bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization and biodegradability of amphoteric superabsorbent polymers
Authors: Wang Dan , Song Zhan‐Qian , Shang Shi‐Bin
Published: December 2007

Novel amphoteric superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) based on carboxymethyl cellulose, acrylic acid, acrylamide, and [2‐(methylacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride were prepared by inverse suspension copolymerization. The SAPs were characterized by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The absorbency or swelling behaviors in deionized water, saline solutions, and pH value solutions were investigated. Experimental results indicate that the absorbency in various solutions decreases with an increase of the ion concentration, which was attributed to osmotic pressure of water and ions between the polymeric gel and the external solutions. Biodegradability of the amphoteric SAPs was also reported. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Strain‐Specific and Endocrine Control of Granular Convoluted Tubule Cells and Epidermal Growth Factor Expression in the Mouse Submandibular Gland
Authors: Miyaji Yuichi , Aiyama Shigeo , Kurabuchi Shingo
Published: December 2007

Submandibular glands (SMGs) of 11‐week‐old mice from four strains, ICR, C57BL/6J, BALB/c, and C3H/HeN were examined by immunohistochemistry for epidermal growth factor (EGF). In addition to sex‐related differences in granular convoluted tubules (GCTs), the GCT cells were significantly larger in ICR mice than in other three strains. In males from each of the strains, almost all the GCT cells were strongly positive for EGF. The EGF‐positive cells in the females, however, were markedly fewer in number, and were stained weaker in C57BL/6J, BALB/c, and C3H/HeN mice than in ICR mice. The GCT cells and their EGF expression in the F1 progeny from ICR and C3H/HeN strains were approximately intermediate between those of the parent strains of the same sex. T3 and/or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) enhanced the GCT phenotype in the C3H/HeN mice, and remarkably increased the EGF‐positive cells in females. Electron microscopy revealed that gold‐labeling of EGF was confined to the secretory granules, and that the GCT cells in females, given T3 + DHT, had a well‐developed Golgi apparatus and net‐like RER but few basal infoldings, whereas the equivalent cells in the untreated females had poor RER and prominent basal infoldings. These results suggest that the EGF concentration in SMGs is genetically high in ICR mice and low in other strain mice and that, considering the same response of GCT cells to T3 and/or DHT between the high and low EGF strains, the low EGF concentrations might be partly caused by a lesser sensitivity of the GCT cells to thyroid hormones. Anat Rec, 291:105–113, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of the Mucosal Vascular System in the Distal Colon of the Fetal Mouse
Authors: Ito Takayasu , Ohi Satoshi , Tachibana Toshiaki , Takahara Masashi , Hirabayashi Tetsuya , Ishikawa Hiroshi , Kusakabe Moriaki , Hashimoto Hisashi
Published: December 2007

The formation of the crypt in the distal colon of the mouse was investigated in association with the development of vascular networks. For histological observation, 1‐μm cross‐sections were made from the distal colon of fetal mice in 13 to 18 days of gestation. Three‐dimensional distributions of vascular networks in the organ were observed after perfusing fetuses with rhodamine isothiocyanate‐labeled gelatin and immunostaining for laminin to examine the boundary between the epithelium and the mesenchyme. At 13 days of gestation, the distal colon and its epithelium formed a cylindrical tube and a loose primary plexus of vessels was built in the mesenchyme. In the distal colon of 15 days of gestation, the caudal portion began to form the crypt and the vascular plexus built up from a few layers was situated apart from the boundary between the epithelium and the mesenchyme. As the development proceeded, the formation of the crypt occurred in the caudorostral direction. The developing crypt advanced into the vascular plexus, so that a few vessels situated in the mesenchyme between crypts. As the crypt elongated, these vessels formed a small plexus situated perpendicular to the primary plexus, while the primary plexus became monolayered and loosened. The new plexus was composed of ascending vessels and traversing ones, but the regular honeycomb‐like plexuses around openings of crypts have not established yet even in 18 days of gestation. The vascular system as well as the crypt in the distal colon will take further a few postnatal weeks to be completed. Anat Rec, 291:65–73, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution and Quantity of Contractile Tissue in Postnatal Development of Rat Alveolar Interstitium
Authors: Dickie Renée , Wang Yves T. , Butler James P. , Schulz Holger , Tsuda Akira
Published: December 2007

Alpha–smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) ‐expressing cells are important participants in lung remodeling, during both normal postnatal ontogeny and after injury. Developmental dysregulation of these contractile cells contributes to bronchopulmonary dysplasia in newborns, and aberrant recapitulation in adults of the normal ontogeny of these cells has been speculated to underlie disease and repair in mature lungs. The significance of airway smooth muscle has been widely investigated, but contractile elements within the pulmonary parenchyma, although also of structural and functional consequence in developing and mature lungs, are relatively unstudied and little quantitative information exists. Here, we quantify the areal density of α‐SMA expression in lung parenchyma and assess changes in its spatiotemporal distribution through postnatal ontogeny. Using an antibody against α‐SMA, we immunofluorescently labeled contractile elements in lung sections from a postnatal growth series of rats. Images were segmented using thresholded pixel intensity. Alpha‐SMA areal density in the alveolar interstitium was calculated by dividing the area of α‐SMA–positive staining by the tissue area. The areal density of α‐SMA in 2‐day neonates was 3.7%, almost doubled, to 7.2% by 21 days, and decreased to 3% in adults. Neonates had large, elongate concentrations of α‐SMA, and α‐SMA localized both at septal tips and within the interstitium. In adults, individual areas of α‐SMA expression were smaller and more round, and located predominately in alveolar ducts, at alveolar ends and bends. The results are consistent with increasing α‐SMA expression during the period of peak myofibroblast activity, corresponding to the phase of rapid alveolarization in the developing lung. Anat Rec, 291:83–93, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Formation Process and Fate of the Nuclear Chain After Injury in Regenerated Myofiber
Authors: Wada Ken‐Ichi , Katsuta Shigeru , Soya Hideaki
Published: December 2007

Although it is well known that regenerated myofibers contain nuclear chains (arrayed nuclear clusters), details of its process of formation and fate are still remained unclear. In the present study, we isolated single myofibers from injured ICR mouse tibialis anterior muscles by the alkali maceration‐based method, and carried out histological observation and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) pulse‐chase analysis on the nuclear chains. The nuclear chains were formed after injury and remained stable for at least 6 months after injury. When BrdU was administered during the first 4 days after injury, up to 56% of nuclei in the nuclear chains were labeled with BrdU, whereas when BrdU was administered 5 days or later after injury, less than 3% of myonuclei were labeled with BrdU. Among BrdU‐positive nuclei in the nuclear chains, the nuclei showing attenuated and strong BrdU signal were dominant when BrdU was administered at the time points of 0–2 and 3–4 days after injury, respectively. These results suggest that successive nuclear divisions occur during the first 4 days after injury and might be involved in the appearance of the stable nuclear chains in regenerated myofibers. Anat Rec, 291:122–128, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Versican Knock‐Down Compromises Chondrogenesis in the Embryonic Chick Limb
Authors: Shepard John B. , Gliga Diana A. , Morrow Amanda P. , Hoffman Stanley , Capehart Anthony A.
Published: December 2007

Mesenchymal cell aggregation is critical for cartilage formation in the vertebrate limb. The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a critical role in governing cell behavior and cell phenotype in this tissue, and the hyalectin versican is highly expressed in the ECM of precartilage mesenchymal cells and developing synovial joints. Although several in vitro studies have been conducted in an attempt to address versican's role during limb mesenchymal condensation, factors such as differences in cell density in culture, variations between chondrogenic cell lines, and the inability to prolong the viability of limb explants have led to conflicting data, mandating an in vivo analysis. By using a morpholino directed strategy in ovo, we performed knock‐down of versican expression in the presumptive ulnar region of the developing chick wing at time points critical to skeletogenesis. These data indicate that in ovo misexpression of versican compromised mesenchymal condensation with resulting ulnar cartilages reduced in length distally by an average of 53% relative to contralateral control limbs. In select versican morphants the olecranon process was also reduced in size proximally and failed to cup the humerus, likely impairing joint morphogenesis. This study represents the first report assessing the role of versican in the developing chick limb in ovo, further demonstrating the importance of versican proteoglycan expression during chondrogenesis and extending previous findings to suggest a role for versican during synovial joint development. Anat Rec, 291:19–27, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnosis of climate models in terms of transient climate response and feedback response time
Authors: Andrews David G. , Allen Myles R.
Published: December 2007

Climate models have traditionally been characterised by their climate sensitivity (equilibrium response to a doubling of CO2) and their ocean heat uptake. Together these determine a third property: the transient climate response to a linear increase in radiative forcing. A fourth property, the feedback response time is introduced here and shown to provide a complementary diagnostic of climate model behaviour. In particular, it demonstrates that the discrepancy between recent climate observations and the general circulation models in the ‘IPCC ensemble’ primarily arises because the models are undersampling the range of transient climate responses consistent with recent attributable greenhouse warming. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Elicitation of a Beta Prior for Bayesian Inference in Clinical Trials
Authors: Wu Yujun , Shih Weichung J. , Moore Dirk F.
Published: December 2007

When making Bayesian inferences we need to elicit an expert's opinion to set up the prior distribution. For applications in clinical trials, we study this problem with binary variables. A critical and often ignored issue in the process of eliciting priors in clinical trials is that medical investigators can seldom specify the prior quantities with precision. In this paper, we discuss several methods of eliciting beta priors from clinical information, and we use simulations to conduct sensitivity analyses of the effect of imprecise assessment of the prior information. These results provide useful guidance for choosing methods of eliciting the prior information in practice. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Katalytische RNA. Molekulare Fossilien der Evolution?
Authors: Przybilski Rita , Bajaj Preeti , Hammann Christian
Published: December 2007

Katalytische RNA kann verschiedene Reaktionen beschleunigen und nimmt bei der Übersetzung der genetischen Information im Ribosom eine essenzielle Rolle ein. Es ist schwierig zu beurteilen, ob alle rezenten katalytischen RNAs tatsächlich molekulare Fossilien der postulierten RNA‐Welt darstellen. So ist es auch denkbar, dass sich erst im Laufe der Evolution die Anwesenheit eines auf RNA‐Ebene regulierenden Moduls als vorteilhaft für die Zelle erwiesen hat. Im Fall der glmS RNA könnte demnach der Riboschalter sekundär in die bereits bestehende mRNA integriert worden sein. Anders ist es beim Ribosom, das offenbar beim Übergang von der RNA‐Welt zur RNA‐Protein‐Welt eine so zentrale und komplexe Rolle gespielt, dass seine vollständig auf RNA basierende Funktion nicht von Proteinen übernommen wurde.
Orientalische Hornisse: Bienen wehren sich
Authors: Wendler Silke
Published: December 2007

Auf dem Menüplan der Orientalischen Hornisse (Vespa orientalis) steht unter anderem die Zypriotische Honigbiene (Apis mellifera cypria). Die Hornisse fängt Bienen am Einflugloch des Stockes ab oder dringt bei geschwächten Bienenvölkern sogar in den Stock ein, um Honig zu rauben. In ihrem Verbreitungsgebiet Zypern ist die Orientalische Hornisse aus diesem Grund bei Imkern gefürchtet. Während eine einzelne Biene gegen den Angriff einer Hornisse hilflos ist, weiß sich ein ganzer Bienenschwarm sehr wohl gegen diesen Eindringling zu behaupten.
Wie Tumorzellen die Chemotherapie unterlaufen
Authors: Hille‐Rehfeld Annette
Published: December 2007

Für die Steuerung des Zellzyklus muss die Aktivität bestimmter Proteine periodisch an‐ und abgeschaltet werden. Eine Möglichkeit der Inaktivierung besteht im proteolytischen Abbau an den im Cytoplasma vorliegenden so genannten Proteasomen. Diese zu hemmen ist ein Standbein der Chemotherapie von Tumoren. Tumorzellen können sich jedoch an eine Chemotherapie adaptieren, indem sie durch veränderte Genexpression die Funktion der Proteasomen aufrechterhalten.
Noncovalent Keystone Interactions Controlling Biomembrane Structure
Authors: Hanshaw Roger G. , Stahelin Robert V. , Smith Bradley D.
Published: December 2007

There is a biomedical need to develop molecular recognition systems that selectively target the interfaces of protein and lipid aggregates in biomembranes. This is an extremely challenging problem in supramolecular chemistry because the biological membrane is a complex dynamic assembly of multifarious molecular components with local inhomogeneity. Two simplifying concepts are presented as a framework for basing molecular design strategies. The first generalization is that association of two binding partners in a biomembrane will be dominated by one type of non‐covalent interaction which is referred to as the keystone interaction. Structural mutations in membrane proteins that alter the strength of this keystone interaction will likely have a major effect on biological activity and often will be associated with disease. The second generalization is to view the structure of a cell membrane as three spatial regions, that is, the polar membrane surface, the midpolar interfacial region and the non‐polar membrane interior. Each region has a distinct dielectric, and the dominating keystone interaction between binding partners will be different. At the highly polar membrane surface, the keystone interactions between charged binding partners are ion‐ion and ion–dipole interactions; whereas, ion–dipole and ionic hydrogen bonding are very influential at the mid‐polar interfacial region. In the non‐polar membrane interior, van der Waals forces and neutral hydrogen bonding are the keystone interactions that often drive molecular association. Selected examples of lipid and transmembrane protein association systems are described to illustrate how the association thermodynamics and kinetics are dominated by these keystone noncovalent interactions.
Economic stress among low‐income women with cancer
Authors: Ell Kathleen , Xie Bin , Wells Anjanette , Nedjat‐Haiem Frances , Lee Pey‐Jiuan , Vourlekis Betsy
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND.

Attention to the economic consequences of cancer has grown as the number of cancer survivors is increasing. Although prevalent among low‐income minority survivors, the impact of economic stress on quality of life (QOL) remains largely unexplored.

METHODS.

Data are reported for 487 predominantly Hispanic low‐income women with a primary diagnosis of breast or gynecological cancer and undergoing active treatment or follow‐up. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses examined the effects of economic concerns on QOL, depression, and anxiety.

RESULTS.

Rates of unemployment, medical cost and wage concerns, and financial stress were high in this study population, at baseline, respectively, 70%, 68%, 47%, and 49%. The proportions reporting unemployed status and medical cost concerns stayed flat from baseline to 6 months, followed by a pronounced drop at 12 months. Patient reported rates of lost wage worries increased from baseline to 6 months, followed by a moderate decrease. Functional, emotional, physical, and social‐family well‐being and depression and anxiety scores exhibited consistent linear improvement from baseline to 12 months. Over 12 months, patients reporting economic concerns had significantly poorer functional, emotional, and affective well‐being.

CONCLUSIONS.

Economic stress is negatively associated with QOL, highlighting the importance of addressing economic stress in low‐income women with cancer. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Prognostic value of immunophenotyping in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Plesa Claudiu , Chelghoum Youcef , Plesa Adriana , Elhamri Mohamed , Tigaud Isabelle , Michallet Mauricette , Dumontet Charles , Thomas Xavier
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND.

The poor prognosis for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) raises questions regarding the benefit of treating them with intensive chemotherapy. The impact of initial characteristics on prognosis has been addressed previously in elderly patients; however, very few data are available regarding the prognostic value of immunophenotypic characteristics in this setting.

METHODS.

The authors investigated expression of the membrane antigens CD13, CD15, CD33, and CD34 by flow cytometry in elderly patients with newly diagnosed AML and analyzed whether these parameters had clinical or prognostic relevance to help physicians in their choice of therapy.

RESULTS.

Immunophenotyping was performed in 273 patients aged ≥60 years (median age, 69 years). CD13 was expressed in 73% of patients, CD15 was expressed in 43% of patients, CD33 was expressed in 64% of patients, and CD34 was expressed in 66% of patients. Complete remission was obtained in 157 patients (58%). The median overall survival was 8.1 months, and the 3‐year survival rate was 14%. Three risk groups were defined based on CD34 and CD33 antigen expression: The poor‐risk group included patients with CD34‐positive/CD33‐positive or CD34‐negative/CD33‐negative disease, the intermediate‐risk group included patients with CD34‐positive/CD33‐negative disease, and the favorable‐risk group included patients with CD34‐negative/CD33‐positive disease. After cytogenetic analyses, immunophenotype was the most significant prognostic factor in terms of survival in a multivariate analysis (P = .03 and P < .0001, respectively). When immunophenotypic and cytogenetic parameters were combined, patients were classified into 4 prognostic groups: Group A (3‐year survival rate, 33%) included patients with favorable and normal karyotypes who had a favorable immunophenotype, Group B (3‐year survival rte, 28%) included patients with normal karyotypes who had an intermediate immunophenotype, Group C (3‐year survival rate, 8%) included patients with intermediate or normal karyotypes who had an unfavorable immunophenotype, and Group D (3‐year survival rate, 2%) included all patients who had unfavorable cytogenetics.

CONCLUSIONS.

Immunophenotypic characteristics appeared to be a major prognostic factor in this population of elderly patients with AML. By using 2 simple parameters assessed at the time of diagnosis, the authors devised a prognostic system of immediate clinical utility for prognostic stratification and risk‐adapted therapeutic choices. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Phase 2 study of gemcitabine in combination with rituximab in patients with recurrent or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Oki Yasuhiro , Pro Barbara , Fayad Luis E. , Romaguera Jorge , Samaniego Felipe , Hagemeister Fredrick , Neelapu Sattva , McLaughlin Peter , Goy Andre , Younes Anas
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND.

The management of recurrent or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) remains challenging. The objective of this phase 2 trial was to investigate the activity of gemcitabine in combination with rituximab in patients with recurring or refractory HL.

METHODS.

Patients were considered eligible if they had recurring or refractory HL, had received ≥2 prior chemotherapy regimens, had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≤2, and had adequate organ function. Rituximab was administered at a dose of 375 mg/m2 intravenously every week for 6 weeks. Gemcitabine was administered at a dose of 1250 mg/m2 intravenously on Days 1 and 8, with a week of rest on Day 15 of 21‐day cycles in outpatient settings. Response was assessed after 2 cycles of gemcitabine, and those patients who demonstrated a response continued to receive a maximum of 4 additional courses of gemcitabine.

RESULTS.

Thirty‐three patients received the study drugs. The median age of patients was 32 years (range, 19–81 years), and 55% of the patients previously underwent autologous stem cell transplantation. Grade 3 or 4 (graded according to the National Cancer Center Institute Common Toxicity Criteria [version 2.0]) toxic effects included neutropenia (36%) and thrombocytopenia (15%). Objective responses occurred in 16 patients (48%). Responses were observed regardless of CD20 positivity in tumor cells. The median duration of failure‐free survival was 2.7 months (range, 0.9–18.3 months). Seven patients (21%) eventually proceeded to either autologous (n = 2) or allogeneic (n = 5) stem cell transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS.

Combination therapy with gemcitabine and rituximab is active in previously treated patients with recurrent or refractory HL. The favorable safety profile and the ease of its administration in outpatient settings warrant investigating it further in combination with other active drugs. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Lead exposure during development results in increased neurofilament phosphorylation, neuritic beading, and temporal processing deficits within the murine auditory brainstem
Authors: Jones Linda G. , Prins John , Park Sunyoung , Walton Joseph P. , Luebke Anne E. , Lurie Diana I.
Published: December 2007

Low‐level lead (Pb) exposure is a risk factor for learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other neurological dysfunction. It is not known how Pb produces these behavioral deficits, but low‐level exposure during development is associated with auditory temporal processing deficits in an avian model, while hearing thresholds remain normal. Similar auditory processing deficits are found in children with learning disabilities and ADHD. To identify cellular changes underlying this functional deficit, Pb‐induced alterations of neurons and glia within the mammalian auditory brainstem nuclei were quantified in control and Pb‐exposed mice at postnatal day 21 by using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and 2D gel electrophoresis. Pb‐treated mice were exposed to either 0.1 mM (low) or 2 mM (high) Pb acetate throughout gestation and through 21 days postnatally. Pb exposure results in little change in glial proteins such as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), myelin basic protein (MBP), or F4/80 as determined by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. In contrast, Pb exposure alters neuronal structural proteins by inducing increased phosphorylation of both the medium (NFM) and high‐weight (NFH) forms of neurofilament within auditory brainstem nuclei. Axons immunolabeled for neurofilament protein show neuritic beading following Pb exposure both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that Pb exposure also impairs axonal transport. Functional assessment shows no significant loss of peripheral function, but does reveal impairments in brainstem conduction time and temporal processing within the brainstem. These results provide evidence that Pb exposure during development alters axonal structure and function within brainstem auditory nuclei. J. Comp. Neurol. 506:1003–1017, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early afferent signaling in the outer plexiform layer regulates development of horizontal cell morphology
Authors: Raven Mary E. , Orton Noelle C. , Nassar Hadi , Williams Gary A. , Stell William K. , Jacobs Gerald H. , Bech‐Hansen N. Torben , Reese Benjamin E.
Published: December 2007

The pedicles of cone photoreceptors, labeled with an antibody to mouse cone arrestin (blue), stratify in the outer plexiform layer, where they form synapses with the dendrites of horizontal and bipolar cells. Those synaptic sites are evidenced by the co‐localization of the synaptic ribbon protein, piccolo (red), with the cone arrestin labeling. The remaining red profiles in the outer plexiform layer indicate the sites of the rod spherules. An antibody to cytochrome oxidase (green) labels the mitochondrion‐rich inner segments of all photoreceptors and yields punctate peri‐nuclear labeling within the outer nuclear layer. Many of these features of the outer retina are altered in the Cacna1f‐mutant retina, expressing a defective calcium channel subunit that prevents normal neurotransmission in the outer plexiform layer. J. Comp. Neurol. 506:745–758, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of inter‐manual transfer of shape information in infancy
Authors: Streri Arlette , Lemoine Christelle , Devouche Emmanuel
Published: December 2007

Inter‐manual transfer of shape information was studied with habituation/dishabituation procedures in 2‐ and 6‐month‐old infants. Both age groups habituated to a shape repeatedly placed in one hand and dishabituated when a new shape was placed in the same hand. Subsequent testing revealed that only the 2‐month olds dishabituated when the habituated shape was placed in the opposite hand and that only the 6‐month olds dishabituated when a new shape was placed in the opposite hand. These results indicate that inter‐manual transfer of hand information occurs by 2‐months of age and that inter‐manual transfer of shape information emerges between 2 and 6 months of age. The implications of the findings are discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 70–76, 2008.
Cross‐midline interactions between mouse commissural hindbrain axons contribute to their efficient decussation
Authors: Sandoval‐Minero Teresa , Varela‐Echavarría Alfredo
Published: December 2007

Information from both sides of the brain is integrated by axons that project across the midline of the central nervous system via numerous commissures present at all axial levels. Despite the accumulated experimental evidence, questions remain regarding the formation of commissures in the presence of strong repulsive signals in the ventral midline. Studies from invertebrates suggest that interaction at the midline between homologous axons of specific decussating neurons contributes to efficient midline crossing, but such evidence is lacking in vertebrate systems. We performed experiments to determine whether commissural axons of the caudal region of the hindbrain interact with their contralateral counterparts at the ventral midline and to evaluate the relevance of this reciprocal interaction. Double anterograde axon labeling with lipophilic tracers revealed close apposition between growth cones of contralateral pioneer decussating axons at the midline. Later, we detected fasciculation between contralateral axons that is maintained even after they have crossed the midline. Blocking axon projections unilaterally with a solid mechanical barrier decreased dramatically the midline crossing of the equivalent population from the contralateral side. Decussation was also blocked by a unilateral barrier permeable to diffusible molecules but not by an axon‐permeable barrier. These results suggest that in the caudal region of the hindbrain, midline crossing is facilitated by interactions between decussating contralateral axon partners. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008.
Monitoring of heat‐induced degradation of edible oils by proton NMR
Authors: Guillén María D. , Ruiz Ainhoa
Published: December 2007

The degradation process of edible oils of very different nature, submitted to 190 °C with aeration, is studied by means of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). In this study, no primary oxidation products, such as hydroperoxides, are detected, the signals of aldehydes being the first to be observed in the 1H NMR spectra. Differences between this degradation process and those occurring at 70 °C with aeration or under microwave action are discussed, not only in relation to the degradation rate of the different acyl groups, but also in relation to the nature and proportions of some of the degradation products generated. Oils rich in oleic acyl groups are not only more resistant to degradation than oils rich in linoleic and linolenic acyl groups, but also produce lower proportions of toxic aldehydes.
Thermodynamical studies of designed ligands binding to Cel7A using partial‐filling capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Nilsson Mikael , Fagerström Alexandra , Berg Ulf , Isaksson Roland
Published: December 2007

A convenient experimental method for thermodynamical studies based on partial‐filling affinity CE is presented. The advantages of this approach are the possibility to determine binding energies from relatively weak interactions as well as the small amounts of samples consumed. In order to explore the affinity and selectivity of the cellobiohydrolase Cel7A, a number of propranolol analogues were recently designed. The affinities of a selection of these ligands were determined in the temperature interval 15–40°C, and ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° were obtained by means of Van't Hoff plots. Through these experiments, the importance of the entropy contribution in the complexation between the ligands and Cel7A has been demonstrated.
Fast fluorescent staining of protein in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels by palmatine
Authors: Cong Wei‐Tao , Jin Li‐Tai , Hwang Sun‐Young , Choi Jung‐Kap
Published: December 2007

A fast and sensitive protein fluorescent detection method in SDS‐PAGE using the natural product palmatine is described. Palmatine is an alkaloid found in various plants exhibiting a broad spectrum of antibiotic activity in humans. The sensitivity of palmatine staining is similar to those of the SYPRO Red, SYPRO Tangerine, and SYPRO Orange protein gel stains – about 4 ng per protein band. This detection sensitivity is comparable to colloidal CBB staining. Since proteins stained with palmatine do not need destaining, the staining procedure can be easily shortened and completed in about 30 min. Stained proteins can be photographed using a UV transilluminator. The results of the present study suggest that the palmatine staining is sensitive, rapid, low cost, and safe for a broad application to the research of protein.
Mesh movement via Legendre transforms
Authors: Giddings R. D. , Cullen M. J. P.
Published: December 2007

A new mesh movement algorithm is presented based on a Legendre transform arising from optimal transportation theory. This naturally allows the mesh connectivity to change, so that adjacent cells can move apart to avoid regions of distorted or poor quality mesh. It is applied here to the Euler equations with conservation on such a mesh achieved by the construction of space–time cells. The method is demonstrated on problems with large deformations and where the regions of concentrated mesh change their topology, e.g. merging and separating. © British Crown Copyright 2007/MOD. Reproduced with permission. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical solution of 2D and 3D viscous incompressible steady and unsteady flows using artificial compressibility method
Authors: Louda P. , Kozel K. , Příhoda J.
Published: December 2007

In this work, artificial compressibility method is used to solve steady and unsteady flows of viscous incompressible fluid. The method is based on implicit higher‐order upwind discretization of Navier–Stokes equations. The extension for unsteady simulation is considered by increasing artificial compressibility parameter or by using dual time stepping. Turbulence models are eddy‐viscosity SST model and explicit algebraic Reynolds stress model. Results for steady turbulent flow over confined backward‐facing step, unsteady laminar flow around circular cylinder and for unsteady turbulent free synthetic jet are presented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consolidative involved field radiotherapy after high dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation for non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma: a case‐control study
Authors: Oehler‐Jänne Christoph , Taverna Christian , Stanek Nadine , Negretti Laura , Lütolf Urs M. , Ciernik Ilja F.
Published: December 2007

The role of involved field radiation therapy (IF‐RT) after high dose chemotherapy (HDC) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) has not been conclusively defined. It has been hypothesized that HDC might obviate the need of consolidative IF‐RT. A retrospective matched‐pair analysis of patients undergoing HDC and ASCT with or without consolidative IF‐RT has been performed. Fifteen patients treated with IF‐RT after ASCT were compared with 15 patients without IF‐RT, identical for histology, stage and treatment response to HDC/ASCT as well as comparable for international prognostic index (IPI) score, age and gender. After a mean follow‐up time of 65 ± 45 months, none of the patients with consolidative IF‐RT following HDC and ASCT relapsed within the involved field compared to six patients without consolidative IF‐RT (IF‐failure risk at 5 years: 0% vs. 40%; p < 0.005). In most of the cases, local relapse was seen in patients with bulky disease. The 5‐year risk for loco‐regional failure was 7% after consolidative IF‐RT and 38% in patients without IF‐RT (p = 0.02) while the 5‐year risk for developing distant recurrences was similar in both groups (30% with IF‐RT vs. 35% non‐IF‐RT; p = 0.7). Overall survival at 5 years was similar with 79% (IF‐RT) and 65% (non‐IF‐RT), respectively (p = 0.2). Acute toxicity due to consolidative IF‐RT was mild in most cases and severe acute toxicity was noticed in only one patient (7%). Long‐term toxicities observed after IF‐RT were coronary artery disease, secondary malignancy unrelated to the RT‐field, angina abdominalis, hypothyroidism and teeth decay. Recurrence of NHL at sites of macroscopic disease remains common despite HDC. IF‐RT achieves excellent local regional control and consolidative IF‐RT after ASCT seems indicated, particularly in patients with bulky disease. In the absence of a prospective randomized trial and proven impact on survival rates, IF‐RT can be recommended as an option post‐ASCT to enhance local disease control. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biological and antibacterial properties of plasma sprayed wollastonite coatings grafting gentamicin loaded collagen
Authors: Li Baoe , Liu Xuanyong , Cao Cong , Dong Yuqi , Wang Zheng , Ding Chuanxian
Published: December 2007

In this work, gentamicin loaded collagen was grafted on the surface of plasma sprayed wollastonite coatings to obtain an implant having excellent bioactivity and cytocompatibility as well as antibacterial property. The bioactivity and cytocompatibility of the wollastonite coatings grafting gentamicin loaded collagen were examined by simulated body fluid (SBF) soaking test and in vitro cell culture test. The release rate of gentamicin from collagen was measured using UV spectrophotometer in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) and the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was evaluated by zone of inhibition test and bacterial counting method. The results showed that a composite layer with collagen and silicon‐rich particles was formed on the surface of the coating after the graft of collagen. The grafted collagen layer mixed with silicon‐rich particles could induce the precipitation of apatite after soaking in SBF for 14 days and improved the cellular proliferation on wollastonite coatings. The release of gentamicin from the collagen layer sustained 11 days in PBS and effectively inhibited the growth of S. aureus. In conclusion, the wollastonite coating grafting gentamicin loaded collagen had excellent bioactivity and cytocompatibility as well as good antibacterial properties, which would be beneficial for the long term stability and surgical success rate of implants. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Rapid characterization of covalent modifications to rat brain mitochondrial proteins after ex vivo exposure to 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry using data‐dependent and neutral loss‐driven MS3 acquisition
Authors: Stevens Stanley M. , Rauniyar Navin , Prokai Laszlo
Published: December 2007

The modification of mitochondrial proteins enriched from rat forebrain by the major lipid peroxidation product 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (HNE) was investigated using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and tandem mass spectrometry. Subcellular fractionation in conjunction with a ‘shotgun‐based’ approach that involved both conventional data‐dependent and neutral loss (NL)‐driven MS3 data acquisition on a hybrid linear ion trap‐Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (LTQ‐FT) was utilized. Using a relatively rapid linear HPLC gradient (1 h) for complex mixture analysis, 24 sites of HNE modification on 15 unique proteins were identified which corresponded exclusively to Michael adduct formation on histidine residues. Since a number of HNE‐modified peptides produced a predominant HNE NL fragment‐ion signal upon collision‐induced dissociation (CID), NL‐driven MS3 data‐dependent acquisition was a valuable method to enhance fragmentation information for these particular modified peptides. Of the 24 HNE modification sites identified, approximately 25% were determined from the MS3 spectra alone. We envision the reported methodology as an efficient screening approach for HNE modification site selectivity that could ultimately provide a foundation for the development of targeted schemes for the characterization of in vivo HNE‐protein adducts. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of chromatographic parameters on two silica‐based columns connected in series under nonaqueous reversed phase liquid chromatographic conditions
Authors: Smyrniotakis Constantinos G. , Archontaki Helen A.
Published: December 2007

Empirical equations were produced to relate important chromatographic parameters on two silica‐based columns serially linked, in isocratic nonaqueous RP HPLC, to retention times and peak widths of the separated compounds on the individual columns. These equations were derived because the experimental data seemed to deviate from the values expected, applying basic chromatographic theoretical equations. The chromatographic parameters studied were retention time, peak width, resolution, number of theoretical plates, capacity factor, and separation factor. In addition, empirical linear relationships were produced for the estimation of the above mentioned parameters of the serial systems, in direct and reverse order, relating them to those obtained on each column, separately. The experimentally obtained values were in good agreement with those estimated by the derived equations.
Determination of the thickness and structure of the skin barrier by in vivo laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Lademann J , Richter H , Astner S , Patzelt A , Knorr F , Sterry W , Antoniou Ch
Published: December 2007

Normal skin barrier function is an essential aspect of skin homeostasis and regeneration. Dynamic inflammatory, proliferative and neoplastic skin processes such as wound healing, psoriasis and contact dermatitis are associated with a significant disruption of the skin barrier. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in evaluating cosmetic and pharmacologic products for their ability to restore these protective properties. The gold standard for characterization of barrier function has been the measurement of the transepidermal water loss, however the disadvantage of this method is its interference with several endogenous and exogenous factors such as hydration, perspiration and topically applied substances. This study was aimed to test the clinical applicability of a fluorescence confocal laser scanning microscope (LSM) for a systematic morphologic analysis of the structure, integrity and thickness of the stratum corneum in 10 otherwise healthy volunteers. The influence of skin treatment with commercial moisturizing cream on skin barrier function was evaluated in serial non-invasive examinations. Our findings showed that in vivo LSM may represent a simple and efficient method for the characterization of skin barrier properties, such as the thickness and hydration of the stratum corneum.
Differential effects of black raspberry and strawberry extracts on BaPDE‐induced activation of transcription factors and their target genes
Authors: Li Jingxia , Zhang Dongyun , Stoner Gary D. , Huang Chuanshu
Published: December 2007

The chemopreventive properties of edible berries have been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo, however, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying their anti‐cancer effects are largely unknown. Our previous studies have shown that a methanol extract fraction of freeze‐dried black raspberries inhibits benzoapyrene (BaP)‐induced transformation of Syrian hamster embryo cells. This fraction also blocks activation of activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) induced by benzoapyrene diol‐epoxide (BaPDE) in mouse epidermal JB6 Cl 41 cells. To determine if different berry types exhibit specific mechanisms for their anti‐cancer effects, we compared the effects of extract fractions from both black raspberries and strawberries on BaPDE‐induced activation of various signaling pathways in Cl 41 cells. Black raspberry fractions inhibited the activation of AP‐1, NF‐κB, and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) by BaPDE as well as their upstream PI‐3K/Akt‐p70S6K and mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways. In contrast, strawberry fractions inhibited NFAT activation, but did not inhibit the activation of AP‐1, NF‐κB or the PI‐3K/Akt‐p70S6K and mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways. Consistent with the effects on NFAT activation, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) induction by BaPDE was blocked by extract fractions of both black raspberries and strawberries, whereas vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, which depends on AP‐1 activation, was suppressed by black raspberry fractions but not strawberry fractions. These results suggest that black raspberry and strawberry components may target different signaling pathways in exerting their anti‐carcinogenic effects. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flavan‐3‐ols: Nature, occurrence and biological activity
Authors: Aron Patricia M. , Kennedy James A.
Published: December 2007

Representing the most common flavonoid consumed in the American diet, the flavan‐3‐ols and their polymeric condensation products, the proanthocyanidins, are regarded as functional ingredients in various beverages, whole and processed foods, herbal remedies and supplements. Their presence in food affects food quality parameters such as astringency, bitterness, sourness, sweetness, salivary viscosity, aroma, and color formation. The ability of flavan‐3‐ols to aid food functionality has also been established in terms of microbial stability, foamability, oxidative stability, and heat stability. While some foods only contain monomeric flavan‐3‐ols [(–)‐epicatechin predominates] and dimeric proanthocyanidins, most foods contain oligomers of degree of polymerization values ranging from 1–10 or greater than 10. Flavan‐3‐ols have been reported to exhibit several health beneficial effects by acting as antioxidant, anticarcinogen, cardiopreventive, antimicrobial, anti‐viral, and neuro‐protective agents. This review summarizes the distribution and health effects of these compounds.
Substituent effects on 13C chemical shifts of alkyl‐substituted 4‐oxo‐1,3‐dioxolanes and 5‐oxo‐1,3‐oxathiolanes
Authors: Pihlaja Kalevi , Rossi Kyllikki , Nurmi Timo
Published: December 2007

The 13C NMR chemical shifts for 4‐oxo‐1,3‐dioxolane (1) and its all methyl‐substituted derivatives (2–10) as well as for 5‐oxo‐1,3‐oxathiolane (11) and its nine alkyl‐substituted derivatives (12–20) are reported. The magnitude and variety of the substituent effects are in accordance with the envelope conformations in which the oxygen or sulfur atom locates at the tip of the envelope as postulated on the basis of earlier data. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical modelling of dynamic consolidation on granular soils
Authors: López‐Querol S. , Fernández‐Merodo J. A. , Mira P. , Pastor M.
Published: December 2007

The application of Pastor–Zienkiewicz constitutive model for sands to dynamic consolidation problems is presented in this paper. This model is implemented in a coupled code formulated in terms of displacements for both solid and fluid phases (u−w formulation), which is firstly compared with u−pw formulation for some simple examples. Its range of validity, previously established for elastic problems and harmonic loading, is explored. Once the suitability of the u−w formulation has been ascertained for this kind of dynamic problems in soils, one‐ and two‐dimensional (plane strain) dynamic consolidation numerical examples are provided, aiming to give some light into the physics of this ground improvement technique. A ‘wave of dryness’, observed at the soil surface during the impact in field cases, is numerically reproduced and justified. Some hints on the influence of the loading zone size are also given. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of measured and simulated basis sets on metabolite concentration estimates
Authors: Cudalbu Cristina , Cavassila Sophie , Rabeson Herald , van Ormondt Dirk , Graveron‐Demilly Danielle
Published: December 2007

By quantification of brain metabolites, localized brain proton MRS can non‐invasively provide biochemical information from distinct regions of the brain. Quantification of short‐TE signals is usually based on a metabolite basis set. The basis set can be obtained by two approaches: (1) by measuring the signals of metabolites in aqueous solution; (2) by quantum‐mechanically simulating the theoretical metabolite signals. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of these two approaches on metabolite concentration estimates. Metabolite concentrations were quantified with the QUEST method, using both approaches. A comparison was performed with the aid of Monte Carlo studies, by using signals simulated from both basis sets. The best results were obtained when the basis set used for the fit was the same as that used to simulate the Monte Carlo signals. This comparison was also performed using in vivo short‐TE signals acquired at 7 T from the central region of rat brains. The concentration estimates, with confidence intervals, obtained using both basis sets were in good agreement with values from the literature. The in vivo study showed that, in general, the differences between the estimates obtained with the two basis sets were not statistically significant or scientifically important. Consequently, a simulated basis set can be used in place of a measured basis set. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.