bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of collagen genes involved in fragmented medial coronoid process development in Labrador Retrievers as determined by affected sibling-pair analysis
Authors: Salg Katja G. , Temwitchitr Jedee , Imholz Sandra , Hazewinkel Herman A. W. , Leegwater Peter A. J.
Published: October 2006

Objective—To evaluate the involvement of various collagen genes in the development of fragmented medial coronoid process (FCP) in Labrador Retrievers.

Sample Population—93 dogs originating from 13 litters were used in the study; FCP was diagnosed in 35 dogs, and each affected dog had at least 1 sibling that was also affected. Twelve dams and sires were included in the analysis. All dogs were purebred Labrador Retrievers except for 2 litters (offspring of a female Golden Retriever-Labrador Retriever mixed-breed dog).

Procedures—For each dog, DNA was isolated from blood samples. Polymorphic microsatellite markers adjacent to 14 candidate genes (ie, COL1A1, COL1A2, COL2A1, COL3A1, COL5A1, COL5A2, COL6A3, COL9A1, COL9A2, COL9A3, COL10A1, COL11A1, COL11A2, and COL24A1) were analyzed by use of PCR assays; genotypes were determined via automated detection of DNA products. The level of allele sharing between pairs of affected siblings was assessed.

Results—Among the 93 dogs, allele sharing of the 14 collagen genes was determined as follows: COL1A1, 45%; COL1A2, 47%; COL2A1, 37%; COL3A1, 32%; COL5A1, 43%; COL5A2, 32%; COL6A3, 36%; COL9A1, 45%; COL9A2, 49%; COL9A3, 38%; COL10A1, 46%; COL11A1, 52%; COL11A2, 47%; and COL24A1, 47%.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Because siblings share 50% of their genome at random, the fact that the percentages of allele sharing among the analyzed collagen genes were not significantly > 50% indicates that these genes are not determinant candidates for FCP in Labrador Retrievers. The gene for the vitamin D receptor could also be excluded because of its proximity to COL2A1.
Absence of FTL3 mutations in patients with JAK2V617F mutation negative essential thrombocythemia
Authors: Medeiros Bruno C. , Zhang Tong , Lipton Jeffrey H. , Kamel‐Reid Suzanne
Published: September 2006

A common point mutation in the JAK2 tyrosine kinase leads to constitutive hematopoietic growth factor receptor signaling and was recently described in many patients with myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs). However, this JAK2 mutation is present in only a subset (35–50%) of patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET). Thus, the proliferative signals responsible for MPDs in the absence of JAK2 mutations remain largely unknown. Despite intriguing pre‐clinical data, where transgenic mice overexpressing FLT3‐ITD developed a MPD resembling ET, none of the patient samples from ET patients who were JAK2V617F‐negative demonstrated the presence of activating mutations in the FLT3 receptor. Am. J. Hematol., 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cover Picture: Isostructural Coordination Capsules for a Series of 10 Different d5–d10 Transition‐Metal Ions (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 39/2006)
Authors: Hiraoka Shuichi , Harano Koji , Shiro Motoo , Ozawa Yoshiki , Yasuda Nobuhiro , Toriumi Koshiro , Shionoya Mitsuhiko
Published: September 2006

An isolated space for size‐ or shape‐selective dynamic molecular recognition and metal‐triggered chemical reactions is offered by the cavity within nanocapsules. In their Communication on page 6488 ff., M. Shionoya and co‐workers describe a series of isostructural octahedral capsules prepared from a common tridentate ligand and ten different transition‐metal ions, as highlighted in green in the cover picture, and demonstrate site‐specific exchange of the anions coordinated within the cavity to the metal centers.
Systemic lupus erythematosus in a multiethnic US cohort, XXXVII: Association of lymphopenia with clinical manifestations, serologic abnormalities, disease activity, and damage accrual
Authors: Vilá Luis M. , Alarcón Graciela S. , McGwin Gerald , Bastian Holly M. , Fessler Barri J. , Reveille John D.
Published: September 2006

Objective

To determine if lymphopenia is associated with clinical/immunologic manifestations, disease activity, and disease damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

The study group comprised 591 patients with SLE participating in a multiethnic, longitudinal outcome study. Cumulative clinical/immunologic (per American College of Rheumatology criteria) and pharmacologic treatment variables were obtained at enrollment (T0) and last visit (TL). Lymphopenia (<1,500/mm3) was scored only when clinically attributable to SLE and not to medications or other causes. Lymphocyte counts were expressed in 4 categories per the Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM): normal (≥1,500/mm3), mild (1,000–1,499/mm3), moderate (500–999/mm3), and marked (<500/mm3). Disease activity was assessed with the SLAM and the Physician's Global Assessment (PGA). Disease damage was determined with the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SLICC‐DI). The relationship of lymphopenia with cumulative clinical/immunologic and pharmacologic treatment variables was first examined, then the association between the SLAM, PGA, and SLICC‐DI scores with different categories of lymphopenia was examined by generalized estimating equation (GEE) regression analyses. Ethnicity, age, and sex were entered into all regression models.

Results

At T0 and TL, lymphopenia was found to be positively associated with renal involvement, leukopenia, anti–double‐stranded DNA antibodies, anti‐Ro antibodies, and the use of glucocorticoids, azathioprine, and methotrexate, but was negatively associated with photosensitivity. On GEE analyses, marked lymphopenia at T0 and moderate and marked lymphopenia for all visits were independently associated with higher SLAM, PGA, and SLICC‐DI scores.

Conclusion

Lymphopenia is associated with several clinical/immunologic manifestations in SLE. Moderate and marked lymphopenia are associated with higher disease activity and damage accrual.
Patient treatment preferences for osteoporosis
Authors: Fraenkel Liana , Gulanski Barbara , Wittink Dick
Published: September 2006

Objective

To examine patient preferences for currently available and promising osteoporosis treatment options.

Methods

We recruited patients who had recently (within 2 weeks) undergone bone densitometry and were found to have osteoporosis. Consenting participants completed an Adaptive Conjoint Analysis questionnaire to determine their treatment preferences for oral bisphosphonates taken once per week, intravenous bisphosphonates administered every 3 months, intravenous bisphosphonates administered once per year, and subcutaneous recombinant human parathyroid hormone (rhPTH). We performed simulations based on respondents' values for route of administration, absolute reduction in risk of vertebral and hip fractures over 5 years, and risk of adverse effects to predict each respondent's treatment choice.

Results

The study sample included 201 women and 11 men (median age 73). Patients' treatment preferences were strongly influenced by route of administration. Patients' preferred treatment option, across all simulations, was bisphosphonates. Among 80 treatment‐naive participants, 52 (65%) preferred an annual infusion over oral weekly bisphosphonates. Participants with poorer perceived health status, those with a high perceived risk of future fracture, and participants preferring to treat health problems without doctors or prescription drugs were more likely to prefer an annual infusion over weekly pills.

Conclusion

Patient preferences for osteoporosis treatment options are strongly influenced by route of administration. Therefore, despite the added benefits of rhPTH, patients' preferred treatment option for osteoporosis is bisphosphonates. Among those preferring bisphosphonates, many preferred annual infusions over weekly oral medications, emphasizing the need to incorporate individual patient preferences into treatment decisions for osteoporosis. The latter is especially important given the poor rates of long‐term adherence to osteoporosis medications.
Musculoskeletal screening examination (pGALS) for school‐age children based on the adult GALS screen
Authors: Foster H. E. , Kay L. J. , Friswell M. , Coady D. , Myers A.
Published: September 2006

Objective

To develop and validate a musculoskeletal screening examination applicable to school‐age children based on the adult Gait, Arms, Legs, Spine (GALS) screen.

Methods

Adult GALS was tested in consecutive school‐age children attending pediatric rheumatology clinics and was compared with an examination conducted, on the same day, by a pediatric rheumatologist who classified children as having abnormal or normal joints. Adult GALS was tested for validity compared with the pediatric rheumatologist's assessment and deficiencies in adult GALS were identified. Experts proposed amendments to adult GALS, achieving consensus by modified Delphi techniques. The resultant pediatric screening tool (pGALS) was tested (methodology identical to the testing of adult GALS) in an additional group of children.

Results

Adult GALS was tested in 50 children (median age 11 years, range 4–16), of whom 37 (74%) had juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Adult GALS missed important abnormalities in 18% of children, mostly at the ankle, foot, and temporomandibular joints. The pGALS was tested in 65 children (median age 13 years, range 5–17 years) and demonstrated excellent sensitivity (97–100%) and specificity (98–100%) at all joints, with high acceptability scored by child and parent/guardian. The median time to perform pGALS was 2 minutes (range 1.5–3 minutes).

Conclusion

The pGALS musculoskeletal screening tool has excellent validity, is quick to perform, and is acceptable to school‐age children and parents/guardians. We propose that pGALS be incorporated into undergraduate and postgraduate medical training to improve pediatric musculoskeletal clinical skills and facilitate diagnosis and referral to specialists.
Course of functional status and pain in osteoarthritis of the hip or knee: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: van Dijk Gabriella M. , Dekker Joost , Veenhof Cindy , van den Ende Cornelia H. M.
Published: September 2006

Objective

To systematically review studies describing the course of functioning in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip or knee and identifying potential prognostic factors.

Methods

A systematic search was performed. Studies involving patients with hip or knee OA, >6 months of followup, and outcome measures on functional status or pain were included. Methodologic quality was assessed using a standardized set of 11 criteria; a qualitative data analysis was performed.

Results

Approximately 6,500 titles and abstracts were screened and 48 publications were considered for inclusion. Eighteen studies, 4 of which met the high methodologic quality criteria, were included. For hip OA, there was limited evidence that functional status and pain do not change during the first 3 years of followup. After 3 years, however, a worsening of functional status and pain was seen. For knee OA, there was conflicting evidence for the first 3 years and limited evidence for worsening of pain and functional status after 3 years. Furthermore, limited evidence was established for negative associations between future functional status and laxity, proprioceptive inaccuracy, age, body mass index, and knee pain intensity. In contrast, greater muscle strength, better mental health, better self‐efficacy, social support, and more aerobic exercise were protective factors in the first 3 years.

Conclusion

Pain and functional status in hip or knee OA seem to deteriorate slowly, with limited evidence for worsening after 3 years of followup. In specific subgroups, prognosis in the first 3 years of followup was either worse or better, as both risk factors and protective factors were identified. Prognostic factors included biomechanical factors, psychological factors, clinical factors, and treatment modalities. To strengthen the evidence, further high‐quality longitudinal research on hip or knee OA functioning is needed.
Effects of strength training on the incidence and progression of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Mikesky Alan E. , Mazzuca Steven A. , Brandt Kenneth D. , Perkins Susan M. , Damush Teresa , Lane Kathleen A.
Published: September 2006

Objective

Quadriceps weakness is a risk factor for incident knee osteoarthritis (OA). We describe a randomized controlled trial of effects of lower‐extremity strength training on incidence and progression of knee OA.

Methods

A total of 221 older adults (mean age 69 years) were stratified by sex, presence of radiographic knee OA, and severity of knee pain, and were randomized to strength training (ST) or range‐of‐motion (ROM) exercises. Subjects exercised 3 times per week (twice at a fitness facility, once at home) for 12 weeks, followed by transition to home‐based exercise after 12 months. Assessments of isokinetic lower‐extremity strength and highly standardized knee radiographs were obtained at baseline and 30 months.

Results

Subjects in both groups lost lower‐extremity strength over 30 months; however, the rate of loss was slower with ST than with ROM. Compared with ROM, ST decreased the mean rate of joint space narrowing (JSN) in osteoarthritic knees by 26% (P = not significant). However, the difference between ST and ROM groups with respect to frequency of knee OA progression in JSN consensus ratings was marginally significant (18% versus 28%; P = 0.094). In knees that were radiographically normal at baseline, JSN >0.50 mm was more common in ST than in ROM (34% versus 19%; P = 0.038). Incident JSN was unrelated to exercise adherence or changes in quadriceps strength or knee pain.

Conclusion

The ST group retained more strength and exhibited less frequent progressive JSN over 30 months than the ROM group. The increase in incident JSN >0.50 mm in ST is unexplained and requires confirmation.
Use of the sharp and larsen scoring methods in the assessment of radiographic progression in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Rossi Federica , Di Dia Fiorella , Galipò Olivia , Pistorio Angela , Valle Maura , Magni‐Manzoni Silvia , Ruperto Nicolino , Tomà Paolo , Martini Alberto , Ravelli Angelo
Published: September 2006

Objective

To investigate the applicability of the Sharp and Larsen scoring methods for radiographic damage in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods

Wrist/hand radiographs of 25 patients with polyarthritis obtained at first observation and then yearly for 4–5 years were assessed independently by 2 pediatric rheumatologists according to the Sharp and Larsen methods. To facilitate score assignment, each patient radiograph was compared with a bone age–related standard. A third pediatric rheumatologist measured the Poznanski score, and a pediatric radiologist provided a semiquantitative assessment of radiographic damage severity.

Results

Interobserver and intraobserver agreement on longitudinal scores were good for both Sharp and Larsen methods, with intraclass correlation coefficient >0.9. Agreement on change assessment was good for the Sharp method and moderate for the Larsen method. Both methods yielded a steady increase in scores during the study, with score change being more marked in the first year. Sharp and Larsen scores were highly correlated (rs = 0.96). Correlations of both scores with the Poznanski score were moderate to high (rs from −0.62 to −0.72). Radiologist score was correlated at borderline‐high level with both Sharp (rs = 0.70) and Larsen (rs = 0.71) scores. Sharp and Larsen score change from baseline to final visit was moderately to highly correlated with the number of joints with active arthritis and restricted motion and the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire score at final visit.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that the Sharp and Larsen scoring systems are potentially reliable and valid for assessment of radiographic progression in patients with polyarticular JIA.
Einsparpotentiale beim Bau von Kraftwerken am Beispiel von Windeinwirkungen auf Kühltürme
Authors: Bockhold Jörg , Meyer Joachim , Klöker Titus
Published: September 2006

Windlasten stellen im Kraftwerksbau eine der maßgeblichen und bemessungsrelevanten Einwirkungen dar. In diesem Beitrag wird das Einsparpotential, das sich aus der Durchführung von windtechnologischen Untersuchungen an Großkraftwerken ergibt, aufgezeigt. Beispielhaft wird dazu an Kühltürmen unter Nutzung der Öffnungsklauseln der neuen Windlastnorm DIN 1055‐4:2005‐03 das Einsparpotential quantifiziert. Das Ergebnis dieser Analysen sind Aussagen über den finanziell bewertbaren Nutzen von windtechnologischen Untersuchungen.
NordWestZentrum Frankfurt am Main – Teil 2: Erweiterungsneubauten
Authors: Ernst Günter , Müller Harald
Published: September 2006

Das NordWestZentrum wurde in den Jahren 2002 bis 2004 erneut erweitert.

Im Zuge dieser Maßnahme wurde das Areal der ehemaligen Fachhochschule vollständig neu bebaut. Es entstanden 430000 m3 umbauter Raum, der einer neuen Nutzung zugeführt wurde.

Das Bauvorhaben war für den planenden Ingenieur eine große Herausforderung in bezug auf Abbruch, Begutachtung, Sanierung, Sicherung des Bestandes sowie der Tragwerksplanung des Neubaus und dessen spezieller Gründung, unter Beachtung der Vorgabe: “Bauen im Bestand und Bauen im Betrieb.”
Mehrlagig mit Geogittern bewehrte Erdkörper über pfahlartigen Gründungselementen – Numerische Simulation des Verformungsverhaltens unter statischer und zyklischer Einwirkung
Authors: Arwanitaki Anna , Triantafyllidis Theodor
Published: September 2006

Zur Gründung von Dämmen für Verkehrsbauwerke auf weichen Böden werden oftmals Pfähle in der Weichschicht erstellt und Geogitter zwischen Dammkörper und Gründungselementen eingelegt. Im Rahmen bisheriger Bemessungsverfahren wird die zyklisch (dynamisch) wirkende Verkehrsbelastung stark vereinfacht und durch statische Ersatzlasten abgebildet. Die etablierte Modellvorstellung für statische Lasten geht von einer Lastabtragung über die Gewölbewirkung im Dammkörper und Zugspannungen in den Geogittern aus. Es ist jedoch zu erwarten, daß sich das Lastabtragungs‐ und Verformungsverhalten solcher Erdbauwerke während der Lebensdauer (Millionen von Lastzyklen) verändert. Die Zyklen verursachen im Boden eine Akkumulation der Verformungen und Spannungsänderungen, was zu einer Zerstörung des Spannungsgewölbes und zu unerwartet großen Setzungen des Dammkörpers führen kann. Erst seit kurzer Zeit stehen numerische Strategien und Stoffgesetze zur Verfügung, mit denen das Verhalten von Erdbauwerken unter sehr großen Zyklenanzahlen mit Hilfe der Finiten Elemente Methode untersucht werden kann. Dieser Beitrag stellt die Ergebnisse solcher Berechnungen mehrlagig geogitterbewehrter Dammkörper auf Weichschichten für den zweidimensionalen Fall vor. Diese zeigen u.a., daß die Geogitter in Abhängigkeit von ihrer Höhenlage unterschiedlich stark in das Gesamttragverhalten eingebunden sind und daß die Spannungsgewölbe durch zyklische Belastungen tatsächlich zerstört werden.
Entwicklung der Brückenlager – Geschichtlicher Überblick
Authors: Wetzk Volker
Published: September 2006

Die systematische Auswertung historischer und aktueller Literatur bildet die Grundlage für den folgenden Abriß zur Entwicklung der Brückenlager. Er folgt der chronologischen Ausbildung verschiedener Generationen von Brückenlagern: von den ersten Lagern aus Holz, über eiserne und stählerne Lager hin zur Verwendung von Kunststoffen für die heutige Brückenlagertechnik und begrenzt sich auf die für die Gesamtentwicklung wesentlichen Lagertypen. Die Geschichte der Brückenlager reflektiert zum einen den technischen Fortschritt der letzten zwei Jahrhunderte, zum anderen auch die Möglichkeit, auf technische Herausforderungen durch veränderte Sichtweisen und Konstruktionsmethoden zu reagieren.
Development and evaluation of the electromagnetic hypersensitivity questionnaire
Authors: Eltiti Stacy , Wallace Denise , Zougkou Konstantina , Russo Riccardo , Joseph Stephen , Rasor Paul , Fox Elaine
Published: September 2006

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) syndrome is usually defined as a condition where an individual experiences adverse health effects that he or she believes is due to exposure to objects that emit electromagnetic fields. The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire that would identify the key symptoms associated with EHS and determine how often these symptoms occur in the general population of the United Kingdom. In the pilot study, an EHS questionnaire was developed and tested. In Study 1 the EHS questionnaire was revised and sent to a randomly selected sample of 20 000 people. Principal components analysis of the symptoms resulted in eight subscales: neurovegetative, skin, auditory, headache, cardiorespiratory, cold related, locomotor, and allergy related symptoms. Study 2 established the validity of the questionnaire in that EHS individuals showed a higher severity of symptoms on all subscales compared to the control group. The two key results of this study were the development of a scale that provides an index of the type and intensity of symptoms commonly experienced by people believing themselves to be EHS and a screening tool that researchers can use to pre‐select the most sensitive individuals to take part in their research. Bioelectromagnetics © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wissens‐ und Wissenschaftstransfer – Einführende Bemerkungen
Authors: Ash Mitchell G.
Published: September 2006

Knowledge and science transfer – introductory remarks. The article presents introductory remarks on the historical study of knowledge and science transfer. Discussion focuses initially on the reasons for speaking of knowledge transfer and not only about science transfer, and the relations of this topic to current research in general history on cultural transfer. Multiple levels of knowledge / science transfer are then discussed, specifically: (1) transfer by means of migration or other movement of people across geographic boundaries; (2) scientific changes related to the transfer of objects (such as plant specimens or instruments) across continents or disciplines; (3) knowledge or science transfer in practical contexts. Addressed throughout is the problematic character of the concept of transfer itself. The author suggests that users of this concept often presuppose a static conception of scientific and cultural contents being more or less successfully transferred; more interesting, however, are the changes in science and culture conditioned or caused by the migration of individuals as well as the transfer of culture by other means.
Conjugation of methoxypolyethylene glycol to the surface of bovine red blood cells
Authors: Gundersen Sharon I. , Palmer Andre F.
Published: September 2006

Methoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG) covalently bound to the surface of human red blood cells (hRBCs) has been shown to decrease immunological recognition of hRBC surface antigens (Bradley et al.,2002). However, there is an increasing shortage of hRBC donations, thus making hRBCs scarce and expensive (Davey,2004; Riess,2001). The goal of this study is to similarly PEGylate the surface of bovine RBCs (bRBCs) with the aim of reducing the demand on human blood donations needed for blood transfusions. This study investigates the feasibility of modifying the surface of bRBCs with the succinimidyl ester of methoxypolyethylene glycol propionic acid (SPA‐mPEG) for use as a potential blood substitute. The oxygen binding affinity of PEGylated bRBCs was moderately increased with increasing initial SPA‐mPEG concentrations up to 4 mM when reacted with bRBCs at a hematocrit of 12%. Oxygen transport simulations verified that SPA‐mPEG conjugated bRBCs could still transport oxygen to pancreatic islet tissues even under extreme conditions. PEGylated bRBCs reconstituted to a hematocrit of 40% exhibited viscosities on the order of ∼3 cp, similar to hRBCs at the same hematocrit. Taken together, the results of this study demonstrate the success of PEGylating bRBCs to yield modified cells with oxygen binding, transport and flow properties similar to that of hRBCs. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;96:1199–1210. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Glycosylation of an immunoglobulin produced from a murine hybridoma cell line: The effect of culture mode and the anti‐apoptotic gene, bcl‐2
Authors: Majid F.A.A. , Butler M. , Al‐Rubeai M.
Published: September 2006

The impact of bcl‐2 over‐expression on the glycosylation pattern of an antibody produced by a bcl‐2 transfected hybridoma cell line (TB/C3.bcl‐2) was investigated in suspension batch, continuous and high cell density culture (Flat hollow fibre, Tecnomouse system). In all culture modes bcl‐2 over‐expression resulted in higher cell viability. Analysis of the glycans from the IgG of batch cultures showed that >95% of the structures were neutral core fucosylated asialo biantennary oligosaccharides with variable terminal galactosylation (G0f, G1f and G2f) consistent with previous analysis of glycans from the conserved site at Asn‐297 of the IgG protein. The galactosylation index (GI) was determined as an indicator of the glycan profile (=(G2 + 0.5* G1)/(G0 + G1 + G2)). GI values in control cultures were comparable to bcl‐2 cultures during exponential growth (0.53) but declined toward the end of the culture when there was a loss in cell viability. Low dilution rates in chemostat culture were associated with reduced galactosylation of the IgG glycans in both cell lines. However, at the higher dilution rates the GI for IgG was consistently higher in the TB/C3.bcl‐2 cultures. In the hollow fibre bioreactor the galactosylation of the IgG glycans was considerably lower than in suspension batch or continuous cultures with GI values averaging 0.38. Similar low galactosylation values have been found previously for high density cell cultures and these are consistent with the low values obtained when the dissolved oxygen level is maintained at a low value (10%) in controlled suspension cultures of hybridomas. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97: 156–169. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection of S100 protein from prostatic cancer patients using anti‐S100 protein antibody immobilized on POS‐PVA discs
Authors: Melo‐Júnior Mario R. , Araújo Filho Jorge Luiz S. , Cavalcanti Carmelita L.B. , Patu Vasco José Ramos M. , Beltrão Eduardo I.C. , Carvalho Luiz B.
Published: September 2006

The S100 proteins have been extensively used as cancer biomarkers. The objectives of the present work were to immobilize the antibody anti‐protein S100 to a net of semi‐interpenetrated of polysiloxane and polyvinyl alcohol (POS‐PVA discs), to investigate its capacity to capture S100 protein from serum and to quantify it by ELISA in sera from patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma (n = 15) and healthy individuals (n = 10). Also these values were compared to the S100 protein expression in the prostatic tissue through immunohistochemistry. The POS‐PVA discs fixed about 92.8% of the offered antibody (7.75 µg of antibody per disc). The best values of the immobilized no‐marked antibody anti‐S100 and serum dilution were found to be 10 µg and 1:400, respectively. Optical density (OD) values for the sera of patients (0.425 ± 0.042) with prostatic adenocarcinoma were significantly lower (P < 0.05) compared to those established for the healthy individuals (1.034 ± 0.124). In the immunohistochemistry study no significant variations were observed in the number of positive S100 cells between prostatic adenocarcinoma (153.45 ± 16.82) and normal prostate (147.04 ± 18.98). These results showed a clear difference between S100 proteins expressed in tissue and presented in serum during the prostatic tissue neoplasic transformation. Sera analysis was more sensitive than immunohistochemistry S100 protein detection in the prostate tissue besides the advantage to be less invasive method. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97: 182–187. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On maintenance models in severely and long‐term limited membrane bioreactor cultivations
Authors: Drews Anja , Kraume Matthias
Published: September 2006

Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are combinations of common bioreactors and membrane separation units for biomass retention. Through increased biomass concentration, they allow increased productivity (or smaller reactor volume, respectively). Besides high biomass concentrations, operation at very low growth rates is typical for MBRs. In this regime, maintenance metabolism where substrate uptake only yields energy for cell survival becomes of higher importance than in processes run at higher growth rates. While thermodynamically based correlations for the prediction of maintenance coefficients are available for chemostat or other medium growth rate processes, some authors have mentioned a change in energy demand in MBRs and a dependence of maintenance parameters on operating conditions. Due to the fact that often mixed cultures are used and resulting from the different evaluation methods used by different authors, views on the possible influences on maintenance parameters differ. However, it is accepted that common models describing microbial growth and production of metabolites or degradation of pollutants do not consider the effects caused by severe limitations and therefore cannot sufficiently be applied to MBRs. In this study, maintenance parameters were determined for a model organism (Ustilago maydis) and results from different evaluation methods were compared. A continuous fit of respiration data gave more consistent results than the traditional method of plotting specific uptake versus growth rate. They suggest that below μ = 10% μmax the maintenance coefficient drops to a third of the value in short‐term limited cultures. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;96:892–903. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Studies of an Fe9 Tridiminished Icosahedron
Authors: Tolis Evangelos I. , Engelhardt Larry P. , Mason Pamela V. , Rajaraman Gopalan , Kindo Koichi , Luban Marshall , Matsuo Akira , Nojiri Hiroyuki , Raftery James , Schröder Christian , Timco Grigore A. , Tuna Floriana , Wernsdorfer Wolfgang , Winpenny Richard E. P.
Published: September 2006

The synthesis and structural characterization of a nonanuclear FeIII cage complex is reported. The nine iron centers in [Fe9(μ3‐O)4(O3PPh)3(O2CCMe3)13] lie on the vertices of an incomplete icosahedron, with the P atoms of triphenylphosphonate at the other three vertices. The paramagnetic core therefore describes a tridiminished icosahedron. Magnetic studies suggest an S=1/2 ground state for the molecule. Analysis of exchange paths and the susceptibility data point to the interpretation that the cluster can be divided into two nearly decoupled sections: an {Fe6O3} section, with an S=0 ground state, in which three oxo‐centered triangles bound a central triangle that is not oxo‐centered; and an {Fe3O} triangle with S=1/2. The analysis of the susceptibility data leads to a Heisenberg model based on three significant antiferromagnetic exchange interactions, with values of 173.7 cm−1 in the {Fe3O} triangle, and 30.9 and 19.1 cm−1 within the {Fe6O3} section, while the exchange between them is <1 cm−1. With these assignments, the theoretical low‐temperature differential susceptibility is also in very good agreement with measurements up to 50 T. Magnetic measurements in the milli‐kelvin range reveal striking hysteresis loops and magnetization reversals associated with a Landau–Zener–Stückelberg (LZS) transition as enhanced by the occurrence of a phonon bottleneck.
Electrocatalytic and Magnetic Properties of Ultrathin Nanostructured Iron–Melanin Films on Au(111)
Authors: González Orive Alejandro , Dip Patricio , Gimeno Yurima , Díaz Pilar , Carro Pilar , Hernández Creus Alberto , Benítez Guillermo , Schilardi Patricia L. , Andrini Leandro , Requejo Felix , Salvarezza Roberto C.
Published: September 2006

We have prepared ultrathin, nanostructured melanin films on Au(111) by means of electrochemical self‐assembly. These films were characterized by using Auger electron spectroscopy, X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, magnetic force microscopy, and electrochemical techniques. Two types of nanostructures are present in the film: melanin nanoparticles and Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The melanin nanoparticles contain Fe bonded to oxygen‐containing phenolic groups in an octahedral configuration similar to that found in Fe2O3. The inorganic–organic composite exhibits magnetic properties and catalyzes the electroreduction of hydrogen peroxide in alkaline and neutral electrolyte solutions. The electrocatalytic activity depends on the Fe‐bound melanin and appears to be similar to that found for Fe–porphyrins.
Relationship Between the Ligand Structure and the Luminescent Properties of Water‐Soluble Lanthanide Complexes Containing Bis(bipyridine) Anionic Arms
Authors: Charbonnière Loïc J. , Weibel Nicolas , Retailleau Pascal , Ziessel Raymond
Published: September 2006

A series of six new ligands (L1–L6) suitable for the formation of luminescent lanthanide complexes in water is described. Ligands L1–L4 are constructed from two 6′‐carboxy‐6‐methylene‐2,2′‐bipyridine chromophoric arms bonded to the amino function of a 2‐aminomethylene‐6‐carboxy‐pyridine (L1), an N,N‐diacetate‐ethylene diamine (L2), a serine (L3), or an aminomalonic acid (L4). For ligands L5 and L6, the linking amino function is provided by a glutamic acid, and the anionic functions at the 6′‐position of the bipyridyl arms are made of the sodium salts of monoethylphosphonic ester (L5) and phosphonic acid (L6). The synthesis and characterisation of the ligands are described, together with the study of the formation of lanthanide complexes with europium and terbium. In the case of L3, the europium complex obtained in acidic conditions was crystallised and the X‐ray crystal structure is depicted. Photophysical properties of the complexes were studied by means of UV‐visible absorption, and steady‐state and time‐resolved luminescence spectroscopy. Excited‐state luminescence lifetimes of the complexes were determined in water and deuterated water to gain insight into the number of water molecules directly coordinated in the first coordination sphere of the complexes. The coordination behaviour of the series of ligands is questioned in the light of the spectroscopic data and discussed in terms of protection of the cation towards water molecules and their impact on the luminescence efficiency.
MicroRNA expression during chick embryo development
Authors: Darnell Diana K. , Kaur Simran , Stanislaw Stacey , Konieczka Jay K. , Yatskievych Tatiana A. , Antin Parker B.
Published: September 2006

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, abundant, noncoding RNAs that modulate protein abundance by interfering with target mRNA translation or stability. miRNAs are detected in organisms from all domains and may regulate 30% of transcripts in vertebrates. Understanding miRNA function requires a detailed determination of expression, yet this has not been reported in an amniote species. High‐throughput whole mount in situ hybridization was performed on chicken embryos to map expression of 135 miRNA genes including five miRNAs that had not been previously reported in chicken. Eighty‐four miRNAs were detected before day 5 of embryogenesis, and 75 miRNAs showed differential expression. Whereas few miRNAs were expressed during formation of the primary germ layers, the number of miRNAs detected increased rapidly during organogenesis. Patterns highlighted cell‐type, organ or structure‐specific expression, localization within germ layers and their derivatives, and expression in multiple cell and tissue types and within sub‐regions of structures and tissues. A novel group of miRNAs was highly expressed in most tissues but much reduced in one or a few organs, including the heart. This study presents the first comprehensive overview of miRNA expression in an amniote organism and provides an important foundation for investigations of miRNA gene regulation and function. Developmental Dynamics 235:3156–3165, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Zebrafish pax5 regulates development of the utricular macula and vestibular function
Authors: Kwak Su‐Jin , Vemaraju Shruti , Moorman Stephen J. , Zeddies David , Popper Arthur N. , Riley Bruce B.
Published: September 2006

The zebrafish otic vesicle initially forms with only two sensory epithelia, the utricular and saccular maculae, which primarily mediate vestibular and auditory function, respectively. Here, we test the role of pax5, which is preferentially expressed in the utricular macula. Morpholino knockdown of pax5 disrupts vestibular function but not hearing. Neurons of the statoacoustic ganglion (SAG) develop normally. Utricular hair cells appear to form normally but a variable number subsequently undergo apoptosis and are extruded from the otic vesicle. Dendrites of the SAG persist in the utricle but become disorganized after hair cell loss. Hair cells in the saccule develop and survive normally. Otic expression of pax5 requires pax2a and fgf3, mutations in which cause vestibular defects, albeit by distinct mechanisms. Thus, pax5 works in conjunction with fgf3 and pax2a to establish and/or maintain the utricular macula and is essential for vestibular function. Developmental Dynamics 235:3026–3038, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurotrophin‐3 ameliorates sensory–motor deficits in Er81‐deficient mice
Authors: Li L.Y. , Wang Z. , Šedý J. , Quazi R. , Walro J.M. , Frank E. , Kucera J.
Published: September 2006

Two factors, the ETS transcription factor ER81 and skeletal muscle‐derived neurotrophin‐3 (NT3), are essential for the formation of muscle spindles and the function of spindle afferent–motoneuron synapses in the spinal cord. Spindles either degenerate completely or are abnormal, and spindle afferents fail to project to spinal motoneurons in Er81 null mice; however, the interactions between ER81 and NT3 during the processes of afferent neuron and muscle spindle development are poorly understood. To examine if overexpression of NT3 in muscle rescues spindles and afferent–motoneuron connectivity in the absence of ER81, we generated myoNT3;Er81−/− double‐mutant mice that selectively overexpress NT3 in muscle in the absence of ER81. Spindle reflex arcs in myoNT3;Er81−/− mutants differed greatly from Er81 null mice. Muscle spindle densities were greater and more afferents projected into the ventral spinal cord in myoNT3;Er81−/− mice. Spindles of myoNT3;Er81−/− muscles responded normally to repetitive muscle taps, and the monosynaptic inputs from Ia afferents to motoneurons, grossly reduced in Er81−/− mutants, were restored to wild‐type levels in myoNT3;Er81−/− mice. Thus, an excess of muscle‐derived NT3 reverses deficits in spindle numbers and afferent function induced by the absence of ER81. We conclude that muscle‐derived NT3 can modulate spindle density and afferent–motoneuron connectivity independently of ER81. Developmental Dynamics 235:3039–3050, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Localization and requirement for Myosin II at the dorsal‐ventral compartment boundary of the Drosophila wing
Authors: Major Robert J. , Irvine Kenneth D.
Published: September 2006

As organisms develop, their tissues can become separated into distinct cell populations through the establishment of compartment boundaries. Compartment boundaries have been discovered in a wide variety of tissues, but in many cases the molecular mechanisms that separate cells remain poorly understood. In the Drosophila wing, a stripe of Notch activation maintains the dorsal‐ventral compartment boundary, through a process that depends on the actin cytoskeleton. Here, we show that the dorsal‐ventral boundary exhibits a distinct accumulation of Myosin II, and that this accumulation is regulated downstream of Notch signaling. Conversely, the dorsal‐ventral boundary is depleted for the Par‐3 homologue Bazooka. We further show that mutations in the Myosin heavy chain subunit encoded by zipper can impair dorsal‐ventral compartmentalization without affecting anterior‐posterior compartmentalization. These observations identify a distinct accumulation and requirement for Myosin activity in dorsal‐ventral compartmentalization, and suggest a novel mechanism in which contractile tension along an F‐actin cable at the compartment boundary contributes to compartmentalization. Developmental Dynamics 235:3051–3058, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic dissection of a stem cell niche: The case of the Drosophila ovary
Authors: Bolívar J. , Pearson J. , López‐Onieva L. , González‐Reyes A.
Published: September 2006

In this work, we demonstrate a powerful new tool for the manipulation of the stromal component of a well‐established Drosophila stem cell niche. We have generated a bric‐a‐brac 1 (bab1)‐Gal4 line that drives UAS expression in many somatic ovary cell types from early larval stages. Using this Gal4 line, we could effectively induce FLP/FRT‐mediated recombination in the stromal cells of the ovarian germline stem cell niche. Mutant clones were observed in the developing ovary of larvae and pupae, including in somatic cell types that do not divide in the adult, such as the cap cells and the terminal filament cells. Exploiting the ability of bab1‐Gal4 to generate large clones, we demonstrate that bab1‐Gal4 is an effective tool for analyzing stem cell niche morphogenesis and cyst formation in the germarium. We have identified a novel requirement for engrailed in the correct organization of the terminal filaments. We also demonstrate an involvement for integrins in cyst formation and follicle cell encapsulation. Finally using bab1‐Gal4 in conjunction with the Gal80 system, we show that while ectopic dpp expression from stromal cells is sufficient to induce hyperplastic stem cell growth, neither activation nor inactivation of the BMP pathway within stromal cells affects germline stem cell maintenance. Developmental Dynamics 235:2969–2979, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characteristics and key findings for ‘EMLA and Amethocaine for reduction of children's pain associated with needle insertion’
Authors: van Dalen Elvira , Offringa Martin , Kremer Leontien
Published: September 2006

These are the characteristics and key findings for a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Lander JA, Weltman BJ, So SS. EMLA and Amethocaine for reduction of children's pain associated with needle insertion. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD004236. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004236.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Expert Commentary articles. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of induced compliance on relative left frontal cortical activity: a test of the action‐based model of dissonance
Authors: Harmon‐Jones Eddie , Gerdjikov Todor , Harmon‐Jones Cindy
Published: September 2006

The action‐based model of dissonance and recent advances in neuroscience suggest that commitment to action should cause greater relative left frontal cortical activity. An induced compliance experiment was conducted in which electroencephalographic activity was recorded following commitment to action, operationalized with a perceived choice manipulation. Perceived high as compared to low choice to engage in the counterattitudinal action caused attitudes to be more consistent with the action. Also, high choice caused greater relative left frontal cortical activity than low choice. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aerial assessment of landscape net change by means of two‐phase network sampling: an application to central Italy
Authors: Corona Piermaria , Fattorini Lorenzo , Pompei Enrico
Published: September 2006

A design‐based procedure for estimating the land cover net change between two dates in time is considered by means of aerial information. The aerial information in the first date consists of analogical photos while the aerial information in the second date consists of digital photos or satellite imagery. In the first phase of sampling a set of points is selected on the study area by means of unaligned systematic sampling. The digital imagery available for the second date may be readily adopted for spotting and classifying the first‐phase points, thus obtaining a first‐phase estimator of the areal extents in the second date. On the other hand, owing to the operational difficulties of spotting all the first‐phase points on the analogical photos, a second‐phase sample selected from these points is necessary to estimate the areal extents of the land categories in the first date. Finally, the land cover net changes may be estimated by means of the difference between the resulting estimates in the two dates. The use of stratified network sampling is considered in the second phase in order to handle the presence of analogical photos overlapping each other at their boundaries. An application of the procedure is considered for assessing the land cover net change in the Abruzzo Region (Central Italy) between the years 1954 and 2002. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular data (nrITS‐sequencing) reveal relationships among Iranian endemic taxa of the Umbelliferae
Authors: Valiejo‐Roman C. M. , Terentieva E. I. , Samigullin T. H. , Pimenov M. G. , Ghahremani‐Nejad F. , Mozaffarian V.
Published: September 2006

The majority of endemic and subendemic Iranian Umbelliferae taxa have never been investigated using molecular approachs to phylogeny. 36 species from 28 genera of the Umbelliferae from this region were included for the first time in analysis using ITS sequence data to clarify their systematics. For some newly investigated (Leiotulus, Semenovia, Ducrosia, Echinophora, Pycnocycla, Turgenia lisaeoides, Prangos, Alococarpum, Bilacunaria, Elaeosticta, Johreniopsis, Pseudotrachydium) taxa the molecular data correspond to, or at least do not contradict with, their traditional, morphologically grounded taxonomy. Leutea was shown closely related to Ferula (not Peucedanum), and Opsicarpium – to Pimpinella. A taxonomically isolated position of Mozaffariania has been demonstrated. Haussknechtia appeared to be the closest relative of Demavendia and Zeravschania. It was shown that Calyptrosciadium belongs to Komarovia ‐clade, having long‐distant geographical disjunction. Close affinity of Heptaptera and Prangos was not supported. Similarly, Thecocarpus appeared to be distant from other Echinophoreae, putting monophyly of the tribe in question. As a result, new molecular data have cleared up systematic questions in some taxonomically uncertain Iranian Umbelliferae. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the co‐occurrence of startles and hippocampal sharp waves in newborn rats
Authors: Karlsson Karl Æ. , Mohns Ethan J. , di Prisco Gonzalo Viana , Blumberg Mark S.
Published: September 2006

Hippocampal sharp waves (SPWs) are among the earliest neural population patterns observed in infant mammals. Similarly, startles are among the earliest behavioral events observed. Here we provide evidence indicating that these two events are linked mechanistically soon after birth in freely moving and head‐fixed 1 to 4‐day‐old rats. EMG electrodes and intrahippocampal silicon depth electrodes were used to detect the presence of startles and SPWs, respectively. In intact pups, the majority of sharp waves were preceded by startles (average latency: 161 ms). When the hippocampal formation was surgically separated from the brainstem, however, sharp waves and startles still occurred, but now independently. In addition, unrelated to startles or SPWs, gamma oscillations were detected in several subjects, as were neocortical “spindles” that propagated passively into the hippocampus. The cooccurrence of sharp waves and startles provides the opportunity for Hebbian changes in synaptic efficacy and, thus, is poised to contribute to the assembly of neural circuits early in development. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.