bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental changes in the relationship between leptin and adiposity among Tsimané children and adolescents
Authors: Sharrock Katherine C. B. , Kuzawa Christopher W. , Leonard William R. , Tanner Susan , Reyes‐García Victoria E. , Vadez Vincent , Huanca Tomás , McDade Thomas W.
Published: March 2008

Leptin is thought to signal energy stores, thus helping the body balance energy intake and expenditure. However, the strong relationship between leptin and adiposity in populations with adequate nutrition or common obesity is not universal across ecologic contexts, and leptin often correlates only weakly, or not at all, with adiposity in populations of lean or marginally‐nourished males. To clarify whether the relationship between adiposity and leptin changes during development, this study examines leptin and body fat among children and adolescents of lowland Bolivia. Anthropometric measures of body composition and dried blood spot samples were collected from 487 Tsimane' ranging from 2 to 15 years of age. Leptin was assayed using an enzyme immunoassay protocol validated for use with blood spot samples. In this population, leptin concentrations were among the lowest reported in a human population (mean ± SD: 1.26 ± 0.5 and 0.57 ± 0.3 in females and males). In addition, the relationship between leptin and adiposity follows distinct developmental trajectories in males and females. In males, leptin is weakly correlated with most measures of body composition at all ages investigated. However, in females, the level of body fat and the strength of the correlation between body fat and leptin (a measure of its strength as a signal of energy stores) both increase markedly with age. These findings suggest a more important role of leptin as a signal of energy stores among females as they approach reproductive maturity, while raising questions about the function of this hormone in lean males. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Geroderma osteodysplasticum hereditaria and wrinkly skin syndrome in 22 patients from Oman
Authors: Rajab Anna , Kornak U. , Budde B. S. , Hoffmann K. , Jaeken J. , Nürnberg P. , Mundlos S.
Published: March 2008

Excessive skin wrinkling and cutis laxa are seen in many genetic conditions and overlapping features can make a clinical diagnosis difficult. Here we report on 22 Omani patients from 11 consanguineous families with the diagnosis of wrinkly skin syndrome (WSS, OMIM 278250) or geroderma osteodysplasticum hereditaria (GO, OMIM 231070). The WSS phenotype evolves during early childhood and includes a generalized and excessive skin wrinkling, dental problems, herniae, foot deformities, hip dislocations, growth retardation, and a large anterior fontanelle. The facial gestalt is characterized by a broad nasal bridge, hypertelorism, and downslanting palpebral fissures. We were unable to differentiate between WSS and cutis laxa with growth and developmental delay (CLGDD, OMIM 219200) suggesting that both can be considered as one entity. Distinct hallmarks of GO were skin wrinkling limited to the dorsum of hands and feet and to the abdomen, normal fontanelles, maxillary hypoplasia, bowed long bones, and osteopenia with frequent fractures. In contrast to the attenuation of the skin phenotype with age in WSS, adult patients with GO appeared prematurely aged. A serum sialotransferrin type 2 pattern was found in all four WSS patients tested. Apolipoprotein CIII (a marker for O‐glycosylation) was normal suggesting that WSS is frequently associated with a N‐protein glycosylation defect, probably at the level of processing (CDG‐II). All four investigated GO patients showed normal sialotransferrin patterns. The known loci for cutis laxa and WSS on 2q31, 5q23‐q31, 7q11, 11q13, and 14q32 were excluded. We suggest that WSS and GO are distinct entities with overlapping features. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel nonsense mutation in MYO6 is associated with progressive nonsyndromic hearing loss in a Danish DFNA22 family
Authors: Sanggaard Kirsten M. , Kjaer Klaus W. , Eiberg Hans , Nürnberg Gudrun , Nürnberg Peter , Hoffman Katrin , Jensen Hanne , Sørum Charlotte , Rendtorff Nanna D. , Tranebjærg Lisbeth
Published: March 2008

Autosomal dominant inheritance is described in about 20% of all nonsyndromic hearing loss with currently 54 distinct loci (DFNA1‐54), and >20 different genes identified. Seven different unconventional myosin genes are involved in ten different types of syndromic and nonsyndromic hearing loss with different patterns of inheritance: MYO7A in DFNA11/DFNB2/USH1B, MYH9 in DFNA17, MYH14 in DFNA4, MYO6 in DFNA22/DFNB37, MYO3A in DFNB30, MYO1A in DFNA48, and MYO15A in DFNB3. Two missense mutations in MYO6 (p.C442Y and p.H246R) have been characterized in families of Italian and American Caucasian extraction with autosomal dominant hearing loss, respectively, and the latter was associated with cardiomyopathy in some patients. Three Pakistani families had homozygosity for three MYO6 mutations (c.36insT, p.R1166X, and p.E216V, respectively), and was in one instance associated with retinal degeneration. In the present study, we linked autosomal dominant hearing loss in a large Danish family to a 38.9 Mb interval overlapping with the DFNA22/DFNB37 locus on chromosome 6q13. A novel nonsense mutation in MYO6 exon 25 (c.2545C > T; p.R849X) was identified in the family. The mutation co‐segregated with the disease and the mutant allele is predicted to encode a truncated protein lacking the coiled‐coil and globular tail domains. These domains are hypothesized to be essential for targeting myosin VI to its cellular compartments. No other system was involved indicating nonsyndromic loss. In conclusion, a novel nonsense MYO6 mutation causes post‐lingual, slowly progressive autosomal dominant nonsyndromic moderate to severe hearing loss in a Danish family. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Delineation of the phenotype associated with 7q36.1q36.2 deletion: Long QT syndrome, renal hypoplasia and mental retardation
Authors: Caselli Rossella , Mencarelli Maria Antonietta , Papa Filomena Tiziana , Ariani Francesca , Longo Ilaria , Meloni Ilaria , Vonella Giuseppina , Acampa Maurizio , Auteri Alberto , Vicari Stefano , Orsi Alessandra , Hayek Giuseppe , Renieri Alessandra , Mari Francesca
Published: March 2008

Terminal deletions of the long arm of chromosome 7 are well known and are frequently associated with hypotelorism or holoprosencephaly due to the involvement of the SHH gene located in 7q36.3. These deletions are easily detectable with routine subtelomeric MLPA analysis. Deletions affecting a more proximal part of 7q36, namely bands 7q36.1q36.2 are less common, and may be missed by subtelomeric MLPA analysis. We report a 9‐year‐old girl with a 5.27 Mb deletion in 7q36.1q36.2, and compare her to literature patients proposing a phenotype characterized by mental retardation, unusual facial features, renal hypoplasia and long QT syndrome due to loss of the KCNH2 gene. These characteristics are sufficiently distinct that the syndrome may be diagnosed on clinical grounds. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trisomies 13 and 18: Population prevalences, characteristics, and prenatal diagnosis, metropolitan Atlanta, 1994–2003
Authors: Crider Krista S. , Olney Richard S. , Cragan Janet D.
Published: March 2008

In recent years, prenatal diagnosis and elective pregnancy termination have affected the reported birth prevalence of trisomies 13 and 18. We examined the prevalence and characteristics of these conditions using 1994–2003 data from a population‐based surveillance system, the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program. Including fetal deaths and elective terminations increased the number of affected pregnancies by 58.7% for trisomy 13 and 72.2% for trisomy 18. Prenatal cytogenetic testing was reported in 70.8% of trisomy 13 cases and 76.1% of trisomy 18 cases. Among those with prenatal cytogenetic tests, 60.8% of trisomy 13 and 59.7% of trisomy 18 cases were electively terminated. Compared with non‐Hispanic whites, non‐Hispanic black race was associated with a decreased frequency of prenatal cytogenetic testing for both trisomy 13 and trisomy 18 (OR 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08–0.78 and OR 0.32, 95% CI: 0.14–0.69, respectively). The reported rates of prenatal cytogenetic testing remained stable throughout the period. As expected, maternal age ≥35 years was a risk factor for both conditions. However, while 67.1% (n = 55) of the trisomy 18 case mothers were ≥35 years, only 46.9% (n = 15) of the trisomy 13 case mothers were ≥35 years. Among live‐born infants, the sex ratio among trisomy 18 infants showed an increased proportion of females: 60.4% female versus 39.6% male. However, the proportion was 48.3% female and 51.7% male among fetuses that were electively terminated in the second trimester. Inclusion of pregnancies that are prenatally diagnosed is critical for accurate surveillance and population‐based analyses of these conditions. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Properties of waterborne nanoscale pigment red 122 dispersion prepared by phase separation method
Authors: Shao‐Hai Fu , Kuan‐Jun Fang
Published: March 2008

Waterborne nanoscale pigment red 122 dispersions were prepared by phase separation method and milling method with dispersant, respectively. The properties of these dispersions were studied and compared, and also, the encapsulation process was investigated. It was found that the pigment dispersion prepared by phase separation method had higher stability, smaller particle size, and narrower particle size distribution than those milling method with dispersant. The apparent viscosity of pigment dispersion prepared by phase separation method was lower than that prepared by milling method with dispersant when the weight ratio of styrene‐maleic acid copolymer (PSMA) to pigment is below 14%. The change of contact angle indicated that the wettability of encapsulated pigment was greatly improved. On the basis of our results, a schematic representation was given for the illustration of the whole encapsulation process. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Two homologous parasitism‐specific proteins encoded in Cotesia plutellae bracovirus and their expression profiles in parasitized Plutella xylostella
Authors: Lee Sunyoung , Kim Yonggyun
Published: March 2008

A wasp, Cotesia plutellae, parasitizes the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, and interrupts host physiology for wasp survival and development. Identification of parasitism‐specific factors would be helpful to understand the host–parasitoid interaction. This study focused on identification of a 15‐kDa protein found only in plasma of the parasitized P. xylostella. Degenerate primers were designed after N‐terminal amino acid sequencing of the parasitism‐specific protein and used to clone the corresponding gene from the parasitized P. xylostella by a nested reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Two homologous genes were cloned and identified as “CpBV15α” and “CpBV15β,” respectively, due to the identical size (158 amino acid residues) of the predicted open reading frames, in which they shared amino acid sequences in both terminal regions, but varied in internal sequences. Southern hybridization analysis indicated that both genes were located on C. plutellae bracovirus genome. Real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR revealed that both genes were mostly expressed at the late parasitization period, which was further confirmed by an immunoblotting assay using CpBV15 antibody. A recombinant CpBV15 protein was produced from Sf9 cells via a baculovirus expression system. The purified CpBV15 protein could enter hemocytes of P. xylostella and were localized in the cytosol. Along with the sequence similarities of CpBV15s with eukaryotic initiation factors, their putative biological role has been discussed in terms of the host translation inhibitory factor. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 67:157–171, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bracovirus gene products are highly divergent from insect proteins
Authors: Bézier Annie , Herbinière Juline , Serbielle Céline , Lesobre Jérome , Wincker Patrick , Huguet Elisabeth , Drezen Jean‐Michel
Published: March 2008

Recently, several polydnavirus (PDV) genomes have been completely sequenced. The dsDNA circles enclosed in virus particles and injected by wasps into caterpillars appear to mainly encode virulence factors potentially involved in altering host immunity and/or development, thereby allowing the survival of the parasitoid larvae within the host tissues. Parasitoid wasps generally inject virulence factors produced in the venom gland. As PDV genomes are inherited vertically by wasps through a proviral form, wasp virulence genes may have been transferred to this chromosomal form, leading to their incorporation into virus particles. Indeed, many gene products from Cotesia congregata bracovirus (CcBV), such as PTPs, IκB‐like, and cystatins, contain protein domains conserved in metazoans. Surprisingly however, CcBV virulence gene products are not more closely related to insect proteins than to human proteins. To determine whether the distance between CcBV and insect proteins is a specific feature of BV proteins or simply reflects a general high divergence of parasitoid wasp products, which might be due to parasitic lifestyle, we have analyzed the sequences of wasp genes obtained from a cDNA library. Wasp sequences having a high similarity with Apis mellifera genes involved in a variety of biological functions could be identified indicating that the high level of divergence observed for BV products is a hallmark of these viral proteins. We discuss how this divergence might be explained in the context of the current hypotheses on the origin and evolution of wasp‐bracovirus associations. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 67:172–187, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The “street light syndrome”, or how protein taxonomy can bias experimental manipulations
Authors: Markov Gabriel , Lecointre Guillaume , Demeneix Barbara , Laudet Vincent
Published: March 2008

In the genomics era, bioinformatic analysis, especially in non‐model species, facilitates the identification and naming of numerous new proteins, the function of which is then inferred through homology searches. Here, we question certain aspects of these approaches. What are the criteria that permit such a determination? What are their limits? Naming is classifying. We review the different criteria that are used to name a protein and discuss their constraints. We observe that the name given to a protein often introduces a bias for further functional analyses, a bias that is not often taken into account when analysing results. Last but not least, the heterogeneity of criteria used for naming proteins leads to self‐inconsistent or contradictory protein classification that is potentially misleading. Finally, we recommend a wider use of phylogenetic criteria in protein naming. BioEssays 30:349–357, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of ATF‐2 in oncogenesis
Authors: Vlahopoulos Spiros A. , Logotheti Stella , Mikas Dimitris , Giarika Athina , Gorgoulis Vassilis , Zoumpourlis Vassilis
Published: March 2008

Activating Transcription Factor‐2 is a sequence‐specific DNA‐binding protein that belongs to the bZIP family of proteins and plays diverse roles in the mammalian cells. In response to stress stimuli, it activates a variety of gene targets including cyclin A, cyclin D and c‐jun, which are involved in oncogenesis in various tissue types. ATF‐2 expression has been correlated with maintenance of a cancer cell phenotype. However, other studies demonstrate an antiproliferative or apoptotic role for ATF‐2. In this review, we summarize the signaling pathways that activate ATF‐2, as well as its downstream targets. We examine the role of ATF‐2 in carcinogenesis with respect to other bZIP proteins, using data from studies in human cancer cell lines, human tumours and mouse models, and we propose a potential model for its function in carcinogenesis, as well as a theoretical basis for its utility in anticancer drug design. BioEssays 30:314–327, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the development of neural diversity in the brain
Authors: Wilkins Adam S.
Published: March 2008

The FEBS meeting titled “Generating neural diversity in the brain” took place on the island of Capri, from October 13–16. This high‐level workshop was the 20th in a symposium series organized by the IGB (Instituto Genetica et Biophysica) of Naples funded by international agencies including FEBS, EMBO, European commission. The series is unusual in featuring first‐rank international scientist speakers for a meeting whose audience consists primarily of students and post‐docs. The endeavour is thus more explicitly educational than many major meetings and the young audience helps create a lively atmosphere. With intense morning and evening sessions, the afternoons are left free for the participants to explore the island, go swimming or relax. BioEssays 30:397–399, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Production and characterization of pharmacologically active recombinant human phosphodiesterase 4B in Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Arya Ranjana , Aslam Saima , Gupta Shivani , Bora Roop Singh , Vijayakrishnan Lalitha , Gulati Pankaj , Naithani Sudha , Mukherjee Shohini , Dastidar Sunanda , Bhattacharya Alok , Saini Kulvinder Singh
Published: March 2008

Phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) is an important therapeutic target for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. To identify PDE4 subtype‐specific compounds using high‐throughput assays, full‐length recombinant PDE4 proteins are needed in bulk quantity. In the present study, full‐length human PDE4B2 was expressed in the cellular slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum (Dd). A cell density of 2 x 107 cells/mL was obtained and up to 1 mg/L recombinant PDE4B2 was purified through Ni‐NTA affinity chromatography. The expressed protein was soluble and its activity was comparable to PDE4B2 protein expressed in mammalian cells (Km=1.7 μM). The functional significance of the Dd expression system is supported by the demonstration that, in concert with proteins expressed in mammalian systems, there are no major changes in the affinity for PDE4B2 inhibitors and substrates. These findings thus provide the first evidence that Dd can be utilized for the expression and purification of functionally active full‐length human PDE4B2 in large amounts required for high‐throughput screening of pharmacologically active compounds against this therapeutic target.
The effects of rosiglitazone on oxidative stress and lipid profile in left ventricular muscles of diabetic rats
Authors: Kavak Servet , Ayaz Lokman , Emre Mustafa , Inal Tamer , Tamer Lülüfer , Günay Ismail
Published: March 2008

We investigated the effect of rosiglitazone (RSG), a high‐affinity ligand for the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma which mediates insulin‐sensitizing actions, on the lipid profile and oxidative status in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) rats. Wistar albino male rats were randomly divided into an untreated control group (C), a C + RSG group which was treated with RSG (4 mg kg−1) two times a day by gavage, a diabetic group (D) that was treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (45 mgkg−1), D + RSG group which were treated with RSG two times a day by gavage, respectively. Lipid profiles, HbA1cand blood glucose levels in the circulation and malondialdehyde (MDA) and 3‐nitrotyrosine (3‐NT) levels in left ventricular muscle were measured. Treatment of D rats with RSG resulted in a time‐dependent decrease in blood glucose. We found that the lipid profile and HbA1clevels in D + RSG group reached the C rat values at the end of the treatment period. There was a statistically significant difference between the C + RSG and C groups in 3‐NT levels. In group D, 3‐NT and MDA levels were found to be increased when compared with C, C + RSG and D + RSG groups. In the D + RSG group, MDA levels were found to be decreased when compared with C and C + RSG. Our study suggests that the treatment of D rats with RSG for 8 weeks may decrease the oxidative/nitrosative stress in left ventricular tissue of rats. Thus in diabetes‐related vascular diseases, RSG treatment may be cardioprotective. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Governance in a union environment
Authors: Garfield Timothy K.
Published: March 2008

The presence of a faculty union in a community college has a significant impact on its governance. This chapter offers recommendations for dealing with the challenges presented by collective bargaining in the postsecondary education environment.
The effects of translation and sex on hypnotizability testing
Authors: Cardeña Etzel , Kallio Sakari , Terhune Devin B. , Buratti Sandra , Lööf Angelica
Published: March 2008

The above article (DOI: 10.1002/ch.340) was published in Volume 24, Issue 4, Pages 154–160.

The authors of this paper stated that they had used the Inventory Scale of Hypnotic Depth (ISHD; Field, 1965) in this research when in fact they used the Subjective Experiences Scale (SES) for the HGSHS:A (Kirsch, Council, & Wickless, 1990). Thus the reader should substitute the SES for the ISHD.

Otherwise, the statistics, analyses, and conclusions remain the same
The Mystery of Perpendicular Fivefold Axes and the Fourth Dimension in Intermetallic Structures
Authors: Berger Robert F. , Lee Stephen , Johnson Jeffreys , Nebgen Ben , Sha Fernando , Xu Jiaqi
Published: March 2008

The structures of eight related known intermetallic structure types are the impetus to this paper: Li21Si5, Mg44Rh7, Zn13(Fe,Ni)2, Mg6Pd, Na6Tl, Zn91Ir11, Li13Na29Ba19, and Al69Ta39. All belong to the F$\bar 4$3m space group, have roughly 400 atoms in their cubic unit cells, are built up at least partially from the γ‐brass structure, and exhibit pseudo‐tenfold symmetric diffraction patterns. These pseudo‐tenfold axes lie in the 〈1 1 0〉 directions, and thus present a paradox. The 〈1 1 0〉 set is comprised of three pairs of perpendicular directions. Yet no 3D point group contains a single pair of perpendicular fivefold axes (by Friedel's Law, a fivefold axis leads to a tenfold diffraction pattern). The current work seeks to resolve this paradox. Its resolution is based on the largest of all 4D Platonic solids, the 600‐cell. We first review the 600‐cell, building an intuition discussing 4D polyhedroids (4D polytopes). We then show that the positions of common atoms in the F$\bar 4$3m structures lie close to the positions of vertices in a 3D projection of the 600‐cell. For this purpose, we develop a projection method that we call intermediate projection. The introduction of the 600‐cell resolves the above paradox. This 4D Platonic solid contains numerous orthogonal fivefold rotations. The six fivefold directions that are best preserved after projection prove to lie along the 〈1 1 0〉 directions of the F$\bar 4$3m structures. Finally, this paper shows that at certain ideal projected cluster sizes related to one another by the golden mean (τ=(1+√5)/2), constructive interference leading to tenfold diffraction patterns is optimized. It is these optimal values that predominate in actual F$\bar 4$3m structures. Explicit comparison of experimental cluster sizes and theoretically derived cluster sizes shows a clear correspondence, both for isolated and crystalline pairs of projected 600‐cells.
pH‐Triggered Dethreading–Rethreading and Switching of Cucurbit[6]uril on Bistable [3]Pseudorotaxanes and [3]Rotaxanes
Authors: Tuncel Dönüs , Katterle Martin
Published: March 2008

A series of water‐soluble [3]rotaxanes‐(n+2) and [3]pseudorotaxanes‐(n+2) with short (propyl, n=1) and long (dodecyl, n=10) aliphatic spacers have been prepared in high yields by a 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction catalyzed by cucurbit[6]uril (CB6). The pH‐triggered dethreading and rethreading of CB6 on these pseudorotaxanes was monitored by 1H NMR spectroscopy. A previously reported [3]rotaxane‐12 that is known to behave as a bistable molecular switch has two recognition sites for CB6, that is, the diaminotriazole moieties and the dodecyl spacer. By changing the pH of the system, it is possible to observe more than one state in the shuttling process. At low pH values both CB6 units are located on the diaminotriazole moieties owing to an ion–dipole interaction, whereas at high pH values both of the CB6 units are located on the hydrophobic dodecyl spacer. Surprisingly, the CB6 units shuttle back to their initial state very slowly after reprotonation of the axle. Even after eighteen days at room temperature, only about 50 % of the CB6 units had relocated back onto the diaminotriazole moieties. The rate constants for the shuttling processes were measured as a function of temperature over the range from 313 to 333 K and the activation parameters (enthalpy, entropy, and free energy) were calculated by using the Eyring equation. The results indicate that this [3]rotaxane behaves as a kinetically controlled molecular switch. The switching properties of [3]rotaxane‐3 have also been studied. However, even under extreme pH conditions this rotaxane has not shown any switching action, which confirms that the propyl spacer is too short to accommodate CB6 units.
Surgical staging and cervical cancer
Authors: Moore David H.
Published: March 2008

The study reported by Gold and colleagues in this issue of Cancer emerges as the first comparative study to clearly suggest a benefit of surgical staging over clinical staging. The importance of confirming their findings through a prospective, randomized trial may be offset by declining disease incidence and other scientific priorities.
Prognostic factors for high‐risk early‐stage epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Chan John K. , Tian Chunqiao , Monk Bradley J. , Herzog Thomas , Kapp Daniel S. , Bell Jeffrey , Young Robert C.
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND.

The purpose was to identify the factors predictive of recurrence and survival in patients with high‐risk (stage I, grade 3; stage IC, stage II, or clear cell) epithelial ovarian cancer after adjuvant therapy.

METHODS.

Data was extracted from patients who underwent primary surgery followed by adjuvant therapy in 2 randomized trials by the Gynecologic Oncology Group (Protocols 95 and 157). Kaplan‐Meier survival estimates and Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for covariates were used for analyses.

RESULTS.

Of 506 patients (median age = 56.2 years), 347 (68.6%) had stage I and 159 (31.4%) had stage II cancers. The 5‐year recurrence‐free (RFS) and overall survivals (OS) were 75.5% and 81.7%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, older age, higher stage, higher grade, and malignant cytology were independent prognostic factors predictive for recurrence and poorer survival. The risk of recurrence was higher for those ≥60 versus < 60 years (hazards ratio [HR] = 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–2.19), stage II (stage II: HR = 2.70, 95% CI, 1.41–5.16) versus stage IA or IB, grade 2 (HR = 1.84, 95% CI, 1.04–3.27) and grade 3 (HR = 2.47, 95% CI, 1.39–4.37) versus grade 1, and positive versus negative cytology (HR = 1.72, 95% CI, 1.21–2.45). By using these factors in a prognostic index, those with low‐risk (no or 1 risk factor), intermediate‐risk (2 factors), and high‐risk (3–4 risk factors) disease had survivals of 88%, 82%, and 75%, respectively (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS.

Age, stage, grade, and cytology are important prognostic factors in high‐risk early‐stage epithelial ovarian cancer. This information may be used in the design of future clinical trials. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Dual focal adhesion kinase/Pyk2 inhibitor has positive effects on bone tumors
Authors: Bagi Cedo M. , Roberts Gregory W. , Andresen Catharine J.
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND.

Lytic bone metastases occur frequently in cancer patients and present major clinical issues including lack of effective therapies. The mechanism of lytic bone metastases involves interactions between tumor cells, bone matrix, and bone cells. Both focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Pyk2 are implicated in the biology and physiology of bone and cancer.

METHODS.

The efficacy of PF‐562,271 was evaluated using MDA‐MB‐231 cells implanted in the tibia of nude rats. The drug was administered orally at a dose of 5 mg/kg, 7 days per week for 28 days. Serum and urine biomarkers, imaging, and histologic techniques were deployed to monitor tumor take rate, disease progression, and response to therapy.

RESULTS.

The compound was well tolerated. Both compound‐treated groups demonstrated significant and similar increases in osteocalcin and cancellous bone parameters. Radiographic evaluation of tumor‐bearing tibiae revealed tumor expansion in nontreated rats compared with a decrease in tumor growth and signs of bone healing in rats treated with PF‐562,271. Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase and fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis revealed that the majority of bone resorption at the tumor site was performed by osteoclasts of rat origin.

CONCLUSIONS.

The oral administration of PF‐562,271 at a dose of 5 mg/kg suppressed the growth and local spread of intratibial tumors and restored tumor‐induced bone loss. The unique ability of PF‐562,271 to both curb tumor growth and safely increase bone formation may be an effective therapy for many cancer patients with bone metastases and cancer‐associated osteoporosis. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
UHV Studies of Methanol Decomposition on Mono‐ and Bimetallic CoPd Nanoparticles Supported on Thin Alumina Films
Authors: Nowitzki Tobias , Borchert Holger , Jürgens Birte , Risse Thomas , Zielasek Volkmar , Bäumer Marcus
Published: March 2008

Bimetallic nanoparticles often turn out to be superior to the corresponding monometallic systems with respect to their catalytic properties. To study such effects for the methanol decomposition reaction, model catalysts were prepared by physical vapor deposition of Pd and Co under ultrahigh‐vacuum (UHV) conditions. Monometallic Pd and Co particles as well as CoPd core–shell particles were generated on an epitaxial alumina film grown on NiAl(110). The interaction with methanol is examined by temperature‐programmed desorption of methanol and carbon monoxide and by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The decomposition of methanol proceeds in two reaction pathways independent of the particle composition: complete dehydrogenation towards carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and CO bond scission yielding carbon deposits. Pd is the most active material studied here. The relative importance of the two channels varies for the different particle systems: on Pd dehydrogenation is preferred, whereas the CO bond cleavage is more pronounced on Co. The bimetallic clusters show a moderate performance for both pathways. Carbon deposition poisons the model catalysts by blocking the adsorption sites for methoxide, which is the first intermediate product during methanol decomposition. In particular on Co, large amounts of carbon deposits can also be caused by dissociation of the final product of the dehydrogenation pathway, carbon monoxide. A comparison with the results of methanol decomposition on Co, Pd, and CoPd catalysts in continuous‐flow reactors demonstrates that the findings of the present UHV study are relevant for catalytic performance under high‐pressure conditions.
Disordered eating and substance use in high‐school students: Results from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
Authors: Pisetsky Emily M. , May Chao Y. , Dierker Lisa C. , May Alexis M. , Striegel‐Moore Ruth H.
Published: March 2008

Objective:

To examine the association between disordered eating (fasting, diet product use, and vomiting or laxative use) and use of 10 substances (cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, inhalants, heroin, methamphetamines, ecstasy, steroids, and hallucinogens) in a nationally representative adolescent sample.

Method:

Participants were 13,917 U.S. high‐school students participating in the 2005 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System.

Results:

Disordered eating was significantly associated with the use of each substance. Using effect size estimates that take base rates into consideration, for female students, associations between substance use and disordered eating were weak for all but three forms of substance use: current smoking, binge drinking, and inhalants. Among male students, strong (marijuana, steroids, and inhalants) or moderate effects (all other substances) were observed.

Conclusion:

Future research needs to focus on inhalant use and methamphetamine use in males. Increased medical attention should be directed toward adolescents who practice disordered eating behaviors because they are also at elevated risk for using cigarettes, alcohol, inhalants, methamphetamines, and steroids. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
Dialectical behavior therapy for clients with binge‐eating disorder or bulimia nervosa and borderline personality disorder
Authors: Chen Eunice Y. , Matthews Lauren , Allen Charese , Kuo Janice R. , Linehan Marsha Marie
Published: March 2008

Objective:

This treatment development study provides summary data for standard Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with minimal adaptation for 8 women with binge‐eating disorder (BED) (5) or bulimia nervosa (BN) (3) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

Method:

DBT involved 6 months of weekly skills group, individual DBT, therapist consultation team meeting, and 24‐hour telephone coaching. Assessments were conducted at pre‐, post‐treatment, and 6‐months follow‐up and utilized standardized clinical interviews including the Eating Disorders Examination (EDE), Personality Disorders Exam, and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV.

Results:

From pre‐ to post‐treatment, effect sizes for objective binge eating, total EDE scores and global adjustment were large and for number of non‐eating disorder axis I disorders and for suicidal behavior and self‐injury were medium. From pre‐ to 6‐months follow‐up, effect sizes were large for all these outcomes.

Conclusion:

This provides promising pilot data for larger studies utilizing DBT for BED or BN and BPD. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
The Synthesis of Multiwalled Rare‐Earth Phosphate Nanomaterials Using Organophosphates with Upconversion Properties
Authors: Li Hua , Zhu Guangshan , Ren Hao , Li Yi , Hewitt Ian J. , Qiu Shilun
Published: March 2008

Tributylphosphate, an organophosphate, was used as the phosphorus source instead of phosphoric acid to synthesize several new multiwalled, microporous rare‐earth phosphate nanofibers and nanotubes. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Separation of acylglycerols, FAME and FFA in biodiesel by size exclusion chromatography
Authors: Kittirattanapiboon Kanisa , Krisnangkura Kanit
Published: March 2008

Size‐exclusion chromatography separates solutes according to their molecular sizes. Free fatty acids (FFA), fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and monoacylglycerols (MG) of vegetable oils or animal fats have very close molecular sizes and they cannot be baseline‐separated on a single Phenogel column (100 Å, 300 mm × 7.8 mm ID, 5 µm) by using tetrahydrofuran (THF) as the mobile phase. When toluene is used as the mobile phase, triacylglycerols (TG), diacylglycerols (DG), MG and FAME are well separated but there is no baseline resolution between DG and FAME. In addition, the elution order of MG and FAME is reversed. However, baseline separation of all the above lipid classes can be achieved by using toluene containing THF, acetone, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate or acetic acid as the solvent modifier. Acetic acid (0.25%) as the solvent modifier gives the best resolution and all the reference peaks are symmetrical. The detection limit of each class of lipids is 0.1 µg. The correlation coefficient values (between 1 and 100 µg) of all the lipid classes are better than 0.99. Thus, the determination of biodiesel products in the biodiesel reactor is very much simplified.
A Fluorescence‐Enhanced Chemodosimeter for Fe3+ Based on Hydrolysis of Bis(coumarinyl) Schiff Base
Authors: Lin Weiying , Yuan Lin , Feng Jianbo , Cao Xiaowei
Published: March 2008

Bis(coumarinyl) Schiff base 1 was designed and synthesized as a fluorescence turn‐on chemodosimeter for Fe3+. The chemodosimeter was readily synthesized in four steps from 2,4‐dihydroxybenzaldehyde. The addition of Fe3+ to chemodosimeter 1 induced about a 140‐fold enhancement influorescence. Furthermore, chemodosimeter 1 was also highly selective to Fe3+ over other metal ions, and most of the related metals ions exhibited negligible detection interference.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Sulfoxide‐Directed Stereocontrolled Access to 2H‐Chromans: Total Synthesis of the (S,R,R,R)‐Enantiomer of the Antihypertensive Drug Nebivolol
Authors: Carreño M. Carmen , Hernández‐Torres Gloria , Urbano Antonio , Colobert Françoise
Published: March 2008

A homochiral sulfoxide‐directed reductive deoxygenation of 2‐(p‐tolylsulfinyl)methyl‐2‐chromanols allows the stereoselective formation of 2H‐chromans with up to 95:5 diastereoisomeric ratio. This new methodology was appliedin a short and convergent enantioselective synthesis ofthe (S,R,R,R)‐enantiomer of the antihypertensive drugNebivolol.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
A Novel Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence (ECL) Sensor Based on Ru(bpy)32+‐Doped Titania Nanoparticles Dispersed in Nafion on Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Hun Xu , Zhang Zhujun
Published: March 2008

A novel electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) sensor based on Ru(bpy)32+‐doped titania (RuDT) nanoparticles dispersed in a perfluorosulfonated ionomer (Nafion) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was developed in this paper. The electroactive component‐Ru(bpy)32+ was entrapped within the titania nanoparticles by the inverse microemulsion polymerization process that produced spherical sensors in the size region of 38±3 nm. The RuDT nanoparticles were characterized by electrochemical, transmission electron and scanning microscopy technology. The Ru(bpy)32+ encapsulation interior of the titania nanoparticles maintains its ECL efficiency and also reduces Ru(bpy)32+ leaching from the titania matrix when immersed in water due to the electrostatic interaction. This is the first attempt to prepare the RuDT nanoparticles and extend the application of electroactive component‐doped nanoparticles into the field of ECL. Since a large amount of Ru(bpy)32+ was immobilized three‐dimensionally on the electrode, the Ru(bpy)32+ ECL signal could be enhanced greatly, which finally resulted in the increased sensitivity. The ECL analytical performance of this ECL sensor for tripropylamine (TPA) was investigated in detail. This sensor shows a detection limit of 1 nmol/L for TPA. Furthermore, the present ECL sensor displays outstanding long‐term stability.
Fabrication and Electrochemical Behavior of Vanadium‐Substituted Keggin‐Type Polyoxometalates Multilayer Films on 4‐Aminobenzoic Acid Modified Glassy Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Li Chunxiang , Wang Xiaoguang , Ma Huiyuan , Wang Fuping , Gu Ying
Published: March 2008

Two Vanadium‐substituted Keggin‐type polyoxometalates, K3H2[α‐SiVW11O40]⋅6H2O (SiVW11) and K4H2[γ(1, 2)‐SiV2W10O40]⋅4H2O (SiV2W10) were first successfully immobilized on 4‐aminobenzoic acid modified glass carbon electrodes respectively by layer‐by‐layer assembly with poly (ethylenimine) (PEI) as counterions. The regular growth processes were monitored by cyclic voltammetry (CV), and it was proved that the multilayer films were uniform and stable. The cyclic voltammetry results indicated that the electrochemical behavior of two multilayer films was similar, and their redox couples are pH‐ and scan rate‐dependent. The multilayer films show favorable electrocatalytic active toward the reduction of NO2−, IO3− and H2O2.
Carbon Paste Electrode Incorporating 1‐[4‐(Ferrocenyl Ethynyl) Phenyl]‐1‐Ethanone for Electrocatalytic and Voltammetric Determination of Tryptophan
Authors: Raoof Jahan‐Bakhsh , Ojani Reza , Karimi‐Maleh Hassan
Published: March 2008

A carbon paste electrode spiked with 1‐[4‐ferrocenyl ethynyl) phenyl]‐1‐ethanone (4FEPE) was constructed by incorporation of 4FEPE in graphite powder‐paraffin oil matrix. It has been shown by direct current cyclic voltammetry and double step chronoamperometry that this electrode can catalyze the oxidation of tryptophan (Trp) in aqueous buffered solution. It has been found that under optimum condition (pH 7.00), the oxidation of Trp at the surface of such an electrode occurs at a potential about 200 mV less positive than at an unmodified carbon paste electrode. The kinetic parameters such as electron transfer coefficient, α and rate constant for the chemical reaction between Trp and redox sites in 4FEPE modified carbon paste electrode (4FEPEMCPE) were also determined using electrochemical approaches. The electrocatalytic oxidation peak current of Trp showed a linear dependent on the Trp concentrations and linear calibration curves were obtained in the ranges of 6.00×10−6 M–3.35×10−3 M and 8.50×10−7 M–6.34×10−5 M of Trp concentration with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) methods, respectively. The detection limits (3σ) were determined as 1.80×10−6 M and 5.60×10−7 M by CV and DPV methods. This method was also examined as a selective, simple and precise new method for voltammetric determination of tryptophan in real sample.
Direct Electrochemical Monitoring of RNase Activity
Authors: Ye Yongkang , Wen Wen , Xiang Yun , Qi Xiaodong , La Belle Jeffrey T. , Chen Julian J. L. , Wang Joseph
Published: March 2008

Here we present a highly sensitive, rapid and simple electrochemical assay of RNase based on coupling magnetic separation of the enzymatically treated RNA with stripping potentiometric detection of the purine nucleobases. A detection limit of 1×10−8 U RNase (ca. 4 pg/mL) is obtained in connection to a 60 min enzymatic digestion. The attractive performance of this direct indicator‐free electrochemical assay offers great promise for a wide range of molecular biology and water quality applications.
Response analysis of rigid structures rocking on viscoelastic foundation
Authors: Palmeri Alessandro , Makris Nicos
Published: March 2008

In this paper the rocking response of slender/rigid structures stepping on a viscoelastic foundation is revisited. The study examines in depth the motion of the system with a non‐linear analysis that complements the linear analysis presented in the past by other investigators. The non‐linear formulation combines the fully non‐linear equations of motion together with the impulse‐momentum equations during impacts. The study shows that the response of the rocking block depends on the size, shape and slenderness of the block, the stiffness and damping of the foundation and the energy loss during impact. The effect of the stiffness and damping of the foundation system along with the influence of the coefficient of restitution during impact is presented in rocking spectra in which the peak values of the response are compared with those of the rigid block rocking on a monolithic base. Various trends of the response are identified. For instance, less slender and smaller blocks have a tendency to separate easier, whereas the smaller the angle of slenderness, the less sensitive the response to the flexibility, damping and coefficient of restitution of the foundation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical models for the dynamic response of submerged floating tunnels under seismic loading
Authors: Di Pilato Mariagrazia , Feriani Anna , Perotti Federico
Published: March 2008

The modeling of tethering elements of seabed anchored floating structures is addressed, with particular reference to the so‐called Archimedes Bridge (submerged floating tunnel, SFT) solution for deep water crossing; attention is devoted to the design solution encompassing slender bars as anchor elements. Two numerical tools are proposed: firstly, a geometrically nonlinear finite element (NWB model), developed in previous work, has been refined in order to capture the effect of higher flexural modes of anchor bars. Secondly, a 3D beam element, based on the classical corotational formulation (CR model), has been developed and coded. Both elements are implemented in a numerical procedure for the dynamic time domain step‐by‐step analysis of nonlinear discretized systems; seismic loading is introduced by generating artificial time histories of spatially variable seismic motion. An example of application of the NWB element is shown regarding the behavior of the dynamic model of a complete SFT. The model was subjected to extreme multiple‐support seismic loading. The seismic behavior is here illustrated and commented, especially in light of the effect of higher local vibration modes of the anchor bars. Finally, a comparison between the performances of the two modeling approaches is presented. Both harmonic and seismic excitations are considered in the test; the results justify the use of the simpler NWB approach, especially in the SFT design phase. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hollow‐core concrete slabs exposed to fire
Authors: Chang Jeremy , Buchanan Andrew H. , Dhakal Rajesh P. , Moss Peter J.
Published: March 2008

The aim of this paper is to provide recommendations to designers and to propose a simple method for designers to model the structural behaviour of hollow‐core concrete (HC) floor slabs in fire. The proposed finite element model incorporates a grillage system using beam elements to capture the thermal expansion of the precast units in both directions, with the topping concrete over several precast units modelled by shell elements. The research reported herein compares the proposed model with various fire test results of HC slabs. The simulation outcomes show good agreement with the experimental results.

Several HC slab flooring systems tested previously at the University of Canterbury for seismic purposes were simulated using this modelling scheme. Various supporting schemes have been considered, and the results show that different arrangements of axial and rotational restraint at the supports can significantly influence the fire performance of the concrete slab floors. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting the thermal response of gypsum board subjected to a constant heat flux
Authors: Craft S. T. , Isgor B. , Hadjisophocleous G. , Mehaffey J. R.
Published: March 2008

Models are available to predict the fire‐resistance ratings of wood‐frame assemblies protected by gypsum board. These models have been developed to predict the performance of assemblies exposed to a standard fire test in which temperatures increase monotonically. In an ongoing effort to model the fire resistance of light‐frame wood floor assemblies, in this study, a number of improvements over past heat transfer models have been made in an attempt to simulate assembly performance in any arbitrary fire exposure. For this purpose, the heat transfer analysis has been coupled with a mass transfer analysis. The calcination of gypsum board and pyrolysis of wood are now modelled using an Arrhenius expression.

In order to evaluate the accuracy of the model, a series of cone calorimeter experiments have been conducted in an effort to generate experimental data under well‐defined boundary conditions. Comparisons between test results and the predictions from a one‐dimensional heat and mass transfer analysis are encouraging with excellent agreement in predicting the point at which gypsum board is fully calcinated. A lack of material property data, particularly the permeability of gypsum board, remains a limiting factor in further improvement of the accuracy of the model. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.