bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful paclitaxel-based chemotherapy for an alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer patient with multiple liver metastases
Authors: Takeyama Hiromitsu , Sawai Hirozumi , Wakasugi Takehiro , Takahashi Hiroki , Matsuo Yoichi , Ochi Nobuo , Yasuda Akira , Sato Mikinori , Okada Yuji , Funahashi Hitoshi , Akamo Yoshimi , Manabe Tadao
Published: July 2007

Background

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-producing gastric cancer is known to frequently cause multiple liver metastases and to have an extremely poor prognosis.

Case presentation

A 64-year-old Japanese man admitted to our hospital was diagnosed with gastric cancer with liver metastases. He underwent a total gastrectomy with splenectomy, and pathological stage IV disease according to the classification proposed by the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association was assigned. The histological diagnosis was poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, and tumor production of AFP was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Following surgery, the patient received combination chemotherapy consisting of TS-1 and paclitaxel. Initially, AFP levels decreased dramatically and computed tomography (CT) revealed regression of liver metastases. However, multiple new liver metastases appeared and serum AFP levels increased after 5 months. A regimen of 5-FU plus paclitaxel followed by paclitaxel monotherapy was used next. Serum AFP levels once again decreased and CT showed regression or disappearance of liver metastases. The patient currently has a very good quality of life, and is receiving weekly paclitaxel monotherapy as an outpatient. No progression of liver metastases has been observed to date.

Conclusion

We consider this rare case to have significant value with respect to treatment of AFP-producing gastric cancer with multiple liver metastases, and propose that combining surgery with chemotherapeutic agents such as paclitaxel may lead to a better prognosis in such cases.
Phenotype and envelope gene diversity of nef-deleted HIV-1 isolated from long-term survivors infected from a single source
Authors: Gray Lachlan , Churchill Melissa J , Sterjovski Jasminka , Witlox Kristie , Learmont Jennifer C , Sullivan John S , Wesselingh Steven L , Gabuzda Dana , Cunningham Anthony L , McPhee Dale A , Gorry Paul R
Published: July 2007

Background

The Sydney blood bank cohort (SBBC) of long-term survivors consists of multiple individuals infected with attenuated, nef-deleted variants of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) acquired from a single source. Long-term prospective studies have demonstrated that the SBBC now comprises slow progressors (SP) as well as long-term nonprogressors (LTNP). Convergent evolution of nef sequences in SBBC SP and LTNP indicates the in vivo pathogenicity of HIV-1 in SBBC members is dictated by factors other than nef. To better understand mechanisms underlying the pathogenicity of nef-deleted HIV-1, we examined the phenotype and env sequence diversity of sequentially isolated viruses (n = 2) from 3 SBBC members.

Results

The viruses characterized here were isolated from two SP spanning a three or six year period during progressive HIV-1 infection (subjects D36 and C98, respectively) and from a LTNP spanning a two year period during asymptomatic, nonprogressive infection (subject C18). Both isolates from D36 were R5X4 phenotype and, compared to control HIV-1 strains, replicated to low levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). In contrast, both isolates from C98 and C18 were CCR5-restricted. Both viruses isolated from C98 replicated to barely detectable levels in PBMC, whereas both viruses isolated from C18 replicated to low levels, similar to those isolated from D36. Analysis of env by V1V2 and V3 heteroduplex tracking assay, V1V2 length polymorphisms, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed distinct intra- and inter-patient env evolution.

Conclusion

Independent evolution of env despite convergent evolution of nef may contribute to the in vivo pathogenicity of nef-deleted HIV-1 in SBBC members, which may not necessarily be associated with changes in replication capacity or viral coreceptor specificity.
Delayed presentation of an isolated gallbladder rupture following blunt abdominal trauma: a case report
Authors: Bainbridge Jonathan , Shaaban Hossam , Kenefick Nick , Armstrong Christopher P.
Published: July 2007

Background

Blunt injuries to the gallbladder occur rarely, and the incidence of isolated damage to the gallbladder is even smaller. We report a case of delayed presentation of isolated rupture of the gallbladder following blunt trauma to the abdomen.

Case presentation

A 65 year old lady presented through the Emergency Department with a 1 week history of blunt trauma to her abdomen. She complained of continued epigastric pain which radiated through to her back and right upper quadrant. On presentation, the patient had a low grade temperature, hypotension and mild tachycardia. Abdominal examination revealed right upper quadrant tenderness with no localised peritonism. C-reactive protein was 451. An abdominal CT showed a moderate amount of ascitic fluid in the perihepatic space. The patient underwent a laparotomy, which revealed a ruptured gallbladder with free bile. There was no evidence of any associated injuries to the surrounding organs. Partial cholecystectomy was done in view of the friable nature of the gallbladder. Post operatively, a persistent bile leak was managed successfully with endoscopic sphincterotomy and stenting.

Conclusion

Rupture of the gallbladder due to blunt injuries to the abdomen occurs from time to time and may constitute a diagnostic challenge especially with delayed presentation. Partial cholecystectomy is a safe option in cases where friability of the wall renders formal cholecystectomy inadvisable. Endoscopic sphincterotomy and stenting is a safe and effective treatment for persistent post operative bile leaks.
Development of Cerium-based Conversion Coating on AZ31 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Salman S A , Ichino Ryoichi , Okido Masazumi
Published: July 2007

The use of chromate baths is being progressively restricted owing to the high toxicity of the hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) compounds. In this work, chemical conversion coating on AZ31 (3% Al, 1% Zn) magnesium alloy was performed by immersion in 5 mM Ce(NO3)3 solution with and without addition of Al(NO3)3 and Ca(OH)2. It was noted that addition of Al(NO3)3 and Ca(OH)2 to the cerium-based solution enhanced the surface properties and the corrosion resistance from anodic polarization in a 0.017 mol/L NaCl and 0.1 mol/L Na2SO4 solution at 298 K.
Electrochemical Reduction of TiO2 in Molten LiCl–Li2O
Authors: Hur Jin-Mok , Lee Su-Chul , Jeong Sang-Mun , Seo Chung-Seok
Published: July 2007

An investigation into the electrochemical reduction of TiO2 to Ti in molten LiCl–Li2O has been performed. Analysis of the time-dependent changes of a phase composition shows that the reduction proceeds through lithium-containing intermediates consisting of LiTi2O4 and LiTiO2. The reduction of TiO2 in molten LiCl–Li2O allows a much lower reaction temperature compared to the conventional reduction process in molten CaCl2.
Anionic Control of Autonomous Motion of Oil/Water Interface with Cationic Surfactant
Authors: Ban Takahiko , Suzuki Sho , Abe Syuichi , Shioi Akihisa
Published: July 2007

Autonomous motions of an oil/water interface can be controlled by hydrophobicity of an anion and its chemical reaction with a cationic surfactant. Hydrophobic anions generate a rhythmical motion of the contact line, and hydrophilic anions induce the Marangoni instability. A cooperative effect of them causes an outstanding motion of the interface.
Perfluoroalkylation of α-Methylstyrene Using Titanium Oxide as a Photocatalyst
Authors: Iizuka Mari , Fukushima Shoju , Yoshida Masato
Published: July 2007

A redox system for fluoroalkylation with perfluoroalkyl iodide using TiO2 as a photocatalyst was developed. Photoirradiation of perfluoroalkyl iodide and α-methylstyrene in CH3CN in the presence of TiO2 and NaBF4 gave α-fluoroalkylstyrene.
Superior Electrocatalysis of Spin-coated Titanium Oxide Electrodes for the Electrochemical Ozone Production
Authors: Mohammad Ahmad M , Kitsuka Kenta , Kaneda Kazuhiro , Awad Mohamed I , Abdullah Aboubakr M , Ikematsu Mineo , Ohsaka Takeo
Published: July 2007

A cheap spin-coated Si/TiOx/Pt/TiOx electrode is fabricated and proved to possess an excellent catalysis for ozone electrogeneration. A high current efficiency of 2.5% was obtained at 33 mA cm−2 in 10 mM HClO4 at room temperature.
Photochromism and Chirality Propagation of Chromene Amphiphile Aggregates in Aqueous Ethanol Solutions
Authors: Kawasaki Takayoshi , Horie Sayaka , Asaoka Kentarou , Manaka Yuichi , Yonamine Yusuke , Okahata Yoshio
Published: July 2007

Spectroscopic and morphologic characteristics of an racemic chromene cationic amphiphile 1+ having a chiral camphor sulfonate counter anion ((+) or (−) CS∗−) were studied in aggregates in aqueous ethanol solutions. The media-dependent photochromism of 1+/CS∗− and the enantio-preferential selective ring-closing process after UV irradiation were observed owing to the propagation of the chirality from the counter anion CS∗−.
Some Comparisons among Quadratic, Spherical, and Logarithmic Scoring Rules
Authors: Bickel J. Eric
Published: July 2007

Strictly proper scoring rules continue to play an important role in probability assessment. Although many such rules have been developed, relatively little guidance exists as to which rule is the most appropriate. In this paper, we discuss two important properties of quadratic, spherical, and logarithmic scoring rules. From an ex post perspective, we compare their rank order properties and conclude that both quadratic and spherical scoring perform poorly in this regard, relative to logarithmic. Second, from an ex ante perspective, we demonstrate that in many situations, logarithmic scoring is the method least affected by a nonlinear utility function. These results suggest that logarithmic scoring is superior when rank order results are important and/or when the assessor has a nonlinear utility function. In addition to these results, and perhaps more important, we demonstrate that nonlinear utility induces relatively little deviation from the optimal assessment under an assumption of risk neutrality. These results provide both comfort and guidance to those who would like to use scoring rules as part of the assessment process.
From the Editor…
Authors: Keller L. Robin
Published: July 2007

This issue begins with two articles on probability scoring rules, “Some Comparisons Among Quadratic, Spherical, and Logarithmic Scoring Rules” by J. Eric Bickel and “The Parimutuel Kelly Probability Scoring Rule” David J. Johnstone. Next, Mats Danielson, Love Ekenberg, Jim Idefeldt, and Aron Larsson describe their multiple attribute approach to aiding public decision making in Sweden in “Using a Software Tool for Public Decision Analysis: The Case of Nacka Municipality.” Finally, Sandra Hoffman, Paul Fischbeck, Alan Krupnick, and Michael McWilliams present their method for gathering and characterizing multiple experts’ judgments and apply it to food safety risks in the United States in “Eliciting Information on Uncertainty from Heterogeneous Expert Panels to Improve Risk-Based Decision-Making: A Demonstration from Food Safety.”
Implicit theories of a desire for fame
Authors: Maltby John , Day Liz , Giles David , Gillett Raphael , Quick Marianne , Langcaster‐James Honey , Linley P. Alex
Published: July 2007

The aim of the present studies was to generate implicit theories of a desire for fame among the general population. In Study 1, we were able to develop a nine‐factor analytic model of conceptions of the desire to be famous that initially comprised nine separate factors; ambition, meaning derived through comparison with others, psychologically vulnerable, attention seeking, conceitedness, social access, altruistic, positive affect, and glamour. Analysis that sought to examine replicability among these factors suggested that three factors (altruistic, positive affect, and glamour) neither display factor congruence nor display adequate internal reliability. A second study examined the validity of these factors in predicting profiles of individuals who may desire fame. The findings from this study suggested that two of the nine factors (positive affect and altruism) could not be considered strong factors within the model. Overall, the findings suggest that implicit theories of a desire for fame comprise six factors. The discussion focuses on how an implicit model of a desire for fame might progress into formal theories of a desire for fame.
Closing the (Protective Services) Gap: Why Size Does Matter When Determining Optimal Level 2 Service Delivery
Authors: Townsley Michael , Bond John W
Published: July 2007

The September 2005 review of policing structure in England and Wales by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) is considered in terms of its impact on forces' ability to detect volume crime (crime types that occur in relatively large numbers). We demonstrate that there is no relationship between force size and detection rates, however there is a difference with respect to the means of detecting volume crime. Smaller forces tend to record a greater proportion of their volume crime detections through forensic means. We explore one possibility of this observation — greater forensic deployment due to lower demand or better management — and find some evidence to support better management of forensic resources in smaller forces.
On the Decline of n = 1 Research in Behaviour Change: The Rise of the Evidence-Based Practice Movement as One Explanation for the Trend
Authors: Molloy Geoffrey N. , Murphy Gregory C. , King Neville J.
Published: July 2007

Paradoxically, the rise of the evidence-based practice (EBP) movement with its growing reliance on the execution of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) has been associated with a fall in the conduct of single-case research. Sharpley, among others, is concerned with this trend because it ignores the complementarity of single-case and group experimentation. We argue that the view that EBP should be founded predominantly on group data is untenable on both scientific and practical grounds.
The Impact of Ruminative Processing on the Development of Intrusive Memories
Authors: Williams Alishia D. , Moulds Michelle L.
Published: July 2007

Despite substantial evidence of the detrimental effects of ruminative self-focus, paradoxically (as noted and reviewed by Watkins, 2004) there are clear suggestions that under some circumstances self-focused attention can actually promote well-being and confer benefits. We sought to replicate the findings of Watkins (2004) that adopting an abstract/analytical mode of processing following a negative event results in increased spontaneous intrusions of the event; that is, results in poor emotional processing. In the current study 57 low (BDI-II ≤ 7) and 59 high (BDI-II ≥ 12) dysphoric undergraduate participants viewed a four minute emotion-eliciting video, were randomly assigned to an analytical, experiential, or distraction processing condition, then monitored the frequency of video-related intrusions. Results indicated the effectiveness of the video in inducing moderately distressing intrusions, and suggest that the hypothesised effects of ruminative self-focus on intrusion severity may be dependent upon the self-referential nature of the material to be processed. Results did support previous findings (Williams & Moulds, 2007) that intrusion-related distress is not merely a function of intrusion frequency. Directions for future investigations of the cognitive processes that are important in the maintenance of depressive disorders are discussed.
Book Reviews
Authors: ELLISON JAMES
Published: July 2007

Prisoners of Freedom: Human Rights and the African Poor. Harri Englund. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2006. xi + 247 pp., photograph, figure, notes, references, index.
Prophecy and the near future: Thoughts on macroeconomic, evangelical, and punctuated time
Authors: GUYER JANE I.
Published: July 2007

A view from 1950s and 1960s Britain suggests that the public culture of temporality in the United States has shifted from a consequential focus on reasoning toward the near future to a combination of response to immediate situations and orientation to a very long‐term horizon. This temporal perspective is most marked in the public rhetoric of macroeconomics, but it also corresponds in remarkable ways to evangelicals' views of time. In this article, I trace the optionality and consonance of this shift toward the relative evacuation of the near future in religion and economics by examining different theoretical positions within each domain. In conclusion, I suggest that the near future is being reinhabited by forms of punctuated time, such as the dated schedules of debt and other specific event‐driven temporal frames.
Pragmatic paradoxes and ironies of indigeneity at the “edge” of Hopi sovereignty
Authors: RICHLAND JUSTIN B.
Published: July 2007

In this article, I explore the paradoxes of language, cultural difference, and law in Hopi jurisprudence. In it, I analyze the metapragmatic “talk about courtroom talk,” whereby actors frame court discourse in shifting relations to Hopi cultural distinctiveness and sovereignty, exemplifying how language mediates the cultural politics of Hopi law. I thus argue for a reconsideration of the usual binaries of indigenous identity—in which claims to cultural distinctiveness are either libratory or reifying, autochthonous or other determined—suggesting that a sharper picture of cultural politics takes these antinomies together as the ironic dialectics constituting the emergent “edge” of indigenous governance today.
Overexpression of the S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 in thyroid cancer
Authors: Chiappetta Gennaro , De Marco Carmela , Quintiero Alfina , Califano Daniela , Gherardi Simona , Malanga Donatella , Scrima Marianna , Montero-Conde Cristina , Cito Letizia , Monaco Mario , Motti Maria Letizia , Pasquinelli Rosa , Agosti Valter , Robledo Mercedes , Fusco Alfredo , Viglietto Giuseppe
Published: July 2007

Loss of expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 through enhanced protein degradation frequently occurs in human cancer. Degradation of p27 requires ubiquitination by the S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2), a member of the F-box family of Skp1–Cullin–F-box protein ubiquitin ligases. In the present study, we have investigated the role of Skp2 in human thyroid tumours. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that Skp2 was overexpressed significantly in thyroid carcinomas (26 out of 51) compared with goitres (0 out of 12, P<0.001) or adenomas (1 out of 10, P<0.05), and that high Skp2 expression was detected more often in anaplastic thyroid (ATC; 83%, n=12) than follicular thyroid (FTC; 40%, n=20) or papillary thyroid (PTC; 42%, n=19) carcinomas (P<0.05). Thyroid cancer cell lines and tissues with high levels of Skp2 protein presented high p27 degradation activity and there was an inverse correlation between Skp2 and p27 expression in thyroid cancer tissues (n=68; P<0.05). In most cases, the observed overexpression of Skp2 protein was paralleled by an increase in the levels of Skp2 mRNA, and we observed Skp2 gene amplification at 5p13 in 2 out of 6 cell lines and in 9 out of 23 primary tumours (six out of eight ATCs, two out of nine PTCs and one out of six FTCs) using Q-PCR and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. Finally, in vitro experiments demonstrated that suppression of Skp2 expression drastically reduced proliferation of thyroid cancer cells and, conversely, forced expression of Skp2 circumvented serum dependency and contact inhibition in Skp2-negative cells by promoting p27 degradation. These findings indicate that Skp2 plays an important role for the development of thyroid cancer.
Critical assessment of new risk factors for breast cancer: considerations for development of an improved risk prediction model
Authors: Santen Richard J , Boyd Norman F , Chlebowski Rowan T , Cummings Steven , Cuzick Jack , Dowsett Mitch , Easton Douglas , Forbes John F , Key Tim , Hankinson Susan E , Howell Anthony , Ingle James
Published: July 2007

The majority of candidates for breast cancer prevention have not accepted tamoxifen because of the perception of an unfavorable risk/benefit ratio and the acceptance of raloxifene remains to be determined. One means of improving this ratio is to identify women at very high risk of breast cancer. Family history, age, atypia in a benign biopsy, and reproductive factors are the main parameters currently used to determine risk. The most powerful risk factor, mammographic density, is not presently employed routinely. Other potentially important factors are plasma estrogen and androgen levels, bone density, weight gain, age of menopause, and fracture history, which are also not currently used in a comprehensive risk prediction model because of lack of prospective validation. The Breast Cancer Prevention Collaborative Group (BCPCG) met to critically examine and prioritize risk factors that might be selected for further testing by multivariate analysis using existing clinical material. The BCPCG reached a consensus that quantitative breast density, state of the art plasma estrogen and androgen measurements, history of fracture and height loss, BMI, and waist–hip ratio had sufficient priority for further testing. As a practical approach, these parameters could be added to the existing Tyrer–Cuzick model which encompasses factors included in both the Claus and Gail models. The BCPCG analyzed potentially available clinical material from previous prospective studies and determined that a large case/control study to evaluate these new factors might be feasible at this time.
Effects of a phytoestrogen-containing soy extract on the growth-inhibitory activity of ICI 182 780 in an experimental model of estrogen-dependent breast cancer
Authors: Gallo Daniela , Mantuano Elisabetta , Fabrizi Manuela , Ferlini Cristiano , Mozzetti Simona , De Stefano Ilaria , Scambia Giovanni
Published: July 2007

The study reported here was designed to determine whether a phytoestrogen-containing soy extract (SSE) could negate/overwhelm the inhibitory effects of ICI 182 780 on the growth of estrogen-sustained human breast cancer xenografts (MCF-7), in ovariectomized athymic mice. As expected, estradiol-supplemented tumors did not grow over the study period in ICI 182 780-treated females; concomitant administration of 50 mg/kg per day SSE slightly potentiated the inhibitory activity of the drug, while at 100 mg/kg per day, SSE partially negated ICI 182 780 activity. In keeping with these in vivo outcomes, we observed that the level of cyclin D1 (and progesterone receptor) in MCF-7 xenografts was considerably reduced by ICI 182 780, an effect enhanced by concomitant treatment with 50 SSE, but reduced by the higher dosage (i.e. 100 mg/kg per day). Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) and kallikrein 6 (KLK6) levels were also reduced following ICI 182 780, although to a lesser degree; again, combined anti-estrogen and SSE produced a dose-dependent regulation in TSP-1 and KLK6 tumor level, with a further reduction in the mRNA gene expression at 50 SSE (compared with ICI 182 780) and a partial reversion of the drug-induced down-regulation at 100 mg/kg per day. No modulation was detected in the serum concentration of IGF-1 (a potent mitogen for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cell lines) either upon treatment with ICI 182 780 or concomitant administration of the anti-estrogen with SSE. In conclusion, results from this study raise concerns about the consumption of isoflavone supplements in conjunction with ICI 182 780 therapy, in postmenopausal women with estrogen-dependent breast cancer.
Aroclor-1254 affects mRNA polyadenylation, translational activation, cell morphology, and DNA integrity of rat primary prostate cells
Authors: Cillo Fabiana , de Eguileor Magda , Gandolfi Fulvio , Brevini Tiziana A L
Published: July 2007

Environmental xenobiotics have been shown to act as endocrine disruptors and to be implicated in increased cancer susceptibility. In particular, there is a significant concern regarding the impact of these contaminants on prostate cancer development and progression. However, the mechanisms with which these contaminants exert their detrimental effects are yet unclear and need to be further elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Aroclor-1254, a mixture of more than 60 environmental pollutants belonging to the polychlorinated biphenyl family, on rat prostate primary cultures. The results obtained after 24-h exposure indicated the ability of this contaminant mixture to influence mRNA stability and length of the 3′-end poly(A)tail of Connexin-32, Connexin-43, and heat shock protein-70. Consistent with this observation, immunostaining experiments demonstrated the altered availability of the encoded proteins. We also focused our attention on possible effects of Aroclor-1254 on cell morphology and could detect ultrastructural changes with gap junction disruption, fusion of single cells into clusters, and different aspects of apoptosis that became evident when exposure to Aroclor-1254 was extended to 72 h. The effects on the nuclear compartment were confirmed by the results obtained with Comet assay that showed DNA decompression and double-strand breaks already after 24-h exposure. Taken together, these findings show a detrimental effect of Aroclor 1254 on rat prostate cells and indicate a possible association between exposure to polychlorinated biphenyl mixture and induction of transformation process in prostate cells.
Different somatic alterations of the HRPT2 gene in a patient with recurrent sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism carrying an HRPT2 germline mutation
Authors: Cetani F , Pardi E , Ambrogini E , Viacava P , Borsari S , Lemmi M , Cianferotti L , Miccoli P , Pinchera A , Arnold A , Marcocci C
Published: July 2007

Early onset of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and multiglandular involvement suggest a familial form in which germline mutation of a PHPT-related gene(s) and a somatic event at the same locus can be often demonstrated. We investigated the involvement of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) and HRPT2 genes in a 39-year-old man with recurrent PHPT. PHPT was firstly diagnosed at the age of 21 and the patient had two recurrences separated by extended periods of normocalcemia. This unusual history prompted us to investigate other family members and study the MEN1 and HRPT2 genes. An HRPT2 germline missense mutation in exon 3 (R91P) was found in the index case, which was associated with different HRPT2 somatic alterations in each of the three examined parathyroid tumors. These findings are consistent with Knudson’s ‘two hit’ concept of biallelic inactivation of classical tumor suppressor genes. Screening of 15 asymptomatic relatives was negative for the R91P germline mutation. All the three abnormal parathyroid specimens showed cystic features at histology and were negative for parafibromin immunostaining. In one specimen, diffuse parafibromin staining was evident in a rim of normal parathyroid tissue surrounding the adenomatous lesion. Our study shows that different somatic genetic events at the HRPT2 locus are responsible for the asynchronous occurrence of multiple adenomas in a patient carrying an HRPT2 germline mutation. The finding of diffuse parafibromin staining in a rim of normal parathyroid tissue, but not in the contiguous adenomatous lesion, reinforces the concept that loss of parafibromin expression is responsible for the development of parathyroid tumors in this setting.
Parafibromin immunoreactivity: its use as an additional diagnostic marker for parathyroid tumor classification
Authors: Juhlin C C , Villablanca A , Sandelin K , Haglund F , Nordenström J , Forsberg L , Bränström R , Obara T , Arnold A , Larsson C , Höög A
Published: July 2007

Parafibromin is a protein product derived from the hyperparathyroidism 2(HRPT2) tumor suppressor geneand its inactivation has been coupled to familial and sporadic forms of parathyroid malignancy. In this study, we have conducted immunohistochemistry on 33 parathyroid carcinomas (22 unequivocal and 11 equivocal) using four parafibromin antibodies directed to different parts of the protein. Furthermore, for a fraction of cases, the immunohistochemical results were compared with known HRPT2 mutational status. Our findings show that 68% (15 out of 22) of the unequivocal carcinomas exhibited reduced expression of parafibromin while the 25 sporadic adenomas used as controls were entirely positive for parafibromin expression. Additionally, three out of the six carcinomas with known HRPT2 mutations showed reduced expression of parafibromin. Using all four antibodies, comparable results were obtained on the cellular level in individual tumors suggesting that there exists no epitope of choice in parafibromin immunohistochemistry. The results agree with the demonstration of a ~60 kDa product preferentially in the nuclear fraction by western blot analysis. We conclude that parafibromin immunohistochemistry could be used as an additional marker for parathyroid tumor classification, where positive samples have low risk of malignancy, whereas samples with reduced expression could be either carcinomas or rare cases of adenomas likely carrying an HRPT2 mutation.
Distribution of Genes, Recombination, and Repetitive Elements in the Maize Genome
Authors: Fengler Kevin , Allen Stephen M. , Li Bailin , Rafalski Antoni
Published: July 2007

A high‐density genetic map of maize (Zea mays L.), integrated with a high‐resolution bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) contig map compiled from two inbred lines, B73 and Mo17, was used to determine gene density and recombination frequency along chromosomes and to compare the distribution of these features as a function of physical distance. Recombination frequency is well correlated with gene density for each chromosome (r = 0.767–0.960), although in centromeric regions, recombination is more depressed than a strict correlation with gene density would indicate. In addition, the distribution of major retrotransposon classes and of Mu and Helitron insertion sites were examined. Overall retrotransposon density is equal at all maize chromosomes (r = 0.996), although different classes of retrotransposons display preferential insertion into different chromosome regions. Cinful, Zeon, and Prem are more common near the centromere, while Opie, Ji, and Huck preferentially reside at the subtelomeric segments of chromosomes. Grande does not show preference in distribution relative to physical location on the chromosome. Comparison of the distribution of genic overgo probe hybridization‐positive BACs from maize inbred line B73 to those of the inbred Mo17 indicates that nonshared genic segments, many of which correspond to pseudogenes carried by the Helitron elements, tend to be less common in the centromeric region. As previously reported, Mu transposons seem to preferentially insert in the vicinity of genes, as indicated by their paucity in centromeric regions, and moderate correlation (r = 0.759) with gene density.
Sequence Variation at Candidate Loci in the Starch Metabolism Pathway in Sorghum: Prospects for Linkage Disequilibrium Mapping
Authors: Hamblin Martha T. , Salas Fernandez Maria G. , Tuinstra Mitchell R. , Rooney William L. , Kresovich Stephen
Published: July 2007

Sorghum bicolor, an important component of human diets in many parts of the developing world, has attributes that should make it very suitable for linkage disequilibrium (LD) mapping of complex traits: low sequence diversity, moderately extensive LD, and natural homozygosity. Sorghum endosperm quality, which determines the grain's suitability for preparation of local food products, varies greatly among cultivars, and is genetically complex; some of the genes involved are likely to be in the starch metabolism pathway. To assess the prospects for linkage disequilibrium mapping of variation in endosperm quality, we have surveyed DNA sequence variation in 15 genes in the starch metabolism pathway in a panel of cultivars that vary in grain quality traits. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variation was found at all loci, including a strong candidate for the causal mutation underlying a waxy phenotype. Levels of LD varied but were generally moderate to high (average ZnS = 0.56), while non‐singleton SNP frequency was low to moderate (π at silent sites ranged from 0.00026 to 0.0068), resulting in a fairly low haplotype diversity that can be captured by a moderate number of “tag SNPs” at most loci. These results suggest that association mapping of candidate genes in sorghum can be done with relatively few markers, resulting in lower costs and a smaller multiple testing problem than in more diverse species such as maize (Zea mays L.).
Computational design of novel cyclic urea as HIV-1 protease inhibitor
Authors: Vijjulatha Manga , Kanth S.
Published: July 2007

A series of novel cyclic urea molecules 5,6-dihydroxy-1,3-diazepane-2,4,7-trione as HIV-1 protease inhibitors were designed using computational techniques. The designed molecules were compared with the known cyclic urea molecules by performing docking studies, calculating their ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) properties and protein ligand interaction energy. These novel molecules were designed by substituting the P 1/P′ 1 positions (4th and 7th position of 1, 3-diazepan-2-one) with double bonded oxygens. This reduces the molecular weight and increases the bioavailability, indicating better ADME properties. The docking studies showed good binding affinity towards HIV-1 protease. The biological activity of these inhibitors were predicted by a model equation generated by the regression analysis between biological activity (log 1/K i ) of known inhibitors and their protein ligand interaction energy. The synthetic studies are in progress.
Electrical characteristics of HTS/manganite double layers
Authors: Nurgaliev Timur , Štrbík Vladimír , Miteva Snezhanka , Blagoev Blagoi , Mateev Emil , Neshkov Lyubomir , Beňačka Štefan , Chromik Štefan
Published: July 2007

Superconductor/ferromagnetic (SC/FM) Y1Ba2Cu3O7−δ /La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (YBCO/LSMO) double layers were prepared on LaAlO3 substrates by magnetron sputtering and their electrical and microwave parameters were investigated at 77 K. In the theoretical plan, simple formulas for estimation of the sensitivity of the SC surface impedance to the concentration changes of normal charge carriers were proposed and the surface resistance R S peculiarities of both SC and FM surfaces were described. Thinner YBCO/LSMO structure was characterized by lower SC parameters and higher surface resistance R S at ∼ 4 GHz. The difference of R S of sample SC surfaces was interpreted as due to a difference between the normal charge carrier densities in these samples. R S of the FM surface was higher than that of the SC surface due to the microwave losses of the magnetic subsystem. A peak of the microwave losses, observed in the thicker double layer, was assumed to be caused by uniform FMR in the LSMO film.
Detection of IncP replicon-specific regions in DNA from Antarctic microbiota
Authors: Imperio Tatiana , Bargagli Roberto , Marri Laura
Published: July 2007

Plasmids capable of horizontal transfer contribute to the adaptability of bacteria, as they may provide genes that enable their hosts to cope with different selective pressures. Only limited information is available on plasmids from Antarctic habitats, and up until now surveys have only used traditional methods of endogenous plasmid isolation. The method based on primer systems, designed on the basis of published sequences for plasmids from different incompatibility (Inc) groups, is appropriate to detect the replicon-specific regions of corresponding plasmids in cultured bacteria, or in total community DNA, which share sufficient DNA similarity with reference plasmids at the amplified regions. In this study, we applied broad-host-range plasmid-specific primers to DNA from microbial samples collected at six different locations in Northern Victoria Land (Antarctica). DNA preparations were used as targets for PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification with primers for the IncP (trfA2) and IncQ (oriV ) groups. PCR products were Southern blotted and hybridized with PCR-derived probes for trfA2 and oriV regions. This approach detected the occurrence of IncP-specific sequences in eight out of fifteen DNA samples, suggesting a gene-mobilizing capacity within the original habitats.
High ethanol tolerance of the thermophilic anaerobic ethanol producer Thermoanaerobacter BG1L1
Authors: Georgieva Tania , Mikkelsen Marie , Ahring Birgitte
Published: July 2007

The low ethanol tolerance of thermophilic anaerobic bacteria, generally less than 2% (v/v) ethanol, is one of the main limiting factors for their potential use for second generation fuel ethanol production. In this work, the tolerance of thermophilic anaerobic bacterium Thermoanaerobacter BG1L1 to exogenously added ethanol was studied in a continuous immobilized reactor system at a growth temperature of 70°C. Ethanol tolerance was evaluated based on inhibition of fermentative performance e.g. inhibition of substrate conversion. At the highest ethanol concentration tested (8.3% v/v), the strain was able to convert 42% of the xylose initially present, indicating that this ethanol concentration is not the upper limit tolerated by the strain. Long-term strain adaptation to high ethanol concentrations (6–8.3%) resulted in an improvement of xylose conversion by 25% at an ethanol concentration of 5% v/v, which is the concentration required in practice for economically efficient product recovery. For all ethanol concentrations tested, relatively high and stable ethanol yields (0.40–0.42 g/g) were seen. The strain demonstrated a remarkable ethanol tolerance, which is the second highest displayed by thermophilic anaerobic bacteria known to the authors. This appears to be the first study of the ethanol tolerance of these microorganisms in a continuous immobilized reactor system.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Efficient and One‐Pot Synthesis of Diarylacetylenes from the Reaction of Aryl Chlorides with 2‐Methyl‐3‐butyn‐2‐ol
Authors: Yi Chenyi , Hua Ruimao , Zeng Hanxiang , Huang Qiufeng
Published: July 2007

An efficient and practical synthetic method has been developed for the preparation of symmetrical diarylacetylenes from the direct reaction of aryl chlorides with 2‐methyl‐3‐butyn‐2‐ol catalyzed by palladium(II) chloride‐bis(tricyclohexylphosphine) [PdCl2(PCy3)2] under mild reaction conditions. Unsymmetrical diarylated acetylenes could be also obtained by using two different aryl chlorides simultaneously. The catalytic procedure includes a novel one‐pot palladium‐catalyzed, double Sonogashira coupling of inactivated aryl chlorides without use of copper(I) as co‐catalyst.
Highly Efficient Direct Carboxylation of Propane into Butyric Acids Catalyzed by Vanadium Complexes
Authors: Kirillova Marina V. , da Silva José A. L. , da Silva João J. R. Fraústo , Palavra António F. , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: July 2007

A direct and highly efficient carboxylation of propane by carbon monoxide into butyric acids (mainly isobutyric and, in a smaller amount,n‐butyric), in the presence of potassium peroxodisulphate (K2S2O8) and in trifluoroacetic acid solution, has been achieved by using a vanadium catalytic system based on Ca[V{ON(CH(CH3)COO)2}2] (syntheticamavadine), its model compounds Ca[V{ON(CH2COO)2}2] or [VO{N(CH2CH2O)3}] – other simpler vanadium compounds, such as [VO(acac)2] or VOSO4, are less active. Overall yields (based on propane) of carboxylic acids up to 70 % and TON values up to 18.4×103have been reached. The effects of various factors such as the propane and carbon monoxide pressures, temperature, time, catalyst amount and radical traps have been investigated, the reactions are shown to proceed viabothC‐ andO‐centred radicals, with K2S2O8playing the role of an oxidantviaa free radical mechanism.
Hybrid Organic‐Inorganic Materials Derived from a Monosilylated Hoveyda‐type Ligand as Recyclable Diene and Enyne Metathesis Catalysts
Authors: Elias Xavier , Pleixats Roser , Man Michel Wong Chi , Moreau Joël J. E.
Published: July 2007

The synthesis of a monosilylated Hoveyda‐type monomer is described as well as the preparation of several organic‐inorganic hybrid materials derived from it by sol‐gel processes and by anchoring to commercial silica gel and MCM‐41. The resulting materials were treated with first and/or second generation Grubbs’ catalyst to generate Hoveyda–Grubbs’ type alkylidene ruthenium complexes covalently bonded to the silica matrix. These materials are efficient recyclable catalysts for the ring‐closing metathesis reaction of dienes and enynes, even for the formation of tri‐ and tetrasubstituted olefins.
4,4′‐Disubstituted‐L‐proline Catalyzes the Direct Asymmetric Michael Addition of Aldehydes to Nitrostyrenes
Authors: Gu Liu‐qun , Zhao Gang
Published: July 2007

In a search for small organic molecules as catalysts for the direct asymmetric Michael addition reaction of aldehydes to nitrostyrenes, 4,4′‐di(naphthalene‐1‐ylmethyl)‐L‐proline 1c and a catalytic amount of 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) were found to be an efficient system for the Michael addition of aldehydes to nitrostyrenes with high diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity and broad substrate range.
Fast and Chemoselective Transfer Hydrogenation of Aldehydes Catalyzed by a Terdentate CNN Ruthenium Complex [RuCl(CNN)(dppb)]
Authors: Baratta Walter , Siega Katia , Rigo Pierluigi
Published: July 2007

Aromatic, aliphatic and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes are quickly, quantitatively and chemoselectively reduced to primary alcohols with 2‐propanol using 0.05–0.01 mol % of the terdentate CNN ruthenium complex RuCl(CNN)(dppb) (1) [HCNN=6‐(4′‐methylphenyl)‐2‐pyridylmethylamine; dppb=Ph2P(CH2)4PPh2] in the presence of potassium carbonate (K2CO3; 1–10 mol %) as a weak base, affording TOF values up to 5.0×105 h−1.
Metal Triflate‐Catalyzed Regio‐ and Stereoselective Friedel–Crafts Alkenylation of Arenes with Alkynes in an Ionic Liquid: Scope and Mechanism
Authors: Yoon Mi Young , Kim Jin Hong , Choi Doo Seoung , Shin Ueon Sang , Lee Jin Yong , Song Choong Eui
Published: July 2007

In the metal triflate‐catalyzed hydroarylation of alkynes, employing an ionic liquid dramatically enhanced the catalytic activities, resulting in broadening the scope of substrates (arenes and alkynes). In some cases, even reactions that were not possible in conventional organic solvents proceeded smoothly in ionic liquids. Moreover, the ionic liquid phase containing catalyst could be readily recovered by simple decantation of the organic layer after reaction and reused for the following runs without any significant loss of activity. Mechanistic studies including 13C NMR analysis of reaction intermediates and isotope experiments confirmed for the first time that this type of reaction proceeds via vinyl cationic intermediates.
Comparative Investigation of Hoveyda–Grubbs Catalysts bearing Modified N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands
Authors: Ledoux Nele , Linden Anthony , Allaert Bart , Mierde Hans Vander , Verpoort Francis
Published: July 2007

This paper reports the structural modification of Hoveyda–Grubbs complexes through the introduction of either an N‐alkyl‐N′‐mesityl heterocyclic carbene, an N‐alkyl‐N′‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) heterocyclic carbene, or an N‐alkyl‐N′‐alkyl heterocyclic carbene. The effect of the modified N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand was investigated in representative ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) and cross metathesis (CM) reactions. A pronounced influence on both catalyst activity and selectivity was found to be exerted by the NHC amino substituents, which emphasizes that a rigorously selected steric environment is critical in olefin metathesis catalyst design.
Catalytic Synthesis of Peptide‐Derived Thiazolines and Oxazolines using Bis(quinolinolato)dioxomolybdenum(VI) Complexes
Authors: Sakakura Akira , Kondo Rei , Umemura Shuhei , Ishihara Kazuaki
Published: July 2007

Bis(2‐ethyl‐8‐quinolinolato)dioxomolybdenum(VI) (9) (1 mol %) shows remarkable catalytic activity for the dehydrative cyclization of cysteine‐containing dipeptides 1 to give the corresponding thiazolines 2 with less than 6 % epimerization at the C2‐exomethine position. For the dehydrative cyclization of threonine‐containing dipeptides 4, 1 mol % of bis(2‐phenyl‐8‐quinolinolato)dioxomolybdenum(VI) (10) gives the corresponding oxazolines 5 with retention of configuration at the 5‐position.
Synthesis and Characterization of N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Substituted Phosphine and Phosphite Rhodium Complexes and their Catalytic Properties in Hydrogenation Reactions
Authors: Herrmann Wolfgang A. , Frey Guido D. , Herdtweck Eberhardt , Steinbeck Martin
Published: July 2007

Mixed N‐heterocyclic carbene‐substituted phosphine and phosphite complexes of rhodium were prepared, starting from [Rh(COE)2Cl]2 (COE=cyclooctene) by addition of free N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) and PR3. All new complexes were characterized by spectroscopy. In addition, the structures of trans‐chloro(1,3‐dicyclohexylimidazol‐2‐ylidene)‐bis(triphenylphosphite)rhodium(I) (5), chloro‐trans‐bis(1,3‐dicyclohexylimidazol‐2‐ylidene) (triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I) (6), and chloro(η4‐1,5‐cyclooctadiene)(1,3‐di‐[(1R,2S,5R)‐2‐isopropyl‐5‐menthylcyclohex‐1‐yl]imidazol‐2‐ylidene)rhodium(I) (8) were determined by single crystal X‐ray analyses. The hydrogenation of cyclohexene using molecular hydrogen has been optimized for some N‐heterocyclic carbene‐substituted phosphine and phosphite rhodium complexes by variation of the reaction conditions.
Practical Enantioselective Synthesis of β‐Lactones Catalyzed by Aluminum Bissulfonamide Complexes
Authors: Kull Thomas , Peters René
Published: July 2007

The development of an efficient and practical aluminum‐bissulfonamide complex catalyzed enantioselective formation of β‐lactones by [2+2] cycloaddition of ketene (generated in situ from acetyl bromide by dehydrobromination) with various α‐unbranched and ‐branched aliphatic aldehydes is presented. The methodology offers the advantage of operational simplicity not only as the ligand synthesis requires just a single sulfonylation step from commercially available enantiomerically pure diamines. The products are formed in high to excellent yields with ee values typically ranging from 78 to 90 % using 10 mol % of the bissulfonamide ligand. The key finding of this work was a remarkable rate acceleration by using an aluminum/ligand ratio of 1.5:1.
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis and Inhibitory Activities of Hyacinthacines A1 and A2 Stereoisomers
Authors: Calveras Jordi , Casas Josefina , Parella Teodor , Joglar Jesús , Clapés Pere
Published: July 2007

A novel straightforward chemoenzymatic procedure for the synthesis of hyacinthacine stereoisomers based on the aldol addition of dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) to N‐Cbz‐prolinal under catalysis by L‐rhamnulose 1‐phosphate aldolase from E. coli is presented. The synthesis is complemented by a simple and effective purification protocol consisting of ion‐exchange chromatography on CM‐sepharose. As examples, (−)‐hyacinthacine A2 [the enantiomer of (+)‐hyacinthacine A2], 7‐deoxy‐2‐epialexine (the enantiomer of 3‐epihyacinthacine A2), ent‐7‐deoxyalexine (the enantiomer of 7‐deoxyalexine) and 2‐epihyacinthacine A2 were synthesized by these procedures and characterized for the first time. These new isomers were assayed as inhibitors of glycosidases. As a result, (−)‐hyacinthacine A2 demonstrated to be a good inhibitor of α‐D‐glucosidase from rice whereas the natural enantiomer, hyacinthacine A2, was not. Moreover, a new family of inhibitors of α‐L‐rhamnosidase was uncovered.