bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Non‐Metallocene Rare‐Earth Organometallic Derivatives: Synthesis, Structure and Application in the Catalysis of Transformations of Unsaturated Substrates
Authors: Trifonov A. A.
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Preparation and Characterization of Unique Inorganic—Organic Hybrid Mesoporous Materials Incorporating Arenetricarbonyl Complexes [‐C6H4M(CO)3‐](M: Cr, Mo)
Authors: Calhorda M. J. , Nunes C. D.
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Phosphinines as Ligands in Homogeneous Catalysis: Recent Developments, Concepts and Perspectives
Authors: Mueller Christian , Vogt Dieter
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Marine Natural Products
Authors: Blunt John W. , Copp Brent R. , Hu Wan‐Ping , Munro Murray H. G. , Northcote Peter T. , Prinsep Michele R.
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A Fresh Look at Natural Tropolonoids
Authors: Bentley Ronald
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Fabricating Complex Polymeric Micro‐ and Nanostructures: Lithiography in Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Kane Ravi S.
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Surface Modification of Natural Fibers: Chemical Aspects
Authors: Marechal E.
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structure Solution of Organic Compounds from X‐Ray Powder Diffraction Data
Authors: Tsue Hirohito , Horiguchi Masahiro , Tamura Rui , Fujii Kotaro , Uekusa Hidehiro
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Selective NMR Excitations in Chiral Analysis
Authors: Farjon Jonathan , Ziani Latifa , Beguin Laetitia , Merlet Denis , Courtieu Jacques
Published: April 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Structural Characterization of the High‐Valent Ruthenium‐Containing Polyoxoanion [{PW11O39}2{(HO)RuIV–O–RuIV(OH)}]10– (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 13/2008)
Authors: Chen Su‐Wen , Villanneau Richard , Li Yanling , Chamoreau Lise‐Marie , Boubekeur Kamal , Thouvenot René , Gouzerh Pierre , Proust Anna
Published: April 2008

The cover picture shows the formation of water‐soluble ruthenium derivatives of heteropolytungstates. Depending on the experimental conditions, the authors were able to isolate the new [{PW11O39}2{(HO)RuIV–O–RuIV(OH)}]10– anion. This complex, which has been obtained under hydrothermal conditions, contains an {(HO)RuIV–O–RuIV(OH)} moiety that links two monovacant [α‐PW11O39]7– subunits. It is one of the rare examples of a polyoxometalate that contains noble‐metal cations in a high oxidation state. The strategy for the synthesis and the full characterization in the solid‐state and in solution of this compound are discussed in the article by A. Proust et al. on p. 2137 ff.
The role of cyclodextrins in chiral capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Juvancz Zoltán , Kendrovics Rita Bodáné , Iványi Róbert , Szente Lajos
Published: April 2008

The members of the enantiomeric pairs frequently show rather different biological effects, so their chiral selective synthesis, pharmacological studies and analysis are necessary. CE has unique advantages in chiral analysis. The most frequently used chiral selectors are CDs in this field. This paper gives a short view on the advantages on CE in direct chiral separations, emphasizing the role of CDs. The reason for the broad selectivity spectra of CDs is discussed in detail. The physical background of chiral selective separations is briefly shown in CE. Their interaction mechanisms are shortly defined. The general trend of their use is statistically evaluated. Most frequently used CDs and CD derivatives are characterized. Advantages of ionizable CDs and single‐isomer derivatives are shown. The general trend of their use is established.
Synthesis of (+)‐13‐Stemarene and (+)‐18‐Deoxystemarin: Expeditious Preparation of the Key 6‐exo‐Hydroxybicyclo[2.2.2]octan‐2‐one Ethylene Dithioacetal
Authors: Leonelli Francesca , Caschera Barbara , Silvestri Lavinia , Prastaro Alessandro , Corso Gaia , Ceccacci Francesca , La Bella Angela , Migneco Luisa Maria , Bettolo Rinaldo Marini
Published: April 2008

An expeditious preparation of the 6‐exo‐hydroxybicyclo[2.2.2]octan‐2‐one ethylene dithioacetal 2b, a key intermediate in the synthesis of (+)‐13‐stemarene (4) and (+)‐18‐deoxystemarin (5) is described. Compound 2b was obtained as the major product by equilibrating the endo rich mixture of 6‐hydroxybicyclo[2.2.2]octan‐2‐one ethylene dithioacetals 2 with TsOH in benzene at reflux, easily available from the corresponding hydroxy ketones 9. The model experiments which preceeded the above transformation, not previously described in the literature, are also presented.
Novel Aspects of a Convenient Synthesis and of Electroproperties of Derivatives Based on Diphenylamine
Authors: Idzik Krzysztof , Sołoducho Jadwiga , Cabaj Joanna , Mosiądz Mariusz , Łapkowski Mieczysław , Golba Sylwia
Published: April 2008

The substituted monomers 4a,c,d, 5a,b, 6a, 7a,b, and 8a of novel poly(diphenylamines), possessing the respective photochromic groups, were synthesized by the Stille cross‐coupling methodology (Scheme). The hyperbranched structures were characterized by 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. The obtained monomers show good stability in common organic solvents such as CHCl3, toluene, and CH2Cl2, and exhibit excellent thermal stability. Electrochemical results and theoretical calculations suggest that oxidation and reduction of the monomers start from the side of the amine function and the five‐membered heterocyclic ring moieties, respectively.
Oligonucleotide Analogues with Integrated Bases and Backbone. Part 17
Authors: Ritter Anne , Egli Daniel , Bernet Bruno , Vasella Andrea
Published: April 2008

The formation of cyclic duplexes (pairing) of known oxymethylene‐linked self‐complementary U*[o]A(*) dinucleosides contrasts with the absence of pairing of the ethylene‐linked U*[ca]A(*) analogues. The origin of this difference, and the expected association of U*[x]A(*) and A*[x]U(*) dinucleosides with x=CH2, O, or S was analysed. According to this analysis, pairing occurs via constitutionally isomeric Watson–Crick, reverse Watson–Crick, Hoogsteen, or reverse Hoogsteen H‐bonded linear duplexes. Each one of them may give rise to three diastereoisomeric cyclic duplexes, and each one of them can adopt three main conformations. The relative stability of all conformers with x=CH2, O, or S were analysed. U*[x]A(*) dinucleosides with x=CH2 do not form stable cyclic duplexes, dinucleosides with x=O may form cyclic duplexes with a gg‐conformation about the C(4′)C(5′) bond, and dinucleosides with x=S may form cyclic duplexes with a gt‐conformation about this bond.

The temperature dependence of the chemical shift of HN(3) of the self‐complementary, oxymethylene‐linked U*[o]A(*) dinucleosides 1–6 in CDCl3 in the concentration range of 0.4–50 mM evidences equilibria between the monoplex, mainly linear duplexes, and higher associates for 3, between the monoplex and cyclic duplexes for 6, and between the monoplex, linear, and cyclic duplexes as well as higher associates for 1, 2, 4, and 5.

The self‐complementary, thiomethylene‐linked U*[s]A(*) dinucleosides 27–32 and the sequence isomeric A*[s]U(*) analogues 33–38 were prepared by S‐alkylation of the 6‐(mesyloxymethyl)uridine 12 and the 8‐(bromomethyl)adenosine 22. The required thiolates were prepared in situ from the C(5′)‐acetylthio derivatives 9, 15, 19, and 25. The association in CHCl3 of the thiomethylene‐linked dinucleoside analogues was studied by 1H‐NMR and CD spectroscopy, and by vapour‐pressure osmometric determination of the apparent molecular mass. The U*[s]A(*) alcohols 28, 30, and 31 form cyclic duplexes connected by Watson–Crick H‐bonds, while the fully protected dimers 27 and 29 form mainly linear duplexes and higher associates. The diol 32 forms mainly cyclic duplexes in solution and corrugated ribbons in the solid state. The nucleobases of crystalline 32 form reverse Hoogsteen H‐bonds, and the resulting ribbons are cross‐linked by H‐bonds between HOCH2C(8/I) and N(3/I). Among the A*[s]U(*) dimers, only the C(8/I)‐hydroxymethylated 37 forms (mainly) a cyclic duplex, characterized by reverse Hoogsteen base pairing. The dimers 34–36 form mainly linear duplexes and higher associates. Dimers 34 and particularly 38 gelate CHCl3. Temperature‐dependent CD spectra of 28, 30, 31, and 37 evidence π‐stacking in the cyclic duplexes. Base stacking in the particularly strongly associating diol 32 in CHCl3 solution is evidenced by a melting temperature of ca. 2°.
Improved Synthesis of Phytosphingosine and Dihydrosphingosine from 3,4,6‐Tri‐O‐benzyl‐D‐galactal
Authors: Niu Youhong , Cao Xiaoping , Ye Xin‐Shan
Published: April 2008

An efficient and facile synthesis of phytosphingosine and dihydrosphingosine derivatives is described with less steps and in improved overall yield (66–72%) starting from commercially available tri‐O‐benzyl‐D‐galactal. The key steps include Wittig reaction, Mitsunobu transformation, reduction, and deprotection.
Quantitation of cardioexcitatory Asn‐D‐Trp‐Phe‐NH2 diastereomers in Aplysia's central nervous system by nanoscale liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Song Yaru , Liu Yi‐Ming
Published: April 2008

A tripeptide, Asn‐D‐Trp‐Phe‐NH2 (NdWFa) that contains a D‐amino acid residue (i.e. D‐tryptophan) was previously identified in Aplysia's central nervous system (CNS) and found to be cadioexcitatory. However, the occurrence of its diastereomers including NWFa, theoretically the precursor of NdWFa, remains largely unknown. In this work, a nanoscale liquid chromatographic/tandem mass spectrometric (nano‐LC‐MS/MS) method was developed for a sensitive determination of the diastereomers of NWFa. Resolution of the diastereomers including NWFa, NdWFa, NWdFa, and dNWFa was achieved on capillary columns packed with C18 silica particles with an MS detection‐friendly mobile phase consisting of water, acetonitrile, and formic acid. Columns of different internal diameters (IDs) ranging from 75 to 250 µm were evaluated to achieve the best sensitivity. With the use of a 75 µm ID column integrated with a nanoelectrospray emitter, the method had limits of detection (LOD) of 0.21 nM (or 0.49 pg on column, 5 µl injected) NdWFa in tissue homogenate (S/N = 3). The five major ganglia in Aplysia californica's CNS (i.e. buccal, cerebral, abdominal, plural, and pedal) were analyzed. NdWFa was detected only in abdominal ganglion at the ng/g tissue level. Further, its diastereomer, NWFa, was also detected for the first time and also only in abdominal ganglion at a significantly lower level. The levels of both NWFa and NdWFa varied from animal to animal in the range from 0 to 81 ng/g tissue. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid screening and characterization of drug metabolites using a multiple ion monitoring–dependent MS/MS acquisition method on a hybrid triple quadrupole‐linear ion trap mass spectrometer
Authors: Yao Ming , Ma Li , Humphreys W. Griffith , Zhu Mingshe
Published: April 2008

A novel LC/MS/MS method that uses multiple ion monitoring (MIM) as a survey scan to trigger the acquisition of enhanced product ions (EPI) on a hybrid quadrupole‐linear ion trap mass spectrometer (Q TRAP) was developed for drug metabolite identification. In the MIM experiment, multiple predicted metabolite ions were monitored in both Q1 and Q3. The collision energy in Q2 was set to a low value to minimize fragmentation. Results from analyzing ritonavir metabolites in rat hepatocytes demonstrate that MIM‐EPI was capable of targeting a larger number of metabolites regardless of their fragmentation and retained sensitivity and duty cycle similar to multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)‐EPI. MIM‐based scanning methods were shown to be particularly useful in several applications. First, MIM‐EPI enabled the sensitive detection and MS/MS acquisition of up to 100 predicted metabolites. Second, MIM‐MRM‐EPI was better than MRM‐EPI in the analysis of metabolites that undergo either predictable or unpredictable fragmentation pathways. Finally, a combination of MIM‐EPI and full‐scan MS (EMS), as an alternative to EMS‐EPI, was well suited for routine in vitro metabolite profiling. Overall, MIM‐EPI significantly enhanced the metabolite identification capability of the hybrid triple quadrupole‐linear ion trap LC/MS. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of thermo‐oxidative degradation on the biodegradability of lubricant base oils
Authors: Beran Elżbieta , Łoś Magdalena , Kmiecik Aleksandra
Published: April 2008

The paper addresses the problem of how the thermo‐oxidative changes in the chemical structure influence the biodegradability of lubricating base oils. The tests were conducted using synthetic polyolesters, polyalphaolefins (PAO 4) and blended polyolesters with 30 wt % of PAO 4. Oil biodegradability was evaluated in accordance with the International Standards Organization (ISO) 14593 test. The thermo‐oxidative degradation consisted of a 24‐hour exposure of the oil samples to the temperature of 150°C in a universal test apparatus at an air flow rate of 15 L/hour. The results have revealed that the thermo‐oxidative degradation of the chemical structure produces changes in the physico‐chemical properties of the base oils and improves biodegradability. The polyolester oils tested were found to be readily biodegradable both before and after thermo‐oxidative tests. PAO 4 oil and its blends with polyolester oils could not be classified as readily biodegradable. The thermo‐oxidative changes in their chemical structures can exert a positive effect on their biodegradability. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tourism in Trinidad and Tobago: carving a niche in a petroleum‐based economy
Authors: Lewis Acolla , Jordan Leslie‐Ann
Published: April 2008

Trinidad and Tobago lies within one of the world's most tourism‐intensive regions, the Caribbean. Yet, unlike its neighbours, it has not relied heavily on income from travel and tourism since its economy is dominated by the energy sector. The energy sector is the mainstay of the economy contributing approximately 34.1% to the country's GDP, 85.5% to merchandise exports and 37.1% to Government revenues in 2004 (Ministry of Energy, 2006). The Government, in its aim for developed nation status by 2020, recognizes that the energy sector is unable to provide the sustainable jobs needed to achieve this. Thus, the Government's policy strategy, Vision 2020, identifies tourism as one of five (5) sectors that should be developed to contribute to the country's economic development.

The tourism industry currently represents 13.8% of total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Trinidad and Tobago and is expected to increase its share by nearly three percentage points to 16.5% by 2015. It accounts for 16.7% of total employment, and this is forecasted to rise to 19.2% (WTTC, 2005). Several challenges are evident, that continue to limit the industry's full potential for growth in the country. It is against this background that this paper seeks to identify and analyse the strategies that can be adopted to maximize the contribution of the hospitality and tourism industry to economic development in Trinidad and Tobago. The three main strategies proposed are a greater focus on local entrepreneurship; the re‐orientation of the role of the local financial mechanisms in tourism development and; the development of competitive tourism investment incentives for potential investors in the hospitality and tourism industry. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conductive Composites of Polyurethane Resins and Ionic Liquids
Authors: Berns Belinda , Deligöz Hüseyin , Tieke Bernd , Kremer Friedrich
Published: April 2008

Composites of PUR and IL were prepared and specific conductivities and Shore A hardness were determined. IL were based on 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium salts with counterions BF, PF, triflate, or ethylsulfate. Presence of IL increased the conductivity by five orders of magnitude. Variation of alkyl chain length and nature of counterions only had little effect on the conductivity. Presence of IL had a plasticizing effect, which was most pronounced for the IL with dodecyl groups and PF as counterion. In broadband dielectric measurements, the complex conductivity showed a characteristic dispersion that is caused by the interplay between (hopping) transport of charge carriers and electrode polarization.

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Quantification of viable tumor microvascular characteristics by multispectral analysis
Authors: Berry Leanne R. , Barck Kai H. , Go Mary Ann , Ross Jed , Wu Xiumin , Williams Simon P. , Gogineni Alvin , Cole Mary J. , Van Bruggen Nicholas , Fuh Germaine , Peale Frank , Ferrara Napoleone , Ross Sarajane , Schwall Ralph H. , Carano Richard A.D.
Published: April 2008

Tumor heterogeneity complicates the quantification of tumor microvascular characteristics assessed by dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI). To address this issue a novel approach was developed that combines DCE‐MRI with diffusion‐based multispectral (MS) analysis to quantify the microvascular characteristics of specific tumor tissue populations. Diffusion‐based MS segmentation (feature space: apparent diffusion coefficient, T2 and proton density) was performed to identify tumor tissue populations and the DCE‐MRI characteristics were determined for each tissue class. The ability of this MS DCE‐MRI technique to detect microvascular changes due to treatment with an antibody (G6‐31) to vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF) was evaluated in a tumor xenograft mouse model. Anti‐VEGF treatment resulted in a significant reduction in Ktrans for the MS viable tumor tissue class (−0.0034 ± 0.0022 min−1, P < 0.01) at 24 hr posttreatment that differ significantly from the change observed in the control group (0.0002 ± 0.0025 min−1). Viable tumor Ktrans for the anti‐VEGF group was also reduced 62% relative to the pretreatment values (P < 0.01). Necrotic tissue classes were found to add only noise to DCE‐MRI estimates. This approach provides a means to measure physiological parameters within the viable tumor and address the issue of tumor heterogeneity that complicates DCE‐MRI analysis. Magn Reson Med, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Compartment size estimation with double wave vector diffusion‐weighted imaging
Authors: Koch Martin A. , Finsterbusch Jürgen
Published: April 2008

Double wave vector diffusion weighting uses gradients along two different directions between excitation and acquisition. It has been shown theoretically that for restricted diffusion the signal amplitude in such an experiment can depend on the angle between the two gradient vectors. The highest amplitude is obtained with antiparallel orientation, and the amplitude difference between parallel and antiparallel gradient orientations depends on the compartment size. The validity of this description is experimentally tested for water between polymer beads, for radish, and for porcine spinal cord, using a clinical MR system with limited gradient strength. The results indicate that the phenomenon is observable; however, the size of the signal difference is considerably diminished when compared with theory. This is attributed to violations of the approximating conditions underlying the theoretical description and to free diffusion contributions. It is concluded that the effect could successfully be used as a basis for developing a new noninvasive method for assessing cell size. Magn Reson Med, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Key elements of the BMP/SMAD pathway co‐localize with CDX2 in intestinal metaplasia and regulate CDX2 expression in human gastric cell lines
Authors: Barros R , Pereira B , Duluc I , Azevedo M , Mendes N , Camilo V , Jacobs RJ , Paulo P , Santos‐Silva F , van Seuningen I , van den Brink GR , David L , Freund J‐N , Almeida R
Published: April 2008

Helicobacter pylori infection induces intestinal metaplasia of the stomach, a preneoplastic lesion associated with an increased risk for gastric cancer development. Intestinal metaplasia is induced by the intestine‐specific transcription factor CDX2 but the mechanisms responsible for this ectopic expression have never been described. We hypothesized that the BMP/SMAD pathway has a role in CDX2 regulation, in this context, for the following reasons: (1) the BMP pathway is crucial for normal intestinal differentiation and (2) there is an influx of BMP2 and BMP4‐producing cells to the stomach upon Helicobacter pylori infection. We evaluated the expression of key elements of the BMP pathway in human stomach specimens with IM. Growth factor treatments, with BMP2 and BMP4, were performed in cultured cells and a knock‐down experiment of SMAD4 was done using RNAi. We showed overexpression in IM of BMP2/4, BMPR1A, and SMAD4 in 56% of IM foci, and pSMAD1/5/8 in 100% of IM foci as compared to adjacent mucosa. In vitro, treatment of AGS cells with BMP2 and BMP4 increased endogenous CDX2 expression as well as the intestinal differentiation markers MUC2 and LI‐cadherin. On the other hand, SMAD4 knock‐down led to decreased endogenous CDX2, MUC2, and LI‐cadherin in AGS. Treatment of the SMAD4 knock‐down cells had no influence on CDX2 expression as opposed to wild‐type cells. A 9.3 kb CDX2 promoter could be transactivated by SMAD4 and SMAD1 in a cell‐dependent manner. In conclusion, we identified for the first time that the BMP pathway is active in intestinal metaplasia and that BMP2 and BMP4 regulate CDX2 expression and promote intestinal differentiation through the canonical signal transducers. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distinct signatures of B‐cell homeostatic and activation‐dependent chemokine receptors in the development and progression of extragastric MALT lymphomas
Authors: Deutsch AJA , Aigelsreiter A , Steinbauer E , Frühwirth M , Kerl H , Beham‐Schmid C , Schaider H , Neumeister P
Published: April 2008

Chemokine receptors mediate migration and activation of lymphocytes through binding of their ligands. Recent studies have revealed important contributions of chemokine receptors to the development, progression, and dissemination of haematopoietic neoplasms. Because the chemokine receptor expression profile in extragastric MALT lymphoma is unknown, we performed a comprehensive study on tissue samples of parotid glands, parotid glands affected by Sjögren syndrome, extragastric MALT lymphoma, and extranodal diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (eDLBCL) originating from MALT lymphoma (transformed MALT lymphoma). By investigating the expression of 19 chemokine receptors by real‐time PCR using a semi‐quantitative approach and of four chemokine receptors (CCR1, CCR5, CXCR6, and XCR1) by immunohistochemistry, we show that the chemokine receptor expression profiles of extragastric MALT lymphomas differ substantially from those of extranodal DBLCL, with lower expression of CCR1, CCR8, and CXCR3, and the absence of expression of CX3CR1 and XCR1 in eDLBCL. Expression of CCR6, CCR7, CXCR3, CXCR4, and CXCR5, responsible for B‐cell homing to secondary lymphoid tissue, was detected in both B‐cell malignancies. Expression of CCR4 was just detected in trisomy 3‐positive MALT lymphoma cases. Comparing gastric with extragastric MALT lymphomas, up‐regulation of CXCR1 and CXCR2 accompanied by down‐regulation of CCR8 and CX3CR1 and loss of XCR1 expression in extragastric MALT lymphomas appear to be key determinants for the site of origin of MALT lymphomagenesis. Our results support a model of stepwise progression of extragastric MALT lymphoma from a non‐neoplastic event to Sjögren syndrome, to MALT lymphoma, and finally to overt eDLBCL, guided by differentially expressed B‐cell homeostatic and activation‐dependent chemokine receptors and their ligands. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recurrent idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in childhood
Authors: Vranou Maria , Platokouki Helen , Pergantou Helen , Aronis Sophie
Published: April 2008

Background

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a common haematological disease during childhood, that usually has a benign course; however, literature on the recurrent form of the disease (rITP) is limited.

Procedure

rITP was characterized by intermittent episodes of thrombocytopenia (TP) followed by periods of recovery, unrelated to therapeutic intervention. We retrospectively reviewed features of patients with rITP, diagnosed and systematically followed up at our center, during the period 1975–2004.

Results

Forty‐eight of 795 children with ITP (6.0 %) presented with rITP. The majority of patients (68.8%) had only one recurrence, whereas only one patient had four. A time interval between two episodes longer than 3 months (up to 96) was identified in 2/3 of episodes and <3 months in 1/3. The initial episode and the first recurrence mostly shared features of acute ITP; however, 22.9% of the episodes appeared with a chronic self‐limited course. Bleeding manifestations were rare (18.6% of episodes) and mild, and they tended to occur in severely thrombocytopenic patients, mainly at the onset of the initial episode; intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) occurred in a toddler with short duration thrombocytopenia. Intravenous γ globulin (IVIG) or corticosteroids were administered in 24.5% of episodes. None of the patients needed splenectomy. Conclusion: rITP is a rare, mild, self‐limited type of ITP, although ICH may occur in a profoundly TP child. Recurrence may occur close or far apart to a previous isolated TP episode. The duration of episodes varies considerably from patient to patient and from episode to episode in the same patient. The pathogenesis of rITP still remains unclear. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:261–264. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation and characterization of 3,3′‐bis (maleimidophenyl)phenylphosphine oxide (BMI)/polysulfone modified epoxy intercrosslinked matrices
Authors: Rajasekaran R. , Karikalchozhan C. , Alagar M.
Published: April 2008

An intercrosslinked network of polysulfone (PSF)—bismaleimide (BMI) modified epoxy matrix system was made by using diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resin, hydroxyl terminated polysulfone and bismaleimide (3,3′‐bis(maleimidophenyl) phenylphosphine oxide) with diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM) as curing agent. BMI–PSF–epoxy matrices were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and heat deflection temperature (HDT) analysis. The matrices, in the form of castings, were characterized for their mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, and unnotched Izod impact test as per ASTM methods. Mechanical studies indicated that the introduction of polysulfone into epoxy resin improves the toughness to an appreciable extent with insignificant increase in stress–strain properties. DSC studies indicated that the introduction of polysulfone decreases the glass transition temperature, whereas the incorporation of bismaleimide into epoxy resin influences the mechanical and thermal properties according to its percentage content. DSC thermograms of polysulfone as well as BMI modified epoxy resin show a unimodal reaction exotherm. The thermal stability and flame retardant properties of cured epoxy resins were improved with the introduction of bismaleimide and polysulfone. Water absorption characteristics were studied as per ASTM method and the morphology of the BMI modified epoxy and PSF‐epoxy systems were studied by scanning electron microscope. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Evaluating competing adverse and beneficial outcomes using a mixture model
Authors: Lau Bryan , Cole Stephen R. , Moore Richard D. , Gange Stephen J.
Published: April 2008

A competing risk framework occurs when individuals have the potential to experience only one of the several mutually exclusive outcomes. Standard survival methods often overestimate the cumulative incidence of events when competing events are censored. Mixture distributions have been previously applied to the competing risk framework to obtain inferences regarding the subdistribution of an event of interest. Often the competing event is treated as a nuisance, but it may be of interest to compare adverse events against the beneficial outcome when dealing with an intervention. In this paper, methods for using a mixture model to estimate an adverse–benefit ratio curve (ratio of the cumulative incidence curves for the two competing events) and the ratio of the subhazards for the two competing events are presented. A parametric approach is described with some remarks for extending the model to include uncertainty in the event type that occurred, left truncation in order to allow for time‐dependent analyses, and uncertainty in the timing of the event resulting in interval censoring. The methods are illustrated with data from an HIV clinical cohort examining whether individuals initiating effective antiretroviral therapy have a greater risk of antiretroviral discontinuation or switching compared with HIV RNA suppression. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urinary tract infection in children: NICE guideline
Authors: Ismail Sharif I.M.F.
Published: April 2008

Dr Ismail summarises recent NICE guidance on how to provide consistent clinically and cost‐effective practice for the diagnosis, treatment and long‐term management of urinary tract infection in childhood. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Pensée 3: Free Speech and the Question of Israel: A British Perspective
Authors: Shlaim Avi
Published: April 2008

As a member of the British academic community—an international relations professor who is deeply involved in Middle Eastern studies—I find it distressing that some of the most dismal aspects of the American academic environment are coming our way. Nowhere is this trend more pronounced than on the question of Israel. That country is, of course, no stranger to controversy, but the attack on the right of academics to criticize Israel is a relatively recent and a highly disturbing phenomenon.
“O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”: Anthony Braxton's Speculative Musics
Authors: HEFFLEY MIKE
Published: April 2008

Anthony Braxton's opera Trillium R (1991): Shala Fears for the Poor is examined macroscopically, microscopically, and theoretically for its resonances with both spoken and written language. The latter is posited as an ur-technology spawning six more specialized technologies tropes, through which the macroscopic survey unfolds. Braxton's music is conflated with the academic discourse of “speculative musicology” and the genre of “speculative fiction,” the literary arena of most fertile explorations of technological potential. The microscopic study examines the relationship between Braxton's libretto and music in the score, and that between the determinate and indeterminate in both, as the techne (tool) of its effectiveness. Finally, the article explains Braxton's work through its European, African, Asian, and Native American influences.
Determinants of Insulin‐resistant Phenotypes in Normal‐weight and Obese Black African Women
Authors: Jennings Courtney L. , Lambert Estelle V. , Collins Malcolm , Joffe Yael , Levitt Naomi S. , Goedecke Julia H.
Published: April 2008

Objective: Subsets of metabolically “healthy obese” and “at‐risk” normal‐weight individuals have been previously identified. The aim of this study was to explore the determinants of these phenotypes in black South African (SA) women.

Methods and Procedures: From a total of 103 normal‐weight (BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2) and 122 obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) black SA women, body composition, fat distribution, blood pressure, fasting glucose levels, insulin resistance, and lipid profiles were measured. Questionnaires relating to family history, physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE), and socio‐demographic variables were administered. The subjects were classified as insulin sensitive or insulin resistant according to the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) (≥1.95 insulin resistant).

Results: Our study showed that 22% of the normal‐weight women were insulin resistant and 38% of the obese women were insulin sensitive. Increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT) (P = 0.001) and decreased VAT/leg fat mass (P ≤ 0.001), independent of total body fatness, distinguished between the phenotypes. Moreover, the insulin‐sensitive women were of higher socioeconomic status, did more leisure and vigorous PAEE and were less likely to use injectable contraceptives. Using a regression model, body fat distribution, percent body fat, age, log leisure PAEE, and use of injected contraception accounted for 35% of the variance in HOMA‐IR in the normal‐weight women. In the obese women, 34% of the variance in HOMA‐IR was explained by the same variables, excluding PAEE. No differences in smoking status or family history of metabolic disease were found between the phenotypes.

Discussion: Central fat distribution, total adiposity, socioeconomic status, leisure PAEE, and use of injectable contraceptives distinguished between insulin‐sensitive and insulin‐resistant black SA women.
Does High BMI Influence Hospital Charges in Children Undergoing Adenotonsillectomy?
Authors: Nafiu Olubukola O. , Chimbira Wilson T. , Woolford Susan J. , Tremper Kevin K. , Reynolds Paul I. , Green Glenn E.
Published: April 2008

Background: Obesity is a highly prevalent chronic problem with health and fiscal consequences. Data from adults and nonsurgical pediatric patients suggest that obesity has serious implications for the US economy.

Objective: Our goal was to describe the impact of BMI on hospital charges in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy (AT).

Methods and Procedures: We carried out a retrospective comparative analysis of the electronic anesthesia record and the charges from billing data from a large tertiary institution on children aged 3–18 years who had AT during the year 2005–2007. The main outcome measures were mean total hospital charges, likelihood of admission, and length of hospital stay (LOS).

Results: Of 1,643 children, 68.9% were aged <10 years, 76% were whites, and 74.1% had private commercial insurance. Most (75.3%) children were discharged on the day of surgery. Obese and overweight children were more likely to be admitted than their normal‐weight peers (X2 = 26.3, P < 0.001). Among those admitted, BMI showed a positive correlation with LOS (r = 0.20, P < 0.001). Obese and overweight patients had significantly higher total hospital charges than their healthy‐weight counterparts (P = 0.001). Anesthesia, postanesthesia care unit (PACU), and pharmacy and laboratory charges were also higher for obese than normal‐weight children (P < 0.05).

Discussion: Overweight and obese children undergoing AT accrued higher hospital charges and had longer postoperative LOS than their healthy‐weight peers. If these findings are extendable to other surgical procedures, they could have far‐reaching implications for the US economy.
Relationship Between BMI and All‐cause Mortality in Japan: NIPPON DATA80
Authors: Hozawa Atsushi , Okamura Tomonori , Oki Izumi , Murakami Yoshitaka , Kadowaki Takashi , Nakamura Koshi , Miyamatsu Naomi , Hayakawa Takehito , Kita Yoshikuni , Nakamura Yosikazu , Nakamura Yasuyuki , Abbott Robert D. , Okayama Akira , Ueshima Hirotsugu ,   NIPPON DATA80 Study Group.
Published: April 2008

As body composition in Asian populations is largely different from Western populations, a healthy BMI could also differ between the two populations. Thus, further study is needed to determine whether a healthy BMI in Asians should be lower than Western populations, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). We investigated the relationship between BMI and mortality in a sample of 8,924 Japanese men and women without stroke or heart disease. During 19 years of follow‐up, 1,718 deaths were observed. We found a U‐shaped relationship between BMI and fatal events. Risk of total mortality was highest in participants with BMI <18.5 kg/m2 and lowest in participants with BMI 23.0–24.9 kg/m2. These findings persisted even after excluding the first 5 years of follow‐up with a focus on healthy participants who never smoked, were aged <70 years, and had total cholesterol (TC) levels ≥4.1 mmol/l (N = 3712). For both the full sample and healthy participants, all‐cause mortality risk did not differ between BMI ranges 21.0–22.9 and 23.0–24.9 kg/m2. Our findings do not support the recent WHO implications that BMIs <23.0 kg/m2 is healthy for Asians. Therefore, further studies are needed to identify an optimal BMI range for Asia.
Fifty Years of Nuclear Astrophysics: A Foreword
Authors: Lattanzio John
Published: April 2008

In 2007 the field of nuclear astrophysics celebrated its 50th birthday.
Considerations on charisma and the cult of charismatic leadership
Authors: Cavalli Luciano
Published: April 2008

This article seeks to clarify some issues in the study of charisma. Personal charisma is seen mainly as deriving from a relationship of trust born in a situation of crisis in which particularly forceful individuals can shape myths and values. It is not necessarily the case that such leaders are psychologically abnormal, although the masses supporting them may have regressed to a primitive psychic state. Cults may be structured or spontaneous or both; in any event, in the Italian case, the experience of Catholic domination and cultural influence has been an important factor in conditioning perceptions of extraordinary leaders. Mussolini was the only national charismatic leader; others including De Gasperi and Togliatti, were mere factional leaders. Although Craxi, Pannella, Berlusconi and Bossi stood out in a time of crisis, they only offered slightly stronger forms of leadership. Finally, Di Pietro is considered as a possible national charismatic leader of the future.
Spinophilin participates in information transfer at immunological synapses
Authors: Bloom Ona , Unternaehrer Julia J. , Jiang Aimin , Shin Jeong-Sook , Delamarre Lélia , Allen Patrick , Mellman Ira
Published: April 2008

The adaptive immune response is initiated by the presentation of peptides bound to major histocompatibility complex molecules on dendritic cells (DCs) to antigen-specific T lymphocytes at a junction termed the immunological synapse. Although much attention has been paid to cytoplasmic events on the T cell side of the synapse, little is known concerning events on the DC side. We have sought signal transduction components of the neuronal synapse that were also expressed by DCs. One such protein is spinophilin, a scaffolding protein of neuronal dendritic spines that regulates synaptic transmission. In inactive, immature DCs, spinophilin is located throughout the cytoplasm but redistributes to the plasma membrane upon stimulus-induced maturation. In DCs interacting with T cells, spinophilin is polarized dynamically to contact sites in an antigen-dependent manner. It is also required for optimal T cell activation because DCs derived from mice lacking spinophilin exhibit defects in antigen presentation both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, spinophilin may play analogous roles in information transfer at both neuronal and immunological synapses.
Clearance of Extracellular K+ during Muscle Contraction—Roles of Membrane Transport and Diffusion
Authors: Clausen Torben
Published: April 2008

Excitation of muscle often leads to a net loss of cellular K+ and a rise in extracellular K+ ([ K+ ]o), which in turn inhibits excitability and contractility. It is important, therefore, to determine how this K+ is cleared by diffusion into the surroundings or by reaccumulation into the muscle cells. The inhibitory effects of the rise in [K+ ]o may be assessed from the time course of changes in tetanic force in isolated muscles where diffusional clearance of K+ is eliminated by removing the incubation medium and allowing the muscles to contract in air. Measurements of tetanic force, endurance, and force recovery showed that in rat soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles there was no significant difference between the performance of muscles contracting in buffer or in air for up to 8 min. Ouabain-induced inhibition of K+ clearance via the Na+,K+ pumps markedly reduced contractile endurance and force recovery in air. Incubation in buffer containing 10 mM K+ clearly inhibited force development and endurance, and these effects were considerably reduced by stimulating Na+,K+ pumps with the β2-agonist salbutamol. Following 30–60 s of continuous stimulation at 60 Hz, the amount of K+ released into the extracellular space was assessed from washout experiments. The release of intracellular K+ per pulse was fourfold larger in EDL than in soleus, and in the two muscles, the average [K+ ]o reached 52.4 and 26.0 mM, respectively, appreciably higher than previously detected. In conclusion, prevention of diffusion of K+ from the extracellular space of isolated working muscles causes only modest interference with contractile performance. The Na+,K+ pumps play a major role in the clearance of K+ and the maintenance of force. This new information is important for the evaluation of K+-induced inhibition in muscles, where diffusional clearance of K+ is reduced by tension development sufficient to suppress circulation.
Generic character sheaves on disconnected groups and character values
Authors: Lusztig G.
Published: April 2008

We relate a generic character sheaf on a disconnected reductive group with a character of the rational points of the group over a finite field extending a known result in the connected case.
Forward-time simulations of non-random mating populations using simuPOP
Authors: Peng Bo , Amos Christopher I.
Published: April 2008

Summary: Computer simulations play an important role in studies of non-random mating populations. Because of implementation difficulties, only very limited types of non-random mating schemes are provided in the currently available simulation programs. Starting with version 0.8.5, simuPOP provides a few mating schemes that can be used to simulate arbitrary non-random mating models. This article describes the concepts and methods behind these mating schemes and demonstrates their uses in a few examples, including partial self-mating, positive assortative mating, non-random outbreeding, and simulation of overlapping generations in age-structured populations.

Availability: simuPOP is freely available at http://simupop.sourceforge.net, distributed under a GPL license. Cited examples are in the doc/cookbook directory of a simuPOP distribution.

Contact:  bpeng@mdanderson.org
Modulation of the immune responses in chickens by low-pathogenicity avian influenza virus H9N2
Authors: Xing Zheng , Cardona Carol J. , Li Jinling , Dao Nguyet , Tran Tu , Andrada Jason
Published: April 2008

Most low-pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) viruses cause no or mild disease in avian species. Little is known about the mechanisms of host defence and the immune responses of avian influenza-infected birds. This study showed that chicken macrophages are susceptible to infection with LPAI H9N2 and H6N2 viruses and that infection led to apoptosis. In H9N2 virus-infected chicken macrophages, Toll-like receptor 7 responded to infection and mediated the cytokine responses. Whilst pro-inflammatory cytokines were largely upregulated, the interferon (IFN) response was fairly weak and IFN-inducible genes were differentially regulated. Among the regulated genes, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens II were downregulated, which also occurred in the lungs of H9N2-infected chickens. Additionally, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-4 receptor and CD74 (MHC class II invariable chain) were also downregulated, all of which are pivotal in the activation of CD4+ helper T cells and humoral immunity. Remarkably, in H9N2 virus-infected chickens, the antibody response was severely suppressed. This was in contrast to the robust antibody response in chickens infected with H6N2 virus, in which expression of MHC class II antigens was upregulated. These data suggest that neutralizing antibodies and humoral immunity may not be developed efficiently in H9N2-infected chickens. These findings raise questions about how some LPAI viruses differentially regulate avian immune responses and whether they have similar effects on mammalian immune function.
Supragenotypic groups of the hepatitis B virus genome
Authors: Purdy Michael A. , Gonzales Aileen C. , Dimitrova Zoya , Khudyakov Yury
Published: April 2008

Phylogenetic relationships among hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes were investigated using different regions across the genome. The phylogenetic analysis in conjunction with graphical examination of phylogenetic distance matrices and distance frequency distribution plotting suggest the clustering of HBV genotypes into three higher-order hierarchical groups: group I, comprising genotypes A–E and G; group II, comprising genotypes F and H; and a hypothetical group III. Present-day genotype G is postulated to be a recombinant with the non-polymerase region of group III virus and the polymerase gene of an ancestral virus belonging to group I.