bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Determination of Resistant and Digestible Starch in Foods and Food Products
Authors: Morales M. D. , Escarpa A. , González M. C.
Published: November 2006

A rapid enzymatic method for simultaneous determination of digestible and resistant starch in standards and foods is presented. The procedure for the determination of the digestible starch fraction was optimized. The main steps of this were: the removal of digestible starch, the hydrolysis of products and quantification of digestible starch as released glucose. Stomach and intestine physiological conditions (pH, transit time) are simulated approximately. The method was evaluated by the analysis of the starch content in various standards and raw foods. The method has showed a high precision and a good accuracy. Some variables, such as employment of sodium azide, incubation time of α‐amylase and amyloglucosidase amount, which might affect the levels of digestible and resistant starch are also evaluated and discussed.
Characterization of an Exo‐Maltotetraose‐forming Amylase ofPseudomonas stutzeriand Application inp‐Nitrophenyl β‐D‐Galactosyl‐α‐Maltooligosaccharides Production
Authors: Kubota Shinobu , Ogawa Koichi , Nakamura Nobuyuki , Usui Taich
Published: November 2006

Some kinetic characteristics and hydrolytic action patterns on various β‐D‐galactosyl‐maltooligosaccharides (Gal‐Gn), ranging in size from D.P. (degree of polymerization) 5 to 8, of an exo‐maltotetraose‐forming amylase ofPseudomonas stutzeri(G4‐amylase) were examined to produce a fewp‐nitrophenyl β‐D‐galactosyl‐α‐maltooligosaccharides (Gal‐GnP, n = 4,5).

The relative hydrolytic reaction rates for larger Gal‐Gn by the enzyme were larger than those for smaller saccharides tough the values for unmodified linear maltooligosachharides were almost same.Michaelisconstants (Km) for hydrolysis of Gal‐G4, Gal‐G5, Gal‐G6 and Gal‐G7 by the enzyme were 1.3, 1.9, 1.3 and 1.3mM, and apparent molecular activities (ko) for these saccharides were 5.9, 38, 91 and 126s−1, respectively. The values ofko/Km for them were remarkably smaller than those for unmodified linear maltooligosaccharides.

The G4‐amylase cleaved 2 points of the α‐1,4‐glucosidic linkage in β‐1,4‐Gal‐G4 to give β‐1,4‐Gal‐G2 and ‐Gal‐G3 in the molar ratio of 3:1, whereas the enzyme attacked 3 points of the linkage in β‐1,4‐Gal‐G5, ‐Gal‐G6 and ‐Gal‐G7 to form β‐1,4‐Gal‐G2,‐Gal‐G3 and Gal‐G4 in the molar ratios of 2:5:1, 1:3:6 and 1:3:6, in the early stage of the reaction, respectively. On the other hand, the enzyme showed no action on β‐1,6‐Gal‐G4 and formed β‐1,6‐Gal‐G4 solely from β‐1,6‐Gal‐G5, and β‐1,6‐Gal‐G4 and ‐Gal‐G5 were from β‐1,6‐Gal‐G6 and ‐Gal‐G7 in the ratios of 8:1 and 2:1, respectively.

The enzyme also catalyzed the transfer action to produce Gal‐G3P, Gal‐G4P and Gal‐G5P, of which the formation ratio was coincided well with the hydrolytic action pattern on each Gal‐Gn, from Gal‐Gn tested as a donor andp‐nitrophenyl α‐glucoside (GP) as an acceptor in an aqueous solution containing 40% (v/v) methanol. By using this novel reaction, Gal‐G5P is now producing on an industrial scale to apply as a substrate for the assay of human α‐amylase.
Hydrolysis of Acetylated Starches with a Thermostable alpha‐Amylase
Authors: Copinet A. , Coma V. , Legin E. , Couturier Y. , Prudhomme J. C.
Published: November 2006

The hydrolysis of acetylated starches with different subsitutions degrees was conducted with an enzyme active at 90°C. The extent of degradation was evaluated by colorimetric and chromatographic methods.

With slightly acetylated starches, 100% of the substrate was fragmented and the main product obtained was maltose. The classification of these different substrates according to their percentage of biofragmentation was the same with the two methods.

With highly acetylated starches, the degradation was lower and the decomposition products are mainly maltose, maltotriose and pentaose. The classification of the different substrates was also the same with the two methods. Moreover, the values of the kinetic parameters confirmed these classifications.
Effect of Amylopectin Structure on the Gelatinization and Pasting Properties of Selected Yam (Dioscorea spp.) Starches
Authors: Wang Wen‐Meei , Lai Vivian M‐F. , Chang Kao‐Feng , Lu Shin , Ho Hsin‐Hui
Published: November 2006

This study was aimed at elucidating the decisive structural parameters of amylopectin which govern the gelatinization or pasting behavior of yam starch dispersions, exemplified with four selected yam starches from Dioscorea alata and D. batatas with very similar amylose contents (32.2–34.6%). The results indicated that the yam amylopectins examined showed an average degree of polymerization (DP) of 3469–4474 anhydroglucose units (AGU), average chain length (CL) of 18.8–28.5 AGU, average exterior CL (ECL) of 11.8–16.4 AGU, average interior CL (ICL) of 6.0–11.1 AGU, and a noticeable proportion of extralong (> 100 AGU) and long (40–100 AGU) chains that gave the chain ratio r(el+l)/s (the weight ratio of extralong and long chains to short chains) of 0.88–1.40. Generally, the yam amylopectin with a lower DP and NC possessed a greater CL, ECL, ICL, and r(el+l)/s, associating with a higher blue value (BV) and maximal wavelength (λmax) for their complexes with iodine. D. alata amylopectins exhibited a lower DP, longer chain lengths and greater r(el+l)/s than the D. batata amylopectins. Statistically, r(el+l)/s was decisive for the BV and λmax; while CL and phosphate content were crucial for the gelatinization peak temperature and pasting viscosities of the yam starches examined. The role of swelling power or the volume fraction of dispersed remnants instead in governing the pasting viscosity was also mathematically explored.
IL‐4 enhances hypoxia induced HIF‐1α protein levels in human transformed intestinal cells
Authors: Scharte Marion , Jurk Kerstin , Kehrel Beate , Zarbock Alexander , Aken Hugo Van , Singbartl Kai
Published: November 2006

Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) is a transcription factor that mediates the adaptive response to hypoxia. Increasing evidence suggests a crucial role for HIF‐1 in immune reactions. Here we investigated the effect of the Th2 type cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐10 on HIF‐1α mediated response in normoxia (21% O2) and hypoxia (1% O2). Incubation of human transformed intestinal cells (HT‐29) with IL‐4 significantly increased HIF‐1α protein levels during hypoxia but not during normoxia. Mechanisms involved are IL‐4 induced up‐regulation of HIF‐1α gene transcription and the PI3K signaling pathway. The increase in hypoxia‐induced accumulation of HIF‐1α protein after IL‐4 treatment did not result in up‐regulation of HIF‐1 DNA‐binding activity or HIF‐1 dependent gene expression. IL‐10 did not affect HIF‐1α protein levels.
Regulation of RKIP binding to the N‐region of the Raf‐1 kinase
Authors: Park Sungdae , Rath Oliver , Beach Sandy , Xiang Xiaoqin , Kelly Sharon M. , Luo Zhijun , Kolch Walter , Yeung Kam C.
Published: November 2006

The Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) binds to Raf‐1 interfering with binding of the MEK substrate and potentially also Raf‐1 activation. In response to mitogen stimulation RKIP dissociates from Raf‐1 and later re‐associates. Here, using a combination of mutational approaches, biochemical studies, peptide arrays and plasmon surface resonance (BIAcore), we fine map and characterize a minimal 24 amino acid long RKIP binding domain in the Raf‐1 N‐region, which consists of constitutive elements at both flanks and a center element that is regulated by phosphorylation and enhances the re‐binding of RKIP to Raf‐1 in the later phase of mitogen stimulation.
A simple model to explain three‐base periodicity in coding DNA
Authors: Sánchez Joaquín , López-Villaseñor Imelda
Published: November 2006

A simple model is put forward to explain the long‐known three‐base periodicity in coding DNA. We propose the concept of same‐phase triplet clustering, i.e. a condition wherein a triplet appears several times in one phase without interruption by the two other possible phases. For instance, in the sequence (i): NTT_GNN_NTT_GNN_NTT_GNN_NNN_NTT_GNN (where N is any nucleotide but combinations producing TTG are excluded) there would be clustering of same‐phase TTG because this triplet appears uninterruptedly in phase 2. In contrast, in the sequence (ii): TTG_NTT_GNN_NNT_TGN_NNN_NTT_GNN there is no same‐phase clustering because neighboring TTGs are all in different phases. Observe also that in sequence (i) TTG triplets are separated by 3, 3 and 6 nucleotides (3n distances), while in sequence (ii) they are separated by 1, 4 and 5 nucleotides (non‐3n distances). In this work, we demonstrate that in coding DNA the 3n distances generated by (i)‐type sequences proportionally outnumber the non‐3n distances generated by (ii)‐type sequences, this condition would be the basis of three‐base periodicity. Randomized sequences had (i)‐ and (ii)‐type sequences too but clustering was statistically different. To prove our model we generated (i)‐type sequences in a randomized sequence by inducing clustering of same‐phase triplets. In agreement with the model this sequence displayed three‐base periodicity. Furthermore, two‐ and four‐base periodicities could also be induced by artificially inducing clustering of duplets and tetraplets.
Differential uptake of photosynthetic and non‐photosynthetic proteins by pea root plastids
Authors: Yan Xianxi , Khan Sultan , Hase Toshiharu , Emes Michael J. , Bowsher Caroline G.
Published: November 2006

The photosynthetic proteins RuBiSCO, ferredoxin I and ferredoxin NADP+‐oxidoreductase (pFNR) were efficiently imported into isolated pea chloroplasts but not into pea root plastids. By contrast non‐photosynthetic ferredoxin III and heterotrophic FNR (hFNR) were efficiently imported into both isolated chloroplasts and root plastids. Chimeric ferredoxin I/III (transit peptide of ferredoxin I attached to the mature region of ferredoxin III) only imported into chloroplasts. Ferredoxin III/I (transit peptide of ferredoxin III attached to the mature region of ferredoxin I) imported into both chloroplasts and root plastids. This suggests that import depends on specific interactions between the transit peptide and the translocon apparatus.
IL‐1 receptor antagonist in metabolic diseases: Dr Jekyll or Mr Hyde?
Authors: Perrier Stephane , Darakhshan Froogh , Hajduch Eric
Published: November 2006

This minireview gets an insight into recent findings on the implication of IL‐1ra and its gene polymorphism in diabetes and obesity, discusses the potential dual effects of IL‐1ra observed in different models, and comments on future directions.
Vital Force and homœopathy
Authors: Hacker C.F.
Published: November 2006

1. A connection is found between Hahnemann's conception of Vital Force and that of Cannon's “homœostasis”, which is maintained by the autonomic nervous system.

2. Vital Force is traced to source in the embryo as it builds its body. It is seen laying down the “dynamic determination” on the multiplying tissue cells, and operating from the central mesodermal column, the notochord, to induct the Individuation Field of the elongating gastrula and differentiating neurula.

3. A vital link between the notochord and the diencephalic centres isemphasized.

4. The period of functional development sees the embryonic strugglebetween the autonomic system and the gene award. Such conflict is causative of defective autonomic balance, and the results have been noted by Hahnemann as the miasma, the psora, the sycoses.

5. The thalamus, as the seat of sensory consciousness receiving both visceral and somatic sensory impulses transmits the sensory tone of the underlying autonomic fluster to the cerebral cortex for cognition. Such cognition is reported as symptoms, “I. …, My …”, thus giving the homœopathic picture of the “abnormally disturbed Vital Force”.

6. The factors required in the blood's biochemical changes to maintain constant its pH level are given. The varying balance of the NaHCO3/H2CO3 content and Ca/K ratio may be related to Schuessler's “tissue remedies”.

7. Such acid-base equilibrium is dependent on the autonomic functioning, which if impaired in the embryonic conflict is causative of allergy.

8. Investigation of allergic factors produces an interesting formula ofhomœopathic significance, that shows the selected homœopathic remedy to be the catalyst key which declutches the autonomic imbalance.

9. The varying bioelectric potential across the autonomic nerve gangliabetween diencephalic centres and fluid matrix brings about their functional activity and depression.

10. A plea is made for a biochemical test of autonomic functioning.

The autonomic nervous system is the meeting-ground of the homœopathicand allopathic divisions of medicine.

If the disease process is acute or prolonged without permitting adequate intervals of functional rest to enable regrowth of its essential chromatin store, neurone degeneration follows. Such changes are not related to any specific bacterial action, but result from continuous functioning to exhaustion.

The initial build-up of the autonomic path in reaction-response to externalstimuli is the essential basis of the individual's “modalities”.
A proboscidean from the late Oligocene of Eritrea, a “missing link” between early Elephantiformes and Elephantimorpha, and biogeographic implications
Authors: Shoshani Jeheskel , Walter Robert C. , Abraha Michael , Berhe Seife , Tassy Pascal , Sanders William J. , Marchant Gary H. , Libsekal Yosief , Ghirmai Tesfalidet , Zinner Dietmar
Published: November 2006

We report on a late Oligocene proboscidean species from Eritrea, dated to 26.8 ± 1.5 Mya. This “missing link” between early elephantiformes and Elephantimorpha is the oldest known nongomphothere proboscidean to probably display horizontal tooth displacement, typical of elephants [Elephantimorpha consists of Mammutida (mastodons) and Elephantida, and Elephantida includes gomphotheres, stegodons, and elephants]. Together with the newly discovered late Oligocene gomphotheres from Chilga, Ethiopia, the Eritrean taxon points to the importance of East Africa as a major area for the knowledge of the early evolution of Elephantimorpha before the faunal exchange between Eurasia and Africa.
SK channels mediate NADPH oxidase-independent reactive oxygen species production and apoptosis in granulocytes
Authors: Fay Alex J. , Qian Xiang , Jan Yuh Nung , Jan Lily Yeh
Published: November 2006

Neutrophils are immune cells that bind to, engulf, and destroy bacterial and fungal pathogens in infected tissue, and their clearance by apoptosis is essential for the resolution of inflammation. Killing involves both oxidative and nonoxidative processes, the oxidative pathway requiring electrogenic production of superoxide by the membrane-bound NADPH oxidase complex. A variety of stimuli, from bacterial chemotactic peptides to complement- or IgG-opsonized microbes, can induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by neutrophils, presumably by means of NADPH oxidase. We report here that 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone (1-EBIO), an activator of Ca2+-activated potassium channels of small conductance (SK) and intermediate conductance (IK), causes production of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide by neutrophils and granulocyte-differentiated PLB-985 cells. This response can be partially inhibited by the SK blocker apamin, which inhibits a Ca2+-activated K+current in these cells. Analysis of RNA transcripts indicates that channels encoded by the SK3 gene carry this current. The effects of 1-EBIO and apamin are independent of the NADPH oxidase pathway, as demonstrated by using a PLB-985 cell line lacking the gp91phoxsubunit. Rather, 1-EBIO and apamin modulate mitochondrial ROS production. Consistent with the enhanced ROS production and K+efflux mediated by 1-EBIO, we found that this SK opener increased apoptosis of PLB-985 cells. Together, these findings suggest a previously uncharacterized mechanism for the regulation of neutrophil ROS production and programmed cell death.
Source reduction of mosquito larval habitats has unexpected consequences on malaria transmission
Authors: Gu Weidong , Regens James L. , Beier John C. , Novak Robert J.
Published: November 2006

Reduction of aquatic habitats through environmental management mitigates malaria transmission not only by reducing emergence of host-seeking mosquitoes, but also by increasing the amount of time required for vectors to locate oviposition sites. However, the consequence of source reduction on mosquito oviposition has largely been neglected in evaluations of environment-management programs. Here, by theoretically examining the relationship between the time spent for oviposition and the availability of aquatic habitats, we show that prolonged oviposition cycles induced by source reduction account for a great deal of reductions in the basic reproductive rate of malaria, especially when aquatic habitats are scarce and the mosquito's flight ability is limited. Neglecting this mechanism may lead to substantial underestimation of the impact of source reduction of aquatic habitats on malaria transmission. Our findings suggest that the prolonged duration of the gonotrophic cycle might be one of the important mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of environment-management interventions for malaria control.
Characterization of a Divinyl Ether Biosynthetic Pathway Specifically Associated with Pathogenesis in Tobacco
Authors: Fammartino Alessandro , Cardinale Francesca , Göbel Cornelia , Mène-Saffrané Laurent , Fournier Joëlle , Feussner Ivo , Esquerré-Tugayé Marie-Thérèse
Published: November 2006

In tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), an elicitor- and pathogen-induced 9-lipoxygenase (LOX) gene, NtLOX1, is essential for full resistance to pathogens, notably to an incompatible race of Phytophthora parasitica var. nicotianae (Ppn race 0). In this work, we aimed to identify those oxylipins induced during attempted infection by Ppn race 0 and down-regulated in NtLOX1 antisense plants. Here we show that colneleic and colnelenic acids, which significantly inhibit germination of Ppn zoospores, are produced in roots of wild-type plants inoculated with Ppn, but are down-regulated in NtLOX1 antisense plants. A search for a tobacco gene encoding the enzyme involved in the formation of these divinyl ether (DVE) fatty acids resulted in the cloning and characterization of a DVE synthase (DES) clone (NtDES1). NtDES1 is a 9-DES, specifically converting fatty acid 9-hydroperoxides into DVE fatty acids. NtDES1 has the potential to act in combination with NtLOX1 because, in the presence of the two enzymes, linoleic and linolenic acids were converted in vitro into colneleic and colnelenic acids, respectively. In addition, the pattern of NtDES1 gene expression was quite similar to that of NtLOX1. Their transcripts were undetected in healthy tissues from different plant organs, and accumulated locally and transiently after elicitation and fungal infection, but not after wounding. Visualization of NtDES1-yellow fluorescent protein and NtLOX1-cyan fluorescent protein fusion proteins in tobacco leaves indicated that both localize in the cytosol and are excluded from plastids, consistent with the presumed location of the 9-LOX pathway in plants and the lack of transit peptides for NtLOX1 and NtDES1, respectively. Our data suggest that, in tobacco, NtDES1 and NtLOX1 act together and form DVEs in response to pathogen attack and that this class of oxylipins modulates in vivo the outcome of the tobacco-Ppn race 0 interaction.
The Crystal Structure of Arabidopsis thaliana Allene Oxide Cyclase: Insights into the Oxylipin Cyclization Reaction
Authors: Hofmann Eckhard , Zerbe Philipp , Schaller Florian
Published: November 2006

We describe the crystallization and structure elucidation of Arabidopsis thaliana allene oxide cyclase 2 (AOC2), a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of jasmonates. In a coupled reaction with allene oxide synthase, AOC2 releases the first cyclic and biologically active metabolite, 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (OPDA). AOC2 (AT3G25770) folds into an eight-stranded antiparallel β-barrel with a C-terminal partial helical extension. The protein forms a hydrophobic binding cavity with two distinct polar patches. AOC2 is trimeric in crystals, in vitro and in planta. Based on the observed folding pattern, we assigned AOC2 as a low molecular weight member of the lipocalin family with enzymatic activity in plants. We determined the binding position of the competitive inhibitor vernolic acid (a substrate analog) in the binding pocket. Based on models for bound substrate 12,13-epoxy-9,11,15-octadecatrienoic acid and product OPDA, we propose a reaction scheme that explains the influence of the C15 double bond on reactivity. Reaction is promoted by anchimeric assistance through a conserved Glu residue. The transition state with a pentadienyl carbocation and an oxyanion is stabilized by a strongly bound water molecule and favorable π–π interactions with aromatic residues in the cavity. Stereoselectivity results from steric restrictions to the necessary substrate isomerizations imposed by the protein.
Leg flow-mediated arterial dilation in elderly patients with heart failure and normal left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Hundley W. Gregory , Bayram Ersin , Hamilton Craig A. , Hamilton Eric A. , Morgan Timothy M. , Darty Stephen N. , Stewart Kathryn P. , Link Kerry M. , Herrington David M. , Kitzman Dalane W.
Published: November 2006

Background: flow-mediated arterial dilation (FMAD), an indicator of endothelial function, is reduced in patients with heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFREF). Many elderly patients with heart failure exhibit a normal left ventricular ejection fraction (HFNEF). It is unknown whether FMAD is severely reduced in the elderly with HFNEF. Methods and Results: 30 participants >60 yr of age, 11 healthy, 9 with HFNEF, and 10 with HFREF, underwent a cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) assessment of FMAD in the superficial femoral artery followed within 48 h by symptom-limited exercise with expired gas analysis. Elderly patients with HFREF and HFNEF had severely reduced peak oxygen consumption (V̇o2 peak; 12 ± 2 and 13 ± 1 ml·kg−1·min−1, respectively) vs. their healthy age-matched contemporaries (20 ± 3 ml·kg−1·min−1). FMAD was 3.8 ± 1.3% (0.85 ± 0.22 mm2) in patients with HFREF; it was 12.1 ± 3.6% (3.1 ± 1.2 mm2) and 13.7 ± 5.9% (3.9 ± 1.7 mm2), respectively, in patients with HFNEF and age-matched healthy older individuals. After adjustment for age and gender, the association of FMAD with V̇o2 was high in healthy and HFREF subjects ( P = 0.05 and 0.02, respectively) but less so in HFNEF participants ( P = 0.58). Conclusions: elderly patients with HFNEF do not exhibit marked reduction in leg FMAD. These data suggest that mechanisms other than impaired femoral arterial endothelial function contribute to the severe exercise intolerance experienced by these individuals.
Differential effects of lower body negative pressure and upright tilt on splanchnic blood volume
Authors: Taneja Indu , Moran Christopher , Medow Marvin S. , Glover June L. , Montgomery Leslie D. , Stewart Julian M.
Published: November 2006

Upright posture and lower body negative pressure (LBNP) both induce reductions in central blood volume. However, regional circulatory responses to postural changes and LBNP may differ. Therefore, we studied regional blood flow and blood volume changes in 10 healthy subjects undergoing graded lower-body negative pressure (−10 to −50 mmHg) and 8 subjects undergoing incremental head-up tilt (HUT; 20°, 40°, and 70°) on separate days. We continuously measured blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and regional blood volumes and blood flows in the thoracic, splanchnic, pelvic, and leg segments by impedance plethysmography and calculated regional arterial resistances. Neither LBNP nor HUT altered systolic BP, whereas pulse pressure decreased significantly. Blood flow decreased in all segments, whereas peripheral resistances uniformly and significantly increased with both HUT and LBNP. Thoracic volume decreased while pelvic and leg volumes increased with HUT and LBNP. However, splanchnic volume changes were directionally opposite with stepwise decreases in splanchnic volume with LBNP and stepwise increases in splanchnic volume during HUT. Splanchnic emptying in LBNP models regional vascular changes during hemorrhage. Splanchnic filling may limit the ability of the splanchnic bed to respond to thoracic hypovolemia during upright posture.
Thromboxane hypersensitivity in hypoxic pulmonary artery myocytes: altered TP receptor localization and kinetics
Authors: Hinton Martha , Gutsol Alex , Dakshinamurti Shyamala
Published: November 2006

Hypoxia-induced neonatal persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) is characterized by sustained vasospasm and increased thromboxane (TxA2)-to-prostacyclin ratio. We previously demonstrated that moderate hypoxia induces myocyte TxA2hypersensitivity. Here, we examined TxA2prostanoid receptor (TP-R) localization and kinetics following hypoxia to determine the mechanism of hypoxia-induced TxA2hypersensitivity. Primary cultured neonatal pulmonary artery myocytes were exposed to 10% O2(hypoxic myocytes; HM) or 21% O2(normoxic myocytes; NM) for 3 days. PPHN was induced in neonatal piglets by in vivo exposure to 10% FiO2for 3 days. TP-R was studied in whole lung sections from pigs with hypoxic PPHN- and age-matched controls; intracellular localization was studied by immunocytochemistry. TP-R affinity was studied in cultured myocytes by saturation binding kinetics using3H-SQ-29548 and competitive binding kinetics by coincubation with U-46619. Phosphorylation and coupling were examined in immunoprecipitated TP-R. We report distal propagation of TP-R expression in PPHN, extending to pulmonary arteries <50 μm. In HM, intracellular TP-R moves towards the perinuclear region, mirroring a change in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) morphology. TP-R kinetics also alter in HM membranes, with decreased Kdand Bmax(maximal binding sites). Additionally, in hypoxia,3H-SQ-29548 is displaced at lower concentration of U-46619 than in normoxia, suggesting increased agonist affinity. Phosphorylation of serine residues on HM TP-R was significantly decreased compared with NM; this difference correlated with increased Gαqcoupling in hypoxia and was ablated by incubation with PKA. We conclude that the TP-R is normally desensitized in the neonatal pulmonary circuit by PKA-mediated regulatory phosphorylation, decreasing ligand affinity and coupling to Gαq; this protection is lost following hypoxic exposure. Also, the appearance of TP-R in resistance arteries after development of hypoxic PPHN may contribute to increased pulmonary arterial pressure.
Determination of the Adsorption Equilibrium of Alcohols and Alkenes on a Sulphonated Styrene–Divinylbenzene Copolymer
Authors: Słomkiewicz Piotr M.
Published: November 2006

The adsorption equilibrium constants of the alcohols: methanol, ethanol and propan-1-ol, and of the alkenes: 2-methylpropene, 2-methylbut-1-ene, 2-methylbut-2-ene, 2-methylpent-1-ene, 2-methylpent-2-ene and 2-methylhex-2-ene, onto the sulphonated styrene–divinylbenzene copolymer Amberlyst 15 were determined by inverse gas chromatography. During the adsorption measurements, catalytic reactions such as dehydration of the alcohols as well as isomerization and dimerization of the alkenes were controlled to see whether or not they occurred on the surface of Amberlyst 15. The physical integrity of the adsorption equilibrium constants determined experimentally for the alkenes was verified by calculation of their adsorption enthalpies and the use of Boudart's rules.
Parity effects in an implicit‐learning task
Authors: Didierjean André
Published: November 2006

Is it possible to extract knowledge from complex material and then unknowingly use it? This key question in the field of implicit learning is addressed here in three experiments using the invariant paradigm. The experiments showed that after seeing a series of items consisting of pairs of 2‐digit numbers (e.g. [52; 74]) governed by a rule, subjects judged that new items that followed the rule were more familiar than ones that did not. Experiment 1 showed that this effect was observed when all bigrams seen in phase 2 were new. Experiments 2 and 3 controlled for some ‘classic’ biases and showed that the effect depended on what rule was at stake. An effect was observed only if the rule used brought to bear a salient categorical property in memory: parity.
What Might an Islamist Gender Discourse Look Like?
Authors: Marcotte Roxanne D.
Published: November 2006

This paper attempts to review some of the arguments that lie beneath the gender discourse of Egyptian Islamists and argues that, contrary to common perceptions, and in spite of their fundamentalist understanding of Islam, modernity is influencing Islamist discourses on gender. Egyptian Heba Raouf Ezzat’s gender discourse, for example, is indebted to new feminist critiques of the Islamic tradition. The Islamist discourse on gender becomes, therefore, a modern construct that tries to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity and to reconcile two sets of principles: the traditional and patriarchal religious conception of women’s nature, role, and rights, and the new modern understanding of Muslim women’s social and political roles. In what follows, we will present Ezzat’s criticism of feminism and her own Islamic feminist project, which is best illustrated with her own understanding of Islamic methods of reformation in Islam and of religious interpretations, and her understanding of a non-binary gendered space.
Low Electrical Percolation Threshold of Silver and Copper Nanowires in Polystyrene Composites
Authors: Gelves G. A. , Lin B. , Sundararaj U. , Haber J. A.
Published: November 2006

Silver and copper nanowires have been synthesized using a scalable method of AC electrodeposition into porous aluminum oxide templates, which produces gram quantities of metal nanowires ca. 25 nm in diameter and up to 5 and 10 μm in length for Ag and Cu, respectively. The nanowires have been used to prepare polystyrene nanocomposites by solution processing. Electrical resistivity measurements performed on polymer nanocomposites containing different volume fractions of metal indicate that low percolation thresholds of nanowires are attained between compositions of 0.25 and 0.75 vol %.
Platinum Binuclear Complexes as Phosphorescent Dopants for Monochromatic and White Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Ma B. , Djurovich P. I. , Garon S. , Alleyne B. , Thompson M. E.
Published: November 2006

Efficient blue‐, green‐, and red‐light‐emitting organic diodes are fabricated using binuclear platinum complexes as phosphorescent dopants. The series of complexes used here have pyrazolate bridging ligands and the general formula C∧NPt(μ‐pz)2PtC∧N (where C∧N = 2‐(4′,6′‐difluorophenyl)pyridinato‐N,C2′, pz = pyrazole (1), 3‐methyl‐5‐tert‐butylpyrazole (2), and 3,5‐bis(tert‐butyl)pyrazole (3)). The Pt–Pt distance in the complexes, which decreases in the order 1 > 2 > 3, solely determines the electroluminescence color of the organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Blue OLEDs fabricated using 8 % 1 doped into a 3,5‐bis(N‐carbazolyl)benzene (mCP) host have a quantum efficiency of 4.3 % at 120 Cd m–2, a brightness of 3900 Cd m–2 at 12 V, and Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.11, 0.24). Green and red OLEDs fabricated with 2 and 3, respectively, also give high quantum efficiencies (∼ 6.7 %), with CIE coordinates of (0.31, 0.63) and (0.59, 0.46), respectively. The current‐density–voltage characteristics of devices made using dopants 2 and 3 indicate that hole trapping is enhanced by short Pt–Pt distances (< 3.1 Å). Blue electrophosphorescence is achieved by taking advantage of the binuclear molecular geometry in order to suppress dopant intermolecular interactions. No evidence of low‐energy emission from aggregate states is observed in OLEDs made with 50 % 1 doped into mCP. OLEDs made using 100 % 1 as an emissive layer display red luminescence, which is believed to originate from distorted complexes with compressed Pt–Pt separations located in defect sites within the neat film. White OLEDs are fabricated using 1 and 3 in three different device architectures, either with one or two dopants in dual emissive layers or both dopants in a single emissive layer. All the white OLEDs have high quantum efficiency (∼ 5 %) and brightness (∼ 600 Cd m–2 at 10 V).
Familism and mental health: variation between Asian American children of refugees and immigrants
Authors: Ying Yu‐Wen , Han Meekyung
Published: November 2006

Informed by a psychoanalytic theory, the current study aimed to examine variation in the acculturation of Asian American refugees and immigrants, their children's endorsement of familism, and its mental health consequences. Specifically, we hypothesized that refugees would acculturate less than immigrants, which, in turn, would partially mediate a higher endorsement of familism in the former's children. Furthermore, we hypothesized that familism would negatively impact the mental health of children of refugees but not that of children of immigrants. The study used data from the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Study (CILS). A group of 491 Asian American refugee and 391 immigrant parents and their adolescent children served as the sample. As predicted, refugees were less acculturated than immigrants, which partially mediated the effect of migration type on their children's level of familism. Also, as predicted, familism negatively impacted the mental health of children of refugees but not that of children of immigrants. Implications for mental health services targeting this population are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transcatheter repair of iatrogenic left ventricular free‐wall perforation
Authors: Vogel Rolf , Windecker Stephan , Meier Bernhard
Published: November 2006

Left ventricular free‐wall perforation can complicate catheter‐based diagnostic or interventional procedures and may require immediate needle pericardiocentesis followed by surgical repair in about 20% of the cases. We describe the transcatheter closure of a left ventricular free‐wall perforation as an option in the event of maintained access to the perforation site after defect creation. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coronary air embolism: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Dib Joud , Boyle Andrew J. , Chan Michael , Resar Jon R.
Published: November 2006

Coronary air embolism is a complication in the catheterization laboratory that can be associated with high morbidity and even mortality. A case report of air embolism and methods to prevent this complication from occurring are presented along with various management techniques. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cardiac catheterization in infants weighing less than 1,500 grams
Authors: Sutton Nicole , Lock James E. , Geggel Robert L.
Published: November 2006

Background:

The improved survival of very low‐birth‐weight (<1,500 g) infants justifies more aggressive attempts to treat underlying congenital heart disease than in the past.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed all catheterizations performed at our institution between January 1, 1990 and June 1, 2004 in infants weighing <1,500 g. We performed a 3:1 case–control study. Comparisons were randomly selected from a group of patients catheterized within 6 months of the cases and weighing 2–3 kg. All catheterization data, angiograms, and hospital charts were reviewed.

Results:

Eighteen patients weighing <1,500 g underwent catheterization. Fifty‐four patients were selected as comparisons. There were no significant differences in the age at catheterization, procedure time, fluoroscopy time, or contrast amount (cc/kg). The lower‐birth‐weight infants were more likely to be premature (median age 29 vs. 37 weeks, P < 0.001), and to have left‐sided obstructive lesions including aortic stenosis or coarctation. The comparison patients were more likely to be postoperative (28% vs. 0%, P = 0.02), and included a higher number with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. There was an increased incidence of interventions performed in the lower‐birth‐weight infants (83% vs. 41%, P = 0.002). There was a difference in the interventions performed between the two groups: the comparisons had more atrial septal procedures, and the lower‐birth‐weight infants had more coarctation dilations and aortic valve dilations. There were no significant differences in the acute success rate of the procedures (100% vs. 95%), overall complication rate (56 vs. 57%), incidence of blood transfusions (44 vs. 30%), or major complications (11 vs. 13%) between the lower‐birth‐weight and comparison groups respectively. There was a trend towards higher survival rate in the comparison group in this small study population, but it did not reach significance (80 vs. 61%, P = 0.13).

Conclusions:

Cardiac catheterization in neonates <1,500 g is more likely to include percutaneous intervention, especially on the left side, but is generally successful with a complication rate similar to procedures performed in larger infants. Although these procedures are rare, improved miniaturization of equipment would facilitate safer interventions. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Dissymmetrical Double Schiff Base Cu(II) Homobinuclear and Cu(II)‐Mg(II)‐Cu(II) Heterotrinuclear Complexes
Authors: Tao Ruo‐Jie , Mei Chong‐Zhen , Liu Bing‐Tao , Niu Jing‐Yang
Published: November 2006

Homobinuclear complex (HCuL)2 (1) (H3L: N‐3‐carboxylsalicylidene‐N′‐salicylaldehyde‐1,2‐diaminoethane) was obtained from self‐organization of the reported complex HCuL, and its crystal structure was determined through X‐ray diffraction at room temperature. The crystal of complex 1 belongs to monolinic system, the space group Cc, a=2.5326(5) nm, b=0.88861(18) nm, c=1.3738(3) nm, β=96.95(3)°, Z=4, R1=0.0520, wR2=0.1185. (HCuL)2 is a dimeric molecule and has extended phenolic oxygen‐bridged structure. In addition, using mononuclear complex HCuL as building blocks, Cu(II)‐Mg(II)‐Cu(II) heterotrinuclear complex 2 was synthesized, and its crystal structure also has been determined by X‐ray analysis. The crystal of complex 2 is of monoclinic system, space group Pc, a=1.1816(2) nm, b=1.5599(3) nm, c=1.9642 (4) nm, β=98.22°, Z=2, R1=0.0701, wR2=0.1498. Each dissymmetrical cell unit of complex 2 contains two heterotrinucler neutral molecules: {[CuL(H2O)]Mg[CuL(CH3OH)]} and {[CuL]Mg[CuL(H2O)]}.
Development of an RPLC‐based Method for Measurement of Indoprofen Stability and Validation of the Method
Authors: Liou Yi‐Bo , Chen Fu‐An , Lee Jen‐Ai , Ho Hsiu‐O , Wu An‐Bang
Published: November 2006

A method for quantitative measurement of the photochemical decomposition of the anti‐inflammatory agent, indoprofen (INP) is descriped. An RPLC‐based assay that could determine the extent of degradation of INP in a rapid, sensitive, and accurate manner was developed. The method was validated under photoirradiation. Quantitation was monitored with an Inertsil ODS‐3V column using a mobile phase of acetonitril and 1% HOAc solution in deionized H2O. Statistics relevant to the system criteria, peak integrity and resolution among the parent drug and its degradation products were performed. From the intra‐ and inter‐day tests, the coefficients of variation were found to range from 0.59% to 4.25% for the former and from 0.71% to 4.86% for the latter. The good selectivity and specificity of this RPLC‐based procedure render it suitable for measurements of INP stability.
Synthesis, Mesogenic and Spectroscopic Properties of 2,5‐Disubstituted Thiophene Derivatives
Authors: Han Jie , Wang Yan‐Mei , Wang Xiao‐Guang
Published: November 2006

Two series of 2,5‐disubstituted thiophene derivatives (series 1: 2,5‐bis(p‐alkoxyphenylethynyl)thiophene and series 2: 2,5‐bis[p‐(p‐alkoxyphenylethynyl)(phenylethynyl)]thiophene) were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HRMS and elemental analysis. The relationship between the structure and the mesogenic and spectroscopic properties has been discussed. The results show that compounds 1a–1f all exhibited an enantiotropic nematic mesophase, which was confirmed by the polarized optical microscopy (POM), differential scanningcalorimeter (DSC) and variable temperature powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD). In contrast, the extended conjugated analogues 2a–2b had no liquid crystal properties. As for the spectroscopic properties, incorporating more phenylethynyl units results in red‐shifted absorption and emission spectra, greatly enhanced quantum efficiency.
Implicit domain decomposition methods for coupled analysis of offshore platforms
Authors: Rodrigues Marcos Vinícius , Correa Fabrício Nogueira , Jacob Breno Pinheiro
Published: November 2006

This work presents the implementation of optimized numerical tools for the coupled analysis of floating platforms for offshore oil exploitation. The focus is on time‐domain, nonlinear dynamic analysis, considering the coupling between the hydrodynamic behaviour of the hull and the structural behaviour of the mooring lines and risers modelled by finite elements (FEs). Some aspects of the formulation and solution of the large‐amplitude equations of motion of the hull of the platform are presented, including a brief description of the hydrodynamic models and calculation of the environmental forces. The main aspects of the formulation for the spatial and time discretization of the structural model for the lines are also discussed. Since coupled analyses may require excessive computational costs, the objective of this work is to present the implementation and application of domain decomposition methods, adapted and specialized for the problem at hand, in order to optimize the efficiency of the computational tool. Two groups of domain decomposition methods are considered: the first is a subcycling technique that takes into account the natural partition that exists between the hull and the lines; the second considers the internal decomposition of the mesh of FEs to represent the mooring lines and risers. The methods are devised having in mind their implementation in computers with parallel architecture. Results of a numerical application are presented in order to assess the performance of the methods. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of bulimia nervosa: Where are we and where are we going?
Authors: Mitchell James E. , Agras Stewart , Wonderlich Stephen
Published: November 2006

Objective:

The purpose of this article is to review the extant treatment literature on bulimia nervosa and to offer suggestions for future research directions.

Method:

The available treatment studies regarding both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are reviewed.

Results:

Both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy appear to play a role in the treatment of bulimia nervosa; however, available data suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy remains the treatment of choice.

Conclusion:

Additional work is clearly indicated regarding assisted and unassisted self‐help. An enhanced form of CBT and the integrative cognitive‐affective therapy both deserve further study. New approaches need to be piloted. More research is needed on treatment modeling. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2006
Coordinative Versatility of Guanazole [3,5‐Diamino‐1,2,4‐triazole]: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, EPR, and Magnetic Properties of a Dinuclear and a Linear Trinuclear Copper(II) Complex Containing Small Bridges and Triazole Ligands
Authors: Aznar Elena , Ferrer Sacramento , Borrás Joaquín , Lloret Francesc , Liu‐González Malva , Rodríguez‐Prieto Héctor , García‐Granda Santiago
Published: November 2006

New complexes with guanazole (3,5‐diamino‐1,2,4‐triazole = Hdatrz), [Cu2(Hdatrz)2(μ‐OH2)(H2O)4(SO4)](SO4)·3.5H2O (1) and [Cu3(Hdatrz)4(μ‐Cl)2(H2O)4(SO4)2]·11.4H2O (2), have been prepared and structurally characterized. Complex 1 is a noncentrosymmetric dinuclear compound in which the copper(II) ions are bridged by two triazole ligands and one μ‐OH2 molecule, with a Cu(1)···Cu(2) distance of 3.4945(8) Å. The chromophores are Cu(1)N2O2O′ (square pyramidal), and Cu(2)N2O2O′O″ (octahedral). Complex 2 has a linear trinuclear copper(II) structure, with two crystallographically independent copper(II) atoms. Neighboring copper(II) ions are linked by two triazole ligands and one slightly asymmetric chlorido bridge. The intratrimeric Cu(1)···Cu(2) distance is 3.5602 (4) Å. Cu(2), the central copper, is coordinated to N4Cl2 (octahedral) while Cu(1), the terminal copper, is coordinated to N2O2ClO′ (also octahedral). Magnetic susceptibility measurements (2–300 K) are in accordance with the dinuclear (1) and trinuclear (2) nature of these compounds. The best‐fit parameters, obtained with the Hamiltonian H =–JΣi<jSiSj, are as follows: g = 2.10(1) and J = –94.3(2) cm–1 for 1; and gcentral = 2.12(1), gperipheral = 2.07(1), and J =–89.9(3) cm–1 for 2. Compound 1, which has an unprecedented folded bridging {Cu(N–N)2Cu} system, exhibits a magnetic exchange comparable to that of related planar compounds. Comparison of the magneto‐structural properties of 2 with those of analogous linear trinuclear compounds has made a first approach to the relative magnitude of the J value possible. The Q‐band powder spectra, which were recorded in a range from 4 K to room temperature, are in agreement with the magnetic susceptibility measurements. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
N‐Acetylation as a Means to Activate Polyfluoroarylamines for Selective ortho‐Hydrodefluorination by Zinc in Aqueous Ammonia: A Concise Route to Polyfluorobenzo Azaheterocycles
Authors: Laev Sergey S. , Gurskaya Larisa Yu. , Selivanova Galina A. , Beregovaya Irina V. , Shchegoleva Lyudmila N. , Vasil’eva Nadezhda V. , Shakirov Makhmut M. , Shteingarts Vitalij D.
Published: November 2006

N‐Acetylation of polyfluoroarylamines is proposed as a meansto remove the amino group blocking effect of their hydrodefluorination by zinc in aqueous ammonia. With pentafluoroacetanilide, the Zn ion specific effect has been demonstrated to be responsible for ortho hydrodefluorination. This regiochemistry is accompanied by the removal of a fluorine atom from the para position, which occurs predominantly in the initial phase of the process in the absence of deliberately added zinc salt. The CuCl2 additive has been found to accelerate the reaction and to propel it to double defluorination. Quantum chemical calculations suggest a diminished electron affinity of pentafluoroaniline, which is responsible for its inertness in relation to the hydrodefluorination reaction. The pentafluoroaniline radical anion, which essentially has a nonplanar structure, is prone to easy fragmentation to give an aminotetrafluorophenyl radical. For pentafluoroacetanilide, CVA experiments and quantum chemical calculations predict that the pentafluorophenyl moiety serves as the electron receptor and that the acetamido group is twisted out of coplanarity with the benzene ring; thus, together with the electron‐withdrawing effect of the acetyl group, the amino group blocking effect is suppressed. On this ground, the selective ortho hydrodefluorination of polyfluoroacetanilides is developed as an important protocol for the expeditious and general synthesis of polyfluorobenzo azaheterocycles via readily accessible polyfluoroarylamines from base polyfluoroarenes. Its applicability has been illustrated by preparing quinolines that possess a polyfluorinated benzene moiety by the Skraup synthesis utilizing crude polyfluoroacetanilide hydrodefluorination products as starting materials. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)