bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Genotypes for Yield and its Attributes Traits under Bundelkhand Region of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Yadav Agnivesh , Singh R. K. , Luthra Suraj , Kumar Rakesh , Tiwari Chandroday Prakash , Kumar Virendra , Rajbhar Ramesh , Prasad Lalu
Published: March 2024

The present investigation was conducted at the Vegetable Research farm at the College of Horticulture, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, during the Rabi season 2019-2020. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with 20 genotypes of onion. The result obtained showed that the NHRDF Red-4 is performing the best among all genotypes in characters viz., plant height at 75 DAT, number of leaves per plant at 75 DAT, equatorial bulb diameter, 20 bulb weight, average bulb weight, gross yield kg per plot, gross yield q/ha, marketable yield kg/plot and marketable yield q/ha. The Bhima Shweta performed superior regarding most of the traits viz., double (%) on number basis, bolters percentage on number basis, rotten percentage at number basis, days to maturity at 60-70% neck fall, days to harvesting after transplanting, thrips per plant and TSS percentage but the genotype/variety Sukh Sagar took minimum duration and mature only in 80 days after transplanting, it is harvested before others genotypes/varieties and also yielded well, so this variety can be also recommended for cultivation in Uttar Pradesh.
Design and Simulation of a Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger for a Pyrolysis Reactor
Authors: Akinola A. O.  , Yaru, S. S.  , Raheem, R. O.  , Fetuata, O.  , Eiche, J. F.  , Akinsade, A.
Published: March 2024

Global concern for climate change and greenhouse gases effect necessitates the promotion and development of an alternative source of energy which will drastically reduce global warming and ultimately pose lesser threat to climate change. Since the volatiles are composed of the condensable and non-condensable components, a heat exchanger is required to obtain bio-fuel from these volatiles. In this research heat exchanger was developed for optimum condensation of volatile vapour (pyro-gas) exiting in a reactor during pyrolysis process. Copper and stainless steel were selected for the development of heat exchanger tube and shell respectively. Mathematical equations were used in sizing and rating the shell and tube heat exchanger, thereby estimating the desired length, shell diameter and number of baffles. Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulation of the designed heat exchanger was done on the ANSYS software and the validation of the model was achieved by comparing the theoretical temperature with the temperature predicted from the simulation. Results from the theoretical and CFD simulation shows satisfactory similarity in terms of percentage deviation estimated as 4.68% for shell and 4.62% for tube respectively. Simulated percentage product yield for liquid (48.88% and 46.00%), and gas (9.36% and 29.12%) at 400oC and 600oC were slightly higher than the experimental values of liquid (47.00% and 44.00%), and gas (9.00% and 28.00%) at the same temperatures.  In conclusion, the designed heat exchanger can be developed and used for the existing reactor for efficient and effective condensation for improved bio-oil yield.
Nonlinear Optical Properties of Porphyrins
Authors: Senge M. O. , Fazekas M. , Notaras E. G. A. , Blau W. J. , Zawadzka M. , Locos O. B. , Ni Mhuircheartaigh E. M.
Published: September 2007

Porphyrins and phthalocyanines have outstanding chemical and thermal stability. The macrocyclic structure and chemical reactivity of tetrapyrroles offers architectural flexibility and facilitates the tailoring of chemical, physical and optoelectronic parameters. The specific optical properties of the tetrapyrrole macrocycle combined with the synthetic methodologies now available and the already available theoretical and spectroscopic knowledge on their optical behavior make porphyrins a target of choice for this area. They are versatile organic nanomaterials with a rich photochemistry and their excited state properties are easily modulated through conformational design, molecular symmetry, metal complexation, orientation and strength of the molecular dipole moment, size and degree of conjugation of the π‐systems, and appropriate donor‐acceptor substituents. Here we review the structural chemistry and optical properties of recently synthesized porphyrin derivatives that offer potential for nonlinear optical (NLO) applications and complement existing studies on phthalocyanines. Classes of interest include the classic A4symmetric tetrapyrroles, while optimized systems include push‐pull porphyrins, oligomeric and supramolecular self‐assembled systems, films and nanoparticle systems, and highly conjugated porphyrin arrays.
Phosphinooxazolines Derived from 3‐Amino‐1,2‐diols: Highly Efficient Modular P‐N Ligands
Authors: Popa Dana , Puigjaner Cristina , Gómez Montserrat , Benet‐Buchholz Jordi , Vidal‐Ferran Anton , Pericàs Miquel A.
Published: September 2007

A family of chiral phosphinooxazolines (12a–e) derived from modular, enantiopure β‐amino alcohols has been prepared, and their palladium complexes have been used as chiral mediators in the asymmetric allylic alkylation reaction. The oxazoline moiety in 12 contains a C‐4 aryl and a C‐5 alkoxymethyl substituent that can be independently optimized for high catalytic activity and enantioselectivity. A methoxymethyl substituent at C‐5 has been found to provide the best results in terms of enantioselectivity and activity in the alkylation of a diverse family of allylic substrates under both thermal and microwave‐assisted activation. The palladium‐phosphinooxazoline complexes described in this work are remarkably robust, as the enantioselectivity recorded in the asymmetric allylic alkylation remains essentially unchanged in the temperature range between 20 and 130 °C. An unprecedented reversal in enantioselectivity has been observed between 1,3‐diphenylallyl and 1,3‐dimethylallyl alkylation substrates, and the origin of this behavior has been explained by means of ONIOM QM/MM calculations.
How does the Achiral Base Decide the Stereochemical Outcome in the Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Sulfinyl Chlorides? A Computational Study
Authors: Balcells David , Ujaque Gregori , Fernández Inmaculada , Khiar Noureddine , Maseras Feliu
Published: September 2007

The dynamic kinetic resolution of sulfinyl chlorides by addition of the optically active alcohol DAGOH (diacetone D‐glucose) in the presence of non‐chiral bases was theoretically studied at the ONIOM (Becke3LYP:UFF) level. The dependence of the stereochemical outcome on the nature of the base observed in this reaction was explored considering two electronically similar bases, pyridine and collidine, that are experimentally known to promote opposite diastereoselectivities. Our calculations reproduced the experimental result that the absolute configuration of sulfur in the major reaction product is R with pyridine but S with collidine. The analysis of the optimized geometries revealed that the most sterically active substituent around sulfur is the methyl of the substrate with pyridine but the base itself with collidine. This leads to an inversion of the chiral distribution of steric hindrance around sulfur that induces the reversal of the stereochemical outcome.
Integration of Solventless Reaction in a Multi‐Step Process: Application to an Efficient Synthesis of PA‐824
Authors: Orita Akihiro , Miwa Kai , Uehara Genta , Otera Junzo
Published: September 2007

In order to improve redundant synthetic processes, the integration of a solventless reaction has proved to be useful for gaining high reaction mass efficiency (RME) as well as reducing the amount of solvents. This concept was applied to synthesis of PA‐824, a potential antituberculosis drug. Thus, the solventless ring‐opening reaction of glycidyl silyl ether with dinitroimidazole was connected to succeeding solution reactions. The ring‐opening of glycidol followed by selective silylation of the primary hydroxy group under solventless conditions was also feasible. As a consequence, the overall yield of the target compound was nearly tripled, and thus the RME values were increased more than 2.5 times while the amount of necessary solvents was decreased to less than 1/3.
Genome‐wide linkage scan, fine mapping, and haplotype analysis in a large, inbred, Arab Israeli pedigree suggest a schizophrenia susceptibility locus on chromosome 20p13
Authors: Teltsh Omri , Kanyas Kyra , Karni Osnat , Levi Adi , Korner Mira , Ben‐Asher Edna , Lancet Doron , Hamdan Adnan , Lerer Bernard , Kohn Yoav
Published: September 2007

Linkage and association studies in schizophrenia have repeatedly drawn attention to several chromosomal regions and to genes within them. Conflicting patterns of association and the lack of a clear functional significance of the associated variants limit the interpretation of these results. The use of rare pedigrees, where genes with a major effect cause the disorder, has been proven beneficial in studies of other complex disorders. Our objective was to use this advantage by performing a genome wide linkage analysis for schizophrenia in a large, multiplex Israeli Arab pedigree. We genotyped 346 microsatellite markers in 24 pedigree members affected with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and 32 unaffected relatives. Two‐point linkage analysis with SUPERLINK demonstrated a LOD score of 2.47 for D20S116 on chromosome 20p13 under an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Further fine mapping yielded a two‐point LOD score of 2.56 for the adjacent marker D20S193 and narrowed down the linked region to 2–5 cM. A haplotype containing the markers D20S193, D20S889, and D20S116, 0.7 Mb in length, was found to be shared by most affected pedigree members. Genotyping of 43 SNPs in the interval supported these results with a multipoint LOD score of 2.7 around D20S193. We were also able to better define the boundaries of the shared haplotype which contains strong candidate genes for schizophrenia. Our study exemplifies the power of rare and unique pedigrees in drawing attention to novel regions for genetic studies of schizophrenia. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Demographic survey of black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra) in the Lachuá Eco‐region in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala
Authors: Rosales‐Meda Marleny , Estrada Alejandro , López Jorge E.
Published: September 2007

Guatemala harbors three species of primates (Alouatta palliata, Alouatta pigraandAteles geoffroyi), but the distribution and state of conservation of populations of these species are poorly documented. In the case ofA. pigra, populations have been studied recently and documented in several sites in Mexico and Belize, and only in one site in Guatemala (Tikal National Park). In this study, we report first‐time population data forA. pigraexisting in the Lachuá Eco‐region in northwestern Guatemala. Surveys were conducted between September 2002 and April 2003 in the northern portion (32 km2) of the Lachuá National Park (LLNP; 145 km2) and in a fragmented landscape north of the protected area. In this latter area we surveyed a large forest fragment (17.14 km2), “Nueve Cerros”, and 26 small forest fragments that ranged in size from 0.01 to 3.9 km2. Surveys resulted in a total count of 414 howler monkeys of which 403 belonged to 80 mixed‐sex groups, four were solitary males, two were solitary females and five were found in two male groups. Standardized sampling effort among sites indicated 16.7 monkeys/100 survey hours at LLNP, 35.8 individuals/100 survey hours at “Nueve Cerros” and 71.0±62.2 individuals/100 survey hours in the forest fragments. Mean group size varied from 4.07 individuals at LLNP to 5.19 individuals in the forest fragments. Conservation problems for the black howler population surveyed are discussed, along with possible conservation scenarios. Am. J. Primatol. 70:231–237, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence, segregation, and phenotype of the mitochondrial DNA 3243A>G mutation in children
Authors: Uusimaa Johanna , Moilanen Jukka S. , Vainionpää Leena , Tapanainen Päivi , Lindholm Päivi , Nuutinen Matti , Löppönen Tuija , Mäki‐Torkko Elina , Rantala Heikki , Majamaa Kari
Published: September 2007

Objective

We studied the prevalence, segregation, and phenotype of the mitochondrial DNA 3243A>G mutation in children in a defined population in Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland.

Methods

Children with diagnoses commonly associated with mitochondrial diseases were ascertained. Blood DNA from 522 selected children was analyzed for 3243A>G. Children with the mutation were clinically examined. Information on health history before the age of 18 years was collected from previously identified adult patients with 3243A>G. Mutation segregation analysis in buccal epithelial cells was performed in mothers with 3243A>G and their children whose samples were analyzed anonymously.

Results

Eighteen children were found to harbor 3243A>G in a population of 97,609. A minimum estimate for the prevalence of 3243A>G was 18.4 in 100,000 (95% confidence interval, 10.9–29.1/100,000). Information on health in childhood was obtained from 37 adult patients with 3243A>G. The first clinical manifestations appearing in childhood were sensorineural hearing impairment, short stature or delayed maturation, migraine, learning difficulties, and exercise intolerance. Mutation analysis from 13 mothers with 3243A>G and their 41 children gave a segregation rate of 0.80. The mothers with heteroplasmy greater than 50% tended to have offspring with lower or equal heteroplasmy, whereas the opposite was true for mothers with heteroplasmy less than or equal to 50% (p = 0.0016).

Interpretation

The prevalence of 3243A>G is relatively high in the pediatric population, but the morbidity in children is relatively low. The random genetic drift model may be inappropriate for the transmission of the 3243A>G mutation. Ann Neurol 2007
A risk score for unfavorable outcome in adults with bacterial meningitis
Authors: Weisfelt Martijn , van de Beek Diederik , Spanjaard Lodewijk , Reitsma Johannes B. , de Gans Jan
Published: September 2007

Objective

To derive and validate a bedside risk score for adverse outcome in adults with bacterial meningitis.

Methods

We derived a score for the risk for an unfavorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale score 1–4) by performing logistic regression analyses of data from a prospective cohort study (Dutch Meningitis Cohort; N = 696). A key set of independent prognostic variables was selected from 22 potential predictors. A nomogram based on these key variables was constructed to facilitate use in clinical practice. To validate this nomogram, we used data from our randomized controlled trial on adjunctive dexamethasone therapy in adults with bacterial meningitis (European Dexamethasone Study; N = 301).

Results

Unfavorable outcome occurred in 237 of 696 episodes (34%) in the Dutch Meningitis Cohort; 143 patients (21%) died. In the analysis, 6 of 22 variables that are routinely available within 1 hour after admission were robust enough for inclusion in the final risk score: age, heart rate, Glasgow Coma Scale score, cranial nerve palsies, a cerebrospinal fluid leukocyte count less than 1,000 cells/mm3, and gram‐positive cocci in cerebrospinal fluid Gram's stain. The concordance index for the risk score was 0.84 (95% confidence interval, 0.80–0.87) in the original cohort and 0.81 (95% confidence interval, 0.74–0.87) in the external validation cohort (European Dexamethasone Study).

Interpretation

This bedside risk score can be used to identify patients with a high risk for unfavorable outcome in adults with bacterial meningitis within 1 hour after the initial presentation. Ann Neurol 2007
Erratum: Preparation of size‐controlled In2O3 nanoparticles
Authors: Zhu Peng , Wu Weiya , Zhou Jianping , Zhang Wu
Published: September 2007

The article referenced above was first published online on 7 August 2007 with incorrect pagination; the pagination has now been corrected online and in print. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Erratum: Synthesis and characterization of diorganotin(IV) complexes of Schiff bases with ONO‐type donors and crystal structure of [N‐(2‐hydroxy‐4‐nitrophenyl)‐3‐ethoxysalicylideneiminato]diphenyltin(IV)
Authors: Çelebier Mustafa , Şahin Ertan , Ancın Nilgün , Öztaş Nurşen Altuntaş , Öztaş Selma Gül
Published: September 2007

The article referenced above was first published online on 30 August 2007 with incorrect pagination; the pagination has now been corrected online and in print. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chiral ligand optimization in the asymmetric zirconium–zinc transmetalation aldehyde addition reaction
Authors: Wipf Peter , Jayasuriya Nilukshi
Published: September 2007

The in situ hydrozirconation–transmetalation‐aldehyde addition process is a convenient method for the generation of allylic alcohols. Ongoing research has focused on enhancing the enantioselectivity and substrate scope of this process. A chiral β‐amino thiol scaffold was evaluated in the addition reaction. Amino thiols tend to provide the highest ee's, in part due to the higher affinity of sulfur for zinc over zirconium. A class of valine‐based thiol ligands was identified to be effective for the formation of enantiomerically enriched allylic alcohols in terms of low ligand loading and high % ee. Chirality, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A randomized controlled trial of weight reduction as a treatment for breast cancer‐related lymphedema
Authors: Shaw Clare , Mortimer Peter , Judd Patricia A.
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND.

Obesity is considered a risk factor for the development of breast cancer‐related lymphedema of the arm and as a poor prognostic factor in response to lymphedema treatment. The objective of this study was to examine weight reduction as a treatment for breast cancer‐related lymphedema.

METHODS.

Twenty‐one women with breast cancer‐related lymphedema were randomized either to receive dietary advice for weight reduction or to receive a booklet on general healthy eating. They were monitored for 12 weeks.

RESULTS.

The primary outcome measure was arm volume at 12 weeks. The results indicated a significant reduction in swollen arm volume at the end of the 12‐week period (P = .003) in the intervention weight‐reduction group. There was a significant reduction in body weight (P = .02) and body mass index (P = .016) in the weight‐reduction group at the end of the 12‐week study period.

CONCLUSIONS.

Weight loss achieved by dietary advice to reduce energy intake can reduce breast cancer‐related lymphedema significantly. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Quality of life in survivors of multiple primary cancers compared with cancer survivor controls
Authors: Gotay Carolyn C. , Ransom Sean , Pagano Ian S.
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND.

Cancer survivors may develop additional cancers after their first diagnosis, but to the authors' knowledge the quality of life (QOL) consequences of a second cancer are not known. The current study assessed QOL and its correlates after a second cancer diagnosis.

METHODS.

QOL was compared between 487 survivors of second‐order and higher‐order primary cancer diagnoses, and a matched group of 589 survivors of a single cancer diagnosis. Outcome measures included standardized questionnaires that assessed depressive symptoms, perceived stress, vitality, post‐traumatic growth, existential well‐being, sexual adjustment, and global QOL.

RESULTS.

Survivors of multiple primary cancer diagnoses had significantly lower global QOL (t (792) = 5.42; P < .001), vitality (Student t test [t] (794) = 2.41; P < .01), and existential well‐being (t (775) = 2.78; P < .01), and higher intrusive stress symptoms (t (775) = −1.93; P < .05). Controlling for demographic, medical, and trait‐like psychosocial characteristics (eg, optimism and resilience), having multiple primary cancer diagnoses explained small, although significant, variances in global QOL (coefficient of determination [R2] = .04; P < .001), vitality (R2 = .01; P < .05), and existential well‐being (R2 = .01; P < .05), with patients in the multiple primary cancer group faring worse on all of these measures.

CONCLUSIONS.

The results of the current study suggest that the typical survivor of multiple primary cancers experiences modest but lasting QOL deficits. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Health professional and consumer views on involving breast cancer patients in the multidisciplinary discussion of their disease and treatment plan
Authors: Butow Phyllis , Harrison James D. , Choy Ellis T. , Young Jane M. , Spillane Andrew , Evans Alison
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND.

The aim was to obtain the views of health professionals and patients about the concept of involving breast cancer patients in the multidisciplinary (MD) treatment planning meeting.

METHODS.

Breast cancer surgeons, nurses, oncologists, and patient advocates completed a mailed questionnaire.

RESULTS.

The majority of breast cancer health professionals and patient advocates support shared decision‐making (58%–62%). However, less than a third of surgeons (32%), medical (25%), and radiation oncologists (24%) were supportive of involving women in the MD treatment planning meeting. In contrast, 93% of breast cancer advocates and 73% of breast cancer nurses were supportive of this approach. Patient advocates were significantly more in favor than all other groups (χ2 = 148.8, df = 4, P < .001). The common reasons for supporting patient involvement included that it would lead to patients being more informed and empowered, provide them with an opportunity to ask questions, facilitate decision‐making, and improve communication between the patient and the medical team. Health professionals stated that attendance would make patients anxious and that they would have to modify their medical language. Suggestions about how to manage patient involvement included the patient being supported by a breast nurse and pre‐education before the meeting. Patient advocates were significantly more willing to participate in a randomized controlled trial of this process compared with all other groups. (χ2 = 155.15, df = 4, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS.

Despite health professional's reservations, patient advocates were highly supportive of including women in the MD meeting. Such a high demand justifies consideration of this option. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Evidence for an extended duration of GABA‐mediated excitation in the developing male versus female hippocampus
Authors: Nuñez Joseph L. , McCarthy Margaret M.
Published: September 2007

γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is as an excitatory neurotransmitter during brain development. Activation of GABAA receptors in neonatal rat hippocampus results in chloride efflux and membrane depolarization sufficient to open voltage sensitive calcium channels. As development progresses, there is a decline in the magnitude of calcium influx subsequent to GABAA receptor activation and the number of cells that respond to GABA with excitation. By the second postnatal week in the rat, GABA action in the hippocampus is predominantly inhibitory. The functional consequences and endogenous regulation of developmental GABA‐mediated excitation remains under‐explored. Hippocampal neurons in the newborn male and female rat respond to GABAA receptor activation with increased intracellular calcium and are susceptible to GABA‐mediated damage – both being indicative of the excitatory nature of GABA. In the present study we observed that by postnatal day 7, only males are susceptible to GABAA agonist‐induced damage and respond to GABAA agonist administration with elevated levels of intracellular calcium in cultured hippocampal neurons. By postnatal day 14, GABAA agonist administration was without effect on intracellular calcium in both males and females. The age‐related sex difference in the impact of GABAA receptor activation correlates with a sex difference in chloride co‐transporter expression. Males have elevated protein levels of pNKCC1 on PN0 and PN7, with no sex difference by PN14. In contrast, females displayed elevated levels of KCC2 on PN7. This converging evidence infers that sex affects the duration of GABAA receptor‐mediated excitation during normal hippocampal development, and provides a mechanism by which the effect is mediated. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007.
Dll3 is expressed in developing hair cells in the mammalian cochlea
Authors: Hartman Byron H. , Hayashi Toshinori , Nelson Branden R. , Bermingham‐McDonogh Olivia , Reh Thomas A.
Published: September 2007

Notch mediates the process of lateral inhibition that controls the production of hair cells in the inner ear. Hair cells are known to express Notch ligands Dll1 and Jag2, which signal through Notch1 in adjacent supporting cells. However, recent genetic and pharmacological studies indicate that the level of Notch‐mediated lateral inhibition is greater than can be accounted for by Dll1 and Jag2. Here, we report that another Notch ligand, Dll3, is expressed in developing hair cells, in a pattern that overlaps that of Dll1 and Jag2. We analyzed the cochleae of Dll3pu mutant mice, but did not detect any abnormalities. However, earlier studies have demonstrated that there is functional redundancy among Notch ligands in cochlear development and loss of one ligand can be at least partially compensated for by another. Thus Dll3 may play a role in lateral inhibition similar to that of Dll1 and Jag2. Developmental Dynamics 236:2875–2883, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exogenous heat shock protein 27 uniquely blocks differentiation of monocytes to dendritic cells
Authors: Laudanski Krzysztof , De Asit , Miller‐Graziano Carol
Published: September 2007

Circulating heat shock protein (HSP)‐27 is associated with tumor progression and increased post‐injury infection. Extracellular HSP‐27 might alter monocyte (MO)‐derived DC and/or MΦ function to mediate immunosuppression. HSP‐27 treatment inhibited expression of CD1a and CD1b/c, antigen uptake, and allogeneic T cell induction (MLR) by IL‐4 + GM‐CSF‐differentiated human DC while increasing some MΦ characteristics (↑CD14, ↑CD16, ↑CD163). MO cytokine receptor profiles elicited by 24‐h exogenous HSP‐27 treatment remained supportive of immature DC (iDC) emergence (↑IL‐4R, ↓IL‐6R, ↓M‐CSFR). IL‐10, IL‐6, and M‐CSF (which promote MΦ differentiation) were significantly increased in IL‐4 + GM‐CSF + HSP‐27 MO→iDC differentiation cultures. However, HSP‐27 treatment during MO differentiation to DC increased programmed cell death ligand 1 coinhibitor and depressed CD86 costimulator expression in parallel to decreased iDC MLR activity. This suggested that increased MΦ differentiation was not solely responsible for HSP‐27 reduction of differentiating DC activity. HSP‐27 treatment actually depressed the phagocytic capacity of MO differentiated to MΦ by IL‐10 or M‐CSF culture. CD163 (hemoglobin receptor) expression was depressed on M‐CSF + HSP‐27 MO‐derived MΦ. HSP‐27‐mediated inhibition of MO→iDC differentiation was reversed by p38α & β inhibitor (SB202190) addition or TLR4 receptor modulation. HSP‐27 impaired appropriate MO→iDC and MO→MΦ differentiation modulating expression of receptors necessary for their proper functions. This suggests that endogenous HSP‐27 has immunoregulatory activities which could contribute to immunopathology.
Molecular and transcriptional characterization of the novel 17p11.2‐p12 amplicon in multiple myeloma
Authors: Fabris Sonia , Todoerti Katia , Mosca Laura , Agnelli Luca , Intini Daniela , Lionetti Marta , Guerneri Silvana , Lambertenghi‐Deliliers Giorgio , Bertoni Francesco , Neri Antonino
Published: September 2007

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of clonal bone marrow plasma cells characterized by a high genomic instability increasing with disease progression. We describe here a genomic amplification at 17p11.2‐p12, an unstable chromosomal region characterized by a large number of low‐copy repeats, which have been proven to mediate deletion and duplication in several genomic disorders and amplifications in solid tumors. An ∼5 Mb 17p11.2‐p12 amplified region was detected in the KMS‐26 myeloma cell line by SNP microarray analysis. Further fluorescence in situ hybridization mapping showed two unidentified amplified chromosomes as well as a complex pattern of rearranged chromosomes 17. The analysis of transcriptional profiles in a proprietary database of myeloma cell lines identified 12 significantly overexpressed genes in the KMS‐26 amplified region, including TNFRSF13B/TACI, COPS3, and NCOR1. The evaluation of their expression levels in a database including 141 plasma cell dyscrasia primary tumors showed a significant overexpression of at least one gene in 13 patients. FISH analyses of these patients identified one MM carrying a 3.8 Mb amplified region and two MMs with gains specifically involving the TACI locus. Interestingly, the complete inactivation of TP53 at 17p13.1 was found in the KMS‐26, whereas a monoallelic loss was identifiable in two of the three patients carrying gain/amplification. Our data suggest that, similarly to solid tumors, amplification/gain of the 17p11.2‐p12 region in MM could be mediated by the presence of repeats located in this region and may provide insights for defining novel candidate myeloma‐associated genes. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular definition of chromosome arm 5q deletion end points and detection of hidden aberrations in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and isolated del(5q) using oligonucleotide array CGH
Authors: Evers Christina , Beier Manfred , Poelitz Anne , Hildebrandt Barbara , Servan Kati , Drechsler Matthias , Germing Ulrich , Royer Hans‐Dieter , Royer‐Pokora Brigitte
Published: September 2007

Isolated deletions of the long arm of chromosome 5, del(5q), are observed in 10% of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and are associated with a more favorable prognosis, although the clinical course varies considerably. If one or more additional chromosomal aberrations are present, this correlates with a significantly shorter overall survival. To assess the frequency of hidden abnormalities in cases with an isolated cytogenetic del(5q), we have performed a genome wide high resolution 44 K 60mer oligonucleotide array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) study using DNA from bone marrow cells of 12 MDS and one AML patient. In one case a single additional hidden 5.6 Mb deletion of 13q14 and in another case multiple larger aberrations involving many chromosomes were found. Fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrated that aberrations present in 35% of the bone marrow cells can be detected by aCGH. Furthermore with oligonucleotide aCGH the deletion end points in 5q were mapped precisely, revealing a cluster of proximal breakpoints in band q14.3 (n = 8) and a distal cluster between bands q33.2 and q34 (n = 11). This study shows the high resolution of oligonucleotide CGH arrays for precisely mapping genomic alterations and for refinement of deletion end points. In addition, the high sensitivity of this method enables the study of whole bone marrow cells from MDS patients, a disease with a low blast count. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transgenic mice for conditional gene manipulation in astroglial cells
Authors: Slezak Michal , Göritz Christian , Niemiec Aurore , Frisén Jonas , Chambon Pierre , Metzger Daniel , Pfrieger Frank W.
Published: September 2007

Astrocytes are thought to exert diverse functions in the brain, but it has been difficult to prove this in vivo because of a scarcity of tools to manipulate these cells. Here, we report the generation of new transgenic mouse lines that allow for conditional gene ablation in astrocytes using the tamoxifen‐ (TAM‐) inducible CreERT2/loxP system and bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)‐based transgenesis. In adult transgenic mice, where CreERT2 expression is driven by the promoter of the sodium‐dependent glutamate/aspartate transporter (Glast/Slc1a3) or of connexin 30 (Cx30/Gjb6), intraperitoneal TAM‐injection induced Cre‐mediated recombination in astroglial cells throughout the brain. Targeting efficacies varied in a region‐specific manner from 20 to 90% as indicated by enzyme‐based reporter lines and immunohistochemical staining. In addition, the Glast‐line allowed to target retinal Müller cells and adult neural stem/progenitor cells in neurogenic regions of the adult brain. Transgenic mice expressing CreERT2 under the control of the apolipoprotein e (ApoE) or aquaporin 4 (Aqp4) promoter showed inducible recombination in different areas of the central nervous system (CNS) albeit at low levels. Transgenic lines showed TAM‐induced recombination in specific peripheral organs. These new mouse lines should help to further explore the relevance of astrocytes for brain function, as well as their contribution to pathological conditions because of aging, disease or injury. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nmr spectroscopic analysis of regional brain energy metabolism in manganese neurotoxicity
Authors: Zwingmann Claudia , Leibfritz Dieter , Hazell Alan S.
Published: September 2007

A central question in manganese neurotoxicity concerns the focal neuronal damage in the globus pallidus. In the present study, we investigated specific pathways of [1‐13C]glucose as well as of [2‐13C]acetate in this brain region and the frontal cortex following 4‐day manganese treatment by high‐resolution NMR spectroscopy. Following administration of 50 mg/kg/day manganese, glutamine concentration in the globus pallidus was decreased to 67% of control values but increased in frontal cortex by 56%. Manganese treatment also caused pronounced changes in glutamine‐glutamate‐GABA interconversion in which region‐selective differences were observed in the isotopomer pattern of GABA compared with that of glutamine when including the astrocyte‐specific substrate [2‐13C]acetate. In particular, decreased 13C‐labeled glutamine, synthesized from [1‐13C]glucose, paralleled accumulation of 13C‐labeled GABA in globus pallidus but not in frontal cortex. On the other hand, increased synthesis of glutamine from [2‐13C]acetate showed that GABA accumulation was not due to increased synthesis from astrocytic glutamine. Furthermore, treatment with manganese resulted in a selective decrease in N‐acetyl‐aspartate in the globus pallidus. These data illustrate the potential importance of alterations in neuronal metabolic function. In particular, neuronal metabolic derangements and regional differences in the ability of astrocytes to fulfill their contribution to the glutamine‐glutamate‐GABA cycle during the early phase of manganese neurotoxicity may be crucial in determining the severity of cellular injury. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteomic identification of an upregulated isoform of annexin A3 in the rat brain following reversible cerebral ischemia
Authors: Junker Heike , Suofu Yalikun , Venz Simone , Sascau Magdalena , Herndon James G. , Kessler Christof , Walther Reinhard , Popa‐Wagner Aurel
Published: September 2007

We used proteomics to identify regulated proteins following cerebral ischemia in a rat model. Young rats were subjected to reversible middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion and proteins were extracted from the peri‐infarcted and the corresponding contralateral area at days 3 and 14 postischemia. Proteins were analyzed by two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry. We report for the first time that an isoform of annexin A3 (ANXA3) was among the upregulated proteins in the postischemic rat brain. The results were confirmed by real‐time PCR and by western blotting. Double‐ and triple‐immunostaining with neuronal and microglia/macrophagic markers demonstrated that ANXA3 is produced by resting microglia in control tissue and by activated microglial/macrophage cells in the infarcted area. 3D‐images of the infarcted area suggest that ANXA3 is associated with a phagocytic phenotype. Our study identifies ANXA3 as a novel marker of brain microglia, which should be of substantial value in future studies of microglial cells and its role in the postischemic brain. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimizing in‐kind drug donations for Tanzania—a case study
Authors: Mariacher Gaby Gehler , Mtasiwa Deo , Wiedenmayer Karin , Bruppacher Rudolf , Tanner Marcel , Hersberger Kurt E.
Published: September 2007

A questionnaire survey (QS) among stakeholders in Tanzania had shown that in‐kind drug donations (DDs) are important to boost the drug supply system. Major problems were their insufficient quantity for sustainable treatment and the discrepancy between the needs of the recipients and the donors' supply. Objectives in this study were to discuss these findings and to learn from key informants (KIs) how to improve the DD process. Data were collected through KI interviews in 2001/2002.

A 30% gap in drug supply has to be bridged by DDs. KIs confirmed the importance of the World Health Organisation and Tanzanian DD guidelines as a tool for good donation practice and emphasized the role of the government in their implementation. They requested that donors meet the recipient country's regulatory requirements. In contrast to QS respondents, KIs did not view DD quality as a minor problem, and proposed that DD quality should be adapted to the national quality assurance procedures. DD processes could be improved through (a) effective implementation of DD guidelines as an aid for decision‐making and for quality assurance, (b) availability of data to improve communication between donors and recipients, (c) transparency between recipients and donors and (d) clearly defined accountability. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preventive pediatric mental health care: A co‐location model
Authors: Briggs Rahil D. , Racine Andrew D. , Chinitz Susan
Published: September 2007

Current practice recommendations in both the fields of infant mental health and pediatrics support the co‐location of mental health professionals into the pediatric setting. Multiple policy reports and statements of the past 5 years have repeatedly argued the need for coordination and integration between mental health care and pediatrics (Halfon, Regalado, McLearn, Kuo, & Wright, 2003; Osofsky, 2004). The pediatric office is recognized as a universally accessed, nonstigmatized setting, ideal for the assessment and treatment of early childhood mental health problems. However, barriers to this type of care are rampant, including time limitations on the part of pediatricians, inadequate reimbursement structures, inadequate training of pediatricians, and insufficient connections between medical and mental health providers. An innovative response to these barriers is the co‐location of a mental health professional in the pediatric practice to provide pediatrician education and appropriate screening, assessment, referral, and treatment of young patients. This article describes a successful program of this type situated in the Bronx, NY, where a psychologist with expertise in infant mental health spends 25 hours per week in a large pediatric practice to address the developmental and mental health needs of children aged 0–3 years old. Preliminary descriptive data regarding the patient population, screening scores, and disposition are presented.
Influence of adolescent maternal characteristics on infant development
Authors: Aiello Rachele , Lancaster Sandra
Published: September 2007

The present study proposed that several adolescent maternal variables would be associated with infant development. Using a sample of 71 adolescent mother‐infant dyads, the study examined the relative influences of the adolescent's level of separation‐individuation (Separation‐Individuation Process Inventory), feelings of attachment towards the infant (Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale), and feelings of anxiety regarding separation (Maternal Separation Anxiety Scale) on infant mental and motor development (Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 2nd ed.). As it was assumed that the adolescent's perceptions of being parented would provide the foundation for each of these independent variables, this factor was also included (Parental Bonding Instrument). In the current sample, adolescent separation‐individuation was the only maternal psychological variable to uniquely predict infant development, but only on the mental scale. Present findings highlight the importance of considering critical developmental processes of adolescence when exploring cognitive functioning and other outcomes in infants of adolescents. A number of possible mechanisms for the influence of separation‐individuation are considered in the discussion.
Independence number and clique minors
Authors: Kawarabayashi Ken‐ichi , Song Zi‐Xia
Published: September 2007

The Hadwiger number ${h}({G})$ of a graph G is the maximum integer t such that ${K}_{t}$ is a minor of G. Since $\chi({G})\cdot\alpha({G})\geq |{G}|$, Hadwiger's conjecture implies that ${h}({G})\cdot \alpha({G})\geq |{G}|$, where $\alpha({G})$ and $|{G}|$ denote the independence number and the number of vertices of G, respectively. Motivated by this fact, it is shown that $(2\alpha({G})-{2})\cdot {h}({G})\geq |{G}|$ for every graph G with $\alpha({G})\geq {3}$. This improves a theorem of Duchet and Meyniel and a recent improvement due to Kawarabayashi et al. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Graph Theory 56: 219–226, 2007
Study of low‐molecular weight organic acids in maize roots under the stress of cadmium using capillary zone electrophoresis
Authors: Guo Bao‐Yuan , Peng Zhen‐Lei , Han Fang , Shan Xiao‐Quan , Lin Jin‐Ming
Published: September 2007

An indirect CE method was developed for the study of low‐molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs) in maize under the stress of cadmium. The influences of indirect reagents (phthalate, salicylic acid, and benzoic acid), coion concentration, and pH were studied. A buffer composed of 15 mmol/L benzoate and 0.2 mmol/L CTAB (pH 5.7) was used in the organic acid determination. The detection limit ranged between 0.5 and 6 μmol/L. The RSD (n = 14) of the method was found to be in the range of 0.11–0.49% for migration time and 1.25–4.72% for peak area. In the maize roots, obvious increases of LMWOAs were observed when the plants were under the stress of cadmium and/or organic acids. The recovery of standard organic acids added in real samples ranged from 85 to 116%.
Electrophoretic investigation of the boron cluster anion [7‐(2′‐pyridyl)‐nido‐7,8‐dicarbaundecaborate]– and its protonated zwitterionic product
Authors: Vespalec Radim , Langauf Aleš , Laromaine Anna , Viñas Clara , Horáková Hana
Published: September 2007

ACN is a better solvent than methanol for both [NMe4] [7‐(2′‐pyridyl)‐nido‐7,8‐C2B9H11] and its protonated anion. The investigated laboratory preparations of the salt and of its protonated anion are electrophoretically pure solids stable for 2 months at 4°C. At a longer storage, the solid salt is more stable than the solid protonated anion. In the 40:60 v/v water–methanol solvent, decomposition products of the salt anion are detectable after one‐week storage of the salt solution at 4°C. The protonated anion does not decompose for almost 1 year in water–organic solutions at 4°C. The exchange of the proton between the protonated anion and the solution is reversible and fast at room temperature. The pH dependence of the mobility of the [7‐(2(‐pyridyl)‐nido‐7,8‐C2B9H11]– anion reveals that the basicity of the nitrogen atom in the pyridine ring is not significantly affected by the bonding of the pyridyl group to the nido‐7,8‐C2B9H11 cluster in position 7 and that the proton from the solution is accepted by the nitrogen atom in the 2‐pyridyl ring. The UV‐spectra of the salt and of its protonated anion indicate that the accepted proton is probably slightly shifted to the open face of the nido‐7,8‐C2B9H11 cluster. The [1]– is chiral.
Modulation of the actomyosin interaction during fatigue of skeletal muscle
Authors: Cooke Roger
Published: September 2007

Fatigue of skeletal muscle involves many systems beginning with the central nervous system and ending with the contractile machinery. This review concentrates on those factors that directly affect the actomyosin interaction: the build‐up of metabolites; myosin phosphorylation; and oxidation of the myofibrillar proteins by free radicals. The decrease in [ATP] and increase in [ADP] appear to play little role in modulating function. The increase in phosphate inhibits tension. The decrease in pH, long thought to be a major factor, is now known to play a more minor role. Myosin phosphorylation potentiates the force achieved in a twitch, and a further role in inhibiting velocity is proposed. Protein oxidation can both potentiate and inhibit the actomyosin interaction. It is concluded that these factors, taken together, do not fully explain the inhibition of the actomyosin interaction observed in living fibers, and thus additional modulators of this interaction remain to be discovered. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Three‐dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis of pile groups in saturated porous media using a new transmitting boundary
Authors: Maleki Javan Mohammad Reza , Noorzad Asadollah , Latifi Namin Manouchehr
Published: September 2007

The dynamic behaviour of pile groups subjected to an earthquake base shaking is analysed. An analysis is formulated in the time domain and the effects of material nonlinearity of soil, pile–soil–pile kinematic interaction and the superstructure–foundation inertial interaction on seismic response are investigated. Prediction of response of pile group–soil system during a large earthquake requires consideration of various aspects such as the nonlinear and elasto‐plastic behaviour of soil, pore water pressure generation in soil, radiation of energy away from the pile, etc. A fully explicit dynamic finite element scheme is developed for saturated porous media, based on the extension of the original formulation by Biot having solid displacement (u) and relative fluid displacement (w) as primary variables (u–w formulation). All linear relative fluid acceleration terms are included in this formulation. A new three‐dimensional transmitting boundary that was developed in cartesian co‐ordinate system for dynamic response analysis of fluid‐saturated porous media is implemented to avoid wave reflections towards the structure. In contrast to traditional methods, this boundary is able to absorb surface waves as well as body waves. The pile–soil interaction problem is analysed and it is shown that the results from the fully coupled procedure, using the advanced transmitting boundary, compare reasonably well with centrifuge data. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian method for large‐strain consolidation problems
Authors: Nazem Majidreza , Sheng Daichao , Carter John P. , Sloan Scott W.
Published: September 2007

In this paper, an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) method is generalized to solve consolidation problems involving large deformation. Special issues such as pore‐water pressure convection, permeability and void ratio updates due to rotation and convection, mesh refinement and equilibrium checks are discussed. A simple and effective mesh refinement scheme is presented for the ALE method. The ALE method as well as an updated‐Lagrangian method is then used to solve some classical consolidation problems involving large deformations with different constitutive laws. The results clearly show the advantage and efficiency of the ALE method for these examples. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal multigrid preconditioned semi‐monotonic augmented Lagrangians applied to the Stokes problem
Authors: Lukáš D. , Dostál Z.
Published: September 2007

We propose an optimal computational complexity algorithm for the solution of quadratic programming problems with equality constraints arising from partial differential equations. The algorithm combines a variant of the semi‐monotonic augmented Lagrangian (SMALE) method with adaptive precision control and a multigrid preconditioning for the Hessian of the cost function and for the inner product on the space of Lagrange variables. The update rule for penalty parameter acts as preconditioning of constraints. The optimality of the algorithm is theoretically proven and confirmed by numerical experiments for the two‐dimensional Stokes problem. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.