bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Mast Cell Granules
Authors: Lindstedt Ken A. , Kovanen Petri T.
Published: January 2006

The mast cell is a multipotent inflammatory cell that has been shown to participate in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, such as immediate hypersensitivity reactions, arthritis, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. Upon stimulation, mast cells exocytose cytoplasmic secretory granules into their extracellular microenvironment. These granules are modified lysosomes containing preformed mediators such as histamine, neutral proteases, cytokines, and growth factors embedded in a heparin proteoglycan matrix. When exposed to the extracellular fluid, the soluble components of the granules (e.g., histamine and cytokines) diffuse away, whereas the heparin proteoglycans and the mast cell–specific neutral proteases (e.g., chymase) remain tightly bound to each other, forming proteolytically active intra‐ and extracellular granule remnants. This unit describes a method to isolate rat serosa mast cell granule remnants in experiments aimed at determining the role of mast cell activation and degranulation in disease.
Visualization of Protein Interactions in Living Cells Using Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC) Analysis
Authors: Hu Chang‐Deng , Grinberg Asya V. , Kerppola Tom K.
Published: January 2006

Protein interactions integrate stimuli from different signaling pathways and developmental programs. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) analysis has been developed for visualization of protein interactions in living cells. This approach is based on complementation between two fragments of a fluorescent protein when they are brought together by an interaction between proteins fused to the fragments, and it enables visualization of the subcellular locations of protein interactions in the normal cellular environment. It can be used for the analysis of many protein interactions and does not require information about the structures of the interaction partners. A multicolor BiFC approach has been developed for simultaneous visualization of interactions with multiple alternative partners in the same cell, based on complementation between fragments of engineered fluorescent proteins that produce bimolecular fluorescent complexes with distinct spectral characteristics. This enables comparison of subcellular distributions of different protein complexes in the same cell and allows analysis of competition between mutually exclusive interaction partners.
The Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD) and Its Exploitation in the Study of Mutational Mechanisms
Authors: Cooper David N. , Stenson Peter D. , Chuzhanova Nadia A.
Published: January 2006

The Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD) constitutes a comprehensive core collection of data on germ‐line mutations in nuclear genes underlying or associated with human inherited disease (http://www.hgmd.org). Data cataloged include single base‐pair substitutions in coding, regulatory, and splicing‐relevant regions, microdeletions and microinsertions, indels, and triplet repeat expansions, as well as gross gene deletions, insertions, duplications, and complex rearrangements. Each mutation is entered into HGMD only once, in order to avoid confusion between recurrent and identical‐by‐descent lesions. By June 2005, the database contained in excess of 53,000 different lesions detected in 2029 different nuclear genes, with new entries currently accumulating at a rate in excess of 5000 per annum. HGMD includes cDNA reference sequences, now provided for more than 90% of the listed genes, splice junction data, disease‐associated and functional polymorphisms, and links to data present in publicly available online locus‐specific mutation databases.
Materialien für Sensorpolymere: Möglichkeiten kombinatorischen Designs
Authors: Potyrailo Radislav A.
Published: January 2006

Gegenwärtig wird intensiv nach Möglichkeit gesucht, die Selektivität, Ansprechzeit und Empfindlichkeit bei chemischen oder biologischen Nachweisen in Gasen oder Flüssigkeiten zu steigern. Ein besonderes Augenmerk liegt hierbei auf Materialien für Sensorpolymere, die vielfältig einsetzbar sind und sich für Sensoren mit ganz unterschiedlicher Energiewandlung eignen, z. B. für elektrische, mechanische, Strahlungs‐ und Wärmeenergie. Die Vielfalt resultiert aus den zahlreichen Parametern solcher Materialien, die an spezifische Anforderungen angepasst werden können. Mit zunehmender struktureller und funktionaler Komplexität polymerer Sensormaterialien wird es allerdings immer schwieriger, gewünschte Eigenschaften gezielt einzustellen. Zentrale Forschungsthemen betreffen Homo‐ und Copolymere, Formulierungen für Sensormaterialien, gezielt strukturierte Materialien und molekulare Erkennung, wobei in allen Fällen kombinatorische Methoden und Hochdurchsatzverfahren zum Einsatz kommen. Wir analysieren hier den gegenwärtigen Stand der Technik, berichten über Entwicklungstrends bei Sensorpolymeren und zeigen verbliebene Wissenslücken auf.
Cover Picture: Self‐Organizing β‐Sheet Lipopeptide Monolayers as Template for the Mineralization of CaCO3 (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 5/2006)
Authors: Cavalli Silvia , Popescu Daniela C. , Tellers Emily E. , Vos Matthijn R. J. , Pichon Benoît P. , Overhand Mark , Rapaport Hanna , Sommerdijk Nico A. J. M. , Kros Alexander
Published: January 2006

Disclosing the secret of biomineralization can lead to the construction of novel organic–inorganic hybrid materials with unique properties. N. A. J. M. Sommerdijk and A. Kros describe in their Communication on page 739 ff. the importance of the adaptability of self‐organized β‐sheet lipopeptide monolayers that act as templates for the developing inorganic phase of calcite. (Cover illustration by Hugo Simões shows a lipopeptide and purple “blocks” of calcite.)
Expression of Cux‐1 and Cux‐2 in the developing somatosensory cortex of normal and barrel‐defective mice
Authors: Ferrere Arnaud , Vitalis Tania , Gingras Hélène , Gaspar Patricia , Cases Olivier
Published: January 2006

Recently, two orthologues of the Drosophila homeobox Cut gene, Cux‐1 and Cux‐2, have been identified as restricted molecular markers of upper layer (II–IV) neurons in the murine cerebral cortex. We show that during early postnatal life, from P0 to P10, Cux‐1 and Cux‐2 mRNA are coexpressed in all primary sensory cortices. Antisera to Cux‐1 and Cux‐2 immunoreactivities preferentially label neurons in the barrel walls of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1). Subsequently, Cux‐1 remains enriched in sensory cortices, whereas Cux‐2 expression enlarges to comprise the frontal and insular areas. The laminar distribution of Cux‐1 and Cux‐2 differs: Cux‐1 follows a layer IV to layer II decreasing gradient of expression, whereas Cux‐2 expression is homogeneous across layers IV–II. No colocalization was found with GABA and birth dating experiments showed that Cux‐1–positive neurons in layer IV are born during a restricted period, E13.5–E14.5, suggesting that Cux‐1 is a useful molecular marker of the glutamatergic neurons of layer IV. We examined Cux‐1 and Cux‐2 in barrel‐defective mouse strains, the VMAT2 KO, the MAOA KO, and the Adcyl 1brl strain. A normal expression level of Cux‐1 and Cux‐2 was found in layer IV, despite the lack of segregation of the neurons as barrels. Conversely, in Reeler mice, Cux‐1 and Cux‐2 had a distinct laminar distribution: the Cux‐1–positive neurons had an inverted deep localization, whereas the Cux‐2–positive neurons were distributed throughout the cortical thickness, suggesting that Cux‐2 expression is more widely expressed in the inverted cortex of reeler mutants. Our results indicate that Cux‐1 is a useful marker of the layer IV neurons in S1, and that Cux‐1 and Cux‐2 are differently regulated in the upper layers of the cerebral cortex. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bioluminescent monitoring of turbulent bioconvection
Authors: Šimkus R.
Published: January 2006

Under adjusted experimental conditions, open‐to‐air cultures of lux gene‐engineered Ralstonia eutropha (wholecell biosensors of copper) exhibit bioconvection, which accounts for fluctuating bioluminescence. The power spectrum of bioluminescence intensity fluctuations recorded from a cylindrical sample 9 mm in diameter and ∼10 mm in height is characterized by a dominant low‐frequency oscillation (with a characteristic period of ∼8–12 min), which is occasionally accompanied by a few weaker oscillations. The corresponding spectral peaks emerge on a high‐noise background. The spectra of bioluminescence intensity fluctuations qualitatively resemble the spectra of temperature or fluid velocity fluctuations in an appropriate turbulent thermal convection system. It has been suggested that in a bioconvective system, like in thermal convection systems, the emergence of oscillation reflects the large‐scale convective circulation that spans the height of the cylindrical cell. The velocity of large‐scale bioconvective circulation was estimated to be 37–48 µm/s. The occasional emergence of weaker‐than‐dominant oscillations was explained through the coexistence and interaction of the large‐scale circulation with, presumably, a gene‐expression‐related cyclic process (with a characteristic period of ∼25–50 min). Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐oxidant and pro‐oxidant behaviour of bucillamine
Authors: Kładna Aleksandra , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y. , Kruk Irena , Michalska Teresa , Lichszteld Krzysztof
Published: January 2006

Bucillamine (BUC) is used clinically for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Some of the pharmacological action of BUC has been reported as being dependent on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this paper the reactivity of BUC with superoxide anion radical (O2•−) generated from potassium superoxide/18‐crown‐6 ether dissolved in DMSO, hydroxyl radical (HO•) produced in the Cu2+–H2O2 reaction, peroxyl radical (ROO•) from 2,2′‐azobis (2‐amidino‐propane) dichloride decomposition, and singlet oxygen (1O2) from a mixture of alkaline aqueous H2O2 and acetonitrile, have been investigated. Chemiluminescence, fluorescence, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin‐trapping techniques and the deoxyribose and oxygen radical absorbance capacity towards ROO• (ORACROO) assays were used to elucidate the anti‐ and pro‐oxidative behaviours of BUC towards ROS. The results indicated that BUC efficiently inhibited chemiluminescence from the O2•−‐generating system at relatively high concentrations (0.5–2 mmol/L); however, at lower concentrations (<0.5 mmol/L) the drug enhanced light emission. The behaviour of BUC was correlated with a capacity to decrease the chemiluminescence signal from the Cu2+–H2O2 system; scavenging HO• was effective only at high concentrations (1–2 mmol/L) of the drug. Bucillamine also prevented deoxyribose degradation induced by HO• in a dose‐dependent manner, reaching maximal inhibition (24.5%) at a relative high concentration (1.54 mmol/L). Moreover, BUC reacts with ROO•; the relative ORACROO was found to be 0.34 µmol/L Trolox equivalents/µmol sample. The drug showed quenching of 1O2‐dependent 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐N‐oxide radical formation from 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐piperidine (e.g. 90% inhibition was found at 1 mmol/L concentration). The results showed that BUC may directly scavenge ROS or inhibit reactions generating them. However, the drug may have pro‐oxidant activity under some reaction conditions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Release of bovine serum albumin from a hydrogel‐cored biodegradable polymer fiber
Authors: Crow B. B. , Nelson K. D.
Published: January 2006

We have developed a novel biodegradable, polymeric fiber construct that is coextruded using a wet‐spinning process into a core‐sheath format with a polysaccharide pre‐hydrogel solution as the core fluid and poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) as the sheath. The biodegradable, biocompatible fibers were extruded from polymeric emulsions comprised of solutions of various molecular weights of PLLA dissolved in chloroform and containing dispersed, protein‐free aqueous phases comprising up to 10% of the emulsion volume. Biologically sensitive agents can be loaded via a dispersed aqueous phase in the polymer, and/or directly into the polysaccharide. We show that this core‐sheath fiber format will load a model protein that can be delivered for extended periods in vitro. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was loaded into the fiber core as a model protein. We have shown that the greater the volume of the protein‐free aqueous phase dispersed into the polymeric continuous‐phase emulsion, the greater the total release of BSA encapsulated by a core gel comprised of 1% sodium alginate solution. We conclude this fiber format provides a promising vehicle for in vivo delivery of biological molecules. Its biocompatibility and biodegradability also allow for its use as a possible substrate for tissue engineering applications. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 81: 419–427, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Effect of the Solvent on the Conformation of a Depsipeptide: NMR‐Derived Solution Structure of Hormaomycin in DMSO from Residual Dipolar Couplings in a Novel DMSO‐Compatible Alignment Medium
Authors: Reinscheid Uwe M. , Farjon Jonathan , Radzom Markus , Haberz Peter , Zeeck Axel , Blackledge Martin , Griesinger Christian
Published: January 2006

The macrocyclic compound hormaomycin has been investigated by NMR spectroscopy and by restrained molecular‐dynamics simulations. Measurement of residual dipolar couplings induced by dissolving the depsipeptide in a polyacrylamide gel compatible with DMSO and their incorporation into the structure calculation of the title compound improved the precision of the family of structures. In DMSO the macrocyclic ring shows two β‐turns, whose positions in the sequence differ from those found in the CDCl3 solution structure and in the crystal structure obtained from hexylene glycol/H2O (50:50). The bulky side chain consisting of a 3‐(2‐nitrocyclopropyl)alanine and a chlorinated N‐hydroxypyrrole moiety is flexible in DMSO.
Identification of New Acceptor Specificities of Glycosyltransferase R with the Aid of Substrate Microarrays
Authors: Seibel Jürgen , Hellmuth Hendrik , Hofer Bernd , Kicinska Anna‐Maria , Schmalbruch Bodo
Published: January 2006

Finding opportunities to construct sugar motifs and to transfer them to targets of biological relevance and rapid identification of glycosylation events are important goals for glycobiology and a field of increasing interest. Here we have applied an enzyme microarray screening system for the identification of new acceptor specificities of the glycosyltransferase R (GTFR) from Streptococcus oralis (E.C. 2.4.1.5), which was able to effect the synthesis of sugar motifs in short times and with low amounts of substrate. These observations resulted in the development of a convenient α‐glycosylation by the non‐Leloir glycosyltransferase GTFR, with sucrose as substrate and with different alcohols and amino acid derivatives as acceptors, for the synthesis of glycoethers and glycosylated amino acids not observed with the use of familiar GTFs with high sequence homology.
Effect of Alkali Metal Coordination on Gas‐Phase Chemistry of the Diphosphate Ion: The MH2P2O7− Ions
Authors: Pepi Federico , Ricci Andreina , Rosi Marzio , Di Stefano Marco
Published: January 2006

Systematic experimental and theoretical studies on anionic phosphate species in the gas phase are almost nonexistent, even though they could provide a benchmark for enhanced comprehension of their liquid‐phase chemical behavior. Gaseous MH2P2O7− ions (M=Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs), obtained from electrospray ionization of solutions containing H4P2O7 and MOH or M salts as a source of M+ ions were structurally assayed by collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) mass spectrometry and theoretical calculations at the B3LYP/6‐31+G* level of theory. The joint application of mass spectrometric techniques and theoretical methods allowed the MH2P2O7− ions to be identified as having a structure in which the linear diphosphate anion is coordinated to the M+ ion (I) and provides information on gas‐phase isomerization processes in the [PO3⋅⋅⋅MH2PO4]− clusters II and the [P2O6⋅⋅⋅M⋅⋅⋅H2O]− clusters IV. Studies of gas‐phase reactivity by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) and triple quadrupole (TQ) mass spectrometry revealed that the MH2P2O7− ions react with selected nucleophiles by clustering, proton transfer and addition–elimination mechanisms. The influence of the coordination of alkali metal ions on the chemical behavior of pyrophosphate is discussed.
A Novel Method for Time‐Resolved Fluorimetric Determination and Imaging of the Activity of Peroxidase, and Its Application to an Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Authors: Lin Zhihong , Wu Meng , Wolfbeis Otto S. , Schäferling Michael
Published: January 2006

A new type of fluorescence assay for the determination of peroxidase (POx) activity is presented. The assay is based on the indication of the enzymatic consumption of H2O2(HP), using a fluorescent europium–tetracycline (Eu3TC) complex as indicator. On addition of HP, this complex forms a highly fluorescent adduct (Eu3TC–HP), which is decomposed in the presence of POx to form the weakly fluorescent europium–tetracycline (Eu3TC). Hence, the activity of the enzyme can be directly determined by means of the luminescent Eu3TC complex as indicator. The POx assay demonstrated herein was elaborated starting from a spectral characterization of the complex systems involved. Due to the long lifetime of lanthanide luminescence, both steady‐state and time‐resolved luminescence assays can easily be performed. The time‐resolved assay can quantify POx in the range from 4.0×10−5to 5.9×10−3U mL−1, with a limit of detection of 1.0×10−5U mL−1. The effects of POx inhibitors such as cyanide, hydroxylamine, and azide have also been studied. In addition, a time‐resolved fluorescent detection method for a POx‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been developed, which is demonstrated in a sandwich model assay with bovine IgG serving as analyte. Furthermore, a time‐resolved fluorescent imaging method is demonstrated that makes use of a straightforward imaging set‐up adjusted to the optical properties of the europium reagent.
Optical Processing with Photochromic Switches
Authors: Raymo Françisco M. , Tomasulo Massimiliano
Published: January 2006

The absorbance, fluorescence, and refractive index of a photochromic material can be modulated under the influence of optical stimulations. The reversible modification of these macroscopic properties is a result of photoinduced transformations at the molecular level. These processes can be exploited to mediate the interplay of optical signals and offer the opportunity to design and implement photonic devices for optical processing based on molecular components.
Synthesis of Fullerene Adducts with Terpyridyl‐ or Pyridylpyrrolidine Groups in trans‐1 Positions
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Lukoyanova Olena , Echegoyen Luis
Published: January 2006

Two C60 hexakis‐adducts (2 and 3) were synthesized by using a protection–deprotection strategy. The symmetric fullerene tetrakis‐adduct 8 was obtained by anthracene removal from the hexakis‐adduct 7. Reaction of 8 with terpyridylglycine or pyridylglycine afforded two hexakis‐adducts, 2 and 3. By using the retro‐cyclopropanation reaction, the four malonate addends located on the equatorial belt of the hexakis‐adducts were removed to afford two trans‐1 bis‐adducts, 4 and 5, with terpyridyl‐ or pyridylpyrrolidine groups. The structures of 2 and 3 were confirmed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry, and 1H, 13C, and COSY NMR, and UV‐visible spectroscopy. The cyclic voltammograms of fullerene multiadducts 2, 3, and 9 show irreversible reductions. Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of 1 and 3 were formed on gold surfaces through nitrogen adsorption. SAMs of 3 represent the first example of a fullerene hexakis‐adduct formed on gold surfaces through nitrogen adsorption. Controlled potential electrolyses (CPE) were conducted to prepare trans‐1 bis‐adducts 4 and 5 modified with terpyridyl and pyridyl groups.
Synthesis of Calix[4]arene Derivatives with NLO Properties
Authors: Bai Zhu , Zhang Chao‐Zhi , Lu Guo‐Yuan , Liu Fang
Published: January 2006

The new chromophore compounds with NLO properties were prepared by Knoevenagel condensation from formyl or diformyl calix[4]arene and isophorone derivatives in the presence of piperidine and acetic acid, respectively. In these chromophore calix[4]arenes, the ring locked trienes were employed as the conjugation bridge and electron acceptor in D‐π‐A units. The NMR spectra demonstrated that they existed in a cone conformation and consequently non‐conjugated D‐π‐A units could be oriented at nearly the same direction.
Reduction and Coupling Reaction of Carbonyl Compounds by Aluminum Powder and a Small Amount of Oxalic Acid in Water
Authors: Yuan Shi‐Zhen , Wang Zhi‐Yong , Li Zhen
Published: January 2006

A convenient pinacol coupling of aromatic aldehydes and aryl methyl ketones has been achieved with high yields by aluminum powder in the presence of oxalic acid in water. However, the diastereoselectivities of pinacols were not satisfying, and most aliphatic aldehydes and diaryl ketones have been found to be unreactive under the same conditions.
Tin‐Indium Mediated and Microwave Assisted Propargylation of Aldehydes with Propargyl Bromide
Authors: Li Qian‐Rong , Gu Cheng‐Zhi , Yin Hao
Published: January 2006

A rapid and regioselective preparation of homopropargyl alcohols was reported. In the presence of SnCl2‐C6H5Me3NBr and microwave irradiation, the mixture of tin‐indium and propargyl bromide reacted quickly with aldehydes in aqueous media to produce the homopropargyl alcohols exclusively in high yields. For benzaldehydes bearing different substituents, electronic effect of the substituents affected the reaction, the electron‐withdrawing groups promoting the reaction and the electron‐donating groups impeding the reaction. The reactions of benzaldehydes bearing an orthosubstituent group on the phenyl ring with propargyl bromide may yield a mixture of regioisomers (homopropargyl and homoallenyl alcohols) or a single homoallenic alcohol due to the steric effect.
Microbial Hydroxylation of Quinovic Acid Glycoside by Streptomyces griseus ACCT 13273
Authors: Cheng Zhi‐Hong , Yu Bo‐Yang , Guo Yin‐Long , Qiu Sheng‐Xiang
Published: January 2006

Microbial transformation of a triterpene glycoside, quinovic acid 3‐O‐β‐D‐quinovopyranoside by Streptomyces griseus ACCT 13273 was achieved with the aim of generating new bio‐active derivatives. Preparative‐scale biotransformation with standard two‐stage fermentation protocol afforded a new oxidized metabolite, as a result of the hydroxylation of the methyl group at C‐30, which was difficult to achieve by chemical means. The metabolite was elucidated based on extensive NMR and high‐resolution mass spectral analyses.
Mitoxantrone, carboplatin, cytosine arabinoside, and methylprednisolone followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
Authors: Sorá Federica , Piccirillo Nicola , Chiusolo Patrizia , Laurenti Luca , Marra Roberto , Bartolozzi Francesco , Leone Giuseppe , Sica Simona
Published: January 2006

BACKGROUND

The objective of the current study was to evaluate a salvage chemotherapy regimen consisting of mitoxantrone, carboplatin, cytosine arabinoside, and methylprednisolone (MiCMA) for the treatment of patients with primary refractory or recurrent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

METHODS

From September 1991 to August 2002, 94 consecutive patients ages 16–60 years who had either recurrent or refractory NHL (mainly diffuse large‐cell lymphomas) were treated on the MiCMA protocol. Patients had peripheral blood stem cells collected successfully for autologous stem cell transplantation after two or three cycles of MiCMA.

RESULTS

Sixty‐four of 85 evaluable patients achieved a response to the MiCMA regimen: 24 patients (26%) achieved a complete response and 40 patients (44%) achieved a partial response, for a total response rate of 70%. Sixty‐two patients underwent autologous stem cell transplantation. After a median follow‐up of 58 months, 47 patients (55%) remained alive; among these patients, 32 were free of disease (37%). No toxic deaths related to MiCMA were observed. Three patients died of infectious complications after transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results suggested that MiCMA chemotherapy is an effective therapeutic alternative salvage regimen for patients with primary refractory or recurrent NHL. Response rates, overall survival, and freedom from disease progression were found to be associated significantly with response to MiCMA. Peripheral blood stem cell transplantation was feasible in virtually all patients, and its outcome was influenced strongly by chemosensitivity. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
A new node organization mechanism of a campus Grid and performance analysis
Authors: Deng Zhiqun , Dai Guanzhong , Xie Ting , Zhou Daowu , Mu Dejun , Zhang Xinjia
Published: January 2006

This paper proposes a new node organization mechanism in the storage service provided by the Campus Grid Service Environment. The advantage of this architecture is its ability to aggregate nodes in the order of millions; the corresponding storage space aggregated can attain a petabyte level, which is a significant improvement in comparison with other campus Grids. Furthermore, this architecture is scalable and it can allow more nodes to join the storage pool to increase the storage space. The multilevel linked lists were first developed in order to organize the storage resources that are contributed by the nodes in the campus network. Subsequently, the algorithms were presented to analyze the mechanisms of the nodes: joining and leaving; storage resource scheduling and allocation; and unallocated storage space management. The performance of this system was investigated by employing a stochastic fluid model as the storage space changes with time as a result of the variation of the number of nodes. With this analytical model, the function between the storage allocation probability and the number of nodes was obtained. If more nodes join the campus Grid, the aggregated storage space will provide more available storage resources. If the storage resources allocation rate is less than the storage resources release rate, the available storage resources will increase and vice versa. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DartGrid: a semantic infrastructure for building database Grid applications
Authors: Chen Huajun , Wu Zhaohui , Mao Yuxin , Zheng Guozhou
Published: January 2006

In the presence of a Database Grid where a huge number of highly diverse, widely distributed, autonomously managed databases can be involved in a sharing cycle, database tools and middleware should be well suited for schema mediation and query processing in a semantically meaningful way. In this paper, an implemented system called DartGrid is presented. DartGrid is intended to provide a semantic infrastructure for building database grid applications. We explore the essential and fundamental roles played by Resource Description Framework (RDF) semantics for database grids and implement a set of semantically enabled tools and grid services such as semantic browser, semantic mapping tools, ontology service, semantic query service and semantic registration service. We propose an RDF‐View‐based approach for relational schema mediation and describe the view‐based semantic query rewriting algorithm implemented in DartGrid. DartGrid has been used to build a real database grid application for Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth and electrical properties of flash evaporated AgGaTe2 thin films
Authors: Patel B. H. , Patel S. S.
Published: January 2006

Thin films have been prepared by flash evaporation technique of a stoichiometric bulk of AgGaTe2 compound in vacuum and analysed using X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, selected area diffraction and energy dispersive analysis of X‐rays. The effect of substrate temperature on the structural properties – grain size, film orientation, composition, and stoichiometry of the films have been studied. It was found that the polycrystalline, stoichiometric films of AgGaTe2 can be grown in the substrate temperature range of 473K < Ts < 573K. The influence of substrate temperature (Ts) on the electrical characteristics‐ Resistivity, Hall Mobility, Carrier concentration of AgGaTe2 thin films were studied. The electrical resistivity was found to decrease with increase in substrate temperature up to 573K and then increases. The variation of activation energy of AgGaTe2 thin films were also investigated. The implications are discussed. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth and characterization of cadmium magnesium tetra thiocyanate crystals
Authors: Gunasekaran S. , Ponnusamy S.
Published: January 2006

Cadmium Magnesium Tetra Thiocyanate, CdMg(SCN)4, [CMTC] belongs to bimetallic thiocyanate complexes. CMTC crystals has been grown by solution growth technique at room temperature. The morphologies of the grown crystals are identified by single crystal analysis. Also the Powder X‐ray Diffractogram of the crystal has been recorded and the various planes of reflection are identified. The title compound crystallizes under triclinic structure with lattice parameters a = 10.0976 Å, b = 7.5015 Å, c = 5.7720 Å and β = 90.2135°. The presence of magnesium and cadmium in the grown crystals were confirmed through Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The grown crystals are analysed qualitatively by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Fourier Transform Raman spectral measurements. The transmittance spectrum of the crystal in the UV‐Visible region has been recorded and analysed. The dielectric measurements for the crystals were carried out in the microwave region. The thermal stabilities of the crystals were studied by using different thermal analyses like Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Investigation on defects in Lu2SiO5:Ce crystals grown by Czochralski method
Authors: Ren Guohao , Qin Laishun , Li Huanying , Lu Sheng
Published: January 2006

Cerium‐doped lutetium oxyorthosilicate crystals (Lu2SiO5:Ce) with dimension of ∅︁50 × 60 mm were grown by Czochralski method from an inductively heated iridium crucible. The vaporized substance during growth was examined with XRD and proved to be SiO2. The vertical and the screw strips existing on the surface of the boule were observed with optical microscope and tested with electron microprobe. They are confirmed to be iridium from the crucible and harmful to the crystal growth. The cleavage orientation of LSO was proved to be (110) and it is one of factors to cause crystal cracking. The scattering particles in LSO crystals are analyzed to be mainly composed of Lu2O3 inclusions. Two possible origins on these inclusions are proposed. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis and X‐ray structure of two conformational isomers of [Zn(medpt)(SCN)2], medpt = bis (3 – aminopropyl)methylamine
Authors: Guha S. , Mukherjee A. K. , Maji T. K. , Ray Chaudhuri N.
Published: January 2006

Two conformational isomers of [Zn (medpt)(NCS)2], medpt=bis(3‐aminopropyl) methylamine, (1) and (2) have been synthesised and the crystal structures are determined using single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The structures of the complexes have been solved by Patterson method and refined by full‐matrix least‐ squares techniques to R1 = 0.0524 for (1) and R1 = 0.0506 for (2), respectively. The geometry around the Zn(II) centre in both isomers is distorted trigonal bipyramidal. The two pendent thiocyanate moieties in (1), with Zn–N–C angles 167.9(4)–173.9(4)º, coordinate the mental centre almost linearly while the corresponding coordinations in (2) are significantly bent [Zn–N–C angles 150.8(3)–153.1(2)°]. Intermolecular N–H…S hydrogen bonds stabilise the crystal packing in the complexes forming infinite chains parallel to the [100] direction. The combinations of molecular chains generate three/two dimensional supramolecular framework in complexes (1) and (2). (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Confounding effects of platelets on flow cytometric analysis and cell‐sorting experiments using blood‐derived cells
Authors: McFarland David C. , Zhang Cindy , Thomas Heath C. , Tl Ratliff
Published: January 2006

Background:

Flow cytometric analysis and cell‐sorting of peripheral blood leukocytes is commonplace; however, platelet contamination is typically ignored during immunophenotypic analysis and sorting of blood‐derived cells.

Methods:

Red blood cells, platelets, T & B lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes were sorted from rat blood preparations. Presort enrichment was performed by differential centrifugation for all cell types. Additionally, leukocyte samples were prepared by ammonium chloride lysis of red blood cells.

Results:

Unless proper precautions were taken, significant numbers of platelets were sorted along with (nonplatelet) cells of interest. The amount of platelet contamination varied greatly from experiment to experiment with the highest level of leukocyte‐platelet association observed in the neutrophil/granulocyte population in samples prepared using ammonium chloride‐based red blood cell‐lysing solution.

Conclusions:

Addition of an immunophenotypic marker for platelet identification is a simple, yet prudent, measure to help evaluate the impact of platelets on immunophenotypic staining when performing flow cytometric analysis or sorting of blood‐derived cells and should become a routine practice. Platelet presence in postsort fractions can be due to free platelets as well as target cell‐associated platelets and both sources of contamination must be addressed. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A LiMn2O4 Based Electrochemical Scheme for Selective Measurement of Dopamine
Authors: Leu Hoang Jyh , Lin Meng Shan
Published: January 2006

A new cathodic scheme was developed for the determination of dopamine by flow injection analysis (FIA). A mild oxidizing agent, lithium manganese (III, IV) oxide (LiMn2O4), as an upstream modifier can oxidize the dopamine to produce the dopaminequinone, and then the oxidized product is subsequently detected by the downstream detector at −0.1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). In this work, the significant feature of LiMn2O4 based sensing scheme possesses no interference from other tested biological amines including acetylcholine, epinephrine, glutamate, and histamine. Otherwise, there is no detectable interference from ascorbic acid, but 2% and 1% negligible interferences were found from uric acid and acetaminophen, respectively.
Influence of Aprotic Solvent on Selectivity of an Amperometric Sensor with Nafion Membrane
Authors: Chachulski B. , Gębicki J.
Published: January 2006

This paper presents the results of investigation on selectivity of the sulfur dioxide amperometric sensor with Nafion membrane in the presence of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide as the interferents. There have been compared selectivity coefficients, for the sensors containing the following internal electrolytes: solution of sulfuric acid (concentration 5 mol dm−3) in pure water (A) and solution of sulfuric acid (concentration 5 mol dm−3) in mixed solvent dimethylsulfoxide‐water with an DMSO: H2O mole ratio of 1 : 2 (B). Values of the selectivity coefficients have been calculated based on the calibration curves. Analysis of both calibration curves and selectivity coefficients plays a significant role in optimization of a working point of a particular sensor. The investigated sensor operates in a three‐electrode system, where the working and counter electrodes are vacuum sublimation deposited on the membrane surface.
Carbon Nanotubes/Poly(1,2‐diaminobenzene) Nanoporous Composite Film Electrode Prepared by Multipulse Potentiostatic Electropolymerisation and Its Application to Determination of Trace Heavy Metal Ions
Authors: Gao Xiaohua , Wei Wanzhi , Yang Liu , Guo Manli
Published: January 2006

A novel method for the fabrication of carbon nanotubes/poly(1,2‐diaminobenzene) nanoporous composite based electrode was proposed. By multipulse potentiostatic electropolymerization, the multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and poly(1,2‐diaminobenzene) were deposited simultaneously on the electrode surface. Compared with the composite prepared by the traditional potentiodynamic method, the composite synthesized by multipulse potentiostatic method has a unique nanoporous structure, exhibits excellent conductivity and better environmental stability. The surface of the resulting electrode was characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The nanoporous composite film modified glassy carbon electrode was also used successfully for the simultaneously voltammetric determination of trace level of Cd2+ and Cu2+ at first‐time. Under the optimal conditions, the determination limits of 0.25 and 0.33 ppb for Cd2+ and Cu2+ were obtained, respectively. The calibration graphs were linear in the concentration range of 5–100 ppb. The electrode system provides an excellent platform for ultra sensitive electrochemical sensors for chemical and biological sensing.
Genomewide array‐based comparative genomic hybridization analysis of acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Karnan Sivasundaram , Tsuzuki Shinobu , Kiyoi Hitoshi , Tagawa Hiroyuki , Ueda Ryozo , Seto Masao , Naoe Tomoki
Published: January 2006

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is typically associated with the t(15;17) that generates the PML–RARA fusion protein. Animal models have shown that although the fusion protein is necessary, it is insufficient for the development of APL, implying that additional mechanisms are responsible for full‐blown leukemia. The mutation of specific genes has been implicated in leukemogenesis; however, alterations in gene copy number have not been well investigated. Here, we applied the genomewide array‐comparative genomic hybridization technique to 30 APL clinical samples and 2 APL cell lines. It was found that (1) approximately half the clinical samples (14 of 30 APL cases) had no detectable chromosomal imbalances; and (2) the remaining 16 cases, including the cell lines, exhibited recurrent chromosomal imbalances, such as loss of 1p36, 2p11, 16p, and 17p, and gain of 8p, 8q, and 13q. These results suggest that chromosomal imbalances are largely absent in APL, although some nonrandom chromosomal imbalances could be linked to the development of APL in a limited number of cases. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synapsin I Cre transgene expression in male mice produces germline recombination in progeny
Authors: Rempe D. , Vangeison G. , Hamilton J. , Li Y. , Jepson M. , Federoff H.J.
Published: January 2006

The cre/LoxP system can produce conditional loss of gene function in specific cell types such as neurons. A transgenic mouse line, utilized by multiple studies, used the Synapsin I promoter to drive expression of cre (SynCre) to achieve neuronal‐specific cre expression. Herein we describe that cre expression can also be observed in SynCre mice within the testes after being bred into a floxed transgenic mouse line. Cre transcript was expressed in testes resulting in recombination of the floxed substrate in testes. In the majority of cases, progeny of male SynCre mice inherited a germline recombined floxed allele, while this was never observed in progeny from female mice carrying the SynCre allele. This observation should alert investigators to a potential confound using these mice and enables male germ cell “deletor” strategies. genesis 44:44–49, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Murine glia express the immunosuppressive cytokine, interleukin‐10, following exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi or Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Rasley Amy , Tranguch Susanne L. , Rati Dana M. , Marriott Ian
Published: January 2006

There is growing appreciation that resident glial cells can initiate and/or regulate inflammation following trauma or infection in the central nervous system (CNS). We have previously demonstrated the ability of microglia and astrocytes, resident glial cells of the CNS, to respond to bacterial pathogens by rapid production of inflammatory mediators. However, inflammation within the brain parenchyma is notably absent during some chronic bacterial infections in humans and nonhuman primates. In the present study, we demonstrate the ability of the immunosuppressive cytokine, interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), to inhibit inflammatory immune responses of primary microglia and astrocytes to B. burgdorferi and N. meningitidis, two disparate gram negative bacterial species that can cross the blood‐brain barrier in humans. Importantly, we demonstrate that these organisms induce the delayed production of significant quantities of IL‐10 by both microglia and astrocytes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that such production occurs independent of the actions of bacterial lipopolysaccharide and is secondary to the autocrine or paracrine actions of other glia‐derived soluble mediators. The late onset of IL‐10 production by resident glia following activation, the previously documented expression of specific receptors for this cytokine on microglia and astrocytes, and the ability of IL‐10 to inhibit bacterially induced immune responses by these cells, suggest a mechanism by which resident glial cells can limit potentially damaging inflammation within the CNS in response to invading pathogens, and could explain the suppression of inflammation seen within the brain parenchyma during chronic bacterial infections. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recombinant polymer‐protein fusion: a promising approach towards efficient and targeted gene delivery
Authors: Hatefi A. , Megeed Z. , Ghandehari H.
Published: January 2006

Background

Synthetic vectors such as polymers have the potential to reduce the safety problems associated with viral vectors; however, their low transfection efficiency limits their clinical utility. To study the critical steps involved in an efficient transgene expression, there is a need for creative approaches that allow a systematic correlation between gene carrier structure and properties necessary for successful gene transfer. Using recombinant techniques a prototype vector comprised of tandem repeating units fused to a targeting moiety was biosynthesized to mediate gene transfer in mammalian cell lines. The carrier was designed to have the structure of (KHKHKHKHKK)6‐FGF2 where lysine (K) residues would allow complexation with plasmid DNA, basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) to target cells over‐expressing FGF2 receptors (FGFR), and histidine (H) residues to facilitate escape from the endosomal compartments.

Methods

The gene carrier was biosynthesized in E. coli, purified using a Ni‐NTA column, characterized, complexed with pDNA, and the complexes were used to transfect NIH 3T3, T‐47D and COS‐1 mammalian cell types known to express FGFR.

Results

Results demonstrate the successful cloning and expression of the gene carrier with over 95% purity. The molecular weight of the gene carrier was determined by MALDI‐TOF to be 27 402. Amino acid content analysis and Western blot confirmed the expression of the gene carrier in E. coli. The vector was able to condense pDNA, induce cell proliferation in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, and mediate transgene expression in NIH 3T3, T‐47D and COS‐1 mammalian cell types.

Conclusion

Genetic engineering techniques show promise for systematic investigation of structure‐activity relationships of non‐viral gene delivery vectors. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autonomisation of the Thai state: some observations
Authors: Bowornwathana Bidhya
Published: January 2006

This article argues that the recent global trend of creating autonomous or quasi‐autonomous public arganisations must be understood within the particular context of the country under investigation. In the case of the Thai state, autonomisation should be seen as a transformation process from a unitary administrative system to multiple administrative systems. It is an escape from a very centralised form of government to a more decentralised one where government power is more dispersed among various public organisations. The nature of politics and administration determines the direction of the hybridisation processes of autonomisation in Thailand. The reform direction chosen by the prime minister and the relationship between politicians and bureaucrats are two key factors that dictate the direction of autonomisation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The politics of bureau reform in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Caulfield Janice L.
Published: January 2006

This article focuses on sub‐Saharan Africa and its recent history of state sector decentralisation reforms. Over the last ten to fifteen years, new forms of state organisation have emerged reflecting a policy preference for bureau downsizing and devolution. These include semi‐autonomous executive agencies, public–private partnerships in infrastructure development, partial privatisations of utilities and performance contracting arrangements between purchasers and providers. Reform policies are, however, heavily conditioned by bilateral and multilateral donors. The limited success of bureau reforms in the region has been explained by others as either a problem of institutional capacity or the absence of grassroots democracy. This article takes a different stance, arguing that reforms are highly political and resisted not only by politicians but also by an aware and sceptical public. A selection of case studies illustrates these reform trends and problems of implementation. The article also draws attention to intra‐regional differences between a francophone West Africa and English speaking East Africa. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agencification in Estonia
Authors: Tavits Margit , Annus Taavi
Published: January 2006

This article provides a short overview of agencies in Estonia. It first defines ‘agency’ and ‘agencification’ and then proceeds to describe different types of agencies, as well as the process of agencification in Estonia. The core of the article comprises an illustrative case study of one particular agency in the Estonian public sector. The focus is primarily on process. Although there is a lot of talk about agencification as a global phenomenon, there is little factual information about agencies and agencification, especially outside OECD countries. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modernising town hall: capacity building with a political twist
Authors: Grindle Merilee S.
Published: January 2006

Capacity building is a frequent tonic prescribed for local governments in poor performance health. Such initiatives purport to get to the heart of governance with technical approaches that are free of partisanship and political controversy. Data from municipal governments newly affected by decentralisation and democratisation indicate that, contrary to expectations, the destiny of capacity building initiatives is dependent upon politics. In the first instance, capacity building initiatives are dependent on the orientation of elected and appointed leaders who choose to invest in or ignore them. Second, capacity building initiatives are significantly affected by electoral cycles that create moments when significant new capacity initiatives can be introduced and abandoned. Third, capacity building initiatives are dependent on the formal and informal institutions that determine how much scope public officials have for introducing change. Thus, while part of the popularity of capacity building programs and projects is their apparent distance from politics, those who wish to see the performance of government improved need to be sensitive to how it is affected—in positive and negative ways—by political preferences, calendars, and institutions. Data on 57 capacity building initiatives carried out in 30 medium sized municipalities in Mexico suggest the ways in which such factors shape the destinies of capacity building initiatives. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.