bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Binding of Acetylcholinesterase to Multiwall Carbon Nanotube‐Cross‐Linked Chitosan Composite for Flow‐Injection Amperometric Detection of an Organophosphorous Insecticide
Authors: Kandimalla Vivek Babu , Ju Huangxian
Published: October 2005

A novel method for immobilization of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by binding covalently to a cross‐linked chitosan–multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT) composite is described. In addition a sensitive, fast, cheap and automatizable flow injection detection of an organophosphorous insecticide was developed. The MWNTs were homogeneously distributed in the chitosan membrane which showed a homogeneous porous structure. The immobilized AChE could catalyze the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine with a ${K{{{\rm app}\hfill \atop {\rm M}\hfill}}}$ value of 177 μM to form thiocholine, which was then oxidized to produce detectable signal in a linear range of 1.0–500 μM and fast response. MWNTs could catalyze the electrooxidation of thiocholine, thus increasing detection sensitivity. Based on the inhibition of an organophosphorous insecticide on the enzymatic activity of AChE, using Sulfotep as a model compound, the conditions for the flow‐injection detection of the insecticide were optimized. Both biocompatibility of chitosan and inherent conductive properties of MWNTs favored the detection of the insecticide from 1.5 to 80 μM along with good stability and reproducibility. 95 % reactivation from inhibited AChE could be regenerated by using 2‐pyridinealdoxime methiodide within 15 min for 15 times. The detection of Sulfotep samples exhibited satisfactory results. The proposed flow‐injection analysis device can be applied to automated determination and characterization of enzyme inhibitors.
Enantioselective Epoxidation of Terminal Alkenes to (R)‐ and (S)‐Epoxides by Engineered Cytochromes P450 BM‐3
Authors: Kubo Takafumi , Peters Matthew W. , Meinhold Peter , Arnold Frances H.
Published: October 2005

Cytochrome P450 BM‐3 from Bacillus megaterium was engineered for enantioselective epoxidation of simple terminal alkenes. Screening saturation mutagenesis libraries, in which mutations were introduced in the active site of an engineered P450, followed by recombination of beneficial mutations generated two P450 BM‐3 variants that convert a range of terminal alkenes to either (R)‐ or (S)‐epoxide (up to 83 % ee) with high catalytic turnovers (up to 1370) and high epoxidation selectivities (up to 95 %). A biocatalytic system using E. coli lysates containing P450 variants as the epoxidation catalysts and in vitro NADPH regeneration by the alcohol dehydrogenase from Thermoanaerobium brockii generates each of the epoxide enantiomers, without additional cofactor.
5‐Aminooxazole as an Internal Traceless Activator of C‐Terminal Carboxylic Acid: Rapid Access to Diversely Functionalized Cyclodepsipeptides
Authors: Bughin Carine , Zhao Gang , Bienaymé Hugues , Zhu Jieping
Published: October 2005

A conceptually novel macrolactonization protocol has been developed. It is a domino process involving a sequence of: 1) protonation of 5‐aminooxazole leading to the electrophilic iminium salt; 2) trapping of the iminium species by the neighboring C‐terminal carboxylic acid leading to a putative spirolactone; and 3) intramolecular nucleophilic addition of the tethered alcohol to the spirolactone followed by fragmentation. The strategically incorporated 5‐aminooxazole serves as an internal traceless activator of the neighboring C‐terminal carboxylic acid, since it became an integral part of the peptide backbone after cyclization. No coupling reagent is required and the entire sequence is triggered by just a few equivalents of trifluoroacetic acid under very mild conditions (MeCN as the solvent at room temperature). The spirolactone as an activated form of the carboxylic acid has been evidenced by a sulfur‐migration experiment. By combining with a three‐component synthesis of 5‐aminooxazole, a two‐step synthesis of structurally complex cyclodepsipeptides from readily accessible starting materials was developed.
Liquid‐Crystalline Supramolecular Polymers Formed through Complementary Nucleobase‐Pair Interactions
Authors: Sivakova Sona , Wu Jian , Campo Cheryl J. , Mather Patrick T. , Rowan Stuart J.
Published: October 2005

We report how the placement of nucleobase units, thymine, or N 6‐(4‐methoxybenzoyl)adenine, onto the ends of a mesogenic core, bis‐4‐alkoxy‐substituted bis(phenylethynyl)benzene, affects the properties of these materials. We show that addition of these bulky polar groups significantly reduces the range of liquid‐crystalline behavior of these compounds. However, mixing two complementary nucleobase‐containing AA‐ and BB‐type monomer units together does result in the formation of stable, thermotropic liquid‐crystalline (LC) phases. Hydrogen bonding is shown to play an important role in the formation of these LC phases, consistent with the formation of oligomeric or polymeric hydrogen‐bonded aggregates. X‐ray analyses of these mixed materials are consistent with the formation of smectic C phases.
Chiral separations on polysaccharide stationary phases using polar organic mobile phases
Authors: Lynam Kenneth G. , Stringham Rodger W.
Published: October 2005

About 30% of a chemically diverse set of compounds were found to separate on four polysaccharide chiral stationary phases using polar organic mobile phases. No structural features appeared to correlate to successful separations. Titrations between normal and polar organic mobile phases suggested that separation mechanisms do not differ between these mobile phases. Attempts made to control retention met with varying degrees of success. Addition of hexane to alcohols had minor effects on retention although this was occasionally beneficial. Addition of water to alcohols increased retention. Addition of water to acetonitrile decreased retention. Addition of alcohol to acetonitrile also proved beneficial to the separation of some compounds. Loading studies performed to mimic preparative separations indicated that the benefits of polar organic mobile phases are largely due to increased solubility. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Chirality
Dynamic organization of microtubules and microtubule‐organizing centers during the sexual phase of a parasitic protozoan, Lecudina tuzetae (Gregarine, Apicomplexa)
Authors: Kuriyama Ryoko , Besse Colette , Gèze Marc , Omoto Charlotte K. , Schrével Joseph
Published: October 2005

Lecudina tuzetae is a parasitic protozoan (Gregarine, Apicomplexa) living in the intestine of a marine polychaete annelid, Nereis diversicolor. Using electron and fluorescence microscopy, we have characterized the dynamic changes in microtubule organization during the sexual phase of the life cycle. The gametocyst excreted from the host worm into seawater consists of two (one male and one female) gamonts in which cortical microtubule arrays are discernible. Each gamont undergoes multiple nuclear divisions without cytokinesis, resulting in the formation of large multinucleate haploid cells. After cellularization, ∼1000 individual gametes are produced from each gamont within 24 h. Female gametes are spherical and contain interphase cytoplasmic microtubule arrays emanating from a γ‐tubulin‐containing site. In male gametes, both interphase microtubules and a flagellum with “6 + 0” axonemal microtubules extend from the same microtubule‐organizing site. At the beginning of spore formation, each zygote secretes a wall to form a sporocyst. Following meiotic and mitotic divisions, each sporocyst gives rise to eight haploid cells that ultimately differentiate into sporozoites. The ovoid shaped sporocyst is asymmetric and forms at least two distinctive microtubule arrays: spindle microtubules and microtubule bundles originating from the protruding apical end corresponding to the dehiscence pole of the sporocyst. Because antibodies raised against mammalian centrosome components, such as γ‐tubulin, pericentrin, Cep135, and mitosis‐specific phosphoproteins, react strongly with the microtubule‐nucleating sites of Lecudina, this protozoan is likely to share common centrosomal antigens with higher eukaryotes. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 62:195–209, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A replication framework for program‐to‐program interaction across unreliable networks and its implementation in a servlet container
Authors: Bartoli Alberto , Prica Milan , Antoniutti di Muro Etienne
Published: October 2005

We propose a service replication framework for unreliable networks. The service exhibits the same consistency guarantees about the order of execution of operation requests as its non‐replicated implementation. Such guarantees are preserved in spite of server replica failure or network failure (either between server replicas or between a client and a server replica), and irrespective of when the failure occurs. Moreover, the service guarantees that in the case when a client sends an ‘update’ request multiple times, there is no risk that the request be executed multiple times. No hypotheses about the timing retransmission policy of clients are made, e.g. the very same request might even arrive at different server replicas simultaneously. All of these features make the proposed framework particularly suitable for interaction between remote programs, a scenario that is gaining increasing importance. We discuss a prototype implementation of our replication framework based on Tomcat, a very popular Java‐based Web server. The prototype comes into two flavors: replication of HTTP client session data and replication of a counter accessed as a Web service. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study into the feasibility of using two parallel sparse direct solvers for the Helmholtz equation on Linux clusters
Authors: Berglund G. Z. M. , de Leeuw S. W.
Published: October 2005

Two state‐of‐the‐art parallel software packages for the direct solution of sparse linear systems based on LU‐decomposition, MUMPS and SuperLU_DIST have been tested as black‐box solvers on problems derived from finite difference discretizations of the Helmholtz equation. The target architecture has been Linux clusters, for which no consistent set of tests of the algorithms implemented in these packages has been published. The investigation consists of series of memory and time scalability checks and has focused on examining the applicability of the algorithms when processing very large sparse matrices on Linux cluster platforms. Special emphasis has been put on monitoring the behaviour of the packages when the equation systems need to be solved for multiple right‐hand sides, which is the case, for instance, when modelling a seismic survey. The outcome of the tests points at poor efficiency of the tested algorithms during application of the LU‐factors in the solution phase on this type of architecture, where the communication acts as an impasse. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumor microenvironment: What can effusions teach us?
Authors: Kassis Jareer , Klominek Julius , Kohn Elise C.
Published: October 2005

Malignant effusions, which are composed of malignant pleural and peritoneal fluid, are an unusual manifestation of cancer and frequently portend a poor prognosis. Neoplastic cells that disseminate into cavities containing effusions are highly metastatic and possess a strong autonomous proliferative drive while concurrently being stimulatory of exudative effusions. Most effusions will respond to transient therapeutic intervention, including the obliteration of potential space via pleurodesis. Cure, however, is rare, thus making effusions a biologically, biochemically, and clinically important topic of study. The local microenvironment that supports malignant growth, invasion, and dissemination of the solid primary tumor into the vasculature is composed of activated stroma that includes scaffolding consisting of materials that promote the tumor function, and vascular structures to provide conduits for travel and nutrient delivery. Less is understood about the tumor‐cell microenvironment in malignant effusions. The fluid nature of such a microenvironment when compared with the solid primary tumor may have significant implications for disease dissemination and progression. Dissecting the signaling activity and components of such microenvironments will improve our understanding and ultimately our ability to provide better patient care. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;33:316–319. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coming to terms with Vietnam: The Viet/American cervical cancer prevention project
Authors: Suba Eric J. , Donnelly Amber D. , Furia Lisa M. , Huynh My Linh D. , Raab Stephen S.
Published: October 2005

The Viet/American Cervical Cancer Prevention Project embraces a dual mission. We seek to develop sustainable, cost‐effective cervical cancer prevention services for women in Vietnam. Because the problem of cervical cancer in Vietnam is in part a legacy of the Second Indochinese War, we also seek to examine obstacles to reconciliation by presenting what most acknowledge to be a remedy in advance of what some will perceive to be an accusation. Certain research and commercial interests have produced obstacles to our dual mission in Vietnam. The Alliance for Cervical Cancer Prevention, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has failed to endorse Pap screening for developing countries and is conducting clinical trials which may further disaffect medically underserved groups. Visual screening techniques combined with immediate ablative treatment methods are incompatible with the requirements of “first do no harm.” Because the Pap smear will probably be a component of any future human papillomavirus (HPV)‐based or visual‐ based screening programs, it serves the interests of those promoting noncytologic screening methods to also support the development of Pap screening services. Research on HPV screening in developing countries raises concerns of commercial exploitation. Because Pap screening is feasible wherever cervical screening is appropriate, it is inappropriate to delay the development of Pap screening services pending research into HPV vaccines or alternative screening technologies. Quality management is the point at which public health and diagnostic pathology intersect and will remain an indispensable element of cervical screening programs irrespective of the screening test(s) eventually used. Pap screening in developing countries is an ethical imperative without a substantial political constituency and will benefit from the engagement of organized cytology. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;33:344–351. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Project: Screen South Africa
Authors: Knight Bryan
Published: October 2005

In South Africa, carcinoma of the cervix affects 1 in 29 women. A national screening programme to address the problem has been implemented. The programme faces serious challenges including shortage of funds, a lack of trained laboratory personnel and the HIV epidemic. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;33:356–358. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunocytochemical identification of carcinomas of unknown primary in serous effusions
Authors: Pomjanski Natalia , Juergen Grote Hans , Doganay Peyrüze , Schmiemann Viola , Buckstegge Birgit , Böcking, Alfred
Published: October 2005

Metastases from carcinomas of unknown primary site (CUP) in serous effusion are a common clinical problem. Immunocytochemistry was applied as an adjunct to the cytological diagnosis of metastatic carcinomas in serous effusions.

Subjects of this study were 118 pleural, 53 peritoneal, and 9 pericardial effusions from 180 patients routinely investigated in the Institute of Cytopathology. Specimens were primarily stained according to Papanicolaou (Pap). The avidin‐biotin‐complex method (ABC) was secondarily applied for the visualization of immunologic reactions.

We have used a panel of six monoclonal antibodies (CK 5/6, CK 7, CK 20, CA 125, TTF‐1, and cdx 2) so as to identify the primary tumor site of metastatic carcinoma cells in serous effusions. Applying an algorithm of immunocytochemical marker constellations, we were able to correctly diagnose primary tumor sites in 86 of 101 (85.1%) patients with CUP syndromes. The best result was achieved for the identification of metastatic carcinomas of the ovaries (94.7%) and the lungs (88.1%).

We established an algorithm comprising six immunocytochemical markers that enabled a correct diagnosis of primary tumor sites in 85.1%. The panel studied could be useful in diagnostic routine for the identification of primary tumors of unknown origin metastatic to the serous membranes. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;33:309–315. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Terephthalato‐Bridged NiII Complex Capped with a Nonchelating Ligand Displays a Three‐Dimensional Supramolecular Network Constructed by Coordination and Multi‐Intermolecular Forces
Authors: Seop Hong Chang , Hee Yoon Jung , Hak Lim Jeong , Hee Ko Hyun
Published: October 2005

A new tp‐bridged complex [Ni(pyrazole)4(tp)]n (1; tp = terephthalate) coordinated with a nonchelating pyrazole ligand has been synthesized and characterized using X‐ray structure determination and magnetic studies. The crystal structure reveals that the capping ligand functions as a source of hydrogen bonding and intermolecular contacts, such as π–π and CH–π interactions, that result in a three‐dimensional supramolecular assembly. Weak antiferromagnetic couplings are transmitted between NiII centers through the tp linkage. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Synthesis of Enantiopure Tricarbonyl(indan‐1,2‐dione)chromium
Authors: Leinweber Dirk , Weidner Ingo , Wilhelm René , Wartchow Rudolf , Butenschön Holger
Published: October 2005

A multistep synthesis of the planar chiral tricarbonyl(η6‐indan‐1,2‐dione)chromium, based on acetal protection of the keto groups, is presented. Since common deacetalization procedures failed, an oxidative deprotection with triphenylcarbenium tetrafluoroborate was used. Tricarbonyl(η6‐indan‐1,2‐dione)chromium is regarded as a potential precursor for dianionic oxy‐Cope rearrangements upon alkenyllithium diaddition. As an unexpected side product in the synthesis, an indan‐1,2‐dione complex with a triphenylmethyl substituent at C‐3 was obtained. Attempts directed towards the formation of enantiomerically pure material include the first reported investigation into an enantioselective ketone reduction with two methoxy substituents present in the α position. Although enantiomeric excesses of up to 84.5 % were achieved, the chemical yields decreased with increasing ee. A classical resolution was therefore undertaken, giving access to the enantiomerically pure title compound (99.4 % ee). The absolute configuration was verified by an X‐ray structure analysis of an intermediate. First experiments concerning the alkenyllithium addition showed that a single addition is possible while a second one does not occur, presumably due to enolate formation. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
meta‐ Rather than ortho‐Directed Metalations: Buttressing Effects Prejudicing the Proton Abstraction from (2,6‐Dihalophenyl)silanes
Authors: Heiss Christophe , Cottet Fabrice , Schlosser Manfred
Published: October 2005

(2,6‐Dichlorophenyl)trimethyl‐ and ‐triethylsilane exhibit untypical reactivity patterns toward strong bases. When treated at –100 °C with lithium 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidide, they give rise to two, with sec‐ or tert‐butyllithium even three, different organometallic intermediates which can be intercepted with standard electrophiles. The trialkylsilyl group intervenes in two respects. Exerting steric pressure on the neighboring chlorine atoms, it facilitates the permutational displacement of one of them against lithium, a side reaction which occurs whenever alkyllithium compounds are employed. At the same time it impedes the attack of hydrogen atoms by the base in the immediate vicinity of the halogens due to relay transmission of steric hindrance. As a consequence, deprotonation occurs preferentially or exclusively at the 5‐(“meta”) rather than the 4‐(“ortho”)position. 4‐Lithiated species, generated as by‐products or separately by permutational halogen/metal interconversion, eliminate lithium chloride at –75 °C to set free didehydrobenzenes (“arynes”) which are trapped by their aryllithium precursors. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
A novel processing method for injection‐molded polyether–urethane scaffolds. Part 1: Processing
Authors: Haugen H. , Will J. , Fuchs W. , Wintermantel E.
Published: October 2005

A large‐scale scaffold processing method with injection molding has been successfully developed. Water was used as afoaming agent for the new technique. NaCl was used as a porogen to achieve an open‐cell structure. Organic solvents, which are common foaming agents for polyurethane, where not used. Toxic remains in the polymer were therefore prevented. Pore size and porosity was adjustable through process parameters. A parameter study showed that an increase in injection pressure, plasticize speed, cylinder, and mold temperature raised the mean pore diameter. The porosity also could be mended by the cylinder and mold temperature, in addition to NaCl concentration. It was possible to produce scaffolds with a porosity of 64 ± 3%, a pore size distribution from 30–450 μm, and a mean pore diameter of 270 ± 90 μm. The interconnective pores were found to lie between 5 and 58 μm. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Antiviral effect of Phyllanthus nanus ethanolic extract against hepatitis B virus (HBV) by expression microarray analysis
Authors: Lam Wai‐Yip , Leung Kam‐Tong , Law Patrick Tik‐Wan , Lee Simon Ming‐Yuen , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Fung Kwok‐Pui , Ooi Vincent Eng‐Choon , Waye Mary Miu‐Yee
Published: October 2005

Ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus nanus (P. nanus) treatment exhibited potent antiviral activity against Hepatitis B virus (HBV). The effects of these extracts on HBV in the HBV genome integrated cell lines—Alexander cells and HepG2 2.2.15 cells were examined. Experimental results showed that the ethanolic extract of P. nanus produced suppressive effect on HBsAg secretion and HBsAg mRNA expression. The extract also inhibited HBV replication as measured by HBV DNA level in vitro. In addition, using a duck HBV (DHBV) primary culture model, the P. nanus ethanolic extract suppressed viral replication of DHBV in DHBV infected primary duck hepatocytes. The gene expression pattern in Alexander cells that had been treated with the ethanolic extract of P. nanus was also revealed by microarray techniques. The microarray results indicated that there was up‐regulation of expression of several genes, including annexin A7 (Axn7). The subcellular localization of Axn7 and anti‐HBV effect of Axn7 over‐expression in Alexander cells were also investigated. Results showed that expression of Axn7–GFP fusion protein are localized around the secretory vesicles and could cause a decrease in HBsAg secretion in Alexander cells. Axn7 protein might play an important role in the medicinal effect of the active principle(s) of P. nanus. J. Cell. Biochem. 97: 795–812, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anti‐RANKL therapy for inflammatory bone disorders: Mechanisms and potential clinical applications
Authors: Anandarajah Allen P. , Schwarz Edward M.
Published: October 2005

Focal bone loss around inflamed joints in patients with autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, remains a serious clinical problem. The recent elucidation of the RANK/RANK‐ligand/OPG pathway and its role as the final effector of osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption has brought a tremendous understanding of the pathophysiology of inflammatory bone loss, and has heightened expectation of a novel intervention. Here, we review the etiology of inflammatory bone loss, the RANK/RANK‐ligand/OPG pathway, and the clinical development of anti‐RANK‐ligand therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of phospholipase C‐δ1: A link to Ca2+
Authors: Yagisawa Hitoshi
Published: October 2005

Phosphoinositides (PIs) and proteins involved in the PI signaling pathway are distributed in the nucleus as well as at the plasma membrane and in the cytoplasm, although their nuclear localization mechanisms have not been clarified in detail. Generally, proteins that shuttle between the cytoplasm and nucleus contain nuclear localization signal (NLS) and nuclear export signal (NES) sequences for nuclear import and export, respectively. They bind to specific carrier proteins of the importin/exportin family and are transported to and from the nucleus. Thus there is a steady state shuttling of the cargo molecules to and from the nucleus, and the shift in equilibrium determines their nuclear or cytoplasmic localization. Our previous studies have shown that phospholipase C (PLC)‐δ1, regarded as having cytoplasmic‐ or plasma membrane‐bound localization, accumulates in the nucleus when its NES sequence is disrupted. In addition, a cluster of positively charged residues on the surface of the catalytic barrel is important for nuclear import. In quiescent cells, the shuttling equilibrium seems to be shifted to the nuclear export of PLCδ1. In this review, recent findings regarding the molecular machineries and mechanisms of the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of PLCδ1 will be discussed. It is important to know when and how they are regulated. A shift in the equilibrium in a certain stage of the cell cycle or by external stimuli is possible and resulting changes in the intra‐nuclear environments (or architectures) may alter proliferation and differentiation patterns. Evidences support the idea that an increase in the levels of intracellular Ca2+ shifts the equilibrium to the nuclear import of PLCδ1. A myriad of external stimuli have also been reported to change the nuclear PI metabolism following accelerated accumulation in the nucleus of other phospholipases such as phospholipase A2 and phospholipase D in addition to PLC isoforms such as PLCβ1 and PLCγ1. The consequence of the nuclear accumulation of PLC is also discussed. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The HOX genes are expressed, in vivo, in human tooth germs: In vitro cAMP exposure of dental pulp cells results in parallel HOX network activation and neuronal differentiation
Authors: D'Antò Vincenzo , Cantile Monica , D'Armiento Maria , Schiavo Giulia , Spagnuolo Gianrico , Terracciano Luigi , Vecchione Raffaela , Cillo Clemente
Published: October 2005

Homeobox‐containing genes play a crucial role in odontogenesis. After the detection of Dlx and Msx genes in overlapping domains along maxillary and mandibular processes, a homeobox odontogenic code has been proposed to explain the interaction between different homeobox genes during dental lamina patterning. No role has so far been assigned to the Hox gene network in the homeobox odontogenic code due to studies on specific Hox genes and evolutionary considerations. Despite its involvement in early patterning during embryonal development, the HOX gene network, the most repeat‐poor regions of the human genome, controls the phenotype identity of adult eukaryotic cells. Here, according to our results, the HOX gene network appears to be active in human tooth germs between 18 and 24 weeks of development. The immunohistochemical localization of specific HOX proteins mostly concerns the epithelial tooth germ compartment. Furthermore, only a few genes of the network are active in embryonal retromolar tissues, as well as in ectomesenchymal dental pulp cells (DPC) grown in vitro from adult human molar. Exposure of DPCs to cAMP induces the expression of from three to nine total HOX genes of the network in parallel with phenotype modifications with traits of neuronal differentiation. Our observations suggest that: (i) by combining its component genes, the HOX gene network determines the phenotype identity of epithelial and ectomesenchymal cells interacting in the generation of human tooth germ; (ii) cAMP treatment activates the HOX network and induces, in parallel, a neuronal‐like phenotype in human primary ectomesenchymal dental pulp cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 97: 836–848, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endothelin‐1 impairs glucose transporter trafficking via a membrane‐based mechanism
Authors: Strawbridge Andrew B. , Elmendorf Jeffrey S.
Published: October 2005

Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) disrupts insulin‐regulated glucose transporter GLUT4 trafficking. Since the negative consequence of chronic ET‐1 exposure appears to be independent of signal disturbance along the insulin receptor substrate‐1/phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt‐2 pathway of insulin action, we tested if ET‐1 altered GLUT4 regulation engaged by osmotic shock, a PI3K‐independent stimulus that mimics insulin action. Regulation of GLUT4 by hyperosmotic stress was impaired by ET‐1. Because of the mutual disruption of both insulin‐ and hyperosmolarity‐stimulated GLUT4 translocation, we tested whether shared signaling and/or key phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2)‐regulated cytoskeletal events of GLUT4 trafficking were targets of ET‐1. Both insulin and hyperosmotic stress signaling to Cbl were impaired by ET‐1. Also, plasma membrane PIP2 and cortical actin levels were reduced in cells exposed to ET‐1. Exogenous PIP2, but not PI 3,4,5‐bisphosphate, restored actin structure, Cbl activation, and GLUT4 translocation. These data show that ET‐1‐induced PIP2/actin disruption impairs GLUT4 trafficking elicited by insulin and hyperosmolarity. In addition to showing for the first time the important role of PIP2‐regulated cytoskeletal events in GLUT4 regulation by stimuli other than insulin, these studies reveal a novel function of PIP2/actin structure in signal transduction. J. Cell. Biochem. 97: 849–856, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Deregulation of cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 activity correlates with UVC‐induced apoptosis in Chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Liao Chu‐Bin , Chang Yu‐Ching , Kao Chien‐Wen , Taniga Ezhilan Sathyapriya , Li Hsun , Tzang Bor‐Show , Liu Yin‐Chang
Published: October 2005

Progression through the cell cycle relies on the activities of cyclin‐dependent kinases (Cdk), which in turn are modulated by inhibitory proteins such as p21(waf1/cip1) that are induced when genomic damage occurs. In this study, we show that exposure of normal mammalian cells, such as NIH3T3 fibroblasts, to UVC (25 J/m2, at 254 nm) induces the expression of p21 without causing significant apoptosis, whereas similar treatment of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO‐K1) cells with UVC causes apoptosis without inducing p21. The absence of p21 in UV‐irradiated CHO‐K1 cells is accompanied by the deregulation of Cdk2 activity. The elevation of Cdk2 activity correlates with the increase of UV‐induced apoptosis, which can be suppressed by small‐molecule Cdk2 inhibitors such as roscovitine and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate. The results of this study suggest that the deregulation of Cdk2 activity may be critical to UV‐induced apoptosis in CHO‐K1 cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 97: 824–835, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimal pulse durations for the treatment of leg telangiectasias with a neodymium YAG laser
Authors: Parlette Eric C. , Groff William F. , Kinshella Matthew J. , Domankevitz Yacov , O'Neill Jennifer , Ross E. Victor
Published: October 2005

Background

Leg veins can be effectively treated with lasers. However, the optimal pulse duration for small leg veins has not been established in human studies with a Nd:YAG laser.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate a range of pulse durations to determine an optimal pulse duration for clearance of leg veins.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

After mapping and photo documentation of the leg veins to be treated, a variable pulse duration Neodymium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser (3–100 milliseconds) was used in a single test site session. Pulse durations of 3, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 milliseconds were used. At the 3‐week follow‐up, the optimal pulse duration was defined as that pulse duration which resulted in the most complete clearance of vessels with the least side effects. Up to 20 vessels were then treated using the established “optimal” pulse duration. Final evaluation was at 16 weeks after the initial visit. Three blinded observers rated the percent of vessels completely cleared based on initial and final photographs.

Results

Eighteen patients completed the study. Fluence thresholds for immediate vessel changes varied depending on spot size and vessel diameter, with larger fluences required for smaller spot sizes and smaller vessels. Shorter pulse durations (≤20 milliseconds) were associated with occasional spot sized purpura and spot sized post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Longer pulse durations (40–60 milliseconds) achieved superior vessel elimination with less post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation. With a single laser treatment, 71% of the treated vessels cleared.

Conclusions

Compared to shorter pulses (<20 milliseconds), longer pulses may provide gentler heating of the vessel and a greater ratio of contraction to thrombosis. Lasers Surg. Med. 38:98–105, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Feasibility of using the cystic duct for biliary reconstruction in right-lobe living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Asonuma Katsuhiro , Okajima Hideaki , Ueno Mikako , Takeichi Takayuki , Zeledon Ramirez Manuel E. , Inomata Yukihiro
Published: October 2005

Duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction has been introduced in adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In right-lobe grafts, however, the presence of two or three separated bile duct orifices is not rare and makes an alternative approach for reconstruction necessary. We used the cystic duct for one of the anastomoses in biliary reconstruction for 5 right-lobe living donor liver transplants with two separated ducts. Before the anastomosis, the inside lumen of the cystic duct was straightened with a metal probe. Two external drainage tubes were placed in all recipients, and posttransplant cholangiography through the tubes approximately one month after transplantation showed no leakage or stricture at any of the anastomotic sites. The drainage tubes were removed between 17 and 37 weeks after transplantation. All of the patients except one who died of chronic rejection have been doing well without any late biliary complications during follow-up periods ranging from 10 to 28 months after transplantation. In conclusion, our results indicate that biliary reconstruction using the cystic duct is feasible and safe for living donor liver transplantation and that external drainage tubes may be effective for prevention of complications. (Liver Transpl 2005;11:1431–1434.)
Comparison of cyclosporine microemulsion and tacrolimus in 39 recipients of living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Tanaka Koichi , Lake John , Villamil Federico , Levy Gary , Marotta Paul , Mies Sergio , de Hemptinne Bernard , Moench Christian
Published: October 2005

New immunosuppressive agents and regimens should be evaluated specifically in living donor liver transplant patients due to potential clinical and pharmacokinetic differences between deceased donor and living donor transplant recipients. The analysis presented here is the first direct comparison of clinical outcomes using cyclosporine microemulsion (CsA-ME) with monitoring of blood concentration at 2 hours postdose (C2) and tacrolimus-based immunosuppression in living donor liver transplantation. The analysis was conducted on the data provided by the 39 recipients of a living donor transplant out of the 495 patients enrolled in a 6-month, randomized, prospective, multicenter, open-label study (LIS2T). Patients were randomized to CsA-ME (C2 monitoring) or tacrolimus (monitoring of predose trough drug blood level [C0)]) and were administered corticosteroids with or without azathioprine. Twenty-three living-donor patients received CsA-ME and 16 received tacrolimus. By month 6, 9% of patients receiving CsA-ME and 19% of those receiving tacrolimus had lost their graft or died (not significant [NS]). Nine episodes of biopsy-proven acute rejection were reported: 4 in the CsA-ME group (17%) and 5 in the tacrolimus cohort (31%, NS). There were no significant differences in any safety parameter between groups. The most frequently reported serious adverse events were infections, which occurred in 14 patients in the CsA-ME group (61%) and 13 patients in the tacrolimus arm (81%, NS). Twelve patients in the CsA-ME arm (52%) and 5 in the tacrolimus arm (31%, NS) discontinued the study prematurely. In conclusion, CsA-ME C2 monitoring or tacrolimus both offer effective protection against rejection in living donor liver transplants while maintaining a good safety profile. (Liver Transpl 2005;11:1395–1402.)
Current role of liver transplantation for the treatment of urea cycle disorders: A review of the worldwide English literature and 13 cases at Kyoto University
Authors: Morioka Daisuke , Kasahara Mureo , Takada Yasutsugu , Shirouzu Yasumasa , Taira Kaoru , Sakamoto Seisuke , Uryuhara Kenji , Egawa Hiroto , Shimada Hiroshi , Tanaka Koichi
Published: October 2005

To address the current role of liver transplantation (LT) for urea cycle disorders (UCDs), we reviewed the worldwide English literature on the outcomes of LT for UCD as well as 13 of our own cases of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for UCD. The total number of cases was 51, including our 13 cases. The overall cumulative patient survival rate is presumed to be more than 90% at 5 years. Most of the surviving patients under consideration are currently doing well with satisfactory quality of life. One advantage of LDLT over deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) is the opportunity to schedule surgery, which beneficially affects neurological consequences. Auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation (APOLT) is no longer considered significant for the establishment of gene therapies or hepatocyte transplantation but plays a significant role in improving living liver donor safety; this is achieved by reducing the extent of the hepatectomy, which avoids right liver donation. Employing heterozygous carriers of the UCDs as donors in LDLT was generally acceptable. However, male hemizygotes with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) must be excluded from donor candidacy because of the potential risk of sudden-onset fatal hyperammonemia. Given this possibility as well as the necessity of identifying heterozygotes for other disorders, enzymatic and/or genetic assays of the liver tissues in cases of UCDs are essential to elucidate the impact of using heterozygous carrier donors on the risk or safety of LDLT donor-recipient pairs. In conclusion, LT should be considered to be the definitive treatment for UCDs at this stage, although some issues remain unresolved. (Liver Transpl 2005;11:1332–1342.)
Langerhans' cell histiocytosis after living donor liver transplantation: Report of a case
Authors: Honda Ryoko , Ohno Yasuharu , Iwasaki Takuya , Okudaira Sadayuki , Okada Masahiko , Kamitamari Akira , Ohshima Koichi , Moriuchi Hiroyuki , Kanematsu Takashi
Published: October 2005

We report a case of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH) occurring after a living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for fulminant hepatitis. A 9-month-old girl underwent an LDLT for fulminant hepatitis of an unknown cause. The histology of the native liver did not show any findings of LCH. On postoperative day 42, her Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-DNA and cytomegalovirus antigenemia were both found to be positive. As a result, she was treated with antiviral agents and a reduction of the immunosuppression dosage. On postoperative day 98, acute rejection occurred, and she was treated with FK506, methylprednisolone, and finally, anti-CD3 murine monoclonal antibody was added. Subsequently, the EBV was re-activated. Thereafter, skin eruptions, swelling of the systemic lymph nodes, and pancytopenia appeared on postoperative day 127. LCH was diagnosed based on the typical histological findings as LCH, CD1a, and S-100-positive cells in her skin and a lymph nodes biopsy. She was treated by chemotherapy. The symptoms disappeared a few weeks after the start of the chemotherapy, and a clinical remission of LCH was obtained. We could not detect any evidence of EBV infection in the tumor cells. In spite of the fact that her LCH lesions thereafter remained in remission, she died of hepatic failure at 22 months after undergoing the liver transplantation. In conclusion, we discuss the factors influencing the occurrence of LCH in our patient after LDLT, while also evaluating the relationship between LCH and the immunosuppressive therapy administered to this patient. (Liver Transpl 2005;11:1435–1438.)
The use of genomic microarrays to study chromosomal abnormalities in mental retardation
Authors: Mao Rong , Pevsner Jonathan
Published: October 2005

Mental retardation affects 2 to 3% of the US population. It is defined by broad criteria, including significantly subaverage intelligence, onset by age 18, and impaired function in a group of adaptive skills. A myriad of genetic and environmental causes have been described, but for approximately half of individuals diagnosed with mental retardation the molecular basis remains unknown. Genomic microarrays, also called array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH), represent one of several novel technologies that allow the detection of chromosomal abnormalities, such as microdeletions and microduplications, in a rapid, high throughput fashion from genomic DNA samples. In one early application of this technology, genomic microarrays have been used to characterize the extent of chromosomal changes in a group of patients diagnosed with one particular type of disorder that causes mental retardation, such as deletion 1p36 syndrome. In another application, DNA samples from individuals with idiopathic mental retardation have been assayed to scan the entire genome in attempts to identify chromosomal changes. Genomic microarrays offer both a genome‐wide perspective of chromosomal aberrations as well as higher resolution (to the level of approximately one megabase) compared to alternative available technologies. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2005;11:279–285.
Mental retardation genes in drosophila: New approaches to understanding and treating developmental brain disorders
Authors: Restifo Linda L.
Published: October 2005

Drosophila melanogasteris emerging as a valuable genetic model system for the study of mental retardation (MR). MR genes are remarkably similar between humans and fruit flies. Cognitive behavioral assays can detect reductions in learning and memory in flies with mutations in MR genes. Neuroanatomical methods, including some at single‐neuron resolution, are helping to reveal the cellular bases of faulty brain development caused by MR gene mutations.Drosophila fragile X mental retardation 1(dfmr1) is the fly counterpart of the human gene whose malfunction causes fragile X syndrome. Research on the fly gene is leading the field in molecular mechanisms of the gene product's biological function and in pharmacological rescue of brain and behavioral phenotypes. Future work holds the promise of using genetic pathway analysis and primary neuronal culture methods inDrosophilaas tools for drug discovery for a wide range of MR and related disorders. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2005;11:286–294.
Measuring behavior in genetic disorders of mental retardation
Authors: Hodapp Robert M. , Dykens Elisabeth M.
Published: October 2005

As researchers have examined the so‐called “behavioral phenotypes” of different genetic mental retardation conditions, the measurement of behavior becomes increasingly important. From earlier, more global examinations of noteworthy behaviors or profiles, recent researchers have moved from reliance on a single, all‐encompassing questionnaire to more multimethod, multireporter approaches. This paper summarizes strengths and weaknesses in utilizing parent‐report questionnaires and checklists; psychiatric nosology and specific psychiatric questionnaires; observational studies; reports from individuals with mental retardation themselves; profile analyses of psychometric test and subtest scores; and “grouping” analyses of items (factor analysis) and people (cluster analysis). Although we advocate a mixture of approaches to behavioral assessment, in future work researchers will require more theoretically driven methods for studying behavior, greater acknowledgment that the child's behavior is simply one event in ongoing interactions–transactions with other people, and more attention to age‐related changes in behavioral phenotypes. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2005;11:340–346.
The contribution of novel brain imaging techniques to understanding the neurobiology of mental retardation and developmental disabilities
Authors: Gothelf Doron , Furfaro Joyce A. , Penniman Lauren C. , Glover Gary H. , Reiss Allan L.
Published: October 2005

Studying the biological mechanisms underlying mental retardation and developmental disabilities (MR/DD) is a very complex task. This is due to the wide heterogeneity of etiologies and pathways that lead to MR/DD. Breakthroughs in genetics and molecular biology and the development of sophisticated brain imaging techniques during the last decades have facilitated the emergence of a field called Behavioral Neurogenetics. Behavioral Neurogenetics focuses on studying genetic diseases with known etiologies that are manifested by unique cognitive and behavioral phenotypes. In this review, we describe the principles of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, including structural MRI, functional MRI, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and how they are implemented in the study of Williams (WS), velocardiofacial (VCFS), and fragile X (FXS) syndromes. From WS we learn that dorsal stream abnormalities can be associated with visuospatial deficits; VCFS is a model for exploring the molecular and brain pathways that lead to psychiatric disorders for which subjects with MR/DD are at increased risk; and finally, findings from multimodal imaging techniques show that aberrant frontal–striatal connections are implicated in the executive function and attentional deficits of subjects with FXS. By deciphering the molecular pathways and brain structure and function associated with cognitive deficits, we will gain a better understanding of the pathophysiology of MR/DD, which will eventually make possible more specific treatments for this population. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2005;11:331–339.
Rheology and curing characteristics of epoxy–clay nanocomposites
Authors: Mohan TP , Ramesh Kumar M , Velmurugan R
Published: October 2005

Diglycidyl ethers of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA) epoxy resin, filled separately with organoclay (OC) and unmodified clay (UC), were synthesized at room temperature and at high temperature (80 °C) by mechanical shear mixing. The room temperature curing (RTC) and high temperature curing (HTC) were carried out with the addition of triethylene tetramine (TETA) and diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM) curing agents respectively. The OC used was alkyl ammonium modified montmorillonite (MMT) and the UC was Na+‐MMT. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study the structure and morphology of the nanocomposites. The influence of OC and UC particles on rheology and curing characteristics was studied. The rate of increase in viscosity was higher for OC‐filled resin than that of the UC‐filled resin. The curing study showed that the amine ions of the OC aided the polymerization process and favoured the curing at low temperature over the curing of unfilled epoxy resin. The tensile properties were enhanced for epoxy filled with OC particles rather than those filled with UC particles. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry