bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inside Front Cover: Nanocrystalline TiO2 Photocatalytic Membranes with a Hierarchical Mesoporous Multilayer Structure: Synthesis, Characterization, and Multifunction (Adv. Funct. Mater. 8/2006)
Authors: Choi H. , Sofranko A. C. , Dionysiou D. D.
Published: May 2006

The inside cover shows a hierarchical, mesoporous, multilayer TiO2 photocatalytic membrane synthesized via a novel sol–gel dip‐coating process employing surfactant templates reported by Dionysiou and co‐workers on p. 1067. The resulting asymmetric mesoporous TiO2 membrane supported onto a porous Al2O3 substrate exhibited hierarchical changes in pore diameter and materials porosity from the top to the bottom layer. The TiO2 membrane has multiple simultaneous functions, including photocatalysis, disinfection, separation, and anti‐biofouling.

A novel sol–gel dip‐coating process to fabricate nanocrystalline TiO2 photocatalytic membranes with a robust hierarchical mesoporous multilayer and improved performance has been studied. Various titania sols containing poly(oxyethylenesorbitan monooleate) (Tween 80) surfactant as a pore‐directing agent to tailor‐design the porous structure of TiO2 materials at different molar ratios of Tween 80/isopropyl alcohol/acetic acid/titanium tetraisopropoxide = R:45:6:1 have been synthesized. The sols are dip‐coated on top of a homemade porous alumina substrate to fabricate TiO2/Al2O3 composite membranes, dried, and calcined, and this procedure is repeated with varying sols in succession. The resulting asymmetric mesoporous TiO2 membrane with a thickness of 0.9 μm exhibits a hierarchical change in pore diameter from 2–6, through 3–8, to 5–11 nm from the top to the bottom layer. Moreover, the corresponding porosity is incremented from 46.2, through 56.7, to 69.3 %. Compared to a repeated‐coating process using a single sol, the hierarchical multilayer process improves water permeability significantly without sacrificing the organic retention and photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 membranes. The prepared TiO2 photocatalytic membrane has great potential in developing highly efficient water treatment and reuse systems, for example, decomposition of organic pollutants, inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms, physical separation of contaminants, and self‐antifouling action because of its multifunctional capability.
Ectrodactyly with aplasia of long bones (OMIM; 119100) in a large inbred Arab family with an apparent autosomal dominant inheritance and reduced penetrance: Clinical and genetic analysis
Authors: Naveed Mohammed , Al‐Ali Mahmoud T. , Murthy Sabita K. , Al‐Hajali Sarah , Al‐Khaja Najib , Deutsch Samuel , Bottani Armand , Antonarakis Stylianos E. , Nath Swapan K. , Radhakrishna Uppala
Published: May 2006

Ectrodactyly with aplasia of long bones syndrome is one of the most recognizable defects involving the extremities. We have studied a very large eight‐generation consanguineous Arab family from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with multiple severe limb anomalies resembling this condition (OMIM; 119100), for which the affected gene is unknown. The pedigree consists of 145 individuals including 23 affected (14 males/9 females) with limb anomalies. Of these, 18 had tibial aplasia (TA) usually on the right side. The expression of the phenotype was variable and ranged from bilateral to unilateral TA with ectrodactyly and other defects of the extremities. The mode of inheritance appears to be autosomal dominant with reduced penetrance. There were 10 consanguineous marriages observed in this pedigree. This could suggest possible pseudodominance due to high frequency of the mutant allele. Candidate loci for the described syndrome include GLI3 (OMIM: 165240) on 7p13, sonic hedgehog; (OMIM: 600725) on 7q36, Langer–Giedion syndrome (OMIM: 150230) on 8q24.1 and split‐hand/foot malformation 3 (OMIM: 600095) on 10q24. In addition, bilateral tibial hemimelia and unilateral absence of the ulna was previously observed to co‐segregate with deletion of 8q24.1. Two‐point linkage and haplotype analyses did not show the involvement of the above regions in this family. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gastrointestinal phenotype of ATR‐X syndrome
Authors: Martucciello Giuseppe , Lombardi Laura , Savasta Salvatore , Gibbons Richard J.
Published: May 2006

X‐linked alpha thalassemia mental retardation (ATR‐X) syndrome is associated with profound developmental delay, facial dysmorphism, genital abnormalities, and alpha thalassemia. Patients with ATR‐X syndrome frequently present with gastrointestinal problems, in particular feeding difficulties, regurgitation and vomiting, abdominal pain, distension, and chronic constipation. Parental reports of prolonged food refusal and distress in these children are common and although these episodes are suspected to be gastro‐intestinal in origin they are rarely investigated. Death in early childhood from aspiration of vomitus or from pneumonia presumed to be secondary to aspiration has been recorded in a number of ATR‐X cases. In this report we review the gastrointestinal phenotype of ATR‐X syndrome in 128 cases. We also demonstrate that in two siblings, regurgitation was secondary to gastric pseudo‐volvulus, a condition in which the stomach does not have a normal system of peritoneal ligaments and changes position with possible torsion around itself. Furthermore, ultra‐short Hirschsprung disease with colonic hypoganglionosis was shown and this may contribute to the severe constipation affecting these children. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A missense mutation in the ZFHX1B gene associated with an atypical Mowat–Wilson syndrome phenotype
Authors: Heinritz Wolfram , Zweier Christiane , Froster Ursula G. , Strenge Sibylle , Kujat Annegret , Syrbe Steffen , Rauch Anita , Schuster Volker
Published: May 2006

Mowat–Wilson syndrome (MWS) is a rare mental retardation—multiple congenital anomalies syndrome associated with typical facial dysmorphism. Patients can show a variety of other anomalies like short stature, microcephaly, Hirschsprung disease, malformations of the brain, seizures, congenital heart defects and urogenital anomalies. Mutations leading to haploinsufficiency of the ZFHX1B gene have been described as the underlying cause of this condition. We report on the clinical findings in a 2½‐year‐old boy with some aspects out of the MWS‐spectrum in addition to unusual anomalies and a novel missense mutation in the ZFHX1B gene. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of Adaptive Designs – a Review
Authors: Bauer P. , Einfalt J.
Published: May 2006

A literature search has been performed to review applications of the adaptive design methodology based on the combination test or conditional error function approach. Some features of the 60 papers identified are summarized, e.g., the specific methodology used, calendar year, country, impact factor of the journal, number of planned and performed stages respectively, stopping for futility boundaries, type of adaptations and others. A selection of the ten recent publications in journals with the highest impact factors is discussed in more detail.

Most applications up to now aim at sample size reassessment, the majority of papers is coming from Germany. Although we found that renowned journals allow for sufficient space to present the new statistical methodology in all its necessary details, the general impression is that the presentation of the adaptive designs methodology in applied papers has to be improved. Education and development of standards could help to achieve this. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis of Pyrazolines, Isoxazolines and Aminopyrimidines as Biological Potent Agents.
Authors: Solankee Anjani , Thakor Indrajit
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Shimalactones, Neuritogenic Polyketides from a Marine‐Derived Fungus Emericella variecolor GF10
Authors: Wei Hong , Itoh Takuya , Kotoku Naoyuki , Kobayashi Motomasa
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Activity of alemtuzumab in patients with CD52‐positive acute leukemia
Authors: Tibes Raoul , Keating Michael J. , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Wierda William , Ravandi Farhad , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , O'Brien Susan , Cortes Jorge , Verstovsek Srdan , Browning Mary L. , Faderl Stefan
Published: May 2006

BACKGROUND

Alemtuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the cell surface antigen CD52 and has demonstrated activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and other CD52‐positive lymphoproliferative disorders. Because CD52 also is expressed on acute leukemic blasts, the authors investigated the safety and efficacy of alemtuzumab in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

METHODS

Fifteen patients with CD52‐positive (≥20%), recurrent or refractory acute leukemia (9 patients with AML and 6 patients with ALL) received alemtuzumab at a dose of 30 mg intravenously given 3 times a week (dose escalation during Week 1) for a total of 4 to 12 weeks.

RESULTS

The median age of the patients was 39 years (range, 18‐71 years). Patients had received a median of 3 prior therapies (range, 1‐5 prior therapies). Two patients (13%) achieved a bone marrow complete response and 1 patient achieved a substantial reduction in bone marrow blasts. No complete remissions were observed. Ten patients developed disease progression while on study. Alemtuzumab was myelosuppressive in nearly all patients. Infusion‐related toxicities were common, but usually did not exceed Grade 2 (according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria). Infectious episodes occurred in 13 patients (87%) and included pneumonia (6 patients), bacteremia (11 patients), fungemia (2 patients), and cytomegalovirus reactivation (2 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

Single‐agent alemtuzumab was found to have limited activity in recurrent or refractory acute leukemia. An evaluation in patients with a better prognosis, in combination with other agents or as part of consolidation therapy, is warranted. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Retroperitoneal liposarcomas: Follow‐up analysis of dedifferentiation after clinicopathologic reexamination of 86 liposarcomas and malignant fibrous histiocytomas
Authors: Fabre‐Guillevin Elizabeth , Coindre Jean‐Michel , Somerhausen Nicolas de Saint Aubain , Bonichon Francoise , Stoeckle Eberhard , Bui Nguyen Binh
Published: May 2006

BACKGROUND

Dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDL) juxtapose components of well‐differentiated liposarcoma (WDL) and nonlipogenic sarcoma. Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is no longer considered a homogeneous entity, but rather as the common morphologic appearance of various subtypes of sarcomas. The objectives of the current retrospective study were: 1( to analyze the relation between DDLs and tumors previously diagnosed as MFHs; 2) to trace the evolution of liposarcomas, and 3) to assess the consequences of dedifferentiation.

METHODS

Between 1974 and 2001, 86 patients with retroperitoneal liposarcoma (61 patients) or MFH (25 patients) underwent surgery at Institut Bergonie in Bordeaux, France. Histologic review was performed and tumors reclassified as WDL or DDL were retained for further clinicohistologic study. Subsequently, initial presentation and all recurrences were analyzed.

RESULTS

The 61 liposarcomas consisted of 21 WDLs and 35 DDLs; 17 MFHs were reclassified as DDL. In all, approximately half of the retroperitoneal liposarcomas and MFHs were found to be DDLs. The DDLs presented with a smaller size (20 cm vs.30 cm; P = .05) but a lower rate of complete resection (72% vs.90%; P = .015) and remission (72% vs. 100%; P = .0015). Dedifferentiated recurrence was evidenced in 7 WDLs. Ten DDLs presented with metastatic evolution. DDLs demonstrated a tendency toward lower rates of 5‐year overall survival (55% vs. 82%; P = .075).

CONCLUSIONS

Most occurrences of retroperitoneal liposarcomas and MFHs are in fact DDLs and dedifferentiated recurrence of WDLs is frequent. Retroperitoneal DDLs present a lower rate of complete remission than WDLs and a risk of metastatic recurrence. Therefore, extensive histologic analysis of WDLs is required to identify an undifferentiated component and avoid misdiagnosis of DDL. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Arthritis induced with cartilage‐specific antibodiesis IL‐4‐dependent
Authors: Nandakumar Kutty Selva , Holmdahl Rikard
Published: May 2006

It is widely believed that IL‐4 exerts its influence by profiling the immune response during priming and expansion of immune cells, and thereby modulates the outcome of chronic inflammation. In the present investigation, collagen antibody‐induced arthritis (CAIA) was used to delineate the role of IL‐4 in a T cell‐independent inflammatory phase. Mice predisposed to Th2 cytokines (BALB/c and STAT4‐deficient mice) developed a more severe arthritis than mice biased towards Th1 cytokines (C57BL/6 and STAT6‐deficient mice). Reduced incidence of CAIA was observed in IL‐4‐deficient mice compared to control littermates. Infiltrating cells in the paws of IL‐4‐sufficient mice had increased osteoclast activity and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐1β secretion. Massive infiltration of granulocytes and joint and cartilage damage were present in arthritic paws. Depletion of IL‐4 suppressed CAIA, which was abrogated by IFN‐γ neutralization. IL‐1R‐ and IL‐1RTNFR‐deficient mice were completely resistant to CAIA. Thus, IL‐4 promotes an antibody‐mediated and TNF‐α/IL‐1β‐dependent inflammation in vivo.
Recent Advances in Silver‐Catalyzed Nitrene, Carbene, and Silylene‐Transfer Reactions
Authors: Li Zigang , He Chuan
Published: May 2006

Silver salts are commonly used as Lewis acids in organic synthesis. Silver complexes can also exhibit strong oxidation power due to their high oxidation potentials. This review features the recent development of nitrene, carbene and silylene‐transfer reactions catalyzed by silver complexes. Interesting activity was observed in several reactions highlighting the unique redox chemistry of silver. A disilver(I) catalyst was shown to mediate efficient aziridination of simple olefins, intramolecular amidation of saturated C–H bonds and imination of sulfoxides with high regio‐ and stereoselectivity. Silver compounds also catalyze intermolecular carbene insertion into carbon–halogen bonds, carbon–hydrogen bonds, and aromatic systems. In addition, simple silver salts were found to mediate silylene‐transfer reactions to different olefins and alkynes efficiently. Future mechanistic study of these reactions and further exploration of the redox chemistry of silver could lead to more exciting discoveries.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
2′‐O‐Aminoethyl Oligoribonucleotides Containing Novel Base Analogues: Synthesis and Triple‐Helix Formation At Pyrimidine/Purine Inversion Sites
Authors: Buchini Sabrina , Leumann Christian J.
Published: May 2006

The synthesis of a common sugar intermediate for the 2′‐aminoethyl‐ribonucleoside synthesis in 9 steps and an overall yield of 33 % starting from D‐ribose is described. This intermediate was successfully used for the synthesis of the 2′‐aminoethyl‐ribonucleosides containing the bases thymine (t), 5‐methylcytosine (c), 5‐methyl‐2‐pyrimidinone (x), 2‐aminopurine (ap) and guanine (g). These were subsequently transformed into the corresponding cyanoethyl phosphoramidite building blocks for oligonucleotide synthesis. 2′‐Aminoethyl oligonucleotide 15‐mers were prepared with a DNA synthesizer, and an optimized post‐synthetic deprotection protocol has been developed which prevents cyanoethylation of the 2′‐amino side chains during conventional ammonia deprotection. A series of fully modified, triplex forming 2′‐aminoethyl oligoribonucleotides (2′AE‐TFOs) were prepared in which x was designed to bind to CG inversion sites and ap as well as g to TA inversion sites on a double‐helical DNA target. The affinity of x‐CG base‐triple formation in different sequence contexts was assessed by UV‐ and CD melting analysis. It was found that TFO 15‐mers containing up to 5 x residues still form stable triplexes even in the case where all x residues are consecutively arranged in the TFO. The nearest neighbor properties of x have been probed and it was found that triplex stability decreases in the local sequence order ‐txt‐ > ‐txc‐ >> ‐cxc‐. TFOs containing ap and g were found to bind to their DNA targets with TA inversion sites with less affinity and less selectivity compared to TFOs containing the corresponding deoxyribonucleosides, irrespective whether they were incorporated in TFOs with a DNA or a 2′‐AE‐RNA backbone. The obtained data suggest that guanine‐TA or aminopurine‐TA base‐triple formation is strongly sensitive to TFO conformation and more efficient in TFOs with a DNA than an RNA backbone. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
β‐Actin is not a reliable loading control in Western blot analysis
Authors: Dittmer Angela , Dittmer Jürgen
Published: May 2006

β‐Actin is often used as a loading control in Western blot analysis. We analyzed the ability of β‐actin‐specific antibodies to recognize differences in protein loading. We found that, at higher total protein loads as required for the detection of low‐abundance proteins, β‐actin‐specific antibodies failed to distinguish differences in actin protein levels. Diluting the antibody working solution or changing the incubation time had little effect on this phenomenon. This shows that β‐Actin is not a reliable loading control in Western blot analysis. In general, it appeared that, at longer incubation times, antibodies seem to be less able to pick up differences in the level of its target protein.
Multi‐linear Monte Carlo simulation for probabilistic three‐phase load flow
Authors: Carpinelli G. , Di Vito V. , Varilone P.
Published: May 2006

Several transmission and distribution systems are known to have unbalanced lines and line sections carrying a mixture of single, double, and three‐phase loads; moreover, their steady‐state conditions are affected by unavoidable uncertainties that require to analyze these systems with probabilistic approaches. In this article, a probabilistic three‐phase load flow using a multi‐linear simulation algorithm is proposed. The method properly extends to the field of unbalanced systems a probabilistic method proposed for balanced systems. Numerical examples on the three‐phase unbalanced IEEE 13‐bus and 34‐bus distribution test systems are provided and discussed to illustrate the application of the proposed method. The results obtained with the proposed algorithm are compared with the ones obtained using a Monte Carlo simulation algorithm, which includes the non linear three‐phase load flow equations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of linear response identification techniques and reduced‐order model generation for a 2D CFD scheme
Authors: Gaitonde Ann L. , Jones D. P.
Published: May 2006

Reduced‐Order Models (ROMs) have been the focus of research in various engineering situations, but it is only relatively recently that such techniques have begun to be introduced into the CFD field. The purpose of generating such models is to capture the dominant dynamics of the full set of CFD equations, but at much lower cost. One method that has been successfully implemented in the field of fluid flows is based on the calculation of the linear pulse responses of the CFD scheme coupled with an Eigensystem Realization algorithm (ERA), resulting in a compact aerodynamic model. The key to the models is the identification of the linear responses of the non‐linear CFD code. Two different methods have been developed and reported in literature for linear response identification; the first method linearizes the CFD code and the second method uses Volterra theory and the non‐linear code. As these methods were developed independently they have not previously been brought together and compared. This paper first explains the subtle, but fundamental differences between the two methods. In addition, a series of test cases are shown to demonstrate the performance and drawbacks of the ROMs derived from the different linear responses. The conclusions of this study provide useful guidance for the implementation of either of the two approaches to obtain the linear responses of an existing CFD code. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐tumor activity of the combination of cetuximab, an anti‐EGFR blocking monoclonal antibody and ZD6474, an inhibitor of VEGFR and EGFR tyrosine kinases
Authors: Morelli Maria Pia , Cascone Tina , Troiani Teresa , Tuccillo Concetta , Bianco Roberto , Normanno Nicola , Romano Marco , Veneziani Bianca Maria , Fontanini Gabriella , Eckhardt S. Gail , De Pacido Sabino , Tortora Giampaolo , Ciardiello Fortunato
Published: May 2006

Purpose: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) autocrine pathway plays an important role in cancer cell growth. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) is a key regulator of tumor‐induced endothelial cell proliferation and vascular permeability. ZD6474 is an orally available, small molecule inhibitor of VEGF receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2), EGFR and RET tyrosine kinase activity. We investigated the activity of ZD6474 in combination with cetuximab, an anti‐EGFR blocking monoclonal antibody, to determine the anti‐tumor activity of EGFR blockade through the combined use of two agents targeting the receptor at different molecular sites in cancer cells and of VEGFR‐2 blockade in endothelial cells. Experimental Design: The anti‐tumor activity in vitro and in vivo of ZD6474 and/or cetuximab was tested in human cancer cell lines with a functional EGFR autocrine pathway. Results: The combination of ZD6474 and cetuximab determined synergistic growth inhibition in all cancer cell lines tested as assessed by the Chou and Talalay method. In nude mice bearing established human colon carcinoma (GEO) or lung adenocarcinoma (A549) xenografts and treated with ZD6474 and/or cetuximab for 4 weeks, a reversible tumor growth inhibition was caused by each drug. In contrast, a more significant tumor growth delay resulted from the combination of the two agents with an approximately 100–110 days increase in mice median overall survival as compared to single agent treatment. Conclusions: This study provides a rationale for evaluating in a clinical setting the double blockade of EGFR in combination with inhibition of VEGFR‐2 signaling as cancer therapy. J. Cell. Physiol. 208: 344–353, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Utility of intraperitoneal administration as a route of AAV serotype 5 vector‐mediated neonatal gene transfer
Authors: Ogura Tsuyoshi , Mizukami Hiroaki , Mimuro Jun , Madoiwa Seiji , Okada Takashi , Matsushita Takashi , Urabe Masashi , Kume Akihiro , Hamada Hiromi , Yoshikawa Hiroyuki , Sakata Yoichi , Ozawa Keiya
Published: May 2006

Background

Gene transfer into a fetus or neonate can be a fundamental approach for treating genetic diseases, particularly disorders that have irreversible manifestations in adulthood. Although the potential utility of this technique has been suggested, the advantages of neonatal gene transfer have not been widely investigated. Here, we tested the usefulness of neonatal gene transfer using adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vectors by comparing the administration routes and vector doses.

Methods

To determine the optimal administration route, neonates were subjected to intravenous (iv) or intraperitoneal (ip) injections of AAV5‐based vectors encoding the human coagulation factor IX (hfIX) gene, and the dose response was examined. To determine the distribution of transgene expression, vectors encoding lacZ or luciferase (luc) genes were used and assessed by X‐gal staining and in vivo imaging, respectively. After the observation period, the vector distribution across tissues was quantified.

Results

The factor IX concentration was higher in ip‐injected mice than in iv‐injected mice. All transgenes administered by ip injection were more efficiently expressed in neonates than in adults. The expression was confined to the peritoneal tissue. Interestingly, a sex‐related difference was observed in transgene expression in adults, whereas this difference was not apparent in neonates.

Conclusions

AAV vector administration to neonates using the ip route was clearly advantageous in obtaining robust transgene expression. Vector genomes and transgene expression were observed mainly in the peritoneal tissue. These findings indicate the advantages of neonatal gene therapy and would help in designing strategies for gene therapy using AAV vectors. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ischemic tolerance in chemical preconditioning: Possible role of astrocytic glutamine synthetase buffering glutamate‐mediated neurotoxicity
Authors: Hoshi Akihiko , Nakahara Toshiki , Kayama Hisae , Yamamoto Teiji
Published: May 2006

Glutamine synthetase (GS), localized to astrocyte is a key enzyme in the glutamate‐glutamine pathway in the brain. 3‐Nitropropionic acid (3‐NPA) is an irreversible inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase in the tricarboxylic‐acid cycle, and provides ischemic tolerance to the brain. So far, there have been no reports on the relationship of astrocytic GS and ischemic tolerance by chemical preconditioning. In order to test the hypothesis that astrocytes serve a pivotal role in 3‐NPA‐induced chemical preconditioning, we have investigated the temporal profile of GS expression in astrocyte parallel with those of glial fibrillary acidic protein and heat‐shock protein 70 (HSP70). In our rat model of permanent focal ischemia, preconditioning with 3‐NPA singnificantly reduced the subsequent neurological deficits and infarct volume within 24–72 hours after treatment. Immunohistochemically, protoplasmic astrocytes in the cortex and striatum were activated in terms of upregulation of GS and more abundant protoplasmic processes with 3‐NPA preconditioning, however, HSP70 expression could not be induced. Thus, the activation of astrocytes and upregulation of GS play an important role in 3‐NPA‐induced preconditioning but HSP70 does not. In view of glutamate being imposed on the cerebral ischemic damage, the astrocytic GS may contribute to 3‐NPA‐induced ischemic tolerance. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Iron (Fe) bioavailability and the distribution of anti‐Fe nutrition biochemicals in the unpolished, polished grain and bran fraction of five rice genotypes
Authors: Prom‐u‐thai Chanakan , Huang Longbin , Glahn Raymond P , Welch Ross M , Fukai Shu , Rerkasem Benjavan
Published: May 2006

Iron (Fe) bioavailability in unpolished, polished grain and bran fraction of five rice genotypes with a range of Fe contents was measured by in vitro digestion and cultured Caco‐2 cells of cooked grain. There was a significant difference in Fe bioavailability among the five rice genotypes tested, in both the unpolished and polished grain. The range of Fe bioavailability variation in polished rice was much wider than that of unpolished, suggesting the importance of using Fe levels and bioavailability in polished rice grain as the basis for selecting high‐Fe rice cultivars for both agronomic and breeding purposes. Milling and polishing the grain to produce polished (or white) rice increased Fe bioavailability in all genotypes. Iron bioavailability in polished rice was high in the UBON2 and Nishiki, intermediate in both IR68144 and KDML105, and low in CMU122. All genotypes had low bioavailability of Fe in bran fraction compared to unpolished and polished grain, except in CMU122. CMU122 contained the lowest level of bioavailable Fe in unpolished and polished grain and bran, because of the dark purple pericarp colored grain and associated tannin content. The level of bioavailable Fe was not significantly correlated with grain Fe concentration or grain phytate levels among these five genotypes tested. The negative relationship between Fe bioavailability and the levels of total extractable phenol was only observed in unpolished (r = −0.83**) and bran fraction (r = −0.50*). The present results suggested that total extractable phenol and tannin contents could also contribute to lowering bioavailability of Fe in rice grain, in addition to phytate. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular and cellular targets
Authors: Bode Ann M. , Dong Zigang
Published: May 2006

Carcinogenesis is a multistage process consisting of initiation, promotion, and progression stages and each stage may be a possible target for chemopreventive agents. A significant outcome of these investigations on the elucidation of molecular and cellular mechanisms is the explication of signal transduction pathways induced by tumor promoters in cancer development. The current belief today is that cancer may be prevented or treated by targeting specific cancer genes, signaling proteins, and transcription factors. The molecular mechanisms explaining how normal cells undergo neoplastic transformation induced by tumor promoters are rapidly being clarified. Accumulating research evidence suggests that many of dietary factors, including tea compounds, may be used alone or in combination with traditional chemotherapeutic agents to prevent or treat cancer. The potential advantage of many natural or dietary compounds seems to focus on their potent anticancer activity combined with low toxicity and very few adverse side effects. This review summarizes some of our recent work regarding the effects of the various tea components on signal transduction pathways involved in neoplastic cell transformation and carcinogenesis. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of tissue water as a concentration reference for proton spectroscopic imaging
Authors: Gasparovic Charles , Song Tao , Devier Deidre , Bockholt H. Jeremy , Caprihan Arvind , Mullins Paul G. , Posse Stefan , Jung Rex E. , Morrison Leslie A.
Published: May 2006

A strategy for using tissue water as a concentration standard in 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging studies on the brain is presented, and the potential errors that may arise when the method is used are examined. The sensitivity of the method to errors in estimates of the different water compartment relaxation times is shown to be small at short echo times (TEs). Using data from healthy human subjects, it is shown that different image segmentation approaches that are commonly used to account for partial volume effects (SPM2, FSL's FAST, and K‐means) lead to different estimates of metabolite levels, particularly in gray matter (GM), owing primarily to variability in the estimates of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fraction. While consistency does not necessarily validate a method, a multispectral segmentation approach using FAST yielded the lowest intersubject variability in the estimates of GM metabolites. The mean GM and white matter (WM) levels of N‐acetyl groups (NAc, primarily N‐acetylaspartate), choline (Ch), and creatine (Cr) obtained in these subjects using the described method with FAST multispectral segmentation are reported: GM [NAc] = 17.16 ± 1.19 mM; WM [NAc] = 14.26 ± 1.38 mM; GM [Ch] = 3.27 ± 0.47 mM; WM [Ch] = 2.65 ± 0.25 mM; GM [Cr] = 13.98 ± 1.20 mM; and WM [Cr] = 7.10 ± 0.67 mM. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estrogen induced functional hypertrophy and increased force generation of the female rabbit bladder
Authors: Lin Alpha Dian‐Yu , Levin Robert , Kogan Barry , Whitbeck Catherine , Chichester Paul , Sokol Rebekah , Mannikarottu Anita
Published: May 2006

Aims

Estrogen is essential for physiological maintenance of the female urogenital tract. It is believed that alterations in female sex hormones play a major role in the etiology and response to urinary tract dysfunctions. In animal studies, ovariectomy (Ovx) results in smooth muscle (SM) weakness and atrophy whereas estrogen supplementation reverses these effects. Our study seeks to establish the mechanisms by which estrogen augmentation results in increased contractility.

Methods

Twenty New Zealand White female rabbits were separated into five groups of four each. Group 1 served as control, rabbits of groups 2–5 were ovariectomized, group 2 ovariectomized received no estradiol, groups 3–5 were given 17‐β estradiol (1 mg/kg/day) by subcutaneous slow release tablet implant for 1, 3, and 7 days, respectively, beginning 2 weeks after Ovx. At the end of the experimental period, each rabbit was anesthetized and the urinary bladder was removed for contractile, histological, and biochemical studies.

Results

Ovx resulted in significantly decreased bladder contractile function, whereas bladders tested after estradiol administration showed increased contractility. Ovx resulted in a decrease in SM/collagen ratio, whereas estrogen resulted in an increase. The estrogen receptor (ER) density significantly increased following Ovx. After 1 day of estrogen treatment, the ER density decreased significantly below control levels, but rose progressively during the estrogen treatment.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that estrogen supplementation mediates a “functional hypertrophy,” that is a hypertrophy characterized by increased contractile responses to all forms of stimulation, and an increased ratio of SM/collagen. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Once and again: Retinoic acid signaling in the developing and regenerating olfactory pathway
Authors: Rawson N.E. , LaMantia A.‐S.
Published: May 2006

Retinoic acid (RA), a member of the steroid/thyroid superfamily of signaling molecules, is an essential regulator of morphogenesis, differentiation, and regeneration in the mammalian olfactory pathway. RA‐mediated teratogenesis dramatically alters olfactory pathway development, presumably by disrupting retinoid‐mediated inductive signaling that influences initial olfactory epithelium (OE) and bulb (OB) morphogenesis. Subsequently, RA modulates the genesis, growth, or stability of subsets of OE cells and OB interneurons. RA receptors, cofactors, and synthetic enzymes are expressed in the OE, OB, and anterior subventricular zone (SVZ), the site of neural precursors that generate new OB interneurons throughout adulthood. Their expression apparently accommodates RA signaling in OE cells, OB interneurons, and slowly dividing SVZ neural precursors. Deficiency of vitamin A, the dietary metabolic RA precursor, leads to cytological changes in the OE, as well as olfactory sensory deficits. Vitamin A therapy in animals with olfactory system damage can accelerate functional recovery. RA‐related pathology as well as its potential therapeutic activity may reflect endogenous retinoid regulation of neuronal differentiation, stability, or regeneration in the olfactory pathway from embryogenesis through adulthood. These influences may be in register with retinoid effects on immune responses, metabolism, and modulation of food intake. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 66: 653–676, 2006
Overview of retinoid metabolism and function
Authors: Blomhoff Rune , Blomhoff Heidi Kiil
Published: May 2006

Retinoids (vitamin A) are crucial for most forms of life. In chordates, they have important roles in the developing nervous system and notochord and many other embryonic structures, as well as in maintenance of epithelial surfaces, immune competence, and reproduction. The ability of all‐trans retinoic acid to regulate expression of several hundred genes through binding to nuclear transcription factors is believed to mediate most of these functions. The role of all‐trans retinoic may extend beyond the regulation of gene transcription because a large number of noncoding RNAs also are regulated by retinoic acid. Additionally, extra‐nuclear mechanisms of action of retinoids are also being identified. In organisms ranging from prokaryotes to humans, retinal is covalently linked to G protein‐coupled transmembrane receptors called opsins. These receptors function as light‐driven ion pumps, mediators of phototaxis, or photosensory pigments. In vertebrates phototransduction is initiated by a photochemical reaction where opsin‐bound 11‐cis‐retinal is isomerized to all‐trans‐retinal. The photosensitive receptor is restored via the retinoid visual cycle. Multiple genes encoding components of this cycle have been identified and linked to many human retinal diseases.

 Central aspects of vitamin A absorption, enzymatic oxidation of all‐trans retinol to all‐trans retinal and all‐trans retinoic acid, and esterification of all‐trans retinol have been clarified. Furthermore, specific binding proteins are involved in several of these enzymatic processes as well as in delivery of all‐trans retinoic acid to nuclear receptors. Thus, substantial progress has been made in our understanding of retinoid metabolism and function. This insight has improved our view of retinoids as critical molecules in vision, normal embryonic development, and in control of cellular growth, differentiation, and death throughout life. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 66: 606–630, 2006
Retinoids and spinal cord development
Authors: Maden Malcolm
Published: May 2006

The role that RA plays in the development and patterning of the spinal cord is discussed. The morphogenetic process of neurulation is described in which RA plays a role because in the absence of RA signaling spina bifida results. Following neural induction, RA is involved in several patterning events in the spinal cord. It is one of the posteriorizing factors along with FGFs and Wnts and as such patterns the cervical spinal cord acting via the Hoxc transcription factors. It is involved in the induction of neural differentiation via genes such as NeuroM. It plays a part in patterning the dorsoventral axis of the anterior spinal cord where it interacts with FGF, Shh, and BMPs and induces an interneuronal population of neurons called V0 and V1 and a subset of motor neurons known as LMCs. To perform these actions RA is synthesized in the adjacent paraxial mesoderm by the enzyme RALDH2 and acts in a paracrine fashion on the developing neural tube. In the final action of RA, it begins to be synthesized within the neural tube at brachial and lumbar levels in the LMCs. Later‐born neurons migrate through this RALDH2‐expressing region and induce differentiation in these migrating neurons, which become a subset of LMC neurons known as LMCls. Thus RA acts several times over in the development of the spinal cord and not on the cells in which it is synthesized, but in adjacent cells in a paracrine manner. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 66: 726–738, 2006
Retinoic acid and hindbrain patterning
Authors: Glover Joel C. , Renaud Jean‐Sébastien , Rijli Filippo M.
Published: May 2006

Retinoid signaling plays an important role in the developmental patterning of the hindbrain. Studies of the teratogenic effects of retinoids showed early on that the hindbrain suffered patterning defects in cases of retinoid excess or deficiency. Closer examination of these effects in animal models suggested that retinoids might play a physiological role in specifying the antero‐posterior axis of the hindbrain. This idea was supported by the localization of retinoid synthetic and degradative enzymes, binding proteins, and receptors to the hindbrain and neighboring regions of the neuroepithelium and the mesoderm. In parallel, it became clear that the molecular patterning of the hindbrain, in terms of the regionalized expression ofHoxgenes and other developmental regulatory genes, is profoundly influenced by retinoid signaling. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 66: 705–725, 2006
Dielectric and spectroscopic properties of PbO–Nb2O5–P2O5:V2O5 glass system
Authors: Krishna Mohan N. , Sahaya Baskaran G. , Veeraiah N.
Published: May 2006

PbO–Nb2O5–P2O5 glasses containing different concentrations of V2O5 ranging from 0 to 1.0 mol% were prepared. A number of studies, viz. differential thermal analysis, infrared, optical absorption, Raman and ESR spectra and dielectric properties (dielectric constant ϵ′, loss tan δ, a.c. conductivity σac over a range of frequency and temperature), of these glasses have been carried out. The results have been analysed in the light of different oxidation states of vanadium ions. The analysis indicates that when the concentration of V2O5 is increased gradually, vanadium ions are observed to exist mostly in the V4+ state, occupy network‐modifying positions and decrease the rigidity of the glass network. A transformation of NbO4 to NbO6 structural units and a decrease in the concentration of PO4 structural units have also been observed with an increase in the concentration of V2O5 in the glass network. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Deterioration of MOVPE InN films on sapphire during growth and post‐growth annealing
Authors: Miwa Hiroshi , Hashimoto Akihiro , Yamamoto Akio
Published: May 2006

The deterioration of MOVPE InN during the growth and the post‐growth annealing processes is investigated. Photoluminescence (PL) measurement with excitation sources with a different wavelength is mainly used to detect deterioration of InN. This is aimed to get in‐depth information about the quality of InN since the penetration depth of an excitation source is different depending on its wavelength. A serious deterioration, which is the decomposition of InN, is found for InN annealed in the NH3 flow after the growth. The deterioration occurs predominantly near the substrate interface. On the contrary, the deterioration of InN during growth is scarcely observed. Since the InN films grown on sapphire have an In‐polarity, the deterioration during the post‐growth annealing occurs at the N‐surface. Such deterioration is suppressed by the supply of TMI together with NH3 (InN growth mode). From these facts, hydrogen produced by the decomposition of NH3 seems to be responsible for the deterioration since hydrogen is consumed to form CH4 when TMI is supplied. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrical and recombination properties and deep traps spectra in MOCVD ELOG GaN layers
Authors: Lee In‐Hwan , Polyakov A. Y. , Smirnov N. B. , Govorkov A. V. , Markov A. V. , Pearton S. J.
Published: May 2006

Electrical properties, deep levels spectra, spectra of microcathodoluminescence, diffusion lengths of minority carriers were studied in undoped GaN films grown by standard metallorganic chemical vapour deposition on sapphire and by the epitaxial lateral overgrowth technique (ELOG). It is shown that the total concentrations of shallow donors and of electron and hole traps are very considerably lower in the ELOG material compared to the ordinary MOCVD samples. MCL and electron beam induced current EBIC imaging of ELOG samples suggests that the dislocation density in the overgrown regions is on the order of 106 cm–2 while in‐between these regions it is similar to the dislocation density in the standard material, about 109 cm–2. Local diffusion lengths were shown to follow the same trend as dislocation densities. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Real time spectroscopic ellipsometry investigation of homoepitaxial GaN grown by plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Kim Tong‐Ho , Choi Soojeong , Wu Pae , Brown April , Losurdo Maria , Giangregorio Maria M. , Bruno Giovanni , Moto Akihiro
Published: May 2006

The growth of GaN by plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy on GaN template substrates (GaN on sapphire) is investigated with in‐situ multi‐channel spectroscopic ellipsometry. Growth is performed under various Ga/N flux ratios at growth temperatures in the range 710–780 °C. The thermal roughening of the GaN template caused by decomposition of the surface is investigated through the termporal variation of the GaN pseudodielectric function over the temperature range of 650 °C to 850 °C. The structural, morphological, and optical properties are also discussed. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoluminescence depth‐profiling of lattice‐mismatched InGaN thick film on GaN using inductively coupled plasma etching
Authors: Lee Ji‐Myon , Kim Byung‐Il , Park Seong‐Ju
Published: May 2006

Photoluminescence depth profiling of highly strained In0.1Ga0.9N and In0.15Ga0.85N epitaxial films have been studied employing an inductively coupled Cl2 plasma etching. The photoluminescence measurements showed that thick InGaN films (0.2 μm) consist of three different structural phases; (i) an InN‐rich region near the InGaN film surface, (ii) a region that was free from InN‐rich phase under stress‐relaxation in the middle of the film, and (iii) an InGaN/GaN interface region. In region (i), a higher wavelength peak from the InN‐rich phase was dominant. After removing the surface layer of 500 Å, the PL peaks from InN‐rich phases completely disappeared, suggesting that the InN‐rich phase region is confined to a depth of 500 Å. In regions of (ii) and (iii), the strain‐relaxation between InGaN and GaN had a significant influence on the luminescence properties of InGaN. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
General solution for complete plane strain problem of a nonhomogeneous body with a doubly‐periodic set of inlays
Authors: Li X.
Published: May 2006

In this paper, we study the complete plane strain problem of a nonhomogeneous body with a doubly‐periodic set of cylindrical inlay by using the complex potential method, which is one of the most promising and efficient methods and has become a classic but not lost its significance even today, and obtain the general solution in closed form. For an illustrating example, e.g. the doubly‐periodic circular cylindrical inlay problem, the exact solution is obtained. When we fix one of its periods, say o1 = aπ and let |o2| → ∞ in such a way that $Im({\omega_2\over \omega_1})$> 0, Im (o1) = 0, we get the exact solution of the singly‐periodic case with the primitive period a π, this solution is identical with the known solution, furthermore, when we let |o1|→ ∞ and |o2| → ∞ in the doubly‐periodic case, or a → ∞ in the singly‐periodic case, we have immediately the exact solution of the non‐periodic case.
An analytical solution of incompressible charged porous media
Authors: Malakpoor K. , Kaasschieter E.F. , Huyghe J.M.
Published: May 2006

A one‐dimensional analytical solution is derived for free swelling and consolidation of a saturated charged porous medium. The derived equations describe infinitesimal deformation of charged porous media saturated with a fluid with dissolved cations and anions. In the one‐dimensional case the governing equations reduce to a coupled diffusion equations for electro‐chemical potentials. Suitable initial and boundary conditions based on consolidation or free swelling experiments complete the equations.