decreases in the order of rising electron density at the metal center while the steric demand increases. Therefore, electronic control of the barrier by the specific character of the ligand L is evident.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Metal–Organic Hybrids of 1,3,5‐Tris(4‐pyridylsulfanylmethyl)‐2,4,6‐trimethylbenzene with Mercuric Halides
Authors: PrakashaReddy Jayarama , Pedireddi Venkateswara Rao
Published: February 2007

Synthesis and solid‐state structure elucidation of metal–organic hybrids of 1,3,5‐tris(4‐pyridylsulfanylmethyl)‐2,4,6‐trimethylbenzene with HgII halides (HgCl2, HgBr2, and HgI2) are reported. In the metal‐hybrids of L1, a reaction with HgCl2 in dmso as well as in dmf gave host–guest complexes, 1a and 1b, respectively, with the corresponding solvent of crystallization as the guests, while a reaction with HgI2 gave open‐frame network structures without any solvent of crystallization from both dmso and dmf (1c). However, reaction with HgBr2 gave crystals of two different morphologies from each solvent dmso and dmf (1d–1f), which corresponds to the structures with and without solvent of crystallization that resemble the related structures formed by HgCl2 and HgI2, respectively. Three‐dimensional structures of all the compounds were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods. While 1a and 1b crystallize in triclinic P$\bar {1}$ space groups 1a: a = 9.049(2), b = 13.646(4), c = 16.298(4) Å, α = 111.99(1), β = 90.43(1), γ = 101.57(1)°, Z = 2, V = 1820.6(8) Å3; 1b: a = 8.979(3), b = 13.611(5), c = 16.355(5) Å, α = 111.57(1), β = 92.37(1), γ = 101.07(1)°, Z = 2, V = 1810.05(11) Å3, complexes 1c–1f crystallize into monoclinic space groups [1c: C2/c, a = 27.661(7), b = 18.821(4), c = 15.786(4) Å, β = 113.13(1), Z = 4, V = 7558(3) Å3, 1d: P21/c, a = 17.950(5), b = 9.031(2), c = 22.200(6) Å, β = 113.62(1), Z = 4, V = 3297.3(15) Å3, 1e: C2/c, a = 26.753(15), b = 18.415(10), c = 14.940(7) Å, β = 109.50(1), Z = 4, V = 6938(6) Å3, 1f: P21/n, a = 17.697(10), b = 9.224(5), c = 21.933(12) Å, β = 112.50(1), Z = 4, V = 3308(3) Å3]. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Synthesis and Structure of Cyclic Trinuclear Zinc Disiloxides
Authors: Krempner Clemens , Reinke Helmut , Weichert Katja
Published: February 2007

The synthesis and structure of the new disilane‐1,2‐diol [(Me3Si)2SiOH]2 (2b) and the trinuclear zinc disiloxides of the formula [Me2Si{(Me3Si)2SiO}2]2Zn3Me2 (3a), [{(Me3Si)2SiO}2]2Zn3Me2 (3b) and [E‐{Me(Me3Si)3SiSiO}2]2Zn3Me2 (3c) are reported. Compounds 3a–c were prepared by reactions of the corresponding silanedioles 2a–c with ZnMe2. The results of an X‐ray structure analysis of 3b reveal an almost perfectly planar spirocyclic Zn3O4 core with a square‐planar geometry of the inner Zn2+ ion, whereas in 3a,c the inner zinc ions are distorted tetrahedral. Upon treatment with B(C6F5)3, compounds 3b,c have been converted quantitatively into the complexes [{(Me3Si)2SiO}2]2Zn3(C6F5)2 (4b) and [E‐{Me(Me3Si)3SiSiO}2]2Zn3(C6F5)2 (4c).(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Pybox/Lanthanide‐Catalysed Diels–Alder Reactions with an Unsaturated α‐Oxo Ester or 3‐Alkenoyl‐2‐oxazolidinone as Dienophile: The Sense of Stereoinduction in Five‐ or Six‐Membered Bidentate Reagent Coordination
Authors: Desimoni Giovanni , Faita Giuseppe , Mella Mariella , Piccinini Francesca , Toscanini Marco
Published: February 2007

The enantioselective Diels–Alder (DA) reactions of cyclopentadiene with 3‐cinnamoyl‐1,3‐oxazolidinone (3) and methyl (E)‐2‐oxo‐4‐phenyl‐3‐butenoate (4) carried out in the presence of lanthanide triflate complexes of (4′S,5′S)‐2,6‐bis[4′‐(triisopropylsilyloxymethyl)‐5′‐phenyl‐1′,3′‐oxazolin‐2′‐yl]pyridine (1) have been compared. The aim of this work was to compare the effect of the α‐ and β‐dicarbonyl derivatives, coordinated to the cationic site of the catalysts through a five‐ or six‐membered ring chelation, respectively, on the face‐selectivity of the reaction. Only the ScIII triflate complex of 1 was found to be a very selective catalyst in the reaction with cinnamoyloxazolidinone 3, which allowed almost complete stereocontrol. The reaction between cyclopentadiene and methyl keto ester 4 was more complicated because, in addition to the expected normal DA adducts 7 and 8, the less expected endo‐9 product of the [4+2] hetero‐DA (HDA) reaction, which resulted from the α‐keto ester behaving as a heterodiene, was obtained. [3,3] Claisen rearrangement of HDA adduct 9 stereospecifically gave the endo DA product, which allowed a correlation to be made between the absolute configuration of these products. The scandium complex was found to be the best catalyst in both reactions: the DA reaction gave an endo‐7:exo‐8 ratio of 95:5 and the ee of (2R,3R)‐7 was 99.5 %, whereas the HDA reaction was strongly selective and gave a single stereoisomer: (4R,4aS,7aR)‐9 with an ee > 99.5 %. The lanthanum complex furnished the opposite enantiomer in both reactions, albeit with low ee; the lanthanides with intermediate ionic radius gave results that were in between those of scandium and lanthanum. A rationale of the stereochemical outcome is proposed. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Biassed processing of persuasive information: on the functional equivalence of cues and message arguments
Authors: Erb Hans‐Peter , Pierro Antonio , Mannetti Lucia , Spiegel Scott , Kruglanski Arie W.
Published: February 2007

Research on persuasion has shown that inferences based on heuristic or peripheral cues can bias the subsequent processing of persuasive messages. Two studies (total N = 296) examined the additional possibilities that a message argument can serve as a biassing factor and cue‐related information can serve as the target of processing bias. It was demonstrated that a message argument can bias (a) the processing of subsequent other message arguments (Study 1) and (b) the processing of subsequent cue information (Study 2). Results are discussed within dual‐process models and the recently developed unimodel of persuasion. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.