bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MDA‐7/IL‐24 regulates proliferation, invasion and tumor cell radiosensitivity: A new cancer therapy?
Authors: Dent Paul , Yacoub Adly , Grant Steven , Curiel David T. , Fisher Paul B.
Published: May 2005

The novel cytokine MDA‐7/IL‐24 was identified by subtractive hybridization in the mid‐1990s as a cytokine whose expression increased during the induction of terminal differentiation, and that was either not expressed or was present at low levels in tumor cells compared to non‐transformed cells. Multiple studies from several laboratories have subsequently demonstrated that expression of IL‐24 in tumor cells, but not in non‐transformed cells, causes their growth arrest and ultimately cell death. In addition, IL‐24 has been noted to be a radiosensitizing cytokine, which in part is due to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and causing endoplasmic reticulum stress. Recent publications of Phase I trial data have shown that a recombinant adenovirus to express MDA‐7/IL‐24 (Ad.mda‐7 (INGN 241)) was safe and had tumoricidal effects in patients, which argues that IL‐24 may have therapeutic value. This review describes what is known about the impact of IL‐24 on tumor cell biology in addition to approaches that may enhance the toxicity of this novel cytokine. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
All‐electron density functional calculation on insulin with quasi‐canonical localized orbitals
Authors: Inaba Toru , Tahara Saisei , Nisikawa Nobutaka , Kashiwagi Hiroshi , Sato Fumitoshi
Published: May 2005

An all‐electron density functional (DF) calculation on insulin was performed by the Gaussian‐based DF program, ProteinDF. Quasi‐canonical localized orbitals (QCLOs) were used to improve the initial guess for the self‐consistent field (SCF) calculation. All calculations were carried out by parallel computing on eight processors of an Itanium2 cluster (SGI Altix3700) with a theoretical peak performance of 41.6 GFlops. It took 35 h for the whole calculation. Insulin is a protein hormone consisting of two peptide chains linked by three disulfide bonds. The numbers of residues, atoms, electrons, orbitals, and auxiliary functions are 51, 790, 3078, 4439, and 8060, respectively. An all‐electron DF calculation on insulin was successfully carried out, starting from connected QCLOs. Regardless of a large molecule with complicated topology, the differences in the total energy and the Mulliken atomic charge between initial and converged wavefunctions were very small. The calculation proceeded smoothly without any trial and error, suggesting that this is a promising method to obtain SCF convergence on large molecules such as proteins. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 26: 987–993, 2005
Erythroid cell differentiation is characterized by nuclear matrix localization and phosphorylation of protein kinases C (PKC) α, δ, and ζ
Authors: Marchisio Marco , Santavenere Eugenio , Paludi Maya , Gaspari Anna Rita , Lanuti Paola , Bascelli Adriana , Ercolino Eva , Di Baldassarre Angela , Miscia Sebastiano
Published: May 2005

Protein kinases C (PKC) ζ expression and phosphoryation at nuclear level during dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)‐induced differentiation in Friend erythroleukemia cells have been previously reported, suggesting a possible role of this PKC isoform in the DMSO‐related signaling. In order to shed more light on this tantalizing topic, we investigated PKC intracellular and sub‐cellular localization and activity during DMSO‐induced erythroid differentiation. Results indicated that at least PKC α, ζ, and δ are strongly and temporally involved in the DMSO‐induced differentiation signals since their expression and phosphorylation, though at different extents, were observed during treatments. Intriguingly, while PKC α and ζ associate to the nuclear matrix during the differentiation event, PKC δ appears to be residentially associated to the nuclear matrix. Furthermore, an evident downregulation of the β‐globin gene transcription (differentiation hallmark) was detected upon a progressive inhibition of these PKC isoforms by means of specific inhibitors, indicating, therefore, that PKC α, ζ, and δ phosphorylation play a crucial role in the control of erythroid differentiation. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increases in intracellular calcium dephosphorylate histone H3 at serine 10 in human hepatoma cells: Potential role of protein phosphatase 2A–protein kinase CβII complex
Authors: Huang Wei , Batra Sanjay , Atkins Brett A. , Mishra Vachaspati , Mehta Kamal D.
Published: May 2005

We present evidence that increases in intracellular calcium, induced by treatment with calcium ionophore A23187 or the endoplasmic reticulum calcium‐ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin, dephosphorylated histone H3 at serine10 (histone H3‐Ser10) in a dose‐dependent manner in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Inhibition of p42/44MAPK, pp90RSK, or p38MAPK did not affect the ability of A23187 to dephosphorylate histone H3‐Ser10. This response is significantly blocked by okadaic acid, indicating a requirement for protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). A23187 increased the activity of PP2A towards phosphorylated histone H3‐Ser10. Furthermore, pretreatment with calphostin C, a selective protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, blocked A23187‐dependent dephosphorylation of histone H3‐Ser10, and coimmunoprecipitation analysis showed PP2A association with the PKCβII isoform. Unlike untreated cells, coimmunoprecipitated complex from A23187‐treated cells showed greater dephosphorylation of histone H3‐Ser10 in a PP2A‐dependent manner. Inhibition of PP2A increased phosphorylation at Ser660 that determines calcium sensitivity and activity of PKCβII isoform, thus supporting a role for intracomplex regulation. Finally, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays following exposure to A23187 and okadaic acid revealed regulatory role of histone H3‐Ser10 phosphorylation in selective gene induction. Altogether, our findings suggest a novel role for calcium in modulating histone H3‐Ser10 phosphorylation level and led us to propose a model emphasizing PP2A activation, occurring downstream following perturbations in calcium homeostasis, as key event in dephosphorylating histone H3‐Ser10 in mammalian cells. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sodium borohydride reduction of ketones, aldehydes and imines using PEG400 as catalyst without solvent
Authors: Cao Yu‐Qing , Dai Zhi , Chen Bao‐Hua , Liu Rui
Published: May 2005

Aldehydes, ketones and imines were readily reduced by sodium borohydride, with the participation of a small amount of water, in good to excellent yields using PEG400 as catalyst in the absence of organic solvents. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Limb chondrogenesis of the seepage salamander, Desmognathus aeneus (Amphibia: Plethodontidae)
Authors: Franssen R. Adam , Marks Sharyn , Wake David , Shubin Neil
Published: May 2005

Salamanders are infrequently mentioned in analyses of tetrapod limb formation, as their development varies considerably from that of amniotes. However, urodeles provide an opportunity to study how limb ontogeny varies with major differences in life history. Here we assess limb development in Desmognathus aeneus, a direct‐developing salamander, and compare it to patterns seen in salamanders with larval stages (e.g., Ambystoma mexicanum). Both modes of development result in a limb that is morphologically indistinct from an amniote limb. Developmental series of A. mexicanum and D. aeneus were investigated using Type II collagen immunochemistry, Alcian Blue staining, and whole‐mount TUNEL staining. In A. mexicanum, as each digit bud extends from the limb palette Type II collagen and proteoglycan secretion occur almost simultaneously with mesenchyme condensation. Conversely, collagen and proteoglycan secretion in digits of D. aeneus occur only after the formation of an amniote‐like paddle. Within each species, Type II collagen expression patterns resemble those of proteoglycans. In both, distal structures form before more proximal structures. This observation is contrary to the proximodistal developmental pattern of other tetrapods and may be unique to urodeles. In support of previous findings, no cell death was observed during limb development in A. mexicanum. However, apoptotic cells that may play a role in digit ontogeny occur in the limbs of D. aeneus, thereby suggesting that programmed cell death has evolved as a developmental mechanism at least twice in tetrapod limb evolution. J. Morphol. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Overexpression of neuronal intermediate filament protein α‐internexin in PC12 cells
Authors: Chien Chung‐Liang , Liu Tzu‐Chiang , Ho Chung‐Liang , Lu Kuo‐Shyan
Published: May 2005

The neuronal intermediate filaments include not only the neurofilament triplet proteins but also peripherin and α‐internexin. To determine whether neurite outgrowth is enhanced by α‐internexin, the cDNA of rat α‐internexin tagged with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was transfected into a rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cell line PC12 that responds to nerve growth factor (NGF) by induction of the neuronal phenotype. Selected stable clones were induced by NGF and examined for expression patterns of neuronal intermediate filaments by Western blot and immunocytochemistry. Differentiating neurons were also collected after NGF induction for RT‐PCR analysis. Overexpressed α‐internexin‐EGFPs were found mainly in cell bodies and the proximal part of neurites. It was also found that overexpression of α‐internexin‐EGFPs enhanced the neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells at the early stages of NGF induction. Meantime, NF‐L and NF‐M were upregulated by the overexpression of α‐internexin‐EGFPs. Interestingly, α‐internexin‐EGFP‐transfected cells obviously detached from culture plates at the later stages of NGF induction. Massive IF accumulations, swelling mitochondria, and degenerating neurites with numerous electron‐dense granules were observed ultrastructurally in the α‐internexin‐EGFP‐transfected cells. In addition, neuronal death was also characterized positively by the TUNEL assay. These observations may imply that cell death was occurring in α‐internexin‐EGFP‐transfected cells. From this study, it could be suggested that α‐internexin plays an important role in neurite outgrowth and regulates the expression of other neurofilaments during neuronal development. Apoptosis‐like cell death could also be induced by the overexpression of α‐internexin‐EGFP in PC12 cells after NGF induction. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Short‐term interleukin‐1β increases the release of secreted APPα via MEK1/2‐dependent and JNK‐dependent α‐secretase cleavage in neuroglioma U251 cells
Authors: Ma Guozhao , Chen Shengdi , Wang Xijin , Ba Maowen , Yang Hui , Lu Guoqiang
Published: May 2005

Several lines of neuroimmunological evidence correlate the development of the inflammatory responses of the brain with the formation of amyloid plaques associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Within this context, we tested the ability of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) to regulate the processing of beta‐amyloid precursor protein (β‐APP) in neuroglioma U251 cells. Our findings have shown that short‐term treatment with IL‐1β (2 hr) resulted in a concentration‐dependent decrease in the amount of the cell‐associated form of β‐APP in U251 cells as compared to untreated cells, whereas a 2‐hr treatment with IL‐1β led to increased release of secreted APPα fragment (sAPPα) into the conditioned media of the cells. The fact that sAPPα is an α‐secretase cleavage metabolite of the cell‐associated form of β‐APP, and the observation that IL‐1β‐induced sAPPα release could be blocked by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases‐1 (α‐secretase inhibitors), suggested that α‐secretase might be involved in IL‐1β‐induced‐sAPPα release. Moreover, to determine whether an intracellular signaling pathway mediates the IL‐1β‐induced increase in sAPPα secretion, we used various specific signaling inhibitors and found that sAPPα release is significantly blocked by the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MEK1/2) inhibitor PD98059 and the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase inhibitor SP600125. These findings suggested that the mechanism of IL‐1β‐induced‐sAPPα release is dependent on MEK1/2‐ and JNK‐activated α‐secretase cleavage in neuroglioma U251 cells. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A study on degradation kinetics of ascorbic acid in drumstick (Moringa olifera) leaves during cooking
Authors: Bineesh Nisha P , Singhal Rekha S , Pandit Aniruddha B
Published: May 2005

The kinetics of ascorbic acid degradation in drumstick (Moringa olifera) leaves as well as in pure ascorbic acid solutions at the initial concentrations present in drumstick leaves over a temperature range of 50–120 °C (isothermal temperature process) has been studied. The degradation kinetics of ascorbic acid was also evaluated in normal open‐pan cooking, pressure‐cooking and a newly developed and patented fuel‐efficient eco cooker (non‐isothermal heating process). The ascorbic acid degradation followed first‐order reaction kinetics where the rate constant increased with an increase in the temperature. The temperature dependence of degradation was adequately modelled by the Arrhenius equation. A mathematical model was developed using the isothermal kinetic parameters obtained to predict the losses of ascorbic acid from the time–temperature data of the non‐isothermal heating/processing method. The results obtained indicate the ascorbic acid degradation is of similar order of magnitude in all the methods of cooking. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of medium molecular weight xanthan gum in rheology and stability of oil‐in‐water emulsion stabilized with legume proteins
Authors: Papalamprou Evdoxia M , Makri Eleousa A , Kiosseoglou Vassilios D , Doxastakis Georgios I
Published: May 2005

Xanthan gum is a water‐soluble extracellular polysaccharide that has gained widespread commercial use because of its strong pseudoplasticity and tolerance to high ionic strength, which bring unique rheological properties to solutions. This study compares and evaluates the emulsifying properties of oil‐in‐water (30:70 v/v) emulsions stabilized with lupin and soya protein isolates and medium molecular weight xanthan gum. The protein was obtained by an isoelectric precipitation method and the polysaccharide was produced by Xanthomonas campestris ATCC 1395 in batch culture in a laboratory fermenter (LBG medium) without pH control. The addition of xanthan gum in the emulsion formulation enhances emulsion stability through the phenomenon of thermodynamic incompatibility with the legume protein, resulting in an increase of the adsorbed protein at the interface. The emulsion stability is also enhanced by a network structure built by the polysaccharide in the bulk phase. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
In vitro studies on antioxidant activity of lignans isolated from sesame cake extract
Authors: Suja Kizhiyedathu Polachira , Jayalekshmy Ananthasankaran , Arumughan Chami
Published: May 2005

The antioxidant activity of compounds isolated from a methanolic extract of commercial sesame cake was studied using a peroxidation model and a radical‐scavenging method. Pure compounds were isolated from the extract by preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and identified and confirmed as sesamol, sesamin, sesamolin, sesaminol diglucoside and sesaminol triglucoside by HPLC, infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. When the rate of inhibition of lipid peroxidation and the superoxide radical‐scavenging power of the individual compounds were evaluated, the compounds showed antioxidant activity to different extents. The antioxidant activity of compounds by the β‐carotene‐bleaching assay followed the order sesamol > sesamolin ≥ sesamin > butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) > sesaminol triglucoside > sesaminol diglucoside. By the thiocyanate method the inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation shown by sesamol, sesamin, sesamolin, sesaminol triglucoside, sesaminol diglucoside and BHT at 200 mg l−1 was 77, 60, 69, 32, 25 and 49% respectively. A concentration–dependent superoxide–scavenging effect was also shown by these compounds. Sesamolin had an appreciable effect at 300 and 500 mg l−1, while the other compounds were more effective at 100 mg l−1. The study also established the occurrence of sesamol in the methanolic extract of defatted sesame cake for the first time. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Fermentation of meat with koji and commercial enzymes, and properties of its extract
Authors: Trang Nguyen Hien , Shimada Ken‐Ichiro , Sekikawa Mitsuo , Ono Tomotada , Mikami Masayuki
Published: May 2005

This study was carried out in order to make the Japanese fermented meat sauce shishibishio. The fermentation mixtures (moromi) were prepared by mixing ground pork with salt at one of three levels (15, 20 or 25%), koji (rice fermented with Aspergillus oryzae) and pepper. Commercial enzymes, ie Alcalase or Pectinase 3S, were added in order to accelerate the proteolysis of the moromi. After 3 months of fermentation, counts of viable bacteria were below 300 cfu g−1, and no coliforms was detected in any moromi. Shishibishio obtained after 3 months had an acceptable seasoning with high peptide and free amino acid content, and good hygienic quality; in particular, no unpleasant smell and taste was found. The addition of Alcalase or Pectinase 3S appreciably increased yield of shishibishio and protein recovery from moromi by accelerating the liquefaction and the proteolysis, resulting in the improvement of the sensory quality of the products. The highest yields were, respectively, 49.8 to 50.6%, collected from moromi in which we used 15% salt. Shishibishio with Alcalase had a higher peptide content but a lower total free amino acid content than that with Pectinase 3S. However, there was not much difference in the sensory evaluations for two enzyme treatments. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of gas composition on rabbit meat quality in modified atmosphere packaging
Authors: Vergara Herminia , Berruga M Isabel , Linares M Belén
Published: May 2005

This study examines the effect of four types of modified atmospheres (MA), (A: 30% CO2 + 70% O2; B: 30% CO2 + 30% O2 + 40% N2; C: 40% CO2 + 60% N2; D: 80% CO2 + 20% O2), on the quality of rabbit meat. Meat quality was assessed by examining pH, colour, drip loss (DL), cooking loss (CL) and shear force (SF). Similar values of pH were observed for all treatments and increased over time (p < 0.05). Acceptance of meat (on the basis of overall appearance) correlated (p < 0.001) with Chroma, time storage and type of MA. Samples packed with A were the most acceptable over time. Samples packed with D showed highest DL values, while in this same group CL values were highest (p < 0.05) only during the first 5 days post‐packing. SF values decreased with ageing, and in general similar values were observed for all treatments. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of calcium additives on physicochemical aspects of cell wall pectin and sensory attributes of canned peach (Prunus persica (L) Batsch cv Andross)
Authors: Manganaris George A , Vasilakakis Miltiadis , Diamantidis Grigorios , Mignani Ilaria
Published: May 2005

Quality evaluation of calcium‐treated processed peaches was determined by physical, chemical and sensory analyses. Textural and structural properties of canned peaches indicated that calcium‐treated peaches gained better firmness retention and greater proportion of uronic acids between the insoluble and water‐soluble pectin fraction than untreated peaches, probably because of higher cell wall calcium content. However, a direct relationship cannot be established between calcium and uronic acid content in pectin fractions. A range of sensory descriptors assessed by a trained panel provided results that challenge accepted interpretations in the field of quality evaluation. The results indicated the possibility of processing high quality calcium‐treated canned peaches with acceptable qualitative features. Calcium lactate is suggested as a potential calcium source in the peach canning industry, since it provided both better textural features and sensory attributes. The interactions among calcium, the physicochemical properties of the cell wall framework and sensory attributes are discussed. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
The development of a goat's milk yogurt
Authors: Posecion Norberto C , Crowe Nancy L , Robinson A Robin , Asiedu Samuel K
Published: May 2005

This study sought to establish conditions suitable for a small‐scale yogurt process using goat's milk and to examine the physicochemical properties (pH, titratable acidity, solids‐not‐fat (SNF), viscosity, texture) and organoleptic acceptability (preference by Filipino panellists) of the resultant product. Goat's milk was concentrated by heating (80 °C, 1 h), which resulted in an increase in SNF from 85 to 110 g kg−1. To further improve the curd of goat's milk yogurt, two hydrocolloids were used: carrageenan (1.5 and 3 g l−1) and pectin (50 g l−1). The addition of dehydrated pineapple and banana cubes (50 and 100 g l−1) in a sundae‐style formulation increased the SNF by an additional 2.5% and produced a curd that was firmer than the control, plain set yogurt. The use of carrageenan appeared to be a convenient way of controlling product viscosity. In terms of product preference and firmness the fruit‐flavoured sundae‐style yogurts were ranked higher by sensory panellists. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of processing conditions on the quality of vacuum‐fried carrot chips
Authors: Shyu Shyi‐Liang , Hau Lung‐Bin , Hwang Lucy Sun
Published: May 2005

The effects of pretreatment and vacuum frying conditions on the quality of fried carrot chips were studied. The moisture and oil contents of fried carrot chips were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced when blanched carrot slices were pretreated by immersion in fructose solution and freezing prior to vacuum frying. Furthermore, more uniform porosity was observed on the vertical cross‐section of carrot chips when examined by scanning electron microscopy. During vacuum frying, the moisture content, colour and breaking force of carrot chips decreased while the oil content increased with increasing frying temperature and time. However, there was no apparent change in Hunter ΔE with time when the frying temperature was below 100 °C and the frying time was below 25 min. Results of this study suggest that vacuum frying at moderate temperature (90–100 °C) for 20 min can produce carrot chips with lower moisture and oil contents as well as good colour and crispy texture. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Pig sire type and sex effects on carcass traits, meat quality and physicochemical and sensory characteristics of Serrano dry‐cured ham
Authors: Soriano Almudena , Quiles Rafael , Mariscal Cristina , García Ruiz Antonia
Published: May 2005

This study demonstrates that improvements in animal line selection by breeding enterprises exert a strong effect on carcass traits, meat quality and sensory characteristics of Serrano dry‐cured ham. A total of 461 pigs from the offspring of a Duroc (DU) × Landrace (LD) sow mated with two DU boars and a DU × Large White (LW) boar from three breeding enterprises were evaluated. The two DU terminal sires were significantly different (P < 0.05) in carcass conformation, backfat thickness, ham and loin yields, raw ham traits, myoglobin concentration and total pigments formed during the curing process; in addition, the two lines provided different percentages of hams (54 vs 91%) with sufficient subcutaneous fat and weight to manufacture dry‐cured Serrano hams using a slow ripening process (11 months). The DU × LW sire had the best carcass and ham traits from an economic standpoint and obtained highest scores for sensory characteristics of Serrano ham evaluated by a trained panel test; furthermore, this line provided 84% of total hams suitable for manufacturing Serrano hams by a slow process. When the sex effect was analysed, carcass and ham traits of females were more favourable, but females presented a higher incidence of pale, soft and exudative (PSE) meat and a lower percentage of hams with sufficient subcutaneous fat and weight to produce Serrano hams using a slow ripening process (61% for females and 91% for castrates). On the other hand, castrates provided Serrano hams cured by a slow procedure with better organoleptic characteristics than females. Right and left hams were similar. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Chilling effects during seed filling on accumulation of seed reserves and yield of chickpea
Authors: Nayyar Harsh , Bains Tejinder S , Kumar Sanjeev , Kaur Gurinder
Published: May 2005

Chilling (<15 °C) during the reproductive phase of chickpea leads to abortion of flowers and pods, infertile pods, smaller seeds and reduced seed yields. In the present study, effects of chilling during seed development were evaluated on accumulation of seed reserves and yield parameters in an extra early maturing chickpea genotype ICCV 96 029. Relative to control plants (17/28 °C mean minimum/maximum temperature), those subjected to cold stress (5/13 °C mean minimum/maximum temperature) showed a marked increase in electrolyte leakage, while cellular respiration (assessed as 2,3,5‐triphenyl tetrazolium chloride reduction activity), chlorophyll content, relative leaf water content and rate and duration of seed filling decreased significantly. In cold‐stressed plants, seed number per 100 pods, seed weight per plant, average seed weight and average seed size decreased by 35, 43, 41 and 24% respectively. Seed reserves of starch, protein and fat decreased by 34, 33 and 43% respectively, while total soluble sugars increased twofold. The accumulation of storage proteins such as globulins and albumins was inhibited to a greater extent than that of prolamins and glutelins. Most of the amino acids decreased as a result of stress, while some such as proline and glutamic acid increased significantly. Among the minerals examined, phosphorus content decreased more than calcium and iron contents. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Cassava starch snack formulation using functional shell fish by‐products: mechanical, sorption and geometric properties
Authors: Gibert Olivier , Kumar Rakshit Sudip
Published: May 2005

Utilisation of by‐products of the shrimp industry, namely shrimp head protein and chitosan, could lead to a functional snack with substantial market in Asia. Produced on a cassava starch base this would lead to a product with shrimp flavour and chitosan's lipid adsorption capacity. The characteristics of such a mixture with 82% deacetylated chitosan and salt was investigated by Rapid Visco Analyser and instrumental Texture Profile Analyser using the Doehlert Uniform Shell experimental design. Polynomial models explained more than 88% of variability of responses. A significant effect of salt, shrimp head proteins and chitosan was observed on cassava starch gelling characteristics. A corresponding heat and shear stress resistance ability was observed while there was a reduction in its specific swelling power. Snacks prepared in the form of chips and extruded product confirmed their good potential for added value to snack foods in respect of their 90–94% linear expansion ratio, up to 1.1 kg maximum breaking force and up to 4.5 radial expansion ratio. Adsorption isotherm of extrudates had a maximum water content target of 115 g kg−1 dry matter at 25 °C for a later formulation and extrusion optimisation, in order to guarantee consumer texture acceptability. Corresponding shelf‐lives of extrudates were calculated at three storage conditions. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Role of mitogen‐activated protein kinases in phenethyl isothiocyanate‐induced apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Xiao Dong , Choi Sunga , Lee Yong J. , Singh Shivendra V.
Published: May 2005

The present study was undertaken to examine the role of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in apoptosis induction by phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a cruciferous vegetable‐derived cancer chemopreventive agent, with DU145 and LNCaP human prostate cancer cells as a model. The MAPK family of serine/threonine kinases, including extracellular signal‐regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), c‐jun N‐terminal kinase1/2/3 (JNK1/2/3), and p38 MAPK play an important role in cell proliferation and apoptosis in response to different stimuli. Exposure of DU145 and LNCaP cells to growth suppressive concentrations of PEITC resulted in activation of ERK1/2 and JNKs, but not p38 MAPK, in both cell lines. In DU145 cells, the apoptosis induction by PEITC was statistically significantly attenuated by pharmacological inhibition of JNKs with SP600125. Adenovirus‐mediated overexpression of Flag‐tagged JNK binding domain (JBD) of JNK‐interacting protein‐1 (JIP‐1), an inhibitor of JNK, also inhibited PEITC‐induced apoptosis in DU145 cells. On the other hand, inhibition of ERK1/2 activation with MEK1 inhibitor PD98059 failed to offer protection against PEITC‐induced apoptosis in DU145 cells. In LNCaP cells, the PEITC‐induced cell death was not affected by either pretreatment with PD98059 or SP600125 or overexpression of JBD of JIP‐1. These results indicate that involvement of MAPKs in apoptosis induction by PEITC in human prostate cancer cells is cell line‐specific. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New criteria for early electrodiagnosis of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Al‐Shekhlee Amer , Hachwi Rami N. , Preston David C. , Katirji Bashar
Published: May 2005

A variety of electrodiagnostic methods are used to confirm the diagnosis of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP), but difficulties are frequent during the first few weeks of weakness. We compared the nerve conduction studies (NCS) of patients with AIDP to those with critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP), a subacute axonal polyneuropathy. New electrodiagnostic criteria with graded certainty (normal, nondiagnostic, suggestive, highly suggestive, and definite) were designed and applied in a blinded manner to both groups. Among the AIDP patients, 64% met the highly suggestive and definite criteria (specificity 95–100%, P < 0.01), whereas 80% of the CIP group fell in the nondiagnostic criteria (P < 0.001). The relative preservation of the sural sensory response in spite of at least two abnormal sensory NCS in the upper limb suggested acute demyelination (sensitivity 48%, specificity 96%, P < 0.001) and was even more conclusive when associated with absent or prolonged F waves. Motor and sensory response amplitudes were lower in the CIP group, with comparable mean motor and sensory distal latencies and motor conduction velocities. Motor conduction blocks were present in 10% of nerves in AIDP and were not encountered in CIP. The frequency of absent or delayed F waves and absent H reflex was similar in both groups. The correlation coefficient of the cerebrospinal fluid protein concentration with the designed criteria was higher in the AIDP group (r = 0.9). We conclude that a new criterion with graded certainty is of higher specificity in the majority of patients with early AIDP. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Intrarectal ground electrode improves the reliability of motor evoked potentials recorded in the anal sphincter
Authors: Lefaucheur Jean‐Pascal
Published: May 2005

Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) can be recorded in the external anal sphincter in response to magnetic stimulation of the cerebral cortex or sacral roots. However, the magnitude of the stimulus artifact may alter the reliability of anal MEP recording. An intrarectal ground electrode substantially reduces stimulus artifact and technical failure, improving MEP latency determination to sacral root stimulation in particular. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Analysis of pressuremeter geometry effects in clay using critical state models
Authors: Yu H. S. , Charles M. T. , Khong C. D.
Published: May 2005

The conventional interpretation methods of pressuremeter testing effectively approximate pressuremeter membranes as infinitely long. As a result, the effects of the two‐dimensional geometry of pressuremeters are ignored, leading to an overestimation of soil shear strength by pressuremeter testing, as demonstrated in several previous studies. This paper presents results of a numerical study of two‐dimensional geometry effects on self‐boring pressuremeter tests in undrained clay. The results are obtained using critical state soil models with an effective stress formulation. This is in contrast to most (if not all) existing studies on pressuremeter geometry effects, which were based on perfectly plastic soil models (e.g. Yu (Cavity expansion theory and its application to the analysis of pressuremeters. DPhil Thesis, The University of Oxford, 1990), Yeung and Carter (Proc. 3rd Int. Symp. on Pressuremeters, 1990), and Houlsby and Carter (Géotechnique, 1993; 43(4):567–576)). The present study suggests that the overestimation of soil strength due to the neglect of finite pressuremeter length is significantly affected by the soil model used in the calculations. It is found that for clays with a high overconsolidation ratio (OCR) the strength overestimation predicted using critical state soil models could be considerably smaller than that predicted using perfectly plastic soil models. The main conclusion of this numerical study is that care must be exercised before directly applying any numerically determined pressuremeter geometry correction factors in practice. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perineal noise recording as a non‐invasive diagnostic method of urinary bladder outlet obstruction: a study in polyvinyl alcohol and silicone model urethras
Authors: Idzenga Tim , Pel Johan J.M. , Baldewsing Radj A. , Mastrigt Ron van
Published: May 2005

Aims

At present, an invasive pressure flow study is recommended to diagnose urinary bladder outlet obstruction. This method induces the risk of urinary tract infection and urethral trauma. We studied perineal noise recording as an alternative, non‐invasive diagnostic method in three flexible/extensible model urethras and two silicone tubes.

Methods

The flexible/extensible model urethras were made of a 10% aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and differed in wall‐ stiffness, the silicone tubes differed in diameter and wall‐thickness. Three degrees of obstruction were applied by inflating a cuff placed around the PVA‐urethras and by compressing the silicone tubes with an adjustable clamp. Noise, produced during flow, was recorded at three positions distal to the obstruction using a piëzoceramic contact microphone.

Results

The average amplitude of the noise and the essential frequency of the power spectrum of each noise recording depended significantly on the degree of obstruction, the position of the microphone and the wall‐stiffness in PVA‐urethras and the diameter in silicone tubes.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this study perineal noise recording shows good potential as an alternative method for diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Robust optimal multilevel preconditioners for non‐conforming finite element systems
Authors: Blaheta R. , Margenov S. , Neytcheva M.
Published: May 2005

We consider strategies to construct optimal order two‐ and multilevel hierarchical preconditioners for linear systems as arising from the finite element discretization of self‐adjoint second order elliptic problems using non‐conforming Crouzeix–Raviart linear elements.

In this paper we utilize the hierarchical decompositions, derived in a previous work by the same authors (Numerical Linear Algebra with Applications 2004; 11:309–326) and provide a further analysis of these decompositions in order to assure robustness with respect to anisotropy. Finally, we show how to construct both multiplicative and additive versions of the algebraic multilevel iteration preconditioners and show robustness and optimal order convergence estimates. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonoverlapping domain decomposition and additive splitting up methods for multidimensional parabolic problem
Authors: Daoud Daoud S.
Published: May 2005

The explicit implicit domain decomposition methods are noniterative types of methods for nonoverlapping domain decomposition but due to the use of the explicit step for the interface prediction, the methods suffer from inaccuracy of the usual explicit scheme. In this article a specific type of first‐ and second‐order splitting up method, of additive type, for the dependent variables is initially considered to solve the two‐ or three‐dimensional parabolic problem over nonoverlapping subdomains. We have also considered the parallel explicit splitting up algorithm to define (predict) the interface boundary conditions with respect to each spatial variable and for each nonoverlapping subdomains. The parallel second‐order splitting up algorithm is then considered to solve the subproblems defined over each subdomain; the correction step will then be considered for the predicted interface nodal points using the most recent solution values over the subdomains. Finally several model problems will be considered to test the efficiency of the presented algorithm. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2006
Minor elective surgical procedures using general anesthesia in children with sickle cell anemia without pre‐operative blood transfusion
Authors: Fu Teresa , Corrigan Nicole J. , Quinn Charles T. , Rogers Zora R. , Buchanan George R.
Published: May 2005

Background

Pre‐operative red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are often recommended for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) who require elective surgery under general anesthesia. However, definitive randomized studies demonstrating the benefit of transfusions in this setting have not been conducted. In particular, the merits of transfusion prior to minor or low‐risk surgical procedures in children with SCD have not been demonstrated.

Procedure

We hypothesized that children with sickle cell anemia (Hb SS) who have minor elective surgical procedures develop few complications even without pre‐operative transfusion. We accessed our Comprehensive Sickle Cell Program's Database to identify all such procedures performed during a 13‐year period. Medical records were reviewed to characterize the surgical procedure, the use of transfusions, and perioperative complications.

Results

Twenty‐eight children with Hb SS had a total of 38 minor surgical procedures. No perioperative transfusions were given in 34 of the cases (85%). Five of these 34 surgeries (15%) were associated with minor post‐operative complications (fever or transient pain). No post‐operative acute chest syndrome was encountered.

Conclusions

Minor or low‐risk elective surgical procedures in children with Hb SS may not routinely require pre‐operative transfusion. A randomized clinical trial to compare transfusion with no transfusion for minor surgical procedures is needed. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2005; 45: 43–47. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of copolybibenzoates with thioether and ether groups in the flexible spacers
Authors: Martínez‐Gómez Aránzazu , Pérez Ernesto , Bello Antonio
Published: May 2005

Main‐chain copolybibenzoates with flexible spacers bearing thioether and ether groups were obtained by melt‐transesterification of diethyl 1,1′‐biphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylate and β‐thioether glycols (thiodiethylene glycol or thiotriethylene glycol), using titanium (IV) isopropoxide as catalyst. A side‐reaction of etherification occurred simultaneously with the polycondensation reaction, resulting in the formation of comonomer units with the structure of the dimer of the glycol. This side‐reaction was confirmed by the preparation of model compounds. The most probable mechanism for this etherification reaction is the formation of an intermediate three‐membered cyclic sulfonium ion by neighbouring sulfur participation. The thermal and X‐ray characterization of the synthesised copolymers indicated that a smectic mesophase was rapidly obtained on cooling the copolymers derived from thiodiethylene glycol from the melt and this phase was transformed slowly into a more ordered structure. In contrast, copolymers derived from thiotriethylene glycol did not exhibit liquid‐crystalline phases and their crystallisation from the isotropic melt was very fast. It was found that the copolymerization increased the mesophase stability. Finally, the results obtained were compared with those of corresponding homopolybibenzoates with methylene or oxymethylene spacers. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
New cholinesterase inhibitors: synthesis and structure–activity relationship studies of 1,2‐benzisoxazole series and novel imidazolyl‐d2‐isoxazolines
Authors: Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal S. , Basappa
Published: May 2005

The syntheses of a series of 3‐(4‐substituted‐1‐piperidinyl)‐6‐halo‐1,2‐benzisoxazole hydrochlorides (5a–b, 6a–b and 7a–b) and 3‐(2‐butyl‐4‐chloro‐1H‐imidazolyl)‐substituted‐d2‐isoxazolines (10c–i) by novel methods are described. The inhibitory activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) for the newly synthesized compounds against targets from different species, such as pure electric eel AChE, human serum AChE and rat brain AChE, was studied using Ellman et al.'s method. The benzisoxazole heterocycle was found to be an appropriate bioisosteric replacement for the benzyl functionality present in the N‐benzylpiperidine class of inhibitors. Structure–activity relationships were studied by comparing the basicities of the different substituted heterocyclic ring systems at the C‐3 position of the 1,2‐benzisoxazoles derivatives. Maximum cholinesterase enzyme inhibition was revealed when there was a 6‐fluoro substituent on the 1,2‐benzisoxazole ring. The 1‐morpholine hydrochloride substituent appeared less significant, although in most cases 5a, 6a and 10c evoked maximum potency compared with the existing drug neostigmine. The most potent cholinesterase compound was found to be 1‐[2‐{6‐fluoro‐3‐(4‐piperidinyl)‐1,2‐benzisoxazole}ethyl]piperidine monohydrochloride (5a) by in vitro studies. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Different types of hydrogen bonds: correlation analysis of interaction energy components
Authors: Grabowski Slawomir J. , Sokalski W. Andrzej
Published: May 2005

Ab initiocalculations at the MP2/6–311++G(d,p) level of approximation were performed for the following complexes: (C2H2)2, FH···OCH2, NF3H+···HBeH, H3N···HF, NH4+···HBeH, NH4+···HBeF, (H2O)2, FH···C2H2, (FHF)−, FH···OH2, FH···HLi, HCCH···OH2and HOH···NH3. The decomposition of the interaction energy for these H‐bonded dimers was performed, showing that electrostatic and delocalization energy terms are the most important attractive components and together with the repulsive exchange energy term they are the main energy components. Correlation analysis was also applied together with factor analysis, supporting the energetic results of calculations. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and conformational analysis of chiral ureas incorporatingN‐1‐phenylethyl groups. Manifestation of allylic 1,3‐strain
Authors: Hernández‐Rodríguez Marcos , Melgar‐Fernández Roberto , Juaristi Eusebio
Published: May 2005

The synthesis of novel chiral ureas (R,R)‐2, (S,S)‐3and (R)‐6incorporating the α‐phenylethyl group is described. Conformational analysis of these ureas, and of previously reported (R,R)‐1, was carried out computationally, both at semiempirical (AM1 and PM3) andab initio(HF and B3LYP) levels, and experimentally from x‐ray crystallographic analysis of (R,R)‐2and (S,S)‐3, and in the case of (R)‐6by means of NOE NMR spectroscopy. A substantial preference of 1.5–2.6 kcal mol−1in favor of conformations withsyn‐periplanar arrangements between the CH bond at the α‐phenylethylN‐substituent and the NC(O) segment was found, and this observation confirms the relevance of allylic A1,3strain in this system. The possibility of hydrogen bonding in thesyn‐periplanar CH···OCN arrangement was discarded in the light of topological analysis of (R,R)‐1, within the frame of Bader's atoms in molecules theory. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acrylamide inverse microemulsion polymerization in a paraffinic solvent: Rolling‐M‐245
Authors: Rentería M. , Muñoz M. , Ochoa J. R. , Cesteros L. C. , Katime I.
Published: May 2005

The inverse microemulsion polymerization of acrylamide in a paraffinic solvent, Rolling‐M‐245, stabilized by a mixture of nonionic surfactants (Emulan‐ELP‐11 and Brij‐92), was studied. Pseudoternary phase diagrams of this system were determined, and a range of hydrophilic‐lipophilic balance (HLB) values, from 8.98 to 9.2, were selected as the most favorable for acrylamide polymerization. The influence of factors such as the initiator composition, HLB, percentage of the aqueous phase, and addition of the monomer by steps on the final conversion and polyacrylamide molar masses were investigated. High conversions and molar masses were generally obtained with the different formulations. The polyacrylamide molar masses were influenced by the HLB and content in the aqueous phase. The addition of the aqueous phase by steps led to a progressive diminution of the molar masses as the number of stages increased. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 2495–2503, 2005
Spirituality influences health related quality of life in men with prostate cancer
Authors: Krupski Tracey L. , Kwan Lorna , Fink Arlene , Sonn Geoffrey A. , Maliski Sally , Litwin Mark S.
Published: May 2005

Spirituality is interdependent with the biological, psychological, and interpersonal aspects of life. Although spirituality has been studied in breast cancer survivors, little work has been done in men with prostate cancer. We sought to determine whether lower spirituality in men with early stage prostate cancer is associated with worse general health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), disease‐specific HRQOL, or psychosocial health. Two hundred and twenty‐two subjects were drawn from a state‐funded program providing free prostate cancer treatment to indigent men. Validated instruments captured spirituality, general and disease‐specific HRQOL, anxiety, symptom distress, and emotional well‐being. We found a consistent relationship between spirituality and the outcomes assessed. Low spirituality was associated with significantly worse physical and mental health, sexual function and more urinary bother after controlling for covariates. All of the psychosocial variables studied reflected worse adjustment in the men with low spirituality. Because the likelihood of prostate cancer survivorship is high, interventions targeting spirituality could impact the physical and psychosocial health of many men. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coping and quality of life among women extensively treated for gynecologic cancer
Authors: Costanzo Erin S. , Lutgendorf Susan K. , Rothrock Nan E. , Anderson Barrie
Published: May 2005

The current study examined the use of engagement and avoidant coping strategies among advanced‐stage gynecologic cancer patients who were facing the long‐term stressors of extensive chemotherapy and advanced disease. Patients were compared to a reference group of early‐stage patients who had received more limited treatment. Compared to the reference group, extensively‐treated women more frequently utilized both engagement and avoidant strategies including active coping, seeking social support, and mental disengagement. Use of engagement coping strategies such as active coping and seeking social support were not significantly related to quality of life or mood. However, avoidant coping strategies, including disengagement and cognitive avoidance, were strongly associated with poorer well‐being and more distressed mood. Moreover, relationships between coping and quality of life differed between the extensively‐treated patients and patients in the limited treatment reference group. The use of avoidance and seeking instrumental support were associated with poorer outcomes among extensively‐treated patients but not among the limited treatment group. Results of the current study suggest that coping patterns and outcomes may be more pronounced among cancer patients contending with severe disease and extensive treatment and that avoidant coping strategies may be particularly detrimental with respect to these patients' mood and quality of life. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.