bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Si‐tag for immobilizing proteins on a silica surface
Authors: Taniguchi Koji , Nomura Kazutaka , Hata Yumehiro , Nishimura Tomoki , Asami Yasuo , Kuroda Akio
Published: September 2006

Targeting functional proteins to specific sites on a silicon device is essential for the development of new biosensors and supramolecular assemblies. Using intracellular lysates of several bacterial strains, we found that ribosomal protein L2 binds tightly to silicon particles, which have surfaces that are oxidized to silica. A fusion of E. coli L2 and green fluorescence protein adsorbed to the silica particles with a Kd of 0.7 nM at pH 7.5 and also adsorbed to glass slides. This fusion protein was retained on the glass slide even after washing for 24 h with a buffer containing 1 M NaCl. We mapped the silica‐binding domains of E. coli L2 to amino acids 1–60 and 203–273. These two regions seemed to cooperatively mediate the strong silica‐binding characteristics of L2. A fusion of L2 and firefly luciferase also adsorbed on the glass slide. This L2 silica‐binding tag, which we call the “Si‐tag,” can be used for one‐step targeting of functional proteins on silica surfaces. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;96:1023–1029. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reversible Chain Transfer between Organoyttrium Cations and Aluminum: Synthesis of Aluminum‐Terminated Polyethylene with Extremely Narrow Molecular‐Weight Distribution
Authors: Kretschmer Winfried P. , Meetsma Auke , Hessen Bart , Schmalz Thomas , Qayyum Sadaf , Kempe Rhett
Published: September 2006

Aminopyridinato‐ligand‐stabilized organoyttrium cations are accessible in very good yield through alkane elimination from trialkyl yttrium complexes with sterically demanding aminopyridines, followed by abstraction of one of the two alkyl functions using ammonium borates. At 80 °C and in the presence of small amounts of aluminum alkyl compounds, very high ethylene polymerization activities are observed if very bulky aminopyridinato ligands are used. During these polymerizations a reversible polyethylene chain transfer is observed between the organoyttrium cations and aluminum alkyls. The chain‐transfer catalyst system described here is able to produce relatively long‐chain (up to 4000 g mol−1) Al‐terminated polyethylene with a molecular‐weight distribution <1.1. In the synthesis of higher molecular PE a slight increase in polydispersity with increasing chain length (15 600 g mol−1, ∼1.4) is observed owing to reduced reversibility caused by higher viscosity and precipitation of polymer chains (temperature of 80–100 °C).
Solid‐State Self‐Assembly of Polymeric Double Helicates Leading to Linear Arrays of Silver(I) Ions and Reversible Strand/Double Helix Interconversion in Solution
Authors: Stadler Adrian‐Mihail , Kyritsakas Nathalie , Vaughan Gavin , Lehn Jean‐Marie
Published: September 2006

Reaction of a bent py‐hyz‐pym‐hyz‐pym 1 and of a linear py‐hyz‐py‐hyz‐pym 3 (py=pyridine; pym=pyrimidine; hyz=hydrazone) ligand strands with silver(I) tetrafluoroborate in CH3NO2 generates double‐helical dinuclear 2 and trinuclear 4 complexes. These complexes form polymeric, highly ordered solid‐state structures, with wirelike, linear continuous or discontinuous polycationic Agn+ arrays with AgAg distances of 2.78 to 4.42 Å. Ligand 5, an isomer of 1, is found to yield a [2×2] grid‐type complex 6. Titration experiments reveal the formation of linear rack‐type dinuclear species from 1 and 5. Acid–base modulated, reversible interconversion between strand 1 and double helicate 2 may be achieved by using tren as a competing complexing agent (tren=N(CH2CH2NH2)3). Progressive addition of silver(I) ions to a 1:1 mixture of 1 and 5 leads to the preferential formation of the double helicate 2 over the grid complex 6, illustrating a process of self‐organisation with selection of the correct ligand.
Nucleophilicities and Carbon Basicities of Pyridines
Authors: Brotzel Frank , Kempf Bernhard , Singer Thomas , Zipse Hendrik , Mayr Herbert
Published: September 2006

Rate and equilibrium constants for the reactions of pyridines with donor‐substituted benzhydrylium ions have been determined spectrophotometrically. The correlation equation log k(20 °C)=s(N+E), in which s and N are nucleophile‐specific parameters and E is an electrophile‐specific parameter, has been used to determine the nucleophilicity parameters of various pyridines in CH2Cl2 and aqueous solution and to compare them with N of other nucleophiles. It is found that the nucleophilic organocatalyst 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) and tertiary phosphanes have comparable nucleophilicities and carbon basicities despite widely differing Brønsted basicities. For that reason, these reactivity parameters are suggested as guidelines for the development of novel organocatalysts. The Marcus equation is employed for the determination of the intrinsic barriers of these reactions.
Highly Efficient and Functional‐Group‐Tolerant Catalysts for the Palladium‐Catalyzed Coupling of Aryl Chlorides with Thiols
Authors: Fernández‐Rodríguez Manuel A. , Shen Qilong , Hartwig John F.
Published: September 2006

The cross‐coupling reaction of aryl chlorides with aliphatic and aromatic thiols catalyzed by palladium complexes of the strongly binding bisphosphine CyPF‐tBu ligand (1) is reported. Most of the reactions catalyzed by complexes of ligand 1 occur with turnover numbers that exceed those of previous catalysts by two orders of magnitude. The reactions occur with excellent yields, broad scope and high tolerance of functional groups. Coupling of aryl halides with thiols in the presence of low loadings of catalysts derived from other Josiphos type ligands, as well as ligands of other structural types, are also described.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Domino Heck–Cyanation Sequence: Development and Application to the Total Synthesis of Esermethole and Physostigmine
Authors: Pinto Artur , Jia Yanxing , Neuville Luc , Zhu Jieping
Published: September 2006

An efficient synthesis of functionalized 3‐alkyl‐3‐cyanomethyl‐2‐oxindole 1 by a palladium‐catalyzed domino Heck–cyanation reaction has been developed. Reaction of ortho‐iodoanilide 5 with potassium ferro(II)cyanide, K4[Fe(CN)6], dissolved in DMF in the presence of palladium acetate and sodium carbonate afforded oxindole 1 in good to excellent yields. An enantioselective domino Heck–cyanation process has been developed for the first time using (S)‐DIFLUORPHOS as a chiral supporting ligand, and an enantioselectivity of up to 79 % ee in the enantiomerically enriched oxindole was obtained under optimized conditions. A concise total synthesis of esermethole and physostigmine, powerful inhibitors of acetyl‐ and butyryl‐cholinesterase, is documented.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of 2‐Aryl‐3‐vinyl‐2,3‐dihydrobenzo[b]furans through a Sakurai Reaction: A Mechanistic Proposal
Authors: Jiménez‐González Leticia , García‐Muñoz Sergio , Álvarez‐Corral Miriam , Muñoz‐Dorado Manuel , Rodríguez‐García Ignacio
Published: September 2006

The condensation of 2,3‐dihydrobenzoxasilepins with aromatic aldehydes in the presence of boron trifluoride to form 2,3‐dihydrobenzofurans shows a level of diastereoselection which is a function of the electronic nature of the aldehyde and the polarity of the solvent. The study of the mechanism of the reaction demonstrated that it proceeds through a ring‐opened allylfluorosilane, which is stable enough to be isolated and characterized.
Insight into the Inhibition of Human Choline Kinase: Homology Modeling and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Milanese Lara , Espinosa Antonio , Campos Joaquín M. , Gallo Miguel A. , Entrena Antonio
Published: September 2006

A homology model of human choline kinase (CK‐α) based on the X‐ray crystallographic structure of C. elegans choline kinase (CKA‐2) is presented. Molecular dynamics simulations performed on CK‐α confirm the quality of the model, and also support the putative ATP and choline binding sites. A good correlation between the MD results and reported CKA‐2 mutagenesis assays has been found for the main residues involved in catalytic activity. Preliminary docking studies performed on the CK‐α model indicate that inhibitors can bind to the binding sites of both substrates (ATP and choline). A possible reason for inhibition of choline kinase by Ca2+ ion is also proposed.
Long‐term quality of life among Dutch prostate cancer survivors
Authors: Mols Floortje , van de Poll‐Franse L. V. , Vingerhoets A. J. J. M. , Hendrikx A. , Aaronson N. K. , Houterman S. , Coebergh J. W. W. , Essink‐Bot M. L.
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND.

In this report, the authors describe the health‐related quality of life (HRQL) of long‐term prostate cancer survivors 5 to 10 years after diagnosis and compare it with the HRQL of an age‐matched, normative sample of the general Dutch population.

METHODS.

The population‐based Eindhoven Cancer Registry was used to select all men who were diagnosed with prostate cancer from 1994 to 1998. Nine hundred sixty‐four patients received questionnaires (the 36‐item Short Form Health Survey [SF‐36] and the Quality of Life‐Cancer Survivors questionnaire), and 780 of 964 patients responded (81%).

RESULTS.

Unselected, long‐term prostate cancer survivors reported comparable HRQL scores but worse General Health Perceptions and better Mental Health scores than an age‐matched, normative population. Patients who underwent radical prostatectomy had the highest physical HRQL, followed by patients who received ‘watchful waiting,’ and patients who received radiotherapy. Patients who received hormone treatment, in general, had the lowest physical HRQL.

CONCLUSIONS.

The results of this study suggested that the long‐term HRQL of prostate cancer survivors may vary significantly as a function of the type of primary treatment. Because baseline differences between treatment groups cannot be excluded as part of the explanation for these differences, the current findings need to be verified in longitudinal studies. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Quantum Chemical Methods for the Investigation of Photoinitiated Processes in Biological Systems: Theory and Applications
Authors: Dreuw Andreas
Published: September 2006

With the advent of modern computers and advances in the development of efficient quantum chemical computer codes, the meaningful computation of large molecular systems at a quantum mechanical level became feasible. Recent experimental effort to understand photoinitiated processes in biological systems, for instance photosynthesis or vision, at a molecular level also triggered theoretical investigations in this field. In this Minireview, standard quantum chemical methods are presented that are applicable and recently used for the calculation of excited states of photoinitiated processes in biological molecular systems. These methods comprise configuration interaction singles, the complete active space self‐consistent field method, and time‐dependent density functional theory and its variants. Semiempirical approaches are also covered. Their basic theoretical concepts and mathematical equations are briefly outlined, and their properties and limitations are discussed. Recent successful applications of the methods to photoinitiated processes in biological systems are described and theoretical tools for the analysis of excited states are presented.
Local Atomic and Electronic Structure in Nanocrystalline Sn‐Doped Anatase TiO2
Authors: Weibel A. , Bouchet R. , Savin S. L. P. , Chadwick A. V. , Lippens P. E. , Womes M. , Knauth P.
Published: September 2006

Tin‐doped anatase TiO2 nanopowders and nanoceramics with particle sizes between 12 and 30 nm are investigated by X‐ray absorption fine‐structure (EXAFS) and Mössbauer spectroscopies. Furthermore, ab initio calculations based on the density functional theory are performed to analyze changes in the electronic structure due to Sn doping. The three approaches consistently show that Sn is dissolved on substitutional bulk sites with a slight increase of the bond lengths of the inner coordination shells. The Debye–Waller factors show that the nanocrystallites are highly ordered. There is no indication of defect states or bandgap changes with Sn doping.
A hierarchy of Runx transcription factors modulate the onset of chondrogenesis in craniofacial endochondral bones in zebrafish
Authors: Flores Maria Vega , Lam Enid Yi Ni , Crosier Philip , Crosier Kathryn
Published: September 2006

The Runx (runt‐related) family of transcription factors are important regulators of cell fate decisions in early embryonic development, and in differentiation of tissues including blood, neurons, and bone. During skeletal development in mammals, while only Runx2 is essential for osteoblast differentiation, all family members seem to be involved in chondrogenesis. Runx2 and Runx3 control chondrocyte maturation. Both Runx1 and Runx2 are expressed early in mesenchymal condensations, but how they contribute to the initial stages of chondrocyte differentiation is unclear. Here we show that a hierarchy of Runx transcriptional regulation promotes the early program of chondrocyte differentiation from pre‐cartilage mesenchyme in the zebrafish head skeleton. We have previously characterized the zebrafish orthologs for all Runx genes. Zebrafish runx2 is duplicated, but not runx1 or runx3. In the work presented here, we determined the early expression pattern of the runx genes in the craniofacial region. The earliest expression detected was that of runx3 in the pharyngeal endoderm, then runx2a and b in mesenchymal condensations, and later runx1 in the epithelium. Using antisense morpholino knockdown analysis, we examined their respective activities in early chondrogenesis. Depletion of runx2b (but not runx2a) and runx3 severely compromised craniofacial cartilage formation. Because runx2b expression was abolished in Runx3 morphants, we propose that endodermal Runx3 has a role in influencing signaling activities from the endoderm to promote chondrocyte differentiation. We also show that, in contrast to data from mouse studies, zebrafish Runx1 is not required in the initial steps of chondrogenesis leading to endochondral bone formation. Developmental Dynamics 235:3166–3176, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The mother superior mutation ablates foxd3 activity in neural crest progenitor cells and depletes neural crest derivatives in zebrafish
Authors: Montero‐Balaguer Mercedes , Lang Michael R. , Sachdev Sherri Weiss , Knappmeyer Christiane , Stewart Rodney A. , De La Guardia Ana , Hatzopoulos Antonis K. , Knapik Ela W.
Published: September 2006

The zebrafish mutation mother superior (mosm188) leads to a depletion of neural crest (NC) derivatives including the craniofacial cartilage skeleton, the peripheral nervous system (sympathetic neurons, dorsal root ganglia, enteric neurons), and pigment cells. The loss of derivatives is preceded by a reduction in NC‐expressed transcription factors, snail1b, sox9b, sox10, and a specific loss of foxd3 expression in NC progenitor cells. We employed genetic linkage analysis and physical mapping to place the mosm188 mutation on zebrafish chromosome 6 in the vicinity of the foxd3 gene. Furthermore, we found that mosm188 does not complement the sym1/foxd3 mutation, indicating that mosm188 resides within the foxd3 locus. Injection of PAC clones containing the foxd3 gene into mosm188 embryos restored foxd3 expression in NC progenitors and suppressed the mosm188 phenotype. However, sequencing the foxd3 transcribed area in mosm188 embryos did not reveal nucleotide changes segregating with the mosm188 phenotype, implying that the mutation most likely resides outside the foxd3‐coding region. Based on these findings, we propose that the mosm188 mutation perturbs a NC‐specific foxd3 regulatory element. Further analysis of mosm188 mutants and foxd3 morphants revealed that NC cells are initially formed, suggesting that foxd3 function is required to maintain the pool of NC progenitors. Developmental Dynamics 235:3199–3212, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Commentaries on ‘Interventions for promoting booster seat use in four to eight year olds traveling in motor vehicles’, with response from the review authors
Authors: Duperrex Olivier , Ebel Beth E.
Published: September 2006

These are commentaries on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Ehiri JE, Ejere HOD, Magnussen L, Emusu D, King W, Osberg JS. Interventions for promoting booster seat use in four to eight year olds traveling in motor vehicles. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD004334. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004334.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables articles. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Summary of ‘EMLA and Amethocaine for reduction of children's pain associated with needle insertion’
Authors: Milne Andrea
Published: September 2006

This is a summary of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Lander JA, Weltman BJ, So SS. EMLA and Amethocaine for reduction of children's pain associated with needle insertion. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD004236. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004236.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Expert Commentary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables articles. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Summary of ‘Vitamin A for treating measles in children’
Authors: Milne Andrea
Published: September 2006

This is a summary of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Huiming Y, Chaomin W, Meng M. Vitamin A for treating measles in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD001479. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001479.pub3.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Expert Commentary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables articles. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Commentary on ‘Ibuprofen for the prevention of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm and/or low birth weight infants’ and ‘Ibuprofen for the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm and/or low birth weight infants’
Authors: Thébaud Bernard
Published: September 2006

This is a commentary on two Cochrane reviews, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Shah SS, Ohlsson A. Ibuprofen for the prevention of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm and/or low birth weight infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD004213. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004213.pub2.

Ohlsson A, Walia R, Shah S. Ibuprofen for the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm and/or low birth weight infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD003481. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003481.pub2.

Further information for these Cochrane reviews (prevention and treatment) is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary (prevention and treatment) and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables (prevention and treatment) articles.
Commentary on ‘Vitamin A for treating measles in children’
Authors: Zlotkin Stanley
Published: September 2006

This is a commentary on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Huiming Y, Chaomin W, Meng M. Vitamin A for treating measles in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD001479. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001479.pub3.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables articles. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics and key findings for ‘Vitamin A for treating measles in children’
Authors: van Dalen Elvira , Offringa Martin , Kremer Leontien
Published: September 2006

These are the characteristics and key findings for a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Huiming Y, Chaomin W, Meng M. Vitamin A for treating measles in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD001479. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001479.pub3.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Expert Commentary articles. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics and key findings for ‘Ibuprofen for the prevention of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm and/or low birth weight infants’
Authors: van Dalen Elvira , Offringa Martin , Kremer Leontien
Published: September 2006

These are the characteristics and key findings for a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Shah SS, Ohlsson A. Ibuprofen for the prevention of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm and/or low birth weight infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD004213. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004213.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Expert Commentary articles. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Astrocyte calcium elevations: Properties, propagation, and effects on brain signaling
Authors: Fiacco Todd A. , McCarthy Ken D.
Published: September 2006

The possibility that astrocytes are involved in brain signaling began to emerge in the late 1970s, when it was first shown that astroglia in vitro possess numerous receptors for neurotransmitters. It was later demonstrated that cultured astroglia and astrocytes in situ respond to neurotransmitters with increases in intracellular second messengers, including cyclic AMP and calcium. Astrocyte calcium responses have since been extensively studied both in culture and in intact tissue. We continue to gather information regarding the various compounds able to trigger astrocyte calcium increases, as well as the mechanisms involved in their initiation, propagation as a calcium wave within and between astrocytes, and effects on signaling within the brain. This review will focus on each of these aspects of astrocyte calcium regulation, and attempt to sort out which effects are more likely to occur in developmental, pathological, and physiological conditions. While we have come far in our understanding of the properties or potential of astrocytes' ability to signal to neurons using our array of pharmacological tools, we still understand very little regarding the level of involvement of astrocyte signaling in normal brain physiology. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Health care quality, economic inequality, and precautionary saving
Authors: Jappelli Tullio , Pistaferri Luigi , Weber Guglielmo
Published: September 2006

We argue that health care quality has an important impact on economic inequality and on saving behavior. We exploit district‐wide variability in health care quality provided by the Italian universal public health system to identify the effect of quality on income inequality, health inequality and precautionary saving. We find that in lower quality districts there is greater income and health dispersion and higher precautionary saving. The analysis carries important insights for the ongoing debate about the validity of the life‐cycle model and interesting policy implications for the design of health care systems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concomitant increase of LMP1 and CD25 (IL‐2‐receptor α) expression induced by IL‐10 in the EBV‐positive NK lines SNK6 and KAI3
Authors: Takahara Miki , Kis Loránd L. , Nagy Noémi , Liu Anquan , Harabuchi Yasuaki , Klein George , Klein Eva
Published: September 2006

Extranodal, nasal NK/T‐cell lymphomas are regularly Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐positive, with a type II latency pattern, expressing thus EBNA‐1 and LMP1. The contribution of EBV to the tumor development is not known. Similarly to normal natural killer (NK) cells, cell lines derived from malignancies with a NK phenotype require IL‐2 for in vitro proliferation. In our effort to explore the contribution of EBV, particularly the role of the LMP1 protein, to the pathogenesis of the NK lymphoma we found that its expression, studied in the NK‐lines SNK6 and KAI3, depended on the supply of IL‐2 or other cytokines. In the absence of IL‐2 other cytokines, such as IL‐10 and IFN‐γ, could maintain LMP1, but the cells did not proliferate. When grown in IL‐2, the SNK6 cells produced IL‐10 and IFN‐γ, and these cytokines mediated the expression of LMP1. IL‐10 treatment enhanced, while IFN‐γ receptor blocking antibody reduced, the expression of CD25 and CD54 in the EBV‐positive, but not in the EBV‐negative lines. IL‐10 treated cells required lower amount of IL‐2 for proliferation compared to the untreated cells. This effect was seen only with the EBV‐positive NK lines in which LMP1 and CD25 were concomitantly upregulated. By this mechanism EBV could have an important role in the development of NK lymphoma since the inflammatory component in the tumor tissue can provide these cytokines. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Concomitant chemo‐radiotherapy and local dose of radiation as risk factors for second malignant neoplasms after solid cancer in childhood: A case–control study
Authors: Guérin Sylvie , Guibout Catherine , Shamsaldin Akthar , Dondon Marie‐Gabrielle , Diallo Ibrahima , Hawkins Mike , Oberlin Odile , Hartmann Olivier , Michon Jean , Le Deley Marie‐Cécile , de Vathaire Florent
Published: September 2006

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are associated with an increased risk of a second malignant neoplasm (SMN) after a cancer during childhood. This study specified the dose‐effect relationship between radiotherapy, chemotherapy and the risk of a SMN, and investigated the effect of chemo‐radiotherapy on the risk of SMN. A case–control study nested in a European cohort of 4,581 patients treated for a solid cancer during childhood was conducted. One hundred and fifty three cases with a SMN and 442 controls were matched according to sex, age at first cancer, calendar year, type of first cancer and follow‐up. The local radiation dose was estimated at the site of the SMN, for each case and at the same site, for the matched controls. The local dose of radiation significantly increased the risk of a SMN. The best model was linear with an excess relative risk per Gray equal to 0.13 (95% CI, 0.06; 0.26). Any chemotherapy significantly increased the risk of a SMN, odd ratioadjusted (ORadjusted) = 2.4 (95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.4–4.1), but no dose‐effect relationship was observed between any drug category and the risk of a SMN. Patients who had received concomitant chemo‐radiotherapy were significantly more at risk of developing a SMN than patients who had been treated with sequential chemo‐radiotherapy, even after adjustment for the local dose of radiation and the 6 most frequently administered drugs, ORadjusted = 2.3 (95%CI, 1.1–4.8). Radiation was found to be the foremost treatment‐related risk factor for the occurrence of a SMN. Compared to sequential treatment, concomitant chemo‐radiotherapy may lead to a higher risk of a SMN. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of multiple human endogenous retrovirus surface envelope proteins in ovarian cancer
Authors: Wang‐Johanning Feng , Liu Jinsong , Rycaj Kiera , Huang Miao , Tsai Kate , Rosen Daniel G. , Chen Dung‐Tsa , Lu Danielle W. , Barnhart Kirstin F. , Johanning Gary L.
Published: September 2006

Individual classes of human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) genes and proteins are expressed in cancer, but expression of more than one type of HERV is rare. We report here the expression of multiple HERV genes and proteins in ovarian cell lines and tissues. Expression of HERV‐K env mRNA was greater in ovarian epithelial tumors than in normal ovarian tissues (N = 254). The expression of this protein on the surface and in the cytoplasm of ovarian cancer cells was confirmed using anti‐HERV‐K specific antibody by flow cytometric analysis. The frequency of expression of HERV‐K env protein in multitissue microarrays (N = 641) was determined by immunohistochemistry and a significant correlation with tumor histotype was found. A significantly increased expression of HERV‐K was observed in tumors with low malignant potential and low grade, relative to expression in normal ovarian tissues. The increase in expression of HERV‐K env protein took place in a stepwise fashion in serous papillary adenocarcinoma. Interestingly, we found that other classes of HERV env mRNAs, including ERV3 and HERV‐E, are expressed in the same ovarian cancer tissues that expressed HERV‐K. Furthermore, anti‐HERV antibodies including anti‐ERV3 (30%), anti‐HERV‐E (40%) and anti‐HERV‐K (55%) were detected in patients with ovarian cancer, but not in normal female controls. HERV env proteins are frequently transcribed and translated in ovarian epithelial tumors, and multiple HERV families are detectable in ovarian cancer. HERV env proteins, and especially those expressed on the cell surface, may serve as novel tumor targets for detection, diagnosis and immunotherapy of ovarian cancer. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activation of demineralized bone matrix by genetically engineered human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 with a collagen binding domain derived from von Willebrand factor propolypeptide
Authors: Chen Bing , Lin Hang , Zhao Yannan , Wang Bin , Zhao Yanhong , Liu Yunpeng , Liu Zhonghao , Dai Jianwu
Published: September 2006

There is a large demand for new bone regeneration to restore the function during bone injuries. Bone filling materials are important in bone tissue restoration. In this study, the demineralized bone matrix (DBM) was activated with the engineering human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2). To enhance the binding of BMP‐2 to the DBM scaffolds, a collagen‐binding peptide was fused to the N‐terminal of BMP‐2. The in vitro results showed that the engineered collagen‐targeted BMP‐2 (rhBMP2‐v) bound to DBM scaffolds specifically and the rhBMP2‐v had increased alkaline phosphatase activity in C2C12 cells. In vivo, the DBM scaffolds impregnated with rhBMP2‐v showed greater effect on ectopic bone formation. Our data suggested that the collagen‐based BMP‐2 targeting bone repair system had greater bone inducing ability than DBM loaded with regular BMP‐2. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
A novel synthetic tissue‐adhesive hydrogel using a crosslinkable polymeric micelle
Authors: Murakami Yoshihiko , Yokoyama Masayuki , Okano Teruo , Nishida Hiroshi , Tomizawa Yasuko , Endo Masahiro , Kurosawa Hiromi
Published: September 2006

We prepared a novel tissue‐adhesive hydrogel by using a polymeric micelle consisting of an aldehyde‐terminated poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(D,L‐lactide) (PEG–PLA) block polymer. A Schiff base is chemically formed between the amino groups in a polyallylamine and the aldehyde groups on the surface of polymeric micelles. The hydrogel was formed in ∼2 s when the polymeric micelle solution and polyallylamine solution are mixed in vitro. The hydrogel was rapidly formed in vivo, and it adhered to a tissue surface. Our novel tissue‐adhesive hydrogel creates no risk of infectious contaminations, because it consists of only synthetic materials. Further, PEG and PLA are known to be biocompatible and noncytotoxic. The results obtained in the present study show that a hydrogel prepared by the formation of a Schiff base between aldehyde and amine groups will potentially address the need for novel tissue‐adhesive materials. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Three‐dimensional collagen fiber remodeling by mesenchymal stem cells requires the integrin–matrix interaction
Authors: Chang Ching‐Fang , Lee Ming‐Wei , Kuo Pei‐Yin , Wang Yng‐Jiin , Tu Yi‐Hsien , Hung Shih‐Chieh
Published: September 2006

Tissue engineering aiming to repair or regenerate damaged tissues necessitates fabricating three‐dimensional biomaterial scaffolds with controlled porosity for delivering cells. To facilitate cell distribution, a strategy using stem cell‐based fabrication of biomaterials was tested in type II collagen fibers. Human mesenchymal stem cells when delivered in type II collagen assembled and reorganized these matrices and differentiated into spherical chondrocytes with the synthesis of cartilage proteins. The cell‐mediated assembly and reorganization of collagen fibers was not limitless and only restricted to an appropriate ratio of cell number and collagen amount. The blocking of α2 or β1‐integrin function with specific antibodies significantly impeded the collagen‐assembly effects. In vitro chondrogenesis or in vivo cartilage formation of human mesenchymal stem cells was also dependent on the interactions between cells and surrounding matrices. This method for three‐dimensional fabricating collagen fibers may generally be applied to other biomaterials, when combined with surface modification or ligand addition for cell adhesion. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Microtensile bond strength of composite resin to human enamel prepared using erbium: Yttrium aluminum garnet laser
Authors: Delfino Carina Sinclér , Souza‐Zaroni Wanessa Christine , Corona Silmara Aparecida Milori , Palma‐Dibb Regina Guenka
Published: September 2006

The Erbium: Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) laser used for preparation of cavity can alter the substrate and it could influence the bond strength of enamel. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of Er:YAG laser's energy using microtensile bond test. Three groups were obtained (cavity preparation) and each group was divided into two subgroups (adhesive system). After that the adhesive protocol was performed, sections with a cross‐sectional area of 0.8 mm2 (±0.2 mm2) were obtained. The specimens were mounted in a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min). Statistical analysis showed a decrease in bond strength for lased groups (p < 0.01) and when the total‐etching adhesive system was used the laser 300 mJ subgroup showed higher bond strength compared to the laser 250 mJ (p < 0.01). It was concluded that the cavities prepared using laser appear less receptive to adhesive procedures than conventional bur‐cut cavities. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
The chloromethylketone protease inhibitor AAPFCMK also targets ATP‐dependent helicases and SAP‐domain proteins
Authors: Dhamne Chetan , Drubin David A. , Duncan Kimberly , Tevethia M. Judith , Clawson Gary A.
Published: September 2006

We have been studying a nuclear protease, which appears to be involved in cellular transformation, as well as in infections with high‐risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs). This protease has a chymotrypsin‐like substrate specificity and the chloromethylketone inhibitor AAPFCMK is a potent (and relatively selective) inhibitor of it. Recently, we have observed that AAPFCMK has potent effects in some model systems which appear not to be mediated by decreases in the nuclear protease. Here we show that AAPFCMK selectively reacts with ATP‐dependent helicases as well as a limited spectrum of proteins in other DNA repair/chromatin remodeling nuclear complexes, including for example Cohesin complex components and proteins containing SAP‐domains. In vitro, AAPFCMK selectively reacts with SV40 large T antigen, and inhibits its helicase activity. J. Cell. Biochem. 100: 716–726, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
β‐nerve growth factor participates in an auto/paracrine pathway of regulation of the meiotic differentiation of rat spermatocytes
Authors: Perrard Marie‐Hélène , Vigier Michèle , Damestoy Anne , Chapat Clément , Silandre Dorothée , Rudkin Brian B. , Durand Philippe
Published: September 2006

NGF appears to be involved in spermatogenesis. However, mice lacking NGF or TrkA genes do not survive more than a few days whereas p75NTRknockout mice are viable and fertile. Therefore, we addressed the effect of βNGF on spermatogenesis by using the systems of rat germ cell culture we established previously. βNGF did not modify the number of Sertoli cells, pachytene spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes nor the half‐life of round spermatids, but increased the number of secondary meiotic metaphases and decreased the number of round spermatids formed in vitro. These effects of βNGF were reversible and maximal at about 4 × 10−11M. Conversely, K252a, a Trk‐specific kinase inhibitor, enhanced the number of round spermatids above that of control cultures. The presence of βNGF and its receptors TrkA and p75NTRwas investigated in testis sections, in Sertoli cell and germ cell fractions, and in germ cell and Sertoli cell co‐cultures. βNGF was detected only in germ cells from pachytene spermatocytes of stages VII up to spermatids of stages IX–X. TrkA and p75NTRwere detected in Sertoli cells and in these germ cells. Taken together, these results indicate that βNGF should participate in an auto/paracrine pathway of regulation of the second meiotic division of rat spermatocytes in vivo. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 51–62, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interferon‐γ differentially regulates TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 expression in human retinal pigment epithelial cells through JAK‐STAT pathway
Authors: Nagineni Chandrasekharam N. , Cherukuri Karthik S. , Kutty Veena , Detrick Barbara , Hooks John J.
Published: September 2006

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) have been shown to be involved in various retinal diseases. We have studied the role of inflammatory cytokines on the expression and secretion of TGF‐β in human RPE cells (HRPE). Confluent cultures of HRPE derived from donor eyes were used. RT‐PCR analyses showed that TNF‐α and IL‐1β increased the mRNA levels of both TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2. IFN‐γ enhanced constitutively expressed, as well as, TNF‐α‐and IL‐1β‐induced TGF‐β1 mRNA levels but decreased TGF‐β2 mRNA. The effects of these cytokines on TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 secretion correlated with the mRNA levels. TGF‐β1 was always produced as the latent form while 21–31% of TGF‐β2 was in the active form. IFN‐γ reduced the production of active form of TGF‐β2 to 4–9%. TGF‐β3 secretion was not detectable under any of the conditions. The Real‐Time PCR analysis of TGF‐β mRNAs confirmed the observed results. The TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 secretion was induced by TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β1, respectively. Under these conditions, the contrasting effects of IFN‐γ on TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 secretion were also observed. JAK inhibitor selectively inhibited IFN‐γ induced TGF‐β1 secretion and mRNA levels while reversing the inhibitory effects of IFN‐γ on TGF‐β2. Analyses of transcription factor activity strongly indicated the role of STAT‐1 but not NFκB, C‐Myc, C‐Jun, SP‐1, MEF‐2. Our data demonstrate that IFN‐γ differentially regulates constitutively expressed, as well as, cytokine‐induced TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 mRNA levels and secretion of TGF‐βs by HRPE. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 192–200, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of TrkB in the murine kidney
Authors: García‐Suárez Olivia , González‐Martínez Tatiana , Germana Antonino , Monjil Diego F. , Torrecilla Juan R. , Laurà Rosaria , Silos‐Santiago Immaculada , Guate Jose L. , Vega José A.
Published: September 2006

Neurotrophins acting through Trk signal‐transducing receptors play essential roles in the nervous system, and probably in some nonneuronal tissues. In the present study we used Western‐blot and immunohistochemistry to investigate the occurrence and cellular localization of TrkB in the mouse kidney. Furthermore, the structure and ultrastructure of the kidney in mice carrying a mutation in the trkB gene were analyzed. TrkB in the kidney was identical to the cerebral one (145 kDa). Since the antibody used recognize a sequence within the tyrosine‐kinase domain of TrkB, the renal TrkB receptor identified here must be regarded as able to mediate biological effects of their ligands. TrkB immunoreactivity was restricted to the juxtaglomerular apparatus, including differentiated vascular cells and extaglomerular mesangial cells. In these cells, TrkB colocalized with renin. The structural analysis revealed no major changes in the kidney structure of TrkB‐deficient mice, with the exception of a significant reduction of the glomerular area. Nevertheless, in these animals there was an apparent increase in the number of extraglomerular mesangial cells (which retain the ability to synthesize renin) and absence of the macula densa. Taken together, these results strongly suggest a role of TrkB and their ligands in the control of the normal development and maintenance of the juxtaglomerular apparatus. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interaction between alpha and upsilon‐crystallin, common to the eye of the Australian platypus, by radical probe mass spectrometry
Authors: Issa Samah , Downard Kevin M.
Published: September 2006

The interaction between α‐crystallin and υ‐crystallin, a class recently discovered in the eye of the Australian platypus, has been shown by native shift gel assay and examined by radical probe mass spectrometry in the context of the ability of α‐crystallin to protect υ‐crystallin from oxidation and oxidative damage through radical‐based oxidative stress mechanisms. Residues 22–41, 132–148, 212–227 and 245–264 of υ‐crystallin display the greatest protection when interacted with α‐crystallin at a ratio of 2 : 1 observed for the complex, which is commensurate with their levels measured in the eye of the platypus. Across each domain, a delay in the onset of oxidative damage is observed as the time of exposure to radicals is increased. The results are discussed in the context of the structure of the porcine homologue of υ‐crystallin. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protocols for optimizing MS/MS parameters with an ion‐trap GC‐MS instrument
Authors: Béguin Sylvie , Jadas‐Hécart Alain , Tabet Jean‐Claude , Communal Pierre‐Yves
Published: September 2006

The product ion spectrum allows us to achieve very selective detection of pesticides and to eliminate the ambiguities caused by more conventional analytical approaches. Owing to the enhanced capabilities of GC/MS/MS for multiresidue pesticides, the development of a GC/MS/MS pesticides library will be useful. The aim of this study was to develop a sensitive and specific analytical method for the identification and quantification of compounds without the need of a time‐consuming procedure. Two methods were studied in order to optimize the nonresonant conditions of dissociation of five pesticides (deltamethrin, metalaxyl, myclobutanil, procymidone, pirimicarb). The first permits a systematic investigation of the influence of the qz trapping parameter on sensitivity in precursor ion detection and on the efficiency of collision‐induced dissociation (CID). The second is more suited for analytical laboratories and less time‐consuming and allows us to reach similar results: the experiments were conducted step by step at a constant stability parameter. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variation in organic‐carbon concentration and bulk density in Flemish grassland soils
Authors: Mestdagh Inge , Lootens Peter , Van Cleemput Oswald , Carlier Lucien
Published: September 2006

The different management regimes on grassland soils were examined to determine the possibilities for improved and/or changed land management of grasslands in Flanders (Belgium), with respect to article 3.4 of the Kyoto Protocol. Grassland soils were sampled for soil organic carbon (SOC) and for bulk density.

For all grasslands under agricultural use, grazing and mowing + grazing led to higher SOC stocks compared with mowing, and grazing had higher SOC stocks compared with mowing + grazing. Overall, 15.1 ± 4.9 kg OC m–2 for the clayey texture, 9.8 ± 3.0 kg OC m–2 for the silty texture, and 11.8 ± 3.8 kg OC m–2 for the sandy texture were found for grassland under agricultural use to a depth of 60 cm. For seminatural grasslands, different results were found. For both the clayey and silty texture, mowing and mowing + grazing led to higher SOC stocks compared with grazing. The clayey texture had a mean stock of 15.1 ± 6.6, the silty texture of 10.9 ± 3.0, and the sandy texture of 12.1 ± 3.9 kg OC m–2 (0–60 cm). Lower bulk densities were found under grazed agricultural grassland compared with mown grassland but for seminatural grassland, no clear trends for the bulk density were found. The best management option for maintaining or enhancing SOC stocks in agricultural grassland soils may be permanent grazed grassland. For seminatural grassland, no clear conclusions could be made. The water status of the sampled mown fields was influencing the results for the clayey texture.

Overall, the mean SOC stock was decreasing in the order clay > sand > silt. The higher mean SOC concentrations found for the sandy texture, compared to the finer silty texture, may be explained by the historical land use of these soils.
A classification scheme for earthworm populations (Lumbricidae) in cultivated agricultural soils in Brandenburg, Germany
Authors: Krück Stefanie , Joschko Monika , Schultz‐Sternberg Rüdiger , Kroschewski Bärbel , Tessmann Joachim
Published: September 2006

Earthworm activity is observed at long‐term monitoring sites as an indicator of soil function to assess changes resulting from environmental and management conditions. In order to assess changes, characteristic values of earthworm populations under different site conditions have to be known. Therefore, a classification scheme for site‐specific earthworm populations was developed for soil in agricultural use, taking interactions between earthworm populations and soil properties into account. Characteristics of sites grouped by means of a cluster analysis after principal‐component analysis served as a basis for the derivation of the classification scheme. Soil variables found to characterize site differences with respect to earthworm populations were the texture of the topsoil, the texture of the subsoil, and the soil organic‐matter (SOM) content. The textural classes of the topsoil were divided into five groups comprising sandy soils (Ss), silty sand soils (Su), slightly loamy sand soils (Sl2), medium to strongly loamy sand soils (Sl3/Sl4), and loam and clay soils. Soil organic matter was divided into grades of equal size in a range from <1%, 1%–2% up to >6%. The variables “earthworm abundance” and “earthworm species” were selected to represent earthworm populations and were divided into six groups ranging from very low to extremely high. Defined groups of earthworm populations showed a clear structure in relation to soil textural groups and the content of SOM. From this distribution, a classification scheme was derived as basis for prognostic values of site‐specific earthworm populations, thus enabling the interpretation of changes over time. For some soil textural groups, selected variables appeared to enable the derivations of expected earthworm densities and species composition outside the range of the given database, but for some soil textural groups, broader databases will be needed to specify these derivations.
A tribological investigation of lubricant effects on bearing friction and fuel economy for passenger car engines and heavy duty diesel engines
Authors: Kapadia R. G. , Bovington C. H. , Lee‐Prudhoe I.
Published: September 2006

Rising fuel costs and the need to conserve fossil fuel have led to increased interest in the role of lubricants in improving fuel economy. Crankshaft bearings can account for up to 40% of engine friction. Lubricant formulations can provide a beneficial reduction in engine friction, thus improving fuel economy. A unique journal bearing test rig has been developed to evaluate lubricants under transient and steady‐state conditions for passenger car engines and heavy duty diesel engines. The rig can measure bearing friction over a wide temperature, speed and load range. The rig uses production components and can be operated so as to produce the bearing pressures, lambda ratio and shear rates experienced by lubricants in fired engines. The properties of a range of lubricants of varying viscometrics, including Newtonian, non‐Newtonian and fully formulated oils have been evaluated. Significant differences due to formulation have been observed. The results of the study have been compared to fuel economy data generated from fired engines with the same lubricants as those tested in the journal bearing rig. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.