bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermoresponsive, Hydrolytically Degradable Polymer Micelles Intended for Radionuclide Delivery
Authors: Hruby Martin , Konak Cestmir , Kucka Jan , Vetrik Miroslav , Filippov Sergey K. , Vetvicka David , Mackova Hana , Karlsson Goran , Edwards Katarina , Rihova Blanka , Ulbrich Karel
Published: July 2009

Novel polymer micelles, prepared by self‐assembling thermoresponsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐graft‐poly[N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide] copolymers with hydrolytically degradable N‐glycosylamine groups between the polymer blocks are proposed for delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclides into solid tumors. The micelles are formed by fast heating of an aqueous solution of the copolymer to 37 °C. They have a hydrodynamic diameter of 128 nm (measured using dynamic light scattering) and slowly degrade during incubation in aqueous buffer at pH = 7.4. Labeling with both 131I and 90Y proceeds with high yields (>85%). The unlabeled polymers are not cytotoxic for any of the tested murine and human cell lines.

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A coupled molecular dynamics and extended finite element method for dynamic crack propagation
Authors: Aubertin Pascal , Réthoré Julien , de Borst René
Published: July 2009

A multiscale method is presented which couples a molecular dynamics approach for describing fracture at the crack tip with an extended finite element method for discretizing the remainder of the domain. After recalling the basic equations of molecular dynamics and continuum mechanics, the discretization is discussed for the continuum subdomain where the partition‐of‐unity property of finite element shape functions is used, since in this fashion the crack in the wake of its tip is naturally modelled as a traction‐free discontinuity. Next, the zonal coupling method between the atomistic and continuum models is recapitulated. Finally, it is discussed how the stress has been computed in the atomic subdomain, and a two‐dimensional computation is presented of dynamic fracture using the coupled model. The result shows multiple branching, which is reminiscent of recent results from simulations on dynamic fracture using cohesive‐zone models. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on NO releasing from PCU grafted with endogenous NO donors
Authors: Guo Jin Tang , Ye Ya Qin , Feng Ya Kai , Zhao Hai Yang
Published: July 2009

Films of PCUs grafted with L‐nitrosocysteine (L‐CySNO) were successfully prepared in the presence of 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). The final products (L‐CySNO‐grafted PCU) were characterized with ATR‐FTIR, SEM, XPS, and tensile strength measurement. Tensile strength of the L‐CySNO‐grafted PCU was decreased compared to that of non‐grafted PCU. In vitro NO release from the produced films was obtained by using ascorbic acid (Vc) as reducing agent, and the velocity of the released NO was measured by the Griess assay. The effects of temperature, molecular weight of polycarbonate diols (PCN), and thickness of the films on in vitro NO release were investigated in detail. It was found that with the increase of temperature, the velocity of NO release increased, whereas with the increase of molecular weight of polycarbonate diols, the velocity decreased. However, thickness of PCU films has no effect on NO release. The results of cytotoxicity test and hemolytic test indicate that blood compatibility and biocompatibility of the grafted PCU are better than those of the synthesized PCU. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Initial testing (stage 1) of the kinesin spindle protein inhibitor ispinesib by the pediatric preclinical testing program
Authors: Carol Hernan , Lock Richard , Houghton Peter J. , Morton Christopher L. , Kolb E. Anders , Gorlick Richard , Reynolds C. Patrick , Maris John M. , Keir Stephen T. , Billups Catherine A. , Smith Malcolm A.
Published: July 2009

Background

Ispinesib is a highly specific inhibitor of kinesin spindle protein (KSP, HsEg5), a mitotic kinesin required for separation of the spindle poles. Here we report the activity of ispinesib against the in vitro and in vivo panels of the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program (PPTP).

Procedures

Ispinesib was tested against the PPTP in vitro panel cell lines at concentrations from 0.1 nM to 1 µM and against the in vivo tumor panel xenografts by intraperitoneal administration (5 or 10 mg/kg) every 4 days for 3 doses repeated at day 21.

Results

Ispinesib was highly potent against the PPTP's in vitro cell lines with a median IC50 of 4.1 nM. Ispinesib (10 mg/kg) induced unexplained toxicity in mice bearing osteosarcoma xenografts and exceeded the MTD in 12 of 40 non‐osteosarcoma xenografts. Ispinesib induced significant tumor growth delay in 88% (23/26) of evaluable xenografts. Using a time to event measure of efficacy, ispinesib had intermediate and high levels of activity against 4 (21%) and 5 (26%) of the 19 evaluable solid tumor xenografts, respectively. Ispinesib induced maintained complete responses (CR) in a rhabdoid tumor, a Wilms tumor and a Ewing sarcoma xenograft. Ispinesib (5 mg/kg) produced 2 complete and 2 partial responses among 6 evaluable xenografts in the ALL panel. The in vivo pattern of activity was distinctive from that previously reported for vincristine.

Conclusions

Ispinesib demonstrated broad in vivo antitumor activity, including maintained complete responses for several xenografts, although with high toxicity rates at the doses studied. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009; 53:1255–1263. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tumore unter schwerem Beschuss. Krebstherapie mit Ionen in der klinischen Anwendung
Authors: Kraft Gerhard
Published: June 2009

Die Schwerionen‐Tumortherapie erreicht eine Millimeterpräzision überall im menschlichen Körper und eine erhebliche biologische Wirkungssteigerung im Tumor verglichen mit der Belastung des Normalgewebes. Damit ist es vor allem möglich, bisher strahlenresistente Tumoren erfolgreich zu therapieren. Auf Grund der sehr guten Erfolge des Pilotprojektes an der GSI sind allein in Deutschland drei klinische Therapiezentren im Aufbau, an denen mehrere tausend Patienten pro Jahr behandelt werden sollen. Damit ist der Ionentherapie der Sprung von der technischen Grundlagenforschung in die Kliniken gelungen.
Schalten mit Licht und Strom. Phasenwechsel‐Materialien als universale Speichermedien
Authors: Welnic Wojciech , Wuttig Matthias
Published: June 2009

Phasenwechsel‐Materialien besitzen in der amorphen Phase signifikant andere optische und elektrische Eigenschaften als in der kristallinen. Dieser starke Kontrast beider Phasen ermöglicht das sichere Lesen von digitaler Information, selbst wenn die Bits sehr dicht gepackt sind. Zudem lassen sich Phasenwechsel‐Materialien durch kurzes, lokales Erhitzen per Laser‐ oder Strompuls in weniger als zehn Nanosekunden von einer Phase in die andere umschalten. Als nichtflüchtige elektronische Datenspeicher könnten sie in Zukunft die schnellen, aber vergesslichen DRAM‐Chips heutiger Computer ersetzen. Als optische Speicher sind sie in wiederbeschreibbaren CDs, DVDs und Blu‐Ray‐Disks etabliert. Phasenwechsel‐Materialien sind zudem für die Grundlagenforschung hoch interessant.
Mit dem Wind gegen den Wind. Das Windfahrzeug InVentus Ventomobil
Authors: Lehmann Jan , Kühn Martin
Published: June 2009

Beim ersten internationalen Windmobil‐Rennen Aeolus Race in den Niederlanden im Herbst 2008 traten sechs Fahrzeuge gegeneinander an. Sie demonstrierten, dass sie direkt gegen den Wind fahren konnten, ohne zu kreuzen. Das ermöglicht der Einsatz von Rotoren statt Segeln. Das InVentus Ventomobil der Universität Stuttgart gewann, da die Studierenden kreativ und engagiert das theoretische Wissen aus Vorlesungen in die Praxis umsetzten. Konsequente aerodynamische Auslegung des Rotors, Einsatz von modernstem Leichtbau, umfangreiche Tests und etwas Glück führten zum Erfolg.
Zeit für eine neue Lichtquelle
Authors: Reineke Sebastian , Lüssem Björn , Leo Karl
Published: June 2009

Weiße organische Leuchtdioden (OLED) für Beleuchtungszwecke werden seit etwa 15 Jahren intensiv erforscht. Damit sich diese Technologie als wirkliche Alternative etablieren kann, gilt es seither, die Effizienz und Lebensdauer drastisch zu steigern. Kürzlich ist es unserer Gruppe an der TU Dresden gelungen, mit weißen OLED die Leistungseffizienz von Leuchtstoffröhren zu übertreffen.
Strommessung an einzelnen molekularen Drähten
Authors: Lafferentz Leif , Grill Leonhard
Published: June 2009

Molekulare “Drähte” aus einem einzigen linearen Molekül besitzen ein enormes Potenzial für zukünftige Anwendungen in der Nanotechnologie. Dabei stellt der Ladungstransport ein entscheidendes Kriterium für ihre Verwendung in dieser molekularen Elektronik dar. Unserer Gruppe an der Freien Universität Berlin ist es erstmals gelungen, einen einzelnen molekularen Draht von einer Oberfläche hochzuziehen und den dabei durch den Draht fließenden Strom in Abhängigkeit von der Länge zu messen. Dies liefert ein tieferes Verständnis der elektrischen, aber auch der mechanischen Eigenschaften solcher molekularen Drähte.
Moleküle aus Rydberg‐Atomen
Authors: Butscher Björn , Bendkowsky Vera , Pfau Tilman
Published: June 2009

Die Eigenschaften und Wirkungsmechanismen der wichtigsten chemischen Bindungstypen wie kovalent oder ionisch sind seit langem bekannt. Unserer Gruppe an der Universität Stuttgart gelang es kürzlich erstmals, ein Molekül aus zwei Rubidiumatomen zu erzeugen, das mit 100 nm nicht nur außergewöhnlich groß ist, sondern darüber hinaus von einem neuartigen Bindungsmechanismus zusammengehalten wird.
Spuren im Staub
Authors: Heering Peter
Published: June 2009

Georg Christoph Lichtenberg ist den meisten Menschen heute wegen seiner Aphorismen bekannt. Zu seinen Lebzeiten war er dagegen in seiner Rolle als Professor für Experimentalphysik an der Universität Göttingen berühmt. Dieser Ruhm gründete sich ganz wesentlich auf seine sehr populären Experimentalvorlesungen. Aber ihm gelang zumindest eine Entdeckung, die seinen Namen auch heute noch in Physiklehrbüchern vorkommen lässt: die Lichtenbergschen Staubfiguren.
Das Sehen der Polarisation
Authors: Schlichting H. Joachim
Published: June 2009

Wenn der Blick in den blauen Himmel ein gelbes Büschel sichtbar werden lässt, so muss es kein Augenfehler oder Einbildung sein. Es kann sich um ein Phänomen handeln, in dem das Polarisationssehen des Menschen zum Ausdruck kommt.
Protein composition of oil bodies from mature Brassica napus seeds
Authors: Jolivet Pascale , Boulard Céline , Bellamy Annick , Larré Colette , Barre Marion , Rogniaux Hélène , d'Andréa Sabine , Chardot Thierry , Nesi Nathalie
Published: June 2009

Seed oil bodies (OBs) are intracellular particles storing lipids as food or biofuel reserves in oleaginous plants. Since Brassica napus OBs could be easily contaminated with protein bodies and/or myrosin cells, they must be purified step by step using floatation technique in order to remove non‐specifically trapped proteins. An exhaustive description of the protein composition of rapeseed OBs from two double‐zero varieties was achieved by a combination of proteomic and genomic tools. Genomic analysis led to the identification of sequences coding for major seed oil body proteins, including 19 oleosins, 5 steroleosins and 9 caleosins. Most of these proteins were also identified through proteomic analysis and displayed a high level of sequence conservation with their Arabidopsis thaliana counterparts. Two rapeseed oleosin orthologs appeared acetylated on their N‐terminal alanine residue and both caleosins and steroleosins displayed a low level of phosphorylation.
A proteomics study of barley powdery mildew haustoria
Authors: Godfrey Dale , Zhang Ziguo , Saalbach Gerhard , Thordal‐Christensen Hans
Published: June 2009

A number of fungal and oomycete plant pathogens of major economic importance feed on their hosts by means of haustoria, which they place inside living plant cells. The underlying mechanisms are poorly understood, partly due to difficulty in preparing haustoria. We have therefore developed a procedure for isolating haustoria from the barley powdery mildew fungus (Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei, Bgh). We subsequently aimed to understand the molecular mechanisms of haustoria through a study of their proteome. Extracted proteins were digested using trypsin, separated by LC, and analysed by MS/MS. Searches of a custom Bgh EST sequence database and the NCBI‐NR fungal protein database, using the MS/MS data, identified 204 haustoria proteins. The majority of the proteins appear to have roles in protein metabolic pathways and biological energy production. Surprisingly, pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC), involved in alcoholic fermentation and commonly abundant in fungi and plants, was absent in our Bgh proteome data set. A sequence encoding this enzyme was also absent in our EST sequence database. Significantly, BLAST searches of the recently available Bgh genome sequence data also failed to identify a sequence encoding this enzyme, strongly indicating that Bgh does not have a gene for PDC.
Attenuation of inflammation and cellular stress‐related pathways maintains insulin sensitivity in obese type I interleukin‐1 receptor knockout mice on a high‐fat diet
Authors: de Roos Baukje , Rungapamestry Vanessa , Ross Karen , Rucklidge Garry , Reid Martin , Duncan Gary , Horgan Graham , Toomey Sinead , Browne John , Loscher Christine E. , Mills Kingston H. G. , Roche Helen M.
Published: June 2009

The development of insulin resistance in the obese is associated with chronic, low‐grade inflammation. We aimed to identify novel links between obesity, insulin resistance and the inflammatory response by comparing C57BL/6 with type I interleukin‐1 receptor knockout (IL‐1RI−/−) mice, which are protected against diet‐induced insulin resistance. Mice were fed a high‐fat diet for 16 wk. Insulin sensitivity was measured and proteomic analysis was performed on adipose, hepatic and skeletal muscle tissues. Despite an equal weight gain, IL‐1RI−/− mice had lower plasma glucose, insulin and triacylglycerol concentrations, compared with controls, following dietary treatment. The higher insulin sensitivity in IL‐1RI−/− mice was associated with down‐regulation of antioxidant proteins and proteasomes in adipose tissue and hepatic soluble epoxide hydrolase, consistent with a compromised inflammatory response as well as increased glycolysis and decreased fatty acid β‐oxidation in their muscle. Their lower hepatic triacylglycerol concentrations may reflect decreased flux of free fatty acids to the liver, decreased hepatic fatty acid‐binding protein expression and decreased lipogenesis. Correlation analysis revealed down‐regulation of classical biomarkers of ER stress in their adipose tissue, suggesting that disruption of the IL‐1RI‐mediated inflammatory response may attenuate cellular stress, which was associated with significant protection from diet‐induced insulin resistance, independent of obesity.
Comprehensive proteomic and transcriptomic analysis reveals early induction of a protective anti‐oxidative stress response by low‐dose proteasome inhibition
Authors: Bieler Sven , Meiners Silke , Stangl Verena , Pohl Thomas , Stangl Karl
Published: June 2009

Effective inhibition of the proteasome by high doses of proteasome inhibitors induces apoptotic cell death. In contrast, partial proteasome inhibition by low inhibitor doses mediates a protective cellular stress response. The early targets and mediators of these dose‐dependent effects of proteasome inhibitors are unknown. Primary human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells were treated with low and high doses of the proteasome inhibitor MG132 for 2 h. In a combined 2‐DE and MS approach, we identified more than 20 new targets of proteasome inhibition. These proteins are involved in cell cycle regulation, signaling, cytoskeletal rearrangement, and cellular stress response. Accompanying Affymetrix analysis revealed that these proteins are not regulated on the transcriptional level but are mainly stabilized by proteasome inhibition. The proteasome‐dependent accumulation of the anti‐oxidative sensor proteins DJ‐1, peroxiredoxin‐1 and ‐6 was accompanied by dose‐dependent induction of oxidative stress after 2 h of proteasome inhibition and contributed to the differential transcriptional stress response to low‐ and high‐dose proteasome inhibition: Whereas low‐dose proteasome inhibition induces a transcriptional profile reminiscent of a physiological stress response that preconditions and protects endothelial cells from oxidative stress, high inhibitor doses induce massive transcriptional dysregulation and pronounced oxidative stress triggering apoptosis.
Quantitative analysis of phosphopeptides in search of the disease biomarker from the hepatocellular carcinoma specimen
Authors: Lee Hyoung‐Joo , Na Keun , Kwon Min‐Seok , Kim Hoguen , Kim Kyoung Sik , Paik Young‐Ki
Published: June 2009

Reversible phosphorylation of proteins is the most common PTM in cell‐signaling pathways. Despite this, high‐throughput methods for the systematic detection, identification, and quantification of phosphorylated peptides have yet to be developed. In this paper, we describe the establishment of an efficient online titaniuim dioxide (TiO2)‐based 3‐D LC (strong cationic exchange/TiO2/C18)‐MS3‐linear ion trap system, which provides fully automatic and highly efficient identification of phosphorylation sites in complex peptide mixtures. Using this system, low‐abundance phosphopeptides were isolated from cell lines, plasma, and tissue of healthy and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Furthermore, the phosphorylation sites were identified and the differences in phosphorylation levels between healthy and HCC patient specimens were quantified by labeling the phosphopeptides with isotopic analogs of amino acids (stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture for HepG2 cells) or water (HO for tissues and plasma). Two examples of potential HCC phospho‐biomarkers including plectin‐1(phopho‐Ser‐4253) and alpha‐HS‐glycoprotein (phospho‐Ser 138 and 312) were identified by this analysis. Our results suggest that this comprehensive TiO2‐based online‐3‐D LC‐MS3‐linear ion trap system with high‐throughput potential will be useful for the global profiling and quantification of the phosphoproteome and the identification of disease biomarkers.
Validating divergent ORF annotation of the Mycobacterium leprae genome through a full translation data set and peptide identification by tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: de Souza Gustavo A. , Søfteland Tina , Koehler Christian J. , Thiede Bernd , Wiker Harald G.
Published: June 2009

Mycobacterium leprae has undergone extensive degenerative evolution, with a large number of pseudogenes. It is also the organism with the greatest divergence between gene annotations from independent institutes. Therefore, M. leprae is a good model to verify the currently predicted coding sequence regions between different annotations, to identify new ones and to investigate the expression of pseudogenes. We submitted a total extract of the bacteria isolated from Armadillo to Gel‐LC‐MS/MS using a linear quadrupole ion trap‐Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Spectra were analyzed using the Leproma (1614 genes and 1133 pseudogenes) and TIGR (5446 genes) databases and a database containing the full genome translation. We identified a total of 1046 proteins, including five proteins encoded by previously predicted pseudogenes, which upon closer inspection appeared to be proper genes. Only 11 of the additional annotations by TIGR were verified. We also identified six tryptic peptides from five proteins from regions not considered to be coding sequences, in addition to peptides from two unannotated gene candidates that overlap with other genes. Our data show that the Leproma annotation of M. leprae is quite accurate, and there were no peptide observations corresponding to true pseudogenes, except for a new gene candidate, overlapping with an essential enolase on the complementary strand.
2‐D DIGE analysis implicates cytoskeletal abnormalities in psychiatric disease
Authors: English Jane A. , Dicker Patrick , Föcking Melanie , Dunn Michael J. , Cotter David R.
Published: June 2009

The mechanisms underlying white matter changes in psychiatric disease are not known. We aimed to characterise the differential protein expression in deep white matter from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex from 35 schizophrenia, 35 bipolar disorder, and 35 control subjects, from the Stanley Array Collection. We used 2‐D DIGE to profile for protein expression changes in the brain. We found 70 protein spots to be significantly differentially expressed between disease and control subjects (ANCOVA, p<0.05), 46 of which were subsequently identified by LC‐MS/MS. The proteins identified included novel disease candidates as well as proteins that have previously been reported as abnormal in schizophrenia, thus reinforcing their association with the disease. Furthermore, we confirmed the direction of change for three proteins using ELISA, namely neurofilament‐light, amphiphysin II, and Rab‐GDP‐α, in a subset of the Stanley Array Collection. In addition, altered expression of neurofilament‐light, amphiphysin II, and Rab‐GDP‐α was not observed in the cortex of mice chronically treated with haloperidol, making it less likely that these alterations are a consequence of neuroleptic medication. The data presented here strongly suggest disruption of the cytoskeleton and its associated signal transduction proteins in schizophrenia, and to a lesser extent in bipolar disorder.
Synaptic proteome changes in the superior frontal gyrus and occipital cortex of the alcoholic brain
Authors: Etheridge Naomi , Lewohl Joanne M. , Mayfield R. Dayne , Harris R. Adron , Dodd Peter R.
Published: July 2009

Cognitive deficits and behavioral changes that result from chronic alcohol abuse are a consequence of neuropathological changes that alter signal transmission through the neural network. To focus on the changes that occur at the point of connection between the neural network cells, synaptosomal preparations from post‐mortem human brain of six chronic alcoholics and six non‐alcoholic controls were compared using 2‐D differential in‐gel electrophoresis (DIGE). Functionally affected and spared regions (superior frontal gyrus, SFG, and occipital cortex, OC, respectively) were analyzed from both groups to further investigate the specific pathological response that alcoholism has on the brain. Forty‐nine proteins were differentially regulated between the SFG of alcoholics and the SFG of controls and 94 proteins were regulated in the OC with an overlap of 23 proteins. Additionally, the SFG was compared to the OC within each group (alcoholics or controls) to identify region‐specific differences. A selection was identified by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry revealing proteins involved in vesicle transport, metabolism, folding and trafficking, and signal transduction, all of which have the potential to influence synaptic activity. A number of proteins identified in this study have been previously related to alcoholism; however, the focus on synaptic proteins has also uncovered novel alcoholism‐affected proteins. Further exploration of these proteins will illuminate the mechanisms altering synaptic plasticity, and thus neuronal signaling and response, in the alcoholic brain.
Diazinon reduction and partitioning between water, sediment and vegetation in stormwater runoff mitigation through rice fields
Authors: Moore Matthew T , Kröger Robert , Cooper Charles M , Cullum Robert F , Smith, Sammie , Locke Martin A
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: Contamination of surface waters by pesticides is a concern in the United States and around the world. Innovative mitigation strategies are needed to remediate this potential environmental contaminant. One potential solution is to divert pesticide‐laden drainage or surface water through agricultural rice fields. With a hydroperiod, hydrosoil and hydrophyte (rice), these systems serve essentially as a type of constructed wetland. In both summer and fall experiments, diazinon‐amended water was diverted through two rice ponds at the University of Mississippi Field Station. Likewise, a non‐vegetated control pond was amended with diazinon‐laden water. Water, sediment and plant samples were taken spatially and temporally to determine the distribution of diazinon within systems.

RESULTS: Outflow diazinon concentrations decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from inflow in both vegetated ponds for both preharvest and post‐harvest experiments. Although sorption to rice plants was minimal in the overall mass distribution of diazinon (1–3%), temporal data indicated that diazinon concentrations reached the outflow sediment of the non‐vegetated control twice as fast as in either vegetated (rice) system. In both vegetated systems, sediment diazinon concentrations decreased (77 and 100%) from inflow to outflow, while a decrease of <2% was noted in the non‐vegetated control.

CONCLUSIONS: Diversion of pesticide‐contaminated water through rice fields demonstrated potential as a low‐cost, environmentally efficient mitigation practice. Studies on these systems are continuing to evaluate the optimal chemical retention time for rice field mitigation, as well as diazinon transfer to rice grain seeds that may be used as a food source. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effects of a flavonoid‐rich extract of Hypericum perforatum L. against hydrogen peroxide‐induced apoptosis in PC12 cells
Authors: Zou Yan‐Ping , Lu Yan‐Hua , Wei Dong‐Zhi
Published: July 2009

Hypericum perforatum L. has been used traditionally as an antidepressant for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. In a previous study, a flavonoid‐rich extract of Hypericum perforatum L. (FEHP) was prepared and its antioxidant activity was determined by a series of models in vitro. In the present study, the protective effects of FEHP against hydrogen peroxide‐induced apoptosis in rat pheochromocytoma line PC12 cells were investigated by MTT assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, flow cytometry analysis and DNA fragmentation assay. Following a 4 h exposure of PC12 cells to H2O2, a significant decrease in the cell viability and increased levels of LDH release were observed. However, pretreatment of PC12 cells with FEHP prior to H2O2 exposure elevated the cell viability, decreased the levels of LDH release and decreased the occurrence of apoptotic cells. Also, the intensity of H2O2‐induced DNA laddering was inhibited in a dose‐dependent fashion by a DNA fragmentation assay. These results suggested that FEHP possessed protective effects against H2O2‐induced apoptosis in PC12 cells and FEHP might be useful in the treatment of oxidative stress‐related neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hesperidin suppressed proliferations of both Human breast cancer and androgen‐dependent prostate cancer cells
Authors: Lee Choong Jae , Wilson Leslie , Jordan Mary Ann , Nguyen Vy , Tang Jessica , Smiyun Gregory
Published: July 2009

Hesperidin, a flavonoid derived from citrus fruits, has been reported to show various biological effects including anticancer activity. This study investigated whether hesperidin affected the proliferation of MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells transfected with green fluorescent protein (GFP)/α‐tubulin (MCF‐7‐GFP‐Tubulin cells), androgen‐independent PC‐3 and DU‐145 prostate cancer cells, and androgen‐dependent LNCaP prostate cancer cells. The results were as follows. (1) Hesperidin inhibited the proliferation of MCF‐7‐GFP‐Tubulin cells, probably not through an antimitotic mechanism. (2) Hesperidin also inhibited both basal and testosterone‐induced proliferation of LNCaP cells. (3) However, hesperidin did not significantly affect the cell proliferation of two hormone‐independent prostate cancer cells, PC‐3 and DU‐145. It is concluded that hesperidin can inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells through mechanisms other than antimitosis and it is suggested that hesperidin be further investigated for the possible interaction with androgenic receptors and involvement in signaling pathway after receptor binding in prostate cancer cells through future research. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effect of oleanolic acid on gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Patil Chandragouda R. , Jadhav Ramchandra B. , Singh Pushparaj K. , Mundada Sneha , Patil Prabhakar R.
Published: July 2009

Oleanolic acid is a molecule of current therapeutic interest. In the present study, oleanolic acid isolated from the cuticular epithelium of Viscum articulatum Burm. f. (Viscaceae) was investigated for its protective effects on gentamicin‐induced renal damage in rats. Nephrotoxicity was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of gentamicin at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 8 days. The effect of Oleanolic acid administered orally at doses 40, 60 and 80 mg/kg/day was assessed biochemically by determination of albumin, urea and creatinine in serum and urine samples and also through histopathological examination of the kidneys.

Oleanolic acid protected the rat kidneys from gentamicin‐induced nephrotoxicity as evident from a decrease in the serum and urine levels of creatinine, albumin and urea. Oleanolic acid also protected the rat kidneys from histological alterations induced by gentamicin and also improved the glomerular filtration rate. Compared with an earlier report on intraperitoneal administration of oleanolic acid in paracetamol‐induced nephrotoxicity in rats, the data show that orally administered oleanolic acid also exerted a nephroprotective effect even in the case of a nephrotoxicant such as gentamicin, which directly deteriorates the kidney function without prior metabolism. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Respondent‐driven sampling as Markov chain Monte Carlo
Authors: Goel Sharad , Salganik Matthew J.
Published: July 2009

Respondent‐driven sampling (RDS) is a recently introduced, and now widely used, technique for estimating disease prevalence in hidden populations. RDS data are collected through a snowball mechanism, in which current sample members recruit future sample members. In this paper we present RDS as Markov chain Monte Carlo importance sampling, and we examine the effects of community structure and the recruitment procedure on the variance of RDS estimates. Past work has assumed that the variance of RDS estimates is primarily affected by segregation between healthy and infected individuals. We examine an illustrative model to show that this is not necessarily the case, and that bottlenecks anywhere in the networks can substantially affect estimates. We also show that variance is inflated by a common design feature in which the sample members are encouraged to recruit multiple future sample members. The paper concludes with suggestions for implementing and evaluating RDS studies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Firm‐specific knowledge resources and competitive advantage: the roles of economic‐ and relationship‐based employee governance mechanisms
Authors: Wang Heli C. , He Jinyu , Mahoney Joseph T.
Published: July 2009

The resource‐based view of the firm emphasizes the role of firm‐specific resources, especially firm‐specific knowledge resources, in helping a firm to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. However, the deployment of firm‐specific knowledge often requires key employees to make specialized human capital investments that are not easily redeployable to other settings. Thus, in the absence of effective safeguards and trust building devices, employees with foresight may be reluctant to make such specialized investments. This study explores both economic‐ and relationship‐based governance mechanisms that might mitigate this underinvestment problem. Effective use of these governance mechanisms enables a firm to obtain greater performance from its efforts to deploy firm‐specific knowledge resources. Empirical results further support these key arguments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein‐Based Nanomedicine Platforms for Drug Delivery
Authors: MaHam Aihui , Tang Zhiwen , Wu Hong , Wang Jun , Lin Yuehe
Published: July 2009

Protein‐based nanomedicine platforms for drug delivery comprise naturally self‐assembled protein subunits of the same protein or a combination of proteins making up a complete system. They are ideal for drug‐delivery platforms due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability coupled with low toxicity. A variety of proteins have been used and characterized for drug‐delivery systems, including the ferritin/apoferritin protein cage, plant‐derived viral capsids, the small Heat shock protein (sHsp) cage, albumin, soy and whey protein, collagen, and gelatin. There are many different types and shapes that have been prepared to deliver drug molecules using protein‐based platforms, including various protein cages, microspheres, nanoparticles, hydrogels, films, minirods, and minipellets. The protein cage is the most newly developed biomaterial for drug delivery and therapeutic applications. The uniform size, multifunctionality, and biodegradability push it to the frontier of drug delivery. In this Review, the recent strategic development of drug delivery is discussed with emphasis on polymer‐based, especially protein‐based, nanomedicine platforms for drug delivery. The advantages and disadvantages are also discussed for each type of protein‐based drug‐delivery system.

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A Self‐Assembled Protein Nanotube with High Aspect Ratio
Authors: Miranda Frederico F. , Iwasaki Kenji , Akashi Satoko , Sumitomo Koji , Kobayashi Mime , Yamashita Ichiro , Tame Jeremy R. H. , Heddle Jonathan G.
Published: June 2009

Production of a self‐assembled protein nanotube achieved through engineering of the 11mer ring protein trp RNA‐binding attenuation protein is described. The produced mutant protein is able to stack in solution to produce an extremely narrow, uniform nanotube apparently stabilized by a mixture of disulfide bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Assembly is reversible and the length of tube can potentially be controlled. Large quantities of hollow tubes 8.5 nm in overall diameter with lengths varying from 7 nm to over 1 µm are produced. The structure is analyzed using transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, mass spectrometry, and single‐particle analysis and it is found that component rings stack in a head‐to‐head fashion. The internal diameter of the tube is 2.5 nm, and the amino acid residues lining the central cavity can be mutated, raising the possibility that the tube can be filled with a variety of conducting or semiconducting materials.
Di‐ and Triazaphospholes as Ligands for Ruthenium(II) and Iridium(III) Complexes
Authors: Köhler Brigitte , Kammerer Susanne , Mayer Tobias , Neumann Bernd , Lorenz Ingo‐Peter
Published: July 2009

The reaction of the azaphospholes 5‐methyl‐2‐phenyl‐1,2,3‐diazaphospole (PDAP) and 2‐methyl‐2‐phenyl‐1,2,4,3‐triazaphospole (PTAP) with the dimers [LMCl2]2 (LM = η6‐C6Me6Ru, η5‐C5Me5Ir) of ruthenium(II) and iridium(III) only occurs in presence of nucleophiles such as EtOH or H2O leading to their metal‐coordination after cleavage of the dimers. [(η6‐C6Me6)RuCl2]2 reacts with PDAP and EtOH in the molar ratio 0.5:1:1 to give the phosphorus‐coordinated complex (η6‐C6Me6)RuCl2(P‐PDAP·EtOH) (1). In the case of [(η5‐C5Me5)IrCl2]2, the triazaphosphole PTAP was used in the presence of EtOH or H2O yielding the analogous products (η5‐C5Me5)IrCl2(P‐PTAP·EtOH) (2) or (η5‐C5Me5)IrCl2(P‐PTAP·H2O) (3). In 1–3, the former aromatic azaphosphole (σ2,λ3‐P) has been converted by 1,2 addition of EtOH or H2O to their P=C or P=N double bond with the nucleophiles EtO– and OH– bonded to phosphorus (σ3,λ3‐P). Complexes 1–3 with a piano‐stool configuration were characterized by elemental analysis, 31P NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.
Evidence of divergent growth rates among populations of the lizard Anolis carolinensis based on experimental manipulations of egg size
Authors: Goodman Rachel M.
Published: July 2009

Geographic variation in body size is of special interest because it affects nearly all aspects of an organism's life. I examined whether differences in body size among four populations of the green anole lizard, Anolis carolinensis, were attributable to maternal investment in egg size and/or growth rates of embryos and juveniles. Larger body size and larger egg size relative to female size in the northern part of the range have been documented in this species, and suggested to be adaptive responses to more extreme winters. The current study confirmed the trends in adult size and egg size in the north, but rejected the trend of larger egg size relative to body size in the south. To control for differences in maternal investment in egg size among populations, I performed yolk removals on eggs from two northern populations to produce comparably sized eggs relative to one southern population. This manipulation was designed to minimize the confounding effect of maternal investment in yolk, the primary energy reserves for eggs, so that intrinsic differences in embryonic growth due to metabolism could be investigated. I found that differences in juvenile and, potentially, embryonic growth rates existed among populations of A. carolinensis, both due to and independent of differences in egg size. Juveniles from the northernmost population were bigger not only due to larger egg size, but also due to faster juvenile growth and possibly differences in developmental stage of oviposition or conversion of egg mass to hatchling mass. Larger body size may hold a number of advantages in northern populations of this species, including starvation resistance through winters and better competitive access to food resources and warmer microhabitats.
Sleep‐related breathing in children with mucopolysaccharidosis
Authors: Nashed A. , Al‐Saleh S. , Gibbons J. , MacLusky I. , MacFarlane J. , Riekstins A. , Clarke J. , Narang I.
Published: June 2009

Background: The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs), a group of genetic lysosomal storage disorders, are associated with significant morbidity. Secondarily to specific associated anatomical abnormalities, MPS is associated with sleep disordered breathing (SDB), specifically obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) that may confer additional morbidity. Few studies have examined SDB in children with MPS using full polysomnography (PSG) and thus the exact prevalence and severity of SDB is unknown. Further, successful treatments for SDB in this population have not been explored. Objectives: This study evaluated both SDB and the efficacy of treatments offered to children with MPS using PSG data. Patients and methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on all children with MPS and a history of suspected OSA who were referred to the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. Both baseline and follow up treatment PSG data were analysed. PSG data recorded included obstructive apnoea‐hypopnoea index (OAHI) and central apnoea index (CAI). Results: Fourteen patients (10 male) underwent a baseline PSG. Three of 14 children on ERT were excluded from the main analyses. The median (range) baseline parameters of the population (n = 11) were recorded. The age was 5.2 years (0.8–17.8) and the body mass index (BMI) was 19.9 (13.7–22.2). The OAHI was 6.6 (0.0–54.8); the CAI was 0.6 (0.0–2.6). Seven of 11 (64%) had evidence for OSA and 3/7 children were classified as having severe OSA (OAHI > 10). Of these, 5/7 children underwent treatment for OSA with 3/5 children showing a significant reduction in their OAHI. Further, the 2 patients on ERT therapy with OSA were also both successfully treated. Conclusions: Children with MPS have a high prevalence of significant OSA and thus should be carefully screened for OSA using full polysomnography and treated accordingly.
Wettability Modification of Nanomaterials by Low-Energy Electron Flux
Authors: Torchinsky I. , Rosenman G.
Published: July 2009

Controllable modification of surface free energy and related properties (wettability, hygroscopicity, agglomeration, etc.) of powders allows both understanding of fine physical mechanism acting on nanoparticle surfaces and improvement of their key characteristics in a number of nanotechnology applications. In this work, we report on the method we developed for electron-induced surface energy and modification of basic, related properties of powders of quite different physical origins such as diamond and ZnO. The applied technique has afforded gradual tuning of the surface free energy, resulting in a wide range of wettability modulation. In ZnO nanomaterial, the wettability has been strongly modified, while for the diamond particles identical electron treatment leads to a weak variation of the same property. Detailed investigation into electron-modified wettability properties has been performed by the use of capillary rise method using a few probing liquids. Basic thermodynamic approaches have been applied to calculations of components of solid–liquid interaction energy. We show that defect-free, low-energy electron treatment technique strongly varies elementary interface interactions and may be used for the development of new technology in the field of nanomaterials.
Characterization of Titania Incorporated with Alumina Nanocrystals and Their Impacts on Electrical Hysteresis and Photoluminescence
Authors: Shi Lei , Liu Zhiguo , Xu B. O. , Gao Ligang , Xia Yidong , Yin Jiang
Published: June 2009

The structural and optical characterizations of titania incorporated with alumina nanocrystals have been presented in this paper and the films exhibit excellent properties like low current density, small hysteresis as well as high photoluminescence quantum yields of about 361 nm. These properties are promising for the applications in future electronic devices.
The short version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS‐21): Factor structure in a young adolescent sample
Authors: Szabó Marianna
Published: June 2009

This study explored the factor structure of the short form of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS‐21; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995b) in a young adolescent sample. A group of 484 high school students (Mean age = 13.62 years, Min = 11.83, Max = 15.67 years, 52 % boys) completed the DASS‐21. Several models were tested using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. A model consistent with the factor structure of the adult DASS, with correlated error terms, provided good fit to the data. However, correlations among the factors were very high. A ‘quadripartite’ model involving a common ‘Negative Affect’ factor as well as the three specific factors of Depression, Anxiety and Tension/Stress was tested to explain these correlations and was supported by the data. This model suggests that the core symptoms of Depression and Anxiety are similar in adults and adolescents, but the conceptualisation and assessment of Tension/Stress in adolescents needs further refinement.
The ‘Geographical Affiliations’ in ‘Top’ Research Journals of General Marketing
Authors: Svensson Göran , Tronvoll Bård , Helgesson Thomas , Slåtten Terje
Published: June 2009

The objective is to explore the geographical affiliation of author(s), ad hoc reviewer(s), editorial board(s) and editor(s) of selected journals in marketing. The sample used in our study was restricted to papers published in six research-oriented journals in general marketing, which were selected to represent the ‘top’ publications in this field. The ‘geographical affiliations’ of authors, ad hoc reviewers, editorial boards and editors, reveals a predominance of the North American affiliations in all the selected ‘top’ research journals of general marketing. The ‘geographical affiliations’ of author(s), ad hoc reviewer(s), editorial board(s) and editor(s) is a subject so far unexplored across top marketing journals. It is however an important issue that needs to be raised in literature, due to the influences that they may have on the journal and its content, and the characteristics of published papers. The study provides insights into the ‘top’ research journals in general marketing. We intend to complement the current knowledge and insights in literature by studying four components of the ‘geographical affiliations’ of ‘top’ journals in general marketing.
Dynein is a motor for nuclear rotation while vimentin IFs is a “brake”
Authors: Gerashchenko Maxim V. , Chernoivanenko Ivan S. , Moldaver Marianna V. , Minin Alexander A.
Published: June 2009

The positioning of the nucleus is achieved by two interconnected processes, anchoring and migration, both of which are controlled by cytoskeleton structures. Rotation is a special type of nuclear motility in many cell types, but its significance remains unclear. We used a vimentin‐null cell line, MFT‐16, which shows extensive nuclear rotation to study the phenomenon in detail. By selective disruption of cytoskeletal structures and video‐microscopic analysis, nuclear rotation was a microtubule‐dependent process that F‐actin partially impedes. The dynein–dynactin complex is responsible and inhibiting this motor by expression of a dominant negative mutant of its component P‐150 completely stops it. Nuclear rotation is powered by dynein associated with the nuclear envelope along stationary microtubules, centrosomes remaining immobile. We confirmed that vimentin IFs inhibit nuclear rotation, and variant proteins of the mutated wild type gene for vimentin that lacked considerable fragments of the N‐ and C‐terminal domains restored nuclear anchoring. Immunochemical analysis showed that these mutated IFs also bound plectin, arguing for a key role of this cytolinker protein in nuclear anchoring. It is proposed that this versatile machinery guarantees not only rotation and the correct location of a nucleus, but also its orientation in a cell.
The integrity of the anterior pretectal nucleus and dorsolateral funiculus is necessary for electroacupuncture‐induced analgesia in the rat tail‐flick test
Authors: Silva Marcelo L. , Silva Josie R.T. , Prado Wiliam A.
Published: June 2009

Previous studies have indicated that the anterior pretectal nucleus (APtN) is implicated in pathways that descend through the dorsolateral funiculus (DLF) to modulate nociceptive inputs in the spinal dorsal horn. The activation of descending inhibitory mechanisms also seems to be involved in electroacupuncture (EA)‐induced analgesia. This study utilized the tail‐flick test to examine the changes produced by DLF lesion or injection of 2% lidocaine into the APtN in the analgesia induced by 2 or 100 Hz EA applied to the Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) acupoints in lightly anesthetized rats. Tail‐flick latency was significantly increased by EA, the effect of 2 Hz EA lasting longer than that produced by 100 Hz EA. The effect of either 2 or 100 Hz EA did not occur in DLF lesion rats. The effect of 2 Hz EA did not occur in rats with neural block of the whole or dorsal APtN. In contrast, the effect of 100 Hz EA was reduced in rats with neural block of the whole APtN, but remained unchanged in rats with neural block of the dorsal APtN. We thus conclude that the integrity of the APtN and DLF is necessary for EA‐induced analgesia in the rat tail‐flick test. In addition, the integrity of the dorsal APtN is necessary for the analgesic effect of 2 but not 100 Hz EA.