bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective randomized comparison of sirolimus‐ versus paclitaxel‐eluting stents for the treatment of acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Lee Jae‐Hwan , Kim Hyun‐Sook , Lee Seung‐Whan , Park Jae‐Hyeong , Choi Si‐Wan , Jeong Jin‐Ok , Cho Yoonhaeng , Lee Naehee , Rhee Kyoung‐Suk , Ko Jae‐Ki , Seong In‐Whan
Published: April 2008

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare effectiveness of the Sirolimus‐ (SES) and Paclitaxel‐eluting stent (PES) in primary angioplasty for acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Background: It has been reported that SES and PES have been more effective than bare‐metal stents in reducing restenosis and cardiac events in a broad range of patients with coronary artery disease. However, it is unknown whether there may be differences between these two drug‐eluting stents in terms of efficacy in the setting of acute STEMI. Methods: Acute STEMI patients (n = 308) undergoing primary angioplasty were randomly assigned to SES (n = 154) or PES (n = 154) deployment. The routine angiographic follow‐up was performed at 6 months and clinical follow‐up data was obtained at 12 months. The primary end point was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including death, reinfarction, stent thrombosis, and target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 12 months. Results: The baseline clinical, angiographic, and procedural characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. Two patients (all from the PES group) experienced stent thrombosis (1 acute and 1 subacute). The SES group revealed lower in‐segment restenosis (5.9% vs. 14.8%, P = 0.03) and in‐segment late loss (0.09 ± 0.45 vs. 0.33 ± 0.68 mm, P = 0.002) than PES group on follow‐up angiography. Twelve‐month TLR rates (2.6% vs. 6.5%, P = 0.17) were similar between two groups. MACE rates were lower in the SES group than in the PES group, but it did not reach statistical significance (5.8% vs. 11.7%, P = 0.07). Conclusion: In the setting of primary angioplasty for STEMI, there were no statistically significant differences between the SES and the PES in terms of 12‐month MACE. However, binary angiographic in‐segment restenosis and in‐segment late loss were significantly lower in the SES group. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous management of cyanosis in Fontan patients using Amplatzer occluders
Authors: Masura Jozef , Borodacova Lucia , Tittel Peter , Berden Pavel , Podnar Tomaž
Published: April 2008

Objectives: To determine causes of cyanosis and to evaluate percutaneous management of cyanosis in a group of consecutive Fontan patients. Background: A variety of communications allow a right‐to‐left shunt in Fontan circulation causing cyanosis and these communications are amenable to percutaneous closure. Methods: Between November 1997 and November 2007, 45 consecutive patients ranging in age from 2.5 to 26 years (median 8 years) with Fontan circulation and cyanosis underwent cardiac catheterization and percutaneous closure of superfluous communications using different types of Amplatzer occluders. Results: Altogether, 51 communications were detected and 50 of them were closed. In 5 patients (11.1%), multiple communications were present and were closed. Fenestration was detected in 37 of 41 patients (90.2%) after total cavopulmonary connection and all were closed by Amplatzer septal occluders. Five venous collaterals were revealed in 3 of 41 patients (7.3%) with total cavopulmonary anastomosis and were closed by Amplatzer vascular plugs. In 3 patients, lateral tunnel leaks were detected and were closed by Amplatzer PFO occluders. In 4 patients after Kawashima operation, 3 major pulmonary arterio‐venous malformations and single venous collateral contributed to the cyanosis and all were closed using Amplatzer vascular plugs. Conclusions: Different communications cause cyanosis in Fontan patients. Progressive decline of percutaneous oxygen saturation is suggestive of development of venous collaterals or pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. Superfluous communications are amenable to percutaneous closure using various types of Amplatzer occluders. A novel use of an Amplatzer PFO occluder for the percutaneous closure of a lateral tunnel leak is described. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thrombectomy during PCI for acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Antoniucci David , Valenti Renato , Migliorini Angela
Published: April 2008

Macro and microembolization during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEAMI) is frequent and may result in obstruction of the microvascular network with subsequent reduction in efficacy of reperfusion. Numerous mechanistic studies have shown that the presence and size of the culprit thrombus is the most powerful predictor of incidence of embolization and slow flow/no reflow. Techniques that have been used to reduce the incidence of these events include thrombectomy devices and embolic protection devices. Although numerous prospective randomized clinical trials have been performed to evaluate the role of thrombectomy devices in patients with STEAMI, the results of these trials are conflicting and they speak to both sides of the controversy. The Achilles heal of the majority of these trials is the premise that thrombectomy devices should be routinely used in all patients presenting with STEAMI even irrespective of the presence and size of the thrombus. Such a hypothesis is naively optimistic and it ignores the basic knowledge available to us regarding the relationship between thrombus burden and embolization. Nonetheless, clinicians are faced every day with the reality of making difficult decisions on how to best treat patients presenting with STEAMI and large thrombus burden. The current available “evidence‐based medicine” cannot and should not be generalized to these patients because only a minority of these patients was included in these randomized clinical trials. In these patients, thrombectomy devices should be strongly considered as an integral part of the armamentarium available to reduce thrombus burden prior to definitive treatment. Whether a future clinical trial will provide a definitive answer in terms of clinical outcome difference is doubtful because such a trial will need to include large number of selected patients with STEAMI who both have large amount of myocardium at jeopardy and large thrombus burden, a difficult and possibly undoable study. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two years experience of a simple technique of precise ostial coronary stenting
Authors: Wong Philip
Published: April 2008

Objective: To evaluate a new technique of precise ostial coronary stenting without relying solely on angiography. Background: Precise stent positioning at ostial coronary stenosis is difficult because angiography may not be able to profile the coronary ostium, due to vessel overlap and/or foreshortening. This problem is compounded by bobbing or to and fro movement of the stent with cardiac contraction. Methods: A new technique of precise ostial stenting not dependant on angiography was utilized. A guidewire in a side branch was threaded through the most proximal stent cell and the stent was advanced into the target vessel until it was stopped at the carina. The stent was deployed and the side guidewire withdrawn. All results were documented by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Results: From October 2005 to October 2007, 58 patients with significant ostial coronary stenosis required stenting. Seventeen patients were treated in the conventional manner and the remaining 41 patients with the new technique. The ostial locations included 8 left main, 25 left anterior descending, 3 circumflex, 1 obtuse marginal, 3 right coronary, and 1 posterior descending artery. Success, as confirmed by IVUS, was achieved in 40 patients (97.6%). Failure occurred in a right coronary ostial stenosis, which was subsequently treated by the conventional method. There were no complications. Conclusion: This new technique is highly successful in cases of difficulty in stenting ostial stenosis guided solely by conventional angiography. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel guidewire‐based stent delivery system: Examination by intravascular ultrasound
Authors: Yamasaki Masao , Ako Junya , Honda Yasuhiro , Hassan Ali , Koo Bon , Abizaid Alexandre , Fitzgerald Peter , Whitbourn Robert
Published: April 2008

This report describes the first‐in‐man experience with a novel 0.014‐in. guidewire‐based, self‐expanding stent delivery system designed for small or tortuous coronary arteries that may be difficult to access with conventional stent‐delivery systems. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The incidence of clinically significant contrast‐induced nephropathy following non‐emergent coronary angiography
Authors: Weisbord Steven D. , Hartwig Kathryn C. , Sonel Ali F. , Fine Michael J. , Palevsky Paul
Published: April 2008

Objectives:

The primary aim of this study was to assess the incidence of clinically significant contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) among patients undergoing non‐emergent coronary angiography.

Background:

Although retrospective analyses have emphasized the association of CIN with adverse patient outcomes, the actual incidence of clinically significant CIN following non‐emergent coronary angiography is not clear.

Methods:

We prospectively identified patients with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 undergoing non‐emergent coronary angiography. We measured serum creatinine 48–96 hr following angiography and assessed the incidence of CIN using two definitions, a rise in Scr ≥ 25% and ≥ 0.5 mg/dl. We tracked the need for dialysis, hospitalization related to kidney injury, and 30‐day mortality to examine the association of CIN with these outcomes.

Results:

We enrolled 181 patients with a median eGFR of 52 ml/min/1.73 m2. Of the 165 patients (91%) with post‐procedure Scr data, the incidence of CIN was 6.1–8.5%. One patient required dialysis (0.55%) and one (0.55%) died within 30 days. Although 38 patients required hospital admission, CIN was not associated with the need for hospitalization. Patients with an increase in Scr ≥ 25% demonstrated a trend toward increased risk for 30‐day mortality (P = 0.09), whereas those with increments in Scr ≥ 0.5 mg/dl had a marginally higher risk for dialysis (P = 0.06) and 30‐day mortality (P = 0.06), although these associations failed to meet the level of statistical significance.

Conclusions:

Biochemically defined CIN occurs in a small, but notable proportion of patients undergoing non‐emergent coronary angiography. However, clinically significant CIN is very uncommon. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Late outcomes of drug‐eluting versus bare metal stents in saphenous vein grafts: Propensity score analysis
Authors: Applegate Robert J. , Sacrinty Matthew , Kutcher Michael , Santos Renato , Gandhi Sanjay , Little William
Published: April 2008

Objective: To compare late outcomes with the routine use of drug‐eluting stents (DES) compared with bare‐metal stents (BMS) during percutaneous intervention (PCI) of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs). Background: Safety concerns >1 year from stent implantation have been raised about DES used for PCI of SVGs in a small randomized clinical trial. However, there are few studies comparing late outcomes of DES and BMS in routine clinical practice. Methods: Clinical outcomes (nonfatal MI, cardiac mortality) were assessed in 74 consecutive patients who received BMS and 74 consecutive propensity score matched patients that received DES for PCI of SVGs. Clinical follow‐up was censored at 2 years ± 30 days for both stent groups. Results: At 2 years, the hazard ratio for DES compared with BMS for PCI of SVGs for target vessel revascularization was 0.54 (0.21–1.36), nonfatal MI or cardiac death was 0.68 (0.27–1.68), cardiac mortality 1.19 (0.32–4.45), and stent thrombosis 0.49 (0.09–2.66). Similar outcomes were observed stratified by propensity score quintile. Conclusions: The routine clinical use of DES for PCI of SVGs was associated with a safety profile that was similar to that of bare metal stents with a clear trend toward a less frequent need for reinterventions. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ChemInform Abstract: Ionic Liquid Based Approach to Luminescent LaPO4: Ce, Tb Nanocrystals: Synthesis, Characterization and Application.
Authors: Zharkouskaya Aksana , Feldmann Claus , Trampert Klaus , Heering Wolfgang , Lemmer Uli
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Enantioselective Henry Reaction Catalyzed by a C2‐Symmetric Bis(oxazoline)—Cu(OAc)2×H2O Complex.
Authors: Ginotra Sandeep K. , Singh Vinod K.
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A Stable, Convertible Isonitrile as a Formic Acid Carbanion [‐COOH] Equivalent and Its Application in Multicomponent Reactions.
Authors: Kreye Oliver , Westermann Bernhard , Wessjohann Ludger A.
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Formation of 2‐Arylindan‐1,3‐diones and 3‐Alkylphthalides from Methyl o‐[α‐Phenylsulfonyl]toluate.
Authors: Thirumamagal B. T. S. , Narayanasamy Sureshbabu
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Solvent‐Free Mechanochemical Reaction of [60]Fullerene with Phenylhydrazine Hydrochlorides.
Authors: Chen Zhong‐Xiu , Zhu Bo , Wang Guan‐Wu
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Highly Efficient Three‐Component Synthesis of Polysubstituted 2,5‐Dihydro‐1,3‐oxazin‐6‐ones under Mild Conditions.
Authors: Zhang Min , Jiang Huanfeng , Wang Azhong
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of N‐Substituted 9‐[2‐(3,4‐Methylenedioxyphenyl)‐2‐oxoethyl] ‐1,5‐dinitro‐7,8‐benzo‐3‐azabicyclo[3.3.1]non‐7‐en‐6‐ones.
Authors: Yakunina I. E. , Atroshchenko Yu. M. , Shahkheldyan I. V. , Kobrakov K. I. , Troizkiy N. A. , Boikova O. I.
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Xylarinic Acids A and B, New Antifungal Polypropionates from the Fruiting Body of Xylaria polymorpha.
Authors: Jang Yun‐Woo , Lee In‐Kyoung , Kim Young‐Sook , Lee Sangku , Lee Ho‐Jae , Yu Seung Hun , Yun Bong‐Sik
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Understanding Ionic Liquids at the Molecular Level: Facts, Problems, and Controversies
Authors: Weingaertner Hermann
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: P‐Chiral Phosphine Ligands for Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Reactions
Authors: Imamoto Tsuneo
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Phosphorylation of neurofilament subunit NF‐M is regulated by activation of NMDA receptors and modulates cytoskeleton stability and neuronal shape
Authors: Fiumelli H. , Riederer I. M. , Martin J.‐L , Riederer B. M.
Published: April 2008

The cytoskeleton is essential for the structural organization of neurons and is influenced during development by excitatory stimuli such as activation of glutamate receptors. In particular, NMDA receptors are known to modulate the function of several cytoskeletal proteins and to influence cell morphology, but the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we characterized the neurofilament subunit NF‐M in cultures of developing mouse cortical neurons chronically exposed to NMDA receptor antagonists. Western blots analysis showed that treatment of cortical neurons with MK801 or AP5 shifted the size of NF‐M towards higher molecular weights. Dephosphorylation assay revealed that this increased size of NF‐M observed after chronic exposure to NMDA receptor antagonists was due to phosphorylation. Neurons treated with cyclosporin, an inhibitor of the Ca2+‐dependent phosphatase calcineurin, also showed increased levels of phosphorylated NF‐M. Moreover, analysis of neurofilament stability revealed that the phosphorylation of NF‐M, resulting from NMDA receptor inhibition, enhanced the solubility of NF‐M. Finally, cortical neurons cultured in the presence of the NMDA receptor antagonists MK801 and AP5 grew longer neurites. Together, these data indicate that a blockade of NMDA receptors during development of cortical neurons increases the phosphorylation state and the solubility of NF‐M, thereby favoring neurite outgrowth. This also underlines that dynamics of the neurofilament and microtubule cytoskeleton is fundamental for growth processes. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic rearrangement of F‐actin organization triggered by host‐specific plant signal is linked to morphogenesis of Aphanomyces cochlioides zoospores
Authors: Islam Md. Tofazzal
Published: April 2008

Cochliophilin A (5‐hydroxy‐6,7‐methylenedioxyflavone), a root releasing host‐specific plant signal triggers chemotaxis and subsequent morphological changes in pathogenic Aphanomyces cochlioides zoospores before host penetration. The present study illustrates time‐course changing patterns of cytoskeletal filamentous actin (F‐actin) organization in the zoospores of A. cochlioides during rapid morphological changes (encystment and germination) after exposure to cochliophilin A. Confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis revealed that F‐actin microfilaments remained concentrated at ventral groove and diffusely distributed in peripheral cytoplasm of the zoospore. These microfilaments dramatically rearranged and changed into granular F‐actin plaques interconnected with fine arrays during encystment. A large patch of actin arrays accumulated at one pole of the cystospores just before germination. Then the actin plaques moved to the emerging germ tube where a distinct cap of microfilaments was seen at the tip of the emerging hypha. Zoospores treated with an inhibitor of F‐actin polymerization, latrunculin B or motility halting and regeneration inducing compound nicotinamide, displayed different patterns of F‐actin in both zoospores and cystospores than those obtained by the induction of cochliophilin A. Collectively, these results indicate that the host‐specific plant signal cochliophilin A triggers a dynamic polymerization/depolymerization of F‐actin in pathogenic A. cochlioides zoospores during early events of plant‐peronosporomycete interactions. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Forced overexpression of either of the two common human Foxp3 isoforms can induce regulatory T cells from CD4+CD25– cells
Authors: Aarts‐Riemens Tineke , Emmelot Maarten E. , Verdonck Leo F. , Mutis Tuna
Published: April 2008

The forkhead/winged helix transcription factor (Foxp3) is expressed as two different isoforms in humans: the full‐length isoform (Foxp3FL) and an alternative‐splicing product lacking the exon 2 (Foxp3ΔE2). We here studied the cellular distribution of Foxp3 isoforms by quantitative PCR and evaluated the functional outcome of retroviral transduction of Foxp3FL and Foxp3ΔE2 genes into CD4+CD25– cells. In PBMC, both isoforms were preferentially expressed in CD4+CD25hi cells. In single‐cell‐sorted and expanded Treg, both Foxp3 isoforms were expressed simultaneously but without a fixed ratio. Forced expression of Foxp3FL or Foxp3ΔE2 genes in CD4+CD25– T cells induced bona fide Treg that not only displayed Treg phenotype but also were anergic and mediated significant suppressive activity against CD3‐activated CD4+CD25– cells. GFP– nontransduced cells or cells transduced with an empty vector showed no Treg phenotype, anergy or suppressive activities. In conclusion, our results reveal that both Foxp3 isoforms possess similar capacities to induce Treg; however, unnaturally high expression levels are required to convey Treg functions to CD4+CD25– cells. As both Foxp3 isoforms appear to be expressed in an independent fashion, studies aiming at quantification of Treg in peripheral blood or in tissue samples can benefit from determination of total Foxp3 levels rather than one of the isoforms.
Epstein‐Barr virus‐induced gene 3 negatively regulates IL‐17, IL‐22 and RORγt
Authors: Yang Jianfei , Yang Min , Htut Tin Min , Ouyang Xinshou , Hanidu Adedayo , Li Xiang , Sellati Rosemarie , Jiang Huiping , Zhang Shu , Li Hongxing , Zhao Jie , Ting Adrian T. , Mayer Lloyd , Unkeless Jay C. , Labadia Mark E. , Hodge Martin , Li Jun , Xiong Huabao
Published: April 2008

Epstein‐Barr virus‐induced gene 3 (EBI3) associates with p28 to form IL‐27 and with IL‐12p35 to form IL‐35. IL‐27Rα–/– mice studies indicate that IL‐27 negatively regulates Th17 cell differentiation. However, no EBI3, p28 or p35‐deficiency studies that directly address the role of EBI3, p28 or p35 on Th17 cells have been done. Here, we demonstrate that spleen cells derived from EBI3–/– mice produce significantly higher levels of IL‐17 as well as IL‐22 upon stimulation with OVA. In vitro derived EBI3–/– Th17 cells also produced significantly higher levels of IL‐17 and IL‐22 than WT cells. The frequency of IL‐17‐producing cells was also elevated when EBI3–/– cells were cultured under Th17 conditions. In addition, spleen cells from EBI3–/– mice immunized with Listeria monocytogenes produced significantly elevated levels of IL‐17 and IL‐22. Furthermore, the Th17 transcription factor RORγt was significantly enhanced in EBI3–/– cells. Finally, EBI3–/– mice exhibited a reduced bacterial load following an acute challenge with L. monocytogenes or a re‐challenge of previously immunized mice, suggesting that EBI3 negatively regulates both innate and adaptive immunity. Taken together, these data provide direct evidence that EBI3 negatively regulates the expression of IL‐17, IL‐22 and RORγt as well as protective immunity against L. monocytogenes.
Luminescent Gold(I) and Copper(I) Phosphane Complexes Containing the 4‐Nitrophenylthiolate Ligand: Observation of π→π* Charge‐Transfer Emission
Authors: Li Cheng‐Hui , Kui Steven Chi Fai , Sham Iona Hiu Tung , Chui Stephen Sin‐Yin , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: April 2008

Gold(I) and copper(I) phosphane complexes containing the 4‐nitrophenylthiolate ligand, namely [(PCy3)Au(SC6H4NO2‐4)] (1) (PCy3 = tricyclohexylphosphane), [Au2(μ‐dcpm)(SC6H4NO2‐4)2] (2) [dcpm = bis(dicyclohexylphosphanyl)methane], [Au2(μ‐dppm)(SC6H4NO2‐4)2] (3) [dppm = bis(diphenylphosphanyl)methane], and [(μ2‐SC6H4NO2‐4)2(μ3‐SC6H4NO2‐4)2(CuPPh3)4] (4), were prepared and characterized by X‐ray crystal analysis. All of these complexes show an intense absorption band with λmax at 396–409 nm attributed to the intraligand (IL) π(S)→π*(C6H4NO2‐4) charge‐transfer transition. The assignment is supported by the results of DFT and TDDFT calculations on the model complexes [PH3Au(SC6H4NO2‐4)] and [(μ2‐SC6H4NO2‐4)2(μ3‐SC6H4NO2‐4)2(CuPH3)4]. The emissions of solid samples and glassy solutions (methanol/ethanol, 1:4, v/v) of 1–4 at 77 K are assigned to the [π(S)→π*(C6H4NO2‐4)] charge‐transfer excited state. Metallophilic interactions are not observed in both solid state and solutions of complexes 1–3. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Electron‐Sponge Behavior, Reactivity and Electronic Structures of Cobalt‐Centered Cubic Co9Te6(CO)8 Clusters (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 12/2008)
Authors: Bencharif Mustapha , Cador Olivier , Cattey Hélène , Ebner Alexander , Halet Jean‐François , Kahlal Samia , Meier Walter , Mugnier Yves , Saillard Jean‐Yves , Schwarz Patrick , Trodi Fatima Zohra , Wachter Joachim , Zabel Manfred
Published: April 2008

The cover picture shows an organometallic electron sponge and an elephant‐ear sponge in the background (photo by F. and J. Burek, National Marine Sanctuaries). The electronic flexibility of the cobalt‐centered cubic [Co9Te6(CO)8]n cluster ([3]n) in the central circle is expressed by differently charged states (n = 1+ to 5–). Starting from the upper left corner of our graphic in a clockwise direction, neutral [Co9Te6(CO)4(PPh3)4], structurally diverse networks of [Ph3PNPPh3][3] and [Ph3PNPPh3]2[3] salts and the core of the [Co9Te3{ν5‐Cp′2Nb(CO)Te}3(CO)8] cluster as a pseudo‐protonated representative of the [3]3– anion are shown. Details of the structural, electrochemical and theoretical properties of these compounds are described in the article by J. Wachter et al. on page 1959 ff.
Neutral Group‐IV Metal Catalysts for the Intramolecular Hydroamination of Alkenes
Authors: Müller Carsten , Saak Wolfgang , Doye Sven
Published: April 2008

A detailed comparison of the group‐IV metal catalysts Ti(NMe2)4, Ind2TiMe2, Ind2ZrMe2 and Ind2HfMe2 in the intramolecular hydroamination of amino alkenes is presented. Among these catalysts, the benchmark catalyst Ti(NMe2)4 is the most active in the formation of pyrrolidines. A comparison between Ind2TiMe2, Ind2ZrMe2 and Ind2HfMe2 suggests that in the synthesis of pyrrolidines, Zr complexes show the highest catalytic activity of the group‐IV metal catalysts. Although Ind2TiMe2‐ and the Ind2ZrMe2‐catalyzed formation of a pyrrolidine is first‐order in the concentration of the substrate, the corresponding Ti(NMe2)4‐catalyzed cyclization is second‐order in the concentration of the substrate. The results obtained for the formation of piperidines catalyzed by Ti(NMe2)4, Ind2TiMe2, Ind2ZrMe2 and Ind2HfMe2 suggest that for these reactions, Ti catalysts show increased catalytic activity compared with the corresponding Zr catalysts. Unfortunately, the formation of aminocyclopentane side‐products by C–H activation processes is a severe drawback of the Ti catalysts. The corresponding side‐products are not formed in Ind2ZrMe2‐ and Ind2HfMe2‐catalyzed reactions. However, the former catalyst gives better yields of the desired piperidine products. In contrast to the results obtained for the synthesis of pyrrolidines, the formation of a piperidine is zero‐order in the concentration of the substrate for the indenyl catalysts Ind2TiMe2 and Ind2ZrMe2, and first‐order for the homoleptic catalyst Ti(NMe2)4. Interestingly, Ind2TiMe2 is able to catalyze a slow hydroamination of an N‐methylated amino alkene, whereas the homoleptic complex Ti(NMe2)4 as well as Ind2ZrMe2 and Ind2HfMe2 do not catalyze the same reaction. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Redox‐Controlled Fluorescence Modulation in a BODIPY‐Quinone Dyad
Authors: Benniston Andrew C. , Copley Graeme , Elliott Kristopher J. , Harrington Ross W. , Clegg William
Published: April 2008

The synthesis and properties of two closely related boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derived dyads, incorporating redox‐active quinone units appended at the meso position, are described. For one dyad, the quinone unit is attached directly to the BODIPY core, whereas a phenylene spacer separates the two units in the second compound. Each of the quinone units is readily converted, by both chemical and electrochemical means, to the corresponding hydroquinone derivative. The strong fluorescence normally associated with the BODIPY unit is efficiently quenched in both dyads in their quinone forms. This is attributed to deactivation of the first excited singlet state by a way of an intramolecular electron‐transfer process. By comparison, moderately intense fluorescence is observed for the hydroquinone derivative containing the phenylene spacer, but not for the analogous directlycoupled dyad. The potential sensing capabilities of the phenylene‐spaced BODIPY quinone and hydroquinone dyads, towards reducing and oxidising species such as ascorbate and peroxide, were tested in a biomembrane mimic. A reversible modulation in fluorescence could be readily detected by eye under standard UV‐light excitation. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Ultraselective and Sensitive Determination of Cr(VI) in the Presence of a High Excess of Cr(III) in Natural Waters with a Complicated Matrix
Authors: Grabarczyk Malgorzata
Published: April 2008

In the present work, the catalytic adsorptive stripping voltammetric procedure for trace determination of Cr(VI) in the presence of a high excess of Cr(III) in natural waters with a complicated matrix has been developed. The influence from potentially interfering substances such as organic matter was successfully eliminated by exploiting adsorptive properties of polymeric resin. The detection limit estimated from 3 times the standard deviation for a low Cr(VI) concentration in the simultaneous presence of a 2×103 fold excess of Cr(III), 50 mg L−1 surfactants, 50 mg L−1 humic substances and the accumulation time of 30 s was about 5.3×10−10 mol L−1.
The Application of the Risk Concept to Debris Flow Hazards
Authors: Fuchs Sven , Kaitna Roland , Scheidl Christian , Hübl Johannes
Published: April 2008

Debris flows present a serious hazard in alpine regions, where natural environment meets the space of human interest such as settlements and infrastructure. In the past various measures have been developed to protect human life and property. However, a complete protection from damage is not possible, also due to limited financial resources of public fund providers. Therefore, the concept of risk management was adopted from technical sciences as an alternative and sustainable protection strategy, and was increasingly implemented in Alpine countries within the last decades. This paper provides an introduction to the state of the art in risk analysis for debris flow hazards, including an overview of different but complementary methods for debris flow risk analysis at different scales.
Accessing newly learned names and meanings in the native language
Authors: Hultén Annika , Vihla Minna , Laine Matti , Salmelin Riitta
Published: April 2008

Ten healthy adults encountered pictures of unfamiliar archaic tools and successfully learned either their name, verbal definition of their usage, or both. Neural representation of the newly acquired information was probed with magnetoencephalography in an overt picture‐naming task before and after learning, and in two categorization tasks after learning. Within 400 ms, activation proceeded from occipital through parietal to left temporal cortex, inferior frontal cortex (naming) and right temporal cortex (categorization). Comparison of naming of newly learned versus familiar pictures indicated that acquisition and maintenance of word forms are supported by the same neural network. Explicit access to newly learned phonology when such information was known strongly enhanced left temporal activation. By contrast, access to newly learned semantics had no comparable, direct neural effects. Both the behavioral learning pattern and neurophysiological results point to fundamentally different implementation of and access to phonological versus semantic features in processing pictured objects. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Voluntary activation and cortical activity during a sustained maximal contraction: An fMRI study
Authors: Post Marijn , Steens Anneke , Renken Remco , Maurits Natasha M. , Zijdewind Inge
Published: April 2008

Motor fatigue is an exercise‐induced reduction in the force‐generating capacity. The underlying mechanisms can be separated into factors residing in the periphery or in the central nervous system. We designed an experiment in which we investigated central processes underlying motor fatigue by means of magnetic resonance imaging in combination with the twitch interpolation technique. Subjects performed a sustained maximal abduction (2 min) with the right index finger. Brain activation was recorded with an MR scanner, together with index finger abduction force, EMG of several hand muscles and interpolated twitches. Mean activity per volume was calculated for the primary motor cortex and the secondary motor areas (supplementary motor, premotor, and cingulate areas) as well as mean force and mean rectified EMG amplitude. Results showed a progressive decline in maximal index finger abduction force and EMG of the target muscles combined with an increase in brain activity in the contralateral primary motor cortex and secondary motor areas. Analysis of the twitches superimposed on the sustained contraction revealed that during the contraction the voluntary drive decreased significantly. In conclusion, our data showed that despite an increase in brain activity the voluntary activation decreased. This suggests that, although the CNS increased its input to the relevant motor areas, this increase was insufficient to overcome fatigue‐related changes in the voluntary drive. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
White matter tract integrity in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Damoiseaux Jessica S. , Smith Stephen M. , Witter Menno P. , Sanz‐Arigita Ernesto J. , Barkhof Frederik , Scheltens Philip , Stam Cornelis J. , Zarei Mojtaba , Rombouts Serge A.R.B.
Published: April 2008

The pattern of degenerative changes in the brain white matter (WM) in aging, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been under debate. Methods of image analysis are an important factor affecting the outcomes of various studies. Here we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to obtain fractional anisotropy (FA) measures of the WM in healthy young (n = 8), healthy elderly (n = 22), MCI (n = 8), and AD patients (n = 16). We then applied “tract‐based spatial statistics” (TBSS) to study the effects of aging, MCI, and AD on WM integrity. Our results show that changes in WM integrity (that is, decreases in FA) are different between healthy aging and AD: in healthy older subjects compared with healthy young subjects decreased FA was primarily observed in frontal, parietal, and subcortical areas whereas in AD, compared with healthy older subjects, decreased FA was only observed in the left anterior temporal lobe. This different pattern of decreased anatomical connectivity in normal aging and AD suggests that AD is not merely accelerated aging. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonrigid registration of multiple sclerosis brain images using lesion inpainting for morphometry or lesion mapping
Authors: Sdika Michaël , Pelletier Daniel
Published: April 2008

Morphometric studies of medical images often include a nonrigid registration step from a subject to a common reference. The presence of white matter multiple sclerosis lesions will distort and bias the output of the registration. In this article, we present a method to remove this bias by filling such lesions to make the brain look like a healthy brain before the registration. We finally propose a dedicated method to fill the lesions and present numerical results showing that our method outperforms current state of the art method. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PET‐based investigation of cerebral activation following intranasal trigeminal stimulation
Authors: Hummel Thomas , Oehme Liane , van den Hoff Jörg , Gerber Johannes , Heinke Michael , Boyle Julie A. , Beuthien‐Baumann Bettina
Published: April 2008

The present study aimed to investigate cerebral activation following intranasal trigeminal chemosensory stimulation using O15‐H2O‐PET. A total of 12 healthy male participants underwent a PET scan presented with four scanning conditions; two left‐sided intranasal CO2‐stimuli and two matched baseline conditions consisting of odorless air. CO2 was used as it produces burning and stinging sensations. Stimulation started 20 s before intravenous injection of the isotope and lasted for the first 60 s of the 5 min scan time. A comparison between CO2 and baseline showed a pronounced activation of the trigeminal projection area at the base of the postcentral gyrus (primary and secondary somatosensory cortex) which was more intense for the right hemisphere, contralateral to the side of stimulation. In addition, activation was also found in the piriform cortex which is typically activated following odor presentation and thus thought of as primary olfactory cortex. In conclusion, and in line with previously published work, our data suggest that intranasal trigeminal stimulation not only activates somatosensory projection areas, but that it also leads to activation in cerebral areas associated with the processing of olfactory information. This may be interpreted in terms of the intimate relation between the intranasal chemosensory systems. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dietary prevention of malignant glioma aggressiveness, implications in oxidant stress and apoptosis
Authors: Pouliquen Daniel , Olivier Christophe , Hervouet Eric , Pedelaborde Francois , Debien Emilie , Le Cabellec Marie‐Thérèse , Gratas Catherine , Homma Taku , Meflah Khaled , Vallette Francois M. , Menanteau Jean
Published: April 2008

Our study explored the influence of diet on gliomagenesis and associated systemic effects (SE) in rats. The experimental diet contained various ingredients supposed to interfere with carcinogenesis, mainly phytochemicals (PtcD for phytochemical diet) and its effects were compared to those of the same diet without the phytochemicals (BD for basal diet). Glioma was induced by ethylnitrosourea to pregnant females fed the diets from the start of gestation until the moment of sacrifice of the offpsrings. In male rats fed the PtcD or the BD the incidence of gliomas was markedly reduced compared to rats fed a standard diet (StD). In females this effect was weaker and was limited to the PtcD. A significant proportion of rats with brain tumors and fed the StD exhibited SE evidenced by weight loss, a shorter survival, reduction in liver weight and an increased proportion of liver mitochondria, effects that were not observed in their counterpart fed PtcD. Comparison of the expression of genes involved in the balance proliferation/apoptosis and in the response to oxidative stress in male brain tumors showed that the prevention of SE was associated with an increase in bcl‐2 and catalase and a decrease in ki‐67, sod‐1 and sod‐2 transcripts. These results show that the degree of agressiveness of gliomas can be modulated by dietary interventions and suggest that some phytochemicals with antioxidant properties could participate to the mechanism. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Constrained image reconstruction for magnetic detection electrical impedance tomography
Authors: Ireland Rob H. , Barber David C.
Published: April 2008

Magnetic detection electrical impedance tomography (MD‐EIT) produces images of conductivity from magnetic field measurements taken around the body. The ill‐conditioned nature of the MD‐EIT inverse problem is improved by limiting the number of unknowns to be solved. In this article, a method of iterative grid refinement for MD‐EIT, which produces images significantly better than unconstrained solutions, is described. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 17, 379–382, 2007
Improved data hiding in halftone images with cooperating pair toggling human visual system
Authors: Guo Jing‐Ming
Published: April 2008

An improved data hiding in halftone images with cooperating pair toggling human visual system is presented in this paper. An objective halftone image quality evaluation method based on the human visual system obtained by Least‐Mean‐Square (LMS) is also introduced. By rigorously searching the optimum toggled pixels with the proposed human visual LMS‐trained filter, the proposed method is proven to be superior to the Data Hiding Smart Pair Toggling, proposed by Fu and Au [Fu and Au, IEEE Trans Image Process 11 (2002), 477–484], in image quality under a number of tested halftone images. The tested halftone images include ordered dithering [Ulichney, Digital Halftoning (1987)], Floyd error diffusion [Floyd and Steinberg, An adaptive algorithm for spatial gray scale (1975) 36–37], Jarvis error diffusion [Jarvis et al., Comp Graph Image Proc 5 (1976), 13–40], and Stucki error diffusion images. Moreover, the proposed method offers high embedded capacity, and it is flexible to deal with different capacity applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 17, 328–332, 2007
Analysis of skin images using texture descriptor by a combined statistical and structural approach
Authors: Umarani C. , Ganesan L. , Radhakrishnan S.
Published: April 2008

In this article, an attempt has been made to analyze various skin (textured) images. They are caused because of hot water, chemical, electrical, thermal, cigarette, etc. These images are analyzed using our texture representation scheme. Our approach uses a set of 92 texture primitives. They are tested for the presence of texture by a statistical design of experiments based approach [Ganesan and Bhattacharyya, Pattern Recogn 28 (1995), 99–105]. These texture primitives are concluded as the local descriptor and their distribution over the entire image is the global representation called texture primitive spectrum. The set of texture primitives and the texture primitive spectrums are successful for a number of Bench mark images (Brodatz, Texture—A photographic album for artists and designers, Reinbold, New York, 1968; Vistex, Available at http://www.white.media.mit.edu\vismod\imgery\Vision Texture, MIT Media Lab, 1995). Using the texture primitive spectrum, several texture images have been categorized as micro, macro, fine, and coarse and a trend is obtained. Similarly, a set of skin images affected by severe burn with many causes are analyzed. The severity has been quantified and concluded based on simple and weighted mean computed for the texture primitive spectrums. The extent of burn and hence the curing duration can be approximated from the results. The outcome of our experimentation with ground truth and the opinion from the experts are closely matching. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 17, 359–366, 2007
Co‐expression of elastin and collagen leads to highly compliant engineered blood vessels
Authors: Gao Jin , Crapo Peter , Nerem Robert , Wang Yadong
Published: April 2008

Elastin synthesis and physiologic compliance are significant challenges in blood vessel tissue engineering. Here, we report that a biocompatible elastomeric scaffold can support the co‐expression of elastin and collagen, which likely yielded the physiologic compliance in the constructs. A biodegradable elastomer, poly(glycerol sebacate), was fabricated into highly porous tubular scaffolds. Primary baboon arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were seeded in the lumen of the scaffolds followed by a 1‐week culture under gentle perfusion. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) isolated from baboon peripheral blood was seeded directly on the smooth muscle layer in the lumen on day 8. The constructs were perfused using a pulsatile flow system for another 2 weeks before characterization. In another set of experiments, the SMCs were cultured for 7 weeks and were co‐cultured for 1 week with the EPCs. Constructs obtained using either set of culture conditions contained elastin and collagen: Masson's trichrome stain showed a circumferential collagen band in the constructs, and elastin was evident from its characteristic autofluorescence, Verhoff's stain, and amino acid analysis of insoluble remnants after hot alkali digestion. All constructs had a confluent cellular lumen with cells well‐dispersed throughout the scaffolds. At physiologic pressures, the compliance of the 8‐week construct was comparable to human arteries as observed in pressure‐diameter testing. Combination of elastomeric scaffolds, co‐culture of EPC and SMC, and mechanical conditioning appears to encourage the expression of a more natural extracellular matrix and lead to physiologically‐relevant compliance; both are major challenges in blood vessel tissue engineering. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Ectopic testicular xenografts from newborn hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) show better spermatogenic activity in aged compared with young recipients
Authors: Ehmcke Jens , Gassei Kathrin , Schlatt Stefan
Published: April 2008

The mechanisms behind testicular aging are poorly understood. Previous studies suggest that the testicular microenvironment is more affected by age than the male germ cell lineage. Here we analyze male reproductive aging using a unique xenografting approach. By exposing young and aged mice to newborn hamster testicular tissue, we can explore (a) whether the development and endocrine activity of hamster testicular grafts and the initiation of stem cell activity within them are affected by age of the recipients and (b) whether the endocrine response to the xenografted hamster tissue varies with recipient age. Newborn Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus) testes were grafted into young (12 weeks) and aged (1 year) adult castrated nude mice. We also analyzed intact and castrated young and old control groups. After 13 weeks, 100 grafts were recovered from a total of 15 recipients and were histologically analyzed. Anatomical and endocrine parameters were recorded for each recipient as well as for the controls. Xenografted recipients responded with a normalization of their endocrine and anatomical parameters to an extent typical for their age. Although recipient age did not significantly affect graft survival and size, histopathological changes as well as spermatogenic damage within the grafts were more pronounced in the young recipients (56% Sertoli‐cell‐only tubules vs. 32% in the old recipients). We conclude from our data that the androgen‐related changes associated with male reproductive aging are not primarily controlled by the testis. We speculate that the better development of testicular grafts in aged recipients may be owing to immunosenescence. J. Exp. Zool. 309A:278–287, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.