bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous Plasma‐Producing Structures at Current Implosion of a Wire Array
Authors: Grabovsky E. V. , Mitrofanov K. N. , Nedoseev S. L. , Oleinik G. M. , Porofeev I. Yu. , Samokhin A. A. , Frolov I. N.
Published: November 2005

Characteristic properties of the plasma production process have been considered for the case of megampere currents flowing through hollow cylindrical wire arrays of the Angara‐5‐1 facility. In 3‐4 nanoseconds after voltage applying to the wire surfaces there appear a plasma layer. The system becomes heterogeneous, i.e. consisting of a kernel of metal wires and a plasma layer. In several nanoseconds the current flow goes from metal to plasma, which results in reducing the electric field strength along the wire.

The Joule heat energy delivered to the metal before the moment of complete current trapping by plasma is insufficient for the whole mass transition to a hot plasma state. The X‐ray radiography techniques made it possible to detect and study dense clusters of substance of ∼1g/cm3 at a developed discharge stage. The radial expansion velocity of ∼104 cm/s measured at the 70‐th nanosecond after the current start allows treating the dense core at a late stage in the form of a submicron heterogeneous structure from its liquid and slightly ionized gas phase. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sheath in Front of a Negatively Biased Collector that Emits Electrons and is Immersed in a Two Electron Temperature Plasma
Authors: Gyergyek T. , Čerček M.
Published: November 2005

An extension of a recently published [Gyergyek T., Čerček M. Contrib. Plasma Phys., 45, (2005), 89] one dimensional fluid model of the sheath formation in front of a floating electrode (collector) that emits secondary electrons and is immersed in a two‐electron temperature nonmagnetized, collisionless plasma is presented. The electron velocity distribution function is assumed to be a two‐temperature maxwellian, while the singly charged positive ions and the emitted electrons are assumed to be monoenergetic. It is assumed that the electrons in the pre‐sheath potential drop obey the Boltzmann relation, so that a larger fraction of the hot than of the cool electrons can penetrate to the sheath edge. Our model predicts that the collector can in some cases have 3 and in some cases, when the emission of electrons from the collector is critical, even 5 different floating potentials at the same hot to cool electron temperature and density ratios very far away from the collector. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Collagen type I signaling reduces the expression and the function of human receptor activator of nuclear factor ‐κB ligand (RANKL) in T lymphocytes
Authors: Gendron Steve , Couture Julie , Aoudjit Fawzi
Published: November 2005

The mechanisms by which β1 integrins modulate T cell functions are still poorly defined. We have previously reported that signaling via the collagen type I (Coll I) receptor, α2β1 integrin, inhibited FasL expression and protected Jurkat T cells from activation‐induced cell death (AICD). In this study, we examined whether Coll I signaling in T cells also modulates the expression of the human receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL), a recently identified TNF family member which has important functions in osteoclastogenesis, cell survival and apoptosis. Our results show that in both Jurkat T cells and human primary T cells, Coll I signaling significantly reduces activation‐induced RANKL expression by 50–60%. We also found that RANKL is not involved in AICD but participates in doxorubicin‐induced apoptosis of leukemia T cell lines including Jurkat, CEM and HSB‐2. In this respect, Coll I protected leukemia T cell lines from doxorubicin‐induced apoptosis by inhibiting doxorubicin‐induced RANKL expression. Together, our results suggest that by limiting the production of RANKL, Coll I signaling may contribute to the resistance of leukemia T cells to chemotherapy. Our study also emphasizes the importance Coll I signaling may have in the control of RANKL‐associated T cell functions.
Automated SIA e‐Tongue Employing a Voltammetric Biosensor Array for the Simultaneous Determination of Glucose and Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Gutés A. , Ibáñez A. B. , del Valle M. , Céspedes F.
Published: November 2005

An automated voltammetric electronic tongue has been designed employing a biosensor array formed by three different enzymatic Glucose Oxidase (GOD) electrodes and the Sequential Injection Analysis principle. The system is used for its automated training and operation devised for determining glucose and one of its classical interferents, ascorbic acid. The three enzymatic biosensors contain GOD and different metallic catalysts in order to decrease the working potential and to differentiate the response of primary species and interferents. Linear sweep voltammetry has been the chosen technique for data generation and artificial neural networks have been used as the modeling tool. Different learning algorithms have been tried in order to obtaining the best architecture for the neural network. Glucose has been determined in different fruit juice samples by employing this system, correcting the ascorbic acid contents.
Metabolism of arsenic in Drosophila melanogaster and the genotoxicity of dimethylarsinic acid in the Drosophila wing spot test
Authors: Rizki Mostapha , Kossatz Elk , Velázquez Antonia , Creus Amadeu , Farina Massimo , Fortaner Salvador , Sabbioni Enrico , Marcos Ricardo
Published: November 2005

Inorganic arsenic is nongenotoxic in the Drosophila melanogaster wing somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART). Recent evidence in mammalian systems indicates that methylated metabolites of arsenic are more genotoxic than inorganic arsenic. Thus, we hypothesized that inorganic arsenic is nongenotoxic in Drosophila because they are unable to biotransform arsenic to methylated forms. In the present study, we fed trivalent and pentavalent inorganic arsenic to Drosophila larvae and adults and measured the production of methylated derivatives. No biomethylated arsenic species were found in the organisms or in the growth medium, which suggests that Drosophila are unable to biomethylate inorganic arsenic. Exposure of Drosophila to the methylated arsenic derivative dimethylarsinic acid (DMA(V)) resulted in incorporation of this organoarsenic compound without demethylation. In addition, we used the SMART wing spot assay, which measures loss of heterozygosity (LOH) resulting from gene mutation, chromosomal rearrangement, chromosome breakage, and chromosome loss, to evaluate the genotoxicity of DMA. DMA by itself induced significant increases in the frequency of total spots, small spots, and large single spots. These results are consistent with the important role of arsenic biomethylation as a determinant of the genotoxicity of arsenic compounds. The absence of biomethylation in Drosophila could explain the lack of genotoxicity for inorganic arsenic and the genotoxicity of methylated arsenic species in the SMART wing spot assay. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Local Assessment Concepts for the Structural Durability of Complex Loaded Components
Authors: Sonsino, C. M. , Fischer G.
Published: November 2005

As fatigue damage is a local phenomenon, the design of components must put emphasis on local supportable stress/strain values. In critical areas of components, because of local stress/strain concentrations and appertaining stress/strain gradients, much higher local values can be allowed than the usual design data obtained with unnotched specimens. Only the knowledge of these local values can realize light‐weight design exploiting the material limits.

Using component examples like pressure vessels, gears and wheel‐hub assemblies, different variants of local concepts, i.e. strain and stress based methods, are presented for assessing their structural durability. For this, an interaction of numerical and experimental procedures, supported by experience, is necessary.
Effects of residual stresses on the fatigue behaviour of welded steel structures
Authors: Fricke W.
Published: November 2005

Residual stresses due to the welding process in steel structures can significantly affect the fatigue behaviour. Usually, high tensile residual stresses up to the yield strength are conservatively assumed at the weld toes. This conservative assumption can result in misleading fatigue assessments. Areas with compressive residual stresses may be present in complex structures, where the details are less critical than predicted. This is shown in the paper by the example of fillet‐welded stiffener ends, where beneficial compressive residual stresses cause the initiation of fatigue cracks at other locations in less‐strained areas. Another example for the effects of residual stresses concerns the stress initiation and propagation at a structural detail under fully compressive load cycles. Fatigue cracks are possible here due to high tensile residual stress fields. The conclusion is that the welding‐induced residual stresses should be known in advance for a reliable fatigue assessment, which becomes possible to an increasing extent by numerical welding simulation.
Structural durability of magnesium alloys and components
Authors: Werdin S. , Troßmann T. , Gugau M. , Kotte K. L.
Published: November 2005

The fatigue behaviour of the magnesium die cast alloys AZ91, AE42 and AM50 was investigated at constant amplitude and in variable amplitude tests. The ambient conditions of these tests varied between laboratory air at room temperature, at 125 °C and a permanent influence of NaCl‐solution at room temperature. More than 40 test series were analysed in a generalized way to determine standardized slopes of S‐N curves and mean stress sensitivity. The behaviour of the three alloys was investigated also in strain‐controlled cyclic tests at normal and elevated temperature. Based on this substantial data set several variants of methods following both the nominal‐stress concept and the local‐strain approach were applied to determine guidelines to improve the reliability of lifetime estimation of components made of magnesium.

The corrosion fatigue behaviour of these magnesium alloys was extensively investigated under rotating bending to clarify the damaging influence of the corrosive load component. Under simultaneous action of corrosion and cyclic mechanical loading several influencing factors have to be considered which attain special importance during the testing of magnesium alloys.
Cyanobacterial toxins – occurrence, biosynthesis and impact on human affairs
Authors: Dittmann Elke , Wiegand Claudia
Published: November 2005

Mass developments of cyanobacteria (“blue‐green algae”) in lakes and brackish waters have repeatedly led to serious concerns due to their frequent association with toxins. Among these are the widespread hepatotoxins microcystin (MC) and nodularin (NOD). Here, we give an overview about the ecostrategies of the diverse toxin‐producing species and about the genes and enzymes that are involved in the biosynthesis of the cyclic peptides. We further summarize current knowledge about toxicological mechanisms of MC and NOD, including protein phosphatase inhibition, oxidative stress and their tumor‐promoting capabilities. One biotransformation pathway for MC is described. Mechanisms of cyanobacterial neurotoxins (anatoxin‐a, homanatoxin‐a, and anatoxin‐a(s)) are briefly explained. We highlight selected cases of human fatalities related to the toxins. A special focus is given to evident cases of contamination of food supplements with cyanobacterial toxins, and to the necessary precautions.
Desmopressin treatment in nocturia; an analysis of risk factors for hyponatremia
Authors: Rembratt A. , Riis A. , Norgaard J.P.
Published: November 2005

Aims

To explore the incidence, severity, time course, and risk factors of clinically significant hyponatremia in desmopressin treatment for nocturia.

Methods

Data from three multi‐center phase III trials were pooled. Hyponatremia was categorised as borderline (134–130 mmol/L) or significant (<130 mmol/L). Risk factors were explored with logistic regression and subgroup analysis performed to explore threshold values for contra‐indication.

Results

In total 632 patients (344 men, 288 women) were analyzed. During dose‐titration, serum sodium concentration below normal range was recorded in 95 patients (15%) and 31 patients (4.9%) experienced significant hyponatremia. The risk increased with age, lower serum sodium concentration at baseline, higher basal 24‐hr urine volume per bodyweight and weight gain at time of minimum serum sodium concentration. Age was the best single predictor. Elderly patients (≥65 years of age) with a baseline serum sodium concentration below normal range were at high risk (75%). Limiting treatment in elderly with normal basal serum sodium concentration to those below 79 years and with a 24‐hr urine output below 28 ml/kg would reduce the risk from 8.1% to 3.0% at the cost of 34% fulfilling the contra‐indication.

Conclusions

The majority of nocturia patients tolerate desmopressin treatment without clinically significant hyponatremia. However, the risk increases with increasing age and decreasing baseline serum sodium concentration. Treatment of nocturia in elderly patients with desmopressin should only be undertaken together with careful monitoring of the serum sodium concentration. Patients with a baseline serum sodium concentration below normal range should not be treated. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differences in muscle activation patterns during pelvic floor muscle contraction and Valsalva manouevre
Authors: Thompson Judith A. , O'Sullivan Peter B. , Briffa N. Kathryn , Neumann Patricia
Published: November 2005

Aims

To investigate the different muscle activation patterns around the abdomino‐pelvic cavity in continent women and their effect on pressure generation during a correct pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction and a Valsalva maneuver.

Methods

Thirteen continent women were assessed. Abdominal, chest wall, and PFM activity and vaginal and intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP), were recorded during two tasks: PFM contraction and Valsalva whilst bladder base position was monitored on trans‐abdominal ultrasound. A correct PFM contraction was defined as one that resulted in bladder base elevation and a Valsalva resulted in bladder base depression.

Results

Comparison of the mean of the normalized EMG activity of all the individual muscle groups was significantly different between PFM contraction and Valsalva (P = 0.04). During a correct PFM contraction, the PFM were more active than during Valsalva (P = 0.001). During Valsalva, all the abdominal muscles (IO (P = 0.006), EO (P < 0.001), RA (P = 0.011)), and the chest wall (P < 0.001) were more active than during PFM contraction. The change in IAP was greater during Valsalva (P = 0.001) but there was no difference in the change in vaginal pressure between PFM contraction and Valsalva (P = 0.971).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a difference in muscle activation patterns between a correct PFM contraction and Valsalva maneuver. It is important to include assessment of the abdominal wall, chest wall, and respiration in the clinical evaluation of women performing PFM exercises as abdominal wall bracing combined with an increase in chest wall activity may cause rises in IAP and PFM descent. Neurourol. Urdynam. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pediatric paraganglioma: An early manifestation of an adult disease secondary to germline mutations
Authors: Mora Jaume , Cascón Alberto , Robledo Mercedes , Catala Albert
Published: November 2005

Background

Paraganglioma (PGL) and phaeochromocytoma (PCC) are chemotherapy and radiation‐resistant neuroendocrine tumors that arise from sympathetic tissue, and rarely occur in children. PCC may be associated with predisposing (germline) conditions like the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2; OMIM 164761), von Hippel‐Lindau syndrome (VHL; OMIM 193300), and rarely neurofibromatosis type 1 syndrome (NF1; OMIM 162200) and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1; OMIM 131100). PGL, on the other hand, may be related to predisposing germline conditions like the familial PGL syndrome and the NF1 syndrome. In adult studies, one of the highest predisposing factors for germline mutation among patients presenting apparently sporadic PCC/PGL was their age at presentation. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of germline mutations among the rare patients presenting with sporadic PGL during childhood.

Procedure

In this study, we report the genetic analysis for predisposing conditions for the only three PGL cases retrospectively identified at our pediatric institution in the last 20 years.

Results

None had NF1 clinical associated lesions. Mutation screening of genes associated to VHL (VHL), MEN (RET), and familial PGL (SDH‐B, ‐C, and ‐D) showed that all cases had germline deletions in the SDHB gene. We report a novel mutation, c.778 del C. Importantly, several non‐symptomatic relatives were found to be carriers, thus ensuring them a clinical follow‐up.

Conclusion

According to our findings, PGL presenting during childhood represents an early manifestation of an adult disease caused by predisposing germline mutations. These results underline the importance of genetic studies in pediatric PGLs. Pediatric Blood Cancer 2006;47:785–789. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Visualisation and analysis of proteomic data from the procyclic form of Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Jones Andrew , Faldas Anne , Foucher Aude , Hunt Ela , Tait Andy , Wastling Jonathan M. , Turner C. Michael
Published: November 2005

We have undertaken a large scale study of the proteins expressed in the procyclic form of the parasite Trypanosoma brucei, which causes African sleeping sickness, using 2‐DE and MS. The complete data set encompasses over 2000 identifications, of which 770 are distinct proteins. We have discovered that multiple protein isoforms appear to be common in T. brucei, as most proteins have been matched to more than one gel spot. We have developed visualisation software to investigate the differences between isoforms, based on the information from the results of database searches with MS data. We are able to highlight instances where PTMs are the most likely cause of variant forms. In other cases, spots that appear reproducibly across replicates contain fragments of proteins, arising either as experimental artefacts or as part of protein degradation. We are also able to classify clusters of gel spots into different groups based on the pattern of peptides that have been matched from MS data. The entire data set is stored within a relational database system that allows complex queries (http://www.gla.ac.uk/functionalgenomics). Using specific proteins as examples, we demonstrate how the visualisation software and the database query facilities can be used.
The cytosolic, cell surface and extracellular proteomes of the biotechnologically important soil bacterium Corynebacterium efficiens YS‐314 in comparison to those of Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13032
Authors: Hansmeier Nicole , Chao Tzu‐Chiao , Pühler Alfred , Tauch Andreas , Kalinowski Jörn
Published: November 2005

Reference maps of the cytosolic, cell surface and extracellular proteome fractions of the amino acid‐producing soil bacterium Corynebacterium efficiens YS‐314 were established. The analysis window covers a pI range from 3 to 7 along with a molecular mass range from 10 to 130 kDa. After second‐dimensional separation on SDS‐PAGE and Coomassie staining, computational analysis detected 635 protein spots in the cytosolic proteome fraction, whereas 76 and 102 spots were detected in the cell surface and extracellular proteomes, respectively. By means of MALDI‐TOF‐MS and tryptic peptide mass fingerprinting, 164 cytosolic proteins, 49 proteins of the cell surface and 89 extracellular protein spots were identified, representing in total 177 different proteins. Additionally, reference maps of the three cellular proteome fractions of the close phylogenetic relative Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13032 were generated and used for comparative proteomics. Classification according to the Clusters of Orthologous Groups of proteins scheme and abundance analysis of the identified proteins revealed species‐specific differences. The high abundance of molecular chaperones and amino acid biosynthesis enzymes in C. efficiens points to environmental adaptations of this recently discovered amino acid‐producing bacterium.
A general precursor ion‐like scanning mode on quadrupole‐TOF instruments compatible with chromatographic separation
Authors: Niggeweg Ricarda , Köcher Thomas , Gentzel Marc , Buscaino Alessia , Taipale Mikko , Akhtar Asifa , Wilm Matthias
Published: November 2005

MS protein identification and quantitation are key proteomic techniques in biological research. Besides identification of proteins, MS is used increasingly to characterize secondary protein modifications. This often requires trimming the analytical strategy to a specific type of modification. Direct analysis of protein modifications in proteomic samples is often hampered by the limited dynamic range of current analytical tools. Here we present a fast, sensitive, multiplexed precursor ion scanning mode – implemented on a quadrupole‐TOF instrument – that allows the specific detection of any modified peptide or molecule that reveals itself by a specific fragment ion or pattern of fragment ions within a complex proteomic sample. The high mass accuracy of the TOF mass spectrometer is available for the marker ion specificity and the precursor ion mass determination. The method is compatible with chromatographic separation. Fragment ions and intact molecular ions are acquired quasi‐simultaneously by continuously switching the collision energy between elevated and low levels. Using this technique many secondary modifications can be analyzed in parallel; however, the number of peptides carrying a specific modification that can be analyzed successfully is limited by the chromatographic resolution or, more generally, by the depth of the resolved time domain.
Structural and free‐volume analysis for alkyl‐substituted palladium‐catalyzed poly(norbornene): A combined experimental and Monte Carlo investigation
Authors: Wilks Broderick R. , Chung Won J. , Ludovice Peter J. , Rezac Mary E. , Meakin Pavla , Hill Anita J.
Published: November 2005

Increasing the length of an alkyl side chain on a rigid polynorbornene (PNB) backbone is shown to decrease the glass‐transition temperature of the resultant polymer, decrease the density of the bulk polymer, decrease the number and average free‐volume element size present, and decrease the permeability of gases through the polymer. Methyl‐, butyl‐, and hexyl‐substituted PNBs were investigated. Experimental results were compared with predictions based on molecular modeling. By using models that provided good agreement between the experimental and simulated wide‐angle diffraction patterns, the distributions of free‐volume elements were predicted. These predictions clearly indicate that the number of large free‐volume elements decreases as the length of the side chain increases, suggesting that the flexible aliphatic side chains can be largely accommodated within the free volume between the rigid PNB backbones. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 215–233, 2006
Predicting physical activity and outcome expectations in cancer survivors: an application of Self‐Determination Theory
Authors: Wilson Philip M. , Blanchard Chris M. , Nehl Eric , Baker Frank
Published: November 2005

The purpose of this study was to examine the contributions of autonomous and controlled motives drawn from Self‐Determination Theory (SDT; Intrinsic Motivation and Self‐determination in Human Behavior. Plenum Press: New York, 1985; Handbook of Self‐determination Research. University of Rochester Press: New York, 2002) towards predicting physical activity behaviours and outcome expectations in adult cancer survivors. Participants were cancer‐survivors (N=220) and a non‐cancer comparison cohort (N=220) who completed an adapted version of the Treatment Self‐Regulation Questionnaire modified for physical activity behaviour (TSRQ‐PA), an assessment of the number of minutes engaged in moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) weekly, and the anticipated outcomes expected from regular physical activity (OE). Simultaneous multiple regression analyses indicated that autonomous motives was the dominant predictor of OEs across both cancer and non‐cancer cohorts (R2adj=0.29–0.43), while MVPA was predicted by autonomous (β's ranged from 0.21 to 0.34) and controlled (β's ranged from −0.04 to −0.23) motives after controlling for demographic considerations. Cancer status (cancer versus no cancer) did not moderate the motivation–physical activity relationship. Collectively, these findings suggest that the distinction between autonomous and controlled motives is useful and compliments a growing body of evidence supporting SDT as a framework for understanding motivational processes in physical activity contexts with cancer survivors. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Barriers to repeat mammography: cultural perspectives of African‐American, Asian, and Hispanic women
Authors: Moy Beverly , Park Elyse R. , Feibelmann Sandra , Chiang Sylvia , Weissman Joel S.
Published: November 2005

Women of minority races and ethnicities have lower mammography return rates compared to Caucasians. To better understand barriers to mammography, we conducted six focus groups with 49 women of minority races and ethnicities (19 Asian, 16 African‐American, and 14 Hispanic) recruited from outpatient medical clinics in Boston. Eligible women had at least one prior mammogram and no personal history of cancer. Discussions were recorded and transcribed, and thematic content analyses were performed. African‐Americans and Hispanics felt that lack of insurance was not a barrier to mammography as they were aware of free programs. Some African‐Americans avoided mammograms because they were fatalistic and believed that a breast cancer diagnosis would inevitably lead to death. African‐Americans agreed that social issues, such as drug and domestic abuse, made obtaining preventive health care less important. Asian participants agreed that mammogram return rates were poor because appointments took time away from work. Asian and Hispanic women identified discourteous behavior by hospital staff as a barrier. Cultural barriers to repeat mammography appear to vary among different racial groups. Interventions to improve screening among minority populations may be more successful if they address group‐specific concerns. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of the growth‐promoting effects of testosterone and 7‐α‐methyl‐19‐nor‐testosterone (MENT) on the prostate and levator ani muscle of LPB‐tag transgenic mice
Authors: Shao T.C. , Li H.L. , Kasper S. , Matusik R. , Ittmann M. , Cunningham G.R.
Published: November 2005

BACKGROUND

7‐α‐methyl‐19‐nortestosterone (MENT) is being considered for androgen replacement in testosterone deficient men and as a male contraceptive. Because androgenic effects on the prostate are a major concern, we have evaluated MENT in a transgenic model of prostate cancer.

METHODS

LPB‐Tag mice were castrated and infused with testosterone (T; 5 or 30 µg/day) or MENT (5 or 30 µg/day) for 4 weeks. Prostate, seminal vesicle, and levator ani muscle (LAM) weights were compared.

RESULTS

At an equivalent dose, MENT maintained or stimulated the mean weights of these organs more than T. However, the dorsolateral prostate/LAM ratio of weights did not favor MENT, but DNA/mg tissue and Ki 67 immunostaining suggested that MENT may increase DNA less than T.

CONCLUSIONS

MENT is more potent than T in maintaining or stimulating prostate, seminal vesicle, and LAM. Using doses that resulted in comparable stimulation of the levator ani muscle, MENT had similar effect on prostate weight, but increased DNA/mg prostate less than T in this transgenic mouse model of prostate cancer. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aberrant expression of transmembrane mucins, MUC1 and MUC4, in human prostate carcinomas
Authors: Singh Ajay P. , Chauhan Subhash C. , Bafna Sangeeta , Johansson Sonny L. , Smith Lynette M. , Moniaux Nicolas , Lin Ming‐Fong , Batra Surinder K.
Published: November 2005

BACKGROUND

Mucins are considered important markers for early diagnosis and targeted therapy due to their aberrant and unique expression pattern during malignant progression of carcinomas. Recent findings have provided substantial evidence for the involvement of transmembrane mucins, MUC1 and MUC4, in altered cell signaling, tumor growth, and metastasis.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical analyses were performed on prostate tumor tissues for expression profiling of the two transmembrane mucins, MUC1 and MUC4. In cancer cell lines, the expression was studied by RT‐PCR and immunoblot analyses. Cells were treated with DNA‐methylase and histone‐deacetylase inhibitors to examine the implication of epigenetic mechanism(s) in MUC4 regulation.

RESULTS

The expression of MUC4 was significantly downregulated in prostate cancer tissues (n = 38, P = 0.0026) compared to normal/benign prostatic hyperplastic regions. A faint to moderate staining was observed in 26.3% cases of cancer, while 84.2% cases of adjacent normal were positive for MUC4 with moderate to strong staining in most cases. Similar observations were made in immortalized normal prostate epithelial and cancer cell lines. MUC1 also showed a reduced expression in prostate tumor tissues; however, its expression was comparable in all normal prostate epithelial and cancer cell lines. Interestingly, we also found that epigenetic mechanism(s) might be implicated in MUC4 gene silencing.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that MUC4 downregulation may be of significance for diagnostic applications in prostate cancer. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antitumor activity and downregulation of pro‐angiogenic molecules in human prostate cancer cells by a novel thiazolidione compound
Authors: Teraishi Fuminori , Wu Shuhong , Inoue Satoshi , Zhang Lidong , Davis John J. , Guo Wei , Dong Fengqin , Fang Bingliang
Published: November 2005

BACKGROUND

Current treatments for prostate cancer are effective in many patients with locally advanced disease, but many of these patients eventually have recurrence. It is therefore important to develop alternative therapeutic agents with improved efficacy and tolerability. We recently identified a synthetic thiazolidin compound, 5‐(2,4‐dihydroxybenzylidene)‐2‐(phenylimino)‐1,3‐thiazolidione (DBPT), that induces apoptosis in human colon cancer cells, independent of p53 and P‐glycoprotein status. Here, we investigated the antitumor properties and mechanisms of action of this compound in human prostate cancer cell lines.

METHODS

The effect of DBPT on cell‐cycle progression and apoptosis in LNCaP and DU145 cells was examined by flow cytometry and Western blotting. The effect of DBPT on pro‐angiogenic molecules was analyzed by Western blotting and by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

DBPT inhibited the growth of LNCaP and DU145 cells with 50% inhibitory concentrations ranging from 1.6 to 5.9 µM. Treating LNCaP and DU145 cells with DBPT led to a time‐dependent cell‐cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and increased levels of G2/M checkpoint proteins, such as cyclin B1, cdc25C, phosphorylated histone H3, and MPM‐2. DBPT induced the phosphorylation of Bcl‐xL and Bim, and induced apoptosis, as evidenced by cleavage of caspase and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase. DBPT also effectively induced apoptosis in Bcl‐2‐overexpressing DU145 cells. Furthermore, DBPT decreased hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in LNCaP cells under both normoxia and hypoxia.

CONCLUSIONS

DBPT can suppress proliferation, induce apoptosis, and downregulate pro‐angiogenic molecules in prostate cancercells, and might be useful in treating prostate cancer. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure of a ribulose 5‐phosphate 3‐epimerase from Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Caruthers J. , Bosch J. , Buckner F. , Van Voorhis W. , Myler P. , Worthey E. , Mehlin C. , Boni E. , DeTitta G. , Luft J. , Lauricella A. , Kalyuzhniy O. , Anderson L. , Zucker F. , Soltis M. , Hol Wim G. J.
Published: November 2005

The crystal structure of Pfal009167AAA, a putative ribulose 5‐phosphate 3‐epimerase (PfalRPE) from Plasmodium falciparum, has been determined to 2 Å resolution. RPE represents an exciting potential drug target for developing antimalarials because it is involved in the shikimate and the pentose phosphate pathways. The structure is a classic TIM‐barrel fold. A coordinated Zn ion and a bound sulfate ion in the active site of the enzyme allow for a greater understanding of the mechanism of action of this enzyme. This structure is solved in the framework of the Structural Genomics of Pathogenic Protozoa (SGPP) consortium. Proteins 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ferroelectric thin‐film characterization using a coplanar waveguide bandstop filter
Authors: Meng Qingduan , Zhang Xueqiang , Li Fei , Huang Jiandong , Zhu Xiaohong , Zheng Dongning , Cheng Bolin , Luo Qiang , Gu Changzhi , He Yusheng
Published: November 2005

A new structure for the characterization of the permittivity of ferroelectric thin films at microwave frequencies is proposed. This new structure involves a coplanar waveguide (CPW) bandstop filter based on a ferroelectric thin film. Using the resonant frequency and Q value of the CPW bandstop filter, the dielectric constant (εr) and the loss tangent (tan δ) of the ferroelectric thin film were determined by comparing the measured responses with simulated results. To demonstrate this new structure, a CPW bandstop filter was fabricated on MgO substrate coated with Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 (BST‐0.5). The dielectric parameters determined as a function of temperature and external bias are reported. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The role of phosphoinositides in mast cell signalling
Authors: Byrne Richard , Larijani Banafshé
Published: November 2005

The release of pre‐formed mediators such as histamine from mast cells and basophils is an integral part of the normal immune response to infection by parasites. This exocytosis is also characteristic response in a number of disease states including asthma, which, due to their prevalence in western society are becoming of increasing clinical importance. In an effort to tackle this growing problem much work has gone into unlocking the mechanisms through which mast cells function in health and disease. To date we have learned a lot about the various proteins that regulate degranulation. However, our knowledge on the contribution of lipids to this process is less clear. This review will discuss the role of phospholipids, particularly the phosphoinositides (PIs) in the processes that regulate mast cell exocytosis.
A layered architecture for flexible Web service invocation
Authors: De Antonellis Valeria , Melchiori Michele , De Santis Luca , Mecella Massimo , Mussi Enrico , Pernici Barbara , Plebani Pierluigi
Published: November 2005

Web service composition is emerging as an interesting approach to integrate business applications and create intra‐organizational business processes. Single Web services are combined to create a complex Web service that will realize the process business logic. Once the process is created, it is executed by an orchestration engine that invokes individual Web services in the correct order. However, Web services composing the workflow sometimes become unavailable during the run‐time phase, blocking process execution. This paper describes an architecture that allows the flexible orchestration of business processes. With this approach, Web services composing the process can be automatically substituted with other compatible Web services during process execution. A methodology is defined to evaluate Web service compatibility based on interface matching, in order to select substitutable Web services. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A model for second‐trimester Down syndrome sonographic screening based on facial landmarks and digit length measurement
Authors: Maymon R. , Ushakov F. , Waisman D. , Cuckle H. , Tovbin Y. , Herman A.
Published: November 2005

Objective

To determine whether Down syndrome can be detected by combining measurements of fetal nasal bone (NB) length, prenasal thickness (PT) and digits 2 and 3 of the hand.

Methods

Two hundred and fifty‐four normal and 25 Down‐syndrome fetuses were scanned between 15 and 33 weeks' gestation. Physicians performing the scans were not blinded to the fetal karyotype. Both PT and NB were measured in a mid‐sagittal plane. For PT measurement calipers were placed between the frontonasal angle and the outer skin edge. Digits 2 and 3 of one hand were also measured. The results (except for PT/NB ratio) were expressed in multiples of the normal gestation‐specific median (MoM). A logistic regression model was used to estimate the odds of the fetus having Down syndrome given different combinations of NB, PT, PT/NB ratio, and digits 2 and 3 measurements. The odds were used to calculate the risk of Down syndrome for each pregnant woman from her age and measurements.

Results

The median PT MoM for unaffected fetuses and Down‐syndrome fetuses was 1.12 vs. 1.35 (P < 0.0001). The median NB MoM for unaffected and Down‐syndrome fetuses was 1.03 vs. 0.81 (P < 0.001) and the PT/NB ratio MoM for unaffected and Down‐syndrome fetuses was 0.63 vs. 0.96 (P < 0.001). The respective median MoM values for digits 2 and 3 of the Down‐syndrome fetuses were significantly smaller (0.81 vs. 0.93 and 0.89 vs. 0.95, respectively, P = 0.003). Only the PT/NB ratio and digit 2 were finally included in the logistic regression equation. Using a 1 in 200 risk cut‐off, the observed sensitivity and false‐positive rate were 76% and 6.7%, respectively.

Conclusion

Combining the PT/NB ratio and digit 2 measurements yielded a promising screening detection rate. Confirmation of our findings in a prospective study is needed before the method can be used clinically. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metopic suture in fetuses with trisomy 21 at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation
Authors: Faro C. , Wegrzyn P. , Benoit B. , Chaoui R. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: November 2005

Objective

To investigate the development of the frontal bones and metopic suture in fetuses with trisomy 21 at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation.

Methods

Three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound was used to measure the height of and gap between the frontal bones in 75 fetuses with trisomy 21 and these were compared to the measurements in 200 normal fetuses at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 (median, 12 + 6) weeks of gestation.

Results

In the fetuses with trisomy 21, compared to the normal fetuses, there was no significant difference in either the height of the frontal bones (mean difference 0.16 SD, range −1.78 to 2.17 SD; P = 0.369) or the gap between them (mean difference 0.012, 95% CI −0.073 to 0.097; P = 0.780). Additionally, within the group of trisomy 21 fetuses there were no significant differences in the development of the frontal bones and metopic suture between those with absent (n = 46) and those with present (n = 29) nasal bone.

Conclusions

In trisomy 21 the development of the frontal bones and metopic suture is as normal and is independent from the development of the nasal bones. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interaction between tramadol and two anti‐emetics on nociception and gastrointestinal transit in mice
Authors: Dürsteler Christian , Mases Anna , Fernandez Victor , Pol Olga , Puig Margarita M.
Published: November 2005

Background Clinical studies suggest that tramadol‐induced analgesia is partially antagonized by ondansetron.

Aims To investigate the type of interaction between tramadol and two anti‐emetics on antinociception and gastrointestinal transit in mice.

Methods We assessed the antinociceptive (acetic acid writhing test, plantar test) and antitransit (charcoal meal) effects of tramadol individually, and combined with ondansetron or droperidol in female Swiss CD‐1 mice. Isobolograms and analysis of variance were used to determine the type of interaction.

Results In the writhing test, tramadol, ondansetron and droperidol, each induced dose‐related inhibition of nociception. The ED50's were: tramadol 4.2 ± 0.33 mg kg−1; ondansetron 1.03 ± 0.05 mg kg−1, and droperidol 1.00 ± 0.14 mg kg−1. Dose‐response curves were also obtained with tramadol combined with ondansetron or droperidol at 1:1 fixed ratios. The isobolographic analysis demonstrated antagonism for both combinations.

In the plantar test, the ED50 for tramadol was 51.4 ± 2.3 mg kg−1, but no dose‐response curves could be obtained with ondansetron or droperidol individually. The interaction was assessed from dose‐response curves to tramadol in the presence of a fixed dose of ondansetron (0.1 mg kg−1) or droperidol (0.05 mg kg−1). The results show antagonism between tramadol—ondansetron (p < 0.05) and no interaction for the tramadol—droperidol combination. Both anti‐emetics antagonized the antitransit effects of tramadol.

Conclusions The interaction of tramadol with ondansetron or droperidol on antinociception can be antagonistic or additive, depending on the type of stimuli. Both anti‐emetics antagonize the anti‐transit effects of tramadol. The results demonstrate antagonism between tramadol and the two anti‐emetics for analgesia and inhibition of gastrointestinal transit, supporting previous clinical studies.
Impairments as measured by ISS do not greatly change between one and eight years after CRPS 1 diagnosis
Authors: Vaneker Michiel , Wilder‐Smith Oliver H.G. , Schrombges Patrick , Oerlemans H. Margreet
Published: November 2005

Background Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1 (CRPS 1) is a potentially incapacitating complication in which pain seems to be the most disabling factor. We performed a late follow up study of a well‐defined CRPS 1 population more than eight years after diagnosis. The relationships between early and late impairments were studied with a view to outcome prediction and to investigate possible differences in long‐term impairments according to initial CRPS 1 subdiagnosis (i.e. “warm” or “cold”, diagnosed according to skin temperature measured via infrared thermometer).

Methods We again measured patients using the Impairment Level SumScore (ISS) (T8). These data were compared with earlier ISS measurements at CRPS diagnosis (T0) and after one year's treatment (T1). Correlations were determined between these measures.

Results Forty‐five patients participated in the present study. Total median ISS improved by 55% (statistically/clinically significant) after one year's treatment (T1), and worsened (non‐significantly) by 14% from T1 to T8 — without differences according to original subdiagnosis. ISS correlations were stronger for T1 vs. T8 than for T0 vs. T1 or T0 vs. T8, being strongest for the ISS factors related to pain.

Conclusions Considerable impairments, as measured by ISS, are still present over eight years after first CRPS 1 diagnosis. These do not greatly change between one and eight years post‐diagnosis. ISS outcomes are similar for “cold” and “warm” CRPS 1 diagnostic subgroups. Component ISS scores associated with pain appear to possess greatest predictive power.
Psychometric evaluation of multidimensional pain inventory (Swedish version) in a sample of elderly people
Authors: Jakobsson Ulf , Horstmann Vibeke
Published: November 2005

Objectives The aim was to psychometrically evaluate the Swedish version of the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI‐S) and the “brief screening version of MPI‐S” for use in an elderly sample.

Methods This study comprised 175 people aged 76–99 years reporting pain and in need of help to manage daily living. The instrument's factor structures were investigated through factor analyses, convergent and discriminant validity were assessed through inter‐scale correlations and correlations with items from SF‐12. Reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha.

Results The full‐length version of MPI‐S did not, in general, show any satisfactory validity and reliability when used among elderly. It had acceptable convergent and discriminant validity, but the factor analysis did not show a good model fit. Low α values were found for most of the sub‐scales. However, the brief screening version of MPI showed acceptable validity and reliability, except for rather low α values in sections 3 and 4.

Conclusion The MPI‐S instrument may not be very useful for measuring pain among frail elderly. The brief screening version may instead be a better alternative to the full version of the MPI‐S. However, the small number of observations may be the reason to the lack of fit, and further studies are warranted.
Valproic acid‐mediated Hsp70 induction and anti‐apoptotic neuroprotection in SH‐SY5Y cells
Authors: Pan Tianhong , Li Xinqun , Xie Wenjie , Jankovic Joseph , Le Weidong
Published: November 2005

Valproic acid (VPA), an anticonvulsant and mood‐stabilizing drug, has been reported to exert neuroprotection against a variety of insults. We now show that VPA attenuates rotenone (a potent complex I inhibitor)‐induced apoptosis through the induction of heat shock protein 70, which may interact with apoptotic‐protease‐activating factor 1. Activation of p‐Akt, p‐Bcl‐2, as well as p‐Erk1/2 by VPA may be co‐contributors to the protection.
5‐Hydroxytryptamine as a potent migration enhancer of human aortic endothelial cells
Authors: Matsusaka Satoshi , Wakabayashi Ichiro
Published: November 2005

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT, serotonin) affects migration of vascular endothelial cells. 5‐HT significantly enhanced migration of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), and this enhancement was completely inhibited by GR 55562, a 5‐HT1receptor antagonist, and fluoxetine, a 5‐HT transporter inhibitor, but was not affected by ketanserin, a 5‐HT2receptor antagonist. 5‐HT stimulation increased RhoA and ERK activity of HAECs, and inhibitors of RhoA (Y‐27632 and H‐1152) and inhibitors of MEK (U0126 and PD98059) abolished the 5‐HT‐induced increase in migration velocity. Inhibition of Rho kinase by Y‐27632 blocked stress fiber formation and rear release of HAECs. Thus, 5‐HT has a potent enhancing action on migration of HAECs through activating the RhoA and ERK pathways following 5‐HT1receptor stimulation.
Identification of multiple allosteric sites on the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Espinoza-Fonseca L. Michel , Trujillo-Ferrara José G.
Published: November 2005

Staurosporine and four staurosporine derivatives were docked on the rhodopsin‐based homology model of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor in order to localize the possible allosteric sites of this receptor. It was found that there were three major allosteric sites, two of which are located at the extracellular face of the receptor, and one in the intracellular domain of the receptor. In the present study, the localization of these binding sites is described for the first time. The present study confirms the existence of multiple allosteric sites on the M1 muscarinic receptor, and lays the ground for further experimental and computational analysis to better understand how muscarinic receptors are modulated via their allosteric sites. These findings will also help to design and develop novel drugs acting as allosteric modulators of the M1 receptor, which can be used in the treatment of the Alzheimer's disease.