bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mentha canadensis L. (Lamiaceae): a relict amphidiploid from the Lower Tertiary
Authors: Tucker Arthur O. , Chambers Henrietta L.
Published: February 2007

Two clones of Mentha arvensis L., both with 2n = 72 from Europe, one with 49.20 ± 2.28% pulegone, another with 57.31 ± 9.41% linalool, were hybridized with M. longifolia (L.) L. from Europe with 2n = 24 and 51.87 ± 0.50% trans‐piperitone oxide. The F1 hybrids had essential oils rich in pulegone, isomenthone, menthone, trans‐isopulegone, menthol, neomenthol, 3‐octanol, linalool, cis‐piperitone oxide, trans‐piperitone oxide, carvone, limonene, piperitenone oxide, trans‐carveol, trans‐sabinene hydrate, 3‐octanone, terpinen‐4‐ol, (Z)‐β‐ocimene, geranyl acetate, citronellyl acetate, and/or β‐caryophyllene. Thirty‐nine F1 hybrids of this cross are similar to 23 clones of M. canadensis L. from North America and Asia with 2n = 96 when compared by chromosome numbers, morphology, and essential oils. Mentha canadensis is proposed as a relict amphidiploid of the mixed mesophytic flora of the Lower Tertiary.
Resistance or emigration? Response of alpine plants to the ice ages
Authors: Stehlik Ivana
Published: February 2007

There is a long‐standing debate about the fate of the mountain flora of the European Alps during the Pleistocene ice ages. Two main scenarios of glacial survival of alpine plant taxa have been discussed, namely (1) total extinction within glaciated areas, survival in peripheral refugia, and postglacial re‐immigration into vacant areas (tabula rasa hypothesis), and (2) long‐term in situ survival within glaciated regions in isolated ice‐free areas above the ice‐shield (nunatak hypothesis). Four alpine species with differing distributions and ecological demands were investigated to elucidate their glacial history using molecular methods (AFLPs, RFLPs of cpDNA, RAPDs). Their glacial histories are very diverse. Whereas in situ survival in the most intensely glaciated Central Alps played an important role in Eritrichium nanum, the low alpine Erinus alpinus survived in situ on some mountains of the northern Swiss Prealps, and Rumex nivalis grows at intermediate alpine elevations in snow‐beds in both the northern and the Central Swiss Alps. In the common arctic‐alpine Saxifraga oppositifolia, the species with the widest distribution and ecological amplitude as compared to the other three species, it is not possible to reconstruct its glacial history. It is probable, therefore, that in the Alps, as in northern Europe, resident genotypes surviving glaciation in situ were integrated into the gene pool of postglacially immigrating periglacial individuals. The size of refugia differed according to species and region. On the one hand, refugia were restricted to individual mountains (E. alpinus, R. nivalis). On the other hand, they spanned several mountain ranges in larger areas (E. nanum, E. alpinus). Postglacial migration over longer distances was inferred for E. alpinus from southern France to northern Switzerland, and, over shorter distances, for R. nivalis from the northern Prealps into the Central Alps in Switzerland. Both postglacial immigration and in situ survival shaped the phylogeography at least of E. alpinus and R. nivalis. It is likely, therefore, that the nunatak and the tabula rasa hypotheses are too simplistic to describe the rich diversity of glacial and postglacial processes in Alpine plant species. It rather appears that the glacial history of each species is to a certain degree unique and influenced by its ecological demands or breeding systems. Moreover, stochasticity has to be regarded of essential importance, since factors such as preglacial distribution patterns or postglacial dispersal or extinction events should have had effects on the present genetic composition and the distribution of a species.
Kirov and Death inThe Great Citizen: The Fatal Consequences of Linguistic Mediation
Authors: Cassiday Julie A.
Published: February 2007

A fictional account of the life and death of Sergei Kirov, Fridrikh Ermler’s two-part filmThe Great Citizen(1937 and 1939) appears unusual due to its lack of action and its fetishization of the spoken word. As an instance of what Ermler called “conversational cinema,” the film defines the outer limit of verbosity and immobility in socialist realist film. The movie’s hero Shakhov mediates between Stalin and the Soviet masses; as a result, the conflict between Shakhov and the Trotskyist opposition represents a struggle between authentic and corrupt linguistic mediation in the film. By appropriating the myth of the Russian writer's martyrdom,The Great Citizendepicts Shakhov’s demise, not merely as the result of a Trotskyist conspiracy, but more importantly as the necessary guarantor of the truth of Shakhov’s words. Ermler's film reconfigures the writer’s role in Russian society by inverting the hierarchy of the written and the spoken word, thus subjugating the myth of the martyred writer to the aesthetic and ideological goals of socialist realism.The Great Citizendemonstrates the importance of Kirov's martyrdom within Stalinist mythology and figures as a paradigmatic work of socialist realist film.
Khadzhi-Murat's Silence
Authors: Herman David
Published: February 2007

Khadzhi-Murat, Tolstoi's last major fiction, stands alone in his oeuvre in flagrant violation of his late ethical and aesthetic standards—an unprecedentedly dark apprehension of the human condition and a reconceptualization of piety. At its heart are silences—literal, near-, figurative, and implicit—in unspoken critique of all nontrivial language, narrative, moralizing, and teaching. Silence first strikes the reader in the hero's refusal to murmur against God as he dies, but retrospectively turns up everywhere, despite the obvious presence of lots of words: in the peculiar plot that has nothing to say; in the refusal to perform the usual Tolstoian adjudication of the disparate viewpoints depicted; in the hero's childhood reminiscences, hidden from listeners even as the essential in them is hidden from him; in the painful taciturnity of God himself, which, like the other core themes, is purposefully barely mentioned. Khadzhi-Murat's, indirection enacts an intuition whose mere assertion would fail, since it is an intuition about assertability itself. Something central has shifted for Tolstoi; now it is through silence and absence—the gaps in the said and the sayable—that the most important truths come to us, hence that is the only truthful way to inscribe them.
Borderlands of Faith: Reconsidering the Origins of a Ukrainian Tragedy
Authors: Skinner Barbara
Published: February 2007

Critiquing prevalent secular explanations for the cossack-led uprising called Koliivshchyna that erupted in the Ukrainian borderlands of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1768, this article identifies religion as the root cause of the uprising. Traditional nationalist and socioeconomic arguments explain Ukrainian violence against Poles and Jews, but do not account for Ukrainian violence against Ukrainians, which set this uprising apart from previous cossack-led disturbances. Increasing conflict between Uniate and Orthodox parishes along the newly reinforced Polish- Russian border on the Dnepr River at the time of Catherine II set the stage for the uprising. As Uniate religious practices had become more Latinized while Orthodoxy in this region drew ever closer into dependence on the Russian Orthodox Church, confessional tensions also reflected opposing Polish or Russian political allegiances. This article reaches beyond the context of Ukrainian national history to bring this event into current discourse on borderland regions and on overlapping political and religious identity.
Church History as Vocation and Moral Discipline
Authors: Hillerbrand Hans J.
Published: February 2007

I should like to acknowledge at the outset that I harbor no grandiose illusions about the import of what I will say this afternoon. As any veteran of annual meetings readily knows, presidential addresses are a time-honored ritual in the life of learned societies, a ritual comparable to the prayers spoken in the United States Congress, well meant, but stirring only mild interest. Alas, they all tend to be written as on water.
Cover Picture: 3D Characterization of Graphite Morphologies in Cast Iron (Adv. Eng. Mater. 1‐2/2007)
Authors: Velichko A. , Holzapfel C. , Mücklich F.
Published: February 2007

The cover picture shows the reconstructed 3D images acquired using FIB‐tomography of flake graphite in cast iron kindly provided by Halberg Guss GmbH. More information about the 3D characterisation of different irregular graphite morphologies can be found in the paper by A. Velichko et al. on page 39 of this issue.

Design: Thomas Jörn
Arylcalcium‐Verbindungen: Synthesen, Strukturen, physikalische Eigenschaften und chemisches Verhalten
Authors: Westerhausen Matthias , Gärtner Martin , Fischer Reinald , Langer Jens
Published: February 2007

Die Organocalciumchemie steht noch immer am Anfang ihrer Entwicklung. Die Direktsynthese aus Iodarenen und aktiviertem Calciumpulver eröffnet einen einfachen Zugang zu Arylcalciumiodiden in guten Ausbeuten. Der Einfluss des Substitutionsmusters der Phenylgruppe, des Halogens und des Lösungsmittels wird diskutiert. Die Arylcalciumhalogenide zeigen ein Schlenk‐Gleichgewicht, das die Isolierung von Diarylcalciumderivaten ermöglicht. Wegen der hohen Reaktivität der Arylcalciumhalogenide müssen während der Herstellung und Handhabung tiefe Temperaturen aufrechterhalten werden. Eine geringere Reaktivität und höhere Beständigkeit können durch sterisches Abschirmen des Calciumatoms erreicht werden, z. B. durch Erhöhung der Koordinationszahl des Metallzentrums oder Substitution des Iodidions durch sperrige Gruppen.
Adalimumab for long‐term treatment of psoriatic arthritis: Forty‐eight week data from the adalimumab effectiveness in psoriatic arthritis trial
Authors: Gladman Dafna D. , Mease Philip J. , Ritchlin Christopher T. , Choy Ernest H. S. , Sharp John T. , Ory Peter A. , Perdok Renee J. , Sasso Eric H.
Published: February 2007

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of treatment with adalimumab, a fully human anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) monoclonal antibody, over 48 weeks in patients with moderate to severe psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

Patients who completed the Adalimumab Effectiveness in Psoriatic Arthritis Trial (ADEPT), a 24‐week, double‐blind study of adalimumab versus placebo in PsA, could elect to receive open‐label adalimumab, 40 mg subcutaneously every other week after week 24. Radiographs were obtained at week 48 and were read with radiographs obtained previously. Clinical and radiographic efficacy data were analyzed overall and in patient subsets. Safety data were collected over 48 weeks.

Results

At week 48, patients from the adalimumab arm of ADEPT (n = 151) had achieved American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement (ACR20), ACR50, and ACR70 response rates of 56%, 44%, and 30%, respectively. Among those evaluated with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) (n = 69), PASI50, PASI75, PASI90, and PASI100 response rates (≥50%, ≥75%, ≥90%, and 100% reduction in PASI scores, respectively) were 67%, 58%, 46%, and 33%, respectively (ACR and PASI response rates were analyzed using nonresponder imputation). Improvements in disability, as measured by the Disability Index of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (mean change in score –0.4) were sustained from week 24 to week 48. At week 24 and week 48, the mean changes from baseline in the modified total Sharp score were –0.1 and 0.1, respectively, for patients who received adalimumab for 48 weeks (n = 133), and 0.9 and 1.0, respectively, for patients who received placebo for 24 weeks followed by adalimumab for 24 weeks (n = 141). Adalimumab demonstrated clinical and radiographic efficacy regardless of whether patients were receiving methotrexate (MTX) at baseline. Adalimumab was generally safe and well tolerated through week 48.

Conclusion

Adalimumab improved joint and skin manifestations, reduced disability, and inhibited radiographic progression over 48 weeks in patients with PsA who were participants in ADEPT. MTX use at baseline was not required for clinical or radiographic efficacy. Adalimumab had a good safety profile through week 48.
The affect heuristic and the attractiveness of simple gambles
Authors: Bateman Ian , Dent Sam , Peters Ellen , Slovic Paul , Starmer Chris
Published: February 2007

Prior studies have observed that the attractiveness of playing a simple gamble (7/36 to win $9; otherwise win nothing) is greatly enhanced by introducing a small loss (7/36 win $9; otherwise lose 5¢). The present studies tested and confirmed an explanation of this finding based on the concept of evaluability and the affect heuristic. Evaluators of the “no‐loss” gamble lack a precise feeling for how good $9 is, hence give it little weight in their judgment. In the second gamble, comparison with the small loss makes $9 “come alive with feeling” and become weighted in the judgment, thus increasing the attractiveness of the gamble. These results demonstrate the importance of contextual factors in determining affect and preference for simple risk‐taking opportunities. They show that the meaning, utility, and weighting of even a very familiar monetary outcome such as $9 is not fixed, but depends greatly on these contextual factors. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative detection of cell surface protein expression by time‐resolved fluorimetry
Authors: Huttunen Roope J. , O'Riordan Tomás C. , Härkönen Pirkko L. , Soini Juhani T. , Meltola Niko J. , Hänninen Pekka E. , Soini Aleksi E.
Published: February 2007

A method is introduced for quantitative detection of cell surface protein expression. The method is based on immunocytochemistry, the use of long decay time europium(III) chelate and platinum(II) porphyrin labels, and detection of photoluminescence emission from adhered cells by time‐resolved fluorimetry. After immunocytochemistry, the assay wells are evaporated to dryness and measured in the dry state. This protocol allows repeated and postponed analysis and microscopy imaging. In order to investigate the performance of the method, we chose expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) of endothelial cell line EAhy926 as a research target. The expression of ICAM‐1 on the cells was enhanced by introduction of a cytokine, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNFα). The method gave signal:background ratios (S:B) of 20 and 9 for europium and platinum labels, respectively, whereas prompt fluorescent FITC label gave a S:B of 3. Screening window coefficients (=Z′‐factor) were >0.5 for all the three labels, thus indicating a score for an excellent screening assay. In conclusion, the method appears to be an appropriate choice for protein expression analysis, both in high‐throughput screening applications, and for detailed sample investigation by fluorescent microscopy imaging. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Size‐dependent fluorescence of dibenzoylmethanate and ditoluylmethanate of boron difluoride
Authors: Mirochnik A. G. , Fedorenko E. V. , Karpenko A. A. , Gizzatulina D. A. , Karasev V. E.
Published: February 2007

Significant differences in the luminescence properties of dibenzoylmethanate and ditoluylmethanate of boron difluoride bulk crystals and microcrystals were detected. The size‐dependent blue‐to‐green colour change of the luminescence is connected with the band intensity redistribution of monomer and excimer luminescence and fluorescence due to interdimer interaction. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of Ca2+ in activation of reactive oxygen species production in polymorphonuclear leukocytes during tumour growth in rats
Authors: Pustovidko A , Potselueva M. , Kochegarov A. , Evtodienko Y.
Published: February 2007

The role of Ca2+ ions in PMA‐induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) was studied during Zajdela hepatoma growth in the peritoneal cavity of rats. In PMNL from control healthy animals, a manifold Ca2+‐induced enhancement of ROS generation and its significant reduction in the presence of Ca2+ binding agent (BAPTA‐AM) were observed. In contrast, ROS generation by PMNL from tumour‐carrying animals dramatically increased in Ca2+‐free medium, being practically insensitive to the agents, which can increase or decrease intracellular Ca2+ levels. Free cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in control PMNL was found to be relatively low (∼250 nmol/L), rising slowly after Ca2+ addition and further to two‐fold in the presence of Ca2+ and ionomycin in the incubating medium. Tumour growth in animals was accompanied with a significant [Ca2+]i elevation. In Ca2+‐free medium, [Ca2+]i elevation was up to 480 nmol/L in tPMNL with the additions of Ca+ and ionomycin as well as EGTA and ionomycin being able to increase [Ca2+]i to 700–900 nmol/L onward. It was concluded that a higher Ca2+ permeability of the plasma membrane and higher Ca2+ accumulation in intracellular pools of PMNL was developed at the advanced stages of malignant disease. These results indicate the primed state of circulating PMNL and the independence of PMA‐induced ROS generation at intra‐ and extracellular Ca2+ levels at the advanced stages of tumour growth in animals. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility of the PCI through 6F diagnostic catheters
Authors: Keller Pierre‐Frédéric , Gosselin Gilbert , Grégoire Jean , Guédès Antoine , Verin Vitali
Published: February 2007

Background: The choice of guiding catheter for optimal back‐up support is critical in order to achieve a successful PCI. Diagnostic 6 French (F) catheters have an internal lumen diameter as large as 5F guiding catheters. The aim of this study was to demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of performing PCI with Cordis 6F diagnostic catheters in selected coronary lesions. Methods: 32 coronary stents were implanted using 6F diagnostic catheters in 27 eligible patients at the Montreal Heart Institute. The inclusion criteria were TIMI angiographic score < B2 in native coronary arteries or in coronary artery bypass grafts. Bifurcations and left main disease were not included. Results: Eighty‐five percent of the patients underwent PCI for acute coronary syndromes (ACS). PCI was performed in 5 lesions (19%) of the left coronary circulation; in 21 lesions (78%) of the right coronary artery and in one lesion (4%) of the 1st obtuse marginal branch of the circumflex artery, through a left mammary artery bypass. Only stents suitable for 5F guiding catheters were used. The largest stent was 4.0 mm in diameter and 32 mm in length. Direct stenting was performed in 75% of patients. The angiographic success for PCI of target lesions was 100%, without clinical or angiographic complications. Conclusions: In selected cases, diagnostic 6F catheters can be used for PCI with 5F compatible balloons and stents. PCI via a diagnostic catheter may provide even better back‐up support and allows for significant resources and time savings, especially in patients with ACS. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reduction of ion mobility spectrometry data by clustering characteristic peak structures
Authors: Bader Sabine , Urfer Wolfgang , Baumbach Jörg Ingo
Published: February 2007

Spectrometric methods generate a large amount of data that are difficult to process due to high dimensionality and considerable variability. Therefore, a method for the detection of characteristic peak structures was established on the base of clustering techniques and a merging regions algorithm that enabled the reduction of data in the size of one million to about one hundred meaningful values with respect to fluctuating axis allocations. The effectiveness of the method was exemplified considering a set of ion mobility spectrometry measurements of human breath. In questions of comparative nature, the reduction even could be upgraded by multiple test procedures. Afterwards statistical analyses could be arranged easily for various targets. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Value of ST‐segment depression in lead V4R in predicting proximal against distal left circumflex artery occlusion in acute inferoposterior myocardial infarction
Authors: Jim Man‐Hong , Ho Hee‐Hwa , Siu Chung‐Wah , Miu Raymond , Chan Carmen Wing‐Sze , Lee Stephen Wai‐Luen , Lau Chu‐Pak
Published: February 2007

Background

Lead V4R faces the right ventricular free wall; it also reflects ischemia in the posterolateral wall lying opposite and manifests as ST‐segment depression.

Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of V4R ST‐segment depression in distinguishing proximal from distal left circumflex artery occlusion in acute inferoposterior wall myocardial infarction.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 239 patients who had first acute inferoposterior myocardial infarction, were admitted within 6 h from onset of symptom, and had coronary angiography performed within 4 weeks. Patients who had bundle‐branch block or concomitant significant stenoses in the proximal and distal segments of the same vessel or of both vessels were excluded. The electrocardiographic and angiographic findings were reviewed by two independent groups of investigators.

Results

V4R ST‐segment depression ≥1.0 mm was found in 8 of 46 patients (17.4%) with left circumflex artery occlusion but none (0%) with right coronary artery occlusion. Among the group with left circumflex artery occlusion, the mean magnitude of V4R ST‐segment depression was greater in proximal than distal occlusion (0.82 ± 0.65 vs. 0.03 ± 0.12 mm, p < 0.0001). V4RST‐segment depression ≥1.0 mm was found in 8 of 14 patients (57.1%) with proximal occlusion but none (0%) in 32 patients with distal occlusion. The sensitivity and specificity to predict proximal occlusion were 57.1 and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions

V4R ST‐segment depression ≥1.0 mm was not useful for differentiating left circumflex and right coronary artery occlusion because of its low sensitivity. It is a fairly sensitive and very specific sign of proximal left circumflex artery occlusion. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Markers of angiogenesis and clinical features in patients with sarcoma
Authors: DuBois Steven , Demetri George
Published: February 2007

The growth and dissemination of sarcomas depends on angiogenesis. A number of measurable markers related to tumor angiogenesis have been studied in patients with sarcoma.

The available literature related to markers of angiogenesis and clinical features in patients with sarcoma was reviewed. Clinical features of interest included tumor size, tumor grade, tumor stage, presence of metastatic disease, and prognosis. In patients with soft‐tissue sarcomas, tumor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression correlates with stage, grade, and prognosis. Circulating VEGF levels also correlate with tumor grade. High circulating angiopoietin‐2 levels are associated with increased tumor size in soft‐tissue sarcoma. For patients with osteosarcoma, tumor VEGF expression correlates with outcome. Elevated tumor and circulating VEGF levels are associated with the development of lung metastases in osteosarcoma. Patients with Ewing sarcoma have increased circulating VEGF levels compared with controls. Angiogenesis markers correlate with important clinical features in patients with sarcomas ranging from soft‐tissue sarcomas to bone sarcomas. Markers of angiogenesis may serve an important role in predicting a particular patient's clinical course and in identifying patients for possible antiangiogenic therapy. Cancer 2007 © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Effects of α‐tocopherol and β‐carotene supplementation on upper aerodigestive tract cancers in a large, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wright Margaret E. , Virtamo Jarmo , Hartman Anne M. , Pietinen Pirjo , Edwards Brenda K. , Taylor Philip R. , Huttunen Jussi K. , Albanes Demetrius
Published: February 2007

BACKGROUND.

Although smoking and alcohol consumption are the major risk factors for upper aerodigestive tract cancers, observational studies indicate a protective role for fruits, vegetables, and antioxidant nutrients.

METHODS.

The authors examined whether daily supplementation with 50 mg dl α‐tocopheryl acetate and/or 20 mg β‐carotene reduced the incidence of or mortality from oral/pharyngeal, esophageal, and laryngeal cancers in the Alpha‐Tocopherol, Beta‐Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) study, a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled primary prevention trial conducted in southwestern Finland. A total of 29,133 male smokers, aged 50–69 years and free of cancer at baseline, were randomized in a 2 × 2 factorial design to the supplementation regimen for 5–8 years (median, 6.1 years). Incident cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx (n = 65), esophagus (n = 24), and larynx (n = 56) were identified through the Finnish Cancer Registry. Intervention effects were assessed using survival analysis and proportional hazards models.

RESULTS.

There was no effect of either agent on the overall incidence of any upper aerodigestive tract cancer. For larynx, however, exploratory subgroup analyses were suggestive of a protective effect of β‐carotene supplementation on the incidence of early stage malignancies (stage I, relative risk [RR], 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10–0.75). Neither agent affected mortality from these neoplasms.

CONCLUSIONS.

The results do not provide support for a protective effect of vitamin E or β‐carotene supplementation on upper aerodigestive tract cancers, although β‐carotene supplementation may impact the incidence of some subtypes of laryngeal tumors. Cancer 2007 © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Cover Picture: Synthesis of Alaninyl and N‐(2‐Aminoethyl)glycinyl Amino Acid Derivatives Containing the Green Fluorescent Protein Chromophore in Their Side Chains for Incorporation into Peptides and Peptide Nucleic Acids (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 6/2007)
Authors: Stafforst Thorsten , Diederichsen Ulf
Published: February 2007

The cover picture shows a chromophore of the Green Fluorescent Protein, which undergoes fast internal conversion by rotation causing the quenching of its fluorescence in solution. In contrast, the intact protein shows a high fluorescence quantum yield and there is still a need to understand the mechanism of this increase in fluorescence. The restriction of the chromophore's flexibility by simple κ‐stacking was achieved by incorporation of the chromophore into N‐(2‐aminoethyl)glycine‐peptide nucleic acid and by pairing with complementary DNA. Interestingly, fluorescence appeared upon pairing with DNA, even though the fluorescence quantum yield is far below that of the natural counterpart. Details are discussed in the article by T. Stafforst and U. Diederichsen on p. 899 ff.
Simultaneous Determination of Adenosine and Adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate at Nanogold Modified Indium Tin Oxide Electrode by Osteryoung Square‐Wave Voltammetry
Authors: Goyal Rajendra N. , Oyama Munetaka , Singh Sudhanshu P.
Published: February 2007

Simultaneous determination of adenosine and adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate has been described using nanogold modified indium tin oxide electrode. Gold nanoparticles catalyze adenosine oxidation which results in increasing separation of oxidation peaks of adenosine and ATP, making it possible to determine adenosine and adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate simultaneously. The detection limits for adenosine and ATP were found as 0.07 μM and 0.10 μM respectively with sensitivity 22.9 nA μM−1 and 20.9 nA μM−1. The proposed method was also used for sensing the compounds in biological samples. Influence of various square‐wave parameters and different pH conditions on peak current has also been reported.
Retention factor and retention index of homologous series compounds in microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography employing suppressed electroosmosis
Authors: Poouthree Kieatsuda , Leepipatpiboon Natchanun , Petsom Amorn , Nhujak Thumnoon
Published: February 2007

The retention factor (k) and retention index (I) of homologous series compounds such as alkylbenzenes (BZ), alkylaryl ketones, alkylbenzoates, and alkylparabens in microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (MEEKC) with suppressed electroosmosis were investigated in a wide range of SDS concentrations ([SDS]), temperatures, and concentrations of organic cosolvents (φ). Using BZ as standards, the retention indices of other homologous series compounds were determined and they were found to be independent of [SDS] and temperature, while are dependent on the types and concentrations of organic cosolvents. The retention factor linearly increases with increasing [SDS], while linearly decreases with increasing temperature. The value of log k linearly decreases with increasing φ for methanol, ethanol, or ACN, while decreases by a second‐degree polynomial with increasing φ for 2‐propanol. Excellent agreement was found between the observed and predicted values of log k of analytes in MEEKC at given [SDS] and φ, where the predicted values were obtained from modified equations of the linear relationship of log k as functions of [SDS], the number of carbons, and φ. Therefore, both k and I can be used for peak identification of homologous series compounds.
Cognitive functioning in elderly patients with early onset bipolar disorder
Authors: Schouws S. N. T. M. , Zoeteman J. B. , Comijs H. C. , Stek M. L. , Beekman A. T. F.
Published: February 2007

Background

Very little is known about the long term cognitive sequelae of bipolar disorder.

Aim

To investigate neuropsychological functioning in older euthymic persons with early onset bipolar disorder.

Method

Fifteen older patients (age >60) with an early onset (<50 years) bipolar‐I disorder in a euthymic mood were tested using a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. Neuropsychological functioning was compared with that of a sex, age and education‐matched group of 15 comparison subjects without mood disorders or memory complaints.

Results

Bipolar subjects scored lower than comparison subjects on selective attention, verbal memory, verbal fluency and mental effort tests.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that euthymic bipolar patients are impaired across a range of cognitive domains. This could represent a trait‐like cognitive disability related to the disease, as the impairments are comparable with those found in younger bipolar patients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Infusion of neuropeptide Y into CA3 region of hippocampus produces antidepressant‐like effect via Y1 receptor
Authors: Ishida Hisahito , Shirayama Yukihiko , Iwata Masaaki , Katayama Seiji , Yamamoto Ayaka , Kawahara Ryuzou , Nakagome Kazuyuki
Published: February 2007

A couple of papers indicate that patients with depression show a decrease in serum neuropeptide Y (NPY). To study the role of NPY in depression, we examined the effects of infusion of NPY into the hippocampus of learned helplessness (LH) rats (an animal model of depression). Infusion of NPY into the cerebral ventricle of LH rats showed antidepressant‐like effects. Infusion of NPY into the CA3 region, but not the dentate gyrus (DG), produced antidepressant‐like effects in the LH paradigm. Infusion of NPY did not affect locomotor activity or aversive learning ability. Coadministration of BIBO3304 (a Y1 receptor antagonist) with NPY to the CA3 region blocked the antidepressant‐like effects of NPY, whereas coadministration of NPY with BIIE0246 (a Y2 receptor antagonist) to the CA3 region failed to block antidepressant‐like effects. Furthermore, infusions of [Leu31 Pro34]PYY (a Y1 and Y5 receptor agonist) alone and BIIE0246 alone into the CA3 region produced the antidepressant‐like effects in LH rats. These results suggest that infusion of NPY into the CA3 region of hippocampus of LH rats produces antidepressant‐like activity through Y1 receptors and attenuating effects through Y2 receptors. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hydrogeochemical balance of forest umbrisol profiles (‘Sierra de Gata’, central western Spain)
Authors: Menéndez I. , Moreno G. , Gallardo J. F. , Saavedra J.
Published: February 2007

Three techniques for obtaining soil water solutions (gravitational and matrical waters extracted using both in situ tension lysimeters and in vitro pressure chambers) and their later chemical analysis were performed in order to know the evolution of the soil‐solution composition when water moves down through the soil, from the Ah soil horizon to the BwC‐ or C‐horizons of forest soils located in western Spain. Additionally, ion concentrations and water volumes of input waters to soil (canopy washout) and exported waters (drainage solutions from C‐horizons) were determined to establish the net balance of solutes in order to determine the rates of leaching or retention of ions. A generalized process of sorption or retention of most components (even Cl−) was observed, from the soil surface to the C‐horizon, in both gravitational and matrical waters, with H4SiO4, Mn2+, Na+, and SO42− being the net exported components from the soil through the groundwater. These results enhance the role of the recycling effect in these forest soils. The net percentages of elements retained in these forest soils, considering the inputs and the outputs balance, were 68% K+, 85% Ca2+, 58% Mg2+, 7% Al3+, 5% Fe3+, 34% Zn2+, 57% Cl−, and 20% NO3−, and about 75% of dissolved organic carbon was mineralized. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systems biology approaches for toxicology
Authors: Slikker William , Paule Merle G. , Wright Linnzi K. M. , Patterson Tucker A. , Wang Cheng
Published: February 2007

Systems biology/toxicology involves the iterative and integrative study of perturbations by chemicals and other stressors of gene and protein expression that are linked firmly to toxicological outcome. In this review, the value of systems biology to enhance the understanding of complex biological processes such as neurodegeneration in the developing brain is explored. Exposure of the developing mammal to NMDA (N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate) receptor antagonists perturbs the endogenous NMDA receptor system and results in enhanced neuronal cell death. It is proposed that continuous blockade of NMDA receptors in the developing brain by NMDA antagonists such as ketamine (a dissociative anesthetic) causes a compensatory up‐regulation of NMDA receptors, which makes the neurons bearing these receptors subsequently more vulnerable (e.g. after ketamine washout), to the excitotoxic effects of endogenous glutamate: the up‐regulation of NMDA receptors allows for the accumulation of toxic levels of intracellular Ca2+ under normal physiological conditions. Systems biology, as applied to toxicology, provides a framework in which information can be arranged in the form of a biological model. In our ketamine model, for example, blockade of NMDA receptor up‐regulation by the co‐administration of antisense oligonucleotides that specifically target NMDA receptor NR1 subunit mRNA, dramatically diminishes ketamine‐induced cell death. Preliminary gene expression data support the role of apoptosis as a mode of action of ketamine‐induced neurotoxicity. In addition, ketamine‐induced cell death is also prevented by the inhibition of NF‐κB translocation into the nucleus. This process is known to respond to changes in the redox state of the cytoplasm and has been shown to respond to NMDA‐induced cellular stress. Although comprehensive gene expression/proteomic studies and mathematical modeling remain to be carried out, biological models have been established in an iterative manner to allow for the confirmation of biological pathways underlying NMDA antagonist‐induced cell death in the developing nonhuman primate and rodent. Published in 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immune cells as anti‐cancer therapeutic targets and tools
Authors: Johansson Magnus , Tan Tingting , de Visser Karin E. , Coussens Lisa M.
Published: February 2007

Chronic inflammation is a contributing factor to overall cancer risk as well as cancer promotion and progression; however, pathways regulating onset of cancer‐promoting inflammatory responses are still poorly understood. Clinical data suggest that deficient anti‐tumor cell‐mediated immunity, in combination with enhanced pro‐tumor humoral and/or innate immunity (inflammation), are significant factors influencing malignant outcome. Here, we discuss therapeutic implications from clinical data and experimental studies using de novo immune‐competent mouse models of cancer development that together are revealing molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying interactions between immune cells and evolving neoplastic cells that regulate cancer outcome. Understanding the functionally significant links between adaptive and innate immunity that regulate cancer development will open new therapeutic opportunities to manipulate aspects of immunobiology and minimize lethal effects of cancer development. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 918–926, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Peroxiredoxin I and II inhibit H2O2‐induced cell death in MCF‐7 cell lines
Authors: Bae Ji‐Yeon , Ahn Soo‐Jung , Han Wonshik , Noh Dong‐Young
Published: February 2007

Apoptosis is known to be induced by direct oxidative damage due to oxygen‐free radicals or hydrogen peroxide or by their generation in cells by the actions of injurious agents. Together with glutathione peroxidase and catalase, peroxiredoxin (Prx) enzymes play an important role in eliminating peroxides generated during metabolism. We investigated the role of Prx enzymes during cellular response to oxidative stress. Using Prx isoforms‐specific antibodies, we investigated the presence of Prx isoforms by immunoblot analysis in cell lysates of the MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line. Treatment of MCF‐7 with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) resulted in the dose‐dependent expressions of Prx I and II at the protein and mRNA levels. To investigate the physiologic relevance of the Prx I and II expressions induced by H2O2, we compared the survivals of MCF10A normal breast cell line and MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line following exposure to H2O2. The treatment of MCF10A with H2O2 resulted in rapid cell death, whereas MCF‐7 was resistant to H2O2. In addition, we found that Prx I and II transfection enabled MCF10A cells to resist H2O2‐induced cell death. These findings suggest that Prx I and II have important functions as inhibitors of cell death during cellular response to oxidative stress. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 1038–1045, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nuclear microscopy: A tool for imaging elemental distribution and percutaneous absorption in vivo
Authors: Veríssimo Ana , Alves Luís C. , Filipe Paulo , Silva JoãO N. , Silva Raquel , Dolores YNSA Maria , Gontier Etienne , Moretto Philippe , Pallon Jan , Pinheiro Teresa
Published: February 2007

Nuclear microscopy is a technique based on a focused beam of accelerated particles that has the ability of imaging the morphology of the tissue in vivo and of producing the correspondent elemental maps, whether in major, minor, or trace concentrations. These characteristics constitute a strong advantage in studying the morphology of human skin, its elemental distributions and the permeation mechanisms of chemical compounds. In this study, nuclear microscopy techniques such as scanning transmission ion microscopy and particle induced X‐ray emission were applied simultaneously, to cryopreserved human skin samples with the purpose of obtaining high‐resolution images of cells and tissue morphology. In addition, quantitative elemental profiling and mapping of phosphorus, calcium, chlorine, and potassium in skin cross‐sections were obtained. This procedure accurately distinguishes the epidermal strata and dermis by overlapping in real time the elemental information with density images obtained from the transmitted beam. A validation procedure for elemental distributions in human skin based on differential density of epidermal strata and dermis was established. As demonstrated, this procedure can be used in future studies as a tool for the in vivo examination of trans‐epidermal and ‐dermal delivery of products. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wide‐field subdiffraction RESOLFT microscopy using fluorescent protein photoswitching
Authors: A. Schwentker Miriam , Bock Hannes , Hofmann Michael , Jakobs Stefan , Bewersdorf Jörg , Eggeling Christian , Hell Stefan W.
Published: February 2007

Subdiffraction fluorescence imaging is presented in a parallelized wide‐field arrangement exploiting the principle of reversible saturable/switchable optical transitions (RESOLFT). The diffraction barrier is overcome by photoswitching ensembles of the label protein asFP595 between a nonfluorescent off‐ and a fluorescent on‐state. Relying on ultralow continuous‐wave intensities, reversible protein switching facilitates parallelized fast image acquisition. The RESOLFT principle is implemented by illuminating with intensity distributions featuring zero intensity lines that are further apart than the conventional Abbe resolution limit. The subdiffraction resolution is verified by recording live Escherichia coli bacteria labeled with asFP595. The obtained resolution of 50 nm (≈λ/12) is limited only by the spectroscopic properties of the proteins and the imperfections of the optical implementation, but not on principle grounds. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of distal radius malunion on distal radioulnar joint mechanics—an in vivo study
Authors: Crisco Joseph J. , Moore Douglas C. , Marai G. Elisabeta , Laidlaw David H. , Akelman Edward , Weiss Arnold‐Peter C. , Wolfe Scott W.
Published: February 2007

Patients with a malunited distal radius often have painful and limited forearm rotation, and may progress to arthritis of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). The purpose of this study was to determine if DRUJ congruency and mechanics were altered in patients with malunited distal radius fractures. In nine subjects with unilateral malunions, interbone distances and dorsal and palmar radioulnar ligament lengths were computed from tomographic images of both forearms in multiple forearm positions using markerless bone registration (MBR) techniques. The significance of the changes were assessed using a generalized linear model, which controlled for forearm rotation angle (−60° to 60°). In the malunited forearm, compared to the contralateral uninjured arm, we found that ulnar joint space area significantly decreased by approximately 25%, the centroid of this area moved an average of 1.3 mm proximally, and the dorsal radioulnar ligament elongated. Despite our previous findings of insignificant changes in the pattern of radioulnar kinematics in patients with malunited fractures, we found significant changes in DRUJ joint area and ligament lengthening. These findings suggest that alterations in joint mechanics and soft tissues may play an important role in the dysfunction associated with these injuries. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:547–555, 2007
Geomorphological signature and flow dynamics of The Minch palaeo‐ice stream, northwest Scotland
Authors: Bradwell Tom , Stoker Martyn , Larter Rob
Published: February 2007

Large‐scale streamlined glacial landforms are identified in 11 areas of northwest Scotland, from the Isle of Skye in the south to the Butt of Lewis in the north. These ice‐directional features occur in bedrock and superficial deposits, generally below 350 m above sea level, and where best developed have elongation ratios of >20:1. Sidescan sonar and multibeam echo‐sounding data from The Minch show elongate streamlined ridges and grooves on the seabed, with elongation ratios of up to 70:1. These bedforms are interpreted as mega‐scale glacial lineations. All the features identified formed beneath The Minch palaeo‐ice stream which was ca. 200 km long, up to 50 km wide and drained ca. 15 000 km2 of the northwest sector of the last British‐Irish Ice Sheet (Late Devensian Glaciation). Nine ice‐stream tributaries and palaeo‐onset zones are also identified, on the basis of geomorphological evidence. The spatial distribution and pattern of streamlined bedforms around The Minch has enabled the catchment, flow paths and basal shear stresses of the palaeo‐ice stream and its tributaries to be tentatively reconstructed. © British Geological Survey/Natural Environment Research Council copyright 2007. Reproduced with the permission of BGS/NERC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Results following resection for stage IV gastric cancer; are better outcomes observed in selected patient subgroups?
Authors: Lim Suhsien , Muhs Bart E. , Marcus Stuart G. , Newman Elliot , Berman Russel S. , Hiotis Spiros P.
Published: February 2007

Background

Patients who present with stage IV gastric cancer are not commonly managed with surgical resection as effective palliation can usually be accomplished with systemic chemotherapy, endoscopic stenting, or surgical bypass procedures. Given the inherent morbidity and mortality associated with gastrectomy, palliative resection for stage IV gastric cancer should be reserved for ideal surgical candidates who are most likely to benefit from the procedure. The purpose of this study is to review outcomes following resection for stage IV gastric cancer, and to identify criteria predictive of improved outcomes following gastrectomy in this setting.

Methods

A retrospective review of a prospective GI oncology database was conducted. Sixty‐three patients with stage IV gastric cancer managed with surgical resection between 1989 and 2001 were identified. Variables including demographic data, patterns of distant spread (ex: peritoneal, lymphatic, hematogenous), location of tumor, and type of gastrectomy were utilized to conduct survival analyses.

Results

Actuarial survival for all patients at one and 3‐year intervals was 52% and 12%, respectively. Improved survival was observed for patients of East Asian race (median survival 20 vs. 12 months, P < 0.05, students t‐test) and age less than 60 years (median survival 15 vs. 12 months, P < 0.05). This trend was also illustrated by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Other variables including pattern of distant spread, location of tumor, and type of gastrectomy were not associated with a significant difference in survival. Both East Asian race and age less than 60 years were statistically significant predictors of improved survival when assessed by univariate regression analysis. When variables were analyzed in a multivariate regression analysis, Asian race and age <60 both lost their statistical significance as independent predictors of improved survival.

Conclusions

Long‐term survival for patients with stage IV gastric cancer who are managed with surgical resection is achievable. Patient specific variables including East Asian race and age less than 60 years appear to be associated with prolonged survival when assessed by comparison of means, Kaplan–Meier analysis, and univariate regression analysis. However, multivariate regression analysis failed to demonstrate these factors as independent predictors of improved outcome. In conclusion, highly selected acceptable risk surgical candidates with stage IV gastric cancer should be considered for management with surgical resection in clinically appropriate scenarios. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;95:118–122. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impulse für Bildungsprozesse in den Optischen Technologien – Fachkräfte gewinnen – Zukunft sichern
Authors: Baron Waldemar
Published: February 2007

Die Innovationskraft der Unternehmen hängt in hohem Maße von der Qualifikation ihrer Mitarbeiter ab. Das gilt erst recht für Unternehmen, die sich auf viel versprechenden Zukunftsfeldern wie den Optischen Technologien betätigen. Zielgerechte Aus‐ und Weiterbildung, die den Anforderungen der Unternehmen und Mitarbeiter entspricht, gilt als ein Erfolgsrezept bei der Entwicklung und Anwendung technischer Innovationen. Neben der Forschungsförderung in den Optischen Technologien zielen innovationsunterstützende Maßnahmen des Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) auf Impulse für geeignete Bildungsprozesse.