bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanofabrication by Electrohydrodynamic Jetting of a Tailor‐Made Living Siloxane Sol
Authors: Sullivan Alice C. , Scott Ken , Jayasinghe Suwan N.
Published: August 2007

Electrohydrodynamic jetting has the ability to capture and translate different phases of evolution in a living sol into materials with grossly different morphologies such as fibres or remarkably, as shown in this work, monodisperse spherical nanoparticles, depending on the sol properties and exposure time to the spray at the point of jetting as demonstrated using a tailor‐made siloxane sol.

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Synthetic Models of Weak Attractive Ligand‐Polymer Interactions in Olefin Polymerization Catalysts
Authors: Chan Michael C. W.
Published: August 2007

The subject of extremely weak hydrogen bonds such as CH···FC remains a contentious and topical area of research. The design and synthesis of a family of Group‐4 post‐metallocene catalysts supported by F‐functionalized tridentate ligands that impose the fluorine substituent(s) in close proximity to the metal center is described, and for the first time, the elusive CH···FC interaction is characterized by a neutron diffraction study. The nature of the weak intramolecular CH···FC contacts in these complexes in solution and in the solid state is probed using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy in tandem with neutron and X‐ray crystallography. These CH···FC interactions are important with regards to design implications and potential applications in olefin polymerization catalysts because they corroborate the proposed ortho‐F···H(β) ligand–polymer contacts derived from density functional theory calculations for the Group 4 fluorinated phenoxyimine catalysts. Compared with the established agostic and cocatalyst–metal contacts, weak attractive non‐covalent interactions between a ‘non‐innocent’ ligand and the polymer chain is a novel concept in polyolefin catalysis.

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Privacy attitudes and privacy‐related behavior
Authors: Norberg Patricia A. , Horne Daniel R.
Published: August 2007

A significant body of research has arisen over the last few decades describing the causes of observed incongruity between attitudes and behaviors. Recent work in the area of privacy has demonstrated this type of situation, in which people with negative attitudes toward the provision of personal information will disclose this very same infor‐ mation for no apparent benefit. However, little theoretical work has been developed to explain why this paradoxical anomaly exists. This paper suggests that attribution plays a crucial role and should be taken into account with regard to both the assessment of behavioral outcomes and the examination of attitude formation. The purpose of the current work, thus, is to consider the contribution of the two theoretical areas, attitude formation and attribution, in explaining the correspondence between privacy‐related attitudes and behaviors. This represents a critical first step in understanding the antecedents of privacy‐related behaviors and in further developing the under‐ standing of attitude models in general. As such, the paper suggests a framework and a set of propositions to guide future research and theoretical development. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Charge Mobility and Charge Traps in Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Liu Ching‐Yang , Chen Show‐An
Published: August 2007

Charge mobility and charge traps are two important factors that affect performances of semiconductor devices. Here, the measurement techniques and correlation with polymer structures is reviewed. Common traps, such as oxygen, aggregates, long conjugation length subchains, and impurities are found to appear in conjugated polymers and their features are described. Charge mobility is highly sensitive to polymer morphology and chain alignment. Incorporating transport moieties on side chains can either enhance or reduce charge mobilities depending on their ionization potentials. The relationship between charge transport behaviors and chemical structures are also discussed.

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Molecular Engineering of the Band Gap of π‐Conjugated Systems: Facing Technological Applications
Authors: Roncali J.
Published: August 2007

For almost two decades, the search of an intrinsically‐conductive organic metal has represented the major driving force for research on control of the band gap of extended π‐conjugated systems. However, the emergence of the application of π‐conjugated oligomers and polymers in field‐effect transistors, light‐emitting diodes, electrochromic devices and solar cells has introduced major changes in the chemistry of gap engineering. Besides controlled band gap, active materials for electronic and photonic applications must present appropriate absorption and/or emission properties, highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO and LUMO) energy levels and charge‐transport properties. The aim of this short review is to present an overview of the recent trends in this area in order to identify possible directions for future research.

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Community survey of primary dystonia in the city of Kolkata, India
Authors: Das Shyamal K. , Banerjee Tapas K. , Biswas Atanu , Roy Trishit , Raut Deepak K. , Chaudhuri Arijit , Hazra Abhijit
Published: August 2007

An epidemiological study on dystonia has not been reported from India. As part of a major study to find out the prevalence of major neurological disorders in the large urban city of Kolkata, Eastern India, we planned to determine the prevalence of primary dystonia. The study design was a cross‐sectional study of a sample population obtained through stratified random selection and conducted in a two‐stage procedure of screening by a nonprofessional team followed by confirmation of screened positive cases by the study neurologist. A total population of 52,377 was screened, and 29 subjects with dystonia were diagnosed. Out of them 23 subjects had primary dystonias [crude prevalence rate (CPR), 43.91/100,000; 95% confidence interval (CI), 28.41–64.81; age‐standardized rates to world standard population, 49.06 (95% CI,31.74–72.41)] and all cases were focal type and predominantly of limb dystonia variety. Mean onset of dystonias were earlier in women (43.5 years) as compared to men (46.6 years). Thus our study on primary dystonia shows higher prevalence when compared with that of many studies globally, predominantly of focal type, earlier onset among women, and more cases of limb dystonias when compared with more prominent blepharospasm and cervical dystonias in western reports. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript is increased in Huntington disease
Authors: Björkqvist Maria , Leavitt Blair R. , Nielsen Jörgen E. , Landwehrmeyer Bernhard , Ecker Daniel , Mulder Hindrik , Brundin Patrik , Petersén Åsa
Published: August 2007

Weight loss and anxiety frequently occur in individuals with Huntington's disease (HD) but the underlying mechanisms are not well‐understood. Peptides produced in the hypothalamus are involved in regulating energy homeostasis and emotion. Recent data suggest that changes in neuropeptide levels may be reflected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and could therefore serve as biomarkers for HD. Cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) is a neuropetide expressed in several brain regions such as the hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus. CART has been shown to increase anxiety and reduce food intake in rodents by as yet unknown mechanisms. Individuals with a CART mutation exhibit increased anxiety. In cross‐sectional CSF samples from HD patients (n = 39), we found that levels of CART peptide were significantly increased by 23% compared to control subjects (n = 28). Increased CART levels in HD therefore hold promise as a biomarker as well as a potential pathogenic mediator of symptoms. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale: Validation study of the mentation, behavior, and mood section
Authors: Starkstein Sergio E. , Merello Marcelo
Published: August 2007

The objective of this study was to examine the validity of the mentation, behavior, and mood items included in Part I of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and to assess its usefulness to screen for dementia, psychosis, depression, and apathy. A consecutive series of 168 patients with PD were assessed by neurologists with the UPDRS, and by psychiatrists using a comprehensive neuropsychiatric evaluation blind to each other's ratings. ROC analysis demonstrated that a score of 2 or greater on the intellectual impairment item of the UPDRS had 60% sensitivity and 92% specificity to detect dementia, as diagnosed with DSM‐IV criteria. When a score of 23 or lower on the MMSE was included as an additional classification variable, the sensitivity increased to 85%. A score of 2 or greater on the thought disorder item had 43% sensitivity and 92% specificity to detect psychotic symptoms (delusions or hallucinations). A score of 2 or greater on the depression item had 77% sensitivity and 82% specificity to detect major depression as diagnosed with DSM‐IV criteria. Finally, a score of 2 or greater on the motivation/initiative item had 73% sensitivity and 65% specificity to detect apathy, as diagnosed with a standardized criteria. When the sample was divided into mild (i.e. Hohen‐Yahr stages I and II) versus moderate‐severe PD (i.e. Hohen‐Yahr stages III–V), findings remained unchanged, except that the UPDRS show unacceptably low accuracy to detect psychosis in mild PD. The mentation, behavior, and mood section of the UPDRS is an adequate screen for depression and apathy, and has adequate sensitivity to detect dementia when combined with the Mini‐Mental State Exam, but has low sensitivity to detect psychosis. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Psychiatric and neuropsychiatric adverse events associated with deep brain stimulation: A meta‐analysis of ten years' experience
Authors: Appleby Brian S. , Duggan Patrick S. , Regenberg Alan , Rabins Peter V.
Published: August 2007

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been approved by the FDA for use in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. Case reports and case series have reported significant psychiatric side effects in some individuals. The goal of this meta‐analysis is to characterize the risks and benefits of DBS and to assess its possible use within the psychiatric setting.
A search was conducted on PubMed, EBSCO, and PsycInfo in January 2006 that covered the time period 1 Jan 1996–30 Dec 2005. All identified articles were reviewed and those describing adverse events were further examined with a structured instrument. The initial searches yielded 2667 citations; 808 articles met inclusion criteria for the meta‐analysis; 98.2% of studies that specifically assessed motor function reported some level of improvement. Most reported side effects were device or procedure related (e.g., infection and lead fracture). The prevalence of depression was 2–4%, mania 0.9–1.7%, emotional changes 0.1–0.2%, and the prevalence of suicidal ideation/suicide attempt was 0.3–0.7%. The completed suicide rate was 0.16–0.32%. In conclusion, DBS is an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and essential tremor, and case reports suggest that major depression and OCD may also respond to DBS. Reported rates of depression, cognitive impairment, mania, and behavior change are low, but there is a high rate of suicide in patients treated with DBS, particularly with thalamic and GPi stimulation. Because of the high suicide rate, patients should be prescreened for suicide risk prior to DBS surgery. Additionally, patients should be monitored closely for suicidal behavior post‐operatively. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Influences of dopaminergic treatment on motor cortex in Parkinson disease: A MRI/MRS study
Authors: Lucetti Claudio , Del Dotto Paulo , Gambaccini Gianna , Ceravolo Roberto , Logi Chiara , Berti Caterina , Rossi Giuseppe , Bianchi Maria Cristina , Tosetti Michela , Murri Luigi , Bonuccelli Ubaldo
Published: August 2007

The objective of this study was to investigate neurochemical and metabolic changes in the motor cortex in a group of de novo Parkinson's disease (PD) patients before and after 6 mo treatment with the dopamine agonist pergolide. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) has been used to study striatal and cortical metabolism in PD and other parkinsonisms. So far, no studies evaluating possible brain metabolic changes in PD patients before and after dopaminergic therapy have been reported. De novo PD patients (11) and controls (11) underwent clinical evaluation (UPDRS‐III motor evaluation) and a first single‐voxel 1H‐MRS of the motor cortex. 1H‐MRS studies were performed using the PROBE‐SV System implemented on a 1.5 Tesla Scanner (GE Medical System, Milwaukee, WI). Pergolide was administered up to a dose of 1 mg t.i.d. After 6 mo follow‐up, all patients were clinically evaluated and a second single‐voxel 1H‐MRS was performed. Lower values of Cho/Cr and NAA/Cr ratios were observed in the motor cortex of PD patients compared with controls (P < 0.02 and P < 0.01, respectively). After 6 mo therapy with pergolide (1 mg t.i.d), PD patients showed an improvement in motor performances (P < 0.05) and an increase in Cho/Cr ratios in the motor cortex at the second 1H‐MRS evaluation (P < 0.05) was reported. In conclusion, cortical NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr ratios may be impaired in de novo PD. Dopaminergic therapy capable of improving motor function may restore the Cho/Cr ratio in the motor cortex. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Prospective comparative study on cost‐effectiveness of subthalamic stimulation and best medical treatment in advanced Parkinson's disease
Authors: Valldeoriola Francesc , Morsi Ossama , Tolosa Eduardo , Rumià Jordi , Martí Maria José , Martínez‐Martín Pablo
Published: August 2007

This is an open, prospective, longitudinal study designed to compare two cohorts of patients with advanced Parkinson's disease during 1 year, one undergoing bilateral subthalamic stimulation (STN‐DBS) and the other receiving the best medical treatment (BMT), with respect to the clinical effects observed and the medical expenses produced. Assessments were done by using clinical measures and a generic health related quality of life scale. A questionnaire was used to collect direct healthcare resources. As a measure of cost‐effectiveness, we calculated life years gained adjusted by health‐related quality of life (QALY) and the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER). Clinical and demographic variables of both groups were comparable at baseline. Total UPDRS scores improved from 50.5 ± 3.6 to 28.5 ± 3.8 in STN‐DBS patients and worsened from 44.3 ± 3.3 to 54.2 ± 4 in the control group. Pharmacological costs in the operated patients were 3,799 ± 940€, while in the BMT group the costs were 13,208 ± 4,966€. Other medical costs were 1,280 ± 720€ in the STN‐DBS group and 4,017 ± 2,962€ in BMT patients. Nondirect medical costs were 4,079 ± 1,289 in operated patients and 2,787 ± 1,209€ in the BMT group. Mean QALYs were 0.7611 ± 0.03 in STN‐DBS and 0.5401 ± 0.06 in BMT patients. In STN‐DBS patients, the ICER needed to obtain an improvement of one point in the total UPDRS score was of 239.8€ and the ICER/QALY was of 34,389€. Cost‐effectiveness parameters were mostly related to the degree of clinical improvement and the reduction of pharmacological costs after STN‐DBS. An ICER of 34,389€/QALY is within appropriate limits to consider subthalamic stimulation as an efficient therapy. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Multiscale modeling for gas flow in pipe networks
Authors: Banda Mapundi K. , Herty Michael
Published: August 2007

We consider a multiscale network of natural gas pipelines. Different arcs of the network are to be modeled by possibly different models depending on the requisite qualitative detail required: an isothermal Euler system of equations; linearized model derived from the isothermal Euler system or a steady‐state model of gas flow also referred to as an algebraic model. At the vertices (or joints) of the network coupling conditions are defined. An analysis of the well posedness of the hierarchial coupling conditions is presented. The analytical results are tested numerically on different network configurations including a real‐world network based on the Canadian mainline gas network. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of the interferon‐tau expression from primary trophectoderm outgrowths derived from IVP, NT, and parthenogenote bovine blastocysts
Authors: Talbot Neil C. , Powell Anne M. , Ocón Olga M. , Caperna Thomas J. , Camp Mary , Garrett Wesley M. , Ealy Alan D. ,   U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service
Published: August 2007

The expression of interferon‐tau (IFN‐τ) is essential for bovine embryo survival in the uterus. An evaluation of IFN‐τ production from somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT)‐embryo‐derived primary trophectoderm cultures in comparison to trophectoderm cultured from parthenogenote (P) and in vitro matured, fertilized, and cultured (IVP) bovine embryos was performed. In Experiment 1, the success/failure ratio for primary trophectoderm colony formation was similar for IVP and NT blastocysts [IVP = 155/29 (84%); NT 104/25 (81%)], but was decreased (P = .05) for P blastocysts [54/43 (56%)]. Most trophectoderm colonies reached diameters of at least 1 cm within 3–4 weeks, and at this time, 72 hr conditioned cell culture medium was measured for IFN‐τ concentration by antiviral activity assay. The amount of IFN‐τ produced by IVP‐outgrowths [4311 IU/mL (n = 155)] was greater (P < .05) than that from NT‐ [626 IU/mL (n = 104)] and P ‐ [1595 IU/mL (n = 54)] derived trophectoderm. Differential expression of IFN‐τ was confirmed by immunoblotting. In Experiment 2, colony formation was again similar for IVP and NT blastocysts [IVP = 70/5 (93%); NT 67/1 (99%)] and less (P < .05) for P blastocysts [65/27 (70%)]. Analysis of trophectoderm colony size after 23 days in culture showed a similar relationship with P‐derived colonies being significantly smaller in comparison to IVP and NT colonies. A differential expression of IFN‐τ was also observed again, but this time as measured over time in culture. Maximal IFN‐τ production was found at day‐14 of primary culture and diminished to a minimum by the 23rd day. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 299–308, 2008. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuroendocrine regulation of puberty in fish: Insights from the grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) model
Authors: Nocillado Josephine N. , Elizur Abigail
Published: August 2007

We investigated the molecular regulation of pubertal development in the grey mullet, Mugil cephalus, a relatively late‐maturing teleost fish. We have isolated and characterized the cDNAs of key reproductive genes along the brain–pituitary–gonadal (BPG) axis as well as the promoters of genes that modulate the axis at multiple levels. Together with relevant findings from other model species, we propose a conceptual model of the neuroendocrine regulation of puberty in the female grey mullet. Research areas that warrant further investigation are identified in the model. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 355–361, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sperm release from oviduct epithelial binding is controlled hormonally by peri‐ovulatory graafian follicles
Authors: Hunter R.H.F.
Published: August 2007

To avoid inappropriate conclusions being drawn from the extensive use of in vitro preparations of sperm–oviduct epithelial binding, it is recalled that events in the genital tract of mammals are regulated by the gonads, primarily by their changing secretion of steroid hormones. Key observations from in vivo models are used to emphasise the dynamic interactions between viable sperm cells and the caudal (distal) portion of the oviduct isthmus, the site of the functional sperm reservoir. These include (1) pre‐ovulatory arrest and epithelial binding of intact sperm cells and thereby suppression of completion of capacitation, (2) peri‐ovulatory activation and release from binding of discrete sub‐populations of competent spermatozoa, and (3) post‐ovulatory liberation of large numbers of spermatozoa. These observations underline the influence of endocrine regulation of sperm binding and release by peri‐ovulatory Graafian follicles, a point brought out by the enhanced sperm release prompted by diverse treatments with solutions of progesterone. In the light of this evidence, the suitability of in vitro preparations for clarifying physiological events should be questioned, especially if myosalpingeal catecholamines diffusing out of the autonomic nervous system contribute to sperm activation and/or release. None of this is to infer that sperm cells themselves are without influence on their epithelial binding reaction(s). Nor is it to suggest that in vitro models of sperm–oviduct binding are without relevance to the development of sperm evaluation technologies. However, pre‐ovulatory sperm–epithelial binding and a regulated peri‐ovulatory release should be seen as vital tactics in the overall strategy of achieving successful monospermic fertilisation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 167–174, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Muscle membrane excitability after exercise in thyrotoxic periodic paralysis and thyrotoxicosis without periodic paralysis
Authors: Arimura Kimiyoshi , Arimura Yumiko , Ng Arlene R. , Sakoda Shun‐Ichi , Higuchi Itsuro
Published: August 2007

We evaluated whether the paralytic attacks in thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) are primarily due to the abnormal excitability of the muscle membrane caused by a preexisting latent abnormality or to the effects of thyroid hormone. The prolonged exercise (PE) test was used to evaluate muscle membrane excitability in 21 patients with TPP and 11 patients with thyrotoxicosis without paralytic attacks (Tw/oPP) in the hyperthyroid state. The PE tests were compared between the hyperthyroid and euthyroid states in five of the TPP and three of the Tw/oPP patients. Compared to 20 healthy subjects, a significant increase in compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes immediately after exercise and a significant time‐dependent gradual decline in CMAP amplitudes starting from 20 min after exercise were observed in the TPP patients. A significant decline in CMAP amplitudes was also observed in the Tw/oPP patients but only at 50 min after exercise. All of the TPP and Tw/oPP patients had a tendency to improve in the euthyroid state; the PE tests remained abnormal only in the TPP patients. Paralytic attacks in TPP patients are due primarily to a preexisting latent abnormal excitability of the muscle membrane, possibly genetic in origin. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Effect of random interpulse interval modulation on neuromuscular fatigue
Authors: Indurthy Maritha , Griffin Lisa
Published: August 2007

Neuromuscular endurance during electrical stimulation may be enhanced if naturally occurring motor unit firing patterns are used. Variability in the interpulse interval (IPI) distribution may enable brief periods of rest and optimization of force output. Nine individuals participated in three 3‐minute fatigue protocols of the thenar muscles elicited by supramaximal stimulation of the median nerve. All protocols consisted of a mean IPI of 33.3 ms and differed only in the type of IPI modulation, which was constant (0%), random (±20%), or ramped from 0% to ±20%. M‐wave amplitude declined following all protocols and the reduction was smallest following the ramp protocol. There was no significant difference among the starting or final forces or between the overall force–time integrals for the three protocols. Thus, IPI variability did not improve endurance time during electrical stimulation and the M‐wave amplitude was not a reliable indicator of muscle force output. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Oxidant‐induced atrogin‐1 and transforming growth factor‐β1 precede alcohol‐related myopathy in rats
Authors: Otis Jeffrey S. , Brown Lou Ann S. , Guidot David M.
Published: August 2007

Alcohol‐related chronic myopathy is characterized by severe biochemical and structural changes to skeletal muscle. Our goals were to: (1) identify early regulatory elements that precede the overt manifestation of plantaris atrophy; and (2) circumvent these derangements by supplementing alcohol‐fed rats with the glutathione precursor, procysteine. After 6 weeks of daily ingestion, before the development of overt atrophy of the plantaris muscle, alcohol increased several markers of oxidative stress and increased gene expressions of atrogin‐1 and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) by ∼60‐ and ∼65‐fold, respectively, which were attenuated by procysteine supplementation. Interestingly, after 28 weeks of alcohol ingestion, when overt plantaris atrophy had developed, atrogin‐1 and TGF‐β1 gene expression had returned to baseline levels. Together, these findings suggest that alcohol‐induced, redox‐sensitive alterations drive pro‐atrophy signaling pathways that precede muscle atrophy. Therefore, targeted anti‐oxidant treatments such as procysteine supplementation may benefit individuals with chronic alcohol abuse, particularly if given prior to the development of clinically significant myopathy. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Service management enhancements to IMS architecture
Authors: Kormentzas G. , Andrade T. , Asgari A. (Hamid) , Skianis C.
Published: August 2007

Originally defined by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) as part of its standardization work for 3G mobile phone systems, the IMS model has been adopted as a baseline technology for network and service convergence by network (wireless, wireline and cable), service and content operators. Dealing with the same business actors, the ENTHRONE project (FP6‐IP‐507637) builds an MPEG‐21‐based service management system that enables distribution of audio‐visual content with dynamic end‐to‐end QoS guarantees over heterogeneous networks to various types of terminal devices. This system controls the access of users to the content and supervises the delivery of the content to ensure the level of QoS. The paper examines how the IMS model could be extended to include service management features offered by the ENTHRONE management system. These features could constitute a potential vehicle for the IMS entrance to the audio‐visual market chain. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A video broadcasting protocol for bandwidth‐constrained clients
Authors: Zafalao Rogerio M. , da Fonseca Nelson L. S.
Published: August 2007

Periodic broadcast has been considered for the deployment of video on demand services owing to its scalability. However, most existing protocols do not take into consideration the bandwidth limitation at the client. In this paper, a novel protocol based on the polyharmonic broadcasting protocol for users with bandwidth constraints is proposed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A note on the solution of not balanced banded Toeplitz systems
Authors: Lotti G.
Published: August 2007

A direct algorithm is presented for the solution of linear systems having banded Toeplitz coefficient matrix with unbalanced bandwidths. It is derived from the cyclic reduction algorithm, it makes use of techniques based on the displacement rank and it relies on the Morrison–Sherman–Woodbury formula. The algorithm always equals and sometimes outperforms the already known direct ones in terms of asymptotic computational cost. The case where the coefficient matrix is a block banded block Toeplitz matrix in block Hessenberg form is analyzed as well. The algorithm is numerically stable if applied to M‐matrices that are point diagonally dominant by columns. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Projected Schur complement method for solving non‐symmetric systems arising from a smooth fictitious domain approach
Authors: Haslinger J. , Kozubek T. , Kučera R. , Peichl G.
Published: August 2007

This paper deals with a fast method for solving large‐scale algebraic saddle‐point systems arising from fictitious domain formulations of elliptic boundary value problems. A new variant of the fictitious domain approach is analyzed. Boundary conditions are enforced by control variables introduced on an auxiliary boundary located outside the original domain. This approach has a significantly higher convergence rate; however, the algebraic systems resulting from finite element discretizations are typically non‐symmetric. The presented method is based on the Schur complement reduction. If the stiffness matrix is singular, the reduced system can be formulated again as another saddle‐point problem. Its modification by orthogonal projectors leads to an equation that can be efficiently solved using a projected Krylov subspace method for non‐symmetric operators. For this purpose, the projected variant of the BiCGSTAB algorithm is derived from the non‐projected one. The behavior of the method is illustrated by examples, in which the BiCGSTAB iterations are accelerated by a multigrid strategy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is small beautiful? Village level taxation of natural resources in Tanzania
Authors: Lund Jens Friis
Published: August 2007

This article examines collection of natural resources revenue by village governments in Tanzania as part of a decentralisation reform. An analysis of empirical data in the form of taxation records from 14 villages, which collect and retain revenues on natural resources utilisation suggests that decentralising revenue collection to the lowest local government tier may yield: (i) considerable increases in revenue collection; (ii) increased transparency in public finances through requirements that village governments document their incomes and expenditures to the villagers; and (iii) a financial surplus that is used to finance public services at the village level. The evidence presented in this article suggests that decentralising taxation to the lowest local government tier may be a viable approach to enhance revenue collection on the utilisation of relatively low value natural resources, and assure that a share of the collected revenue is used to finance public services. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Augmented gp130‐mediated cytokine signalling accompanies human gastric cancer progression
Authors: Jackson CB , Judd LM , Menheniott TR , Kronborg I , Dow C , Yeomans ND , Boussioutas A , Robb L , Giraud AS
Published: August 2007

H. pylori infection accounts for most cases of gastric cancer, but the initiating events remain unclear. The principal H. pylori pathogenicity‐associated CagA protein disrupts intracellular SHP‐2 signalling pathways including those used by the IL‐6 family cytokines, IL‐6 and IL‐11. Imbalanced IL‐6 family cytokine signalling in the gp130757FF mouse model of gastric cancer arising from hyperactivation of oncogenic STAT3 after altered SHP‐2 : ERK1/2 signalling produces dysplastic antral tumours preceded by gastritis and metaplasia. In a cohort of patient gastric biopsies with known H. pylori and CagA status, we investigated whether (i) STAT3 and ERK1/2 activation is altered in H. pylori‐dependent gastritis; (ii) these profiles are more pronounced in CagA+ H. pylori infection; and (iii) the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines that activate STAT3 and ERK 1/2 pathways is associated with progression to gastric cancer. IL‐6, IL‐11, and activated STAT3 and ERK1/2 were quantified in antral biopsies from gastritic stomach, metaplastic tissue, and resected gastric cancer tissues. We observed significantly increased STAT3 and ERK1/2 activation (p = 0.001) in H. pylori‐dependent gastritis, which was further enhanced in the presence of CagA+ H. pylori strains. Of known gastric ligands that drive STAT3 activation, IL‐6 expression was increased after H. pylori infection and both IL‐6 and IL‐11 were strongly up‐regulated in the gastric cancer biopsies. This suggests a mechanism by which IL‐11 drives STAT3 activation and proliferation during gastric cancer progression. We addressed this using an in vitro approach, demonstrating that recombinant human IL‐11 activates STAT3 and concomitantly increases proliferation of MKN28 gastric epithelial cells. In summary, we show increased STAT3 and ERK1/2 activation in H. pylori‐dependent gastritis that is likely driven in an IL‐6‐dependent fashion. IL‐11 expression is associated with adenocarcinoma development, but not gastritic lesions, and we identify a novel mechanism for IL‐11 as a potent inducer of proliferation in the human gastric cancer setting. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Color Doppler ultrasound of spiral artery blood flow for prediction of hypertensive disorders and intra uterine growth restriction: a longitudinal study
Authors: Deurloo K. L. , Spreeuwenberg M. D. , Bolte A. C. , Van Vugt J. M. G.
Published: August 2007

Objective

To construct reference ranges for spiral artery (SA) flow velocities and examine the possibility to predict intra uterine growth restricted (IUGR) fetuses, pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH) and/or preeclampsia.

Methods

Spiral artery flow velocity measurements were performed using Color Doppler between 11 to 13 + 6, between 14 to 17 + 6 and between 18 to 24 weeks of gestation, each measurement was performed twice. Spiral artery flow velocities were analyzed with multilevel modeling: individual regression curves were estimated and combined to obtain the reference intervals for SA flow velocities in normal pregnancies. Mann–Whitney U tests was used to compare the deviation from expected flow velocity between normal and complicated pregnancies.

Results

One hundred and eight pregnancies were included; 4 pregnancies were complicated with preeclampsia, 10 pregnancies with IUGR fetuses (<P10) and 7 with PIH. In the uncomplicated pregnancies, systolic/diastolic (SD) ratios, resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) decreased progressively with advancing gestational age. The best fits for SD, RI and PI versus gestational age were linear regression equations. According to these equations, the mean predicted SD ratio decreased from 1.75 at 11 weeks of gestation (P5–P95: 1.32–2.17) to 1.48 at 24 weeks of gestation (P5–P95: 1.01–2.20). The predicted RI en PI showed similar decrement: mean RI from 0.44 (P5–P95: 0.26–0.60) at 11 weeks of gestation to 0.34 (P5–P95: 0.15–0.50) at 24 weeks of gestation, mean PI from 0.59 (P5–P95: 0.31–0.75) at 11 weeks of gestation to 0.40 (P5–P95: 0.11–0.66) at 24 weeks of gestation. The Mann–Whitney tests found no difference in PI, SD‐ratio or PI in pregnancies complicated by PE and IUGR fetuses. However, significantly lower RI, PI and SD‐ratio were found preclinically in pregnancies complicated by PIH.

Conclusion

Spiral artery flow velocities decrease progressively with advancing gestational age. Reference ranges for SA blood velocities are wide and early measurements of PI, RI or SD‐ratios are not sensitive enough to predict preeclampsia, PIH or IUGR fetuses. The significantly lower spiral artery impedance values preceding pregnancies complicated by PIH are likely caused by a hyperdynamic circulation in women with preexistent hypertension. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interventions addressing transition difficulties for individuals with autism
Authors: Sterling‐Turner Heather E. , Jordan Sara S.
Published: August 2007

Transitioning between activities can pose difficulties when working with students with autism. Individuals with autism may resist transitions by exhibiting a host of problem behaviors such as aggression and tantrums. Although scant, there is available research that provides sound recommendations for assessing and intervening for problem behaviors occurring during transition times. The present article presents a summary of the current transition literature, with a special emphasis on interventions for students with autism. Recommendations for the functional assessment and treatment evaluation of transitional difficulties are presented as well. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 44: 681–690, 2007.
Gleichgewicht auf zwei Rädern. Physik des Fahrradfahrens
Authors: Suhr Wilfried , Schlichting Hans‐Joachim
Published: August 2007

Dynamische Kräfte ermöglichen Gleichgewichtslagen des Fahrrades, bei denen es stationäre Kreisbahnen durchfährt. Befindet man sich als Radfahrer in solch einer Gleichgewichtslage, so genügen bereits geringfügige Änderungen des Lenkeinschlags oder sehr kleine Gewichtsverlagerungen, um ein leicht gestörtes Gleichgewicht wieder herzustellen. Daher kann unser Balanciergleichgewicht dies in solchen Fahrlagen ganz beiläufig leisten. Welche Gleichgewichtslagen möglich sind, ergibt sich aus einer Bilanz wirksamer Kräfte und Drehmomente.
Proteome analysis of chemically induced mouse liver tumors with different genotype
Authors: Strathmann Julia , Paal Krisztina , Ittrich Carina , Krause Eberhard , Appel Klaus E. , Glauert Howard P. , Buchmann Albrecht , Schwarz Michael
Published: August 2007

Mouse liver tumors frequently harbor mutations in Ha‐ras, B‐raf, or Ctnnb1 (encoding β‐catenin). We conducted a proteome analysis with protein extracts from normal mouse liver and from liver tumors which were induced by a single injection of N‐nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) as initiator followed by multiple injections of two different polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as tumor promoters, or corn oil as a control. Liver tumors were stratified into two classes: they were either mutated in Ctnnb1 and positive for the marker glutamine synthetase (GS(+)), or they lacked Ctnnb1 mutations and were therefore GS‐negative (GS(–)). Proteome analysis by 2‐DE and MS revealed 98 significantly deregulated proteins, 44 in GS(+) and 54 in GS(–) tumors. Twelve of these proteins showed expression changes in both tumor types, but only seven of them were deregulated in the same direction. Several of the identified enzymes could be assigned to fundamental metabolic or other cellular pathways with characteristically different alterations in GS(+) and GS(–) tumors such as ammonia and amino acid turnover, cellular energy supply, and calcium homeostasis. Our data suggest that GS(+) and GS(–) tumor cells show a completely different biology and use divergent evolutionary strategies to gain a selective advantage over normal hepatocytes.
Pixel‐based analysis of multiple images for the identification of changes: A novel approach applied to unravel proteome patters of 2‐D electrophoresis gel images
Authors: Færgestad Ellen Mosleth , Rye Morten , Walczak Beata , Gidskehaug Lars , Wold Jens Petter , Grove Harald , Jia Xiaohong , Hollung Kristin , Indahl Ulf G. , Westad Frank , van den Berg Frans , Martens Harald
Published: August 2007

A novel approach for revealing patterns of proteome variation among series of 2‐DE gel images is presented. The approach utilises image alignment to ensure that each pixel represents the same information across all gels. Gel images are normalised, and background corrected, followed by unfolding of the images to 1‐D pixel vectors and analysing pixel vectors by multivariate data modelling. Information resulting from the data analysis is refolded back to the image domain for visualisation and interpretation. The method is rapid and suitable for automatic routines applied after the gel alignment. The approach is compared with spot volume analysis to illustrate how this approach can solve persistent problems like mismatch of protein spots, erroneous missing values and failure to detect variation in overlapping proteins. The method may also detect variation in the border area of saturated proteins. The approach is given the name pixel‐based analysis of multiple images for the identification of changes (PMC). The method can be used for multiple images in general. Effects of pretreatment of the images are discussed.
Dynamics of protein phosphorylation on Ser/Thr/Tyr in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Eymann Christine , Becher Dörte , Bernhardt Jörg , Gronau Katrin , Klutzny Anja , Hecker Michael
Published: August 2007

The Ser/Thr/Tyr phosphoproteome of Bacillus subtilis was analyzed by a 2‐D gel‐based approach combining Pro‐Q Diamond staining and [33P]‐labeling. In exponentially growing B. subtilis cells 27 proteins could be identified after staining with Pro‐Q Diamond and/or [33P]‐labeling and one additional protein was labeled solely by [33P] resulting in a total of 28 potentially phosphorylated proteins. These proteins are mainly involved in enzymatic reactions of basic carbon metabolism and the regulation of the alternative sigma factor σB. We also found significant changes of the phosphoproteome including increased phosphorylation and dephosphorylation rates of some proteins as well as the detection of four newly phosphorylated proteins in response to stress or starvation. For nine proteins, phosphorylation sites at serine or threonine residues were determined by MS. These include the known phosphorylation sites of Crh, PtsH, and RsbV. Additionally, we were able to identify novel phosphorylation sites of AroA, Pyk, and YbbT. Interestingly, the phosphorylation of RsbRA, B, C, and D, four proteins of a multicomponent protein complex involved in environmental stress signaling, was found during exponential growth. For RsbRA, B, and D, phosphorylation of one of the conserved threonine residues in their C‐termini were verified by MS (T171, T186, T181, respectively).
Effect of oxidative stress on protein thiols in the blue mussel Mytilus edulis: Proteomic identification of target proteins
Authors: McDonagh Brian , Sheehan David
Published: August 2007

Protein thiols are targets of oxidative stress. Their modification was analysed in gill extracts of the mussel Mytilus edulis, exposed to menadione. Diagonal gel electrophoresis revealed two clusters of carbonylated proteins involved in interchain disulphide linkages. Immunoblotting identified these as being associated with protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) and actin and this was confirmed by immunoprecipitation. Protein free thiols (–SH) were identified in 2‐DE separations by labelling with 5‐iodoacetamidofluorescein (IAF). Cysteines involved in disulphide bridges were identified by blocking free –SH with N‐ethylmaleimide, reducing disulphides with DTT and IAF labelling. Several protein spots containing free thiols disappeared on exposure to menadione. Conversely, new protein spots containing disulphides appeared in response to menadione which may be protective against oxidative stress. In‐gel tryptic digestion followed by LC/MS‐MS and database searching identified some of the free thiol targets: PDI; hsp gp96; calreticulin; heavy metal binding protein. Tubulin, PDI, enolase and gelsolin contained new disulphide bridges in response to menadione. Our findings indicate a protein level response to oxidative stress principally involving PDI, chaperone‐like and cytoskeletal proteins. Since many environmental pollutants cause oxidative stress, studies on PDI and structural proteins may be particularly relevant to understanding toxicity in this popular sentinel species.
A proteomic approach in analyzing heat‐responsive proteins in rice leaves
Authors: Lee Dong‐Gi , Ahsan Nagib , Lee Sang‐Hoon , Kang Kyu Young , Bahk Jeong Dong , Lee In‐Jung , Lee Byung‐Hyun
Published: August 2007

The present study investigated rice leaf proteome in response to heat stress. Rice seedlings were subjected to a temperature of 42°C and samples were collected 12 and 24 h after treatment. Increased relative ion leakage and lipid peroxidation suggested that oxidative stress frequently was generated in rice leaves exposed to high temperature. 2‐DE, coupled with MS, was used to investigate and identify heat‐responsive proteins in rice leaves. In order to identify the low‐abundant proteins in leaves, samples were prefractionated by 15% PEG. The PEG supernatant and the pellet fraction samples were separated by 2‐DE, and visualized by silver or CBB staining. Approximately 1000 protein spots were reproducibly detected on each gel, wherein 73 protein spots were differentially expressed at least at one time point. Of these differentially expressed proteins, a total of 34 and 39 protein spots were found in the PEG supernatant and pellet fractions, respectively. Using MALDI‐TOF MS, a total of 48 proteins were identified. These proteins were categorized into classes related to heat shock proteins, energy and metabolism, redox homeostasis, and regulatory proteins. The results of the present study show that a group of low molecular small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) were newly induced by heat stress. Among these sHSPs, a low molecular weight mitochondrial (Mt) sHSP was validated further by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, four differentially accumulated proteins that correspond to antioxidant enzymes were analyzed at the mRNA level, which confirmed the differential gene expression levels, and revealed that transcription levels were not completely concomitant with translation. The identification of some novel proteins in the heat stress response provides new insights that can lead to a better understanding of the molecular basis of heat‐sensitivity in plants.
Circadian proteomics of the mouse retina
Authors: Tsuji Takahiro , Hirota Tsuyoshi , Takemori Nobuaki , Komori Naoka , Yoshitane Hikari , Fukuda Masafumi , Matsumoto Hiroyuki , Fukada Yoshitaka
Published: August 2007

The circadian clock in the retina regulates a variety of physiological phenomena such as disc shedding and melatonin release. Although these events are critical for retinal functions, it is almost unknown how the circadian clock controls the physiological rhythmicity. To gain insight into the processes, we performed a proteomic analysis using 2‐DE to find proteins whose levels show circadian changes. Among 415 retinal protein spots, 11 protein spots showed circadian rhythmicity in their intensities. We performed MALDI‐TOF MS and NanoLC‐MS/MS analyses and identified proteins contained in the 11 spots. The proteins were related to vesicular transport, calcium‐binding, protein degradation, metabolism, RNA‐binding, and protein foldings, suggesting the clock‐regulation of neurotransmitter release, transportation of the membrane proteins, calcium‐binding capability, and so on. We also found a rhythmic phosphorylation of N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive fusion protein and identified one of the amino acid residues modified by phosphorylation. These findings provide a new perspective on the relationship between the physiological functions of the retina and the circadian clock system.
The chicken egg white proteome
Authors: Mann Karlheinz
Published: August 2007

Using 1‐D PAGE and LC‐MS/MS and MS3 we identified 78 chicken egg white proteins, 54 of which were identified in egg white for the first time. All proteins were quantitated by calculating their exponentially modified protein abundance index (emPAI). Some previously known egg white components not characterized by amino acid sequences before, such as α‐2‐macroglobulin, were associated to a sequence for the first time. The predicted sequence was confirmed by MS‐sequenced peptides covering 42% of the entire sequence. α‐2‐Macroglobulin occurred in egg white at the same concentration as ovostatin with which it showed 35% identity. For other proteins, which were previously only characterized by partial sequences, such as β‐ovomucin or ovalbumin X, we identified and confirmed predicted complete sequences with a high coverage by MS‐sequenced peptides. New proteins included a 7 kDa protein consisting of a single secretoglobin sequence (ovosecretoglobin), a 7 kDa protein with similarity to black swan cygnin and turkey meleagrin (gallin) and proteins involved in binding, modification, and possibly detoxification, of bacterial lipopolysaccaride. The list of egg white proteins provided is by far the most comprehensive at present and is intended to serve as a starting point for the isolation and functional characterization of interesting new proteins.
How Standard Are Standards: An Examination of Language Emphasis in Project Management Standards
Authors: Crawford Lynn , Pollack Julien , England David
Published: August 2007

In light of current work toward the development of global standards for project management, this paper analyzes differences between a selection of various countries’ existing project management standards. The analysis is conducted using computational corpus linguistics techniques, resulting in the identification of similarities and differences between the standards of five countries.