bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One step synthesis of silver nanorods by autoreduction of aqueous silver ions with hydroxyapatite: An inorganic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposite
Authors: Arumugam Sujatha K. , Sastry Thotapalli Parvathaleswara , Sreedhar B. , Mandal Asit Baran
Published: September 2006

In this report, a novel method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles on the surface of hydroxyapatite is described. Hydroxyapatite crystals are synthesized from acid mineralized solution, a byproduct of bone glue industries, by a simple chemical precipitation method, which results in the formation of hydroxyapatite nanocrystals. The reduction of silver ions occurs by the electron transfer from the hydroxyl groups on the surface of hydroxyapatite. This results in the formation of silver nanorods and needle shaped nanoparticles that are bound on the surface of hydroxyapatite, and the observed silver nanocrystals show anisotropic structure. Thus, hydroxyapatite crystals can be used as a new class of inorganic scaffolds for the synthesis of nanomaterials with implications in designing inorganic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposites for different applications. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Retinoid receptors, transporters, and metabolizers as therapeutic targets in late onset Alzheimer disease
Authors: Goodman Ann B.
Published: September 2006

Vitamin A (retinoid) is required in the adult brain to enable cognition, learning, and memory. While brain levels of retinoid diminish over the course of normal ageing, retinoid deficit is greater in late onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD) brains than in normal‐aged controls. This paper reviews recent evidence supporting these statements and further suggests that genes necessary for the synthesis, transport and function of retinoid to and within the ageing brain are appropriate targets for treatment of LOAD. These genes tend to be clustered with genes that have been proposed as candidates in LOAD, are found at chromosomal regions linked to LOAD, and suggest the possibility of an overall coordinated regulation. This phenomenon is termed Chromeron and is analogous to the operon mechanism observed in prokaryotes. Suggested treatment targets are the retinoic‐acid inactivating enzymes (CYP26)s, the retinol binding and transport proteins, retinol‐binding protein (RBP)4 and transthyretin (TTR), and the retinoid receptors. TTR as a LOAD target is the subject of active investigation. The retinoid receptors and the retinoid‐inactivating enzymes have previously been proposed as targets. This is the first report to suggest that RBP4 is an amenable treatment target in LOAD. RBP4 is elevated in type‐2 diabetes and obesity, conditions associated with increased risk for LOAD. Fenretinide, a novel synthetic retinoic acid (RA) analog lowers RBP4 in glucose intolerant obese mice. The feasibility of using fenretinide either as an adjunct to present LOAD therapies, or on its own as an early prevention strategy should be determined. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 598–603, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A role of novel serpin maspin in tumor progression: The divergence revealed through efforts to converge
Authors: Sheng Shijie
Published: September 2006

Maspin, a 42 kDa protein, belongs to the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) superfamily and is more closely related to the ovalbumin‐like serpin subfamily (ov‐serpins). More than a decade after the discovery of the maspin gene, our pursuit of the molecular mechanisms of maspin revealed a significant divergence of maspin from other serpins. This review article summarizes recent advances in the identification of maspin‐binding proteins and the potential underlying molecular mechanisms of maspin in tumor progression. Specifically, the molecular interactions of maspin with the cell surface‐associated pro‐urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (pro‐uPA) and intracellular histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) are highlighted. Our new evidence suggests a new paradigm that maspin acts as a serpin‐like molecule to inhibit serine protease‐like targets. From an evolution point of view, the uniquely important function of maspin in development and tumor progression is likely due to its ancestral sequence code, and accordingly, its novel “meta”‐serpin structure. It is reasonable to hypothesize that the conservation of a serine protease‐like catalytic center in many molecules requires the co‐existence of endogenous antagonists. The unique inhibitory interaction of maspin with both HDAC1 and pro‐uPA might not be substituted by other serpins that have evolved to acquire higher target specificities. Thus, tumor suppressive maspin offers a unique therapeutic opportunity. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 631–635, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Truncated RAR beta isoform enhances proliferation and retinoid resistance
Authors: Swift Mari E. , Wallden Brett , Wayner Elizabeth A. , Swisshelm Karen
Published: September 2006

We previously reported the existence of a truncated isoform of the retinoic acid receptor beta, termed beta prime. Beta prime lacks the N‐terminal domains of beta 2 and beta 4, including the DNA‐binding domain. However, beta prime is able to heterodimerize and interact with transcription cofactors. To determine the effects of different retinoic acid receptor isoforms on cell proliferation and apoptosis, we transduced retinoid sensitive (MCF7) and retinoid‐resistant (MDA‐MB‐231) cells with retinoic acid receptor beta 2, beta 4, or beta prime. Expression of the truncated beta prime isoform induces resistance to retinoic acid treatment in retinoid sensitive MCF7 cells. In both retinoid sensitive and resistant cells, expression of full‐length beta 2 and beta 4 isoforms results in elevated sensitivity to retinoic acid treatment and caspase‐independent cell death. Cell death in beta 4 transduced MDA‐MB‐231 cells was accompanied by metaphase chromosome decondensation and breakage suggestive of mitotic catastrophe. Our results provide evidence that: (a) the truncated form of the retinoic acid receptor beta induces retinoid resistance rather than sensitivity; and (b) alternative pathways of cell death are mediated by different isoforms in breast cancer cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 718–725, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Emerging targets and novel strategies in the treatment of AIDS‐related Kaposi's sarcoma: Bidirectional translational science
Authors: Dezube Bruce J. , Sullivan Ryan , Koon Henry B.
Published: September 2006

Through the mentorship process, Dr. Arthur Pardee emphasized the critical importance of bidirectional translational research—not only advancing drug development from bench to bedside, but also bringing back precious clinical material to the laboratory to assess the biologic effects of therapeutic agents on their targets. This mini‐review focuses on the signal transduction pathways of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and on how the knowledge of such pathways has led to the rational development of molecularly targeted pathogenesis‐driven therapies. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) related‐KS results from co‐infection with human immunodeficiency virus and KS herpesvirus/human herpesvirus‐8 (KSHV/HHV8), which leads to the development of an angiogenic‐inflammatory state that is critical in the pathogenesis of KS. KS is driven by KSHV/HHV8‐specific pathways, which include viral G protein‐coupled receptor (vGPCR), viral interleukin‐6 (vIL‐6), and viral chemokine homologues. In addition, cellular growth/angiogenic pathways, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin‐like growth factor, platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), angiopoietin and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are “pirated” by KSHV/HHV8. As a very tangible example of how translational research has led to a marked improvement in patient outcome, the signal transduction inhibitor imatinib (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of c‐kit and PDGF) was administered to patients with KS whose tumors were serially biopsied. Not only did the patients' tumors regress, but also the regression was correlated with the inhibition of PDGF receptor (PDGFR) in the biopsy samples. Recent and future clinical trials of molecularly targeted therapy for the treatment of KS are a prelude to a shift in the paradigm of how KS is managed. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 659–662, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Up‐regulation of bone morphogenetic protein receptor IB by growth factors enhances BMP‐2‐induced human bone cell functions
Authors: Singhatanadgit Weerachai , Salih Vehid , Olsen Irwin
Published: September 2006

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) stimulate osteoblast differentiation by signal transduction via three BMP receptors (BMPR‐IA, ‐IB, and ‐II). Several growth factors, including transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) and platelet‐derived growth factor‐AB (PDGF‐AB), have also been shown to play an important part in osteogenesis. The mechanism underlying these activities is unclear, but these growth factors could modulate the BMP/BMPR pathway by up‐regulating BMPR expression, thereby enhancing the osteogenic responses of bone cells to the BMP. In this study we have therefore examined the effects of TGF‐β1, FGF‐2, and PDGF‐AB on BMPR expression and BMP‐2‐mediated osteoblast functions in primary human bone cells. The results showed that although the ligand BMP‐2 and growth factors had little effect on BMPR‐IA and ‐II transcript expression, they significantly up‐regulated BMPR‐IB mRNA specifically. However, only the growth factors, but not the ligand BMP‐2, increased the surface expression of the BMPR‐IB antigen, which was found to be due to a differential effect of BMP‐2 and the growth factors on the Smurf1/Smad6‐induced breakdown process. Pre‐incubation of the cells with the growth factors significantly augmented BMP‐2‐induced Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation, and Dlx5 expression ALP activity, compared with that of cells treated with BMP‐2 alone. When cells were transfected with siRNA targeting BMPR‐IB, the growth factors neither up‐regulated BMPR‐IB transcript expression nor enhanced BMP‐2‐induced Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation, Dlx5 expression and ALP activity. The results indicate that increased BMPR‐IB by TGF‐β1, FGF‐2, and PDGF‐AB significantly enhances BMP‐2‐induced osteogenic functions in vitro, suggesting that they might positively modulate bone formation by up‐regulating BMPR‐IB in vivo. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 912–922, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The discovery of mRNA interferases: Implication in bacterial physiology and application to biotechnology
Authors: Inouye Masayori
Published: September 2006

Escherichia coli contains a large number of suicide or toxin genes, whose expression leads to cell growth arrest and eventual cell death. This raises intriguing questions as to why E. coli contains so many toxin genes and what are their roles in bacterial physiology. Among these, MazF has been shown to be a sequence‐specific endoribonuclease, which cleaves mRNAs at ACA sequences to completely inhibit protein synthesis. MazF is therefore called mRNA interferase. A number of other mRNA interferases with different cleavage specificities have been discovered not only in E. coli, but also in other bacteria including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Induction of MazF in the cell leads to cellular dormancy termed quasi‐dormancy. In spite of complete cell growth inhibition, cells in the quasi‐dormant state are fully capable of energy metabolism, amino acids and nucleic acids biosynthesis and RNA and protein synthesis. The quasi‐dormancy may be implicated in cell survival under stress conditions and may play a major role in pathogenicity of M. tuberculosis. The quasi‐dormant cells provide an intriguing novel biotechnological system producing only a protein of interest in a high yield. MazF causing Bak‐dependent programmed cell death in mammalian cells may be used as a tool for gene therapy against cancer and AIDS. The discovery of a novel way to interfere with mRNA function by mRNA interferases opens a wide variety of avenues in basic as well as applied and clinical sciences. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 670–676, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The deuterostome ancestor
Authors: Gerhart John
Published: September 2006

Hemichordates, the phylum of bilateral animals closest to chordates, can illuminate the evolutionary origins of various chordate traits to determine whether these were already present in a shared ancestor (the deuterostome ancestor) or were evolved within the chordate line. We find that an anteroposterior map of gene expression domains, representing 42 genes of neural patterning, is closely similar in hemichordates and chordates, though it is restricted to the neural ectoderm in chordates whereas in hemichordates, which have a diffuse nervous system, it encircles the whole body. This map allows an accurate alignment of the anterioposterior axes of members of the two groups. We propose that this map dates back at least to the deuterostome ancestor. The map of dorsoventral expression domains, organized along a Bmp–Chordin developmental axis, is also similar in the two groups in terms of many gene expression domains and for the placement of the gill slits, heart, and post‐anal tail. The two groups, however, differ in two major respects along this axis. The nervous system and epidermis are not segregated into distinct territories in hemichordates, as they are in chordates, and furthermore, the mouth is on the Chordin side in hemichordates but the Bmp side in chordates. The dorsoventral dimension has undergone extensive modification in the chordate line, including centralization of the nervous system, segregation of epidermis, derivation of the notochord, perhaps from the gut midline, and relocation of the mouth. Based on the shared domain maps, speculations can be made for the remodeling of the body axis in the chordate line. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 677–685, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Deregulation of cyclin E meets dysfunction in p53: Closing the escape hatch on breast cancer
Authors: Barton Michelle Craig , Akli Said , Keyomarsi Khandan
Published: September 2006

In this review, we focus on pathways intersecting through p53 and cyclin E, highlighting how oncogenic effects of cyclin E deregulation, especially overexpression of shortened or low molecular weight (LMW) forms of cyclin E protein, are amplified by loss of regulatory control through p53 to promote tumor development. Expression of cyclin E protein promotes progression into S‐phase, an activity opposed by p53‐regulated activation of checkpoint controls or apoptosis. Loss of p53 function is an escape hatch by which tumor cells, initiated by a number of means including cyclin E deregulation, can avoid cell cycle arrest or cell death and progress through further stages of unchecked deregulation and growth. To determine how this escape hatch is opened and, ultimately, how to close it, we must understand the networks of normal signaling and processing in a cell and where they intersect. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 686–694, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Galactosemia: The good, the bad, and the unknown
Authors: Fridovich‐Keil Judith L.
Published: September 2006

α‐D‐Galactose is metabolized in species ranging from E. coli to mammals predominantly via a series of sequential reactions collectively known as the Leloir pathway. Deficiency of any one of these enzymes in humans results in a form of the inherited metabolic disorder, galactosemia, although the symptoms and severity depend upon the enzyme impaired, and the degree of functional deficiency (Tyfield and Walter, 2002, The Metabolic and Molecular Bases of Inherited Disease. New York: McGraw Hill.). Studies of these enzymes, and the disorders associated with their loss, have led to a much deeper appreciation of the intricate and interwoven levels of regulation that govern their normal function. These insights have further identified likely mediators of outcome severity in patients, and have enabled a rational approach to the development of novel strategies of intervention. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 701–705, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An architectural perspective of cell‐cycle control at the G1/S phase cell‐cycle transition
Authors: Stein Gary S. , van Wijnen André J. , Stein Janet L. , Lian Jane B. , Montecino Martin , Zaidi Sayyed K. , Braastad Corey
Published: September 2006

A prominent role for the execution of cell cycle and growth regulatory mechanisms within the three‐dimensional context of nuclear architecture is becoming increasingly evident. Signaling pathways and regulatory networks that govern activation and suppression of genes controlling proliferation are functionally integrated for the organization and assembly of transcriptional machinery in nuclear microenvironments. The transcriptional activation of histone genes at the G1/S phase transition (S‐point) is temporarily, functionally, and spatially distinct from transcriptional mechanisms at the restriction point (R‐point). The spatial distinction in R‐point versus S‐point control is the localization of clustered histone gene loci at cajal bodies, which is modulated during the cell cycle. Histone nuclear factor P (HiNF‐P), the principal factor mediating H4 histone gene transcription, is the final link in the signaling cascade that is initiated with growth factor dependent induction of cyclin E/CDK2 kinase activity at the R‐point and culminates in the NPAT‐mediated activation of histone H4 genes through HiNF‐P at the G1/S phase cell‐cycle transition. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 706–710, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is it going to be SIN?
Authors: Buchholz Christian J. , Cichutek Klaus
Published: September 2006

Insertional mutagenesis resulting in a leukaemia‐like lymphoproliferative disease, as observed in the X‐SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency) clinical trial using a γ‐retroviral vector that transferred a functional copy of the defective gene into hematopoietic precursor cells of affected children, sparked a debate about a ban on conventional γ‐retroviral vectors. This commentary summarizes the relevant data on this topic and concludes that there is no preclinical or clinical evidence as yet that SIN vectors, which self‐inactivate the retroviral long terminal repeats (LTRs), will indeed show an improved safety profile. Conventional murine leukaemia virus (MLV) vectors can thus be used further in clinical gene therapy trials but require a thorough case‐by‐case risk‐benefit analysis. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and PET evaluation of (R)‐[S‐methyl‐11C]thionisoxetine, a candidate radioligand for imaging brain norepinephrine transporters
Authors: Schou Magnus , Pike Victor W. , Varrone Andrea , Gulyás Balázs , Farde Lars , Halldin Christer
Published: September 2006

Introduction: (R)‐3‐(2‐(methylthio)phenoxy)‐N‐methyl‐3‐phenylpropan‐1‐amine [(R)–thionisoxetine; 1] is a potent inhibitor of the norepinephrine transporter (NET). We aimed to label 1 with carbon‐11 (t1/2 = 20.4 min) for evaluation as a radioligand for imaging NET in living brain with positron emission tomography (PET).

Methods: Methyl 3‐(2‐((R)‐3‐(methylamino)‐1‐phenylpropoxy)phenylthio)‐propanoate (MPPP) and 1 were each prepared from o‐hydroxythiophenol in three steps. Treatment of MPPP with potassium t‐butoxide and [11C]methyl iodide in tetrahydrofuran gave [S‐methyl‐11C]thionisoxetine ([11C]1), which was purified with HPLC. The distribution of radioactivity in brain after intravenous injection of [11C]1 into cynomolgus monkey was followed with PET and the appearance of radiometabolites in plasma monitored with radio‐HPLC.

Results: [11C]1 was obtained in high yield from [11C]methyl iodide. Of the radioactivity injected into monkey, 2.4% entered brain. Ratios of radioactivity in thalamus, mesencephalon, occipital cortex and caudate to that in cerebellum at 93 min were 1.3, 1.2, 1.2 and 1.1, respectively. The radioactivity in plasma corresponding to unchanged radioligand decreased to 53% at 45 min, with the remainder represented by hydrophilic radiometabolites.

Conclusions: MPPP is an effective precursor for 11C‐methylation to [11C]1, suggesting that the S‐γ‐propionic acid methyl ester protecting group may have wider value in the 11C‐labeling of aryl methyl sulfides. However, the relatively low ratios of radioactivity to the cerebellum together with an unexpected accumulation of radioactivity in the caudate, makes [11C]1 an unpromising NET radioligand. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of subordinate–supervisor similarity in growth‐need strength on work outcomes: the mediating role of perceived similarity
Authors: Huang Xu , Iun Joyce
Published: September 2006

Based on data collected from 205 vertical dyads, we found that subordinate–supervisor similarity in their self‐reported growth‐need strength (GNS) had a positive effect on subordinate‐perceived and supervisor‐perceived global similarity. The findings also suggested that subordinate‐perceived global similarity mediates the link between similarity in GNS and subordinate's trust in and loyalty to supervisor; whereas supervisor‐perceived global similarity mediates the link between similarity in GNS and supervisor‐rated in‐role/extra‐role performances. In addition, we found that subordinate–supervisor similarity in self‐reported GNS and perceived global similarity had independent effects on work outcomes for both subordinates and supervisors. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antimicrobial properties of a non‐toxic glycoprotein (WSG) from Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)
Authors: Girish K. S. , Machiah K. D. , Ushanandini S. , Harish Kumar K. , Nagaraju S. , Govindappa M. , Vedavathi M. , Kemparaju K.
Published: September 2006

A monomeric glycoprotein with a molecular mass of 28 kDa in SDS‐PAGE was isolated from the Withania somnifera root tubers. The protein designated WSG (Withania somnifera glycoprotein) demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against the phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria tested. Antifungal effect has been demonstrated in that WSG exerts a fungistastic effect by inhibiting spore germination and hyphal growth in the tested fungi. WSG showed potent antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium oxysporum, F. verticilloides and antibacterial activity against Clvibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis. WSG is an acidic, non‐toxic (trypsin‐chymotrypsin) protease inhibitor. These results encourage further studies of WSG as a potential therapeutic agent for its antifungal activity. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Feasibility study for downscaling seasonal tropical cyclone activity using the NCEP regional spectral model
Authors: Camargo Suzana J. , Li Huilan , Sun Liqiang
Published: September 2006

The potential use of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Regional Spectral Model (RSM) for downscaling seasonal tropical cyclone (TC) activity was analyzed here. The NCEP RSM with horizontal resolution of 50 km, was used to downscale the ECHAM4.5 Atmospheric General Circulation Model (AGCM) simulations forced with observed sea surface temperature (SST) over the western North Pacific. An ensemble of ten runs for June–November 1994 and 1998 was studied. The representation of the TCs is much improved compared to the low‐resolution forcing AGCM, but the TCs are not as intense as observed ones, as the RSM horizontal resolution is not sufficiently high. The large‐scale fields of the RSM are examined and compared to both the AGCM and the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reanalysis. The large‐scale fields of RSM characteristics are in general similar to those of the reanalysis. Various properties of the TCs in the RSM are also examined such as first positions, tracks, accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) and duration. While the RSM does not reproduce the higher number of TCs in 1994 than in 1998, other measures of TC activity (ACE, number of cyclone days) in the RSM are higher in 1994 than in 1998. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Half‐century seasonal relationships between the Southern Annular mode and Antarctic temperatures
Authors: Marshall Gareth J.
Published: September 2006

In this short communication, we examine the relationship between the Southern Hemisphere Annular Mode (SAM) and Antarctic near‐surface temperatures using data from Antarctic stations for 1957–2004. This near half‐century period is significantly longer than those analysed in previous studies. Furthermore, the four seasons are considered independently while the longer datasets allow the temporal stability of the relationship to be investigated.

A general pattern of positive (negative) correlations between the strength of the SAM and temperatures in the northern Antarctic Peninsula (East Antarctica) is shown to be valid for the last half‐century but detailed differences are established between the seasons. These include a seasonal change in the sign of the relationship at one station, while at others there are single seasons when temperatures there are, or, in some cases, are not, significantly related to the SAM. Generally, SAM–temperature correlations are stronger across Antarctica in austral autumn and summer. Estimates of the contribution that trends in the SAM have made to Antarctic near‐surface temperature change between 1957 and 2004 are greatest in autumn: in this season they exceed 1 °C at half the 14 stations examined with a maximum change of − 1.4 °C.

There does not appear to have been any significant long‐term change in the strength of SAM‐temperature relationships over the period examined, even with the onset of ozone depletion. However, on an annual basis, the long‐term relationship between the SAM and near‐surface temperatures can be disrupted and even reversed at some stations although coastal East Antarctica appears stable in this respect. These findings give support to the exploitation of appropriate ice core data to determine long‐term changes in the SAM based upon transfer functions derived from recent data. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
International Journal of Climatology, volume 26, issue 10 ‘impact of global warming on ENSO variability using the coupled GISS GCM/ZC model’ by T. Eichler, D. Rind and S. Zebiak, pages 1283–1314, 2006
Authors: T. Eichler , D. Rind , S. Zebiak
Published: September 2006

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in Journal of Climatology 26 (10) 2006, 1283–1314.
Nitrogen concentration and nitrate/ammonium ratio affect yield and change the oxalic acid concentration and fatty acid profile of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) grown in a soilless culture system
Authors: Fontana Emanuela , Hoeberechts Jeanet , Nicola Silvana , Cros Victor , Battista Palmegiano Giovanni , Giorgio Peiretti Pier
Published: September 2006

Purslane is an excellent source of omega‐3 fatty acids, amino acids and vitamins. The aim of this research was to study the effect of different nitrogen levels and NO3−‐N/NH4+‐N ratios in the nutrient solution on the yield and on the oxalic acid content and fatty acid profile in purslane grown in a soilless culture system. Two experiments were carried out to test different levels of nitrogen: (1) 8–12–16 mmol L−1 and (2) 0–12–24–36 mmol L−1. A third experiment was carried out maintaining the N level fixed (12 mmol L−1) but varying the NO3−‐N/NH4+‐N ratio: 60:40, 40:60, 0:100. The results indicated that plants grew with increasing nitrogen level up to 36 mmol L−1. Nitrogen supplied in both NO3− and NH4+ forms produced bigger plants than N supplied in NH4+ form only. Nitrogen did not significantly influence the polyunsaturated fatty acid content in the canopy. Significant trends were found for α‐linolenic acid (LNA; 18:3 n‐3) and linoleic acid (LA; 18:2 n‐6), indicating a favorable accumulation of omega‐3 fatty acids with increasing N; palmitic acid decreased by increasing N and by switching the NO3−/NH4+ ratio towards the NH4+ level in the nutrient solution, but using 0:100 NO3−/NH4+, decreased plant quality. Increasing N lowered oxalic acid production and palmitic acid content, enhancing purslane nutritional quality. Keeping a high N level in the nutrient solution with a 40:60 NO3−/NH4+ ratio would give the best results in terms of yield, oxalic acid concentration and fatty acid profile. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
The use of the DR CALUX® bioassay and indicator polychlorinated biphenyls for screening of elevated levels of dioxins and dioxin‐like polychlorinated biphenyls in eel
Authors: Hoogenboom Ron , Bovee Toine , Traag Win , Hoogerbrugge Ronald , Baumann Bert , Portier Liza , van de Weg Guido , de Vries Jaap
Published: September 2006

The DR CALUX® bioassay is a very suitable screening method for dioxins and dioxin‐like‐PCBs in feed and food. This was,e. g. demonstrated in a survey in the Netherlands to control the dioxin levels in eel. The DR CALUX® assay, but also indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) were evaluated as a screening method. Based on the limit for polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) [at that time 8 pg toxic equivalents (TEQ)/g eel], and the relation between PCDD/F and dioxin‐like‐PCB, a decision limit of 30 pg TEQ/g eel was used for screening of 153 field samples. Suspected samples (21) and part of the higher contaminated negative samples (35) were analyzed by GC/MS for dioxins, non‐ortho, mono‐ortho and indicator PCB, revealing 13 samples exceeding the action limit of 30 pg TEQ/g eel. Only one sample slightly exceeded the dioxin level of 8 pg TEQ/g eel. The relatively low sensitivity for mono‐ortho PCB was overcome by the use of reference samples, as shown by the correlation of 0.93 between GC/MS and CALUX determined total TEQ levels. The present data show that the DR CALUX® assay can be used for screening of total TEQ levels in eel. The use for dioxins only requires a safe, and therefore relatively low, decision limit. The indicator PCB also showed a good correlation with total TEQ levels, mainly due to the large contribution of the mono‐ortho PCB at higher concentrations. The relation with dioxins was very poor and as such indicator PCB seem less suitable than the DR CALUX® assay for screening for dioxins only. The present study clearly shows that part of the wild eel samples contains high total TEQ levels and will exceed the future European Union limit of 12 pg TEQ/g eel for dioxins and dioxin‐like PCB. Especially at high TEQ levels, dioxin‐like PCB contribute most to the total TEQ. In practice, wild eel presents only a minor part of the eel consumed.
Design of broadband transpolarizing surfaces
Authors: Ferrer Pere J. , Kelem Brénam , Craeye Christophe
Published: September 2006

A transpolarizing reflector is proposed. It consists of periodic patches above a ground plane, with wide diagonal slots. For normal incidence, linear polarization along a principal direction is transformed into the orthogonal polarization with a 20‐dB ratio over a 29.7% bandwidth. We prove that, in view of the diagonal symmetry of the structure, reflected fields in the principal directions must be in quadrature. The transpolarization bandwidth slowly decreases for incidence away from broadside. This surface very efficiently produces polarization conversion for circularly polarized incident fields. The quality of this conversion, described in terms of axial ratio, is obtained from the transpolarization level achieved in the linear polarization case. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 2606–2611, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21989
Further comments on the performances of finite element simulators for the solution of electromagnetic problems involving metamaterials
Authors: Cevini Gaia , Oliveri Giacomo , Raffetto Mirco
Published: September 2006

In this paper, we analyze the performances of three‐dimensional finite element (FE) simulators in handling electromagnetic scattering problems involving metamaterials. It has already been proved that the performances of the FE method are worse than usual, when metamaterials are considered. In this work, we extend our previous analysis by providing some additional results on the precision of the FE solution and on the performances of the iterative and direct solvers typically used with FE simulators. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48:2524–2529, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com).DOI 10.1002/mop.22008
Study of hybrid photonic band gap resonators for particle accelerators
Authors: Masullo M. R. , Andreone A. , Di Gennaro E. , Albanese S. , Francomacaro F. , Panniello M. , Vaccaro V. G. , Lamura G.
Published: September 2006

One of the main problems in the design of high intensity rf accelerators is the presence of higher order modes (HOMs) which might degrade the beam quality. Accelerating cavities require HOMs suppression, whereas keeping a high quality factor (Q) for the fundamental mode. Both these requirements can be hardly met in closed metallic cavities, especially at high frequency where the configurations become cumbersome and technically unviable. Cavities based on photonic band gap (PBG) concepts showed that HOMs can be efficiently suppressed without affecting the fundamental mode. We present here simulations and measurements at room and cryogenic (77 K) temperature on some metallic (Copper) and metallo‐dielectric (Copper + sapphire) PBG based cavities, in order to study their rf behavior as resonant element in particle accelerators. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 2486–2491, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22016
Improved visualization of non‐transmural scar using slice‐selective inversion‐recovery delayed contrast‐enhanced MRI: a preliminary report
Authors: Kim Daniel , Lee Vivian S. , Srichai Monvadi B.
Published: September 2006

Delayed contrast‐enhanced MRI (ce‐MRI) pulse sequence is a promising modality for the assessment of myocardial viability. However, conventional ce‐MRI using a non‐selective inversion recovery (IR) pulse can often yield poor edge definition or contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) between the non‐transmural scar and blood (i.e. the blood and scar appear isointense). Subtraction and multicontrast ce‐MRI methods can be used to improve the CNR between the non‐transmural scar and blood, but they require two image acquisitions. The authors have developed a single‐acquisition ce‐MRI pulse sequence that utilizes a slice‐selective IR pulse to generate bright‐blood contrast using inflow effects for an improved edge definition between the non‐transmural scar and blood. Six patients with myocardial infarction were imaged at 1.5 T using both non‐selective and slice‐selective IR ce‐MRI acquisitions with identical imaging parameters. The CNR between the non‐transmural scar and normal myocardium was not different between the two acquisitions. The CNR between the blood and non‐transmural scar (16.9 ± 12.3 versus 3.2 ± 7.9; p < 0.001) was significantly higher for the slice‐selective IR acquisition than for the non‐selective IR acquisition. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using a slice‐selective IR pulse to improve the visualization of a non‐transmural scar in ce‐MRI, without increasing the acquisition time. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Usage of the claim database of national health insurance programme for analysis of cisapride‐erythromycin co‐medication in Taiwan
Authors: Gau Churn‐Shiouh , Chang I‐Shou , Lin Wu Fe‐Lin , Yu Hui‐Tzu , Huang Yu‐Wen , Chi Cheng‐Liang , Chien Su‐Yu , Lin Keh‐Ming , Liu Ming‐Ying , Wang Hui‐Po
Published: September 2006

Purpose

This study aimed to use the National Health Insurance Research Database, Taiwan for risk analysis of concomitant use of cisapride and erythromycin.

Methods

The sample consisted of subjects identified in the Outpatient Sampling Database (OSD) and Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 (LHID 2000), derived from the original claim data of the National Health Insurance Research Database, Taiwan.

Results

According to the LHID 2000, a total of 464 individuals experienced 685 episodes of cisapride‐erythromycin co‐medication prescribed by 295 physicians, revealing a prevalence of 4.5% concomitant use, with higher prevalence in clinics (9.2%) than in other medical institutes (3.7–5.4%). Among the co‐medication episodes, 81.9% and 61.2% were prescribed from the same health institutes and by the same physicians, respectively. No medical record of cardiac arrhythmias was found among these patients in 2001 and 2002, probably due to the fact that 78.9% of the 464 individuals were under age 16, 84.0% had short exposure duration (1–4 days) and 98.0% of the episodes were prescribed with a cisapride dose of less than 0.8 mg/kg/day.

Conclusions

Findings from this study suggest that there exists an urgent need for accreditation in terms of pharmacovigilance of clinical sites and their practicing physicians for the prevention of irrational concomitant prescription in Taiwan. Our findings also indicate that it is necessary to investigate other possible conditions of potentially dangerous co‐medication in Taiwan and other developing countries. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive hypothesis testing and response to intervention for children with reading problems
Authors: Fiorello Catherine A. , Hale James B. , Snyder Lindsey E.
Published: September 2006

Response to intervention (RTI) must be combined with comprehensive cognitive assessment to identify children with learning disabilities. This article presents the Cognitive Hypothesis Testing (CHT) model for integrating RTI and comprehensive evaluation practices in the identification of children with reading disabilities. The CHT model utilizes a scientific method approach for interpreting cognitive and neuropsychological processes together with evaluation of ecological and treatment validity data to develop targeted interventions for students who do not respond to standard academic interventions. A case study highlights how CHT practices can lead to effective interventions for a child who did not respond to a phonologically based reading intervention. In addition, discriminant analyses of 128 children with reading disabilities revealed the presence of Global, Phonemic, Fluency‐Comprehension, and Orthographic subtypes. Results suggest subtypes show disparate cognitive profiles that differentially impact their reading achievement, supporting our contention that individual assessment of cognitive processing strengths and weaknesses is not only necessary for identifying children with reading disabilities but also can lead to individualized interventions designed to meet their unique learning needs. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 43: 835–853, 2006.
Conformation and luminescence characteristics of nanopoly[2‐metoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethyl‐hexyloxy)‐p‐phenylene vinylene] in two‐dimensional arrays
Authors: Kong F. , Huang G. S. , Yang Y. M. , Yang C. Z. , Bao X. M. , Yuan R. K.
Published: September 2006

With anodic alumina with an ordered nanopore array used as a template, poly[2‐metoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethyl‐hexyloxy)‐p‐phenylene vinylene] (MEH–PPV) was embedded into the nanopores, and then two‐dimensional arrays of light‐emitting nanopolymers were prepared. By the measurement and analysis of photoluminescence and photoluminescence excitation spectra of the samples, it was demonstrated that the optical properties of the nano‐MEH–PPV arrays were obviously different from those of MEH–PPV films. The conformations of the MEH–PPV chains in the nanopores, films, and solutions and their effects on the optical properties were examined. It was determined experimentally that the conformations of the MEH–PPV chains in the solutions were maintained in the nano‐MEH–PPV arrays. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 3037–3041, 2006
Effects of Jahn‐Teller distortion on the superconducting gap
Authors: Rout G. C. , Pradhan B. , Behera S. N.
Published: September 2006

In the present communication we propose a microscopic model to study the interplay between Jahn‐Teller distortion and superconductivity in presence of impurity f‐electron levels of rare‐earth atoms and the hybridization between the impurity and the degenerate conduction electrons of Cu2+. The single particle electronic Green's functions are calculated by equations of motion and expressions for lattice strain (e) and superconducting gap (Δ) are evaluated. The temperature dependence of Δ and e are solved self‐consistently by numerical methods. Both the gap parameters show mean‐field behavior and very strong interaction between them. The superconducting order parameter is suppressed due to the presence of lattice distortion in the system and on the other hand the strain is suppressed in the temperature range of Δ. The effect of position of impurity level (ε f)and the hybridization show many anomalous behavior. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Theoretical study of aromaticity in small hydrogen and metal cation clusters X (X=H, Li, Na, K, and Cu)
Authors: Yong Liu , Wu Shao Dan , Chi Xian Xing
Published: September 2006

Five cation clusters X (X=H, Li, Na, K, and Cu) with two possible isomers, i.e., regular trigonal structure (D3h) and linear structure (D∞h), have been investigated using four methods: B3LYP, B3PW91, MP2, CCSD(T) and basis set 6‐311+G(3df). The calculations show that only the regular trigonal structure (D3h) is stable. The related neutral clusters X3Cl (X=H, Li, Na, K, and Cu) are also investigated using two methods: B3LYP, MP2, and basis set 6‐311+G(3df). For H3Cl species, there is no a stable structure to be found. For other four X3Cl (X=Li, Na, K, and Cu) species, there are two stable isomers, for which the bidentate structures (C2v‐1) [see Fig. 1(d)] are global minima. According to the general criteria for aromaticity including resonance energy (RE) and nucleus‐independent chemical shift (NICS), the five trigonal isomers exhibit a higher degree of aromaticity. Molecular orbital analysis reveals that the five trigonal X(X=H, Li, Na, K, and Cu) isomers possess only σ‐aromaticity originating from s orbitals. For the Cu ring the d orbitals do not play a significant role in the electron delocalization effects. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
A mixture‐model based algorithm for real‐time terrain estimation
Authors: Miller Isaac , Campbell Mark
Published: September 2006

A real‐time terrain mapping and estimation algorithm using Gaussian sum elevation densities to model terrain variations in a planar gridded elevation model is presented. A formal probabilistic analysis of each individual sensor measurement allows the modeling of multiple sources of error in a rigorous manner. Measurements are associated to multiple locations in the elevation model using a Gaussian sum conditional density to account for uncertainty in measured elevation as well as uncertainty in the in‐plane location of the measurement. The approach is constructed such that terrain estimates and estimation error statistics can be constructed in real‐time without maintaining a history of sensor measurements. The algorithm is validated experimentally on the 2005 Cornell University DARPA Grand Challenge ground vehicle, demonstrating accurate and computationally feasible elevation estimates on dense terrain models, as well as estimates of the errors in the terrain model. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stanley: The robot that won the DARPA Grand Challenge
Authors: Thrun Sebastian , Montemerlo Mike , Dahlkamp Hendrik , Stavens David , Aron Andrei , Diebel James , Fong Philip , Gale John , Halpenny Morgan , Hoffmann Gabriel , Lau Kenny , Oakley Celia , Palatucci Mark , Pratt Vaughan , Stang Pascal , Strohband Sven , Dupont Cedric , Jendrossek Lars‐Erik , Koelen Christian , Markey Charles , Rummel Carlo , van Niekerk Joe , Jensen Eric , Alessandrini Philippe , Bradski Gary , Davies Bob , Ettinger Scott , Kaehler Adrian , Nefian Ara , Mahoney Pamela
Published: September 2006

This article describes the robot Stanley, which won the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge. Stanley was developed for high‐speed desert driving without manual intervention. The robot's software system relied predominately on state‐of‐the‐art artificial intelligence technologies, such as machine learning and probabilistic reasoning. This paper describes the major components of this architecture, and discusses the results of the Grand Challenge race. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sercomp: A component oriented method for flexible design and support of interorganizational service processes
Authors: Schmidt Rainer
Published: September 2006

Service processes play an increasingly important part in modern economies. However, their design and support do not achieve the flexibility and efficiency available for ordinary business processes. Furthermore, their double identity of being process and product at the same time is not properly considered in present design methods. Therefore, a component‐oriented method for the design and support of interorganizational service processes is presented: Sercomp. It is based on so‐called perspectives to separate independently evolving parts of the service processes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
If you want to know, ask: Assessing the needs and experiences of graduate students
Authors: Nesheim Becki Elkins , Guentzel Melanie J. , Gansemer‐Topf Ann M. , Ross Leah Ewing , Turrentine Cathryn G.
Published: September 2006

In order to design effective interventions for working with graduate and professional students, educators must first assess students' needs and experiences. This chapter highlights the importance of assessment in graduate and professional education and offers insights gained from three studies.
Graduate and professional student development and student affairs
Authors: Gansemer‐Topf Ann M. , Ross Leah Ewing , Johnson R. M.
Published: September 2006

Student development theories offer frameworks for better understanding and enhancing the experiences of graduate and professional students.
Career services for graduate and professional students
Authors: Lehker Tom , Furlong Jennifer S.
Published: September 2006

Career services tailored to the needs of graduate and professional students constitute an important strategy for fostering student success. Career services can help graduate and professional students explore careers outside academe, prepare for academic and nonacademic job searches, and make the transition from graduate school to professional positions.
zu Cywiński, Z. : Formänderungsgrößenverfahren mittig gedrückter dünnwandiger Stäbe mit einfach und doppeltsymmetrischen offenen Querschnitten.
Authors: Hanf Manfred
Published: September 2006

[Stahlbau 74 H. 12, S. 916–924 (2005), http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/stab.200590221]