bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Substituted 2,2′‐Bipyridines and 2,2′:6′,2′′‐Terpyridines by Cobalt‐Catalyzed Cycloaddition Reactions of Nitriles and α,ω‐Diynes with Exclusive Regioselectivity
Authors: Goswami Avijit , Ohtaki Kazuhiko , Kase Kouki , Ito Taichi , Okamoto Sentaro
Published: December 2007

A variety of substituted 2,2′‐bipyridines were synthesized by a 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe)/cobalt chloride hexahydrate (CoCl2⋅6 H2O)/zinc‐catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction of diynes and nitriles, with all reactions exhibiting exclusive regioselectivity. Thus, symmetrical and unsymmetrical 1,6‐diynes and 2‐cyanopyridine reacted in the presence of 5 mol % of dppe, 5 mol % of CoCl2⋅6 H2O and 10 mol % of zinc powder to provide the corresponding 2,2′‐bipyridines. Under identical reaction conditions, 1‐(2‐pyridyl)‐1,6‐diynes and nitriles reacted smoothly with exclusive regioselectivity to produce 2,2′‐bipyridines in good yield. 2,2′‐Bipyridines were also obtained by the double [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction of 1,6,8,13‐tetraynes with nitriles. Similarly, 2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridines were synthesized from 1‐(2‐pyridyl)‐1,6‐diyne and 2‐cyanopyridine. The regiochemistry observed can be explained by considering the electronic nature of cobaltacyclopentadiene intermediates and nitriles. A survey of the exclusive regiochemical trend gives reasonable credence to the synthetic potential of the present method.
Genetic analyses of dopamine related genes in adult ADHD patients suggest an association with the DRD5‐microsatellite repeat, but not with DRD4 or SLC6A3 VNTRs
Authors: Johansson S. , Halleland H. , Halmøy A. , Jacobsen K.K. , Landaas E.T. , Dramsdahl M. , Fasmer O.B. , Bergsholm P. , Lundervold A.J. , Gillberg C. , Hugdahl K. , Knappskog P.M. , Haavik J.
Published: December 2007

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common and highly heritable psychiatric disorder in children and adults. Recent meta‐analyses have indicated an association between genes involved in dopaminergic signaling and childhood ADHD, but little is known about their possible role in adult ADHD. In this study of adults with ADHD, we evaluated the three most commonly studied ADHD candidate genetic polymorphisms; the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) exon 3 VNTR repeat, a microsatellite repeat 18.5 kb upstream of the DRD5 locus and the 3′UTR dopamine transporter SLC6A3 (DAT 1) VNTR. We examined 358 clinically diagnosed adult Norwegian ADHD patients (51% males) and 340 ethnically matched controls. We found a nominally significant overall association with adult ADHD for the DRD5 microsatellite marker (P = 0.04), and a trend toward increased risk associated with the 148‐bp allele consistent with recent meta‐analyses. The strongest overall association (P = 0.02) and increased risk for the 148‐bp allele [odds ratio (OR) = 1.27 (95% CI: 1.00–1.61)] were seen in the inattentive and combined inattentive/hyperactive group as previously reported for childhood ADHD. No association was found for the DRD4 or SLC6A3 polymorphisms in this patient sample. In conclusion, our results among adults with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD support an association between ADHD and the DRD5 locus, but not the DRD4 or SLC6A3 loci. It is possible that the latter polymorphisms are associated with a transient form of ADHD with better long‐term clinical outcome. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computer simulations of the energy dissipation rate in a fluorescence‐activated cell sorter: Implications to cells
Authors: Mollet Mike , Godoy‐Silva Ruben , Berdugo Claudia , Chalmers Jeffrey J.
Published: December 2007

Fluorescence activated cell sorting, FACS, is a widely used method to sort subpopulations of cells to high purities. To achieve relatively high sorting speeds, FACS instruments operate by forcing suspended cells to flow in a single file line through a laser(s) beam(s). Subsequently, this flow stream breaks up into individual drops which can be charged and deflected into multiple collection streams. Previous work by Ma et al. (2002) and Mollet et al. (2007; Biotechnol Bioeng 98:772–788) indicates that subjecting cells to hydrodynamic forces consisting of both high extensional and shear components in micro‐channels results in significant cell damage. Using the fluid dynamics software FLUENT®, computer simulations of typical fluid flow through the nozzle of a BD FACSVantage indicate that hydrodynamic forces, quantified using the scalar parameter energy dissipation rate, are similar in the FACS nozzle to levels reported to create significant cell damage in micro‐channels. Experimental studies in the FACSVantage, operated under the same conditions as the simulations confirmed significant cell damage in two cell lines, Chinese Hamster Ovary cells (CHO) and THP1, a human acute monocytic leukemia cell line. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 260–272. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hoogsteen vs. Watson–Crick Base Pairing: Incorporation of 2‐Substituted Adenine‐ and 7‐Deazaadenine 2′‐Deoxy‐β‐D‐ribonucleosides into Oligonucleotides
Authors: Ramzaeva Natalya , Michalek Elisabeth , Kazimierczuk Zygmunt , Seela Frank , Rosemeyer Helmut
Published: December 2007

Various 2‐substituted 2′‐deoxyadenosines and 7‐deazaadenosines have been synthesized. The phosphonate building block 9 of 2‐chloro‐7‐deaza‐2′‐deoxyadenosine (7‐deazacladribine; 2) was prepared by 4,4′‐dimethoxytritylation of the parent nucleoside (→7), followed by protection of the amino function with a formamidine residue (→8). The latter was reacted with PCl3/N‐methylmorpholine/1,2,4‐triazole to give compound 9. Moreover, 2‐methoxy‐2′‐deoxyadenosine (2′‐deoxyspongosine; 1b) was converted into the fully protected derivative 12, which was then transformed into the 2‐cyanoethyl phosphoramidite 14. Also the 2‐(trifluoromethyl)‐substituted 2′‐deoxyadenosines 19–21 were prepared by glycosylation of the chromophore 16 with the halogenose 17, followed by one‐pot deprotection and nucleophilic displacement of the 6‐Cl substituent. The new DNA building blocks 9 and 14 were used – together with formerly prepared cladribine derivative 4 – for solid‐phase synthesis of a series of oligodeoxyribonucleotides. These were studied with respect to their thermal stability as well as of the base pairing mode (Watson–Crick vs. Hoogsteen) of modified bases.
Spectroscopic Analysis of the Binding Interaction Between Tinidazole and Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA)
Authors: Shi Xin Yu , Cao Hui , Ren Feng Lian , Xu Ming
Published: December 2007

The interaction between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and tinidazole (Tindamax®; 1) in aqueous solution was investigated in detail by means of UV/VIS and fluorescence spectroscopy, as well as through resonance light‐scattering (RLS) spectroscopy. The apparent binding constant and number of binding sites were determined at three different temperatures, as well as the average binding distances between 1 and the nearest amino acid residue(s) of BSA, as analyzed by means of Förster's theory of non‐radiation energy transfer. Compound 1 was found to quench the inner fluorescence of BSA by forming a tight 1 : 1 aggregate, based on both static quenching and non‐radiation energy transfer. The entropy change upon complexation was positive, and the enthalpy change was negative, indicating that the observed spontaneous binding is mainly driven by electrostatic interactions.
Effect of Substitution Pattern of Ancillary Ligands on the DNA‐Binding Behavior of Two New RuII–Polypyridyl Complexes
Authors: Tan Li‐Feng , Liu Jian‐Hua , Wang Fang , Zhang Sheng
Published: December 2007

The new ligand 2‐(4‐phenoxyphenyl)‐1H‐imidazo[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthroline (ppip) and its RuII complexes [Ru(2,9‐dmp)2(ppip)]2+ (1) and [Ru(4,7‐dmp)2(ppip)]2+ (2; 2,9‐ and 4,7‐dmp=2,9‐ and 4,7‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline, resp.) were synthesized and characterized. The binding properties of the two complexes towards calf‐thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) in buffered H2O (pH 7.2) were investigated by different spectrophotometric methods and viscosity measurements. Both 1 and 2 strongly bind to CT‐DNA by means of intercalation, but with different binding strengths. In contrast to the more tightly bound complex 2, the sterically more‐demanding complex 1 showed no fluorescence emission, neither alone nor in the presence of CT‐DNA. Our results demonstrate that the position of Me groups on phenanthroline (phen) ancillary ligands significantly affects the overall DNA‐recognition propensities of RuII–polypyridyl complexes. Further, the partly resolved complex 2 was shown by circular dichroism (CD) to stereoselectively recognize CT‐DNA, in contrast to 1.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Biological Activities of O,O‐Dialkyl α‐[1‐(2‐Chlorothiazol‐5‐ylmethyl)‐5‐methyl‐ 1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐ylcarbonyloxy]alkylphosphonates
Authors: CHEN Xiao‐Bao , SHI De‐Qing , ZHU Xiao‐Fei
Published: December 2007

In order to search for novel agrochemicals with high activity and low toxicity, a series of phosphonate derivatives containing 1,2,3‐triazole and thiazole rings were designed and synthesized using 2‐chloro‐5‐(chloromethyl)‐ thiazole as the starting material. Their structures were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, 31P NMR, EI‐MS or ESI‐MS and elemental analyses. The crystal structure of 7a was determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Preliminary bioassays indicated that most of the target compounds did not display insecticidal activities, but a fraction of them possessed herbicidal and fungicidal activities to some extent.
Sesquiterpenoids from Chloranthus spicatus (Thunb.) Makino
Authors: YANG Sheng‐Ping , ZHANG Chuan‐Rui , CHEN Hua‐Dong , LIAO Shang‐Gao , YUE Jian‐Min
Published: December 2007

Two new sesquiterpenoids, namely 1β,4β‐dihydroxy‐5α,8β(H)‐eudesm‐7(11)Z‐en‐8,12‐olide (1) and 1β,4α‐dihydroxy‐5α,8β(H)‐eudesm‐7(11)Z‐en‐8,12‐olide (2), along with six known ones, homalomenol A (3), oplodiol (4), 5α,7α(H)‐6,8‐cycloeudesma‐1(,4β‐diol (5), oplopanone (6), 4β,10α‐dihydroxyaromadendrane (7) and spathulenol (8), were isolated from the aerial part of Chloranthus spicatus (Thunb.) Makino, and their structures were established by spectroscopic methods.
Synthesis and Study of Antidiabetic Properties of the Neodymium Complexes with N5‐[o‐(un)Substituted Benzoyl]‐N1,N1‐ dimethylbiguanide
Authors: DUAN Zong‐Lian , ZENG Zheng‐Zhi
Published: December 2007

N1,N1‐Dimethylbiguanide hydrochloride (HDMBG·HCl) was introduced as an oral glucose‐lowering agent to treat non‐insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. In this paper, two solid complexes–trichlorotris(N5‐benzoyl‐N1,N1‐dimethylbiguanidato)neodymium, [Nd(BDMBG)3Cl3), and chlorobis‐[N5‐(o‐carboxybenzoyl)‐N1,N1‐ dimethylbiguanidato]neodymium, [Nd(CDMBG)2Cl], were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, fluorescence spectra, IR, UV, DG, DTA etc. Biological testings were conducted by diabetic rats and ESR The results showed that both the antidiabetic activity and the inhibition rates (Ih) to superoxide anion free radical O2− on lipid are in the order as follows: Nd(SDMBG)3 [tris(N5‐salicyloyl‐N1,N1‐dimethylbiguanidato)neodymium]>Nd(CDMBG)2Cl≈HDMBG·HCl>Nd(BDMBG)3Cl3. It was concluded that different substituents at the o‐position of the benzoyl group may affect these two kinds of behaviour to a great extent.
Chromatic induction: Opponent color or complementary color process?
Authors: Pridmore Ralph W.
Published: December 2007

In present convention, chromatic induction (simultaneous and successive contrast) is usually held to be an opponent color process. Fifty years ago, it was an accepted complementary color process. The latter was never disputed yet apparently overlooked, and is here shown to be the more accurate account by inspecting afterimages and published data on simultaneous and successive hue induction. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 77–81, 2008
Color appearance of a large homogenous visual field
Authors: Kutas G. , Bodrogi P.
Published: December 2007

In this article, the color appearance of a large (85°) homogeneous self‐luminous visual stimulus was studied in a psychophysical experiment. Large stimuli were displayed on a plasma display panal (PDP) monitor. The large stimuli were viewed with a fixed viewing time (2 s). They were compared with 2° and 10° stimuli presented on a grey background on a CRT monitor. The so‐called “color size effect” was found to be significant. The color stimulus was perceived to be lighter when it was large compared with the 2° and 10° situation. But we did not find the general increase of chroma claimed in previous literature. We found only small hue changes. A model of the color appearance of large‐field stimuli is presented in terms of the CIELAB L*, a*, and b* values of the corresponding 2° and 10° stimuli. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 45–54, 2008
Grayscale calibration of outdoor photographic surveys of historical Stone Walls in Oxford, England
Authors: Thornbush M. J.
Published: December 2007

This study introduces a new approach for taking areal measurements of soiling on historical walls and buildings. Using a grayscale incorporated into each image, close‐up photographic surveys were taken in central Oxford in fine (clear sky) and overcast conditions in 2006. Spectrophotometric measurements were taken congruent with the former survey. These data were used to compare the method, which is an outdoor application of the integrated digital photography and image processing (IDIP) method, for validation of outdoor lighting conditions across photographic surveys. Using a grayscale as a constant in the photographic surveys, it was possible to acquire color measurements on flat surfaces out‐of‐doors to track changes in the lightness (or soiling) and chroma of building surfaces. This outdoor application of IDIP proves to be a useful tool, itself with many applications for deciphering cross‐temporal changes in the soiling of building façades. Simple grayscale calibration improves the comparability of surveys to spectrophotometric measurements. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 61–67, 2008
The role of culture in the emergence of decision‐making roles: An example using cultural algorithms
Authors: Reynolds Robert G. , Peng Bin , Ali Mostafa Z.
Published: December 2007

Cultural algorithms employ a basic set of knowledge sources, each related to knowledge observed in various animal species. These knowledge sources are then combined to direct the decisions of the individual agents in solving optimization problems. Here, the authors develop an algorithm based on an analogy to the marginal value theorem in foraging theory to guide the integration of these different knowledge sources to direct the agent population. The algorithm is applied to find the optimum in a dynamic environment composed of mobile resource cones. It is demonstrated that certain phases of problem solving emerge along with related individual roles during the solution process. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2008
Growth in the larval zebrafish pectoral fin and trunk musculature
Authors: Patterson Sara E. , Mook Louisa B. , Devoto Stephen H.
Published: December 2007

After initial patterning, muscle in the trunk and fins of teleosts grows extensively. Here, we describe muscle growth in zebrafish, with emphasis on the pectoral fin musculature. In the trunk, slow muscle fibers differentiate first. In contrast, slow muscle does not appear in the pectoral fin until the beginning of the juvenile period. Mosaic hyperplasia contributes to trunk muscle growth, and new fibers are apparent within the muscle as early as 6 mm standard length. In the pectoral fin muscle, mosaic hyperplasia is not evident at any examined stage. Instead, the predominant mode of hyperplasia is stratified. In larval pectoral fin muscle new fibers appear subjacent to the skin, and this correlates with the expression of myogenic genes such as muscle regulatory factors and Pax7. Our results suggest that regulation of fiber type development and muscle growth may differ in the pectoral fin and trunk. Developmental Dynamics 237:307–315, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neonatal CD8+ T cells are slow to develop into lytic effectors after HSV infection in vivo
Authors: Fernandez Marian A. , Evans Ingrid A. C. , Hassan Eddy H. , Carbone Francis R. , Jones Cheryl A.
Published: December 2007

HSV is an important neonatal pathogen. We defined the kinetics of the primary CTL response to HSV‐2 in vivo in neonatal mice. Using a replication‐defective HSV‐2 virus, we demonstrate that neonates mount a primary HSV‐specific CTL effector response in the draining LN, with delayed onset and shortened peak activity, in contrast to the rapid, strong response observed in adult mice. The shortened peak neonatal CTL response is independent of HSV dose and is associated with retarded CD8+ T cell expansion, reduced expansion of HSV‐specific tetramer‐positive CD8+ T cells and a reduced CD8+ T cell IFN‐γ response. Paradoxically, neonatal CD8+ T cells display enhanced non‐specific early activation that is not sustained. Neonatal HSV‐specific TCR‐transgenic CD8+ T cells showed reduced proliferation in vivo when transferred into HSV‐infected neonatal mice compared to adult T cell controls. Our data suggest that early events in CD8+ T cell priming underlie the attenuated newborn CTL response to HSV.
Identification of murine B cell lines that undergo somatic hypermutation focused to A:T and G:C residues
Authors: Bhattacharya Palash , Grigera Fernando , Rogozin Igor B. , McCarty Thomas , Morse Herbert C. , Kenter Amy L.
Published: December 2007

Activation‐induced deaminase (AID) is the master regulator of class switch recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation (SHM), but the mechanisms regulating AID function are obscure. The differential pattern of switch plasmid activity in three IgM+/AID+ and two IgG+/AID+ B cell lines prompted an analysis of global gene expression to discover the origin of these cells. Gene profiling suggested that the IgG+/AID+ B cell lines derived from germinal center B cells. Analysis of SHM potential demonstrates that the IgVκ domains are inducibly diversified at high rate during in vitro culture. The mutation spectra focused to A:T base pairs, revealing a component of the hypermutation program that occurs preferentially during phase 2 of SHM. The A:T error spectra were analyzed and were not characteristic of polymerase η activity. A differential pattern of three consensus motifs used for A:T base substitutions was observed in WT and Polη‐, Msh2‐ and Msh6‐deficient B cells. Strikingly, mutations in our B cell lines recapitulated the mutable motif profile for Polη and Msh2 deficiency, respectively, and suggest that an additional pathway for the generation of A:T mutations in SHM is conserved in mouse and human.
Kinetics of tungsten‐catalyzed sunflower oil epoxidation studied by 1H NMR
Authors: Benaniba Mohamed Tahar , Belhaneche‐Bensemra Naima , Gelbard Georges
Published: December 2007

Sunflower oil (SO) is a renewable resource that can be epoxidized, and the epoxidized SO has potential uses as an environmentally friendly and reactive material in polymeric formulations, especially for polyvinyl chloride. SO was epoxidized with peracetic acid, which was either preformed or prepared in situ. In order to optimize the formation of oxirane rings, the epoxidation and the extent of the side reactions were studied at different temperatures. The peracetic acid was obtained by acidic catalysis in the presence of a cation‐exchange resin. The optimum conversions were obtained within a 4‐h reaction period at 55 °C by the in situ epoxidation technique. The epoxidation was also carried out with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of peroxotungstic acid complexed with lipophilic phosphorus‐based ligands. 1H NMR was used to define the new indices Δ and Ω, which are the mean numbers of C=C double bonds and oxirane rings per fatty acid chain, respectively. This allowed monitoring of the reaction and quantification of the results. Peroxotungstic catalysts appeared less performing than peracids in the epoxidation of SO, but were found very efficient for the epoxidation of the SO methyl esters.
Environmental novelty is signaled by reduction of the hippocampal theta frequency
Authors: Jeewajee A. , Lever C. , Burton S. , O'Keefe J. , Burgess N.
Published: December 2007

The hippocampal formation (HF) plays a key role in novelty detection, but the mechanisms remain unknown. Novelty detection aids the encoding of new information into memory—a process thought to depend on the HF and to be modulated by the theta rhythm of EEG. We examined EEG recorded in the HF of rats foraging for food within a novel environment, as it became familiar over the next five days, and in two more novel environments unexpectedly experienced in trials interspersed with familiar trials over three further days. We found that environmental novelty produces a sharp reduction in the theta frequency of foraging rats, that this reduction is greater for an unexpected environment than for a completely novel one, and that it slowly disappears with increasing familiarity. These results do not reflect changes in running speed and suggest that the septo‐hippocampal system signals unexpected environmental change via a reduction in theta frequency. In addition, they provide evidence in support of a cholinergically mediated mechanism for novelty detection, have important implications for our understanding of oscillatory coding within memory and for the interpretation of event‐related potentials, and provide indirect support for the oscillatory interference model of grid cell firing in medial entorhinal cortex. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Convenient Synthesis of Alkenyl‐, Alkynyl‐, and Allenyl‐Substituted Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines via Palladium‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Enguehard‐Gueiffier Cécile , Croix Cécile , Hervet Maud , Kazock Jean‐Yves , Gueiffier Alain , Abarbri Mohamed
Published: December 2007

A systematic study on the Stille and Sonogashira cross‐coupling of iodinated imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines was performed, permitting the preparation of various vinyl‐, ethynyl‐, and allenyl‐substituted derivatives. These methods are particularly valuable, given their experimental simplicity and high degree of flexibility with regard to functional groups that can be introduced in positions 3, 6, or 8 of the imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine core. Effects concerning different substitution positions and the nature of the 2‐substituent under various reaction conditions are reported in detail for the above types of unsaturated groups introduced.
Discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy prior to low‐risk noncardiac surgery in patients with drug‐eluting stents: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Brotman Daniel J. , Bakhru Mihir , Saber Wael , Aneja Ashish , Bhatt Deepak L. , Tillan‐Martinez Katherina , Jaffer Amir K.
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND

Drug‐eluting coronary stents (DESs) pose a challenge in the perioperative period. Sirolimus and paclitaxel may inhibit reendothelialization of the traumatized vessel, making it vulnerable to platelet‐mediated thrombosis. Given the anecdotal evidence and case series suggesting that DESs may be more vulnerable to thrombosis on discontinuation of antiplatelet agents than are bare‐metal stents, we sought to quantify this risk.

METHODS

We linked the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center database with the Cleveland Clinic Internal Medicine Preoperative Assessment Consultation and Treatment (IMPACT) Center database to identify all patients who had undergone DES placement at the Cleveland Clinic and subsequently were evaluated for noncardiac surgery between July 2003 and July 2005. Outcome measures included 30‐day rate of postoperative myocardial infarction (MI), DES thrombosis, major bleeding, and all‐cause mortality.

RESULTS

We identified 114 patients who underwent noncardiac surgery a median of 236 days (IQR 125–354) after stent placement. Forty‐five patients (40%) underwent surgery within 180 days of stenting, 15 of whom (13%) underwent surgery within 90 days of stenting. Eighty‐eight patients (77%) discontinued all antiplatelet agents a median of 10 days before surgery. No patients died. Two patients (1.8%, 95% CI 0.5%–6.2%) suffered postoperative MIs, but postoperative catheterization showed neither had DES thrombosis (0%, 95% CI 0%–3.3%). One patient developed major bleeding (0.9%, CI 0.2%–4.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the overall risk of stent thrombosis is low in low‐risk noncardiac surgery patients with DESs, particularly those who have undergone at least 180 days of antiplatelet therapy, even after complete discontinuation of antiplatelet agents. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2007;2:378–384. © 2007 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Effects of rapid response systems on clinical outcomes: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ranji Sumant R. , Auerbach Andrew D. , Hurd Caroline J. , O'Rourke Keith , Shojania Kaveh G.
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND

A rapid response system (RRS) consists of providers who immediately assess and treat unstable hospitalized patients. Examples include medical emergency teams and rapid response teams. Early reports of major improvements in patient outcomes led to widespread utilization of RRSs, despite the negative results of a subsequent cluster‐randomized trial.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of RRSs on clinical outcomes through a systematic literature review.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, BIOSIS, and CINAHL searches through August 2006, review of conference proceedings and article bibliographies.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials, interrupted time series, and before‐after studies reporting effects of an RRS on inpatient mortality, cardiopulmonary arrests, or unscheduled ICU admissions.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two authors independently determined study eligibility, abstracted data, and classified study quality.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria: 1 cluster‐randomized controlled trial (RCT), 1 interrupted time series, and 11 before‐after studies. The RCT showed no effects on any clinical outcome. Before‐after studies showed reductions in inpatient mortality (RR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.74‐0.91) and cardiac arrest (RR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.65‐0.83). However, these studies were of poor methodological quality, and control hospitals in the RCT reported reductions in mortality and cardiac arrest rates comparable to those in the before‐after studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Published studies of RRSs have not found consistent improvement in clinical outcomes and have been of poor methodological quality. The positive results of before‐after trials likely reflects secular trends and biased outcome ascertainment, as the improved outcomes they reported were of similar magnitude to those of the control group in the RCT. The effectiveness of the RRS concept remains unproven. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2007;2:422–432. © 2007 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Klebsiella pneumoniae endophthalmitis with associated hepatic abscess
Authors: Connell Nathan T. , Thomas Ian A. , Sabharwal Aman D. , Gelbard Mark A.
Published: December 2007

Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess is known to be associated with metastatic endophthalmitis, with most cases clustered in Taiwan. We report a case of Klebsiella liver abscess with metastatic endophthalmitis in a nondiabetic Haitian man without underlying medical problems. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2007;2:442–444. © 2007 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Breaking bad news: A practical approach for the hospitalist
Authors: Minichiello Tracy A. , Ling David , Ucci Debra K.
Published: December 2007

Communicating bad news to patients and their families is a difficult but routine responsibility for hospitalists. Most practitioners have little or no formal training for this task. Preparation for, delivery of, and follow‐up to these conversations should be deliberately planned in order to meet patients' needs. In this article, we review the literature that guides this process and, with a case example, describe steps practitioners can take to effectively deliver bad news and pitfalls that should be avoided. As competency in this skill set is necessary for effective patient care, hands‐on training should be part of the core curriculum for all health care practitioners. Hospitalists should be proficient in this area and may serve as role models and instructors for colleagues and trainees. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2007;2:415–421. © 2007 Society of Hospital Medicine
Identification of inpatient DNR status: A safety hazard begging for standardization
Authors: Sehgal Niraj L. , Wachter Robert M.
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND

Ascertaining and documenting patients' preferences regarding end‐of‐life care is required by accrediting organizations at hospital admission. However, hospitals vary widely in their methods of making these preferences (including do‐not‐resuscitate [DNR] status) available to frontline providers, increasing the potential for errors.

METHODS

We surveyed 127 nursing executive members of the University HealthSystem Consortium (an alliance of academic medical centers), asking them to describe the current practices of their hospitals in identifying DNR orders. For those at institutions using color‐coded wristbands, we also asked about other patient data depicted by wristbands and the choice of colors for DNR and these other indications. We used a commercial online survey tool with E‐mail distribution.

RESULTS

Sixty‐nine nurse executives completed the survey (54%). Fifty‐six percent of hospitals use paper documentation as their only mode to identify DNR orders, 16% use electronic health records, and 25% augment either paper or electronic documentation with a color‐coded patient wristband. Of those using color‐coded wristbands (n = 17), 8 color schemes were reported. More than 70% of respondents recalled situations when confusion around a DNR order led to problems in patient care.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanisms to identify DNR orders vary significantly. For hospitals that use color‐coded wristbands, the variety of color choices poses a risk for confusion and error. Building on existing and isolated state initiatives, a national mandate to standardize DNR identification and the color of patient wristbands would reduce the potential for errors and promote adherence to patients' wishes. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2007;2:366–371. © 2007 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Tris(2,4,6‐trimethoxyphenyl)methyl carbenium ion for charge derivatization of amines and amino acids
Authors: Denekamp Chagit , Lacour Jérôme , Laleu Benoît , Rabkin Emilia
Published: December 2007

Primary and secondary alkyl amines substitute readily one of the para‐methoxy substituents of tris(2,4,6‐trimethoxyphenyl)methyl carbenium ion. With this rapid process, the preparation of permanently charged positive derivatives of amines, amino acids and small C‐protected peptides is achieved. This is utilized here to facilitate the matrix assisted laser desorption ionization‐time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) analysis of these compounds. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new insight on the hydrogen bonding structures of nanoconfined water: a Raman study
Authors: Crupi Vincenza , Interdonato Salvatore , Longo Francesca , Majolino Domenico , Migliardo Placido , Venuti Valentina
Published: December 2007

Water adsorbed in nanoporous silica glass has been investigated by Raman spectroscopy. The analysis was performed as a function of temperature (from + 5 to + 75 °C), pore diameter (25 and 75 Å) and by changing the nature of the substrate (from hydrophilic to hydrophobic) in order to understand the role played on the dynamic peculiarities of water arrangements both by the bare geometrical confinement and the specific interaction with surface. The experimental spectra, collected in the intra‐molecular OH stretching vibrational region, have been decomposed into a sum of sub‐bands, representing water molecule arrangements with different types of hydrogen bonding. Hence, we gave a quantitative picture of the temperature and confinement effects on the connectivity pattern. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relative efficiency of DNA markers (RAPD, ISSR and AFLP) in detecting genetic diversity of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)
Authors: Behera Tusar K , Gaikward Ambika B , Singh Anand K , Staub Jack E
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND: Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is an important vegetable crop in tropical countries, including China and India. A wide range of genetic diversity exists in India with respect to fruit morphology such as colour, size and exocarp. A diversity assessment conducted using different DNA marker systems amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers) will be helpful in the establishment of a broad‐based description for improved germplasm curation and the identification of germplasm for genome mapping and breeding of bitter gourd.

RESULTS: Genetic relationships between 38 bitter gourd accessions were determined with the aid of 29 RAPD, 15 ISSR and six AFLP markers. Greater polymorphism was detected by AFLPs when compared with RAPD and ISSR analyses using the same germplasm array (RAPD 36.5%, ISSR 74.5% and AFLP 78.5% polymorphism). The average marker index (MI) values derived from the three different marker systems differed dramatically, indicating that they vary in their discriminatory power (AFLP > ISSR > RAPD). The AFLP markers used were only weakly correlated with ISSR (r2 = 0.007) and RAPD (r2 = 0.04) marker analyses, whereas a comparatively high correlation (r2 = 0.77) was found between RAPD and ISSR marker systems.

CONCLUSION: The studies using RAPD and ISSR markers were not able to uniquely discriminate all the bitter gourd accessions examined, whereas AFLP analysis was discriminatory and allowed for a more complete dissection of unique differences among accessions of bitter gourd within and between collection sites. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Quality of life after rectal resection and multimodality therapy
Authors: Hassan Imran , Cima Robert R.
Published: December 2007

Modern management of locally advanced rectal cancer requires a multimodality approach. This includes radical surgery, pelvic radiotherapy, and systemic chemotherapy. It can require a permanent colostomy and result in significant bowel, sexual, and urinary dysfunction. In order to determine the effectiveness of various multimodality regimens it is important to not only assess conventional oncologic outcomes but also the impact on patient's quality of life. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96:684–692. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Emerging technologies including robotics and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) colorectal surgery
Authors: Whiteford Mark H. , Swanstrom Lee L.
Published: December 2007

Endoluminal and minimally invasive techniques have a long history and bright future in colorectal surgery. First, we will examine how old (colonoscopy) and new (laparoscopy) techniques combine in the form of laparoscopically assisted colonoscopic polypectomy for removal of “colonoscopically unresectable” colon polyps. Next, we will review the early experiences with robot‐assisted minimally invasive colon resections. Lastly, we will introduce the next frontier in minimally invasive surgery, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96:678–683. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The biologic significance of micrometastatic disease and sentinel lymph node technology on colorectal cancer
Authors: Iddings Douglas , Bilchik Anton
Published: December 2007

The sentinel lymph node (SLN) technique has practical applications in multiple solid tumors including colorectal carcinoma. Identifying the SLN(s) provides better staging of the regional lymphatics beyond standard H&E analysis. This additional information assists in predicting biology and may be useful in guiding adjuvant therapy. We postulate the era of sentinel node has ushered in a new generation of node‐negative patients; patients that have an exceptionally favorable outcome when compared to historic controls. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96:671–677. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laparoscopic proctectomy for rectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Read Thomas E.
Published: December 2007

During the past 15 years, there has been increasing enthusiasm for the use of laparoscopic techniques in the operative treatment of patients suffering from colorectal disease. Laparoscopic colectomy has been demonstrated to be safe for patients suffering from adenocarcinoma of the intraperitoneal colon. Attention is now being focused on the treatment of patients with rectal adenocarcinoma using laparoscopic methods. Prospective data analysis will be crucial in determining whether laparoscopic proctectomy provides equivalent results to open procedures. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96:660–664. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Colon cancer: Trials, results, techniques (LAP and HALS), future
Authors: Young‐Fadok Tonia M.
Published: December 2007

Laparoscopic resection of colon cancer became mired in controversy when it appeared that the technique might be associated with an increased risk of tumor recurrence within the surgical incisions. This was not a uniform finding among all surgeons, however, and other evidence suggested that this did not occur in experienced hands. Thus were born several randomized controlled trials of laparoscopic versus open colectomy for cancer in the early and mid‐1990s. These trials came to maturity between 2002 and 2006 and form the basis of this review. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96:651–659. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photodynamic inactivation of Enterococcus faecalis in dental root canals in vitro
Authors: Foschi Federico , Fontana Carla R. , Ruggiero Karriann , Riahi Reza , Vera Antonio , Doukas Apostolos G. , Pagonis Tom C. , Kent Ralph , Stashenko Philip P. , Soukos Nikolaos S.
Published: December 2007

Background and Objectives

We previously reported the use of a flexible fiber optic that uniformly distributed light in the root canal space for targeting bacteria after their sensitization with methylene blue (MB). In the present study, we investigated the photodynamic effects of MB on Enterococcus faecalis species in experimentally infected root canals of extracted teeth after their sensitization with a concentration of MB that exhibits reduced dark toxicity.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

In a model of root canal infection, 64 root canal specimens were prepared from extracted, single‐rooted teeth and inoculated with E. faecalis (ATCC 29212). Three days later root canal infection was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The root canal systems were then incubated with 6.25 µg/ml MB for 5 minutes followed by exposure to light at 665 nm (60 J/cm2) that was delivered from a diode laser via a fiber optic with a diameter of 500 µm. Following photodynamic therapy (PDT) the canal content was sampled by flushing the root canals, serially diluted and cultured on blood agar. Survival fractions were calculated by counting colony‐forming units. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to determine the porphyrins content of E. faecalis.

Results

Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the presence of bacteria in the root canal system. PDT achieved 77.5% reduction of E. faecalis viability. MB alone and light alone reduced bacterial viability by 19.5% and 40.5%, respectively. HPLC did not reveal any porphyrin patterns expressed by E. faecalis.

Conclusion

The results of this study support the need to determine the optimum MB concentration and light parameters to maximize bacterial killing in root canals. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:782–787, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional reconstruction of traumatic loss of flexors in forearm with gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap transfer
Authors: Fan Cunyi , Jiang Peizhu , Fu Lin , Cai Peihua , Sun Luyuan , Zeng Bingfang
Published: December 2007

Reconstruction of flexor function of forearm remains a challenge in the reconstructive surgery. With development of microsurgical techniques, reconstructive surgeons have been able to envision muscle transplantation for restoration of function and not simply for provision of soft tissue coverage. In this report, we present our experience in three patients of successful treatment of traumatic flexor loss in the forearm with the microsurgical medial gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap. At 18‐ to 24‐months follow‐up, the detected action potential (Latency and Amplity) in the transferred muscle was significantly improved in the EMG examination. The strength of the digital flexion reached to III degree in one case, IV degree in two cases. No complications were noted in the donor legs. We conclude that the microsurgical medial gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap transfer can be an ideal alternative for functional reconstruction of the forearm flexor muscle in three posttrauma patients. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
w‐Rabin numbers and strong w‐Rabin numbers of folded hypercubes
Authors: Lai Cheng‐Nan , Chen Gen‐Huey
Published: December 2007

The w‐Rabin number of a network W is the minimum l so that for any w + 1 distinct nodes s, d1,d2,…,dw of W, there exist w node‐disjoint paths from s to d1,d2,…,dw, respectively, whose maximal length is not greater than l, where w is not greater than the node connectivity of W. If {d1,d2,…,dw} is allowed to be a multiset, then the resulting minimum l is called the strong w‐Rabin number of W. In this article, we show that both the w‐Rabin number and the strong w‐Rabin number of a k‐dimensional folded hypercube are equal to ⌈k/2⌉ for 1 ≤ w ≤ ⌈k/2⌉‐ 1, and ⌈k/2⌉+ 1 for ⌈k/2⌉ ≤ w ≤ k + 1, where k ≥ 5. Each path obtained is shortest or second shortest. The results of this paper also solve an open problem raised by Liaw and Chang. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2008
Numerical Clifford analysis for nonlinear Schrödinger problem
Authors: Cerejeiras P. , Faustino N. , Vieira N.
Published: December 2007

The aim of this work is to study the numerical solution of the nonlinear Schrödinger problem using a combination between Witt basis and finite difference approximations. We construct a discrete fundamental solution for the nonstationary Schrödinger operator and we show the convergence of the numerical scheme. Numerical examples are given at the end of the article. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
Study the effect of inorganic salts on the chemically polymerized aniline films using quartz crystal microbalance
Authors: Ayad M. M. , Rehab A. F.
Published: December 2007

The chemical oxidation of aniline with ammonium peroxydisulfate to form polyaniline (PANI) films has been studied in different aqueous acid mediums such as HCl, HNO3, and H2SO4. The yield and the growth rate of the PANI film deposition were measured using the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique. The effect of different salts such as KCl, NaNO3, and K2SO4 and their concentration on the yield and the growth rate of the film formation are investigated. The yield of PANI film deposition depends on the acid used and the type of salts as well as their concentrations. When HCl and HNO3 were used as media, the addition of salts with the same anion has no effect. However, when H2SO4 was used as media, the addition of salts with the same anions as the medium enhances the yield of PANI film deposition. The UV–visible spectra of the produced PANI films in the absence and presence of the salts are also studied. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microporous polyethersulfone membranes prepared under the combined precipitation conditions with non‐solvent additives
Authors: Li Jing‐Feng , Xu Zhen‐Liang , Yang Hu
Published: December 2007

Using diethylene glycol (DegOH) as non‐solvent additive (NSA) and N, N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc) as solvent (S), polyethersulfone (PES) flat sheet membranes were prepared via immersion precipitation combined with the vapor induced phase separation (VIPS) process. Light transmittance was used to follow the precipitation rate during the immersion process as well as during the VIPS stage. As the addition of the NSA, the viscosity of casting solutions increased, which led to a slow precipitation rate. Though the precipitation rate decreased, the instantaneous demixing type was maintained. High flux membranes were obtained only at a high mass ratio of NSA/S; producing membranes had cellular pores on the top surface and sponge‐like structure on cross section. The VIPS process prior to immersion precipitation was important for the formation of cellular pore on the surface. With the increase in exposure time, the liquid–liquid phase separation took place on the surface of casting solution; nucleation and growth induced the formation of cellular pore on the top surface. Coagulation bath temperature also had large effect on the precipitation rate; high temperature on coagulation bath mainly accelerated the transfer of solvent and non‐solvent. Higher flux membrane with a porous skin layer could be obtained at a high coagulation bath temperature, but at the same time the mechanism properties were weakened. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zur Geschichte der aktiven Immunisierung. Vorbeugen ist besser als Heilen
Authors: Helmstädter Axel
Published: December 2007

Manche Infektionen bekommt man bekanntlich nur einmal – sie verleihen eine lebenslange Immunität. Das ist die Ursache für klassische “Kinderkrankheiten”, die sich natürlicherweise innerhalb der am wenigsten immunisierten Bevölkerungsgruppe, eben der Kinder, ausbreiten, während die meisten Erwachsenen durch früher durchgemachte Infektionen vor einem erneuten Ausbruch der Krankheit geschützt sind. Diesen Mechanismus kann man sich zunutze machen, indem man Gesunde absichtlich mit schwachen Krankheitserregern in Kontakt bringt, die aber noch in der Lage sind, Immunität zu erzeugen. Das ist das Prinzip der aktiven Immunisierung. Historisch interessant ist, dass dies bereits zu Zeiten gelang, als man nur vage Vorstellungen von einem “Contagium” hatte und von der Existenz pathogener Mikroorganismen noch nichts ahnte.
2‐Mb SPRAM design: bi‐directional current write and parallelizing‐direction current read based on spin‐transfer torque switching
Authors: Kawahara T. , Takemura R. , Miura K. , Hayakawa J. , Ikeda S. , Lee Y. M. , Sasaki R. , Goto Y. , Ito K. , Meguro T. , Matsukura F. , Takahashi H. , Matsuoka H. , Ohno H.
Published: December 2007

A 1.8 V 2‐Mb SPRAM (SPin‐transfer torque RAM) chip using 0.2‐μm logic process with MgO tunneling barrier cell is reviewed, which demonstrates the circuit technologies for potential low power non‐volatile RAM, or universal memory. This chip features: an array scheme with bit‐by‐bit bi‐directional current write to achieve proper spin‐transfer torque writing of 100‐ns, and parallelizing‐direction current reading with low voltage bit‐line that leads to 40‐ns access time. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magneto‐transport studies of single ferromagnetic nanowire
Authors: Rheem Y. , Yoo B.‐Y. , Beyermann W. P. , Myung N. V.
Published: December 2007

The magnetotransport properites of individual ferromagnetic nanowires (e.g. Ni, Co23Ni77, Ni85Fe15) with 200 nm diameters were investigated. The ferromagnetic nanowires were successfully electrodeposited within an anodized alumina by controlling solution composition, temperature, and current density. Using a magnetic assembly technique, single nanowire was successfully bridged across microfabricated gold elecrodes. The temperature coefficient of resistance for ferromagnetic nanowires was lower than the bulk because of a larger residual resistance from increased electrical scattering in one‐dimensional structures. The ferromagnetic nanowires showed typical anisotropic magnetoresistance where the magnetoresistance ratio was lower than bulk values. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)