bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphane Ligands, 6 The Remarkable Tridentate Coordination of 4,6‐Bis(diphenylphosphanyl)‐dibenzofuran in Ruthenium(II) Complexes
Authors: Vogl Erasmus M. , Bruckmann Joachim , Kessler Magnus , Krüger Carl , Haenel Matthias W.
Published: July 2007

4,6‐Bis(diphenylphosphanyl)dibenzofuran (1), despite its large P…P distance of 5.74 Å and its bite angle of ca. 131° was found to be Capable of tridentate coordination to ruthenium (II) chloride. Single crystal X‐ray structure analyses of the new ruthenium (II) complexes 3,4 and 5 revealed that the ligand 1 coordinates to a single ruthenium atom with both phosphorus centers and the dibenzofuran oxygen atom. The remarkable ligand deformation resulting from the coordination is evident from the decrease of the P…P distance by 1 Å to 4.75 Å and the increase of the bite angle (P–Ru–P) by 25° to 155°−157. The unprecedented in‐plane coordination of the dibenzofuran oxygen atom to ruthenium is interesting in view of the hybridisation of the oxygen.
Methylene Transfer from SnMe Groups Mediated by a Rhodium(I) Pincer Complex: SnC, CC, and CH Bond Activation
Authors: Frech Christian M. , Shimon Linda J. W. , Milstein David
Published: July 2007

The PCP‐RhI complex 1 a based on the [1,3‐phenylenebis(methylene)]bis(diisopropylphosphine) ligand reacts with [diazo(phenyl)methyl]trimethylstannane (2) at room temperature to give novel pincer‐type phenyl(dimethylstannyl)methylene]hydrazinato complex 3 a. The reaction sequence involves a unique combination of SnC bond cleavage, CC bond formation, CH activation and intramolecular deprotonation of a rhodium hydride intermediate, which results in methylene transfer from an SnMe group to the pincer system and PCP‐chelate expansion. A methylene‐transfer reaction was also demonstrated with tetramethyltin as the methylene source in the presence of KOC(CH3)3 at room temperature. The resulting unstable “chelate‐expanded” RhI complex [(C10H5(CH2PiPr2)2)(CH2)Rh(L)] (L=N2, THF; 4 a) was isolated as its carbonyl derivative 5 a. Heating 4 a in benzene yielded an equimolar amount of toluene and 1 a, which demonstrates the ability of the RhI pincer complex to extract a methylene group from an unactivated alkyl tin substrate and transfer it, via CC followed by CH activation, to an arene. Use of fluorobenzene resulted in formation of fluorotoluene. Catalytic methylene‐group transfer mediated by 1 a was not possible, because of formation of o‐xylylene complex 8 under the reaction conditions. Steric parameters play a decisive role in the reactivity with tin compounds; while iPrP derivative 1 a underwent facile reactions, tBuP complex 1 b was inert.
Alkynyl Expanded Donor–Acceptor Calixarenes: Geometry and Second‐Order Nonlinear Optical Properties
Authors: Hennrich Gunther , Murillo Ma Teresa , Prados Pilar , Al‐Saraierh Hassan , El‐Dali Abdelmeneim , Thompson David W. , Collins Julie , Georghiou Paris E. , Teshome Ayele , Asselberghs Inge , Clays Koen
Published: July 2007

A number of wide‐ and narrow‐rimmed functionalized alkynylcalix[4]arenes have been synthesized by Sonogashira coupling. With respect to their optical properties, these donor–acceptor systems are treated as ensembles of covalently linked, electronically independent tolane subchromophores. Linear UV/visible and fluorescence spectroscopic investigations revealed that the charge‐transfer character of the electronic transitions in calixarenes, and also the second‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties depend on the electron‐withdrawing nature of the terminal ethynylphenyl substituent (NO2, CF3, H). The nitro derivatives display high values of the quadratic hyperpolarizability β. Not only do the (nonlinear) optical properties of the target compounds depend on the number and relative disposition of the subchromophores, but also on the geometry of the calixarenes. In particular, the opening angle of the calixarene cavity can be determined by the substitution pattern of the calixarene scaffold (wide‐ versus narrow‐rim substitution) and the number of the acetylene functions introduced. Both the NLO properties and the conformational issues are conveniently assessed by using hyper‐Rayleigh scattering (HRS) in solution, and supported by X‐ray crystallography in the solid state.
Cholinesterase and other serum liver enzymes in underweight outpatients with eating disorders
Authors: Montagnese Concetta , Scalfi Luca , Signorini Ada , De Filippo Emilia , Pasanisi Fabrizio , Contaldo Franco
Published: July 2007

Objective:

The present study aimed to evaluate serum liver enzymes in underweight outpatients with anorexia nervosa (A‐NERV) or eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS).

Method:

Serum alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and cholinesterase (CHE) were determined in 97 patients with A‐NERV, 66 patients with EDNOS, and 56 controls.

Results:

In the A‐NERV group AST, LDH, and GGT were higher, as compared with controls, and inversely related to weight, while ALP and CHE were lower. AST and GGT increased and CHE decreased in patients with EDNOS. Hypertransaminasemia occurred in 14.4 and 15.2%, and low CHE in 29.9% of the A‐NERV group and 13.6% and EDNOS group, respectively. Three or more abnormalities were found in 9.3% of patients with A‐NERV and 7.5% of those with EDNOS.

Conclusion:

Abnormalities in serum liver enzymes are common in outpatients with eating disorders plus underweight. CHE might be considered as a marker of the effects of primary malnutrition on liver function. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2007
Ultrasound‐Promoted Reaction of 2‐Chlorobenzoic Acids and Aliphatic Amines
Authors: Docampo Maite L. , Pellón Rolando F. , Estevez‐Braun Ana , Ravelo Angel G.
Published: July 2007

An improvement to the use of DMF as a solvent for the condensation of 2‐chlorobenzoic acids with aliphatic primary or secondary amines was described. A number of alkylaminobenzoic acids and dialkylaminobenzoic acids were synthesized in acceptable‐to‐good yield. The advantages of this procedure include readily available substrates, the use of an inexpensive copper powder without taking any precautions to exclude moisture under mild conditions and experimental ease. Furthermore, this condensation could also be achieved under nonclassical conditions by using ultrasonic irradiation at room temperature. We demonstrated that ultrasound‐promoted condensation of 2‐chlorobenzoic acid with aliphatic amines with the use of DMF as the solvent, especially in the case of secondary amines, affords products in high yields and reduces the reaction time to minutes. The results proved to be highly reproducible because the relevant sonochemical parameters were rigorously controlled.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Glycosynthase‐Assisted Synthesis of Xylo‐Gluco‐Oligosaccharide Probes for α‐Xylosyltransferases
Authors: Fauré Régis , Cavalier David , Keegstra Kenneth , Cottaz Sylvain , Driguez Hugues
Published: July 2007

An efficient chemo‐enzymatic synthesis involving glycosylation catalyzed by E197A nucleophile mutant of the retaining endo‐cellulase Cel7B from Humicola insolens afforded well defined xylo‐gluco‐oligosaccharides. The synthesis of these complex oligosaccharides requires the use of an enzymatic protection/deprotection concept to allow a single‐step condensation of donors onto acceptors. These molecules were tested as potential acceptor substrates for two Arabidopsis thaliana putative xyloglucan α‐xylosyltransferases expressed in insect cells. Both AtXT1 and AtXT2 catalyzed the incorporation of xylosyl unit(s) onto all of these substrates, but with various efficiencies. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Enantioselective separation of azole compounds by EKC. Reversal of migration order of enantiomers with CD concentration
Authors: Castro‐Puyana María , Crego Antonio L. , Marina Maria Luisa , García‐Ruiz Carmen
Published: July 2007

The enantioselective separation of a group of six weak base azole compounds was achieved in this work using EKC with three neutral β‐CDs as chiral selectors. The native β‐CD and two other β‐CD derivatives with different types and positions of the substituents on the CD rim ((2‐hydroxy)propyl‐β‐CD (HP‐β‐CD) and heptakis‐2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl‐β‐CD (TM‐β‐CD)) were employed. Apparent binding constants for each pair compound‐CD were determined in order to study analyte–CD interactions. The best enantiomeric resolutions for miconazole, econazole, and sulconazole were observed with HP‐β‐CD whereas for the separation of the enantiomers of ketoconazole, terconazole, and bifonazole, TM‐β‐CD was the best chiral selector. The enantioseparations obtained were discussed on the basis of the structure of the compounds taking into account that inclusion into the hydrophobic CD cavity occurred through the phenyl ring closer to the azole group. In addition, a change in the migration order for the enantiomers of two of the compounds studied (ketoconazole and terconazole) with the concentration of HP‐β‐CD was observed for the first time.
Combined implicit or explicit integration steps for hybrid simulation
Authors: Mosqueda G. , Ahmadizadeh M.
Published: July 2007

Explicit integration procedures have been widely adapted and applied to hybrid simulations of the seismic response of structures due to their simplicity. However, these procedures are only conditionally stable and have limited recent applications of hybrid simulations to simple structural models with few degrees of freedom. A novel integration procedure is proposed herein, in which a fully implicit formulation is applied to solve the equation of motion for the hybrid model, but defaults to an explicit or noniterative formulation in steps that fail to converge. The advantages to this approach are the ensured continuity of the simulation and the reduced accumulation of errors that occur during consecutive explicit steps that may lead to instability. The implicit procedure is applied by loading the experimental substructures beyond the expected displacement for the current step, then using the displacements and forces measured through the load path in the iterative implicit scheme. This approach captures the instantaneous behaviour of experimental substructures without physically imposing iterations. Numerical and experimental simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed integration scheme for multi‐degree‐of‐freedom models, especially in utilization of longer time steps that exceed stability limits of explicit methods, prevention of excitation of higher modes, and testing of stiff systems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A device for measuring downwearing rates on cohesive shore platforms
Authors: Charman Richard , Cane Tim , Moses Cherith , Williams Rendel
Published: July 2007

The device described in this paper, known as the traversing erosion beam, is believed to be the first to be designed specifically for measuring rates of downwearing of cohesive foreshores, such as clay shore platforms, under high‐energy wave conditions. It is primarily constructed of Flexlink Aluminium Structural System components and consists of a horizontal beam with a main leg and two further support legs. A sliding ‘dolly’ module is moved along the beam at precise intervals using a longitudinal scale as a reference. The topographic profile of the measurement surface is transferred to the dolly by a vertical sliding steel alloy rod, from which the relative height differences are measured by a separate engineer's digital height gauge placed on the dolly. The main leg of the device fits into a marine grade stainless steel box, which is deeply embedded into the foreshore or shore platform to act a permanent datum. The box is robust and can be expected to have a lifetime of at least a year, and possibly even five years or more.

Sample data are provided from a clay shore platform at Warden Point in the Isle of Sheppey, Kent (UK), which demonstrate that the TEB can provide information on seasonal as well as annual rates of downwearing. The device has also been tested successfully on a peat and clay foreshore at Pett Level in Sussex and on a shore platform cut in glacial till at Easington, Yorkshire. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of channel confinement on pioneer woody vegetation structure, composition and diversity along the River Drôme (SE France)
Authors: Dufour S. , Barsoum N. , Muller E. , Piégay H.
Published: July 2007

River embankments are one of the main causes of a loss in active channel movement. The knock‐on effects of river channel stabilization include important shifts in the ecohydrological conditions in the protected zone behind embankments, which has already been well exemplified. However, few authors have attempted to investigate changes to pioneer units of vegetation colonizing the active channel following the construction of dikes. As a consequence we studied the structure, composition and diversity of pioneer vegetation units dominated by willow and poplar along the River Drôme in two adjacent, but contrasting, river reaches: an embanked reach and an unconstrained reach, each subject to the same flow regime, but offering very different hydrogeomorphological contexts for vegetation colonization. Our results clearly demonstrate that river embankments affect channel geometry. A reduction in channel width (from between 200 and 500 m to less than 100 m) leads to steeper elevational gradients with an overall coarser grain size and consequently drier overall conditions on colonizable landforms in the channelized reach. Pioneer vegetation responded by colonizing landforms at higher elevations above the low water mark and by occurring in smaller units within the channelized study reach. There was also a reduction in species diversity, a homogenization in vegetation unit structure and a predominance of more drought‐tolerant ligneous species (P. nigra) in pioneer vegetation units in the channelized study reach. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal forecast intervals under asymmetric loss
Authors: Demetrescu Matei
Published: July 2007

An optimality criterion for forecast intervals under asymmetric loss functions is proposed. A loss optimal forecast interval is obtained by requiring that the expected loss, conditional on a future realization within the desired interval, be minimal. The main difficulty in the context of forecasting under asymmetric loss emerges when there is no knowledge about the distribution of the innovations. For solving this problem, an extension of estimation under the relevant loss function is suggested. In many cases, one also needs to account for the additional variability due to estimation of model parameters. Another solution, based on the bootstrap, works for both problems.  Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Point and 5‐year period prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia: the Cache County Study
Authors: Steinberg Martin , Shao Huibo , Zandi Peter , Lyketsos Constantine G. , Welsh‐Bohmer Kathleen A. , Norton Maria C. , Breitner John C.S. , Steffens David C. , Tschanz JoAnn T.
Published: July 2007

Background

Neuropsychiatric symptoms are nearly universal in dementia, yet little is known about their longitudinal course in the community.

Objective

To estimate point and 5‐year period prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in an incident sample of 408 dementia participants from the Cache County Study.

Methods

The Neuropsychiatric Inventory assessed symptoms at baseline and at 1.5 years, 3.0 years, 4.1 years, and 5.3 years. Point prevalence, period prevalence and mean symptom severity at each time point were estimated.

Results

Point prevalence for delusions was 18% at baseline and 34–38% during the last three visits; hallucinations, 10% at baseline and 19–24% subsequently; agitation/aggression fluctuated between 13% and 24%; depression 29% at baseline and 41–47% subsequently; apathy increased from 20% at baseline to 51% at 5.3 years; elation never rose above 1%; anxiety 14% at baseline and 24–32% subsequently; disinhibition fluctuated between 2% and 15%; irritability between 17% and 27%; aberrant motor behavior gradually increased from 7% at baseline to 29% at 5.3 years. Point prevalence for any symptom was 56% at baseline and 76–87% subsequently. Five‐year period prevalence was greatest for depression (77%), apathy (71%), and anxiety (62%); lowest for elation (6%), and disinhibition (31%). Ninety‐seven percent experienced at least one symptom. Symptom severity was consistently highest for apathy.

Conclusions

Participants were most likely to develop depression, apathy, or anxiety, and least likely to develop elation or disinhibition. Give converging evidence that syndromal definitions may more accurately capture neuropsychiatric co‐morbidity in dementia, future efforts to validate such syndromes are warranted. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What is the Price of survival in Hodgkin's lymphoma? Long‐term follow‐up of cured patients
Authors: Zsófia Miltényi , Katalin Keresztes , Judit Végh , György Székely , Árpád Illés
Published: July 2007

The paper investigates the late complications of cured Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) patients. Ninety cured HL patients between 1975 and 1994 were examined. The mean ages of patients at the time of diagnosing HL, and the median period of survival after diagnosis were 32 (11–70) years and 18 (10–30) years, respectively. Among the 90 patients, 73 are still alive, there is no information about 9 and 8 patients died, second malignant disease being the cause of death in 4 of them. Relapse was observed in 24 patients, of which 19 recovered after relapse and were included in the study then. Five patients had late relapse. In 38% of patients, cardiovascular changes, while in 32% pulmonary and pleural damages were observed. Disorders of the thyroid gland, overwhelmingly hypothyroidism, were found in 24%. Less frequently, a second malignant tumour (9%), damage to the skin, musculature, bones and genitourinary system (6%) as well as the gastrointestinal system could be detected. Treatment based on modern therapeutic approaches is expected to decrease the incidence of complications. Still the aim is early detection through close patient follow‐up, which may improve the quality of life and decrease mortality as a result. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Egg yolk proteins in grey mullet (Mugil cephalus): purification and classification of multiple lipovitellins and other vitellogenin‐derived yolk proteins and molecular cloning of the parent vitellogenin genes
Authors: Amano Haruna , Fujita Toshiaki , Hiramatsu Naoshi , Shimizu Munetaka , Sawaguchi Sayumi , Matsubara Takahiro , Kagawa Hirohiko , Nagae Masaki , Sullivan Craig V. , Hara Akihiko
Published: July 2007

Seven yolk proteins (YPs), four large lipoproteins (YPs1–4) and three minor yolk components (YPs5–7) including one phosphoprotein (YP7), were purified from extracts of vitellogenic ovaries of grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) by combinations of hydroxylapatite, ion exchange, immunoadsorbent, and gel filtration chromatography. The molecular masses of native YP1, YP2, YP3, and YP4 were estimated to be 330, 325, 335, and 570 kDa, respectively. The tertiary structures of YP1, YP2, and YP3 revealed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were typical of teleost lipovitellins (Lvs), consisting of a heavy chain (∼110, ∼99, and ∼97 kDa, respectively) and a light chain (∼30, ∼29, and ∼21.5 kDa, respectively), while YP4 exhibited a heavy chain (∼110 kDa) and two more polypeptide bands (∼70 and ∼54 kDa). Mapping of N‐terminal peptide sequences of the purified YPs to the primary structure of multiple mullet vitellogenins (Vgs) deduced from their respective complete cDNAs, which were cloned and sequenced, conclusively identified YP1, YP2, and YP3 as Lvs derived from mullet VgA, VgB, and VgC, respectively. The fourth YP (YP4) appeared to be a proteolytic variant consisting of Lv and phosvitin components of VgA. Two other YPs (YP5 and YP6) were identified as β′‐components derived from VgA and VgB based on their structures and common, but not identical, antigenicity to salmonid β′‐component, while purified YP7, a phosphoprotein with a high content of serine residues, was identified as a phosvitin derived from VgB. This is the first report, of which we are aware, on purification and molecular classification of three distinct forms of Lv from any oviparous vertebrate. J. Exp. Zool. 307A:324–341, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modification of rotavirus multiplex RT‐PCR for the detection of G12 strains based on characterization of emerging G12 rotavirus strains from South India
Authors: Banerjee Indrani , Ramani Sasirekha , Primrose Beryl , Iturriza‐Gomara Miren , Gray James J. , Brown David W. , Kang Gagandeep
Published: July 2007

Rotaviruses are the major etiological agents of diarrhea in children less than 5 years of age. The commonest G types in humans are G1‐4 and G9. G12 is a rare human rotavirus (HRV) strain first reported in the Philippines. In this study, 13 G12 strains obtained from a community‐based cohort and a hospital‐based surveillance system in 2005 were characterized by phylogenetic analysis of partial nucleotide sequences of VP7, VP6, and NSP4 genes. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of VP7 gene sequences showed that these southern Indian strains had the greatest homology with G12 strains recently reported from eastern India (97–99% identity both at the nucleotide level and deduced amino acid level) and less homology with the prototype G12 strain, L26 (89–90% identity at the nucleotide level and 90–94% at the deduced amino acid level). Phylogenetic analysis of the VP6 and the NSP4 genes revealed that the Vellore G12 strains belonged to VP6 subgroup II and NSP4 genotype B. The P types associated with these strains were P[6] and P[8]. A G12 type‐specific primer was designed for inclusion in an established VP7 G‐typing multiplex RT PCR, and tested against a panel of known G types and untyped samples and was found to detect G12 strains in the multiplex‐PCR. Close homology of the South Indian G12 strains to those from Kolkata suggests that G12 HRV strains are emerging in India. Methods for characterization of rotaviruses in epidemiological studies need to be updated frequently, particularly in developing countries. J. Med. Virol. 79:1413–1421, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cervicovaginal, oral, and serum IgG and IgA responses to human papillomavirus type 16 in women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Passmore Jo‐Ann S. , Marais Dianne J. , Sampson Candice , Allan Bruce , Parker Neelofar , Milner Michelle , Denny Lynnette , Williamson Anna‐Lise
Published: July 2007

Oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are obligate mucosal pathogens and typically cause localized infections. The mucosal surface of the genital tract also provides the first line of defense against genital HPV infection. Although local antibody production following HPV‐infection has been demonstrated, their role in protection from cervical disease is unclear. This study evaluated oral and cervical HPV infection and the associated linkage between HPV‐16 oral, cervical and serum antibody responses in 103 women with varying grades of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). We found that HPV‐16 was the most prevalent cervical HPV infection (30/103, 29.1%) but was only detected in 1.1% (1/91) of the oral samples. Both the frequency and magnitude of HPV‐16‐specific cervical IgA was significantly elevated in women with CIN 2/3 compared with women with CIN 1 (P = 0.0073 frequency; P = 0.0045 magnitude). Women with cervical HPV‐16 infection had significantly higher magnitude and frequency of cervical HPV‐16 IgA responses than women without cervical HPV‐16 DNA (P = 0.0002 frequency; P = 0.0052 magnitude). Despite our contention that mucosal HPV‐16 antibody responses within distinct mucosal compartments may be linked, the concordance analysis carried out within and between mucosal compartments and serum suggests that no such linkage exists and that these compartments may be functioning independently of one another. An HPV‐16 specific antibody response in one mucosal compartment in women with CIN is therefore not predictive of a response at another. J. Med. Virol. 79:1375–1380, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variations in the core promoter/pre‐core region in HBV genotype C in Japanese and Northern Vietnamese patients
Authors: Truong Bui Xuan , Yano Yoshihiko , Seo Yasushi , Phuong Tran Minh , Tanaka Yasuhito , Kato Hirotaka , Miki Akira , Utsumi Takako , Azuma Takeshi , Trach Nguyen Khanh , Mizokami Masashi , Hayashi Yoshitake , Kasuga Masato
Published: July 2007

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) subgenotypes Cs (C1) and Ce (C2) are common in East Asia. To investigate the genomic difference of HBV genotype C between two separated regions, 50 subgenotype Cs‐infected Vietnamese and 70 subgenotype Ce‐infected Japanese patients were enrolled for analysis. The patients were categorized to either a hepatocellular carcinoma group (HCC) or a non‐HCC group including liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and asymptomatic carriers. HBV serology, HBV‐DNA level, and variations in core promoter/pre‐core region were examined. Phylogenetic analysis based on the full genome sequences and nucleotide sequences partly in the S gene and in the P gene revealed that all Japanese strains (70/70) were subgenotype Ce, and nearly all of the Vietnamese strains (50/51) were subgenotype Cs, excluding one subgenotype C5. C1858 and G1775 were common in the Vietnamese (64% and 40%) but not in the Japanese (0%). The prevalence of C/A1753 in Vietnamese was higher than that in the Japanese (32% vs. 17.1%), however the frequency of A1896 in the Japanese was significantly higher (32.9% vs. 12%, P < 0.05). Most of the Vietnamese patients with HCC had a high level of HBV‐DNA, the Japanese HCC had a relatively low level. In the Vietnamese, C/A1753 and C1858 were associated closely with T1762A1764, higher HBV‐DNA levels and higher HCC incidence. The multivariate analysis revealed that male, T1653 and C/A1753 were independent risk factors for HCC. The subgenotypes and unique mutations of HBV genotype C in the Vietnamese and Japanese differed, and C/A1753 and C1858 variants might play a role in the pathogenesis of liver disease in Vietnamese patients. J. Med. Virol. 79:1293–1304, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular characterization of measles virus circulating in the Indian Ocean Islands during 2005–2006 and in France in 2006
Authors: Waku‐Kouomou Diane , Landreau Dominique , Olivier Sophie , Palmyre Philippe , Benoit‐Catin Thierry , Freymuth François , Wild T. Fabian
Published: July 2007

Despite the availability of safe and immunogenic vaccines, measles still causes significant morbidity and mortality especially in Africa. In this study, two measles outbreaks in the Indian Ocean Islands; Mayotte in 2005–2006 and Seychelles in 2006 were studied. Nasopharyngeal swabs, urine and/or blood samples were collected from patients with clinically diagnosed measles. Measles viruses were isolated in four cases from patients in Mayotte. Measles strains circulating in both outbreaks were determined to be genotype D4 when compared to the WHO reference strains. During this time, measles virus was isolated from patients in France and they were also found to belong to the same genotype. The viruses clustered into two distinct D4 subgroups; The Indian Ocean strains were similar to the Montreal‐subgroup, whereas the French strains associated with the Johannesburg‐subgroup. The Indian Ocean strains formed a homogeneous group. They shared four specific amino acids in the 3′ region of the N gene and two amino acids in the H gene, which differed from other genotype D4 viruses. This suggests that the same measles lineage circulated in Mayotte and Seychelles. Sequence comparison of the French isolates with other measles strains showed that they were more closely related to strains circulating in Germany in 2005, which had their origin in Romania. This study provides the baseline for molecular epidemiology of measles virus in Mayotte and Seychelles. The knowledge of circulating measles virus will help in documenting measles elimination program. This report also highlights the fact that progress of measles elimination is blighted continually by the phenomenon of measles importation. J. Med. Virol. 79:1381–1387, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recent TIMS dating results from British Late Pleistocene vertebrate faunal localities: context and interpretation
Authors: Gilmour Mabs , Currant Andy , Jacobi Roger , Stringer Chris
Published: July 2007

New TIMS dates from British sites underpin and extend the growing model of mammalian faunal history during the Late Pleistocene. The sequence of British faunas during the three successive warm phases of MIS 5 presents a challenging model in which the mammal faunas of the first two temperate phases, 5e and 5c is dominated by species of a classically interglacial character, while that of the final phase, sub‐stage 5a, is dominated by bison and reindeer. This we see as the ‘cold fauna’ appearing in Britain during the cool isotope sub‐stage 5b and subsequently isolated by the rising sea level of isotope sub‐stage 5a. All these three faunas are true island faunas. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphological biosignatures from relict fossilised sedimentary geological specimens: a Raman spectroscopic study
Authors: Edwards Howell G. M. , Jorge Villar Susana E. , Pullan Derek , Hargreaves Michael D. , Hofmann Beda A. , Westall Frances
Published: July 2007

Morphological biosignatures (features related to life) and associated terrestrial sedimentary structures that provide possible sampling targets for the remote astrobiological exploration of planets have been analysed using Raman spectroscopic techniques. The spectral data from a suite of samples comprising crypto‐chasmoendoliths, preserved microbial filaments and relict sedimentary structures comprise a preliminary database for the establishment of key Raman biosignatures. This will form the basis for the evaluation of prototype miniaturised instrumentation for the proposed ESA ExoMars mission scheduled for 2013. The Raman spectral biosignatures of carotenoids and scytonemin, organic biomolecules characteristic of the cyanobacterial colonisation of geological matrices and biogeologically modified minerals are also identifiable in the sedimentary specimen materials. The results of this study demonstrate the basis of the molecular recognition of extinct and extant exobiology that will feed into the elemental structural analyses of morphological structures provided by associated SEM, XRD and laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) techniques on robotic analytical landers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of 3‐Arm Star Block Copolymers by Combination of “Core‐First” and “Coupling‐Onto” Methods Using ATRP and Click Reactions
Authors: Gao Haifeng , Min Ke , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: July 2007

Three‐arm star block copolymers were successfully synthesized by combination of “core‐first” and “coupling‐onto” strategies. First, polystyrene 3‐arm star polymers (PS‐Br)3 with high bromine chain‐end functionality were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using the core‐first method. After complete transformation of the bromo groups to azido groups by nucleophilic substitution with sodium azide, the product (PS‐N3)3 was used for click reactions with alkyne‐terminated poly(ethylene oxide) chains (PEO‐alkyne) and produced 3‐arm star block copolymers (PS‐b‐PEO)3 via the coupling‐onto method. The efficiency of the coupling reaction was influenced by the preservation of chain‐end functionalities in both (PS‐N3)3 and PEO‐alkyne precursors. The azido functionality in the (PS‐N3)3 star precursors was determined as high as 97% by gradient polymer elution chromatography (GPEC) analysis of the coupling product between (PS‐N3)3 and propargyl alcohol. During the coupling reactions between (PS‐N3)3 and PEO‐alkyne, the functionality of PEO‐alkyne was ca. 100%. In the final coupling product, the molar fraction of the targeted (PS‐b‐PEO)3 star block polymers containing three block arms was ca. 85% and the fraction of the star polymers with two block arms and one homopolymer arm, (PS)‐(PS‐b‐PEO)2, was ca. 11%.

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Atomic Force Microscopic Observations on the Crystalline Morphology of Poly(ethylene naphthalate)/Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Chua Yang Choo , Wu Shucheng , Li Lin , Lu Xuehong
Published: July 2007

Atomic force microscopic observations on an isothermally crystallized poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN)/clay nanocomposite suggest that the presence of nanoclay alters the lamellar organization in PEN mainly in three ways: 1) physically blocking the crystal growth front and creating wide amorphous regions within the spherulites, which may then be filled by secondary lamellae branching out from the primary lamellae of the same spherulite, or primary lamellae developed from other nearby nucleating centers; 2) inducing random twisting of lamellae; and 3) causing irregular crystallite growth fronts, with the protrusion of some leading lamellae. In particular, the physical hindrance imposed by clay tends to be more prevalent for lamellae that grow roughly perpendicular to the clay long axes. This may give rise to an anisotropic crystalline morphology if the clay layers exhibit a preferred orientation induced by flow.

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Effect of Block Order of ABA‐ and BAB‐Type NIPAAm/HEMA Triblock Copolymers on Thermoresponsive Behavior of Solutions
Authors: Zhao Xiaoli , Liu Wenguang , Chen Dayong , Lin Xiaoze , Lu William W.
Published: July 2007

ABA and BAB triblock thermoresponsive copolymers (A = N‐isopropylacrylamide, B = 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) have been synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). BAB is shown to exhibit a higher transition temperature and a good solubility in water compared to ABA with the same composition and concentration. The differences are attributed to the distinct micellar structure, which is regulated by the block order of the copolymers. It is speculated that ABA and BAB copolymers separately form branch and flower micelles in water, which mainly influence the course of phase transition. The moduli of the ABA copolymer solution are higher than those of the BAB above gel point. In terms of hypothesized micelle models, it is proposed that the ‘branch’ micelles of the ABA solution preferably form more physical interconnections.

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Foundations, promises and uncertainties of personalized medicine
Authors: Bottinger Erwin P.
Published: July 2007

Personalized medicine introduces the promise to use molecular markers that signal the risk of disease or its presence before clinical signs and symptoms appear. This information underlies a new healthcare strategy focused on prevention and early intervention, rather than reaction to advanced stages of disease. Such a strategy can delay disease onset or minimize symptom severity. The molecular foundations that enable personalized medicine include detection of variation in nucleotide sequence of genes and in characteristic patterns of gene expression, proteins and metabolites. Genetic and molecular patterns are correlated with disease manifestations, drug responses, treatment prognosis, or prediction of predisposition to future disease states. However, the uncertainties for personalized medicine are considerable, including economic, ethical, legal, and societal questions. Although much of its promise remains unproven to date, the foundations of personalized medicine appear solid and evidence is accumulating rapidly pointing to its growing importance in healthcare (Fig. 1). Mt Sinai J Med 74:15–21, 2007. © 2007 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Job of the Bible: Leprosy or scabies?
Authors: Appelboom Thierry , Cogan Elie , Klastersky Jean
Published: July 2007

Proposing a medical diagnosis a posteriori of a person who died a long time ago is not as impossible as it sounds if sufficient medical history is available.

A whole book of the Bible is devoted to Job and his trials. The diagnosis of leprosy has been generally accepted by medieval commentators because the verses of the Book speak of ulcers disseminated over the skin, and also because leprosy is an exemplary sanction imposed by way of example by God to punish those who have committed a sin.

In this paper, we have taken the different verses with a medical content from the Book of Job, and reconstructed the clinical picture as if the patient had turned up in the 21st century in order to see if the diagnosis of leprosy may be called into question, and to discuss the limits of the medico‐historic approach.

The clinical picture of the disease consists of deterioration in the general condition, with widespread pain, confusion, skin eruptions, bilious vomiting, and so on.

Under these conditions, if Job did exist, and if the retrospective medical history is reliable, the most likely diagnosis is that of scabies rather than leprosy. Mt Sinai J Med 74:36–39, 2007. © 2007 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
The domain reduction method for dynamic coupled consolidation problems in geotechnical engineering
Authors: Kontoe Stavroula , Zdravkovic Lidija , Potts David
Published: July 2007

This paper presents an extension of the domain reduction method (DRM) to deal with dynamic coupled consolidation problems. The DRM, developed by Bielak et al. (Bull. Seismol. Soc. Am. 2003; 93(2): 817–824), is a two‐step procedure that aims at reducing the domain that has to be modelled numerically by a change of governing variables. The seismic excitation is directly introduced into the computational domain and an artificial boundary is needed only to absorb the scattered energy of the system. The extended formulation of the DRM is presented and validated for linear and nonlinear analyses in a boundary value problem. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Illinois votes the blue ballot
Authors: Winter William O. , McGrath Robert A.
Published: July 2007

Officials and voters join hands to secure adoption of proposal to provide easier amendment of constitution.
A blueprint for Minnesota
Authors: Harlow Leroy F.
Published: July 2007

Little Hoover Commission, made up of private citizens, reports on how to achieve more efficiency and economy.
Home rule in labor peace
Authors: Weisenfeld Allan
Published: July 2007

States have developed successful mediation facilities; New Jersey board has settled more than 3,500 disputes.
Something politics needs
Authors: Weir Ernest T.
Published: July 2007

Weir of National Steel urgea bwinerrmen to lend their talents in public a way to get good government.
How to get a new city charter
Authors: Chute Charlton F.
Published: July 2007

Public relations policy of Philadelphia City Charter Commbswn pays off in spectacular home rule victory.
Ohio legislators get help
Authors: Glosser Lauren A.
Published: July 2007

Set up eight years ago, the state's Program Commission has proved worth in both law‐making and administration.
Rational addictive cycles (‘binges’) under a budget constraint
Authors: Feichtinger Gustav
Published: July 2007

We consider an individual whose utility at any moment depends not only on the current consumption of a good but also on the habit accumulated by past consumption. The rational decision maker maximizes the discounted utility stream over an infinite time horizon subject to a budget which can be replenished by habit‐dependent earnings. Addiction to the good requires that past consumption increases the marginal utility of current consumption. It is shown that strong complementarity might imply persistent oscillations in the optimal consumption pattern. Using Hopf bifurcation theory, we prove the existence of stable limit cycles in a numerical example.
Solving constrained minimum‐time robot problems using the sequential gradient restoration algorithm
Authors: Lee Allan Y.
Published: July 2007

In this paper three constrained minimum‐time control problems of a two‐link manipulator are solved using the sequential gradient and restoration algorithm (SGRA). In addition to the hard bounds on the control torques commonly considered in the literature, we also consider cases with bounded output power and with a constrained shoulder arm. The inequality constraints considered are reduced via Valentine‐type transformations to non‐differential path equality constraints. The SGRA is then used to solve these transformed problems with equality constraints. The results obtained indicate that at least one of the two controls is at its limits at any instant in time. The remaining control then adjusts itself so that none of the system constraints is violated. Hence the minimum‐time control is either a pure bang–bang control or a combined bang—bang/singular control.
Metastatic ependymoma: A multi‐institutional retrospective analysis of prognostic factors
Authors: Zacharoulis Stergios , Ji Lingyun , Pollack Ian F. , Duffner Patricia , Geyer Russel , Grill Jacques , Schild Steven , Jaing Tang‐Her , Massimino Maura , Finlay Jonathan , Sposto Richard
Published: July 2007

Purpose

Metastatic ependymoma is exceedingly rare at diagnosis with variable prognosis reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to identify prognostic factors in children with metastatic ependymoma.

Procedure

Data regarding diagnosis, treatment and follow‐up for 40 patients from eight institutional cohorts were collected.

Results

Twenty‐nine (72%) patients were less than 36 months of age at the time of diagnosis, 28% were females, and 90% of the patients had posterior fossa tumors. Gross total resection (GTR) of the primary tumor was achieved in 16 patients (40%). Adjuvant therapy was variable and included craniospinal irradiation (CSRT), chemotherapy, and chemotherapy with focal irradiation. The 5‐year event free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) from the time of diagnosis were 29% (±7%) and 43% (±8%), respectively. Age at diagnosis was associated significantly with both EFS and OS (P < 0.001 for EFS, and P = 0.01 for OS). Patients who were 24–35 months of age at diagnosis had a 5‐year EFS of 66% and a 5‐year OS of 73%; both survival rates were superior to those of patients younger than 24 months of age or older than 36 months. Patients with GTR achieved a 5‐year EFS of 35% and OS of 59%, compared to a 5‐year EFS of 25% and OS of 32% for patients who did not achieve GTR (P = 0.12 for EFS, P = 0.03 for OS).

Conclusions

GTR should be attempted in patients with metastatic ependymoma. A subgroup of patients between 24 and 35 months might have a favorable outcome. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:231–235. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High Performance Proteomics: 7th HUPO Brain Proteome Project Workshop March 7–9, 2007 Wellcome Trust Conference Centre, Hinxton, UK
Authors: Hamacher Michael , Stephan Christian , Eisenacher Martin , Lewczuk Piotr , Wiltfang Jens , Martens Lennart , Vizcaíno Juan Antonio , Kwon Kyung‐Hoon , Yoo Jong Shin , Park Young Mok , Beckers Johannes , Horsch Marion , de Angelis Martin Hrabé , Cho Zang‐Hee , Apweiler Rolf , Meyer Helmut E.
Published: July 2007

The Wellcome Trust Conference Centre at Hinxton, UK, was the meeting place of the 7th HUPO Brain Proteome Project Workshop entitled “High Performance Proteomics”. It started on Wednesday, March 7, 2007 with a steering committee meeting followed by a two days series of talks dealing with the standardization and handling of tissues, body fluids as well as of proteomics data. The presentation and accompanying vivid discussions created a picture of actual strategies and standards in recent proteomics.
Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections: APACHE II Score, Dissemination, and Survival
Authors: Yilmazlar Tuncay , Ozturk Ersin , Alsoy Alpaslan , Ozguc Halil
Published: July 2007

Background

First described more than a century ago, necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) continue to cause high mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to elucidate the factors affecting the outcome of patients presenting with an NSTI.

Methods

To determine the factors affecting mortality from NSTIs, the records of 67 patients were retrospectively assessed for the following parameters: age, sex, time between initiation of symptoms and admission to the clinic, presence of systemic coexisting disease, APACHE II score, origin of infection, dissemination of the NSTI, and method of therapy.

Results

The patients were 41 men (61.2%) and 26 women (38.8%) with a mean age of 54.9 ± 1.73 years. The overall mortality rate was 49% (33/67). Multivariate analysis determined that APACHE II scores of 13 or higher (p = 0.001) and NSTI dissemination (p = 0.02) were risk factors affecting the mortality of patients with NSTIs.

Conclusion

By considering these two factors, more accurate outcome prediction may be possible, which may be useful for directing the management of patients with NSTIs.
Effects of Nickel on Human and Fish Red Blood Cells
Authors: De Luca Grazia , Gugliotta Tiziana , Parisi Giulia , Romano Pietro , Geraci Antonella , Romano Orazio , Scuteri Adriana , Romano Leonardo
Published: July 2007

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of nickel chloride on human and rainbow trout erythrocytes in vitro. The cells were incubated with 0, 0.5 and 1 mM nickel chloride for 1 h at pH 7.40 and 25°C, then K+ efflux, SO42− uptake and GSH and GSSG concentrations were measured. In both kind of cells, “high concentration” nickel treatment increased KCl efflux with respect to the control. The SO42− uptake was not significantly different at “low nickel concentration” but was lower in erythrocytes treated with 1 mM nickel chloride; the rate constant of SO42− uptake decreased by 35% in human erythrocytes and by 44% in fish erythrocytes. Nickel chloride also acts on cellular metabolism and in particular on erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase with consequent increase in oxidative stress; the data show a significant decrease in intracellular GSH in both human (25%) and fish erythrocytes (18%) after treatment with nickel chloride, with concomitantly high GSSG concentrations and lower GSH/GSSG ratios.
Physiological tympanostomy
Authors: Misurya V. K.
Published: July 2007

PHYSIOLOGICAL tympanostomy is advanced as a ‘substitute’ eustachian tube because it opens regularly only on swallowing, as does the ‘natural’ eustachian tube. The efficacy of the physiological tympanostomy operation was first proved in experimental animals (two dogs). Subsequently, six patients with eustachian insufficiency were successfully managed by this new surgical technique within period of one year, with no post-operative complications. The hearing improved and the middle ears remained air-filled.

The method seems to have the following merits: permanent ventilation of the tympanum with preservation of an intact drum (from the functional point of view); no tympanophonia or autophonia; simple technique, short operative period (five minutes); no risk of postoperative complications; and no danger of ascending infection of the middle ear from the ear canal. The demerits appear to be: drainage not ensured; no facility to increase the middle ear pressure by the Valsalva manoeuvre or, Politzerization.