bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Valuing foreign currency options with a mean‐reverting process: a study of Hong Kong dollar
Authors: Hui C. H. , Lo C. F. , Yeung V. , Fung L.
Published: September 2007

The theoretical prediction on targeted exchange rates expects mean reversion of the exchange rates. There is some empirical evidence to support this prediction. This paper presents a model for valuing European foreign exchange options in which the forward foreign exchange rate follows a mean‐reverting lognormal process. The corresponding closed‐form solutions for the option valuation are derived. The mean‐reverting process has material impact on the foreign exchange rate option values and their hedge parameters. This tends to decrease the value of a simple put or call. On the other hand, the process also keeps the exchange rate in a small range around the mean level. As this is the region in which an option's intrinsic value is high because of the level of its strike price, there is also a tendency for option values to be enhanced compared with the values of the Black–Scholes model. The numerical results using the forward exchange rates of the Hong Kong dollar and market data of their options show that both of these effects are important for the realistic choices of parameter values. As the dynamics of targeted exchange rates may not follow the standard lognormal process as described by the Black–Scholes model, the mean‐reverting option‐pricing model may be considered for the valuation of options and estimation of associated hedge parameters on targeted exchange rates. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐linear interest rate dynamics and forecasting: evidence for US and Australian interest rates
Authors: McMillan David G.
Published: September 2007

Recent empirical finance research has suggested the potential for interest rate series to exhibit non‐linear adjustment to equilibrium. This paper examines a variety of models designed to capture these effects and compares both their in‐sample and out‐of‐sample performance with a linear alternative. Using short‐ and long‐term interest rates we report evidence that a logistic smooth‐transition error‐correction model is able to best characterize the data and provide superior out‐of‐sample forecasts, especially for the short rate, over both linear and non‐linear alternatives. This model suggests that market dynamics differ depending on whether the deviations from long‐run equilibrium are above or below the threshold value. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acute toxicity and irritation of water‐based dextran‐coated magnetic fluid injected in mice
Authors: Yu Zhai , Xiaoliang Wang , Xuman Wang , Hong Xie , Hongchen Gu
Published: September 2007

Based on the elements that magnetic nanoparticles could heat in an alternating magnetic field, magnetic fluid hyperthermia occurred to inhibit tumor growth in vivo. However, biocompatibility of those fluids as well as the fluid–body interaction remains unclear. In this article, acute toxicity and irritation of the water‐based dextran‐coated magnetic fluid (dextran‐magnetic fluid) injected into mice subcutaneous tissues were examined. Lethal dosage 50 of single treatment with the magnetic fluid was 4409.61 ± 514.93 mg/kg. When injected with 30 mg/0.3 mL dextran‐magnetic fluid, activities of glutamicoxalacetictransaminase (AST) and glutamicpyruvictransaminase (ALT) and cell number of mice blood did not change statistically. Hemangiectasia and leucocytes infiltration were seen in subcutaneous tissues and these phenomena almost disappeared 72 h later. That is to say, the dextran‐magnetic fluid was tolerable, safe, and biocompatible. The work is a basic for application of the dextran‐magnetic fluid in subcutaneous tumor therapy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Pore structure engineering for carbon foams as possible bone implant material
Authors: Turgut Gursel , Eksilioglu Ayhan , Gencay Nagehan , Gonen Emre , Hekim Nezih , Yardım M. F. , Sakiz Damlanur , Ekinci Ekrem
Published: September 2007

In this study authors aim to produce carbon foams with controllable pore size and distribution with high ratio of open porosity and to determine the cytotoxicity, and the bio‐compatibility of the carbon foams by controlled experiments on the Dawley rats. Carbon foams are produced from Mitsubishi AR pitch at different pressures, temperatures, pressure release times, and additives for the purpose of using it as a bone implant material. Carbon foams with controllable range of pore sizes and distribution by using temperatures between 283 and 300°C, pressures between 38 and 78 bar, and pressure release times between 5 and 600 s. The highest total porosity was found to be 86%. This porosity level was also complemented by the highest density, and compressive strength. Addition of isotropic pitch, graphite powder and THF, toluene and xylene solvents resulted in higher pore volumes compared with no additives. In the case of exploiting this result, it should be noted that higher pore volumes are realized with drastic drop in porosity and strength. The ability of porous foam to provide scaffold to tissue in vivo was finally investigated after 3 months of implantation in adequate pockets in the nude mice for insertion. Histological examination of the engineered constructs revealed that the tissue adaptation and bone compatibility of the carbon foam material studies on rats was found to be satisfactory. Progression of connective tissue formation into the carbon implant was observed without any sign of cytotoxicity and incompatibility during the postoperative follow‐ups. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Accumulation of magnetically labeled rat mesenchymal stem cells using an external magnetic force, and their potential for bone regeneration
Authors: Sugioka Toshihiro , Ochi Mitsuo , Yasunaga Yuji , Adachi Nobuo , Yanada Shinobu
Published: September 2007

We evaluated the effect of a novel mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) delivery system using magnetic beads and an external magnetic force, and investigated the osteogenic potential of MSCs coupled with magnetic beads in vitro. MSCs were isolated from the bone marrow of 8‐week‐old Sprague Dawley green fluorescent protein rats, and expanded in a monolayer culture system. Magnetic beads (Ferri Sphere 100C®) with carboxyl groups on the surface were conjugated to anti‐rat CD44 mouse monoclonal antibodies by an amide linkage. Expanded MSCs were then combined with the magnetic beads and the MSC‐magnetic bead complexes were seeded onto φ100 mm dishes at low density (5 × 103 cells/dish) with or without the influence of an external magnetic force provided by a neodymium magnet and supplemented with osteogenic differentiation medium. The complexes could be accumulated effectively by the influence of the external magnetic force. Moreover, the complexes could also differentiate into the osteogenic lineage in the monolayer culture system, as verified by alizarin red staining and RT‐PCR for alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin expression. These findings clearly demonstrate the possibility of a novel cell delivery system using MSCs with magnetic beads and an external magnetic force for bone regeneration. If this treatment option is established, it will be minimally invasive when compared to conventional treatments. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Adhesive properties of laminated alginate gels for tissue engineering of layered structures
Authors: Gleghorn Jason P. , Lee Christopher S.D. , Cabodi Mario , Stroock Abraham D. , Bonassar Lawrence J.
Published: September 2007

A significant challenge in tissue engineering is the creation of tissues with stratified morphology or embedded microstructures. This study investigated methods to fabricate composite gels from separately deposited alginate layers and examined the effects of processing methods on the mechanics of adhesion. Laminated alginate gels were created through a three step process which included: treatment of the interfaces with citrate; annealing of the gels to allow for molecular rearrangement of the alginate chains; and exposure to a CaCl2 to crosslink the alginate sheets. Process variables included volume and concentration of applied citrate, annealing time, incubation time in CaCl2, and CaCl2 concentration. Laminated sheets were tested in lap‐shear geometry to characterize failure phenomena and mechanical properties. The site of failure within the gel depended on the integrity of the interface, with weaker gels delaminating and gels with mechanical properties similar to that of bulk gels failing randomly throughout the thickness. Citrate volume, citrate concentration, CaCl2 incubation time, and CaCl2 concentration altered the mechanical properties of the laminated alginate sheets, while annealing time had little effect on all measured parameters. This study demonstrates the integration of separately fabricated alginate layers to create mechanically or chemically anisotropic or heterogeneous structures. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Collagen‐coated polylactide microcarriers/chitosan hydrogel composite: Injectable scaffold for cartilage regeneration
Authors: Hong Yi , Gong Yihong , Gao Changyou , Shen Jiacong
Published: September 2007

A novel structure of injectable scaffold is designed and fabricated by combining collagen‐coated polylactide (PLA) microcarriers and crosslinkable chitosan hydrogel. The collagen‐coated PLA microcarriers were firstly mixed with the hydrogel precursor, a thickening agent of konjac glucomannan (KGM), and redox initiators of ammonium persulfate and tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA). The mixture was then injected into a mold and incubated at 37°C to obtain the composite scaffold. The hydrogel can deliver the collagen‐coated PLA microcarriers to the desired site and, after gelation, will prevent them from uncontrolled movement. On the other hand, the collagen‐coated PLA microcarriers can substantially enhance the mechanical properties of the composite system. It was found that the microcarriers suspended stably in 0.6% KGM/1% chitosan derivative (CML) solution at 37°C at least for 15 min. The dynamic elastic modulus (G′) of the composite scaffold increased along with the increase of the microcarrier content. G′ of the composite scaffold with 10% microcarriers was measured as 0.87–2.15 MPa at a frequency range of 0.1–100 rad/s, which was 120–90 times higher than that of its hydrogel system alone (12.1–24.4 kPa). In vitro culture of chondrocytes/composite scaffold showed that the cell metabolic activity increased rapidly before day 9, then leveled off. Cells in the hydrogel could attach and grow on the surface of the collagen‐coated PLA microcarriers to form confluent cell layers after days 9–12. These features make the composite scaffold to be injectable and applicable in either tissue engineering, or regenerative medicine, and in particular, in orthopaedics. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Plasma immersion ion implantation treatment of polyethylene for enhanced binding of active horseradish peroxidase
Authors: Gan B.K. , Nosworthy N.J. , McKenzie D.R. , dos Remedios C.G. , Bilek M.M.M.
Published: September 2007

Robust attachment of active proteins to synthetic surfaces underpins the development of biosensors and protein arrays. This paper presents the results of experiments in which energetic ions, extracted from an inductively coupled nitrogen plasma, are used to modify the surface of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The ability of the surface to bind active horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is significantly enhanced by the plasma treatment. The amide signal in infrared spectroscopy indicates an increased quantity of surface‐attached protein on the modified surface. The activity of the bound HRP remains high compared with that of protein attached to the untreated surface, after repeated washing in buffer solution. Although Tween 20 was an effective blocking agent for the unmodified polyethylene surface, binding of HRP to the modified surface is not inhibited by its presence. We propose that the treatment produces new binding sites on the surface and that the function of the HRP is retained because the treated surface is substantially more hydrophilic. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Characteristics of Hylamer polyethylene particles isolated from peri‐prosthetic tissues of failed cemented total hip arthroplasties
Authors: Iwakiri Kentaro , Iwaki Hiroyoshi , Kobayashi Akio , Minoda Yukihide , Kagiyama Hiroshi , Kadoya Yoshinori , Takaoka Kunio
Published: September 2007

Polyethylene wear particles are one of the most important factors affecting the results of total hip arthroplasty. Hylamer, a highly crystalized ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene, has been used in total hip arthroplasty for wear reduction, but has exhibited high wear rate and excessive osteolysis. The aim of the present study was to examine Hylamer wear particles in peri‐prosthetic tissues with osteolysis obtained from two cases of failed cemented total hip arthroplasty at 8 and 6 years after operation. Polyethylene particles were isolated, and examined using a scanning electron microscope and image analyzer. Total numbers of Hylamer polyethylene particles in the two cases were 5.6 × 109 and 8.0 × 109 g−1. Particle sizes (in equivalent circle diameter) for the two cases were 1.07 ± 0.06 μm and 1.16 ± 0.05 μm, and particle shapes (roundness) were 3.05 ± 0.22 and 3.76 ± 0.28. The Hylamer polyethylene particles were larger in size and more elongated and their number was larger, compared with the corresponding reported values for particles generated from conventional polyethylene. This increase in particle number and elongation may lead to early osteolysis in total hip arthroplasty with Hylamer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
PMMA bone cement containing a quaternary amine comonomer with potential antibacterial properties
Authors: Deb S. , Doiron R. , DiSilvio L. , Punyani S. , Singh H.
Published: September 2007

An iodinated quaternary amine dimethacrylate monomer was synthesized and incorporated as a comonomer in acrylic bone cements. Bone cement is used in orthopaedic surgery and imparting antibacterial properties to the cement can be beneficial in the lowering of bacterial infection post surgery. PMMA based bone cements were modified by copolymerising the monomer methylmethacrylate (MMA) with a quaternary amine dimethacrylate by using the redox initiator activator system as used for curing commercial bone cements. The cements were prepared using the commercial PMMA bone cement CMW and the liquid component was modified with the amine to render antimicrobial properties to the cement. The physical, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties of the modified cements were evaluated; in addition, the viability of the cement to function as a orthopaedic cement was also established, especially with an advantage of it being radiopaque, due to the inclusion of the iodine containing quaternary amine. The cytotoxicity of the modified cements were tested using a human cell model and the results indicated that the cells remained metabolically active and proliferated when placed in direct contact with the experimental cement specimens. The cements and their eluants did not evoke any cytotoxic response. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Age‐dependent effects of TWEAK/Fn14 receptor activation on neural progenitor cells
Authors: Hamill C. A. , Michaelson J. S. , Hahm Kyungmin , Burkly Linda C. , Kessler J. A.
Published: September 2007

TWEAK/Fn14 signaling regulates progenitor cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival in multiple organ systems. This study examined the effects of TWEAK (tumor necrosis factor–like weak inducer of apoptosis) treatment on cultured mouse neural progenitor cells. The receptor for TWEAK is expressed by neural progenitor cells from the early embryonic stages through postnatal development. Although embryonic day 12 (E12) and postnatal day 1 (PN1) neural progenitor cells both express the receptor for TWEAK, TWEAK treatment of cultured E12 and PN1 progenitor cells resulted in age‐dependent effects on proliferation and on neurite extension by neuronal progeny. TWEAK treatment did not alter proliferation of E12 neural progenitor cells but shifted PN1 progenitor cells toward cell‐cycle phases G0 and G1 and reduced the rate at which they incorporated CldU. Conversely, the effects of TWEAK on axon elongation were more prominent in the earlier developmental stage. TWEAK induced extensive neurite outgrowth by the neuronal progeny of E12 but not PN1 progenitors. Treatment of the E12 progenitor cells with a TWEAK‐neutralizing antibody repressed neurite extension, indicating that endogenous activation of this pathway may be required for neurite extension by the embryonic neuronal progeny. These studies indicate that TWEAK/Fn14 receptor activation exerts different effects on neural progenitor cells and their progeny depending on the developmental stage of the cells. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Progressive degeneration of dopamine neurons in 6‐hydroxydopamine rat model of parkinson's disease does not involve activation of caspase‐9 and caspase‐3
Authors: Ebert Allison D. , Hann Hoo Jae , Bohn Martha C.
Published: September 2007

6‐Hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA), a neurotoxin that causes the death of dopamine (DA) neurons, is commonly used to produce experimental models of Parkinson's disease (PD) in rodents. In the rat model of PD first described by Sauer and Oertel, DA neurons progressively die over several weeks following a striatal injection of 6‐OHDA. It is generally assumed that DA neurons die through apoptosis after exposure to 6‐OHDA, but data supporting activation of a caspase enzymatic cascade are lacking. In this study, we sought to determine if caspases involved in the intrinsic apoptotic cascade play a role in the initial stages of 6‐OHDA‐induced death of DA neurons in the progressively lesioned rat model of PD. We found that injection of 6‐OHDA into adult rat striatum did not activate caspase‐9 or caspase‐3 or increase levels of caspase‐dependent cleavage products in the substantia nigra at various survival times up to 7 days after the lesion, even though this paradigm produced DA neuronal loss. These data suggest that in the adult rat brain DA neurons whose terminals are challenged with 6‐OHDA do not die through a classical caspase‐dependent apoptotic mechanism. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Peptide hormone exendin‐4 stimulates subventricular zone neurogenesis in the adult rodent brain and induces recovery in an animal model of parkinson's disease
Authors: Bertilsson Göran , Patrone Cesare , Zachrisson Olof , Andersson Annica , Dannaeus Karin , Heidrich Jessica , Kortesmaa Jarkko , Mercer Alex , Nielsen Elisabet , Rönnholm Harriet , Wikström Lilian
Published: September 2007

We investigated the effects of exendin‐4 on neural stem/progenitor cells in the subventricular zone of the adult rodent brain and its functional effects in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. Our results showed expression of GLP‐1 receptor mRNA or protein in the subventricular zone and cultured neural stem/progenitor cells isolated from this region. In vitro, exendin‐4 increased the number of neural stem/progenitor cells, and the number of cells expressing the neuronal markers microtubule‐associated protein 2, β‐III‐tubulin, and neuron‐specific enolase. When exendin‐4 was given intraperitoneally to naïve rodents together with bromodeoxyuridine, a marker for DNA synthesis, both the number of bromodeoxyuridine‐positive cells and the number of neuronal precursor cells expressing doublecortin were increased. Exendin‐4 was tested in the 6‐hydroxydopamine model of Parkinson's disease to investigate its possible functional effects in an animal model with neuronal loss. After unilateral lesion and a 5‐week stabilization period, the rats were treated for 3 weeks with exendin‐4. We found a reduction of amphetamine‐induced rotations in animals receiving exendin‐4 that persisted for several weeks after drug administration had been terminated. Histological analysis showed that exendin‐4 significantly increased the number of both tyrosine hydroxylase‐ and vesicular monoamine transporter 2‐positive neurons in the substantia nigra. In conclusion, our results show that exendin‐4 is able to promote adult neurogenesis in vitro and in vivo, normalize dopamine imbalance, and increase the number of cells positive for markers of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra in a model of Parkinson's disease. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transsynaptic modulation of the synaptic vesicle cycle by cell‐adhesion molecules
Authors: Gottmann Kurt
Published: September 2007

Delicate control of the synaptic vesicle cycle is required to meet the demands imposed on synaptic transmission by the brain's complex information processing. In addition to intensively analyzed intrinsic regulation, extrinsic modulation of the vesicle cycle by the postsynaptic target neuron has become evident. Recent studies have demonstrated that several families of synaptic cell‐adhesion molecules play a significant role in transsynaptic retrograde signaling. Different adhesion systems appear to specifically target distinct steps of the synaptic vesicle cycle. Signaling via classical cadherins regulates the recruitment of synaptic vesicles to the active zone. The neurexin/neuroligin system has been shown to modulate presynaptic release probability. In addition, reverse signaling via the EphB/ephrinB system plays an important role in the activity‐dependent induction of long‐term potentiation of presynaptic transmitter release. Moreover, the first hints of involvement of cell‐adhesion molecules in vesicle endocytosis have been published. A general hypothesis is that specific adhesion systems might use different but parallel transsynaptic signaling pathways able to selectively modulate each step of the synaptic vesicle cycle in a tightly coordinated manner. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New implications for the QUAKING RNA binding protein in human disease
Authors: Chénard Carol Anne , Richard Stéphane
Published: September 2007

The use of spontaneously occurring mouse models has proved to be a valuable tool throughout the years to delineate the signals required for nervous system development. This is especially true in the field of myelin biology, with a large number of different models available. The quaking viable mouse models dysmyelination in the nervous system and links the QUAKING RNA binding proteins to myelination and cell fate decisions. In this Mini‐Review, we highlight the biological functions attributed to this KH‐type RNA binding protein and the recent achievements linking it to human disorders. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Properties of refrigerated ground beef treated with potassium lactate and sodium diacetate
Authors: Fik Mirosław , Surówka Krzysztof , Firek Bożena
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: Ground meat is product that perishes easily and therefore various preservatives are applied to prolong its shelf life. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of potassium lactate and sodium diacetate (Protec K‐DI preparation) on general proteolytic activity, protein degradation, texture, colour and water‐holding capacity of vacuum‐packaged ground beef.

RESULTS: The activity of endogenous proteolytic enzymes, and hence the rate of protein hydrolysis changed significantly (P < 0.05) during refrigerated storage. The proteolysis was more intensive in the meat with the preservative than in a control sample. According to the results of SDS‐PAGE, the level of myosin in ground beef decreased with increasing storage time, whereas the preservative did not have a significant effect (P > 0.05) on these changes. However, its impact was the most significant in the case of tropomyosin and troponin T content, as well as changes of 30 kDa protein content. The preservative as well as the increase in storage time influenced an increase in content of polypeptides, peptides and some amino acids in the samples, and had an inhibiting effect on unfavourable changes in ground beef hardness. The preservative addition allowed the meat to maintain desired meat colour, and the main pigment during refrigerated storage was oxymyoglobin (MbO2).

CONCLUSION: Results showed that the Protec K‐DI preparation can be useful in minced meat production as a good stabiliser of colour and texture despite the increase observed in proteolytic activity after the preservative addition. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Dendritic Polymers Based on Urethane Chemistry – Syntheses and Applications
Authors: Bruchmann Bernd
Published: September 2007

The development of dendritic polymers, including dendrimers as well as hyperbranched or highly branched polymers, is rapidly growing in all fields of polymer chemistry. This review article focuses on dendritic polymers based on urethane chemistry as a principle of construction, summarizing synthetic approaches based on isocyanate chemistry as well as on isocyanate free processes. Furthermore, scientific publications and patent literature were investigated to provide a comprehensive overview of applications where dendritic polyurethanes show their specific chemical and physical potential.

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Homogenization of a boundary‐value problem with a nonlinear boundary condition in a thick junction of type 3:2:1
Authors: Mel'nyk Taras A.
Published: September 2007

We consider a boundary‐value problem for the Poisson equation in a thick junction Ωε, which is the union of a domain Ω0and a large number of ε‐periodically situated thin curvilinear cylinders. The following nonlinear Robin boundary condition ∂νuε+ εκ(uε)=0 is given on the lateral surfaces of the thin cylinders. The asymptotic analysis of this problem is performed as ε → 0, i.e. when the number of the thin cylinders infinitely increases and their thickness tends to zero. We prove the convergence theorem and show that the nonlinear Robin boundary condition is transformed (as ε → 0) in the blow‐up term of the corresponding ordinary differential equation in the region that is filled up by the thin cylinders in the limit passage. The convergence of the energy integral is proved as well. Using the method of matched asymptotic expansions, the approximation for the solution is constructed and the corresponding asymptotic error estimate in the Sobolev spaceH1(Ωε) is proved. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abnormal pelvic response to cough in women with stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Deffieux Xavier , Hubeaux Katelyne , Porcher Raphael , Ismael Samer Sheikh , Raibaut Patrick , Amarenco Gérard
Published: September 2007

Aims

To assess how muscular fatigue deteriorates the modulation of pelvic contraction during increasing cough efforts. Furthermore, we investigated the correlation between the temporal course of pelvic floor activation during cough.

Methods

Informed consent was obtained from 20 women presenting with SUI and 6 continent women (overactive bladder syndrome [OAB]). Bladder pressure (BP) and external anal sphincter electromyographic activity (EAS EMGi) were recorded concomitantly during increasing cough efforts. Modulation of pelvic contraction was assessed before and after two types of intense pelvic exercise (Exercise #1: 10 successive strong cough efforts; Exercise #2: 10 pelvic contractions followed by a maximal pelvic contraction) at 0, 200, and 400 ml of bladder filling. We have also recorded electromyographic activity of external intercostal (EIC) muscles.

Results

Whereas the Exercise 1 had no effect on modulation, the Exercise 2 altered significantly the modulation of pelvic contraction during increasing cough efforts (P = 0.043) only in women presenting with SUI. The bladder filling volume seems to not significantly modify this modulation (P = 0.12). Median latency between the onset of the EAS EMGi and the onset of the EIC EMGi was −470 and −60 msec in OAB group and in SUI group, respectively (P = 0.012). There was a good correlation between mean latency (default of EAS EMGi pre‐activation) and an altered modulation of pelvic contraction during increasing cough efforts (P = 0.040).

Conclusions

Some women with SUI exhibit an altered pattern of the PFM response during increasing coughing efforts. The lack of this modulation of PFM response to stress may be one of the pathophysiologic factors of SUI. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:291–296, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of action research in practice development units
Authors: Jinks Annette , Marsden Cathy
Published: September 2007

This paper describes the development of a haematology practice development unit. A recurring dichotomy in the literature reviewed is whether such practice development units should be aimed at nurses or at nursing practice. The processes of ensuring the robustness of a series of action research projects are described. All of these projects aim to explore patient perspectives of their illnesses and identify how to improve their care. National Health Service Trust and university partnership arrangements are identified as being of central importance to accreditation processes and to verification of the appropriateness of research outcomes. Staff development initiatives discussed include offering work‐based learning opportunities. It is concluded that to disassociate patients, and how best to improve their care, from the development of practitioners is unhelpful. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attitudes to starting insulin in primary care
Authors: Burden ML , Burden AC
Published: September 2007

The aim of this study was to measure the attitudes of patients, practice nurses (PNs) and general practitioners (GPs) when starting insulin in people with type 2 diabetes in primary care.

The study methods involved: (1) examining patient attitudes and collecting safety data; and (2) examining the attitudes of GPs and PNs and assessing competencies. The study was conducted in a general practice diabetic clinic, where GPs and PNs were developing new skills under supervision.

Forty‐two patients who had started insulin were given questionnaires; 39 were returned. In all, 100% rated encouragement given by PNs as very good, and were satisfied with the follow‐up contact they had received; 100% acknowledged it was very important to have good glycaemic control; 88% had gained good support from friends, family and their surgery during initiation of insulin; and 92% found the information easy to understand, were confident with their injections and were happy to adjust the dose of insulin. Of 17 GPs and PNs, 14 felt empowered to manage those patients who were on maximum tolerated oral hypoglycaemic therapy and needed to go onto insulin but this fell to seven when asked whether they felt confident to discuss the full range of insulin and insulin devices. Thirty‐seven GPs and PNs who between them had started 200 patients on insulin attended a focus group ‐ this identified issues that informed the primary care trust setting up the locally enhanced diabetes service contract.

People with type 2 diabetes found starting insulin in their GP's practice satisfactory, and were self‐managing and confident. Most GPs and PNs were confident about initiating insulin. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
A survey to assess the preferences of patients with diabetes for the time and location of their outpatient appointments
Authors: Baggri HS , Jenkins D
Published: September 2007

Recent NHS reforms aim to give increased choice of specialist services to patients. Using a questionnaire survey, we ascertained the preferences of patients with diabetes for the time and location of their diabetes outpatient appointments.

Questionnaires were distributed to all attendees at consecutive Worcestershire Royal Hospital diabetes adult outpatient clinics during three weeks in 2005. Questionnaires were completed anonymously.

A total of 154 patients completed questionnaires (response rate 99%). The age range was 20‐88 years. In all, 47% worked full time, 6% worked part time, 38% were retired and 9% were unemployed. Seventy‐five percent travelled to their appointments by car, 8% by public transport, 6% by taxi, 3% by hospital transport and 8% by other means. Eighty‐one percent of car travellers had difficulty in parking. In total, 47% would prefer to see the diabetes team at a general practice, 43% at the general hospital and 9% at a community hospital. Twenty‐eight percent would prefer any weekday and 38% had no preference. Less than 6% would prefer a weekend appointment. Forty‐four percent would prefer mornings, 26% afternoons and 8% evening appointments; 22% did not mind. Sixteen percent of the sample cared for others during weekdays. Thirty‐six percent of carers preferred morning appointments, 40% the afternoon. Twelve percent wanted to be seen after 5pm. Seventy‐six percent of carers preferred to be seen on a weekday. None wanted to be seen on a Saturday.

It was concluded that, in this area, people with diabetes want clinic appointments in either general practice or a general hospital, preferring appointments on weekday mornings. These results may have general relevance. We suggest that similar surveys become routine to inform future planning. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Diabetes and complementary therapies: mapping the evidence
Authors: Pilkington K , Stenhouse E , Kirkwood G , Richardson J
Published: September 2007

Complementary therapies are widely used by people with diabetes for the condition itself, for diabetes‐related complications or for non‐diabetes related problems. The aim of this review is to summarise the current research evidence on complementary therapies in the management of diabetes and resulting complications.

The review draws primarily on systematic reviews conducted as part of the CAMEOL project (www.rccm.org.uk/cameol), included in the Cochrane Library or on the National Library for Health Complementary and Alternative Medicine Specialist Library (www.library.nhs.uk/cam). Searches were also carried out for studies published subsequently or on other therapies to provide an indication of overall research activity.

Systematic reviews were found or conducted on a range of herbs, dietary supplements, massage, acupuncture, homoeopathy, hypnotherapy, meditation, reflexology and yoga. Individual studies were located on several other therapies. Studies addressed metabolic control, general well‐being and complications. Herbs and dietary supplements continue to be the main focus of research activity. Acupuncture trials are also numerous but almost exclusively conducted in China using traditional approaches. For most other therapies, research evidence is limited by extent or quality.

Overall, limited data from well‐designed randomised controlled trials are available and results are difficult to translate into clinical practice. Based on promising findings, several herbs, dietary supplements, exercise or body‐based therapies and acupuncture require further investigation. For most therapies, well‐designed robust studies replicating small preliminary studies are required to support those involved in diabetes care in providing evidence‐based advice on the safe and effective use of complementary therapies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
An evolutionary and structure‐based docking model for glucocerebrosidase–saposin C and glucocerebrosidase–substrate interactions—Relevance for Gaucher disease
Authors: Atrian Sílvia , López‐Viñas Eduardo , Gómez‐Puertas Paulino , Chabás Amparo , Vilageliu Lluïsa , Grinberg Daniel
Published: September 2007

Gaucher disease, the most prevalent lysosomal storage disorder, is principally caused by malfunction of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GBA), a 497‐amino acid membrane glycoprotein that catalyzes the hydrolysis of glucosylceramide to ceramide and glucose in the presence of an essential 84‐residue activator peptide named saposin C (SapC). Knowledge of the GBA structure, a typical (β/α)8 TIM barrel, explains the effect of few mutations, directly affecting or located near the catalytic site. To identify new regions crucial for proper GBA functionality, we analyzed the interactions of the enzyme with a second (substrate) and a third (cofactor) partner. We build 3D docking models of the GBA–SapC and the GBA–ceramide interactions, by means of methodologies that integrate both evolutive and structural information. The GBA–SapC docking model confirm the implication of three spatially closed regions of the GBA surface (TIM barrel‐helix 6 and helix 7, and the Ig‐like domain) in binding the SapC molecule. This model provides new basis to understand the pathogenicity of several mutations, such as the prevalent Leu444Pro, and the additive effect of Glu326Lys in the double mutant Glu326Lys‐Leu444Pro. Overall, 39 positions in which amino acid changes are known to cause Gaucher disease were localized in the GBA regions identified in this work. Our model is discussed in relation to the phenotype (pathogenic effect) of these mutations, as well as to the enzymatic activity of the recombinant proteins when available. Both data fully correlates with the proposed model, which will provide a new tool to better understand Gaucher disease and to design new therapy strategies. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lipoprotein lipase: A bioinformatics criterion for assessment of mutations as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease
Authors: Glisic Sanja , Arrigo Patrizio , Alavantic Dragan , Perovic Vladimir , Prljic Jelena , Veljkovic Nevena
Published: September 2007

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a key enzyme in lipid metabolism. Decrease of the LPL enzymatic activity leads to elevated triglycerides (TG) and reduced high‐density lipoprotein (HDL‐C levels), both risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, mutations, which decrease the LPL activity, may confer susceptibility to CVD. Here, the informational spectrum method (ISM), a virtual spectroscopy method for structure/function analysis of nucleotide and protein sequences, is applied for identification of evolutionary highly conserved information encoded by the primary structure of LPL. It was demonstrated that mutations, which alter the LPL enzymatic activity also alter this information. On the basis of this finding, an efficient and simple bioinformatics criterion for assessment of the pathogenic effect of LPL nonsynonymous single nucleotide substitution as a risk factor of CVD has been proposed. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TPR domain of NrfG mediates complex formation between heme lyase and formate‐dependent nitrite reductase in Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Han Dohyun , Kim Kyunggon , Oh Jongkil , Park Jungeun , Kim Youngsoo
Published: September 2007

Escherichia coli synthesize C‐type cytochromes only during anaerobic growth in media supplemented with nitrate and nitrite. The reduction of nitrate to ammonium in the periplasm of Escherichia coli involves two separate periplasmic enzymes, nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase. The nitrite reductase involved, NrfA, contains cytochrome C and is synthesized coordinately with a membrane‐associated cytochrome C, NrfB, during growth in the presence of nitrite or in limiting nitrate concentrations. The genes NrfE, NrfF, and NrfG are required for the formate‐dependent nitrite reduction pathway, which involves at least two C‐type cytochrome proteins, NrfA and NrfB. The NrfE, NrfF, and NrfG genes (heme lyase complex) are involved in the maturation of a special C‐type cytochrome, apocytochrome C (apoNrfA), to cytochrome C (NrfA) by transferring a heme to the unusual heme binding motif of the Cys‐Trp‐Ser‐Cys‐Lys sequence in apoNrfA protein. Thus, in order to further investigate the roles of NrfG in the formation of heme lyase complex (NrfEFG) and in the interaction between heme lyase complex and formate‐dependent nitrite reductase (NrfA), we determined the crystal structure of NrfG at 2.05 Å. The structure of NrfG showed that the contact between heme lyase complex (NrfEFG) and NrfA is accomplished via a TPR domain in NrfG which serves as a binding site for the C‐terminal motif of NrfA. The portion of NrfA that binds to TPR domain of NrfG has a unique secondary motif, a helix followed by about a six‐residue C‐terminal loop (the so called “hook conformation”). This study allows us to better understand the mechanism of special C‐type cytochrome assembly during the maturation of formate‐dependent nitrite reductase, and also adds a new TPR binding conformation to the list of TPR‐mediated protein–protein interactions. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computational studies of the structure, dynamics and native content of amyloid‐like fibrils of ribonuclease A
Authors: Colombo Giorgio , Meli Massimiliano , De Simone Alfonso
Published: September 2007

The characterization at atomic resolution of amyloid‐like protein aggregates is one of the fundamental problems of modern biology. In particular, the question whether native‐like domains are retained or completely refolded in the amyloid state and the identification of possible mechanisms for macromolecular ordered aggregation represent major unresolved puzzles. To address these issues, in this article we examine the stability, dynamics, and conservation of native‐like properties of several models of a previously designed amyloid‐like fibril of RNase A (Sambashivan et al., Nature 2005; 437:266–269). Through the use of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we have provided molecular‐level insights into the role of different parts of the sequence on the stability of fibrils, the collective properties of supramolecular complexes, and the presence of native‐like conformations and dynamics in supramolecular aggregates. We have been able to show that within the fibrils the three‐dimensional globular domain‐swapped units preserve the conformational, dynamical, and hydration properties typical of the monomeric state, providing a rationalization for the experimentally observed catalytic activity of fibrils. The nativeness of the globular domains is not affected by the amyloidogenic stretches, which determine the molecular recognition process underlying aggregation through the formation of a stable steric zipper motif. Moreover, through the study of the hydration features of a single sheet model, we have been able to show that polyglutamine stretches of the domain‐swapped ribonuclease tend to minimize the interaction with water in favor of sidechain–sidechain interactions, shedding light on the factors leading to the supramolecular assembly of β‐sheet layers into dry steric zippers. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DOCKGROUND system of databases for protein recognition studies: Unbound structures for docking
Authors: Gao Ying , Douguet Dominique , Tovchigrechko Andrey , Vakser Ilya A.
Published: September 2007

Computational docking approaches are important as a source of protein–protein complexes structures and as a means to understand the principles of protein association. A key element in designing better docking approaches, including search procedures, potentials, and scoring functions is their validation on experimentally determined structures. Thus, the databases of such structures (benchmark sets) are important. The previous, first release of the DOCKGROUND resource (Douguet et al., Bioinformatics 2006; 22:2612–2618) implemented a comprehensive database of cocrystallized (bound) protein–protein complexes in a relational database of annotated structures. The current release adds important features to the set of bound structures, such as regularly updated downloadable datasets: automatically generated nonredundant set, built according to most common criteria, and a manually curated set that includes only biological nonobligate complexes along with a number of additional useful characteristics. The main focus of the current release is unbound (experimental and simulated) protein–protein complexes. Complexes from the bound dataset are used to identify crystallized unbound analogs. If such analogs do not exist, the unbound structures are simulated by rotamer library optimization. Thus, the database contains comprehensive sets of complexes suitable for large scale benchmarking of docking algorithms. Advanced methodologies for simulating unbound conformations are being explored for the next release. The future releases will include datasets of modeled protein–protein complexes, and systematic sets of docking decoys obtained by different docking algorithms. The growing DOCKGROUND resource is designed to become a comprehensive public environment for developing and validating new docking methodologies. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acidic groups docked to well defined wetted pockets at the core of the binding interface: A tale of scoring and missing protein interactions in CAPRI
Authors: Bueno Marta , Camacho Carlos J.
Published: September 2007

Some challenging targets in CAPRI (T24/25 and T26) involve binding solvent accessible acidic residues at the core of the binding interface, where they are always found immersed in crystal waters. In fact, Asp and Glu residues are more likely to form part of the hydrogen bond network of their surrounding crystal water molecules than to form a buried salt bridge. Interestingly, many of the crystal waters mediating the intermolecular interactions of the acidic groups are already present in the unbound structure, reinforcing the notion that some water molecules behave as an extension of the protein structure. This is in contrast to acidic groups found in the periphery of the binding interface that form ubiquitous salt bridges that cement the high affinity complex, while at the same time they are exposed to rapidly exchanging water molecules. Because of this, dichotomy implicit solvent scoring functions fail to properly rank these complexes by prioritizing salt bridges rather than water mediated contacts. A detailed analysis of Target 24, for which our group predicted two out of the four successful homology model complex structures, and Target26 reveal how crystal waters shape the binding cavities of acidic groups prior to binding, in agreement with the theory of anchor residues as mediators of protein recognition. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HADDOCK versus HADDOCK: New features and performance of HADDOCK2.0 on the CAPRI targets
Authors: de Vries Sjoerd J. , van Dijk Aalt D. J. , Krzeminski Mickaël , van Dijk Mark , Thureau Aurelien , Hsu Victor , Wassenaar Tsjerk , Bonvin Alexandre M. J. J.
Published: September 2007

Here we present version 2.0 of HADDOCK, which incorporates considerable improvements and new features. HADDOCK is now able to model not only protein–protein complexes but also other kinds of biomolecular complexes and multi‐component (N > 2) systems. In the absence of any experimental and/or predicted information to drive the docking, HADDOCK now offers two additional ab initio docking modes based on either random patch definition or center‐of‐mass restraints. The docking protocol has been considerably improved, supporting among other solvated docking, automatic definition of semi‐flexible regions, and inclusion of a desolvation energy term in the scoring scheme. The performance of HADDOCK2.0 is evaluated on the targets of rounds 4‐11, run in a semi‐automated mode using the original information we used in our CAPRI submissions. This enables a direct assessment of the progress made since the previous versions. Although HADDOCK performed very well in CAPRI (65% and 71% success rates, overall and for unbound targets only, respectively), a substantial improvement was achieved with HADDOCK2.0. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.