bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Citizen Police Academies: An Analysis of Enhanced Police-Community Relations among Citizen Attendees
Authors: Breen Michael E. , Johnson Brian R.
Published: December 2007

One current initiative used by many police agencies across the United States to foster better police-community relations is the Citizen's Police Academy (CPA). While CPAs lack a precise academic definition, they can be considered to be a planned programme created by law enforcement agencies to educate their citizens on police operations and management. Over the last 20 years, CPA programmes have rapidly expanded among police agencies in the United States, where it is estimated that approximately 15% of all police agencies have some type of these programmes. This article expands upon the limited research on CPAs by analysing their impact on attendees. Specifically, this article explores changes in the attitudes of 48 CPA attendees who completed a 12-week/36-hour CPA programme at a Sheriff's Department in the state of Michigan. Based on the analysis of pre- and post-test responses, this study found that this particular CPA had a positive impact on the attendees' attitudes towards the police, and their understanding of police operations, crime, and quality-of-life issues in their community.
DNA Methylation Biomarkers for Blood-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening
Authors: Lofton-Day Catherine , Model Fabian , DeVos Theo , Tetzner Reimo , Distler Juergen , Schuster Matthias , Song Xiaoling , Lesche Ralf , Liebenberg Volker , Ebert Matthias , Molnar Bela , Grützmann Robert , Pilarsky Christian , Sledziewski Andrew
Published: December 2007

Background: Sensitive, specific blood-based tests are difficult to develop unless steps are taken to maximize performance characteristics at every stage of marker discovery and development. We describe a sieving strategy for identifying high-performing marker assays that detect colorectal cancer (CRC)-specific methylated DNA in plasma.

Methods: We first used restriction enzyme–based discovery methods to identify marker candidates with obviously different methylation patterns in CRC tissue and nonpathologic tissue. We then used a selection process incorporating microarrays and/or real-time PCR analysis of tissue samples to further test marker candidates for maximum methylation in CRC tissue and minimum amplification in tissues from both healthy individuals and patients with other diseases. Real-time assays of 3 selected markers were validated with plasma samples from 133 CRC patients and 179 healthy control individuals in the same age range.

Results: Restriction enzyme–based testing identified 56 candidate markers. This group was reduced to 6 with microarray and real-time PCR testing. Three markers, TMEFF2, NGFR, and SEPT9, were tested with plasma samples. TMEFF2 methylation was detected in 65% [95% confidence interval, 56%–73%] of plasma samples from CRC patients and not detected in 69% (62%–76%) of the controls. The corresponding results for NGFR were 51% (42%–60%) and 84% (77%–89%); for SEPT9, the values were 69% (60%–77%) and 86% (80%–91%).

Conclusions: The stringent criteria applied at all steps of the selection and validation process enabled successful identification and ranking of blood-based marker candidates.
REVIEW
Authors: Nakano Lynne
Published: December 2007

The Political Economy of Japan's Low Fertility. Frances McCall Rosenbluth, ed. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2007.
Prevalência de síndrome metabólica em estudo de base populacional, Vitória, ES - Brasil
Authors: Salaroli Luciane B. , Barbosa Geovane C. , Mill José G. , Molina Maria C.B.
Published: December 2007

Síndrome Metabólica (SM) é um transtorno representado pela agregação de fatores predisponentes para desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares e diabetes. Apesar da importância da SM, há carência de dados sobre as características epidemiológicas desta condição na população brasileira. Determinamos a prevalência da SM por sexo, faixa etária e nível socioeconômico na população da cidade de Vitória, ES, Brasil, utilizando os critérios do NCEP/ATPIII. Foram coletados dados socioeconômicos, bioquímicos, antropométricos e hemodinâmicos em 1.663 indivíduos de amostra randômica da população (25-64 anos) de Vitória. A prevalência foi de 29,8% (IC95 = 28-32%), sem diferença entre sexos. De 25 a 34 anos, a prevalência foi 15,8%, alcançando 48,3% na faixa de 55 a 64 anos. Verificou-se aumento progressivo de prevalência em mulheres do maior para o menor nível socioeconômico. O parâmetro da SM mais freqüente em homens foi hipertensão, seguido de hipertrigliceridemia, baixo HDL-colesterol, hiperglicemia e obesidade abdominal. Nas mulheres, hipertensão em primeiro lugar, seguida do baixo HDL-colesterol, obesidade abdominal, hipertrigliceridemia e hiperglicemia. Conclui-se que a prevalência de SM é elevada, inclusive nos mais jovens, com grande contribuição da hipertensão para o seu diagnóstico. Controle dos fatores de risco deve ser promovido visando reduzir o impacto das doenças cardiovasculares na mortalidade geral.
Efeitos do boro em algodoeiro cultivado em condições de casa de vegetação
Authors: Silva Nelson M. da , Carvalho Luiz Henrique , Bataglia Ondino C. , Hiroce Ruter
Published: December 2007

Visando obter subsídios para a instalação de futuros ensaios de campo com adubação boratada do algodoeiro, foi conduzido estudo em casa de vegetação, utilizando-se solo comprovadamente carente em boro para essa cultura. Foram usadas doses de 0, 133, 266 e 532mg de bórax por vaso contendo 5,0kg de terra. Em vasos extras, estudaram-se níveis mais elevados do produto. O efeito de boro sobre a altura média das plantas, peso de capulho, peso de sementes e comprimento de fibra foi significativo estatisticamente e de natureza quadrática. A concentração de B na matéria seca da parte aérea da planta ou da folha cresceu em proporção à dose utilizada. No caso da análise de folhas de plantas carentes, a concentração variou de 10 a 39ppm, com média de 19pmm de B, enquanto em plantas com grave sintoma de toxicidade foi obtido índice superior a 590ppm de B. Em plantas com carência de boro foi observado um ou vários dos seguintes sintomas: paralisação de crescimento, superbrotamento, intumescimento de nós com escurecimento de tecido, deformações do limbo e do pecíolo de cotilédones e de folhas verdadeiras, anéis concêntricos com necroses correspondentes da medula de pecíolos foliares e deformações das flores. Como sintoma de toxicidade, observou-se clorose marginal e internerval do cotilédone e/ou da folha verdadeira, que evoluiu ou não para necrose do tecido, permanecendo as nervuras com coloração verde normal.
Melhoramento do cafeeiro: XXXVIII. Observações sobre progênies do cultivar Mundo-Novo de Coffea arabica na estação experimental de Mococa
Authors: Rocha Túlio R. , Carvalho Alcides , Fazuoli Luiz Carlos
Published: December 2007

Os dados analisados no experimento localizado em Mococa sobre a produtividade de 112 progênies dos cultivares Mundo-Novo S1 e S2, Bourbon-Amarelo, BourbonVermelho e Caturra-Vermelho de Coffea arabica no período de 1955 a 1971, indicaram que as de Mundo-Novo S1, de prefixos MP 474, MP 502, MP 469, MP 492 e MP 475, revelaram-se como as mais produtivas, assemelhando-se a algumas progênies 'Mundo--Novo' S2. Dentre estas, destacou-se a de prefixo MP 388-6, que atingiu o nível mais elevado de produção do experimento. As progênies de 'Mundo-Novo', em conjunto, produziram 44% a mais do que as de Bourbon-Amarelo e, estas, 60% a mais do que as de Bourbon-Vermelho e Caturra-Vermelho. A altura e o diâmetro da copa atingiram valores médios mais elevados para as progênies de 'Mundo-Novo'. Verificaram-se correlações positivas e altamente significativas entre altura média da planta e diâmetro médio da copa com a produção das progênies. As progênies mais produtivas revelaram rendimento (relação entre peso de café maduro e beneficiado) de aproximadamente 6,0 e porcentagem de sementes normais, do tipo chato, acima de 80. Quanto ao tamanho das sementes do tipo chato, duas progênies 'Mundo-Novo' S1, MP 474 e MP 452, apresentaram peneira média maior, permi-tindo seleção de plantas com essa característica e com elevada produção.
Avaliação de progênies e seleção no cafeeiro Icatu
Authors: Fazuoli Luiz Carlos , Carvalho Alcides , Costa Waldir Marques da , Nery Clovis , Laun Carlos Ricardo Pereira , Santiago Mario
Published: December 2007

Avaliaram-se a capacidade produtiva e outras características agronômicas de progênies de café Icatu em um experimento e em três campos de seleção, em São Simão (SP). Compararam-se sete progênies de Icatu com sete outras portadoras de genes que conferem resistência vertical a Hemileia vastatrix. Como testemunha, utilizou-se o cultivar Catuaí-Vermelho de Coffea arabica, suscetível a essa moléstia, porém sem qualquer tratamento fitossanitário. Verificou-se que a progênie de Icatu CH 4782-16 apresentou a maior produção média e, nela, escolheram-se nove cafeeiros de interesse para o melhoramento desse cultivar. Nas demais progênies, selecionou-se menor número de plantas com boa produção. Em três campos de seleção, a progênie CH 4782-16 foi também a mais produtiva. Os dados do presente trabalho revelaram ser a CH 4782-16 bastante promissora, pela produção, bom aspecto vegetativo, resistência a H. vastatrix e outras características agronômicas, merecendo ser estudada em maior número de locais para futura distribuição aos lavradores.
Genética de Coffea: XXVI. Hereditariedade do porte reduzido do cultivar Caturra
Authors: Carvalho Alcides , Medina Filho Herculano Penna , Fazuoli Luiz Carlos , Costa Waldir Marques da
Published: December 2007

A mutação de Coffea arabica, conhecida sob a denominação de Caturra, caracteriza-se pela redução do comprimento médio dos internódios dos ramos ortotrópicos e plagiotrópicos, o que diminui a altura das plantas, conferindo-lhes um aspecto compacto. Surgiu provavelmente no Bourbon Vermelho, e sua produção se assemelha à deste cultivar. Devido a suas características, a densidade de plantio poderá ser aumentada, refletindo favoravelmente na produçãc por área, e facilitando tanto a colheita como os tratos culturais e fitossanitários. A análise genética, realizada a partir dos tipos paternais Caturra e Normal, que abrangeu a classificação de plantas S1, S2, S3 , S4, S5, F1, F2 e BC e cruzamentos-testes e seus descendentes, num total de 55.516 plantas, indicou que o porte reduzido do Caturra é controlado por um fator genético simples, ao qual foi proposto o símbolo Ct. A dominância é completa, sendo indistinguíveis os cafeeiros de genótipos CtCt e Ctct. Dado o interesse que apresentam as plantas de porte reduzido, o fator Caturra vem sendo transferido a outros cultivares de C. arabica de maior interesse econômico.
Substâncias húmicas, atividade microbiana e carbono orgânico lábil em agregados de um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico sob duas coberturas vegetais
Authors: Passos Renato Ribeiro , Ruiz Hugo Alberto , Mendonça Eduardo de Sá , Cantarutti Reinaldo Bertola , Souza Adailson Pereira de
Published: December 2007

A matéria orgânica (MO) constitui um atributo indicativo da qualidade do solo. O conhecimento de seus distintos componentes, explicando a influência que as práticas de manejo exercem sobre a MO e a agregação dos solos, é de grande importância para a sustentabilidade dos sistemas agrícolas. Neste trabalho, avaliaram-se as substâncias húmicas, a atividade microbiana e o C orgânico lábil em agregados de um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico de Minas Gerais sob vegetação natural de Cerradão e sob cultivo convencional com milho durante 30 anos. Para isso, foram retiradas amostras de solo nas profundidades de 5-10 e 15-20 cm em quatro pontos diferentes. Após coletado, o material foi seco ao ar e fracionado, por via seca, nas classes de agregados de: 4,75-2,0; 2,0-1,0; 1,0-0,5; 0,5-0,25; 0,25-0,105; e < 0,105 mm de diâmetro. Nesses materiais determinaram-se o C orgânico das frações ácidos fúlvicos (AF), ácidos húmicos (AH) e huminas (HUM) e o C orgânico lábil (COL) utilizando KMnO4 15,6 e 33,0 mmol L-1. Os materiais foram ainda submetidos a um ensaio de respirometria, em que os valores da produção de CO2 foram ajustados a equações logísticas [Y = a/1 + e-(b + cx)], estimando-se o tempo necessário para atingir metade da produção máxima de CO2 (t1/2). Os resultados mostraram que, em média, os agregados do solo sob cultivo apresentaram maiores teores de C orgânico da fração AH e de COL determinado com KMnO4 33,0 mmol L-1. Para as frações AF e HUM e o COL determinado com KMnO4 15,6 mmol L-1, esse comportamento foi observado somente na profundidade de 15-20 cm. Nos agregados do solo sob Cerradão, verificou-se maior produção de CO2. Os agregados de menor tamanho tenderam a apresentar maiores teores de C orgânico das frações AF e AH e do COL, além de serem responsáveis pela maior produção de CO2, constituindo-se em sítios favoráveis tanto para o estoque de MO, em decorrência da proteção física e química, quanto para sua mineralização, dada a ação preferencial dos microrganismos nesses locais. Os coeficientes da equação logística (a, b, c) e o t1/2 se mostraram importantes indicadores de qualidade da MO do solo em distintos manejos e, conseqüentemente, de sua labilidade.
Revegetação de cava de extração de argila com Acacia mangium: II - caracterização química da humina
Authors: Schiavo Jolimar Antonio , Canellas Luciano Pasqualoto , Martins Marco Antonio , Matos Carlos Roberto Ribeiro
Published: December 2007

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de caracterizar a natureza química dos compostos da humina extraída em solo de área degradada pela extração de argila, com vegetação espontânea de Brachiaria mutica (Forsk.) Stapf e revegetada com Acacia mangium Willd. Após extração e purificação, a humina foi submetida à transesterificação com metanol trifluorato de B (BF3-MeOH), obtendo-se as subfrações alifáticas e aromáticas. Essas subfrações foram submetidas à cromatografia gasosa (Shimadzu GC-17A) combinada com a espectrometria de massa (Shimadzu GC/MS-qp5050A). Na subfração alifática obtida da cobertura com A. mangium, os compostos identificados foram: hexadecanoato de metila, octadecanoato de metila, heptadecano e 2-hidroxidodecanoato de metila; já na área com B. mutica os compostos foram: 14-metilpentadecanoato de metila e nonadecanoato de metila. Na subfração aromática, os compostos identificados na cobertura com A. mangium foram os mesmos obtidos naquela com B. mutica, sendo eles: 14-metilpentadecanoato de metila, 1,2 benzenodioato de 2 etilexila e butila. A leguminosa arbórea A. mangium proporcionou mudanças na fração mais recalcitrante das substâncias húmicas (humina), extraída da cava de extração de argila, preservando maior diversidade de compostos alifáticos.
Two new species of Hypoptopomatinae from the rio Paraíba do Sul basin, with comments on the monophyly of Parotocinclus and the Otothyrini (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)
Authors: Gauger Marco F. W. , Buckup Paulo Andreas
Published: December 2007

Two new species of loricariid catfishes, Parotocinclus bidentatus and P. muriaensis, are described from the rio Paraíba do Sul basin. They possess accessory unicuspid teeth located internally to the series of bicuspid teeth in premaxillary and dentary bones. According to a parsimony analysis of phylogenetic relationships among the Hypoptopomatinae, the new taxa are members of the genus Parotocinclus, even though they lack a fully developed adipose fin. They differ from most species of Parotocinclus because they have accessory teeth. Within the Hypoptopomatinae, accessory teeth are also found only in P. collinsae and members of the genera Eurycheilichtys, Epactionotus and Niobichthys.
Protein Kinase C θ Activation Induces Insulin-Mediated Constriction of Muscle Resistance Arteries
Authors: Bakker Wineke , Sipkema Pieter , Stehouwer Coen D.A. , Serne Erik H. , Smulders Yvo M. , van Hinsbergh Victor W.M. , Eringa Etto C.
Published: December 2007

OBJECTIVE—Protein kinase C (PKC) θ activation is associated with insulin resistance and obesity, but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Impairment of insulin-mediated vasoreactivity in muscle contributes to insulin resistance, but it is unknown whether PKCθ is involved. In this study, we investigated whether PKCθ activation impairs insulin-mediated vasoreactivity and insulin signaling in muscle resistance arteries.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Vasoreactivity of isolated resistance arteries of mouse gracilis muscles to insulin (0.02–20 nmol/l) was studied in a pressure myograph with or without PKCθ activation by palmitic acid (PA) (100 μmol/l).

RESULTS—In the absence of PKCθ activation, insulin did not alter arterial diameter, which was caused by a balance of nitric oxide–dependent vasodilator and endothelin-dependent vasoconstrictor effects. Using three-dimensional microscopy and Western blotting of muscle resistance arteries, we found that PKCθ is abundantly expressed in endothelium of muscle resistance arteries of both mice and humans and is activated by pathophysiological levels of PA, as indicated by phosphorylation at Thr538 in mouse resistance arteries. In the presence of PA, insulin induced vasoconstriction (21 ± 6% at 2 nmol/l insulin), which was abolished by pharmacological or genetic inactivation of PKCθ. Analysis of intracellular signaling in muscle resistance arteries showed that PKCθ activation reduced insulin-mediated Akt phosphorylation (Ser473) and increased extracellular signal–related kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation. Inhibition of PKCθ restored insulin-mediated vasoreactivity and insulin-mediated activation of Akt and ERK1/2 in the presence of PA.

CONCLUSIONS—PKCθ activation induces insulin-mediated vasoconstriction by inhibition of Akt and stimulation of ERK1/2 in muscle resistance arteries. This provides a new mechanism linking PKCθ activation to insulin resistance.
In Vitro Hyperglycemia or a Diabetic Intrauterine Environment Reduces Neonatal Endothelial Colony-Forming Cell Numbers and Function
Authors: Ingram David A. , Lien Izlin Z. , Mead Laura E. , Estes Myka , Prater Daniel N. , Derr-Yellin Ethel , DiMeglio Linda A. , Haneline Laura S.
Published: December 2007

OBJECTIVE—Emerging data demonstrate that maternal diabetes has long-term health consequences for offspring, including the development of hypertension. In adults, circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) participate in vascular repair, and EPC numbers and function inversely correlate with the risk of developing vascular disease. Therefore, our objectives were to determine whether hyperglycemia or exposure to a diabetic intrauterine environment alters EPC function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We used well-established clonogenic endothelial colony-forming cell (ECFC) assays and murine transplantation experiments to examine human vasculogenesis.

RESULTS—Both in vitro hyperglycemia and a diabetic intrauterine environment reduced ECFC colony formation, self-renewal capacity, and capillary-like tube formation in matrigel. This cellular phenotype was linked to premature senescence and reduced proliferation. Further, cord blood ECFCs from diabetic pregnancies formed fewer chimeric vessels de novo after transplantation into immunodeficient mice compared with neonatal ECFCs harvested from uncomplicated pregnancies.

CONCLUSIONS—Collectively, these data demonstrate that hyperglycemia or exposure to a diabetic intrauterine environment diminishes neonatal ECFC function both in vitro and in vivo, providing potential mechanistic insights into the long-term cardiovascular complications observed in newborns of diabetic pregnancies.
Construct Validity: A Universal Validity System or Just Another Test Evaluation Procedure?
Authors: Embretson Susan E.
Published: December 2007

Lissitz and Samuelsen (2007) have proposed a framework that seemingly deems construct validity evidence irrelevant to supporting educational test meaning. The author of this article agrees with Lissitz and Samuelsen that internal evidence establishes test meaning, but she argues that construct validity need not be removed from the validity sphere. In fact, she argues that doing so could have an adverse impact on the quality of educational tests. She proposes a universal system for construct validity to illustrate how diverse evidence is relevant to claims about measuring examinees’ knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies even when test specifications provide a major source of evidence.
An Organic Light‐Emitting Diode with Field‐Effect Electron Transport
Authors: Schols S. , Verlaak S. , Rolin C. , Cheyns D. , Genoe J. , Heremans P.
Published: December 2007

We describe an organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) using field‐effect to transport electrons. The device is a hybrid between a diode and a field‐effect transistor. Compared to conventional OLEDs, the metallic cathode is displaced by one to several micrometers from the light‐emitting zone. This micrometer‐sized distance can be bridged by electrons with enhanced field‐effect mobility. The device is fabricated using poly(triarylamine) (PTAA) as the hole‐transport material, tris(8‐hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) doped with 4‐(dicyanomethylene)‐2‐methyl‐6‐(julolindin‐4‐yl‐vinyl)‐4H‐pyran (DCM2) as the active light‐emitting layer, andN,N′‐ditridecylperylene‐3,4,9,10‐tetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI‐C13H27), as the electron‐transport material. The obtained external quantum efficiencies are as high as for conventional OLEDs comprising the same materials. The quantum efficiencies of the new devices are remarkably independent of the current, up to current densities of more than 10 A cm–2. In addition, the absence of a metallic cathode covering the light‐emission zone permits top‐emission and could reduce optical absorption losses in waveguide structures. These properties may be useful in the future for the fabrication of solid‐state high‐brightness organic light sources.
Vapor‐Based Initiator Coatings for Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Jiang X. , Chen H.‐Y. , Galvan G. , Yoshida M. , Lahann J.
Published: December 2007

A novel polymeric initiator coating for surface modification via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is reported. The synthetic approach involves the chemical vapor deposition of [2.2]paracyclophane‐4‐methyl 2‐bromoisobutyrate and can be applied to a heterogeneous group of substrates including stainless steel, glass, silicon, poly(dimethylsiloxane), poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(tetrafluoroethylene), and polystyrene. Surface analysis using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy confirmed the chemical structure of the reactive initiator coatings to be consistent with poly[(p‐xylylene‐4‐methyl‐2‐bromoisobutyrate)‐co‐(p‐xylylene)]. Appropriate reactivity of the bromoisobutyrate side groups was confirmed by surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization of a oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate. After solventless deposition of the CVD‐based initiator coating, hydrogel films as thick as 300 nm could be conveniently prepared within a 24 h timeframe via ATRP. Moreover, the polymerization showed ATRP‐specific reaction kinetics and catalyst concentration dependencies. In addition, spatially controlled deposition of the initiator coatings using vapor‐assisted microstructuring in replica structures resulted in fabrication of spatially confined hydrogel microstructures. Both protein adsorption and cell adhesion was significantly inhibited on areas that were modified by surface‐initiated ATRP, when compared with unmodified PMMA substrates. The herein described initiator coatings provide a convenient access route to controlled radical polymerization on a wide range of different materials. While demonstrated only for a representative group of substrate materials including polymers, metals, and semiconductors, this method can be expected to be generically applicable – thereby eliminating the need for cumbersome modification protocols, which so far had to be established for each substrate material independently.
Catechol‐O‐methyltransferaseVal158Metpolymorphism and clinical characteristics in first episode non‐affective psychosis
Authors: Pelayo‐Terán José María , Crespo‐Facorro Benedicto , Carrasco‐Marín Eugenio , Pérez‐Iglesias Rocío , Mata Ignacio , Arranz Maria Jesús , Leyva‐Cobián Francisco , Vázquez‐Barquero José Luis
Published: December 2007

Catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT)Val158Metpolymorphism has been identified as a potential etiologic factor in schizophrenia. It has been proposed that this polymorphism could be associated with specific clinical markers. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of COMTVal158Metpolymorphism genotype in the phenotypic expression of first episode psychosis at onset. Age of onset, DUP, SANS, and SAPS (positive, disorganized, and negative dimensions) were studied in 169 Caucasian drug‐naïve patients with a first‐episode of non‐affective psychosis. The COMTVal158Metpolymorphism was typed using PCR amplification of the relevant region followed by digestion withNlaIII and electrophoresis. A multivariate ANCOVA was performed with COMT and gender as independent variables. Patients with Val/Val genotype had significantly higher levels of SANS negative dimension scores (F: 3.539;P = 0.031) and had a younger age of onset (F: 4.649;P = 0.011) than Met carriers. Our findings suggest that the Val allele is associated with onset phenotypic features related to a poor prognosis of the illness. These data would indicate that COMT genotype may have a role in the etiological model for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and structural characterization of diorganotin(IV) complexes with 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid
Authors: Azadmeher Amirreza , Amini Mostafa M. , Hadipour Nasser , Khavasi Hamid Reza , Fun Hoong‐Kun , Chen Chun‐Jung
Published: December 2007

Two new diorganotin(IV) derivatives of 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid, {[Ph2Sn(2,6‐C5H3N)(COO)2][Na(2,6‐C5H3N)(COOH) (COO)(CH3OH)2]} (1) and [Me2Sn(2,6‐C5H3N)(COO)2(H2O)]•H2O (2) were synthesized by the reaction of Ph3SnCl and PhMe2SnI with 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid, respectively in the presence of sodium methoxide or potassium iso‐propoxide. The prepared compounds were characterized by mass spectrometry, IR, 1H, 13C and 119Sn NMR spectroscopies. The molecular structures of both complexes were determined by a single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. The X‐ray structure revealed pentagonal bipyramidal geometry around the tin atom for compound 1, which is incorporated with a hexacoordinated monosodium derivative of 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid. Complex 2 adopts a monomeric structure with two carboxylate oxygen atoms coordinated to tin in monodenate form from equatorial positions, and the coordination number is raised to six as the oxygen of water and pyridine nitrogen occupies the other equatorial positions of octahedron. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interaction of methyltin(IV) compounds with carboxylate ligands. Part 2: formation thermodynamic parameters, predictive relationships and sequestering ability
Authors: De Stefano Concetta , Gianguzza Antonio , Giuffrè Ottavia , Pettignano Alberto , Sammartano Silvio
Published: December 2007

Thermodynamic data of mono‐, di‐ and tri‐methyltin(IV)‐carboxylate complexes (acetate, malonate, succinate, oxydiacetate, diethylenetrioxydiacetate, malate, citrate, 1,2,3‐tricarballylate, 1,2,3,4‐butanetetracarboxylate, 1,2,3,4,5,6‐benzenehexacarboxylate) in aqueous solution are reported at t = 25 °C and I = 0 mol l−1. Thermodynamic parameters obtained were analysed to formulate empirical predictive relationships as a function of different parameters, such as the number of carboxylate groups of the ligand and the charge of the alkyltin(IV) cation. Sequestration diagrams of citrate and 1,2,3‐tricarballylate towards alkyltin(IV) cations at different pH values are also reported and discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dependence of CO oxidation on Pt nanoparticle shape: a shape‐selective approach to the synthesis of PEMFC catalysts
Authors: Kinge Sachin , Urgeghe Christian , De Battisti Achille , Bönnemann Helmut
Published: December 2007

In real catalyst systems, it is difficult to establish a correlation between catalytic properties and the shape (crystal planes, corners and steps) of the active catalytic particles. In this paper we present a clear shape dependence of the catalytic properties of a Vulcan‐supported fuel cell catalyst having 4 nm cubo‐octahedral platinum(0) nanocrystallites with (111) and (100) surfaces stabilized by sodium polyacrylate. The electrode materials were characterized by CO‐stripping cyclic voltammetry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), showing that no agglomeration had occurred among the nanoparticles on the catalyst surfaces. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A tool for data cube construction from structurally heterogeneous XML documents
Authors: Näppilä Turkka , Järvelin Kalervo , Niemi Timo
Published: December 2007

Data cubes for OLAP (On‐Line Analytical Processing) often need to be constructed from data located in several distributed and autonomous information sources. Such a data integration process is challenging due to semantic, syntactic, and structural heterogeneity among the data. While XML (extensible markup language) is the de facto standard for data exchange, the three types of heterogeneity remain. Moreover, popular path‐oriented XML query languages, such as XQuery, require the user to know in much detail the structure of the documents to be processed and are, thus, effectively impractical in many real‐world data integration tasks. Several Lowest Common Ancestor (LCA)‐based XML query evaluation strategies have recently been introduced to provide a more structure‐independent way to access XML documents. We shall, however, show that this approach leads in the context of certain—not uncommon—types of XML documents to undesirable results. This article introduces a novel high‐level data extraction primitive that utilizes the purpose‐built Smallest Possible Context (SPC) query evaluation strategy. We demonstrate, through a system prototype for OLAP data cube construction and a sample application in informetrics, that our approach has real advantages in data integration.
Assessment of female and male fertility in Sprague–Dawley rats administered vorinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor
Authors: Wise L. David , Spence Stan , Saldutti Louise P. , Kerr Janet S.
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND: Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been shown to mediate the regulation of gene expression, induce cell growth, cell differentiation, and apoptosis of tumor cells. These compounds are now marketed or are in clinical development. One such HDAC inhibitor, vorinostat (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid [SAHA], Zolinza), was assessed for its potential effects on fertility in Sprague–Dawley rats. METHODS: Female rats were administered oral dose levels of 0 (vehicle only), 15, 50, or 150 mg/kg/day of vorinostat for 14 days before cohabitation, during cohabitation, and through Gestation Day (GD) 7. In a separate study, male rats were administered oral dose levels of 0 (vehicle only), 20, 50, or 150 mg/kg/day for 10 weeks before cohabitation, during cohabitation, and until the day before scheduled sacrifice (approximately 14 weeks total). In both studies, % peri‐implantation loss and % postimplantation loss were evaluated on GD 15–17. Testicular weight and histomorphology, cauda epididymal sperm count, and sperm motility were evaluated in the male rat study at termination. RESULTS: There were treatment‐related decreases in body weight gain at 150 mg/kg/day in both studies. There were no effects on mating or fertility indices in either study. In the female study there were increased numbers of corpora lutea in all drug‐treated groups (only 1 or 2 affected dams in low and mid‐dose groups), and a marked increase in percent postimplantation loss only in the high‐dose group. No treatment‐related effects were observed on litter or sperm parameters of the male study. CONCLUSIONS: Vorinostat had no effects on mating or fertility in rats up to 150 mg/kg/day. There were no indications of reproductive toxicity in drug‐treated male rats. Increases in corpora lutea or resorptions were observed in treated female rats. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 80:1–8, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decreased Expression of GATA4 in the Diaphragm of Nitrofen‐Induced Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Dingemann Jens , Doi Takashi , Gosemann Jan‐Hendrik , Ruttenstock Elke Maria , Nakazawa Nana , Puri Prem
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND

The molecular mechanisms underlying the diaphragmatic defect in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are still poorly understood. The transcription factor GATA4 is essential for normal development of the diaphragm. Recently, mutations in the GATA4 gene have been linked to human and rodent CDH. We hypothesized that diaphragmatic GATA4 expression is downregulated in the nitrofen CDH model.

METHODS

Pregnant rats received Nitrofen or vehicle on day 9 of gestation (D9). Fetuses were sacrificed on D13, D18, or D21. Pleuroperitoneal folds (n = 20) and fetal diaphragms (n = 40) were (micro) dissected and divided into CDH group and controls. RNA and protein were extracted. GATA4 mRNA levels were determined by real‐time PCR. Protein levels were determined by ELISA and Immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

mRNA levels and Protein levels were significantly decreased in the CDH group compared to controls on D13 (mRNA 15.96 ± 6.99 vs. 38.10 ± 5.01, p < 0.05), D18 (mRNA 10.45 ± 1.84 vs. 17.68 ± 2.11, Protein 2.59 ± 0.06 vs. 4.58 ± 0.35 p < 0.05) and D21 (mRNA 4.31 ± 0.83 vs. 6.87 ± 0.88, Protein 0.16 ± 0.08 vs. 1.26 ± 0.49, p < 0.05). Immunoreactivity of GATA4 was markedly decreased in CDH‐diaphragms on D13, D18, and D21.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide evidence for the first time that diaphragmatic expression of GATA4 is downregulated in the nitrofen model, suggesting that decreased expression of GATA4 may impair diaphragmatic development in nitrofen‐induced CDH.
Birch Reduction of Hexaphenyl‐ and Pentaphenylbenzene and an X‐ray Crystallography and NMR Spectroscopy Study of cis‐ and epi‐1,2,3,4,5,6‐Hexaphenylcyclohexane and of 2,3,5,6‐Tetraphenyl‐1,1′‐bicyclohexylidene: Cannizzaro's Conundrum Revisited
Authors: Grealis John P. , Müller‐Bunz Helge , Ortin Yannick , Condell Mark , Casey Michael , McGlinchey Michael J.
Published: December 2007

The Birch reduction of hexaphenylbenzene yields two isomers of 1,2,3,4,5,6‐hexaphenylcyclohexane. The X‐ray crystal structure of the all‐cis isomer, 1, reveals that the severe steric crowding among the three axial phenyls is alleviated by a marked splaying out of those three aryl substituents relative to the positioning in a conventional chair structure. A second product, 2, was identified crystallographically and by NMR spectroscopy as the 1,3‐diaxial‐2,4,5,6‐tetraequatorial (epi) isomer of hexaphenylcyclohexane, in which only five of the six additional hydrogen atoms are positioned on the same face of the C6Ph6 precursor. A variable‐temperature NMR study of the all‐cis isomer 1 yielded a chair‐to‐chair inversion barrier of ≈19 kcal mol−1, which is somewhat higher than the previously reported values for all‐cis‐1,2,3,4,5,6‐C6H6R6 in which R=Me or CO2Me. The possible relevance to Cannizzaro's 1854 report of a product with the formula (C7H6)n is discussed. By contrast, Birch reduction of pentaphenylbenzene led to the formation of 2,3,5,6‐tetraphenyl‐1,1′‐bicyclohexylidene.
Removal of Carcinogenic Direct Azo Dyes from Aqueous Solutions Using Calix[n]arene Derivatives
Authors: Yilmaz Ozmen Elif , Erdemir Serkan , Yilmaz Mustafa , Bahadir Müfit
Published: December 2007

Calix[n]arenes having different internal cavities sizes were synthesized. The ability of these sorbents to extract carcinogenic direct azo dyes from water by a solid‐liquid extraction process was studied and compared to results obtained with the unsubstituted calix[n]arene. The carboxylic acid derivative of calix[6,8]arene showed the highest affinity towards the azo dyes. The sorption capacity of dyes on the calix[n]arenes was dependent on the presence of sulfonate groups on the anionic dyes. The optimum pH value for dye sorption was observed at pH 3.5 to 8.5 for all calixarene derivatives. The proposed sorption mechanism involves several kinds of interactions: electrostatic repulsion between carboxylic acid groups of calix[n]arenes and sulfonate groups of azo dyes, hydrogen bonding and formation of an inclusion complex through host‐guest interactions.
Utility of Remote Sensing Technology for Determining Characteristics of Sandy Beaches
Authors: Kaya Sinasi , Seker Dursun Z. , Yasa Nilay E. , Kabdasli Sedat , Tanik Aysegul
Published: December 2007

In this study, four sandy beaches located on the western part of the Turkish Black Sea coast were selected to determine the characteristics of sand. Hence, field studies were conducted and remotely sensed data taken simultaneously were utilized.A hand spectroradiometer was used to measure reflectance values in the beaches. Various monitoring stations for spectral reflectance measurements and sand sampling stations for moisture content analyses were selected on each of the beaches. The sand samples were further sieved in the laboratory to obtain the grain size distribution. The spectral reflectance measurements of the beaches and the grain size distributions were compared with the classified IKONOS satellite images obtained simultaneously with the field surveys. Reflectance values showed similarities between the beaches. Classification done by using the grain size distributions put forth the areal‐based information on sand size characteristics.
New Sorbents for Solid‐Phase Extraction for Metal Enrichment
Authors: Türker Ali Rehber
Published: December 2007

Sample pretreatment methods, such as separation and/or preconcentration prior to the determination of metal ions have developed rapidly due to the increasing need for accurate and precise measurements at extremely low levels of ions in diverse matrices. This review covers new sorbents including microorganisms and nanomaterials used for the solid‐phase extraction of metal ions from various sample matrices. A literature survey of the last three years (2005–2007) offering a critical review of these new sorbents available for use in trace metal enrichment is provided. To keep the focus on new sorbents, some of the papers relating to well‐known sorbents such as activated carbon are excluded.
Restaurant Wastewater Treatment by Constructed Wetlands
Authors: Gunes Kemal
Published: December 2007

A low‐cost method for domestic wastewater treatment has been developed for scattered settlements in rural areas with no sewer facilities. The system was operated with only restaurant wastewaters having pollutant strengths 2 to 4 times higher than typical domestic wastewater. The system dimensions were 1 m×4 m×0.4 m (W×L×H). The three layers inside were separated by plastic sheets and filled with 10 cm thick peat layers. The system could treat up to 400 L of restaurant wastewater daily with removal rates of COD, TKN, PO4‐P, N‐Total, and SS of 94.4, 2.7, 0.23, 2.95, and 87.2 g/m2, respectively. The system was equipped with a disinfection unit having two 8 W UV lamps. The efficiency of disinfection was tested based on the pathogen count in the effluent. No Escherichia coli or fecal coliforms were detected in the effluent.
Griffonia simplicifolia isolectin B4 identifies a specific subpopulation of angiogenic blood vessels following contusive spinal cord injury in the adult mouse
Authors: Benton Richard L. , Maddie Melissa A. , Minnillo Danielle R. , Hagg Theo , Whittemore Scott R.
Published: December 2007

After traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), disruption and plasticity of the microvasculature within injured spinal tissue contribute to the pathological cascades associated with the evolution of both primary and secondary injury. Conversely, preserved vascular function most likely results in tissue sparing and subsequent functional recovery. It has been difficult to identify subclasses of damaged or regenerating blood vessels at the cellular level. Here, adult mice received a single intravenous injection of the Griffonia simplicifolia isolectin B4 (IB4) at 1–28 days following a moderate thoracic (T9) contusion. Vascular binding of IB4 was maximally observed 7 days following injury, a time associated with multiple pathologic aspects of the intrinsic adaptive angiogenesis, with numbers of IB4 vascular profiles decreasing by 21 days postinjury. Quantitative assessment of IB4 binding shows that it occurs within the evolving lesion epicenter, with affected vessels expressing a temporally specific dysfunctional tight junctional phenotype as assessed by occludin, claudin‐5, and ZO‐1 immunoreactivities. Taken together, these results demonstrate that intravascular lectin delivery following SCI is a useful approach not only for observing the functional status of neovascular formation but also for definitively identifying specific subpopulations of reactive spinal microvascular elements. J. Comp. Neurol. 507:1031–1052, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of neuropeptides in migraine: where do they stand in the latest expert recommendations in migraine treatment?
Authors: Samsam M. , Coveñas R. , Ahangari R. , Yajeya J. , Narváez J.A.
Published: December 2007

Many factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of migraine headache, including activation of the trigeminovascular system, dysfunction of: cerebral blood vessels, circulating vasoactive substances, mitochondrial energy metabolism, brain oxygenation and metabolism, platelet disorder, alterations in serotonin levels, low levels of brain tissue magnesium, altered transport of ions across the cell membrane, and inheritance and dysfunction of the brainstem periaqueductal gray matter. The headache phase of migraine is associated with cerebral vasodilation and inflammation, presumably mediated by the release of vasoactive substances and neuropeptides including CGRP (calcitonin gene‐related peptide). Increased serum CGRP levels have been detected during migraine and cluster headache. One strategy to treat migraine is to inhibit the release of neuropeptides or to block their receptors. This article briefly reviews some experimental and clinical investigations focused on neuropeptide involvement in migraine. Drug Dev Res 68:294–314, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antiepileptic drugs in the preventive treatment of migraine in children and adolescents
Authors: Vollono Catello , Ferraro Diana , Valeriani Massimiliano
Published: December 2007

Migraine prevalence in childhood ranges from 2.7 to 10% causing a significant impact on quality of life. No drugs are currently approved for use in the prevention of pediatric migraine. Antiepileptic drugs such as valproate and topiramate have been approved for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. The present study aimed at reviewing evidence on the efficacy and safety of antiepileptic drugs in the preventive treatment of migraine in children and adolescents. We searched PubMed from 1988 to May 2007 and reviewed, abstracted, and classified relevant literature. Thirteen studies were reviewed. Data from randomized controlled trials are available only for valproate and topiramate. They show that both topiramate and valproate are effective in reducing headache frequency, intensity, and duration. As for safety and tolerability, topiramate is well tolerated, while there are insufficient data regarding the tolerability of valproate. Open‐label or retrospective studies suggest that levetiracetam, zonisamide, and gabapentin are effective, but further evidence is warranted to confirm these data. Drug Dev Res 68:355–359, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of migraine in the emergency department
Authors: Hunter Gary , Téllez‐Zenteno José F.
Published: December 2007

Migraine is defined as a severe, episodic, unilateral, throbbing headache accompanied by nausea, photophobia, visual symptoms, and neurological manifestations. The goal of acute migraine treatment is to ensure a prompt cessation of pain and associated symptoms and resumption of normal activity. Additional considerations include minimizing adverse effects and cost of therapy. As for all neurological patients, a careful history is the first and most critical step in diagnosis and management. For many years, NSAIDs and dihydroergotamine were the main medications used to treat migraine in the emergency setting. In 1993, sumatriptan was introduced as an effective medication to treat migraine. Since then a generation of medications mechanistically similar to sumatriptan have been introduced that show notable benefits in the treatment of migraine. Over the years, other treatments have been introduced including dexamethasone, magnesium, and metoclopramide. In this article, we review the best evidence regarding the acute treatment of migraine, describing major advances and the conventional drugs that remain as effective treatments. Drug Dev Res 68:360–368, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increasing the Lability of Polarised Phosphorus–Phosphorus Bonds
Authors: Burck Sebastian , Gudat Dietrich , Nieger Martin , Vinduš Denis
Published: December 2007

Diphosphanes with polarised P–P bonds react readily with Lewis acids like borane, gallium trichloride, or with elemental selenium, to give products arising from electrophilic attack at the more basic phosphorus atom and consecutive bond cleavage. Spectroscopic studies proved that the initial reaction with borane proceeds under preservation of the P–P bond to give a transient phosphane–borane which rearranged below ambient temperature. The results suggest that Lewis acid coordination decisively enhances the weakening of the polarised P–P bond. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
4,4,5,5‐Tetraphenyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaborolane: A Bulky Borane for the Transition Metal Catalysed Hydroboration of Alkenes
Authors: Fritschi Claudia B. , Wernitz Sophie M. , Vogels Christopher M. , Shaver Michael P. , Decken Andreas , Bell Andrew , Westcott Stephen A.
Published: December 2007

4,4,5,5‐Tetraphenyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaborolane (HBBzpin, 3) has been prepared in high yield by the addition of H3B·SMe2 to benzopinacol. HBBzpin is a relatively stable solid that reacts with a variety of alkenes under catalytic conditions to give air‐ and chromatography‐stable organoboronate esters. Reactions of vinylarenes in the presence of catalytic amounts of [Cp*IrCl2]2 gave the corresponding terminal products selectively. Addition of HBBzpin to RhCl(PPh3)3 gave Rh(H)Cl(BzBpin)(PPh3)2 (11) as the only new rhodium‐containing product. The complex 11 has been characterized by a number of physical and analytical methods, including a single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction study. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Formation and Characterization of the Cationic Gallane Derivatives [(RH2N)2GaH2]Cl (R = Me or iPr) and [{(iPrH2N)GaH2NHiPr}2GaH2]Cl
Authors: Tang Christina Y. , Cowley Andrew R. , Downs Anthony J. , Marchant Sarah , Parsons Simon
Published: December 2007

The reaction of LiGaH4 with an excess of the hydrochloride of a primary amine RNH2 in ether solution yields in [(RH2N)2GaH2]Cl (R = Me, 1, or iPr, 2) additional examples of cationic gallane derivatives. The cation [(iPrH2N)2GaH2]+ reacts further with LiGaH4, also in ether solution, with H2 elimination and formation of the trigallium cationic derivative [{(iPrH2N)GaH2NHiPr}2GaH2]Cl, 3. Prolonged standing of [(iPrH2N)2GaH2]Cl in the presence of LiCl results in partial exchange of Ga–H by Ga–Cl bonds, with the isolation in low yield of crystals, 4, of [(iPrH2N)2GaH2]Cl in which about 7 % of the H atoms attached to Ga were replaced by Cl. All of the compounds 1–4 having been characterized crystallographically, the results are discussed in relation to the different reaction pathways open to [RNH3]Cl and LiMH4 (M = Al or Ga). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)