bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of acquired factor X inhibitor by plasma exchange with concomitant intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids
Authors: Hsia Cyrus C. , Keeney Mike , Bosco Annmarie A. , Xenocostas Anargyros
Published: November 2007

A patient with spontaneous hemorrhage from multiple body sites was found to have markedly prolonged international normalized ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin times (aPTT) with incomplete correction of aPTT on mixing studies using normal plasma. The cause of this severe hemorrhage was due to a specific factor X inhibitor. No underlying or associated diseases were found. Initial treatment with fresh frozen plasma, vitamin K, and recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) was unsuccessful. However, therapy utilizing plasma exchange with concomitant intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids resulted in a rapid and sustained normalization of factor X levels with a clinical hemostatic response. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fatal case of bilateral internal jugular vein thrombosis following IVIg infusion in an adolescent girl treated for ITP
Authors: Tam Pui‐Ying Iroh , Richardson Matthew , Grewal SatKiran
Published: November 2007

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is often used as therapy in immune‐mediated diseases and is generally considered a safe therapeutic agent. However, thrombotic complications such as myocardial infarction and deep vein thrombosis have been reported, although primarily in older adults. We describe a 13‐year‐old girl who received one dose of IVIg for immune thrombocytopenic purpura and developed fatal bilateral jugular venous thromboses. This is the first known case of IVIg‐associated thrombosis in an adolescent and alsothe first report describing internal jugular vein thrombosis associated with IVIg infusion. We identify additional risks that may potentiate the agent's thrombotic risk. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occupational injury mortality: New Mexico 1998–2002
Authors: Mulloy Karen B. , Moraga‐McHaley Stephanie , Crandall Cameron , Kesler Denece O.
Published: November 2007

Background

The current study characterizes patterns of occupational injury fatalities in New Mexico for the 5‐year period 1998–2002.

Methods

The study applied methods developed by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (CSTE/NIOSH) Occupational Health Indicator Work Group and compared the relative strength and weakness of two different datasets (CFOI and NMVRHS) for occupational injury fatality surveillance.

Results

Annual occupational injury mortality rates ranged from 4.4 to 7.6 per 100,000 employed persons aged 16 and over compared to annual US rates of 4.0–4.6 per 100,000. Risk factors for higher mortality rates included age over 65 years, self‐employment, non‐US citizenship, being African‐American or Hispanic, and occurrence in rural counties. The top industry for fatality rate was mining followed by transportation, public utilities, agriculture, and construction.

Conclusions

Applying CSTE/NIOSH Occupational Health Indicator protocol and using both CFOI and NMVRHS data improved the characterization of occupational injury mortality and the setting of priorities for prevention intervention. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:910–920, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pesticide use and chronic bronchitis among farmers in the agricultural health study
Authors: Hoppin Jane A. , Valcin Martin , Henneberger Paul K. , Kullman Greg J. , Umbach David M. , London Stephanie J. , Alavanja Michael C.R. , Sandler Dale P.
Published: November 2007

Background

Farmers have increased risk for chronic bronchitis. Few investigators have considered pesticides.

Methods

We evaluated pesticides as risk factors for chronic bronchitis using the Agricultural Health Study enrollment data on lifetime pesticide use and history of doctor‐diagnosed chronic bronchitis from 20,908 private pesticide applicators, primarily farmers.

Results

A total of 654 farmers (3%) reported chronic bronchitis diagnosed after age 19. After adjustment for correlated pesticides as well as confounders, 11 pesticides were significantly associated with chronic bronchitis. Heptachlor use had the highest odds ratio (OR = 1.50, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.19, 1.89). Increased prevalence for chronic bronchitis was also seen for individuals who had a history of a high pesticide exposure event (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.51, 2.25) and for those who also applied pesticides in off‐farm jobs (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.88). Co‐morbid asthma and current farm activities did not explain these results.

Conclusions

These results provide preliminary evidence that pesticide use may increase chronic bronchitis prevalence. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:969–979, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Injuries and injury risk factors among members of the United States Army band
Authors: Knapik Joseph J. , Jones Sarah B. , Darakjy Salima , Hauret Keith G. , Nevin Remington , Grier Tyson , Jones Bruce H.
Published: November 2007

Background

This project documented injuries in the professional musical performers of the US Army Band and used a multivariate approach to determine injury risk factors.

Methods

Injuries were obtained from a medical surveillance database. Administrative records from the Band provided fitness test scores, physical characteristics, performing unit (Blues, Ceremonial, Chorale, Chorus, Concert, Strings), and functional group (strings, winds, keyboard, vocal, percussion, brass). A questionnaire completed by 95% of the Band (n = 205) included queries on practice time, physical activity, tobacco use, and medical care.

Results

One or more injuries were diagnosed in 44 and 53% of Band members in the years 2004 and 2005, respectively. In univariate analysis, higher injury risk was associated with higher body mass index (BMI), less physical activity, prior injury, unit, functional group, and practice duration. In multivariate analysis, less self‐rated physical activity, a prior injury, and functional group were independent risk factors.

Conclusion

In the US Army Band, about half the performers had a medical visit for an injury in a 1‐year period and injury risk was associated with identifiable factors. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:951–961, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by Penicillium citrinum, not enoki spores
Authors: Yoshikawa Sumiko , Tsushima Kenji , Yasuo Masanori , Fujimoto Keisaku , Kubo Keishi , Kumagai Toshiko , Yamazaki Yoshitaka
Published: November 2007

Background

Flammulina velutipes is called the Enoki mushroom in Japanese and is cultivated indoors. Mushroom workers face occupational exposure to a tremendous number of fungi and organic antigens capable of causing hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). One worker employed at an Enoki farm developed HP due to Penicillium citrinum. This study investigated new cases of HP among the workers cultivating Enoki.

Methods

Serum Krebs von der Lungen‐6 (KL‐6), surfactant protein (SP)‐A and SP‐D were measured. Lymphocyte stimulation tests (LST) and double immunodiffusion tests (DIT) were performed to identify P. citrinum. Workers showing high levels of KL‐6, SP‐A, or SP‐D and a high LST value or positive DIT were identified and then were further examined by chest computed tomography, bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy. The initial patient and new HP patients were defined as the HP group and the other participants were defined as the non‐HP group.

Results

Forty‐eight Enoki workers participated in the study. Four of nine workers who met the criteria for further examinations were diagnosed as having HP due to P. citrinum. In comparison between non‐HP group and HP group, KL‐6, SP‐D and LST values were significantly higher in HP group. There was a strong correlation between KL‐6 and SP‐D. DIT had high sensitivity and high specificity.

Conclusions

KL‐6, SP‐D, LST, and DIT were useful for detecting HP patients. KL‐6 was the most useful predictor of HP in this study. DIT was useful not only as a predictor of HP but also as a detector of the causative antigen. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:1010–1017, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mapping of a novel type III variant of Knobloch syndrome (KNO3) to chromosome 17q11.2
Authors: Khaliq Shagufta , Abid Aiysha , White Dominick R.A. , Johnson Colin A. , Ismail Muhammad , Khan Ayesha , Ayub Qasim , Sultana Salma , Maher Eamonn R. , Mehdi Syed Qasim
Published: November 2007

Knobloch syndrome (KNO) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by ocular abnormalities (myopia and retinal detachment) and occipital encephalocele. The syndrome is clinically and genetically heterogeneous (KNO1, KNO2). Previously germline mutations in COL18A1 (21q22.3) were detected in some families, but in other kindreds linkage to COL18A1 was excluded. We ascertained a large consanguineous family with high myopia, vitreoretinal degeneration and occipital scalp defect with autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Due to the overlapping clinical presentation of this family with Knobloch syndrome we propose this phenotype as a type III variant of KS (KNO3). A genome wide linkage study using microsatellite markers at 10–20 cM interval revealed linkage to 17q11.2 with a maximum LOD scores 3.40 (θ = 0.00) for markers D17S1307 and D17S1166. Fine mapping defined a 2.67 cM disease region between D17S1307 and D17S798. Mutation analysis of three candidate genes (UNC119, MYO1D, and RAB11FIP4) within the disease region did not identify any disease‐associated mutation in affected individuals. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonmosaic balanced homologous translocations of major clinical significance: Some may be mosaic
Authors: Kovaleva Natalia V.
Published: November 2007

The main mechanism proposed for formation of homologous translocations/isochromosomes is mitotic and if this occurs in a chromosomally normal conceptus, mosaicism would be expected to be seen. The lack of mosaicism in published cases of rearrangement (REA) of mitotic origin might be explained by under‐detection due to the low level mosaicism for a normal line. Recently it was reported that sex‐specific centromere instability in early embryogenesis leads to a female prevalence among individuals with mosaicism for pericentromeric rearrangements. To determine whether carriers of apparent non‐mosaic homologous REA could be mosaics for a normal cell line, the sex ratio (male to female ratio) among carriers of balanced and unbalanced homologous translocations/isochromosomes was studied. This ratio was determined to establish if there is a female predominance similar to that seen in carriers of REA with mosaicism. In reviewing the literature, a female prevalence among fetuses with balanced homologous REA and among carriers of unbalanced homologous REA detected prenatally, postnatally and in miscarriages was found. Overall, there were 48 males and 72 females in the collected sample, and this ratio differed significantly from the expected sex ratio of 1.06 (P = 0.0075). There is not a male prevalence among miscarried fetuses, there is no evidence of selection against males in the collected material of this study. The analysis of sex ratios in different variants of trisomy 13 with respect to ascertainment (prenatal diagnosis, miscarriages, liveborn) also does not support an intrauterine selection against males as a cause of a female prevalence among carriers of homologous REA. Thus the data presented in this paper suggests that a proportion of the carriers of balanced homologous REA may have mosaicism for a normal line. Since low level mosaicism for a normal line in a translocation carrier would alter his/her reproductive options, it can be recommended that molecular polymorphic analysis be applied to these cases. This would allow those resulting from meiotic formation to be distinguished from those resulting from postzygotic formation. This latter mechanism may indicate the presence of a mosaicism for a normal line, making further intensive karyotypic analysis advisable. However, additional studies of healthy carriers of homologous REA of chromosome 14 or 15 should not be done. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Atypical Angelman syndrome with macrocephaly due to a familial imprinting center deletion
Authors: Ronan Anne , Buiting Karin , Dudding Tracy
Published: November 2007

Two elderly brothers with severe intellectual disability were diagnosed with Angelman syndrome after a once‐removed, 15‐year‐old cousin was found to have the syndrome due to a deletion of the imprinting center. For many years it was believed the brothers, who both have macrocephaly, were affected by nonsyndromic X‐linked mental retardation. This was because, apart from absent speech and intellectual disability, the phenotype of the two men was not characteristic of Angelman syndrome. Conversely, the cousin, in addition to severe intellectual disability, language impairment, and ataxic gait, has microcephaly. None of the three have seizures, and so in the presence of the brothers' macrocephaly, Angelman syndrome was not considered until a diagnosis was made in the younger distant cousin. We report on a familial imprinting center deletion and the importance of considering the mild and atypical Angelman syndrome phenotypes within the differential diagnosis of intellectual handicap, particularly in clarifying the genetic risk to other family members. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel form of lethal microcephaly with simplified gyral pattern and brain stem hypoplasia
Authors: Rajab Anna , Manzini M. Chiara , Mochida Ganeshwaran H. , Walsh Christopher A. , Ross M. Elizabeth
Published: November 2007

We report on four patients from the same family affected by a lethal form of autosomal recessive microcephaly of prenatal onset. Symptoms include low birth‐weight and length with disproportionately small head, fetal distress, apnea, seizures and facial features reminiscent of Amish microcephaly and Bowen–Conradi syndrome. Brain imaging revealed a simplified gyral pattern with normal to slightly thinned cortical gray matter, thin corpus callosum, mild brainstem and cerebellar hypoplasia. No abnormalities of the internal organs, eye, or skeleton, and no striking dysmorphic facial features were found to be associated with this syndrome. All patients died within hours to weeks after birth following severe apnea attacks and central hypoventilation. Recessive primary microcephaly with lethality in early infancy is rarely reported. The patients described here do not resemble any other published cases of such clinical severity and the locus for the only reported early lethal microcephaly gene found in Amish families was excluded. Therefore, this appears to be a distinct genetic cause of lethal microcephaly. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation and evaluation of nonionic amphiphilic phenolic biocides in urethane hydrogels
Authors: Wynne James H. , Pant Ramesh R. , Jones‐Meehan Joanne M. , Phillips J. Paige
Published: November 2007

Phenols are rarely used in the preparation of polyurethanes because of the inherent competitive reaction of the phenolic moiety with isocyanates. This work represents a successful application of the combination of phenols with isocyanates toward the development of phenolic‐based antimicrobial urethane coatings for niche applications. In this effort, a series of nonionic amphiphilic phenolic molecules were prepared by condensation of 4‐hexylresorcinol with the corresponding hydroxyl‐terminated monomethyl poly(ethylene glycol) in the presence of a catalytic amount of acid in refluxing toluene. These new molecules were evaluated against a variety of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria for their antimicrobial activity in minimum inhibitory concentration solution testing. The same amphiphilic molecules were also incorporated into a hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel and dispensed as films for evaluation of surface activity with a newly developed protocol. All samples possessed some degree of surface antimicrobial activity, which was expressed as a log kill reduction in colony‐forming units starting from an initial bacterial concentration of 107 CFU, and structural features of the phenolic compound were found to contribute significantly to the observed antimicrobial activity. The highest activity was observed in samples containing the phenolic compound with the shortest ethylene oxide polar structural feature and therefore highest mobility in the highly polar urethane resin. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of poly(vinylidene fluoride) in a poly(vinylidene fluoride)/dibutyl phthalate/di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate system via thermally induced phase separation
Authors: Ji Gen‐Liang , Zhu Bao‐Ku , Zhang Chun‐Fang , Xu You‐Yi
Published: November 2007

The nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) in PVDF/dibutyl phthalate (DBP)/di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) blends via thermally induced phase separation were investigated through differential scanning calorimetry measurements. The Ozawa approach failed to describe the crystallization behavior of PVDF in PVDF/DBP/DEHP blends, whereas the modified Avrami equation successfully described the nonisothermal crystallization process of PVDF. Two stages of crystallization were observed in this analysis, including primary crystallization and secondary crystallization. The influence of the cooling rate and DBP ratio in the diluent mixture on the crystallization mechanism and crystal structure was determined by this method. The Mo approach well explained the kinetics of primary crystallization. An analysis of these two methods indicated that the increase in the DBP ratio in the diluent mixture caused a decrease in the crystallization rate at the primary crystallization stage. The activation energy was determined according to the Kissinger method and also decreased with the DBP ratio in the diluent mixture increasing. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Attapulgite@polymer particles with double‐layer polymer shell via soapless seeded emulsion polymerization
Authors: Liu Yushan , Liu Peng , Su Zhixing
Published: November 2007

Attapulgite needle encapsulated with double‐layer polymer shell (ATP@DP) were prepared by the soapless seeded emulsion polymerization of the second monomer styrene in the dispersion of the attapulgite needle encapsulated with poly(methyl methacrylate) (ATP@PMMA), which was also conducted by the soapless seeded emulsion polymerization of the first monomer methyl methacrylate with the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) modified attapulgite needle (org‐ATP) as seeds. The different morphologies of ATP, ATP@PMMA particles, and ATP@DP particles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, and the encapsulation mechanism was also discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Potential of agroindustrial waste from olive oil industry for fuel ethanol production
Authors: Georgieva Tania I. , Ahring Birgitte K.
Published: November 2007

Olive pulp (OP) is a highly polluting semi‐solid residue generated from the two‐stage extraction processing of olives and is a major environmental issue in Southern Europe, where 80% of the world olive oil is produced. At present, OP is either discarded to the environment or combusted with low calorific value. In this work, utilization of OP as a potential substrate for production of bioethanol was studied. Enzymatic hydrolysis and subsequent glucose fermentation by baker's yeast were evaluated for OP from 10% to 30% dry matter (i.e., undiluted). Enzymatic hydrolysis resulted in an increase in glucose concentration by 75%, giving final glucose yields near 70%. Fermentation of undiluted OP hydrolysate (OPH) resulted in the maximum ethanol produced (11.2 g/L) with productivity of 2.1 g/L/h. Ethanol yields were similar for all tested OPH concentrations and were in the range of 0.49‐0.51 g/g. Results showed that yeast could effectively ferment OPH even without nutrient addition, revealing the tolerance of yeast to OP toxicity. Because of low xylan (12.4%) and glucan (16%) content in OP, this specific type of OP is not a suitable material for producing only ethanol and thus, bioethanol production should be integrated with production of other value‐added products.
Renewable resources in the chemical industry – Breaking away from oil?
Authors: Nordhoff Stefan , Höcker Hans , Gebhardt Henrike
Published: November 2007

Rising prices for fossil‐based raw materials suggest that sooner or later renewable raw materials will, in principle, become economically viable. This paper examines this widespread paradigm. Price linkages like those seen for decades particularly in connection with petrochemical raw materials are now increasingly affecting renewable raw materials. The main driving force is the competing utilisation as an energy source because both fossil‐based and renewable raw materials are used primarily for heat, electrical power and mobility. As a result, prices are determined by energy utilisation. Simple observations show how prices for renewable carbon sources are becoming linked to the crude oil price. Whether the application calls for sugar, starch, virgin oils or lignocellulose, the price for the raw material rises with the oil price. Consequently, expectations regarding price trends for fossil‐based energy sources can also be utilised for the valuation of alternative processes. However, this seriously calls into question the assumption that a rising crude oil price will favour the economic viability of alternative products and processes based on renewable raw materials. Conversely, it follows that these products and processes must demonstrate economic viability today. Especially in connection with new approaches in white biotechnology, it is evident that, under realistic assumptions, particularly in terms of achievable yields and the optimisation potential of the underlying processes, the route to utilisation is economically viable. This makes the paradigm mentioned at the outset at least very questionable.
Competition – Supporting or preventing an increased use of bioenergy?
Authors: Thrän Daniela , Kaltschmitt Martin
Published: November 2007

The intensified use of biomass as an energy source is an often‐repeated goal of the German and European climate protection policy. Therefore, framework conditions have been created in recent years, which allow for a wider use of biomass within the energy system especially for a provision of electricity and fuels. Due to this policy, Germany, for example, has emerged as the leading producer of biogas from energy crops and fatty methyl ester (FAME) in Europe. However, due to the high energy price level, the use of biomass for heating purposes and as a renewable raw material have increased at the same time. To supply the obviously increased demand for biomass or biobased energy carriers cost efficiently, nationwide and to some extend even global markets are under development at present. As the demand for biomass is expected to continue to increase strongly, it is feared that an increasing competition with the use for food and fodder as well as a raw material might occur in the years to come. Against this background we have analyzed the competitions that can be expected, and the influence that they may have on the further expansion of the use of biomass for energy production. Experiences from Germany are provided exemplarily. Based on this, it is concluded that measures need to be taken to support an efficient and sustainable use of bioenergy in the future.
Influence of route of gastric transposition on oxygen supply at cervical oesophagogastric anastomoses
Authors: Anegg U , Lindenmann J , Maier A , Smolle J , Smolle-Jüttner F M
Published: November 2007

Background

The microcirculation and oxygen supply at the oesophagogastric anastomosis are crucial factors that influence anastomotic healing after oesophagectomy.

Methods

Twenty-nine patients (mean age 61·7 years) underwent gastric transposition via an orthotopic (14) or retrosternal (15) route. Interstitial partial pressure of oxygen (Po2) of the stomach in the anastomotic region was measured during oesophagectomy and in the intensive care unit. Interstitial Po2 values were determined after ligation of the short gastric vessels, after ligation of the left gastric artery, after forming the conduit and after gastric transposition. Postoperative measurements were recorded during endotracheal intubation, while breathing oxygen by mask or through the nose, and while breathing air.

Results

Interstitial Po2 levels were significantly higher before ligation of the left gastric artery than after ligation (mean 76·1 (95 per cent confidence interval 54·9 to 103·1) versus 44·9 (24·6 to 77·1) mmHg; P = 0·001). Levels were also higher following orthotopic transposition compared with the retrosternal route (68·2 (44·0 to 118·8) versus 24·6 (10·7 to 39·4) mmHg; P = 0·001) and during each postoperative measurement period. No differences were found between the various oxygen supply systems.

Conclusion

Oxygen supply at the anastomosis of the gastric conduit reaches higher levels after orthotopic than retrosternal gastric transposition.
The hybrid cardiac catheterization laboratory for congenital heart disease: From conception to completion
Authors: Hirsch Russel
Published: November 2007

There has been a recent trend toward hybrid cardiac catheterization procedures for the treatment of patients with various forms of congenital heart disease. Hybrid procedures offer the combined advantages of outstanding imaging in a full operating room environment, allowing direct access onto the heart or the great vessels for access or procedure completion, or complementary imaging before, during, or after surgical correction when necessary. With the increase in frequency of hybrid procedures, more medical centers are contemplating the conversion of standard cardiac catheterization rooms to hybrid facilities, or de novo construction. In this report, we detail a single‐center experience of conversion from a standard catheterization facility into a hybrid suite. The strategic planning, design, system integration, and the challenges inherent to this project are discussed. Many of the solutions to these challenges are likely to be applicable to other institutions planning on similar hybrid conversion or construction. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Screening of a Phosphite–Phosphoramidite Ligand Library for Palladium‐Catalysed Asymmetric Allylic Substitution Reactions: The Origin of Enantioselectivity
Authors: Pàmies Oscar , Diéguez Montserrat
Published: November 2007

We have designed a new library of readily available, highly modular phosphite‐phosphoramidite ligands for asymmetric allylic substitution reactions. They are easily prepared in one step from commercially available chiral 1,2‐amino alcohols. The introduction of a phosphoramidite moiety into the ligand design is highly advantageous for the product outcome. This ligand library affords high reaction rates (TOFs of up to 800 mol (mol h)−1) and enantioselectivities (ees of up to 99 %) and, at the same time, contains a broad range of disubstituted hindered and unhindered substrate types. NMR study of the Pd‐π‐allyl intermediates provide a deeper understanding of the effect of the ligand parameters on the origin of enantioselectivity.
2′‐O‐Lysylaminohexyl Oligonucleotides: Modifications for Antisense and siRNA
Authors: Winkler Johannes , Gilbert Matthias , Kocourková Aneta , Stessl Martina , Noe Christian R.
Published: November 2007

A novel type of oligonucleotide has been developed, characterized by the attachment of a lysyl moiety to a 2′‐O‐aminohexyl linker. A protected lysine building block was tethered to 2′‐O‐aminohexyluridine, and the product was converted into the corresponding phosphoramidite. Up to six modified nucleosides were incorporated in dodecamer DNA and RNA oligonucleotides using standard phosphoramidite chemistry. Each of the building blocks contributes one positive charge to the oligonucleotide instead of the negative charge of a wild‐type nucleotide. Thermal denaturation profiles indicated a stabilizing effect of 2′‐O‐lysylaminohexyl chains that was more pronounced in RNA duplexes. Incubation of the oligonucleotides with 5′‐exonuclease revealed an exceptionally high stability against enzymatic degradation. Incorporation of up to three modifications into functional antisense and siRNA oligonucleotides targeted at ICAM‐1 showed that the gene‐silencing activity was higher with an increasing number of lysylaminohexyl nucleotides. Compared with wild‐type antisense or siRNA, compounds with three modifications led to equal or higher ICAM‐1 downregulation.
The effect of uncontrolled concurrency on model checking
Authors: Carter Donna M. , Aygun Ramazan , Cox Glenn , Weisskopf Mary Ellen , Etzkorn Letha
Published: November 2007

Correctness of concurrent software is usually checked by techniques such as peer code reviews or code walkthroughs and testing. These techniques, however, are subject to human error, and thus do not achieve an in‐depth verification of correctness. Model‐checking techniques, which can systematically identify and verify every state that a system can enter, are a powerful alternative method for verifying concurrent systems. However, the usefulness of model checking is limited because the number of states for concurrent models grows exponentially with the number of processes in the system. This is often referred to as the ‘state explosion problem.’ Some processes are a central part of the software operation and must be included in the model. However, we have found that some exponential complexity results due to uncontrolled concurrency introduced by the programmer rather than due to the intrinsic characteristics of the software being modeled. We have performed tests on multimedia synchronization to show the effect of abstraction as well as uncontrolled concurrency using the Promela/SPIN model checker. We begin with a sequential model not expected to have exponential complexity but that results in exponential complexity. In this paper, we provide alternative designs and explain how uncontrolled concurrency can be removed from the code. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resource space view tour mechanism
Authors: Liu Jin , Li Xiang , Feng Liang
Published: November 2007

The resource space model is a new semantic data model for managing various resources. On the basis of the model, this paper proposes a view mechanism for finding and reusing legacy resource spaces according to users' idiosyncratic interests. It establishes a flexible reorganizing mechanism of legacy resource spaces to reduce redundant work. As a viewpoint organization strategy, the resource subject tree is proposed as an effective way of discovering desirable resource space views. A case study is presented to demonstrate the proposed approach. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From complex conflicts to stable cooperation: Cases in environment and security
Authors: Scheffran Jürgen , Hannon Bruce
Published: November 2007

Conflict is a dynamic and complex form of human interaction, often emerging from incompatible actions, values, and goals and consuming a considerable amount of resources. Conflicts are an expression of and a contribution to system instability and may lead to chaotic escalation between adversaries, causing a breakdown of social and natural systems. To resolve conflicts, the actors can adjust their actions toward cooperatively stabilizing their interaction and form stable coalitions. To study the dynamics of conflict and the evolution of cooperation, we introduce an integrated framework for modeling the interaction of multiple actors who pursue objectives by allocating their resources to various action paths. In repeated learning cycles, actors can adjust their actions and resources to those of other actors, thus shifting from conflict to cooperation. Within our general framework, it is possible to study the complexity and instability of multiactor constellations and the transition to cooperation for specific examples in a wide range of fields, including military security of missile defense systems and environmental conflicts in fishery management, energy, and climate change. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2007
Peroxisome biogenesis occurs in late dorsal‐anterior structures in the development of Xenopus laevis
Authors: Cooper Colin A. , Walsh Logan A. , Damjanovski Sashko
Published: November 2007

Metabolism and development are two important processes not often examined in the same context. The focus of the present study is the expression of specific peroxisomal genes, the subsequent biogenesis of peroxisomes, and their potential role in the metabolism associated with the development of Xenopus laevis embryos. The temporal and expression patterns of six peroxisomal genes (PEX5, ACO, PEX19, PMP70, PEX16, and catalase) were elucidated using RT‐PCR. Functionally related peroxisomal genes exhibited similar expression patterns with their RNA levels elevated relatively late during embryogenesis. Using immunohistochemistry PMP70 and catalase protein was localized largely to dorsal‐anterior structures. Peroxisomal function was assayed with peroxisomal targeted‐GFP, which when microinjected, revealed peroxisomes in dorsal‐anterior structures at stage 45. A requirement for peroxisomal function appears to be present only late in development as organogenesis is finishing, yolk stores are depleted, and ingestion commences. Developmental Dynamics 236:3554–3561, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phonological working memory in German children with poor reading and spelling abilities
Authors: Steinbrink Claudia , Klatte Maria
Published: November 2007

Deficits in verbal short‐term memory have been identified as one factor underlying reading and spelling disorders. However, the nature of this deficit is still unclear. It has been proposed that poor readers make less use of phonological coding, especially if the task can be solved through visual strategies. In the framework of Baddeley's phonological loop model, this study examined serial recall performance in German second‐grade children with poor vs good reading and spelling abilities. Children were presented with four‐item lists of common nouns for immediate serial recall. Word length and phonological similarity as well as presentation modality (visual vs auditory) and type of recall (visual vs verbal) were varied as within‐subject factors in a mixed design. Word length and phonological similarity effects did not differ between groups, thus indicating equal use of phonological coding and rehearsal in poor and good readers. However, in all conditions, except the one that combined visual presentation and visual recall, overall performance was significantly lower in poor readers. The results suggest that the poor readers' difficulties do not arise from an avoidance of the phonological loop, but from its inefficient use. An alternative account referring to unstable phonological representations in long‐term memory is discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A female‐specific pentraxin, CrOctin, bridges pattern recognition receptors to bacterial phosphoethanolamine
Authors: Li Yue , Ng P. Miang Lon , Ho Bow , Ding Jeak Ling
Published: November 2007

Pathogen recognition and binding are crucial functions of innate immunity. It has been observed that the short pentraxin superfamily including C‐reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid P component are pathogen pattern recognition receptors (PRR) in the plasma. We isolated and characterized a novel and distinctive pentraxin from the plasma of horseshoe crab, Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda, henceforth named CrOctin, which binds to bacteria via phosphoethanolamine (PE), a chemical component present on lipid A and core polysaccharide moieties of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Infection enhances the formation of the PRR interactome constituting CrOctin, CRP and galactose‐binding protein. In particular, infection increases the affinity of CRP to CrOctin by 1000‐fold. Furthermore, we observed that by binding to PE, CrOctin acts as a linker that bridges the PRR interactome to the inner core of LPS. On the other hand, under normal physiological conditions, binding of CrOctin to PE appears to obscure other PRR from interacting directly with PE. Interestingly, the cluster of “CrOctin‐interactive PRR” is sex specific. We report, for the first time, the change in PRR protein profiles with a distinctive gender difference during Pseudomonas infection.
IL‐15 mediates antigen‐induced neutrophil migration by triggering IL‐18 production
Authors: Verri Waldiceu A. , Cunha Thiago M. , Ferreira Sérgio H. , Wei Xiaoqing , Leung Bernard P. , Fraser Alasdair , McInnes Iain B. , Liew Foo Y. , Cunha Fernando Q.
Published: November 2007

We have investigated the mechanisms underlying IL‐15‐induced neutrophil migration into inflamed tissues. IL‐15 induced neutrophil migration to the peritoneal cavity in mice in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. The cell migration was not induced in IL‐18–/–, MIP‐1α (CCL3)–/–, TNFR1–/– or 5‐LOX–/– mice but was normal in IFN‐γ–/– mice. IL‐15‐induced neutrophil migration was inhibited by anti‐MIP‐2 (CXCL2) antibody or MK886 (leukotriene synthesis inhibitor). IL‐18‐induced neutrophil migration was also dependent on TNFR1, MIP‐1α, MIP‐2 and leukotriene. Consistent with this observation, IL‐15 induced IL‐18 production, and IL‐15 or IL‐18 injection induced the production of MIP‐2, MIP‐1α, TNF‐α and LTB4. In an antigen‐specific inflammation model, ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced neutrophil migration was completely inhibited by soluble IL‐15Rα (sIL‐15Rα) or anti‐MIP‐2 antibody. Furthermore, cell migration was absent in IL‐18–/–, MIP‐1α–/–, TNFR1–/–, or 5‐LOX–/– mice. OVA challenge induced the release of MIP‐2, MIP‐1α, TNF‐α and LTB4 in the peritoneal cavity in an IL‐15‐ and IL‐18‐dependent manner. We also found that neutrophils from the peripheral blood and synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis produced substantial amounts of IL‐18 and LTB4 following activation by IL‐15. Together, these results demonstrate that IL‐15 plays an important role in antigen‐induced neutrophil migration during inflammation, triggering a sequential OVA, IL‐15, IL‐18, MIP‐2, MIP‐1α, TNF‐α, LTB4 and neutrophil migration signaling cascade.
Ca‐Mediated Styrene Polymerization: Tacticity Control by Ligand Design
Authors: Piesik Dirk F.‐J. , Häbe Karin , Harder Sjoerd
Published: November 2007

New heteroleptic benzylcalcium complexes with modified fluorenyl ligands were prepared which include a complex with a chelating dimethylamino substituent, [9‐(2‐Me2N‐ethyl)fluorenyl][2‐Me2N‐α‐Me3Si‐benzyl]Ca (4), and a series of complexes with bulky substituents like tBu‐, Ph(Me)2C‐, Me(Ph)2C‐ and Me(4‐tBuC6H4)2C‐ in the 2‐ and 7‐positions of the fluorenyl ligand (complexes 5 through 9, respectively). Crystal structures of 4, [(2,7‐tBu‐9‐Me3Si‐fluorenyl)(2‐Me2N‐benzyl)Ca]2 (5) and [2,7‐Ph(Me)2C‐9‐Me3Si‐fluorenyl][2‐Me2N‐α‐Me3Si‐benzyl]Ca·THF (6) show that modification of the fluorenyl ligand hardly affects the coordination mode of the benzylic ligand. Also, in solution all compounds are of heteroleptic nature and it was shown that fluorenyl modifications hardly affect the barriers for inversion at the chiral benzylic carbon atom [18.7(2)–19.2(2) kcal/mol]. Complex 4 does not initiate styrene polymerization, which underscores the importance of a free coordination site at calcium. Complexes 5–9 initiate styrene polymerization, and the syndiotacticity of the obtained polymers increases with the bulkiness of the substituents on the fluorenyl ligands. Syndiotacticities up to r = 95 % (rr = 90 %) were obtained.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
C–S Bond Activation and Partial Hydrogenation of Thiophene by a Dinuclear Trihydride Platinum Complex
Authors: Nova Ainara , Novio Fernando , González‐Duarte Pilar , Lledós Agustí , Mas‐Ballesté Rubén
Published: November 2007

[(dppp)2Pt2H3]ClO4 [I, dppp = Ph2P(CH2)3PPh2] was found to activate the C–S bond and to cause partial hydrogenation of thiophene. Thus, the reaction of I with neat thiophene (T) at reflux temperature yields [(dppp)Pt(SC4H4‐C,S)] (II) and [(dppp)2Pt2(μ‐SC4H5‐C,S)]ClO4 (III) at a 2:3 molar ratio. The same reaction in toluene or benzene solvent affords the same complexes II and III but in a 1:9 molar ratio. The concomitant formation of II and III was interpreted on the basis of theoretical calculations (DFT), which have provided a detailed insight into the reaction mechanism. Thus, the presence of T causes I to dissociate into [(dppp)PtH2] and [(dppp)PtH(C4H4S‐κS)], this process being a common step for the two ensuing reaction pathways. After dissociation, the activation of the thiophene C–S bond to yield II involves participation of [(dppp)PtH2] exclusively. However, the reaction leading to III requires the internal migration of the coordinated hydride to the thiophene ligand in [(dppp)PtH(C4H4S‐κS)] and the subsequent assistance of the {(dppp)Pt} fragment formed from [(dppp)PtH2] by hydrogen elimination. As a result of the involvement of [(dppp)PtH2] in the formation of both II and III, the two reaction pathways are competitive. The reactivity of II and III with various sources of hydride ligands and different protonic acids has also been examined. Thus, the reaction of II with HBF4 leads to the thiolate‐bridged dinuclear complex [(dppp)2Pt2(μ‐SC4H5)2](BF4)2 (IV). In the case of III the addition of HBF4 leads to [(dppp)2Pt2(μ‐SC4H6)](BF4)2 (V), which transforms into III by the addition of a base. The X‐ray structural characterization of the unprecedented complex V is reported here.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Towards A,D‐(1,10‐Phenanthroline)‐Bridged Calix[6]arene Dendrimers
Authors: Eggert Jan P. W. , Lüning Ulrich
Published: November 2007

5‐Bromo‐2,9‐bis(bromomethyl)‐1,10‐phenanthroline (5) has been synthesized starting from 5‐bromo‐2,9‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline (1) in overall yields of up to 53 % by two approaches. Next, calix[6]arene (7) was bridged with 5, giving the A,D‐bridged bimacrocyle 9 in 42 % yield. Under application of Sonogashira reaction conditions, trimethylsilyl‐protected ethyne was first coupled to the 5‐position of the 1,10‐phenanthroline, and the ethyne unit was then deprotected and connected with 1,3,5‐triiodobenzene (12) as a trivalent core. A trimeric first‐generation dendrimer 13 was formed, together with a Glaser dimer sideproduct, and could be isolated in 36 % yield. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Synthesis of 3‐Alkynylselenophene Derivatives by a Copper‐Free Sonogashira Cross‐Coupling Reaction
Authors: Alves Diego , dos Reis Joel S. , Luchese Cristiane , Nogueira Cristina W. , Zeni Gilson
Published: November 2007

3‐Iodoselenophene derivatives undergo direct Sonogashira cross‐coupling reactions with several terminal alkynes in the presence of a catalytic amount of Pd(PPh3)2Cl2 in DMF with Et3N as the base under cocatalyst‐free conditions. This cross‐coupling reaction proceeded cleanly under mild conditions and was performed with propargylic alcohols and propargylic ethers, as well as alkyl, vinyl and aryl alkynes to furnish the corresponding 3‐alkynylselenophenes in good‐to‐excellent yields.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Pachychalines A–C: Novel 3‐Alkylpyridinium Salts from the Marine Sponge Pachychalina sp.
Authors: Laville Rémi , Thomas Olivier P. , Berrue Fabrice , Reyes Fernando , Amade Philippe
Published: November 2007

Three 3‐alkylpyridinium salts, pachychalines A (1), B (2) and C (3), were isolated from the Caribbean marine spongePachychalina sp. (order Haplosclerida). They are the first examples of 3‐(aminoalkyl)pyridinium salts. Their chemical structures were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy and detailed ESI HRMS–MS analysis. The total synthesis of 1 allowed the confirmation of the unusual C–C connection between both pyridinium moieties. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Purported Synthesis of 3,4,7,8‐Tetraphenyl‐1,2,5,6‐tetraazocine from Benzil and Hydrazine: Competing Cyclization and Carbon–Carbon σ‐Bond Scission
Authors: Eisch John J. , Chan Tsz Y. , Gitua John N.
Published: November 2007

The claims that 3,4,7,8‐tetraphenyl‐1,2,5,6‐tetraazocine can be prepared by the thermal condensation of two moles of benzil monohydrazone or of an equimolar mixture of benzil and benzil dihydrazone have been thoroughly reinvestigated. When such thermolyses were conducted in moist air, neither the claimed 3,4,7,8‐tetraphenyl‐1,2,5,6‐tetraazocine nor the precedented isomeric tetraazapentalene derivative was detected. The following products were unambiguously formed from the heating of molten benzil monohydrazone (%): benzil (10), benzaldehyde (10), benzamide (22), benzyl phenyl ketone (19), benzil bis(ketazine) (11), 3,4,5,6‐tetraphenylpyridazine (9), benzil benzaldehyde azine (10), and, after column chromatography, 2,4,5‐triphenylimidazole (2). This last component had a melting point and the fluorescent properties in UV light attributed by the original investigator to the mistakenly presumed 3,4,7,8‐tetraphenyl‐1,2,5,6‐tetraazocine. Thus, the original claims for the synthesis of such a novel tetraazocine ring or even for the synthesis of the precedented isomeric zwitterionic tetraazapentalene have now been repudiated. The formation of 2,4,5‐triphenylimidazole as a side reaction in the thermolysis of benzil monohydrazone can readily be rationalized as arising from benzil, benzaldehyde, and a source of ammonia, namely, benzamide, in the long‐known Radziszewski reaction. Corroborating evidence was provided by data from the thermolysis of benzil dihydrazone. In addition, the origin of other side products is explained in terms of other possible condensations. Finally, preliminary experiments on using irreversible dehydrating agents such as titanium(IV) isopropoxide with benzil monohydrazone indicate that 3,4,7,8‐tetraphenyl‐1,2,5,6‐tetraazocine is formed at room temperature as a transitory intermediate, which eliminates dinitrogen to produce 3,4,5,6‐tetraphenylpyridazine.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
2‐DE and MALDI‐TOF‐MS for a comparative analysis of proteins expressed in different cellular models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Di Poto Cristina , Iadarola Paolo , Bardoni Anna Maria , Passadore Ileana , Giorgetti Sofia , Cereda Cristina , Carrì Maria Teresa , Ceroni Mauro , Salvini Roberta
Published: November 2007

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective loss of motor neurons from the spinal cord and brain. About 10% of ALS cases are familial (FALS), and in 20% of these cases the disease has been linked to mutations in the Cu,Zn‐SOD1 gene. Although the molecular mechanisms causing these forms of ALS are still unclear, evidence has been provided that motor neurons injuries associated with mutant superoxide dismutase (SOD1)‐related FALS result from a toxic gain‐in‐fuction of the mutated enzyme. To understand better the role of these mutations in the pathophysiology of FALS we have compared the pattern of proteins expressed in human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cell line with those of cell lines transfected with plasmids expressing the wild‐type human SOD1 and the H46R and G93A mutants. 2‐DE coupled to MALDI‐TOF‐MS were the proteomic tools used for identification of differentially expressed proteins. These included cytoskeletal proteins, proteins that regulate energetic metabolism and intracellular redox conditions, and the ubiquitin proteasome system. The proteomic approach allowed to expand the knowledge on the pattern of proteins, with altered expression, which we should focus on, for a better understanding of the possible mechanism involved in mutated‐SOD1 toxicity. The cellular models considered in this work have also evidenced biochemical characteristics common to other SOD1‐mutated cellular lines connected to the pathogenesis of ALS.