bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intermediate frequency zero‐crossing detection of filtered MSK based on irregular sampling
Authors: Scholand Tobias , Jung Peter
Published: April 2007

Short range communication systems such as Bluetooth and DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) deploy Gaussian frequency shift keying (GFSK), which is a continuous phase modulation (CPM) scheme derived from minimum shift keying (MSK). Since these short range communication systems require low‐cost transceiver structures, the development of appropriate receiver techniques has been a major research topic. Particularly, analogue limiter‐‐discriminator‐‐integrator (LDI) dump filtering techniques have received considerable attention. With the availability of digital signal processing (DSP), the digital implementation of LDI techniques has become increasingly attractive. In order to make LDI receivers more accessible, zero‐crossing detection was proposed. First, the authors shall focus on the establishment of an appropriate mathematical discrete‐time system model, taking bandlimiting receiver filters into account explicitly. This system model serves as the basis for the development of a multitude of digital zero‐crossing detection techniques. Starting from this mathematical discrete‐time system model, the authors shall focus on a novel, yet promising, approach to digital zero‐crossing detection in the intermediate frequency domain, using irregular sampling instead of the commonly employed regular sampling. The novel detectors shall be termed zero‐crossing decorrelation detectors (ZXDDs), because a decorrelating approach will be used. The authors shall present three different variants of the ZXDD. The performance of these ZXDD schemes has been analysed in simulations by the authors and obtained results shall be presented and compared to the performance of known LDI and zero‐crossing detection based techniques. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Leise rieselt der Putz
Authors: Hinsch Klaus , Joost Holger
Published: April 2007

Erschütterungen gefährden historische Wandmalereien. Ein neues akustisch‐optisches Messverfahren kann losen Putz aus der Ferne aufspüren
HPV related VIN: Highly proliferative and diminished responsiveness to extracellular signals
Authors: Santegoets Lindy A.M. , Seters Manon van , Helmerhorst Theo J.M. , Heijmans‐Antonissen Claudia , Hanifi‐Moghaddam Payman , Ewing Patricia C. , van IJcken Wilfred F.J. , van der Spek Peter J. , van der Meijden Willem I. , Blok Leen J.
Published: April 2007

Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is a premalignant disorder caused by human papillomaviruses. Basic knowledge about the molecular pathogenesis of VIN is sparse. Therefore, we have analyzed the gene expression profile of 9 VIN samples in comparison to 10 control samples by using genome wide Affymetrix Human U133A plus2 GeneChips. Results were validated by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR analysis and immunostaining of a few representative genes (TACSTD1, CCNE2, AR and ESR1). Significance analysis of microarrays (SAM) showed that 1,497 genes were differentially expressed in VIN compared to controls. By analyzing the biological processes affected by the observed differences, we found that VIN appears to be a highly proliferative disease; many cyclins (CCNA, CCNB and CCNE) and almost all prereplication complex proteins are upregulated. Thereby, VIN does not seem to depend for its proliferation on paracrine or endocrine signals. Many receptors (for example ESR1 and AR) and ligands are downregulated. Furthermore, although VIN is not an invasive disease, the inhibition of expression of a marked number of cell–cell adhesion molecules seems to indicate development towards invasion. Upon reviewing apoptosis and angiogenesis, it was observed that these processes have not become significantly disregulated in VIN. In conclusion: although VIN is still a premalignant disease, it already displays several hallmarks of cancer. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Birth weight and the risk of testicular cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Michos Athanasios , Xue Fei , Michels Karin B.
Published: April 2007

The high incidence of testicular cancer in young males indicates a potential role of events during early life. Birth weight has been identified as a factor possibly associated with the risk of cancers later in life. To investigate the association between birth weight and testicular cancer, we conducted a Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of published studies investigating the association between birth weight and testicular cancer. Data were combined using a fixed‐effects model. Thirteen epidemiologic studies, published between 1983 and 2004, were included in the analysis, encompassing 5,663 patients with testicular cancer. Men weighing less than 2,500 grams at birth had a higher risk for developing testicular cancer later in life than those with normal birth weight (2,500–4,000 g) (OR = 1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.38). A similar trend was found for men with a birth weight above 4,000 g, (OR = 1.12; 95% CI 1.02–1.22). When seminoma and nonseminoma testicular cancer cases were considered separately, low birth weight was a risk factor specifically for seminomas (OR = 1.44; 95% CI 1.11–1.88). A U‐shaped association was observed between birth weight and the risk for testicular cancer. The underlying biological mechanisms for this phenomenon remain to be elucidated. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surveillance for familial breast cancer: Differences in outcome according to BRCA mutation status
Authors: Moller Pal , Evans D. Gareth , Reis Marta M. , Gregory Helen , Anderson Elaine , Maehle Lovise , Lalloo Fiona , Howell Anthony , Apold Jaran , Clark Neal , Lucassen Anneke , Steel C. Michael
Published: April 2007

Women with a family history of breast cancer are commonly offered regular clinical or mammographic surveillance from age 30. Data on the efficacy of such programmes are limited. Clinical, pathological and outcome data were recorded on all breast and ovarian cancers diagnosed within familial breast cancer surveillance programmes at collaborating centers in Norway and the UK up to the end of 2005. These have been analyzed according to the mutation status of the affected women (BRCA1+ve, BRCA2+ve or mutation‐negative). Breast cancer was diagnosed in 442 patients subsequently followed for a total of 2095 years. Eighty‐nine (20%) had BRCA1 mutations, 35 (8%) BRCA2 mutations and in 318 (72%) no mutation could be detected (“mut neg”). Five‐year survival in BRCA1 was 73% compared to 96% in BRCA2 and 92% in mut neg (p = 0.000). Among BRCA1 mutation‐carriers, 5‐year survival was 67% for cases diagnosed as carcinoma in situ, 84% for node‐negative invasive cancers and 58% for those with nodal involvement (p > 0.05). For BRCA2 mutation‐carriers the corresponding figures were 100, 100 and 90% (p > 0.05), while for mut neg women they were 100, 97 and 71% (p = 0.03). Regular surveillance in women at increased familial risk of breast cancer is associated with a good outcome if they carry BRCA2 mutations or no detectable mutation. Carriers of BRCA1 mutations fare significantly worse, even when their tumors are diagnosed at an apparently early stage. The differences in outcome associated with different genetic causes of disease were associated with demonstrated differences in tumor biology. The findings demonstrate the outcome for genetically different breast cancers detected within a programme for early diagnosis and treatment, which is relevant to genetic counseling when women at risk have to chose between the options for preventing death from inherited breast cancer. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contribution of the alcohol dehydrogenase‐1B genotype and oral microorganisms to high salivary acetaldehyde concentrations in Japanese alcoholic men
Authors: Yokoyama Akira , Tsutsumi Eri , Imazeki Hiromi , Suwa Yoshihide , Nakamura Chizu , Yokoyama Tetsuji
Published: April 2007

The less‐active homozygous alcohol dehydrogenase‐1B (ADH1B*1/*1) and inactive heterozygous aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 (ALDH2*1/*2) increase the risk of upper aerodigestive tract cancer (UADTC) in Japanese alcoholics. We evaluated associations between ADH1B/ALDH2 genotypes and the blood and salivary ethanol/acetaldehyde levels of 80 Japanese alcoholic men in the morning when they first visited our hospital after drinking the day before. Higher levels of ethanol persisted in the blood for longer periods in ADH1B*1/*1 carriers (n = 25) than in ADH1B*2 allele carriers after adjustment for the amount and time of the preceding alcohol consumption and body weight [median (25th–75th %): 20.5 mM (15.5–52.4) vs. below detection level (<DL) (<DL‐6.4), p = 0.0003]. The ethanol levels in blood and saliva were similar, but the acetaldehyde levels in saliva were strikingly higher than in the blood, and were higher in ADH1B*1/*1 carriers than in ADH1B*2 allele carriers [47.4 μM (22.2–87.6) vs. 1.60 (<DL‐26.3) in the saliva, p = 0.009]. The salivary acetaldehyde levels were correlated with salivary acetaldehyde production (r = 0.34, p = 0.002). The oral bacteria and yeast counts were correlated with salivary acetaldehyde production. Both the microorganisms counts and acetaldehyde production decreased after 3 weeks of abstinence, and the decreases were correlated (r = 0.35, p = 0.042). No effect of inactive ALDH2 (n = 12) on ethanol lingering the next morning was observed. In conclusion, the high salivary acetaldehyde levels in the alcoholics were partly attributable to prolonged ethanol exposure because of the less‐active ADH1B and increased salivary acetaldehyde production as a result of oral microorganism overgrowth, and may explain their high risk for UADTC. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Parental representations and subclinical changes in postpartum mood
Authors: Mayes Linda C. , Leckman James F.
Published: April 2007

Parents commonly experience a depressed mood in the immediate postpartum period, and a smaller proportion experience clinical postpartum depression. Among other factors, mental representations of early parenting experience appear to contribute to the development of major depressive disorder. The present study examines the role of mental representations of early parenting in subclinical fluctuations of parental mood in the peripartum period. Forty‐one middle‐class mothers and thirty‐six fathers were interviewed on three occasions from late in their pregnancy until three months postpartum. Ratings of social support and past history of depression were obtained along with ratings of parents' perceptions of their early parenting experiences. Parents' perception of their own maternal care was significantly predictive of peripartum fluctuations in mood. Parents who perceived their own mothers as less caring showed more dysphoria at 8 months gestation, and at 2 weeks and 3 months postpartum. Perceptions of maternal protectiveness or fathers' caring and protectiveness were not related to prenatal or postpartum mood fluctuations. Both mothers and fathers who perceived their mothers as affectionless and/or controlling were more likely to experience fluctuations in mood in the peripartum period. A past history of one or more episodes of major depression and ratings of perceived social support were also associated with more peripartum mood fluctuation. These findings suggest that early parenting experiences set the threshold for how vulnerable parents are in the peripartum period to the depressive costs of engaging with a new infant.
Dose effects of cross‐linking polyethylene for total knee arthroplasty on wear performance and mechanical properties
Authors: Asano Taiyo , Akagi Masao , Clarke Ian C. , Masuda Shingo , Ishii Tsunehiro , Nakamura Takashi
Published: April 2007

Wear performance and mechanical properties of cross‐linking polyethylene (XLPE) tibial inserts were investigated using a knee simulator, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and a small punch test (SPT). Ultrahigh molecular weight PE made from GUR1050 resin was irradiated at doses ranging from 0 to 200 kGy and then machined into tibial inserts followed by annealing. The knee simulator was run for up to four million cycles. As the radiation dose increased from 0 to 100 kGy, the wear rate decreased dramatically, yielding 95% wear reduction at 100 kGy. The microwear features observed by SEM supported the dose‐dependent wear reduction. The SPT for XLPE after the simulation test showed that, as the radiation dose increased from 0 to 200 kGy, the ultimate displacement decreased dose‐dependently, while the ultimate load increased from 0 to 75 kGy and decreased from 75 to 200 kGy. The resulting toughness of the PE increased to its maximum at a dose of 50 kGy and then decreased with higher doses up to 200 kGy. PE cross‐linked with radiation doses from 25 to 75 kGy had greater toughness than virgin, nonirradiated PE. However, PE irradiated with 100 kGy or more had lower toughness than virgin PE. These data suggest that a certain amount of irradiation enhances both wear performance and toughness of PE tibial inserts. Although a certain amount of cross‐linking would be effective for clinical application of PE tibial inserts, an optimal radiation dose should be much smaller than that used in current XLPE in total hip arthroplasty. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Importance of the hybrid layer on the bond strength of restorations subjected to cyclic loading
Authors: Yamazaki Paula C. V. , Bedran‐Russo Ana Karina B. , Pereira Patricia N. R.
Published: April 2007

The present study evaluated the long‐term microtensile bond strength of collagen‐depleted dentin followed by cyclic loading. Bovine flat, midcoronal dentin received one of the following surface treatments: acid‐etch or acid‐etched + 5% NaOCl for 2 min. The teeth were restored with Single Bond, Scotchbond Multi‐purpose, One‐Step Plus, or All‐Bond 2 adhesive systems. Half of the specimens were randomly assigned to receive 200,000 cycles (50 N force). Teeth were sectioned into 1 × 1 mm thick slices and stored for 24 h, 1 month, 3 months, or 6 months. Specimens were subjected to tensile testing after elapsed storage time. Samples were analyzed by three‐way ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD (p < 0.05). The results showed that the deproteinized groups without cyclic loading presented lower bond strength when compared with the control group, but the difference was only statistically significant for Single Bond and All‐Bond 2 (p < 0.05). All adhesives presented a decrease in bond strength over time, regardless of the dentin treatment. When cyclic loaded, the decrease in bond strength for the deproteinized group was even greater when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The results suggest that the hybrid layer is important as a stress‐buffering layer when loading is applied, and thus the presence of collagen is essential. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Heat denaturation of fibrinogen to develop a biomedical matrix
Authors: Marx Gerard , Mou Xiaode , Hotovely‐Salomon Anna , Levdansky Lilia , Gaberman Elena , Belenky Dimitry , Gorodetsky Raphael
Published: April 2007

Native and heat denatured fibrinogen are the basis for various matrices used to establish hemostasis as well as for constructing biomedical devices. For example, fibrin microbeads (FMB) prepared by a heated (∼70°C) oil emulsion process were reported to be attractive to mesenchymal‐type cells, such as fibroblasts, endothelial and smooth muscle cells, and useful for isolating mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow. Here, we examined the solution properties of fibrinogen subjected to heat (47–60°C). Fibrinogen exhibited maximal stability of pHmax stab = 6.8. At physiologically relevant concentrations, Ca(II) stabilized and Zn(II) destabilized fibrinogen against heat denaturation. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of precipitated, heat denatured, fibrinogen showed globular structures (∼400 nm diameter), composed of aggregates of >3000 fibrinogen monomers. Monoclonal antibodies (MAb) to various regions of fibrinogen, as well as two polyclonal antibody (Ab) to haptotactic peptides (Haptides) equivalent to or near the C‐termini of β and γ‐chains (β463–483 and γ372–391/411), were used to monitor epitopic changes of fibrinogen bound to and heated on plastic ELISA plates. The pattern of altered Ab binding indicated that fibrinogen heat denaturation on plastic exposed the C‐terminal epitope γ397‐411 as well as Haptide epitopes (β463–483 and γ372–391). Immuno‐staining of FMB prepared by a heated (below 75°C) oil emulsion process, also presented many exposed Haptide epitopes, which probably helped to attract cells. Our results indicated that moderately heat‐denatured fibrinogen, in the form of FMB, could be used for cell culturing and biomedical applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Effect of YSZ thin film coating thickness on the strength of a ceramic substrate
Authors: Teixeira Erica C. , Piascik Jeffrey R. , Stoner Brian R. , Thompson Jeffrey Y.
Published: April 2007

Although ceramics are used for many different biomedical applications they are brittle materials that can be compromised by surface defects when under stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of surface modification with an yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thin film coating on the strength of a machinable dental ceramic. Fifty bars (2 mm ×××× 2 mm ×××× 15 mm) were cut from ProCAD (Ivoclar‐Vivadent) blocks. Specimens were wet‐polished through 1200‐grit SiC abrasive. One surface of each bar was sandblasted with 50 μm Al2O3 abrasive (0.34 MPa). Specimens were further modified through the deposition of a sputtered YSZ thin film on the sandblasted surface. Different thin film thicknesses were evaluated: 1, 3, 5, and 7 μm. Depositions were performed using a radio frequency magnetron sputter system (working pressure of 15 mT, 150°C, 30:1 Ar/O2 gas ratio). Flexural strength measurements were carried out by three‐point bending (span = 10 mm) in a servo‐electric material testing system in DI water (37°C). The results showed that the strength of porcelain significantly increased with the deposition of a 3‐μm YSZ thick coating. A nonlinear relationship was observed between film thickness and strength. Strengthening of porcelain is shown through the application of a sputtered YSZ thin film. It is presumed that the strengthening mechanism is due to modification of surface flaws and/or surface residual stress by the applied thin film. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Transcriptional regulation of aquaporin 3 by insulin
Authors: Higuchi Shota , Kubota Masafumi , Iguchi Kazuhiro , Usui Shigeyuki , Kiho Tadashi , Hirano Kazuyuki
Published: April 2007

In the current study, we identified a regulatory factor for the transcription of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) whose expression is repressed by insulin. We constructed a luciferase reporter vector containing bp −1382 to −12 of the 5′‐flanking region of the AQP3 gene for a reporter gene assay and observed that luciferase activity in transfectants with the plasmid decreased on treatment with insulin. Serial deletion constructs revealed two regions responsible for the insulin‐mediated repression, one between bps −1382 and −780, and the other between bps −404 and −82. mRNA expression of forkhead box a2 (Foxa2), the binding site of which was located between bps −1382 and −780, was found to decrease on treatment with insulin. A mutant reporter plasmid with an altered Foxa2‐binding site and siRNA for the Foxa2 sequence counteracted the insulin‐mediated repression of AQP3 transcription. These results suggest that Foxa2 is one of the transcriptional regulators for AQP3 gene expression regulated by insulin. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 1051–1058, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HSPA1A is an important regulator of the stability and function of ZNF198 and its oncogenic derivative, ZNF198–FGFR1
Authors: Kasyapa Chitta S. , Kunapuli Padmaja , Cowell John K.
Published: April 2007

Mass spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that the HSPA1A protein is found in complex with the ZNF198 protein which is involved in a chromosome rearrangement with the FGFR1 gene in an atypical myeloproliferative disease. HSPA1A is a member of the HSP70 family of genes which has been shown to be inducible in a variety of circumstances. Exogenous expression of the ZNF198–FGFR1 fusion kinase gene as well as ZNF198 in a model cell system results in a large (>650‐fold) increase in HSP70 mRNA levels. Using KNK437, a specific inhibitor of HSP70 transcription, we have demonstrated that an important function of HSPA1A is to stabilize the ZNF198 and ZNF198–FGFR1 proteins. In the absence of HSPA1A, specific functions of ZNF198–FGFR1 such as STAT3 phosphorylation is also lost. Treatment of cells with KNK437 in the presence of MG132, an inhibitor of proteasomal degradation of proteins, suggested that only the ZNF198–FGFR1 protein is subject to the proteasomal degradation pathway, while ZNF198 is not. These observations suggest an important role for HSPA1A in ZNF198 and ZNF198–FGFR1 mediated cellular function. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 1308–1317, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure–Function analysis of secreted frizzled‐related protein‐1 for its Wnt antagonist function
Authors: Bhat Ramesh A. , Stauffer Barbara , Komm Barry S. , Bodine Peter V.N.
Published: April 2007

Secreted frizzled‐related proteins (sFRPs) are glycoproteins that are recognized as Wnt antagonists. To identify the functional domains that are involved in Wnt antagonist function, several sFRP‐1 mutants and sFRP‐1/sFRP‐2 chimeras were generated. These mutants were characterized in an optimized T‐cell factor (TCF)‐luciferase based assay in U2OS human osteosarcoma cells. Deletions of the sFRP‐1 cysteine rich domain (CRD) lead to the complete loss of Wnt antagonist function. A region between amino acids 73–86 within the second loop of the CRD of sFRP‐1 was necessary for the optimal Wnt inhibitory function. Within this region, a conserved tyrosine residue played a critical role, and its change to neutral or polar amino acids lead to decreased Wnt inhibitory activity. The sFRP‐1/sFRP‐2 chimeras with the netrin domain of sFRP‐1 replaced by corresponding sFRP‐2 sequences showed 40–70% loss of Wnt antagonist function. The sFRP‐1/sFRP‐2 chimera with the replacement of C‐terminal 19 amino acids of sFRP‐1 with 11 amino acids of sFRP‐2 resulted in 70% loss of activity indicating that carboxyl‐terminal region of sFRP‐1 is important for its Wnt inhibitory activity. The structure–function analysis studies of sFRP‐1 clearly demonstrate the interaction of several functional domains for its optimal Wnt antagonist function. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 1519–1528, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular cloning and characterization of the Xenopus hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (xHIF1α)
Authors: de Beaucourt Arnaud , Coumailleau Pascal
Published: April 2007

We report the molecular cloning and the characterization of the Xenopus homolog of mammalian hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), a member of the bHLH/PAS transcription factor family. Searches in Xenopus genome sequences and phylogenetic analysis reveal the existence of HIF1α and HIF2α paralogs in the Xenopus laevis species. Sequence data analyses indicate that the organization of protein domains in Xenopus HIF1α (xHIF1α) is strongly conserved. We also show that xHIF1α heterodimerizes with the Xenopus Arnt1 protein (xArnt1) with the proteic complex being mediated by the HLH and PAS domains. Subcellular analysis in a Xenopus XTC cell line using chimeric GFP constructs show that over‐expression of xHIF1α and xArnt1 allows us to detect the xHIF1α/xArnt1 complex in the nucleus, but only in the presence of both partners. Further analyses in XTC cell line show that over‐producing xHIF1α and xArnt1 mediates trans‐activation of the hypoxia response element (HRE) reporter. The trans‐activation level can be increased in hypoxia conditions. Interestingly such trans‐activation properties can be also observed when human Arnt1 is used together with the xHIF1α. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 1542–1552, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CNBP mediates neural crest cell expansion by controlling cell proliferation and cell survival during rostral head development
Authors: Weiner A.M.J. , Allende M.L. , Becker T.S. , Calcaterra Nora B.
Published: April 2007

Striking conservation in various organisms suggests that cellular nucleic acid binding protein (CNBP) plays a fundamental biological role across different species. Recently, it was reported that CNBP is required for forebrain formation during chick and mouse embryogenesis. In this study, we have used the zebrafish model system to expand and contextualize the basic understanding of the molecular mechanisms of CNBP activity during vertebrate head development. We show that zebrafish cnbp is expressed in the anterior CNS in a similar fashion as has been observed in early chick and mouse embryos. Using antisense morpholino oligonucleotide knockdown assays, we show that CNBP depletion causes forebrain truncation while trunk development appears normal. A substantial reduction in cell proliferation and an increase in cell death were observed in the anterior regions of cnbp morphant embryos, mainly within the cnbp expression territory. In situ hybridization assays show that CNBP depletion does not affect CNS patterning while it does cause depletion of neural crest derivatives. Our data suggest an essential role for CNBP in mediating neural crest expansion by controlling proliferation and cell survival rather than via a cell fate switch during rostral head development. This possible role of CNBP may not only explain the craniofacial anomalies observed in zebrafish but also those reported for mice and chicken and, moreover, demonstrates that CNBP plays an essential and conserved role during vertebrate head development. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 1553–1570, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Osteoprotegrin and the bone homing and colonization potential of breast cancer cells
Authors: Kapoor Preeti , Suva Larry J. , Welch Danny R. , Donahue Henry J.
Published: April 2007

Breast cancer cells preferentially metastasize to bone, leading to the formation of primarily osteolytic lesions. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) plays multifactorial roles in the development of osteolytic bone metastases. An increase in the ratio of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) to OPG increases osteoclastogenesis within the bone microenvironment. OPG also acts as a survival factor for cancer cells by protecting them from tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) mediated apoptosis. This study compares OPG production in vitro in a number of breast cancer cell lines exhibiting both differences in metastatic capacity and in preferential metastasis to bone. Our studies demonstrated that OPG expression by MDA‐231, MDA‐MET, and MDA‐231/K cancer cells was directly correlated with bone specific homing and colonization potential but not with metastasis of cancer cells to other organs; both in IL‐1β stimulated and control cells. We also demonstrated expression of other bone‐related markers including type I collagen, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and Runx2 in these cells. However, the generally lower expression of these markers in the bone selective cell line MDA‐MET suggested that increased OPG expression in the bone specific variant was not merely a consequence of enhanced osteomimicry by these cells but that it has a significant role in the metastatic process. Co‐culture of breast cancer cells with osteoblastic cells (hFOB 1.19) led to an overall downregulation in OPG production, which was not affected by the bone homing and colonization potential of the cell lines, suggesting that OPG alone is not indicative of osteolytic bone activity by breast cancer cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 30–41, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dead‐end elimination for multistate protein design
Authors: Yanover Chen , Fromer Menachem , Shifman Julia M.
Published: April 2007

Multistate protein design is the task of predicting the amino acid sequence that is best suited to selectively and stably fold to one state out of a set of competing structures. Computationally, it entails solving a challenging optimization problem. Therefore, notwithstanding the increased interest in multistate design, the only implementations reported are based on either genetic algorithms or Monte Carlo methods. The dead‐end elimination (DEE) theorem cannot be readily transfered to multistate design problems despite its successful application to single‐state protein design. In this article we propose a variant of the standard DEE, called type‐dependent DEE. Our method reduces the size of the conformational space of the multistate design problem, while provably preserving the minimal energy conformational assignment for any choice of amino acid sequence. Type‐dependent DEE can therefore be used as a preprocessing step in any computational multistate design scheme. We demonstrate the applicability of type‐dependent DEE on a set of multistate design problems and discuss its strength and limitations. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2007
Odd–even effects in the homologous series of alkyl‐cyanobiphenyl liquid crystals: A molecular dynamic study
Authors: Capar Mine Ilk , Cebe Emine
Published: April 2007

For the first five members of the homologous series of 4‐n‐alkyl‐4′‐cyanobiphenyls in the nematic and isotropic phases, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed by using a united atom model. An odd–even effect was seen to be found in the molecular length, width, biaxiality, and inertia tensor anisotropy with the length of alkyl chain. The distributions of the molecular length, width, and inertia tensor anisotropy were presented. The orientational distributions of the last CC bonds in the alkyl chain were also evaluated for nematic and isotropic phases. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2007
An object‐oriented library for computational protein design
Authors: Chowdry Arnab B. , Reynolds Kimberly A. , Hanes Melinda S. , Voorhies Mark , Pokala Navin , Handel Tracy M.
Published: April 2007

Recent advances in computational protein design have established it as a viable technique for the rational generation of stable protein sequences, novel protein folds, and even enzymatic activity. We present a new and object‐oriented library of code, written specifically for protein design applications in C++, called EGAD Library. The modular fashion in which this library is written allows developers to tailor various energy functions and minimizers for a specific purpose. It also allows for the generation of novel protein design applications with a minimal amount of code investment. It is our hope that this will permit labs that have not considered protein design to apply it to their own systems, thereby increasing its potential as a tool in biology. We also present various uses of EGAD Library: in the development of Interaction Viewer, a PyMOL plug‐in for viewing interactions between protein residues; in the repacking of protein cores; and in the prediction of protein–protein complex stabilities. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2007
An extended dead‐end elimination algorithm to determine gap‐free lists of low energy states
Authors: Kloppmann Edda , Ullmann G. Matthias , Becker Torsten
Published: April 2007

Proteins are flexible systems and commonly populate several functionally important states. To understand protein function, these states and their energies have to be identified. We introduce an algorithm that allows the determination of a gap‐free list of the low energy states. This algorithm is based on the dead‐end elimination (DEE) theorem and is termed X‐DEE (extended DEE). X‐DEE is applicable to discrete systems whose state energy can be formulated as pairwise interaction between sites and their intrinsic energies. In this article, the computational performance of X‐DEE is analyzed and discussed. X‐DEE is implemented to determine the lowest energy protonation states of proteins, a problem to which DEE has not been applied so far. We use X‐DEE to calculate a list of low energy protonation states for two bacteriorhodopsin structures that represent the first proton transfer step of the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2007
Color doppler sonographic analysis of uterine and ovarian artery blood flow in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Özkan Sebiha , Vural Birol , Çalışkan Eray , Bodur Harika , Türköz Erkan , Vural Füsun
Published: April 2007

Purpose.

To study the blood flow patterns of utero‐ovarian circulation in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to assess their relationship with clinical, metabolic, and hormonal data.

Methods.

Forty‐three women with PCOS and 43 age‐matched healthy controls underwent Doppler examination of the utero‐ovarian circulation in the follicular phase. Demographic, hormonal, and metabolic parameters were determined. Student's t‐test, χ2‐test, and Spearman correlation test were used for statistical analysis.

Results.

The ovarian artery pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), and SD ratios were significantly lower in PCOS than in controls on the right side (p < 0.001, p = 0.02, p = 0.001, respectively) as well as on the left side (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). The uterine artery systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio was higher on both sides (p = 0.01) and the PI was higher on the left side (p = 0.02) in PCOS than in controls. The right uterine artery PI was positively correlated with luteinizing hormone and hemoglobin (r = 0.417, p = 0.043; r = 0.427, p = 0.033, respectively), the right uterine artery S/D was positively correlated with body mass index (r = 0.479, p = 0.015), and the left uterine artery PI was positively correlated with insulin (r = 0.458, p = 0.021).

Conclusion.

Doppler sonography of the utero‐ovarian circulation may contribute to the evaluation of PCOS patients and a better understanding of the pathophysiology of this syndrome. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2007
Ultrasound‐guided core needle biopsy of breast masses: How many cores are necessary to diagnose cancer?
Authors: de Lucena Clécio Ĕnio Murta , dos Santos Júnior João Lúcio , de Lima Resende César Alencar , do Amaral Vănia Fonseca , de Almeida Barra Alexandre , Reis Joño Henrique Pena
Published: April 2007

Purpose.

To investigate the number of cores required to diagnose breast cancer using ultrasound (US)‐guided core needle biopsy.

Methods.

US‐guided core biopsy of 150 masses was performed in 144 patients. For each mass, 6 cores were obtained and analyzed separately. The histopathologic diagnosis was classified as benign, malignant, or normal breast tissue. Each core was analyzed separately. For diagnostic purposes, the cases were grouped as follows: group G1 comprised the first core; group G2 comprised the first and second core; group G3 comprised the first 3 cores; up to group G6, which included all 6 cores. The results were also analyzed by tumor size (≤2 cm and >2 cm).

Results.

The sensitivity in the diagnosis of breast cancer was 90.1% in group G1 and 94.1% in the remaining groups (G2–G6). In tumors ≤2 cm, the sensitivity was 88.4% for group G1 and 90.7% for the others, whereas for tumors >2 cm the sensitivity was 91.4% for group G1 and 96.6% when 2 or more cores were obtained.

Conclusion.

It appears that 2 cores are sufficient to diagnose breast cancer in this study population assuming no technical error occurred in US guidance of the needle through the mass. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2007
Inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate receptor and chromogranin B are concentrated in different regions of the hippocampus
Authors: Nicolay Nils H. , Hertle Daniel , Boehmerle Wolfgang , Heidrich Felix M. , Yeckel Mark , Ehrlich Barbara E.
Published: April 2007

Calcium (Ca2+) release from intracellular stores plays a crucial role in many cellular functions in the brain. These intracellular signals have been shown to be transmitted within and between cells. We report a non‐uniform distribution of proteins essential for Ca2+ signaling in acutely prepared brain slice preparations and organotypic slice cultures, both made from rat hippocampus. The Type I inositol‐1,4,5 trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R1) is the main InsP3R subtype in neurons. Immunohistochemistry experiments showed a prominent expression of InsP3R1 in the CA1 region of the hippocampus whereas the CA3 region and dentate gyrus (DG) showed only moderate immunoreactivity. In contrast, chromogranin B (CGB), a protein binding to the InsP3R1 on the luminal side of the endoplasmic reticular membrane was enriched in the CA3 region whereas DG and the CA1 region showed only faint CGB signals. The neuronal kinases leading to the formation of inositol‐1,4,5 trisphosphate (InsP3), phosphatidylinositol‐4‐kinase (PI4K), and phosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate‐5‐kinase (PIPK), showed strong immunoreactivity throughout all hippocampal cell fields with differences in the subcellular distribution. Moreover, a distinct band of strong CGB and PIPK immunoreactivity was observed in the CA3 region that coincides with the mossy fiber tract (stratum lucidum). These data show differential expression of the components of the signaling toolkit leading to InsP3‐mediated Ca2+ release in cells of the hippocampus. The regulation of these differences may play an important role in various neuropathologic conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, or schizophrenia. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association between dislocation, impingement, and articular geometry in retrieved acetabular polyethylene cups
Authors: Tanino Hiromasa , Harman Melinda K. , Banks Scott A. , Hodge W. Andrew
Published: April 2007

We used a novel analysis technique and retrieved acetabular polyethylene liners to investigate relationships between impingement damage, dislocation history, and polyethylene liner geometry. Forty‐eight polyethylene liners with neutral rim elevation were visually assessed for peripheral rim damage consistent with impingement between the liner rim and femoral component. Liner articular geometry was measured using a digital stylus, and the geometric relationships between the liner rim and center of the femoral head were characterized by lip height, head center inset, and head penetration into the polyethylene liner. Thirteen (27%) retrieved liners had rim impingement damage and 12 (25%) had a history of dislocation. The proportion of liners with impingement was not significantly different among dislocated and stable liners. Lip height, head center inset, and head penetration were not significantly different between liners with and without impingement damage. Dislocated liners had a significantly shorter head center inset, with significantly less head penetration because of shorter functional duration. Designing polyethylene liners with a sufficiently deep articular surface that exceeds 0.95 mm may prove beneficial for decreasing the prevalence of early dislocation, independent of impingement damage. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:1401–1407, 2007
In vitrodegradation of 10 mono‐ and sesquiterpenes of plant origin by caprine rumen micro‐organisms
Authors: Broudiscou Laurent‐Philippe , Cornu Agnès , Rouzeau Annie
Published: April 2007

The extent of disappearance of 10 mono‐ and sesquiterpenes in presence of mixed rumen micro‐organisms has been measured in 24‐h batch cultures. The molecules that were tested are frequently found in the plants consumed by ruminants in highland pastures (limonene, β‐myrcene, β‐ocimene, α‐pinene, sabinene, γ‐terpinene and thymol) or are potential markers of the diet (camphene, β‐caryophyllene and α‐copaene). All terpenes were tested at 2 µL mL−1, except α‐copaene and thymol, which were tested at 0.9 µL mL−1and 2 mg mL−1, respectively. Camphene and thymol were not degraded to a significant extent. The disappearance of part of β‐caryophyllene, (−)‐limonene and γ‐terpinene could not be attributed to the direct action of rumen micro‐organisms but rather than to an effect of the extracellular medium. In contrast, a third group of one sesquiterpene (α‐copaene) and four monoterpenes (myrcene, β‐ocimene, α‐pinene and sabinene) was extensively degraded by rumen micro‐organisms, at rates of 1.6, 4.5, 3.5, 4.8 and 5.4 µmol mL−1inoculum day−1, respectively. The preliminary exposure of rumen micro‐organisms to a specific blend of essential oils compounds, containing mainly thymol, guajacol and limonene, increased the extent of disappearance of γ‐terpinene only. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Establishment of the varietal volatile profile of musts from white Vitis vinifera L. varieties
Authors: Rocha Sílvia M , Coutinho Paula , Barros António , Delgadillo Ivonne , Coimbra Manuel A
Published: April 2007

Musts from four white Vitis vinifera L. varieties of Bairrada Appellation (Fernão‐Pires, Bical, Cerceal and Arinto) were analysed over two harvests (1998 and 1999). The free volatile components were extracted using a liquid–liquid continuous method and were analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The potential volatile compounds (PVC) were determined after a heat treatment followed by an enzymatic treatment. The PVC fraction contained the compounds released by the enzymes from the glycosidically linked components plus the compounds produced by the heat treatment at the must pH (3.2) as well as compounds arising from the thermal degradation of sugars. Based on three varietal chemical groups, namely terpenoids, C13 norisoprenoids and aromatic alcohols, the volatile profile of each of the four varieties was established, which allowed their aroma potential to be defined. Fernão‐Pires exhibited a profile significantly different from those of the other varieties, with a higher number and concentration of volatile compounds. As a consequence of the fact that the four varieties exhibit different volatile composition patterns (different components and different distributions between free and PVC forms), winemaking technologies should be specifically developed for each variety for the improvement of wine aroma quality. Owing to the complexity of the data, including the harvest effect, a contrast data pre‐treatment was applied before the utilisation of principal component analysis. The results suggest that it is possible to establish markers (volatiles) for the characterisation of must varieties independently of the harvest effect. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of root zone pH and form and concentration of nitrogen on accumulation of quality‐related components in green tea
Authors: Ruan Jianyun , Gerendás Joska , Härdter Rolf , Sattelmacher Burkhard
Published: April 2007

Green tea quality is greatly influenced by concentrations of free amino acids, polyphenols (mainly catechins) and caffeine. The present study investigated the principal relationship between selected nutritional factors (form and concentration of N supply, root zone pH) and accumulation of these quality‐related components of tea (Camellia sinensis (L.)) plants. Tea plants were hydroponically cultured with NH$_{4}^{+}$, NO$_{3}^{-}$ and NH$_{4}^{+} +$ NO$_{3}^{-}$ at pH 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 in one experiment and supplied with varying N concentrations (0.75, 2.0 and 4.5 mmol L−1, NH$_{4}^{+}$/NO−3 = 3:1) in another experiment. Concentrations of free amino acids were considerably higher in NH$_{4}^{+}$‐ than in NO$_{3}^{-}$‐fed plants. This was attributed to the much greater absorption of NH$_{4}^{+}$ compared with NO$_{3}^{-}$. Furthermore, the relative allocation of absorbed N to free amino acids, particularly theanine and glutamine, was substantially increased by NH$_{4}^{+}$ nutrition, suggesting that NH$_{4}^{+}$ was more readily assimilated than NO$_{3}^{-}$ into theanine. The concentration of caffeine was increased in NH$_{4}^{+}$‐ and (NH$_{4}^{+} +$ NO$_{3}^{-}$)‐supplied plants, whereas concentrations of catechins were reduced in (NH$_{4}^{+} +$ NO$_{3}^{-}$)‐fed plants. Root zone pH did not influence concentrations of most free amino acids in young shoots, with the exception of theanine, which increased at low pH (4.0) irrespective of N form; this likely stemmed from an accumulation effect, as growth decreased more strongly than N absorption. Raising the N supply increased plant N allocation to free amino acids. The increase was most striking for arginine, while theanine was only marginally affected. This may have adverse consequences for green tea quality, as less favourable taste characteristics have been attributed to arginine. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase from peach mesocarp (Prunus persica L. cv. Babygold)
Authors: Jiménez‐Atiénzar Mercedes , Pedreño María A , Caballero Nuria , Cabanes Juana , García‐Carmona Francisco
Published: April 2007

The two enzymes involved in enzymatic browning reactions—polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD)—were extracted from peach fruit mesocarp. PPO was mainly located in the membrane fraction and was in its latent state. However, POD activity was found in the soluble fraction. The kinetic characterization of PPO and POD was carried out with a natural substrate (chlorogenic acid) and with a non‐physiological substrate. Under native isoelectric focusing (IEF), several PPO isoenzymes were present in the pH range 5.4–5.8. A partially denaturing sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) showed the presence of two active bands with apparent molecular masses of 49 and 50 kDa. A totally denaturing SDS‐PAGE indicated the presence of a single polypeptide with a molecular mass of 60 kDa, as revealed by western blot. POD was also analyzed by IEF, showing the presence of two strongly basic isoenzymes, which were resolved by cationic native PAGE into two different bands. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Short‐term anoxia treatment maintains tissue energy levels and membrane integrity and inhibits browning of harvested litchi fruit
Authors: Liu Hai , Song Lili , Jiang Yueming , Joyce Daryl C , Zhao Mouming , You Yanli , Wang Yong
Published: April 2007

Pericarp browning is the main limitation to the postharvest storage, handling and marketing life of litchi fruit. Pre‐storage treatment with pure N2 gas is potentially effective in reducing skin browning and maintaining eating quality of litchis. To better understand inhibition of pericarp browning by a short period of anoxia, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) levels, adenylate energy charge and membrane permeability were investigated. Litchi fruit were exposed to pure N2 gas for 6 h and then kept in closed but vented containers for 6 days in the dark at 25 °C and 95–100% relative humidity. Changes in the mentioned fruit physiology and biochemistry parameters and in browning index were measured. ATP concentration and adenylate energy charge decreased rapidly and membrane permeability (relative leakage) increased gradually during storage. Fruit exposed to N2 gas exhibited higher concentrations of ATP, ADP and AMP and adenylate energy charge levels, and lower levels of browning index and membrane permeability, compared to control (non‐N2‐treated) fruit. Greater differences in ATP and ADP concentrations and adenylate energy charge levels of pericarp tissues between N2‐treated and control fruit were more manifest after 4 and 6 days of storage, in association with significant differences at the 5% level in the pericarp browning index. It is suggested that pre‐storage anoxia treatment maintains membrane integrity of pericarp tissues, with high ATP and ADP concentrations and high adenylate energy charge levels. Thus, the loss of cellular compartmentalization (mixing of enzymes and substrates) that leads to enzymatic browning of litchi fruit pericarp is delayed. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry