bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constitutive and blood meal‐induced trypsin genes in Lutzomyia longipalpis
Authors: Telleria Erich Loza , Pitaluga André nóbrega , Ortigão‐Farias João Ramalho , de Araújo Adriana Pereira Oliveira , Ramalho‐Ortigão José Marcelo , Traub‐Cseko Yara Maria
Published: September 2007

Trypsins constitute some of the most abundant midgut digestive proteases expressed by hematophagous insects upon blood feeding. In addition to their role in the digestion of the blood meal, these proteases also have been implicated in the ability of certain pathogens to infect their natural vector. In sand flies, digestive proteases including trypsins were associated with early killing of Leishmania and are believed to play a role in the species‐specificity dictating sand fly vectorial capacity. Our group is involved in studies of midgut digestive proteases in the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis, the principal vector of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil. Here we report on the identification of two cDNAs, Lltryp1 and Lltryp2, which code for putative midgut trypsins in L. longipalpis. Analyses of RNA abundance using semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR show a different pattern of expression between the two genes. Lltryp1 expression remains undetected until blood feeding and reaches a peak at 12 h post‐blood meal (PBM), returning to pre‐blood meal levels at 72 h PBM. Additionally, Lltryp1 expression is undetected during larval development. Lltryp2, on the other hand, is constitutively expressed as high levels in the non‐blood fed female, but is reduced upon blood feeding. At the end of the digestive cycle, Lltryp2 regains its pre‐blood meal levels. This cDNA also is present in all developmental stages and in adult males. This pattern of expression is reminiscent of what is seen in mosquitoes and Old World sand flies, but has characteristics that are unique to L. longipalpis. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 66:53–63, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimized bone regeneration based on sustained release from three‐dimensional fibrous PLGA/HAp composite scaffolds loaded with BMP‐2
Authors: Fu Yin‐Chih , Nie Hemin , Ho Mei‐Ling , Wang Chih‐Kuang , Wang Chi‐Hwa
Published: September 2007

Contemporary treatment of critical bone defect remains a significant challenge in the field of orthopedic surgery. Engineered biomaterials combined with growth factors have emerged as a new treatment alternative in bone repair and regeneration. Our approach is to encapsulate bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) into a polymeric matrix in different ways and characterize their individual performance in a nude mouse model. The main objective of this study is to examine whether the PLGA/HAp composite fibrous scaffolds loaded with BMP‐2 through electrospinning can improve bone regeneration. The hypothesis is that different loading methods of BMP‐2 and different HAp contents in scaffolds can alternate the release profiles of BMP‐2 in vivo, therefore modify the performance of scaffolds in bone regeneration. Firstly, mechanical strength of scaffolds and HAp nanoparticles distribution in scaffolds were investigated. Secondly, nude mice experiments extended to 6 weeks were carried out to test the in vivo performance of these scaffolds, in which measurements, like serum BMP‐2 concentration, ALP activity, X‐ray qualification, and H&E/IHC tissue staining were utilized to monitor the growth of new bone and the changes of the corresponding biochemical parameters. The results showed that the PLGA/HAp composite scaffolds developed in this study exhibited good morphology/mechanical strength and HAp nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed inside PLGA matrix. Results from the animal experiments indicate that the bioactivity of BMP‐2 released from the fibrous PLGA/HAp composite scaffolds is well maintained, which further improves the formation of new bone and the healing of segmental defects in vivo. It is concluded that BMP‐2 loaded PLGA/HAp composite scaffolds are promising for bone healing. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008; 99; 996–1006. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shear‐induced intracellular loading of cells with molecules by controlled microfluidics
Authors: Hallow Daniel M. , Seeger Richard A. , Kamaev Pavel P. , Prado Gustavo R. , LaPlaca Michelle C. , Prausnitz Mark R.
Published: September 2007

This study tested the hypothesis that controlled flow through microchannels can cause shear‐induced intracellular loading of cells with molecules. The overall goal was to design a simple device to expose cells to fluid shear stress and thereby increase plasma membrane permeability. DU145 prostate cancer cells were exposed to fluid shear stress in the presence of fluorescent cell‐impermeant molecules by using a cone‐and‐plate shearing device or high‐velocity flow through microchannels. Using a syringe pump, cell suspensions were flowed through microchannels of 50–300 µm diameter drilled through Mylar® sheets using an excimer laser. As quantified by flow cytometry, intracellular uptake and loss of viability correlated with the average shear stress. Optimal results were observed when exposing the cells to high shear stress for short durations in conical channels, which yielded uptake to over one‐third of cells while maintaining viability at approximately 80%. This method was capable of loading cells with molecules including calcein (0.62 kDa), large molecule weight dextrans (150–2,000 kDa), and bovine serum albumin (66 kDa). These results supported the hypothesis that shear‐induced intracellular uptake could be generated by flow of cell suspensions through microchannels and further led to the design of a simple, inexpensive, and effective device to deliver molecules into cells. Such a device could benefit biological research and the biotechnology industry. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 846–854. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (+)‐Ottelione A, (−)‐Ottelione B, (+)‐3‐epi‐Ottelione A and Preliminary Evaluation of Their Antitumor Activity
Authors: Araki Hiroshi , Inoue Munenori , Suzuki Takeyuki , Yamori Takao , Kohno Michiaki , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Abe Hideki , Katoh Tadashi
Published: September 2007

Enantioselective total synthesis of (+)‐ottelione A (1) and (−)‐ottelione B (2), novel and potent antitumor agents from a freshwater plant, and (+)‐3‐epi‐ottelione A (3), the earlier proposed stereostructure of 1, was efficiently achieved starting from the known tricyclic compound 10. The synthesis involved the following key steps: i) coupling reactions of aldehydes 8 and 9 with the aromatic portion 7 (8+7→15 and 9+7→27), ii) base‐induced hemiacetal‐opening/epimerization reactions of the cyclic hemiacetals 6 and 27 (6→17 and 27 a→26 a), and iii) Corey–Winter's reductive olefination of the cyclic thiocarbonates 21 and 36 (21→22 and 36→37). The present total synthesis fully established the absolute configuration of these natural products. The cell growth inhibition profile, COMPARE analysis, and tubulin inhibitory assay of (+)‐3‐epi‐ottelione A (3) and its O‐acetyl derivative 24 demonstrated that these unnatural substances could be prominent lead compounds for the development of anticancer agents with a novel mode of action.
Disulfides, Imines, and Metal Coordination within a Single System: Interplay between Three Dynamic Equilibria
Authors: Sarma Rupam J. , Otto Sijbren , Nitschke Jonathan R.
Published: September 2007

We report a system in which three distinct dynamic linkages, disulfide (SS), imine (CN), and coordinative (N→metal) bonds were shown to be capable of simultaneous reversible exchange. The “disulfide layer” of the system under study consists of two homo‐disulfides, bis(4‐aminophenyl) disulfide 1 and bis(4‐methoxyphenyl) disulfide 2 that equilibrate in the presence of catalytic amount of triethylamine to favor the formation of a hetero‐disulfide product, 4‐aminophenyl‐4′‐methoxyphenyl disulfide 3. The addition of 2‐formylpyridine and a metal salt strongly perturbed this 1+2⇄3 equilibrium through the formation of metal complexes incorporating disulfide 1 as a subcomponent. CuI perturbed the equilibrium by a factor of 3.3, and FeII by a factor of 179, in both cases in favor of the homo‐disulfides. The disulfide equilibrium could be further modified, following metal‐complex formation, by coordinative (transmetallation: substitution of FeII for CuI) or covalent (imine exchange: the substitution of one amine residue for another) exchange. Thus, although the three kinds of dynamic linkages were demonstrated to be mutually compatible, changes at one kind of linkage could be used to predictably perturb an equilibrium involving another.
A network‐centric approach for access and interface selection in heterogeneous wireless environments
Authors: Koundourakis George , Axiotis Dimitrios I. , Argyropoulos Michael , Theologou Michael
Published: September 2007

In this paper, we introduce a network‐based approach for access and interface selection (AIS) in the context of resource management in heterogeneous wireless environments (UMTS, WLAN and DVB‐T). We focus on the optimization of resource utilization, while ensuring acceptable quality of service (QoS) provision to the end users. Our objective is to optimally manage the overall system resources and minimize the possibility of QoS handovers (non‐mobility handovers). The adopted architecture applies to typical heterogeneous environments and network entities (Access Routers) are enhanced with extra functionalities. We propose an AIS algorithm that exploits the multihoming concept and globally manages network resources at both radio access and IP backbone networks. The algorithm can estimate near‐optimal solutions in real time and we also introduce a novel triggering policy. We present simulation results of typical scenarios that demonstrate the advantages of our approach. System performance metrics, derived from the simulations, show minimum degradations in high load and congestion situations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Operational Limits of Controlled Current Coulometry with Ion‐Selective Polymeric Membranes
Authors: Bhakthavatsalam Vishnupriya , Bakker Eric
Published: September 2007

Plasticized polymeric membrane electrodes containing selective chemical receptors (ionophores) that are used in potentiometric and optical sensors have recently been shown to be attractive in controlled current coulometry for calibration free reagent delivery. For this purpose, a galvanostatic pulse of fixed duration is applied across an ion‐selective membrane containing added ion‐exchanger sites, resulting in the release of a calculated amount of ions from the membrane into the sample phase. This paper evaluates the operational limits of such coulometric actuators with chronopotentiometry, using silver‐selective membranes as model systems. Diffusion theory predicts the depletion of ionophore and ion‐exchanger at one of the two interfaces in a matter of minutes, owing to the relatively small diffusion coefficients in such membranes. Chronopotentiometry on membranes containing lipophilic cations at either side of the membrane, rather than silver ions, confirms that the ionophore depletes at the inner side of the membrane. At the sample side, ionophore is expected to increase in concentration and does not result in a loss of selectivity. Chronopotentiometric responses show a drastic transition at long times, typically 30 min, which cannot plausibly be explained by the depletion of added lipophilic ion‐exchanger at the sample side since the diffusion coefficients are similar to that of ionophore. It is postulated that the intrinsic anion‐exchanger sites of the PVC matrix are relatively immobile and do not easily concentration polarize upon application of a transmembrane current pulse, in agreement with Buck's earlier work on fixed site membranes. Indeed, silver and calcium‐selective membranes fabricated with increased concentrations of such fixed sites, by using carboxylated PVC, exhibited chronopotentiometric breakdown times larger than 60 min and no loss in coulometric efficiency. The results obtained here will help in designing coulometric actuators with improved characteristics on the basis of hydrophobic polymeric ion‐selective membranes.
A Miniature Electrolytic Conductivity Probe with a Wide Linear Range
Authors: Park Sang‐Ryoul , Swerdlow Harold
Published: September 2007

A novel miniature electrolytic conductivity probe and its successful operation with modified bipolar pulse conductometry are presented. The probe based on a concentric ring‐disk electrode configuration of less than 1 mm in diameter featured extremely small detection volume, and conductivity was measured with a 1 μL solution. Rapid response, easy and quick washing, and virtually no consumption of samples by measurements were additional advantages of the suggested probe design. Poor linearity was observed with conventional AC conductometry due to a large cell constant and a small double layer capacitance of the probe. Measurement circuits for modified bipolar pulse conductometry were designed, and optimization of the various pulse parameters led to a wide linear dynamic range of 0.05–10 mS cm−1, thus achieving high accuracy with a single‐point calibration. The suggested conductometric device could be conveniently applied to biological reagents and samples that are usually too little to be measured with conventional conductometers.
The Cyclic Renewable Mercury Film Silver Based Electrode for Determination of Uranium(VI) Traces Using Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry
Authors: Piech Robert , Baś Bogusław , Kubiak Władysław W.
Published: September 2007

The new cyclic renewable mercury film silver based electrode (Hg(Ag)FE), applied for the determination of uranium(VI) traces using differential pulse adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (DP AdCSV) is presented. The Hg(Ag)FE electrode with a surface area adjustable from 1.1 to 12 mm2 is characterized by very good surface reproducibility (≤2%) and long‐term stability (more than 2 thousand measurement cycles). The mechanical refreshing of mercury film is realized in the simple constructed device, in a time shorter than 1–2 seconds. The effects of various factors such as: preconcentration potential and time, pulse height, step potential and supporting electrolyte composition are optimized. The calibration graph is linear from 0.4 nM (95 ng L−1) to 250 nM (60 μg L−1) for an accumulation time of tacc=20 s, with correlation coefficient of 0.9996. For a Hg(Ag)FE with a surface area of 2.7 mm2 the detection limit for an accumulation time of 120 s is as low as 12 ng L−1. The repeatability of the method at a concentration level of the analyte as low as 2.4 μg L−1, expressed as RSD is 2.5% (n=7). The proposed method was successfully applied and validated by studying the recovery of U(VI) from spiked river water and sediment samples.
Voltammetric Determination of Mercury(II) at Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) Film Electrode. Effect of Halide Ions
Authors: Tamer Uğur , Oymak Tülay , Ertaş Nusret
Published: September 2007

The well‐known method for the determination of mercury(II), which is based on the anodic stripping voltammetry of mercury(II), has been adapted for applications at the thin film poly(3‐hexylthiophene) polymer electrode. Halide ions have been found to increase the sensitivity of the mercury response and shift it more positive potentials. This behavior is explained by formation of mercuric halide which can be easily deposited and stripped from the polymer electrode surface. The procedure was optimized for mercury determination. For 120 s accumulation time, detection limit of 5 ng mL−1 mercury(II) has been observed. The relative standard deviation is 1.3% at 40 ng mL−1 mercury(II). The performance of the polymer film studied in this work was evaluated in the presence of surfactants and some potential interfering metal ions such as cadmium, lead, copper and nickel.
Genotoxicity of three mouthwash products, Cepacol®, Periogard®, and Plax®, in the Drosophila wing‐spot test
Authors: Rodrigues Fábio , Lehmann Maurício , do Amaral Viviane Souza , Reguly Maria Luíza , de Andrade Heloísa Helena Rodrigues
Published: September 2007

Antiseptic mouthwashes used in biofilm control are widely available in the marketplace, despite inconsistent data concerning their genetic and cellular toxicity. In the present study, we investigated the genotoxic potential of three antiseptics currently used for odontologic treatment, Cepacol® (containing cetylpyridinium chloride), Periogard® (chlorhexidine digluconate), and Plax® (triclosan). Genotoxicity was evaluated using the Somatic Mutation and Recombination Test (SMART) in Drosophila melanogaster, employing flies having normal bioactivation (the standard cross) and flies with increased cytochrome P450‐dependent biotransformation capacity (the high bioactivation cross). Periogard and Plax produced negative responses in both types of flies; however, Cepacol (75 and 100%) produced positive responses in both the standard and high bioactivation assays, with the genotoxic responses mainly due to the induction of mitotic recombination. Assays performed with ethanol and cetylpirydinium chloride, two major ingredients of Cepacol, indicated that the genotoxity of the mouthwash is likely to be due to ethanol. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Attachment styles, memories of parental rearing and therapeutic bond: a study with eating disordered patients, their parents and therapists
Authors: Tereno Susana , Soares Isabel , Martins Carla , Celani Mariana , Sampaio Daniel
Published: September 2007

Patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (n = 30) and bulimia nervosa (n = 27), their parents and therapists were recruited for this study aimed at examining differences between clinical groups and a control group (n = 35) in terms of attachment styles and perceptions of memories of parental rearing. Within the clinical groups, relations among these variables and therapeutic bond were explored. In addition, parents' and their daughters' attachment styles were compared. The results showed differences between clinical and control groups: the daughters in the control group reported lower levels of attachment anxiety compared to those of the clinical groups; their mothers exhibited higher security than mothers of anorectic patients and lower avoidance than mothers of bulimic patients. For the anorectic group, therapeutic bond was associated to higher father's emotional support and lower rejection; in the bulimic group, therapeutic bond was related to higher maternal emotional support and lower rejection as well as to lower paternal overprotection. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Application of a 3D laser scanner in the assessment of erosion and deposition volumes and channel change in a proglacial river
Authors: Milan David J. , Heritage George L. , Hetherington David
Published: September 2007

Previous studies of channel morphological change have often relied upon sparse spatial and temporal data‐sets, resulting in a degree of uncertainty in their conclusions. Furthermore, previous methodologies have been unable to quantify small‐scale changes in channels composed of sand and fine gravel due to inadequate data density. This study reports the use of a high‐resolution 3D laser scanner (LMS‐Z210) in the assessment of erosion and deposition volumes in the proglacial zone of Glacier du Ferpècle and Mont Miné, Switzerland. High‐resolution (>500 points/m2) data obtained across a 5881 m2 area of braid plain during the early part of the melt‐water season permitted digital elevation models (DEMs) of bar surfaces and channels to be produced. The approach negates the need for complex surface interpolation algorithms required in surveys with lower point density, e.g. those obtained from global positioning systems or total stations. Furthermore, the technique has the advantage of being able to cover a large area over a comparatively short time period. Laser scanner returns revealed high vertical precision, ±0·02 m, for dry bar surfaces; however, submerged areas (<0·2 m depth) returned lower precision, with a range of −0·15 to +0·06 m. To account for this, different levels of detection (LoD) were applied to the dry and wet parts of the study reach during DEM subtraction. Subtraction of successive DEMs revealed two short depositional episodes over the ten‐day study, with erosion dominating in between. Three episodes of avulsion were identified, two of which appeared to be triggered by constriction avulsion, whilst the other was initiated by bar‐edge erosion. Transient lobes and sediment sheets could also be identified at the downstream end of the reach, as could lobe progradation. Relatively minor, but common, changes in channel morphology could also be detected, such as bar edge accretion, bank erosion and chute development. In an analysis of the effects of survey frequency upon volumes calculated following DEM subtraction, daily surveys were found to increase erosion volumes by 67 per cent and deposition volumes by 14 per cent when compared with an 8‐day survey interval. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The value of the clock drawing test and the mini‐mental state examination for identifying vascular cognitive impairment no dementia
Authors: Zhou Aihong , Jia Jianping
Published: September 2007

Objective

To determine the validity of the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) and the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) respectively or in combination for differentiating Vascular Cognitive Impairment No Dementia (V‐CIND) from normal subjects.

Methods

Eighty V‐CIND patients and 80 healthy control subjects were blindly evaluated with MMSE, CDT, and additional neuropsychological tests. CDT was scored according to the Rouleau method and AD Cooperative Study method. Sensitivities and specificities of the two CDT measures and MMSE for identifying V‐CIND patients were determined. The Areas Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUCs) were compared, and the sensitivity of the combination of CDT with MMSE calculated.

Results

V‐CIND group performed worse than controls on both MMSE (p < 0.0001) and the two CDTs (p < 0.0001). In differentiating V‐CIND patients from normal subjects, the two CDT measures provided sensitivities of 68.7% and 65.0%, and specificities of 78.7% and 86.2% respectively at optimal cutoff scores, which did no better than MMSE (sensitivity 80%, specificity 70%) (comparison of the AUCs, p = 0.992 and 0.428). The sensitivity of MMSE was marginally higher than that of CDT scored with AD Cooperative Study method (p = 0.053). By combining the two CDT measures with MMSE, the sensitivity was improved to 93.7% and 92.5% respectively.

Conclusions

Compared with MMSE, CDT is of only similar or even weaker ability for identifying V‐CIND. MMSE at a cutoff of 28 may be of some value in detecting V‐CIND patients. CDT and MMSE in combination provide a valid instrument for V‐CIND screening. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Configurational assignment of N‐arylsulfonylimines of α‐polychloroaldehydes
Authors: Krivdin Leonid B. , Chernyshev Kirill A. , Rosentsveig Gulnur N. , Ushakova Irina V. , Rosentsveig Igor B. , Levkovskaya Galina G.
Published: September 2007

Configurational assignment of seven synthesized N‐arylsulfonylimines of α‐polychloroaldehydes has been carried out by means of experimental measurements and high‐level ab initio calculations of their 13C13C, 13C1H and 15N1H spin–spin coupling constants. The title compounds were shown to exist in solution solely in the form of E isomers, in line with thermodynamic reasoning. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiscale multiresolution genetic algorithm with a golden sectioned population composition
Authors: Kim Dae Seung , Jung Dong Hoon , Kim Yoon Young
Published: September 2007

A new genetic algorithm (GA) strategy called the multiscale multiresolution GA is proposed for expediting solution convergence by orders of magnitude. The motivation for this development was to apply GAs to a certain class of large optimization problems, which are otherwise nearly impossible to solve. For the algorithm, standard binary design variables are binary wavelet transformed to multiscale design variables. By working with the multiscale variables, evolution can proceed in multiresolution; converged solutions at a low resolution are reused as a part of individuals of the initial population for the next resolution evolution. It is shown that the best solution convergence can be achieved if three initial population groups having different fitness levels are mixed at the golden section ratio. An analogy between cell division and the proposed multiscale multiresolution strategy is made. The specific applications of the developed method are made in topology optimization problems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of withanolides in root and leaf of Withania somnifera by HPLC with photodiode array and evaporative light scattering detection
Authors: Chaurasiya Narayan Das , Uniyal Girish Chandra , Lal Payare , Misra Laxminarain , Sangwan Neelam Singh , Tuli Rakesh , Sangwan Rajender Singh
Published: September 2007

A reversed‐phase HPLC method for the simultaneous analysis of nine structurally similar withanolides, namely, 27‐hydroxy withanone, 17‐hydroxy withaferin A, 17‐hydroxy‐27‐deoxy withaferin A, withaferin A, withanolide D, 27‐hydroxy withanolide B, withanolide A, withanone and 27‐deoxywithaferin A, has been developed using a linear binary gradient solvent system comprising methanol and water containing 0.1% acetic acid. Both photodiode array and evaporative light scattering detection were used to profile the extract compositions and to quantify the withanolides therein. Homogeneity and purity of each peak was ascertained by comparative evaluation of the on‐line UV spectra of the eluted compounds with those of the reference compounds. The method has been validated with respect to various parameters of performance quality including computation regression analysis based on calibration curves, peak resolution factor, asymmetry factor, tailing factor, RSD (%) of retention time and peak area response, limit of quantivation, limit of detection, precision and recovery. The developed method has been applied to the analysis of leaf and root tissues of Withania somnifera for withanolide content. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of crystalline peripheral chain length on the solid‐state assemblies of amphiphilic dendrons
Authors: Chung Yeon‐Wook , Lee Byung‐Ill , Kim Hyun‐Yu , Wiesner Ulrich , Cho Byoung‐Ki
Published: September 2007

We prepared third‐generation amphiphilic dendrons 3‐14 and 3‐18 consisting of a hydrophilic aliphatic polyether dendritic core and either tetradecyl or octadecyl peripheries, respectively. Their solid‐state self‐assembly behavior was investigated by comparison with 3‐22 having the same dendritic core and longer docosyl peripheries. In marked contrast to the lamellar assembly of 3‐22, small‐angle X‐ray analysis suggested that 3‐14 and 3‐18 show oblique columnar structures with presumably elliptical cross sections. The observed results can be rationalized by dendron shape anisotropy, which is strongly associated with the degree of crystallization as a function of alkyl chain length. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 4988–4994, 2007
Operational definition of intrinsically unstructured protein sequences based on susceptibility to the 20S proteasome
Authors: Tsvetkov Peter , Asher Gad , Paz Aviv , Reuven Nina , Sussman Joel L. , Silman Israel , Shaul Yosef
Published: September 2007

Intrinsically unstructured proteins (IUPs), also known as natively unfolded proteins, lack well‐defined secondary and tertiary structure under physiological conditions. In recent years, growing experimental and theoretical evidence has accumulated, indicating that many entire proteins and protein sequences are unstructured under physiological conditions, and that they play significant roles in diverse cellular processes. Bioinformatic algorithms have been developed to identify such sequences in proteins for which structural data are lacking, but still generate substantial numbers of false positives and negatives. We describe here a simple and reliable in vitro assay for identifying IUP sequences based on their susceptibility to 20S proteasomal degradation. We show that 20S proteasomes digest IUP sequences, under conditions in which native, and even molten globule states, are resistant. Furthermore, we show that protein–protein interactions can protect IUPs against 20S proteasomal action. Taken together, our results thus suggest that the 20S proteasome degradation assay provides a powerful system for operational definition of IUPs. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Compatibility factor for the power output of a thermogenerator
Authors: Seifert W. , Müller E. , Snyder G. J. , Walczak S.
Published: September 2007

The compatibility approach introduced by Snyder and Ursell enables the description of both thermoelectric generator (TEG) and Peltier cooler (TEC) within the framework of a unified 1D model. Both TEG's efficiencyηand TEC's coefficient of performance (C.O.P.) can be formulated in terms of the reduced current densityu, which has been introduced as a new, intensive state variable of a thermoelectric system. Forηand C.O.P., integral expressions are formed from additive contributions of all length segments of a thermoelectric ele‐ment, enabling exact calculation of these quantities even for arbitrarily graded elements. Maximization of these global performance parameters can thus be deduced to local maximization. Here the maximum power from a TEG with fixed length but variable heat supply is considered, which leads to the new concept of power‐related compatibility and to the introduction of a new, different compatibility factor. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A comparison of surveillance methods for small incidence rates
Authors: Sego Landon H. , Woodall William H. , Reynolds Marion R.
Published: September 2007

A number of methods have been proposed for detecting an increase in the incidence rate of a rare health event, such as a congenital malformation. Among these are the sets method, two modifications of the sets method, and the CUSUM method based on the Poisson distribution. We consider the situation where data are observed as a sequence of Bernoulli trials and propose the Bernoulli CUSUM chart as a desirable method for the surveillance of rare health events. We compared the performance of the sets method and its modifications with that of the Bernoulli CUSUM chart under a wide variety of circumstances. Chart design parameters were chosen to satisfy a minimax criteria. We used the steady‐state average run length to measure chart performance instead of the average run length (ARL), which was used in nearly all previous comparisons involving the sets method or its modifications. Except in a very few instances, we found that the Bernoulli CUSUM chart has better steady‐state ARL performance than
the sets method and its modifications for the extensive number of cases considered. Thus, we recommend the use of the Bernoulli CUSUM chart to monitor small incidence rates and provide practical advice for its implementation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent technologies of joints for HV and EHV XLPE cables in Japan
Authors: Toya Atsuhi , Shimazu Masaki , Umeda Shinji , Nishikawa Satoshi
Published: September 2007

In Japan, XLPE cables are widely used for transmission lines and it is estimated that the ratio of XLPE will increase even more. The Investigation Committee of The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan (IEEJ), consisting of engineers from universities, all power utilities, all the major cable manufacturers, etc., has investigated the trend of the accessories (joint and termination) for XLPE cables of 66 kV and above in Japan for 3 years. This paper reports the results of this investigation. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Technical trends of high voltage and large capacity underground power cables
Authors: Morishita Yukinobu
Published: September 2007

A 275 kV cross‐linked polyethylene (XLPE) cable with a large size conductor is mainly used for large‐capacity underground transmission lines in Japan. Furthermore, 275 kV gas insulated transmission line (GIL), which has a larger transmission capacity than 275 kV XLPE cable, has been developed and is in operation. The achievements regarding high voltage, large capacity underground transmission lines applied by the Chubu Electric Power Company will be introduced. In addition to these technologies, recent technical trends such as Rubber Blocked Joints (RBJ) will be presented. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Behavior of surfactant mixtures in model oily‐soil detergency studies
Authors: Aronson M. P. , Gum M. L. , Goddard E. D.
Published: September 2007

A study of roll‐up in a model oily‐soil detergent system has shown that the addition of a second surfactant in a minor amount to an effective detergent can either enhance or inhibit roll‐up. Which effect takes place depends on the relative surface activity of the components, the levels used, and, for ionic surfactants, the electrolyte content. Addition of anionic surfactants can reduce the performance of an effective nonionic under low ionic strength/low hardness conditions. However, in high ionic strength/high hardness solutions, where the anionic is effective, the situation is reversed and addition of the nonionic component can, in some cases, reduce the rate of roll‐up. Roll‐up behavior appears to be controlled by the oil/ water interfacial tension. When the interfacial tension increases above a critical value, roll‐up is inhibited. A theory that has been used to predict surface tensions of mixtures is also useful in estimating oil/water interfacial tensions. The theory provides an understanding of why the interfacial tension can rise when mixed micelles are formed.
Surfactants in coal technology
Authors: Schick M. J. , Villa J. L.
Published: September 2007

The principal uses of surfactants and related compounds in coal technology are the control of coal dust, the purification of coal from admixtures by flotation, the dispersion of coal in water for transportation through pipelines and as a fuel system, the dispersion of coal in fuel with subsequent burning of the coal/oil mixture, demineralization of coal, freeze‐conditioning agents and side‐car release agents for railroad transport of coal. These applications have been reviewed in this order. This overview demonstrates that the use of surfactants in coal technology is rapidly growing with the increasing interest in utilizing coal as a source of energy and that basic studies are in progress to explain the underlying surface chemical phenomenon.
Role of Fatty Acid Binding Proteins and Long Chain Fatty Acids in Modulating Nuclear Receptors and Gene Transcription
Authors: Schroeder Friedhelm , Petrescu Anca D. , Huang Huan , Atshaves Barbara P. , McIntosh Avery L. , Martin Gregory G. , Hostetler Heather A. , Vespa Aude , Landrock Danilo , Landrock Kerstin K. , Payne H. Ross , Kier Ann B.
Published: September 2007

Abnormal energy regulation may significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. For rapid control of energy homeostasis, allosteric and posttranslational events activate or alter activity of key metabolic enzymes. For longer impact, transcriptional regulation is more effective, especially in response to nutrients such as long chain fatty acids (LCFA). Recent advances provide insights into how poorly water‐soluble lipid nutrients [LCFA; retinoic acid (RA)] and their metabolites (long chain fatty acyl Coenzyme A, LCFA‐CoA) reach nuclei, bind their cognate ligand‐activated receptors, and regulate transcription for signaling lipid and glucose catabolism or storage: (i) while serum and cytoplasmic LCFA levels are in the 200 μM–mM range, real‐time imaging recently revealed that LCFA and LCFA‐CoA are also located within nuclei (nM range); (ii) sensitive fluorescence binding assays show that LCFA‐activated nuclear receptors [peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPARα) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α)] exhibit high affinity (low nM Kds) for LCFA (PPARα) and/or LCFA‐CoA (PPARα, HNF4α)—in the same range as nuclear levels of these ligands; (iii) live and fixed cell immunolabeling and imaging revealed that some cytoplasmic lipid binding proteins [liver fatty acid binding protein (L‐FABP), acyl CoA binding protein (ACBP), cellular retinoic acid binding protein‐2 (CRABP‐2)] enter nuclei, bind nuclear receptors (PPARα, HNF4α, CRABP‐2), and activate transcription of genes in fatty acid and glucose metabolism; and (iv) studies with gene ablated mice provided physiological relevance of LCFA and LCFA‐CoA binding proteins in nuclear signaling. This led to the hypothesis that cytoplasmic lipid binding proteins transfer and channel lipidic ligands into nuclei for initiating nuclear receptor transcriptional activity to provide new lipid nutrient signaling pathways that affect lipid and glucose catabolism and storage.
A new episode of low back pain: Who relies on bed rest?
Authors: Verbunt Jeanine A. , Sieben Judith , Vlaeyen Johan W.S. , Portegijs Piet , Knottnerus J. André
Published: September 2007

Bed rest has been shown to be an ineffective treatment for non‐specific low back pain (LBP). Despite this, during a new episode of pain some patients still rely on bed rest. Which patients choose bed rest is however unknown. The objectives of the present study were, firstly, to assess characteristics of patients choosing bed rest in (sub)acute pain and secondly to study whether prolonged bed rest in the (sub)acute phase of pain will result in long term disability. A prospective longitudinal cohort study included 282 patients with non‐specific LBP for less than 7 weeks. Main outcome measures were duration of bed rest (in three categories) and disability. Results showed that 33% of patients with (sub)acute LBP had bed rest, but only 8% stayed in bed for more than four days. An ordinal regression analysis revealed that behavioural factors (catastrophizing (OR=1.05 per bed rest category p<0.01)) and fear of injury (OR=1.05 per category p<0.01) rather than specific pain related factors (pain history (OR=0.61 per category p=0.16) and pain intensity (OR=1.00 per category p=0.63)) were associated with bed rest. Patients with prolonged bed rest in an early phase of pain were still more disabled after one year (p<0.01). Based on these results we conclude that prolonged bed rest in the early phase of pain is associated with a higher long term disability level. In preventing low back disability, GP screening for catastrophizing and fear of injury in LBP patients who had prolonged bed rest merits consideration.
A community program for women's health and development: Implications for the long‐term care of women with fistulas
Authors: Mohammad R.H.
Published: September 2007

The Women's Health and Development project, also known as FORWARD, was set up to improve the social, economic, and health status of women affected with vesico‐vaginal fistulas. The project takes a holistic approach not only by providing surgical repair and rehabilitation, but also through the development of skills that will help women improve their physical and economic well‐being. In addition, to prevent vesico‐vaginal fistulas in young women, the project organizes campaigns to bring about a culture fostering the education and empowerment of women. These campaigns also raise awareness on general health, reproductive health and rights, and the necessity of integrating women into mainstream community development programs. In 2006, the project was in its seventh year and still recording success.
Management of dementia with a cerebrovascular component
Authors: Bocti Christian , Black Sandra , Frank Chris
Published: September 2007

Background

Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) has been reconceptualized as an important factor in cognitive decline and dementia. The concept of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) has been introduced to capture the whole spectrum of cognitive decline associated with CVD, and to emphasize the possibility of early intervention on vascular risk factors.

Methods

Intervention studies in prevention and symptomatic therapy of dementia associated with CVD are reviewed.

Results

We present recommendations based on the review of current literature. There is some evidence that treating hypertension can prevent cognitive decline. Galantamine has shown some benefit in the symptomatic treatment of possible Alzheimer's disease with CVD and donepezil has shown some benefits in vascular dementia. Other pharmacologic interventions lack sufficient empirical support.

Conclusions

A more pro‐active stance towards cognitive decline of vascular etiology is warranted, with some evidence supporting both prevention and symptomatic therapy.
Social Democracy Constrained: Indirect Taxation in Industrialized Democracies
Authors: BERAMENDI PABLO , RUEDA DAVID
Published: September 2007

The determinants of the welfare state have received a great deal of attention in the comparative political economy literature. An analysis of the role that indirect taxation plays in the politics of advanced industrial societies is, however, missing. This article demonstrates that a full understanding of the links between redistribution, social democracy and corporatism is impossible without a closer look at indirect taxation. Conventional wisdom is questioned and it is shown that social democratic governments in corporatist environments find themselves in a paradoxical situation. They need to support the welfare state by relying upon a fundamentally regressive policy instrument: indirect taxation. It is also shown that social democratic governments can minimize the use of consumption taxes as part of their redistributive strategy only in non-corporatist settings. In exploring these issues, this article illuminates alternative routes for the pursuit of equality in a context of declining corporatist arrangements.
Divided Societies and Deliberative Democracy
Authors: O'FLYNN IAN
Published: September 2007

Comparative scholars have disagreed for some time now as to whether democratic institutions in a divided society are more likely to remain stable if those institutions are premised on a concern for inclusion or on a concern for moderation. But since the empirical evidence marshalled by such scholars is often open to interpretative dispute, neither side has been able to prove its case conclusively. In order to help move this stability debate forward, this article demonstrates how inclusion and moderation can be recast as co-requirements of an underlying principle of political equality. To this end, it offers a deliberative democratic account of political equality, expressed in terms of requirements of publicity and reciprocity, that enables us to see how inclusion and moderation might be reconciled. Moreover, it shows how this deliberative reconciliation may itself provide for a more effective form of institutional stability than can be achieved under either of the two main contending comparative approaches.
The Length of Ministerial Tenure in the United Kingdom, 1945–97
Authors: BERLINSKI SAMUEL , DEWAN TORUN , DOWDING KEITH
Published: September 2007

The Editors and publishers apologize for the lack of distinction in Figures 2 and 3 printed on pages 255–6 of this volume of the Journal, and offer the following as replacements:
Disruption of the Hellenic arc: Late Miocene extensional detachment faults and steep Pliocene‐Quaternary normal faults—Or what happened at Corinth?
Authors: Papanikolaou Dimitrios J. , Royden Leigh H.
Published: September 2007

Extensional faults exposed in the Peloponnesus and mainland Greece, most of which are described here for the first time, record a transition from regional extension of the Aegean domain to the modern tectonic system. The East Peloponnesus Detachment System trends north‐northwest from the southern Peloponnesus to ∼30 km north of the Gulf of Corinth, dips gently northeast, and is late Miocene–early Pliocene in age. It has a minimum displacement of 25–30 km and appears to be the youngest of the regional‐scale extensional systems with significant displacement that formed parallel to the Hellenic arc. The partially coeval East Sterea Extensional System, which extends from the Gulf of Corinth to the Aegean Sea, contains low‐angle normal faults that both crosscut and trend parallel to older structures of the Hellenic arc. Late Miocene to early Pliocene displacement within this zone disrupted the arc‐parallel structures of the Hellenides. Upper Pliocene‐Quaternary normal faults, which trend approximately east‐west and generally dip steeply at the surface, continue the disruption of the Hellenic arc. Much of the subsidence within the Gulf of Corinth appears to be unrelated to the younger faults and is instead related to the motion on the East Peloponnesus Detachment, which crosscuts the modern graben.
Topographic and hydrological controls on Subglacial Lake Ellsworth, West Antarctica
Authors: Vaughan David G. , Rivera Andrés , Woodward John , Corr Hugh F. J. , Wendt Jens , Zamora Rodrigo
Published: September 2007

Subglacial Lake Ellsworth (SLE) was identified using reconnaissance data collected in the 1970s, here we present more detailed surveys. SLE lies beneath 3.2 km of ice in a subglacial valley in West Antarctica. It has an area of only ∼18 km2, is dissimilar to the large tectonically‐controlled lakes beneath East Antarctica and is a strong candidate for in situ exploration. Our analysis indicates that the ice above SLE is floating on a fluid whose density is 950–1013 kg m−3. This could indicate freshwater, but certainly precludes seawater, or high salt, acid, or clathrate content. The water in the lake is unlikely to be produced solely by local melt; it is more likely delivered via subglacial drainage. Our surveys show no identifiable hydrological barrier to outflow, meaning SLE is effectively full; new water entering the lake is likely balanced by outflow, which would drain into another lake that we have also identified.
Formation of scoria cone during explosive eruption at Izu‐Oshima volcano, Japan
Authors: Mannen K. , Ito T.
Published: September 2007

Scoria cones have been regarded to be formed by accumulation of ballistic bombs ejected by mild eruptions. However, more recent geological investigations show that some scoria cones could be formed during explosive eruptions. Here, we demonstrate how the scoria cone of the 1986 Izu‐Oshima eruption was formed during the explosive eruption. We measured particle fractionation of the cone and propose a theoretical model to explain the observation. The model considers lateral transport of particles by turbulent eddies; particles that reached characteristic column radius, L, are laterally transported to ωL where they starts to free‐fall. We obtained ω = 1.2 and 2.5 for larger and smaller particles, respectively, which is consistent to the observation. In the model, extensive fallout takes place at the base of the column where it expands rapidly. We suggest that lateral particle projection and the rapid column expansion are the key processes to form the cones.
Emerging Labour Strategies in Toronto's Hotel Sector: Toward a Spatial Circuit of Union Renewal
Authors: Tufts Steven
Published: September 2007

I discuss the recent union renewal strategies adopted by UNITE-HERE Local 75, the union representing a majority of Toronto's organized hotel workers—a fragmented and diverse labour force. Local 75's renewal strategies are multiscalar with knowledge and resources flowing through the organization forming a spatial circuit of union renewal. Conceptualizing union renewal as a spatial circuit maps the interdependencies of different scales of labour organization and the tensions that emerge among such scales. The paper focuses on the hotel union's strategic attempts to (re)create pattern bargaining at local and international scales and organize new hotels prior to their construction. I conclude with a brief discussion linking the recent merger of UNITE-HERE and its departure from the AFL-CIO to broader renewal processes.