bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave‐assisted proteomics
Authors: Lill Jennie R. , Ingle Elizabeth S. , Liu Peter S. , Pham Victoria , Sandoval Wendy N.
Published: May 2007

State‐of‐the‐art proteomic analysis has recently undergone a rapid evolution; with more high‐throughput analytical instrumentation and informatic tools available, sample preparation is becoming one of the rate‐limiting steps in protein characterization workflows. Recently several protocols have appeared in the literature that employ microwave irradiation as a tool for the preparation of biological samples for subsequent mass spectrometric characterization. Techniques for microwave‐assisted bio‐catalyzed reactions (including sample reduction and alkylation, enzymatic and chemical digestion, removal and analysis of post‐translational modifications and characterization of enzymes and protein‐interaction sites) are described. This review summarizes the various approaches undertaken, instrumentation employed, and reduction in overall experimental time observed when microwave assistance is applied. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 26:657–671, 2007
Reprogramming events of mammalian somatic cells induced by Xenopus laevis egg extracts
Authors: Miyamoto Kei , Furusawa Tadashi , Ohnuki Mari , Goel Sandeep , Tokunaga Tomoyuki , Minami Naojiro , Yamada Masayasu , Ohsumi Keita , Imai Hiroshi
Published: May 2007

It is known that differentiated cells can be reprogrammed to an undifferentiated state in oocyte cytoplasm after nuclear transfer. Recently, some reports suggested that Xenopus egg extracts have the ability to reprogram mammalian somatic cells. Reprogramming events of mammalian cells after Xenopus egg extract treatment and after cell culture of extract‐treated cells have not been elucidated. In this experiment, we examined reprogramming events in reversibly permeabilized or nonpermeabilized porcine fibroblast cells after Xenopus egg extract treatment. The Xenopus egg‐specific histone B4 was assembled on porcine chromatin and nuclear lamin LIII was incorporated into nuclei. Deacetylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 in extract‐treated cells was detected in nonpermeabilized cells, suggesting that a part of reprogramming may be induced even in nonpermeabilized cells. Following culture of extract‐treated cells, the cells began to express the pluripotent marker genes such as POU5F1 (OCT4) and SOX2 and to form colonies. Reactivation of the OCT4 gene in extract‐treated cells was also confirmed in bovine fibroblasts transformed with an OCT4‐EGFP construct. These results suggest that nuclei of mammalian cells can be partially reprogrammed to an embryonic state by Xenopus egg extracts and the remodeled cells partly dedifferentiate after cell culture. A system using egg extracts may be useful for understanding the mechanisms and processes of dedifferentiation and reprogramming of mammalian somatic cells after nuclear transfer. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 1268–1277, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential but beneficial effect of phytohemagglutinin on efficiency of in vitro porcine embryo production by somatic cell nuclear transfer or in vitro fertilization
Authors: Gupta Mukesh Kumar , Uhm Sang Jun , Lee Hoon Taek
Published: May 2007

In vitro production of porcine embryos has become routine in most laboratories but the yield and quality of the resultant blastocysts remains sub‐optimal. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) is an N‐acetylgalactosamine/galactose sugar‐specific lectin with a wide variety of biological activities including mitogenesis, mediation of cell recognition and agglutination of cells. This study was therefore, designed to investigate the effect of PHA on the preimplantation development and quality of parthenogenetic, somatic cell nuclear transferred (SCNT) and in vitro fertilized (IVF) porcine embryos cultured in the absence or presence of PHA. Analysis showed that, supplementation of PHA significantly improved the blastocyst rate of parthenogenetic (70.6 ± 0.2 vs. 51.4 ± 0.6%) and SCNT (27.7 ± 1.7 vs. 12.5 ± 0.3%) embryos but not IVF embryos (25.0 ± 14.3 vs. 20.1 ± 12.7%). Nonetheless, PHA‐treated blastocysts had higher hatching ability and contained higher cell number than control blastocysts in all the groups (P < 0.05). TUNEL labeling revealed that blastocysts cultured in the presence of PHA were less predisposed to biochemical apoptosis and showed lower indices of TUNEL, fragmentation and total apoptosis than those cultured in the absence of PHA (P < 0.05). Real time qRT‐PCR analysis of parthenogenetic blastocysts revealed that PHA decreased the expression ratio of BAX:BCL‐xL transcripts. Therefore, our study suggests that PHA improves the blastocyst yield and quality by enhancing blastocyst expansion, hatching and total cell number and decreasing the apoptosis. However, PHA has a differential effect on development rate of IVF derived embryos. These results may represent an approach towards achieving better preimplantation development of porcine embryos in vitro. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 1557–1567, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Suboptimal in vitro culture conditions: an epigenetic origin of long‐term health effects
Authors: Fernández‐Gonzalez Raúl , Ramirez Miguel Angel , Bilbao Ainhoa , De Fonseca Fernando Rodríguez , Gutiérrez‐Adán Alfonso
Published: May 2007

The foetal origins of adult diseases or Barker hypothesis suggests that there can be adverse in uterus effects on the foetus that can lead to certain diseases in adults. Extending this hypothesis to the early stages of embryo development, in particular, to preimplantation stages, it was recently demonstrated that, long‐term programming of postnatal development, growth and physiology can be irreversibly affected during this period of embryo development by suboptimal in vitro culture (IVC). As an example, it was found in two recent studies that, mice derived from embryos cultured in suboptimal conditions can suffer from obesity, increased anxiety, and deficiencies on their implicit memory system. In addition, it was observed that suboptimal IVC can cause disease in mature animals by promoting alterations in their genetic imprinting during preimplantation development. Imprinting and other epigenetic mechanisms control the establishment and maintenance of gene expression patterns in the embryo, placenta and foetus. The previously described observations, suggest that the loss of epigenetic regulation during preimplantation development may lead to severe long‐term effects. Although mostly tested in rodents, the hypothesis that underlies these studies can also fit assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures in other species, including humans. The lack of information on how epigenetic controls are lost during IVC, and on the long‐term consequences of ART, underscore the necessity for sustained epigenetic analysis of embryos produced in vitro and long‐term tracking of the health of the human beings conceived using these procedures. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 1149–1156, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Scrotal heat stress effects on sperm viability, sperm DNA integrity, and the offspring sex ratio in mice
Authors: Pérez‐Crespo M. , Pintado B. , Gutiérrez‐Adán A.
Published: May 2007

Evidence exists to suggest detrimental effects of heat stress on male fertility. This study was designed to assess the effects of scrotal heat stress on mature and developing sperm in a mouse model. After receiving shock heat treatment (42°C for 30 min), mature spermatozoa were recovered from the epididymis hours (6) or Days (7, 14, 21, 28, 60) later, to determine the variables: number of spermatozoa, sperm viability, motility and progressive motility, sperm DNA integrity as established by the TUNEL method, embryo implantation rate, and sex ratio of the fetuses conceived using the heat‐exposed spermatozoa. Our results indicate that transient mild heat treatment does not affect in the same way the different types of male germ cells. Spermatocytes present within the testis at the time of heat stress resulted into a lower concentration of spermatozoa with reduced viability and low motility. Even though, DNA integrity of spermatozoa resulting from spermatocytes was also compromised by heat stress, the higher degree of DNA damage was found among spermatozoa resulting from spermatids present within the testis at the time of heat stress. At last, heat shock effect on spermatozoa present in the epididymis at the time of thermal stress resulted into a sex ratio distortion. These findings point to a higher sensitivity of spermatocytes to heat exposure and also suggest a different response of X and Y chromosome‐bearing spermatozoa to heat stress that warrants further investigation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 40–47, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New supersonic crisis
Authors: Williamson C. Glen
Published: May 2007

World's great cities of future will be those which plan for impact of tomorrow's planes.
To stay out of floods
Authors: Cooter Harriet Holt
Published: May 2007

Courts have upheld the regulation of land use for the prevention of flood damages.
Preparation of porous/hollow particles of phenolic resin
Authors: Hong Zhou , Guangsu Huang , Pin Gao , Chengqun Long
Published: May 2007

Porous/hollow polymer microparticles were prepared by suspension polymerization from a resol, water‐soluble phenolic resin in a multiple emulsion system oil‐in‐water‐in‐oil(O/W/O). The porous/hollow structures of phenolic resin microparticle were characterized by optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is shown that the porous/hollow structure is related to a dispersion and curing process of the resol resin. It was indicated that it is low‐cost and simple to prepare porous/hollow phenolic resin micr‐particles from resol in an O/W/O system. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tracking of the effects of the plasticizer on the water uptake and free volume changes of methylcellulose
Authors: Pintye‐Hódi Klára , Süvegh Károly , Marek Tamás , Zelkó Romána
Published: May 2007

The structural changes in methylcellulose containing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG 400) as plasticizer caused by water absorption during storage were evaluated. In order to elucidate the structural changes in the polymer, water‐uptake measurements and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) were utilized. The PEG concentrations relative to the total polymer content were varied within the range 0–75% w/w. The Doppler‐spectra were characterized by means of the conventional parameters S and W. A transition from a single phase to two phases was found in the methylcellulose films above PEG; a content of 33% w/w. The first step of ageing is merely a conformational change, after which the electron structure remains more or less the same, while both S and W indicate significant changes during the second slow step of ageing. Accurate determination of the plasticizer concentration relating to the single‐phase to two‐phase transition of Metolose‐PEG films has a great impact from the aspect of the application of a stable composition for coating of solid dosage forms. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conductive characteristics of radical‐bearing polythiophenes using a microcomb‐shaped electrode
Authors: Tanaka Manabu , Hatta Kaoru , Edura Tomohiko , Tsutsui Ken , Wada Yasuo , Nishide Hiroyuki
Published: May 2007

The electric conductivity of π‐conjugated and radical‐bearing polymers, i.e., polythiophenes bearing pendant galvinoxyl and phenoxyl radical groups, was measured using a microcomb‐shaped electrode. The electric conductivity was found to be enhanced by the radical content in the polymer. The infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopies suggested a structural change from an aromatic form to a quinoid one in the polythiophene backbone by the phenoxyl radical generation. The effect of the pendant galvinoxyl radical's unpaired electron on the electric conductivity of the polythiophene was discussed by comparing the conductivity of a radical‐bearing polystyrene and a polythiophene mixed with low‐molecular radical molecules. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term follow‐up of children who underwent hematopoeitic cell transplant (HCT) for AML or ALL at less than 3 years of age
Authors: Perkins Joanna L. , Kunin‐Batson Alicia S. , Youngren Nancy M. , Ness Kirsten K. , Ulrich Kami J. , Hansen Melissa J. , Petryk Anna , Steinberger Julia , Anderson Fiona S. , Baker K. Scott
Published: May 2007

Background

Hematopoeitic cell transplantation (HCT) in childhood has been associated with late complications including endocrine, neurocognitive, and cardiopulmonary abnormalities. Little is known about the complications of transplantation in infants.

Procedure

Eligible subjects underwent HCT for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) at less than 3 years of age. Seventeen out of 33 eligible patients were evaluated, transplanted between 1981–2000. Eleven patients had AML, 11 were female. Preparative regimen included total body irradiation (TBI) for eleven. Age at HCT ranged from 0.58 to 2.97 years, and survival 3.25 to 22.33 years. Patients underwent physical and laboratory evaluation, dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, bone age X‐ray, neuropsychological, and quality of life (QOL) evaluation.

Results

Identified abnormalities included: growth hormone deficiency (59%), hypothyroidism (35%), osteochondromas (24%), decreased bone mineral density (24%), and dyslipidemias (59%). Two patients developed a second malignancy. Neuropsychological testing revealed average intelligence quotient (IQ) with attention deficits and other weaknesses for most patients. There were no overall differences between QOL in these children when compared to population norms.

Conclusions

Of the survivors evaluated, typical late effects seen after radiation exposure are common, yet most subjects were doing well without major ongoing medical issues. Dyslipidemias affect more than half of patients and may be associated with metabolic syndrome, placing patients at increased risk for early cardiovascular disease. Even in this group of patients where the majority was exposed to TBI at a very young age, most are functioning at an average or above‐average level. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:958–963. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Guidelines for submitting adverse event reports for publication
Authors: Kelly William N. , Arellano Felix M. , Barnes Joanne , Bergman Ulf , Edwards I. Ralph , Fernandez Alina M. , Freedman Stephen B. , Goldsmith David I. , Huang Kui , Jones Judith K. , McLeay Rachel , Moore Nicholas , Stather Rosie H. , Trenque Thierry , Troutman William G. , van Puijenbroek Eugene , Williams Frank , Wise Robert P.
Published: May 2007

Publication of case reports describing suspected adverse effects of drugs and medical products that include herbal and complementary medicines, vaccines, and other biologicals and devices is important for postmarketing surveillance. Publication lends credence to important signals raised in these adverse event reports. Unfortunately, deficiencies in vital information in published cases can often limit the value of such reports by failing to provide sufficient details for either (i) a differential diagnosis or provisional assessment of cause‐effect association, or (ii) a reasonable pharmacological or biological explanation. Properly described, a published report of one or more adverse events can provide a useful signal of possible risks associated with the use of a drug or medical product which might warrant further exploration. A review conducted by the Task Force authors found that many major journals have minimal requirements for publishing adverse event reports, and some have none at all. Based on a literature review and our collective experience in reviewing adverse event case reports in regulatory, academic, and industry settings, we have identified information that we propose should always be considered for inclusion in a report submitted for publication. These guidelines have been endorsed by the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE) and the International Society of Pharmacovigilance (ISoP) and are freely available on the societies' web sites. Their widespread distribution is encouraged. ISPE and ISoP urge biomedical journals to adopt these guidelines and apply them to case reports submitted for publication. They also encourage schools of medicine, pharmacy, and nursing to incorporate them into the relevant curricula that address the detection, evaluation, and reporting of suspected drug or other medical product adverse events. Copyright © 2007 Kelly et al. Reproduced with permission by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compatibility of recycled PVC/ABS blends. Effect of previous degradation
Authors: Garcia David , Balart Rafael , Sánchez Lourdes , López Juan
Published: May 2007

The aim of the present study is to analyze the compatibility between recycled poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). With this objective, blends made from recycled PVC obtained from credit cards and both virgin ABS and recycled ABS obtained from the electrical and electronic sector were prepared, and the range of compositions from 0 to 100 wt% were analyzed. The level of degradation existing within the recycled materials was analyzed using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The existence of partial compatibility between the components of the blend was determined using differential scanning calorimetry. The presence of the elastomeric phase in the ABS is a significant factor which needs to be taken into account when studying the phenomena of interfacial adhesion. In addition, dynamic mechanical analysis has been used to analyze the effect of temperature upon stiffness, in the function of the composition of the blend. The tensile strength of the blends has been adjusted according to the equivalent box model, which has allowed the determination of the level of adhesion at the interface of the blend components. Finally, a morphological study of the fracture has been completed using scanning electron microscopy. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:789–796, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Alginate fibres: an overview of the production processes and applications in wound management
Authors: Qin Yimin
Published: May 2007

Alginate fibers are made from sodium alginate, which is a natural polymer extracted from brown seaweeds. Over the last two decades, alginate fibers have become well established in the wound management industry where their ion‐exchange and gel‐forming abilities are particularly useful for the treatment of exuding wounds. In order to deliver functional performances for advanced wound management products, many improvements have been made in recent years to enhance the absorption and gel‐forming capabilities and the anti‐microbial properties of alginate fibers. In addition, attempts have been made to use alginate fibers as a carrier to deliver zinc, silver and other active ingredients that are beneficial to wound healing. This paper reviews the development in the production of various fibers from alginate, and summarizes the production processes for calcium alginate, calcium/sodium alginate, sodium alginate, zinc alginate, silver alginate and other types of alginate fibers containing novel functional ingredients. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Ulcer protective effect of Terminalia arjuna on gastric mucosal defensive mechanism in experimental rats
Authors: Devi R. S. , Narayan Shoba , Vani G. , Srinivasan P. , Mohan K. Vijai , Sabitha K. E. , Devi C. S. Shyamala
Published: May 2007

The methanol extract of the bark of Terminalia arjuna (Combretaceae) (TAE) showed marked antiulcer and ulcer healing activity against 80% ethanol (ETH), diclofenac sodium (DIC) and dexamethasone (DEX) induced ulcer models dose dependently at doses of 100, 400 and 200 mg/kg body weight respectively. Pre‐, post and co‐administration of TAE offered 100% protection to the gastric mucosa against ETH, DIC and DEX induced ulcers as observed from the ulcer score. Gastric mucosal analysis of DEX induced rats were associated with changes in the levels of protein, protein bound carbohydrate complexes, lipid peroxides (LPO), glutathione (GSH) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) compared with control rats. Co‐administration with TAE in DEX rats (DEX + TAE) favorably altered the levels of LPO, GSH and also the activities of SOD and CAT in gastric mucosa, whereas the activities of GPx remained unaltered in all groups. In DEX + TAE rats, the levels of protein and protein bound carbohydrate complexes were increased when compared with DEX rats. The results indicate that the gastroprotective effect of TAE is probably related to its ability to maintain the membrane integrity by its antilipid peroxidative activity that protects the gastric mucosa against oxidative damage and its ability to strengthen the mucosal barrier, the first line of defense against exogenous and endogenous ulcerogenic agents. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The rapid characterisation of poly(ethylene glycol) oligomers using desorption electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry combined with novel product ion peak assignment software
Authors: Williams Jonathan P. , Hilton Gillian R. , Thalassinos Konstantinos , Jackson Anthony T. , Scrivens James H.
Published: May 2007

A rapid method for the characterisation of polyglycol esters and ethers is described which uses accurate mass desorption electrospray ionisation (DESI) quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (Q‐ToFMS). The results are combined with newly developed software which aids the interpretation of product ions produced using collision‐induced dissociation (CID) of selected precursor ions. The poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) samples analysed were PEG dibenzoate, PEG monooleate, PEG butyl ether, PEG bis(2‐ethyl hexanoate) and PEG diacrylate. Lithium metal was used for cationisation of the PEG oligomers since it yielded the most useful structural information compared with other group I metals. The full scan mass spectra and product ion mass spectra were all obtained in <5 s. Interpretation of the MS/MS product ion spectra, using the product ion interpretation software which incorporates previously developed fragmentation rules, was carried out in <1 s. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous determination of psychotropic phenylalkylamine derivatives in human hair by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Kim Jin Young , Jung Kyu Sung , Kim Min Kyoung , Lee Jae Il , In Moon Kyo
Published: May 2007

A gas chromatography/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of thirteen psychotropic phenylalkylamine derivatives (amphetamine; AP, phentermine; PT, methamphamine; MA, cathinone; Khat, methcathinone; MCAT, fenfluramine; FFA, desmethylselegiline; DSEL, 3,4‐methylenedioxyamphetamine; MDA, 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine; MDMA, 3,4‐methylenedioxyethylamphetamine; MDEA, norketamine; NKT, mescaline; MES, 4‐bromo‐2,5‐dimethoxyphenethylamine; 2CB) in human hair. Hair samples (20 mg) were washed with distilled water and acetone, cut into small fragments (<1 mm), and incubated in 0.25 M methanolic HCl under ultrasonication at 50°C for 1 h. The resulting solutions were evaporated to dryness, derivatized using trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) at 70°C for 30 min, and analyzed by GC/MS. The linear ranges were 0.02–25.0 ng/mg for AP, PT, Khat, FFA, DSEL, MDMA, and 2CB; 0.05–25.0 ng/mg for MA, MCAT, and MES; 0.05–12.5 ng/mg for MDA; and 0.1–25.0 ng/mg for MDEA and NKT, with good correlation coefficients (r2 > 0.9985). The intra‐day, inter‐day, and inter‐person precisions were within 12.7%, 14.8%, and 16.8%, respectively. The intra‐day, inter‐day, and inter‐person accuracies were between −10.7 and 13.4%, −12.7 and 11.6%, and −15.3 and 11.9%, respectively. The limits of quantifications (LOQs) for each compound were lower than 0.08 ng/mg. The recoveries were in the range of 76.7–95.6%. The method proved to be suitable for the simultaneous qualification and quantification of phenylalkylamine derivatives in hair specimens. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topological properties of the one dimensional exponential random geometric graph
Authors: Gupta Bhupendra , Iyer Srikanth K. , Manjunath D.
Published: May 2007

In this article we study the one‐dimensional random geometric (random interval) graph when the location of the nodes are independent and exponentially distributed. We derive exact results and limit theorems for the connectivity and other properties associated with this random graph. We show that the asymptotic properties of a graph with a truncated exponential distribution can be obtained using the exponential random geometric graph. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2008
A continuous–discontinuous second‐order transition in the satisfiability of random Horn‐SAT formulas
Authors: Moore Cristopher , Istrate Gabriel , Demopoulos Demetrios , Vardi Moshe Y.
Published: May 2007

We compute the probability of satisfiability of a class of random Horn‐SAT formulae, motivated by a connection with the nonemptiness problem of finite tree automata. In particular, when the maximum clause length is three, this model displays a curve in its parameter space, along which the probability of satisfiability is discontinuous, ending in a second‐order phase transition where it is continuous but its derivative diverges. This is the first case in which a phase transition of this type has been rigorously established for a random constraint satisfaction problem. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2007
A study of e‐mail patterns
Authors: Shah Sam , Noble Brian D.
Published: May 2007

Although electronic mail is an increasingly important service, there are few empirical studies of e‐mail traffic. We have observed over 2.85 million messages passing through our departmental servers over the course of seven months, and derived distributions that approximate several important e‐mail parameters including message sizes, message senders and receivers and the burstiness of message deliveries. Our work is unique in that we also analyse message payloads: attachment content types, e‐mail redundancy, and the use of e‐mail as a sharing mechanism. These data can be used in developing e‐mail workloads for mail system engineering or benchmarking. To this end, we provide an improved version of Postmark, a small‐file Internet benchmark, that better approximates mail server characteristics. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapidly implementing languages to compile as C++ without crafting a compiler
Authors: Savidis Anthony
Published: May 2007

We present a heuristic implementation method for programming languages that is appropriate when the following requirements or conditions are met: (a) there is a need for very rapid development of a language with significant performance demands, while exploiting a comprehensive host language and/or library; (b) need of customized runtime execution environment supporting of execution tracing and visualization instruments; (c) the facilitation of hybrid code exists, such as mixing with the native language, and there is the potential for allowing multiple languages to be deployed concurrently in the same program. This may account for a wide range of domain‐specific languages such as learning‐oriented, scripting, assembly style, data manipulation, rule‐based, or event languages. The proposed technique is presented for the C++ language, supporting the development of languages whose source programs compile as C++ code. The software architecture shifts from the tradition of lexical analysis, syntax‐directed translation and code generation, and we propose a complementary, conditionally advantageous, heuristic development paradigm. The method has been applied to the development of a high‐level imperative language, an assembly language and a functional language, which are all currently deployed for teaching purposes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When fonts do not know everything: an extensible system for multilingual text rendering
Authors: Nishikimi M. , Handa K. , Takahashi N. , Tomura S.
Published: May 2007

We have been developing a general‐purpose multilingual text‐processing library, which is designed to be extensible. The font layout table is a newly introduced resource that enables users to add support for drawing new scripts and languages. Font layout tables complement fonts; the knowledge required for complex text layout is stored in fonts and/or font layout tables. If a font contains, for example, ligature information, the corresponding font layout table describes the knowledge other than ligatures. A font layout table is used to convert a character code sequence into a glyph string to be displayed. It consists of rules, structured as cascaded stages, that may contain regular expressions and character categories. This combination enables flexible code sequence manipulation. In our multilingual text‐processing library, the drawing module is script‐ and language‐independent. It reads the necessary fonts and font layout tables on demand. Since font layout tables conceal the differences between font formats, the drawing module can handle fonts of different formats in a unified manner. This paper describes the problems in drawing multilingual text, several existing solutions to the problems and their drawbacks, and our solutions in detail. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Honey characterization by total reflection x‐ray fluorescence: evaluation of environmental quality and risk for the human health
Authors: Enrich C. , Boeykens S. , Caracciolo N. , Custo G. , Vázquez C.
Published: May 2007

Honey is produced by Apis Mellifera bees, primarily from floral nectars. The bees are estimated to forage on plants growing in a relatively large area of more than 7 km2. If it is assumed that any hive includes at least 1000 worker bees and that each of them forages on 1000 flowers per day, the honey produced daily can be considered the outcome of at least one million interactions. In this way, the foraged area is effectively sampled for trace elements. The mineral content of honey is recognized as an environmental indicator. In this work, it is used as an indicator of toxic metal contamination in an extensive area in the central‐west of Argentina. Metal identification and quantification was done by total reflection x‐ray fluorescence (TXRF). The level of contamination was evaluated taking into account the concentration values suggested by the Codex Alimentarium Commission. Chemometric tools were employed to relate the honey composition to the environmental contamination of the studied areas. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Induction of functional MT1 and MT2 isoforms by calcium in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells
Authors: Liu Zhi-Min , Chen George G. , Shum Cathy K.Y. , Vlantis Alexander C. , George Cherian M. , Koropatnick James , Andrew van Hasselt C.
Published: May 2007

Metallothionein (MT) expression in carcinogenesis of thyrocytes is unknown. We demonstrated that cadmium induced transcription of all functional MT‐1 and MT‐2 isoforms and promoted the cell cycle from the G1 to the S phase in thyroid cancer cells, which can be suppressed by the ERK inhibitor. Cadmium exposure stimulated intracellular calcium and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Therefore, a common pathway initiated by a rapid rise in calcium and followed by calcium‐mediated activation of ERK is involved in the transcriptional induction of functional MT1 and MT2 isoforms and in the progression of the cell cycle in thyroid cancer cells exposed to cadmium.
An O2‐inducible rubrerythrin‐like protein, rubperoxin, is functional as a H2O2 reductase in an obligatory anaerobe Clostridium acetobutylicum
Authors: Kawasaki Shinji , Ono Masaki , Watamura Yusuke , Sakai Yu , Satoh Takumi , Arai Toshiaki , Satoh Junichi , Niimura Youichi
Published: May 2007

Clostridium acetobutylicum, an obligatory anaerobe, is able to grow microoxically with the accumulation of two functionally unknown O2‐induced proteins identified by two‐dimensional electrophoresis. One was determined to be a novel type rubrerythrin‐like protein, named rubperoxin (Rpr) in this study, that conserves one rubredoxin‐type Fe(SCys)4 site per polypeptide in the N‐terminus. Recombinant rubperoxin expressed in E. coli purified in its oxidized form is a dimer with optical absorption maxima at 492, 377, and 277 nm. Reduced rubperoxin is rapidly and fully oxidized by a half molar ratio of H2O2 per mole protein, and slowly oxidized by t‐butyl hydroperoxide and O2. Cell‐free extracts from microoxically grown cells efficiently reduce rubperoxin when NAD(P)H is used as the electron donor (preferentially reduced by NADH). These results strongly suggest that rubperoxin is involved in NAD(P)H‐dependent H2O2 detoxification in vivo.
7,8‐Dihydroxy‐4‐methylcoumarin induces apoptosis of human lung adenocarcinoma cells by ROS‐independent mitochondrial pathway through partial inhibition of ERK/MAPK signaling
Authors: Goel Anita , Prasad Ashok K. , Parmar Virinder S. , Ghosh Balaram , Saini Neeru
Published: May 2007

Coumarins have attracted intense interest in recent years because they have been identified from natural sources, especially green plants and have diverse pharmacological properties. In this study, we investigated whether 7,8‐dihydroxy‐4‐methylcoumarin (DHMC) caused apoptosis in A549 human non‐small cell lung carcinoma cells (NSCLC) and, if so, by what mechanisms. Here, we show that, in A549 human NSCLC cells, DHMC induces apoptosis through mitochondria‐mediated caspase‐dependent pathway. Although an increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed, pre‐treatment with antioxidant showed no protective effect against DHMC‐induced apoptosis. In addition, our immunoblot data revealed that DHMC treatment led to down‐regulation of Bcl‐xl, Bax, p21, Cox‐2, p53 and upregulation of c‐Myc. Results in the present study for the first time suggest that DHMC induces apoptosis in human lung A549 cells through partial inhibition of ERK/MAPK signaling.
Identification of the catalytic nucleophile in Family 42 β‐galactosidases by intermediate trapping and peptide mapping: YesZ from Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Shaikh Fathima Aidha , Müllegger Johannes , He Shouming , Withers Stephen G.
Published: May 2007

The mechanism‐based inhibitor 2,4‐dinitrophenyl 2‐deoxy‐2‐fluoro‐β‐d‐galactopyranoside (DNP2FGal) was used to inactivate the Family 42 β‐galactosidase (YesZ) from Bacillus subtilis via the trapping of a glycosyl‐enzyme intermediate, thereby tagging the catalytic nucleophile in the active site. Proteolytic digestion of the inactivated enzyme and of a control sample of unlabeled enzyme, followed by comparative high‐performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometric analysis identified a labelled peptide of the sequence ETSPSYAASL. These data, combined with sequence alignments of this region with representative members of Family 42, unequivocally identify the catalytic nucleophile in this enzyme as Glu‐295, thereby providing the first direct experimental proof of the identity of this residue within Family 42.
Protein–protein interactions in carotenoid triggered quenching of phycobilisome fluorescence in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Rakhimberdieva Marina G. , Bolychevtseva Yulia V. , Elanskaya Irina V. , Karapetyan Navassard V.
Published: May 2007

An inquiry into the effect of temperature on carotenoid triggered quenching of phycobilisome (PBS) fluorescence in a photosystem II‐deficient mutant of Synechocystis sp. results in identification of two temperature‐dependent processes: one is responsible for the quenching rate, and one determines the yield of PBS fluorescence. Non‐Arrhenius behavior of the light‐on quenching rate suggests that carotenoid‐absorbed light triggers a process that bears a strong resemblance to soluble protein folding, showing temperature‐dependent enthalpy of activated complex formation. The response of PBS fluorescence yield to hydration changing additives and to passing of the membrane lipid phase transition point indicates that the pool size of PBSs subject to quenching depends on the state of some membrane component.
Crystal structures of catrocollastatin/VAP2B reveal a dynamic, modular architecture of ADAM/adamalysin/reprolysin family proteins
Authors: Igarashi Tomoko , Araki Satohiko , Mori Hidezo , Takeda Soichi
Published: May 2007

Catrocollastatin/vascular apoptosis‐inducing protein (VAP)2B is a metalloproteinase from Crotalus atrox venom, possessing metalloproteinase/disintegrin/cysteine‐rich (MDC) domains that bear the typical domain architecture of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM)/adamalysin/reprolysin family proteins. Here we describe crystal structures of catrocollastatin/VAP2B in three different crystal forms, representing the first reported crystal structures of a member of the monomeric class of this family of proteins. The overall structures show good agreement with both monomers of atypical homodimeric VAP1. Comparison of the six catrocollastatin/VAP2B monomer structures and the structures of VAP1 reveals a dynamic, modular architecture that may be important for the functions of ADAM/adamalysin/reprolysin family proteins.
Analogues containing the paramagnetic amino acid TOAC as substrates for angiotensin I‐converting enzyme
Authors: de Deus Teixeira Luis Gustavo , Bersanetti Patrícia Alessandra , Schreier Shirley , Carmona Adriana Karaoglanovich , Nakaie Clovis Ryuichi
Published: May 2007

The angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) converts the decapeptide angiotensin I (Ang I) into angiotensin II by releasing the C‐terminal dipeptide. A novel approach combining enzymatic and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies was developed to determine the enzyme effect on Ang I containing the paramagnetic 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl‐4‐amino‐4‐carboxylic acid (TOAC) at positions 1, 3, 8, and 9. Biological assays indicated that TOAC1‐Ang I maintained partly the Ang I activity, and that only this derivative and the TOAC3‐Ang I were cleaved by ACE. Quenching of Tyr4 fluorescence by TOAC decreased with increasing distance between both residues, suggesting an overall partially extended structure. However, the local bend known to be imposed by the substituted diglycine TOAC is probably responsible for steric hindrance, not allowing the analogues containing TOAC at positions 8 and 9 to act as substrates. In some cases, although substrates and products differ by only two residues, the difference between their EPR spectral lineshapes allows monitoring the enzymatic reaction as a function of time.
Characterisation of the ATP‐dependent phosphofructokinase gene family from Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Mustroph Angelika , Sonnewald Uwe , Biemelt Sophia
Published: May 2007

Plants possess two different types of phosphofructokinases, an ATP‐dependent (PFK) and a pyrophosphate‐dependent form (PFP). While plant PFPs have been investigated in detail, cDNA clones coding for PFK have not been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana. Searching the A. thaliana genome revealed 11 putative members of a phosphofructokinase gene family. Among those, four sequences showed high homology to the alpha‐ or beta‐subunits of plant PFPs. Seven cDNAs resulted in elevated PFK, but not PFP activity after transient expression in tobacco leaves suggesting that they encode Arabidopsis PFKs. RT‐PCR revealed different tissue‐specific expression of the individual forms. Furthermore, analysis of GFP fusion proteins indicated their presence in different sub‐cellular compartments.
Isolation of the first toxin from the scorpion Buthus occitanus israelis showing preference for Shaker potassium channels
Authors: Kozminsky-Atias Adi , Somech Erez , Zilberberg Noam
Published: May 2007

We have purified BoiTx1, the first toxin from the venom of the Israeli scorpion, Buthus occitanus israelis, and studied its activity and genomic organization. BoiTx1 is a 37 amino acid‐long peptide contained six conserved cysteines, and is classified as an α‐KTx3.10 toxin. The pharmacological effects of BoiTx1 were studied on various cloned K+ channels expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. BoiTx1 inhibited currents through Drosophila Shaker channels with an IC50 value of 3.5 ± 0.5 nM, yet had much lesser effect on its mammalian orthologs. Thus, BoiTx1 is the first member of the α‐KTx3 family that preferentially affects insect potassium channels.
The laparoscopic Vecchietti technique for vaginal agenesis
Authors: Borruto F. , Camoglio F.S. , Zampieri N. , Fedele L.
Published: May 2007

Objective: To evaluate surgical, long‐term anatomic and functional results of the laparoscopic Vecchietti procedure to treat women with vaginal agenesis. MethodsRetrospective analysis of 86 women treated at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the University of Verona, Italy. Data were analyzed based on surgical results and postoperative sexual satisfaction. Depth and diameter of the neo‐vagina was determined. The characteristics of the neo‐vaginal mucosa were investigated by vaginoscopy. Patients reported frequency, satisfaction, and any difficulties found at intercourse. ResultsFunctional success was obtained in 98.1% and anatomic success in 100%. In all patients, at 1 year, the mucosa was pink, trophic, and moist. Two fingers were introduced easily into the neo‐vagina in all cases. All patients, which decided to have sexual intercourse, defined these as satisfying within 6 months. ConclusionsLaparoscopic procedure used in this study is simple, safe, and effective. Anatomical and functional results obtained suggest this laparoscopic procedure as the treatment of choice for this syndrome.
The effects of soygerm extracts on blood lipoproteins, antioxidative capacity and urinary estrogen metabolites in postmenopausal women on hormone therapy
Authors: Hsu I.P. , Jou H.J. , Huang C.W. , Wang T.A. , Wu W.H.
Published: May 2007

Objective: To evaluate the effects of soygerm isoflavones extracts on blood lipoproteins, antioxidative capacity and urinary estrogen metabolites in postmenopausal women who receive hormone therapy (HT). Method Thirty‐nine volunteers receiving HT were recruited, and 33 completed the study. All subjects received 6 g of soygerm extracts per day for 4 weeks. Blood and urine samples were collected for study at the beginning and at the end of study. Result Plasma HDL‐C levels increased markedly with significant decreases of plasma LDL‐C/HDL‐C ratio and LDL‐TG levels. The lag time of conjugated dienes formation prolonged for 9.9% and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances production in copper‐catalyzed oxidation of LDL decreased. The differences were statistically significant. Urinary ratio of 2‐OHE1 to 16α‐OHE1 increased without statistical significance. Conclusion Soygerm extracts may improve serum lipid profile in postmenopausal Taiwanese women who receive HT, and probably provide a favorable effect on estrogen metabolism.
Surgical Therapy in Intractable Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Authors: Leveque Marianne , Labrousse Marc , Seidermann Laurent , Chays André
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most frequent vestibular disorder. Although it is easily cured with canal repositioning maneuvers for the majority of patients, it can be disabling in rare cases. For these patients, surgical solutions may be proposed. The aim of this article is to review the techniques used, the reported cases in the literature, and to discuss their indication in intractable BPPV.

STUDY DESIGN

Literature review.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All the articles from 1972 to 2005 that discussed a specific surgical therapy in BPPV were reviewed. Many of them reported cases of operated patients and described original techniques. Some others are anatomic studies that discussed the two techniques used: singular neurectomy and posterior semicircular canal occlusion.

RESULTS

Singular neurectomy (posterior ampullary nerve transsection) and posterior semicircular canal occlusion are the 2 specific techniques used in intractable BPPV surgery. The numbers of operated cases are 342 and 97, respectively. These small numbers indicate that the procedures are difficult and risk compromising hearing and that a very small population of patients require surgical treatment of BPPV. The operated cases have been decreasing since the early 1990s because of improved management in BPPV. This article summarizes the techniques and their results and proposes a currently recommended practice of surgical therapy in BPPV as well as new insights into intractable BPPVs’ physiopathology.
Facial Nerve Function after Translabyrinthine Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery
Authors: Brackmann Derald E. , Cullen Robert D. , Fisher Laurel M.
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the long‐term facial function of patients after translabyrinthine vestibular schwannoma [VS] surgery and identify factors that influence these outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A retrospective review was performed that included 580 consecutive patients who underwent translabyrinthine craniotomy for removal of VS at a tertiary referral neurotologic practice between February 2000 and July 2004. A total of 512 patients who underwent primary microsurgical treatment of sporadic unilateral VS met inclusion criteria. Patient and tumor characteristics as well as perioperative complications are described. Perioperative and long‐term facial function were evaluated in 392 patients who had at least 1‐year follow‐up.

RESULTS

Complication rates after translabyrinthine craniotomy for VS are low. Patients with smaller tumors have significantly better postoperative facial function than those with larger tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Excellent long‐term facial function can be expected in the majority of patients who undergo microsurgical removal of VS via the translabyrinthine approach. Alternative treatment strategies may need to be developed for the treatment of VS > 3.5 cm in order to maximize postoperative facial function.
One‐Year Results: Palatal Implants for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Nordgård Ståle , Hein Gerhard , Stene Brit Kari , Skjøstad Ketil Wichman , Maurer Joachim T.
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate long‐term effectiveness of palatal implants for treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective study of 26 referred patients with a pretreatment apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) of 10 to 30 and a body mass index of ≤30, representing an extended follow‐up of a subset of 41 patients enrolled in previous short‐term trials.

RESULTS

Twenty‐one of 26 patients (80.8%) experienced a decrease in AHI. Fifteen of 26 patients (57.7%) had a follow‐up AHI <10 at 1 year, whereas 13 patients (50%) had a 50% or greater reduction to an AHI <10 at 1 year. Mean AHI was reduced from 16.5 ± 4.5 at baseline to 12.5 ± 10.5 at 3 months (P < 0.014) and to 12.3 ± 12.7 at 1 year (P < 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients initially responding to palatal implants with improved AHI maintained improvement through long‐term follow‐up at 1 year.
The Influence of Tonsillitis on Oral and Throat Muscles in Adults
Authors: Vaiman Michael
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES

Surface electromyography (sEMG) was performed on randomly chosen adults with acute and recurrent tonsillitis to trace changes in muscle activity.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Randomized prospective study.

METHODS

Activity of masseter (MS), submental (SUB), and infrahyoid muscles (INF) were examined and statistically analyzed during deglutition being compared to normative databases.

RESULTS

For acute tonsillitis, the duration of muscle activity during deglutition was normal with normal amplitude, except for INF muscles. When the acute episode was over, no peculiarities remained. For recurrent tonsillitis, the duration of activity and SUB amplitude remains normal and activity of MS and INF became increased, and this abnormality remained during the remissions.

CONCLUSION

Acute and recurrent tonsillitis affect muscle activity significantly by involving additional muscles (mainly infrahyoid) in swallowing. Acute tonsillitis triggers temporary electric hyperactivity of infrahyoid muscles. Recurrent tonsillitis affects MS and INF even during periods of remission (fixed pathological changes).

SIGNIFICANCE

This data might justify patients‘ complaints during the period of remission and can be used for comparison purposes to trace possible complications of tonsillitis.