bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preclinical efficacy on GSK‐3 inhibitors: Towards a future generation of powerful drugs
Authors: Martinez Ana
Published: February 2008

The renewed interest in glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3), involved in the molecular pathogenesis of human severe diseases, is focused on the potential of its inhibitors to treat diseases that have significant limitations in their current treatments. During the last 5 years, a lot of literature discuss progress in the search and pharmacological actions of GSK‐3 inhibitors, but now, evidence have been accumulated showing preclinical efficacy for these new drugs, in very different models of several distinct pathologies. These studies have been summarized in the present review offering promising examples for new therapies for diabetes, cancer, inflammation, Alzheimer's disease and other neurological pathologies, and mood disorders. Now, clinical human trials are awaiting to confirm the ray of hope that GSK‐3 inhibitors are arising for the future treatment of severe unmet diseases. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 28, No. 5, 773–796, 2008
Studies on search for bioactive natural products targeting TRAIL signaling leading to tumor cell apoptosis
Authors: Ishibashi Masami , Ohtsuki Takashi
Published: February 2008

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis in many transformed cells but not in normal cells and, hence, has been expected as a new anticancer strategy. During our studies on search for bioactive natural products from various natural resources such as plants and microorganisms, we recently identified several natural products which exhibited activities related to TRAIL signaling. Dimeric sesquiterpenoids isolated from Zingiberaceous plant, Curcuma parviflora, showed enhancement activity of gene expression of TRAIL‐receptor and TRAIL‐receptor protein level. Several new isoflavone natural products, named brandisianins, were isolated from Leguminosaeous plant, Millettia brandisiana, by our screening study targeting TRAIL‐receptor expression enhancement activity. A dihydroflavonol (BB1) that was extracted from Compositaeous plant, Blumea balsamifera, and fuligocandin B, a new anthranilylproline‐indole alkaloid isolated from myxomycete were found to exhibit reversal effect of TRAIL resistance activity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 28, No. 5, 688–714, 2008
A computational study of 2JHH(gem) indirect spin–spin coupling constants in simple hydrides of the second and third periods
Authors: Alkorta Ibon , Provasi Patricio F. , Aucar Gustavo A. , Elguero José
Published: February 2008

Several theoretical methods have been used to compute 2JHH in neutral, anionic and cationic HXH hydrides, X being the 14 nuclei from Li to Cl (28 molecules). Since the calculations also provide 1JXH spin–spin coupling constants (SSCC), these have also been analyzed. The best results were obtained using Second‐order polarization propagator approximation (SOPPA)/sadJ. The geminal coupling constants appear to be dependent on the electronegativity of the X‐atom. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cooperative interaction of n‐butylammonium ion with 1,3‐alternate tetrapropoxycalix [4]arene: NMR and theoretical study
Authors: Kříž Jaroslav , Dybal Jiří , Budka Jan , Makrlík Emanuel
Published: February 2008

The interaction of 1,3‐alternate tetrapropoxycalix[4]arene (1) with n‐butylammonium ion (2) in CD2Cl2 was examined using 1H, 13C and 14N NMR spectroscopy and DFT (density functional theory) calculations. NMR shows that 1 forms with 2 an equimolecular hydrogen‐bonded complex with the equilibrium constant 5.91 × 103 l/mol at 296 K. The structure of the complex can be shown to be asymmetric at 203 K, with 2 interacting by hydrogen bonds with the two ethereal oxygen atoms of one half of 1 and with the π system of the other half, but is rapidly averaged to an apparent C4h symmetry by chemical exchange at higher temperatures. Using two related but independent techniques based on transverse and rotating‐frame proton relaxation, it is shown that only an intermolecular exchange of 2 between the bound and free states takes place, in contrast to previously studied interaction of 1 with H3O+. Its correlation time is 0.169 ms. It is shown by DFT calculations that such swift exchange is not possible without a cooperative interaction of both 2 and 1 with several molecules of water present. Similarities and contrasts between the exchange processes of 2 and H3O+ bound to 1 are discussed, in particular with respect to the apparent quantum tunneling of the latter inside the molecule of the complex. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three new phenolic glycosides from the caulis of Millettia speciosa
Authors: Yin Ting , Tu Guangzhong , Zhang Qingying , Wang Bin , Zhao Yuying
Published: February 2008

Three new phenolic glycosides, millettiaspecosides AC (1–3), were isolated from the caulis of Millettia speciosa along with three known phenolic glycosides, khaephuoside B (4), seguinoside K (5), albibrissinoside B (6). Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods. The spectral analysis permitted correct assignments for 1H and 13C NMR data of compounds 4 and 5. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ionic liquids as novel and green media for clean synthesis of soluble aromatic‐aliphatic poly(amide‐ester)s containing hydroxynaphthalene urazole moiety
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Rafiee Zahra
Published: February 2008

Ionic liquids (IL)s are very attractive and environmentally acceptable solvents. They can be used as green media for a number of chemical processes. In this investigation, for the advancement of ecological safety and improvement of technological ability of this process, room temperature ionic liquids (RTIL)s and quaternary ammonium salt, tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) have been used both as an environmentally benign solvent and catalyst for the polycondensation 4‐(3‐hydroxynaphthalene)‐1,2,4‐triazolidine‐3,5‐dione (3HNTD) with aliphatic diacid chlorides, eliminating the need for a volatile organic solvent (VOS) and additional catalyst. The reaction of monomer 3HNTD with acetyl chloride was performed in N,N‐dimethylacetamide solution at different molar ratios, and the resulting mono‐, di‐, and trisubstituted derivatives were obtained in high yields and were finally used as models for polymerization reactions. The effects of various reaction parameters, such as the nature of the ILs, the amount of ILs, the reaction temperature, and the reaction time, on the yields and inherent viscosities of the resulting poly(amide‐ester)s (PAE)s were studied. Polycondensation reactions successfully proceeded in IL without any additional extra components, such as triethylamine or pyridine, which are used in similar reactions in organic solvents. Therefore, ILs can act both as solvent and catalyst. In addition to the solubility test, inherent viscosity as a measure of molecular weight was determined. PAEs were obtained in high yields with inherent viscosities ranging from 0.18 to 0.34 dl g−1. This method was also compared with conventional method for the synthesis of PAEs. Fluorimetric studies of the model compound as well as polymers were performed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Practice development in substance misuse services: changing the patient experience of services
Authors: Sims John , Kristian Marc R , Pritchard Karen , Jones Linda
Published: February 2008

This article is an honest account of the practice development unit (PDU) journey undertaken by a substance misuse service in North‐West Wales. The sustainability of such initiatives is also examined and the positive effect upon the workforce that the PDU journey can achieve is also discussed. Resistance to change within the workforce and from the employing organization is also considered, and the innovative responses to these hurdles. Inviting service users to become actively involved in the development of services can be a powerful force for sustainable changes. The involvement of individuals who have been service users is a way of contributing to the process of developing services in a creative and innovative way that strives to ensure appropriateness and quality. The issues around vulnerability and the responsibilities placed upon service providers to minimize pressure on patients are discussed. The article also identifies ways of harnessing this positive energy and the utilization of valued and varied personal experiences of clients, both of which result in empowerment of clients. The aim of the article was to provide insights into all of these aspects of the PDU journey in order to offer support for others about to embark upon it. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Living cationic polymerization of α‐methyl vinyl ethers using SnCl4
Authors: Yonezumi Motomasa , Takaku Reiko , Kanaoka Shokyoku , Aoshima Sadahito
Published: February 2008

Cationic polymerization of α‐methyl vinyl ethers was examined using an IBEA‐Et1.5AlCl1.5/SnCl4 initiating system in toluene in the presence of ethyl acetate at 0 ∼ −78 °C. 2‐Ethylhexyl 2‐propenyl ether (EHPE) had a higher reactivity, compared to corresponding vinyl ethers. But the resulting polymers had low molecular weights at 0 or −50 °C. In contrast, the polymerization of EHPE at −78 °C almost quantitatively proceeded, and the number‐average molecular weight (Mn) of the obtained polymers increased in direct proportion to the EHPE conversion with quite narrow molecular weight distributions (weight‐average molecular weight/number‐average molecular weight ≤ 1.05). In monomer‐addition experiments, the Mn of the polymers shifted higher with low polydispersity as the polymerization proceeded, indicative of living polymerization. In the polymerization of methyl 2‐propenyl ether (MPE), the living‐like propagation also occurred under the reaction conditions similar to those for EHPE, but the elimination of the pendant methoxy groups was observed. The introduction of a more stable terminal group, quenched with sodium diethyl malonate, suppressed this decomposition, and the living polymerization proceeded. The glass transition temperature of the obtained poly(MPE) was 34 °C, which is much higher than that of the corresponding poly(vinyl ether). This poly(MPE) had solubility characteristics that differed from those of poly(vinyl ethers). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2202–2211, 2008
Horseradish peroxidase immobilized in macroporous hydrogel for acrylamide polymerization
Authors: Zhao Qian , Sun Jianzhong , Ren Hua , Zhou Qiyun , Lin Qincai
Published: February 2008

Thermosensitive hydrogel made up of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA)‐chitosan semi‐interpenetrating network (semi‐IPN) with ultrarapid responding rate was synthesized. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was then immobilized on this hydrogel that acted as an enzyme‐carrier by glutaraldehyde bridge. Polymerization of acrylamide was initiated by a redox system (hydrogen peroxide/acetylacetone (Acac)) and was catalyzed by the immobilized enzyme at room temperature. The attention was focused on the properties of the carrier‐enzyme systems. The hydrogel was proofed to be macroporous by environmental scanning electron microscope images. Swelling properties of the hydrogel such as swelling ratio and deswelling–reswelling kinetics were measured. The properties of the immobilized enzyme such as enzyme activity, storage stability, and thermostability were also studied. The immobilized enzyme could be used repeatedly. Gel permeation chromatography measurement of the resulted polyacrylamide (PAAm) showed that the molecular weight reduced as the repeated times of the immobilized enzyme catalysis increased. In conclusion, the macroporous hydrogel would be a suitable enzyme carrier for practical applications in future. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2222–2232, 2008
Proteomics in rheumatology: The beginning of a fairy tale?
Authors: Lambrecht Stijn , Tilleman Kelly , Elewaut Dirk , Deforce Dieter
Published: February 2008

One of the major challenges in proteome research is to translate its applications to the setting of human diseases. Proteomics in rheumatology is an area with marked potential including applications ranging from diagnostics, over therapeutic monitoring to discovery of new potential therapeutic targets. Biomarkers will be essential to discriminate between clinical similar rheumatic diseases, to monitor disease‐states or to install the best appropriate therapy. Especially in the field of rheumatology, analysis of specific genes and/or their expression products by pharmacogenetics/‐genomics or pharmacoproteomics could be necessary to enable an effective, patient‐tailored therapy. In rheumatology, direct examination of proteins may be of utmost importance, as it is already known that PTMs, such as citrullination of proteins or peptides, may be involved in certain rheumatic diseases. The discovery and validation of antibodies directed against citrullinated proteins/peptides in rheumatic diseases using proteome analysis approaches has been described. Gel‐free methods, SELDI‐approaches and classic 2‐DE approaches have been deployed on body fluids as well as on target tissues in different rheumatic diseases. Proteomics in rheumatology is on the rise and pilot studies have indicated that the application of proteomics‐based technologies in rheumatic diseases appears to be an exciting example of translational research.
Purely quadratic dispersion of surface plasmon in Ag/Ni(111): the influence of electron confinement
Authors: Politano A. , Agostino R. G. , Colavita E. , Formoso V. , Chiarello G.
Published: February 2008

Surface plasmon dispersion in nanoscale thin Ag films deposited onto the Ni(111) surface was investigated by angle‐resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy. We found that the dispersion curve contains only the quadratic term. The vanishing of the linear term was ascribed to the presence in the film of Ag 5sp‐related quantum well states. Screening effects enhanced by electron confinement in Ag quantum well states push the position of the centroid of the induced charge of the surface plasmon less inside the interface compared to other Ag systems, rendering null the linear coefficient of the dispersion curve. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dynamic response of stream temperatures to boundary and inflow perturbation due to reservoir operations
Authors: Khangaonkar Tarang , Yang Zhaoqing
Published: February 2008

Dams and reservoir operations modify natural stream behaviour and affect the downstream characteristics such as mean temperatures and diurnal temperature amplitudes. Managing phase effects due to reservoir operation and the associated amplification of daily maximum temperatures in the downstream reaches remains a challenge. An analytical approach derived from a one‐dimensional heat advection and dispersion equation with surface heating in the form of equilibrium temperature was developed to examine the potential for restoration of natural stream temperatures. The analytical model was validated with observed temperature data collected in the Clackamas River, Oregon, and was used to highlight key downstream temperature behaviour characteristics. Mean stream temperatures below the dam are relatively stable and upon deviating from natural stream mean temperatures, return asymptotically to their natural state. In contrast, the amplitudes of daily temperature variation are highly sensitive to the phase differences induced by the dam and could nearly double in natural amplitude within the first 24 h. The analysis showed that restoring average stream temperatures to natural levels through structural and operational modifications at the dam may not be sufficient as phase‐induced temperatures maximums would continue to persist. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanoscopic distribution of potential and topography on Si (111) surface having 1 × 1 and 7 × 7 structures with and without scratching
Authors: Nakayama Keiji , Shiota Tadashi
Published: February 2008

The distribution of potential has been investigated for Si (111) surfaces having 1 × 1 and 7 × 7 structures with and without scratching. It was measured using scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy combined with non‐contact atomic force microscopy in an ultrahigh vacuum. Potential images display nanoscopic structures related to surface atomic structures, so we can distinguish 1 × 1 and 7 × 7 structures and scratched surfaces even when the topographical difference is negligible. Oxygen adsorption greatly changes the surface potential and the extent of the difference depends on the surface atomic structure. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of glutamine films on silicon substrates
Authors: Garcia Irene T. S. , Porto Fabiane G. da S. , do Amaral Queila D. F. , Carreño Neftalí L. V. , Martins Márcio M. , Wallau Martin
Published: February 2008

Amino acids and polypeptides thin films, pure or attached to polymers, present large application as sensors and biosensors. The interactions between such films and the supports, their sensorial properties, as well as the development of techniques to produce thin regular films, are still challenges in the area. In this work, we present the preparation of L‐glutamine thin films on silicon substrates, the factors that determine amino acid/silicon substrate interaction, and the morphology of the films. For this purpose, a 24 factorial design is used, taking into account the effects of the solvent system, the glutamine concentration, the temperature, as well as the pretreatment of the substrate surface. The contact angles between a drop of glutamine solution and the silicon substrate were taken for the preliminary evaluation of the affinity between the amino acid and the substrate. The results have shown six promising experimental combinations with oxidized silicon as substrate to improve the solution/substrate interaction. Three of these promising conditions involved aqueous solution of L‐glutamine and three alkalis solution. The obtained films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Rutherford backscattering (RBS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The selected experimental conditions permitted to prepare a variety of films with L‐glutamine, like small crystals, lamellas, needles, and smoothed regular films. The systems prepared in presence of alkalis solution yielded regular and smooth films. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing influence for pharmaceutical data in zero‐inflated generalized Poisson mixed models
Authors: Xie Feng‐Chang , Wei Bo‐Cheng , Lin Jin‐Guan
Published: February 2008

For clustered count data with excess zeros where the observations are either over‐dispersed or under‐dispersed, the zero‐inflated generalized Poisson mixed (ZIGPM) regression model may be appropriate, in which the baseline discrete distribution is a generalized Poisson distribution, which is a natural extension of standard Poisson distribution. Motivated by one data set drawn from a pharmaceutical study, influence diagnostics for ZIGPM models based on case‐deletion and local influence analysis are developed in this work. The one‐step approximations of the estimates under case‐deletion model and some case‐deletion measures are given. Meanwhile, local influence measures are obtained under various perturbations of the observed data or model assumptions. Results from a pharmaceutical study illustrate the usefulness of the diagnostic statistics. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of voltage sag impact on wind turbine tower vibrations
Authors: Fadaeinedjad R. , Moschopoulos G. , Moallem M.
Published: February 2008

To study the effect of voltage sag on the mechanical vibration of a wind turbine structure, a detailed model that considers the combined electrical, mechanical and aerodynamic aspects of the wind turbine must be used. A drawback of many previously published works in the area of wind turbine simulation is that they study either a very simple mechanical model with a detailed electrical model or vice versa. Therefore, the interactions between electrical and mechanical components are not accurately taken into account. In this paper, three simulation programs—TurbSim, FAST and Simulink—are used to model the wind, mechanical and electrical parts of a wind turbine and its controllers in detail. Simulation results obtained from the model are used to observe the interaction of all three factors affecting the operation of a wind turbine system. The focus of the paper is on the effect of the voltage sag on tower vibration, considering different power system characteristics (i.e. short circuit level and X/R ratio), mechanical parameter (i.e. mechanical tower damping) and wind turbine operating conditions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advancing global citizens: Afterschool and out‐of‐school time as common ground for civil society
Authors: Schneider‐Muñoz Andrew , Politz Bonnie
Published: February 2008

The key importance of after‐school and out‐of‐school time in a democratic society is the experience of activities and programs providing a common ground that extends the play of childhood into leadership opportunities for youthful learning and exploration of the world. The authors hypothesize that by focusing civic attention on the developmental quality of these out‐of‐school settings and time frames, objectives will also be better understood and reliable.
Summer learning programs and student success in the global economy
Authors: Smink Jeffrey D.
Published: February 2008

In the United States and around the rest of the world, there is a renewed focus on ensuring that schools are providing students with the skills necessary to compete in the global economy. High‐quality summer learning programs are an ideal vehicle to help students gain content knowledge and develop innovative skills: they provide time for individual exploration and hands‐on, experiential opportunities that can instill a lifelong love of learning that carries into the classroom and the workforce.
Quality out‐of‐school care in Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: Walter Christine
Published: February 2008

The out‐of‐school‐care sector, a reasonably unregulated industry, has grown quickly despite minimal government investment in comparison to early childhood care. In 2006, the New Zealand government released a draft five‐year strategic plan committing an extra $17.4 million per year to this area. This article examines the impact on providers, recipients, and quality standards with the influx of resources and attention.
Youth voices thrive in Facilitating Leadership in Youth
Authors: Detzler Mindy Larson , Van Liew Charise , Dorward Lisa Granquist , Jenkins Roneka , Teslicko David
Published: February 2008

In inner‐city Washington, D.C., lives a generation of young people for whom violence, discrimination, and poverty are a daily reality. Out‐of‐school‐time programming by Facilitating Leadership in Youth provides youth with comprehensive support and services, trusting relationships, and gradually increasing leadership opportunities to elicit positive community change.
Invariant based programming: basic approach and teaching experiences
Authors: Back Ralph-Johan
Published: February 2008

Program verification is usually done by adding specifications and invariants to the program and then proving that the verification conditions are all true. This makes program verification an alternative to or a complement to testing. We describe here another approach to program construction, which we refer to as
invariant based programming
, where we start by formulating the specifications and the internal loop invariants for the program, before we write the program code itself. The correctness of the code is then easy to check at the same time as one is constructing it. In this approach, program verification becomes a complement to coding rather than to testing. The purpose is to produce programs and software that are correct by construction. We present a new kind of diagrams,
nested invariant diagrams
, where program specifications and invariants (rather than the control) provide the main organizing structure. Nesting of invariants provide an extension hierarchy that allows us to express the invariants in a very compact manner. We have studied the feasibility of formulating specifications and loop invariants before the code itself has been written in a number of case studies. Our experience is that a systematic use of figures, in combination with a rough idea of the intended behavior of the algorithm, makes it rather straightforward to formulate the invariants needed for the program, to construct the code around these invariants and to check that the resulting program is indeed correct. We describe our experiences from using invariant based programming in practice, both from teaching programmers how to construct programs that they prove correct themselves, and from teaching invariant based programming for CS students in class.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: Reading ttable he Enemy’s Playbook
Authors: Elefteriades John A.
Published: February 2008

Background

The purpose of the present study was to use the clinical database at the Yale University Center for Thoracic Aortic Disease to shed light on the pathophysiology of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), the clinical behavior of thoracic aortic aneurysm, and the optimal clinical management.

Materials and Methods

The Yale database contains information on 3,000 patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm, with 9,000 patient‐years of follow‐up and 9,000 imaging studies. Advanced statistical techniques were applied to this information.

Results

Analysis provided the following observations: (1) TAA is a genetic disease with a predominantly autosomal dominant mode of inheritance, (2) matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymes are activated in the pathogenesis of TAA, (3) wall tension in TAA approaches the tensile limits of aortic tissue at a diameter of 6 cm, (4) by the time a TAA reaches a clinical diameter of 6 cm, 34% of affected patients have suffered dissection or rupture, (5) extreme physical exertion or severe emotion often precipitate acute dissection, and (6) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are being identified which predispose a patient to TAA.

Conclusions

The “playbook” of TAA is gradually being read, with the help of scientific investigations, positioning practitioners to combat this lethal disease more effectively than ever before.
Medical treatment of pediatric urolithiasis
Authors: Alon Uri S.
Published: February 2008

In recent years the incidence of pediatric stone disease has increased several fold, mostly due to hypercalciuria and hypocitraturia. The goal of medical treatment is to protect the patient from formation of new stones and expansion of existing ones. The non-pharmacological means to address stone disease include high fluid intake and, frequently, modification of nutritional habits. The pharmacological treatment is based on the chemical composition of the stone and the biochemical abnormalities causing its formation; hence, chemical analysis of the stone, urine and blood is of paramount importance and should be done when the first stone is detected. This review discusses the current options of medical treatment of pediatric urolithiasis.
Neurogenic bladder: etiology and assessment
Authors: Bauer Stuart B.
Published: February 2008

A review of the various causes of neurologic impairment to the lower urinary tract in children was the aim of this presentation. The emphasis was on diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment that strive to maintain as normal a function as possible in order to achieve eventual urinary continence and health of the upper urinary tract. The latest principles based on the most up to date evidence are promulgated but with an eye towards historical prospective. The reader should gain an adequate understanding of various disorders that comprise this condition and feel comfortable with proposing options for management when faced with the responsibility of caring for an affected child.
Well-posedness results for a model of damage in thermoviscoelastic materials
Authors: Bonetti Elena , Bonfanti Giovanna
Published: February 2008

This paper deals with a phase transitions model describing the evolution of damage in thermoviscoelastic materials. The resulting system is highly non-linear, mainly due to the presence of quadratic dissipative terms and non-smooth constraints on the variables. Existence and uniqueness of a solution are proved, as well as regularity results, on a suitable finite time interval.
Weight regain after slimming induced by an energy-restricted diet depends on interleukin-6 and peroxisome-proliferator-activated-receptor-γ2 gene polymorphisms
Authors: Goyenechea Estibaliz , Parra M. Dolores , Martínez J. Alfredo
Published: February 2008

Weight-loss maintenance after following an energy-restricted diet is a major problem that a number of studies are trying to characterise. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of IL-6 -174G > C and PPAR-γ2 Pro12Ala variants on weight regulation in obese subjects receiving a low-energy diet and at 1 year after the acute slimming period. Sixty-seven volunteers (age 34·7 (sd 7·0) years; BMI 35·8 (sd 4·8) kg/m2) were enrolled in a 10-week dietary intervention and were contacted again 1 year after the end of this period. Body composition was measured at three times during the study. Also, PPAR-γ2 Pro12Ala and IL-6 -174G > C polymorphisms were analysed in the participants. No statistical differences were observed depending on the genetic variants at baseline for anthropometric variables, or after the intervention. However, the C allele of the -174G > C IL-6 gene polymorphism was more frequently observed (P=0·032) in subjects with successful weight maintenance (<10 % weight regain). In fact, the C allele partially protected against weight regain (odds ratio 0·24;P=0·049), while the conjoint presence of both gene variants (C+ and Ala+) further improved the ability for weight maintenance (odds ratio 0·19;P=0·043). The present study demonstrates that the C allele of the -174G > C polymorphism gives protection against regain of weight lost. Moreover, the presence of the Ala allele of the PPARγ-2 together with the C allele strengthens this protection. These findings support a role for these polymorphisms on weight regulation and suggest a synergetic effect of both variants on weight maintenance after following a diet to lose weight.
Contribution of rumen protozoa to duodenal flow of nitrogen, conjugated linoleic acid and vaccenic acid in steers fed silages differing in their water-soluble carbohydrate content
Authors: Yáñez-Ruiz David R. , Scollan Nigel D. , Merry Roger J. , Newbold Charles J.
Published: February 2008

The present experiment was designed to estimate the quantitative contribution of rumen protozoa to the total N, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and vaccenic acid (VA;trans-11–18:1) flow to the duodenum of steers fed two silage diets: control silage (CS) and silage high in water-soluble carbohydrates (HS). Protozoal duodenal flows were estimated using a real-time PCR assay to quantify the genes encoding protozoal 18S ribosomal RNA. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was used to confirm that the rumen protozoa populations were similar to the protozoal population flowing to the duodenum. Estimated duodenal flow of protozoal N was 14·2 and 18·2 g/d (P>0·05) for animals fed the CS and HS diets respectively. Protozoal flow thus represented between 12 and 15 % of the total N duodenal flow. In terms of fatty acid flow, protozoa accounted for between 30 and 43 % of the CLA and 40 % of the VA reaching the duodenum. The contribution of protozoa to 16:0 and 18:0 flows to the duodenum was less than 20 and 10 %, respectively. These results show that the fatty acids within protozoa make up a significant proportion of the CLA and VA reaching the duodenum of ruminants.
Dietary assessment of a population of pregnant women in Sheffield, UK
Authors: Mouratidou Theodora , Ford Fiona , Prountzou Foteini , Fraser Robert
Published: February 2008

The present study examined the dietary intakes of a population of pregnant women living in the North of England. The objectives of the paper were to assess and describe the dietary intakes of the population and relate the findings to existing data on the diet of pregnant and non-pregnant women in the UK. A total of 250 pregnant women attending their first antenatal appointment at the Jessop Wing Hospital, Sheffield, UK were recruited. Information on their diet was assessed by an interviewer-administered semi-quantified food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The mean intakes as assessed by the FFQ were similar to other studies of UK pregnant population; however Sheffield pregnant women had lower intakes of calcium and folate. Study findings were also related to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey and to the Estimated Nutrient Intakes (EAR). Of the study participants, 40 % did not meet the EAR for calcium, 67 % for iron and 69 % for folate. Subgroup comparisons suggested lower nutrient intakes of participants living in the 40 % most deprived electoral wards. The study findings suggest that the diet of pregnant women in Sheffield is characterised by low intakes of important nutrients for pregnancy such as folate and nutrient variations by electoral wards.
Mixtures of SCFA, composed according to physiologically available concentrations in the gut lumen, modulate histone acetylation in human HT29 colon cancer cells
Authors: Kiefer Jeannette , Beyer-Sehlmeyer Gabriele , Pool-Zobel Beatrice L.
Published: February 2008

Intake of fibre has beneficial properties on gut health. Butyrate, a product of bacterial gut fermentation, is thought to contribute to positive effects by retarding growth and enhancing apoptosis of tumour cells. One mechanism is seen in its capacity to modulate histone acetylation and thereby transcriptional activity of genes. Next to butyrate, propionate and acetate are also major products of gut fermentation and together they may exert different potencies of cellular effects than butyrate alone. Since virtually nothing is known on combination effects by SCFA mixtures, here we had the aim to assess how physiological relevant concentrations and mixtures of SCFA modulate histone acetylation in human colon cells. HT29 colon cancer cells were incubated with mixtures of butyrate, acetate and propionate and with the individual compounds as controls. Histone acetylation was determined with acid-urea gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. Acetylated histones slowly increased over 24 h and persisted up to 72 h in butyrate-treated HT29 cells. Butyrate (5–40 mm) and propionate (20–40 mm) enhanced histone acetylation significantly after 24 h incubation, whereas acetate (2·5–80 mm) was ineffective. Mixtures of these SCFA also modulated histone acetylation, mainly due to additive effects of butyrate and propionate, but not due to acetate. In conclusion, physiological concentrations of propionate together with butyrate could have more profound biological activities than generally assumed. Together, these SCFA could possibly mediate important processes related to an altered transcriptional gene activation and thus contribute to biological effects possibly related to cancer progression or prevention.
Challenges to the Impartiality of State Supreme Courts: Legitimacy Theory and “New-Style” Judicial Campaigns
Authors: GIBSON JAMES L.
Published: February 2008

Institutional legitimacy is perhaps the most important political capital courts possess. Many believe, however, that the legitimacy of elected state courts is being threatened by the rise of politicized judicial election campaigns and the breakdown of judicial impartiality. Three features of such campaigns, the argument goes, are dangerous to the perceived impartiality of courts: campaign contributions, attack ads, and policy pronouncements by candidates for judicial office. By means of an experimental vignette embedded in a representative survey, I investigate whether these factors in fact compromise the legitimacy of courts. The survey data indicate that campaign contributions and attack ads do indeed lead to a diminution of legitimacy,in courts just as in legislatures. However, policy pronouncements, even those promising to make decisions in certain ways, have no impact whatsoever on the legitimacy of courts and judges. These results are strongly reinforced by the experiment's ability to compare the effects of these campaign factors across institutions (a state Supreme Court and a state legislature). Thus, this analysis demonstrates that legitimacy is not obdurate and that campaign activity can indeed deplete the reservoir of goodwill courts typically enjoy, even if the culprit is not the free-speech rights the U.S. Supreme Court announced in 2002.
Nutritional level and energetic source are determinants of elevated circulatory lipohydroperoxide concentration
Authors: Löhrke B. , Derno M. , Hammon H. , Metges C. , Melcher J. , Viergutz T. , Jentsch W. , Zühlke H.
Published: February 2008

Dietary energetic impact on oxidative stress is incompletely understood. Therefore, effects of diets on oxidative stress were studied using a crossover block design. In Expt 1, intake of metabolizable energy (ME) was restricted orad libitum. In Expt 2, isoenergetic and isonitrogenic diets were fed, replacing carbohydrate energy by energy of fatty acids. Circulatory lipohydroperoxides (LOOH), markers of acute oxidative stress, were expressed absolutely and in terms of cholesterol or TAG levels. In Expt 1, plasma (jugularis vein) LOOH was assayed in combination with whole-body oxidative metabolism using gas exchange and heart rate (HR) during feeding periods and at rest. In Expt 2, LOOH was assayed in plasma from portal and a large udder vein and a mesenteric artery. In Expt 1, intake increased VO2, HR and LOOH following overnight fast with higher values (P < 0·05) when feeding MEad libitum. Intake of MEad libitum(3 weeks) increased cardiac protein of cytochrome oxidase and endothelial-type nitric oxide synthase (P < 0·05), indicating adaptation of the heart to higher activity. Transient HR responses evoked by an antidiabetic drug (levcromakalim) revealed a linear positive correlation with relative LOOH (r20·79), supporting the relationship between oxidative metabolic rate and lipoperoxidation. Evidence for exogenous lipids as LOOH source provided the vessel-specific rise in LOOH through replacing carbohydrate ME by lipid ME (Expt 2). Thus, dietary energy level and energetic source are important for circulatory LOOH with a role of vascular activity in production of oxidant.
Nutritional anaemia dysregulates endocrine control of fetal growth
Authors: Mahajan S. , Aalinkeel R. , Shah P. , Singh S. , Kochupillai N.
Published: February 2008

Severe anaemia is associated with increased low birth weight and Barker's hypothesis of ‘fetal origins’ proposes that a nutritional insult during critical periods of development results in adaptations that predispose individuals to adult onset diseases. We hypothesize that endocrine alterations may occur in the maternal–fetal milieu as a consequence of nutritional anaemia during pregnancy. We examined the quantitative variations in hormonal profiles in paired maternal and cord blood samples obtained from mothers and their neonates who were classified based on maternal anaemia status. Our results show that: (1) 74·6 % of the mothers enrolled in the study were anaemic, of which 85·2 % had moderate anaemia and 14·7 % had severe anaemia; (2) anthropometric parameters measured in the mothers indicate that severely anaemic mothers had a significantly low pre- and post-pregnancy weight, a significantly decreased maternal fundal height and abdominal circumference; (3) anthropometric measures in the neonates born to severely anaemic mothers show a significant reduction in ponderal index, birth weight and placental weight; (4) significant increase in both maternal, fetal insulin-like growth factor 1, ferritin levels and increased maternal erythropoietin levels were observed with an increase in severity of anaemia; (5) decreased T3and increased prolactin levels were observed in the maternal blood of severely anaemic mothers as compared with the control group. An insight into the endocrine modulation to overcome a growth disadvantage due to nutritional anaemia in pregnancy may lead to a better understanding of fetal adaptations invoked when the maternal-placental nutrient supply fails to meet the fetal nutrient demand.
Dispersion relation of degenerated electron–positron plasma in an ultra-relativistic regime
Authors: LIU S. Q. , LIAO Y. L. , LIU X. L. , XIAO Q. S. , ZHANG W. D.
Published: February 2008

The dispersion relation for superluminal waves in degenerated and isotropic electron–positron plasmas is investigated. The dispersion equation of linear waves is derived from the relativistically correct form of the dielectric function and the Fermi distribution function. Analytical dispersion laws for the real part of the wave frequency are derived by applying the long-wavelength approximation and the short-wavelength approximation. Using the numerical simulation method, we obtain the full dispersion curve which cannot be given by an analytic method.
Test kinetic modelling of collisionless perpendicular shocks
Authors: MACKAY F. , MARCHAND R. , KABIN K. , LU J. Y.
Published: February 2008

Test kinetic simulation results are presented for perpendicular collisionless shocks in magnetized plasmas that are representative of the Earth's bow shock. In this approach, particle kinetics are described by tracing particle trajectories in prescribed electromagnetic fields obtained in the MHD approximation, and applying Liouville's theorem. This provides a first-order description of particle dynamics in complex systems, given approximate fields obtained with a low-level description of the plasma. The method also provides a useful consistency check in assessing the validity of approximate solutions such as those obtained in the ideal MHD approximation. Compared with the more familiar test particle approach, in which trajectories of randomly injected particles are followed in time, the present approach has the advantage of being numerically more efficient, and producing results without statistical errors.
Family history of depression is associated with younger age of onset in patients with recurrent depression
Authors: Tozzi F. , Prokopenko I. , Perry J. D. , Kennedy J. L. , McCarthy A. D. , Holsboer F. , Berrettini W. , Middleton L. T. , Chilcoat H. D. , Muglia P.
Published: February 2008

Background

Genetic epidemiology data suggest that younger age of onset is associated with family history (FH) of depression. The present study tested whether the presence of FH for depression or anxiety in first-degree relatives determines younger age of onset for depression.

Method

A sample of 1022 cases with recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD) was recruited at the Max Planck Institute and at two affiliated hospitals. Patients were assessed using the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry and questionnaires including demographics, medical history, questions on the use of alcohol and tobacco, personality traits and life events. Survival analysis and the Cox proportional hazard model were used to determine whether FH of depression signals earlier age of onset of depression.

Results

Patients who reported positive FH had a significantly earlier age of onset than patients who did not report FH of depression (log-rank=48, df=1,p<0.0001). The magnitude of association of FH varies by age of onset, with the largest estimate for MDD onset before age 20 years (hazard ratio=2.2,p=0.0009), whereas FH is not associated with MDD for onset after age 50 years (hazard ratio=0.89,p=0.5). The presence of feelings of guilt, anxiety symptoms and functional impairment due to depressive symptoms appear to characterize individuals with positive FH of depression.

Conclusions

FH of depression contributes to the onset of depression at a younger age and may affect the clinical features of the illness.
Muhsin Sayyid Mahdi (1926–2007)
Authors: BUTTERWORTH CHARLES E.
Published: February 2008

Muhsin Sayyid Mahdi, James Richard Jewett Emeritus Professor of Arabic at Harvard University, died on July 9 in Brookline, Massachusetts, after a long series of illnesses.
DO RISK PREMIA PROTECT AGAINST BANKING CRISES?
Authors: GERSBACH HANS , WENZELBURGER JAN
Published: February 2008

This paper examines the question to what extent premia for macroeconomic risks in banking are sufficient to avoid banking crises. We investigate a competitive banking system embedded in an overlapping-generations model subject to repeated macroeconomic shocks. We show that even if banks fully incorporate macroeconomic risks into their pricing of loans, a banking system may enter bankruptcy with probability one. A major cause for this default is that risk premia of a competitive banking system may become too small if the capital base is low.
First Experimental Results with Advanced Hexapole Cs-Correctors
Authors: P Hartel , H Müller , S Uhlemann , M Haider
Published: February 2008

Extended abstract of a paper presented at MC 2007, 33rd DGE Conference
in Saarbrücken, Germany, September 2 – September 7, 2007
Verification of Electron Magnetic Chiral Dichroism in a TEM by Reversing
the Specimen's Magnetisation
Authors: C Hurm , J Zweck , M Stöger-Pollach , S Rubino , C Hébert , P Schattschneider
Published: February 2008

Extended abstract of a paper presented at MC 2007, 33rd DGE Conference
in Saarbrücken, Germany, September 2 – September 7, 2007
Structural investigation of amorphous/crystalline interfaces by iterative
image series matching
Authors: K Thiel , T Niermann , M Seibt , N I Borgardt
Published: February 2008

Extended abstract of a paper presented at MC 2007, 33rd DGE Conference
in Saarbrücken, Germany, September 2 – September 7, 2007
Relativistic Ionisation Cross-Sections for use in Microanalysis
Authors: Rokahr A-K , Pokroppa F , Kohl H
Published: February 2008

Extended abstract of a paper presented at MC 2007, 33rd DGE Conference
in Saarbrücken, Germany, September 2 – September 7, 2007
Structural analysis of cell-mineral aggregates in geomicrobiological
samples by SEM
Authors: Schaedler S , Kappler A , Burkhardt C
Published: February 2008

Extended abstract of a paper presented at MC 2007, 33rd DGE Conference
in Saarbrücken, Germany, September 2 – September 7, 2007
Towards Quantitative Electron-Holographic Tomography
Authors: Wolf D
Published: February 2008

Extended abstract of a paper presented at MC 2007, 33rd DGE Conference
in Saarbrücken, Germany, September 2 – September 7, 2007
2dx – User Friendly Image Processing (and Merging) for 2D
Crystals
Authors: Gipson B , Zeng X-Y , Stahlberg H , Wouts R
Published: February 2008

Extended abstract of a paper presented at MC 2007, 33rd DGE Conference
in Saarbrücken, Germany, September 2 – September 7, 2007
Ultrastructural Analysis of Brefeldin A-Induced Compartment Formation
after High Pressure Freeze Fixation of Maize Root Epidermis
Authors: Hause G , Jahn S , Samaj J , Baluska F , Menzel D
Published: February 2008

Extended abstract of a paper presented at MC 2007, 33rd DGE Conference
in Saarbrücken, Germany, September 2 – September 7, 2007
Alginate encapsulation improves viability and integrity of cryopreserved
pancreatic islets and multicellular spheroids: combined fluorescence,
scanning and block-face scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Katsen-Globa A , Ehrhart F , Zimmermann H , Feilen P , Weber M M
Published: February 2008

Extended abstract of a paper presented at MC 2007, 33rd DGE Conference
in Saarbrücken, Germany, September 2 – September 7, 2007
Correlative CLSM-SEM microscopy of synaptic proteins in primary neuronal
cultures
Authors: Sann H , Zdobnova I , Kreutz M R , Zuschratter W
Published: February 2008

Extended abstract of a paper presented at MC 2007, 33rd DGE Conference
in Saarbrücken, Germany, September 2 – September 7, 2007
Properties of the Virus of the Tobacco Mosaic on the Si(111)
Surface
Authors: Shpak A P , Karbovsky V L , Korniyuk T A , Kurgan N A
Published: February 2008

Extended abstract of a paper presented at MC 2007, 33rd DGE Conference
in Saarbrücken, Germany, September 2 – September 7, 2007