bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo MRI assessment of a novel GdIII‐based contrast agent designed for high magnetic field applications
Authors: de Sousa Paulo Loureiro , Livramento João Bruno , Helm Lothar , Merbach André E. , Même William , Doan Bich‐Thuy , Beloeil Jean‐Claude , Prata Maria I. M. , Santos Ana C. , C. Geraldes Carlos F. G. , Tóth Éva
Published: April 2008

Gd3L is a trinuclear Gd3+ complex of intermediate size, designed for contrast agent applications in high field magnetic resonance imaging (H12L is based on a trimethylbenzene core bearing three methylene‐diethylenetriamine‐ N,N,N″,N″‐tetraacetate moieties). Thanks to its appropriate size, the presence of two inner sphere water molecules and a fast water exchange, Gd3L has remarkable proton relaxivities at high magnetic field (r1 = 10.2 vs 3.0 mM−1 s−1 for GdDOTA at 9.4 T, 37°C, in H2O). Here we report an in vivo MRI feasibility study, complemented with dynamic γ scintigraphic imaging and biodistribution experiments using the 153Sm‐enriched analog. MRI experiments were performed at 9.4 T in mice with Gd3L and the commercial contrast agent gadolinium(III)‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetraacetate (GdDOTA). Gd3L was well tolerated by the animals at the dose of 8 µmol Gd kg−1 body weight. Dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) images showed considerably higher signal enhancement in the kidney medulla and cortex after Gd3L injection than after GdDOTA injection at an identical dose. The relaxation rates, ΔR1, were calculated from the IR TrueFISP data. During the excretory phase, the ΔR1 for various tissues was similar for Gd3L and GdDOTA, when the latter was injected at a three‐fold higher dose (24 vs 8 µmol Gd kg−1 body weight). These results point to an approximately three times higher in vivo relaxivity (per Gd) for Gd3L relative to GdDOTA, thus the ratio of the relaxivities of the two compounds determined in vitro is retained under in vivo conditions. They also indicate that the two inner sphere water molecules per Gd in Gd3L are not substantially replaced by endogenous anions or other donor groups under physiological conditions. Gd3L has a pharmacokinetics typical of small, hydrophilic complexes, involving fast renal clearance and no retention in the blood pool. The dynamic γ scintigraphic studies and the biodistribution experiments performed in Wistar rats with 153Sm‐enriched *Sm3L are also indicative of a fast elimination via the kidneys. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oncofetal protein IMP3
Authors: Jiang Zhong , Lohse Christine M. , Chu Peigou G. , Wu Chin‐Lee , Woda Bruce A. , Rock Kenneth L. , Kwon Eugene D.
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND.

Whether an oncofetal protein, IMP3, can serve as a prognostic biomarker to predict metastasis for patients with localized papillary and chromophobe subtypes of renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) was investigated.

METHODS.

The expression of IMP3 in 334 patients with primary papillary and chromophobe RCC from multiple medical centers was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The 317 patients with localized papillary and chromophobe RCCs were further evaluated for outcome analyses.

RESULTS.

IMP3 was significantly increased in a subset of localized papillary and chromophobe RCCs that subsequently metastasized. Patients with localized IMP3‐positive tumors (n = 33; 10%) were over 10 times more likely to metastasize (risk ratio [RR], 11.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.40‐23.96; P < .001) and were nearly twice as likely to die (RR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.13–3.22; P = .016) compared with patients with localized IMP3 negative tumors. The 5‐year metastasis‐free and overall survival rates were 64% and 58% for patients with IMP3‐positive localized papillary and chromophobe RCCs compared with 98% and 85% for patients with IMP3 negative tumors, respectively. In multivariable analysis adjusting for the TNM stage and nuclear grade, patients with IMP3‐positive tumors were still over 10 times more likely to progress to distant metastasis (RR, 13.45; 95% CI, 6.00–30.14; P < .001) and were still nearly twice as likely die (RR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.15–3.31; P = .013) compared with patients with IMP3‐negative tumors.

CONCLUSIONS.

IMP3 is an independent prognostic biomarker that can be used to identify a subgroup of patients with localized papillary and chromophobe RCC who are at high risk for developing distant metastasis. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Basophil activation test by flow cytometry: Present and future applications in allergology
Authors: Ebo D. G. , Bridts C. H. , Hagendorens M. M. , Aerts N. E. , De Clerck L. S. , Stevens W. J.
Published: April 2008

The diagnosis of allergic reactions in clinical practice rests upon both clinical history and the demonstration of specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE), either in the serum or via skin tests. However, for various reasons, identification of the offending allergen(s) is not always possible. Moreover, not all allergies are IgE‐mediated. In an attempt to find reliable methods to investigate hypersensitivity reactions, histamine and sulfidoleukotriene release tests have long been introduced. However, relatively few comprehensive quality reports have been published so far. Upon challenge with a specific allergen, basophils not only secrete quantifiable bioactive mediators but also upregulate the expression of different markers which can be detected efficiently by flow cytometry using specific monoclonal antibodies. This review addresses the principals, particular technical aspects and pitfalls as well as the clinical and research applications of flow‐assisted analysis of in vitro activated basophils © 2008 Clinical Cytometry Society
Role of PI3Kδ and PI3Kγ in inflammatory arthritis and tissue localization of neutrophils
Authors: Randis Tara M. , Puri Kamal D. , Zhou Hairu , Diacovo Thomas G.
Published: April 2008

The p110δ isoform of class I phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) plays a major role in B cell receptor signaling, while its p110γ counterpart is thought to predominate in leukocyte chemotaxis. Consequently, emphasis has been placed on developing PI3Kγ selective inhibitors to treat disease states that result from inappropriate tissue accumulation of leukocytes. We now demonstrate that PI3Kδ blockade is effective in treating an autoimmune disorder in which neutrophil infiltration is required for tissue injury. Using the K/BxN serum transfer model of arthritis, in which neutrophils and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) participate, we show that genetic deletion or selective inhibition of PI3Kδ diminishes joint erosion to a level comparable to its PI3Kγ counterpart. Moreover, the induction and progression of joint destruction was profoundly reduced in the absence of both PI3K isoforms and correlated with a limited ability of neutrophils to migrate into tissue in response to LTB4. However, the dynamic interplay between these isoforms is not pervasive, as fMLP‐induced neutrophil extravasation was primarily reliant on PI3Kγ. Our results not only demonstrate that blockade of PI3Kδ has potential therapeutic value in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions, but also provide evidence that dual inhibition of these lipid kinases may yield superior clinical results.

Supporting Information for this article is available at www.wiley‐vch.de/contents/jc_2040/2008/38266_s.html
Plasticity in [(R4–xR1x)4N]4[Cu4{S2C2(CN)2}4] (x = 0–4) is Molded by a Guest Cation on an Elastic Anionic Host
Authors: Maiti Biplab K. , Pal Kuntal , Sarkar Sabyasachi
Published: April 2008

The elastic anion [Cu4(mnt)4]4– {mnt = maleonitriledithiolato, [S2C2(CN)2]2–} serves as a host to a series of guest cations [(R4–xR1x)4N]+ (R = Et, R1 = Me; x = 0–4) to form the complexes [(R4–xR1x)4N]4[Cu4{S2C2(CN)2}4]. The molecular structural design information stored in the cation is molded to the elastic anionic host‐framework through H‐bonding to create a plastic supramolecular entity. The reaction of CuCl with Na2(mnt) in a 1:1 metal/ligand ratio, followed by interaction with the respective cation, gives the cation‐dependenttetranuclear host‐guest assemblies [Me4N]4[Cu4(mnt)4] (1), [Me3EtN]4[Cu4(mnt)4] (2), [Me2Et2N]4[Cu4(mnt)4] (3), [MeEt3N]4[Cu4(mnt)4] (4) and [Et4N]4[Cu4(mnt)4] (5), which have been characterized by X‐ray structural studies in the solid state. The host cavity shrinks and expands, with varying Cu···Cu separations ranging from 2.754 to 3.952 Å, to accommodate the relevant guest ion during the crystallization process. All these complexes show identical 13C NMR and UV/Vis spectra in solution and their identical cyclic voltammetric redox behaviors also imply the presence of a common entity. The ESI mass spectra in acetonitrile confirm the presence of this common {Cu4(mnt)4} core. The elastic {Cu4(mnt)4} core participates in extensive hydrogen bonds in the presence of different quaternary cations in solution during the crystallization process and the cation determines the final shape of the anion in the solid state. Depending on the length and nature (symmetric or non‐symmetric) of the alkyl groups attached to the quaternary cation, the overall geometry of the anion assumes different degrees of openness in a partially opened umbrella shape. The {Cu4(mnt)4} moiety is cleaved by treatment with PPh3 to give a monomer, which has been isolated as [Et4N][Cu(mnt)PPh3] (6).(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Asymmetric Epoxidation of trans‐Chalcones Organocatalyzed by β‐Amino Alcohols
Authors: Russo Alessio , Lattanzi Alessandra
Published: April 2008

Cyclic and acyclic β‐amino alcohols were examined as organocatalysts in the epoxidation of trans‐chalcones with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant. Primary, secondary, and tertiary β‐amino alcohols are able to promote the reaction with variable activity and level of asymmetric induction. Subtle modifications to the structures of simple primary β‐amino alcohol strongly influenced their efficiency in the epoxidation. They are promising catalysts that afford trans‐chalcone epoxides in up to 52 % ee at room temperature.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Energy‐ and Charge‐Transfer Processes in a Perylene–BODIPY–Pyridine Tripartite Array
Authors: Alamiry Mohammed A. H. , Harriman Anthony , Mallon Laura J. , Ulrich Gilles , Ziessel Raymond
Published: April 2008

A novel boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dye has been synthesized in which the F atoms, usually bound to the boron center, have been replaced with 1‐ethynylperylene units and a 4‐pyridine residue is attached at the meso‐position. The perylene units function as photon collectors over the wavelength range from 350 to 480 nm. Despite an unfavorable spectral overlap integral, rapid energy transfer takes place from the singlet‐excited state of the perylene unit to the adjacent BODIPY residue, which is itself strongly fluorescent. The mean energy‐transfer time is 7 ± 2 ps at room temperature. The dominant mechanism for the energy‐transfer process is Dexter‐type electron exchange, with Förster‐type dipole–dipole interactions accounting for less than 10 % of the total transfer probability. There are no indications for light‐induced electron transfer in this system, although there is evidence for a nonradiative decay channel not normally seen for F‐type BODIPY dyes. This new escape route is further exposed by the application of high pressure. The meso‐pyridine group is a passive bystander until protons are added to the system. Then, protonation of the pyridine N atom leads to complete extinction of fluorescence from the BODIPY dye and slight recovery of fluorescence from the perylene units. Quenching of BODIPY‐based fluorescence is due to charge‐transfer to the pyridinium unit whereas the re‐appearance of perylene‐based emission is caused by a reduction in the Förster overlap integral upon protonation. Other cations, most notably zinc(II) ions, bind to the pyridine N‐atom and induce similar effects but the resultant conjugate is weakly fluorescent.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Thermal Effects in the Organocatalytic Asymmetric α‐Amination of Disubstituted Aldehydes with Azodicarboxylates: A High‐Temperature Organocatalysis (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 13/2008)
Authors: Baumann Thomas , Bächle Michael , Hartmann Caroline , Bräse Stefan
Published: April 2008

The cover picture shows the use of L‐proline as an organocatalyst for the construction of nitrogen‐substituted quaternary carbon centres in the organocatalytic α‐amination of α,α‐disubstituted aldehydes. Since this reaction was found to be thermally accelerated, the use of microwave conditions resulted in a considerably reduced reaction time while both the yield and stereoselectivity were significantly increased. The beneficial effect of microwave irradiation may be associated with the quicker formation of intermediate dipolar adducts within the catalytic cycle. Details are presented in the article by S. Bräse et al. on p. 2207 ff. This picture has been provided by M. Bächle, one of the members in the author's group.
Nanofiltration/reverse osmosis for treatment of coproduced waters
Authors: Mondal Subrata , Hsiao Ching‐lun , Ranil Wickramasinghe S.
Published: April 2008

Current high oil and gas prices have lead to renewed interest in exploration of nonconventional energy sources such as coal bed methane, tar sand, and oil shale. However oil and gas production from these nonconventional sources has lead to the coproduction of large quantities of produced water. While produced water is a waste product from oil and gas exploration it is a very valuable natural resource in the arid Western United States. Thus treated produced water could be a valuable new source of water.

Commercially available nanofiltration and low pressure reverse osmosis membranes have been used to treat three produced waters. The results obtained here indicate that the permeate could be put to beneficial uses such as crop and livestock watering. However minimizing membrane fouling will be essential for the development of a practical process. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy imaging may be used to observe membrane fouling. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2008
A cross‐modal system linking primary auditory and visual cortices: Evidence from intrinsic fMRI connectivity analysis
Authors: Eckert Mark A. , Kamdar Nirav V. , Chang Catherine E. , Beckmann Christian F. , Greicius Michael D. , Menon Vinod
Published: April 2008

Recent anatomical and electrophysiological evidence in primates indicates the presence of direct connections between primary auditory and primary visual cortex that constitute cross‐modal systems. We examined the intrinsic functional connectivity (fcMRI) of putative primary auditory cortex in 32 young adults during resting state scanning. We found that the medial Heschl's gyrus was strongly coupled, in particular, to visual cortex along the anterior banks of the calcarine fissure. This observation was confirmed using novel group‐level, tensor‐based independent components analysis. fcMRI analysis revealed that although overall coupling between the auditory and visual cortex was significantly reduced when subjects performed a visual perception task, coupling between the anterior calcarine cortex and auditory cortex was not disrupted. These results suggest that primary auditory cortex has a functionally distinct relationship with the anterior visual cortex, which is known to represent the peripheral visual field. Our study provides novel, fcMRI‐based, support for a neural system involving low‐level auditory and visual cortices. Hum Brain Mapp, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An fMRI normative database for connectivity networks using one‐class support vector machines
Authors: Sato João Ricardo , da Graça Morais Martin Maria , Fujita André , Mourão‐Miranda Janaina , Brammer Michael John , Amaro Edson
Published: April 2008

The application of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in neuroscience studies has increased enormously in the last decade. Although primarily used to map brain regions activated by specific stimuli, many studies have shown that fMRI can also be useful in identifying interactions between brain regions (functional and effective connectivity). Despite the widespread use of fMRI as a research tool, clinical applications of brain connectivity as studied by fMRI are not well established. One possible explanation is the lack of normal patterns and intersubject variability—two variables that are still largely uncharacterized in most patient populations of interest. In the current study, we combine the identification of functional connectivity networks extracted by using Spearman partial correlation with the use of a one‐class support vector machine in order construct a normative database. An application of this approach is illustrated using an fMRI dataset of 43 healthy subjects performing a visual working memory task. In addition, the relationships between the results obtained and behavioral data are explored. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Opposing effects of fibrosarcoma cell‐derived IL‐1α and IL‐1β on immune response induction
Authors: Marhaba Rachid , Nazarenko Irina , Knöfler Daniela , Reich Eli , Voronov Elena , Vitacolonna Mario , Hildebrand Dagmar , Elter Elena , Apte Ron N. , Zöller Margot
Published: April 2008

There is evidence that cell‐associated IL‐1α supports immune response induction. Here we explored the impact of malignant cell‐derived IL‐1 on immunogenicity, immune response induction and tumor‐induced immunosuppression using 3‐methylcholanthrene‐induced fibrosarcoma lines derived from wild‐type (wt), IL‐1α‐, IL‐1β‐ or IL‐1aβ‐knockout (IL‐1α−/−, IL‐1β−/−, IL‐1αβ−/−) C57BL6 mice. The wt, IL‐1α−/−, IL‐1β−/− and IL‐1αβ−/− fibrosarcoma lines express MHC class I molecules at a high level. The lines do not differ in their susceptibility toward NK cells, macrophages, and allogeneic CTL, or in their capacity as stimulators of an allogeneic response. However, IL‐1β−/− tumors rarely grow in the syngeneic host, which is the consequence of a strong T helper and CTL response induction by IL‐1α‐competent, IL‐1β−/− tumors. On the other hand, IL‐1β‐competent, IL‐1α−/− tumors strongly assist CD11b+Gr‐1+ myeloid‐derived suppressor cell and regulatory T cell expansion, which both suppress with high efficacy activated T helper cell proliferation and CTL lysis. In IL‐1αβ−/− tumors, the absence of IL‐1α becomes decisive, i.e. despite reduced suppressor cell recruitment, tumor growth was unimpaired due to inefficient immune response induction. Thus, sarcoma cell‐derived IL‐1α and IL‐1β do not act in concert. Induction of a strong immune response by IL‐1α demands therapeutic exploitation, which may become more efficient if systemic induction of immunosuppression by IL‐1β can also be circumvented. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Degradation of HPV20E6 by p53: ΔNp63α and mutant p53R248W protect the wild type p53 mediated caspase‐degradation
Authors: Fei Jian‐Wei , de Villiers Ethel‐Michele
Published: April 2008

The E6 and E7 proteins of human papillomaviruses (HPV) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of malignant tumors. E6 protein of high‐risk mucosal papillomaviruses targets a number of proteins for proteosomal degradation through complex formation with ubiquitin ligase E6AP. These proteins include, amongst others, p53, paxillin and PDZ‐domain proteins e.g. Dlg and MAGUK. The mechanism by which the E6 protein of cutaneous HPV types interacts with cellular proteins to induce either benign or malignant cutaneous lesions, has not been elucidated, although extensive ultraviolet exposure and mutated p53 (hot‐spot mutations) are known to be associated with non‐melanoma skin cancer. We demonstrate two mechanisms in which HPV20E6 may be involved in the infected cell. One pathway is the wtp53 mediated degradation of HPV20E6 through caspase‐3. Mutated p53R248W and ΔNp63α, as well as other unknown proteins involved in proteosome‐dependent degradation, convey a protective effect on HPV20E6 under these conditions. This unveils a remarkable opposite regulation to the well‐known mechanism of E6‐E6AP mediated degradation of p53 for mucosal HPV types. In a second interaction, ectopically expressed HPV20E6 induces cleavage of procaspase‐3 to active caspase‐3. We demonstrate, in addition, in vivo binding of HPV20E6 to the intermediate filament vimentin. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Face modeling and editing with statistical local feature control models
Authors: Zhang Yu , Badler Norman I.
Published: April 2008

This article presents a novel method based on statistical facial feature control models for generating realistic controllable face models. The local feature control models are constructed based on the exemplar 3D face scans. We use a three‐step model fitting approach for the 3D registration problem. Once we have a common surface representation for examples, we form feature shape spaces by applying a principal component analysis (PCA) to the data sets of facial feature shapes. We compute a set of anthropometric measurements to parameterize the exemplar shapes of each facial feature in a measurement space. Using PCA coefficients as a compact shape representation, we approach the shape synthesis problem by forming scattered data interpolation functions that are devoted to the generation of desired shape by taking the anthropometric parameters as input. The correspondence among all exemplar face textures is obtained by parameterizing a 3D generic mesh over a 2D image domain. The new feature texture with desired attributes is synthesized by interpolating the exemplar textures. With the exception of an initial tuning of feature point positions and assignment of texture attribute values, our method is fully automated. In the resulting system, users are assisted in automatically generating or editing a face model by controlling the high‐level parameters. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 17, 341–358, 2007
Robust multiscale algorithms for gradient‐based motion estimation
Authors: Lu Qing‐Hua , Zhang Xian‐Min
Published: April 2008

Gradient‐based techniques represent a very popular class of approaches to estimate motions. A robust multiscale algorithm of hierarchical estimation for gradient‐based motion estimation is proposed in this article using a combination of robust statistical method and multiscale technique. In such a multiscale approach of hierarchical estimation, motion at each level of the pyramid is estimated using different gradient filters. The iterative multiscale estimation begins by using five‐tap central filter, and it is switched to nine‐tap Timoner filter after a few iterations. In addition, robust M‐estimators are applied at each level of the pyramid to overcome the problem of the outliers caused by illumination variations and motion discontinuities in motion estimation. Experimental simulations show that the new algorithm not only provides an improvement in estimator accuracy, but also achieves computational speedups. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 17, 333–340, 2007
A 3D modeling and free‐view generation system using environmental stereo cameras
Authors: Kim Hansung , Kim Donghyun , Min Dongbo , Sohn Kwanghoon
Published: April 2008

We propose a 3D video system that uses environmental stereo cameras to display a target object from an arbitrary viewpoint. This system is composed of the following stages: image acquisition, foreground segmentation, depth field estimation, 3D modeling from depth and shape information, and arbitrary view rendering. To create 3D models from captured 2D image pairs, a real‐time segmentation algorithm, a fast depth reconstruction algorithm, and a simple and efficient shape reconstruction method were developed. For viewpoint generation, the 3D surface model is rotated toward the desired place and orientation, and the texture data extracted from the original camera is projected onto this surface. Finally, a real‐time system that demonstrates the use of the aforementioned algorithms was implemented. The generated 3D object can easily be manipulated, e.g., rotated or translated, to render images from different viewpoints. This provides stable scenes of a minimal area that made it possible to understand the target space, and also made it easier for viewers to understand in near real‐time. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 17, 367–378, 2007
How social media is transforming employee communications at Sun Microsystems
Authors: Barker Paris
Published: April 2008

Sun Microsystems' CEO challenged his Global Employee Communications team to build communities within the company with social networking technology. Wikis, blogs, Facebook fan pages, and six islands on Second Life are just a few of Sun's new social media tools that employees use to learn, boost innovation, connect with executives and each other—and spread the good word about Sun. To achieve this quickly, the communications team collaborated across organizational boundaries, tapped grassroots social media efforts in other parts of the company, focused on a manageable number of short‐term projects, and showed a willingness to experiment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transient immunoreactivity after laser tattoo removal: Report of two cases
Authors: Izikson Leonid , Avram Mathew , Anderson R. Rox
Published: April 2008

Background and Objective

Laser tattoo removal is one of most commonly used indications for medical lasers. Professional tattoos contain a multitude of potentially immunogenic chemicals that are released or modified by laser treatment. We studied potential immunologic reactions following laser tattoo removal.

Study design/Patients and Methods

Case report of two patients with immunologic reactions after laser tattoo removal.

Results

Two patients developed transient immunoreactivity that presented as regional lymphadenopathy after laser tattoo removal of professional black and blue‐green tattoos. These reactions resolved without any complications.

Conclusions

Tattoo pigments released or modified by laser therapy may trigger transient immunoreactivity in susceptible individuals. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:231–232, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adaptive sampling in hierarchical simulation
Authors: Knap J. , Barton N. R. , Hornung R. D. , Arsenlis A. , Becker R. , Jefferson D. R.
Published: April 2008

We propose an adaptive sampling methodology for hierarchical multi‐scale simulation. The method utilizes a moving kriging interpolation to significantly reduce the number of evaluations of finer‐scale response functions to provide essential constitutive information to a coarser‐scale simulation model. The underlying interpolation scheme is unstructured and adaptive to handle the transient nature of a simulation. To handle the dynamic construction and searching of a potentially large set of finer‐scale response data, we employ a dynamic metric‐tree database. We study the performance of our adaptive sampling methodology for a two‐level multi‐scale model involving a coarse‐scale finite element simulation and a fine‐scale crystal plasticity‐based constitutive law. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The boundary element‐free method for elastoplastic implicit analysis
Authors: Miers L. S. , Telles J. C. F.
Published: April 2008

A meshless procedure, based on boundary integral equations, is proposed to analyze elastoplastic problems. To cope with non‐linear problems, the usual boundary element method introduces domain discretization cells, often considered a ‘drawback’ of the method. Here, to get rid of the standard element and cell, i.e. boundary and domain discretization, the orthogonal moving least squares (also known as improved moving least squares) method is used. The algorithm adopted to solve these particular inelastic non‐linear problems is a well‐established, criterion‐independent implicit procedure, previously developed by the authors. Comparative results are presented at the end to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed techniques. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prescribing on psychiatric acute wards at four hospitals
Authors: Hodgson Richard , Sukumaran Manoj K , Sudharsan Srinivasan , Kumar Manoj
Published: April 2008

Guidelines for prescribing psychotropic medication are available from a variety of sources; however, the case mix complexity on acute psychiatric wards might be expected to present challenges to adherence to these standards. Dr Hodgson and colleagues set out to audit prescribing on acute psychiatric wards at four hospitals covering similar catchment populations to ascertain practice. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
The MOGREPS short‐range ensemble prediction system
Authors: Bowler Neill E. , Arribas Alberto , Mylne Kenneth R. , Robertson Kelvyn B. , Beare Sarah E.
Published: April 2008

The Met Office has recently introduced a short‐range ensemble prediction system known as MOGREPS. This system consists of global and regional ensembles, with the global ensemble providing the boundary conditions and initial‐condition perturbations for the regional ensemble. Perturbations to the initial conditions are calculated using the ensemble transform Kalman filter, which is a computationally‐efficient version of the ensemble Kalman filter. Model uncertainties are represented in the system through a series of schemes designed to tackle the structural and subgrid‐scale sources of model error.

This paper describes the set‐up of the system, and provides justification for the initial‐condition and model perturbation schemes chosen. An outline of the structure of the perturbations generated by the system is presented, along with performance results, including verification from case studies and routine running.

MOGREPS has been on trial within the operational suite at the Met Office since August 2005. On 20 October 2006 it was decided that this system should be made fully operational, with implementation expected in summer 2008. Results show a good performance. The regional ensemble is more skilful than the global ensemble, and compares favourably to the ECMWF ensemble for the forecast variables examined in this study. © Crown Copyright 2008. Reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen's Printer for Scotland. Published by John Wiley & Sons,Ltd
QSRR Study of Psychiatric Drugs Using Classification and Regression Trees Combined with Adaptive Neuro‐Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Jalali‐Heravi Mehdi , Shahbazikhah Parvis , Ghadiri‐Bidhendi Atieh
Published: April 2008

A new Quantitative Structure–Retention Relationship (QSRR) approach was carried out for prediction of gas–liquid retention times of 124 psychiatric drugs in whole blood on fused‐silica capillary column coated with crosslinked methylsilicone with nitrogen–phosphorus detection. After screening the descriptors, a total of 699 topological, geometric, and electronic descriptors (zero‐ to three‐dimensional) representing various structural characteristics were calculated for each molecule in the dataset. Combined method of Classification and Regression Tree (CART) as a feature selection method for the extraction of four relevant descriptors and Adaptive Neuro‐Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) as a modeling technique was used for the prediction of retention times of diverse set of psychiatric drugs. The Root Mean Square Errors (RMSEs) for the calibration and prediction sets are 0.457 and 0.514, respectively.
Ab initio and DFT calculations of benzaldoxime elimination kinetics in the gas phase
Authors: Mora Jose R. , Cordova Tania , Chuchani Gabriel
Published: April 2008

The mechanism for the gas‐phase molecular elimination kinetics of benzaldoxime was examined at MP2/6‐31G, MP2/6‐31G(d,p), B3LYP/6‐31G, B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p), MPW1PW91/6‐31G, and MPW1PW91/6‐31G(d,p) levels of theory. The products of elimination of this oxime are benzonitrile and water. Calculated thermodynamic and kinetic parameters estimated from B3LYP/6‐31G was found to be in better agreement with the experimental values. Transition state structure is best described as a four‐membered cyclic structure with good approximation to planarity. NBO charges analysis revealed a little greater polarization of the benzylic CδHδ+ rather than NδOHδ−. Bond indexes and synchronicity parameters are in agreement with a concerted semi‐polar type of mechanism with benzylic CH bond breaking as determining step of the reaction. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Rapid screening method for zearalenone in corn, wheat and sorghum
Authors: Holaday Charles E.
Published: April 2008

A rapid and sensitive screening method has been developed for zearalenone in corn, wheat and sorghum. The method is based on minicolumn chromatography, and an analysis can be completed in ca. 10 min in most cases. Because several items used are disposable, the amount of cleanup is reduced and the cost per determination is maintained at a low level.
Purification of cyclic fatty acid esters: a GC‐MS study
Authors: Perkins Edward G. , Iwaoka Wayne T.
Published: April 2008

Gas chromatographic analysis of cyclic monomeric concentrates and fractions from argentation chromatography on packed columns containing SE‐30, OV‐25 and Apiezon L stationary phases yielded incompletely separated peaks representing the various isomers present in the mixture. Somewhat better separation was achieved using a 6 ft×1/8 in. column packed with 15% EGS on Chromosorb W. This column, when coupled to a mass spectrometer, yielded information concerning the composition of each of the isomeric components. Comparable results were obtained using a 50 ft×0.02 in. S.C.O.T. column with DEGS stationary phase and a 150 ft×0.01 in. capillary column coated with Apiezon L. While argentation thin layer chromatography proved useful, an argentation column method using silicic acid coated with 10% AgNO3 proved more efficient for larger scale preparations. Elution of the column with 2% diethyl ether in petroleum ether yielded material essentially free of conjugated linolenate. A comparison of the behavior upon argentation thin layer chromatography of conjugated methyl linolenate, methyl linoleate and cyclic monomer esters indicated that these esters migrated to the same relative position as methyl oleate.
L‐2‐Hydroxyglutaric aciduria: Identification of ten novel mutations in theL2HGDHgene
Authors: Sass J. O. , Jobard F. , Topçu M. , Mahfoud A. , Werlé E. , Cure S. , Al‐Sannaa N. , Alshahwan S. A. , Bataillard M. , Cimbalistiene L. , Grolik C. , Kemmerich V. , Omran H. , Sztriha L. , Tabache M. , Fischer J.
Published: April 2008

l‐2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria (l‐2‐HGA) is a metabolic disease with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. It was first reported in 1980. Patients with this disease have mutations in both alleles of theL2HDGHgene. The clinical presentation of individuals with L‐2‐HGA is somewhat variable, but affected individuals typically suffer from progressive neurodegeneration. Analysis of urinary organic acids reveals an increased signal of 2‐hydroxyglutaric acid, mainly as thel‐enantiomer. L‐2‐HGA is known to occur in individuals of various ethnic backgrounds, but up to now mutation analysis has been mainly focused on patients of Turkish and Portuguese origin. This led us to confirm the diagnosis on the DNA level and undertake the corresponding mutation analysis in individuals of diverse ethnicity previously diagnosed withl‐2‐HGA on the basis of urinary metabolites and clinical/neuroimaging data. In 24 individuals from 17 families with diverse ethnic and geographic origins, 13 different mutations were found, 10 of which have not been reported previously. At least eight of the patients were compound heterozygotes. The identification of two mutations (c.751C > T and c.905C > T in exon 7) in patients with different origins supports the view that they occurred independently in different families. In contrast, the mutation c.788C > T was detected in all six Venezuelan patients originating from the same Caribbean island of Margarita, but not in other patients, thus rendering a founder effect likely. None of the mutations was found in the control population, indicating that they are most probably causative. Mutation analysis may improve the quality of diagnosis and prenatal diagnosis of L‐2‐HGA.
Cerebral MRI as a valuable diagnostic tool in Zellweger spectrum patients
Authors: Weller S. , Rosewich H. , Gärtner J.
Published: April 2008

Patients with defects in the biogenesis of peroxisomes include those with Zellweger syndrome spectrum (ZSS), a developmental and progressive metabolic disease with a distinct dysmorphic phenotype and varying severity. The diagnosis of ZSS relies on the clinical presentation and the biochemical evaluation of peroxisomal metabolites. Mutation detection in one out of twelve genes coding for proteins involved in the biogenesis of peroxisomes confirms the diagnosis. In the absence of pronounced clinical features of ZSS, neuroradiological findings may lead the way to the diagnosis. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) pathology in ZSS consists of abnormal gyration pattern including polymicrogyria and pachygyria, leukencephalopathy, germinolytic cysts and heterotopias as reported by previous systematic studies including cMRI of a total of 34 ZSS patients, only five of whom had a severe phenotype. The present study evaluated the cMRI results of additional 18 patients, 6 with a severe and 12 with a milder ZSS phenotype. It confirms and extends knowledge of the characteristic cMRI pattern in ZSS patients. Besides an abnormal gyration pattern and delayed myelination or leukencephalopathy, brain atrophy was a common finding. Polymicrogyria and pachygyria were more common in patients with severe ZSS, while leukencephalopathy increases with age in patients with longer survival. Nevertheless, an abnormal gyration pattern might be more frequent in patients with a mild ZSS than deduced from previous studies. In addition, we discuss the differential diagnosis of the ZSS cMRI pattern and review investigations on the pathogenesis of the ZSS cerebral phenotype in mouse models of the disease.
YIELD STABILITY ANALYSIS OF LATE BLIGHT RESISTANT POTATO SELECTIONS
Authors: MULEMA J. M. K. , ADIPALA E. , OLANYA O. M. , WAGOIRE W.
Published: April 2008

Potato is an important source of food and income in the highlands of East Africa. Identification of superior genotypes for improved agronomic characteristics will enhance tuber yield. Seven promising clones from population B potato selections (quantitative resistance to late blight) obtained from the International Potato Center, two genotypes from population A (qualitative resistance) and three control cultivars were evaluated for three cropping seasons at four locations in western Uganda in order to determine performance and yield stability. The additive main effects and multiplicative interactive (AMMI) model was used for the analysis. The analysis of variance of yield data for genotypes × locations, genotypes × seasons and genotypes × locations × seasons was significant (p< 0.05) showing the variable response of genotypes and the need for stability analysis. The AMMI statistical model showed that the most stable genotypes were 392618.250 (B5) and 392127.270 (B6) (high yield) and 392618.256 (B1), 391049.255 (B2) and 392127.256 (B7) (low yield) and had negligible interactions with the environments. Across environments, the ranking of genotypes for tuber yield was not consistent. The clones 381471.18 (A2), 387121.4 (A1) and cultivar Victoria had high average yields, but these yields were below average in a few environments. Selective deployment of cultivars can improve tuber yield in the highland tropics.

Note: Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation for endorsement by the US Department of Agriculture, Makerere University or Kachwekano Agricultural Research and Development Center.
Genome-health nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics: nutritional requirements or ‘nutriomes’ for chromosomal stability and telomere maintenance at the individual level
Authors: Bull Caroline , Fenech Michael
Published: April 2008

It is becoming increasingly evident that (a) risk for developmental and degenerative disease increases with more DNA damage, which in turn is dependent on nutritional status, and (b) the optimal concentration of micronutrients for prevention of genome damage is also dependent on genetic polymorphisms that alter the function of genes involved directly or indirectly in the uptake and metabolism of micronutrients required for DNA repair and DNA replication. The development of dietary patterns, functional foods and supplements that are designed to improve genome-health maintenance in individuals with specific genetic backgrounds may provide an important contribution to an optimum health strategy based on the diagnosis and individualised nutritional prevention of genome damage, i.e. genome health clinics. The present review summarises some of the recent knowledge relating to micronutrients that are associated with chromosomal stability and provides some initial insights into the likely nutritional factors that may be expected to have an impact on the maintenance of telomeres. It is evident that developing effective strategies for defining nutrient doses and combinations or ‘nutriomes’ for genome-health maintenance at the individual level is essential for further progress in this research field.
Biomarkers of bone health and osteoporosis risk
Authors: Eastell Richard , Hannon Rosemary A.
Published: April 2008

The assay features of biochemical markers of bone turnover have markedly improved in the past few years. The most sensitive and specific markers of bone formation include serum bone alkaline phosphatase, total osteocalcin (including the intact molecule and the large N-mid fragment) and the procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide assay. Among the various markers of bone resorption, measurements of the urinary excretion of N- and C-terminal cross-linked telopeptides) and of serum C-terminal cross-linked telopeptides are the most sensitive and specific. Markers of bone turnover can be used to predict the rate of bone loss in post-menopausal women and can also be used to assess the risk of fractures. In osteoporosis-treatment studies (with alendronate, risedronate, raloxifene) markers of bone turnover appear even more strongly associated with fracture risk reduction than bone mineral density (BMD). These observations support the use of markers of bone turnover as surrogates for fracture risk reduction, perhaps even more so than BMD. Bone markers can also be used to monitor the efficacy of antiresorptive therapy such as hormone-replacement therapy, raloxifene and bisphosphonates in individual patients. Furthermore, they have also proved to be helpful in monitoring the response to nutritional interventions and have the advantage over BMD in that they provide information about mechanism of effect and changes are often observed much more rapidly.
Nutritional factors affecting poultry bone health
Authors: Fleming Robert H.
Published: April 2008

Outlined are two main current research concerns relating to skeletal disorders in poultry: (a) osteoporosis in egg-laying hens; (b) leg problems caused by rapid bone growth in broiler chickens. Surveys indicate that 30% of caged laying hens suffer at least one lifetime fracture (a severe welfare issue). Modern hybrids produce one egg per d for 50 weeks. For this period ‘normal’ bone turnover ceases; only medullary bone (MB) is formed, a woven bone type of limited structural value. MB is resorbed for eggshell formation alongside structural bone, leading to increased fracture risk. Avian osteoporosis is reduced by activity and genetic selection but nutrition is also important. Fluoride and vitamin K are beneficial but the timing of nutritional intervention is important. Ca, inorganic P and vitamin D must be adequate and the form of Ca is critical. Limestone fed as particulates benefits skeletal and eggshell quality. In hens fed particulate limestone compared with flour-fed hens the tibiotarsus breaking strength and radiographic density are increased at 56 weeks of age (P<0·01 and P<0·001 respectively) and the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive stained active osteoclasts (mean number per microscopic field) is decreased (P<0·001). In broiler (meat) chickens selection for rapid growth from approximately 50 g to 3 kg in 42 d has inadvertently produced skeletal disorders such as tibial dyschondroplasia, rickets and associated valgus–varus deformities leading to lameness. The beneficial skeletal effects during growth of increased dietary n-3 PUFA:n-6 PUFA (utilising salmon oil) have been demonstrated. Experiments simulating daylight UVB levels have produced beneficial skeletal effects in Ca- and vitamin D-deficient chicks.
Homocysteine, B-vitamins and CVD
Authors: McNulty Helene , Pentieva Kristina , Hoey Leane , Ward Mary
Published: April 2008

There is considerable interest in plasma homocysteine (tHcy) as a CVD risk factor. Although the secondary prevention trials published to date have been inconclusive in confirming a benefit of tHcy-lowering treatment with B-vitamins on CVD events generally, such studies are widely recognised to have been insufficiently powered to detect a significant effect for the predicted magnitude of association between tHcy and heart disease risk, and therefore cannot be interpreted as evidence that no relationship exists. In fact, a recent meta-analysis of clinical trials has confirmed that folic acid supplementation reduces the risk of stroke, particularly in individuals without a history of stroke. Evidence supporting a causal relationship between elevated tHcy and heart disease also comes from genetic studies. The most important genetic determinant of tHcy in the general population is the common C677T variant in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) that results in higher tHcy. Individuals with the homozygous mutant (TT) genotype have a significantly higher (14–21%) risk of heart disease. Plasma tHcy is very responsive to intervention with the B-vitamins required for its metabolism, in particular folic acid, and to a lesser extent vitamins B12and B6. Thus, although primarily aimed at reducing neural-tube defects, folic acid fortification may have an important role in the primary prevention of CVD via tHcy lowering. Besides folate, riboflavin is required as a cofactor for MTHFR and enhanced riboflavin status results in a marked lowering in tHcy specifically in individuals with the TT genotype, presumably by neutralising the variant form of the enzyme. About 10% of the UK and Irish populations have the TT genotype. In the present paper the potential role of folate and related B-vitamins in the primary prevention of CVD and the implications for nutrition policy are explored.