bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Familial mediterranean fever with a single MEFV mutation: Where is the second hit?
Authors: Booty Matthew G. , Chae Jae Jin , Masters Seth L. , Remmers Elaine F. , Barham Beverly , Le Julie M. , Barron Karyl S. , Holland Steve M. , Kastner Daniel L. , Aksentijevich Ivona
Published: May 2009

Objective

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) has traditionally been considered an autosomal‐recessive disease; however, it has been observed that a substantial number of patients with clinical FMF possess only 1 demonstrable MEFV mutation. The purpose of this study was to perform an extensive search for a second MEFV mutation in 46 patients diagnosed clinically as having FMF and carrying only 1 high‐penetrance FMF mutation.

Methods

MEFV and other candidate genes were sequenced by standard capillary electrophoresis. In 10 patients, the entire 15‐kb MEFV genomic region was resequenced using hybridization‐based chip technology. MEFV gene expression levels were determined by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Pyrin protein levels were examined by Western blotting.

Results

A second MEFV mutation was not identified in any of the patients who were screened. Haplotype analysis did not identify a common haplotype that might be associated with the transmission of a second FMF allele. Western blots did not demonstrate a significant difference in pyrin levels between patients with a single mutation and those with a double mutation; however, FMF patients of both types showed higher protein expression as compared with controls and with non‐FMF patients with active inflammation. Screening of genes encoding pyrin‐interacting proteins identified rare mutations in a small number of patients, suggesting the possibility of digenic inheritance.

Conclusion

Our data underscore the existence of a significant subset of FMF patients who are carriers of only 1 MEFV mutation and demonstrate that complete MEFV sequencing is not likely to yield a second mutation. Screening for the set of the most common mutations and detection of a single mutation appears to be sufficient in the presence of clinical symptoms for the diagnosis of FMF and the initiation of a trial of colchicine.
Clinical disease among patients heterozygous for familial mediterranean fever
Authors: Marek‐Yagel Dina , Berkun Yackov , Padeh Shai , Abu Almogit , Reznik‐Wolf Haike , Livneh Avi , Pras Mordechai , Pras Elon
Published: May 2009

Objective

To define the molecular basis of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in patients with only 1 mutation in the MEFV gene.

Methods

Genetic analysis was performed in 20 FMF patients, including full sequencing of complementary DNA (cDNA) samples and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification analysis. In patients with first‐degree relatives with FMF, haplotype analysis was also performed.

Results

A second mutation was found in 2 patients. In the other 18 patients, we could not identify additional mutations, large genomic deletions, or duplications. Analysis of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms along the cDNA ruled out a lack of expression of 1 of the alleles. In 2 of the 3 families in which more than 1 sibling had FMF, we showed that the affected siblings inherited a different MEFV allele from the parent who did not have the MEFV mutation.

Conclusion

These findings are highly consistent with the existence of a clinical phenotype among some patients who are heterozygous for FMF and could explain the vertical transmission in some families. A single mutation in the MEFV gene may be much more common than was previously thought and may include up to 25% of patients who are diagnosed as having FMF.
Complete and sustained remission of juvenile dermatomyositis resulting from aggressive treatment
Authors: Kim Susan , El‐Hallak Moussa , Dedeoglu Fatma , Zurakowski David , Fuhlbrigge Robert C. , Sundel Robert P.
Published: May 2009

Objective

To assess the time needed to achieve sustained, medication‐free remission in a cohort of patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (DM) receiving a stepwise, aggressive treatment protocol.

Methods

Between 1994 and 2004, a cohort of 49 children with juvenile DM who were followed up at a single tertiary care children's hospital using disease activity measures according to a specific protocol received standardized therapy with steroids and methotrexate. If a patient's strength or muscle enzyme levels did not normalize with this initial therapy, additional medications were added in rapid succession to the treatment regimen. The primary outcome measure was time to complete remission. Additional outcome measures were onset of calcinosis, effect of treatment on height, and complications resulting from medications.

Results

Forty‐nine patients were followed up for a mean ± SD of 48 ± 30 months. All but 1 patient received 2 or more medications simultaneously. Transient localized calcifications occurred in 4 patients (8%), and 2 additional patients (4%) had persistent calcinosis. Despite the aggressive therapy, complications associated with treatment were mild and were primarily attributable to steroids. No persistent effect on longitudinal growth was observed. A complete, medication‐free remission was achieved in 28 patients; the median time to achievement of complete remission was 38 months (95% confidence interval 32–44 months). None of these patients experienced a disease flare that required resumption of medications during the subsequent period of observation (mean ± SD 36 ± 19.7 months).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that aggressive treatment of juvenile DM aimed at achieving rapid, complete control of muscle weakness and inflammation improves outcomes and reduces disease‐related complications. In more than one‐half of the children whose disease was treated in this manner (28 of 49), a prolonged, medication‐free remission was attained within a median of 38 months from the time of diagnosis.
Gene–environment interaction between the DRB1 shared epitope and smoking in the risk of anti–citrullinated protein antibody–positive rheumatoid arthritis: All alleles are important
Authors: Lundström Emeli , Källberg Henrik , Alfredsson Lars , Klareskog Lars , Padyukov Leonid
Published: May 2009

Objective

An interaction effect for developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was previously observed between HLA–DRB1 shared epitope (SE) alleles and smoking. We aimed to further investigate this interaction between distinct SE alleles and smoking regarding the risk of developing RA with and without anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs).

Methods

We used data regarding smoking habits and HLA–DRB1 genotypes from 1,319 patients and 943 controls from the Epidemiological Investigation of Rheumatoid Arthritis, in which 972 patients and 488 controls were SE positive. Subsequently, 759 patients and 328 controls were subtyped for specific alleles within the DRB1*04 group. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated by means of logistic regression. Interaction was evaluated by calculating attributable proportion due to interaction, with 95% CIs.

Results

A strong interaction between smoking and SE alleles in the development of ACPA‐positive RA was observed for all DRB1*04 SE alleles taken as a group (relative risk [RR] 8.7 [95% CI 5.7–13.1]) and for the *0401 and *0404 alleles (RR 8.9 [95% CI 5.8–13.5]) and the *01 and *10 alleles (RR 4.9 [95% CI 3.0–7.8]) as specific, separate groups, with similar strength of interaction for the different groups (attributable proportion due to interaction 0.4 [95% CI 0.2–0.6], 0.5 [95% CI 0.3–0.7], and 0.6 [95% CI 0.4–0.8], respectively).

Conclusion

There is a statistically significant interaction between distinct DRB1 SE alleles and smoking in the development of ACPA‐positive RA. Interaction occurs with the *04 group as well as the *01/*10 group, demonstrating that regardless of fine specificity, all SE alleles strongly interact with smoking in conferring an increased risk of ACPA‐positive RA.
Galectin 3 induces a distinctive pattern of cytokine and chemokine production in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts via selective signaling pathways
Authors: Filer Andrew , Bik Magdalena , Parsonage Greg N. , Fitton John , Trebilcock Emily , Howlett Katherine , Cook Michelle , Raza Karim , Simmons David L. , Thomas Andrew M. C. , Salmon Mike , Scheel‐Toellner Dagmar , Lord Janet M. , Rabinovich Gabriel A. , Buckley Christopher D.
Published: May 2009

Objective

High expression of galectin 3 at sites of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) suggests that galectin 3 plays a role in RA pathogenesis. Previous studies have demonstrated the effects of galectins on immune cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages. This study was undertaken to investigate the hypothesis that galectin 3 induces proinflammatory effects in RA by modulating the pattern of cytokine and chemokine production in synovial fibroblasts.

Methods

Matched samples of RA synovial and skin fibroblasts were pretreated with galectin 3 or tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and the levels of a panel of cytokines, chemokines, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays and multiplex assays. Specific inhibitors were used to dissect signaling pathways, which were confirmed by Western blotting and NF‐κB activation assay.

Results

Galectin 3 induced secretion of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, CXCL8, and MMP‐3 in both synovial and skin fibroblasts. By contrast, galectin 3–induced secretion of TNFα, CCL2, CCL3, and CCL5 was significantly greater in synovial fibroblasts than in skin fibroblasts. TNFα blockade ruled out autocrine TNFα‐stimulated induction of chemokines. The MAPKs p38, JNK, and ERK were necessary for IL‐6 production, but phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI 3‐kinase) was required for selective CCL5 induction. NF‐κB activation was required for production of both IL‐6 and CCL5.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that galectin 3 promotes proinflammatory cytokine secretion by tissue fibroblasts. However, galectin 3 induces the production of mononuclear cell–recruiting chemokines uniquely from synovial fibroblasts, but not matched skin fibroblasts, via a PI 3‐kinase signaling pathway. These data provide further evidence of the role of synovial fibroblasts in regulating the pattern and persistence of the inflammatory infiltrate in RA and suggest a new and important functional consequence of the observed high expression of galectin 3 in the rheumatoid synovium.
A prediction rule for disease outcome in patients with undifferentiated arthritis using magnetic resonance imaging of the wrists and finger joints and serologic autoantibodies
Authors: Tamai Mami , Kawakami Atsushi , Uetani Masataka , Takao Shoichiro , Arima Kazuhiko , Iwamoto Naoki , Fujikawa Keita , Aramaki Toshiyuki , Kawashiri Shin‐YA , Ichinose Kunihiro , Kamachi Makoto , Nakamura Hideki , Origuchi Tomoki , Ida Hiroaki , Aoyagi Kiyoshi , Eguchi Katsumi
Published: May 2009

Objective

To evaluate whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the wrists and finger joints and an analysis of serologic autoantibodies are clinically meaningful for the subsequent development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients with undifferentiated arthritis (UA).

Methods

A total of 129 patients with UA, a disease status formally confirmed by a rheumatologist over a period of at least 1 year, were included. Gadolinium‐diethylenetriamine–enhanced MRI of both wrists and finger joints and serologic variables were examined upon admission to our Early Arthritis Clinic at Nagasaki University. After a prospective followup of 1 year, a predictive value for the development of RA was determined for each patient.

Results

The subjects were evaluated for their positive or negative status with respect to 3 objective measures at study entry: anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP) antibodies and/or IgM‐rheumatoid factor, MRI‐proven symmetric synovitis, and MRI‐proven bone edema and/or bone erosion. The patients who were positive for at least 2 of these measures progressed to RA at 1 year with a 79.7% positive predictive value (PPV), 63.0% negative predictive value, 75.9% specificity, 68.0% sensitivity, and 71.3% accuracy. Furthermore, in 22 UA patients positive for both anti‐CCP antibodies and MRI‐proven bone edema who were considered to have progressed to RA at 1 year, the PPV was increased to 100%. A close correlation was found between the present rule and that established in the Leiden Early Arthritis Cohort.

Conclusion

MRI‐proven early joint damage in conjunction with serologic autoantibodies is efficient in predicting progression from UA to RA. This method can be used to identify patients who would benefit from early treatment with disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Isomerization of 1‐Alkenes to (E)‐2‐Alkenes with Dimethylphenylsilylmethylmagnesium Chloride and Its Application to the Stereoselective Synthesis of (E)‐Alkenylsilanes
Authors: Kobayashi Tsuneyuki , Yorimitsu Hideki , Oshima Koichiro
Published: May 2009

“Co”axing selectivity into isomerization: Treatment of 1‐alkenes with dimethylphenylsilylmethylmagnesium chloride in the presence of a cobalt‐NHC complex in dioxane at 50 °C or higher provides the corresponding (E)‐2‐alkenes selectively. The isomerization is applicable to the stereoselective synthesis of (E)‐crotylsilanes and (E)‐1‐propenylsilanes from the corresponding homoallylsilanes and allylsilanes, respectively.

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Treatment of 1‐alkenes with dimethylphenylsilylmethylmagnesium chloride in the presence of a cobalt‐NHC complex in dioxane at 50 °C or higher provides the corresponding (E)‐2‐alkenes selectively. The isomerization is applicable to the stereoselective synthesis of (E)‐crotylsilanes and (E)‐1‐propenylsilanes from the corresponding homoallylsilanes and allylsilanes, respectively.
Reactive oxygen species formation is not enhanced by exposure to UMTS 1950 MHz radiation and co‐exposure to ferrous ions in Jurkat cells
Authors: Brescia Francesca , Sarti Maurizio , Massa Rita , Calabrese Maria L. , Sannino Anna , Scarfì Maria R.
Published: May 2009

This study was designed to assess if radiofrequency (RF) radiation induces oxidative stress in cultured mammalian cells when given alone or in combination with ferrous ions (FeSO4). For this purpose the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by flow cytometry in human lymphoblastoid cells exposed to 1950 MHz signal used by the third generation wireless technology of the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) at Specific Absorption Rate of 0.5 and 2.0 W/kg. Short (5–60 min) or long (24 h) duration exposures were carried out in a waveguide system under strictly controlled conditions of both dosimetry and environment. Cell viability was also measured after 24 h RF exposure using the Resazurin and Neutral Red assays. Several co‐exposure protocols were applied to test if RF radiation is able to alter ROS formation induced by FeSO4 (RF given before or concurrently to FeSO4). The results obtained indicate that non‐thermal RF exposures do not increase spontaneous ROS formation in any of the experimental conditions investigated. Consistent with the lack of ROS production, no change in cell viability was observed in Jurkat cells exposed to RF radiation for 24 h. Similar results were obtained when co‐exposures were considered: combined exposures to RF radiation and FeSO4 did not increase ROS formation induced by the chemical treatment alone. In contrast, in cultures treated with FeSO4 as positive control, a dose‐dependent increase in ROS formation was recorded, validating the sensitivity of the method employed. Bioelectromagnetics 30:525–535, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure on in vitro models of neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Del Vecchio Giovanna , Giuliani Alessandro , Fernandez Mercedes , Mesirca Pietro , Bersani Ferdinando , Pinto Rosanna , Ardoino Lucia , Lovisolo Giorgio A. , Giardino Luciana , Calzà Laura
Published: May 2009

In this work we tested viability, proliferation, and vulnerability of neural cells, after continuous radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields exposure (global system for mobile telecommunications (GSM) modulated 900 MHz signal at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 1 W/kg and maximum duration 144 h) generated by transverse electromagnetic cells. We used two cellular systems, SN56 cholinergic for example, SN56 cholinergic cell line and rat primary cortical neurons, and well‐known neurotoxic challenges, such as glutamate, 25‐35AA beta‐amyloid, and hydrogen peroxide. Exposure to RF did not change viability/proliferation rate of the SN56 cholinergic cells or viability of cortical neurons. Co‐exposure to RF exacerbated neurotoxic effect of hydrogen peroxide in SN56, but not in primary cortical neurons, whereas no cooperative effects of RF with glutamate and 25‐35AA beta‐amyloid were found. These data suggest that only under particular circumstances exposure to GSM modulated, 900 MHz signal act as a co‐stressor for oxidative damage of neural cells. Bioelectromagnetics 30:564–572, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Large gradient high magnetic field affects the association of MACF1 with actin and microtubule cytoskeleton
Authors: Qian Ai‐Rong , Hu Li‐Fang , Gao Xiang , Zhang Wei , Di Sheng‐Meng , Tian Zong‐Cheng , Yang Peng‐Fei , Yin Da‐Chuan , Weng Yuan‐Yuan , Shang Peng
Published: May 2009

The intense inhomogeneous magnetic fields acting on the diamagnetic materials naturally present in cells can generate strong magnetic forces. We have developed a superconducting magnet platform with large gradient high magnetic field (LG‐HMF), which can produce three magnetic force fields of −1360, 0, and 1312 T2/m, and three corresponding apparent gravity levels, namely 0, 1, and 2‐g for diamagnetic materials. In this study, the effects of different magnetic force fields on osteoblast‐like cells (MG‐63 and MC3T3‐E1) viability, microtubule actin crosslinking factor 1 (MACF1) expression and its association with cytoskeleton were investigated. Results showed that cell viability increased to different degrees after exposure to 0 or 1‐g conditions for 24 h, but it decreased by about 30% under 2‐g conditions compared with control conditions. An increase in MACF1 expression at the RNA or protein level was observed in osteoblast‐like cells under the magnetic force field of −1360 T2/m (0‐g) relative to 1312 T2/m (2‐g). Under control conditions, anti‐MACF1 staining was scattered in the cytoplasm and partially colocalized with actin filaments (AFs) or microtubules (MTs) in the majority of osteoblast‐like cells. Under 0‐g conditions, MACF1 labeling was concentrated at perinuclear region and colocalization was not apparent. The patterns of anti‐MACF1 labeling on MTs varied with MTs' changing under LG‐HMF environment. In conclusion, LG‐HMF affects osteoblast‐like cell viability, MACF1 distribution, expression, and its association with cytoskeleton to some extent. Bioelectromagnetics 30:545–555, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metallothionein‐I+II in neuroprotection
Authors: Pedersen Mie Ø. , Jensen Rikke , Pedersen Dan S. , Skjolding Anders D. , Hempel Casper , Maretty Lasse , Penkowa Milena
Published: May 2009

Metallothionein (MT)‐I+II synthesis is induced in the central nervous system (CNS) in response to practically any pathogen or disorder, where it is increased mainly in reactive glia. MT‐I+II are involved in host defence reactions and neuroprotection during neuropathological conditions, in which MT‐I+II decrease inflammation and secondary tissue damage (oxidative stress, neurodegeneration, and apoptosis) and promote post‐injury repair and regeneration (angiogenesis, neurogenesis, neuronal sprouting and tissue remodelling). Intracellularly the molecular MT‐I+II actions involve metal ion control and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to cellular redox control. By regulating metal ions, MT‐I+II can control metal‐containing transcription factors, zinc‐finger proteins and p53. However, the neuroprotective functions of MT‐I+II also involve an extracellular component. MT‐I+II protects the neurons by signal transduction through the low‐density lipoprotein family of receptors on the cell surface involving lipoprotein receptor‐1 (LRP1) and megalin (LRP2). In this review we discuss the newest data on cerebral MT‐I+II functions following brain injury and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Zn2+‐transporter‐8: A dual role in diabetes
Authors: Chistiakov Dimitry A. , Voronova Natalia V.
Published: May 2009

Diabetes mellitus arises from defects in insulin secretion or action, or both. In pancreatic islets, insulin production is linked with zinc transport mediated by zinc transporter ZnT‐8, a product of the SLC30A8 gene. Therefore, altered activity of ZnT‐8 is expected to be associated with impaired glucose‐induced insulin response and promote progression from glucose intolerance to diabetes. Recent findings do emerge with a role of SLC30A8 in diabetes. Genome‐wide association scans for type 2 diabetes (T2D) susceptibility loci revealed and then replicated a highly significant association between the R allele of the R325W variant of SLC30A8 (marker rs13266634) and susceptibility to T2D in Caucasians. A role of ZnT‐8 as a new major self‐antigenic determinant in type 1 diabetes (T1D) was found. Marker rs13266634 was also shown to modulate anti‐ZnT‐8 self‐antibody specificity in islet autoimmunity. Hence, these findings suggest for a dual role of SLC30A8 in diabetes, which is consisted in conferring genetic susceptibility to T2D and being a major islet self‐antigen in T1D as well. Here we characterize an emerging role of ZnT‐8 in diabetes and discuss potential mechanisms of its involvement in the etiology of both forms of diabetes. © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Asymmetric division of Hansenula polymorpha reflected by a drop of light scatter intensity measured in batch microtiter plate cultivations at phosphate limitation
Authors: Kottmeier Kirsten , Weber Jost , Müller Carsten , Bley Thomas , Büchs Jochen
Published: May 2009

Hansenula polymorpha RB11 pC10‐FMD (PFMD− GFP) (FMD promoter gfp gene) was simultaneously cultivated in the Respiration Activity Monitoring System (RAMOS) and in the microtiter plate cultivation system “BioLector” under phosphate limitation. The light scatter signal of the BioLector, for the determination of the biomass concentration in the wells, shows a significant decrease with the onset of the phosphate limitation until a stationary level is reached. At lower initial phosphate concentration this effect is more pronounced and longer time is required until the stationary level of the scattered light is achieved. The oxygen transfer rate signal of the RAMOS and the light scatter signal of the BioLector correlate with respect to the points of time where the maxima and the stationary levels of the courses are reached. In order to understand the effect causing this light scatter behavior, the forward and side scatter properties were investigated off line by flow cytometry. The decay in the light scatter of the BioLector seems to correlate with the formation of two subpopulations of different scatter intensities detected by a flow cytometer. With ongoing cultivation the fraction of cells possessing higher light scattering properties decreases until only a population of lower light scattering properties exists. The rate of transition of the yeast from one subpopulation to the other appears to be correlated with the rate of decrease in the BioLector light scatter signal. The formation of the subpopulations may be caused by an increased asymmetry in the cell cycle due to phosphate limitation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 554–561 © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determination of intrinsic monod kinetic parameters for two heterotrophic tetrachloroethene (PCE)‐respiring strains and insight into their application
Authors: Huang Deyang , Becker Jennifer G.
Published: May 2009

A complete set of mathematically identifiable and meaningful kinetic parameters estimates is needed to accurately describe the activity of individual populations that dehalorespire tetrachloroethene (PCE) and other chlorinated ethenes. These data may be difficult to extract from the literature because kinetic parameter estimates obtained using mixed cultures may reflect the activity of multiple dehalorespiring populations, while those obtained at low initial substrate‐to‐biomass ratios (S0/X0) are influenced by culture history and are generally not relevant to other systems. This study focused on estimation of electron donor and acceptor utilization kinetic parameters for the heterotrophic dehalorespirers Desulfuromonas michiganensis strain BB1 and Desulfitobacterium sp. strain PCE1. Electron acceptor utilization kinetic parameters that are identifiable and independent of culture history, i.e., intrinsic, could be estimated at S0/X0 ≥ 10, with both concentrations expressed as chemical oxygen demand (COD). However, the parameter estimates did not accurately describe dechlorination kinetics at lower S0/X0 ratios. The maximum specific substrate utilization rates (qmax) and half‐saturation constants (KS) for PCE and trichloroethene (TCE) estimated for the two heterotrophic strains are higher than the values reported for Dehalococcoides cultures. These results suggest that the natural niche of Dehalococcoides strains that can metabolize a range of chlorinated ethenes may be to respire dichloroethene and vinyl chloride produced by Desulfuromonas and Desulfitobacterium strains or other populations that dechlorinate PCE and TCE at faster rates. Few data exist on the electron donor utilization kinetics of heterotrophic dehalorespirers. The results of this study suggest that Desulfuromonas and Desulfitobacterium strains should be able to compete for organic electron donors with other heterotrophic populations in the subsurface. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 301–311 © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A unified shape editing framework based on tetrahedral control mesh
Authors: Zhao Yong , Liu Xinguo , Xiao Chunxia , Peng Qunsheng
Published: May 2009

It is a fundamental but challenging problem to efficiently edit complex 3D objects. By embedding the input models into coarse tetrahedral control meshes, this paper develops a unified framework to discuss two useful editing operations: interactive deformation and deformation transfer. First, a new rigidity energy is proposed to make the tetrahedral control mesh deform as rigidly as possible, which yields intuitive detail and volume preservation even under large deformations. And an error‐driven refinement approach is presented to further improve the deformation result. Then, based on this deformation scheme, a volumetric correspondence method is introduced to perform the deformation transfer task between the tetrahedral control meshes of the source and target models, which greatly lessens the burden of the user. Experimental results show our algorithm is effective, easy to control, supports various shape representations, and well transfers deformations between non‐homeomorphous models. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Competitive motion synthesis based on hybrid control
Authors: Liang Zhang , Xiao Jun , Zhuang Yueting , Chen Cheng
Published: May 2009

We propose a simple and effective framework to deal with the problem of synthesizing interactive and competitive motions while reflecting the interactions. Two nontrivial issues are addressed in synthesizing two‐character motions in competitive environment: how to reveal the embedded routines while keeping visual reality and how to build interactive models based on singly captured motions. To solve these issues, we employ a hierarchical framework: the finite state machine (FSM) controls the state transition in the higher layer, and the hybrid approach controls the action selection in the lower layer. The proposed approach contains two folds: first, a rule‐based control scheme is proposed to simulate routine steps based on statistical analysis. Second, the interactive models are designed for simulating dense interactions between two players. The Relevance Vector Machine (RVM) algorithm is adopted to select attack styles and coupled with motion transition graph to determine combination blows. Here we apply the proposed framework of hybrid paradigm to boxing sport as an example. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytotoxic Cytochalasin Metabolites of Endophytic Endothia gyrosa
Authors: Xu Shu , Ge Hui Ming , Song Yong Chun , Shen Yao , Ding Hui , Tan Ren Xiang
Published: May 2009

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In addition to the known metabolites cytochalasin H (1), cytochalasin J (2), and epoxycytochalasin H (3), two new 10‐phenyl‐(11)‐cytochalasans, named cytochalasin Z10 and Z11 (4 and 5, resp.) were isolated from the solid substrate culture of Endothia gyrosa IFB‐E023, an endophytic fungus residing inside the healthy leaf of Vatica mangachapo (Dipterocarpaceae). The structure determination of 4 and 5 was accomplished through correlative analyses of their spectral data (UV, ESI‐MS, IR, 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR, COSY, NOESY, HMQC, and HMBC). Metabolites 1–5 were demonstrated to be substantially cytotoxic to the human leukaemia K562 cell line with the IC50 values of 10.1, 1.5, 24.5, 28.3, and 24.4 μM, respectively, which are comparable to that of 5‐fluorouracil (33.0 μM), co‐assayed as the positive reference.
A 1 : 2 Copper(II)–Tripeptide Complex for DNA Binding and Cleavage Agent under Physiological Conditions
Authors: Reddy Pulimamidi R. , Manjula Pallerla , Chakraborty Tushar K. , Samanta Rajarshi
Published: May 2009

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A 1 : 2 copper–tripeptide complex, [CuII(Boc‐His‐Gly‐His‐OMe)2]2+, was synthesized and structurally characterized. The absorption band at 577 nm suggests a square‐planar geometry around CuII. The DNA‐binding and DNA‐cleavage properties of the CuII complex were investigated. The complex binds to calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) in an intercalative fashion and cleaves plasmid pUC‐19 DNA hydrolytically at micromolar concentrations under physiological conditions. The intrinsic binding constant (Kb=1.2×102 M−1) for the binding of Cu–tripeptide complex with DNA suggests that this complex is suitable for rapid diffusion on the pharmacological time scale.
Cyclen‐Based Side‐Chain Homopolymer Self‐Assembly with Plasmid DNA: Protection of DNA from Enzymatic Degradation
Authors: Li Kun , Wang Na , Yang Fan , Zhang Zhong‐Wei , Zhou Li‐Hong , Chen Shan‐Yong , Lin Hong‐Hui , Tian Yun‐Fei , Yu Xiao‐Qi
Published: May 2009

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In this study, a 1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane (cyclen)‐based side‐chain homopolymer was developed for the first time; this polymer can self‐assembly with plasmid DNA to form polyelectrolyte complexes (polyplex), which can protect DNA from enzymatic degradation. Moreover, the polyplex can disassembly and release free DNA when NaCl solution is added to this system. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are used for imaging of the surface structure of the polyplex, and results indicated that the polyplex structures respond to the polymer concentration. Circular dichroism (CD) spectrum suggested that the DNA configuration in the polyplex was retained.
Biological Evaluation of ent‐Narciclasine, ent‐Lycoricidine, and Certain Enantiomerically‐Related Congeners
Authors: Matveenko Maria , Banwell Martin G. , Joffe Max , Wan Soosan , Fantino Emmanuelle
Published: May 2009

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The non‐natural enantiomeric forms of narciclasine and lycoricidine ((−)‐1 and (−)‐2, respectively), as well as congeners 3–6 are available through chemoenzymatic synthesis. Accordingly, they have now been tested for their cytotoxic effects in a 13‐member human cancer cell‐line panel and found to be only weakly active. In contrast, an authentic sample of the natural enantiomeric form of narciclasine ((+)‐1) was found to be highly active in the same screens.
The Biochemistry of Drug Metabolism – An Introduction
Authors: Testa Bernard , Krämer Stefanie D.
Published: May 2009

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This review continues a general presentation of the metabolism of drugs and other xenobiotics begun in five recent issues ofChemistry & Biodiversity.The presentPartis dedicated to the pharmacological and toxicological consequences of drug and xenobiotic metabolism. In other words, the key concepts here are activationvs.deactivation, toxificationvs.detoxification, and their interplay. These concepts are illustrated with a number of medicinally, toxicologically, and environmentally relevant examples. But, far from being concerned only with individual cases, the review is based on broad classifications, global rationalizations, and synthetic hypotheses.
Synthesis of 7‐Aza‐ and 7‐Thiasphingosines, and Evaluation of Their Interaction with Sphingosine Kinases and with T‐Cells
Authors: Mathew Thresen , Billaud Célia , Billich Andreas , Cavallari Marco , Nussbaumer Peter , De Libero Gennaro , Vasella Andrea
Published: May 2009

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The synthesis of 7‐oxasphingosine (3) and 7‐oxaceramide (4) was improved by starting from the 4‐methoxybenzyl‐protected d‐galactal 9. The sphingosine analogues 5–7 and 24 were synthesized via the azido alcohol 13. The 7‐thiasphingosine 5 is a poorer substrate for both isoforms of sphingosine kinase (SPHK) than sphingosine, but showed a slight preference for SPHK2. The sulfone 6 and the 7‐aza compounds 7 and 24 were not phosphorylated by either SPHK1 or SPHK2, and none of 5–7 and 24 activated invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell clones when presented by human CD1d‐transfected antigen‐presenting cells (APC) or by plate‐bound human CD1d. Only 7 and 24 associated with plate‐bound recombinant CD1d prevented stimulation of iNKT cells by α‐galactosylceramide (α‐GalCer).
Social and emotional detachment: A cross‐cultural comparison of the non‐disruptive behavioural psychopathic traits in children
Authors: Manti Eirini , Scholte Evert M. , Van Berckelaer‐Onnes Ina A. , Van Der Ploeg Jan D.
Published: May 2009

Background Questions about the international reliability and validity of aspects of psychopathy have been raised for adults, but hardly considered when applying the constructs to children.

Aims/objectives Our aim was to compare the psychometrics of a new instrument to measure psychopathic traits in children between two countries – the Netherlands and Greece. We also tested the hypothesis that, in both countries, both narcissistic‐egocentric and callous‐unemotional dimensions would be related to observed behavioural disorders.

Methods The Social and Emotional Detachment Questionnaire was used to assess narcissistic‐egocentric and callous‐unemotional dimensions of personality in representative national and community samples of 4–12‐year‐old children in the Netherlands and Greece, respectively. Parents filled in the questionnaires anonymously and also provided ratings of conduct disorders.

Results A two‐dimensional construct of the psychopathic syndrome depicting, respectively, narcissistic and unemotional traits was reliable and valid in both countries, although there was considerable correlation between these two dimensions, which we designated ‘social detachment’ and ‘emotional detachment’, respectively. In both countries, the composite of social and emotional detachment was associated with aggressive and antisocial conduct disorders.

Conclusions/implications The reliability, validity and predictive value of this questionnaire must be tested further, for example, through multiple informants and longitudinally, but our findings that the tool performs robustly in two very different European countries is encouraging in terms of its potential value as a clinical screening tool and a tool for furthering the understanding of serious behavioural disorders in children. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional Mesoporous Material Derived from 3D Net‐Linked SBA‐15
Authors: Zhou Yu , Gao Ling , Gu Fang Na , Yang Jia Yuan , Yang Jing , Wei Feng , Wang Ying , Zhu Jian Hua
Published: May 2009

Caught in the net: Zirconia‐modified SBA‐15 mesoporous silica with a specific 3D net‐linked morphology (see picture) is prepared by using a facile method. This new functional material can trap particles in tobacco smoke and so can be applied towards environmental protection.

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A novel, versatile functional mesoporous material with the structure of SBA‐15 but a specific 3D net‐linked morphology has been prepared by using a facile method. This material has been assessed for its ability to reduce the level of nitrosamines in tobacco smoke so that the actual effect of this material in the reduction of carcinogenic environmental pollutants in a complex chemical system can be verified. By adjusting the force field during the hydrolysis and condensation processes of tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMOS) in an aqueous reaction system, the SBA‐15 silica, which has a special morphology in that it is long and fiberlike from a microscopic view but large and block‐like from a macroscopic angle, has been successfully synthesized. Moreover, the synthetic product is no longer a powder but a block because of its specific 3D net‐linked morphology, which enables the material not only to trap particles in smoke but also to potentially be applied as a device. To strengthen the adsorptive capability of this porous material, a dry‐impregnation procedure was applied in which zirconia was coated on the silica wall without changing the morphology. As expected, this functional material shows a high activity in the adsorption of N′‐nitrosonornicotine (NNN), a bulky tobacco‐specific nitrosamine, in solution and of N‐nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR), a volatile nitrosamine, in the gas stream. Furthermore, this 3D net‐linked SBA‐15 material can efficiently decrease the amount of nitrosamines and total number of particles in mainstream smoke when it is tested as an additive in the filter of a cigarette, thus providing powerful protection for the environment and public health.
1‐(α‐Aminobenzyl)‐2‐naphthol: A New Chiral Auxiliary for the Synthesis of Enantiopure α‐Aminophosphonic Acids
Authors: Metlushka Kirill E. , Kashemirov Boris A. , Zheltukhin Viktor F. , Sadkova Dilyara N. , Büchner Bernd , Hess Christian , Kataeva Olga N. , McKenna Charles E. , Alfonsov Vladimir A.
Published: May 2009

Ooh Betti! A new diastereoselective synthesis of α‐aminophosphonates has been developed based on the reaction of trialkyl phosphites with chiral imines derived from (R)‐ or (S)‐1‐(α‐aminobenzyl)‐2‐naphthol (Betti base; see scheme, X=H, CH3, or Br). The reaction proceeds with high diastereoselectivity. Treatment with HCl results in the formation of the desired α‐aminophosphonic acids.

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A new diastereoselective synthesis of α‐aminophosphonates has been developed, based on the reaction, in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid, of trialkyl phosphites with chiral imines derived from (R)‐ or (S)‐1‐(α‐aminobenzyl)‐2‐naphthol. The reaction proceeds at room temperature in toluene with high diastereoselectivity. The major diastereomer can be separated by crystallization from an appropriate solvent. The relative configuration of both chiral centers of the major diastereomer was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis. The desired α‐aminophosphonic acids can be obtained in enantiopure form by treatment of the corresponding diastereomers with HCl.
Cd13−xInySb10 (x≈2.7, y≈1.5): An Interstitial‐Free Variant of Thermoelectric β‐Zn4Sb3
Authors: Tengå Andreas , Lidin Sven , Belieres Jean‐Philippe , Newman Nathan , Wu Yang , Häussermann Ulrich
Published: May 2009

Although free from structural disorder, the new intermetallic compound Cd13−xInySb10 (see figure) displays similarly low thermal conductivity values as disordered thermoelectric β‐Zn4Sb3 with an isostructural framework.

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Cd13−xInySb10 (x≈2.7, y≈1.5) was synthesized in the form of mm‐sized crystals from reaction mixtures containing excess cadmium. The intermetallic compound crystallizes in the rhombohedral space group R$\bar 3$m with a=12.9704(4), c=12.9443(5) Å, V=1886.0(1) Å3, Z=3 and is isostructural to thermoelectric β‐Zn4Sb3 and β‐Cd4Sb3. However, in contrast to these last two compounds Cd13−xInySb10 is free from interstitial atoms and does not display any temperature polymorphism. The electrical resistivity of Cd13−xInySb10 is considerably higher than that of Zn4Sb3 and Cd4Sb3 although the temperature behavior remains that of a metal. The thermal conductivity of Cd13−xInySb10 is low, with room‐temperature magnitudes around 0.8 W m−1 K−1, which is comparable to disordered or complex structured Cd4Sb3 and Zn4Sb3.
A Designer Axially Chiral Amino Sulfonamide as an Efficient Organocatalyst for Direct Asymmetric anti‐Selective Mannich Reactions and syn‐Selective Cross‐Aldol Reactions
Authors: Kano Taichi , Yamaguchi Yukako , Maruoka Keiji
Published: May 2009

Amino sulfonamide catalyst: A distal proton of the axially chiral amino sulfonamide (S)‐1 realized the opposite diastereoselectivity in Mannich and cross‐aldol reactions compared with that observed in proline‐catalyzed reactions. The reactions catalyzed by (S)‐1 proceeded smoothly to give the anti‐Mannich and syn‐aldol adducts in excellent enantioselectivity (see scheme).

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A direct asymmetric Mannich reaction using a novel axially chiral amino sulfonamide (S)‐3 that is highly anti‐ and enantioselective has been developed. For instance, in the presence of a catalytic amount of (S)‐3, the reactions between aldehydes and α‐imino esters proceeded smoothly to give anti Mannich products with a significantly higher anti/syn ratio and enantioselectivity than previously possible. By utilizing N‐Boc‐protected aromatic imines instead of α‐imino esters, the synthetically useful Boc protecting group and various aromatic or heteroaromatic substituents were installed into the anti Mannich products and consequently the substrate scope of the anti‐selective Mannich reaction and the synthetic utility of the anti Mannich products have been expanded. The axially chiral amino sulfonamide (S)‐3 has also been successfully applied to asymmetric direct cross‐aldol reaction between two different aldehydes. The catalyst (S)‐3 has the advantage of giving mainly syn products, whereas proline shows the opposite anti selectivity.
Synthetic Studies of the Zoanthamine Alkaloids: The Total Syntheses of Norzoanthamine and Zoanthamine
Authors: Yoshimura Fumihiko , Sasaki Minoru , Hattori Izumi , Komatsu Kei , Sakai Mio , Tanino Keiji , Miyashita Masaaki
Published: May 2009

Highly effective: We report herein the first and highly efficient total syntheses of norzoanthamine and zoanthamine in full detail, which involves stereoselective synthesis of the requisite triene for an intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction via three‐component coupling reactions, the intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction, and subsequent crucial bis‐aminoacetalization as the key steps.

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The zoanthamine alkaloids, a type of heptacyclic marine alkaloid isolated from colonial zoanthids of the genus Zoanthus sp., have distinctive biological and pharmacological properties in addition to their unique chemical structures with stereochemical complexity. Namely, norzoanthamine (1) can suppress the loss of bone weight and strength in ovariectomized mice and has been expected as a promising candidate for a new type of antiosteoporotic drug, while zoanthamine (2) has exhibited potent inhibitory activity toward phorbol myristate‐induced inflammation in addition to powerful analgesic effects. Recently, norzoanthamine derivatives were demonstrated to inhibit strongly the growth of P‐388 murine leukemia cell lines, in addition to their potent antiplatelet activities on human platelet aggregation. Their distinctive biological properties, combined with novel chemical structures, make this family of alkaloids extremely attractive targets for chemical synthesis. However, the chemical synthesis of the zoanthamine alkaloids has been impeded owing to their densely functionalized complex stereostructures. In this paper, we report the first and highly efficient total syntheses of norzoanthamine (1) and zoanthamine (2) in full detail, which involve stereoselective synthesis of the requisite triene (18) for an intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction via the sequential three‐component coupling reactions, the key intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction, and subsequent crucial bis‐aminoacetalization as the key steps. Ultimately, we achieved the total synthesis of norzoanthamine (1) in 41 steps with an overall yield of 3.5 % (an average of 92 % yield each step) and that of zoanthamine (2) in 43 steps with an overall yield of 2.2 % (an average of 91 % yield each step) starting from (R)‐5‐methylcyclohexenone (3), respectively.
ChemInform Abstract: Sulfur Dioxide and Water: Structures and Energies of the Hydrated Species SO2·nH2O, [HSO3]‐·nH2O, [SO3H]‐·nH2O, and H2SO3·nH2O (n = 0—8)
Authors: Steudel Ralf , Steudel Yana
Published: May 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Low‐ and High‐Temperature Crystal Structures of TiI3.
Authors: Angelkort Joachim , Schoenleber Andreas , van Smaalen Sander
Published: May 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structure of Eu2+‐Doped M3MgSi2O8 (M: Ba, Sr, Ca) Compounds and Their Emission Properties.
Authors: Yonesaki Yoshinori , Takei Takahiro , Kumada Nobuhiro , Kinomura Nobukazu
Published: May 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Sn4As3 Revisited: Solvothermal Synthesis and Crystal and Electronic Structure.
Authors: Kovnir Kirill , Kolen'ko Yury V. , Baranov Alexey I. , Neira Ines S. , Sobolev Alexey V. , Yoshimura Masahiro , Presniakov Igor A. , Shevelkov Andrei V.
Published: May 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Sc2MgGa2 and Y2MgGa2.
Authors: Sahlberg Martin , Andersson Yvonne
Published: May 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Photoluminescence Properties of LuTaO4:RE3+ (RE3+: Eu3+, Tb3+) with M′‐Type Structure.
Authors: Liu Wenpeng , Zhang Qingli , Ding Lihua , Sun Dunlu , Luo Jianqiao , Yin Shaotang
Published: May 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Photoluminescence Properties of Novel Red‐Emitting Mn2+‐Activated MZnOS (M: Ca, Ba) Phosphors.
Authors: Duan C. J. , Delsing A. C. A. , Hintzen H. T.
Published: May 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.