bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and comparative physicochemical investigation of partly aromatic cardo copolyesters
Authors: Joshi N. B. , Raja Atul , Parsania P. H.
Published: July 2007

Copolyesters were synthesized through the condensation of 0.0025 mol of 1,1′‐bis(3‐methyl‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane, 0.0025 mol of ethylene glycol/propylene glycol/1,4‐butanediol/1,6‐hexane diol, and 0.005 mol of terephthaloyl chloride with water/chloroform (4:1 v/v) as an interphase, 0.0125 mol of sodium hydroxide as an acid acceptor, and 50 mg of cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide as an emulsifier. The reaction time and temperature were 2 h and 0°C, respectively. The yields of the copolyesters were 81–96%. The structures of the copolyesters were supported by Fourier transform infrared and 1H‐NMR spectral data and were characterized with the solution viscosity and density by a floatation method (1.1011–1.2697 g/cm3). Both the intrinsic viscosity and density of the copolyesters decreased with the nature and alkyl chain length of the diol. The copolyesters possessed fairly good hydrolytic stability against water and 10% solutions of acids, alkalis, and salts at room temperature. The copolyesters possessed moderate‐to‐good tensile strength (11–37.5 MPa), good‐to‐excellent electric strength (19–45.6 kV/mm), excellent volume resistivity (3.8 × 1015 to 2.56 × 1017 Ω cm), and high glass‐transition temperatures (148–195°C) and were thermally stable up to about 408–427°C in a nitrogen atmosphere; they followed single‐step degradation kinetics involving 38–58% weight losses and 34–59% residues. The copolyesters followed 2.6–2.9‐order degradation kinetics. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Long‐term plant community changes in managed fens in Ohio, USA
Authors: Barry Matthew J. , Andreas Barbara K. , De Szalay Ferenc A.
Published: July 2007

Long‐term studies are necessary to describe effects of restoration efforts on plant communities and invasive species in North American fen communities. In 1986, 1999 and 2000, wetland plant communities and abiotic factors were sampled in two fens in Ohio that were actively managed as a state nature preserve since 1986. The correlation between plant species and environmental conditions was examined in 1986 to 2000, and changes in woody plant cover were measured on aerial photographs from 1938 to 1997 to analyse long‐term effects of management practices.

142 vascular plant species and 32 bryophyte taxa were found in these rich fens, including 13 rare (i.e. state‐listed as endangered, threatened or potentially threatened) and 14 alien species. TWINSPAN analyses identified nine plant community types, and species distributions were correlated with several abiotic factors (groundwater depth, pH, soil organic content, distance from wetland edge and depth of peat). Communities along the wetland edge in deep peat had higher richness, more woody species, more alien species and fewer rare species than communities in areas near sources of flowing groundwater with more marl and less peat.

There was little change in species richness, evenness, and Shannon's diversity from 1986 to 2000. However, plant species assemblages changed during the study, and changes were different in unmanipulated transects compared with those where habitat managers removed invasive woody plants. An aerial photograph analysis indicated that woody plant cover increased by about 1% each year during 1938 to 1997 despite current management efforts to remove invasive trees and shrubs. Additional strategies should be directed toward reducing shrub encroachment and invasive species while promoting rare species.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence of Temporary Airway Epithelial Repopulation and Rare Clonal Formation by BM‐derived Cells Following Naphthalene Injury in Mice
Authors: Serikov Vladimir B. , Popov Boris , Mikhailov Viacheslav M. , Gupta Naveen , Matthay Michael A.
Published: July 2007

The goal of the study was to investigate participation of bone marrow (BM) cells in the process of airway epithelial restoration after naphthalene‐induced injury. We transplanted sex‐mismatched green fluorescent protein (GFP) ‐tagged BM‐derived cultured plastic‐adherent mesenchymal stem cells into 5Gy‐irradiated C57BL/6 recipients. After 1 month of recovery, experimental animals were subjected to 250 mg/kg naphthalene IP. Animals were killed at 2–30 days after naphthalene. By immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and by in situ hybridization for the Y‐chromosome, we observed patches of donor‐derived cells in the large and small conducting airways, mostly at 2–6 days after injury. GFP+ cells in the epithelium of airways were positive for pancytokeratin and some other epithelial markers. Although rare, GFP+ cells formed clear isolated patches of the bronchial epithelium, consistent with clonal formation; as some cells were also positive for proliferating cell nuclear antigen, a marker of proliferating cells. After day 12, only occasional GFP+ cells were present in the epithelium. These data confirm that bone marrow‐derived cultured mesenchymal cells can participate in the recovery of the injured airway epithelium after naphthalene‐induced injury with minimal long‐term engraftment. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bautechnisch‐bauphysikalische Beurteilung der Wirksamkeit energetischer Sanierungen am Beispiel städtischer Wohnhausanlagen in Wien
Authors: Maydl Julia , Korjenic Azra , Dreyer Jürgen
Published: July 2007

Durch die Verpflichtung Österreichs im Zuge der Kyoto‐Ziele seine Treibhausgasemissionen um 13% gegenüber dem Basisjahr 1990 zu verringern, entstanden sowohl Klimaschutzprogramme der Bundesregierung als auch der Länder. Die Programme beinhalten verschiedene Maßnahmen um den Ausstoß schädlicher Treibhausgase, allen voran CO2, zu minimieren. Ein Schwerpunkt wurde dabei dem Sektor Wohnen und Bauen zugesprochen, da hier sehr viel Potential vorhanden ist. Denn thermisch‐energetische Sanierungsmaßnahmen haben nicht nur einen positiven Einfluss auf die Energiekennzahl eines Gebäudes, sondern auch auf die Heizkosten, den CO2‐Ausstoss und das Raumklima. Im Zuge dieser Arbeit wurden verschiedene Untersuchungen angestellt, um die bautechnisch‐bauphysikalische Zweckmäßigkeit thermischer Sanierungen zu überprüfen. Neben der Auswertung vorhandener Daten wurden auch eigene Untersuchungen durchgeführt. Die Frage nach der Wirtschaftlichkeit einer Dämmung sowie der Amortisationszeit wurde ebenso behandelt wie der Einfluss der Dämmstoffdicke auf den Heizwärmebedarf oder mögliche CO2‐Einsparpotentiale.
Untersuchung zur Lärmbelastung von Patienten und Pflegepersonal auf Intensivstationen
Authors: Arnold Jörg , Kornadt Oliver
Published: July 2007

Zur Untersuchung der Lärmbelastung auf Intensivstationen in Krankenhäusern wurden Schalldruckpegelmessungen sowohl in einem Patientenzimmer als auch in dem Foyer einer Intensivstation durchgeführt. Im Patientenzimmer wird eine hohe Lärmbelastung festgestellt. Zudem belegen die Messergebnisse, dass in jeder untersuchten Stunde Lärmereignisse auftraten, die leicht zum Aufwachen führen. Diese hohe Lärmdichte hat einen dramatischen Einfluss auf den Schlaf und damit auf die Erholung und Gesundung des Patienten. Es wurde eine für gesunde Patienten “sichere Aufwachschwelle” definiert, die auch in der Nacht im Mittel 5 mal je Stunde überschritten wird. Allerdings existieren in Deutschland bisher keine Grenzwerte zur Beurteilung der Lärmeinwirkung auf Patienten. Im Foyer ist in jeder untersuchten Schicht die geistige Arbeit des Pflegepersonals nach den Vorgaben der Richtlinie VDI 2058 deutlich beeinträchtigt und die zulässige Grenze für überwiegend mechanisierte Tätigkeiten wird fast erreicht. Nach dem aktuellen Arbeitsrecht sind allerdings alle Vorgaben eingehalten, da lediglich ein Grenzwert zum Schutz vor Lärmschwerhörigkeit angegeben wird. Das Ausmaß des Lärms und der dadurch verursachte Stress, sowohl für Patienten als auch für das Pflegepersonal, zeigen den dringenden Bedarf nach gesetzlichen Regelungen auch in Deutschland.
Radonexhalation ausgewählter Baustoffe in Abhängigkeit von der Dichte
Authors: Rubin Jan Antoni , Ślusarek Jan
Published: July 2007

Es werden die Ergebnisse der Bestimmung der natürlichen Radioaktivität einiger beispielhafter Bauprodukte und ‐stoffe, insbesondere von mineralischen Wärmedämmstoffen vorgestellt. Die Untersuchungen wurden an mineralischen Baustoffen von körniger und verdichteter Form durchgeführt. Zum Vergleich werden auch die Werte der “Radioaktivität” von Styropor und Naturfaser dargestellt. Sowohl die Simulationsergebnisse als auch die Messergebnisse der Radonexhalation aus den Proben werden in Abhängigkeit von verschiedenen technischen Parametern gezeigt.
Untersuchungen zur Wärmeleitfähigkeit ausgewählter einheimischer und fremdländischer Holzarten
Authors: Niemz Peter
Published: July 2007

Es wurde die Wärmeleitfähigkeit verschiedener Holzarten nach Klimatisierung im Normalklima bei 20°C/65% relative Luftfeuchte geprüft. Die Wärmeleitfähigkeit steigt im untersuchten Bereich linear mit der Rohdichte an.
Anwendung brennbarer Dämmstoffe im mehrgeschossigen Holzbau
Authors: Hosser Dietmar , Kampmeier Björn
Published: July 2007

In einem Verbundforschungsvorhaben wurde mit Hilfe von Brandversuchen im Labormaßstab und im Realmaßstab untersucht, ob brennbare Dämmstoffe auch im mehrgeschossigen Holztafelbau der Gebäudeklasse 4 eingesetzt werden können. Im Vergleich zu Gebäuden mit nichtbrennbarer Dämmung erhöht sich das Brandrisiko nicht, wenn durch Einhaltung bestimmter konstruktiver Randbedingungen eine Entzündung der brennbaren Dämmung und eine kritische Rauchgasentwicklung verhindert werden.
Features predicting unresectability in hepatoblastoma
Authors: D'Antiga Lorenzo , Vallortigara Francesca , Cillo Umberto , Talenti Enrico , Rugge Massimo , Zancan Lucia , Dall'Igna Patrizia , Salvo Gian Luca De , Perilongo Giorgio
Published: July 2007

BACKGROUND.

Approximately 20% of patients who have hepatoblastoma (HB) still have unresectable disease after preoperative chemotherapy (POC). In these circumstances, orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) should be performed 1 month after POC. The authors sought to identify presenting features that would predict unresectability in patients with HB and to provide suggestions for early referral and listing for OLT.

METHODS.

Notes, radiology films, and histology from patients who were treated over the previous 20 years were reviewed. Unfeasible resection was defined by bilobar involvement, vascular extension, and metastatic disease after POC. Failed conservative treatment (FCT) was used to categorize patients who were not disease‐free with their native liver ≥1 year after surgery.

RESULTS.

Of 28 patients who were studied, 14 patients underwent resection, and 10 patients required OLT. Four patients did not undergo any type of surgery because of tumor progression. Overall, the 5‐year survival rate was 76% (95% confidence interval, 54.8–89%). Predictors of FCT were multifocality (P = .006), a high pretreatment extent of tumor (PRETEXT) score (III or IV; P = .006), portal vein involvement (P = .02), hepatic vein involvement (P = .02), or vena cava involvement (P = .05). Patients who achieved a curative resection presented at a younger age (median, 0.7 years vs 4.2 years, P = .02). Patients who had multifocal lesions and those who had an α‐fetoprotein (αFP) level <100 ng/mL survived only if they underwent transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS.

Patients with HB who were managed by combined chemotherapy and surgery has a high survival rate. Older patients who had multifocal tumors, high PRETEXT scores, involvement of major liver vessels, and αFP levels <100 ng/mL were less likely to achieve curative resection. These findings at presentation should lead the clinicians to liaise early with a transplantation center. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Foxl1‐Cre BAC transgenic mice: a new tool for gene ablation in the gastrointestinal mesenchyme
Authors: Sackett Sara D. , Fulmer James T. , Friedman Joshua R. , Kaestner Klaus H.
Published: July 2007

The use of Cre‐loxP technology for the purpose of cell type‐specific gene ablation has revolutionized developmental biology and biomedicine. Several transgenic mouse lines have been developed for the analysis of gene function in the gastrointestinal tract, but in all of these the expression of Cre is limited to the epithelial cell layer. No Cre‐ expressing transgenic mouse lines (“Cre lines”) exist for the deletion of loxP‐flanked genes specifically in gut mesoderm. To address this deficiency, we have derived a bacterial artificial chromosome based transgenic mouse line in which the Cre gene is controlled by the Foxl1 promoter and enhancer elements. X‐Gal staining of Foxl1‐Cre; Rosa26R bi‐transgenic lines confirm that Foxl1‐Cre results in recombination specifically in the gastrointestinal mesenchyme. The Foxl1‐Cre line will facilitate the dissection of mesenchymal to epithelial signaling that is known to play a major role in the patterning and function of the gastrointestinal tract. genesis 45:518–522, 2007. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recognition of Pyrene Using Molecularly Imprinted Electrochemically Deposited Poly(2‐mercaptobenzimidazole) or Poly(resorcinol) on Gold Electrodes
Authors: Luo Ning , Hatchett David W. , Rogers Kim R.
Published: July 2007

The feasibility of using thiol chemistry to form molecularly imprinted polymer‐coated gold electrodes to measure pyrene is reported. For the first approach, poly(2‐mercaptobenzimidazole) (2‐MBI) was electrochemically deposited on gold electrodes in the presence or absence of the template pyrene. For the second approach, the pyrene derivative N‐(1‐pyrenyl)maleimide was covalently bound to 1,3‐propane thiol that had been previously self‐assembled on a cleaned gold surface. Resorcinol was then electrochemically polymerized onto the electrode followed by electrochemical stripping of the thiolated pyrene from the polymer‐coated electrode. For both electrode configurations, the binding of pyrene to the MIP‐coated electrode was detected indirectly through pyrene‐dependent access of a ferricyanide probe to the electrode surface as measured using square‐wave voltammetry.
Evaluation of GaN and In0.2Ga0.8N Semiconductors as Potentiometric Anion Selective Electrodes
Authors: Dimitrova Rozalina , Catalan Lionel , Alexandrov Dimiter , Chen Aicheng
Published: July 2007

The response of potentiometric anion selective electrodes consisting of undoped GaN or In0.2Ga0.8N films grown on Al2O3 (sapphire) was measured in electrolyte solutions of F−, NO3−, Cl−, SCN−, ClO4− or Br− anions at concentrations ranging from 10−6 to 10−1 M. The slope of the linear regions varied between −32.8 and −51.9 mV/decade for the GaN electrode and between −31.0 and −72.0 mV/decade for the In0.2Ga0.8N electrode. The drift of the GaN electrode reached 1.57 mV/day in KNO3 solutions, whereas the drift of the In0.2Ga0.8N electrode could not be evaluated due to large drops in the slope of its linear range over time. Both electrodes were sensitive to pH variations over the pH range from 12.8 to 1.3. The GaN electrode surface could be electrochemically etched under anodic polarization; however, both GaN and In0.2Ga0.8N electrodes remained chemically stable and mechanically intact under open circuit conditions even after prolonged use.
Double Elimination Voltammetry of Short Oligonucleotides
Authors: Mikelova Radka , Trnkova Libuse , Jelen Frantisek
Published: July 2007

In connection with adsorptive stripping (AdS) technique, elimination voltammetry with linear scan (EVLS) in double mode was successfully employed in the analysis of homo‐ODNs: 5′‐AAA AAA AAA‐3′ (dA9) and 5′‐CCC CCC CCC‐3′ (dC9), and hetero‐ODNs: 5′‐CCC AAA CCC‐3′ (H3), 5′‐CAC CAC CAC‐3′ (H4), and 5′‐ACC CAC CCA‐3′ (H9) on hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). Analogously to single EVLS function E4 (conserving the diffusion current Id and eliminating kinetic and charging currents Ik, Ic) for the electroactive substance adsorbed, the double EVLS function E4 yields well readable peak‐counterpeaks of reducible nucleic acid bases (adenine A and cytosine C). In comparison with single EVLS these peak‐counterpeaks are higher by more than one order of magnitude (twenty times for dA9, fourteen times for dC9, from eight to sixteen times for hetero‐ODNs). The increase of reduction signals with higher resolution was also observed using other two EVLS functions in double mode, the functions E5 eliminating Ic and Id, but conserving Ik and E6 eliminating Id and Ik, but conserving Ic. The amplifications of double /single EVLS signals of A and C range from 3.4 to 8.4, and from 3.1 to 8.3 for E5 and E6, respectively. It was proved that AdS double EVLS offers a new, fast, simple and inexpensive electroanalytical tool, which can be considered as a device not only for very good resolution of A and C in ODNs, but also for sensitive detection of changes in the primary structure of nucleic acid bases in ODN chains, depending on experimental conditions, such as pH, temperature, and time and potential of accumulation.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Quinone‐Amine Polymer/Carbon Nanotubes Composite for Sensitive Electrocatalytic Detection of NADH
Authors: Tu Xinman , Xie Qingji , Huang Zhao , Yang Qin , Yao Shouzhuo
Published: July 2007

A novel nanocomposite of quinone‐amine polymer and multiwalled carbon nanotubes was synthesized from iodate‐oxidation/Michael addition reaction of 1,2‐dihydroxybenzene with o‐phenylenediamine, which was characterized by TEM, FTIR and UV‐vis spectra. The nanocomposite modified Au electrode with well‐defined quinone redox peaks effectively mediated the oxidation of NADH in pH 7.0 phosphate buffer, with an overpotential decrease by ca. 470 mV (vs. bare Au), a limit of detection of 6.4 nmol L−1 and good antiinterferent ability.
Electrochemical Immunoassay for Carbohydrate Antigen‐125 Based on Polythionine and Gold Hollow Microspheres Modified Glassy Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Fu Xiao‐Hong
Published: July 2007

A new electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of carbohydrate antigen‐125 (CA125), a carcinoma antigen, was developed by immobilization CA125 antibody (anti‐CA125) on gold hollow microspheres and porous polythionine (PTH) modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCE). The gold hollow microspheres provided a biocompatible microenvironment for proteins, and greatly amplified the coverage of anti‐CA125 molecules on the electrode surface. The performance and factors influencing the immunosensor were investigated in detail. The detection is based on the current change before and after the antigen‐antibody interaction. Under optimal conditions, the amperometric changes were proportional to CA125 concentration ranging from 4.5 to 36.5 U/mL with a detection limit of 1.3 U/mL (at 3σ). The CA125 immunosensor exhibited good precision, high sensitivity, acceptable stability, accuracy and reproducibility. The as‐prepared immunosensors were used to analyze CA125 in human serum specimens. Analytical results suggest that the developed immunoassay has a promising alternative approach for detecting CA125 in the clinical diagnosis.
Numerical simulations of the second‐order electrokinetic bias observed with the gated injection mode in chips
Authors: Blas Maximilien , Delaunay Nathalie , Ferrigno Rosaria , Rocca Jean‐Louis
Published: July 2007

It is well known that sample introduction via electrokinetic mode leads to a bias in conventional CE, which is proportional to the difference of electrophoretic mobilities between species. In electrophoretic separation chips using the gated injection mode, flow distribution at the crossjunction, which is linked to the electric field strength distribution during the loading step, induces an additional contribution to species discrimination. This second‐order bias has a similar effect on quantitation like usual electrokinetic bias: the higher the analyte's apparent mobility, the larger the amount injected into the separation channel. The present paper assesses by numerical simulations the influence of several parameters, namely the injected amount, the electric field distribution, and the analyte‐apparent Peclet number on this second‐order bias.
Reproducible and efficient separation of aggregatable zein proteins by CZE using a volatile background electrolyte
Authors: Erny Guillaume L. , Marina Maria Luisa , Cifuentes Alejandro
Published: July 2007

Zein proteins are a complex mixture of polypetides that belong to the alcohol‐soluble storage proteins group (prolamines) in corn. These proteins constitute about 50–60% of the total endosperm protein and are classified in different groups on the basis of differences in their solubility and sequence. Among them, zein proteins are considered the majority group showing a high tendency to aggregate what makes their analysis by any analytical method very difficult. Thus, CZE of these proteins requires the use of very complex BGEs noncompatible with online ESI‐MS analysis. The aim of this work was to find a new BGE for the CZE separation of zein protein fully compatible with ESI‐MS while providing further light on the complex CZE separation of aggregatable proteins. Thus, it is demonstrated in this work that efficient and reproducible CZE separations of zein proteins can be achieved by using a BGE composed of water, ACN, formic acid and ammonium hydroxide. Besides, it is shown that zein analysis is significantly improved by including the effect of an ammonium gradient during their separation. It is experimentally verified that the ammonium gradient can easily be achieved in CZE by either working with a sample zone with a low concentration of ammonium and a BGE with a high concentration, or conversely, working with a sample zone with high ammonium concentration and a BGE with low concentration of ammonium, giving rise in both cases to a significant improvement in the CZE separation of these proteins. It is demonstrated that this procedure can give rise to efficiency improvements of up to 20‐fold in the CZE separation of zein proteins. Under optimized conditions, 20 proteins could be separated with average efficiencies higher than 400 000 theoretical plates/m. Some possible explanations of this effect are discussed including stacking, protein‐capillary wall adsorption, protein solubility and protein–salt interactions.
CE frontal analysis employing contactless conductivity detection for determination of CMCs of non‐UV absorbing charged surfactants
Authors: Jensen Henrik , Østergaard Jesper , Hansen Steen H.
Published: July 2007

Micellar systems composed of surfactants are used extensively in academia and industry for many different applications. In this work a highly versatile CE method for determination of CMCs of charged surfactants has been developed. In the case of positively charged surfactants a coating procedure of the fused‐silica capillary was used, whereas negatively charged surfactants were analyzed using uncoated capillaries. The CE method is based on frontal analysis (FA) employing use of contactless conductivity and UV detection. The main advantages of the method are that it can be used for non‐UV absorbing surfactants without introducing marker compounds which previously has been found to affect CMCs, requires very limited sample volume and is easily implemented and automated using standard CE equipment. The fact that counterions and different aggregated states are separated allows a detailed characterization of the micelle systems using the developed method. In the case of UV absorbing surfactants similar results were obtained employing contactless conductivity and UV detection. Finally, CMCs obtained using conductometry gave similar results as compared to the developed CE‐FA procedure.
Fitting copulas to bivariate earthquake data: the seismic gap hypothesis revisited
Authors: Nikoloulopoulos Aristidis K. , Karlis Dimitris
Published: July 2007

The seismic gap hypothesis assumes that the intensity of an earthquake and the time elapsed from the previous one are positively related. Previous works on this topic were based on particular assumptions for the joint distribution implying specific type of dependence. We investigate this hypothesis using copulas. Copulas are flexible for modelling the dependence structure far from assuming simple linear correlation structures and, thus, allow for better examination of this controversial aspect of geophysical research. In fact, via copulas, marginal properties and dependence structure can be separated. We propose a model averaging approach in order to allow for model uncertainty and diminish the effect of the choice of a particular copula. This enlarges the range of potential dependence structures that can be investigated. Application to a real data set is provided. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication and evaluation of a portable long‐throated flume
Authors: Raza Ali , Latif Muhammad , Nabi Ghulam
Published: July 2007

This study was conducted to test the performance of a locally fabricated portable long‐throated flume. Flow was measured over a range of 5–70 l s−1 and sharp crested v‐notch weir was used as a reference device. The measured flow was compared with a theoretical rating table generated by WinFlume software for a flume of same specification. The results indicate a difference of −0.20 to +2.04% between the measured and theoretical flow rates. The theoretical rating tables are generated with an error limit of ±2%, therefore the results are acceptable. The results of this study confirmed that portable long‐throated flumes are reliable and can be easily designed, by using the publicly available WinFlume software, and could be fabricated to suit local requirements. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impacts locaux attendus de l'augmentation du CO2 dans l'atmosphère sur la productivité de l'eau du maïs dans la Drôme, France
Authors: González‐Camacho Juan Manuel , Mailhol Jean Claude , Ruget Françoise
Published: July 2007

This study was conducted to assess local impacts of doubling of the rate of atmospheric CO2 (660 ppm) on irrigation demand and maize crop water productivity in the Drôme valley (SE France). This region is characterised by severe water shortages in the summer season. A comparison of historical records, between the periods of 1990–2001 and 1960–89, shows that in July, the mean temperature increased by 2 °C and the river stream flow diminished by 16%. At peak periods, the maize irrigation requirements represent 80% of the seasonal irrigation demand. The ARPEGE‐CLIMAT atmospheric model, regionalised at high resolution on the Rhône catchment, was used to calculate monthly climate variations. For a doubled rate of CO2, in July, an increase of 4 °C in average temperature and a decrease of 30% of rainfall are expected. Monthly climate variations were introduced into the stochastic weather generator LARS‐WG to simulate local daily climate scenarios for present (1 × CO2) and future (2 × CO2) climates. Then, the STICS crop model was applied to simulate the direct and indirect effects of increasing atmospheric CO2 on irrigation demand and maize crop production. Several simulation conditions, such as soil types, sowing dates and water stress levels, were studied for current climate and future climate scenarios. Principal results show that global warming increases water irrigation demand by 14%; lowers the maize cultivation cycle by 20%; and reduces the yield by 15%. On the other hand, a direct increase in CO2 concentration induces an average yield increase of 18%; these opposite effects balance the maize yield. The maize crop water productivity increases by 13% but it depends greatly on the water stress level. Similarly, earlier sowing dates allow earlier irrigation and a reduction of the water application depth by 40 mm in peak water demand periods and low water availability. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
STAT‐mediated EGFR signaling in cancer
Authors: Quesnelle Kelly M. , Boehm Amanda L. , Grandis Jennifer R.
Published: July 2007

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) are commonly expressed and activated in many malignancies. EGFR is an upstream activator of several pathways involved in tumor progression, and STATs activate selected genes involved in oncogenesis. There are several different mechanisms by which STAT proteins can mediate intracellular EGFR signaling, including direct activation of STATs by EGFR binding and indirect activation of STATs through Src‐mediated EGFR signaling. EGFR likely activates STAT in a manner distinctive from other mechanisms of STAT activation; STAT5 can be phosphorylated in an EGF‐dependent manner at unique sites, conferring novel functions. Cumulative evidence suggests that targeting EGFR signaling pathways at several levels may demonstrate synergistic therapeutic effects compared with targeting the upstream receptor alone. Thus, methods to inhibit EGFR in conjunction with oncogenic STATs may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for cancers characterized by upregulation of EGFR signaling. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 311–319, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High glucose induced translocation of Aquaporin8 to chicken hepatocyte plasma membrane: Involvement of cAMP, PI3K/Akt, PKC, MAPKs, and microtubule
Authors: Suh Han Na , Lee Sang Hun , Lee Min Young , Heo Jung Sun , Lee Yu Jin , Han Ho Jae
Published: July 2007

Aquaporin8 (AQP8) is a transmembrane water channel that is found mainly in hepatocytes. The direct involvement of AQP8 in high glucose condition has not been established. Therefore, this study examined the effects of high glucose on AQP8 and its related signal pathways in primary cultured chicken hepatocytes. High glucose increased the movement of AQP8 from the intracellular membrane to plasma membrane in a 30 mM glucose concentration and in a time‐ (≥10 min) dependent manner. On the other hand, 30 mM mannitol did not affect the translocation of AQP8, which suggested the absence of osmotic effect. Thirty millimolar glucose increased intracellular cyclic adenosine 3, 5‐monophosphate (cAMP) level. Moreover, high glucose level induced Akt phosphorylation, protein kinase C (PKC) activation, p44/42 mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), p38 MAPK, and c‐jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation. On the other hand, inhibition of each pathway by SQ 22536 (adenylate cyclase inhibitor), LY 294002 (PI3‐K phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase inhibitor), Akt inhibitor, staurosporine (PKC inhibitor), PD 98059 (MEK inhibitor), SB 203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor), or SP 600125 (JNK inhibitor) blocked 30 mM glucose‐induced AQP8 translocation, respectively. In addition, inhibition of microtubule movement with nocodazole blocked high glucose‐induced AQP8 translocation. High glucose level also increased the level of kinesin light chain and dynein protein expression. In conclusion, high glucose level stimulates AQP8 via cAMP, PI3‐K/Akt, PKC, and MAPKs pathways in primary cultured chicken hepatocytes. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 1089–1100, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Targeting by myosin phosphatase‐RhoA interacting protein mediates RhoA/ROCK regulation of myosin phosphatase
Authors: Riddick Nadeene , Ohtani Ken‐ichi , Surks Howard K.
Published: July 2007

Vascular smooth muscle cell contractile state is the primary determinant of blood vessel tone. Vascular smooth muscle cell contractility is directly related to the phosphorylation of myosin light chains (MLCs), which in turn is tightly regulated by the opposing activities of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and myosin phosphatase. Myosin phosphatase is the principal enzyme that dephosphorylates MLCs leading to relaxation. Myosin phosphatase is regulated by both vasoconstrictors that inhibit its activity to cause MLC phosphorylation and contraction, and vasodilators that activate its activity to cause MLC dephosphorylation and relaxation. The RhoA/ROCK pathway is activated by vasoconstrictors to inhibit myosin phosphatase activity. The mechanism by which RhoA and ROCK are localized to and interact with myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) is not well understood. We recently found a new member of the myosin phosphatase complex, myosin phosphatase‐rho interacting protein, that directly binds to both RhoA and the myosin‐binding subunit of myosin phosphatase in vitro, and targets myosin phosphatase to the actinomyosin contractile filament in smooth muscle cells. Because myosin phosphatase‐rho interacting protein binds both RhoA and MLCP, we investigated whether myosin phosphatase‐rho interacting protein was required for RhoA/ROCK‐mediated myosin phosphatase regulation. Myosin phosphatase‐rho interacting protein silencing prevented LPA‐mediated myosin‐binding subunit phosphorylation, and inhibition of myosin phosphatase activity. Myosin phosphatase‐rho interacting protein did not regulate the activation of RhoA or ROCK in vascular smooth muscle cells. Silencing of M‐RIP lead to loss of stress fiber‐associated RhoA, suggesting that myosin phosphatase‐rho interacting protein is a scaffold linking RhoA to regulate myosin phosphatase at the stress fiber. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 1158–1170, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Defining ETS transcription regulatory networks and their contribution to breast cancer progression
Authors: Turner David P. , Findlay Victoria J. , Moussa Omar , Watson Dennis K.
Published: July 2007

ETS factors are members of one of the largest families of evolutionarily conserved transcription factors, regulating critical functions in normal cell homeostasis, that when perturbed contribute to tumor progression. The well documented alterations in ETS factor expression and function during breast cancer progression result in pleiotropic effects manifested by the downstream effect on their target genes. Multiple ETS factors bind to the same regulatory sites present on target genes, suggesting redundant or competitive functions. Furthermore, additional events contribute to, or may be necessary for, target gene regulation. In order to advance our understanding of the ETS‐dependent regulation of breast cancer progression and metastasis, this prospect article puts forward a model for examining the effects of simultaneous expression of multiple transcription factors on the transcriptome of non‐metastatic and metastatic breast cancer. Compared to existing RNA profiles defined following expression of individual transcription factors, the anti‐ and pro‐metastatic signatures obtained by examining specific ETS regulatory networks will significantly improve our ability to accurately predict tumor progression and advance our understanding of gene regulation in cancer. Coordination of multiple ETS gene functions also mediates interactions between tumor and stromal cells and thus contributes to the cancer phenotype. As such, these new insights may provide a novel view of the ETS gene family as well as a focal point for studying the complex biological control involved in tumor progression. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 549–559, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chorioangioma of placenta: Sonographic features
Authors: Taori Kishor , Patil Parag , Attarde Vinod , Singh Arpita , Rangankar Varsha
Published: July 2007

Chorioangioma is a benign vascular tumor of the placenta arising from primitive chorionic mesenchyme. Large (>4 cm) chorioangiomas are much rarer and are often associated with maternal and/or fetal complications. We describe the sonographic features of a large placental chorioangioma with normal outcome. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
Sonographic examination of the appendix in acute infectious enteritis and acute appendicitis
Authors: Yabunaka Koichi , Katsuda Toshizo , Sanada Shigeru , Yatake Hidetoshi , Fukutomi Tsunemasa
Published: July 2007

Purpose

To use transabdominal sonography to determine the frequency of visualization of the adult normal appendix in patients with suspected acute infectious enteritis (AIE) compared with patients with acute appendicitis (AA) and a control group.

Methods

A total of 296 patients divided into 3 different groups underwent sonographic examination, including 120 randomly selected asymptomatic patients, 91 consecutive patients with AIE, and 85 consecutive patients with AA. In the 3 groups, visualization rate, outer appendiceal diameter, presence or absence of inflamed periappendiceal fat, and location of the appendix were recorded.

Results

The visualization rates of the appendix were 49.2%, 70.3%, and 96.5% for the control, AIE, and AA groups, respectively (P < 0.05). The mean ± SD outer appendiceal diameters for the 3 groups were 4.5 ± 1.2 mm, 4.5 ± 1.4 mm, and 7.9 ± 2.0 mm, respectively. The difference between outer appendiceal diameter in the control and AIE groups was not statistically significant. Periappendiceal inflamed fat was detected in all AA cases, but in none of the AIE cases.

Conclusion

The appendix was visualized more often in patients with AIE than in the control group, although the outer appendiceal diameter of the AIE group was not significantly different from that of the normal appendix seen in the control group. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
Mixed lagrange time delay estimation autoregressive Wiener filter application for real‐time SEM image enhancement
Authors: Sim K.S. , Law K.K. , Tso C.P.
Published: July 2007

A new filter is developed for the enhancement of scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. A mixed Lagrange time delay estimation auto‐regression (MLTDEAR)‐based interpolator is used to provide an estimate of noise variance to a standard Wiener filter. A variety of images are captured and the performance of the filter is shown to surpass the conventional noise filters. As all the information required for processing is extracted from a single image, this method is not constrained by image registration requirements and thus can be applied in real‐time in cases where specimen drift is presented in the SEM image. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surface imaging microscopy using an ultramiller for large volume 3D reconstruction of wax‐ and resin‐embedded tissues
Authors: Gerneke Dane A. , Sands Gregory B. , Ganesalingam Ramanujan , Joshi Purva , Caldwell Bryan J. , Smaill Bruce H. , Legrice Ian J.
Published: July 2007

Three‐dimensional reconstruction of large tissue volumes using histological thin sections poses difficulties because of registration of sections, section distortion, and the possibility of incomplete data set collection due to section loss. We have constructed an integrated surface imaging system that successfully addresses these problems. Embedded tissue is mounted on a high precision XYZ stage and the upper surface is iteratively: (i) stained to provide an effective optical section, (ii) imaged using a digital camera, and (iii) removed with an ultramiller. This approach provides for the reconstruction of high‐quality 3D images by inherently preserving image registration, eliminates section distortion, thus removing the need for complex realignment and correction, and also ensures full capture of all image planes. The system has the capacity to acquire images of tissue structure with voxel sizes from 0.5 to 50 μm over dimensions ranging from micrometers to tens of millimeters. The ultramiller enables large samples to be imaged by reliably removing tissue over their full extent. The ability to visualize key features of 3D tissue structure across such a range of scale and resolution will facilitate the development of a greater understanding of the relationship between structure and function. This understanding is essential for better analyses of the structural changes associated with different disease states, and the development of structure‐based computer models of biological function. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The GABAergic‐like system in the marine demosponge Chondrilla nucula
Authors: Ramoino Paola , Gallus Lorenzo , Paluzzi Silvio , Raiteri Luca , Diaspro Alberto , Fato Marco , Bonanno Giambattista , Tagliafierro Grazia , Ferretti Cristina , Manconi Renata
Published: July 2007

Gamma‐amino butyric acid (GABA) is believed to be the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, a function that has been extended to a number of invertebrate systems. The presence of GABA in the marine demosponge Chondrilla nucula was verified using immunofluorescence detection and high‐pressure liquid chromatography. A strong GABA‐like immunoreactivity (IR) was found associated with choanocytes, exopinacocytes, endopinacocytes lining inhalant, and exhalant canals, as well as in archaeocytes scattered in the mesohyl. The capacity to synthesize GABA from glutamate and to transport it into the vesicles was confirmed by the presence in C. nucula of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) and vesicular GABA transporters (vGATs), respectively. GAD‐like and vGAT‐like IR show the same distribution as GABA‐like IR. Supporting the similarity between sponge and mammalian proteins, bands with an apparent molecular weight of about 65–67 kDa and 57 kDa were detected using antibodies raised against mammalian GAD and vGAT, respectively. A functional metabotropic GABAB‐like receptor is also present in C. nucula. Indeed, both GABAB R1 and R2 isoforms were detected by immunoblot and immunofluorescence. Also in this case, IR was found in choanocytes, exopinacocytes, and endopinacocytes. The content of GABA in C. nucula amounts to 1225.75 ± 79 pmol/mg proteins and GABA is released into the medium when sponge cells are depolarized. In conclusion, this study is the first indication of the existence of the GABA biosynthetic enzyme GAD and of the GABA transporter vGAT in sponges, as well as the first demonstration that the neurotransmitter GABA is released extracellularly. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bioimaging TOF‐SIMS: High resolution 3D imaging of single cells
Authors: Nygren Håkan , Hagenhoff Birgit , Malmberg Per , Nilsson Mikael , Richter Katrin
Published: July 2007

The distribution of phosphocholine ions (m/z 184, m/z 86), sodium ions, and potassium ions in thyroid tumor cells was analyzed by imaging TOF‐SIMS. Repeated sputtering with a C source and subsequent analysis with a Bi gun produced a series of 138 images that were stacked to make a 3D display of the chemistry of cells. Phosphocholine was seen in the plasma membrane (m/z 184) and intracellular membranes (m/z 86). The different fragmentation of the phospholipid probably reflects the chemical composition of membranes at these sites. High intensity of secondary ion signals of potassium was seen in membrane‐encompassed cellular compartments. The data indicate that potassium ions are compartmentalized in thyroid tumor cells. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence for ciliary pigment localization in colored ciliates and implications for their photosensory transduction chain: A confocal microscopy study
Authors: Colombetti Giuliano , Checcucci Giovanni , Lucia Sabina , Usai Cesare , Ramoino Paola , Bianchini Paolo , Pesce Mattia , Vicidomini Giuseppe , Diaspro Alberto
Published: July 2007

In this study we report for the first time the localization of a photoreceptor pigment in the cilia of the colored heterotrich ciliates Blepharisma japonicum red and blue form, Fabrea salina, and Stentor coeruleus, as result of a confocal microscopy investigation. Optical sectioning confocal microscopy has been used for studying the spatial distribution of the pigment in the cell body, surprisingly showing that, besides its expected presence in the cortical region immediately below the cell membrane, it is located in the cilia too. In order to ascertain possible differences in the pigment fluorescence properties along the cell body, we have measured emission spectra from different parts of it (anterior, posterior, and cilia). Our results clearly indicate that in all cases the spectra are the same, within experimental errors. Finally, we have evaluated the pigment relative fluorescence efficiency of these ciliates. In an ordered scale from lower to greater efficiency, we have S. coeruleus, B. japonicum blue, B. japonicum red, and F. salina. The possible implications of our findings for the process of photosensory transduction are discussed. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Histological and immunocytochemical localization of serotonin‐like immunoreactivity in the brain and optic ganglia of the Indian white shrimp, Fenneropenaeus indicus
Authors: Santhoshi S. , Sugumar V. , Munuswamy N.
Published: July 2007

Serotonin is one of the important neurotransmitter and neuromodulator so far studied in crustacean models. With its secretory sites well‐studied in higher crustaceans, its function in controlling the release of metabolic hormones from their storage and release sites has been well proved. The present study attempts to localize serotonin‐like immunoreactivity in Fenneropenaeus indicus, a commercially important shrimp species and a natural inhabitant of the Indian oceans. Histological studies were employed to visualize the different types of neurosecretory cells and their regions of occurrence in brain and optic ganglia on the basis of their size, shape, and tinctorial properties. Immunocytochemical studies were performed in the brain and optic ganglia with specific antisera against serotonin in combination with peroxidase anti‐peroxidase to map the serotonin‐like immunoreactive cells. Variations in the immunoreactivity were observed on comparing the cells of brain and optic ganglia. Medulla terminalis region had intense serotonin immunoreactivity suggesting it to be the primary source of the neurotransmitter. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measuring regional inequality of education in China: widening coast–inland gap or widening rural–urban gap?
Authors: Qian Xiaolei , Smyth Russell
Published: July 2007

This article measures education inequality between the coastal and inland provinces and compares it with rural–urban educational inequality in China, using Gini education coefficients and decomposition analysis. The main finding of the article is that disparities in access to education between rural and urban areas rather than between coastal and inland provinces are the major cause of educational inequality in China. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid detection of cyanobacterial toxins in precursor ion mode by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Hiller Susann , Krock Bernd , Cembella Allan , Luckas Bernd
Published: July 2007

We established an analytical method based on liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) in the precursor ion mode for simultaneous qualitative monitoring of various groups of cyanobacterial toxins. The toxin groups investigated were paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins, anatoxins (ANAs), cylindrospermopsins (CYNs), microcystins (MCs), and nodularins (NODs), including rare and uncharacterized derivatives found in plankton and water matrices. Alternative analytical methods based on tandem mass spectrometry commonly operate in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode and depend on prior knowledge of putative toxigenicity of the cyanobacterium species and strain, and the expected toxin variants. In contrast, the precursor ion mode yields diagnostic mass fragments for the detection of characteristic compounds of the different toxin classes and thus allows monitoring of a large set of unspecified cyanotoxins of various groups, even when the species composition is undetermined or uncertain. This rapid method enables screening for a wide spectrum of toxic cyanobacterial metabolites and degradation products in a single chromatographic separation with detection limits at nanogram levels. The precursor ion technique is a valuable adjunct to existing mass spectrometric methods for cyanotoxins, although it is not a complete replacement for detailed quantitative analysis requiring comprehensive sample cleanup. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.