bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Singlet states open the way to longer time‐scales in the measurement of diffusion by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Cavadini Simone , Vasos Paul R.
Published: January 2008

Nuclear magnetic resonance is a powerful nonintrusive technique for measuring diffusion coefficients through the use of pulsed field gradients. The main limitation to the application range of this method is imposed by the relaxation time constants of the magnetization. The recently introduced singlet‐state spectroscopy affords obtaining relaxation time constants for pairs of coupled spins which can be longer by more than an order of magnitude than the spin‐lattice relaxation time constants. We review in this paper the advantages that are offered by these long relaxation time constants for diffusion measurements. Using experiments that combine singlet‐state and diffusion spectroscopy, slower diffusion constants can be determined. The coupling of the two methods constitutes an alternative to the use of special probes equipped with strong gradients for the study of large molecules that diffuse slowly in solution. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 32A: 68–78, 2008.
Metabolic labeling: Taking advantage of bacterial pathways to prepare spectroscopically useful isotope patterns in proteins and nucleic acids
Authors: Hoogstraten Charles G. , Johnson James E.
Published: January 2008

Uniform labeling with the stable isotopes 15N, 13C, and/or 2H is a central enabling technology for NMR studies of proteins and nucleic acids. As the field advances into structural studies of larger systems and a more detailed characterization of molecular dynamics; however, there is an increasing need for schemes that specifically introduce labels at selected molecular sites only. For many purposes, knowledge of bacterial biosynthetic pathways allows procedures to be developed that produce desired labeling patterns directly in the expression culture, rather than via laborious chemical synthesis. In this work, we review the principles and applications of such “metabolic labeling” schemes. After an overview of key metabolic and biosynthetic processes in E. coli, we discuss pioneering applications of metabolic labeling and conclude with a detailed description of the two most prominent current uses of such techniques: The introduction of hydrogen or carbon isotopes specifically at side‐chain methyl groups of proteins and the removal of one‐bond 13C‐13C dipolar couplings for spin relaxation or solid‐state structural studies via alternate‐site labeling schemes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 32A: 34–55, 2008.
Effective inhibition of aromatase inhibitor‐associated bone loss by zoledronic acid in postmenopausal women with early breast cancer receiving adjuvant letrozole
Authors: Bundred Nigel J. , Campbell Ian D. , Davidson Neville , DeBoer Richard H. , Eidtmann Holger , Monnier Alain , Neven Patrick , von Minckwitz Gunter , Miller Joel C. , Schenk Nora L. , Coleman Robert E.
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND.

Letrozole is safe and effective in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor‐positive early breast cancer, but long‐term aromatase inhibitor use may cause bone loss and increase fracture risk. This study evaluated an immediate or delayed strategy of bone protection therapy with zoledronic acid.

METHODS.

A total of 1065 patients who were receiving adjuvant letrozole were randomized to immediate‐start or delayed‐start zoledronic acid (4 mg intravenously biannually for 5 years). The delayed group received zoledronic acid if lumbar spine or total hip T‐score decreased below −2.0 or when a nontraumatic fracture occurred. The primary endpoint was change in lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) at Month 12. Secondary endpoints included changes in total hip BMD, serum bone turnover markers, and safety at Month 12.

RESULTS.

Lumbar spine BMD increased from baseline in the immediate arm, while it decreased from baseline in delayed‐arm patients. At Month 12, the differences between the groups in lumbar spine and total hip BMD were 5.7% (P < .0001; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 5.2% to 6.1%), and 3.6% (P < .0001; 95% CI, 3.3 to 4.0%), respectively. Both regimens were well tolerated with few serious adverse events. Bone pain was higher in the immediate group, as expected, because some patients experienced acute‐phase reactions after zoledronic acid infusion.

CONCLUSIONS.

At 12 months, immediate zoledronic acid therapy prevented bone loss in postmenopausal women who were receiving adjuvant letrozole. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Myeloperoxidase and superoxide dismutase polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wheatley‐Price Paul , Asomaning Kofi , Reid Amy , Zhai Rihong , Su Li , Zhou Wei , Zhu Andrew , Ryan David P. , Christiani David C. , Liu Geoffrey
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND.

Pancreatic cancer risk has been linked to chronic pancreatitis and periodontitis, suggesting a role for inflammation in disease etiology. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD2) are enzymes that regulate reactive oxygen species and contain recognized single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that confer altered enzyme activity.

METHODS.

One hundred twenty‐two patients with pancreatic cancer and 331 age‐ and sex‐matched controls were analyzed for polymorphisms of the MPO − guanine 463 adenine (−G463A) and the SOD2 alanine (Ala)‐to‐valine (Val) polymorphism at codon 16 (Ala16Val) genes. Cases and controls were analyzed for associations between these polymorphisms, adjusting for sex, age, history of alcohol use and smoking history.

RESULTS.

The variant A allele of MPO −G463A was associated with a lower risk of pancreatic cancer (adjusted odds ratio [OR] for pancreatic cancer, 0.57; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.4–0.9; P = .02). The SOD2 homozygous variant genotype (Val/Val) was associated with a greater risk of pancreatic cancer (adjusted OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.0–3.8; P = .04). Compared with individuals who carried both low‐risk alleles (A/− and Ala/−), significantly more cases than controls carried both high‐risk genotypes (G/G and Val/Val; adjusted OR, 4.31; 95% CI, 1.8–10; P = .001), or 1 high‐risk genotype (adjusted OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.1–3.4; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS.

Polymorphisms of the inflammatory pathway genes MPO −G463A and SOD2 Ala16Val are associated with elevated pancreatic cancer risk. Oxidative stress may play an important role in pancreatic cancer carcinogenesis. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Differential projections from subfields in the lateral preoptic area to the lateral habenular complex of the rat
Authors: Kowski Alexander B. , Geisler Stefanie , Krauss Michael , Veh Ruediger W.
Published: January 2008

The lateral habenular complex (LHb) constitutes an important link in the dorsal diencephalic conduction system conveying information from limbic forebrain structures to regulatory midbrain nuclei. In line with the considerable number of biological functions in which the habenula is thought to be involved, a complex subnuclear organization of the LHb has been suggested. However, the precise connectivity of habenular subnuclei remains to be identified. We hypothesize that axons from the lateral preoptic area (LPOA) project to distinct subnuclei of the LHb. As a result of an unexpected heterogeneity within the LPOA, we first examined its subregional morphology. Based on the analysis of several coronal series of sections, seven subfields were identified within the LPOA. Retrograde tracing experiments revealed that neurons projecting to the LHb were concentrated in the dorsal, ventral, and ventromedial subfields of the rostral LPOA and in the caudal LPOA. Anterograde tracing experiments confirmed that all LPOA subfields containing retrogradely labelled cells project to the LHb. Neurons in rostral subfields of the LPOA target predominantly the lateral area of the LHb, whereas caudal LPOA fibers innervate the medial LHb. Afferent labelling is most prominent within the magnocellular subnucleus in the LHbM, and only few fibers can be observed in the parvocellular subnucleus of the LHbM. The superior subnucleus of the LHbM and the oval subnucleus of the LHbL do not receive any fibers from the LPOA at all. This is the first comprehensive study so far to show that projections from LPOA subfields individually target subnuclei in the lateral habenular complex. J. Comp. Neurol. 507:1465–1478, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transient expression of the conserved zinc finger gene INSM1 in progenitors and nascent neurons throughout embryonic and adult neurogenesis
Authors: Duggan Anne , Madathany Thomas , de Castro Sandra C.P. , Gerrelli Dianne , Guddati Kumar , García‐Añoveros Jaime
Published: January 2008

INSM1 is a zinc‐finger protein expressed in the developing nervous system and pancreas as well as in medulloblastomas and neuroendocrine tumors. With in situ hybridization combined with immunohistochemistry, we detected INSM1 mRNA in all embryonic to adult neuroproliferative areas examined: embryonic neocortex, ganglionic eminence, midbrain, retina, hindbrain, and spinal cord; autonomic, dorsal root, trigeminal and spiral ganglia; olfactory and vomeronasal organ epithelia; postnatal cerebellum; and juvenile to adult subgranular zone of dentate gyrus, subventricular zone, and rostral migratory stream leading to olfactory bulb. In most of these neurogenic areas, subsets of neuronal progenitors and nascent, but not mature, neurons express INSM1. For example, in developing cerebellum, INSM1 is present in proliferating progenitors of the outer external granule layer (EGL) and in postmitotic cells of the inner EGL, but not in mature granule cell neurons. Also, lining the neural tube from spinal cord to neocortex in mouse as well as human embryos, cells undergoing mitosis apically do not express INSM1. By contrast, nonsurface progenitors located in the basal ventricular and/or subventricular zones express INSM1. Whereas apical progenitors are proliferative and generate one or two additional progenitors, basal progenitors are thought to divide terminally and symmetrically to produce two neurons. The nematode ortholog of INSM1, EGL‐46, is expressed during terminal symmetric neurogenic divisions and regulates the termination of proliferation. We propose that, in mice and humans, INSM1 is likewise expressed transiently during terminal neurogenic divisions, from late progenitors to nascent neurons, and particularly during symmetric neuronogenic divisions. J. Comp. Neurol. 507:1497–1520, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intrinsic neurons of Drosophila mushroom bodies express short neuropeptide F: Relations to extrinsic neurons expressing different neurotransmitters
Authors: Johard Helena A.D. , Enell Lina E. , Gustafsson Elisabeth , Trifilieff Pierre , Veenstra Jan A. , Nässel Dick R.
Published: January 2008

Mushroom bodies constitute prominent paired neuropils in the brain of insects, known to be involved in higher olfactory processing and learning and memory. In Drosophila there are about 2,500 intrinsic mushroom body neurons, Kenyon cells, and a large number of different extrinsic neurons connecting the calyx, peduncle, and lobes to other portions of the brain. The neurotransmitter of the Kenyon cells has not been identified in any insect. Here we show expression of the gene snpf and its neuropeptide products (short neuropeptide F; sNPFs) in larval and adult Drosophila Kenyon cells by means of in situ hybridization and antisera against sequences of the precursor and two of the encoded peptides. Immunocytochemistry displays peptide in intrinsic neuronal processes in most parts of the mushroom body structures, except for a small core in the center of the peduncle and lobes and in the α′‐ and β′‐lobes. Weaker immunolabeling is seen in Kenyon cell bodies and processes in the calyx and initial peduncle and is strongest in the more distal portions of the lobes. We used different antisera and Gal4‐driven green fluorescent protein to identify Kenyon cells and different populations of extrinsic neurons defined by their signal substances. Thus, we display neurotransmitter systems converging on Kenyon cells: neurons likely to utilize dopamine, tyramine/octopamine, glutamate, and acetylcholine. Attempts to identify other neurotransmitter components (including vesicular glutamate transporter) in Kenyon cells failed. However, it is likely that the Kenyon cells utilize an additional neurotransmitter, yet to be identified, and that the neuropeptides described here may represent cotransmitters. J. Comp. Neurol. 507:1479–1496, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hyperchaotic signal generation via DSP for efficient perturbations to liquid mixing
Authors: Zhang Zhong , Chen Guanrong , Yu Simin
Published: January 2008

This paper presents the design, simulation, hardware implementation and an application in liquid mixing of some hyperchaotic circuits, based on the digital signal processing (DSP) technology. The hyperchaotic Chen's system is used as an example to show the system discretization and variable renormalization in the design process. Numerical simulation is given to verify the hardware signal generator. The implemented hardware of Chen's system generates outputs in good agreement with the numerical simulation. The hyperchaotic signal output from the DSP is applied to generate complex perturbations in liquid mixing experiments. Dye dispersion experiments show that the induced hyperchaotic motion effectively helps enhance the mixing homogeneity in the stirred‐tank‐based mixer in our laboratory. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of plasmacytoid pre‐dendritic cells by one‐color flow cytometry for phenotype screening
Authors: Magyarics Zoltan , Csillag Aniko , Pazmandi Kitti , Rajnavolgyi Eva , Bacsi Attila
Published: January 2008

Plasmacytoid pre‐dendritic cells (pDCs) are able to prime and polarize naive T‐cells, while also having an important effector function in antiviral immunity through the rapid and robust production of interferon‐α. The main setback of pDCs investigation is the rarity and ex vivo fragility of these cells. Relative simple, reliable, and accurate methods for phenotypic analysis and functional studies of pDCs without isolation would be a great deal of interest. Fresh whole blood samples were analyzed by two‐color and one‐color flow cytometric pDC‐identification assays. The changes in the surface expression of CD62L and HLA‐DQ on pDCs in whole blood samples after 24‐h treatment with imiquimod, a toll‐like receptor 7 agonist, were analyzed. Our data demonstrate that the identification of pDCs in peripheral blood samples can be achieved by using only one fluorescent channel for blood dendritic cell antigen (BDCA)‐4 staining combined with the light scatter parameters, thus leaving the other channels open for further phenotypic and/or functional analysis. Recently, several lines of evidence supported the involvement of pDCs in the development of several human diseases, so our new one‐color identification approach may provide a useful tool for investigation of the pathomechanism of the relevant diseases by using common, 2‐laser benchtop cytometers. © 2008 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Prox1 regulates a transitory state for interneuron neurogenesis in the spinal cord
Authors: Mishra Kamana , Gui Hongxing , Matise Michael P.
Published: January 2008

Proper central nervous system (CNS) function depends critically on the generation of functionally distinct neuronal types in specific and reproducible positions. The generation of neuronal diversity during CNS development involves a fine balance between dividing neural progenitors and the differentiated neuronal progeny that they produce. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate these processes are still poorly understood. Here, we show that the Prox1 transcription factor, which is expressed transiently and specifically in spinal interneurons, plays an important role in neurogenesis. Using both gain‐ and loss‐of‐function approaches, we find that Prox1 is capable of driving neuronal precursors out of the cell cycle and can initiate limited expression of neuronal proteins. Using RNAi approaches, we show that Prox1 function is required to execute a neurogenic differentiation program downstream of Mash1 and Ngn2. Our studies demonstrate an important, spinal interneuron‐specific role for Prox1 in controlling steps required for both cell‐cycle withdrawal and differentiation. Developmental Dynamics 237:393–402, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The use of electronic and human nose for monitoring rapeseed oil autoxidation
Authors: Mildner‐Szkudlarz Sylwia , Jeleń Henryk H. , Zawirska‐Wojtasiak Renata
Published: January 2008

This work was aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the electronic nose to monitor off‐flavor associated with lipid oxidation as a supplementary tool to human sensory panel assessment. Therefore, correlations between electronic nose and sensory analysis were determined. Also GC analyses and chemical analyses of oil samples were run to characterize the analyzed samples with well‐described parameters. Refined rapeseed oil was subjected to an accelerated storage test for 12 days at 60 °C and to an ambient temperature storage test in which it was stored in retail plastic bottles for up to 6 months. PCA of electronic nose data samples stored at an elevated temperature was related to PCA of sensory analysis, and similarities in sample clustering were observed. For samples stored at room temperature, the human panel showed greater sensitivity than the electronic nose. Prediction models based on PLS of electronic nose data were able to predict the sensory quality changes during storage at elevated and room temperature, ranging from 0.721 to 0.989 and from 0.849 to 0.881 (p <0.05), respectively. PV and p‐AV were well predicted on the basis of both electronic nose (0.989, 0.998 for elevated temperature; 0.907, 0.881 for room temperature) and sensory analysis data (0.973, 0.993 for elevated temperature; 0.939, 0.886 for room temperature). Applicability of the electronic nose technology to verify sensory and rancidity changes during storage showed to be promising in quality control of oils.
Solid‐phase extraction in combination with GC/MS for the quantification of free fatty acids in adipocere
Authors: Notter Stephanie J. , Stuart Barbara H. , Dent Boyd B. , Keegan Jim
Published: January 2008

Current research investigating the effect of specific aquatic microenvironments on the formation of adipocere using domesticated pigs (Sus scrofa) has demonstrated the need for a fast and reliable method to separate and identify fatty acids present in adipocere. Adipocere is defined as a late‐stage post‐mortem decomposition product consisting of a mixture of free fatty acids (FFA), which have formed under favorable conditions due to the hydrolysis of triglycerides in adipose tissue. Whilst good separations of adipocere lipids have been achieved using TLC, this method is time consuming when processing large numbers of samples. This paper describes a rapid and simple method for the extraction, identification and quantification of FFA commonly found in adipocere, by solid‐phase extraction (SPE) using aminopropyl disposable columns in combination with GC/MS. The recoveries of FFA associated with adipocere were all above 90%, with coefficients of variation below 10%, indicating that the technique was reproducible. The limits of quantification were registered at levels of parts per million. Standard curves were linear over the range of 50–1000 µg/mL, with all correlation coefficient values greater than 0.998. A marked increase in concentration of saturated fatty acids was observed during adipocere formation, ranging from 20 to 55% for palmitic acid, 13 to 23% for stearic acid and 2.8 to 4.1% for myristic acid. These results demonstrate the suitability of aminopropyl disposable SPE columns to efficiently and rapidly isolate FFA from adipocere prior to quantitative GC/MS analysis.
An image analysis suite for spot detection and spot matching in two‐dimensional electrophoresis gels
Authors: Srinark Thitiwan , Kambhamettu Chandra
Published: January 2008

We propose a suite of novel algorithms for image analysis of protein expression images obtained from 2‐D electrophoresis. These algorithms are a segmentation algorithm for protein spot identification, and an algorithm for matching protein spots from two corresponding images for differential expression study. The proposed segmentation algorithm employs the watershed transformation, k‐means analysis, and distance transform to locate the centroids and to extract the regions of the proteins spots. The proposed spot matching algorithm is an integration of the hierarchical‐based and optimization‐based methods. The hierarchical method is first used to find corresponding pairs of protein spots satisfying the local cross‐correlation and overlapping constraints. The matching energy function based on local structure similarity, image similarity, and spatial constraints is then formulated and optimized. Our new algorithm suite has been extensively tested on synthetic and actual 2‐D gel images from various biological experiments, and in quantitative comparisons with ImageMaster2D Platinum™ the proposed algorithms exhibit better spot detection and spot matching.
Micellar electrokinetic chromatographic screening of letrozole and its metabolite in human urine: Validation and robustness/ruggedness evaluation
Authors: Rodríguez‐Flores Juana , Contento Salcedo Ana M. , Villaseñor Llerena Maria J. , Muñoz Fernández Lorena
Published: January 2008

A simple, rapid, and sensitive method has been proposed and validated to directly quantify letrozole (LE) and its metabolite, bis‐4‐cyanophenylmethanol (ME) in urine samples (without any additional treatment) by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC). In an effort to improve the selectivity and sensitivity of the method, the chemical and instrumental parameters were optimized. The best conditions were: 70 mM borate buffer (pH 9.2) and 40 mM SDS as BGE, 25 kV and 20°C as working voltage and temperature, respectively, with hydrodynamic injection for 6 s. The reliability of the proposed method was also proved by means of a validation procedure based on precision, accuracy, linearity, LOD (15 μg/L for both of them) and LOQ studies. Moreover, an innovatory experimental and statistical design approach, upon a Plackett‐Burman fractional factorial model, which involves the simultaneous evaluation of the global robustness and ruggedness effects, was applied. As it has been already stated, the proposed method has been successfully used to directly quantify both compounds in human urine samples, without any additional treatment, but the previously reached LOD and LOQ values can be improved by applying an SPE preconcentration procedure, also developed and optimized by the authors in this work. Real determinations of these analytes in clinical urines of a patient under LE treatment were performed, too.
CE study of neuroprotective humanin peptide and its derivatives: Interactions with phosphate, sulphate, alkylsulphonates and sulphated‐β‐CD
Authors: Havel Josef , Li Rong , Macka Mirek
Published: January 2008

Humanin (HN), Met–Ala–Pro–Arg–Gly–Phe–Ser–Cys–Leu–Leu–Leu–Leu–Thr–Ser–Glu–IIe–Asp–Leu–Pro–Val–Lys–Arg–Arg–Ala, recently discovered in the human brain, is an important neuroprotective peptide. Some derivatives of HN show even higher biological activity, for example [G‐14]‐HN, where Ser at position 14 is replaced with Gly. As structurally related HN peptide derivatives have similar chemical properties, their separation by CE is difficult. In this work, the electrophoretic behaviour of HN derivatives including [G‐14]‐HN, a tryptophan HN derivative [W‐14]‐HN, several other HN derivatives and HN fragments was studied. While phosphate buffer was used as the general BGE, the effects of the buffer concentration and various additives were examined, including sulphate, heptane sulphonate, 2‐morpholinoethanesulphonic acid N‐[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]‐2‐aminoethane sulphonic acid (TES), sulphated‐β‐CD and β‐CD. Separation efficiency of 200 000 theoretical plates was achieved in a BGE of 80 mM phosphate at pH 2.5 where seven out of nine major peaks were partially separated. By investigating the influence of concentration of the interrogated ions on peptides migration, the association between positively charged protonated sites of peptides and various anions was proved. Especially a strong interaction with phosphate, sulphate and sulphonate groups was established. Conditional stability constant of the [Pepz+, (H2PO4−)n]z − n ion associate (n = 1) for [G‐14]‐HN equals to log K ∼ 1.78.
Microchip micellar electrokinetic chromatography separation of alkaloids with UV‐absorbance spectral detection
Authors: Newman Carl I. D. , Giordano Braden C. , Copper Christine L. , Collins Greg E.
Published: January 2008

A microchip device is demonstrated for the electrophoretic separation and UV‐absorbance spectral detection of four toxic alkaloids: colchicine, aconitine, strychnine, and nicotine. A fused‐silica (quartz) microchip containing a simple cross geometry is utilized to perform the separations, and a miniature, fiber‐optic CCD spectrometer is coupled to the microchip for detection. Sensitive UV‐absorbance detection is achieved via the application of online preconcentration techniques in combination with the quartz microchip substrate which contains an etched bubble‐cell for increased pathlength. The miniature CCD spectrometer is configured to detect light between 190 and 645 nm and LabView programming written in‐house enables absorbance spectra as well as separations to be monitored from 210 to 400 nm. Consequently, the configuration of this microchip device facilitates qualitative and quantitative separations via simultaneous spatial and spectral resolution of solutes. UV‐absorbance limits of quantification for colchicine, 20 μM (8 mg/L); strychnine, 50 μM (17 mg/L); aconitine, 50 μM (32 mg/L); and nicotine, 100 μM (16 mg/L) are demonstrated on the microchip. With the exception of aconitine, these concentrations are ≥20‐times more sensitive than lethal dose monitoring requirements. Finally, this device is demonstrated to successfully detect each toxin in water, skim milk, and apple juice samples spiked at sublethal dose concentrations after a simple, SPE procedure.
Tungstate as complex‐forming reagent facilitating separation of selected polyphenols by capillary electrophoresis and its comparison with borate
Authors: Jáč Pavel , Polášek Miroslav , Batista Ana I. V. , Kaderová Lenka
Published: January 2008

A novel electrophoretic BGE containing tungstate as complex‐forming reagent is suitable for the separation of polyphenols. Similar to molybdate‐containing BGE reported earlier (cf. M. Polášek, et al.., Talanta 2006, 69, 192) addition of tungstate to BGE affects significantly migration of compounds/ligands with vicinal –OH groups due to the formation of negatively charged complexes involving W(VI) as central ion. Baseline separation of mixtures of flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, hyperoside, quercetin, and rutin) and phenolic acids (chlorogenic and p‐coumaric acid) was achieved within 15 min with optimized BGE of pH 7.4 containing 50 mM N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)piperazine‐2′‐(2‐ethanesulfonic acid) (HEPES), 2.2 mM tungstate, and 25% v/v of methanol. The separation was performed in a 75 cm (effective length 42 cm)×75 μm id uncoated fused‐silica capillary at 30 kV with spectrophotometric detection at 275 nm. The calibration curves were rectilinear for 25–175 μg/mL of all analytes (cinnamic acid as the internal standard). The LODs ranged from 1.8 to 6 μg/mL for all analytes except for chlorogenic acid. Intraday precision (n = 6) of migration times (RSD ≤ 1.2%) and peak areas (RSD ≤ 5.6%) was evaluated. The tungstate‐based BGEs can be alternatively utilized for the analysis of polyphenols at considerably lower pH than with conventional alkaline borate‐based BGEs.
Analysis of Bacillus globigii spores by CE
Authors: Chichester Kimberly D. , Silcott David B. , Colyer Christa L.
Published: January 2008

It is imperative in today's world that harmful airborne or solution‐based microbes can be detected quickly and efficiently. Bacillus globigii (Bg) spores are used as a simulant for Bacillus anthracis (Ba) due to their similar shape, size, and cellular makeup. The utility of CE to separate and detect low levels of Bg spore concentrations will be evaluated. To differentiate spores from background particulates, several dyes, including fluorescamine, C‐10, NN‐127, Red‐1c, and indocyanine green (ICG), were utilized as noncovalent labels for proteins on the Bg spore surface, as well as for HSA and homoserine standards. On‐column labeling, with dye present in the running buffer, was utilized to obtain greater sensitivity and better separation. CE with LIF detection enables interactions between the dye and spore surface proteins to be observed, with enhanced fluorescence occurring upon binding of the dye to surface protein. Resulting electropherograms showed unique fingerprints for each dye with Bg spores. Migration times were under 10 min for all dye–spore complexes, with net mobilities ranging from 3.5×10−4 to 6.9×10−4 cm2 V−1s−1, and calibration curves yielded correlation coefficients of 0.98 or better for four of the dyes studied.
LCDA from industrial systems using control network: A monitoring and assessment scheme for sustainability
Authors: Mahalik Nitaigour P. , Au Tony
Published: January 2008

This article presents a study on life cycle assessment (LCA) and its implications in the industrial systems. It considers the implementation scenario of traditional LCA in terms of LCDA (life cycle data acquisition). LCDA is considered as scheme or methodology to advocate sustainability and evolution of industrial systems or infrastructure. In this article an implementation possibility study of LCDA is carried out. The usefulness of the LCDA from various prospective are discussed and summarized. Low cost, high performance, small size microprocessor networked technology, and sensing techniques are used to implement LCDA. Since industrial systems are distributed in nature we select fieldbus type system, the control networking system, as one of the main implementation tools. Two industrial platforms such as an autonomous guided vehicle and a material handling system are chosen as the study targets. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2008
Protection of some aroma volatiles in a model wine medium by sulphur dioxide and mixtures of glutathione with caffeic acid or gallic acid
Authors: Roussis Ioannis G. , Sergianitis Spyros
Published: January 2008

Sulphur dioxide and mixtures of glutathione with caffeic acid or gallic acid were tested as inhibitors of the decrease of isoamyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate and linalool during storage of a model wine medium. Model wine samples were analysed by SPME and GC–MS. Isoamyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate and linalool decreased during storage of the model wine medium containing 0, 20, 40 or 60 mg/l free SO2. SO2 protected the three volatiles at 20 (isoamyl acetate), 40 (ethyl hexanoate) and 60 mg/l (linalool). Mixtures of glutathione with caffeic acid or gallic acid were also protective; they were more active at 10 + 30 mg/l than at 5 + 15 mg/l. Glutathione + caffeic acid was more effective than glutathione + gallic acid. In most cases, SO2 at 40 mg/l increased the protective effect of the mixtures. SO2 at 60 mg/l exhibited protective ability comparable to that of glutathione + gallic acid 5 + 15 mg/l. The present results indicate that SO2 protects some wine aroma volatiles, but at high concentrations. On the other hand, mixtures of the wine constituents glutathione + caffeic acid or gallic acid are more effective at concentrations similar to those existing in wines. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Induction of class I antigen processing components in oligodendroglia and microglia during viral encephalomyelitis
Authors: Malone Karen E. , Stohlman Stephen A. , Ramakrishna Chandran , Macklin Wendy , Bergmann Cornelia C.
Published: January 2008

Glia exhibit differential susceptibility to CD8 T cell mediated effector mechanisms during neurotropic coronavirus infection. In contrast to microglia, oligodendroglia are resistant to CD8 T cell perforin‐mediated viral control in the absence of IFNγ. Kinetic induction of MHC Class I expression by microglia and oligodendroglia in vivo was thus analyzed to assess responses to distinct inflammatory signals. Flow cytometry demonstrated delayed Class I surface expression by oligodendroglia compared with microglia. Distinct kinetics of Class I protein upregulation correlated with cell type specific transcription patterns of genes encoding Class I heavy chains and antigen processing components. Microglia isolated from naïve mice expressed high levels of these mRNAs, whereas they were near detection limits in oligodendroglia; nevertheless, Class I protein was undetectable on both cell types. Infection induced modest mRNA increases in microglia, but dramatic transcriptional upregulation in oligodendroglia coincident with IFNα or IFNγ mRNA increases in infected tissue. Ultimately mRNAs reached similar levels in both cell types at their respective time points of maximal Class I expression. Expression of Class I on microglia, but not oligodendroglia, in infected IFNγ deficient mice supported distinct IFN requirements for Class I presentation. These data suggest an innate immune preparedness of microglia to present antigen and engage CD8 T cells early following infection. The delayed, yet robust, IFNγ dependent capacity of oligodendroglia to express Class I suggests strict control of immune interactions to avoid CD8 T cell recognition and potential presentation of autoantigen to preserve myelin maintenance. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐chain ceramide is elevated in presenilin 1 (PS1M146V) mouse brain and induces apoptosis in PS1 astrocytes
Authors: Wang Guanghu , Silva Jeane , Dasgupta Somsankar , Bieberich Erhard
Published: January 2008

The pro‐apoptotic sphingolipid ceramide plays an emergent role in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), although its function for neurodegeneration is not known. We determined the concentration and composition of ceramide in hippocampal tissue from newborn presenilin 1 (PS1) knock‐in (PS1M146V) mice, a mouse model for early‐onset familial AD. We found that PS1 tissue contains 3.1 (±0.5)‐fold more total ceramide than wild‐type tissue. In particular, the proportion of C20 and C24 ceramide is increased by 4.0‐ or 8.5‐fold, respectively. The ceramide elevation in PS1 brain is consistent with a 3.7 (±0.5)‐fold increase of the protein level of the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR, which has been suggested to stimulate the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin to generate ceramide. The predominance of C20 and C24 ceramide is concurrent with the elevated gene expression of lass 2 and lass 4, two isoforms of ceramide synthase that generate dihydroceramide with long‐chain fatty acid. Our study indicates that primary cultured astrocytes but not neurons from PS1 mice undergo apoptosis when incubated with C20 ceramide. In contrast, wild‐type astrocytes remain unaffected. The sensitivity of PS1 astrocytes is most likely due to the 9.5 (±0.4)‐fold elevated expression of PAR‐4 (prostate apoptosis response‐4), a protein that inhibits atypical PKCζ/λ in the presence of ceramide. Our results suggest that astroglial death due to ceramide/PAR‐4‐induced apoptosis may critically contribute to the etiology of AD. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Involvement of α 1‐2‐fucosyltransferase I (FUT1) and surface‐expressed lewisy (CD174) in first endothelial cell–cell contacts during angiogenesis
Authors: Moehler Thomas M. , Sauer Sandra , Witzel Maximilian , Andrulis Mindaugas , Garcia‐Vallejo Juan J. , Grobholz Rainer , Willhauck‐Fleckenstein Martina , Greiner Axel , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Schwartz‐Albiez Reinhard
Published: January 2008

During the initiation of tumor associated angiogenesis endothelial cells migrate, adhere to extracellular matrix and form cell–cell contacts. Humoral factors of malignant cells conduct this process. We investigated whether cell surface expression of the carbohydrate blood group determinant Lewisy (CD174) and its precursor structure H2 (CD173) on endothelial cells is influenced by soluble factors of tumor cells. Using a bone marrow derived endothelial cell line we observed an enhanced expression of CD173/CD174 and transcription of FUT1, the key enzyme for their synthesis, after treatment with tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) or conditioned supernatants of the leukemia cell line KG1a. CD173/CD174 are concentrated on pseudopodial extensions responsible for initial contacts between endothelial cells. Endothelial migration induced by TNF‐α could be diminished by antibodies to CD174 as well as by siRNA induced downmodulation of FUT1 transcription. Endothelial FUT1‐siRNA‐transfectants displayed impaired in vitro angiogenesis when cultivated on extracellular matrix and in spheroid assays. In vivo upregulation of CD174 expression was observed immunocytologically in capillaries of tumor‐infiltrated tissue. Together, our observations point to a tumor induced transcription of endothelial FUT1 and consequently an enhanced expression of CD174 which is involved in migration and early cell–cell contacts during tumor associated angiogenesis. J. Cell. Physiol. 215: 27–36, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cdk9/Cyclin T1 complex: A key player during the activation/differentiation process of normal lymphoid B cells
Authors: De Falco Giulia , Leucci Eleonora , Onnis Anna , Bellan Cristiana , Tigli Chiara , Wirths Stefan , Cerino Giovanna , Cocco Mario , Crupi Domenica , De Luca Antonio , Lanzavecchia Antonio , Tosi Piero , Leoncini Lorenzo , Giordano Antonio
Published: January 2008

Cdk9/Cyclin T1 complex is very important in controlling specific differentiative pathways of several cell types. Limited data are available regarding the expression of Cdk9/Cyclin T1 in hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues. Cdk9/Cyclin T1 expression seems to be related to particular stages of lymphoid differentiation/activation. In this study, we observed that the expression level of Cdk9/Cyclin T1 in vivo increases in memory B cells compared to naïve B cells, and in activated B cells, compared to non‐activated ones. The expression level of the Cdk9/Cyclin T1 complex does not increase in cells induced to differentiate in vitro. In addition, we showed that Cdk9 interacts with E12 and E47, specifically activated during Germinal Center (GC) reaction. Taken together this data suggests an active role for the Cdk9/Cyclin T1 complex during lymphoid differentiation through germinal center reaction. J. Cell. Physiol. 215: 276–282, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of synthesis yields of 3′‐deoxy‐3′‐[18F]fluorothymidine by nucleophilic fluorination in various alcohol solvents
Authors: Lee Sang Ju , Oh Seung Jun , Chi Dae Yoon , Lee Byoung Se , Ryu Jin Sook , Moon Dae Hyuk
Published: January 2008

[18F]Fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT) is synthesized with a high radiochemical yield by nucleophilic substitution in protic solvent. In this study, we compared [18F]fluorination yields of [18F]fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT) in various alcohol solvents: 3,3‐dimethyl‐1‐butanol, 2‐trifluoromethyl‐2‐propanol, t‐BuOH (2‐methyl‐2‐propanol), t‐amyl alcohol (2‐methyl‐2‐butanol), thexyl alcohol (2,3‐dimethyl‐2‐butanol) and 3,3‐dimethyl‐2‐butanol. We used 5′‐O‐DMTr‐2′‐deoxy‐3′‐O‐nosyl‐β‐D‐threopentofuranosyl)‐3‐N‐BOC‐thymine as a precursor for [18F]fluorination. [18F]F− was eluted with TBAHCO3 solution after trapping [18F]F− on a PS‐HCO3 cartridge. [18F]fluorination was performed at 100°C for 5–30 min using 20 mg of the precursor. [18F]fluorination and radiochemical yields of [18F]FLT were evaluated by radioTLC. [18F]fluorination yields were dependent on the solvent used. All tertiary alcohol solvents, except 2‐trifluoromethyl‐2‐propanol, showed >85% of [18F]fluorination yields, whereas primary and secondary alcohols showed 26.3–71.8%. The highest yield of 94.1±4.4% was obtained with thexyl alcohol after [18F]fluorination for 5 min. Automated synthesis with t‐amyl alcohol resulted in high synthetic yields of 64.6±6.1% after high‐performance liquid chromatography purification (n=43). The use of tertiary alcohol as a solvent provides high radiochemical yields of [18F]FLT. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of normal canine anterior cruciate ligament–associated synoviocytes
Authors: Vasanjee Sunil C. , Paulsen Daniel , Hosgood Giselle , Robinson Sandra O. , Lopez Mandi J.
Published: January 2008

This study was designed to identify and quantify synoviocyte phenotypes enveloping the canine anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) to test the hypothesis that there are at least two synoviocyte phenotypes, each with distinct quantities and topographical distributions. CD18 and HSP25 epitopes were colocalized in the synovium of 10 normal canine ACLs. Sagittal sections were prepared from medial, central, and lateral aspects of each ACL and phenotypes were quantified in the proximal, middle, and distal aspects of each section. Distinct synoviocyte populations stained positive for CD18 (CD18+) or HSP25 (HSP25+), and a small population of cells stained for both epitopes (DS+). The proportion (mean ± SEM) of HSP25+ synoviocytes (57% ± 7.5%) was significantly greater than the proportion of CD18+ synoviocytes (27% ± 8.2%), which was significantly greater than the proportion of DS+ synoviocytes (16% ± 3.5%). Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), Western blot analysis, and immunoelectron microscopy confirmed the presence of CD18 and HSP25 epitopes in the canine ACL. Identification and quantification of ACL synoviocytes may serve as the foundation for future studies involving ACL disease or reconstruction. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:809–815, 2008
Raman spectroscopic analysis of azurite blackening
Authors: Mattei E. , de Vivo G. , De Santis A. , Gaetani C. , Pelosi C. , Santamaria U.
Published: January 2008

Azurite is a basic copper carbonate pigment largely employed in painting realization. The areas painted with azurite are easily alterable and are often less resistant than the other parts of artworks. The azurite alteration in a black pigment, the copper oxide (tenorite), has been studied by micro‐Raman spectroscopy. The blackening can be due to thermal or chemical alterations: in the second case the alterations being due to the presence of alkaline conditions. Laser‐induced degradation of azurite has been studied as a function of the grain size. The results show that the temperature of the grains decreases as the size increases, and azurite degrades into tenorite only below the critical value of 25 µm. To study the chemical alteration of azurite, the pigment has been applied on the plaster of terracotta samples and analyzed at different pH values by micro‐Raman spectroscopy. As opposed to most part of the analytical techniques, it can detect the presence of both azurite and tenorite molecules in the same micro areas, and provides a valuable tool to determine azurite degradation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopy of ion‐irradiated astrophysically relevant materials
Authors: Baratta G. A. , Brunetto R. , Leto G. , Palumbo M. E. , Spinella F. , Strazzulla G.
Published: January 2008

Solid objects in space (interstellar grains, comets, interplanetary dust particles, etc.) are continuously exposed to energetic processes, such as cosmic ion irradiation, that influence their evolution. In this paper we present an experimental study, carried out by Raman spectroscopy, of the effects induced by ion irradiation on frozen ices and refractory materials. If the irradiated ice mixture contains a relevant amount of carbon atoms, the ice is converted into an organic residue (stable at room temperature), which at high irradiation dose evolves toward a hydrogenated amorphous carbon. Here we show that material similar to that produced in the laboratory by ion irradiation of frozen ice mixtures and refractory materials can be formed in space by cosmic ion irradiation. This finding has been recently confirmed by the Stardust mission, which revealed in some of the cometary particles collected in space and returned to earth carbonaceous materials that have been processed by cosmic ion irradiation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Second‐order Raman scattering from linear carbon chains inside multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Cupolillo A. , Castriota M. , Cazzanelli E. , Caputi L. , Giallombardo C. , Mariotto G. , Papagno L.
Published: January 2008

The present investigation concerns multiwalled carbon nanotubes synthesized on graphite cathodes by arc discharge in a He atmosphere, either with the insertion of a catalytic NiCr mixture or without catalysts. The morphology of the deposited cathodes was investigated by SEM, while the amount of carbon chains inside multiwalled carbon nanotubes (C@MWCNT) in various regions of the deposited cathodes was revealed by a parallel micro‐Raman study, through the analysis of the signal from the Raman bands generated by C@MWCNT in the range 1780–1870 cm−1 (L bands). In samples obtained by using the catalyst, a very high concentration of linear carbon chains is found in some zones, as indicated by the intensity of the L band, which turns out remarkably stronger than the G band of the host nanotubes. In these zones, the second‐order Raman scattering is clearly observed, too. The experimental wavenumber values of the 2 L overtone are slightly lower than the exact doubling of the one‐phonon peak wavenumber, and this fact is discussed in terms of the existing theoretical predictions for the chain‐mode dispersion curve. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopy of Bi‐Te thin films
Authors: Russo V. , Bailini A. , Zamboni M. , Passoni M. , Conti C. , Casari C. S. , Li Bassi A. , Bottani C. E.
Published: January 2008

The deposition of micro‐ and nanocrystalline bismuth telluride thin films with tailored structure and composition is of interest in view of improving the well‐known material thermoelectric properties. Only a few works exist that discuss Raman scattering of Bi2Te3 crystals and films, while a Raman characterization of other phases, i.e. other lesser known compounds of the Bi‐Te system, such as tsumoite (BiTe) and pilsenite (Bi4Te3), is still completely lacking. We here present a Raman investigation of Bi‐Te polycrystalline thin films with controlled structure (stoichiometry and growth orientation), morphology and phase composition, produced by nanosecond pulsed laser deposition. Interpretation of Raman spectra from Bi‐Te films was supported by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X‐Ray diffraction measurements, together with the predictions of the group theory. In this way, the first Raman characterization of Bi‐rich phases (namely BiTe and Bi4Te3) has been obtained. For Bi‐Te compositions characterized by a high Bi or Te content, Raman spectra reveal that segregation of elemental Bi or Te occurs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micro‐Raman investigations on the fresco ‘Trapasso della Vergine’ in the Church of ‘S. Giovanni Battista’ of Paterno Calabro in southern Italy
Authors: Castriota Marco , Meduri Emanuela , Barone Tiziana , De Santo Giuseppe , Cazzanelli Enzo
Published: January 2008

In this work, a micro‐Raman spectroscopic investigation was carried out to identify the pigments used in the fresco ‘Trapasso della Vergine’. This fresco is in the Church of S. Giovanni Battista (St. John the Baptist) in Paterno Calabro, southern Italy, and is believed to have been painted during the first half of the 16th century, on the basis of the available historical documents. The analysis was performed on five specimens belonging to significant zones of the fresco, detached because of the degradation processes. Raman spectra were collected by a Jobin Yvon micro‐Raman LABRAM apparatus, with a HeNe laser (632.8 nm) as excitation source. The white, blue and red pigments were identified. Some indications were obtained about the geographical origin of the pigments and a restoration in the 19th century. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.