Synthesis and characterization of volatile liquid cobalt amidinates.

Three new volatile cobalt amidinate compounds were prepared: Co(tBuNC(R)NEt)2, R=Me, Et and n-Bu. They were characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR, X-ray structure analysis, melting point, vapor pressure, vaporization rate, thermal stability and chemical reactivity. They were found to evaporate cleanly without decomposition. Two of them are liquids at room temperature, allowing for more convenient preparation, handling and purification by distillation. They are highly reactive compounds that have been found to be suitable precursors for vapor deposition of cobalt metal, cobalt nitride and cobalt oxide. A new synthetic method allows for the facile and inexpensive preparation of large quantities of these compounds.

Patterning micron-sized features in a cross-linked poly(acrylic acid) film by a wet etching process.

This paper describes a photolithographic method to create sub-micron-scale patterns of cation-cross-linked poly(acrylic acid) (CCL-PAA). PAA can be cross-linked with a wide range of metal cations-including, but not limited to, Ag, Ca, Pd, Al, La, and Ti. Upon patterning a positive photoresist (diazonaphthoquinone-novolac resin) on a film of CCL-PAA, the exposed regions of CCL-PAA were etched by either an aqueous NaOH or EDTA solution. The initial cross-linking cation could be exchanged for a second cation that could not be patterned photolithographically. We used these patterned films of CCL-PAA i) to host and template the reduction of metallic cations to metallic nanoparticles, and ii) to fabricate porous, low- dielectric substrates.

Autosomal dominant inheritance of spondyloenchondrodysplasia.

Spondyloenchondrodysplasia comprises generalized enchondromatosis with platyspondyly and is thought to be inherited as an autosomal recessive condition. A mother and son are reported with typical features of spondyloenchondrodysplasia. Their similar radiographic and MRI findings are presented. The radiologic appearance of the spine changed over time, illustrating the evolving phenotype of this condition. Transmission from mother to son suggests that dominant pattern of inheritance is possible. A classification of the enchondromatoses is discussed.

Diploid/tetraploid/t(1;6) mosaicism in a 17-year-old female with hypomelanosis of Ito, multiple congenital anomalies, and body asymmetry.

Many types of chromosome mosaicism have been identified in cases of hypomelanosis of Ito, often in association with chromosome instability; however, there have been very few cases with diploid-tetraploid mosaicism described in the literature. We present a patient with a tetraploid mosaicism: a 17-year-old girl who has hypomelanosis of Ito in association with diploid/tetraploid/t(1;6) mosaicism. She had multiple congenital anomalies of omphalocele, exstrophy of bladder, duodenal web, and imperforate anus. These features have not been described previously in diploid-tetraploid mosaicism.

A second patient with MCA/MR syndrome with multiple circumferential skin creases.

Symmetrical congenital circumferential skin creases are a rare feature described in only a few conditions. We report a case of a 29-month-old boy with symmetrical circumferential skin creases on arms, legs, and digits, and other features reminiscent of the single case reported by Cohen et al. [1993: Clin Dysmorphol 2:39-46] and reviewed by Elliott et al. [1996: Am J Med Genet 62:23-25]. The key features also include epicanthic folds, microphthalmia, microcornea, microcephaly, small, low-set posteriorly angulated ears with thick overfolded helices, cleft palate, and moderate-severe psychomotor developmental delay.

Medical genetics and patient use of the Internet.

Clinical experience suggests that the Internet is increasingly becoming a resource for patients seen in medical genetics. A prospective analysis was performed exploring patient use of the Internet prior to attending a medical genetics appointment. We administered 200 questionnaires assessing: 1) the frequency of patient use of the Internet for genetic information, 2) factors associated with Internet use, 3) patient assessment of the value of the information, and 4) patient views of the responsibility of medical genetics professionals to be familiar with Internet information. Results show that 77% (153/200) of patients have access to the Internet of which 29% (44/153) report searching the Internet for genetic information. A correlation was found between patient use of the Internet and reason for referral (p<0.001), presence of a specific diagnosis (p<0.001), and frequency of Internet use (p<0.05). Overall, 80% (33/41) of patients found Internet information useful. Seventy-four percent (115/155) believed that medical genetics professionals have a responsibility to review relevant Internet sites for accuracy and 80% (123/153) felt that professionals should provide their patients with appropriate and useful Internet sites. These results suggest that the role of medical genetics professionals is changing as a result of the development of the Internet.

Prenatal diagnosis of holoprosencephaly (HPE) in a fetus with a recombinant (18)dup(18q)inv(18)(p11.31q11.2)mat.

Alobar holoprosencephaly (HPE) was identified by ultrasonography at 18 weeks' gestation in a fetus of a 29-year-old G2P0A1 woman. HPE has been described in association with various chromosomal anomalies. Amniocentesis was performed and a rearrangement of chromosome 18 resembling an isochromosome for the long arm of chromosome 18 was found. Subsequently, the mother was found to have a pericentric inversion of chromosome 18 with breakpoints at p11.31 and q11.2. The karyotype of the fetus was re-interpreted as 46,XX, rec(18)dup(18q)inv(18)(p11.31q11.2)mat. This is the first case of a parental inversion leading to a deficiency of 18p11.31 to 18pter associated with HPE.

Behavior of free-ranging and captive American kestrels under electromagnetic fields.

Wild birds, particularly raptors, commonly use electrical transmission structures for nesting, perching, hunting, and roosting. Consequently, birds are exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). The amount of time that wild reproducing American kestrels (Falco sparverius) were exposed to EMFs was determined, and the effects of EMFs on the behavior of captive reproducing kestrels were examined. Wild kestrels were exposed to EMFs for 25% to 75% of the observed time. On a 24-h basis, estimated EMF exposure of wild kestrels ranged from 71% during courtship, to 90% during incubation, similar to that experienced by captive kestrels (88% of a 24-h period). Additionally, captive kestrels were exposed to EMF levels experienced by wild kestrels nesting under 735-kV power lines. Captive EMF females were more active, more alert, and perched on the pen roof more frequently than control females during courtship. EMF females preened and rested less often during brood rearing. EMF male kestrels were more active than control males during courtship, and more alert during incubation. Increased activity of kestrels during courtship may be linked to changes in corticosterone, but likely not melatonin. Observed behavioral changes were unlikely to directly result in the better growth of nestlings and fledging success, or poorer hatching success, of the EMF group, as previously reported. Behavioral changes of captive EMF kestrels may be observed in wild kestrels.

Polytopic anomalies with agenesis of the lower vertebral column.

We describe clinical, pathological and radiological findings in 15 cases of sporadic and familial lower spine agenesis with additional anomalies of the axial skeleton and internal organs and speculate about the cause and pathogenesis of this malformation complex. We show that all of these findings are defects of blastogenesis, originate in the primary developmental field and/or the progenitor fields, thus representing polytopic field defects. This concept appears applicable in our cases and makes such terms such as "caudal regression syndrome" or "axial mesodermal dysplasia spectrum" redundant.

Terminal deletion of chromosome 10q at band 26.1: follow-up in an adolescent male with high-output renal failure from congenital obstructive uropathy.

We report on the clinical findings in an adolescent male with a de novo terminal deletion of chromosome 10 del(10)(q26.1). This young man is one of the oldest known patients reported with this condition. His condition is compared with that of 11 reported cases of de novo terminal deletion of 10q at band 26. Individuals with chromosome 10q26 deletion have some findings and medical complications in common. Our patient has chronic renal failure due to urinary tract obstruction from posterior urethral valves. Similar anomalies have been reported in cases of 10q26 deletion, suggesting a careful renal/urinary tract evaluation should be completed in individuals with this condition.

High prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss among survivors of neonatal congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Western Canadian ECMO Follow-up Group.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in 2-5-year-old survivors with neonatal respiratory failure due to congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) with or without the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). STUDY DESIGN: The study design was a prospective, multicenter, longitudinal outcome study of consecutively surviving neonates admitted to a single tertiary intensive care unit. SETTING: The study was conducted at four audiologic departments affiliated with tertiary-level intensive care follow-up programs. PATIENTS: Thirty-seven surviving children receiving neonatal intensive care from February 1989 through January 1995 for neonatal respiratory failure due to CDH were studied. Excluded were 15 children with early death and I child lost to follow-up. INTERVENTION: The initial treatment depended on the severity of neonatal respiratory failure: ECMO-treated (n=31, 20 survivors) (death before ECMO initiation, 2) and non-ECMO treated (n=20, 17 survivors, another survivor lost to follow-up). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Early childhood audiologic test results were measured. RESULTS: Sensorineural hearing loss was found in almost 60% of subjects: ECMO-treated, 12 (60%) of 20; non-ECMO-treated, 10 (59%) of 17. Of the 22 children with SNHL, 16 had mild- to-moderate low-frequency sloping to moderate-to-severe high-frequency loss. Of the remaining, six had severe-to-profound loss at 500 Hz and above. Seventeen children had normal responses to sound as newborns or in infancy. Five children were not tested. Documented progression was found in nine children. Twenty children currently are using amplification, and 2 have had cochlear implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Of children with CDH in this area presenting early with severe neonatal respiratory failure, SNHL developed in 60% by 2-5 years of life. Ongoing monitoring of the hearing status of children with CDH is imperative.

Two pairs of male monozygotic twins discordant for Wiedemann-Beckwith syndrome.

Wiedemann-Beckwith syndrome (WBS) is a congenital anomaly syndrome which classically consists of exomphalos, macroglossia, and gigantism. The syndrome is also associated with a variety of minor anomalies and affected individuals have an increased risk of developing rare embryonal cell tumors. To date, 15 monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs have been reported of which 13 are discordant for WBS. All except one pair of the discordant WBS twin pairs have been female. We report two pairs of male MZ twins, each discordant for WBS.

Analysis of chromosomal abnormalities in human sperm after chemotherapy by karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

The frequency of numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities was studied in the sperm of a lymphoma patient 3 years after MACOP-B chemotherapy (CT). Sperm karyotyping was performed by fusion of human sperm with hamster oocytes and analysis of 193 Q-banded sperm chromosomes. Multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed on 10,228 sperm for analysis of disomy frequencies for chromosomes 1 and 12 and on 10,664 sperm for chromosomes X and Y. Sperm karyotyping demonstrated numerical abnormalities in 7.3% of the spreads, 6.7% hypohaploid and 0.5% hyperhaploid, giving a conservative estimate of aneuploidy of 1%. Structural chromosomal abnormalities were present in 7.3% of the karyotypes and 0.5% had both numerical and structural abnormalities. Results of FISH analyses yielded disomy frequencies of 0.10%, 0.11%, 0.04%, 0.05%, and 0.18% for chromosomes 1, 12, X, Y, and XY, respectively. The frequency of diploid sperm was 0.09%. The frequency of abnormalities was not significantly increased compared to control donors for any of the studies. Also, the frequencies of X- and Y-bearing sperm did not differ significantly from 50% in the sperm karyotyping or FISH studies.

Preparation and characterization of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies specific for covalently linked DNA/RNA cross sections.

Covalently linked cross sections refer to structures that mimic hydrogen-bonded purine-pyrimidine, purine-purine, and pyrimidine-pyrimidine duplexes. Cross sections dA [symbol:see text] U and A [symbol: see text] dT, which have been synthesized chemically, have molecular dimensions similar to purine-pyrimidine base pairs in a double helix. We propose that antibodies to such covalent cross sections might facilitate the study of the pathogenesis of specific diseases or of biochemical processes in which base pair involvement is suspected and/or demonstrated. We have made polyclonal antibodies against "A:U" and "A:T" cross sections by immunizing rabbits with dA [symbol: see text] U and A [symbol: see text] dT, each conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). The antibodies were found to be highly specific for the cross sections and to cross react minimally to single nucleosides. Hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies to "A:T" were then generated from spleen cells of mice immunized with A [symbol: see text] dT conjugated to KLH. The MAbs produced were also found to be highly specific for "A:T" among various nucleosides. In fact, the binding of most of the monoclonal antibodies to "A:T" was only partially inhibited by high concentrations of adenosine or thymidine. All monoclonal antibodies to "A:T" cross react, but with lower affinity, to "A:U." Selected MAbs showed greater inhibition of binding to "A:T"-BSA by A + T than by A or T alone.

An unknown spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with a positive sweat chloride test, sparse hair and mild facial dysmorphism.

We report the case of a 5-year-old Caucasian female with an undiagnosed spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, mild facial dysmorphism, sparse hair, mild developmental delay and a positive sweat chloride test in the absence of cystic fibrosis.

The raspberry locus of Drosophila melanogaster includes an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase like coding sequence.

DNA from the raspberry gene of Drosophila melanogaster has been cloned through P-element tagging of a dysgenically induced lethal allele. A transcribed DNA segment adjacent to the P insert encodes an amino acid sequence that is similar to known inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) sequences. Further dysgenically induced lethals and all four known spontaneous ras eye-colour mutations have changes in the DNA either within or just upstream from the transcribed region. Identification of IMPDH as a probable product of the ras gene is compatible with the finding of an allele that requires dietary guanosine (GR), since the enzyme mediates the first of two biosynthetic steps leading from inosine monophosphate (IMP) to guanosine monophosphate (GMP). However, other auxotrophic mutants at the locus remain unexplained by the finding. The results further suggest that GMP synthesis from IMP is an essential process, despite the capacity of the fly for salvage synthesis of GMP from GR. Consideration of the phenotypes associated with mutants at the ras locus suggests that IMPDH activity is regulated in a tissue-specific manner.

Purification and characterization of the purE, purK, and purC gene products: identification of a previously unrecognized energy requirement in the purine biosynthetic pathway.

Aminoimidazole riobnucleotide carboxylase, the sixth step in the purine biosynthetic pathway, catalyzes the conversion of aminoimidazole ribonucleotide (AIR) to carboxyaminoimidazole ribonucleotide (CAIR). The gene products of the purE and purK genes (PurE and PurK, respectively) thought to be responsible for this activity have been overexpressed and the proteins purified to homogeneity. PurE separates from PurK in the first ammonium sulfate fractionation during the purification. No evidence for association of the two gene products under a variety of conditions using a variety of methods could be obtained. To facilitate the assay for CAIR production, the purC gene product, 5-aminoimidazole-4-N-succinylcarboxamide ribonucleotide (SAICAR) synthetase has also been overexpressed and purified to homogeneity. The activities of PurE, PurK, and PurE.PurK have been investigated. PurE alone is capable of catalyzing the conversion of AIR to CAIR 1 million times faster than the nonenzymatic rate. The Km for HCO3- in the PurE-dependent reaction is 110 mM! PurK possesses an ATPase activity that is dependent on the presence of AIR. No bicarbonate dependence on this reaction could be demonstrated (less than 100 microM), and AIR is not carboxylated during the hydrolysis of ATP. Incubation of a 1:1 mixture of PurE and PurK at low concentrations of bicarbonate (less than 100 microM) revealed that CAIR is produced but requires the stoichiometric conversion of ATP to ADP and Pi. No dependence on the concentration of HCO3- could be demonstrated. A new energy requirement in the purine biosynthetic pathway has been established.

Which 3-ribofuranosyl-substituted purine 5'-phosphates undergo template-directed oligomerization?

We have studied the oligomerization reactions of the 2-methylimidazolide derivatives of 3-isoisoguanosine 5'-phosphate (2) and 3-isoxanthosine 5'-phosphate (5) in the presence of a variety of homopolynucleotide templates. In no case did we observe a substantial template-facilitated production of long oligomers. Polyuridylic acid directed the synthesis of low molecular-weight products from both monomers. Polycytidylic acid, polyadenylic acid, polyinosinic acid, and polyguanylic acid were ineffective as templates in the systems that we investigated.