bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New homodi-and heterotrinuclear metal complexes of Schiff base compartmental ligand: interaction studies of copper complexes with calf thymus DNA
Authors: Mathur Suvigya , Tabassum Sartaj
Published: June 2006

The new homodinuclear complexes 1–4 of the type [LMII
2Cl2], heterotrinuclear complexes 5 and 6 of the type [LMII
2SnIVCl6] where M = CuII, MnII, CoII, NiII and CuII and NiII, respectively have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and various spectroscopic techniques. The homodinuclear complexes possess two different environments (N2 and N2O2donor sets) for holding the metal ions. The metal ion in N2 set exhibits square planar geometry with two chloride ions in the inner sphere but rhombic structure is found in tetradentate N2O2 Schiff base cavity while in heterotrinuclear complexes SnIV atom is in the octahedral environment. The interaction of complexes 1 and 5 with calf thymus DNA was carried out by absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The intrinsic binding constants (K
b) of complex 1 and 5 were determined as 3.2 × 103 M−1 and 9.6 × 103 M−1, respectively suggesting that complex 5 binds more strongly to CT-DNA than complex 1. Fluorescence studies along with viscosity measurements have also been checked to authenticate the binding of metal complexes with DNA.
Chemometrics in the assessment of the sustainable development rule implementation
Authors: Astel Aleksander , Głosińska Grażyna , Sobczyński Tadeusz , Boszke Leonard , Simeonov Vasil , Siepak Jerzy
Published: June 2006

The sustainable development rule implementation is tested by the application of chemometrics in the field of environmental pollution. A data set consisting of Cd, Pb, Cr, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Fe content in bottom sediment samples collected in the Odra River (Germany/Poland) is treated using cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), and source apportionment techniques. Cluster analysis clearly shows that pollution on the German bank is higher than on the Polish bank. Two latent factors extracted by PCA explain over 88 % of the total variance of the system, allowing identification of the dominant “semi-natural” and “anthropogenic” pollution sources in the river ecosystem. The complexity of the system is proved by MLR analysis of the absolute principal component scores (APCS). The apportioning clearly shows that Cd, Pb, Cr, Zn and Cu participate in an “anthropogenic” source profile, whereas Fe and Mn are “semi-natural”. Multiple regression analysis indicates that for particular elements not described by the model, the amounts vary from 4.2 % (Mn) to 13.1 % (Cr). The element Ni participates to some extent to each source and, in this way, is neither pure “semi-natural” nor pure “anthropogenic”. Apportioning indicates that the whole heavy metal pollution in the investigated river reach is 12510.45 mg·kg−1. The contribution of pollutants originating from “anthropogenic sources” is 9.04 % and from “semi-natural” sources is 86.53 %.
Experimental and modelling studies on antifungal compounds
Authors: Doble Mukesh , Kumar K.
Published: June 2006

Antifungal activity of organic compounds (aromatic, salicylic derivatives, cinnamyl derivatives etc) on Fusarium Rosium (14 compounds) and Aspergillus niger (17 compounds) was studied and QSAR models were developed relating molecular descriptors with the observed activity. Back propagation Neural Network models and single and multiple regression models were tested for predicting the observed activity. The data fit as well as the predictive capability of the neural network models were satisfactory (R2 = 0.84, q2 = 0.73 for Fusarium Rosium and R2 = 0.75, q2 = 0.62 for Aspergillus niger). The descriptors used in the network for the former were X4 (connectivity) and Jhetv (topological); and TIC1 (information) and SPI (topological) for the latter fungus. Antifungal activities of these organic compounds were generally lower against the latter than with the former fungus.
Hydrogen-bonding network in the organic salts of 4-nitrobenzoic acid
Authors: Chumakov Yurii , Simonov Yurii , Grozav Mata , Crisan Manuela , Bocelli Gabriele , Yakovenko Andrey , Lyubetsky Dmitry
Published: June 2006

The crystal structures of six novel salts of 4-nitrobenzoic acid — namely, 2-hydroxyethylammonium 4-nitrobenzoate (I), 2-hydroxypropylammonium 4-nitrobenzoate (II), 1-(hydroxymethyl)propylammonium 4-nitrobenzoate (III), 3-hydroxypropylammonium 4-nitrobenzoate (IV), bis-(2-hydroxyethylammonium) 4-nitrobenzoate (V), morpholinium 4-nitrobenzoate (VI) — containing the same anion but different cations have been studied. The ionic forms of I-VI serve as building blocks of the supramolecular architecture, and in crystals they are held together via ionic N-H···O and O-H···O hydrogen bonds. In the crystal packing the building blocks of I-III are self-assembled via N-H...O, O-H···O and C-H...O hydrogen bonds to form the chains which are further consolidated into two-dimensional layers by the same type of interactions. In IV-VI the chain-like structures have been generated by building blocks.
Remarks on affine complete distributive lattices
Authors: Zypen Dominic
Published: June 2006

We characterise the Priestley spaces corresponding to affine complete bounded distributive lattices. Moreover we prove that the class of affine complete bounded distributive lattices is closed under products and free products. We show that every (not necessarily bounded) distributive lattice can be embedded in an affine complete one and that ℚ ∩ [0, 1] is initial in the class of affine complete lattices.
The set of toric minimal log discrepancies
Authors: Ambro Florin
Published: June 2006

We describe the set of minimal log discrepancies of toric log varieties, and study its accumulation points.
Left-symmetric algebras, or pre-Lie algebras in geometry and physics
Authors: Burde Dietrich
Published: June 2006

In this survey article we discuss the origin, theory and applications of left-symmetric algebras (LSAs in short) in geometry in physics. Recently Connes, Kreimer and Kontsevich have introduced LSAs in mathematical physics (QFT and renormalization theory), where the name pre-Lie algebras is used quite often. Already Cayley wrote about such algebras more than hundred years ago. Indeed, LSAs arise in many different areas of mathematics and physics. We attempt to give a survey of the fields where LSAs play an important role. Furthermore we study the algebraic theory of LSAs such as structure theory, radical theory, cohomology theory and the classification of simple LSAs. We also discuss applications to faithful Lie algebra representations.
On presentations of Brauer-type monoids
Authors: Kudryavtseva Ganna , Mazorchuk Volodymyr
Published: June 2006

We obtain presentations for the Brauer monoid, the partial analogue of the Brauer monoid, and for the greatest factorizable inverse submonoid of the dual symmetric inverse monoid. In all three cases we apply the same approach, based on the realization of all these monoids as Brauer-type monoids.
A new approach to the use of EMMRS: Ionic Mobility MR Spectroscopy (IMMRS)
Authors: Lewa Czesław , Klinkosz Tomasz
Published: June 2006

A new approach to the use of the previously proposed method called Electrical Mobility Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (EMMRS) has been worked out. It consists in obtaining mobility distribution, lifetimes, and activation energy of charge carriers by introducing into the medium a longitudinal elastic wave perpendicular to the electric field which causes displacement of charges (electrons, protons, ions, free radicals, and molecules related with charge carriers) present in the biological environment or inanimate matter. Such a method allows for determination of these quantities within small areas, thus offering possibilities for their imaging. We therefore suggest to call it Ionic Mobility MR Spectroscopy (IMMRS).
Dynamics of two quantum entangled particles interacting with a potential barrier in an EPR experiment
Authors: Petrillo Vittoria , Alberti Giorgia , Celardo Luca , Cerutti Francesco , Franchi Silvano , Mariani Vittorio
Published: June 2006

The effect of a position measurement on one component of a two-particle wave packet in a regularized space-momentum entangled state is analyzed. The wave packet interacts in the physical space with a potential barrier. When a position or momentum measurement is performed on one particle, a consequent strong modification of the dynamics of the other particle occurs.
Influence of ion bombardment on the photoluminescence response of embedded CdS nanoparticles
Authors: Mohanta Dambarudhar , Singh Fouran , Avasthi D. , Choudhury Amarjyoti
Published: June 2006

Semiconductor nanoparticles (CdS) were fabricated by an inexpensive chemical route using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the dielectric host matrix. Nano-CdS in PVA were subjected to ion irradiation (using oxygen, chlorine and gold) in the medium energy range (80–100 MeV) and under fluence variation of 1011–1013 ions/cm2. The nature of light emission was found to be drastically different in each of the three cases. Photoluminescence spectra of oxygen irradiated samples exhibit band edge emission (2.8 eV) as well as trap related emission (1.76 eV) whereas band edge emission is found to be bleached out for chlorine ion irradiated nano-CdS. The intense broad PL peaks, noticeable in the case of gold ion irradiated samples suggest superposition of the two peaks — namely, band edge emission and trap related emission. Furthermore, in the case of gold ion irradiated nano-CdS, energy shift in the PL spectra reveals variation in size distribution caused by the extra pressure effect of heavy gold ion beams. The mechanism of such a difference as a result of ion irradiation-type and ion-fluence is discussed in detail.
Translation-rotation coupling and heat transfer in orientationally-disordered phase of CCl4
Authors: Pursky Oleg , Konstantinov Vyacheslav
Published: June 2006

The isochoric thermal conductivity of an orientationally-disordered phase of CCl4 is analysed within a model in which heat is transferred by phonons and above the phonon mobility edge by ”diffusive” modes migrating randomly from site to site. The mobility edge ω0 is found from the condition that the phonon mean-free path cannot become smaller than half the phonon wavelength. The contributions of phonon-phonon, one-, and two-phonon scattering to the total thermal resistance of solid CCl4 are calcualted under the assumption that the different scattering mechanisms contribute additively. An increase in the isochoric thermal conductivity with temperature is explained by suppression of phonon scattering at rotational excitations due to a decrease in correlation in the rotation of neighbouring molecules.
Decoherence in elastic and polaronic transport via discrete quantum states
Authors: Walczak Kamil
Published: June 2006

In this work we study the effect of decoherence on elastic and polaronic transport via discrete quantum states. Calculations are performed with the help of a nonperturbative computational scheme, based on Green’s function theory within the framework of polaron transformation (GFT-PT), where the many-body electron-phonon interaction problem is mapped exactly into a single-electron multi-channel scattering problem. In particular, the influence of dephasing and relaxation processes on the shape of the electrical current and shot noise curves is discussed in detail under linear and nonlinear transport conditions.
Optical properties of Quantum Disks: Real density matrix approach
Authors: Czajkowski Gerard , Silvestri Leonardo
Published: June 2006

We show how to compute the optical response of a Quantum Disk (QDisk) to an electromagnetic wave as a function of the incident wave polarization, in the energetic region of interband transitions. Both the TM and TE polarization in guided-wave geometry are analyzed. The method uses the microscopic calculation of Quantum Disk eigenfunctions and the macroscopic real density matrix approach to compute the effective QDisk susceptibility, taking into account the valence band structure of the QDisk material and the Coulomb interaction between the electron and the hole. Analytical expressions for the QDisk susceptibility are obtained for a certain model electron — hole potential. Using these expressions, all optical functions can be computed. Results for the absorption coefficient are computed for InAs/GaAs QDisks. Fair agreement with experiments is obtained.
Multivariate statistical approaches as applied to environmental physics studies
Authors: Lovchinov Vasil , Tsakovski Stefan
Published: June 2006

The present communication deals with the application of the most important environmetric approaches like cluster analysis, principal components analysis and principal components regression (apportioning models) to environmental systems which are of substantial interest for environmental physics — surface waters, aerosols, and coastal sediments. Using various case studies we identify the latent factors responsible for the data set structure and construct models showing the contribution of each identified source (anthropogenic or natural) to the total measure of the pollution. In this way the information obtained by the monitoring data becomes broader and more intelligent, which help in problem solving in environmental physics.
Ge diffusion on Si surfaces
Authors: Dolbak Andrey , Olshanetsky Boris
Published: June 2006

Ge diffusion on Si(100), (111), and (110) surfaces has been studied by Auger electron spectroscopy and low energy electron diffraction in the temperature range from 600 to 800 °C. Surface diffusion coefficients versus temperature have been measured.
Development of temporal spectroscopic properties for Xerogel matrices doped with Rhodamine 6G dye
Authors: Al-Wattar Abbas , Chiad Baha , Twej Wesam , Al-Awadi Sarmed
Published: June 2006

The solid host of a laser dye modifies its spectroscopic properties with respect to its liquid host. During the Sol-Gel process the dye molecules suffer from changing their environment. Two parameters affect this matter, the change in the concentration due to the evaporation of the solvent (drying) and the caging of dye molecules inside the pores or attachment to the silica network. Rhodamine 6G absorption and fluorescence spectra with different concentrations, during Sol-Gel time processing, have been studied. Both, absorption and fluorescence spectra of the dye in the solid host, for different concentrations, show a blue-shift relative to its liquid phase.
Chronological age, but not FMRP levels, predicts neuropsychological performance in girls with fragile X syndrome
Authors: Lightbody Amy A. , Hall Scott S. , Reiss Allan L.
Published: June 2006

The effect of FMRP levels and chronological age on executive functioning, visual‐spatial abilities ,and verbal fluency tasks were examined in 46 school‐age girls with fragile X syndrome (FXS). Results indicated that FMRP levels were not predictive of outcome on the neuropsychological tests but that performance on the executive functioning task tended to worsen with chronological age. This age effect was not observed on the tests of visual‐spatial abilities or verbal fluency. These data indicate that relative deficits in executive functioning in girls with FXS become more pronounced with age. In contrast, the relative deficits in spatial and verbal abilities of these girls did not appear to increase with age, suggesting that these abilities may be spared. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme and angiotensin II type 1 receptor gene polymorphisms in children with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
Authors: Taşdemir Nebahat , Ece Aydın , Tekeş Selahattin , Dikici Süber , Güneş Ali , Balık Hasan
Published: June 2006

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive, debilitating, and fatal brain disorder caused by mutant measles virus infection. Although both viral and host factors seem to be involved in SSPE, the exact pathogenesis remains to be determined. Autoimmune demyelination is characteristic of SSPE. The blood angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) activity and angiotensin II (Ang II) levels are associated with the ACE gene polymorphism. Proinflammatory effects of Ang II may contribute to the development of SSPE. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the ACE and Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) (A1166C) gene polymorphisms were associated with SSPE. The polymorphisms were investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 43 patients with SSPE and 100 healthy controls. The genotype distribution of the SSPE children and healthy controls were as follows: DD 58.1% versus 34.0, ID 37.2% versus 48.0%, and II 4.7% versus 18.0, respectively (P = 0.012). Allele frequencies of patients and controls were D 76.7% versus 58.0%, and I 23.3% versus 42.0%, respectively (P = 0.004). The frequency of DD genotype and D allele were significantly higher in SSPE children compared with controls (P < 0.05). AT1R gene polymorphism distribution was found to be similar in SSPE children and control subjects: AA 55.8% versus 60.7%, AC 37.2% versus 32.1%, and CC 7.0% versus 7.2%, respectively (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the DD genotype of ACE I/D polymorphism may be related to SSPE. Due to small size of this study, further studies with more patients are needed to confirm these results. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Further evidence of a maternal parent‐of‐origin effect on chromosome 10 in late‐onset Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bassett Susan Spear , Avramopoulos Dimitrios , Perry Rodney T. , Wiener Howard , Watson Bracie , Go Rodney C. P. , Fallin M. Daniele
Published: June 2006

The chromosome 10q region has recently received a great deal of attention in late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD), given the growing evidence of linkage to LOAD, or to A‐beta levels, reported by several groups. In a recent paper we reported evidence of linkage in this region in our subset of the NIMH AD genetics initiative pedigrees, approaching genome‐wide significance (non‐parametric LOD score = 3.27), when only families with maternal disease origin were analyzed [Bassett et al. (2002); Am J Med Genet 114:679–686]. We have now extended this work, using an independent subset of NIMH AD pedigrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and show further evidence of linkage using parent‐of‐origin information. As in our Hopkins sample, maternal but not paternal pedigrees show significantly increased linkage in the chromosome 10q region compared to the unstratified sample. Combining data from our previous fine‐mapping work on this region and five new markers genotyped in all pedigrees results in a non‐parametric LOD score of 3.73 in the same region, a value that reaches genome wide significance for linkage, with an empirical P value = 0.003. These results support our earlier findings and narrow the region of interest. In combination with findings from other groups, these results provide further evidence that this chromosome 10 region harbors a gene implicated in LOAD, and our use of parent‐of‐origin information has been useful in further narrowing the region of interest. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lack of influence of COMT and NET genes variants on executive functions in schizophrenic and bipolar patients, their first‐degree relatives and controls
Authors: Szöke A. , Schürhoff F. , Méary A. , Mathieu F. , Chevalier F. , Trandafir A. , Alter C. , Roy I. , Bellivier F. , Leboyer M.
Published: June 2006

Abnormal dopaminergic function in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) may be a key factor in the etiopathogeny of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Both schizophrenic and bipolar subjects have executive functions (EF) deficits, thought to reflect abnormal PFC function. The main inactivation pathways for dopamine in the PFC are enzymatic cleavage by the Carboxy‐O‐Methyl‐Transferase (COMT) and reuptake by the nor‐epinephrine transporter (NET). Our aim in this study was to replicate previous studies that investigated influence of the COMT genotype on EF in schizophrenic subjects, their relatives and controls and extend their scope by including bipolar patients, and their relatives and by exploring NET gene polymorphisms influence on executive performances. We investigated one functional polymorphism of the COMT gene and two polymorphisms of the NET gene. EF were assessed by means of the Trail Making Test (TMT) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). We assessed the effect of each of the three genotypes on EF for the whole sample (N = 318) and separately in schizophrenic (N = 66), bipolar (N = 94) and healthy subjects (i.e., relatives and controls N = 158). Separate analyses were performed because of the presence, in patients samples, of potentially confounding factors, especially medication. Genotype had no significant effect on the cognitive measures in any of the analyses (for the two EF measures, the three polymorphisms, and the four groups). In our sample we found no evidence in favor of a major effect of COMT or NET polymorphisms on the two tests of EF. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Titelbild: Kinetically Controlled Ligation for the Convergent Chemical Synthesis of Proteins (Angew. Chem. 24/2006)
Authors: Bang Duhee , Pentelute Brad L. , Kent Stephen B. H.
Published: June 2006

Konvergente chemische Ligation ermöglicht eine effizientere Totalsynthese von Proteinmolekülen. S. B. H. Kent et al. beschreiben in ihrer Zuschrift auf S. 4089 ff., wie die beiden Hälften der Zielpeptidkette durch kinetisch gesteuerte chemische Ligation ungeschützter Peptidsegmente synthetisiert werden können. Eine abschließende native chemische Ligation liefert dann die vollständige Polypeptidkette, die sich mit hoher Effizienz zum synthetischen Proteinmolekül faltet. (Das Titelbild wurde von David Boerema gestaltet.)
Population‐based assessment of adverse events associated with long‐term glucocorticoid use
Authors: Curtis Jeffrey R. , Westfall Andrew O. , Allison Jeroan , Bijlsma Johannes W. , Freeman Allison , George Varghese , Kovac Stacey H. , Spettell Claire M. , Saag Kenneth G.
Published: June 2006

Objective

The frequency of many adverse events (AEs) associated with low‐dose glucocorticoid use is unclear. We sought to determine the prevalence of glucocorticoid‐associated AEs in a large US managed care population.

Methods

Using linked administrative and pharmacy claims, adults receiving ≥60 days of glucocorticoids were identified. These individuals were surveyed about glucocorticoid use and symptoms of 8 AEs commonly attributed to glucocorticoid use.

Results

Of the 6,517 eligible glucocorticoid users identified, 2,446 (38%) returned the mailed survey. Respondents were 29% men with a mean ± SD age of 53 ± 14 years; 79% were white and 13% were African American. Respondents had a mean ± SD of 7 ± 3 comorbid conditions and were prescribed a mean ± SD prednisone‐equivalent dosage of 16 ± 14 mg/day. More than 90% of individuals reported at least 1 AE associated with glucocorticoid use; 55% reported that at least 1 AE was very bothersome. Weight gain was the most common self‐reported AE (70% of the individuals), cataracts (15%) and fractures (12%) were among the most serious. After multivariable adjustment, all AEs demonstrated a strong dose‐dependent association with cumulative glucocorticoid use. Among users of low‐dose therapy (≤7.5 mg of prednisone per day), increasing duration of use was significantly associated with acne, skin bruising, weight gain, and cataracts.

Conclusion

The prevalence of 8 commonly attributed self‐reported glucocorticoid‐associated AEs was significantly associated with cumulative and average glucocorticoid dose in a dose‐dependent fashion. Physicians should be vigilant for glucocorticoid‐related AEs and should counsel patients about possible risks, even among low‐dose long‐term users.
Quality of life and psychological status in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome and sicca symptoms without autoimmune features
Authors: Champey Julien , Corruble Emmanuelle , Gottenberg Jacques‐eric , Buhl Catherine , Meyer Tania , Caudmont Céline , Bergé Elisabeth , Pellet Jacques , Hardy Patrick , Mariette Xavier
Published: June 2006

Objective

To compare pain, fatigue, and sicca symptoms; quality of life; and psychological status between patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and those with sicca symptoms but no autoimmune features (sicca asthenia polyalgia syndrome [SAPS]), and to determine whether a psychological pattern can be detected in patients with SAPS, which could suggest psychological distress as the cause.

Methods

This cross‐sectional, prospective study included 111 patients with primary SS according to the American‐European Consensus Group criteria and 65 SAPS patients with no focus on lip biopsy and no anti‐SSA/SSB antibodies. Pain, fatigue, and sicca symptoms were assessed using visual analog scales; quality of life was assessed using the Short Form 36 (SF‐36); and psychological distress by the Symptom Checklist‐90‐Revised (SCL‐90‐R) questionnaire.

Results

No difference was observed between primary SS and SAPS patients for pain, fatigue, sicca symptoms, quality of life, and psychological status. Fatigue and pain, but not dryness, were correlated with both quality of life and psychological distress in both groups. For primary SS patients, physical and mental composite scores on the SF‐36 correlated well with global severity index (GSI) scores of the SCL‐90‐R (r = −0.29, P = 0.006 and r = −0.61, P < 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusion

Patients with primary SS and SAPS do not differ in quality of life or psychological status. Although both diseases probably have a different origin, they may require the same psychological support or psychiatric care. The strong correlation between the composite physical and mental scores of the SF‐36 and the GSI scores of the SCL‐90‐R in primary SS patients emphasizes the importance of the psychological dimension in results of the SF‐36.
Influence of coping skills on health‐related quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Rinaldi Silvana , Ghisi Marta , Iaccarino Luca , Zampieri Sandra , Ghirardello Anna , Sarzi‐puttini Piercarlo , Ronconi Lucia , Perini Giulia , Todesco Silvano , Sanavio Ezio , Doria Andrea
Published: June 2006

Objective

To identify coping strategies used by patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to assess the influence of main clinical and coping variables on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods

We administered the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced and the Short Form 36 questionnaire to a group of 144 patients with SLE and a group of 129 healthy controls. At the time of the psychological assessment, all patients underwent a complete clinical and laboratory evaluation.

Results

SLE patients had higher scores in acceptance (P < 0.001) and turning to religion (P = 0.05) and lower scores in planning (P = 0.001), suppression of competing activities (P = 0.010), restraint coping (P = 0.031), focusing on and venting of emotion (P = 0.009), and strategies focused on problem (P = 0.012) compared with controls. By means of linear regression analysis, HRQOL in SLE patients seemed to be influenced positively by restraint coping and positive reinterpretation and growth, and negatively by focusing on and venting of emotion, behavioral disengagement, and mental disengagement. When clinical variables were added to the multivariate analysis for coping strategies, more significant regression models that included joint pain were obtained.

Conclusion

In facing stressful situations, patients with SLE tend to use coping skills that are generally adopted for events perceived as nonmodifiable. Strategies that show a passive attitude and joint pain seem to impair these patients' HRQOL.
The Pediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization/American College of Rheumatology provisional criteria for the evaluation of response to therapy in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus: Prospective validation of the definition of improvement
Authors: Ruperto Nicolino , Ravelli Angelo , Oliveira Sheila , Alessio Maria , Mihaylova Dimitrina , Pasic Srdjan , Cortis Elisabetta , Apaz Maria , Burgos‐vargas Ruben , Kanakoudi‐tsakalidou Florence , Norambuena Ximena , Corona Fabrizia , Gerloni Valeria , Hagelberg Stefan , Aggarwal Amita , Dolezalova Pavla , Saad Claudia Magalhaes , Bae Sang‐cheol , Vesely Richard , Avcin Tadej , Foster Helen , Duarte Carolina , HerliN Troels , Horneff Gerd , Lepore Loredana , Rossum Marion van , Trail Lucia , Pistorio Angela , Andersson‐Gäre Boel , Giannini Edward H. , Martini Alberto ,   PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL TRIALS ORGANIZATION (PRINTO),   PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY COLLABORATIVE STUDY GROUP (PRCSG)
Published: June 2006

Objective

To use the Pediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization (PRINTO) core set of outcome measures to develop a validated definition of improvement for the evaluation of response to therapy in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Thirty‐seven experienced pediatric rheumatologists from 27 countries, each of whom had specific experience in the assessment of juvenile SLE patients, achieved consensus on 128 patient profiles as being clinically improved or not improved. Using the physicians' consensus ratings as the gold standard measure, the chi‐square, sensitivity, specificity, false‐positive and false‐negative rates, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and kappa level of agreement for 597 candidate definitions of improvement were calculated. Only definitions with a kappa value greater than 0.7 were retained. The top definitions were selected based on the product of the content validity score multiplied by its kappa statistic.

Results

The definition of improvement with the highest final score was at least 50% improvement from baseline in any 2 of the 5 core set measures, with no more than 1 of the remaining worsening by more than 30%.

Conclusion

PRINTO proposes a valid and reproducible definition of improvement that reflects well the consensus rating of experienced clinicians and that incorporates clinically meaningful change in core set measures in a composite end point for the evaluation of global response to therapy in patients with juvenile SLE. The definition is now proposed for use in juvenile SLE clinical trials and may help physicians to decide whether a child with SLE responded adequately to therapy.
Development of classification and response criteria for rheumatic diseases
Authors:   CLASSIFICATION AND RESPONSE CRITERIA SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RHEUMATOLOGY COMMITTEE ON QUALITY MEASURES
Published: June 2006

Relevance to the clinician. Clinicians already know that not all patients who are diagnosed with rheumatic diseases really have them. Moreover, determining which patients have improved and by how much is also difficult. Classification criteria allow clinical researchers to recruit patients with similar diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus) into studies. Response criteria help to determine whether treatments really work, i.e., whether they actually produce clinically important improvement. As the science of clinical research advances, we must update our standards for considering classification and response criteria. In this editorial, members of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Subcommittee on Classification and Response Criteria describe the purpose of criteria sets, their development and validation, and the role of the ACR in adopting them.
Effect of genipin‐crosslinked chitin‐chitosan scaffolds with hydroxyapatite modifications on the cultivation of bovine knee chondrocytes
Authors: Kuo Yung‐Chih , Lin Chih‐Yu
Published: June 2006

Chitin and chitosan were hybridized in various weight percentages by genipin crosslinkage under various prefreezing temperatures to form tissue‐engineering scaffolds via lyophilization. In addition, deposition of hydroxyapatite (HA) on the surface of the porous scaffolds was performed by precipitation method to achieve modified chemical compositions for chondrocyte attachments and growths. The experimental results revealed that a lower prefreezing temperature or a higher weight percentage of chitin in the chitin‐chitosan scaffolds would yield a smaller pore diameter, a greater porosity, a larger specific surface area, a higher Young's modulus, and a lower extensibility. Moreover, a higher chitin percentage could also result in a higher content of amine groups after crosslink and a lower onset temperature for the phase transition after thermal treatment. A decrease in the prefreezing temperature from −4°C to −80°C, an increase in the chitin percentage from 20% to 50%, and an increase in the cycle number of alternate immersion for HA deposition from 1 to 5 generated positive effects on the cell number, the content of glycosaminoglycans, and the collagen level over 28‐day cultivation of bovine knee chondrocytes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
One‐Pot Synthesis and Bioapplication of Amine‐Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles and Hollow Nanospheres
Authors: Wang Leyu , Bao Jie , Wang Lun , Zhang Fang , Li Yadong
Published: June 2006

To demonstrate their applications in biological and medical fields such as in immunoassays, magnetic separation of cells or proteins, drug or gene delivery, and magnetic resonance imaging, the template‐free syntheses of water‐soluble and surface functionalized magnetic nanomaterials have become essential and are challenging. Herein, we developed a facile one‐pot template‐free method for the preparation of amine‐functionalized magnetite nanoparticles and hollow nanospheres by using FeCl3⋅6 H2O as single iron source. These magnetic nanomaterials were characterized by TEM, SEM, XRD, and FTIR technologies. Their magnetic properties were also studied by using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer at room temperature. Then the amine‐functionalized magnetite nanoparticles were applied to immunoassays and magnetic resonance imaging in live mice.
Covalent Microcontact Printing of Proteins for Cell Patterning
Authors: Rozkiewicz Dorota I. , Kraan Yvonne , Werten Marc W. T. , de Wolf Frits A. , Subramaniam Vinod , Ravoo Bart Jan , Reinhoudt David N.
Published: June 2006

We describe a straightforward approach to the covalent immobilization of cytophilic proteins by microcontact printing, which can be used to pattern cells on substrates. Cytophilic proteins are printed in micropatterns on reactive self‐assembled monolayers by using imine chemistry. An aldehyde‐terminated monolayer on glass or on gold was obtained by the reaction between an amino‐terminated monolayer and terephthaldialdehyde. The aldehyde monolayer was employed as a substrate for the direct microcontact printing of bioengineered, collagen‐like proteins by using an oxidized poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) stamp. After immobilization of the proteins into adhesive “islands”, the remaining areas were blocked with amino‐poly(ethylene glycol), which forms a layer that is resistant to cell adhesion. Human malignant carcinoma (HeLa) cells were seeded and incubated onto the patterned substrate. It was found that these cells adhere to and spread selectively on the protein islands, and avoid the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) zones. These findings illustrate the importance of microcontact printing as a method for positioning proteins at surfaces and demonstrate the scope of controlled surface chemistry to direct cell adhesion.
Silica‐Coated Ln3+‐Doped LaF3 Nanoparticles as Robust Down‐ and Upconverting Biolabels
Authors: Sivakumar Sri , Diamente Peter R. , van Veggel Frank C. J. M.
Published: June 2006

The preparation of nearly monodisperse (40 nm), silica‐coated LaF3:Ln3+ nanoparticles and their bioconjugation to FITC–avidin (FITC=fluorescein isothiocyanate) is described in this report. Doping of the LaF3 core with selected luminescent Ln3+ ions allows the particles to display a range of emission lines from the visible to the near‐infrared region (λ=450–1650 nm). First, the use of Tb3+ and Eu3+ ions resulted in green (λ=541 nm) and red (λ=591 and 612 nm) emissions, respectively, by energy downconversion processes. Second, the use of Nd3+ gave emission lines at λ=870, 1070 and 1350 nm and Er3+ gave an emission line at λ=1540 nm by energy downconversion processes. Additionally, the Er3+ ions gave green and red emissions and Tm3+ ions gave an emission at λ=800 nm by upconversion processes when codoped with Yb3+ (λex=980 nm). Bioconjugation of avidin, which has a bound fluorophore (FITC) as the reporter, was carried out by means of surface modification of the silica particles with 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, followed by reaction with the biotin–N‐hydroxysuccinimide activated ester to form an amide bond, imparting biological activity to the particles. A 25‐fold or better increase in the FITC signal relative to the non‐biotinylated silica particles indicated that there is minimal nonspecific binding of FITC–avidin to the silica particles.
Survival of interneurons and parallel fiber synapses in a cerebellar cortex deprived of Purkinje cells: Studies in the double mutant mouse Grid2Lc/+;Bax−/−
Authors: Zanjani S. Hadi , Selimi Fekrije , Vogel Michael W. , Haeberlé Anne‐Marie , Boeuf Julien , Mariani Jean , Bailly Yannick J.
Published: June 2006

The Lurcher mutation in the Grid2 gene causes the cell autonomous death of virtually all cerebellar Purkinje cells and the target‐related death of 90% of the granule cells and 60–75% of the olivary neurons. Inactivation of Bax, a pro‐apoptotic gene of the Bcl‐2 family, in heterozygous Lurcher mutants (Grid2Lc/+) rescues ∼60% of the granule cells, but does not rescue Purkinje or olivary neurons. Given the larger size of the cerebellar molecular layer in Grid2Lc/+;Bax−/− double mutants compared to Grid2Lc/+ mutants, we analyzed the survival of the stellate and basket interneurons as well as the synaptic connectivity of parallel fibers originating from the surviving granule cells in the absence of their Purkinje cell targets in the Grid2Lc/+;Bax−/− cerebellum. Quantification showed a significantly higher density of interneurons (∼60%) in the molecular layer of the Grid2Lc/+;Bax−/− mice compared to Grid2Lc/+, suggesting that interneurons are subject to a BAX‐dependent target‐related death in the Lurcher mutants. Furthermore, electron microscopy showed the normal ultrastructural aspect of a number of parallel fibers in the molecular layer of the Grid2Lc/+; Bax−/− double mutant mice and preserved their numerous synaptic contacts on interneurons, suggesting that interneurons could play a trophic role for axon terminals of surviving granule cells. Finally, parallel fibers varicosities in the double mutant established “pseudo‐synapses” on glia as well as displayed autophagic profiles, suggesting that the connections established by the parallel fibers in the absence of their Purkinje cell targets were subject to a high turnover involving autophagy. J. Comp. Neurol. 497:622–635, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gustatory terminal field organization and developmental plasticity in the nucleus of the solitary tract revealed through triple‐fluorescence labeling
Authors: May Olivia L. , Hill David L.
Published: June 2006

Early dietary sodium restriction has profound influences on the organization of the gustatory brainstem. However, the anatomical relationships among multiple gustatory nerve inputs have not been examined. Through the use of triple‐fluorescence labeling and confocal laser microscopy, terminal fields of the greater superficial petrosal (GSP), chorda tympani (CT), and glossopharyngeal (IX) nerves were visualized concurrently in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) of developmentally sodium‐restricted and control rats. Dietary sodium restriction during pre‐ and postnatal development resulted in a twofold increase in the volume of both the CT and the IX nerve terminal fields but did not affect the volume of the GSP terminal field. In controls, these nerve terminal fields overlapped considerably. The dietary manipulation significantly increased the overlapping zones among terminal fields, resulting in an extension of CT and IX fields past their normal boundaries. The differences in terminal field volumes were exaggerated when expressed relative to the respective NTS volumes. Furthermore, increased terminal field volumes could not be attributed to an increase in the number of afferents because ganglion cell counts did not differ between groups. Taken together, selective increases in terminal field volume and ensuing overlap among terminal fields suggest an increased convergence of these gustatory nerve terminals onto neurons in the NTS. The genesis of such convergence is likely related to disruption of cellular and molecular mechanisms during the development of individual terminal fields, the consequences of which have implications for corresponding functional and behavioral alterations. J. Comp. Neurol. 497:658–669, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of rabies virus antigen or antibody using flow cytometry
Authors: Vengatesan Dayalan , Raj Gopal Dhinakar , Raja Angamuthu , Ramadass Pachaikani , Gunaseelan Lakshmanaswamy
Published: June 2006

Background:

Rabies is invariably a fatal encephalomyelitis that is considered to be a serious public health problem. Rabies diagnosis must be rapid and conclusive. Detection and quantification of antirabies antibodies is used for assessment of the effectiveness of rabies vaccines. Hence, computer‐automated detection of fluorescence using flow cytometry was attempted to reduce the work time required to undertake the conventional rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT).

Methods:

Pasteur virus (PV)‐infected mouse neuroblastoma (MNA) cells were stained with rabies virus antinucleocapsid antibody, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugate, and the percentage of infected cells at 24, 48, and 72 h postinfection (PI) was determined using flow cytometry. Serum samples containing known antibody titres estimated by RFFIT in terms of IU/ml were used to neutralize 50 FFD50 dose of PV. The percentage of MNA cells infected by the un‐neutralized virus was estimated by flow cytometry. Using the value of the percentage of cells infected in the presence of known negative serum as 100%, the infection inhibition caused by antibodies at each dilution of positive reference serum was calculated and a regression equation generated for the prediction of rabies virus antibody titres in test sera samples as equivalent units per ml (EU/ml).

Results:

There was a significant increase in the percentage of infected cells between 24 and 48 h PI from 26.45 to 75.28%. The percentage of cells having high side scatter was also highest at 72 h PI (11.11%). Antibody titres predicted by flow cytometry and those estimated by RFFIT as IU/ml showed a correlation coefficient of 0.74.

Conclusions:

Thus, flow cytometry could be used to detect rabies virus antigen in infected cells and to predict serum antibody titres from a single dilution of serum tested with the potential advantages of automation, rapidity, and lack of subjectivity. It has the potential to replace the time‐tested RFFIT in rabies serology in the years to come. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
2D and 3D Cadmium(II) Coordination Polymers from a Flexible Tripodal Ligand of 1,3,5‐Tris(carboxymethoxy)benzene and Bidentate Pyridyl‐Containing Ligands with Three‐, Eight‐ and Ten‐Connected Topologies
Authors: Wang Suna , Xing Hang , Li Yizhi , Bai Junfeng , Pan Yi , Scheer Manfred , You Xiaozeng
Published: June 2006

Four novel cadmium(II) coordination polymers, [Cd3(TCMB)2(4,4′‐bipy)(H2O)16]n (1), [Cd3(TCMB)2(bpe)(H2O)13]n (2), [Cd3(TCMB)2(bpe)2(H2O)4]n (3), and [Cd3(TCMB)2(dpp)2(H2O)3]n (4), [TCMB = 1,3,5‐tris(carboxymethoxy)benzene, 4,4‐bipy = (4,4‐bipyridine), bpe = 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethane, dpp = 1,3‐bis(4‐pyridyl)propane] have been hydrothermally synthesized by the self‐assembly of the flexible tripodal acid TCMB and Cd(OAc)2·2H2O with pyridyl‐containing ligands possessing different flexibilities. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that the four polymers exhibit novel frameworks due to diverse coordination modes and different conformations of the flexible TCMB as well as pyridyl‐containing ligands. Complex 1 shows a unique twofold parallel interpenetrating 2D honeycomb network structure with an unusual 63 topology, in which two different large hexagonal rings are arranged alternately, with extraordinarydimensions of ca. 22.172(6) × 12.947(2) Å (A) and 17.233(2) × 12.947(2) Å (B) based on the distances of the atoms at the opposite positions of the rings. Complex 2 is almost isostructural to complex 1, except that the bidentate bpe ligands bridge the cadmium centers in an anti conformation, rendering the network more flexible. Complex 3 features a 3D network with one of the scarce eight‐connected (46, 614, 88)(43)2 topologies based on the rare CdI2‐type layer constructed from secondary building units (SBUs) of rare [Cd3(CO2)4]2– isosceles triangle cadmium clusters. Complex 4 possesses distorted CdI2‐type layers constructed from unprecedented ten‐connected Cd3 clusters which are linked by more flexible dpp ligands in a trans‐gauche (TG) conformation in (4,4) networks, leading to another 3D framework of the unusual (418, 624, 83)(43)2 topology. Such an arrangement represents the highest connected topology presently known for the frameworks. Among them, complex 1 displays photoluminescent properties at 460 nm due to the ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer (LMCT). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
A New Access to Chiral Phospholanes
Authors: Dubrovina Natalia V. , Jiao Haijun , Tararov Vitali I. , Spannenberg Anke , Kadyrov Renat , Monsees Axel , Christiansen Andrea , Börner Armin
Published: June 2006

The hydrogenation of 5‐oxo‐5H‐5λ5‐dibenzophosphol‐5‐ol gives, almost quantitatively, only one geometric isomer of 5‐oxododecahydro‐5λ5‐dibenzophosphol‐5‐ol (2). An X‐ray structure analysis confirmed the formation of a meso isomer with a 4aβ,5aβ,9aβ,9bβ configuration (2a). Another possible way to get 2a is the hydrogenation of (4aβ,5aβ)‐5‐oxo‐2,3,4,4a,5,5a,6,7,8,9‐decahydro‐1H‐5λ5‐dibenzophosphol‐5‐ol (11), which is easily available starting from cyclohexanone. Highly selective epimerization has been achieved using LDA as base at elevated temperature. Resolution of 2e was achieved by salt formation with (R)‐(+)‐ and (S)‐(–)‐N‐benzyl‐α‐methylbenzylamine to give (+)‐ and (–)‐(4aα,5aβ,9aβ,9bβ)‐5‐oxododecahydro‐5λ5‐dibenzophosphol‐5‐ol. The geometry of 2e was confirmed by X‐ray structure analysis. Reduction of (+)‐ or (–)‐2e gave diastereomeric phospholanes (4aα,5R/S,5aβ,9aβ,9bβ)‐dodecahydrodibenzophosphole (1a), which were oxidized to the corresponding secondary phosphane oxides (SPOs) (4aα,5R/S,5aβ,9aβ,9bβ)‐dodecahydrodibenzophosphole 5‐oxide (1b). These phosphanes and phosphane oxides were used as ligands and preligands, respectively, in the Rh‐catalyzed enantioselective hydrogenation of benchmark substrates, where up to 79 % ee have been achieved. B3LYP density functional calculations reveal that among the three possible epimers at the 4aC‐ and 5aC‐positions thechiral isomer (4aα,5aβ,9aβ,9bβ)‐5‐oxododecahydro‐5λ5‐dibenzophosphol‐5‐ol (2e) is 3.52 kcal mol–1 more stable than the related meso isomer 2a in Gibbs free energy. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Transannular Cyclization of Epoxycaryophyllenes Catalyzed by TiIII: An Efficient Synthesis of Tricyclo[6.3.0.02,5]undecanes
Authors: Barrero Alejandro F. , Herrador M. Mar , Quílez del Moral José F. , Arteaga Pilar , Sánchez Elena M. , Arteaga Jesús F. , Piedra Maria
Published: June 2006

The transannular cyclization of epoxycaryophyllenes 2–7 catalyzed by TiIII has been investigated. This cyclization led to alcohols 8–15, all of them possessing a tricyclo[6.3.0.02,5]undecane skeleton. All of these compounds present pleasant aromatic properties. The cyclization takes place with high yields (> 80 %) and via the αα or ββ conformation of the intermediate radical I. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)