bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm flagellar proteins, outer dense fiber protein‐2 and tektin‐2, is associated with impaired motility during capacitation of hamster spermatozoa
Authors: Mariappa Daniel , Aladakatti Ravindranath H. , Dasari Santosh K. , Sreekumar Arun , Wolkowicz Michael , van der Hoorn Frans , Seshagiri Polani B.
Published: December 2009

In mammals, acquisition of fertilization competence of spermatozoa is dependent on the phenomenon of sperm capacitation. One of the critical molecular events of sperm capacitation is protein tyrosine phosphorylation. In a previous study, we demonstrated that a specific epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor, tyrphostin‐A47, inhibited hamster sperm capacitation, accompanied by a reduced sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Interestingly, a high percentage of tyrphostin‐A47‐treated spermatozoa exhibited circular motility, which was associated with a distinct hypo‐tyrosine phosphorylation of flagellar proteins, predominantly of Mr 45,000–60,000. In this study, we provide evidence on the localization of capacitation‐associated tyrosine‐phosphorylated proteins to the nonmembranous, structural components of the sperm flagellum. Consistent with this, we show their ultrastructural localization in the outer dense fiber, axoneme, and fibrous sheath of spermatozoa. Among hypo‐tyrosine phosphorylated major proteins of tyrphostin‐A47‐treated spermatozoa, we identified the 45 kDa protein as outer dense fiber protein‐2 and the 51 kDa protein as tektin‐2, components of the sperm outer dense fiber and axoneme, respectively. This study shows functional association of hypo‐tyrosine‐phosphorylation status of outer dense fiber protein‐2 and tektin‐2 with impaired flagellar bending of spermatozoa, following inhibition of EGFR‐tyrosine kinase, thereby showing the critical importance of flagellar protein tyrosine phosphorylation during capacitation and hyperactivation of hamster spermatozoa. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77: 182–193, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Temporal and noninvasive monitoring of inflammatory‐cell infiltration to myocardial infarction sites using micrometer‐sized iron oxide particles
Authors: Yang Yidong , Yang Yuhui , Yanasak Nathan , Schumacher Autumn , Hu Tom C.‐C.
Published: December 2009

Micrometer‐sized iron oxide particles (MPIO) are a more sensitive MRI contrast agent for tracking cell migration compared to ultrasmall iron oxide particles. This study investigated the temporal relationship between inflammation and tissue remodeling due to myocardial infarction (MI) using MPIO‐enhanced MRI. C57Bl/6 mice received an intravenous MPIO injection for cell labeling, followed by a surgically induced MI seven days later (n = 7). For controls, two groups underwent either sham‐operated surgery without inducing an MI post‐MPIO injection (n = 7) or MI surgery without MPIO injection (n = 6). The MRIs performed post‐MI showed significant signal attenuation around the MI site for the mice that received an intravenous MPIO injection for cell labeling, followed by a surgically induced MI seven days later, compared to the two control groups (P < 0.01). The findings suggested that the prelabeled inflammatory cells mobilized and infiltrated into the MI site. Furthermore, the linear regression of contrast‐to‐noise ratio at the MI site and left ventricular ejection function suggested a positive correlation between the labeled inflammatory cell infiltration and cardiac function attenuation during post‐MI remodeling (r2 = 0.98). In conclusion, this study demonstrated an MRI technique for noninvasively and temporally monitoring inflammatory cell migration into the myocardium while potentially providing additional insight concerning the pathologic progression of a myocardial infarction. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantification of punctate iron sources using magnetic resonance phase
Authors: McAuley Grant , Schrag Matthew , Sipos Pál , Sun Shu‐Wei , Obenaus Andre , Neelavalli Jaladhar , Haacke E. Mark , Holshouser Barbara , Madácsi Ramóna , Kirsch Wolff
Published: December 2009

Iron‐mediated tissue damage is present in cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and neurotrauma. Brain microbleeds are often present in these maladies and are assuming increasing clinical importance. Because brain microbleeds present a source of pathologic iron to the brain, the noninvasive quantification of this iron pool is potentially valuable. Past efforts to quantify brain iron have focused on content estimation within distributed brain regions. In addition, conventional approaches using “magnitude” images have met significant limitations. In this study, a technique is presented to quantify the iron content of punctate samples using phase images. Samples are modeled as magnetic dipoles and phase shifts due to local dipole field perturbations are mathematically related to sample iron content and radius using easily recognized geometric features in phase images. Phantoms containing samples of a chitosan‐ferric oxyhydroxide composite (which serves as a mimic for hemosiderin) were scanned with a susceptibility‐weighted imaging sequence at 11.7 T. Plots relating sample iron content and radius to phase image features were compared to theoretical predictions. The primary result is the validation of the technique by the excellent agreement between theory and the iron content plot. This research is a potential first step toward quantification of punctate brain iron sources such as brain microbleeds. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative susceptibility map reconstruction from MR phase data using bayesian regularization: Validation and application to brain imaging
Authors: de Rochefort Ludovic , Liu Tian , Kressler Bryan , Liu Jing , Spincemaille Pascal , Lebon Vincent , Wu Jianlin , Wang Yi
Published: December 2009

The diagnosis of many neurologic diseases benefits from the ability to quantitatively assess iron in the brain. Paramagnetic iron modifies the magnetic susceptibility causing magnetic field inhomogeneity in MRI. The local field can be mapped using the MR signal phase, which is discarded in a typical image reconstruction. The calculation of the susceptibility from the measured magnetic field is an ill‐posed inverse problem. In this work, a bayesian regularization approach that adds spatial priors from the MR magnitude image is formulated for susceptibility imaging. Priors include background regions of known zero susceptibility and edge information from the magnitude image. Simulation and phantom validation experiments demonstrated accurate susceptibility maps free of artifacts. The ability to characterize iron content in brain hemorrhage was demonstrated on patients with cavernous hemangioma. Additionally, multiple structures within the brain can be clearly visualized and characterized. The technique introduces a new quantitative contrast in MRI that is directly linked to iron in the brain. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multivariate statistical mapping of spectroscopic imaging data
Authors: Young Karl , Govind Varan , Sharma Khema , Studholme Colin , Maudsley Andrew A. , Schuff Norbert
Published: December 2009

For magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging studies of the brain, it is important to measure the distribution of metabolites in a regionally unbiased way; that is, without restrictions to a priori defined regions of interest. Since magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging provides measures of multiple metabolites simultaneously at each voxel, there is furthermore great interest in utilizing the multidimensional nature of magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging for gains in statistical power. Voxelwise multivariate statistical mapping is expected to address both of these issues, but it has not been previously employed for spectroscopic imaging (SI) studies of brain. The aims of this study were to (1) develop and validate multivariate voxel‐based statistical mapping for magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging and (2) demonstrate that multivariate tests can be more powerful than univariate tests in identifying patterns of altered brain metabolism. Specifically, we compared multivariate to univariate tests in identifying known regional patterns in simulated data and regional patterns of metabolite alterations due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a devastating brain disease of the motor neurons. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo generalized diffusion tensor imaging (GDTI) using higher‐order tensors (HOT)
Authors: Liu Chunlei , Mang Sarah C. , Moseley Michael E.
Published: December 2009

Generalized diffusion tensor imaging (GDTI) using higher‐order tensor (HOT) statistics generalizes the technique of diffusion tensor imaging by including the effect of nongaussian diffusion on the signal of MRI. In GDTI‐HOT, the effect of nongaussian diffusion is characterized by higher‐order tensor statistics (i.e., the cumulant tensors or the moment tensors), such as the covariance matrix (the second‐order cumulant tensor), the skewness tensor (the third‐order cumulant tensor), and the kurtosis tensor (the fourth‐order cumulant tensor). Previously, Monte Carlo simulations have been applied to verify the validity of this technique in reconstructing complicated fiber structures. However, no in vivo implementation of GDTI‐HOT has been reported. The primary goal of this study is to establish GDTI‐HOT as a feasible in vivo technique for imaging nongaussian diffusion. We show that probability distribution function of the molecular diffusion process can be measured in vivo with GDTI‐HOT and be visualized with three‐dimensional glyphs. By comparing GDTI‐HOT to fiber structures that are revealed by the highest resolution diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) possible in vivo, we show that the GDTI‐HOT can accurately predict multiple fiber orientations within one white matter voxel. Furthermore, through bootstrap analysis we demonstrate that in vivo measurement of HOT elements is reproducible, with a small statistical variation that is similar to that of diffusion tensor imaging. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the optimum support size in meshfree methods: A variational adaptivity approach with maximum‐entropy approximants
Authors: Rosolen Adrian , Millán Daniel , Arroyo Marino
Published: December 2009

We present a method for the automatic adaption of the support size of meshfree basis functions in the context of the numerical approximation of boundary value problems stemming from a minimum principle. The method is based on a variational approach, and the central idea is that the variational principle selects both the discretized physical fields and the discretization parameters, here those defining the support size of each basis function. We consider local maximum‐entropy approximation schemes, which exhibit smooth basis functions with respect to both space and the discretization parameters (the node location and the locality parameters). We illustrate by the Poisson, linear and non‐linear elasticity problems the effectivity of the method, which produces very accurate solutions with very coarse discretizations and finds unexpected patterns of the support size of the shape functions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A constrained non‐linear system approach for the solution of an extended limit analysis problem
Authors: Tangaramvong S. , Tin‐Loi F.
Published: December 2009

A number of recent papers (see, e.g. (Int. J. Mech. Sci. 2007; 49:454–465; Eur. J. Mech. A/Solids 2008; 27:859–881; Eng. Struct. 2008; 30:664–674; Int. J. Mech. Sci. 2009; 51:179–191)) have shown that classical limit analysis can be extended to incorporate such important features as geometric non‐linearity, softening and various so‐called ductility constraints. The generic formulation takes the form of a challenging (nonconvex and nonsmooth) optimization problem referred to in the mathematical programming literature as a mathematical program with equilibrium constraints (MPEC). Similar to a classical limit analysis, the aim is to compute in a single step a bound (upper bound, in the case of the extended problem) to the maximum load. The solution algorithm so far proposed to solve the MPEC is to convert it into an iterative non‐linear programming problem and attempts to process this using a standard non‐linear optimizer. Motivated by the fact that no method is guaranteed to solve such MPECs and by the need to avoid the use of an optimization approach, which is unfamiliar to most practising engineers, we propose, in the present paper, a novel numerical scheme to solve the MPEC as a constrained non‐linear system of equations. We illustrate the application of this approach using the simple class of elastoplastic softening skeletal structures for which certain ductility conditions are prescribed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Persistent jaundice in an infant with homozygous beta thalassemia due to co‐inherited Crigler–Najjar syndrome
Authors: Aggarwal Varun , Seth Anju , Sharma Sunita , Aneja Satinder , Sammarco Pietro , Fabiano Carmelo
Published: December 2009

Clinically apparent jaundice is unusual in patients with β‐thalassemia major. Co‐inheritance of Gilbert syndrome has been reported to cause hyperbilirubinemia in these subjects. Crigler–Najjar syndrome is another rare disorder of bilirubin metabolism caused by mutation in the gene coding the enzyme UGT1A1. We report a patient of β‐thalassemia major who presented with persistent jaundice due to co‐inherited Crigler–Najjar syndrome type 2 secondary to a novel mutation in UGT1A1 gene [homozygous base substitution at position 362 (GGT>AGT) in exon 3]. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:627–628. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel initiation codon mutation in the ribosomal protein S17 gene (RPS17) in a patient with Diamond‐Blackfan anemia
Authors: Song Min‐Jung , Yoo Eun‐Hyung , Lee Ki‐O , Kim Gee‐Na , Kim Hee‐Jin , Kim Sun‐Young , Kim Sun‐Hee
Published: December 2009

Diamond‐Blackfan anemia (DBA) is an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome characterized by pure red cell aplasia, various congenital anomalies, and cancer predisposition. We report a novel mutation in the RPS17 gene in a Korean patient with DBA. The mutation occurred in the translation initiation codon, changing Atg to Gtg (c.1A>G), thus disrupting the natural start of the RPS17 protein biosynthesis. This is the third case of DBA from a RPS17 mutation in the literature and is the second case of a RPS17 mutation in the translation initiation codon, following c.2T>G. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:629–631. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical presentation of Griscelli syndrome type 2 and spectrum of RAB27A mutations
Authors: Meeths Marie , Bryceson Yenan T. , Rudd Eva , Zheng Chengyun , Wood Stephanie M. , Ramme Kim , Beutel Karin , Hasle Henrik , Heilmann Carsten , Hultenby Kjell , Ljunggren Hans‐Gustaf , Fadeel Bengt , Nordenskjöld Magnus , Henter Jan‐Inge
Published: December 2009

Background

Griscelli syndrome type 2 (GS2) is an autosomal‐recessive immunodeficiency caused by mutations in RAB27A, clinically characterized by partial albinism and haemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis (HLH). We evaluated the frequency of RAB27A mutations in 21 unrelated patients with haemophagocytic syndromes without mutations in familial HLH (FHL) causing genes or an established diagnosis of GS2. In addition, we report three patients with known GS2. Moreover, neurological involvement and RAB27A mutations in previously published patients with genetically verified GS2 are reviewed.

Procedure

Mutation analysis of RAB27A was performed by direct DNA sequencing. NK cell activity was evaluated and microscopy of the hair was performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Results

RAB27A mutations were found in 1 of the 21 families. This Swedish family had three affected children with heterozygous compound mutations consisting of a novel splice error mutation, [c.239G>C], and a nonsense mutation, [c.550C>T], p.R184X. The three additional children all carried homozygous RAB27A mutations, one of which is a novel splice error mutation, [c.240‐2A>C]. Of note, five of the six patients displayed neurological symptoms, while three out of six patients displayed NK cell activity within normal reference values, albeit low. A literature review revealed that 67% of GS2 patients have been reported with neurological manifestations.

Conclusions

Identification of RAB27A mutations can facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment, and aid genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis. Since five of six patients studied herein initially were diagnosed as having FHL, we conclude that the diagnosis of GS2 may be overlooked, particularly in fair‐haired patients with haemophagocytic syndromes. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:563–572. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ifosfamide‐induced encephalopathy and movement disorder
Authors: Ames Bethany , Lewis Lionel D. , Chaffee Sara , Kim Julie , Morse Richard
Published: December 2009

Ifosfamide is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of a broad spectrum of solid tumors. CNS toxicity is a well‐described side effect of ifosfamide, but the mechanism of ifosfamide‐induced neurotoxicity remains poorly defined. We present two pediatric cases of hemiballismic limb movements in the setting of ifosfamide‐associated encephalopathy. To our knowledge, there have been no prior reports of ifosfamide‐induced hemiballism in pediatric patients. One of our patient's encephalopathy and abnormal movements may have improved after the administration of methylene blue and thiamine. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:624–626. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fragmentation pathways of acylated flavonoid diglucuronides from leaves of Medicago truncatula
Authors: Marczak Łukasz , Stobiecki Maciej , Jasiński Michał , Oleszek Wiesław , Kachlicki Piotr
Published: December 2009

Introduction – Flavonoids are important plant compounds occurring in tissues mostly in the form of glycoconjugates. Most frequently the sugar moiety is comprised of mono‐ or oligosaccharides consisting of common sugars like glucose, rhamnose or galactose. In some plant species the glycosidic moiety contains glucuronic acid and may be acylated by phenylpropenoic acids.

Methodology – Flavonoid glyconjugates were extracted from leaves of Medicago truncatula ecotype R108 and submitted to analysis using high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with high‐resolution tandem (quadrupole‐time of flight, QToF) mass spectrometry.

Results – The studied leaf extracts contained 26 different flavonoid glycosides among which 22 compounds were flavone (apigenin, luteolin, chrysoeriol and tricin) glucuronides and 13 were acylated with aromatic acids (p‐coumaric, ferulic or sinapic). The fragmentation pathways observed in positive and negative ion mass spectra differed substantially between each other and from these of flavonoid glycosides which did not contain acidic sugars. The application of high‐resolution MS techniques allowed unequivocal differentiation between ions with the same nominal m/z values containing different substituents (e.g. ferulic acid or glucuronic acid). Eleven of the identified flavonoids have not been reported previously in this species.

Perspectives – The presented unique fragmentation pathways of flavonoid glucuronates enable detection of these compounds in tissue extracts from different plant species. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydroxyapatite affinity chromatography for the highly selective enrichment of mono‐ and multi‐phosphorylated peptides in phosphoproteome analysis
Authors: Mamone Gianfranco , Picariello Gianluca , Ferranti Pasquale , Addeo Francesco
Published: December 2009

The most challenging analytical task facing phosphoproteome determination requires the isolation of phosphorylated peptides from the myriad of unphosphorylated species. In the past, several strategies for phosphopeptide isolation have been proposed in combination with subsequent mass spectrometric investigations. Among these techniques, immobilized metal affinity chromatography and titanium dioxide have been recognized as the most effective. Here, we present an alternative method for the enrichment of phosphopeptides based on hydroxyapatite (HAP) chromatography. By taking advantage of the strong interaction of HAP with phosphate and calcium ions, we developed an efficient method for the selective separation and fractionation of phosphorylated peptides. The effectiveness and efficiency of recovery for this procedure was assayed using tryptic digests of standard phosphorylated protein mixtures. Based on the higher affinity of multi‐phosphorylated peptides for HAP surfaces, the introduction of a phosphate buffer gradient for stepwise peptide elution resulted in the separation of mono‐, di‐, tri‐, and multi‐phosphorylated peptides. Thus, we demonstrated that this technique is highly selective and independent of the degree of peptide phosphorylation.
Proteomics profile of cellular response to chiral drugs: Prospects for pharmaceutical applications
Authors: Bun Ching Chi , Zhang Jianhua , Sui Jianjun , Ning Chen Wei
Published: December 2009

Chiral drugs account for a large proportion of drugs available in the market. There is increasing awareness of the importance of drug chirality and the role it plays in explaining the oftentimes dramatic differences in biological activities in the current drug development portfolio. Using recently developed chiral drugs‐cell interaction system, several examples of protein profiles induced by chiral drugs were illustrated in detail on the platform of 2‐D LC interfaced with MS/MS system. In addition, the background of chiral drug investigation from which contemporary drug chirality research has emerged, the techniques involved in proteomics technology, the application of proteomics in this exciting area, and the perspectives in future applications are also discussed.
Label‐free detection techniques for protein microarrays: Prospects, merits and challenges
Authors: Ray Sandipan , Mehta Gunjan , Srivastava Sanjeeva
Published: December 2009

Protein microarrays, on which thousands of discrete proteins are printed, provide a valuable platform for functional analysis of the proteome. They have been widely used for biomarker discovery and to study protein–protein interactions. The accomplishments of DNA microarray technology, which had enabled massive parallel studies of gene expression, sparked great interest for the development of protein microarrays to achieve similar success at the protein level. Protein microarray detection techniques are often classified as being label‐based and label‐free. Most of the microarray applications have employed labelled detection such as fluorescent, chemiluminescent and radioactive labelling. These labelling strategies have synthetic challenges, multiple label issues and may exhibit interference with the binding site. Therefore, development of sensitive, reliable, high‐throughput, label‐free detection techniques are now attracting significant attention. Label‐free detection techniques monitor biomolecular interactions and simplify the bioassays by eliminating the need for secondary reactants. Moreover, they provide quantitative information for the binding kinetics. In this article, we will review several label‐free techniques, which offer promising applications for the protein microarrays, and discuss their prospects, merits and challenges.
Identification of candidate biomarkers with cancer‐specific glycosylation in the tissue and serum of endometrioid ovarian cancer patients by glycoproteomic analysis
Authors: Abbott Karen L. , Lim Jae‐Min , Wells Lance , Benigno Benedict B. , McDonald John F. , Pierce Michael
Published: December 2009

Epithelial ovarian cancer is diagnosed less than 25% of the time when the cancer is confined to the ovary, leading to 5‐year survival rates of less than 30%. Therefore, there is an urgent need for early diagnostics for ovarian cancer. Our study using glycotranscriptome comparative analysis of endometrioid ovarian cancer tissue and normal ovarian tissue led to the identification of distinct differences in the transcripts of a restricted set of glycosyltransferases involved in N‐linked glycosylation. Utilizing lectins that bind to glycan structures predicted to show changes, we observed differences in lectin‐bound glycoproteins consistent with some of the transcript differences. In this study, we have extended our observations by the use of selected lectins to perform a targeted glycoproteomic analysis of ovarian cancer and normal ovarian tissues. Our results have identified several glycoproteins that display tumor‐specific glycosylation changes. We have verified these glycosylation changes on glycoproteins from tissue using immunoprecipitation followed by lectin blot detection. The glycoproteins that were verified were then analyzed further using existing microarray data obtained from benign ovarian adenomas, borderline ovarian adenocarcinomas, and malignant ovarian adenocarcinomas. The verified glycoproteins found to be expressed above control levels in the microarray data sets were then screened for tumor‐specific glycan modifications in serum from ovarian cancer patients. Results obtained from two of these glycoprotein markers, periostin and thrombospondin, have confirmed that tumor‐specific glycan changes can be used to distinguish ovarian cancer patient serum from normal serum.
Proteomic analysis of temperature stress in plants
Authors: Neilson Karlie A. , Gammulla C. Gayani , Mirzaei Mehdi , Imin Nijat , Haynes Paul A.
Published: December 2009

In this review we examine current approaches used for proteomic analysis of temperature stress in plants. Rapid advances in this field in recent years are discussed, including metabolic, chemical and isotopic labeling, and label‐free quantitative techniques. These are compared and contrasted with well‐established methods such as 2‐DE approaches. Examples of applications of various methods are presented, and technical difficulties and limitations of each are also considered. Results of previous studies are examined in detail, and commonly occurring temperature stress response proteins are collated. We conclude that technical advances, and improvements in genome sequence availability, will have an ever increasing impact on our understanding of molecular mechanisms of stress response in plants.
Fish proteome analysis: Model organisms and non‐sequenced species
Authors: Forné Ignasi , Abián Joaquin , Cerdà Joan
Published: December 2009

In the last decade, proteomic technologies have been increasingly used in fish biology research. Proteomics has been applied primarily to investigate the physiology, development biology and the impact of contaminants in fish model organisms, such as zebrafish (Danio rerio), as well as in some commercial species produced in aquaculture, mainly salmonids and cyprinids. However, the lack of previous genetic information on most fish species has been a major drawback for a more general application of the different proteomic technologies currently available. Also, many teleosts of interest in biological research and with potential application in aquaculture hold unique physiological characteristics that cannot be directly addressed from the study of small laboratory fish models. This review describes proteomic approaches that have been used to investigate diverse biological questions in model and non‐model fish species. We will also evaluate the current possibilities to integrate fish proteomics with other “omic” approaches, as well as with additional complementary techniques, in order to address the future challenges in fish biology research.
Comparative protein profiling of serum and plasma using an antibody suspension bead array approach
Authors: Schwenk Jochen M. , Igel Ulrika , Kato Bernet S. , Nicholson George , Karpe Fredrik , Uhlén Mathias , Nilsson Peter
Published: December 2009

In the pursuit towards a systematic analysis of human diseases, array‐based approaches within antibody proteomics offer high‐throughput strategies to discover protein biomarkers in serum and plasma. To investigate the influence of sample preparation on such discovery attempts, we report on a systematic effort to compare serum and plasma protein profiles determined with an antibody suspension bead array. The intensity levels were used to define protein profiles and no significant differences between serum and plasma were observed for 79% of the 174 antibodies (targeting 156 proteins). By excluding 36 antibodies giving rise to differential intensity levels, cluster analysis revealed donor‐specific rather than preparation‐dependent grouping. With a cohort from a clinically relevant medical condition, the metabolic syndrome, the influence of the sample type on a multiplexed biomarker discovery approach was further investigated. Independent comparisons of protein profiles in serum and plasma revealed an antibody targeting ADAMTSL‐4, a protein that would qualify to be studied further in association with the condition. In general, the preparation type had an impact on the results of the applied antibody suspension bead array, and while the technical variability was equal, plasma offered a greater biological variability and allowed to give rise to more discoveries than serum.
Effects of pH on Bacterial Inactivation in Aqueous Solutions due to Low‐Temperature Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Application
Authors: Ikawa Satoshi , Kitano Katsuhisa , Hamaguchi Satoshi
Published: December 2009

Low‐temperature atmospheric pressure plasmas applied to the surface of an aqueous solution have been shown to be efficient bactericides for bacteria suspended in the solution, if the solution is sufficiently acidic. Especially of interest is the finding that there is a critical pH value of about 4.7 for the bactericidal effects, below which the bacteria are efficiently inactivated and above which the bacteria are hardly affected by the plasma application. It has been also found that the presence of superoxide anion radicals O• in the solution is essential for bacterial inactivation by the plasma application. Therefore, the critical pH value may arise from the pKa of the equilibrium reaction between O• and hydroperoxy radicals HOO•, which is known to be approximately 4.8. The present experiments, where plasmas are not directly applied to bacterium surfaces and it has been confirmed that neither UV light nor heat from the plasma is the cause of bacterial inactivation, suggest the importance of highly reactive species generated in the solution via plasma–liquid interaction for the bactericidal effects.

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Locally Resolved Analysis of Polymer Surface Functionalization by an Atmospheric Pressure Argon Microplasma Jet with Air Entrainment
Authors: Vogelsang Andreas , Ohl Andreas , Steffen Hartmut , Foest Rüdiger , Schröder Karsten , Weltmann Klaus‐Dieter
Published: December 2009

Local analysis was performed of the chemical modification of polymeric surfaces induced by an atmospheric pressure microplasma jet operated with argon and small additions of air (1%). In particular, radial profiles were determined of water contact angle measurements and of the chemical surface composition using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Special emphasis was given to the effects of air entrainment. Contact angle profiles significantly vary with treatment time. For longer treatment, the narrow primary profiles are superimposed by much wider secondary profiles of different shapes. That indicates the existence of different modification mechanisms. One possible reason for that is additional oxygen admixture to the radial afterglow. According to the analysis of nitrogen incorporation, substantial radial variations are found for the portion of gas phase oxygen and alkyl surface radicals, respectively.

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Fluorine Plasma Treatments of Polypropylene Films, 1 – Surface Characterization
Authors: Kirk Seth , Strobel Mark , Lee Chi‐Ying , Pachuta Steven J. , Prokosch Michael , Lechuga Hyacinth , Jones Marvin E. , Lyons Christopher S. , Degner Scott , Yang Yang , Kushner Mark J.
Published: December 2009

In this work, an experimental investigation of fluorine gas (F2) plasma treatment of polypropylene (PP) film reveals the evolution of PP fluorination. Surface analysis of fluorinated PP surfaces describes a surface modification process that is initially quite rapid but slows sharply as the fluorination progresses. The fluorination reaction occurs more rapidly at the PP film surface and evidence of a treatment gradient is seen in the ESCA sampling depth of 10 nm. The increasingly fluorinated surface becomes less reactive to the plasma chemistry and develops a fully fluorinated, cross‐linked surface layer that eventually extends the full ESCA sampling depth.

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High volume normal saline alone is as effective as nebulized salbutamol‐normal saline, epinephrine‐normal saline, and 3% saline in mild bronchiolitis
Authors: Anil Ayse Berna , Anil Murat , Saglam Ayse Bircan , Cetin Nevin , Bal Alkan , Aksu Nejat
Published: December 2009

The objective of this study was to investigate the effectivenesses of nebulized salbutamol, epinephrin, 3% saline, and normal saline (0.9% NaCl) in the treatment of mildly affected infants with acute bronchiolitis. We enrolled 186 children (mean age 9.5 ± 5.3 months, range 1.5–24 months, 65.1% male) with a first episode of wheezing diagnosed as mild bronchiolitis in emergency department. Patients were randomized in a double‐blind fashion to receive 4 ml dose either of 1.5 mg epinephrine plus normal saline (group 1; n = 38) or 1.5 mg epinephrine plus 3% saline (group 2; n = 39) or 2.5 mg salbutamol plus normal saline (group 3; n = 36) or 2.5 mg salbutamol plus 3% saline (group 4; n = 36) or normal saline alone (group 5; n = 37) at 0 and 30 min. Thus, all treatment modalities included high amount of NaCl (72–240 mg). Clinical score, oxygen saturation and heart rate were assessed at 0, 30, 60, and 120 min. After discharge, patients were reassessed by telephone contact at 48 hr and 6 months. The baseline characteristics were similar in all groups (P > 0.05). The outcome of patients at 120 min was found significantly better than the baseline values (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the outcome variables of the groups (P > 0.05). No adverse effects attributable to nebulized therapy were seen. In conclusion, all treatment modalities used in this study, including a total of 8 ml normal saline inhalation at 30‐min interval showed clinically significant and swift improvement in mildly affected ambulatory infants with acute bronchiolitis. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:41–47. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mealtime problems predict outcome in clinical trial to improve nutrition in children with CF
Authors: Opipari‐Arrigan Lisa , Powers Scott W. , Quittner Alexandra L. , Stark Lori J.
Published: December 2009

Better growth and nutritional status is strongly associated with better pulmonary function and survival in children with CF. Behavioral intervention is an efficacious treatment approach for improving calorie intake and weight gain in children with CF; and recently has been shown to facilitate maintenance of daily energy intake at 120% of the healthy population over a 2‐year period. However, no study to date has examined factors that predict outcome with behavior intervention to promote weight gain in CF. The objectives of this study were to examine the influence of nutritional status, mealtime behavior problems, and maternal depressive symptoms on calorie intake and weight gain following participation in a randomized trial to improve nutritional status in cystic fibrosis. Sixty‐seven children, aged 4–12 years with cystic fibrosis participated in a clinical trial targeting calorie and weight increases. Participants completed baseline measures of mealtime behavior problems, maternal depression, and fat absorption, and baseline and post‐treatment caloric intake and weight. Assignment to behavioral group (R2 change = 0.17), lower frequency of mealtime behavior problems (R2 change = 0.11), and higher maternal depression (R2 change = 0.06) predicted greater calorie increase baseline to post‐treatment. Assignment to behavioral group (R2 change = 0.09), higher baseline weight (R2 change = 0.10), fat absorption (R2 change = 0.02), and lower frequency of mealtime behavior problems (R2 change = 0.06) predicted greater weight gain baseline to post‐treatment. Less frequent mealtime behavior problems led to better calorie intake and weight gain in a 9‐week clinical trial of behavior intervention and nutrition education to improve nutritional status in cystic fibrosis. The key implication from these findings is that early referral to behavioral intervention as soon as growth deficits become a concern will likely yield the best nutritional outcomes. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:78–82. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of Coating of Ammonium Perchlorate with Fluorocarbon on Ballistic and Sensitivity Properties of AP/Al/HTPB Propellant
Authors: Nandagopal S. , Mehilal M. , Tapaswi M. A. , Jawalkar S. N. , Radhakrishnan K. K. , Bhattacharya B.
Published: December 2009

Fluorocarbon polymers are used to enhance thermal stability and electrostatic protection of composite propellant compositions. A precipitation technique has been developed to coat ammonium perchlorate (AP) using a copolymer of hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride (HFP‐VF) with the help of solvent‐counter solvent method. The coated AP has been used to prepare propellant compositions in different ratio based on hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), aluminium powder along with uncoated AP and studied for viscosity build‐up and visco‐elastic behaviour as well as mechanical, ballistic, thermal and sensitivity properties keeping 86% solid loading. The data on viscosity build‐up indicate that as the percentage of viton coated AP increases end of mix viscosity and viscosity build‐up increase accordingly. The mechanical properties data reveal that tensile strength and percentage elongation are found in increasing order. The burn rate of the composition also increases on higher percentage of HFP‐VF coated AP. The thermal stability of composition increases as the percentage of HFP‐VF coated AP increases. The data on sensitivity indicate that impact sensitivity decreases on increasing the percentage of HFP‐VF coated AP while no change is observed in friction sensitivity value.
Metal–Fluorocarbon Pyrolants: X. Influence of Ferric Oxide/Silicon Additive on Burn Rate and Radiometric Performance of Magnesium/Teflon/Viton® (MTV)
Authors: Koch Ernst‐Christian
Published: December 2009

Both burn rate, u (mm s−1) and mass consumption rate, $\rm{\dot m }$ (g s−1 cm−2) of fuel rich magnesium/Teflon/Viton® (MTV) (45/50/5) upon addition of silicon/ferric oxide for part of the PTFE decrease by 16 and 11%, respectively. However, the spectral efficiency Eβ (J g−1 sr−1) increases by 24% in the 3–5 μm band.
Preliminary findings on OSHA's refinery NEP
Authors: Lay James , Long Lisa A. , Marshall Michael
Published: December 2009

On June 7, 2007, the US Occupational Safety & Health Administration initiated a Petroleum Refinery Process Safety Management (PSM) National Emphasis Program (Refinery NEP) in response to a large number of fatal or catastrophic incidents in the petroleum refining industry. The program's intent is to inspect all refineries under federal jurisdiction within 2 years using a newly developed inspection protocol.

This article briefly describes the inspection protocol, progress in completing the inspections, and review findings from this NEP and other PSM inspections conducted since 1992. Data on which paragraphs of the PSM standards were most frequently cited is included. Published 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2010
Highly stable hydrophilic surfaces of PDMS thin layer obtained by UV radiation and oxygen plasma treatments
Authors: de Menezes Atayde Cleuson , Doi Ioshiaki
Published: December 2009

Surface modification of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, Sylgard 184) was carried out by O2 plasma and UV in broadband mode/O2 plasma treatments with different exposure times, and studied in terms of hydrophilic stability. Water contact angle measurements, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) were used for the analysis of the modified surface and hydrophilic stability of the PDMS films. The results show reasonably good hydrophilic stability in the range of a week with a contact angle of around 70° for O2 plasma treated samples, whereas a more high hydrophilic stability, with a low contact angle of 65° up to 15 days, was observed for UV/O2 plasma treated PDMS. FTIR analysis of the samples reveals significant oxidation noted by large presence of Si‐O‐Si, and Si‐OH bonds on the PDMS surface, which improves the affinity with water molecules and increases the hydrophilicy. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The physics of highly ordered molecular rows
Authors: Blankenburg S. , Rauls E. , Schmidt W. G.
Published: December 2009

First‐principles calculations are used to rationalize the formation of well‐separated molecular rows of glutamic acid on Ag(110) and DEB on Au(111) upon adsorption. The different mechanisms for the row separation are analyzed in detail.

The analysis of the energetics underlines the importance of long‐range dispersive interactions, which we find crucial to reproduce the experimental results for both systems (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Impedance spectroscopy of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs in contact with culture media
Authors: Witte Hartmut , Charpentier Michael , Warnke Christian , Mueller Mathias , Guenther Kay‐Michael , Dadgar Armin , Krost Alois
Published: December 2009

Two different high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) structures based on AlGaN/GaN heterojunctions in contact with electrolyte media of different pH‐values and conductances were characterized by impedance spectroscopy. The main differences between both structures are the arrangement of the metal electrodes to the electrolyte and the resistivity of the two dimensional electron gas (2DEG). In structure #1 the 2DEG current path causes dispersion at low frequencies within the imaginary plot which strongly depends on the electrolyte conductance but not the pH‐value. At higher frequencies an additional dispersion caused by the dispersion of the electrolyte solution itself is observed which decreases with increasing electrolyte conductance.

With structure #2 a direct correlation between the pH‐value of the electrolyte, the DC‐current and the impedance at 1 kHz was verified. But, at higher frequencies the impedance only depends on the electrolyte conductance. This dependence on the electrolyte conductance is associated with a dominant current path from the contacts through the 2DEG and shows a similar behavior as the low frequency dispersion in structure #1. Consequently, both the pH‐value and the conductance of an electrolyte can be analyzed with one HEMT using different measurement frequencies. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Anticonvulsant effects of Searsia dentata (Anacardiaceae) leaf extract in rats
Authors: Pedersen Mikael E. , Baldwin Roger A. , Niquet Jerome , Stafford Gary I. , van Staden Johannes , Wasterlain Claude G. , Jäger Anna K.
Published: December 2009

Searsia species are used in South Africa to treat epilepsy. Previous studies have demonstrated an in vitro N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonistic effect of the ethanolic leaf extract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential anticonvulsant properties of the ethanolic extract of S. dentata in various animal models of epilepsy. The extract was submitted to a screening in anticonvulsant assays including NMDA‐, kainic acid (KA)‐, pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)‐ and bicuculline (BIC)‐induced seizures in rats. The extract protected 47% of the PN 18 Wistar pups (postnatal day 18, date of birth PN 0) (p < 0.05, n > 10) against NMDA‐induced seizures and significantly delayed the onset of PTZ‐induced seizures (p < 0.05, n > 8) at a dose of 250 mg/kg. A dose optimum was detected at 500 mg/kg for protection against KA‐(63% protection, p < 0.05, n > 8) and BIC‐induced seizures (50% protection, p < 0.05, n > 8) in young adult and PN 18 rats, respectively. The ethanolic extract of S. dentata showed anticonvulsive properties in several models of epilepsy. These results are compatible with previous findings of NMDA receptor antagonism. Due to the complex composition of the extract, the effect might be caused by more than one compound. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of a novel botanical agent Drynol Cibotin on human osteoblast cells and implications for osteoporosis: promotion of cell growth, calcium uptake and collagen production
Authors: Wegiel Barbara , Persson Jenny L
Published: December 2009

Osteoporosis is a widespread problem afflicting millions of people. Drynol Cibotinis is a newly developed proprietary botanical combination of eight botanicals including Angelica sinensis, Glycine max, Wild yam, Ligustrum lucidum, Astragalus membranaceus, Cuscuta chinensis, Psoraleae corylifoliae, and Drynaria fortune. Each of the botanicals has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat osteoporosis. The effect of Drynol Cibotinis, with the specific combination of these anti‐osteoporosis botanicals for promoting bone growth, was examined in this study. The effects of Drynol Cibotin on cell growth, apoptosis, cell spreading, calcium uptake and production of bone matrix proteins Collagen I and Laminin B2 on human osteoblast cells were assessed by BrdU incorporation, TUNEL assay, cell staining, intracellular Ca2+ measurement and Western blot analysis. The results showed that Drynol Cibotin significantly increased cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in osteoblasts (P < 0.01). In addition, Drynol Cibotin was found to promote cell spreading and greatly increase calcium uptake both instantaneously and in the long term (P < 0.01). Furthermore, Drynol Cibotin significantly increased production of two key extracellular matrix proteins in bone cells: Collagen I and Laminin B2. These results indicate that Drynol Cibotin alone or in combination with amino acids and vitamins may have prophylactic potentials in osteoporosis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Buguzhi (Psoralea corylifolia fruit) extract on bone formation
Authors: Wong R. W. K. , Rabie A. B. M.
Published: December 2009

The objective of the study is to compare the amount of new bone produced by Buguzhi (Psoralea corylifolia fruit) extract in collagen matrix to that produced and collagen matrix in vivo. Eighteen bone defects, 5 mm by 10 mm, were created in the parietal bone of 9 New Zealand white rabbits. Six defects were grafted with Buguzhi extract mixed with collagen matrix. Six defects were grafted with collagen matrix alone (positive control) and 6 were left empty (negative control). Animals were sacrificed on day 14 and the defects were dissected and prepared for histological assessment. Quantitative analysis of new bone formation and bone cells was made on 100 sections (50 sections for each group) using image analysis. A total of 275% more new bone was present in defects grafted with Buguzhi extract in collagen matrix than those grafted with collagen matrix. No bone was formed in the negative control group. The amount of bone cells was also significantly greater in the Buguzhi group than in the positive control group. To conclude, Buguzhi extract in collagen matrix has the effect of increasing new bone formation locally in vivo. Buguzhi extract in collagen matrix can be used as a bone graft material. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.