bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inactivation of the p19ARF tumor suppressor affects intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and integrity
Authors: Farmer Tiffany E. , Williams Christopher S. , Washington M. Kay , Hiebert Scott W.
Published: April 2008

p19ARF is a tumor suppressor that is frequently deleted in human cancer. It lies at chromosome 9p21 and shares exons 2 and 3 with p16ink4a, which is also inactivated by these cancer‐associated deletions. The “canonical pathway” by which p19ARF is thought to suppress tumorigenesis through activation of the p53 tumor suppressor. In response to hyperproliferative signals, such as expression of oncogenes, p19ARF is induced and binds to the MDM2 ubiquitin ligase, sequestering it in the nucleolus to allow the accumulation of p53. However, p19ARF also has MDM2 and p53 independent functions. In human colon cancer, p19ARF is only rarely deleted, but it is more frequently silenced by DNA promoter methylation. Here we show that inactivation of p19ARF in mice increases the number of cycling cells in the crypts of the colonic epithelium. Moreover, inactivation of p19ARF exacerbated the ulceration of the colonic epithelium caused by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). These effects were similar to those observed in mice lacking myeloid translocation gene‐related‐1 (Mtgr1), and mice lacking both of these genes showed an even greater sensitivity to DSS. Surprisingly, inactivation of p19ARF restored the loss of the secretory lineage in mice deficient in Mtgr1, suggesting an additional role for p19ARF in the small intestinal epithelium. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 2228–2240, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sparc localizes to the blebs of hobit cells and human primary osteoblasts
Authors: Baldini Giovanna , Ponti Cristina , Bortul Roberta , Narducci Paola , Grill Vittorio , Martelli Alberto M.
Published: April 2008

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cystein (SPARC) is a secreted glycoprotein involved in several biological processes such as tissue remodeling, embryonic development, cell/extracellular matrix interactions, and cell migration. In particular, SPARC affects bone remodeling through the regulation of both differentiation/survival of osteoblasts and bone extracellular matrix synthesis/turnover. Here, we investigated SPARC subcellular localization in the human osteoblastic HOBIT cell line by immunocytochemistry and western blot analysis. We show that, under normal exponential cell growth conditions, SPARC localized both to cell nucleus and to cytoplasm, with no co‐localization on actin stress fibers. However, in colchicine‐treated HOBIT cells and human primary osteoblasts undergoing blebs formation, SPARC showed a different cellular distribution, with an additional marked compartmentalization inside the blebs, where it co‐localized with globular actin and actin‐binding proteins such as α‐actinin, cortactin, and vinculin. Moreover, we demonstrate by an in vitro assay that the addition of SPARC to actin and α‐actinin inhibited the formation of cross‐linked actin filaments and disrupted newly formed filaments, most likely due to a direct interaction between SPARC and α‐actinin, as indicated by immunoprecipitation assay. The specific silencing of SPARC RNA expression markedly decreased the ability of colchicine‐treated HOBIT cells to undergo blebbing, suggesting a direct role for SPARC in cell morphology dynamics during cytoskeletal reorganization. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 2310–2323, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
UBE1DC1, an ubiquitin‐activating enzyme, activates two different ubiquitin‐like proteins
Authors: Zheng Mei , Gu Xing , Zheng Dan , Yang Zhenxing , Li Fan , Zhao Jun , Xie Yi , Ji Chaoneng , Mao Yumin
Published: April 2008

Ubiquitin and ubiquitin‐like proteins are known to be covalently conjugated to a variety of cellular substrates via a three‐step enzymatic pathway. These modifications lead to the degradation of substrates or change its functional status. The ubiquitin‐activating enzyme (E1) plays a key role in the first step of ubiquitination pathway to activate ubiquitin or ubiquitin‐like proteins. Ubiquitin‐activating enzyme E1‐domain containing 1 (UBE1DC1) had been proved to activate an ubiquitin‐like protein, ubiquitin‐fold modifier 1 (Ufm1), by forming a high‐energy thioester bond. In this report, UBE1DC1 is proved to activate another ubiquitin‐like protein, SUMO2, besides Ufm1, both in vitro and in vivo by immunological analysis. It indicated that UBE1DC1 could activate two different ubiquitin‐like proteins, SUMO2 and Ufm1, which have no significant similarity with each other. Subcellular localization in AD293 cells revealed that UBE1DC1 was especially distributed in the cytoplasm; whereas UBE1DC1 was mainly distributed in the nucleus when was cotransfected with SUMO2. It presumed that UBE1DC1 greatly activated SUMO2 in the nucleus or transferred activated‐SUMO2 to nucleus after it conjugated SUMO2 in the cytoplasm. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 2324–2334, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PRIMA‐1 synergizes with adriamycin to induce cell death in non‐small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Magrini R. , Russo D. , Ottaggio L. , Fronza G. , Inga A. , Menichini P.
Published: April 2008

p53‐dependent apoptosis is important for the efficacy of cancer treatment, and tumors carrying mutant p53 are often resistant to chemotherapy. Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells generally exhibit resistance to apoptosis following treatment with many cytotoxic drugs. The new molecule PRIMA‐1 appears to kill human tumor cells by restoring the transcriptional activity to mutated p53. We investigated the induction of apoptosis in response to this drug in three NSCLC cell lines carrying different p53 proteins: A549 (p53wt), LX1 (p53R273H), and SKMes1 (p53R280K). PRIMA‐1 alone did not trigger apoptosis but significantly reduced cell viability. However, in combination with adriamycin, PRIMA‐1 strengthen the adriamycin‐induced apoptosis in A549 and LX1. Interestingly, even in SKMes1 cells, the combined treatment triggered a strong PARP cleavage without DNA fragmentation. Our data suggest that in NSCLC cells, PRIMA‐1 may induce cell death through pathways other than apoptosis but may synergize with adriamycin to trigger an apoptotic response. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 2363–2373, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ab initio computational study of positron emission tomography ligands interacting with lipid molecule for the prediction of nonspecific binding
Authors: Rosso Lula , Gee Antony D. , Gould Ian R.
Published: April 2008

Nonspecific binding is a poorly understood biological phenomenon of relevance in the study of small molecules interactions in vivo and in drug development. Nonspecific binding is thought to be correlated in part to a molecule's lipophilicity, typically estimated by measuring (or calculating) octanol–water partition coefficient. This is, however, a gross simplification of a complex phenomenon. In this article, we present a computational method whose aim is to help identify positron emission tomography (PET) ligands with low nonspecific binding characteristics by investigating the molecular basis of ligand–membrane interaction. We considered a set consisting of 10 well‐studied central nervous system PET radiotracers acting on a variety of molecular targets. Quantum mechanical calculations were used to estimate the strength of the interaction between each drug molecule and one phospholipid molecule commonly present in mammalian membranes. The results indicate a correlation between the computed drug–lipid interaction energy and the in vivo nonspecific distribution volume relative to the free tracer plasma concentration, calculated using standard compartmental modeling for the analysis of PET data. Significantly, the drugs whose interaction with the lipid molecule more favorably possessed, in general, a higher nonspecific binding value, whereas for the drugs taken in consideration in this study, the water‐octanol partition coefficient, log P, did not show good predictive power of the nonspecific binding. This study also illustrates how ab initio chemical methods may offer meaningful and unbiased insights for the understanding of the underlying chemical mechanisms in biological systems. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
The trans effect in square‐planar platinum(II) complexes—A density functional study
Authors: Chval Zdenek , Sip Miroslav , Burda Jaroslav V.
Published: April 2008

The mechanism of substitution water exchange reactions in square planar trans‐Pt[(NH3)2T(H2O)]n+ complexes is studied (TH2O, NH3, OH−, F−, Cl−, Br−, H2S, CH3S−, SCN−, CN−, PH3, CO, CH3−, H−, C2H4). The trans effect is explained in terms of σ‐donation and π‐back‐donation whose relative strengths are quantified by the changes of electron occupations of 5d platinum atomic orbitals. The σ‐donation strength is linearly correlated with the PtH2O (leaving ligand) bond length (trans influence). The kinetic trans effect strength correlates proportionally with the σ‐donation ability of the trans‐ligand except the ligands with strong π‐back‐donation ability that stabilizes transition state structure. The σ‐donation ability of the ligand is dependent on the σ‐donation strength of the ligand in the trans position. Therefore the trans effect caused by σ‐donation can be understood as a competition between the trans‐ligands for the opportunity to donate electron density to the central Pt(II) atom. The influence of the trans effect on the reaction mechanism is also shown. For ligands with a very strong σ‐donation (e.g. CH3− and H−), the substitution proceeds by a dissociative interchange (Id) mechanism. Ligands with strong π‐back donation ability (e.g. C2H4) stabilize the pentacoordinated intermediate and the substitution proceeds by a two step associative mechanism. For ligands with weak σ‐donation and π‐back‐donation abilities, the highest activation barriers have to be overcome and substitutions can be described by an associative interchange (Ia) mechanism. The results are supported by the energy decomposition and the natural orbital analysis. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
RPA repair recognition of DNA containing pyrimidines bearing bulky adducts
Authors: Petruseva Irina O. , Tikhanovich Irina S. , Chelobanov Boris P. , Lavrik Olga I.
Published: April 2008

Recognition of new DNA nucleotide excision repair (NER) substrate analogs, 48‐mer ddsDNA (damaged double‐stranded DNA), by human replication protein A (hRPA) has been analyzed using fluorescence spectroscopy and photoaffinity modification. The aim of the present work was to find quantitative characteristics of RPA–ddsDNA interaction and RPA subunits role in this process. The designed DNA structures bear bulky substituted pyrimidine nitrogen bases at the inner positions of duplex forming DNA chains. The photoreactive 4‐azido‐2,5‐difluoro‐3‐ pyridin‐6‐yl (FAP) and fluorescent antracenyl, pyrenyl (Antr, Pyr) groups were introduced via different linker fragments into exo‐4N of deoxycytidine or 5C of deoxyuridine. J‐dU‐containing DNA was used as a photoactive model of undamaged DNA strands. The reporter group was a fluorescein residue, introduced into the 5′‐phosphate end of one duplex‐forming DNA strand. RPA–dsDNA association constants and the molar RPA/dsDNA ratio have been calculated based on fluorescence anisotropy measurements under conditions of a 1:1 RPA/dsDNA molar ratio in complexes. The evident preference for RPA binding to ddsDNA over undamaged dsDNA distinctly depends on the adduct type and varies in the following way: undamaged dsDNA < Antr‐dC‐ddsDNA < mmdsDNA < FAPdU‐, Pyr‐dU‐ddsDNA < FAP‐dC‐ddsDNA (KD = 68 ± 1; 25 ± 6; 13 ± 1; 8 ± 2, and 3.5 ± 0.5 nM correspondingly) but weakly depends on the chain integrity. Interestingly the bulkier lesions not in all cases have a greater effect on RPA affinity to ddsDNA. The experiments on photoaffinity modification demonstrated only p70 of compactly arranged RPA directly interacting with dsDNA. The formation of RPA–ddsDNA covalent adducts was drastically reduced when both strands of DNA duplex contained virtually opposite located FAP‐dC and Antr‐dC. Thus RPA requires undamaged DNA strand presence for the effective interaction with dsDNA bearing bulky damages and demonstrates the early NER factors characteristic features underlying strand discrimination capacity and poor activity of the NER system toward double damaged DNA. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of 111In and 177Lu‐labeled antibodies binding to CD44v6 using a novel automated radioimmunoassay
Authors: Nestor Marika , Andersson Karl , Lundqvist Hans
Published: April 2008

Targeted cancer therapies rely on bifunctional molecules, typically a protein that specifically recognizes tumor cells and a toxic component which is linked to the protein. Therefore, development of such therapies includes detailed characterizations of protein‐cell interactions in order to find a good targeting agent. Knowledge of factors such as antibody‐antigen specificity, as well as cellular uptake, retention and affinity of the antibody are necessary in order to be successful.

In this paper, we have used a novel instrument, LigandTracer® Yellow, to characterize the interactions of 111In and 177Lu‐labeled monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) with CD44v6. Uptake studies with varying specific radioactivity of the chimeric MAb U36 and with an irrelevant antibody for the CD44v6 receptor verified the reliability of the method, as well as the specificity of the antibody‐receptor binding. Uptake, retention, and affinity were very similar for the 111In and 177Lu‐labeled conjugate, and were in line with earlier studies using manual methods. The fact that no adverse effects from labeling were seen, together with the high retention, could make these conjugates promising candidates for imaging and therapy of certain cancer types in the future. The novel LigandTracer technology reduced the workload and reagent spending while providing data with superior time resolution. The obtained results were in agreement with previously reported findings. In addition the real‐time detection and higher time resolution made more detailed studies of the interactions possible. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Utility of formaldehyde cross‐linking and mass spectrometry in the study of protein–protein interactions
Authors: Sutherland Brent W. , Toews Judy , Kast Juergen
Published: April 2008

For decades, formaldehyde has been routinely used to cross‐link proteins in cells, tissue, and in some instances, even entire organisms. Due to its small size, formaldehyde can readily permeate cell walls and membranes, resulting in efficient cross‐linking, i.e. the formation of covalent bonds between proteins, DNA, and other reactive molecules. Indeed, formaldehyde cross‐linking is an instrumental component of many mainstream analytical/cell biology techniques including chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) of protein‐DNA complexes found in nuclei; immunohistological analysis of protein expression and localization within cells, tissues, and organs; and mass spectrometry (MS)‐compatible silver‐staining methodologies used to visualize low abundance proteins in polyacrylamide gels. However, despite its exquisite suitability for use in the analysis of protein environments within cells, formaldehyde has yet to be commonly employed in the directed analysis of protein–protein interactions and cellular networks. The general purpose of this article is to discuss recent advancements in the use of formaldehyde cross‐linking in combination with MS‐based methodologies. Key advantages and limitations to the use of formaldehyde over other cross‐linkers and technologies currently used to study protein–protein interactions are highlighted, and formaldehyde‐based experimental approaches that are proving very promising in their ability to accurately and efficiently identify novel protein–protein and multiprotein interaction complexes are presented. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivoevaluation andin vitrometabolism of leuprolide in mice—mass spectrometry‐based biomarker measurement for efficacy and toxicity
Authors: Sofianos Zacharias D. , Katsila Theodora , Kostomitsopoulos Nikolaos , Balafas Vaggelis , Matsoukas John , Tselios Theodoros , Tamvakopoulos Constantin
Published: April 2008

The study of pharmacologically active peptides is central for the understanding of cancer and the development of novel therapeutic approaches. In this context, both qualitative and quantitative determination of bioactive peptides in biological fluids/tissues and their effect on endogenous factors (e.g. hormones) are of great importance. A mass spectrometry‐based approach was developed and applied towards the measurement of leuprolide, a peptide drug for the treatment of prostate cancer, in mouse plasma. High‐pressure liquid chromatography coupled to a hybrid quadrupole linear ion trap (QqLIT) mass spectrometer, a platform that combines the benefits of triple QqLIT instruments, was employed for the study. Using the described methodology, we established that picomolar concentrations of leuprolide could be measured in mouse plasma (limit of quantification of 0.1 ng/ml). In order to optimize pharmacokinetic properties of analogs of leuprolide, a facilein vivomouse model was developed and leuprolide concentrations were determined in mouse plasma following intraperitoneal administration. In the same animal model, we demonstrated the versatility of the described MS‐based approach by the determination of plasma concentrations of testosterone, an established biomarker for the treatment of prostate cancer. Following dosing with leuprolide, circulating testosterone was increased significantly in comparison to vehicle‐treated mice. Finally,in vitrometabolism of leuprolide was evaluated by incubation of leuprolide with mouse kidney membranes, followed by identification of major metabolites by MS. Such studies provide the framework for future evaluation of novel leuprolide analogs with potential therapeutic advantages. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unravelling contamination signals in biogenic silica oxygen isotope composition: the role of major and trace element geochemistry
Authors: Brewer Tim S. , Leng Melanie J. , Mackay Anson W. , Lamb Angela L. , Tyler Jonathan J. , Marsh Nicholas G.
Published: April 2008

The oxygen isotope composition of diatom silica (δ
18Odiatom) provides valuable information for palaeoclimate studies where carbonate proxies are either rare or absent in many lakes and ocean sediments. Unfortunately, mineral and rock fragments found alongside diatoms in most sediments can be problematic as the method used will liberate oxygen from all components within the sediment, producing both high‐frequency noise and low‐frequency excursions that can resemble climate signals. Removal of mineral contamination to date has largely relied upon the combination of chemical leaching and physical separation techniques (e.g. sieving, density). This combination can be inefficient and often significant proportions of contaminants are present in the ‘purified’ diatom sample. Using electron optical imaging and whole‐rock geochemistry on previously ‘purified’ diatom samples, a mass balance approach has been developed whereby the types and proportions of residual contaminants are identified. By integrating this information with measured oxygen isotope ratios of the contaminants, it is then possible to remove contamination effects from the δ18Odiatom record. Contamination effects relating to carbonates, tephra and silt are modelled for cores from Lake Tilo (Ethiopia) and Lake Baikal (Siberia). In both lakes the new modelled δ18Odiatom curves show less high‐frequency noise, thus enabling better resolution of low‐frequency climate signals. © Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) copyright 2008. Reproduced with the permission of NERC. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Oxygen isotope ratios of sedimentary biogenic silica reflect the European transcontinental climate gradient
Authors: Tyler J. J. , Leng M. J. , Sloane H. J. , Sachse D. , Gleixner G.
Published: April 2008

Oxygen isotope ratios of biogenic silica offer considerable potential in tracing past climate change using both marine and lacustrine sediment records. Despite recent improvements and standardisation in preparatory and analytical methods, evidence for a systematic relationship between climate parameters and the oxygen isotope composition of sedimentary diatom silica (δ18Osilica) is contradictory. In particular, observed differences between the δ18Osilica of living and sedimentary diatom silica in both lake and marine environments question the validity of applying isotope fractionation models derived from living diatoms to reconstructing climate from sediment records. In order to address this issue, oxygen isotope ratios of biogenic silica (δ18Osilica) are examined from a suite of lake surface sediment samples which span a large climatic gradient across western Europe. δ18Osilica values are strongly correlated with air temperature and the isotope composition of precipitation (δ18OP). When evaporation of lake waters is accounted for, the time‐averaged surface sediment data suggest a fractionation of ∼35‰ between water and biogenic silica. However, the effect of temperature appears less marked than that observed between contemporary diatoms and lake water over short timescales, suggesting that diagenetic processes may lead to a reduction in the temperature sensitivity of sediment δ18Osilica records. Comparison of δ18Osilica data with δD analysed from n‐alkanes of aquatic origin (n‐C17, n‐C21 and n‐C23) demonstrates that the slope of the regional δ18O:δD water line is preserved within the sediment record, offering exciting potential for palaeoclimate research. © Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) copyright 2008. Reproduced with the permission of NERC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The palaeohydrological evolution of Lago Chungará (Andean Altiplano, northern Chile) during the Lateglacial and early Holocene using oxygen isotopes in diatom silica
Authors: Hernández Armand , Bao Roberto , Giralt Santiago , Leng Melanie J. , Barker Philip A. , Sáez Alberto , Pueyo Juan J. , Moreno Ana , Valero‐Garcés Blas L. , Sloane Hilary J.
Published: April 2008

Oxygen isotopes of diatom silica and petrographical characterisation of diatomaceous laminated sediments of Lago Chungará (northern Chilean Altiplano) have allowed us to establish its palaeohydrological evolution during the Lateglacial–early Holocene (ca. 12 000–9400 cal. yr BP). These laminated sediments are composed of light and dark pluriannual couplets of diatomaceous ooze formed by different processes. Light sediment laminae accumulated during short‐term diatom blooms whereas dark sediment laminae represent the baseline limnological conditions during several years of deposition. Oxygen isotope analysis of the dark diatom laminae show a generalδ18O enrichment trend during the studied period. Comparison of theseδ18Odiatomvalues with the previously published lake‐level evolution suggests a correlation betweenδ18Odiatomand the precipitation:evaporation ratio, but also with the evolution of other local hydrological factors as changes in the groundwater outflow as well as shifts in the surface:volume ratio of Lago Chungará. The lake expanded (probably increasing this ratio) during the rising lake‐level trend due to changes in its morphology, enhancing evaporation. Furthermore, the lake's hydrology was probably modified as the groundwater outflow became sealed by sediments, increasing lake water residence time and potential evaporation. Both factors could cause isotope enrichment. © Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) copyright 2008. Reproduced with the permission of NERC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined oxygen and silicon isotope analysis of biogenic silica
Authors: Leng Melanie J. , Sloane Hilary J.
Published: April 2008

There is increasing interest in the use of biogenic silica O and Si isotope ratios to understand climate and environmental processes. Virtually all of the fairly substantial body of literature deals with either oxygen or silicon. This is partly because measurement of oxygen isotope composition is done using either vacuum dehydration, isotope exchange or stepped fluorination techniques, while increasingly researchers are turning to multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC‐ICP‐MS) for Si isotope analysis, even though Si isotope analysis can be done using fluorination methods used for the oxygen isotope measurements. Here we describe a procedure for simultaneous determination of isotopic abundances of oxygen and silicon from the same aliquot of biogenic silica. Pure silica is dissociated into O and Si compounds using a fluorination technique, in which reaction with bromine pentafluoride (BrF5) produces oxygen (O2, subsequently converted to CO2), silicon tetrafluoride (SiF4) and other fluorine by‐products (e.g. BrF3). These compounds are cryogenically separated using cold traps. Yields for oxygen and silicon recovery are 70–80% for biogenic silica depending on the nature of the hydrous layer and 97–99% for pure quartz. Reproducibility of the oxygen isotopic composition is ca. 0.3‰ and silicon between 0.06–0.12‰. © Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) copyright 2008. Reproduced with the permission of NERC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isotopes in Biogenic Silica (IBiS)
Authors: Leng Melanie J. , Street‐Perrott F. Alayne , Barker Philip A.
Published: April 2008

This special issue of the Journal of Quaternary Science comprises a selection of papers from the third meeting of a series on ‘ISOtopes in PALaeoenvironmental reconstruction’ (ISOPAL), themed around Isotopes and Biogenic silica (IBiS). The meeting was held at the British Geological Survey (Nottingham, UK) in April 2007, and consisted of a series of presentations giving methodological approaches to using isotopes in biogenic silica but also specific examples of the application, the majority of which are presented in this issue. © Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) copyright 2008. Reproduced with the permission of NERC. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Raman characterization of painted mortar in Republican Roman mosaics
Authors: Boschetti Cristina , Corradi Anna , Baraldi Pietro
Published: April 2008

In several Italian archaeological sites, the presence of the so‐called emblemata has been attested to the Republican Roman Age (2nd to 1st century B.C.). They are small mosaics made on a stone or terracotta tray using the opus vermiculatum. This particular technique, which originated in Egypt and/or in Greece during the Hellenistic period (3rd century B.C.), uses very small tesserae (of size less than 0.5 cm) producing a pictorial effect. In the literature, this type of mosaic has been studied from a technical approach only for a small group of mosaics from Greece (Delos, Samos and Rhodes island), while for the Italian area, a project on their archaeometrical and archaeological study is in progress. In a few cases, by observing the surface of the mosaics, it was possible to detect the presence of a painting layer on the mortar. This feature was never reported in the literature, probably because the painted details have survived only in traces, and they are visible only by direct observation. A mosaic from Rome (preserved in site, under the church of St. Susanna), was sampled and analyzed by Raman spectrometry, while two vermiculata mosaics from Privernum (LT) were observed in situ by a portable instrument. Thanks to the characterization, it was possible to observe the use of a luxurious palette of pigments, including cinnabar and Egyptian Blue. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of adsorption mechanism on colloidal silver surface of alafosfalin and its analogs
Authors: Podstawka Edyta , Andrzejak Marcin , Kafarski Paweł , Proniewicz Leonard M.
Published: April 2008

This study reports the Raman (FT‐RS) and absorption infrared (FT‐IR) spectra, based on calculated wavenumbers and normal modes of vibrations, of the following compounds: L‐Ala‐L‐NH‐CH(Me)‐PO3H2 (alafosfalin, A1), L‐Ala‐D‐NH‐CH(Me)‐PO3H2 (A2), L‐Ala‐L‐NH‐CH(Et)‐PO3H2 (A3), D,L‐Ala‐D,L‐NH‐CH(Et)‐PO3H2 (A4), L‐Ala‐D‐NH‐CH(iPr)‐PO3H2 (A5), L‐Ala‐D,L‐NH‐CH(iPr)‐PO3H2 (A6), L‐Ala‐D,L‐NH‐CH(tBu)‐PO3H2 (A7), L‐Ala‐D,L‐NH‐CH(iBu)‐PO3H2 (A8), L‐Ala‐D,L‐NH‐CH(cBu)‐PO3H2 (A9), L‐Ala‐D,L‐NH‐CH(nPA)‐PO3H2 (A10), β‐Ala‐D‐NH‐CH(Me)‐PO3H2 (A11), and D,L‐Ala‐NH‐C(Me,Me)‐PO3H2 (A12). The equilibrium geometries and vibrational wavenumbers are calculated using density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP; 6–31 + + G** level of theory using Gaussian'03, GaussSum 0.8, and GAR2PED software. We briefly compare and analyze the experimental and calculated vibrational wavenumbers in the range of 3600–400 cm−1. In addition, Raman wavenumbers are compared to those from surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for the phosphonodipeptides of alanine (Ala) adsorbed on a colloidal silver surface. The geometry of these molecules etched on the silver surface is deduce from the observed changes in both the intensity and breadth of Raman bands in the spectra of the bound vs free species. For example, A7, A8, A1, A3, and A4 appear to adsorb onto the colloidal silver particles mainly through the phosphonate terminus, and for A3 and A4, through the C‐NH2 and CONH fragments. The most dominant SERS bands of A5, A6, A9, A10, and A11 are due to the amide bond vibrations, as well as to the vibrations of the C‐NH2 group (A9 and A10) and the CC group (A6 and A11). The differences recorded for the A5, A6, A9, A10, and A11 and those of A2 and A12 are due to interactions between the amine and methyl groups with the silver surface, and they reflect vibrational characteristic of these groups. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High pressure Raman spectra of L‐methionine crystal
Authors: Lima J. A. , Freire P. T. C. , Melo F. E. A. , Lemos V. , Mendes Filho J. , Pizani P. S.
Published: April 2008

Raman spectra of an L‐methionine (C5H11NO2S) crystal were obtained in the spectral region between 50 and 3200 cm−1 for pressures up to 5 GPa. Pronounced changes of the Raman spectra were observed for bands associated to rocking of CO2−; wagging of CO2−; deformations of CO2−, CH3, and NH3+; and stretching vibrations of SC, CC, CH, CH2, and CH3. Upon decompression to ambient pressure the original Raman spectrum prior to compression is recovered. These modifications were associated to a reversible phase transition undergone by the L‐methionine crystal at about 2.2 GPa, with a hysteresis of ∼0.8 GPa. Pressure coefficients for most of the internal modes of the crystal are given. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laser Markets in the USA
Authors: Belforte David
Published: April 2008

The world market for industrial laser materials processing systems in 2007 was in excess of $6.1 billion (Figure 1). An additional $2.5 billion is attributable to excimer lasers for photolithography applications, which will not be discussed in this paper. The market covered in this report is that for which lasers produce a physical or visual change in a material that is being processed in a manufacturing environment by automated or semi‐automated systems typically operated by semi‐skilled workers, on a routine production schedule.
Robot Supported Laser System Technology
Authors: Kroth Eberhard
Published: April 2008

It took more than two decades to introduce the combination of lasers and robot technology to the industry, but today this combination is a must‐have for any technology leader in mechanical engineering. From CO2 lasers towards Fiber lasers and from a bare addition of laser and robot towards integrated system technology – it is interesting to have a look at the steps of this development and to think about the future.
Innovative Laser Welding Processes
Authors: Olowinsky Alexander , Boglea Andrei , Gedicke Jens
Published: April 2008

Laser beam micro joining is known as one of the most promising applications of laser technology. The paper will give an overview of new applications in microtechnology using laser beams with high beam quality such as fiber lasers. Hence two new processes will be reported. The combination of small focus dimensions with high feed rates for scanning has advantages for metal welding as well as for polymer welding. Advanced Microsystems with complicated welding contours especially from the medical and biotechnological applications are challenging the limits of laser welding of polymers.
Large Scale Laser Microstructuring in the Printing Industry
Authors: Hennig Guido , Selbmann Karl‐Heinz , Brüning Stephan
Published: April 2008

Applying lasers in gravure print form fabrication is getting more and more important due to a high machining rate, high spatial resolution and the ability of digital modulation. Direct laser engraving into the metallic surface is the fastest and most versatile process for gravure cylinder imaging (ablation rate up to 1 cm3/min). High power Q‐switch Nd:YAG and fiber lasers up to repetition rates of 100 kHz are used, tuned for high reproducibility and stability. A fast modulation of the laser beam profile for each single pulse allows for optimization of the cell shape to get the best ink transfer interaction on a specific print substrate. Highest screen resolutions are made with single mode cw fiber lasers > 100 W.
The nutritional reputation of palm oil
Authors: Stanley John C.
Published: April 2008

The high saturated fatty acid content of palm oil and hence its potential to raise circulating levels of cholesterol has given this tropical oil a bad nutritional reputation. Three considerations suggest that this reputation may soon need to be re‐evaluated. First, the need of the edible oil industry to find alternatives to partially hydrogenated oils has led to the reintroduction of palm oil. What evidence there is suggests that replacement of partially hydrogenated oils with palm oil leads to a rise in HDL‐cholesterol levels an effect which would be expected to lead to a fall in the risk of developing heart disease. Second, palm oil is a very rich source of tocotrienols the neglected part of the vitamin E complex. If beneficial effects of tocotrienols on health were to be demonstrated then this would inevitably improve the nutritional reputation of palm oil. Third, red palm oil is the richest and most available vegetable source of provitamin A carotenoids known and it has been shown that this oil can improve vitamin A status in populations which are deficient in this vitamin.
Disturbance of circadian gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lin Yueh‐Min , Chang Julia H. , Yeh Kun‐Tu , Yang Ming‐Yu , Liu Ta‐Chih , Lin Sheng‐Fung , Su Wei‐Wen , Chang Jan‐Gowth
Published: April 2008

Circadian rhythm plays an important role in the regulation of digestive system. The human circadian rhythm is controlled by at least nine circadian genes. The aims of this study are to understand the expression of the circadian genes between hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and nontumor tissues, and to explore the possible mechanism(s) contributing to the difference. We analyzed differential expression of the 9 circadian genes in 46 hepatocellular carcinoma and paired noncancerous tissues by real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR and immunohistochemical detection. We also tested the possible regulatory mechanism(s) by direct sequencing and methylation PCR analysis. Our results showed that decreased expression levels of PER1, PER2, PER3, CRY2, and TIM in hepatocellular carcinomas were observed. Decreased‐expression of these genes was not caused by genetic mutations, but by several factors, such as promoter methylation, overexpression of EZH2 or other factors. The downexpression of more circadian genes may result in disturbance of cell cycle, and it is correlated with the tumor size. Downregulation of circadian genes results in disturbance of circadian rhythm in hepatocellular carcinoma which may disrupt the control of the central pacemaker and benefit selective survival of cancerous cells and promote carcinogenesis. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wild‐type APC regulates caveolin‐1 expression in human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines via FOXO1a and C‐myc
Authors: Roy Upal K. Basu , Henkhaus Rebecca S. , Ignatenko Natalia A. , Mora Jessica , Fultz Kimberly E. , Gerner Eugene W.
Published: April 2008

Genetic evidence suggests that caveolin‐1, an essential component of membrane caveolae, acts as a tumor promoter in some, and a tumor suppressor in other cancers. The role of caveolin‐1 in colon carcinogenesis is controversial. We report here, for the first time, that caveolin‐1 is transcriptionally induced in colon cancer cells in response to conditional expression of a full length adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. This induction of caveolin‐1 by APC is mediated by both FOXO1a, a member of the Forkhead family of transcription factor, and c‐myc. The FOXO1a protein, which is increased by wild‐type APC expression, induces caveolin‐1 promoter–reporter activity and binds directly to a FKHR consensus binding sequence in the caveolin‐1 promoter. The c‐myc protein, which is reduced in the presence of wild‐type APC, acts to repress caveolin‐1 expression by acting at non‐E‐box containing elements in the caveolin‐1 promoter. These data predict that caveolin‐1 protein expression would be decreased early in colonic carcinogenesis, which is associated with loss of wild‐type APC. Our results would be consistent with the interpretation that caveolin‐1 may have tumor suppressing functions during early stages of colon carcinogenesis. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electromyographic characterization in an animal model of dystonia
Authors: Chaniary Kunal , Baron Mark , Rice Ann , Wetzel Paul , Shapiro Steven
Published: April 2008

Kernicterus is known to produce damage to the auditory system and the basal ganglia in humans. Although the Gunn rat model of kernicterus has been extensively used to characterize the auditory features, this model has not been similarly utilized to systematically investigate the movement disorder. In the present study, spontaneously jaundiced (jj) 16 day old Gunn rat pups were treated with sulfadimethoxine to exacerbate bilirubin toxicity and compared to saline treated jjs and non‐jaundiced (Nj) littermates. Electromyographic (EMG) activity was recorded from antagonistic hip muscles in dystonic and in normal appearing rats. Raw EMG signals were decomposed using the Discrete Wavelet Transform based multi‐resolution analysis and signal coefficients corresponding to the dominant EMG frequency band were chosen. Gunn rats exposed to sulfadimethoxine developed a stable clinical state characterized by prolonged abnormal axial and appendicular postures. Coherence plots of the separated signals coefficients revealed 4–7 Hz co‐activation in antagonistic muscles that was significantly more prominent in jj sulfa treated dystonic compared to normal rats. The EMG findings support the presence of dystonia in sulfadimethoxine exposed jj Gunn rats and suggest that these animals can serve as a valuable model for experimental investigations of dystonia. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society.
Parkinson's disease in Arabs: A systematic review
Authors: Benamer Hani T.S. , de Silva Rajith , Siddiqui Khurram A. , Grosset Donald G.
Published: April 2008

Studies of specific populations have provided invaluable knowledge about Parkinson's disease (PD), especially in the field of genetics. The present report systematically reviews the medical literature on PD in Arabs. Medline and Embase were searched, and 24 article were identified: genetic (n = 17), epidemiological (n = 3), and clinical series (n = 5). Both autosomal dominant and recessive forms of inherited PD are described, associated with four genes (Parkin, PINK1, LRRK2, and PARK9). The G2019S LRRK2 mutation is more common in both familial (37–42%) and apparently sporadic PD (41%) in North African Arabs than in Europeans and North Americans (2–3%). The incidence of PD is reported at 4.5 per 100,000 person‐years and reported prevalence at 27 to 43 per 100,000 persons. Hospital‐based clinical series suggest that parkinsonism is the commonest movement disorder. Clinical features of PD in Arabs are not significantly different from those reported elsewhere. PD was reported as the cause of dementia in around 7% of Arabs. The majority of studies relate to the role of genes in the etiology of PD in North African Arabs. Further genetic, epidemiological and clinical studies from the majority of Arabic countries may enhance our understanding of PD. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society.
Associations between multiple system atrophy and polymorphisms of SLC1A4, SQSTM1, and EIF4EBP1 Genes
Authors: Soma Hiroyuki , Yabe Ichiro , Takei Asako , Fujiki Naoto , Yanagihara Tetsuro , Sasaki Hidenao
Published: April 2008

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an adult‐onset sporadic neurodegenerative disease. Although the etiology of MSA remains obscure, recent studies suggest that oxidative stress is associated with the pathogenesis of MSA. The aim of this study was to evaluate genetic associations between the candidate genes involved in oxidative stress and MSA in a case‐control study. We examined 119 Japanese patients with MSA and 123 controls, and genotyped single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the following eight genes: CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein homologous protein, activating transcription factor 3, CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein‐β, sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1), cysteinyl‐tRNA synthetase, solute carrier family 1A4 (SLC1A4), activating transcription factor 4, and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E‐binding protein 1 (EIF4EBP1). SLC1A4 SNP +28833 (V398I, rs759458, genotype: Pc = 0.0186, allele: Pc = 0.0303, Pc: P‐value with Bonferroni correction), two major haplotypes of SLC1A4 “T‐C‐C‐G” and “T‐C‐T‐A” (Pc = 0.0261 and 0.000768), two‐SNP haplotypes of SQSTM1 “C‐T” and “A‐T” (Pc = 0.0136 and 0.0369), and the most common haplotype of EIF4EBP1 “C‐T‐G‐C” (Pc = 0.0480) showed significant associations. This study revealed genetic associations of SLC1A4, SQSTM1, and EIF4EBP1 with MSA. These results may lend genetic support to the hypothesis that oxidative stress is associated with the pathogenesis of MSA. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Neural control of the gastrointestinal tract: Implications for Parkinson disease
Authors: Cersosimo Maria G. , Benarroch Eduardo E.
Published: April 2008

Disorders of swallowing and gastrointestinal motility are prominent nonmotor manifestations of Parkinson disease (PD). Motility of the gut is controlled both by extrinsic inputs from the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) and paravertebral sympathetic ganglia and by local reflexes mediated by intrinsic neurons of the enteric nervous system (ENS). Both the ENS and the DMV are affected by Lewy body pathology at early stages of PD. This early involvement provides insights into the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal dysmotility in this disorder and may constitute an important step in the etiopathogenesis of Lewy body disease. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society.
Progranulin gene mutation with an unusual clinical and neuropathologic presentation
Authors: Wider Christian , Uitti Ryan J. , Wszolek Zbigniew K. , Fang John Y. , Josephs Keith A. , Baker Matthew C. , Rademakers Rosa , Hutton Michael L. , Dickson Dennis W.
Published: April 2008

Progranulin gene (PGRN) mutations cause frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitin‐positive inclusions (FTLD‐U). Patients usually present with a frontotemporal dementia syndrome and have prominent atrophy and neuronal loss in frontal and temporal cortices and the striatum, with neuronal intranuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions. Clinical, neuropathological, and genetic studies are reported on an individual with PGRN mutation and her family members. We describe a patient with a PGRN c.26C>A mutation who presented with progressive stuttering dysarthria, oculomotor abnormalities, choreic buccolingual movements, and mild parkinsonism. Two other family members were affected, one with a behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia syndrome, the other with a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease. At autopsy there was no neuronal loss in the cortex or medial temporal lobe structures, but there was striatal gliosis. Immunohistochemistry for ubiquitin and TDP‐43 revealed neuronal cytoplasmic and intranuclear inclusions as well as neurites. This study further expands the clinical and pathological spectrum of PGRN mutations, and suggests the diagnosis could be missed in some individuals with atypical presentations. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Potassium channel blocker 4‐aminopyridine is effective in interictal cerebellar symptoms in episodic ataxia type 2 — A video case report
Authors: Löhle Matthias , Schrempf Wiebke , Wolz Martin , Reichmann Heinz , Storch Alexander
Published: April 2008

Episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2) is an autosomal‐dominant hereditary disorder clinically characterized by recurrent attacks of vertigo, imbalance and ataxia. Studies have shown that 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) is capable to prevent these attacks. However, there are no reports whether 4‐AP is able to attenuate interictal cerebellar ataxia. Using the scale for assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA), we examined the efficacy of 4‐AP on interictal ataxia in a 63‐year‐old female patient who suffered from EA2 since the age of 57. EA2 was diagnosed based on clinical criteria and not genetically proven. When treatment with 4‐AP was paused the patient was suffering from marked gait and stance ataxia. After re‐initiation of treatment with 5 mg 4‐AP t.i.d., there was pronounced improvement in gait and stance ataxia. Within 24 hours SARA score lowered from 8.5 to 4.5 points. We conclude that 4‐AP may be beneficial for interictal cerebellar ataxia in late onset EA2. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
The distinctive movement disorder of ovarian teratoma‐associated encephalitis
Authors: Kleinig Timothy J. , Thompson Philip D. , Matar Walid , Duggins Andrew , Kimber Thomas E. , Morris John G. , Kneebone Christopher S. , Blumbergs Peter C.
Published: April 2008

The movement disorder observed in four cases of ovarian teratoma associated encephalitis is described. The illness began with neuropsychiatric symptoms and was followed by prolonged unresponsiveness, respiratory failure, and autonomic instability. The movement disorder consisted of semirhythmic repetitive bulbar and limb movements and persisted during prolonged periods of unresponsiveness, diminishing as awareness returned. The characteristics of the movement disorder differed from recognized dyskinesias. It is suggested that interruption of forebrain corticostriatal inputs by anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antibodies removes tonic inhibition of brainstem pattern generators releasing primitive patterns of bulbar and limb movement. Recognition of the distinctive movements should prompt a search for an ovarian teratoma since the condition is responsive to tumor resection and immunomodulation. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
The asymptotic behaviour of weak solutions to the forward problem of electrical impedance tomography on unbounded three‐dimensional domains
Authors: Lukaschewitsch Michael , Maass Peter , Pidcock Michael , Sebu Cristiana
Published: April 2008

The forward problem of electrical impedance tomography on unbounded domains can be studied by introducing appropriate function spaces for this setting. In this paper we derive the point‐wise asymptotic behaviour of weak solutions to this problem in the three‐dimensional case. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On growth factors of the modified Gram–Schmidt algorithm
Authors: Wei Musheng , Liu Qiaohua
Published: April 2008

Growth factors play a central role in studying the stability properties and roundoff estimates of matrix factorizations; therefore, they have attracted many numerical analysts to study upper bounds of these growth factors.

In this article, we derive several upper bounds of row‐wise growth factors of the modified Gram–Schmidt (MGS) algorithm to solve the least squares (LS) problem and the weighted LS problem. We also extend the analysis to the MGS‐like algorithm to solve the constrained LS problem. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.