bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solid state yellow and orange lasers for flow cytometry
Authors: Kapoor Veena , Karpov Vladimir , Linton Claudette , Subach Fedor V. , Verkhusha Vladislav V. , Telford William G.
Published: April 2008

Diode and DPSS lasers emitting a variety of wavelengths are now commonly incorporated into flow cytometers, greatly increasing our capacity to excite a wide variety of fluorochromes. Until recently, however, virtually no practical technology existed for generating yellow or orange laser light for flow cytometry that was compatible with smaller instrumentation. In this study, we evaluate several new solid state laser systems that emit from the 570 to 600 nm as excitation sources for flow cytometry. DPSS 580, 589, and 592 nm sources were integrated into a cuvette‐based flow cytometer (BD LSR II) and a stream‐in‐air cell sorter (FACSVantage DiVa), and used to excite a variety of yellow, orange, and red excited fluorochromes, including Texas Red, APC, and its tandem conjugates, and the genetically encoded red fluorescent protein HcRed and the more recently developed Katushka. All laser sources were successfully incorporated into the indicated flow cytometry platforms. The yellow and orange sources (particularly 592 nm) were ideal for exciting Texas Red, and provided excitation of APC and its tandems that was comparable to a traditional red laser source, albeit at higher power levels than red sources. Yellow and orange laser light was optimal for exciting HcRed and Katushka. Practical yellow and orange laser sources are now available for flow cytometry. This technology fills an important gap in the laser wavelengths available for flow, now almost any fluorochrome requiring visible light excitation can be accommodated. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generation of an Msx2‐GFP conditional null allele
Authors: Bensoussan Vardina , Lallemand Yvan , Moreau Julie , Cloment Cécile Saint , Langa Francina , Robert Benoît
Published: April 2008

Msx1 and Msx2, two members of the Msx gene family, encode homeoprotein transcription factors and play critical roles during mouse development. Because of the redundancy between the two genes, many of these roles can only be studied in double Msx1; Msx2 mutants. However, these animals die around 14.5 dpc, which precludes analysis of Msx gene function beyond this stage. Moreover, the pleiotropic defects displayed by these embryos make phenotypic analysis difficult. To overcome these restrictions and study the double Msx mutant phenotype at later stages, we generated an Msx2 conditional null allele using Cre/loxP technology. The strategy consisted of flanking the Msx2 gene coding sequence with two loxP sites. In addition, a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene was placed under Msx2 regulatory sequences in the modified locus. Our results demonstrate that the Msx2‐GFP conditional allele behaves as a normal one, whereas Cre‐mediated recombination creates an Msx2 null allele. With either allele, expression patterns of the GFP reporter gene and the Msx2 endogenous gene are identical. genesis 46:276‐282, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diels–Alder Reactions of Symmetrically 1,4‐Disubstituted Dienes: Theoretical Study on the Influence of the Configuration of the Double Bonds on the Regio‐ and Endoselectivity
Authors: Baki Samira , Maddaluno Jacques , Derdour Aïcha , Chaquin Patrick
Published: April 2008

It was experimentally shown in Diels‐Alder reactions that symmetrically 1,4‐disubstituted dienes exhibit high regio‐ and endoselectivity induced by the (E,Z) configuration of the double bonds. In order to understand the origin of this selectivity, the transition states associated with the reaction between a series of such dienes (R = OMe, CH3, NH2, F, CN) on substituted ethylene (R′ = CO2Me, CN, F, OMe) were determined by DFT calculations. If the regioselectivity confirmed by a single‐point MP2 calculation is predicted to be good in most cases, its direction remains difficult to predict; the R′ group of the dienophile can orient itself toward either the (Z) or the (E) side of the diene. Neither primary nor secondary frontier orbital interactions appear to be able to rationalize these results. They are more likely explained by a delicate balance between steric and electrostatic interactions. This hypothesis is further supported by the calculated reactivity of the (E,E) and (Z,Z) corresponding dienes. In any case, a standard DFT calculation, confirmed by a single‐point MP2 step, is likely to provide a reliable guideline for a synthesis strategy that allows the control of up to four stereogenic centres in a single reaction step.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Do Ramadan fasting restrictions alter eating behaviours?
Authors: Erol Atila , Baylan Gonul , Yazici Fadime
Published: April 2008

During Ramadan month, Muslims should refrain from drinking, eating and smoking from dawn to sunset. Ramadan fasting can be considered as a kind of dietary restriction. Eating restriction is a risk factor for later development of eating disorders. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether Ramadan fasting changes the eating behaviours of young people, especially girls who are known as the most vulnerable group for eating disorders. Our sample consisted of 79 healthy volunteers from a high school (63 females; mean age = 16.29; 16 males; mean age = 16.31) who fasted during the Ramadan month. No statistically significant differences were found between the scores of EAT (Eating Attitude Test) and BITE (Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh) which were administered within the weeks before and after Ramadan. According to our results Ramadan fasting restrictions do not seem to change the eating behaviours of young girls and boys. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Application of local DFD method to simulate unsteady flows around an oscillating circular cylinder
Authors: Wu Y. L. , Shu C.
Published: April 2008

In this paper, the recently proposed local domain‐free discretization (DFD) method is applied to simulate incompressible flows around an oscillating circular cylinder. It is found that it is very easy for the local DFD method to handle such moving boundary flow problems. This is because it does not need to move the mesh, which is indeed needed in traditional methods. Numerical experiments show that the present numerical results agree very well with the available data in the literature, and that the local DFD method is an effective tool for the computation of moving boundary flow problems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing departure from Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium in the presence of disease association
Authors: Li Mingyao , Li Chun
Published: April 2008

Assessing Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) is often employed as an important initial step for genotype data quality checking in genetics studies. Tests for HWE often assume that the genotypes are randomly sampled from the general population. However, in many human genetics studies, subjects are ascertained through their disease status, and affected individuals (and their relatives in family‐based studies) are overly represented in the ascertained sample than in the general population. As a result, when a marker is associated with the disease, the type I error rate in the HWE tests can be inflated, leading to false exclusion of associated markers from future analysis. Here we develop a general likelihood framework that allows assessment of departure from HWE while taking into account potential association with the disease. Our method can differentiate HWE departure caused by disease association from departure caused by other reasons, such as genotyping errors. The framework can be used for various data structures, including unrelated cases and controls, nuclear families with one or more offspring, or a mixture of them. The type I error rate of our test is under control for a broad range of scenarios. For case‐control data, compared to the traditional HWE test that uses only controls, our test is more powerful to detect HWE departure for common diseases and has comparable power for rare diseases. For case‐parents trios, our test is more powerful than the traditional HWE test that uses parents only. Genet. Epidemiol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel method to establish microglia‐free astrocyte cultures: Comparison of matrix metalloproteinase expression profiles in pure cultures of astrocytes and microglia
Authors: Crocker Stephen J. , Frausto Ricardo F. , Whitton J. Lindsay , Milner Richard
Published: April 2008

Increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) proteolytic activity contributes to the pathogenesis of many neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions in the CNS. To fully understand this process, it is important to define the MMP expression profile of specific cell types, including the CNS‐resident cells astrocytes and microglia. While previous studies have characterized astrocyte MMP expression by using mixed glial cultures, these results are likely complicated by the presence of contaminating microglia within these cultures. In the current study, we sought to clarify this complexity, by taking a novel approach to prepare pure astrocyte cultures entirely devoid of microglia, by promoting neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation into astrocytes. The MMP expression profile of mixed glial cultures, neurosphere‐derived astrocytes, and pure microglia was characterized by RNase protection assay. This revealed that MMP gene expression is largely cell‐type specific. Astrocytes constitutively expressed MMP‐11, MMP‐14, and MMP‐2 and showed induction of MMP‐3 in response to IL‐1β but did not respond to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In contrast, microglia constitutively expressed high levels of MMP‐12 and showed strong induction of MMP‐9 and MMP‐14 in response to LPS. Gelatin zymography confirmed that LPS and TNF‐α induced strong expression of MMP‐9 in microglia but not astrocytes. In summary, these studies demonstrate that neurosphere‐derived astrocytes represent an attractive alternative system in which to study astrocyte behavior in vitro. Using this system, we have shown that astrocytes and microglia express distinct sets of MMP genes and that microglia, not astrocytes, are the major source of MMP‐9 in response to LPS or TNF‐α. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy versus ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy: Cost‐effectiveness as a frontline diagnostic modality for solitary thyroid nodules
Authors: Khalid Ayesha N. , Quraishi Sadeq A. , Hollenbeak Christopher S. , Stack Brendan C.
Published: April 2008

Background

Ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (ultrasound‐guided FNAB) is considered the diagnostic test of choice when a fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) returns an inconclusive diagnosis because of cytologic ambiguity or paucity of specimen.

Methods

Cost‐effectiveness analysis utilizing a decision tree was used to model the diagnostic strategies. The decision analysis model was parameterized using costs from a large, academic medical center and probabilities from existing literature. Outcomes included the incremental cost per additional case correctly diagnosed.

Results

All data are reported as frontline ultrasound‐guided FNAB strategy versus FNAB strategy—expected cost: $1329 versus $1312; expected number of cases correctly diagnosed (per 1000 biopsies): 980 versus 920; incremental cost per additional correctly diagnosed case: $289.

Conclusion

The use of ultrasound‐guided FNAB as the initial modality for tissue biopsy of a thyroid nodule is more effective than traditional FNAB at an additional cost of $289 per additional correct diagnosis. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Chemical and isotopic assessment in volcanic thermal waters: Cases of Ischia (Italy) and São Miguel (Azores, Portugal)
Authors: Morell Ignacio , Pulido‐Bosch Antonio , Daniele Linda , Cruz José Virgilio
Published: April 2008

Isotopic fractionation of 10B/11B provides a sound tool for identifying hydrogeochemical processes in complex areas, owing to its ability to discriminate between various scenarios. In addition, the occurrence of boron as a minor element in areas of active volcanism allows its use in comparison with concentrations of other conservative or non‐conservative ions. This allows the detection of water mixtures of diverse origin and temperature, deep or shallow, including fresh water, seawater and even brines. This tool was applied in studies of the volcanic islands of Ischia and São Miguel, across widely differing geographical and climatic contexts. Five groups of waters have been identified in Ischia Island: marine, transition, hot carbonated, cold carbonated and fresh waters. For São Miguel Island the identified groups are cold carbonic, hot carbonic, boiling and acidic boiling waters. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumoricidal activity of high‐dose tumor necrosis factor‐α is mediated by macrophage‐derived nitric oxide burst and permanent blood flow shutdown
Authors: Menon Chandrakala , Bauer Todd W. , Kelley Scott T. , Raz Dan J. , Bleier Joshua I. , Patel Krina , Steele Kirsten , Prabakaran Indira , Shifrin Alexander , Buerk Donald G. , Sehgal Chandra M. , Fraker Douglas L.
Published: April 2008

This study investigates the role of tumor nitric oxide (NO) and vascular regulation in tumor ulceration following high‐dose tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF) treatment. Using TNF‐responsive (MethA) and nonresponsive (LL2) mouse tumors, tumor NO concentration was measured with an electrochemical sensor and tumor blood flow by Doppler ultrasound. Mice were also pretreated with a selective inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor, 1400 W. Tumors harvested from TNF‐treated mice were cryosectioned and immunostained for murine macrophages, or/and iNOS. MethA tumor‐bearing mice were depleted of macrophages. Pre‐ and post‐TNF tumor NO levels were measured continuously, and mice were followed for gross tumor response. In MethA tumors, TNF caused a 96% response rate, and tumor NO concentration doubled. Tumor blood flow decreased to 3% of baseline by 4 hr and was sustained at 24 hr and 10 days post‐TNF. Selective NO inhibition with 1400 W blocked NO rise and decreased response rate to 38%. MethA tumors showed tumor infiltration by macrophages post‐TNF and the pattern of macrophage immunostaining overlapped with iNOS immunostaining. Depletion of macrophages inhibited tumor NO increase and response to TNF. LL2 tumors had a 0% response rate to TNF and exhibited no change in NO concentration. Blood flow decreased to 2% of baseline by 4 hr, recovered to 56% by 24 hr and increased to 232% by 10 days. LL2 tumors showed no infiltration by macrophages post‐TNF. We conclude that TNF causes tumor infiltrating, macrophage‐derived iNOS‐mediated tumor NO rise and sustained tumor blood flow shutdown, resulting in tumor ulceration in the responsive tumor. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Body size and risk of epithelial ovarian and related cancers: A population‐based case‐control study
Authors: Olsen Catherine M. , Nagle Christina M. , Whiteman David C. , Purdie David M. , Green Adèle C. , Webb Penelope M.
Published: April 2008

Different subtypes of ovarian cancer appear to have different causes; however, the association between body mass index (BMI) and the different subtypes is unclear. We examined the associations between body‐mass index (BMI) and weight gain and risk of the different histological subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancer in a case‐control study in Australia. Cases aged 18–79 with a new diagnosis of invasive epithelial ovarian cancer (n = 1,269) or borderline tumor (n = 311) were identified through a network of clinics and cancer registries throughout Australia. Controls (n = 1,509) were selected from the Electoral Roll. Height and weight (1 year previously, at age 20 and maximum weight) and other risk factor information were ascertained via a self‐administered questionnaire. Obesity was positively associated with clear cell tumors (Odds Ratio 2.3; 95% confidence interval 1.2–4.2) but not invasive endometrioid or mucinous tumors. Although there was no association with invasive serous tumors overall (0.9; 0.7–1.2), we did see an increased risk of serous peritoneal tumors (2.9; 1.7–4.9), but not of serous tumors of the ovary and fallopian tube. Of the borderline subtypes, obesity was positively associated with serous (1.8; 1.1–2.8) but not mucinous tumors (1.1; 0.7–1.7). Overweight was not associated with any subtype overall. There was no association with BMI at age 20, or weight gain for any of the histological subtypes. These results add to the current evidence that obesity increases a woman's risk of developing distinct histological subtypes of ovarian cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variants in DNA double‐strand break repair and DNA damage‐response genes and susceptibility to lung and head and neck cancers
Authors: Danoy Patrick , Michiels Stefan , Dessen Philippe , Pignat Cécile , Boulet Thomas , Monet Marion , Bouchardy Christine , Lathrop Mark , Sarasin Alain , Benhamou Simone
Published: April 2008

Cigarette smoking is the major risk factor for lung cancer, and together with alcohol for head and neck (HN) cancer. These genotoxics produced DNA damage and particularly double‐strand breaks (DSB) that are removed by various repair pathways. To understand the initiation of these cancers, we performed a genotype analysis to correlate some variants in specific genes in a case‐control study of lung and HN cancers. In a discovery phase, we sequenced DNA samples of 32 healthy Caucasians to describe genetic variants in 30 genes involved in the repair of DSB and in DNA damage response. 625 variants were detected on 29 out of the 30 genes successfully screened by sequencing exons, parts of introns and flanking regions. These included 470 non‐exonic variants, from which 33 insertions/deletions, and 155 exonic alterations, corresponding to 59 non synonymous polymorphisms. 223 of these variants were not previously described. In total, 379 variants were successfully genotyped in a case‐control study restricted to smokers including 151 lung cases, 251 HN cases, and 172 controls. To account for multiple testing, we associated to each p‐value a proportion of false positives (q‐value). Haplotype‐analysis suggested potential associations (p < 0.05) between lung cancer and 2 genes (RECQL4 and RAD52), which came with q‐value of 8%, and between HN cancer and 1 gene (DNA‐PK) but with q‐value of 56%. The 3 genes are key players for regulating the efficiency of DSB repair. Large‐scale studies are needed to show if any of these 3 variants are truly associated with an increased risk of cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of surface roughness, porosity, and a resorbable calcium phosphate coating on osseointegration of titanium in a minipig model
Authors: Schwarz Markus L. R. , Kowarsch Markus , Rose Steffen , Becker Kristianna , Lenz Tamara , Jani Lutz
Published: April 2008

The aim of this study was to compare the osseointegration of four different implant surfaces in the Göttingen minipig femur model. They were prepared by glasspearlblasting (A), sandblasting (B) and titaniumplasma spraying (C and D). Surface D received additionally an electrochemically deposited layer of a resorbable calcium phosphate (CaP) layer, made mainly of brushite. Sample size was n = 20 per group. Implants were placed in the intertrochanteric and intercondylar sites of both femora. After 12 weeks, implant anchorage was measured by the pull‐out test and histomorphometry measurements were carried out at the bone‐implant interface. Implant anchorage was 0.7 ± 0.3 MPa for surface A, 3.2 ± 0.6 MPa for surface B, 6.5 ± 1.5 MPa for surface C and 7.3 ± 1.9 MPa for surface D. The differences between surfaces were statistically significant, with exception of C and D. The stiffness of the bone‐implant interface showed no statistically significant difference between surfaces. After pull‐out, surface A and B showed nearly no bone spots, while on surfaces C and D bone remains were found. Bone‐implant contact was 1.9 ± 1.1% for surface A, 10.5 ± 3.6% for surface B, 22.4 ± 4.5% for surface C and 48.8 ± 4.5% for surface D. The differences were statistically significant. Implant location, intertrochanteric and intercondylar, did not affect the data. In this minipig model, rougher surfaces showed better osseointegration. After 12 weeks of healing, the resorbable CaP layer enhanced significantly the bone‐implant contact but not the level of anchorage. The findings also suggest that the pull‐out test should be critically evaluated to determine the shear strength between bone and porous surfaces. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Microfabricated multilayer parylene‐C stencils for the generation of patterned dynamic co‐cultures
Authors: Jinno Satoshi , Moeller Hannes‐Christian , Chen Chia‐Ling , Rajalingam Bimal , Chung Bong Geun , Dokmeci Mehmet R. , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: April 2008

Co‐culturing different cell types can be useful to engineer a more in vivo‐like microenvironment for cells in culture. Recent approaches to generating cellular co‐cultures have used microfabrication technologies to regulate the degree of cell–cell contact between different cell types. However, these approaches are often limited to the co‐culture of only two cell types in static cultures. The dynamic aspect of cell–cell interaction, however, is a key regulator of many biological processes such as early development, stem cell differentiation, and tissue regeneration. In this study, we describe a micropatterning technique based on microfabricated multilayer parylene‐C stencils and demonstrate the potential of parylene‐C technology for co‐patterning of proteins and cells with the ability to generate a series of at least five temporally controlled patterned co‐cultures. We generated dynamic co‐cultures of murine embryonic stem cells in culture with various secondary cell types that could be sequentially introduced and removed from the co‐cultures. Our studies suggested that dynamic co‐cultures generated by using parylene‐C stencils may be applicable in studies investigating cellular interactions in controlled microenvironments such as studies of ES cell differentiation, wound healing and development. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Growth factors reduce the suppression of proliferation and osteogenic differentiation by titanium particles on MSCs
Authors: Jeong Woong‐Kyo , Park Sang‐Won , Im Gun‐Il
Published: April 2008

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that growth factors can reduce the suppressive effect of titanium particles on MSCs. Cultured human MSCs at passage 3 were challenged with prepared cpTi particles at a concentration of 500 particles/cell along with one of the following growth factors: TGF‐β1 (10 ng/mL), FGF‐2 (10 ng/mL), IGF‐I (100 ng/mL), and BMP‐6 (50 ng/mL). After various periods of time, the treatment effects on cellular proliferation, viability, and osteogenic differentiation were measured. All the four growth factors positively promoted cell proliferation and viability to a varying extent. FGF‐2 most effectively enhanced cell proliferation, whereas IGF‐I was the most effective growth factor for enhancing cell viability. FGF‐2, IGF‐I, and BMP‐6 reversed the titanium‐mediated suppression of osteogenic differentiation, BMP‐6 being the most effective one. Various growth factors can mitigate the suppressive effects of titanium particles on MSCs and enhance cell proliferation, viability, and osteogenic differentiation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Convergence of electric field and electric field gradient versus atomic basis sets in all‐siliceous and Mg substituted phillipsites
Authors: Larin A. V. , Sakodynskaya I. K. , Trubnikov D. N.
Published: April 2008

Electrostatic potential (EP), electric field (EF), and electric field gradient (EFG) values are calculated in periodic models of magnesium substituted phillipsite (MgPHI) zeolite forms using periodic DFT (PDFT) hybrid B3LYP level with fourteen different basis sets. Relative root mean square differences between the EP, EF, or EFG values estimated between different basis sets are evaluated in several spatial domains available for adsorbate molecules in the zeolite. In these areas, the EF increase in MgPHI is evaluated relative to all‐siliceous PHI types. The EP is interpreted in terms of framework ionicity for MgPHI and all‐siliceous PHI models. Angular SiOSi dependence of the EFG asymmetry at17O atoms in all‐siliceous zeolites is discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2008
Depressive symptoms and bias in perceived social competence among young adults
Authors: Whitton Sarah W. , Larson Justine J. , Hauser Stuart T.
Published: April 2008

We examined associations between depressive symptoms and young adults' self‐perceptions of social competence to explore whether higher symptoms are associated with self‐evaluations that are more accurate (i.e., depressive realism), negatively biased (i.e., cognitive distortion), or less accurate (i.e., self‐verification perspective). In 133 young adults, depressive symptoms and discrepancies between self‐ and peer ratings of social competence were assessed. Results demonstrated a linear relationship between depressive symptoms and self‐peer discrepancies, such that higher symptoms were associated with underestimation of the self and low symptom levels were linked with overestimation of the self relative to peer evaluations. These findings suggest negative bias in dysphorics' self‐perceptions, supporting cognitive distortion models, as well as positive bias in self‐perceptions of those with low depressive symptoms. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 64: 1–15, 2008.
Interchromatidal central ridge and transversal symmetry in early metaphasic human chromosome one
Authors: Argüello‐Miranda Orlando , Sáenz‐Arce Giovanni
Published: April 2008

The topographic structure of Giemsa‐banded (G‐banded) early metaphase human chromosomes adsorbed on glass was analyzed by atomic force microscope using amplitude modulation mode (AM‐AFM). Longitudinal height measurements for early metaphasic human chromosomes showed a central ridge that was further characterized by transversal height measurements. The heterochromatic regions displayed a high level of transversal symmetry, while the euchromatic ones presented several peaks across the transversal height measurements. We suggest that this central ridge and symmetry patterns point out a transitional arrangement of the early metaphase chromosome and support evidence for interchromatidal interactions prior to disjunction. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunization of rabbits with DNase I produces polyclonal antibodies with DNase and RNase activities
Authors: Krasnorutskii Michael A. , Buneva Valentina N. , Nevinsky Georgy A.
Published: April 2008

Immunization of rabbits with DNase I leads to the production of antiidiotypic Abs with DNase activity. It is not known at present whether antiidiotypic Abs against DNA‐hydrolyzing enzymes can possess RNase activity. Here we show that immunization of healthy rabbits with bovine DNase I produces IgGs with intrinsic DNase and RNase activities. Electrophoretically and immunologically homogeneous polyclonal IgGs were obtained by sequential chromato‐graphy of the immune sera on Protein A‐Sepharose and gel filtration. Affinity chromatography on DNA cellulose using elution of Abs with different concentrations of NaCl and an acidic buffer separated catalytic IgGs into four Ab subfractions, three of which demonstrated only DNase activity while one subfraction hydrolyzed RNA faster than DNA. The serum of patients with many different autoimmune (AI) diseases contains small fractions of antibodies (Abs) interacting with immobilized DNA, which possess both DNase and RNase activities. Our data suggest that a fraction of abzymes from AI patients hydrolyzing both DNA and RNA can contain a subfraction of Abs against DNase I. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A fully validated isotope dilution HPLC‐MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of succinylcholine and succinylmonocholine in serum and urine samples
Authors: Kuepper Uta , Musshoff Frank , Madea Burkhard
Published: April 2008

A high performance liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS) method for the simultaneous detection of succinylcholine (SUX) and its metabolite succinylmonocholine (SMC) in serum and urine is presented. For internal standardization using isotope dilution, the deuterated compounds SUX‐d18 and SMC‐d3 were employed. Full validation was performed according to international guidelines. Solid‐phase extraction (SPE) of acidified samples was accomplished using Strata‐X polymeric reversed phase cartridges together with heptafluorobutyric acid (HFBA) as ion‐pairing reagent. Separation was achieved within 13 min on a Phenomenex Synergi Hydro RP C18 column (4 µm, 150 × 2 mm) using a gradient of 5 mM ammonium formate buffer pH 3.5 and acetonitrile.

To ensure the method's applicability in forensic as well as clinical toxicology, the specific demands of both research fields were taken into account, and the method was thus validated for a low and high concentration range. For both serum and urine as sample matrix, the validation revealed good intraday and interday precisions, consistently ranging below 15% for the lowest and below 10% for elevated concentrations. Accuracy was likewise good and never exceeded 10%. Extraction recovery was excellent, ranging between 88.1 and 103.9% for SUX and SMC in both tested matrices. Matrix effects were significant, the otherwise optimized extraction and detection methods, however, allowed for a very satisfactory sensitivity of the described method: For serum, the limits of detection and quantitation were determined to be 1.9 and 6.0 ng/ml for SUX, as well as 2.5 and 8.6 ng/ml for SMC, respectively; for urine, the corresponding values were established to be 1.4 and 4.0 ng/ml (SUX), as well as 1.5 and 4.9 ng/ml (SMC).

The presented method was successfully applied to authentic samples of two forensic cases investigated in the institute of forensic medicine in Bonn, allowing the diagnosis of SUX intoxications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen bubble‐assisted syntheses of polypyrrole micro/nanostructures using electrochemistry: structural and physical property characterization
Authors: Gupta Sanju
Published: April 2008

Polypyrrole (PPy) in the family of π‐conjugated polymers is a potential candidate for microscopic actuators, electrochromic devices, batteries, and drug delivery systems. We report the controlled syntheses of PPy micro/nanocontainers through electrochemical generation of H2 bubbles from a surfactant cum electrolyte β‐NSA (β‐naphthalene sulfonic acid) stabilized on the working electrode, followed by electrochemical polymerization of monomer (pyrrole) around the wall of the micelles serving as template. It is noticed that the density, shape, caliber, and thickness of self‐assembled PPy micro/nanocontainers can be regulated by electrochemical potential window for H2 bubbles and number of cyclic voltammetric scans for the electropolymerization of pyrrole. Sodium chlorate and perchlorate are used to synthesize conventional PPy films. By changing the dopant structure, one can control the microscopic structure and physical properties, which are analyzed using multiple microscopic techniques and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), infrared, vis Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic analytical tools. In light of this information, an exhaustive description of the material is attained. Experimental results show that the films consist of spherical/globular surface morphology and cup‐/bowl‐like structures, which becomes lantern‐like with increasing cyclic voltammetry scans. The bowl diameter and caliber and room temperature conductivities range 0.05–60 µm, 5–50 µm and 2 × 10−2–20 S cm−1, respectively. Raman spectroscopy (RS) helps to identify the oxidized PPy; polaron and bipolaron states and thus a detailed molecular structure. The results also showed that the relative conjugation length increases with decreasing size of the morphological feature. Moreover, these studies enhanced the understanding of bubble nucleation at the solid–electrolyte interface. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopy of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), possible markers for progressive retinal dysfunction
Authors: Pawlak Anna M. , Beattie J. Renwick , Glenn Josephine V. , Stitt Alan W. , McGarvey John J.
Published: April 2008

Raman microscopy is used to investigate the spectral features of selected compounds known to be involved in the development of the eye disease age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Diagnostic features were identified in synthetic samples of these compounds and in a biological matrix. The study demonstrates the potential of Raman microscopy for the development of diagnostic markers of the onset of AMD. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple primary malignancies in patients with sporadic pancreatic endocrine tumors
Authors: Fendrich Volker , Waldmann Jens , Bartsch Detlef K. , Schlosser Katja , Rothmund Matthias , Gerdes Berthold
Published: April 2008

Background

To investigate the appearance of multiple primary malignancies in patients with sporadic neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors (NEPTs).

Methods

One hundred forty‐five patients with NEPTs were treated at the Department of Surgery, Philipps‐University Marburg. Multiple primary malignancies included tumors that were not considered to be a metastasis, invasion, or recurrence of NEPTs. Data on sex, age at diagnosis of cancer, follow‐up time after diagnosis, and death rate were collected.

Results

Of 115 patients with sporadic NEPTs, 15 (13.0%) patients were identified with at least one malignant tumor, other than a NEPT. The median age at diagnosis of the associated tumor(s) was 57 years (range, 10–72 years). Two of the 15 patients had insulinomas, 5 had gastrinomas and 8 had non‐functioning NEPTs, respectively. The risk of developing multiple cancers was the highest for patients with gastrinoma (21.7%), followed by patients with non‐functioning NFPTs (20.5%).

Conclusions

In patients with NEPTs multiple primary malignancies are found more frequently than in the general population. The etiology of the increased risk of other primaries is not clearly defined, but it may be the result of accumulated growth stimulation by the secreted hormones or a genetic alteration that leads to tumorogenesis in these patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:592–595. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved local control by surgery and paclitaxel‐based chemoradiation for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Results of a retrospective non‐randomized study
Authors: Hsu Feng‐Ming , Lin Chia‐Chi , Lee Jang‐Ming , Chang Yih‐Leong , Hsu Chih‐Hung , Tsai Yu‐Chieh , Lee Yung‐Chie , Cheng Jason Chia‐Hsien
Published: April 2008

Background and Objectives

To investigate the impact of using paclitaxel in chemoradiation on locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated with or without surgery.

Methods

Of 127 patients with AJCC stages II–III esophageal SCC undergoing definitive chemoradiation (DefCRT, n = 44) or neoadjuvant chemoradiation plus surgery (NeoCRT + S, n = 83), 57 received chemotherapy with paclitaxel and cisplatin (TP), and 70 received 5‐fluorouracil and cisplatin (PF). Three‐year local progression‐free survival (LPFS), distant metastasis‐free survival, overall survival, and prognostic factors were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The median survival was 30 months. Pathological complete response rate was 41% and 27% with TP and PF, respectively (P = 0.19). NeoCRT + S achieved significantly higher LPFS than DefCRT (71% vs. 39%, P < 0.001). Patients receiving TP had significantly higher LPFS than PF (74% vs. 48%, P = 0.04). Local control was similar between DefCRT with TP and NeoCRT + S. Distant metastasis‐free survival and overall survival were not different between treatment modalities or chemotherapy regimens. In multivariate analysis, surgery (HR 0.30, P < 0.001), TP regimen (HR 0.38, P = 0.007), and mediastinal lymphadenopathy (HR 2.37, P = 0.008) were independent factors for LPFS.

Conclusions

Both surgery and the use of paclitaxel‐based chemoradiation may improve local disease control. Future randomized trials should integrate paclitaxel into definitive chemoradiation. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:34–41. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Europe Replaces Asia as the Growth Locomotive
Authors: Mayer Arnold
Published: April 2008

After the record of 27 % growth in 2006, the global market for laser material processing systems saw a moderate growth of 5 % in 2007. This matches with the long term growth trend, taking into account economic cycles and currency fluctuations. Optech Consulting expects market growth at an average rate of 8 % to 9 %. Still, established applications, such as cutting, welding, and marking, are not yet saturated while new applications contribute to the growth potential.
Fabrication of Super Hydrophobic Surfaces by fs Laser Pulses
Authors: Groenendijk Max
Published: April 2008

The chair of Applied Laser Technology of the University of Twente, The Netherlands, is performing research into applications of ultrashort pulsed lasers for micromachining. In a recent project, PhD student Max Groenendijk developed a method for the production of super water repellant surfaces by injection molding. The core of this technique is the structuring of mold surfaces by micro and nanometer sized textures, using a femtosecondpulsed laser.
Cardiac sympathetic denervation correlates with clinical and pathologic stages of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Fujishiro Hiroshige , Frigerio Roberta , Burnett Melinda , Klos Kevin J. , Josephs Keith A. , DelleDonne Anthony , Parisi Joseph E. , Ahlskog J. Eric , Dickson Dennis W.
Published: April 2008

Attention has been drawn to cardiac sympathetic denervation in Parkinson's disease (PD) based on clinical studies using [123I] metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy; however, the histologic correlates and time course of cardiac sympathetic denervation are poorly understood. To address these issues, we used tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry to detect cardiac sympathetic nerve fibers in the epicardium of 4 normal controls, 11 cases with incidental Lewy bodies (iLBs), and 14 cases of PD. Cardiac sympathetic innervation was significantly less in PD than in normal controls and cases with iLBs (P < 0.05). There was also a decrease in TH‐immunoreactive fibers in iLB cases compared to normal controls (P < 0.01). TH‐immunoreactive fibers correlated with the PD stage (r = −0.75, P < 0.001), as well as with Hoehn & Yahr clinical stage (r = −0.61, P < 0.001), and disease duration (r = −0.63, P < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry for α‐synuclein showed neurites in epicardium in PD and iLB cases, but not in normal controls. The density of α‐synuclein neurites correlated with Braak PD stage (r = 0.38, P < 0.05), Hoehn & Yahr clinical stage (r = 0.44, P < 0.05), and disease duration (r = 0.42, P < 0.05). This study demonstrates that cardiac sympathetic degeneration and α‐synuclein pathology is present in presymptomatic phase of PD, and that both increase with disease duration and severity. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society.
Efficacy of long‐term continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion in advanced Parkinson's disease with motor fluctuations: A multicenter study
Authors: García Ruiz Pedro J. , Sesar Ignacio Ángel , Ares Pensado Begoña , Castro García Alfonso , Alonso Frech Fernando , Álvarez López Mercedes , Arbelo González José , Baiges Octavio Joan , Burguera Hernández Juan Andrés , Calopa Garriga Matilde , Campos Blanco Dulce , Castaño García Belén , Carballo Cordero Manuel , Chacón Peña José , Espino Ibáñez Anna , Gorospe Onisalde Aránzazu , Giménez‐Roldán Santiago , Granés Ibáñez Pilar , Hernández Vara Jorge , Ibáñez Alonso Ramón , Jiménez Jiménez Félix Javier , Krupinski Jerzy , Kulisevsky Bojarsky Jaime , Legarda Ramírez Inés , Lezcano García Elena , Martínez‐Castrillo Juan Carlos , Mateo González Dolores , Miquel Rodríguez Francesc , Mir Pablo , Muñoz Fargas Elena , Obeso Inchausti José , Olivares Romero Jesús , Olivé Plana José , Otermin Vallejo Pilar , Pascual Sedano Berta , Pérez de Colosía Rama Víctor , Pérez López‐Fraile Isabel , Planas Comes Albert , Puente Periz Víctor , Rodríguez Oroz María Cruz , Sevillano García Dolores , Solís Pérez Pilar , Suárez Muñoz José , Vaamonde Gamo Julia , Valero Merino Caridad , Valldeoriola Serra Francesc , Velázquez Pérez José Miguel , Yáñez Baña Rosa , Zamarbide Capdepon Ivana
Published: April 2008

Continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion (CSAI) is, at present, an alternative option for advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) with motor fluctuations. We studied the evolution of patients with PD and severe motor fluctuations long‐term treated with CSAI. We reviewed data from 82 patients with PD (mean age, 67 ± 11.07; disease duration, 14.39 ± 5.7 years) and severe motor fluctuations referred to 35 tertiary hospitals in Spain. These patients were long‐term treated (for at least 3 months) with CSAI and tolerated the procedure without serious side effects. We compared the baseline data of these 82 patients (before CSAI) with those obtained from the last follow‐up visit of each patient. The mean follow‐up of CSAI was 19.93 ± 16.3 months. Mean daily dose of CSAI was 72.00 ± 21.38 mg run over 14.05 ± 1.81 hours. We found a statistically significant reduction in off‐hours, according to self‐scoring diaries (6.64 ± 3.09 vs. 1.36 ± 1.42 hours/day, P < 0.0001), total and motor UPDRS scores (P < 0.0001), dyskinesia severity (P < 0.0006), and equivalent dose of antiparkinsonian therapy (1,405 ± 536.7 vs. 800.1 ± 472.9 mg of levodopa equivalent units P < 0.0001). CSAI is an effective option for patients with PD and severe fluctuations, poorly controlled by conventional oral drug treatment. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society.
An approximation result for free discontinuity functionals by means of non‐local energies
Authors: Lussardi Luca
Published: April 2008

We approximate, in the sense of Γ‐convergence, free discontinuity functionals with linear growth by a sequence of non‐local integral functionals depending on the average of the gradient on small balls. The result extends to a higher dimension what is already proved in (Ann. Mat. Pura Appl. 2007; 186(4): 722–744), where there is the proof of the general one‐dimensional case, and in (ESAIM Control Optim. Calc. Var. 2007; 13(1):135–162), where the n‐dimensional case with ϕ=Id is treated. Moreover, we investigate whether it is possible to approximate a given free discontinuity functional by means of non‐local energies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Explicit representations of the regular solutions to the time‐harmonic Maxwell equations combined with the radial symmetric Euler operator
Authors: Cação Isabel , Constales Denis , Kraußhar Rolf Sören
Published: April 2008

In this paper we consider a generalization of the classical time‐harmonic Maxwell equations, which as an additional feature includes a radial symmetric perturbation in the form of the Euler operator $E:={\textstyle\sum\nolimits_{i}}\,x_i {\partial }/{\partial x_i}$.

We show how one can apply hypercomplex analysis methods to solve the partial differential equation (PDE) system [D–λ–αE]f=0, where D is the Euclidean Dirac operator and where λ and α are arbitrary non‐zero complex numbers. When α is a positive real number, the vector‐valued solutions to this PDE system provide us precisely with the solutions to the time‐harmonic Maxwell equations on the sphere of radius 1/α. We give a fully explicit description of the regular solutions around the origin for general complex α, λ ∈ ℂ\{0} in terms of hypergeometric functions and special homogeneous monogenic polynomials. We also discuss the limit cases λ → 0 and α → 0. In the latter one, we actually recognize the classical time‐harmonic solutions to the Maxwell equations in the Euclidean space. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on inclusion complexes of calix[4]arenes capped by diamide bridges with small organic molecules
Authors: Balázs Barbara , Grün Alajos , Bitter István , Tóth Gábor
Published: April 2008

The inclusion of small neutral organic guests (acetonitrile, toluene, pyrazine, butylamine, nitromethane) by cyclic calix[4]arene diamide receptors was studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The binding constants determined by 1H NMR titration, and the results obtained by T1 relaxation measurements and DOSY confirm the importance of the acidity of the CH bond of the guests and highlight the role of steric interactions including conformational properties of the receptors in the recognition process. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution NMR spectra of n‐alkanes penetrating into carbon fibers and of protons in carbon fibers
Authors: Yamazaki Yuya , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Nikki Kunio , Kuwahara Daisuke
Published: April 2008

We present a simple NMR method for microscopically exploring the local environment in carbon fibers. The method utilizes n‐alkanes as probe molecules, where the n‐alkanes penetrate carbon fibers of interest. The high‐resolution 1H NMR spectra for a mixture of a carbon fiber and n‐alkanes acquired by this method show a shift of the resonance line, which is due to the local structure of the fiber. The utility of this method is discussed on the basis of the 1H NMR spectra obtained. In addition, the 1H distribution and the local motion in the structure of the carbon fiber are revealed in view of the 1H NMR spectra. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adjudin‐mediated germ cell depletion alters the anti‐oxidant status of adult rat testis
Authors: Sarkar Oli , Mathur P.P.
Published: April 2008

Successful spermatogenesis is dependent on the proper attachment of developing germ cells to Sertoli cells. Manipulation of these interactions by drugs like Adjudin can hamper the development of germ cells and lead to conditions of temporary infertility. Although studies have shown the contraceptive potential of Adjudin, much is not known about its action in the testis. In this study, we sought to investigate the effect of Adjudin on the oxidative status of mammalian testis. Adult male rats were administered with a single dose of Adjudin (50 mg/kg body weight) by oral gavage and were killed at 1, 2, 4, 7, 15, or 30 days of treatment. Adjudin caused a significant increase in the production of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation from 4 to 7 days after treatment. There was a significant decrease in the activities of anti‐oxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S‐transferase from 4 to 7 days after treatment with Adjudin. However, the state of oxidative stress was less pronounced from 15 to 30 days after Adjudin treatment. The level of androgen binding protein (ABP) remained unchanged following Adjudin treatment. These results show that there is an induction of oxidative stress accompanying adherens junction restructuring which suggests a role for reactive oxygen species in the regulation of these testicular junctions. However, transient elevation in reactive oxygen species levels did not affect androgen transport. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 31–37, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transgenic sheep designed for transplantation studies
Authors: Ritchie William A. , King Tim , Neil Claire , Carlisle Ailsa J. , Lillico Simon , McLachlan Gerry , Whitelaw C. Bruce A.
Published: April 2008

Lentiviral vectors have recently emerged as an efficient method of transgene delivery to the germline of animals. We now demonstrate that combining this efficiency with embryo splitting procedures enables the production of monozygotic twins, one of which is transgenic. We propose that this approach can be used to generate animals in which cell or tissue transplantation can be achieved without the use of immunosuppressive regimes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 61–64, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.