bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peptide Nucleic Acids and the Origin of Life
Authors: Nielsen Peter E.
Published: November 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Physico‐Chemical and Evolutionary Constraints for the Formation and Selection of First Biopolymers: Towards the Consensus Paradigm of the Abiogenic Origin of Life
Authors: Mulkidjanian Armen Y. , Galperin Michael Y.
Published: November 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
The Biochemistry of Drug Metabolism — An Introduction. Part 3. Reactions of Hydrolysis and Their Enzymes
Authors: Testa Bernard , Kraemer Stefanie D.
Published: November 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Novel Tools for the Proteomic Identification of Acylated Proteins
Authors: Wirtz Jennifer , Kolter Thomas
Published: November 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synergies Between Bio‐ and Oil Refineries for the Production of Fuels from Biomass
Authors: Huber George W. , Corma Avelino
Published: November 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Conformation of Glycopeptides and Glycoproteins
Authors: Meyer Bernd , Moeller Heiko
Published: November 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Toward the Integration of Liquid‐ and Solid‐State NMR Across the Undergraduate Curriculum
Authors: Washton N. M. , Earnheart K. C. , Sykes D. G. , Ucak‐Astarlioglu M. , Mueller K. T.
Published: November 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Construction of ZnII Compounds with a Chelating 2,2′‐Dipyridylamine (Hdpa) Ligand: Anion Effect and Catalytic Activities
Authors: Kwak Han , Lee Sun Hwa , Kim Soo Hyun , Lee Young Min , Lee Eun Yong , Park Byeong Kwon , Kim Eun Young , Kim Cheal , Kim Sung‐Jin , Kim Youngmee
Published: November 2007

The structures of new compounds containing ZnII ions and Hdpa (2,2′‐dipyridylamine)‐chelating ligands were determined. The Hdpa chelating ligands coordinate to ZnII ions to form mononuclear units (1 and 5), and intermolecular nonclassical hydrogen‐bond (C–H···O or N/C–H···I) interactions generate polymeric compounds. The chelating ligands with a bipyridyl moiety form mostly mononuclear complexes of different types (I, II and III), and the combination of this ligand with a sulfate anion can produce polymeric species (Type IV). Interestingly, homogeneous catalyst 1 catalyzed efficiently the transesterification of a variety of esters with different alcohols, and hydrogen‐bonded polymer 5 showed the heterogeneous catalytic activity for the transesterification reactions. Preliminary selectivity test of primary over secondary alcohol protection in the presence of 1 provided, exclusively, the primary acetate, which suggests the potential utility of this catalyst to be selective for primary alcohols.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
On the Reactivity of C(sp3)–H σ‐Bonds: Oxygenation with Methyl(trifluoromethyl)­dioxirane
Authors: Mello Rossella , Royo Jorge , Andreu Cecilia , Báguena‐Añó Minerva , Asensio Gregorio , González‐Núñez María Elena
Published: November 2007

The reactivity of C–H σ‐bonds of a series of 2‐substituted adamantanes 2 towards methyl(trifluoromethyl)dioxirane (1) shows a consistent dependence on the electron‐withdrawing ability, either inductive or by resonance, of the substituent. The results are interpreted in terms of the ability of the substrate molecule to delocalize the electronic perturbation of the reacting center at the beginning of the reaction path. The model shows that the electronic demand from the reacting C–H σ‐bond is transmitted along the substrate through a chain of hyperconjugative interactions, the relative intensities of which depend on the σ‐bonds involved. The substrate molecule simultaneously provides positive and negative stabilizing hyperconjugative interactions to the reacting center, their balance defining the geometry of the system at the beginning of the reaction path. The model constitutes a new experimental approach to measurement of the perturbation induced by substituents with significant resonance contributions on an adjacent C–H σ‐bond. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Carcinogenetic impact of ADH1B and ALDH2 genes on squamous cell carcinoma risk of the esophagus with regard to the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and betel quid
Authors: Lee Chien‐Hung , Lee Jang‐Ming , Wu Deng‐Chyang , Goan Yih‐Gang , Chou Shah‐Hwa , Wu I‐Chen , Kao Ein‐Long , Chan Te‐Fu , Huang Meng‐Chuan , Chen Pei‐Shih , Lee Chun‐Ying , Huang Chia‐Tsuan , Huang Hsiao‐Ling , Hu Chih‐Yang , Hung Yu‐Hsiu , Wu Ming‐Tsang
Published: November 2007

The consumption of alcohol, tobacco and betel quid has been found to be an important contributor to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Taiwan. The genotoxic effect of the ADH1B and ALDH2 genes modulating an individual's alcohol‐metabolizing capacity on ESCC may be linked to drinking behavior, intake pattern and other exogenous factors. To investigate the interplay of these genetic and environmental factors in determining the risk of ESCC, a multicenter case‐control study was conducted. Here, 406 patients with pathology‐proven ESCC, as well as 656 gender, age and study hospital matched controls were recruited. Genetic polymorphisms of ADH1B and ALDH2 appeared to correlate with the abstinence of alcohol, though not with tobacco and betel quid. Within the same levels of alcohol consumption, carcinoma risks increased along with an increase in the numbers of ADH1B*1 and ALDH2*2 alleles. The inactive ALDH2*1/*2 genotype was found to multiplicatively interact with a low‐to‐moderate (0.1–30 g/day) and a heavy (>30 g/day) ethanol intake to increase the ESCC risk (the joint aOR = 14.5 and 102.6, respectively). Among low‐to‐moderate drinkers, a smoking‐dependent carcinogenetic effect for the ADH1B*1/*1 and ALDH2*1/*2+*2/*2 genotypes was recognized, with significant risks found in smokers, but not in nonsmokers. Further, a supra‐multiplicative combined risk of ESCC for alcohol and tobacco use was identified among carriers of the ADH1B*1/*1 genotype (p for interaction = 0.042). In conclusion, the interplay of the ADH1B and ALDH2 genotypes, in conjunction with a behaved drinking habit and a practiced drinking pattern, along with continued tobacco consumption, plays an important pathogenic role in modulating ESCC risk. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Birth characteristics and Wilms tumor in Minnesota
Authors: Puumala Susan E. , Soler John T. , Johnson Kimberly J. , Spector Logan G.
Published: November 2007

Wilms tumor (WT) is a childhood kidney cancer with the highest rate of occurrence before the age of 2. Since it is rare, previous research has been limited and few risk factors have been established. We used a case‐cohort design to examine the influence of birth characteristics on occurrence of WT in Minnesota. A total of 2,188 cases of cancer diagnosed in children aged 28 days to 14 years from 1988 to 2004 were identified using the Minnesota Cancer Surveillance System (MCSS). For each case, 4 children were randomly selected from Minnesota birth records during 1976–2004, frequency matched on birth year. Thus, a total of 8,752 children comprised the subcohort for the study, who in this analysis, served as comparison to the 138 cases of WT. Study variables included parental demographics, maternal pregnancy history and conditions and health and conditions of the child at birth. Associations with WT were assessed using hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated from stratified Cox regression models. We found an increased risk of WT for children who were large for gestational age compared to those average for gestational age and for children with congenital abnormalities. There was also an increased risk for children with a birth weight > 4,000 g compared to those with a birth weight between 2,500 and 4,000 g. All other factors examined showed no association with WT. This study contributes to the mounting evidence that children with large size at birth have an increased risk of WT. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effects of tumor‐derived platelet‐derived growth factor on vascular morphology and function in vivo revealed by susceptibility MRI
Authors: Robinson Simon P. , Ludwig Christian , Paulsson Janna , Östman Arne
Published: November 2007

Platelet‐derived growth factors (PDGF) play a major role in pericyte recruitment in tumor capillaries. Pericytes are required for proper vessel development, and contribute to tumor angiogenesis by promoting stabilization and maturation of newly formed vessels. To investigate the effects of pericyte coverage on tumor vessel morphology and function in vivo, tumors derived from B16 melanoma cells transfected with either control plasmid (B16/ctr) or plasmid encoding full‐length PDGF‐BB (B16/PDGF), the latter previously shown to have enhanced blood vessel pericyte coverage and an increased tumor growth rate, were assessed using histopathological methods, Hoechst 33342‐based perfusion analyses, and two noninvasive susceptibility magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods. Susceptibility‐contrast MRI, incorporating the use of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particles, revealed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in vessel size index (Rv) of B16/PDGF tumors, and which was validated histologically by the presence of significantly smaller (p < 0.001), more punctate blood vessels identified by fluorescence microscopy of the perfusion marker Hoechst 33342. Intrinsic‐susceptibility MRI was used to measure the transverse MRI relaxation rate R2*, sensitive to changes in endogenous paramagnetic [deoxyhaemoglobin], and used to probe for vascular maturation and function. Hypercapnia (5% CO2/95% air) induced a negligible ΔR2* response in the B16/ctr and B16/PDGF tumors. In contrast, hyperoxia (5% CO2/95% O2) induced a significantly greater R2* reduction in the B16/PDGF tumors (p < 0.02). Together the susceptibility MRI‐derived biomarkers reveal novel pericyte‐dependent changes in the morphology and function of the perfused tumor vasculature in vivo. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Livelihood diversification strategies, incomes and soil management strategies: a case study from Kerio Valley, Kenya
Authors: Iiyama Miyuki , Kariuki Patrick , Kristjanson Patti , Kaitibie Simeon , Maitima Joseph
Published: November 2007

African farmers diversify their livelihood strategies through on‐farm and off‐farm activities. We cluster households according to similar livelihood diversification strategies and explore the implications for income levels and sustainable soil management practices. Five main livelihood diversification strategies were being pursued. Households with off‐farm income, and those pursuing higher return agricultural activities earned more than twice as much as the lowest income groups, which were the least diversified. They also were more likely to implement soil conservation measures. Policies aimed at improving household well‐being need to take into account a wide range of household asset endowments and livelihood strategies being pursued. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of propyl‐functionalized hybrid monolithic silica capillaries and evaluation of their performances in nano‐LC and CEC
Authors: Roux Richard , Puy Guillaume , Demesmay Claire , Rocca Jean‐Louis
Published: November 2007

During the last decade, silica monolithic capillaries have focused more and more attention on miniaturized separation techniques like CEC, nano‐LC, and chip electrochromatography owing to their unique chromatographic properties and to their possible in situ synthesis. Nevertheless, the preparation of conventional silica‐based individual monolithic columns is time consuming, owing to the individual steps involved, including the synthesis of the silica matrix and its subsequent on‐column chemical grafting. The hybrid organic–inorganic monoliths, whose synthesis is based on the polycondensation of siloxane with organosiloxane precursors, seems to be an attractive alternative since their direct synthesis leads to silica monoliths with organic moieties covalently linked to the inorganic silica matrix through hydrolytically stable Si–C bonds. This study describes the synthesis of hybrid monoliths using propyltrimethoxysilane (C3‐TriMOS) as a new kind of silica coprecursor to subsequently increase the hydrophobicity of the stationary phase. The influence of several experimental parameters (pH, gelation temperature, relative proportion of the precursors) on the textural (skeleton and macropore size) and chromatographic properties (efficiency, retention, and electroosmotic mobility) of the obtained monoliths are discussed. The results show that the optimal coprecursor incorporation is obtained after a postgelation step during which the condensation of the C3‐TriMOS coprecursor is favored by an increase in the pH medium. Thermal hydrolysis of urea previously added to the polymerization mixture allows this in situ pH increase. These hybrid monoliths present hydrophobic properties and allow the separation of test mixtures in the RP mode without any further modification. Moreover, they present excellent efficiencies since reduced plate height as low as 5 and 15 μm are obtained in the electrodriven mode (CEC) and in the hydrodynamic one (nano‐LC), respectively.
Comparison of nonporous silica‐based ion exchangers and monolithic ion exchangers in separations of inorganic anions
Authors: Kanatyeva Anastasiya Yu , Viktorova Elena N. , Korolev Alexander A. , Kurganov Alexander A.
Published: November 2007

Low capacity anion exchangers for IC have been prepared by modification of nonporous uniformed silica MICRA microbeads and by modification of the organic polymeric monolithic matrixes preparedin situin quarz capillary. Due to the small particle size (1.5 μm) high‐performance adsorbents were prepared allowing to obtain up to 190 000 tp/m. However, the column possesses a very high back‐pressure and can be used in a short length up to 50 mm only to meet the requirements of conventional chromatographic equipment. An analysis of a test mixture of seven anions was completed within 3 min with a back column pressure of about 350 bar (HETP of about 5.5 μm, where HETP is the height equivalent to the theoretical plate). Monolithic capillary columns provide lower efficiencypercolumn unit length than MICRA columns; however, they can be used at a longer length because of their low flow resistance. Monolithic column ofca.40 cm length has workable pressure below 10 bar and allows separation of a five anions test mixture within less than 10 min. A better efficiency of monolithic column (HETP ˜75 μm) can be achieved at reduced flow rates when the analysis time is not a critical parameter.
Single step synthesis of carbohydrate monolithic capillary columns for affinity chromatography of lectins
Authors: Tetala Kishore K. R. , Chen Bo , Visser Gerben M. , van Beek Teris A.
Published: November 2007

Carbohydrate monolithic beds were synthesized in a single step in capillary columns to study affinity chromatography of lectins. In this method, carbohydrates (β‐galactose, β‐glucose, and α‐mannose) with an easy to synthesize alkene terminated tetraethylene glycol spacer were used as functional monomers along the monomer 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). As crosslinkers (+)‐N,N′‐diallyltartardiamide (DATD) and piperazine diacrylamide (PDA, 1,4‐bisacryloyl‐piperazine) were used. SEM showed the successful formation of monolithic beds in the capillary columns. The permeability of the columns was high. The specific interaction of the lectins Con A, Lens culinaris (LCA) and Arachis hypogaea (PNA) with the carbohydrate stationary phase was studied by frontal affinity chromatography (FAC). Con A and LCA were successfully eluted from the column using 0.1 M methyl‐α‐mannopyranoside and PNA with 0.1 M β‐galactose. Dissociation constants (Kd) for carbohydrate–lectin interactions were determined and compared with literature.
Identification of RtGST‐1, a novel germ cell‐specific mRNA‐Like transcript predominantly expressed in early previtellogenic oocytes in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Qiu Gao‐Feng , Weber Gregory M. , Rexroad Caird E. , Yao Jianbo
Published: November 2007

Noncoding mRNA‐like transcripts play important roles in a wide range of biological events such as cell differentiation and organogenesis. We report here the identification of a novel germ cell‐specific mRNA‐like transcript (RtGST‐1) from a rainbow trout oocyte cDNA library. The novel transcript of 1,165 bp was confirmed to be full‐length based on Northern blot and 5′ RACE analyses. The transcript is polyadenylated but does not contain a significant open reading frame (ORF). The presumable ORF (encodes a peptide of 71 amino acids) has poor codon usage for rainbow trout and the AUG codon is in a poor context for translation initiation. RT‐PCR showed that the novel gene is specifically expressed in ovaries of various stages and immature testis, whereas no transcripts of this gene were detected in mature testis and somatic tissues. Quantitative real‐time PCR analysis revealed that the mRNA level of this novel gene is extremely high in early previtellogenesis stage ovaries relative to vitellogenesis stage ovaries. In situ hybridization analysis further demonstrated that the novel transcript is localized exclusively in early previtellogenic oocytes and spermatocytes. To our knowledge, this study represents the first report of a germline‐specific mRNA‐like transcript in fish. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 723–730, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in expression of 11β‐Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type‐1, type‐2 and glucocorticoid receptor mRNAs in porcine corpus luteum during the estrous cycle
Authors: Sakumoto Ryosuke , Ito Shuichi , Okuda Kiyoshi
Published: November 2007

The objective of the present study was to determine whether glucocorticoid (GC) and its receptor (GC‐R) are expressed in the porcine corpus luteum (CL), and whether GC influences porcine luteal hormone production. The gene expressions of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11‐HSD1), type 2 (11‐HSD2), GC‐R, and the concentrations of GC were determined in the CL of Chinese Meishan pigs during the estrous cycle. Moreover, the effects of GC on progesterone (P4), estradiol‐17β (E2), and prostaglandin (PG) F2α secretion by cultured luteal cells were investigated. Messenger RNAs of the 11‐HSD1, 11‐HSD2, and GC‐R were clearly expressed in the CL throughout the estrous cycle. The 11‐HSD1 mRNA level in the CL was higher at the regressed stage than at the other stages (P < 0.05), whereas 11‐HSD2 mRNA was lower at the regressed stage than at the other stages (P < 0.05). GC‐R mRNA level was higher at the regressed stages than at the other stages (P < 0.01). Concentrations of GC were lower in the regressed CL than in the other stages (P < 0.01). When the cultured luteal cells obtained from mid‐stage CL (Days 8–11) were exposed to GC (50–5,000 ng/ml), P4 and PGF2α secretion by the cells were reduced (P < 0.05), whereas GC had no effect on E2 secretion by the cells. The overall results suggest that GC is regulated locally by 11‐HSD1 and 11‐HSD2 in the porcine CL. GC inhibits P4 and PGF2α production from luteal cells via their specific receptors, implying GC plays some roles in regulating porcine CL function throughout the estrous cycle. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 925–930, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of a donor mitochondrial DNA transmission bottleneck in nuclear transfer derived cow lineages
Authors: Takeda Kumiko , Kaneyama Kanako , Tasai Mariko , Akagi Satoshi , Takahashi Seiya , Yonai Miharu , Kojima Toshiyuki , Onishi Akira , Tagami Takahiro , Nirasawa Keijiro , Hanada Hirofumi
Published: November 2007

In embryos derived by nuclear‐transfer (NT), fusion of donor cells with recipient oocytes resulted in varying patterns of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) transmission in NT animals. Distribution of donor cell mtDNA (D‐mtDNA) found in offspring of NT‐derived founders may also vary from donor cell and host embryo heteroplasmy to host embryo homoplasmy. Here we examined the transmission of mtDNA from NT cows to G1 offspring. Eleven NT founder cows were produced by fusion of enucleated oocytes (Holstein/Japanese Black) with Jersey/ Holstein oviduct epithelial cells, or Holstein/Japanese Black cumulus cells. Transmission of mtDNA was analyzed by PCR mediated single‐strand conformation polymorphism of the D‐loop region. In six of seven animals sampled postmortem, heteroplasmy were detected in various tissues, while D‐mtDNA could not be detected in blood or hair samples from four live animals. The average proportion of D‐mtDNA detected in one NT cow was 7.6%, and those in other cows were <5%. Heteroplasmic NT cows (n = 6) generated a total 12 G1 offspring. Four of 12 G1 offspring exhibited high percentages of D‐mtDNA populations (range 17–51%). The remaining eight G1 offspring had slightly or undetectable D‐mtDNA (<5%). Generally, a genetic bottleneck in the female germ‐line should favor a homoplasmic state. However, proportions of some G1 offspring maintained heteroplasmy with a much higher percentage of D‐mtDNA than their NT dams, which may also reflect a segregation distortion caused by the proposed mitochondrial bottleneck. These results demonstrate that D‐mtDNA in NT cows is transmitted to G1 offspring with varying efficiencies. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 759–765, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Down‐regulation of Pax6 is associated with abnormal differentiation of corneal epithelial cells in severe ocular surface diseases
Authors: Li W , Chen Y‐T , Hayashida Y , Blanco G , Kheirkah A , He H , Chen S‐Y , Liu C‐Y , Tseng SCG
Published: November 2007

Pax6 is the universal master control gene for eye morphogenesis. Other than retina and lens, Pax6 also expressed in the ocular surface epithelium from early gestation until the postnatal stage, in which little is known about the function of Pax6. In this study, corneal pannus tissues from patients with ocular surface diseases such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS), chemical burn, aniridia and recurrent pterygium were investigated. Our results showed that normal ocular surface epithelial cells expressed Pax6. However, corneal pannus epithelial cells from the above patients showed a decline or absence of Pax6 expression, accompanied by a decline or absence of K12 keratin but an increase of K10 keratin and filaggrin expression. Pannus basal epithelial cells maintained nuclear p63 expression and showed activated proliferation, evidenced by positive Ki67 and K16 keratin staining. On 3T3 fibroblast feeder layers, Pax6 immunostaining was negative in clones generated from epithelial cells harvested from corneal pannus from SJS or aniridia, but positive in those from the normal limbal epithelium; whereas western blots showed that some epithelial clones expanded from pannus retained Pax6 expression. Transient transfection of an adenoviral vector carrying EGFP–Pax6 transgenes into these Pax6− clones increased both Pax6 and K12 keratin expression. These results indicate that Pax6 helps to maintain the normal corneal epithelial phenotype postnatally, and that down‐regulation of Pax6 is associated with abnormal epidermal differentiation in severe ocular surface diseases. Reintroduction of activation of the Pax6 gene might be useful in treating squamous metaplasia of the ocular surface epithelium. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dramatic electronic effect of fluoro substituents on the olefin polymerization activity of mono β‐diiminato titanium complexes
Authors: Xie Guangyong , Qian Changtao
Published: November 2007

A series of new mono β‐diiminato titanium complexes [(N(Ar)C(CH3))2 CH]TiCl3 (3a: Ar = 2.6‐F2C6H3; 3b: Ar = C6F5; 3c: Ar = 2.6‐Me2C6H3) have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of 3a revealed that the β‐diiminato ligand in our complex is more close to the η2‐coordination mode with little delocalization of the double bonds, which is different from the strong delocalization in the ligands of η5‐coordinated (Tolnacnac)TiCl3 and η2‐coordinated (Dipnacnac)ZrCl3. The significant electronic effects of fluoro‐substituents on the olefin polymerization activity of mono β‐diiminato titanium complexes were found. Titanium complexes with fluorine‐containing β‐diiminato ligands, on activation with MMAO, are extremely active catalysts for polymerization of ethylene. The activity of copolymerization of ethylene and 1‐hexene is higher than homopolymerization of ethylene and increases with the increase of 1‐hexene concentrations, which show the positive “comonomer effect.” The molar percentage of 1‐hexene incorporation and polymer microstructures can also be modulated by the initial comonomer concentrations. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 211–217, 2008
Facile preparation of monodisperse hollow cross‐linked chitosan microspheres
Authors: Qian Zhen , Zhang Zhicheng , Li Haiming , Liu Huarong , Hu Zhongqin
Published: November 2007

We have successfully prepared biocompatible and biodegradable hollow microspheres using carboxyl‐functionalized polystyrene particles as core template and the chitosan cross‐linked with glutaraldehyde as the shell. The monodisperse carboxyl‐functionalized polystyrene particles were made by emulsifier‐free emulsion polymerization. The structure, morphology, and constitution of the carboxyl‐functionalized polystyrene particles were characterized by FTIR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The structure, morphology, and formation process of the hollow cross‐linked chitosan microspheres were characterized by FTIR, SEM, and TEM. The results revealed that the latex particles were removed by exposed to solvent and the microspheres exhibited the hollow structure. This work confirmed that the hollow microspheres were accomplished by fabricating on the basis of chemical cross‐linking on the surface of the carboxyl‐functionalized polystyrene particles and then removing off the cores of particles. Moreover, with the increase of carboxyl‐functionalization degree at the surface of latexes and the increase of cross‐linking period, the thicker and firmer monodisperse hollow microspheres were obtained. In addition, a water‐soluble drug, salicylic acid, encapsulated in the microcapsules slowly released at pH 1.2. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 228–237, 2008
Rehabilitation in care homes (RICH‐T): a cluster‐randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sackley Cath , Patel Smitaa , Wright Chris
Published: November 2007

Introduction. In a care home population, loss of independence in mobility is strongly associated with poor quality of life and mortality. The present study assessed the effects of targeted physiotherapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) interventions on mobility. A cluster‐randomized controlled trial was set in 24 care homes in Birmingham. Each home was independently randomized to an intervention group (12 care homes, 128 residents) or a control group (12 care homes, 121 residents). Residents receiving end‐of‐life care were excluded. Ethical review was favourable. Method. The interventions comprised PT and OT targeted to mobility, delivered to individual residents, including equipment provision and carer education. The control group received standard care. Researchers masked to group allocation assessed residents with the Rivermead Motility Index (RMI) at baseline and three months (pre‐ and post‐intervention), and at six months. Data were analysed by use of SAS, with all statistical hypothesis tests performed at 5% level of significance. Intention‐to‐treat analyses were conducted on the RMI, accounting for clustering and baseline values. One hundred and eighty‐five participants were female; their ages ranged from 48 to 108 years (mean 85 years) and 168 (67%) were cognitively impaired. Result. Mean RMI scores at baseline were 5.8 (standard deviation [SD] 4.1) and 6.9 (SD 3.8); at three months 5.1 (SD 3.5) and 6.7 (SD 3.7); and at six months 5.2 (SD 3.8) and 6.5 (SD 2.8) in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The corresponding mean scores for the Timed Up‐and‐Go (TUG) test were 60 (SD 42) and 57 (SD 54), 68 (SD 50) and 59 (SD 56), and 59 (SD 37) and 55 (SD 37), respectively. Conclusion. There were no statistically significant differences in mean scores between groups on either outcome. The intervention was well tolerated but no between‐group differences were seen. The sample size estimate in future studies should allow for the variability in participants and homes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glycopeptide dendrimers. Part I
Authors: Niederhafner Petr , Šebestík Jaroslav , Ježek Jan
Published: November 2007

Glycopeptide dendrimers are branched structures containing both carbohydrates and peptides. Various classes of these compounds differing in composition and structure are mentioned, together with their practical use spanning from catalysis, transport vehicles to synthetic vaccines. The main stress is given to glycopeptide dendrimers, namely multiple antigen glycopeptides (MAGs). In MAGs, the core, branches or both are composed of amino acids or peptides. Other classes of glycodendrimers (PAMAM, polypropylene imine, cyclodextrin, calixarene, etc.) are mentioned too, but to a smaller extent. Their syntheses, physicochemical properties and biological activities are given with many examples. Glycopeptide dendrimers can be used as inhibitors of cell surface protein‐carbohydrate interactions, intervention with bacterial adhesion, for studying of recognition processes, diagnostics, imaging and contrast agents, mimetics, for complexation of different cationts, as site‐specific molecular delivery systems, for therapeutic purposes, as immunodiagnostics and in drug design. Biomedical applications of glycopeptide dendrimers as drug and gene delivery systems are also given. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavioral and cognitive factors in entrepreneurship: entrepreneurs as the active element in new venture creation
Authors: Baron Robert A.
Published: November 2007

Entrepreneurs play a central role in new venture creation. Because they do, careful attention to relevant aspects of their behavior and cognition can offer useful insights into key aspects of this complex process. Specifically, investigation of carefully selected behavioral and cognitive factors can add appreciably to our understanding of the basic processes that underlie new venture creation (e.g.,howopportunity recognition or creation actually occurs,howandwhatentrepreneurs learn from increasing experience in launching and operating new ventures). Evidence is reviewed concerning the role of behavioral and cognitive factors in several key activities performed by entrepreneurs. In addition, the potential role of a variable that has not yet been systematically investigated in the context of new venture creation—affect—is explored. Finally, suggestions are offered for future research designed to further explicate the role of behavioral and cognitive factors in new venture creation (e.g., research on the role in entrepreneurship of self‐regulatory and metacognitive mechanisms; research on the cognitive and foundations of entrepreneurial alertness). Copyright © 2007 Strategic Management Society.
VCluster: a thread‐based Java middleware for SMP and heterogeneous clusters with thread migration support
Authors: Zhang Hua , Lee Joohan , Guha Ratan
Published: November 2007

Clusters, composed of symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) machines and heterogeneous machines, have become increasingly popular for high‐performance computing. Message‐passing libraries, such as message‐passing interface (MPI) and parallel virtual machine (PVM), arede factoparallel programming libraries for clusters that usually consist of homogeneous and uni‐processor machines. For SMP machines, MPI is combined with multithreading libraries like POSIX Thread and OpenMP to take advantage of the architecture. In addition to existing parallel programming libraries that are in C/C++ and FORTRAN programming languages, the Java programming language presents itself as another alternative with its object‐oriented framework, platform neutral byte code, and ever‐increasing performance. This paper presents a new parallel programming model and a library, VCluster, which implements this model. VCluster is based on migrating virtual threads instead of processes to support clusters of SMP machines more efficiently. The implementation uses thread migration, which can be used in dynamic load balancing. VCluster was developed in pure Java, utilizing the portability of Java to support clusters of heterogeneous machines. Several applications are developed to illustrate the use of this library and compare the usability and performance of VCluster with other approaches. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laser-induced dissociation of phosphorylated peptides using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Dongxia , Cole Philip A. , Cotter Robert J.
Published: November 2007

Reversible phosphorylation is one of the most important posttranslational modifications of cellular proteins. Mass spectrometry is a widely used technique in the characterization of phosphorylated proteins and peptides. Similar to nonmodified peptides, sequence information for phosphopeptides digested from proteins can be obtained by tandem mass analysis using either electrospray ionization or matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. However, the facile loss of neutral phosphoric acid (H3PO4) or HPO3 from precursor ions and fragment ions hampers the precise determination of phosphorylation site, particularly if more than one potential phosphorylation site or concensus sequence is present in a given tryptic peptide. Here, we investigated the fragmentation of phosphorylated peptides under laser-induced dissociation (LID) using a MALDI-time-of-flight mass spectrometer with a curved-field reflectron. Our data demonstrated that intact fragments bearing phosphorylated residues were produced from all tested peptides that contain at least one and up to four phosphorylation sites at serine, threonine, or tyrosine residues. In addition, the LID of phosphopeptides derivatized by N-terminal sulfonation yields simplified MS/MS spectra, suggesting the combination of these two types of spectra could provide an effective approach to the characterization of proteins modified by phosphorylation.
Comparison between surface and bead-based MALDI profiling technologies using a single bioinformatics algorithm
Authors: Reynès Christelle , Roche Stéphane , Tiers Laurent , Sabatier Robert , Jouin Patrick , Molinari Nicolas , Lehmann Sylvain
Published: November 2007

In this manuscript, we compared serum profiles obtained with two related technologies, SELDI-TOF and Clinprot, using a single bioinformatic algorithm. These two approaches rely on mass spectrometry to detect proteins and peptides initially selected by binding to various chromatographic matrices. They are proposed by two different companies, and they are competing for being the reference in high throughput serum profiling for clinical proteomics. This independent evaluation of these two technologies put the light on some of their differences, suggests that they address different proteome fractions and, thus, could be complementary. Taken together, our data could contribute to the parameters relevant for the choice of one technology or the other.
Altered proteome profiles in maternal plasma in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction
Authors: Gupta Madhulika B. , Seferovic Maxim D. , Liu Suya , Gratton Robert J. , Doherty-Kirby Amanda , Lajoie Gilles A. , Han Victor K. M.
Published: November 2007

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects 3–5% of pregnancies and is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. Currently, there is no reliable biochemical test to differentiate a pathological FGR from a nonpathological one. The objective of this study was to screen whole maternal plasma to identify differentially expressed relatively abundant proteins associated with FGR. We analyzed maternal plasma from FGR (n=28) and healthy (n=22) pregnancies using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-GE) followed by software image analysis. Three spots with molecular weight (Mr) 18 kDa corresponding to haptoglobin (hp) α2, as identified by LC-MS/MS and immunoblotting, showed differential expression patterns in FGR. The distribution of hp α2 variants in maternal plasma samples showed the hp α2 variant 1 was low in 72% of FGR, medium in 16%, whereas high in 12%. In comparison, hp α2 variant 1 was high in (41%) of controls, medium in 41%, and low in 18% of cases. Based on the software image analysis, the mean spot volume for hp α2 variant 1 was 0.12 (SD=0.18) for FGR compared to 0.26 (SD=0.19) for control (p=0.006). Given that hp turnover is indicative of its maturation process and is traceable in plasma by its dominant/suppressed variants, we propose that hp α2 is an important potential target for evaluation of its clinical and pathophysiological role and as a diagnostic biomarker in FGR.
Analysis of halo-orthoses application in children less than three years old
Authors: Arkader Alexandre , Hosalkar Harish S. , Drummond Denis S. , Dormans John P.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of halo immobilization in children younger than 3 years.

Methods

All children less than 3 years of age who were placed in a halo-orthosis at a tertiary pediatric center were reviewed to determine the indications, safety, and efficacy of this method. Adequacy of immobilization and correct technique was established considering the chronology of maturation (skull and brain development). The functional outcome was analyzed.

Results

Ten patients (<3 years old) were identified from a total of 150 where halo ring/vest immobilization was used. There were six boys and four girls, with an average age of 2 years (range 10 months to 2 years and 10 months). The average time of immobilization in the halo-orthosis was 75 days (range 33–168 days), and the average follow-up time was 5 years and 2 months (range 1–12 years). There were two halo-related problems and four related to the index procedure. Halo-related problems included pin-site infection in one patient, and three pins loosening in another. There were four complications associated with the index procedure, all early in the series, including three cases of pseudarthrosis and one patient that had an insufficient decompression of basilar invagination. Two of the three failed fusions occurred at the occipito-cervical junction, which prompted us to develop new techniques for fusion at this level.

Conclusions

Halo-orthosis is a relatively safe and reliable device for immobilization of the upper cervical spine in children less than 3 years old. Understanding the developmental anatomy and a limited CT scan are helpful in pin placement. We recommend the use of a multiple pin construct, perpendicular insertion, and precise tightening with good pin-site care and frequent follow-up. The benefits seem to outweigh the risks in this population, considering the mechanical advantages of the halo-orthosis.
The association between serum copper and anaemia in the adult Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II) population
Authors: Knovich Mary Ann , Il'yasova Dora , Ivanova Anastasia , Molnár István
Published: November 2007

Though common in older adults, anaemia is unexplained in about one-third of cases. As a rare cause of anaemia and neutropenia, Cu deficiency could account for some cases of unexplained anaemia. We examined the relationship between serum Cu and unexplained anaemia among 11 240 participants in the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II): 638 (5·7 % of all adults) were anaemic; 421 (3·7 %) were not explained by deficiencies of vitamin B12, folate or Fe, chronic illness or renal disease. Spline regression showed a U-shaped relationship between serum Cu levels and unexplained anaemia, indicating that both high and low serum Cu levels are associated with unexplained anaemia in adults. Chronic inflammation and mild Fe deficiency could account for the association between unexplained anaemia and elevated Cu levels. On the other hand, the finding of hypocupraemia in a subset of adults with unexplained anaemia suggests that Cu deficiency may be a common reversible cause of anaemia in adults.
Long-term strict raw food diet is associated with favourable plasma β-carotene and low plasma lycopene concentrations in Germans
Authors: Garcia Ada L. , Koebnick Corinna , Dagnelie Peter C. , Strassner Carola , Elmadfa Ibrahim , Katz Norbert , Leitzmann Claus , Hoffmann Ingrid
Published: November 2007

Dietary carotenoids are associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases. Raw food diets are predominantly plant-based diets that are practised with the intention of preventing chronic diseases by virtue of their high content of beneficial nutritive substances such as carotenoids. However, the benefit of a long-term adherence to these diets is controversial since little is known about their adequacy. Therefore, we investigated vitamin A and carotenoid status and related food sources in raw food diet adherents in Germany. Dietary vitamin A, carotenoid intake, plasma retinol and plasma carotenoids were determined in 198 (ninety-two male and 106 female) strict raw food diet adherents in a cross-sectional study. Raw food diet adherents consumed on average 95 weight% of their total food intake as raw food (approximately 1800 g/d), mainly fruits. Raw food diet adherents had an intake of 1301 retinol activity equivalents/d and 16·7 mg/d carotenoids. Plasma vitamin A status was normal in 82 % of the subjects ( ≥ 1·05 μmol/l) and 63 % had β-carotene concentrations associated with chronic disease prevention ( ≥ 0·88 μmol/l). In 77 % of subjects the lycopene status was below the reference values for average healthy populations ( < 0·45 μmol/l). Fat contained in fruits, vegetables and nuts and oil consumption was a significant dietary determinant of plasma carotenoid concentrations (β-carotene r 0·284; P < 0·05; lycopene r 0·168; P = 0·024). Long-term raw food diet adherents showed normal vitamin A status and achieve favourable plasma β-carotene concentrations as recommended for chronic disease prevention, but showed low plasma lycopene levels. Plasma carotenoids in raw food adherents are predicted mainly by fat intake.
The Consumer Movement and Civil Society in Malaysia
Authors: Hilton Matthew
Published: November 2007

This paper examines the consumer movement in Malaysia, especially the Consumers' Association of Penang and the Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations. It traces their history from the late 1960s, through a period of rapid social and economic change associated with the New Economic Policy of the 1970s and 1980s. Partly because of the absence of other NGOs in Malaysia (due to government clampdowns on civil society), consumer groups were able to take a prominent position and to develop socio-political campaigns on behalf of the poor and the disadvantaged. This proved an inspiration to consumer organizing globally, especially in the developed world, but it is not clear that consumerism as a social movement can be sustained. Since the mid-1980s, other NGOs have emerged, eclipsing the influence of consumerism, and promoting a human rights agenda which has overtaken the politics of consumption as the dominant oppositional rhetoric of non-governmental groups.
The Rise of the Insecure Professionals
Authors: Nottingham Chris
Published: November 2007

The role of professions in the development of advanced industrial societies has long been recognized – for example, by Harold Perkin. However, the focus has been on the higher professions. Other professions have usually been dealt with as imperfect variants, with Etzioni, typically, referring to nurses, schoolteachers, and social workers as “semi-professions”. However, by conceptualizing such professions as social formations in their own right, as ladders of social mobility, and in terms of their permanent social and professional insecurity, it is possible to create a different picture both of their internal dynamics and broader influence. Members of such groups fostered types of social and political activity that became a recognisable feature of developed societies. Moreover, an appreciation of the distinctive ideational and professional contribution of insecure professions can offer a perspective on a number of the major concerns of social historians. The argument is illustrated by reference to the development of such professions mainly in England and Scotland.
“A Little Discourse Pro & Con”: Levelling Laughter and Its Puritan Criticism
Authors: Basu Sammy
Published: November 2007

The mid-seventeenth century English social movement known as the Levellers was perhaps the first liberal-democratic social movement. Among their communicative strategies, to garner supporters while challenging the authorities, humor figured prominently. In this article, the nature of this levelling laughter is highlighted and juxtaposed against Puritan injunctions to mourning and objections against humor. Regarding the latter, four such objections are distinguished and elucidated: “damnable heresies”, “strange opinions”, “fearful divisions”, and “loosenesse of life and manners”. Finally, it is suggested that the Puritan repudiation of the Levellers highlights the need for social movements of democratic dissent against various aspects of the given status quo to use incongruous and relief humor to prompt reflection without relying too heavily on boorishly flouting social prohibitions for the sake of the pleasures of superiority and release. It also suggests that humor will do better in a culture already tolerant of pluralism, comfortable with a measure of non-literal ambiguity, and committed to democratic deliberation.
Bitter Memories and Burst Soap Bubbles: Irony, Parody, and Satire in the Oral-Literary Tradition of Finnish Working-Class Youth at the Beginning of the Twentieth Century
Authors: Salmi-Niklander Kirsti
Published: November 2007

This article discusses irony, parody, and satire in the oral-literary tradition of Finnish working-class youth during the first decades of the twentieth century. The most important research material is Valistaja (The Enlightener, 1914–1925), a handwritten newspaper produced by young working-class people in the industrial town of Karkkila in southern Finland. This research material provides examples of different kinds of parody: ideological parody is directed against both political opponents and the texts representing their ideology; generic parody involves playing with linguistic norms and generic conventions. Parody and satire provided means for exposing the cruelty and cowardice of the anti-Bolshevik Whites, the hypocrisy of the Church, and the conservatism of the older generation of workers. The ironic expressions reflect the experiences and tensions among groups of young people in Karkkila.