bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Efficient Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Alkyl Aryl Ketones Catalyzed by Iridium Complexes with Chiral Planar Ferrocenyl Phosphino‐Thioether Ligands
Authors: Le Roux Erwan , Malacea Raluca , Manoury Eric , Poli Rinaldo , Gonsalvi Luca , Peruzzini Maurizio
Published: February 2007

Iridium complexes of planar‐chiral ferrocenyl phosphine‐thioether ligands were tested in the hydrogenation of simple ketones. Optimization of the conditions led to a highly active catalytic system with turnover numbers up to 915 and turnover frequencies up to ca. 250 h−1. Furthermore, very high enantioselectivities (up to >99 %) together with complete conversions were obtained for the asymmetric hydrogenation of various acetophenones at 10 °C.
Phenotypic spectrum of mosaic trisomy 18: Two new patients, a literature review, and counseling issues
Authors: Tucker Megan E. , Garringer Holly J. , Weaver David D.
Published: February 2007

Mosaic trisomy 18 occurs when two different cell lines exist in the same individual; one cell line has two copies of chromosome 18, while the other has three copies. Here we present two new patients with mosaic trisomy 18, summarize 31 reported cases from the literature, and discuss management and counseling themes. Our first patient is an 8½‐year‐old female with normal intelligence and no significant dysmorphic features other than short stature and cubitus valgus. The second patient is a 21‐month‐old male with developmental delay, several dysmorphic features, including a patent ductus arteriosus, and normal growth. In general, the phenotype of individuals with mosaic trisomy 18 varies greatly. Some individuals have the complete trisomy 18, Edwards syndrome phenotype with early death while others are phenotypically completely normal. The latter group is exemplified by four normal appearing adults with mosaic trisomy 18 who were identified only after giving birth to children with complete trisomy 18. Further, a wide range of anomalies have been reported, most at low frequencies, including microcephaly, delayed bone age, brachydactyly, congenital heart defects, developmental delay, short stature, and premature ovarian failure. Intellectual capabilities range from profound mental retardation to above average intelligence. There appears to be no correlation with the percentage of trisomic cells in either fibroblasts or leukocytes and the individual's phenotype or intellectual function. We also discuss a variety of counseling issues including long‐term survival, reproductive capacity of individuals with mosaic trisomy 18, and recurrence risks. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human manipulative behavior in the Central European Late Eneolithic and Early Bronze Age: Humeral bilateral asymmetry
Authors: Sládek Vladimír , Berner Margit , Sosna Daniel , Sailer Robert
Published: February 2007

It is assumed that the transition from the Late Eneolithic to the Early Bronze Age in Central Europe was associated with substantial changes in subsistence and the perception of gender differences. However, the archeological record itself does not entirely support this model. Alternatively, this transition may be interpreted as a continuous process. We used asymmetry in external dimensions, and asymmetry in size and distribution of cortical tissue of humeri to elucidate the nature of this transition with respect to differences in manipulative behavior. The total sample of 67 individuals representing five archaeological cultures was used. The results indicate that the pattern of asymmetry of the humeral external measurements and the cross‐sectional parameters taken at 35% of humeral biomechanical length remain stable during the Late Eneolithic and Early Bronze Age. However, females of both periods show fluctuating asymmetry for all of the cross‐sectional parameters, but directional asymmetry for biomechanical length. Males are nonsignificantly shifted from the line of equivalence for biomechanical length, but exhibit directional asymmetry for the cortical area and polar moment of area. Only distal articular breadth yields fluctuating asymmetry for both females and males in both periods. Thus, the transition from the Late Eneolithic to the Early Bronze Age can be seen as a continuous process that probably affected only a limited part of human activities. We interpret the differences between females and males of both periods as evidence of gender‐specific activities; males might have been associated with extra‐domestic agricultural labor that resulted in asymmetrical manipulative loading and females with domestic labor with symmetrical manipulative loading in both periods. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Yaws disease in a wild gorilla population and its impact on the reproductive status of males
Authors: Levréro Florence , Gatti Sylvain , Gautier‐Hion Annie , Ménard Nelly
Published: February 2007

We evaluated the prevalence of skin lesions in a gorilla population in the Republic of Congo. The observed lesions were typical of yaws, a treponematosis described in gorillas and humans living in tropical regions. Among the 377 gorillas identified, 17% presented skin lesions, mainly on their faces. The worst cases presented physical handicaps because of the deep lesions. As in humans, lesions break out when individuals are young. Lesions were more prevalent among males than females above 8 years old. This sex‐bias prevalence could result from the behavioral characteristics of males through a greater exposure to wounds. Lesions were also more prevalent in unmated adult males (either solitaries or those living in nonbreeding groups) than in males leading breeding groups. In the case of the latter, nonaffected and affected leading males had a similar number of infants and juveniles. Still, none of the leading males ever presented serious handicaps because of the skin lesions. This suggests that adult females could favor males without lesions. Finally, lesions were more prevalent among immature animals in nonbreeding groups than in breeding groups, suggesting that either young animals with lesions disperse earlier from their natal groups, or that the disease spreads faster in nonbreeding groups. Our results provide some insights into the spread of a disease in a wild population. Further studies are required to determine if the vigor of males affects the development of the disease and if affected individuals experience social discrimination inducing a negative impact on population dynamics. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of hospital and surgeon procedure volume with patient‐centered outcomes of total knee replacement in a population‐based cohort of patients age 65 years and older
Authors: Katz Jeffrey N. , Mahomed Nizar N. , Baron John A. , Barrett Jane A. , Fossel Anne H. , Creel Alisha H. , Wright John , Wright Elizabeth A. , Losina Elena
Published: February 2007

Objective

To study the association between procedure volume and patient‐centered outcomes such as functional status.

Methods

We performed an observational study of a stratified random sample of Medicare beneficiaries who underwent primary total knee replacement (TKR) in 2000. Low‐volume surgeons were defined as surgeons performing ≤6 TKRs per year in the Medicare population, and low‐volume centers were defined as those in which ≤25 TKRs per year were performed. The primary outcome was the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) functional status score (0–100 scale; 100 = best) 2 years after TKR. We defined a WOMAC functional status score of <60 as a poor functional outcome. Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic factors, preoperative functional status, and comorbidities.

Results

Fifty‐eight percent of 1,597 eligible patients agreed to participate. Twelve percent of participating patients had a WOMAC score <60 2 years following TKR. Patients operated upon by low‐volume surgeons in low‐volume hospitals were twice as likely to have a poor WOMAC functional status score as patients operated upon by higher volume surgeons and in higher volume hospitals (odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.1–4.2).

Conclusion

Patients operated upon in low‐volume hospitals by low‐volume surgeons had worse functional outcomes 2 years after TKR. These findings add a new and important dimension to the discussion of whether to promote selective referral of procedures such as TKR to high‐volume centers.
Glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis symptoms: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study using acetaminophen as a side comparator
Authors: Herrero‐Beaumont Gabriel , Ivorra José Andrés Román , del Carmen Trabado María , Blanco Francisco Javier , Benito Pere , Martín‐Mola Emilio , Paulino Javier , Marenco José Luis , Porto Armando , Laffon Armando , Araújo Domingos , Figueroa Manuel , Branco Jaime
Published: February 2007

Objective

To assess the effects of the prescription formulation of glucosamine sulfate (1,500 mg administered once daily) on the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (OA) during a 6‐month treatment course.

Methods

Three hundred eighteen patients were enrolled in this randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind trial in which acetaminophen, the currently preferred medication for symptomatic treatment of OA, was used as a side comparator. Patients were randomly assigned to receive oral glucosamine sulfate 1,500 mg once daily (n = 106), acetaminophen 3 gm/day (n = 108), or placebo (n = 104). The primary efficacy outcome measure was the change in the Lequesne index after 6 months. Secondary parameters included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and response according to the Osteoarthritis Research Society International criteria. These outcome measures were assessed using an intent‐to‐treat analysis.

Results

At baseline, the study patients had moderately severe OA symptoms (mean Lequesne index ∼11 points). Glucosamine sulfate was more effective than placebo in improving the Lequesne score, with a final decrease of 3.1 points, versus 1.9 with placebo (difference between glucosamine sulfate and placebo −1.2 [95% confidence interval −2.3, −0.8]) (P = 0.032). The 2.7‐point decrease with acetaminophen was not significantly different from that with placebo (difference −0.8 [95% confidence interval −1.9, 0.3]) (P = 0.18). Similar results were observed for the WOMAC. There were more responders to glucosamine sulfate (39.6%) and acetaminophen (33.3%) than to placebo (21.2%) (P = 0.004 and P = 0.047, respectively, versus placebo). Safety was good, and was comparable among groups.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that glucosamine sulfate at the oral once‐daily dosage of 1,500 mg is more effective than placebo in treating knee OA symptoms. Although acetaminophen also had a higher responder rate compared with placebo, it failed to show significant effects on the algofunctional indexes.
Longitudinal power Doppler ultrasonographic assessment of joint inflammatory activity in early rheumatoid arthritis: Predictive value in disease activity and radiologic progression
Authors: Naredo Esperanza , Collado Paz , Cruz Ana , Palop Mercedes J. , Cabero Félix , Richi Patricia , Carmona Loreto , Crespo Manuel
Published: February 2007

Objective

To evaluate the sensitivity to change of power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) assessment of joint inflammation and the predictive value of PDUS parameters in disease activity and radiologic outcome in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Forty‐two patients with early RA who started therapy with disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs underwent blinded sequential clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound assessment at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year and radiographic assessment at baseline and 1 year. For each patient, 28‐joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) was recorded at each visit. The presence of synovitis was investigated in 28 joints using gray‐scale ultrasonography and intraarticular power Doppler signal. Active synovitis was defined as intraarticular synovitis detected with power Doppler signal. The ultrasound joint count for active synovitis and an overall joint index for power Doppler signal were calculated. Sensitivity to change of PDUS variables was assessed by estimating the smallest detectable difference (SDD) from the intraobserver variability.

Results

The SDD for ultrasound joint count for active synovitis and ultrasound joint index for power Doppler signal was lower than mean changes from baseline to 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Time‐integrated values of PDUS parameters demonstrated a highly significant correlation with DAS28 after 1 year (r = 0.63, P < 0.001) and a stronger correlation with radiographic progression (r = 0.59–0.66, P < 0.001) than clinical and laboratory parameters (r < 0.5).

Conclusion

PDUS is a sensitive and reliable method for longitudinal assessment of inflammatory activity in early RA. PDUS findings may have a predictive value in disease activity and radiographic outcome.
Cell markers, cytokines, and immune parameters in cement mason apprentices
Authors: Carlsten C. , de Roos A. J. , Kaufman J. D. , Checkoway H. , Wener M. , Seixas N.
Published: February 2007

Objective

Cement masons are known to have significant silica exposure, and silica exposure and silicosis are thought to increase risk of autoimmune disease. Because the mechanisms remain obscure, with inconclusive reports of systemic immune effects following silica exposure, our goal was to identify potential early markers of silica‐related immunologic and respiratory effects.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of cement mason apprentices and electrician (control) apprentices. Demographics, dust exposure history, symptoms, spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide, and blood (for immunoglobulins, cytokines, cell counts, and surface markers) were obtained from 11 cement mason apprentices and a comparison group of 21 electrician apprentices.

Results

Masons had significantly higher (P < 0.05) masonry dust exposure (42 versus 9 dust‐hour‐years), serum interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β; 12 versus 9 pg/ml), IL‐2 (20 versus 8 pg/ml), IL‐4 (193 versus 67 pg/ml), IL‐10 (44 versus 21 pg/ml), and interferon‐γ (139 versus 65 pg/ml) compared with electricians. In contrast, masons had significantly lower percentages of CD25+ (12% versus 20%) and CD69+ (4% versus 9%) lymphocytes.

Conclusion

Mason apprentices had higher levels of serum proinflammatory cytokines and lower percentages of CD25+ and CD69+ lymphocytes than did electrician apprentices. These preliminary findings suggest that mason apprentices may be at greater risk of a systemic proinflammatory state that is potentially linked to immune dysregulation. Although distinct limitations of this preliminary data are recognized, this is consistent with early biologic effects leading to increased incidence of autoimmune disease among silica‐exposed workers. Prospective studies are needed to validate these initial findings and clarify the temporal sequence of observed relationships.
About universes with scale‐related total masses and their abolition of presently outstanding cosmological problems
Authors: Fahr H. J. , Heyl M.
Published: February 2007

The most recently celebrated cosmological implications of the cosmic microwave background studies with WMAP (2006), though fascinating by themselves, do, however, create some extremely hard conceptual challenges for the present‐day cosmology. These recent extremely refined WMAP observations seem to reflect a universe which was extremely homogeneous at the recombination age and thus is obviously causally closed at the time of the cosmic recombination era. From the very tiny fluctuations apparent at this early epoch the presently observable nonlinear cosmic density structures can, however, only have grown up, if in addition to a mysteriously high percentage of dark matter an even higher percentage of dark energy is admitted as drivers of the cosmic evolution. The required dark energy density, on the other hand, is nevertheless 120 orders of magnitude smaller then the theoretically calculated value. These are outstanding problems of present day cosmology onto which we are looking here under new auspices. We shall investigate in the following, up to what degree a universe simply abolishes all these outstanding problems in case it reveals itself as an universe of constant total energy. As we shall show basic questions like: How could the gigantic mass of the universe of about 1080 proton masses at all become created? – Why is the presently recognized and obviously indispensable cosmic vacuum energy density so terribly much smaller than is expected from quantum theoretical considerations, but nevertheless terribly important for the cosmic evolution? – Why is the universe within its world horizon a causally closed system? –, can perhaps simply be answered, when the assumption is made that the universe has a constant total energy with the consequence that the total mass density of the universe (matter and vacuum) scales with $ R^{-2}_{\rm u} $. Such a scaling of matter and vacuum energy abolishes the horizon problem, and the cosmic vacuum energy density can easily be reconciled with its theoretical expectation values. In this model the mass of the universe increases linearly with the world extension Ru and can grow up from a Planck mass as a vacuum fluctuation. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A three‐dimensional computer model analysis of three hypothetical biofilm detachment mechanisms
Authors: Chambless Jason D. , Stewart Philip S.
Published: February 2007

Three hypothetical mechanisms of detachment were incorporated into a three‐dimensional computer model of biofilm development. The model integrated processes of substrate utilization, substrate diffusion, growth, cell advection, and detachment in a cellular automata framework. The purpose of this investigation was to characterize each of the mechanisms with respect to four criteria: the resulting biofilm structure, the existence of a steady state, the propensity for sloughing events, and the dynamics during starvation. The three detachment mechanisms analyzed represented various physical and biological influences hypothesized to affect biofilm detachment. The first invoked the concept of fluid shear removing biomass that protrudes far above the surface and is therefore subjected to relatively large drag forces. The second pathway linked detachment to changes in the local availability of a nutrient. The third pathway simulated an erosive process in which individual cells are lost from the surface of a biofilm cell cluster. The detachment mechanisms demonstrated diverse behaviors with respect to the four analysis criteria. The height‐dependant mechanism produced flat, steady state biofilms that lacked sloughing events. Detachment based on substrate limitation produced significant sloughing events. The resulting biofilm structures included distinct, hollow clusters separated by channels. The erosion mechanism produced neither a non‐zero steady state nor sloughing events. A mechanism combining all three‐detachment mechanisms produced mushroom‐like structures. The dynamics of biofilm decay during starvation were distinct for each detachment mechanism. These results show that detachment is a critical determinant of biofilm structure and of the dynamics of biofilm accumulation and loss. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 97: 1573–1584. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effects of quercetin on bone minerals, biomechanical behavior, and structure in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Kanter Mehmet , Altan Mehmet Fatih , Donmez Senayi , Ocakci Ayse , Kartal Murat Emre
Published: February 2007

This study was designed to investigate the effect of quercetin (QE) on bone minerals and biomechanics in insulin‐dependent diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by 50 mg kg−1 intraperitoneal streptozotocin (STZ) in a single dose. The rats were randomly allotted into four experimental groups: A (control), B (non‐diabetic + QE), C (diabetic), and D (diabetic + QE) each containing 10 animals. The diabetic rats received QE (15 mg kg−1 day−1) for 4 weeks following 8 weeks of STZ injection. Blood samples were taken to determine glucose, insulin, calcium, and magnesium levels. The rats' femora were assessed biomechanically at femoral mid‐diaphysis and neck. It was found that QE treatment increased insulin, calcium, and magnesium levels. Three‐point bending of the femoral mid‐diaphysis and necks showed significantly lower maximum load values (Fmax) in animals in the STZ group than the QE + STZ or control groups (p < 0.05). The results support the conclusion that QE treatment may decrease blood glucose and increase plasma insulin, calcium, and magnesium. QE treatment may also be effective in bone mineral metabolism, biomechanical strength, and bone structure in STZ‐induced diabetic rats. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Locally advanced prostate cancer—biochemical results from a prospective phase II study of intermittent androgen suppression for men with evidence of prostate‐specific antigen recurrence after radiotherapy
Authors: Bruchovsky Nicholas , Klotz Laurence , Crook Juanita , Goldenberg S. Larry
Published: February 2007

BACKGROUND.

Biochemical results from a prospective Phase II trial of intermittent androgen suppression for recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy were analyzed for correlations to the onset of hormone‐refractory disease.

METHODS.

Patients with histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate and a rising serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level after external beam irradiation of the prostate were treated intermittently with a 36‐week course of cyproterone acetate and leuprolide acetate. Then, patients were stratified according to their serum PSA range at the start of each cycle and were followed with further biochemical testing until disease progression was evident.

RESULTS.

The mean PSA reduction was 95.2% irrespective of stratification group. A baseline serum PSA level <10 μg/L and a serum PSA nadir ≤0.2 μg/L were associated with the longest time off treatment. The overall mean nadir PSA value in the progression group at 1.40 ± 0.19 μg/L was 2.6‐fold greater than the value of 0.55 ± 0.88 μg/L in the no‐progression group (P = .0002). Recovery of serum testosterone to a level of ≥7.5 nmol/L was observed in 75%, 50%, 40%, and 30% of men in Cycles 1 to 4, respectively, and was sufficient to normalize the level of hemoglobin in each cycle, which dropped by an average of 10.8 g/L during treatment (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS.

The length of the off‐treatment interval during cyclic androgen withdrawal therapy was related inversely to baseline and nadir levels of serum PSA. Nadir PSA was a powerful predictor of early progression to androgen independence. Cancer 2007 © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Ab Initio Study of Poly(vinyl chloride) Propagation Kinetics: Head‐to‐Head versus Head‐to‐Tail Additions
Authors: Van Cauter Karen , Van Speybroeck Veronique , Waroquier Michel
Published: February 2007

The relative importance of head‐to‐head versus head‐to‐tail additions during the free‐radical polymerization of vinyl chloride is determined by ab initio methods for different chain lengths of the polymer. First, a level of theory study is performed to determine cost‐effective methods for the ab initio description of the propagation kinetics of vinyl chloride. The study includes the following DFT‐based methods: B3LYP, B3PW91, BHandH, BHandHLYP, BLYP, BP86, MPW1K and MPW1PW91, in combination with double or triple zeta basis sets 6‐31G(d) and 6‐311G(d,p). Also, the more recently developed BMK and MPW1K functionals are included. The influence of diffuse functions is tested by comparison with the basis sets 6‐31+G(d) and 6‐311++G(3df,2p). The best‐performing methods are B3LYP, B3PW91 and MPW1 K combined with the 6‐31+G(d) basis set. The converged probability of head‐to‐head propagation (2 per 1000 monomer units) is put into relation with the experimental concentrations of defect structures. A comparison is made with the head‐to‐head (HH) content of fluorine‐substituted polymers and poly(vinyl acetate). The ab initio calculations correctly predict the relative sequence of HH content among the various polymers.
Bending Energetics of Tablet‐Shaped Micelles: A Novel Approach to Rationalize Micellar Systems
Authors: Bergström L. Magnus
Published: February 2007

A novel approach to rationalize micellar systems is expounded in which the structural behavior of tablet‐shaped micelles is theoretically investigated as a function of the three bending elasticity constants: spontaneous curvature (H0), bending rigidity (kc), and saddle‐splay constant (k̄c). As a result, experimentally accessible micellar properties, such as aggregation number, length‐to‐width ratio, and polydispersity, may be related to the different bending elasticity constants. It is demonstrated that discrete micelles or connected cylinders form when H0>1/4ξ, where ξ is the thickness of a surfactant monolayer, whereas various bilayer structures are expected to predominate when H0<1/4ξ. Our theory predicts, in agreement with experiments, a transition from discrete globular (tablet‐shaped) micelles to a phase of ordered, or disordered, connected cylinders above a critical surfactant concentration. Moreover, a novel explanation for the mechanism of growth, from small globular to long rodlike or wormlike micelles, follows as a consequence from the theory. In accordance, polydisperse elongated micelles (large length‐to‐width ratio) form as the bending rigidity is lowered, approaching the critical point at kc=0, whereas monodisperse globular micelles (small length‐to‐width ratio) are expected to be present at large kc values. The spontaneous curvature mainly determines the width of tablet‐shaped or ribbonlike micelles, or the radius of disklike micelles, whereas the saddle‐splay constant primarily influences the size but not the shape of the micelles.
Photoacoustic studies on optical and thermal properties of p‐type and n‐type nanostructured porous silicon for (100) and (111) orientations
Authors: Srinivasan R. , Jayachandran M. , Ramachandran K.
Published: February 2007

Nanostructured p‐type and n‐type porous silicon samples were prepared for (100) and (111) orientations and a systematic study is carried out on the effects of orientations, dopant type (boron and phosphorous), current density (20 and 30mA/cm2) and etching time on the formation, optical and thermal properties by photoacoustic spectroscopy. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical properties of thermally evaporated CdS thin films
Authors: Sahay P. P. , Nath R. K. , Tewari S.
Published: February 2007

CdS thin films of varying thicknesses were deposited on cleaned glass substrates at room temperature by thermal evaporation technique in a vacuum of about 2 x 10‐5 torr. UV‐VIS spectra of the films were studied using the optical transmittance measurements which were taken in the spectral region from 300 nm to 1100 nm. The absorbance and reflectance spectra of the films in the UV‐VIS region were also studied. Optical constants such as optical band gap, extinction coefficient, refractive index, optical conductivity and complex dielectric constant were evaluated from these spectra. All the films were found to exhibit high transmittance (∼ 60 ‐ 93 %), low absorbance and low reflectance in the visible/near infrared region from ∼ 500 nm to 1100 nm. The optical band gap energy was found to be in the range 2.28 – 2.53 eV. All the films annealed at 300°C for 4 hours in vacuum (∼ 10‐2 torr) showed a decrease in the optical transmittance with its absorption edge shifted towards the longer wavelength, leading to the result that the optical band gap decreases on annealing the films. Also, on annealing crystallinity of the films improves, resulting in decrease in the optical transmittance. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of thermoannealing on crystallinity and optical properties of Sb2S3 thin films
Authors: Tigau N.
Published: February 2007

Sb2S3 thin films are obtained by evaporating of Sb2S3 powder onto glass substrates maintained at room temperature under pressure of 2×10‐5 torr. The composition of the thin films was determined by energy dispersive analysis of X‐ray (EDAX). The effect of thermal annealing in vacuum on the structural properties was studied using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) technique and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The as‐deposition films were amorphous, while the annealed films have an orthorhombic polycrystalline structure. The optical constants of as‐deposited and annealed Sb2S3 thin films were obtained from the analysis of the experimental recorded transmission spectral data over the wavelength range 400‐1400 nm. The transmittance analysis allowed the determination of refractive index as function of wavelength. It was found that the refractive dispersion data obeyed the single oscillator model, from which the dispersion parameters (oscillator energy, E0, dispersion energy, Ed) were determined. The static refractive index n(0), static dielectric constant, ε∞, and optical band gap energy, Eg, were also calculated using the values of dispersion parameters. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Simulation of Direct‐Current Microdischarges for Application in Electro‐Thermal Class of Small Satellite Propulsion Devices
Authors: Kothnur P. S. , Raja L. L.
Published: February 2007

Microdischarges are miniature non‐equilibrium plasma discharges with characteristic dimensions of ∼10's–100's μm and relatively high operating pressures of ∼10's–100's Torr. Microdischarges possess several unique properties that have been exploited in a number of new applications. We have recently proposed amicrodischargebased electro‐thermal class of microthrusters for small satellite propulsion. These devices utilize intense gas heating in microdischarges to preheat a propellant gas stream before it is expanded in a micronozzle to produce thrust; thereby improving specific impulse of the device over a conventional cold gas microthruster. This paper addresses direct‐current microdischarge phenomena in a flowing gas stream. A two‐dimensional, selfconsistent, fluid model of a helium microdischarge in a bulk gas flow is developed. For relatively high current/power levels considered in this study, the microdischarge operates in an abnormal glow mode with positive differential resistivity. Increasing discharge pressures for fixed power and bulk flow rates results in a decrease in charged species densities and the electron and gas temperatures. Also the discharge becomes increasingly constricted with increasing pressures, resulting in a more normal glow mode‐like operation. Increasing bulk flow rates results in exactly the same trends as increasing pressures. For given input power and pressure, there exists an optimum flow rate for which the average outlet gas temperature from the discharge is a maximum. An increase in input electrical power results in an almost linear increase in the gas temperatures; this property of microdischarges is the key feature that is exploited in our microdischarge‐based thruster concept. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Microplasma‐Based Treatment of Inner Surfaces in Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Klages C.‐P. , Berger C. , Eichler M. , Thomas M.
Published: February 2007

The paper presents one example of the utilization of microplasmas formed in cavities, which are surrounded partially or completely by dielectric materials, for surface technological processes. The modification or coating of inner surfaces in already sealed polymer‐ or glass‐based microfluidic systems is a challenging new application of atmospheric‐pressure microplasmas which promises the achievement of a wide range of physico‐chemical surface properties which are difficult to attain by wet‐chemical or low‐pressure plasma processes. Depending on the type of gas atmosphere or precursor fed into the microfluidic system, hydrophilic or hydrophobic, anionic or cationic, reactive or inert surfaces will be accessible in cost‐efficient processes. After an introduction into recent developments in the area of surface functionalization by atmospheric‐pressure dielectric barrier discharges and microplasmas, this contribution will describe the coating of inner surfaces of microfluidic devices and the evaluation of film thickness profiles along microfluidic channels using FTIR microspectroscopy. Results of thickness profile measurements are presented and discussed for hydrophilic silicon dioxide coatings as well as hydrophobic deposits obtained from hexamethyl‐disiloxane. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Plasma Photonic Crystals in Two‐Dimensional Arrays of Microplasmas
Authors: Sakai O. , Sakaguchi T. , Tachibana K.
Published: February 2007

Two‐dimensional arrays of microplasmas form “plasma photonic crystals”, which have new functions that have not been present in bulk plasma. Two features of abnormal electromagnetic wave propagation on the first photonic band above the electron plasma frequency are demonstrated. Near the electron plasma frequency, unidirectional propagation takes place, and divergent propagation occurs near the band gap in the Γ‐X direction. These phenomena are verified in experiments, and the details are confirmed by equi‐frequency contours on a two‐dimensional wavenumber plane. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Erythrocyte morphology automated analysis: Proposal for a new prediction tool of essential hypertension diagnosis
Authors: Teodori Laura , Accorsi Augusto , Uguccioni Francesco , Rocchi Marco B. L. , Baldoni Francesco , Piatti Elena , Albertini Maria Cristina
Published: February 2007

Background:

Erythrocyte morphology has already been studied in essential hypertension (EH) and cell membrane alterations have been observed. Relationships among red cell rheological, biochemical, and morphological properties still appear complex and are not clearly understood.

Methods:

Erythrocyte morphology study was carried out by using the novel automated method we have recently developed. The morphometric parameters derived from optical microscope images were elaborated with image processing software (NIH Scion Image) to construct an application for the principal component analysis (PCA) to achieve a reliable and objective statistical method that would discriminate among erythrocyte morphologies of the considered groups. Three groups of subjects were studied: healthy (n= 30), healthy with familial EH (n= 25), and EH suffering subjects (n= 26).

Results:

Our results show that morphological modifications are evident in both erythrocytes from EH and from healthy with familial EH subjects as compared to the controls. PCA showed remarkable morphological alterations in EH patients. In fact, the PCA explains for the 86.271% of the total variance that can be considered an excellent result.

Conclusions:

The results suggest that the use of this automated easy and inexpensive method for the detection of cell shape abnormalities is of high value in the early EH prediction. © 2007 Clinical Cytometry Society
Increased proliferation of CD8+ T cells in SAP‐deficient mice is associated with impaired activation‐induced cell death
Authors: Chen Gang , Tai Albert K. , Lin Miao , Chang Francesca , Terhorst Cox , Huber Brigitte T.
Published: February 2007

Defective signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM)‐associated protein (SAP) is responsible for the human X‐linked lymphoproliferative syndrome. Defects in T helper 2, natural killer, natural killer T and B cells have been demonstrated in SAP‐deficient humans and mice, and increased proliferation of CD8+ T cells has been observed. In the current study, we investigated the properties of CD8+ T cell proliferation and activation‐induced cell death (AICD), using OT‐I T cell receptor (TCR)‐transgenic mice on either wild‐type (WT) or SAP–/– background. Interestingly, we found that ovalbumin peptide‐activated SAP–/– CD8+ T cells have lower AICD compared to their WT counterparts. Furthermore, the induction of p73, a key mediator of TCR‐induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, was significantly reduced at both the mRNA and protein levels in the activated mutant cells. Meanwhile, a reduced level of activated caspase 9 was observed in the mutant cells. We conclude that reduced AICD in activated SAP–/– CD8+ T cells is associated with impaired p73 induction, indicating that the initiation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway might be impaired. Our data demonstrate an intrinsic defect in SAP–/– CD8+ T cells and shed light on the increased responsiveness of CD8+ T cells in SAP–/– mice.
Interferon‐regulatory‐factor 1 controls Toll‐like receptor 9‐mediated IFN‐β production in myeloid dendritic cells
Authors: Schmitz Frank , Heit Antje , Guggemoos Simone , Krug Anne , Mages Jörg , Schiemann Matthias , Adler Heiko , Drexler Ingo , Haas Tobias , Lang Roland , Wagner Hermann
Published: February 2007

Activation of interferon regulatory factor (IRF)‐3 and/or IRF‐7 drives the expression of antiviral genes and the production of α/β IFN, a hallmark of antiviral responses triggered by Toll‐like receptors (TLR). Here we describe a novel antiviral signaling pathway operating in myeloid (m) dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages that does not require IRF‐3 and/or IRF‐7 but is driven by IRF‐1. IRF‐1 together with myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) or IL‐1 receptor‐associated kinase (IRAK)‐1 triggered IFN‐β promoter activation. IRF‐1 physically interacted with MyD88 and activation of mDC via TLR‐9 induced IRF‐1‐dependent IFN‐β production paralleled by rapid transcriptional activation of IFN‐stimulated genes. The NF‐κB‐dependent production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, however, was not influenced by IRF‐1. TLR‐9 signaling through this pathway conferred cellular antiviral resistance while IRF‐1‐deficient mice displayed enhanced susceptibility to viral infection. These results demonstrate that TLR‐9 activation of mDC and macrophages contributes to antiviral immunity via IRF‐1.

See accompanying commentary: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200637009
CD83 is a regulator of murine B cell function in vivo
Authors: Breloer Minka , Kretschmer Birte , Lüthje Katja , Ehrlich Svenja , Ritter Uwe , Bickert Thomas , Steeg Christiane , Fillatreau Simon , Hoehlig Kai , Lampropoulou Vassiliki , Fleischer Bernhard
Published: February 2007

The transmembrane glycoprotein CD83 has been described as a specific maturation marker for dendritic cells and several lines of evidence suggest that CD83 regulates thymic T cell maturation as well as peripheral T cell activation. Here we show for the first time that CD83 is involved also in the regulation of B cell function. CD83 is up‐regulated on activated B cells in vivo, specifically in the draining lymph nodes of Leishmania major‐infected mice. The ubiquitous transgenic (Tg) expression of CD83 interferes with Leishmania‐specific T cell‐dependent and with T cell‐independent antibody production. This defect is restricted to the B cell population since the antigen‐specific T cell response of CD83Tg mice to L. major infection is unchanged. The defective immunoglobulin (Ig) response is due to Tg expression of CD83 on the B cells because wild‐type B cells display normal antigen‐specific responses in CD83Tg hosts and CD83Tg B cells do not respond to immunization in a mixed wild‐type/CD83Tg bone marrow chimera. Finally, the treatment of non‐Tg C57BL/6 mice with anti‐CD83 mAb induces a dramatic increase in the antigen‐specific IgG response to immunization, thus demonstrating a regulatory role for naturally induced CD83 on wild‐type B cells.
TLR pathways and IFN‐regulatory factors: To each its own
Authors: Colonna Marco
Published: February 2007

TLR trigger the induction of type I IFN (IFN‐alpha/beta), providing a crucial mechanism of anti‐viral defense. Until recently, TLR were thought to induce type I IFN responses by activating two transcription factors which belong to the IFN‐regulatory factor (IRF) family, IRF‐3 and IRF‐7. TLR‐3 and TLR‐4 induce IFN‐beta by activating IRF‐3; TLR‐9 induces IFN‐alpha and IFN‐beta through IRF‐7, at least when engaged by type A CpG oligonucleotides (CpG‐A) in plasmacytoid DC (pDC). In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, it is demonstrated that TLR‐9 induces IFN‐beta when engaged by type B CpG oligonucleotides (CpG‐B) in myeloid DC and macrophages. Remarkably, this response is independent of IRF‐3/7 and, in fact, requires another IRF family member, IRF‐1. IRF‐1 is recruited by TLR‐9 through the adaptor MyD88. Deficiency of the TLR‐9→IRF‐1→IFN‐beta pathway results in impaired anti‐viral responses not only in vitro but also in vivo. These results demonstrate that TLR induce IFN‐alpha or IFN‐beta responses by activating distinct IRF, depending on the TLR ligand and the cell type. These distinct TLR‐IRF pathways may allow the immune system to tailor its responses to viral pathogens.

See accompanying article http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200636767
Mechanistic Studies on the Activation of NO by Iron and Cobalt Complexes
Authors: Franke Alicja , Roncaroli Federico , van Eldik Rudi
Published: February 2007

In this review, the reactions of nitric oxide with selected Fe and Co complexes of biological and environmental importance are reviewed. Fundamental chemical kinetics and mechanisms of reactions that lead to the formation and decay of nitrosyl complexes are illustrated and discussed on the basis of studies on FeIIchelates, FeII/IIIpentacyano complexes, FeIIIporphyrins, cytochrome P450 and model complexes, CoII/IIIporphyrins and vitamin B12. Throughout the review, the focus is on mechanistic details of the binding of NO to and the release of NO from metal complexes and on the nature of the stable metal–NO complexes produced in solution. As will be seen for most of the presented reactions, the interaction of NO with the metal complex involves activation of the small NO molecule so that charge transfer occurs as a result of the formation of the metal–NO bond.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Effect of Voltage on the Topography of Alkanethiol and Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimer Layers with Immobilized Glucose Oxidase. An Atomic Force Microscopy Study
Authors: Polohová Vladimíra , Šnejdárková Maja , Podskočová Jarmila , Svobodová Lenka , Chorvát Dušan , Hianik Tibor
Published: February 2007

We applied atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study the surface topography of the supported thin films of various composition: hexadecanethiol (HDT), poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (PAMAM) of first generation (G1), mixture of HDT+G1, glucose oxidase (GOX) and HDT+G1+GOX layers. The AFM image of dendrimers in air revealed dome‐shaped, randomly distributed aggregates of the size from 100 to 200 nm. GOX adsorbed on the gold support also formed aggregates of the diameter between 700–900 nm and height up to 36 nm. The AFM images of the HDT+G1+GOX layer in air revealed smooth surfaces with irregular pinholes, although these were corrugated in the buffer. Application of the voltage of +670 mV to the layers during one hour resulted in significant increase of the surface root means square roughness (Rrms). The electrical properties of G1 layers studied by cyclic voltammetry do not differ substantially from bare gold electrode, while HDT+G1 mixed layers revealed intermediate electrical properties between HDT and G1. Immobilization of GOX onto the HDT+G1 resulted further decrease of the layer permeability.
Determination of apo‐Metallothionein Using Adsorptive Transfer Stripping Technique in Connection with Differential Pulse Voltammetry
Authors: Adam Vojtech , Krizkova Sona , Zitka Ondrej , Trnkova Libuse , Petrlova Jitka , Beklova Miroslava , Kizek Rene
Published: February 2007

Links between metallothionein (MT), its structure and many biologically important pathways demonstrate the necessity of taking into account of studying the behavior of MT in different well defined mediums, which could help to model conditions in an organism easily. The main aim of this work was to prepare and determine apoMT by adsorptive transfer stripping technique (AdTS) in connection with differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Particularly, we investigated the electrochemical behavior of MT measured on the surface of hanging mercury drop electrode in the presence of sodium chloride as supporting electrolyte using AdTS DPV with respect to study the effects of MT signals by different concentrations and pH's of the electrolyte. Then, we aimed at utilizing this technique to observe changes in MT which are dependent on using strong chelating compounds ethylendiamine‐N, N, N′, N′‐tetraacetic acid (EDTA). Thanks to ability of EDTA to bind heavy metals from active center of enzymes and regulation proteins, we were able to prepare apoMT; that means, MT without any metal ion bound in its structure. Detection limit of apoMT at very short time of accumulation (tA=120 s) was 3 nM (20 ng/mL and/or 15 fmol in 5 μL drop; RSD=2–5%) estimated by dilution of the analyzed solution until the signal disappeared. In addition, it was possible to decrease detection limit by extending of time of accumulation of apoMT on the surface of HMDE. We were able to detect 30 pM of apoMT (200 pg/mL and/or 150 amol in 5 μL drop) at tA=500 s.
Guidelines for Improving the Lower Detection Limit of Ion‐Selective Electrodes: A Systematic Approach
Authors: Radu Aleksandar , Peper Shane , Bakker Eric , Diamond Dermot
Published: February 2007

Zero‐current membrane fluxes are the principal source of bias that has prohibited researchers from obtaining true, thermodynamic selectivity coefficients for membrane‐based ion‐selective electrodes (ISEs). They are also responsible for the mediocre detection limits historically seen with these types of potentiometric sensors. By choosing an experimental protocol that suppresses these fluxes, it becomes possible to obtain unbiased thermodynamic selectivity coefficients that are needed to produce ISEs with greatly improved detection limits. In this work, a Cs+‐selective electrode based on calix[6]arene‐hexaacetic acid hexaethyl ester (Cs I) is used to systematically demonstrate how unbiased selectivity coefficients can be obtained, and how they can be used to optimize inner filling solutions for low detection limit measurements. A comparison of biased selectivity methods (e.g., classical separate solution method (SSM), fixed interference method (FIM), matched potential method (MPM)) with the unbiased modified separate solution method (MSSM) found that selectivity coefficients were underestimated in several cases by more than 4 orders of magnitude (log KCs,Mgpot,MSSM=−8.7; log KCs,Mgpot,SSM=−4.5). The importance of key experimental parameters, including diffusion coefficients and diffusion layer thicknesses in the aqueous and organic phases, on the minimization of ion fluxes and the improvement of lower detection limits is also described. A dramatic reduction of membrane fluxes by the covalent attachment of a Ca2+‐selective ionophore to a methyl methacrylate‐decyl methacrylate (MMA‐DMA) copolymer matrix is also demonstrated. The ionophore‐immobilized ISE exhibited no super‐Nernstian response and yielded a detection limit of 40 ppt (log aCa=−9.0) with an inner filling solution of 1×10−3 M KCl. Finally, a set of guidelines for experimental protocols leading to obtaining unbiased selectivity coefficients and producing ISEs for trace level analyses is given.