bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene and Genome Construction in Yeast
Authors: Gibson Daniel G.
Published: April 2011

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has the capacity to take up and assemble dozens of different overlapping DNA molecules in one transformation event. These DNA molecules can be single‐stranded oligonucleotides, to produce gene‐sized fragments, or double‐stranded DNA fragments, to produce molecules up to hundreds of kilobases in length, including complete bacterial genomes. This unit presents protocols for designing the DNA molecules to be assembled, transforming them into yeast, and confirming their assembly. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 94:3.22.1‐3.22.17. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
LAMM syndrome with middle ear dysplasia associated with compound heterozygosity for FGF3 mutations
Authors: Sensi Alberto , Ceruti Stefano , Trevisi Patrizia , Gualandi Francesca , Busi Micol , Donati Ilaria , Neri Marcella , Ferlini Alessandra , Martini Alessandro
Published: April 2011

We report on the first cases ofFGF3compound heterozygotes in two European families from non‐consanguineous marriages, affected with labyrinthine aplasia, microtia, and microdontia (LAMM) Syndrome. Three not previously described mutations (p.W153VfsX51, p.Y106C, and p.Y49C) and a recurrent one (p.R104X) were found. Analysis of 50 unrelated control subjects (100 chromosomes) of the same European background did not show any of the two newly reported missense variations. We confirm the absence of otodental syndrome in heterozygous carriers, but report unilateral microtia in one of them. We also report on the involvement of the middle ear structures in LAMM Syndrome. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HPPD: A newly recognized autosomal dominant disorder involving hypertelorism, preauricular sinus, punctal pits, and deafness mapping to chromosome 14q31
Authors: Sampath Srirangan , Keats Bronya J.B. , Lacassie Yves
Published: April 2011

We report on a novel autosomal dominant disorder with variable phenotypic expression in a three‐generation family; the major features include hypertelorism, preauricular sinus, deafness, and punctal pits with lacrimal‐duct obstruction. We ruled out the involvement of EYA1, SIX1, and SIX5 as candidate genes by direct sequencing of their exons and by SNP‐based linkage analysis. Subsequent SNP‐based whole‐genome genotyping and parametric multipoint linkage analysis gave lod scores >1 at 14q31 (LOD = 3.14), 11q25 (LOD = 1.87), and 8p23 (LOD = 1.18). By genotyping additional microsatellite markers at two of these three loci and using an expanded phenotype definition, the LOD at 14q31 increased to 3.34. Direct sequencing of the gene exons within the 14q31 critical interval and a custom aCGH experiment did not show any pathogenic mutation or copy‐number changes. Further sequencing of 21 kb of promoter regions showed a novel polymorphism 1,249 bp upstream from the SELIL start codon that segregated with the disease haplotype. Cloning the novel polymorphism into luciferase reporter constructs resulted in a 20% reduction in the expression levels. The identification of this family with a distinctive clinical phenotype and linkage to a novel locus at 14q31 supports the existence of a new syndrome of the branchial cleft. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Replication study of genome‐wide associated SNPs with late‐onset Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Burns L.C. , Minster R.L. , Demirci F.Y. , Barmada M.M. , Ganguli M. , Lopez O.L. , DeKosky S.T. , Kamboh M.I.
Published: April 2011

Late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) is a multifactorial disease with the potential involvement of multiple genes. Four recent genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have found variants showing significant association with LOAD on chromosomes 6, 10, 11, 12, 14, 18, 19, and on the X chromosome. We examined a total of 12 significant SNPs from these studies to determine if the results could be replicated in an independent large case–control sample. We genotyped these 12 SNPs as well the E2/E3/E4 APOE polymorphisms in up to 993 Caucasian Americans with LOAD and up to 976 age‐matched healthy Caucasian Americans. We found no statistically significant associations between the 12 SNPs and the risk of AD. Stratification by APOE*4 carrier status also failed to reveal statistically significant associations. Additional analyses were performed to examine potential associations between the 12 SNPs and age‐at‐onset (AAO) and disease duration among AD cases. Significant associations were observed between AAO and ZNF224/rs3746319 (P = 0.002) and KCNMA1/rs16934131 (P = 0.0066). KCNMA1/rs16934131 also demonstrated statistically significant association with disease duration (P = 0.0002). Although we have been unable to replicate the reported GWAS association with AD risk in our sample, we have identified two new associations with AAO and disease duration that need to be confirmed in additional studies. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Greater effect of stroke thrombolysis in the presence of arterial obstruction
Authors: De Silva Deidre A. , Churilov Leonid , Olivot Jean‐Marc , Christensen Soren , Lansberg Maarten G. , Mlynash Michael , Campbell Bruce C.V. , Desmond Patricia , Straka Matus , Bammer Roland , Albers Gregory W. , Davis Stephen M. , Donnan Geoffrey A. ,   on behalf of the EPITHET‐DEFUSE Investigators
Published: April 2011

Objective:

Recanalization of arterial obstruction is associated with improved clinical outcomes. There are no controlled data demonstrating whether arterial obstruction status predicts the treatment effect of intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). We aimed to determine if the presence of arterial obstruction improves the treatment effect of IV tPA over placebo in attenuating infarct growth.

Methods:

We analyzed 175 ischemic stroke patients treated in the 3–6 hour time window from the Echoplanar Imaging Thrombolytic Evaluation Trial (EPITHET) trial (randomized to IV tPA or placebo) and Diffusion and perfusion imaging Evaluation For Understanding Stroke Evolution (DEFUSE) study (all treated with IV tPA). Infarct growth was calculated as the difference between baseline diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and final T2 lesion volumes. Baseline arterial obstruction of large intracranial arteries was graded on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).

Results:

Among the 116 patients with adequate baseline MRA and final lesion assessment, 72 had arterial obstruction (48 tPA, 24 placebo) and 44 no arterial obstruction (33 tPA, 11 placebo). Infarct growth was lower in the tPA than placebo group (median difference 26ml, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1–50) in patients with arterial obstruction, but was similar in patients with no arterial obstruction (median difference 5ml, 95%CI, −3 to 9). Infarct growth attenuation with tPA over placebo treatment was greater among patients with arterial obstruction than those without arterial obstruction by a median of 32ml (95%CI, 21–43, p < 0.001).

Interpretation:

The treatment effect of IV tPA over placebo was greater with baseline arterial obstruction, supporting arterial obstruction status as a consideration in selecting patients more likely to benefit from IV thrombolysis. ANN NEUROL 2011;70:601–605
Gene therapy for pain: Results of a phase I clinical trial
Authors: Fink David J. , Wechuck James , Mata Marina , Glorioso Joseph C. , Goss James , Krisky David , Wolfe Darren
Published: April 2011

Objective:

Preclinical evidence indicates that gene transfer to the dorsal root ganglion using replication‐defective herpes simplex virus (HSV)‐based vectors can reduce pain‐related behavior in animal models of pain. This clinical trial was carried out to assess the safety and explore the potential efficacy of this approach in humans.

Methods:

We conducted a multicenter, dose‐escalation, phase I clinical trial of NP2, a replication‐defective HSV‐based vector expressing human preproenkephalin (PENK) in subjects with intractable focal pain caused by cancer. NP2 was injected intradermally into the dermatome(s) corresponding to the radicular distribution of pain. The primary outcome was safety. As secondary measures, efficacy of pain relief was assessed using a numeric rating scale (NRS), the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF‐MPQ), and concurrent opiate usage.

Results:

Ten subjects with moderate to severe intractable pain despite treatment with >200mg/day of morphine (or equivalent) were enrolled into the study. Treatment was well tolerated with no study agent‐related serious adverse events observed at any point in the study. Subjects receiving the low dose of NP2 reported no substantive change in pain. Subjects in the middle‐ and high‐dose cohorts reported pain relief as assessed by NRS and SF‐MPQ.

Interpretation:

Treatment of intractable pain with NP2 was well tolerated. There were no placebo controls in this relatively small study, but the dose‐responsive analgesic effects suggest that NP2 may be effective in reducing pain and warrants further clinical investigation. ANN NEUROL 2011
Gadolinium‐conjugated folate–poly(ethylene glycol)–polyamidoamine dendrimer–carboxyl nanoparticles as potential tumor‐targeted, circulation‐prolonged macromolecular magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents. II
Authors: Zhang Wei‐Lu , Li Na , Huang Jin , Luo Shu‐Fang , Fan Ming‐Xia , Liu Shi‐Yuan , Muir Ben , Yu Jia‐Hui
Published: April 2011

A new macromolecular gadolinium‐based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent, folic acid (FA)–poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)–polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM)–Gd, was synthesized with a core of PAMAM, which was modified with conjugates of FA and PEG and then chelated by gadolinium ions. The final products, with FA as the targeting moiety, were evaluated for their tumor‐targeting MRI contrast‐agent potential. The concentration detection limits in vitro; contrast‐enhanced MRI in the heart, kidney, and liver of mice; and metabolism of FA–PEG–PAMAM–Gd were measured by a Siemens Tim Trio human MRI scanner at 3 T. Transmission electron microscopy was used to determine the targeting of FA–PEG–PAMAM–Gd to human epidermoid carcinomas cell lines (KB) or murine aneuploid fibrosarcoma cell lines (L929). The toxicity was also assayed to evaluate the biocompatibility of this contrast agent. The minimum detectable concentration of FA–PEG4K–PAMAM–Gd (where the subscript 4K indicates a molecular weight of 4000 Da) was 15‐fold lower than that of the commercially available contrast agent gadopentetate dimeglumine. The MRI images displayed a gradual persistent signal enhancement on tumors, and millimeter‐sized (∼ 3 mm) tumors were well visualized with FA–PEG4K–PAMAM–Gd. In conclusion, the dendritic complexes were well suited for use as an FA‐mediated targeting contrast agent for early diagnosis of tumors in mice. The dendritic contrast agents displayed lower concentration detection limits, which suggests their future use in molecular imaging. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Novel evidence‐based colchicine dose‐reduction algorithm to predict and prevent colchicine toxicity in the presence of cytochrome P450 3A4/P‐glycoprotein inhibitors
Authors: Terkeltaub Robert A. , Furst Daniel E. , DiGiacinto Jennifer L. , Kook Karin A. , Davis Matthew W.
Published: April 2011

Objective

Drug–drug interactions can limit the safety of colchicine for treating rheumatic diseases. Seven separate drug–drug interaction (DDI) studies were performed to elucidate the in vivo effects of concomitant treatment with colchicine and known inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4)/P‐glycoprotein (cyclosporine, ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin, azithromycin, verapamil ER [extended release]), and diltiazem ER) on the pharmacokinetics of colchicine. The objective was to develop colchicine‐dosing algorithms with improved safety.

Methods

All studies were open‐label, non‐randomized, single‐center, one‐sequence, two‐period DDI experiments, using two 0.6‐mg doses of colchicine, separated by a minimum 14‐day washout period, followed by administration of the approved on‐label regimen of known CYP3A4/P‐glycoprotein inhibitors. Plasma concentrations of colchicine, but not the reference CYP3A4/P‐glycoprotein inhibitors, were determined, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated.

Results

The ratios of the maximum concentration and area under the curve from time 0 to infinity for colchicine plus CYP3A4/P‐glycoprotein inhibitors versus colchicine alone were >125% across all studies, with the exception of studies involving azithromycin. Significant DDIs were present when single doses of colchicine were coadministered with most of the selected CYP3A4/P‐glycoprotein inhibitors. Recommended colchicine dose reductions of 33–66% for the treatment of acute gout and 50–75% for prophylaxis were calculated for concomitant therapy with each agent, with the exception of no dose adjustment when colchicine is used in combination with azithromycin.

Conclusion

These studies provide quantitative evidence regarding drug interactions and necessary adjustments in the dose of colchicine if colchicine treatment is continued during therapy with multiple CYP3A4/P‐glycoprotein inhibitors. We demonstrated the need for specific reductions in the dose of colchicine when it is used in combination with 2 broadly prescribed calcium channel blockers (verapamil ER and diltiazem ER) and that the dose of colchicine does not need to be adjusted when it is used in combination with azithromycin.
Nonlinear internal model based attitude tracking and disturbance rejection
Authors: Zhang Xuxi , Cheng Daizhan
Published: April 2011

In this paper, we consider the attitude tracking and disturbance rejection problem of rigid spacecraft, which is subject to some disturbances generated by nonlinear exosystems. A new nonlinear internal model is designed to manipulate the uncertainties caused by external disturbances, which includes the linear internal model as a special case. A numerical example is given to illustrate the theoretical result presented in the paper.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
American option prices in a Markov chain market model
Authors: van der Hoek John , Elliott Robert J.
Published: April 2011

This paper is a sequel to our previous paper ‘A New Paradigm in Asset Pricing’ in which we construct a model for asset pricing in a world where the randomness is modeled by a Markov chain. In this paper we develop a theory of optimal stopping and related variational inequalities for American options in this model. A version of Saigal's Lemma is established and numerical results obtained. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Funktionelle Akustik — Die Nachhall‐Charakteristik des Raumes als Basis für seine Nutzbarkeit
Authors: Fuchs Helmut V.
Published: April 2011

In Teil 1 dieser Serie wurde die aktuelle Ausgangssituation für eine funktionelle raumakustische Gestaltung skizziert. Die vorherrschenden Lehrmeinungen, Normen und Vorurteile, die unter Akustikern im Hinblick auf den anzustrebenden Nachhall von Räumen verschiedener Größe und Bestimmung gepflegt werden, wurden kritisch hinterfragt. Dabei wurde auf die häufigen Probleme bei tiefen Frequenzen, besonders in kleinen, aber auch in großen Räumen, hingewiesen. Hier wird nun mit weiteren Zitaten aus der Literatur an die vielfach unterschätzte Bedeutung des Bassbereichs erinnert. An einem unter Musikern und Tonschaffenden unisono gerühmten Kirchenraum mit herausragend guten raumakustischen Eigenschaften wird danach demonstriert, wie eindeutig positiv sich eine Absenkung des Nachhalls bei den Tiefen bei gleichzeitiger Anhebung bei den Höhen auf die Darbietung und Aufnahme von jeglicher Sprache und Musik auswirkt. Dazu kommen auch zahlreiche Nutzer mit ihren professionellen Wahrnehmungen gerade dieses Raumes zu Wort.

Functional acoustics — useability of rooms based on reverberation characteristics. Part 2: Bass foundation and frequency spectrum of reverberation. In Part 1 of this series the present working conditions for a functional room‐acoustic design were outlined. The prevailing doctrines, standards and preoccupations were critically questioned which are cultivated by acousticians with respect to the desirable reverberation of rooms of differing size and use. Frequent problems were identified at the low frequencies especially in small, but also in large rooms. Here the often depreciated relevance of the bass regime will be underlined by further citations. A church room which is highly esteemed by musicians and sound engineers for its outstanding acoustical quality demonstrates the positive influence of a suppression of the reverberation at the low and simultaneous enhancement at the high frequencies on the performance and recording of speech and music. Numerous users of this room support these conclusions with their professional sensations.
Gebäudeenergieausweis in der Schweiz — Methodik des GEAK®
Authors: Hall Monika
Published: April 2011

Der Gebäudeenergieausweise der Kantone GEAK® ist seit über einem Jahr in der Schweiz erfolgreich eingeführt. Anfang August 2009 wurde der GEAK® als Onlinetool aufgeschaltet und der Öffentlichkeit zugänglich gemacht. Der GEAK® ist ein kombinierter Gebäudeenergieausweis. Der Energiebedarf wird auf der Basis der Gebäudedaten rechnerisch ermittelt und dieser mit effektiven Verbrauchsdaten validiert. Kernstück des GEAK® ist eine Energieetikette mit Doppelbewertung: Eine Klassierung nach “Effizienz Gebäudehülle” für die Beurteilung der Gebäudehülle und nach ”Effizienz Gesamtenergie” zur Quantifizierung des gesamten Gebäudes inkl. Gebäudetechnik und Elektrizitätsbedarf für Geräte und Beleuchtung. Weiter enthält der GEAK® eine Beschreibung des Ist‐Zustandes der Gebäudehülle und ‐technik sowie Massnahmen und Empfehlungen energietechnischer Verbesserungen. Zukünftig können im Rahmen des GEAK® Plus Varianten von kostenoptimierten Sanierungsmaßnahmen detailliert zusammengestellt werden.

Energy Performance Certificate in Switzerland — Methodology of GEAK®. More then one year the energy performance certificate of Switzerland GEAK® is well‐established. In the beginning of August 2009 the GEAK® started as a public online tool. The certificate is a combination of energy performance based on calculated values and consumption data. The calculated energy demand could be validated with consumption data. The core of the certificate is an energy rating with two classifications. The classification of the efficiency building envelope describes the thermal quality of the envelope and the classification of the overall energy performance of the building describes the energy efficiency of the whole building incl. building services, lighting and appliances. The certificate contains the energy rating, the description of the building in the current state and advices for efficient improvements. In the future, proposals of cost optimized reconstructions possibilities could be done with an additionally GEAK® Plus tool.
No effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields on expression of cell adhesion molecules (integrin, CD44) and matrix metalloproteinase‐2/9 in osteosarcoma cell lines
Authors: Zhang Daguang , Pan Xin , Ohno Shuichiro , Osuga Tomoaki , Sawada Shigeyuki , Sato Keiji
Published: April 2011

Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) could enhance the cytocidal effects of chemotherapeutic drugs on malignant tumor cell lines, but metastasis effects of PEMF on tumor cells have not been investigated. We investigated the effects of PEMF exposure on the expression levels of some metastasis‐related molecules, including integrin α subunits (α1, α2, α3, α4, α5, α6, αv), integrin β subunits (β1, β2, β3, β4), CD44, and matrix metalloproteinase‐2/9 (MMP‐2/9) in four human osteosarcoma cell lines (HOS, MG‐63, SAOS‐2, NY) and two mouse osteosarcoma cell lines (DOS, LM8) by using FACScan analysis, gelatin zymography, and Western blot analysis. Our results indicate that PEMF exposure has no effect on the expression of some molecules that are associated with tumor cell invasion and metastasis, and therefore suggest that PEMF exposure may be safely applied to chemotherapy for osteosarcoma. Bioelectromagnetics 32:463–473, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Review of possible modulation‐dependent biological effects of radiofrequency fields
Authors: Juutilainen Jukka , Höytö Anne , Kumlin Timo , Naarala Jonne
Published: April 2011

The biological effects of modulated radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields have been a subject of debate since early publications more than 30 years ago, suggesting that relatively weak amplitude‐modulated RF electromagnetic fields have specific biological effects different from the well‐known thermal effects of RF energy. This discussion has been recently activated by the increasing human exposure to RF fields from wireless communication systems. Modulation is used in all wireless communication systems to enable the signal to carry information. A previous review in 1998 indicated that experimental evidence for modulation‐specific effects of RF energy is weak. This article reviews recent studies (published after 1998) on the biological effects of modulated RF fields. The focus is on studies that have compared the effects of modulated and unmodulated (continuous wave) RF fields, or compared the effects of different kinds of modulations; studies that used only one type of signal are not included. While the majority of recent studies have reported no modulation‐specific effects, there are a few interesting exceptions indicating that there may be specific effects from amplitude‐modulated RF fields on the human central nervous system. These findings warrant follow‐up studies. Bioelectromagnetics 32:511–534, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bioluminescence characteristics of the fruiting body of Mycena chlorophos
Authors: Mori Kenichi , Kojima Satoshi , Maki Shojiro , Hirano Takashi , Niwa Haruki
Published: April 2011

Bioluminescent fungi are widely distributed on land and most belong to the class Basidomycetes. Light of about 530 nm wavelength maximum is emitted continuously. The molecular basis for the light‐emitting process remains unclear. We investigated the characteristics of the bioluminescence using cultivated fruiting bodies of M. chlorophos. Only fresh fruiting bodies exhibited long‐lasting light emission; rapid decay of light emission was observed with frozen and freeze‐dried samples. Freeze‐dried samples can be stored at room temperature under dry conditions and may be useful for the isolation of luciferin. The light emission of the fresh fruiting bodies was maintained in various buffers at varying pH; it could be stopped with pH 4 acetate buffer and could be recovered at pH 6. The isolation of luciferin from the fresh fruiting bodies might be possible by the control of buffer pH. The effect of temperature on the light emission of fruiting bodies indicated that bioluminescence in M. chlorophos may involve enzymatic reaction(s). The solubilization of bioluminescent components from the fruiting bodies could not be achieved with various surfactants. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aggregates in monoclonal antibody manufacturing processes
Authors: Vázquez‐Rey María , Lang Dietmar A.
Published: April 2011

Monoclonal antibodies have proved to be a highly successful class of therapeutic products. Large‐scale manufacturing of pharmaceutical antibodies is a complex activity that requires considerable effort in both process and analytical development. If a therapeutic protein cannot be stabilized adequately, it will lose partially or totally its therapeutic properties or even cause immunogenic reactions thus potentially further endangering the patients' health. The phenomenon of protein aggregation is a common issue that compromises the quality, safety, and efficacy of antibodies and can happen at different steps of the manufacturing process, including fermentation, purification, final formulation, and storage. Aggregate levels in drug substance and final drug product are a key factor when assessing quality attributes of the molecule, since aggregation might impact biological activity of the biopharmaceutical. In this review it is analyzed how aggregates are formed during monoclonal antibody industrial production, why they have to be removed and the manufacturing process steps that are designed to either minimize or remove aggregates in the final product. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1494–1508. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding the Success Factors of Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Empirical Evidence from the Electrics and Electronics Industry
Authors: Wittstruck David , Teuteberg Frank
Published: April 2011

Recent studies have reported that organizations are often unable to identify the key success factors of Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) and to understand their implications for management practice. For this reason, the implementation of SSCM often does not result in noticeable benefits. So far, research has failed to offer any explanations for this discrepancy. In view of this fact, our study aims at identifying and analyzing the factors that underlie successful SSCM. Success factors are identified by means of a systematic literature review and are then integrated into an explanatory model. Consequently, the proposed success factor model is tested on the basis of an empirical study focusing on recycling networks of the electrics and electronics industry. We found that signaling, information provision and the adoption of standards are crucial preconditions for strategy commitment, mutual learning, the establishment of ecological cycles and hence for the overall success of SSCM. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Increased CD64 expression on polymorphonuclear neutrophils indicates infectious complications following solid organ transplantation
Authors: Grey Daniel , Sack Ulrich , Scholz Markus , Knaack Heike , Fricke Stephan , Oppel Christoph , Luderer Daniel , Fangmann Josef , Emmrich Frank , Kamprad Manja
Published: April 2011

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of monitoring CD64 antigen upregulation on polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) for the identification of infectious complications in the postoperative course of solid organ transplanted patients. Twenty‐five kidney, 13 liver, and four pancreas–kidney transplanted patients were included. Beginning with preoperative values up to postoperative values after 3 months for each patient, the PMN CD64 Index, HLA‐DR on monocytes, NKp44+ NK and NK/T cells, CXCR3+ NK cells, CXCR3+ T helper cells, CXCR3+ NK/T cells, and CD4/CD8 ratio were measured by flow cytometry. Subsequently they were correlated with confirmed postoperative complications. Measuring the PMN CD64 Index reached a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 65% in the detection of infectious complications. Concerning this matter, it was a significantly better marker than all other included parameters except CXCR3+ NK/T cells. In contrast, according to our results the PMN CD64 Index has no diagnostic relevance in detection of rejections. The combination of included parameters showed no improved diagnostic value. Due to its high sensitivity and specificity for infectious complications CD64 on PMN could be proven a very good indicator in evaluating suspected infectious complications in the postoperative course of transplanted patients. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
[NiX2(NHC)2] Complexes in the Hydrosilylation of Internal Alkynes
Authors: Berding Joris , van Paridon John A. , van Rixel Vincent H. S. , Bouwman Elisabeth
Published: April 2011

A number of nickel(II) dihalide complexes with small monodentate N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands was synthesized and tested for their catalytic activity in the hydrosilylation of internal alkynes. The nickel(0) active species was obtained from the starting nickel(II) complex by reduction with diethylzinc. In all cases the catalytic reaction yielded the syn product selectively. The fastest catalysts reached full conversion of the symmetric alkyne 3‐hexyne in 60 min at 50 °C, with 5 mol‐% catalyst loading. The asymmetrically substituted internal alkyne 1‐phenyl‐1‐propyne gave full conversion within 30 min. The major product (83 %) was shown to be the expected (E)‐1‐phenyl‐1‐(triethylsilyl)propene. The active catalyst was demonstrated to be a homogeneous species.
Foraging, feeding, and reproduction on silica substrate: Increased waterborne zinc toxicity to the estuarine epibenthic amphipod Melita plumulosa
Authors: Mann Reinier M , Hyne Ross V , Ascheri Laure M.E
Published: April 2011

Artificial substrates consisting of fine milled silica with or without α-cellulose were evaluated for their capacity to support survival, growth, and fecundity in the amphipod Melita plumulosa. There were no significant differences in the survival and fecundity of adult amphipods maintained for up to 13 d on natural sediment, silica-only, or silica/α-cellulose substrate when fed two algal foods, Sera® micron and Rotiselco®-ALG. However, growth among juveniles maintained on the silica/α-cellulose mixture was significantly inhibited over 14 d compared with natural sediment. Addition of a microencapsulated shrimp feed, Frippak®, to the algal foods improved juvenile growth over 28 d but still did not match the nutritive value of natural sediment. Fine silica without cellulose was subsequently used in acute and reproductive toxicity tests with waterborne zinc. With food, a 10-d median lethal concentration (LC50) of 140 µg Zn/L and a 10-d no-effect concentration (NEC) of 80 µg Zn/L were obtained for juvenile survival on silica. In contrast, a 10-d LC50 of 200 µg Zn/L and a 10-d NEC of 180 µg Zn/L were obtained for juveniles in water-only exposures. Similarly, exposure of adult females to Zn without food on silica compared with water-only exposures gave 10-d LC50s of 380 and 490 µg Zn/L and 10-d NECs of 130 and 370 µg Zn/L, respectively. The reproduction toxicity test indicated significant adult mortality at 92 µg Zn/L and significantly reduced fecundity at 22 µg Zn/L. We surmised that the toxicity of waterborne zinc to M. plumulosa increased when maintained on nutrient-depleted silica compared with water-only exposure because of increased energy expended through foraging, in concert with the likely increased exposure to Zn via the digestive tract and the gills. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1649–1658. © 2011 SETAC
Effects of six chemical deicers on larval wood frogs (Rana sylvatica)
Authors: Harless Meagan L , Huckins Casey J , Grant Jacqualine B , Pypker Thomas G
Published: April 2011

Widespread and intensive application of road deicers, primarily road salt (NaCl), in North America threatens water quality and the health of freshwater ecosystems. Intensive use of NaCl can be harmful to sensitive members of freshwater ecosystems such as amphibians. Detection of negative effects of NaCl application has prompted the search for alternative chemical deicers with lower environmental impacts. We conducted a series of 96-h acute toxicity tests to determine the negative sensitivity of larval wood frogs (Rana [Lithobates] sylvatica) to six deicing chemicals: urea (CH4N2O), sodium chloride (NaCl), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), potassium acetate (CH3COOK), calcium chloride (CaCl2), and calcium magnesium acetate (C8H12CaMgO8). Acetates are sometimes touted as environmentally friendly alternatives to NaCl but have not been examined in enough detail to warrant this designation. When exposed to a range of environmentally realistic concentrations of these chemicals, larvae were least sensitive (i.e., had the lowest mortality rate) to CH4N2O, NaCl, and MgCl2 and most sensitive to acetates (C8H12CaMgO8, CH3COOK) and CaCl2. Our observed median lethal concentration estimates (LC5096-h) for NaCl were over two times higher than values presented in previous studies, which suggests variability in tolerance among R. sylvatica populations. The deicers varied greatly in their toxicity, and further research is warranted to examine the differential effects of this suite of deicers on other species. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1637–1641. © 2011 SETAC
Current-use pesticides in inland lake waters, precipitation, and air from Ontario, Canada
Authors: Kurt-Karakus Perihan Binnur , Teixeira Camilla , Small Jeff , Muir Derek , Bidleman Terry F
Published: April 2011

Concentrations of current-use pesticides (CUPs) in water, zooplankton, precipitation, and air samples as well as stereoisomer fractions (SF; herbicidally active/total stereoisomers) of metolachlor were determined in water samples collected from 10 remote inland lakes in Ontario, Canada, between 2003 and 2005. The most frequently detected chemicals in lake water, precipitation, and air were α-endosulfan, atrazine, metolachlor, chlorpyrifos, chlorothalonil, and trifluralin, and α-endosulfan and chlorpyrifos were the chemicals detected frequently in zooplankton. Air concentrations of these CUPs were within the range of previously reported values for background sites in the Great Lakes basin. High detection frequency of CUPs in lake water and precipitation was attributed to high usage amounts, but some CUPs such as ametryn and disulfoton that were not used in Ontario were also detected. Mean bioaccumulation factors (wet wt) in zooplankton for endosulfan ranged from 160 to 590 and from 20 to 60 for chlorpyrifos. The overall median SF of metolachlor in precipitation samples (0.846) was similar to that of the commercial S-metolachlor (0.882). However, the median SF of metolachlor in water from all sampled inland lakes (0.806) was significantly lower compared with Ontario rivers (0.873) but higher compared with previous measurements in the Great Lakes (0.710). Lakes with smaller watershed areas showed higher SFs, supporting the hypothesis of stereoselective processing of deposited metolachlor within the watersheds, followed by transport to the lakes. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1539–1548. © 2011 SETAC
Fixation based event‐related fmri analysis: Using eye fixations as events in functional magnetic resonance imaging to reveal cortical processing during the free exploration of visual images
Authors: Marsman Jan Bernard C. , Renken Remco , Velichkovsky Boris M. , Hooymans Johanna M.M. , Cornelissen Frans W.
Published: April 2011

Eye movements, comprising predominantly fixations and saccades, are known to reveal information about perception and cognition, and they provide an explicit measure of attention. Nevertheless, fixations have not been considered as events in the analyses of data obtained during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments. Most likely, this is due to their brevity and statistical properties. Despite these limitations, we used fixations as events to model brain activation in a free viewing experiment with standard fMRI scanning parameters. First, we found that fixations on different objects in different task contexts resulted in distinct cortical patterns of activation. Second, using multivariate pattern analysis, we showed that the BOLD signal revealed meaningful information about the task context of individual fixations and about the object being inspected during these fixations. We conclude that fixation‐based event‐related (FIBER) fMRI analysis creates new pathways for studying human brain function by enabling researchers to explore natural viewing behavior. Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Facile synthesis of α‐amino phosphonates in water by Kabachnik–Fields reaction using magnesium dodecyl sulfate
Authors: Ando Kaori , Egami Tomoe
Published: April 2011

The three‐component reaction of aldehydes, amines and triethyl or diphenyl phosphite was efficiently catalyzed by magnesium dodecyl sulfate at room temperature in water to give various α‐amino phosphonates in high yields. The catalyst is easily available from inexpensive sodium dodecyl sulfate and magnesium bromide. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 22:358–362, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.20689
Chiral Rh‐ and Ir‐catalyzed intramolecular cycloaddition of hexaynes for the construction of new chiral skeletons
Authors: Shibata Takanori , Chiba Tatsuya , Hirashima Hiroyuki , Ueno Yasunori , Endo Kohei
Published: April 2011

Enantioselective intramolecular cycloaddition of hexaynes with 1,3‐diyne moiety was examined. Chiral Rh catalyst provided axially chiral 1,1′ ‐bis(biphenylenyl) derivatives by consecutive [2+2+2] cycloaddition. In contrast, chiral Ir catalyst provided axially chiral macrocyclic compounds with 1,3‐diyne moiety by single [2+2+2] cycloaddition. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 22:363–370, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.20691
Circulating and tumor‐infiltrating myeloid cell subsets in patients with bladder cancer
Authors: Eruslanov Evgeniy , Neuberger Molly , Daurkin Irina , Perrin George Q. , Algood Chester , Dahm Philipp , Rosser Charles , Vieweg Johannes , Gilbert Scott M. , Kusmartsev Sergei
Published: April 2011

Both cancer‐related inflammation and tumor‐induced immune suppression are associated with expansion of myeloid cell subsets including myeloid‐derived suppressor cells. However, little known regarding characteristics of myeloid cells in patients with bladder cancer. In this study, we analyzed myeloid cells from peripheral blood (PBMC) and tumor tissue that were collected from patients with superficial noninvasive and invasive urothelial carcinomas. Our results demonstrate that PBMC from bladder cancer patients contain two major CD11b myeloid cell subsets: granulocyte‐type CD15high CD33low cells and monocyte‐type CD15low CD33high cells. The number of circulating granulocytic but not monocytic myeloid cells in cancer patients was markedly increased when compared to healthy individuals. Both myeloid cell subsets from cancer patients were highly activated and produced substantial amounts of proinflammatory chemokines/cytokines including CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, G‐CSF, IL‐8 and IL‐6. Granulocytic myeloid cells were able to inhibit in vitro T cell proliferation through induction of CD4+Foxp3+ T regulatory cells. Analysis of bladder cancer tissues revealed that tumors were infiltrated with monocyte–macrophage CD11b+HLA‐DR+ and granulocytic CD11b+CD15+HLA‐DR‐ myeloid cells. Collectively, this study identifies myeloid cell subsets in patients with bladder cancer. We demonstrate that these highly activated inflammatory myeloid cells represent a source of multiple chemokines/cytokines and may contribute to inflammation and immune dysfunction in bladder cancer.
Fluorescence Response of Alkaloids and DAPI on Inclusion in Cucurbit[7]uril: Utilization for the Study of the Encapsulation of Ionic Liquid Cations
Authors: Biczók László , Wintgens Véronique , Miskolczy Zsombor , Megyesi Mónika
Published: April 2011

The encapsulation of biologically important compounds in the cavity of cucurbit[7]urils (CB7) brings about a variety of effects. The binding of lumichrome to CB7 promotes the tautomerization from alloxazine‐ to isoalloxazine‐type structure in the ground‐state, leading to substantial changes in the absorption and fluorescence properties. Even partial embedding in CB7 macrocycle is able to protect sanguinarine, a natural alkaloid, against nucleophilic addition and photooxidation. The inclusion of berberine in CB7 results in about 500‐fold enhancement of its fluorescence intensity, and the change in its fluorescence decay characteristics indicates ternary complex formation with cations. DAPI (4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole dication) is an excellent fluorescent probe for the study of the CB7 complex formation with ionic liquids, surfactants, and biologically important compounds. The binding of 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ions to CB7 is strongly exothermic; both the enthalpy and the entropy change in the reaction go through a minimum when the 1‐alkyl group is lengthened, reaching the smallest values for the hexyl derivative.
Histochemical and ultrastructural analyses of adhesive setae of lizards indicate that they contain lipids in addition to keratins
Authors: Alibardi L. , Edward D.P. , Patil L. , Bouhenni R. , Dhinojwala A. , Niewiarowski P.H.
Published: April 2011

We studied the distribution of lipid material and organelles in the epidermal layers of toe pads from two species of lizards representing the two main lizard families in which adhesive scansors are found (gekkonids and polychrotids), the dull day gecko, Phelsuma dubia and the green anole, Anolis carolinensis. Although lipids are a conspicuous component of the mesos layer of squamate reptiles and function in reducing cutaneous water loss, their distribution has not been specifically studied in the highly elaborated epidermal surface of adhesive toe pads. We found that, in addition to the typical cutaneous water loss‐resistant mesos and alpha‐layer lipids, the Oberhäutchen (including the setae) on the most exterior layers of the epidermis in P. dubia and A. carolinensis also contain lipid material. We also present detailed histochemical and ultrastructural analyses of the toe pads of P. dubia, which indicate that lipid material is closely associated spatially with maturing setae as they branch during the renewal phase of epidermal regeneration. This lipid material appears associated with the packing of keratin within setae, possibly affecting permeability to water loss in the pad lamella, where the surface area is from 4–60‐fold greater compared with normal scales. J. Morphol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phosphorus nutrition alleviates manganese toxicity in Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens
Authors: Rosas Analí , Rengel Zed , Ribera Alejandra , de La Luz Mora María
Published: April 2011

Phosphorus (P) nutrition has been suggested to play a role in the alleviation of manganese (Mn) toxicity in some higher plant species. However, there are few reports on the role of P in regulating Mn accumulation by forage species. We studied the effect of P nutrition on Mn toxicity in Lolium perenne L. and Trifolium repens L. An increase in Mn concentration in root and shoot tissues was associated with an increase in both P supply and P tissue concentrations. Nevertheless, in both forage species, especially white clover, plant‐growth inhibition caused by Mn excess was decreased with increasing P additions. Moreover, the carboxylate exudation that had increased in response to high Mn was gradually reduced by increasing P supply. We suggest that P supply may have a beneficial effect in reducing the severity of Mn toxicity in forage species.
Macromol. React. Eng. 3/2008
Authors: Wang Wei , Hutchinson Robin A.
Published: April 2011

Cover: High temperature semibatch starved‐feed solution copolymerization is used to produce acrylic resins for coatings formulations. A general mechanistic model including penultimate chain‐growth kinetics and other secondary reactions at elevated temperature is formulated to predict the copolymerization behavior of styrene and methacrylates. Further details can be found in the article by W. Wang and R. A. Hutchinson* on page 199.
Facial, lingual, and pharyngeal electromyography in infants with Pierre Robin sequence
Authors: Renault Francis , Baudon Jean‐Jacques , Galliani Eva , Flores‐Guevara Roberto , Marlin Sandrine , Garabedian Erea Noel , Vazquez Marie‐Paule
Published: April 2011

Introduction: We evaluated the role of electromyography (EMG) in assessing orofacial neurological dysfunction in 81 infants with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS). Methods: Needle EMG of muscles of the face, tongue, and soft palate, and blink responses were recorded. A two‐channel EMG recorded sucking and swallowing during bottle feeding. Results: Neurogenic EMG signs were detected in facial or oral muscles in 17 of 24 associated PRS and 1 of 57 isolated PRS cases (P < 0.0001). Soft palate muscles showed low‐amplitude traces in 41.4% of patients who required two surgical steps for cleft palate repair and 18.5% of those who required only one step. Regarding EMG study during bottle feeding, patients with moderate or severe abnormalities of oral/pharyngeal coordination required more prolonged enteral feeding than patients with mild abnormalities or normal coordination (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Combined EMG methods were useful in the treatment of infants with PRS. EMG detection of cranial nerve involvement strongly suggests an associated form of PRS. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Adding more muscle and nerve to clinical trials
Authors: Conwit Robin A. , Bhanushali Minal J. , Porter John D. , Kaufmann Petra , Gutmann Laurie
Published: April 2011

In this review we illustrate both the fundamentals and challenges of randomized clinical trials in neuromuscular disorders and suggest directions for prospective efforts to improve the design, conduct, rigor, and objectivity of these trials. Current research in clinical trials for neuromuscular disorders and key issues affecting these trials are reviewed. This perspective addresses the planning of clinical research, level of preclinical data needed to justify trials, patient recruitment and retention, and opportunities to access federal funding and infrastructure in support of clinical trials. The need for innovation in trial design and conduct, rigorous standards for the preclinical efficacy and safety data that support trial rationale, novel collaborative paradigms, objective interpretations of outcomes, and sharing of the lessons learned from trials in any one disorder among all neuromuscular trialists are imperative to improving the heretofore limited success in delivering novel, safe, and effective therapies to patients burdened by neuromuscular disorders. Muscle Nerve, 2011
The differences in neural network activity between methamphetamine abusers and healthy subjects performing an emotion‐matching task: functional MRI study
Authors: Kim Yang‐Tae , Song Hui‐Jin , Seo Jee‐Hye , Lee Jae‐Jun , Lee Jongmin , Kwon Do‐Hoon , Yoo Done‐Sik , Lee Hui Joong , Suh Kyung‐Jin , Chang Yongmin
Published: April 2011

Methamphetamine (MA) abusers commonly exhibit socially problematic behaviors, such as diminished empathy, decreased emotional regulation and interpersonal violence, which may be attributable to alterations in emotional experience. However, few studies have used functional MRI to examine directly the emotional experience of threatening or fearful non‐face images in MA abusers. In this study, we investigated possible differences in neural correlates of negative emotional experiences between abstinent MA abusers and healthy subjects using complex visual scenes depicting fear or threat derived from the International Affective Picture System. In within‐group analyses, healthy subjects and MA abusers activated a similarly distributed cortical network, prominently including the amygdala, fusiform gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and inferior frontal cortex. In between‐group analyses, however, MA abusers showed a reduced activation in the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and insula, and increased activation in the fusiform gyrus, hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus and posterior cingulate cortex, relative to healthy subjects. Hypoactivation of the insula in MA abusers relative to healthy subjects suggests that the ability to have an emotional response to threatening scenes and empathy for another's pain could be compromised in MA abusers. Hyperactivity in the fusiform gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus and posterior cingulate cortex in MA abusers relative to healthy subjects indicates that threatening and fearful images from the International Affective Picture System may remind MA abusers of episodic memory related to similar experiences. Therefore, functional impairment of these neural networks in MA abusers may contribute to altered emotional experience in social interactions, which could lead to increased negative mood and stress in interpersonal communication. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.