bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of a poly(ether–ester) copolymer from poly(2,6 dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) and poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: García‐Gaitán B. , Pérez‐González M. del P. , Zárate‐Acevedo M. C. , Martínez‐Richa A. , Luna‐Bárcenas G. , Nuño‐Donlucas S. M.
Published: December 2005

A series of poly(ether–ester) copolymers were synthesized from poly(2,6 dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) (PPO) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The synthesis was carried out by two‐step solution polymerization process. PET oligomers were synthesized via glycolysis and subsequently used in the copolymerization reaction. FTIR spectroscopy analysis shows the coexistence of spectral contributions of PPO and PET on the spectra of their ether–ester copolymers. The composition of the poly(ether–ester)s was calculated via 1H NMR spectroscopy. A single glass transition temperature was detected for all synthesized poly(ether–ester)s. Tg behavior as a function of poly(ether–ester) composition is well represented by the Gordon‐Taylor equation. The molar masses of the copolymers synthesized were calculated by viscosimetry. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
Evolution of the peroxide‐induced degradation of polypropylene along a twin‐screw extruder: Experimental data and theoretical predictions
Authors: Berzin F. , Vergnes B. , Canevarolo S. V. , Machado A. V. , Covas J. A.
Published: December 2005

This article reports an experimental and theoretical study of the peroxide‐induced degradation of polypropylene in a corotating twin‐screw extruder. Experiments were performed with different peroxide concentrations and different operating conditions. The evolution of the chemical reaction along the extruder was monitored with specific sampling devices. Material changes were characterized by rheological measurements and via the determination of the molecular weights of samples collected at the same locations. The theoretical results were obtained with a model that coupled the interactions between flow conditions encountered in the extruder, the kinetics of the reaction, and the changes in the viscosity induced by changes in the molecular weight. The experimental results evidenced the relationships between the process conditions (peroxide concentration and processing parameters) and material properties (rheological properties and molecular structure of the modified polypropylene). Good agreement between the theoretical and experimental results was obtained. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
Structural and thermal characterization of poly(2‐chloroaniline)/red mud nanocomposite materials
Authors: Gök Ayşegül , Oğuz İsa
Published: December 2005

We report the synthesis and characterization of a series of conducting poly(2‐chloroaniline) (P2ClAn)/red mud (RM) nanocomposite materials. The polymerization of 2‐chloroaniline in an aqueous medium in the presence of (NH4)2S2O8 and RM resulted in the formation of a nanocomposite (P2ClAn/RM). The extent of P2ClAn loading in the composites increased with increasing oxidant and monomer concentrations but decreased with RM. The properties of the nanocomposites were characterized with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis), conductivity measurements, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The inclusion of P2ClAn in the composites was confirmed by FTIR studies. The UV–vis spectra of P2ClAn/RM nanocomposites were similar to that of P2ClAn. The conductivity changed in all the composites prepared under various conditions. Thermogravimetric analyses revealed the enhanced thermal stabilities of the nanocomposites with respect to P2ClAn. Morphological images of the as‐synthesized materials were also investigated with scanning electron microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
Plasticization of nano‐CaCO3 in polystyrene/nano‐CaCO3 composites
Authors: Li Gu , Mai Kancheng , Feng Kaicai
Published: December 2005

The shear rheological properties of polystyrene (PS)/nano‐CaCO3 composites were studied to determine the plasticization of nano‐CaCO3 to PS. The composites were prepared by melt extrusion. A poly(styrene–butadiene–styrene) triblock copolymer (SBS), a poly(styrene–isoprene–styrene) triblock copolymer (SIS), SBS‐grafted maleic anhydride (SBS–MAH), and SIS‐grafted maleic anhydride were used as modifiers or compatibilizers. Because of the weak interaction between CaCO3 and the PS matrix, the composites with 1 and 3 phr CaCO3 loadings exhibited apparently higher melt shear rates under the same shear stress with respect to the matrix polymer. The storage moduli for the composites increased with low CaCO3 concentrations. The results showed that CaCO3 had some effects on the compatibility of PS/SBS (or SBS–MAH)/CaCO3 composites, in which SBS could effectively retard the movement of PS chain segments. The improvement of compatibility, due to the chemical interaction between CaCO3 and the grafted maleic anhydride, had obvious effects on the rheological behavior of the composites, the melt shear rate of the composites decreased greatly, and the results showed that nano‐CaCO3 could plasticize the PS matrix to some extent. Rheological methods provided an indirect but useful characterization of the composite structure. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
Investigation of mechanism of desmopressin binding in vasopressin V2 receptor versus vasopressin V1a and oxytocin receptors: Molecular dynamics simulation of the agonist‐bound state in the membrane–aqueous system
Authors: Ślusarz Magdalena J. , Ślusarz Rafał , Ciarkowski Jerzy
Published: December 2005

The vasopressin V2 receptor (V2R) belongs to the Class A G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs). V2R is expressed in the renal collecting duct (CD), where it mediates the antidiuretic action of the neurohypophyseal hormone arginine vasopressin (CYFQNCPRG‐NH2, AVP). Desmopressin ([1‐deamino, 8‐D]AVP, dDAVP) is strong selective V2R agonist with negligible pressor and uterotonic activity. In this paper, the interactions responsible for binding of dDAVP to vasopressin V2 receptor versus vasopressin V1a and oxytocin receptors has been examined. Three‐dimensional activated models of the receptors were constructed using the multiple sequence alignment and the complex of activated rhodopsin with GtαC‐terminal peptide of transducin MII–Gtα(338–350) prototype (Ślusarz, R.; Ciarkowski, J. Acta Biochim Pol 2004 51, 129–136) as a template. The 1‐ns unconstrained molecular dynamics (MD) of receptor–dDAVP complexes immersed in the fully hydrated 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphatidylcholine (POPC) membrane model was conducted in an Amber 7.0 force field. Highly conserved transmembrane residues have been proposed as being responsible for V2R activation and G protein coupling. Molecular mechanism of the dDAVP binding has been suggested. The internal water molecules involved in an intricate network of the hydrogen bonds inside the receptor cavity have been identified and their role in the stabilization of the agonist‐bound state proposed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 81: 321–338, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
The association of psychopathic traits with aggression and delinquency in non‐referred boys and girls
Authors: Marsee Monica A. , Silverthorn Persephanie , Frick Paul J.
Published: December 2005

The current study investigated the association of psychopathic traits with aggression and delinquency in a non‐referred sample of boys (n = 86) and girls (n = 114) in the fifth through ninth grades at two public schools in a large urban area. Psychopathic traits were measured by both teacher‐ and self‐report ratings, whereas aggression and delinquency were assessed through self‐report ratings. Self‐reported psychopathic traits were associated with both aggression and delinquency and teacher‐reported psychopathic traits were associated with higher levels of aggression. There were no clear differences for the callous–unemotional, narcissism, or impulsivity dimensions in their associations with aggression and delinquency. Also, psychopathic traits predicted aggression and delinquency for both boys and girls. The one clear gender difference was in the stronger associations between psychopathic traits and relational aggression for girls. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Figuring out la femme fatale: conceptual and assessment issues concerning psychopathy in females
Authors: Forouzan Elham , Cooke David J.
Published: December 2005

Despite the growing number of studies on psychopathy in females, the core characteristics of this personality disorder among females remain uninvestigated. Most studies on psychopathy in females have attempted to understand the disorder by applying male criteria to adult females: they have ignored putative gender differences in the constitution and expression of this disorder. Several issues require resolution: first, whether practitioners apply the same criteria to diagnose psychopathy in women, second, whether the instruments used to assess psychopathy are tapping the same construct across gender, third, whether the same types of behavioral expression of key traits are similar across genders, and fourth, whether the diagnosis possesses the same forensic utility across genders. The relevant literature is reviewed and issues of design and analysis are considered. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Continuous Homogeneous Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones: Lessons from Kinetics
Authors: Greiner Lasse , Laue Stephan , Liese Andreas , Wandrey Christian
Published: December 2005

Is polymer enlargement of homogeneous catalysts a tedious task? Is not batch operation with homogeneous catalysts the optimum performance point for homogeneous catalysis? Is kinetic modelling relevant to more than academic questions in homogeneous catalysis? Can all answers for a given system be answered satisfactory? In the authors’ view, answers to these questions are no, no, yes, and depends. Polymer enlargement allowed the continuous operation of transfer hydrogenation in a chemical membrane reactor with total turnover numbers of up to 2.6×103 and a space–time yield of 0.58 kg L−1 d−1 with an enantiomeric ratio of 26.8 (enantiomeric excess 92.8 %) for a conversion level of 80 %. This was predicted from simulation conducted with a model from kinetic batch experiments adopted for continuous application. These simulations for the polymer‐enlarged and the unmodified catalyst show that achieving comparable performance cannot be obtained by batch operation.
Cover Picture: Norrisolide: Total Synthesis and Related Studies (Chem. Eur. J. 24/2005)
Authors: Brady Thomas P. , Kim Sun Hee , Wen Ke , Kim Charles , Theodorakis Emmanuel A.
Published: December 2005

A chemical shell composed of toxic and antifeedant substances that are excreted from their skin is used by nudibranchs Chromodoris norrisi to protect themselves against predators. These shell‐less mollucs which live on the ocean bottom are know to excrete norrisolide, a rearranged diterpene (shown in yellow); the synthesis of this compound is described by E. Theodorakis and co‐workers on page 7175 ff. The picture is courtesy of Professor D. John Faulkner (Scripps Institute of Oceanography).
Ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) after breast‐conserving treatment for early breast cancer
Authors: Komoike Yoshifumi , Akiyama Futoshi , Iino Yuichi , Ikeda Tadashi , Akashi‐Tanaka Sadako , Ohsumi Shozo , Kusama Mikihiro , Sano Muneaki , Shin Eisei , Suemasu Kimito , Sonoo Hiroshi , Taguchi Tetsuya , Nishi Tsunehiro , Nishimura Reiki , Haga Shunsuke , Mise Keiichi , Kinoshita Takayuki , Murakami Shigeru , Yoshimoto Masataka , Tsukuma Hideaki , Inaji Hideo
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

The clinical features of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) after breast conserving therapy (BCT) for early stage breast cancer were analyzed from long‐term follow‐up of BCT in Japan. The purpose of this study was to clarify risk factors of IBTR and the impact of IBTR on development of distant metastases in this ethnic group.

METHODS

Patients (N = 1901)with unilateral breast cancer ≤ 3 cm in diameter who underwent BCT at 18 Japanese major breast cancer treatment institutes from 1986 to 1993 were registered in this study. Survival rates, the incidences of IBTR and distant metastases, and annual rates of IBTR and distant metastases after primary operation were calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the risks of IBTR and distant metastases. A Cox model was also used to estimate the risks of distant metastases after IBTR in the group of IBTR.

RESULTS

At a median follow‐up time of 107 months, the 10‐year overall and disease‐free survival rates were 83.9% and 77.8%, respectively. The 10‐year cumulative rates of IBTR were 8.5% in the patients with postoperative irradiation and 17.2% in the patients without irradiation. The 10‐year cumulative distant metastasis rate was 10.9%. On multivariate analysis, young age, positive surgical margin, and omission of radiation therapy were significant predictors of IBTR. In addition, IBTR significantly correlated with subsequent distant metastases (hazard ratio, 3.93; 95% confidence interval, 2.676–5.771; P < 0.0001). Among patients who developed IBTR, initial lymph node metastases and short interval to IBTR were significant risk factors for subsequent distant metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Young age, positive surgical margin, and omission of radiation therapy seemed to be important factors in relation to local control. The authors' results also indicated that IBTR is significantly associated with subsequent distant metastasis. Patients with positive nodal status at primary operation or with short interval from primary operation to IBTR are at especially high risk of distant metastasis. It remains unclear, however, whether IBTR is an indicator or a cause of subsequent distant metastases. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Use of the National Cancer Data Base to develop clinical trials accrual targets that are appropriate for minority ethnicity patients
Authors: Newman Lisa A. , Lee Cheryl T. , Parekh Lina Patel , Stewart Andrew K. , Thomas Charles R. , Beltran Robert A. , Lucci Anthony , Green Bettye , Ota David , Nelson Heidi
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

Disparities in cancer outcome among different subsets of the American population related to ethnic background have been well documented. Clinical trials represent the most powerful strategy for improving cancer treatments, but racial and ethnic minority patients are frequently underrepresented among patients accrued to these protocols. Proof of comparable efficacy for a promising cancer therapy in different groups of patients requires diversity in the clinical trial populations so that study results will be generalizable. Appropriate targets for accrual of minority ethnicity patients have not previously been defined.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database (NCDB) is maintained jointly by the American Cancer Society and the American College of Surgeons. Information submitted by tumor registries throughout the United States represents an estimated 70% of newly diagnosed cancer cases. The authors analyzed NCDB reports on ethnic distribution of patients with breast, prostate, nonsmall cell lung, and colorectal cancer, stratified by stage of disease at diagnosis.

RESULTS

African Americans with cancer of the breast and prostate had the most notable patterns of disproportionate representation among populations with advanced‐stage disease. The authors compiled a table of suggested accrual targets for selected solid‐organ cancers based on NCDB stage‐specific reports.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical trial results will be more meaningful if participating patients reflect the site‐ and stage‐specific populations that are under study. The authors recommended that clinical trial investigators incorporate accrual targets for minority ethnicity populations into the study design. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Characterization of human fetal osteoblasts by microarray analysis following stimulation with 58S bioactive gel‐glass ionic dissolution products
Authors: Christodoulou Ioannis , Buttery Lee D. K. , Tai Guangping , Hench Larry L. , Polak Julia M.
Published: December 2005

Bioactive glasses dissolve upon immersion in culture medium, releasing their constitutive ions in solution. There is evidence suggesting that these ionic dissolution products influence osteoblast‐specific processes. Here, we investigated the effect of 58S sol–gel‐derived bioactive glass (60 mol % SiO2, 36 mol % CaO, 4 mol % P2O5) dissolution products on primary osteoblasts derived from human fetal long bone explant cultures (hFOBs). We used U133A human genome GeneChip® oligonucleotide arrays to examine 22,283 transcripts and variants, which represent over 18,000 well‐substantiated human genes. Hybridization of samples (biotinylated cRNA) derived from monolayer cultures of hFOBs on the arrays revealed that 10,571 transcripts were expressed by these cells, with high confidence. These included transcripts representing osteoblast‐related genes coding for growth factors and their associated molecules or receptors, protein components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), enzymes involved in degradation of the ECM, transcription factors, and other important osteoblast‐associated markers. A 24‐h treatment with a single dosage of ionic products of sol–gel 58S dissolution induced the differential expression of a number of genes, including IL‐6 signal transducer/gp130, ISGF‐3/STAT1, HIF‐1 responsive RTP801, ERK1 p44 MAPK (MAPK3), MAPKAPK2, IGF‐I and IGFBP‐5. The over 2‐fold up‐regulation of gp130 and MAPK3 and down‐regulation of IGF‐I were confirmed by real‐time RT‐PCR analysis. These data suggest that 58S ionic dissolution products possibly mediate the bioactive effect of 58S through components of the IGF system and MAPK signaling pathways. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Porous akermanite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering: Preparation, characterization, and in vitro studies
Authors: Wu Chengtie , Chang Jiang , Zhai Wanyin , Ni Siyu , Wang Junying
Published: December 2005

The aim of this study was to develop a bioactive, degradable, and cytocompatible akermanite (Ca2MgSi2O7) scaffold with high porosity and pore interconnectivity. In brief, porous akermanite scaffolds were prepared using polymer sponge method. The porosity and corresponding compressive strength were evaluated. The in vitro degradability was investigated by soaking the scaffolds in Ringer's solution. Hydroxyapatite (HAp)‐formation ability of akermantite scaffolds in simulated body fluid (SBF) and the effect of ionic products from the scaffolds dissolution on osteoblasts were investigated. In addition, bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) adhesion and proliferation on the scaffolds were evaluated. Differentiation of the cells was assessed by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The results showed that akermanite scaffolds possessed 63.5–90.3% of porosity, with a corresponding compressive strength between 1130 and 530 kPa. The weight loss of the scaffolds and ionic content of the Ringer's solution increased with the increase in soaking time, indicating the degradability of scaffolds. HAp was formed on the scaffolds in SBF and the ionic products from akermanite scaffolds dissolution stimulated osteoblasts proliferation, indicating good in vitro bioactivity. Furthermore, BMSC adhered and spread well on akermanite scaffolds and proliferated with the increase in the culture time, and the differentiation rate of osteoblasts on scaffolds was comparable to that on blank culture plate control. Our results suggested that akermanite scaffolds were bioactive, degradable, and cytocompatible, and might be used as bone tissue 1engineering materials. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Cardiac glycoside inhibits IL‐8‐induced biological responses by downregulating IL‐8 receptors through altering membrane fluidity
Authors: Manna Sunil K. , Sreenivasan Yashin , Sarkar Abira
Published: December 2005

Considering the potential role of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) in inflammation, angiogenesis, tumorogenesis, and metastasis, and the involvement of different cell types especially neutrophils and macrophages in those processes, the regulation of IL‐8‐mediated biological responses is important. In this report we provide evidences that oleandrin, a cardiac glycoside potentially inhibited IL‐8‐, formyl peptide (FMLP)‐, EGF‐, or nerve growth factor (NGF)‐, but not IL‐1‐ or TNF‐induced NF‐κB activation in macrophages. Oleandrin inhibited IL‐8‐, but not TNF‐induced NF‐κB‐dependent genes expression. Oleandrin inhibited the binding of IL‐8, EGF, or NGF, but not IL‐1 or TNF. It decreased almost 79% IL‐8 binding without altering affinity towards IL‐8 receptors and this inhibition of IL‐8 binding was observed in isolated membrane. The IL‐8, anti‐IL‐8Rs antibodies, or protease inhibitors were unable to protect oleandrin‐mediated inhibition of IL‐8 binding. Phospholipids significantly protected oleandrin‐mediated inhibition of IL‐8 binding thereby restoring IL‐8‐induced NF‐κB activation. Oleandrin altered the membrane fluidity as detected by microviscosity parameter and a decrease in diphenylhexatriene, a lipid binding fluorophore binding in a dose‐dependent manner. Overall, our results suggest that oleandrin inhibits IL‐8‐mediated biological responses in diverse cell types by modulating IL‐8Rs through altering membrane fluidity and microviscosity. The study might help to regulate IL‐8‐mediated biological responses involved in inflammation, metastasis, and neovascularization. J. Cell. Physiol. 207: 195–207, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Requirement of an IκB‐β COOH terminal region protein for acidic‐adaptation in CHO cells
Authors: Lao Qizong , Fukamachi Toshihiko , Saito Hiromi , Kuge Osamu , Nishijima Masahiro , Kobayashi Hiroshi
Published: December 2005

We previously reported that an IκB‐β COOH terminal region protein (designated CTIB) was essential for the proliferation of CHO cells under acidic stress (Lao et al., . J Cell Physiol 203(1):186–192). In order to investigate the mechanisms underlying the requirement of CTIB for acidic adaptation, CTIB was silenced with an RNAi technique in CHO cells. CTIB silencing resulted in those cells completely failing to proliferate and maintain intracellular pH (pHi) homeostasis at an extracellular pH (pHe) of 6.3. An increased activation of p38 MAP kinase was induced by CTIB silencing at the low pH value. CTIB was only present in the cytoplasm and co‐immunoprecipitation of the cytoplasmic fraction revealed that the loss of CTIB led to a loss of p65 in the immunoprecipitate complex. CTIB silencing reduced both the decrease in p65 and the increase in p50 in the nucleus when the cells were incubated at pHe 6.3. In cells with CTIB silenced, the transcriptions of p65, p105, and IL1‐β were suppressed, and decreases in both the transcription and activity of MnSOD were observed at pHe 6.3. Suppression of these genes suggested a suppressed NF‐κB activity since p105, IL1‐β, and MnSOD were target genes of NF‐κB. Our data demonstrated that CTIB functioned to prevent the over‐accumulation of p65 in the nucleus, ensuring the appropriate composition of the NF‐κB complex in the nucleus to respond to stimuli under acidic conditions. J. Cell. Physiol. 207: 238–243, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP1 transactivates EGFR/MET receptor tyrosine kinases and enhances invasiveness in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Han Chang , Michalopoulos George K. , Wu Tong
Published: December 2005

Recent evidence indicates that cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. This study was designed to evaluate the possible interaction between the COX‐2 and EGFR signaling pathways in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Immunohistochemical analysis using serial sections of human HCC tissues revealed positive correlation between COX‐2 and EGFR in HCC cells (P < 0.01). Overexpression of COX‐2 in cultured HCC cells (Hep3B) or treatment with PGE2 or the selective EP1 receptor agonist, ONO‐DI‐004, increased EGFR phosphorylation and tumor cell invasion. The PGE2‐induced EGFR phosphorylation and cell invasiveness were blocked by the EP1 receptor siRNA or antagonist ONO‐8711 and by two EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, AG1478 and PD153035. The EP1‐induced EGFR transactivation and cell invasion involves c‐Src, in light of the presence of native binding complex of EP1/Src/EGFR and the inhibition of PGE2‐induced EGFR phosphorylation and cell invasion by the Src siRNA and the Src inhibitor, PP2. Further, overexpression of COX‐2 or treatment with PGE2 also induced phosphorylation of c‐Met, another receptor tyrosine kinase critical for HCC cell invasion. Moreover, activation of EGFR by EGF increased COX‐2 promoter activity and protein expression in Hep3B and Huh‐7 cells, whereas blocking PGE2 synthesis or EP1 attenuated EGFR phosphorylation induced by EGF, suggesting that the COX‐2/PGE2/EP1 pathway also modulate the activation of EGFR by its cognate ligand. These findings disclose a cross‐talk between the COX‐2/PGE2/EP1 and EGFR/c‐Met signaling pathways that coordinately regulate human HCC cell invasion. J. Cell. Physiol. 207: 261–270, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute, nongenomic effect of thyroid hormones in preventing calcium overload in newborn rat cardiocytes
Authors: Zinman T. , Shneyvays V. , Tribulova N. , Manoach M. , Shainberg A.
Published: December 2005

In this study, we examined the acute effects of thyroid hormones (TH) T3 and T4, leading to improvement of myocardial function through activation of Ca2+ extrusion mechanisms and, consequently, prevention of intracellular calcium overload. Extracellular calcium elevation from 1.8 to 3.8 mM caused immediate increase in intracellular calcium level ([Ca2+]i) in newborn cardiomyocyte cultures. Administration of 10 or 100 nM T3 or T4 rapidly (within 10 sec) decreased [Ca2+]i to its control level. Similar results were obtained when [Ca2+]i was elevated by decreasing extracellular Na+ concentration, causing backward influx of Ca2+ through Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, or by administration of caffeine, releasing Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Under these conditions, T3 or T4 decreased [Ca2+]i. T3 and T4 also exhibited protective effects during ischemia. T3 or T4 presence during hypoxia for 120 min in culture medium restricted the increase of [Ca2+]i and prevented the pathological effects of its overload. An inhibitor of SR Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA2a), thapsigargin, increases [Ca2+]i and in its presence neither T3 nor T4 had any effect on the [Ca2+]i level. The reduction of [Ca2+]i level by T3 and T4 was also blocked in the presence of H‐89 (a PKA inhibitor), and by calmodulin inhibitors. The effect of TH on the reduction of [Ca2+]i was prevented by propranolol, indicating that the hormones exert their effect through interaction with adrenergic receptors. These results support our hypothesis that TH prevent calcium overload in newborn rat cardiomyocytes, most likely by a direct, acute, and nongenomic effect on Ca2+ transport into the SR. J. Cell. Physiol. 207: 220–231, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oncogenic met receptor induces cell‐cycle progression in Xenopus oocytes independent of direct Grb2 and Shc binding or mos synthesis, but requires phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase and raf signaling
Authors: Mood Kathleen , Saucier Caroline , Ishimura Akihiko , Bong Yong‐Sik , Lee Hyun‐Shik , Park Morag , Daar Ira O.
Published: December 2005

Biological responses of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are mediated by the Met receptor tyrosine kinase. Although HGF is a potent mitogen for a variety of cells, the signals required for cell‐cycle progression by the Met/HGF receptor are poorly defined. In this study, we have used the Xenopus oocyte system to define the role of various Met proximal‐binding partners and downstream signaling pathways in cell‐cycle regulation. We show that cell‐cycle progression and activation of MAPK and JNK mediated by the oncogenic Met receptor, Tpr‐Met, are dependent on its kinase activity and the presence of the twin phosphotyrosine (Y482 & Y489) residues in its C‐terminus, but that the recruitment of Grb2 and Shc adaptor proteins is dispensable, implicating other signaling molecules. However, using Met receptor oncoproteins engineered to recruit specific signaling proteins, we demonstrate that recruitment of Grb2 or Shc adaptor proteins is sufficient to induce cell‐cycle progression and activation of MAPK and JNK, while the binding of phospholipase‐Cγ or phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase alone fails to elicit these responses. Using various means to block phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase, phospholipase‐Cγ, MEK, JNK, Mos, and Raf1 activity, we show that unlike the fibroblast growth factor receptor, MEK‐dependent and independent signaling contribute to Met receptor‐mediated cell‐cycle progression, but phospholipase‐Cγ or JNK activity and Mos synthesis are not critical. Notably, we demonstrate that Raf1 and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase signaling are required for cell‐cycle progression initiated by the Met receptor, a protein frequently deregulated in human tumors. J. Cell. Physiol. 207: 271–285, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pkn Is a novel partner of cyclin T2a in muscle differentiation
Authors: Cottone Giuliano , Baldi Alfonso , Palescandolo Emanuele , Manente Lucrezia , Penta Roberta , Paggi Marco G. , De Luca Antonio
Published: December 2005

With the aim to find novel partners of human Cyclin T2a, we performed a two‐hybrid screening in yeast using the full‐length cDNA of this cyclin as bait, and a human heart cDNA library as preys source. Upon several interesting genes selected, our attention has been focused on the cDNA coding for PKNα, a fatty acid‐ and Rho‐activated serine/threonine protein kinase, having a catalytic domain homologous to protein kinase C family. Co‐immunoprecipitation and in vitro pull‐down assays independently confirmed the interaction between the two proteins. Luciferase assays, performed on NIH3T3 cell extracts after transfection with a MyoD‐responsive promoter, pointed out that PKNα was able to enhance MyoD‐dependent transcription, and that this effect was further increased when cyclin T2a was co‐overexpressed. Finally, overexpression of both Cyclin T2a and PKNα in C2C12 cells strongly enhanced the expression of myogenic differentiation markers, such as Myogenin and Myosin Heavy Chain, during starvation‐induced differentiation. Taken together, our data strengthen the hypothesis that Cyclin T2a plays a role in muscle differentiation, and propose PKNα as a novel partner of Cyclin T2a in this process. J. Cell. Physiol. 207: 232–237, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CYR61 (CCN1) Protein Expression during Fracture Healing in an Ovine Tibial Model and Its Relation to the Mechanical Fixation Stability
Authors: Lienau Jasmin , Schell Hanna , Epari Devakara R. , Schütze Norbert , Jakob Franz , Duda Georg N. , Bail Hermann J.
Published: December 2005

The formation of new blood vessels is a prerequisite for bone healing. CYR61 (CCN1), an extracellular matrix‐associated signaling protein, is a potent stimulator of angiogenesis and mesenchymal stem cell expansion and differentiation. A recent study showed that CYR61 is expressed during fracture healing and suggested that CYR61 plays a significant role in cartilage and bone formation. The hypothesis of the present study was that decreased fixation stability, which leads to a delay in healing, would lead to reduced CYR61 protein expression in fracture callus. The aim of the study was to quantitatively analyze CYR61 protein expression, vascularization, and tissue differentiation in the osteotomy gap and relate to the mechanical fixation stability during the course of healing. A mid‐shaft osteotomy of the tibia was performed in two groups of sheep and stabilized with either a rigid or semirigid external fixator, each allowing different amounts of interfragmentary movement. The sheep were sacrificed at 2, 3, 6, and 9 weeks postoperatively. The tibiae were tested biomechanically and histological sections from the callus were analyzed immunohistochemically with regard to CYR61 protein expression and vascularization. Expression of CYR61 protein was upregulated at the early phase of fracture healing (2 weeks), decreasing over the healing time. Decreased fixation stability was associated with a reduced upregulation of the CYR61 protein expression and a reduced vascularization at 2 weeks leading to a slower healing. The maximum cartilage callus fraction in both groups was reached at 3 weeks. However, the semirigid fixator group showed a significantly lower CYR61 immunoreactivity in cartilage than the rigid fixator group at this time point. The fraction of cartilage in the semirigid fixator group was not replaced by bone as quickly as in the rigid fixator group leading to an inferior histological and mechanical callus quality at 6 weeks and therefore to a slower healing. The results supply further evidence that CYR61 may serve as an important regulator of bone healing. © 2005 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Disseminated toxoplasmosis resulting in graft failure in a cord blood stem cell transplant recipient
Authors: Goebel W. Scott , Conway James H. , Faught Philip , Vakili Saeed T. , Haut Paul R.
Published: December 2005

Toxoplasmosis is an infrequent infection with a high mortality rate in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, and is usually caused by reactivation of prior, latent infection upon intensive immunosuppression. We report a case of fatal disseminated toxoplasmosis, diagnosed at autopsy, in a 7‐year‐old boy who received a cord blood graft for recurrent acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This case represents both the first reported case of toxoplasmosis in an engrafted cord blood recipient, and also of graft failure due to toxoplasmosis. Recommendations for toxoplasmosis diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis in stem cell transplant recipients are reviewed. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:222–226. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A phase II trial using thalidomide for Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: McClain Kenneth L. , Kozinetz Claudia A.
Published: December 2005

Background

Few new drugs for treatment of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) have been studied. Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) is a prime therapeutic target since it appears to be present in elevated amounts in LCH lesions. Thalidomide inhibits TNF‐α production by affecting the gene promoter as well as other anti‐cytokine effects.

Procedures

A Phase II trial of thalidomide for treatment of LCH patients who had failed primary and at least one secondary regimen was conducted. Sixteen patients were enrolled: nine males and seven females ranging in age from 19 months to 45 years. Six patients were high risk (HR) because of spleen, liver, lung, or bone marrow involvement. The low risk (LR) patients included six with bone/skin LCH, one with multiple bone, one with skin/bone/pituitary, one with skin/bone/brain, and one with skin only disease involvement. Fifteen patients remained on treatment from 3 weeks to over 1 year.

Results

Among the LR patients there were four complete responses, three partial responses, and two with no response to thalidomide. No HR patient responded to thalidomide and all died of pulmonary, liver, or bone marrow failure. Thalidomide may have played a role in the pulmonary failure. Other toxicities that required stopping therapy included neutropenia, peripheral neuropathy, and fatigue.

Conclusions

Thalidomide is an effective therapy for some LR patients with LCH, but showed no significant responses in HR patients. Dose‐limiting toxicities may reduce its efficacy in LR patients. Additional trials with improved anti‐TNF therapies would appear warranted. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:44–49. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accuracy of assessment of distress, anxiety, and depression by physicians and nurses in adolescents recently diagnosed with cancer
Authors: Hedström Mariann , Kreuger Anders , Ljungman Gustaf , Nygren Peter , von Essen Louise
Published: December 2005

Background

As staff members prioritize medical resources for patients, it is imperative to find out whether their assessments of patients' health status agree with patients' assessments. The degree to which physicians and nurses can identify the distress, anxiety, and depression experienced by adolescents recently diagnosed with cancer was examined here.

Procedure

Adolescents undergoing chemotherapy (13–19 years, n = 53), physicians (n = 48), and nurses (n = 53) completed a structured telephone interview, 4–8 weeks after diagnosis or relapse, investigating disease and treatment‐related distress, anxiety, and depression.

Results

The accuracy of staff ratings of physical distress could be considered acceptable. However, problems of a psychosocial nature, which were frequently overestimated, were difficult for staff to identify. Staff underestimated the distress caused by mucositis and worry about missing school more than they overestimated distress. These aspects were some of the most prevalent and overall worst according to the adolescents. Both physicians and nurses overestimated levels of anxiety and depression. Nurses tended to show higher sensitivity than physicians for distress related to psychosocial aspects of distress, while physicians tended to show higher accuracy than nurses for physical distress.

Conclusions

Staff was reasonably accurate at identifying physical distress in adolescents recently diagnosed with cancer whereas psychosocial problems were generally poorly identified. Thus, the use of staff ratings as a “test” to guide specific support seems problematic. Considering that the accuracy of staff ratings outside a research study is probably lower, identification of and action taken on adolescent problems in relation to cancer diagnosis and treatment need to rely on direct communication. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laser‐induced Breakdown Detection (LIBD) for the Highly Sensitive Quantification of Aquatic Colloids. Part II: Experimental Setup of LIBD and Applications
Authors: Bundschuh Tobias , Wagner Tobias U. , Köster Rainer
Published: December 2005

Laser‐induced Breakdown Detection (LIBD) enables the concentration and size of aquatic nano‐particles (colloids), in the range of 10–1000 nm and from about 1 ng/L (ppt) up to some mg/L (ppm), to be determined. Such particles, which are frequently encountered in aquatic systems, cannot be detected using methods based on laser light scattering or obscuration or if detection is possible, then only at a comparably low level of accuracy.

The method of Laser‐induced Breakdown Detection uses a high‐energy pulsed laser beam to selectively generate a plasma (dielectric breakdown) on particles. The method is based on non‐linear optics and allows for the determination of both mean particle size and concentration in aqueous samples. Practically, this method is non‐invasive, sample preparation is not required, and measurement can take place online.

This second part of the double publication describes the experimental basics as well as the latest developments in the field of LIBD. Furthermore, it shows examples of practical applications and compares the technology to standard methods like dynamic laser light scattering as well as laser light obscuration.
Experimental Study on Particle Size Distribution and Concentration Using Transmission Fluctuation Spectrometry with the Autocorrelation Technique
Authors: Guo Xiaoai , Riebel Ulrich
Published: December 2005

Based on the statistical characteristics of the transmission fluctuations in the particle suspension, transmission fluctuation spectrometry with autocorrelation (TFS‐AC) is described theoretically, with the assumptions of geometric ray propagation and completely absorbent particles in the suspension. The experiments presented here are realized in a focused Gaussian beam with the TFS‐AC technique. The acquisition of transmission fluctuation signals is achieved by using a high‐resolution digital oscilloscope. The transition function of TFS‐AC is obtained by varying the autocorrelation time. With a modified iterative Chahine inversion algorithm, solving a linear equation retrieves information on the particle size distribution and particle concentration. Some experimental results on spherical and non‐spherical particles are presented and discussed. The experiments cover a particle size range from 1μm to 1000 μm and a particle concentration of up to 12 %.
Coulomb effects in binding of heme in gas‐phase ions of myoglobin
Authors: Mark Kevin J. , Douglas D. J.
Published: December 2005

Coulomb effects in binding of heme in gas‐phase holomyoglobin ions are studied. Positive and negative ions are formed from solution myoglobin with Fe2+ (ferromyoglobin) and Fe3+ (ferrimyoglobin). The energy that must be added to the resulting holomyoglobin ions to cause heme loss has been measured by triple‐quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry. With negative ions, neutral heme is lost regardless of the charge state of Fe in solution. It is likely that the Fe3+ is reduced to Fe2+ in the negative electrospray process. With positive ions, predominantly neutral heme loss is observed with ions formed from ferromyoglobin in solution, and positive heme loss with ions formed from ferrimyoglobin in solution. The energies required to induce neutral heme loss are similar for positive and negative ions. The energies required to induce charged heme loss from positive holomyoglobin ions are significantly less. Coulomb repulsion between the charged heme and charged protein appears to lower the barrier for heme loss. These results are consistent with a simple model potential with a long‐range Coulomb repulsion and short‐range attraction between the heme and protein. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sampling systems for isotope‐ratio mass spectrometry of atmospheric ammonia
Authors: Skinner Richard , Ineson Phil , Jones Helen , Sleep Daren , Theobald Mark
Published: December 2005

Passive and active ammonia (NH3) sampling devices have been tested for their nitrogen (N) capture potential and δ15N fractionation effects. Several sampling techniques produced significantly different δ15NH3 signals when sampling the same NH3 source released from field site fumigation campaigns. Conventional passive NH3‐monitoring systems have shown to provide insufficient N for isotope‐ratio mass spectrometry and various modified devices have been developed, based on existing diffusion tube designs, to overcome this problem. The final sampler design was then tested in a wind tunnel to verify that sampling NH3 in different environmental conditions did not significantly fractionate the δ15N signal. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry: direct toxicological screening and analysis of illicit Ecstasy tablets
Authors: Leuthold Luc Alexis , Mandscheff Jean‐François , Fathi Marc , Giroud Christian , Augsburger Marc , Varesio Emmanuel , Hopfgartner Gérard
Published: December 2005

Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI‐MS) was used as a simple and rapid way to analyze drug tablets and powders without sample preparation. Experiments were performed with a home‐made DESI source coupled to a triple‐quadrupole linear‐ion trap (QqQLIT) mass spectrometer. Twenty‐one commercial drugs as well as some illicit Ecstasy tablets and powders were analyzed. MS spectra almost exclusively showed the protonated or deprotonated ion of the drug after directing the pneumatically assisted electrospray onto the tablet's surface. With some tablets, inhomogeneity of the surface resulted in different spectra depending on the spot analyzed, thus showing that DESI could be used for imaging. Directly triggered MS/MS spectra were used for confirmatory analysis, with analysis times often below 10 s per tablet. For illicit Ecstasy tablets, DESI‐MS, GC/MS and LC/MS analyses provided similar qualitative results for the main analytes. With MS/MS spectra library comparison or exact mass measurements, this technique could become very powerful for the rapid analysis of unknown tablets and shows the great potential of desorption techniques as an alternative to solution‐based analysis. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of salvinorins and divinatorins in Salvia divinorum leaves by liquid chromatography/multistage mass spectrometry
Authors: Medana Claudio , Massolino Cristina , Pazzi Marco , Baiocchi Claudio
Published: December 2005

Salvinorin A is the most potent naturally occurring hallucinogen known and rivals synthetic LSD in potency. Structurally it belongs to the neoclerodane diterpenoids, and it is the only known non‐nitrogenous kappa‐opioid‐selective agonist. Salvia divinorum (Diviner's sage) is a member of the mint family that was used in ancient Mexican traditional practices. Today it is widely cultivated in Europe as a recreational marijuana substitute; it is illegal to buy, sell or possess the plant or the active principle in some countries. Six different salvinorins and three divinatorins have been isolated from Salvia divinorum leaves. The ion fragmentation, separation and quantitation of these diterpenes by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization multistage mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MSn) are described. The importance of LC in herbal extract determination and the chemical diagnostic power of MSn in the analysis of classes of natural organic products are discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prioritizing process change requests (PCRs) in software process improvement
Authors: Kanungo Shivraj , Monga Ipininder S.
Published: December 2005

We present a prioritization scheme (based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP)) to obtain individual and aggregate ranks of process improvement ideas as a part of software process improvement in an organization. This is a problem that organizations entering or operating in high maturity (CMM and CMMI levels 4 and 5) tend to face. In particular, we present the application of group AHP and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) to the problem of choosing process change requests (PCRs) in a software process improvement (SPI) program at IBM Global Services. [We are grateful to the quality group at IBM Global Services for their contribution to and participation in this project.] In eliciting PCRs, it is crucial to ensure that all PCRs are addressed and evaluated in a transparent and contextually relevant manner. In order to include diverse opinions and constituencies, the group‐based approach is most appropriate. However, there are numerous variants that can be applied to such situations for group decision‐making. In order to implement the option chosen by IBM, we developed a Java‐based system and added a spreadsheet add‐on for the ISM component. Specifically, we have shown how pure priorities provided by the use of group AHP can be augmented by structuring the elements that were prioritized on the basis of an understating of the linkages between the process change requests. Specifically, we have shown how complementarities (potential for synergy) between combinations of PCRs can be identified by integrating AHP and ISM. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.