bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microglia and inflammation: Impact on developmental brain injuries
Authors: Chew Li‐Jin , Takanohashi Asako , Bell Michael
Published: June 2006

Inflammation during the perinatal period has become a recognized risk factor for developmental brain injuries over the past decade or more. To fully understand the relationship between inflammation and brain development, a comprehensive knowledge about the immune system within the brain is essential. Microglia are resident immune cells within the central nervous system and play a critical role in the development of an inflammatory response within the brain. Microglia are critically involved with both the innate and adaptive immune system, regulating inflammation and cell damage within the brain via activation of Toll‐like receptors, production of cytokines, and a myriad of other intracellular and intercellular processes. In this article, microglial physiology is reviewed along with the role of microglia in developmental brain injuries in humans and animal models. Last, microglial functions within the innate and adaptive immune system will be summarized. Understanding the processes of inflammation and microglial activation is critical for formulating effective preventative and therapeutic strategies for developmental brain injuries. MRDD Research Reviews 2006;12:105–112. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vanishing white matter disease: A review with focus on its genetics
Authors: Pronk Jan C. , van Kollenburg Barbara , Scheper Gert C. , van der Knaap Marjo S.
Published: June 2006

Leukoencephalopathy with vanishing white matter (VWM) is an autosomal recessive brain disorder, most often with a childhood onset. Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy indicate that, with time, increasing amounts of cerebral white matter vanish and are replaced by fluid. Autopsy confirms white matter rarefaction and cystic degeneration. The process of localization and identification of the first two genes related to VWM, EIF2B5 and EIF2B2, was facilitated by two founder effects in the Dutch population. EIF2B5 and EIF2B2 encode the ε and β subunits of translation initiation factor eIF2B. Soon it was shown that mutations in all five eIF2B subunit genes can cause VWM. EIF2B is essential for the initiation of translation of RNA into protein and is involved in regulation of the process, especially under stress conditions, which may explain the sensitivity to stress conditions observed in VWM patients. The pathophysiology of the disease is still poorly understood. MRDD Research Reviews 2006;12:123–128. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Childhood multiple sclerosis: A review
Authors: Waldman Amy , O'Connor Erin , Tennekoon Gihan
Published: June 2006

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) that is increasingly recognized as a disease that affects children. Similar to adult‐onset MS, children present with visual and sensory complaints, as well as weakness, spasticity, and ataxia. A lumbar puncture can be helpful in diagnosing MS when CSF immunoglobulins and oligoclonal bands are present. White matter demyelinating lesions on MRI are required for the diagnosis; however, children typically have fewer lesions than adults. Many criteria have been proposed to diagnose MS that have been applied to children, mostly above 10 years of age. The recent revisions to the McDonald criteria allow for earlier diagnosis, such as after a clinically isolated event. However, children are more likely than adults to have monosymptomatic illnesses. None of the approved disease‐modifying therapies used in adult‐onset MS have been approved for pediatrics; however, a few studies have verified their safety and tolerability in children. Although children and adults with MS have similar neurological symptoms, laboratory (cerebrospinal fluid) data, and neuroimaging findings, the clinical course, pathogenesis, and treatment of childhood onset MS require further investigation. MRDD Research Reviews 2006;12:147–156. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Repetitive cycles of high‐dose cytarabine are effective for childhood acute myeloid leukemia: Long‐term outcome of the children with AML treated on two consecutive trials of Tokyo Children's Cancer Study Group
Authors: Tomizawa Daisuke , Tabuchi Ken , Kinoshita Akitoshi , Hanada Ryoji , Kigasawa Hisato , Tsukimoto Ichiro , Tsuchida Masahiro
Published: June 2006

Background

Various methods of intensive chemotherapy have contributed to an improved survival in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We here report the long‐term results of the two consecutive trials of Tokyo Children's Cancer Study Group (TCCSG), incorporating repetitive use of high‐dose cytarabine (HD‐Ara‐C) based combination chemotherapy in post‐remission phase.

Procedure

A total of 216 eligible children with newly diagnosed AML were treated in the two consecutive multi‐center trials of TCCSG, M91‐13 and M96‐14, from August 1991 to September 1998. In M91‐13 trial, patients received eight courses of intensive post‐remission chemotherapy, including six HD‐Ara‐C containing courses, after remission‐induction therapy. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) could be selected by physician's choice, and allogeneic HSCT was allocated if donor was available. In M96‐14 trial, the last two HD‐Ara‐C courses were omitted from the chemotherapy arm.

Results

The remission‐induction rate was 88.8% and probability of 5‐year Overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS) were 62% (56–69% with 95% Confidence intervals (CIs)) and 56% (49–62%), respectively. Treatment‐related mortality (TRM) was 7.8%. Among patients without Down syndrome (DS) or acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), the presence of t(8;21) or inv(16) was a significant good prognostic factor both in the univariate and multivariate analyses. Children with DS (N = 10) and APL (N = 14) also showed a good survival exceeding 70% in 5 years.

Conclusions

These results suggest that repetitive use of HD‐Ara‐C was effective and safe for childhood AML. However, further optimization of AML therapy is required. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:127–132. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Frequent lancing for monitoring blood glucose may cause skin changes
Authors: Fruhstorfer H
Published: June 2006

Fingertips and alternative lancing sites were examined for skin changes in 93 people with diabetes, regularly checking blood glucose. In all, 60 individuals had a thickened skin at one or more lancing spots. Mainly fingertips and earlobes were affected whereas the thenar and hypothenar were free from these changes. There is a clear positive relationship between lancing frequency and skin changes which is possibly influenced by individual disposition. The observed relationship suggests the way in which to avoid skin changes: as many lancing spots as possible should be alternately used, avoiding lancing a given spot more often than once every other day. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dietitian‐led lipid clinic is effective
Authors: Worth JM , Davies RR , Durrington PN
Published: June 2006

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a dietitian‐led, protocol‐driven Diabetes Centre lipid clinic in which the dietitian is empowered to give advice on both lifestyle and lipid‐lowering medication.

A total of 110 consecutive patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes attending the clinic received diet and lifestyle advice in conjunction with statin monotherapy or combined statin and fibrate therapy titrated with the aim of achieving target lipid levels. At the time, therapeutic targets were: total cholesterol <5.0mmol/L, LDL cholesterol <2.5mmol/L or a reduction in LDL cholesterol of 30% (whichever was lower) and triglycerides <2.3mmol/L.

Results following three clinic visits indicated that total cholesterol fell significantly from 6.23 (6.08, 6.39) (mean [95% CI]) to 4.38 (4.30, 4.46) mmol/L (p<0.001) and triglycerides from 3.03 (2.59, 3.47) to 2.08 (1.87, 2.29) mmol/L (p<0.001). HDL rose slightly, but non‐significantly, from 1.21 (1.15, 1.27) to 1.23 (1.17, 1.29) mmol/L. These levels were maintained after 12 months of follow up. In all, 74% of patients had achieved lipid levels within the target range after three clinic visits. No patients experienced serious adverse events from the drug therapy.

This study demonstrates that dietetic management of dyslipidaemia using a stepwise approach is both safe and effective in diabetic patients without major complications. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thin film solar modules: the low cost, high throughput and versatile alternative to Si wafers
Authors: Hegedus S.
Published: June 2006

Thin film solar cells (TFSC) have passed adolescence and are ready to make a substantial contribution to the world's electricity generation. They can have advantages over c‐Si solar modules in ease of large area, lower cost manufacturing and in several types of applications. Factors which limit TFSC module performance relative to champion cell performance are discussed along with the importance of increased throughput and yield. The consensus of several studies is that all TFSC can achieve costs below 1 $/W if manufactured at sufficiently large scale >100 MW using parallel lines of cloned equipment with high material utilization and spray‐on encapsulants. There is significant new commercial interest in TFSC from small investors and large corporations, validating the thin film approach. Unique characteristics are discussed which give TFSC an advantage over c‐Si in two specific markets: small rural solar home systems and building integrated photovoltaic installations. TFSC have outperformed c‐Si in annual energy production (kWhrs/kW), have demonstrated outdoor durability comparable to c‐Si and are being used in MW scale installations worldwide. The merits of the thin film approach cannot be judged on the basis of efficiency alone but must also account for module performance and potential for low cost. TFSC advocates should promote their unique virtues compared to c‐Si: lower cost, higher kWhr/kW output, higher battery charging current, attractive visual appearance, flexible substrates, long‐term stability comparable to c‐Si, and multiple pathways for deposition with room for innovation and evolutionary improvement. There is a huge market for TFSC even at today's efficiency if costs can be reduced. A brief window of opportunity exists for TFSC over the next few years due the Si shortage. The demonstrated capabilities and advantages of TFSC must be proclaimed more persistently to funding decision‐makers and customers without minimizing the remaining challenges. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photovoltaic concentration at the onset of its commercial deployment
Authors: Luque Antonio , Sala Gabriel , Luque‐Heredia Ignacio
Published: June 2006

An overview of the field of photovoltaic concentration is provided taking into account that we think we are at the onset of its real commercialization. This belief is justified in this paper. It first contains a description of the different elements in a concentrator, stressing the challenges associated with each element, and then we describe briefly the different concentrators that we think are currently in a real pre‐commercial stage. Finally, we discuss a number of issues associated to the deployment of the field including cost, experience, and market tendencies. This paper goes on to summarize the Conclusions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Primary amine coding as a path to comparative proteomics
Authors: Regnier Fred E. , Julka Samir
Published: June 2006

Various isotope coding strategies are being used today in the field of comparative proteomics. This article specifically reviews the strengths and limitations of various N‐termini‐directing strategies. N‐termini‐directed coding strategy allows for use of different chromatographic enrichment techniques. Since N‐termini‐directed coding strategies are global in nature, they can be utilized in studying PTMs as well as protein expression. Using different N‐termini‐directed coding strategies, both relative and absolute quantification of proteins can be achieved either in the MS mode or in the MS/MS mode. The review ends with the conclusion that significant improvements have been made in the last decade. Among various issues, a need still exists for a better understanding of the kinetic issues in proteomics, relative protein pool sizes for different proteins and the issue of stimulus‐induced changes in protein aggregation. Another critical issue that needs to be addressed in great detail is the role of PTMs in regulation.
Tertiary amine catalyzed polymerizations of α‐amino acid N‐carboxyanhydrides: The role of cyclization
Authors: Kricheldorf Hans R. , Von Lossow Colin , Schwarz Gert
Published: June 2006

Sarcosine N‐carboxyanhydride, D,L‐alanine N‐carboxyanhydride, D,L‐phenylalanine N‐carboxyanhydride, and D,L‐leucine N‐carboxyanhydride were polymerized with pyridine or N‐ethyldiisopropylamine as the catalyst. With pyridine, cyclic oligo‐ and polypeptides were obtained in addition to water‐initiated or water‐terminated chains. The cyclopeptides were the main products in the case of sarcosine N‐carboxyanhydride and D,L‐phenylalanine N‐carboxyanhydride. The fraction of cycles was particularly high when N‐methylpyrrolidone was used as the reaction medium. These results suggested the existence of a pyridine‐catalyzed zwitterionic mechanism. However, cyclopeptides were also obtained with N‐ethyldiisopropylamine as the catalyst. In this case, N‐deprotonation of N‐carboxyanhydrides, followed by the formation of N‐acyl N‐carboxyanhydride chain ends, was the most likely initiation mechanism. Various chain‐growth mechanisms were examined. In the case of γ‐benzyl ester‐L‐glutamate N‐carboxyanhydride, side reactions such as the formation of pyroglutamoyl end groups were detected. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4680–4695, 2006
Synthesis and characterization of aluminum(III) and tin(II) complexes supported by diiminophosphinate ligands and their application in ring‐opening polymerization catalysis of ε‐caprolactone
Authors: Qi Chun‐Yan , Wang Zhong‐Xia
Published: June 2006

A series of Al(III) and Sn(II) diiminophosphinate complexes have been synthesized. Reaction of Ph(ArCH2)P(NBut)NHBut (Ar = Ph, 3; Ar = 8‐quinolyl, 4) with AlR3 (R = Me, Et) gave aluminum complexes [R2Al{(NBut)2P(Ph)(CH2Ar)}] (R = Me, Ar = Ph, 5; R = Me, Ar = 8‐quinolyl, 6; R = Et, Ar = Ph, 7; R = Et, Ar = quinolyl, 8). Lithiated 3 and 4 were treated with SnCl2 to afford tin(II) complexes [ClSn{(NBut)2P(Ph)(CH2Ar)}] (Ar = Ph, 9; Ar = 8‐quinolyl, 10). Complex 9 was converted to [(Me3Si)2NSn{(NBut)2P(Ph)(CH2Ph)}] (11) by treatment with LiN(SiMe3)2. Complex 11 was also obtained by reaction of 3 with [Sn{N(SiMe3)2}2]. Complex 9 reacted with [LiOC6H4But‐4] to yield [4‐ButC6H4OSn{(NBut)2P(Ph)(CH2Ph)}] (12). Compounds 3–12 were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The structures of complexes 6, 10, and 11 were further characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction techniques. The catalytic activity of complexes 5–8, 11, and 12 toward the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone (CL) was studied. In the presence of BzOH, the complexes catalyzed the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐CL in the activity order of 5 > 7 ≈ 8 > 6 ≫ 11 > 12, giving polymers with narrow molecular weight distributions. The kinetic studies showed a first‐order dependency on the monomer concentration in each case. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4621–4631, 2006
Synthesis of silicon nitride based ceramic nanoparticles by the pyrolysis of silazane block copolymer micelles
Authors: Matsumoto Kozo , Nakashita Junichi , Matsuoka Hideki
Published: June 2006

Diblock copolymer poly(1,1,3,N,N′‐pentamethyl‐3‐vinylcyclodisilazane)‐block‐polystyrene (polyVSA‐b‐polySt) and triblock copolymer poly(1,1,3,N,N′‐pentamethyl‐3‐vinylcyclodisilazane)‐block‐polystyrene‐block‐poly(1,1,3,N,N′‐pentamethyl‐3‐vinylcyclodisilazane) (polyVSA‐b‐polySt‐b‐polyVSA), consisting of silazane and nonsilazane segments, were prepared by the living anionic polymerization of 1,1,3,N,N′‐pentamethyl‐3‐vinylcyclodisilazane and styrene. PolyVSA‐b‐polySt formed micelles having a poly(1,1,3,N,N′‐pentamethyl‐3‐vinylcyclodisilazane) (polyVSA) core in N,N‐dimethylformamide, whereas polyVSA‐b‐polySt and polyVSA‐b‐polySt‐b‐polyVSA formed micelles having a polyVSA shell in n‐heptane. The micelles with a polyVSA core were core‐crosslinked by UV irradiation in the presence of diethoxyacetophenone as a photosensitizer, and the micelles with a polyVSA shell were shell‐crosslinked by UV irradiation in the presence of diethoxyacetophenone and 1,6‐hexanedithiol. These crosslinked micelles were pyrolyzed at 600 °C in N2 to give spherical ceramic particles. The pyrolysis process was examined by thermogravimetry and thermogravimetry/mass spectrometry. The morphologies of the particles were analyzed by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The chemical composition of the pyrolysis products was analyzed by X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy and Raman scattering spectroscopy. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4696–4707, 2006
Preparation and characterization of rigid poly(vinyl chloride)/MMT nanocomposites. II. XRD, morphological and mechanical characteristics
Authors: Chen Cheng‐Ho , Teng Chih‐Chun , Tsai Ming‐Shyong , Yen Fu‐Su
Published: June 2006

A Haake torque rheometer equipped with an internal mixer is used to study the influence of the amount of sodium montmorillonite (Na+‐MMT) and organically modified MMT (O‐MMT) on X‐ray diffraction (XRD), morphology, and mechanical characteristics of rigid poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC)/Na+‐MMT and PVC/O‐MMT nanocomposites, respectively. Results of XRD and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicate that MMT is partially encapsulated and intercalated in the rigid PVC/Na+‐MMT nanocomposites. However, results of XRD and TEM show MMT is partially intercalated and exfoliated in the rigid PVC/O‐MMT nanocomposites. Tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation at break of the rigid PVC/MMT nanocomposites were improved simultaneously with adding 1–3 wt % Na+‐MMT or O‐MMT with respect to that of pristine PVC. However, the addition of Na+‐MMT or O‐MMT should be kept as not more than 3 wt % to optimize the mechanical properties and the processing stability of the rigid PVC/MMT nanocomposites. SEM micrographs of the fractured surfaces of the rigid PVC/Na+‐MMT and PVC/O‐MMT nanocomposites both before and after tensile tests were also illustrated and compared. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2145–2154, 2006
Transition state of a SH3 domain detected with principle component analysis and a charge‐neutralized all‐atom protein model
Authors: Mitomo Daisuke , Nakamura Hironori K. , Ikeda Kazuyoshi , Yamagishi Akihiko , Higo Junichi
Published: June 2006

The src SH3 domain has been known to be a two‐state folder near room temperature. However, in a previous study with an all‐atom model simulation near room temperature, the transition state of this protein was not successfully detected on a free‐energy profile using two axes: the radius of gyration (Rg) and native contact reproduction ratio (Q value). In this study, we focused on an atom packing effect to characterize the transition state and tried another analysis to detect it. To explore the atom packing effect more efficiently, we introduced a charge‐neutralized all‐atom model, where all of the atoms in the protein and water molecules were treated explicitly, but their partial atomic charges were set to zero. Ten molecular dynamics simulations were performed starting from the native structure at 300 K, where the simulation length of each run was 90 ns, and the protein unfolded in all runs. The integrated trajectories (10 × 90 = 900 ns) were analyzed by a principal component analysis (PCA) and showed a clear free‐energy barrier between folded‐ and unfolded‐state conformational clusters in a conformational space generated by PCA. There were segments that largely deformed when the conformation passed through the free‐energy barrier. These segments correlated well with the structural core regions characterized by large ϕ‐values, and the atom‐packing changes correlated with the conformational deformations. Interestingly, using the same simulation data, no significant barrier was found in a free‐energy profile using the Rg and Q values for the coordinate axes. These results suggest that the atom packing effect may be one of the most important determinants of the transition state. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conformational and vibrational study of di‐n‐butyl and di‐sec‐butylphosphonates by MM/QM method
Authors: Carauta Alexandre N. M. , De M. Carneiro José Walkimar , Soto Claudio A. Téllez
Published: June 2006

A conformational search by MM/QM method was undertaken for the di‐n‐butyl and di‐sec‐butylphosphonates. The normal mode frequencies and the corresponding vibrational assignments were examined by three theoretical methodologies: AM1, HF/6‐31G*, and B3LYP/6‐31G*. These results were compared with those obtained from the experimental spectra. It was possible to arrive at an accurate spectral assignment, including the region between 1200 and 850 cm−1, which is the most difficult region for spectral assignment. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Hydrogen bonds between hydrogen fluoride and aromatic azines: An ab initio study
Authors: Rusu Victor H. , Ramos Mozart N. , Da Silva João Bosco P.
Published: June 2006

MP2/6‐31++G(d,p) ab initio molecular orbital calculations have been employed to characterize hydrogen‐bonded complexes between hydrogen fluoride as proton donor and aromatic azines (pyridine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, pyrazine, 1,3,5‐triazine, and 1,2,4‐triazine). Our calculations have shown that the H‐bond strength in these complexes depends on both the number of nitrogen atoms as well as the position of these atoms in aromatic ring. The binding energies of azines‐HF with or without BSSE and ZPE corrections decrease with the increasing number of nitrogen atoms in the ring. For example, its ΔEBSSE,ZPE value is 40.9 kJ · mol−1 in pyridine‐HF, whereas its corresponding values in pyrazine‐HF and 1,3,5‐triazine‐HF are 34.0 kJ · mol−1 and 26.6 kJ · mol−1, respectively. With respect to position of the nitrogen atom in the aromatic ring, the more pronounced effect is verified when it is at meta‐position relative to the pyridine ring. There is a high linear correlation between the H‐bond strength in these complexes and the intermolecular charge transfer using corrected Mulliken charges obtained from the charge‐charge flux‐overlap (CCFO) modified model for infrared intensities. Finally, our MP2/6‐31++G(d,p) calculations have revealed that stronger hydrogen bonds are associated with smaller H‐bond length values, larger intermolecular charge transfers and greater HF downward stretching frequency displacements. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
An unexpected ion‐molecule adduct in negative‐ion collision‐induced decomposition ion‐trap mass spectra of halogenated benzoic acids
Authors: Attygalle Athula B. , Kharbatia Najeh , Bialecki Jason , Ruzicka Josef , Svatoš Aleš , Stauber Einar J.
Published: June 2006

The ion observed at m/z 145 when product ion spectra of iodobenzoate anions are recorded using ion‐trap mass spectrometers corresponds to the adduct ion [I(H2O)]−. The elements of water required for the formation of this adduct do not originate from the precursor ion but from traces of moisture present in the helium buffer gas. A collision‐induced decomposition (CID) spectrum recorded from the [M–H]− ion (m/z 251) derived from 3‐iodo[2,4,5,6‐2H4]benzoic acid also showed an ion at m/z 145. This observation confirmed that the m/z 145 is not a product ion resulting from a direct neutral loss from the carboxylate anion. 79Bromobenzoate anions produce similar results showing an ion at m/z 97 for [79Br(H2O)]−. The ion‐molecule reaction observed here is unique to ion‐trap mass spectrometers since a corresponding ion was not observed under our experimental conditions in spectra recorded with in‐space tandem mass spectrometers such as triple quadrupole or quadrupole time‐of‐flight instruments. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass spectrometric identification and characterization of a new long‐term metabolite of metandienone in human urine
Authors: Schänzer Wilhelm , Geyer Hans , Fußhöller Gregor , Halatcheva Natalia , Kohler Maxie , Parr Maria‐Kristina , Guddat Sven , Thomas Andreas , Thevis Mario
Published: June 2006

Anabolic‐androgenic steroids are some of the most frequently detected drugs in amateur and professional sports. Doping control laboratories have developed numerous assays enabling the determination of administered drugs and/or their metabolic products that allow retrospectives with respect to pharmacokinetics and excretion profiles of steroids and their metabolites. A new metabolite generated from metandienone has been identified as 18‐nor‐17β‐hydroxymethyl,17α‐methyl‐androst‐1,4,13‐trien‐3‐one in excretion study urine samples providing a valuable tool for the long‐term detection of metandienone abuse by athletes in sports drug testing. The metabolite was characterized using gas chromatography/(tandem) mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/high‐resolution/high‐accuracy (tandem) mass spectrometry by characteristic fragmentation patterns representing the intact 3‐keto‐1,4‐diene structure in combination with typical product ions substantiating the proposed C/D‐ring structure of the steroid metabolite. In addition, structure confirmation was obtained by the analysis of excretion study urine specimens obtained after administration of 17‐CD3‐labeled metandienone providing the deuterated analogue to the newly identified metabolite. 18‐Nor‐17β‐hydroxymethyl,17α‐methyl‐androst‐1,4,13‐trien‐3‐one was determined in metandienone administration study urine specimens up to 19 days after application of a single dose of 5 mg, hence providing an extended detection period compared with commonly employed strategies. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemistry of Ru(& 6‐1,3,5‐cyclooctatriene)(η2‐dimethyl fumarate)2
Authors: Mitsudo Take‐Aki , Ura Yasuyuki , Kondo Teruyuki
Published: June 2006

The chemistry of a novel zerovalent Ru complex, Ru(η6‐cot)(η2‐dmfm)2 (1) (cot=1,3,5‐cyclooctatriene; dmfm=dimethyl fumarate), is reviewed with a focus on its reactivity toward phosphines, amines, and H2O, as well as arenes and p‐quinones. A variety of novel zerovalent Ru complexes were synthesized from Ru(η6‐cot)(η2‐dmfm)2 (1), and it was shown that the complexes preferably bear both electron‐donating and ‐accepting ligands simultaneously to exhibit thermodynamic stability. The first isolable zerovalent Ru aqua complexes were successfully prepared, and in these complexes, the generation of a chiral center on the O atom of the coordinated H2O was disclosed. In addition, the characteristic catalytic activity of 1 in organic synthesis was considered by reviewing recently developed novel reactions: (i) dimerization of 2,5‐norbornadiene to pentacyclo[6.6.0.02,6.03,13.010,14]tetradeca‐4,11‐diene (PCTD), (ii) intramolecular hydroamination of aminoalkynes to cyclic imines, (iii) formal [4+2] cycloaddition of alkynes with dmfm to trans‐4‐cyclohexene‐1,2‐dicarboxylates, and (iv) co‐dimerization of dihydrofurans with α,β‐unsaturated esters to 2‐alkylidenetetrahydrofurans. The products obtained here are expected to be used as novel functional organic monomers. © 2006 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 6: 107–116; 2006: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20076
Bridging Uncharted Waters in Georgia: Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta Outreach to Latino/a Families
Authors: Martorell Susan J. , Martorell Gabriela A.
Published: June 2006

Receiving the news that your newborn child has Down syndrome is difficult for most parents; difficulties which are compounded by language and cultural barriers for immigrant Latino/a families. The metro Atlanta area has shown a large increase in this population in the last 10 years, and increasing numbers of Latino/a parents with children with Down syndrome are coming in contact with the health care system. Experiences and observations regarding the formation of a Latino/a support group for parents of children with Down syndrome in Atlanta are described. In addition, efforts to integrate these Latino/a parents into a parent education conference sponsored by the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta are also recounted. Finally, reflections upon the lessons learned and individual and organizational changes that occurred as a result of the process are discussed.
Aggression und Aggressivität im Straßenverkehr
Authors: Herzberg Philipp Yorck , Schlag Bernhard
Published: June 2006

Zusammenfassung: Das Thema Aggression und Aggressivität gehört zu den klassischen Kernthemen der Sozialpsychologie. Über angewandte Aggressionsforschung im Bereich des Straßenverkehrs ist bisher wenig bekannt. Dieser Mangel zeigt sich sowohl in der Schwierigkeit, aggressive Verhaltensweisen im Straßenverkehr zu definieren, als auch in den meist explorativ angelegten empirischen Untersuchungen zum Thema. Gerade im Straßenverkehr jedoch hat Aggression hohe Bedeutung; vertiefte wissenschaftlich fundierte Studien auf dem Standard der sozialpsychologischen Forschung wären hier sehr hilfreich. Dieser Brennpunkt gibt einen Überblick über Aggression und Aggressivität im Straßenverkehr. Es wird ein Vorschlag zur Definition aggressiver Verhaltensweisen im Straßenverkehr unterbreitet und die wichtigsten empirischen Befunde und Einflussfaktoren werden dargestellt.
Interplanetary magnetic field polarities derived from measurements of the northern and southern polar geomagnetic field
Authors: Berti R. , Laurenza M. , Moreno G. , Storini M.
Published: June 2006

The Svalgaard‐Mansurov (S‐M) effect is used to derive the daily polarities of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) in the period from 22 May 1965 to 12 December 1998. The study analysis is based on measurements of the vertical component of the geomagnetic field carried out at Thule (near the geomagnetic North Pole) and at Vostok (near the geomagnetic South Pole). To avoid the uncertainties affecting most of the existing sets of inferred IMF polarities, we built up an algorithm which allows to infer them in a systematic way. We found that when IMF polarities are inferred from a single geomagnetic observatory, there are three phenomena that limit the accuracy of the results. They arise from the variability of the S‐M effect in time. In fact, the signal: (1) has a polarity dependent amplitude (at Thule), i.e., it is slightly different in periods of opposite polarities; (2) is seasonal‐dependent, being stronger during the local summer than during winter; (3) depends on the geomagnetic activity level. The last effect favors the detection of positive polarities at north (Thule) and of negative polarities at south (Vostok), during periods of enhanced geomagnetic activity. The success rates of the inferring method turn out to be rather high (93.9% for Thule and 86.6% for Vostok), but the time coverage is poor (73.3% for Thule, 49.7 % for Vostok). If one then combines simultaneous data from the two stations, results improve substantially: in fact, an overall success rate of 95.6% is obtained, along with a coverage of 93.0% of the time. The inferring method was then applied to the presatellite era obtaining the IMF polarities for the period 1958–1965 when magnetograms from Thule and Vostok were simultaneously available.
Persistent enhancement of the HF pump‐induced plasma line measured with a UHF diagnostic radar at HAARP
Authors: Oyama S. , Watkins B. J. , Djuth F. T. , Kosch M. J. , Bernhardt P. A. , Heinselman C. J.
Published: June 2006

Plasma lines excited by a powerful, high‐frequency (HF) radio wave are studied using data obtained with an ultrahigh frequency (UHF) radar at HAARP (High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program) from 3 to 5 February 2005. Of particular interest is persistent enhancement of the radar backscatter power during HF on at several HF frequencies. The persistent enhancement is induced with the HF frequency slightly lower than foF2 by a few hundred kHz; by contrast the persistent enhancement does not appear when the HF frequency is equal to and higher than foF2 or lower than foF2 by more than 500 kHz. When persistent enhancements of the radar backscatter power appear, two case studies show that the local plasma frequency at the reflection height of the O‐mode polarization wave is close to the second or third electron gyroharmonic frequencies, but one case study shows that the local plasma frequency at the reflection height is significantly different from the third electron gyroharmonic frequency.
Mapping of Poynting flux and widths of inertial Alfvén wave structures in high‐latitude plasmas
Authors: Singh Nagendra
Published: June 2006

Downward propagating inertial Alfvén waves (IAWs), transporting electromagnetic energy along high‐latitude Earth's magnetic field lines, are a well‐established phenomenon in the magnetosphere. Such waves have been detected now from Freja, FAST, and Polar satellites, showing that at the altitudes of the former two satellites, the latitudinal widths of the IAW structures are a few electron‐skin depths. Since IAWs have a nonzero group velocity component Vg⊥ perpendicular to the Earth's magnetic field B(r), the latitudinal fanning of the finite‐width wave must impact the scaling of the wave Poynting flux S with the geocentric altitude r. We estimate the effect of the fanning on the scaling of S on B(r), showing that commonly assumed scaling S ∼ B might not be true for the narrow IAW structures. For the ultra‐low‐frequency (ULF) waves having frequencies in the range of a few mHz, it turns out that the width of such IAWs becomes nearly constant in altitude and S ∼ B1/2 due to the convergence of magnetic field in longitude only. Like IAWs, even the kinetic Alfven waves are expected to show a similar scaling.
Empirical specification of field‐aligned plasma density profiles for plasmasphere refilling
Authors: Tu Jiannan , Song Paul , Reinisch Bodo W. , Green James L. , Huang Xueqin
Published: June 2006

Sounding measurements from the radio plasma imager (RPI) on the IMAGE satellite are used to derive electron density distributions along magnetic field lines in the nightside plasmasphere and plasmatrough for three midlatitude passes. These passes occurred during (1) a magnetic storm, (2) a prolonged quiet time, and (3) a sudden commencement of a storm, respectively. It is found that the density profiles of filled (in the inner plasmasphere) and depleted (in the plasmatrough or outer plasmasphere) flux tubes have different field line dependence. A multivariant least squares fit with a simple analytical function is used to model the density profiles. The fitting parameters in the function define the field line dependence of a density profile, i.e., the steepness of the density profile at high latitudes and the flatness at low latitudes. In each pass the density profiles along the filled and depleted flux tubes can be well modeled with the selected functional form, with two different sets of fitting parameter values for filled and depleted flux tubes. For the three passes examined, the fitting parameter values are not sensitive to the geomagnetic activity for the inner plasmasphere density profiles but vary slightly for the plasmatrough or outer plasmasphere density profiles from case to case. The equatorial densities extrapolated from the measured density profiles approximately have a power law relation with L values. The results suggest that the selected function has potential of being able to construct realistic global empirical plasmasphere/plasmatrough models. Furthermore, it is now feasible to empirically determine the density profiles along the depleted flux tubes for plasmasphere refilling studies.
Calibration and in‐flight performance of the Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System visible imaging subsystem (THEMIS VIS)
Authors: McConnochie T. H. , Bell J. F. , Savransky D. , Mehall G. , Caplinger M. , Christensen P. R. , Cherednik L. , Bender K. , Dombovari A.
Published: June 2006

We describe the calibration and performance of the Mars Odyssey spacecraft's Thermal Emission Imaging System visible imaging subsystem (THEMIS VIS) and present comparisons with other instruments in order to validate the results. The main challenge to the THEMIS VIS calibration process is the significant amount of stray light that accumulates during both integration and readout. The stray light is influenced by scene elements outside of the field of view of the THEMIS VIS detector, and so its magnitude can only be estimated. As a result, residual stray light artifacts are common in calibrated THEMIS VIS images and are especially prominent when the exposure time is short, or the scene contrast is high. Nevertheless, our absolute 2σ calibration uncertainty for the central region of the most frequently used THEMIS VIS channel, the 654 nm band, is better than 5% for all but the shortest exposures times, and our comparisons with Hubble Space Telescope and Mars Exploration Rover measurements show no evidence of systematic calibration inaccuracies.
Ground‐penetrating radar sounding in mafic lava flows: Assessing attenuation and scattering losses in Mars‐analog volcanic terrains
Authors: Heggy Essam , Clifford Stephen M. , Grimm Robert E. , Dinwiddie Cynthia L. , Wyrick Danielle Y. , Hill Brittain E.
Published: June 2006

We conducted low‐frequency (16 to 100 MHz) ground‐penetrating radar surveys on the eroded lava flows at Craters of the Moon (Idaho, USA) volcanic field to evaluate the potential of future radar‐sounding investigations on Mars to map shallow subsurface features. Radar‐sounding profiles were obtained from three locations: above a lava tube, across a volcanic rift, and over a scoria cone. Results were combined with laboratory permittivity and magnetic permeability measurements of field‐collected samples to deconvolve the electromagnetic attenuation and scattering losses from the total losses and therefore separately quantify both effects on the radar penetration depth. Our results demonstrate a constrained performance for low‐frequency sounding radars to characterize mafic, arid volcanic terrains that contain a significant amount of ferro‐oxides (∼14%), mainly in the form of olivine and magnetite. Penetration depths of 35 m were achieved at a frequency of 100 MHz, and depths of 80 m were achieved at 16 MHz, with an effective dynamic range of 60 dB. Results indicate that for frequencies below 100 MHz, the electromagnetic attenuation dominated the signal losses while above this frequency threshold the volume scattering dominated the losses. Over our frequency range, the observed electromagnetic attenuation and penetration depths were strongly dependent on the magnetic losses, ground porosities, and degree of heterogeneity rather than the sounding frequency. In light of these results, we suggest average attenuation and scattering losses measured in terms of dB/m and discuss the expected penetration depth for the Mars orbital radar‐sounding instruments SHARAD and MARSIS in mafic volcanic terrains.
Low δ13C in tests of live epibenthic and endobenthic foraminifera at a site of active methane seepage
Authors: Mackensen Andreas , Wollenburg Jutta , Licari Laetitia
Published: June 2006

To investigate the use of benthic foraminifera as a means to document ancient methane release, we determined the stable isotopic composition of tests of live (Rose Bengal stained) and dead specimens of epibenthic Fontbotia wuellerstorfi, preferentially used in paleoceanographic reconstructions, and of endobenthic high‐latitude Cassidulina neoteretis and Cassidulina reniforme from a cold methane‐venting seep off northern Norway. We collected foraminiferal tests from three push cores and nine multiple cores obtained with a remotely operated vehicle and a video‐guided multiple corer, respectively. All sampled sites except one control site are situated at the Håkon Mosby mud volcano (HMMV) on the Barents Sea continental slope in 1250 m water depth. At the HMMV in areas densely populated by pogonophoran tube worms, δ13C values of cytoplasm‐containing epibenthic F. wuellerstorfi are by up to 4.4‰ lower than at control site, thus representing the lowest values hitherto reported for this species. Live C. neoteretis and C. reniforme reach δ13C values of −7.5 and −5.5‰ Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite (VPDB), respectively, whereas δ13C values of their empty tests are higher by 4‰ and 3‰. However, δ13C values of empty tests are never lower than those of stained specimens, although they are still lower than empty tests from the control site. This indicates that authigenic calcite precipitates at or below the sediment surface are not significantly influencing the stable isotopic composition of foraminiferal shells. The comparatively high δ13C results rather from upward convection of pore water and fluid mud during active methane venting phases at these sites. These processes mingle tests just recently calcified with older ones secreted at intermittent times of less or no methane discharge. Since cytoplasm‐containing specimens of suspension feeder F. wuellerstorfi are almost exclusively found attached to pogonophores, which protrude up to 3 cm above the sediment, and δ13C values of bottom‐water‐dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) are not significantly depleted, we conclude that low test δ13C values of F. wuellerstorfi are the result of incorporation of heavily 13C‐depleted methanotrophic biomass that these specimens feed on rather than because of low bottom water δ13CDIC. Alternatively, the pogonophores, which are rooted at depth in the upper sediment column, may serve as a conduit for depleted δ13CDIC that ultimately influences the calcification process of F. wuellerstorfi attached to the pogonophoran tube well above the sediment/water interface. The lowest δ13C of live specimens of the endobenthic C. neoteretis and C. reniforme are within the range of pore water δ13CDIC values, which exceed those that could be due to organic matter decomposition, and thus, in fact, document active methane release in the sediment.
Effect of changes in δ18O content of the surface ocean on estimated sea surface temperatures in past warm climate
Authors: Roche D. M. , Donnadieu Y. , Pucéat E. , Paillard D.
Published: June 2006

Using a coupled climate model of intermediate complexity including oxygen 18, CLIMBER‐2, we investigate the evolution of the distribution of surface water 18O composition under warm climate conditions. We then determine the impact of changes of the surface water 18O distribution on ocean surface temperatures inferred from calcite oxygen 18. Our results show that published temperature reconstructions based on oxygen 18 from calcite are systematically biased by 2° to 4°C in the absence of major oceanic circulation changes and up to 7°C in the presence of major oceanic circulation changes. As the bias introduced is shown to vary with latitude, our work has major implications on past latitudinal temperature gradient reconstructions based on oxygen 18 measurements.
Use of prewhitening in climate regime shift detection
Authors: Rodionov Sergei N.
Published: June 2006

Time series of observations generated by a stationary red noise process are characterized by long intervals when the observations remain above or below the overall mean value. These intervals can be easily misinterpreted as “climatic regimes” with different statistics. A “prewhitening” procedure that removes the red noise component from the time series prior to an application of a regime shift detection technique is discussed. The key elements of this procedure are subsampling and bias correction of the least squares estimate of the serial correlation. A new technique to obtain a bias‐corrected estimate of the autoregressive parameter is proposed. It is shown that the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) appears to be more than just a manifestation of a red noise process.
Interaction between the solar wind and interstellar gas: A comparison between Monte Carlo and fluid approaches
Authors: Heerikhuisen J. , Florinski V. , Zank G. P.
Published: June 2006

The solar wind is a highly supersonic stream of ionized gas which creates a large bubble of plasma around the Sun. This bubble, termed the heliosphere, is stretched like a raindrop by the supersonic flow of partially ionized interstellar gas. In this paper we present a detailed comparison between the kinetic Monte Carlo and multiple neutral fluid approaches to modeling hydrogen atoms of interstellar and heliospheric origins within an axisymmetric heliosphere, coupled through charge exchange to the ionized plasma. We choose a set of parameters and boundary conditions which allow a further comparison with existing independently obtained results. Our results show a similar overall heliospheric structure, with a heliopause in approximately the same place, for both the kinetic and fluid models. The termination shock, on the other hand, is moved about 5 AU inward and the bow shock is weakened and moved about 8 AU farther out in the kinetic model. More critically, the hydrogen wall amplitude is about 50% above the interstellar value in the fluid case but only 25% in the kinetic case, and the level of hydrogen inside the termination shock is about 20% higher in the kinetic model. The velocity distributions at various locations along the symmetry axis show that while the kinetic model predicts a smooth distribution, the total fluid distribution is more disjointly structured. We also find that neutral atoms produced in the inner heliosheath have a “half‐Maxwellian” distribution outside the heliopause, something which cannot be realized within the fluid model.
Hyperglycemia in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Vascular Perspective
Authors: Martini Sharyl R , Kent Thomas A
Published: June 2006

Admission hyperglycemia complicates approximately one-third of acute ischemic strokes and is associated with a worse clinical outcome. Both human and animal studies have showed that hyperglycemia is particularly detrimental in ischemia/reperfusion. Decreased reperfusion blood flow has been observed after middle cerebral artery occlusion in acutely hyperglycemic animals, suggesting the vasculature as an important site of hyperglycemic reperfusion injury. This paper reviews biochemical and molecular pathways in the vasculature that are rapidly affected by hyperglycemia and concludes that these changes result in a pro-vasoconstrictive, pro-thrombotic and pro-inflammatory phenotype that renders the vasculature vulnerable to reperfusion injury. Understanding these pathways should lead to the development of rational therapies that reduce hyperglycemic reperfusion injury and thus improve outcome in this large subset of acute ischemic stroke patients.