bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practical Systems for Biosurveillance: The Military Perspective and Essence
Authors: Pavlin Julie A. , Cox Kenneth L.
Published: November 2008

The Department of Defense (DoD) developed the Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community‐based Epidemics (ESSENCE) as an attempt to use already collected electronic outpatient data in a way that could detect abnormal patterns in acute infectious disease incidence. ESSENCE was created through partnerships with academia and other government organizations, and allowed near real‐time tracking of disease trends both temporally and spatially. Since its inception, ESSENCE has been expanded to include local civilian health data, advanced detection algorithms, and patient identifiers for appropriate public health officials to assist with disease investigation. ESSENCE is now an essential component of military installation protection and a key part of the US national public health surveillance system.
Development of Radiation Countermeasures
Authors: Pellmar Terry C.
Published: November 2008

Medical countermeasures are required to address the emerging radiological and nuclear threats. Radiation injury can result from exposure to external, penetrating radiation or internalized radionuclides. Countermeasures for internal contamination focus on decorporation and protecting the primary site of activity. No countermeasures are currently approved for the acute radiation syndrome that results from external exposures, but significant efforts are ongoing to develop new agents to counter the cascade of damage from ionizing radiation. Antioxidants and enzyme mimics are directed toward prevention of free radical damage to macromolecules. Other agents target the affected cell‐signaling pathways: preventing apoptosis, triggering cell cycle arrest, or modulating the inflammatory response. To counter the loss of progenitor cells, particularly in the bone marrow and the gut, drugs such as the cytokines and other immunomodulators are developed to promote proliferation of new cells. If radiation injury proceeds to organ failure and infection, supportive care and antibiotics provide significant therapeutic value. In addition to the radiation dose, several factors impact the severity of the injury. Among these are radiation quality (e.g. neutron–gamma mixed fields) and dose rate, combined injuries, and partial‐body exposures. In future efforts, it will be important to consider these factors, which can modulate the radiation response and possibly affect the efficacy of the treatments. Although an ideal countermeasure that is inexpensive, stable with a long shelf‐life, easily administered, nontoxic, and efficacious is yet to be attained, new options continue to arise. Many promising drugs are in the pipeline.
Protecting Water Infrastructure in the United States—Setting Priorities, Conducting Research, and Sharing Results
Authors: Herrmann Jonathan G. , Nickel Kathleen A. , McCall Amelia D.
Published: November 2008

Water is an essential ingredient of life on planet Earth. Less than 1% of the world's water is available for human use, 97% is salt water, and the other 2% is frozen. Ensuring that drinking water is safe and clean is a primary mission of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Water infrastructure vulnerability can make water and wastewater systems targets for intentional threats and attacks. Addressing these threats and attacks has been an important focus by EPA since September 11, 2001. The destruction of the World Trade Center and a portion of the Pentagon, and the anthrax letters that followed, reinforced the need to protect critical infrastructure, including the nation's water and wastewater systems. This review presents, in general terms, the potential threats to water infrastructure. Emphasis is placed on the research contributing to the water sector's preparedness for, response to, and recovery from intentional threats or attacks on drinking water infrastructure.
Health Risk Assessment for Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Attacks*
Authors: Raber Ellen , Kirvel Robert D.
Published: November 2008

To evaluate potential health effects from a radiological, chemical, or biological agent following intentional contamination—whether to water, air, or environmental surfaces—some type of health risk assessment is necessary. Risk assessment parameters are defined in the context of “risk informed” decision‐making. A risk‐based approach means that cleanup goals should be based on a defined, “acceptable,” or “tolerable” level of risk to health. For weapons of mass destruction, regulations and guidelines for what constitutes an acceptable human dose are clearest for radiological agents, less clear for chemical agents, and least codified by far for biological agents. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed an updated Protective Action Guides to help authorities make radiation‐protection decisions during the phases of an emergency. No uniform set of cleanup standards for radionuclides exists at present, but the Department of Homeland Security has posted proposed guidelines in the Federal Register to address response operations. The consensus for item clearance criteria (a voluntary standard) is currently 1 mrem/year (or 10 μSv/year) total effective dose equivalent above background. EPA standards for concentrations of various radioactive isotopes in groundwater and drinking water are reviewed along with primary drinking water standards. For chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals, several authorities have published quantified, health‐based guidelines that can be used as “accpetably safe” clearance goals, and these values are reviewed. For example, both the EPA and the military use maximum contaminant levels as enforceable guidelines for chemical agents in drinking water. Although nearly all biological warfare agents are intended for aerosol application, many have a strong potential as waterborne threats and could inflict heavy casualities if ingested. Scientific investigations have led to recommended guidelines in drinking water for only some of the biological warfare agents that have been identified as priority microbes or microbes of medical importance in water. Most researchers agree that there is currently insufficient information to develop; an infectious dose and to quantify a “safe” amount of residual biological agent in a decontaminated facility or outdoor environment. There is even less information regarding safe levels for water resources. Education should not be underestimated when considering what risk the public is willing to accept. Individual states have drinking water relations based on their stakeholders, and such information must be considered when trying to determine guidelines applicable to an unnatural even. Major gaps, critical needs, and future directions associated with evaluating risks to human health following a terrorist attack are summarized.
Surveillance Methods and Technologies for Water and Wastewater Systems
Authors: States Stanley
Published: November 2008

A useful tool for protecting against intentional and accidental incidents of contamination of drinking water and
wastewater networks
is the continuous monitoring of water quality in the treatment and distribution/collection systems. This tool has received considerable attention following the terrorist attacks of 2001. There are five analytical approaches being taken to on‐line monitoring. However, much of the technology is still rudimentary. This article describes the five approaches, the monitoring equipment that is currently available, and some of the technology that is under development.
Input–Output Modeling for Interdependent Infrastructure Sectors
Authors: Santos Joost R. , Haimes Yacov Y.
Published: November 2008

This article discusses practical applications of input–output analysis to describe and model interdependencies across infrastructure and economic sectors of a region. The increasing degrees of interdependencies coupled with the uncertain and emerging nature disasters motivate the need for advancing the knowledge and modeling capabilities in this domain. The inoperability input–output model (IIM) is introduced in this article and demonstrated using three selected applications: (i) a high‐altitude electromagnetic pulse attack scenario, (ii) reactions to an increased threat level in Homeland Security Advisory System, and (iii) impacts of a disrupted transportation asset on a regional economy.
Characterizing Infrastructure Failure Interdependencies to Inform Systemic Risk
Authors: McDaniels Timothy , Chang Stephanie , Reed Dorothy A.
Published: November 2008

This article develops a conceptual and analytical framework with empirical applications to characterizeinfrastructure failure interdependencies(IFIs). It uses major electrical power outages as the context for understanding how extreme events (within or external to the power system) lead to failures of other infrastructure systems, given a major electrical power outage. The article takes an empirical approach by examining the patterns of IFIs that occurred in two events: the August 2003 northeastern North American blackout and the 1998 Quebec ice storm. Section 2 discusses concepts for characterizing IFIs conditional on an extreme event and draws parallels to other models. Then the categories of the framework to characterize IFIs and their consequences are discussed. Section 3 documents and compares the IFIs from the two major outages. Section 4 provides discussion and conclusions regarding future extensions of this work and its applications.
Geospatial Data Support for Infrastructure Interdependencies Analysis
Authors: Adduci Anthony F. , Bailey Scott D. , Fisher Ronald E.
Published: November 2008

Infrastructure interdependency analysis involves the synthesis of numerous datasets to arrive at an understanding of the pertinent connections within a complex, interrelated system. Geospatial data is beneficial for analyzing infrastructure interdependencies because it can be used to evaluate and visualize the myriad of component relationships that constitute critical infrastructures and key resources. However, various limitations in geospatial and nonspatial data have restricted the full utilization of Geographic information system and other visualization technologies in such analyses. The data requirements for analyzing interdependencies include ready access to a wide variety of critical infrastructure/key resource data that are geospatially validated and linked with nonspatial data to provide rich attributes that can be queried and visualized. Analysts have struggled long to find complete and accurate geospatial and nonspatial data. Their struggle is complicated further by the use of multiple data sources that differ in levels of completeness and accuracy. Analysis of interdependencies requires a high level of data validation and completeness, which can be difficult to discern from the currently available geospatial datasets. This technical article identifies key geospatial data pitfalls including accuracy and completeness, and offers solutions for improving and enhancing existing geospatial data for interdependency analysis.
New Approaches toIRISRecognition: One‐Dimensional Algorithms
Authors: Du Yingzi , Ives Robert W. , Etter Delores M.
Published: November 2008

Currently, most iris recognition systems require a cooperative subject with frontal high quality iris image to obtain a descent recognition result. However, for a noncooperative subject who may be facing away from the camera, the obtained iris image may be blurry, deformable, or highly occluded. As a result, only a portion of the iris information may be extracted (a partial iris). Partial iris pattern analysis would be an important step for noncooperative subject iris recognition. Little research has been performed in this area. Traditional iris recognition systems typically use an iris signature that requires circular rotation for pattern matching purposes. The new approach generates one‐dimensional iris signatures that are orientation, scale, contrast, rotation, and illumination invariant. The system will work with less of the iris than commercial systems, and thus can enable partial iris recognition. In addition, this iris recognition system is more tolerant of noise. This method is simple to implement, and the computational complexity is relatively low.
Human Sensation and Perception
Authors: Proctor Robert W. , Vu Kim‐Phuong L.
Published: November 2008

All information communicated to humans involved in homeland security systems must enter through the senses and be perceived. Consequently, when considering the reliability of homeland security systems, it is necessary to take into account basic facts and concepts about sensation and perception in order to know what information people will be able to perceive, errors and confusions that are likely to occur, and how displays should be designed to present the information in the best manner at the correct time. This article reviews core concepts of sensation and perception, and discusses their relevance to homeland security systems used at sites, in the field, and at analytical centers.
Training and Learning Development for Homeland Security
Authors: Salas Eduardo , Lazzara Elizabeth H.
Published: November 2008

Due to the inevitable changes that occur throughout society, training is a necessary component Homeland Security. However, training is frequently ineffective and inefficient because it is being implemented incorrectly. In order to maximize the benefits of training and ensure trainees are acquiring expertise, training must be applied appropriately. This article offers insights about the science of training and learning as well as several principles to help researchers and practitioners in designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating training. In addition, this article expands upon the benefits of using simulation‐based training, game‐based training, and on‐the‐job training as potential instructional techniques that can be utilized in Homeland Security.
Farm Level Control of Foreign Animal Disease and Food‐Borne Pathogens
Authors: Miller Gay Y. , Hofacre Charles , Holmstrom Lindsey
Published: November 2008

Preventing the introduction of diseases, especially foreign animal diseases (FADs), and diseases that could cause food‐borne illness is critically important. Science‐based rules and regulations established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) govern activities that could present homeland security risks. This article presents an overview of animal agriculture production in the United States and how that influences farm‐level control of pathogens, preventing and controlling the introduction of FADs by understanding the structure of food‐producing industries and the farm‐level vulnerabilities, and finally, farm‐level control of contemporary critical pathogens. The beef, poultry, and pork‐producing industries are discussed. The beef industry with its extensive nature of production in cow–calf operations is the most vulnerable to agroterrorism. The poultry industry is arguably the industry most protected from an agroterrorist attack. But the poultry and swine industries are still vulnerable, because the structure of these industries and the intensive production practices used has resulted in large numbers of animals located in relatively small geographic areas. So if an FAD outbreak does occur, the potential economic impacts are still very high. Contemporary FADs discussed in detail are highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD), and classical swine fever (CSF).
Cyber Security Policy Specification and Management
Authors: Hinrichs Susan K.
Published: November 2008

Security policies define the secure and nonsecure states in a system. Historically, organizations have used natural language security policies as a means to guide their security implementation and communicate their security goals to their employees and customers. Formal policies must be developed to enable a policy to automatically drive the operation of enforcing devices either through configuration or direct application to a policy‐aware infrastructure. Ideally, the natural language security policy is at the top of a refinement hierarchy that eventually reaches the security implementation such that each level is derived from the next higher level. In reality there are large gaps in the refinement hierarchy with many organizations only having natural language security policy and the implementation configuration files. This disconnect between natural language policy and implementation configuration means that an organization is often operating outside the bounds of their policy. By running outside of their policy bounds an organization has a higher likelihood of operating in an exploitable insecure state.
Efficient Polymer Solar Cells with Surface Relief Gratings Fabricated by Simple Soft Lithography
Authors: Na Seok‐In , Kim Seok‐Soon , Jo Jang , Oh Seung‐Hwan , Kim Juhwan , Kim Dong‐Yu
Published: November 2008

Polymer‐based photovoltaic cells, with periodic sub‐micrometer structures as an efficient light‐trapping scheme, are investigated to improve the performance of organic solar cells based on poly(3‐hexylthiophene) and 1‐(3‐methoxycarbonyl)propyl‐1‐phenyl‐(6,6)C61. A soft lithographic approach that uses photoresponsive azo polymer films as masters and poly(dimethylsiloxane) as stamps is used to form surface relief gratings (SRGs) on the active layers. The effect of periodic gratings on solar cell performance is precisely investigated according to various grating conditions such as period, depth, and dimension. The solar cells with 1D and 2D SRGs present improved incident‐photon‐to‐current conversion efficiencies and an overall increase in power conversion efficiencies, primarily resulting from the enhancement of short‐circuit current density, indicating that periodic structures induce further photon absorption in the active film.
High‐Efficiency Deep‐Blue Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on Phenylquinoline/Carbazole‐Based Compounds
Authors: Lee Seung Joon , Park Jin Su , Yoon Kyung‐Jin , Kim Young‐Inn , Jin Sung‐Ho , Kang Sung Kwon , Gal Yeong‐Soon , Kang Sunwoo , Lee Jin Yong , Kang Jae‐Wook , Lee Se‐Hyung , Park Hyung‐Dol , Kim Jang‐Joo
Published: November 2008

Highly efficient deep‐blue fluorescent materials based on phenylquinoline–carbazole derivatives (PhQ‐CVz, MeO‐PhQ‐CVz, and CN‐PhQ‐CVz) are synthesized for organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). The materials form high‐quality amorphous thin films by thermal evaporation and the energy levels can be easily adjusted by the introduction of different electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing groups on carbazoylphenylquinoline. Non‐doped deep‐blue OLEDs that use PhQ‐CVz as the emitter show bright emission (Commission Internationale de L'Éclairage (CIE) coordinates, x = 0.156, y = 0.093) with an external quantum efficiency of 2.45%. Furthermore, the material works as an excellent host material for 4,4′‐bis(9‐ethyl‐3‐carbazovinylene)‐1,1′‐biphenyl dopant to get high‐performance OLEDs with excellent deep‐blue CIE coordinates (x = 0.155, y = 0.157), high power efficiency (5.98 lm W−1), and high external quantum efficiency (5.22%).
Genetically Modifiable Flagella as Templates for Silica Fibers: From Hybrid Nanotubes to 1D Periodic Nanohole Arrays
Authors: Wang Fuke , Li Dong , Mao Chuanbin
Published: November 2008

Bacterial flagellum is a protein nanotube that is helically self‐assembled from thousands of a protein subunit called flagellin. The solvent‐exposed domain of each flagellin on the flagella is genetically modifiable, in that a foreign peptide can be genetically inserted into this domain, leading to the high‐density display of this foreign peptide on the surface of flagella. In this work, wild‐type and genetically engineered flagella (inner diameter of ∼2 nm and outer diameter of ∼14 nm) detached from the surface of Salmonella bacterial cells are used as templates to site‐specifically form silica sheaths on the flagellar surface, resulting in the formation of double‐layered silica/flagella nanotubes. The flagella templates inside the silica/flagella nanotubes can be removed to obtain silica nanotubes by calcining the nanotubes at high temperature (550°C). Further calcination of the silica nanotubes at a higher temperature (800 °C) leads to the formation of a periodic nanohole array along the silica fibers with a center‐to‐center nanohole spacing of ∼79 nm. It is demonstrated that the double‐layered silica‐flagella nanotubes can be used for selective CdTe quantum dot uptake into the inner channels or selective Au nanoparticle coating on the outer wall of the nanotubes due to the different chemistry between inner flagellum core (protein) and outer silica wall of the nanotubes. It is also found that flagella displaying different peptides result in different morphologies of the silica nanotubes. This work suggests that the monodisperse diameter and genetically tunable surface chemistry of the flagella can be exploited for the fabrication of silica nanotubes with uniform diameter and controllable morphologies as well as silica nanofibers decorated with periodic nanohole arrays.
Efficient Phosphorus Catalysts for the Halogen‐Exchange (Halex) Reaction
Authors: Lacour Marie‐Agnès , Zablocka Maria , Duhayon Carine , Majoral Jean‐Pierre , Taillefer Marc
Published: November 2008

New families of monomeric to dendritic, and monocationic to multicationic (PNP) compounds have been prepared and tested as catalysts in halogen exchange (Halex) reactions. Some of them allow an increase in the efficiency of these reactions which are performed in some cases under the mildest conditions reported up to now.
Further delineation of spondylometaphyseal dysplasia with cone‐rod dystrophy
Authors: Sousa Sérgio B. , Russell‐Eggitt Isabelle , Hall Christine , Hall Bryan D. , Hennekam Raoul C.M.
Published: November 2008

There are several entities that combine a skeletal dysplasia with a retinal dystrophy. Recently, another possibly autosomal recessive entity was added to this group characterized by a specific spondylometaphyseal dysplasia and a cone‐rod dystrophy, without other significant impairments. The entity was named SMD‐CRD. We further delineate this disorder by reporting on a 16‐year‐old boy and a pair of twins with this entity. Possible etiologies are discussed. The boy showed low α‐neuraminidase activity levels in fibroblasts, but normal levels in leucocytes. The meaning of this finding remains as yet unknown. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The spectrum of syndromes and manifestations in individuals screened for suspected Marfan syndrome
Authors: Rybczynski Meike , Bernhardt Alexander M.J. , Rehder Uwe , Fuisting Bettina , Meiss Ludwig , Voss Ursula , Habermann Christian , Detter Christian , Robinson Peter N. , Arslan‐Kirchner Mine , Schmidtke Jörg , Mir Thomas S. , Berger Jürgen , Meinertz Thomas , von Kodolitsch Yskert
Published: November 2008

The diagnosis of Marfan syndrome (MFS) is based on evaluating a large number of clinical criteria. We have observed that many persons presenting in specialized centers for “Marfan‐like” features do not have MFS, but exhibit a large spectrum of other syndromes. The spectrum of these syndromes and the distribution of “Marfan‐like” features remain to be characterized. Thus, we prospectively evaluated 279 consecutive patients with suspected MFS (144 men and 135 women at a mean age of 34 ± 13 years) for presence of 27 clinical criteria considered characteristic of MFS. The most frequent reasons to refer individuals for suspected MFS were skeletal features (31%), a family history of MFS, or aortic complications (29%), aortic dissection or aneurysm (19%), and eye manifestations (9%). Using established criteria, we confirmed MFS in 138 individuals (group 1) and diagnosed other connective tissue diseases, both with vascular involvement in 30 (group 2) and without vascular involvement in 39 (group 3), and excluded any distinct disease in 72 individuals (group 4). Clinical manifestations of MFS were present in all four patient groups and there was no single clinical criterion that exhibited positive and negative likelihood ratios that were per se sufficient to confirm or rule out MFS. We conclude that “Marfan‐like” features are not exclusively indicative of MFS but also of numerous, alternative inherited diseases with many of them carrying a hitherto poorly defined cardiovascular risk. These alternative diseases require future study to characterize their responses to therapy and long‐term prognosis. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel mutation of IL1RAPL1 gene in a nonspecific X‐linked mental retardation (MRX) family
Authors: Nawara Magdalena , Klapecki Jakub , Borg Katarzyna , Jurek Marta , Moreno Sarah , Tryfon Jolanta , Bal Jerzy , Chelly Jamel , Mazurczak Tadeusz
Published: November 2008

Mental retardation (MR) affects approximately 2% of the population. About 10% of all MR cases result from defects of X‐linked genes. Mutations in most of more than 20 known genes causing nonspecific form of X‐linked MR (MRX) are very rare and may account for less than 0.5–1% of MR. Linkage studies in extended pedigrees followed by mutational analysis of known MRX genes in the linked interval are often the only way to identify a genetic cause of the disorder. We performed linkage analysis in several MRX families, and in one family with four males with MR we mapped the disease to an interval encompassing Xp21.2–22.11 (with a maximum LOD score of 2.71). Subsequent mutation analysis of genes located in this interval allowed us to identify a partial deletion of the IL1RAPL1 gene. Different nonoverlapping deletions involving IL1RAPL1 have been reported previously, suggesting that this region could be deletion‐prone. In this report, we present the results of the molecular analyses and clinical examinations of four affected family members with the deletion in IL1RAPL1. Our data further confirm the importance and usefulness of linkage studies for gene mapping in MRX families and demonstrate that IL1RAPL1 plays an important role in the etiology of MRX. With the development of new methods (aCGH, MLPA), further rearrangements in this gene (including deletions and duplications) might be discovered in the nearest future. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence for association between polymorphisms in the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) gene and cannabis dependence
Authors: Agrawal Arpana , Wetherill Leah , Dick Danielle M. , Xuei Xiaoling , Hinrichs Anthony , Hesselbrock Victor , Kramer John , Nurnberger John I. , Schuckit Marc , Bierut Laura J. , Edenberg Howard J. , Foroud Tatiana
Published: November 2008

Genomic studies of cannabis use disorders have been limited. The cannabinoid receptor 1 gene (CNR1) on chromosome 6q14‐15 is an excellent candidate gene for cannabis dependence due to the important role of the G‐protein coupled receptor encoded by this gene in the rewarding effects of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol. Previous studies have found equivocal evidence for an association between SNPs in CNR1 and a general vulnerability to substance use disorders. We investigate the association between 9 SNPs spanning CNR1 and cannabis dependence in 1,923 individuals. Two SNPs that were previously associated with cannabis dependence in other studies were also significant with this phenotype in our analyses [rs806368 (P = 0.05) and rs806380 (P = 0.009)]. Haplotype analyses revealed the association to be largely driven by the SNP rs806380. These results suggest a role for the cannabinoid receptor 1 gene in cannabis dependence. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tagging SNP association study of the IL‐1β gene (IL1B) and childhood‐onset mood disorders
Authors: Misener Virginia L. , Gomez Lissette , Wigg Karen G. , King Nicole , Kiss Enikő , Daróczi Gabriella , Kapornai Krisztina , Tamás Zsuzsanna , Mayer László , Gádoros Júlia , Baji Ildikó , Kennedy James L. , Kovacs Maria , Vetró Ágnes , Barr Cathy L. ,   the International Consortium for Childhood‐Onset Mood Disorders
Published: November 2008

Given substantial evidence for IL‐1β involvement in the etiology of depression, the IL1B gene is a strong candidate for involvement in susceptibility to depressive disorders. However, association studies investigating this, to date, have been limited to just two polymorphisms (rs1143627[−31T/C] and rs16944[−511C/T]) that constitute only a fraction of the genetic variation that is actually present across this gene in the population. Here, in a family‐based association study of childhood‐onset mood disorders (COMD), characterized by onset of depression before the age of 15, we have used a gene‐wide approach, employing a panel of five tagging SNPs spanning the entire gene. Based on TDT analyses of both individual alleles and haplotypes, in a study sample of 646 families (with 782 affected children), none of the SNPs, including those implicated in transcriptional regulation of the gene, showed evidence for association with COMD. This is the largest and most comprehensive study of IL1B in relation to mood disorders that has been carried out, to date. The results do not support the involvement of IL1B as a major factor in genetic risk for early‐onset mood disorders. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An association study between granulin gene polymorphisms and Alzheimer's disease in Finnish population
Authors: Viswanathan Jayashree , Mäkinen Petra , Helisalmi Seppo , Haapasalo Annakaisa , Soininen Hilkka , Hiltunen Mikko
Published: November 2008

Granulin protein plays an important role in neurite outgrowth and neuronal survival. Recently, it was shown that mutations in granulin (GRN) gene cause tau‐negative frontotemporal dementia supporting the idea that granulin is involved in neurodegeneration. Here we have investigated whether genetic variability in the GRN gene influences also the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Genotyping of six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the GRN gene among 512 AD patients and 649 control subjects originating from Finland did not show significant association with AD. However, stratification according to gender revealed a significant male‐specific allele, genotype and haplotype association between AD and GRN SNPs rs4792939, rs850713, and rs5848. These data suggest that genetic variability in the GRN gene may also increase the risk for developing AD in a gender‐specific manner. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The shape of the early hominin proximal femur
Authors: Harmon Elizabeth H.
Published: November 2008

Postcranial skeletal variation among Plio‐Pleistocene hominins has implications for taxonomy and locomotor adaptation. Although sample size constraints make interspecific comparisons difficult, postcranial differences between Australopithecus afarensis and Australopithecus africanus have been reported (McHenry and Berger: J Hum Evol 35 1998 1–22; Richmond et al.: J Hum Evol 43 [2002] 529–548; Green et al.: J Hum Evol 52 2007 187–200). Additional evidence indicates that the early members of the genus Homo show morphology like recent humans (e.g., Walker and Leakey: The Nariokotome Homo erectus skeleton. Cambridge: Harvard, 1993). Using a larger fossil sample than previous studies and novel methods, the early hominin proximal femur is newly examined to determine whether new data alter the current view of femoral evolution and inform the issue of interspecific morphological variation among australopiths. Two‐ and three‐dimensional data are collected from large samples of recent humans, Pan, Gorilla, and Pongo and original fossil femora of Australopithecus, Paranthropus, and femora of African fossil Homo. The size‐adjusted shape data are analyzed using principal components, thin plate spline analysis, and canonical variate analysis to assess shape variation. The results indicate that femora of fossil Homo are most similar to modern humans but share a low neck‐shaft angle (NSA) with australopiths. Australopiths as a group have ape‐like greater trochanter morphology. A. afarensis differs from P. robustus and A. africanus in attributes of the neck and NSA. However, interspecific femoral variation is low and australopiths are generally morphologically similar. Although the differences are not dramatic, when considered in combination with other postcranial evidence, the adaptive differences among australopiths in craniodental morphology may have parallels in the postcranium. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Solid dispersion of rutaecarpine improved its antihypertensive effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Ding Jin‐Song , Gao Rui , Li Dai , Peng Jun , Ran Li‐Ling , Li Yuan‐Jian
Published: November 2008

It was reported previously that rutaecarpine produced a hypotensive effect in phenol‐induced and 2‐kidney, 1‐clip hypertensive rats. However, the same dose of crude rutaecarpine did not produce significant hypotensive effects when applied to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In the present study, a different dose of rutaecarpine solid dispersion was administered intragastrically to SHR. The systolic blood pressure was monitored by the tail‐cuff method with an electro‐sphygmomanometer. The plasma concentration of rutaecarpine, calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and the mRNA levels of CGRP in dorsal root ganglion were determined. The results showed that administration of the solid dispersion significantly increased the blood concentration of rutaecarpine, accompanied by significant hypotensive effects in SHR in a dose‐dependent manner. The levels of plasma CGRP were also elevated significantly, concomitantly with the increased mRNA levels in the dorsal root ganglion in a dose‐dependent manner. It was concluded that a change of the dosage from the crude drug to solid dispersion could improve significantly the efficiency of rutaecarpine absorption and increase its plasma concentration. The anti‐hypertensive effect exerted by rutaecarpine solid dispersion in SHR is mediated by CGRP. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modified Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide method improves robustness and versatility: The benchmark for plant RNA extraction
Authors: White Elizabeth J. , Venter Mauritz , Hiten Nicholas F. , Burger Johan T.
Published: November 2008

A wide range of plant RNA extraction methods are available; however, many of these are limited in their application for a diverse range of plant species. With special emphasis on robustness and versatility, we have improved the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) method and isolated high‐quality RNA from 16 different plant species. The major modifications made to the protocol described here were a reduction of sample treatment steps and an increase in β‐mercaptoethanol concentration (to 3%) resulting in a robust, rapid and reproducible plant RNA extraction protocol that can be used for a broad range of plant species and tissue types.
Fungal biodegradation of hard coal by a newly reported isolate, Neosartorya fischeri
Authors: Igbinigie Eric E. , Aktins Simon , van Breugel Yvonne , van Dyke Susan , Davies‐Coleman Michael T. , Rose Peter D.
Published: November 2008

Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) has been observed to grow sporadically on the surface of coal dumps in the Witbank coal mining area of South Africa. Root zone investigation indicated that a number of fungal species may be actively involved in the biodegradation of hard coal, thus enabling the survival of the plant, through mutualistic interaction, in this extreme environment. In an extensive screening program of over two thousand samples, the Deuteromycete, Neosartorya fischeri, was isolated and identified. The biodegradation of coal by N. fischeri was tested in flask studies and in a perfusion fixed‐bed bioreactor used to simulate the coal dump environment. The performance of N. fischeri was compared to Phanaerochaete chrysosporium and Trametes (Polyporus) versicolor, previously described in coal biodegradation studies. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry of the biodegradation product indicated oxidation of the coal surface and nitration of the condensed aromatic structures of the coal macromolecule as possible reaction mechanisms in N. fischeri coal biodegradation. This is a first report of N. fischeri‐mediated coal biodegradation and, in addition to possible applications in coal biotechnology, the findings may enable development of sustainable technologies in coal mine rehabilitation.
Orientation of the Monomeric Porin OmpG in Planar Lipid Bilayers
Authors: Chen Min , Li Qiu‐Hong , Bayley Hagan
Published: November 2008

Outer membrane protein G (OmpG) is a non‐selective porin from Escherichia coli. OmpG is a monomer, which makes it unusual among porins, and suggests that it may be useful in biotechnology. In planar lipid bilayers, individual OmpG pores reconstituted by insertion from detergent exhibit pronounced asymmetry in current‐voltage relationships and voltage‐dependent gating. Here, this asymmetry is used to deduce the orientation of OmpG in the bilayers. We introduced two cysteines into the extracellular loops of OmpG. Cleavage of the disulfide bond formed by these residues significantly increases spontaneous gating of the pore. By adding DTT to one side of the bilayer or the other, we demonstrated that pores showing a quiet trace at negative potentials have a “trans” conformation (extracellular loops on the trans side of the bilayer), while pores showing a quiet trace at positive potentials have a “cis” conformation (extracellular loops on the cis side). With this knowledge, we examined the binding of a cyclodextrin to OmpG. When the cyclodextrin was presented to the extracellular face of the pore, transient multisite interactions were observed. In contrast, when the cyclodextrin was presented to the periplasmic face, a more stable single‐site interaction occurred. Because the cyclodextrin can act as a molecular adapter by binding analytes, this information serves to advance the use of OmpG as a biosensor.
Intramolecular Charge Interactions as a Tool to Control the Coiled‐Coil‐to‐Amyloid Transformation
Authors: Pagel Kevin , Wagner Sara C. , Rezaei Araghi Raheleh , von Berlepsch Hans , Böttcher Christoph , Koksch Beate
Published: November 2008

Under the influence of a changed environment, amyloid‐forming proteins partially unfold and assemble into insoluble β‐sheet rich fibrils. Molecular‐level characterization of these assembly processes has been proven to be very challenging, and for this reason several simplified model systems have been developed over recent years. Herein, we present a series of three de novo designed model peptides that adopt different conformations and aggregate morphologies depending on concentration, pH value, and ionic strength. The design strictly follows the characteristic heptad repeat of the α‐helical coiled‐coil structural motif. In all peptides, three valine residues, known to prefer the β‐sheet conformation, have been incorporated at the solvent‐exposed b, c, and f positions to make the system prone to amyloid formation. Additionally, pH‐controllable intramolecular electrostatic repulsions between equally charged lysine (peptide A) or glutamate (peptide B) residues were introduced along one side of the helical cylinder. The conformational behavior was monitored by circular dichroism spectroscopic analysis and thioflavin T fluorescence, and the resulting aggregates were further characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Whereas uninterrupted α‐helical aggregates are found at neutral pH, Coulomb repulsions between lysine residues in peptide A destabilize the helical conformation at acidic pH values and trigger an assembly into amyloid‐like fibrils. Peptide B features a glutamate‐based switch functionality and exhibits opposite pH‐dependent folding behavior. In this case, α‐helical aggregates are found under acidic conditions, whereas amyloids are formed at neutral pH. To further validate the pH switch concept, peptide C was designed by including serine residues, thus resulting in an equal distribution of charged residues. Surprisingly, amyloid formation is observed at all pH values investigated for peptide C. The results of further investigations into the effect of different salts, however, strongly support the crucial role of intramolecular charge repulsions in the model system presented herein.
Label‐Free Colorimetric Detection of Trace Atrazine in Aqueous Solution by Using Molecularly Imprinted Photonic Polymers
Authors: Wu Zhen , Tao Cheng‐an , Lin Changxu , Shen Dezhong , Li Guangtao
Published: November 2008

Based on the combination of colloidal‐crystal templating and a molecular imprinting technique, a sensor platform for efficient detection of atrazine in aqueous solution has been developed. The sensor is characterized by a 3D‐ordered interconnected macroporous structure in which numerous nanocavities derived from atrazine imprinting are distributed in the thin wall of the formed inverse polymer opal. Owing to the special hierarchical porous structure, the molecularly imprinted polymer opals (or molecularly imprinted photonic polymer; MIPP) allow rapid and ultrasensitive detection of the target analyte. The interconnected macropores are favorable for the rapid transport of atrazine in polymer films, whereas the inherent high affinity of nanocavites distributed in thin polymer walls allows MIPP to recognize atrazine with high specificity. More importantly, the atrazine recognition events of the created nanocavities can be directly transferred (label‐free) into a readable optical signal through a change in Bragg diffraction of the ordered macropores array of MIPP and thereby induce color changes that can be detected by the naked eye. With this novel sensory system, direct, ultrasensitive (as low as 10−8 ng mL−1), rapid (less than 30 s) and selective detection of atrazine with a broad concentration range varying from 10−16 M to 10−6 M in aqueous media is achieved without the use of label techniques and expensive instruments.
Reaching Optimal Light‐Induced Intramolecular Spin Alignment within Photomagnetic Molecular Device Prototypes
Authors: Ciofini Ilaria , Adamo Carlo , Teki Yoshio , Tuyèras Fabien , Lainé Philippe P.
Published: November 2008

Ground‐state (GS) and excited‐state (ES) properties of novel photomagnetic molecular devices (PMMDs) are investigated by means of density functional theory. These organic PMMDs undergo a ferromagnetic alignment of their intramolecular spins in the lowest ES. They are comprised of: 1) an anthracene unit (An) as both the photosensitizer (P) and a transient spin carrier (SC) in the triplet ES (3An*); 2) imino‐nitroxyl (IN) or oxoverdazyl (OV) stable radical(s) as the dangling SC(s); and 3) bridge(s) (B) connecting peripheral SC(s) to the An core at positions 9 and 10. Improving the efficiency of the PMMDs involves strengthening the ES intramolecular exchange coupling (JES) between transient and persistent SCs, hence the choice of 2‐pyrimidinyl (pm) as B elements to replace the original p‐phenylene (ph). Dissymmetry of the pm connectors leads to [SC‐B‐P‐B‐SC] regio‐isomers int. and ext., depending on whether the pyrimidinic nitrogen atoms point towards the An core or the peripheral SCs, respectively. For the int. regio‐isomers we show that the photoinduced spin alignment is significantly improved because the JES/kB value is increased by a factor of more than two compared with the ph‐based analogue (JES/kB>+400 K). Most importantly, we show that the optimal JES/kB value (≈+600 K) could be reached in the event of an unexpected saddle‐shaped structural distortion of the lowest ES. Accounting for this intriguing behavior requires dissection of the combined effects of 1) borderline intramolecular steric hindrance about key An–pm linkages, which translates into the flatness of the potential energy surface; 2) spin density disruption due to the presence of radicals; and 3) possibly intervening photochemistry, with An acting as a light‐triggered electron donor while pm, IN, and OV behave as electron acceptors. Finally, potentialities attached to the [(SC)‐pm‐An‐pm]int pattern are disclosed.
Folding and Anion‐Binding Properties of Fluorescent Oligoindole Foldamers
Authors: Kim Uk‐Il , Suk Jae‐min , Naidu Veluru Ramesh , Jeong Kyu‐Sung
Published: November 2008

A series of oligoindole foldamers 1 a–d that are highly fluorescent were prepared by using a biindole derivative as the repeating unit, and their folding and anion‐binding properties were revealed by 1H NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy. The oligoindoles exist in an extended conformation, but adopt a compact helical structure in the presence of an anion. The anion is entrapped inside the tubular cavity of the helical strand, comprising four aryl units per turn, by multiple hydrogen bonds with the indole NHs. These structural features were confirmed by 1H NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy. When folded by anion binding, 1 b–d show characteristic downfield shifts of the NH signals and upfield shifts of the aromatic CH signals by Δδ=0.1–1.0 ppm. The average chemical shift for all the aromatic signals of 1 a–d is more upfield shifted as the chain lengthens, as anticipated from the degree of overlapped aromatic surfaces in the helical strand. Moreover, 1 a–d are strongly fluorescent in the absence of an anion. Upon binding an anion such as a chloride, the shorter oligoindoles 1 a and b lead to negligible change in the emission spectra, whereas the longer ones 1 c and d result in dramatic changes, that is, large hypochromic and bathochromic shifts (Δλ=65 and 70 nm) of the emission band, confirming the helical folding. The association constants (Ka) between oligoindoles and tetrabutylammonium chloride strongly depend on the chain length; <1 M−1 for 1 a, 630 M−1 for 1 b, 1.1×105 M−1 for 1 c, and 2.9×105 M−1 for 1 d in 20 % (v/v) MeOH/CH2Cl2 at 24±1 °C. In addition, the association constants of 1 c and 1 d with other anions such as fluoride, bromide, iodide, azide, cyanide, acetate, and nitrate are determined to be in the order of 103–106 M−1 under the same conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Formation and Stability of the Gaseous Species LiAlCl4, Li2AlCl5 and LiAl2Cl7 — Mass Spectrometric and Quantum Chemical Studies.
Authors: Saal H. , Milke E. , Bruenig C. , Binnewies M. , Koeppe R.
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Cr3+ Doping Optimization in CaAl2O4:Eu2+ Blue Phosphor.
Authors: Ryu H. , Bartwal K. S.
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structure, Electronic Structure and Physical Properties of a New Semiconducting Thallium Antimony Selenide: Tl2.35Sb8.65Se14.
Authors: Xu Jianxiao , Assoud Abdeljalil , Cui Yanjie , Kleinke Holger
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Precursor‐Based Synthesis and Electrochemical Performance of LiMnPO4.
Authors: Bramnik Natalia N. , Ehrenberg Helmut
Published: November 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.