bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterozygote Effects in Mice with Partial Truncations in the Growth Hormone Receptor Cytoplasmic Domain: Assessment of Growth Parameters and Phenotype
Authors: Rowland Jennifer E. , Kerr Linda M. , White Mary , Noakes Peter G. , Waters Michael J.
Published: September 2005

The GH receptor (GHR) is essential for normal postnatal growth and development, and the molecular basis of GHR action has been studied intensively. Clinical case studies and more recently mouse models have revealed the extensive phenotype of impaired GH action. We recently reported two new mouse models, possessing cytoplasmic truncations at position 569 (plus Y539/545-F) and 391, which were created to identify functional subdomains within the cytoplasmic signaling domain. In the homozygous state, these animals show progressively impaired postnatal growth coupled with complex changes in gene expression. We describe here an extended phenotype analysis encompassing the heterozygote state to identify whether single copies of these mutant receptors bring about partial or dominant-negative phenotypes. It appears that the retention of the ubiquitin-dependent endocytosis motif in the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain permits turnover of these mutant receptors because no dominant-negative phenotype is seen. Nonetheless, we do observe partial impairment of postnatal growth in heterozygotes supporting limited haploinsufficiency. Reproductive function is impaired in these models in a progressive manner, in parallel with loss of signal transducer and activator of transcription-5 activation ability. In summary, we describe a more comprehensive phenotypic analysis of these mouse models, encompassing overall and longitudinal body growth, reproductive function, and hormonal status in both the heterozygote and homozygote state. Our results suggest that patients expressing single copies of similarly mutated GHRs would not display an obvious clinical phenotype.
An investigation of the role of carbonic anhydrase in aquatic and aerial gas transfer in the African lungfishProtopterus dolloi
Authors: Perry1 S. F. , Gilmour K. M. , Swenson E. R. , Vulesevic B. , Chew S. F. , Ip Y. K.
Published: September 2005

Experiments were performed on bimodally breathing African lungfish Protopterus dolloi to examine the effects of inhibition of extracellular vs total (extracellular and intracellular) carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity on pulmonary and branchial/cutaneous gas transfer. In contrast to previous studies on Protopterus, which showed that the vast majority of CO2 is excreted into the water through the gill and/or skin whereas O2 uptake largely occurs via the lung, P. dolloi appeared to use the lung for the bulk of both O2uptake (91.0±2.9%) and CO2 excretion (76.0±6.6%). In support of the lung as the more important site of CO2 transfer,aerial hypercapnia (PCO2=40 mmHg) caused a significant rise in partial pressure of arterial blood CO2(PaCO2) whereas a similar degree of aquatic hypercapnia was without effect on PaCO2. Intravascular injection of low levels (1.2 mg kg-1) of the slowly permanent CA inhibitor, benzolamide, was without effect on red blood cell CA activity after 30 min, thus confirming its suitability as a short-term selective inhibitor of extracellular CA. Benzolamide treatment did not affect CO2 excretion, blood acid–base status or any other measured variable within the 30 min measurement period. Injection of the permeant CA inhibitor acetazolamide (30 mg kg-1) resulted in the complete inhibition of red cell CA activity within 10 min. However, CO2excretion (measured for 2 h after injection) and arterial blood acid–base status (assessed for 24 h after injection) were unaffected by acetazolamide treatment. Intra-arterial injection of bovine CA (2 mg kg-1) caused a significant increase in overall CO2excretion (from 0.41±0.03 to 0.58±0.03 mmol kg-1h-1) and an increase in air breathing frequency (from 19.0±1.3 to 24.7±1.8 breaths min-1) that was accompanied by a slight, but significant, reduction in PaCO2 (from 21.6±1.6 to 19.6±1.8 mmHg).

The findings of this study are significant because they (i) demonstrate that, unlike in other species of African lungfish that have been examined, the gill/skin is not the major route of CO2 excretion in P. dolloi, and (ii) suggest that CO2 excretion in Protopterus may be less reliant on carbonic anhydrase than in most other fish species.
Effects of decreased muscle activity on developing axial musculature innicb107mutant zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: van der Meulen T. , Schipper H. , van Leeuwen J. L. , Kranenbarg S.
Published: September 2005

The present paper discusses the effects of decreased muscle activity (DMA)on embryonic development in the zebrafish. Wild-type zebrafish embryos become mobile around 18 h post-fertilisation, long before the axial musculature is fully differentiated. As a model for DMA, the nicb107mutant was used. In nicb107 mutant embryos, muscle fibres are mechanically intact and able to contract, but neuronal signalling is defective and the fibres are not activated, rendering the embryos immobile. Despite the immobility, distinguished slow and fast muscle fibres developed at the correct location in the axial muscles, helical muscle fibre arrangements were detected and sarcomere architecture was generated. However, in nicb107 mutant embryos the notochord is flatter and the cross-sectional body shape more rounded, also affecting muscle fibre orientation. The stacking of sarcomeres and myofibril arrangement show a less regular pattern. Finally, expression levels of several genes were changed. Together, these changes in expression indicate that muscle growth is not impeded and energy metabolism is not changed by the decrease in muscle activity but that the composition of muscle is altered. In addition, skin stiffness is affected. In conclusion, the lack of muscle fibre activity did not prevent the basal muscle components developing but influenced further organisation and differentiation of these components.
Endothelin-1 causes systemic vasodilatation in anaesthetised turtles(Trachemys scripta) through activation of ETB-receptors
Authors: Skovgaard Nini , Warren Daniel E. , Jackson Donald C. , Wang Tobias
Published: September 2005

The effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on systemic and pulmonary circulation were investigated in anaesthetised freshwater turtles (Trachemys scripta) instrumented with arterial catheters and blood flow probes. Bolus intra-arterial injections of ET-1 (0.4–400 pmol kg-1)caused a dose-dependent systemic vasodilatation that was associated with a decrease in systemic pressure (Psys) and a rise in systemic blood flow (Q̇sys),causing systemic conductance (Gsys) to increase. ET-1 had no significant effects on the pulmonary vasculature, heart rate(fh) or total stroke volume(Vstot). This response differs markedly from mammals, where ET-1 causes an initial vasodilatation that is followed by a pronounced pressor response. In mammals, the initial dilatation is caused by stimulation of ETB-receptors, while the subsequent constriction is mediated by ETA-receptors. In the turtles, infusion of the ETB-receptor agonist BQ-3020 (150 pmol kg-1) elicited haemodynamic changes that were similar to those of ET-1, and the effects of ET-1 were not affected by the ETA-antagonist BQ-610 (0.15 μmol kg-1). Conversely, all effects of ET-1 were virtually abolished after specific ETB-receptor blockade with the ETB-antagonist BQ-788 (0.15 μmol kg-1). The subsequent treatment with the general ET-receptor antagonist tezosentan (15.4μmol kg-1) did not produce effects that differed from the treatment with ETB-antagonist, and the blockade of ET-1 responses persisted. This present study indicates, therefore, that ETB-receptors are responsible for the majority of the cardiovascular responses to ET-1 in Trachemys.
Book Reviews
Authors: Lev Benjamin
Published: September 2005

The range of books reviewed is wide, covering theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems (no software is reviewed). In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. Publishers who wish to have their books reviewed should send them to Professor Benjamin Lev. We list the books received; not all books received can be reviewed because space is limited. Those who would like to review books are urged to send me their names, addresses, and specific areas of expertise. We commission all reviews and do not accept unsolicited book reviews. Readers are encouraged to suggest books that might be reviewed or to ask publishers to send me copies of such books.

The authors or editors of the books reviewed in this issue are A. G. De Kok, Stephen C. Graves, Kazuo Murota, Pablo Pedregal, and Zelda Zabinsky.
Capacity Management in Rental Businesses with Two Customer Bases
Authors: Savin Sergei V. , Cohen Morris A. , Gans Noah , Katalan Ziv
Published: September 2005

We consider the allocation of capacity in a system in which rental equipment is accessed by two classes of customers. We formulate the problem as a continuous-time analogue of the one-shot allocation problems found in the more traditional literature on revenue management, and we analyze a queueing control model that approximates its dynamics. Our investigation yields three sets of results.

First, we use dynamic programming to characterize properties of optimal capacity allocation policies. We identify conditions under which “complete sharing”—in which both classes of customers have unlimited access to the rental fleet—is optimal.

Next, we develop a computationally efficient “aggregate threshold” heuristic that is based on a fluid approximation of the original stochastic model. We obtain closed-form expressions for the heuristic’s control parameters and show that the heuristic performs well in numerical experiments. The closed-form expressions also show that, in the context of the fluid approximation, revenues are concave and increasing in the fleet size.

Finally, we consider the effect of the ability to allocate capacity on optimal fleet size. We show that the optimal fleet size under allocation policies may be lower, the same as, or higher than that under complete sharing. As capacity costs increase, allocation policies allow for larger relative fleet sizes. Numerical results show that, even in cases in which dollar profits under complete sharing may be close to those under allocation policies, the capacity reductions enabled by allocation schemes can help to lift profit margins significantly.
Dynamic Aggregation of Set-Partitioning Constraints in Column Generation
Authors: Elhallaoui Issmail , Villeneuve Daniel , Soumis François , Desaulniers Guy
Published: September 2005

Column generation is often used to solve problems involving set-partitioning constraints, such as vehicle-routing and crew-scheduling problems. When these constraints are in large numbers and the columns have on average more than 8–12 nonzero elements, column generation often becomes inefficient because solving the master problem requires very long solution times at each iteration due to high degeneracy. To overcome this difficulty, we introduce a dynamic constraint aggregation method that reduces the number of set-partitioning constraints in the master problem by aggregating some of them according to an equivalence relation. To guarantee optimality, this equivalence relation is updated dynamically throughout the solution process. Tests on the linear relaxation of the simultaneous vehicle and crew-scheduling problem in urban mass transit show that this method significantly reduces the size of the master problem, degeneracy, and solution times, especially for larger problems. In fact, for an instance involving 1,600 set-partitioning constraints, the master problem solution time is reduced by a factor of 8.
Genetically Characterized Positive Control Cell Lines Derived from Residual Clinical Blood Samples
Authors: Bernacki Susan H , Beck Jeanne C , Stankovic Ana K , Williams Laurina O , Amos Jean , Snow-Bailey Karen , Farkas Daniel H , Friez Michael J , Hantash Feras M , Matteson Karla J , Monaghan Kristin G , Muralidharan Kasinathan , Pratt Victoria M , Prior Thomas W , Richie Kristy L , Levin Barbara C , Rohlfs Elizabeth M , Schaefer Frederick V , Shrimpton Antony E , Spector Elaine B , Stolle Catherine A , Strom Charles M , Thibodeau Stephen N , Cole Eugene C , Goodman Barbara K , Stenzel Timothy T
Published: September 2005

Background: Positive control materials for clinical diagnostic molecular genetic testing are in critically short supply. High-quality DNA that closely resembles DNA isolated from patient specimens can be obtained from Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)–transformed peripheral blood lymphocyte cell lines. Here we report the development of a process to (a) recover residual blood samples with clinically important mutations detected during routine medical care, (b) select samples likely to provide viable lymphocytes for EBV transformation, (c) establish stable cell lines and confirm the reported mutation(s), and (d) validate the cell lines for use as positive controls in clinical molecular genetic testing applications.

Methods: A network of 32 genetic testing laboratories was established to obtain anonymous, residual clinical samples for transformation and to validate resulting cell lines for use as positive controls. Three panel meetings with experts in molecular genetic testing were held to evaluate results and formulate a process that could function in the context of current common practices in molecular diagnostic testing.

Results: Thirteen laboratories submitted a total of 113 residual clinical blood samples with mutations for 14 genetic disorders. Forty-one EBV-transformed cell lines were established. Thirty-five individual point and deletion mutations were shown to be stable after 20 population doublings in culture. Thirty-three cell lines were characterized for specific mutations and validated for use as positive controls in clinical diagnostic applications.

Conclusions: A process for producing and validating positive control cell lines from residual clinical blood samples has been developed. Sustainable implementation of the process could help alleviate the current shortage of positive control materials.
Monitoring Urinary Orosomucoid in Acute Inflammation: Observations on Urinary Excretion of Orosomucoid, Albumin, α1-Microglobulin, and IgG
Authors: Magid Erik , Guldager Henrik , Hesse Dan , Christiansen Merete Skovdal
Published: September 2005

Background: Inflammation-associated proteinuria in acute, nonrenal disease is a common but poorly understood phenomenon. We performed an observational study of the urinary excretion of orosomucoid (α1-acid glycoprotein), albumin, α1-microglobulin (protein HC), and IgG to obtain quantitative and temporal data on these 4 proteins.

Methods: Urine samples were collected at daily intervals for up to 23 days from 6 patients with surgery-induced inflammation and at hourly intervals for a 24-h period from 7 sepsis patients. Urinary protein concentrations were assessed by immunoturbidimetry.

Results: During surgery-induced inflammation, the increase and decrease in orosomucoid excretion mirrored changes in plasma C-reactive protein. Values for all 4 urinary proteins were increased in sepsis patients. The observed maximum increases in urinary protein excretion relative to the upper reference values were 280-fold for orosomucoid, 98-fold for α1-microglobulin, 33-fold for albumin, and 26-fold for IgG.

Conclusions: Orosomucoid, usually present in plasma and urine in much lower concentrations than albumin, is increased in urine to concentrations equal to or higher than albumin in proteinuria associated with acute inflammation. The pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for this markedly increased excretion are unknown. Monitoring of urinary excretion of orosomucoid and other specific proteins, expressed as protein/creatinine ratios, may provide a window for clinically relevant real-time observation of changes in acute inflammatory processes. Orosomucoid in urine may be a more informative marker than albumin for inflammation.
Cardiac Troponins and Renal Function in Nondialysis Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Abbas Nasir A , John R Ian , Webb Michelle C , Kempson Michelle E , Potter Aisling N , Price Christopher P , Vickery Susan , Lamb Edmund J
Published: September 2005

Background: Serum cardiac troponin concentrations are commonly increased in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the absence of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The data on cardiac troponin I (cTnI) are more variable than those for cardiac troponin T (cTnT). There is little information on cardiac troponin concentrations in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who have not commenced dialysis.

Methods: We studied 222 patients: 56 had stage 3 (moderate CKD); 70 stage 4 (severe CKD); and 96 stage 5 (kidney failure). Patients underwent echocardiography and were followed prospectively for a median of 19 months; all-cause mortality was recorded.

Results: Overall, serum cTnT was increased above the 99th percentile reference limit in 43% of all CKD patients studied, compared with 18% for cTnI. Serum cTnT and cTnI concentrations were more commonly increased in the presence of more severe CKD (11 and 6 patients in stage 3, 27 and 8 in stage 4, and 57 and 24 in stage 5 (P <0.0001 and <0.02, respectively). Among 38 patients with detectable cTnI, 32 had detectable cTnT (rs = 0.67; P<0.0001). There was evidence that decreasing estimated glomerular filtration rate increased the odds of having detectable cTnT (P <0.001) but not cTnI (P = 0.128). There was no evidence to support an adjusted association of detectable cardiac troponins with increasing left ventricular mass index. Increased cTnT (P = 0.0097), but not cTnI, was associated with decreased survival.

Conclusions: Increased cTnT and cTnI concentrations are relatively common in predialysis CKD patients, in the absence of an ACS, including among those with stage 3 disease. The presence of left ventricular hypertrophy alone does not explain these data. Detectable cTnT was a marker of decreased survival.
Strategic Firm Commitments and Rewards for Customer Relationship Management in Online Retailing
Authors: Srinivasan Raji , Moorman Christine
Published: September 2005

Academic studies offer a generally positive portrait of the effect of customer relationship management (CRM) on firm performance, but practitioners question its value. The authors argue that a firm's strategic commitments may be an overlooked organizational factor that influences the rewards for a firm's investments in CRM. Using the context of online retailing, the authors consider the effects of two key strategic commitments of online retailers on the performance effect of CRM: their bricks-and-mortar experience and their online entry timing. They test the proposed model with a multimethod approach that uses manager ratings of firm CRM and strategic commitments and third-party customers' ratings of satisfaction from 106 online retailers. The findings indicate that firms with moderate bricks-and-mortar experience are better able to leverage CRM for superior customer satisfaction outcomes than firms with either low or high bricks-and-mortar experience. Likewise, firms with moderate online experience are better able to leverage CRM into superior customer satisfaction outcomes than firms with either low or high online experience. These findings help resolve disparate results about the value of CRM, and they establish the importance of examining CRM within the strategic context of the firm.
Why Do Customer Relationship Management Applications Affect Customer Satisfaction?
Authors: Mithas Sunil , Krishnan M.S. , Fornell Claes
Published: September 2005

This research evaluates the effect of customer relationship management (CRM) on customer knowledge and customer satisfaction. An analysis of archival data for a cross-section of U.S. firms shows that the use of CRM applications is positively associated with improved customer knowledge and improved customer satisfaction. This article also shows that gains in customer knowledge are enhanced when firms share their customer-related information with their supply chain partners.
Managing Marketing Communications with Multichannel Customers
Authors: Thomas Jacquelyn S. , Sullivan Ursula Y.
Published: September 2005

This article presents a marketing communications process that uses customer relationship management ideas for multichannel retailers. The authors describe and then demonstrate the process with enterprise-level data from a major U.S. retailer with multiple channels. On the basis of the results, the authors develop an initial marketing communications strategy for the retailer.
Pulmonary Thromboembolism Associated With Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome
Authors: Huiras Erin E. , Barnes Cheryl J. , Eichenfield Lawrence F. , Pelech Andrew N. , Drolet Beth A.
Published: September 2005

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by unilateral limb overgrowth, venous varicosities, and capillary malformations (port wine stains) of the affected limb or limbs. Large venous malformations such as those observed in KTS are rare, and many physicians are unfamiliar with the potential complications, which include hypercoagulability, thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism (PE). As a result, patients may suffer from delayed diagnosis of a potentially life-threatening thromboembolic event. We present 2 cases of children with KTS complicated by PE, and we review the English-language literature regarding pathophysiologic features, interventions, and outcomes of PE in the setting of KTS among both pediatric and adult patients, with emphasis on issues relevant to pediatricians.
Quantification of Neurocognitive Changes Before, During, and After Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in a Case of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Authors: Stoller Kenneth P.
Published: September 2005

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most common nonhereditary cause of mental retardation, with deficits in general intellectual functioning, learning, memory, attention, and problem-solving. Presented here is the first case in which measured neurocognitive abilities were determined before, during, and after hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a case of FAS involving a teenage male patient. Memory, reaction time, and visual motor speed assessments were compared. After 40 hyperbaric treatments with 100% oxygen at 1.5 atmospheres absolute, the patient’s performance in 6 of 6 categories of the computer-administered test battery improved. Word composite (verbal) scores improved from 55% to 73%, memory composite (visual) scores improved from 38% to 55%, reaction time composites improved from 1.03 to 0.53 seconds, impulse control composite scores improved from 8 to 5, and visual motor speed scores improved from 18.6 to 19.03. The patient’s subjective symptoms diminished 94%. Six months after these treatments, the patient’s verbal memory was maintained at 73% without any other interventions; impulsivity continued to improve, whereas other indices did not. Thirty-three additional treatments continued to improve test performance, with verbal memory at 95%, visual memory at 57%, and a 100% reduction of subjective symptoms. This patient, with 15-year-matured FAS, benefited from a short course of low-pressure hyperbaric oxygen therapy, sustained durable cognitive improvements, and continued to exhibit improvement with another short course of treatments.
Red Blood Cell Exchange Transfusion as an Adjunct Treatment for Severe Pediatric Falciparum Malaria, Using Automated or Manual Procedures
Authors: Boctor Fouad N.
Published: September 2005

Pediatric falciparum malaria is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Cerebral malaria and renal failure are common among children with a high percentage of malaria-infected red blood cells. We report 3 cases of imported pediatric falciparum malaria with central nervous system involvement and/or renal failure that were treated initially with intravenous antimalarial therapy, with no clinical improvement. Red blood cell exchange transfusion (RBCET) was started; this resulted in decreases in the percentages of parasitized red blood cells of 80% to 90%. The RBCET was performed with either an automated 1-blood volume or manual 1.5-blood volume exchange. Most cases of falciparum malaria can be treated with intravenously administered antimalarial agents alone. However, for children who have high percentages of parasitized red blood cells with central nervous system involvement and/or renal failure, the use of RBCET as an adjunct treatment should be considered.
Temporal and Spatial Variation in Relative Abundance and Length Structure of Salmonids in Reservoirs: Implications for Monitoring
Authors: Rhea Darren T. , Hubert Wayne A. , Gangl R. Scott , Whaley Roy A.
Published: September 2005

Spatial and temporal variations in salmonid catch per unit effort (C/f) may affect monitoring efforts in lakes and reservoirs. This study evaluated the spatial and temporal variation in gill-net C/f and length structure of captured salmonids in nearshore (≤7.6-m bottom depth) and offshore (>7.6-m bottom depth) areas of two Wyoming reservoirs. Floating experimental gill nets were set as nearshore and offshore pairs at 24 locations in both reservoirs during each of four sampling periods (spring, early summer, late summer, and fall). Salmonid C/f was significantly higher in nearshore areas than in offshore areas during all periods in one reservoir and during all periods except spring in the other reservoir. Mean C/f of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss was not significantly different between nearshore and offshore areas when water temperatures were 10–13°C in both reservoirs. Length structure of salmonids differed significantly between nearshore and offshore locations and among periods in both reservoirs. These patterns should be considered in both the design and analysis phases of monitoring efforts that use floating experimental gill nets and other sampling gears.
Nonparametric Regression Analysis of Longitudinal Data
Authors: Wang J. ‐L.
Published: September 2005

Nonparametric approaches have recently emerged as a flexible way to model longitudinal data. This entry reviews some of the common nonparametric approaches to incorporate time and other covariate effects for longitudinally observed response data. Smoothing procedures are invoked to estimate the associated nonparametric functions, but the choice of smoothers can vary and is often subjective. Both fixed and random effects may be included for vector or longitudinal covariates. A closely related type of data is functional data, where the prevailing approaches to model random effects are through functional principal components analysis and B‐splines. Related semiparametric regression models also play an increasingly important role.
Effect of pH on synthesis and properties of perovskite oxide via a citrate process
Authors: Wu Zhentao , Zhou Wei , Jin Wanqin , Xu Nanping
Published: September 2005

A series of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.4Fe0.6O3‐δ (LSCF) perovskite‐type oxides were synthesized using a modified citrate process under various pH conditions (pH =1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, respectively). The effect of pH on the chelate process, crystal development, morphology, and oxygen permeability of LSCF oxides were investigated. FT‐IR analysis showed that the chelate processes for pH = 1 and 3 were different from those for pH = 5, 7, and 9. XRD and SEM observations revealed that the crystal formation and morphology of LSCF oxides were dependent on the precursors with different pH conditions. The LSCF membranes derived from the precursors with lower pH values (pH = 1 and 3) exhibited larger apparent activation energy for oxygen permeation than the other samples (pH = 5, 7, and 9) in the range of 1073‐1123K. This study indicated that properties such as crystallinity and oxygen permeability of LSCF oxide could be tailored by controlling the pH values in the synthesis process. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Preparation and characterization of a biodegradable polyester elastomer with thermal processing abilities
Authors: Liu Quanyong , Tian Ming , Ding Tao , Shi Rui , Zhang Liqun
Published: September 2005

We studied the condensing reaction of sebacic acid and glycerol and prepared biodegradable elastomers. Swelling experiments proved that the elastomers were crosslinked polyesters consisting of both insoluble parts (gel) and soluble parts (sol), but the content of sol was higher than gel. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that some ordered and crystallized structures existed in most of the elastomers. Differential scanning calorimetry measurement showed that there were both crystal regions and amorphous regions with low glass‐transition temperatures in the products, which indicated the elastomers had a microphase separation structure. The elastomers exhibited thermal processing abilities, such as mold‐shaping performance, and a certain elasticity, and hydroxyl, carboxyl, and ester groups in the molecular chains endowed the elastomers with good biodegradation abilities. Furthermore, by altering the molar ratio of the reactants, we were able to adjust the mechanical properties, biodegradable performance, and so on of the elastomers. Glycerol and polymers containing sebacic acid have been approved for biological medical uses by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so the elastomers we prepared would have broad application in medical fields such as implants and drug‐delivery systems. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 2033–2041, 2005
A novel method to prepare chitosan/montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Lin King‐Fu , Hsu Chi‐Yi , Huang Tzyy‐Shyan , Chiu Wen‐Yen , Lee Yuang‐Haun , Young Tai‐Horng
Published: September 2005

We are proposing a novel method to prepare chitosan/montmorillonite nanocomposites. The montmorillonite (MMT) clay was excavated from the mountainside of eastern Taiwan. After being purified, it was incorporated with potassium persulfate (KPS) through the intercalation process. As the KPS‐incorporated MMT was dispersed in the acidified aqueous solution of chitosan, the KPS instantly reacted with the chitosan, resulting in the cleavage of polymer chains and exfoliation of MMT as well. After removing the unexfoliated MMT, solutions were cast to form a film of chitosan/MMT nanocomposite. Interestingly, the exfoliated MMT layers were found to flatten out in parallel with the surface, which not only increased the tensile strength of the chitosan film but also hindered degradation in the vitro test. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 2042–2047, 2005
Polymers, composites, and characterization of conducting polyfuran and poly(2‐bromoaniline)
Authors: Gök Ayşegül , Sari Bekir , Talu Muzaffer
Published: September 2005

Polyfuran (PFu), poly(2‐bromoaniline) (P2BrAn), and poly(2‐bromoaniline)/polyfuran (P2BrAn/PFu) composites were synthesized by coupling using various solvents and oxidants. 2‐Bromoaniline (2BrAn) was polymerized using FeCl3 and (NH4)2S2O8 in aqueous HCl medium. PFu was synthesized using FeCl3 and SbCl3 in anhydrous media (CHCl3, CH3CN). Furan was polymerized using both salts in CHCl3 medium, whereas it could be polymerized using only FeCl3 in CH3CN medium. The new electrically conducting composites were prepared by chemical oxidative polymerization using polyfuran synthesized with SbCl3 and poly(2‐bromoaniline). The polymers and composites were characterized using conductivity, magnetic susceptibility, infrared spectra (FTIR), UV‐Vis spectra, thermal analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements. It was found that PFu(SbCl3) has the lowest thermal stability. Thus, the thermal stability of PFu was increased by preparing composites. The chemical structures of P2BrAns and composites have been found from UV‐Vis results to contain quinone‐imine units along the polymer chain. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicated that the polymers and composites were diamagnetic or paramagnetic. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 2048–2057, 2005
Witness preparation training with real and simulated criminal defendants
Authors: Boccaccini Marcus T. , Gordon Trina , Brodsky Stanley L.
Published: September 2005

Two studies examined the impact of witness preparation training with criminal defendants. In the first study, mock criminal defendants testified twice on videotape about minor crimes they were accused of but had not committed. Approximately half underwent witness preparation between their first and second testimony simulations. In the second study, eight public defender clients were videotaped during testimony simulations both before and after being prepared to testify. In both studies, ratings by trained evaluators indicated that witness preparation was associated with increases in the use of several testimony delivery skills, improvements in overall testimony quality, and reductions in apparent guilt. Training was also associated in both studies with an unintended decrease in expressiveness. Ratings from the mock defendant study further suggested that prepared defendants were seen as more credible than unprepared defendants because they used more effective testimony delivery skills, and as less likely to be guilty than unprepared defendants because they were perceived as being more credible. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
109Ag Chemical Shifts of Different Silver Oxidation States in Binary and Ternary Silver Oxides.
Authors: van Wuellen Leo , Vensky Sascha , Hoffbauer Wilfried , Jansen Martin
Published: September 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Magnetoresistive “Necked‐Grain” CaCuMn6O12 Ceramics Prepared by Ultrasonic Aerosol Spray Pyrolysis.
Authors: Volkova Olga S. , Goodilin Eugene A. , Chekanova Anastasiya E. , Veresov Alexander G. , Knotko Alexander V. , Vasiliev Alexander N. , Tretyakov Yuri D.
Published: September 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
A New Aluminum Hydroxide Octamer, [Al8(OH)14(H2O)18] (SO4)5×16H2O.
Authors: Casey William H. , Olmstead Marilyn M. , Phillips Brian L.
Published: September 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Debromination of α‐Bromoketones and vic‐Dibromides Using Indium in the Presence of Carboxylic Acid.
Authors: Lee Seung Hwan , Cho Min Young , Nam Mi Hye , Park Young Sang , Yoo Byung Woo , Lee Chi‐Woo , Yoon Cheol Min
Published: September 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
As a Whole: Crystalline Zinc Aluminate Nanotube Array—Nanonet.
Authors: Wang Yu , Wu Kai
Published: September 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Kharasch—Sosnovsky‐Type Allylic Oxidations
Authors: Le Paih Jacques , Schlingloff Gunther , Bolm Carsten
Published: September 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Enantioselective reduction of C=N double bond by chromium(II) complexes of natural amino acids
Authors: Micskei Károly , Holczknecht Orsolya , Marchis Valér , Lévai Albert , Patonay Tamás , Zucchi Claudia , Pályi Gyula
Published: September 2005

Asymmetric reduction of oximes was performed by chromium(II) complexes of natural amino acids in aqueous phase or in H2O/DMF (1:1) solvent. Medium‐to‐quantitative chemoselectivity (54% to >95%) and low‐to‐medium enantioselectivity (5–50% ee) were found. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Chirality 17:511–514, 2005.
Unconventional method based on circular dichroism to detect peanut DNA in food by means of a PNA probe and a cyanine dye
Authors: Sforza Stefano , Scaravelli Elena , Corradini Roberto , Marchelli Rosangela
Published: September 2005

In this paper we report an innovative and unconventional method based on circular dichroism for the identification of peanut DNA in food, which can be detected after PCR amplification at the nanomolar level by using an achiral PNA probe complementary to a tract of the peanut Ara h 2 gene and an achiral 3,3′‐diethylthiadicarbocyanine dye [DiSC2(5)]. Peanuts are one of the most common causes of severe allergic reactions to foods and are particularly dangerous when they are “hidden” (undeclared) in food. For better protection of consumers, detection methods are required to specifically detect the presence of hidden allergens in a wide variety of food items. Alternative to the detection of the proteins is the determination of species‐specific DNA, which is more resistant to technological treatments. PNAs are very specific probes able to recognize DNA sequences with high affinity and evidence for the binding can be obtained by using the DiSC2(5) dye, which aggregates onto the PNA–DNA duplex giving rise to a characteristic visibile band at 540 nm. Because the PNA–DNA duplex is in a right‐handed helical conformation, the aggregation of the dye to the duplex gives also rise to a strong CD signal in the 500–600 nm region with a strong exciton coupling due to the formation of multimeric species, since the handedness of the helix is transferred to the dye aggregate. The dye does not interact with the free single‐stranded DNA and although aggregating on the achiral PNA, this interaction is obviously not detectable by circular dichroism. Thus, only the formation of the PNA–DNA duplex, which takes place only upon specific Watson–Crick hydrogen binding between the PNA and the DNA bases, is detected, ensuring a very high specificity and sensitivity. The method has been optimized in a model system by using a synthetic oligonucleotide complementary to the PNA probe, showing that the intensity of the signal is linearly related to the amount of the DNA. The optimized method has been applied to the identification and quantitation of DNA extracted and amplified by PCR from peanuts and from peanut‐containing foods, allowing for a very sensitive detection at a very low level (few pmol). © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Chirality 17:515–521, 2005.
Vectorization of Harungana madagascariensis Lam. ex Poir. (Hypericaceae) ethanolic leaf extract by using PLG‐nanoparticles: antibacterial activity assessment
Authors: Moulari B. , Lboutounne H. , Pellequer Y. , Guillaume Y.C. , Millet J. , Pirot F.
Published: September 2005

This study was undertaken to compare the in vitro and ex vivo antibacterial activity of an ethanolic Harungana madagascariensis leaf extract (HLE) incorporated into poly (D,L‐lactide‐co–glycolide) nanoparticles (HLE‐PLG‐NP). Two concentrations of HLE (500 and 1,000 µg/mL) for the in vitro study and one concentration (500 µg/mL) for the ex vivo study were compared using two gram‐positive bacterial strains (Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus epidermidis), and one gram‐negative bacterial strain (Moraxella sp.). The ex vivo antibacterial activity was evaluated on S. epidermidis CIP 55109 (SE) using an artificial contamination method. SE was inoculated for 12 h onto human skin fragment surfaces treated for 5 min either with HLE loaded, unloaded PLG‐NP, or HLE solution. In vitro, the two preparations inhibited completely the growth of all bacterial strains at 1,000 µg/mL. However, the HLE‐PLG‐NP had a significant antibacterial activity against SE (18.4±1.8–0.4±0.2 CFU/mL, P<0.05), and a marked antibacterial effect against M. luteus (ML) and Moraxella sp. (Msp) compared to HLE solution at 500 µg/mL. Ex vivo, HLE‐PLG‐NP at 500 µg/mL reduced viable bacteria (6.3–4.8 log10), compared to the HLE solution (6.3–5.5 log10) after 4 h artificial contamination (P<0.05). A thin layer chromatography study of both HLE solution and HLE‐PLG‐NP showed that among the seven components found on the chromatogram of the HLE solution, only two were present on the nanoparticles, one including a flavonoid heteroside fraction responsible for the antibacterial properties. The incorporation of the HLE into a colloidal carrier improved antibacterial performance. Drug Dev. Res. 65:26–33, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elevated vascular endothelial cell growth factor affects mesocardial morphogenesis and inhibits normal heart bending
Authors: Drake Christopher J. , Wessels Andy , Trusk Tom , Little Charles D.
Published: September 2005

Signaling by means of vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (VEGFRs) is required for cardiovascular development. To examine how VEGF/VEGFR receptor signaling affects early endocardial cell behavior, embryonic quail hearts were subjected to elevated VEGF165 levels (five‐ to nine‐somite stage). Primitive embryonic hearts microinjected with recombinant human (rh)VEGF165 exhibit several distinct malformations compared with hearts in untreated embryos: the endocardial tube is malformed with tortuous cords and folds surrounded by a diminished cardiac jelly space, and the lumens of affected hearts are conspicuously reduced. Furthermore, the embryonic heart fails to loop properly. Inhibition of bending is accompanied by an apparent failure of the dorsal mesocardium to atrophy—an event thought to be necessary for heart bending. Instead of atrophy, VEGF‐treated mesocardia exhibit a marked increased in the number of resident endothelial cells. Collectively, the data suggest that the abnormally robust mesocardia in VEGF‐treated hearts impede the mechanical deformation required for normal heart bending. We conclude that the excessive VEGF signaling culminates in a physical or biomechanical mechanism that acts over a wide, tissue‐level, length scale to cause a severe developmental defect—failure of heart bending. Developmental Dynamics 235:10–18, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Collagen XVIII/endostatin is associated with the epithelial–mesenchymal transformation in the atrioventricular valves during cardiac development
Authors: Carvalhaes Lorenza S. , Gervásio Othon L. , Guatimosim Cristina , Heljasvaara Ritva , Sormunen Raija , Pihlajaniemi Taina , Kitten Gregory T.
Published: September 2005

Type XVIII collagen is a multidomain protein that contains cleavable C‐terminal NC1 and endostatin fragments, which have been shown to either induce or inhibit cell migration. Endostatin is being intensely studied because of its anti‐angiogenic activity. Three variants of type XVIII collagen have been reported to be distributed in epithelial and endothelial basement membranes in a tissue‐specific manner. The single gene encoding collagen XVIII is on chromosome 21 within the region associated with the congenital heart disease phenotype observed in Down's syndrome. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern of collagen XVIII in embryonic mouse hearts during formation of the atrioventricular (AV) valves. We found that collagen XVIII is localized not only in various basement membranes but is also highly expressed throughout the connective tissue core of the endocardial cushions and forming AV valve leaflets. It was closely associated with the epithelial–mesenchymal transformation of endothelial cells into mesenchymal cushion tissue cells and was localized around these cells as they migrated into the cardiac jelly to form the initial connective tissue elements of the valve leaflets. However, after embryonic day 17.5 collagen XVIII expression decreased rapidly in the connective tissue and thereafter remained detectable only in the basement membranes of the endothelial layer covering the leaflets. The staining pattern observed within the AV endocardial cushions suggests that collagen XVIII may have a role in cardiac valve morphogenesis. These results may help us to better understand normal heart development and the aberrant mechanisms that cause cardiac malformations in Down's syndrome. Developmental Dynamics 235:132–142, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor signaling is required for cardiac valve formation in zebrafish
Authors: Lee You Mie , Cope John J. , Ackermann Gabriele E. , Goishi Katsutoshi , Armstrong Ehrin J. , Paw Barry H. , Bischoff Joyce
Published: September 2005

Vascular endothelial growth factor‐receptors (VEGF‐Rs) are pivotal regulators of vascular development, but a specific role for these receptors in the formation of heart valves has not been identified. We took advantage of small molecule inhibitors of VEGF‐R signaling and showed that blocking VEGF‐R signaling with receptor selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors, PTK 787 and AAC 787, from 17–21 hr post‐fertilization (hpf) in zebrafish embryos resulted in a functional and structural defect in cardiac valve development. Regurgitation of blood between the two chambers of the heart, as well as a loss of cell‐restricted expression of the valve differentiation markers notch 1b and bone morphogenetic protein‐4 (bmp‐4), was readily apparent in treated embryos. In addition, microangiography revealed a loss of a definitive atrioventricular constriction in treated embryos. Taken together, these data demonstrate a novel function for VEGF‐Rs in the endocardial endothelium of the developing cardiac valve. Developmental Dynamics 235:29–37, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanism of Taurine: α‐Ketoglutarate Dioxygenase (TauD) from Escherichia coli
Authors: Bollinger J. Martin , Price John C. , Hoffart Lee M. , Barr Eric W. , Krebs Carsten
Published: September 2005

The iron(II)‐ and α‐ketoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenases comprise enzymes that catalyze a variety of important reactions in biology, including steps in the biosynthesis of collagen and antibiotics, the degradation of xenobiotics, the repair of alkylated DNA, and the sensing of oxygen and response to hypoxia. In these reactions, the reductive activation of oxygen is coupled to hydroxylation of the substrate and decarboxylation of the co‐substrate, α‐ketoglutarate. It is believed that a single, conserved mechanistic pathway for formation of a high‐valent iron intermediate that attacks the substrate is operant in all members of this family. Application of a combination of rapid kinetic and spectroscopic techniques to the reaction of taurine/α‐ketoglutarate dioxygenase (TauD), one member of this large enzyme family, has led to the detection of two reaction intermediates. The first intermediate, which is termed J, is a high‐spin FeIV‐oxo complex. Decay of J exhibits a large, normal C1 deuterium kinetic isotope effect, demonstrating that it is the species activating the C–H bond for hydroxylation. The second intermediate is an FeII‐containing product(s) complex. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Lattice models of peptide aggregation: Evaluation of conformational search algorithms
Authors: Oakley Mark T. , Garibaldi Jonathan M. , Hirst Jonathan D.
Published: September 2005

We present a series of conformational search calculations on the aggregation of short peptide fragments that form fibrils similar to those seen in many protein mis‐folding diseases. The proteins were represented by a face‐centered cubic lattice model with the conformational energies calculated using the Miyazawa–Jernigan potential. The searches were performed using algorithms based on the Metropolis Monte Carlo method, including simulated annealing and replica exchange. We also present the results of searches using the tabu search method, an algorithm that has been used for many optimization problems, but has rarely been used in protein conformational searches. The replica exchange algorithm consistently found more stable structures then the other algorithms, and was particularly effective for the octamers and larger systems. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 26: 1638–1646, 2005