bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Mershon Center at The Ohio State University
Authors: Snyder Richard C.
Published: November 2006

Although the Mershon Center was formally established by The Ohio State University Trustees in 1967, it is necessary and accurate to add that its origins can be traced back to 1954 when the will of Colonel Ralph D. Mershon, an alumnus, was probated. That document provided that not less than 50 percent of the income from the bequest be spent for the promotion of activities that can be said to fall within the area of national security.

Following a period of years during which a university-wide faculty committee administered the funds made available from the restricted endowment income, the Trustees approved what amounted in essence to a social science program of national security studies to be administered by a director. The late Edgar S. Furniss, Jr., came from Princeton in 1963 to conceive and implement the new program. Until his untimely death in 1966, Furniss' extremely effective leadership made possible a series of faculty appointments, doctoral fellowships, widely heralded international conferences, and high quality, scholarly publications whose enduring relevance and impact are plainly visible years later.
Clinical and serological study of human alveolar echinococcosis in Slovakia in relation to the outcome of chemotherapy
Authors: Kinčeková J. , Hrčková G. , Auer H. , Szilágyiová M. , Hudačková J. , Stanislayová M. , Poláček H. , Šimeková K.
Published: November 2006

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by proliferating metacestodes of the parasitic fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, is a life-threatening disease in humans. In this study we report four human cases of AE in Slovak Republic with regard to various clinical manifestations and susceptibility to chemotherapy with albendazole or mebendazole. Patients were monitored serologically by ELISA test and Western Blots within 2–5 years after initiation of chemotherapy/surgery. Using computerized tomography (CT) we compared morphological changes of the parasitic lesions in the liver during the course of treatment.

The parasitic lesions in the CT were manifested as nodular hyperplasia with hyper or hypodense zones and calcified foci within the lesion. In other cases the lesion was visualised as a hypodense poorly-delineated septated focus without calcifications. In the last case, the diagnosis of AE was confirmed only at surgery. Calcified foci found inside the main parasitic lesions were the only abnormality that was detected in two cases and were absent in other two cases. The levels of specific anti-parasitic antibodies followed the pathomorphological changes in the livers. Total IgG levels to Em2+ and EmP antigen declined gradually during the follow-up (1–5 years) and disappeared only in the patient receiving radical surgery (cured). In comparison with total IgG, concentration of the IgG4 antibody subclass seemed to correlate more adequately with the outcome of therapy as their levels decreased in improved/stabilised patients, but were elevated in “aggravated” patients. We showed that, in patients with AE in Slovakia, radical surgery of parasitic foci proved to be the most successful treatment and, in inoperable cases, albendazole and mebendazole were differently effective. Moreover. IgG4 levels rather than total IgG to protoscoleces antigens proved to be more sensitive serological marker of the progress of therapy.
Influence of anthelmintic baits on the occurrence of causative agents of helminthozoonoses in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)
Authors: Antolová D. , Miterpáková M. , Reiterová K. , Dubinský P.
Published: November 2006

Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) presents major wildlife reservoir of parasitozoonoses, transmissible to humans and domestic animals. The study was aimed to find out the effect of anthelmintic baits on the occurrence of Echinococcus multilocularis and other intestinal helminths in red foxes. In two bait areas (B1 and B2) 20 baits per km2 were distributed monthly between August 2004 and April 2005. Fox fecal samples were collected in both bait areas and two control areas (C1 and C2) between August 2004 and August 2005. In bait area B1 the decrease of parasite species number, decrease of their prevalence and prevalence of E. multilocularis was observed. No significant decline was observed in bait area B2, probably due to consumption of baits by wild boars. Bait distribution represents the possibility of reduction of environmental contamination with parasites and their propagation stages. Especially on the periphery of towns and villages and in recreational areas it seems to be suitable way of human health protection.
The first report of authochthonous dirofilariosis in dogs in the Czech Republic
Authors: Svobodová Z. , Svobodová V. , Genchi C. , Forejtek P.
Published: November 2006

In the Czech Republic, canine dirofilarial infection (Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens) is usually diagnosed in dogs coming from endemic areas and as such has been considered an imported infection. Here, 77 dogs that had never travelled abroad from the Břeclav area, close to Slovak border, were tested for Dirofilaria spp. infection. The presence of microfilaria in peripheral blood was detected by Knott test. Microfilariae were further examined by acid phosphatase staining and molecular methods (PCR). The presence of adult female D. immitis circulating antigens in blood was assessed by a commercial kit (PetChek, IDEXX Laboratories, Portland, USA). Microfilariae were detected in 7 (9 %) out of the 77 animals by the Knott test. The result of the acid phosphatase staining and PCR for all seven samples agreed with Dirofilaria repens species. Other five dogs of the 77 sera (6.5 %) sampled were serologically positive for circulating D. immitis antigens. No D. immitis microfilariae were found in these five dogs. D. repens positive dogs were negative on the ELISA for D. immitis. This is the first report of autochthonous cases of heart-worm disease and subcutaneous dirofilariosis in dogs in the Czech Republic.
Surface and Interface Analysis
Authors: Hofmann Siegfried
Published: November 2006

After a brief survey of surface and interface analysis methods, a representative selection of the latter is given in an introductory manner, emphasizing the following aspects: (i) analysis of surface morphology [transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), atomic force microscopy (AFM)], (ii) analysis of surface elemental composition [X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), auger electron spectroscopy (AES), sputter depth profiling, ion scattering spectroscopy (ISS), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)], (iii) analysis of surface molecular composition [Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS)]. A biography for further reading is added.
Toluene
Authors: Ozokwelu E. Dickson ,   Updated by Staff
Published: November 2006

Changes in the environment necessitate that information on commodity chemicals like toluene be updated periodically. Because of the global technological and economic changes that have occurred since 1983, considerable material on improved and emerging technologies for the manufacture of toluene and also on the economic aspects and uses of toluene are included.

Physical and chemical properties are presented. The majority of toluene produced is unrecovered, ie, it remains in the various refinery streams. Manufacture and processing aspects treated include production of toluene along with benzene and xylenes from reformate and highlight the improvements on toluene–benzene recovery by extraction and extractive distillation. Emerging technologies for the manufacture of BTX from light hydrocarbons are reviewed. Toluene supply and demand are discussed. The use of toluene for gasoline blending and the increase in demand of toluene for use in disproportionation plants to produce xylenes are analyzed. Specifications, standards, and quality control are outlined. The analytical and test methods and storage procedures are listed, and health and safety factors (toxicology) are discussed. Uses and derivatives are presented.
Vaccine Technology
Authors: Somasekhar Gopalam , Chao Shou‐Bai
Published: November 2006

A vaccine is a preparation used to prevent a specific infectious disease by inducing immunity in the host against a specific pathogenic microorganism. Beginning in the 1950s, with the discovery of antibiotics, interest in vaccine research faded; however, the development of biotechnology and modern immunology has created new opportunities for producing new antigens, and vaccine research has become a significant focus once again. Vaccines have been developed against poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, influenza virus,Hemophilus influenzaeserotype b, hepatitis B, hepatitis A, varicella, pneumococcus, meningococcus, rotavirus, herpes zoster, and human papilloma virus, which are all in commercial use. Vaccines being developed include those against respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza, herpes simplex, malaria, gonorrhea, and the human immunodeficiency virus. Details of these vaccines and the methods for their preparation and testing are discussed. Also discussed are future technologies, the effects of genetic engineering, adjuvants, combination vaccines, and economic considerations.
Waste Management, Solid
Authors: Bagchi Amalendu
Published: November 2006

This article provides concise information regarding integrated solid waste management (ISWM) of nonhazardous waste. The primary goal of ISWM is to minimize energy use, environmental impact, and landfill space use by maximizing reduction, reuse, and recycling (also known as “Three Rs”) of waste. Many communities and companies are adopting a new concept of “zero waste”, which is a philosophy grown out of concerns for global warming and sustainable development. The concept looks at overall picture of consumption and disposal. The article includes information regarding identification and characterization of various nonhazardous wastes generated in communities. Discussion regarding efficient collection system for various waste types, how to reduce their volume and toxicity, and waste disposal related issues are included.
Determination of Mechanical Properties of Copper at the Micron Scale
Authors: Kiener D. , Motz C. , Schöberl T. , Jenko M. , Dehm G.
Published: November 2006

Using a focused ion beam workstation, micron‐sized bending and compression samples were fabricated from a pure copper single crystal. The bending and compression experiments exhibited a strong size effect on the flow stress of copper, reaching values in the order of 1 GPa for the smallest test structures. Conventional strain gradient plasticity approaches are not capable of explaining this behaviour. The surface damage introduced by Ga+ ion implantation during focused ion beam preparation was investigated using Auger electron spectroscopy and its consequence on the mechanical response of the miniaturized test samples is addressed.
Influence of Annealing on the Fracture Behavior of 200 μm Thick α‐PVDF Films
Authors: Wallner G. M. , Major Z. , Maier G. , Lang R. W.
Published: November 2006

For 200 μm thick, extruded α‐PVDF films it has been shown that annealing affects the mechanical and the fracture behavior. The subtle distinctions in microstructure reflected by differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray scattering methods are associated by significant differences in the plastic deformation and fracture mechanisms.
High‐Temperature Tribological Behavior of CrN‐Ag Self‐lubricating Coatings
Authors: Kutschej K. , Mitterer C. , Mulligan C. P. , Gall D.
Published: November 2006

The CrN‐Ag coating system is a promising candidate for high‐temperature lubrication, as it combines the wear and corrosion resistance of CrN with the lubrication properties of Ag. In this study, special emphasis is laid on the influence of surface reactions, like the formation of Ag agglomerates and/or surface oxidation, and on the high‐temperature tribological behavior at 600 °C. Characterization of the friction curves and the wear tracks provides an understanding of the relation between the out‐diffusion of Ag (forming agglomerates) and its lubricating effect.
Thermodynamic Modeling of High‐Temperature Fe‐Ni‐Heazlewoodite
Authors: Waldner P. , Sitte W.
Published: November 2006

The thermodynamic modeling of key sub‐systems as the iron‐nickel‐sulfur system is a contribution to the development of extended databases for multicomponent metal‐sulfur systems. A further extension of a recent thermodynamic modeling of the Fe‐Ni‐S system is presented. A two‐sublattice approach in the framework of the Compound Energy Formalism is used for a consistent integration of a second ternary high–temperature heazlewoodite phase within a complete thermodynamic description of the Fe‐Ni‐S system.
Wet or Dry – Hardness, Stiffness and Wear Resistance of Biological Materials on the Micron Scale
Authors: Schöberl T. , Jäger I. L.
Published: November 2006

The present paper reports on the influence of humidity on hardness and stiffness measurements of biological materials. For the first time abrasion tests on the micrometer‐scale were performed on human dentin and enamel and, moreover, on tools of non‐vertebrates. Hardness and modulus can depend strongly on the water content; large differences can appear between wet samples measured under fluid or in air.
Oxide Fiber Composites with Promising Properties for High‐Temperature Structural Applications
Authors: Simon R. A. , Danzer R.
Published: November 2006

This paper summarizes the mechanical properties of recently developed Oxide Fiber Composites (OFCs) consisting of high‐strength continuous oxide fibers embedded in an oxide matrix. The OFCs exhibit a favorable combination of high strength and damage tolerance due to unusual homogeneous microstructures. The tensile behavior in both fiber‐ and matrix‐dominated loadings and interlaminar shear behavior are described. Special emphasis is placed on the attractive thermal shock resistance and high‐temperature long‐term performance of these new materials.
Metallurgical Aspects of Casting High‐Manganese Steel Grades
Authors: Gigacher G. , Pierer R. , Wiener J. , Bernhard C.
Published: November 2006

The high temperature strength and internal crack susceptibility of a high Mn‐steel grade, X50MnAl 25 1 has been compared to that of a HSSS steel and that of two low carbon steels. High strength and crack susceptibility are supposed to be limiting factors in casting high‐Mn steels on conventional continuous casting machines.
Functional Supramolecular Ruthenium Cyclodextrin Dyes for Nanocrystalline Solar Cells
Authors: Faiz J. , Philippopoulos A. I. , Kontos A. G. , Falaras P. , Pikramenou Z.
Published: November 2006

A supramolecular complex [Ru(dcb)2(α‐CD‐5‐bpy)]Cl2 (1‐α‐CD) (dcb = 4,4′‐dicarboxyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine, α‐CD‐5‐bpy = 6‐mono[5‐methyl(5′‐methyl‐2,2′‐bipyridyl)]‐permethylated α‐CD) (CD: cyclodextrin) based on a ruthenium tris‐bipyridyl core with an appended α‐CD cavity is designed and synthesised, in order to facilitate dye/redox couple interaction and dye regeneration in nanocrystalline TiO2 solar cells. The luminescent complex is fully characterized and anchored on mesoporous titania electrodes showing increased power‐conversion efficiency in solid‐state dye‐sensitized solar cells using a composite polymer electrolyte. Direct comparison of the properties of the CD complex with an analogous ruthenium complex [Ru(dcb)2(5,5′‐dmbpy)]Cl2 (2) (5,5′‐dmbpy = 5,5′‐dimethylbipyridine) without the CD cavity reveals that the photovoltaic performance of 1‐α‐CD is enhanced by about 40 % compared to 2. Independent studies have shown complexation of the iodide redox couple to the CD in 1‐α‐CD. These results indicate that the CD moiety is able to act as a mediator and fine tune the photoelectrode/electrolyte interface.
Cover Picture: Light‐Emitting Organic Solar Cells Based on a 3D Conjugated System with Internal Charge Transfer (Adv. Mater. 22/2006)
Authors: Cravino A. , Leriche P. , Alévêque O. , Roquet S. , Roncali J.
Published: November 2006

The cover image illustrates the dual photovoltaic and electroluminescence function of a single‐layer device based on a thienylenevinylene–triphenylamine with internal charge transfer (ICT), as reported by Cravino, Roncali, and co‐workers on p. 3033. The material forms an organic glass with isotropic electronic properties while ICT leads simultaneously to an extension of the photoresponse to the red and to an increase of the open circuit voltage. The use of an additional layer of C60 further improves the photovoltaic. Images of the sun and moon courtesy NASA/JPL–Caltech.
Header design for flow equalization in microstructured reactors
Authors: Rebrov Evgeny V. , Ismagilov Ilyas Z. , Ekatpure Rahul P. , de Croon Mart H.J.M. , Schouten Jaap C.
Published: November 2006

To enhance the uniformity of fluid flow distribution in microreactors, a header configuration consisting of a cone diffuser connected to a thick‐walled screen has been proposed. The thick‐walled screen consists of two sections: the upstream section constitutes a set of elongated parallel upstream channels and the downstream section constitutes a set of elongated parallel downstream channels positioned at an angle of 90° with respect to the upstream channels. In this approach the problem of flow equalization reduces to that of flow equalization in the first and second downstream channels of the thick‐walled screen. In turn, this requires flow equalization in the corresponding cross sections of the upstream channels. The computational fluid dynamics analysis of the fluid flow maldistribution shows that eight parallel upstream channels with a width of 300–600 μm are required per 1 cm of length for flow equalization. The length to width ratio of these channels has to be >15. The numerical results suggest that the proposed header configuration can effectively improve the performance of the downstream microstructured devices, decreasing the ratio of the maximum flow velocity to the mean flow velocity from 2 to 1.005 for a wide range of Reynolds numbers (0.5–10). © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Consolidation and expansion of a granular bed of superabsorbent hydrogels
Authors: Iritani Eiji , Katagiri Nobuyuki , Yoo Kyong‐Min , Hayashi Hirotoshi
Published: November 2006

Both consolidation and expansion properties of a packed bed of superabsorbent hydrogel particles under the action of the mechanical loads were investigated in various ionic environments using a KCl solution to clarify the role of the osmotic pressure of the solution on the deformation behaviors of hydrogel particles. A description of the consolidation process was accomplished through the use of either the modified Terzaghi model or a simplified computation method. As the concentration of KCl solution increased, the consolidation rate increased and the packed hydrogels became denser. The data were well analyzed based on the idea of the effective osmotic pressure of the solution. Moreover, in the expansion process of the compressed bed of hydrogel particles, it was determined that the secondary expansion effect known as the creep effect plays an important role on the expansion behavior. It was found that expansion proceeds more slowly than consolidation. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Lepirudin for anticoagulation in patients with heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia treated with continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: Gajra Ajeet , Vajpayee Neerja , Smith Arienne , Poiesz Bernard J. , Narsipur Sriram
Published: November 2006

Lepirudin is a potent, direct thrombin inhibitor used for anticoagulation in patients with heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia type II (HIT). The half‐life of lepirudin is prolonged in patients with renal insufficiency. Preliminary studies suggest that it is safe to use lepirudin in patients being treated with intermittent hemodialysis but information regarding its use with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is scarce. CRRT is used in acute care settings to remove fluid and uremic toxins in patients with renal failure with hemodynamic instability. Patients with HIT, renal failure, and hemodynamic instability pose a complex situation for clinical management. These patients require anticoagulation with nonheparin agents with simultaneous CRRT. There are no guidelines in the literature regarding the management of this patient group. We report our experience with lepirudin at managing four such patients with HIT, being treated with CRRT. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Safety and tolerability of a novel chromatography‐based intravenous immunoglobulin when administered at a high infusion rate in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Bussel James B. , Hanna Kim
Published: November 2006

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV) therapy is generally considered to be a safe and effective treatment for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The usual initial treatment dose is 1–2 g/kg body weight, which results in an extended infusion time, significantly impacting patients' day‐to‐day activities. Two crossover studies assessed the safety and tolerability of a novel IGIV preparation (IGIV‐C; Gamunex®, 10%) when infused at rates ranging from 0.08 mL/kg/min (the standard maximum licensed rate) to 0.14 mL/kg/min in patients with ITP. The first study included 28 patients and 3 infusion rates; 0.08, 0.11, and 0.14 mL/kg/min. The second study included 8 patients and 2 infusion rates; 0.08 and 0.14 mL/kg/min were evaluated. The incidence of infusion‐related adverse events was similar for all infusion rates. Headache was the most commonly reported infusion‐related adverse event. The incidence, combined for Studies 1 and 2, was 14.7% (n = 34), 18.2% (n = 22), and 19.4% (n = 31) of patients, for each infusion rate of 0.08, 0.11, and 0.14 mL/kg/min, respectively. The majority were mild in severity. None of the other drug‐related, treatment‐emergent events were serious; most were mild, in spite of the higher rate of fluid loading over a shorter period of time for patients infused at 0.14 mL/kg/min. There were no clinically important changes in parameters that distinguished between infusion rates; there were no signs of hemolysis. The results suggest that IGIV‐C infused at rates up to 0.14 mL/kg/min in patients with ITP is well tolerated. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Karyotype–phenotype insights from 11q14.1‐q23.2 interstitial deletions:FZD4haploinsufficiency and exudative vitreoretinopathy in a patient with a complex chromosome rearrangement
Authors: Li Peining , Zhang Hui Z. , Huff Shannon , Nimmakayalu Manjunath , Qumsiyeh Mazin , Yu Jingwei , Szekely Anna , Xu Tian , Pober Barbara R.
Published: November 2006

We detected a unique de novo complex chromosome rearrangement (CCR) in a patient with multiple abnormalities including growth retardation, facial anomalies, exudative vitreoretinopathy (EVR), cleft palate, and minor digital anomalies. Cytogenetic analysis, fluorescent in situ hybridization, and microsatellite genotyping showed a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 5 and 8, and a complex translocation‐deletion‐inversion process in the formation of derivative chromosomes 11 and 16. High‐density whole‐genome oligonucleotide array comparative genomic hybridization (oaCGH) defined a 35‐megabase interstitial deletion of 11q14.1‐q23.2 and a 1 megabase deletion of 16q22.3‐q23.1. The Frizzled‐4 (FZD4) gene is located within this 11q deletion. Parental studies and sequencing analysis confirmed that the patient was hemizygous forFZD4due to the loss of a paternal allele on the derivative chromosome 11. Mutations inFZD4are known to cause autosomal dominant exudative vitreoretinopathy (EVR1). Our patient's findings suggest that haploinsufficiency of theFZD4gene product can also be a disease‐causing mechanism for EVR1. We reviewed the clinical manifestations of 23 cases with 11q14‐q23 interstitial deletions, with particular scrutiny of the present case and four reported cases characterized by molecular cytogenetics. These findings were used to construct a regional deletion map consisting of a haplosufficient segment at 11q14.3, a flanking centromeric segment at 11q14.1‐q14.2, and a flanking telomeric segment at 11q21‐q23.3. We propose that deletions of theFZD4gene located within the centromeric segment cause retinal dysgenesis, while deletions within the telomeric segment account for dysmorphic craniofacial features, growth and mental retardation, and mild digital anomalies. These results provide insight into karyotype–phenotype correlations and prompt a rational analytic approach to cases with interstitial deletions of the 11q14‐q23 region. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical features and management issues in Mowat–Wilson syndrome
Authors: Adam Margaret P. , Schelley Susan , Gallagher Renata , Brady April N. , Barr Kimberly , Blumberg Bruce , Shieh Joseph T.C. , Graham John , Slavotinek Anne , Martin Madelena , Keppler‐Noreuil Kim , Storm Andrea L. , Hudgins Louanne
Published: November 2006

Mowat–Wilson syndrome (MWS) is a relatively newly described multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation syndrome. Haploinsufficiency of a gene termed ZFHX1B (also known as SIP1) on chromosome 2 is responsible for this condition, and clinical genetic testing for MWS recently became available. The majority of reports in the literature originate from Northern Europe and Australia. Here we report our clinical experience with 12 patients diagnosed with MWS within a 2‐year period of time in the United States, with particular emphasis on clinical characteristics and management strategies. Individuals with this condition have characteristic facial features, including microcephaly, hypertelorism, medially flared and broad eyebrows, prominent columella, pointed chin, and uplifted earlobes, which typically prompt the clinician to consider the diagnosis. Medical issues in our cohort of patients included seizures (75%) with no predeliction for any particular seizure type; agenesis of the corpus callosum (60% of our patients studied); congenital heart defects (75%), particularly involving the pulmonary arteries and/or valves; hypospadias (55% of males); severely impaired or absent speech (100% of individuals over 1 year of age) with relatively spared receptive language; and Hirschsprung disease (50%) or chronic constipation (25%). The incidence of MWS is unknown, but based on the number of patients identified in a short period of time within the US, it is likely greatly under recognized. MWS should be considered in any individual with severely impaired or absent speech, especially in the presence of seizures and anomalies involving the pulmonary arteries (particularly pulmonary artery sling) or pulmonary valves. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A variable combination of features of Noonan syndrome and neurofibromatosis type I are caused by mutations in the NF1 gene
Authors: Hüffmeier Ulrike , Zenker Martin , Hoyer Juliane , Fahsold Raimund , Rauch Anita
Published: November 2006

Signs of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and Noonan syndrome (NS), two distinct autosomal dominant disorders, occur together in patients reported as Watson syndrome (WS), neurofibromatosis‐Noonan syndrome (NFNS), partial LEOPARD syndrome, NS with features of NF1, and NF1 with Noonan‐like features. The molecular basis of these combined phenotypes was poorly understood and controversially discussed over several decades. Only recently, there is increasing evidence for WS and NFNS being allelic to NF1 in the majority of patients. In this study we describe seven novel patients from five unrelated families with variable phenotypes of the NF1‐NS spectrum which were systematically analyzed for mutations in the disease‐causing genes NF1 for NF1 and PTPN11 for NS. Heterozygous mutations or deletions of NF1 were identified in all patients, while no PTPN11 mutation was found. The NF1 mutation segregated with the phenotype in both familial cases. These results support the hypothesis that variable phenotypes of the NF1‐NS spectrum represent variants of NF1 in the majority of cases. Constitutive deregulation of the Ras pathway either through activating mutations of PTPN11 or through haploinsufficiency of neurofibromin, which acts as a Ras‐inactivating GTP‐ase, is probably the common pathogenetic mechanism explaining the phenotypic overlap of NS and NF1. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aldolreaktionen in der Totalsynthese von Polyketiden
Authors: Schetter Bernd , Mahrwald Rainer
Published: November 2006

Die Aldolreaktion gehört zu den wichtigsten Methoden der organischen Synthesechemie für den stereoselektiven Aufbau von polyketiden Naturstoffen. Dabei bedient sich die Natur gleichermaßen wie der präparativ arbeitende Chemiker dieser fundamentalen Reaktion. Die rasante Entwicklung auf dem Gebiet der stereoselektiven Aldolreaktionen während der letzten 30 Jahre führte zur Totalsynthese vieler komplexer Naturstoffe. Dieser Beitrag illustriert anhand ausgewählter Totalsynthesen von Naturstoffen diese neuartigen Varianten der Aldoladdition. Dabei werden Aldoladditionen, die sich unterschiedlicher Metallenolate bedienen, ebenso behandelt wie metallkomplexkatalysierte, organokatalytische sowie biokatalytische Methoden.
Gene expression profile analysis using discrimination and fuzzy classification methods
Authors: Kapil Ankur , Gudi Ravindra D. , Noronha Santosh B.
Published: November 2006

There is a huge incentive for gene expression analysis and identification of biologically meaningful clusters from microarray data. However, the high dimensionality of the data poses challenges for this task. Here, to reduce this problem of irrelevant dimensions, we consider three different projection methods, viz. principal components analysis (PCA), correspondence analysis (CA), and multiple discriminant analysis (DA). To account for the possibility of pleiotropy, where the expression of certain genes may be related to more than one phenotypical condition, we use fuzzy clustering on the lower dimensional space generated by PCA, CA, and DA. Fuzzy clustering permits partial belonging of an attribute, such as gene expression, to different functionalities and hence is eminently suited for this task. To determine the optimum number of clusters, we evaluate various cluster validity indices. In this paper, we compare these methodologies when applied to the data generated by a genetic network simulator (eXPatGen) and also to the experimental micro array data available for yeast S. cerevisiae. © 2006 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3‐Heptylamino‐5‐Phenylpyridazine Derivatives as Analogues of Acyl‐CoA: Cholesterol Acyltransferase Inhibitors Containing the N‐Heptyl‐N′‐Arylureidic Moiety
Authors: Gelain Arianna , Barlocco Daniela , Kwon Byong‐Mog , Jeong Tae‐Sook , Im Kyung‐Ran , Legnani Laura , Toma Lucio
Published: November 2006

A series of novel Acyl‐CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitors 8a–f was synthesized; the substances were characterized by the presence of a 2,5‐dimethylpyrazin‐3‐yl moiety at one end and a 3‐heptylamino‐5‐phenylpyridazine system at the other one, linked through linear alkyl spacers of different length. The new derivatives were designed based on the hypothesis that the 3‐amino‐5‐phenylpyridazine moiety could mimic the aryl substituted urea, which was present in a number of ACAT inhibitors previously described. The choice of the 2,5‐dimethylpyrazin‐3‐yl substituent was supported by a preliminary investigation, which indicated that this moiety is the most powerful in conferring ACAT inhibitory properties to the new series. The pharmacological results proved the idea to be sound. Finally, compounds 9a–c, lacking the phenylpyridazine moiety were prepared and tested to further strengthen our hypothesis.
First Total Synthesis of the 2,7‐Naphthyridine Alkaloids Lophocladine A and B
Authors: Lotter Matthias , Schilling Johannes , Reimann Eberhard , Bracher Franz
Published: November 2006

The one‐pot reaction of 4‐benzylpyridine‐3‐carbonitrile with Bredereck's reagent and subsequent treatment with either glacial acetic acid and sulfuric acid or ammonium acetate provided the new bioactive naphthyridine alkaloids lophocladine A and B, respectively.
On Testing Simultaneously Non‐inferiority in Two Multiple Primary Endpoints and Superiority in at Least One of Them
Authors: Röhmel Joachim , Gerlinger Christoph , Benda Norbert , Läuter Jürgen
Published: November 2006

In a clinical trial with an active treatment and a placebo the situation may occur that two (or even more) primary endpoints may be necessary to describe the active treatment's benefit. The focus of our interest is a more specific situation with two primary endpoints in which superiority in one of them would suffice given that non‐inferiority is observed in the other. Several proposals exist in the literature for dealing with this or similar problems, but prove insufficient or inadequate at a closer look (e.g. Bloch et al. (2001, 2006) or Tamhane and Logan (2002, 2004)). For example, we were unable to find a good reason why a bootstrap p ‐value for superiority should depend on the initially selected non‐inferiority margins or on the initially selected type I error α. We propose a hierarchical three step procedure, where non‐inferiority in both variables must be proven in the first step, superiority has to be shown by a bivariate test (e.g. Holm (1979), O'Brien (1984), Hochberg (1988), a bootstrap (Wang (1998)), or Läuter (1996)) in the second step, and then superiority in at least one variable has to be verified in the third step by a corresponding univariate test. All statistical tests are performed at the same one‐sided significance level α. From the above mentioned bivariate superiority tests we preferred Läuter's SS test and the Holm procedure for the reason that these have been proven to control the type I error strictly, irrespective of the correlation structure among the primary variables and the sample size applied. A simulation study reveals that the performance regarding power of the bivariate test depends to a considerable degree on the correlation and on the magnitude of the expected effects of the two primary endpoints. Therefore, the recommendation of which test to choose depends on knowledge of the possible correlation between the two primary endpoints. In general, Läuter's SS procedure in step 2 shows the best overall properties, whereas Holm's procedure shows an advantage if both a positive correlation between the two variables and a considerable difference between their standardized effect sizes can be expected. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Trial Designs for Targeted Therapies
Authors: Thompson Simon G.
Published: November 2006

This is a discussion of the paper ‘Making efficient use of patients in designing phase III trials investigating simultaneously a set of targeted therapies with different targets’ by Werner Vach and Rene dePont Christensen. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Environmental biotechnology in China: Progress and prospect
Authors: Zhong Weihong , Chen Jianmeng
Published: November 2006

Biotechnology could be widely applied in the technological development of environmental protection. This report gives a brief Chinese review on the major progress of environmental biotechnology in the following fields: Monitoring technology and treatment of dioxin‐like chemicals and cyanobacterial toxins, biofiltration for air pollution control, solid waste treatment and reutilization, bioremediation of soil pollution, risk assessment and control of endocrine disturbing substances in environment, wastewater treatment, clean production and recycling economy. The effect of government policy and fund on the progress of environmental biotechnology is also discussed.
Future of biomedical sciences: Single molecule microscopy
Authors: Walter Nils G.
Published: November 2006

The behavior of single molecule defines whether a cell lives, dies, or responds to a specific drug treatment. Single molecule microscopies have begun to reveal the number, location, and functionalities of molecules outside and inside living cells. This issue of Biopolymers presents a first set of reviews that aim to highlight the accomplishments and future prospects of single molecule microscopies. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 85:103–105, 2007.

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
Randomized clinical trial of 0·2 per cent glyceryl trinitrate ointment for wound healing and pain reduction after open diathermy haemorrhoidectomy
Authors: Tan K-Y , Sng K K , Tay K-H , Lai J-H , Eu K-W
Published: November 2006

Background

Open haemorrhoidectomy is associated with considerable postoperative pain and discomfort. This study assessed whether glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) ointment promotes wound healing and reduces pain after open haemorrhoidectomy.

Methods

A randomized prospective double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Patients were randomized to either 0·2 per cent GTN ointment or placebo ointment (petroleum jelly). Patients were asked to fill in a pain diary. Complete healing was defined as complete epithelialization.

Results

There were 40 patients in the GTN group and 42 in the placebo group. There were no statistically significant differences in sex, weight, type of haemorrhoid, type of surgery (emergency or elective), number of haemorrhoids excised, duration of surgery, hospital stay and complication rate between the groups. Pain scores and analgesic use were not significantly different. By week 3, however, 17 patients in the GTN group had completely epithelialized wounds compared with eight patients in the placebo group (P = 0·021). Only one patient who received GTN experienced headache requiring discontinuation of the ointment.

Conclusion

TGN 0·2 per cent ointment improved wound healing rates, but did not reduce pain in this study.
Origins of the gonadal artery: Embryologic implications
Authors: Shoja Mohammadali M. , Tubbs R. Shane , Shakeri Abolhassan B. , Oakes W. Jerry
Published: November 2006

The gonadal arteries are paired vessels that usually originate from the abdominal aorta at the level of second lumbar vertebra. In 5–20% of cases, the gonadal artery has a high origin (superior to L2) and in 5–6% of cases it originates from the main or accessory renal artery. The latter is referred to here as an aberrant gonadal artery. Ninety‐eight kidneys of 50 healthy potential renal transplant donors were prospectively studied by conventional angiography. The renal artery, either main or accessory, was detected and individually injected to highlight their perihilar divisions and possible extrarenal branches. The gonadal arteries were recorded if they originated from the renal arteries. We found that 39% (n = 38) of kidneys had at least one accessory renal artery. In 14 sides (14% of kidneys), the gonadal artery (11 right and 3 left) originated from the renal artery, either main (n = 5) or accessory (n = 9). Ten out of 14 kidneys with an aberrant gonadal artery had an associated accessory renal artery. In nine cases, the gonadal artery originated from the accessory renal artery, and in one case, although it originated from the main renal artery, the same kidney had an accessory arterial supply. The results of this study demonstrate that aberrant gonadal arteries tend to originate from kidneys that possess an accessory arterial supply. We hypothesize that aberrancies of the gonadal artery are a part of a common embryologic error resulting in the persistence of the future accessory renal arteries. We believe that this study is the first to hypothesize and study such an association with these arterial anomalies of the renal pedicle. Clin. Anat. 20:428–432, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variations of the nutrient artery of the fibula
Authors: Kocabiyik Necdet , Yalçin Bülent , Ozan Hasan
Published: November 2006

In this study the authors aimed to show variations of the nutrient artery of the fibula, which is important for more effective vascularized fibular grafts. Thirty intact legs were examined to determine the number, location, and diameter of the nutrient arteries in the shaft. In 27 of these specimens (90%) there was single nutrient artery; two legs (6.6%) had double nutrient artery. In one leg (3.3%) no nutrient artery was observed. The number of nutrient arteries found on each of the surfaces was summarized as follows. Most of the nutrient arteries pierced the fibula at its medial crest, while only one entered from the posterior surface. Most nutrient arteries were near the middle third of the fibula. The most frequent diameter of the nutrient artery was 0.9–1.5 mm. The authors think that their results about the variations of the nutrient artery supplying the fibula will contribute to the clinical and vascular anatomy knowledge. Clin. Anat. 20:440–443, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A New Photoactive Building Block for Investigation of DNA Backbone Interactions: Photoaffinity Labeling of Human DNA Polymerase β
Authors: Liebmann Meike , Di Pasquale Francesca , Marx Andreas
Published: November 2006

The cross‐linking of target proteins or nucleic acids to light‐activatable ligands is an important tool for elucidating molecular interactions. Through the use of photoaffinity‐labeling reagents, several new insights into nucleic acid interactions have been obtained, for example in DNA replication and repair. In most known photoprobes, the applied light‐sensitive functionalities are placed directly at the nucleobase or are attached via linkers to either the nucleobase or the phosphate backbone. Here we describe the first photoprobe that bears a light‐sensitive aryl(trifluoromethyl)diazirine at the sugar moiety of a DNA oligonucleotide. We devised a route for the synthesis of the modified nucleoside and its incorporation into an oligonucleotide. The photoactive species was proven to be stable under the conditions employed in routine automated DNA synthesis. The modified oligonucleotide was shown by subsequent photolabeling studies of human DNA polymerase β to form a covalent complex to the enzyme upon irradiation with near‐UV light.
A Gene Cluster for Prenylated Naphthoquinone and Prenylated Phenazine Biosynthesis in Streptomyces cinnamonensis DSM 1042
Authors: Haagen Yvonne , Glück Kerstin , Fay Katja , Kammerer Bernd , Gust Bertolt , Heide Lutz
Published: November 2006

Streptomyces cinnamonensis DSM 1042 produces two classes of secondary metabolites of mixed isoprenoid/nonisoprenoid origin: the polyketide–isoprenoid compound furanonaphthoquinone I (FNQ I) and several prenylated phenazines, predominantly endophenazine A. We now report the cloning and sequence analysis of a 55 kb gene cluster required for the biosynthesis of these compounds. Several inactivation experiments confirmed the involvement of this gene cluster in the biosynthesis of FNQ I and endophenazine A. The six identified genes for endophenazine biosynthesis showed close similarity to phenazine biosynthetic genes from Pseudomonas. Of the 28 open reading frames identified in the adjacent FNQ I cluster, 13 showed close similarity to genes contained in the cluster for furaquinocin—a structurally similar metabolite from another Streptomyces strain. These genes included a type III polyketide synthase sequence, a momA‐like monooxygenase gene, and two cloQ‐like prenyltransferase genes designated fnq26 and fnq28. Inactivation experiments confirmed the involvement of fnq26 in FNQ I biosynthesis, whereas no change in secondary‐metabolite formation was observed after fnq28 inactivation. The FNQ I cluster contains a contiguous group of five genes, which together encode all the enzymatic functions required for the recycling of S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) to S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM). Two SAM‐dependent methyltransferases are encoded within the cluster. Inactivation experiments showed that fnq9 is responsible for the 7‐O‐methylation and fnq27 for the 6‐C‐methylation reaction in FNQ I biosynthesis.
Sealing of Rotary Drums for Operation Under Pressurized Conditions
Authors: Shirvani M. , Khanof M. H. , Yousefi M. R. , Sadighi S.
Published: November 2006

In practice, rotary drums are usually designed for operation under vacuum conditions. In this paper, a novel technique is proposed for sealing the rotary drums under pressurized operating conditions. The proposed system is based on applying a secondary pressurized volume around the leaking gap of the drum. By maintaining the pressure of this volume a little above the pressure of the drum, it is possible to prevent leakage of gases to the ambient environment. The objective of the controller in this system is to keep the pressure of the secondary volume above the pressure level of the drum, independent of the disturbances, which may exerted on the system by the wind outside the drum. The control system is also required to trace the variations in the drum pressure, with the least fluctuations in the pressure difference between the drum and the volume.
A Simple Approach to Measuring the Gas Phase Heat and Mass Transfer Coefficients in a Bubble Column
Authors: Daous M. , Al‐Zahrani A.
Published: November 2006

A simple experimental approach was developed to measure the gas phase volumetric heat and mass transfer coefficients in a bubble column and a slurry bubble column employing a single gas nozzle. The experimental technique was based on a transfer model that simulates humidification and direct contact evaporation models in the case of a gas bubble rising in a liquid of uniform temperature. The temperature and relative humidity of the inlet and outlet gas in the column are the only measurements required in this technique. Experiments were carried out in a 0.15 m inner diameter column using water as the liquid phase, air as the gas phase, and cation resins of 0.1 mm diameter and a specific gravity of 1.2, as the solid phase. The results showed that, when using solid concentrations in the range of 7–10 wt %, both the volumetric gas‐phase heat and mass transfer coefficients increased with an increase in the gas superficial velocity and were further enhanced by increasing the solid load after a certain minimum superficial velocity had been reached in the column (0.044 m/s in the system used). Increasing the solid load beyond 10 wt %, did not contribute to a further increase in these coefficients. Furthermore, the gas holdup in the column increased with the superficial gas velocity and was further enhanced when the solid‐phase load was in the range of 7–10 wt %. These observations agree well with previously reported findings by other investigators.
Sustainable Chemical Technologies – Development Trends and Tools
Authors: Taniewski M.
Published: November 2006

The development trends in chemical technologies undergoing fundamental change towards sustainability are described and discussed. The main tools of sustainable technological development and possible alternatives are identified and characterized. Some opinions and predictions are presented concerning the future progress in the development of advanced sustainable chemical technologies.
A Mathematical Model to Compare the Efficiency of Cyclones
Authors: Hashemi S.B.
Published: November 2006

Tangential cyclones modified to form spiral cyclones are very efficient in separating solid particles from dust laden gases. They offer a lower gas pressure drop and higher particle separation efficiency when compared to basic tangential cyclones. Their high performance is believed to be related to their special structure. A mathematical model is introduced to explain why a spiral cyclone is more efficient than a tangential one. An experimental apparatus is designed to compare both the performances of spiral and tangential cyclones and to check the effectiveness of the model equations. The experimental data were found to be consistent with the model predictions.