bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Euthanasia
Authors: Donovan John , Brown Patricia
Published: December 2005

Euthanasia of laboratory animals must be performed by trained personnel using appropriate techniques, equipment, and reagents in order to effect a death that is humane and satisfies research requirements. Acceptable methods of euthanasia are painless or minimize distress, and are quick and easy to perform, safe for those performing the procedure, and efficient and economic. They are aesthetically acceptable and are done in the absence of other animals. In addition, these methods do not result in gross histological or histochemical changes that would adversely affect research results. This unit offers protocols for euthanasia employing carbon dioxide asphyxiation (see Basic Protocol 1), pentobarbital overdose (see Basic Protocol 2), exsanguination, and cervical dislocation for the mouse, rat, hamster, and rabbit.
SrCe0.95Yb0.05O3‐α hollow‐fiber membrane and its property in proton conduction
Authors: Liu Yutie , Tan Xiaoyao , Li K.
Published: December 2005

SrCe0.95Yb0.05O3‐α (SCYb) hollow‐fiber membranes have been prepared by an immersion‐induced phase‐inversion/sintering method where polyethersulfone (PESf) is used as a binder, N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrollidone (NMP) as solvent, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, K16–18) as an additive, respectively. By a programmed sintering process, the hollow‐fiber precursor prepared from the phase‐inversion technique has been successfully sintered into a dense membrane. A hollow‐fiber membrane module has also been fabricated and the hydrogen permeation (proton conduction) properties of the developed SCYb hollow‐fiber membranes have been studied under different operating conditions with respect to temperature and hydrogen/oxygen feed concentration. Comparison between experimental data and theoretical results indicates that the surface exchange reactions may contribute some resistances to hydrogen permeation. With the length of the fiber and operating conditions used in this study, the flow patterns show no noticeable effect on the total hydrogen permeation flux. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Weaning age among foragers at Matjes river rock shelter, South Africa, from stable nitrogen and carbon isotope analyses
Authors: Clayton F. , Sealy J. , Pfeiffer S.
Published: December 2005

Matjes River Rock Shelter is a large shell midden on the southern coast of South Africa. Stable nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) isotope ratios were measured in bone collagen and dentine from human skeletons excavated from this site in order to establish a weaning curve in mid‐Holocene hunter‐gatherers. δ15N results show a progressive increase in individuals from birth to 1.5 years old. δ13C results are more tightly clustered and mirror the steady progressive change seen for δ15N. We deduce that children at Matjes River Rock Shelter were breastfed for at least the first 1.5 years after birth, and were weaned sometime between 2–4 years of age. A similar pattern was documented for historic‐era Kalahari foraging people, where the interbirth spacing was approximately 3 years. This study provides the first direct evidence for an extended period of breastfeeding, and thus long interbirth intervals, among prehistoric foragers, even when those foragers lived in an environment with abundant food resources. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interpersonal violence at Lepenski Vir Mesolithic/Neolithic complex of the Iron Gates Gorge (Serbia‐Romania)
Authors: Roksandic Mirjana , Djurić Marija , Rakočević Zoran , Seguin Kimberly
Published: December 2005

The Mesolithic populations of the Danube River's Iron Gates Gorge (Serbia/Romania) spanned over 1,500 years (from before 7000 bc to around 5500 bc) in one of the most favorable foraging environments of Europe. Over most of these 1,500 years, the dominant economy was foraging, but farming was practiced by communities in the region from around 6500 bc. This research examines individuals from four sites on the Danube (Lepenski Vir, Vlasac, Padina, and Hajdučka Vodenica) whose traumatic lesions can be most plausibly interpreted as resulting from violent interactions. Given over four hundred individuals buried at these sites (MNI = 418), the episodes of violent interactions were few and without evidence of a specific temporal pattern. They probably represent sporadic episodes of interpersonal conflict that do not support the notion of endemic warfare deemed typical of the Mesolithic, or elevated levels of interpersonal/intertribal conflict at the time of contact with farming communities. The difference in patterns of violence between the Mesolithic sites on the right bank of the Danube and a coeval site of Schela Cladovei on the left bank is explained in terms of differences in archaeological context, geographic location, and possibly specific local histories. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Social play in bonobos (Pan paniscus) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): Implicationsfor natural social systems and interindividual relationships
Authors: Palagi Elisabetta
Published: December 2005

This study compares adult play behavior in the two Pan species in order to test the effects of phylogenetic closeness and the nature of social systems on play distribution. The social play (both with fertile and immature subjects) performed by adults did not differ between the two species. In contrast, in bonobos, play levels among fertile subjects were higher than in chimpanzees. Findings regarding levels of undecided conflicts (more frequent in bonobos) and formal submission displays (lacking in bonobos) confirm, in the two colonies under study, that bonobos exhibit “egalitarianism” more than chimpanzees. Some authors emphasized the importance of play‐fighting for social assessment when relationships among individuals are not codified and structured according to rank‐rules. Indeed, adult bonobos played more roughly than chimpanzees. Moreover, adult bonobos displayed the full play‐face at a high frequency especially during rough play sessions, whereas in chimpanzees, the frequency of play signals was not affected by roughness of play. The frequency of social play among bonobo females was higher than in any other sex combinations, whereas no difference was found for chimpanzees. As a matter of fact, social play can be viewed as a balance between cooperation and competition. Among bonobo females, characterized by social competence and affiliation, social play might enhance their behavioral flexibility and increase their socially symmetrical relationships which, after all, are the basis for their egalitarian society. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chromosome painting between human and lorisiform prosimians: Evidence for the HSA 7/16 synteny in the primate ancestral karyotype
Authors: Nie Wenhui , O'Brien Patricia C.M. , Fu Beiyuan , Wang Jinhuan , Su Weiting , Ferguson‐Smith Malcolm A. , Robinson Terence J. , Yang Fengtang
Published: December 2005

Multidirectional chromosome painting with probes derived from flow‐sorted chromosomes of humans (Homo sapiens, HSA, 2n = 46) and galagos (Galago moholi, GMO, 2n = 38) allowed us to map evolutionarily conserved chromosomal segments among humans, galagos, and slow lorises (Nycticebus coucang, NCO, 2n = 50). In total, the 22 human autosomal painting probes detected 40 homologous chromosomal segments in the slow loris genome. The genome of the slow loris contains 16 sytenic associations of human homologues. The ancient syntenic associations of human chromosomes such as HSA 3/21, 7/16, 12/22 (twice), and 14/15, reported in most mammalian species, were also present in the slow loris genome. Six associations (HSA 1a/19a, 2a/12a, 6a/14b, 7a/12c, 9/15b, and 10a/19b) were shared by the slow loris and galago. Five associations (HSA 1b/6b, 4a/5a, 11b/15a, 12b/19b, and 15b/16b) were unique to the slow loris. In contrast, 30 homologous chromosome segments were identified in the slow loris genome when using galago chromosome painting probes. The data showed that the karyotypic differences between these two species were mainly due to Robertsonian translocations. Reverse painting, using galago painting probes onto human chromosomes, confirmed most of the chromosome homologies between humans and galagos established previously, and documented the HSA 7/16 association in galagos, which was not reported previously. The presence of the HSA 7/16 association in the slow loris and galago suggests that the 7/16 association is an ancestral synteny for primates. Based on our results and the published homology maps between humans and other primate species, we propose an ancestral karyotype (2n = 60) for lorisiform primates. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decreased Lyn expression and translocation to lipid raft signaling domains in B lymphocytes from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Flores‐Borja Fabian , Kabouridis Panagiotis S. , Jury Elizabeth C. , Isenberg David A. , Mageed Rizgar A.
Published: December 2005

Objective

B lymphocytes from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are hyperactive and produce anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) autoantibodies. The cause or causes of B cell defects in SLE are unknown. In this study, we determined the level and subcellular distribution of Lyn protein, a key negative regulator of B cell receptor signaling, and assessed whether altered Lyn expression is characteristic of B cells in the setting of SLE.

Methods

Negative selection was used to isolate B lymphocytes from blood. Lipid raft signaling domains were purified from B cells obtained from 62 patients with SLE, 15 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and 31 healthy controls, by gradient ultracentrifugation. The total Lyn protein level was determined by Western blotting, confocal microscopy, and fluorescein‐activated cell sorting (FACS). The distribution of Lyn into lipid raft and nonlipid raft domains was determined by Western blotting and confocal microscopy. Lyn content in B cell subpopulations was determined by FACS. In order to assess B lymphocyte activity, we used 3H‐thymidine incorporation and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to measure spontaneous proliferation and IgG and cytokine production by B cells.

Results

This study revealed that B lymphocytes from a majority of patients with SLE have a reduced level of Lyn and manifest altered translocation to lipid rafts. An investigation into the mechanisms of Lyn reduction suggested that increased ubiquitination is involved. This was evident from increased ubiquitination of Lyn and translocation of c‐Cbl into lipid rafts. Studies of B cell responses showed that altered Lyn expression was associated with heightened spontaneous proliferation, anti‐dsDNA autoantibodies, and increased interleukin‐10 production.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence for altered Lyn expression in B cells from a majority of patients with SLE. Altered Lyn expression in SLE may influence the B cell receptor signaling and B cell hyperactivity that are characteristic of the disease.
Nurse‐like cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis support the survival of osteoclast precursors via macrophage colony‐stimulating factor production
Authors: Tsuboi Hideki , Udagawa Nobuyuki , Hashimoto Jun , Yoshikawa Hideki , Takahashi Naoyuki , Ochi Takahiro
Published: December 2005

Objective

To elucidate the role of nurse‐like cells (NLCs) obtained from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in bone loss during progressive synovial expansion.

Methods

CD14+ monocytes were cocultured with NLCs for 4 weeks and collected as NLC‐supported CD14+ (NCD14+) monocytes. To determine their ability to differentiate into osteoclasts, NCD14+ monocytes were further cultured with macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF) together with RANKL or tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). NCD14+ monocytes were also cocultured with SaOS‐4/3 cells, which were shown to support osteoclastogenesis in response to parathyroid hormone (PTH). CD14+ monocytes were cocultured with SaOS‐4/3 cells to elucidate how SaOS‐4/3 cells and NLCs supported CD14+ monocytes for a long period. Synovial expansion adjacent to bone in RA patients was examined immunohistochemically to detect osteoclast precursors such as NCD14+ monocytes.

Results

NLCs supported the survival of CD14+ monocytes for 4 weeks. NCD14+ as well as CD14+ monocytes differentiated into osteoclasts in the presence of M‐CSF together with RANKL or TNFα. NCD14+ monocytes also differentiated into osteoclasts in PTH‐treated cocultures with SaOS‐4/3 cells. SaOS‐4/3 cells supported the survival of CD14+ monocytes for 4 weeks in the presence, but not absence, of PTH. Treatment of SaOS‐4/3 cells with PTH up‐regulated the expression of M‐CSF messenger RNA. Neutralizing antibodies against M‐CSF inhibited the NLC‐supported survival of CD14+ monocytes. CD68+ monocytes and M‐CSF+ fibroblast‐like synoviocytes were colocalized in regions adjacent to the destroyed bone of RA patients.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that NLCs are involved in RA‐induced bone destruction by maintaining osteoclast precursors via production of M‐CSF.
Exposure and binding of selected immunodominant La/SSB epitopes on human apoptotic cells
Authors: Neufing Petra J. , Clancy Robert M. , Jackson Michael W. , Tran Hai Bac , Buyon Jill P. , Gordon Tom P.
Published: December 2005

Objective

Opsonization of apoptotic cells by autoantibodies bound to surface membrane–translocated La/SSB antigens may initiate tissue damage in the setting of congenital heart block. By injecting pregnant mice with human anti‐La antibodies, we previously demonstrated the formation of IgG–apoptotic cell complexes in the developing mouse fetus; however, the binding of anti‐La antibodies to human‐specific epitopes could not be addressed. Accordingly, the objective of the current study was to delineate the epitope specificity of human La antibodies that are exposed on the surface of apoptotic cells.

Methods

We used fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry to assess the binding of human anti‐La antibodies affinity purified against immunodominant epitopes of La to human cells undergoing spontaneous apoptosis, in a murine xenograft model in vivo and in cultured human fetal cardiocytes rendered apoptotic in vitro, respectively.

Results

Anti‐La antibodies bound to immunodominant epitopes of La within the NH2‐terminus and the RNA recognition motif (RRM) region of apoptotic human cells, in both xenografts and fetal cardiocytes. In contrast, human antibodies affinity purified against the COOH‐terminal La epitope did not bind apoptotic cells in either model. This defines the topology of redistributed La during apoptosis, with surface exposure of the NH2‐terminus and RRM regions. The potential importance of anti‐La NH2‐terminal and anti‐La RRM specificity was confirmed by detection of this reactivity in mothers of children with congenital heart block.

Conclusion

These findings provide insight into both the molecular modification of the La autoantigen during apoptosis and the specificity of antibodies capable of binding to surface‐exposed La. Subsequent formation of surface immune complexes may lead to tissue injury in patients with autoimmune diseases such as congenital heart block.
The PTPN22 620W allele is a risk factor for Wegener's granulomatosis
Authors: Jagiello Peter , Aries Peer , Arning Larissa , Wagenleiter Sonja E. N. , Csernok Elena , Hellmich Bernhard , Gross Wolfgang L. , Epplen Joerg T.
Published: December 2005

Objective

Analyses of families with multiple autoimmune disorders have revealed a functional polymorphism, 620W, in the intracellular tyrosine phosphatase gene PTPN22 as a predisposing factor for type 1 diabetes, seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Hashimoto thyroiditis, and the presence of the PTPN22 protein appears to herald the development of autoantibodies in these disorders. This study therefore examined whether the functionally relevant PTPN22 polymorphism is associated with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG).

Methods

A population‐based study was performed for the PTPN22 polymorphism in 199 patients with WG and in 399 healthy individuals. The R620W variation was investigated by simple restriction fragment‐length polymorphism analysis.

Results

The PTPN22 620W allele frequency was significantly increased in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–positive WG patients compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001). The association was particularly striking in patients with kidney, lung, eye, and peripheral nervous system involvement (i.e., those with generalized WG).

Conclusion

The PTPN22 620W allele appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of WG, and ANCA positivity seems to be the hallmark.
Acute CD4+ T lymphocyte–dependent interleukin‐1–driven arthritis selectively requires interleukin‐2 and interleukin‐4, joint macrophages, granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, interleukin‐6, and leukemia inhibitory factor
Authors: Lawlor Kate E. , Wong Peter K. K. , Campbell Ian K. , Rooijen Nico van , Wicks Ian P.
Published: December 2005

Objective

To further investigate the effects of interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) in immune‐mediated joint inflammation, we examined the role of IL‐2, Th1 interferon‐γ (IFNγ), and Th2 (IL‐4) cytokines, joint macrophages, and macrophage‐derived cytokines (IL‐12 p40, IL‐6, leukemia inhibitory factor [LIF], oncostatin M [OSM], and granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor [GM‐CSF]) in a CD4+ T lymphocyte–dependent model of acute arthritis.

Methods

Methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA)/IL‐1–induced arthritis was elicited in wild‐type, gene‐knockout, and monoclonal antibody–treated mice. Synovial lining macrophages were selectively depleted by intraarticular injection of clodronate liposomes prior to disease induction. The severity of arthritis was assessed histologically.

Results

Mice deficient in IL‐2 were almost completely protected from arthritis, and neutralization of IL‐4 reduced the severity of disease. In contrast, arthritis severity and resolution appeared to be independent of IFNγ. Synovial lining macrophage depletion markedly reduced arthritis severity. IL‐6 or LIF deficiency was only modestly protective, although as previously reported, GM‐CSF deficiency conferred profound disease resistance. IL‐12 p40–deficient mice (which lack IL‐12 and IL‐23) and OSM receptor–deficient mice were susceptible to mBSA/IL‐1–induced arthritis.

Conclusion

Acute mBSA/IL‐1–induced arthritis is dependent on IL‐2 and IL‐4, but not IFNγ. In vivo, the Th1/Th2 paradigm may be distorted by the presence of macrophage‐derived cytokines such as IL‐1. Synovial lining macrophages are essential in mBSA/IL‐1–induced arthritis. However, the requirement for macrophage‐derived cytokines is selective; that is, IL‐6, LIF, and especially GM‐CSF are necessary, but IL‐12, IL‐23, and OSM are dispensable. IL‐1 may therefore influence both adaptive and innate immune mechanisms in acute inflammatory arthritis.
Design characteristics that affect speed of information access and clarity of presentation in an electronic neuroanatomy atlas
Authors: Stewart P.A. , Nathan N. , Nyhof‐Young J.
Published: November 2005

Functional Neuroanatomy, an interactive electronic neuroanatomical atlas, was designed for first year medical students. Medical students have much to learn in a limited time; therefore a major goal in the atlas design was that it facilitate rapid, accurate information retrieval. To assess this feature, we designed a testing scenario in which students who had never taken a neuroanatomy course were asked to complete two equivalent tests, one using the electronic atlas and one using a comparable hard copy atlas, in a limited period of time. The tests were too long to be completed in the time allotted, so test scores were measures of how quickly correct information could be retrieved from each source. Statistical analysis of the data showed that the tests were of equal difficulty and that accurate information retrieval was significantly faster using the electronic atlas when compared with the hard copy atlas (P < 0.0001). Post‐test focus groups (n = 4) allowed us to infer that the following design features contributed to rapid information access: the number of structures in the database was limited to those that are relevant to a practicing physician; all of the program modules were presented in both text and image form on the index screen, which doubled as a site map; pages were layered electronically such that information was hidden until requested, structures available on each page were listed alphabetically and could be accessed by clicking on their name; and an illustrated glossary was provided and equipped with a search engine. Clin. Anat. 20:93–110, 2007. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Organotin Perfluorooctanesulfonates as Air‐Stable Lewis Acid Catalysts: Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalysis
Authors: An De Lie , Peng Zhihong , Orita Akihiro , Kurita Akinobu , Man‐e Sumiyo , Ohkubo Kei , Li Xingshu , Fukuzumi Shunichi , Otera Junzo
Published: December 2005

The reactions of 1,3‐dichloro‐1,1,3,3‐tetrabutyldistannoxane and dialkyltin dihalides with silver perfluorooctanesulfonate provided the corresponding sulfonates as hydrates. The number of water molecules (n) of hydration was dependent on the conditions. The distannoxane derivative was identified as n from 0.5 to 6, while in the hydrated mononuclear species and DMSO complexes n varied widely from 4 to 13. 119Sn NMR spectroscopy and conductivity measurements indicated the ionic dissociation of these compounds in solution. These compounds exhibited unusually high solubility in polar organic solvents. The ionic dissociation together with facile hydration probably causes the unusual solubility. The Lewis acidity of these compounds was found to be high among organotin derivatives on the basis of ESR spectra of superoxide/metal‐ion complexes. In contrast to well‐known organotin triflates, these compounds suffered no hydrolysis upon storage in open air. The high catalytic activity of the distannoxane 1 was exemplified for various carbon–carbon bond‐forming reactions, such as Mukaiyama–aldol as well as ‐Michael reactions and allylation of aldehydes.
Smoking influences aberrant CpG hypermethylation of multiple genes in human prostate carcinoma
Authors: Enokida Hideki , Shiina Hiroaki , Urakami Shinji , Terashima Masaharu , Ogishima Tatsuya , Li Long‐Cheng , Kawahara Motoshi , Nakagawa Masayuki , Kane Christopher J. , Carroll Peter R. , Igawa Mikio , Dahiya Rajvir
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

Aberrant CpG methylation profiles of gene promoters and their correlation with advanced pathologic features have been well investigated in prostate carcinoma (PC). Several case–control and prospective studies have revealed a positive association between current smoking and PC. The authors hypothesized that smoking influences both progression and prognosis of PC through CpG hypermethylation of related genes.

METHODS

A total of 164 PC patients (52 current, 30 former, and 82 never smokers) and 69 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients were examined by methylation‐specific PCR (MSP) for 3 genes: adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), glutathione S‐transferase pi (GSTP1), and multidrug resistance one (MDR1). The methylation status of representative samples was confirmed by bisulfite DNA sequencing analysis. The newly defined methylation score (M‐score) of each sample is the sum of the corresponding log hazard ratio (HR) coefficients derived from multivariate logistic regression analysis for pathology (BPH vs. PC), and was related to clinical and pathologic outcome including smoking status.

RESULTS

The M‐score was significantly higher in the current smokers than in never smokers (P = 0.008). Spearman rank correlation test demonstrated a significant correlation between pack‐years smoked and M‐score in PCs (P = 0.039). Significant correlation of the M‐score methylation was observed with high pT category (P < 0.001), high Gleason sum (P < 0.001), high preoperative prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) (P = 0.041), and advanced pathologic features. In addition, Gleason sum was significantly associated with PSA failure‐free probability as a poor outcome (P = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to demonstrate significant correlation of the methylation status of multigenes with smoking status in PC. Smoking status may influence both progression and prognosis of PC through CpG hypermethylation of related genes. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
The efficacy of voice therapy in patients after treatment for early glottic carcinoma
Authors: van Gogh Christine D. L. , Verdonck‐de Leeuw Irma M. , Boon‐Kamma Brigitte A. , Rinkel Rico N. P. M. , de Bruin M. Diana , Langendijk Johannes A. , Kuik Dirk J. , Mahieu Hans F.
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

After treatment for early glottic carcinoma, a considerable number of patients end up with voice problems that interfere with daily life activities. The objective of this randomized and controlled study was to assess the efficacy of voice therapy in these patients.

METHODS

Of 177 patients, 6–120 months after treatment for early glottic carcinoma, 70 patients (40%) suffered from voice impairment based on a 5‐item screening questionnaire. Approximately 60% of those 70 patients were not interested in participating in the current study. Twenty‐three patients who were willing to participate were assigned randomly either to a voice therapy group (n = 12 patients) or to a control group (n = 11 patients). Multidimensional voice analyses (the self‐reported Voice Handicap Index [VHI], acoustic and perceptual voice quality analysis, videolaryngostroboscopy, and the Voice Range Profile) were conducted twice: before and after voice therapy or with 3 months in between for the control group.

RESULTS

Statistical analyses of the difference in scores (postmeasurement minus premeasurement) showed significant voice improvement after voice therapy on the total VHI score, percent jitter, and noise‐to‐harmonics ratio in the voice signal and on the perceptual rating of vocal fry.

CONCLUSIONS

Voice therapy proved to be effective in patients who had voice problems after treatment for early glottic carcinoma. Improvement not only was noticed by the patients (VHI) but also was confirmed by objective voice parameters. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Chelate [2‐(Iminoethyl)pyridine N‐oxide]metal Complexes – Synthesis and Structural Comparison with Their Chemically Related 2‐(Iminoethyl)pyridine‐Derived Systems
Authors: Nienkemper Katrin , Kotov Vasily V. , Kehr Gerald , Erker Gerhard , Fröhlich Roland
Published: December 2005

The N,O‐chelate ligands 2‐(iminoethyl)pyridine N‐oxide (2a) and 2‐(iminoethyl)‐6‐isopropylpyridine N‐oxide (2b) were prepared by conventional synthetic routes, the latter involving a variant of the Reissert–Henze reaction. Treatment of 2a with FeCl2 resulted in a deoxygenation reaction of the ligand and formation of the salt [bis{2‐(iminoethyl)pyridine}FeCl]+[FeCl4]– (18a). In contrast, the reaction of 2a with PdCl2 or CoCl2 cleanly furnished the six‐membered chelate [κN,O‐2(iminoethyl)pyridine N‐oxide]MCl2 complexes (19a, M = Pd) or (20a, M = Co), respectively, which were both characterised by X‐ray diffraction. Treatment of 2b with [NiBr2(dme)], followed by crystallisation from THF, gave the complex [(κN,O‐2b)NiBr2(THF)] (21b), which features a distorted trigonal‐bipyramidal coordination geometry of the central metal atom. The reaction of 2a with [NiBr2(dme)] gave the structurally related complex [(κN,O‐2a)NiBr2(κO‐2a)] (21a). The N,O‐chelate Pd complex 19a was shown to be an active catalyst for the Suzuki coupling reaction. The ligand systems 2a,b and their related 2‐(iminoethyl)pyridines 3a,b and a variety of metal complexes of ligands 3 were also prepared and characterised for comparison by X‐ray diffraction. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Solid‐State Luminescence and π‐Stacking in Crystalline Uranyl Dipicolinates
Authors: Harrowfield Jack M. , Lugan Noël , Shahverdizadeh Gholam H. , Soudi Ali A. , Thuéry Pierre
Published: December 2005

Crystal structure determinations on the hydrated forms of the complexes M2UO2(dipic)2, M = H, Rb, Cs, dipic = dipicolinate = pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylate, all of which show strong solid‐state luminescence from the uranyl centre, have as a common feature extended π‐stacking arrays of the dipicolinate ligands. Comparisons with related but non‐luminescent complexes indicate that these stacking arrays may be associated with efficient energy transfer from the dipicolinate “antennae” to the uranyl unit. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
The Coordination Chemistry of 1,4‐Diazepan‐6‐amine
Authors: Romba Jens , Kuppert Dirk , Morgenstern Bernd , Neis Christian , Steinhauser Stefan , Weyhermüller Thomas , Hegetschweiler Kaspar
Published: December 2005

The new, tridentate, facially coordinating ligand 1,4‐diazepan‐6‐amine (daza) has been prepared from ethane‐1,2‐diamine and 2,3‐dibromo‐1‐propanol in a seven‐step procedure with an overall yield of 22 %. The conformation of the free ligand has been elucidated by pH‐ and temperature‐dependent 1H NMR spectroscopy and by a single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis of H3dazaCl3·H2O. A twisted chair with a predominantly equatorial orientation of the primary amino group has been established for daza and its protonation products Hxdazax+ (1 ≤ x ≤ 3). The formation constants of [M(daza)]2+ and [M(daza)2]2+ have been determined in aqueous solutions for M = NiII, CuII, ZnII, CdII, and CoII by potentiometric and spectrophotometric measurements, and a remarkably high stability has been found for the bis complexes ML2 in comparison to the mono complexes ML. This effect is discussed in terms of the particular steric requirements of the daza ligand. [Cu(daza)Cl2], [Ni(daza)2]Cl2·3.2H2O and [Zn(daza)2]SO4·5H2O have been characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray analyses. Aerial oxidation of Co2+ in the presence of daza results in the formation of the inert[Co(daza)2]3+, which was isolated as a mixture of the cisand trans isomers. These two isomers were separated by chromatographic methods and identified by NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis of cis‐[Co(daza)2][ZnBr4]Br·H2O and trans‐[Co(daza)2]3[ZnBr4]2Br5·4H2O. The redox potentials of [Ni(daza)2]3+/2+ (1.04 V vs. NHE) and [Co(daza)2]3+/2+ (–0.21 V vs. NHE) were determined by cyclic voltammetry. The values are slightly more positive than for corresponding complexes with related cyclic triamines. This effect is again discussed in terms of the particular steric requirements of these ligands.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Evidence for Hydrogen‐Bond‐Mediated Exchange Coupling in an Aqua‐Bridged CuII Dimer: Synthesis, Magnetic Study and Correlation with Density Functional Calculations
Authors: Talukder Pritha , Sen Soma , Mitra Samiran , Dahlenberg Lutz , Desplanches Cédric , Sutter Jean‐Pascal
Published: December 2005

A rare example of a mono‐aqua‐bridged copper(II) dimer,namely [Cu2(μ2‐H2O)L2(H2O)2](ClO4)2·2H2O (1), has been synthesised and its structure determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Each CuII centre is in a square‐pyramidal surrounding formed by a Schiff base and a terminal H2O ligand; a second H2O ligand, which acts as a bridge, is common to two metal ions. Hydrogen bonds between the H2O ligand and the Schiff base of the adjacent centre complete the intra‐dimer linkages. This compound exhibits an antiferromagnetic behaviour (J = –13.2 cm–1, H = –JS1·S2), and density functional calculations clearly establish that the main exchange does not proceed through the bridging H2O but is mediated by the intra‐dimer H‐bonds.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Attentional modulation of emotional stimulus processing: An fMRI study using emotional expectancy
Authors: Bermpohl Felix , Pascual‐Leone Alvaro , Amedi Amir , Merabet Lotfi B. , Fregni Felipe , Gaab Nadine , Alsop David , Schlaug Gottfried , Northoff Georg
Published: November 2005

We used emotional expectancy to study attentional modulation in the processing of emotional stimuli. During functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), volunteers saw emotional and neutral expectancy cues signaling the subsequent presentation of corresponding emotional or neutral pictorial stimuli. As a control, emotional and neutral pictures were presented without preceding expectancy cue, resulting in a 2 × 2 factorial design with the factors “expectancy” and “emotion.” Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive interaction effect between these factors in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC, Brodmann area [BA] 9/10), amygdala, and dorsal midbrain. In all these regions, expectancy augmented the neural response to emotional but not to neutral pictures. Time course analysis of raw data suggests that this augmented activation was not preceded by baseline increases in MPFC and amygdala during the period of emotional expectancy. In a post‐scanning session, the paradigm was presented for a second time to allow emotional intensity rating. Again, a significant interaction between expectancy and emotion was observed, with intensity ratings specifically enhanced in emotional photographs preceded by expectancy. There was a positive correlation between intensity ratings and blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) signals in the left amygdala. We conclude that specific components of the emotion network show enhanced activation in response to emotional stimuli when these are preceded by expectancy. This enhancement effect is not present in neutral pictures and might parallel accentuated subjective feeling states. Hum. Brain Mapp 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Persistent posttreatment depressive symptoms in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Karnell Lucy Hynds , Funk Gerry F. , Christensen Alan J. , Rosenthal Eben L. , Magnuson J. Scott
Published: December 2005

Background.

This study examined the prevalence and risk factors of persistent (versus short‐term) depressive symptoms in patients with head and neck cancer.

Methods.

Patients with 10+ and 18+ posttreatment Beck Depression Inventory scores for 6 or more months during their first year were identified. Regression analyses determined risk factors associated with persistently high scores.

Results.

Of the 148 patients, 25.0% and 7.4% were persistently above the 10+ and 18+ cutoff scores, respectively (compared with 33.6% to 44.2% and 9.2% to 18.6% when measured at single points across this time period.) The strongest predictor of persistent posttreatment depressive symptoms was pretreatment depressive symptoms.

Conclusions.

The percentage of patients with persistently high levels of depressive symptoms, although considerable, is substantially lower when patients with transient mood disorders are omitted. A screening tool that determines high levels of pretreatment depressive symptoms could identify patients at high risk of experiencing posttreatment depression who would be good candidates for clinical intervention. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 28: 453–461, 2006
A laccase study by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance MS: copper depletion, glycoforms and stability
Authors: Marjasvaara Asse , Kruus Kristiina , Vainiotalo Pirjo
Published: November 2005

The molecular properties and stability of a laccase from the white‐rot fungus Trametes hirsuta (ThL) were studied to exploit the unique capability of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) to monitor conformational and molecular‐based heterogeneities and metal ion binding simultaneously. Acid and organic solvents were applied as denaturing agents. In aqueous acidic solution, ThL existed in two major forms, distinguished by their mass difference; in addition to these, two other forms were detected. This molecular heterogeneity was due to the variable glycan content of ThL. Additionally, copper‐depleted forms of laccase were observed in mass spectra measured from aqueous acidic solution. A small amount of organic solvent (acetonitrile, CH3CN) increased the loss of one Cu atom from folded states and led to unfolding. In the unfolded state, ThL was depleted of all four copper atoms, and the charge state distribution was shifted to lower mass‐to‐charge region. Thus, denaturation took place in two stages: first, the loss of one Cu resulting in an inactive form; second, complete denaturation with the loss of the three remaining Cu atoms. After all coppers were lost, ThL was unfolded, as was clearly seen in the increased number of charge states in the mass spectra. Different stabilities of the glycoforms were observed in the denaturation triggered in acid and organic solvents. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glycosidases in soils as affected by cropping systems
Authors: Dodor Daniel E. , Ali Tabatabai M.
Published: December 2005

Glycosidases are a group of soil enzymes that play a major role in degradation of carbohydrates. This study was conducted to assess the impact of crop rotation and N fertilization on the activities of α‐ and β‐glucosidases and α‐ and β‐galactosidases in plots of two long‐term field experiments at the Clarion‐Webster Research Center (CWRC) and Northeast Research Center (NERC) in Iowa. Surface‐soil (0–15 cm) samples were taken in 1996 and 1997 in corn (Zea mays L.), soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), oats (Avena sativa L.), or meadow (alfalfa) (Medicago sativa L.) plots that received 0 or 180 kg N ha–1, applied as urea before corn, and an annual application of 20 kg P ha–1 and 56 kg K ha–1. Activities of the four glycosidases were significantly affected by crop rotations in both years at the two sites but not by nitrogen application. In general, higher activities were observed in plots under meadow or oat and the lowest in continuous corn (CWRC) and soybean (NERC). Four‐year rotation showed the highest activity, followed by 2‐year rotation and monocropping systems. Linear‐regression analyses indicated that, in general, the activities of the glycosidases were significantly correlated with microbial‐biomass C (r > 0.302, p ≤ 0.05) and microbial‐biomass N (r > 0.321, p ≤ 0.05), organic‐C (r > 0.332, p ≤ 0.05) and organic‐N (r > 0.399, p ≤ 0.01) contents of the soils. Results of this work suggest that multicropping stimulated the activities of the glycosidases. The specific activities of the glycosidases in soils of the two sites studied, expressed as g p‐nitrophenol released per kg of organic C, differed among the four enzymes. The lowest values were obtained for β‐galactosidase and α‐glucosidase, followed by α‐galactosidase and β‐glucosidase.
Benign course of glycogen storage disease type IIb in two brothers: Nature or nurture?
Authors: Slonim Alfred E. , Bulone Linda , Minikes Jennifer , Hays Arthur P. , Shanske Sara , Tsujino Seiichi , DiMauro Salvatore
Published: December 2005

Two brothers with the childhood variant of type II glycogenosis (GSD‐IIb) treated with nutrition and exercise therapy (NET) from a young age showed an unusually benign course. Muscle biopsy from the older brother, which showed characteristic vacuolar glycogen accumulation at age 2, had reverted to normal by age 16. A muscle biopsy from the younger brother was normal at 5 years. It is uncertain whether this anomalous evolution was spontaneous (nature) or due to the symptomatic therapy (nurture), but NET should be considered in patients with GSD‐IIb until enzyme replacement or gene therapy become generally available. Muscle Nerve, 2005
A study of three patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and a polyneuropathy resembling CIDP
Authors: Echaniz‐Laguna Andoni , Degos Bertrand , Mohr Michel , Kessler Romain , Urban‐Kraemer Emilie , Tranchant Christine
Published: December 2005

We report three patients with a syndrome that fulfilled clinical and laboratory criteria for definite chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) who failed immunosuppressive treatment and eventually developed progressive amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mean disease duration was 23 months (13–38) before death. Two patients had a family history of ALS without mutations of the SOD1 gene. Postmortem examination in one patient showed an endoneurial infiltration of mononuclear cells in lumbar roots and distal and proximal peripheral nerves, mainly around myelinated fibers, with demyelination and axonal loss, consistent with CIDP. The spinal cord revealed severe neuronal loss in the anterior horn, axonal loss in the corticospinal tract, and large numbers of phagocytes in the anterior and lateral tracts, indicative of ALS. Whether demyelinating polyneuropathy was coincident with ALS or was a cause or consequence of motor neuron degeneration in these patients remains to be elucidated. This unusual combination may provide an important clue in elucidating the pathogenesis of ALS in some patients. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Temozolomide and intravenous irinotecan for treatment of advanced Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Wagner Lars M. , McAllister Nancy , Goldsby Robert E. , Rausen Aaron R. , McNall‐Knapp René Y. , McCarville M. Beth , Albritton Karen
Published: November 2005

Background

Preclinical models show sequence‐dependent synergy with the combination of temozolomide and irinotecan, and a Phase I trial has demonstrated the combination to be tolerable and active in children with relapsed solid tumors. Because responses were seen in patients with Ewing sarcoma (ES) on that trial, additional patients were treated with this combination following study completion.

Procedure

We reviewed data from all ES patients treated with temozolomide and irinotecan at four institutions, including seven patients treated on the above Phase I trial.

Results

Sixteen patients received a total of 95 courses, with a median of five courses per patient. All patients had either progressive disease (PD) during initial therapy (n = 5) or relapse within 2 years of diagnosis (n = 11). Twelve patients had metastatic disease at diagnosis, including 5 with bone and/or marrow metastases. Patients received oral temozolomide 100 mg/m2/day on days 1–5 plus intravenous irinotecan 10–20 mg/m2/day on days 1–5 and 8–12, with courses repeated every 21–28 days. We observed 1 complete, 3 partial, and 3 minor responses in 14 evaluable patients, with a median duration of response of 30 weeks. Planned 21‐day courses were tolerable and no more toxic than 28‐day courses. Myelosuppression was minimal despite heavy pretreatment. Grade 3–4 diarrhea occurred in 11% of courses and was related to higher irinotecan doses. Over 600 irinotecan doses were administered uneventfully at home.

Conclusions

Temozolomide and protracted intravenous irinotecan given in 21‐day courses was tolerable and active in patients with advanced ES. Home administration of irinotecan with temozolomide was safe and is reasonable palliative therapy. A formal Phase II study using a uniform dose and schedule is warranted to better define activity. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:132–139. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment with statins after acute myocardial infarction in patients ≥80 years: underuse despite general acceptance of drug therapy for secondary prevention
Authors: Kvan Elena , Pettersen Kjell I. , Landmark Knud , Reikvam Åsmund
Published: November 2005

Purpose

It has not been decided to what extent the results from statin trials should be transferred to clinical practice in the very old. The aim of the study was to assess the use of cardiovascular drugs after an acute myocardial infarction (MI), with particular focus on statins, in very old patients as compared to younger patients.

Method

A sample of 901 acute MI patients was drawn from 16 hospitals in 1999/2000; the patients were followed up for 2.5 years. Information on demographic variables and drug therapy was obtained from hospital records, and in the follow‐up period by direct patient contact or questionnaire. The main indications for prescribing the various cardiovascular drugs were recorded.

Results

At discharge, drug use in patients ≥80 and <80 years, respectively, was as follows: ACE‐inhibitors 48 versus 32%, nitrates 55 versus 32%, diuretics 64 versus 26%, aspirin 72 versus 86%, and β‐blockers 67 versus 85%. A striking difference was found for statins: 9% in the very old and 72% in younger patients. The pattern of drug use generally remained unchanged after 2.5 years. Survival rates for patients ≥80 and <80 years: at discharge 72 versus 90%, after 2.5 years 34 versus 73%.

Conclusions

Drug therapy was widely accepted for the indication secondary prevention after MI in patients above 80 years of age. The various cardiovascular drugs were prescribed to about the same extent for very old and younger patients. The exception was lipid lowering drugs which, despite the physicians' recognition of the indication secondary prevention in the very old patients, were prescribed to a limited extent. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous imaging of the structure and fluorescence of a supramolecular nanostructure formed by the coupling of π‐conjugated polymer chains in the intermolecular interaction
Authors: Shinohara Ken‐ichi , Suzuki Tasuku , Kitami Takeshi , Yamaguchi Shingo
Published: December 2005

We fabricated a micrometer‐long supramolecular chain in which π‐conjugated polyrotaxane was coupled. A new experimental setup was designed and constructed, and the simultaneous direct imaging of the structure and fluorescent function was achieved. Furthermore, we identified the formation of a polymer intertwined network and observed novel fluorescence due to a long‐range interaction via this intertwined network over a distance of 5 μm or more without quenching over 15 min in the near field. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 801–809, 2006
Characterization of 6FDA‐based hyperbranched and linear polyimide–silica hybrid membranes by gas permeation and 129Xe NMR measurements
Authors: Suzuki Tomoyuki , Yamada Yasuharu
Published: November 2005

Physical and gas transport properties of novel hyperbranched polyimide–silica hybrid membranes were investigated and compared with those of linear‐type polyimide–silica hybrid membranes with similar chemical structures. Hyperbranched polyamic acid, as a precursor, was prepared by polycondensation of a triamine, 1,3,5‐tris(4‐aminophenoxy)benzene (TAPOB), and a dianhydride, 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA). 6FDA‐TAPOB hyperbranched polyimide–silica hybrids were prepared using the polyamic acid, water, and tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) by sol–gel reaction. 5% weight‐loss temperature of the 6FDA‐TAPOB hyperbranched polyimide–silica hybrids determined by TG‐DTA measurement considerably increased with increasing silica content, indicating effective crosslinking at polymer–silica interface. CO2, O2, N2, and CH4 permeability coefficients of the 6FDA‐based polyimide–silica hybrids increased with increasing silica content. In addition, CO2/CH4 selectivity of the 6FDA‐TAPOB–silica hybrids remarkably increased with increasing silica content. From 129Xe NMR analysis, characteristic distribution and interconnectivity of cavities created around polymer–silica interface were suggested in the 6FDA‐TAPOB–silica hybrids. It was indicated that size‐selective separation ability is effectively brought by the incorporation of silica for the 6FDA‐TAPOB hyperbranched polyimide–silica hybrid membranes. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 291–298, 2006