bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Structure‐Activity Relationship of 4‐Substituted Benzoic Acids and their Inhibitory Effect on the Biosynthesis of Fatty Acids and Sterols
Authors: Ohno Tomoyasu , Ogawa Kazuo , Yano Shingo , Fukushima Masakazu , Suzuki Norihiko , Asao Tetsuji
Published: April 2005

The synthesis of 4‐[3‐(substituted phenyl)‐2‐oxo‐5‐oxazolidinyl]methoxybenzoic acids and their inhibitory effects on the biosynthesis of fatty acids and sterols is described. IC50 values in vitro were 10−6 and 10−5 M, respectively. Though the in vitro inhibitory activity of all these compounds toward sterol biosynthesis was inferior to that of pravastatin, several compounds had a stronger reducing effect in Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rat on both, cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG), than pravastatin and bezafibrate. The potent compounds were present at high concentrations in rat liver. The enantiomers of the potent racemic compounds (4‐[3‐(4‐bromo‐2‐fluorophenyl)‐2‐oxo‐5‐oxazolidinyl]methoxybenzoic acid) were prepared and their activity was examined in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, each enantiomer possessed more activity than the racemic compound. Further, in Watanabe hereditable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbit, optically active (R)‐4‐[3‐(4‐bromo‐2‐fluorophenyl)‐2‐oxo‐5‐oxazolidinyl]methoxybenzoic acid also potently reduced the effect of both TC and TG on serum levels, compared with pravastatin and bezafibrate.
Analysis of bacterial diversity in acidic pond water and compost after treatment of artificial acid mine drainage for metal removal
Authors: Morales Teresita A. , Dopson Mark , Athar Rana , Herbert Roger B.
Published: April 2005

The microbial population of a sludge amended leaf compost material utilized for treatment of artificial acid mine drainage was studied by culture‐independent molecular methods. Iron‐rich and sulfurous wastewater (artificial acid mine drainage) was circulated through a column bioreactor for 16 months. After 12 months the column was inoculated with a mixed culture from an acidic pond receiving acid mine drainage from a tailings impoundment at a decommissioned site in Kristineberg, North Sweden. Hydrogen sulfide odor and the formation of black precipitates indicated that sulfate‐reduction occurred in the column. 16S rDNA gene analysis by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, cloning, and sequencing as well as fluorescent in situ hybridization confirmed the presence of microorganisms closely related to sulfate‐reducing bacteria and microorganisms from the genera Pseudoxanthmonas, Dechlorosoma, Desulfovibrio, Agrobacterium, Methylocapsa, Rhodococcus, Sulfobacillus, and some unidentified bacteria. Sulfate‐reducing bacteria were found in the column bioreactor 2 weeks after inoculation, but not thereafter. This suggests they were in low abundance, even though sulfate remediation rates were significant. Instead, the population contained species similar to those previously found to utilize humic substances released from the compost material. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gene‐expression profiles for five key glycosylation genes for galactose‐fed CHO cells expressing recombinant IL‐4/13 cytokine trap
Authors: Clark Kevin J.‐R. , Griffiths Jennifer , Bailey Kevin M. , Harcum Sarah W.
Published: April 2005

Recombinant protein glycosylation profiles have been shown to affect the in‐vivo half‐life, and therefore the efficacy and economics, for many therapeutics. While much research has been conducted correlating the effects of various stimuli on recombinant protein glycosylation characteristics, relatively little work has examined glycosylation‐related gene‐expression profiles. In this study, the effects of galactose feeding on the gene‐expression profiles for five key glycosylation‐related genes were determined for Chinese hamster ovary cells producing a recombinant IL‐4/13 cytokine trap fusion. The genes investigated were sialidase, a putative α2,3‐sialyltransferase, CMP‐sialic acid transporter, β1,4‐galactosyltransferase, and UDP‐galactosyltransferase. Additionally, the sialic acid content (sialylation) of the recombinant protein was examined. The peak sialic acid content of the IL‐4/13 cytokine trap fusion protein was observed to be similar for the control and galactose‐fed cultures. The gene‐expression profiles for four of the glycosylation genes were observed to be sensitive to the glucose concentration and not significantly different for the control and galactose‐fed cultures prior to glucose depletion. However, the sialidase gene‐expression profiles were different for the control and galactose‐fed cultures. The sialidase gene‐expression profile increased significantly for the galactose‐fed cultures prior to glucose depletion, whereas for the control cultures, the sialidase gene‐expression profiles did not increase until the late stationary phase. The intracellular sialidase enzyme activity decreased exponentially with time for the control cultures; however, for the galactose‐fed cultures, the intracellular sialidase enzyme activity decreased initially and then remained relatively high compared to the control cultures. These results indicate that the galactose feeding may increase the potential for desialylation, which offsets any improvements in the sialylation rate due to increased substrate levels. Thus, galactose feeding is an unnecessary expense for the production of the IL‐4/13 cytokine trap fusion protein in a batch process. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐efficiency protein expression mediated by enterovirus 71 internal ribosome entry site
Authors: Lee Jin‐Ching , Wu Tzong‐Yuan , Huang Chien‐Fu , Yang Feng‐Mine , Shih Shin‐Ru , Hsu John T.A.
Published: April 2005

An internal ribosome entry site (IRES) has been used to facilitate the expression of more than one protein in a single transcript. In this study, we examined the translational activities of several IRES elements derived from different RNA viruses. The protein expression of encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) IRES is similar to that of hepatitis C virus (HCV) IRES in mammalian cells. Notably, the protein expression of enterovirus 71 (EV71) IRES was 23‐fold higher than the efficiency of EMCV IRES following normalization of mRNA transcriptional level. Thus, expression of the secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) reporter protein in mammalian cells may be controlled at desirable levels by using appropriate IRES in the expression vector. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Production of recombinant plant gum with tobacco cell culture in bioreactor and gum characterization
Authors: Xu Jianfeng , Shpak Elena , Gu Tingyue , Moo‐Young Murray , Kieliszewski Marcia
Published: April 2005

Many plant gums, such as gum arabic, contain hydroxyproline‐rich glycoproteins (HRGPs), which are also abundant components of the plant cell extracellular matrix. Here we expressed in transgenic BY2 Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) cells, a synthetic gene encoding a novel HRGP‐based gum, designated gum arabic‐8 or (GA)8. (GA)8 encoded eight repeats of the consensus polypeptide sequence of gum arabic glycoprotein (GAGP): Gly‐Pro‐His‐Ser‐Pro‐Pro‐Pro‐Pro‐Leu‐Ser‐Pro‐Ser‐Pro‐Thr‐Pro‐Thr‐Pro‐Pro‐Leu, in which most of the Pro residues were posttranslationally modified to hydroxyproline (Hyp). (GA)8 was expressed as a green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein targeted to the culture medium, (GA)8GFP. The culture of the transgenic cells in a 5‐L bioreactor showed that the production of (GA)8GFP was cell growth‐associated. The extracellular yield of (GA)8GFP was 116.8 mg/L after 14 days of culture and accounted for 87% of the total fusion protein expressed. (GA)8GFP was purified from the culture medium by a combination of hydrophobic interaction, gel permeation, and reversed phase chromatography. Biochemical characterization indicated that the amino acid composition of the (GA)8 module, after removal of GFP by proteolysis, was virtually identical to that of predicted by the GAGP consensus sequence and that carbohydrate, which occurred as arabinogalactan polysaccharides and small oligoarabinosides O‐linked through the Hyp residues, accounted for 84% of the molecules' dry weight. Functional assays showed that (GA)8 exhibited low viscosity in aqueous solution similar to native GAGP. However, neither GFP alone nor the (GA)8 module could emulsify orange oil. However, the fusion protein (GA)8GFP possessed 1.28‐fold better emulsification properties than native GAGP. This work demonstrates the feasibility and potential of a synthetic gene approach to the de novo design of novel glycoprotein‐based gums and emulsifiers. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanistic studies on aggregation of polyethylenimine‐DNA complexes and its prevention
Authors: Sharma Vikas K. , Thomas Mini , Klibanov Alexander M.
Published: April 2005

Aggregation of polyethylenimine (PEI)‐DNA complexes severely undermines their utility for gene delivery into mammalian cells. Herein we undertook to elucidate the mechanism of this deleterious phenomenon and to develop rational strategies for its prevention. The effect of temperature, surfactants, complex concentration, ionic strength, viscosity, and pH on the time course of this aggregation was systematically examined. The aggregation process was completely inhibited by 2.5% polyoxyethylene (100) stearate (POES) and to a lesser degree by other nonionic surfactants. Importantly, POES preserved the transfection efficiency of the complexes without inducing toxicity. The aggregation was also reduced by lowering the temperature and pH, diluting the complexes, and increasing the solution viscosity. It is concluded that PEI‐DNA complexes aggregate primarily due to hydrophobic interactions, while electrostatic attractions play little role. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reduction of Cr(VI) by immobilized cells of Desulfovibrio vulgaris NCIMB 8303 and Microbacterium sp. NCIMB 13776
Authors: Humphries A.C. , Nott K.P. , Hall L.D. , Macaskie L.E.
Published: April 2005

Hexavalent chromium, a carcinogen and mutagen, can be reduced to Cr(III) by Desulfovibrio vulgaris NCIMB 8303 and Microbacterium sp. NCIMB 13776. This study examined Cr(VI) reduction by immobilized cells of the two strains in a common solution matrix using various entrapment matrices. Chitosan and PVA‐borate beads did not retain integrity and supported low or no reduction of Cr(VI) by the cells. A commercial preparation (Lentikats) was stable but also did not support Cr(VI) reduction. K‐carrageenan beads were stable in batch suspensions but gel integrity was lost after only 5 h in a flow‐through system in the presence of 100 μM Cr(VI). The best immobilization matrices were agar and agarose, where the initial rates of reduction of Cr(VI) (from 500 μM solution) for D. vulgaris NCIMB 8303 and Microbacterium sp. NCIMB 13776 were 127 (agar) and 130 (agarose), and 15 (agar) and 12 (agarose) nmol h−1 mg dry cell wt−1, respectively. The higher removal of Cr(VI) by D. vulgaris was also seen in 14‐mL packed‐bed flow‐through columns, where, at a flow rate of 2.4 mL h−1, the percentage removal of Cr(VI) was ∼95% and 60% for D. vulgaris and Microbacterium sp., respectively (agar‐immobilized cells). The Cr(VI) reducing activities of D. vulgaris and Microbacterium sp. were lost after 159 and 140 h, respectively. Examination of the beads for structural integrity within the columns in situ using magnetic resonance imaging after 24 and 100 h of continuous operation against Cr(VI) (with negligible Cr retained within the columns) showed that agar beads were more stable with time. The most appropriate system for development of a continuous bioprocess is thus the use of D. vulgaris NCIMB 8303 immobilized in an agar gel matrix. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stabilization of enzymes by multipoint immobilization of thiolated proteins on new epoxy‐thiol supports
Authors: Grazú Valeria , Abian Olga , Mateo Cesar , Batista‐Viera Franciso , Fernández‐Lafuente Roberto , Guisán José Manuel
Published: April 2005

The controlled and partial modification of epoxy groups of Eupergit C and EP‐Sepabeads with sodium sulfide has permitted the preparation of thiol‐epoxy supports. Their use allowed not only the specific immobilization of enzymes through their thiol groups via thiol–disulfide interchange, but also enzyme stabilization via multipoint covalent attachment. Penicillin G acylase (PGA) from Escherichia coli and lipase from Rhizomucor miehei were used as model enzymes. Both enzymes lacked exposed cysteine residues, but were introduced via chemical modification under very mild conditions. In the first moments of the immobilization, a certain percentage of immobilized protein could be released from the support by incubation with DTT; this confirms that the first step was via a thiol–disulfide interchange. Moreover, the promotion of some further epoxy‐enzyme bonds was confirmed because no enzyme release was detected after some immobilization time by incubation with DTT. In the case of the heterodimeric PGA, it was possible to demonstrate the formation of at least one epoxy bond per enzyme subunit by analyzing with SDS‐PAGE the supernatants obtained after boiling the enzyme derivatives in the presence of mercaptoethanol and SDS. Thermal inactivation studies showed that these multipoint enzyme‐support attachments promoted an increase in the stability of the immobilized enzymes. In both cases, the stabilization factor was around 12–15‐fold comparing optimal derivatives with their just‐thiol immobilized counterparts. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
eGaLab: a new dimension for artists
Authors: Masa Michal , Zara Jiri , Smetana Pavel
Published: April 2005

Presenting art in the age of the Internet brings along several misunderstandings: there occurs, for instance, a profound difference between online galleries or museums providing a simple point and click navigation in multimedia documents on the one hand, and some of the newly emerging presentation platforms that reflect contemporary artistic creation in its essential dependence on electronic media (e.g. net.art or virtual sculpture), on the other. The eGaLab (Electronic Gallery and Laboratory) project advances possibilities to create and present artworks on the Internet. It introduces an intuitive approach in the field of virtual environments as well as communities oriented towards visual art and shared artistic collaboration. eGaLab combines and transforms the advantages of collaborative virtual environments with the traditional aspects of artistic creation and presentation. In this paper we describe the architecture of the eGaLab platform. We describe its networking part based on a concept of General Variables and discuss several implementation issues related to its specific character. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photoinduced Processes within Compact Dyads Based on Triphenylpyridinium‐Functionalized Bipyridyl Complexes of Ruthenium(II)
Authors: Lainé Philippe P. , Ciofini Ilaria , Ochsenbein Philippe , Amouyal Edmond , Adamo Carlo , Bedioui Fethi
Published: April 2005

As an alternative to conventional charge‐separation functional molecular models based on long‐range ET within redox cascades, a “compact approach” has been examined. To this end, spacer elements usually inserted between main redox‐active units within polyad systems have been removed, allowing extended rigidity but at the expense of enhanced intercomponent electronic communication. The molecular assemblies investigated here are of the P‐(θ 1)‐A type, where the θ 1 twist angle is related to the degree of conjugation between the photosensitizer (P, of {Ru(bpy)3}2+ type) and the electron‐acceptor (A). 4‐N‐ and 4‐N‐,4′‐N‐(2,4,6‐triphenylpyridinio)‐2,2′‐bipyridine ligands (A1‐bpy and A2‐bpy, respectively) have been synthesized to give complexes with RuII, 1‐bpy and 2‐bpy, respectively. Combined solid‐state analysis (X‐ray crystallography), solution studies (1H NMR, cyclic voltammetry) and computational structural optimization allowed verifying that θ 1 angle approaches 90° within 1‐bpy and 2‐bpy in solution. Also, anticipated existence of strong intercomponent electronic coupling has been confirmed by investigating electronic absorption properties and electrochemical behavior of the compounds. The capability of 1‐bpy and 2‐bpy to undergo PET process was evaluated by carrying out their photophysical study (steady state emission and time‐resolved spectroscopy at both 293 and 77 K). The conformational dependence of photoinduced processes within P‐(θ 1)‐A systems has been established by comparing the photophysical properties of 1‐bpy (and 2‐bpy) with those of an affiliated species reported in the literature, 1‐phen. A complementary theoretical analysis (DFT) of the change of spin density distribution within model [1‐bpy(θ 1)]− mono‐reduced species as a function of θ 1 has been undertaken and the possibility of conformationally switching emission properties of P was derived.
C‐Linked Disaccharide Analogue of the Thomsen–Friedenreich (T)‐Epitope α‐O‐Conjugated to L‐Serine
Authors: Awad Loay , Riedner Jens , Vogel Pierre
Published: April 2005

Condensation of a silylated β‐D‐galactopyranosylaldehyde (3) with isolevoglucosenone (4) in the presence of Et2AlI provided bicyclic enone 5. Subsequent addition of BnNHOMe gave adduct 6, which was converted into 4‐O‐acetyl‐1,6‐anhydro‐3‐C‐[(1 R)‐1,3,4,5,7‐penta‐O‐acetyl‐2,6‐anhydro‐D‐glycero‐L‐manno‐heptitol‐1‐C‐yl]‐2‐azido‐2,3‐dideoxy‐β‐D‐galacto‐hexopyranose after liberation of the 2‐amino group, its transformation into a 2‐azido moiety, desilylation, and peracetylation. Ring‐opening of the 1,6‐anhydro galactopyranosyl unit and O‐glycosidation with Fmoc‐Ser‐O‐tBu afforded a 5:1 mixture of α‐ and β‐galactosides. Treatment with CH3COSH gave pure N‐[(9H‐fluoren‐9‐ylmethoxy)carbonyl]‐{4,6‐di‐O‐acetyl‐3‐C‐[(1 R)‐2,6‐anhydro 1,3,4,5,7‐penta‐O‐acetyl‐D‐glycero‐L‐manno‐heptitol‐1‐C‐yl]‐2‐[(N‐acetyl)amino]‐2,3‐dideoxy‐α‐D‐galactopyranosyl}‐l‐serine tert‐butyl ester (2), a protected form of a C‐disaccharide analogue of the Thomsen–Friedenreich (or T) epitope (β‐D‐Galp‐(1→3)‐α‐D‐GalNAcp) α‐O‐conjugated to L‐serine.
Symptomatic local recurrence of prostate carcinoma after radiation therapy
Authors: Leibovici Dan , Lee Andrew K. , Cheung Rex M. , Spiess Philippe E. , Kuban Deborah A. , Rosser Charles J. , Shen Yu , Yang Ying , Chichakli Ramsey , Pisters Louis L.
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic local recurrence of prostate carcinoma (SLRPC) after radiation therapy (RT) is associated with morbidity and debilitating symptoms that have a substantial impact on the patient's quality of life. Most reports on the results of RT for localized prostate carcinoma (PC) do not address this endpoint. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of SLRPC and to identify the risk factors for this endpoint.

METHODS

The medical charts of 1006 patients who received RT for localized PC at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center between 1987 and 1997 were reviewed. Local symptoms were defined as hematuria, voiding symptoms, urinary obstruction, and pelvic pain. Progressive symptoms accompanied by either confirmatory histology or cystoscopic findings were attributed to PC. Univariate and multivariate analyses using Cox proportional hazards models were applied to identify risk predictors.

RESULTS

Among 964 patients for whom follow‐up data were available, 277 patients had prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) progression, and 45 patients died of PC during a median follow‐up of 9.4 years. In total, 33 patients (3.4%) developed SLRPC. In patients who experienced biochemical progression, the actuarial 5‐year incidence of SLRPC was 8.3%. Among the patients who had developed SLRPC, 23 patients (69.7%) died of PC at a median of 25.3 months from the onset of local symptoms. Adverse histologic tumor subtypes (ductal, small cell, and sarcomatoid) were associated significantly with SLRPC (hazard ratio, 8.4; 95% confidence interval, 2.99–23.63). Clinical T classification at diagnosis, Gleason score, and initial PSA level showed a trend toward an increased hazard ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

SLRPC after radiotherapy therapy was an uncommon but clinically significant event. Aggressive histologic subtypes were predictive of this endpoint. Clinical T classification, Gleason score, and initial prostate‐specific antigen levels also may have predictive value. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Body mass index is weakly associated with, and not a helpful predictor of, disease progression in men with clinically localized prostate carcinoma treated with radical prostatectomy
Authors: Mallah Kozhaya N. , DiBlasio Christopher J. , Rhee Audrey C. , Scardino Peter T. , Kattan Michael W.
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND

Several studies have recently suggested an association between body mass index (BMI) and disease progression after radical prostatectomy. In the current study, the authors examined this association and that between the reciprocal of BMI (INVBMI, 1/BMI) and progression‐free probability in men treated with radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) for clinically localized prostate carcinoma.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively studied 2210 patients who underwent RRP at Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center between September 1986 and May 2003. Clinicopathologic variables analyzed included BMI (kg/m2), preoperative serum prostate‐specific antigen level (ng/mL), clinical T classification, year of surgery, race, biopsy‐derived primary and secondary Gleason grades, and INVBMI, known to better correlate with percent body fat than BMI. Cox regression analysis was used to examine the possible association between BMI or its reciprocal with disease progression after controlling for the effects of common prognostic factors. The areas under the receiver operating curve (AUC) for models with and without INVBMI were calculated

RESULTS

Of the 2210 patients analyzed, 251 experienced disease progression in a median follow‐up time of 25.9 months (range, 0–143 months). After adjusting for all clinical variables, both BMI (P = 0.071; hazards ratio [HR] = 1.027) and INVBMI (P = 0.041; HR < 0.001) were associated with disease progression. However, the areas under AUC for models with and without INVBMI were similar (range, 0.794–0.798).

CONCLUSIONS

Although conflicting evidence has been reported regarding the link between obesity and an increased risk of developing prostate carcinoma, as well as an increased risk of developing aggressive disease and prostate carcinoma‐related mortality, the authors found weak associations with disease progression for both BMI and INVBMI. These variables were of negligible prognostic value in men who received surgery. Studies with longer follow‐up, that examine alternative end points, and that follow treatment(s) besides surgery are needed. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapy for portal vein thrombosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Dae Yong , Park Won , Lim Do Hoon , Lee Joon Hyoek , Yoo Byung Chul , Paik Seung Woon , Kho Kwang Cheol , Kim Tae Hyun , Ahn Yong Chan , Huh Seung Jae
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication in patients with advanced‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The authors evaluated the impact of radiotherapy (RT) for PVT of HCC and analyzed the dose‐response relation between RT and PVT.

METHODS

Between March 1995 and December 2003, 59 patients diagnosed as HCC with PVT were included. The inclusion criteria were unresectable tumor with thrombosis in the main or first branch of the portal vein, liver function of Child–Pugh Class A or B, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score of 0–2. The median age of the patients was 57 years (range, 36–78 years). A daily dose ranging from 2 to 3 gray (Gy) was administered using 6 or 10‐megavolt (MV) X‐rays, at 5 fractions a week, to deliver a total dose range of 30–54 Gy, which was a biologic effective dose of 39–70.2 Gy10 with an α/β ratio of 10.

RESULTS

Follow‐up computed tomography scans showed a complete response (CR) in 4 of 59 patients (6.8%), a partial response (PR) in 23 patients (39.0%), no response (NR) in 28 patients (47.5%), and progressive disease (PD) in 4 patients (6.8%). The mean RT doses in the responders (CR and PR) and nonresponders (NR and PD) were 59.6 ± 5.6 Gy10 and 54.9 ± 8.5 Gy10, respectively (P = 0.036). The response rates in patients receiving < 58 Gy10 and ≥ 58 Gy10 were 20% and 54.6%, respectively (P = 0.034). The median survival duration and the 1‐year and 2‐year survival rates in the responders were 10.7 months, 40.7%, and 20.7%, respectively, and were 5.3 months, 25.0%, and 4.7%, respectively, in the nonresponders (P = 0.050).

CONCLUSIONS

RT induced a 45.8% objective response rate for PVT in patients with HCC. A dose‐response relation was found to exist between the RT dose and PVT response. These results suggested that RT may be a treatment option for PVT in patients with HCC and that an RT dose ≥ 58 Gy10 should be recommended. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
A national agenda for Latino cancer prevention and control
Authors: Ramirez Amelie G. , Gallion Kipling J. , Suarez Lucina , Giachello Aida L. , Marti Jose R. , Medrano Martha A. , Pérez‐Stable Eliseo J. , Talavera Gregory A. , Trapido Edward J.
Published: April 2005

Although cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and premature death among Latinos, there is limited knowledge of cancer‐related issues and priorities of greatest significance to the Latino population, the largest minority group in the nation. This information is vital in helping to guide Latino cancer research, training, and awareness efforts at national, regional, and local levels. To help identify cancer issues of greatest relevance to Latinos, Redes En Acción, The National Hispanic/Latino Cancer Network, a major network among the National Cancer Institute's Special Populations Networks, conducted a survey of 624 key opinion leaders from around the country. Respondents were asked to rank the three cancer sites most important to Latinos in their region and the five issues of greatest significance for this population's cancer prevention and control. Recommendations were prioritized for three specific areas: 1) research, 2) training and/or professional education, and 3) awareness and/or public education. Among cancers, breast carcinoma was ranked number one, followed in order by cervical and lung carcinomas. The issues of greatest significance to Latinos were 1) access to cancer screening and care, 2) tobacco use, 3) patient–doctor communication, 4) nutrition, and 5) risk communication. This survey solicited information from scientists, health care professionals, leaders of government agencies, professional and community‐based organizations, and other stakeholders in Latino health. The results laid the foundation for a national Redes En Acción Latino cancer agenda, thus providing a useful tool for individuals and organizations engaged in cancer prevention and control efforts among the Hispanic–Latino population. Cancer 2005. Published 2005 by the American Cancer Society.
Full waveform seismic inversion using a distributed system of computers
Authors: Roy Indrajit G. , Sen Mrinal K. , Torres‐Verdin Carlos
Published: April 2005

The aim of seismic waveform inversion is to estimate the elastic properties of the Earth's subsurface layers from recordings of seismic waveform data. This is usually accomplished by using constrained optimization often based on very simplistic assumptions. Full waveform inversion uses a more accurate wave propagation model but is extremely difficult to use for routine analysis and interpretation. This is because computational difficulties arise due to: (1) strong nonlinearity of the inverse problem; (2) extreme ill‐posedness; and (3) large dimensions of data and model spaces. We show that some of these difficulties can be overcome by using: (1) an improved forward problem solver and efficient technique to generate sensitivity matrix; (2) an iteration adaptive regularized truncated Gauss–Newton technique; (3) an efficient technique for matrix–matrix and matrix–vector multiplication; and (4) a parallel programming implementation with a distributed system of processors. We use a message‐passing interface in the parallel programming environment. We present inversion results for synthetic and field data, and a performance analysis of our parallel implementation. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simulation and data analysis system for large‐scale, data‐driven oil reservoir simulation studies
Authors: Kurc Tahsin , Catalyurek Umit , Zhang Xi , Saltz Joel , Martino Ryan , Wheeler Mary , Peszyńska Małgorzata , Sussman Alan , Hansen Christian , Sen Mrinal , Seifoullaev Roustam , Stoffa Paul , Torres‐Verdin Carlos , Parashar Manish
Published: April 2005

The main goal of oil reservoir management is to provide more efficient, cost‐effective and environmentally safer production of oil from reservoirs. Numerical simulations can aid in the design and implementation of optimal production strategies. However, traditional simulation‐based approaches to optimizing reservoir management are rapidly overwhelmed by data volume when large numbers of realizations are sought using detailed geologic descriptions. In this paper, we describe a software architecture to facilitate large‐scale simulation studies, involving ensembles of long‐running simulations and analysis of vast volumes of output data. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enabling interactive and collaborative oil reservoir simulations on the Grid
Authors: Parashar Manish , Muralidhar Rajeev , Lee Wonsuck , Arnold Dorian , Dongarra Jack , Wheeler Mary
Published: April 2005

Grid‐enabled infrastructures and problem‐solving environments can significantly increase the scale, cost‐effectiveness and utility of scientific simulations, enabling highly accurate simulations that provide in‐depth insight into complex phenomena. This paper presents a prototype of such an environment, i.e. an interactive and collaborative problem‐solving environment for the formulation, development, deployment and management of oil reservoir and environmental flow simulations in computational Grid environments. The project builds on three independent research efforts: (1) the IPARS oil reservoir and environmental flow simulation framework; (2) the NetSolve Grid engine; and (3) the Discover Grid‐based computational collaboratory. Its primary objective is to demonstrate the advantages of an integrated simulation infrastructure towards effectively supporting scientific investigation on the Grid, and to investigate the components and capabilities of such an infrastructure. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large‐scale density‐driven flow simulations using parallel unstructured Grid adaptation and local multigrid methods
Authors: Lang Stefan , Wittum Gabriel
Published: April 2005

Advanced parallel applications based on the message‐passing paradigm are difficult to design and implement, especially when solution adaptive techniques are used and three‐dimensional problems on complex geometries are faced, which yield the use of unstructured Grids. We present the building blocks for a parallel‐adaptive scheme for the solution of time‐dependent and nonlinear partial differential equations. To minimize computational requirements, h‐adaptivity is introduced via parallel, local Grid adaptation. Novel techniques to avoid hanging nodes are introduced, these assure conforming meshes of hybrid element type in three space dimensions. As a core of the adaptive scheme, local multigrid methods are used to solve the arising linear systems rapidly in parallel. Dynamic Grid changes from h‐adaptivity lead to load imbalance during run time, therefore dynamic load balancing and migration is performed to exploit the aggregated performance of large processor sets efficiently. Real‐world calculations arising from density‐driven flow problems in porous media are performed using the presented parallel‐adaptive solution strategy. The computations are analyzed with regard to speedup. Timings of Grid adaptation, dynamic load balancing/migration and numerical solution scheme show that large‐scale runs on 512 processors gain an overall parallel, numerical speedup of up to 278. A further reduction of the element count by h‐adaptivity by a factor of up to 195 shows the enormous capabilities of the presented parallel‐adaptive multigrid based solution scheme. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A linear Vizing‐like relation relating the size and total domination number of a graph
Authors: Henning Michael A.
Published: April 2005

We prove that m ≤ Δ (n − γt) for every graph each component of which has order at least 3 of order n, size m, total domination number γt, and maximum degree Δ ≥ 3. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 49: 285–290, 2005
The Erdős‐Sós Conjecture for trees of diameter four
Authors: McLennan Andrew
Published: April 2005

The Erdős‐Sós Conjecture is that a finite graph G with average degree greater than k − 2 contains every tree with k vertices. Theorem 1 is a special case: every k‐vertex tree of diameter four can be embedded in G. A more technical result, Theorem 2, is obtained by extending the main ideas in the proof of Theorem 1. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 49: 291–301, 2005
Characterizing subgraphs of Hamming graphs
Authors: Klavžar Sandi , Peterin Iztok
Published: April 2005

Cartesian products of complete graphs are known as Hamming graphs. Using embeddings into Cartesian products of quotient graphs we characterize subgraphs, induced subgraphs, and isometric subgraphs of Hamming graphs. For instance, a graph G is an induced subgraph of a Hamming graph if and only if there exists a labeling of E(G) fulfilling the following two conditions: (i) edges of a triangle receive the same label; (ii) for any vertices u and v at distance at least two, there exist two labels which both appear on any induced u, υ‐path. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 49: 302–312, 2005
Novel Acrylonitrile‐Based Copolymers Containing Phospholipid Moieties: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Huang Xiao‐Jun , Xu Zhi‐Kang , Wan Ling‐Shu , Wang Zhen‐Gang , Wang Jian‐Li
Published: April 2005

Summary: Novel acrylonitrile‐based copolymers containing phospholipid moieties were synthesized by a three‐step process, which included the copolymerization of acrylonitrile and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) in water and the reaction of the resulting poly[acrylonitrile‐co‐(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)]s (PANCHEMA) with 2‐chloro‐2‐oxo‐1,3,2‐dioxaphospholane (COP) followed by the ring‐opening reaction of COP with trimethylamine. The chemical structure of PANCHEMA and the phospholipid‐containing acrylonitrile‐based copolymers (PLCANCP) was analyzed with FT‐IR spectroscopy, 1H and 31P NMR, and XPS. Surface properties of the studied copolymers were evaluated by the pure water contact angle, protein adsorption and platelets adhesion measurements. The water contact angle measured by sessile drop method decreased for the polymers in the following sequence: PAN, PANCHEMA, and PLCANCP. The adsorption amount of bovine serum albumin and the adhesive number of platelet followed the same decline sequence. These results demonstrate that the biocompatibility of the acrylonitrile‐based copolymer membranes could be improved efficiently by the introduction of phospholipid moieties.

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Synthesis and Chemical Recycling of Novel Poly(ester‐urethane)s Using an Enzyme
Authors: Soeda Yasuyuki , Toshima Kazunobu , Matsumura Shuichi
Published: April 2005

Summary: A series of enzymatically recyclable poly(ester‐urethane)s consisting of a biodegradable diurethane moiety as a hard segment and an ester moiety as an enzymatically cleavable linkage was chemo‐enzymatically prepared by two routes. The poly(ester‐urethane) was prepared by a) the ring‐opening polymerization of a cyclic ester‐urethane monomer synthesized via the transesterification reaction of biodegradable diurethanediol and dicarboxylate ester using lipase and b) the direct polycondensation of a diurethanediol and a dicarboxylate ester. A significantly higher molecular‐weight poly(ester‐urethane) having the highest molecular weight ($\overline M _{\rm w}$) of 101 000 was produced by the ring‐opening polymerization of the cyclic ester‐urethane monomer when compared with that produced by the polycondensation of the dicarboxylate ester with diurethanediol. The poly(ester‐urethane) was readily degraded by lipase into the corresponding cyclic oligomers; the oligomers were readily repolymerized by the ring‐opening polymerization using lipase for chemical recycling.

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The Properties of Covalently Immobilized Trypsin on Soap‐Free P(MMA‐EA‐AA) Latex Particles
Authors: Kang Kai , Kan Chengyou , Yeung Anthony , Liu Deshan
Published: April 2005

Summary: The covalent immobilization of trypsin onto poly[(methyl methacrylate)‐co‐(ethyl acrylate)‐co‐(acrylic acid)] latex particles, produced by a soap‐free emulsion polymerization technique, was carried out using the carbodiimide method. The catalytic properties and kinetic parameters, as well as the stability of the immobilized enzyme were compared to those of the free enzyme. Results showed that the optimum temperature and pH for the immobilized trypsin in the hydrolysis of casein were 55 °C and 8.5, both of which were higher than that of the free form. It was found that Km (Michaelis constant) was 45.7 mg · ml−1 and Vmax (maximal reaction rate) was 793.0 μg · min−1 for immobilized trypsin, compared to a Km of 30.0 mg · ml−1 and a Vmax of 5 467.5 μg · min−1 for free trypsin. The immobilized trypsin exhibited much better thermal and chemical stabilities than its free counterpart and maintained over 63% of its initial activity after reusing ten times.

TEM photograph of latex particles after trypsin immobilization.

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TEM photograph of latex particles after trypsin immobilization.
Associative pH Sensitive System
Authors: Gosselet Noëlle Martine , Wintgens Véronique , Amiel Catherine
Published: April 2005

Summary: New associative pH sensitive systems composed of a modified dextran bearing 2‐carboxycyclohexyl carboxyl groups and neutral (pβCD) or positively charged (pβCDN+)β‐cyclodextrin‐co‐epichlorhydrin copolymers have been synthesized and their properties were investigated as a function of pH by phase diagrams and viscosimetry. The affinity between the CD cavities and the hydrophobic guests (2‐carboxycyclohexyl carboxyl groups) has been studied as a function of pH. The system with the neutral pβCD shows a pH dependant behavior due to the lowest affinity of the guest at pH above 5 for the cavity. Associative phase separation is produced at low pH whereas soluble complexes occur at higher pH. The opposite trend is observed with the system containing the cationic pβCDN+. This behavior is due to the combination of electrostatic and inclusion complex interactions in this system. Addition of salt, by screening the electrostatic interactions, also strongly influences the response of the system.

Interaction of a pβCD‐DM mixture at pH 2.5 (left) and neutral pH (right).

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Interaction of a pβCD‐DM mixture at pH 2.5 (left) and neutral pH (right).
Small‐Angle X‐Ray Scattering on Solutions of Carboxymethylcellulose and Bovine Serum Albumin
Authors: Pancera Sabrina M. , Itri Rosangela , Petri Denise F. S.
Published: April 2005

Summary: The existence of attractive interaction between CMC and BSA was evidenced in solution at pH higher than the protein isoelectric point by means of SAXS. Mixtures of BSA at 10 × 10−3 g · mL−1 and CMC at the concentration range of 1 × 10−3 g · mL−1 to 10 × 10−3 g · mL−1 were investigated. Upturns in the very low q range revealed the presence of aggregates when the CMC concentration was higher than 2 × 10−3 g · mL−1. The comparison between the calculated form factor with the experimental curves at intermediate and long q values indicated that the BSA molecules keep their native form in mixtures with CMC concentrations lower than 5 × 10−3 g · mL−1. Therefore, for CMC concentrations higher than 2 × 10−3 g · mL−1 the mixtures start to present aggregates and free BSA molecules coexisting in solution.

SAXS evidenced the complex formation between BSA and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) at a stoichiometric ratio. Excess of CMC led to aggregation.

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SAXS evidenced the complex formation between BSA and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) at a stoichiometric ratio. Excess of CMC led to aggregation.
Structure of Water Incorporated in Sulfobetaine Polymer Films as Studied by ATR‐FTIR
Authors: Kitano Hiromi , Mori Takayuki , Takeuchi Yuki , Tada Susumu , Gemmei‐Ide Makoto , Yokoyama Yoshiyuki , Tanaka Masaru
Published: April 2005

Summary:The structure and hydrogen bonding of water in the vicinity of a thin film of a sulfobetaine copolymer (poly[(N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐(3‐sulfopropyl)‐3′‐methacrylamidopropanaminium inner salt)‐ran‐(butyl methacrylate)], poly(SPB‐r‐BMA)), were analyzed with band shapes of OH stretching of attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR‐IR) spectra. The copolymer could be cast as a thin film, of approximate thickness 10 μm, on a ZnSe crystal for the ATR‐IR spectroscopy. At an early stage of sorption of water into the polymer film, the OH stretching band of the IR spectra for the water incorporated in the film was similar to that for free water. This is consistent with the tendency for another zwitterionic polymeric material, poly[(2‐methacryloyloxyethylphosphorylcholine)‐ran‐(butyl methacrylate)] (poly(MPC‐r‐BMA). It is, however, contradictory to the drastic change in the OH stretching band for water incorporated into films of polymers such as poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(butyl methacrylate). These results suggest that polymers with a zwitterionic structure do not significantly disturb the hydrogen bonding between water molecules incorporated in the thin films. The investigation into the blood‐compatibility of both the poly(SPB‐r‐BMA) and the poly(MPC‐r‐BMA) films indicate a definite correlation between the blood‐compatibility of the polymers and the lack of effect of the polymeric materials on the structure of the incorporated water.

Number of platelets adhered to various polymer films. a: Hydrophilic glass, b: PBMA, c: Poly(DMAPMA‐r‐BMA), d: Poly(SPB‐r‐BMA)‐q (DQ = 88.4%), e: PHEMA, f: Poly(SPB‐r‐BMA) (DQ = 100%).

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Number of platelets adhered to various polymer films. a: Hydrophilic glass, b: PBMA, c: Poly(DMAPMA‐r‐BMA), d: Poly(SPB‐r‐BMA)‐q (DQ = 88.4%), e: PHEMA, f: Poly(SPB‐r‐BMA) (DQ = 100%).
Thermosensitive Biodegradable Polydepsipeptide
Authors: Ohya Yuichi , Toyohara Megumi , Sasakawa Mitsuhiro , Arimura Hidetoshi , Ouchi Tatsuro
Published: April 2005

Summary: A poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)‐like biodegradable thermosensitive polydepsipeptide, poly[Glc‐Asn(N‐isopropyl)], was synthesized by introducing an isopropyl amide group into poly[Glc‐Asn]. Poly[Glc‐Asn(N‐isopropyl)] was degraded in vitro by cleavage of the ester bonds in the main chain in water at room temperature. The non‐toxic nature of the polymer and its degradation products, coupled with a cloud point at 29 °C in water, make this polymer attractive for biomedical implant applications.

The effect of the temperature on the light transmittance of a poly[Glc‐Asn(N‐isopropyl)] solution.

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The effect of the temperature on the light transmittance of a poly[Glc‐Asn(N‐isopropyl)] solution.
Controlled Release of Goserelin from Microporous Polyglycolide and Polylactide
Authors: Kovalchuk Andrey , Fischer Wilfried , Epple Matthias
Published: April 2005

Summary: Two microporous biodegradable polyesters, i.e., PGA and PDLLA, were obtained by solid‐state polymerization reaction from the sodium salts of the corresponding α‐hydroxycarboxylic acids after washing out the by‐product sodium chloride. The polymers were shaped by cold uniaxial pressing, by hot uniaxial pressing, and by extrusion at elevated temperature. Due to the special microporosity of the polymers, the introduction of drugs is possible at moderate temperature. The release kinetics of the model drug Phe and of the anti‐tumor drug goserelin (an LH‐RH agonist) from compacted polymer samples were fast (approx. 2 d). The release kinetics of goserelin were corrected for the decomposition of the drug. External coatings with PDLLA or PLLA obtained by immersion in polymer solution strongly slowed down the release kinetics in the case of the PDLLA coating, giving an almost linear release during 100 d. A coating with PLLA was unsuitable to slow down the release kinetics.

SEM picture of the surface of a PDLLA‐coated extruded sample (#9).

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SEM picture of the surface of a PDLLA‐coated extruded sample (#9).
Reactive Compatibilization of PA6/LDPE Blends with Glycidyl Methacrylate Functionalized Polyolefins
Authors: Wei Qian , Chionna Donatella , Pracella Mariano
Published: April 2005

Summary: Blends of polyamide‐6 (PA6) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) were compatibilized by melt mixing with various polyolefins functionalized with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), i.e., GMA grafted LDPE (LDPE‐g‐GMA), GMA grafted styrene‐ethylene/butylene‐styrene block copolymer (SEBS‐g‐GMA) and ethylene‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate copolymer (E‐GMA). Blends with PA6/LDPE composition ratios of 25/75 and 75/25 wt.‐%/wt.‐% were prepared in a Brabender internal mixer and their properties were evaluated by SEM, rheological measurements and DSC. Morphological investigation by SEM showed a neat improvement of phase dispersion and interfacial adhesion in all compatibilized blends when compared to PA6/LDPE binary blends. The variation of the dispersed phase size was analyzed as a function of blend composition, compatibilizer concentration and GMA content. The emulsification curves of compatibilized blends showed that the equilibrium size of dispersed particles at the saturation concentration of copolymer was lower when PA6 was the major component. The finest dispersion of the LDPE phase (<0.25 μm) was observed in the presence of SEBS‐g‐GMA copolymer. LDPE‐g‐GMA and E‐GMA displayed a similar compatibilizing efficiency. In all cases, the blends with a polyamide matrix presented a marked rise in torque and melt viscosity with increasing compatibilizer content. These effects were accounted for by a reaction between the epoxide groups of LDPE‐g‐GMA and the carboxyl/amine end‐groups of PA6, leading to the formation of an interchain graft copolymer. The phase transition processes of PA6 in the blends were influenced by the compatibilizer content and the interfacial interactions between the polymer components, suggesting a different role for the compatibilizer at the PA6/LDPE interface.

SEM micrograph of PA6/LDPE 25/75 blend compatibilized with 2.5 phr SEBS‐g‐GMA.

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SEM micrograph of PA6/LDPE 25/75 blend compatibilized with 2.5 phr SEBS‐g‐GMA.