bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arterial phase carotid and vertebral artery imaging in 3D contrast‐enhanced MR angiography by combining fluoroscopic triggering with an elliptical centric acquisition order
Authors: Wilman Alan H. , Riederer Stephen J. , Huston John , Wald John T. , Debbins Josef P.
Published: March 2007

Arterial‐phase three‐dimensional (3D) contrast‐enhanced MR angiograms of the carotid and vertebral arteries from their origins through the carotid bifurcations were obtained in 20 patients using acquisition times over 30 sec by using an MR fluoroscopy‐triggered pulse sequence with elliptical centric view order. The typical pixel size was 0.8 mm (x) × 1.6 mm (y) × 1.5 mm (z), and 32–48 coronal slices were acquired. The fluoroscopic monitoring of bolus arrival was effective in 18 of the 20 cases; two failures were attributed directly to a poor choice of RF coil. To exploit peak arterial‐to‐venous contrast, the central 3D views were acquired first in the most compact time period possible for the given TR. For the 18 successfully triggered cases, arterial‐phase 3D images were obtained with excellent venous suppression as demonstrated by an average internal jugular vein to common carotid signal enhancement ratio of only 0.05 ± 0.04.
Proton NMR spectroscopy of solvent‐saturable resonances: A new approach to study pH effects in Situ
Authors: Mori Susumu , Eleff Scott M. , Pilatus Ulrich , Mori Noriko , van Zijl Peter C. M.
Published: March 2007

It is shown that the effect of pH changes can be measured in proton NMR spectra through the pH sensitivity of the signal intensities of metabolite protons exchanging with water. To observe this phenomenon, pulse sequences must be used that can sensitively observe these exchangeable protons under physiological conditions, which is achieved by avoiding magnetization transfer signal losses due to water saturation for solvent suppression purposes. These methods provide an order‐of‐magnitude enhancement of many signals between 5 and 10 ppm, containing both N‐bound protons as well as aromatic C‐H protons coupled to them, the intensity of which is influenced by exchange‐relayed saturation. As a first application, the effects of pH change on these resonances are studied ex vivo (perfused cells) and in vivo (cat brain).
Hyperpolarized 3He NMR Lineshape Measurements in the Live Guinea Pig Lung
Authors: Chen X. Josette , Chawla Mark S. , Cofer Gary P. , Hedlund Laurence W. , Moller Harald E. , Johnson G. Allan
Published: March 2007

Spatially localized lineshapes of hyperpolarized (HP) 3He in guinea pig lungs have been measured in vivo. Three different axial slice locations, each containing different compositions of airway sizes and orientations, were studied. Gas peaks from major bronchi (2 ppm) and alveoli (‐2 ppm) were distinguished. The gas phase spectra show structural features that are a result of frequency shifts caused by bulk magnetic susceptibility. For a given slice, the spectral lineshapes reflect the airway composition within the slice location, according to theory. The peak assignments given here also agree with previous studies done by Wagshul et at. with HP 129Xe. At each of the slice locations, data were acquired during two phases of the breathing cycle, resulting in a relative frequency shift of ∼0.3 ppm in the superior slices. Spectra obtained over a number of breaths show the dynamics of the gas buildup in the lung and provide further evidence supporting the peak assignments.
Psychogenic urinary dysfunction: A uro‐neurological assessment
Authors: Sakakibara Ryuji , Uchiyama Tomoyuki , Awa Yusuke , Liu Zhi , Yamamoto Tatauya , Ito Takashi , Yamamoto Kaori , Kinou Mika , Yamaguchi Chiharu , Yamanishi Tomoyuki , Hattori Takamichi
Published: March 2007

Aims

The diagnosis of psychogenic urinary dysfunction (PUD) is one of exclusion, particularly from urologic and neurologic causes, and is usually accompanied by more obvious psychologic/ psychiatric features. We here describe patients with PUD who were diagnosed in our uro‐ neurological laboratory.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed the digitized records of 2,300 urodynamic cases treated in the past 6 years to identify patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of PUD. All 2,300 patients had completed a urinary questionnaire and undergone both electromyography (EMG)‐cystometry and a detailed neurological examination. In addition, pressure‐flow analysis, neurophysiology tests including sphincter EMG analysis, and MRI of the brain and spinal cord were performed as applicable.

Results

PUD was seen in 16 cases (0.7%): 6 men, 10 women, mean age 37 years. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) included overactive bladder (OAB) alone in 5, difficult urination alone in one, and both in 10. LUTS commonly occurred in particular situations, for example, OAB only while riding the train. Some patients showed extremely infrequent toileting. The urodynamic findings were normal except for increased bladder sensation (50%) for OAB and acontractile detrusor (31%) for difficulty. The final diagnosis was conversion reaction in six followed by anxiety in four.

Conclusions

PUD patients experienced the situational occurrence of OAB and/or difficult urination and, in some patients, extremely infrequent toileting. The main urodynamic abnormalities were increased bladder sensation and acontractile detrusor. However, even in cases suggestive of PUD, a non‐PUD pathology behind the symptoms should be explored. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:518–524, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Path inequalities for the vehicle routing problem with time windows
Authors: Kallehauge Brian , Boland Natashia , Madsen Oli B.G.
Published: March 2007

In this paper we introduce a new formulation of the vehicle routing problem with time windows (VRPTW) involving only binary variables. The new formulation is based on the formulation of the asymmetric traveling salesman problem with time windows by Ascheuer et al. (Networks 36 (2000) 69–79) and has the advantage of avoiding additional variables and linking constraints. In the new formulation, time windows are modeled using path inequalities that eliminate time and capacity infeasible paths. We present a new class of strengthened path inequalities based on the polyhedral results obtained by Mak (Ph.D. Thesis, 2001) for a variant of the TSP. We study the VRPTW polytope and determine its dimension. We show that the lifted path inequalities are facet defining under certain assumptions. We also introduce precedence constraints in the context of the VRPTW. Computational experiments are performed with a branch and cut algorithm on the Solomon test problems with wide time windows. Based on results on 25‐node problems, the outcome is promising compared to leading algorithms in the literature. In particular, we report a solution to a previously unsolved 50‐node Solomon test problem R208. The conclusion is therefore that a polyhedral approach to the VRPTW is a viable alternative to the path formulation of Desrochers et al. (Oper Res 40 (1992), 342–354). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 49(4), 273–293 2007
Competitive analysis for dynamic multiperiod uncapacitated routing problems
Authors: Angelelli Enrico , Grazia Speranza M. , Savelsbergh Martin W.P.
Published: March 2007

We study a dynamic multiperiod routing problem where, at the beginning of each time period, a set of orders arrive that have to be fulfilled either that time period or the next. Thus, in each time period there are customers that have to be served and customers whose service may be postponed. Once it has been decided which customers to serve, an optimal route is constructed and executed. The objective of the problem is to minimize the total distance traveled during the planning horizon. Deciding which customers to serve in a time period is done on the basis of incomplete information, analyzing simultaneously customers in two consecutive periods. No knowledge is available about customers requiring service in future time periods. We introduce simple algorithms, ones which naturally arise in practice, and analyze these algorithms by studying their competitive ratio. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 49(4), 308–317 2007
Selective upregulation and amplification of the lysyl oxidase like‐4 (LOXL4) gene in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Görögh T , Weise JB , Holtmeier C , Rudolph P , Hedderich J , Gottschlich S , Hoffmann M , Ambrosch P , Csiszar K
Published: March 2007

Members of the lysyl oxidase family (LOX) are copper and lysyl‐tyrosine quinone cofactor‐containing amine oxidases that are important for the assembly and maintenance of components of the extracellular matrix. Our previous results demonstrated that a novel member, LOXL4, is overexpressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) compared to normal squamous epithelium. Results of the current study showed overexpression of the LOXL4 transcript in 74% (46 of 62) of invasive HNSCC tumours and 90% of both primary and metastatic HNSCC cell lines. Significant correlation was found between LOXL4 expression and local lymph node metastases versus primary tumour types (p < 0.01) and higher tumour stages (p < 0.01). Immunocytochemistry demonstrated cellular overexpression of the LOXL4 protein that correlated with the increased mRNA transcription in HNSCC cells. HNSCC cell lines displayed in significant subset of nuclei increased copies of the LOX4 gene locus on chromosome 10q24, demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Extensive metaphase cytogenetic analysis was performed on UTSCC19A cells, identifying an isochromosome i(10)(q10). Taken together, these results highlight LOXL4 expression as a distinctive trait and suggest a functional role for LOXL4 in the molecular pathogenesis of invasive head and neck carcinomas. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topology of the fibrinolytic system within the mural thrombus of human abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Houard X , Rouzet F , Touat Z , Philippe M , Dominguez M , Fontaine V , Sarda‐Mantel L , Meulemans A , Le Guludec D , Meilhac O , Michel J‐B
Published: March 2007

Development and progression of acquired abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) involve proteolytic activity. In the present study, we investigate the distribution of fibrinolytic system components within mural thrombi of human AAAs. 20 mural thrombi and the remaining AAA walls were dissected. The luminal, intermediate and abluminal thrombus layers, and media and adventitia were separately incubated in cell culture medium. Conditioned media were then analysed for plasminogen activators (PAs), plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1), free‐plasmin, plasmin α2‐antiplasmin complexes (PAPs) and D‐dimers release. In parallel, PA and PAI‐1 mRNA expression analysis was performed by RT–PCR. The study was completed by immunohistochemical localization of these components in AAA, ex vivo functional imaging using 99mTc‐aprotinin as a ligand and measurement of PAP and D‐dimer plasma levels. All fibrinolytic system components were present in each aneurysmal layer. However, the mural thrombus was the main source of active serine‐protease release. Interestingly, the luminal layer of the thrombus released greater amounts of PAPs and D‐dimers. This paralleled the preferential immunolocalization of plasminogen and PAs, and the 99mTc‐aprotinin scintigraphic signal observed in the luminal pole of the thrombus. In contrast, mRNA expression analysis showed an exclusive synthesis of tPA and PAI‐1 within the wall, whereas uPA mRNA was also expressed within the thrombus. Taken together, these results suggest that the increased plasma concentrations of PAPs and D‐dimers found in AAA patients are related to mural thrombus proteolytic activity, thus explaining their known link with AAA progression. Components of the fibrinolytic system could also represent a target for functional imaging of thrombus activities in AAA. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dendritic carbosilane‐based macrophotoinitiator: synthesis, characterization, and photoinitiating behavior
Authors: Wang Sheng‐Jie , Fan Xiao‐Dong , Liu Xiang , Kong Jie , Liu Yu‐Yang , Wang Xin
Published: March 2007

A novel radical dendritic macrophotoinitiator, bearing alkyl pheone moieties linked to the surface of the dendrimer, was synthesized via alcoholysis of carbosilane dendrimer and the small‐molecule photoinitiator 2‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐1‐(4‐tert‐butyl)phenylpropane‐1‐one. The structure of the dendritic carbosilane‐based macrophotoinitiator (MPI) was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 29Si NMR, elemental analysis, size exclusion chromatography/multi‐angle laser light scattering, UV‐visible spectroscopy, and differential photocalorimetry (DPC). UV‐visible analysis indicates that the absorption band of photosensitive moieties shifts towards high wavelength by introducing the carbosilane dendrimer core. The DPC results demonstrate that the initiating efficiency of MPI is effective when using epoxy acrylate (EA) as a model resin. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis of cured EA resin indicates that the thermal stability can be improved markedly by the incorporation of MPI in the curing formulation. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Nanoindentation creep and glass transition temperatures in polymers
Authors: Beake Ben D , Bell Gerard A , Brostow Witold , Chonkaew Wunpen
Published: March 2007

The nanoindentation creep behaviour of several different polymers has been investigated. The extent of creep ε is represented by the Chudoba and Richter equation: ε = εeln(εrt + 1), where t is the loading time and εe and εr are material constants. Creep was determined in this way for a variety of polymers at Texper = 301.7 K. Some of the materials studied were far above, some far below and some near their glass transition temperatures Tg. The creep rate εr was plotted as a function of y = (Tg − Texper); a single curve was obtained in spite of a large variety of chemical structures of the polymers. The εr = εr(y) diagram can be divided into three regions according to the chain mobility. At large negative y values, the creep rate is high due to the liquid‐like behaviour. At large positive y values in the glassy region, the creep rate is higher than that in the negative y‐value region; the creep mechanism is assigned to material brittleness and crack propagation. In the middle y range there is a minimum of εr. These results can be related to glassy and liquid structures represented by Voronoi polyhedra and Delaunay simplices. The latter form clusters; in the glassy material there is a percolative Delaunay cluster of nearly tetrahedral high‐density configurations. The creep mechanism here is related to crack propagation in brittle solids. In the liquid state there is a different percolative Delaunay cluster formed by low‐density configurations, which, as expected, favour high creep rates. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and chiroptical properties of liquid crystalline copolymers containing azobenzene chromophores
Authors: Zheng Zhi , Sun Youyi , Xu Jie , Chen Biao , Su Zhiqiang , Zhang Qijin
Published: March 2007

A series of new liquid crystalline copolymers, poly[((S)‐2‐methyl‐1‐butyl methacrylate)‐co‐(6‐(4‐(4‐cyanophenylazo)phenoxy)hexyl methacrylate)], with different contents of chiral units of 17, 36, 54 and 78 mol% were synthesized. The structures and properties of the copolymers were characterized and evaluated using infrared, 1H NMR and UV spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, gel permeation chromatography and circular dichroism (CD). The CD results suggested that absorptions of azobenzene chromophores were observed in films of copolymer containing 17, 36 or 54 mol% chiral units, but not in the film of copolymer containing 78 mol% chiral units. Also, CD values of the copolymeric films decreased with increasing chiral content. After irradiation with linear polarized light at 442 nm, CD values were changed in all the copolymeric films, and the CD values increased with decreasing chiral content in a nonlinear way, while the photoinduced change of chirality of the copolymers increased in a linear way with decreasing chiral content. The results are discussed in terms of interactions between structures and chiroptical properties. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of shell thickness of polystyrene‐encapsulated Mg(OH)2 on flammability and rheological properties of high‐impact polystyrene composites
Authors: Chang Suqin , Xie Tingxiu , Yang Guisheng
Published: March 2007

Polystyrene (PS)‐encapsulated magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) particles with various shell thicknesses were successfully prepared using a method of in situ polymerization of styrene in a high‐speed mixer. High‐impact polystyrene (HIPS)/Mg(OH)2 composites were prepared by melt blending. They were characterized using cone calorimetry, horizontal burning rate, rheology and scanning electron microscopy in order to investigate the effects of the shell thickness of the PS‐encapsulated Mg(OH)2 on the flame retardancy and rheological properties of the resulting composites. Rheological tests showed that the composites containing encapsulated Mg(OH)2 had a stronger solid‐like response at low frequency than that of the sample containing untreated Mg(OH)2. However, with PS/Mg(OH)2 ratio increasing up to 6.0 wt% and above, the dynamic viscosity, loss modulus and storage modulus of HIPS/Mg(OH)2 composites decreased. The optimum PS/Mg(OH)2 ratio, 4.5 wt%, was determined using a new ‘crossover point’ rheological method. The combustion tests showed that compared to the composites containing untreated Mg(OH)2, the fire retardancy of the composites containing PS‐encapsulated Mg(OH)2 was improved significantly. Also, there appeared to be a critical PS/Mg(OH)2 ratio, namely 6.0 wt%, for optimum flame‐retarding properties. However with the continuous increase of PS/Mg(OH)2 ratio, the fire resistance of the composites declined somewhat, which can be explained by acceleration of combustion of the composites due to the introduction of free PS chains of low molecular weight on the surface of Mg(OH)2. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Infrared spectra and ferro‐electricity of ultra‐thin films of vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene copolymer
Authors: Tsutsumi Naoto , Yoda Shinya , Sakai Wataru
Published: March 2007

The structures of ultra‐thin films of vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene copolymer were characterized using Fourier transform infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (FTIR‐RAS), FTIR transmission spectroscopy (FTIR‐TRS), atomic force microscopy, and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. The ferro‐electricity was determined from polarization charge (a displacement (D)–electric field (E) hysteresis). FTIR‐RAS and FTIR‐TRS measurements showed that the molecular chains of polymers (crystal c‐axis) near the substrate tended to align parallel to the substrate. However, thermal annealing of the sample films at temperatures above 145 °C caused a marked change in molecular alignment of the polymer chains (crystal c‐axis) from parallel to normal to the substrate, and, further, caused a conformation change from trans to partially gauche forms. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Pendent polyimides using mellitic acid dianhydride. II. Structure–property relationships for zirconium‐containing pendent polymers
Authors: Illingsworth Marvin L. , Dai Huixiong , Wang Wei , Chow Derek , Siochi Emilie J. , Yang Kenwan , Leiston‐Belanger Julie M. , Jankauskas Jennifer
Published: March 2007

Using mellitic acid dianhydride to prepare Zr‐containing pendent copolyimides (co‐PIs) is currently being evaluated as a means of further increasing Zr concentration and atomic oxygen resistance while retaining other desirable film properties. The immediate objectives en route to this ultimate goal are: (1) to address the increased tendency of copolyamic acids (co‐PAAs) to undergo gelation during polymerizations and upon addition of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide during the Zr appending reactions, and (2) for multilayer films, to increase the number of layers that can be applied prior to crack formation. To accomplish these two objectives, a targeted structure–property study has been performed, holding the Zr concentration constant at 10 mol %. The polymer starting materials chosen for this investigation include PMDA and OPDA (dianhydrides), and 4,4′‐ODA, 3,4′‐ODA, and 1,3‐APB (diamines). The spectroscopic data for all polymer products are consistent with the expected amic acid, imide, pendent, and nonpendent structures. Thin‐layer chromatography, viscosity, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) results confirm the polymeric nature of the Zr pendent and nonpendent co‐PAA precursors, with intrinsic viscosities (η0) of 0.86–0.46 for the former and 0.76–0.38 for the latter. Weight‐average molecular weights are estimated from GPC to be 115,400–436,000 g/mol for the former and 38,300–111,200 g/mol for the latter. While there was little observable effect of structure change on tendency to form gel, APB‐containing Zr pendent copolyimide had the lowest glass transition temperature and allowed the largest number of layers to be cast in a single film without cracking (10 layers) of the pendent copolyimides in this study. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1641–1652, 2007
Use of written treatment plans for asthma by specialist physicians
Authors: Sheares Beverley J. , Du Yunling , Vazquez Tara L. , Mellins Robert B. , Evans David
Published: March 2007

Few studies have addressed use of written treatment plans (WTPs) for asthma by specialist physicians. The purpose of this study is to characterize the attitudes, beliefs, and self‐reported practice behaviors regarding asthma WTP use among specialist physicians. Structured interviews were conducted with pulmonologists and allergists who provide direct patient asthma care in two New York City medical centers. The interview covered five areas: (1) demographic information; (2) experiences with WTPs; (3) reported clinical practice behaviors; (4) factors influencing use of WTPs; and (5) physician–patient communication. Forty‐five physicians were eligible to participate in the study. Sixty‐eight percent of physicians treated adult patients while 32% were pediatric specialists. Forty‐four physicians completed interviews, (response rate of 98%). Eighty‐six percent indicated they use WTPs with at least some of their patients (71% of their patients had received a plan from them). Most reported handwriting plans on a blank piece of paper (66%). Most plans were symptom‐based (47%) or combined symptoms with peak flow measurement (50%). Most plans supported patient autonomy. More than 80% of physicians believe the use of a WTP improves patient outcomes. The results suggest that asthma specialists in this survey utilize WTPs more frequently than reported in other studies. Physicians encourage patient autonomy and believe asthma self‐management by patients improves their outcomes. Controlled studies of the efficacy of asthma management plans are needed to assess the impact of WTPs as used in clinical practice. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:348–356. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteomic analysis of alpha‐1‐antitrypsin in immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Authors: Kwak Noh‐Jin , Wang Eun‐Hui , Heo Il‐Young , Jin Dong‐Chan , Cha Jung‐Ho , Lee Kweon‐Haeng , Yang Chul‐Woo , Kang Chang‐Suk , Choi Yeong‐Jin
Published: March 2007

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is recognized as the most common form of primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. It is characterized by mesangial cell proliferation with mesangial IgA deposition in the glomeruli, and is usually associated with secondary tubulointerstitial injury. Although significant progress has been made in the clarification of the pathogenesis of IgAN, the exact pathogenetic mechanism remains unclear. To find out the candidate proteins that play an important role in IgAN, renal cortex tissues and urine from IgAN patients were studied. The 2‐DE was performed on renal tissues of IgAN and normal controls. A series of spots identified as alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (AAT) by mass spectrometry, were found to be significantly increased in patients with IgAN. Up‐regulation of AAT variants was validated in renal cortex tissues of IgAN using Western blot and 2‐DE immunoblot. Lower isoforms (˜48 kDa) and fragments (˜33 kDa), suspected as cleavage forms by proteinase attack, were especially increased in IgAN compared to normal controls. In addition, AAT proteins modified by tyrosine nitration (approximately 57 and 48 kDa), which reflects excessive oxidative stress, were increased in IgAN tissue. Additionally in the urine of IgAN, increase of AAT variants and fragments was detected by 2‐DE immunoblot as well as Western blot. Immunohistochemical staining of IgAN kidney tissue revealed that the increase of AAT appeared to be derived from hypertrophic proximal tubules. The AAT staining in the glomerulus was not clear in IgAN. In addition, immunodepletion‐zymography showed a positive correlation between AAT and 80–110‐kDa proteinases in IgAN tissue. Further studies regarding the functional roles of AAT and the proteinases will allow better understanding of the pathogenesis of IgAN.
The murine plasma protein response to polymicrobial intra‐abdominal sepsis
Authors: McDunn Jonathan E. , Townsend R. Reid , Cobb J. Perren
Published: March 2007

Protein biomarkers in the peripheral blood could potentially be used as early indicators of sepsis and a means to stratify patients for clinical trials. Although individual molecular markers have been proposed for sepsis, none has clinical utility. The global changes in plasma proteins over the clinical course of sepsis have not been characterized using proteomic methods. We used cecal ligation and puncture to induce polymicrobial sepsis in mice and generated plasma protein profiles using 2‐D DIGE of plasma from septic mice and surgical controls. Replicate cohorts (n = 3) of 4–7 animals each were used to identify 62 gel features that changed significantly (Student's t‐test, p<0.05). We identified a suite of plasma proteins that describe uniquely the host plasma response to polymicrobial septic insult. Principal components analysis of protein abundance showed that ∼90% of the variability between samples was due to sepsis. In addition to canonical acute phase proteins, we identified proteins that are associated with metabolic changes (e.g. α‐2 HS glycoprotein and zinc α‐2 glycoprotein) consistent with the pathophysiology of sepsis. The panel of sepsis‐associated molecular markers identified herein may prove useful in the diagnosis and categorization of sepsis.
Reversal of diabetes‐evoked changes in mitochondrial protein expression of cardiac left ventricle by treatment with a copper(II)‐selective chelator
Authors: Jüllig Mia , Chen Xiuyin , Hickey Anthony J. , Crossman David J. , Xu Aimin , Wang Yu , Greenwood David R. , Choong Yee Soon , Schönberger Sarah J. , Middleditch Martin J. , Phillips Anthony R. J. , Cooper Garth J. S.
Published: March 2007

Cardiac disease is the commonest cause of death amongst diabetic patients. Diabetic cardiomyopathy, which has a poor prognosis, is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy and impaired cardiac function and mitochondrial damage is said to contribute to its development. We recently showed that treatment with the CuII‐selective chelator, triethylenetetramine (TETA), improved cardiac structure, and function in diabetic subjects without modifying hyperglycemia. Thus, TETA has potential utility for the treatment of heart disease. To further understand the molecular mechanism by which it causes these effects, we have conducted the first study of the effect of oral TETA on protein abundance in the cardiac left ventricle of rats with severe streptozotocin‐induced diabetes. Proteomic methods showed that of 211 proteins changed in diabetes, 33 recovered after treatment. Through MS, 16 proteins were identified which may constitute major targets of drug action. Remarkably, most of these were mitochondrial proteins with roles in energy metabolism. In addition to components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and enzymes involved in fatty acid oxidation, TETA treatment normalized both myocardial expression and enzymatic activity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2. These findings indicate that mitochondria constitute major targets in the mechanism by which TETA restores cardiac structure and function in diabetes.
Application of immunoproteomics to leptospirosis: towards clinical diagnostics and vaccine discovery
Authors: Kositanont Uraiwan , Saetun Putita , Krittanai Chartchai , Doungchawee Galayanee , Tribuddharat Chanwit , Thongboonkerd Visith
Published: March 2007

Each of the currently available methods for serodiagnosis of leptospirosis, including the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), has its own drawback(s) when used in clinical practice. A new diagnostic test is therefore required for an earlier and more accurate diagnosis of leptospirosis. We applied immunoproteomics to define potential immunogens from five serovars of Leptospira reference strains. A leptospiral whole cell lysate from each serovar was used as the antigen to react with IgG and IgM in the sera from four patients with a positive MAT. Sera from four non‐leptospirosis patients with a negative MAT were pooled and used as the negative control. 2‐D Western blot analysis showed that the degree of immunoreactivity corresponded with the MAT titers. No immunoreactive spots were detected when the pooled control sera were used. A total of 24 protein spots immunoreacted with IgM and/or IgG from patients with leptospirosis. These immunoreactive proteins were identified by MALDI‐TOF MS and were classified into five groups, including flagellar proteins, chaperones/heat shock proteins, transport proteins, metabolic enzymes, and hypothetical proteins. More immunoreactive spots were detected with anti‐human IgG in the sera of all patients and with all the serovars of leptospires used. Some of the identified proteins immunoreacted only with IgG, whereas the others were detectable with both IgM and IgG. Among the immunoreactive proteins identified, FlaB proteins (flagellin and flagellar core protein) have been shown to have a potential role in clinical diagnostics and vaccine development. These data underscore the significant impact of immunoproteomics in clinical applications.
Gauge threshold corrections in intersecting brane world models
Authors: Lüst D. , Stieberger S.
Published: March 2007

We calculate the one‐loop corrections to gauge couplings in N = 1 supersymmetric brane world models, which are realized in an type IIA orbifold/orientifold background with several stacks of D6 branes wrapped on 3‐cycles with non‐vanishing intersections. Contributions arise from both N = 1 and N = 2 open string subsectors. In contrast to what is known from ordinary orbifold theories, N = 1 subsectors do give rise to moduli‐dependent one‐loop corrections.
Assay for rapid analysis of the tri‐peptidase activity of LTA4 hydrolase
Authors: Tholander Fredrik , Haeggström Jesper Z.
Published: March 2007

Leukotriene A4 hydrolase is a bifunctional zinc metalloenzyme with an epoxide hydrolase activity as well as an arginyl tri‐peptidase activity. Detailed enzymological and mechanistic investigations of the latter activity have been hampered by the lack of a rapid and convenient enzyme assay. Here we have developed a new method allowing direct spectrophotometric assessment of the tri‐peptide cleaving activity of leukotriene A4 hydrolase, as well as other peptidases. The method utilizes two competing substrates, one chromogenic reference substrate together with the tri‐peptide substrate of interest, and relies on computer‐assisted analysis of progress curves. The chromogenic reference substrate serves to disclose the “invisible” tri‐peptide substrate for kinetic analysis. The method is fast and simple and will allow detailed kinetic studies and screening for natural peptide substrates of leukotriene A4 hydrolase as well as other members of the M1 family of aminopeptidases. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exploring the conformational space of protein loops using a mean field technique with MOLS sampling
Authors: Kanagasabai V. , Arunachalam J. , Arun Prasad P. , Gautham N.
Published: March 2007

We have recently developed a computational technique that uses mutually orthogonal Latin square sampling to explore the conformational space of oligopeptides in an exhaustive manner. In this article, we report its use to analyze the conformational spaces of 120 protein loop sequences in proteins, culled from the PDB, having the length ranging from 5 to 10 residues. The force field used did not have any information regarding the sequences or structures that flanked the loop. The results of the analyses show that the native structure of the loop, as found in the PDB falls at one of the low energy points in the conformational landscape of the sequences. Thus, a large portion of the structural determinants of the loop may be considered intrinsic to the sequence, regardless of either adjacent sequences or structures, or the interactions that the atoms of the loop make with other residues in the protein or in neighboring proteins. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Principles of QSAR models validation: internal and external
Authors: Gramatica Paola
Published: March 2007

The recent REACH Policy of the European Union has led to scientists and regulators to focus their attention on establishing general validation principles for QSAR models in the context of chemical regulation (previously known as the Setubal, nowadays, the OECD principles). This paper gives a brief analysis of some principles: unambiguous algorithm, Applicability Domain (AD), and statistical validation. Some concerns related to QSAR algorithm reproducibility and an example of a fast check of the applicability domain for MLR models are presented. Common myths and misconceptions related to popular techniques for verifying internal predictivity, particularly for MLR models (for instance cross‐validation, bootstrap), are commented on and compared with commonly used statistical techniques for external validation. The differences in the two validating approaches are highlighted, and evidence is presented that only models that have been validated externally, after their internal validation, can be considered reliable and applicable for both external prediction and regulatory purposes.
Factor Analysis Scale of Generalized Amino Acid Information as the Source of a New Set of Descriptors for Elucidating the Structure and Activity Relationships of Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Liang Guizhao , Li Zhiliang
Published: March 2007

Factor Analysis Scale of Generalized Amino Acid Information (FASGAI), as a new set of amino acid descriptors, reflecting hydrophobicity, alpha and turn propensities, bulky properties, compositional characteristics, local flexibility, and electronic properties, was derived from multi‐dimensional properties of 20 coded amino acids. Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship (QSAR) analyses on 101 cationic Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) with 15 residues were then performed using FASGAI representation, Genetic Algorithm (GA) selection features, and Partial Least Squares (PLS) modeling. It was found that electronic properties of the tenth residue, bulky properties of the seventh residue, hydrophobicity of the twelfth residue, electronic properties of the third residue were highly positively correlated to antibacterial activity, whereas, hydrophobicity of the sixth residue, compositional characteristics of the sixth residue, and hydrophobicity of the tenth residue were highly negatively correlated to antibacterial activity. Analysis of variance demonstrated that a specific sequence rather than an overall sequence of AMPs may be responsible for high activity. Favorable results showed that FASGAI descriptors cherish many distinguished advantages such as plentiful structural information, easy manipulation, straightforward physicochemical meaning, and high characterization competence, and GA for parameter selection is valid in QSAR of antimicrobial peptides studied. These have thus pointed us further into the potential direction of investigation on structures and functions of other various functional peptides.
Etiology and outcome of prenatally detected paracardial cystic lesions: a case series and review of the literature
Authors: Bernasconi A. , Yoo S‐J. , Golding F. , Langer J. C. , Jaeggi E. T.
Published: March 2007

Objectives

Isolated paracardial cysts, defined as cystic structures adjacent to or originating from the heart, are rare and etiologically heterogeneous congenital abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with prenatally diagnosed isolated cysts.

Methods

We reviewed retrospectively the medical charts and ultrasound records of all cases with an antenatal diagnosis of paracardial cyst at our institution between 2001 and 2006. Where applicable, the diagnosis was further substantiated by other imaging modalities and pathology.

Results

The cysts in six fetuses were diagnosed at a median gestation of 20 (range, 19–38) weeks. Three of these fetuses presented with a fluid‐filled cyst attached to or within the pericardial space (pericardial cysts), which resolved spontaneously by the time of delivery. In contrast, the cysts did not change in size or shape in the remaining three fetuses. Postnatal examination of the persistent cysts revealed three different etiologies: (1) a microcystic lymphangioma, located in the anterior mediastinum; (2) an isolated neurenteric cyst; and (3) a single bronchogenic cyst, both within the posterior mediastinum. The lymphangioma and neurenteric cyst were removed surgically after birth.

Conclusions

Fetal echocardiography enables early detection of paracardial cyst. Pericardial cysts disappeared spontaneously during the course of gestation without signs of fetal cardiac compromise, suggesting a benign prognosis. Imaging by magnetic resonance and computerized tomography were particularly useful to clarify the etiology, structure and extent of those cysts that had not resolved by the time of birth. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel Cyclopropane Fatty Acids from the Phospholipids of the Caribbean Sponge Pseudospongosorites suberitoides
Authors: Carballeira Néstor M. , Montano Nashbly , Vicente Jan , Rodriguez Abimael D.
Published: March 2007

The cyclopropane fatty acids 17‐methyl‐trans‐4,5‐methyleneoctadecanoic acid, 18‐methyl‐trans‐4,5‐methylenenonadecanoic acid, and 17‐methyl‐trans‐4,5‐methylenenonadecanoic acid were characterized for the first time in nature in the phospholipids (mainly PE, PG and PS) of the hermit‐crab sponge Pseudospongosorites suberitoides. Pyrrolidine derivatization was the key in identifying the position of the cyclopropyl and methyl groups in the acyl chains and 1H NMR was used to determine the trans stereochemistry of the cyclopropane ring. The phospholipids from the sponge also contained an interesting series of iso‐anteiso Δ5,9 fatty acids with chain‐lengths between 17 and 21 carbons, with the fatty acids (5Z,9Z)‐18‐methyl‐5,9‐nonadecadienoic acid and the (5Z,9Z)‐17‐methyl‐5,9‐nonadecadienoic acid being described for the first time in sponges. The anteiso α‐methoxylated fatty acid 2‐methoxy‐12‐methyltetradecanoic acid was also identified for the first time in nature in the phospholipids of this interesting marine sponge. The novel cyclopropyl fatty acids could have originated from the phospholipids of a cyanobacterium living in symbiosis with the sponge.
Molecular machinery of autophagosome formation in yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Suzuki Kuninori , Ohsumi Yoshinori
Published: March 2007

Autophagy is a degradation process accompanied by dynamic membrane organization. In the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, about 30 ATG (autophagy‐related) genes have been identified as important genes for autophagy. Among them, 17 are indispensable for formation of the autophagosome, an organelle enclosed by a double lipid bilayer during starvation‐induced autophagy. Recently, a central structure for autophagosome generation, termed the pre‐autophagosomal structure, was identified. Despite intensive study, many questions regarding the mechanisms underlying autophagosome formation remain unanswered. In this review, we will give an overview of recent studies on the mechanisms of autophagosome formation and discuss these unresolved questions.
A dynamic machinery for import of mitochondrial precursor proteins
Authors: Bohnert Maria , Pfanner Nikolaus , van der Laan Martin
Published: March 2007

Mitochondria contain ∼1000 different proteins, which are located in four different compartments, outer membrane, inner membrane, intermembrane space and matrix. The vast majority of these proteins has to be imported from the cytosol. Therefore, sophisticated molecular machineries have evolved that mediate protein translocation across or insertion into mitochondrial membranes and subsequent assembly into multi‐subunit complexes. While the initial entry of virtually all mitochondrial proteins is mediated by the general import pore of the outer membrane, at least four different downstream pathways are dedicated to import and assembly of proteins into a specific compartment.
An Arabidopsis cytochrome b561 with trans‐membrane ferrireductase capability
Authors: Bérczi Alajos , Su Dan , Asard Han
Published: March 2007

Ascorbate‐reducible cytochromes b561 (Cyts‐b561) are a class of intrinsic trans‐membrane proteins. Tonoplast Cyt‐b561 (TCytb), one of the four Cyt‐b561 isoforms in Arabidopsis was localized to the tonoplast. We demonstrate here that the optical spectra, EPR spectra and redox potentials of recombinant TCytb are similar to those of the well characterized bovine chromaffin granule Cyt‐b561. We provide evidence for the reduction of ferric‐chelates by the reduced TCytb. It is also shown that TCytb is capable of trans‐membrane electron transport from intracellular ascorbate to extracellular ferric‐chelates in yeast cells.
Offshoring technology innovation: A case study of rare‐earth technology
Authors: Fifarek Brian J. , Veloso Francisco M. , Davidson Cliff I.
Published: March 2007

Many US firms are improving their individual competitiveness by offshoring manufacturing operations, services and, increasingly, knowledge work. Although research to date has maintained that these practices are beneficial to the offshoring firm and national economies, by reducing costs and expanding markets, little is known about the longer term effect of offshoring on the rate of innovation of home economies. This paper suggests that offshoring practices have adverse effects on innovation at the national home base. The analysis uses patents in the rare‐earth element industry, a high‐tech area which is among those that have evolved the furthest towards outsourcing and relocation away from the US and to developing countries. Looking at the rare‐earth industry can provide insights in identifying potential long term impacts of offshoring on innovation because many other US industries are likely to adopt similar offshoring strategies.
Competencies for Management of the Operating Room
Authors: Hembree LTC Patricia A.
Published: March 2007

Competencies for Management of the Operating Room third ed Billie Fernsebner 2005, 436 pages $68 softcover
Theileria parva live vaccination: parasite transmission, persistence and heterologous challenge in the field
Authors: OURA C. A. L. , BISHOP R. , ASIIMWE B. B. , SPOONER P. , LUBEGA G. W. , TAIT A.
Published: March 2007

The ‘Muguga cocktail’ live vaccine, delivered by an infection and treatment protocol, has been widely deployed in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa to protect cattle against East Coast fever, caused by Theileria parva. The vaccine contains 3 component stocks (Muguga, Serengeti-transformed and Kiambu 5). In a previous study, parasites from vaccinated and unvaccinated animals were genotyped with a panel of micro- and minisatellite markers (Oura et al.2004a) and it was shown that only the Kiambu 5 stock establishes a long-term carrier state but there was no evidence for the transmission of this stock. Also parasite genotypes different from the 3 component vaccine stocks were identified in vaccinated animals. We now report a follow-up study on the same farm, some 4 years after the initial vaccination, aimed at establishing the source of the novel parasite genotypes identified in vaccinated cattle, determining the longevity of the carrier state established by the Kiambu 5 vaccine stock and re-examining whether vaccine transmission can occur over a longer time-scale. To do this, samples were taken from vaccinated and unvaccinated cattle and the parasites were genotyped with a series of micro- and minisatellite markers. The data indicate that the vaccine stabilates contain at least 6 parasite genotypes, the Kiambu 5 stock can be detected in many but not all vaccinated cattle for up to 4 years and can be transmitted to unvaccinated cattle which share grazing and that some of the vaccinated animals become infected with local genotypes without causing overt disease.
The native American graves protection and repatriation act in its first decade
Authors: Nafziger JAR , Dobkins RJ
Published: March 2007

The global effort to protect indigenous heritage relies on national legislation. The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) of the United States provides one model for accomplishing a broad agenda of protective measures. NAGPRA confirms indigenous ownership of cultural items excavated or discovered on federal and tribal lands, criminalizes trafficking in indigenous human remains and cultural items, and establishes a process of repatriation of material to native groups. In implementing the law, questions related to cultural affiliation, culturally unidentifiable material, the status of native groups not recognized by the federal government, and the scope of a group's cultural patrimony have been particularly troublesome. A case study of the repatriation process highlights issues in implementing NAGPRA and benefits in fostering consultation and collaboration among native groups, museums, and federal agencies. Finally, the article considers the controversies that have come before a statutory review committee and the federal courts during NAGPRA's first decade. This experience demonstrates the limitations of formal dispute resolution as a means of developing and implementing the law.
Protecting Taonga: the cultural heritage of the New Zealand Maori
Authors: Paterson RK
Published: March 2007

New Zealand concerns regarding cultural heritage focus almost
exclusively on the indigenous Maori of that country. This article
includes discussion of the way in which New Zealand regulates the local
sale and export of Maori material cultural objects. It examines recent
proposals to reform this system, including allowing Maori custom to
determine ownership of newly found objects.

A major development in New Zealand law concerns the role of a quasi-judicial body, the Waitangi Tribunal. Many tribunal decisions have contained lengthy discussions of Maori taonga (cultural treasures) and of alleged past misconduct by former governments and their agents in relation to such objects and Maori cultural heritage in general.

As is the case with legal systems elsewhere, New Zealand seeks to reconcile the claims of its indigenous peoples with other priorities, such as economic development and environmental protection. Maori concerns have led to major changes in New Zealand heritage conservation law. A Maori Heritage Council now acts to ensure that places and sites of Maori interest will be protected. The council also plays a role in mediating conflicting interests of Maori and others, such as scientists, in relation to the scientific investigation of various sites.

Despite these developments, New Zealand has yet to sign the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. The changes proposed to New Zealand cultural property law have yet to be implemented, and there is evidence of uncertainty about the extent to which protecting indigenous Maori rights can be reconciled with the development of a national cultural identity and the pursuit of universal concerns, such as sustainable development.