Synthesis and reactivity of bis(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) yttrium metallocenes including the reduction of Me(3)SiN(3) to [(Me(3)Si)(2)N](-) with [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Y(THF)](2)(mu-eta(2):eta(2)-N(2)).

The metallocene precursors needed to provide the tetramethylcyclopentadienyl yttrium complexes (C(5)Me(4)H)(3)Y, [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Y(THF)](2)(mu-eta(2):eta(2)-N(2)), and [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Y(mu-H)](2) for reactivity studies have been synthesized and fully characterized, and their reaction chemistry has led to an unexpected conversion of an azide to an amide. (C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Y(mu-Cl)(2)K(THF)(x), 1, synthesized from YCl(3) and KC(5)Me(4)H reacts with allylmagnesium chloride to make (C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Y(eta(3)-C(3)H(5)), 2, which is converted to [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Y][(mu-Ph)(2)BPh(2)], 3, with [Et(3)NH][BPh(4)]. Complex 3 reacts with KC(5)Me(4)H to form (C(5)Me(4)H)(3)Y, 4.

Expression and modulation of connexin 30.2, a novel gap junction protein in the mouse retina.

Mammalian retinae express multiple connexins that mediate the metabolic and electrical coupling of various cell types. In retinal neurons, only connexin 36, connexin 45, connexin 50, and connexin 57 have been described so far. Here, we present an analysis of a novel retinal connexin, connexin 30.

Aesthetic breast augmentation and thoracic deformities.

To ensure the best results from aesthetic breast augmentation, preoperative evaluation and adequate patient information are essential. However, assessment of the underlying thoracic shape often is neglected. Patients with obvious deformities are aware of the problematic reconstruction, whereas patients with mild or moderate deformities often are not aware of their condition and fail to see that standard breast augmentation will lead to unsatisfying results.

Elimination of a cis-proline-containing loop and turn optimization stabilizes a protein and accelerates its folding.

In the N2 domain of the gene-3-protein of phage fd, two consecutive beta-strands are connected by a mobile loop of seven residues (157-163). The stability of this loop is low, and the Asp160-Pro161 bond at its tip shows conformational heterogeneity with 90% being in the cis and 10% in the trans form. The refolding kinetics of N2 are complex because the molecules with cis or trans isomers at Pro161 both fold to native-like conformations, albeit with different rates.

Assessment of correlation between knee notch width index and the three-dimensional notch volume.

This study was done to determine whether there is a correlation between the notch volume and the notch width index (NWI) as measured on the three most frequently used radiographic views: the Holmblad 45 degrees, Holmblad 70 degrees, and Rosenberg view. The notch volume of 20 cadaveric knees was measured using Computed Tomography (CT). The Holmblad 45 degrees, Holmblad 70 degrees, and Rosenberg notch view radiographs were digitally re-created from the CT scans for each specimen, and the NWI was measured by two observers.

Whole-genome linkage scan for epilepsy-related photosensitivity: a mega-analysis.

Photoparoxysmal response (PPR) is considered to be a risk factor for idiopathic generalised epilepsy (IGE) and it has a strong genetic basis. Two genome-wide linkage studies have been published before and they identified loci for PPR at 6p21, 7q32, 13q13, 13q31 and 16p13. Here we combine these studies, augmented with additional families, in a mega-analysis of 100 families.

Calcium signaling of thyrocytes is modulated by TSH through calcium binding protein expression.

TSH is an important stimulus to maintain thyroid epithelial differentiation. Impairment of TSH signal transduction can cause thyroid pathologies such as hot nodules, goiter and hyperthyroidism. In a gene expression study in Fischer rat thyroid cells (FRTL-5) using cDNA microarrays we found a TSH-dependent regulation of several calcium binding proteins, S100A4, S100A6 and annexin A6.

Effect of functionalised fluorescence-labelled nanoparticles on mesenchymal stem cell differentiation.

The combined use of nanoparticles and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in regenerative medicine requires the incorporation of the particles and, at the same time, undisturbed cell viability and maintenance of the multi-lineage potential of MSC. The aim of this study was to investigate the uptake of novel phosphonate-functionalised polystyrene nanoparticles prepared by miniemulsion polymerisation. After exposition of human MSC to the particles, their uptake and localisation were analysed by flow cytometry, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

BAC-based upgrading and physical integration of a genetic SNP map in Atlantic salmon.

A better understanding of the genotype-phenotype correlation of Atlantic salmon is of key importance for a whole range of production, life history and conservation biology issues attached to this species. High-density linkage maps integrated with physical maps and covering the complete genome are needed to identify economically important genes and to study the genome architecture. Linkage maps of moderate density and a physical bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) fingerprint map for the Atlantic salmon have already been generated.

Preparation and synthetic application of partially protected brassinosteroids.

Preparation of partially protected brassinosteroids is achieved through the reaction of the source material (24-epicastasterone and 24-epibrassinolide) with diol-specific reagents (2,2-dimethoxypropane and methylboronic acid). The obtained products were shown to be useful synthetic intermediates for further preparation of minor representatives of this class of natural phytohormones (such as 3,24-diepicastasterone and 3-dehydro-24-epibrassinolide).

Radiologic evaluation of the insertion sites of the 2 functional bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament using 3-dimensional computed tomography.

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a double-bundle technique requires exact tunnel positioning. Reference values for the anatomic insertions are necessary for radiographic intra- and postoperative control and fluoroscopy-based navigation.

Hypothesis: The femoral and tibial insertions of the anteromedial bundle (AMB) and posterolateral bundle (PLB) of the anterior cruciate ligament can be described using standardized computed tomography scans.

Increased percentage of microvessels but decreased density of large vessels in papillary carcinomas as compared to hot and cold thyroid nodules.

Objective: For thyroid tumors increased as well as decreased vessel densities have been reported. Because of different morphometric methods and specificities of previously used antibodies for small and large vessels our objective was to investigate and compare the density of large vessels and microvessels by different morphometric methods and antibodies in hot nodules(HN), cold nodules (CN), papillary carcinoma (PC) and Graves' disease (GD) to try to clarify some of these discrepancies.

Design: Tissue sections from 29 HN, 22 CN, 19 PC and 8 GD thyroids were stained with the antibodies for CD34 and alpha-SMA.

Radiological evaluation of the anterolateral and posteromedial bundle insertion sites of the posterior cruciate ligament.

The optimal technique of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction is still controversial. Besides different parameters as surgical technique and graft choice, the exact anatomic placement of the graft is essential for successful reconstruction of the PCL. For intraoperative control and postoperative radiological evaluation of the anatomical placement of the anterolatelateral (ALB) and posteromedial bundle (PMB) of the PCL, the radiological localization of both functional bundles of the PCL has yet to be determined.

Investigating metal size effects in the Ln2(mu-eta2:eta2-N2) reduction system: reductive reactivity with complexes of the largest and smallest trivalent lanthanide ions, La3+ and Lu3+.

Metal size effects in reductive chemistry using [(C(5)Me(4)H)(2)Ln(THF)](2)(mu-eta(2):eta(2)-N(2)) complexes have been evaluated using the extremes in ionic radii of the lanthanide series, Ln = La, 1, and Lu, 2. Comparisons have been made using 1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene, phenazine, carbon dioxide, and anthracene as substrates. Complexes 1 and 2 react similarly with 1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene to form (C(5)Me(4)H)(3)Ln and (C(5)Me(4)H)Ln(C(8)H(8))(THF)(x) (Ln = La, x = 2, or Lu, x = 0) in a reaction analogous to the reduction of this substrate with divalent (C(5)Me(5))(2)Sm.

Host strain specific sex pheromone variation in Spodoptera frugiperda.

Background: The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera; Noctuidae) consists of two distinct strains with different host plant preferences for corn and rice. To assess whether pheromonal-mediated behavioral isolation accompanies the habitat isolation on different host plants, we compared the sex pheromone composition among females of the two strains. Pheromone glands were extracted with or without injection of pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN).

Photo screening around the world: Lions Club International Foundation experience.

Purpose: To describe the use of photoscreening for preschool vision screening in several diverse locations throughout the world.

Methods: The MTI photo screener was used to screen pre-verbal children; photographs were interpreted using standard criteria.

Results: The Tennessee vision screening program remains successful, screening over 200,000 children during the past 8 years.

One-step generation of double-allele gene replacement mutants in Leishmania donovani.

Due to the apparent lack of sexual recombination in Leishmania spp., gene replacement strategies in this diploid organism necessitate the subsequent targeting of two gene alleles by using two constructs, bearing different antibiotic resistance markers. This approach is time consuming and often gives rise to spontaneous amplification of the targeted gene, nullifying efforts to create functional null mutants.

Sporting activity after high tibial osteotomy for the treatment of medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.

Background: Isolated varus osteoarthritis of the knee is a common problem in patients engaged in sports and recreational activities.

Hypothesis: Patients will be able to resume sporting activity after high tibial osteotomy.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Limits on improving the positive predictive value of the Welch Allyn SureSight for preschool vision screening.

Purpose: To describe our experience using the Welch Allyn SureSight (Welch Allyn, Inc., Skaneateles Falls, NY) when vision screening a large population of preschool children. Additionally, we explore the usefulness of altering referral criteria to create high specificity for remote field screening in instances in which over-referral is costly.

Structural analysis of the interactions between paxillin LD motifs and alpha-parvin.

The adaptor protein paxillin contains five conserved leucine-rich (LD) motifs that interact with a variety of focal adhesion proteins, such as alpha-parvin. Here, we report the first crystal structure of the C-terminal calponin homology domain (CH(C)) of alpha-parvin at 1.05 A resolution and show that it is able to bind all the LD motifs, with some selectivity for LD1, LD2, and LD4.

[Spermatic cord block and periscrotal block according to Reclus. Alternative procedure for critically ill patients].

The difficulty of anesthetic management of the critically ill, especially cardiovascular risk patients is discussed. The usually applied practice of general anesthesia or neuroaxial blockades for bilateral orchiectomy has a considerable cardiovascular risk profile. This case report presents an alternative procedure with an ilioinguinal nerve blockade completed by periscrotal infiltration.