bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SLC25A19 mutation as a cause of neuropathy and bilateral striatal necrosis
Authors: Spiegel Ronen , Shaag Avraham , Edvardson Simon , Mandel Hanna , Stepensky Polina , Shalev Stavit A. , Horovitz Yoseph , Pines Ophry , Elpeleg Orly
Published: June 2009

Four patients, aged 7–20 years, suffered from recurrent episodes of flaccid paralysis and encephalopathy associated with bilateral striatal necrosis and chronic progressive polyneuropathy. Using homozygosity mapping, a pathogenic missense mutation in the SLC25A19 gene that encodes the mitochondrial thiamine pyrophosphate transporter was identified. An SLC25A19 mutation was previously reported in Amish congenital lethal microcephaly but the present patients' phenotype is markedly different, with normal head circumference, normal early childhood development, age‐appropriate cognitive skills, and normal urinary organic acid profile. Determination of the SLC25A19 sequence should be considered in patients with bilateral striatal necrosis and progressive polyneuropathy. Ann Neurol 2009;66:419–424
SCARB2 mutations in progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME) without renal failure
Authors: Dibbens L.M. , Michelucci R. , Gambardella A. , Andermann F. , Rubboli G. , Bayly M.A. , Joensuu T. , Vears D.F. , Franceschetti S. , Canafoglia L. , Wallace R. , Bassuk A.G. , Power D.A. , Tassinari C.A. , Andermann E. , Lehesjoki A.E. , Berkovic S.F.
Published: June 2009

Objective

Mutations in SCARB2 were recently described as causing action myoclonus renal failure syndrome (AMRF). We hypothesized that mutations in SCARB2 might account for unsolved cases of progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME) without renal impairment, especially those resembling Unverricht‐Lundborg disease (ULD). Additionally, we searched for mutations in the PRICKLE1 gene, newly recognized as a cause of PME mimicking ULD.

Methods

We reviewed cases of PME referred for diagnosis over two decades in which a molecular diagnosis had not been reached. Patients were classified according to age of onset, clinical pattern, and associated neurological signs into “ULD‐like” and “not ULD‐like.” After exclusion of mutations in cystatin B (CSTB), DNA was examined for sequence variation in SCARB2 and PRICKLE1.

Results

Of 71 cases evaluated, 41 were “ULD‐like” and five had SCARB2 mutations. None of 30 “not ULD‐like” cases were positive. The five patients with SCARB2 mutations had onset between 14 and 26 years of age, with no evidence of renal failure during 5.5 to 15 years of follow‐up; four were followed until death. One living patient had slight proteinuria. A subset of 25 cases were sequenced for PRICKLE1 and no mutations were found.

Interpretation

Mutations in SCARB2 are an important cause of hitherto unsolved cases of PME resembling ULD at onset. SCARB2 should be evaluated even in the absence of renal involvement. Onset is in teenage or young adult life. Molecular diagnosis is important for counseling the patient and family, particularly as the prognosis is worse than classical ULD. Ann Neurol 2009;66:532–536
Aminophosphines: their chemistry and role as ligands and synthons
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Janarthanan
Published: June 2009

In recent years, research in organophosphorus chemistry has mainly focused in designing newer and better phosphorus ligands for synthesizing novel metal complexes with improved catalytic activities. Aminophosphines [tricoordinate phosphorus(III)–nitrogen systems] are considered as versatile compounds owing to the presence of nitrogen centres which, in principle, can influence additional reactivity features. They are quite sensitive to air and moisture due to the presence of polar PN bond(s). In spite of this, research in aminophosphine chemistry is gaining momentum day‐by‐day and this is due mainly to one reason: their rich behaviour as ligands in metal complex chemistry and subsequently in catalysis. Their role as synthons in inorganic heterocyclic chemistry has also helped produce new types of heterocycles. In this paper, the chemistry of simple acyclic aminophosphines (synthesis, characterization, reactivity and applications) is covered and particular focus is given to their ability to form chalcogenides along with their role played as ligands in coordination chemistry and as synthons in inorganic heterocyclic chemistry. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel types of boronated chlorin e6 conjugates via ‘click chemistry’
Authors: Bregadze Vladimir I. , Semioshkin Andrey A. , Las'kova Julia N. , Berzina Maria Ya. , Lobanova Irina A. , Sivaev Igor B. , Grin Mikhail A. , Titeev Rustam A. , Brittal Dmitry I. , Ulybina Olga V. , Chestnova Anastasija V. , Ignatova Anastasija A. , Feofanov Alexey V. , Mironov Andrey F.
Published: June 2009

Conjugates of chlorin e6 with closo‐dodecaborate and cobalt bis(dicarbollide) anions were synthesized for the first time in high yields using the advanced ‘click’ methodology. In vitro study on A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells revealed that the synthesized boronated conjugates are able to penetrate and accumulate in cancer cells, but their intracellular concentration is not sufficient for effective photodynamic and boron neutron capture therapy of cancer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A test of the association between Lake Habitat Quality Assessment and macroinvertebrate community structure
Authors: McGoff Elaine , Irvine Kenneth
Published: June 2009

Lake Habitat Survey (LHS) provides a standard method for characterizing the physical habitat of lakes and reservoirs, but has not been tested for its relevance to the composition and abundance of macroinvertebrates. This study investigated the relationship between the metrics used in LHS and components of macroinvertebrate communities found in the littoral zone of a shallow calcareous lake in the west of Ireland.

A scoring system, the Habitat Quality Assessment (HabQA), developed from the Lake Habitat Quality Assessment (LHQA) of the LHS, was used to assess the relationship between habitat quality based on physical structure within 10 LHS ‘habplots’ and metrics of the macroinvertebrate community.

Macroinvertebrate taxon richness, both of adults found in the riparian zone and larvae found in the littoral zone, correlated positively with the HabQA score. Macrophytes within the littoral zone, and complexity of riparian vegetation within the riparian zone, were particularly important in driving the HabQA score. While overall abundance of macroinvertebrates did not vary with HabQA score, that of particular genera did.

The HabQA score was a useful surrogate of taxon richness for adult and larval aquatic macroinvertebrates, suggesting that, in general, LHS provides a useful conservation assessment tool relevant for macroinvertebrates. However, in some circumstances, such as wave‐washed stony substrates devoid of macrophytes, the HabQA score may not capture the quality of a site for macroinvertebrates, and the importance of natural but low diversity sites should not be neglected in conservation assessment of lakes. Similarly, while the LHS method notes the presence of alien species, further work on how these could be incorporated into the method would be useful.

Reliance on a single, or overall combined, metric score across quality elements, whether based on biotic or structural assessment, has some potential limitations. It is clear that for conservation management a holistic assessment of naturalness, representativeness and species rarity needs to be made in conjunction with scoring systems.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of Toll‐Like Receptor 9 in Horse Lungs
Authors: Schneberger David , Caldwell Sarah , Suri Sarabjeet Singh , Singh Baljit
Published: June 2009

Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9) has been found to be the main receptor to respond to bacterial DNA in a wide variety of species. Recent work has shown that TLR9 is expressed in a diverse set of cells within the lung. However, much of this data has been centered on human and mouse cell culture lines or primary cultures and very little is known of TLR9 expression in intact lung, especially that of the horse. Here we show that TLR9 is expressed in the lungs of horses in a wide variety of cells. In particular, we note expression in pulmonary intravascular macrophages (PIMs), alveolar macrophages, bronchial epithelial cells, and type‐II cells amongst others. Immunogold electron microscopy localized TLR9 in nuclei, cytoplasm, and plasma membrane of various lung cells. The data also show that E. coli lipopolysaccharide significantly increased expression of TLR9 mRNA in lungs and the number of cells in the lung septa that were positive for TLR9 protein. Protein expression was seen in airway epithelium, vascular endothelium, and inflammatory cells in blood vessels. Intravenous administration of gadolinium chloride, which depletes macrophages, before the lipopolysaccharide treatment significantly inhibited the LPS‐induced increase in TLR9 mRNA in the lungs of the horses. We conclude that TLR9 is expressed in lung cells including PIMs and that the lipopolysaccharide treatment increases TLR9 mRNA expression. The increase in TLR9 mRNA is eliminated by depletion of PIMs, implicating these cells as a major source of TLR9 in the equine lung. Anat Rec, 292:1068–1077, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanical Properties of the Hindlimb Bones of Bullfrogs and Cane Toads in Bending and Torsion
Authors: Wilson Megan P. , Espinoza Nora R. , Shah Sagar R. , Blob Richard W.
Published: June 2009

When compared with most vertebrates, frogs use a novel style of jumping locomotion powered by the hindlimbs. Hindlimb bones of frogs must withstand the potentially erratic loads associated with such saltatory locomotion. To evaluate the load bearing capacity of anuran limb bones, we used three‐point bending, torsion, and hardness tests to measure the mechanical properties of the femur and tibiofibula from adults of two species that use different jumping styles: explosively jumping bullfrogs (Rana(Lithobates)catesbeiana) and cyclically hopping cane toads (Bufo(Chaunus)marinus). Yield stress and strain values forR. catesbeianaandB. marinushindlimb bones are within the range of values previously reported for other vertebrates. However, anuran hindlimb bones generally stand out as having higher yield stresses in bending than those of closely related, nonsaltatory salamanders, highlighting the importance of considering phylogenetic context in comparisons of bone functional capacity and adaptation. Stiffness values for both frog species tested were also high, which may facilitate efficient transmission of muscular forces while jumping. Elevated stiffness may also contribute to some discrepancies between determinations of bone properties via hardness versus bending tests. In comparisons between species,B. marinusbones showed significantly higher bending yield stresses thanR. catesbeiana, whereasR. catesbeianabones showed significantly higher torsional yield stresses thanB. marinus. These differences may correlate with differences in jumping style and limb anatomy between ranid and bufonid frogs, suggesting that evolutionary changes in bone mechanical properties may help to accommodate new functional demands that emerge in lineages. Anat Rec, 292:935–944, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Light and Scanning Electron Microscopic Study on the Tongue and Lingual Papillae of the Common Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus amphibius amphibius
Authors: Yoshimura Ken , Hama Natsuki , Shindo Junji , Kobayashi Kan , Kageyama Ikuo
Published: June 2009

Scanning electron microscopic micrograph of the connective tissue core of fungiform papillae distributed in the dorsal surface of the tongue in the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius amphibius). There are various kinds of lingual papillae distributed on the dorsal surface of the tongue among mammal species. It has been revealed that there were morphological differences found on each lingual papilla; filiform, fungiform, conical, foliate, and vallate papillae depend on the mammalian species, especially on the connective tissue cores beneath the epithelial surface. The fungiform connective tissue core of hippopotamus exhibited are quite similar to those found in the other artiodactyls; however, it lacked other typical morphological types of the lingual papillae found on the artiodactyl species. The unique mosaic‐like morphological characteristics of the hippopotamus' lingual papillae may represent the unique evolutional or dietary background of this species. See Yoshimura et al., on page 921, in this issue. (Scanning electron micrograph courtesy of the authors).
Household Epidemics: Modelling Effects of Early Stage Vaccination
Authors: Shaban Nyimvua , Andersson Mikael , Svensson Åke , Britton Tom
Published: June 2009

A Markovian susceptible → infectious → removed (SIR) epidemic model is considered in a community partitioned into households. A vaccination strategy, which is implemented during the early stages of the disease following the detection of infected individuals is proposed. In this strategy, the detection occurs while an individual is infectious and other susceptible household members are vaccinated without further delay. Expressions are derived for the influence on the reproduction numbers of this vaccination strategy for equal and unequal household sizes. We fit previously estimated parameters from influenza and use household distributions for Sweden and Tanzania census data. The results show that the reproduction number is much higher in Tanzania (6 compared with 2) due to larger households, and that infected individuals have to be detected (and household members vaccinated) after on average 5 days in Sweden and after 3.3 days in Tanzania, a much smaller difference.
Dual color localization microscopy of cellular nanostructures
Authors: Gunkel Manuel , Erdel Fabian , Rippe Karsten , Lemmer Paul , Kaufmann Rainer , Hörmann Christoph , Amberger Roman , Cremer Christoph
Published: June 2009

The dual color localization microscopy (2CLM) presented here is based on the principles of spectral precision distance microscopy (SPDM) with conventional autofluorescent proteins under special physical conditions. This technique allows us to measure the spatial distribution of single fluorescently labeled molecules in entire cells with an effective optical resolution comparable to macromolecular dimensions. Here, we describe the application of the 2CLM approach to the simultaneous nanoimaging of cellular structures using two fluorochrome types distinguished by different fluorescence emission wavelengths. The capabilities of 2CLM for studying the spatial organization of the genome in the mammalian cell nucleus are demonstrated for the relative distributions of two chromosomal proteins labeled with autofluorescent GFP and mRFP1 domains. The 2CLM images revealed quantitative information on their spatial relationships down to length‐scales of 30 nm.
PALM and STORM: What hides beyond the Rayleigh limit?
Authors: Henriques Ricardo , Mhlanga Musa M.
Published: June 2009

Super‐resolution imaging allows the imaging of fluorescently labeled probes at a resolution of just tens of nanometers, surpassing classic light microscopy by at least one order of magnitude. Recent advances such as the development of photo‐switchable fluorophores, high‐sensitivity microscopes and single particle localization algorithms make super‐resolution imaging rapidly accessible to the wider life sciences research community. As we take our first steps in deciphering the roles and behaviors of individual molecules inside their living cellular environment, a new world of research opportunities beckons. Here we discuss some of the latest developments achieved with these techniques and emerging areas where super‐resolution will give fundamental new “eye” sight to cell biology.
Tracking algorithms chase down pathogens
Authors: Chenouard Nicolas , Dufour Alexandre , Olivo‐Marin Jean‐Christophe
Published: June 2009

Understanding subcellular dynamic processes governing pathogenic mechanisms is a necessary step towards the development of new drugs and strategies against infectious diseases. Subcellular pathogenic mechanisms, such as viral invasion processes involve highly dynamic nanometric‐scale objects and rapid molecular interactions that require the study of individual particle paths. Single‐particle tracking methods allow visualizing and characterizing the dynamics of biological objects, and provide a straightforward and accurate means to understand subcellular processes. This review describes a number of particle‐tracking methods in time‐lapse microscopy sequences and provides examples of using such techniques to investigate mechanisms of host‐pathogen interactions.
Fluorescence of unmodified oligonucleotides: A tool to probe G‐quadruplex DNA structure
Authors: Mendez Miguel Angel , Szalai Veronika A.
Published: June 2009

Fluorescence of unmodified oligonucleotides has not been exploited for guanine‐quadruplex (G‐quadruplex) characterization. We observe that G‐rich sequences fluoresce more strongly than duplex or single‐stranded DNA but much more weakly than fluorophores like fluorescein. This increase in the intrinsic fluorescence is not due to an increase in absorption at the excitation wavelength but rather to a change in the quantum yield. We show that unlabeled oligonucleotides that form G‐quadruplexes can be differentiated on the basis of their emission spectra from similar sequences that do not contain consecutive guanines. Intermolecular quadruplexes formed by the oligonucleotides 5′‐T4GnT4‐3′ (n = 4–10) display a nonlinear, but continuous, increase in emission intensity as the G content increases. The sequence 5′‐GGGT‐3′, which has been proposed to form a monomeric quadruplex and an interlocked quadruplex (Krishnan‐Ghosh et al. J Am Chem Soc 2004, 126, 11009), was compared with the similar sequence 5′‐TGGG‐3′, the structure of which has not been characterized. Both the maximum emission intensity and the spectral shape differ for these oligonucleotides as a function of sample preparation, indicating that different types of quadruplexes form for both sequences. Our work is the first to demonstrate that the suprastructure of G‐rich sequences can be probed using fluorescence signatures of unmodified oligonucleotides. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 91: 841–850, 2009.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The ”Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Lipid‐dependent cytotoxicity by the lipase PLRP2 and by PLRP2‐positive cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs)
Authors: Alves Bryce N. , Marshall Kristen , Tamang David L. , Leong Jeffrey , Redelman Doug , Elliott Viki , Lowe Mark E. , Hudig Dorothy
Published: June 2009

IL‐4 induces a lipase, pancreatic lipase related protein 2 (PLRP2), in cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Because PLRP2 in semen can mediate lipid‐dependent toxicity to sperm, we questioned whether CTL‐derived PLRP2 could support similar cytotoxicity toward tumor cells. Recombinant PLRP2 was toxic to P815 tumor cells in 48 h when lipid and another protein, colipase, were present. However, PLRP2‐positive CTLs (induced with many lots of IL‐4) were unable to mediate lipid‐dependent cytotoxicity. Notably, CTLs induced with only one lot of IL‐4 had lipid‐dependent cytotoxicity. The exceptional lot of IL‐4 was effective in multiple experiments at inducing lipid‐dependent cytotoxicity. The lipid‐dependent cytotoxicity it induced was determined to be perforin‐independent. CTLs induced with IL‐4 that was unable to induce lipid‐dependent cytotoxicity had mRNA for PLRP2 but not mRNA for colipase. Therefore, we added exogenous colipase to the CTL assays but still cytotoxicity was unchanged. We conclude (1) that lipid‐dependent cytotoxicity, promoted by the lipase PLRP2 and colipase, will kill tumor cells and (2) that more than PLRP2 alone is required for lipid‐dependent cytotoxicity mediated by CTLs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of the G2/M phase of the cell cycle by sperm associated antigen 8 (SPAG8) protein
Authors: Li Rong , Tang Xiao‐Ling , Miao Shi‐Ying , Zong Shu‐Dong , Wang Lin‐Fang
Published: June 2009

Sperm associated antigen 8 (SPAG8), a testis‐specific protein produced during male germ cell differentiation, was isolated from a human testis expression library using antibodies found in the serum obtained from an infertile woman. It was found to have a close functional relationship with microtubules. In this study, we generated a stably expressing SPAG8 CHO‐K1 cell line. Immunofluorescence confocal microscopy showed that SPAG8 was concentrated at the microtubule‐organizing center (MTOC) during prophase. As the cells progressed into metaphase, it co‐localized with α‐tubulin on the spindle. In anaphase, it was detected on both astral microtubules and mid‐zone. Following cytokinesis, SPAG8 resumed its localization on the MTOC. Meanwhile, flow cytometry analysis found that SPAG8 prolonged the G2/M phase of CHO‐K1 cells stably expressing SPAG8. Furthermore, 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that SPAG8 inhibited the proliferation of the stable cells. SPAG8 might be involved in the regulation of cell cycle by changing the phosphorylation level of Tyr15 on cdc2. These results suggest that SPAG8 might play a role in cell division during spermatogenesis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effects of ascorbic acid on hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress caused by carbon tetrachloride in the liver of Wistar rats
Authors: Ozturk Ismail Cetin , Ozturk Feral , Gul Mehmet , Ates Burhan , Cetin Asli
Published: June 2009

This study was planned to investigate the protective effect of l(+)‐ascorbic acid (Vit C) on CCl4‐induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in the liver of Wistar rats (Rattus Norvegicus, strain Wistar). Twenty‐four adult male Wistar rats were fed with standard rat chow diet for 10 days and randomly were divided into four groups of six each as follows: (1) control, (2) CCl4, (3) “CCl4 + Vit C”, (4) Vit C groups. CCl4 was applied to rats belonging to CCl4 and “CCl4 + Vit C” groups subcutaneously at 1 mg kg−1 dose CCl4 for 3 days. Vit C applied to “CCl4 + Vit C” and “Vit C” group rats intraperitoneally at 300 mg kg−1 dose for 3 days. All rats were sacrificed and livers were quickly removed on the fourth day of the experiment. MDA, total glutathione (T.GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐PX) activities were measured in the liver of all groups of rats and also serum alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) activities were detected to determine liver functions in all groups of rats. Histopathological changes were evaluated by light and transmission electron microscopes. In “CCl4 + Vit C” group, MDA level was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) and SOD, CAT, GSH‐PX activities were significantly increased (p < 0.005, 0.01, 0.05) respectively, T.GSH level was significantly increased (p < 0.005) and serum ALT and AST activities were significantly decreased (p < 0.01, 0.05), respectively, when compared with CCl4 group. These results show that Vit C has a highly protective effect on hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress caused by CCl4. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetically Separable Gold Catalyst for the Aerobic Oxidation of Amines
Authors: Aschwanden Linda , Panella Barbara , Rossbach Peggy , Keller Beat , Baiker Alfons
Published: June 2009

A magnetically separable, recyclable gold catalyst consisting of gold nanoparticles supported on intimately mixed superparamagnetic ceria/iron oxide has been prepared by simple addition of the preformed mixed oxide support and the gold precursor, Au(OAc)3, to the reaction mixture of the aerobic oxidation of amines. The catalyst was characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption, superconducting quantum‐interference device (SQUID) measurements, time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and scanning electron microscopy with an energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometer (SEM‐EDAX). Catalytic tests with various amines showed high selectivity to the corresponding imines (87–100 %), and good separation efficiency and recyclability of the catalyst.
Tetrabenzyltitanium: An Improved Catalyst for the Activation of sp3 CH Bonds Adjacent to Nitrogen Atoms
Authors: Prochnow Insa , Kubiak Raphael , Frey Okko N. , Beckhaus Rüdiger , Doye Sven
Published: June 2009

A detailed study of intra‐ and intermolecular hydroaminoalkylation reactions by activation of CH bonds adjacent to nitrogen atoms performed with a number of different titanium‐based catalysts and the identification of tetrabenzyltitanium ([TiBn4], Bn=benzyl) as a preferred catalyst for practical synthetic hydroaminoalkylation procedures is described. In the presence of 5 mol % of this catalyst, geminally disubstituted and unsub‐ stituted primary 1‐amino‐6‐heptenes undergo selective cyclizations to 1‐amino‐2‐methylcyclohexanes. In comparison to [Ti(NMe2)4], improved yields are obtained with [TiBn4] for most of the substrates. Only in the case of the strongly Thorpe–Ingold‐activated 1‐amino‐2,2‐diphenyl‐6‐heptene is a better yield obtained with [Ti(NMe2)4], especially when the reaction is performed at 145 °C. Whereas secondary N‐aryl aminoalkenes undergo intramolecular hydroaminoalkylation with poor efficiency, the corresponding intermolecular reactions of N‐aryl amines with alkenes can be achieved in the presence of 10 mol % of [Ti(NMe2)4] or [TiBn4]. With two exceptions, [TiBn4] again turned out to be catalytically more active than [Ti(NMe2)4]. A number of reactions which can not be achieved at all with [Ti(NMe2)4] take place in the presence of [TiBn4], including the first successful transition metal‐catalyzed hydroaminoalkylation of styrene by a CH activation process.
Cancer mortality in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Tran Eric , Rouillon Frédéric , Loze Jean‐Yves , Casadebaig Françoise , Philippe Alain , Vitry Fabien , Limosin Frédéric
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND:

Schizophrenia has been associated with a rate of premature mortality that is 2 to 3 times higher than that in the general population. Although the role of cancer in this excess mortality remains unclear, previous incidence or mortality studies found contradictory results.

METHODS:

In 1993, a large prospective study was initiated in a cohort of 3470 patients with schizophrenia to examine cancer‐related mortality and predictors. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated, adjusting for age and sex relative to a representative sample of the French general population.

RESULTS:

During the 11‐year follow‐up, 476 (14%) patients died; the mortality rate was thus nearly 4‐fold higher than in the general population. Cancer was the second most frequent cause of mortality (n = 74), with a global SMR of 1.5 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.2‐1.9). For all cancers, the SMRs were 1.4 (not significant) for men and 1.9 (95% CI, 1.4‐2.8) for women. For men, lung cancer was the most frequent localization (n = 23; 50%), with an SMR of 2.2 (95% CI, 1.6‐3.3). For women, breast cancer was the most frequent localization (n = 11; 39%), with an SMR of 2.8 (95% CI, 1.6‐4.9). In comparison with patients who did not die of cancer, there were 2 significant baseline predictors of death by lung cancer in the final logistic regression model: duration of smoking and age >38 years.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of the current study demonstrated an increased risk of mortality by cancer in patients with schizophrenia, especially for women from breast cancer and for men from lung cancer. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Ewing sarcoma demonstrates racial disparities in incidence‐related and sex‐related differences in outcome
Authors: Jawad Muhammad U. , Cheung Michael C. , Min Elijah S. , Schneiderbauer Michaela M. , Koniaris Leonidas G. , Scully Sean P.
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND:

Previous reports of Ewing sarcoma cohorts suggested that there is a difference in incidence according to racial origin. However, to the authors' knowledge, this finding has never been tested in a population‐based database, and the impact of race on clinical outcome and the significance of known risk factors stratified to racial groups have not been reported.

METHODS:

Patients who had Ewing sarcoma diagnosed between 1973 and 2005 were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics; incidence; year of diagnosis; tumor location, tumor size, and disease stage at diagnosis; treatment(s); cause of death; and survival were extracted. Kaplan‐Meier, log‐rank, and Cox regressions were used to analyze the significance of prognostic factors.

RESULTS:

Race‐specific incidence indicated that Caucasians have the highest incidence (0.155), followed by Asians/Pacific Islanders (0.082), and African Americans (0.017). The difference in incidence between Caucasians and African Americans was 9‐fold and significant (P < .001). The incidence of Ewing sarcoma increased over the past 3 decades among Caucasians (P < .05). Survival was not impacted by race. Local disease stage, primary tumor location in the appendicular skeleton, and tumor size ≤8 cm conferred a significant survival benefit. Women demonstrated improved survival among the Caucasian patients (P < .03).

CONCLUSIONS:

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report focusing on racial disparity in incidence of Ewing sarcoma. Caucasians were affected more frequently, although outcomes were similar between races. It is noteworthy that being a woman constituted a survival benefit only among the Caucasian patients. Further studies will need to clarify the reasons for racial disparities in incidence and for sex differences in survival. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Generation of mice with a conditional allele for G6pc
Authors: Peng Wen‐Tao , Pan Chi‐Jiunn , Lee Eric J. , Westphal Heiner , Chou Janice Y.
Published: June 2009

Glucose‐6‐phosphatase‐α (G6Pase‐α or G6PC) catalyzes the hydrolysis of glucose‐6‐phosphate to glucose and is a key enzyme in interprandial glucose homeostasis. Mutations in the human G6PC gene, expressed primarily in the liver, kidney, and intestine, cause glycogen storage disease Type Ia (GSD‐Ia), an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a disturbed glucose homeostasis. For better understanding of the roles of G6Pase‐α in different tissues and in pathological conditions, we have generated mice harboring a conditional null allele for G6pc by flanking Exon 3 of the G6pc gene with loxP sites. We confirmed the null phenotype by using the EIIa‐Cre transgenic approach to generate mice lacking Exon 3 of the G6pc gene. The resulting homozygous Cre‐recombined null mice manifest a phenotype mimicking G6Pase‐α‐deficient mice and human GSD‐Ia patients. This G6pc conditional null allele will be valuable to examine the consequence of tissue‐specific G6Pase‐α deficiency and the mechanisms of long‐term complications in GSD‐Ia. genesis 47:590–594, 2009. Published 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A page‐centric approach to Web application development
Authors: Teraoka Teruhiko , Osaki Masayo , Yanagihara Shintaro , Nakata Hideo
Published: June 2009

This paper proposes a page‐centric approach for developing Web applications in which an application is modeled as a state machine of a UML that takes into account the state of a Web page. Application variables are divided into page‐related variables and others. Business logics are also divided into presentation‐related logics and others. In this paper, based on our model, a Web application development environment is also described. Using this environment, we can intuitively define the behavior of a Web application. Examples of applications developed by our method are given. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 92(7): 47–56, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10039
Bilateral teleoperation under time‐varying communication time delay considering contact with environment
Authors: Iiyama Noriko , Natori Kenji , Ohnishi Kouhei
Published: June 2009

With recent popularization of the Internet, bilateral control systems which are robust to fluctuant and unpredictable time delay are desirable. In such a situation, communication disturbance observer (CDOB) has been proposed as a control method for fluctuant and unpredictable time delay in bilateral teleoperation. It compensates time delay using disturbance observer by considering the effect of communication delay on the system as acceleration dimensional disturbance. Since this method cannot separate network disturbance from contact force exerted on a slave, force response of the slave transmitted to the master side is not precise. This paper presents a method for separating network disturbance from the contact force exerted on the slave. By producing the compensation value using separated network disturbance the force response value of the slave is transmitted to the master side more precisely. The validity of the proposed method is verified by experimental results. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 92(7): 38–46, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10051
Intravascular neural interface with nanowire electrode
Authors: Watanabe Hirobumi , Takahashi Hirokazu , Nakao Masayuki , Walton Kerry , Llinás Rodolfo R.
Published: June 2009

A minimally invasive electrical recording and stimulating technique capable of simultaneously monitoring the activity of a significant number (e.g., 103 to 104) of neurons is an absolute prerequisite in developing an effective brain–machine interface. Although there are many excellent methodologies for recording single or multiple neurons, there has been no methodology for accessing large numbers of cells in a behaving experimental animal or human individual. Brain vascular parenchyma is a promising candidate for addressing this problem. It has been proposed [1, 2] that a multitude of nanowire electrodes introduced into the central nervous system through the vascular system to address any brain area may be a possible solution. In this study we implement a design for such microcatheter for ex vivo experiments. Using Wollaston platinum wire, we design a submicron‐scale electrode and develop a fabrication method. We then evaluate the mechanical properties of the electrode in a flow when passing through the intricacies of the capillary bed in ex vivo Xenopus laevis experiments. Furthermore, we demonstrate the feasibility of intravascular recording in the spinal cord of Xenopus laevis. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 92(7): 29–37, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10058
Penetration‐type microelectrode array with a silicone‐rubber substrate
Authors: Suzurikawa Jun , Nakao Masayuki , Takahashi Hirokazu
Published: June 2009

This paper proposes a penetration‐type tungsten microelectrode array on a flexible silicone rubber substrate for neural recording from a desired cortical layer. Our evaluation experiments confirmed that the flexible substrate keeps the penetration depth of each electrode constant and allows simultaneous multipoint recording of spike potentials from a desired neocortical layer. Penetration of the stiff and flexible arrays into agarose specimens with a curvature comparable to that of the rat brain, revealed that the electrodes at the edge of the stiff array had up to 150 μm error in penetration depth, while the penetration depth of the flexible array was approximately constant across the electrodes (ANOVA, p=0.835). Electrophysiological experiments in the rat auditory cortex demonstrated that simultaneous multipoint recording of the acoustically evoked spike potentials was feasible with the flexible array. A series of penetration trials and characteristic frequency estimations successfully identified the primary auditory cortex by assuring a gradual increase in the characteristic frequencies from caudal to rostral. This result suggests that the proposed electrode is suitable for acute experiments requiring repeated penetration and precision positioning of penetration sites. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 92(7): 21–28, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10060
Effector T‐cell differentiation during viral and bacterial infections: Role of direct IL‐12 signals for cell fate decision of CD8+ T cells
Authors: Keppler Selina J. , Theil Kerstin , Vucikuja Smiljka , Aichele Peter
Published: June 2009

To study the role of IL‐12 as a third signal for T‐cell activation and differentiation in vivo, direct IL‐12 signaling to CD8+ T cells was analyzed in bacterial and viral infections using the P14 T‐cell adoptive transfer model with CD8+ T cells that lack the IL‐12 receptor. Results indicate that CD8+ T cells deficient in IL‐12 signaling were impaired in clonal expansion after Listeria monocytogenes infection but not after infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, vaccinia virus or vesicular stomatitis virus. Although limited in clonal expansion after Listeria infection, CD8+ T cells deficient in IL‐12 signaling exhibited normal degranulation activity, cytolytic functions, and secretion of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α. However, CD8+ T cells lacking IL‐12 signaling failed to up‐regulate KLRG1 and to down‐regulate CD127 in the context of Listeria but not viral infections. Thus, direct IL‐12 signaling to CD8+ T cells determines the cell fate decision between short‐lived effector cells and memory precursor effector cells, which is dependent on pathogen‐induced local cytokine milieu.
Simultaneous Gas‐Phase Loading of MOF‐5 with Two Metal Precursors: towards Bimetallics@MOF
Authors: Schröder Felicitas , Henke Sebastian , Zhang Xiaoning , Fischer Roland A.
Published: June 2009

Simultaneous gas‐phase loading of [Zn4O(bdc)3] (bdc = 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate; MOF‐5) with combinations of twodifferent MOCVD precursors such as [Fe(η6‐toluene)(η4‐C4H6)]/[CpPtMe3], [CpPd(η3‐C3H5)]/[CpPtMe3] and [Ru(cod)(cot)]/[Pt(cod)Me2] was followed by solid state13C MAS NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and X‐ray powder diffraction (PXRD). Different amounts of precursors were applied for the loading experiments. It was found that defined molar ratios of the adsorbed precursors inside MOF‐5 can be achieved when the loading is below the saturation level of MOF‐5 for adsorption of the individual precursors. The co‐hydrogenolysis of the loaded material [Ru(cod)(cot)]/[Pt(cod)Me2]@MOF‐5 was selected as a representative example to study the possibility of obtaining bimetallic PtRu nanoparticles hosted inside the MOF support. The quantitative co‐hydrogenolysis of the adsorbed metal precursors led to formation of alloyed metal nanoparticles as revealed by PXRD, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction. However, the bdc linkers of the MOF‐5 host material were partially hydrogenated which caused a severe distortion of the MOF‐5 matrix, loss of long range crystalline order and reduction of the BET surface area down to 380 m2 g–1.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Platinum Stacking Interactions in Homoleptic Platinum Polymers
Authors: Anderson Bernard M. , Hurst Stephanie K.
Published: June 2009

Recent breakthroughs in low‐dimensional nanostructures have led to a renewal of interest in polymers composed of platinum complexes. The surge of research into one‐dimensional platinum complexes in the 1970s and 1980s has given way to a steady progression of investigations that have explored new ligands, characterization techniques and applications. The ongoing synthesis and characterization of new tetra(cyano)platinate, bis(oxalato)platinate and other homoleptic platinum complexes has allowed examination of the influence of organic and inorganic cations on the Pt–Pt distance and the importance of small molecules in stabilizing the stacking interactions. In particular, complexes of [Pt(C≡NR)4]2+and [PtI(bipy)2]+show potential to display short stacking interactions. This microreview focuses on the progress in the synthesis and characterization of homoleptic complexes with short Pt–Pt distances and avenues for the development of new classes of complexes.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
(Sr1–xCax)(11+16y–25z)/2(Si1–yAly)16(N1–zOz)25 (x ≈ 0.24, y ≈ 0.18, z ≈ 0.19) – A Novel Sialon with a Highly Condensed Silicate Framework
Authors: Kechele Juliane A. , Oeckler Oliver , Schmidt Peter J. , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: June 2009

(Sr1–xCax)(11+16y–25z)/2(Si1–yAly)16(N1–zOz)25 (x ≈ 0.24, y ≈ 0.18, z ≈ 0.19) was obtained by high‐temperature synthesis (1650 °C – 1700 °C) using CaSiAlN3, Si3N4, AlN, SiO2, and Sr2N as starting materials. The crystal structure [Imm2 (no. 44), a = 20.6973(6), b = 10.7292(4), c = 4.8881(2) Å, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0326, wR2 = 0.0735] was determined from single‐crystal X‐ray data using dual space methods and confirmed for the bulk material by Rietveld refinement on X‐ray powder diffraction data. The structural results are corroborated by lattice energy calculations (MAPLE). The compound is the first representative of a novel silicate framework. The anionic part of the structure is built up from highly‐condensed dreier ring layers extending parallel (100), which are interconnected by common N and O atoms. In the resulting voids of this framework, there are three different cation sites, which are coordinated by six, eight, and twelve nitrogen and oxygen atoms, respectively. The largest one is fully occupied by Sr atoms, whereas the other two sites host Sr and Ca atoms or vacancies, respectively.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Optimal methodology for distribution systems reconfiguration based on OPF and solved by decomposition technique
Authors: Khodr H. M. , Martínez‐Crespo J. , Vale Z. A. , Ramos C.
Published: June 2009

This paper presents a new and efficient methodology for distribution network reconfiguration integrated with optimal power flow (OPF) based on a Benders decomposition approach. The objective minimizes power losses, balancing load among feeders and subject to constraints: capacity limit of branches, minimum and maximum power limits of substations or distributed generators, minimum deviation of bus voltages and radial optimal operation of networks. The Generalized Benders decomposition algorithm is applied to solve the problem. The formulation can be embedded under two stages; the first one is the Master problem and is formulated as a mixed integer non‐linear programming problem. This stage determines the radial topology of the distribution network. The second stage is the Slave problem and is formulated as a non‐linear programming problem. This stage is used to determine the feasibility of the Master problem solution by means of an OPF and provides information to formulate the linear Benders cuts that connect both problems. The model is programmed in GAMS. The effectiveness of the proposal is demonstrated through two examples extracted from the literature. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Harmonic elimination, voltage control and load balancing in an isolated power generation
Authors: Kasal Gaurav Kumar , Singh Bhim
Published: June 2009

This paper deals with an implementation of a voltage controller for an isolated power generating system employing an asynchronous generator. In such standalone system, an asynchronous generator is driven by a constant speed prime mover such as diesel, bio‐gas and a gasoline engine etc. and it is isolated from the grid. A three‐phase insulated gate bipolar junction transistor (IGBT) based current controlled voltage source converter (CC‐VSC) with a dc bus capacitor is used to regulate the magnitude of the generated voltage along‐with its functioning as a harmonic eliminator and a load balancer. The proposed controller for an isolated generating system is developed using dSPACE–DS1104 DSP controller and extensive tests are conducted with non‐linear and unbalanced loads to demonstrate its capability. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A hybrid bacterial foraging and differential evolution algorithm for congestion management
Authors: Pandi V. Ravikumar , Biswas Arijit , Dasgupta Sambarta , Panigrahi B K.
Published: June 2009

This work presents the application of hybrid bacterial foraging algorithm to solve congestion management problem in restructured power systems. The open access market environment makes the power system operation as more complicated one. The more emerging problem in the recent research is congestion management problem which requires to be analyzed to supply power to the consumers in most reliable manner. In this paper, we have tried to remove the congestion in the transmission line by generation rescheduling with the cost involved in the rescheduling process should be minimized. The objective function for hybrid bacterial foraging‐differential evolution (HBFDE) optimization algorithm is considered as the minimization of the congestion cost. The results are also compared with the genetic algorithm (GA), simple bacterial foraging (SBF) algorithm and traditional method using MATPOWER. Numerical results for the standard IEEE 30 bus system having six generating units have been presented to demonstrate the performance of the algorithm. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The moderating role of personal mastery on the relationship between caregiving status and multiple dimensions of fatigue
Authors: Roepke Susan K , Mausbach Brent T , von Känel Roland , Ancoli‐Israel Sonia , Harmell Alexandrea L , Dimsdale Joel E , Aschbacher Kirstin , Mills Paul J , Patterson Thomas L , Grant Igor
Published: June 2009

Objective

A substantial proportion of chronically‐stressed spousal dementia caregivers report fatigue. The objective of this study was to examine whether personal mastery moderates the relationship between caregiving status (caregiver/non‐caregiver) and multiple dimensions of fatigue.

Methods

Seventy‐three elderly Alzheimer's caregivers and 41 elderly non‐caregivers completed the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory‐Short Form (MFSI‐SF) and questionnaires assessing mastery.

Results

Regression analyses indicated that global fatigue was significantly higher for caregivers (M = 38.0 ± 21.0) compared to non‐caregivers (M = 18.2 ± 10.4). However, personal mastery moderated the relation between caregiving status and global fatigue (t = −2.03, df = 107, p = 0.045), such that for those with low mastery, caregivers' fatigue scores were 18.1 points higher than non‐caregivers, and for those with high mastery, this difference was only 7.5 points. For specific dimensions of fatigue, mastery moderated the relations between caregiving status and both emotional (t = −2.01, df = 107, p = 0.047) and physical (t = −2.51, df = 107, p = 0.014) fatigue. Specifically, association between caregiving status and emotional fatigue was greater when mastery was low than when mastery was high. Caregiving status was significantly associated with physical fatigue when mastery was low, but not when mastery was high. Significant main effects were found between mastery and general fatigue and vigor.

Conclusion

Given the proportion of fatigued caregivers and the impact fatigue has on health; these findings provide important information regarding mastery's relationship with fatigue and may inform interventions aiming to alleviate fatigue in caregivers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.