bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unexpected inhibitory regulation of glutamate release from rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals by presynaptic 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐2A receptors
Authors: Wang Su‐Jane , Wang Kai‐Yun , Wang Wei‐Chieh , Sihra Talvinder S.
Published: October 2006

Presynaptic 5‐HT2Areceptor modulation of glutamate release from rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals (synaptosomes) was investigated by using the 5‐HT2A/2Creceptor agonist (±)‐1‐[2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐iodophenyl]‐2‐aminopropane (DOI). DOI potently inhibited 4‐aminopyridine (4AP)‐evoked glutamate release. Involvement of presynaptic 5‐HT2Areceptors in this modulation of 4AP‐evoked release was confirmed by blockade of the DOI‐mediated inhibition by the 5‐HT2Areceptor antagonist ketanserin but not by the 5‐HT2Creceptor antagonist RS102221. Inhibition of glutamate release by DOI was associated with a reduction of 4AP‐evoked depolarization and downstream elevation of cytoplasmic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]C) mediated via P/Q‐ and N‐type voltage‐dependent Ca2+channels (VDCCs). In contrast to the DOI effect on 4AP‐evoked release, the agonist had no effect on high external [K+] (30 mM)‐induced (KCl) stimulation of VDCCs or glutamate release. Likewise, release mediated by direct Ca2+entry with Ca2+ionophore (ionomycin) or by hypertonic sucrose was unaffected by DOI. Mechanistically, DOI modulation of 4AP‐evoked glutamate release appeared to involve a phospholipase C/protein kinase C signaling cascade, insofar as pretreatment of synaptosomes with the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 or protein kinase C inhibitors Ro320432 or GF109203X all effectively occluded the inhibitory effect of the agonist. Together, these results suggest that presynaptic 5‐HT2Areceptors present on glutamatergic terminals effect an unexpected depression of glutamate release by negatively modulating nerve terminal excitability and downstream VDCC activation through a signaling cascade involving phospholipase C/protein kinase C. These observations invoke presynaptic inhibitory 5‐HT2Areceptor function as a potential target for drugs to mitigate the effects of excessive glutamatergic transmission. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early postnatal chronic inflammation produces long‐term changes in pain behavior and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor subtype gene expression in the central nervous system of adult mice
Authors: Blom Joan M.C. , Benatti C. , Alboni S. , Capone G. , Ferraguti C. , Brunello N. , Tascedda F.
Published: October 2006

The objective of this study was to test whether postnatal chronic inflammation resulted in altered reactivity to pain later in life when reexposed to the same inflammatory agent and whether this alteration correlated with brain‐region‐specific patterns of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor subtype gene expression. Neonatal mouse pups received a single injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) or saline into the left hind paw on postnatal day 1 or 14. At 12 weeks of age, both neonatal CFA‐ and saline‐treated animals received a unilateral injection of CFA in the left hind paw. Adult behavioral responsiveness of the left paw to a radiant heat source was determined in mice treated neonatally with saline or CFA before and after receiving CFA as adults. Twenty‐four hours later, brains were dissected and NMDA receptor subunit gene expression was determined in four different brain areas by using an RNase protection assay. The results indicated that NMDA receptor subtype gene expression in adult mice exposed to persistent neonatal peripheral inflammation was brain region specific and that NMDA gene expression and pain reactivity differed according to the day of neonatal CFA exposure. Similarly, adult behavioral responsiveness to a noxious radiant heat source differed according to the age of neonatal exposure to CFA. The data suggest a possible molecular basis for the hypothesis that chronic persistent inflammation experienced early during development may permanently alter the future behavior and the sensitivity to pain later in life, especially in response to subsequent or recurrent inflammatory events. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of productivity and volatile compound quality of Artemisia absinthium L. planted in Valle Camonica (Italy)
Authors: Bononi Monica , Giorgi Anna , Cocucci Maurizio , Tateo Fernando
Published: October 2006

This work shows results from a check on Artemisia absinthium L. productivity in Valle Camonica (Italy). The aim of this check was to demonstrate whether products of adequately consistent quality may be obtained when using specific implant material with invariable variety characteristics. Altitude, Maipex mulch treatment and soil characteristics appear to influence the production data: in particular, at altitudes of 1000 m asl and higher the mean production results increased, and a lower level of Ca and cation exchange capacity have a negative effect on Maipex treatment. On the other hand, no differences correlated to altitude were found for representative volatile compounds in free soil, and a non‐significance of differences in quantitative composition of volatile compounds may be assumed. The limited variability of the volatile fraction guarantees sufficient botanical equivalence of the various products. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Ileal amino acid digestibility of some novel dietary protein sources for growing chickens
Authors: Ravindran Velmurugu , Morel Patrick CH
Published: October 2006

The apparent ileal digestibility coefficients of amino acids in five high‐protein ingredients (casein, isolated soyprotein, maize gluten meal, spray‐dried bovine plasma (SBP) and spray‐dried porcine plasma (SPP)) and soybean meal were determined using 3‐week‐old broiler chickens. The amino acids in casein were highly digestible. Isolated soyprotein was also well digested by the birds, but the digestibility coefficients of all amino acids in isolated soyprotein were lower (P < 0.05) than those in casein. The amino acid digestibility coefficients in isolated soyprotein were greater (P < 0.05) than those in soybean meal, which may be reflective of reduced concentrations of anti‐nutritive factors, particularly indigestible oligosaccharides. The digestibilities of amino acids in maize gluten meal were higher (P < 0.05) than those in soybean meal, except for the digestibilities of arginine, histidine, threonine and aspartic acid, which were similar (P > 0.05) between the two protein sources. The ileal digestibilities of all indispensable amino acids in SBP and SPP were lower (P < 0.05) than those in casein and isolated soybean meal but higher (P < 0.05) than those in soybean meal. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed in the digestibility of amino acids between SBP and SPP. The overall mean amino acid digestibility coefficients of casein, isolated soyprotein, soybean meal, maize gluten meal, SBP and SPP were 0.955, 0.888, 0.823, 0.849, 0.860 and 0.856 respectively. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of a flax seed (Linum usitatissimum) soaking treatment on the frozen storage stability of mackerel (Scomber scombrus) fillets
Authors: Aubourg Santiago P , Stodolnik Ludmiła , Stawicka Aneta , Szczepanik Grzegorz
Published: October 2006

The effect of a flax seed (Linum usitatissimum) soaking on the development of rancidity in frozen mackerel (Scomber scombrus) was studied. Fresh mackerel fillets were soaked in an aqueous flax seed extract for 20 min and then kept frozen (−20 °C) for up to 7 months. A parallel experiment with non‐soaked fillets was carried out under the same conditions. The development of rancidity was measured by biochemical (free fatty acids, peroxides, conjugated dienes and trienes, secondary oxidation products, fluorescent and browning compounds and lipoxygenase activity) and sensory (general aspect, odour and colour) analyses. An inhibitory effect of the soaking treatment on rancidity development was observed according to the peroxide content and the formation of fluorescence and browning. A lower lipoxygenase activity was detected at 1 month in the soaked fillets; after this, no differences were obtained between either type of sample, whose activities at month 7 were negligible. According to the sensory analyses, non‐soaked fillets had fair quality at 1 month and were rejectable at 3 months, while the soaked ones were still of good quality at 1 month and rejectable at 5 months. According to the present results, soaking in an aqueous flax seed extract could be useful for inhibiting the development of rancidity in fatty fish fillets. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
TURP and low‐energy TUMT treatment in men with LUTS suggestive of bladder outlet obstruction selected by means of pressure‐flow studies: 8‐year follow‐up
Authors: Vesely Stepan , Knutson Tomas , Damber Jan‐Erik , Dicuio Mauro , Dahlstrand Christer
Published: October 2006

Aims

To evaluate the long‐term outcome of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), when allocation to the treatment‐group was based on urodynamic diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).

Methods

A total of 231 elderly men with symptomatic BPH were treated either by TURP or by low‐energy TUMT. A pressure‐flow study was performed to detect the obstruction and to help in the selection of the two treatments. The patients were examined at baseline then checked again after 2 and 8 years.

Results

At 2 years of follow‐up there was a significant improvement for both IPSS and QoL (P < 0.0001) in both groups of treatment. This was accompanied by a significant improvement (P < 0.0001) in the maximum flow rate from 10.0 (5.8) to 16.4 (7.6) in the TURP group and from 12.1 (5.2) to 14.9 (5.7) in the TUMT group. These findings persisted at 8 years, they were, however, more pronounced after TURP. The overall retreatment rate reached a value of 11% in the TURP group and 27% in the TUMT group, respectively. At the follow‐up, 95% of the patients who underwent TURP and 70% of the patients treated by TUMT claimed to be satisfied with that choice.

Conclusions

With durable symptomatic improvement and lowest retreatment rate, TURP still presents a standard treatment option for patients with severe BOO. Low‐energy TUMT has sufficiently relieved patients' symptoms and can be offered to less obstructed patients as an alternative. Neurourol. Urodynam. 25:770–775, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Urethral pressure reflectometry; a novel technique for simultaneous recording of pressure and cross‐sectional area in the female urethra
Authors: Klarskov Niels , Lose Gunnar
Published: October 2006

Aims

Urethral pressure reflectometry (UPR) is a new and easily applicable technique for simultaneous measurements of cross‐sectional area (CA) and pressure in the urethra. CAs of 1–16 mm2 and pressures of 0–200 cm H2O can be measured along the entire urethra in the same setting. The method is reliable in vitro. The aim was to present the method and some clinical results from the female urethra.

Methods

A very thin polyurethane‐bag was placed in the urethra. A pump applied preselected pressures stepwise to the bag. For every step the CA was measured by acoustic reflectometry. Measurements were made both during inflation and deflation. The women were examined in different positions and with different provocations.

Results

UPR was easy to perform. The obtained parameters were opening pressure, closing pressure, elastance of the opening curve and closing curve, and hysteresis.

Conclusions

UPR is feasible for measuring urethral pressure and corresponding CA. The technique is minimally invasive and with minimal impact on the urethra per se. The technique provides physiological sound parameters which add potentially important physiological/pathophysiological information about the urethra to what can be obtained on the basis of conventional urodynamic work‐up. Further studies are needed to prove if this new method is useful for clinical and research purposes. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:254–261, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlation between urodynamics and perineal ultrasound in female patients with urinary incontinence
Authors: Minardi D. , Piloni V. , Amadi A. , El Asmar Z. , Milanese G. , Muzzonigro G.
Published: October 2006

Aims

We performed urodynamics and perineal ultrasound in female patients with urinary incontinence to assess morphology and function of the bladder base‐urethra complex and of the detrusor muscle, and to find the correlation between these investigations in the diagnosis of (a) bladder neck and urethral hypermobility and (b) detrusor overactivity; we wanted to compare the tolerabililty of the urodynamic investigation and of the perineal ultrasound.

Methods

We considered 66 female patients referred to our outpatient clinic for urinary incontinence; we also studied 14 healthy control patients. After accurate case‐history collection and physical examination, urodynamic investigation and perineal ultrasound were performed, with recording of parameters specific to both investigations. The statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc test, and Spearman correlation test. The tolerability index between the diagnostic investigations performed was assessed by a 3‐point scale suggested by the patient.

Results

In patients with stress incontinence the posterior urethro‐vesical angle, the angle of urethral inclination, and the proximal pubo‐urethral distance are significantly different under stress compared to the resting phase; in patients with urge incontinence, the detrusor wall is thicker and is accompanied by an increase in opening detrusor pressure and detrusor pressure at maximum flow; it is also accompanied by detrusor overactivity with increased urethral functional length. Increased urethral functional length is suggested on axial US images by alteration of its normal characteristic target‐like appearance with four concentric rings of different echogenicity. In all cases the tolerability of perineal ultrasound has been higher than that of urodynamics.

Conclusions

There is a good correlation between urodynamic and perineal ultrasound in the diagnosis of bladder neck and urethral hypermobility; perineal ultrasound can also be useful in the diagnosis of urge incontinence. Functional compressive urethral obstruction can be diagnosed on the basis of the ultrasound aspect of the urethral sphincter. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:176–182, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison between reduction in 24‐hour pad weight, International Consultation on Incontinence‐Short Form (ICIQ‐SF) score, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and Post‐Operative Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI‐I) score in patient evaluation after male perineal sling
Authors: Twiss Christian O. , Fischer Melissa C. , Nitti Victor W.
Published: October 2006

Aims

We assessed the utility of three self‐assessment instruments: the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form (ICIQ‐SF), the post‐operative Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI‐I) score, and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) by correlating them with an objective outcome, the change in 24‐hr pad weight, after a male perineal sling.

Methods

Twenty‐six men with urodynamically confirmed stress incontinence underwent a male perineal sling. Patients were evaluated pre‐operatively and post‐operatively with a 24‐hr pad test, IPSS and ICIQ‐SF. Patients also completed the PGI‐I post‐operatively. Changes in study parameters were compared via the paired t‐test, and correlations were performed using Spearman's rho.

Results

There were significant reductions in 24‐hr pad weight (−274 g, P < 0.001), percentage 24‐hr pad weight (54.2%), ICIQ‐SF score (−6.3, P < 0.001), and the three ICIQ‐SF subscores (−1.2, −1.7, −3.4 for Questions 3, 4, and 5, respectively, P < 0.001 for all). The change in total ICIQ‐SF score and the post‐operative PGI‐I score correlated strongly with percentage reduction in 24‐hr pad weight (r = −0.68, P < 0.001; r = −0.81, P < 0.001, respectively) and with each other (r = 0.79, P < 0.001). The change in all three ICIQ‐SF subscores correlated significantly with percentage reduction in 24‐hr pad weight and with post‐operative PGI‐I score. There was no significant change in the IPSS or the voiding or storage subscores, and none correlated with any other study parameter.

Conclusions

This study validates the construct validity of the ICIQ‐SF and PGI‐I in the assessment of treatment for male stress incontinence and should make clinicians confident in comparing studies of incontinence treatment utilizing the change ICIQ‐SF score, the post‐operative PGI‐I score, and percentage reduction in 24‐hr pad weight as outcome measures. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The responsiveness of the OAB‐q among OAB patient subgroups
Authors: Coyne Karin S. , Matza Louis S. , Thompson Christine , Jumadilova Zhanna , Bavendam Tamara
Published: October 2006

Aims

Although the majority of patients with overactive bladder (OAB) are continent, most patient‐reported outcome measures for OAB were designed for patients with urinary incontinence. The overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB‐q) was developed to assess symptom bother and HRQL among both continent and incontinent OAB patients; however, the responsiveness of the OAB‐q among continent patients has not been evaluated. The purpose of this analysis was to assess the responsiveness of the OAB‐q among OAB patient subgroups with a focus on continent patients.

Methods

Post‐hoc analyses were conducted from two 12‐week trials of tolterodine for the treatment of OAB. Patients completed the OAB‐q and daily bladder diaries (assessing frequency, urgency, and incontinence episodes) at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks. Three patient subgroups were identified on the basis of continence status at all three timepoints: (1) continent; (2) incontinent; and (3) incontinent at baseline and continent by Week 12 (ITC). General linear models were used to compare changes from baseline, and Spearman correlations assessed the association between OAB‐q changes and bladder diary changes. Effect sizes were computed separately for each group.

Results

A total of 262 continent, 552 incontinent, and 397 ITC patients were included in this analysis. Continent patients tended to be younger than incontinent patients, and patients were predominantly female, although continent patients had the highest percentage of male patients in both studies. Compared with continent patients, patients who were incontinent at baseline tended to have greater symptom bother and lower HRQL at baseline. All OAB‐q change scores were consistently greatest for the ITC group (12.1–33.9), and greater for continent patients (10.8–28.6) than for incontinent patients (7.6–20.1). All three groups of patients experienced reductions in frequency and urgency episodes, and these changes were significantly correlated with changes in the OAB‐q scales. Among all three groups, effect sizes were in the moderate‐to‐large range for all OAB‐q subscales except Social Interaction.

Conclusions

The OAB‐q is highly responsive to change between continent and incontinent patients with OAB, and is a valid tool for measuring treatment outcomes among continent OAB patients. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:196–203, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acceleration of cutting‐plane and column generation algorithms: Applications to network design
Authors: Ben‐Ameur Walid , Neto José
Published: October 2006

Most of integer, convex, and large‐scale linear problems are solved using cutting plane and column generation algorithms. Therefore, to handle large‐size problems and to reduce the computing times, it may be very useful to accelerate cutting plane algorithms. We show in this article that we can achieve this goal by choosing good separation points. Focus is given on problems for which we have an exact separation oracle. An in–out algorithm is proposed, and the convergence is proved under some general assumptions. Computational experiments related to three classes of problems, survivable network design, multicommodity flow problems, and random linear programs, clearly point out the savings of time allowed by the simple in–out approach proposed in this article. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 49(1), 3–17 2007
A hub covering model for cargo delivery systems
Authors: Tan Pinar Z. , Kara Bahar Y.
Published: October 2006

The hub location problem appears in a variety of applications including airline systems, cargo delivery systems, and telecommunication network design. When we analyze the application areas separately, we observe that each area has its own characteristics. In this research we focus on cargo delivery systems. Our interviews with various cargo delivery firms operating in Turkey enabled us to determine the constraints, requirements, and criteria of the hub location problem specific to the cargo delivery sector. We present integer programming formulations and large‐scale implementations of the models within Turkey. The results are compared with the current structure of a cargo delivery firm operating in Turkey. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 49(1), 28–39 2007
Parallel protein and transcript profiles of FSHD patient muscles correlate to the D4Z4 arrangement and reveal a common impairment of slow to fast fibre differentiation and a general deregulation of MyoD‐dependent genes
Authors: Celegato Barbara , Capitanio Daniele , Pescatori Mario , Romualdi Chiara , Pacchioni Beniamina , Cagnin Stefano , Viganò Agnese , Colantoni Luca , Begum Shajna , Ricci Enzo , Wait Robin , Lanfranchi Gerolamo , Gelfi Cecilia
Published: October 2006

Here, we present the first study of a human neuromuscular disorder at transcriptional and proteomic level. Autosomal dominant facio‐scapulo‐humeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is caused by a deletion of an integral number of 3.3‐kb KpnI repeats inside the telomeric region D4Z4 at the 4q35 locus. We combined a muscle‐specific cDNA microarray platform with a proteomic investigation to analyse muscle biopsies of patients carrying a variable number of KpnI repeats. Unsupervised cluster analysis divides patients into three classes, according to their KpnI repeat number. Expression data reveal a transition from fast‐glycolytic to slow‐oxidative phenotype in FSHD muscle, which is accompanied by a deficit of proteins involved in response to oxidative stress. Besides, FSHD individuals show a disruption in the MyoD‐dependent gene network suggesting a coregulation at transcriptional level during myogenesis. We also discuss the hypothesis that D4Z4 contraction may affect in trans the expression of a set of genes involved in myogenesis, as well as in the regeneration pathway of satellite cells in adult tissue. Muscular wasting could result from the inability of satellite cells to successfully differentiate into mature fibres and from the accumulation of structural damages caused by a reactive oxygen species (ROS) imbalance induced by an increased oxidative metabolism in fibres.
Analytical potential energy functions and theoretical spectroscopic constants for MX/MX− (MGe, Sn, Pb; XO, S, Se, Te, Po) and LuA (AH, F) systems: Density functional theory calculations
Authors: Jalbout Abraham F. , Li Xin‐Hua , Abou‐Rachid Hakima
Published: October 2006

The molecular spectroscopic constants for the chalcogenide complexes MX (MGe, Sn, Pb; XO, S, Se, Te, Po) and their corresponding MX− anions are presented with the LSDA/SDD, B1LYP/SDD, and B3LYP/SDD methods. Although many methods were attempted, only the most promising results are reported. We show that the best results are obtained by LSDA/SDD calculations, and thus this method is emphasized as an illustrative example of our methodology. The potential energy curves and physical property characterizations for X1 ∑+ state of LuH and LuF are presented with a variety of density functional theory (DFT) methods. Comparisons with wave function‐based treatments (HF, MP2, CCSD, QCISD) are made in addition to experimental correlations. We show that the best results are obtained by the B3LYP/SDD method for LuH, and the MPW1PW91/SDD method for LuF. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Theoretical study of electrical and electrochemical properties of cyclopentanepentaone and its dicyanomethylene derivatives
Authors: Xue Zhao‐Ming , Chen Chun‐Hua
Published: October 2006

Theoretical studies on anions of 1,2‐dihydroxycyclopentenetrione (croconic acid, H2C5O5) and the whole series of dicyanomethylene derivatives in gas phase and in dimethyl formamide (DMF) solution are carried out using density functional theory (DFT) and self‐consistent reaction field (SCRF)‐DFT method at the B3LYP theory level for the first time. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses indicate that π‐electron delocalization in the series is quite strong. Based on the most stable conformations, linear correlations are observed between the oxidation potential measured by cyclic voltammetry and the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy as well as ionization potential (Ip), which supports experimental results that systematic substitution of the oxygen atoms in the C5O structure with C(CN)2 groups causes a shift of both the oxidation potentials E and E toward more positive values. The correlations are also observed between experimental diffusion coefficient D and Ebind calculated in gas phase and DMF solution, the experimental electrochemical reducing potentials (ER) and the electron affinity (Ea). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Atmospheric‐pressure Penning ionization of aliphatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Hiraoka Kenzo , Furuya Hiroko , Kambara Shizuka , Suzuki Shigeo , Hashimoto Yutaka , Takamizawa Atsushi
Published: October 2006

A study has been made of the atmospheric‐pressure Penning ionization (APPeI) of aliphatic hydrocarbons (pentane, hexane, heptane, and octane) with long‐lived rare gas atoms (Rg*). The metastable rare gas atoms (He*, Ne*, Ar* and Kr*) were generated by the negative‐mode corona discharge of atmospheric‐pressure rare gases. In the Rg*APPeI mass spectra for aliphatic hyrocarbons, the relative abundances of fragment ions were found to increase in the order of He* → Ne* → Ar* → Kr*. The order is in the opposite direction to the internal energies of the Rg*. The less fragmentation observed for He* may be because the nascent molecular ions [M+.]* formed by Penning ionization have lifetimes long enough for them to be collisionally deactivated in the atmospheric‐pressure ion source. It was found that the relative abundances of fragment ions in Ar*APPeI increased when the sample pressure in the ion source was reduced. This is attributed to the collision of Ar* with molecular ions followed by fragmentation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospray ionization from a gap with adjustable width
Authors: Ek Patrik , Sjödahl Johan , Roeraade Johan
Published: October 2006

In this paper, we present a new concept for electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, where the sample is applied in a gap which is formed between the edges of two triangular‐shaped tips. The size of the spray orifice can be changed by varying the gap width. The tips were fabricated from polyethylene terephthalate film with a thickness of 36 µm. To improve the wetting of the gap and sample confinement, the edges of the tips forming the gap were hydrophilized by means of silicon dioxide deposition. Electrospray was performed with gap widths between 1 and 36 µm and flow rates down to 75 nL/min. The gap width could be adjusted in situ during the mass spectrometry experiments and nozzle clogging could be managed by simply widening the gap. Using angiotensin I as analyte, the signal‐to‐noise ratio increased as the gap width was decreased, and a shift towards higher charge states was observed. The detection limit for angiotensin I was in the low nM range. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Usefulness of an integrated microfluidic device (HPLC‐Chip‐MS) to enhance confidence in protein identification by proteomics
Authors: Hardouin Julie , Duchateau Magalie , Joubert‐Caron Raymonde , Caron Michel
Published: October 2006

Nanoflow liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (nanoLC/MS) has become a current tool in proteomics applications increasingly used in the search for new biomarkers. A new integrated microfluidic device (HPLC‐Chip), coupled to ion trap mass spectrometry (ITMS), appears as an innovative and robust tool for improving the identifications commonly performed by nanoLC/MS/MS. We tested this device for the identification of proteins obtained from two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis or chromatography. The chip allows the measurement of reproducible retention times that, in association with m/z ratios, was found useful for identifying peptide sequences without ambiguity. A sensitivity increase of a factor of at least 5‐fold is obtained compared to the results obtained previously in our laboratory by conventional nanoLC/MS/MS on the same ion trap. We conclude that this recently available microfluidic device can be a valuable tool during biomarker discovery programs, particularly identifying low‐abundance proteins. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of sources and production processes of bottled waters by stable hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios
Authors: Brencic Mihael , Vreca Polona
Published: October 2006

Bottled water is a food product that considerably depends on the environment from which it originates, not only at the place where it is produced, but predominantly on the conditions in the recharge area of the wells captured for bottling. According to their source and the bottling process, bottled waters can be divided into natural and artificially sparkling waters, still and flavoured waters. These waters originate from various parts of the hydrological cycle and their natural origin is reflected in their hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopic compositions (δ2H and δ18O). A total of 58 domestic and foreign brands and 16 replicates of bottled waters, randomly collected on the Slovene market in September 2004, were analysed for δ2H and δ18O. The isotopic composition varied between −83‰ and −46‰ with an average of −66‰ for hydrogen, and between −11.9‰ and −7.5‰ with an average of −9.6‰ for oxygen. This investigation helped (1) to determine and test the classification of bottled waters, (2) to determine the natural origin of bottled water, and (3) to indicate differences between the natural and production processes. The production process may influence the isotopic composition of flavoured waters and artificially sparkling waters. No such modification was observed for still and natural sparkling waters. The methods applied, together with hydrological knowledge, can be used for the authentication of bottled waters for regulatory and consumer control applications. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On fractional K‐factors of random graphs
Authors: Haber Simi , Krivelevich Michael
Published: October 2006

Let K be a graph on r vertices and let G = (V,E) be another graph on ∣V ∣ = n vertices. Denote the set of all copies of K in G by 𝒦. A non‐negative real‐valued function f : 𝒦→ ℝ+ is called a fractional K‐factor if ∑ K:v∈K∈𝒦f(K) ≤ 1 for every v ∈ V and ∑ K∈𝒦f(K) = n/r. For a non‐empty graph K let d(K) = e(K)/v(K) and d(1)(K) = e(K)/(v(K) ‐ 1). We say that K is strictly K1‐balanced if for every proper subgraph K′ ⊊ K, d(1)(K′) < d(1)(K). We say that K is imbalanced if it has a subgraph K′ such that d(K′) > d(K). Considering a random graph process
$\widetilde{G}$
on n vertices, we show that if K is strictly K1‐balanced, then with probability tending to 1 as n →∞, at the first moment τ0 when every vertex is covered by a copy of K, the graph ${\widetilde{G}}_{\tau_0}$
has a fractional K‐factor. This result is the best possible. As a consequence, if K is K1‐balanced, we derive the threshold probability function for a random graph to have a fractional K‐factor. On the other hand, we show that if K is an imbalanced graph, then for asymptotically almost every graph process there is a gap between τ0 and the appearance of a fractional K‐factor. We also introduce and apply a criteria for perfect fractional matchings in hypergraphs in terms of expansion properties. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2007
Summary of ISO/TC 201 Standard: XXIII, ISO 24236:2005—surface chemical analysis—Auger electron spectroscopy—repeatability and constancy of intensity scale
Authors: Seah M. P.
Published: October 2006

This International Standard specifies a method for evaluating the constancy and repeatability of the intensity scale of Auger electron spectrometers, for general analytical purposes, using an electron gun with a beam energy of 2 keV or greater. It is only applicable to instruments that incorporate an ion gun for sputter cleaning. It is not intended to be a calibration of the intensity/energy response function.1,2 That calibration may be made by the instrument manufacturer or other organization. The present procedure provides data to evaluate and confirm the accuracy with which the intensity/energy response function remains constant with instrument usage. Guidance is given to some of the instrumental settings that may affect this constancy. © Crown Copyright 2006. Reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO.
Synthesis, Structure, and Spectroscopic Properties of Octa(iso‐pentoxy)phthalocyaninatometal Complexes
Authors: Lin Mei‐Jin , Wang Jun‐Dong , Chen Nai‐Sheng , Huang Jin‐Ling
Published: October 2006

A series of octa‐substituted metal phthalocyanines [MPc(OC5H11)8] (M = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pc = phthalocyaninato, (OC5H11)8 = iso‐pentoxy) were obtained from condensation of iso‐pentoxy phthalonitrile in the presence of DBU in n‐pentanol. The compounds were characterized using elemental analysis, IR, and UV/Vis spectra. The crystal structures of all compounds except M = Zn were determined by X‐ray diffraction methods. It was found that the distortion of Pc skeleton come of not only the intra‐molecular steric congestion of bulky substituents, but also the slipped overlaps of the closest molecules. The relations of some bond lengths of the Pc's skeleton to the substituents and central metal atom, as well as the spectroscopic properties are discussed.
The Elusive Tetrasamarium‐oxide‐hexabromide, Sm4OBr6
Authors: Hammerich Stefanie , Pantenburg Ingo , Meyer Gerd
Published: October 2006

Black single crystals of tetrasamarium(II)‐oxide‐hexabromide, Sm4OBr6, were obtained from a reaction of SmBr3, Sm2O3 and Na in a sealed tantalum container at 750 °C. Sm4OBr6 crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P63mc (Z = 2, a = 985.89(9), c = 753.50(6) pm, R = 0.035 for all data) as do all M4OX6 type oxide halides with M = Ca,Sr,Ba,Eu,Sm,Yb and X = Cl,Br,I, as far as they have been obtained. The crystal structure is also the anti‐type of K6HgS4/Na6ZnO4 with K6HgS4 = Br6OSm4. The {OSm4} tetrahedron is surrounded by 18 bromide ligands according to {OSm2Sm13}(μ1‐Br16)(μ1‐Br23)(μ2‐Br13)(μ2‐Br23)(μ3‐Br23). These bromide ligands bridge to other such tetrahedra to allow for a three‐dimensional structure.
Dimeric Sandwich‐like Ion Pairs in the Crystal Structure of Tetrabutylammonium Ozonide Ammoniate
Authors: Dietzel Pascal D. C. , Jansen Martin
Published: October 2006

The novel ionic ozonide {[N(C4H9)4](O3)}4·4.75NH3 was synthesized by ion‐exchange reaction in liquid ammonia. The crystal structure was determined by single crystal diffraction at 100 K (monoclinic space group P21, a = 15.014(11) Å, b = 13.696(10) Å, c = 19.890(15) Å, β = 105.407(12)°, V = 3943(5) Å3, Z = 2). The structure consists of a packing of sandwich‐like dimeric ion pairs in which two ozonide anions are interspersed between two tetrabutylammonium cations. Ammonia molecules from the solvent are localized in cavities in the structure. They are involved in hydrogen bonding with the ozonide ions. The desolvated tetrabutylammonium ozonide forms stable solutions in dichloromethane which may open up novel possibilities of tapping into the synthetic potential of the ozonide ion.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Crystal Structure of a Chromium(III)‐Complex Containing 2,6‐Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid and 1,10‐Phenanthroline
Authors: Rafizadeh Masoud , Amani Vahid , Neumüller Bernhard
Published: October 2006

The reaction of solution 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid and 1,10‐phenanthroline (1) with CrCl3·6H2O led to the complex [Cr(phen)(pydc)(H2O)][Cr(pydc)2]·4H2O (2) (phen is 1,10‐phenanthroline and pydcH2 is 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid). 2 was characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and single‐crystal structure determination. Crystal data for 2 at −80 °C: triclinic, space group ${\rm P}{\bar 1}$, a = 818.5(1), b = 1492.2(1), c = 1533.6(2) pm, α = 76.45(1)°, β = 84.22(1)°, γ = 77.99(1)°, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0416.
Pyridylmethylamines as Ligands in Iron Halide Complexes – Coordination Behaviour Depending on the Halide, the Denticity of the Amino Ligand and the Oxidation State of Iron
Authors: Malassa Astrid , Görls Helmar , Buchholz Axel , Plass Winfried , Westerhausen Matthias
Published: October 2006

2‐Pyridylmethylamine (amp) and 8‐aminochinoline (ach) readily form the following complexes with iron halides in methanol: [(amp)2FeCl2] (1a), [(amp)2FeBr2] (1b), [(ach)2Fe(MeOH)2]Br2 (1c), and [(amp)FeCl2(μ‐OMe)]2 (2). Methanol was chosen as a solvent because these reactions are rather complex in ether. For example, FeCl3 forms the ionic complex pair [(dme)2FeCl2] [FeCl4] (3) with 1,2‐dimethoxyethane (dme). The reaction of FeBr2 with tridentate di(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine (dpa) and tetradentate 1,2‐dipyridyl‐1,2‐diaminoethane (dpdae) yields the complexes [(dpa)2Fe]Br2·2 MeOH (4) and [(dpdae)2Fe] [FeBr4] (5), respectively. Crystallographic and magnetochemical investigations show the high‐spin configuration for the complexes 1 and 2, whereas the short Fe‐N distances of 4 clearly indicate a low‐spin state. Compound 2 exhibits an antiferromagnetic exchange interaction with a coupling constant J = −29.4 cm−1 (H;af = −J S;afA·S;afB).
Comparative gene mapping in Arabidopsis lyrata chromosomes 6 and 7 and A. thaliana chromosome IV: evolutionary history, rearrangements and local recombination rates
Authors: KAWABE AKIRA , HANSSON BENGT , FORREST ALAN , HAGENBLAD JENNY , CHARLESWORTH DEBORAH
Published: October 2006

We have increased the density of genetic markers on the Arabidopsis lyrata chromosomes AL6 and AL7 corresponding to the A. thaliana chromosome IV, in order to determine chromosome rearrangements between these two species, and to compare recombination fractions across the same intervals. We confirm the two rearrangements previously inferred (a reciprocal translocation and a large inversion, which we infer to be pericentric). By including markers around the centromere regions of A. thaliana chromosomes IV and V, we localize the AL6 centromere, and can localize the breakpoints of these chromosome rearrangements more precisely than previously. One translocation breakpoint was close to the centromere, and the other coincided with one end of the inversion, suggesting that a single event caused both rearrangements. At the resolution of our mapping, apart from these rearrangements, all other markers are in the same order in A. lyrata and A. thaliana. We could thus compare recombination rates in the two species. We found slightly higher values in A. thaliana, and a minimum estimate for regions not close to a centromere in A. lyrata is 4–5 centimorgans per megabase. The mapped region of AL7 includes the self-incompatibility loci (S-loci), and this region has been predicted to have lower recombination than elsewhere in the genome. We mapped 17 markers in a region of 1·23 Mb surrounding these loci, and compared the approximately 600 kb closest to the S-loci with the surrounding region of approximately the same size. There were significantly fewer recombination events in the closer than the more distant region, supporting the above prediction, but showing that the low recombination region is very limited in size.
Establishing interspecific mosaic genome lines between Drosophila ananassae and Drosophila pallidosa by means of parthenogenesis
Authors: SAWAMURA KYOICHI , TOMIMURA YOSHIHIKO , SATO HAJIME , YAMADA HIROKAZU , MATSUDA MUNEO , OGUMA YUZURU
Published: October 2006

Strong sexual isolation exists between the closely related species Drosophila ananassae and D. pallidosa, but there is no obvious post-mating isolation; both sexes of the hybrids and their descendants appear to be completely viable and fertile. Strains exhibiting parthenogenesis have been derived from wild populations of both species. We intercrossed such strains and established iso-female lines after the second generation of parthenogenesis. These lines are clones, carrying homozygous chromosomes that are interspecific recombinants. We established 266 such isogenic lines and determined their genetic constitution by using chromosomal and molecular markers. Strong pseudo-linkage was seen between loci on the left arm of chromosome 2 and on the right arm of chromosome 3; the frequency of inheriting the two chromosome regions from the same species was significantly larger than expected. One possible cause of pseudo-linkage is female meiotic bias, so that chromosomes of the same species origin tend to be distributed to the same gamete. But this possibility is ruled out; backcross analysis indicated that the two chromosome regions segregated independently in female hybrids. The remaining possibility is elimination of low-fitness flies carrying the two chromosome regions from different species. Thus, genetic incompatibility was detected in the species pair for which no hybrid breakdown had previously been indicated. The ‘interspecific mosaic genome’ lines reported here will be useful for future research to identify genes involved in speciation and phenotypic evolution.
Upper limit of the rate and per generation effects of deleterious genomic mutations
Authors: DENG HONG-WEN , LI JIAN , PFRENDER MICHAEL E. , LI JIN-LONG , DENG HONGYI
Published: October 2006

Unbiased or upper limit estimates of the rate (U) of genomic mutations to mildly deleterious alleles are crucial in genetic and conservation studies and in human health care. However, only a few estimates of the lower bounds of U are available. We present a fairly robust estimation that yields an upper limit of U and a nearly unbiased estimate of the per generation fitness decline due to new deleterious mutations. We applied the approach to three species of the freshwater microcrustacean Daphnia and revealed that the upper limit of U for egg survivorship is 0·73 (SD=0·30) in 14 D. pulicaria populations. For the first four clutches, per generation decline in fecundity due to deleterious mutations ranged from 2·2% to 7·8% in 20 D. pulex populations and from 1·1% to 5·1% in 8 D. obtusa populations. These results indicate the mutation pressure is high in natural Daphnia populations. The approach investigated here provides a potential way to quickly and conveniently characterize U and per generation effects of deleterious genomic mutations on fitness or its important components such as fecundity.
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma implantation after fine needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Abelardo E , Jaramillo M , Sheffield E , Tierney P
Published: October 2006

We report the case of a 59-year-old man with a two-month history of a fast-growing, left-sided neck mass and a 5 mm nodule over a thyroid mass at the site of fine needle aspiration cytology performed four weeks earlier. Histopathological studies confirmed anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid and cutaneous needle track seeding of the primary tumour. The patient succumbed to extensive disease 10 weeks after initial diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is a rare report of implantation of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma along the track of fine needle aspiration. Some factors involved in needle track seeding are: needle size; number of passes; withdrawing the needle without releasing suction; injecting the tumour at time of biopsy; and inherent characteristics of the lesion (e.g. number of cells dislodged, adhesiveness of cells, amount of stroma present, enzymes released and immunologic characteristics).
Pre-vertebral surgical emphysema following functional endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Sanu A , Jayanthi N V G , Mohan A R C
Published: October 2006

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a widely practiced technique in the UK. This procedure has variable complication rates and can have some serious consequences. We present a case of surgical emphysema of the neck, face and the pre-vertebral space following FESS. Emphysema of the face and neck has been previously reported. However, to our knowledge, emphysema of the pre-vertebral space following FESS has not been documented. Pre-vertebral emphysema following FESS is an unusual and potentially serious complication.
Music as Transition: An Interview with Philip Grange
Authors: Reeves Camden
Published: October 2006

Philip Grange celebrates his fiftieth birthday this year. Camden Reeves talked to the composer about the ideas, influences and sources of inspiration behind his music.
Birmingham
Authors: Conway Paul
Published: October 2006

Birmingham: Morgan Hayes's Violin Concerto
London, Reform Club
Authors: McWilliam James
Published: October 2006

London, Reform Club: Bayan Northcott's ‘Fandango’ for harpsichord
Chamber Music by Arthur Butterworth
Authors: Conway Paul
Published: October 2006

ARTHUR BUTTERWORTH: Piano Trios 1 and 2; Viola Sonata. Raphael Terroni (pf), John Trusler (vln), Fiona Murphy (vlc), Morgan Goff (vla). Dutton Epoch CDLX 7164
London, Wigmore Hall
Authors: Álvarez Geoffrey
Published: October 2006

London, Wigmore Hall: Coro Cervantes (from Argentina to Andalucia in 16 voices)
Further reviews
Authors: Palmer Peter
Published: October 2006

FARKAS: Serenade for woodwind quintet; Quattro Pezzi for double bass and woodwind; Gyümölcskosár (‘Fruit Basket’); Old Hungarian Dances of the 17th Century; Rondo capriccio; Lavottiana. Ulrike Schneider (mezzosop), Daniel Dodds (vln), Dieter Lange (db), Phoebus Quintet. Toccata Classics TOCC 0019.
Wandsworth, National Opera Studio
Authors: Barlow Jill
Published: October 2006

Wandsworth, National Opera Studio: Will Todd's ‘The Woodlanders’
Further reviews
Authors: Palmer Peter
Published: October 2006

FRITZ BRUN: Symphony No. 9; Aus dem Buch Hiob (Symphonische Dichtung). Moscow Symphony Orchestra c. Adriano. Guild GMCD 7306.

SCHOECK: String Quartet No. 2 in C major. FRITZ BRUN: String Quartet No. 3 in F major. Amar Quartett. Musiques Suisses MGB CD 6238.

HANS SCHAEUBLE: String Quartet op.19. MEINRAD SCHÜTTER: String Quartet. ERICH SCHMID: String Quartet op. 4. casalQUARTETT Zurich. Guild GMCD 7303.
Namesakes and nicknames: naming practices in early modern Ireland, 1540–1700
Authors: TAIT CLODAGH
Published: October 2006

This article argues that naming can reveal personal ideologies, family connections, social interactions and changes in the concerns of the inhabitants of Ireland in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Ethnic and religious differences are indicated by the differing naming practices used by the Gaelic Irish, Old English and New English, Scots and Welsh inhabitants of Ireland. Much can be divined about the symbolism underlying naming practice when the names given to children are compared with those of their parents, godparents, family members and other significant individuals. The associated importance of nicknames and by-names, wordplay about names, and the circumstances under which people might change their names are also considered.