bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CE – a multifunctional application for clinical diagnosis
Authors: Sniehotta Maike , Schiffer Eric , Zürbig Petra , Novak Jan , Mischak Harald
Published: April 2007

CE has been used widely as an analytical tool with high separation power taking advantage of size, charge‐to‐size ratio, or isoelectric point of various analytes. In combination with detection methods, such as UV absorption, electrochemical detection, fluorescence, or mass spectrometry (MS), it allows the separation and detection of inorganic and organic ions, as well as complex compounds, such as polypeptides, nucleic acids, including PCR amplicons from viruses or bacteria. Recent interest in identification of biomarkers of diseases using body fluids leads to development of CE‐MS techniques. These applications allowed identification of new potential biomarkers for clinical diagnosis and monitoring of therapeutic interventions. In this report, we present a technical overview of various CE techniques and discuss their applications in clinical medicine.
Simultaneous determination of low‐molecular‐weight organic acids and chlorinated acid herbicides in environmental water by a portable CE system with contactless conductivity detection
Authors: Xu Yan , Wang Weilong , Li Sam Fong Yau
Published: April 2007

This report describes a method to simultaneously determine 11 low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) organic acids and 16 chlorinated acid herbicides within a single run by a portable CE system with contactless conductivity detection (CCD) in a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)‐coated capillary. Under the optimized condition, the LODs of CE‐CCD ranged from 0.056 to 0.270 ppm, which were better than for indirect UV (IUV) detection of the 11 LMW organic acids or UV detection of the 16 chlorinated acid herbicides. Combined with an on‐line field‐amplified sample stacking (FASS) procedure, sensitivity enhancement of 632‐ to 1078‐fold was achieved, with satisfactory reproducibility (RSDs of migration times less than 2.2%, and RSDs of peak areas less than 5.1%). The FASS‐CE‐CCD method was successfully applied to determine the two groups of acidic pollutants in two kinds of environmental water samples. The portable CE‐CCD system shows advantages such as simplicity, cost effectiveness, and miniaturization. Therefore, the method presented in this report has great potential for onsite analysis of various pollutants at the trace level.
Octanol‐based aroma chemicals, Part 4. A simple synthesis of dihydrojasmone
Authors: Zope Dhananjay D. , Patnekar Shridhar G. , Kanetkar Vinod R.
Published: April 2007

We have developed a new synthetic method for the preparation of dihydrojasmone via a five‐step synthesis from n‐octanol. Oxidation of n‐octanol gave n‐octanal, which after Mannich reaction and hydrogenation yields 2‐methyl octanal. Knoevenagel condensation of this substituted aldehyde gave 4‐methyldec‐3‐enoic acid, which on cyclization furnished dihydrojasmone. The process is simple and may be substituted for the existing process of synthesizing dihydrojasmone by the use of 1,4‐dicarbonyl ketones. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Numerical model based on the mixed interface‐tracking/interface‐capturing technique (MITICT) for flows with fluid–solid and fluid–fluid interfaces
Authors: Cruchaga Marcela A. , Celentano Diego J. , Tezduyar Tayfun E.
Published: April 2007

We propose a numerical model for computation of flow problems that involve both fluid–solid and fluid–fluid interfaces. The model is based on the mixed interface‐tracking/interface‐capturing technique (MITICT), which was introduced earlier for problems that involve both fluid–solid interfaces that are accurately tracked with a moving mesh method and fluid–fluid interfaces that are too complex to track
and therefore treated with an interface‐capturing technique. In our numerical model, fluid–solid interfaces are handled with the moving Lagrangian interface technique (MLIT) and fluid–fluid interfaces with the edge‐tracked interface locator technique (ETILT). The mixed technique is tested in computation of a fluid–particle interaction problem in the presence of a fluid–fluid interface impacted by the particle. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bacteria and PAMPs activate nuclear factor κB and Gro production in a subset of olfactory ensheathing cells and astrocytes but not in Schwann cells
Authors: Vincent Adele J. , Choi‐Lundberg Derek L. , Harris Julie A. , West Adrian K. , Chuah Meng Inn
Published: April 2007

The primary olfactory nerves provide uninterrupted conduits for neurotropic pathogens to access the brain from the nasal cavity, yet infection via this route is uncommon. It is conceivable that olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), which envelope the olfactory nerves along their entire length, provide a degree of immunological protection against such infections. We hypothesized that cultured OECs would be able to mount a biologically significant response to bacteria and pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). The response of OECs to Escherichia coli (E. coli) and various PAMPs was compared to that of Schwann cells (SCs), astrocytes (ACs), and microglia (MG). A subset of OECs displayed nuclear localization of nuclear factor κB), an inflammatory transcription factor, after treatment with E. coli (20% ± 5%), lipopolysacchride (33% ± 9%), and Poly I:C (25% ± 5%), but not with peptidoglycan or CpG oligonucleotides. ACs displayed a similar level of activation to these treatments, and in addition responded to peptidoglycan. The activation of OECs and ACs was enhanced by coculture with MG (56% ± 16% and 85% ± 13%, respectively). In contrast, SCs did not respond to any treatment or to costimulation by MG. Immunostaining for the chemokine Gro demonstrated a functional response that was consistent with NFκB activation. OECs expressed mRNA for Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) 2 and 4, but only TLR4 protein was detected by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrate that OECs possess the cellular machinery that permits them to respond to certain bacterial ligands, and may have an innate immune function in protecting the CNS against infection. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predictability of drug expenditures: an application using morbidity data
Authors: García‐Goñi Manuel , Ibern Pere
Published: April 2007

The growth of pharmaceutical expenditure and its prediction is a major concern for policymakers and healthcare managers. This paper explores different predictive models to estimate future drug expenses, using demographic and morbidity individual information from an integrated healthcare delivery organization in Catalonia for years 2002 and 2003. The morbidity information consists of codified health encounters grouped through the Clinical Risk Groups (CRGs). We estimate pharmaceutical costs using several model specifications, and CRGs as risk adjusters, providing an alternative way of obtaining high predictive power comparable to other estimations of drug expenditures in the literature. These results have clear implications for the use of risk adjustment and CRGs in setting the premiums for pharmaceutical benefits. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgery for head and neck skin tumors in the elderly
Authors: Dhiwakar Muthuswamy , Khan Najib A. , McClymont Leo G.
Published: April 2007

Background.

Our aim was to determine the surgical characteristics of an elderly cohort of patients undergoing resection of head and neck skin neoplasms.

Methods.

All cases of patients with head and neck skin neoplasms (excluding malignant melanoma) who underwent surgical resection in a regional referral center over a 10‐year period were retrospectively reviewed. The study group comprised 152 patients (208 cases) aged ≥80 years. They were compared with 311 patients (430 cases) aged <80 years.

Results.

Elderly patients had higher Charlson comorbidity index, American Society of Anesthesiologists' physical status scores, dementia, and aspirin intake (all p < .05). They also had a higher incidence of scalp involvement and lower incidence of nasal involvement (both p < .05). Elderly patients had a larger lesion size at presentation and required sacrifice of a greater area of skin (both p < .05). However, they also underwent more local anesthetic procedures, although the need for local flap or skin graft repair was not increased. Two elderly patients had intraoperative tachyarrythmias induced by local anesthesia. However, no patient died within 30 days of surgery, and wound complication rate and disease‐free survival were comparable to younger patients.

Conclusion.

With careful attention to comorbid illness and perioperative monitoring, surgical resection of head and neck skin neoplasms is safe in the elderly. Lesions are more advanced at presentation and hence require sacrifice of a larger area of skin to obtain macroscopic clearance. Yet for the majority of lesions, local anesthesia is adequate and surgical resection and simple skin closure can be accomplished without the need for complex flap or skin graft reconstructions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2007
Locoregional control in patients with palpable medullary thyroid cancer: Results of standardized compartment‐oriented surgery
Authors: de Groot Jan Willem B. , Links Thera P. , Sluiter Willem J. , Wolffenbuttel Bruce H. R. , Wiggers Theo , Plukker John Th. M.
Published: April 2007

Background.

Extent of neck dissection is controversial in patients with palpable medullary thyroid cancer (MTC).

Methods.

We evaluated 64 MTC patients (19 hereditary, 45 sporadic) with palpable thyroid nodules (group 1, n = 35) or palpable lymph node metastases (group 2, n = 29). Standard surgery included total thyroidectomy, central compartment dissection, and additional neck dissection on indication.

Results.

In group 1, 40% of the patients were cured. Thirty‐one percent of all patients had central, 23% ipsilateral, 14% contralateral, and 14% mediastinal, metastases. Fifty‐one percent developed locoregional recurrence. Locoregional recurrence (p = .043) and reoperations (p = .020) were noted more often after a less than standard initial procedure. In group 2, no patients were cured. All had central, 93% ipsilateral, 45% contralateral, and 52% mediastinal metastases. Thirty‐eight percent developed locoregional recurrence.

Conclusions.

Locoregional recurrence frequently occurs in palpable MTC, and tumor control may be improved by standard central, bilateral, and upper mediastinal neck dissection. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2007
Mycobacterium fortuitum–induced persistent parotitis: Successful therapy with clarithromycin and ciprofloxacin
Authors: Chen Chien‐Cheng , Chen Shiou‐Yi , Chen Yun‐Sung , Lo Cheng‐Yu , Cheng Po‐Wen
Published: April 2007

Background.

Parotitis caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria, a very rare disease entity, has never been reported to be caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum (M. fortuitum) in the literature.

Methods and Results.

An 8‐year‐old girl was seen with painful swelling of the right parotid gland despite antibiotic treatment of more than 1 month. Elevated serum amylase activity and diffuse contrast‐enhanced CT of the parotid gland confirmed the diagnosis of parotitis. Histopathological study of specimens taken from the right parotid tail mass showed granulomatous inflammation with acid‐fast positive bacilli; culture later confirmed M. fortuitum. After administration of clarithromycin and ciprofloxacin for 9 consecutive months, the parotitis and parotid tail mass were completely resolved at follow‐up examination.

Conclusion.

To our knowledge, this is the first case report of parotitis caused by M. fortuitum and its successful medical treatment. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2007
What is the best way to represent surface conductance for a range of vegetated sites?
Authors: Komatsu Hikaru , Hotta Norifumi , Kume Tomonori
Published: April 2007

Surface conductance Gs is a significant parameter for indicating the evaporative and photosynthetic properties of a vegetated surface. When comparing Gs values between different observation sites, some studies have used Gsmax and others have used Ĝsmax (where Gsmax is the maximum Gs value measured during the measurement period, and Ĝsmax is the maximum Gs value obtained with a vapour pressure deficit (VPD) of ≥ 1·0 kPa during the measurement period).

In this study, we demonstrate a clear justification for using Ĝsmax instead of Gsmax when comparing Gs values between different sites. We examined whether both Ĝsmax and Gsmax lead to the same conclusions in classifying vegetated sites. Komatsu (2003b) [Hydrological Processes 17: 2503–2512] reported a clear relationship between canopy height h and Ĝsmax for coniferous forests with a projected leaf area index (LAI) of ≥ 3·0. We examined not only the relationship between h and Ĝsmax but also the relationship between h and Gsmax for coniferous forests with a projected LAI of ≥ 3·0.

Both Ĝsmax and Gsmax decreased with increasing h. However, the relationship between h and Gsmax was less well defined than the relationship between h and Ĝsmax because of biased Gsmax data. Consequently, we conclude that Ĝsmax is a more appropriate index than Gsmax to represent Gs for sites with different vegetation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of long‐term water and energy consumption in Tokyo on wastewater effluent: implications for the thermal degradation of urban streams
Authors: Kinouchi Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2007

The heated effluent of urban wastewater results in the thermal degradation of urban streams. To better understand the process of wastewater heating and its thermal impact on streams, a watershed‐scale water and heat balance model which accounts for water and energy supply, consumption, and transport processes within urban areas is proposed to quantify the annual and monthly mean effluent temperatures from treatment plants. The model is then applied to the central Tokyo area and shown to accurately reproduce the increase in the measured effluent temperatures over the past 34 years. The marked increasing trend in effluent temperature is attributed mainly to the increased heating of wastewater that occurred over this time period. Although there was also an increase in supply water temperature during this period, the effect of this on effluent temperature is shown to be relatively small. Of the three energy‐use sectors considered in this publication, the residential sector had the largest increase in estimated drain temperature. This increase is probably due to the increase in the amount of water and energy used for bathing, which is likely to be due to the increasing use of showers and the increasing size of bathtubs. In the commercial sector, the rise in calculated drain temperature is shown to originate from the increasing floor area and the resulting increase in energy consumption. It is shown that energy‐use changes in the residential sector are the primary cause of the rising effluent temperatures in the central Tokyo area. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Field experiment on transpiration from isolated urban plants
Authors: Hagishima Aya , Narita Ken‐ich , Tanimoto Jun
Published: April 2007

The effect of pot plant density on plant transpiration rate was examined in a series of field experiments. Three spatial densities were created using 203 nearly homogeneous pot plants; the ratios of plant separation to plant height were 0·25, 0·5, and 3 for the ‘high,’ ‘medium,’ and ‘low’ groups respectively. The daily transpiration rate of 55 pot plants was measured for 28 days. During that period, the plants were randomly rotated each day to statistically eliminate individual characteristics and to successfully ascertain the effect of plant spatial density on the transpiration rate. As a best‐case scenario, the soil for each plant was saturated at the start of each experiment. The results showed that the transpiration rate of potted plants in the ‘low’ group was about 1·5 times greater than that of the ‘high’ group. On the basis of the transpiration rate per unit of vegetation area projected on a horizontal plain, which is a general index used in meteorological modeling, the plants in the ‘low’ group evaporated 2·7 times as much water as those in the centre of the ‘high’ group. These results indicate the need for modified models that can consider the relative increase in evapotranspiration from vegetation in small‐size plants or low spatial density of vegetation to estimate latent heat flux in urban areas. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of in vivo microdialysis for studying the efficacy of protective preparations against sulfur mustard penetrating the skin
Authors: Karvaly G. , Gachályi A. , Fürész J.
Published: April 2007

Subcutaneous microdialysis was employed for monitoring thiodiglycol (2,2′‐thiodiethanol, TDG) levels with the aim of characterizing the transdermal penetration of topically applied liquid sulfur mustard (2,2′‐dichlorodiethyl sulfide, SM) in rats. TDG levels, evaluated in 20 min dialysates collected over a 6 h sampling period, were plotted against time after pooling. Linear correlation was identified between the SM dose and the mean areas under the 0–60 min or the whole curve (AUC0–60 and AUC, respectively) as well as mean peak concentrations (Cmax) in the range of 1.0–3.0 µl applied volume (7.2–21.7 nmol).

A commercially available barrier cream, a perfluoropolyether oil and a vaseline based ointment containing zinc oxide were subsequently tested as topical protectants. Each preparation was layered on the skin surface prior to the application of 2.0 µl SM. The evaluation of the efficacy of the preparations was based on obtained AUC0–60, AUC and Cmax values. A statistical comparison of these parameters with those obtained when 2.0 µl SM was applied without pretreatment indicated that the barrier cream and the perfluoropolyether oil significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the amount of penetrating SM within the sampling period. In addition, the perfluoropolyether oil almost completely prevented the penetration of SM for 20 min. Pretreatment with the ointment did not prove to be an effective countermeasure as its administration resulted in no significant reduction in AUC0–60, AUC and Cmax values. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of α‐tocopherol, propolis and piperine on therapeutic potential of tiferron against beryllium induced toxic manifestations
Authors: Nirala Satendra Kumar , Bhadauria Monika , Mathur Ramesh , Mathur Asha
Published: April 2007

The therapeutic potential of the chelator tiferron (sodium‐4,5‐dihydroxy‐1,3‐benzene disulphonate; 300 mg kg−1, i.p.) and adjuvants, i.e. α‐tocopherol (25 mg kg−1, p.o.), propolis (a honey‐bee hive product; 200 mg kg−1, p.o.) and piperine (10 mg kg−1, p.o.) were evaluated individually and in combination against beryllium induced biochemical alterations and oxidative stress consequences. Female albino rats were exposed to beryllium nitrate (1 mg kg−1, i.p.) daily for 28 days followed by treatment with the above mentioned therapeutic agents for 5 consecutive days. Administration of beryllium altered blood biochemical variables with significant depletion in hemoglobin, blood sugar, total serum protein, albumin and significant enhancement in the release of serum transaminases. A significantly increased lipid peroxidation and a decreased level of glutathione after beryllium exposure indicated oxidative stress in the liver and kidney. Beryllium exposure decreased total protein and glycogen contents, whereas triglycerides and cholesterol increased significantly in liver and kidney. Individual administration of all the four compounds showed significant therapeutic potential in reverse of some of the biochemical parameters mentioned above. Furthermore, the combination of tiferron with α‐tocopherol, propolis or piperine, respectively, could reverse all the variables significantly more towards the control. None of the test compounds showed any significant change in choleretic activity (bile flow and bile solids), indicating that these compounds had no adverse effects at these dose levels. It was concluded that all the combinations of tiferron and adjuvants played a beneficial role in reducing beryllium induced systemic toxicity at relatively lower doses and the combination of tiferron and propolis showed a more pronounced therapeutic potential. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unwritten ethics: Not just for auditors
Authors: Burton E. James
Published: April 2007

The author—dean of a business college—says that the continuing fallout from the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act has created a new set of unwritten ethical rules. And they are not just for auditors. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fusion expression of DDR2 extracellular domain in insect cells and its purification and function characterization
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ding Tianbing , Zhang Jian , Su Jin , Yu Jiangtian , Li Jipeng , Li Fuyang , Wang Chunmei , Liu Nannan , Liu Xinping , Ma Wenyu , Yao Libo
Published: April 2007

Discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) is a kind of protein tyrosine kinases associated with cell proliferation and tumor metastasis, and collagen, a ligand for DDR2, up‐regulates matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP‐1) and MMP‐2 expression in extracellular matrix (ECM). To investigate the role of DDR2 in cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we expressed the extracellular domain (ECD) of DDR2 (without signal peptide and transmembrane domain, designated DR) in insect cells, purified and characterized DR, hoping to use it as a specific antagonist of DDR2. By using Bac‐To‐Bac Expression System with a His tag, we successfully obtained the recombinant bacularvirus containing DDR2 ECD, purified it and characterized its function. The soluble fraction of DR was about 12% of the total fused protein. After chromatographic purification, DR with 92% purity was obtained. Competitive inhibition assay demonstrated that DR blocked the binding between DDR2 and natural DDR2 receptors on NIH3T3 and synovial cells. Results of RT‐PCR, Western blotting, and gelatinase zymography showed that DR was capable of inhibiting MMP‐1 and MMP‐2 secretion from NIH3T3 and RA synoviocytes stimulated by collagen II. For MMP‐1, inhibition was displayed at the levels of mRNA and protein, whereas for MMP‐2 it was at the level of protein. These findings suggested that the expressed DR inhibited the activity of natural DDR2 and relevant MMP‐1 and MMP‐2 expression in RA synoviocytes and NIH3T3 cells provoked by collagen II. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 41–51, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The transcription factor SOX17 is involved in the transcriptional control of the uteroglobin gene in rabbit endometrium
Authors: Garcia Carlos , Calvo Enrique , Nieto Antonio
Published: April 2007

The transcription of the uteroglobin gene (ug) is induced by progesterone in the rabbit endometrium, primarily through the binding of the progesterone receptor to the distal region of the ug promoter. However, other transcription factors participate in the progesterone action. The proximal ug promoter contains several putative consensus sequences for the binding of various progesterone‐dependent endometrial nuclear factors (Perez Martinez et al. [1996] Arch Biochem Biophys 333: 12–18), suggesting that several transcription factors might be implicated in the hormonal induction of ug. We report here that one of these progesterone‐dependent factors specifically binds to the sequence CACAATG (−183/−177) of the rabbit ug promoter. This sequence (hereafter called element G′) is very similar to the consensus sequence for binding of the SOX family of transcription factors. Mutation of the element G′ reduced transcription from the ug promoter in transient expression experiments. The endometrial factor was purified and analyzed by nano‐liquid chromatography and ion trap coupled mass spectrometry yielding two partial amino acid sequences corresponding to a region of SOX17 that is highly conserved inter‐species. This identification was confirmed by immunological techniques using a specific anti‐SOX17 antibody. In agreement with the above findings, overexpression of SOX17 in transfected endometrial cells increased transcription from the ug promoter. SOX17 gradually accumulated in the nucleus in vivo concomitant with the induction of ug expression by progesterone in the endometrium. Thus, these findings implicate, for the first time, SOX17 in the transcriptional control of rabbit ug. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 665–679, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of thermal stress on early and late passaged mouse lens epithelial cells
Authors: Bagchi M. , Besser D. , Reddy T.R. , Skoff R. , Maisel H.
Published: April 2007

Cataract is an age related disease of protein aggregation. It has been suggested that aging affects the cells ability to protect protein integrity. The protein integrity, which is essential for cellular homeostasis, is maintained by a complex system of refolding or degradation of damaged proteins. The heat shock proteins (hsps) are the major contributors in the maintenance of protein integrity. The heat shock transcription factor (HSF‐1) is the master regulator of all hsp synthesis in response to stress. This investigation examined the role of HSF‐1 in the regulation of hsp synthesis in early and late passaged αTN‐4 cells. Data collected in this study revealed that the nucleotide sequence of HSF‐1 mRNA obtained from early and late passaged αTN‐4 cells were identical. When early and late passaged cell were exposed to thermal stress, their hsp expression were also similar. HSP‐40 expression was detected after 2 h of heat stress, whereas HSP‐70 and low molecular weight heat shock protein αβ crystallin showed significantly increased synthesis 18 h post heat stress. The late passaged αTN‐4 cells ability to upregulate hsps in response to heat stress could be due to its high replicative activities. The data presented here suggests a relationship between the presence of functional HSF‐1 and sustained proliferative activities of the late passaged αTN‐4 cell. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 1036–1042, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nanomechanotransduction and Interphase Nuclear Organization influence on genomic control
Authors: Dalby Matthew J. , Gadegaard Nikolaj , Herzyk Pawel , Sutherland Duncan , Agheli Hossein , Wilkinson Chris D.W. , Curtis Adam SG
Published: April 2007

The ability of cells to alter their genomic regulation in response to mechanical conditioning or through changes in morphology and the organization of the interphase nuclei are key questions in cell biology. Here, two nanotopographies have been used as a model surfaces to change cell morphology in order to investigate spatial genomic changes within the nuclei of fibroblasts. Initially, centromeres for chromosome pairs were labeled and the average distance on different substrates calculated. Further to this, Affymetrix whole genome GeneChips® were used to rank genomic changes in response to topography and plot the whereabouts on the chromosomes these changes were occurring. It was seen that as cell spreading was changed, so were the positions along the chromosomes that gene regulations were being observed. We hypothesize that as changes in cell and thus nuclear morphology occur, that this may alter the probability of transcription through opening or closing areas of the chromosomes to transcription factors. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 1234–1244, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of GSK‐3β decreases NF‐κB‐dependent gene expression and impairs the rat liver regeneration
Authors: Chen Huan , Yang Shengsheng , Yang Zhifeng , Ma Li , Jiang Dandan , Mao Jifang , Jiao Binghua , Cai Zailong
Published: April 2007

Serine‐threonine protein kinase glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)‐3 is involved in regulation of many cell functions, but its role in regulating liver regeneration is unknown. Here we investigated the effects of GSK‐3β inhibition on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in the rat. The potent and selective GSK‐3β inhibitor SB216763 (0.6 mg/kg intravenously) or vehicle (10% dimethyl sulfoxide) was administered 30 min before 70% partial hepatectomy. Liver regeneration was estimated by the cell proliferation, apoptosis, and the related cell signaling and cycling proteins. In 30 min after hepatectomy in the rat, GSK‐3β was found to be translocated to the nucleus, but GSK‐3β inhibitor SB216763 that could phosphorylate residue Ser9 on GSK‐3β did not attenuated the accumulation. Consequently, the inhibition of GSK‐3β decreased the nuclear factor‐κB activity, the NF‐κB‐dependent gene expression, and COX2 expression, but enhanced p21WAF1/Cip1 transcription. Moreover, the injection of SB216763 impaired the proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) index and increased the apoptosis of liver compared to the vehicle. GSK‐3β plays an important role in rat liver regeneration. We conclude it may partially result from the inhibition of the NF‐κB pathway and enhancement of p21 WAF1/Cip1 expression. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 1281–1289, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of steroid hormones on Bufo arenarum oviduct. Ultrastructural study
Authors: Medina Marcela Fátima , Crespo Claudia Alejandra , Ramos Inés , Cisint Susana Beatriz , Fernández Silvia Nélida
Published: April 2007

The endocrine regulation of the mucosa of the oviductal pars convoluta was analyzed by ultrastructural studies demonstrating that ovariectomy, together with a decrease in ovarian steroids circulating levels, caused a marked regression in this portion of Bufo arenarum oviduct. Twenty‐five days after ovariectomy, a decrease in the depth of the epithelial and glandular layers was observed due to the notable loss of secretory cells, whose number was clearly smaller than in nonovariectomized females. The remaining secretory cells showed involution signs, with few secretory granules in their cytoplasm, little endoplasmic reticulum near poorly developed Golgi complexes and a large amount of lipid droplets. Cells in an advanced autolysis state were found in the lumen. These characteristics evidence a nonfunctional state of the pars convoluta. Treatment with 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (DHT) completely reversed the ovariectomy effect, inducing pars convoluta growths and restoring the characteristics of epithelial and glandular secretory cells in the whole pars convoluta, with micrographs similar to the control. These same effects were observed after treatment with estradiol‐17β (E2), progesterone (P) o E2+P in the glandular layer of the whole pars convoluta, but only in the epithelial layer of the most anterior region of this duct. In the secretory cells of other segments these treatments induced the formation of granules of high electron density and homogeneous aspect. Each steroid had a particular effect on the pars convoluta. Although E2 and DHT induced the development of the organoids involved in the proteins biosynthesis, P and DHT acted as secretagogues. J. Exp. Zool. 307A:312–323, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of specifically deuterated adenosine A1 antagonist: BG9928
Authors: Conlon Patrick R. , Kiesman William F.
Published: April 2007

BG9928, a high affinity adenosine A1 antagonist, is currently in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of congestive heart failure. A deuterium‐labeled version of the molecule was synthesized and used as a standard for in vivo pharmacokinetic and in vitro metabolism studies. The labeled form of 3‐[4‐(2,6‐dioxo‐1,3‐dipropyl‐2,3,6,7‐tetrahydro‐1H‐purin‐8‐yl)‐bicyclo[2.2.2]oct‐1‐yl]‐propionic acid (BG9928) was obtained in a convergent manner by joining two major building blocks: the specifically labeled heterocycle 5,6‐diamino‐1,3‐dipropyl‐1H‐pyrimidine‐2,4‐dione (4) and the hemiester 4‐(2‐methoxycarbonyl‐ethyl)‐bicyclo[2.2.2]octane‐1‐carboxylic acid (10). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of isotopically labelled thiol volatiles and cysteine conjugates for quantification of Sauvignon Blanc wine
Authors: Hebditch Katherine R. , Nicolau Laura , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: April 2007

The thiols 4‐mercapto‐4‐methylpentan‐2‐ol (4MMPOH), 3‐mercaptohexan‐1‐ol (3MH), and 3‐mercaptohexyl acetate (3MHA), which contribute to the aroma profile of Sauvignon Blanc, as well as other varieties of wine, have been synthesized with deuterium labels. The cysteinylated precursors of the thiols, 4‐(4‐methylpentan‐2‐one)‐L‐cysteine (4MMP‐cys) and 4‐(4‐methylpentan‐2‐ol)‐L‐cysteine (4MMPOH‐cys), found in grape must were also synthesized with deuterium labels. These deuterated compounds provide useful internal standards for the quantification of these thiols in wine using LCMS. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of isotopically labelled [3‐14C]‐ and [3,3‐2H2]‐5‐fluoro‐1,3‐dihydro‐1‐hydroxy‐2,1‐benzoxaborole (AN2690), a new antifungal agent for the potential treatment of onychomycosis
Authors: Baker Stephen J. , Zhang Yong‐Kang , Akama Tsutomu , Wheeler Conrad , Plattner Jacob J. , Rosser Richard M. , Reid Ronald P. , Nixon Neil S.
Published: April 2007

5‐Fluoro‐1,3‐dihydro‐1‐hydroxy‐2,1‐benzoxaborole (AN2690) is a new antifungal agent for the potential treatment of onychomycosis. During the preclinical development phase, it was necessary to synthesize the radioisotope [3‐14C]‐5‐fluoro‐1,3‐dihydro‐1‐hydroxy‐2,1‐benzoxaborole and the deuterium isotope [3,3‐2H2]‐5‐fluoro‐1,3‐dihydro‐1‐hydroxy‐2,1‐benzoxaborole for in vitro studies. We report the synthesis of these two isotopically labelled derivatives. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Old faces, new places: equity theory in cross‐cultural contexts
Authors: Bolino Mark C. , Turnley William H.
Published: April 2007

Equity theory proposes that individuals compare ratios of their own outcomes and inputs to the ratios of outcomes and inputs of others. According to this theory, if the ratios are unequal, individuals are motivated to take actions that will restore equity. Although equity theory has received considerable attention from organizational scholars, relatively few studies have investigated the cross‐cultural applicability of the theory. In this conceptual paper, the value‐orientation model of culture is used to identify the ways in which the cultural context may influence how employees conceptualize inputs and outcomes, their selection of referent others, their equity preferences, and their reactions to inequity. The paper also describes potential avenues for future investigations of equity theory in cross‐cultural settings. Finally, some practical implications of this work are discussed as well. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman scattering characterization of well‐aligned RuO2 and IrO2 nanocrystals
Authors: Korotcov Alexandru V. , Huang Ying‐Sheng , Tiong Kwong‐Kau , Tsai Dah‐Shyang
Published: April 2007

Raman spectroscopy (RS) has been used as a technique for the characterization of well‐aligned IrO2 and RuO2 nanocrystals (NCs) grown on a number of different oriented substrates under various conditions. The IrO2 and RuO2 NCs were grown via metalorganic chemical vapor deposition and reactive magnetron sputtering. The relative intensity of the three strongest Raman‐active modes, namely, the A1g, B2g and Eg modes, depends on the orientation of NCs and has been used to determine the preferred growth direction of the NCs. The redshifts and asymmetric linewidth broadening of the Raman features of IrO2 and RuO2 NCs with respect to that of their bulk counterparts were analyzed by a modified spatial correlation (MSC) model, which includes a factor of stress‐induced shift. The MSC model showed that the effects of stress and nanometric size could be separated in analyzing the observed Raman features. The usefulness of experimental RS together with the MSC model analysis as a structural and residual stress characterization technique for NCs has been demonstrated. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atomistic origin and temperature dependence of Raman optical redshift in nanostructures: a broken bond rule
Authors: Gu M. X. , Pan L. K. , Tay B. K. , Sun Chang Q.
Published: April 2007

Consistent insight is presented into the atomistic origin and temperature (T) dependence of the redshift of Raman optical modes in nanostructures from the perspective of surface bond unsaturation and the bond‐order‐length‐strength (BOLS) correlation [Sun et al., Phys Rev B 72, 134301 (2005)]. It turns out that: (1) the size‐induced redshift of Raman optical modes results from the effect of bond order deficiency of atoms on the surface and its consequences on the force constants of bonds between the under‐coordinated surface atoms; (2) the temperature‐induced redshift arises from thermally induced bond expansion and bond weakening and (3) the magnitude of vibration of atoms in the surface or surrounding defects is always greater than the fully coordinated bulk atoms, while the frequency of such under‐coordinated atoms are relatively lower. It is demonstrated that a combination of the freedoms of solid size and temperature of testing with Raman spectroscopy could lead to information about the vibrational frequency of a monatomic chain and single‐bond energy, which is beyond the scope of the traditional size‐ and temperature‐independent approaches. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanopowders and nanostructured oxides: phase transitions and surface reactivity
Authors: Pagnier T. , Boulova M. , Sergent N. , Bouvier P. , Lucazeau G.
Published: April 2007

We report on experimental characterizations of nanocrystalline oxides by Raman spectroscopy, which has proven to be a reference technique when the scale of the coherent domains becomes too small for X‐ray diffraction. Crystallite‐size modification of ZrO2 and WO3 phase diagrams along with surface modes, surface reactions and adsorbed species characterization on WO3 and SnO2 will be reviewed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman bands of double‐wall carbon nanotubes: comparison with single‐ and triple‐wall carbon nanotubes, and influence of annealing and electron irradiation
Authors: Puech P. , Flahaut E. , Bassil A. , Juffmann T. , Beuneu F. , Bacsa W. S.
Published: April 2007

We compare the G and G′2D bands of single‐, double‐ and triple‐wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs). We observe that the band shape is sensitive to the number of walls of the CNTs. For single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), the G band is composed of two distinct contributions G+ and G−, while the G band for double‐wall nanotubes is composed of one band with two main contributions from the inner and the outer tube. The G′2D band can be fitted with one Lorentzian for single‐wall tubes, while two distinct contributions are observed for double‐wall carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs). Considerable variations of the G′2D band are found with similar first order Raman spectra. Annealing influences the D‐ and RBM‐band intensities. Electron irradiation has the effect of decreasing the G‐ and D‐band wavenumbers but does not enhance the D‐band intensity considerably. The down‐shifts of the G‐ and D‐band wavenumbers are correlated and are the same for two excitation wavelengths. This is consistent with the scattering of phonons around the K‐point. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative estimation of collisional dephasing rate in the X1A1–A1A2 (410) band of formaldehyde with degenerate four wave mixing spectroscopy
Authors: Carpanese M. , De Dominicis L. , Fantoni R.
Published: April 2007

The application of degenerate four wave mixing (DFWM) spectroscopy to the study of collisional dephasing in the 1A2(410) excited band of formaldehyde has been carried out. The method relies on the measurement of DFWM signal dependence on the partial pressures of different buffer gases and in the saturated regime. Experiments were conducted with CO2, N2 and He as colliding partners to H2CO, and collisional dephasing rates γpd of the order of 1010 s−1 atm−1 were estimated. The experimental findings clearly indicate that coherence decay is the dominant mechanism, with respect to rotational energy transfer (RET), in determining the DFWM signal decreasing with pressure. The comparison between the different values of γpd measured and the literature data for γRET has been used to shed light on key factors mostly ruling the competition between decoherence and population relaxation effects. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strong‐field dressing of vibrational manifolds within ultrafast coherent Raman excitation
Authors: Gräfe Stefanie , Akimov Denis A. , Böhm Belinda , Zheltikov Aleksei M. , Scully Marlan O. , Kiefer Wolfgang , Engel Volker , Siebert Torsten
Published: April 2007

The mechanism of ultrafast, coherent Raman transitions driven at high field strengths is explored in theory and experiment. The study addresses the possibility of maintaining control of a vibrational wavepacket that is guided to a desired final state during the course of a Raman excitation by significantly perturbing the participating molecular states on the time scale of the dynamics under manipulation. Variations in the sequence and amplitude of the pulsed laser fields give direct insight into the nature of the perturbation as well as the population flow within vibrational manifolds of the electronic states involved in the transition. The excitation scheme realized in this work demonstrates control over the dynamics of a molecular system through a non‐adiabatic pathway that utilizes the full manifold of dressed states induced by the laser fields driving the transition rather than isolating the system in a decoupled dressed state common for the adiabatic passage scheme. By preparing highly excited virbrational states in molecular iodine with this scheme, it is shown that a vibrational wavepacket can be steered by controlling the phase with which the character of the field‐free states is introduced into the manifold of dressed states participating in the transition. This scheme seeks to open the possibility of using ultrafast Raman excitation for initiating and observing chemical reactions in the electronic ground state of a molecular system. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reference database of Raman spectra of biological molecules
Authors: De Gelder Joke , De Gussem Kris , Vandenabeele Peter , Moens Luc
Published: April 2007

Raman spectra of biological materials are very complex, because they consist of signals from all molecules present in cells. In order to obtain chemical information from these spectra, it is necessary to know the Raman patterns of the possible components of a cell. In this paper, we present a collection of Raman spectra of biomolecules that can serve as references for the interpretation of Raman spectra of biological materials. We included the most important components present in a cell: (1) DNA and RNA bases (adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymine and uracil), (2) amino acids (glycine, L‐alanine, L‐valine, L‐serine, L‐glutamic acid, L‐arginine, L‐phenylalanine, L‐tyrosine, L‐tryptophan, L‐histidine, L‐proline), (3) fatty acids and fats (lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, 12‐methyltetradecanoic acid, 13‐methylmyristic acid, 14‐methylpentadecanoic acid, 14‐methylhexadecanoic acid, 15‐methylpalmitic acid, oleic acid, vaccenic acid, glycerol, triolein, trilinolein, trilinolenin), (4) saccharides (β‐D‐glucose, lactose, cellulose, D‐(+)‐dextrose, D‐(+)‐trehalose, amylose, amylopectine, D‐(+)‐mannose, D‐(+)‐fucose, D‐(−)‐arabinose, D‐(+)‐xylose, D‐(−)‐fructose, D‐(+)‐galactosamine, N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosamine, chitin), (5) primary metabolites (citric acid, succinic acid, fumarate, malic acid, pyruvate, phosphoenolpyruvate, coenzyme A, acetyl coenzyme A, acetoacetate, D‐fructose‐6‐phosphate) and (6) others (β‐carotene, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, glutathione). Examples of Raman spectra of bacteria and fungal spores are shown, together with band assignments to the reference products. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NIR‐FT Raman and FT‐IR spectral investigations of the nonlinear optical chromophore p‐bromoacetanilide
Authors: Jothy V. Bena , Vijayakumar T. , Jayakumar V. S. , Udayalekshmi K. , Ramamoorthy K. , Joe I. Hubert
Published: April 2007

Vibrational spectral analysis of the hydrogen‐bonded nonlinear optical (NLO) material p‐bromo acetanilide (PBA) was carried out using NIR‐FT‐Raman and FT‐IR spectroscopy. Ab initio molecular orbital computations were performed at HF/6‐31G (d) level to derive equilibrium geometry, vibrational wavenumbers, intensities and first hyperpolarizability. The lowering of the imino stretching wavenumbers suggests the existence of strong intermolecular NH···O hydrogen bonding, which was substantiated by the natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. The vibrational spectra confirm that the charge‐transfer interaction between the NHCOCH3 group and—Br through phenyl ring is responsible for simultaneous strong IR and Raman activation of the ring mode 8a. Vibrational analysis indicates that the lowering of stretching wavenumbers of methyl group due to electronic effects simultaneously caused by induction and hyperconjugation is due to the presence of the oxygen atom. The presence of blue‐shifting H‐bonds of CH stretching wavenumbers, simultaneous activation of carbonyl stretching mode, the strong activity of low‐wavenumber H‐bond stretching vibrations and the role of intramolecular charge transfer in making the molecule NLO active have been analyzed on the basis of the vibrational spectral features. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of phytate and storage conditions on the development of the ‘hard‐to‐cook’ phenomenon in common beans
Authors: Coelho Cileide Maria Medeiros , de Mattos Bellato Cláudia , Santos Julio Cesar Pires , Ortega Edwin Moises Marcos , Tsai Siu Mui
Published: April 2007

Postharvest storage of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) can alter the color, texture, flavor and time required for cooking. These alterations have been associated with the ‘hard‐to‐cook’ phenomenon (HTC) and a reduction in the quality of the grains. HTC has been linked to the genotype, environment and/or storage conditions of the grains, but very few studies have shown the interrelationship between these factors. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the effect of two genotypes, Paraiso and Peruano, grown under the same phosphorus levels, on the development of HTC. These genotypes were evaluated for phytate, protein, tannin and phosphorus contents, hydration time and cooking time when stored for 45, 90 and 135 days, at 29 °C and 5 °C at a relative humidity of 75%. HTC was observed in Peruano after 135 days, which correlated with a reduction in the phytate content. Paraiso did not show HTC even though there was a reduction of tannins during the storage period. The lower storage temperature appeared to control HTC for both genotypes. Overall, the content of phytate can be an indicative factor for the cookability of fresh beans when the relationship between genotype and storage conditions has been determined. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry