bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A potential novel mechanism involving connexin 43 gap junction for control of sertoli cell proliferation by thyroid hormones
Authors: Gilleron Jerome , Nebout Marielle , Scarabelli Linda , Senegas‐Balas Francoise , Palmero Silvio , Segretain Dominique , Pointis Georges
Published: July 2006

There is strong evidence that thyroid hormones through triiodothyronine (T3) regulate Sertoli cell proliferation and differentiation in the neonatal testis. However, the mechanism(s) by which they are able to control Sertoli cell proliferation is unclear. In the present study in vivo approaches (PTU‐induced neonatal hypothyroidism known to affect Sertoli cell proliferation) associated with in vitro experiments on a Sertoli cell line were developed to investigate this question. We demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of T3 on Sertoli cell growth, analyzed by evaluating DNA‐incorporated [3H] thymidine, was associated with a time and dose‐dependent increase in the levels of Cx43, a constitutive protein of gap junctions, known to participate in the control of cell proliferation and the most predominant Cx in the testis. These Cx43 changes were associated with increased gap junction communication measured by gap FRAP. Consistent with these results two specific inhibitors of gap junction coupling, AGA and oleamide, were able to significantly reverse the T3 inhibitory effect on Sertoli cell proliferation. The present data also revealed a nongenomic effect of T3 on Cx43 Sertoli cells that was evidenced by a rapid up‐regulation of gap junction plaque number as identified in Cx43‐GFP transfected cells exposed to the hormone. This process appears mediated through actin cytoskeleton since incubation of the cells with cytochalasin D totally reversed the T3 stimulatory effect on Cx43‐GFP gap junction plaques. Based on these data, we propose a working hypothesis in which Cx43 could be an intermediate target for T3 inhibition of neonatal Sertoli cell proliferation. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 153–161, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chromosome condensation outside of mitosis: Mechanisms and new tools
Authors: Gotoh Eisuke , Durante Marco
Published: June 2006

A basic principle of cell physiology is that chromosomes condense during mitosis. However, condensation can be uncoupled from mitotic events under certain circumstances. This phenomenon is known as “premature chromosome condensation (PCC).” PCC provides insights in the mechanisms of chromosome condensation, thus helping clarifying the key molecular events leading to the mitosis. Besides, PCC has proved to be an useful tool for analyzing chromosomes in interphase. For example, using PCC we can visualize genetic damage shortly after the exposure to clastogenic agents. More than 30 years ago, the first report of PCC in interphase cells fused to mitotic cells using Sendai virus was described (virus‐mediated PCC). The method paved the way to a great number of fundamental discoveries in cytogenetics, radiation biology, and related fields, but it has been hampered by technical difficulties. The novel drug‐induced PCC method was introduced about 10 years ago. While fusion‐induced PCC exploits the action of external maturation/mitosis promoting factor (MPF), migrating from the inducer mitotic cell to the interphase recipient, drug‐induced PCC exploits protein phosphatase inhibitors, which can activate endogenous intracellular MPF. This method is much simpler than fusion‐induced PCC, and has already proven useful in different fields. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 297–304, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CSPP and CSPP‐L associate with centrosomes and microtubules and differently affect microtubule organization
Authors: Patzke Sebastian , Stokke Trond , Aasheim Hans‐Christian
Published: July 2006

We recently described the identification of a centrosome/spindle pole associated protein, CSPP, involved in cell cycle progression. Here we report a CSPP isoform denoted CSPP‐L, with a 294 amino acids longer N‐terminus and a 51 amino acids insertion located in the coiled‐coil mid‐domain. Expression analysis indicates an inverse cell cycle dependent regulation. CSPP mRNA expression is highest in G1 whereas CSPP‐L expression is highest in G2/M. Ectopic expression of CSPP‐L impairs cell cycle progression weaker in G1 than CSPP. Furthermore, normal mitotic phenotypes were observed in CSPP‐L but not in CSPP transfectants. CSPP‐L relocates from spindle microtubules and poles in metaphase to the mid‐spindle in anaphase and concentrates at the mid‐body in telophase/cytokinesis. CSPP‐L high‐expressing mitotic cells were predominantly characterized by lagging chromosomes or monopolar spindles, in contrast to the predominant multipolar spindles observed with CSPP expression. The different effects of CSPP and CSPP‐L on microtubule organization in mitosis depend on the coiled‐coil mid‐domain insertion. The common C‐terminal domain is required to repress that activity until mitosis. Notably, this C‐terminal domain alone can associate with centrosomes in a microtubule independent manner. Taken together, CSPP and CSPP‐L interact with centrosomes and microtubules and can differently affect microtubule organization. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 199–210, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography/positive ion tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of cimetropium in human plasma by liquid–liquid extraction
Authors: Lee Heon‐Woo , Park Wan‐Su , Kim Yong‐Won , Cho Sung‐Hee , Kim Sung‐Su , Seo Ji‐Hyung , Lee Kyung‐Tae
Published: June 2006

We have developed and validated a simple detection system with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with positive ion electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) for determining cimetropium levels in human plasma using scopolamine butyl bromide as an internal standard (I.S.). The acquisition was performed in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, by monitoring the transitions: m/z 357.9 > 103.1 for cimetropium and m/z 359.9 > 103.1 for butyl‐scopolamine. The method involves a simple single‐step liquid–liquid extraction with dichloromethane. The analyte was chromatographed on an YMC C18 reversed‐phase chromatographic column by isocratic elution with 10 mM ammonium formate buffer–methanol (19 : 81, v/v; adjusted to pH 4.0 with formic acid). The results were linear over the studied range (0.2–100 ng ml−1), with r2 = 1.0000, and the total analysis time for each run was 2 min. Intra‐ and interassay precisions were 0.70–8.54% and 1.08–4.85%, respectively, and intra‐ and interassay accuracies were 97.56–108.23% and 97.48–103.91%, respectively. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 0.2 ng ml−1. At this concentration, mean intra‐ and interassay precisions were 8.54% and 4.85%, respectively, and mean intra‐ and interassay accuracies were 97.56% and 98.91%, respectively. The mean recovery ranged from 62.71 ± 4.06 to 64.23 ± 2.32%. Cimetropium was found to be stable in plasma samples under typical storage and processing conditions. The devised assay was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of cimetropium bromide administered as a single oral dose (150 mg) to healthy volunteers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of isomeric flavonoid glucuronides in urine and plasma by metal complexation and LC‐ESI‐MS/MS
Authors: Davis Barry D. , Needs Paul W. , Kroon Paul A. , Brodbelt Jennifer S.
Published: June 2006

Noncovalent complexes were used for structural determination and isomer differentiation of flavonoid glucuronides. Several flavonoid glucuronides including naringenin‐7‐O‐glucuronide, synthesized here for the first time, were used as test compounds. Electrospray ionization quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry with collision‐induced dissociation (CID) was used to analyze complexes of the form [Co(II) (L‐H) (Aux)]+ and [Co(II) (L‐H) (Aux)2]+, in which L is the flavonoid glucuronide and Aux is a phenanthroline‐based ligand. These complexes yielded characteristic fragmentation patterns that facilitated assignment of the substitution position of the glucuronides. The methods were adapted to liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) with postcolumn cobalt complexation and were tested on extracts from biological fluids. The metabolites naringenin‐7‐O‐glucuronide and naringenin‐4′‐O‐glucuronide were detected in human urine following the consumption of grapefruit juice. Isomeric quercetin glucuronides were identified and differentiated after spiking rat plasma at the 1 µM level, proving that the new methods are effective at biologically relevant concentrations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term effects of JL 13, a potential atypical antipsychotic, on rat dopamine and serotonin receptor subtypes
Authors: Moran‐Gates Taylor , Massari Carla , Graulich Amaury , Liégeois Jean‐François , Tarazi Frank I.
Published: June 2006

Changes in dopamine (DA) D1, D2, D3, and D4receptors and serotonin 5‐HT1Aand 5‐HT2Areceptors in rat forebrain regions were autoradiographically quantified after continuous infusion of JL 13 [(5‐(4‐methylpiperazin‐1‐yl)‐8‐chloro‐pyrido[2,3‐b][1,5]benzoxazepine fumarate] for 28 days with osmotic minipumps and compared with the effects of other typical (fluphenazine) and atypical (clozapine, olanzapine, and risperidone) antipsychotic drugs from previous studies. Similar to other typical and atypical antipsychotics, JL 13 increased labeling of D2receptors in medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) and hippocampus (HIP) and D4receptors in nucleus accumbens (NAc), caudate‐putamen (CPu), and HIP. In addition, JL 13 increased 5‐HT1Aand decreased 5‐HT2Areceptors in MPC and dorsolateral frontal cortex (DFC), an effect shared by atypical antipsychotics, and may contribute to their psychopharmacological properties. Clozapine and JL 13, but not other antipsychotics, spared D2receptors in CPu, which may reflect their ability to induce minimal extrapyramidal side effects. In addition, JL 13 but not other typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs increased abundance of D1receptors in CPu and NAc. JL 13 as well as other antipsychotic agents did not alter levels of forebrain D3receptors. An atypical‐like profile of JL 13 on DA and 5‐HT receptor subtypes should encourage further development of this compound as a novel atypical antipsychotic drug. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of a hydrazide‐linked α1‐acid glycoprotein chiral stationary phase: Separation of R‐ and S‐propranolol
Authors: Xuan Hai , Hage David S.
Published: July 2006

The binding and chiral separation of R‐ and S‐propranolol was investigated on a new type of α1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP) column. This column was prepared through the controlled and mild oxidation of AGP, followed by the immobilization of this protein to hydrazide‐activated silica. The effects of temperature, pH, ionic strength, and organic modifiers on the retention and separation of R‐ and S‐propranolol were investigated on this column. Both the association equilibrium constants and number of binding sites for R/S‐propranolol on the AGP column were found to increase with temperature and affect the measured retention factors for these compounds. Regarding the other factors, a change in the organic modifier concentration was found to give the largest change in retention and separation. It was found through these studies that both coulombic and hydrophobic interactions played important roles in determining the retention of R‐ and S‐propranolol on the AGP column. The efficiency and separation impedance of this system were also considered. Under the final optimum conditions identified in this study, it was possible to separate R‐ and S‐propranolol with a resolution of greater than 1.38 in less than 5 min on a 4.1 mm I.D.×5 cm column.
Pseudoathetosis: Report of three patients
Authors: Spitz Mariana , Aluízio Costa Machado Alexandre , Carvalho Rodrigo Do Carmo , Maia Fernanda Martins , Haddad Monica Santoro , Calegaro Dagoberto , Scaff Milberto , Reis Barbosa Egberto
Published: June 2006

We report on 3 patients with pseudoathetosis, which are involuntary, slow, writhing movements due to loss of proprioception. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Balance in Parkinson's disease under static and dynamic conditions
Authors: Nardone Antonio , Schieppati Marco
Published: June 2006

We tested balance performance in 15 on phase Parkinson's disease (PD) patients (8 nonfallers, PD‐NF; 7 fallers, PD‐F) during quiet stance (stabilometry) and on a platform continuously moving in the anteroposterior direction (dynamic test). Neither stabilometry (eyes open or closed) nor the dynamic test (eyes open) separated PD‐F from PD‐NF. With the dynamic test, eyes closed, PD‐F with respect to PD‐NF showed larger head oscillations, smaller cross‐correlation between head and malleolus motion (more so in patients with low Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, or UPDRS), and larger delays of head with respect to platform motion. Further, across all PD patients, head displacement increased with the equivalent levodopa dose, indicating a trend for medication to worsen balancing capacity while improving UPDRS. The dynamic test is a sensitive tool for detecting instability in PD‐F since absence of visual flow selectively impairs both association between body segment movements and anticipatory adjustments. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Accelerating Galerkin BEM for linear elasticity using adaptive cross approximation
Authors: Bebendorf M. , Grzhibovskis R.
Published: June 2006

The adaptive cross approximation (ACA) algorithm (Numer. Math. 2000; 86:565–589; Computing 2003; 70(1):1–24) provides a means to compute data‐sparse approximants of discrete integral formulations of elliptic boundary value problems with almost linear complexity. ACA uses only few of the original entries for the approximation of the whole matrix and is therefore well‐suited to speed up existing computer codes. In this article we extend the convergence proof of ACA to Galerkin discretizations. Additionally, we prove that ACA can be applied to integral formulations of systems of second‐order elliptic operators without adaptation to the respective problem. The results of applying ACA to boundary integral formulations of linear elasticity are reported. Furthermore, we comment on recent implementation issues of ACA for non‐smooth boundaries. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neoplastic lumbosacral radiculoplexopathy in prostate cancer by direct perineural spread: An unusual entity
Authors: Ladha Shafeeq S. , Spinner Robert J. , Suarez Guillermo A. , Amrami Kimberly K. , Dyck P. James B.
Published: June 2006

Neoplastic lumbosacral plexopathy occurs with some abdominal and pelvic malignancies. Patients present with severe pain radiating from the low back down to the lower extremities, and this progresses to weakness. Neoplastic lumbosacral plexopathy is virtually always associated with known malignancy or obvious pelvic metastatic disease. Uncommonly, prostate cancer can present as a lumbosacral plexopathy occurring through direct pelvic spread. We describe two cases of lumbosacral radiculoplexopathy from infiltrative prostate cancer without evidence of other pelvic or extraprostatic spread. The probable etiology of tumor spreading along prostatic nerves into the lumbosacral plexus (i.e., perineural spread) is discussed as are the potential mechanisms for this unusual mode of cancer dissemination. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Matrix metalloproteinases are involved in mechanical stretch–induced activation of skeletal muscle satellite cells
Authors: Yamada Michiko , Tatsumi Ryuichi , Kikuiri Takashi , Okamoto Shinpei , Nonoshita Shinsuke , Mizunoya Wataru , Ikeuchi Yoshihide , Shimokawa Hiroaki , Sunagawa Kenji , Allen Ronald E.
Published: June 2006

When skeletal muscle is stretched or injured, myogenic satellite cells are activated to enter the cell cycle. This process depends on nitric oxide (NO) production, release of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) from the extracellular matrix, and presentation of HGF to the c‐met receptor. Experiments reported herein provide new evidence that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the NO‐dependent release of HGF in vitro. When rat satellite cells were treated with 10 ng/ml recombinant tissue inhibitor‐1 of MMPs (TIMP‐1) and subjected to treatments that induce activation in vitro, i.e., sodium nitroprusside (SNP) of an NO donor or mechanical cyclic stretch, the activation response was inhibited. In addition, conditioned medium generated by cultures treated with TIMP‐1 plus SNP or mechanical stretch failed to activate cultured satellite cells and did not contain HGF. Moreover, NOx assay demonstrated that TIMP‐1 does not impair NO synthase activity of stretched satellite cell cultures. Therefore, results from these experiments provide strong evidence that MMPs mediate HGF release from the matrix and that this step in the pathway is downstream from NO synthesis. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Early outcomes of mid‐urethral slings for female stress urinary incontinence stratified by valsalva leak point pressure
Authors: O'Connor R. Corey , Nanigian Dana K. , Lyon Mark B. , Ellison Lars M. , Bales Gregory T. , Stone Anthony R.
Published: June 2006

Aims

To assess the early results of mid‐urethral slings placed via the transobturator approach (TVT‐O) for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women with high (>60 cm H2O) and low (≤60 cm H2O) valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP).

Materials and Methods

Forty‐three women with urodynamically proven SUI underwent TVT‐O. Patients were divided into either high (>60 cm H2O) or low (≤60 cm H2O) VLPP categories based on preoperative urodynamic studies. Patient outcomes were assessed based on degree of postoperative SUI as either dry (no pads, no SUI), or wet (any leakage). Follow‐up visits were at 1, 6, 12, and 24 weeks.

Results

Overall, 65% (28/43) women were cured following TVT‐O for SUI. When stratified based on preoperative VLPP, 77% (24/31) of patients with VLPP greater than 60 were cured while only 25% (3/12) of patients with VLPP less than or equal to 60 were cured. No intraoperative complications were noted. The odds of continued SUI following TVT‐O were 12 times greater for women with VLPP ≤60 compared to those with VLPP >60.

Conclusions

With limited follow up, TVT‐O appears to be a safe and effective surgical treatment for female SUI producing excellent results in patients with VLPP >60 cm/H20. Patients with low VLPP may consider conventional, retropubic mid‐urethral slings or other procedures as treatment for SUI. Neurourol. Urodynam. 25:685–688, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phenols and lignans from Chenopodium album
Authors: Cutillo Francesca , DellaGreca Marina , Gionti Melania , Previtera Lucio , Zarrelli Armando
Published: June 2006

Cinnamic acid, 4‐hydroxy‐cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, methyl ferulate, sinapic acid, methyl 3‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)propanoate, 4‐(1‐hydroxyethyl)‐2‐methoxyphenol, vanillyl alcohol, 4‐(hydroxymethyl)‐2‐methoxyphenol, 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxybenzoic acid, 4‐vinylphenol, 4‐methylbenzaldehyde, N‐[2‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)ethyl]acetamide, pinoresinol, syringaresinol, lariciresinol, 5,5′‐dimethoxy‐lariciresinol, threo‐guaiacylglycerol‐β‐O‐4‐syringaresinol ether and two new sesquilignans, namely, threo‐guaiacylglycerol‐α‐O‐methyl‐β‐O‐4‐syringaresinol ether and threo‐syringylglycerol‐α‐O‐methyl‐β‐O‐4‐syringaresinol ether, were isolated and identified as components of Chenopodium album. Constitutions were established on the basis of spectroscopic data, including two‐dimensional NMR analyses. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recognition of culture state using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis with an artificial neural network
Authors: Izawa Naoki , Kishimoto Michimasa , Konishi Masaaki , Omasa Takeshi , Shioya Suteaki , Ohtake Hisao
Published: June 2006

Proteomic technologies were applied to the examination of nutrient components in culture broth. In bioprocesses, many types of media have been proposed and used on the commercial scale. Natural nutrients, the chemical components of which cannot be identified completely, are often used in fermentation processes such as in the production of baker's yeast, alcoholic beverages, amino acids, and pharmaceuticals. The catabolic activities of the microorganisms in these processes vary with the species used. We used an artificial neural network (ANN) to recognize the sufficiency of chemical elements based on the protein spots resolved in 2‐DE, and we evaluated this technique using the leave‐one‐out method. We also attempted to reduce the number of input data for spot selection based on sensitivity analysis of the ANN, and the selected data were used to improve accuracy.
Diagonalization methods in PARSEC
Authors: Saad Yousef , Zhou Yunkai , Bekas Constantine , Tiago Murilo L. , Chelikowsky Jim
Published: July 2006

The Pseudopotential Algorithm for Real‐Space Electronic Calculations (PARSEC) is a software package written by a team consisting of materials physicists and computer scientists over approximately one decade. During this period, the algorithms used in PARSEC have undergone a series of improvements. This paper reviews the nature of the eigenvalue problems encountered in solving the Kohn–Sham equations and discusses the evolution of the diagonalization methods used in PARSEC. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Gas chromatography/flame ionisation detection mass spectrometry for the detection of endogenous urine metabolites for metabonomic studies and its use as a complementary tool to nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Fancy Sally‐Ann , Beckonert Olaf , Darbon Gareth , Yabsley Warren , Walley Rosalind , Baker David , Perkins George L. , Pullen Frank S. , Rumpel Klaus
Published: June 2006

Metabonomics is a relatively new field of research in which the total pool of metabolites in body fluids or tissues from different patient groups is subjected to comparative analysis. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is the technology that is currently most widely used for the analysis of these highly complex metabolite mixtures, and hundreds of metabolites can be detected without any upfront separation. We have investigated in this study whether gas chromatography (GC) separation in combination with flame ionisation detection (FID) and mass spectrometry (MS) detection can be used for metabolite profiling from urine. We show that although GC sample preparation is much more involved than for NMR, hundreds of metabolites can reproducibly be detected and analysed by GC. We show that the data quality is sufficiently high – particularly if appropriate baseline correction and time‐warping methods are applied – to allow for data comparison by chemometrics methods.

A sample set of urines from eleven healthy human volunteers was analysed independently by GC and NMR, and subsequent chemometrics analysis of the two datasets showed some similar features. As judged by NIST database searches of the GC/MS data some of the major metabolites that are detected by NMR are also visible by GC/MS. Since in contrast to NMR every peak in GC corresponds to a single metabolite, the electron ionisation spectra can be used to quickly identify metabolites of interest if their reference spectra are present in a searchable database. In summary, we show that GC is a method that can be used as a complementary tool to NMR for metabolite profiling of urine samples. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved method for isotopic and quantitative analysis of dissolved inorganic carbon in natural water samples
Authors: Assayag Nelly , Rivé Karine , Ader Magali , Jézéquel Didier , Agrinier Pierre
Published: June 2006

We present here an improved and reliable method for measuring the concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and its isotope composition (δ13CDIC) in natural water samples. Our apparatus, a gas chromatograph coupled to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (GCIRMS), runs in a quasi‐automated mode and is able to analyze about 50 water samples per day. The whole procedure (sample preparation, CO2(g)–CO2(aq) equilibration time and GCIRMS analysis) requires 2 days. It consists of injecting an aliquot of water into a H3PO4‐loaded and He‐flushed 12 mL glass tube. The H3PO4 reacts with the water and converts the DIC into aqueous and gaseous CO2. After a CO2(g)–CO2(aq) equilibration time of between 15 and 24 h, a portion of the headspace gas (mainly CO2+He) is introduced into the GCIRMS, to measure the carbon isotope ratio of the released CO2(g), from which the δ13CDIC is determined via a calibration procedure. For standard solutions with DIC concentrations ranging from 1 to 25 mmol · L−1 and solution volume of 1 mL (high DIC concentration samples) or 5 mL (low DIC concentration samples), δ13CDIC values are determined with a precision (1σ) better than 0.1‰. Compared with previously published headspace equilibration methods, the major improvement presented here is the development of a calibration procedure which takes the carbon isotope fractionation associated with the CO2(g)–CO2(aq) partition into account: the set of standard solutions and samples has to be prepared and analyzed with the same ‘gas/liquid’ and ‘H3PO4/water’ volume ratios. A set of natural water samples (lake, river and hydrothermal springs) was analyzed to demonstrate the utility of this new method. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Product ion mass spectra of amphetamine‐type substances, designer analogues, and ketamine using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Apollonio Luigino G. , Whittall Ian R. , Pianca Dennis J. , Kyd Jennelle M. , Maher William A.
Published: June 2006

This paper describes the application of ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS/MS) technology to separate and identify amphetamine‐type substances (amphetamine, methamphetamine), common and novel designer analogues (MDA, MDMA, PMA, 4‐MTA, MBDB), and ketamine using Acquity UPLC/Micromass Quattro Micro API mass spectrometer instrumentation (Waters Corporation, USA). From injection of drug reference standards, it was demonstrated that these compounds can be identified by product ion mass spectra in less than 4 min total analysis time, indicating that the technological advancements associated with UPLC/MS/MS allow it to serve as a powerful analytical tool for high‐throughput testing. In addition to demonstrating the separation and response of these drug compounds under the stated UPLC/MS/MS conditions, we believe the acquired product ion spectra will be a beneficial reference to laboratories interested in incorporating the use of this technology in the routine analysis of drugs of abuse. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of the ionisation and fragmentation behaviour of different nitroaromatic compounds occurring as polar metabolites of explosives using electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Schmidt Anne‐Christine , Herzschuh Rainer , Matysik Frank‐Michael , Engewald Werner
Published: June 2006

In order to develop a liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS/MS) method for identification and quantification of polar metabolites of explosives using a triple quadrupole system, the mass spectrometric ionisation and fragmentation behaviour of different nitrophenols, nitro‐ and aminonitrobenzoic acids, nitrotoluenesulfonic acids, and aminonitrotoluenes was investigated. Due to their different molecular structures, the substances concerned showed a very different ionisation efficiency in the ESI process. Interestingly, 2,4‐dinitrobenzoic acid yielded no mass signals in the Q1 scan suggesting a thermal decarboxylation in the ion source, whereas the corresponding 3,5‐isomer showed a high ionisation yield. Using negative ionisation polarity, carboxylic, phenolic, and sulfonic acid groups were deprotonated resulting in molecular anions, which could be fragmented in a collision cell. A pronounced dependency of the produced fragment ion series on the kind and position of substituents at the nitrobenzene ring (ortho effects) was observed and exploited for the development of substance‐specific detection methods in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. In case of benzoic and sulfonic acids, decarboxylation and desulfonation, respectively, were observed as the most frequent fragmentation reactions. Furthermore, besides loss of NO2, NO fragmentation occurred and preceded a decarbonylation of the benzene ring. The expulsion of the open‐shell molecules NO and NO2 led to a variety of distonic radical anions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nested, non‐parametric, correlative analysis of microarrays for heterogenous phenotype characterization
Authors: Kowalski Jeanne , Blackford Amanda , Feng Changyong , Mamelak Adam J. , Sauder Daniel N.
Published: June 2006

We present a non‐parametric approach for qualitatively selecting candidate genes to characterize several criteria that are nested among genes selected on the basis of their individual, similar effects upon an array‐wide closeness measure. In this setting, a goal is to obtain a reliable characterization of phenotypes, based on very high‐dimensional data from a few samples. As opposed to a distance‐based approach, the proposed measure defines closeness based on gene signal profiles (functionals) rather than on isolated (numerical) differences in each gene between samples. By using such a measure to characterize intensity differences, we effectively separate biological from artifactual variation in expression, due to tissue effects or signal calibration. Based on this measure, we successively examine the significance of the following: a set of similarly behaved genes relative to all arrayed genes, a set of candidate genes relative to similarly behaved genes, individual candidate genes relative to non‐candidates, and the direction, as over‐ or under‐expressed, of candidate genes. In each setting, sample pairs are the units of analysis, with U‐statistics the theoretical framework. We illustrate the method on a microarray experiment, where the goal is to select sets of genes that characterize a type of skin cancer and its histological subtypes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robustness of a multivariate normal approximation for imputation of incomplete binary data
Authors: Bernaards Coen A. , Belin Thomas R. , Schafer Joseph L.
Published: June 2006

Multiple imputation has become easier to perform with the advent of several software packages that provide imputations under a multivariate normal model, but imputation of missing binary data remains an important practical problem. Here, we explore three alternative methods for converting a multivariate normal imputed value into a binary imputed value: (1) simple rounding of the imputed value to the nearer of 0 or 1, (2) a Bernoulli draw based on a ‘coin flip’ where an imputed value between 0 and 1 is treated as the probability of drawing a 1, and (3) an adaptive rounding scheme where the cut‐off value for determining whether to round to 0 or 1 is based on a normal approximation to the binomial distribution, making use of the marginal proportions of 0's and 1's on the variable. We perform simulation studies on a data set of 206 802 respondents to the California Healthy Kids Survey, where the fully observed data on 198 262 individuals defines the population, from which we repeatedly draw samples with missing data, impute, calculate statistics and confidence intervals, and compare bias and coverage against the true values. Frequently, we found satisfactory bias and coverage properties, suggesting that approaches such as these that are based on statistical approximations are preferable in applied research to either avoiding settings where missing data occur or relying on complete‐case analyses. Considering both the occurrence and extent of deficits in coverage, we found that adaptive rounding provided the best performance. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Das Verhältnis von Bautechnik und Festigkeitslehre in Gerstners “Handbuch der Mechanik” – Zum 250. Geburtstag von Franz Joseph Ritter von Gerstner
Authors: Kurrer Karl‐Eugen
Published: June 2006

Wie kein anderer vor ihm gründete Gerstner in seinem dreibändigen “Handbuch der Mechanik” die Festigkeitslehre auf das Experiment. Hierzu referierte er die klassischen Festigkeitsversuche Musschenbroek s, Rondelet s, Eytelwein s, Rennie s, Telford s, Brown s, Brunel s, Barlow s, Tredgold s, Navier s und Dufour s, die er durch eigene umfangreiche Versuchsserien ergänzte. Letztere gewann er mit von ihm entworfenen Apparaten zur Ermittlung der Zug‐ und Biegefestigkeit. Gerstner s Versuche zur Zugfestigkeit von Schmiedeeisen und Stahl beispielsweise setzten – was zahlenmäßige Genauigkeit, Methode und Anwendungen betrifft – Maßstäbe. So gab er im Rahmen des geplanten Baus einer Kettenbrücke in Prag einen Polynomansatz des Spannungs‐Dehnungs‐Diagramms von Stahl und Schmiedeeisen an, dessen Parameter er experimentell bestimmte. Dabei unterschied Gerstner klar zwischen einem linearen Bereich (“vollkommene Elastizität”) und nichtlinearen Bereich (“unvollkommene Elastizität”) und warnte vor der Überschreitung der Proportionalitätsgrenze insbesondere bei Kettenbrücken. Auch der Biegefestigkeit von Holz‐ und Eisenkonstruktionen räumte er breiten Raum ein.

Mit seiner empirisch akzentuierten Festigkeitslehre schuf Gerstner die Grundlagen einer physikalisch begründeten Proportionslehre des Bau‐ und Maschineningenieurs, die historisch‐logisch den Übergang zur Baustatik und der klassischen Bemessungstheorie Navier s bildete. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Science teachers' attempts at integrating feminist pedagogy through collaborative action research
Authors: Capobianco Brenda M.
Published: June 2006

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of three science teachers attempting to transform their practice by conducting action research on feminist science teaching. The teachers engaged in systematic, self‐critical inquiry of their own practice and joined 8 other science teachers to engage in collaborative conversations about the nature of science, science teaching, and science education as a way of coming to a better understanding of how science can be taught for a more diverse group of students. Data were gathered via semistructured interviews, whole‐group discussions, classroom observations, and review of supporting documents. Data analysis was based on narrative inquiry, where particular attention was given to the construction and reconstruction of the teachers' stories of their practical inquiries. Results indicated that the teachers as researchers of their own practice gained new knowledge about feminist science teaching and, furthermore, generated a cluster of pedagogical possibilities for inclusive, dynamic science teaching. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach
Identification and characterization of calcium and manganese transporting ATPase (PMR1) gene of Pichia pastoris
Authors: Dux Michael P. , Inan Mehmet
Published: July 2006

A gene homologous to Saccharomyces cerevisiae PMR1 has been cloned in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. The entire P. pastoris PMR1 gene (PpPMR1) codes a protein of 924 amino acids. Sequence analysis of the PpPMR1 cDNA and the genomic DNA revealed that there is no intron in the coding region. The putative gene product contains all of the conserved regions observed in P‐type ATPases and exhibits 66.2%, 60.3% and 50.6% identity to Pichia angusta (Hansenula polymorpha), Saccharomyces cerevisiae PMR1 and human ATP2C1 gene products, respectively. A pmr1 null mutant strain of P. pastoris exhibited growth defects in media with the addition of EGTA, but with supplementation of Ca2+ to a calcium‐deficient media reversed the growth defects of the mutant strain. Manganese reversed the growth defects of the mutant strain; however, the cell growth was not as profound as the Ca2+‐supplemented media. The results demonstrated that the P. pastoris gene encodes the functional homologue of the S. cerevisiae PMR1 gene product, a P‐type Ca2+/Mn2+‐ATPase. The DNA sequence of the P. pastoris PMR1 gene has been submitted to GenBank under Accession No. DQ239958. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic and biochemical characterization of 16 acute intermittent porphyria cases with a high prevalence of the R173W mutation
Authors: To‐Figueras J. , Badenas C. , Carrera C. , Muñoz C. , Milá M. , Lecha M. , Herrero C.
Published: June 2006

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a metabolic disease with a variable prevalence among different countries. In some areas of southern Europe it remains to be fully evaluated. We undertook a genetic and biochemical study of 16 unrelated Spanish AIP patients and relatives. The genetic analyses showed they harboured the following mutations in the porphobilinogen deaminase gene: R173W, G111R, L278P, L238P, R116W, R26C, 340insT, 730delCT, 691del30bp, and IVS14+1g>a. The mutation R173W was found in 6 patients (37.5%), including the only patients of our series with >3 recurrent porphyria attacks. While in clinical remission, all AIP patients exhibited sustained increased excretion of porphyrins and precursors. PBG excretion showed a high between‐subject variation and was not related to erythrocyte PBG deaminase activity. The study of family members allowed the identification of 22 asymptomatic AIP carriers. These included 8 persons harbouring the R173W mutation belonging to four different families. Six of these latent AIP subjects showed increased PBG elimination, and in two the urinary levels were >10‐fold the normal limit. These results reinforce the hypothesis that the R173W mutation may have a high biochemical and clinical penetrance among AIP patients.
Challenges to globalisation, localisation and Sinophilia in music education: A comparative study of Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taipei
Authors: Ho Wai-Chung , Law Wing-Wah
Published: June 2006

In the past, the music curricula of Hong Kong (HK), Mainland China and Taiwan have focused on Western music, but with the advent of music technology and the new tripartite paradigm of globalisation, localisation and Sinophilia this has begun to change. Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taipei share a common historical culture and their populations are mainly Chinese, but their recent socio-political experiences have been diverse. This paper aims to explore the secondary school cultures of Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taipei by examining the similarities and differences between their musical practices and the ways in which they have delineated this tripartite paradigm. Data are drawn from questionnaires completed by 5,133 students (1,750 from HK, 1,741 from Shanghai, and 1,642 from Taipei) attending grades 7 to 9 and interviews with their 46 music teachers between March and August 2004. The survey data show that students from the three communities much prefer Western classical and popular music to their respective forms of local traditional music and to traditional Chinese styles. Though most music teachers recognise the importance of teaching traditional Chinese music, local traditional music, and other world music in schools, they believe that it is difficult to teach different types of music in the classroom. This article argues that globalisation is leading to a common cosmopolitan culture of Western musical learning in school; the emergence of traditional Chinese music, local music, and socio-political movements challenge globalisation in school music education.
Editorial
Authors: COX GORDON , PITTS STEPHANIE
Published: June 2006

The extent to which musical learning takes place beyond the school curriculum presents a challenge to music teachers, requiring them to frame their classroom activities within the broader context of their students' diverse musical interests and experiences. At times, young people's self-directed musical education has been held up as a criticism of institutional approaches: the often-quoted comment from the 1963 Newsom Report that ‘out of school, adolescents are enthusiastically engaged in musical self-education’ was contrasted at the time with the view that classroom music was becoming increasingly out-dated and irrelevant – a charge that subsequent generations have also been called to answer.
Molecular characterization of a germ-cell-specific antigen, TEX101, from mouse testis
Authors: Jin Hong , Yoshitake Hiroshi , Tsukamoto Hiroki , Takahashi Mai , Mori Miki , Takizawa Toshihiro , Takamori Kenji , Ogawa Hideoki , Kinoshita Katsuyuki , Araki Yoshihiko
Published: July 2006

TEX101, a glycoprotein we recently identified, is primarily characterized as a unique germ-cell-specific marker protein that shows sexually dimorphic expression during mouse gonad development. Based on data obtained from molecular biological as well as immuno-morphological studies, we believe this molecule may play a role in the process underlying germ cell formation. However, many points remain unclear as the molecular characteristics and its physiological functions are far from being completely understood. To clarify the molecular basis of TEX101, we herein report a further biochemical characterization of the molecule using testicular Triton X-100 extracts from mice. Deglycosylation studies using endoglycohydrolases that deleteN-linked oligosaccharides (OS) from the molecule show that TEX101 is highly (approximately 47%)N-glycosylated. All potentialN-glycosylation sites within TEX101 are glycosylated and most of these sites are occupied by endoglycosidase F2-sensitive biantennary complex type OS units. In addition, an extremely low population among TEX101 possesses only endoglycosidase H-sensitive hybrid type OS units. In studies using phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C against native testicular cells orTEX101transfectant, the enzyme treatment caused major reduction of the TEX101 expression on the cell, suggesting that TEX101, at least in part, is expressed as a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein. Taken together, these findings will help elucidate the molecular nature of TEX101, a marker molecule that appeared on germ cells during gametogenesis.
TRADE CENTRES (MAIMAICHENG) IN MONGOLIA, AND THEIR FUNCTION IN SINO–RUSSIAN TRADE NETWORKS
Authors: Bao Muping
Published: June 2006

The development of transit trade between China and Russia after the eighteenth century led to the growth of prosperous Chinatowns in Mongolia. These maimaicheng (lit. “trade towns”) along a Chinese merchant network that reached Siberia and Turkestan displayed distinctive urban spaces, where a multicultural mixture of people – Chinese, Mongolian, Tibetan and Hui Moslem – created new architectural styles and produced unique streetscapes. Unlike urban formations before the eighteenth century, these new towns absorbed nomadic and religious elements into their residential and secular spaces. This did not however imply assimilation. The landscape of northern Chinese towns clearly shows how different cultures were able to preserve their original styles and simultaneously adapt themselves to coexist with others.
Messung der Prozess- und Ergebnisqualität in der Therapie von Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Merod Rudi , Petermann Franz
Published: July 2006

Zusammenfassung. Psychotherapeuten sind verpflichtet, Maßnahmen zur Qualitätssicherung (QS) und zum Qualitätsmanagement (QM) durchzuführen. Welcher Art diese Maßnahmen sein sollten, ist gesetzlich jedoch nicht geregelt. Für den Teilbereich der Strukturqualität gibt es mittlerweile Vorgaben (z. B. DIN ISO 9001 ff.), deren Umsetzung zur Zertifizierung von Einrichtungen führen kann. Erheblich komplizierter stellen sich die Bereiche Prozess- und Ergebnisqualität dar. Wege der Umsetzung von Konzepten in diesen beiden Zweigen des Qualitätsmanagements wurden bisher nur in einigen wenigen Studien im Erwachsenenbereich aufgezeigt, aber noch nicht in der Kinder- und Jugendlichentherapie. Es besteht hier bisher jedoch noch keinerlei Konsens zwischen den Beteiligten oder zumindest den Experten, wie Prozess- und Ergebnisqualität erfasst werden kann/soll. Dabei spielen sicherlich immer noch die Schulenstreitigkeiten eine bedeutsame Rolle, da auch innerhalb der Therapieschulen im Kinder- und Jugendlichentherapiebereich keine Einigkeit über Therapieerfolg und wie er zu messen sei, erreicht worden ist. In diesem Beitrag wird die gegenwärtige Diskussion zur Verbesserung der Prozess- und Ergebnisqualität in der Kinder- und Jugendlichenpsychotherapie kurz skizziert, es werden Schlussfolgerungen für künftige Bemühungen abgeleitet.
Coseismic ruptures and tectonic landforms along the Düzce segment of the North Anatolian Fault Zone (Ms 7.1, November 1999)
Authors: Pucci S. , Palyvos N. , Zabci C. , Pantosti D. , Barchi M.
Published: June 2006

This paper presents a comparison between the pattern of surface ruptures produced by a single earthquake and patterns of cumulative deformation. We performed a detailed study of the 1999 earthquake coseismic ruptures and of the long‐term tectonic landforms in a key area of the Düzce fault segment of the North Anatolian fault. We observed a scale‐independent en echelon arrangement of the coseismic surface ruptures. As a whole, the long‐term geomorphic expression of the Düzce Fault near the 1999 ruptures is evidence of the principal slip zone at depth that accommodates the bulk of the displacement during an individual rupture event. This may stay localized through many rupture episodes with persistent geometry and kinematics. The long‐term tectonic and geomorphic expression of the fault in a broader area around the 1999 ruptures defines a wider deformation zone. In fact, an old and complex fault arrangement has been mapped, partially coinciding with the 1999 rupturing fault, suggesting that the 1999 ruptures are an incomplete expression of the long‐term Düzce fault system. The relationships between the coseismic and the old fault systems suggest an evolution of the fault pattern trough time, with a tendency to simplify a geometric complexity into a straighter, mature trace. The integrated investigation of long‐term tectonic morphologies and structural pattern offers a noteworthy frame to interpret the coseismic rupture kinematics and clarifies their complexities. Moreover, to fully understand the principal slip zone at depth, this work shows the importance of the study of strain distribution pattern and evolution of surface rupturing faults.
A growing structure near the deformation front in SW Taiwan as deduced from SAR interferometry and geodetic observation
Authors: Huang Mong‐Han , Hu Jyr‐Ching , Hsieh Chia‐Sheng , Ching Kuo‐En , Rau Ruey‐Juin , Pathier Erwan , Fruneau Bénédicte , Deffontaines Benoît
Published: June 2006

We apply the D‐InSAR technique to monitor the active growing structure on the Tainan Tableland near the deformation front in SW Taiwan using ERS SAR images in the period of 1996–2000. Interferometric processing of six SAR images reveals the average slant range displacement (SRD) to be ∼12.5 mm/yr, and it increases from the west edge of the Tainan Tableland and decreases across the Houchiali fault. The GPS campaign data indicate an average horizontal movement of 12 ± 4 mm/yr in the direction of N44°W for the Tainan Tableland with respect to the western coastline. Five precise leveling surveys across the Tainan Tableland over two years show an uplift rate of ∼14 mm/yr for the benchmarks on the Tableland. By combining the horizontal velocity of GPS data and the SRD of D‐InSAR we transfer the SRD into vertical deformation and discuss the deformation pattern and seismic hazards in the Tainan area.