bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subjective cognitive functioning as a predictor of all cause mortality in an Israeli national sample of community dwelling older adults
Authors: Ayalon Liat
Published: March 2008

Objective

Cognitive functioning has been identified as a predictor of all cause mortality in several epidemiological studies. As a result, researchers have suggested the use of short cognitive screens as prognostic indicators in older adults. Little is known, however, about subjective complaints of cognitive functioning as predictors of all cause mortality.

Methods

A 7‐year follow‐up of a national sample of 4,921 Israelis over the age of 60. Main predictors were subjective complaints of memory problems, confusion, and recognition problems. Outcome was time to death.

Results

As expected, in the fully adjusted model, age, gender, subjective health, baseline health, and ADL and IADL impairments were significant predictors of all cause mortality. In addition, complaints about difficulties recognizing familiar people also were associated with a greater risk for mortality.

Conclusions

Subjective complaints about recognition problems serve as a risk for all cause mortality above and beyond well‐known risk factors. Health care professionals can use this information about subjective cognitive functioning in conjunction with other measures in order to identify older adults at risk for an earlier death. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactions of polycyclic thioketones with a phosphonylated carbanion
Authors: Mloston Grzegorz , Obijalska Emilia , Urbaniak Katarzyna , Heimgartner Heinz
Published: March 2008

Polycyclic, nonenolizable cycloaliphatic thioketones 1a and 1b react smoothly with the lithium salt of diethyl methylphosphonate 7 in THF solution at −40°C to afford products of the carbophilic attack exclusively. Quenching of the obtained lithium thiolates with alkyl iodides yields sulfanes of type 9 or 11, respectively, in good yields. 1‐Fluoro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene was shown to act as an arylating agent. In the case of the “cage” thioketone 1b, the carbanion of salt 7 approaches the CS bond from the exo‐side exclusively. In contrast to the parent carbonyl compounds, thioketones 1 show no tendency to undergo the conversion analogous to the Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction, which would result in the formation of an olefinic product. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:182–187, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20390
Synthesis of optically active hydroxyphosphonates
Authors: Guliaiko Irina , Nesterov Vitaly , Sheiko Sergei , Kolodiazhnyi Oleg I. , Freytag Matthias , Jones Peter G. , Schmutzler Reinhard
Published: March 2008

The reduction of dimenthyl ketophosphonates with sodium borohydride involves asymmetric induction at the α‐carbon atom, resulting in a small excess of the (R)‐enantiomer of the α‐hydroxyphosphonate formed. A higher ee purity was achieved if the reduction of chiral dimenthyl ketophosphonates was carried out by the chiral complex of NaBH4‐L‐proline, owing to the double asymmetric induction at the α‐carbon atom. The hydroxyphosphonates obtained were isolated in a diastereomerically pure state and were transformed to the optically active, free hydroxyalkylphosphonic acids. The (R)‐configuration of one of them was proved by X‐ray crystal structure analysis. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:133–139, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20391
Synthesis of phosphonic acid containing thiadiazole
Authors: Hu Hairong , Zhu Chuanfang , Fu Juan
Published: March 2008

A series of phosphonic acid, 1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐amine‐N‐alkyl have been synthesized by the reaction of 2‐amine thiadiazole, different aldehydes (or ketone), and phosphorous acid via the melting method or the solvent method. These compounds have been characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 31P NMR, and elemental analysis. Results showed that compounds were reacted via the solvent method in better yields. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:140–143, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20395
Synthesis, characterization, and biological effects of diorganotin(IV) derivatives of substituted germyl propionic acid and crystal structure of 3‐triphenylgermyl‐3‐P‐fluorophenyl propionic acid
Authors: Choudhary Muhammad Aziz , Mahboob Sumera , Mazhar Mohammad , Ali Saqib , Parvez Masood , Song Xueqing , Eng George
Published: March 2008

A new series of diorganotin(IV) derivatives of the general formula (1R3GeCH2RCH2COO)2Sn3R2 has been prepared by the reaction of diorganotin chlorides/oxides with substituted germyl propionic acids in 1:2 mole ratios. These compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses and various spectroscopic techniques (IR, multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C, 119Sn), 119mSn Mössbauer spectroscopies and mass spectrometry). The single crystal structure of the precursor Ph3GeCHRFCH2COOH (RF = 4‐FC6H4) has been determined by X‐ray diffraction. Biological studies such as cytotoxicity, antibacterial, and cytotoxicity were also investigated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:163–170, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20402
Reactivity of phosphiranes toward nucleophiles: Theoretical and experimental investigations
Authors: Coote Michelle L. , Krenske Elizabeth H. , Maulana Ilham , Steinbach Jörg , Wild S. Bruce
Published: March 2008

The thermodynamic and kinetic parameters for the reaction of 1‐methylphosphirane with dimethylphosphide (PMe), proceeding via attack at the ring phosphorus atom to give Me2P–PMe− plus ethylene, were calculated at the G3(MP2)‐RAD(+) level. The rate constant for this mechanism (k = 1.1 × 1013 L mol−1 s−1 at 25°C) is seven orders of magnitude greater than that for the previously studied mechanism involving attack at carbon. Experimental investigations with 1‐phenylphosphirane gave consistent results: Treatment with LiPMePh yielded no detectable polymer, and quenching with MeI gave the known diphosphine (R*, R*)‐(±)/(R*, S*)‐MePhP‐‐PMePh. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:178–181, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20405
Concerted actions of multiple transcription elements confer differential transactivation of HSP90 isoforms in geldanamycin‐treated 9L rat gliosarcoma cells
Authors: Chao Chih‐Chung , Sun Fang‐Chun , Wang Chih‐Hsiang , Lo Chih‐Wei , Chang Yuo‐Sheng , Chang Kun‐Che , Chang Margaret Dah‐Tysr , Lai Yiu‐Kay
Published: March 2008

HSP90 chaperones are transducer proteins of many signaling pathways in cells. Using a highly specific inhibitor, geldanamycin (GA), an increasing number of the HSP90 client proteins have been identified. Nevertheless, there is little information on the differential transactivation of the two isoforms of the hsp90 genes, hsp90α and β, in cells under stress conditions. Here, we demonstrate the differential expression of the HSP90 isoforms, HSP90α and β, in rat gliosarcoma 9L cells using a modified SDS–PAGE system that allowed us to distinguish the isoforms. We subsequently assessed the transcriptional controls involving the transcription elements located in the promoter regions of the hsp90 genes. At the protein level, HSP90α is more responsive to GA in terms of rate of de novo synthesis and amount of accumulation, as shown by metabolic‐labeling and Western‐blotting analyses. Upregulation of the hsp90 genes was demonstrated by real‐time qPCR. The promoter elements hsp90α‐HSE2 and hsp90β‐HSE1 were also identified to be the major transcription elements involved in GA‐activated gene expression, as shown by EMSA, whereas the results of supershift showed that the transcription factor HSF1 is also involved. Moreover, EMSA results of analysis of the GC box showed differences in both the initial amounts and inductive response of hsp90s transcripts, whereas analysis of the TATA box showed GA responsiveness in hsp90α only. Collectively, these results indicate that GA exerts its regulatory effects through transcription elements including heat‐shock elements (HSEs), GC boxes and TATA boxes, resulting in differential transactivation of hsp90α and hsp90β in rat gliosarcoma 9L cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1286–1296, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteomic identification of malignant transformation‐related proteins in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Qi Yi‐Jun , He Qing‐Yu , Ma Yuan‐Fang , Du Yao‐Wu , Liu Guang‐Chao , Li Yan‐Jie , Tsao George S.W. , Ngai Sai Ming , Chiu Jen‐Fu
Published: March 2008

Esophageal cancer (EC) persists to be a leading cancer‐related death in northern China. Clinical outcome of EC is the most dismal among many types of digestive tumors because EC at early stage is asymptomatic. The current study used 2‐DE‐based proteomics to identify differentially expressed proteins between esophageal cancer cell lines and immortal cell line. Fifteen proteins were identified with differences of more than five folds, comprising the down‐regulation of annexin A2, histone deacetylase 10 isoform beta and protein disulfide‐isomerase ER‐60 precursor, and the up‐regulation of heat shock 70 kDa protein 9B precursor, solute carrier family 44 Member 3, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (hnRNP L), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A isoform 2, triosephosphate isomerase1 (TPI), peroxiredoxin1 (PRX1), forminotransferase cyclodeaminase form (FTCD), fibrinogen gamma‐A chain precursor, kinesin‐like DNA binding protein, lamin A/C, cyclophilin A (CypA), and transcription factor MTSG1. Expression pattern of annexin A2 was verified by Western blotting, immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry analysis. The implication of these protein alterations correlated to the esophageal malignant transformation is discussed. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1625–1635, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
5α‐androstane‐3α,17β‐diol supports human prostate cancer cell survival and proliferation through androgen receptor‐independent signaling pathways: Implication of androgen‐independent prostate cancer progression
Authors: Yang Qing , Titus Mark A. , Fung Kar‐Ming , Lin Hsueh‐Kung
Published: March 2008

Androgen and androgen receptor (AR) are involved in growth of normal prostate and development of prostatic diseases including prostate cancer. Androgen deprivation therapy is used for treating advanced prostate cancer. This therapeutic approach focuses on suppressing the accumulation of potent androgens, testosterone and 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (5α‐DHT), or inactivating the AR. Unfortunately, the majority of patients with prostate cancer eventually advance to androgen‐independent states and no longer respond to the therapy. In addition to the potent androgens, 5α‐androstane‐3α,17β‐diol (3α‐diol), reduced from 5α‐DHT through 3α‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (3α‐HSDs), activated signaling may represent a novel pathway responsible for the progression to androgen‐independent prostate cancer. Androgen sensitive human prostate cancer LNCaP cells were used to compare 5α‐DHT and 3α‐diol activated androgenic effects. In contrast to 5α‐DHT, 3α‐diol regulated unique patterns of β‐catenin and Akt expression as well as Akt phosphorylation in parental and in AR‐silenced LNCaP cells. More significantly, 3α‐diol, but not 5α‐DHT, supported AR‐silenced LNCaP cells and AR negative prostate cancer PC‐3 cell proliferation. 3α‐diol‐activated androgenic effects in prostate cells cannot be attributed to the accumulation of 5α‐DHT, since 5α‐DHT formation was not detected following 3α‐diol administration. Potential accumulation of 3α‐diol, as a result of elevated 3α‐HSD expression in cancerous prostate, may continue to support prostate cancer growth in the presence of androgen deprivation. Future therapeutic strategies for treating advanced prostate cancer might need to target reductive 3α‐HSD to block intraprostatic 3α‐diol accumulation. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1612–1624, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An improvement on H design
Authors: Ji L.
Published: March 2008

An H(m, g, 4, 3) is a triple $(X,\cal T,\cal B)$, where X is a set of mg points, $\cal T$ is a partition of X into m disjoint sets of size g, and $\cal B$ is a set of 4‐element transverses of $\cal T$, such that each 3‐element transverse of $\cal T$ is contained in exactly one of them. Such a design was introduced by Hanani 2, who used it to study Steiner quadruple systems. Mills showed that for $m > 3, m \not= 5$, an H(m, g, 4, 3) exists if and only if mg is even and $g(m-1)(m-2)$ is divisible by 3, and that for $m=5$, an H(5, g, 4, 3) exists if g is divisible by 4 or 6 10. In this article, we shall show that an H(5, g, 4, 3) exists if g is even, $g \neq 2$ and $g \not \equiv 10, 26\, ({\rm mod} \,48)$. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 17: 25–35, 2009
Sonography in first trimester bleeding
Authors: Dighe Manjiri , Cuevas Carlos , Moshiri Mariam , Dubinsky Theodore , Dogra Vikram S.
Published: March 2008

Vaginal bleeding is the most common cause of presentation to the emergency department in the first trimester. Approximately half of patients with first trimester vaginal bleeding will lose the pregnancy. Clinical assessment is difficult, and sonography is necessary to determine if a normal fetus is present and alive and to exclude other causes of bleeding (eg, ectopic or molar pregnancy). Diagnosis of a normal intrauterine pregnancy not only helps the physician in terms of management but also gives psychologic relief to the patient. Improved ultrasound technology and high‐frequency endovaginal transducers have enabled early diagnosis of abnormal and ectopic pregnancies, decreasing maternal morbidity and mortality. The main differential considerations of first trimester bleeding are spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, or gestational trophoblastic disease. This article reviews the causes of first trimester bleeding and the sonographic findings, including normal features of first trimester pregnancy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008.
EU aid policy towards the Pacific ACPs
Authors: Dearden Stephen J. H.
Published: March 2008

This paper reviews the EU's development policy in relation to the Pacific members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific group (ACP). It considers the particular characteristics and challenges faced by these island economies before turning to their trade relations with the EU and the Community's aid programme. It considers both the regional assistance programme and the particular experience of Fiji, the largest economy of the South Pacific. Finally, it attempts to draw some more general conclusions as to the effectiveness of EU aid administration and to identify those issues that remain to be addressed including monitoring, performance criteria, deconcentration and policy coherence. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of fractional mass for the identification of peptide–oligonucleotide cross‐links by mass spectrometry
Authors: Pourshahian Soheil , Limbach Patrick A.
Published: March 2008

A method has been developed to identify oligonucleotide–peptide heteroconjugates by accurate mass measurements using MS. The fractional mass (the decimal fraction mass value following the monoisotopic nominal mass) for peptides and oligonucleotides is different due to their differing molecular compositions. This property has been used to develop the general conditions necessary to differentiate peptides and oligonucleotides from oligonucleotide–peptide heteroconjugates. Peptides and oligonucleotides generated by the theoretical digestion of various proteins and nucleic acids were plotted as nominal mass versus fractional mass. Such plots reveal that three nucleotides cross‐linked to a peptide produce enough change in the fractional mass to be recognized from non‐cross‐linked peptides at the same nominal mass. Experimentally, a Cytochrome c digest was spiked with an oligonucleotide–peptide heteroconjugate and conditions for analyzing the sample using liquid chromatography (LC)‐MS were optimized. Upon analysis of this mixture, all detected masses were plotted on a fractional mass plot and the heteroconjugate could be readily distinguished from non‐cross‐linked peptides. The method developed here can be incorporated into a general proteomics‐like scheme for identifying protein–nucleic acid cross‐links, and this method is equally applicable to characterizing cross‐links generated from protein–DNA and protein–RNA complexes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dehydrogenation of tertiary amines in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Lou Xianwen , Spiering A. J. H. , de Waal Bas F. M. , van Dongen Joost L. J. , Vekemans Jef A. J. M. , Meijer E. W.
Published: March 2008

In the matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS) analysis of various compounds synthesized in our laboratory, strong [M − H]+ ion peaks were often observed for the molecules with tertiary amino groups. In this work, the MALDI TOF MS behavior of two groups of compounds that incorporate tertiary amino moieties was investigated. One group is bisurea dimethylanilines (BUDMAs) prepared for the study of molecular recognition in thermoplastic elastomers, and the other group is the poly(propylene imine) diaminobutane dendrimers. The results clearly demonstrate the appearance of the [M − H]+ ions. In order to understand the possible mechanisms for the generation of these ions, a series of model compounds, ranging from primary to tertiary amines, were investigated. Unlike the tertiary amines, no [M − H]+ ion peaks were recorded for the primary amines, and only barely detectable ones, if any, for some secondary amines. It appears that the tertiary amino groups play an important role in the formation of these ions. In addition to MALDI TOF MS analysis, these samples were also applied to electrospray ionization (ESI) MS where no [M − H]+ ions were observed. The results indicate that the generation of [M − H]+ ion is due to the unique MALDI conditions and is likely to be formed via dehydrogenation of a protonated tertiary amine resulting in an NC double bond. The absence of [M − H]+ ion peaks for the primary and secondary amines is probably because upon their formation these ions could easily transfer one proton to the corresponding amines in the MALDI gas‐phase plume, yielding neutral imines that cannot be detected by MS. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Manganese potentiates nuclear factor‐κB‐dependent expression of nitric oxide synthase 2 in astrocytes by activating soluble guanylate cyclase and extracellular responsive kinase signaling pathways
Authors: Moreno Julie A. , Sullivan Kelly A. , Carbone David L. , Hanneman William H. , Tjalkens Ronald B.
Published: March 2008

Inflammatory activation of glial cells is associated with neuronal injury in several degenerative movement disorders of the basal ganglia, including manganese neurotoxicity. Manganese (Mn) potentiates the effects of inflammatory cytokines on nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB)‐dependent expression of nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) in astrocytes, but the signaling mechanisms underlying this effect have remained elusive. It was postulated in the present studies that direct stimulation of cGMP synthesis and activation of mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathways underlies the capacity of Mn to augment NF‐κB‐dependent gene expression in astrocytes. Exposure of primary cortical astrocytes to a low concentration of Mn (10 μM) potentiated expression of NOS2 mRNA and protein along with production of NO in response to interferon‐γ (IFNγ) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα), which was prevented by overexpression of dominant negative IκBα. Mn also potentiated IFNγ‐ and TNFα‐induced phosphorylation of extracellular response kinase (ERK), p38, and JNK, as well as cytokine‐induced activation of a fluorescent NF‐κB reporter construct in transgenic astrocytes. Activation of ERK preceded that of NF‐κB and was required for maximal activation of NO synthesis. Independently of IFNγ/TNFα, Mn‐stimulated synthesis of cGMP in astrocytes and inhibition of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) abolished the potentiating effect of Mn on MAP kinase phosphorylation, NF‐κB activation, and production of NO. These data indicate that near‐physiological concentrations of Mn potentiate cytokine‐induced expression of NOS2 and production of NO in astrocytes via activation of sGC, which promotes ERK‐dependent enhancement of NF‐κB signaling. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Volatile compounds, quality attributes, mineral composition and pericarp structure of South African litchi export cultivars Mauritius and McLean's Red
Authors: Sivakumar Dharini , Naudé Yvette , Rohwer Egmont , Korsten Lise
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: The aim of this research was to identify the differences in volatile compounds, mineral composition, quality parameters and pericarp structure (at different fruit developmental stages) between two South African litchi export cultivars, Mauritius and McLean's Red, in order to provide a better understanding of the plant intraspecific variation.

RESULTS: Citronellol and geraniol were predominant in the aroma profile of cv. Mauritius and conferred characteristic floral, rose, citrus and fruity aromas. In cv. McLean's Red, germacrene D was predominant in the sesquiterpene fraction. Germacrene D and muurolene are associated with a woody smell. Cv. Mauritius had lower soluble solid content/titratable acidity ratio and higher ascorbic acid content than cv. McLean's Red. Cv. McLean's Red had lower pericarp hue angle and higher anthocyanin concentration, which correlated negatively. Significant differences in fruit mineral content and pattern of cuticle accumulation were noted between the two cultivars. The parallel cuticular lines formed a network with intercellular ridges and heavy wax deposits in cv. McLean's Red. Cv. Mauritius showed higher weight loss at 25 °C, suggesting that the dense wax deposits and cuticle structure in cv. McLean's Red could limit moisture loss.

CONCLUSION: This investigation shows evidence for the lack of sweet and rose‐like fragrance in litchi cv. McLean's Red. It is the first study to compare volatile compounds responsible for the differing aromas of two South African litchi cultivars. Litchi cultivar improvement and breeding programmes are focused on expansion of the season and yield. The reported information is useful for selection of cultivars and for cultivar breeding programmes focusing on fruit quality and storage potential. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
A quantitative peptide structure vs. retention relationship study
Authors: Oros Gyula , Cserháti Tibor
Published: March 2008

The quantitative relationship between the TLC retention parameters of 28 short peptides and their physicochemical characteristics was calculated using linear regression analysis. It was established that surface parameters exert a significant impact on the retention of peptides and the ratio of non‐polar surface area/polar surface area exerts the highest influence on the retention. This result may be due to the fact that peptides turn towards the apolar surface of the stationary phase with their non‐polar substructures while the polar molecular parts point into the hydrophilic mobile phase.
Short‐chain fatty acids as marker for the degradation of frying fats and oils
Authors: Brühl Ludger , Matthäus Bertrand
Published: March 2008

The determination of fatty acid composition by gas chromatography as a routine task is established in most laboratories dealing with oils and fats. The scope of this method can be enlarged for a preliminary quality control of used frying fats and oils, which is commonly characterized by the determination of polar compounds and polymerized triacylglycerols. However, for screening purposes the determination of the short‐chain fatty acids C7:0 and C8:0 can give an early indication about the quality of used frying fats and oils.
Economies of scale after deregulation in LTL trucking: a test case for the survivor technique
Authors: Giordano James N.
Published: March 2008

Early critics of motor carrier deregulation believed that the policy was unwise because strong economies of scale would lead to harmful market concentration, particularly in the industry's LTL segment. Using two methodologies, the survivor technique and the trans‐log cost function, this study finds that economies of scale do extend across the entire spectrum of firm sizes in LTL trucking. Long‐run average cost appears to decline mildly and at a diminishing rate with increases in firm size, however, such that any cost advantage for larger firms has been insufficient to eliminate new entry and competition from smaller rivals. As a result, after the first 20 years of deregulation, the corresponding increase in market concentration has also been mild. Moreover, the consistency of results from the two methodologies gives credibility to the survivor technique as an empirical method of identifying economies of scale. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acrylamide in home‐prepared roasted potatoes
Authors: Skog Kerstin , Viklund Gunilla , Olsson Kerstin , Sjöholm Ingegerd
Published: March 2008

Potato is one of the world's most widely grown tuber crop, in which starch is the predominant form of carbohydrates. Potatoes can be prepared in many ways: boiled, fried or roasted. Frying and roasting potatoes at high temperatures result in an appetizing crust, but at the same time acrylamide can form. In this study, the concentrations of the acrylamide precursors, asparagine and sugars, were determined in five different Swedish‐grown potato varieties, together with the acrylamide content after typical home‐cooking procedures; oven‐roasting of potato wedges and pan‐frying of cubes of boiled potatoes. Pan‐frying of boiled potato cubes resulted in higher levels of acrylamide (530–1100 μg/kg) than in the wedges (140–250 μg/kg). Blanching combined with a shorter roasting time was shown to be an efficient way of reducing the acrylamide content in roasted potato wedges, especially in the experiments performed after long‐term storage, where the acrylamide content was reduced from 110–260 to 50–140 μg/kg. No correlation was found between precursor content and acrylamide content, and this finding emphasizes the need for further studies on factors affecting acrylamide formation, for example, the availability of precursors at the surface during cooking.
Maternal use of selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn
Authors: Källén Bengt , Olausson Petra Otterblad
Published: March 2008

In order to evaluate the previously published association between maternal use of selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors (SSRI) and persistent pulmonary hypertension in the neonate (PPHN), we used data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register for the years 1997–2005. Infants were identified from discharge diagnoses, and maternal exposure to drugs from interviews performed in early pregnancy and from prescriptions from the antenatal care service. Putative confounders were studied: an increased risk for PPHN was indicated for high maternal age, for first parity, for maternal BMI, and possibly for maternal smoking. Adjusting for these variables and year of birth, an association between maternal use of SSRI and PPHN in births after 34 completed weeks was identified with a risk ratio of 2.4, 95%CI 1.2–4.3 when based on women who reported the drug use in early pregnancy. When a subgroup of the women were studied who also had prescriptions for SSRI from the antenatal care later in pregnancy, the risk estimate was 3.6, 95%CI 1.2–8.3. The risk estimates were lower than that described previously in the literature, but both estimates could come from the same about 4–5 times increased risk. The mechanism behind the association between SSRI and PPHN is unclear but an increased risk for respiratory problems after maternal use of SSRI is well known, and PPHN could be a rare part of this association. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
National trend of antidepressant consumption and its impact on suicide rate in Hungary
Authors: Viola Réka , Benkő Ria , Nagy Gábor , Soós Gyöngyvér
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyse the changes in the amount and structure of Hungarian antidepressant consumption at national and regional level, furthermore to investigate the possible relationship between antidepressant sales and trends in suicide rates using regional data.

Method

Retrospective analysis of antidepressant sales data was performed on a 12 years period (1993–2004), applying the ATC/DDD methodology developed by WHO. Linear regression model was set up to investigate the trends in antidepressant utilisation. The association between antidepressant consumption and suicide rates was measured by Pearson correlation.

Results

The nationwide utilisation of antidepressants revealed more than five‐fold increase in the studied 12 year period. The usage of tricyclic antidepressants (N06AA) decreased to one third of the previous value, while the usage of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (N06AB) multiplied by 21. The consumption of ‘other antidepressants’ (N06AX) was found very low (3.66 DDD/1000inhabitants/day in 2004). There was not found any significant correlation between increased antidepressant consumption and decreased suicide rates at regional level by our statistical analysis (r min = −0.160; r max = −0.314).

Conclusion

Further investigation is required to identify determinants that have contributed to recent decline in suicide rate in Hungary. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micelles by self‐assembling peptide‐conjugate amphiphile: synthesis and structural characterization
Authors: Accardo Antonella , Tesauro Diego , Del Pozzo Luigi , Mangiapia Gaetano , Paduano Luigi , Morelli Giancarlo
Published: March 2008

The chemical synthesis by solid‐phase methods of a novel amphiphilic peptide, peptide‐conjugate amphiphile (PCA), containing in the same molecule three different functions: (i) the N,N‐bis[2‐[bis(carboxy‐ethyl)amino]ethyl]‐L‐glutamic acid (DTPAGlu) chelating agent, (ii) the CCK8 bioactive peptide, and (iii) a hydrophobic moiety containing four alkyl chains with 18 carbon atoms each, is reported. In water solution at pH 7.4, PCA self‐assembles in very stable micelles at very low concentration [critical micellar concentration (cmc) values of 5 × 10−7 mol kg−1] as confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy. The structural characterization, obtained with small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements, indicates that the aggregates are substantially represented by ellipsoidal micelles with an aggregation number of 39 ± 2 and the two micellar axes of about 52 and 26 Å. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating the error caused by load ignorance through simulation of short circuit in electrical power systems
Authors: Al‐Jufout Saleh A.
Published: March 2008

Reliability of protection and apparatus selection of the electrical power systems depend on the correct and accurate calculation of short‐circuit currents. The simulation of the electrical power systems is one of the methods that is used for the determination of the short‐circuit currents. In this paper, the model of the electrical power system has been represented by a system of differential equations for current determination. These differential equations have been expressed in Cartesian system of coordinates that decreased the number of the equations by one‐third. This paper compares two approaches of short‐circuit simulation in electrical power systems and evaluates the error in the calculated short‐circuit current during both transient and steady‐state conditions. These approaches are as follows: first, the replacement of the load parameters by zero and second, the introduction of fault simulation switch. A fault has been simulated in a study electrical power system and the factors on which the error depends have been determined. In this paper, the envelope of the short‐circuit current has been considered as a comparative criterion. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A barrier‐free atomic radical‐molecule reaction: N (2D) NO2 (2A1) mechanistic study
Authors: Zuo Ming‐Hui , Liu Hui‐Ling , Huang Xu‐Ri , Zhan Jin‐Hui , Sun Chia‐Chung
Published: March 2008

The reaction of N (2D) radical with NO2 molecule has been studied theoretically using density functional theory and ab initio quantum chemistry method. Singlet electronic state [N2O2] potential energy surfaces (PES) are calculated at the CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVDZ//B3LYP/6‐311+G(d) + ZPE and G3B3 levels of theory. All the involved transition states for generation of (2NO) and (O2 + N2) lie much lower than the reactants. Thus, the novel reaction N + NO2 can proceed effectively even at low temperatures and it is expected to play a role in both combustion and interstellar processes. On the basis of the analysis of the kinetics of all pathways through which the reactions proceed, we expect that the competitive power of reaction pathways may vary with experimental conditions for the title reaction. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Influence of mass resolution on species matching in accurate mass and retention time (AMT) tag proteomics experiments
Authors: Masselon Christophe D. , Kieffer‐Jaquinod Sylvie , Brugière Sabine , Dupierris Véronique , Garin Jérôme
Published: March 2008

Diverse mass spectrometric instruments have been used to provide data for accurate mass and retention time (AMT) tag proteomics analyses, including ion trap, quadrupole time‐of‐flight, and Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS). An important attribute of these instruments, beside mass accuracy, is their spectral resolution. In fact, the ability to separate peaks with close m/z values is likely to play a major role in enabling species identification and matching in analyses of very complex proteomics samples. In FTMS, resolution is directly proportional to the detection period and can therefore be easily tuned. We took advantage of this feature to investigate the effect of resolution on species identification and matching in an AMT tag experiment. Using an Arabidopsis thaliana chloroplast protein extract as prototypical ‘real‐life’ sample, we have compared the number of detected features, the optimal mass tolerance for species matching, the number of matched species and the false discovery rate obtained at various resolution settings. It appears that while the total number of matches is not significantly affected by a reduction of resolution in the range investigated, the confidence level of identifications significantly drops as evidenced by the estimated false discovery rate. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In situ derivatization/solid‐phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography/negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry for the determination of trichloroethylene metabolites in rat blood
Authors: Liu Yongzhen , Muralidhara Srinivasa , Bruckner James V. , Bartlett Michael G.
Published: March 2008

An in situ derivatization solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) method has been developed for the determination of the trichloroethylene (TCE) metabolites, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), dichloroacetic acid (DCA) and trichloroethanol (TCOH), in rat blood. The analytical procedure involves derivatization of TCA and DCA to their ethyl esters with acidic ethanol, headspace sampling using SPME, and gas chromatography/negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry (GC/NCI‐MS) determination. Parameters affecting both derivatization efficiency and the headspace SPME procedure, such as the concentration of sulfuric acid, amount of ethanol, derivatization‐extraction temperature and time, sample preheating time, agitator speed and desorption conditions, were optimized. The method showed good linearity over the range of 1–1000 ng/mL in rat blood for each metabolite with correlation coefficients (R2) higher than 0.99. The intra‐day and inter‐day precision and accuracy were less than 10%. The relative recoveries for all analytes were greater than 84%. Validation results demonstrated that selected ion monitoring of the 35Cl and 37Cl isotopes using NCI resulted in reliable and sensitive quantitation of all three TCE metabolites. This validated method was successfully applied to study the toxicokinetic behavior of TCE metabolites following a 1 mg/kg oral dose of TCE. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and validation of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method for quantification of levothyroxine in dissolution studies
Authors: Pabla Dimple , Akhlaghi Fatemeh , Ahmed Aftab , Zia Hossein
Published: March 2008

A simple, sensitive and reproducible inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) method for the direct determination of levothyroxine (T4), based on the analysis of iodide content, in aqueous media was developed. The sample preparation consisted of addition of antimony, as the internal standard, and dilution with a 0.5% ammonia solution. The analytes were quantified at m/z 126.90 and 120.90 for iodide and antimony, respectively. The assay was linear in the concentration range of 0.1–50 ng/mL for iodide and 0.3–100 ng/mL for T4. The method was precise and accurate with lower limits of quantification (LLOQs) of 0.1 ng/mL for iodide and 0.3 ng/mL for T4. The inter‐day accuracy was >94% for both analytes and the coefficient of variation (%CV) was less than 5%. The method has successfully been used for dissolution studies of T4 formulations and holds immense promise as a simple, precise and sensitive analytical technique for T4 concentration determination in in vitro studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the stable carbon isotopic composition of intercellular CO2 in a CAM plant using gas chromatography‐combustion‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Nogués Salvador , Aranjuelo Iker , Pardo Antoni , Azcón‐Bieto Joaquim
Published: March 2008

Most of the literature focused on internal CO2 (Ci) determinations in plants has used indirect methods based on gas‐exchange estimations. We have developed a new method based on the capture of internal air gas samples and their analysis by gas chromatography‐combustion‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC‐C‐IRMS). This method provided a direct measure of intercellular CO2 concentrations combined with stable carbon isotopic composition in O. ficus‐indica plants. Plants were grown at both ambient and elevated CO2 concentration. During the day period, when the stomata are closed, the Ci was high and was very 13C‐enriched in both ambient and elevated CO2‐grown plants, reflecting Rubisco's fractionation (this plant enzyme has been shown to discriminate by 29‰, in vitro, against 13CO2). Other enzyme fractionations involved in C metabolism in plants, such as carbonic anhydrase, could also be playing an important role in the diurnal δ13C enrichment of the Ci. During the night, when stomata are open, Ci concentrations were higher in elevated (and the corresponding δ13C values were more 13C‐depleted) than in ambient CO2‐grown plants. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serum biomarker profiling by solid‐phase extraction with particle‐embedded micro tips and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Navare Arti , Zhou Manshui , McDonald John , Noriega Fernando G. , Sullards M. Cameron , Fernandez Facundo M.
Published: March 2008

One of the main challenges in high‐throughput serum profiling by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) is the development of proteome fractionation approaches that allow the acquisition of reproducible profiles with a maximum number of spectral features and minimum interferences from biological matrices. This study evaluates a new class of solid‐phase extraction (SPE) pipette tips embedded with different chromatographic media for fractionation of model protein digests and serum samples. The materials embedded include strong anion exchange (SAX), weak cation exchange (WCX), C18, C8, C4, immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) and zirconium dioxide particles. Simple and rapid serum proteome profiling protocols based on these SPE micro tips are described and tested using a variety of MALDI matrices. We show that different types of particle‐embedded SPE micro tips provide complementary information in terms of the spectral features detected for β‐casein digests and control human serum samples. The effect of different sample pretreatments, such as serum dilution and ultrafiltration using molecular weight cut‐off membranes, and the reproducibility observed for replicate experiments, are also evaluated. The results demonstrate the usefulness of these simple SPE tips combined with offline MALDI‐TOF MS for obtaining information‐rich serum profiles, resulting in a robust, versatile and reproducible open‐source platform for serum biomarker discovery. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Whole‐cell matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry for rapid identification of bacteriocin/lantibiotic‐producing bacteria
Authors: Stein Torsten
Published: March 2008

The potential of whole‐cell matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) for the discovery of microorganisms that produce lantibiotics and/or bacteriocins in the mass range 3–5 kDa is demonstrated. Cells of the antibiotic‐producing model strain Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 were grown on Landy agar plates, and prepared with a 9:1 mixture of 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid and 2‐hydroxy‐5‐methoxybenzoic acid (DHBs) as matrix using the bottom‐layer method. Time‐course analyses showed that cells grown for 1–2 days on agar plates gave the best results in terms of intensity of the bacteriocin/lantibiotic signals. Even after storage of matrix‐crystal‐embedded cells for several days high‐resolution spectra (>10 000) could be obtained. To verify the applicability of this technique, different Bacillus wild‐type and gene deletion mutant cells were analyzed. In most of the cases the known antibiotic phenotype of the producer could be corroborated by whole‐cell MALDI‐TOFMS, particularly for the lantibiotics subtilin and ericin. The preparation recipe for whole‐cell analysis by MALDI‐TOF was also highly sensitive for hydrophobic lipopeptide antibiotics like surfactin, mycosubtilin, fengycin, and bacillomycin in the lower mass range (1–1.5 kDa). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dip Pen Nanolithography®: A “Desktop Nanofab™” Approach Using High‐Throughput Flexible Nanopatterning
Authors: Haaheim Jason , Nafday Omkar A.
Published: March 2008

The ability to perform controllable nanopatterning with a broad range of “inks” at ambient conditions is a key aspect of the dip pen nanolithography® (DPN®) technique. The traditional ink system to demonstrate DPN is n‐alkanethiols on a gold substrate, but the DPN method has found numerous other applications since. This article is meant to outline recent advances in the DPN toolkit, both in terms of research and patterning technology, and to discuss applications of DPN as a viable nanofabrication method. We will summarize new DPN developments, and introduce our concept of the “Desktop Nanofab.” In addition, we outline our efforts to commercialize DPN as a viable nanofabrication technique by demonstrating massively parallel nanopatterning with the 55,000 tip 2D nano PrintArray™. This demonstrates our ability to overcome the serial nature of DPN patterning and enable high‐throughput nanofabrication. SCANNING 30: 000–000, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Bayesian hierarchical model for the estimation of two incomplete surveillance data sets
Authors: Buenconsejo Joan , Fish Durland , Childs James E. , Holford Theodore R.
Published: March 2008

A model‐based approach to analyze two incomplete disease surveillance datasets is described. Such data typically consist of case counts, each originating from a specific geographical area. A Bayesian hierarchical model is proposed for estimating the total number of cases with disease while simultaneously adjusting for spatial variation. This approach explicitly accounts for model uncertainty and can make use of covariates.

The method is applied to two surveillance datasets maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). An inference is drawn using Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation techniques in a fully Bayesian framework. The central feature of the model is the ability to calculate and estimate the total number of cases and disease incidence for geographical regions where RMSF is endemic.

The information generated by this model could significantly reduce the public health impact of RMSF and other vector‐borne zoonoses, as well as other infectious or chronic diseases, by improving knowledge of the spatial distribution of disease risk of public health officials and medical practitioners. More accurate information on populations at high risk would focus attention and resources on specific areas, thereby reducing the morbidity and mortality caused by some of the preventable and treatable diseases. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
College students' perceptions of the theory of evolution
Authors: Hokayem Hayat , BouJaoude Saouma
Published: March 2008

Although a well‐corroborated scientific theory, the theory of evolution has continued to cause dilemmas for some individuals who have not easily been able to accommodate the concepts of this theory within their “cognitive culture.” The reason lies in the overlap of some ideas that the theory advocates with other social, epistemological, and religious beliefs. This study describes how 11 college biology students who completed a course on the theory of evolution perceive the relationship among their epistemological beliefs about science, their beliefs about religion, and their perception of nature and causality and their position regarding the theory of evolution. It also compares the different positions of the students to that of the course instructor. Questionnaires and semistructured interviews were used to collect data. Qualitative methods were used to analyze the data and identify the various positions of the students and course instructor. The students' positions ranged from complete acceptance to complete rejection of the theory of evolution. The results suggest that students' personal beliefs should not be dismissed or underestimated when teaching the theory of evolution. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 395–419, 2008
The Vercelli Gospels laid open: an investigation into the inks used to write the oldest Gospels in Latin
Authors: Aceto Maurizio , Agostino Angelo , Boccaleri Enrico , Garlanda Anna Cerutti
Published: March 2008

An ancient religious manuscript datable to the 4th century A.D., the Codex Eusebii Evangeliorum or Vercelli Gospels, has been analysed by portable Raman and x‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry. The manuscript belongs to the Cathedral Treasure Museum of Vercelli (Italy) and is reputed to be the oldest existent copy of the Gospels written in Latin, being therefore of particular relevance to biblical scholars. Red and black inks were characterised: minium and cinnabar were identified in red text, and carbon black and metal gallate in black text. Moreover, XRF spectrometry allowed discrimination of black inks with similar composition on the basis of metal impurities. The black ink was found to be of the iron‐gall type, thus resulting in the oldest occurrence of the use of this kind of ink in Western manuscripts and allowing to date its introduction at least back to the 4th century A.D.; moreover, the hypothesis that a few pages had been written in a later time has been verified on the basis of differences in inks' composition. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.