bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo biostability of polyether polyurethanes with polyethylene oxide surface‐modifying end groups; resistance to biologic oxidation and stress cracking
Authors: Ebert Mike , Ward Bob , Anderson James , McVenes Rick , Stokes Ken
Published: July 2005

Polyethylene oxide (PEO) on polymer surfaces has been reported to reduce cellular adhesion, a very desirable property for cardiac pacing leads. A Shore 80A polyether polyurethane with up to 6% PEO surface‐modifying end groups (SME) was evaluated for its chronic in vivo biostability. In a short‐term (12 week) screening test, strained samples appeared to develop the same surface oxidation as unmodified polymer, but did not produce visible cracking ≥500×, prompting a longer‐term study. By the time the longer‐term study was initiated, most of the PEO SME had disappeared from the starting material's surface. After 1 year in vivo, surface oxidation, shallow surface cracking, and environmental stress cracking (ESC) developed on highly strained samples to the point of failure, so that there was no significant difference between the SME polymer and its control (the same polymer without SME). No further change was seen for up to 2 years of implantation. Unstrained PEO SME polymer developed shallow surface cracking, but no ESC up to 2 years of implantation. Thus, PEO SME slightly delayed, but did not stop biodegradation, and under unstrained conditions, has no adverse effect on biostability. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2005
Biomechanical properties of different segments of human umbilical cord vein and its value for clinical application
Authors: Li Wen‐Chun , Ruan Xu‐Zhi , Zhang Hong‐Mei , Zeng Yan‐Jun
Published: July 2005

No satisfactory effects have been obtained with the use of synthetic blood vessels (diameter <6 mm) as substitutes for human small arteries or veins for the purpose of clinical vascular reconstruction. Therefore, blood vessels of human origin, for example, umbilical cord blood vessels, with their wide availability, still should be considered. However, little information on biomechanical properties of human umbilical cord blood vessels is available. The objective was to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of umbilical cord veins as optional material for small‐caliber grafts. This was a nonrandomized, noncontrolled in vitro study. The experiment was conducted in the Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics, Yunyang Medical College. Umbilical cord veins of 20 normal fetuses of spontaneous labor were collected by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taihe Hospital in Shiyan City, Hubei Province. The fetuses aged 37–40 weeks, and the parturients were 20–30 years old. Umbilical cord veins of the 20 fetuses were used and the placental ends were treated as proximal ends while the fetal ends as distal ends. The fetal ends were divided into three segments: proximal, middle, and distal segments. The relationship between pressure of umbilical cord veins segments and the diameters was measured on the biomechanical experiment stand for soft tissues, and then the elastic modulus was calculated. The materials were transversely extracted, refrigerated, and sliced up before HE staining. The geometrical morphology indexes were measured by a computer image analysis system (Leica‐Q500IW). The main outcome measures were: incremental elastic modulus (Einc), pressure–strain elastic modulus (Ep), volume elastic modulus (Ev), diameter, and wall thickness of the veins. Einc, Ep, and Ev of umbilical cord veins of proximal, middle, and distal segments increased with the pressure elevated. The three kinds of elastic modulus of proximal segments (Einc: 26.98 ± 3.21, Ep: 16.58 ± 2.12, Ev: 8.31 ± 2.35) were all lower than those of distal segments (Einc: 33.20 ± 4.21, Ep: 119.45 ± 2.87, Ev: 9.71 ± 1.32) (F = 95.74–126.52, p < 0.05), and a tendency to increase was shown from proximal segments to distal segments. Media thickness [(0.30 ± 0.05)] mm, (0.24 ± 0.03) mm] and the diameters [(3.07 ± 0.12) mm, (2.30 ± 0.13) mm] decreased gradually from proximal to distal segments (F = 12.76, p < 0.01). It is feasible to use umbilical cord veins as substitutes for the transplantation of small‐caliber arteries in terms of basic biomechanical properties. On vascular grafting, different segments of umbilical cord veins should be chosen cautiously so that the biomechanical characteristics of umbilical cord vein grafts could be in accordance with those of host to increase the long‐term patency rate of transplanted blood vessels. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Remembering and honoring Paul Meehl
Authors: Ellis Albert
Published: July 2005

The author commemorates Paul Meehl by briefly presenting some of his cardinal contributions to clinical psychology, including the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), rational–emotive behavior therapy, and clinical versus statistical prediction. He also describes a few of his personal contacts with him. Meehl modeled a way of thinking, and thinking about thinking, that should be useful to all clinical psychologists. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 61: 1231–1232, 2005.
Why Paul Meehl will revolutionize the philosophy of science and why it should matter to psychologists
Authors: Faust David
Published: July 2005

Paul Meehl was a person of remarkable genius who made many seminal contributions to psychology and other fields. One of his most important, but less widely known potential contributions is the codevelopment, and the extension and elaboration of meta‐science, or the science of science. Meta‐science involves applying more rigorous methods (than are usually used) to the study of episodes in the history of science, or the historical track record, in order to address long‐standing questions in the philosophy and history of science, aid in the selection of optimally effective methodology, and assist the scientist in higher level and complex integrative judgments (e.g., theory evaluation). Psychologists, given their methodological sophistication, can be major contributors to meta‐scientific efforts and to the development of this field. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 61: 1355–1366, 2005.
Using fetal acoustic stimulation to shorten the biophysical profile
Authors: Pinette Michael G. , Blackstone Jacquelyn , Wax Joseph R. , Cartin Angelina
Published: July 2005

Purpose

To determine whether fetal acoustic stimulation can decrease the time required to achieve a reassuring biophysical profile.

Methods

Patients scheduled for a biophysical profile were prospectively assigned to study and control groups. The study group received 3 seconds of acoustic stimulation if fetal breathing, tone, or movement were not present during the first 5 minutes of the study. The biophysical profile was completed in the standard fashion, for both groups.

Results

A total of 870 patients were enrolled (458 control, 412 with stimulation). The fetal acoustic stimulation group had decreased testing time (3 minutes) and fewer non‐reassuring tests (5%). The fetal acoustic stimulation group had fewer studies without breathing, potentially reducing the need for further testing or intervention.

Conclusions

Fetal acoustic stimulation can be used to decrease the biophysical profile testing time and to reduce the number of non‐reassuring tests. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 33:223–225, 2005
Effects of exercise on gallbladder volume and motility in obese women
Authors: Sari Ramazan , Balci Nilufer , Balci Mustafa Kemal
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Comparatively few prospective studies have investigated the relationship between physical activity and gallbladder motility, and the results are controversial. Exercise may affect gallbladder motility via neural or hormonal mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of aerobic exercise on gallbladder motility in a group of obese women without gallstones.

Patients and Methods

Twenty‐three obese women (age 41.2 ± 10.3 years, body mass index 40.7 ± 6.7 kg/m2) were included in the study. Following an overnight fast, fasting and postprandial (15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 120, and 150 minute) volumes and ejection fractions were evaluated with real‐time ultrasonography before exercise. For all subjects, the exercise regimen consisted of daily 45‐minute walking sessions at 60–80% of maximum heart rate for 4 weeks except weekends. Gallbladder volume and ejection fraction were again evaluated after exercise.

Results

Fasting and postprandial (15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 120, and 150 minute) volumes were 38.6 ± 10.9, 32.8 ± 8.8, 27.6 ± 8.1, 22.7 ± 8.5, 21.4 ± 7.2, 20.8 ± 7.0, 22.8 ± 7.3, 29.6 ± 7.0, and 36.8 ± 6.2 cm3 before the exercise period, respectively, and 40.8 ± 18.9, 29.9 ± 11.2, 25.3 ± 9.2, 22.4 ± 8.5, 19.6 ± 7.8, 17.7 ± 6.8, 17.8 ± 7.3, 23.1 ± 10.8, and 29.0 ± 14.4 cm3 after the exercise period, respectively. Postprandial (15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 120, and 150 minute) ejection fractions were 13.5 ± 15.9, 27.4 ± 15.4, 39.5 ± 20.0, 43.2 ± 16.7, 44.3 ± 17.3, 37.5 ± 23.5, 23.5 ± 25.1, and 5.5 ± 21.6% before the exercise period, respectively, and 22.6 ± 20.1, 34.6 ± 14.5, 42.0 ± 13.6, 49.2 ± 12.6, 53.1 ± 14.1, 52.6 ± 16.1, 43.6 ± 17.0, and 29.2 ± 26.5% after exercise, respectively. After the exercise period, the 75, 90, 120, and 150 minute volumes were lower (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.01) and the 90, 120, and 150 minute ejection fractions were higher than before exercise (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our study showed that exercise decreased late‐phase postprandial gallbladder volume and increased late‐phase postprandial gallbladder motility in these obese women. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 33:218–222, 2005
Endosonographic evaluation of perianal fistulas and abscesses: comparison of two instruments and assessment of the role of hydrogen peroxide injection
Authors: Maor Yaakov , Chowers Yehuda , Koller Moshe , Zmora Oded , Bar‐Meir Simon , Avidan Benjamin
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The aims of this study were to compare the performance of a mechanical radial endosonoscope and an endorectal electronic probe and to evaluate the value of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) injection in the diagnosis of perianal fistulas.

Patients and Methods

Sixty‐one patients underwent clinical and endosonographic studies for suspected perianal fistulas or abscesses. Endosonography was performed using two instruments: a mechanical radial endosonoscope (Olympus GF‐UM20) and an electronic endorectal probe (Hitachi EUP‐R53). The patients were re‐examined during and following H2O2 injection using both systems.

Results

Thirty‐seven fistulous tracts were visualized with the electronic endorectal probe versus only 9 with the mechanical radial endosonoscope. Four patients had anal stenosis, precluding the use of the larger electronic probe. Three fistulas were detected in these patients using the mechanical radial endosonoscope. H2O2 injection was not feasible in 26 patients (43%). Visualization of 11 (31%) fistulas improved after administration of H2O2. Six fistulous tracts not detected before H2O2 administration were clearly visualized during injection and for several minutes thereafter.

Conclusions

Work‐up of perianal fistula should be preferably performed using the endorectal electronic probe. However, the mechanical radial endoscope is preferred in patients with anal stricture. H2O2 injection should become an integral part of every sonographic study of perianal fistulas. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 33:226–232, 2005
Hemimegalencephaly: cranial sonographic findings in neonates
Authors: Hung Po‐Cheng , Wang Huei‐Shyong
Published: July 2005

Hemimegalencephaly is a rare neuronal migration disorder characterized by overgrowth of part or all of 1 cerebral hemisphere. Lissencephaly, pachygyria, polymicrogyria, heterotopia, and glial abnormalities are usually noted pathologically in the enlarged hemisphere. We report the sonographic changes associated with hemimegalencephaly in 2 neonates presenting with seizures and correlate these changes with the magnetic resonance imaging findings. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 33:243–247, 2005
Multilocular adenomatoid tumor of the ovary: ultrasonographic findings
Authors: Ghossain Michel A. , Chucrallah Antoine , Kanso Hassan , Aoun Noël J. , Abboud Joseph
Published: July 2005

We report the sonographic findings of a rare benign ovarian tumor in a 69‐year‐old woman. Transvaginal ultrasonography showed a cystic multilocular lesion with a vascularized central solid portion of the left ovary. Surgery revealed an adenomatoid tumor. Adenomatoid tumors are benign lesions of mesothelial origin, usually solid in nature and rarely located in the ovaries. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 33:233–236, 2005
Splenic vein Aneurysm with Calcification of Splenic and Portal Veins
Authors: Kocakoc Ercan , Kiris Adem , Bozgeyik Zulkif , Uysal Hadi , Artas Hakan
Published: July 2005

Splenic vein aneurysm is a rare disease, and calcifications in the portal venous system are also rare. Here we present a case of splenic vein aneurysm associated with calcification of the splenic and portal veins, a condition that to our knowledge has not been reported before. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 33:251–253, 2005
Mating of Xenos vesparum (Rossi) (Strepsiptera, Insecta) revisited
Authors: Beani L. , Giusti F. , Mercati D. , Lupetti P. , Paccagnini E. , Turillazzi S. , Dallai R.
Published: July 2005

The controversial mating of the strepsipteran Xenos vesparum was studied to investigate the possible sperm routes for fertilization. The female, which is a neotenic permanent endoparasite of Polistes wasps, extrudes only its anterior region, the “cephalothorax,” from the host abdomen. This region has an opening where both mating and larval escape occur. Observations with scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed spermatozoa not only in the hemocoel, but also in the “ventral canal” (an extragenital duct peculiar to strepsipteran females) and in the “genital ducts” (ectodermal invaginations connecting the ventral canal to the hemocoel) of recently mated females. Xenos vesparum spermatozoa can reach the oocytes either through the hemocoel as a result of a hypodermic insemination, or by moving along the extragenital ducts, which are later used by first instar larvae to escape. The hypothesis of hypodermic insemination is reconsidered in the light of behavioral and ultrastructural evidence. J. Morphol. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fragmentation reactions of deprotonated peptides containing proline. The proline effect
Authors: Harrison Alex G. , Young Alex B.
Published: July 2005

The collision‐induced dissociation (CID) fragmentation reactions of a variety of deprotonated peptides containing proline have been studied in detail using MS2 and MS3 experiments, deuterium labelling and accurate mass measurements when necessary. The [MHCO2]− (a2) ion derived from H‐Pro‐Xxx‐OH dipeptides shows an unusual fragmentation involving loss of C2H4; this fragmentation reaction is not observed for larger peptides. The primary fragmentation reactions of deprotonated tripeptides with an N‐terminal proline are formation of a3 and y1 ions. When proline is in the central position of tripeptides, a3, y2 and y1 ions are the primary fragmentation products of [MH]−, while when the proline is in the C‐terminal position, a3and y1 ions are the major primary products. In the latter case, the a3 ion fragments primarily to the ″b2 ion; further evidence is presented that the ″b2 ions have a deprotonated oxazolone structure. Larger deprotonated peptides having at least two amino acid residues N‐terminal to proline show a distinct preference for cleavage of the amide bond N‐terminal to proline to form, mainly, the appropriate y ion. This proline effect is compared and contrasted with the similar proline effect observed in the fragmentation of protonated peptides containing proline. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heterogeneous expression and regulation of hippocampal prostaglandin E2 receptors
Authors: Zhu Peimin , Genc Ali , Zhang Xiong , Zhang Jian , Bazan Nicolas G. , Chen Chu
Published: July 2005

Although prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has been shown to be critical to hippocampal synaptic signaling and neuronal survival, it is still not clear which subtypes of PGE2 receptors (EPs) are expressed and how these EPs are regulated in the hippocampus. To address these questions, the expression of the EPs was profiled in the hippocampus. Messenger RNAs and proteins of the four receptors, EP1–4, were detected both in the hippocampus and in the neocortex. EP2 and EP3 appeared in greater abundance, whereas EP1 and EP4 were barely detectable. EP1, EP2 and EP4 were mainly colocalized with synaptophysin, suggesting the presence of EP1, EP2, and EP4 in presynaptic terminals. It appeared that interleukin‐1β increased the expression of EP2 and EP4 mRNAs. A blockade of synaptic transmission with either tetrodotoxin or MK‐801 plus 6,7‐dinitroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione (DNQX) for 6 hr increased EP3 and EP4 mRNA, whereas high K+(90 mM) or 4‐aminopyridine enhanced EP2 and EP4. The EP1 level did not change significantly under these conditions. The expressions of EP2, EP4, and EP3 were further elevated or reduced in neurons treated with high K+for 24 hr. However, mRNA of EP3 was down‐regulated in neurons treated with tetrodotoxin or MK‐801 plus DNQX for 24 hr. In addition, both EP2 and EP4 mRNAs were up‐regulated within 4 hr after high‐frequency stimulation associated with long‐term potentiation induction in hippocampal slices. Our results indicate that the four EPs are heterogeneously expressed in the hippocampus, and their expression is differentially regulated by neuronal activities, suggesting that EPs may actively participate in hippocampal synaptic transmission and plasticity. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decreased density of muscarinic receptors in the superior temporal gyrusin schizophrenia
Authors: Deng Chao , Huang Xu‐Feng
Published: July 2005

Recent studies have indicated that muscarinic receptors are involved in the pathophysiology in schizophrenia, particularly in cognitive deficits. The superior temporal gyrus (STG) is an area that has also been strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the binding density of two muscarinic antagonists, [3H]pirenzepine and [3H]AF‐DX384, in the STG of schizophrenia patients compared with controls. A significant decrease (44% in the superficial layers and 48% in the deep layers, P < 0.01) in binding density of [3H]pirenzepine was observed in schizophrenia patients, which suggested a reduction of muscarinic M1 and M4 receptor densities in the STG of schizophrenia patients. A tendency toward decreased [3H]AF‐DX384 binding density (34%, P = 0.09) was also observed in schizophrenia patients compared with controls. Because of the positive correlation between [3H]pirenzepine and [3H]AF‐DX384 binding, and, insofar as both ligands have high affinities for the M4 receptor, the involvement of M4 receptor alteration is also suggested in the STG in schizophrenia. These results suggest that changes of the muscarinic receptors M1 and M4 might contribute to the STG pathology in schizophrenia. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FK506 reduces tissue damage and prevents functional deficit after spinal cord injury in the rat
Authors: López‐Vales Rubèn , García‐Alías Guillermo , Forés Joaquim , Udina Esther , Gold Bruce G. , Navarro Xavier , Verdú Enrique
Published: July 2005

We examined the efficacy of FK506 in reducing tissue damage after spinal cord injury in comparison to methylprednisolone (MP) treatment. Rats were subjected to a photochemical injury (T8) and were given a bolus of MP (30 mg/kg), FK506 (2 mg/kg), or saline. An additional group received an initial bolus of FK506 (2 mg/kg) followed by daily injections (0.2 mg/kg intraperitoneally). Functional recovery was evaluated using open‐field walking, inclined plane tests, motor evoked potentials (MEPs), and the H‐reflex response during 14 days postoperation (dpo). Tissue sparing and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), biotinylated tomato lectin LEC, cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) immunoreactivity were quantified in the injured spinal cord. FK506‐treated animals demonstrated significantly better neurologic outcome, higher MEP amplitudes, and lower H‐wave amplitude compared to that of saline‐treated rats. In contrast, administration of MP did not result in significant differences with respect to the saline‐treated group. Histologic examination revealed that tissue sparing was largest in FK506‐treated compared to saline and MP‐treated animals. GFAP and COX‐2 reactivity was decreased in animals treated with FK506 compared to that in animals given MP or saline, whereas IL‐1β expression was similarly reduced in both FK506‐ and MP‐treated groups. Microglia/macrophage response was reduced in FK506 and MP‐injected animals at 3 dpo, but only in MP‐treated animals at 7 dpo with respect to saline‐injected rats. Repeated administrations of FK506 improved functional and histologic results to a greater degree than did a single bolus of FK506. The results indicate that FK506 administration protects the damaged spinal cord and should be considered as potential therapy for treating spinal cord injuries. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photoluminescence studies of self-assembled InAs quantum
dots formed on InGaAs/GaAs quantum well
Authors: Mu X , Ding Y J , Wang Z , Salamo G J
Published: July 2005

We have characterized self-assembled InAs quantum dots
grown on the top of a single InGaAs/GaAs quantum well (QD's:QW) by
measuring photoluminescence (PL) spectra as an effective
technique. We have found that the linewidths of the PL peaks for
the QD's:QW are narrower than that for the InAs quantum dots grown
on a GaAs layer by an amount as large as 35 meV. In addition, the
wavelength-integrated PL intensity for the QD's:QW is about twice
higher. Within the lateral plane, the energies for the optical
transitions stay more or less the same for the QD's:QW whereas for
the InAs quantum dots they shift quite a lot from one location to
the next. Furthermore, the QD's:QW exhibit much stronger
band-filling effect than the InAs quantum dots. In order to
explain our experimental results, we have introduced the concept
of a strong coupling between the InAs quantum dots and the
InGaAs/GaAs quantum well strained by the quantum dots.
Imaging by photonic crystal without negative refraction
Authors: Fang Y
Published: July 2005

Diverse imaging of point source by a two-dimensional
photonic crystal slab with square lattice is studied by the
finite-difference time-domain method. Given proper frequencies,
there seems to be some special directions like channels guiding
the light propagation inside the photonic crystal, along which
some images will be created. Although a frequency employed is
within the range of resulting negative refraction according the
view of [1], the behavior of negative refraction can not been
found. It is suggest that except negative refraction there should
be multiple mechanisms making point image by two dimension
photonic crystal slab.
Brain as a paradigm of organ growth: Hedgehog–Gli signaling in neural stem cells and brain tumors
Authors: Stecca Barbara , Ruiz i Altaba Ariel
Published: July 2005

The Hedgehog–Gli (Hh–Gli) signaling pathway is essential for numerous events during the development of many animal cell types and organs. In particular, it controls neural cell precursor proliferation in dorsal brain structures and regulates the number of neural stem cells in distinct embryonic, perinatal, and adult niches, such as the developing neocortex, the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle of the forebrain, and the hippocampus. We have proposed that Hh–Gli signaling regulates dorsal brain growth during ontogeny and that its differential regulation underlays evolutionary change in the morphology (size and shape) of dorsal brain structures. It is also critically involved in sporadic brain tumorigenesis — as well as several other human cancers — suggesting that tumors derive from stem cells or progenitors maintaining an inappropriate active Hh–Gli pathway. Importantly, we and others have demonstrated that human sporadic tumors from the brain and other organs require sustained HH–GLI signaling for sustained growth and survival. Modulating HH–GLI signaling thus represents a novel rational avenue to treat, on one hand, brain degeneration and injury by inducing controlled HH–GLI‐mediated regeneration and growth, and on the other hand, to combat cancer by blocking its abnormal activity in tumor cells. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 64: 476–490, 2005
Role of morphogens in neural crest cell determination
Authors: Jones Natalie C. , Trainor Paul A.
Published: July 2005

The neural crest is a transient, migratory cell population found in all vertebrate embryos that generate a diverse range of cell and tissue derivatives including, but not limited, to the neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system, smooth muscle, connective tissue, melanocytes, craniofacial cartilage, and bone. Over the past few years, many studies have provided tremendous insights into understanding the mechanisms regulating the induction and migration of neural crest cell development. This review highlights the surprising and perhaps unexpected roles for morphogens in these distinct processes. A comparison of studies performed in several different vertebrates emphasizes the requirement for coordination between multiple signaling pathways in the induction and migration of neural crest cells in the developing embryo. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 64: 388–404, 2005
A finite volume method for large strain analysis of incompressible hyperelastic materials
Authors: Bijelonja I. , Demirdžić I. , Muzaferija S.
Published: July 2005

This paper describes development of a displacement–pressure based finite volume formulation for modelling of large strain problems involving incompressible hyperelastic materials. The method is based on the solution of the integral conservation equations governing momentum balance in total Lagrangian description. The incompressibility constraint is enforced by employing the integral form of the mass conservation equation in deformed configurations of the body. A Mooney–Rivlin incompressible material model is used for material description. A collocated variable arrangement is used and the spatial domain is discretized using finite volumes of an arbitrary polyhedral shape. A segregated approach is employed to solve resulting set of coupled non‐linear algebraic equations, utilizing a SIMPLE based algorithm for displacement–pressure coupling. Comparisons of numerical and analytical results show a very good agreement. For the limited range of cell topologies tested the developed method appears to be locking free. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Up‐regulated expression of ADAM17 in human colon carcinoma: co‐expression with EGFR in neoplastic and endothelial cells
Authors: Blanchot‐Jossic Frédérique , Jarry Anne , Masson Damien , Bach‐Ngohou Kalyane , Paineau Jacques , Denis Marc G , Laboisse Christian L , Mosnier Jean‐François
Published: July 2005

The ADAM17 metalloproteinase (a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17) controls epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation through regulated shedding of EGFR ligands. With the advent of new therapeutic options targeting EGFR signalling in colon carcinoma, it was decided to determine ADAM17 status in relation to clinico‐pathological parameters and EGFR status. To this end, a series of 39 colon carcinomas were analysed.

Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to localize ADAM17, EGFR, and the activated forms of EGFR. The activated form of ADAM17 was assessed in primary cancers and colon cell lines by immunoblotting. ADAM17 and EGFR mRNA levels were assessed by quantitative RT‐PCR. Chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) was used to quantify the HER1 gene. ADAM17 was strongly expressed in all tumours, by both neoplastic and endothelial cells. It was expressed both as a pro‐ and as an active form in tumours and colonic cancer cell lines. ADAM17 mRNA was up‐regulated in 90% of colon carcinomas relative to the paired normal mucosa, whatever the tumour grade or stage. When present, activated EGFR was co‐expressed with ADAM17 by colon carcinomas, although at a variable level among tumour cells, and by endothelial cells. EGFR mRNA was overexpressed in 77% of colon carcinomas compared with the paired normal mucosa. One case showed high‐level amplification of HER1. In conclusion, this study is the first demonstration that ADAM17 is overexpressed in human primary colon carcinoma, whatever the tumour stage and differentiation and whatever the level of EGFR expression. Its co‐expression with EGFR, in both neoplastic and endothelial cells, suggests a role for ADAM17 in tumour growth and angiogenesis. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prognostic value of MYCN and ID2 overexpression in neuroblastoma
Authors: Alaminos Miguel , Gerald William L. , Cheung Nai‐Kong V.
Published: July 2005

Background

The molecular mechanisms driven by overexpression of the MYCN gene in neuroblastoma are not well known. Whether MYCN overexpression in the absence of genomic amplification, or ID2 overexpression has prognostic value remains controversial.

Procedure

Ninety‐nine neuroblastic tumors from Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center and 12 neuroblastoma cell lines were analyzed by Affymetrix U95v2 Microarray System. The expression levels of the genes MYCN and ID2 were determined by RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry and the clinical value of the overexpression of both genes was determined.

Results

MYCN genomic amplification with overexpression was prognostic for survival (P = 0.0005). Stage 4 patients with MYCN amplification but without overexpression, had no increased likelihood of death, whereas cases with MYCN overexpression but no genomic amplification showed a low survival (P = 0.0096). ID2 did not correlate with MYCN expression (R = −0.23 for tumors and −0.27 for cell lines) or with survival (P = 0.8746).

Conclusions

MYCN amplification was not related to clinical outcome in the absence of overexpression in neuroblastoma tumors. ID2 expression appears to be independent of MYCN expression and lacks prognostic value. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunoassay and antibody microarray analysis of the HUPO Plasma Proteome Project reference specimens: Systematic variation between sample types and calibration of mass spectrometry data
Authors: Haab Brian B. , Geierstanger Bernhard H. , Michailidis George , Vitzthum Frank , Forrester Sara , Okon Ryan , Saviranta Petri , Brinker Achim , Sorette Martin , Perlee Lorah , Suresh Shubha , Drwal Garry , Adkins Joshua N. , Omenn Gilbert S.
Published: July 2005

Four different immunoassay and antibody microarray methods performed at four different sites were used to measure the levels of a broad range of proteins (N = 323 assays; 39, 88, 168, and 28 assays at the respective sites; 237 unique analytes) in the human serum and plasma reference specimens distributed by the Plasma Proteome Project (PPP) of the HUPO. The methods provided a means to (1) assess the level of systematic variation in protein abundances associated with blood preparation methods (serum, citrate‐anticoagulated‐plasma, EDTA‐anticoagulated‐plasma, or heparin‐anticoagulated‐plasma) and (2) evaluate the dependence on concentration of MS‐based protein identifications from data sets using the HUPO specimens. Some proteins, particularly cytokines, had highly variable concentrations between the different sample preparations, suggesting specific effects of certain anticoagulants on the stability or availability of these proteins. The linkage of antibody‐based measurements from 66 different analytes with the combined MS/MS data from 18 different laboratories showed that protein detection and the quality of MS data increased with analyte concentration. The conclusions from these initial analyses are that the optimal blood preparation method is variable between analytes and that the discovery of blood proteins by MS can be extended to concentrations below the ng/mL range under certain circumstances. Continued developments in antibody‐based methods will further advance the scientific goals of the PPP.
Immunoaffinity separation of plasma proteins by IgY microbeads: Meeting the needs of proteomic sample preparation and analysis
Authors: Huang Lei , Harvie Gulia , Feitelson Jerald S. , Gramatikoff Kosi , Herold David A. , Allen David L. , Amunngama Ravi , Hagler Rachel A. , Pisano Michael R. , Zhang Wei‐Wei , Fang Xiangming
Published: July 2005

Separation of complex protein mixtures that have a wide dynamic range of concentration, such as plasma or serum, is a challenge for proteomic analysis. Sample preparation to remove high‐abundant proteins is essential for proteomics analysis. Immunoglobulin yolk (IgY) antibodies have unique and advantageous features that enable specific protein removal to aid in the detection of low‐abundant proteins and biomarker discovery. This report describes the efficiency and effectiveness of IgY microbeads in separating 12 abundant proteins from plasma with an immunoaffinity spin column or LC column. The protein separation and sample preparation process was monitored via SDS‐PAGE, 2‐DE, LC‐MS/MS, or clinical protein assays. The data demonstrate the high specificity of the protein separation, with removal of 95–99.5% of the abundant proteins. IgY microbeads against human proteins can also selectively remove orthologous proteins of other mammals such as mouse, rat, etc. Besides the specificity and reproducibility of the IgY microbeads, the report discusses the factors that may cause potential variations in protein separation such as protein–protein interactions (known as “Interactome”), binding and washing conditions of immunoaffinity reagents, etc. A novel concept of Seppromics is introduced to address methodologies and science of protein separation in a context of proteomics.
A novel strategy using MASCOT Distiller for analysis of cleavable isotope‐coded affinity tag data to quantify protein changes in plasma
Authors: Leung Kit‐Yi , Lescuyer Pierre , Campbell James , Byers Helen L. , Allard Laure , Sanchez Jean‐Charles , Ward Malcolm A.
Published: July 2005

A novel strategy consisting of cleavable Isotope‐Coded Affinity Tag (cICAT) combined with MASCOT Distiller was evaluated as a tool for the quantification of proteins in ‘abnormal’ patient plasma, prepared by pooling samples from patients with acute stroke. Quantification of all light and heavy cICAT‐labelled peptide ion pairs was obtained using MASCOT Distiller combined with a proprietary software. Peptides displaying differences were selected for identification by MS. These preliminary results show the promise of our approach to identify potential biomarkers.
Web‐based data warehouse on gene expression in human colorectal cancer
Authors: Sagynaliev Emil , Steinert Ralf , Nestler Gerd , Lippert Hans , Knoch Manfred , Reymond Marc‐André
Published: July 2005

Based on biomedical literature databases, we tried a first step for constructing a gene expression “data warehouse” specific to human colorectal cancer (CRC). Results of genome‐wide transcriptomic research were available from 12 studies, using various technologies, namely, SAGE, cDNA and oligonucleotide arrays, and adaptor‐tagged amplification. Three studies analyzed CRC cell lines and nine studies of human samples. The total number of patients was 144. Out of 982 up‐ or down‐regulated genes, 863 (88%) were found to be differentially expressed in a single study, 88 in two studies, 22 in three studies, 7 in four studies, and only 2 genes in six studies. Eight large‐scale proteomics studies were published in CRC, using 2‐D‐, SDS‐ or free‐flow electrophoresis, involving only 11 patients. Out of 408 differentially expressed proteins, 339 (83%) were found to be differentially expressed only in a single study, 16 in three studies, 10 in four studies, 3 in five, and 1 in eight studies. Confirmation at proteome level of results obtained with large‐scale transcriptomics studies was possible in 25%. This proportion was higher (67%) for reproducing proteome results using transcriptomics technologies. Obviously, reproducibility and overlapping between published gene expression results at proteome and transcriptome level are low in human CRC. Thus, the development of standardized processes for collecting samples, storing, retrieving, and querying gene expression data obtained with different technologies is of central importance in translational research.
A wide range of protein isoforms in serum and plasma uncovered by a quantitative intact protein analysis system
Authors: Misek David E. , Kuick Rork , Wang Hong , Galchev Vladimir , Deng Bin , Zhao Rong , Tra John , Pisano Michael R. , Amunugama Ravi , Allen David , Walker Angela K. , Strahler John R. , Andrews Philip , Omenn Gilbert S. , Hanash Samir M.
Published: July 2005

We have implemented an orthogonal 3‐D intact protein analysis system (IPAS) to quantitatively profile protein differences between human serum and plasma. Reference specimens consisting of pooled Caucasian‐American serum, citrate‐anticoagulated plasma, and EDTA‐anticoagulated plasma were each depleted of six highly abundant proteins, concentrated, and labeled with a different Cy dye (Cy5, Cy3, or Cy2). A mixture consisting of each of the labeled samples was subjected to three dimensions of separation based on charge, hydrophobicity, and molecular mass. Differences in the abundance of proteins between each of the three samples were determined. More than 5000 bands were found to have greater than two‐fold difference in intensity between any pair of labeled specimens by quantitative imaging. As expected, some of the differences in band intensities between serum and plasma were attributable to proteins related to coagulation. Interestingly, many proteins were identified in multiple fractions, each exhibiting different pI, hydrophobicity, or molecular mass. This is likely reflective of the expression of different protein isoforms or specific protein cleavage products, as illustrated by complement component 3 precursor and clusterin. IPAS provides a high resolution, high sensitivity, and quantitative approach for the analysis of serum and plasma proteins, and allows assessment of PTMs as a potential source of biomarkers.
Novel block–comb/graft copolymers with the macromonomer strategy and anionic polymerization
Authors: Koutalas Giorgos , Lohse David J. , Hadjichristidis Nikos
Published: July 2005

The following block–comb/graft copolymers of styrene (S), isoprene (I), and butadiene (B)—PS‐b‐(PB‐g‐PB), PS‐b‐(PB‐g‐PB)‐b‐PS, (PB‐g‐PB)‐b‐P2VP, (PS‐g‐PB)‐b‐(PI‐g‐PS), (PS‐g‐PB)‐b‐(PI‐g‐PS)‐b‐(PB‐g‐PI), (PS‐g‐PB)‐b‐(PI‐g‐PS)‐b‐(PB‐g‐PI)‐b‐(PI‐g‐PS)‐b‐(PS‐g‐PB), and (PS)2(PB‐g‐PB) [where PS is polystyrene, PB is polybutadiene, P2VP is poly(2‐vinylpyridine) (2VP), and PI is polyisoprene]—were synthesized with the macromonomer strategy and anionic polymerization high‐vacuum techniques. The synthetic approach involves the synthesis and block copolymerization of styrenic macromonomers in situ without isolation. The prepared samples were characterized by size exclusion chromatography with a differential refractometer detector, size exclusion chromatography with a two‐angle laser light scattering detector, and NMR spectroscopy. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 4040–4049, 2005
Effect of freezing and thawing on microbial activity and glyphosate degradation in two Norwegian soils
Authors: Stenrød Marianne , Eklo Ole Martin , Charnay Marie‐Paule , Benoit Pierre
Published: July 2005

Little research has been done on pesticide dissipation in cold climates and there is a need to focus on the influence of climate on pesticide degradation in soil. Glyphosate, N‐(phosphonomethyl)glycine, is a herbicide frequently used for controlling perennial weeds through application after harvest and was used as a model compound for this study. The effect of freeze–thaw activity on the availability of glyphosate in soil, and consequently its mineralization by soil microorganisms, was studied through laboratory incubations of repacked soil cores treated with 14C‐labelled glyphosate and subjected to different freeze–thaw treatments. Winter simulation regimes applied were constant thaw (+5 °C), constant freezing (−5 °C), unstable conditions with short fluctuations (24 h of −5 °C followed by 24 h of +5 °C), and long duration fluctuations (3 weeks of −5 °C followed by 3 weeks of +5 °C). Distribution of 14C‐glyphosate was followed during the incubation through measurements of the mineralized fraction (14CO2), soil water fraction, KOH extractable fraction, and non‐extractable fraction. Microbial parameters used to characterize the soils were estimates of size of microbial biomass, overall microbial activity and microbial diversity. The constant freezing treatment exhibited the lowest amount of glyphosate mineralization. The constant thawed treatment and the treatments with fluctuating temperature exhibited significantly increased mineralization. These results were in accordance with the observed concentration of glyphosate in soil water; the higher the activity, the lower the concentration. The amount of glyphosate extractable with KOH and the resulting non‐extractable fraction, however, were not significantly affected by soil type or temperature regime. The glyphosate mineralization pattern was comparable with the overall microbial activity in the soils. Observed different levels of diversity might explain some of the difference in total glyphosate mineralization between soils. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Treatment methods for the determination of δ2H and δ18O of hair keratin by continuous‐flow isotope‐ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Bowen Gabriel J. , Chesson Lesley , Nielson Kristine , Cerling Thure E. , Ehleringer James R.
Published: July 2005

The structural proteins that comprise ∼90% of animal hair have the potential to record environmentally and physiologically determined variation in δ2H and δ18O values of body water. Broad, systematic, geospatial variation in stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes of environmental water and the capacity for rapid, precise measurement via methods such as high‐temperature conversion elemental analyzer/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (TC/EA‐IRMS) make these isotope systems particularly well suited for applications requiring the geolocation of hair samples. In order for such applications to be successful, however, methods must exist for the accurate determination of hair δ2H and δ18O values reflecting the primary products of biosynthesis. Here, we present the results of experiments designed to examine two potential inaccuracies affecting δ2H and δ18O measurements of hair: the contribution of non‐biologic hydrogen and oxygen to samples in the form of sorbed molecular water, and the exchange of hydroxyl‐bound hydrogen between hair keratin and ambient water vapor. We show that rapid sorption of molecular water from the atmosphere can have a substantial effect on measured δ2H and δ18O values of hair (comprising ∼7.7% of the measured isotopic signal for H and up to ∼10.6% for O), but that this contribution can be effectively removed through vacuum‐drying of samples for 6 days. Hydrogen exchange between hair keratin and ambient vapor is also rapid (reaching equilibrium within 3–4 days), with 9–16% of the total hydrogen available for exchange at room temperature. Based on the results of these experiments, we outline a recommended sample treatment procedure for routine measurement of δ2H and δ18O in mammal hair. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sustainable development (1987–2005): an oxymoron comes of age
Authors: Redclift Michael
Published: July 2005

The paper examines the conceptual history of ‘sustainable development’, from the Brundtland Commission's definition in 1987 to the present day. It argues that the superficial consensus that has characterized much of the early debate has given way to a series of parallel but distinct discourses around sustainability. The underlying assumptions behind much of the discussion are assessed, as is the move, after the first Earth Summit (1992), to focus on rights, rather than needs, as the principal line of enquiry. This analytical attention to rights is linked to the neo‐liberal economic agendas of the 1990s, and the growth of interest in congruent areas, including human security and the environment, social capital, critical natural capital and intellectual property rights. The paper argues that increasing attention to questions of biology and science studies has strengthened this ‘rights‐based’ approach, as well as interest in the linkages between ‘natural’ and ‘human’ systems, including attention to questions of environmental justice. It is clear that issues of global environmental justice are as important as they were when the concept of ‘sustainable development’ was in its infancy, but the new material realities of science and the environment in the 21st century demand a re‐engagement with their social consequences, something which is largely ignored by the (market) liberal consensus. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Enzyme inhibitors as chemical tools to study enzyme catalysis: rational design, synthesis, and applications
Authors: Hiratake Jun
Published: July 2005

Carefully designed molecules that are intimately related to the reaction mechanism of enzymes are often highly selective and potent inhibitors that serve as extremely useful chemical probes for understanding the reaction mechanism and structure of enzymes. This article describes the design, synthesis, and applications of specific inhibitors of two mechanistically distinct groups of enzymes, ATP‐dependent amide ligases and Ser‐ and Thr‐hydrolases. Our strategy is based on the premise that stable analogues of the transition state (transition‐state analogues) are highly potent inhibitors that serve as good mechanistic probes, and that a key structure of a good inhibitor of one enzyme is also utilized for the inhibitors of other enzymes that share the same chemistry in their catalyzed reactions, irrespective of the degree of structural similarity and evolutionary link between the enzymes. According to these principles, we designed and synthesized a series of phosphinate‐ and sulfoximine‐based transition‐state analogue inhibitors of glutathione synthetase, γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase and asparagine synthetase. For the second group of enzymes, we synthesized a γ‐monofluorophosphono glutamate analogue for mechanism‐based affinity labeling of γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase and fluorescent phosphonic acid esters for the active‐site titration of lipase. These inhibitors were used successfully as ligands for detailed kinetic analyses, X‐ray crystallography, and mass analysis of the enzymes to identify the key amino acid residues responsible for catalysis and substrate recognition in the transition state. © 2005 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 5: 209–228; 2005: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20045