bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between hydrogen‐bonding interaction and mechanical properties of polyimide fibers
Authors: Liu Xiangyang , Gao Guanqun , Dong Liang , Ye Guangdou , Gu Yi
Published: January 2009

Novel co‐polymerization polyimide (PI) fibers based on 4,4′‐oxydianiline (ODA)‐pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) were prepared. 2‐(4‐Aminophenyl)‐5‐aminobenzimidazole (PABZ) containing the NH group was introduced into the structure of the fibers as the proton donor. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that hydrogen bonding occured between the NH group and chains, which strongly enhanced interchain interaction. This hydrogen bonding interaction increased the tensile strength and initial modulus of the PI fibers up to 2.5 times and 26 times, respectively, compared to those of homo‐PI PMDA‐ODA fibers with no hydrogen‐bonding interaction because of the absence of proton donors after the imidization process. In the mean time, glass transition temperature (Tg) of the modified PI fibers was found to be 410–440°C, which was higher than that of the homo‐PI PMDA‐ODA fibers. From the result, a novel access to molecular design and manufacture of high performance PI fibers with good properties could be provided. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Weakly ferromagnetic microspheres bearing paramagnetic CrBO3 core and nonmagnetic polyvinylbutyral shell
Authors: Öztürk Ö. F. , Tanyolac D. , Özcan S. , Zümreoglu‐Karan B.
Published: January 2009

A new class of core–shell microspheres was prepared through a modified solvent evaporation technique by coating chromium orthoborate (CrBO3) particles with a commercial resin, namely Mowital®B30HH (polyvinyl butyral, PVB). Well‐shaped spherical particles were obtained in diameters ranging from 40 to 420 µm. The morphological, structural, thermal, and magnetic properties were characterized by SEM, FTIR, UV–Vis, VSM (Vibrating Sample Magnetometry), and thermal analysis techniques. Uncoated CrBO3 is paramagnetic at room temperature and antiferromagnetic at low temperatures (TN = 12 K) while PVB itself is nonmagnetic at room temperature. The results indicated that the microspheres having a paramagnetic core and nonmagnetic shell displayed weakly ferromagnetic properties at room temperature. The observed ferromagnetism was correlated with the particle size and higher saturation magnetization values were achieved with smaller microspheres. This unconventional magnetic behavior can be tuned by varying the particle size and may allow CrBO3/PVB microspheres to serve as a smart material in future applications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and properties of new polybenzoxazines containing (substituted) cyclohexyl moieties
Authors: Kumar K. S. Santhosh , Nair C. P. Reghunadhan , Ninan K. N. , Kulkarni A. D. , Wadgaonkar P. P.
Published: January 2009

A series of new polybenzoxazines were synthesized based on diphenols containing (substituted) cyclohexyl moiety and were characterized by FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. These new benzoxazine monomers exhibited better processability with lower peak cure temperature and a wide cure controllable window (CCW) as manifested in differential scanning calorimetric analysis. The cure analysis was performed by FT‐IR spectroscopy. Glass transition temperature of new polybenzoxazines varied from 170 to 205°C. The cyclohexyl bridge groups facilitated ring opening, resulting in polymer with improved thermal stability in comparison to bisphenol A‐based benzoxazine as assessed by the various thermal analyses. The water contact angles of polybenzoxazines containing (substituted) cyclohexyl moieties were higher than that of bisphenol A‐based polybenzoxazine, implying their higher hydrophobicity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Objective response of multiply recurrent low‐grade gliomas to bevacizumab and irinotecan
Authors: Packer Roger J. , Jakacki Regina , Horn Marianna , Rood Brian , Vezina Gilbert , MacDonald Tobey , Fisher Michael J. , Cohen Bruce
Published: January 2009

Background

Chemotherapy has taken on a prominent role in the treatment of pediatric low‐grade gliomas not amenable to gross total resections; however, there are few proven effective options for children with multiply recurrent tumors. Bevacizumab, a humanized immunoglobulin, monoclonal antibody that inhibits the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor and irinotecan have been used with some success in adults with malignant gliomas.

Methods

Ten children with multiply recurrent low‐grade gliomas were treated with the combination of bevacizumab and irinotecan. Patients received treatment at a median of 5.2 years of age, range 1.5–11.1 years. The majority had diencephalic tumors, three had neurofibromatosis type 1, and two had disseminated disease at the time of treatment. Nine of 10 patients had progressed after three or greater chemotherapy regimens and one also had received radiation therapy.

Results

Seven patients had an objective neuroradiographic response, which was a complete response in one, partial response in three, and minor response in three. Clinical improvements were noted in seven, including improved visual acuity (2), improved motor function (2), weight gain in four with a diencephalic syndrome, and reversal of psychomotor retardation (3). Dose‐limiting toxicities included transient leukoencephalopathy (1) and grade 3 protienuria (1). Response was durable in the majority of patients and six remain on treatment, for up to 22 months.

Conclusions

Multiply recurrent low‐grade gliomas in children are responsive to the combination of bevacizumab and irinotecan. The drug combination has been relatively well tolerated, including in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1, and warrants further study. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:791–795. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Obesity and metabolic changes are common in young childhood brain tumor survivors
Authors: Pietilä Sari , Mäkipernaa Anne , Sievänen Harri , Koivisto Anna‐Maija , Wigren Tuija , Lenko Hanna L.
Published: January 2009

Background

A population based cross‐sectional study was used to examine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components in childhood brain tumor survivors.

Procedure

Fifty‐two survivors were examined at a mean age of 14.4 years (range 3.8–28.7). Lipid and glucose metabolism, thyroid function, and plasma uric acid were evaluated. Fat mass and fat percentage were assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Metabolic syndrome was defined on International Diabetes Federation criteria.

Results

Ten (19%) patients were overweight and four (8%) were obese. According to DXA, 16/46 (35%) patients were obese. Central obesity was found in 11 (21%) patients. Cranial irradiation, hypothalamic/hypophyseal damage, growth hormone (GH) deficiency and impaired mobility were associated with overweight/obesity and central obesity. Thirteen (25%) subjects had hypercholesterolemia, 14 (27%) had raised low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), 12 (23%) had raised blood pressure, four (8%) had metabolic syndrome, two (4%) had hyperinsulinemia and five (10%) had hyperuricemia. Cranial irradiation was associated with hypercholesterolemia (P = 0.019), raised LDL‐C (P = 0.028), raised blood pressure (P = 0.040), and metabolic syndrome (P = 0.018). Impaired mobility was associated with hypercholesterolemia (P = 0.034). Hypothalamic/hypophyseal damage was associated with metabolic syndrome (P = 0.003) and hyperuricemia (P = 0.011) as was GH deficiency (P = 0.034 and P = 0.008). GH supplementation alleviated adverse metabolic outcomes among brain tumor survivors with GH deficiency.

Conclusions

Obesity/overweight, dyslipidemia, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and hyperuricemia were common in young childhood brain tumor survivors. Cranial irradiation, hypothalamic/hypophyseal damage, growth hormone deficiency, and/or impaired mobility were associated with higher risk for obesity and metabolic changes among these patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:853–859. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Parental attitude to participating in long‐term follow‐up studies of their children's health after in utero diagnosis of abnormalities
Authors: Ramsay Lauren , Howe David T. , Wellesley Diana
Published: January 2009

Objective

To determine whether parents might be distressed if approached to take part in long‐term follow‐up of their children's health and development.

Methods

A short, closed format anonymous questionnaire seeking parental opinion on being asked about their child's health was offered to attendees for obstetric ultrasound and parents of children attending paediatric cardiology clinics.

Results

In total, 70% of the 266 respondents were attending for ultrasound and ∼30% paediatric cardiology clinics. In total, 66 respondents had children with long‐term health problems, 28 with learning difficulties and 61 had previously had an abnormal obstetric ultrasound scan. Greater than 90% of parents were happy to be contacted and asked questions about their children's health and development, regardless of their child's health or their experiences during prenatal ultrasonography.

Conclusions

Our results provide reassurance to future researchers and ethics committees that studies of children's later health after in utero diagnosis of anomalies are unlikely to prove unacceptable to many parents. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of QF–PCR in a Korean population
Authors: Cho Eun Hae , Park Bo Ya Na , Kang You Sun , Lee Eun Hee
Published: January 2009

Objectives

Quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF‐PCR) is a rapid and reliable method for screening common aneuploidies, but it is not an accustomed way of testing in Korea. Our objectives were to investigate QF‐PCR as a means for prenatal aneuploidy screening and to evaluate the short tandem repeat (STR) markers in a Korean population.

Method

Three formats of QF‐PCR assays that utilize an Elucigene kit (Tepnel Diagnostics), which contains 7 primer pairs located on chromosome 21, 16 primers on chromosomes 21, 18, and 13, or 26 primers on chromosomes 21, 18, 13, X, and Y were performed.

Results

Eight hundred of prenatal samples were screened and the results were compared to that of the results obtained with conventional cytogenetics. The 31 of 33 (93%) autosomal and sex chromosome aneuploidies were detected excluding one case of maternal cell contamination and one case of mosaicism respectively; there were no false positives. Interestingly, submicroscopic duplication of the D13S634 marker was observed in 1.6% of cases.

Conclusion

For prenatal aneuploidy screening, QF‐PCR was proved to be efficient and reliable. However, considering the high frequency of triallelic patterns of one STR marker that has not been found in other populations, careful evaluation is recommended in each STR marker when it is applied to different populations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Making practice visible: The Workplace Culture Critical Analysis Tool (WCCAT)
Authors: McCormack Brendan , Henderson Elizabeth , Wilson Val , Wright Jayne
Published: January 2009

Emancipatory practice development has a key focus on changing the culture of practice to enable more person‐centredness to be developed in the care unit (ward, department or clinic). However, getting ‘inside’ the prevailing practice culture can be challenging and complex and it can be difficult to determine the specific aspects of culture that need to be addressed in a development programme. One way of doing this, and a key process of practice development, is observation of practice. However, many of the tools available for the observation of practice are inconsistent with the philosophy and values underpinning emancipatory practice development, i.e. they tend towards ‘judgement’ of quality rather than the facilitation of engagement. The WCCAT has been developed as an observation tool consistent with the philosophy and values of emancipatory practice development and is a facilitative process. In this paper we set out the framework underpinning the WCCAT, the phases involved in undertaking an observation and examples of how to use the tool in practice. An initial evaluation of the use of the tool by practice development facilitators is also provided. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An experimental study on shear stress characteristics of polymers in plasticating single‐screw extruders
Authors: Altınkaynak Atakan , Gupta Mahesh , Spalding Mark A. , Crabtree Sam L.
Published: January 2009

Frictional forces (for temperatures less than the melting or devitrification temperature) and viscous forces (for higher temperatures) have important roles on solids conveying and melting processes in plasticating single‐screw extruders. These forces are related to the shear stresses at polymer–metal interfaces. For temperatures at which the frictional forces are the main factor for the shear stresses, it is experimentally difficult to obtain the shear stresses at the polymer–metal interface. The interpretation of the data has further complications due to the frictional energy dissipation at the polymer–metal interface. An instrument called the Screw Simulator was used for further understanding of shear stresses at the polymer–metal interface and comparison of melting fluxes of different resins. This article presents the shear stress and melting flux measurements for low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear LDPE (LLDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and high‐impact polystyrene (HIPS) resins as a function of sliding velocity and interface temperature at a fixed pressure of 0.7 MPa. The relationship between the experimental data and the extrusion process is also discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Frost heave and dry density changes during cyclic freeze‐thaw of a silty clay
Authors: Hui Bing , Ping He
Published: January 2009

Open‐system frost heave tests were performed on a silty clay using a lower boundary condition of +2°C and unidirectional freezing at −10°C from the surface, or freezing and thawing with an upper boundary temperature that cycled from −10°C to +10°C or from −10°C to 0°C. The amount of frost heave, the distribution of moisture at the end of the experiment and the final dry density profiles all differed for the three cases. The experiments demonstrate that freeze‐thaw history is important in assessing or predicting the frost heave of silty clays. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formulation and application of entomopathogenic nematode‐infected cadavers for control of Hoplia philanthus in turfgrass
Authors: Ansari Minshad A , Hussain M Abid , Moens Maurice
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND: Commercially produced entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are usually applied in an aqueous suspension. However, recent studies demonstrate that they can be successfully applied as infected cadavers. EPN‐infected insect cadavers were formulated in various carrier/coating materials, but only infective juveniles (IJs) from kaolin‐formulated and non‐formulated cadavers were tested for survival, emergence and virulence. The efficacy of IJs from kaolin‐formulated and non‐formulated cadavers applied against Hoplia philanthus Füessly in greenhouse and field was also assessed.

RESULTS: The kaolin‐based formulation (kaolin–starch combination) proved to be the most stable. Emergence of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar CLO51 from cadavers formulated in kaolin was significantly higher than from non‐formulated cadavers. In greenhouse conditions, efficacy of freshly formulated (8 days post‐infection) cadavers of H. bacteriophora provided significantly higher H. philanthus control (62%) than three‐month‐old cadavers (31%) or aqueous applications of the same EPN (39% and 43%). Similarly, under field conditions, significantly higher H. philanthus control was achieved with freshly formulated cadavers (39%) than with three‐month‐old cadavers (21%) or with aqueous applications (24% and 28%) of H. bacteriophora 2 weeks after application. Additionally, after 1 year, cadaver applications provided >90% H. philanthus control, while aqueous applications of H. bacteriophora gave only 55% control.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that kaolin–starch coating provided superior protection and preservation of EPN‐infected cadavers. Use of formulated cadavers may solve several current problems preventing the wider utilisation of EPNs in pest management. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Detachment of sprayed colloidal copper oxychloride–metalaxyl fungicides by a shallow water flow
Authors: Pose‐Juan Eva , Paradelo‐Pérez Marcos , Rial‐Otero Raquel , Simal‐Gándara Jesus , López‐Periago José E
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND: Flow shear stress induced by rainfall promotes the loss of the pesticides sprayed on crops. Some of the factors influencing the losses of colloidal‐size particulate fungicides are quantified by using a rotating shear system model. With this device it was possible to analyse the flow shear influencing washoff of a commercial fungicide formulation based on a copper oxychloride–metalaxyl mixture that was sprayed on a polypropylene surface. A factor plan with four variables, i.e. water speed and volume (both variables determining flow boundary stress in the shear device), formulation dosage and drying temperature, was set up to monitor colloid detachment.

RESULTS: This experimental design, together with sorption experiments of metalaxyl on copper oxychloride, and the study of the dynamics of metalaxyl and copper oxychloride washoff, made it possible to prove that metalaxyl washoff from a polypropylene surface is controlled by transport in solution, whereas that of copper oxychloride occurs by particle detachment and transport of particles. Average losses for metalaxyl and copper oxychloride were, respectively, 29 and 50% of the quantity applied at the usual recommended dosage for crops.

CONCLUSION: The key factors affecting losses were flow shear and the applied dosage. Empirical models using these factors provided good estimates of the percentage of fungicide loss. From the factor analysis, the main mechanism for metalaxyl loss induced by a shallow water flow is solubilisation, whereas copper loss is controlled by erosion of copper oxychloride particles. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of radioprotective effects of propolis and its flavonoid constituents: in vitro study on human white blood cells
Authors: Benkovic Vesna , Knezevic Anica Horvat , Orsolic Nada , Basic Ivan , Ramic Snjezana , Viculin Tomislav , Knezevic Fabijan , Kopjar Nevenka
Published: January 2009

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the possible radioprotective effects of the natural substances WSDP, caffeic acid, chrysin and naringin on γ‐irradiated human white blood cells. The effectiveness of tested compounds was evaluated using the alkaline comet assay, the analysis of structural chromosome aberration and the cytokinesis‐block micronucleus assay. The results obtained by the alkaline comet study indicate favourable toxicity profiles of propolis and its polyphenolic components, and confirmed the radioprotective abilities comparable to the chemical radioprotector AET. WSDP and its polyphenolic components were able to reduce the number of necrotic cells. None of tested compounds induced significant genotoxicity, but all of them offered a quite measurable protection against DNA damage. WSDP was found to be the most effective in diminishing the levels of primary and more complex cytogenetic DNA damage in white blood cells. Considering its complex composition, to undoubtedly explain the underlying mechanisms of cyto/radioprotective effects, further studies are needed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Concept of Reference Architectures
Authors: Cloutier Robert , Muller Gerrit , Verma Dinesh , Nilchiani Roshanak , Hole Eirik , Bone Mary
Published: January 2009

The concept of Reference Architectures is novel in the business world. However, many architects active in the creation of complex systems frequently use the term Reference Architecture. Yet, these experienced architects do not collectively have a consistent notion of what constitutes a Reference Architecture, what is the value of maintaining the Reference Architecture, what is the best approach to visualizing a Reference Architecture, what is the most appropriate level of abstraction, and how should an architect make use of the Reference Architecture in their work? This paper examines current Reference Architectures and the driving forces behind development of them to come to a collective conclusion on what a Reference Architecture should truly be. It will be shown that a Reference Architecture captures the accumulated architectural knowledge of thousands man‐years of work. This knowledge ranges from why (market segmentation, value chain, customer key drivers, application), what (systems, key performance parameters, system interfaces, functionality, variability), to how (design views and diagrams, essential design patterns, main concepts). The purpose of the Reference Architecture is to provide guidance for future developments. The Reference Architecture incorporates the vision and strategy for the future. The Reference Architecture is a reference for the hundreds of teams related to ongoing developments. By providing this reference all these teams have a shared baseline of why, what and how. It is the authors' goal that this paper will facilitate further research in the concepts and ideas presented herein. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng
Seasonal succession of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii and Aphanizomenon ovalisporum blooms with cylindrospermopsin occurrence in the volcanic Lake Albano, Central Italy
Authors: Messineo Valentina , Melchiorre Serena , Di Corcia Antonio , Gallo Pasquale , Bruno Milena
Published: January 2009

The cyanobacterial toxin cylindrospermopsin is rapidly spreading in the European temperate Countries. Cylindrospermopsin was detected for the first time in Italy in 2004; in this study, the presence of this toxin in Albano Lake (Central Italy) has been correlated to the cyanobacterial species Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii and Aphanizomenon ovalisporum and their population dynamics. In 2004, these two species succeeded in the lake during spring, summer, and early autumn without overlapping, causing superficial blooms. Cylindrospermopsin was detected in lake samples by LC‐MS/MS and ELISA immunoassay, showing extracellular superficial values ranging from 2.6 to 126 μg/L, and water column values ranging from 0.41 to 18.4 μg/L. Twenty‐six of 30 positive water samples (86%) exceeded the recommended limit of 1 μg/L. Intracellular values up to 42.3 μg/g were measured. Moreover, cylindrospermopsin was detected in tissues from two Salmo trutta trouts (up to 2.7 ng/g) and in a well for drinking water supply (1.6 μg/L). For the first time, two cyanobacterial species producing cylindrospermopsin were detected in the same lake in Italy. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 2010.
Validation of a new yeast‐based reporter assay consisting of human estrogen receptors α/β and coactivator SRC‐1: Application for detection of estrogenic activity in environmental samples
Authors: Chu Wai‐Ling , Shiizaki Kazuhiro , Kawanishi Masanobu , Kondo Mami , Yagi Takashi
Published: January 2009

Endocrine disruptors are exogenous substances that act like hormones in the endocrine system and disrupt the physiologic function of endogenous hormones. In the present study, we established reporter yeast strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) expressing human estrogen receptors, ERα or ERβ. These strains contain a reporter plasmid carrying an estrogen responsive element (ERE) upstream of the β‐galactosidase gene, and a plasmid expressing a steroid receptor coactivator, SRC‐1e. Using these reporter strains, we demonstrated dose‐dependent estrogenic activities of different categories of ligands, a natural hormone, 17β‐estradiol (E2); a synthetic drug, diethylstilbestrol (DES); phytoestrogens, genistein, daizein and emodin; and an environmental endocrine disrupter, bisphenol A. EC50 values of E2 for ERα and ERβ are 5.31 × 10−10 and 5.85 × 10−10 M, respectively. We also demonstrated that these yeasts were applicable for measuring estrogenic activities of environmental water samples. Most downstream sites of a river showed similar activity in both ERα and ERβ assays. These yeast strains are useful and convenient for detecting and comparing the estrogenic ligand activities of environmental samples in response to ERα and ERβ. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Blood lead levels in children of Lucknow, India
Authors: Ahamed Maqusood , Verma Sanjeev , Kumar Archana , Siddiqui Mohd. K. J.
Published: January 2009

After implementing measures to control lead pollution in many countries, blood lead levels (BLLs) in children have been declined. The phase‐out of leaded petrol began in Lucknow, the capital of most populated state, Uttar Pradesh in India on April 1, 2000. We evaluated the mean BLL and associated risk factors for lead exposure in Lucknow children (3–12 years) after petrol lead phase‐out activity. The mean BLL of the 200 children was 9.3 μg/dL (range: 1.0–27.9 μg/dL). Seventy‐four children (37%) had BLL above the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) level of concern (10 μg/dL). When these data were compared with BLLs determined by the George Foundation among the children of Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Delhi during the year 1997 when leaded petrol was in use, where 62%, 62%, 87%, 96%, 43%, and 95%, respectively, then exceeded the CDC intervention level. Further, BLL of present study was very close to Mumbai children (age ≤12 years) estimated following the introduction of unleaded petrol, and 33% children had BLL above the CDC concern level with an average 8.4 μg/dL. Low socioeconomic status, proximity of home to traffic density, and mother's illiteracy were the factors associated with elevated BLLs in Lucknow children (P < 0.05). Overall, results indicate a declining trend of BLL in Lucknow children when compared with those reported from other cities of India when leaded petrol was in practice. A national population‐based study is recommended to determine the prevalence of elevated BLLs after the phase‐out of leaded‐petrol. In addition, future studies on other sources of lead exposure in Lucknow are warranted for public health purposes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2010.
Joined in death: highlights of the Sixth International Meeting on Yeast Apoptosis in Leuven, Belgium, 30 April–4 May 2008
Authors: Thevissen Karin , Madeo Frank , Ludovico Paula , Cammue Bruno , Winderickx Joris
Published: January 2009

While yeast apoptosis was still a controversial issue less than 10 years ago, the efforts of many groups have revealed cell death mechanisms that resemble, in many aspects, those described for mammalian apoptosis. Here, we provide an overview of new insights on yeast apoptosis and the link with lifespan of yeast cells, based on data presented at the 6th International Meeting of Yeast Apoptosis (IMYA). Together, these data demonstrate the power and advantages of the yeast system to uncover novel cellular factors governing life and death, placing yeast at the forefront of apoptosis research. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absence of See1p, a widely conserved Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein, confers both deficient heterologous protein production and endocytosis
Authors: Martín‐Granados Cristina , Riechers Sean‐Patrick , Stahl Ulf , Lang Christine
Published: January 2009

The uncharacterized Saccharomyces cerevisiae open reading frame (ORF) YIL064w is predicted to encode a cytoplasmic 28 kDa protein, recognized by sequence similarity as a putative S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine methyltransferase. A micro‐scale screening performed in our laboratory with the EUROSCARF S. cerevisiae BY4741 deletion mutant collection identified YIL064w deletion as negatively affecting secretory production of reporter α‐amylase. The work presented here corroborates the later observations of the yil064w mutant in a larger‐scale assay and shows that Yil064p is necessary for the efficient secretory production of two reporter proteins, murine α‐amylase and fungal polygalacturonase. Further, we analysed endocytosis in the yil064w mutant strain and observed defects at both very early and later stages of endocytic transport in cells in the late logarithmic phase. The defects at very early stages may decisively account for the low transfection (DNA uptake by endocytosis) efficiency that we also observed in the yil064w mutant. These are the first in vivo data reporting a functional role for the protein encoded by ORF YIL064w and identify Yil064p, named here secretion and early endocytosis 1 protein (See1p), as a novel component of intracellular transport. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization and Optical Properties of the Single Crystalline SnS Nanowire Arrays
Authors: Yue GH , Wang LS , Wang X , Chen YZ , Peng DL
Published: January 2009

The SnS nanowire arrays have been successfully synthesized by the template-assisted pulsed electrochemical deposition in the porous anodized aluminum oxide template. The investigation results showed that the as-synthesized nanowires are single crystalline structures and they have a highly preferential orientation. The ordered SnS nanowire arrays are uniform with a diameter of 50 nm and a length up to several tens of micrometers. The synthesized SnS nanowires exhibit strong absorption in visible and near-infrared spectral region and the direct energy gapE
gof SnS nanowires is 1.59 eV.
14‐3‐3 Binding to Pim‐phosphorylated Ser166 and Ser186 of human Mdm2 – Potential interplay with the PKB/Akt pathway and p14ARF
Authors: Wood Nicola T. , Meek David W. , MacKintosh Carol
Published: January 2009

PIM1 (uniprotkb:P11309)P phosphorylates (MI:0217) MDM2 (uniprotkb:Q00987) by protein kinase assay (MI:0424)
The role of the maturase HydG in [FeFe]‐hydrogenase active site synthesis and assembly
Authors: Pilet Eric , Nicolet Yvain , Mathevon Carole , Douki Thierry , Fontecilla-Camps Juan C. , Fontecave Marc
Published: January 2009

[FeFe]‐hydrogenases catalyze the protons/hydrogen interconversion through a unique di‐iron active site consisting of three CO and two CN ligands, and a non‐protein SCH2XCH2S (X = N or O) dithiolate bridge. Site assembly requires two “Radical‐S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM or AdoMet)” iron–sulfur enzymes, HydE and HydG, and one GTPase, HydF. The sequence homology between HydG and ThiH, a Radical‐SAM enzyme which cleaves tyrosine into p‐cresol and dehydroglycine, and the finding of a similar cleavage reaction catalyzed by HydG suggests a mechanism for hydrogenase maturation. Here we propose that HydG is specifically involved in the synthesis of the dithiolate ligand, with two tyrosine‐derived dehydroglycines as precursors along with an [FeS] cluster of HydG functioning both as electron shuttle and source of the sulfur atoms.
Differential regulation of Akt/protein kinase B isoforms during cell cycle progression
Authors: Yun Sung Ji , Tucker David F. , Kim Eun Kyoung , Kim Min Sung , Do Kee Hun , Ha Jung Min , Lee Sun Young , Yun Jeanho , Kim Chi Dae , Birnbaum Morris J. , Bae Sun Sik
Published: January 2009

Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase pathways play key regulatory roles in cell cycle progression into S phase. In this study, we demonstrated that Akt1/PKBα isoform plays an essential role in G1/S transition and proliferation. Cells lacking Akt1/PKBα showed an attenuated proliferation as well as G1/S transition, whereas cells lacking Akt2/PKBβ showed normal proliferation and G1/S transition. The effect of Akt1/PKBα on cell proliferation and G1/S transition was completely abolished by swapping pleckstrin homology (PH) domain with that of Akt2/PKBβ. Finally, full activation of Akt/PKB and cyclin D expression was achieved by the Akt1/PKBα or chimeric proteins containing the PH domain of Akt1/PKBα indicating that the PH domain of Akt1/PKBα provides full kinase activity and is necessary for the G1/S transition.
Degradation of FAT10 by the 26S proteasome is independent of ubiquitylation but relies on NUB1L
Authors: Schmidtke Gunter , Kalveram Birte , Groettrup Marcus
Published: January 2009

The ubiquitin‐like modifier FAT10 targets proteins for degradation by the proteasome, a process accelerated by the UBL‐UBA domain protein NEDD8 ultimate buster 1‐long. Here, we show that FAT10‐mediated degradation occurs independently of poly‐ubiquitylation as purified 26S proteasome readily degraded FAT10‐dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) but not ubiquitin‐DHFR in vitro. Interestingly, the 26S proteasome could only degrade FAT10‐DHFR when NUB1L was present. Knock‐down of NUB1L attenuated the degradation of FAT10‐DHFR in intact cells suggesting that NUB1L determines the degradation rate of FAT10‐linked proteins. In conclusion, our data establish FAT10 as a ubiquitin‐independent but NUB1L‐dependent targeting signal for proteasomal degradation.
FKBP25, a novel regulator of the p53 pathway, induces the degradation of MDM2 and activation of p53
Authors: Ochocka Anna Maria , Kampanis Petros , Nicol Samantha , Allende-Vega Nerea , Cox Miranda , Marcar Lynnette , Milne Diane , Fuller-Pace Frances , Meek David
Published: January 2009

MDM2 (uniprotkb:Q00987) physically interacts (MI:0218) with FKBP25 (uniprotkb:Q00688) by two hybrid (MI:0018)
Regulation of the activity and expression of ERK8 by DNA damage
Authors: Klevernic Iva V. , Martin Niall M.B. , Cohen Philip
Published: January 2009

We have investigated the agonists that activate transfected extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 8 (ERK8) in cells, and have found that the most potent activators are hydrogen peroxide, DNA alkylating and cross‐linking agents and the poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibitor KU‐0058948. The feature shared by all these agents is that they lead to the accumulation of single strand breaks in DNA, suggesting a role for ERK8 in the response to, or repair of, DNA single strand breaks. The DNA alkylating agent MMS also induced the disappearance of endogenous ERK8 by a proteasome‐dependent mechanism.
KITENIN increases invasion and migration of mouse squamous cancer cells and promotes pulmonary metastasis in a mouse squamous tumor model
Authors: Lee Joon Kyoo , Bae Jeong A , Sun Eun Gene , Kim Hee Dae , Yoon Tae Mi , Kim Kag , Lee Ji Hee , Lim Sang Chul , Kim Kyung Keun
Published: January 2009

KAI1 C‐terminal interacting tetraspanin (KITENIN) is reported to promote metastasis in mouse colon cancer models. We investigated the role of KITENIN on the progression of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In a preliminary clinical study using resected tissues from head and neck SCC patients, KITENIN was highly expressed in tumors and metastatic lymph nodes, while KAI1 was more increased in adjacent mucosa than in tumor. KITENIN‐transfected mouse squamous cancer (SCC VII/KITENIN) cells showed significantly higher invasion, migration, and proliferation than empty vector‐transfected cells. In syngeneic mouse squamous tumor models, more increased tumor volume and enhanced lung metastasis were found in SCC VII/KITENIN cells‐injected mice. Thus, KITENIN increases invasion and migration of squamous cancer cells and thereby promotes distant metastasis in mouse squamous tumor models.
Immobility of phycobilins in the thylakoid lumen of a cryptophyte suggests that protein diffusion in the lumen is very restricted
Authors: Kaňa Radek , Prášil Ondřej , Mullineaux Conrad W.
Published: January 2009

The thylakoid lumen is an important photosynthetic compartment which is the site of key steps in photosynthetic electron transport. The fluidity of the lumen could be a major constraint on photosynthetic electron transport rates. We used Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching in cells of the cryptophyte alga Rhodomonas salina to probe the diffusion of phycoerythrin in the lumen and chlorophyll complexes in the thylakoid membrane. In neither case was there any detectable diffusion over a timescale of several minutes. This indicates very restricted phycoerythrin mobility. This may be a general feature of protein diffusion in the thylakoid lumen.
Low birth weight and early weight gain in the metabolic syndrome: Consequences for infant nutrition
Authors: Vaag Allan
Published: January 2009

Emerging data indicate that being born small for gestational age (SGA) and rapid infant catch‐up growth may play a significant role in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and the metabolic syndrome (MS) many years later in life. The impact of these perinatal T2DM and MS risk factors may be more important than genetics in some parts of the world, including low‐income countries. Breastfeeding for 3–6 months is associated with reduced risk of developing insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. Promotion of fast growth in SGA infants by nutrient‐enriched formula increases risk of hypertension and the metabolic syndrome. While waiting for better knowledge of how to combat T2DM and MS with early‐life interventions, breastfeeding should be recommended and enforced whenever possible, keeping in mind the health and nutritional status of the mother. Furthermore, promotion of fast weight gain in SGA infants by nutrient‐enriched formula feeding should be used with caution. However, growth limitation by restriction of nutrition in SGA infants below general recommendations should not be recommended.
Onn-dimensional Stirling Numbers
Authors: Tauber Selmo
Published: January 2009

Stirling numbers of the first and second kind play an important part in many branches of mathematics, in particular in combinatorial analysis and statistics. For their definition and properties we refer to (5) where a whole chapter is devoted to their study. Stirling numbers have been generalized in many ways. One generalization is given in (1). In this paper we generalize the results of (1) tondimensions. In order to simplify the notation we use methods of linear algebra.
On Eddington's higher order equations of the gravitational field
Authors: Buchdahl H. A.
Published: January 2009

Einstein's fundamental equations of the gravitational field are

where Tμν are the components of the energy tensor and λ is the cosmical constant. In empty space these equations become

which may be reduced to

since G = 4λ, by contraction of (2).
Evidence of the early penetration of Negroes into prehistoric Egypt
Authors: Strouhal Eugen
Published: January 2009

Theories about the Negro origin of the Ancient Egyptians have been with Egyptology ever since its beginnings. Also, certain Negroid features can be found in the morphological appearance of the contemporary Egyptian population, more obviously in Upper Egypt than in Lower Egypt. Modern genetically orientated studies, e.g. of the blood groups, show the penetration of the Egyptian population by Negro genes. The question remains, however, whether the Negroid admixture is connected with the origin of the settled population in Egypt or whether it took place in later, that is to say, in prehistoric, historic or modern times.
The constitutional troubles of Ọyọ in the eighteenth century
Authors: Law R. C. C.
Published: January 2009

This paper examines the internal disputes which the Ọyọ kingdom suffered during the eighteenth century, and which had as their ultimate issue a coup d'état in ca. 1796 which is traditionally held to mark the beginning of the disintegration of the kingdom. The troubles began with a conflict within the capital of the kingdom, between the Alafin (king) and the Ọyọ Mesi, a group of non-royal chiefs led by the Baṣọrun, and the first phase of the troubles culminated in 1754 in a seizure of power by the Baṣọrun. It is suggested that this struggle between the Alafin and his chiefs had its origins in competition for control of the new sources of wealth derived from the expansion of the kingdom. In 1774 the Alafin overthrew the Baṣọrun and recovered power in the capital by calling in the assistance of the subject towns of the kingdom. It is argued that this action proved fatal to the Ọyọ kingdom, by involving the rulers of the provincial towns in the political disputes of the capital and revealing the military impotence of the divided capital. In ca. 1796 the provincial rulers intervened at the capital on the other side, assisting the Baṣọrun to overthrow the Alafin. But the coalition of dissident metropolitan chiefs and dissident provincial chiefs immediately broke up, and many of the latter began to disregard the divided capital and make themselves independent.
A quantitative analysis of Liberian colonization from 1820 to 1843 with special reference to mortality
Authors: Shick Tom W.
Published: January 2009

It is well known that during the eighteenth century and most of the nineteenth century the problem of mortality limited the European presence in West Africa. Disease and death in appalling proportions plagued whites who settled along the coast. Phrases such as ‘the white man's grave’ popularized theories concerning survival in West Africa that were based mainly on race. The belief that black people by virtue of their race would fare better than whites in Africa affected certain historical events. Hence religious groups began to train blacks in the Caribbean for missionary work and then sent them to Africa, while other groups such as the American Colonization Society encouraged black people to emigrate back to Africa. The present study is a quantitative examination of the black population that emigrated to Liberia through the American Colonization Society from 1820 to 1843. Particular attention is given to their mortality experience.

Although a total of 4,571 emigrants arrived in Liberia during the 1820 to 1843 period, by the year 1843 only 1,819 emigrants were still living in the settlements. The overwhelming reason for the Liberian population decline, despite constant additions throughout the period, was a high death rate after arrival in Liberia. By examining the various characteristics of the population such as age, sex, place of origin, place of arrival and the like, a clearer picture of mortality in West Africa emerges. A picture which seems to have little relationship to race per se, but rather to the ways in which disease environments in isolated areas affect incoming populations.
‘Scramble’ et ‘Course au Clocher’
Authors: Brunschwig Henri
Published: January 2009

‘La course au clocher’, traduction du terme anglais de steeple-chase, fut introduite en France en 1834. D`s 1832 Alfred de Musset, dans ‘A quoi rêvent les jeunes filles’, Acte I, scène IV, donne une description précise de ce sport:

Avez-vous jamais vu les courses d'Angleterre?

On prend quatre coureurs—quatre chevaux sellés;

On leur montre un clocher, puis on leur dit: Ailez!

Il s'agit d'arriver, n'importe la manière.

L'un choisit un ravin—l'autre un chemin battu.

Celui-ci gagnera s'il ne rencontre un fleuve;

Celui-là fera mieux, s'il n'a le cou rompu.
The Funj: a reconsideration
Authors: Spaulding Jay
Published: January 2009

Three lines of evidence regarding the Funj prior to the rise of the Sinnār Sultanate about 1500 have been considered. Shilluk tradition remembers the Funj as the previous inhabitants of the present Shilluk homeland, while many of the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century visitors to Sinnār were told that the Funj came from the White Nile. While neither set of traditions should be accepted without question, the fact that they tend to confirm each other lends weight to both.

In the Shilluk country, the early Funj seem to have lived on elevated settlement mounds, and perhaps the putative Funj homeland should be extended to include the region in which these mounds are found. That would suggest that the Funj culture centred primarily along the White Nile approximately between Renk and Malakal, but the possibility of a homeland even more broadly defined need not be excluded.

Archaeological evidence derived from pottery finds on the White Nile mounds may be interpreted to imply that the Funj were a southern Nubian people, an hypothesis that must be weighed against alternatives that would suggest an unknown or even Meroitic cultural identity. The presence of red brick structures along the White Nile south of the generally accepted borders of the Sultanate, as well as in the capital itself, tends to support the ‘Nubian’ hypothesis. Further research concerning the Funj language and the archaeological cultures south of the latitude of Sinnār should help resolve these ambiguities; many aspects of government and society in the Sinnār Sultanate are clarified by considering the era a Nubian Renaissance.
Credit in early nineteenth century West African trade
Authors: Newbury C. W.
Published: January 2009

Little attention has been paid to the great growth of trade in West Africa in the nineteenth century prior to the ‘economic revolution’ which began towards its close. As far as the export-import trade at the coast is concerned, British statistics show that between c. 1810 and c. 1850 the import of various manufactured staples increased by factors from at least 3 to as much as 50. The question arises as to how such a large increase in the volume of trade on the coast was financed in the absence of banking procedures. On the Senegal and Gambia and in the Niger delta, the traditional eighteenth-century practice by which visiting European merchants advanced credit to African brokers in goods continued. On the Gold Coast and at Sierra Leone and Lagos, however, a new class of local importers, of African as well as European origin, emerged and were able to secure credit from European exporters. But, though, less flexible than the newer system, the old system, with its tendency to monopoly on the part of both European traders and African brokers, seems to have permitted the greater expansion of credit. However, by the second half of the century, both systems were under strain and leading to conflicts over debts and jurisdiction, which are examined. Ultimately both were replaced by the European trading houses entering the interior trade through the use of paid agents, many of whom were recruited from among the new merchant class of Sierra Leone, the Gold Coast and Lagos.
Mozambique's Chartered Companies: the Rule of the Feeble
Authors: Vail Leroy
Published: January 2009

Pressed by rival imperial powers and financially weak herself, Portugal initiated in the 1890s an experiment in governing large areas of Mozambique cheaply through the means of two chartered companies, the Companhia do Niassa and the Companhia de Moçambique. This experiment proved doubly unsuccessful. In the first place the two companies failed to provide the development capital for Mozambique ardently desired by Portugal's government. Instead, they devoted their energies to maximizing profits through the systematic exploitation of the African populace. Secondly, the fact that shares in these companies could be purchased by private persons led foreign governments, notably those of Britain and Germany, to use these companies as proxies to further their own imperial interests at Portugal's expense. Only with the corning to power of António Salazar in the late 1920s did the Portuguese government feel powerful enough to move against the anachronistic chartered companies and terminate the experiment.
The West Indies and British West African policy in the nineteenth Century—a corrective comment
Authors: Green William A.
Published: January 2009

Using some examples from recent writing on West Africa, this article suggests that the failure of African historians to appreciate fully the importance of the West Indies in generating British imperial policy in the Atlantic tropics has led to serious distortions and errors of interpretation. For economic, ideological, and historical reasons, Britain's interest in the West Indies greatly exceeded her interest in West Africa during the first half of the nineteenth century. Her extensive Caribbean involvement and her ideological commitment to the successful outcome of slave emancipation powerfully influenced her policy in West Africa. In assessing the motives which generated imperial actions in the tropical Atlantic and in evaluating the impact of those actions upon Africa, it behooves historians to develop a broader, trans-Atlantic comprehension of the roots of British imperial policy.