bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The salivary glands and saliva of Anopheles gambiae as an essential step in the Plasmodium life cycle: A global proteomic study
Authors: Choumet Valérie , Carmi‐Leroy Annick , Laurent Christine , Lenormand Pascal , Rousselle Jean‐Claude , Namane Abdelkader , Roth Charles , Brey Paul T.
Published: September 2007

Proteins synthesized in the salivary glands of the Anopheles gambiae mosquito are thought to be important in the life cycle of the malaria parasite Plasmodium. To describe A. gambiae salivary gland and saliva contents, we combined several techniques: 1‐DE, 2‐DE and LC MS/MS. This study has identified five saliva proteins and 122 more proteins from the salivary glands, including the first proteomic description for 89 of these salivary gland proteins. Since the invasion and sporozoite maturation take place during the process of salivary glands ageing, the effect of salivary gland age on salivary component composition was examined. LC MS/MS profiling of young versus old salivary gland proteomes suggests that there is an over‐representation of proteins involved in signaling and proteins related to the immune response in the proteins from older mosquitoes. The iTRAQ labeling was used for a comparative proteomic analysis of salivary gland samples from infected or Plasmodium berghei‐free mosquitoes. The expression levels of five secreted proteins were altered when the parasite was present. These observations will serve as a basis for future work concerning the possible role of these proteins in the interaction between A. gambiae, Plasmodium and the mammalian host.
Ultrafast coelectrophoretic fluorescent staining of proteins with carbocyanines
Authors: Luche Sylvie , Lelong Cécile , Diemer Hélène , Van Dorsselaer Alain , Rabilloud Thierry
Published: September 2007

Protein detection on SDS gels or on 2‐D gels must combine several features, such as sensitivity, homogeneity from one protein to another, speed, low cost, and user‐friendliness. For some applications, it is also interesting to have a nonfixing stain, so that proteins can be mobilized from the gel for further use (electroelution, blotting). We show here that coelectrophoretic staining by fluorophores of the oxacarbocyanine family, and especially diheptyloxacarbocyanine, offers several positive features. The sensitivity is intermediate between the one of colloidal CBB and the one of fluroescent ruthenium complexes. Detection is achieved within 1 h after the end of the electrophoretic process and does not use any fixing or toxic agent. The fluorescent SDS–carbocyanine–protein complexes can be detected either with a laser scanner with an excitation wavelength of 488 nm or with a UV table operating at 302 nm. Excellent sequence coverage in subsequent MS analysis of proteolytic peptides is also achieved with this detection method.
Choices in cancer treatment: a qualitative study of the older women's (>70 years) perspective
Authors: Husain Lopa Sadia , Collins Karen , Reed Malcolm , Wyld Lynda
Published: September 2007

Purpose: Primary endocrine therapy (PET) is the treatment of primary, operable breast cancer with drugs, such as tamoxifen, rather than surgery. It is in widespread use in the UK with 40% of women over 70 years old being treated in this way. PET is associated with inferior rates of local control compared with the standard surgical therapies, but there is no difference in overall survival. There has been no published research regarding the attitudes of older women concerning these two alternative approaches to treatment; what may influence their treatment choice or their experience of either treatment modality. This study aimed to address these questions.

Method: In‐depth qualitative interviews were undertaken to explore the views of a group of 21 purposively selected older women (>70 years old), who had been treated by PET or surgery for breast cancer. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Framework Analysis.

Results: Both surgery and PET were well tolerated and had high satisfaction ratings from most women. This was the case even for those who had complications following surgery or needed a change of management in the PET group. Older women expressed no age‐specific fears for operative procedures. The women were passive information seekers and relied heavily on ‘expert’ advice in making their treatment choices. Neither social support or age were factors in their decision‐making. Their main concern was to ensure that their quality of life and independence remained unaffected.

Conclusion: Older women have no strong preference for either treatment option but are concerned that the treatment is effective and causes minimal disruption to their quality of life and independence. This study suggests that medical consultations may need to be adapted to reflect the passive acceptance of ‘expert’ advice in the majority of women in this age group. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The domain structure of the EORTC QLQ‐STO22 supported by Japanese validation data
Authors: Morita Satoshi , Kaptein Adrian A. , Oba Koji , Sakamoto Junichi
Published: September 2007

This paper evaluates the scale structure of the EORTC QLQ‐STO22 gastric cancer module using Japanese validation data. We additionally tested two single items regarding dumping syndrome. Of 246 patients who participated in phase II clinical trials of chemotherapy to treat advanced gastric cancer, we analyzed 206 who completed the pretreatment questionnaire. The factor analysis supported the scale structure hypothesized for the initial development phase conducted by the EORTC Quality of Life Group, not the alternations made in the final psychometric testing phase. The elicited scales exhibited high internal consistency and high clinical validity. Our data suggest that there is no need to examine the dumping syndrome items. This study revealed a slightly different scale structure of the QLQ‐STO22 from that obtained in the European study. Extensive discussions with the EORTC Group are needed from both cross‐cultural and clinical perspectives in order to establish a consensus on the various language versions of the QLQ‐STO22. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Case report: clozapine given in the context of chemotherapy for lung cancer
Authors: Goulet Karine , Grignon Sylvain
Published: September 2007

Background: Despite the frequent use of the antipsychotic medication, clozapine, in chronic treatments of psychiatric patients, there is limited clinical evidence available to guide clinicians in the problematic situation of a chemotherapy‐induced blood dyscrasia.

Objective: To perform a literature review and add a case report to the available clinical evidence.

Method: We gathered evidence through literature searches on Medline and with the assistance of a medical information specialist from Novartis who searched their internal database. We also report the case of a patient maintained on clozapine treatment despite full‐dose chemotherapy (cisplatin and etoposide) for an extensive lung cancer.

Result: The searches returned seven clinically relevant references. These references do not establish a synergistic effect of clozapine and chemotherapy on blood counts. However, it has been shown that clozapine exposure activates common apoptotic pathways shared with anticancer drugs.

Conclusion: Although the meagre clinical evidence precludes drawing any general conclusion as to the safety of maintaining clozapine administration during chemotherapy, it does not point to an obvious worsening of the haematological outcomes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extreme Decrease of Ozone Product Using High Pure Oxygen
Authors: Taguchi Masaki , Yamashiro Keisuke , Takano Tetsumi , Itoh Haruo
Published: September 2007

The ozone‐zero phenomenon named by the authors of this paper is investigated by emission spectroscopy and temporal variations of ozone concentrations. The measurements of ozone concentrations are performed by ozone monitors placed at the outlets of two ozone generators. The two generators are operated independently; however a gas flow system is connected in series through the gas flow direction. Ozone‐zero means that the ozone concentration at the outlet of the generator during the ozone‐zero phenomenon, is almost zero when using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in pure oxygen as the feed gas. It is considered that the main causes of the phenomenon are certain reactions in the gas phase or on the surface of the electrode in the generator. To distinguish between reactions, step responses of the ozone concentration at the outlets of both ozone generators are observed using the combined operation of the two generators. A clear difference in the response time of the ozone concentration is observed between the two generators. Thus, we succeeded in distinguishing the main cause of the ozone‐zero phenomenon by analyzing both reactions in the generator. From the results of our investigation, we concluded that the ozone‐zero phenomenon caused by ozone decomposition on the electrode surface is accompanied by some changes in the surface of the ozone generator. The recovery from the phenomenon is accomplished by covering the changed surface with NO2, which is considered to compose in the generator with the addition of a small amount of air or N2 to pure oxygen as the feed gas.

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Proteomic analysis of protein expression in the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis
Authors: ten Have Sara , Fraser Ian , Markham Robert , Lam Alan , Matsumoto Izuru
Published: September 2007

Endometriosis affects 10–15% of the female population during their reproductive years. Although the pathogenesis of this disease is undefined, the presence of endometrium‐like tissue plaques outside of the uterus could implicate the eutopic endometrium in the origin of the disease. Utilising a proteomic approach the protein expression profile of the eutopic endometrium of women without endometriosis (n = 12) was compared to that in eutopic endometrium of women with a confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis (n = 6) (both in the secretory phase of the cycle). Eight hundred and twenty protein spots were matched on 2‐D gels, with a total of 119 proteins regulated differentially between endometriotic and control tissue (matched and unmatched spots). Of the 50 highest fold change proteins 21 proteins were found only in the endometriosis affected sample group. Protein sub‐categorisation depending on each protein function revealed major up‐ and down‐regulation in several areas including apoptosis, immune reaction, glycolytic pathway, cell structure and transcription factors. The differences seen in this pilot study show the potential of proteomic applications in endometriosis research for determining diagnostics and pathogenesis characterisation, as well as the future development of targeted drug treatments.
Screening of serum samples from Wegener's granulomatosis patients using antibody microarrays
Authors: Olle Eric W. , Deogracias Michael P. , Messamore James E. , McClintock Shannon D. , Barron Adam G. , Anderson Timothy D. , Johnson Kent J.
Published: September 2007

Wegener's Granulomatosis (WG) is an idiopathic granulomatosis autoimmune vasculitis that primarily affects small vessels and is associated with glomerulonephritis and pulmonary granulomatous vasculitis. Anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic auto‐antibodies (cANCA) against proteinase‐3 are used to identify WG, but ANCA titers are not present in some patients with the localized disease. The objective of this study was to develop an antibody array to help identify protein expression patterns in serum from patients with WG as compared to normals. The arrays were tested for limits of detection, background, and cross reactivity using standard proteins. The arrays were hybridized with either normal patient serum (n = 30) or with serum samples from a population of WG patients (n = 26) that were age and sex matched. Data analysis and curve fitting of the standard dilution series calculated r2 values and determined a sensitivity of <50 pg/mL for the majority of proteins. A total of 24 proteins were assessed. Several statistically significant increases (p<0.05) were seen in the expression of: angiotensin converting enzyme‐I, IFN‐γ, IL‐8, s‐ICAM‐1 and s‐VCAM in WG patients as compared to controls. Utilizing the antibody microarray technology has led to the identification of potential biomarkers of vascular injury in the serum of WG patients.
Differential valine metabolism in adipose tissue of low and high fat‐oxidizing obese subjects
Authors: Claessens Mandy , Saris Wim H. M. , Bouwman Freek G. , Evelo Chris T. A. , Hul Gabby B. J. , Blaak Ellen E. , Mariman Edwin C. M.
Published: September 2007

Differences in fat metabolism are of importance in relation to energy balance. Low fat‐oxidizers (LFO) are thought to be more prone for developing obesity. We studied whether LFO have different fasting adipose tissue (AT) protein profiles than high fat‐oxidizers (HFO). Six LFO and six HFO subjects were selected from an obese group (n = 99, body mass index>30 kg/m2) taking part in a multi‐center study (Nutrient‐Gene interaction in human obesity) based on the postprandial fat oxidation capacity after a high fat load. AT protein profiles were studied by 2‐DE. Differential proteins were clustered with MAPPfinder according to their function. Protein profiles of purified blood cells and adipocytes served to confine the comparison to adipocyte‐specific proteins in AT profiles of LFO and HFO subjects. LFO had increased mitochondrial ROS scavengers possibly related to long‐chain unsaturated fatty acid‐induced increases in mitochondrial ROS‐production. Carbohydrate oxidation seemed to be reduced since expression of several proteins from the glycolysis pathway was lower in LFO. Up‐regulation of the valine catabolism at the level of methylmalonate‐semialdehyde dehydrogenase appeared to be (part of) the compensatory mechanism. In conclusion, the fasting AT protein profile of LFO and HFO differ at the level of ROS scavenging, the glycolysis pathway and valine metabolism.
The pancreatic cancer proteome – recent advances and future promise
Authors: Aspinall‐O'Dea Mark , Costello Eithne
Published: September 2007

Of the common cancers, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most lethal. The cancer's aggressive biology, leading to rapid dissemination, combined with a lack of clearly recognisable symptoms means that for many patients, the disease is at an advanced stage when diagnosed. The prognosis is consequently very poor, with as few as 3–5% of patients surviving 5 years. Recently, proteomic technologies have been employed in an effort to identify protein biomarkers, therapeutic targets and disease response markers for pancreatic cancer. Research has primarily relied upon pancreatic tissue samples, and body fluids such as pancreatic juice and blood serum. In this article, we will highlight the current proteomic techniques, qualitative and quantitative, employed in the field of pancreatic cancer research. We will review both the progress made and the challenges ahead, in elaborating the biology of pancreatic cancer and identifying novel biomarkers.
Disease proteomics reveals altered basic gene expression regulation in leukocytes of Normal‐Tension and Primary Open‐Angle glaucoma patients
Authors: Golubnitschaja Olga , Yeghiazaryan Kristina , Wunderlich Kerstin , Schild Hans H. , Flammer Josef
Published: September 2007

Glaucomatous damage is a neurodegenerative eye disease and one of the leading causes of blindness with 67 million patients worldwide. Major currently challenging questions include early diagnosis, risk evaluation, and follow‐up. Circulating leukocytes have been demonstrated as potentially important source of disease specific markers. The relevance of expression alterations in leukocytes for glaucomatous damage needs to be clarified. Noteworthy, gene expression patterns of trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal, which are anatomically and functionally highly relevant for glaucoma pathology, were shown to be similar to those of circulating leukocytes. Here, we report extensive alterations in characteristic protein expression patterns of circulating leukocytes for Normal‐Tension and Primary Open‐Angle Glaucoma, as revealed by analysis of 2‐D PAGE images. Among most conservative alterations we found the protein spot identified by MALDI‐TOF as basic transcription factor activating protein‐2beta (AP‐2β). Western‐blot analysis demonstrated significantly increased protein expression rates of AP‐2β in both Normal‐Tension and Primary Open‐Angle Glaucoma versus controls. AP proteins are essential factors of the basic transcription regulation; AP‐2 proteins play a decisive role, particularly, in morphogenesis of eye. Conservative AP‐2 up‐regulation is of special importance in terms of basic transcriptional dysregulation that might be specific for glaucoma disease.
Vascular proteomics
Authors: Vivanco Fernando , Mas Sebastian , Darde Veronica M. , De la Cuesta Fernando , Alvarez‐Llamas Gloria , Barderas Maria G.
Published: September 2007

The characterization of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) at the molecular and cellular levels provides a novel vision for understanding the pathological and clinical expression of the disease. Recent advances in proteomic technologies permit the evaluation of systematic changes in protein expression in many biological systems and have been extensively applied to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The cardiovascular system is in permanent intimate contact with blood, making blood‐based biomarker discovery a particularly worthwhile approach. Thus, proteomics can potentially yield novel biomarkers reflecting CVD, establish earlier detection strategies, and monitor response to therapy. Here we review the different proteomic strategies used in the study of atherosclerosis and the novel proteins differentially expressed and secreted by atherosclerotic lesions which constitute novel potential biomarkers (HSP‐27, Cathepsin D). Special attention is paid to MS‐Imaging of atheroma plaque and the generation, for the first time, of 2‐D images of lipids, showing the distribution of these molecules in the different areas of the atherosclerotic lesions. In addition new potential biomarkers have been identified in plasma (amyloid A1α, transtherytin), circulating cells (protein profile in monocytes from ACS patients) and individual cells constituents of atheroma plaques (endothelial, VSMC, macrophages) which provide novel insights into vascular pathophysiology.
Native atomic burials, supplemented by physically motivated hydrogen bond constraints, contain sufficient information to determine the tertiary structure of small globular proteins
Authors: Pereira de Araújo Antônio F. , Gomes Antonio L. C. , Bursztyn Alexandre A. , Shakhnovich Eugene I.
Published: September 2007

We investigate the possibility that atomic burials, as measured by their distances from the structural geometrical center, contain sufficient information to determine the tertiary structure of globular proteins. We report Monte Carlo simulated annealing results of all‐atom hard‐sphere models in continuous space for four small proteins: the all‐β WW‐domain 1E0L, the α/β protein‐G 1IGD, the all‐α engrailed homeo‐domain 1ENH, and the α + β engineered monomeric form of the Cro protein 1ORC. We used as energy function the sum over all atoms, labeled by i, of |Ri − R|, where Ri is the atomic distance from the center of coordinates, or central distance, and R is the “ideal” central distance obtained from the native structure. Hydrogen bonds were taken into consideration by the assignment of two ideal distances for backbone atoms forming hydrogen bonds in the native structure depending on the formation of a geometrically defined bond, independently of bond partner. Lowest energy final conformations turned out to be very similar to the native structure for the four proteins under investigation and a strong correlation was observed between energy and distance root mean square deviation (DRMS) from the native in the case of all‐β 1E0L and α/β 1IGD. For all α 1ENH and α + β 1ORC the overall correlation between energy and DRMS among final conformations was not as high because some trajectories resulted in high DRMS but low energy final conformations in which α‐helices adopted a non‐native mutual orientation. Comparison between central distances and actual accessible surface areas corroborated the implicit assumption of correlation between these two quantities. The Z‐score obtained with this native‐centric potential in the discrimination of native 1ORC from a set of random compact structures confirmed that it contains a much smaller amount of native information when compared to a traditional contact Go potential but indicated that simple sequence‐dependent burial potentials still need some improvement in order to attain a similar discriminability. Taken together, our results suggest that central distances, in conjunction to physically motivated hydrogen bond constraints, contain sufficient information to determine the native conformation of these small proteins and that a solution to the folding problem for globular proteins could arise from sufficiently accurate burial predictions from sequence followed by minimization of a burial‐dependent energy function. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exploiting 3D structural templates for detection of metal‐binding sites in protein structures
Authors: Goyal Kshama , Mande Shekhar C.
Published: September 2007

High throughput structural genomics efforts have been making the structures of proteins available even before their function has been fully characterized. Therefore, methods that exploit the structural knowledge to provide evidence about the functions of proteins would be useful. Such methods would beneeded to complement the sequence‐based function annotation approaches. The current study describes generation of 3D‐structural motifs for metal‐binding sites from the known metalloproteins. It then scans all the available protein structures in the PDB database for putative metal‐binding sites. Our analysis predicted more than 1000 novel metal‐binding sites in proteins using three‐residue templates, and more than 150 novel metal‐binding sites using four‐residue templates. Prediction of metal‐binding site in a yeast protein YDR533c led to the hypothesis that it might function as metal‐dependent amidopeptidase. The structural motifs identified by our method present novel metal‐binding sites that reveal newer mechanisms for a few well‐known proteins. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular docking study of the interactions between the thioesterase domain of human fatty acid synthase and its ligands
Authors: Cheng Feng , Wang Qinghua , Chen Mingzhi , Quiocho Florante A. , Ma Jianpeng
Published: September 2007

Human fatty acid synthase (hFAS) thioesterase domain (TE) is an attractive drug target to treat obesity and cancer. On the basis of the recently published crystal structure of TE domain of hFAS, we performed molecular surface analysis and docking study to characterize the molecular interactions between the enzyme and its various ligands. Surface analysis identified the ligand‐binding pocket of TE domain that encompasses the catalytic triad of Ser2308, His2481, Asp2338. Docking of palmitate, the main biological product of hFAS, into this pocket revealed the ligand‐binding mode, in which the hydrophobic interactions are the dominant driving forces. The catalytic mechanism of TE domain can also be well explained based on the generated TE‐palmitate complex structure. Moreover, the comparison of the binding modes of five fatty acids with chain lengths ranging from 12 to 20 carbons confirmed that the ligand binding pocket of TE domain is a decisive factor in chain length specificity. In addition, docking of two known TE inhibitors, c75 and orlistat revealed the pharmacophore of these hFAS TE inhibitors, which will prove useful in structure‐based drug design against this important target. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Design of serine proteinase inhibitors by combinatorial chemistry using trypsin inhibitor SFTI‐1 as a starting structure
Authors: Zabłotna Ewa , Jaśkiewicz Anna , Łęgowska Anna , Miecznikowska Hanna , Lesner Adam , Rolka Krzysztof
Published: September 2007

A small peptide library of monocyclic SFTI‐1 trypsin inhibitor from sunflower seeds modified in positions P1 and P4′ was synthesized using a portioning‐mixing method. The peptide library was deconvoluted by the iterative approach in solution. Two trypsin ([Met9]‐SFTI‐1 and [Arg5, Abu9]‐SFTI‐1), one chymotrypsin ([Phe5]‐SFTI‐1) and one human elastase ([Leu5, Trp9]‐SFTI‐1) inhibitors were selected and resynthesized. The values of their association equilibrium constants (Ka) with target enzymes indicate that they are potent inhibitors. In addition, the last two analoges belong to the most active inhibitors of this size. The results obtained show that the conserved Pro9 residue in the Bowman–Birk inhibitor (BBI)s is not essential for inhibitory activity. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and thermoelectric properties of nanocomposite bismuth telluride prepared by melt spinning or by partially alloying with IV–VI compounds
Authors: Ebling Dirk G. , Jacquot A. , Jägle M. , Böttner H. , Kühn U. , Kirste L.
Published: September 2007

Bismuth telluride samples are compared with respect to the evolution of their thermoelectric material parameters like thermal and electrical conductivity. The Seebeck coefficient is discussed in dependence on the melt spinning fabrication technique. The melt spinner used is only able to produce small thin ribbon shaped specimens, some as thin as 10 μm. This limits melt spinning to mainly production of research specimens for alloys with high critical cooling rate, which are difficult to fabricate with other techniques. Additional parameters are alloying or doping of the base material by comparing the properties as prepared to different annealing conditions. The intrinsic p‐ and n‐doped material was alloyed with up to 0.5% lead telluride by rapidly cooling the bulk material to improve the thermoelectric properties analysed from RT up to about 600 K. A Seebeck coefficient of well above 200 µV/K could be obtained for p‐ and n‐type materials. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Identification and relative quantification of fatty acids in Escherichia coli membranes by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Oursel Delphine , Loutelier‐Bourhis Corinne , Orange Nicole , Chevalier Sylvie , Norris Victor , Lange Catherine M.
Published: September 2007

The lipids that are essential to the functioning of the bacterial membrane exist in hundreds of different forms. The reasons for this diversity are far from clear but are presumably related to the roles of these lipids in both facilitating enzymic activities and generating proteolipid domains. A full understanding of bacterial physiology therefore requires characterization of lipids in different strains in a variety of environmental conditions. This characterization then becomes the basis for lipidomics, the lipid aspect of the growing field of metabolomics. To exploit the power of derivatization chemistry and of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for metabolomics studies, we report here the development of various GC/MS electron ionization (EI) and negative and positive chemical ionization (CI) methods for the identification and, for the first time, the relative quantification of fatty acids present in extracts from membranes of a laboratory strain of Escherichia coli. They consist of seven saturated fatty acids (C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, C17:0 and C18:0) and six unsaturated fatty acids (C16:1, cyC17:0 plus two isomers of C18:1, C18:2 and cyC19:0). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of 13C isotopic enrichment of glutathione and glycine by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry after formation of the N‐ or N,S‐ethoxycarbonyl methyl ester derivatives
Authors: Tea Illa , Ferchaud‐Roucher Véronique , Küster Alice , Darmaun Dominique , Robins Richard J.
Published: September 2007

The depletion of glutathione (GSH) reported in very‐low‐birth‐weight infants is implicated in several pathologies, especially if deficiency occurs during foetal development. The cause of this depletion is suggested to be modification of GSH turnover. To probe the role of GSH, a reliable non‐invasive method adapted to very‐low‐birth‐weight infants is required. In this paper, we report the preparation of the N,S‐ethoxycarbonyl methyl ester derivatives of GSH and glycine and their application to the measurement of 13C/12C ratios at natural abundance in erythrocyte samples by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS). The technique allowed the determination of 13C/12C ratios at natural abundance with a precision <3% and within‐day and between‐day variabilities both <4%. The method is able to determine accurately low 13C‐enrichments in GSH (0.00241 to 0.00753 Atom Percent Excess) in erythrocyte extracts following incubation with 13C‐glycine at low specific enrichment (approx. 1.5 atom %). Excellent agreement was obtained between the calculated GSH fractional synthesis rate (FSR) in human adult blood (approx. 300% day−1) using the low‐enrichment 13C‐glycine/GC/C/IRMS protocol and that using highly enriched 13C‐glycine (99 atom %)/GC/MS with the same derivative. The GC/C/IRMS method was shown to be suitable to measure the in vitro GSH FSR (200–660% day−1) in human venous and arterial blood from the umbilical cord. This approach provides a good tool for studying the turnover of GSH in vitro in infants, allowing both the use of minimal amounts of tracer and negligible perturbation of endogenous precursor pools. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From marginality to legitimate peripherality: Understanding the essential functions of a women's program
Authors: Kahveci Ajda , Southerland Sherry A. , Gilmer Penny J.
Published: September 2007

The focus of this research was to understand how a program for women in science, mathematics, and engineering (SM&E) at college level in the southeastern United States functioned to influence women's decision making in terms of participation in these fields. By employing Lave and Wenger's theory of situated learning, we explored this program through two and a half academic years. We utilized a qualitative–quantitative mixed approach in our methodology. For the case study aspect, we focused on the cases of three women participating in the support program via participant observations and in‐depth interviews. For a more general description, we developed a questionnaire and augmented this with interviews with a broad spectrum of students. Our findings illustrated that the program demonstrated a great potential to aid the traditionally marginalized to move from marginality to legitimate participation in the communities of science. The program functioned successfully in four ways, each interwoven with the others. One implication of these findings is that such programs should include a multitude of events and opportunities for cognitive, social, and emotional support. Being not tall orders financially, such programs may be considered as effective interventions in both national and international settings, where women are in disadvantaged status. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 92:33–64, 2008
Ultrashallow depth profiling using SIMS and ion scattering spectroscopy
Authors: Kataoka Y. , Itani T.
Published: September 2007

The accuracy of ultrashallow depth profiling was studied by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and high‐resolution Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (HRBS) to obtain reliable depth profiles of ultrathin gate dielectrics and ultrashallow dopant profiles, and to provide important information for the modeling and process control of advanced complimentary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS) design. An ultrathin Si3N4/SiO2 stacked layer (2.5 nm) and ultrashallow arsenic implantation distributions (3 keV, 1 × 1015 cm−2) were used to explore the accuracy of near‐surface depth profiles measured by low‐energy O2+ and Cs+ bombardment (0.25 and 0.5 keV) at oblique incidence. The SIMS depth profiles were compared with those by HRBS. Comparison between HRBS and SIMS nitrogen profiles in the stacked layer suggested that SIMS depth profiling with O2+ at low energy (0.25 keV) and an impact angle of 78° provides accurate profiles. For the As+‐implanted Si, the HRBS depth profiles clearly showed redistribution in the near‐surface region. In contrast, those by the conventional SIMS measurement using Cs+ primary ions at oblique incidence were distorted at depths less than 5 nm. The distortion resulted from a long transient caused by the native oxide. To reduce the transient behavior and to obtain more accurate depth profiles in the near‐surface region, the use of O2+ primary ions was found to be effective, and 0.25 keV O2+ at normal incidence provided a more reliable result than Cs+ in the near‐surface region. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Grain characterization of nanostructured TiN coatings prepared by reactive plasma spraying
Authors: Zou Dongli , Yan Dianran , Xiao Lisong , Dong Yanchun , Zhen Liang
Published: September 2007

Nanostructured TiN coatings were prepared by reactive plasma spraying, and the microstructure and the grain morphology of the coatings were analyzed by XRD, SEM and TEM. The results show that the coatings were mainly composed of TiN and Ti3O phases (other phases were not detected), and they had the typical sprayed lamellar structures with few pores being visible. In the planar view, nanoscale grains with particle diameters ranging from 60 to 120 nm were observed in the coatings, and both fine equiaxial and columnar grains were found in some zones of the coatings. But in the cross‐sectional view, the TiN coatings were mainly composed of columnar grains, with no qualities of equiaxial grains being found. Thus, it can be concluded that the TiN coatings are composed of columnar grains, and the columnar grains are nanostructural, equiaxial grains in their cross‐section. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined IR and XPS analysis of the native (1 0 0) surface of single‐crystalline silicon after HFaq etching
Authors: Cerofolini G. F. , Giussani A. , Carone Fabiani F. , Modelli A. , Mascolo D. , Ruggiero D. , Narducci D. , Romano E.
Published: September 2007

A combined analysis, based on angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and multiple‐internal‐reflection infrared spectroscopy, of the (1 0 0) silicon surface after etching in dilute aqueous solution of HF is presented. The analysis shows that the surface is mainly formed by a heterogeneous distribution of SiH, SiH2 and SiH3 terminations, but contains (in addition to sub‐stoichiometric oxidized silicon) a form of reduced silicon, not consistent with the currently accepted picture of the native HFaq‐etched surface. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of instrumental variables in the analysis of generalized linear models in the presence of unmeasured confounding with applications to epidemiological research
Authors: Johnston K. M. , Gustafson P. , Levy A. R. , Grootendorst P.
Published: September 2007

A major, often unstated, concern of researchers carrying out epidemiological studies of medical therapy is the potential impact on validity if estimates of treatment are biased due to unmeasured confounders. One technique for obtaining consistent estimates of treatment effects in the presence of unmeasured confounders is instrumental variables analysis (IVA). This technique has been well developed in the econometrics literature and is being increasingly used in epidemiological studies. However, the approach to IVA that is most commonly used in such studies is based on linear models, while many epidemiological applications make use of non‐linear models, specifically generalized linear models (GLMs) such as logistic or Poisson regression. Here we present a simple method for applying IVA within the class of GLMs using the generalized method of moments approach. We explore some of the theoretical properties of the method and illustrate its use within both a simulation example and an epidemiological study where unmeasured confounding is suspected to be present. We estimate the effects of beta‐blocker therapy on one‐year all‐cause mortality after an incident hospitalization for heart failure, in the absence of data describing disease severity, which is believed to be a confounder. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designing a resource broker for heterogeneous grids
Authors: Venugopal Srikumar , Nadiminti Krishna , Gibbins Hussein , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: September 2007

Grids provide uniform access to aggregations of heterogeneous resources and services such as computers, networks and storage owned by multiple organizations. However, such a dynamic environment poses many challenges for application composition and deployment. In this paper, we present the design of the Gridbus Grid resource broker that allows users to create applications and specify different objectives through different interfaces without having to deal with the complexity of Grid infrastructure. We present the unique requirements that motivated our design and discuss how these provide flexibility in extending the functionality of the broker to support different low‐level middlewares and user interfaces. We evaluate the broker with different job profiles and Grid middleware and conclude with the lessons learnt from our development experience. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of Citric Acid on the Properties of Glycerol‐plasticized dry Starch (DTPS) and DTPS/Poly(lactic acid) Blends
Authors: Wang Ning , Yu Jiugao , Chang Peter R. , Ma Xiaofei
Published: September 2007

In the presence of citric acid (CA), one‐step extrusion processing is used to prepare poly(lactic acid)/thermoplastic dry starch (PLA/DTPS) blends (50/50, %, w/w) in a single‐screw extruder. The rheological study proves that CA decreases the viscosity of both DTPS and of DTPS/PLA blends. The low viscosity increases the dispersion and decreases the interfacial tension between DTPS and PLA, as shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the presence of CA, the tensile strength of DTPS/PLA reaches 41 MPa—similar to that of pure PLA—because of improved dispersion and compatibility. At the same time, CA increases not only the degradation of starch, but also the interaction between DTPS and PLA, as detected by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The blend containing CA has a higher thermal stability. The water absorption of DTPS and DTPS/PLA blends is also studied.
Total strain FE model for reinforced concrete floors on piles
Authors: Hofmeyer H. , Van den Bos A. A.
Published: September 2007

A finite element (FE) model using a total strain material model has been developed to predict the behavior of warehouse reinforced concrete floors on piles. The material model (not the FE model itself) was calibrated to material tests. The FE model for the floor structure was checked with full‐scale experiments. For a warehouse, punching load optimization and surface crack control are important design factors. It is concluded that if calibrated material models are used, total strain‐based FE models are able to indicate surface crack width and punching strength for several types of reinforcement. Furthermore, it is concluded that it is possible to develop a total strain material model from material tests. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An alternative approach for assessing eccentricities in asymmetric multistory buildings. 1. Elastic systems
Authors: Georgoussis George K.
Published: September 2007

A simple hand method for assessing modal eccentricities of multistory structures with partial symmetry is presented. The concept of the modal center of rigidity is introduced and the determination of eccentricities of the first two modal shears is obtained by means of an equivalent one‐story eccentric system. The method is based on Southwell's formula for calculating a lower bound of the fundamental frequency and is applicable to uniform structures composed of different types of bents, such as walls, rigid frames, coupled walls and wall–frame assemblies. These structures do not belong to the special class of proportionate buildings for which dynamic properties can be accurately obtained by analyzing two simpler systems: a multistory torsionally uncoupled counterpart of the actual structure and an associated one‐story coupled system. The accuracy of the proposed method is illustrated in a parametric study that includes common types of mixed‐bent‐type multistory structures and comparisons are made with the results obtained by three‐dimensional dynamic analyses on discrete member models. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An analysis of the processes of change in two science teachers educators' thinking
Authors: Greensfeld Hava , Elkad‐Lehman Ilana
Published: September 2007

This study examined the processes of change in thinking as a means of learning about the professional development of two science teacher educators. A qualitative methodology was used. The main research tool was a semistructured in‐depth interview. The primary data analyzed came from two science teacher educators, selected from a broader set of seven. Findings emphasize the importance of questions regarding the knowledge possessed by teacher educators and of the questions regarding the role of science teacher educators. That is, the knowledge of an expert science teacher educator was more than a list of givens; it was personal and context‐bound. This study contributes new insight into the processes of teacher educators' professional development and change in their thinking. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 1219–1245, 2007
Nonlinear solution methods for infinitesimal perfect plasticity
Authors: Wieners C.
Published: September 2007

We review the classical return algorithm for incremental plasticity in the context of nonlinear programming, and we discuss the algorithmic realization of the SQP method for infinitesimal perfect plasticity. We show that the radial return corresponds to an orthogonal projection onto the convex set of admissible stresses. Inserting this projection into the equilibrium equation results in a semismooth equation which can be solved by a generalized Newton method. Alternatively, an appropriate linearization of the projection is equivalent to the SQP method, which is shown to be more robust as the classical radial return. This is illustrated by a numerical comparison of both methods for a benchmark problem.
New directions for frontotemporal dementia drug discovery
Authors: Trojanowski John Q. , Duff Karen , Fillit Howard , Koroshetz Walter , Kuret Jeff , Murphy Diane , Refolo Larry
Published: September 2007

This report summarizes the recommendations of the Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) Working Group on FTD Drug Discovery that was part of an international FTD Workshop held on January 18 and 19, 2007, in Miami, Florida. The workshop was sponsored by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Association for Frontotemporal Dementia (AFTD) with the express purpose of defining opportunities to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients affected by a neurodegenerative disorder classified as one of the many variants of FTD. The recognition that almost all forms of FTD are due to TDP‐43 proteinopathies and tauopathies creates new opportunities for FTD drug discovery targeting pathways of TDP‐43 and tau‐mediated neurodegeneration.
Structural neuroimaging in the diagnosis of dementia
Authors: Chow Tiffany
Published: September 2007

This article reviews recent use of structural imaging in the diagnosis of dementia and presents evidence‐based recommendations approved at the meeting of the Third Canadian Consensus Conference on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia held in Montreal in March, 2006. Although the consensus group concurs that it is possible to specify circumstances in which structural imaging has a role to rule out pathology, it also has a role in ruling in concomitant cerebrovascular disease for patient management.
Biochemical Evidence of Flexor Tendon Participation in the Repair Process—An in Vitro Study
Authors: MANSKE PAUL R. , LESKER PEGGY A.
Published: September 2007

Rabbit, dog, chicken and monkey flexor tendon explants were maintained for six weeks in vitro in organ culture media. Biochemical evidence of the intrinsic capacity of the explants to participate in the repair process is noted by an increase in DNA (i.e. cell number) and hydroxyproline (i.e. collagen content) of the cultured explants after six weeks on culture compared to the control specimens, as well as the incorporation of 3H Proline into the collagen molecule.
Correction of Ulnar Claw Hand by a Loop of Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Motor for Lumbrical Replacement
Authors: SHAH ATUL
Published: September 2007

The current dynamic procedures for correction of ulnar claw hand are extensor carpi radialis longus many tail graft, palmaris longus four finger many tail graft and extensor by pass operation.

Each of these procedures takes a minimum of one and a half hours and needs extensive post operative re-education and training. These procedures employ a graft of plantaris tendon, fascia lata or extensor tendon, with the disadvantages of operating at another site and adhesion of grafts. The procedure described in this article obviates these disadvantages. The operation is simple to perform and has given good results even when performed at leprosy camps where no extensive re-education physiotherapy was available. This operation also tends to correct the reversal of transverse arch. The technique and observations are discussed in detail.
Median Nerve Compression, with Tendon Ruptures, after Colles’ Fracture
Authors: WONG F. Y. H. , PHO R. W. H.
Published: September 2007

A rare case of rupture of the flexor pollicis longus tendon following a Colles’ fracture is described. The patient also had a ruptured flexor digitorum profundus to the index finger and compression of the median nerve of the same hand. The ruptures were noted after four weeks of plaster immobilisation. Decompression of the median nerve and corrective osteotomy was performed but no tendon repair was attempted. The patient regained good function of the hand.
Vibration Disease of the Capitate
Authors: JAMES E. T. R. , BURKE F. D.
Published: September 2007

There are four previous cases of isolated avascular necrosis of the capitate in the literature. This report describes a fifth, and the first to be associated with vibration.

A paint sprayer presented with wrist pain, tenderness over the capitate and radiological changes of avascular necrosis of the capitate. Following mid-carpal arthrodesis, he returned to work.

The role of trauma and a pre-existing ligamentous abnormality of the wrist in the aetiology of this condition is discussed.
Wrist Joint Arthroplasty in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comparison between the Meuli and Swanson Prostheses
Authors: SUMMERS BRUCE , HUBBARD MICHAEL J. S.
Published: September 2007

A personal series of twelve wrist arthroplasties performed on ten patients with rheumatoid arthritis of the radio-carpal joint were reviewed in retrospect. Six arthroplasties were of the Meuli metal/plastic/metal design and six were of the Swanson silastic type with an additional silastic ulnar head prosthesis. Both prostheses were successful in giving a pain free stable joint with some degree of useful movement. The Meuli appeared to give a greater range of movement than the more constrained Swanson prosthesis. Although complications were encountered it is concluded that wrist arthroplasty does have a place in the management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis of the radio-carpal joint. Our present policy is to continue with the use of the Swanson design because of the advantages of a cement free prosthesis.