bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in the Branching Pattern of the Radial Nerve Observed during Fixation of the Humerus Shaft: A Case Report
Authors: Deshmukh Dhananjay D
Published: February 2024

The posterior cord of the brachial plexus typically maintains a consistent branching pattern, and deviations from this norm are exceedingly rare. Even more infrequently encountered are variations in the branching pattern of the radial nerve. The current case report of a 45-year-old male patient presents a unique clinical scenario involving a middle third and distal third humerus shaft fracture, manifesting as the chief complaint of pain during movement, coupled with localised swelling. A posterior approach was employed for surgical intervention due to the expansile nature of the fracture within the middle and distal thirds. During the surgical exploration, an anomalous branching pattern of the radial nerve was observed when transitioning from the posterior to the anterior compartment. This atypical radial nerve branching consisted of a branch extending into the anterior compartment and an accompanying posteroinferior branch, which notably supplied the medial and long heads of the triceps muscle. The present case underscores the imperative role of the orthopaedic surgeon in considering the radial nerve's intricate anatomy while exposing and stabilising segmental humerus fractures. It is of paramount importance to exercise vigilance, as the conventional practice of splitting the triceps muscle should be abstained from until an unusual branching or splitting of the radial nerve is definitively ruled out. The present case report elucidates the significance of meticulous anatomical awareness and surgical technique when addressing such complex humeral fractures, offering insights into the management of these uncommon clinical presentations.
Comparison of Outcomes Regarding Weight Loss in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy vs Laparoscopic Mini Gastric Bypass in Morbidly Obese Patients- A Cohort Study
Authors: Verma Sandeep , Chatterjee Rituparna , Yadav Manoj , . Vidit , Arora Bhavinder Kumar , Jolly Harpreet Singh , Arya Prafull
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight for height (kg/m2 ) that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults. Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB) leads to improved quality of life, reduction in episodes of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), high patient acceptance, early safety, and efficacy. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) is a restrictive, irreversible procedure in which stomach capacity is markedly reduced by creating a lesser curvature tube. MGB is mildly restrictive but importantly, a malabsorptive operation. Many observational studies have concluded that better weight loss and diabetes remission are the advantages of MGB. However, comparative studies of outcomes and complications between Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) and MGB are still scarce. Aim: To compare the effectiveness and outcomes regarding weight loss after LSG and MGB in morbidly obese patients. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was carried out in the Department of Surgery of SPS Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India from 1st June 2018 to 31st May 2019. Adults between 20-70 years of age and with BMI >37.5 without co-morbidities, and BMI >32.5 with co-morbidities Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) were included. The authors included 59 patients; 34 patients underwent MGB (22 were female and 12 were male) and 25 patients underwent LSG (18 were female and 7 were male). A comparison of continuous variables between the study groups was done using the Student’s t-test. For comparing categorical data, a Chi-square (χ2 ) test was performed. Results: The overall % Excess Weight Loss (EWL) after MGB ranged from 27.74 to 62.32% with a mean of 44.88±17.44%. The overall % EWL after LSG ranged from 26.62 to 45.8% with a mean of 36.21±9.59%. (p<0.05) in % EWL at nine months in both procedures as MGB resulted in more % EWL than LSG. Perioperative results regarding the mean operative time for MGB was 3.24 hours and for LSG, 2.43 hours (p<0.05). A total of 50% (5/10) of patients who underwent MGB had remission, and 25% (1/4) of patients who underwent LSG had remission of T2DM after nine months (p>0.05). None of the patients required readmission post LSG, while 3% (1/34) required readmission post MGB. None of the patients had postoperative leakage in both groups. Conclusion: The better outcome was associated with MGB in terms of the percentage of Excess Weight Loss (EWL).
Leading in a Time of Crisis: The Coronavirus Effect on Leadership in America
Authors: Adigwe Chinasa Susan , Olaniyi Oluwaseun Oladeji , Olagbaju Oladotun Opeoluwa , Olaniyi Folashade Gloria
Published: February 2024

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented global health emergency, the study explores the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by leadership. The crisis, exemplified by issues such as the misinformation around Omicron Boosters in rural America, has brought to light the complex interplay between leadership, public health initiatives, and societal dynamics. This scenario underscores the study's aim: to analyze and understand the specific attributes, styles, and communication strategies that define effective crisis leadership within the American context. Adopting a quantitative research methodology, the study conducted a survey with 521 respondents, encompassing a diverse cross-section of American society, including members of minority communities, volunteers, students, healthcare workers, business owners, and residents of areas significantly impacted by the pandemic. The survey, focused on collecting data through a structured questionnaire, to assess the interplay between the independent variables (transparency, empathy, stakeholder engagement, context-sensitive leadership style, adaptable leadership styles, targeted communication, and culturally sensitive communication strategies) and the dependent variables (success of crisis leadership and improved crisis management), using Likert scale questions. The data collected were used to test the hypothesis, using regression analysis. The findings reveal significant insights: transparency, empathy, and engagement with stakeholders are crucial for successful crisis leadership; context-sensitive and adaptable leadership styles are more effective than rigid ones in diverse crisis scenarios; and targeted, culturally sensitive communication strategies significantly improve crisis management outcomes. These results underscore the multifaceted nature of crisis leadership and the importance of nuanced, adaptable approaches in times of uncertainty while the study agrees with the assertions of McGregor Burns (2004) and Kouzes and Posner (2023) on the leader’s competencies as key to successful leadership in moments of crisis, this study further reveals the vitality of stakeholders’ engagement and contributions in crisis leadership. Also, while the study’s findings align with those of Erickson (2021) on transparency in communication, the study further reveal that exhibiting empathy along with transparency is very essential in crisis leadership. Therefore, the study recommends developing leadership qualities that emphasize transparency, empathy, and stakeholder engagement, and enhancing adaptability in leadership styles. Additionally, it highlights the need for culturally sensitive communication strategies, tailored to diverse audiences.
Political Leader’s Background Effect on Health Status in Africa: Do Foreign Education Matter?
Authors: Fosso Eric Brice Ngatsi , Houmpe Donal Ajoumessi , Nkwenty Zonyin Obertine
Published: February 2024

It is increasingly recognised in the economic literature that political leader is a major actor in the development process of his country. As public resources become scarce against growing needs due to demographic pressure, leaders are faced with the trade-off between development policies. Hence the need to determine the factors motivating their public policy preferences. This paper focuses on the intrinsic motivations, including the leader’s background, in health policy outcomes. In a sample of 31 African countries over the period 1984-2015, for a total of 134 leaders, we show through fixed and random effect, OLS and GCM, Drisc/Kraay and GMM methods that high educated leaders preside over periods of increased life expectancy. However, their place of education, especially foreign western education, confronts them with numerous constraints, making the effect of their stay in the West on the health status of their native country negative. The study contributes to the emerging literature on political leaders theory by providing further evidence that the background of the incumbent political ruler is likely to shape his or her economic policy preferences and hence health outcome.
Organic Farming in Agricultural Practices: A Review
Authors: Singh Monalisa , Jaswal Yukta , Manavi  , Mishra Saket , Kushwaha Akhilesh , Ekka Shashi Kant , Kujur Reena
Published: February 2024

Creating sufficient food to address the issues of a developing populace has forever been the biggest worry of food strategy creators all over the planet. The review showed that the main benefits of organic farming are ecological insurance and a higher flexibility to natural changes, expanding ranchers' pay and lessening outside input cost, upgrading social limit and expanding work open doors. As well as upgrading food security essentially by expanding the food buying force of nearby individuals. Notwithstanding, the fundamental difficulties of this food creation framework incorporate lower yields in contrast with traditional frameworks, challenges with soil supplement the board, confirmation and market obstructions, and the instructive and research necessities of little holders. The paper infers that despite the fact that OF could introduce a few huge difficulties to limited scope ranchers, it could/ ought to enhance the overall soil health.
Concentration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Water from Hand-dug Wells in Some Communities in Ekpeyeland, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Ekpete, O. A.  , Edori, O. S.  , Okidhika, C. U.
Published: February 2024

Well water sources from selected communities in Ekpeyeland were assessed for the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The assessment was conducted seasonally in six communities. The concentrations of the PAHs were determined using standard methods and procedures and finally quantified by the use of GC-MS chromatography. The result showed the presence of all the 16 USEPA priority PAHs in the examined water samples. Seasonal variations were not significant. The summed values of PAHs from stations and seasons were above the permissible limit required for by WHO. Classification of the different categories of PAHs identified higher molecular weight (HMW) PAHs more in concentration than lower molecular weight (LMW) PAHs in the wells. Source identification proved that both pyrogenic and petrogenic sources were responsible for the presence of PAHs in the well water. However, pyrogenic source was the more prominent source of PAHs in the water. There was high level of carcinogenic PAHs in the water and thus the water portends danger to the users. Therefore, the locals are advised not to consume the water to avoid its effect on the long run.
Factors Affecting the Safety Profile of Intravenous Levetiracetam Used for Controlling Seizures in Children: A Literature Review
Authors: Alakhdar Samah Alyamani Abdalkarim
Published: February 2024

The administration of intravenous levetiracetam (IV-LEV) serves as a significant therapeutic approach for managing seizures in pediatric patients. The major factors that are involved in the equation determinants contain pharmacokinetic parameters, such as dosage regimen, drug interactions, and patient-specific factors including age, weight, and underlying comorbidities. Furthermore, attention is given to potential adverse effects, including hypersensitivity reactions, renal impairment, and central nervous system manifestations. Clinical trials, observational studies, and pharmacovigilance data contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of the drug’s safety, shedding light on optimal dosing strategies and risk mitigation techniques. Understanding these intricate factors is paramount for healthcare providers to ensure efficacious seizure control while minimizing potential harms associated with IV-LEV administration in children. This abstract examines the multifaceted factors that influence the safety profile of IV-LEV in this vulnerable pediatric population. This literature review explores the various factors influencing the safety profile of intravenous levetiracetam (IV-LEV) in its application for seizure management in pediatric patients. Based upon a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed articles, clinical trials, and observational studies, the review synthesizes findings related to pharmacokinetic variables, dosage considerations, and potential drug interactions. Additionally, patient-specific determinants, encompassing age-related variations, weight-based dosing implications, and the impact of comorbid conditions, are critically evaluated.
Monitoring Temperature and Humidity in Biomass Gasification Using Arduino Technology
Authors: Nzihou Jean Fidele , Zoundi Ousmane , Hamidou Salou , Segda Bila Gerard , Ouattara Frederic
Published: February 2024

Gasification of biomass can be done with pure oxygen or with ambient air. We have chosen gasification with ambient air in our project for costs considerations. Relative humidity (RH) of the air we used with a downdraft co-current gasifier is monitored in this paper. RH sensor used in this paper presents a capacitor which depends on the amount of water contained in the gaseous mixture. That RH, behaving as a variable capacitor is inserted in serial with the RC circuit of an astable multivibrator. Frequency of the oscillator is dependent of the resistance and the capacity which depends on the RH. We have inserted the RH sensor as a variable capacitor in the RC circuit of a NE555 oscillator. From the RH sensor datasheet, a mathematical model has been developed and the equation giving RH found to be $$Rh=496,23 * ( {1.44*T \over (R_4+2R_2 )* C_55}) -443,26.$$ The frequency of the oscillator is calculated with Arduino and the RH is deduced. Temperature can be measured with a K type thermocouple from 25 to 1024C with accuracy of +/-1.5C.The effect of temperature on the RH is also taken into account. Using Arduino Uno3 as a computer, we have calculated corrected RH respective to temperature and displayed both ambient and real RH on 20 columns with 4 lines LCD display. Arduino has also enabled us to save measured data in an Excel sheet, allowing us to analyses measured temperature and RH and plot different curves from it. The same circuit is also used to monitor RH of produced synthesis gas. Results of the Arduino temperature and monitoring system shows that visual observation of air and human feeling can be very misleading in respect to the air RH.
Strategies and Outcomes in Bee Conservation: Evaluating Impact on Pollination Ecosystems
Authors: Sahu Deepika , Dansena Durge , Sharma Khushboo , Gupta Priya
Published: February 2024

Pollination stands as a crucial process vital for ecosystem maintenance, with pollinators serving as pivotal vectors. Approximately 80% of pollination relies on insects, with bees emerging as primary contributors. Their significant role in ecosystem services and economic value cannot be overstated, given that approximately 30% of food sources directly or indirectly rely on honeybee pollination. Additionally, honeybees provide essential products such as honey, propolis, beeswax, and venom. However, the alarming decline in honeybee populations due to various threats, including habitat loss from land use intensification, pesticides, climate change, pathogens, parasites, diseases, invasive species, and nutritional deficiencies, poses a grave concern. To ensure the conservation of honeybees and sustain pollination for future generations, a multifaceted approach is imperative. Key strategies include promoting beekeeping in urban areas to provide alternative habitats, implementing pesticide bans to mitigate harmful effects, fostering genetic resistance to combat diseases, establishing wildflower strips to enhance foraging resources, employing biocontrol agents for pest management, ensuring proper nutrition through diverse floral resources, and implementing effective sterilization techniques. Evaluating the impact of these conservation efforts on pollination ecosystems is paramount for assessing their efficacy and guiding future conservation initiatives.
Sonographic Measurement of the Liver in a Private Care Setting in Chattogram, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Istiaque , Mannan Shamsun Nahar B.
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The liver is one of the principal organs of our body involved in over 500 physiological functions related to metabolism, digestion, immunity, and storage of nutrients, which makes it an essential organ to preserve life. The aim of my study is to measure the different size of the liver   sonographically in a randomly selected patients sample and identify factors that affect liver size.

Methods: In this cross sectional study100 subjects were evaluated for liver length in a private care setting during a one-year study period from 01.01.2021 to 31.12.2021 after informed written consent.  Diagnosis of liver diseases, gender differences, liver and non -liver involvements and risk factors were obtained from the subjects. Sonographic measurements of the liver in centimeters were taken from the participants.

Results: The average liver size in the midclavicular line was 15.0 ± 1.5 cm; the average for females was 14.9 ± 1.6 cm and 15.1 ± 1.5 cm for males. 29% of all patients were male with various liver pathologies while 47% of patients were both male and female but shared the same liver pathology, the remaining 24% of patients were female with different pathologies of the liver. Minimum age of the study population was 6 years and the maximum age were 82 years. Regarding occupations of study population, 16% were doing service,29% were housewives,18% were students. Most of the study subjects were from Chattogram (98%) and 32% of the patients had a history of smoking. Liver size exceeded 16 cm in 53% of patients had liver or non-liver involvement and 47% are liver involvement. The fatty changes in the liver Grade I were the most common finding (36%).

Conclusions:  Sonographic measurement of liver length can lead to early diagnosis of various liver diseases.
The City as Dining Room, Market and Farm
Authors: Franck Karen A
Published: September 2005

Food has been sold on the street ever since people have lived in town settlements. Encouraging social exchange and interaction, the public consumption of food brings vitality and conviviality to urban life. In recent years, the sale of food in upmarket cafés and speciality shops has intensified, becoming a tool of urban regeneration. Here, Karen A. Franck, the guest‐editor of this issue, introduces the themes behind ‘Food + the City’ and suggests why architects and planning professionals should pay attention to ‘the city's multiple functions as dining room, market and farm’.
Raw, Medium, Well Done: A Typological Reading of Australian Eating Places
Authors: Hurst Rachel , Lawrence Jane
Published: September 2005

Taking their cue from the culinary criteria most often applied to the cooking of a beefsteak, Rachel Hurst and Jane Lawrence develop a taxonomy of design for eating establishments in Australia. They find examples of the ‘raw’ in Melbourne's buzzing Centre Place, the ‘medium’ in a chain of Italian restaurants in Adelaide, and the ‘well done’ at The Restaurant at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
Blurring Boundaries, Defining Places: The New Hybrid Spaces of Eating
Authors: Satler Gail
Published: September 2005

Restaurants and food franchises have become ubiquitous in public spaces around the world, whether one is visiting a museum or concert hall in Europe, Asia or North America, or places of interchange, such as railway stations and airports. Gail Satler discusses the spatial and social transformation that the placement and design of these dining spaces and food stalls have effected, as they invite and guide movement not only within their immediate environment, but also across the greater cityscape.
Out of the Kitchen and onto the Footpath
Authors: Carter Louisa
Published: September 2005

In Brisbane, southeast Queensland, the number of people eating out in restaurants has increased almost fourfold in just over a decade. The emergence of public dining places on the footpaths has reinvented the city. Louisa Carter looks beyond the attractive veneer of well‐clipped vegetation and heritage street furniture to the socioeconomic and political forces behind the development, and asks whether as a trend it is effectively cocooning urban residents ‘in comfort and convenience’ and is in danger of creating an artificial urban panacea.
Self‐Build Housing in Peckham
Authors: Stewart Bruce
Published: September 2005

Bruce Stewart discovers the whys and wherefores of self‐build for both architects and occupiers at a new development in south London.
Creep mechanism of porous MCFC Ni anodes strengthened by Ni3Al
Authors: Kim Yun‐Sung , Lim Jun‐Heok , Chun Hai‐Soo
Published: September 2005

Creep tests were conducted to measure the creep rates of pure Ni, Ni/7wt%Ni3Al, and Ni/5wt%Ni3Al/5wt%Cr anodes for MCFCs. The resulting creep rates were well modeled by a creep rate equation. During the initial stage of sintering, the creep mechanism was affected by the microstructure, and geometry referred to the macroscopic shapes of the porous anodes. For the Ni/7wt%Ni3Al and Ni/5wt%Ni3Al/5wt%Cr anodes, the creep rate varied nonlinearly with time, obeying a power law with an exponent of n < 1, in contrast to the behavior of high‐density materials, which exhibit linear Nabarro‐Herring or Coble creep when subjected to an applied load. Compared to the pure Ni anode, the anodes containing Ni3Al showed considerably increased creep resistance due to the impeding of mass transport of nickel particles in the anode when it was subjected to a compressive load. Collectively, the present results suggest that Ni/7wt%Ni3Al and Ni/5wt%Ni3Al/5wt%Cr anodes simultaneously have high creep resistance, and thus may represent a viable alternative porous anode for use in MCFC. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Ring chromosome 9 [r(9)(p24q34)]: A report of two cases
Authors: Purandare Smita M. , Lee Jiyun , Hassed Susan , Steele Marilyn I. , Blackett Piers R. , Mulvihill John J. , Li Shibo
Published: September 2005

We report clinical and molecular cytogenetic studies in two patients with ring chromosome 9. Cytogenetics and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using the p16 gene probe on 9p21, the ABL gene on 9q34, chromosome 9 alpha satellite‐centromeric probes, and TelVision 9p and 9q probes which identify subtelomere‐specific sequences on chromosome 9p and 9q, revealed 46,XX,r(9)(p24q34).ish r(9)(305J7‐T7‐,p16+,ABL+, D9S325−) and 46XY,r(9)(p24q34).ish r(9)(305J7‐T7‐,p16+,ABL+, D9S325−). Based on FISH analysis at least 115 kb was deleted on terminal 9p, and at least 95 kb from terminal 9q. In comparison with other reports of r(9), deletion 9p, and deletion 9q, both patients had clinical characteristics of ring 9 and additional features of deletion 9q or deletion 9p syndrome. The variability between the two cases with r(9) despite similar breakpoints identified by GTG‐banding and FISH may be explained by submicroscopic differences between deletion breakpoints, ring instability, interaction of other genes on the phenotype, and variation in fetal environmental conditions. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complete trisomy 1q with mosaic Y;1 translocation: A recurrent aneuploidy presenting diagnostic dilemmas
Authors: Scheuerle Angela , Heller Karen , Elder Frederick
Published: September 2005

We present a case of a liveborn male with complete trisomy 1q in mosaic form due to a de novo unbalanced translocation. There are seven previously documented cases of complete trisomy for 1q, which demonstrate that this is a lethal condition. All cases have similar phenotype including weights greater than 50th centile for gestational age, hydrocephalus, microphthalmia, abnormal ears, small mouth or jaw, and abnormal fingers. Single umbilical artery, imperforate anus, and dysplastic kidneys are also seen in more than one patient. Five of the eight translocation cases have identical chromosomal breakpoints involving 1q and Yq. This suggests the possibility of sequence similarities on these two chromosomes as has been documented with several other recurrent chromosomal rearrangements. Further, this case demonstrates the need for postnatal genetics evaluation following prenatal diagnosis. In postnatal testing, the aneuploidy could not be demonstrated in metaphase cells from cultured lymphocytes. More detailed testing prompted by abnormal amniocentesis and neonatal dysmorphology was necessary to confirm the cytogenetic diagnosis. Without the prenatal diagnosis, it is likely that the true cytogenetic aberration would have gone undetected. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Segmental and full paternal isodisomy for chromosome 14 in three patients: Narrowing the critical region and implication for the clinical features
Authors: Kagami Masayo , Nishimura Gen , Okuyama Torayuki , Hayashidani Michiko , Takeuchi Toshio , Tanaka Shinya , Ishino Fumitoshi , Kurosawa Kenji , Ogata Tsutomu
Published: September 2005

We report on segmental and full paternal isodisomy for chromosome 14 in three previously unreported Japanese patients. Patient 1 was a $5{\raise0.5ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 6$}\kern-0.1em/\kern-0.15em\lower0.25ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle {12}$}}$‐year‐old girl, Patient 2 was a male neonate, and Patient 3 was a $6{\raise0.5ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 7$}\kern-0.1em/\kern-0.15em\lower0.25ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle {12}$}}$‐year‐old girl. Physical examination at birth showed various somatic features characteristic of paternal uniparental disomy for chromosome 14 (upd(14)pat) such as hairy forehead, protruding philtrum, micrognathia, small thorax, and abdominal wall defects in Patients 1–3, and the constellation of somatic features was persistently observed in Patients 1 and 3. Radiological studies at birth delineated unique bell‐shaped thorax with coat‐hanger appearance of the ribs in Patients 1–3, but the thoracic deformity ameliorated in Patients 1 and 3 by mid childhood. Chromosome analysis showed a 46,XX karyotype in Patients 1 and 3 and was not performed in Patient 2. Microsatellite analysis indicated full paternal isodisomy for chromosome 14 in Patients 1 and 2 and segmental paternal isodisomy for chromosome 14 distal to D14S981 at 14q23.3 in Patient 3. Methylation specific PCR assay for the differentially methylated region (DMR) of GTL2 at 14q32 yielded positive products with methylated allele specific primers and no products with unmethylated allele specific primers in Patients 1–3. Since clinical phenotype was similar between Patient 3 with segmental upd(14)pat and Patients 1 and 2 with full upd(14)pat, the results are keeping with the 14q32 localized imprinted genes as the critical components of the phenotype observed in upd(14)pat and help narrow the search for additional genes to the ∼40 Mb region distal to D14S981. Furthermore, it is likely that the characteristic thoracic deformity ameliorates with age. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FISH‐mapping of telomeric 14q32 deletions: Search for the cause of seizures
Authors: Schlade‐Bartusiak Kamilla , Costa Teresa , Summers Anne M. , Nowaczyk Malgorzata J.M. , Cox Diane W.
Published: September 2005

Ring chromosome 14 is a rare cytogenetic disorder. Individuals with r(14) generally have developmental delay and seizures. Other features include hypotonia, microcephaly, mild facial dysmorphism, and retinal pigmentation. Most of these features are also found in patients with linear terminal deletions of chromosome 14, except for seizures and retinal abnormalities. The objective of the study was to determine if deletion of a specific chromosome region is a possible explanation for the occurrence of seizures in patients with ring chromosome 14. Patients diagnosed either with r(14) (six patients) or a deletion of distal 14q (three patients) were analyzed by FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) with BAC probes. We observed differences in the size of deletions in the studied group. In two r(14) patients, we did not detect any deletion; the four other patients had deletions of various sizes, ranging from 0.8 Mb to 5 Mb. Two linear deletions were 3.2 Mb and 5.3 Mb in length, respectively; the third case had an interstitial deletion that did not overlap with the others. The deleted regions in ring chromosomes showed overlap with those in the two linear terminal deletions. We conclude that there is unlikely to be a specific deleted locus in 14q32.3 that predisposes r(14) patients to seizures or retinal pigmentation. The cause is probably related to the formation of the ring itself and the effect this may have on local chromatin structure. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Confirmation of association between the Val66Met polymorphism in the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene and bipolar I disorder
Authors: Lohoff F.W. , Sander T. , Ferraro T.N. , Dahl J.P. , Gallinat J. , Berrettini W.H.
Published: September 2005

Recent studies have indicated that the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene is involved in the etiology of bipolar disorder (BPD). Two family‐based association studies showed that the Val allele of the functional polymorphism Val66Met in the BDNF gene is associated with BPD; however, others could not confirm the results. Here we performed a replication study in an independent sample and tested the hypothesis that the Val66 allele in the BDNF gene confers susceptibility to bipolar I disorder (BPI). Six hundred twenty‐one patients with BPI and 998 control subjects were genotyped for the Val66Met polymorphism. All cases and controls were of European descent. All BPI patients had a positive family history of affective disorder. The frequency of the Val allele was significantly increased in BPI patient when compared to controls (χ2 = 4.8; df = 1; P = 0.028; two‐sided; OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.02–1.47). Results confirm previous findings and suggest that the Val allele increases risk for BPI in patients of European descent. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the involvement of the BDNF gene in the pathophysiology of BPD. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cover Picture: Hexakis(trimethylsilyl)tetrahedranyltetrahedrane (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 36/2005)
Authors: Tanaka Masanobu , Sekiguchi Akira
Published: September 2005

Extreme shortening of a CC bond results from an increase in the s character of the bond orbitals, as is found in hexakis(trimethylsilyl)tetrahedranyltetrahedrane, which is depicted in the cover picture. Although a decade ago nobody assumed that such a derivative could be isolated, in their Communication on page 5821 ff. A. Sekiguchi and M. Tanaka describe the synthesis and characterization of this highly sought after target, which agrees perfectly with theoretical predictions.
One‐Bead–One‐Inhibitor–One‐Substrate Screening of Neuraminidase Activity
Authors: Ying Laiqiang , Gervay‐Hague Jacquelyn
Published: September 2005

Given the eminent threat of a 21st century flu pandemic, the search for novel antiviral compounds is an increasingly important area of research. Recent developments in antiviral research have established the viability of targeting viral neuraminidase (NA), an enzyme that cleaves sialic acid from the cell‐surfacemediating passage of the virus in the respiratory tract. N‐acetyl neuraminic acid (NeuAc) is the substrate for NA, and analogues of this core structure have been commercialized as antiviral therapeutics. Recent studies have established that this system is well suited for combinatorial approaches to drug discovery. An important step in the process is to develop solid‐phase screening technologies. The feasibility of performing competitive solid‐phase NA assays is reported herein. Initially, a fluorogenic NeuAc substrate was immobilized on solid support, and the ability of three NAs (Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella typhimurium, and Vibrio cholerae) to cleave the substrate was shown to be analogous to solution‐phase assays. The solid support was then bifunctionalized with the fluorogenic NeuAc substrate and one of two known inhibitors (DANA and Zanamivir). The ability of NA to cleave NeuAc from the solid support when simultaneously presented with an inhibitor was shown to be enzyme dependent. As expected, simultaneous presentation of NeuAc and DANA, a nonspecific inhibitor, led to diminished activity for all three enzymes tested. In contrast, dual presentation of NeuAc and the selective inhib‐ itor Zanamivir only showed significant activity against Vibrio cholerae.
Fabrication of TlBa2CaCu2O7c‐Axis Oriented Films Through a Hybrid In‐Situ MOCVD Process
Authors: Malandrino G. , Perdicaro L. M. S. , Condorelli G. G. , Cassinese A. , Prigiobbo A. , Fragalà I. L.
Published: September 2005

The first procedure for a novel, hybrid, in‐situ, MOCVD synthesis of superconducting TlBaCaCuO thin films on 10 mm × 10 mm (100) LaAlO3 substrates is reported. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analyses have shown the selective growth of epitaxial TlBa2CaCu2O7 (Tl‐1212) films. The XRD patterns indicate that samples are highly c‐axis oriented, and the (103) pole figure points to a good in‐plane alignment. SEM images show highly homogeneous, smooth surfaces with a plate‐like structure.
Synthesis and Characterisation of [Re(CO)3(SS)(P)] Complexes: A [2+1] Concept for 99mTc‐ and 188Re‐Radiopharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Riondato Mattia , Camporese Davide , Martín David , Suades Joan , Alvarez‐Larena Angel , Mazzi Ulderico
Published: September 2005

A new (SS)(P) coordination set based on the concurrent use of a dithiocarbamate and a functionalised phosphane is reported. The (SS)(P) fashion is achieved by applying the [2+1] mixed‐ligand concept and makes it possible to obtain stable rhenium tricarbonyl complexes without employing tripodal bifunctional chelating agents (BFCAs). The coordination chemistry of the simple sodium N,N‐dimethyldithiocarbamate and new functionalised phosphanes L1–L3 [L1 = Ph2PCH2CH2C(O)OCH3, L2 = Ph2PCH2CH2C(O)NHCH2C(O)OCH3, L3 = Ph2PCH2CH2C(O)NHCH2CH2C(O)OCH3] was studied by reaction with the rhenium complex [NEt4]2[fac‐Re(CO3)Br3]. The rhenium tricarbonyl core was found to be stabilised by the SS chelation of dithiocarbamate and by the P coordination of the phosphane. Two synthetic pathways leading to the complexes [fac‐Re(CO)3(L)(MDTC)] (L = L1, L2, L3; MDTC = N,N‐dimethyldithiocarbamate) are described. The structural characterisation of the isolated complexes by spectroscopic methods is reported, including X‐ray crystallographic analysis for rhenium complexes with ligands L1 and L3. The homologous Tc‐99m compounds with the same (SS)(P) coordination set were prepared at tracer level with the L2 and L3 ligands, and characterised by HPLC methods. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Biomimetic Thiolate Alkylation with Zinc Pyrazolylbis(thioimidazolyl)borate Complexes
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed M. , He Guosen , Seebacher Jan , Benkmil Boumahdi , Vahrenkamp Heinrich
Published: September 2005

The NS2ZnX coordination in thiolate‐alkylating zinc enzymes is reproduced in (tripod)ZnX complexes with substituted pyrazolylbis(thioimidazolyl)borate tripod ligands. Intermediate (tripod)Zn nitrates and perchlorates are converted into (tripod)Zn thiolates, including the biologically relevant homocysteinate. Methylation with CH3I converts these to (tripod)ZnI and the corresponding thioethers CH3SR, including methionine. A kinetic investigation has shown the alkylations to be intramolecular SN2 processes that take place at the zinc‐bound thiolates. They are considerably faster for the (NS2)Zn thiolates than for the (N2S)‐ and (N3)Zn‐thiolates with similar pyrazolylborate‐derived tripod ligands, in agreement with Nature’s choice of an NS2 donor set for zinc. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Reactivity of 1‐Nitroso‐2‐naphthol Towards the Carbonyl Complexes XRe(CO)5 (X = Cl, Br, I): Molecular Structures of cis‐[η2‐{N,O‐C10H6ON(O)}Re(CO)4] and fac‐[η2‐{N,O‐C10H6ON(H)}Re(CO)3X]
Authors: Krinninger Christoph , Wirth Stefan , Ruiz Juan C. Galvez , Klüfers Peter , Nöth Heinrich , Lorenz Ingo‐Peter
Published: September 2005

The halogeno complexes (CO)5ReX (1a–c) (X = Cl, Br, I) react with 1‐nitroso‐2‐naphthol C10H6N(O)OH (2) in refluxing CH2Cl2 to give the substitution product cis‐(CO)4Re{C10H6ON(O)} (3) via HX and CO elimination in good yield. Compound 3 is coordinated to the Re centre by the bidentate chelate ligand via the N‐atom of the nitroso and O‐atom of the naphtholato groups. The same reaction in refluxing toluene, however, gave no HX elimination but instead, the fac‐(CO)3XRe{C10H6ON(H)} (4–6) complexes are formed, which contain the rare, N,O‐chelating ligand 1,2‐naphthaquinone‐2‐imine. The nitroso function of 2 has been reduced to the imine function by an intermolecular redox process, which was confirmed by the detection of CO2 generated during the reaction. The new compounds 3–6 have been characterised by their IR, 1H and 13C NMR, UV/Vis and mass spectra, as well as by X‐ray structure analyses. The ReI centres show a distorted octahedral coordination of the CO and X (in 4–6) ligands and the almost planar aromatic (3) or quinoid (4–6) N,O chelating ligands. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Self‐Assembly and Characterization of Grid‐Type Copper(I), Silver(I), and Zinc(II) Complexes
Authors: Patroniak Violetta , Stefankiewicz Artur R. , Lehn Jean‐Marie , Kubicki Maciej
Published: September 2005

The reactions of ligand L, which comprises two bidentate binding units, with copper(I), silver(I), and zinc(II) lead to the self‐assembly of the expected supramolecular architectures 1–3, respectively, of the [2 × 2] grid type, containing four ions in tetrahedral coordination sites. The grid‐type structures are assigned on the basis of the spectroscopic data in solution, and confirmed in the solid state in the case of complex 2 by X‐ray crystallography. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
The Role of [η2‐Bis(tert‐butylsulfonyl)acetylene](carbonyl)(η5‐cyclopentadienyl)cobalt(I) as an Intermediate in the Alkyne Dimerisation
Authors: Staeb Tobias H. , Chávez Jorge , Gleiter Rolf , Nuber Bernhard
Published: September 2005

Dicarbonyl(η5‐cyclopentadienyl)cobalt(I) (1) reacts with the electron‐poor alkyne bis(tert‐butylsulfonyl)acetylene to give the corresponding cyclobutadiene complex 6, whereas the reaction of [CpCo(CO)2] with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate yields the cyclopentadienone complex 7 under the same conditions. The cyclobutadiene complex 6 could not be obtained by the treatment of [η2‐bis(tert‐butylsulfonyl)acetylene](carbonyl)(η5‐cyclopentadienyl)cobalt(I) [3(H)] with an excess of bis(tert‐butylsulfonyl)acetylene. The same holds for the treatment of 3(H) with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate and bis(catecholatoboryl)acetylene. With these results we assume that the monoalkyne complex 3(H) is not an intermediate in the alkyne oligomerisation of electron‐poor alkynes, as was shown for electron‐rich ones. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
A Stable Trinuclear Zinc Cluster Assembled from a Thiazolylazo Dye and Zinc Acetate: Preparation, Structural Characterization and Spectroscopic Studies
Authors: Zhang Guoqi , Wang Shuangqing , Gan Quan , Zhang Yongfang , Yang Guoqiang , Shi Ma Jin , Xu Huijun
Published: September 2005

A thiazolylazo dye, 5‐(diethylamino)‐2‐(2‐thiazolylazo)phenol (HL), containing potential tridentate binding sites was synthesized in high yield and well characterized. In solution, the reaction of zinc acetate and the deprotonated ligand, L–, results in the instantaneous formation of the supramolecular trinuclear species [Zn3L2(OAc)4] (1). UV/Vis and 1H NMR spectroscopic titration experiments in solution confirmed that the ligand and zinc salt interact spontaneously with each other and produce exclusively the polymetallic complex with the metal‐to‐ligand ratio of 3:2. The crystal structures of both the ligand and coordination complex are reported in this paper. The aromatic part of HL is planar and, significantly, the intermolecular C–H···π hydrogen bonds and thiazo ring‐S···π weak interactions observed here should be responsible for the orthorhombic space group P212121. The structure of 1 reveals a linear trinuclear zinc cluster. The two L– units are linked to three zinc atoms in an N2O tridentate mode, and the four acetate anions are chelated to three metal centers as bridges to result in two pentacoordinate and one hexacoordinate zinc centers. The resulting bridging Zn1–Zn2–Zn1A array is linear by symmetry, with a nonbonding Zn···Zn distance of 3.390 Å and a Zn1···Zn2···Zn1A angle of 180.0°. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Synthesis and Structure of Neutral and Cationic Gallium Complexes Incorporating Bis(oxazolinato) Ligands
Authors: Dagorne Samuel , Bellemin‐Laponnaz Stéphane , Maisse‐François Aline , Rager Marie‐Noëlle , Jugé Lauriane , Welter Richard
Published: September 2005

The bis(oxazolinato)dimethylgallium complexes [{BOX‐Me2}GaMe2] (2a) and [{BOX‐(S)‐iPr}GaMe2] (2b) are easily obtained in nearly quantitative yield by a methane elimination reaction between GaMe3 and the corresponding bis(oxazoline) ligands {BOX‐Me2}H (1a) and {BOX‐(S)‐iPr}H (1b). Compound 2a was also synthesized by a salt metathesis involving the formation of the dichloro complex [{BOX‐Me2}GaCl2] by reaction of [(BOX‐Me2)Li] with GaCl3, followed by its in situ methylation with MeMgBr. The neutral complexes 2a and 2b are rapidly ionized by B(C6F5)3 to cations 3a+ and 3b+, respectively, which are either three‐coordinate methylgallium cations or four‐coordinate Ga solvent adducts, as their MeB(C6F5)3– salts. These cationic species exhibit a limited stability and decompose in solution within several hours at room temperature. However, stable four‐coordinate Ga‐NMe2Ph cations (4a+ and 4b+) are isolated in good yield when these ionization reactions are performed in the presence of a Lewis base such as NMe2Ph. Unlike that of B(C6F5)3, the reaction of [{BOX‐Me2}GaMe2] with[Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] quantitatively affords an unusual bis(imine)dimethylgallium cation {H2C=C(OX‐Me2)2}GaMe2+ (5a+) in a reaction that proceeds via a hydride abstraction occurring at the Me group located at the back of the bis(oxazolinato) ligand chelated to the Ga center in 2a. Overall, the reactivity and structural trends observed for the Ga derivatives are closely related to those of the Al analogs, with the Ga compounds being more stable. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Crystal Structure and Optical Properties of a Lanthanum(III) Complex of the Solvatochromic Dye “Nile Red”
Authors: Døssing Anders , Magnussen Magnus , Frey Anne Mette
Published: September 2005

A carbethoxy derivative of the push‐pull chromophore benzo[a]phenoxazin‐5‐one (Nile Red) forms chelate complexes of the trivalent lanthanide ions that are stable in coordinating solvents with a bathochromic shift of the intense charge‐transfer band in the Nile Red chromophore as a result. The complex formation results in quenching of the fluorescence from the free Nile Red ligand. Single crystals of a lanthanum(III) complex have been grown and the X‐ray crystal structure showed that two Nile Red ligands are coordinated to the metal centre. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Expeditious Solid‐Phase Synthesis of Pyrazoledicarboxylic Acid Derivatives by Functionalization of Resin‐Bound Cyanoformate
Authors: Morelli Carlo F. , Saladino Alberto , Speranza Giovanna , Manitto Paolo
Published: September 2005

Esterification of the Wang resin 5 with the monoamide of oxalic acid (oxamic acid, 7) followed by dehydration of the amide function furnishes the resin‐bound cyanoformate 9, which can be elaborated by zinc‐catalyzed reaction with β‐keto esters. The obtained enamino keto diesters 10a–d react with hydrazines affording, after removal from the solid support, fully substituted pyrazoledicarboxylic acids 12a–n. Optimization of the above sequence and the solid‐phase synthesis of a small test‐library of 1,5‐disubstituted pyrazole‐3,4‐dicarboxylic acid derivatives are described. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Turbo decoding of product codes for Gigabit per second applications and beyond
Authors: Cuevas Javier , Adde Patrick , Kerouedan Sylvie
Published: September 2005

The main purpose of this paper is to present a new turbo decoding architecture for high data rates with strong error correction power. We present the latest results on the block turbo decoder designs of product codes, using extended BCH codes correcting one and three errors. We present the architecture for decoding the product code BCH (32,26,4) ⊗ BCH (32,26,4) as well as the architecture for decoding the product code BCH (128,106,8) ⊗ BCH (128,106,8). In both cases, we use the concept of a parallel decoding architecture which stores several data at the same memory address (RAM). The decoder designs are based on soft input‐soft output (SISO) decoding, processingm = 2, 4 and 8 data simultaneously in order to increase the data rate. By usingmelementary decoders processingmdata at the same time, this new architecture increases the data rate by a factorm2, the area of themelementary decoders being approximately increased by a factorm2/2. But this new architecture uses only one RAM for decoding while a traditional design usesmmemories. In this paper, we compare the most important characteristics of the new design with those of a traditional architecture. To compare the performance and complexity of the decoders, we use C language for behavioural simulations, VHDL for functional simulations and Synopsys Design Compiler for the synthesis. Copyright © 2005 AEIT.
Determination of activation temperature of glass bulb sprinklers using a thermal liquid bath
Authors: Khan Mohammed M. , Chaffee Jeffrey L.
Published: September 2005

A thermal liquid bath was used to determine the activation temperature of a wide range of temperature rated (57–182°C) glass bulb (3 and 5 mm diameters) sprinklers using water and glycerine. An optical switch and a thermocouple were installed adjacent to each sprinkler (within 10 mm) to record the activation of each glass bulb in the liquid bath having a uniform temperature distribution (±0.5°C). All the tests for determining the activation temperatures of glass bulb sprinklers were conducted in the liquid bath using a 0.277°C/min rate of temperature rise. Based on a heat transfer analysis, this rate is within the maximum allowable rate of rise of water and glycerine temperatures, which allows the glass bulb temperature to closely follow the liquid temperature. The sprinkler activation temperature was evaluated in terms of percentage rating, which is expressed as the percent variation of the average activation temperature, as measured in the liquid bath, from the nominal rated temperature. Sprinklers (93°C rated or lower) activation temperatures in water were consistently within ±3.5% of rating. In glycerine, the activation temperatures of sprinklers rated between 93 and 182°C performed within 3.5% of their rating. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.