bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Human Type 1 Diabetes Susceptibility Locus Maps to Chromosome 21q22.3
Authors: Concannon Patrick , Onengut-Gumuscu Suna , Todd John A. , Smyth Deborah J. , Pociot Flemming , Bergholdt Regine , Akolkar Beena , Erlich Henry A. , Hilner Joan E. , Julier Cécile , Morahan Grant , Nerup Jørn , Nierras Concepcion R. , Chen Wei-Min , Rich Stephen S. ,   the Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE— The Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium (T1DGC) has assembled and genotyped a large collection of multiplex families for the purpose of mapping genomic regions linked to type 1 diabetes. In the current study, we tested for evidence of loci associated with type 1 diabetes utilizing genome-wide linkage scan data and family-based association methods.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— A total of 2,496 multiplex families with type 1 diabetes were genotyped with a panel of 6,090 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Evidence of association to disease was evaluated by the pedigree disequilibrium test. Significant results were followed up by genotyping and analyses in two independent sets of samples: 2,214 parent-affected child trio families and a panel of 7,721 case and 9,679 control subjects.

RESULTS— Three of the SNPs most strongly associated with type 1 diabetes localized to previously identified type 1 diabetes risk loci: INS, IFIH1, and KIAA0350. A fourth strongly associated SNP, rs876498 (P = 1.0 × 10−4), occurred in the sixth intron of the UBASH3A locus at chromosome 21q22.3. Support for this disease association was obtained in two additional independent sample sets: families with type 1 diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 1.06 [95% CI 1.00–1.11]; P = 0.023) and case and control subjects (1.14 [1.09–1.19]; P = 7.5 × 10−8).

CONCLUSIONS— The T1DGC 6K SNP scan and follow-up studies reported here confirm previously reported type 1 diabetes associations at INS, IFIH1, and KIAA0350 and identify an additional disease association on chromosome 21q22.3 in the UBASH3A locus (OR 1.10 [95% CI 1.07–1.13]; P = 4.4 × 10−12). This gene and its flanking regions are now validated targets for further resequencing, genotyping, and functional studies in type 1 diabetes.
Acute and Overuse Injuries Correlated to Hours of Training in Master Running Athletes
Authors: Knobloch Karsten , Yoon Uzung , Vogt Peter M.
Published: July 2008

Background: The goal of the study was to determine the rate of running-associated tendinopathy in light of the amount of time training and other risk factors. Materials and Methods: 291 elite runners (average age 42 ± 9 years) who ran an average of 65.2 ± 28.3 km/week were included with an overall distance of 9,980,852 km (34,416 km/athlete). Descriptive statistics with Chi 2 -Test, Fisher-Exact-Test and Mann-Whitney-Test were used to calculate relative risks (RR). Results: The overall injury rate was 0.08/1000 km (2.93/athlete). Overuse injuries (0.07/1000 km) were more frequent than acute injuries (0.01/1000 km). Achilles tendinopathy was the predominant injury (0.02/1000 km) followed by anterior knee pain (0.01/1000 km), and shin splints (0.01/1000 km). Achilles tendon rupture was rarely encountered (0.001/1000 km). At some time, 56.6% of the athletes had an Achilles tendon overuse injury, 46.4% anterior knee pain, 35.7% shin splints, and 12.7% had plantar fasciitis. Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy was more common (0.01/1000 km) than insertional (0.005/1000 km). An asphalt running surface decreased mid-portion tendinopathy risk (RR 0.47, p = 0.02). In contrast, sand increased the relative risk for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy tenfold (RR 10, CI 1.12 to 92.8, p = 0.01). Runners with more than 10 years experience had an increased risk (RR 1.6, p = 0.04) for Achilles tendinopathy. Conclusion: Achilles tendinopathy is the most common running-associated tendinopathy followed by runner's knee and shin splints.
Diagnostic Dilemma of Tuberculosis in the Foot and Ankle
Authors: Choi Woo Jin , Han Seung Hwan , Joo Jong Hwan , Kim Bom Soo , Lee Jin Woo
Published: July 2008

Background: Isolated involvement of bone in tuberculous infection is uncommon, and the variable clinical and radiological features may mimic pyogenic osteomyelitis, bone tumor or other inflammatory and neoplastic processes of the synovium. We have reported our experiences with the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection in the ankle and foot with the hope of providing sufficient information about these cases to lead to early diagnosis. Materials and Methods: We treated 15 patients with tuberculosis involving the foot and ankle between 1995 and 2005. They were followed for a minimum of 24 months, and the average duration of symptoms was 23 months. All patients underwent a physical examination, routine laboratory tests, plain radiographs, and a biopsy of the infection site. MRI studies were performed in 10 patients and a CT scan was done in one patient. Results: The lesions were located in the forefoot (2), midfoot (3) and ankle (10). From the imaging studies, the presumptive preoperative diagnoses were tuberculous osteomyelitis (7), pyogenic osteomyelitis (4), pigmented villonodular synovitis (2), amyloidosis (1), and avascular necrosis of the talus (1). These diagnoses were verified by granulomatous inflammation with or without caseous necrosis on histology and tubercle bacilli were cultured in four cases. In three cases the diagnosis was made by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Conclusion: When a patient presents with a localized, painful swelling and a persistent draining sinus of the foot and ankle, tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Additionally, we highly recommend taking a biopsy of the site of suspected infection because an early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.
A Longitudinal Evaluation of Restraint Reduction within a Multi-site, Multi-model Canadian Continuing Care Organization
Authors: Milke Doris L. , Kendall T. Scott , Neumann Iris , Wark Connie F. , Knopp Alana
Published: July 2008

Bien que la documentation américaine sur la réduction de l'usage des moyens de contention soit relativement importante, les travaux de recherche publiés sur cette même question sont moins nombreux sur les pensionnaires d'un établissement canadien de soins de longue durée. Les statistiques des plus importants établissements de ce type financés et exploités au Canada ont mis au jour des attitudes révélatrices envers les moyens mécaniques de contention. Durant les quatre années d'une étude comportant une campagne visant à réduire l'utilisation de moyens mécaniques de contention, la prévalence organisationnelle est passée de 24,68 % à 16,01 %. Il existait une variabilité substantielle en matière de contention parmi les 11 centres de l'organisation (échelle de 0 à 39,86 % des pensionnaires faisant l'objet de contention) et tous sauf un ont pu réduire la contention mécanique. Des facilitateurs particuliers à la réalisation et au maintien de la réduction de la contention sont indiqués, notamment les établissements de petite taille, la fourniture de soins spécialisés (par ex., maladie d'Alzheimer), et un «champion» résidant sur place. Des obstacles particuliers, comme la grande taille d'un établissement et un champion résidant à l'extérieur font aussi l'objet de discussion.
Songs of the Self: Berryman's Whitman
Authors: REEVES GARETH
Published: July 2008

John Berryman's The Dream Songs and Walt Whitman's Song of Myself: the collocation sounds improbable, the former with their formal constrictions and regularities, their ironies and tensions, as well as their angularities, abruptnesses and disruptions, the latter free-form, open-ended, fluid, rhetorically fluent. Furthermore the collocation sounds unlikely in view of the fact that Berryman shared his generation's general, often knee-jerk, suspicion of Romanticism and ‘the romantic’ (the sliding back and forth in his prose between capital and lower-case ‘r’ signifying the kind of assumptions underlying the suspicion). The suspicion went with the territory, which was occupied by the forces of the New Criticism and the critical weaponry of T. S. Eliot, especially in the American academy (Berryman was an academic). (We have since learnt to question the New Criticism's anti-Romantic claims, and, even more, Eliot's championing of what was then called the ‘Classical’ over the ‘Romantic’ – but that is another story.)
Derrida's Writing-Theatre: From the Theatrical Allegory to Political Commitment
Authors: Ross Alison
Published: July 2008

This article analyses some of the shifts in tone and argumentation in Derrida's work by comparing the treatment of the topics of theatre and theatrical representation in his early writing on literary and philosophical texts with the conception of a politically committed ‘ethics’ in his late work. The topic of theatrical representation is particularly useful for a critical assessment of Derrida's later ethics because it allows us to give careful consideration to his position on different types of, and contexts for, involvement. I argue that some of the important differences in tone and argumentation in Derrida's work arise not just because of the different exigencies that distinguish readings of literary/philosophical texts from analyses of political circumstances and events. There is also a shift in his work from attempting to account for the aporetic economy that supports positions held and defended to the terms of his advocacy for ethical commitment. In the case of his early writing the emphasis falls on accounting for meaning in terms of a typology of conversion effects; positive values are aporetically joined with negative ones. In his later work aporias do not present occasions for examining conditions of meaning. Rather, they become compelling imperatives to act. Despite the differences between these perspectives they both articulate an important role for aesthetic experience in meaning. I conclude by considering the consequences that such a position on meaning imposes on Derrida's use of the vocabulary of injunctions and imperatives to ‘compel’ a response.
Deregionalizing Ontology: Derrida's Khōra
Authors: Rapaport Herman
Published: July 2008

The purpose of the essay is to contextualize and explain the philosophical project that is under way in Jacques Derrida's Khōraof 1993. Upon a cursory reading, the book will appear to be merely the unpacking of yet another undecidable term that Derrida has located within the history of metaphysics. But, in fact, the stakes of this text are much higher in that Derrida's aim is to continue developing a project that was announced in the late 1960s, namely, to deregionalize ontology. Precisely what Derrida meant by that phrase and the various texts one would have to revisit in order to properly understand how Khōra instrumentalizes deregionalization is what this essay attempts to survey. Lastly, as Husserlian phenomenology is quite central to the concerns of this essay, researchers may consider it as a contribution to the study of Derrida's relation to Husserl's philosophy. Major texts by Derrida that are discussed include The Problem of Genesis in Husserlian Phenomenology, ‘La difference’, Voice and Phenomena, Of Grammatology, ‘Plato's Pharmacy’, ‘How to Avoid Speaking: Denials’, and Khora. Major topics include: the transcendental ego, regional phenomenology, voice and writing, differance, origin, genesis, woman, negative theology, khora, and Plato.
Assessment of Cell Viability in Primary Neuronal Cultures
Authors: Aras Mandar A. , Hartnett Karen A. , Aizenman Elias
Published: July 2008

This unit contains five protocols for assaying cell viability in vitro using primary neuronal cultures, including a novel method for use with transfected neurons. Three of the assays are based on the principle that cell death cascades alter membrane permeability. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay measures the amount of the cytoplasmic enzyme released into the bathing medium, while the trypan blue and propidium iodide assays measure the ability of cells to exclude dye from their cytoplasm. The 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay measures the mitochondrial activity of viable cells by quantifying the conversion of the tetrazolium salt to its formazan product. Finally, the fifth assay details the measurement of luciferase expression as an indication of neuronal viability within a relatively small population of transfected neurons. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 44:7.18.1‐7.18.15. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Majchrowicz Binge Alcohol Protocol: An Intubation Technique to Study Alcohol Dependence in Rats
Authors: Faingold Carl L.
Published: July 2008

Binge drinking of alcohol is an important public health issue, and experimental studies are needed to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of this problem and develop improved approaches to treatment. This unit presents a validated and widely used method to model binge alcohol drinking in rats. It consists of three daily intragastric administrations of ethanol to rats for 4 days. Ethanol is initially administered at 5 g/kg, and then each subsequent dose is determined based on the degree of intoxication the rat exhibits prior to each dose. The behavior of the animal is graded based on a well‐described scale. After the fourth day, various aspects of the ethanol withdrawal syndrome can be observed over a predictable time course and additional protocols can be employed to study mechanisms of specific aspects of withdrawal and treatments to prevent them. One specific behavior observed during ethanol withdrawal and described here is sound‐induced (audiogenic) convulsive seizure. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 44:9.28.1‐9.28.12. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Immunoblotting and Immunodetection
Authors: Gallagher Sean , Winston (tank transfer systems) Scott E. , Fuller (tank transfer systems) Steven A. , Hurrell (tank transfer systems; reversible staining of prote John G.R.
Published: July 2008

Immunoblotting (western blotting) is used to identify specific antigens recognized by polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies. This unit provides protocols for all steps, starting with solubilization of the protein samples, usually by means of SDS and reducing agents. Following solubilization, the material is separated by SDS‐PAGE and the antigens are electrophoretically transferred to a membrane, a process that can be monitored by reversible staining with Ponceau S. The transferred proteins are bound to the surface of the membrane, providing access to immunodetection reagents. After nonspecific binding sites are blocked, the membrane is probed with the primary antibody and washed. The antibody‐antigen complexes are tagged with horseradish peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase coupled to a secondary anti‐IgG antibody, and detected using appropriate chromogenic or luminescent substrates. Finally, membranes may be stripped and reprobed. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 83:10.8.1‐10.8.28. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Production of Monoclonal Antibody Supernatant and Ascites Fluid
Authors: Yokoyama Wayne M.
Published: July 2008

This unit details methods for production of monoclonal antibodies. Two methods are given for production of hybridoma supernatants, including one for large‐scale production. A protocol for large‐scale production of hybridomas or cell lines is presented for use in isolation of cellular proteins. Finally, a method is given for producing and obtaining mouse ascites fluid containing monoclonal antibody. Recommendations developed by the Committee on Methods of Producing Monoclonal Antibodies (Institute of Laboratory Animal Research, National Research Council) on the use of animals for producing monoclonal antibodies are also discussed. These recommendations are designed to foster the judicious use of animals and to strongly encourage the use of in vitro methods whenever possible. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 83:11.10.1‐11.10.10. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Using Morpholinos to Control Gene Expression
Authors: Moulton Jon D. , Yan Yi‐Lin
Published: July 2008

Morpholino oligonucleotides are stable, uncharged, water‐soluble molecules that bind to complementary sequences of RNA, thereby inhibiting mRNA processing, read‐through, and protein binding at those sites. Morpholinos are typically used to inhibit translation of mRNA, splicing of pre‐mRNA, and maturation of miRNA, although they can also inhibit other interactions between biological macromolecules and RNA. Morpholinos are effective, specific, and lack non‐antisense effects. They work in any cell that transcribes and translates RNA. However, unmodified Morpholinos do not pass well through plasma membranes and must therefore be delivered into the nuclear or cytosolic compartment to be effective. Morpholinos form stable base pairs with complementary nucleic acid sequences but apparently do not bind to proteins to a significant extent. They are not recognized by proteins and do not undergo protein‐mediated catalysis; nor do they mediate RNA cleavage by RNase H or the RISC complex. This work focuses on techniques and background for using Morpholinos. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 83:26.8.1‐26.8.29. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Oligonucleotide Microarrays for Clinical Diagnosis of Copy Number Variation
Authors: Miller David T. , Shen Yiping , Wu Bai‐Lin
Published: July 2008

Detection of genomic copy number variation is now considered the standard of care in the evaluation of children with developmental delay, and is used for other clinical indications such as multiple congenital anomalies and autism spectrum disorders. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was the first molecular method for detection of submicroscopic genomic copy number variation, but microarray based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) offers several advantages as an adjunct to traditional cytogenetic methods such as karyotype and FISH. This unit focuses on oligonucleotide arrays, but includes background information on basic differences between oligonucleotide arrays and bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) arrays. Array sensitivity is influenced by probe coverage or density, probe location, and choice of oligo array formats (i.e., targeted versus whole genome). Array platform influences the likelihood of detecting variants of unknown significance. Clinical interpretation of such variants is discussed. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 58:8.12.1‐8.12.17. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Construction and Screening of Antigen Targeted Immune Yeast Surface Display Antibody Libraries
Authors: Miller Keith D. , Pefaur Noah B. , Baird Cheryl L.
Published: July 2008

These protocols describe a yeast surface display–based process for the rapid selection of antibodies from immunized mice, eliminating the need for creating and screening hybridoma fusions. A yeast surface display library of single‐chain antibody fragments (scFvs) is created from antigen‐binding B cells from the splenocytes of immunized mice. The antigen targeted library is then screened for antigen specific scFv by magnetic‐activated cell sorting (MACS) and fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS). Library construction and screening can be accomplished in as little as 2 weeks, resulting in a panel of scFvs specific for the target antigen. Curr. Protocol. Cytom. 45:4.7.1‐4.7.30. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cell Proliferation Method: Click Chemistry Based on BrdU Coupling for Multiplex Antibody Staining
Authors: Cappella Paolo , Gasparri Fabio , Pulici Maurizio , Moll Jürgen
Published: July 2008

Determination of incorporation of the thymidine analog 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) into DNA is a widely used method to analyze the cell cycle (see UNIT 7.7). However, DNA denaturation is required for BrdU detection with the consequence that most protein epitopes are destroyed and their immunocytochemical detection for multiplex analysis is not possible. A novel assay is presented for identifying cells in active S‐phase that does not require the DNA denaturation step but nevertheless detects BrdU. For this purpose, cells were pulsed for a short time by an alkenyl deoxyuridine (5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine, EdU), which is incorporated into DNA. The nucleotide exposed ethynyl residue was then derivatized by a copper‐catalyzed cycloaddition reaction (“click chemistry” coupling) using a BrdU azide probe. The resulting DNA‐bound bromouracil moieties were then detected by commercial anti‐BrdU monoclonal antibodies without the need for a denaturation step. This method has been tested using several cell lines and is preferred over traditional BrdU detection since it is more sensitive and allows multicolor and multiplex analysis in FCM and imaging. Curr. Protoc. Cytom. 58:7.34.1‐7.34.13. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Flow Cytometric FRET Analysis of ErbB Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Interaction
Authors: Diermeier‐Daucher Simone , Brockhoff Gero
Published: July 2008

The homologous and heterologous interaction of members of the epidermal growth factor (EGF)–related receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family (ErbB or HER family receptors) upon ligand binding is the initial key event in signal transduction by these receptors. In addition to the availability of their respective ligands, the relative expression level of the four ErbB receptors triggers receptor cross‐activation, which determines signal diversification and the cells' biological response. However, the function of ErbB receptors and their ligands appears highly complex, and its impact on cell growth and proliferation of normal and tumor cells is incompletely understood. Flow cytometric fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements facilitate the quantitative analysis of receptor interaction. This unit delineates the cell‐by‐cell analysis of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, ErbB1, HER1) and ErbB2 (HER2) receptor interaction in ErbB2‐overexpressing BT474 and SK‐BR‐3 breast cancer cell lines, using a dual‐laser flow cytometer. ReFlex software–based quantification of energy transfer efficiency (E) directly reflects the amount of receptor interaction. Curr. Protocol. Cytom. 45:12.14.1‐12.14.19. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Ozone Applications
Authors: Zaikov G.E. , Rakovsky S. , Anachkov M.
Published: July 2008

Ozone applications are based on the powerful oxidative action of ozone. The ozonolysis of chemical and biochemical compounds, as a rule, takes place with high rates at low temperatures and activation energies. This result provides a basis for the development of novel and improved technologies, which find wide application in ecology, chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, cellulose, paper and sugar industries, microelectronics, and many others. This article focuses on technologies for purification of waste gases, water and soils, manufacture of polymer and inorganic materials, cleanup and preparation of surfaces for electronics, superconductors, and more.
Electromyography (EMG), Surface
Authors: Merletti Roberto , Bonalo Paolo
Published: July 2008

Activation of the muscle fibers that belong to a motor unit occurs via a nerve‐muscle synapse, the neuromuscular junction, which involves a specialized area in the muscle membrane named the end‐plate. When an action potential reaches this area traveling along a terminal branch of the axon of the motor neuron, acetylcholine is released at the neuromuscular junction and receptors in the end‐plate are activated, thus leading to the generation of an action potential that propagates along the muscle fiber. A single motor neuron action potential leads to synchronous activation of hundreds of muscle fibers. Recruitment of multiple motor units results in asynchronus muscle fiber action potentials. The propagation of depolarized zones along the muscle fibers, which corresponds to the muscle fiber action potentials, generates an electrical field that can be captured via electrodes positioned in the area surrounding the active muscle fibers. The detected electrical activity is named the electromyographic (EMG) signal.
The History and Practice of Biofeedback
Authors: Enck Paul , Klosterhalfen Sibylle , Merletti Roberto
Published: July 2008

Individuals tend to increase the frequency of positively rewarded behaviors and to decrease the frequency of nonrewarded or punished behaviors. Biofeedback involves measuring a subject's physiological variable, such as blood pressure, heart rate, skin temperature, galvanic skin response, muscle force and/or electromyography (EMG) signals, and conveying such information to him/her in real time to raise his/her awareness and conscious control of the related physiological processes for the purpose of enhancing or relearning such processes.

By providing access to physiological information about which the user is generally unaware, biofeedback allows users to increase (or regain) control over physiological processes.
Cover Picture: New Material Solutions and Processes in Surface and Coating Technology (Adv. Eng. Mater. 7/2008)
Authors: Kaczorowski W. , Niedzielski P.
Published: July 2008

The cover shows the view of the carbon films deposited on AISI 316L steel. More details can be found in the article of W. Kaczorowski and P. Niedzielski on page 651.
Direkte Bindungen zwischen Metallatomen: Dimetallkomplexe von Zink, Cadmium und Quecksilber
Authors: Carmona Ernesto , Galindo Agustín
Published: July 2008

Die Synthese und Charakterisierung von [Zn2(η5‐C5Me5)2], einer stabilen Molekülverbindung mit einer Zn‐Zn‐Bindung und das erste Beispiel einer Dimetallocen‐Struktur, öffnete ein neues Kapitel sowohl in der Organometallchemie des Zinks als auch in der Metallocenchemie. Die Existenz dieses Komplexes belegt, dass die [Zn‐Zn]2+‐Einheit – das leichteste Homologe des wohlbekannten [Hg‐Hg]2+‐Dikations innerhalb der Gruppe 12 – durch Liganden stabilisiert werden kann. Seit der Bestätigung dieser Struktur hat die Aktivität auf dem Gebiet in den vergangenen drei bis vier Jahren enorm zugenommen. So haben sich zahlreiche theoretische Studien mit den elektronischen, strukturellen und spektroskopischen Eigenschaften dieser und ähnlicher Verbindungen beschäftigt, große Anstrengungen galten auch der Synthese und röntgenkristallographischen Charakterisierung neuer Koordinations‐ und Organometallverbindungen des Zinks, Cadmiums und Quecksilbers mit direkten Metall‐Metall‐Bindungen. Dieser Kurzaufsatz gibt einen Überblick über die Aktivitäten auf diesem Gebiet während der vergangenen drei bis vier Jahre.
Direct Bonds Between Metal Atoms: Zn, Cd, and Hg Compounds with Metal–Metal Bonds
Authors: Carmona Ernesto , Galindo Agustín
Published: July 2008

The synthesis and characterization of [Zn2(η5‐C5Me5)2], a stable molecular compound with a ZnZn bond and the first example of a dimetallocene structure, has opened a new chapter in the organometallic chemistry of zinc and in metallocene chemistry. The existence of two directly bonded zinc atoms demonstrates that the [ZnZn]2+ unit, the lightest Group 12 homologue of the well‐known [HgHg]2+ ion, can be stabilized by appropriate ligands. Activity in this area has increased enormously in the few years since the determination of the structure of this molecule. Numerous theoretical studies have been devoted to the investigation of the electronic, structural, and spectroscopic properties of this and related compounds, and new metal–metal coordination and organometallic compounds of zinc, cadmium, and mercury have been synthesized and structurally characterized. This Minireview gives an overview of activity in this field during the past three to four years.
Beyond Prostaglandins—Chemistry and Biology of Cyclic Oxygenated Metabolites Formed by Free‐Radical Pathways from Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Jahn Ullrich , Galano Jean‐Marie , Durand Thierry
Published: July 2008

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are important constituents in all organisms. They fulfil many functions, ranging from modulating the structure of membranes to acting as precursors of physiologically important molecules, such as the prostaglandins, which for a long time were the most prominent cyclic PUFA metabolites. However, since the beginning of the 1990s a large variety of cyclic metabolites have been discovered that form under autoxidative conditions in vivo to a much larger extent than do prostaglandins. These compounds—isoprostanes, neuroprostanes, phytoprostanes, and isofurans—proved subsequently to be ubiquitous in nature. They display a wide range of biological activities, and isoprostanes have become the currently most reliable indicators of oxidative stress in humans. In a relatively short time, the structural variety, properties, and applications of the autoxidatively formed cyclic PUFA derivatives have been uncovered.
Fabrication of a model cellulose surface from straw with an aqueous sodium hydroxide/thiourea solution
Authors: Yan Lifeng , Wang Yiqun , Chen Juan
Published: July 2008

Model cellulose surfaces were prepared with both microcrystalline cellulose and cellulose isolated from wheat straw with different molecular weights. A sodium hydroxide/thiourea aqueous solution, instead of any organic solvents, worked as the solvent for dissolving cellulose, and model cellulose films were prepared by a two‐step method: first, the cellulose solution was deposited onto the surface of the substrate with the spin‐coating method, and second, the as‐prepared film was washed with deionized water to remove the impurities and was formed with a flattened surface. Atomic force microscopy was used to measure the morphology, surface roughness, and thickness of the cellulose thin films. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry were used to characterize the surface chemical information of the films. The results revealed that model cellulose surfaces could form from both kinds of cellulose. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Synthesis, structural studies, and antimicrobial activity of polymeric copper(II) tetrathiocyanato diargentate(I) complexes with some acylhydrazones
Authors: Singh Vinod P. , Singh Archana , Singh Shweta
Published: July 2008

Copper(II) complexes of the type Cu[Ag(SCN)2]2·L (where L is acetophenone benzoyl hydrazone, acetophenone isonicotinoyl hydrazone, acetophenone salicyloyl hydrazone, acetophenone anthraniloyl hydrazone, p‐hydroxyl acetophenone benzoylhydrazone, p‐hydroxyl acetophenone isonicotinoyl hydrazone, p‐hydroxyl acetophenone salicyloyl hydrazone, or p‐hydroxyl acetophenone anthraniloyl hydrazone) were synthesized and characterized. All the complexes were polymeric and insoluble in common organic solvent and were nonelectrolytes. The ligands were coordinated through >CO and >CN groups. All the SCN groups present in the complexes acted as bridges between two metal centers, resulting in a polymeric structure of the Lewis acid Cu[Ag(SCN)2]2 as well as its complexes. Electronic and electron spin resonance spectra suggested a square planar geometry for the Lewis acid and an elongated tetragonally distorted octahedral geometry for all the complexes. The powder X‐ray diffraction parameters for acetophenone salicyloyl hydrazone and p‐hydroxyl acetophenone anthraniloyl hydrazone complexes corresponded to orthorhombic and tetragonal crystal lattices, respectively. The complexes showed a fair degree of antifungal activity against Rizoctonia sp., Aspergillus sp., and Stemphylium sp. and moderate antibacterial activity against Clostridium sp. (Gram‐positive) and Pseudomonas sp. (Gram‐negative). The complexes were more active than the parent ligands. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Effects of the composition ratio, eosin addition, and γ irradiation on the dielectric properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/glycogen blends
Authors: Abd El‐Kader F. H. , Gaafar S. A. , Mahmoud K. H. , Bannan S. I. , Abd El‐Kader M. F. H.
Published: July 2008

The dielectric relaxation spectra of various poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/glycogen blends and irradiated blend samples with 70 wt % PVA content that were undoped and doped with eosin were measured in extended temperature (30–160°C) and frequency (1 kHz to 1 MHz) ranges. Dielectric relaxation spectroscopy separates different molecular groups of a repeating unit of a polymer with respect to the rate of its orientation dynamics. In the high‐temperature range (>100°C), the σ relaxation, which is associated with the hopping motion of ions in the disordered structure of the biopolymeric material, can be measured. The electric dipole moment and the activation energy of the glass‐transition temperature relaxation process were calculated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Toughening of cycloaliphatic epoxy resin by multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Hua , Zhang Zheng‐Hua , Xu Wei‐Jian , Chen Fan‐Cai , Deng Jian‐Ru , Deng Xiao
Published: July 2008

The toughness of cycloaliphatic epoxy resin 3,4‐epoxycyclohexylmethyl‐3′,4′‐epoxycyclohexane carboxylate (ERL‐4221) has been improved by using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) treated by mixed acids. The MWCNT/ERL‐4221 composites were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and their mechanical properties were investigated. A significant increase in the tensile strength of the composite from 31.9 to 55.9 MPa was obtained by adding only 0.05 wt % of MWCNTs. And a loading of 0.5 wt % MWCNTs resulted in an optimum tensile strength and cracking energy, 62.0 MPa and 490 N cm, respectively. Investigation on the morphology of fracture surface of the composites by field emission scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the crack pinning‐front bowing and bridging mechanisms of toughening. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Polymer‐acid solutions: Their use for the enhancement of oil reservoir stimulation
Authors: Amro Mohammed M.
Published: July 2008

A reduction in permeability occurring around the wellbore resulting from drilling, completion and/or workover fluids increases the flow resistance to the petroleum reservoir fluids and is defined as formation damage. Acidizing process removes near‐wellbore damage and enhances hydrocarbon production from producing wells. This study investigates the effect of adding polymer as a retarding agent to acid solutions to slow and control the reaction in matrix acidizing treatment of carbonate rocks. Two different polymers, polyacrylamide (PAA) and polysaccharide (xanthan) and two different acids, acetic acid and formic acid, were used through this study. The results revealed that the presence of PAA did not change the viscosity of the acid solution significantly, while the viscosity of xanthan‐acid solutions was decreased with increasing the acid concentration. Additionally, the reaction of polymer‐acid solutions with the rock material was monitored under microscope. Original rock samples obtained from Saudi reservoirs containing mainly carbonate were used in the reaction. The PAA‐acid solution did not show any decrease in the reaction rate compared to that of acid solution. Thus, the PAA solution applied in this study is not recommended as a retarder. However, xanthan‐acid solutions showed a significant decrease in the reaction time. Therefore, xanthan was selected to perform further investigations in Rotating Disk Reactor at different pressures. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) was conducted on pretreated and posttreated rock samples. This provides the opportunity to perform a detailed description of the rock surface and facilitates the identification of the changes occurring due to polymer‐acid treatment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Influence of iodine treatment on the carbonization behavior of Antheraea pernyi silk fibroin fiber
Authors: Rahman Khan Md. Majibur , Gotoh Yasuo , Morikawa Hideaki , Miura Mikihiko
Published: July 2008

The effect of iodine treatment on the carbonization behavior of tussah silk fibroin (SF) fiber from a wild cocoon, Antheraea pernyi (A. pernyi), was investigated, and the carbon yield, fiber morphology, structural characteristics, and mechanical properties were evaluated. The SF fiber was treated with iodine vapor at 100°C for 12 h and was heated to 800°C under a multistep heating program as carbonization process, which corresponds to the constant thermal degradation rate of SF determined by dynamic thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The carbon yield was ca. 39 wt %, which is much higher than those for untreated A. pernyi. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observation showed that obtained carbon fibers from iodinated SF were structurally intact, and the strength was higher than that from untreated SF. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy revealed that the structures of the carbon fibers obtained from both untreated and iodinated SF were almost the same and amorphous. At the early stage of carbonization of SF, amide bonding of SF molecules was begin to collapse at temperatures higher than 350°C and was completely dissociated by carbonization at 800°C. Dynamic viscoelastic measurements showed that with heating above 270°C the iodine component introduced intermolecular crosslinking of SF and the melt flow of the SF was inhibited, which enhances higher carbon yield and better performance of silk based carbon fiber. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Thermal properties and crystallization behavior of ultrafine fully‐vulcanized powdered rubber particle toughened polypropylene
Authors: Sun Dachun , Yuan Qiang , Jiang Wei
Published: July 2008

Thermal properties and crystallization behavior of ultrafine fully‐vulcanized powdered rubber (UFPR) toughened polypropylene (PP) were studied by Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) measurements. It was found that the fraction of β‐form in the PP crystal increased at first, then sharply deceased up to zero with increasing UFPR content. This trend did not rely on isothermal crystallization temperature. Moreover, DSC measurements implied that UFPR particles addition affected both isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization behaviors, including the crystallization temperature and the half‐time of crystallization. Furthermore, WAXD test results indicated that the addition of UFPR induced the orientation of the crystallites more or less. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Total Synthesis of an Anti‐Helicobacter pylori Agent, Actinopyrone A
Authors: Hosokawa Seijiro , Yokota Kazuya , Imamura Keisuke , Suzuki Yasuaki , Kawarasaki Masataka , Tatsuta Kuniaki
Published: July 2008

Actinopyrone A, an anti‐Helicobacter pylori agent, was synthesized in nine steps from a silyl dienol ether. A vinylogous anti‐aldol was stereoselectively synthesized by our developed remote stereoinduction methodology; coupling of this with a sulfone and a phosphonate species led to the construction of a vinylpyrone compound. This was submitted to reductive de‐conjugation to give actinopyrone A. The absolute stereochemistry of actinopyrone A was determined to have the configuration 14R,15R.
Dynamo coefficients from local simulations of the turbulent ISM
Authors: Gressel O. , Ziegler U. , Elstner D. , Rüdiger G.
Published: July 2008

Observations in polarized emission reveal the existence of large‐scale coherent magnetic fields in a wide range of spiral galaxies. Radio‐polarization data show that these fields are strongly inclined towards the radial direction, with pitch angles up to 35° and thus cannot be explained by differential rotation alone. Global dynamo models describe the generation of the radial magnetic field from the underlying turbulence via the so called α ‐effect. However, these global models still rely on crude assumptions about the small‐scale turbulence. To overcome these restrictions we perform fully dynamical MHD simulations of interstellar turbulence driven by supernova explosions. From our simulations we extract profiles of the contributing diagonal elements of the dynamo α ‐tensor as functions of galactic height. We also measure the coefficients describing vertical pumping and find that the ratio $ \hat \gamma $ between these two effects has been overestimated in earlier analytical work, where dynamo action seemed impossible. In contradiction to these models based on isolated remnants we always find the pumping to be directed inward. In addition we observe that $ \hat \gamma $ depends on whether clustering in terms of superbubbles is taken into account. Finally, we apply a test field method to derive a quantitative measure of the turbulent magnetic diffusivity which we determine to be ∼2 kpckms–1. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Prevention of NTDs with periconceptional multivitamin supplementation containing folic acid in China
Authors: Chen Gong , Song Xinming , Ji Ying , Zhang Lei , Pei Lijun , Chen Jiapeng , Liu Jufen , Li Chengfu , Zheng Xiaoying
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND: Maternal nutritional factors seem to contribute substantially to the complex etiologies of NTDs. Foremost among these factors is the periconceptional use of supplementation containing folic acid, which is associated with a reduction in the risk of women having NTD‐affected pregnancies. This study was designed to observe the effectiveness of multivitamin supplementation containing folic acid in preventing NTDs in a Chinese population and to detect factors that would impact the effectiveness. METHODS: Through family planning networks, a population‐based community intervention study was carried out in 18 counties of China. Participants were divided into an intervention (taking multivitamin) group and a control group, and were followed up according to periconceptional multivitamin supplementation (in general 6 mg) for 2 years. Women who had a pregnancy were followed up from 28 weeks gestation at least to pregnancy termination, and the outcome was recorded. The incidence rate of the two groups and the relative risks were calculated to evaluate the efficacy of the multivitamin supplement in preventing NTDs. RESULTS: During 2000 and 2002, all of the women having pregnancies with birth defects and women whose pregnancies were without any birth defects were interviewed. Nine NTDs were recorded from 25,444 pregnancies (NTD birth prevalence = 0.35/1,000 pregnancies) in the intervention group and 48 NTDs among 26,599 pregnancies (NTD birth prevalence = 1.80/1,000 pregnancies) in the control group. The protective rate was 80.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Periconceptional multivitamin supplementation containing folic acid can prevent the occurrence of NTDs with the beneficial effect dependent on the frequency and timing of the supplementation. Our study suggests that multivitamin supplement containing folic acid taken from a time point of 2 months before conception and continuing until completion of the second month after conception and taken more than five times per week can significantly reduce the risks of NTDs. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Parameter oscillation attenuation and mechanism exploration for continuous VHG ethanol fermentation
Authors: Bai F.W. , Ge X.M. , Anderson W.A. , Moo‐Young M.
Published: July 2008

A bioreactor system composed of a stirred tank and three tubular bioreactors in series was established, and continuous ethanol fermentation was carried out using a general Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain and a very high gravity medium containing 280 g L−1 glucose, supplemented with 5 g L−1 yeast extract and 3 g L−1 peptone. Sustainable oscillations of glucose, ethanol, and biomass were observed when the tank was operated at the dilution rate of 0.027 h−1, which significantly affected ethanol fermentation performance of the system. After the tubular bioreactors were packed with 1/2″ Intalox ceramic saddles, the oscillations were attenuated and quasi‐steady states were achieved. Residence time distributions were studied for the packed bioreactors by the step input response technique using xylose as a tracer, which was added into the medium at a concentration of 20 g L−1, indicating that the backmixing alleviation assumed for the packed tubular bioreactors could not be established, and its contribution to the oscillation attenuation could not be verified. Furthermore, the role of the packing's yeast cell immobilization in the oscillation attenuation was investigated by packing the tubular bioreactors with packings with significant difference in yeast cell immobilization effects, and the experimental results revealed that only the Intalox ceramic saddles and wood chips with moderate yeast cell immobilization effects could attenuate the oscillations, and correspondingly, improved the ethanol fermentation performance of the system, while the porous polyurethane particles with good yeast cell immobilization effect could not. And the viability analysis for the immobilized yeast cells illustrated that the extremely lower yeast cell viability within the tubular bioreactors packed with the porous polyurethane particles could be the reason for their inefficiency, while the yeast cells loosely immobilized onto the surfaces of the Intalox ceramic saddles and wood chips could be renewed during the fermentation, guaranteeing their viability and making them more efficient in attenuating the oscillations. The packing Raschig rings without yeast cell immobilization effect did not affect the oscillatory behavior of the tubular bioreactors, further supporting the role of the yeast cell immobilization in the oscillation attenuation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 113–121. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Delayed death of identified reticulospinal neurons after spinal cord injury in lampreys
Authors: Shifman M.I. , Zhang G. , Selzer M.E.
Published: July 2008

There is controversy about whether axotomized neurons undergo death or only severe atrophy after spinal cord injury (SCI) in mammals. Lampreys recover from complete spinal transection, but only about half of the severed spinal‐projecting axons regenerate through the site of injury. The fates of the unregenerated neurons remain unknown, and until now death of axotomized spinal‐projecting neurons has not been described in the lamprey brain. We now report that in animals allowed to survive for 12 or more weeks after spinal cord transection, several identified reticulospinal (RS) neurons were missing in Nissl‐stained or neurofilament‐immunostained brain whole mounts. At earlier times, these neurons were swollen and pale in Nissl‐stained preparations. Retrograde fluorescent labeling from the site of transection combined with TUNEL histochemistry suggested that neuronal death, including that of the identified RS neurons, began in animals 4 weeks posttransection, reaching a peak at 12–16 weeks. This was not seen in untransected animals. The TUNEL positivity suggests that some cells were dying by apoptosis. Of special interest, among the identified neurons, this delayed cell death was restricted to neurons that at earlier posttransection times have a low probability of regeneration. These data show that SCI induces delayed cell death in lamprey spinal‐projecting neurons and suggest that the reason why some neurons are “bad regenerators” is that they are already undergoing apoptotic cell death. Thus protection from apoptosis may be necessary in order to enhance axonal regeneration after SCI. J. Comp. Neurol. 510:269–282, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.