bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel DNA vaccine targeting macrophage migration inhibitory factor protects joints from inflammation and destruction in murine models of arthritis
Authors: Onodera Shin , Ohshima Shigeki , Tohyama Harukazu , Yasuda Kazunori , Nishihira Jun , Iwakura Yoichiro , Matsuda Ikkei , Minami Akio , Koyama Yoshikazu
Published: February 2007

Objective

Previous studies have demonstrated that neutralization of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) by anti‐MIF antibodies decreases joint inflammation and destruction in a type II collagen–induced arthritis model in mice. The aim of this study was to develop and describe a simple and effective method of active immunization that induces anti‐MIF autoantibodies, which may neutralize MIF bioactivity.

Methods

We developed a MIF DNA vaccine by introducing oligonucleotides encoding a tetanus toxoid (TTX) Th cell epitope into the complementary DNA sequence of murine MIF. Mice were injected with this construct in conjunction with electroporation. The ability of this immunization to inhibit the development of collagen antibody–induced arthritis (CAIA) in BALB/c mice and spontaneous autoimmune arthritis in interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra)–deficient mice was then evaluated.

Results

Mice that received the MIF/TTX DNA vaccine developed high titers of autoantibodies that reacted to native MIF. Compared with unvaccinated mice, vaccinated mice also produced less serum tumor necrosis factor α after receiving an intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharide. In addition, vaccination with MIF/TTX DNA resulted in significant amelioration of both CAIA in BALB/c mice and symptoms of autoimmune arthritis in IL‐1Ra–knockout mice.

Conclusion

These results suggest that MIF/TTX DNA vaccination may be useful for ameliorating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Effect of recreational physical activities on the development of knee osteoarthritis in older adults of different weights: The Framingham Study
Authors: Felson David T. , Niu Jingbo , Clancy Margaret , Sack Burton , Aliabadi Piran , Zhang Yuqing
Published: February 2007

Objective

To evaluate the long‐term effect of recreational exercise on the development of knee osteoarthritis (OA) in a community‐based cohort of older adults, many of whom were overweight or obese.

Methods

Subjects were asked about recreational activities including walking or jogging for exercise and working up a sweat, and were asked to compare their activity levels with others. Subjects were then asked about knee pain and weight‐bearing anteroposterior and lateral knee radiographs were obtained. Approximately 9 years later, subjects were reexamined for OA. Radiographs were read for OA features in both tibiofemoral and patellofemoral compartments and were scored for tibiofemoral joint space narrowing. To evaluate incident OA, we excluded knees with OA at baseline for all analyses and focused on 3 knee‐specific outcomes: incident radiographic OA, symptomatic OA, and tibiofemoral joint space loss. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), knee injury history, and correlation between knees, we evaluated the association of each recreational activity with OA development.

Results

A total of 1,279 subjects underwent both baseline and followup examinations (mean age at baseline 53.2 years). Neither recreational walking, jogging, frequent working up a sweat, nor high activity levels relative to peers were associated with a decrease or increase in risk of OA. Joint space loss was also unaffected by activity. Persons with BMI above the median (27.7 kg/m2 for men and 25.7 kg/m2 for women; mean BMI >30 kg/m2 for both) had no increases in risk of OA by different type of activity.

Conclusion

Among middle‐aged and elderly persons without knee OA, many of whom were overweight, recreational exercise neither protects against nor increases risk of knee OA.
Evaluation and validation of the patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Maksymowych Walter P. , Richardson Rhonda , Mallon Catherine , van der Heijde Désirée , Boonen Annelies
Published: February 2007

Objective

The Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) constitutes an absolute level of patient well‐being and represents an ambitious target for disease management. We explored contributors to PASS, validated the PASS concept, and assessed thresholds of self‐reported outcomes below which patients considered themselves in PASS.

Methods

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis completed a questionnaire that included self‐reported assessments of pain, fatigue, disease activity, function, patient global, quality of life (QOL), and whether they considered their current disease state satisfactory or not. Stepwise logistic regression was used to assess contributors to PASS. PASS was validated by analyzing proportions of patients reporting need for a rheumatologist and who were in current flare. PASS thresholds for self‐reported outcomes were estimated using an anchoring method based on the patient's opinion and targeting the 75th percentile of the cumulative distribution.

Results

PASS data were available for 291 patients, of whom 169 (58%) were in PASS. Significant contributors were age (Exp[B] 1.05; P = 0.003), patient global disease activity (Exp[B] 0.79; P = 0.008), and function (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index [BASFI]; Exp[B] 0.72; P < 0.001). PASS reflected need to consult the rheumatologist and current flare (71% and 73% correctly classified, respectively) and significantly contributed to QOL (B = −5.99; 95% confidence interval −7.16, −4.08). PASS thresholds were 5.0 for patient global disease activity, 5.0 for total back pain, 22.8 for fatigue, 4.8 for disease activity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index), and 4.0 for function (BASFI).

Conclusion

A majority of patients (58%) reported being in PASS. PASS thresholds for pain and function were unexpectedly high, possibly suggesting adaptation to the consequences of the disease.
A new risk model based on policy entrance process and its weak convergence properties
Authors: Li Zehui , Kong Xinbing
Published: February 2007

In this paper, we construct a new risk model based on the policy entrance process. The model is concerned with n kinds of independent policies, and each policy is allowed to claim more than once before it expires. As each kind of policy is issued according to a non‐homogeneous Poisson process, the long run behaviour of the new risk process is investigated. When the tail of the claim size distribution is regularly varying, the standardized risk process is proved to converge to a stable law. When each kind of policy is issued according to a homogeneous Poisson process, we also give a diffusion approximation of the new risk process. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The orbit of the visual binary ADS 8630 (γ Vir)
Authors: Scardia M. , Argyle R. W. , Prieur J.‐L. , Pansecchi L. , Basso S. , Law N. M. , Mackay C. D.
Published: February 2007

We present a new orbit for the visual binary ADS 8630 = γ Vir. Although it is one of the first visual double stars discovered, its orbital elements were still poorly known. Indeed the very high eccentricity of the orbit and the difficulty of observing the pair at periastron passage in 1836 has meant that it is only now that sufficient measures of the recent close approach in 2005 have allowed an orbital analysis which predicts the angular motion to an acceptable degree of accuracy.

We present a series of 35 speckle measurements of ADS 8630 obtained with PISCO in Merate between 2004 and 2006. Those measures have been crucial for determining the new orbital elements since they cover an arc of 130 degrees in the apparent orbit and include the periastron passage of 2005. The masses of the individual F0V components of the binary are found to be 1.40 M⊙ with an accuracy of about 3%.

We also investigate in detail the possibility of the presence of a third body in the system, that was proposed by other authors. The high‐angular resolution infra‐red image of γ Vir that we obtained in June 2006 with the LuckyCam instrument on the ESO NTT shows the absence of any companion as faint as a M0V star at a distance larger than 0.4″. Combined with the analysis of the residuals of our orbit, the values found for the masses of the individual components and the radial velocity measurements, this observation rules out the presence in the system of a third companion with a mass larger than 0.3 M⊙. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
New ferrocene containing peptide conjugates: Synthesis and effect on human leukemia (HL‐60) cells
Authors: Miklán Zsanett , Szabó Rita , Zsoldos‐Mády Virág , Reményi Judit , Bánóczi Zoltán , Hudecz Ferenc
Published: February 2007

Data reported in this article describe the synthesis of Arg‐rich oligopeptide conjugates of ferrocenecarboxylic acid on solid support with two different strategies and for the first time, the successful preparation of peptide conjugates of ferrocenylacrylic acid in solution. The antitumor effect of conjugates was analyzed by MTT assay in vitro. We demonstrated that ferrocenylacrylic acid possessing an enone (CHCHCO) moiety exhibited remarkable antiproliferative effect against human leukemia cells (HL‐60) in vitro, but its effect was not improved by conjugation with hexa‐ or octaarginines. However, we observed highly increased water‐solubility. In contrast, the results provide evidence that conjugation of ferrocenecarboxylic acid to Argn (n = 6, 8) improved not only its water‐solubility, but also antitumor effect on human leukemia cells in vitro. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 88: 108–114, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The ‘Published Online’ date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Peptide insertion, positioning, and stabilization in a membrane: Insight from an all‐atom molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Babakhani Arneh , Gorfe Alemayehu A. , Gullingsrud Justin , Kim Judy E. , Andrew McCammon J.
Published: February 2007

Peptide insertion, positioning, and stabilization in a model membrane are probed via an all‐atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. One peptide (WL5) is simulated in each leaflet of a solvated dimyristoylglycero‐3‐phosphate (DMPC) membrane. Within the first 5 ns, the peptides spontaneously insert into the membrane and then stabilize during the remaining 70 ns of simulation time. In both leaflets, the peptides localize to the membrane interface, and this localization is attributed to the formation of peptide–lipid hydrogen bonds. We show that the single tryptophan residue in each peptide contributes significantly to these hydrogen bonds; specifically, the nitrogen heteroatom of the indole ring plays a critical role. The tilt angles of the indole rings relative to the membrane normal in the upper and lower leaflets are approximately 26° and 54°, respectively. The tilt angles of the entire peptide chain are 62° and 74°. The membrane induces conformations of the peptide that are characteristic of β‐sheets, and the peptide enhances the lipid ordering in the membrane. Finally, the diffusion rate of the peptides in the membrane plane is calculated (based on experimental peptide concentrations) to be approximately 6 Å2/ns, thus suggesting a 500 ns time scale for intermolecular interactions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 85: 490–497, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Metabolic engineering of the baculovirus‐expression system via inverse “shotgun” genomic analysis and RNA interference (dsRNA) increases product yield and cell longevity
Authors: Kim Eun Jeong , Kramer Shannon F. , Hebert Colin G. , Valdes James J. , Bentley William E.
Published: February 2007

RNA interference (RNAi) is as powerful tool for characterizing gene function in eukaryotic organisms and cultured cell lines. Its use in metabolic engineering has been limited and few reports have targeted protein expression systems to increase yield. In this work, we examine the use of in vitro synthesized double stranded RNA (dsRNA) in the baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS), using commercially relevant cultured cells (Spodoptera frugiperda, Sf‐9) and larvae (Trichoplusia ni) as hosts. First, we employed an inverse “shotgun” genomic analysis to “find” an array of 16 putative insect gene targets. We then synthesized dsRNA in vitro targeting these genes and investigated the effects of injected dsRNA on larval growth, development, and product yield. Growth and development was at times stunted and in several cases, the effects were lethal. However, dsRNA targeting an acidic juvenile hormone‐suppressible protein (AJHSP1), and translational elongation factor 2 (Ef‐2) resulted in significantly increased yield of model product, GFP. Next, we targeted known genes, v‐cath and apoptosis inducer, sf‐caspase 1, in cultured Sf‐9 cells. We confirm RNAi‐mediated sf‐caspase 1 suppression in Sf‐9 cells, but not in baculovirus‐infected cells, likely due to the overriding effects of inhibitor of apoptosis protein, p35. We also demonstrate suppression of v‐cath in infected cells, which leads to a ∼3‐fold increase in product yield. Overall, our results support the application of RNAi in metabolic engineering, specifically for enhancing protein productivity in the baculovirus expression vector system. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;98: 645–654. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Di(benzothiazol‐2‐yl)phosphanide as a Janus‐Head Ligand to Caesium
Authors: Stey Thomas , Pfeiffer Matthias , Henn Julian , Pandey Sushil K. , Stalke Dietmar
Published: February 2007

Starting from tris(benzothiazol‐2‐yl)phosphane (1) an advanced Janus‐head ligand, di(benzothiazol‐2‐yl)phosphane (2), was synthesised and structurally characterised. The heteroaryl substituents of this ligand provide both hard and soft donor sites. Surprisingly, the phosphorus atom in 2 is divalent and the hydrogen atom is directly bonded to one ring nitrogen atom and hydrogen bonded to the second. Compound 2 decomposes in any common solvent other than diethyl ether and a new preparation to improve the yields of 2 is presented. A coordination polymer, [{Cs(bth)2P}8] (3) (bth=benzothiazol‐2‐yl), was obtained when the sec‐phosphane 2 was allowed to react with elemental caesium in a 1:1 ratio in diethyl ether at −78 °C. In 3 each anion is coordinated to four caesium cations and vice versa. The central phosphorus atom is coordinated to two metal atoms above and below the mean plane of the anion in positions in which the two lone pairs of a four‐electron donor are anticipated. Two additional cations μ‐bridge both ring nitrogen atoms. Hence both faces of the Janus‐head ligand are coordinated to the same number of metal cations but in a different way.
Entrapped Bonded Hydrogen in a Fullerene: the Five‐Atom Cluster Sc3CH in C80
Authors: Krause Matthias , Ziegs Frank , Popov Alexey A. , Dunsch Lothar
Published: February 2007

The synthesis and characterisation of the new endohedral cluster fullerene Sc3CH@C80 is reported. The encapsulation of the first hydrocarbon cluster inside a fullerene was achieved by the arc burning method in a reactive CH4 atmosphere. The extensive characterisation by mass spectrometry (MS), high‐ pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), 45Sc NMR, electron spin resonance (ESR), UV/Vis‐NIR and Raman spectroscopy provided the experimental evidence for the caging of the five‐atom Sc3CH cluster inside the C80 cage isomer with icosahedral symmetry. The proposed new structure was confirmed by DFT calculations, which gave a closed shell and large energy gap structure. Thus a pyramidal Sc3CH cluster and the Ih‐C80 cage were shown to be the most stable configuration for Sc3CH@C80 whereas alternative structures give a smaller bonding energy as well as a smaller energy gap.
Growth of ZnO single crystals by an induced nucleation from a high temperature solution of the ZnO‐PbF2 system
Authors: Li Xinhua , Xu Jiayue , Jin Min , Wu Xianjun , Qian Guoxing , Li Xiaomin
Published: February 2007

To grow ZnO single crystals from a high temperature solution of the ZnO‐PbF2 system, a gas cooling system was assembled at the bottom of the crucible to induce nucleation in the initial growth stage. The growth experiments were carried out in a homemade vertical Bridgman furnace and Pt crucible of 28 mm in diameter was used. The furnace temperature was set to 1100°C and the flow rate of the oxygen gas was optimized as 3.0 l/min. ZnO crystal up to 5∼8mm in the thickness was obtained with the lowering rate of 0.3 mm/h. XRD patterns showed that the as‐grown crystal was pure ZnO Wurtzite phase. The impurity ions were analyzed by the glow discharge mass spectroscopy (GDMS) as 390.0 ppm and 40.0 ppm for Pb2+ and F‐, respectively. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Protein crystal growth in gels and stationary magnetic fields
Authors: Moreno A. , Quiroz‐García B. , Yokaichiya F. , Stojanoff V. , Rudolph P.
Published: February 2007

Thaumatin, lysozyme, and ferritin single crystals were grown in solutions and gels without and with surrounding strong stationary magnetic fields. The crystal size, number and alignment in dependence on the induction force were analysed. The crystal quality, like mosaicity, as function of the magnetic force is discussed by using synchrotron X‐ray diffraction analysis. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical and laser properties of Nd:LuVO4crystal
Authors: Liu F. Q. , Xia H. R. , Gao W. L. , Ran D. G. , Sun S. Q. , Ling Z. C. , Zhao P. , Zhang H. J. , Zhao S. R. , Wang J. Y.
Published: February 2007

Polarized absorption spectra of Nd:LuVO4crystal were measured at room temperature. The optical parameters of π polarization and σ polarization were calculated by Judd‐Ofelt theory. Meanwhile, the phenomenological intensity parameters: Ω2, Ω4, and Ω6were obtained, then the parameters were used to calculate the luminescence parameters of Nd:LuVO4crystal, including oscillator strengths, fluorescence branching ratio, radiative lifetime and integrated emission cross‐sections. Experiments of a‐cut and c‐cut Nd:LuVO4lasers were also performed, and opt‐opt conversion efficiency and slope efficiency were 40.3%, 50.5% for a‐cut and 23.6%, 30.9% for c‐cut, respectively. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of indium intercalation on various properties of MoSe2 single crystals
Authors: Vora Aditya M.
Published: February 2007

Indium intercalated MoSe2 single crystals i.e. InxMoSe2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) are grown by direct vapour transport technique. These crystals are structurally characterized by X‐ray diffraction, by determining their lattice parameters ‘a’ and ‘c’ and X‐ray density. The Hall effect and thermoelectric power measurements shows that InxMoSe2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) are p‐type in nature. The direct and indirect band gap measurements are also undertaken on these semiconducting materials. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Physics, Chemistry and Applications of the AC Diaphragm Discharge and Related Discharges in Electrolyte Solutions
Authors: Maximov A. I.
Published: February 2007

Three types of the underwater discharges produced by means of AC voltage sources (500‐2000 V, 0.05‐1 A) were investigated. Dynamic volt‐ampere characteristics and radiation intensity of these discharges were measured. It was observed the optical afterglow time up to 0.1‐0.2 s. The information about their chemical action was got by stimulation of the oxidation of the organic and inorganic substances. It was found that the treatment of the cellulose and the flax by means of the underwater discharges results in the change of their molecular mass, lignin contain and surface concentration of the oxygen containing functional groups. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Prevalence and natural history of monoclonal and polyclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis in a residential adult population
Authors: Shim Youn K. , Vogt Robert F. , Middleton Dan , Abbasi Fatima , Slade Barbara , Lee Kyung Y. , Marti Gerald E.
Published: February 2007

Background:

Monoclonal B‐cells can be detected in the peripheral blood of some adults without B‐cell malignancies, a condition recently termed monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis (MBL). The risk of individuals with MBL progressing to a B‐cell malignancy is unknown. Polyclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis (PCBL) has not been systematically studied in the general population.

Methods:

We obtained lymphocyte subset counts on 1,926 residential adults aged 40–76 years in a series of environmental health studies between 1991 and 1994. We then conducted two follow‐ups in 1997 and 2003 on consenting participants with B‐cell lymphocytosis, which included nine participants with MBL. To ascertain the clinical implications of MBL, we reviewed medical records and death certificates.

Results:

The overall prevalence of MBL was 0.57% (11/1,926): nine cases at baseline and two additional cases identified at follow‐up. Two (19%) MBL cases subsequently developed a B‐cell malignancy; MBL persisted in the remaining nine cases (81%). All PCBL cases where no clone emerged regressed to normal B‐cell counts over the follow‐up period. MBL was significantly more frequent in residents near a hazardous waste site than in the control populations (age‐adjusted OR 6.2; 95%CI 1.1–36.2).

Conclusion:

MBL confers an elevated risk for developing a B‐cell malignancy, although it occurs only in a minority of cases. PCBL is most often a transient state, but a monoclonal population can emerge and persist. Prospective studies are needed to distinguish stable from progressive forms of B‐cell lymphocytosis and to clarify the etiologic role of environmental exposures. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Performance of delay‐sensitive traffic in multi‐layered satellite IP networks with on‐board processing capability
Authors: Bayhan Suzan , Gür Gürkan , Alagöz Fatih
Published: February 2007

In this article, performance of delay‐sensitive traffic in multi‐layered satellite Internet Protocol (IP) networks with on‐board processing (OBP) capability is investigated. With OBP, a satellite can process the received data, and according to the nature of application, it can decide on the transmission properties. First, we present a concise overview of relevant aspects of satellite networks to delay‐sensitive traffic and routing. Then, in order to improve the system performance for delay‐sensitive traffic, specifically Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), a novel adaptive routing mechanism in two‐layered satellite network considering the network's real‐time information is introduced and evaluated. Adaptive Routing Protocol for Quality of Service (ARPQ) utilizes OBP and avoids congestion by distributing traffic load between medium‐Earth orbit and low‐Earth orbit layers. We utilize a prioritized queueing policy to satisfy quality‐of‐service (QoS) requirements of delay‐sensitive applications while evading non‐real‐time traffic suffer low performance level. The simulation results verify that multi‐layered satellite networks with OBP capabilities and QoS mechanisms are essential for feasibility of packet‐based high‐quality delay‐sensitive services which are expected to be the vital components of next‐generation communications networks. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Targeting HSP70 to motoneurons protects locomotor activity from hyperthermia in Drosophila
Authors: Xiao Chengfeng , Mileva‐Seitz Viara , Seroude Laurent , Robertson R. Meldrum
Published: February 2007

Heat shock preconditioning can enhance locomotor and synaptic performance during subsequent hyperthermia. The molecular basis underlying this neural phenotypic modification is largely unknown. Here we report that directing the expression of the 70 kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) to motoneurons protected larval locomotor activity of Drosophila. Tissue‐specific expression showed that motoneurons were critical for developing HSP70‐mediated thermoprotection of locomotor activity, whereas peripheral sensory neurons, dopaminergic neurons, serotonergic neurons, and muscle cells alone were insufficient. Targeting HSP70 to motoneurons caused structural plasticity of axonal terminals associated with increased transmitter release at neuromuscular junctions at high temperature. The thermoprotection induced by motoneuronal expression of HSP70 mimicked the protective effect of a prior heat shock (36°C, 1 h; 25°C, 1 h) but the effects of heat shock and motoneuronal expression of HSP70 were not additive. In the absence of heat shock pretreatment, ubiquitously expressed transgenic HSP70 activated the transcription of endogenous hsp70 genes. These results demonstrate that motoneurons were critical for HSP70‐mediated thermoprotection, and that transgenic HSP70 activated the transcription of endogenous hsp70 in motoneurons with the result that a mix of transgenic and endogenous HSP70 conferred thermoprotection in Drosophila larva. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007
Effects of progesterone and its reduced metabolites, dihydroprogesterone and tetrahydroprogesterone, on the expression and phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3 and the microtubule‐associated protein Tau in the rat cerebellum
Authors: Guerra‐Araiza Christian , Amorim Miguel A.R. , Camacho‐Arroyo Ignacio , Garcia‐Segura Luis M.
Published: February 2007

Progesterone exerts a variety of actions in the brain, where it is rapidly metabolized to 5α‐dihydroprogesterone (DHP) and 3α,5α‐tetrahydroprogesterone (THP). The effect of progesterone and its metabolites on the expression and phosphorylation of the microtubule‐associated protein Tau and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), a kinase involved in Tau phosphorylation, were assessed in two progesterone‐sensitive brain areas: the hypothalamus and the cerebellum. Administration of progesterone, DHP, and THP to ovariectomized rats did not affect Tau and GSK3β assessed in whole hypothalamic homogenates. In contrast, progesterone and its metabolites resulted in a significant decrease in the expression of Tau and GSK3β in the cerebellum. Furthermore, progesterone administration resulted in an increase in the phosphorylation of two epitopes of Tau (Tau‐1 and PHF‐1) phosphorylated by GSK3β, but did not affect the phosphorylation of an epitope of Tau (Ser262) that is GSK3β insensitive. These effects were accompanied by a decrease in the phosphorylation of GSK3β in serine, which is associated to an increase in its activity, suggesting that the effect of progesterone on Tau‐1 and PHF‐1 phosphorylation in the cerebellum is mediated by GSK3β. The regulation of Tau expression and phosphorylation by progesterone may contribute to the hormonal regulation of cerebellar function by the modification of neuronal cytoskeleton. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007
Microtubule‐dependent organization of subcortical microfilaments in the early Drosophila embryo
Authors: Riparbelli Maria Giovanna , Callaini Giuliano , Schejter Eyal D.
Published: February 2007

Dynamic alterations in the spatial organization of cytoskeletal elements constitute a prominent morphological feature of the early, syncytial stages of embryogenesis in Drosophila. Here, we describe and characterize the dynamic behavior of cytoplasmic, subcortical microfilaments, which form a series of nucleus‐associated structures, at different phases of the simultaneous nuclear division cycles characteristic of early Drosophila embryos. Remodeling of the cytoplasmic microfilament arrays takes place in parallel to the established cyclic reorganization of cortical microfilament structures. We provide evidence that the cortical and subcortical microfilament populations organize independently of each other, and in response to distinct instructive cues. Specifically, formation of subcortical microfilament structures appears to rely on, and spatially mirror, the organization of polarized microtubule arrays, while cortical microfilament restructuring constitutes a centrosome‐dependent process. Genetic analysis identifies a requirement for SCAR, a key mediator of Arp2/3‐based microfilament dynamics, in organization of subcortical microfilament structures. Developmental Dynamics 236:662–670, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of Controllable‐Size Core–Shell Se@Ag and Se@Au Nanoparticles in UV‐Irradiated TSA Solution
Authors: Yang Liangbao , Shen Yuhua , Xie Anjian , Liang Jianjun , Zhu Jinmiao , Chen Long
Published: February 2007

The formation of Se‐core–Au‐shell and Se‐core–Ag‐shell nanoparticles by using photochemically reduced tungstosilicate Keggin ions has been described. The Se core structure serves both as a chemical and a physical template for the coating of Au and Ag. With this method, the core size and the shell thickness can be controlled by varying the conditions. With this strategy, it is possible to realize a large combination of core–shell nanostructures with potential application in engineered nanomaterials and catalysis by using Keggin ions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Carbon–Hydrogen Bond Activation of Arenes by a [Bis(oxazolinyl)phenyl]rhodium(III) Acetate Complex
Authors: Ito Jun‐ichi , Nishiyama Hisao
Published: February 2007

Thermolysis of the rhodium(III) complex [(dm‐Phebox‐dm)Rh(OAc)2(H2O)] [1; dm‐Phebox‐dm = 2,6‐bis(4,4‐dimethyloxazolinyl)phenyl] in various arenes results in the formation of the corresponding aryl complexes [(dm‐Phebox‐dm)Rh(Ar)(κ2‐OAc)] [Ar = C6H5 (2), 3,5‐Me2C6H3 (3), 3,4‐Me2C6H3 (4), C6H4Me (5), C6H4CF3 (6), C6H4OMe (7), C6H4COMe (8), C6H4Cl (9)]. The reaction of 1 with monosubstituted benzenes such as toluene, anisole, acetophenone, trifluorotoluene, and chlorobenzene produces a mixture of meta‐ and para‐activated complexes, the ratio of which depends on the substituents on the benzene ring. The relative rate of the reaction of 1 with monosubstituted benzenes C6H5X was determined to be: X = OMe (1.8) > COMe (1.6) > CF3 (1.2), Cl (1.2) > CH3 (1). The acetato ligand of 1 appears to be essential for C–H bond activation of arenes as no reaction of the RhIII complex [(dm‐Phebox‐dm)RhCl2(H2O)] is observed in chlorobenzene at 120 °C. The first‐order rate constants obtained by thermolysis of 1 in [D8]toluene at 97.1–116.5 °C yielded the following activation parameters: ΔH‡ = 22(2) kcal mol–1, ΔS‡ = –24(5) cal mol–1 K–1. The kinetic isotope effect for the C–H bond activation of toluene by 1 was determined to be kH/kD = 5.4 at 100 °C. These data suggest that the rate‐determining step involves the C–H bond cleavage with a rigid, cyclic transition structure. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
A Novel Class of Modified Nucleosides: Synthesis of Alkylidene Isoxazolidinyl Nucleosides Containing Thymine
Authors: Piperno Anna , Rescifina Antonio , Corsaro Antonino , Chiacchio Maria A. , Procopio Antonio , Romeo Roberto
Published: February 2007

The synthesis of hitherto unknown 1‐[3‐(hydroxymethyl)‐2‐methyl‐4‐methyleneisoxazolidin‐5‐yl]thymine (5), 1‐{(Z)‐[3‐(hydroxymethyl)‐2‐methylisoxazolidin‐4‐ylidene]methyl}thymine (6), and 1‐{(E)‐[3‐(hydroxymethyl)‐2‐methylisoxazolidin‐5‐ylidene]methyl}thymine (7) is described. The first compound can be regarded as a N,O‐analogue of Entecavir and DMDC, which contains thymine as a nucleobase. The key allenic nucleobase was prepared in good yields starting from 2,3‐dibromopropene. The subsequent 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition proceeded with good site selectivity to give 5 and regioisomeric nucleosides 6 and 7.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Regio‐ and Diastereoselective Three‐Component Syntheses of Homoallylic Amines in Aqueous Media Catalyzed by Brønsted Acids
Authors: Deng Dong‐Sheng , Liu Ping , Cai Jiwen
Published: February 2007

A systematic investigation into the three component allylation reaction of aldehydes, amines, and allyltributylstannanes catalyzed by Brønsted acids in aqueous media was reported. The reaction was effective and able to produce homoallylic amines in moderate to high yields under mild conditions, with a good scope of substrates. Moreover, the regioselectivity of the reaction favors the formation of the γ‐product, and good diastereoselectivity in favor of the syn isomers when cinnamyltributylstannane was employed as the allylation reagent was observed. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Amperometric Biosensors for Detection of Sugars Based on the Electrical Wiring of Different Pyranose Oxidases and Pyranose Dehydrogenases with Osmium Redox Polymer on Graphite Electrodes
Authors: Tasca Federico , Timur Suna , Ludwig Roland , Haltrich Dietmar , Volc Jindrich , Antiochia Riccarda , Gorton Lo
Published: February 2007

Electrical wiring of different types of pyranose oxidase (P2O) (fungal wild type, recombinant wild type with a hexa‐histidine tag, mutant form E542K with a hexa‐histidine tag) from Trametes multicolor, and recombinant P2O from Coriolus sp. overexpressed in Escherichia coli as well as of pyranose dehydrogenase (PDH) from Agaricus meleagris and Agaricus xanthoderma with an osmium redox polymer (poly(1‐vinylimidazole)12‐[Os(4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐dipyridyl)2Cl2]2+/+) on graphite electrodes was carried out. After optimization studies using glucose as substrate, the biosensors, which showed the best characteristics in terms of linear range, detection limit and sensitivity were selected, viz. wild type P2O from T. multicolor and PDH from A. meleagris. These two enzymes were used and investigated for their selectivity for a number of different sugars.
Electrochemical response and separation in cyclic electric field‐flow fractionation
Authors: Chen Zhi , Chauhan Anuj
Published: February 2007

Electric field‐flow fractionation (EFFF) is a separation technique that couples a lateral electric field with axial Poiseuille flow to separate particles on the basis of size and/or mobility. In unidirectional EFFF, the field rapidly decreases in time due to charging of the double layer. The field strength could be increased by performing EFFF with cyclic electric fields. In cyclic electric field‐flow fractionation (CEFFF), a periodic voltage, which can be either sinusoidal or square‐wave, is applied in the lateral direction. In this paper, we measure the electrochemical response of CEFFF, i.e., the current–time response for a given time‐dependent voltage and then utilize this electrochemical response in a transport model to predict separation. The CEFFF device studied here comprises two gold‐coated glass plates separated by a spacer. The transient current profiles are measured for a step change and cyclic square‐shaped voltage. The current profile is compared with the equivalent circuit model, and is fitted to a sum of two decaying exponentials. The dependence of the electrochemical response on voltage, frequency, channel thickness, and salt concentration is studied. Next, the electrochemical data are utilized in the convection–diffusion equation to develop a model for separation by CEFFF. The equations are solved by using a combination of analytical and numerical techniques to determine the mean velocity and the dispersion coefficient of molecules, and to determine the effect of various parameters on the separation efficiency of the EFFF device. Also, the model predictions are compared with experimental data available in the literature.
cDNA Labeling Strategies for Microarrays Using Fluorescent Dyes
Authors: Do J. H. , Choi D.‐K.
Published: February 2007

Microarray analysis has become a key experimental tool in the study of genome‐wide patterns of gene expression. The labeling step of target molecules such as cDNA or cRNA plays a key role in a microarray experiment because the amount of mRNA is measured indirectly by the labeled molecules. In this paper, the most widely used cDNA labeling strategies in microarray experiments are reviewed in detail, including direct labeling and indirect labeling methods along with a discussion of the merits and disadvantages of these methods. Furthermore, various RNA amplification approaches were surveyed to obtain a target nucleic acid sufficient for microarray experiments from minute amounts of mRNA. Finally, the labeling strategies of commonly used microarray platforms (e.g., Affymetrix GeneChip®, CodeLink™ Bioarray, Agilent and spotted microarrays) were compared.
Partial regression method to fit a generalized additive model
Authors: He Shui , Mazumdar Sati , Arena Vincent C. , Tang Gong
Published: February 2007

Generalized additive models (GAMs) have been used as a standard analytic tool in studies of air pollution and health during the last decade. The air pollution measure is usually assumed to be linearly related to the health indicator and the effects of other covariates are modeled through smooth functions. A major statistical concern is the appropriateness of fitting GAMs in the presence of concurvity. Generalized linear models (GLM) with natural cubic splines as smoothers (GLM + NS) have been shown to perform better than GAM with smoothing splines (GAM + S), in regard to the bias and variance estimates using standard model fitting methods. As nonparametric smoothers are attractive for their flexibility and easy implementation, search for alternative methods to fit GAM + S is warranted. In this article, we propose a method using partial residuals to fit GAM + S and call it the “partial regression” method. Simulation results indicate better performance of the proposed method compared togam.exactfunction in S‐plus, the standard tool in air pollution studies, in regard to bias and variance estimates. In addition, the proposed method is less sensitive to the degree of smoothing and accommodates asymmetric smoothers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A sediment budget for a cultivated floodplain in tropical North Queensland, Australia
Authors: Visser Fleur , Roth Christian H. , Wasson Robert , Govers Gerard
Published: February 2007

Sugarcane is grown on the floodplains of northern Queensland adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. Sediment and nutrient loss from these sugarcane areas is considered a potential threat to coastal and marine ecosystems. To enable sugarcane cultivation, farmers have structured the landscape into different elements, comprising fields, water furrows, ‘headlands’ and drains. In order to apply appropriate management of the landscape and reduce export of sediment, it is important to identify which of these elements act as sediment sources or sinks.

In this study erosion and deposition rates were measured for the different landscape elements in a subcatchment of the Herbert River and used to create a sediment budget. Despite large uncertainties, the budget shows that the floodplain area is a net source of sediment. Estimated sediment export varies between 2 and 5 t ha−1 y−1. The relative importance of the landscape elements as sediment sources could also be determined. Plant cane is identified as the most important sediment source. Water furrows generate most sediment, but are a less important source of exported sediment due to their low connectivity. Headlands and minor drains act as sediment traps. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short communications link lengths and channel network topology
Authors: Smart J. S.
Published: February 2007

Link lengths in natural channel networks are found to increase with increasing magnitude of the link joined downstream. This result explains why the link classification schemes proposed by Smart and by Mock successfully separate links into groups with different length distributions.
Vertical sedimentation units in a barrier island washover fan
Authors: Leatherman S. P. , Williams A. T.
Published: February 2007

Overwash is a major component of a barrier island's response to high energy conditions. Examination of the 19‐20 March, 1975, storm deposits at Assateague Island, showed that an overwash sequence could be divided into sedimentation units. Interpretation depends upon defining textural and mineralogical combinations that can be logically ordered as a vertical sequence. If the sequence is depositional and formed from a single material, normal grading usually results; if polymineralogical and erosionally truncated, inverse grading with a top layer of heavy minerals can be formed via an in situ sorting process dependent on disturbance depth and overwash influence.
Systematic monthly morphologic variation of assawoman inlet: Nature and causes
Authors: Slingerland Rudy
Published: February 2007

Assawoman Inlet, Virginia, U.S.A., representative of small mesotidal barrier island tidal inlets exhibits systematic variations of sediment volume among certain of its morphologic elements. Sediment volume variations were calculated from topographic‐bathymetric maps of the inlet system, as surveyed on 11 occasions at approximately monthly intervals by a fathometer, and plane table and alidade. Of 36 pairings among nine morphologic elements, seven show statistically significant Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficients. The southern ramp margin shoals are negatively correlated with the southern beach face and the northern ramp margin shoals are negatively correlated with the northern beach face on the northern spit. The southern and northern ramp margin shoals themselves are negatively correlated. The southern ramp margin shoals are negatively correlated with the fore flood tidal delta which is negatively correlated with a tidal channel on its landward side. The back flood tidal delta is positively correlated with the northern ramp margin shoals and negatively correlated with the back side of Wallops spit. These associations may be qualitatively explained using wave and tidal climate data during the sampling year plus megaripple and bedding orientations. Constructive waves tend to transfer sediment from the ramp margin shoals landward, building up the adjacent beach faces. Destructive waves tend to move sediment back to the ramp margin shoals. Waves striking the coast obliquely promote asymmetric growth of the shoals, causing the ebb jet to erode into whichever is the smaller shoal.
Autosuspension and the energetics of two‐phase flows: Reply to comments on ‘experimental test of autosuspension’ by J. B. Southard and M. E. Mackintosh
Authors: Paola Chris , Southard John B.
Published: February 2007

The experimental programme of Southard and Mackintosh (1981) provides a definitive refutation of the autosuspension criterion as it was originally defined. A simple energy budget for dilute two‐phase flow is derived from continuum theory of mixtures; it shows that Bagnold's criterion is based on an arbitrary comparison of two elements of the complete two‐phase system. It is recommended that facile, ab hoc criteria for the behaviour of such complex flows be avoided in favour of analyses based on fundamental equations of motion.
The deposition of stony colluvium on clay soil as a cause of gully formation in the Rif Mountains, Morocco
Authors: Van Brink J. W. Den , Jungerius P. D.
Published: February 2007

V‐shaped gullies are formed on slopes in the Rif Mountains where stony colluvium covers a truncated Luvisol in finegrained, early pleistocene slope deposits. The colluvium resulted from large‐scale deforestation of summit areas in recent times. A number of properties related to the response of soil material to rainfall were investigated. Colluvium has a high infiltration capacity compared to the Luvisol. Consequently, the deposition of colluvium reduced overland flow and erosion by surface wash. Gully‐forming processes on the other hand were activated by the superposition of permeable over impermeable material.
The continuity equation slope model and basal boundary conditions: A further comment
Authors: Kirkby M. J.
Published: February 2007

Intermediates between a fixed basal elevation and a constant rate of downcutting throughout the slope profile are perhaps more realistic than either extreme case.
Mathematical simulation of stable and equilibrium river bed profiles and slopes
Authors: Trofimov A. M. , Moskovkin V. M.
Published: February 2007

Two approaches to the simulation of stable and equilibrium longitudinal profiles and slopes are considered.

The first one deals with a solution to the equation of solid matter (sediment) continuity in the equilibrium case and the second approach deals with the application of variational principles.

The approaches considered and results obtained can be used in hydroengineering construction for designing stable and equilibrium longitudinal profiles of water streams and slopes.
Rainfall interception and splash detachment with a Brussels sprouts plant: A laboratory simulation
Authors: Noble Christine A. , Morgan R. P. C.
Published: February 2007

Rates of splash detachment from a sandy soil of the Cottenham Series, subjected to a five‐minute design storm of 50 mm/h with a kinetic energy of 127 J/m2 and a median volume drop size of 3·2 mm supplied from a rotating‐disc rainfall simulator, are determined without a plant cover and with the cover of a single Brussels sprouts plant. Measurements are made at regular intervals throughout the growing season. Plant canopies of 10 to 25 per cent result in reductions of 10 to 25 per cent in rainfall volume and 10 to 81 per cent in rainfall energy. The volume and energy of the rain beneath the plant are significantly (P < 0·05) correlated with its number of leaves (r = −0·84 and −0·92 respectively for n = 49). No reduction was observed in the rate of splash detachment which averages 1·2 kg/m2 for the design storm with and without the plant. The detachment rate was found rather surprisingly to be inversely related to the energy of the rainfall under the plant and positively related to the number of leaves. As the number of leaves increases, so does the detachment rate per unit of rainfall energy.
The Piedmont landscape of Maryland: A new look at an old problem
Authors: Costa John E. , Cleaves Emery T.
Published: February 2007

The Piedmont upland of Maryland has been variously interpreted as a peneplain, a series of peneplains, a surface of marine planation, and a landscape in dynamic equilibrium. These different perspectives of landform evolution are related to different scales of time and space. Both equilibrium and episodic erosion features can be recognized in the modern landscape. An equilibrium condition is suggested by adjustment of first and second order streams to rock structure and lithology, entrenchment of some streams against gneiss domes, altitudinal zonation of rock types around gneiss domes, correlation of lithology with overburden thickness on uplands, decreasing overburden thickness on uplands related to decreasing degree of metamorphism of crystalline rocks, and correlation of secondary mineral assemblages with subsurface drainage and slope. The long‐term episodic character of erosion is suggested by clastic wedges on the adjacent Coastal Plain, an upland of low relief that truncates non‐carbonate rocks of different lithologies, isovolumetric chemical weathering of alumino‐silicate rocks, clastic deposition in marble valleys, and weathering profile truncation by modern drainage.

The Maryland Piedmont may have been an area of positive relief subject to subaerial erosion since Triassic and possibly Permian time. The upland surface preserved in the eastern Piedmont developed by the Late Cretaceous. In the interval from the Late Cretaceous to the Late Miocene, low input of terrigenous sediments to the Coastal Plain, dominance of marine sedimentation, and spotty evidence of saprolite formation on crystalline rocks, suggest that the Maryland Piedmont was an area of low relief undergoing intense weathering. Incised valleys were formed during a cycle of erosion probably initiated in the Late Miocene and extensive colluvial sediments were deposited on hillslopes by periglacial processes during the Pleistocene.