bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energetic determinants of protein binding specificity: Insights into protein interaction networks
Authors: Carbonell Pablo , Nussinov Ruth , del Sol Antonio
Published: February 2009

One of the challenges of the postgenomic era is to provide a more realistic representation of cellular processes by combining a systems biology description of functional networks with information on their interacting components. Here we carried out a systematic large‐scale computational study on a structural protein–protein interaction network dataset in order to dissect thermodynamic characteristics of binding determining the interplay between protein affinity and specificity. As expected, interactions involving specific binding sites display higher affinities than those of promiscuous binding sites. Next, in order to investigate a possible role of modular distribution of hot spots in binding specificity, we divided binding sites into modules previously shown to be energetically independent. In general, hot spots that interact with different partners are located in different modules. We further observed that common hot spots tend to interact with partners exhibiting common binding motifs, whereas different hot spots tend to interact with partners with different motifs. Thus, energetic properties of binding sites provide insights into the way proteins modulate interactions with different partners. Knowledge of those factors playing a role in protein specificity is important for understanding how proteins acquire additional partners during evolution. It should also be useful in drug design.
Improving sensitivity in proteome studies by analysis of false discovery rates for multiple search engines
Authors: Jones Andrew R. , Siepen Jennifer A. , Hubbard Simon J. , Paton Norman W.
Published: February 2009

LC‐MS experiments can generate large quantities of data, for which a variety of database search engines are available to make peptide and protein identifications. Decoy databases are becoming widely used to place statistical confidence in result sets, allowing the false discovery rate (FDR) to be estimated. Different search engines produce different identification sets so employing more than one search engine could result in an increased number of peptides (and proteins) being identified, if an appropriate mechanism for combining data can be defined. We have developed a search engine independent score, based on FDR, which allows peptide identifications from different search engines to be combined, called the FDR Score. The results demonstrate that the observed FDR is significantly different when analysing the set of identifications made by all three search engines, by each pair of search engines or by a single search engine. Our algorithm assigns identifications to groups according to the set of search engines that have made the identification, and re‐assigns the score (combined FDR Score). The combined FDR Score can differentiate between correct and incorrect peptide identifications with high accuracy, allowing on average 35% more peptide identifications to be made at a fixed FDR than using a single search engine.
Glycosylation as means of reducing sample complexity to enable quantitative proteomics
Authors: Domon Bruno
Published: February 2009

Quantitative proteomics is a rapidly expanding field, in particular, the application to clinical biomarker studies for diagnosis or prognosis of diseases, and the systematic analysis of protein functions in biological systems. Isolation of a class of peptides or a subproteome enables reduction of sample complexity, which is essential to perform sensitive, quantitative analyses over a wider dynamic range of protein concentrations. Glycosylation is one of the most frequent PTMs, and glycans have unique chemical properties that can be leveraged to selectively enrich for a subset of peptides, and thus facilitate the downstream analysis. The isolation of glycopeptides and its benefits for mass spectrometric measurements is discussed.
Proteomic analysis of human low‐density lipoprotein reveals the presence of prenylcysteine lyase, a hydrogen peroxide‐generating enzyme
Authors: Banfi Cristina , Brioschi Maura , Barcella Simona , Wait Robin , Begum Shajna , Galli Sabrina , Rizzi Andrea , Tremoli Elena
Published: February 2009

The molecular mechanisms underlying the relationship between low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and the risk of atherosclerosis are not clear. Therefore, detailed information on the protein composition of LDL may help to reveal its role in atherogenesis. Liquid‐phase IEF has been used to resolve LDL proteins into well‐defined fractions on the basis of pI, which improves the subsequent detection and resolution of low abundance proteins. Besides known LDL‐associated proteins, this approach revealed the presence of proteins not previously described to reside in LDL, including prenylcysteine lyase (PCL1), orosomucoid, retinol‐binding protein, and paraoxonase‐1. PCL1, an enzyme crucial for the degradation of prenylated proteins, generates free cysteine, isoprenoid aldehyde and hydrogen peroxide. Addition of the substrate farnesylcysteine to lipoprotein resulted in a time‐dependent generation of H2O2 which was stronger in very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) than in LDL or HDL, reflecting the greater protein content of PCL1 in VLDL. Farnesol, a dead end inhibitor of the PCL1 reaction, reduced H2O2 generation by VLDL. PCL1 is generated along with nascent lipoprotein, as shown by its presence in the lipoprotein secreted by HepG2 cells. The finding that an enzyme associated with atherogenic lipoproteins can itself generate an oxidant suggests that PCL1 may play a significant role in atherogenesis.
Isolation, purification and de novo sequencing of TBD‐1, the first beta‐defensin from leukocytes of reptiles
Authors: Stegemann Christin , Kolobov Alexander , Leonova Yulia F. , Knappe Daniel , Shamova Olga , Ovchinnikova Tatiana V. , Kokryakov Vladimir N. , Hoffmann Ralf
Published: February 2009

A novel peptide with antimicrobial activity was isolated from leukocytes of the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis and purified to homogeneity by preparative gel electrophoresis followed by reversed phase chromatography. It was highly active in vitro against Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The isolated peptide was sequenced de novo by tandem mass spectrometry using both collision‐induced and electron‐transfer dissociation in combination with different chemical derivatization techniques. The 40‐residue peptide, called TBD‐1 (turtle β‐defensin 1), represents the first defensin isolated from reptilian leukocytes. It contains three disulfide bonds and shows high structural similarities to β‐defensins isolated from birds and mammals.
Biospecific irreversible fishing coupled with atomic force microscopy for detection of extremely low‐abundant proteins
Authors: Archakov Alexander , Ivanov Yurii , Lisitsa Andrey , Zgoda Victor
Published: February 2009

In the absence of an analog of PCR for proteins, the concentration detection limit (DL) becomes a real challenge. The problem may be solved by means of a combination of biospecific irreversible fishing with atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM offers the ability to register individual molecules and their complexes, while biospecific fishing takes advantage of an affine interaction between analyte molecules spread over a large volume of biomaterial and ligand molecules immobilized on the chip surface. Fishing may be conducted in Kd‐dependent reversible mode and in Kd‐independent irreversible mode. In this study, the DLs of two previously applied proteomic approaches were determined and compared to the DL of a newly developed analytical method. The first approach, based on MS analysis of biomaterial after 2‐DE or LC separation of proteins, attained a DL at the level of 10−8–10−10 M. The second approach, based on the optical biosensor analysis of molecular interactions in the format of proteomic microarrays, had a DL of 10−9–10−10 M. Our proposed method which combines biospecific fishing with AFM allowed us to attain DL values of 10−11 M under reversible binding conditions and 10−16 M under irreversible binding conditions.
Quantifying proteins by mass spectrometry: The selectivity of SRM is only part of the problem
Authors: Duncan Mark W. , Yergey Alfred L. , Patterson Scott D.
Published: February 2009

Precise and accurate protein quantification is critical to many areas of proteomics. Antibody‐based approaches are costly and time‐consuming to develop, consequently, there is considerable interest in alternative quantitative methods that are versatile and can be implemented without the considerable delays associated with antibody development and characterization. Approaches based on MS have therefore attracted considerable attention and are now frequently touted as the most practical and powerful of all options. Nevertheless, there are serious limitations associated with quantifying a protein based on tandem mass analysis of one or two peptides generated by either chemical or enzymatic cleavage. In an accompanying Viewpoint article, Molloy and coworkers point out that selectivity is not necessarily guaranteed despite the power of SRM. Here we address an additional concern that can also compromise specificity. In complex mammalian systems, multiple proteins can serve as precursors of a single peptide and consequently, depending on the peptide(s) selected, protein levels may be significantly under‐ or overestimated.
Mental health in significant others of patients dying from lung cancer
Authors: Östlund Ulrika , Wennman‐Larsen Agneta , Persson Carina , Gustavsson Petter , Wengström Yvonne
Published: February 2009

Objective: Definitions and measures of significant others' mental health vary, but stress processes have been associated with caregiver outcomes of this kind. Thus, various mental health outcomes probably appear, either as specific responses to particular types of caregiver stressors, or as part of a general response resulting from an accumulation of various stressors. The present study explores the occurrence of symptoms of strain with regard to depression, exhaustion, and emotional well‐being in significant others of patients dying from lung cancer, and how these symptoms coexist.

Methods: Measures used were the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, the OLdenburg Burnout Inventory, and the Swedish Health‐Related Quality of Life Survey. Data from 84 significant others of patients dying from lung cancer were collected at a time‐point during the last 4 months before the patients died and subsequently analysed. The occurrence of symptoms of strain was established by creating cut‐off scores from the general population. To explore how the different symptoms coexisted, hierarchical agglomerative cluster analyses were conducted using Ward's method.

Results: Approximately 40% of the significant others reported symptoms of strain for each of the three outcomes, and a coexistence was found since the significant others clustered as subgroups, ranging from ‘high on all scales’ to ‘low on all scales’.

Conclusion: A considerable proportion of the significant others were thus negatively affected in terms of mental health. We conclude that being a significant other of a person dying from lung cancer most likely results in a general response to this major life event. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein content in aqueous humor from patients with pseudoexfoliation (PEX) investigated by capillary LC MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS
Authors: Hardenborg Emilia , Botling‐Taube Amelie , Hanrieder Jörg , Andersson Marit , Alm Albert , Bergquist Jonas
Published: February 2009

Analysis of proteins in human body fluids is challenging since the composition of the sample often is rather complex. Here we present a method for analysis of proteins in aqueous humor from two groups of cataract patients, with and without pseudoexfoliation (PEX). Aqueous humor is an extracellular fluid contained in the anterior chamber of the eye between the cornea and iris. The limited volume of sample requires sophisticated analysis techniques. Our method is based on a total tryptic digestion of the sample followed by capillary LC‐MALDI MS and MS/MS analysis of the peptides. The method is rapid, efficient and suitable as a complement or alternative to more commonly used methods based on gel electrophoretic experiments. With this method we found and unambiguously identified 30 nonredundant proteins. Proteins found include general transport proteins such as albumin and apolipoprotein A1 but also specific proteins involved in immune response, such as complement factors. Cystatin C, clusterin, and crystallins were also found. Although the number of proteins was roughly the same in both groups there was a significant difference in their identities. These findings may give some new insights into the pathophysiology of the PEX syndrome.
Spontaneous and induced labour are associated with different myometrial proteomes in the human
Authors: MacIntyre David A. , Smith Roger , Yeo George , Kwek Kenneth , Bisits Andrew M. , Chan Eng‐Cheng
Published: February 2009

Human myometrium undergoes a major phenotypic change at labour likely involving modifications to key regulatory proteins. In some cases, the myometrium fails to activate normally and medical intervention is required to induce labour. In this study, 2‐D DIGE was used to examine changes in the myometrial proteome at the time of spontaneous (SL) and induced labour (IL). Proteomic profiles of nonlabouring term myometria (NL, n = 6) were quantitatively compared to SL (n = 6) and prostaglandin/oxytocin‐IL term myometria (n = 6). In SL samples, 23 differentially expressed protein spots were detected (9 increased/14 decreased compared to NL, p<0.05). In IL samples, 59 differentially expressed spots were observed (13 increased/46 decreased compared to NL). Comparison of SL and IL proteomes revealed 69 differentially expressed proteins (7 increased/62 decreased). Two proteins consistently decreased in SL and IL samples were identified as transgelin (1.98‐ and 1.97‐fold decrease in SL and IL, respectively) and αB‐crystallin (3.27‐ and 2.49‐fold decrease). Levels of desmin and cytosolic phospholipase A2 β were decreased 2.9‐ and 2.65‐fold, respectively only in IL samples. Our results show human labour is accompanied by general downregulation of specific myometrial proteins. Differences exist between SL and IL myometrial proteomes indicating divergence of underlying processes and highlighting the importance of distinguishing these groups in future studies of parturition. Our findings underscore the utility of discovery approaches in investigations of organ‐wide protein changes that underlie discrete physiological events including human labour.
Dynamic urinary proteomic analysis reveals stable proteins to be potential biomarkers
Authors: Sun Wei , Chen Yong , Li Fuxin , Zhang Ling , Yang Ruifeng , Zhang Zhi , Zheng Dexian , Gao Youhe
Published: February 2009

Human urinary proteome analysis is a convenient and efficient approach for understanding disease processes affecting the kidney and urogenital tract. Many potential biomarkers have been identified in previous differential analyses; however, dynamic variations of the urinary proteome have not been intensively studied, and it is difficult to conclude that potential biomarkers are genuinely associated with disease rather then simply being physiological proteome variations. In this paper, pooled and individual urine samples were used to analyze dynamic variations in the urinary proteome. Five types of pooled samples (first morning void, second morning void, excessive water‐drinking void, random void, and 24 h void) collected in 1 day from six volunteers were used to analyze intra‐day variations. Six pairs of first morning voids collected a week apart were used to study inter‐day, inter‐individual, and inter‐gender variations. The intra‐day, inter‐day, inter‐individual, and inter‐gender variation analyses showed that many proteins were constantly present with relatively stable abundances, and some of these had earlier been reported as potential disease biomarkers. In terms of sensitivity, the main components of the five intra‐day urinary proteomes were similar, and the second morning void is recommended for clinical proteome analysis. The advantages and disadvantages of pooling samples are also discussed. The data presented describe a pool of stable urinary proteins seen under different physiological conditions. Any significant qualitative or quantitative changes in these stable proteins may mean that such proteins could serve as potential urinary biomarkers.
Multidimensional protein identification technology analysis highlights mitoxantrone‐induced expression modulations in the primary prostate cancer cell proteome
Authors: Symes Juliane , Evangelou Andreas , Ignatchenko Alex , Fleshner Neil , Kislinger Thomas , Medin Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2009

Chemotherapeutic agents as they are used today have limited effectiveness against prostate cancer, but may potentially be used in new combinations with more efficacious results. Mitoxantrone, used for palliation of prostate cancer, has recently been found by our group to improve the susceptibility of primary prostate cancer cells to killing through the Fas‐mediated death pathway. Here we used a shotgun proteomics approach to first profile the entire prostate cancer proteome and then identify specific factors involved in this mitoxantrone response. Peptides derived from primary prostate cancer cells treated with or without 100 nM mitoxantrone were analyzed by multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT). Strict limits and data filtering hierarchies were applied to identify proteins with high confidence. We identified 1498 proteins belonging to the prostate cancer proteome, 83 of which were significantly upregulated and 27 of which were markedly downregulated following mitoxantrone treatment. These proteins perform diverse functions, including ceramide production, tumour suppression, and oxidative reduction. Detailed proteomic analyses of prostate cancer cells and their response to mitoxantrone will further our understanding of its mechanisms of action. Identification of proteins influenced by treatment with mitoxantrone or other compounds may lead to the development of more effective drug combinations against prostate cancer.
Evolutionary conservation in multiple faces of protein interaction
Authors: Choi Yoon Sup , Yang Jae‐Seong , Choi Yonghwan , Ryu Sung Ho , Kim Sanguk
Published: February 2009

Protein interfaces are believed to be evolutionarily more conserved than the rest of the protein surface, but this has not been properly verified using a large protein structural set. Furthermore, recent systematic protein interaction analyses have proved that proteins interacting with many partners have multiple interfaces to connect protein interaction networks, which have never taken into account for conservation analysis of protein interface. Here, we studied the evolutionary conservation of protein interfaces using a large‐scale dataset of 2646 protein interfaces with the classification of homodimeric/heterodimeric and obligatory/transient interactions, considering all their known multiple interfaces. We found that protein interfaces were indeed more conserved than noninterface surfaces, and the conservation level of protein interfaces increased when multiple interfaces were properly considered. These findings suggest that conservation analysis should be a good descriptor for protein interface identification and protein–protein interaction predictions. We applied this evolutionary feature to filter docking decoys and found that protein interface conservation worked remarkably well in selecting the near‐native structures from the large number of generated docking complexes. Moreover, we discovered that a strong correlation exist between protein interface size and protein interface conservation, which could be a useful filter for the prediction of protein–protein interactions. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Atomic structure of the non‐polar GaN($ \bar 2 $110) surface by cross‐sectional scanning tunneling microscopy
Authors: Krüger David , Kuhr Simon , Schmidt Thomas , Hommel Detlef , Falta Jens
Published: February 2009

The ($ \bar 2 $110) plane of gallium nitride, exposed by cleaving a GaN single crystal under ultra‐high vacuum conditions, has been atomically resolved for the first time, using cross‐sectional scanning tunneling microscopy. The spatial period length supports a (1 × 1) unit mesh size, i.e., the absence of a reconstruction. The contrast observed in the experimental data is well explained by the atomic arrangement expected for a truncated‐bulk structure. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Overexpression in Transplanted Neural Progenitors Promotes Perivascular Cluster Formation with a Neurogenic Potential
Authors: Jenny Benoit , Kanemitsu Michiko , Tsupykov Oleg , Potter Gael , Salmon Patrick , Zgraggen Eloisa , Gascon Eduardo , Skibo Galina , Dayer Alexandre G. , Kiss Jozsef Z.
Published: February 2009

Stem/progenitor cell-based therapies hold promises for repairing the damaged nervous system. However, the efficiency of these approaches for neuronal replacement remains very limited. A major challenge is to develop pretransplant cell manipulations that may promote the survival, engraftment, and differentiation of transplanted cells. Here, we investigated whether overexpression of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) in grafted neural progenitors could improve their integration in the host tissue. We show that FGF-2-transduced progenitors grafted in the early postnatal rat cortex have the distinct tendency to associate with the vasculature and establish multiple proliferative clusters in the perivascular environment. The contact with vessels appears to be critical for maintaining progenitor cells in an undifferentiated and proliferative phenotype in the intact cortex. Strikingly, perivascular clusters of FGF-2 expressing cells seem to supply immature neurons in an ischemic environment. Our data provide evidence that engineering neural progenitors to overexpress FGF-2 may be a suitable strategy to improve the integration of grafted neural progenitor cells with the host vasculature thereby generating neurovascular clusters with a neurogenic potential for brain repair.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Integrin-Linked Kinase Is Required in Hypoxic Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Strengthening Cell Adhesion to Ischemic Myocardium
Authors: Song Suk-Won , Chang Woochul , Song Byeong-Wook , Song Heesang , Lim Soyeon , Kim Hye-Jung , Cha Min-Ji , Choi Eunju , Im Sin-Hyeog , Chang Byung-Chul , Chung Namsik , Jang Yangsoo , Hwang Ki-Chul
Published: February 2009

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy has limitations due to the poor viability of MSCs after cell transplantation. Integrin-mediated adhesion is a prerequisite for cell survival. As a novel anti-death strategy to improve cell survival in the infarcted heart, MSCs were genetically modified to overexpress integrin-linked kinase (ILK). The survival rate of ILK-transfected MSCs (ILK-MSCs) was augmented by about 1.5-fold and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt in ILK-MSCs were increased by about three and twofold, respectively. ILK-MSCs demonstrated an increase of twofold in the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax and inhibited caspase-3 activation, compared with hypoxic MSCs. The adhesion rate of ILK-MSCs also had a 32.2% increase on the cardiac fibroblast-derived three-dimensional matrix and ILK-MSCs showed higher retention by about fourfold compared to unmodified MSCs. Six animals per group were used for the in vivo experiments analyzed at 1 week after occlusion of the left coronary artery. ILK-MSC transplanted rats had a 12.0% ± 3.1% smaller infarct size than MSC-treated rats after ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery. Transplantation of ILK-MSCs not only led to a 16.0% ± 0.4% decrease in the fibrotic heart area, but also significantly reduced the apoptotic positive index by two-thirds when compared with ligation only. The mean microvessel count per field in the infarcted myocardium of ILK-MSCs group was increased relative to the sham group and MSCs group. In conclusion, the ILK gene transduction of MSCs further assisted cell survival and adhesion, and improved myocardial damage when compared with MSC only after transplantation.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Pituitary Progenitor Cells Tracked Down by Side Population Dissection
Authors: Chen Jianghai , Gremeaux Lies , Fu Qiuli , Liekens Daisy , Van Laere Steven , Vankelecom Hugo
Published: February 2009

The pituitary gland represents the endocrine core, governing the body's hormonal landscape by adapting its cellular composition to changing demands. It is assumed that stem/progenitor cells are involved in this remodeling. Recently, we uncovered a candidate stem/progenitor cell population in the anterior pituitary. Here, we scrutinized this “side population” (SP) and show that, unexpectedly, not the subset expressing high levels of “stem cell antigen-1” (Sca1high) but the remainder non-Sca1high fraction clusters the pituitary progenitor cells. Transcriptomal interrogation revealed in the non-Sca1high SP upregulated expression of the pituitary stem/progenitor cell markers Sox2 and Sox9, and of multiple factors critically involved in pituitary embryogenesis. The non-Sca1high SP encloses the cells that generate spheres and display multipotent hormone differentiation capacity. In culture conditions selecting for the non-Sca1high subset within the SP, stem cell growth factors that induce SP expansion, affect transcription of embryonic factors, suggesting impact on a developmental program that unfolds within this SP compartment. Non-Sca1high SP cells, revealed by Sox2 expression, are observed in the postulated periluminal stem/progenitor cell niche, but also in small groups scattered over the gland, thereby advocating the existence of multiple niches. In early postnatal mice undergoing a pituitary growth wave, Sox2+ cells are more abundant than in adults, concordant with a larger SP and higher non-Sca1high proportion. Together, we tracked down pituitary progenitor cells by SP phenotype, and thus provide a straightforward method to isolate and scrutinize these cells from the plastic pituitary ex vivo, as well as a culture system for in-depth exploration of their regulatory network.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Fetal growth parameters and birth weight: their relationship to neonatal body composition
Authors: Lee W. , Balasubramaniam M. , Deter R. L. , Hassan S. S. , Gotsch F. , Kusanovic J. P. , Gonçalves L. F. , Romero R.
Published: February 2009

Objectives

The main goal was to investigate the relationship between prenatal sonographic parameters and birth weight in predicting neonatal body composition.

Methods

Standard fetal biometry and soft tissue parameters were assessed prospectively in third‐trimester pregnancies using three‐dimensional ultrasonography. Growth parameters included biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), mid‐thigh circumference and femoral diaphysis length (FDL). Soft tissue parameters included fractional arm volume (AVol) and fractional thigh volume (TVol) that were derived from 50% of the humeral or femoral diaphysis lengths, respectively. Percentage of neonatal body fat (%BF) was determined within 48 h of delivery using a pediatric air displacement plethysmography system based on principles of whole‐body densitometry. Correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were performed with potential prenatal predictors and %BF as the outcome variable.

Results

Eighty‐seven neonates were studied with a mean ± SD %BF of 10.6 ± 4.6%. TVol had the greatest correlation with newborn %BF of all single‐parameter models. This parameter alone explained 46.1% of the variability in %BF and the best stepwise multiple linear regression model was: %BF = 0.129 (TVol) − 1.03933 (P < 0.001). Birth weight similarly explained 44.7% of the variation in %BF. AC and estimated fetal weight (EFW) accounted for only 24.8% and 30.4% of the variance in %BF, respectively. Skeletal growth parameters, such as FDL (14.2%), HC (7.9%) and BPD (4.0%), contributed the least towards explaining the variance in %BF.

Conclusions

During the late third trimester of pregnancy %BF is most highly correlated with TVol. Similar to actual birth weight, this soft tissue parameter accounts for a significant improvement in explaining the variation in neonatal %BF compared with fetal AC or EFW alone. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fractional limb volume – a soft tissue parameter of fetal body composition: validation, technical considerations and normal ranges during pregnancy
Authors: Lee W. , Balasubramaniam M. , Deter R. L. , Hassan S. S. , Gotsch F. , Kusanovic J. P. , Gonçalves L. F. , Romero R.
Published: February 2009

Objectives

The main goals were to provide normal reference ranges for fractional limb volume as a new index of generalized fetal nutritional status, to evaluate the reproducibility of fractional fetal limb volume measurements during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, and to demonstrate technical considerations for this technique.

Methods

This was a prospective, cross‐sectional study of gravid women during mid to late pregnancy. Fractional limb volumes were based on either 50% of humeral or femoral diaphysis length. Each partial volume was subdivided into five equidistant slices that were centered along the mid‐arm or mid‐thigh. Slices were traced manually to obtain fractional arm (AVol) or fractional thigh (TVol) volume. Reproducibility studies were performed, using Bland–Altman plots, to assess blinded interobserver and intraobserver measurement bias and agreement. Selected images were chosen to demonstrate technical factors for the acquisition and analysis of these parameters. Reference charts were established to describe normal ranges for AVol and TVol.

Results

Three hundred and eighty‐seven subjects were scanned to include 380 AVol (range, 1.1–68.3 mL) and 378 TVol (range 2.0–163.2 mL) measurements between 18.0 and 42.1 weeks' menstrual age. No gender differences were found in these soft tissue measurements (AVol,P= 0.90; TVol,P= 0.91; Mann–Whitney test). Intraobserver mean bias ± SD and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) for fractional limb volumes were: 2.2 ± 4.2% (95% LOA, − 6.0 to 10.5%) for AVol and 2.0 ± 4.2% (95% LOA, − 6.3 to 10.3%) for TVol. Interobserver bias and agreement were − 1.9 ± 4.9% (95% LOA, − 11.6 to 7.8%) for AVol and − 2.0 ± 5.4% (95% LOA, − 12.5 to 8.6%) for TVol. Technical factors were related to image optimization, transducer pressure, fetal movement, soft tissue compression and amniotic fluid volume.

Conclusions

Fractional limb volume assessment may improve the detection and monitoring of malnourished fetuses because this soft tissue parameter can be obtained quickly and reproducibly during mid to late pregnancy. Careful attention should be placed on technical factors that can potentially affect optimal acquisition and analysis of these volume measurements. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Spectroscopic Properties of Bis(1‐(E)‐2‐formylpyridine semicarbazone)nickel(II) Diperchlorate Monohydrate
Authors: Garbelini Ellery R. , Hörner Manfredo , Giglio Vinícius F. , da Silva Aline H. , Barison Andersson , Nunes Fábio S.
Published: February 2009

Pale‐green crystals of the title complex were prepared by reaction of 2‐formylpyridine semicarbazone (HCSpy) and nickel(II) perchlorate in boiling ethanol. The crystals are triclinic with the nickel ion in an octahedral arrangement, coordinated by two nitrogen atoms and one oxygen donor atom from each ligand molecule. The effect of coordination on bond lengths and angles was explored by comparison with the single‐crystal structure data of the free ligand HSCpy, which was collected as well. The assumed coordination mode was supported by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic data. A detailed analysis of the electronic properties, including semi‐empirical quantummechanical calculations is presented. Furthermore, the data obtained from magnetic susceptibility and EPR measurements are in accordance with a low‐spin d8 nickel(II) complex.
Donor‐Acceptor Complexes of Tellurium Polycationic Clusters with Cyanogen
Authors: Beck Johannes , Zink Marcus
Published: February 2009

The reactions of cyanogen with Te6[AsF6]4 and Te4[AsF6]2 in SO2 solutions yield Te6[AsF6]4·1.5C2N2 (1) and Te4[AsF6]2·C2N2 (2) as red crystals in quantitative yield. The complexes 1 and 2 are also generated in moderate yield by the reaction of Te, AsF5 and C2N2 in liquid SO2, but by‐products are formed. These reactions show the ability of cyanogen to act as a donor towards tellurium polycations. In the crystal structures, discrete octahedral [AsF6]– ions are present and linear cyanogen molecules, which coordinate the tellurium atoms of the polycations η2 by both nitrogen atoms. In the crystal structure of 1, the trigonal‐prismatic Te64+ clusters are bridged by cyanogen molecules to one‐dimensional zig‐zag chains. The crystal structure of 2 contains square‐planar Te42+ clusters, which are bridged by cyanogen molecules to two‐dimensional sheets. The complexes 1 and 2 represent the first chalcogen polycationic cluster compounds containing a nitrogen ligation. The new compounds are unstable with respect to loss of cyanogen but stable under an atmosphere of C2N2. The Raman spectra of 1 and 2 were investigated and assigned. A serviceable and convenient way to handle air‐sensitive and cold liquids by a transfer needle technique is described.
Motif Identification in Materials Simulations
Authors: Duchstein Patrick , Hochrein Oliver , Zahn Dirk
Published: February 2009

We present an algorithm for the identification of structural motifs on large scale atomistic simulation systems of solid materials. Given an arbitrary motif (model), the geometric hashing paradigm is used to find corresponding matches in a large structure (target). To account for real materials, the algorithm tolerates motif deformation and different orientations. Application to solid state science is illustrated by the examples of crystal growth simulations and grain analysis in polycrystalline structures.
Synthesis and Characterization of Rutile TiO2Nanopowders Doped with Iron Ions
Authors: Abazović Nadica D , Mirenghi Luciana , Janković Ivana A , Bibić Nataša , Šojić Daniela V , Abramović Biljana F , Čomor Mirjana I
Published: February 2009

Titanium dioxide nanopowders doped with different amounts of Fe ions were prepared by coprecipitation method. Obtained materials were characterized by structural (XRD), morphological (TEM and SEM), optical (UV/vis reflection and photoluminescence, and Raman), and analytical techniques (XPS and ICP-OES). XRD analysis revealed rutile crystalline phase for doped and undoped titanium dioxide obtained in the same manner. Diameter of the particles was 5–7 nm. The presence of iron ions was confirmed by XPS and ICP-OES. Doping process moved absorption threshold of TiO2into visible spectrum range. Photocatalytic activity was also checked. Doped nanopowders showed normal and up-converted photoluminescence.
Development and validation of a Q‐sort measure of identity processing style: The identity processing style Q‐sort☆
Authors: Pittman Joe F. , Kerpelman Jennifer L. , Lamke Leanne K. , Sollie Donna L.
Published: February 2009

Identity styles represent strategies individuals use to explore identity‐related issues. Berzonsky (Berzonsky, M. D. (1992). Identity style and coping strategies. Journal of Personality, 60, 771–788) identified three styles: informational, normative, and diffuse. In three studies, this paper presents (a) the identity processing style Q‐sort (IPSQ), a new measurement technique for assessing identity styles, along with the reliability and validity of three criterion sorts that represent “ideal types” for the three respective styles, (b) a description of the styles in a sample of 480 college students along with direct comparisons with the paper–pencil measure of identity styles originally developed by Berzonsky, and (c) an examination of convergent and discriminant validity of the IPSQ in a sample of 321 college students based on correlations with measures tapping identity status, family relationship quality, social competence, coping styles, and social desirability. The general discussion concludes that the reliability and validity of the sort are supported and future directions and potential uses are described.
Rectal misoprostol versus intravenous oxytocin for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Nasr Ahmed , Shahin Ahmed Y. , Elsamman Ali M. , Zakherah Mahmoud S. , Shaaban Omar M.
Published: February 2009

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of 800 μg of rectal misoprostol compared with an intravenous infusion of 5 IU of oxytocin as prophylaxis against postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

Methods

A total of 514 women in labor were randomized into two groups (257 women in each). Within 1 minute of delivery of the anterior shoulder participants in group 1 received 800 μg of rectal misoprostol and 1 ampoule of normal saline in 5 mL lactated Ringer solution intravenously; group 2 received a rectal placebo tablet and 5 IU of oxytocin in 5 mL lactated Ringer solution intravenously.

Results

Both groups were comparable regarding the need for uterotonics, blood transfusion, and hematocrit drop of 10% or greater, 24 hours post partum (P= 0.54,P= 0.25, andP= 0.85, respectively). Fever was significantly higher among misoprostol patients (18.7% vs 0.8%,P< 0.001).

Conclusions

Routine use of 800 μg of rectal misoprostol was effective in reducing blood loss after delivery. We recommend the regimen for low‐resource, busy obstetric settings.
Prevalence of Potentially Pathogenic Enteric Organisms in Clinically Healthy Kittens in the UK
Authors: Gow Adam G. , Gow Deborah J. , Hall Edward J. , Langton Debra , Clarke Chris , Papasouliotis Kostas
Published: February 2009

Faecal samples were collected from 57 clinically healthy kittens presented for initial vaccination, in the UK. Routine bacteriological examination identified Salmonella species in one and Campylobacter species in five samples. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detected the presence of Campylobacter species in a further four samples. Routine parasitological examination revealed Toxocara species ova in nine (including four kittens stated to have been administered an anthelmintic) and Isospora species in four samples. No Giardia or Cryptosporidium species were detected by routine methods. A Giardia species enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kit designed for use in cats was positive in three kittens. A similar test kit designed for use in humans was negative in all samples and produced negative results even when known positive samples were tested. Potentially pathogenic enteric organisms were detected in 19 kittens by routine methods and 26 (prevalence 45%) by all methods. The high prevalence in asymptomatic kittens highlights the possibility that the detection of these organisms in kittens with gastrointestinal disease may be an incidental finding.
Extracellular matrix gene expression during wound healing of the injured rat vocal fold
Authors: Ohno Tsunehisa , Hirano Shigeru , Rousseau Bernard
Published: February 2009

Objectives

To measure the expression of procollagen‐I and ‐III, decorin, and hyaluronan synthase (HAS)‐1, −2, and −3 during the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases of rat vocal fold injury.

Study Design

Prospective, animal model.

Subjects and Methods

Vocal folds were injured in 30 rats. Injured specimens were harvested on postinjury days 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56. Five uninjured rats were used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) control. Real‐time PCR was used to measure the expression of procollagen‐I and ‐III, decorin, and hyaluronan synthase (HAS)‐1, −2, and −3.

Results

Compared with control, expression of procollagen‐I and ‐III were significantly decreased on postinjury days 1 and 56; decorin expression was significantly decreased on postinjury days 1, 3, 7, and 56; HAS‐1 expression was significantly decreased on postinjury days 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56; HAS‐2 expression was significantly decreased on postinjury days 28 and 56; HAS‐3 expression was significantly decreased on postinjury day 56.

Conclusions

Results revealed time‐dependent alterations in the expression of genes coding procollagen‐I and ‐III, decorin, and HAS‐1, −2, and −3. Knowledge of the temporal regulation of these genes and underlying histology will be used in future studies to investigate molecular approaches for manipulation of vocal fold injury.
Survey evidence on forecast accuracy of U.S. term spreads
Authors: Baghestani Hamid
Published: February 2009

Successful portfolio management strategies partly require accurate forecasts of term spreads. Such forecasts may also be useful for policymaking since the yield curve may contain predictive information for economic growth. This study asks whether experts accurately predict term spreads. We show that the consensus forecasts from two separate panels, while superior to alternative benchmark forecasts, are free of systematic bias but unable to replicate the degree of variability in the actual change. Moreover, these forecasts are directionally accurate under symmetric loss, implying that they are of value to a market participant who assigns similar costs to incorrect upward and downward moves.
Trace element and isotope constraints on crustal anatexis by upwelling mantle melts in the North Atlantic Igneous Province: an example from the Isle of Rum, NW Scotland
Authors: MEYER ROMAIN , NICOLL GRAEME R. , HERTOGEN JAN , TROLL VALENTIN R. , ELLAM ROBERT M. , EMELEUS C. HENRY
Published: February 2009

Sr and Nd isotope ratios, together with lithophile trace elements, have been measured in a representative set of igneous rocks and Lewisian gneisses from the Isle of Rum in order to unravel the petrogenesis of the felsic rocks that erupted in the early stages of Palaeogene magmatism in the North Atlantic Igneous Province (NAIP). The Rum rhyodacites appear to be the products of large amounts of melting of Lewisian amphibolite gneiss. The Sr and Nd isotopic composition of the magmas can be explained without invoking an additional granulitic crustal component. Concentrations of the trace element Cs in the rhyodacites strongly suggests that the gneiss parent rock had experienced Cs and Rb loss prior to Palaeogene times, possibly during a Caledonian event. This depletion caused heterogeneity with respect to87Sr/86Sr in the crustal source of silicic melts. Other igneous rock types on Rum (dacites, early gabbros) are mixtures of crustal melts and and primary mantle melts. Forward Rare Earth Element modelling shows that late stage picritic melts on Rum are close analogues for the parent melts of the Rum Layered Suite, and for the mantle melts that caused crustal anatexis of the Lewisian gneiss. These primary mantle melts have close affinities to Mid-Oceanic Ridge Basalts (MORB), whose trace element content varies from slightly depleted to slightly enriched. Crustal anatexis is a common process in the rift-to-drift evolution during continental break-up and the formation of Volcanic Rifted Margins systems. The ‘early felsic–later mafic’ volcanic rock associations from Rum are compared to similar associations recovered from the now-drowned seaward-dipping wedges on the shelf of SE Greenland and on the Vøring Plateau (Norwegian Sea). These three regions show geochemical differences that result from variations in the regional crustal composition and the depth at which crustal anatexis took place.
AGRICULTURAL LABOUR AND THE CONTESTED NATURE OF WOMEN'S WORK IN INTERWAR ENGLAND AND WALES
Authors: VERDON NICOLA
Published: February 2009

This article uses a case-study of agriculture to explore the range of anxieties and contradictions surrounding women's work in the interwar period. National statistics are shown to be inconsistent and questionable, raising questions for historians reliant on official data, but they point to regional variation as the continuous defining feature of female labour force participation. Looking beyond the quantitative data a distinction emerges between traditional work on the land and processes. The article shows that women workers in agriculture provoked vigorous debate among a range of interest groups about the scale, nature, and suitability of this work. These groups, such as the National Federation of Women's Institutes, the Women's Farm and Garden Association, and the National Union of Agricultural Workers represented a range of social classes and outlooks, and had diverse agendas underpinning their interest. Consequently women's agricultural labour is exposed as a site of class and gender conflict, connecting to wider economic and cultural tensions surrounding the place of women in interwar society.
THE DISSOLUTION OF THE SPANISH ATLANTIC MONARCHY
Authors: PAQUETTE GABRIEL
Published: February 2009

The Spanish empire's vertiginous collapse in the first decades of the nineteenth century has long been a source of historiographical disputes. Historians seeking to explain the demise of Spain's dominion in the Americas and the emergence of independent nation-states have identified certain factors as decisive. Among these are: the coalescence of an anti-colonial, national consciousness among creoles; peninsular misrule and economic mismanagement; and the seismic effects of geopolitical upheaval, particularly the Napoleonic occupation of Spain. This historiographical review recapitulates established explanations, introduces a new wave of scholarship on the subject, and identifies topics that may be crucial for future research.
Cattle handling and welfare standards in livestock markets in the UK
Authors: GREGORY N. G. , BENSON T. , MASON C. W.
Published: February 2009

Some fast food restaurants have introduced a trade embargo on beef sold through livestock markets on the grounds that welfare standards associated with live auction markets are worse than standards associated with direct sale to abattoirs. The current study examined the handling difficulties and welfare standards at 24 UK cattle and calf markets, and comparisons were made according to class of animal (mainly store or finished) and according to throughput of the market, <100 livestock units (LSU) per week, 100–300 LSU per week and >300 LSU per week. Handling problems examined included refusal to move, balking, slips, falls, impacts, inappropriate handling such as excessive use of a stick, hazardous jumping and confusion while loading onto vehicles. The most common difficulties were impacts, slips and falls during grading and when putting cattle up to the sale ring. Slipping was also common in finished cattle while they were in the ring, and they were prone to impacts when returning to a holding pen. Refusing to load onto vehicles after the sale was common in both finished and store cattle. Calves were prone to going down on their knees when moving onto the tailboards of vehicles. Of the markets, 0·47 had potential bruising or impact points in the grading facilities and 0·67 of the markets did not have a way of ensuring that legs did not get trapped between gates and gateposts if cattle attempted to jump out of a holding pen. In most other respects the prevalence of weaknesses in the facilities and problems during handling was low.