bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wilson Bases and Modulation Spaces
Authors: Feichtinger H. G. , Gröchenig K. , Walnut D.
Published: May 2007

We show that the recently discovered WILSON bases of exponential decay are unconditional bases for all modulation spaces on R, including the classical BESSEL potential spaces, the Segal algebra So, and the SCHWARTZ space. As a consequence we obtain new bases for spaces of entire functions. On the other hand, the WILSON bases are no unconditional bases for the ordinary Lp‐spaces for p ≠ 2.
Smooth Points of ORLICZ Spaces Equipped with LUXEMBURG Norm
Authors: Grzaślewicz R. , Hudzik H.
Published: May 2007

Smooth points of the unit sphere of ORLICZ spaces equipped with LUXEMBURG norm are characterized for a non‐atomic measure as well as for the counting measure. As a corollary, a criterion of smoothness of ORLICZ spaces with LUXEMBURG norm is obtained.
Topological Mean Value Relations for Random Cell Complexes
Authors: Leistritz L. , Zähle M.
Published: May 2007

There are investigated stationary randomq‐dimensional topological cell complexes in ℝd, in particular, random tessellations. General relationships between the mean values of topological characteristics are derived. Then they are specified for the casesd= 2, 3, 4.
On NEMYTSKIJ Operators in Lp‐Spaces of Abstract Functions
Authors: Goldberg H. , Kampowsky W. , Tröltzsch F.
Published: May 2007

This paper is concerned with continuity and differentiability of NEMYTSKIJ operators acting between spaces of summable abstract functions. In a first part, necessary and sufficient conditions for continuity are collected. Then main emphasis is given to sufficient conditions for differentiability in the sense of FRÉCHET and GÂTEAUX. Finally, second order differentiability is briefly discussed.
On NAVIER‐STOKESand KELVIN‐VOIGTEquations in Three Dimensions in Interpolation Spaces
Authors: Böhm Michael
Published: May 2007

We show for the three‐dimensional initial‐boundary value problem of the NAVIER‐STOKESand KELVIN‐VOIGTequation over bounded domains and for the corresponding stationary problem the existence of weak solutions in intermediate spaces between some of the usual spaces for weak solutions of the NAVIER‐STOKESequations and spaces for the corresponding strong solutions. The proofs yield estimates of the solutions in terms of the data which are supposed to be in appropriate intermediate spaces. The basic ingredients of the proof are well‐known results for weak and strong solutions and some nonlinear interpolation arguments.
Hydrated metal ions in the gas phase
Authors: Beyer Martin K.
Published: May 2007

Studying metal ion solvation, especially hydration, in the gas phase has developed into a field that is dominated by a tight interaction between experiment and theory. Since the studied species carry charge, mass spectrometry is an indispensable tool in all experiments. Whereas gas‐phase coordination chemistry and reactions of bare metal ions are reasonably well understood, systems containing a larger number of solvent molecules are still difficult to understand. This review focuses on the rich chemistry of hydrated metal ions in the gas phase, covering coordination chemistry, charge separation in multiply charged systems, as well as intracluster and ion‐molecule reactions. Key ideas of metal ion solvation in the gas phase are illustrated with rare‐gas solvated metal ions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spectrom. Rev.
Blockade of AP‐1 activity by dominant‐negative TAM67 can abrogate the oncogenic phenotype in latent membrane protein 1‐positive human nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Jin Xin , Song Xin , Li Lili , Wang Zhenlian , Tao Yongguang , Deng Lin , Tang Ming , Yi Wei , Cao Ya
Published: May 2007

Although activating protein‐1 (AP‐1) transcription factors play an important role in mediating metastasis for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), the biological and physiological functions of AP‐1, in relation to the oncogenic phenotype of NPC, are not fully understood. Our previous study showed that the latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) mediated a primary dimer form of c‐jun and jun B. In this study, we used a NPC cell line that express a specific inhibitor of AP‐1, a dominant‐negative c‐jun mutant (TAM67), to investigate the role of AP‐1 in regulating the NPC oncogenic phenotype. First, we observed that TAM67 inhibited cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Next, with Western blotting, we discovered that TAM67 impaired the cyclin D1/cdk4 complex but had little effect on the cyclin E/cdk2 complex, concomitantly with inhibiting Rb phosphorylation. RT‐PCR and luciferase assay results demonstrated that the levels of cyclin D1 mRNA and the promoter activity in TAM67 transfectants were reduced as compared with control cells. Thereby, we show that blockade of AP‐1 transcriptional activity has a negative impact on cyclin D1 transcription. We obtained the first evidence that TAM67 prevented NPC growth both in vitro and in vivo. AP‐1 appears to be a novel target for treating or preventing LMP1‐positive NPC effectively. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Altered expression of splicing factor, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1, in mouse lung neoplasia
Authors: Peebles Katherine A. , Dwyer‐Nield Lori D. , Malkinson Alvin M.
Published: May 2007

Our previous proteomic investigation of lung neoplasia in vitro demonstrated a high concentration of the lung cancer biomarker and splicing factor, hnRNP A2/B1, in the transformed mouse lung epithelial cell line, E9. Since changes in pre‐mRNA splicing profoundly affect neoplastic progression, we examined hnRNP A2/B1 expression in chemically induced primary mouse lung tumors, an in vivo model of pulmonary adencocarcinoma. Tumor hnRNP A2/B1 content and spatial distribution assessed by immunohistochemistry varied with stage of progression, genetic background, and whether tumors were induced by a single agent (urethane) or by 2‐stage initiation/promotion (3‐methylcholanthrene/butylated hydroxytoluene) carcinogenesis. To address mechanisms governing hnRNP A2/B1 expression changes, we utilized in vitro models. hnRNP A2/B1 protein was overexpressed in E9, the spontaneous tranformant of immortalized but non‐neoplastic E10 cells, but expression was not strictly a function of enhanced proliferative rate in neoplastic cells. Elevated mRNA content was positively associated with cell division in both E10 and E9, but hnRNP A2/B1 protein levels decreased in proliferating E10 cells. The increased mRNA reflected enhanced mRNA stability, as shown by measuring time‐dependent mRNA decay after inhibiting transcription. Dysregulation of hnRNP A2/B1 expression during lung neoplasia in vivo thus depends on complex gene–environmental interactions that affect cell type‐specific changes in mRNA processing and, most probably, the rates of translation and/or protein degradation. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ras‐mediated intestinal epithelial cell transformation requires cyclooxygenase‐2‐induced prostaglandin E2 signaling
Authors: Repasky Gretchen A. , Zhou Yixing , Morita Staeci , Der Channing J.
Published: May 2007

Ras‐mediated transformation is associated with upregulation of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), which in turn promotes prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis and secretion. Although recent studies have identified molecular mechanisms by which Ras mediates upregulation of COX‐2, conflicting observations have been made. Furthermore, while COX‐2 upregulation has been shown to be important for Ras transformation, the signaling pathways initiated by PGE2‐stimulation of EP family of heterotrimeric G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCR) and contribution of PGE2 signaling to Ras‐mediated transformation are issues that remain unresolved. In this study, we first determined that Raf effector pathway activation of the extracellular‐regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade alone was sufficient and necessary for COX‐2 and PGE2 upregulation. However, Raf‐independent regulation of the c‐jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK cascades is also involved in COX‐2 and PGE2 upregulation, with the JNK and p38 pathways exhibiting opposing roles in COX‐2 and PGE2 upregulation. Furthermore, in contrast to previous studies, we found that an epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor autocrine growth mechanism, another Raf‐independent signaling mechanism, was necessary for COX‐2 and PGE2 upregulation. Second, we determined that inhibition of EP1/2 receptor function blocked growth transformation by Ras, demonstrating that PGE2 upregulation is a key transforming function of COX‐2. Finally, we found that PGE2 stimulated the activation of Ras and ERK, but not Akt, and reduced matrix deprivation‐induced apoptosis, in untransformed epithelial cells. In summary, our studies define additional, multiple signaling mechanisms that promote COX‐2 and PGE2 expression and show that COX‐2‐stimulated PGE2‐EP receptor signaling is required for growth and survival transformation by Ras. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
p63: Defining roles in morphogenesis, homeostasis, and neoplasia of the epidermis
Authors: King Kathryn E. , Weinberg Wendy C.
Published: May 2007

p63 is a member of a gene family also including the p53 tumor suppressor and p73. In contrast to p53, p63 is rarely mutated in human cancers. Rather, gene amplification and dysregulated expression of p63 protein have been observed, particularly in squamous cell carcinomas. p63 is essential for development of stratified squamous epithelium, including the epidermis. The p63 gene is expressed as multiple protein isoforms with different functional capacities, and the balance of these isoforms, along with the presence or absence of the other family members, p53 and p73, can impact biological outcome. Both gene silencing and overexpression approaches have been utilized to elucidate the contributions of specific p63 isoforms to normal epidermal morphogenesis and tissue maintenance. While numerous studies have established the essential nature of p63 in the epidermis, the basis of this requirement, and the unique, as well as, overlapping functions of the individual isoforms, remain controversial. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of roles played by specific p63 isoforms within the context of epidermal morphogenesis and homeostasis of the established epidermis, and the potential impact of p63 dysregulation on cancer development. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The etiology of sunlight‐induced melanoma in Xiphophorus hybrid fish
Authors: Mitchell David , Paniker Lakshmi , Sanchez Guillermo , Trono David , Nairn Rodney
Published: May 2007

In contrast to sunlight‐induced squamous cell carcinoma the etiology of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is not well understood. In particular, the role that sunlight exposure and DNA damage play in the initiation of this deadly form of cancer is an open question. Early UV carcinogenesis studies in the Xiphophorus backcross hybrid fish model by Richard Setlow indicated that direct DNA damage caused by exposure to the UVB component of sunlight is necessary and sufficient for melanoma formation. Subsequent studies by Setlow suggested that monochromatic UVA radiation that is not directly absorbed by DNA was also sufficient for melanoma induction in Xiphophorus and was, indeed, primarily responsible for initiating human melanoma. These results had significant public health consequences, suggesting that although sunscreens may inhibit UVB‐induced erythema they may actually increase exposure to the UVA wavelengths that cause cancer. An intensive worldwide public debate on sunscreen use and “abuse” ensued. Our data do not support a major role of free radical chemistry in melanoma induction. We find evidence that the direct damage caused by the absorption of UVB wavelengths by DNA (e.g., the cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer or CPD) is required for CMM formation and that the ability to repair these lesions plays a significant role in tumor susceptibility. Using the Xiphophorus backcross hybrid fish we are currently in the process of re‐evaluating the wavelength‐ and DNA damage‐dependence of UV‐induced melanoma and the role nucleotide excision repair and the genes controlling DNA repair and the UV response play in melanoma resistance. From these studies we hope to define the effective solar wavelength boundaries of melanoma, identify the class of critical DNA damage and elucidate the role of DNA repair in tumor suppression. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of cold preservation on leukocyte adhesion to the transplanted rat lung
Authors: Enomoto Aki , Kikuchi Takeshi , Seo Norimasa , Matsuno Kenjiro , Kobayashi Eiji
Published: May 2007

Little is known about leukocyte migration in the early phase after ischemia‐reperfusion injury. Recently, there has been much focus on in vivo visualization of cell kinetics. Previously, we established a method for the in vivo visualization of leukocyte circulation using a Green Fluorescent Protein transgenic rat. Herein, we developed a simplified rat heterotopic lung transplantation model that can be mastered by beginners within a few weeks. Using this system, we studied the impact of preservation on adhesion of circulating leukocytes to the transplanted lung. The graft of a fresh group was compared with that of a preserved group. Morphological and immunohistochemical analyses were also performed. We successfully visualized few adherent leukocytes in the fresh graft, whereas adherent cells were attached in the preserved graft within a few minutes. In conclusion, the prolonged cold preservation time promotes leukocyte adhesion, resulting in increased microvascular injury after lung transplantation. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2007.
Th1/Th2 xenogenic antibody responses are associated with recipient dendritic cells
Authors: Kanai Nobuyuki , Min Wei‐Ping , Ichim Thomas E. , Wang Hao , Zhong Robert
Published: May 2007

We characterized dendritic cells (DC) phenotypically and functionally between C57BL/6 (Th1‐prone) and BALB/c (Th2‐prone) mouse recipients in an in vivo sensitization model. Two strains of mice were presensitized with Lewis rat splenocytes as xenogeneic antigens. We found that BALB/c recipients mounted a significantly higher total IgG response to the xeno‐antigens when compared with C57BL/6 recipients, 10 days after rat splenocyte infusion. A Th2‐mediated antibody response with high ratio of IgG1/IgG2a was seen in the BALB/c recipients, while a Th1 antibody response with low ratio of IgG1/IgG2a was detected in C57BL/6 recipients. CD11c+DC isolated from C57BL/6 recipients possessed increased expression of CD8α+ (DC‐1 type). The administration of bone marrow derived‐DC from IL‐12 knockout mice into C57BL/6 recipients induced a shift of Th‐mediated anti‐xenogeneic antibody responses from Th1 to Th2 domain. Our findings suggest that DC could play an important role to regulate the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles and rejection patterns in xenotransplantation. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2007.
Rutin in rat liver ischemia/reperfusion injury: Effect on DDAH/NOS pathway
Authors: Lanteri Raffael , Acquaviva Rosaria , Di Giacomo Claudia , Sorrenti Valeria , Li Destri Giovanni , Santangelo Marco , Vanella Luca , Di Cataldo Antonio
Published: May 2007

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role in the relationship between microcirculatory disorders and I/R injuries. Our results demonstrated a significant modification in the hepatic function of I/R rats compared with the control group; treatment with rutin reported hepatic damage markers to control value. Levels of plasmatic and hepatic thiol groups decreased in the I/R untreated group, and this decrease was inhibited by rutin treatment. In addition, we observed an increase in the iNOS expression in I/R group compared with control and rutin administration attenuated this increase; in post‐ischemic reperfused rutin‐treated rats there was a significant increase in eNOS expression compared with the I/R untreated group. In the same experimental conditions an increase in DDAH 1 expression was observed in I/R group only; rutin treatment also counteracted this increased expression. These data suggest that rutin treatment could be useful for preventing oxidative damage associated with hepatic post‐ischemic reperfusion injury. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2007.
Microsurgery for treatment of peripheral lymphedema: Long‐term outcome and future perspectives
Authors: Campisi Corradino , Eretta Costantino , Pertile Davide , Da Rin Elisa , Campisi Corrado , Macciò Alberto , Campisi Mirko , Accogli Susanna , Bellini Carlo , Bonioli Eugenio , Boccardo Francesco
Published: May 2007

Authors report over 30 years of their own clinical experience in the treatment of chronic peripheral lymphedemas by microsurgical techniques performed at the Center of Lymphatic Surgery of the University of Genoa, Italy. Over 1,500 lymphedema patients were treated with microsurgical techniques. Derivative lymphatic‐venous techniques were most often used. For those cases where a venous disease was associated to lymphedema, reconstructive lymphatic microsurgery techniques were performed (lymphatic‐venous–lymphatic‐plasty). Objective assessment was undertaken by water volumetry and lymphoscintigraphy. Volume changes showed a significant improvement in over 83%, with an average follow‐up of more than 10 years. There was an 87% reduction in the incidence of cellulitic attacks after microsurgery. Microsurgical lymphatic‐venous anastomoses have a place in the treatment of peripheral lymphedema and should be the therapy of choice in patients who are not sufficiently responsive to nonoperative treatment. Improved results can be expected with operations performed at earlier lymphedema stages. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2007.
Effect of different periods of hyperbaric oxygen on ischemia‐reperfusion injury of rat skeletal muscle
Authors: Vidigal João , José Fagundes Djalma , De Jesus Simões Manuel , Oshima Celina T.F. , Nakao Odashiro Alexandre , Santos SimõEs Ricardo , Tereza Negrini Fagundes Anna , Omar Taha Murched , Frasson De Souza Montero Edna
Published: May 2007

The effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on ischemia‐reperfusion injury of skeletal muscle, applied during different periods, was studied in 56 male rats. Animals were subjected to 6‐h ischemia by a tourniquet over the major femoral trocanter and 4 (A) or 24 (B) h of reperfusion. HBO was carried out during 1 h in an acrylic chamber at a pressure of 2.0 ATA (100% oxygen): in the last 60 min of ischemia (II), after ischemia, during 1‐h reperfusion time (III), and during the last hour of ischemia plus 1‐h reperfusion (IV). Group I was the control group. After 4‐ or 24‐h reperfusion, samples of the soleus muscle were stained by H&E and analyzed immunohistochemically. No interstitial hemorrhage, neutrophil infiltrate, or cellular necrosis were induced by HBO. The apoptosis index did not differ among the groups. HBO reduced morphologic alterations and promoted better results when administered in the ischemia plus reperfusion period (GIV). © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2007.
Late transplantation period of mice fetal intestine grafts: Morphometric aspects
Authors: De Almeida Carlos Eduardo Saldanha , Artigiani Ricardo , De Oliveira Kátia Ferreira , Navarro Pedro Gabriel Riboli , De Souza Montero Edna Frasson
Published: May 2007

Morphometric evaluation of the fetal intestinal graft in the late post‐transplant period was done by using C57BL/6 mice. Under anesthesia, after hysterotomy, a transversal laparotomy was done in the fetus to harvest all intestines. Grafts, cleaned from its mesentery, and divided were transplanted into the preperitoneum space, from male mice, C57BL/6 strain. Thirty days after, mice were killed, and the graft was analyzed with HE stain and S‐100 protein. All grafts as well as fetal and adult intestines were evaluated as controls. All developed grafts showed muscular layer and positivity for S‐100 protein as the adult intestines. The goblet cells, absent in fetal intestines, were in larger number in isogeneic grafts than in adult intestines, even with lower villus. These findings showed sharp progress of the isogeneic graft from fetal to adult intestine, suggesting that they can be viable and might be functionally appropriate in the late period after transplantation. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2007.
Liver and lung late alterations following hepatic reperfusion associated to ischemic preconditioning or N‐acetylcysteine
Authors: Galhardo Maria Aparecida , Júnior Claudemiro Quireze , Navarro Pedro Gabriel Riboli , Morello Ricardo José , De Jesus Simões Manuel , De Souza Montero Edna Frasson
Published: May 2007

This study aimed the effect of n‐acetylcysteine or ischemic preconditioning in hepatic and pulmonary damage after liver ischemia‐reperfusion injury. Twenty‐four male Wistar‐EPM rats were assigned into four groups: (IR) Hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion; (IPC) IPC achieved before hepatic ischemia; (NAC) Animals received NAC pretreatment; and Sham operated group. After 24 h of hepatic reperfusion, blood, liver, and pulmonary samples were evaluated. Nonparametric tests were used (P ≤ 0.05). Aspartate aminotransferase levels were similar among experimental groups. Lower alanine aminotrasnferase levels were observed in sham group (P = 0.04). IPC and NAC groups prevented from necrosis (P = 0.027), apoptosis (P = 0.003), and microvesicular steatosis (P = 0.0007), but not from neutrophil infiltration in liver tissue. IPC and NAC treatment reduced alveolar septal edema (P = 0.014), but did not prevent from neutrophil infiltration or vascular congestion. In conclusion, IPC and NAC attenuated hepatic and pulmonary damage after hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion injury. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2007.
Long‐term effect of FTY720 on lymphocyte count and islet allograft survival in mice
Authors: Liu Longshan , Wang Changxi , He Xiaoshun , Shang Wenjun , Bi Ying , Wang Dong
Published: May 2007

This study was performed to observe the long‐term effect of FTY720 on lymphocyte count change and islet allograft survival. Diabetic C57BL/6 mice were given FTY720 (group 1, 0.5 mg/kg/day; group 2, 1.0 mg/kg/day) or its vehicle (group 3, controls) after transplantation. Median graft survival time was prolonged in a dose‐dependent manner (group 1, 84.5 days; group 2, >100 days, and group 3, 10 days, P < 0.01). Peripheral blood lymphocytes in groups 1 and 2 decreased to 23.81% and 12.59% compared with control group after FTY720 treatment. Lymphocytes from mesenteric lymph nodes and axillary nodes in groups 1 and 2 significantly increased on day 5, but decreased on day 14. Lymphocyte infiltration to the graft site was attenuated in groups 1 and 2. In conclusion, continuous FTY720 administration can induce and maintain lymphopenia, and inhibit lymphocytes from infiltrating the graft site so as to prolong islet allograft survival in mice. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2007.
Administration of dendritic cells modified by RNA interference prolongs cardiac allograft survival
Authors: Xiang Jianbin , Gu Xiaodong , Zhou Yiming , Gong Xun , Qian Shiguang , Chen Zongyou
Published: May 2007

Systemic administration of immature donor‐dendritic cells (DC) that are deficient in co‐stimulatory molecules delays the onset of allograft rejection. However, it is not easy to control culture condition and guarantee that the administered DC are in the immature stages, which obviously affects their therapeutic effect. In this study, we attempted to inhibit expression of CD86 on DC using an RNA interference technology. The function of CD86low DC was determined by the influence on their capacity to stimulate T cell proliferation and by the effect of DC systemic administration on survival of cardiac allografts. CD86low DC stimulated low T cell proliferative responses in vitro and administration of CD86low DC prolonged survival of heart allografts in vivo. These results suggest that RNA interference is a useful approach to modify DC function, which has potentials for clinical application. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2007.
Stability of the steady state for the Falk model system of shape memory alloys
Authors: Suzuki Takashi , Yoshikawa Shuji
Published: May 2007

In this article a stability result for the Falk model system is proven. The Falk model system describes the martensitic phase transitions in shape memory alloys. In our setting, the steady state is a nonlocal elliptic problem. We show the dynamical stability for the linearized stable critical point of the corresponding functional. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finland's manager plan
Authors: Knapp David C. , Yeselson Abraham
Published: May 2007

Mixed administration and collective leadership bear little resemblance to American concept.
More than meets the eye
Authors: Kearney Paul W.
Published: May 2007

Highway landscaping not only provides beauty but also saves lives, protects property and cuts costs.
On the minimum path problem in Knödel graphs
Authors: Harutyunyan Hovhannes A. , Morosan Calin D.
Published: May 2007

The Knödel graphs Wd,n are regular graphs, of even order n and degree d ≤ ⌊log n⌋. They have been introduced by W. Knödel as gossip graphs for d = ⌊log n⌋. A logarithmic algorithm for the minimum path problem in Knödel graphs is an open problem despite the fact that they are bipartite and highly symmetric. In this paper, we describe a logarithmic time two‐approximation algorithm for the shortest path in the Knödel graph on 2d vertices with degree d. We also prove that for a subset of the set of vertices, the algorithm gives a minimum length path. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 50(1), 86–91 2007
Multiperiod network design with incremental routing
Authors: Lardeux Benoit , Nace Dritan , Geffard Jérôme
Published: May 2007

In this paper, we study a special case of multiperiod network design (MPND) problems, multiperiod network design with incremental routing (MPNDI), as applied to the transmission layer of an optical network. We optimize simultaneously the network architecture and the link dimensioning under discrete cost functions in order to route all traffic demands in line with traffic growth over a discrete time horizon. Because of operational requirements, routing paths used at a given period to route some traffic demands have to be preserved over subsequent periods; this is called incremental routing with respect to incremental flow. To handle the high dimensionality, a compact formulation omitting explicitly written flow variables is given. We examine the dominant polyhedron of the incremental multicommodity flow and provide a polyhedral study of it. Finally, a solution approach taking advantage of the polyhedral structure of MPNDI is proposed, and computational results for a range of instances with 8 and 10 nodes are provided. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 50(1), 109–117 2007
Hormone replacement therapy, cardiovascular risk and diabetes
Authors: Mckenzie Joyce , Fisher Miles
Published: May 2007

Women with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to several factors including hypertension, an adverse lipid profile and endothelial dysfunction. Observational studies into the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on these factors suggested that women with diabetes could have most to gain from HRT effects on these parameters and on insulin resistance. Unfortunately, long‐term randomised controlled studies including the Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Study (HERS) and the Women's Health Initiative Trial (WHI) have not confirmed these observations, and in the early years of use HRT may increase the risk of myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident. Many of the studies have been carried out in the USA where the formulations of HRT differ from those used in Europe, and long‐term studies powered for cardiovascular outcomes are lacking with these preparations. The age at which HRT should be started could also have an impact on cardiovascular outcomes. Osteoporosis and the symptoms of the menopause remain common, and the place of HRT in treatment needs to be revised. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Improving medication safety: influence of a patient‐specific prescriber feedback program on rate of medication reviews performed by Australian general medical practitioners
Authors: Roughead Elizabeth , Pratt Nicole , Peck Robert , Gilbert Andrew
Published: May 2007

Purpose

To determine if patient‐specific prescriber feedback for general medical practitioners (GPs), supported by educational material mailed to their patients, would increase home medicines review (HMR) rates.

Methods

An observational study was conducted using the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) Pharmacy Claims Database. The intervention group (n = 40 270) included all veterans aged ≥65 years, dispensed ≥5 unique medicines each month over a 4 month period. Comparison group veterans (n = 49,227) were those who did not have ≥5 or more unique medicines dispensed each month, but did have at least one prescription each month and ≥20 prescriptions over 4 months, of which five were unique medicines, Intervention GPs (n = 11,384) were subdivided into 2 groups: GPs with intervention veterans (n = 2097) and GPs with both intervention and comparison group veterans (n = 9287). The comparison group of GPs (n = 3630) were primary prescribers to the comparison veterans only. Rates of HMRs pre and post‐intervention and the number of new GPs participating in HMR services were examined.

Results

There was a significant increase in HMR rates in intervention group, from 2.2 per 1000 in the pre‐period to 4.6 per 1000 per month in the post‐intervention period (Rate Ratio (RR) 2.06, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) (1.90, 2.22), p < 0.0001). HMR rates increased in the intervention group compared with the comparison group (p < 0.0001). HMR rates increased in the intervention group GPs compared with the comparison group (RR 1.79, 95% CI (1.58, 2.02), p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Patient‐specific feedback provided to GPs, supported by educational material mailed directly to their patients increased HMR rates for targeted veterans and increased GP participation in the delivery of HMRs. Copyright © Commonwealth of Australia 2007. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
iTRAQ compatibility of peptide immobilized pH gradient isoelectric focusing
Authors: Lengqvist Johan , Uhlén Kristina , Lehtiö Janne
Published: May 2007

Immobilized pH gradient isoelectric focusing (IPG‐IEF) has emerged as a highly promising alternative to strong‐cation exchange fractionation as the first dimension in shot‐gun proteomics. Herein is shown the compatibility of this method with iTRAQ isotope labeling for relative quantitation and validation of sequence matches from database searching.
Proteomic and peptidomic analysis of the venom from Chinese tarantula Chilobrachys jingzhao
Authors: Liao Zhi , Cao Jia , Li Shuiming , Yan Xiaojun , Hu Weijun , He Quanyuan , Chen Jinjun , Tang Jianzhou , Xie Jinyun , Liang Songping
Published: May 2007

Chinese tarantula, Chilobrachys jingzhao is one of the most venomous spiders in southern China and its venom is a mixture of various compounds with diversified biological activities. The proteome of C. jingzhao venom was analyzed by proteomic techniques. Proteins with molecular weight of over 10 kDa, indicated by gel‐filtration and SDS‐PAGE, were analyzed using 2‐DE and MALDI‐TOF/TOF and LC/ESI‐Q‐TOF MS. More than 90 proteins were detected, with 47 confirmed by sequence similarity search using mass spectrum driven basic local alignment search tool (MS BLAST). On the other hand, peptides with MW lower than 10 kDa were separated by HPLC and identified by MALDI‐TOF MS and Edman degradation sequencing. About 120 peptides were detected, 60 of which were fully or partially sequenced. Our results indicate that peptides with MW lower than 10 kDa are the major components in the crude venom of C. jingzhao. Like those of other tarantulas, these peptides are very likely to act on various ion channels. These results pave a way for further detailed structure–function correlation analysis of the individual toxins present in the venom of C. jingzhao.
Outer membrane proteome ofActinobacillus pleuropneumoniae: LC‐MS/MS analyses validatein silicopredictions
Authors: Chung Jacqueline W. , Ng‐Thow‐Hing Christopher , Budman Lorne I. , Gibbs Bernard F. , Nash John H. E. , Jacques Mario , Coulton James W.
Published: May 2007

The Gram‐negative bacterial pathogenActinobacillus pleuropneumoniaecauses porcine pneumonia, a highly infectious respiratory disease that contributes to major economic losses in the swine industry. Outer membrane (OM) proteins play key roles in infection and may be targets for drug and vaccine research. Exploiting the genome sequence ofA. pleuropneumoniaeserotype 5b, we scannedin silicofor proteins predicted to be localized at the cell surface. Five genome scanning programs (Proteome Analyst, PSORT‐b, BOMP, Lipo, and LipoP) were run to construct a consensus prediction list of 93 OM proteins inA. pleuropneumoniae. An inventory of predicted OM proteins was complemented by proteomic analyses utilizing gel‐ and solution‐based methods, both coupled to LC‐MS/MS. Different protocols were explored to enrich for OM proteins; the most rewarding required sucrose gradient centrifugation followed by membrane washes with sodium bromide and sodium carbonate. This protocol facilitated our identification of 47 OM proteins that represent 50% of the predicted OM proteome, most of which have not been characterized. Our study establishes the first OM proteome ofA. pleuropneumoniae.
Effect of nanoplatelet dispersion on mechanical behavior of polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Boo Woong J. , Sun Luyi , Liu Jia , Moghbelli Ehsan , Clearfield Abraham , Sue Hung‐Jue , Pham H. , Verghese N.
Published: May 2007

By manipulating processing conditions, three levels of exfoliation of synthetic α‐zirconium phosphate (α‐ZrP) nanoplatelets in epoxy matrices have been achieved. Transmission electron microscopy and wide angle X‐ray diffraction were utilized to confirm the three different levels of exfoliation of nanoplatelets in epoxy/α‐ZrP nanocomposites. As expected, it was found that modulus and strength of the nanocomposite are affected by how well the nanoplatelets disperse. It was also found that the operative fracture mechanisms depend strongly on the state of the nanoplatelets dispersion. The crack deflection mechanism, which leads to a tortuous path crack growth, was only observed for poorly dispersed nanocomposites. Delamination of intercalated nanoplatelets and crack deflection were observed in a moderately dispersed system. In the case of fully exfoliated system, the crack only propagated in a straight fashion, which indicates that the fully exfoliated individual nanoplatelet can not affect the propagation of crack at all. The implication of the present findings for structural applications of polymer nanocomposites is discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 1459–1469, 2007
Specific essential work of fracture of polyurethane thin films with different molecular structures
Authors: Chen Haibin , Wu Jingshen
Published: May 2007

A series of polyurethane (PU) thin films with different hard‐to‐soft segment ratios were synthesized in our laboratory. The molecular and morphological structures of the PU films were characterized with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), wide‐angle x‐ray diffraction, dynamic mechanical analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The PU films showed a single glass transition when the hard‐to‐soft segment ratio varied from 1:2 to 1:8, suggesting no significant phase separation between the hard and soft segments. FTIR and SAXS results disclosed that the PU films had a network structure with the physical crosslinks formed via the intermolecular hydrogen bonds established between the hard segments. The fracture toughness of the ductile PU films was characterized with the essential work of fracture method under different conditions. It was found that the specific essential work of fracture was a function of the chain length between crosslinks and independent of the test temperature when fracture occurred at a temperature below the glass transition temperature. The physical meaning of this fracture parameter was proposed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 1418–1424, 2007
Multiple Molecular pathways explain the anti‐proliferative effect of valproic acid on prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Shabbeer Shabana , S.Q. Kortenhorst Madeleine , Kachhap Sushant , Galloway Nathan , Rodriguez Ron , Carducci Michael A.
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND

Valproic acid (VPA), is a drug approved by the FDA for epilepsy and bipolar disorders. It is a known Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor (HDACI). We tested VPA, for its anti‐proliferative activity in prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

DU‐145 and PC‐3 PCa cell lines were cultured with different doses of VPA. Cells were examined for their viability, cell cycle status and expression of cell cycle arrest, and proliferation markers. Nude mice bearing xenografts of human PCa cell lines, DU‐145, and PC‐3, were administered VPA in their drinking water.

RESULTS

VPA displayed a dose‐ and time‐dependent anti‐proliferative effect on DU‐145 and PC‐3 PCa cell lines in vitro. A sustained effect of the drug was seen on cell cycle arrest even at 24 hr after removal of the drug, after which the effects returned to the basal state. Administration of 0.4% w/v VPA in drinking water (resulting in 0.4 mM VPA, in plasma) was effective in inducing growth arrest, cell death, and senescence in vivo and was also anti‐angiogenic. The activation of all or some of these anti‐proliferative pathways may be contingent on acetylation status of histones, confirmed by detection of increased acetyl‐H3K9 in VPA‐treated samples when compared with untreated controls. Pharmacodynamic studies showed an increase in expression of p21 and decrease in PCNA in xenografts of VPA‐treated mice compared with protein expression in untreated controls.

CONCLUSIONS

VPA may be functioning as an HDACI to inhibit growth of PCa cells in vitro and in vivo by modulating multiple pathways including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and senescence. Prostate 67: 1099–1110, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk‐adjusted output feedback receding horizon control of constrained linear parameter varying systems
Authors: Sznaier M. , Lagoa C. M. , Ozay N.
Published: May 2007

In the past few years, control of linear parameter varying (LPV) systems has been the object of considerable attention, as a way of formalizing the intuitively appealing idea of gain scheduling control for nonlinear systems. However, currently available LPV techniques are both computationally demanding and (potentially) very conservative. In this paper, we propose to address these difficulties by combining receding horizon and risk‐adjusted techniques. The resulting controllers are guaranteed to stabilize the plant and have computational complexity that increases polynomially, rather than exponentially, with the prediction horizon. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vascular Corrosion Casting Technique Steps
Authors: Verli Flaviana Dornela , Rossi‐Schneider Tissiana Raquel , Schneider Felipe LuÍs , Yurgel Liliane Soares , de Souza Maria Antonieta Lopes
Published: May 2007

The vascular corrosion casting technique produces a replica of vascular beds of normal or pathological tissues. Once associated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), this technique provides details of the three‐dimensional anatomic arrangement of the vascular replica, which is the main advantage of this method. The present study is intended to describe the steps of the vascular corrosion casting technique and the different ways to perform them. them. SCANNING 29: 000‐V000, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stiffness variation in the interphase of amine‐cured epoxy adjacent to copper microstructures
Authors: Chung Jaeun , Munz Martin , Sturm Heinz
Published: May 2007

In an effort to expand the understanding of the mechanical properties of the polymeric interphase on a metal surface, a composite consisting of epoxy and copper was prepared and analyzed. Scanning force microscopy‐based force modulation microscopy (SFM‐FMM) was employed along with dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX). Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA)‐based epoxy resins were applied with amine curing agents. The samples were made taking advantage of electron beam lithography (EBL) in order to produce sharp edges of copper structures and a flat surface suitable for the SFM‐FMM analysis, which was able to depict the stiffness within the interphase. It is considered significant information because the mechanical characteristic within the narrow interphase was revealed. Comparing with DMA and EDX, the stiffness information of SFM‐FMM demonstrated a matching correlation and agreement in terms of preferential adsorption of the curing agent in the vicinity of the interface. The stiffness profiles of the two epoxy systems turned out to be different, and it shows the material dependence of the interphase characteristics. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Grafting of nanoporous alumina membranes and films with organic acids
Authors: Cheow Pui‐Sze , Liu Lingyan , Toh Chee‐Seng
Published: May 2007

In this study, direct surface grafting of nanoporous alumina membranes and glass‐supported alumina films was carried out with three different fluorinated organic acids: trifluoroacetic acid, perfluoropentanoic acid and 2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluorobenzoic acid. Elemental surface composition and chemical environment of alumina were investigated using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Alumina surfaces grafted with fluoro‐organic acids exhibited increased hydrophobic properties compared to ungrafted surfaces when measured using goniometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM). This work describes the evidence for surface chemical modification of alumina using direct reaction with organic acids. An AFM study of the adsorption of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecules on the fluoro‐organic‐acid‐grafted surfaces is reported. The results show that an ordered arrangement of immunoglobulin G structures with in‐filling of pores could be achieved only on the more hydrophobic fluoro‐organic‐acid‐grafted alumina membranes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Baseline patient characteristics and mortality associated with longitudinal intervention compliance
Authors: Lin Julia Y. , Ten Have Thomas R. , Bogner Hillary R. , Elliott Michael R.
Published: May 2007

Lin et al. (http://www.biostatsresearch.com/upennbiostat/papers/, 2006) proposed a nested Markov compliance class model in the Imbens and Rubin compliance class model framework to account for time‐varying subject noncompliance in longitudinal randomized intervention studies. We use superclasses, or latent compliance class principal strata, to describe longitudinal compliance patterns, and time‐varying compliance classes are assumed to depend on the history of compliance. In this paper, we search for good subject‐level baseline predictors of these superclasses and also examine the relationship between these superclasses and all‐cause mortality. Since the superclasses are completely latent in all subjects, we utilize multiple imputation techniques to draw inferences. We apply this approach to a randomized intervention study for elderly primary care patients with depression. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in echogenicity in the fetal brain: a prevalence study in fetuses at risk for preterm delivery
Authors: Rosier‐van Dunné F. M. F. , van Wezel‐Meijler G. , Odendaal H. J. , van Geijn H. P. , de Vries J. I. P.
Published: May 2007

Objectives

To study the incidence of echodensities in the periventricular white matter, ventricular system, basal ganglia and thalamus of the brain in fetuses at risk for preterm delivery.

Methods

This was a prospective study of 124 fetuses with a gestational age between 26 and 34 weeks in pregnancies affected by either pregnancy‐induced hypertensive disorders or preterm labor. Transvaginal ultrasound examination of the fetal brain in coronal and sagittal planes was performed weekly until delivery and the neonatal brain was examined within 24 h after delivery.

Results

In 66% of all fetuses, echodensities were found in one or more areas of the brain. They were present in the periventricular area in 52% of cases, the intraventricular area in 18% and in the basal ganglia and thalamus area in 28%. Changes in echogenicity were seen throughout the entire gestational‐age period studied. Of the periventricular echodensities that exceeded in echodensity that of the choroid plexus, at least 50% persisted after delivery; at least 38% of the intraventricular echodensities and at least 32% of the basal ganglia and thalamus echodensities persisted after delivery.

Conclusions

In high‐risk fetuses, echodensities are a frequent finding in several areas in the brain. How far these echodensities are related to future outcome of the infant needs to be investigated. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peroxisomal metabolism is regulated by an oxygen‐recognition system through organelle crosstalk between the mitochondria and peroxisomes
Authors: Fujimura Shuki , Nakagawa Tomoyuki , Ito Takashi , Matsufuji Yoshimi , Miyaji Tatsuro , Tomizuka Noboru
Published: May 2007

In the present study using Pichia methanolica, it was found that expressions of methanol‐metabolic enzymes were strictly regulated by the presence of oxygen, and that induction of alcohol oxidase (AOD) isozymes was completely dependent on oxygen concentrations. A proportion of AOD‐isozyme species responded to oxygen conditions, e.g. in a low oxygen condition, Mod1p was dominant, but with an increase in the oxygen concentration, the ratio of Mod2p increased. The Km value of Mod1p for oxygen was ca. one‐seventh lower than that of Mod2p (0.47 and 3.51 mM, respectively). This shows that Mod1p is suitable at low oxygen concentrations and Mod2p at high oxygen concentrations. Also, zymogram changes for AOD isozymes were observed by inhibition of respiratory chain activity. These indicated that P. methanolica has the ability to recognize oxygen conditions and the respiratory chain should participate in the sensor for available oxygen. These facts indicate that there is organelle crosstalk between mitochondria and peroxisomes through nucleus gene regulation in order to control the consumption balance of available oxygen between the mitochondrial respiratory chain and peroxisomal AODs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reliable cell disruption in yeast
Authors: Stowers Chris C. , Boczko Erik M.
Published: May 2007

We report the results of an optical assay to determine the degree of cell wall disruption in yeast. The results indicate that cell wall disruption with glass beads yields reproducible results that can be modelled with an integral measure of time to failure that implies a decreasing failure rate. It is shown that a standard protocol results in only 60% disruption, with a relatively large coefficient of variation. The data show that the yield of total RNA harvested is proportional to the degree of cellular disruption, and that there is no loss of RNA quality with > 90% disruption. The data also show that cell disruption of a synchronous culture varies with the cell cycle. We speculate that the decreasing failure rate is related to the cell cycle phase‐dependent disruptability. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Post‐transcriptional regulation of the Brn‐3b transcription factor in differentiating neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Calissano Mattia , Diss James K.J. , Latchman David S.
Published: May 2007

We show that the 3′UTR of the Brn‐3b mRNA does indeed contain regulatory sequences that mediate mRNA degradation upon serum starvation‐induced differentiation of ND7 neuroblastoma cells. The specific region mediating this effect has been characterized and two different microRNAs that potentially regulate the stability of Brn‐3b have been identified. Moreover we show that Dicer, one of the key enzymes in the production of microRNAs, is strongly up‐regulated in ND7 cells subjected to differentiation.