bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cathodic electrochemiluminescence of acetonitrile, acetonitrile–1,10‐phenanthroline and acetonitrile–ternary Eu(III) complexes at a gold electrode
Authors: Yu Hong‐Xiao , Cui Hua , Guan Jun‐Bo
Published: January 2006

Cathodic electrochemiluminescence (ECL) behaviours of the acetonitrile, acetonitrile–1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) and acetonitrile–ternary Eu(III) complex systems at a gold electrode were studied. One very weak cathodic ECL‐2 at −3.5 V was observed in 0.1 mol/L tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TBABF4) acetonitrile solution. When 10 mmol/L tetrabutylammonium peroxydisulphate [(TBA)2S2O8] was added to 0.1 mol/L TBABF4 acetonitrile solution, another cathodic ECL‐1 at −2.7 V appeared and the potential for ECL‐2 was shifted from −3.5 to −3.1 V. Furthermore, ECL‐2 intensity was enhanced about 20‐fold. When 1 × 10−4 mol/L phen was added to 0.1 mol/L TBABF4 + 10 mmol/L (TBA)2S2O8 acetonitrile solution, the ECL intensities of ECL‐1 and ECL‐2 were enhanced about 20‐fold compared with those of 0.1 mol/L TBABF4 + 10 mmol/L (TBA)2S2O8 acetonitrile solution. The maximum emission peaks of ECL‐1 and ECL‐2 in the three systems mentioned above appeared at about 530 nm. The products obtained by electrolysing 0.1 mol/L TBABF4 acetonitrile solution at −3.5 V for 20 min were analysed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and the emitter of ECL‐1 and ECL‐2 was identified as excited state polyacetonitrile. When ternary Eu(III) complexes were presented in 0.1 mol/L TBABF4 + 10 mmol/L (TBA)2S2O8 acetonitrile solution, another maximum emission peak with a narrow band centred at about 610 nm appeared in ECL‐1 in addition to the maximum emission peaks at about 530 nm for ECL‐1 and ECL‐2. The emitter of ECL emission at 610 nm was identified as the excited states Eu(III)*. The mechanisms for cathodic ECL behaviours of the acetonitrile, acetonitrile–phen and acetonitrile–ternary Eu(III) complex systems at a gold electrode have been proposed. The extremely sharp emission bands for ternary Eu(III) complexes may have analytical potential. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of preparation conditions on the fluorescence properties of Eu(Sal)3Phen
Authors: Yang Cheng , Liu Li , Gao Yi , Zhang Wan , Zhang Xiujuan , Zhang Liqun
Published: January 2006

The influence of the synthesis conditions (method and sequence of adding reagents, reaction temperature, stirring rate) on the luminescence performance of the rare earth ternary complex compound europium‐salicylic acid‐(1,10‐phenanthroline) [Eu(Sal)3Phen] was studied. We show that the method and sequence of adding reagents greatly affects the luminescence properties of the products. Within the range of synthesis temperatures (30–70°C), the complex has a better luminescence performance at the lower temperature. However, performance decreased when the temperature decreased to 20°C. Increase of stirring rate led to better performance in the range 200–700 r.p.m. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) were utilized to characterize the structure and morphology of Eu(Sal)3Phen. The studies demonstrate that the crystallization of the product increased with increasing luminescence of the product. Therefore, it is proposed that increasing the crystallization of the product will enhance its luminescence performance. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of tetracycline, chlortetracycline and oxytetracycline by flow injection with inhibitory chemiluminescence detection using copper(II) as a probe ion
Authors: Han Suqin , Liu Erbao , Li Hua
Published: January 2006

This paper reports an indirect flow‐injection (FI) method for the determination of the tetracycline drugs (TCs), tetracycline (TC), chlortetracycline (CTC) and oxytetracycline (OTC), using copper(II) as a probe ion. The method was based on the inhibition caused by these TCs to the copper(II)‐catalysed chemiluminescence (CL) reaction between luminol and H2O2. The CL reaction was induced on‐line and injection of the sample produced negative peaks as a result of the copper(II) complexation or displacement by the analytes. The height of the peaks was proportional to the drug concentration in the sample. The choice of the catalyst ion, the concentration of luminol, H2O2 and copper(II) are discussed. The linear range was 3.6 × 10−8–1.0 × 10−5, 1.1 × 10−7–1.0 × 10−5 and 1.9 × 10−7–1.0 × 10−5 mol/L for TC, CTC and OTC, respectively. The detection limit was 5.0 × 10−9 mol/L for TC, 1.0 × 10−8 mol/L for CTC and 2.0 × 10−8 mol/L for OTC (3σ), respectively. The method was applied to the determination of TCs in pharmaceutical preparations and human urine with recoveries in the range 95–105%. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ω‐Hydrazino Linear Polyethylenimine: A Monoconjugation Building Block for Nucleic Acid Delivery
Authors: Pons Bénédicte , Mouhoubi Lila , Adib Abdennaji , Godzina Przemyslaw , Behr Jean‐Paul , Zuber Guy
Published: January 2006

Nonviral gene therapy requires efficient vectors that are able to deliver nucleic acids inside the targeted cell nucleus. Developing new tools for the synthesis of supramolecular vectors with improved transfection efficiency and better biodistribution is therefore a crucial issue. Here we describe the synthesis of a 140‐mer linear polyethylenimine (L‐PEI) terminated at one end by a highly nucleophilic hydrazine residue. This cationic polymer, whose backbone is well known for its remarkable gene‐delivery efficiency, constitutes a building block for ω‐regioselective conjugation to molecules through the formation of stable linkages such as the hydrazone bonds. To demonstrate the potential of the ω‐hydrazino linear polyethylenimine, human serum transferrin, a ligand that is well know to improve gene‐delivery systems, was used as a model of sensitive material. The blood protein was oxidized to generate an aldehyde function and was subsequently conjugated to hydrazino PEI. The new polyethylenimine–transferrin (PEI–Tf) vector was purified and was shown to condense plasmid DNA into compact superstructures compatible with cellular uptake. Finally, the cellular‐binding and gene‐delivery properties of PEI/DNA polyplexes incorporating different quantities of transferrin were evaluated by FACS analysis and luciferase assay.
Difficult retrieval of the EPI filterwire with a 5 French FR4 coronary catheter following carotid stenting
Authors: Ganim Rick P. , Muench Andreas , Giesler Gregory M. , Smalling Richard W.
Published: January 2006

Carotid angioplasty and stenting with an embolic protection device is emerging as a reasonable alternative to carotid endarterectomy in high‐risk patients. The deployment and retrieval of these devices, however, can be problematic. We describe a case where a 5 Fr FR4 coronary catheter was used to retrieve an EPI Filterwire device following carotid stenting. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Competition of Proton and Electron Transfers in Gas‐Phase Reactions of Hydrogen‐Containing Dications CHX2+ (X=F, Cl, Br, I) with Atoms, Nonpolar and Polar Molecules
Authors: Roithová Jana , Herman Zdenek , Schröder Detlef , Schwarz Helmut
Published: January 2006

The competition between proton and electron transfer in reactions of mass‐selected dications CHX2+ (X=F, Cl, Br, and I) with rare gas atoms (Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe) and selected molecular reagents (N2, O2, CO, H2O, and HCl) is studied in the gas phase. In the ion–molecule reactions of CHX2+ dications with atoms and nonpolar molecules, it is the energy balance of electron transfer that acts as the decisive factor: when the exothermicity of electron transfer exceeds 2 eV, this process predominates at the expense of bond‐forming proton transfer. In marked contrast, the reactions between these triatomic dications and polar molecules are governed for the benefit of the thermochemically more favored products resulting from proton transfer.
Can Substituted Cyclopentadiene Become Aromatic or Antiaromatic?
Authors: Stanger Amnon
Published: January 2006

Cyclopentadiene derivatives with electronegative (F, Cl) or electropositive (H3Si, Me3Si) bis‐5,5‐substituents were studied at the B3LYP/6‐311G* level of theory. It was found that there is no special stabilization or destabilization for any of the derivatives; the energetic effects that were previously attributed to aromatic stabilization or antiaromatic destabilization are the result of interactions in the reference systems. A nucleus‐independent chemical shift (NICS) scan study at the HF‐GIAO/6‐311+G* theoretical level of these and similar derivatives suggest that they all show different magnitudes of diamagnetic ring current. None of the derivatives shows a paramagnetic ring current. Thus, cyclopentadienes are neither aromatic nor antiaromatic. It is also concluded that a diamagnetic ring current is perhaps necessary but certainly not a sufficient condition for aromaticity. The NICS scan procedure describes the type of ring current in the system, whereas a single isotropic NICS value (i.e., NICS(1)) may wrongly assign the type of ring current. It is shown that neither NICS(1) nor the NICS scan procedure can be used as a single aromaticity criterion.
Triheterocyclic Thiadiazepine Derivatives of Pharmacological Interest: Synthesis of 2‐Aryl‐4‐[p‐(2,3‐dihydro‐5‐methyl‐2‐oxo‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐3‐yl)phenyl]‐6‐(un)substituent‐1′′,2′′,4′′‐triazolo[3′′,4′′‐b]‐1′,3′,4′‐thiadiazepine
Authors: Kamble Ravindre , Sudha Belagur
Published: January 2006

Synthesis of novel thiadiazepine derivatives based on the reactivity of 4‐acetylphenylsydnone (1) was reported. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds have been proved by their physical, analytical, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectral data.
A population‐based survey of prostate‐specific antigen testing among California men at higher risk for prostate carcinoma
Authors: Spencer Benjamin A. , Babey Susan H. , Etzioni David A. , Ponce Ninez A. , Brown E. Richard , Yu Hongjian , Chawla Neetu , Litwin Mark S.
Published: January 2006

BACKGROUND

Despite the lack of evidence demonstrating a survival benefit from prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening, its use has become widespread, organizations have encouraged physicians to discuss early detection of prostate carcinoma, and two higher risk groups have been recognized. In the current study, the authors examined whether African‐American men and men who had a family history of prostate carcinoma underwent PSA testing preferentially, and patterns of test use were examined according to age, race, and other factors.

METHODS

Data regarding self‐reported PSA test use in the past year among men age 50 years and older without a history of prostate carcinoma (n = 8713 men) were analyzed from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey.

RESULTS

The overall rate of PSA use was 43.0%. Older age, higher socioeconomic status, having a usual source of healthcare, and a family history of prostate carcinoma were the strongest predictors of testing. Higher risk African‐American men age 50 years and older were no more likely to be tested than white men. Men at higher risk who had a family history of prostate carcinoma were more likely to have been tested than men who had no such family history.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of PSA use among higher risk men who had a family history of prostate carcinoma were higher compared with the rates among men without such a family history. However, PSA testing rates among higher risk African‐American men were no different than the rates among lower risk white men, suggesting that some risk factors for prostate carcinoma (but not others) are associated with preferential testing. Testing in all groups was associated with access to care variables, highlighting the importance of removing barriers to preventive healthcare services. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Threshold‐based admission control for a multimedia Grid: analysis and performance evaluation
Authors: Zhang Yang , Cao Jiannong , Chen Xiaolin , Lu Sanglu , Xie Li
Published: January 2006

In a Grid‐based services system facing a large number of requests with different services and profits significance, there is always a trade‐off between the system profits and the Quality of Service (QoS). In such systems, admission control plays an important role: the system has to employ a proper strategy to make admission control decisions and reserve resources for the coming requests thus to achieve greater profits without violating the QoS of the requests already admitted. In this paper, we introduce three essential admission control strategies with threshold on resource reservation and a newly proposed strategy with layered threshold. Through comprehensive theoretical analyses and extensive simulations, we demonstrate that the strategy with layered threshold is more efficient and flexible than the existing strategies for Grid‐based multimedia services systems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GPGC: a Grid‐enabled parallel algorithm of geometric correction for remote‐sensing applications
Authors: Zhou Haifang , Yang Xujun , Liu Hengzhu , Tang Yu
Published: January 2006

ChinaGrid is an important project sponsored by the China Ministry of Education, aiming to provide high‐performance services in a Grid computing environment. In this paper, one of the applications offered by ChinaGrid, parallel remote‐sensing image processing, is described. Geometric correction is a basic step during the processing of remote‐sensing imagery, which is traditionally a computation‐intensive and communication‐intensive application if in parallel mode. In order to move this application into a Grid, a new Grid‐enabled parallel algorithm of geometric correction is proposed, called GPGC. GPGC changes the frequent and fine‐grain communication mode of the existing parallel method into a delayed but concentrated exchanging mode by computing an irregular local output area. This change means no communication or synchronization happens during resampling that occupies most of the execution time. To prove its efficiency, the complexity of GPGC is analyzed in theory. Finally, performance testing of GPGC and its application in ChinaGrid are given. Experimental results show that our algorithm is more suitable for a Grid platform, excelling the old method in both performance and salability. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spontaneous crystallization of sodium chloride from aqueous‐ethanol solutions – Part 2: Mechanism of aggregation and coalescence of crystals
Authors: Linnikov Oleg D.
Published: January 2006

Published data on aggregation kinetics of sodium chloride crystals at its spontaneous crystallization from supersaturated aqueous‐ethanol solutions were analysed. It was found that the crystals coalesced through contact nucleus‐bridges between them according to the mechanism proposed by Polak. The kinetics of aggregation were described by the Smoluchowski equation for coagulation of colloidal particles. The kinetic coefficient of aggregation process depended on supersaturation, temperature of solution and other characteristics of the system. The specific surface energy of sodium chloride 0.95 mJ/m2 was found. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electron‐phonon short‐range interactions mobility and p‐ to n‐type conversion in TlGaS2 crystals
Authors: Qasrawi A. F. , Gasanly N. M.
Published: January 2006

The conductivity type conversion from p ‐ to n ‐type at a critical temperature of 315 K in TlGaS2 crystals is observed through the Hall effect measurements in the temperature range of 200–350 K. The analysis of the temperature‐dependent electrical resistivity, Hall coefficient and carrier concentration data reveals the extrinsic type of conduction with donor impurity levels that behave as acceptor levels when are empty. The data analysis allowed the calculation of hole and electron effective masses of 0.36m 0 and 0.23m 0, respectively. In addition, the temperature‐dependent Hall mobility is found to decrease with temperature following a logarithmic slope of ∼1.6. The Hall mobility in the n ‐region is limited by the electron‐phonon short‐range interactions scattering with an electron‐phonon coupling constant of 0.21. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Theoretical study of top illuminated planar SiC PIN ultraviolet detectors
Authors: Wei Jiang
Published: January 2006

It is the first time that the idea of planar PIN structure ultraviolet (UV) detection has been demonstrated on SiC EPI wafers. By using this structure, the surface illuminated device has no efficiency‐bandwidth trade‐off problem, also can be easily integrated as an array device which can solve the low signal issue in normal edge illuminated device due to small device area with no sacrificial of high bandwidth. The performance of SiC PIN photodetectors is analyzed based on a serial of process parameters and device structures. The calculated results show the correlations of dark current, photocurrent, bandwidth (BW) with PIN structures and fabrication processes. Speed and optoelectronics performances were carefully considered for real implementations under theoretical conditions. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Crystal structure and conformation study of N‐methyl‐t‐3‐methyl‐r‐2, c‐6‐diphenylpiperidin‐4‐one thiosemicarbazone
Authors: Sampath N. , Ponnuswamy M. N. , Nethaji M.
Published: January 2006

Thiosemicarbazones are having the ability to bind with metal and inhibit the enzyme ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase (RDR), an enzyme which is involved in the synthesis of DNA precursors in the mammalian cells. The title compound N‐methyl‐t‐3‐methyl‐r‐2, c‐6‐diphenylpiperidin‐4‐one thiosemicarbazone (NMMDPT), CCDC 218052, was prepared using Mannich reaction and characterized by X‐ray diffraction methods. The crystal data are: C20H24N4S; M.W = 352.49, triclinic, space group P$ \bar 1 $, a = 8.467(2) Å, b = 10.228(2) Å, c = 12.249(2) Å; α = 92.595(3)°, β = 104.173(3)°, γ =113.628(3)°; V = 930.0(3) Å3, Z = 2, Dcal = 1.259 Mgm–3, µ = 0.184 mm–1, λ (MoKα)= 0.71073 Å, final R1 and wR2 are 0.0470 and 0.1052, respectively. The piperidine rings adopt chair conformation. The planar phenyl rings are oriented equatorially at 2,6‐positions of the piperidine ring. The molecular packing can be viewed as dimers held together by two N–H…S types of intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Weak C–H…π interactions also support the stability of the molecules in the crystal in addition to van der Waals forces. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Single‐cell analysis of siRNA‐mediated gene silencing using multiparameter flow cytometry
Authors: Chan Steven M. , Olson Janelle A. , Utz Paul J.
Published: January 2006

Background:

Use of synthetic short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to study gene function has been limited by an inability to selectively analyze subsets of cells in complex populations, low and variable transfection efficiencies, and semiquantitative assays for measuring protein down‐regulation. Intracellular flow cytometry can overcome these limitations by analyzing populations at the single‐cell level in a high‐throughput and quantitative fashion. Individual cells displaying a knockdown phenotype can be selectively interrogated for functional responses using multiparameter analysis.

Methods:

Lck‐specific siRNA was delivered into Jurkat T cells or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to suppress endogenous Lck expression. Transfected cells were fluorescently stained for intracellular Lck and analyzed using multiparameter flow cytometry. The Lcklo Jurkat subpopulation was selectively analyzed for CD69 up‐regulation and phospho‐states of signaling proteins following T‐cell receptor (TCR) stimulation. Surface expression levels of CD4 and CD8 on transfected CD3+ gated PBMCs were correlated with intracellular Lck levels.

Results:

A subpopulation of Jurkat cells with reduced levels of Lck was clearly resolved from cells with wildtype levels of Lck. Both CD69 up‐regulation and ZAP70 phosphorylation were suppressed in Lcklo cells when compared with those in Lckhi cells upon TCR stimulation. Knockdown of intracellular Lck in primary T lymphocytes reduced surface expression of CD4 in a dose‐dependent manner.

Conclusions:

Multiparameter flow cytometry is a powerful technique for the quantitative analysis of siRNA‐mediated protein knockdown in complex hard‐to‐transfect cell populations. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direct Simultaneous Determination of α‐ and β‐Naphthol Isomers at GC‐Electrode Modified with CNTs Network Joined by Pt Nanoparticles Through Derivative Voltammetry
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Gang , Wu Qing‐Sheng , Ding Ya‐Ping
Published: January 2006

The semi‐derivative technique was adopted to improve the resolution and surfactant was added to sample solution to enhance the sensitivity, α‐ and β‐naphthol isomers could be determined directly and simultaneously at glassy carbon electrode modified with carbon nanotubes network joined by Pt nanoparticles. In 0.1 mol L−1 HAc‐NaAc buffer solution (pH 5.8), the linear calibration ranges were 1.0×10−6 to 8.0×10−4 mol L−1 for both α‐ and β‐naphthols, with detection limits of 5.0×10−7 for α‐ and 6.0×10−7 mol L−1 for β‐naphthol. The amount of naphthol isomers in artificial wastewater has been tested with above method, and the recovery was from 98% to 103%.
Electrochemical Approach to the Radical Anion Formation from 2′‐Hydroxy Chalcone Derivatives
Authors: Quintana‐Espinoza P. , Yáñez C. , Escobar C. A. , Sicker D. , Araya‐Maturana R. , Squella J. A.
Published: January 2006

Three 2′‐hydroxy chalcone derivatives were electrochemically reduced to the radical anion by a reversible one‐electron transfer followed by a chemical dimerization reaction. Under suitable conditions of the medium, the one‐electron reduction produces very well resolved cyclic voltammograms due to the formation of the radical anion. By using appropriately the wide versatility of the cyclic voltammetric technique, was possible to study the generation of the radical anion and its stability.
Isochromosome breakpoints on 17p in medulloblastoma are flanked by different classes of DNA sequence repeats
Authors: Mendrzyk Frank , Korshunov Andrey , Toedt Grischa , Schwarz Frank , Korn Bernhard , Joos Stefan , Hochhaus Andreas , Schoch Claudia , Lichter Peter , Radlwimmer Bernhard
Published: January 2006

Medulloblastoma is a highly malignant embryonal tumor of the cerebellum that accounts for 20%–25% of all intracranial pediatric tumors. The most frequent chromosomal rearrangement in medulloblastoma is isochromosome 17, or i(17q). Its frequency suggests that it serves an important role in tumor pathogenesis, possibly mediated by the disruption or permanent activation of a gene at the breakpoint. To address this question, we performed a detailed analysis of chromosome 17 DNA copy number from 18 medulloblastomas previously shown to carry an apparent i(17q). We identified two breakpoint regions, one well within band 17p11.2 (n = 16) and a second within the pericentromeric region (n = 2). To map the breakpoints more precisely, we constructed a tiling‐path matrix‐CGH array covering chromosomal band 17p11.2 to the centromere and utilized it to delineate two small breakpoint intervals mapping at Mb 19.0 and 21.7 in seven of the medulloblastomas and in nine hematological neoplasias with i(17q). The former interval contains two breakpoint clusters that each colocalize with a pair of head‐to‐head inverted DNA sequence repeats, and the latter maps close to a region of α‐satellite repeats. No consensus coding sequence localizes in these regions. Together, these data strongly suggest that the effects of i(17q) in medulloblastoma are mediated by gene‐dosage effects of genes on 17p or 17q rather than by the disruption or deregulation of a “breakpoint” gene. Furthermore, we identified artifacts introduced in DNA copy number data by cross‐hybridization of low‐copy repeat sequences and discuss the challenge these can pose in the interpretation of diagnostic microarrays. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Amplification of CDK4 and MDM2 in malignant melanoma
Authors: Muthusamy Viswanathan , Hobbs Cara , Nogueira Cristina , Cordon‐Cardo Carlos , McKee Phillip H. , Chin Lynda , Bosenberg Marcus W.
Published: January 2006

Amplification of the 12q13–15 region is a common event in several human tumors including liposarcomas, gliomas, and osteosarcomas. We have demonstrated high‐level amplification of 12q14 in a subset of uncultured malignant melanomas (3 of 53). High‐resolution mapping of the amplicon using quantitative PCR revealed a bipartite amplicon consisting of a primary 50‐kb amplicon centered on CDK4 and a secondary amplicon centered on MDM2, without amplification of the intervening 11 Mb of genomic DNA. Analysis of mRNA and protein levels in melanomas with 12q14 amplification demonstrated overexpression of target genes CDK4 and MDM2 without loss of CDKN2A‐P16 (P16INK4A) or CDKN2A‐P14ARF (P14ARF) expression, important regulators of the RB1 and TP53 pathways, which are commonly lost or mutated in melanoma. These results suggest that coamplification of CDK4 and MDM2 may substitute for loss of P16INK4A and P14ARF function in a subset of melanomas. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteomic analysis of microglial contribution to mouse strain–dependent dopaminergic neurotoxicity
Authors: McLaughlin Patrick , Zhou Yong , Ma Tracy , Liu Jun , Zhang Wei , Hong Jau‐Shyong , Kovacs Monika , Zhang Jing
Published: January 2006

Although the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unknown, it appears that microglial activation is associated with enhanced neurodegeneration in animal models of PD as well as in PD patients. Experimentally, C57BL/6 and SWR/J mice demonstrate striking differences in the extent of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurodegeneration induced by a parkinsonian toxicant 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences in microglial activation between these two strains of mice could provide insight into the variability seen in toxicant induced neuronal death, and subsequently to use a high‐throughput proteomic method, combining stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) with liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry, to compare the microglial proteomes of C57BL/6 and SWR/J mice after stimulation with a classical microglial activator, lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We found that DAergic neurotoxicity induced by LPS in a primary neuron–microglia coculture was twofold greater with microglia isolated from the brains of C57BL/6 mice compared with that of SWR/J mice. Upon proteomic analysis we found that, out of over 1000 proteins identified and quantified, 400 displayed a significant difference in their relative abundance between these two murine strains. Several proteins, which had relatively higher levels in C57BL/6 mice, have previously been implicated in LPS‐mediated microglial activation, including those involved in the COX‐2 pathway and in prostaglandin E‐2 (PGE2) production. To validate our proteomic results we confirmed the increased expression level of iNOS in C57BL/6 vs. SWR/J microglia with semiquantitative Western blot. Further analysis of our proteomic discovery data will likely reveal numerous novel proteins involved in inflammation‐mediated neurotoxicity in PD. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An algorithm for the uniform sampling of iso‐energy surfaces and for the calculation of microcanonical averages
Authors: Rapallo Arnaldo
Published: January 2006

In this article an algorithm is proposed to efficiently perform the uniform sampling of an iso‐energy surface corresponding to a fixed potential energy U of a molecular system, and for calculating averages of certain quantities over microstates having this energy (microcanonical averages). The developed sampling technique is based upon the combination of a recently proposed method for performing constant potential energy molecular dynamics simulations [Rapallo, A. J Chem Phys 2004, 121, 4033] with well‐established thermostatting techniques used in the framework of standard molecular dynamics simulations, such as the Andersen thermostat, and the Nose–Hoover chain thermostat. The proposed strategy leads to very accurate and drift‐free potential energy conservation during the whole sampling process, and, very important, specially when dealing with high‐dimensional or complicated potential functions, it does not require the calculation of the potential energy function hessian. The technique proved to be very reliable for sampling both low‐ and high‐dimensional surfaces. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 414–425, 2006
A new parallel algorithm of MP2 energy calculations
Authors: Ishimura Kazuya , Pulay Peter , Nagase Shigeru
Published: January 2006

A new parallel algorithm has been developed for second‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) energy calculations. Its main projected applications are for large molecules, for instance, for the calculation of dispersion interaction. Tests on a moderate number of processors (2–16) show that the program has high CPU and parallel efficiency. Timings are presented for two relatively large molecules, taxol (C47H51NO14) and luciferin (C11H8N2O3S2), the former with the 6‐31G* and 6‐311G** basis sets (1032 and 1484 basis functions, 164 correlated orbitals), and the latter with the aug‐cc‐pVDZ and aug‐cc‐pVTZ basis sets (530 and 1198 basis functions, 46 correlated orbitals). An MP2 energy calculation on C130H10 (1970 basis functions, 265 correlated orbitals) completed in less than 2 h on 128 processors. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 407–413, 2006
Response to mechanical strain in an immortalized pre‐osteoblast cell is dependent on ERK1/2
Authors: Fan Xian , Rahnert Jill A. , Murphy Tamara C. , Nanes Mark S. , Greenfield Edward M. , Rubin Janet
Published: January 2006

Mechanical strain inhibits osteoclastogenesis by regulating osteoblast functions: We have shown that strain inhibits receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL) expression and increases endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and nitric oxide levels through ERK1/2 signaling in primary bone stromal cells. The primary stromal culture system, while contributing greatly to understanding of how the microenvironment regulates bone remodeling is limited in use for biochemical assays and studies of other osteoprogenitor cell responses to mechanical strain: Stromal cells proliferate poorly and lose aspects of the strain response after a relatively short time in culture. In this study, we used the established mouse osteoblast cell line, conditionally immortalized murine calvarial (CIMC‐4), harvested from mouse calvariae conditionally immortalized by insertion of the gene coding for a temperature‐sensitive mutant of SV40 large T antigen (TAg) and support osteoclastogenesis. Mechanical strain (0.5–2%, 10 cycles per min, equibiaxial) caused magnitude‐dependent decreases in RANKL expression to less than 50% those of unstrained cultures. Overnight strains of 2% also increased osterix (OSX) and RUNX2 expression by nearly twofold as measured by RT‐PCR. Importantly, the ERK1/2 inhibitor, PD98059, completely abrogated the strain effects bringing RANKL, OSX, and RUNX2 gene expression completely back to control levels. These data indicate that the strain effects on CIMC‐4 cells require activation of ERK1/2 pathway. Therefore, the CIMC‐4 cell line is a useful alternative in vitro model which effectively recapitulates aspects of the primary stromal cells and adds an extended capacity to study osteoblast control of bone remodeling in a mechanically active environment. J. Cell. Physiol. 207: 454–460, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hexose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT3 are colocalized with hexokinase I in caveolae microdomains of rat spermatogenic cells
Authors: Rauch María Cecilia , Ocampo María Eliana , Bohle Joanna , Amthauer Rodolfo , Yáñez Alejandro J. , Rodríguez‐Gil Joan E. , Slebe Juan Carlos , Reyes Juan G. , Concha Ilona I.
Published: January 2006

Postmeiotic spermatogenic cells, but not meiotic spermatogenic cells respond differentially with glucose‐induced changes in [Ca2+]i indicating a differential transport of glucose via facilitative hexose transporters (GLUTs) specifically distributed in the plasma membrane. Several studies have indicated that plasma membrane in mammalian cells is not homogeneously organized, but contains specific microdomains known as detergent‐resistant membrane domains (DRMDs), lipid rafts or caveolae. The association of these domains and GLUTs isoforms has not been characterized in spermatogenic cells. We analyzed the expression and function of GLUT1 and GLUT3 in isolated spermatocytes and spermatids. The results showed that spermatogenic cells express both glucose transporters, with spermatids exhibiting a higher affinity glucose transport system. In addition, spermatogenic cells express caveolin‐1, and glucose transporters colocalize with caveolin‐1 in caveolin‐enriched membrane fractions. Experiments in which the integrity of caveolae was disrupted by pretreatment with methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, indicated that the involvement of cholesterol‐enriched plasma membrane microdomains were involved in the localization of GLUTs and uptake of 2‐deoxyglucose. We also observed cofractionation of GLUT3 and caveolin‐1 in low‐buoyant density membranes together with their shift to higher densities after methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin treatment. GLUT1 was found in all fractions isolated. Immunofluorescent studies indicated that caveolin‐1, GLUT1, and hexokinase I colocalize in spermatocytes while caveolin‐1, GLUT3, and hexokinase I colocalize in spermatids. These findings suggest the presence of hexose transporters in DRMDs, and further support a role for intact caveolae or cholesterol‐enriched membrane microdomains in relation to glucose uptake and glucose phosphorylation. The results would also explain the different glucose‐induced changes in [Ca2+]i in both cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 207: 397–406, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Insulin‐like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)‐5 is upregulated during both differentiation and apoptosis in primary cultures of mouse mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Lochrie Jennifer D. , Phillips Kirsten , Tonner Elizabeth , Flint David J. , Allan Gordon J. , Price Nicholas C. , Beattie James
Published: January 2006

We have previously demonstrated that insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐5 (IGFBP‐5) is upregulated following treatment of the mouse mammary epithelial cell line HC11 with lactogenic hormones (dexamethasone, insulin, and prolactin—DIP). In addition, we have also shown that IGFBP‐5 is upregulated in mammary epithelial cells in vivo during involution of the rodent mammary gland. We have, therefore, postulated that there may be a dual regulation of IGFBP‐5 expression during the temporally separated processes of differentiation and apoptosis of mammary epithelial cells. To test this hypothesis further, we have used a phenotypically differentiated model, which comprises primary cultures of mouse mammary epithelial cells grown on a layer of EHS (Engelbreth–Holm–Swarm) extracellular matrix. We show that lactogenic hormone treatment (hydrocortisone, insulin, and prolactin—HIP) of these cultures induces the upregulation of IGFBP‐5 thus replicating the results obtained with the HC11 cell line. In addition, following the induction of apoptosis in primary cultures of mammary epithelial cells by treatment with TGFβ‐3, IGFBP‐5 expression is also upregulated. In parallel with this upregulation of IGFBP‐5, there is also an increase in the levels of cleaved caspase‐3, a well‐characterized marker of cellular apoptosis. These findings confirm previous in vivo work demonstrating an increase in IGFBP‐5 expression during involution of the mouse mammary gland. When HC11 cells are cultured under serum‐free conditions (a well‐characterized apoptotic insult in cell culture), there is also an increase in cleaved caspase‐3 levels. Unexpectedly, in the presence of TGFβ‐3, caspase‐3 levels are attenuated. In the presence of DIP, caspase‐3 levels are also decreased in HC11 cells. As described previously, TGFβ‐3 inhibits β‐casein synthesis in HC11 cells. In the HC11 cell line (in contrast to primary cultures of mammary epithelial cells), there is no evidence for TGFβ‐3 induction of IGFBP‐5 under either serum‐free or DIP‐supplemented conditions. We believe our data with primary cultures of mammary epithelial cells support the hypothesis of dual regulation of IGFBP‐5 expression during both differentiation and apoptosis in the mammary gland and emphasizes the importance of using appropriate cell culture models to investigate such phenomena in this tissue. We discuss the possible implications of our observations in relation to the physiological processes of pregnancy, lactation, and involution in the mammary gland and the associated changes in mammary epithelial cell function. J. Cell. Physiol. 207: 471–479, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of pharmacological amounts of S‐allylcysteine on lipids in normal and isoproterenol‐induced myocardial infarction in rats
Authors: Padmanabhan Mannangatti , Prince Ponnian Stanely Mainzen
Published: January 2006

The present study evaluates the effect of S‐allylcysteine on marker enzymes, serum and myocardial lipids in normal and isoproterenol‐induced myocardial infarction in male Wistar rats. A significant increase in the activities of marker enzymes such as creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase in serum of isoproterenol (150 mg kg−1)‐treated rats was observed. The levels of serum lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids) were significantly increased, while the levels of myocardial cholesterol, triglycerides and free fatty acids were significantly increased in isoproterenol‐administered rats. The concentration of myocardial phospholipids was significantly decreased in isoproterenol‐administered rats. Oral pretreatment with S‐allylcysteine at doses of 50, 100 and 150 mg kg−1 using an intragastric tube daily for a period of 45 days positively modulated the biochemical alterations caused by isoproterenol. The effect of S‐allylcysteine at a dose of 150 mg kg−1 showed a better cardioprotective effect than the other two doses (50 and 100 mg kg−1). α‐Tocopherol (60 mg kg−1) administration orally using an intragastric tube to rats daily for 45 days also exhibited a significant cardioprotective effect. The effect of S‐allylcysteine was compared with α‐tocopherol. Oral administration of S‐allylcysteine (50, 100 and 150 mg kg−1) to normal rats did not show any significant change in this study. Thus, from the present study it can be concluded that a pharmacological dose of S‐allylcysteine exerts a protective effect against isoproterenol‐induced myocardial infarction in rats. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
The antioxidant activity of Californian red wines does not correlate with wine age
Authors: Roginsky Vitaly , de Beer Dalene , Harbertson James F , Kilmartin Paul A , Barsukova Tatyana , Adams Douglas O
Published: January 2006

A range of physico‐chemical properties of 21 Californian red wines from 1 to 28 years old were correlated with wine age. The level of monomeric phenolics and low molecular‐weight phenolic oligomers decreased with age, while the level of high molecular‐weight phenolics increased. On the other hand, total phenols given by the Folin–Ciocalteau method, antioxidant capacity determined using a controlled chain reaction of methyl linoleate and the intensity of the anodic peak determined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) did not show any significant correlation with wine age. Total phenols and the shapes of CV traces were more dependent on the grape variety and the particular viticultural and wine‐making practices rather than on wine age. At the same time, young and aged wines showed a pronounced difference in the shape of [O2] traces recorded during the oxidation of methyl linoleate in a micellar solution inhibited by wine addition. Possible reasons why the antioxidant activity of red wines does not correlate with wine age are discussed. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Numerical study of long waves in ferromagnetic media
Authors: Sanchez David
Published: January 2006

We numerically study small bidimensional perturbations of electromagnetic waves in a saturated ferromagnetic media. We develop and compare three schemes and highlight some properties of the system. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2006
Statutory bodies as instruments of government in Hong Kong: review beginnings and analytical challenge ahead
Authors: Thynne Ian
Published: January 2006

This article addresses the review of statutory bodies in Hong Kong by the Home Affairs Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government. It examines the focus and scope of the review and, thereafter, discusses the work, power and responsibility arrangements which the review should now embrace. The classification scheme, principles and related factors canvassed by the Bureau constitute the beginnings of what ought to be a detailed and thorough study. The analytical challenge facing the Bureau is to make sense of statutory bodies as dynamic entities in a complex system of governance. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance of semi‐autonomous public bodies: linkage between autonomy and performance in Japanese agencies
Authors: Yamamoto Kiyoshi
Published: January 2006

The creation of semi‐autonomous public bodies or agencification has been diffused around the world. The basic concept lies in giving more autonomy in operations in exchange for strengthening accountability for results. It is assumed that granting more flexibility in management produces more efficient and effective outcomes. However, the causal relationship between autonomy and performance has been inconclusive despite many empirical studies. This is because institutional factors are neglected, as are other measurement problems such as using cross‐section data. Consequently, in this article, the relationship is examined using institutional factors and a retrospective survey method to study Japanese agencies. The analysis shows that there is a causal relationship between operational autonomy and performance, but only partial causal linkages between other types of autonomy like structural or legal autonomy and performance. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Putting livelihoods thinking into practice: implications for development management
Authors: Toner Anna , Franks Tom
Published: January 2006

The failure of ‘blueprint’ development interventions to deliver substantive improvements in poverty reduction has been well recognised over the last twenty years. Process approaches seek to overcome the rigidity and top‐down operation of much aid‐funded intervention. Sustainable livelihoods approaches (SLA) are one of the latest additions to this family of approaches. As a theoretical framework and as a set of principles for guiding intervention, sustainable livelihoods thinking has implications for development management. Drawing on research exploring the application of sustainable livelihoods principles in 10 development interventions, this article considers how these principles have evolved from continuing debates surrounding process and people‐centred (bottom‐up) approaches to development management. This research suggests that whilst these principles can improve the impact made by interventions, the effective application of sustainable livelihoods and other process approaches are fundamentally restricted by unbalanced power relationships between development partners. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An alternative strategy for high throughput generation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against human plasma proteins using fractionated native proteins as immunogens
Authors: Ning Yunshan , Wang Yundan , Li Yan , Hong Yanhua , Peng Dandan , Liu Yichu , Wang Junxiang , Hao Wenbo , Tian Xuemei , Wu Fenfang , Dong Wenqi , Wang Lihong , Wu Qiong , Liu Xiaolan , Gao Jianen , He Fuchu , Qian Xiaohong , Sun Qi‐Hong , Li Ming
Published: January 2006

Construction of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) bank containing a vast variety of antibodies against human tissue proteins is important for proteomic research. A novel strategy of subtractive immunization using fractionated native proteins was developed for high throughput generation of mAb against human plasma proteins. By this novel approach, the bottleneck of antigen preparation can be overcome by combining repeated immunization of animals with subtracted fractions of plasma or tissue proteins and identification of target antigen by immunoprecipitation/mass spectrum strategies. Plasma freshly collected from healthy adults was pooled and three fractions were prepared by size exclusion chromatography. Mice were immunized with the fractionated plasma proteins, and 205 strains of hybridomas secreting mAb were obtained after two‐round subtractive immunizations and cell fusions. In the first round, 110 strains of hybridomas were established, in which 77 strains secreting mAb were identified against 10 human plasma high‐abundant proteins. In the second round, plasma fraction I was absorbed with mAb against IgM, IgG, ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin. The absorbed fraction I was used as immunogen for the second round immunization and cell fusion. Ninety‐five strains of hybridomas secreting mAb were obtained. Although the target antigens of mAb from 82 strains of hybridomas were identified as IgM, IgA, α2‐macroglobulin and fibrinogen, about 85% antibodies obtained from this round were identified as new antibodies when compared with mAb obtained in the first round immunization with plasma fraction I. The results suggest that subtractive immunization with fractionated plasma proteins followed by identification of antigens with immunoprecipitation/mass spectrum may be an effective approach for rapid preparation of mAb against high‐and medium‐abundant plasma or tissue proteins.
Viscometric properties of dilute polystyrene/dioctyl phthalate solutions
Authors: Hua Chi C. , Wu Ming S.
Published: January 2006

We report viscometric data collected in a Couette rheometry on dilute, single‐solvent polystyrene (PS)/dioctyl phthalate (DOP) solutions over a variety of polymer molecular weights (5.5 × 105 ≤ Mw ≤ 3.0 × 106 Da) and system temperatures (288 K ≤ T ≤ 318 K). In view of the essential viscometric features, the current data may be classified into three categories: The first concerns all the investigated solutions at low shear rates, where the solution properties are found to agree excellently with the Zimm model predictions. The second includes all sample solutions, except for high‐molecular‐weight PS samples (Mw ≥ 2.0 × 106 Da), where excellent time–temperature superposition is observed for the steady‐state polymer viscosity at constant polymer molecular weights. No similar superposition applies at a constant temperature but varied polymer molecular weights, however. The third appears to be characteristic of dilute high‐molecular‐weight polymer solutions, for which the effects of temperature on the viscosity curve are further complicated at high shear rates. The implications concerning the relative importance of hydrodynamic interactions, segmental interactions, and chain extensibility with increasing polymer molecular weight, system temperature, and shear rate are discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 787–794, 2006