bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energetics of osmoregulation: II. water flux and osmoregulatory work in the euryhaline fish, Fundulus heteroclitus
Authors: Kidder George W. , Petersen Christopher W. , Preston Robert L.
Published: February 2006

Teleost fish experience passive osmotic water influx in fresh water (FW) and water outflux in salt water, which is normally compensated by water flow driven by active ion transport mechanisms. Euryhaline fish may also minimize osmotic energy demand by “behavioral osmoregulation”, seeking a medium isotonic with their body fluids. Our goal was to evaluate the energy requirement for osmoregulation by the euryhaline fish Fundulus heteroclitus, to determine whether it is of sufficient magnitude to favor behavioral osmoregulation. We have developed a method of weighing small fish repetitively for long periods without apparent damage, which was used to assess changes in water content following changes in external salinity. We found that cold (4°C) inhibits osmoregulatory active transport mechanisms in fish acclimated to warmer temperatures, leading to a net passive water flux which is reversed by rewarming the fish. A sudden change of salinity at room temperature triggers a transient change in water content and the initial slope can be used to measure the minimum passive flux at that temperature. With some reasonable assumptions as to the stoichiometry of the ion transport and ATP‐generating processes, we can calculate the amount of respiration required for ion transport and compare it to the oxygen uptake measured previously (Kidder et al., 2005) under the same conditions. We conclude that osmoregulation in sea water requires from 6% to 10% of the total energy budget in sea water, with smaller percentages in FW, and that this fraction is probably sufficient to be a significant selective driving force favoring behavioral osmoregulation under some circumstances. J. Exp. Zool. 305A:318–327, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of protein synthesis in Y‐organs of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus): involvement of cyclic AMP
Authors: Han Deug‐Woo , Patel Nimisha , Douglas Watson R.
Published: February 2006

Paired Y‐organs secrete ecdysteroid hormones that control cycles of growth and molting in crustaceans. Y‐Organs are regulated, at least in part, by molt‐inhibiting hormone (MIH), a polypeptide produced and released by the X‐organ/sinus gland complex of the eyestalks. In the present studies, crab (Callinectes sapidus) Y‐organs were incubated in vitro in the presence of [35S]methionine, and cyclic nucleotide analogs or experimental agents that influence the cAMP signaling pathway. In 4‐hr incubations, 8‐Br‐cAMP and db‐cAMP (but not 8‐Br‐cGMP) suppressed incorporation of [35S]methionine into Y‐organ proteins; the effect of 8‐Br‐cAMP was concentration‐dependent. Autoradiograms of radiolabeled Y‐organ proteins separated on SDS‐PAGE gels indicated the effect of 8‐Br‐cAMP was general (as opposed to selective) suppression of protein synthesis. Addition of both forskolin (an adenylyl cyclase activator) and 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine (a phosphodiesterase inhibitor) likewise suppressed incorporation of [35S]methionine into Y‐organ proteins. Cycloheximide (a protein synthesis inhibitor) suppressed incorporation of [35S]methionine into Y‐organ proteins and secretion of ecdysteroids. The combined results suggest that cAMP is involved in regulation of protein synthesis in C. sapidus Y‐organs. We are currently investigating the link of protein synthesis to ecdysteroid production, and the possibility of cross‐talk between cAMP and other cellular signaling pathways in Y‐organs. J. Exp. Zool. 305A:328–334, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The tactile‐stimulated startle response of tadpoles: acceleration performance and its relationship to the anatomy of wood frog (Rana sylvatica), bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana), and American toad (Bufo americanus) tadpoles
Authors: Eidietis Laura
Published: February 2006

I described the tactile‐stimulated startle response (TSR) of wood frog (Rana sylvatica), bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana), and American toad (Bufo americanus) tadpoles. One purpose was to rank species in terms of maximum acceleration performance. Also, I tested whether anatomical indicators of performance potential were predictive of realized performance. TSRs were elicited in a laboratory setting, filmed at 250 Hz, and digitally analyzed. TSRs began with two, initial body curls during which tadpoles showed a broad spectrum of movement patterns. TSR performance was quantified by maximum linear acceleration and maximum rotational acceleration of the head/body, both of which tended to occur immediately upon initiation of motion (<0.012 sec into the response). Bullfrog tadpoles had higher maximum acceleration than the other species, but other interspecific differences were not significant. The species' rank order for the anatomical indicator of linear acceleration potential was bullfrog>wood frog>American toad. The species' rank order for the anatomical indicator of rotational acceleration potential was bullfrog>wood frog=American toad. Thus, the anatomical indicators roughly predicted the rank order of interspecific average performance. However, the anatomical indicators did not correlate with individual tadpole performance. Variability in behavioral patterns may obscure the connection between anatomy and performance. This is seen in the current lack of intraspecific correlation between a morphological indicator of acceleration capacity and acceleration performance. J. Exp. Zool. 305A:348–362, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Carbohydrate management, anaerobic metabolism, and adenosine levels in the armoured catfish, Liposarcus pardalis (castelnau), during hypoxia
Authors: Maccormack Tyson James , Lewis Johanne Mari , Almeida‐Val Vera Maria Fonseca , Val Adalberto Luis , Driedzic William Robert
Published: February 2006

The armoured catfish, Liposarcus pardalis, tolerates severe hypoxia at high temperatures. Although this species can breathe air, it also has a strong anaerobic metabolism. We assessed tissue to plasma glucose ratios and glycogen and lactate in a number of tissues under “natural” pond hypoxia, and severe aquarium hypoxia without aerial respiration. Armour lactate content and adenosine in brain and heart were also investigated. During normoxia, tissue to plasma glucose ratios in gill, brain, and heart were close to one. Hypoxia increased plasma glucose and decreased tissue to plasma ratios to less than one, suggesting glucose phosphorylation is activated more than uptake. High normoxic white muscle glucose relative to plasma suggests gluconeogenesis or active glucose uptake. Excess muscle glucose may serve as a metabolic reserve since hypoxia decreased muscle to plasma glucose ratios. Mild pond hypoxia changed glucose management in the absence of lactate accumulation. Lactate was elevated in all tissues except armour following aquarium hypoxia; however, confinement in aquaria increased armour lactate, even under normoxia. A stress‐associated acidosis may contribute to armour lactate sequestration. High plasma lactate levels were associated with brain adenosine accumulation. An increase in heart adenosine was triggered by confinement in aquaria, although not by hypoxia alone. J. Exp. Zool. 305A:363–375, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of scale‐free climate data for Western Canada for use in resource management
Authors: Wang T. , Hamann A. , Spittlehouse D. L. , Aitken S. N.
Published: February 2006

Applying climate data in resource management requires matching the spatial scale of the climate and resource databases. Interpolating climate data in mountainous regions is difficult. In this study, we present methodology to generate scale‐free climate data through the combination of interpolation techniques and elevation adjustments. We apply it to monthly temperature and precipitation normals for 1961–90 produced by the Parameter‐elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) for British Columbia, Yukon Territories, the Alaska Panhandle, and parts of Alberta and the United States. Equations were developed to calculate biologically relevant climate variables including various degree‐days, number of frost‐free days, frost‐free period, and snowfall from monthly temperature and precipitation data. Estimates of climate variables were validated using an independent dataset from weather stations that were not included in the development of the model. Weather station records generally agreed well with estimated climate variables and showed significant improvements over original PRISM climate data. A stand‐alone MS Windows application was developed to perform all calculations and to integrate future climate predictions from various global circulation models. We demonstrate the use of this application by showing how climate change may affect lodgepole pine seed planning zones for reforestation in British Columbia. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Oil-immersion or solid-immersion power enhancement of
very-small-aperture lasers
Authors: Gan Q , Song G , Chen L
Published: February 2006

An analysis of the enhancement of light transmission
through a sub-wavelength aperture by oil- or solid-immersion is
presented in this letter. An output power enhancement phenomenon
related to the oil-immersion or solid-immersion mechanism is
realized experimentally and reported for a very-small-aperture
laser, which is in agreement with simulation analysis. This
phenomenon could be useful for future optical data storage,
microscopy and lithography.
Entwicklung eines Universal Tractor Transmission Oil (UTTO) auf Basis nachwachsender Rohstoffe
Authors: Kunz A.
Published: February 2006

In einem staatlich geförderten Forschungsvorhaben wurde die zweite Generation einer umweltfreundlichen Flüssigkeit für Fahrzeuge mit nur einem Ölhaushalt für Getriebe und Hydraulik entwickelt, welches zu ca. 75 % aus Rapsöl besteht. Die Rahmenbedingungen des Vorhabens sowie die der Neuentwicklung zugrunde liegenden Absichten und Ziele werden ebenso erläutert wie die Gründe, die zu diesem einzigartigen Schmierstoffkonzept führten. Die Eigenschaften der neuen Flüssigkeit werden anhand der experimentellen Untersuchungen deren Resultate erläutert. Die Diskussion auf Basis des Vergleichs von Ergebnissen mit BIO‐HY‐GARD II sowie Paralleltests mit Referenzflüssigkeiten ermöglicht die Beurteilung des Leistungsvermögens unterschiedlicher Schmierstofftechnologien und erlaubt auch eine Beurteilung der mit der Neuentwicklung erzielten Fortschritte.
Anforderungen an eine ganzheitliche Ingenieurauslegung beim optimierten Verbinden von Bauteilen
Authors: Friedrich C. , Bohlender T. , Koch D.
Published: February 2006

Am Beispiel Schraubenverbindung wird gezeigt, wie eine Dimensionierung im Vorfeld so optimiert werden kann, dass Unsicherheiten im nachfolgenden Produktlebenszyklus minimiert werden. Aspekte sind die Berücksichtigung von Streuungen, die genaue Einbeziehung der späteren Montagevorschrift, die Verknüpfung von analytisch und numerisch ermittelten Ergebnissen, die Beachtung von Winkelabweichungen sowie die Reduzierung des Dimensionierungsaufwandes durch eine effektive Softwareunterstützung. Berechnungsbeispiele mit numerischen Ergebnissen bestätigen die Aussagen.
Deposition Temperature Effect on the Structure and Optical Property of RF‐PACVD‐Derived Hydrogenated SiCNO Film
Authors: Zhou Y. , Yan X. , Kroke E. , Riedel R. , Probst D. , Thissen A. , Hauser R. , Ahles M. , von Seggern H.
Published: February 2006

Amorphous hydrogenated silicon oxocarbonitride (SiCNO:H) films have been deposited by plasma‐assisted chemical vapour deposition (PACVD) using bis(trimethylsilyl)carbodiimide (BTSC) as a single source precursor in a argon (Ar) radio‐frequency plasma. In this work the SiCNO:H films deposited at different deposition temperatures were studied in terms of deposition rate, refractive index, surface roughness, microstructure, and chemical composition including bonding state. The results showed that a higher deposition temperature enhanced the formation of Si‐N bonds, and disfavoured the formation of N=C=N, Si‐NCN, C‐H and Si‐CH3 bonds. A higher deposition temperature also decreased the deposition rate and increased the refractive index of the resulting SiCNO:H film. With increasing temperature a denser film was formed, indicating a change of the deposition mechanism, i.e., transformation from particle precipitation to heterogeneous surface reaction. Except for the coatings deposited at room temperature, the surface of the films was smooth with a roughness of around 4 nm at the centre in the range of 5 μm x 5 μm area. Moreover, the films contained 8 ∼ 16 at.% oxygen bonded to Si, which originated from the remnant H2O in the deposition chamber.
On one generalization of a DiPerna and Majda theorem
Authors: Kałamajska Agnieszka
Published: February 2006

The weak limits of sequences {f(uν)}ν∈ℕ where uν's are vector‐valued µ‐measurable functions defined on a compact set Ω and f is (possibly) discontinuous are investigated. As shown by the author (J. Conv. Anal. (to appear)), they are described in terms of integral formulae involving parametrized measures independent of f, similarly as in the classical theorem by Young and its generalization due to DiPerna and Majda. In the present paper we describe the supports of the involved parametrized measures. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relaxed sequencing games have a nonempty core
Authors: Slikker Marco
Published: February 2006

We study sequencing situations with a fixed initial order and linear cost functions. Cost savings can be obtained by rearranging jobs. Next to finding an optimal order, an additional issue is formed by the division of these savings. Cooperative game theory studies this issue. A common assumption states that cooperation between players is restricted to groups that are connected according to the initial order. The value of disconnected groups is defined additively over their connected components. In this paper we allow players in disconnected coalitions to switch places as long as they do not hurt the players not in the coalition under consideration. The resulting games are called relaxed sequencing games. Although they have been studied before, no general results on stable profit divisions have been derived so far. In this paper we prove that relaxed sequencing games have a nonempty core, i.e., they all have stable profit divisions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2006
Distributed XML‐based network management using JPVM
Authors: Sirajuddin Shaik , Sqalli Mohammed H.
Published: February 2006

The proliferation of the Internet and related applications has led to an increasing need for a more efficient and scalable network management framework. As the size of networks increases, more challenges are presented to network managers. One of these challenges is how to distribute the management tasks to achieve efficiency and scalability. In this paper, we present a framework using JPVM to distribute the management work among multiple gateways. We compare the performance of this approach and that of the single gateway approach. Both approaches are DOM‐based. Our findings show that the parallel approach can considerably reduce the response time for requesting the management information from multiple devices. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multilevel fault tolerance in infrastructure‐oriented wireless networks: framework and performance evaluation
Authors: Varshney Upkar , Malloy Alisha D.
Published: February 2006

Significant advances have been made in the design and implementation of dependable systems and networks over the last several years. However, many wireless networks have not been designed for highly dependable operation owing to network cost and complexity, and a lack of regulatory requirements on wireless service quality. One way to address this significant challenge is by introducing fault tolerance; however, very limited work has been done so far in the fault‐tolerant design of wireless networks. In this paper, we address how to utilize fault tolerance in the design of infrastructure‐oriented wireless networks. More specifically, an architectural design scheme is presented for multilevel fault tolerance using adaptable building blocks. The scheme utilizes ‘selective’ redundancy at component, link and block levels and a fault‐tolerant architecture for interconnection of building blocks. The design scheme has been implemented in both analytical and simulation models. The detailed performance results show that fault tolerance at component, link, block, and interconnection levels can significantly improve the overall dependability performance. One interesting observation is that, to achieve highest dependability, fault tolerance at link, component or block level is not sufficient and must be combined with the interconnection level fault‐tolerance. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of critical thinking in occupational therapy students
Authors: Velde Beth P. , Wittman Peggy P. , Vos Paul
Published: February 2006

Do students who use the Guided Reciprocal Peer Questioning (GRPQ) method increase their ability to think critically? When compared to students in a traditional senior seminar course, the results of this study indicated no significant difference between the groups regarding changes in scores on the California Critical Thinking Skills Test. However, the students in the experimental group asked more questions labelled as critical thinking than the seminar control group. These findings suggest the use of the GRPQ may improve students' skills in asking questions that include application, analysis, and synthesis. Future research regarding the role of questions in stimulating critical analysis and the role of context in the learning environment is warranted. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A pilot study of the activity patterns of five elderly persons after a housing adaptation
Authors: Niva Bernt , Skär Lisa
Published: February 2006

The importance of an accessible home environment for occupational performance has been emphasized in occupational therapy, but knowledge about how accessibility can affect a person's activity patterns is limited. The purpose of this study was to describe the activity patterns of five elderly persons aged between 70 and 84 years and their views about accessibility and usability of their homes before and after a housing adaptation. Two different questionnaires, ‘Accessibility in My Home’ and the ‘Occupational Questionnaire’ were used for data collection. Adaptations in the home included: removing thresholds, installing new taps in the bathroom and kitchen and broadening doorways. After the adaptations the five participants reported that they increased their outside activities, reduced naps during the day and slept better at night. The results showed that the participants performed more and new activities when their home environment had become accessible. Activities performed were also perceived as more important after the housing adaptation. There is a need to replicate the study with a larger sample. Further research is needed on the impact of home adaptations on the activity patterns of elderly people. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons. Ltd
Patientenindividuelle Zytostatikazubereitung: Platinkomplexe in der (Krankenhaus‐)Apotheke
Authors: Warnke Ulrich
Published: February 2006

Platinkomplexe spielen in der zentralen Zytostatikazubereitung der Apotheke eine wesentliche Rolle. Wenn auch die Herstellung applikationsfertiger Infusionslösungen der drei in der Therapie befindlichen Platinkomplexe Cisplatin, Carboplatin und Oxaliplatin aus Fertigarzneimitteln keine große technologische Herausforderung darstellt, so ist doch ein umfangreiches Wissensspektrum nicht zuletzt über die Supportivtherapie aller drei Komplexe Voraussetzung für eine adäquate pharmazeutische Therapiebegleitung durch die Apotheke. Hier kann sich die Apotheke als pharmazeutischer Dienstleister etablieren und Mitverantwortung für eine optimale Arzneimitteltherapie der Patienten übernehmen.
Medizinische Chemie der Platinkomplexe: Besonderheiten anorganischer Zytostatika
Authors: Ott Ingo , Gust Ronald
Published: February 2006

Platinkomplexe entfalten ihre Wirkung durch kovalente Bindung an die DNA. Bei den Platinkomplexen werden derzeit fünf Verbindungen (Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Oxaliplatin, Satraplatin und Nedaplatin) therapeutisch verwendet. Diese unterscheiden sich im Wesentlichen in der Reaktivität gegenüber der DNA, wofür wiederum die kinetischen Eigenschaften der jeweiligen Abgangsgruppen hauptverantwortlich zeichnen. Klinisch zeigen die Komplexe ein unterschiedlich ausgeprägtes Aktivitäts‐ und Nebenwirkungsspektrum. Oxaliplatin ist zudem auch bei Cisplatin‐ und Carboplatin‐resistenten Tumoren wirksam und die Platin(IV)‐Verbindung Satraplatin stellt den ersten peroral verabreichbaren Platinkomplex in der Tumortherapie dar.
Cisplatin und seine Analoga: Übersicht über den Entwicklungsstatus und klinischen Einsatz
Authors: Voigt Wieland , Dietrich Andrea , Schmoll Hans‐Joachim
Published: February 2006

Über 25 Jahre nach der Einführung von Platinkomplexen als aktive Zytostatika in die klinische Onkologie haben diese auch heute weiterhin einen festen Stellenwert in der zum Teil kurativ orientierten Chemotherapie verschiedener solider Tumoren. Die Muttersubstanz Cisplatin wurde bereits 1978 in die klinische Praxis eingeführt. Seitdem ist sie unter anderem in der kurativen Therapie von Hodentumoren ein Eckpfeiler. Zusätzlich wird Cisplatin in der Therapie u.a. von Blasen‐, Zervix‐, Kopf‐Hals‐, Ösophagus‐ und kleinzelligem Bronchialkarzinom eingesetzt.
Pharmazeutische Betreuung von Krebspatienten: Der Patient im Mittelpunkt
Authors: Westfeld Martina , Jaehde Ulrich
Published: February 2006

An den ausgewählten Beispielen wird deutlich, dass der Apotheker durch die Pharmazeutische Betreuung einen wichtigen Beitrag im Rahmen einer Chemotherapie mit Alkylanzien und Metallkomplexen, aber auch anderer Zytostatika, leisten kann. Im Vordergrund seiner Tätigkeit steht dabei die Verbesserung oder Erhaltung der Lebensqualität durch eine Optimierung der Supportivtherapie. Das Selbstmanagement des Patienten kann zudem durch Informationen zu komplementären Therapieoptionen gestärkt werden. In einer Reihe von Projekten wird derzeit der Nutzen der Pharmazeutischen Betreuung von Krebspatienten wissenschaftlich untersucht. Auf Grundlage der Ergebnisse können die bestehenden Betreuungsansätze kontinuierlich weiterentwickelt werden.
Dosis‐Individualisierung in der Krebs‐Chemotherapie: Zytostatika maßgeschneidert dosieren
Authors: Jaehde Ulrich , Kloft Charlotte
Published: February 2006

Trotz großer Anstrengungen existieren nur für wenige Zytostatika geeignete Strategien zur Dosis‐Individualisierung. Hier besteht nicht nur weiterer Forschungsbedarf. Vor allem muss Überzeugungsarbeit geleistet werden, dass eine bessere Individualisierung zur Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit einer Chemotherapie einen wichtigen Beitrag leisten kann. Beispiele für eine erfolgreiche Anwendung individueller Dosierungsstrategien stellen die Substanzen Carboplatin, Methotrexat, Busulfan und Mercaptopurin dar. Diese Beispiele zeigen, dass in jedem Einzelfall entschieden werden muss, ob sich pharmakokinetische, pharmakodynamische oder pharmakogenetische Ansätze am Besten eignen.
Glufosfamid – ein neues Lost‐Derivat: Perfektes Drug‐Targeting
Authors: Holzgrabe Ulrike
Published: February 2006

Tumorhemmende Platinverbindungen und bifunktionelle Alkylanzien üben ihre Wirkung mehr oder weniger unselektiv durch die Vernetzung von DNA‐Strängen aus. Ziel einer jeden Neuentwicklung auf dem Gebiet ist es, selektiv nur die Tumorzellen zu treffen. Im Sinne eines Drug‐Targetings hat man deshalb beim Glufosfamid an den aktiven Metaboliten des Ifosfamids einen D‐Glucoserest gehängt.
Wie wirkt Paracetamol? Ein weiterer Mosaikstein zum Wirkmechismus
Authors: Holzgrabe Ulrike
Published: February 2006

Schon lange wird über den Wirkmechanismus des Analgetikums Paracetamol spekuliert. COX1 und COX2, die durch die nicht‐steroidalen Analgetika blockiert werden, kamen bisher als Wirkort für Paracetamol nicht in Frage. Vor einigen Jahren kam die COX3 ins Gespräch, diese Hypothese konnte aber nicht endgültig bestätigt werden.
Neue Hoffnung für Krebspatienten?
Authors: Holzgrabe Ulrike , Bennack E.
Published: February 2006

Bei Krebszellen ist das normale Signal‐Netzwerk in Richtung Proliferation verschoben. Ein neuer Ansatz, hier regulierend einzugreifen, wurde vor Kurzem in Nature vorgestellt.
Gentechnisch veränderte Erbse in der Diskussion
Authors: Bosch H. , Jentsch D. , Kremmer E. , Kuhn A.
Published: February 2006

Kürzlich geriet eine “Gen‐Erbse” in die Schlagzeilen: Verändert um resistent gegen den Erbsenkäfer zu sein, induzierte sie bei Mäusen, die diese Erbse gefressen hatten, eine Immunreaktion.
Second‐trimester prenatal screening for trisomy 21 using biochemical markers: a 7‐year experience in one cytogenetic laboratory
Authors: Marical Hélène , Douet‐Guilbert Nathalie , Bages Karine , Collet Michel , Le Bris Marie‐Josée , Morel Frédéric , De Braekeleer Marc
Published: February 2006

Background

Screening for trisomy 21 in the second trimester of pregnancy using biochemical markers is an established part of prenatal care in many developed countries.

Objective

The present study was aimed at determining the incidence of trisomy 21 and other chromosomal abnormalities in women undergoing prenatal chromosome analysis after a second‐trimester biochemical screening.

Results

A total of 2832 karyotypes were analyzed following a positive second‐trimester maternal serum screening (risk ≥ 1/250) between 1998 and 2004. Thirty‐nine cases of trisomy 21 and 40 other chromosomal abnormalities were detected. The positive predictive value was 1 in 73 karyotypes for trisomy 21 and 1 in 71 for the other chromosomal abnormalities. However, a temporal decline in the dection rate of trisomy 21 was noted, from 1/63 in 1998 to 1/221 in 2004. This change was attributable to an increasing number of pregnant women having first‐trimester ultrasound nuchal translucency measurement.

Conclusion

Given the fact that nuchal translucency measurement combined with first‐trimester biochemical marker screening has a positive predictive value of trisomy 21 comparable to that obtained following second‐trimester biochemical screening, we should question whether to move trisomy 21 screening by maternal serum markers from the second trimester to the first trimester in conjunction with nuchal translucency measurement. Furthermore, genetic counseling prior to the amniocentesis should discuss the relatively high probability that a chromosomal abnormality other than trisomy 21 may be identified. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient blue‐green‐emitting poly[(5‐diphenylamino‐1,3‐phenylenevinylene)‐alt‐(2,5‐dihexyloxy‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene)] derivatives: Synthesis and optical properties
Authors: Liao Liang , Cirpan Ali , Ding Liming , Karasz Frank E. , Pang Yi
Published: February 2006

New poly(phenylene vinylene) derivatives with a 5‐diphenylamino‐1,3‐phenylene linkage (including polymers 2, 3, and 5) have been synthesized to improve the charge‐injection properties. These polymers are highly photoluminescent with fluorescent quantum yields as high as 76% in tetrahydrofuran solutions. With effective π‐conjugation interruption at adjacent m‐phenylene units, chromophores of different conjugation lengths can be incorporated into the polymer chain in a controllable manner. In polymer 2, the structural regularity leads to an isolated, well‐defined emitting chromophore. Isomeric polymer 3 of a random chain sequence, however, allows the effective emitting chromophores to be joined in sequence by sharing a common m‐phenylene linkage (as shown in a molecular fragment). Double‐layer light‐emitting‐diode devices using 2, 3, and 5 as emitting layers have turn‐on voltages of about 3.5 V and produce blue‐green emissions with peaks at 493, 492, and 482 nm and external quantum efficiencies up to 1.42, 0.98, and 1.53%, respectively. In comparison with a light‐emitting diode using 2, a device using 3 shows improved charge injection and displays increased brightness by a factor of ∼3 to 1400 cd/m2 at an 8‐V bias. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 2307–2315, 2006
Initiator‐fragment incorporation radical copolymerization of vinyl acetate and 1,2‐polybutadiene as a multivinyl monomer
Authors: Sato Tsuneyuki , Ono Atsushi , Hirano Tomohiro , Seno Makiko
Published: February 2006

The copolymerization of vinyl acetate (VAc) with 1,2‐polybutadiene (1,2‐PB; 85.5% 1,2‐units and 14.5% 1,4‐units) as a multivinyl monomer was carried out at 80 °C in dioxane with dimethyl 2,2′‐azobisisobutyrate (MAIB) at high concentrations (0.10–0.50 mol/L) as an initiator. The copolymerization of 1,2‐PB [0.80 mol/L (monomer unit)] and VAc (1.20 mol/L) with MAIB (0.30 mol/L) for 4 h proceeded homogeneously without gelation to yield a soluble copolymer. The resulting copolymer was divided into methanol‐ and n‐hexane‐insoluble parts, of which the yields based on the total weight of the comonomers and initiator were 46 and 20%, respectively. The methanol‐insoluble part consisted of the fractions of the 1,2‐PB units with (9 mol %) and without (39 mol %) an intact double bond, the 1,4‐PB unit (8 mol %), the VAc unit (32 mol %), and the methoxycarbonylpropyl group (12 mol %) as the MAIB fragment, whereas the hexane‐insoluble one was composed of the fraction of the 1,2‐PB units with (4 mol %) and without (17 mol %) a double bond, the 1,4‐PB unit (4 mol %), the VAc unit (60 mol %), and the methoxycarbonylpropyl group (15 mol %). The use of higher concentrations of 1,2‐PB and VAc and lower concentrations of MAIB resulted in gelation. The cast film from a chloroform solution of the methanol‐insoluble part contained spherical pores organized in a hexagonal way with a monodisperse pore size of 3 μm. The copolymer molecules seemed to be arranged in an ordered way on the surface layer of the pores, as shown by an optical microscopy image under crossed polarizers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 2328–2337, 2006
Induction of apoptosis and inhibition of NF‐κB activation in human prostate cancer cells by the cis‐9, trans‐11 but not the trans‐10, cis‐12 isomer of conjugated linoleic acid
Authors: Song Hyun‐Ju , Sneddon Alan A. , Heys Steven D. , Wahle Klaus W.J.
Published: February 2006

BACKGROUND

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) have anti‐tumorigenic properties in animal models and anti‐proliferative effects on cancer cells in vitro. Previous studies have shown that the NF‐κB pathway is involved regulating anti‐apoptotic gene expression. The present study investigated the effects of CLAs (cis‐9, trans‐11, and trans‐10, cis‐12 isomers and a 50:50 mixture) on apoptosis and NF‐κB activation in LNCaP cells.

METHODS

Apoptosis was assessed by annexin V staining using flow cytometry. TNF‐α‐induced NF‐κB activity was determined by gel shift and reporter gene assays in addition to monitoring IκBα phosphorylation.

RESULTS

Only the CLA cis‐9, trans‐11 isomer significantly increased TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis (by 59%), which correlated with a reduction in NF‐κB transcriptional activity (by 35%, P < 0.05), NF‐κB binding activity (by 15%, P < 0.05), and phosphorylation of IκBα (by 36%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results may offer a mechanistic explanation for the reported inhibition of prostate tumor growth by CLAs in animal models of disease. Prostate © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The prostate‐specific G‐protein coupled receptors PSGR and PSGR2 are prostate cancer biomarkers that are complementary to α‐methylacyl‐CoA racemase
Authors: Wang Jianghua , Weng Jinsheng , Cai Yi , Penland Rebecca , Liu Mingyao , Ittmann Michael
Published: February 2006

Background

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect α‐methylacyl‐CoA racemase (AMACR) expression can be useful in the diagnosis of small foci of prostate cancer on needle biopsy specimens, although it still has limitations in terms of both sensitivity and specificity. We have previously described the increased expression of two prostate‐specific G‐protein coupled receptors (PSGR and PSGR2) in human prostate cancer. To examine their potential usefulness as cancer biomarkers, we have evaluated their expression relative to AMACR in prostate cancer tissues.

Methods

Expression of PSGR, PSGR2, and AMACR were examined by quantitative reverse‐transcriptase PCR in mRNAs from benign prostate and prostate cancer tissues. Expression of PSGR2 and AMACR was also examined by in situ hybridization using a prostate cancer tissue microarray.

Results

By in situ hybridization, 24 of 40 prostate cancer cases showed concordant expression of PSGR2 and AMACR. However, in 16 cases there was significant discordance between expression levels of these two markers. By quantitative RT‐PCR all three markers were substantially increased in cancer, with AMACR the most overexpressed (30‐fold), followed by PSGR2 (13‐fold) and PSGR (10‐fold). AMACR was the best single marker of prostate cancer but in 7 of the 59 total cases the expression of AMACR was not significantly elevated while PSGR and/or PSGR2 were substantially elevated.

Conclusion

All three biomarkers are increased in prostate cancer but their expression is not completely concordant. There is a subset of cases in which analysis of expression of PSGR and/or PSGR2, in addition to AMACR, would be diagnostically useful. Prostate © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiscale modeling of macromolecular conformational changes combining concepts from rigidity and elastic network theory
Authors: Ahmed Aqeel , Gohlke Holger
Published: February 2006

The development of a two‐step approach for multiscale modeling of macromolecular conformational changes is based on recent developments in rigidity and elastic network theory. In the first step, static properties of the macromolecule are determined by decomposing the molecule into rigid clusters by using the graph‐theoretical approach FIRST and an all‐atom representation of the protein. In this way, rigid clusters are not limited to consist of residues adjacent in sequence or secondary structure elements as in previous studies. Furthermore, flexible links between rigid clusters are identified and can be modeled as such subsequently. In the second step, dynamical properties of the molecule are revealed by the rotations‐translations of blocks approach (RTB) using an elastic network model representation of the coarse‐grained protein. In this step, only rigid body motions are allowed for rigid clusters, whereas links between them are treated as fully flexible. The approach was tested on a data set of 10 proteins that showed conformational changes on ligand binding. For efficiency, coarse‐graining the protein results in a remarkable reduction of memory requirements and computational times by factors of 9 and 27 on average and up to 25 and 125, respectively. For accuracy, directions and magnitudes of motions predicted by our approach agree well with experimentally determined ones, despite embracing in extreme cases >50% of the protein into one rigid cluster. In fact, the results of our method are in general comparable with when no or a uniform coarse‐graining is applied; and the results are superior if the movement is dominated by loop or fragment motions. This finding indicates that explicitly distinguishing between flexible and rigid regions is advantageous when using a simplified protein representation in the second step. Finally, motions of atoms in rigid clusters are also well predicted by our approach, which points to the need to consider mobile protein regions in addition to flexible ones when modeling correlated motions. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Discrimination of outer membrane proteins using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Gromiha M. Michael , Suwa Makiko
Published: February 2006

Discriminating outer membrane proteins (OMPs) from other folding types of globular and membrane proteins is an important task both for identifying OMPs from genomic sequences and for the successful prediction of their secondary and tertiary structures. In this work, we have analyzed the performance of different methods, based on Bayes rules, logistic functions, neural networks, support vector machines, decision trees, etc. for discriminating OMPs. We found that most of the machine learning techniques discriminate OMPs with similar accuracy. The neural network‐based method could discriminate the OMPs from other proteins [globular/transmembrane helical (TMH)] at the fivefold cross‐validation accuracy of 91.0% in a dataset of 1,088 proteins. The accuracy of discriminating globular proteins is 88.8% and that of TMH proteins is 93.7%. Further, the neural network method is tested with globular proteins belonging to 30 different folding types and it could successfully exclude 95% of the considered proteins. The proteins with SAM domain such as knottins, rubredoxin, and thioredoxin folds are eliminated with 100% accuracy. These accuracy levels are comparable to or better than other methods in the literature. We suggest that this method could be effectively used to discriminate OMPs and for detecting OMPs in genomic sequences. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fetal gender assignment by first‐trimester ultrasound
Authors: Efrat Z. , Perri T. , Ramati E. , Tugendreich D. , Meizner I.
Published: February 2006

Objective

Ultrasound determination of fetal sex can benefit decision‐making regarding invasive prenatal testing in pregnancies at risk of sex‐linked genetic abnormalities. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of fetal sex determination by ultrasound at 12–14 weeks of gestation in a large cohort.

Methods

Fetal gender assessment by transabdominal ultrasound was performed in 656 singleton pregnancies at 12–14 weeks of gestation. The genital region was examined in the mid‐sagittal plane. The angle of the genital tubercle to a horizontal line through the lumbosacral skin surface was measured. The fetus was assigned male gender if the angle was > 30°, and female gender if the genital tubercle was parallel or convergent (<10°) to the horizontal line. At an intermediate angle of 10–30 degrees the gender was not determined. Crown–rump length (CRL) was measured in all cases.

Results

Gender assignment was possible in 613 of the 656 (93%) fetuses. Gender identification according to CRL was feasible in 85%, 96% and 97% of the fetuses at gestational ages of 12 to 12 + 3, 12 + 4 to 12 + 6 and 13 to 13 + 6 weeks, respectively. Phenotypic sex was confirmed in 555 newborns. The accuracy of male gender assignment in this group was 99–100% at all ages, and that of female gender assignment was 91.5% at 12 to 12 + 3 weeks, 99% at 12 + 4 to 12 + 6 weeks and 100% at 13 to 13 + 6 weeks.

Conclusion

Prenatal gender assignment by ultrasound has a high accuracy rate at 12–14 weeks. These results indicate that invasive testing can probably be carried out in fetuses identified as males at this gestational age. However, in fetuses identified as female at a CRL of <62.6 mm, despite the relatively high 91.5% accuracy rate, the decision regarding invasive testing should be postponed until a higher CRL is achieved. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The carboxyl‐terminal extension on fungal mitochondrial DNA polymerases: identification of a critical region of the enzyme from Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Young Matthew J. , Theriault Steven S. , Li Mingyi , Court Deborah A.
Published: February 2006

Fungal mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymerases, in comparison to their metazoan counterparts, harbour unique carboxyl‐terminal extensions (CTEs) of varying lengths and unknown function. To determine the essential regions of the 279 residue CTE of the yeast enzyme (Mip1p), several CTE‐truncation variants were expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The respiratory competence of mip1Δ175 cells, in which Mip1p lacks the C‐terminal 175 residues, is indistinguishable from that of wild‐type. In contrast, strains harbouring Mip1pΔ351 and Mip1pΔ279 rapidly lose mtDNA. Approximately one in six mip1Δ216 transformants grew on glycerol, albeit poorly. Fluorescence microscopy and Southern blot analysis revealed lower levels of mtDNA in these cells, and the rapid loss of mtDNA during fermentative, but not respiratory, growth. Therefore, only the polymerase‐proximal segment of the Mip1p CTE is necessary for mitochondrial function. Comparison of this essential segment with the sequences of other fungal mtDNA polymerases revealed novel features shared among the mtDNA polymerases of the Saccharomycetales. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbohydrate‐induced modulation of cell membrane. VIII. Agglutination with mammalian lectin galectin‐1 increases osmofragility and membrane fluidity of trypsinized erythrocytes
Authors: Gupta Rajesh K. , Pande Abhay H. , Gulla Krishana C. , Gabius Hans-J. , Hajela Krishnan
Published: February 2006

Interaction of lectins with cell surface determinants may alter membrane properties. Using trypsinized rabbit erythrocytes as model we tested the capacity of an endogenous lectin in this respect. Galectin‐1 is a member of an adhesion/growth‐regulatory family known to interact for example with ganglioside GM1 and also the hydrophobic tail of oncogenic H‐Ras. Assays on membrane fluidity and osmofragility detect galectin‐1's capacity to increase the parameters. Moreover, it increases susceptibility of erythrocytes to radical damage. These observations indicate the potential of this endogenous lectin to affect membrane properties beyond the immediate interaction with cell surface epitopes.
C‐terminal binding: An expanded repertoire and function of 14‐3‐3 proteins
Authors: Coblitz Brian , Wu Meng , Shikano Sojin , Li Min
Published: February 2006

Amino and carboxyl termini are unique positions in a polypeptide. They tend to be exposed in folded three dimensional structures. Diversity and functional significance of C‐terminal sequences have been appreciated from studies of PDZ and PEX domains. Signaling 14‐3‐3 protein signaling by recognizing phosphorylated peptides plays a critical role in a variety of biological processes, including oncogenesis. The preferential binding of 14‐3‐3 to phosphorylated C‐terminal sequences, mode III, provides a means of regulated binding and considerably expands the substrate repertoire of 14‐3‐3 interaction partners.
Fumarate reductase: Structural and mechanistic insights from the catalytic reduction of 2‐methylfumarate
Authors: Wardrope Caroline , Mowat Christopher G. , Walkinshaw Malcolm D. , Reid Graeme A. , Chapman Stephen K.
Published: February 2006

The soluble fumarate reductase (FR) from Shewanella frigidimarina can catalyse the reduction of 2‐methylfumarate with a k
cat of 9.0 s−1 and a K
M of 32 μM. This produces the chiral molecule 2‐methylsuccinate. Here, we present the structure of FR to a resolution of 1.5 Å with 2‐methylfumarate bound at the active site. The mode of binding of 2‐methylfumarate allows us to predict the stereochemistry of the product as (S)‐2‐methylsuccinate. To test this prediction we have analysed the product stereochemistry by circular dichroism spectroscopy and confirmed the production of (S)‐2‐methylsuccinate.
The alkaline transition of blue copper proteins, Cucumis sativus plastocyanin and Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin
Authors: Sakurai Takeshi
Published: February 2006

Autoreduction of Cucumis sativus plastocyanin and Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin took place at alkaline pHs, having been accompanied by the decrease in the intensities of the charge transfer band, Cys‐S−(π) → Cu(II) at 597 and 626 nm, and the Cu(II)‐EPR signals with small A
II values of 6.5 × 10−3 and 5.3 × 10−3
cm−1 for plastocyanin and azurin, respectively. Further, an extra Cu(II)‐EPR signal with a large A
II value of 21 × 10−3
cm−1 also reversibly emerged with increasing pH. Plastocyanin and azurin are in an equilibrium of the three forms at alkaline pHs.
Coenzyme Q is irreplaceable by demethoxy‐coenzyme Q in plasma membrane ofCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Arroyo Antonio , Santos-Ocaña Carlos , Ruiz-Ferrer Macarena , Padilla Sergio , Gavilán Ángela , Rodríguez-Aguilera Juan C. , Navas Plácido
Published: February 2006

A procedure was developed to isolate fractions enriched in plasma membrane fromCaenorhabditis elegans. Coenzyme Q9(Q9) was found in plasma membrane isolated from either wild‐type or long‐livedqm30andqm51 clk‐1mutant strains ofCaenorhabditis elegans, along with dietary coenzyme Q8(Q8) and the biosynthetic intermediate demethoxy‐Q9(DMQ9). NADH was able to reduce both Q8and Q9, but not DMQ9. Our results indicate that DMQ9cannot achieve the same redox role of Q9in plasma membrane, suggesting that proportion of all these Q isoforms in plasma membrane must be an important factor in establishing theclk‐1mutant phenotype.
Open Reduction and Palmar Plate-Osteosynthesis in Combination with a Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite Spacer in the Treatment of Comminuted Fractures of the Distal Radius
Authors: HUBER F-X. , HILLMEIER J. , HERZOG L. , MCARTHUR N. , KOCK H-J. , MEEDER P. J.
Published: February 2006

In a prospective study, we used the nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite paste Ostim (Osartis, Obernburg, Germany) in combination with a palmar plate to treat comminuted radius fractures with a metaphyseal and articular component in order to examine the clinical use of Ostim as a bone substitute. Twenty-one patients with 22 radius fractures of AO types C2 and C3 were included in the study. The measurements, taken 10.2±1.3 months after the initial treatment, revealed a dorsopalmar tilt of 8.8±3.7°, a radioulnar inclination of 18.8±2.8° and an ulnar variance of 0.8±1.8 mm. According to the Gartland and Werley evaluation, eight of the treated fractures attained an excellent, 11 a good and the remaining three a fair result. The study demonstrates that Ostim, in combination with angularly stable osteosynthesis, can be used as an acceptable bone substitute for the treatment of type C2 and C3 radial fractures.
Irreducible Palmar Dislocation of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint
Authors: MORISAWA Y. , IKEGAMI H. , IZUMIDA R.
Published: February 2006

A case of a child with rare palmar dislocation of the ring finger distal interphalangeal joint requiring open reduction is presented and the literature discussed.
Symptoms Associated with Electrophysiologically Verified Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Asian Patients
Authors: WILDER-SMITH E. P. , LIRONG L. , SEET R. C. S. , LIM E. C. H.
Published: February 2006

Sensory symptoms are crucial for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We have studied the spectrum of sensory symptoms in 67 cases of neurophysiologically confirmed CTS in Singapore and investigated the correlation of semi-quantitative clinical (‘Historical-Objective’) and neurophysiological (‘Bland’) scales. The range of sensory symptoms was large. The more frequent use of the terms ‘woodenness’ and ‘aching’ rather than ‘pins and needles’ suggests racial and cultural differences in symptom expression, or recognition of previously ignored descriptors. ‘Numbness’ (97%) was the most common descriptive symptom, followed by ‘tingling’ (81%), ‘tightness’ (60%), ‘aching’ (45%), ‘woodenness’ (39%) and ‘pins and needles’ (33%). Less common were ‘deadness’ (27%), prickling (24%), and cramp-like pain (18%). Uncommon sensations included ‘jabbing’ (10%), ‘shooting pain’ (10%), ‘stabbing’ (9%), ‘tight-band like pressure’ (9%), ‘cold’ (8%), ‘crushing’ (6%) and ‘burning’ (6%). The semi-quantitative clinical and neurophysiological scales correlated well (Pearson 0.645, P<0.001).
CONSANGUINEOUS MARRIAGE IN A NEWLY DEVELOPED COUNTRY: THE QATARI POPULATION
Authors: BENER ABDULBARI , ALALI KHALID A.
Published: February 2006

This study examines the frequency of consanguineous marriage and coefficient of inbreeding in the State of Qatar. The study was conducted in semi-urban areas of Doha between January and May 2004. A sample of 1515 married Qatari females aged 15 years and over participated. The degree of consanguinity between each female and her spouse, and degree of consanguinity between their parents were recorded. The rate of consanguinity in the present generation was high (54·0%) with a coefficient of inbreeding of 0·02706. The commonest type of consanguineous marriage was between first cousins (34·8%). Double first cousin marriages were common (3·1%) compared with other populations. The consanguinity rate in the State of Qatar has increased from 41·8% to 54·5% in one generation.