bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical performance of a standardized single‐platform MHC tetramer assay for the identification and enumeration of CMV‐specific CD8+ T lymphocytes
Authors: Brooimans Rik A. , Boyce Christopher S. , Popma Janice , Broyles Dennis A. , Gratama Jan W. , Southwick Paula C. , Keeney Michael
Published: October 2008

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) multimers that identify antigen‐specific T cells, coupled with flow cytometry, have made a major impact on immunological research. HLA Class I multimers detect T cells directed against viral, tumor, and transplantation antigens with exquisite sensitivity. This technique has become an important standard for the quantification of a T cell immune response. The utility of this method in multicenter studies, however, is dependant on reproducibility between laboratories. As part of a clinical study using a standardized two‐tube three‐color single‐platform method, we monitored and characterized performance across multiple sites using tetramers against the T cell receptors (TCR) specific for MHC Class I, A*0101—VTEHDTLLY, A*0201—NLVPMVATV and B*0702—TPRVTGGGAM CMV peptides. We studied the analytical performance of this method, focusing on reducing background, maximizing signal intensity, and ensuring that sufficient cells are enumerated to provide meaningful statistics. Inter and intra‐assay performance were assessed, which included inherent variability introduced by shipping, type of flow cytometer used, protocol adherence, and analytical interpretation across a range of multiple sample levels and specificities under routine laboratory testing conditions. Using the described protocol, it is possible to obtain intra‐ and interlab CV's of <20%, with a functional sensitivity for absolute tetramer counts of 1 cell/μL and 0.2% tetramer+ percent for A*0101, A*0201, and B*0702 alleles. The standardized single‐platform MHC tetramer assay is simple, rapid, reproducible, and useful for assessing CMV‐specific T cells, and will allow for reasonable comparisons of clinical evaluations across multiple centers at clinically relevant thresholds (2.0–10.0 cells/μL). © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Influence of Metal Dilution on the Light‐Induced Spin Transition in Two 1D Chain Compounds: [FexZn1–x(btzp)3](BF4)2 and [FexZn1–x(endi)3](BF4)2 {btzp = 1,2‐Bis(tetrazol‐1‐yl)propane and endi = 1,2‐Bis(tetrazol‐1‐yl)ethane}
Authors: Baldé Chérif , Desplanches Cédric , Grunert Matthias , Wei Yongli , Gütlich Philipp , Létard Jean‐François
Published: October 2008

The thermal and light‐induced spin transitions in [FexZn1–x(btzp)3](BF4)2 and [FexZn1–x(endi)3](BF4)2 {btzp = 1,2‐bis(tetrazol‐1‐yl)propane; endi = 1,2‐bis(tetrazol‐1‐yl)ethane} chain compounds have been investigated by magnetic susceptibility, photomagnetism and diffuse reflectivity measurements. These compounds display a thermal spin transition and the Light‐Induced Excited Spin State Trapping (LIESST) effect at low temperature. For each compound, the thermal spin transition temperature, T1/2, and the relaxation temperature of the photo‐induced high‐spin state, T(LIESST), have been systematically determined. A decrease in T1/2 induces an increase in T(LIESST). The results are discussed and compared with some other “metal‐diluted” iron(II) spin crossover (SCO) complexes. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Enhancing the Porosity of Mesoporous Carbon‐Templated ZSM‐5 by Desilication
Authors: Holm Martin S. , Egeblad Kresten , Vennestrøm Peter N. R. , Hartmann Christian G. , Kustova Marina , Christensen Claus H.
Published: October 2008

A tunable desilication protocol applied on a mesoporous ZSM‐5 zeolite synthesized by carbon‐templating is reported. The strategy enables a systematic manufacture of zeolite catalysts with moderate to very high mesoporosities. Coupling carbon‐templating and desilication thus allow for more than a doubling of the original mesopore volume and mesopore surface area. The porosity effect arising from various treatment times and base amounts in the media has beenthoroughly mapped. Initially, small mesopores are created, and as desilication strength increases the average mesopore size enhances. Crystallinity of the treated samples is retained, and electron microscopy indicates solely intracrystalline mesoporosity.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Alkali Metal Tetraselenohypodiphosphonates: Synthesis, NMR Spectroscopy and Crystal Structures
Authors: Lux Karin , Eckstein Klaus , Schön Oliver , Karaghiosoff Konstantin
Published: October 2008

The one‐pot reaction of alkyl or aryl dichlorophosphanes RPCl2 with alkali metal selenides M2Se and M2Se2 in a 2:2:1 molar ratio provides a simple and general route to alkali metal tetraselenohypodiphosphonates (RP)2Se4M2 (M = Li, Na; R = alkyl, aryl). The new compounds were characterized by multinuclear (31P, 77Se, 1H, 13C) NMR spectroscopy and in two cases by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The crystal structure of the first solvent‐free alkali metal tetraselenohypodiphosphonate salt is presented. The structures reveal a great coordination flexibility of the (RP)2Se42– anions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Study of oil uptake and some quality attributes of potato chips affected by hydrocolloids
Authors: Garmakhany Amir Daraei , Mirzaei Habib Ollah , Nejad Mahdi Kashani , Maghsudlo Yahya
Published: October 2008

The use of coating agents is one effective way to reduce oil absorption in fried products. Reducing the fat content of fried foods by application of coatings is an alternative solution to comply with both health concerns and consumer preferences. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of hydrocolloids as coating agent on the quantity of oil uptake and on sensory attributes of potato chips. The effect of the coating composition showed that the minimum fat content was related to 1% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), 0.5% xanthan, 0.3% guar and 1% xanthan with 21.2, 21.7, 22.4 and 24.8%, respectively, and the highest of fat content was related to blank sample (non‐coated), 2% tragacanth, 0.5% guar gum with 49.4, 41.7 and 33.2% of oil content, respectively (p <0.05). The most effective coating agent reduced the oil uptake by 57.03, 55.94, 54.67 and 49.71%, respectively (p <0.05). Sensory evaluation showed that the best color was related to 1% CMC, 0.3% guar and 2% tragacanth, and with respect to flavor evaluation the best flavor was observed in tragacanth 2%, CMC 0.5% and CMC 0.1%, and the best texture referred to tragacanth 2%, CMC 0.5% and CMC 1%. In sensory evaluation, all coated chips got high scores compared with blank (non‐coated chips) samples (p <0.05).
Directly resistively heated‐column gas chromatography for the evaluation of cow milk fat purity
Authors: Povolo Milena , Pelizzola Valeria , Contarini Giovanna
Published: October 2008

Cow milk fat purity is currently evaluated by triacylglycerol (TAG) analysis. The method is based on the gas chromatographic analysis of TAG according to their total number of carbon atoms, followed by the application of formulae deriving from multiple linear regressions. The original procedure was set up by using a packed column, but different successive works showed its suitability also with the adoption of more modern adjustments. Recently, the use of high‐speed gas chromatography has been spreading. In this work, the suitability of the directly resistively heated‐column gas chromatography [Ultrafast module (UFM)‐GC] for the evaluation of milk fat purity by the Official EU method was tested. Pure milk fat, together with mixtures of milk fat containing two levels of four foreign fats (coconut fat, sunflower oil, lard and beef tallow), were analyzed by both the conventional capillary GC method and UFM‐GC. Sheep, goat and buffalo milk fats were also analyzed. The reference material CRM‐519 was used for calibration. Repeatability and reproducibility values were always below the limits reported in the Official method, demonstrating the suitability of UFM‐GC for the evaluation of milk fat purity. The investigation on sheep, goat and buffalo milk fat confirmed that the S ranges, calculated for cow milk fat, are not applicable to the evaluation of genuineness of non‐bovine milk fats.
Determination of Selenium Traces on Cyclic Renewable Mercury Film Silver Electrode in Presence of Copper Ions Using Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry
Authors: Piech Robert
Published: October 2008

The new cyclic renewable mercury film silver based electrode (Hg(Ag)FE), applied for the determination of selenium(IV) traces in the presence of copper ions using differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry (DP CSV) is presented. The preparation of the Hg(Ag)FE is very simple. The effects of various factors such as: preconcentration potential and time, pulse height, step potential and supporting electrolyte composition are optimized. The calibration graph is linear from 0.5 nM (39 ng L−1) to 100 nM (7.9 μg L−1) for a preconcentration time of 45 s, with correlation coefficient of 0.9995. For a Hg(Ag)FE with a surface area of 8 mm2 the detection limit for a preconcentration time of 90 s is as low as 17 ng L−1. The repeatability of the method at a concentration level of the analyte as low as 2 μg L−1, expressed as RSD is 2.7% (n=7). The proposed method was successfully applied and validated by studying the certified reference material (bovine liver BCR‐185) and simultaneously recovery of Se(IV) from spiked water samples.
Determination of pathogenic bacteria by CZE with surface‐modified capillaries
Authors: Buszewski Bogusław , Kłodzińska Ewa
Published: October 2008

The importance of electromigration techniques in molecular biology and medicine is increasing rapidly, especially in systematic studies on proteomes and metabolomes. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are bacterial species most frequently encountered in human infections, and many serious illnesses can be observed in the hospital environment. In this contribution we proposed a CE method with different modification of internal capillary surface and with monolithic beds as a selective material for determination of bacteria in clinical samples. The electrophoretic separation depends on the differential mobility of bacteria in the capillary and selective interactions between bacterial cells and stationary phases (modified surface, monolithic beads). Proposed procedures could become an effective tool for diagnosis of certain diseases caused by S. aureus and E. coli as well as Proteus vulgaris.
Hydroxyethylcellulose‐graft‐poly (N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) copolymer as a multifunctional separation medium for CE
Authors: Peng Shuhua , Shi Ronghua , Yang Runmiao , Zhou Dan , Wang Yanmei
Published: October 2008

A new multifunctional separation medium, hydroxyethylcellulose‐graft‐poly (N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) copolymer synthesized in our laboratory for application in both basic protein separation and dsDNA separation by CE, is presented in this paper. As a noncovalent coating, this medium showed a powerful capability in resisting basic protein adsorption. Highly efficient and rapid protein separation had been obtained at four different pH values. Meanwhile, the 11 fragments of the dsDNA sample could be baseline separated using this grafted copolymer as sieving matrix at an appropriate concentration.
Pressure and electrokinetic injections for on‐line sample stacking neutral analytes in microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography with salt‐containing matrixes
Authors: Cao Jun , Qi Lian‐Wen , Chen Jun , Li Ping
Published: October 2008

An on‐line technique for pressure and electrokinetic injections of long sample plugs with simultaneous stacking of neutral analytes (notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rf, ginsenoside Rh1, ginsenoside Rd, ginsenoside Rg3) in microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography is presented. The effects of salt concentration, sample plug length, organic modification of the sample matrix, oil phase and SDS concentration on stacking efficiency were examined in order to optimize the two injection methods. In microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography, the effect of the type of oil and SDS content on stacking mechanism is often sophisticated. This study had demonstrated that the oil type and SDS content in microemulsion indeed markedly altered the affinity of microemulsion with analytes. Finally, in comparison with the electrokinetic injection method, the most apparent disadvantages of the pressure injection method were the relatively high LOD and poor reproducibility.
Treatment emergent mania responding to valproate in a Chinese female adolescent population with eating disorders: A case series
Authors: Tor Phern Chern , Lee Ee Lian
Published: October 2008

Eating disorders are commonly associated with depressive symptoms. In an adolescent and binge eating population fluoxetine is commonly used to treat co‐morbid depression associated with eating disorders. In some patients this may precipitate treatment emergent mania (TEM). Risk factors in the adolescent population include being older, female, having a longer duration of illness, more previous mood episodes, a higher prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism, early‐onset anxiety and recent exposure to a mood‐elevating agent. Diagnosis and management of these co‐morbid conditions is challenging due to the overlapping symptomatology and the adverse effects of both conditions complicating pharmacological management. This is illustrated with three cases in a Chinese female adolescent population that experienced TEM while on fluoxetine and responded to valproate. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) produced via NF‐κB signaling pathway mediates migration of amoeboid microglia in the periventricular white matter in hypoxic neonatal rats
Authors: Deng Y. Y. , Lu J. , Ling E. A. , Kaur C.
Published: October 2008

Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), a member of β‐chemokine subfamily, regulates the migration of microglia, monocytes, and lymphocytes to the inflammatory site in the central nervous system. We sought to determine if amoeboid microglial cells (AMC) produce MCP‐1 that may be linked to migration of AMC in the corpus callosum periventricular white matter in hypoxic neonatal rats. A striking feature in 1‐day‐old rats subjected to hypoxia was a marked increase in cell numbers of AMC and immunoexpression of MCP‐1 and its receptor (CCR2). By BrdU immunostaining, there was no significant change in the proliferation rate of AMC after hypoxic exposure when compared with the corresponding control rats. When injected intracerebrally into the corpus callosum of 7‐day‐old postnatal rats, MCP‐1 induced the chemotactic migration of AMC to the injection site. In primary microglial cell culture subjected to hypoxia, there was a significant increase in MCP‐1 release involving NF‐κB signaling pathway. In in vitro chemotaxis assay, the medium derived from hypoxia‐treated microglial cultures attracted more migratory microglial cells than that from the control microglial culture. The present results suggest that following a hypoxic insult, AMC in the neonatal rats increase MCP‐1 production via NF‐κB signaling pathway. This induces the migration and accumulation of AMC from the neighboring areas to the periventricular white matter (PWM). It is concluded that the preponderance and active migration of AMC, as well as them being the main cellular source of MCP‐1, may offer an explanation for the PWM being susceptible to hypoxic damage in neonatal brain. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Calcium store‐mediated signaling in sustentacular cells of the mouse olfactory epithelium
Authors: Hegg Colleen Cosgrove , Irwin Mavis , Lucero Mary T.
Published: October 2008

Sustentacular cells have structural features that allude to functions of secretion, absorption, phagocytosis, maintenance of extracellular ionic gradients, metabolism of noxious chemicals, and regulation of cell turnover. We present data detailing their dynamic activity. We show, using a mouse olfactory epithelium slice model, that sustentacular cells are capable of generating two types of calcium signals: intercellular calcium waves where elevations in intracellular calcium propagate between neighboring cells, and intracellular calcium oscillations consisting of repetitive elevations in intracellular calcium confined to single cells. Sustentacular cells exhibited rapid, robust increases in intracellular calcium in response to G‐protein coupled muscarinic and purinergic receptor stimulation. In a subpopulation of sustentacular cells, oscillatory calcium transients were evoked. We pharmacologically characterized the properties of purinergic‐evoked increases in intracellular calcium. Calcium transients were elicited by release from intracellular stores and were not dependent on extracellular calcium. BAPTA‐AM, a cytosolic calcium chelator, and cyclopiazonic acid, an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase inhibitor irreversibly blocked the purinergic‐induced calcium transient. Phospholipase C antagonist U73122 inhibited the purinergic‐evoked calcium transient. 2‐Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, an inositol‐1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) receptor antagonist, and the ryanodine receptor (RyR) antagonists tetracaine and ryanodine, inhibited the UTP‐induced calcium transients. Collectively, these data suggest that activation of the phospholipase C pathway, IP3‐mediated calcium release, and subsequent calcium‐induced‐calcium release is involved in ATP‐elicited increases in intracellular calcium. Our findings indicate that sustentacular cells are not static support cells, and, like glia in the central nervous system, have complex calcium signaling. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sulforaphane protects astrocytes against oxidative stress and delayed death caused by oxygen and glucose deprivation
Authors: Danilov Camelia A. , Chandrasekaran Krish , Racz Jennifer , Soane Lucian , Zielke Carol , Fiskum Gary
Published: October 2008

Oxidative stress is an important molecular mechanism of astrocyte injury and death following ischemia/reperfusion and may be an effective target of intervention. One therapeutic strategy for detoxifying the many different reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that are produced under these conditions is induction of the Phase II gene response by the use of chemicals or conditions that promote the translocation of the transcriptional activating factor NRF2 from the cytosol to the nucleus, where it binds to genomic antioxidant response elements. This study tested the hypothesis that pre‐ or post‐treatment of cultured cortical astrocytes with sulforaphane, an alkylating agent known to activate the NRF2 pathway of gene expression protects against death of astrocytes caused by transient exposure to O2 and glucose deprivation (OGD). Rat cortical astrocytes were exposed to 5 μM sulforaphane either 48 h prior to, or for 48 h after a 4‐h period of OGD. Both pre‐ and post‐treatments significantly reduced cell death at 48 h after OGD. Immunostaining for 8‐hydroxy‐2‐deoxyguanosine, a marker of DNA/RNA oxidation, was reduced at 4 h reoxygenation with sulforaphane pretreatment. Sulforaphane exposure was followed by an increase in cellular and nuclear NRF2 immunoreactivity. Moreover, sulforaphane also increased the mRNA, protein level, and enzyme activity of NAD(P)H/Quinone Oxidoreductase1, a known target of NRF2 transcriptional activation. We conclude that sulforaphane stimulates the NRF2 pathway of antioxidant gene expression in astrocytes and protects them from cell death in an in vitro model of ischemia/reperfusion. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Engineered lentiviral vector targeting astrocytes In vivo
Authors: Colin Angélique , Faideau Mathilde , Dufour Noelle , Auregan Gwennaelle , Hassig Raymonde , Andrieu Thibault , Brouillet Emmanuel , Hantraye Philippe , Bonvento Gilles , Déglon Nicole
Published: October 2008

Astrocytes are involved in key physiological brain processes, such as glutamatergic transmission and energy metabolism, often altered in neurodegenerative diseases. Targeted gene expression in astrocytes is needed to assess the contribution of these cells to physiological processes and for the development of new therapeutic strategies. However, most of the viral vectors currently used for gene transfer in the central nervous system (CNS) are highly neurotropic. We used mokola pseudotyping to shift the tropism of lentiviral vectors toward astrocytes and a detargeting strategy with miRNA to eliminate residual expression in neuronal cells. In primary cultures, we showed that incorporating target sequences for the neuron‐specific miR124 effectively abolished transgene expression in neurons post‐transcriptionally. Targeted expression of the LacZ reporter gene in astrocytes was achieved in the hippocampus, striatum, and cerebellum of the adult mouse in vivo. As a proof‐of‐principle, this new lentiviral vector was used to either overexpress or downregulate (RNA interference) the glial glutamate transporter GLAST into striatal astrocytes in vivo. These vectors provide new opportunities for cell type‐specific gene transfer in the CNS. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quality control of astrocyte‐directed Cre transgenic mice: The benefits of a direct link between loss of gene expression and reporter activation
Authors: Requardt Robert Pascal , Kaczmarczyk Lech , Dublin Pavel , Wallraff‐Beck Anke , Mikeska Thomas , Degen Joachim , Waha Andreas , Steinhäuser Christian , Willecke Klaus , Theis Martin
Published: October 2008

Cre recombinase activity for cell‐type restricted deletion of floxed target genes (i.e., flanked by Cre recognition loxP‐sites) is often measured by separate matings with recombination‐activated reporter gene mice. Using a floxed Gja1 (Cx43) allele, we demonstrate the benefits of a direct link between reporter gene expression and target gene deletion to overcome critical limitations of the Cre/loxP system. The widely used human glial fibrillary acidic protein (hGFAP)‐Cre transgene exhibits variable recombination activity and requires postexperimental validation. Such quality control is essential to correlate the extent of Cre‐mediated Gja1 ablation with phenotypical alterations and to maintain the activity status of hGFAP‐Cre in transgenic mouse colonies. We present several strategies to control for the fidelity of hGFAP‐Cre mediated recombination. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Subglacial drainage system structure and morphology of Brewster Glacier, New Zealand
Authors: Willis Ian , Lawson Wendy , Owens Ian , Jacobel Bob , Autridge Jenny
Published: October 2008

A global positioning system and ground penetrating radar surveys is used to produce digital elevation models of the surface and bed of Brewster Glacier. These are used to derive maps of subglacial hydraulic potential and drainage system structure using three different assumptions about the subglacial water pressure (Pw): (i) Pw = ice overburden; (ii) Pw = half ice overburden; (iii) Pw = atmospheric. Additionally, 16 dye‐tracing experiments at 12 locations were performed through a summer melt season. Dye return curve shape, together with calculations of transit velocity, dispersivity and storage, are used to infer the likely morphology of the subglacial drainage system. Taken together, the data indicate that the glacier is underlain by a channelised but hydraulically inefficient drainage system in the early summer in which water pressures are close to ice overburden. By mid‐summer, water pressures are closer to half‐ice overburden and the channelised drainage system is more hydraulically efficient. Surface streams that enter the glacier close to the location of major subglacial drainage pathways are routed quickly to the channels and then to the glacier snout. Streams that enter the glacier further away from the drainage pathways are routed slowly to the channels and then to the snout because they first flow through a distributed drainage system. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Artificial neural network models for estimating regional reference evapotranspiration based on climate factors
Authors: Dai Xiaoqin , Shi Haibin , Li Yunsheng , Ouyang Zhu , Huo Zailin
Published: October 2008

Evapotranspiration (ET) is one of the basic components of the hydrologic cycle and is essential for estimating irrigation water requirements. In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) model for reference evapotranspiration (ET0) calculation was investigated. ANNs were trained and tested for arid (west), semi‐arid (middle) and sub‐humid (east) areas of the Inner Mongolia district of China. Three or four climate factors, i.e. air temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (U) and duration of sunshine (N) from 135 meteorological stations distributed throughout the study area, were used as the inputs of the ANNs. A comparison was conducted between the estimates provided by the ANNs and by multilinear regression (MLR). The results showed that ANNs using the climatic data successfully estimated ET0 and the ANNs simulated ET0 better than the MLRs. The ANNs with four inputs were more accurate than those with three inputs. The errors of the ANNs with four inputs were lower (with RMSE of 0·130 mm d−1, RE of 2·7% and R2 of 0·986) in the semi‐arid area than in the other two areas, but the errors of the ANNs with three inputs were lower in the sub‐humid area (with RMSE of 0·21 mm d−1, RE of 5·2% and R2 of 0·961. For the different seasons, the results indicated that the highest errors occurred in September and the lowest in April for the ANNs with four inputs. Similarly, the errors were higher in September for the ANNs with three inputs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The hemopexin domain of MMP‐9 inhibits angiogenesis and retards the growth of intracranial glioblastoma xenograft in nude mice
Authors: Ezhilarasan Ravesanker , Jadhav Unmesh , Mohanam Indra , Rao Jasti S. , Gujrati Meena , Mohanam Sanjeeva
Published: October 2008

Matrix Metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) consists of a prodomain, catalytic domain with 3 fibronectin‐like type II modules and C‐terminal hemopexin‐like (PEX) domain. These domains play distinct roles in terms of proteolytic activity, substrate binding and interaction with inhibitors and receptors. To assess the potential of the MMP‐9‐PEX domain to interfere with tumor progression, we stably transfected human glioblastoma cells with an expression vector containing a cDNA sequence of the MMP‐9‐PEX. The selected clones exhibited decreased MMP‐9 activity and reduced invasive capacity. We assessed how secretion of MMP‐9‐PEX by glioblastoma cells affects angiogenic capabilities of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) in vitro. MMP‐9‐PEX conditioned medium treatment caused a reduction in migration of HMECs and inhibited capillary‐like structure formation in association with suppression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion and VEGF receptor‐2 protein level. The suppression of HMECs survival by conditioned medium from MMP‐9‐PEX stable transfectants was associated with apoptosis induction characterized by an increase in cells with a sub‐G0/G1 content, fragmentation of DNA, caspase‐3, ‐8 and ‐9 activation and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. A significant tumor growth inhibition was observed in intracranial implants of MMP‐9‐PEX stable transfectants in nude mice with attenuation of CD31 and MMP‐9 protein expression. These results demonstrate that MMP‐9‐PEX inhibits angiogenic features of endothelial cells and retards intracranial glioblastoma growth. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SRPX2 is overexpressed in gastric cancer and promotes cellular migration and adhesion
Authors: Tanaka Kaoru , Arao Tokuzo , Maegawa Mari , Matsumoto Kazuko , Kaneda Hiroyasu , Kudo Kanae , Fujita Yoshihiko , Yokote Hideyuki , Yanagihara Kazuyoshi , Yamada Yasuhide , Okamoto Isamu , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Nishio Kazuto
Published: October 2008

SRPX2 (Sushi repeat containing protein, X‐linked 2) was first identified as a downstream molecule of the E2A‐HLF fusion gene in t(17;19)‐positive leukemia cells and the biological function of this gene remains unknown. We found that SRPX2 is overexpressed in gastric cancer and the expression and clinical features showed that high mRNA expression levels were observed in patients with unfavorable outcomes using real‐time RT‐PCR. The cellular distribution of SRPX2 protein showed the secretion of SRPX2 into extracellular regions and its localization in the cytoplasm. The introduction of the SRPX2 gene into HEK293 cells did not modulate the cellular proliferative activity but did enhance the cellular migration activity, as shown using migration and scratch assays. The conditioned‐medium obtained from SRPX2‐overexpressing cells increased the cellular migration activity of a gastric cancer cell line, SNU‐16. In addition, SRPX2 protein remarkably enhanced the cellular adhesion of SNU‐16 and HSC‐39 and increased the phosphorylation levels of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), as shown using western blotting, suggesting that SRPX2 enhances cellular migration and adhesion through FAK signaling. In conclusion, the overexpression of SRPX2 enhances cellular migration and adhesion in gastric cancer cells. Here, we report that the biological functions of SRPX2 include cellular migration and adhesion to cancer cells. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Physical activity and mammographic breast density in a Mediterranean population: The EPIC Florence longitudinal study
Authors: Masala Giovanna , Assedi Melania , Ambrogetti Daniela , Sera Francesco , Salvini Simonetta , Bendinelli Benedetta , Ermini Ilaria , Giorgi Daniela , Rosselli del Turco Marco , Palli Domenico
Published: October 2008

A protective effect of physical activity (PA) on breast cancer (BC) risk has been suggested. Few studies have examined the influence of PA on mammographic breast density (MBD), a strong risk factor for BC. In a prospective study in Florence, Italy, we identified 2,000 healthy women with a mammogram taken 5 years after enrolment. Individual mammograms were retrieved (83%) and MBD assessed according to Wolfe's classification. Detailed information on PA at work and during leisure time, reproductive history, lifestyle and anthropometric measurements at enrolment were available for 1,666 women. Information on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was also obtained at mammogram. Women with high‐MBD (P2 + DY Wolfe's patterns) were compared with women with low‐MBD (N1 + P1) by multivariate logistic models. Overall, high‐MBD was inversely associated with increasing levels of leisure time PA (p for trend = 0.04) and among peri‐/postmenopausal women, also with increasing levels of recreational activities (p for trend = 0.02). An interaction between PA and HRT emerged, with a stronger inverse association of highest level of recreational activity with MBD among HRT nonusers (p for interaction = 0.02). A modifying effect by body mass index (BMI) was evident among 1,025 peri‐/postmenopausal women who did not use HRT at the time of mammogram, with a stronger inverse association between recreational PA and MBD in the highest BMI tertile (OR = 0.34; 95% CI 0.20–0.57; p for interaction = 0.03). This large study carried out in Mediterranean women suggests that leisure time PA may play a role in modulating MBD, particularly in overweight/obese peri‐/postmenopausal women. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methionine depletion with recombinant methioninase: In vitro and in vivo efficacy against neuroblastoma and its synergism with chemotherapeutic drugs
Authors: Hu Jian , Cheung Nai‐Kong V.
Published: October 2008

Methionine starvation can modulate gene methylation, cell cycle transition and pathways related to survival following DNA damage. Methionine depletion by recombinant methioninase (rMETase) may have in vitro and in vivo efficacy against neuroblastoma (NB), especially when combined with chemotherapeutic drugs. rMETase from Pseudomonas putida was produced in Escherichia coli and purified by ion‐exchange chromatography. rMETase alone inhibited the proliferation of 15/15 NB cell lines in vitro. Among these 15 cell lines, only 66N demonstrated rMETase‐induced apoptosis. rMETase alone suppressed LAN‐1 and NMB‐7 xenografts (p < 0.01) and no toxicities were noted other than reversible weight loss. In vitro efficacy experiments combining rMETase and chemotherapeutic agents were carried out using SK‐N‐LD and SK‐N‐BE (1)N established at diagnosis, as well as LAN‐1, SK‐N‐BE (2)C and NMB‐7 established at relapse. Microtubule depolymerization agents including vincristine, vinorelbine, vinblatine and mebendazole showed synergism when tested in combination with rMETase in all 5 cell lines. Among DNA damaging agents, synergy with rMETase was observed only in cell lines established at diagnosis and not at relapse. Cell cycle analysis showed that rMETase arrested G2 phase and not M phase. In vivo efficacy experiments using LAN‐1 and NMB‐7 xenografts showed that rMETase rendered vincristine more effective than vincristine alone in tumor growth suppression (p < 0.001). In conclusion, methionine depletion inhibited NB proliferation and arrested tumor cells at G2 phase. rMETase synergized with microtubule depolymerization agents. Moreover, synergism between rMETase and DNA damaging agents was dependent on whether cell lines were established at diagnosis or at relapse. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessing the efficiency of irrigation water users' associations and its determinants: evidence from Tunisia
Authors: Frija Aymen , Speelman Stijn , Chebil Ali , Buysse Jeroen , Van Huylenbroeck Guido
Published: October 2008

This article analyses the efficiency of water users' associations (WUAs) in the Cap Bon region of Tunisia and studies its main determinants. The analysis is performed in two stages. First, the efficiency is measured via the non‐parametric “data envelopment analysis” (DEA) technique. The DEA models are constructed not only to assess the overall WUA efficiency but also to evaluate the management and engineering sub‐vector efficiencies separately through a mathematical modification in the initial DEA model. In a second stage critical technical and organizational determinants of efficiencies are assessed using aTobitmodel. Results show that on average, 18.7% of the used inputs could be saved if the WUAs operated on the frontier. The inefficiencies found can furthermore be mainly attributed to the number of years of experience in operating a WUA, in addition to the number of water pipes managed and the irrigation ratio. The average scale efficiency, which can be calculated as the ratio between constant and variable returns to scale efficiencies, was around 71%, indicating that many WUAs are not operating at an efficient scale. The scale inefficiencies result mainly from administrative and organizational variables. Sub‐vector efficiencies show that on average, the inefficiency of WUAs is more linked with inefficiency in expenditures related to their internal management and functioning, than to engineering inefficiencies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of irrigation with treated municipal wastewater on soil properties in arid and semi‐arid regions
Authors: Tabatabaei Sayyed Hassan , Najafi Payam
Published: October 2008

The use of municipal wastewater for irrigation needs special management. This is due to the environmental and health hazards. In this study, secondary treated municipal wastewater was used in five irrigation treatments. These treatments were as follows: furrow irrigation with normal water (FN), drip irrigation with wastewater (DI), subsurface drip irrigation in 15 cm depth with wastewater (SDI15), subsurface drip irrigation in 30 cm depth with wastewater (SDI30), and furrow irrigation with wastewater (FW). The results showed that the application of DI and SDI sand filters causes a decrease in wastewater index pollution, including 50.1% BOD5, 98.9% total count, 97.6% total coliform, 93.2% faecal coliform, 57.1% nematode, 81% total nitrogen, 52% N‐NO3, 84% N‐NH4 and 44% total suspended solids. In addition, the application of the SDI system causes a decrease in the moisture content of the soil surface, which decreases total coliform and faecal coliform on the soil surface. The average values for these parameters show no significant difference (5% level) between SDI treatments and FN. The results of this research also show that in the case of SDI with its minimal leaching, prevalence contamination (such as N‐NO3) was minimized as a result of the usage of wastewater at depth and in groundwater. Moreover, in SDI treatments, the maximum EC and SAR leaching are observed at 60 cm depth, whereas in the FW this leaching is observed deeper than 90 cm. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting alfalfa hay production as related to water distribution functions
Authors: Montazar Aliasghar
Published: October 2008

The present study was carried out to evaluate two crop water production models for estimating the effects of irrigation uniformity on alfalfa hay yields. The models included the ratio of actual to maximum hay yield, two parameters of the sprinkler water uniformity, and the ratio of gross to required irrigation. Measured data from three experimental plots of a farm located in Varamin, Iran, were used for the evaluation of the proposed models. Comparisons showed that the results from both models were in good agreement with experimental results. However, the results obtained from the normal water distribution model were more accurate than those from the uniform water distribution model. The higher predictive accuracy of the normal distribution model may be due to the fact that it follows a normal pattern in terms of irrigation distribution and crop yield. The accuracy of models in estimating alfalfa hay yield improved with an increasing uniformity coefficient. The results indicate that the optimum gross to required irrigation depth ratio decreases with increasing sprinkler water uniformity value. The findings demonstrate the importance of economic constraints in determining the optimum irrigation amount. It was further found that the optimum irrigation depth increased with increasing value of the product to irrigation cost ratio. The results illustrate that normal and uniform models overestimate and underestimate the values of hay yield compared to measured values, respectively. The average difference in the yield estimation compared to measured data was 130 kg ha−1 for the uniform distribution model and 87 kg ha−1 for the normal distribution model. The average alfalfa hay yield over growing period was estimated at 24 400 kg ha−1 for the ranges of CUch between 80 and 90% in the study region. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of salinity on eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) growth and evapotranspiration
Authors: Ünlükara Ali , Kurunç Ahmet , Kesmez Gülüzar Duygu , Yurtseven Engin , Suarez Donald L.
Published: October 2008

The effects of irrigation water salinity on eggplant growth, yield, water consumption and mineral matter accumulation in leaves and fruits were investigated with a greenhouse experiment. For this purpose, five saline irrigation waters with electrical conductivities of 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 5.0, 7.0 dS m−1 and tap water as a control treatment were utilized. Throughout the experiment, the amounts of irrigation water to be applied were determined based on the weight changes of each pot. After irrigation the amount of drainage water volume was measured in drain pans placed underneath each pot. We calculated the plant water consumption from the water budget information. Threshold soil salinity and slope values of the yield response to soil salinity level were determined as <1.5 dS m−1 and 4.4 respectively for fruit yield and 6.7 dS m−1 and 3.7 for the vegetative dry weight. The fruit yield results revealed that eggplant was moderately sensitive to salinity. Plant water consumption and water use efficiency decreased with increasing salinity. The crop yield coefficient (Ky) was 2.3. Salinity caused a decrease in K content, and increased Cl content of leaves. Although mineral concentration of the leaves did respond to increased mineral concentration of irrigation water, mineral concentration of fruits did not. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of PEGylated calcium phosphate nanoparticles for oral insulin delivery
Authors: Ramachandran Rukmani , Paul Willi , Sharma Chandra P.
Published: October 2008

The inconvenience of subcutaneous insulin delivery leads to low patient compliance with the dosage regimens. The most desirable form of administration seems to be through the oral route. This work investigates the utility of PEGylated calcium phosphate nanoparticles as oral carriers for insulin. Calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaP) with an average particle size of 47.9 nm (D50) were synthesized and surface modified by conjugating it with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). These modified nanoparticles were having a near zero zeta potential. Protection of insulin from the gastric environment has been achieved by coating the nanoparticles with a pH sensitive polymer that will dissolve in the mildly alkaline pH environment of the intestine. The release profiles of coated nanoparticles exhibited negligible release in acidic (gastric) pH, i.e., only 2% for CaP and 6.5% for PEGylated CaP. However, a sustained release of insulin was observed at neutral (intestinal) pH for over 8 h. The conformation of the released insulin, studied using circular dichroism, was unaltered when compared with native insulin. The released insulin was also stable as it was studied using dynamic light scattering. Radioimmunoassay was performed and the immunoreactivity of the released insulin was found to be intact. These results suggest PEGylated calcium phosphate nanoparticles as an excellent carrier system for insulin toward the development of an oral insulin delivery system. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Global slowdown: Is the dollar a good hedge?
Authors: Tokic Damir
Published: October 2008

The euro has been a good hedge against the political and economic issues affecting the U.S. economy since 2001. But now, despite a weak U.S. economy, there are signs that the U.S. dollar might be a safe haven for cash and money market deposits in the future.

The author discusses the reasons behind the recent depreciation of the U.S. dollar, and the fundamental changes that could strengthen the dollar in the near future. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simple tactics to prevent payment fraud
Authors: Schaeffer Mary S.
Published: October 2008

In this economy, payment fraud may be on the rise. But there are some simple tactics you can use to prevent payment fraud. The author explains what they are, and how to use them.

This article is adapted from Fraud in Accounts Payable: How to Prevent It by Mary S. Schaeffer, published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Budgets: All bad things must come to an end
Authors: Paniccia Dominic
Published: October 2008

Jack Welch, the legendary former General Electric CEO, once said, “The budget is the bane of corporate America.” Many people dread preparing annual budgets. Why is the budgeting process broken—and what can we do about it? © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A treasurer's guide to security broker swindles
Authors: Wolf Fran , Tackett James
Published: October 2008

The term securities swindle is commonly associated with fly‐by‐night charlatans who prey on novice investors or the elderly. Many corporate people believe this kind of unscrupulous behavior is uncommon in legitimate financial institutions.

But that's not true. And treasury managers—who routinely use brokerage firms for various purposes—can fall victim to securities swindles more easily than you might think.

What are the most common swindles out there now? And how must treasurers protect themselves? © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
2D depiction of nonbonding interactions for protein complexes
Authors: Zhou Peng , Tian Feifei , Shang Zhicai
Published: October 2008

A program called the 2D‐GraLab is described for automatically generating schematic representation of nonbonding interactions across the protein binding interfaces. The input file of this program takes the standard PDB format, and the outputs are two‐dimensional PostScript diagrams giving intuitive and informative description of the protein–protein interactions and their energetics properties, including hydrogen bond, salt bridge, van der Waals interaction, hydrophobic contact, π–π stacking, disulfide bond, desolvation effect, and loss of conformational entropy. To ensure these interaction information are determined accurately and reliably, methods and standalone programs employed in the 2D‐GraLab are all widely used in the chemistry and biology community. The generated diagrams allow intuitive visualization of the interaction mode and binding specificity between two subunits in protein complexes, and by providing information on nonbonding energetics and geometric characteristics, the program offers the possibility of comparing different protein binding profiles in a detailed, objective, and quantitative manner. We expect that this 2D molecular graphics tool could be useful for the experimentalists and theoreticians interested in protein structure and protein engineering. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Theoretical study of electronic properties of organic photovoltaic materials
Authors: López‐Martínez Erika Ivonne , Rodríguez‐Valdez Luz María , Flores‐Holguín Norma , Márquez‐Lucero Alfredo , Glossman‐Mitnik Daniel
Published: October 2008

It has been proved that fullerene derivatives, in which an oligophenylenevinylene (OPV) group is attached to C60, present an interesting photophysical phenomenon and can be incorporated into photovoltaic cells. In these systems, the OPV acts as electron donor upon excitation, and then fullerene absorbs photoexcited electrons. These new organic semiconductor materials offer the prospect of lower manufacturing costs and they present several advantages: easy fabrication, large area, flexible and light weight devices when compared with inorganic counter parts. In the present theoretical study, oligomeric chains of p‐phenylenevinylene (n‐PPV, n = 3–8 units) and C60‐OPV hybrids have been studied by density functional theory (DFT). Electronic properties such as electronic absorption and emission spectra were calculated in order to determinate how the increment of spectroscopic units affects their electronic behavior. These properties were carried out with time dependent‐density functional theory (TD‐DFT) and ZINDO semiempirical method. The theoretical calculations of the structural properties of n‐PPV and fullerene‐OPV hybrids were obtained using PBE1PBE/6‐31G and ONIOM two‐layered version, respectively. All calculations were done with Gaussian 03W program package. © 2008 Wiley periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Comparison of predicted native structures of Met‐enkephalin based on various accessible‐surface‐area solvent models
Authors: Zhan Lixin , Chen Jeff Z. Y. , Liu Wing‐Ki
Published: October 2008

We examine the variation and similarity of the native structures predicted from various accessible‐surface‐area solvent models for peptide Met‐enkephalin. Both ECEPP/2 and ECEPP/3 force fields have been used in conjunction with ten different sets of accessible‐surface‐area parameterization. The native structures were determined by an implementation of the basin hopping Monte Carlo technique. The results suggest that the implicit solvent models examined in this study should be employed in computer simulations with extreme caution. In addition, the effect of fixing or not fixing the peptide angles ω has been examined. We conclude that fixing ω generally gives rise to a poor prediction. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009