bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of CA3 Hippocampal NMDA Receptors in Paired Associate Learning
Authors: Rajji Tarek , Chapman David , Eichenbaum Howard , Greene Robert
Published: January 2006

The hippocampus is necessary for declarative memory in humans and episodic memory in rodents. Considerable current research is focused on the role of plasticity within specific subfields of the hippocampus. Here, using a viral vector to temporally control a focal deletion of theNR1gene, we show that learning novel paired associations between specific cues and their context is dependent on CA3 NMDA receptors. Deletion of CA3NR1genes in <30% of the dorsal hippocampus was sufficient to disrupt new learning, whereas the same treatment does not prevent expression of previously acquired paired associates and does not affect the ability to discriminate contexts or paired associate learning when either the cues or the context is familiar. The findings suggest that CA3 NMDA receptors specifically support the encoding of new experiences to involve incidental and contingent associations.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Induced Neurotoxicity: Roles for the NMDA Receptor Subtypes
Authors: O'Donnell Lauren A. , Agrawal Arpita , Jordan-Sciutto Kelly L. , Dichter Marc A. , Lynch David R. , Kolson Dennis L.
Published: January 2006

Neuronal damage in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in the brain is thought to occur at least in part through NMDA receptor (NMDAR) excitation initiated by soluble neurotoxins from HIV-infected brain macrophages. Furthermore, brain regions enriched in NMDAR-2A (NR2A) and NMDAR-2B (NR2B) subunits, such as the hippocampus, are particularly vulnerable. Using cultured rat hippocampal cells and HIV-1-infected human monocyte-derived macrophages (HIV/MDM), we examined the role of NR2A and NR2B in HIV/MDM-induced hippocampal neuronal death. We used the primary HIV-1 strain Jago derived from the CSF of an individual with HIV-associated dementia and that robustly replicates in MDM. We found the following: (1) hippocampal neuronal susceptibility to HIV/MDM excitotoxins varies according to the developmental expression patterns of NR2A and NR2B; (2) NMDAR activation by HIV/MDM results in neuronal calpain activation, which results in neuronal death; and (3) selective antagonists of homomeric NR2B/NR2B- and heteromeric NR2A/NR2B-containing NMDARs, as well as an inhibitor of calpain activity, afford neuroprotection against HIV/MDM. These studies establish a clear link between macrophage HIV infection, neuronal NR2A and NR2B activation, and calpain-mediated hippocampal neuronal death. They further suggest a dominant role for NR2A and NR2B in determining neuronal susceptibility in HIV-infected brain. Antagonists of NR2A and NR2B subunits as well as inhibitors of calpain activation offer attractive neuroprotective approaches against HIV in both developing and mature brain.
Integration benutzerzentrierter Methoden in die Software-Entwicklung (Integrating User-Centered Design Methods with Software Engineering)
Authors: Burmester Michael , Machate Joachim , Sandweg Nina
Published: January 2006

Der Ablauf vieler Software-Projekte orientiert sich oftmals an eingeführten Software-Engineering-Prozessen. Bei der Entwicklung interaktiver Produkte gewinnt Usability-Engineering zunehmend an Bedeutung. Somit entsteht die Notwendigkeit, dass Software-Engineering- und Usability-Engineering-Prozesse integriert werden. Der vorliegende Artikel zeigt Möglichkeiten auf, wie am Beispiel des Rational Unified Process (RUP) beide Prozesse pragmatisch integriert werden können.
From User-adaptive to Context-adaptive Information Systems (Von benutzeradaptiven zu kontextadaptiven Informationssystemen)
Authors: Oppermann Reinhard
Published: January 2006

This paper introduces context-adaptive information systems reflecting the current needs of the user. Context-adaptive information systems reflect more than classical user-adaptive systems where user and task characteristics are considered for adaptation. In context-adaptive information systems the usage episode is additionally defined by the time and the location, by the physical and social environment and the technical infrastructure and eventually by relevant situational characteristic such as sound, light or movement.

To begin with, the rationality of adaptive systems and the concept of context-adaptiveness will be explained. Based upon the description of the three functions of adaptivity, i.e., the interaction logging, adaptation inference and adaptation performance, we describe user-adaptive and context-adaptive systems and the role sharing between the system and the user during the adaptation process. Techniques of location-awareness as currently an important determinant of context are described showing advantages and disadvantages for several application scenarios. At the end, application examples are presented for context-adaptive systems to understand the utility of context-adaptiveness in different fields of information and communication services.
Requirements-Engineering im Spannungsfeld von Individual- und Produktsoftware (Requirements Engineering in the Context of Customer Software and Standard Software)
Authors: Kowallik Petra , Müller-Prove Matthias , Strauß Friedrich
Published: January 2006

Dieser Artikel fasst die Ergebnisse eines gleichnamigen Workshops auf der Mensch und Computer 2004 zusammen. Im Workshop wurde die unterschiedliche Anwendung von Vorgehensmodellen, Methoden und Dokumentationstechniken in Abhängigkeit von der zu erstellenden Software analysiert. Ziel war dabei die Besonderheiten und Restriktionen in der jeweiligen Nutzung z.B. einer Methode, eines Vorgehens oder einer Dokumentationstechnik zu identifizieren. Diese Ergebnisse ermöglichen es, den sinnvollen Einsatz von Methoden für bestimmte Einsatzfelder, wie die Spezifikation von Individualsoftware, genauer abschätzen zu können. Dieser Artikel stellt eine für den Praktiker hilfreiche Ergänzung zu den zumeist möglichst allgemeingültig gehaltenen Beschreibungen in Lehrbüchern und wissenschaftlichen Arbeiten dar.
Perspektiven der Kopplung von LMS und Vorlesungsaufzeichnungssystemen (Integration of LMS and Lecture Recording Systems: Requirements and Potentials)
Authors: Mertens Robert , Knaden Andreas , Thelen Tobias , Vornberger Oliver
Published: January 2006

LMS (Lernmanagement-Systeme) beinhalten bei flächendeckendem Einsatz kursspezifische Informationen, die bei der Erstellung und der Verwaltung von Vorlesungsaufzeichnungen umfangreiche Automatisierungspotenziale bieten. Durch Ansteuerung der Vorlesungsaufzeichnung aus dem LMS können Metadaten automatisch in die Aufzeichnung einfließen. Auch die Ansteuerung der zur Aufzeichnung benötigten Hörsaaltechnik kann durch das LMS gekapselt werden. Der vorliegende Aufsatz stellt ein Konzept zur Implementation der Kopplung des Aufzeichnungssystems virtPresenter und des LMS Stud.IP vor.
Pädagogische Betrachtungen zu Vortragsaufzeichnungen (eLectures) (Pedagogical Views to Lecture Recordings (eLectures))
Authors: Krüger Marc
Published: January 2006

Diese Veröffentlichung betrachtet die Vortragsaufzeichnungen aus einer pädagogischen Perspektive. Hierfür werden einleitend allgemeine Ergebnisse von Forschungs- und Entwicklungsprojekten aus dem Bereich Vortragsaufzeichnung benannt. Eine anschließende Begriffsbestimmung wird als Grundlage für die Vorstellung von Forschungsergebnissen der folgenden Lernarrangements verwendet: Ergänzungsangebot (Blended Learning, Hybride Lernarrangements), Fernlehre (Distance Learning) und Substitution des Lehrenden. Es wird diskutiert, inwieweit das Videobild des Referenten Einfluss auf den Lernprozess hat oder ob es ausreicht, nur den Ton zu übertragen. Eine abschließende kurze methodisch-didaktische Betrachtung untersucht, ob die Vortragsaufzeichnung eher in einer vortragenden oder einer dialogischen Gesprächsform produziert werden sollte.
Performance of a Decision Rule to Predict Need for Computed Tomography Among Children With Blunt Head Trauma
Authors: Oman Jennifer A. , Cooper Richelle J. , Holmes James F. , Viccellio Peter , Nyce Andrew , Ross Steven E. , Hoffman Jerome R. , Mower William R. ,   for the NEXUS II Investigators
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVE. To assess the ability of the NEXUS II head trauma decision instrument to identify patients with clinically important intracranial injury (ICI) from among children with blunt head trauma.

METHODS. An analysis was conducted of the pediatric cohort involved in the derivation set of National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study II (NEXUS II), a prospective, observational, multicenter study of all patients who had blunt head trauma and underwent cranial computed tomography (CT) imaging at 1 of 21 emergency departments. We determined the test performance characteristics of the 8-variable NEXUS II decision instrument, derived from the entire NEXUS II cohort, in the pediatric cohort (0–18 years of age), as well as in the very young children (<3 years). Clinically important ICI was defined as ICI that required neurosurgical intervention (craniotomy, intracranial pressure monitoring, or mechanical ventilation) or was likely to be associated with significant long-term neurologic impairment.

RESULTS. NEXUS II enrolled 1666 children, 138 (8.3%) of whom had clinically important ICI. The decision instrument correctly identified 136 of the 138 cases and classified 230 as low risk. A total of 309 children were younger than 3 years, among whom 25 had ICI. The decision instrument identified all 25 cases of clinically important ICI in this subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS. The decision instrument derived in the large NEXUS II cohort performed with similarly high sensitivity among the subgroup of children who were included in this study. Clinically important ICI were rare in children who did not exhibit at least 1 of the NEXUS II risk criteria.
Birth Weight and Cardiac Structure in Children
Authors: Jiang Benyu , Godfrey Keith M. , Martyn Christopher N. , Gale Catharine R.
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVE. Epidemiologic studies have shown associations between impaired fetal growth and risk for coronary heart disease in adults. The underlying mechanisms are unknown. We investigated whether restricted intrauterine growth affects cardiac structure.

METHODS. We performed echocardiography on 216 9-year-old children who were measured previously at birth. The diameter of the coronary left and right main branches was derived from the widest dimension; total coronary artery diameter was calculated by adding the diameters of the left and right coronary arteries. Aortic root diameter, left atrial diameter, left ventricular diameter, left ventricular outflow tract diameter, and left ventricular mass were measured.

RESULTS. On average, children who had weighed less at birth had a smaller total coronary artery diameter, aortic root diameter, and left ventricular outflow tract diameter after adjustment for gender, gestational age, current height and weight, and maternal height and prepregnant weight. For each SD increase in birth weight, total coronary diameter rose by 0.10 mm, log aortic root diameter rose by 1.5%, and log left ventricular outflow tract diameter rose by 1.6%.

CONCLUSION. Impaired fetal growth may have long-term effects on cardiac structure. This may help to explain why adults whose birth weight was low are at greater risk for coronary heart disease.
Photochemical Internalization of Transgenes Controlled by the Heat‐shock Protein 70 Promoter
Authors: Prasmickaite Lina , Hellum Marit , Kaalhus Olav , Høgset Anders , Wagner Ernst , Berg Kristian
Published: January 2006

Photochemical internalization (PCI) is a targeting technique that facilitates endosomal escape of macromolecules, such as transgenes, in response to photochemical treatment with endosome/lysosome‐localized photosensitizers, such as disul‐fonated meso‐tetraphenylporphine (TPPS2a). In gene therapy this leads to enhanced transgene expression. Moreover, photochemical treatment generally activates transcription of stress‐response genes, such as heat‐shock proteins (HSPs), via stimulation of corresponding promoters. Therefore, we used HSP70 (HSPp; a promoter from the HSP family gene) and investigated whether the PCI stimulus could also activate HSPp and thereby stimulate transcription (expression) of the HSPp‐controlled transgene internalized via PCI. Using human colorectal carcinoma and hepatoma cell lines in vitro, we showed that TPPS2a‐based photochemical treatment enhances expression of cellular HSP70, which correlated with a photo‐chemically enhanced expression (approximately 2‐fold, at PCI‐optimal doses) of the HSPp‐controlled transgene integrated in the genome. Furthermore, PCI enhanced expression of the HSPp‐controlled episomal transgene delivered as a plas‐mid. However, in plasmid‐based transfection, PCI‐mediated enhancement with HSPp did not exceed the enhancement achieved with the constitutive active CMV promoter. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the PCI‐relevant treatment initiates HSP70 response and that the HSP70 promoter can be used in combination with PCI, leading to PCI‐enhanced expression of the HSPp‐controlled transgene.
Cover Picture: Industrial‐Scale Palladium‐Catalyzed Coupling of Aryl Halides and Amines –A Personal Account (Adv. Synth. Catal. 1‐2/2006)
Authors: Buchwald Stephen L. , Mauger Christelle , Mignani Gerard , Scholz Ulrich
Published: January 2006

The cover picture shows a typical vessel for industrial scale‐up of chemical reactions, in this case for the synthesis of dialkylphosphinobiphenyl ligands. These ligands are important catalyst components for the amination of aryl halides. For more details, see the Review by Stephen L. Buchwald, Christelle Mauger, Gerard Mignani, and Ulrich Scholz on pages 23 – 39.
Familial congenital non‐immune hydrops, chylothorax, and pulmonary lymphangiectasia
Authors: Stevenson David A. , Pysher Theodore J. , Ward Robert M. , Carey John C.
Published: January 2006

Pulmonary lymphangiectasia is an uncommon congenital anomaly, and familial occurrence has rarely been reported. We report on two sibs with bilateral pleural effusion/chylothorax and hydrops who died neonatally. One sib required prenatal intrauterine hemithoracic drainage. Autopsy confirmed congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasia (CPL) histologically in the first case. Hydrops, characterized as subcutaneous edema and effusions in two or more body cavities, may be due to a variety of factors, but the co‐occurrence of CPL in one of these sibs, although rare, supports the notion that chylothorax and hydrops may be caused by structural lesions of lymph channels. Although most cases of CPL are sporadic, the reported sibs support autosomal recessive inheritance, with intrafamilial variability of a lymphatic disorder on a genetic basis. Mutations in vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐3 (VEGFR3) in families with Milroy disease, mutations of FOXC2 in the lymphedema‐distichiasis syndrome, and fatal chylothorax in α9‐deficient mice are potential candidate genes. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The yield of subtelomeric FISH analysis in the evaluation of autistic spectrum disorders
Authors: Battaglia Agatino , Bonaglia Maria C.
Published: January 2006

To assess the frequency of cryptic subtelomeric rearrangements in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, blood samples were studied using a complete set of subtelomeric FISH probes in 72 children with autism spectrum disorders. All children had normal high resolution karyotype, DNA fra‐X analysis, brain MRI, metabolic work‐up, and physical/neirological examination. Subtelomeric analysis did not detect abnormalities in any of the subjects, suggesting the uselessness of such investigations in individuals with primary autism spectrum disorders. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Advances in autism neuroimaging research for the clinician and geneticist
Authors: Lainhart Janet E.
Published: January 2006

This review focuses on recent advances in the in vivo study of the whole brain in idiopathic autism. The brain is abnormally large in some but not all children with autism during post‐natal development. Age‐related changes in brain volume in autism are complex and appear to be abnormal from infancy into adulthood. Diffuse differences in total and regional gray and white matter volumes are found. The volumetric abnormalities appear to follow anomalous, complex, and non‐uniform developmental curves. Diffuse abnormalities of brain chemical concentrations, neural network anatomy, brain lateralization, intra‐ and inter‐hemispheric morphologic and functional connectivity, and serotonin synthesis capacity are also found. Abnormalities of head growth are first apparent during infancy. Abnormalities of total brain volume, gray and white matter volumes, brain chemistry, serotonin synthesis, and brain electrophysiology are evident by early childhood. Currently, no method of brain imaging helps with diagnosis or treatment of idiopathic autism, but ongoing research aims to unravel the heterogeneity of autism and may provide future diagnostic tools that inform treatment. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Craniofacial morphology in the Argentine center‐west: Consequences of the transition to food production
Authors: Sardi Marina L. , Novellino Paula S. , Pucciarelli Héctor M.
Published: January 2006

The Argentine Center‐West was the southernmost portion of the Andes where domestication of plants and animals evolved. Populations located in the southern portion of this area displayed a hunter‐gatherer subsistence economy up to historical times, and coexisted with farmers located to the north. Archaeological and biological evidence suggests that the transition to food production was associated with the consumption of a softer diet and a more sedentary way of life. This study tests the hypothesis that diet‐related factors influenced morphological differentiation, by comparing functional cranial components of farmers and hunter‐gatherers. Three‐dimensional changes on eight minor functional components (anteroneural, midneural, posteroneural, otic, optic, respiratory, masticatory, and alveolar) were measured on skulls derived from both subareas. Volumetric and morphometric indices were calculated to estimate the absolute and relative size of components, respectively. Results of a paired t‐test indicated that farmers have a smaller craniofacial size than hunter‐gatherers. The components that varied the most were masticatory and posteroneural, showing smaller absolute and relative sizes in farmers. Discriminant analyses indicated that lengths and widths were the most affected dimensions of these and other components. The pattern of differentiation, which involves specific components, enabled us to exclude differential gene flow and stochastic mechanisms as the main causes. Instead, results support the hypothesis that diet‐related factors associated with both subsistence economies influenced craniofacial morphology. A proportion of the observed variation associated with size differences can be explained by two systemic factors: the lesser quality of nutrition due to a low protein content in the diet, and a decrease of growth hormone circulation induced by a lower mobility due to sedentism. However, differentiation is better explained by a localized factor: the reduction in the masticatory and posteroneural components in farmers resulted from a decrease of masticatory stresses and workload on the head and neck, linked to the consumption of a softer diet. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hydrolysis induced formation of macrovoids in poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Hong , Lin C. B. , Liu Wen‐Chin
Published: January 2006

In the PMMA with saturated methanol and ethanol desorbed in the distilled water, because of the phase inversion, the macrovoids are produced. The size and the quantity of macrovoids near the surface layer are larger than those inside of the specimens. If the hydrolysis temperature is lower, the macrovoids formed tend to be of close‐type. On the contrary, if the temperature is higher, there will be open‐type macrovoids. Because of the occurrence of macrovoids, the size of which is smaller than the visible wavelength, the light will scatter, thereby reducing the transmittance of the specimens. The transmittance decreased as the hydrolysis temperature and hydrolysis time was increased. This phenomenon is much obvious when using ethanol, instead of methanol, as the solvent. The scattering intensity of the specimens after hydrolysis is inversely proportional to the visible wavelength with an exponent, n, in the range from 0.03 to 2.40 for methanol and 0.02 to 0.15 for ethanol. The exponent is equal to 4 corresponding to the Rayleigh scattering. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 3451–3465, 2006
Soft approaches to information retrieval and information access on the Web: An introduction to the special topic section
Authors: Herrera‐Viedma Enrique , Pasi Gabriella
Published: January 2006

The World Wide Web is a popular and interactive medium used to collect, disseminate, and access an increasingly huge amount of information, which constitutes the mainstay of the so‐called information and knowledge society. Because of its spectacular growth, related to both Web resources (pages, sites, and services) and number of users, the Web is nowadays the main information repository and provides some automatic systems for locating, accessing, and retrieving information. However, an open and crucial question remains: how to provide fast and effective retrieval of the information relevant to specific users' needs. This is a very hard and complex task, since it is pervaded with subjectivity, vagueness, and uncertainty. The expression soft computing refers to techniques and methodologies that work synergistically with the aim of providing flexible information processing tolerant of imprecision, vagueness, partial truth, and approximation. So, soft computing represents a good candidate to design effective systems for information access and retrieval on the Web. One of the most representative tools of soft computing is fuzzy set theory. This special topic section collects research articles witnessing some recent advances in improving the processes of information access and retrieval on the Web by using soft computing tools, and in particular, by using fuzzy sets and/or integrating them with other soft computing tools. In this introductory article, we first review the problem of Web retrieval and the concept of soft computing technology. We then briefly introduce the articles in this section and conclude by highlighting some future research directions that could benefit from the use of soft computing technologies.
Fuzzy techniques for trust and reputation management in anonymous peer‐to‐peer systems
Authors: Aringhieri Roberto , Damiani Ernesto , Di Vimercati Sabine De Capitani , Paraboschi Stefano , Samarati Pierangelo
Published: January 2006

Peer‐to‐peer (P2P) applications are rapidly gaining acceptance among users of Internet‐based services, especially because of their capability of exchanging resources while preserving the anonymity of both requesters and providers. However, concerns have been raised about the possibility that malicious users can exploit the network to spread tampered‐with resources (e.g., malicious programs and viruses). A considerable amount of research has thus focused on the development of trust and reputation models in P2P networks. In this article, we propose to use fuzzy techniques in the design of reputation systems based on collecting and aggregating peers' opinions. Fuzzy techniques are used in the evaluation and synthesis of all the opinions expressed by peers. The behavior of the proposed system is described by comparison with probabilistic approaches.
Knowledge trees and protoforms in question‐answering systems
Authors: Yager Ronald R.
Published: January 2006

We point out that question‐answering systems differ from other information‐seeking applications, such as search engines, by having a deduction capability, an ability to answer questions by a synthesis of information residing in different parts of its knowledge base. This capability requires appropriate representation of various types of human knowledge, rules for locally manipulating this knowledge, and a framework for providing a global plan for appropriately mobilizing the information in the knowledge to address the question posed. In this article we suggest tools to provide these capabilities. We describe how the fuzzy set–based theory of approximate reasoning can aid in the process of representing knowledge. We discuss how protoforms can be used to aid in deduction and local manipulation of knowledge. The idea of a knowledge tree is introduced to provide a global framework for mobilizing the knowledge base in response to a query. We look at some types of commonsense and default knowledge. This requires us to address the complexity of the nonmonotonicity that these types of knowledge often display. We also briefly discuss the role that Dempster‐Shafer structures can play in representing knowledge.
Myocardium distribution of sertindole and its metabolite dehydrosertindole in guinea‐pigs
Authors: Canal‐Raffin Mireille , Titier Karine , Déridet Evelyne , Martinez Béatrice , Abouelfath Abdelilah , Miras Alain , Gromb Sophie , Molimard Mathieu , Moore Nicholas
Published: January 2006

Sertindole, like other atypical antipsychotics, has been shown to increase the action potential duration and QT interval in a concentration dependent manner, inin vitroelectrophysiological studies. However, this does not always translate into increased duration of the QT interval, increased risk of torsade de pointes or sudden death in clinical practice. The reasons for these apparent discrepancies are unclear and many studies have underscored the importance of the interpretation ofin vitroelectrophysiological data in the context of other pharmacodynamic (e.g. cardiac ion channels target, receptor affinity) and pharmacokinetic parameters (total plasma drug concentration and drug distribution). To address the possible relevance of the concentrations used in experimental studies, the myocardium distribution of sertindole and its metabolite was determined after single and repeated intraperitoneal administration to guinea‐pigs. The data suggest that the plasma concentration appears to predict the concentration in the myocardium and that the myocardium concentrations of sertindole are 3.1 times higher than plasma concentrations. Using these data, the relevance ofin vitroelectrophysiological studies to clinical plasma concentrations has been appraised. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SERRS study of the DNA binding by Ru(II) tris‐(Bipyridyl) complexes bearing one carboxylic group
Authors: Gaudry E. , Aubard J. , Amouri H. , Lévi G. , Cordier C.
Published: January 2006

Surface enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) is shown to be a satisfying method to study the interaction between DNA and ruthenium complexes [Ru(bpy)2(Hcmbpy)][PF6]2, where Hcmbpy = 4‐carboxy‐4′‐methyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine. Such metallic complexes are known for their fluorescence properties. To validate this spectroscopic approach we have checked that i) at a given λex, silver colloidal SERRS spectra of Ru complexes closely resemble resonance Raman spectra in aqueous solutions, intensity excepted, and ii) the DNA fragments are not altered when they are adsorbed on the Ag nanoparticles surface. This investigation shows that the intensity of the Ru complexes SERRS spectra is reduced in the presence of DNA, in particular for the specific bands assigned to the Hcmbpy ligand. This collapse demonstrates that the Ru complexes bind DNA through the Hcmbpy moiety, and intercalation is suggested as the binding mode. The DNA binding by the enantiopure Ru complexes (Δ or Λ) is more efficient than by the racemic complexes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 82:399–404, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
The cyclotide family of circular miniproteins: Nature's combinatorial peptide template
Authors: Craik David J. , Čemažar Maša , Wang Conan K. L. , Daly Norelle L.
Published: January 2006

The cyclotides are a recently discovered family of miniproteins that contain a head‐to‐tail cyclized backbone and a knotted arrangement of disulfide bonds. They are approximately 30 amino acids in size and are present in high abundance in plants from the Violaceae, Rubiaceae, and Cucurbitaceae families, with individual plants containing a suite of up to 100 cyclotides. They have a diverse range of biological activities, including uterotonic, anti‐HIV, antitumor, and antimicrobial activities, although their natural function is likely that of defending their host plants from pathogens and pests. This review focuses on the structural aspects of cyclotides, which may be thought of as a natural combinatorial peptide template in which a wide range of amino acids is displayed on a compact molecular core made up of the cyclic cystine knot structural motif. Cyclotides are exceptionally stable and are resistant to denaturation via thermal, chemical, or enzymatic treatments. The structural features that contribute to their remarkable stability are described in this review. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 84: 250–266, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Single seed Raman measurements allow taxonomical discrimination of Apiaceae accessions collected in gene banks
Authors: Baranski R. , Baranska M. , Schulz H. , Simon P. W. , Nothnagel T.
Published: January 2006

NIR–FT–Raman spectroscopy was applied for a nondestructive analysis of single seeds (fruit mericarps) of 36 accessions belonging to various species of the Apiaceae family. Main seed components such as fatty acids, polysaccharides, proteins, and lignin were identified based on the obtained Raman spectra. Variation at the species and genus level was related to differences observed between spectra. The application of cluster analysis discriminated among most of the species evaluated and grouped them according to their taxonomical classification. The spectroscopically analyzed seeds germinated and developed into normal seedlings to demonstrate the additional advantage that Raman spectroscopy is nondestructive and can be applied to living seed without harm. These results indicate that Raman spectroscopy is a valuable tool for the rational evaluation and management of genetic resources in ex situ seed collections by providing useful information for taxonomical validation of the accessions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 81: 497–505, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Synthesis, Characterization, and Folding Behavior of β‐Amino Acid Derived Polyisocyanides
Authors: Wezenberg Sander J. , Metselaar Gerald A. , Rowan Alan E. , Cornelissen Jeroen J. L. M. , Seebach Dieter , Nolte Roeland J. M.
Published: January 2006

Helical polymers of isocyanopeptides derived from β‐amino acids have been synthesized and their architectures have been studied in detail. Similar to their α‐amino acid analogues, the helical conformation in these macromolecules is stabilized by internal hydrogen‐bonding arrays along the polymeric backbone. Unexpectedly, the flexibility of the β‐peptide side arms results in a rearrangement of the initial macromolecular architecture, leading to a more stable helical structure possessing a better defined hydrogen‐bonding pattern, as was concluded from IR and temperature‐dependent circular dichroism studies. Based on these results we propose a dynamic helical model for the β‐amino acid derived polyisocyanopeptides; this model is in contrast to the kinetically stable helical macromolecules that are formed upon polymerization of α‐amino acid based isocyanopeptides.
Selective Functionalization of Arenes Through the Reaction of Aryne—Zirconocene Complexes and Enol Ethers.
Authors: Barluenga Jose , Fernandez Amadeo , Alvarez‐Rodrigo Lucia , Rodriguez Felix , Fananas Francisco J.
Published: January 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access the actual ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis and Antidepressant Activity of Some 1,3,5‐Triphenyl‐2‐pyrazolines and 3‐(2′′‐Hydroxynaphthalen‐1′′‐yl)‐1,5‐diphenyl‐2‐pyrazolines.
Authors: Prasad Y. Rajendra , Rao A. Lakshmana , Prasoona L. , Murali K. , Kumar P. Ravi
Published: January 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access the actual ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Discovery of 1‐Amino‐4‐phenylcyclohexane‐1‐carboxylic Acid and Its Influence on Agonist Selectivity Between Human Melanocortin‐4 and ‐1 Receptors in Linear Pentapeptides.
Authors: Chu Xin‐Jie , et al. et al.
Published: January 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access the actual ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Alkaloids from the Bulbs of Lycoris aurea
Authors: Yang Yu , Huang Sheng‐Xiong , Zhao Yi‐Min , Zhao Qin‐Shi , Sun Han‐Dong
Published: January 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access the actual ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Eburnamine Derivatives and the Brain
Authors: Vas Adam , Gulyas Balazs
Published: January 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access the actual ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
CSF‐1 and PI 3‐kinase regulate podosome distribution and assembly in macrophages
Authors: Wheeler Ann P. , Smith Stephen D. , Ridley Anne J.
Published: January 2006

Podosomes are actin‐rich adhesive foci found in several cell types, including macrophages. They have a core containing actin and actin‐binding proteins and a peripheral ring of integrins and associated proteins. We show that podosomes are abundant in polarized mouse bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMM) and are found primarily in lamellae. We investigated the effects of CSF‐1, which induces membrane ruffling, cell spreading, and subsequent polarization and migration, on podosome formation. CSF‐1 induces a transient increase in podosome number and enhances the formation of circular arrays of podosomes. Conversely, CSF‐1 withdrawal leads to a reduction in podosomes and a decrease in polarized cells. The PI 3‐kinase inhibitor LY294002 induces loss of podosomes together with rapid retraction of lamellae and loss of polarity. Our results indicate that CSF‐1 acts via PI 3‐kinase to enhance podosome assembly and that this is linked to macrophage polarization. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sensorineural hearing loss in combined modality treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Chen William C. , Jackson Andrew , Budnick Amy S. , Pfister David G. , Kraus Dennis H. , Hunt Margie A. , Stambuk Hilda , Levegrun Sabine , Wolden Suzanne L.
Published: January 2006

BACKGROUND

Combined modality therapy has become the standard of care for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, yet the combined ototoxic effects of radiation and cisplatin are poorly understood. The incidence and severity of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) with combined modality therapy was evaluated and the dose–response relation between radiation and hearing loss was investigated.

METHODS

Patients with newly diagnosed AJCC Stage II–IVB nasopharynx carcinoma treated from 1994–2003 were identified. The records of 44 ears in 22 patients who received a preirradiation pure tone audiogram and followup audiograms 12+ months postirradiation were included in the analysis. All patients were treated with conformal radiotherapy to 70 Gy and received platinum‐based chemotherapy similar to the Intergroup 0099 trial. Composite cochlear dose distributions were calculated. Ototoxicity was measured using intrasubject audiogram comparisons and SNHL was defined as per the American Speech and Hearing Association guidelines, with standard range of speech between 2000–4000 Hz. SNHL was analyzed using Fisher exact test and linear and logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics: median age, 45; 27% Asian; 68% male; 64% WHO III. Median audiologic followup was 29 months (range, 12–76 mos). Mean cochlear dose (Dmean) ranged from 28.4–70.0 Gy (median, 48.5 Gy). SNHL was detected in 25 of the 44 ears (57%) studied. There was an increased risk of SNHL for ears receiving Dmean > 48 Gy compared with those receiving ≤ 48 Gy at all frequencies within the range of speech (P = 0.04). Using univariate logistic regression analysis, Dmean to the cochlea, cycles of cisplatin, and time postradiotherapy were independently significant factors in determining the incidence of SNHL (P = 0.02, P = 0.03, and P = 0.04, respectively). In univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis, Dmean was statistically significant at all frequencies in affecting degree of SNHL, whereas the significance of cisplatin and time was variable.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a significant increase in risk of SNHL among patients receiving > 48 Gy, suggesting a threshold in cochlear radiation dose–response in the setting of combined modality therapy. This dose should serve as a Dmean constraint maximum for intensity‐modulated radiotherapy treatment of nasopharynx carcinoma. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
MOCVD of Lanthanum Oxides from La(tmhd)3 and La(tmod)3 Precursors: A Thermal and Kinetic Investigation
Authors: Bedoya C. , Condorelli G. G. , Finocchiaro S. T. , Di Mauro A. , Atanasio D. , Fragalà I. L. , Cattaneo L. , Carella S.
Published: January 2006

Metal‐organic (MO)CVD processes using two different precursors, (La(tmhd)3 and La(tmod)3), have been investigated. In‐situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy investigations and thermal analysis have provided information on their thermal robustness during the sublimation processes and mass‐transport properties during MOCVD experiments. Both precursors can be efficiently vaporized in the temperature range 160–230 °C even though La(tmod)3 exhibits higher volatility. Lanthanum oxides have been efficiently deposited using a direct liquid injection (DLI) equipped MOCVD reactor in the temperature range 350–500 °C for both precursors. The effect of the addition of tetraglyme to the precursor solution has been evaluated. Films mainly consist of different phases of La2O3 and LaO(OH), while the carbon‐containing La2O2CO3 phase was observed only on the surface, with no relevant carbon contamination being present in the bulk of the film.
Editorial: The CVD Team
Authors: Hitchman M. L.
Published: January 2006

Journal publication is rather like an orchestral performance. Each section must function well, both independently and as part of the ensemble, in order to guarantee a successful production. The Editor conducts a brief overview of the team behind CVD and the parts they play in bringing the journal to the reader.
A study on a receiver‐based management scheme of access link resources for QoS‐controllable TCP connections
Authors: Azuma Kazuhiro , Hasegawa Go , Murata Masayuki
Published: January 2006

Although the bandwidth of access networks is rapidly increasing with the latest techniques such as DSL and FTTH, the access link bandwidth remains a bottleneck, especially when users activate multiple network applications simultaneously. Furthermore, since the throughput of a standard TCP connection is dependent on various network parameters, including round‐trip time and packet loss ratio, the access link bandwidth is not shared among the network applications according to the user's demands. In this thesis, we present a new management scheme of access link resources for effective utilization of the access link bandwidth and control of the TCP connection's throughput. Our proposed scheme adjusts the total amount of the receive socket buffer assigned to TCP connections to avoid congestion at the access network, and assigns it to each TCP connection according to characteristics in consideration of QoS. The control objectives of our scheme are (1) to protect short‐lived TCP connections from the bandwidth occupation by long‐lived TCP connections, and (2) to differentiate the throughput of the long‐lived TCP connections according to the upper‐layer application's demands. One of the results obtained from the simulation experiments is that our proposed scheme can reduce the delay of short‐lived document transfer perceived by the receiver host by up to about 90%, while a high utilization of access link bandwidth is maintained. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cover Picture: A Novel Bis(zinc–porphyrin)–Oxoporphyrinogen Donor–Acceptor Triad: Synthesis, Electrochemical, Computational and Photochemical Studies (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 3/2006)
Authors: Hill Jonathan P. , Sandanayaka Atula S. D. , McCarty Amy L. , Karr Paul A. , Zandler Melvin E. , Charvet Richard , Ariga Katsuhiko , Araki Yasuyuki , Ito Osamu , D'Souza Francis
Published: January 2006

The cover picture shows an example of an oxoporphyrinogen molecule substituted at macrocyclic nitrogen atoms with zinc–porphyrins (oxoporphyrinogen gets zinc–porphyrin “wings”). The electrochemical and photochemical behaviour of this unprecedented tetrapyrrolic triad has been investigated using physical and computational methods. Evidence for the energy transfer and charge separation between the zinc–porphyrin “wings” and the quinonoid oxoporphyrinogen scaffold is discussed in the article by J. P. Hill, O. Ito, F. D'Souza et al. on p. 595 ff.
An observation of unusual temperature effects for enantioselective CZE employing highly sulfated‐β‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Westall Anne , Malmström Torsten , Petersson Patrik
Published: January 2006

In this paper data are presented suggesting that for enantiomers of basic and neutral analytes, the concentrations of highly sulfated CDs typically used are above the optimum since lower concentrations result in unacceptable migration times. This situation arises because of the high binding affinities often obtained with sulphated CDs. In a system being over the optimum CD concentration increasing the temperature of the capillary offers a capability to improve selectivity and reduce migration times.
Recent advances of transient isotachophoresis‐capillary electrophoresis in the analysis of small ions from high‐conductivity matrices
Authors: Timerbaev Andrei R. , Hirokawa Takeshi
Published: January 2006

Since its invasion into the field of small ion analysis, quantitation of trace ionic analytes has always been a challenging task for CE, especially when dealing with highly saline samples. This review summarizes the method's progress and significant developments in the area due to its combination with on‐line preconcentration by transient ITP (tITP). Principles of tITP stacking in high‐conductivity solutions and operational preconcentration modes are considered. The most important application areas covered in this review include the analysis of seawater and biological fluids (urine, serum, etc.). Examples cited in this review demonstrate that tITP‐CE is now on a certain way of becoming a recognized technique when the determination of trace ionic species in loaded matrices is the aim.
Emission reduction of NOx and CO by optimization of the automatic control system in a coal‐fired stoker boiler
Authors: Schnelle Karl B. , Laungphairojana Atip , Debelak Kenneth A.
Published: January 2006

To date research on NOX and CO emission reduction in stoker‐fired boilers has been devoted to combustion modification to the overfire air, diverting air to a selected set of burners, using modified low‐NOX burners, using flue gas recirculation or flue gas treatment with specially controlled catalyst and additives. This study introduces a concept that focuses on the dynamics of the boiler and the automatic control system. The objective of this study was to reduce the NO and CO emissions by restructuring the automatic control system and then tuning the control system with parameters that have been optimized with emission reduction as the objective. Dynamic data were obtained from a step‐input test of either the underfire air or the overfire air. These data were used to model the boiler with a transfer function describing the emissions. The analyzer dynamic response was included in the overall model. The control parameters were determined from this overall emissions transfer function by mathematical optimization. These control parameters constituted the initial values in the automatic control system used for the final tests in the boiler. Additional adjustments to reduce the emissions were carried out during boiler operation. A low controller gain and a fast reset time were found to be the most suitable setting for the control system. The NO emissions controlled by the overfire air and CO emissions controlled by the underfire air produced the best results. Through this process, emission reduction in boiler No. 7 of the steam plant at Vanderbilt University of NO from 0.349 to 0.292 lb/106 BTU and CO emission from 0.135 to 0.0821 lb/106 BTU was obtained from the optimization of the control parameters of the automatic control system. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2006
STAT3 ser727 phosphorylation and its association with negative estrogen receptor status in breast infiltrating ductal carcinoma
Authors: Yeh Yao‐Tsung , Ou‐Yang Fu , Chen I‐Fen , Yang Sheau‐Fang , Wang Yuan‐Yung , Chuang Hung‐Yi , Su Jinu‐Huang , Hou Ming‐Feng , Yuan Shyng‐Shiou F.
Published: January 2006

Although it is known that STAT3 transcriptional activity is modulated by phosphorylation at serine residue 727, the role of STAT3 serine phosphorylation in breast cancer remains mostly unexplored. In this study, we examined the expression patterns of serine residue 727‐phosphorylated STAT3 (p‐ser727‐STAT3) in breast infiltrating ductal carcinoma tissues and nearby noncancer tissues by using immunoblotting techniques, and correlated the expression profiles with clinicopathological characteristics. A significantly elevated p‐ser727‐STAT3 expression was observed in 61.8% (42/68) of breast cancer tissues as compared to corresponding noncancer tissues (p < 0.001). Further, immunohistochemical analysis also showed an increased nuclear p‐ser727‐STAT3 staining in cancer lesions. The increased p‐ser727‐STAT3 expression in breast infiltrating ductal carcinoma tissues correlated significantly with negative estrogen receptor (ER) status, increased stage of cancer and increased tumor size (p = 0.001, 0.024 and 0.014, individually). Intriguingly, we noticed that the expression levels of p‐ser727‐STAT3 in ER‐negative breast cancer cell lines were higher than those in ER‐positive breast cancer cell lines. In ER‐positive MCF7 cells, treatment with ERα‐specific siRNA increased, whereas treatment with anticancer drug tamoxifen decreased the expression of p‐ser727‐STAT3, phenomena not observed in ER‐negative MDA‐MB‐231 cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that p‐ser727‐STAT3 may be involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer in an ER‐dependent manner. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.