bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Confounders in Rehabilitation Trials of Task-Oriented Training: Lessons From the Designs of the EXCITE and SCILT Multicenter Trials
Authors: Dobkin Bruce H.
Published: December 2006

Two multicenter randomized clinical trials (MRCT), the Extremity Constraint Induced Therapy Evaluation (EXCITE) to improve upper extremity function after stroke and the Spinal Cord Injury Locomotor Trial (SCILT) to enable functional walking after incomplete spinal cord injury, demonstrate that complex, task-oriented physical therapies can be studied using a scientific methodology during inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. In the past, a new therapy’s benefit may have been overestimated by comparing it to no treatment or to a conventional treatment at a low intensity of practice. Sample sizes were often too small and may have failed to detect the efficacy of a new intervention. In addition, whereas statistical significance in outcomes has been critical to understanding whether one treatment is better than another, the clinical significance of outcomes must also impact the interpretation of the results of a trial. MRCT designs will continue to improve through attention to the limitations of preclinical animal models that offer a conceptual basis for the treatment, from enrichment strategies at every phase of trial development, from more vigorous dose-response studies using adaptive methods, by capturing interim measures of behavior and functional neurophysiologic adaptations during the treatment phase, by aiming for a clinically meaningful control intervention, and by including ratio or interval outcome measures when feasible that capture a target of the intervention in relation to gains in daily functioning and quality of life.
Formation of aluminium hydroxy vermiculite (intergrade) and smectite from mica under acidic conditions
Authors: Vicente M. A. , Razzaghe M. , Robert M.
Published: December 2006

Aluminous hydroxy 2/1 clay minerals (‘intergrades’) can form in two ways: Al can either come externally from the solution, or internally from the mineral itself (octahedral or tetrahedral layers). This study is more concerned with the latter which seems the main source in acid soils.

The most common organic acids present under natural conditions were used on two trioctahedral micas (phlogopite and biotite), and their chemical and mineralogical weathering effects were determined.

Different kinds of mineralogical evolution are possible: mineral destruction by a few very complexing acids, possibly with intermediate stages (interstratified minerals); formation of ‘transformation’ smectite by acids derived from sugars; Al-hydroxy vermiculite formation (the 14 Å diffraction peak of which is stable under K saturation and vacuum). This evolution is the most frequent and is produced by the most numerous organic acids (even CO2), the acidity of which results in Al migration in the interlayer, but the complexing ability of which is not sufficient for Al removal.
Formation of clay minerals in andosoils under temperate climate
Authors: Hetier J. M. , Yoshinaga N. , Weber F.
Published: December 2006

The principal methods for studying clay minerals in andosoils differ especially by the succession of the pretreatments, i.e. differential dissolution of amorphous mineral cements before (first method) or after (second method) the dispersion and recovery of granulometric fractions.

The first method permits a rapid total quantitative estimation of amorphous components and an accurate identification of crystallized clay minerals by means of X-ray diffraction. The second method only proves the presence of allophane and imogolite.

The two methods were applied in two different laboratories on the same soils from the Massif Central. The comparison of the results emphasizes the profit of using the two methods, especially if hypotheses on the mechanisms of clay genesis are to be proposed.

These results, if placed in the context of a more comprehensive study, suggest the existence of two principal phases of clay genesis, strongly connected to the evolution of organic matter in andosoils, as follows: (i) an early, prepedologic phase during which halloysites and smectites would form; (ii) a late phase giving rise especially to some kaolinite and gibbsite.
Progress in mineralogy
Authors: Dunham Kingsley
Published: December 2006

The Mineralogical Society celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 1926; this address attempts to summarize the substantial developments in the subject over the past 50 years and looks ahead to the future. Up to 1926, only the techniques of goniometry, optical investigation of non-opaques, and classical chemical analysis had been fully exploited. X-ray crystallography, though already 14 years old, had made little impact but was to advance with great rapidity to achieve, for example, the modern conception of silicate structure by 1934. The insight into the atomic structure of minerals provided by this technique has been central to the advancement of the subject. The powder camera and more recently the counting diffractometer have become the chief determinative tools, though microscopy is still important. Diffractometry with a tied computer has greatly speeded up structural work. Advances in electron microscopy may soon make it possible to produce direct images of atomic structure. Meanwhile wet-chemical procedures have largely given place to spectroscopy (optical emission, X-ray, and atomic absorption), to the electron microprobe and to various still more advanced techniques, including the investigation of stable and unstable isotopic composition by mass spectrometry. Independently, the optical identification of opaque minerals has been brought to an advanced state. All these developments have opened the way for progress in the understanding of the paragenesis and genesis of minerals, subjects to which experimentation at high temperatures and pressure now contribute materially; and for practical applications in many fields, including ore deposits, beneficiation, ceramics, refractories, cement, sinters, and fuels.
Fluid-inclusion evidence for the formation conditions of apatite from the Tororo carbonatite complex of eastern Uganda
Authors: Rankin Andrew H.
Published: December 2006

Portions of the carbonatitic fluids responsible for the deposition of apatite from the Tororo car-bonatite complex are trapped and preserved as minute (< 100 µm) inclusions within the apatites. These fluids consist predominantly of alkali-carbonate-bearing brines and demonstrate that water and alkalis played an important role in the formation of the carbonatites from this complex. Furthermore, the opinion that carbonatite ‘magmas’ are richer in alkalis and water than the chemistry of the carbonatites themselves reveal is clearly substantiated. The mean minimum formation temperature of the apatites from five separate carbonatite samples were determined from the homogenization temperatures of 200 primary aqueous inclusions. The results from Limekiln Hill samples (328 °C 321 °C 359 °C) are similar to those from samples of the separate carbonatite mass at Tororo Rock (353 °C, 365 °C).
Origin of appinitic pockets in the diorites of Jersey, Channel Islands
Authors: Key Colin H.
Published: December 2006

Isolated pockets of pegmatitic appinite characterized by hollow-shell, prismatic amphiboles are common in the Pre-Cambrian metagabbros and metasomatic diorites of Jersey. Field relationships and petrography indicate a liquid phase in the formation of these appinitic pockets, which are chemically distinct from the associated gabbros and diorites. Close chemical ties between appinites and host rocks, however, prove a replacive, metasomatic, rather than intrusive origin for the pockets. Significant enrichment in SiO2, K2O, and Na2O suggest that surrounding granite provided the metasomatic agents. The localized changes in composition of the basic rocks resulted in the formation of partially molten pockets from which the appinites crystallized. This mechanism probably necessitates a temperature in the region of 900 °C at 2–5 Kb PH2O: Fractured, hollow-shell, prismatic amphiboles of the pockets are consistent with quench crystallization, possibly due to the sudden loss of volatiles. An increase in the oxygen fugacity may have played a major role in inducing the rapid crystallization of kaersutitic amphibole. The envisaged conditions under which these changes took place are those of a high-level, sub-volcanic environment.
Fluorapatites from the Skaergaard intrusion, East Greenland
Authors: Brown G. M. , Peckett A.
Published: December 2006

The compositions of apatite crystals from seven Skaergaard rocks were obtained by electron-probe microanalysis. These span the range of occurrence from the base to the top of the exposed zones of the layered series. Apatite occurs as an intercumulus phase in the lower zones, but becomes a cumulus phase at a structural height of 1850 m (c. 98 % crystallized), defining the base of Upper Zone b. All apatite analyses show a high F:Cl ratio. There is a slight but significant increase in F and decrease in Cl when the apatite becomes a cumulus phase, the F/Cl values changing from < 10 to > 30. Variations in F:Cl:OH are attributed to differential volatile migration from trapped intercumulus liquid sites. The apatite data provide new support for ferrodiorite-granophyre liquid immiscibility.
The diagnostic geochemistry, relative abundance, and spatial distribution of high-calcium, low-alkali olivine tholeiite dykes in the Lower Tertiary regional swarm of the Isle of Skye, NW Scotland
Authors: Mattey D. P. , Gibson I. L. , Marriner G. F. , Thompson R. N.
Published: December 2006

Dykes from four sections across the axis of the Skye regional swarm have been analysed for major elements, Nb, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, and rare-earth elements. 70 % of the dykes are characterized by relatively high CaO (11–12%), and low abundance of elements such as TiO2 (∼1%), K2O (0·05–0·20 %), Zr (30–60 ppm), with a light-rare-earth depleted chondrite normalized pattern. The remainder of the swarm comprises dykes equivalent in composition to the Skye Main Lava Series and dykes belonging to a further magma type distinguished by a flat chondrite normalized rare-earth pattern. The high-calcium, low-alkali tholeiite dykes are confined to a narrow persistent zone forming the major axis of dilation of the swarm; other basaltic dykes are axially less persistent and have a wider lateral distribution. The more evolved dykes tend to be restricted to central Skye.
The metavoltine problem: metavoltine from Madeni Zakh and Chuquicamata, and a related artificial compound
Authors: Scordari F.
Published: December 2006

Bandy (1938) described as metavoltine? a mineral coming from Chuquicamata (Chile) with chemical composition K2Na6Fe3+(SO4)12(OH)2·20H2O. Owing to some differences between this mineral and that first described by Blaas (1883), doubts persist on the identity of these two compounds. X-ray analyses were performed to clarify the relation between them. An artificial product, closely related to metavoltine as regards lattice and chemical composition, was also studied, and affords a better understanding of the Na and K diadochy already observed in metavoltine.
An intergrowth of calcic labradorite in a plagioclase-quartz-biotite gneiss from Broken Hill, New South Wales
Authors: Phillips Evan R. , Chenhall Bryan E. , Stone Ian J. , Pemberton J. W.
Published: December 2006

Compositions of An61 and An69·5 have been determined for two domains in plagioclase from a gneiss. Optical properties indicate that the same compositions apply respectively for an intergrowth of ‘matrix’ and lamellae found in zones between the domains. The intergrowth appears to span the composition range between the Bøggild and Huttenlocher intergrowths.
Caregivers' perceived treatment failure in home-based management of fever among Ugandan children aged less than five years
Authors: Malimbo Mugagga , Mugisha Erieza , Kato Fred , Karamagi Charles , Talisuna Ambrose O
Published: December 2006

Background

Home-based management of fever (HBMF) could improve prompt access to antimalarial medicines for African children. However, the perception of treatment failure by caregivers has not been assessed.

Methods

Caregiver's perceived treatment outcome in HBMF and in alternative sources of fever treatment was assessed in a rural Ugandan setting using nine hundred and seventy eight (978) caregivers of children between two and 59 months of age, who had reported fever within two weeks prior to the study.

Results

Lower caregivers' perceived treatment failure (15% and 23%) was observed in the formal health facilities and in HBMF, compared to private clinics (38%), drug shops (55%) or among those who used herbs (56%). Under HBMF, starting treatment within 24 hours of symptoms onset and taking treatment for the recommended three days duration was associated with a lower perceived treatment failure. Conversely, vomiting, convulsions and any illness in the month prior to the fever episode was associated with a higher perceived treatment failure.

Conclusion

In this medium malaria transmission setting, caregiver's perceived treatment outcome was better in HBMF compared to alternative informal sources of treatment.
Protein methylation is required to maintain optimal HIV-1 infectivity
Authors: Willemsen Nicole M , Hitchen Eleanor M , Bodetti Tracey J , Apolloni Ann , Warrilow David , Piller Sabine C , Harrich David
Published: December 2006

Background:

Protein methylation is recognized as a major protein modification pathway regulating diverse cellular events such as protein trafficking, transcription, and signal transduction. More recently, protein arginine methyltransferase activity has been shown to regulate HIV-1 transcription via Tat. In this study, adenosine periodate (AdOx) was used to globally inhibit protein methyltransferase activity so that the effect of protein methylation on HIV-1 infectivity could be assessed.

Results:

Two cell culture models were used: HIV-1-infected CEM T-cells and HEK293T cells transfected with a proviral DNA plasmid. In both models, AdOx treatment of cells increased the levels of virion in culture supernatant. However, these viruses had increased levels of unprocessed or partially processed Gag-Pol, significantly increased diameter, and displayed reduced infectivity in a MAGI X4 assay. AdOx reduced infectivity equally in both dividing and non-dividing cells. However, infectivity was further reduced if Vpr was deleted suggesting virion proteins, other than Vpr, were affected by protein methylation. Endogenous reverse transcription was not inhibited in AdOx-treated HIV-1, and infectivity could be restored by pseudotyping HIV with VSV-G envelope protein. These experiments suggest that AdOx affects an early event between receptor binding and uncoating, but not reverse transcription.

Conclusion:

Overall, we have shown for the first time that protein methylation contributes towards maximal virus infectivity. Furthermore, our results also indicate that protein methylation regulates HIV-1 infectivity in a complex manner most likely involving the methylation of multiple viral or cellular proteins and/or multiple steps of replication.
Pulmonary artery catheter versus pulse contour analysis: a prospective epidemiological study
Authors: Uchino Shigehiko , Bellomo Rinaldo , Morimatsu Hiroshi , Sugihara Makoto , French Craig , Stephens Dianne , Wendon Julia , Honore Patrick , Mulder John , Turner Andrew ,   the PAC/PiCCO Use and Likelihood of Success Evaluation [PULSE] Study Group
Published: December 2006

Introduction

The choice of invasive systemic haemodynamic monitoring in critically ill patients remains controversial as no multicentre comparative clinical data exist. Accordingly, we sought to study and compare the features and outcomes of patients who receive haemodynamic monitoring with either the pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) or pulse contour cardiac output (PiCCO) technology.

Methods

We conducted a prospective multicentre, multinational epidemiological study in a cohort of 331 critically ill patients who received haemodynamic monitoring by PAC or PiCCO according to physician preference in intensive care units (ICUs) of eight hospitals in four countries. We collected data on haemodynamics, demographic features, daily fluid balance, mechanical ventilation days, ICU days, hospital days, and hospital mortality. We statistically compared the two techniques.

Results

Three hundred and forty-two catheters (PiCCO 192 and PAC 150) were inserted in 331 patients. On direct comparison, patients with PAC were older (68 versus 64 years of age; p = 0.0037), were given inotropic drugs more frequently (37.3% versus 13%; p < 0.0001), and had a lower cardiac index (2.6 versus 3.2 litres/minute per square meter; p < 0.0001). Mean daily fluid balance was significantly greater during PiCCO monitoring (+659 versus +350 ml/day; p = 0.017) and mechanical ventilation-free days were fewer (12 for PiCCO versus 21 for PAC; p = 0.045). However, after multiple regression analysis, we found no significant effect of monitoring technique on mean daily fluid balance, mechanical ventilation-free days, ICU-free days, or hospital mortality. A secondary multiple logistic regression analysis for hospital mortality which included mean daily fluid balance showed that positive fluid balance was a significant predictor of hospital mortality (odds ratio = 1.0002 for each ml/day; p = 0.0073).

Conclusion

On direct comparison, the use of PiCCO was associated with a greater positive fluid balance and fewer ventilator-free days. After correction for confounding factors, the choice of monitoring did not influence major outcomes, whereas a positive fluid balance was a significant independent predictor of outcome. Future studies may best be targeted at understanding the effect of pursuing different fluid balance regimens rather than monitoring techniques per se.
Role of protein tyrosine phosphatases in the regulation of interferon-γ-induced macrophage nitric oxide generation: implication of ERK pathway and AP-1 activation
Authors: Blanchette Julie , Pouliot Philippe , Olivier Martin
Published: December 2006

NO is a potent molecule involved in the cytotoxic events mediated by macrophages (MØ) against microorganisms. We reported previously that inhibition of MØ protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) mediates a protective effect against Leishmania infection, which was NO-dependent. Herein, we show that the PTP inhibitors of the peroxovanadium (pV) class, bpV(phen) and bpV(pic), can similarly increase murine MØ IFN-γ-induced NO generation. Using various second messenger (JAK2, MEK, Erk1/Erk2, and p38) antagonists, we found that the Erk1/Erk2 pathway was the principal pathway submitted to regulation by PTPs in the context of IFN-γ-driven MØ activation and increase in NO production. We observed that bpV(phen) increases inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression, resulting in enhanced NO production, whereas the bpV(pic) increase of NO production does not seem to result from a modulation of iNOS expression. Transcription factors STAT-1α and NF-κB, recognized for their importance in NO generation, were not affected by the pV treatment. However, AP-1 was strongly activated by bpV(phen) but not by bpV(pic). Collectively, our results suggest that increased IFN-γ-induced NO production, observed after bpV(phen) treatment, involves the activation of the transcription factor AP-1 by Erk1/Erk2- and stress-activated protein kinase/JNK-dependent transduction mechanisms.
The Role of 12/15-Lipoxygenase in the Expression of Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Macrophages
Authors: Wen Yeshao , Gu Jiali , Chakrabarti Swarup K. , Aylor Kevin , Marshall John , Takahashi Yoshitaka , Yoshimoto Tanihiro , Nadler Jerry L.
Published: December 2006

12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LO) enzyme and products have been associated with inflammation and atherosclerosis. However, the mechanism of effects of the 12/15-LO products has not been fully clarified. To study the role of 12/15-LO in cytokine expression, experiments with direct additions of the12/15-LO products, 12(S)-hydroxyeicosa tetraenoic acid or 12(S)-hydroperoxyeicosa-5Z, 8Z, 10E, or 14Z-tetraenoic acid to macrophages were first carried out, and results showed that the 12/15-LO products stimulated mRNA and protein expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, an inactive analogue of 12(S)-hydroxyeicosa tetraenoic acid had no effect. To further explore the role of endogenous 12/15-LO in cytokine expression, we used an in vitro and in vivo model to test the effect of 12/15-LO overexpression. The models included Plox-86 cells, a J774A.1 cell line that stably overexpresses leukocyte-type 12/15-LO and primary mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPMs) from 12/15-LO transgenic mice. The results showed a clear increase in IL-6 and TNF-α expression in Plox-86 cells and MPMs from 12/15-LO transgenic mice, compared with mock-transfected J774A.1 cells and MPMs from control C57BL6 mice. IL-1β, IL-12, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 mRNA were also increased in Plox-86 cells. These data clearly suggest a clear role of 12/15-LO pathway in cytokine production. We also demonstrated that signaling pathways including protein kinase C, p38 MAPK (p38), c-jun NH2-terminal kinase as well as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase are important for 12-(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid-induced increases in IL-6 and TNF-α gene expression. These results suggest a potentially important mechanism linking 12/15-LO activation to chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis.
Process capability requirement under maximum material condition
Authors: Diplaris S C , Sfantsikopoulos M M
Published: December 2006

A frequently used geometrical tolerance is the position tolerance. When it is assigned at the maximum material condition (MMC), an increase in the position tolerance is allowed, equal to the departure of the particular feature from the maximum material condition size.

Neither concept - position tolerance and maximum material condition - analytically related with the exact coordinate dimensions that locate the feature. A feature position is usually allocated on the basis of its theoretically exact co-ordinate dimensions, whereas positional accuracy is pursued through an appropriate planning of the machining process in conjunction with appropriate machine tool(s) and/or jig(s). Exploitation of the MMC tolerance bonus is taken into account mainly during part inspection in order to reduce rejects. Such an approach is not systematic, considering that the MMC benefits are not taken directly into account in the process planning stage in order to control the overall process cost.

In this paper, the permitted manufacturing errors of a feature size and position are considered and studied simultaneously in an analytical way. It is shown that a lower process capability (PC) requirement can then be established that leads to a significant process cost reduction. An application example demonstrates the use of the method and the obtained results are discussed.
Lace edge quality assessment
Authors: He Y , Bamforth P , Jackson M R , Rowe A
Published: December 2006

Lace is a high-value decorative fabric manufactured with the aid of computer aided design (CAD) and computer numerically controlled (CNC) looms. It typically has very complex patterns and is flexible and easy to distort, which makes the task of lace cutting and lace edge quality assessment difficult. Lace is normally cut by a mechanical system, which is slow and therefore expensive. Research work in the area of lace cutting with lasers is in rapid progress and some cutting systems have been successfully developed. Lace edge quality assessment research, however, has largely been overlooked. The lack of edge quality assessment methods makes it impossible to compare and contrast the edge quality of the lace samples cut with different methods and consequently to improve the edge quality. In this paper, three lace edge quality assessment methods and their implementations will be described.
Theoretical and experimental evaluation of surface quality for optical freeform surfaces
Authors: Kong L B , Cheung C F , Gao D , Lee W B , To S
Published: December 2006

Optical freeform surfaces have become indispensable in the products of photonics and telecommunication. Due to the geometrical complexity and optical particularity, it is difficult to test and evaluate the surface quality of optical freeform surfaces in terms of the form accuracy and surface finish. This paper presents a surface metrology model for the evaluation of surface quality of the optical freeform surfaces. The model is built based on a freeform surface-matching algorithm using the five-points-position-fixed, layered-step, and multilevel method with the match precision higher than 1 nm. Some parameters are also proposed for evaluating the surface quality of the freeform surfaces. The model is validated through a series of simulation and actual measurement experiments. The theoretical results agree well with the experimental results.
Feedrate control for non-uniform rational B-spline motion command generation
Authors: Cheng C W , Tsai M C , Maciejowski J
Published: December 2006

This paper presents a real-time feedrate-controlled interpolator (FCI) for accurate feedrate control of computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools along non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) curves for precision machining. Unlike most of the existing interpolators that are developed based on the Taylor's expansion, the proposed method uses a predictor—corrector algorithm instead. In the predictor stage, an efficient algorithm is used to estimate the servo command of the next sampling time, and in the corrector stage, the errors arising from the prediction can be corrected. This study conducts an extensive mathematical analysis of the FCI, where the criterion for selecting the sampling period, i.e. sampling period bound, is also established. The experimental results are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed FCI for machining the NURBS curves.
Direct metal part forming of 316L stainless steel powder by electron beam selective melting
Authors: Qi H B , Yan Y N , Lin F , He W , Zhang R J
Published: December 2006

Electron beam selective melting (EBSM) is a new type of rapid manufacturing of direct metal fabrication technology, which combines electron beam machining with rapid prototyping. It makes use of some advantages of an electron beam, such as high energy density, high absorption rate, and vacuum environment. In this study, direct metal part forming of gas and water-atomized 316L stainless steel powder were researched in detail. The one-dimensional experiments showed that the gas-atomized 316L stainless steel powder could be formed in a solid line at slow scanning velocity and low beam current while the water-atomized powder had serious balling and break-up phenomena at most conditions. The powder mixture containing 40–60 wt % of the gas-atomized powder has the optimum forming ability. The forming technology of the mixture powder must be divided into three steps: placing step, heating step, and melting step. After research on the technology parameters, some two-dimensional facets and three-dimensional parts were produced by EBSM. The microstructure of the three-dimensional forming parts was fine; the interfaces between the layers were metallurgically bonded.
A numerical study of the lateral ballast resistance in railway tracks
Authors: Kabo E
Published: December 2006

Three-dimensional elastoplastic finite-element (FE) simulations of ballast deformation in a track with focus on lateral resistance have been conducted. Ballast geometry, vertical and lateral loading, and friction between ballast and sleeper are being varied in a parametric study. Sleeper displacements are studied under different conditions in order to find out which lateral resistance the ballast will provide and how this resistance depends on the various parameters. In addition to extending the state of the art, the knowledge gained in the study will be essential in the design of a structural element to represent the ballast in a model of the full track that is to be used for analysing lateral track stability [1, 2].
Review of research into wheel/rail rolling noise reduction
Authors: Thompson D J , Gautier P-E
Published: December 2006

Rolling noise is the main source of noise from railway operations at conventional speeds, and even at 300 km/h, it is at least as important as aerodynamic noise. In the last decade, several large research projects have been carried out across Europe with the aim of reducing wheel/rail rolling noise at source. Much of the research has concentrated on freight traffic as this has been perceived as the major source of nuisance because of its relatively high noise levels and the operational necessity of running at night. The solutions considered have included means of reducing wheel and rafl surface roughness, improved wheel and track designs for low noise generation, and local shielding applied to the vehicle and track. These have demonstrated a number of successful concepts, including wheel shape optimization, wheel damping, rail damping, bogie shrouds, low barriers, and modified tread braking. This article summarizes the main results obtained and discusses the prospects for implementation of the technology in practice.
A theoretical synopsis of Evolutionary Phonology
Authors: Blevins Juliette
Published: December 2006

1. An overview of Evolutionary Phonology

1.1. Explaining sound patterns

Phonology is the study of sound patterns of the world's languages. In all spoken languages, we find sound patterns characterizing the composition of words and phrases. These patterns include overall properties of contrastive sound inventories (e.g. vowel inventories, consonant inventories, tone inventories), as well as patterns determining the distribution of sounds or contrastive features of sounds (stress, tone, length, voicing, place of articulation, etc.), and their variable realization in different contexts (alternations). A speaker's implicit knowledge of these patterns is often evident in their extension to novel items and in experiments probing phonological well-formedness. This implicit knowledge – its content, formalization, and representation, – is the central focus of modern theoretical phonology, including generative phonology and many of its derivatives (natural phonology, government phonology, dependency phonology, optimality theory).
On the typology of final laryngeal neutralization: Evolutionary Phonology and laryngeal realism
Authors: Iverson Gregory K , Salmons Joseph C
Published: December 2006

1. Introduction

This commentary outlines a typology of final laryngeal neutralization under the assumptions of ‘laryngeal realism’, an approach to feature representation which distinguishes structurally the two-way contrasts of ‘voice’ languages (Dutch, Polish, Spanish) from those of ‘aspiration’ languages (German, Somali, Washo). The typology in turn opens the door to a fresh test for what has emerged as a central debate about Evolutionary Phonology (EP), namely, the status of ‘unnatural’ developments, in particular, the possible occurrence of ‘final voicing’ patterns. While EP allows for the existence of such systems, Kiparsky (this volume) argues vigorously that the proposed cases should all be reanalyzed, and that final voicing is actually unattested because it is impossible in human language.
Reply to commentaries
Authors: Blevins Juliette
Published: December 2006

1. Evolutionary Phonology

The primary goal of Evolutionary Phonology is to explain recurrent sound patterns in spoken languages across time and space. One domain of explanation is diachronic, and much of my own work has focused on diachronic explanations (e.g. Blevins 2004, 2006a, to appear a, to appear b, to appear c, this volume). Another domain of explanation is synchronic. A range of synchronic factors, from the mechanics of speech perception and production (e.g. Myers and Hansen 2005, To appear), to aspects of languages use (e.g. Blevins 2005a, 2005b), to general cognitive strategies in learning, categorization, and pattern-matching (e.g. Wedel 2004a, 2004b, to appear a, to appear b), are likely to play a major role in defining recurrent aspects of sound patterns.
Germanic V-in-C: Some Riddles
Authors: Gärtner Hans-Martin
Published: December 2006

1. Introduction

Usually, the Germanic languages are classified syntactically as V2-languages (see König and van der Auwera 1994). This is clearly due to the fact that they coincide wrt predominance of V-in-C clauses in root positions. Given this V-in-C/root correlation, it is highly plausible that a proper linguistic account of the exact distribution of Germanic V-in-C should at some level of analysis make appeal to the one characteristic property of root clauses, i.e. illocutionary force potential. Such an intuition has repeatedly guided research on V2, work inspired by Hooper & Thompson (1973) such as Andersson (1975) being among the early examples. However, this kind of work remained on a rather informal level, so Hubert Truckenbrodt (henceforth HT) deserves full credit for having put forth an explicit and non-trivial proposal for the analysis of German V-in-C that integrates syntax, discourse semantics, and pragmatics. Integration is guaranteed by so-called “context indices” and formulated as follows (cf. HT's (17)).
Methylation Status of Imprinting Centers for H19/IGF2 and SNURF/SNRPN in Primate Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Mitalipov Shoukhrat , Clepper Lisa , Sritanaudomchai Hathaitip , Fujimoto Akihisa , Wolf Don
Published: December 2006

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) hold promise for cell and tissue replacement approaches to treating human diseases based on their capacity to differentiate into a wide variety of somatic cells and tissues. However, long-term in vitro culture and manipulations of ESCs may adversely affect their epigenetic integrity, including imprinting. We have recently reported aberrant biallelic expression of IGF2 and H19 in several rhesus monkey ESC lines, whereas SNRPN and NDN were normally imprinted and expressed predominantly from the paternal allele. The dysregulation of IGF2 and H19 that is associated with tumorigenesis in humans may result from improper maintenance of allele-specific methylation patterns at an imprinting center (IC) upstream of H19. To test this possibility, we performed methylation analysis of several monkey ESC lines by genomic bisulfite sequencing. We investigated methylation profiles of CpG islands within the IGF2/H19 IC harboring the CTCF-6 binding site. In addition, the methylation status of the IC within the promoter/exon 1 of SNURF/SNRPN known as the Prader-Willi syndrome IC was examined. Our results demonstrate abnormal hypermethylation within the IGF2/H19 IC in all analyzed ESC lines, whereas the SNURF/SNRPN IC was differentially methylated, consistent with monoallelic expression.
CpG Methylation Profiles of Endothelial Cell-Specific Gene Promoter Regions in Adipose Tissue Stem Cells Suggest Limited Differentiation Potential Toward the Endothelial Cell Lineage
Authors: Boquest Andrew C. , Noer Agate , Sørensen Anita L. , Vekterud Kristin , Collas Philippe
Published: December 2006

In vivo endothelial commitment of adipose stem cells (ASCs) has scarcely been reported, and controversy remains on the contribution of ASCs to vascularization. We address the epigenetic commitment of ASCs to the endothelial lineage. We report a bisulfite sequencing analysis of CpG methylation in the promoters of two endothelial-cell-specific genes, CD31 and CD144, in freshly isolated and in cultures of ASCs before and after induction of endothelial differentiation. In contrast to adipose tissue-derived endothelial (CD31+) cells, freshly isolated ASCs display a heavily methylated CD31 promoter and a mosaically methylated CD144 promoter despite basal transcription of both genes. Methylation state of both promoters remains globally stable upon culture. Endothelial stimulation of ASCs in methylcellulose elicits phenotypic changes, marginal upregulation of CD31, and CD144 expression and restrictive induction of a CD31+CD144+ immunophenotype. These events are accompanied by discrete changes in CpG methylation in CD31 and CD144 promoters; however, no global demethylation that marks CD31+ cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells occurs. Immunoselection of CD31+ cells after endothelial stimulation reveals consistent demethylation of one CpG immediately 3′ of the transcription start site of the CD31 promoter. Adipogenic or osteogenic differentiation maintains CD31 and CD144 methylation patterns of undifferentiated cells. Methylation profiles of CD31 and CD144 promoters suggest a limited commitment of ASCs to the endothelial lineage. This contrasts with the reported hypomethylation of adipogenic promoters, which reflects a propensity of ASCs toward adipogenic differentiation. Analysis of CpG methylation at lineage-specific promoters provides a robust assessment of epigenetic commitment of stem cells to a specific lineage.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Transplantation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Is an Optimal Approach for Plastic Surgery
Authors: Fang Dianji , Seo Byoung-Moo , Liu Yi , Sonoyama Wataru , Yamaza Takayoshi , Zhang Chunmei , Wang Songlin , Shi Songtao
Published: December 2006

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are able to differentiate into a variety of cell types, offering promising approaches for stem cell-mediated tissue regeneration. Here, we explored the potential of utilizing MSCs to reconstruct orofacial tissue, thereby altering the orofacial appearance. We demonstrated that bone marrow MSCs were capable of generating bone structures and bone-associated marrow elements on the surfaces of the orofacial bone. This resulted in significant recontouring of the facial appearance in mouse and swine. Notably, the newly formed bone and associated marrow tissues integrated with the surfaces of the recipient bones and re-established a functional bone marrow organ-like system. These data suggested that MSC-mediated tissue regeneration led to a body structure extension, with the re-establishment of all functional components necessary for maintaining the bone and associated marrow organ. In addition, we found that the subcutaneous transplantation of another population of MSCs, the human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), could form substantial amounts of collagen fibers and improve facial wrinkles in mouse. By contrast, bone marrow MSCs failed to survive at 8 weeks post-transplantation under the conditions used for the PDLSC transplantation. This study suggested that the mutual interactions between donor MSCs and recipient microenvironment determine long-term outcome of the functional tissue regeneration. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Evaluation of the rate of development of septic arthritis after elective arthroscopy in horses: 7 cases (1994–2003)
Authors: Olds Ashleigh M. , Stewart Allison A. , Freeman David E. , Schaeffer David J.
Published: December 2006

Objective—To determine the rate of development of septic arthritis after elective arthroscopy and evaluate associations between various factors and development of this complication in horses.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—682 horses that underwent arthroscopic procedures at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1994 to 2003.

Procedures—Information pertaining to signalment, joints treated, whether antimicrobials were administered, and development of postoperative septic arthritis was collected from medical records. Horses with a primary problem of septic arthritis or wounds involving joints were excluded. The following factors were evaluated to determine their roles in joint sepsis: breed, sex, joint, and preoperative and intra-articular administration of antimicrobials. Telephone interviews with clients were used to determine whether unreported septic arthritis had developed.

Results—8 of 932 (0.9%) joints in 7 of 682 (1.0%) horses that underwent arthroscopy developed postoperative septic arthritis. Follow-up information after discharge from the hospital was available for 461 of the 682 horses, and of those, 8 of 627 (1.3%) joints in 7 of 461 (1.5%) horses developed septic arthritis. Breed and joint treated were significant risk factors for development of postoperative septic arthritis, with draft breeds and tibiotarsal joints more likely than others to be affected. Sex, preoperatively administered antimicrobials, and intra-articularly administered antimicrobials were not associated with development of postoperative septic arthritis.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results can be used for comparison with data from other institutions and surgical facilities. Additional precautions should be undertaken when arthroscopic surgery involves draft breeds and tibiotarsal joints.
Efficient Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of trans‐5‐Aryl‐2‐substituted Cyclohexanones by Rhodium‐Catalyzed Conjugate Arylation of Racemic 6‐Substituted Cyclohexenones
Authors: Chen Qian , Soeta Takahiro , Kuriyama Masami , Yamada Ken‐ichi , Tomioka Kiyoshi
Published: December 2006

Catalytic asymmetric conjugate arylation of racemic 6‐substituted cyclohexenones with arylboronic acids was catalyzed by 3 mol % of chiral amidophosphane‐[RhCl(C2H4)]2 in a 10:1 mixture of 1,4‐dioxane and water at 70 °C to afford a nearly 1:1 mixture of trans‐ and cis‐5‐aryl‐2‐substituted cyclohexanones in high enantioselectivity, which was subsequently epimerized with sodium ethoxide in ethanol to give thermodynamically stable trans‐5‐aryl‐2‐substituted cyclohexanones with 99–97 % ee in high two‐step yields.
A dynamic assessment of offender risk, needs, and strengths in a sample of pre‐release general offenders
Authors: Miller Holly A.
Published: December 2006

Static, dynamic, and protective factors have been identified as three focal domains significantly related to offender recidivism. However, few measures include comprehensive and inclusive assessment of these variables. The Inventory of Offender Risk, Needs, and Strengths (IORNS) was developed to fill a void in the assessment of risk and needs for offenders. The current study examines the reliability and initial validity of the IORNS in a sample of pre‐release offenders assessed for risk and treatment need. Results indicate moderate to high levels of internal consistency and identical IORNS scale results across race, and that the IORNS indexes, scales, and subscales display good convergent validity with self‐report and interview measures of static risk, dynamic risk, antisocial behavior, psychopathy, personality pathology, substance abuse, depression, and anxiety. Initial predictive validity examination of the IORNS indicates that several of the indexes, scales, and subscales were able to differentiate offenders who were sent back to prison for half‐way house rule violations from those who did not violate rules. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cover Picture: A Gene Cluster Encoding Rhizoxin Biosynthesis in “Burkholderia rhizoxina”, the Bacterial Endosymbiont of the Fungus Rhizopus microsporus (ChemBioChem 1/2007)
Authors: Partida‐Martinez Laila P. , Hertweck Christian
Published: December 2006

The cover picture shows a confocal scanning micrograph of bacterial endosymbionts (Burkholderia rhizoxina) residing in the mycelium of the plant‐pathogenic fungus Rhizopus microsporus, stained with a fluorescent dye. This symbiosis is a unique example in which a fungus harbors bacteria for the production of a virulence factor, the potent antimitotic macrolide rhizoxin. The entire 82 kb gene cluster that encodes rhizoxin biosynthesis has been located, cloned, and sequenced, and its identity has been confirmed by a targeted gene inactivation in the genome of the cultured endosymbionts. Analyses of the gene cluster revealed that rhizoxin polyketide assembly involves a giant trans‐AT PKS‐NRPS thiotemplate system with some unusual features. The elucidation of rhizoxin biosynthesis sheds more light on an unparalleled phytopathogenic symbiosis and sets the basis for engineering new derivatives of the potential antitumor drug. Further details can be found in the article by C. Hertweck et al. on p. 41 ff.
Metallo‐Organic Domino Reactions: CH versus CC Bond Breaking
Authors: Tocher Derek A. , Drew Michael G. B. , Nag Samik , Pal Pankaj K. , Datta Dipankar
Published: December 2006

HL and MeL are prepared by condensing benzil dihydrazone with 2‐formylpyridine and 2‐acetylpyridine, respectively, in 1:2 molar proportions. While in a reaction with [Ru(C6H6)Cl2]2, HL yields the cation [Ru(C6H6){5,6‐diphenyl‐3‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,2,4‐triazine}Cl]+, MeL gives the cation [Ru(C6H6)(MeL)Cl]+. Both the cations are isolated as their hexafluorophosphate salts and characterised by X‐ray crystallography. In the case of HL, double domino electrocyclic/elimination reactions are found to occur. The electrocyclic reaction occurs in a CNNCCN fragment of HL and the elimination reaction involves breaking of a CH bond of HL. Density functional calculations on model complexes indicate that the identified electrocyclic reaction is thermochemically as well as kinetically feasible for both HL and MeL in the gas phase. For a double domino reaction, similar to that operative in HL, to occur for MeL, breaking of a CC bond would be required in the elimination step. Our model calculations show the energy barrier for this elimination step to be much higher (329.1 kJ mol−1) for MeL than that for HL (96.3 kJ mol−1). Thus, the domino reaction takes place for HL and not for MeL. This accounts for the observed stability of [Ru(C6H6)(MeL)Cl]+ under the reaction conditions employed.
Arene Complexes of β‐Diketiminato Supported Organoscandium Cations: Mechanism of Arene Exchange and Alkyne Insertion in Solvent Separated Ion Pairs
Authors: Hayes Paul G. , Piers Warren E. , Parvez Masood
Published: December 2006

A family of isolable solvent separated organoscandium methyl cations stabilized by β‐diketiminato ligands (Ar)NC(CH3)CHC(CH3)N(Ar) (Ar=2,6‐iPr‐C6H3, LMe) has been prepared by reaction of LMeScR2 with [CPh3][B(C6F5)4] in the presence of an arene solvent. Arenes such as bromobenzene, benzene, toluene, para‐xylene and mesitylene bind the scandium center in an η6‐bonding mode, yielding cations 1 a–e. Their solution and solid‐state structures have been explored using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. Mechanistic studies on arene exchange reactions and the insertion of diphenylacetylene indicate that these processes occur via arene intermediates of lower hapticity, followed by binding of the incoming reagent. Which of the two steps is rate limiting depends on the arene being displaced and/or the nature of the incoming substrate. The experiments present a unified view of these mechanisms, which have relevance to propagation processes in olefin polymerizations mediated by such cations.