bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation, Isolation, and Characterization of Nα‐Fmoc‐Peptide Isocyanates: Solution Synthesis of Oligo‐α‐Peptidyl Ureas.
Authors: Sureshbabu Vommina V. , Patil Basanagoud S. , Venkataramanarao Rao
Published: December 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.
The Inhibition of Superoxide Anion Generation in Human Neutrophils by Viscum coloratum.
Authors: Leu Yann‐Lii , Hwang Tsong‐Long , Chung Yu‐Ming , Hong Pao‐Yun
Published: December 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.
A Novel iNOS and COX‐2 Inhibitor from the Aerial Parts of Rodgersia podophylla
Authors: Chin Young‐Won , Park Eun Young , Seo Seung‐Yong , Yoon Kee‐Dong , Ahn Mi‐Jeong , Suh Young‐Ger , Kim Sang Geon , Kim Jinwoong
Published: December 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.
Iron Oxides: from Molecular Clusters to Solid. A Nice Example of Chemical Versatility
Authors: Jolivet Jean‐Pierre , Tronc Elisabeth , Chaneac Corinne
Published: December 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.
Quantum Dynamical Approach to Ultrafast Molecular Desorption from Surfaces
Authors: Saalfrank Peter
Published: December 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.
Photochemistry on Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Watanabe Kazuo , Menzel Dietrich , Nilius Niklas , Freund Hans‐Joachim
Published: December 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.
Patterned Atomic Reaction at Surfaces
Authors: McNab Iain Ross , Polanyi John Charles
Published: December 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.
Tris(organosulfanyl)‐ and Tris(organoselanyl)methyllithium Compounds
Authors: Najera Domingo Carmen , Yus Astiz Miguel
Published: December 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.
Recent Developments in the Synthesis of Oxepines
Authors: Snyder Nicole L. , Haines Heather M. , Peczuh Mark W.
Published: December 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.
Azetidine‐2‐carboxylic Acid. From Lily of the Valley to Key Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Couty Francois , Evano Gwilherm
Published: December 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.
MgCl2/R′nAl(OR)3‐n: An Excellent Activator/Support for Transition‐Metal Complexes for Olefin Polymerization
Authors: Nakayama Yasushi , Saito Junji , Bando Hideki , Fujita Terunori
Published: December 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.
Regulation of Polyamine and Cancer
Authors: Samejima Keijiro
Published: December 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.
Pharmacologically Active Boranes
Authors: Jabbour Adel , Smoum Reem , Takrouri Khuloud , Shalom Eli , Zaks Batia , Steinberg Doron , Rubinstein Abraham , Goldberg Israel , Katzhendler Jehoshua , Srebnik Morris
Published: December 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.
Homochirality as a Consequence of Thermodynamic Equilibrium?
Authors: Crusats Joaquim , Veintemillas‐Verdaguer Sabino , Ribo Josep M.
Published: December 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.
Temozolomide in advanced malignant melanoma with small brain metastases
Authors: Boogerd Willem , de Gast Gijsbert C. , Dalesio Otilia
Published: December 2006

BACKGROUND.

The efficacy of radiotherapy (RT) in patients who have brain metastases from melanoma is limited. In this study, the authors evaluated the efficacy of treatment with temozolomide in patients with metastatic melanoma, including small brain metastases, who did not require immediate RT and investigated the feasibility of deferring RT.

METHODS.

Patients with brain metastasis were identified from 3 prospective studies of temozolomide (with or without immunotherapy) for metastatic melanoma. Patients with brain metastasis that measured >2 cm, extensive edema, and localization in the brain stem were excluded from the study. For the current analysis, patients with leptomeningeal metastasis and patients who received previous stereotactic RT were excluded. In patients who achieved a systemic response or stabilization to temozolomide, the response of brain metastasis and the necessity for palliative cranial RT were evaluated.

RESULTS.

Among 179 patients who received temozolomide for advanced melanoma, 52 patients with brain metastasis were evaluable. Stabilization of systemic metastasis was noted in 7 of 52 patients (13%), and there were 6 responses (5 partial responses and 1 complete response; 11%); thus, in those 13 patients, 6 had stabilization of brain metastasis (11%) and 5 had a response (2 partial responses and 3 complete responses; 9%). Immunotherapy did not influence the neurologic response. The median time to neurologic progression was 7 months (range 2–15, months). RT for cerebral recurrence was required in 2 patients. The median survival of patients with brain metastases was 5.6 months (95% confidence interval, 4.4–6.8 months). Intracranial hemorrhagic complications were not observed.

CONCLUSIONS.

The current results indicated that it is feasible to treat patients who have advanced melanoma and small brain metastasis with temozolomide as the single treatment. The small subset of patients with systemic response usually showed durable stabilization or a response of brain metastasis. With this approach, neurologic disease can be controlled, and cranial irradiation may be deferred and even withheld in most of patients. Cancer 2007. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Suppression of gastric cancer cell growth by targeting the β‐catenin/T‐cell factor pathway
Authors: Dvory‐Sobol Hadas , Sagiv Eyal , Liberman Eliezer , Kazanov Diana , Arber Nadir
Published: December 2006

BACKGROUND.

Functional activation of β‐catenin/T‐cell factor (Tcf) signaling plays an important role in the early events of carcinogenesis. Recently, it was demonstrated that adenomatous polyposis coli or β‐catenin genes are mutated frequently in gastric cancer cells. The objective of the current study was to use a gene‐targeting approach to kill human gastric cancer cells selectively with activated β‐catenin/Tcf signaling.

METHODS.

A recombinant adenovirus that carries a lethal gene (p53 up‐regulated modulator of apoptosis [PUMA]) under the control of a β‐catenin/Tcf‐responsive promoter (AdTOP‐PUMA) was used selectively to target gastric cancer cells (AGS) that posses an active β‐catenin/Tcf pathway. The combined effect of AdTOP‐PUMA and several chemotherapeutic agents (5‐florouracil, doxorubicin, paclitaxel) also was evaluated. Cell viability was measured by methylene blue assay, protein expression was measured by Western blot analysis, and cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated by fluorescent‐activated cell sorter analysis.

RESULTS.

The TOP‐PUMA adenovirus inhibited AGS cell growth in a dose‐ and time‐dependent fashion. Growth inhibition was associated with the up‐regulation of PUMA expression and the induction of apoptosis. Chemotherapy synergistically enhanced the killing effect of AdTOP‐PUMA.

CONCLUSIONS.

Selective targeting of gastric cancer cells with the activated β‐catenin pathway may be a novel and effective therapy in gastric cancer. Combination of this gene‐therapy approach with standard therapy may improve efficacy and reduce toxicity. Cancer 2007. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Surfactant Effects on Morphology and Switching of Holographic PDLCs Based on Polyurethane Acrylates
Authors: Woo Ju Yeon , Kim Byung Kyu
Published: December 2006

Effects of octanoic acid (OA) on the morphology, diffraction efficiency, and electro‐optic properties of the transmission mode of holographic polymer–dispersed liquid crystals (HPDLC) are studied. Droplet size decreases with increasing OA content (0–9 %), and this leads to a monotonic increase in off‐state diffraction with increasing OA content. However, on‐state diffraction decreases with increasing applied voltage and shows a minimum at 6 % OA, for which minimum switching voltage (5 V μm−1) and maximum contrast ratio (10) are obtained. Rise time and decay time decrease with increasing OA content. Interposition of OA between polymer and LC droplet is theoretically predicted by the spreading coefficient (λ>0) calculated on the basis of the solubility parameter, while the coalescence behavior of droplets is described by a dimensionless group (${\gamma d\rho /\mu ^2 }$) called coalescence number.
Hierarchical, Lithium‐Templated Assembly of Helicate‐Type Complexes: How Versatile Is This Reaction?
Authors: Albrecht Markus , Fiege Marcel , Baumert Miriam , de Groot Marita , Fröhlich Roland , Russo Luca , Rissanen Kari
Published: December 2006

Catechol ligands that bear carbonyl functions such as esters or aldehydes in the 3‐position (1a–c‐H2) form triple‐stranded, helicate‐type complexes [Li3(1a–c)6Ti2]– with titanium(IV) and the corresponding double‐stranded compounds [Li2(1a–c)4B2] with boron(III) in hierarchical, lithium‐templatedprocesses. The related 8‐hydroxyquinoline ligands 2a,b‐H can be used for the formation of similar complexes[Li3(2a,b)6M2]+ with cobalt(II), nickel(II), or zinc(II). A prerequisite for the formation of the lithium‐bridged dimers is a negative charge of the mononuclear complexes, which are able to electrostatically attract the lithium cations and thus compensate the repulsion between the cations. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Manganese Porphyrin Hosts as Epoxidation Catalysts – Activity and Stability Control by Axial Ligand Effects
Authors: Elemans Johannes A. A. W. , Bijsterveld Edward J. A. , Rowan Alan E. , Nolte Roeland J. M.
Published: December 2006

The catalytic performance of a cavity‐containing [(porphyrin)Mn] in the epoxidation of alkenes is described. Inside the catalyst cavity, nitrogen‐containing axial ligands can be bound to the porphyrin metal with high association constants, resulting in strong activation of the catalyst in the presence of only one equivalent of the ligand. Complexation of a sterically demanding ligand to the outside of the cavity‐containing catalyst can prevent catalyst decomposition through the formation of μ‐oxo dimers.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
DFT Studies toward the Design and Discovery of a Versatile Cage‐Functionalized Proton Sponge
Authors: Singh Ajeet , Ganguly Bishwajit
Published: December 2006

Pentacyclo[5.4.0.02,6.03,10.05,9]undecane (PCU) derivatives were predicted to be superorganic bases by using DFT methods. The new molecular framework (PCU) is versatile in terms of anchoring different functional groups to achieve high basicities in both the gas and solvent phases. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Subtyping and social consensus: the role of the audience in the maintenance of stereotypic beliefs
Authors: Carnaghi Andrea , Yzerbyt Vincent Y.
Published: December 2006

Two studies investigated the effect of stereotypes held by a prospective audience on participants' reactions to a stereotype‐disconfirming member. In Study 1, participants formed an impression of a positive disconfirming gay in order to communicate it to an audience known to hold a negative versus positive stereotype about gays. As predicted, participants subtyped the deviant more in the former than in the latter case. Moreover, participants' stereotype at the end of the study mirrored the audience's assumed stereotypes about gays. In Study 2, participants learned about a stereotype allegedly held by an ingroup or an outgroup audience about Belgians and then received information about a Belgian who disconfirmed the stereotype. As predicted, the deviant was seen as less typical when he violated the stereotype held by an ingroup than by an outgroup audience. Also, participants' stereotype about Belgians was more similar to the one held by the ingroup audience. A mediational analysis confirmed that participants subtyped the disconfirming member in order to embrace the stereotype advocated by the ingroup audience. Results are discussed in light of recent models of stereotype change. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blind‐phase noise estimation in OFDM systems by sequential Monte Carlo method
Authors: Panayırcı Erdal , Çırpan Hakan A. , Moeneclaey Marc , Noels Nele
Published: December 2006

One of the main drawbacks of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems is the phase noise (PN) caused by the oscillator instabilities. Unfortunately, due to the PN, the most valuable feature namely orthogonality between the carriers, is destroyed resulting in a significant degradation in the performance of OFDM systems. In this paper, based on a sequential Monte Carlo method (particle filtering), a computationally efficient algorithm is presented for estimating the residual phase noise, blindly, generated at the output of the phase tracking loop employed in OFDM systems. The basic idea is to treat the transmitted symbols as ‘missing data’ and draw samples sequentially of them based on the observed signal samples up to time t. This way, the Bayesian estimates of the phase noise is obtained through these samples, sequentially drawn, together with their importance weights. The proposed receiver structure is seen to be ideally suited for highspeed parallel implementation using VLSI technology. The performance of the proposed approaches are studied in terms of average mean square error. Through experimental results, the effects of an initialisation on the tracking performance are also explored. Copyright © 2006 AEIT.
A low complex receiver with interference cancellation for power‐controlled MC‐CDMA downlink transmissions
Authors: Morelli Michele , Sanguinetti Luca , Mengali Umberto
Published: December 2006

We consider the downlink of a power‐controlled MC‐CDMA system in which the near‐far effect limits the performance of single‐user receivers and calls for interference cancellation (IC)‐based schemes. The latter provide enhanced error rate performance but are not suited for downlink applications due to their relatively large complexity. To overcome this problem, we present a novel reduced‐complexity IC‐based detector in which interfering signals are canceled provided that their estimated power exceeds a given threshold. In addition to the channel response, the proposed scheme requires knowledge of the amplitudes of the users' signals. The latter are estimated using two different methods that exploit some pilot blocks placed at the beginning of the downlink frame. Numerical results are given to highlight the effectiveness of the proposed scheme and to make comparisons with other existing IC‐based solutions. Copyright © 2006 AEIT.
Peak‐to‐average power ratio reduction of multi‐carrier CDMA signals with interleaver‐based selected mapping
Authors: Saito Masato , Okuda Akihiro , Okada Minoru , Yamamoto Heiichi
Published: December 2006

In this study, we propose to apply interleavers as a mapping function of selected mapping (SLM) to reduce peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) of multi‐carrier code division multiple access (MC‐CDMA) signals. Additionally, a new method is proposed to send information about selected interleaver without explicit side information. The proposed method employs a scramble code and pilot symbols sent through pilot channel. The SLM with pseudo‐random interleavers enables MC‐CDMA signal transmitter to obtain the same PAPR reduction ability as SLM with random phase rotation, that is conventional SLM with the best phase rotation way. We confirm that the receivers can detect selected interleavers without degradation of bit error rate by the proposed interleaver estimation method. Copyright © 2006 AEIT.
Validation of a HF spread spectrum multi‐carrier technology through real‐link measurements
Authors: Santana‐Sosa Héctor , Zazo‐Bello Santiago , Pérez‐Álvarez Iván A. , Raos Ivana , Mendieta‐Otero Eduardo , López‐Pérez Javier
Published: December 2006

The HF band data communication link has been traditionally desired by many of the large range transmission systems although it is associated to unfavourable performances as low transmission rate, large delay and low confidence in terms of link establishment and maintenance. Although transmission rates may be high enough to transmit digital voice, delay, usually over several seconds, has been the main handicap to let the systems provide interactive digital voice links. Indeed, there is no unclassified equipment with this capability. The main achievement of this proposal is that we are able to guarantee digital voice transmission with low latency, around 135 ms (modem+codec), providing a full interactive digital voice link. Performances of two new 2460 bps HF modems are presented versus the 39‐tone 2400 bps MIL‐STD‐188‐110A modem, working over an ITU‐R moderate channel. Furthermore, these results are corroborated by real tests carried out in a 1800 Km link in the 18 MHz band. Copyright © 2006 AEIT.
RACK1 regulates Ki‐Ras‐mediated signaling and morphological transformation of NIH 3T3 cells
Authors: Bjørndal Bodil , Myklebust Line M. , Rosendal Ken Roger , Myromslien Frøydis D. , Lorens James B. , Nolan Garry , Bruland Ove , Lillehaug Johan R.
Published: December 2006

Activating Ras mutations are involved in a significant fraction of human tumors. A suppressor screen using a retroviral mouse fibroblast cDNA library was performed to identify novel factors in Ras‐mediated transformation. We identified a novel potent inhibitor of Ras‐mediated morphological transformation encoded by a truncated version of the receptor for activated C‐kinase (RACK1). The truncated protein, designated RACK1ΔWD1, lacked the N‐terminal 49 amino acids encoding the first of the 7 WD40 repeats in RACK1. RACK1ΔWD1 expression restored contact inhibition, stress fiber formation and reduced ERK phosphorylation in Ki‐Ras transformed NIH 3T3 cells. We demonstrate that truncated RACK1 is involved in complexes consisting of wild‐type RACK1 and protein kinase C isoforms α, βI and δ, compromising the transduction of an activated Ras signal to the Raf‐MEK‐ERK pathway. The cellular localization of RACK1ΔWD1 differed from wtRACK1, indicating that signaling complexes containing the truncated version of RACK1 are incorrectly localized. Notably, 12‐O‐tetradecanoyl‐13‐phorbol acetate (TPA) mediated intracellular translocation of RACK1‐interacting PKC α and δ was abrogated in RACK1ΔWD1‐expressing cells. Our data support a model where RACK1 acts as a key factor in Ki‐Ras‐mediated morphological transformation. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An ecologic study of cancer mortality rates in Spain with respect to indices of solar UVB irradiance and smoking
Authors: Grant William B.
Published: December 2006

There is increasing evidence that vitamin D reduces the risk of many types of cancer. Geographic variations in cancer mortality rates in Spain are apparently linked to variations in solar ultraviolet (UV) irradiances and other factors. Cancer mortality rates for 48 continental Spanish provinces for 1978–1992 were used in linear regression analyses with respect to mortality rates for latitude (an index of solar UVB levels), skin cancer (an index of high cumulative UVB irradiance), melanoma (an index related to solar UV irradiance and several other factors) and lung cancer (an index of cumulative effects of smoking). The 9 cancers with mortality rates significantly correlated with latitude for 1 or both sexes were brain, gastric, melanoma, nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), pancreatic, pleural, rectal and thyroid cancer. Inverse correlations with latitude were found for laryngeal, lung and uterine corpus cancer. The 17 cancers inversely correlated with NMSC are bladder, brain, breast, colon, esophageal, gallbladder, Hodgkin's lymphoma, lung, melanoma, multiple myeloma, NHL, ovarian, pancreatic, pleural, rectal, thyroid and uterine corpus cancer. The 16 correlated with melanoma are bladder, brain, breast, colon, gallbladder, leukemia, lung, multiple myeloma, NHL, ovarian, pancreatic, pleural, prostate, rectal, renal and uterine corpus cancer. The results for lung cancer were in accordance with the literature. These results provide more support for the UVB/vitamin D/cancer hypothesis and indicate a new way to investigate the role of solar UV irradiance on cancer risk. They also provide more evidence that melanoma and NMSC have different etiologies. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nerve growth factor enhances voltage‐gated Na+ channel activity and Transwell migration in Mat‐LyLu rat prostate cancer cell line
Authors: Brackenbury William J. , Djamgoz Mustafa B.A.
Published: December 2006

The highly dynamic nature of voltage‐gated Na+ channel (VGSC) expression and its controlling mechanism(s) are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the possible involvement of nerve growth factor (NGF) in regulating VGSC activity in the strongly metastatic Mat‐LyLu cell model of rat prostate cancer (PCa). NGF increased peak VGSC current density in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. NGF also shifted voltage to peak and the half‐activation voltage to more positive potentials, and produced currents with faster kinetics of activation; sensitivity to the VGSC blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX) was not affected. The NGF‐induced increase in peak VGSC current density was suppressed by both the pan‐trk antagonist K252a, and the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor KT5720. NGF did not affect the Nav1.7 mRNA level, but the total VGSC α‐subunit protein level was upregulated. NGF potentiated the cells' migration in Transwell assays, and this was not affected by TTX. We concluded that NGF upregulated functional VGSC expression in Mat‐LyLu cells, with PKA as a signaling intermediate, but enhancement of migration by NGF was independent of VGSC activity. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 602–608, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CMTM8 induces caspase‐dependent and ‐independent apoptosis through a mitochondria‐mediated pathway
Authors: Jin Caining , Wang Ying , Han Wenling , Zhang Yingmei , He Qihua , Li Dan , Yin Caihua , Tian Linjie , Liu Dazhen , Song Quanshen , Ma Dalong
Published: December 2006

The mitochondria‐mediated apoptotic pathway is regulated by members of the Bcl‐2 family. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) induces Bad phosphorylation at Ser112via mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), impairing its binding to Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL and interfering with their anti‐apoptotic functions. In the current study, we utilized Western blot, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy to examine the effects of CMTM8 overexpression on apoptosis. Our data indicated levels of Bad‐S112phosphorylation were lower in CMTM8‐transfected cells compared to pCDB‐transfected cells. Caspase‐dependent and independent mediated apoptosis, induced by CMTM8 overexpression, was facilitated by the mitochondria and inhibited by knockdown of Bad or overexpression of Bcl‐xL. Previous research in our laboratory also demonstrated CMTM8 attenuated EGFR‐mediated signaling pathways by decreasing ERK1/2phosphorylation levels. These data implicate CMTM8 as a negative regulator of EGF‐induced signaling, with potential use as a novel therapeutic gene for EGFR‐targeted anticancer gene therapy. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 112–120, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lipopolysaccharide reduces electrical coupling in microvascular endothelial cells by targeting connexin40 in a tyrosine‐, ERK1/2‐, PKA‐, and PKC‐dependent manner
Authors: Bolon Michael L. , Kidder Gerald M. , Simon Alexander M. , Tyml Karel
Published: December 2006

Electrical coupling along the endothelium is central in the arteriolar conducted response and in control of vascular resistance. It has been shown that exposure of endothelium to lipopolysaccharide (LPS, an initiating factor in sepsis) reduces intercellular communication in vitro and in vivo. The molecular basis for this reduction is not known. We examined the effect of LPS on electrical coupling in monolayers of cultured mouse microvascular endothelial cells (MMEC) derived from the mouse hindlimb skeletal muscle. To assess coupling, we measured the spread of electrical current injected into the monolayer and computed the monolayer intercellular resistance (inverse measure of coupling). LPS (10 µg/ml, 1 h) reduced coupling (i.e., increased resistance) in MMEC isolated from wild‐type, connexin37 (Cx37) null and Cx43G60S (nonfunctional mutant) mice, but not in MMEC derived from Cx40 null mice. LPS also activated JNK1/2, p38 and ERK1/2 MAP kinases. Pretreatment of WT monolayers with ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 (20 µM, 1 h) prevented the LPS‐induced decrease in coupling, while inhibition of JNK1/2 with SP600125 (20 µM, 1 h) and p38 with a p38 inhibitor (10 nM, 1 h) had no effect. Furthermore, inhibition of tyrosine kinases with PP‐2 (10 nM, 1 h), activation of PKA by 8‐bromo‐cAMP (1 mM, 5 min), and activation of PKC by bryostatin‐2 (10 nM, 1 h) also prevented the reduction in coupling. We propose that LPS reduces inter‐endothelial electrical coupling via tyrosine‐, ERK1/2‐, PKA‐, and PKC‐dependent signaling that targets Cx40. We suggest that this mechanism contributes to compromised arteriolar function following LPS exposure. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 159–166, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Visualization of Rab3A dissociation during exocytosis: A study by total internal reflection microscopy
Authors: Lin C.‐C. , Huang C.‐C. , Lin K.‐H. , Cheng K.‐H. , Yang D.‐M. , Tsai Y.‐S. , Ong R.‐Y. , Huang Y.‐N. , Kao L.‐S.
Published: December 2006

Rab3A is a small G protein in the Rab3 subfamily, and is thought to act at late stage of exocytosis. However, the detailed mechanism of its action is not completely understood. To study the role of Rab3A in exocytosis, we used a total internal reflection fluorescence microscope to examine the fluorescence changes of EGFP‐Rab3A‐labeled and NPY‐EGFP‐labeled vesicles in PC12 cells upon stimulation. The fluorescence of EGFP‐Rab3A‐labeled and NPY‐EGFP‐labeled vesicles decreased while showing different patterns. The NPY‐EGFP‐labeled vesicles that exocytosed showed a transient fluorescence increase before NPY‐EGFP fluorescence disappearance, which represents fusion and NPY release. This transient increase was diminished in cells that co‐expressed the GDP‐bound Rab3A mutant. The fluorescence of EGFP‐Rab3A‐labeled vesicles dispersed before disappearance, which represents the dissociation of Rab3A from the vesicles. The dispersion was not found in GTP‐bound Rab3A mutant‐labeled vesicles. Interestingly, EGFP‐Rab3A F59S, a mutant unable to bind rabphilin, dissociates slower from the vesicles than wild type Rab3A and caused a slower release of NPY‐EGFP. The results provide direct evidence to support the hypothesis that GTP hydrolysis and rabphilin are involved in Rab3A dissociation from the vesicles and the occurrence of exocytosis. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 316–326, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gray‐scale sonography of solid breast masses: Diagnosis of probably benign masses and reduction of the number of biopsies
Authors: Chala Luciano , Endo Erica , Kim Su , de Castro Flávio , Moraes Paula , Cerri Giovanni , de Barros Nestor
Published: December 2006

Purpose.

To identify probably benign breast masses using gray‐scale sonography and to see if this strategy could reduce the number of biopsies of breast masses.

Methods.

This retrospective study included 229 masses in 203 women who underwent sonographically guided percutaneous biopsy. Masses with a negative predictive value for malignancy >98% were retrospectively considered probably benign, and the potential impact of gray‐scale sonography in reducing the number of biopsies if these masses were not biopsied was assessed. Assessments were performed considering all masses as a group as well as various subgroups.

Results.

Round, ellipsoid, or lobulated masses with 3 or fewer lobulations, circumscribed margins, a longitudinal–anteroposterior diameter ratio ≥1.0 and no marked hypoechogenicity, posterior acoustic shad owing, internal microcalcifications, or altered surrounding breast tissue were considered probably benign. The sensitivity of gray‐scale sonography to identify this subgroup was 98%, with a negative predictive value of 99%. If these masses were not biopsied, there would be a 42% reduction in the number of biopsies considering all masses, a 36% reduction for masses classified as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category 4, and a 59% reduction for masses exclusively analyzed with sonography.

Conclusions.

It is possible to identify probably benign breast masses using gray‐scale sonography, and thereby to reduce the number of biopsies performed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2007
Contrast‐enhanced three‐dimensional fusion sonography of small liver metastases with pathologic correlation
Authors: Yukisawa Seigo , Ohto Masao , Masuya Yoshio , Okabe Shinichirou , Fukuda Hiroyuki , Yoshikawa Masaharu , Ebara Masaaki , Saisho Hiromitsu , Ohtsuka Masayuki , Miyazaki Masaru , Kondo Fukuo
Published: December 2006

Purpose.

To demonstrate that liver metastases with a diameter of ≤40 mm show characteristic features on three‐dimensional (3D) fusion sonographic images and that these sonographic findings can be correlated with histopathologic features of surgical specimens.

Methods.

Liver metastases measuring ≤40 mm were examined via contrast‐enhanced 3D fusion sonography. The characteristic sonographic findings of 17 tumor nodules in 11 patients with a histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of liver metastases were investigated, and their correspondence to the pathologic features were examined in 12 resected nodules.

Results.

On sonograms, central vessels were visualized in all 17 tumor nodules and peripheral vessels were visualized in 12 nodules. On histopathologic examination, the portal triad vessels corresponded to the central vessels and were located at the center of the tumors. A thin layer of peritumoral hepatocytes showing various changes was also observed, and a group of tiny vessels were seen running along this layer of cells.

Conclusions.

Liver metastases measuring 40 mm or less in diameter were characterized by the presence of both central and peripheral vessels on contrast‐enhanced 3D fusion sonography. There was good correlation between sonographic and histopathologic findings. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2007
Doppler sonography evaluation of flow velocity and volume of the extracranial internal carotid and vertebral arteries in healthy adults
Authors: Albayrak Ramazan , Degırmencı Bumin , Acar Murat , Haktanır Alpay , Colbay Mehmet , Yaman Mehmet
Published: December 2006

Purpose.

To measure with Doppler sonography the velocity and volume of blood flow in the extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) and vertebral artery (VA) of healthy adults and to calculate total cerebral blood flow volume (tCBFV).

Methods.

Bilateral ICA and VA were examined sonographically in 180 healthy adults. Angle‐corrected peak systolic (Vps), end‐diastolic (Ved), and time‐averaged maximum blood flow velocity (TAV) were measured in pulsed Doppler mode, and the resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) were calculated. The cross‐sectional area (A) was measured on gray‐scale images. Volume flow was calculated as FV = TAV × A, and tCBFV was calculated as the sum of the right and left ICA and VA volume flow.

Results.

tCBFV was 651 ± 96 ml/min for the entire population. There was a significant decrease in Vps, Ved, TAV, and tCBFV with age in all arteries. RI and PI values initially declined and then increased with age. Cross‐sectional area increased with age in ICA but not in VA. PI and RI were higher in men than in women. Blood flow velocity and volume were higher, and RI was lower in the left than in the right VA.

Conclusion.

The Doppler sonographic assessment of extracranial ICA and VA blood flow volume may be useful for the study of cerebral hemodynamic changes in patients with cerebrovascular disorders. Age‐dependent changes should be considered, for instance, in the management of intensive care patients with impaired cerebral perfusion. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2007
Melanophores: A model system for neuronal transport and exocytosis?
Authors: Aspengren Sara , Hedberg Daniel , Wallin Margareta
Published: December 2006

Black pigment cells, melanophores, from lower vertebrates are specialized in bidirectional and coordinated translocation of pigment granules, melanosomes, in the cytoplasm. Melanophores develop from the neuronal crest and are most abundant in the dermal and epidermal layers of the skin, where the intracellular distribution of the pigment significantly influences the color of the animal. The transport of pigment is dependent on an intact cytoskeleton and motor proteins associated with cytoskeletal components. The easily cultured melanophores have proved to be excellent models for organelle transport because the intracellular movements of pigment can be visualized via light microscopy, and the granules move in response to defined chemical signals. The ease of achieving a combination of morphological and functional transport studies is the advantage of the melanophore system, and studies on pigment cells have revealed new components of the transport machinery, including molecular motors, their adapters, and transfer of vesicles to other cells. Many cellular components are transported with a combination of the actin‐ and microtubule‐based transport systems, and, since all eukaryotic organisms rely on functional intracellular transport and an intact cytoskeleton, studies on melanophores are important for many aspects of cell biology, including axonal transport. In this review, we present an overview of the research on the pigment transport system and the potential use of pigment cells as a model system. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mouse and rat BDNF gene structure and expression revisited
Authors: Aid Tamara , Kazantseva Anna , Piirsoo Marko , Palm Kaia , Timmusk Tõnis
Published: December 2006

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has important functions in the development of the nervous system and in brain plasticity‐related processes such as memory, learning, and drug addiction. Despite the fact that the function and regulation of rodent BDNF gene expression have received close attention during the last decade, knowledge of the structural organization of mouse and rat BDNF gene has remained incomplete. We have identified and characterized several mouse and rat BDNF transcripts containing novel 5′ untranslated exons and introduced a new numbering system for mouse and rat BDNF exons. According to our results both mouse and rat BDNF gene consist of eight 5′ untranslated exons and one protein coding 3′ exon. Transcription of the gene results in BDNF transcripts containing one of the eight 5′ exons spliced to the protein coding exon and in a transcript containing only 5′ extended protein coding exon. We also report the distinct tissue‐specific expression profiles of each of the mouse and rat 5′ exon‐specific transcripts in different brain regions and nonneural tissues. In addition, we show that kainic acid‐induced seizures that lead to changes in cellular Ca2+ levels as well as inhibition of DNA methylation and histone deacetylation contribute to the differential regulation of the expression of BDNF transcripts. Finally, we confirm that mouse and rat BDNF gene loci do not encode antisense mRNA transcripts, suggesting that mechanisms of regulation for rodent and human BDNF genes differ substantially. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cellular prion protein is increased in the plasma and peri‐infarcted brain tissue after acute stroke
Authors: Mitsios Nicholas , Saka Mohamad , Krupinski Jerzy , Pennucci Roberta , Sanfeliu Coral , Miguel Turu Marta , Gaffney John , Kumar Pat , Kumar Shant , Sullivan Matthew , Slevin Mark
Published: December 2006

The physiologic properties of the normal cellular prion protein (PrPC) have not been established fully, although recent evidence showed its upregulation in cerebral ischaemia. Using patients, animal models, and in vitro studies we aimed to identify in detail the expression and localization of PrPC in ischemic stroke. Patients in acute phase of ischaemic stroke had increased plasma levels of circulating PrPC as compared to healthy age‐ and gender‐matched controls (3.1 ± 1.4 vs. 1.9 ± 0.7 ng/ml, P = 0.002). Immunohistochemistry showed increased expression of PrPC in the soma of peri‐infarcted neurones as well as in the endothelial cells (EC) of micro‐vessels and inflammatory cells in peri‐infarcted brain tissue from patients who survived for 2–34 days after an initial stroke. The same pattern was repeated 1–48 hr after MCAO. RT‐PCR showed increased gene expression of PrPC by human foetal neurons (HFN) after 12 hr of oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD), which remained increased after 24 hr reperfusion. Western blotting confirmed that protein expression was similarly upregulated, and fluorescent labeling showed a notable increase in peri‐nuclear and axonal PrPC staining intensity. Increased plasma PrPC seems to reflect endogenous expression in acute stroke‐affected brain tissue. Increased cellular expression in peri‐infarcted regions may influence hypoxia‐induced cell damage, although the effects on EC survival and angiogenesis remain to be elucidated. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Augmentation of osseous phenotypes in vivo with a synthetic peptide
Authors: Lin Xinhua , Elliot J.J. , Carnes D.L. , Fox W.C. , Peña L.A. , Campion S.L. , Takahashi K. , Atkinson B.L. , Zamora P.O.
Published: December 2006

The synthetic peptide B2A2‐K‐NS augmented the in vitro expression of osseous phenotypes when cells were stimulated with BMP‐2, an osteoinductive growth factor. B2A2‐K‐NS significantly enhanced the effects of BMP‐2‐induced alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization. In the absence of BMP‐2, B2A2‐K‐NS did not have an effect on these endpoints. Based on these observations, in vivo studies were conducted to evaluate if B2A2‐K‐NS could augment osseous phenotypes in an osteoinductive environment in which BMP‐2 should be present. In one study, human demineralized bone matrix (DBM) was used to generate an osteoinductive environment and the effects of B2A2‐K‐NS on ectopic mineralization of subcutaneous implants evaluated. In the second study, a noncritical sized defect in rabbit ulnas with inherent reparative capacity was used as the osteoinductive environment and was treated with or without B2A2‐K‐NS. In the DBM studies, B2A2‐K‐NS augmented mineralization as determined using a combination of radiographic analysis and von Kossa staining at 4 weeks postimplant. In the rabbit ulna model, B2A2‐K‐NS significantly increased the radiographic bone density in the defects compared to carrier‐only or no‐treatment controls after 6 weeks. Histological staining confirmed that B2A2‐K‐NS generated a pronounced bone repair response. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that B2A2‐K‐NS augments osseous phenotypes in an osteoinductive environment, and suggests that B2A2‐K‐NS may have clinical utility. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:531–539, 2007
Quantifying the contributions of structure to annulus fibrosus mechanical function using a nonlinear, anisotropic, hyperelastic model
Authors: Guerin Heather Lynch , Elliott Dawn M.
Published: December 2006

The annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc is comprised of concentric lamella of oriented collagen fibers embedded in a hydrated proteoglycan matrix with smaller amounts of minor collagens, elastin, and small proteoglycans. Its structure and composition enable the disc to withstand complex loads and result in inhomogeneous, anisotropic, and nonlinear mechanical behaviors. The specific contributions of the annulus fibrosus constituent structures to mechanical function remain unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to use a structurally motivated, anisotropic, nonlinear strain energy model of annulus fibrosus to determine the relative contributions of its structural components to tissue mechanical behavior. A nonlinear, orthotropic hyperelastic model was developed for the annulus fibrosus. Terms to describe fibers, matrix, and interactions between annulus fibrosus structures (shear and normal to the fiber directions) were explicitly included. The contributions of these structures were analyzed by including or removing terms and determining the effect on the fit to multidimensional experimental data. Correlation between experimental and model‐predicted stress, a Bland‐Altman analysis of bias and standard deviation of residuals, and the contribution of structural terms to overall tissue stress were calculated. Both shear and normal interaction terms were necessary to accurately model multidimensional behavior. Inclusion of shear interactions more accurately described annulus fibrosus nonlinearity. Fiber stretch and shear interactions dominated contributions to circumferential direction stress, while normal and shear interactions dominated axial stress. The results suggest that interactions between fibers and matrix, perhaps facilitated by crosslinks, elastin, or minor collagens, augment traditional (i.e., fiber‐uncrimping) models of nonlinearity. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:508–516, 2007
Twenty Years of Polymer‐Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Okada Akane , Usuki Arimitsu
Published: December 2006

Summary: More than twenty years have passed since we invented PCN, in which only a few wt.‐% of silicate is randomly and homogeneously dispersed in the polymer matrix. When molded, these nanocomposites show superior properties compared to those of pristine polymers. The number of papers on PCN has increased rapidly in recent years, reaching over 500 in 2005 alone. Being pioneers of this new technology, we review its history relative to the following epochal events:

In 1985 we invented nylon 6‐clay hybrid (NCH), the first PCN.

In 1989, cars equipped with a NCH part were launched.

In 1997, Gilman found revolutionary fire retardancy in NCH.

In 1997, a PP‐clay nanocomposite was prepared using a compatibilizer.

In 1998, a compounding method for producing PCN was completed.

In 2002, Haraguchi invented a revolutionary nanocomposite hydrogel.

So far, only nylon‐clay nanocomposites have been used in practice, but other PCN will become increasingly useful in the future.

SEM of etched NCH film.

magnified image

SEM of etched NCH film.
Antipsychotic use in older adults with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Marras Connie , Kopp Alexander , Qiu Feng , Lang Anthony E. , Sykora Kathy , Shulman Kenneth I. , Rochon Paula A.
Published: December 2006

The choice of agents to treat psychotic symptoms in Parkinson's disease is important given the potential for antipsychotics to worsen Parkinsonism. The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence of psychotic symptoms requiring treatment in individuals with Parkinson's disease after starting dopaminergic medications, and to describe the agents being selected as initial antipsychotic therapy. Using the administrative health care databases of Ontario, Canada, individuals 66 years of age or older with Parkinson's disease who were newly treated with dopaminergic agents were identified. Subsequent prescriptions for antipsychotic medications were then identified. A total of 10,347 older adults were newly started on dopaminergic agents between 1998 and 2003. The Kaplan–Meier estimate for the cumulative probability of requiring an antipsychotic at 7 years was 35%; 499 individuals (4.8%; 5.2/100 person–years) were prescribed an antipsychotic within 1 year of starting dopaminergic therapy. The proportion of initial antipsychotic prescriptions for typical antipsychotics decreased from 56% (42 of 75) in 1998 to 9% (8 of 88) in 2002. Antipsychotic use is common in individuals with Parkinsonism newly treated with dopaminergic medication. Typical antipsychotics are still commonly being chosen as first‐line agents for older patients, indicating a need for interventions to improve practice. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Prevalence of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 mutation among Italian Parkinsonian patients
Authors: Modoni Anna , Contarino Maria Fiorella , Bentivoglio Anna Rita , Tabolacci Elisabetta , Santoro Massimo , Calcagni Maria Lucia , Tonali Pietro A. , Neri Giovanni , Silvestri Gabriella
Published: December 2006

We evaluated the prevalence of the SCA2 mutation among 224 Italian patients affected by typical Parkinsonism, including 145 sporadic and 79 familial forms. Pink1, Parkin, and LRRK2 gene mutations had been excluded previously. Molecular testing for the CAG expansion at the SCA 2 locus was performed on leukocyte DNA. Cloning and sequencing of the expanded allele was performed in patients positive for the SCA2 expansion. A 38 CAG expansion was detected in 1 of 79 families studied. The proband, a male age 67, and his sister, age 69, were both affected by a benign form of L‐dopa–responsive Parkinsonism not associated with cerebellar signs. The inheritance was autosomal dominant. The CAG expansion was stable through meiotic transmission: sequence analysis showed that the CAG stretch was interrupted by 3 CAA. Our study shows that CAG expansion at the SCA 2 locus may represent a genetic cause of familial L‐dopa–responsive Parkinsonism among Italian patients. The stability of the pathological CAG expansion detected in this family was related to the presence of CAA interruptions. These findings, together with literature data, suggest that the molecular intrinsic structure of the expanded allele may modulate the phenotypic expression of the SCA2 mutation. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society