bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Independent Replication and Metaanalysis of Association Studies Establish TNFSF4 as a Susceptibility Gene Preferentially Associated with the Subset of Anticentromere-positive Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: COUSTET BAPTISTE , BOUAZIZ MATTHIEU , DIEUDÉ PHILIPPE , GUEDJ MICKAEL , BOSSINI-CASTILLO LARA , AGARWAL SANDEEP , RADSTAKE TIMOTHY , MARTIN JAVIER , GOURH PRAVITT , ELHAI MURIEL , KOUMAKIS EUGÉNIE , AVOUAC JÉRÔME , RUIZ BARBARA , MAYES MAUREEN , ARNETT FRANK , HACHULLA ERIC , DIOT ELISABETH , CRACOWSKI JEAN-LUC , TIEV KIET , SIBILIA JEAN , MOUTHON LUC , FRANCES CAMILLE , AMOURA ZAHIR , CARPENTIER PATRICK , COSNES ANNE , MEYER OLIVIER , KAHAN ANDRÉ , BOILEAU CATHERINE , CHIOCCHIA GILLES , ALLANORE YANNICK
Published: March 2012

Objective.

Independent replication with large cohorts and metaanalysis of genetic associations are necessary to validate genetic susceptibility factors. The known tumor necrosis factor (ligand) superfamily, member 4 gene (TNFSF4) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) risk locus has been found to be associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc) in 2 studies, but with discrepancies between them for genotype-phenotype correlation. Our objective was to validate TNFSF4 association with SSc and determine the subset with the higher risk.

Methods.

Known SLE and SSc TNFSF4 susceptibility variants (rs2205960, rs1234317, rs12039904, rs10912580, and rs844648) were genotyped in 1031 patients with SSc and 1014 controls of French white ancestry. Genotype-phenotype association analysis and metaanalysis of available data were performed, providing a population study of 4989 patients with SSc and 4661 controls, all of European white ancestry.

Results.

Allelic and genotypic associations were observed for the 5 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) with the subset of patients with SSc who are positive for anticentromere antibodies (ACA) and only a trend for association with SSc and limited cutaneous SSc. Rs2205960 exhibited the strongest allelic association in ACA+ patients with SSc [p = 0.0015; OR 1.37 (1.12–1.66)], with significant intra-cohort association when compared to patients with SSc positive for ACA. Metaanalysis confirmed overall association with SSc but also raised preferential association with the ACA+ subset and strongest effect with rs2205960 [T allele p = 0.00013; OR 1.33 (1.15–1.54) and TT genotype p = 0.00046; OR 2.02 (1.36–2.98)].

Conclusion.

We confirm TNFSF4 as an SSc susceptibility gene and rs2205960 as a putative causal variant with preferential association in the ACA+ SSc subphenotype.
Hepatic Steatosis and Disease Activity in Subjects with Psoriatic Arthritis Receiving Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Blockers
Authors: Di MINNO MATTEO NICOLA DARIO , IERVOLINO SALVATORE , PELUSO ROSARIO , RUSSOLILLO ANNA , LUPOLI ROBERTA , SCARPA RAFFAELE , Di MINNO GIOVANNI , TARANTINO GIOVANNI ,   the CaRRDS Study Group
Published: March 2012

Objective.

Little is known about tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) blockers, disease activity, and liver steatosis (hepatic steatosis; HS) in subjects with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). We prospectively evaluated changes in HS during treatment with TNF-α blockers.

Methods.

In 48 patients with PsA who had evidence of HS before the beginning of TNF-α blocker treatment, an ultrasound followup examination was performed after a 12-month treatment period with TNF-α blockers. All subjects were stratified according to minimal disease activity (MDA) or not (n-MDA), during treatment with TNF-α blockers. Changes in grade of HS were evaluated in parallel in 42 controls with HS and without PsA.

Results.

At baseline, no significant difference in HS score was found between PsA subjects and controls (HS scores 1.46 ± 0.65 vs 1.62 ± 0.66, respectively; p = 0.249). At 12-month followup, a worsening HS score was found in 20 (41.7%) patients with PsA and in 6 (14.3%) controls (p = 0.005). Overall, the grade of HS worsening was higher in patients with PsA (0.37 ± 0.70) than in controls (0.09 ± 0.43; p = 0.028). A significantly lower prevalence of worsening HS was found among patients with PsA with MDA, compared with n-MDA subjects (16.7% vs 66.7%, respectively; p = 0.001). Laboratory measures of liver function behaved similarly. The risk of worsening HS in patients with PsA who had MDA was similar to that in controls (HR 1.20, 95% CI 0.34–4.33, p = 0.77), and higher in patients who did not have MDA (HR 4.46, 95% CI 1.73–11.47, p = 0.001, regression analysis).

Conclusion.

Compared with patients with MDA, those with active disease after 12-month treatment with TNF-α blockers exhibited significantly higher incidence of worsening liver steatosis.
AC Readymade and AC Tempest, selections from Redwin hard red winter wheat
Authors: Thomas J. B. , Graf R. J.
Published: March 2012

Thomas, J. B. and Graf, R. J. 2012. AC Readymade and AC Tempest, selections from Redwin hard red winter wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 355–361. AC Readymade and AC Tempest are hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars selected from the Montana cultivar ‘Redwin’ to conform to the kernel visual distinguishability requirements of the Canada Western Red Winter (CWRW) wheat class. AC Readymade and AC Tempest were registered in 1991 and 1999, respectively, following 3 yr of testing in the Western Winter Wheat Cooperative registration trials relative to various checks including Winalta, Norstar, CDC Clair and CDC Osprey. The survival characteristics of these cultivars demonstrated that they were well-suited to the relatively mild winter climate of southern Alberta. In this region of the prairies, AC Tempest had 4% higher grain yield than AC Readymade and was not significantly different from the other checks except Winalta, which was lower yielding. Both cultivars displayed relatively late maturity, moderate height, exceptional straw strength, high test weight, large kernels, high grain protein content and moderate resistance to common bunt. AC Tempest had significantly higher flour yield than AC Readymade.
Co-application of glyphosate plus an insecticide or fungicide in glyphosate-resistant soybean
Authors: Soltani Nader , Shropshire Christy , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: March 2012

Soltani, N., Shropshire, C. and Sikkema, P. H. 2012. Co-application of glyphosate plus an insecticide or fungicide in glyphosate-resistant soybean. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 297–302. Six field trials were conducted from 2008 to 2010 in Ontario to evaluate soybean injury and weed control efficacy with glyphosate tankmixed with various insecticides or fungicides. There was minimal visual injury (less than 4%) in glyphosate-resistant soybean and no adverse effect on soybean height and yield when cyhalothrin-lambda (Matador®), dimethoate (Lagon®), imidacloprid/deltamethrin (Concept®), spirotetramat (Movento®), pyraclostrobin (Headline®), azoxystrobin (Quadris®), propiconazole (Tilt®), azoxystrobin/propiconazole (Quilt®), tebuconazole (Folicur®) and trifloxystrobin/propiconazole (Stratego®) were tankmixed with glyphosate. Velvetleaf, pigweed species, common ragweed, common lambsquarters and green foxtail control ranged from 91–97, 94–99, 92–99, 80–94 and 98–100%, respectively. However, there was no adverse effect on velvetleaf, pigweed, common ragweed, common lambsquarters and green foxtail control, density and dry weight when one of the insecticides or fungicides evaluated was tankmixed with glyphosate. Based on these results, glyphosate tankmixed with cyhalothrin-lambda, dimethoate, imidacloprid/deltamethrin, spirotetramat, pyraclostrobin, azoxystrobin, propiconazole, azoxystrobin/propiconazole, tebuconazole or trifloxystrobin/propiconazole causes minimal crop injury and has no adverse effect on weed control in glyphosate-resistant soybean under Ontario environmental conditions.
Les kystes dermoïdes de la fosse cerebrale postereure
Authors: Najib J , Laghmari M , Lmejjati M , Aniba K , Ghannane H , Ait Benali S
Published: March 2012

Matériel et Méthode 3 enfants âgés de 18 mois à 8 ans ont été colligés au service entre 2005 et 2010. Résultas 3 patients ont présenté un syndrome d’hypertension intracrânienne, dont un patient a présenté une méningite récidivante. Tous avaient un sinus dermique. L’IRM a été réalisée dans tous les cas. Tous ont bénéficié d’une exérèse chirurgicale totale et d’une dérivation du LCR par ventriculo-cisternostomie première en urgence dans un cas et par dérivation ventriculo-péritonéale en post-opératoire dans deux cas. L’évolution était satisfaisante sans récidive avec un recul moyen de 3 ans. Conclusion Dans notre série, le KD de la fosse cérébrale postérieure est toujours associé à un sinus dermique et à une hydrocéphalie. La prise en charge repose sur l’exérèse chirurgicale et sur la dérivation du liquide cérébro-spinal.Mots clés : kyste dermoïde, sinus dermique, fosse cérébrale postérieure, chirurgie, résonance magnétique
Rhabdomyosarcome para vertebral : cause rare de compression medullaire
Authors: Salam S , Ganiou K , Idrissi A , Karkouri M , Aksim M , Ouzidane L
Published: March 2012

Le rhabdomyosarcome est la tumeur maligne mésenchymateuse la plus fréquente chez l’enfant. Il se voit essentiellement au niveau des extrémités et la sphère ORL. La localisation paravertébrale avec compression médullaire est beaucoup plus rare. Les auteurs rapportent un cas de rhabdomyosarcome paravertébral avec extension endocanalaire et compression médullaire. Il s’agit d’une fille âgée de 6 ans admise pour un tableau de compression médullaire. L’examen clinique retrouve une patiente paraplégique avec niveau sensitif T8, des réflexes ostéo-tendineux abolis et une contracture des muscles paravertébraux. L’IRM médullaire montre un processus tissulaire à point de départ musculaire paravertébral droit, de signal hétérogène avec extension intra-canalaire et compression médullaire. La patiente a eu une laminectomie avec biopsie chirurgicale. L’étude histologique a posé le diagnostic d’un rhabdomyosarcome alvéolaire. La patiente a été traitée par chimiothérapie suivie d’une radiothérapie. L’IRM de contrôle a montré une régression totale du processus tumoral. Après un recul d’une année, la patiente a présenté une récidive locale avec métastases pulmonaires. Malgré cette localisation rare, le rhabdomyosarcome doit être évoqué devant un processus paravertébral avec extension épidurale et compression médullaire chez l’enfant.Mots clés : Rhabdomyosarcome, IRM, compression médullaire.
Bromine monoxide/sulphur dioxide ratios in relation to volcanological observations at Mt. Etna 2006–2009
Authors: Bobrowski N. , Giuffrida G.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Over a three year period, from 2006 to 2009, frequent scattered sun light DOAS measurements were conducted at Mt. Etna in a distance of around six kilometres downwind from the summit craters. During the same period and in addition to these measurements, volcanic observations were made by regularly visiting various parts of Mt. Etna. Results from these measurements and observations are presented and their relation is discussed. The focus of the investigation is the bromine monoxide/sulphur dioxide (BrO/SO2) ratio, and its variability in relation to volcanic processes. That the halogen/sulphur ratio can serve as a precursor or indicator for the onset of eruptive activity was already proposed by earlier works (e.g. Noguchi and Kamiya, 1963; Menyailov, 1975; Pennisi and Cloarec, 1998; Aiuppa, 2002). However, there is still a limited understanding today because of the complexity with which halogens are released, depending on magma composition and degassing conditions. Our understanding of these processes is far from complete, for example of the rate and mechanism of bubble nucleation, growth and ascent in silicate melts (Carroll and Holloway, 1994), the halogen vapour-melt partitioning and the volatile diffusivity in the melt (Aiuppa et al., 2009). With this study we aim to add one more piece to the puzzle of what halogen/sulphur ratios might tell about volcanic activities. Our data set shows an increase of the BrO/SO2 ratio several weeks prior to an eruption, followed by a decline before and during the initial phase of eruptive activities. Towards the end of activity or short afterwards, the ratio increases to baseline values again and remains more or less constant during quiet phases. To explain the observed evolution of the BrO/SO2 ratio, a first empirical model is proposed. This model suggests that bromine, unlike chlorine and fluorine, is less soluble in the magmatic melt than sulphur. By using the DOAS method to determine SO2, we actually observe most of the emitted sulphur of Mt. Etna. Regarding bromine however, we are aware that by determining only the bromine monoxide (BrO) radical we might just observe a small or even a variable fraction of the total emitted bromine. Therefore we present first studies to justify the assumption that despite the disadvantage just mentioned, the BrO/SO2 ratio can nevertheless serve as a new parameter to indicate the state of a volcano, when measurements are conducted under certain, but rather convenient conditions.
Oil Abundance and Economic Growth—A Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Torres Nuno , Afonso Óscar , Soares Isabel
Published: March 2012

Using panel estimation, this paper shows that higher oil abundance does not hinder crude producers’ growth. This sample controls for specificities of oil economies, but the usual cross-section ‘curse’ result is found—it disappears allowing for unobserved effects. The chosen model controls for a potential (but unconfirmed) oil curse working through institutions, and for other growth factors such as education, which is considered by deriving real wage growth as the dependent variable. We measure the oil growth-effects through labor and capital efficiency, and as a factor of production. They are all insignificant for oil production, but rig productivity benefits growth through capital efficiency. However, oil concentration only fosters growth (by reducing the capital necessary to oil exploration) significantly if there is fiscal responsibility, and in developing countries, where institutions are weaker and there is a broader scope for factor-efficiency and technological improvements arising from the oil sector. Keywords: Economic growth, Institutions, Oil curse, Panel data

http://dx.doi.org/10.5547/01956574.33.2.6
Hydrogen Incorporation in III‐N‐V Semiconductors: From Macroscopic to Nanometer Control of the Materials’ Physical Properties
Authors: Trotta Rinaldo , Polimeni Antonio , Capizzi Mario
Published: March 2012

The effects of hydrogen incorporation in dilute nitride semiconductors, specifically GaAs1‐xNx, are discussed. The remarkable consequences of hydrogen irradiation include tuneable and reversible changes in the electronic, optical, structural, and electrical properties of these materials. The highly trapping‐limited diffusion of H atoms in dilute nitrides results in the formation of extremely sharp heterointerfaces between H‐containing and H‐free regions of the crystals. This, in turn, offers an unprecedented possibility to tailor the physical properties of a semiconductor chip in its growth plane with nanometer precision. A number of examples are presented and discussed.
Solution Processable Monosubstituted Hexa‐Peri‐Hexabenzocoronene Self‐Assembling Dyes
Authors: Ren Shijie , Yan Chao , Vak Doojin , Jones David J. , Holmes Andrew B. , Wong Wallace W. H.
Published: March 2012

Molecular organization behavior and visible light absorption ability are important factors for organic materials to be used in efficient bulk heterojunction solar cells applications. In this context, a series of monosubstituted fluorenyl hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene (FHBC) are synthesized with the aim to combine the self‐association property of the FHBC unit with broadened light absorption of a small molecule organic dye, bisthienylbenzothiadiazole (TBT). Optical and electrochemical properties of the FHBC compounds vary according to their structures. Introduction of a TBT unit into the FHBC system broadens the absorption. All of the FHBC compounds show strong π–π intermolecular association in solution. X‐ray scattering measurements on thermally extruded filaments and thin films showed ordered alignment of these compounds in the solid state. In atomic force microscopy experiments, nanoscale phase separation is observed in thin films of FHBC and fullerene derivative blends. Solar cell devices with these compounds as donors are fabricated. FHBC compounds with the TBT unit show higher short circuit current while the high open circuit voltages are maintained. With C60 derivative as acceptor, power conversion efficiency of 1.12% is achieved in the unoptimized solar cell devices under simulated solar irradiation. The efficiency was further improved to 1.64% when C70 derivative was used as the acceptor.
Emerging Technologies for Assembly of Microscale Hydrogels
Authors: Gurkan Umut Atakan , Tasoglu Savas , Kavaz Doga , Demirel Melik C. , Demirci Utkan
Published: March 2012

Assembly of cell encapsulating building blocks (i.e., microscale hydrogels) has significant applications in areas including regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and cell‐based in vitro assays for pharmaceutical research and drug discovery. Inspired by the repeating functional units observed in native tissues and biological systems (e.g., the lobule in liver, the nephron in kidney), assembly technologies aim to generate complex tissue structures by organizing microscale building blocks. Novel assembly technologies enable fabrication of engineered tissue constructs with controlled properties including tunable microarchitectural and predefined compositional features. Recent advances in micro‐ and nano‐scale technologies have enabled engineering of microgel based three dimensional (3D) constructs. There is a need for high‐throughput and scalable methods to assemble microscale units with a complex 3D micro‐architecture. Emerging assembly methods include novel technologies based on microfluidics, acoustic and magnetic fields, nanotextured surfaces, and surface tension. In this review, we survey emerging microscale hydrogel assembly methods offering rapid, scalable microgel assembly in 3D, and provide future perspectives and discuss potential applications.
Liquid film flow on structured wires: Fluid dynamics and gas‐side mass transfer
Authors: Grünig J. , Kim S.‐J. , Kraume M.
Published: March 2012

The liquid film flow on different structured wires and chains is observed experimentally to assess the suitability of a structured packing consisting of vertical wires. The results show that liquid beads as they appear on cylindrical wires are inhibited by certain chain geometries. This increases the flooding gas load up to F = 12 Pa0.5. As the stabilized film shows no liquid bead motion, the liquid velocity at the interface is less which results in lower gas‐side mass‐transfer coefficients. An estimation of the packing characteristics for different chain geometries with an assumed wire packing density of 40,000 wires/m2 is made. The interfacial area, mass‐transfer coefficients, and consequently the separation efficiency strongly depend on the liquid load. However, the proposed gas‐side separation efficiencies are slightly lower compared to common structured packings but the advantages are higher load limits, a better liquid distribution, and lower pressure drop. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 295–302, 2013
Work organization and occupational health: Perspectives from Latinos employed on crop and horse breeding farms
Authors: Swanberg Jennifer E. , Clouser Jess Miller , Westneat Susan
Published: March 2012

Background

Agriculture is hazardous and increasingly dependent on Latino workers, a vulnerable population. However, little research has studied how work organization influences Latino farmworker health.

Methods

Using a work organization framework, this cross‐sectional study describes and compares the work organization and occupational health characteristics of a sample of Latino crop (n = 49) and horse production (n = 54) workers in Kentucky.

Results

Crop workers experienced more physical demands, work‐related and environmental stressors, and musculoskeletal and ill‐health symptoms. Significantly more crop workers indicated work‐related illness or missed work due to work‐related illness/injury, though one‐fourth of both groups reported work‐related injury in the past year. A majority of both groups cited exposure to toxic chemicals, a minority of whom received training on their use.

Conclusion

Further surveillance is needed to understand the rate and precursors of illness/injury in these populations, as is research on the relationship between supervisory practices, psychosocial stressors, and occupational health. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:714–728, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stress and cognitive function in Latino Farmworkers
Authors: Nguyen Ha T. , Quandt Sara A. , Grzywacz Joseph G. , Chen Haiying , Galván Leonardo , Kitner‐Triolo Melissa H. , Arcury Thomas A.
Published: March 2012

Background

Job stress has been associated with cognitive function, but the relationship is often overlooked when considering occupational health and safety issues of farmworkers. This study examined the relationship between stress and change in stress with change in cognitive function in a representative sample of 123 Latino farmworkers.

Methods

A prospective study design was used in which stress and cognitive function data were collected at baseline and at 3‐month follow‐up. Linear regression models were used for analyses. Potential confounders included baseline gender, age, education, number of years worked in U.S. agriculture, ever smoking status, self‐rated health, and depressive symptoms.

Results

Baseline stress was significantly correlated with baseline cognitive function (r = −0.27; P < 0.001). Adjusting for confounders, increased baseline stress was associated with greater decline in cognitive function (P = 0.024). Short‐term changes in stress were not associated with cognitive change in this cohort.

Conclusions

Stress at work is an important risk factor for poor cognitive function. This analysis suggests several implications for the provision of health care and for the organization of work for farmworkers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:707–713, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thrombin facilitates seizures through activation of persistent sodium current
Authors: Isaeva Elena , Hernan Amanda , Isaev Dmytro , Holmes Gregory L.
Published: March 2012

Objective:

An epileptic seizure is frequently the presenting sign of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) caused by stroke, head trauma, hypertension, and a wide spectrum of disorders. However, the cellular mechanisms responsible for occurrence of seizures during ICH have not been established. During intracerebral bleeding, blood constituents enter the neuronal tissue and produce both an acute and a delayed effect on brain functioning. Among the blood components, only thrombin has been shown to evoke seizures immediately after entering brain tissue. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that thrombin increases neuronal excitability in the immature brain through alteration of voltage‐gated sodium channels.

Methods:

The thrombin effect on neuronal excitability and voltage‐gated sodium channels was assessed using extracellular and intracellular recording techniques in the hippocampal slice preparation of immature rats.

Results:

We show that thrombin increased neuronal excitability in the immature hippocampus in an N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate–independent manner. Application of thrombin did not alter transient voltage‐gated sodium channels and action potential threshold. However, thrombin significantly depolarized the membrane potential and produced a hyperpolarizing shift of tetrodotoxin‐sensitive persistent voltage‐gated sodium channel activation. This effect of thrombin was attenuated by application of protease‐activated receptor‐1 and protein kinase C antagonists.

Interpretation:

Our data indicate that thrombin amplifies the persistent voltage‐gated sodium current affecting resting membrane potential and seizure threshold at the network level. Our results provide a novel explanation as to how ICH in newborns results in seizures, which may provide avenues for therapeutic intervention in the prevention of post‐ICH seizures. ANN NEUROL 2012;72:192–198.
miR‐206 regulates brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in Alzheimer disease model
Authors: Lee Soon‐Tae , Chu Kon , Jung Keun‐Hwa , Kim Jin Hee , Huh Ji‐Young , Yoon Hyejin , Park Dong‐Kyu , Lim Ji‐Yeon , Kim Jeong‐Min , Jeon Daejong , Ryu Hoon , Lee Sang Kun , Kim Manho , Roh Jae‐Kyu
Published: March 2012

Objective:

Alzheimer disease (AD) brains are deficient in brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which regulates synaptic plasticity and memory. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ∼22‐nucleotide small noncoding RNAs that control a variety of physiological and disease processes. Here, we show that miR‐206 regulates BDNF and memory function in AD mice.

Methods:

Expression of miRNAs was analyzed in Tg2576 AD transgenic mice and human AD brain samples. Regulation of BDNF by a selected miRNA was validated by in silico prediction, target gene luciferase assay, and dendritic spine responses in neurons. AM206, a neutralizing inhibitor of miR‐206 (antagomir), was injected into the third ventricle of Tg2576 mice, after which memory function, synaptogenesis, neurogenesis, and target gene expression were assessed. For noninvasive delivery, antagomirs were administered intranasally.

Results:

The brains of Tg2576 mice and the temporal cortex of human AD brains had increased levels of miR‐206. This miRNA targeted BDNF transcripts, and AM206 prevented the detrimental effects of amyloid‐β42 on BDNF and dendritic spine degeneration in Tg2576 neurons. Injection of AM206 into the cerebral ventricles of AD mice increased the brain levels of BDNF and improved their memory function. In parallel, AM206 enhanced the hippocampal synaptic density and neurogenesis. Furthermore, intranasally administered AM206 also reached the brain and increased BDNF levels and memory function in AD mice.

Interpretation:

Our findings demonstrate a novel miRNA‐dependent regulation of BDNF in AD and suggest possible therapeutic approaches, such as noninvasive intranasal delivery of AM206. ANN NEUROL 2012;72:269–277.
Oxidation durch Wasserstoff in der Chemie und Physik der Seltenerdmetalle
Authors: Simon Arndt
Published: March 2012

Die Seltenerdmetalle (SE) nehmen leicht Wasserstoff auf, dessen Bindung jahrzehntelang kontrovers im Sinne eines “Protonenmodells” oder, alternativ, eines “Anionenmodells” diskutiert wurde. Eingehende Untersuchungen an metallreichen Verbindungen der Seltenerdmetalle belegen den Einbau des Wasserstoffs als Hydridanion. Bezüglich der Aufnahme von Wasserstoff lassen sich verschiedene Verbindungsklassen unterscheiden. Überschüssige Valenzelektronen in metallreichen Halogeniden mit Metall‐Metall‐Bindung werden häufig durch Bildung von Hydridhalogeniden, etwa SEXHn, gebunden. Es gibt jedoch auch Ausnahmen wie LaI, eine Verbindung, die aufgrund spezieller elektronischer und elektrostatischer Bedingungen keinen Wasserstoff aufnimmt. Das Gegenteil gilt für La2C3, das keine überschüssigen Valenzelektronen an den Metallatomen aufweist. Dennoch bildet sich bei der erstaunlich niedrigen Temperatur von 450 K bereits die amorphe Phase La2C3H1.5. Die Aufnahme von Wasserstoff äußert sich in drastischen Änderungen der elektrischen und magnetischen Eigenschaften, z. B. in der Ausbildung eines Spinglaszustandes oder eines kolossalen Magnetwiderstandes durch spezielle Wechselwirkungen zwischen den 4fn‐Rümpfen bei den Lanthanoiden.
Oxidation by Hydrogen in the Chemistry and Physics of the Rare‐Earth Metals
Authors: Simon Arndt
Published: March 2012

Rare‐earth metals (RE) easily react with hydrogen. For decades the bonding of hydrogen has been discussed controversially in terms of either the “proton model” or the “anion model”. Detailed investigations of metal‐rich compounds of the rare‐earth metals provide clear evidence for the incorporation of hydrogen as a hydride anion. Several categories of compounds can be distinguished regarding their behavior towards hydrogen. Low‐valence compounds with metal–metal bonding frequently provide their excess electrons to form hydride ions as found with the halide hydrides REXHn. However, there are exceptions, such as, LaI which does not react with hydrogen as a result of special electronic and electrostatic conditions. The opposite is true with La2C3 although this compound does not provide excess metal valence electrons. An amorphous phase La2C3H1.5 forms at very low temperature, around 450 K. The presence of hydrogen strongly influences the electrical and magnetic properties, for example, spin‐glass formation and colossal magneto resistance arising in the presence of 4fn cores with the lanthanoid elements.
Palladium‐catalyzed carbonylative cyclization of β‐bromo‐α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids with primary amines leading to N‐alkylmaleimides
Authors: Lee Hye Kyung , Cho Chan Sik
Published: March 2012

Cyclic β‐bromo‐α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids are carbonylatively cyclized with primary amines under carbon monoxide pressure in MeCN in the presence of a catalytic amount of PdCl2(PPh3)2 to give N‐alkylmaleimides. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo measurements of electrical conductivity of porcine organs at low frequency: New method of measurement
Authors: Spottorno J. , Multigner M. , Rivero G. , Álvarez L. , de la Venta J. , Santos M.
Published: March 2012

Calculations of the induced currents created in the human body by external electromagnetic fields would be more accurate provided that more realistic experimental values of the electrical properties of the body were available. The purpose of this work is to experimentally obtain values for the conductivity of living organs in conditions close to the real situation. Two‐electrode in vivo measurements of the bioimpedance of some porcine organs have been performed. From these measurements and taking into account geometrical considerations, the electrical conductivity for the kidney, liver, heart, and spinal cord has been obtained and were found to be higher than the values reported in the literature. Furthermore, a new experimental procedure is proposed where the conductivity is determined from the values of the electrical potential and currents that are induced by an external electromagnetic field created by a coil placed close to the organ under study. Bioelectromagnetics 33:612–619, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Self‐reported antidepressant use among depressed, low‐income homebound older adults: class, type, correlates, and perceived effectiveness
Authors: Choi Namkee G. , Bruce Martha L. , Sirrianni Leslie , Marinucci Mary Lynn , Kunik Mark E.
Published: March 2012

Little research has been done on the use of antidepressants among homebound older adults, especially low‐income homebound older adults, and their perceptions of the effectiveness of their medication. The purposes of this study were to examine self‐reported use of antidepressants among depressed homebound older adults, class and type of antidepressants used, individual‐level correlates of antidepressant use, and users’ perceptions of the effectiveness of antidepressants. Data on self‐reported use of antidepressants were obtained as part of a feasibility study of short‐term telehealth problem‐solving therapy for depressed low‐income homebound adults (n= 162) aged 50 or older. The 24‐item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) was used to assess depression severity. The findings show that about half of the study participants were taking antidepressants, with 26.6% of those on antidepressants rating their medications very effective and 21.5% rating them effective. Female gender was positively, but older age and being Black/African American were negatively associated with the likelihood of antidepressant use. Perceived effectiveness of antidepressants was negatively associated with older age and the HAMD score. The findings suggest that personalized approaches to depression management may be needed in subgroups of depressed older adults, including culturally tailored medication counseling in Black/African‐American older adults.
N(3)‐Protection of Thymidine with Boc for an Easy Synthetic Access to Sugar‐Alkylated Nucleoside Analogs
Authors: Simeone Luca , De Napoli Lorenzo , Montesarchio Daniela
Published: March 2012

The use of Boc as a nucleobase‐protecting group in the synthesis of sugar‐modified thymidine analogs is reported. Boc was easily inserted at N(3) by a simple and high‐yielding reaction and found to be stable to standard treatments for the removal of Ac and tBuMe2Si (TBDMS) groups, as well as to ZnBr2‐mediated 4,4′‐dimethoxytrityl (DMTr) deprotection. Boc Protection proved to be completely resistant to the strong basic conditions required to regioselectively achieve O‐alkylation, therefore, providing synthetic access to a variety of sugar‐alkylated nucleoside analogs. To demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, two 3′‐O‐alkylated thymidine analogs have been synthesized in high overall yields and fully characterized.
Chemical and Morphological Diversity in Wild Populations of Mentha longifolia in Israel
Authors: Segev Daniel , Nitzan Nadav , Chaimovitsh David , Eshel Amram , Dudai Nativ
Published: March 2012

Populations of Mentha longifolia, an endangered species in Israel, were tested for essential oil composition and conservational ability. In 2002–2003, 25 wild populations country‐wide were tested, indicating population divergence into two chemotypes. Chemotype A was characterized by high levels of menthone and pulegone, and chemotype B by high levels of piperitenone oxide and piperitone oxide. Chemotype A was more abundant (22 of 25 populations) than chemotype B (11 of 25 populations). However, a chemotype/population interaction was not recorded (P > 0.05). In spring 2003, seven of the 25 wild populations were resampled, propagated, and cultivated at the Newe Ya'ar campus. Then, in 2004, the propagated plants were tested for essential oil composition. The propagated plants maintained the essential oil composition as well as the chemotype‐frequency distribution of the original wild population from which they were obtained. Since a chemotype/population interaction was not recorded, and the cultivated plants displayed the wild population essential oil composition, it can be concluded that i) the chemotype diversity is genetically based, and ii) the M. longifolia populations sampled can be horticulturally conserved.
Essential Oil Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Wild and Cultivated Moroccan Achillea ageratum L.: a Rare and Threatened Medicinal Species
Authors: El Bouzidi Laila , Abbad Abdelaziz , Hassani Lahcen , Fattarsi Karine , Leach David , Markouk Mohammed , Legendre Laurent , Bekkouche Khalid
Published: March 2012

The essential oils of leaves and flowers of the wild and cultivated Moroccan Achillea ageratum L., a rare and threatened medicinal species, were examined by GC/MS, and their chemical compositions were compared. At least nine components were identified in both wild and cultivated A. ageratum oils, representing more than 95% of the oils. Artemisyl acetate (62.34–78.79%), yomogi alcohol (4.89–12.40%), santolina alcohol (4.86–11.77%), and artemisia alcohol (3.36–7.04%) were the major compounds. Terpene‐alcohol proportion was higher in wild A. ageratum than in cultivated A. ageratum. The antibacterial analysis showed that both oils presented high activity against all the studied Gram‐positive strains in a range of MIC values from 2.55 to 7.02 mg/ml, but they appeared not effective against the tested Gram‐negative ones (MIC values 20.40–41.10 mg/ml). They also exhibited remarkable antifungal activities against Candida species with MIC values ranging from 5.83 to 8.42 mg/ml. From these results, it was concluded that domestication of this threatened medicinal species using clonal propagation did not significantly affect its chemical composition and consequently its antimicrobial properties.
Comparative Chemical Composition of the Essential Oils Obtained by Microwave‐Assisted Hydrodistillation and Hydrodistillation from Agrimonia pilosaLedeb. Collected in Three Different Regions of China
Authors: Wang Hongwu , Liu Yanqing , Wei Shoulian , Yan Zijun , Jin Xing
Published: March 2012

Conventional hydrodistillation (HD) and microwave‐assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) were performed to obtain the volatile oils of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. harvested in three different regions of China, which were subsequently characterized by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses. Compared with HD, MAHD was advantageous in terms of energy savings and extraction time (60 vs. 240 min for MAHD and HD, resp.). The chemical composition varied among the different oils obtained, and the variations in the contents of the main constituents of the oils were irregular. Hence, these variations affected both the quantity and composition of the oils. The oil yields (0.15–0.21%) were affected by the method of extraction and the region of harvest, with the maximum amount of oil obtained by MAHD for the plants collected in Hubei (HB) and the minimum yield obtained by HD for the plants from Zhejing (ZJ). Hexadecanoic acid constituted the major compound of the essential oils, with the highest content found in the oil obtained by HD for plants from HB (41.18%) and the lowest one found in the oil obtained by MAHD from plants from ZJ (11.83%). Microwave irradiation did not adversely affect the composition of the essential oils. The findings show that MAHD is a modern, green, and fast technology.
Understanding How H‐NOX (Heme Nitric Oxide/Oxygen) Domain Works Needs First Clarifying How Diatomic Gases Are Relocated Inside This Sensing Protein. A Molecular‐Mechanics Approach
Authors: Pietra Francesco
Published: March 2012

H‐NOX (Heme Nitric Oxide/Oxygen) domain has widespread occurrence, either standalone or associated with functional proteins, sending signals for functions that span from modulating vasodilation and neurotransmission with humans to competition and symbiosis with bacteria. Understanding how H‐NOX works, and possibly intervening on degeneration for health purposes, needs first clarifying how diatomic gases are relocated through this protein in relation to the deeply buried heme. To this end, a biased form of molecular dynamics, i.e., Random Accelaration Molecular Dynamics (RAMD), is used by applying a randomly oriented tiny force to heme‐dissociated CO of Nostoc sp. H‐NOX, while changing randomly the direction of the force, if CO travels less than specified for the evaluated block. The result is that a large area of the protein, comprising amino acids from serine 44 to leucine 67 along two adjacent helices, offers a broad portal to CO from the surrounding medium to the deeply buried heme. Most traffic is concentrated through a channel lined by tyrosine 49, valine 52, and leucine 67. This modifies the picture drawn from mapping Xe cavities on pressurizing Nostoc sp. H‐NOX with Xe gas. What is the main pathway with Xe‐cavity mapping becomes a minor pathway with RAMD, and vice versa. The reason is that the fluctuating protein under MD creates clefts for CO slipping through, as it is expected to occur in nature.
The use of the trellis‐6 thrombectomy device in the management of acute limb ischemia due to native vessel occlusion: Challenges, tips, and limitations
Authors: Daly Brendan , Patel Mitul , Prasad Anand
Published: March 2012

The role of endovascular therapy is expanding in the treatment of acute limb ischemia (ALI). In addition to catheter‐based thrombolysis, there are multiple devices which allow for clot disruption and aspiration. The Trellis catheter system provides mechanical agitation of thrombus coupled with chemical thrombolysis. We present two cases of native arterial occlusions in which the Trellis catheter was used for thrombolysis. Procedural tips and challenges associated with the use of this device in native vessels are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bare metal stenting for obstructed small diameter homograft conduits in the right ventricular outflow tract
Authors: Carr Michelle , Bergersen Lisa , Marshall Audrey C. , Keane John F. , Lock James E. , Emani Sitaram M. , McElhinney Doff B.
Published: March 2012

Objective

Our aim was to assess acute hemodynamic changes with stent insertion, outcomes, and factors associated with increased longevity of stented small diameter homograft conduits.

Background

Right ventricle‐to‐pulmonary artery (RV‐PA) homograft conduits are commonly used to palliate RV outflow tract obstruction. Bare metal stenting (BMS) and transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation have been shown to relieve obstructed larger diameter conduits and may delay surgical conduit reintervention. Less is known about BMS of small conduits.

Methods and Results

From 1992 to 2009, BMS was performed to relieve obstruction in 106 homograft conduits that were ≤12 mm at implant. The peak RV‐PA gradient fell from 54.3 ± 17.4 mm Hg at baseline to 46.1 ± 15.2 mm Hg after balloon dilation alone and to 25.1 ± 11.4 mm Hg with stenting (all P < 0.001). Higher pre‐BMS gradient and RV pressure were the only factors associated with higher post‐BMS RV‐PA gradient (≥30 mm Hg; both P < 0.001). There were no procedural deaths, two patients required surgical removal of embolized stents. At a median follow‐up of 1.6 years, 83 conduits were replaced; freedom from conduit reoperation after BMS was 66% ± 5% at 1 year and 28% ± 5% at 3 years. Factors associated with shorter freedom from reoperation included implanted conduit diameter <10 mm (P = 0.009), higher post‐stent RV‐PA gradient (P = 0.026), and higher post‐stent RV pressure (P < 0.01); only post‐stent RV pressure remained significant on multivariable analysis (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

BMS was acutely effective for the treatment of obstructed small diameter homograft conduits, with low morbidity. Prolongation of small diameter homograft conduit longevity with BMS may be useful in the lifetime management of conduit dysfunction in this patient population. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predictors of adverse clinical outcomes after successful infrapopliteal intervention
Authors: Kawarada Osami , Fujihara Masahiko , Higashimori Akihiro , Yokoi Yoshiaki , Honda Yasuhiro , Fitzgerald Peter J.
Published: March 2012

Objectives

To clarify the clinical and angiographical variables related to delayed wound healing, major amputation and death after successful infrapopliteal intervention in critical limb ischemia patients with tissue loss.

Background

There is an underappreciation of adverse clinical outcomes after successful infrapopliteal intervention.

Methods

Stent‐assisted infrapopliteal angioplasty was successful in 106 limbs in 85 patients. Successful intervention was defined as revascularization of at least one straight‐line flow to the foot.

Results

At 6 months and 1, 2, and 5 years, the repeat intervention‐free rates were 55.0, 49.6, 44.4, and 36.1%, respectively; the amputation‐free survival rates were 85.7, 68.0, 54.5, and 39.8%, respectively; and the limb salvage rates were 96.0, 92.4, 86.3, and 86.3%, respectively. An infectious wound was an independent predictor of major amputation after successful intervention. The complete wound healing rates were 36.8, 57.5, 67.9, and 73.6% at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively. In stepwise multivariate Cox analysis, diabetes mellitus, an infectious wound, and the pedal arch classification were identified as independent predictors of wound healing. The long‐term survival rates at 6 months and 1, 2, and 5 years were 89.5, 73.8, 62.0, and 43.4%, respectively. Stepwise multivariate Cox analysis indentified end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis to be an independent predictor of death.

Conclusions

An infectious wound, comorbidities of diabetes mellitus and ESRD on hemodialysis and classification of pedal arch can be predictors of adverse clinical outcomes after successful infrapopliteal intervention. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stacking of Self‐Assembled Surface Micelles in Ultrathin Films
Authors: de Gracia Lux Caroline , Gallani Jean‐Louis , Waton Gilles , Krafft Marie Pierre
Published: March 2012

Nonpolar fluorophilic/lipophilic tetrablock amphiphiles are investigated on the surface of water and on solid substrates using compression isotherms, Brewster angle microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. At low pressures, the tetrablocks form monolayers of closely packed surface hemimicelles. Further compression causes a 2D/3D transition. At the end of the plateau, half of the deposited material is expelled forming a second monolayer on top of the initially formed monolayer. Both layers of the films consist of surface micelles, thus providing the first example of spontaneous or compression‐driven stacking of self‐assembled nano‐objects.
Benzene Oxidation at Diamond Electrodes: Comparison of Microcrystalline and Nanocrystalline Diamonds
Authors: Pleskov Yu. V. , Krotova M. D. , Elkin V. V. , Varnin V. P. , Teremetskaya I. G. , Saveliev A. V. , Ralchenko V. G.
Published: March 2012

A comparative study of benzene oxidation at boron‐doped diamond (BDD) and nitrogenated nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) anodes in 0.5 M K2SO4 aqueous solution is conducted by using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It is shown by measurements of differential capacitance and anodic current that during the benzene oxidation at the BDD electrode, adsorption of a reaction intermediate occurs, which partially blocks the electrode surface and lowers the anodic current. At the NCD electrode, benzene is oxidized concurrently with oxygen evolution, a (quinoid) intermediate being adsorbed at the electrode. The adsorption and the electrode surface blocking are reflected in the impedance–frequency and impedance–potential complex‐plane plots.
Photocatalytic Generation of Syngas Using Combustion‐Synthesized Silver Bismuth Tungstate
Authors: de Tacconi Norma R. , Timmaji Hari Krishna , Chanmanee Wilaiwan , Huda Muhammad N. , Sarker Pranab , Janáky Csaba , Rajeshwar Krishnan
Published: March 2012

Silver bismuth tungstate (AgBiW2O8) nanoparticles were prepared for the first time by solution combustion synthesis by using the corresponding metal nitrates as the precursor and urea as the fuel. These nanoparticles were subsequently modified with Pt catalyst islands using a photocatalytic procedure and used for the photogeneration of syngas (CO+H2). Formic acid was used for this purpose for the in situ generation of CO2 and its subsequent reduction to CO. In the absence of Pt modification, H2 was not obtained in the gas products evolved. These results were compared with those obtained with acetic acid in place of formic acid. The combustion process was simulated by thermogravimetry and the synthesized powder was characterized using transmission electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance UV/Vis spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, surface area measurements, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Tauc plots derived from the diffuse reflectance data yielded an optical band gap of 2.74 eV. The photocatalytic activity of these nanoparticles was superior to a sample prepared by solid‐state synthesis. Mechanistic aspects are finally presented, as are structural models and electronic calculations, using density functional theory (DFT).
Solvent freeze out crystallization of lysozyme from a lysozyme‐ovalbumin mixture
Authors: Díaz Borbón V. , Ulrich J.
Published: March 2012

Hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) crystallization conditions from an ovalbumin‐lysozyme mixture were found by screening tests and further located in pseudo‐phase diagrams. This information was used to set up the initial conditions for the solvent freeze out (SFO) process. The process uses the freezing of ice to create the supersaturation for the proteins to crystallize out of the solution. The crystallization of HEWL (15 mg/mL) out of a lysozyme‐ovalbumin mixture (1.7 mg/mL) is carried out by SFO. Under the reported conditions, a crystallization yield of 69 % was obtained. A mean crystal size of 77.8 µm was enhanced in a crystallization time of 15.1 h. The lysozyme nature of the crystals is proven by SDS PAGE and enzymatic activity tests. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)