bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basic data on the hydrology of Lakes Ohrid and Prespa
Authors: Popovska Cvetanka , Bonacci Ognjen
Published: September 2006

This paper deals with hydrological analyses of Lakes Ohrid and Prespa. The watersheds and the lakes themselves are shared by three countries: Albania, Greece and Macedonia. As a result of insufficient interstate scientific cooperation and inexistence of data exchange, the lakes and their watersheds are not fully investigated regarding hydrology and hydrogeology. This paper represents a first attempt at a complete hydrological analysis based on data from the Macedonian side. This is not considered to be a particular deficiency, because over 60% of the lakes' watersheds and the lakes themselves belong to Macedonia, where a great number of reliable and long‐term data series of hydrometeorological observations exist. The Prespa lakes do not have surface outflow and are connected with Lake Ohrid by underground karst conduits. Because of this, from the hydrological point of view, the lakes and their watersheds cannot be analysed separately. The changes of the regime of the air temperature and the rainfall distribution have been investigated in this report. An increase of the maximum and decrease of the minimum annual air temperatures, as well as a decrease of annual precipitation sums has been determined. Also, a statistically significant descending trend of water level in both lakes has been confirmed, with a statement that the water level decrease in Lake Prespa is extremely alarming. From 1985 to 1995 the water level in Lake Prespa has dropped by more than 5 m. The main reasons for this cannot be identified easily because there are no data on water use quantities from all three countries. As the lakes represent unique natural, ecological and economical water resources in a region suffering water shortage, we plead for a strengthening of international support in activities on salvation of both lakes. A prerequisite for this is the water balance calculation and common cooperation in sustainable water resources management of the lakes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced expression of cholecystokinin‐2 receptor promotes the progression of colon cancer through activation of focal adhesion kinase
Authors: Yu Hong‐Gang , Tong Shi‐Lun , Ding You‐Ming , Ding Jian , Fang Xiang‐Min , Zhang Xian‐Feng , Liu Zhu‐Jun , Zhou Yan‐Hong , Liu Qi‐Sheng , Luo He‐Sheng , Yu Jie‐Ping
Published: September 2006

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is suggested to be intimately involved in the progression of malignancies. Our previous research has demonstrated that activation of cholecystokinin‐2 receptor (CCK2R) by gastrin stimulates a rapid activation of FAK pathway in human colon cancer cells. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of CCK2R and FAK in the progression of colon cancer. In this study, matched tissue samples of primary colon cancer and adjacent normal colon mucosa from the same patient were collected from 45 patients with colon cancer undergoing surgical resection. The gastrin expression was detected using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The CCK2R expression was examined by in situ hybridization and RT‐PCR. The expression of FAK and phosphorylated FAK at tyrosine 397 (phospho‐FAK) were detected using immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Colo320 and SW787, 2 colon cancer cell lines with or without CCK2R expression, were recruited in this study. Antisense oligonucleotide of FAK was used to block the expression of FAK. Invasiveness and motility of colon cancer cells were detected by Boyden chamber. In this series, enhanced expression of gastrin, CCK2R, FAK and phospho‐FAK were observed in colon cancer tissues. CCK2R expression correlated with expression of phospho‐FAK. Coexpression of CCK2R and phospho‐FAK associated with invasion and lymph node metastasis. Increased invasion and motility was induced by gastrin in Colo320 cells. Overexpression of CCK2R by stable transfection of CCK2R plasmid amplified this increase and incubation with 1 μM L‐365,260, a specific CCK2R antagonist, completely inhibited the effect of gastrin. FAK antisense largely blocked the increase of invasion and motility in Colo320 cells. Our data represent the evidence for the CCK2R regulating invasion and motility of colon cancer cells, and support a role of CCK2R in the progression of colon cancer. FAK play a critical role in this CCK2R‐mediated effect. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pretreatment serum endostatin as a prognostic indicator in metastatic gastric carcinoma
Authors: Woo In Sook , Kim Kyung‐Ae , Jeon Hae‐Myung , Hong Sook Hee , Rho Sang Young , Koh Su Jin , Lee Myung Ah , Byun Jae Ho , Kang Jin‐Hyung , Hong Young Seon , Lee Kyung Shik , Cho Chul‐Soo , Choi Myung Gyu , Chung In‐Sik
Published: September 2006

Endostatin is the C‐terminal antiangiogenic fragment of the extracellular matrix protein collagen XVIII, and is generated by tumor‐derived proteases. The presence of serum endostatin in patients with gastric cancer has not been reported. The authors assessed the serum levels of endostatin in patients with gastric carcinoma and evaluated their association with the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the clinical outcome. A total of 107 patients with gastric cancer were included in the study. Pretherapeutic serum levels of endostatin and VEGF were measured using an ELISA, and compared with those in 23 healthy controls. The serum levels of endostatin and VEGF were higher in gastric cancer patients than in healthy controls (endostatin, 70.1 ± 16.6 vs. 52.2 ± 6.2 ng/mL [p < 0.001]; VEGF, 55.1 ± 7.6 vs. 32.1 ± 2.4 ng/mL [p < 0.001]; mean ± SD). Serum endostatin levels were significantly associated with the presence of distant metastases (r = 0.556, p < 0.001) and VEGF levels (r = 0.335, p < 0.001), but not with the depth of tumor invasion, differentiation, or regional lymph node status. A serum endostatin level above the 75th percentile of the distribution for the patients (79.2 ng/mL) was associated with a poor outcome (last follow‐up at 42 months; median survival time, 9 vs. 20 months [log‐rank, p = 0.017]; median time to progression, 5 vs. 10 months [log‐rank, p = 0.022]) in the patients with metastatic gastric cancer. The results suggest for the first time that an elevated serum level of endostatin at the diagnosis of metastatic gastric cancer could be predictive of a poor outcome. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in Pakistani breast and ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Rashid Muhammad U. , Zaidi Anbreen , Torres Diana , Sultan Faisal , Benner Axel , Naqvi Bilal , Shakoori Abdul R. , Seidel‐Renkert Antje , Farooq Humirah , Narod Steven , Amin Asim , Hamann Ute
Published: September 2006

Among Asian countries, Pakistan has the highest rates of breast and ovarian cancer. To assess the contribution of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 germ line mutations to these high rates, we conducted the first study of 176 Pakistani breast and ovarian cancer patients, selected on family history and on age of diagnosis. Comprehensive BRCA mutation screening was performed using a range of techniques, including denaturing high‐pressure liquid chromatography, single strand conformational polymorphism analysis and protein truncation test, followed by DNA sequencing. Thirty deleterious germ‐line mutations were identified in the 176 families (17.0%), including 23 in BRCA1 and 7 in BRCA2. Four mutations, 185delAG, 185insA, S1503X and R1835X, were recurrent; these accounted for 52% of all identified BRCA1 mutations. Haplotype analyses suggested founder effects for 3 of these. The prevalence of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations was 42.8% for families with multiple cases of breast cancer, and was 50.0% for the breast/ovarian cancer families. The prevalence of mutations was 11.9% for single cases of early‐onset breast cancer (≤30 years) and was 9.0% for single cases of early‐onset ovarian cancer (≤45 years). Our findings show that BRCA mutations account for a substantial proportion of hereditary breast/ovarian cancer and early‐onset breast and ovarian cancer cases in Pakistan. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oligopeptides impairing the Myc‐Max heterodimerization inhibit lung cancer cell proliferation by reducing Myc transcriptional activity
Authors: D'Agnano Igea , Valentini Alessandra , Gatti Giuliana , Chersi Alberto , Felsani Armando
Published: September 2006

Deregulated CMYC gene causes cell transformation and is often correlated with tumor progression and a worse clinical outcome of cancer patients. The transcription factor Myc functions by heterodimerizing with its partner, Max. As a strategy to inhibit Myc activity, we have synthesized three small peptides corresponding to segments of the leucine zipper (LZ) region of Max. The purpose of these peptides is to occupy the site of recognition between Myc and Max located in the LZ and inhibit‐specific heterodimerization between these proteins. We have used the synthesized oligopeptides in two lung cancer cell lines with different levels of Myc expression. Results demonstrate that: (i) the three peptides resulted equally effective in competing the interaction between Myc and Max in vitro; (ii) they were efficiently internalized into the cells and significantly inhibited cell growth in the cells showing the highest Myc expression; (iii) one specific peptide, only nine aminoacids long, efficiently impaired the transcriptional activity of Myc in vivo, showing a more stable interaction with this protein. Our results are relevant to the development of novel anti‐tumoral therapeutic strategies, directed to Myc‐overexpressing tumors. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 72–80, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methotrexate‐induced mucositis in mucin 2‐deficient mice
Authors: de Koning Barbara A.E. , Sluis Maria van der , Lindenbergh‐Kortleve Dicky J. , Velcich Anna , Pieters Rob , Büller Hans A. , Einerhand Alexandra W.C. , Renes Ingrid B.
Published: September 2006

The mucin Muc2 or Mycin2 (Muc2), which is the main structural component of the protective mucus layer, has shown to be upregulated during chemotherapy‐induced mucositis. As Muc2 has shown to have protective capacities, upregulation of Muc2 may be a counter reaction of the intestine protecting against mucositis. Therefore, increasing Muc2 protein levels could be a therapeutic target in mucositis prevention or reduction. Our aim was to determine the role of Muc2 in chemotherapy‐induced mucositis. Mucositis was induced in Muc2 knockout (Muc2−/−) and wild type (Muc2+/+) mice by injecting methotrexate (MTX). Animals were weighed and sacrificed on Days 2–6 after MTX treatment and jejunal segments were analyzed. Before MTX treatment, the small intestine of Muc2+/+ and Muc2−/− mice were similar with respect to epithelial morphology and proliferation. Moreover, sucrase‐isomaltase and trefoil factor‐3 protein expression levels were comparable between Muc2+/+ and Muc2−/− mice. Up to Day 3 after MTX treatment, percentages of weight‐loss did not differ. Thereafter, Muc2+/+ mice showed a trend towards regaining weight, whereas Muc2−/− mice continued to lose weight. Surprisingly, MTX‐induced intestinal damage of Muc2−/− and Muc2+/+ mice was comparable. Prior to MTX‐injection, tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐10 mRNAs were upregulated in Muc2−/− mice, probably due to continuous exposure of the intestine to luminal antigens. Muc2 deficiency does not lead to an increase in chemotherapy‐induced mucositis. A possible explanation is the mechanism by which Muc2 deficiency may trigger the immune system to release interleukin‐10, an anti‐inflammatory cytokine before MTX‐treatment. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 144–152, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exogenous expression of claudin‐5 induces barrier properties in cultured rat brain capillary endothelial cells
Authors: Ohtsuki Sumio , Sato Saori , Yamaguchi Hirofumi , Kamoi Mayu , Asashima Tomoko , Terasaki Tetsuya
Published: September 2006

Claudins are thought to be major components of tight junctions (TJs), and claudin‐5 and ‐12 are localized at TJs of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB). Claudin‐5‐deficient mice exhibit size‐selective (<800 Da) opening of the BBB. The purpose of this study was to clarify the expression levels of claudin‐5 and ‐12 in rat brain capillary endothelial cells, and to examine the ability of claudin‐5 to form TJs in cultured rat brain capillary endothelial cells (TR‐BBB). Expression of claudin‐5 mRNA in rat brain capillary fraction was 751‐fold greater than that of claudin‐12. The level of claudin‐5 mRNA in the rat brain capillary fraction (per total mRNA) was 35.6‐fold greater than that in whole brain, while the level of claudin‐12 mRNA was only 13.9% of that in whole brain, suggesting that expression of claudin‐12 mRNA is not restricted to brain capillaries. Transfection of TR‐BBB cells with the claudin‐5 gene afforded TR‐BBB/CLD5 cells, which showed no change in expression of claudin‐12 or ZO‐1, while the expressed claudin‐5 was detected at the cell–cell boundaries. The permeability surface product of [14C]inulin at a TR‐BBB/CLD5 cell monolayer was significantly smaller (P < 0.01) than that for the parental TR‐BBB cells, and the values of the permeability coefficient (Pe) were 1.14 × 10−3 and 11.6 × 10−3 cm/min, respectively. These results indicate that claudin‐5, but not claudin‐12, is predominantly expressed in brain capillaries, and plays a key role in the appearance of barrier properties of brain capillary endothelial cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 81–86, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of p63 in germ cell apoptosis in the developing testis
Authors: Petre‐Lazar Bétrice , Livera Gabriel , Moreno Stéphanie G. , Trautmann Emilie , Duquenne Clotilde , Hanoux Vincent , Habert René , Coffigny Hervé
Published: September 2006

The fetal and neonatal development of male germ cells (gonocytes) is a poorly understood but crucial process for establishing fertility. In rodents, gonocytes go through two phases of proliferation accompanied by apoptosis and separated by a quiescent period during the end of fetal development. P63 is a member of the P53 gene family that yields six isoforms. We detected only the p63 protein and no p53 and p73 in the nucleus of the gonocytes of mouse testes. We report for the first time the ontogeny of each p63 mRNA isoform during testis development. We observed a strong expression of p63γ mRNA and protein when gonocytes are in the quiescent period. In vitro treatment with retinoic acid prevented gonocytes from entering the quiescent period and was correlated with a reduced production of p63γ isoform mRNA. We investigated the function of p63 by studying the testicular phenotype of P63‐null mice. P63 invalidation slightly, but significantly increased the number of gonocytes counted during the quiescent period. As P63‐null animals die at birth we used an original organ culture that mimicked neonatal in vivo development to study further the testicular development. P63 invalidation resulted in a sharply increased number of gonocytes during the culture period due to a decrease in spontaneous apoptosis with no change in proliferation. P63 invalidation also caused abnormal morphologies in the germ cells that were also found in P63+/− adult male mice. Thus, p63 appears as an important regulator of germ cell development. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 87–98, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SIRT1 interacts with p73 and suppresses p73‐dependent transcriptional activity
Authors: Dai Jin Ming , Wang Zhi Yan , Sun Dao Chun , Lin Ru Xian , Wang Sheng Qi
Published: September 2006

The tumor suppressor p53‐related p73 shares significant amino‐acid sequence identity with p53. Like p53, p73 recognizes canonical p53 DNA‐binding sites and activates p53‐responsive target genes and induces apoptosis. Moreover, SIRT1 binds to p53 while repressing the expression of their target genes. Here, we report that SIRT1 also binds to p73 and suppresses p73‐dependent transcriptional activity. SIRT1 in human cells reduces the transcriptional activity of p73, and partly inhibits apoptosis induced by p73. Furthermore, SIRT1 can deacetylate p73 protein acetylation both in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, these data suggest that SIRT1 can modulate p73 activity via deacetylation. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 161–166, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ERK1/2 regulates two sequential steps promoting monocyte survival to peroxynitrite
Authors: Cerioni L. , Cantoni O.
Published: September 2006

Previous studies from our laboratory indicate that cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2)‐released arachidonic acid promotes monocyte/macrophage survival in the presence of peroxynitrite. In particular, the lipid messenger is metabolised by 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LO) to 5‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and causes the mitochondrial translocation of protein kinase Cα (PKCα), an event associated with the cytosolic accumulation of Bad and Bax. Here we show that phosphorylation reactions driven by extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) critically regulate the activation/nuclear translocation of 5‐LO. Inhibition of ERK1/2 was invariably associated with the cytosolic localisation of PKCα, the mitochondrial accumulation of Bad and Bax and with a rapid mitochondrial permeability transition‐dependent necrosis. All these events were prevented by nanomolar concentrations of 5‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. Hence, in addition to the previously characterised effects on cPLA2, ERK1/2 critically regulates 5‐LO activity in the absence of additional downstream targets in the survival signalling preventing peroxynitrite toxicity. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 177–182, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stretch‐activated signaling pathways responsible for early response gene expression in fetal lung epithelial cells
Authors: Copland Ian B. , Post Martin
Published: September 2006

High‐tidal volume ventilation has been shown to increase the expression of several inflammation‐associated genes prior to overt physiologic lung injury. Herein, using an in vitro stretch system, we investigated the mechanotransduction pathways involved in ventilation‐induced expression of these early response genes (i.e., early growth response gene (Egr)1, heat‐shock protein (HSP)70, and the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and MIP‐2). Mechanical stretch of fetal lung epithelial cells activated various signaling pathways, resulting in transient or progressive increases in gene expression of the early response genes. The transient increase in Egr1 and IL‐6 expression was mediated via p44/42 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p44/42 MAPK), while nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) was responsible for the sustained and progressive increase in expression of HSP70 and MIP‐2. Blockage of Egr‐1 expression did not affect the upregulation of IL‐6, HSP70, MIP‐2, and itself by stretch. Inhibition of calcium mobilization abolished stretch‐induced p44/42 MAPK activation and NF‐κB nuclear translocation as well as increased expression of all early response genes. Similar results were obtained with an inhibitor of Ras. These results suggest that mechanical stretch of fetal lung epithelial cells evokes a complex network of signaling molecules, which diverge downstream to regulate the temporal expression of a unique set of early response genes, but upstream converge at calcium. Thus, calcium mobilization may be a point of hierarchical integration of mechanotransduction in lung epithelial cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 133–143, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of thromboxane A2 receptor signaling in developing rat oligodendrocytes: Nuclear receptor localization and stimulation of myelin basic protein expression
Authors: Ramamurthy Santosh , Mir Fozia , Gould Robert M. , Breton Guy C. Le
Published: September 2006

The present work investigates the role of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptors in the development of oligodendrocytes (OLGs). The results demonstrate that the proteins of the TXA2 signaling pathway, i.e., cyclooxygenase (COX‐1), TXA2 synthase (TS), and TXA2 receptor (TPR) are expressed in the developing rat brain during myelination. Furthermore, culture of OLG progenitor cells (OPCs) revealed that the expression levels of these proteins as well as TXA2 synthesis increase during OLG maturation. Separate studies established that activation of TPRs by the agonist U46619 increases intracellular calcium in both OPCs and OLGs as visualized by digital fluorescence imaging. Immunocytochemical staining demonstrated that TPRs are localized in the plasma membrane and perinuclear compartments in OPCs. However, during OLG differentiation, TPRs shift their localization pattern and also become associated with the nuclear compartment. This shift to nuclear localization was confirmed by biochemical analysis in cultured cells and by immunocytochemical analysis in developing rat brain. Finally, it was found that U46619 activation of TPRs in maturing OLGs resulted in enhanced myelin basic protein (MBP) expression. Alternatively, inhibition of endogenous TPR signaling led to reduced MBP expression. Furthermore, TPR‐mediated MBP expression was found to be associated with increased transcription from the MBP promoter using a MBP‐luciferase reporter. Collectively, these findings suggest a novel TPR signaling pathway in OLGs and a potential role for this signaling during OLG maturation and myelin production. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Positioned to inhibit: Netrin‐1 and netrin receptor expression after spinal cord injury
Authors: Manitt Colleen , Wang David , Kennedy Timothy E. , Howland Dena R.
Published: September 2006

Netrin‐1 regulates axon extension during embryonic development and is expressed by neurons and myelinating oligodendrocytes in the adult CNS. To investigate the potential role of netrin‐1 after spinal cord injury, we examined the expression of netrin‐1 and netrin receptors after sagittal myelotomy in adult rats. This lesion targets spinal commissural projections, which respond to netrin‐1 during development. Netrin‐1 mRNA and protein levels were dramatically reduced at the site of injury and reduced expression persisted for at least 7 months. Neither netrin‐1 protein nor mRNA was associated with the glial scar, but netrin‐1 was expressed by neurons and oligodendrocytes immediately adjacent to the lesion. The post‐injury distribution detected is similar to that reported for myelin‐associated inhibitors of axon regeneration, such as Nogo, and is distinct from the distribution of inhibitors associated with a glial scar. DCC and UNC‐5 homologue (UNC5H) expression also was reduced after injury. Although UNC5H levels recovered, DCC expression at the site of injury remained ∼50% of pre‐injury values at 7 months. Increased UNC5H immunoreactivity was associated with fibers in the superficial layers of the dorsal horn and in fibers located in white matter adjacent to the lesion. The dominant expression of UNC5H on axons and neurons in the spinal cord after injury and the persistent expression of netrin‐1 by oligodendrocytes surrounding the lesion are consistent with the hypothesis that netrin‐1 is a myelin‐associated inhibitor of axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Locus of control at work: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Ng Thomas W. H. , Sorensen Kelly L. , Eby Lillian T.
Published: September 2006

This study meta‐analyzed the relationships between locus of control (LOC) and a wide range of work outcomes. We categorized these outcomes according to three theoretical perspectives: LOC and well‐being, LOC and motivation, and LOC and behavioral orientation. Hypotheses reflecting these three perspectives were proposed and tested. It was found that internal locus was positively associated with favorable work outcomes, such as positive task and social experiences, and greater job motivation. Our findings are discussed in relation to research on core self‐evaluation and the Big Five personality traits. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maximizing returns on mentoring: factors affecting subsequent protégé performance
Authors: Tonidandel Scott , Avery Derek R. , Phillips McKensy G.
Published: September 2006

This study examined the effects of mentor success, relationship duration, and the amount of mentoring received on protégés' performance after the supervisory mentoring relationship had ended. Data collected from former protégés paired with objective measures of performance indicated that a mentor's success moderated the impact of mentoring functions received on subsequent protégé success. Additionally, the strength of these relationships depended on the length of the mentoring relationship. The present study suggests more emphasis should be placed on the capabilities of the mentor. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐temperature Raman spectroscopy of monohydrated L‐asparagine:Cr3+
Authors: Bento I. C. V. , Freire P. T. C. , Bento R. R. F. , Lemos V. , Melo F. E. A. , Filho J. Mendes , Pizani P. S. , Moreno A. J. D.
Published: September 2006

Raman scattering of L‐asparagine:Cr3+ was studied over the complete range of wavenumbers at temperatures from ambient to ∼410 K. A qualitative change in the spectrum occurs when the temperature approaches 400 K. In the region of the spectrum corresponding to lattice vibrations of the crystal some bands disappear, as they do in the intermediate range of wavenumbers 200 cm−1 < ν < 1000 cm−1, where some new peaks also appear. Similar changes also occur in the highest spectral region, for wavenumbers >3000 cm−1, which is associated with water molecule vibrations. The changes indicate a modification of the crystal structure with irreversible loss of water molecules during the heating process. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman scattering study of molecules adsorbed on ZnS nanocrystals
Authors: Wang Yanfei , Sun Zhihua , Hu Hailong , Jing Shengyu , Zhao Bing , Xu Weiqing , Zhao Chun , Lombardi John R.
Published: September 2006

The adsorption of 4‐mercaptopyridine (4‐Mpy) molecules on ZnS nanocrystals was investigated by means of Raman spectroscopy. We compared the Raman signals of 4‐Mpy molecules adsorbed on ZnS nanocrystals and Ag substrate. The differences in the adsorption of 4‐Mpy molecules on the semiconductor and the metal substrate were noted. The results demonstrated that adsorbed species on the semiconductor ZnS nanocrystals can be detected by Raman spectroscopy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal micro‐Raman spectroscopic study of polymorphic transformation of famotidine under different compression pressures
Authors: Lin Shan‐Yang , Cheng Wen‐Ting , Wang Shun‐Li
Published: September 2006

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of pressure and/or temperature on the polymorphic transformation of famotidine from form B to form A by using a thermal confocal Raman microspectroscopy. A compact with a wide transparent zone in the center and an opaque zone surrounding it was prepared by compressing a conical mass of famotidine form B. Two unique Raman peaks at 2897 and 2920 cm−1 for famotidine forms B and A, respectively, were used as markers. The result indicates that the opaque zone in each compact was composed of famotidine from B, and it did not undergo any polymorphic transformation by preparing with higher compression pressure and/or by heating. The Raman peak intensity ratio of the 2920 cm−1 and 2897 cm−1 bands markedly increased starting from 120 °C for the transparent zone prepared by compressing with 19.61 × 104 kPa pressure, but increased from 100 °C with 49.03 × 104 kPa pressure, indicating the occurrence of thermally induced polymorphic transformation of famotidine from form B to form A. However, the transparent zone prepared by 9.81 × 104 kPa compression pressure retained the same Raman spectrum as that of the famotidine form B, revealing that the thermally induced polymorphic transformation of famotidine was dependent on the pressure applied. There was no polymorphic transformation of famotidine in the transparent zone when it was prepared by a higher compression pressure at a lower temperature or by a lower pressure at a higher temperature. The combined effect of compression and temperature was found to accelerate the polymorphic transformation from form B to form A in the transparent zone of famotidine. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The hydrates and deuterates of ferrous sulfate (FeSO4): a Raman spectroscopic study
Authors: Chio Chi Hong , Sharma Shiv K. , Muenow David W.
Published: September 2006

A comparative analysis has been carried out on the Raman spectra of FeSO4·nH2O (n = 1, 4, 7) including the 2D‐analogs. The effects of changing the degrees of hydration have been found from the lattice, SO42− internal, and H2O internal modes. Increasing degrees of hydration shift the intense ν1(SO4) peak to lower wavenumbers and reduce the amount of splitting on the ν3(SO4) peaks. Some of the water librational bands cause the broadening of the ν4(SO4) peaks in FeSO4·7H2O and the ν2(SO4) peaks in FeSO4·7D2O. The ν2(H2O) band in FeSO4·H2O is red‐shifted in excess of 100 cm−1 relative to the unperturbed H2O band. Between 240 and 190 K and between 140 and 90 K in the spectra of FeSO4.4H2O, two potential phase transitions have been identified from the changes in the lattice and water‐stretching regions. The resolution of the ν1(H2O) and ν3(H2O) bands in FeSO4·4H2O and FeSO4·H2O also improved sharply at low temperatures. The capability of distinguishing various forms of FeSO4 hydrates unambiguously makes the Raman technique a potential analytical tool for the identification of sulfate minerals on planetary surfaces. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of delayed excision of oviducts/ovaries on mouse oocytes and embryos
Authors: Miao De‐Qiang , Ma Suo‐Feng , Liu Xin‐Yong , Sui Hong‐Shu , Zhang Xia , Qiao Tian‐Wu , Tan Jing‐He
Published: September 2006

To achieve the best and reproducible results of experiments, effects of delayed excision of oviducts/ovaries on mouse ovarian/ovulated oocytes and embryos have been studied. Oviducts/ovaries were excised at different times after death of mice and effects of the postmortem interval on ovarian/ovulated oocytes and embryos were analyzed. When oviduct excision was delayed 10 min, many ovulated oocytes lysed or underwent in vitro spontaneous activation, and this postmortem effect aggravated with the extension of postmortem interval and oocyte aging. Oocytes from different mouse strains responded differently to delayed oviduct removal. Delayed oviduct excision did not cause lysis of zygotes or embryos but compromised their developmental potential. When ovaries were excised at 30 min after death, percentages of atretic follicles increased while blastocyst cell number declined significantly after oocyte maturation in vitro. Preservation of oviducts in vitro, in intact or opened abdomen at different temperatures and histological analysis of oviducts from different treatments suggested that toxic substance(s) were secreted from the dying oviducts which induced oocyte lysis and spontaneous activation and both this effect itself and the sensitivity of oocytes to this effect was temperature dependent. It is concluded that a short delay of oviduct/ovary removal had marked detrimental effects on oocytes and embryos. This must be taken into account in experiments using oocytes or embryos from slaughtered animals. The data may also be important for estimation of the time of death in forensic medicine and for rescue of oocytes from deceased valuable or endangered mammals. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 468–477, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Amino acids in oviduct and uterine fluid and blood plasma during the estrous cycle in the bovine
Authors: Hugentobler Sasha A. , Diskin Michael G. , Leese Henry J. , Humpherson Peter G. , Watson Terry , Sreenan Joseph M. , Morris Dermot G.
Published: September 2006

Up to 40% of cattle embryos die within 3 weeks of fertilization while they are nutritionally dependent on the maternal environment provided by the oviduct and uterine fluids for their development and survival. Despite this dependence there is limited information on the composition of these fluids in cattle. Amino acids are essential for the normal growth and development of the early embryo, acting as precursors of proteins and nucleic acids and as energy sources, osmolytes and signaling molecules. The objective of this study was to measure and compare the amino acid concentrations of oviduct and uterine fluid and blood plasma on different days of the estrous cycle. Oviduct fluid was collected in situ from anaesthetised heifers on Days 0, 2, 3, 4 and 6 and uterine fluid on Days 6, 8 and 14 of the estrous cycle and the concentrations of 19 amino acids determined. Glycine was the most abundant amino acid in both oviduct and uterine fluid. However, the concentrations of many amino acids differed between oviduct and uterus and many were present at higher concentrations in oviduct and uterine fluid than in blood plasma. Oviduct fluid concentrations of amino acids were not affected by day of cycle in contrast to uterine fluid for which there was a day of cycle effect on most of the amino acids. These results provide novel information on the amino acid concentrations in the maternal environment of the early cattle embryo and could form the basis for devising improved media for the production of embryos in vitro. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 445–454, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of mice born after intracytoplasmic sperm injection with in vitro fertilization and natural mating
Authors: Wilson Trevor J. , Lacham‐Kaplan Orly , Gould Jodee , Holloway Andrew , Bertoncello Ivan , Hertzog Paul J. , Trounson Alan
Published: September 2006

The procedures of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are routinely used in modern medicine to overcome infertility and, in animal husbandry, to propagate lines with compromised fertility. However, there remains concern that manual selection and injection of whole sperm into oocytes could contribute to pre‐ and postnatal developmental defects. To address this, we have used gene expression profiling and immunophenotyping to characterize offspring generated by these procedures. We used gametes from glutathione peroxidase 1 knockout (Gpx1−/−) mice as a sensitized screen responsive to oxidative stress from artificial reproduction technologies (ART). There were no differences between IVF and ICSI derived offspring in gene expression patterns, and minor differences in hematopoietic parameters. Furthermore there were only minor differences between these IVF and ICSI pups and those derived from natural mating. These data demonstrate for the first time in that there is no significant phenotypic affects of ICSI when compared to IVF and we identified a relatively minor influence of the artificial fertilization methods on phenotype of offspring compared with natural mating. These observations would support the use of ICSI for derivation of mutant mouse lines and may be of some importance for the use of this technique in human ART. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 512–519, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Earliest archaeological evidence of the Ancon mutation in sheep from Leicester, UK
Authors: L. Gidney
Published: September 2006

The excavation of a 16th century archaeological site in Leicester, UK, produced sheep bones exhibiting the characteristic deformation of the Ancon dwarf but predating the earliest historical record of this mutation by some 200 years. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New poly(amide‐imide)s containing cinnamoyl and azobenzene groups
Authors: Hamciuc E. , Sava I. , Bruma M. , Köpnick T. , Schulz B. , Sapich B. , Wagner J. , Stumpe J.
Published: September 2006

Two new poly(amide‐imide)s containing cinnamoyl and azobenzene units have been synthesized by direct polycondensation reaction of two diacids having cinnamoyl units and a diamine incorporating azobenzene group, using triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents. The polymers were readily soluble in various organic solvents and gave thin films by casting from such solutions. They showed good thermal stability. A highly anisotropic optical film was fabricated by irradiation with linearly polarized light and its stability was studied. © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioactive polyurethanes in clinical applications
Authors: Ciardelli G. , Rechichi A. , Sartori S. , D'Acunto M. , Caporale A. , Peggion E. , Vozzi G. , Giusti P.
Published: September 2006

Biomaterials play an important role in most tissue engineering strategies. They can serve as substrates on which cell populations can attach and migrate, can be used as cell delivery vehicles and as bioactive factor carriers to activate specific cellular functions. A series of biodegradable polyurethanes (PUs) with tunable chemical, physical and degradation properties, showing an adequate response to in vitro tests was proposed for applications in soft tissue engineering. Three‐dimensional scaffolds of superimposed square meshed grids were prepared by using a rapid prototyping technique (pressure activated microsyringe, PAM) and tested in vivo. Functionalization of PU systems was performed in order to control the chemistry of the materials for the promotion of highly specific binding interactions between materials and biological environments. Two different approaches were used for the coupling of bioactive molecules such as gelatin. The first involved the modification of the polymer chain through a novel monomer and the second one consisted in a surface modification by plasma‐induced graft copolymerization of acrylic acid. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Label‐free detection methods for protein microarrays
Authors: Yu Xiaobo , Xu Danke , Cheng Quan
Published: September 2006

With the growth of the “‐omics” such as functional genomics and proteomics, one of the foremost challenges in biotechnologies has become the development of novel methods to monitor biological process and acquire the information of biomolecular interactions in a systematic manner. To fully understand the roles of newly discovered genes or proteins, it is necessary to elucidate the functions of these molecules in their interaction network. Microarray technology is becoming the method of choice for such a task. Although protein microarray can provide a high throughput analytical platform for protein profiling and protein‐protein interaction, most of the current reports are limited to labeled detection using fluorescence or radioisotope techniques. These limitations deflate the potential of the method and prevent the technology from being adapted in a broader range of proteomics applications. In recent years, label‐free analytical approaches have gone through intensified development and have been coupled successfully with protein microarray. In many examples of label‐free study, the microarray has not only offered the high throughput detection in real time, but also provided kinetics information as well as in situ identification. This article reviews the most significant label‐free detection methods for microarray technology, including surface plasmon resonance imaging, atomic force microscope, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and MS and their applications in proteomics research.
Plant phosphoproteomics: A long road ahead
Authors: Kersten Birgit , Agrawal Ganesh Kumar , Iwahashi Hitoshi , Rakwal Randeep
Published: September 2006

Phosphoproteomics can be defined as the comprehensive study of protein phosphorylation by identification of the phosphoproteins, exact mapping of the phosphorylation sites, quantification of phosphorylation, and eventually, revealing their biological function. Its place in today's research is vitally important to address the most fundamental question – how the phosphorylation events control most, if not all, of the cellular processes in a given organism? Despite the immense importance of phosphorylation, the analysis of phosphoproteins on a proteome‐wide scale remains a formidable challenge. Nevertheless, several technologies have been developed, mostly in yeast and mammals, to conduct a large‐scale phosphoproteomic study. Some of these technologies have been successfully applied to plants with a few modifications, resulting in documentation of phosphoproteins, phosphorylation site mapping, identification of protein kinase substrates, etc. at the global level. In this review, we summarize in vitro and in vivo approaches for detection and analysis of phosphoproteins including protein kinases and we discuss the importance of phosphoproteomics in understanding plant biology. These approaches along with bioinformatics will help plant researchers to design and apply suitable phosphoproteomic strategies in helping to find answers to their biological questions.
Viral proteomics: A promising approach for understanding JC virus tropism
Authors: Ravichandran Veerasamy , Major Eugene O.
Published: September 2006

The human polyomavirus JC virus (JCV) is responsible for the CNS demyelination observed in cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. The JCV regulatory region (promoter) is a hypervariable, noncoding, nucleotide sequence positioned between the early and late protein‐coding regions in the viral genome. Selective binding of cellular transcription factors to this promoter region participates in the control of viral tropism. Hence, further study of these proteins might provide new insights into JCV tropism and associated pathogenesis. This review gives an overview of viral proteomics – the study of all proteins expressed from the viral gene transcripts, and all the cellular proteins that play a role in JCV tropism. It also describes a new biochemical approach for studying relevant JCV promoter‐binding proteins, which is an anchored‐JCV transcriptional promoter (ATP) assay. An ATP assay utilizes the product of PCR‐amplified JCV promoter sequences coupled with Sepharose beads in order to capture and isolate cellular nuclear proteins with specific promoter‐binding affinity for analysis. Proteins that bind to JCV‐ATPs can be eluted and subjected to proteomic analysis. Insights from this approach may improve the understanding of viral and cellular parameters that control JCV tropism.
Strategies for plasma proteomic profiling of cancers
Authors: Omenn Gilbert S.
Published: September 2006

Despite a voluminous literature on potential protein biomarkers and a compelling need for diagnostic tests based on biomarkers to detect cancers at much earlier, more treatable stages, progress has been limited. New methods and new instruments for analysis of differences in gene expression, gene methylation, and proteomics are being employed to try to accelerate the discovery phase. Given the heterogeneity of tumor mechanisms and the limitations of analytical methods, it is likely that a variety of strategies will be needed and will be complementary. That is the basis of this review of proteomic approaches. This article adopts a systems biology view, starting with mRNA transcripts in tumors and cultured tumor cells to detect mRNA overexpression, some of which will be correlated with protein overexpression. Some of those proteins may be secreted or released into proximal biofluids and plasma. Detection of low‐abundance tumor proteins in the complex and dynamic mixture that is plasma requires combinations of increasingly powerful technologies. The biological amplification of protein signals through the immune system offers autoantibodies as potential biomarkers. Higher abundance proteins, including acute‐phase reactants, may have practical value, especially if the proteins are modified as part of the cancer processes. Low molecular weight proteins, fragments, and peptides may offer complementary biomarkers. Promising biomarker candidates must be confirmed in independent studies. Then they must be submitted to higher‐throughput methods practical for large‐scale validation studies and, hopefully, for clinical and epidemiological applications. Standardized operating procedures for specimen handling, design and use of various reference standards, care to avoid bias and confounding, and guidelines for reporting findings and contributing datasets should enhance the prospects for predictive proteomic profiling of people at risk for cancers.
Use of the laryngeal mask airway in patients with severe muscular dystrophy who require sedation or anesthesia
Authors: Birnkrant David J. , Petelenz Kasia M. , Ferguson Roy D. , Martin James E. , Gordon Gregory J.
Published: September 2006

Severe muscular dystrophy (MD) has historically led to death in early adulthood, due to mainly cardiopulmonary complications. However, with newer methods of cardiac and respiratory management, survival has improved, and patients with MD are more frequently undergoing procedures requiring deep sedation or anesthesia. Respiratory management of these patients during procedures is challenging; safe and effective options for respiratory support are needed. In this report, we describe our experience using the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) to provide respiratory support during deep sedation or anesthesia for eight patients with severe MD during the following medical procedures: eight percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placements, three lithotripsies, and placement of an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator. We also review the benefits and risks of the LMA in the context of other respiratory support options for people with MD, and the integral role of non‐invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) during induction of and recovery from deep sedation or general anesthesia. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006, 41:1077–1081. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surface treatments of indium‐tin oxide substrates for polymer electroluminescent devices
Authors: Zhong Z. Y. , Jiang Y. D.
Published: September 2006

In this work, three different sets of processing techniques (wet, dry, and combined treatments) were utilized to modify the surfaces of indium‐tin oxide (ITO) substrates for polymer electroluminescent devices (PELDs), and the influence of surface treatments on the surface properties of ITO substrates were investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle, and four‐point probe. The surface energies of ITO substrates were also calculated from the measured contact angles. Experimental results show that the surface properties of the ITO substrates strongly depend on the surface treatments. Oxygen plasma treatment effectively improves the ITO surface properties since plasma decreases the surface roughness and sheet resistance, improves the surface stoichiometry and wetting. Furthermore, the PELDs with the differently treated ITO substrates as hole‐injecting electrodes were fabricated and characterized. We observe that the optical and electrical characteristics of devices are greatly influenced by the surface treatments on ITO substrates. Oxygen plasma treatment decreases turn‐on voltage, increases brightness and efficiency, and thereby improves the device performance of PELDs. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)