bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of body experience questionnaires in eating disorders in female patients (AN/BN) and nonclinical participants
Authors: Probst Michel , Pieters Guido , Vanderlinden Johan
Published: April 2008

Objective:

Body image disturbance is an important factor in the development and the treatment of eating disorders. Therefore, evaluations of different instruments for measuring body image disturbances are necessary.

Method:

Four widely used questionnaires are evaluated: The Body Attitude Test, The Eating Disorder Inventory, The Body Shape Questionnaire, and the Body Attitude Questionnaire. Psychometric properties of these questionnaires are investigated in 228 patients with eating disorder and 389 female controls. Normative values for a Flemish population are provided.

Results:

All questionnaires have good psychometric properties. To separate patients from controls all four questionnairescan be used. To differentiate between patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, the Body Attitude Test and the Body Dissatisfaction subscale of the Eating Disorder Inventory show good criterion‐related validity.

Conclusion:

All these measures are useful as preliminary screening devices to identify populations with a high proportion or risk for developing eating disorders. More research is needed because there is still a great lack of clarity about what constitutes the normal range of attitudes towards the body. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
Heat reversal of activity‐based anorexia: Implications for the treatment of anorexia nervosa
Authors: Gutierrez Emilio , Cerrato María , Carrera Olaia , Vazquez Reyes
Published: April 2008

Objective:

Activity‐based anorexia (ABA) provides an animal model of anorexia nervosa (AN). In this model, rats given restricted access to food but unrestricted access to activity wheels, run excessively while reducing food intake, lose a sizeable percentage of body weight, become hypothermic, and can fail to recover unless removed from these conditions.

Method:

Once rats had lost 20% of body weight under standard ABA conditions, they were assigned to one of two ambient temperature (AT) conditions.

Results:

Increased AT reduced running rates and led to weight gain in active rats. The effect of increasing AT on food intake was dependent on whether the rats were sedentary or active. Although warming reduced food intake in the sedentary rats their body weight remained stable, whereas in active rats increased AT did not reduce food intake and weight gain gradually rose.

Conclusion:

From a translational perspective, these findings offer a fresh perspective to the disorder, and underscore the need for further studies to assess the effects of heat treatment in patients as an innovative adjunctive treatment for anorexia nervosa. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
New Water‐Soluble Rhenium Complexes with 1,3,5‐Triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane (PTA) – X‐ray Crystal Structures of [ReNCl2(PTA)3], [ReO2Cl(PTA)3], [ReCl3­(PTA)2(PPh3)], and [Re2N2Cl3(Et2dtc)­(PTA)4]
Authors: Marchi Andrea , Marchesi Elena , Marvelli Lorenza , Bergamini Paola , Bertolasi Valerio , Ferretti Valeria
Published: April 2008

The new water‐soluble nitrido complex [ReNCl2(PTA)3] (1) was obtained by treatment of [ReNCl2(PPh3)2] with four equivalents of PTA (1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane). The reaction of [ReOCl2X(PPh3)2] (X = Cl–, EtO–) with six equivalents of PTA gave the neutral dioxido species [ReO2Cl(PTA)3] (2). The formation of a rhenium(III) species of formula [ReCl3(PTA)2(PPh3)] (3) is also described. The reaction of 1 with Na[Et2dtc] (Et2dtc = N,N‐diethyldithiocarbamate) yielded the neutral compound [ReNCl(Et2dtc)(PTA)2] (4). Recrystallization of 4 afforded an unexpected dinuclear species [Re2N2Cl3(Et2dtc)(PTA)4] (5), containing an asymmetric Re≡N–Re group. The nitrido compound [ReN(Et2dtc)2(PTA)] (6), was obtained by adding two equivalents of Na[Et2dtc] to complex 1 or one equivalent to complex 4. The X‐ray crystal structures of the new PTA complexes 1, 2, 3, and 5 have been determined. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Hydroformylation of 1‐Octene in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide with Alkyl P‐Donor Ligands on Rhodium Using a Peracetylated β‐Cyclodextrin as a Solubiliser
Authors: Tortosa Estorach Clara , Giménez‐Pedrós Marta , Masdeu‐Bultó Anna Maria , Sayede Adlane D. , Monflier Eric
Published: April 2008

The presence of peracetylated β‐cyclodextrin in the reaction medium allowed for an increase in the solubility of rhodium species modified by alkyl P‐donor ligands in the catalytic hydroformylation of 1‐octene in supercritical carbon dioxide. These results were explained by considering an interaction between the peracetylated β‐cyclodextrin and the P‐donor ligands.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Asymmetric Synthesis of (S)‐Mirtazapine: Unexpected Racemization through an Aromatic ipso‐Attack Mechanism
Authors: van der Linden Marco , Borsboom Judith , Kaspersen Frans , Kemperman Gerjan
Published: April 2008

An asymmetric synthesis of (S)‐mirtazapine has been achieved from the synthesis of the racemate by using (S)‐1‐methyl‐3‐phenylpiperazine as the starting material. Unfortunately, significant racemization was encountered in the final step, which involved an electrophilic aromatic ring closure of a alcohol by concentrated sulfuric acid. A significantly higher ee was observed when polyphosphoric acid (PPA) was used instead. A remarkable correlation between the amount of PPA used and the ee of the product was revealed, namely, an increase in the ee upon decreasing the amount of PPA. This trend was paralleled by the formation of an increasing amount of a side‐product upon lowering the amount of PPA. The racemization and formation of a side‐product can be explained by an ipso‐attack mechanism during the electrophilic aromatic ring‐closure reaction. This mechanism was supported by a mechanistic study using a deuterium‐labeled substrate.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Stereoselective, Temperature‐Dependent [2+2] Cycloaddition of N,N‐Dialkylhydrazones to N‐Benzyl‐N‐(benzyloxycarbonyl)aminoketene
Authors: Marqués‐López Eugenia , Martín‐Zamora Eloísa , Díez Elena , Fernández Rosario , Lassaletta José M.
Published: April 2008

The Staudinger‐like [2+2] cycloaddition of aliphatic hydrazones derived from (2R,5R)‐1‐amino‐2,5‐dimethylpyrrolidine to N‐benzyl‐N‐(benzyloxycarbonyl)aminoketene takes place to afford the corresponding β‐lactams in good yields when iPr2EtN is used as the base. The reaction proceeds in all cases with excellent stereocontrol to afford exclusively products having the (3R) configuration. Temperature was observed to exert a strong influence on the cis/trans selectivity, allowing in most cases the obtention of single trans or cis cycloadducts simply by performing the reactions at 80 °C or room temperature, respectively. Additional experiments support the hypothesis that the observed stereochemistry is the result of C=N isomerization in the zwitterionic intermediate, which takes place by a nucleophilic addition―rotation―elimination mechanism effected by the nucleophiles present in the reaction medium. Release of the dialkylamino group by oxidative cleavage of the N–N bond affords valuable compounds such as α,β‐diamino acids and the azetidinone cores of monobactam antibiotics such as aztreonam and carumonam.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Structural Studies of the O‐Chain Polysaccharide from Plesiomonas shigelloides Strain 302–73 (Serotype O1)
Authors: Pieretti Giuseppina , Corsaro M. Michela , Lanzetta Rosa , Parrilli Michelangelo , Canals Rocìo , Merino Susana , Tomás Juan M.
Published: April 2008

Plesiomonas shigelloides is a Gram‐negative bacterium belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. It has been found in an aquatic environment in the tropical and subtropical regions and is responsible for many gastrointestinal infections in humans, which take place from drinking untreated water or eating uncooked shellfish. Plesiomonas shigelloides has also been reported to provoke extraintestinal infections such as meningitis and bacteremia in immunocompromised adults and neonates. Despite the emerging importance of this pathogenic microorganism, only three different O‐antigens have been characterised so far. The structure of the O‐chain of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Plesiomonas shigelloides strain 302–73 (serotype O1) was determined by chemical analysis, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. The polysaccharide was constituted by a linear pentasaccharidic repeating unit as follows: →3)‐α‐L‐PneNAc4OAc(1→4)‐α‐L‐FucNAc(1→4)‐α‐L‐FucNAc(1→4)‐α‐L‐FucNAc(1→3)‐β‐D‐QuiNAc4NHb(1→ (PneNAc = 2‐acetamido‐2,6‐dideoxy‐talose, Hb = (S)‐3‐hydroxybutanoyl) PneNAc O‐acetylation was not stoichiometric and was found to be about 75 %. The position of the O‐acetyl group and the amount of acetylation were deduced by NMR spectroscopic analysis. All the monosaccharides included in the repeating unit were deoxyamino sugars, which most probably, together with the presence of O‐acetyl groups, were responsible for the recovery of the LPS in the phenol layer of the phenol/water extract of dried bacteria cells.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Microchip analysis of plant glucosinolates
Authors: Fouad Maged , Jabasini Mohammad , Kaji Noritada , Terasaka Kazuyoshi , Tokeshi Manabu , Mizukami Hajime , Baba Yoshinobu
Published: April 2008

We describe a new and selective analytical method for the separation and quantitation of plant glucosinolates. The new method, which utilizes microchip CE (μ‐CE) with fluorescence detection, circumvents the multistep procedures characteristic of conventional methods. Glucosinolates form charge transfer complexes with the xanthene dyes phloxine‐B and eosin‐B. The glucosinolates–phloxine‐B complex cannot be excited at 470 nm. Thus, the decrease in peak intensity of phloxine‐B after complex formation is used to quantitatively measure total glucosinolates in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds. For qualitative analysis, complex formation with eosin‐B is used. The sensitivity of eosin‐B detection at excitation/emission 470 nm/540 nm was low. However, sensitivity increased following complex formation with sinigrin (≥3 μg/mL). A batch‐learning, self‐organizing map was applied to visualize and organize analytical data into 2‐D matrix with similar and related data clustered together or near each other. This organized matrix was used to optimize electrophoretic conditions for the analysis. This study suggests potential applications of μ‐CE in plant metabolomics analyses without use of labeling fluorophores.
Fabrication and integration of planar electrodes for contactless conductivity detection on polyester‐toner electrophoresis microchips
Authors: Coltro Wendell Karlos Tomazelli , da Silva José Alberto Fracassi , Carrilho Emanuel
Published: April 2008

In this report, we describe the microfabrication and integration of planar electrodes for contactless conductivity detection on polyester‐toner (PT) electrophoresis microchips using toner masks. Planar electrodes were fabricated by three simple steps: (i) drawing and laser‐printing the electrode geometry on polyester films, (ii) sputtering deposition onto substrates, and (iii) removal of toner layer by a lift‐off process. The polyester film with anchored electrodes was integrated to PT electrophoresis microchannels by lamination at 120°C in less than 1 min. The electrodes were designed in an antiparallel configuration with 750 μm width and 750 μm gap between them. The best results were recorded with a frequency of 400 kHz and 10 Vpp using a sinusoidal wave. The analytical performance of the proposed microchip was evaluated by electrophoretic separation of potassium, sodium and lithium in 150 µm wide×6 µm deep microchannels. Under an electric field of 250 V/cm the analytes were successfully separated in less than 90 s with efficiencies ranging from 7000 to 13 000 plates. The detection limits (S/N = 3) found for K+, Na+, and Li+ were 3.1, 4.3, and 7.2 μmol/L, respectively. Besides the low‐cost and instrumental simplicity, the integrated PT chip eliminates the problem of manual alignment and gluing of the electrodes, permitting more robustness and better reproducibility, therefore, more suitable for mass production of electrophoresis microchips.
Macrocyclic polyamine‐modified poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene dimethacrylate) monolith for capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Tian Yun , Yang Fangxing , Yang Xuemei , Fu Enqin , Xu Ying , Zeng Zhaorui
Published: April 2008

1,4,10,13,16‐Pentaazatricycloheneicosane‐9,17‐dione (macrocyclic polyamine)‐modified polymer‐based monolithic column for CEC was prepared by ring opening reaction of epoxide groups from poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene dimethacrylate) (GMA‐co‐EDMA) monolith with macrocyclic polyamine. Conditions such as reaction time and concentration of macrocyclic polyamine for the modification reaction were optimized to generate substantial EOF and enough chromatographic interactions. Anodic EOF was observed in the pH range of 2.0–8.0 studied due to the protonation of macrcyclic polyamine at the surface of the monolith. Morphology of the monolithic column was examined by SEM and the incorporation of macrocyclic polyamine to the poly(GMA‐co‐EDMA) monolith was characterized by infrared (IR) spectra. Successful separation of inorganic anions, isomeric benzenediols, and benzoic acid derivatives on the monolithic column was achieved for CEC. In addition to hydrophobic interaction, hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction played a significant role in the separation process.
Pomeranian basin (NW Poland) and its sedimentary evolution during Mississippian times
Authors: Matyja Hanna
Published: April 2008

The Carboniferous sedimentary history of the Pomeranian Basin (NW Poland) begins with Hastarian open‐marine carbonates and is terminated with ?lower Asbian terrestrial deposits in the north‐eastern part and, ?upper Asbian or Brigantian, open‐marine shales in the south‐western part of the basin. The ?latest Viséan, Serpukhovian and early Bashkirian was a period of regional non‐deposition and erosion. In the Upper Bashkirian–Gzhelian strata, an alluvial depositional environment was recognized.

The Mississippian depositional history of the area has been punctuated by several, regional‐scale events: (1) during the late Famennian–early Tournaisian times anoxic conditions developed over the entire basin. The results of both conodont and miospore studies show the presence of a stratigraphic gap within this sequence (which also show extremely reduced thicknesses), that comprises the uppermost Famennian (Middle and Upper praesulcata conodont zones) and the lowermost Hastarian (sulcata–sandbergi conodont zones). This stratigraphic gap probably resulted from some chemical and/or hydrodynamical factors rather than from any tectonic uplift; (2) volcanic activity on the nearby East European Craton (EEC), which was the source of large amounts of detrital (volcaniclastic) material supplied to the Pomeranian Basin during the Early crenulata–?early anchoralis‐latus chrons (late Hastarian–early Ivorian), caused with time the gradual shallowing of the sedimentary environment. This shallowing trend began in the Early typicus Chron (early Ivorian) and terminated with terrestrial deposits in the early Asbian.

The sedimentary succession and specific phenomena recognized in this structurally unstable basin, displays a pattern partly different from that observed in some areas in Europe. It would appear that other local factors, such as tectonic mobility of the hinterland area (EEC) and the Pomeranian Basin floor, were the possible causes of observed variations and relative sea‐level changes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serum concentrations of laminin γ2 fragments in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kuratomi Yuichiro , Sato Shintaro , Monji Mikio , Shimazu Rintaro , Tanaka Gou , Yokogawa Kyoko , Inoue Akiko , Inokuchi Akira , Katayama Masahiko
Published: April 2008

Background

The laminin (LN) γ2 chain expression has been linked to tumor invasion and prognosis. To provide a convenient clinical use, procedures that analyze LNγ2 expression by using the serum and/or urine of patients should be developed.

Methods

The serum concentrations of the N‐terminal fragments of the LNγ2 chain in 73 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas were measured by immunoassay.

Results

The concentrations of the LNγ2 fragments ranged between 14.5 and 324.2 ng/mL, and the normal upper limit was estimated to be 50 ng/mL. The LNγ2 fragment concentrations increased according to the T classification. The amount of elevated LNγ2 fragment concentrations decreased after the use of curative treatments. Three patients displayed a continuous increase of the concentrations and subsequently died of the diseases.

Conclusions

The serum concentrations of the LNγ2 fragments may prove useful in assessing the treatment results and clinical courses of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
High‐resolution multi‐voxel pattern analysis of category selectivity in the medial temporal lobes
Authors: Diana Rachel A. , Yonelinas Andrew P. , Ranganath Charan
Published: April 2008

Although the parahippocampal cortex (PHc) is known to be critical for memory formation, little is known about what is encoded by this area. Using multi‐voxel pattern analysis of high‐resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, we examined responses to blocks of categorically coherent stimuli and found that patterns of activity in PHc were selective for not only scenes, but also for other nonspatial object categories (e.g., faces and toys). This pattern of results was also found in the parahippocampal place area (PPA), indicating that this region is not sensitive exclusively to scenes. In contrast, neither the hippocampus nor perirhinal cortex (PRc) were found to be selective for category information. The results indicate that regions within the medial temporal lobe may support distinct functions, and that the PHc appears to be particularly sensitive to category‐level information. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lesions of the mammillary body region severely disrupt the cortical head direction, but not place cell signal
Authors: Sharp Patricia E. , Koester Kate
Published: April 2008

The rat limbic system contains a variety of location (place and grid) cells and directional (head direction; HD) cells, thought to be critical for navigation. The HD cells can be found throughout many portions of the hippocampal formation, as well as additional limbic cortical and subcortical regions. These HD‐containing regions are generally strongly interconnected anatomically. Earlier work, along with theoretical considerations, suggest that despite the ubiquitous presence of HD cells, there may be a single region which is critical for the initial formation of this HD signal. Specifically, it has been suggested that the critical HD cell network resides in a reciprocal loop formed by the interconnected lateral mammillary nucleus and dorsal tegmental nucleus of Gudden. Unlike the HD cells, place cells have not been observed in subcortical structures. They are, however, found in various forms throughout much of the hippocampal formation. Theoretical accounts of the place cells suggest that they are partly dependent on a path integration process which is, in turn, dependent on the HD cells. According to the above reasoning, lesions of the mammillary bodies should completely eliminate both HD and place/grid cells in the hippocampal formation. Here, we tested for both HD and place cell activity in various hippocampal formation sub regions following lesions of the mammillary bodies. We found that these lesions caused nearly complete elimination of the HD cell signal, but left the place cell signal largely intact. Our interpretation of these findings is somewhat limited by the fact that we did not provide a thorough test of the path integration abilities of the post lesion place cells. These findings pose a challenge for current theoretical accounts of place and grid cells. They also help to explain the role played by the mammillary bodies in spatial learning and memory. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury activates early hippocampal stem/progenitor cells to replace vulnerable neuroblasts
Authors: Miles Darryl K. , Kernie Steven G.
Published: April 2008

Although the phenomenon of ongoing neurogenesis in the hippocampus is well described, it remains unclear what relevance this has in terms of brain self‐repair following injury. In a highly regulated developmental program, new neurons are added to the inner granular cell layer of the dentate gyrus (DG) where slowly dividing radial glial‐like type 1 neural stem/progenitors (NSPs) give rise to rapidly proliferating type 2 neural progenitors which undergo selection and maturation into functional neurons. The induction of these early hippocampal progenitors after injury may represent an endogenous mechanism for brain recovery and remodeling. To determine what role early hippocampal progenitors play in remodeling following injury, we utilized a model of hypoxic‐ischemic injury on young transgenic mice that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) specifically in neural progenitors. We demonstrate that this injury selectively activates programmed cell death in committed but immature neuroblasts, which is followed by proliferation of both early type 1 and later type 2 progenitors. This subsequently leads to newly generated neurons becoming stably incorporated into the DG. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Resveratrol causes COX‐2‐ and p53‐dependent apoptosis in head and neck squamous cell cancer cells
Authors: Lin Hung‐Yun , Sun MingZeng , Tang Heng‐Yuan , Simone Tessa M. , Wu Yun‐Hsuan , Grandis Jennifer R. , Cao H. James , Davis Paul J. , Davis Faith B.
Published: April 2008

Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) content is increased in many types of tumor cells. We have investigated the mechanism by which resveratrol, a stilbene that is pro‐apoptotic in many tumor cell lines, causes apoptosis in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma UMSCC‐22B cells by a mechanism involving cellular COX‐2. UMSCC‐22B cells treated with resveratrol for 24 h, with or without selected inhibitors, were examined: (1) for the presence of nuclear activated ERK1/2, p53 and COX‐2, (2) for evidence of apoptosis, and (3) by chromatin immunoprecipitation to demonstrate p53 binding to the p21 promoter. Stilbene‐induced apoptosis was concentration‐dependent, and associated with ERK1/2 activation, serine‐15 p53 phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of these proteins. These effects were blocked by inhibition of either ERK1/2 or p53 activation. Resveratrol also caused p53 binding to the p21 promoter and increased abundance of COX‐2 protein in UMSCC‐22B cell nuclei. Resveratrol‐induced nuclear COX‐2 accumulation was dependent upon ERK1/2 activation, but not p53 activation. Activation of p53 and p53‐dependent apoptosis were blocked by the COX‐2 inhibitor, NS398, and by transfection of cells with COX‐2‐siRNA. In UMSCC‐22B cells, resveratrol‐induced apoptosis and induction of nuclear COX‐2 accumulation share dependence on the ERK1/2 signal transduction pathway. Resveratrol‐inducible nuclear accumulation of COX‐2 is essential for p53 activation and p53‐dependent apoptosis in these cancer cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 2131–2142, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential intracellular transport and binding of verotoxin 1 and verotoxin 2 to globotriaosylceramide‐containing lipid assemblies
Authors: Tam Patty , Mahfoud Radhia , Nutikka Anita , Khine Aye Aye , Binnington Beth , Paroutis Paul , Lingwood Clifford
Published: April 2008

Although verotoxin‐1 (VT1) and verotoxin‐2 (VT2) share a common receptor, globotriaosyl ceramide (Gb3), VT2 induces distinct animal pathology and is preferentially associated with human disease. Moreover VT2 cytotoxicity in vitro is less than VT1. We therefore investigated whether these toxins similarly traffic within cells via similar Gb3 assemblies. At 4°C, fluorescent‐VT1 and VT2 bound both coincident and distinct punctate surface Gb3 microdomains. After 10 min at 37°C, similar distinct/coincident micropunctate intracellular localization was observed. Most internalized VT2, but not VT1, colocalized with transferrin. After 1 h, VT1 and VT2 coalesced during retrograde transport to the Golgi. During prolonged incubation (3–6 h), VT1, and VT2 (more slowly), exited the Golgi to reach the ER/nuclear envelope. At this time, VT2 induced a previously unreported, retrograde transport‐dependent vacuolation. Cell surface and intracellular VT1 showed greater detergent resistance than VT2, suggesting differential ‘raft’ association. >90% 125I‐VT1 cell surface bound, or added to detergent‐resistant cell membrane extracts (DRM), was in the Gb3‐containing sucrose gradient ‘insoluble’ fraction, whereas only 30% 125I‐VT2 was similarly DRM‐associated. VT1 bound more efficiently to Gb3/cholesterol DRMs generated in vitro. Only VT1 binding was inhibited by high cholesterol/Gb3 ratios. VT2 competed less effectively for 125I‐VT1/Gb3 DRM‐binding but only VT2‐Gb3/cholesterol DRM‐binding was augmented by sphingomyelin. Differential VT1/VT2 Gb3 raft‐binding may mediate differential cell binding/intracellular trafficking and cytopathology. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 750–763, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Myocardial function improved by electromagnetic field induction of stress protein hsp70
Authors: George Isaac , Geddis Matthew S. , Lill Zachary , Lin Hana , Gomez Teodoro , Blank Martin , Oz Mehmet C. , Goodman Reba
Published: April 2008

Studies on myocardial function have shown that hsp70, stimulated by an increase in temperature, leads to improved survival following ischemia‐reperfusion (I‐R). Low frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) also induce the stress protein hsp70, but without elevating temperature. We have examined the hemodynamic changes in concert with EMF pre‐conditioning and the induction of hsp70 to determine whether improved myocardial function occurs following I‐R injury in Sprague–Dawley rats. Animals were exposed to EMF (60 Hz, 8 µT) for 30 min prior to I‐R. Ischemia was then induced by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) for 30 min, followed by 30 min of reperfusion. Blood and heart tissue levels for hsp70 were determined by Western blot and RNA transcription by rtPCR. Significant upregulation of the HSP70 gene and increased hsp70 levels were measured in response to EMF pre‐exposures. Invasive hemodynamics, as measured using a volume conductance catheter, demonstrated significant recovery of systolic contractile function after 30 min of reperfusion following EMF exposure. Additionally, isovolemic relaxation, a measure of ventricular diastolic function, was markedly improved in EMF‐treated animals. In conclusion, non‐invasive EMF induction of hsp70 preserved myocardial function and has the potential to improve tolerance to ischemic injury. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 816–823, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of alterations of Rb2/p130 tumor suppressor in all‐trans‐retinoic acid resistant SK‐OV3 ovarian carcinoma cells
Authors: Fields Anthonise Louis , Soprano Dianne Robert , Soprano Kenneth J.
Published: April 2008

Rb2/p130 tumor suppressor protein regulates cell cycle progression primarily through interactions with members of the E2F family of transcription factors and repression of the transactivation of E2F target genes. In ATRA sensitive ovarian carcinoma CA‐OV3 cells, a dramatic increase in Rb2/p130 protein mediates growth arrest at G0/G1. However, although Rb2/p130 is expressed at high levels in SK‐OV3 cells, they fail to growth arrest in response to ATRA treatment. We show that the functional activity of Rb2/p130 in SK‐OV3 cells is reduced when compared to CA‐OV3 cells. To determine the basis for the reduced functional activity, we characterized the Rb2/p130 protein in SK‐OV3 cells and investigated the possible role of alterations to this molecule in mediating resistance to ATRA growth suppression. Direct sequencing of Rb2/p130 cDNA cloned from SK‐OV3 cells revealed the presence of two homozygous missense mutations (T178C and C259G) which result in amino acid changes Ser60 to Pro60 and Pro87 to Ala87 respectively. Unfortunately the same missense mutations were observed in Rb2/p130 cDNA cloned from ATRA sensitive CA‐OV3 cells. We next investigated differences in Rb2/p130 protein subcellular localization. While Rb2/p130 was localized in the nucleus in both cell lines, we observed regions of intense staining within the nucleus of SK‐OV3 cells. This is suggestive of aggregation and/or subnuclear sequestration of the Rb2/p130 protein. Finally, the PAGE migration pattern of Rb2/p130 suggested that a hyperphosphorylated form of Rb2/p130 accumulated in SK‐OV3 cells but not in CA‐OV3 cells. It is possible that this hyperphosphorylated form can be responsible for the decreased Rb2/p130 functional activity observed in SK‐OV3 cells and may contribute to the resistance of these cells to ATRA mediated growth suppression. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 77–85, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brachy–syndactyly caused by loss of Sfrp2 function
Authors: Morello Roy , Bertin Terry K. , Schlaubitz Silke , Shaw Chad A. , Kakuru Sujatha , Munivez Elda , Hermanns Pia , Chen Yuqing , Zabel Bernhard , Lee Brendan
Published: April 2008

Wnt signaling pathways are regulated both at the intracellular and extracellular levels. During embryogenesis, the in vivo effects of the secreted frizzled‐related protein (Sfrp) family of Wnt inhibitors are poorly understood. Here, we show that inactivation of Sfrp2 results in subtle limb defects in mice with mesomelic shortening and consistent shortening of all autopodal elements that is clinically manifested as brachydactyly. In addition, there is soft‐tissue syndactyly of the hindlimb. The brachydactyly is caused by decreased chondrocyte proliferation and delayed differentiation in distal limb chondrogenic elements. These data suggest that Sfrp2 can regulate both chondrogenesis and regression of interdigital mesenchyme in distal limb. Sfrp2 can also repress canonical Wnt signaling by Wnt1, Wnt9a, and Wnt4 in vitro. Sfrp2−/− and TOPGAL/Sfrp2−/− mice have a mild increase in beta‐catenin and beta‐galactosidase staining, respectively, in some phalangeal elements. This however does not exclude a potential concurrent effect on non‐canonical Wnt signaling in the growth plate. In combination with what is known about BMP and Wnt signaling in human brachydactylies, our data establish a critical role for Sfrp2 in proper distal limb formation and suggest SFPR2 could be a novel candidate gene for human brachy–syndactyly defects. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 127–137, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Performance evaluation of a water/silicone oil two‐phase partitioning bioreactor using Rhodococcus erythropolis T902.1 to remove volatile organic compounds from gaseous effluents
Authors: Aldric Jean‐Marc , Thonart Philippe
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND: In the framework of biological processes used for waste gas treatment, the impact of the inoculum size on the start‐up performance needs to be better evaluated. Moreover, only a few studies have investigated the behaviour of elimination capacity and biomass viability in a two‐phase partitioning bioreactor (TPPB) used for waste gas treatment. Lastly, the impact of ethanol as a co‐substrate remains misunderstood.

RESULTS: Firstly, no benefit of inoculation with a high cellular density (>1.5 g L−1) was observed in terms of start‐up performance. Secondly, the TPPB was monitored for 38 days to characterise its behaviour under several operational conditions. The removal efficiency remained above 63% for an inlet concentration of 7 g isopropylbenzene (IPB) m−3 and at some time points reached 92% during an intermittent loading phase (10 h day−1), corresponding to a mean elimination capacity of 4 × 10−3 g L−1 min−1 (240 g m−3 h−1) for a mean IPB inlet load of 6.19 × 10−3 g L−1 min−1 (390 g m−3 h−1). Under continuous IPB loading, the performance of the TPPB declined, but the period of biomass acclimatisation to this operational condition was shorter than 5 days. The biomass grew to approximately 10 g L−1 but the cellular viability changed greatly during the experiment, suggesting an endorespiration phenomenon in the bioreactor. It was also shown that simultaneous degradation of IPB and ethanol occurred, suggesting that ethanol improves the biodegradation process without causing oxygen depletion.

CONCLUSION: A water/silicone oil TPPB with ethanol as co‐substrate allowed the removal of a high inlet load of IPB during an experiment lasting 38 days. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Sonographic diagnosis of fibromatosis
Authors: Wang Yuexiang , Tang Jie , Luo Yukun
Published: April 2008

Purpose.

To investigate the value of sonography in the diagnosis of fibromatosis.

Method.

We retrospectively reviewed the sonographic findings, pathologic results, and other medical records of 42 patients with pathologically proven fibromatosis. The tumor's size and location were recorded. Echogenicity, margins, vascularity, and relationship with the adjacent tissue were analyzed.

Results.

A total of 42 patients with 44 lesions were included in the study. In 21 patients, the tumor was a primary tumor. In 7 of these patients, a preoperative diagnosis of fibromatosis was obtained via sonographically guided biopsy or surgical biopsy. In another 21 patients, the tumor was a recurrence (including 1 case of malignant transformation). Well‐defined and regular margins were demonstrated in 26 lesions (59%), whereas poorly defined and irregular borders were seen in the other 18 lesions. On Doppler imaging, vascularity was absent in 66% (29/44) lesions, moderate in 23% (10/44), and marked in 11% (5/44). Infiltration into the adjacent skeletal muscles, cortical bone, or encasement vessels, nerves, or tendons was found in 21 (48%) lesions.

Conclusion.

In patients with fibromatosis, sonography demonstrates a nonspecific hypoechoic solid mass and can guide the percutaneous needle biopsy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
An analysis of food security and poverty in Central Asia—case study from Kazakhstan
Authors: Rhoe Valerie , Babu Suresh , Reidhead William
Published: April 2008

During the transition from planned to market‐oriented economies, Central Asian countries experienced major socio‐economic shocks that increased food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty. In the last 15 years, these countries underwent economic reforms in order to transform their economies, and in response to growing food insecurity and poverty levels, they adopted food self‐sufficiency policies. For designing and implementing policy reforms, a good understanding of the magnitude of food insecurity and poverty and their determinants are required. Using the Kazakhstan Living Standard and Measurement Survey, this paper identifies a food poverty line and a total poverty line for Kazakhstan. Then poverty measures from both lines are compared and determinates of poverty are analysed. The results show that the total poverty line captures more of the poor population. Although there are some variations amongst the determinants of poverty under the two poverty lines, the strength of the common determinants is generally weaker when non‐food expenditures are included in deriving the poverty line. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Joint estimation of information acquisition and adoption of new technologies under uncertainty
Authors: Abdulai Awudu , Monnin Pierre , Gerber Jacques
Published: April 2008

This article develops a framework to examine households' joint decision to acquire information on new technologies and the adoption of the technology in the presence of uncertainty. The empirical application involved a sample of 406 dairy farmers in Tanzania. Education, scale of production, household size, age, and liquidity constraints are hypothesized to be the determinants of information acquisition and adoption decisions. The empirical evidence indicates that information acquisition and adoption decisions are made jointly. The findings also show that human capital and scale of operation positively and significantly affect the decision to acquire information and to adopt the technology, while liquidity constraints negatively impact on the decision to adopt, as well as the extent of adoption. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Small island states development challenges: introduction
Authors: McGillivray Mark , Naudé Wim , Santos‐Paulino Amelia
Published: April 2008

This Policy Arena examines some of the development challenges faced by SIDS. It brings together a collection of papers arising from the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU‐WIDER) project [Fragility and Development]. These investigations were presented at the UNU‐WIDER project meeting held in Lautaka, Fiji in December 2006.

The Policy Arena contains four studies that look, respectively, at various aspects of trade, foreign direct investment, aid and remittances, and migration, focusing on countries in the Pacific and the Caribbean. This introduction briefly describes the papers and distills some key messages for development policy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Foreign direct investment in small island developing states
Authors: Read Robert
Published: April 2008

The role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in small island developing states (SIDS) is an issue that has been neglected until relatively recently. The reasons for this lack of interest are unsurprising, given both the low absolute volume of capital flows involved and the general neglect of issues relating directly to SIDS in the mainstream theoretical and empirical economics literature. For SIDS themselves however, FDI represents an important additional source of investment capital and a potentially critical contributor to growth and development. This paper represents one of the first attempts to analyse the determinants of the inflows of FDI to SIDS. The analysis is undertaken in the context of the existing literature on the determinants of FDI inflows, incorporating insights drawn from recent research on the determinants of growth in small states. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
To prosper, organizational psychology should… expand the values of organizational psychology to match the quality of its ethics
Authors: Lefkowitz Joel
Published: April 2008

The values of organizational psychology are criticized as (a) having supplanted psychology's humanist tradition and societal responsibilities with corporate economic objectives; (b) being “scientistic” in perpetuating the notion of value‐free science while ignoring that it is business values that largely drive our research and practice; (c) failing to include normative perspectives of what organizations ought to be like in moral terms; (d) having a pro‐management bias; and (e) having allowed ourselves to be defined largely by technocratic competence, almost to the exclusion of considering desirable societal goods. Illustrations of some adverse consequences of these values are presented. It is suggested we expand our self‐image to encompass a scientist–practitioner–humanist (S‐P‐H) model that includes consideration of different values, advocacy of employee rights and a normative characterization of how organizations ought to be—reflecting the broader societal responsibilities of a true profession. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observation of water isotopes and spin‐isomers rotational transitions induced by four‐wave mixing in liquid
Authors: Bunkin A. F. , Pershin S. M.
Published: April 2008

Four‐photon spectra of the induced coherent rotations of H2O, D2O and HDO molecules on its selective rotational transition in bulk liquid have been observed for the first time. We have measured the rotational spectra of distilled water (H2O) and 1:1 H2O/D2O mixture in the range 30–40 cm−1. We have identified the ortho‐ /para‐spin‐isomer lines in both the isotopic liquids. The application of this technique to the study of spin‐selective interactions of water molecules with biopolymers and nano objects is discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural Characterization of Mesquite (Prosopis velutina) Gum and its Fractions
Authors: López‐Franco Yolanda L. , de la Barca Ana M. Calderón , Valdez Miguel A. , Peter Martin G. , Rinaudo Marguerite , Chambat Gérard , Goycoolea Francisco M.
Published: April 2008

Structural and physicochemical characteristics of mesquite gum (from Prosopis velutina) were investigated using FT‐IR spectroscopic, mass spectrometric and chromatographic methods. Four fractions (F‐I, F‐IIa, F‐IIb and F‐III) were isolated by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The samples were characterized and analyzed for their monosaccharide and oligomers composition by high performance anion‐exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC‐PAD). L‐Arabinose (L‐Ara) and D‐galactose (D‐Gal) were found as the main carbohydrate constituent residues in the polysaccharides from mesquite gum and their ratio (L‐Ara/D‐Gal) varied within the range 2.54 to 3.06 among the various fractions. Small amounts of D‐glucose (D‐Glc), D‐mannose (D‐Man) and D‐xylose (D‐Xyl) were also detected, particularly in Fractions IIa, IIb and III. Infrared spectroscopy identified polysaccharides and protein in all the samples. Data from mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) was consistent with the idea that the structure corresponding to the periphereal chains of Fraction I is predominantly a chain of pentoses attached to uronic acid.

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The Structure of Water in PEO‐Based Segmented Block Copolymers and its Effect on Transition Temperatures
Authors: Husken Debby , Gaymans Reinoud J.
Published: April 2008

The effect of water on block copolymers that contain hydrophilic PEO flexible segments is studied. The polyether phase consisted of either PEO or mixtures of PEO and hydrophobic PTMO, monodisperse crystallisable T6T6T was used as hard segments. Water absorption as a function of relative humidity and PEO content were studied. The PEO melting temperature and crystallinity were strongly reduced when the copolymer absorbed water, while the PTMO phase remained unaffected by its presence. Freezing water was present in the PEO‐based copolymers when the PEO phase contained ≈30 vol.‐% water, its relative amount being almost independent of PEO concentration and molecular weight and the presence of hydrophobic PTMO segments.

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Rapid Microwave‐Promoted Synthesis of Polyurethanes from a Fluorene Unit‐Containing Diol and Diisocyanates
Authors: Hiroki Kazuaki , Ichikawa Yuichi , Yamashita Hiroshi , Sugiyama Jun‐ichi
Published: April 2008

A fluorene diol derivative, 9,9‐bis[4‐(2‐hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]fluorene (1), reacted with diisocyanates such as 1,3‐bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane (2a), 1,6‐diisocyanatohexane (2b), and 1,3‐bis(isocyanatomethyl)benzene (2c) under temperature‐controlled microwave irradiation to form the corresponding polyurethanes with $\overline M _{\rm w}$ being 30 000 to 60 000, measured by GPC with reference to polystyrene standards within 5 to 10 min at 160 to 200 °C. In the reactions of 2a and b, the molecular weights were 15 to 20 times higher than those obtained by conventional oil bath heating. For a solvent of the microwave‐promoted reaction, a hydrocarbon compound, decalin, is preferably used to undergo the polymerization cleanly without unfavorable coloration and/or gelation.

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Macromol. Rapid Commun. 9/2008
Authors: Hou Yanhui , Wan Xiangjian , Yang Min , Ma Yanfeng , Huang Yi , Chen Yongsheng
Published: April 2008

Cover: A novel rigid poly(aryleneethynylene) with side‐fused tetrathiafulvalene (P‐TTF) unit has been synthesized. The cover shows that the coplanarity of the main chain and the TTF side chains leads to good π–π stacking in the solid state. The self‐assembly and reversible electroactive properties indicate that this kind of TTF‐fused polymer may become a promising active material for organic electronic applications. Further details can be found in the article by Y. Hou, X. Wan, M. Yang, Y. Ma, Y. Huang, and Y. Chen* on page 719.
Zinc borates as multifunctional polymer additives
Authors: Shen Kelvin K. , Kochesfahani Saied , Jouffret Frédéric
Published: April 2008

Zinc borates function as flame retardant, smoke suppressant, afterglow suppressant, and anti‐tracking agent in both halogen‐containing and halogen‐free polymers. This paper will review 35 years of historical development and recent advances in the use of these multifunctional fire retardants in electrical/electronic, transportation, and building product applications. In addition, the use of zinc borates as polymer additives for non‐flame retardant applications will also be briefly reviewed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chitosan–poly(acrylic acid) nanofiber networks prepared by the doping induction of succinic acid and its ammonia‐response studies
Authors: Wang Jian‐Wen , Chen Ching‐Yi , Kuo Yi‐Ming
Published: April 2008

Chitosan–poly(acrylic acid) (CS–PAA) composite membrane with a 3D network nano‐structure was prepared using an electrostatic interaction process by adding succinic acid as a branch promoter. Variations of the final solution pH values, concentration of CS, and PAA/CS volume ratio were examined systematically for their effects on average fiber diameter size, intensity of surface charge, and tendency of network formation. It was found that nanofiber size was affected by the mixing ratio of PAA and CS, the concentration of CS, and the final pH of the CS–PAA solution. The smallest diameter size distribution of the scaffold can be obtained when the PAA/CS ratio is in the range of 2:1–1:2 in a pH 3 environment. Negative charge nanofibers prepared using PAA and CS in a ratio of 2:1 in pH 3 environments had an average diameter of 215 nm. The formation of the interconnecting 3D self‐organized network structure can be built up with limited parasitic branching by crystallized succinic acid. The gas response to ammonia, including sensitivity and response time, was evaluated using impedance spectroscopy at room temperature. The results of sensing experiments indicate that the sensitivity of nanofibrous membrane (NM)‐coated sensors was eight times higher than that of continuous film‐coated sensors. NM‐coated sensors exhibited high sensitivity towards a low concentration of ammonia, as low as 50 ppm at a relative humidity of 45%. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid TLC/GC‐MS identification of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in alkaloid extracts
Authors: Berkov Strahil , Bastida Jaume , Nikolova Milena , Viladomat Francesc , Codina Carles
Published: April 2008

Alkaloid extracts from 12 plant species of the families Amaryllidaceae, Fumariacae and Papaveraceae were studied with respect to their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity and alkaloid patterns. Fifty‐three alkaloids were identified by GC‐MS, including known acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors such as galanthamine, epigalanthamine, sanguinine and epinorgalanthamine in extracts of Amaryllidaceae plants and protopine in extracts of Fumariaceae and Papaveraceae plants. The galanthamine‐containing extracts of the amaryllidaceous plants were found to be the most active while the extract of Corydalis bulbosa was the most active among the extracts of the tested plants from the Fumariaceae and Papaveraceae plants. TLC bioautographic assay, preparative TLC and GC‐MS analysis were combined to identify the active compounds in the studied extracts. Galanthamine was isolated from the known AChE inhibitors in the extracts of Amaryllidaceae plants. Corydaline, bulbocapnine and stylopine were found to be active in the extracts of plant species of the families Fumariaceae and Papaveraceae. Available standards of deshydrocorydaline—a precursor of corydaline, corydaline and stylopine—were tested for AChE inhibitory activity. Deshydrocorydaline and corydaline showed potent inhibitory activity comparable with that of the positive control galanthamine. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.