bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blastomycosis in otolaryngology: Review of a large series
Authors: Reder Paul A. , Neel H. Bryan
Published: October 2006

Blastomycosis is a fungal disease whose signs, symptoms, and roentgenographs findings may suggest pneumonia, cancer, tuberculosis, or other fungal infections. Blastomycosis has a variable clinical course; it primarily affects the lower respiratory tract, although extrapulmonary manifestations are common. To determine the frequency of head and neck manifestations, we reviewed the records of patients with blastomycosis seen at the Mayo Clinic from 1960 to 1990 and found that involvement of the skin and mucosal surfaces, including the larynx, was common. Gross and histopathologic features of the lesions often resemble those of well‐differentiated squamous cell carcinoma; thus, overly aggressive therapy may be mistakenly instituted.

The clinical features, morphologic findings, and diagnosis of blastomycosis are discussed, and the importance of obtaining and handling specimens correctly is emphasized.
Peripheral hearing loss following head trauma in children
Authors: Zimmerman William D. , Ganzel Toni M. , Windmill Ian M. , Phillips Michele , Nazar Gregory B.
Published: October 2006

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the incidence and type of hearing loss occurring in children who suffered head injuries. Fifty children admitted to the neurosurgical service after sustaining head trauma were studied. Neurologic, otologic, and audiologic evaluations were performed. Diagnostic studies included skull roentgenograms and computerized tomography scans. A 32% incidence of conductive hearing loss and a 16% incidence of high‐frequency sensorineural hearing loss was found in this group. All patients with temporal bone fractures had conductive hearing losses, but the presence of a skull vault fracture did not correlate with the presence, type, or degree of hearing loss. In addition, there was no correlation between either cause of injury, loss of consciousness, or Glasgow Coma Scale scores and the presence, type, or degree of hearing loss. There was a significant incidence of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss in this series of patients, which indicates that close audiologic and otologic follow‐up is necessary for all head injury patients.
Surgery for vertigo in the nonserviceable hearing ear: Transmastoid labyrinthectomy or translabyrinthine vestibular nerve section
Authors: Langman Alan W. , Lindeman Roger C.
Published: October 2006

Two of the surgical options that exist for the treatment of disabling vertigo arising from an ear with nonserviceable hearing are a transmastoid lab‐yrinthectomy (TL) and a translabyrinthine vestibular nerve section (TLVNS). The major difference between the two operations is a section of the vestibular nerves with the TLVNS which removes all preganglionic vestibular tissue from the diseased inner ear. It has been inferred that a TLVNS should be the procedure of choice if hearing is not to be spared, because a TL results in an incomplete removal of preganglionic vestibular tissue, and that this remaining tissue might have continued or recurrent physiologic function resulting in further vertigo. The clinical outcome of 58 patients who had either TL or TLVNS for disabling vertigo arising from a nonserviceable hearing ear was investigated with respect to the control of vertigo and the development of postoperative balance dysfunction. The control of vertigo in the TLVNS and TL groups was 100% and 95.3%, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant. There was a tendency for postoperative dys‐equilibrium to be more frequent in the TLVNS group, but this finding did not reach statistical significance. A TL appears to offer the same benefit as TLVNS in the control of intractable episodic vertigo without the additional risks of TLVNS.
Clinical signs of orbital ischemia in rhino‐orbitocerebral mucormycosis
Authors: Bodenstein N. P. , Mcintosh W. A. , Vlantis A. C. , Urquhart A. C.
Published: October 2006

Mucormycosis is the most acutely fatal fungus infection of man (Ferry and Abedi).1 The most common clinical type of infection is rhino‐orbitocerebral mucormycosis. Prompt recognition of the clinical picture is essential if the appropriate urgent management is to be instituted without delay. The presence of black eschar in the region of the nasal passages, palate, midface, and orbit is the best‐recognized clinical sign alerting the clinician to the diagnosis. Black eschar is, however, a feature in only a minority of these patients at the time of presentation. This paper discusses other clinical signs, particularly orbital ischemia, which should suggest the diagnosis.

The clinical presentation of orbital ischemia in mucormycosis includes proptosis, total external and internal ophthalmoplegia, and early blindless. A lax, nontender periorbital puffiness, which does not feel warm to the examiner's touch, is typical. Proptosis and chemosis, if present, are mild. These signs are compared with those of pyogenic orbital cellulitis, with which the condition might most easily be confused.
Acute Renal Failure Associated with Vancomycin- and Tobramycin-Laden Cement in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Patrick Benjamin N , Rivey Michael P , Allington Douglas R
Published: October 2006

Objective:

To describe 2 cases of acute renal failure (ARF) associated with the use of antibiotic-laden cement incorporated in total hip arthroplasties (THA).

Case Summaries:

An 82-year-old female received a right THA with antibiotic-laden cement spacers. She developed ARF 5 months following implantation, concurrent with an elevated serum tobramycin concentration of 5.5 μg/mL. After explantation of the prosthesis and spacers, serum creatinine and antibiotic concentrations decreased to within normal limits. A 79-year-old male received antibiotic-laden cement spacers in a revision of his right THA due to infection. ARF developed 1 1/2 months after the revision; a serum tobramycin concentration was 2.9 μg/mL Serum creatinine and antibiotic serum concentrations decreased to within normal limits with explantation.

Discussion:

More than 250 000 joint replacements are performed yearly in the US. A common complication is infection, which occurs in 1–2% of primary replacements and 3–4% of revisions of previously infected prostheses. Antibiotic-laden cement is used for prosthesis placement to prevent or treat infection, while minimizing systemic drug exposure. Both patients described here received antibiotic-laden spacers during THA and subsequently developed ARF in conjunction with elevated serum tobramycin concentrations. Use of the Naranjo probability scale and consideration of possible contributing factors suggest a probable association of the antibiotic-laden cement and the development of ARF in these patients.

Conclusions:

Antibiotic-laden cement with aminoglycosides and/or vancomycin has the potential for systemic toxicity and should be used according to guidelines and with increased vigilance and prudent monitoring in patients at increased risk for nephrotoxicity.
Methodology of Assessing Testing Variation for Volumetric Quantities in Hot Mix Asphalt Production
Authors: Pellinen T , Kuczek T
Published: October 2006

Increasingly, in road construction, pay incentives and disincentives are being related to both the average test results that are obtained during quality assurance testing as well as the variability associated with these values. As a result, state highway agencies must be fully aware of the expected variability that can be associated with each acceptance test since the results will not only be used for acceptance but may be used for pay adjustment also. In this study, a methodology was developed to assess the testing variability in hot-mix asphalt production. The study focused on determining allowable testing variations for the calculated volumetric quantities, including the air voids content and voids in mineral aggregate (VMA) determined from gyratory compacted specimens. A new standard of determining an allowable testing variation for VMA was developed. Furthermore, a test data analysis plan to extract the testing variation from the total measured variation for the hot-mix asphalt quality parameters was developed.
The Transcription Factorsix1Inhibits Neuronal and Promotes Hair Cell Fate in the Developing Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Inner Ear
Authors: Bricaud Olivier , Collazo Andres
Published: October 2006

The developmental processes leading to the differentiation of mechanosensory hair cells and statoacoustic ganglion neurons from the early otic epithelium remain unclear. Possible candidates include members of thePax–Six–Eya–Dach(paired box–sine oculis homeobox–eyes absent–dachshund) gene regulatory network. We cloned zebrafishsix1and studied its function in inner ear development. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments show thatsix1has opposing roles in hair cell and neuronal lineages. It promotes hair cell fate and, conversely, inhibits neuronal fate by differentially affecting cell proliferation and cell death in these lineages. By independently targeting hair cells withatoh1a(atonal homolog 1a) knockdown or neurons withneurog1(neurogenin 1) knockdown, we showed that the remaining cell population, neurons or hair cells, respectively, is still affected by gain or loss ofsix1function.six1interacts with other members of thePax–Six–Eya–Dachregulatory network, in particulardachaanddachbin the hair cell but not neuronal lineage. Unlike in mouse,six1does not appear to be dependent oneya1, although it seems to be important for the regulation ofeya1andpax2bexpression in the ventral otic epithelium. Furthermore,six1expression appears to be regulated bypax2band also byfoxi1(forkhead box I1) as expected for an early inducer of the otic placode. Our results are the first to demonstrate a dual role for a member of thePax–Six–Eya–Dachregulatory network in inner ear development.
Bombesin Receptors as a Novel Anti-Anxiety Therapeutic Target: BB1Receptor Actions on Anxiety through Alterations of Serotonin Activity
Authors: Merali Zul , Bédard Tania , Andrews Nick , Davis Ben , McKnight Alexander T. , Gonzalez M. Isabel , Pritchard Martyn , Kent Pam , Anisman Hymie
Published: October 2006

The effects of PD 176252 [3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N-[1-(5-methoxy-pyridin-2-yl)-cyclohexylmethyl]-2-methyl-2-[3-(nitro-phenyl)ureido]propionamide], a nonpeptide bombesin (BB) BB1/BB2receptor antagonist, were assessed in rats using several ethologically relevant tests of anxiety. Consistent with a role for the bombesin family of peptides in subserving anxiety behaviors, the antagonist increased social interaction (3.75 and 7.5 mg/kg, i.p.), dose-dependently attenuated the number of vocalizations emitted by guinea pig pups separated from their mother (1–30 mg/kg, i.p.), reduced latency to approach a palatable snack in an anxiogenic (unfamiliar) environment, and reduced the fear-potentiated startle response (5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p., and 100–200 ng per rat, i.c.v.). When administered directly to the dorsal raphé nucleus (DRN), PD 176252 (20–500 ng) increased social interaction under aversive conditions, as did the 5-HT1Areceptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (50 ng). Furthermore, intra-DRN microinfusion of the peptide antagonist (PD 176252) suppressed, whereas its agonist [neuromedin B (NMB)-30] promoted, thein vivorelease of 5-HT in the ventral hippocampus. In parallel, the suppressed social interaction elicited by intra-DRN administration of NMB was attenuated by a systemically administered 5-HT2C(but not 5-HT1A) receptor antagonist. Together, these findings suggest that endogenous BB-like peptides at the DRN evoke the release of 5-HT from the limbic nerve terminals originating from the raphé, specifically at the ventral hippocampus, resulting in anxiogenesis. The finding that this action was attenuated by BB receptor (BB1and/or BB2) antagonists suggests that these compounds may represent a novel class of anxiolytic agents.
α-Synuclein Expression Modulates Microglial Activation Phenotype
Authors: Austin Susan A. , Floden Angela M. , Murphy Eric J. , Combs Colin K.
Published: October 2006

Recent Parkinson's disease research has focused on understanding the function of the cytosolic protein, α-synuclein, and its contribution to disease mechanisms. Within neurons, α-synuclein is hypothesized to have a role in regulating synaptic plasticity, vesicle release, and trafficking. In contrast, glial-expressed α-synuclein remains poorly described. Here, we examine the consequence of a loss of α-synuclein expression on microglial activation. Using a postnatal brain-derived culture system, we defined the phenotype of microglia from wild-type and knock-out α-synuclein mice (Scna−/−).Scna−/−microglia displayed a basally increased reactive phenotype compared with the wild-type cells and an exacerbated reactive phenotype after stimulation. They also exhibited dramatic morphologic differences compared with wild-type, presenting as large, ramified cells filled with vacuole-like structures. This corresponded with increased protein levels of activation markers, CD68 and β1 integrin, in theScna−/−cells. More importantly,Scna−/−microglia, after stimulation, secreted elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines, TNFα (tumor necrosis factor α) and IL-6 (interleukin-6), compared with wild type. However, despite the reactive phenotype,Scna−/−cells had impaired phagocytic ability. We demonstrate for the first time that α-synuclein plays a critical role in modulating microglial activation state. We suggest that altered microglial α-synuclein expression will affect their phenotype as has already been demonstrated in neurons. This has direct ramifications for the contribution of microglia to the pathophysiology of disease, particularly in familial cases linked to altered α-synuclein expression.
Implications of Assist-As-Needed Robotic Step Training after a Complete Spinal Cord Injury on Intrinsic Strategies of Motor Learning
Authors: Cai Lance L. , Fong Andy J. , Otoshi Chad K. , Liang Yongqiang , Burdick Joel W. , Roy Roland R. , Edgerton V. Reggie
Published: October 2006

Robotic training paradigms that enforce a fixed kinematic control might be suboptimal for rehabilitative training because they abolish variability, an intrinsic property of neuromuscular control (Jezernik et al., 2003). In the present study we introduce “assist-as-needed” (AAN) robotic training paradigms for rehabilitation of spinal cord injury subjects. To test the efficacy of these robotic control strategies to teach spinal mice to step, we divided 27 adult female Swiss–Webster mice randomly into three groups. Each group was trained robotically by using one of three control strategies: a fixed training trajectory (Fixed group), an AAN training paradigm without interlimb coordination (Band group), and an AAN training paradigm with bilateral hindlimb coordination (Window group). Beginning at 14 d after a complete midthoracic spinal cord transection, the mice were trained daily (10 min/d, 5 d/week) to step on a treadmill 10 min after the administration of quipazine (0.5 mg/kg), a serotonin agonist, for a period of 6 weeks. During weekly performance evaluations, the mice trained with the AAN window paradigm generally showed the highest level of recovery as measured by the number, consistency, and periodicity of steps during the testing sessions. In all three measurements there were no significant differences between the Band and the Fixed training groups. These results indicate that the window training approach, which includes loose alternating interlimb coordination, is more effective than a fixed trajectory paradigm with rigid alternating interlimb coordination or an AAN paradigm without any interlimb constraints in promoting robust postinjury stepping behavior.
A Progressive and Cell Non-Autonomous Increase in Striatal Neural Stem Cells in the Huntington's Disease R6/2 Mouse
Authors: Batista Claudia M. C. , Kippin Tod E. , Willaime-Morawek Sandrine , Shimabukuro Marília Kimie , Akamatsu Wado , van der Kooy Derek
Published: October 2006

Neural stem and progenitor cells are located in the subependyma of the adult forebrain. An increase in adult subependymal cell proliferation is reported after various kinds of brain injury. We demonstrate an expansion of neural precursor cells in the postnatal subependyma in a murine genetic disease model of Huntington's disease (HD), the R6/2 mouse. We used thein vitroneurosphere assay as an index of the number of neural stem cellsin vivoand to assess proliferation kineticsin vitroandin vivobromodeoxyuridine labeling to assess the progenitor cell population and their fates. Disease progression in this model leads to an increase in the numbers of neural stem cells in the adult striatal subependyma. This increase is produced cell non-autonomously by events in the R6/2 brains as the mice become increasingly symptomatic. Once the neural stem cell increase is inducedin vivo, it is maintained duringin vitropassaging of neural stem cells, but the neural stem cell increase is not reproduced duringin vitropassaging of neural stem cells from presymptomatic R6/2 mice. In addition, we show that some of the R6/2 neural progenitor cells show a change from their normal migration destiny toward the olfactory bulb. Instead, some of these cells migrate into the striatum, one of the main affected areas in HD. Our findings demonstrate that HD damage recruits precursor cells in two ways: expansion of neural stem cells and altered migration of progenitor cells.
Cystine/Glutamate Exchange Modulates Glutathione Supply for Neuroprotection from Oxidative Stress and Cell Proliferation
Authors: Shih Andy Y. , Erb Heidi , Sun Xiaojian , Toda Shigenobu , Kalivas Peter W. , Murphy Timothy H.
Published: October 2006

The cystine/glutamate exchanger (xCT) provides intracellular cyst(e)ine for production of glutathione, a major cellular antioxidant. Using xCT overexpression and underexpression, we present evidence that xCT-dependent glutathione production modulates both neuroprotection from oxidative stress and cell proliferation. In embryonic and adult rat brain, xCT protein was enriched at the CSF–brain barrier (i.e., meninges) and also expressed in the cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and cerebellum. To examine the neuroprotective role of xCT, various non-neuronal cell types (astrocytes, meningeal cells, and peripheral fibroblasts) were cocultured with immature cortical neurons and exposed to oxidative glutamate toxicity, a model involving glutathione depletion. Cultured meningeal cells, which naturally maintain high xCT expression, were more neuroprotective than astrocytes. Selective xCT overexpression in astrocytes was sufficient to enhance glutathione synthesis/release and confer potent glutathione-dependent neuroprotection from oxidative stress. Moreover, normally nonprotective fibroblasts could be re-engineered to be neuroprotective with ectopic xCT overexpression indicating that xCT is a key step in the pathway to glutathione synthesis. Conversely, astrocytes and meningeal cells derived from sut/sut mice (xCT loss-of-function mutants) showed greatly reduced proliferation in culture attributable to increased oxidative stress and thiol deficiency, because growth could be rescued by the thiol-donor β-mercaptoethanol. Strikingly, sut/sut mice developed brain atrophy by early adulthood, exhibiting ventricular enlargement, thinning of the cortex, and shrinkage of the striatum. Our results indicate that xCT can provide neuroprotection by enhancing glutathione export from non-neuronal cells such as astrocytes and meningeal cells. Furthermore, xCT is critical for cell proliferation during developmentin vitroand possiblyin vivo.
Next-Generation Optical Technologies for Illuminating Genetically Targeted Brain Circuits
Authors: Deisseroth Karl , Feng Guoping , Majewska Ania K. , Miesenböck Gero , Ting Alice , Schnitzer Mark J.
Published: October 2006

Emerging technologies from optics, genetics, and bioengineering are being combined for studies of intact neural circuits. The rapid progression of such interdisciplinary “optogenetic” approaches has expanded capabilities for optical imaging and genetic targeting of specific cell types. Here we explore key recent advances that unite optical and genetic approaches, focusing on promising techniques that either allow novel studies of neural dynamics and behavior or provide fresh perspectives on classic model systems.
Decoding Shaywitz: The modular brain and its discontents
Authors: HRUBY GEORGE G. , HYND GEORGE W.
Published: October 2006

Book reviewed in this article:

Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science‐Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level. Sally Shaywitz. 2003.
The health-related microbiological quality of bottled drinking water sold in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Kassenga Gabriel R.
Published: October 2006

The consumption of bottled and plastic-bagged drinking water in Tanzania has increased largely because of the deteriorating quality of tap water. It is uncertain whether these water products are safe for drinking. In this study, the microbiological quality of bottled and plastic-bagged drinking water sold in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was investigated. One hundred and thirty samples representing 13 brands of bottled water collected from shops, supermarkets and street vendors were analysed for total coliform and faecal coliform organisms as well as heterotrophic bacteria. These were compared with 61 samples of tap water. Heterotrophic bacteria were detected in 92% of the bottled water samples analysed. Total and faecal coliform bacteria were present in 4.6% and 3.6%, respectively, of samples analysed with a tendency for higher contamination rates in plastic-bagged drinking water. Microbiological quality of tap water was found to be worse compared with bottled water, with 49.2% and 26.2% of sampling points showing the presence of total coliform and faecal coliform organisms, respectively. The results suggest caution and vigilance to avert outbreaks of waterborne diseases from these types of drinking water.
Unsafe tap water in households supplied from groundwater in the Salento Region of Southern Italy
Authors: Masciopinto Costantino , La Mantia Rosanna , Carducci Annalaura , Casini Beatrice , Calvario Agata , Jatta Edoardo
Published: October 2006

Although the fractured aquifer of the Salento supplies over 80% of the drinking water requirements of the local population, its exposure to pollution has recently increased. In recent years, owing to the arid climate and droughts, the spreading of wastewater on soil for irrigation has become much more frequent. Consequently, hazardous and pathogenic microorganisms released with wastewater have been transported into the subsoil and have contaminated groundwater. An elaboration of epidemiological data has shown that the local population has the highest exposure to endemic gastroenteritis in Italy. In order to reduce human exposure to unsafe groundwater, the setback distance for drinking wells necessary to achieve the ‘natural disinfectionߣ criteria, has been determined experimentally at the Nardò aquifer (Salento region), supported by groundwater monitoring results and a mathematical transport model able to determine the apparent pathogenic microorganism pathways in fractures. The results also provided valuable inactivation constants of cultural indicators (coliforms, enterococci, Clostridium spores and somatic coliphages) and viruses in the wastewater that have been injected into the fractured aquifer since 1991. Furthermore, the efficacy of chlorine to remove viral indicators from water in a well 500 m from wastewater injection was tested. Hypochlorination reduces somatic coliphages and Clostridium spores in groundwaters but did not achieve complete inactivation in all tests. Complete disinfection of groundwater samples was possible only when there was an initial Clostridium spores count of ≤10 CFU 100 ml-1.
Disease burden estimation to support policy decision-making and research prioritization for arsenic mitigation
Authors: Howard Guy , Feroze Ahmed M. , Gaifur Mahmud Shamsul , Teunis Peter , Davison Annette , Deere Dan
Published: October 2006

The main response to arsenic contamination of shallow tubewells in Bangladesh is the provision of alternative water supplies. To support decision-making in relation to alternative water supply selection, the Arsenic Policy Support Unit commissioned the development of a tool for estimating disease burdens for specific options using disability-adjusted life years as the metric. This paper describes the assumptions in dose-responses, relationships between microbial indicators and pathogens, water consumed and population characteristics used, and presents a case study of how the tool was applied. Water quality data and dose-response models were used to predict disease burdens due to microbial pathogens and arsenic. Disease burden estimates predicted by the tool were based on evidence in the published literature. There were uncertainties in key assumptions of water consumed and the ratio of microbial indicators and pathogens, which led to broad confidence intervals and the need to consider the results in a wider context and further research needs. Deep tubewells and rainwater harvesting had the lowest disease burden estimates, while pond sand filters and dug wells had much higher predicted disease burden due to frequent microbial contamination. The need for rigorous water supply protection through water safety plans was highlighted. At present, the risk assessment is useful for informing judgement by experienced water and health professionals and identifying key research questions. Improved arsenic dose-response models and a better understanding of the relationship between microbial indicators and pathogens in tropical settings are required.
European developments in standardisation of sludge physical parameters
Authors: Spinosa L. , Wichmann K.
Published: October 2006

Characterisation is an important step in sludge management as it allows sludge properties to be evaluated and behaviour predicted. This is well recognised by the European Union (EU) countries which consider necessary the development of standardised sludge characterisation methods and procedures because objective and transparent regulations allow sludge management to be properly performed, legal requirements correctly fulfilled, and public confidence built. To this end, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) established the Technical Committee 308 (TC308) whose scope is the production of Standards for sludge characterisation, and of Guides of good practice. In this field, physical properties are of great importance as they allow the prediction of sludge behaviour when handled and submitted to almost all treatment and utilisation/disposal operations. Activity of CEN/TC308 is developed in three Working Groups (WG) and several Task Groups (TG); in particular, TG3 of WG1 deals with physical parameters. In this paper developments regarding Standards for evaluation of capillary suction time, specific resistance to filtration, compressibility, settleability, thickenability, and calorific value, and Technical Reports dealing with a procedure for laboratory chemical conditioning and with sludge consistency (flowability/solidity) are briefly outlined. The results of relevant inter-laboratory tests for the validation of above standards are summarised.
The effects of hydraulic retention time and feed COD concentration on the rate of hydrolysis of primary sewage sludge under methanogenic conditions
Authors: Ristow N.E. , Sötemann S.W. , Wentzel M.C. , Loewenthal R.E. , Ekama G.A.
Published: October 2006

A series of completely mixed methanogenic anaerobic digesters have been operated to determine the rate of hydrolysis of primary sewage sludge. The hydraulic retention time was reduced from 60 d to when the system failed (∼5 d), while the feed COD concentration was 40, 25, 13 and 2 gCOD/L. A steady state model based on first order kinetics was developed to simulate the hydrolysis rate at each retention time and feed concentration. With the mean value for the hydrolysis rate constant (0.992±0.492 d−1), this model was able to accurately predict the effluent COD for all steady state operating conditions. However, the effluent COD concentration was relatively insensitive to the exact value for this constant. The model provides a framework for analysis of anaerobic digestion experimental data, to enable meaningful comparisons.
Heavy metal displacement in EDTA-assisted phytoremediation of biosolids soil
Authors: Liphadzi M.S. , Kirkham M.B.
Published: October 2006

Chelating agents are added to soil to solubilise the metals for enhanced phytoextraction. Yet no studies follow the displacement and leaching of heavy metals in soil with biosolids following solubilisation with chelates. The objective of this work was to determine the mobility of heavy metals in biosolids in a soil from a sludge farm that had received biosolids for 25 years. The soil was placed in columns in a greenhouse. Columns either had a plant (poplar) or no plant. After the poplar seedlings had grown for 144 d, the tetrasodium salt of the chelating agent EDTA was irrigated onto the surface of the soil at a rate of 1 g per kg of soil. Drainage water was analysed for three toxic heavy metals and four essential heavy metals. Without EDTA, concentrations of the seven heavy metals in the leachate from columns with or without plants were low or below detection limits. With or without plants, the EDTA mobilised all heavy metals and increased their concentration in drainage water. Without plants, the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, and Zn in the leachate from columns with EDTA were above drinking-water standards. The presence of poplar plants in the soil reduced the concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Zn in the leachate so it fell within drinking-water standards. Concentrations of Cd and Pb in the leachate remained above drinking-water standards with or without plants.
Polymicrogyria and deletion 22q11.2 syndrome: Window to the etiology of a common cortical malformation
Authors: Robin Nathaniel H. , Taylor Clare J. , McDonald‐McGinn Donna M. , Zackai Elaine H. , Bingham Peter , Collins Kevin J. , Earl Dawn , Gill Deepak , Granata Tiziana , Guerrini Renzo , Katz Naomi , Kimonis Virginia , Lin Jean‐Pierre , Lynch David R. , Mohammed Shehla N. , Massey Roger F. , McDonald Marie , Rogers R. Curtis , Splitt Miranda , Stevens Cathy A. , Tischkowitz Marc D. , Stoodley Neil , Leventer Richard J , Pilz Daniela T. , Dobyns William B.
Published: October 2006

Several brain malformations have been described in rare patients with the deletion 22q11.2 syndrome (DEL22q11) including agenesis of the corpus callosum, pachygyria or polymicrogyria (PMG), cerebellar anomalies and meningomyelocele, with PMG reported most frequently. In view of our interest in the causes of PMG, we reviewed clinical data including brain‐imaging studies on 21 patients with PMG associated with deletion 22q11.2 and another 11 from the literature. We found that the cortical malformation consists of perisylvian PMG of variable severity and frequent asymmetry with a striking predisposition for the right hemisphere (P = 0.008). This and other observations suggest that the PMG may be a sequela of abnormal embryonic vascular development rather than a primary brain malformation. We also noted mild cerebellar hypoplasia or mega‐cisterna magna in 8 of 24 patients. Although this was not the focus of the present study, mild cerebellar anomalies are probably the most common brain malformation associated with DEL22q11. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On Statistical Inference for the Random Set Generated Cox Process with Set‐marking
Authors: Penttinen Antti , Niemi Aki
Published: October 2006

Cox point process is a process class for hierarchical modelling of systems of non‐interacting points in ℝdunder environmental heterogeneity which is modelled through a random intensity function. In this work a class of Cox processes is suggested where the random intensity is generated by a random closed set. Such heterogeneity appears for example in forestry where silvicultural treatments like harvesting and site‐preparation create geometrical patterns for tree density variation in two different phases. In this paper the second order property, important both in data analysis and in the context of spatial sampling, is derived. The usefulness of the random set generated Cox process is highly increased, if for each point it is observed whether it is included in the random set or not. This additional information is easy and economical to obtain in many cases and is hence of practical value; it leads to marks for the points. The resulting random set marked Cox process is a marked point process where the marks are intensity‐dependent. The problem with set‐marking is that the marks are not a representative sample from the random set. This paper derives the second order property of the random set marked Cox process and suggests a practical estimation method for area fraction and covariance of the random set and for the point densities within and outside the random set. A simulated example and a forestry example are given. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis and Characteristics of a Nonaggregating Tris(tetrathiafulvaleno)dodecadehydro[18]annulene
Authors: Andersson Asbjørn Sune , Kilså Kristine , Hassenkam Tue , Gisselbrecht Jean‐Paul , Boudon Corinne , Gross Maurice , Brøndsted Nielsen Mogens , Diederich François
Published: October 2006

A new tris(tetrathiafulvaleno)dodecadehydro[18]annulene with six peripheral n‐hexyl substituents was prepared by oxidative Glaser–Hay cyclization of a corresponding diethynylated tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) precursor. The electronic properties of the neutral and oxidized species were studied by both UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy and electrochemistry. From these studies, it transpires that the strongly violet‐colored macrocycle does not aggregate in solution to any significant degree, which was confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. This reluctance towards aggregation contrasts that observed for related TTF–annulenes containing other peripheral substitutents. Oxidation of the TTF–annulene occurs in two three‐electron steps as inferred from both the peak amplitudes and the spectroelectrochemical study. We find that the tris(TTF)‐fused dehydro[18]annulene is more difficult to oxidize (by +0.20 V) than the silyl‐protected diethynylated mono‐TTF precursor. In contrast, the first vertical ionization energy calculated at the B3 LYP/6–311+G(2d,p) level for the parent tris(TTF)‐fused dehydro[18]annulene devoid of peripheral hexyl substituents is in fact lower (by 0.44 eV). Moreover, the surface morphology of 1 d drop‐cast on a mica substrate was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Crystalline domains with slightly different orientations were observed. The thickness of individual layers seen in the crystalline domains and the thickness of a monolayer obtained from a very dilute solution were determined to 1.8–1.9 nm. This thickness corresponds to the diameter of the macrocycle and the layers seen in the film are apparently formed when the molecules stack in the horizontal direction relative to the substrate.
On the Paucity of Molecular Actinide Complexes with Unsupported Metal—Metal Bonds: A Comparative Investigation of the Electronic Structure and Metal—Metal Bonding in U2X6 (X: Cl, F, OH, NH2, CH3) Complexes and d‐Block Analogues
Authors: Cavigliasso German , Kaltsoyannis Nikolas
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A New Oxide Ion Conductor: La3GaMo2O12.
Authors: Xia Tian , Li Jia‐Yan , Li Qin , Liu Xiang‐Dong , Meng Jian , Cao Xue‐Qiang
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Novel Nanocomposite Pt/RuO2×xH2O/Carbon Nanotube Catalysts for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells.
Authors: Cao Lin , Scheiba Frieder , Roth Christina , Schweiger Franz , Cremers Carsten , Stimming Ulrich , Fuess Hartmut , Chen Liquan , Zhu Wentao , Qiu Xinping
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
[Zn9Bi11]5‐: A Ligand‐Free Intermetalloid Cluster.
Authors: Goicoechea Jose M. , Sevov Slavi C.
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
CaCu3Ti4O12: Low‐Temperature Synthesis by Pyrolysis of an Organic Solution.
Authors: Liu Jianjun , Sui Yucheng , Duan Chun‐gang , Mei Wai‐Ning , Smith Robert W. , Hardy John R.
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral Aldehydes by Conjugate Additions with Bifunctional Organocatalysis by Cinchona Alkaloids.
Authors: Wu Fanghui , Hong Ran , Khan Jihan , Liu Xiaofeng , Deng Li
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Bridged‐ or Fused‐Ring Bicyclic Ketones by a Catalytic Asymmetric Michael Addition Pathway.
Authors: Liu Duan , Hong Sungwoo , Corey E. J.
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Radical Trifluoromethylation of Ketone Li Enolates.
Authors: Itoh Yoshimitsu , Mikami Koichi
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
ortho‐Substituted Iodobenzenes as Novel Organocatalysts for Bromination of Alkenes.
Authors: Braddock D. Christopher , Cansell Gemma , Hermitage Stephen A.
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of β‐Amino Ketones by Iridium(III)‐Catalyzed Direct‐Mannich Reaction.
Authors: Sueki Shunsuke , Igarashi Takeyuki , Nakajima Takayuki , Shimizu Isao
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Control of Ring Size Selectivity by Substrate Directable RCM.
Authors: Schmidt Bernd , Nave Stefan
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Highly Z/E Stereoselective Approach to β‐Iodo Aza Morita—Baylis—Hillman Adducts.
Authors: Timmons Cody , Kattuboina Adiseshu , Banerjee Soham , Li Guigen
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Efficient Synthesis of 2‐Hydroxy‐3,4‐dienoates by Oxidation of Zirconiumallenyl Enolates with Dimethyldioxirane.
Authors: Hoffmann‐Roeder Anja , Krause Norbert
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Reaction of Electrophilic Allyl Halides with Amines: A Reinvestigation.
Authors: Mangelinckx Sven , Courtheyn Dirk , Verhe Roland , Van Speybroeck Veronique , Waroquier Michel , De Kimpe Norbert
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Toluene Dioxygenase Mediated Oxidation of Dibromobenzenes. Absolute Stereochemistry of New Metabolites and Synthesis of (‐)‐Conduritol E.
Authors: Finn Kevin J. , Collins Jonathan , Hudlicky Tomas
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
[6 + 4] Cycloaddition Reactions of Acceptor Thiophene Dioxides: The Synthesis of Substituted Azulenes.
Authors: Moiseev A. M. , Balenkova E. S. , Nenajdenko V. G.
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Simple and Convenient Synthesis of 3,5‐Bis‐(trifluoromethyl)benzylamine via Biomimetic 1,3‐Proton Shift Reaction.
Authors: Soloshonok Vadim A. , Yasumoto Manabu
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Effect of Microwave Heating on Ullmann‐Type Heterocycle‐Aryl Ether Synthesis Using Chloro‐Heterocycles.
Authors: D'Angelo Noel D. , Peterson Joseph J. , Booker Shon K. , Fellows Ingrid , Dominguez Celia , Hungate Randall , Reider Paul J. , Kim Tae‐Seong
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Antiproliferative Effect of Baylis—Hillman Adducts and a New Phthalide Derivative on Human Tumor Cell Lines.
Authors: Kohn Luciana K. , Pavam C. H. , Veronese D. , Coelho F. , De Carvalho J. E. , Almeida Wanda P.
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Design, Synthesis and in vivo Anticonvulsant Screening in Mice of Novel Phenylacetamides.
Authors: Shindikar A. V. , Khan F. , Viswanathan C. L.
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Expedient Two‐Step Synthesis of Phenolic Cyclitols from Benzene.
Authors: Crich David , Grant Daniel , Wink Donald J.
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Control of Four Stereocenters in a Triple Cascade Organocatalytic Reaction.
Authors: Enders Dieter , Huettl Matthias R. M. , Grondal Christoph , Raabe Gerhard
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Proline‐Catalyzed Diastereoselective Direct Aldol Reaction Between 4‐Oxoazetidine‐2‐carbaldehydes and Ketones.
Authors: Alcaide Benito , Almendros Pedro , Luna Amparo , Torres M. Rosario
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Reactivity of 1‐Chloro‐3‐phenyldiazirines.
Authors: Martinu Tomas , Dailey William P.
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of 5‐Mercapto‐1,2‐dithiole‐3‐thiones and Their Transformation into 5‐Chloro‐1,2‐dithiol‐3‐ones.
Authors: Konstantinova L. S. , Berezin A. A. , Lysov K. A. , Rakitin O. A.
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A Mild, One‐Pot Synthesis of Disubstituted Benzimidazoles from 2‐Nitroanilines.
Authors: Hornberger Keith R. , Adjabeng George M. , Dickson Hamilton D. , Davis‐Ward Ronda G.
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
New, Diastereoselective One‐Pot Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Hydantoins (IV)/(V).
Authors: Alizadeh Abdolali , Masrouri Hassan
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Reaction of Polyhaloalkyl‐Substituted Chromones, Pyrones and Furanones with Salicylaldehydes as a Direct Route to Fused 2H‐Chromenes.
Authors: Sosnovskikh Vyacheslav Ya. , Korotaev Vladislav Yu. , Chizhov Dmitry L. , Kutyashev Igor B. , Yachevskii Danil S. , Kazheva Olga N. , Dyachenko Oleg A. , Charushin Valery N.
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of gem‐Difluoromethylenated Daidzein Analogues and Their Inhibitory Effect on U2OS Cell Cycle.
Authors: Meng Wei‐Dong , Zhang Zhi‐Hang , Qing Feng‐Ling , Li Qing , Zhang Yue‐Yue , Wang Hui‐Sheng
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of Unsymmetrically 2,6‐Disubstituted 2,3‐Dihydrothiopyran‐4‐ones.
Authors: Rosiak Anna , Christoffers Jens
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Selective 6‐endo Cyclization of the Acyl Radicals onto the Nitrogen of Imine and Oxazoline C—N Bonds.
Authors: Tojino Mami , Otsuka Noboru , Fukuyama Takahide , Matsubara Hiroshi , Ryu Ilhyong
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of Substituted 5‐Aminomethyl Tetrahydro‐Isoquinolines (VI) and Dihydro‐Isoindoles (XII).
Authors: Fray M. Jonathan , et al. et al.
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Preparation of 2,3‐Dihydro‐1H‐spiro[isoquinoline‐4,4′‐piperidine] via an N‐Sulfonyl Pictet—Spengler Reaction.
Authors: Liu Jian , Jian Tianying , Sebhat Iyassu , Nargund Ravi
Published: October 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.