bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stereochemical Control by an Ester Group or Olefin Ligand in Platinum‐Catalyzed Carboalkoxylation of 6‐(1‐Alkoxyethoxy)‐ hex‐2‐ynoates
Authors: Nakamura Itaru , Chan Ching Siew , Araki Toshiharu , Terada Masahiro , Yamamoto Yoshinori
Published: May 2009

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The cyclization of 6‐(1‐alkoxyethoxy)hex‐2‐ynoantes in the presence of the platinum‐olefin catalyst system gave the corresponding multisubstituted 2‐[dihydrofuran‐2(3H)‐ylidene]acetates in good to high yields. The Z/E selectivity is controlled by the electronic property of the ester group; the 2,2,2‐trichloroethyl ester yielded the Z isomer, while the phenyl ester gave the E isomer. Moreover, we found that the Z/E selectivities in the reaction of phenyl esters 1h, 1n, and 1o were controlled by the olefin ligand. For example, the platinum‐catalyzed reaction of 1h using 1,5‐hexadiene as the olefin ligand gave E‐2h as the major product, while that using 1,5‐cyclooctadiene produced mainly the Z isomer.
Congruence of individual cranial bone morphology and neutral molecular affinity patterns in modern humans
Authors: von Cramon‐Taubadel Noreen
Published: May 2009

Recent studies have demonstrated that the shape of the human temporal bone is particularly strongly correlated with neutral genetic expectation, when compared against other cranial regions, such as the vault, face, and basicranium. In turn, this has led to suggestions that the temporal bone is particularly reliable in analyses of primate phylogeny and human population history. While several reasons have been suggested to explain the temporal bone's strong fit with neutral expectation, the temporal bone has never systematically been compared against other individual cranial bones defined using the same biological criteria. Therefore, it is currently unknown whether the shapes of all cranial bones possess reliable information regarding neutral genetic evolution, or whether the temporal bone is unique in this respect. This study tests the hypothesis that the human temporal bone is more congruent with neutral expectation than six other individual cranial bones by correlating population affinity matrices generated using neutral genetic and 3D craniometric data. The results demonstrate that while the temporal bone shows the absolute strongest correlation with neutral genetic data compared with all other bones, it is not statistically differentiated from the sphenoid, frontal, and parietal bones in this regard. Potential reasons for the temporal bone's consistently strong fit with neutral expectation, such as its overall anatomical complexity and/or its contribution to the architecture of the basicranium, are examined. The results suggest that future phylogenetic and taxonomic studies would benefit from considering the shape of the entire cranium minus those regions that deviate most from neutrality. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Eagle's syndrome: A review of the literature
Authors: Piagkou Maria , Anagnostopoulou Sophia , Kouladouros Konstantinos , Piagkos Giannoulis
Published: May 2009

Eagle's syndrome represents symptoms brought on by compression of regional structures by elongation of the styloid process or ossification of the stylohyoid or stylomandibular ligaments. Watt Eagle described it for the first time in 1937, dividing it into two subtypes: the “classic syndrome” and the “stylo‐carotid artery syndrome.” Many theories have been put forth regarding its pathogenesis. Depending on the underlying pathogenetic mechanism and the anatomical structures compressed or irritated by the styloid process, symptoms vary greatly, ranging from cervicofacial pain to cerebral ischemia. The syndrome generally follows tonsillectomy or trauma. Diagnosis is confirmed by radiological findings. Palpation of the styloid process in the tonsillar fossa and infiltration with anesthesia are also used in making the diagnosis. The treatment is primarily surgical; however, some conservative treatments have also been used. The current literature on Eagle's syndrome is reviewed, highlighting its often underestimated frequency and its clinical importance. Clin. Anat. 22:545–558, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Symmetric deformation of 3D face scans using facial features and curvatures
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Sik , Choi Soo‐Mi
Published: May 2009

Facial symmetry is one of the number of aesthetic traits associated with health, physical attractiveness and beauty of a person. In this paper, we present a novel method for enhancing the symmetry of a scanned 3D face automatically. To handle detailed areas of the face, we developed a new local 3D shape descriptor based on facial features and surface curvatures. Our shape descriptor can improve the accuracy when deforming a 3D face towards a symmetric configuration, because it provides accurate point pairing with respect to the plane of symmetry. It can also reduce the computational complexity by dividing the given face into partitioned slices and facial feature regions. In addition, we use point‐based representation over all stages of symmetrization without generating a consistent triangle mesh or texture parameterization, which makes it much easier to support discrete processes such as symmetric deformation and to be combined with more sophisticated manipulations later such as cutting of surfaces. Finally, we performed a statistical analysis to assess subjects' preference for the symmetrized faces by our approach. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile Synthesis of Enantiomerically Pure 2‐ and 2,3‐Disubstituted Furans Catalysed by Mixed Lewis Acids: An Easy Route to 3‐Iodofurans and 3‐(Hydroxymethyl)furans
Authors: Saquib Mohammad , Husain Irfan , Kumar Brijesh , Shaw Arun K.
Published: May 2009

Enantiopure furan synthesis: A synthesis, catalysed by mixed Lewis acids (ZrCl4/ZnI2), of enantiomerically pure 2‐ and 2,3‐disubstituted furan derivatives, including 3‐iodofuran and 3‐ (hydroxymethyl)furan derivatives, in good to very good yields from commercially available 3,4,6‐tri‐O‐acetyl‐D‐glucal is described. Key features of this method are the use of inexpensive reagents in catalytic amounts, mild reaction conditions and an easy workup procedure.

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Simple and efficient syntheses, catalysed by a mixed Lewis acid system (ZrCl4/ZnI2), of enantiomerically pure 2‐ and 2,3‐disubstituted furan derivatives—including important synthons such as 3‐iodofuran and 3‐(hydroxymethyl)furan derivatives—from commercially available 3,4,6‐tri‐O‐acetyl‐D‐glucal are described. The transformation is achieved through a synergistic interaction between ZrCl4 and ZnI2 in catalytic amounts.
Efficient Preparation of Separable Pseudo[n]rotaxanes by Selective Threading of Oligoalkylammonium Salts with Cucurbit[7]uril
Authors: Yin Jun , Chi Chunyan , Wu Jishan
Published: May 2009

A salty solution: Well‐defined pseudo[n]rotaxanes (n=2, 3, 4, 5) were prepared as pure compounds through threading of oligoalkylammonium salts with cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and by subsequent counterion exchange. A unique self‐assembling mode was observed (see graphic).

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We describe the efficient preparation of well‐defined, homogeneous pseudo[n]rotaxanes (n=2, 3, 4, 5) by the selective threading of oligoalkylammonium salts with cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and the subsequent simple separation of the pure pseudo[n]rotaxanes from the complicated system. A series of well‐defined oligoalkylammonium salts were prepared by stepwise synthesis and their molecular recognition and self‐assembly with a solution of CB[7] in CF3CO2D/D2O (1:1 v/v) were investigated. As a result of the high affinity of CB[7] to the p‐xylene diammonium units (‐NH2+CH2C6H4CH2NH2+‐) in the oligoalkylammonium salts, the CB[7] rings threaded onto these cationic threads to form pseudorotaxane structures. Interestingly, due to the repulsive dipole–dipole electrostatic interactions between the CB[7] units and steric hindrance, the threading process exhibited a high selectivity and a unique self‐assembling mode was discovered in which two CB[7] units cannot bind the same ammonium site. The as‐formed well‐defined pseudo[n]rotaxanes can be easily separated as pure compounds from the mixture by simple counterion exchange with NH4PF6 and the pure pseudo[n]rotaxanes are stable and partially soluble in normal organic solvents. Such facile preparation and separation are mainly ascribed to the high binding constant between CB[7] and the oligoalkylammonium salts and the unique solubility of CB[7] in protonic acid. As most pseudorotaxanes reported in the literature exist as a dynamic mixture and their separation is usually difficult, our research represents one good example in which pure pseudo[n]rotaxanes (n=2, 3, 4, 5) can be obtained by a simple “threading‐followed‐by‐precipitation” method.
Diels–Alder “Click” Chemistry in Designing Dendritic Macromolecules
Authors: Franc Grégory , Kakkar Ashok K.
Published: May 2009

Simple, versatile and green: Diels–Alder “click” chemistry is a simple, versatile and “greener” approach in the design of a diverse range of dendritic macromolecules (see scheme).

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In the current decade, design of dendritic macromolecules including dendrimers and polymers has reached a new era, mainly due to the remarkably successful and elegant synthetic routes that have been developed recently. This survey aims at demonstrating the potential of the Diels–Alder “click” chemistry, a very effective, simple and versatile synthetic tool in the formation of complex and functional nanometer‐sized assemblies. The role of retro Diels‐Alder reaction is also explored to highlight the increasing competitive potential of this strategy in the design of dendritic macromolecules of topical interest. The potential “green” nature of this methodology in constructing macromolecular assemblies is also evaluated.
Alternative splicing, phylogenetic analysis, and craniofacial expression of zebrafishtbx22
Authors: Jezewski P. A. , Fang P.‐K. , Payne‐Ferreira T. L. , Yelick P. C.
Published: May 2009

Mutations in human TBX22 cause X‐linked cleft palate with ankyloglossia syndrome (CPX; OMIM 303400). Since the secondary palate was an adaptation to breathing on land, we characterized zebrafishtbx22to study molecular mechanisms regulating early vertebrate craniofacial patterning. Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) analyses revealed two zebrafishtbx22splice isoforms,tbx22‐1andtbx22‐2, encoding proteins of 444 and 400 amino acids, respectively.tbx22‐1resembles canonical Tbx22 orthologs, whiletbx22‐2lacks conserved N‐terminal sequence. Developmental RT‐PCR revealed thattbx22‐1is maternally and zygotically expressed, whiletbx22‐2is expressed zygotically. WISH analyses revealed strongtbx22mRNA expression in ectomesenchyme underlying the stomodeum, a bilaminar epithelial structure demarcating early mouth formation, and in early presumptive jaw joints. Zebrafishtbx22expression mirrored some aspects of mammalian Tbx22, consistent with roles in early vertebrate face patterning. These studies identify an early transcription factor governing vertebrate facial development, which may underlie common craniofacial birth disorders. Developmental Dynamics 238:1605–1612, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental study on water spray suppression on burning upholstered chair in an enclosure with different application times
Authors: Xie Q. Y. , Zhang L. , Zhang H. P.
Published: May 2009

The objective of this work is to investigate the effects of the application time of water spray on the burning upholstered chair in an enclosure. A series of experiments are conducted with the same water flow rate in an ISO 9705 fire test room in which a water spray system is installed. Several identical upholstered chairs are used in the experiments with the application times 20, 25, 30, 40 and 45 s after the ignition of upholstered chair, respectively. The results show that there is nearly an exponential relationship between the peak heat release rates and the relative application times of water spray. It is also shown that there is a polynomial relationship between the relative time for the peak heat release rate and the relative application time of water spray. However, there is an exponential relationship between the whole relative extinguishing time and the relative application time of water spray. A sudden increase is detected before the decreasing of CO generation rates after the water spray is applied on the burning upholstered chair. The average temperatures of the upper hot smoke layer under the ceiling will generally be lower with the earlier application of water spray. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new catalytic method for ecofriendly synthesis of bis‐ and trisindolylmethanes by zirconyldodecylsulfate under mild conditions
Authors: Jafarpour Maasoumeh , Rezaeifard Abdolreza , Golshani Tayebeh
Published: May 2009

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Zirconyldodecylsulfate (ZrO(DS)2) as a versatile Lewis acid‐surfactant‐combined (LASC) catalyzed ecofriendly synthesis of bis‐ and tris(indolyl)methanes via electrophilic substitution of indoles with carbonyl compounds in high yields at mild conditions. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2009).
Navigator respiratory‐triggered diffusion‐weighted imaging in the follow‐up after hepatic radiofrequency ablation—initial results
Authors: Schraml Christina , Schwenzer Nina F. , Clasen Stephan , Rempp Hans‐Joerg , Martirosian Petros , Claussen Claus D. , Pereira Philippe L.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

To evaluate diffusion alterations after hepatic radiofrequency (RF) ablation using a navigator respiratory‐triggered diffusion‐weighted imaging (NRT‐DWI) sequence with regard to potential diagnostic information for detection of local tumor progression (LTP).

Materials and Methods

One hundred forty‐eight consecutive follow‐up magnetic resonance (MR) examinations of 54 patients after hepatic RF ablation were reviewed. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of ablation zones and liver parenchyma were assessed using a single‐shot echoplanar imaging sequence with the NRT technique. ADC values of ablation zones and adjacent signal alterations identified in NRT‐DWI were analyzed with regard to LTP.

Results

Mean ADC values of ablation zones (119.9 ± 30.5 × 10−5 mm2/sec) and liver (106.3 ± 21.2 × 10−5 mm2/sec) differed significantly (P = 0.0003). No evident changes in ablations' ADC values over time could be identified. ADC values obtained from the entire ablation zone did not significantly differ regarding the presence of LTP. In 58 examinations, hyperintense areas in the periphery of the ablation zone were detected on the NRT‐DWI. Corresponding ADC values were significantly lower in patients with LTP (102.1 ± 22.4 versus 130.8 ± 47.6 × 10−5 mm2/sec; P = 0.0124).

Conclusion

NRT‐DWI is useful in the follow‐up imaging after RF ablation. ADC‐based evaluation of signal alterations adjacent to the ablation zone may contribute to the identification of LTP and nontumoral posttreatment tissue changes. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of future climate change on terrestrial ecosystems in China
Authors: Wu Shaohong , Yin Yunhe , Zhao Dongsheng , Huang Mei , Shao Xuemei , Dai Erfu
Published: May 2009

The impact of future climate change on terrestrial ecosystem was projected by the atmospheric‐vegetation interaction model (AVIM2) over China at four warmer levels of 1, 2, 3 and 4 °C. Future climate data were projected by regional climate model from the Hadley Centre under Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) B2 scenario. The results show that, as projected temperature increases, the average net primary productivity (NPP) is likely to decrease in China as a whole. The Tibetan Plateau is the only ecoregion with increasing NPP as the climate becomes warmer. The terrestrial ecosystem NPP in China would be impacted as: 1 °C warmer, favourable or adverse impact on ecosystem would be equivalent with regional variation; 2 °C warmer, slight adverse impact would be significant; 3 °C warmer, moderate adverse impact would take priority and 4 °C warmer, moderate adverse impact regions would increase significantly. But overall, only a small part of the ecosystems are expected to be over moderately impacted. Areas impacted over moderately are likely to be enlarged in the same distributing pattern as temperature increases. The northwest arid region is expected to be the most vulnerable ecoregion. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Effect of garlic consumption on total antioxidant status and some biochemical and haematological parameters in blood of rats
Authors: Zamani Alireza , Ghiasvand Taibeh , Hadei Jafar , Babaahmadi‐Rezaei Hossein , Pishdadian Abbas
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: The effect of diet garlic supplementation on total antioxidant status (TAS), nitric oxide (NO) and routine biochemical and haematological parameters was investigated in blood of rats. A total of 30 male rats were divided equally into two groups. Each of 15 rats of treatment group was fed 600 mg kg−1 garlic solution in distilled water by gavage and controls only received distilled water. After garlic consumption for 1 month, blood serum total antioxidant, nitrate and some biochemical and haematological tests including serum lipids parameters, blood sugar, complete blood count (CBC), and haemoglobin were measured.

RESULTS: The garlic treatment group showed significantly increase in the mean level of TAS from 0.77 ± 0.10 mol L−1 to 1.18 ± 0.11 mol L−1 (P < 0.01) and nitrate (a NO metabolite) from 0.78 ± 0.06 µmol L−1 to 1.44 ± 0.27 µmol L−1 (P < 0.05) in the blood sera of rats compared with the controls. There were no significant differences between the routine biochemical and haematological parameters.

CONCLUSION: Garlic consumption should have antioxidant properties and may not affect the lipids profile and total blood cell counts. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Fate of Escherichia coli in apple and reduction of its growth using the postharvest biocontrol agent Candida sake CPA‐1
Authors: Abadias Maribel , Usall Josep , Alegre Isabel , Torres Rosario , Viñas Inmaculada
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Generally, acidic fruits and fruit juices are considered ‘safe’ from a microbiological point of view. However, some outbreaks of foodborne illnesses have been linked to the consumption of unpasteurised cider. The aim of this work was to study the survival of Escherichia coli in apple juice, wounds and flesh and on apple surfaces at different temperatures and to determine the effect of the fungal biocontrol agent Candida sake CPA‐1 against the colonisation of apple by E. coli.

RESULTS: Trials were conducted with a mixture of five strains of E. coli isolated from apples. E. coli was unable to grow in apple juice at 5, 15 and 25 °C but survived. At 10 °C and above, E. coli thrived in fresh‐cut apple and wounds. At 5 °C it survived in apple wounds after 27 days of storage and after 21 days in fresh‐cut apples. When E. coli was inoculated in apple wounds together with the yeast antagonist C. sake, its growth was reduced by approximately 1 log cfu wound−1 at 25 °C. At 5 °C no effect of the biocontrol agent was observed.

CONCLUSION: Despite the low pH of apple, a rapid increase in the bacterial population is possible if the temperature is not kept low enough. The biocontrol agent C. sake, developed to prevent fruit decay during storage, could also reduce E. coli growth in wounded apples at abusive temperatures. This would represent an additional benefit of using this biocontrol agent when applied to control postharvest diseases. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of salinity on the growth, yield and essential oils of turnip‐rooted and leaf parsley cultivated within the Mediterranean region
Authors: Petropoulos Spiridon A , Daferera Dimitra , Polissiou Moschos G , Passam Harold C
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Turnip‐rooted parsley, a field‐crop of northern Europe, has recently been introduced to the Mediterranean region for fresh consumption or production of essential oil. Because of soil salinity within this area, the sensitivity of turnip‐rooted and two other parsley subspecies (plain‐ and curly‐leafed) to salt was studied.

RESULTS: NaCl or CaCl2 additions to the irrigation water raised the electrical conductivity (EC) in increments from 0.5 dS m−1 to 4.5 dS m−1 (year 1) or 6.0 dS m−1 (year 2), reducing parsley foliage weight in year 2, but increasing the root weight of turnip‐rooted parsley in year 1. Raising the EC with NaCl increased the yield of foliar essential oil from curly‐leafed parsley (both years), but not from the other cultivars. CaCl2 had less effect on oil yield. The relative concentrations of the principal aroma constituents (β‐phellandrene, myristicin, β‐myrcene and apiole) of the foliar essential oil were affected by NaCl or CaCl2 in a way that differed between cultivars. Oil yield from parsley roots was very low and apparently unaffected by salinity.

CONCLUSION: All three parsley subspecies are moderately sensitive to salinity, but may be cultivated at <4.5 dS m−1 EC. Salinity may assist oil production by increasing oil yield (curly‐leafed parsley) and positively affecting certain aroma constituents. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Complications with forehead flaps in nasal reconstruction
Authors: Little Stewart C. , Hughley Brian B. , Park Stephen S.
Published: May 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To determine what characteristics and comorbidities are associated with a higher rate of complications in patients undergoing nasal reconstruction with a forehead flap.

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Methods:

Chart review was completed on all patients undergoing nasal reconstruction with forehead flap from 1995 to 2008. Three pre‐existing comorbidities were tracked: diabetes, smoking, and vascular disease. Major complications (flap necrosis, nasal obstruction, alar notching) and minor adverse outcomes (partial nasal obstruction, epidermolysis, and alar asymmetry) were recorded.

Results:

Two hundred five patients with a median age of 66 years had forehead flap reconstruction between October 1995 and July 2008. Sixty‐two patients (30.2%) had full‐thickness defects. Forty‐eight patients (23.4%) were smokers, 17 (8.3%) were diabetics, and 90 (43.9%) fell into our category of vascular disease. Thirty‐three (16.1%) developed a major complication at some point in their postoperative course, with 11 (5.4%) having some degree of flap necrosis, 10 (4.9%) nasal obstruction, and 20 (9.8%) alar notching. Full‐thickness defects were significantly associated with higher incidences of any major complication, and had higher odds of flap necrosis and alar notching. Smokers had higher odds of developing flap necrosis. Neither the presence of diabetes, increased age, nor vascular disease was significantly associated with higher rates of major complications.

Conclusions:

Smokers with full‐thickness defects are shown to be at greater odds for developing a postoperative complication. Laryngoscope, 2009
Ameliorative effects of an augmented acoustic environment on age‐related hearing loss in middle‐aged Fischer 344/NHsd rats
Authors: Tanaka Chiemi , Bielefeld Eric C. , Chen Guang‐Di , Li Manna , Henderson Donald
Published: May 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To investigate the effects of an augmented acoustic environment (AAE) on age‐related hearing loss (ARHL) and outer hair cell (OHC) pathology in middle‐aged Fischer 344/NHsd (F344/NHsd) rats.

Methods:

Eleven F344/NHsd rats were divided into two groups: 1) the AAE group (n = 5), which was exposed to 4–20 kHz broadband noise at 80 dB SPL for 12 h/d, 5 d/wk for 13 weeks starting from 16 months of age; and 2) the control group (n = 6), which did not receive the AAE during the same time span. Auditory brainstem response thresholds were obtained at different time points, and OHC pathology was examined after 13 weeks of AAE using propidium iodide and antiprestin antibody staining.

Results:

The AAE‐treated rats showed smaller mean threshold shifts (−1 to −3 dB) at 20–40 kHz than the control group (7.5–16.7 dB) at 13 weeks. No significant group differences were observed in the percentage of missing OHCs or abnormal OHC nuclei. However, examination of prestin in a pair of AAE and control rats revealed more uniform prestin staining intensity among OHCs in the AAE‐treated cochlea than in the control cochlea.

Conclusions:

Thirteen‐week AAE treatment in the middle‐aged F344/NHsd rats slowed progression of ARHL. The AAE did not show a significant effect on OHC degeneration, but it is speculated that the AAE may maintain the integrity of prestin to preserve OHC functionality. However, further study is warranted to understand the protective mechanism of AAE as an intervention against ARHL. Laryngoscope, 2009
Synthesis and characterization of photo‐crosslinkable poly(amic acid ester)s with 2‐hydroxy‐4‐oxo‐hept‐5‐enyl side chain
Authors: Choi Sung Mook , Ahn Taek , Kim Jin Soo , Yi Mihye
Published: May 2009

Photosensitive poly(amic acid ester)s (PAEs) with 2‐hydroxy‐4‐oxo‐hept‐5‐enyl side group were simply synthesized from a non‐photosensitive polyamic acid (PAA), which was prepared from cyclobutane‐1,2,3,4‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride (CBDA) and 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether (DDE) in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone (NMP). 1‐oxiranyl‐pent‐3‐en‐2‐one was added to the poly(amic acid) solution to give the photosensitive PAEs by a ring opening esterification of the poly(amic acid). The esterification reaction was conducted with changing a reaction time and amounts of 1‐oxiranyl‐pent‐3‐en‐2‐one. The degree of esterification (DOE) increased with increasing esterification reaction time and amounts of 1‐oxiranyl‐pent‐3‐en‐2‐one. A photo‐lithography evaluation for the PAE‐D4 with the highest DOE was conducted in the presence of 1‐[4‐(phenylthio)phenyl]‐2‐(O‐benzoyloxime)‐1,2‐octanedione (PPBO) as a photoinitiator at a wavelength of 365 nm using a high‐pressure mercury lamp. The normalized film thicknesses for PAE‐D3 were measured with various post‐exposure baking (PEB) temperatures, which showed that the optimum PEB temperature was 120°C. The resolution of the resulting polyimide film cured at 250°C for 60 min was 25 µm. The initial decomposition temperature of the polyimide film was around 354°C and there was no weight loss at the temperature of 250–350°C. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal urine and serum steroid measurements to identify steroid sulfatase deficiency (STSD) in second trimester pregnancies
Authors: Marcos Josep , Craig Wendy Y. , Palomaki Glenn E. , Kloza Edward M. , Haddow James E. , Roberson Marie , Bradley Linda A. , Shackleton Cedric H. L.
Published: May 2009

Objective

To document the performance of second trimester maternal urine and serum steroid measurements for detecting fetal steroid sulfatase deficiency (STSD).

Methods

We studied detection rate and false positive rate (DR, FPR) of analytes in maternal urine [combinations of 16α‐OH‐dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (16α‐OH‐DHEAS), 11β‐hydroxyandrosterone, total estriol] and serum [combinations of 16α‐OH‐DHEAS, 11β‐hydroxyandrosterone, total estriol, unconjugated estriol (uE3)]. Samples were obtained from pregnancies which were screen positive for Smith‐Lemli‐Opitz syndrome (SLOS).

Results

Among 1 079 301 pregnancies, 3083 (0.29%) were screen positive for SLOS. Urine and/or serum samples were available from 917 viable pregnancies with known gender. We assigned likelihood ratios (LRs) to steroid measurements from male fetuses with known STSD and unaffected female fetuses. An LR ≥ 100 was present in urine from 84 of 86 STSD pregnancies (98% DR, 95% CI 92–99), along with 0 of 198 pregnancies with normal female fetuses (0.0% FPR, CI 0–1.9). LRs were ≥ 100 in 4 of 129 female fetuses with major abnormalities (3% FPR). In maternal serum, steroid measurements performed less effectively, achieving a 71% DR for STSD at a 1.6% FPR.

Conclusion

Maternal urine steroid measurements are effective for detecting STSD, including those with point mutations and those with full deletions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fred H. Pollak († 19 June 2008)
Authors: Muñoz Martin , Huang Ying‐Sheng
Published: May 2009

Fred Hugo Pollak was born in Vienna, Austria and educated in the United States. After receiving his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Chicago in 1965, Fred became Associate Professor of Physics at Brown University (1966–1972) and then Professor of Physics and Director of the Maxwell Maybaum Institute of Material Science and Quantum Electronics at the Belfar Graduate School of Science at Yeshiva University (1972–1978). He joined the Department of Physics at Brooklyn College in 1978 and was appointed as a CUNY Distinguished Professor in 1988. Complementing his roles in the Physics Department of Brooklyn College and the Ph.D. Program in Physics at the Graduate Center of the CUNY, Professor Pollak also served as Deputy Director of the New York State Center for Advanced Technology in Ultrafast Photonic Materials and Applications at the CUNY and Associate Director and Head of the Materials Group, New York State Center for Advanced Technology in Telecommunication at Polytechnic University. Fred also participated in the Committee of Concerned Scientists and has been director and fellow of the Society of Photo‐Optical Instrumentation Engineers and fellow of the American Physical Society and a member of the Electrochemical Society. During his academic career, Professor Pollak was also president of Semiconductor Characterization Instruments, a company which was involved in the design and manufacturing of quality control instruments for the semiconductor industry.

Professor Pollak was one of the founders of the technique of modulation spectroscopy and a pioneer in the use of modulation spectroscopy to study semiconductor structures such as superlattices, quantum wells and heterojunctions. He was also among the first to apply Raman spectroscopy techniques in studying the effects of uniaxial stress on phonon frequencies, providing new insight into the nature of anharmonic forces in semiconducting materials and systems. He was a tireless pioneer in the application of spectroscopic techniques to characterize semiconductor systems, a highly valued collaborator in research, an inspiring teacher/mentor to numerous students, and a great friend to many (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Intercomparison of model simulations of mixed‐phase clouds observed during the ARM Mixed‐Phase Arctic Cloud Experiment. II: Multilayer cloud
Authors: Morrison Hugh , McCoy Renata B. , Klein Stephen A. , Xie Shaocheng , Luo Yali , Avramov Alexander , Chen Mingxuan , Cole Jason N. S. , Falk Michael , Foster Michael J. , Del Genio Anthony D. , Harrington Jerry Y. , Hoose Corinna , Khairoutdinov Marat F. , Larson Vincent E. , Liu Xiaohong , McFarquhar Greg M. , Poellot Michael R. , von Salzen Knut , Shipway Ben J. , Shupe Matthew D. , Sud Yogesh C. , Turner David D. , Veron Dana E. , Walker Gregory K. , Wang Zhien , Wolf Audrey B. , Xu Kuan‐Man , Yang Fanglin , Zhang Gong
Published: May 2009

Results are presented from an intercomparison of single‐column and cloud‐resolving model simulations of a deep, multilayered, mixed‐phase cloud system observed during the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Mixed‐Phase Arctic Cloud Experiment. This cloud system was associated with strong surface turbulent sensible and latent heat fluxes as cold air flowed over the open Arctic Ocean, combined with a low pressure system that supplied moisture at mid‐levels. The simulations, performed by 13 single‐column and 4 cloud‐resolving models, generally overestimate liquid water path and strongly underestimate ice water path, although there is a large spread among models. This finding is in contrast with results for the single‐layer, low‐level mixed‐phase stratocumulus case in Part I, as well as previous studies of shallow mixed‐phase Arctic clouds, that showed an underprediction of liquid water path. These results suggest important differences in the ability of models to simulate deeper Arctic mixed‐phase clouds versus the shallow, single‐layered mixed‐phase clouds in Part I. The observed liquid‐ice mass ratios were much smaller than in Part I, despite the similarity of cloud temperatures. Thus, models employing microphysics schemes with temperature‐based partitioning of cloud liquid and ice masses are not able to produce results consistent with observations for both cases. Models with more sophisticated, two‐moment treatment of cloud microphysics produce a somewhat smaller liquid water path closer to observations. Cloud‐resolving models tend to produce a larger cloud fraction than single‐column models. The liquid water path and cloud fraction have a large impact on the cloud radiative forcing at the surface, which is dominated by long‐wave flux. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Transcriptional networks that regulate muscle stem cell function
Authors: Punch Vincent G. , Jones Andrew E. , Rudnicki Michael A.
Published: May 2009

Muscle stem cells comprise different populations of stem and progenitor cells found in embryonic and adult tissues. A number of signaling and transcriptional networks are responsible for specification and survival of these cell populations and regulation of their behavior during growth and regeneration. Muscle progenitor cells are mostly derived from the somites of developing embryos, while satellite cells are the progenitor cells responsible for the majority of postnatal growth and adult muscle regeneration. In resting muscle, these stem cells are quiescent, but reenter the cell cycle during their activation, whereby they undergo decisions to self‐renew, proliferate, or differentiate and fuse into multinucleated myofibers to repair damaged muscle. Regulation of muscle stem cell activity is under the precise control of a number of extrinsic signaling pathways and active transcriptional networks that dictate their behavior, fate, and regenerative potential. Here, we review the networks responsible for these different aspects of muscle stem cell biology and discuss prevalent parallels between mechanisms regulating the activity of embryonic muscle progenitor cells and adult satellite cells. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Developmental Biology > Stem Cell Biology and Regeneration
Mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and roles in regenerative medicine
Authors: Hwang Nathaniel S. , Zhang Chao , Hwang Yong‐Sung , Varghese Shyni
Published: May 2009

Adult stem cells with multi or unipotent differentiation potential are present in almost all tissues of adult organisms. The main function of these stem cells is to support normal repair and rejuvenation of diseased and aging tissues. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from the bone marrow have the potential to differentiate into multiple connective tissues. Advancements in understanding tissue specific differentiation of MSCs in conjunction with global genomic and proteomic profiling of MSCs have not only provided insights into their biology but also made MSC based clinical trials a reality for treating various debilitating diseases and genetic disorders. The emerging evidence that MSCs are immunosuppressive makes them an even more attractive candidate for regenerative medicine as rejections of transplants by the recipient could be a limiting step for moving the stem cells based therapies from “bedside to bed side.” To a large extent the therapeutic potential of MSCs is attributed to their differentiation ability. The fate and commitment of MSCs are regulated by various instructive signals from their immediate vicinity or microenvironment, which comprises many biological molecules (soluble and insoluble) and biomechanical forces. These biochemical and biophysical factors play a pivotal role in determining the efficacy of MSC differentiation and their contribution to the repair process. In this review, we discuss the characteristics of MSCs, their differentiation potential toward different skeletal tissues (cartilage and bone), and their emerging role in regenerative medicine. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Developmental Biology > Stem Cell Biology and Regeneration
NF‐κB signaling
Authors: O'Dea Ellen , Hoffmann Alexander
Published: May 2009

The NF‐κB transcription factor is a critical regulator of the immune system, and is responsive to a large number of stimuli. Different stimuli engage signaling pathways to activate NF‐κB, and effect distinct cellular responses. Mathematical modeling of the NF‐κB network has been useful in studying the dynamic and cross‐talk regulation of NF‐κB. In this review, we discuss the regulation of NF‐κB activity in response to different types of stimuli, including inflammatory signals, developmental cues, metabolic stress, and DNA damage. The distinct molecular mechanisms engaged in each pathway for activating and terminating NF‐κB activity are discussed. In addition, we summarize the evidence for cross‐talk mechanisms that allow for different stimuli to be integrated within the NF‐κB signaling module to produce synergistic or qualitatively different signaling outcomes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling
Halides of Titanium in Lower Oxidation States
Authors: Meyer Gerd , Gloger Thomas , Beekhuizen Jan
Published: May 2009

New investigations on the di‐ and trihalides of titanium, TiX2 and TiX3 (X = Cl, Br, I), with their 3d2 and 3d1 electronic configurations, confirm the early observations and conclusions of Klemm. At sufficiently low temperatures, Ti–Ti single bonds are formed in the one‐dimensional trihalides, i.e., Ti–Ti dimers are observed. Equally, in the two‐dimensional dihalides, {Ti3} triangles occur with three single bonds. Phase transitions were detected from single‐crystal or powder X‐ray diffraction data, from magnetic measurements and thermal analysis. Except for the binary halides a number of ternary halides ATiX3 (extended chains of facesharing octahedra), K4Ti3Br12 (triples of face‐sharing octahedra), Na2Ti3Cl8 (triangular trimers), A3Ti2X9 (dimers of face‐sharing octahedra), and A3TiX6 (isolated octahedra) as well as the mixed‐valent halides CsTi2I7 (tetrahedra and octahedra) and Na5Ti3Cl12 (chains of octahedra) have been observed. Except for the triangles in titanium(II) halides, cluster compounds are rare but include K4[{OTi4}I12] and {CTi6}Cl14.
Risk Factors for Abdominal Wound Dehiscence in Children: A Case‐Control Study
Authors: van Ramshorst Gabriëlle H. , Salu Nathalie E. , Bax Nikolaas M. A. , Hop Wim C. J. , van Heurn Ernst , Aronson Daniel C. , Lange Johan F.
Published: May 2009

Background

In the limited literature concerning abdominal wound dehiscence after laparotomy in children, reported incidences range between 0.2–1.2% with associated mortality rates of 8–45%. The goal of this retrospective case‐control study was to identify major risk factors for abdominal wound dehiscence in the pediatric population.

Methods

Patients younger than aged 18 years who developed abdominal wound dehiscence in three pediatric surgical centers during the period 1985–2005 were identified. For each patient with abdominal wound dehiscence, four controls were selected by systematic random sampling. Patients with (a history of) open abdomen treatment or abdominal wound dehiscence were excluded as control subjects. Putative relevant patient‐related, operation‐related, and postoperative variables for both cases and control subjects were evaluated in univariate analyses and subsequently entered in multivariate stepwise logistic regression models to identify major independent predictors of abdominal wound dehiscence.

Results

A total number of 63 patients with abdominal wound dehiscence and 252 control subjects were analyzed. Mean presentation of abdominal wound dehiscence was at postoperative day 5 (range, 1–15) and overall mortality was 11%. Hospital stay was significantly longer (p < 0.001) in the case group (median, 42 vs. 10 days). Major independent risk factors for abdominal wound dehiscence were younger than aged 1 year, wound infection, median incision, and emergency surgery. Incisional hernia was reported in 12% of the patients with abdominal wound dehiscence versus 3% in the control group (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Abdominal wound dehiscence is a serious complication with high morbidity and mortality. Median incisions should be avoided whenever possible.
Negative screening tests in classical galactosaemia caused by S135L homozygosity
Authors: Crushell E. , Chukwu J. , Mayne P. , Blatny J. , Treacy E. P.
Published: May 2009

Classical galactosaemia is relatively common in Ireland due to a high carrier rate of the Q188R GALT mutation. It is screened for using a bacterial inhibition assay (BIA) for free galactose. A Beutler assay on day one of life is performed only in high risk cases (infants of the Traveller community and relatives of known cases). A 16‐month‐old Irish‐born boy of Nigerian origin was referred for investigation of developmental delay, and failure to thrive. He had oral aversion to solids and his diet consisted of cow's milk and milk‐based cereal mixes. He was found to have microcephaly, weight <2nd percentile, hepatomegaly and bilateral cataracts. Coagulation screen was normal and transaminases were slightly elevated. His original newborn screen was reviewed and confirmed to have been negative; urinary reducing substances on three separate occasions were negative. Beutler assay demonstrated “absent” red cell galactose‐1‐phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) activity. GALT enzyme activity was <0.5 gsubs/h per gHb confirming classical galactosaemia. Gal‐1‐P was elevated at 1.88 μmol/gHb. Mutation analysis of the GALT gene revealed S135L homozygosity. S135L/S135L galactosaemia is associated with absent red cell GALT activity but with approximately 10% activity in other tissues such as the liver and intestines, probably explaining the negative screening tests and the somewhat milder phenotype associated with this genotype. The patient was commenced on galactose‐restricted diet; on follow‐up at 2 years of age, growth had normalized but there was global developmental delay. In conclusion, galactosaemia must be considered in children who present with poor growth, hepatomegaly, developmental delay and cataracts and GALT enzyme analysis should be a first line test in such cases. Non‐enzymatic screening methods such as urinary reducing substances and BIA for free galactose are not reliable in S135L homozygous galactosaemia.
Facile Preparation of Crosslinked Polymeric Nanocapsules via Combination of Surface-Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization and Ultraviolet Irradiated Crosslinking Techniques
Authors: Mu Bin , Shen Ruoping , Liu Peng
Published: May 2009

A facile approach for the preparation of crosslinked polymeric nanocapsules was developed by the combination of the surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization and ultraviolet irradiation crosslinking techniques. The well-defined polystyrene grafted silica nanoparticles were prepared via the SI-ATRP of styrene from functionalized silica nanoparticles. Then the grafted polystyrene chains were crosslinked with ultraviolet irradiation. The cross-linked polystyrene nanocapsules with diameter of 20–50 nm were achieved after the etching of the silica nanoparticle templates with hydrofluoric acid. The strategy developed was confirmed with Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscopy.
Evolution of Wurtzite Structured GaAs Shells Around InAs Nanowire Cores
Authors: Paladugu M , Zou J , Guo YN , Zhang X , Joyce HJ , Gao Q , Tan HH , Jagadish C , Kim Y
Published: May 2009

GaAs was radially deposited on InAs nanowires by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition and resultant nanowire heterostructures were characterized by detailed electron microscopy investigations. The GaAs shells have been grown in wurtzite structure, epitaxially on the wurtzite structured InAs nanowire cores. The fundamental reason of structural evolution in terms of material nucleation and interfacial structure is given.
Cellular and molecular studies of the initial process of the photodynamic therapy in HEp‐2 cells using LED light source and two different photosensitizers
Authors: Machado Aline Helena Araujo , Soares Pacheco Cristina , Da Silva Newton Soares , Moraes Karen C.M.
Published: May 2009

Photodynamic therapy is an attractive therapeutic procedure for a variety of neoplastic and non‐neoplastic disorders that involve a tumor localizing photosensitizer that induces cytotoxicity when activated by a particular wavelength of light. Considering the acceptability of the phthalocyanine photosensitizers, we began to address initial cellular and molecular aspects involved in the therapy that leads to apoptosis or necrosis. After HEp‐2 cells had been incubated for 1 h with aluminium tetrasulfonate chloride (AlPcS4) or zinc phthalocyanines (ZnPc) at 10 μM, they were irradiated with an LED prototype (640 nm, 70 mW, 4.5 J/cm2) and subsequently analyzed at 0 and 3 h after the irradiation through MTT, fluorescence microscopy, Annexin V–PI staining and gene transcription analysis. Based on the results we can address that the two photosensitizers led to 2 different death pathways; for AlPcS4, the results suggest an initial process of intrinsic death pathway; and for ZnPc, a prostanoid‐mediated activation of death machinery is suggested.
Risk factors of suicide in inpatients and recently discharged patients with affective disorders. A case-control study
Authors: Høyer E.H. , Licht R.W. , Mortensen P.B.
Published: May 2009

Objective

Patients with affective disorders are at high risk of suicide, especially during inpatient treatment and during the first year after discharge.

Methods

A blinded case-control design was used. The study included a total national sample of patients with affective disorder admitted during the period from January 1, 1994 to December 31, 1995, who died because of suicide, either during admission or shortly after discharge.

Results

A history of suicide attempt was a significant risk factor (IRR 4.9; 95% CI 2.1–11.6). Loss of job during the year prior to the index admission was associated with an increase in suicide risk (IRR: 2.9; 95% CI 1.2–7.5). Clinical improvement during the index admission (IRR: 0.3; 95% CI 0.1–0.7), and treatment with antidepressant drugs at the censoring date (IRR: 0.3; 95% CI 0.1–0.7) were associated with a decrease in suicide risk.

Conclusion

Improved treatment may be a key factor in suicide prevention in patients during, and shortly after hospitalisation with affective disorders. Also, there is a need to be especially aware of suicide risk in patients with little or no improvement at discharge.
The impact of PEPC phosphorylation on growth and development of Arabidopsis thaliana: Molecular and physiological characterization of PEPC kinase mutants
Authors: Meimoun Patrice , Gousset-Dupont Aurélie , Lebouteiller Bénédicte , Ambard-Bretteville Françoise , Besin Evelyne , Lelarge Caroline , Mauve Caroline , Hodges Michael , Vidal Jean
Published: May 2009

Two phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) kinase genes (PPCk1 and PPCk2) are present in the Arabidopsis genome; only PPCk1 is expressed in rosette leaves. Homozygous lines of two independent PPCk1 T‐DNA‐insertional mutants showed very little (dln1), or no (csi8) light‐induced PEPC phosphorylation and a clear retard in growth under our greenhouse conditions. A mass‐spectrometry‐based analysis revealed significant changes in metabolite profiles. However, the anaplerotic pathway initiated by PEPC was only moderately altered. These data establish the PPCk1 gene product as responsible for leaf PEPC phosphorylation in planta and show that the absence of PEPC phosphorylation has pleiotropic consequences on plant metabolism.