bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of dopaminergic responsiveness in a double lesion rat model of the Parkinson variant of multiple system atrophy
Authors: Köllensperger Martin , Stefanova Nadia , Reindl Markus , Poewe Werner , Wenning Gregor K.
Published: December 2006

The Parkinson variant of multiple system atrophy (MSA‐P) is a distinct atypical parkinsonian disorder with a loss of dopaminergic neurons comparable to that found in Parkinson's disease (PD). The additional loss of striatopallidal projections is thought to account for levodopa unresponsiveness in MSA‐P. Whereas histological features of MSA‐P have been successfully reproduced in the double lesion rat model, loss of levodopa responsiveness has so far not been demonstrated. In the current study, 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) induced unilateral lesions of the substantia nigra produced a marked contralateral forelimb stepping deficit, which improved significantly after challenge with levodopa (P < 0.001). This response was abolished by the subsequent striatal quinolinic acid (QA) lesion. In the cylinder test, the marked asymmetry observed after 6‐OHDA lesioning was reversed by levodopa to baseline levels. After QA, cylinder test performance under levodopa failed to reach baseline (P = 0.001) or 6‐OHDA + levodopa (P = 0.002) levels. Nigral cell loss (90% ± 5%) correlated with both stepping test (r = 0.608; P = 0.008) and cylinder test results (r = 0.656; P = 0.005). Lesion extent of the dorsal striatum correlated significantly with the loss of levodopa response (r = 0.593; P = 0.01) in the stepping test. These findings contribute further to the behavioral characterization of the double lesion rat model of MSA, improving its value in the evaluation of future neurorestorative strategies. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Randomized trial of the triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor NS 2330 (tesofensine) in early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Hauser Robert A. , Salin Laurence , Juhel Nolwenn , Konyago Victor L.
Published: December 2006

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of three daily dosages of the triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor NS 2330 (tesofensine) compared to placebo as monotherapy in early Parkinson's disease (PD). In MPTP (1‐methyl 4‐phenyl‐tetrahydropyridine 1,2,3,6)‐lesioned marmosets, dopamine reuptake inhibitors have been demonstrated to reverse parkinsonian signs without evoking established dyskinesia. NS 2330 inhibits reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. We performed a proof‐of‐concept, randomized, double‐blind trial of NS 2330. Two hundred sixty‐one subjects with PD < 5 years and not receiving dopaminergic treatment were randomly assigned to daily treatment with NS 2330 at 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, or placebo. Adjusted mean difference in total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores from baseline to week 14 was −0.7 (P = 0.64) in the 0.25‐mg group, −1.3 (P = 0.41) in the 0.5‐mg group, and −1.7 (P = 0.27) in the 1.0‐mg group. The adjusted mean difference in total UPDRS score for the highest dose group (1.0 mg/day) was superior to placebo at week 6 (−3.1; P = 0.02), but this effect was not sustained. NS 2330 was generally well tolerated and the most commonly reported adverse events were constipation, insomnia, and dry mouth. Decreased body weight and elevated heart rate were common in the 1.0‐mg dosage group. At the dosages tested, NS 2330 did not provide significantly greater benefit than placebo. It is possible that inhibition of dopamine reuptake alone does not provide clinical benefit in early PD, adequate inhibition of dopamine reuptake was not achieved in this study, or countervailing physiologic mechanisms offset the potential benefit. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Parkinsonism and essential tremor in a family with pseudo‐dominant inheritance of PARK2: An FP‐CIT SPECT study
Authors: Pellecchia Maria Teresa , Varrone Andrea , Annesi Grazia , Amboni Marianna , Cicarelli Giulio , Sansone Valeria , Annesi Ferdinanda , Rocca Francesca Emanuela , Vitale Carmine , Pappatà Sabina , Quattrone Aldo , Barone Paolo
Published: December 2006

We report a family with 5 affected individuals manifesting either essential tremor (ET), Parkinsonism, or both, consistent with pseudo‐dominant inheritance of PARK2. Two homozygotes presented postural and kinetic tremor several years before the onset of Parkinsonism. Postural and kinetic tremor mimicking ET was the only feature in 1 homozygous and 2 heterozygous carriers of the mutation. Striatal dopamine transporter density was reduced in accordance with phenotype and number of mutated alleles. In 3 homozygotes and 1 heterozygote, a 2‐year follow‐up single photon emission computed tomography suggested no progression of nigrostriatal deficit. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Spinocerebellar ataxia 14: Novel mutation in exon 2 of PRKCG in a German family
Authors: Nolte Dagmar , Landendinger Melanie , Schmitt Eberhard , Müller Ulrich
Published: December 2006

We describe a novel mutation in the gene coding for protein kinase C gamma (PRKCG) in patients of a German family affected with slowly progressive gait ataxia, dysarthria, and nystagmus. The G/T missense mutation occurred in exon 2 of PRKCG and results in a substitution of glycine by valine (G63V) in the evolutionarily highly conserved cysteine‐rich region 1/C1 domain of PRKCG. Among the 20 mutations described to date, this is the first mutation located in exon 2 of PRKCG. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Auditory startle reaction in primary blepharospasm
Authors: Müller Jörg , Rinnerthaler Martina , Poewe Werner , Kofler Markus
Published: December 2006

Primary dystonia is associated with abnormal brainstem function, as shown by abnormalities of the blink reflex in blepharospasm (BSP) and of the auditory startle reaction in cervical dystonia. We examined the auditory startle reaction—a brainstem reflex elicited by an unexpected loud stimulus—in patients with primary BSP to expand knowledge on brainstem pathophysiology in primary focal dystonia. Thirteen patients with primary BSP were included and 13 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy volunteers served as controls. Auditory startle responses (ASRs) were elicited by binaural high‐intensity auditory stimuli, and reflex electromyographic activity was recorded simultaneously with surface electrodes bilaterally from masseter, orbicularis oculi, sternocleidomastoid, and biceps brachii muscles. Patients with BSP showed higher ASR probabilities (masseter, sternocleidomastoid, biceps brachii), shorter ASR onset latencies (masseter, orbicularis oculi, sternocleidomastoid), and larger ASR area‐under‐the‐curve (masseter, sternocleidomastoid) as compared with normal controls. Habituation of ASRs did not differ significantly between patients and controls. These results corroborate previous findings of increased brainstem excitability in primary BSP but point to a different pattern of brainstem dysfunction compared to cervical dystonia, indicating that different pathophysiological mechanisms are involved in the two types of focal dystonia. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Holmes‐like tremor of the lower extremity following brainstem hemorrhage
Authors: Walker Melanie , Kim Hojoong , Samii Ali
Published: December 2006

Holmes tremor is an arrhythmic, 2‐ to 5‐Hz resting, postural, and kinetic upper extremity movement disorder that occurs weeks to months after acute mesencephalic pathology. We present a patient who developed tremor in three body parts postbrainstem hemorrhage with subsequent hypertrophic olivary degeneration and discuss the relevant clinical evolution. Our case is unique because in addition to expected upper extremity and cervical dystonic head tremors, the patient also developed a severe lower extremity movement disorder, which we believe to be a form of Holmes tremor. Tremor involving the lower extremity in this setting has not been previously reported. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Neuropathology of Parkinson's disease associated with the LRRK2 Ile1371Val mutation
Authors: Giordana Maria Teresa , D'Agostino Carla , Albani Giovanni , Mauro Alessandro , Di Fonzo Alessio , Antonini Angelo , Bonifati Vincenzo
Published: December 2006

Leucine‐Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene mutations are the most common known cause of Parkinson's disease (PD), but neuropathological studies are available on very few patients with LRRK2 mutation. The reported findings range from Lewy body–positive pathology to different pathologies, including nigral degeneration without distinctive features, neuronal loss with only ubiquitin‐positive inclusions, and tau‐positive–only pathology. Here we report the first neuropathological study in an Italian PD case carrying a different LRRK2 mutation, Ile1371Val, and showing typical ubiquitin‐ and α‐synuclein–positive Lewy body pathology. These findings support the concept that the neurodegeneration associated with LRRK2 mutations might be clinically and pathologically indistinguishable from typical PD. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
A three‐dimensional model of an underground excavation and comparison with in situ measurements
Authors: Exadaktylos G. , Tsouvala S. , Liolios P. , Barakos G.
Published: December 2006

In this paper we make the first attempt to construct a three‐dimensional (3D) distinct element model (DEM) of an underground room with a central pillar in Dionysos marble deposit. This model can be employed in the future by the quarrymen to improve the design of the underground quarry. In order to decrease the effort and time of the simulations, the approach followed here is first to upscale intact rock properties to the size of the pillar considering also secondary joints, and next to model explicitly the major joint sets that transect the marble by virtue of a 3D DEM. The estimation of the effective marble properties is based on the concept of ‘damage’ as it is defined in damage mechanics theory, the phenomenon of the size effect of strength of intact rocks and the Rock Mass Rating (RMR) classification. Furthermore, a pre‐processor has been written in C language for the efficient transfer of the large number of successive excavations around the central pillar to the 3D numerical model. Finally, the validity of this first series of numerical simulations, results and inherent assumptions are checked against in situ stress and deformation measurements inside the underground quarry. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Presentation and management of major complications of midurethral slings: Are complications under‐reported?
Authors: Deng Donna Y. , Rutman Matthew , Raz Shlomo , Rodriguez Larissa V.
Published: December 2006

Aims

Midurethral slings have become the mainstay of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treatment due to their efficacy and low complication rates. The purpose of this study was to report the presentation and treatment of major complications from these minimally invasive treatments presented to a tertiary referral practice and to highlight a discrepancy in major complications between literature and the food and drug administration (FDA) device failure database.

Methods

From 2001 through 2005, we reviewed all cases of midurethral sling complications that presented to our institution. A literature review of all complications due to midurethral slings during the same time period was performed as was the FDA manufacturer and user facility device experience (MAUDE) database queried for self‐reported complications.

Results

A total of 26 patients referred to UCLA with voiding dysfunction after sling placement was found to have mesh in the urethra or bladder. Treatments required a combination of urethrolysis with mesh removal, urethral reconstruction with graft, and bladder excision. These were compared to major complications reported in the world literature of <1%. The MAUDE database contained 161 major complications out of a total of 928 complications reported for suburethral slings. There was significantly more major complications reported in MAUDE than in published literature.

Conclusions

Although rare, major complications of midurethral slings are more common than appear in literature. Devastating complications involving urethral and bladder perforations can present with mild urinary symptoms and thus are likely under‐diagnosed and under‐reported. Most of these cases need to be managed with additional reconstructive surgery. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On positive definite solution of a nonlinear matrix equation
Authors: Peng Zhen‐yun , El‐Sayed Salah M.
Published: December 2006

In this paper, some necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of the positive definite solutions for the matrix equationX+A*X−αA=Qwith α ∈ (0, ∞) are given. Iterative methods to obtain the positive definite solutions are established and the rates of convergence of the considered methods are obtained. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal Gerschgorin‐type inclusion intervals of singular values
Authors: Li Hou‐Biao , Huang Ting‐Zhu , Li Hong , Shen Shu‐Qian
Published: December 2006

In this paper, some optimal inclusion intervals of matrix singular values are discussed in the set ΩA of matrices equimodular with matrix A. These intervals can be obtained by extensions of the Gerschgorin‐type theorem for singular values, based only on the use of positive scale vectors and their intersections. Theoretic analysis and numerical examples show that upper bounds of these intervals are optimal in some cases and lower bounds may be non‐trivial (i.e. positive) when PA is a H‐matrix, where P is a permutation matrix, which improves the conjecture in Reference (Linear Algebra Appl 1984; 56:105‐119). Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coupled thermo/hydro/chemical/mechanical model for unsaturated soils—Numerical algorithm
Authors: Seetharam S. C. , Thomas H. R. , Cleall P. J.
Published: December 2006

This paper presents the implementation of a numerical algorithm for a new coupled thermal–hydraulic–chemical–mechanical model for unsaturated soil. A brief treatment of the theoretical development of the coupled model is presented first, with specific attention to the multi‐component chemical transport theory and its cross couplings with other primary variables. The system of coupled equations is based on a mechanistic approach with conservation of mass or energy equations defining the flow behaviour and a stress–strain equilibrium equation defining the mechanical behaviour. The geochemical interactions are incorporated by linking a geochemical model with the system of coupled flow and deformation equations. Two coupling strategies, namely, sequential non‐iterative and sequential iterative approaches are incorporated to link the multi‐component chemical transport equation with geochemical interactions. The model's ability is then demonstratedviaa series of 1D examples, which consider complex coupling scenarios involving all the primary variables. Specifically, the effects of multi‐component precipitation/dissolution and ion exchange reactions in a variable thermal–hydraulic–mechanical field are considered. The numerical efficiency of the model is also analysed based on these examples. It is concluded that the model not only provides a stable solution but is able to produce results that are qualitatively consistent with observed behaviour. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sorption and diffusion of water into melamine–formaldehyde‐incorporated poly(vinyl acetate)–polyester nonwoven fabric composites
Authors: Satheesh Kumar Maddur Nagaraju , Siddaramaiah
Published: December 2006

A series of composites were fabricated by impregnating a polyester nonwoven fabric with melamine–formol (MF)‐incorporated poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) latex. The effect of different weight ratios of MF/PVAc, i.e. 0/100, 5/100, 10, 100, 15/100 and 20/100 (dry, wt/wt), on the water sorption and diffusion into the composites was evaluated. Water sorption studies were carried out at different temperatures, i.e. 30, 50 and 70 °C, based on the immersion weight gain method. From the sorption results, the diffusion (D) and permeation (P) coefficients of water penetrant were calculated. A significant increase in the diffusion and permeation coefficients was observed with an increase in the temperature of sorption. Drastic reductions in diffusion and permeation coefficients were noticed with increasing MF content in the composites. Attempts were made to estimate the empirical parameters liken, which suggests the mode of transport, andK, a constant which depends on the structural characteristics of the composite in addition to its interaction with water. The temperature dependence of the transport coefficients was used to estimate the activation energy parameters for diffusion (ED) and permeation (Ep) processes from Arrhenius plots. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Study of structure and scaling behavior of chemically unfolded β‐casein by means of small‐angle neutron scattering
Authors: Aschi Adel , Gharbi Abdelhafidh , Daoud Mohamed , Douillard Roger , Calmettes Patrick
Published: December 2006

Structures of β‐casein formed in water with various concentrations of guanidine hydrochloride (GdmCl) were studied by small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS). A transition in structure and properties of the protein seems to occur around a GdmCl concentration of 1.2 mol L−1. The data are interpreted assuming that the protein molecules behave like multi‐block copolymers with alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic sequences. Below the transition, the protein structure is still native and has a fractal dimension larger than that beyond the transition where the β‐casein has the feature of a three‐dimensional excluded‐volume coil. A possible interpretation of these results is that the presence of salt increases the value of the critical micelle concentration. This allows a comparison of the structure of β‐casein and synthetic macromolecules. We find that, although the protein is short, excluded‐volume interactions between monomers are present, and that the structure of β‐casein is very similar to what was found in dilute solutions of linear polymers in a good solvent. Thus, it is reasonable to assume that above the critical salt concentration, the protein is completely isolated, whereas below, some structure remains present. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Luminescent supramolecular polymers: Cd2+‐directed polymerization and properties
Authors: Chen Xuegang , Ma Liang , Cheng Yanxiang , Xie Zhiyuan , Wang Lixiang
Published: December 2006

A family of supramolecular polymers was prepared via Cd2+‐directed self‐assembly polymerization of bis(2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine)‐based ligand monomers, using oligofluorenes and triphenylamine as bridges under mild conditions. The polymers were fully characterized using thermogravimetric analysis, inherent viscosity, electrochemical measurements, UV‐visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) and electroluminescence (EL). Polymers with oligofluorenes as spacers exhibited blue emission (434–442 nm) in dimethyl acetamide (DMAc) solution, while polymers with triphenylamine as spacer presented an emission peak at 494 nm in DMAc solution. Complexation polymerization of bis(2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine)‐based ligand monomers with cadmium(II) improved fluorescence quantum yields dramatically, and the film PL quantum yields of these polymers were about 0.38–0.54. Single‐layer light‐emitting diodes were fabricated with the configuration indium tin oxide (ITO)/polymer/Ca/Al; the EL showed green emission and the onset voltages of the devices were 8–11 V. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Multidimensional analysis of the insoluble sub‐proteome of Oceanobacillus iheyensis HTE831, an alkaliphilic and halotolerant deep‐sea bacterium isolated from the Iheya ridge
Authors: Graham Robert L. J. , Pollock Catherine E. , O'Loughlin S. Naomi , Ternan Nigel G. , Weatherly D. Brent , Tarleton Rick L. , McMullan Geoff
Published: December 2006

We report the first proteomic analysis of the insoluble sub‐proteome of the alkaliphilic and halotolerant deep‐sea bacterium Oceanobacillus iheyensis HTE831. A multidimensional gel‐based and gel‐free analysis was utilised and a total of 4352 peptides were initially identified by automated MS/MS identification software. Automated curation of this list using PROVALT reduced our peptide list to 467 uniquely identified peptides that resulted in the positive identification of 153 proteins. These identified proteins were functionally classified and physiochemically characterised. Of 26 proteins identified as hypothetical conserved, we have assigned function to all but four. A total of 41 proteins were predicted to possess signal peptides. In silico investigation of these proteins allowed us to identify three of the five bacterial classes of signal peptide, namely: (i) twin‐arginine translocation; (ii) Sec‐type and (iii) lipoprotein transport. Our proteomic strategy has also allowed us to identify, at neutral pH, a number of proteins described previously as belonging to two putative transport systems believed to be of importance in the alkaliphilic adaptation of O. iheyensis HTE831.
Novel, environmentally friendly crosslinking system of an epoxy using an amino acid: Tryptophan‐cured diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy
Authors: Li Yi , Xiao Fei , Wong C. P.
Published: December 2006

Tryptophan, an amino acid, has been used as a novel, environmentally friendly curing agent instead of toxic curing agents to crosslink the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resin. The curing reaction of tryptophan/DGEBA mixtures of different ratios and the effect of the imidazole catalyst on the reaction have been evaluated. The optimum reaction ratio of DGEBA to tryptophan has been determined to be 3:1 with 1 wt % catalyst, and the curing mechanism of the novel reaction system has been studied and elucidated. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectra indicate that with the extraction of a hydrogen from NH3+ in zwitterions from tryptophan, the formed nucleophilic primary amine and carboxylate anions of the tryptophan can readily participate in the ring‐opening reaction with epoxy. The secondary amine, formed from the primary amine, can further participate in the ring‐opening reaction with epoxy and form the crosslinked network. The crosslinked structure exhibits a reasonably high glass‐transition temperature and thermal stability. A catalyst‐initiated chain reaction mechanism is proposed for the curing reaction of the epoxy with zwitterion amino acid hardeners. The replacement of toxic curing agents with this novel, environmentally friendly curing agent is an important step toward a next‐generation green electronics industry. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 181–190, 2007
Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of methacrylates containing hole‐ or electron‐transporting groups
Authors: Zhao Ping , Ling Qi‐Dan , Wang Wei‐Zhi , Ru Jie , Li Sheng‐Biao , Huang Wei
Published: December 2006

The controlled/living radical polymerization of 2‐(N‐carbazolyl)ethyl methacrylate (CzEMA) and 4‐(5‐(4‐tert‐butylphenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)phenyl) methacrylate (t‐Bu‐OxaMA) via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization has been studied. Functional polymers with hole‐ or electron‐transfer ability were synthesized with cumyl dithiobenzoate as a chain transfer agent (CTA) and AIBN as an initiator in a benzene solution. Good control of the polymerization was confirmed by the linear increase in the molecular weight (MW) with the conversion. The dependence of MW and polydispersity index (PDI) of the resulting polymers on the molar ratio of monomer to CTA, monomer concentration, and molar ratio of CTA to initiator has also been investigated. The MW and PDI of the resulting polymers were well controlled as being revealed by GPC measurements. The resulting polymers were further characterized by NMR, UV‐vis spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The polymers functionalized with carbazole group or 1,3,4‐oxadiazole group exhibited good thermal stability, with an onset decomposition temperature of about 305 and 323 °C, respectively, as determined by thermogravimetric analysis. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 242–252, 2007
In pursuit of B‐cell synovial autoantigens in rheumatoid arthritis: Confirmation of citrullinated fibrinogen, detection of vimentin, and introducing carbonic anhydrase as a possible new synovial autoantigen
Authors: Tilleman Kelly , Union Ann , Cantaert Tineke , De Keyser Saskia , Daniels Annick , Elewaut Dirk , De Keyser Filip , Deforce Dieter
Published: December 2006

We aimed to investigate potential synovial autoantigens in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that could trigger the induction of B‐cell autoantibodies. Total protein extract of synovial tissue obtained from seven RA patients was pooled and separated by 1‐DE and 2‐DE. The corresponding blots were probed with sera from RA (n = 30) and disease control samples (n = 30). Protein spots showing a sensitivity of >15% were identified by MS. 1‐D immunoblots revealed one protein band with a specificity in RA of 100%, a sensitivity of 43%, which was identified as fibrinogen β chain. 2‐D analysis revealed the subunits of fibrinogen, especially the β and γ chain, as the most prominent synovial autoantigens. We also identified vimentin, the Sa‐antigen and carbonic anhydrase I as a potentially new synovial autoantigen. The protein patterns of these immunoreactive spots were observed as trains. The spots showing the highest autoimmune reactivity occurred at the acidic side of these trains and were recognized by anticitrullinated protein/peptide antibodies positive RA sera. Antimodified citrulline staining of these patterns confirmed protein citrullination. Therefore, PTMs such as citrullination due to alterations of peptidylarginine deiminase activity or generation of RA‐specific epitopes, should be considered as a trigger in tolerance break.
A catalogue of proteins released by colorectal cancer cells in vitro as an alternative source for biomarker discovery
Authors: Diehl Hanna C. , Stühler Kai , Klein‐Scory Susanne , Volmer Martin W. , Schöneck Anna , Bieling Cornelia , Schmiegel Wolff , Meyer Helmut E. , Schwarte‐Waldhoff Irmgard
Published: December 2006

Improved methods for the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer by way of sensitive and specific tumour markers are highly desirable. Therefore, efficient strategies for biomarker discovery are urgently needed. Here we present an approach that is based on the direct experimental access to proteins released by SW620 human colorectal cancer cells in vitro. A 2‐D map and a catalogue of this subproteome – here termed the secretome – were established comprising more than 320 identified proteins which translate into approximately 220 distinct genes. As the majority of the secretome constituents were nominally cellular proteins, we directly compared the secretome and the total proteome by 2‐D‐DIGE analysis. We provide evidence that unspecific release through cell death, classical secretion, ectodomain shedding, and exosomal release contribute to the secretome in vitro, presumably reflecting the mechanisms in vivo which lead to the occurrence of tumour‐specific proteins in the circulation. These data together with the fact that the SW620 secretome catalogue, as presented here, does comprise a large number of known and novel biomarker candidates, validates our approach to isolate and characterize the tumour cell secretome in vitro as a rich source for tumour biomarkers.
Pressure behaviour of the UV and green emission bands in ZnO micro‐rods
Authors: Li G. H. , Su F. H. , Wang W. J. , Ding K. , Chen W. , Liu Y. F. , Joly A. G.
Published: December 2006

The pressure behavior of the ultraviolet (UV) and green emission bands in ZnO tetrapod‐like micro‐rods has been investigated at 300 and 70 K, respectively. The pressure coefficient of the UV band at 300 K is 24.5 meV/GPa, consistent with that of the band gap of bulk ZnO. However, the pressure coefficient of the green band is 25 meV/GPa, far larger than previous literature reports. The green band in this work originates from Cu‐related emission, as confirmed by the fine structure observed in the spectra at 10 K. The pressure coefficients of four phonon replicas of the free exciton emission (FX) at 70 K are 21.0, 20.2, 19.8, and 19.3 meV/GPa, respectively. The energy shift rate of the FX emission and the LO phonon energies is then determined to be 21.4 and 0.55 meV/GPa. The pressure coefficient of the neutral donor bound exciton (D0X) transition is 20.5 meV/GPa, only 4% smaller than that of FX. This confirms that the D0X emission corresponds to excitons bound to neutral shallow donors. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Strain profile of the wall of semiconductor microtubes: A micro‐Raman study
Authors: Bernardi A. , Lacharmoise P. D. , Goñi A. R. , Alonso M. I. , Vaccaro P. O. , Saito N.
Published: December 2006

We have investigated three‐dimensional nanostructures consisting of microtubes fabricated by rolling‐up III–V semiconductor multilayers. Through micro‐Raman spectroscopy we were able to derive the depth profile of residual strain in the microtubes by monitoring the phonon shifts experienced by different layers buried inside the tube wall. By this procedure we were able to obtain the strain components at different depths moving from the outer to the inner surface of the tube wall. We compared them with the strain distribution calculated by elastic modeling, gaining insight into the strain relaxation processes that produce the final local nanostructure of semiconductor microtubes. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Force field modeling of conformational energies: Importance of multipole moments and intramolecular polarization
Authors: Rasmussen Thomas D. , Ren Pengyu , Ponder Jay W. , Jensen Frank
Published: December 2006

The ability of force fields to reproduce relative conformational energies for seven molecules is probed. The correlation against LMP2/cc‐pVTZ results for standard force field employing fixed partial charges deteriorates as the molecules become more polar. Inclusion of multipole moments and intramolecular polarization can improve the correlation, and both contributions are of similar importance. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Toll like receptors and viruses
Authors: Finberg Robert W. , Wang Jennifer P. , Kurt‐Jones Evelyn A.
Published: December 2006

Toll like receptors (TLRs) are ‘pattern recognition proteins’ that discriminate between self and non‐self. They interact with products of infectious agents to activate cells of the innate immune system and also stimulate the adaptive immune system. Intracellular and extracellular TLRs recognise a wide range of viruses leading to the production of different cytokines. In this paper, we summarise the types of TLRs that recognise viruses, the cytokines produced, the specific cell types involved and the activation pathways that have been characterised. We also provide an overview of the viruses demonstrated to interact with TLRs. A greater understanding of relationships between viruses or viral products and TLRs should improve understanding of pathogenesis and lead to the development of new anti‐viral therapies. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The component triglycerides of palm‐kernel oil
Authors: Bezard Jean A.
Published: December 2006

Triglycerides of palm‐kernel oil were fractionated by gas liquid chromatography into 13 groups based on their carbon number of 30 to 54. These groups represent 99.9% of the total glyceride content. The proportion of triglyceride types in each group was calculated from the component fatty acids. These groups are defined by the nature of their constituent fatty acids but the position of the acids on glycerol is unknown. These 87 types, 24 of which are given in detail, were found. The two major components are trilaurin (19.8%) and dilauromyristin (14.1%). Only 18 types, occurring in an amount greater than 1%, together represent 80% of the total glycerides. Comparison of the glyceride content with that of coconut oil revealed many similarities between the two oils.
Diesters of diols in wheat leaf wax
Authors: Tulloch A. P.
Published: December 2006

Diesters have been isolated from the leaf wax of spring wheat,Triticum aestivum, L. (Selkirk variety) by chromatography. The diesters, which form 3% of the wax and which were shown by gas liquid chromatography to be a mixture of C51−C60 esters, consist largely oftrans 2‐docosenoic andtrans 2‐tetracosenoic acid esters of 1,9‐nonanediol, 1,10‐decanediol, 1,11‐undecanediol and 1,12‐dodecanediol. The structures of the components were confirmed by synthesis.
Resistance to the effect of phospholipase A2 of the biliary phospholipids during incubation of bile
Authors: Boucrot P. , Clement J. R.
Published: December 2006

Mixtures of fresh bile of the rat and of isolated hepatic phospholipids (one or the other of these components having been labeled with3H oleic acid) were incubated either with heated rat pancreatic juice, at 37 C during periods of 1 and 3 hr, or with snake venom, at 25 C during periods of 17 and 36 hr, as sources of phospholipase A2. After incubation, tritiated free oleic acid was measured since this acid was in the 2 position of both phospholipidic substrates. With heated pancreatic juice, no significant enzymatic hydrolysis of the bile phospholipids occured, but isolated hepatic phospholipids were readily attacked. With snake venom, the whole isolated hepatic phospholipids were very strongly hydrolyzed while biliary phospholipids were hydrolyzed to a much lesser extent.
Effect of soluble and membrane proteins upon diethyl ether extraction of aqueous phospholipid dispersions
Authors: Parenti‐Castelli G. , Bertoli E. , Sechi A. M. , Silvestrini M. G. , Lenaz G.
Published: December 2006

The effect of proteins upon diethyl ether extraction of phospholipids from aqueous dispersions has been investigated as a model for elucidating lipid‐protein interactions in the more complex membrane systems. Mixed phospholipids having a net anionic charge or purified lecithin (a zwitterion) are extracted from water dispersions into ether only after addition of salts. Basic proteins (lysozyme and cytochromec), by ionically binding phospholipids, allow extraction. Phospholipids are extracted together with the proteins in the form of neutralized lipid‐protein complexes. On the other hand, lipid depleted mitochondria (a hydrophobic protein residue after acetone extraction of mitochondria), after reconstitution with phospholipids, do not allow phospholipid extraction unless salts or basic proteins also are added to the system. This observation indicates that, in reconstituted membranes, the phospholipids are largely in the bilayer form with the polar heads still charged and susceptible to ether extraction only after neutralization with salts or basic proteins.
Acyl specificity in glyceride synthesis by lactating rat mammary gland
Authors: Tanioka Hiroaki , Lin Chu Yuan , Smith Stuart , Abraham S.
Published: December 2006

We have investigated the possibility that the nonrandom association of fatty acids in rat milk triglycerides results from specificity of the acyl transferases in the glycerolphosphate pathway. Subcellular fractionation of lactating rat mammary gland revealed that the microsomal fraction was the most active in acylation of 3‐sn‐[U‐14C] glycerolphosphate with various acyl‐CoA's. The major products were diacylglycerolphosphate and diglyceride; no monoacylglycerolphosphate was detected. Maximum rate of acylation occurred at or below the critical micelle concentration for each acyl‐CoA, indicating that only the monomeric substrate molecules were acceptable by the enzyme system. The observed acyl specificity, 16∶0>18∶0≏14∶0>12∶0>10∶0>8∶0 is consistent with the concept that, in general, milk triglycerides are synthesized by insertion of a short or medium chain fatty acid into a long chain diglyceride.
Bis‐(monoacylglyceryl) phosphate and acyl phosphatidylglycerol isolated from human livers of lipidosis induced by 4,4′‐diethylaminoethoxyhexesterol
Authors: Kasama Kazuo , Yoshida Katsumi , Takeda Susumu , Akeda Shozo , Kawai Kazuo
Published: December 2006

Bis‐(monoacylglyceryl) phosphate and acyl phosphatidylglycerol were isolated from the liver of two patients with lipidosis induced by 4,4′‐diethylaminoethoxyhexesterol. Identification was based upon the results of alkaline hydrolysis, acetolysis, IR spectrometry, and upon the determination of molar ratio of phosphorus‐glycerol‐ester. The contents of the bis‐(monoacylglyceryl) phosphate were 10 and 16% total phospholipid phosphorus in them. The bis‐(monoacylglyceryl) phosphate contained mainly docosahexaenoic (42%), oleic (29%), and linoleic acid (14%) and had the hemolytic activity of ca. one‐eighth lysolecithin from egg yolk. Acidic lipids from the liver also were found to contain a lipid which is less polar than bis‐(monoacylglyceryl) phosphate. The results of lipid analysis showed that the lipid possessed the structure of an acyl phosphatidylglycerol, and its content was ca. 2% total phospholipid phosphorus. Accumulation of 4,4′‐diethylaminoethoxyhexesterol and its derivatives was found in clinical cases by thin layer chromatography and IR spectrometry. This fact suggested that human liver has an ability to metabolize the drug.
Occurrence ofcis‐5,cis‐9‐Hexacosadienoic andcis‐5,cis‐9,cis‐19‐Hexacosatrienoic acids in the marine spongeMicrociona prolifera
Authors: Jefferts Elaine , Morales Reginald W. , Litchfield Carter
Published: December 2006

Fatty acid analysis of the total lipids from the marine spongeMicrociona prolifera by gas liquid chromatography on an EGSS‐X column revealed two major peaks with equivalent chain length values of 27.08 and 27.74. Each of these components was isolated as a separate band by thin layer chromatography on AgNO3‐silicic acid. Characterization of the two unknowns by IR spectroscopy, NMR, hydrogenation, and gas liquid chromatography revealed that the unknown acids weren‐26∶2 andn‐26∶3 containing only nonmethylene interruptedcis‐double bonds. Reductive ozonolysis identified the 26∶2 ascis‐5,cis‐9‐hexacosadienoic acid and the 26∶3 ascis‐5,cis‐9,cis‐19‐hexacosatrienoic acid. Analysis of the fatty acid composition ofMicrociona total lipids showed 14% 26∶2 and 31% 36∶3. The neutral lipids, phosphatidylethanomaline, and phosphatidylserine all contained >41% C26 acids; but only 4% C26 was present in the phosphatidylcholine.
Sequential gas chromatographic procedure for microanalysis of monoenoic double bond position in hydrogenated oils
Authors: Emken E. A. , Dutton H. J.
Published: December 2006

Quantitative cleavage of epoxyoctadecanoates with periodic acid (HIO4) has been demonstrated and the technique incorporated into an all gas chromatographic system for detailed lipid analysis. The overall procedure involves three sequential gas chromatographic separations interspersed by two microreactions. By this procedure, a complete analysis forcis‐ andtrans‐geometric isomers corresponding to each positional octadecenoate isomer is obtained. Total sample requirements are less than 10 mg, and the elapsed analysis time/sample is less than 10 hr. In this all gas chromatographic procedure, a lipid methyl ester sample is first separated by preparative gas chromatography, and the monoene fraction is collected and epoxidized. Next, the epoxidized sample is separated by gas chromatography intocis‐ andtrans‐epoxyoctadecanoate fractions. These epoxyoctadecanoate fractions are collected and cleaved with HIO4 into aldehyde and aldehyde‐ester fragments, which are quantitatively analyzed by gas chromatography. The double bond positions are determined from the aldehyde and aldehyde‐ester cleavage data, which are stored and processed by a computerized on‐line gas chromatographic data acquisition system. The procedure was tested on pure octadecenoate isomers, standard mixtures, and commercially hydrogenated vegetable oils. Analyses of hydrogenated vegetable oils are compared with data acquired by reverse‐phase and argentation chromatography followed by reductive ozonolysis.
Age dependent structural changes in the diol esters of uropygial glands of chicken
Authors: Kolattukudy P. E. , Sawaya W. N.
Published: December 2006

The chain lengths and diastereoisomer composition of alkane‐2, 3‐diol diesters of the uropygial glands of chicken changed significantly as the birds became physiologically mature. The C24 diol decreased, and C22 and C23 diols increased. Threo isomer content of the diols decreased. In the acyl portion, the shorter (C12−C15) acids decreased, and the longer (C17−C20) acids increased.
Metabolism of actinic skin tumors: Incorporation of14C‐acetate into lipids
Authors: Black Homer S. , Jones J. Scott , Lo Wan‐Bang
Published: December 2006

Biochemical parameters of normal and actinically induced tumorous skin were compared. Similar respiratory rates and respiratory quotients were observed. However, both quantitative and qualitative differences occur in these tissue's ability to incorporate14C‐acetate into lipids.
Substitution reactions of linoleic acid hydroperoxide isomerase
Authors: Christianson D. D. , Gardner H. W.
Published: December 2006

Linoleic acid hydroperoxide isomerase was extracted from corn germ and partially purified by differential centrifugation. This enzyme catalyzed the isomerization of linoleic acid hydroperoxide to the expected α‐ketol and γ‐ketol . Isomerase also catalyzed the substitution of various reagents at the carbon bearing the hydroperoxide group. These fatty acid products had the following functional groupings: where X is either oleoyloxy, ethylthio, or methoxy resulting from the presence of oleic acid, ethanethiol, or methanol, respectively. A crude wheat germ extract containing both lipoxygenase and isomerase enzymes reacted with linoleic acid to yield α‐ketols, γ‐ketols, and a substitution product, the linoleoyloxy ester of α‐ketol. Characterization of these products from wheat germ enzymes showed that the substitution reaction was not unique to corn germ. Because anions of the reagents tested are typical nucleophiles, the substitution reactions may proceed by a nucleophilic mechanism as mediated by the isomerase enzyme.
Effect of glucose administration on cholesterol and bile acid metabolism in rats
Authors: Uchida K. , Takeuchi N. , Yamamura Y.
Published: December 2006

Glucose administered to fasted rats caused a marked stimulation in hepatic cholesterogenesis and cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylation, and an increase in biliary excretion of cholesterol and total bile acids. The excretion of cholic acid was not influenced during the first few hr after glucose administration, but was significantly increased after 5 hr. Chenodeoxycholic acid showed a similar change, but the increase was only ca. one tenth of that of cholic acid. The excretion of deoxycholic acid was markedly increased by 1 hr, but gradually decreased thereafter. Pretreatment with neomycin abolished the increase in deoxycholic acid by fasting and glucose administration. Other bile acid components showed no significant change. It thus was presumed that cholesterol endogenously synthesized in the liver was metabolized mainly to cholic acid. In contrast, exogenous cholesterol was metabolized mainly to chenodeoxycholic acid. During the period of the acute enhancement of cholic acid formation from the endogenous cholesterol, biliary excretion of deoxycholic acid was increased. This probably occurred through the depression of 7α‐rehydroxylation of deoxycholic acid, or through the enhancement of microbial formation of deoxycholic acid in the lumen, and through the increase of intestinal absorption.
Occurrence of 7‐methyl‐7‐hexadecenoic acid, the corresponding alcohol, 7‐methyl‐6‐hexadecenoic acid, and 5‐methyl‐4‐hexadecenoic acid in sperm whale oils
Authors: Pascal J. C. , Ackman R. G.
Published: December 2006

Two sperm whale oils from the northern hemisphere and two from the southern hemisphere were fractionated. Triglyceride and wax esters were examined for fatty acids and alcohols with monoethylenic unsaturation bearing a methyl branch on an ethylenic carbon. The 7‐methyl‐7‐hexadecenoic acid (0.37–1.37%) was accompanied by the corresponding alcohol (0.28–0.72%), but these materials were not accompanied by shorter chain homologues. The 7‐methyl‐6‐hexadecenoic acid was relatively less important (0.23–0.68%), but was accompanied by 5‐methyl‐4‐hexadecenoic acid (0.10–0.39%), and a partially identified C13 compound. Chromatographic properties on silver nitrate impregnated silicic acid TLC and on three GLC liquid phases are reported.
Role of cytidine triphosphate and cytidine diphosphate in promoting inositol entry into microsomal phosphatidylinositol
Authors: Holub B. J.
Published: December 2006

The Mn2+ activated incorporation of myo‐inositol‐3H into subfractions of phosphatidylinositol in rat liver microsomes was studied in the presence and absence of cytidine triphosphate or cytidine diphosphate choline using phosphate buffer. The distribution of labeled inositol among molecular species of microsomal phosphatidylinositol was also investigated in vivo. In other experiments, the release of radioactivity from microsomes labeled with inositol‐3H in the phospholipid was measured after the addition of Mn2+, unlabeled inositol, and cytidine nucleotide. Similar chase experiments were conducted with microsomes containing phosphatidylcholine‐14C or phosphatidyl‐ethanolamine‐14C. The addition of cytidine triphosphate or cytidine diphosphate choline stimulated the rate of inositol‐3H entry into microsomal phosphatidylinositol by 3.5 to 4‐fold and the monoenoic plus dienoic, trienoic, tetraenoic, and polyenoic species contained 6–7, 6, 78–81, and 7–9%, of the radioactivity, respectively. These latter patterns were very similar to those observed among the corresponding molecular species when the Mn2+ stimulated entry of free inositol into phospholipid was studied in the absence of added cytidine nucleotide. In chase experiments, the release of radioactivity from phospholipid in the presence of cytidine triphosphate or cytidine diphosphate choline was greatly enhanced by the addition of free inositol when microsomes containing phosphatidylinositol‐3H, but not phosphatidylcholine‐14C or phosphatidyl‐ethanolamine‐14C, were employed. Therefore, under the present conditions, cytidine triphosphate and cytidine diphosphate choline appear to stimulate the entry of inositol into phosphatidyl‐inositol by enhancing the Mn2+ activated exchange reaction in rat liver microsomes. The results suggest further that phosphatidylinositol is the preferred substrate when this reaction is stimulated by cytidine nucleotide.
Response of lipogenesis and fatty acid synthetase to physical training and exhaustive exercise in rats
Authors: Askew E. W. , Barakat H. , Kuhl G. L. , Dohm G. L.
Published: December 2006

The effect of physical training and exhaustive exercise on fatty acid synthesis in rat liver and adipose tissue has been investigated. Exercise training (treadmill running) significantly (P<0.05) decreased body wt, epididymal fat pad wt, adipocyte size, and hepatic fattya cid synthetase activity. Training did not significantly affect adipose tissue cell number, lipogenesis from glucose‐U‐14C, or fatty acid synthetase. Exercise to exhaustion immediately prior to sacrifice significantly (P<0.05) decreased lipogenesis from glucose‐U‐14C and fatty acid synthetase in adipose tissue from trained but not untrained rats. Liver fatty acid synthetase was not significantly influenced by exhaustive exercise. The results of this study indicate that rats may adapt to physical training by decreasing adipose tissue lipogenesis during exhaustive exercise. This adaptation in energy metabolism may facilitate physically trained animals in conserving blood glucose during exhaustive exercise, thereby prolonging endurance.