bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Minimum Distance Estimation Approach to Estimate the Recombination Fraction from a Marker Locus in Robust Linkage Analysis for Quantitative Traits
Authors: Ziegler Andreas , Kastner Christian
Published: May 2007

OLSON and WIJSMAN (1993) have proposed a robust linkage analysis between quantitative traits and a marker locus using all relative pairs. We extend their work to estimate the recombination fraction using a two‐step procedure. In the first step Generalised Estimating Equations are solved. After robust linkage analysis minimum distance estimation is applied in the second step. Our approach requires a single codominant marker locus only. The relevant parameters of the genetic model can also be estimated by this method in the presence of linkage. We illustrate our approach by simulations.
Evaluation of Noether's Method of Sample Size Determination for the Wilcoxon‐Mann‐Whitney Test
Authors: Vollandt Rüdiger , Horn Manfred
Published: May 2007

NOETHER (1987) proposed a method of sample size determination for the Wilcoxon‐Mann‐Whitney test. To obtain a sample size formula, he restricted himself to alternatives that differ only slightly from the null hypothesis, so that the unknown variance o2 of the Mann‐Whitney statistic can be approximated by the known variance under the null hypothesis which depends only on n. This fact is frequently forgotten in statistical practice. In this paper, we compare Noether's large sample solution against an alternative approach based on upper bounds of σ2 which is valid for any alternatives. This comparison shows that Noether's approximation is sufficiently reliable with small and large deviations from the null hypothesis.
Logistic and Nonlogistic Density Functions in Binary Regression with Nonstochastic Covariates
Authors: Tiku M. L. , Vaughan D. C.
Published: May 2007

A binary random variable depends on nonstochastic covariates through a density function. The equations that determine the maximum likelihood estimators of the parameters are intractable and difficult to solve iteratively. We develop modified maximum likelihood estimators for both logistic and nonlo‐gistic densities. These estimators are explicit functions of sample observations and are, therefore, easy to compute. They are asymptotically fully efficient and, for small samples, are almost fully efficient. The appropriateness of the logistic density function is also discussed.
On Semi‐Parametric Models in Occult Tumour Experiments
Authors: Rai Shesh N.
Published: May 2007

Nonparametric statistical analyses of rodent carcinogenicity experiments involving occult tumours of intermediate lethality require numerous interim sacrifices. In recent papers, various semi‐parametric analyses have been proposed which specify a parametric relationship between the death rate in tumour‐bearing and tumour‐free animals as a means of relaxing the requirement for multiple interim sacrifices. These semi‐parametric methods involve different combinations of discrete and continuous time scales for the death and tumour‐onset processes. The effect of combining different scales on this parametric relationship is studied further and illustrated via an example.
Role of Asn2 and Glu7 residues in the oxidative folding and on the conformation of the N‐terminal loop of apamin
Authors: Le‐Nguyen Dung , Chiche Laurent , Hoh François , Martin‐Eauclaire Marie France , Dumas Christian , Nishi Yoshinori , Kobayashi Yuji , Aumelas André
Published: May 2007

The X‐ray structure of [N‐acetyl]‐apamin has been solved at 0.95 Å resolution. It consists of an 1‐7 N‐terminal loop stabilized by an Asn‐β‐turn motif (2–5 residues) and a helical structure spanning the 9–18 residues tightly linked together by two disulfide bonds. However, neither this accurate X‐ray nor the available solution structures allowed us to rationally explain the unusual downfield shifts observed for the Asn2 and Glu7 amide signals upon Glu7 carboxylic group ionization. Thus, apamin and its [N‐acetyl], [Glu7Gln], [Glu7Asp], and [Asn2Abu] analogues and submitted to NMR structural studies as a function of pH. We first demonstrated that the Glu7 carboxylate group is responsible for the large downfield shifts of the Asn2 and Glu7 amide signals. Then, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations suggested unexpected interactions between the carboxylate group and the Asn2 and Glu7 amide protons as well as the N‐terminal α‐amino group, through subtle conformational changes that do not alter the global fold of apamin. In addition, a structural study of the [Asn2Abu] analogue, revealed an essential role of Asn2 in the β‐turn stability and the cis/trans isomerization of the Ala5‐Pro6 amide bond. Interestingly, this proline isomerization was shown to also depend on the ionization state of the Glu7 carboxyl group. However, neither destabilization of the β‐turn nor proline isomerization drastically altered the helical structure that contains the residues essential for binding. Altogether, the Asn2 and Glu7 residues appeared essential for the N‐terminal loop conformation and thus for the selective formation of the native disulfide bonds but not for the activity. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 86: 447–462, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Free nitrous acid inhibition on anoxic phosphorus uptake and denitrification by poly‐phosphate accumulating organisms
Authors: Zhou Yan , Pijuan Maite , Yuan Zhiguo
Published: May 2007

Nitrite has been found in previous research an inhibitor on anoxic phosphorus uptake in enhanced biological phosphorus removal systems (EBPR). However, the inhibiting nitrite concentration reported varied in a large range. This study investigates the nitrite inhibition on anoxic phosphorus uptake by using four different mixed cultures performing EBPR with pH considered an important factor. The results showed that the protonated species of nitrite, HNO2 (or free nitrous acid, FNA), rather than nitrite, is likely the actual inhibitor on the anoxic phosphorus uptake, as revealed by the much stronger correlation of the phosphorus uptake rate with the FNA than with the nitrite concentration. All the four EBPR sludges showed decreased anoxic phosphorus uptake rates with increased FNA concentrations in the studied range of 0.002–0.02 mg HNO2‐N/L. The phosphorus uptake by all four cultures was completely inhibited at 0.02 mg HNO2‐N/L. Granular sludge appeared to be more tolerant to HNO2 than flocular sludge likely due to its stronger resistance to the transfer of nitrite into the bacterial aggregates. Furthermore, denitrification by the phosphorus‐accumulating organisms (PAOs) was also found to be inhibited by HNO2. The denitrification rate decreased by approximately 40% when the FNA concentration was increased from 0.002 to 0.02 mg HNO2‐N/L. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;98: 903–912. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Model‐based characterization of an amino acid racemase from Pseudomonas putida DSM 3263 for application in medium‐constrained continuous processes
Authors: Bechtold M. , Makart S. , Reiss R. , Alder P. , Panke S.
Published: May 2007

The amino acid racemase with broad substrate specificity from Pseudomonas putida DSM 3263 was overproduced and characterized with respect to application in an integrated multi‐step process (e.g., dynamic kinetic resolution) that—theoretically—would allow for 100% chemical yield and 100% enantiomeric excess. Overexpression of the racemase gene in Escherichia coli delivered cell free extract with easily sufficient activity (20–50 U mg−1 total protein) for application in an enzyme membrane reactor (EMR) setting. Model‐based experimental analysis of a set of enzyme assays clearly indicated that racemization of the model substrates D‐ or L‐methionine could be accurately described by reversible Michaelis–Menten kinetics. The corresponding kinetic parameters were determined from progress curves for the entire suitable set of aqueous‐organic mixtures (up to 60% methanol and 40% acetonitrile) that are eligible for an integrated process scheme. The resulting kinetic expression could be successfully applied to describe enzyme membrane reactor performance under a large variety of settings. Model‐based calculations suggested that a methanol content of 10% and an acetonitrile content of 20% provide maximum productivity in EMR operations. However product concentrations were decreased in comparison to purely aqueous operation due to decreasing solubility of methionine with increasing organic solvent content. Finally, biocatalyst stability was investigated in different solvent compositions following a model‐based approach. Buffer without organic content provided excellent stability at moderate temperatures (20–35°C) while addition of 20% acetonitrile or methanol drastically reduced the half‐life of the racemase. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 98: 812–824. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Twenty‐four‐well plate miniature bioreactor high‐throughput system: Assessment for microbial cultivations
Authors: Isett Kevin , George Hugh , Herber Wayne , Amanullah Ashraf
Published: May 2007

High‐throughput (HT) miniature bioreactor (MBR) systems are becoming increasingly important to rapidly perform clonal selection, strain improvement screening, and culture media and process optimization. This study documents the initial assessment of a 24‐well plate MBR system, Micro (µ)‐24, for Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Escherichia coli, and Pichia pastoris cultivations. MBR batch cultivations for S. cerevisiae demonstrated comparable growth to a 20‐L stirred tank bioreactor fermentation by off‐line metabolite and biomass analyses. High inter‐well reproducibility was observed for process parameters such as on‐line temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen. E. coli and P. pastoris strains were also tested in this MBR system under conditions of rapidly increasing oxygen uptake rates (OUR) and at high cell densities, thus requiring the utilization of gas blending for dissolved oxygen and pH control. The E. coli batch fermentations challenged the dissolved oxygen and pH control loop as demonstrated by process excursions below the control set‐point during the exponential growth phase on dextrose. For P. pastoris fermentations, the µ‐24 was capable of controlling dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature under batch and fed‐batch conditions with subsequent substrate shot feeds and supported biomass levels of 278 g/L wet cell weight (wcw). The average oxygen mass transfer coefficient per non‐sparged well were measured at 32.6 ± 2.4, 46.5 ± 4.6, 51.6 ± 3.7, and 56.1 ± 1.6 h−1 at the operating conditions of 500, 600, 700, and 800 rpm shaking speed, respectively. The mixing times measured for the agitation settings 500 and 800 rpm were below 5 and 1 s, respectively. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;98: 1017–1028. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plea bargaining recommendations by criminal defense attorneys: evidence strength, potential sentence, and defendant preference
Authors: Kramer Greg M. , Wolbransky Melinda , Heilbrun Kirk
Published: May 2007

Although most criminal cases are disposed of through the process of plea bargaining, little research has focused on this process, and that research has focused on two variables: probability of conviction and potential sentence. This study examined the plea bargaining process from the perspective of the criminal defense attorney and expands prior research by including a third variable: defendant preference regarding plea. Attorney participants (N = 186) responded to a survey containing a vignette presented in a 2 × 2 × 2 between‐subjects design, in which there was systematic manipulation of the following three variables in the context of criminal litigation: likelihood of conviction based on the strength of evidence, defendant preference regarding plea, and potential sentence if convicted. All of these variables were considered important to criminal defense attorneys, and how these variables significantly interacted with each other is explained. We discuss these findings in light of past research and theory that suggested attorneys make plea recommendations according only to probability of conviction and potential sentence, and we discuss implications and directions for future research. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
p38MAPK regulation of transcription factor targets in muscle and heart of the hibernating bat, Myotis lucifugus
Authors: Eddy Sean F. , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: May 2007

Mammalian hibernation combines a profound net metabolic rate suppression with the selective up‐regulation of key genes whose protein products address specific metabolic needs of the hibernator. The signal transduction pathways and transcription factors involved in regulating hibernation‐responsive gene expression are of great interest. The present study suggests an important role for the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and selected downstream transcription factors under its control (CREB, ATF‐2, Elk‐1) in the metabolic response by skeletal muscle during hibernation of little brown bats, Myotis lucifugus. Western blotting was used to quantify both total protein and levels of the phosphorylated, active forms of p38MAPK, CREB, ATF‐2 and Elk‐1 in both skeletal muscle and heart of euthermic and hibernating bats. The p38MAPK pathway was not apparently activated in heart during torpor but skeletal muscle showed strong increases (2.2–11‐fold) in the amounts of phosphorylated p38T180/Y182, CREBS133, ATF‐2T69/71 and Elk‐1S383 in the torpid versus aroused state. By contrast both total and phosphorylated levels of Elk‐1 in heart were reduced during hibernation to just 30% of the euthermic values. These data implicate p38MAPK and its transcription factor targets, CREB, ATF‐2 and Elk‐1 in skeletal muscle maintenance during hibernation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A State‐of‐the‐Art Cyanation of Aryl Bromides: A Novel and Versatile Copper Catalyst System Inspired by Nature
Authors: Schareina Thomas , Zapf Alexander , Mägerlein Wolfgang , Müller Nikolaus , Beller Matthias
Published: May 2007

A general protocol for the cyanation of aryl halides with the nontoxic cyanide source K4[Fe(CN)6] using copper catalysis and a ligand system based on 1‐alkylimidazoles is presented. The advantages of this system are the high selectivity, a unique substrate range, easy handling, and inexpensive reagents.
Distribution of type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1)‐immunoreactive axons in the mouse hypothalamus
Authors: Wittmann Gábor , Deli Levente , Kalló Imre , Hrabovszky Erik , Watanabe Masahiko , Liposits Zsolt , Fekete Csaba
Published: May 2007

Type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) is the principal receptor for endocannabinoids in the brain; it mainly occurs in preterminal/terminal axons and mediates retrograde neuronal signaling mechanisms. A large body of physiological and electrophysiological evidence indicates the critical role of CB1 in the regulation of hypothalamic functions. Conversely, the distribution of CB1‐containing axons in the hypothalamus is essentially unknown. Therefore, we have analyzed the distribution and the ultrastructural characteristics of the CB1‐immunoreactive (IR) axons in the mouse hypothalamus by using an antiserum against the C‐terminal 31 amino acids of the mouse CB1. We found that CB1‐IR axons innervated densely the majority of hypothalamic nuclei, except for the suprachiasmatic and lateral mammillary nuclei, in which only scattered CB1‐IR fibers occurred. CB1‐IR innervation of the arcuate, ventromedial, dorsomedial, and paraventricular nuclei and the external zone of the median eminence corroborated the important role of CB1 in the regulation of energy homeostasis and neuroendocrine functions. Ultrastructural studies to characterize the phenotype of CB1‐IR fibers established that most CB1 immunoreactivity appeared in the preterminal and terminal portions of axons. The CB1‐IR boutons formed axospinous, axodendritic, and axosomatic synapses. Analysis of labeled synapses in the paraventricular and arcuate nuclei detected approximately equal numbers of symmetric and asymmetric specializations. In conclusion, the study revealed the dense and differential CB1‐IR innervation of most hypothalamic nuclei and the median eminence of the mouse brain. At the ultrastructural level, CB1‐IR axons established communication with hypothalamic neurons via symmetric and asymmetric synapses indicating the occurrence of retrograde signaling by endocannabinoids in hypothalamic neuronal networks. J. Comp. Neurol. 503:270–279, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An in vivo comparison of photoactivatable fluorescent proteins in an avian embryo model
Authors: Stark Danny A. , Kulesa Paul M.
Published: May 2007

Tracing the lineage or neighbor relationships of cells in a migratory population or deep within an embryo is difficult with current methods. The recent explosion of photoactivatable fluorescent proteins (PAFPs) offers a unique cell labeling tool kit, yet their in vivo performance in intact embryos and applicability have not been thoroughly explored. We report a comparison study of PAGFP, PSCFP2, KikGR, and Kaede analyzed in the avian embryo using confocal and 2‐photon microscopy. PAFPs were introduced into the chick neural tube by electroporation and each photoconverted in the neural crest or cells in the neural tube with exposure to 405 nm light, but showed dramatic differences in photoefficiency and photostability when compared at the same 2% laser power. KikGR and Kaede photoconverted with ratios only slightly lower than in vitro results, but cells rapidly photobleached after reaching maximal photoefficiency. PSCFP2 had the lowest photoefficiency and photoconverted nearly 70 times slower than the other dual‐color PAFPs tested, but was effective at single‐cell marking, especially with 2‐photon excitation at 760 nm. The dual‐color PAFPs were more effective to monitor cell migratory behaviors, since non‐photoconverted neighboring cells were fluorescently marked with a separate color. However, photoconverted cells were limited in all cases to be visually distinguishable for long periods, with PSCFP2 visible from background the longest (48 hr). Thus, photoactivation in embryos has the potential to selectively mark less accessible cells with laser accuracy and may provide an effective means to study cell–cell interactions and short‐term cell lineage in developmental and stem cell biology. Developmental Dynamics 236:1583–1594, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of Cyclodextrin‐Dipeptide Inclusion Complexes in the Absence and Presence of Urea by Means of Capillary Electrophoresis, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Molecular Modeling
Authors: Waibel Benjamin , Scheiber Josef , Meier Claudia , Hammitzsch Manuela , Baumann Knut , Scriba Gerhard K. E. , Holzgrabe Ulrike
Published: May 2007

The use of capillary electrophoresis (CE) modified with cyclodextrin (CD) for the separation of stereoisomers of peptides is well established. To increase the solubility of β‐CD, urea is often added to the buffer which may influence the complexation of a CD with a guest molecule. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of urea on the complexation between dipeptides and β‐CD using Ala‐Phe and Ala‐Tyr as model compounds. For this purpose three different analytical methods were employed: capillary electrophoresis (CE), 1H‐NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations (MD). Electropherograms of the peptide enantiomers were different in the presence and absence of urea. For example, at pH 2.5 in the absence of urea the enantiomers of Ala‐Tyr are not separated in contrast to the use of buffers containing urea. Applying “complexation‐induced chemical shift (CICS)” in NMR spectroscopy and rotating frame Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy (ROESY) revealed differences in the complexation of the peptide enantiomers by β‐CD in the absence and presence of urea suggesting the stabilization of the complex through the phenolic hydroxyl group of tyrosine. MD simulations for different complexes were carried out with consideration of both water and urea molecules in solution. Simulations were performed for 1 ns. In conclusion, NMR spectroscopy and MD methods help to understand the structure of peptide‐CD complexes and the separation and migration behavior in CE. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Polymeric alkenoxy amino acid surfactants: V. Comparison of carboxylate and sulfate head group polymeric surfactants for enantioseparation in MEKC
Authors: Rizvi Syed Asad Ali , Shamsi Shahab A.
Published: May 2007

In this work, six amino acid derived (L‐leucinol, L‐leucine, L‐isoleucinol, L‐isoleucine, L‐valinol, and L‐valine) polymeric chiral surfactants with carboxylate and sulfate head groups that were recently synthesized in our laboratory [30, 33, 35] are compared for the simultaneous enantioseparation of several groups of structurally similar analytes under neutral and basic pH conditions. The physicochemical properties of the monomers and polymers of both classes of sulfated and carboxylated surfactants are compared. In addition, cryogenic high‐resolution electron microscopy showed tubular structures with distinct order of the tubes of 50–100 nm width. A Plackett–Burmann experimental design is used to study the factors that influence the chiral resolution and analysis time of ten structurally related phenylethylamines (PEAs). It is observed that increasing the number of hydroxy groups on the benzene ring of the PEAs resulted in deterioration of enantioseparation using any of the six polymeric surfactants. For all three classes of PEAs, polysodium N‐undecenoxycarbonyl‐L‐amino acidate (poly‐L‐SUCAA)‐type surfactants provided enhanced resolution compared to that of polysodium N‐undecenoxycarbonyl‐L‐amino acid sulfates (poly‐L‐SUCAASS). Several classes of basic and neutral chiral compounds (e.g., β‐blockers benzoin derivatives, PTH‐amino acids, and benzodiazepines) also provided improved chiral separations with poly‐L‐SUCAA. Among the poly‐L‐SUCAAs, polysodium N‐undecenoxycarbonyl‐L‐isoleucine sulfate (poly‐‐SUCL) exhibited overall the best enantioseparation capability for the investigated basic and neutral compounds, while among the poly‐L‐SUCAASs, polysodium N‐undecenoxycarbonyl‐L‐isoleucine sulfate (poly‐L‐SUCILS), and polysodium N‐undecenoxycarbonyl‐L‐valine sulfate (poly‐L‐SUCVS) proved to be equally effective for enantioseparation. This work clearly demonstrates that variation in the head group of polymeric alkenoxy amino acid surfactants has a significant effect on chiral separations.
The concept of gemeinschaft in health planning and management: A Japanese perspective
Authors: Ikegami Naoki
Published: May 2007

The rationale for public involvement in the health sector lies mainly in realizing equity values. As the Gesellschaft relationship of utility maximization cannot be relied upon to arrive at a level of health care regarded as equitable in geographic and other terms, this article argues that there is need to focus on the Gemeinschaft relationship of humanitarian concern. Policy‐makers would, firstly, have to define explicitly the objectives at each policy level; and, secondly, to convince and educate the public and the health providers that such is the way forward. At the operational level, the Japanese‐style management with its emphasis on the mutual commitment of the management and the workers to the organization, would seem to offer a way to unify the fragmented interests within the hospital setting. A comparative study of the health systems of the UK, Japan and the US is made to evaluate the constraints and opportunities each country faces, or would face, in realizing the Gemeinschaft concept at the policy and operational levels. The conclusion reached is that, despite the difficulties, this concept appears to offer a viable alternative to the intensified conflict for resources in the health sector.
The distribution and impact of health resource availability in China
Authors: Prescott Nicholas , Jamison Dean T.
Published: May 2007

Since 1949, China's progress in mortality reduction has far exceeded that experienced by other developing countries with comparable levels of national income. This achievement has taken place in the context of a development strategy oriented, in part, to the elimination of the worst aspects of poverty. Using recent cross‐section data, this paper provides a statistical assessment of the extent to which health resources are evenly distributed in contemporary China, and the degree to which improvements in health resource availability may account for the observed variation in mortality levels. Contrary to expectation, the analysis finds that substantial inequalities do remain in the distribution of health resources, and that these differentials are principally associated with levels of urban income and urbanization. However, these differences in health resource availability do not appear to explain the significant variation which also persists in mortality levels, a finding consistent with the results of similar analyses for developed countries.
A delicate balance: TGF‐β and the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Stover Daniel G. , Bierie Brian , Moses Harold L.
Published: May 2007

The activated form of TGF‐β is a known regulator of epithelial cell autonomous tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Recent studies have also indicated that TGF‐β mediates interactions between cancer cells and their local tumor microenvironment. Specifically, the loss of TGF‐β signaling in stromal components including fibroblasts and T‐cells can result in an “activated” microenvironment that supports and even initiates transformation of adjacent epithelial cells. TGF‐β signaling in cancer can be regulated through mechanisms involving ligand activation and expression of essential components within the pathway including the receptors and downstream effectors. TGF‐β signaling in the tumor microenvironment significantly impacts carcinoma initiation, progression, and metastasis via epithelial cell autonomous and interdependent stromal–epithelial interactions in vivo. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 851–861, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anti‐Thy‐1 antibody‐induced neurite outgrowth in cultured dorsal root ganglionic neurons is mediated by the c‐Src‐MEK signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Shih‐Hung , Chen Yi‐Jen , Tung Po‐Yuan , Lai Wei‐Ling , Chen Ying , Jeng Chung‐Jiuan , Wang Seu‐Mei
Published: May 2007

Our previous study has shown that anti‐Thy‐1 antibody promotes neurite outgrowth of cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in a protein kinase A (PKA)‐dependent manner. The present study provided another intracellular signaling pathway for the neurotrophic effect of anti‐Thy‐1 antibody. In DMSO‐treated control cells, Thy‐1 was enriched in microdomain‐like structures on cell membranes by immunofluorescence observation. Treatment of DRG neurons with anti‐Thy‐1 antibody not only stimulated neurite outgrowth, but also increased the branching complexity of the neurites in both small and large neurons. We have previously shown that anti‐Thy‐1 antibody causes a time‐dependent activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MEK) and of cyclic AMP response‐element binding protein (CREB). Here, anti‐Thy‐1 antibody elicited a transient activation of c‐Src kinase, and the activation of c‐Src kinase appeared occurring upstream of the activation of MEK and CREB, since pretreatment with the Src kinase inhibitor, PP2, effectively abolished the anti‐Thy‐1 antibody‐induced neurite outgrowth and the phosphorylation of MEK and CREB. CREB phosphorylation might result in upregulation of certain neurite outgrowth‐related proteins. We therefore conclude that anti‐Thy‐1 antibody activates the c‐Src kinase‐MEK‐CREB cascade and overcomes the inhibitory effect of Thy‐1 on neurite outgrowth in DRG neurons. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 67–77, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endothelin‐1 inhibits human osteoblastic cell differentiation: Influence of connexin‐43 expression level
Authors: Niger Corinne , Geneau Graziello , Fiorini Céline , Defamie Norah , Pointis Georges , Mesnil Marc , Cronier Laurent
Published: May 2007

Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) permits coordinated cellular activities during developmental and differentiation processes. In bone, the involvement of the gap junctional protein, connexin‐43 (Cx43), and of GJIC in osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization of the extracellular matrix has been previously demonstrated. Former studies have shown that endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) was also implicated in the control of osteoblastic proliferation and differentiation. However, depending on the cellular models, ET‐1 has been shown to decrease or increase osteoblastic differentiation markers. As no data were available on the ET‐1 effect on GJIC and Cx43 expression in osteoblastic cells, we analyzed here the possible crosstalk between Cx43 and ET‐1 in a human cell line (hFOB 1.19) which displays different Cx43 expression levels and phenotypes when cultured at 33.5 or 39°C. The presence of ET‐1 (10−8 M) for 2–12 days of culture did not significantly alter the proliferation rate of hFOB cells whatever their phenotype. In contrast, ET‐1 induced a differential inhibitory effect on the biochemical differentiation markers (alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin expression) with a significant reduction in the differentiated phenotype at 39°C, whereas no effects were measured at 33.5°C. The inhibitory effect was linked to a decrease of GJIC and of Cx43 both at transcriptional and protein levels. Altogether, our results suggest that Cx43 expression level could influence the action of ET‐1 on human osteoblastic cell differentiation. Our data also indicate that the gap junctional protein could play a pivotal role in the response of osteoblasts to mitogenic factors implicated in bone pathologies. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 110–122, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Colocalization of ferroportin‐1 with hephaestin on the basolateral membrane of human intestinal absorptive cells
Authors: Han Okhee , Kim Eun‐Young
Published: May 2007

An iron exporter ferroportin‐1 (FPN‐1) and a multi‐copper oxidase hephaestin (Heph) are predicted to be expressed on the basolateral membrane of the enterocyte and involved in the processes of iron export across the basolateral membrane of the enterocyte. However, it is not clear where these proteins are exactly located in the intestinal absorptive cell. We examined cellular localization of FPN‐1 and Heph in the intestinal absorptive cells using the fully differentiated Caco‐2 cells. Confocal microscope study showed that FPN‐1 and Heph are located on the basolateral membrane and they are associated with the transferrin receptor (TfR) in fully differentiated Caco‐2 cells grown on microporous membrane inserts. However, Heph protein was not detected in the crypt cell‐like proliferating Caco‐2 cell. In stably transfected human intestinal absorptive cells expressing human FPN‐1 modified by the addition of GFP at the C‐terminus, we show that FPN‐1‐GFP is located on the basolateral membrane and it is associated with Heph suggesting the possibility that FPN‐1 might associate and interact with Heph in the process of iron exit across the basolateral membrane of intestinal absorptive cell. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 1000–1010, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The contribution of a spinal mechanism in developing peripheral myoclonus: A case report
Authors: Shin Hae‐Won , Ye Byung S. , Kim Jinkwon , Kim Seung M. , Sohn Young H.
Published: May 2007

Focal myoclonus of peripheral origin, i.e., peripheral myoclonus (PM), is a rare disorder. Although PM always accompanies a lesion in the peripheral nerve, supplying the affected muscles, its mechanism remains unclear. Here we present a patient with focal myoclonus of the thigh muscles following a traumatic lesion in the femoral nerve. Lumbar spinal anesthesia, as well as local anesthetic block of the femoral nerve, completely abolished the patient's myoclonus temporarily. This movement was remarkably diminished after a surgical exploration of the wound with the removal of fibrous tissue beneath the scar and liberation of the femoral nerve. This case suggests the contribution of a spinal relay mechanism in the development of PM, in addition to the contribution of a nerve lesion. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Labial dystonia after facial and trigeminal neuropathy controlled with a maxillary splint
Authors: de Entrambasaguas Manuel , Plaza‐Costa Andrés , Casal Joaquín , Parra Silvia
Published: May 2007

A 27‐year‐old woman with bruxism suffered a spider bite (Loxosceles rufescens) on the left cheek that caused severe local cellulitis, facial palsy, and painful hyperesthesia over the two lower trigeminal nerve divisions. Facial but not trigeminal neuropathy improved, and she developed a labial dystonia that only corrected while pressing the right medial incisor. A specially designed maxillary splint that continuously pressed it suppressed both dystonia and related spontaneous firing of motor unit potentials in electromyography. Overstimulation of the contralateral trigeminal territory possibly compensated for the altered left trigeminal nerve input, balanced proprioceptive influences at the central inhibitory–excitatory circuitry, and controlled dystonia. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Axonal excitability properties in hemifacial spasm
Authors: Krishnan Arun V. , Hayes Michael , Kiernan Matthew C.
Published: May 2007

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is characterized by involuntary, irregular contractions of muscles innervated by the facial nerve. Whether the facial nerve has a relative predisposition for ectopic activity has not been clarified. Nerve excitability techniques, which provide information about membrane potential and axonal ion channel function, were initially measured in 12 control subjects looking for biophysical differences that may predispose the facial nerve to generate ectopic activity. In a second series of studies, facial nerve excitability was assessed in nine HFS patients. In both series, stimulus–response behavior, threshold electrotonus, a current threshold relationship, and the recovery of excitability following supramaximal stimulation were recorded following stimulation of the facial nerve. When compared to normative data from nerves in the upper and lower limbs, there was a relative “fanning‐in” of threshold electrotonus, reduced superexcitability, and increased subexcitability in facial nerve studies from control subjects (P < 0.05), consistent with relative axonal depolarization. These findings may underlie the propensity for the facial nerve to develop ectopic impulse activity in motor axons. In the HFS patient study, there were no significant differences in distal facial nerve excitability properties from the affected side in HFS patients when compared either to the unaffected side or to normative facial nerve data. It is concluded that the impulse generator underlying HFS must consequently be sited more proximally and does not cause a generalized disturbance of motor axon excitability. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Abnormal low frequency drive in myoclonus‐dystonia patients correlates with presence of dystonia
Authors: Foncke Elisabeth M. J. , Bour Lo J. , van der Meer Johan N. , Koelman Johannes H. T. M. , Tijssen Marina A. J.
Published: May 2007

The pathophysiology of Myoclonus‐Dystonia (M‐D), an autosomal dominantly inherited movement disorder is largely unknown. In different forms of dystonia abnormal intermuscular coherence is present. The objective of this stufy was to investigate whether the myoclonic and dystonic features are the result of an abnormal common drive to the muscles in M‐D. Coherence analysis was performed in 20 DYT11 mutation carriers (MC) and 13 healthy controls during resting condition and during weak isometric contraction of the arm and neck. The EMG‐EMG coherence analysis showed significantly increased intermuscular 3 to 10 Hz coherence in 4 DYT11 MC with clinical pronounced (mobile and static) dystonia. This coherence was not present in DYT11 MC with mild (static) dystonia and/or predominating myoclonus. The EEG‐EMG analysis showed significant 15 to 30 Hz coherence during weak isometric contraction of the arm in five healthy controls, but in none of the DYT11 MC. The intermuscular coherence in the low frequency band in DYT11 MC with predominant dystonia is concordant with the previously described coherence in dystonia and suggests that the pathophysiology of M‐D shares common pathophysiological features with dystonia. The absence of 15 to 30 Hz EEG‐EMG coherence in DYT11 MC may reflect abnormal motor activation caused by an altered cortical drive because of the basal ganglia dysfunction. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Effect of cranberry juice on eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients treated with antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor
Authors: Shmuely Haim , Yahav Jacob , Samra Zmira , Chodick Gabriel , Koren Rivka , Niv Yaron , Ofek Itzhak
Published: May 2007

Cranberry constituents are known to exert anti‐adhesion activity on H. pylori in vitro. To determine their possible additive effect to triple therapy with omeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin (OAC), a double‐blind randomized clinical study was carried out. One‐hundred‐seventy‐seven patients with H. pylori infection treated with OAC for 1 week were randomly allocated to receive 250 mL of either cranberry juice (cranberry‐OAC, n = 89) or placebo beverage (placebo‐OAC, n = 88) twice daily and only cranberry juice or placebo beverage for the next 2 weeks. Treatment outcome was determined with the 13C urea breath test (13C‐UBT). An additional control group consisted of patients referred to the same center during the same period who were treated with OAC alone for 1 week (non‐placebo‐OAC, n = 712). Overall, the rate of H. pylori eradication (13C‐UBT < 3.5) was 82.5%, with no statistically significant difference among the three arms. Analysis by gender revealed that for female subjects, the eradication rate was higher in the cranberry‐OAC arm (n = 42, 95.2%) than in the placebo‐OAC arm (n = 53, 86.8%) and significantly higher than in the non‐placebo‐OAC group (n = 425, 80%; p = 0.03). For males, the rate was nonsignificantly lower in the cranberry‐OAC arm (n = 35, 73.9%) than in the placebo‐OAC arm (n = 45, 80.0%) and non‐placebo‐OAC group (n = 287, 85.0%). These results suggest that the addition of cranberry to triple therapy improves the rate of H. pylori eradication in females.
Some command problems and decisions
Authors: Ecclea Henry E.
Published: May 2007

This paper presents illustrations of some consequences of command decisions which are made without adequate regard to their logistic consequencea. It was written as part of two compilations “Principles of Logistics” and “Notes on Logistic Aepecte of Command” prepared for the Naval War College in 1954.
The costs of alternative air base stocking and requisitioning policies
Authors: Petersen J. W. , Geisler M. A.
Published: May 2007

This is a mathematical and statistical study of the supply operations at a typical Air Force base. The objective of the study is to determine the effect upon support cost of different logistics policies, involving changes in safety level and requisitioning frequency. This effect is found to vary according to the price and demand rate of the item being considered, and the study indicates that large monetary savings can be realized by adopting different stocking and requiritioning policies dependent upon item demand and price. Thus, the study indicates that it is more economical to have items costing under $10 requisitioned from the depot every three or six months, rather than every month, even if obsolescence charges on base stocks are as high as 50 per cent per year. The study has also indicated that standby stockage of cheap (under $10), low demand items is desirable because the cost of such stockage tends to be less than the costs incurred by premium supply action when a demand for such an item ariees.
The Hungarian method for the assignment problem
Authors: Kuhn H. W.
Published: May 2007

Assuming that numerical scores are available for the performance of each of n persons on each of n jobs, the “assignment problem” is the quest for an assignment of persons to jobs so that the sum of the n scores so obtained is as large as possible. It is shown that ideas latent in the work of two Hungarian mathematicians may be exploited to yield a new method of solving this problem.
Note on the formulation of the theory of logistics
Authors: Morgenstern Oskar
Published: May 2007

As a preliminary step to the erection of a “theory” of logistics, the author proposes definitions of some important concepts and identifies several types of logistical situations and problems.
A formula for decisions on retention or disposal of excess stock
Authors: Simpson J. R.
Published: May 2007

The author proposes a formula for use in deciding whether to retain or sell to the highest bidder large stocks of items of material that appear to exceed demands in the immediate future. Estimates of expected demand, storage cost, percentage return from disposal sales, probability of obsolescence and interest charges are the basic factors employed in the formula. Given these data for an item, and that certain assumptions used in the derivation of the formula are satisfied, one may determine the optimum level of stock to retain.
A method for calculating optimal inventory levels and delivery time
Authors: Whitin T. M. , Youngs J. W. T.
Published: May 2007

The following note is concerned with establishing an inventory control policy for items with extremely low demand. In the event that the expected savings in ordering cost that would result from buying in lots is less than the concomitant increase in carrying charges, it is uneconomical to use a lot size formula. In this event, it is appropriate to use a system consisting of placing orders as units are demanded.
Comments on the Morgenstern model
Authors: Busby J. C.
Published: May 2007

The author presents some ideas, stimulated by a recent article in this Quarterly. on management of an operating supply system.
On the meaning and use of a capacity concept
Authors: Zabel Edward
Published: May 2007

The author eurveya and interprets previoue attempts to define and measure capacity, and analyses the uee of the capacity concept in economic models.
Cycling in the dual simplex algorithm
Authors: Beale E. M. L.
Published: May 2007

This note describes the construction of an example in which the usual iterative method for linear programming may fail unless special techniques for overcoming degeneracy are used.
Computation of maximal flows in networks
Authors: Fulkerson D. R. , Dantzig G. B.
Published: May 2007

A simple computational method, based on the simplex algorithm of linear programming, is proposed for the following problem:

“Consider a network (e.g., rail, road, communication network) connecting two given points by way of a number of intermediate points, where each link of the network has a number assigned to it representing its capacity. Assuming a steady state condition, find a maximal flow from one given point to the other.”
Some recent developments in transportation research
Authors: Crane Roger R.
Published: May 2007

A survey of recent history of and techniques in transportation methods.
Part II — Analysis
Authors: Charnes A. , Miller M. H.
Published: May 2007

Models are presented which permit simultaneous analysis of crew assignment, routing, and switching and their interaction, particularly in consideration of circuitous routing versus expansion of classification and switching facilities.
Some studies on shuttle and assembly‐line processes
Authors: Pollack M.
Published: May 2007

Two types of flow processes are described and formulated, a shuttle and an assembly‐line process. Variations ofeachare studied for the general N‐stage condition. The shuttle process is considered for multiple shuttles per stage and the combination of multiple shuttles per stage with storage capacity at the nodes. The assembly‐line process is considered for multiple machines per stage, both with and without setup times included. The mathematical method of recurrence relations is used to formulate these relations for the various delay and arrival times of the items in each process. It is demonstrated that certain types of shuttle and assembly‐line processes are completely analogous. All known solutions of one process may then be applied to the other.
Network analysis of production smootewg
Authors: Hu Te Chiang , Prager W.
Published: May 2007

The purpose of this paper is to show, on an example, how rather forbidding algebra may often be avoided by quite elementary considerations concerning flows in a properly constructed flow chart or network. The problem of production smoothing is incidental in the sense that it could have been replaced by other illustrations of the technique.
An algorithm for solving the transportation problem when the shipping cost over each route is convex
Authors: Beale E. M. L.
Published: May 2007

An algorithm is presented for solving the transportation problem when the shipping cost over each route is a convex function of the number of units shipped by this route.

The algorithm can also be used when the shipping costs are linear, whether or not there are capacity restrictions on the number of units that may be shipped over each route. But it does not skem to be any better than other standard methods for these problems, such as those given by Ford and Fulkerson [6], [7].
A note on a paper by houston and huffman
Authors: Biles W. E. , Schmidt J. W.
Published: May 2007

This paper calls attention to an experimental design which enhances the efficiency of the technique described by B. F. Houston and R. A. Huffman [3]. This alternative design is a modification of the simplex lattice design developed by Scheffé [6] for the mixture problem. While not possessing the optimal statistical properties of the central composite design proposed in [3], such as minimum bias and minimum variance, this modified design is optimum with respect to the number of design points employed; hence, it is the minimum cost design. Further, the design proposed in this note is excellent for use in multiple‐block experimentation, which is very often required with constrained systems.
A Bayesian approach to demand estimation and inventory provisioning
Authors: Brown George F. , Rogers Warren F.
Published: May 2007

This article addresses the problem of explicitly taking into account uncertainty about the demand for spare parts in making inventory procurement and stockage decisions. The model described provides for a unified treatment of the closely related problems of statistical estimation of demand and resource allocation within the inventory system, and leads to an easily implemented, efficient method of determining requirements for spare parts both in the early provisioning phase and in later periods of operations when demand data have accumulated

Analyses of the model's theoretical foundations and of sample outcomes of the model based upon data on parts intended for use in the F‐14 lead to conclusions of great importance to both support planners and operations planners

Finally, of particular significance is the ability afforded the planner by this model to quantify the impact on inventory system costs of varying levels of system reliability or management uncertainty as to projected system performance. This will provide an economic basis for analysis of such alternatives as early deployment, operational testing, and equipment redesign.
On max‐min problems
Authors: Kapur Kailash C.
Published: May 2007

Necessary and sufficient conditions for max‐min problems are given here. In addition to characterization of directional derivatives of the relevant functions, subdifferentiability set for such functions is characterized.
Some simple scheduling algorithms
Authors: Horn W. A.
Published: May 2007

This paper considers situations in which jobs require only one operation on a single machine, or on one of a set of identical machines. Penalty‐free interruption is allowed. Some simple algorithms are given for finding optimum schedules to minimize maximum lateness and total delay, for the single‐machine case, and maximum lateness for a restricted multi‐machine case. A simple flow problem formulation permits minimizing maximum lateness for the more general multimachine case.