bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human papilloma virus specific T cells infiltrating cervical cancer and draining lymph nodes show remarkably frequent use of HLA‐DQ and –DP as a restriction element
Authors: Piersma Sytse J. , Welters Marij J.P. , van der Hulst Jeanette M. , Kloth Judith N. , Kwappenberg Kitty M.C. , Trimbos Baptist J. , Melief Cornelis J.M. , Hellebrekers Bart W. , Fleuren Gert Jan , Kenter Gemma G. , Offringa Rienk , van der Burg Sjoerd H.
Published: October 2007

Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐induced malignancies are frequently infiltrated by lymphocytes. To comprehend the contribution of HPV‐specific T cells in this anti‐tumor response we developed a method that allowed the analysis of the presence and specificity of cervix‐infiltrating and draining lymph node resident T cells in a group of 74 patients with cervical malignancies, 54 of which were induced by HPV16 or HPV18. We detected the presence of HPV16 or HPV18‐specific T cells in at least 23 of the 54 HPV‐16 or ‐18 positive patients, and not in the 20 controls. Detailed studies resulted in the identification of 17 novel CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes and their HLA‐restriction elements, and also revealed that the HPV‐specific immune response was aimed at both E6 and E7 and showed no preferential recognition of immunodominant regions. Unexpectedly, the vast majority of the CD4+ T cell epitopes were presented in the context of the less abundantly expressed HLA‐DQ and HLA‐DP molecules. Since the identified T cell epitopes constitute physiological targets in the immune response to HPV16 and HPV18 positive tumors they will be valuable for detailed studies on the interactions between the tumor and the immune system. This is crucial for the optimization of cancer immunotherapy in patients with pre‐existing tumor‐immunity. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential apoptotic effect of wogonin and nor‐wogonin via stimulation of ROS production in human leukemia cells
Authors: Chow Jyh‐Ming , Huang Guan‐Cheng , Shen Shing‐Chuan , Wu Chin‐Yen , Lin Cheng‐Wei , Chen Yen‐Chou
Published: October 2007

We investigate the roles of methoxyl (OCH3) and hydroxyl (OH) substitutions at C8 of flavonoids on their apoptosis‐inducing activities. Wogonin (Wog) and nor‐wogonin (N‐Wog) are structurally related flavonoids, and respectively contain an OH and OCH3 at C8. In leukemia HL‐60 cells, N‐Wog exhibited more‐potent cytotoxicity than Wog according to the MTT and LDH release assays, and the IC50 values of Wog and N‐Wog in HL‐60 cells were 67.5 ± 2.1 and 21.7 ± 1.5 µM, respectively. Apoptotic characteristics including DNA ladders, apoptotic bodies, and hypodiploid cells accompanied by the induction of caspase 3 protein processing appeared in Wog‐ and N‐Wog‐treated HL‐60 cells. Interestingly, an increase in intracellular peroxide production was detected in N‐Wog‐ but not Wog‐treated HL‐60 cells by the DCHF‐DA assay, and the reduction of intracellular peroxide by catalase (CAT) induced by N‐Wog significantly reduced the N‐Wog‐ but not the Wog‐induced cytotoxic effect according to the MTT assay in accordance with the blocking of DNA ladder formation and caspase 3 and PARP protein processing elicited by N‐Wog. We further analyzed the effect of six structurally related compounds, including 5‐OH, 7‐OH, 5,7‐diOH, 5,7‐diOCH3, 7,8‐diOCH3, and 7‐OCH3‐8‐OH flavones, on apoptosis induction in HL‐60 cells. Results suggested that OH at C5 and C7 is essential for both the apoptosis‐inducing activity of flavonoids, and OH at C8 may contribute to apoptosis induction ability. Evidence to support a distinct structure‐activity relationship in apoptosis induction of flavonoids is provided for the first time in this study. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 1394–1404, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prostate inflammation and its potential impact on prostate cancer: A current review
Authors: Haverkamp Jessica , Charbonneau Bridget , Ratliff Timothy L.
Published: October 2007

Recent studies have identified a role for inflammation in the development and progression of several cancers, such as liver, stomach and the large intestine. Data from several studies has shown correlations between soluble inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. However, a direct relationship between inflammation and prostate cancer has yet to be identified. Two major hurdles currently exist which limit the study of this relationship are first that animal models available for studying prostate inflammation are lmited, and secondly that relatively little is known about the inflammatory response in the prostate. Here we first review the data demonstrating a correlation between inflammation and prostate cancer as well as review what is currently known about the inflammatory response in the prostate and the impact this inflammation has on the prostate tissue. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 1344–1353, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New trends in the treatment of bone metastasis
Authors: Keller Evan T. , Dai Jinlu , Escara‐Wilke June , Hall Christopher L. , Ignatoski Kathleen , Taichman Russell S. , Keller Jill
Published: October 2007

Bone metastasis is often the penultimate harbinger of death for many cancer patients. Bone metastases are often associated with fractures and severe pain resulting in decreased quality of life. Accordingly, effective therapies to inhibit the development or progression of bone metastases will have important clinical benefits. To achieve this goal understanding the mechanisms through which bone metastases develop and progress may provide targets to inhibit the metastases. In the past few years, there have been advances in both understanding the mechanisms through which bone metastases develop and how they impact bone remodeling. Additionally, gains in promising clinical strategies to target bone metastases have been developed. In this prospectus, we will discuss some of these advances. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 1095–1102, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The osteoclast: A multinucleated, hematopoietic‐origin, bone‐resorbing osteoimmune cell
Authors: Bar‐Shavit Zvi
Published: October 2007

Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells that derive from hematopoietic progenitors in the bone marrow which also give rise to monocytes in peripheral blood, and to the various types of tissue macrophages. Osteoclasts are formed by the fusion of precursor cells. They function in bone resorption and are therefore critical for normal skeletal development (growth and modeling), for the maintenance of its integrity throughout life, and for calcium metabolism (remodeling). To resorb bone, the osteoclasts attach to the bone matrix, their cytoskeleton reorganizes, and they assume polarized morphology and form ruffled borders to secrete acid and collagenolytic enzymes and a sealing zone to isolate the resorption site. Identification of the osteoclastogenesis inducer, the receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL), its cognate receptor RANK, and its decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG), has contributed enormously to the dramatic advance in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in osteoclast differentiation and activity. This explosion in osteoclast biology is reflected by the large number of reviews which appeared during the last decade. Here I will summarize the “classical” issues (origin, differentiation, and activity) in a general manner, and will discuss an untouched issue (multinucleation) and a relatively novel aspect of osteoclast biology (osteoimmunology). J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 1130–1139, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elk‐1 is a novel protein‐binding partner for FAK, regulating phagocytosis in medfly hemocytes
Authors: Mamali Irene , Kapodistria Katerina , Lampropoulou Maria , Marmaras Vassilis J.
Published: October 2007

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and its downstream signaling targets, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPKs), are implicated in the process of phagocytosis by insect hemocytes. The goal of this study was to explore further the signaling pathways underlining the process of phagocytosis. The combination of bioinformatics, biochemical, and immunofluorescence approaches strongly support the expression of Elk‐1‐like protein in medfly hemocytes. Elk‐1 is phosphorylated in E. coli or latex beads‐challenged hemocytes and osmotic loading experiments as well as flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that Elk‐1‐like protein regulates the uptake of bacteria. RNA interference (RNAi) and pharmacological inhibitors show that the signaling for Elk‐1 phosphorylation is transmitted via FAK/Src and MAPKs pathways. Furthermore, confocal analysis clearly shows that FAK and the phosphorylated FAK at Y397 are localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm, whereas, the phosphorylated Elk‐1‐like protein is exclusively localized in the nucleus. Finally, co‐immunoprecipitation and reciprocal co‐immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated the association of low molecular weight protein bands recognized by FAK antibodies, with Elk‐1 or phospho‐Elk‐1 at ser 383 and confocal microscopy specifies that this association occurs only in the nucleus. These results are strongly supporting that Elk‐1‐like protein is a novel protein‐binding partner for FAK, a finding that significantly broadens the potential functioning of FAK and Elk‐1 generally. Evidently, the complex participates in the process of phagocytosis in medfly hemocytes. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 1895–1911, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High glucose levels upregulate upstream stimulatory factor 2 gene transcription in mesangial cells
Authors: Shi Lihua , Liu Shu , Nikolic Dejan , Wang Shuxia
Published: October 2007

Previously, we demonstrated that upstream stimulatory factor 2 (USF2) mediates high glucose‐induced thrombospondin1 (TSP1) gene expression and TGF‐β activity in glomerular mesangial cells and plays a role in diabetic renal complications. In the present studies, we further determined the molecular mechanisms by which high glucose levels regulate USF2 gene expression. In primary rat mesangial cells, we found that glucose treatment time and dose‐dependently up‐regulated USF2 expression (mRNA and protein). By using cycloheximide to block the de novo protein synthesis, similar rate of USF2 degradation was found under either normal glucose or high glucose conditions. USF2 mRNA stability was not altered by high glucose treatment. Furthermore, high glucose treatment stimulated USF2 gene promoter activity. By using the luciferase‐promoter deletion assay, site‐directed mutagenesis, and transactivation assay, we identified a glucose‐responsive element in the USF2 gene promoter (−1,740 to −1,620, relative to the transcription start site) and demonstrated that glucose‐induced USF2 expression is mediated through a cAMP‐response element‐binding protein (CREB)‐dependent transactivation of the USF2 promoter. Furthermore, siRNA‐mediated CREB knock down abolished glucose‐induced USF2 expression. Taken together, these data indicate that high glucose levels up‐regulate USF2 gene transcription in mesangial cells through CREB‐dependent transactivation of the USF2 promoter. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 1952–1961, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reduced expression and function of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 in bones of Fgf2 null mice
Authors: Naganawa Takahiro , Xiao Liping , Coffin J.D. , Doetschman Thomas , Sabbieti Maria Giovanna , Agas Dimitrios , Hurley Marja M.
Published: October 2007

Disruption of the fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2) gene results in reduced bone mass in mice and impairs expression of bone morphogenic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) an important mediator of osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. Since the relationship between FGF‐2 and BMP‐2 in bone remodeling has not been fully determined, in this study we examined whether endogenous FGF‐2 was necessary for maximal effect of BMP‐2 on periosteal bone formation in vivo and bone nodule formation and osteoclast formation in vitro in Fgf2−/− mice. We showed that BMP‐2 significantly increased periosteal bone formation by 57% in Fgf2+/+ mice but the changes were not significant in Fgf2−/− littermates. In line with these results we found no significant increase in alkaline phosphatase positive (ALP) activity in calvarial osteoblasts or ALP mineralized colonies in stromal cultures from Fgf2−/− mice after BMP‐2 treatment. Moreover, BMP‐2 induced osteoclast formation was also impaired in marrow stromal cultures from Fgf2−/− mice. Interestingly, BMP‐2 induced nuclear accumulation of the runt related transcription factor (Runx2) was markedly impaired in osteoblasts from Fgf2−/− mice. Examination of the effect of loss of FGF‐2 on BMP‐2 signaling pathway showed that BMP‐2 caused a similar induction of phospho‐Smad1/5/8 within 30 min in calvarial osteoblasts from both genotypes. In contrast BMP‐2‐induced p42/44 MAPK was reduced in Fgf2−/− mice. These findings strongly demonstrated that endogenous FGF‐2 is important in the maximal responses of BMP‐2 in bone and that this may be dependent on the p42/44 MAPK signaling pathway and downstream modulation of Runx2. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 1975–1988, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A note on complete subdivisions in digraphs of large outdegree
Authors: Kühn Daniela , Osthus Deryk , Young Andrew
Published: October 2007

Mader conjectured that for all $\ell$ there is an integer $\delta^+(\ell)$ such that every digraph of minimum outdegree at least $\delta^+(\ell)$ contains a subdivision of a transitive tournament of order $\ell$. In this note, we observe that if the minimum outdegree of a digraph is sufficiently large compared to its order then one can even guarantee a subdivision of a large complete digraph. More precisely, let $\vec G$ be a digraph of order n whose minimum outdegree is at least d. Then $\vec G$ contains a subdivision of a complete digraph of order $\lfloor d^{2}/(8n^{3/2}) \rfloor$. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 57: 1–6, 2008
Cross‐level effects of demography and diversity climate on organizational attachment and firm effectiveness
Authors: Gonzalez Jorge A. , DeNisi Angelo S.
Published: October 2007

We studied the impact of demographic diversity on individual attachment and firm unit performance in a relatively diverse organization. We implemented cross‐level regression to study gender and race/ethnic categorical, relational, and organizational demography in a sample of 26 units part of a regional restaurant chain. At the individual level, we found that diversity climate (DC) moderates the impact of relational and categorical demography on affective organizational commitment, organizational identification, and intention to quit. At the organizational level, we found that DC moderates the impact of organizational diversity on firm productivity and return on profit. We discuss the importance of organizational DC as organizational context on individual attachment, and implications for firm effectiveness in diverse organizations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ten‐year follow‐up study of cortisol levels in aging holocaust survivors with and without PTSD
Authors: Yehuda Rachel , Morris Adam , Labinsky Ellen , Zemelman Shelly , Schmeidler James
Published: October 2007

To investigate the longitudinal course of mean 24‐hour urinary cortisol excretion in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the authors evaluated 24‐hour cortisol excretion in 28 Holocaust survivors 10 years after obtaining an initial estimate. Cortisol levels increased in participants whose PTSD had remitted (n = 3) but declined in participants who developed PTSD (n = 3) or whose PTSD status did not change over time (PTSD+: n = 14, PTSD−: n = 8). Cortisol levels at Time 1 predicted diagnostic status change better than psychological variables, including exposure to traumatic events between assessments. The authors conclude that cortisol levels are affected by change in PTSD status and age.
Relationships between REM sleep findings and PTSD symptoms during the early aftermath of trauma
Authors: Mellman Thomas A. , Pigeon Wilfred R. , Nowell Peter D. , Nolan Bruce
Published: October 2007

Laboratory sleep findings in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been characterized as incongruent with subjective complaints. Most findings relate to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Chronicity confounds relationships between objective sleep and PTSD. The authors report relationships between PTSD symptoms and objective sleep measures from the early aftermath of trauma. Thirty‐five patients received polsomnography and PTSD assessment within a month of traumatic injury. Posttraumatic stress disorder status was established at 2 months. The REM segment duration correlated negatively with initial PTSD and insomnia severity, which also correlated with total sleep time. Relative beta frequency during REM sleep from a subset of cases correlated negatively with PTSD and nightmare severity. These findings suggest a link between subjective symptoms and REM sleep phenomena acutely following trauma.
Anxiety, depressive, and posttraumatic stress symptoms in mothers of children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Horsch Antje , McManus Freda , Kennedy Paul , Edge Julie
Published: October 2007

This study investigated the prevalence of mothers' anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms triggered by their child's type 1 diabetes and identified individual diabetes‐related traumatic stressors. Sixty mothers of children who had been diagnosed with diabetes within the past 5 years were interviewed using the Structured Clinical Interview (SCID) DSM‐IV–PTSD module, and completed the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Fifteen percent of participants met criteria for partial and 10% for full PTSD. Fifty‐five percent of participants identified hearing about their child's diagnosis as the traumatic stressor. Forty percent of participants reported moderate to severe symptoms of state‐anxiety and 17% moderate to severe symptoms of depression. This study highlights the significant emotional impact this diagnosis in children can have on mothers, and identifies a population with clinical needs.
Impact of childhood abuse and neglect on substance abuse and psychological distress in adulthood
Authors: Min Meeyoung , Farkas Kathleen , Minnes Sonia , Singer Lynn T.
Published: October 2007

Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationship of childhood trauma, educational level, and the use of avoidant coping on substance abuse and psychological distress in a community sample of 285 women. Results indicated that self‐reported childhood trauma was significantly related to greater substance abuse and psychological distress, through educational attainment and avoidant coping strategies. Lower level of education affected substance abuse through greater use of avoidant coping, but had no significant relationship with psychological distress. Greater use of avoidant coping was related to increased substance abuse and greater psychological distress. Findings indicate the need for supportive educational strategies and interventions to teach coping skills in preventing substance abuse and longer‐term psychological distress in children exposed to trauma.
The association between PTSD symptoms and salivary cortisol in youth: The role of time since the trauma
Authors: Weems Carl F. , Carrion Victor G.
Published: October 2007

This study examined the direction of association between symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cortisol levels among youth with recent and distal traumas (N = 50; mean age = 10.7 years). Each had a clinical interview for PTSD symptoms, a cortisol assessment, and the time since the child's most recent trauma was assessed. Results indicated that the time since the most recent trauma moderated the association between cortisol and PTSD symptoms and comparisons indicated that there were significant differences in the size of the correlations across the recent and distal trauma groups. The results point to a potentially important role of the time since trauma in understanding the relationship between PTSD symptoms and cortisol.
Multiple traumatic events and psychological distress: The South Africa stress and health study
Authors: Williams Stacey L. , Williams David R. , Stein Dan J. , Seedat Soraya , Jackson Pamela B. , Moomal Hashim
Published: October 2007

Using nationally representative data from South Africa, we examine lifetime prevalence of traumas and multiple traumas (number of events). Employing multiple regression analysis, the authors study the sociodemographic risk of trauma, and the association between trauma and distress. Results indicate most South Africans experience at least one traumatic event during their lives, with the majority reporting multiple. Consistent variation in risk is evident for gender and marital status, but not other sociodemographics. Trauma is positively related to high distress, and findings also support a cumulative effect of trauma exposure. Individuals with the most traumas (6+) appear at 5 times greater risk of high distress. This study highlights the importance of considering traumatic events in the context of other traumas in South Africa.
Long‐term, high‐dose benzodiazepine prescriptions in veteran patients with PTSD: Influence of preexisting alcoholism and drug‐abuse diagnoses
Authors: Hermos John A. , Young Melissa M. , Lawler Elizabeth V. , Rosenbloom David , Fiore Louis D.
Published: October 2007

Databases from the New England Veterans Integrated Service Network were analyzed to determine factors associated with long‐term, high‐dose anxiolytic benzodiazepine prescriptions dispensed to patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and existing alcoholism and/or drug abuse diagnoses. Among 2,183 PTSD patients, 234 received the highest 10% average daily doses for alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, or lorazepam, doses above those typically recommended. Highest doses were more commonly prescribed to patients with existing drug abuse diagnoses. Among patients with PTSD and alcoholism, younger age, drug abuse, and concurrent prescriptions for another benzodiazepine and oxycodone/acetaminophen independently predicted high doses. Results indicate that for veteran patients with PTSD, alcoholism alone is not associated with high‐dose benzodiazepines, but existing drug abuse diagnoses do increase that risk.
Neural correlates of reexperiencing, avoidance, and dissociation in PTSD: Symptom dimensions and emotion dysregulation in responses to script‐driven trauma imagery
Authors: Hopper James W. , Frewen Paul A. , van der Kolk Bessel A. , Lanius Ruth A.
Published: October 2007

Research suggests that responses to script‐driven trauma imagery in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) include reexperiencing and dissociative symptom subtypes. This functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study employed a dimensional approach to characterizing script‐driven imagery responses, using the Responses to Script‐Driven Imagery Scale and correlational analyses of relationships between severity of state posttraumatic symptoms and neural activation. As predicted, state reexperiencing severity was associated positively with right anterior insula activity and negatively with right rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC). Avoidance correlated negatively with rACC and subcallosal anterior cingulate activity. In addition, as predicted, dissociation correlated positively with activity in the left medial prefrontal and right superior temporal cortices, and negatively with the left superior temporal cortex. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed, particularly with respect to an emotion‐dysregulation account of PTSD.
Acute child and mother psychophysiological responses and subsequent PTSD symptoms following a child's traumatic event
Authors: Ostrowski Sarah A. , Christopher Norman C. , van Dulmen Manfred H.M. , Delahanty Douglas L.
Published: October 2007

This study examined the relationship between acute cortisol responses to trauma and subsequent PTSD symptoms (PTSS) in children and their biological mothers. Urinary cortisol levels were assessed in 54 children aged 8–18 upon admission to a level‐1 trauma center. Six weeks posttrauma, 15‐hour urine samples were collected from children and their mothers. Depression and PTSS were assessed at 6 weeks (N= 44) and 7 months (N= 38) posttrauma. Higher child in‐hospital cortisol significantly predicted 6‐week child PTSS. This was true only for boys at 7 months. In mothers, lower 6‐week cortisol levels significantly predicted 7‐month PTSS. Results extend findings of differing directions of acute hormonal predictors of PTSS in adults versus children to a sample of genetically related individuals.
Psychosocial correlates of PTSD symptom severity in sexual assault survivors
Authors: Ullman Sarah E. , Filipas Henrietta H. , Townsend Stephanie M. , Starzynski Laura L.
Published: October 2007

This study's goal was to assess the effects of preassault, assault, and postassault psychosocial factors on current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms of sexual assault survivors. An ethnically diverse sample of over 600 female sexual assault survivors was recruited from college, community, and mental health agency sources (response rate = 90%). Regression analyses tested the hypothesis that postassault psychosocial variables, including survivors' responses to rape and social reactions from support providers, would be stronger correlates of PTSD symptom severity than preassault or assault characteristics. As expected, few demographic or assault characteristics predicted symptoms, whereas trauma histories, perceived life threat during the assault, postassault characterological self‐blame, avoidance coping, and negative social reactions from others were all related to greater PTSD symptom severity. The only protective factor was survivors' perception that they had greater control over their recovery process in the present, which predicted fewer symptoms. Recommendations for intervention and treatment with sexual assault survivors are discussed.
Risk factors for suicidal behavior among a national sample of adolescents: Implications for prevention
Authors: Waldrop Angela E. , Hanson Rochelle F. , Resnick Heidi S. , Kilpatrick Dean G. , Naugle Amy E. , Saunders Benjamin E.
Published: October 2007

Factors associated with suicidal ideation and attempts were examined among a national probability sample of adolescents. Sample prevalences of suicidal ideation and attempts were 24.3% and 3.3%, respectively, yielding weighted population prevalence estimates of 23.3% and 3.1%. Suicidal ideation was positively associated with female gender, age, family alcohol and drug problems, violence exposure, lifetime depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Suicide attempts were associated with female gender, age, sexual and physical assault, lifetime substance abuse or dependence, PTSD, and depression. Implications for intervention and prevention are discussed.
Doors of perception: Getting others to notice the new you
Authors: Cartwright Talula
Published: October 2007

For leaders, making changes in themselves to improve their effectiveness is only half the battle. They also need to affect people's perceptions so that these newfound leadership skills will be noticed. This requires some public relations, among other things.
Lipase‐Catalyzed Synthesis and Properties of Poly[(12‐hydroxydodecanoate)‐co‐(12‐hydroxystearate)] Directed towards Novel Green and Sustainable Elastomers
Authors: Ebata Hiroki , Toshima Kazunobu , Matsumura Shuichi
Published: October 2007

Novel green and sustainable elastomers having both good biodegradability and chemical recyclability properties were designed and synthesized using potentially biobased materials and lipase as an environmentally benign catalyst. High molecular weight poly[(12‐hydroxydodecanoate)‐co‐(12‐hydroxystearate)] [poly(12HD‐co‐12HS)] samples with varying monomer ratios were prepared by the polycondensation of 12‐hydroxydodecanoic acid and methyl 12‐hydroxystearate using immobilized lipase fromCandida antarctica(IM‐CA) in toluene in the presence of molecular sieves 4A at 90 °C. Although poly(12HD) is a highly crystalline polyester having a melting temperature (Tm) of 87.6 °C and crystalline temperature (Tc) of 64 °C, by the copolymerization of 12HD with 12HS, both theTmandTcof the copolymer decreased with increasing 12HS contents, and poly(12HD‐co‐12HS) containing more than 60 mol‐% 12HS was a viscous liquid at room temperature. At the same time, the Young's modulus and hardness also decreased with increasing 12HS content, and poly(12HD‐co‐36 mol‐% 12HS) exhibited an elastic behavior, having a hardness of 70 A using a durometer A. In addition, it showed an excellent biodegradability by activated sludge and chemical recyclability by lipase.

magnified image
Interdiffusional degradation of oxidation‐resistant aluminide coatings on Fe‐base alloys
Authors: Zhang Y. , Liu A. P. , Pint B. A.
Published: October 2007

One of the potential degradation modes of oxidation‐resistant iron aluminide coatings is the loss of Al from the coatings into Fe‐base substrate alloys that typically contain no Al. To address this issue, interdiffusion between aluminide coatings and steel substrates was studied for times up to 10,000 h in the temperature range of 500–800 °C. Coatings were synthesized in a laboratory chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor on representative commercial ferritic alloy Fe‐9Cr‐1Mo and type 304L austenitic stainless steel. The microstructural and compositional changes after diffusion anneals were examined in detail. An initial attempt to model the interdiffusion behavior was carried out by applying an existing software program COSIM (coating oxidation and substrate interdiffusion model). Complementary work was conducted using a simple mathematic model developed by Heckel et al. Reasonable agreement was observed between the simulated and experimental composition profiles for the aluminide coatings on ferritic alloys. Model results were then applied to predict coating lifetime.
Methods for salt contamination of steel corrosion products: A characterization study
Authors: de la Fuente D. , Bohm M. , Houyoux C. , Morcillo M. , Rohwerder M.
Published: October 2007

It is known that for painted metals the presence of hydrosoluble species within the layer of atmospheric corrosion products, mainly chlorides and sulphates, beneath the coating promotes osmotic blistering and underfilm metallic corrosion when the concentration of the soluble salts exceeds a critical level. However, a more in‐depth understanding of the coating degradation mechanisms involved especially the initial stages of blistering, and underfilm corrosion is still missing. On the other hand, from the technical point of view, the determination of safe critical limits for soluble salt contamination at the interface is also necessary. Hence, new methods for artificial saline contamination of steel surfaces must be developed.

The work presented here shows that the chloride distribution achieved with salt fog cabinet is much closer to the real case of natural contamination than that achieved with the commonly used homogeneous dosing method. Therefore, it should be used for field‐technical studies aimed to establish critical levels of this contaminant at the steel/coating interfaces. On the other hand, it has been also proven that by means of the so‐called ‘impactor’ and ‘droplet’ methods, very low and ultra‐low contaminated samples with well defined crystal size and distribution of chloride can be prepared. They are necessary on research works planned by the authors to study the fundamental aspects of the stability of the contaminated buried steel/coating interfaces.
Molecular‐Recognition‐Induced Phase Transitions of Two Thermo‐Responsive Polymers with Pendent β‐Cyclodextrin Groups
Authors: Yang Mei , Chu Liang‐Yin , Xie Rui , Wang Chun
Published: October 2007

PNIPAM‐based thermo‐responsive polymers with pendent β‐cyclodextrin groups were synthesized and the molecular‐recognition‐induced phase‐transition behavior of fabricated polymers was investigated. The results showed that the thermo‐sensitive PNG‐ECD and PNG‐HCD polymers could significantly recognize the guest ANS molecules, and their LCSTs in ANS aqueous solutions were lower than those in blank aqueous solution. The more ANS could be recognized by the polymer, the lower was the LCST of the polymer. The guest NS molecules had an opposite influence on the LCSTs of the PNG‐ECD and PNG‐HCD polymers, because the complexation between CD and NS slightly enlarged the hydrophilic moiety of the polymers.

magnified image
Flow Instabilities in Linear and Branched Syndiotactic Poly(propylene)s
Authors: Rojo Elena , Muñoz Maria Eugenia , Mateos Alexander , Santamaría Anton
Published: October 2007

Extrusion flow experiments of linear and branched syndiotactic poly(propylene)s were carried out. The work was focused on flow instabilities. Ionized radiation was employed to induce long chain branching in linear samples. Sharkskin and melt fracture were postponed in the case of slightly long branched samples, which possess an enhanced melt elasticity compared to linear samples. For the most elastic samples the nature of the flow instability changed: sharkskin disappeared and melt fracture was observed instead. The correlation between sharkskin and melt strength results is discussed.

magnified image
Interactions of Ionic Liquids with Polysaccharides 1. Unexpected Acetylation of Cellulose with 1‐Ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium Acetate
Authors: Köhler Sarah , Liebert Tim , Schöbitz Michael , Schaller Jens , Meister Frank , Günther Wolfgang , Heinze Thomas
Published: October 2007

The homogeneous conversion of cellulose in the ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate with 2‐furoyl chloride, p‐toluenesulfonyl chloride, and triphenylmethyl chloride yields surprisingly pure cellulose acetate samples in any case. From NMR spectroscopic studies, it may be concluded that during the homogeneous functionalization reactive intermediates including furane‐2‐carboxylic acid/acetic acid anhydride and acetic acid triphenylmethyl ester are formed leading to the cellulose acetates with DS values in the range from 0.55 to 1.86.

magnified image
Macromolecular Recognition: Interaction of Cyclodextrins with an Alternating Copolymer of Sodium Maleate and Dodecyl Vinyl Ether
Authors: Taura Daisuke , Hashidzume Akihito , Harada Akira
Published: October 2007

Interaction of cyclodextrins (CDs) with an alternating copolymer of sodium maleate and dodecyl vinyl ether (pC12MA), which forms micelle‐like aggregates in aqueous media, is investigated by several NMR techniques to explore the competition of the complexation of CDs with the dodecyl (C12) groups and the self‐association of the C12 groups. 1H NMR and two‐dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy data demonstrate that α‐CD interacts significantly with the C12 groups in pC12MA but β‐ or γ‐CD does not, which indicates that the competition with self‐association of the C12 groups enhances the selectivity towards α‐CD. Furthermore, the binding isotherm prepared using 1H NMR data exhibits a sigmoidal curve, which is indicative of cooperative complexation of α‐CD with pC12MA.

magnified image
Macromol. Rapid Commun. 21/2007
Authors: Peng Juan , Li Xue , Kim Dong Ha , Knoll Wolfgang
Published: October 2007

Cover: Titanium dioxide nanoobject arrays with a wide spectrum of morphologies can be fabricated by complementary diblock copolymer templating and sol‐gel chemistry. Nanobowls are found to evolve in the presence of extra amount of acids and to exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity. Further details can be found in the article by J. Peng, X. Li, D. H. Kim,* and W. Knoll on page 2055.
Garlic as an anti‐fatigue agent
Authors: Morihara Naoaki , Nishihama Takeshi , Ushijima Mitsuyasu , Ide Nagatoshi , Takeda Hidekatsu , Hayama Minoru
Published: October 2007

More than three thousand publications in the past have confirmed the efficacy of garlic for the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases, acknowledging and validating its traditional uses. Garlic is also used for the treatment of fatigue, although the mechanism involved remain unclear. The anti‐fatigue function of garlic may be closely related to its many favorable biological and pharmacological effects. In animal studies, garlic has been shown to promote exercise endurance. Differences in the methods of processing garlic result in differences in the intensity of its anti‐fatigue effect, and the most favorable form of processing has been shown to be extraction of raw garlic followed by its natural aging for a long period in a water‐ethanol mixture. In human studies, it has been confirmed that garlic produces symptomatic improvement in persons with physical fatigue, systemic fatigue due to cold, or lassitude of indefinite cause, suggesting that garlic can resolve fatigue through a variety of actions. Recently, primarily in Japan, attempts have been made to measure the intensity of fatigue objectively and quantitatively using biomarkers. Currently available data strongly suggest that garlic may be a promising anti‐fatigue agent, and that further studies to elucidate its application are warranted.
Unified fluid–structure interpolation and mesh motion using radial basis functions
Authors: Rendall T. C. S. , Allen C. B.
Published: October 2007

A multivariate interpolation scheme, using radial basis functions, is presented, which results in a completely unified formulation for the fluid–structure interpolation and mesh motion problems. The method has several significant advantages. Primarily, all volume mesh, structural mesh, and flow‐solver type dependence is removed, and all operations are performed on totally arbitrary point clouds of any form. Hence, all connectivity and user‐input requirements are removed from the computational fluid dynamics–computational structural dynamics (CFD–CSD) coupling problem, as only point clouds are required to determine the coupling. Also, it may equally well be applied to structured and unstructured grids, or structural and aerodynamic grids that intersect, again because no connectivity information is required. Furthermore, no expensive computations are required during an unsteady simulation, just matrix–vector multiplications, since the required dependence relations are computed only once prior to any simulation and then remain constant. This property means that the method is both perfectly parallel, since only the data relevant to each structured block or unstructured partition are required to move those points, and totally independent from the flow solver. Hence, a completely generic ‘black box’ tool can be developed, which is ideal for use in an optimization approach. Aeroelastic behaviour of the Brite–Euram MDO wing is analysed in terms of both static deflection and dynamic responses, and it is demonstrated that responses are strongly dependent on the exact CFD–CSD interpolation used. Mesh quality is also examined during the motion resulting from a large surface deformation. Global grid quality is shown to be preserved well, with local grid orthogonality also being maintained well, particularly at and near the moving surface, where the original orthogonality is retained. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disease‐associated prion protein is not detectable in human systemic amyloid deposits
Authors: Tennent GA , Head MW , Bishop M , Hawkins PN , Will RG , Knight R , Peden AH , McCardle LM , Ironside JW , Pepys MB
Published: October 2007

Cerebral and cardiac amyloid deposits have been reported after scrapie infection in transgenic mice expressing variant prion protein (PrPC) lacking the glycophosphatidylinositol anchor. The amyloid fibril protein in the systemic amyloid deposits was not characterized, and there is no clinical or pathological association between prion diseases and systemic amyloidosis in humans. Nevertheless, in view of the potential clinical significance of these murine observations, we tested both human amyloidotic tissues and isolated amyloid fibrils for the presence of PrPSc, the prion protein conformation associated with transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE). We also sequenced the complete prion protein gene, PRNP, in amyloidosis patients. No specific immunohistochemical staining for PrPSc was obtained in the amyloidotic cardiac and other visceral tissues of patients with different types of systemic amyloidosis. No protease‐resistant prion protein, PrPres, was detectable by Western blotting of amyloid fibrils isolated from cardiac and other systemic amyloid deposits. Only the complete normal wild‐type PRNP gene sequence was identified, including the usual distribution of codon 129 polymorphisms. These reassuringly negative results do not support the idea that there is any relationship of prions or TSE with human systemic amyloidosis, including cardiac amyloid deposition. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chronic colitis due to an epithelial barrier defect: the role of kindlin‐1 isoforms
Authors: Kern JS , Herz C , Haan E , Moore D , Nottelmann S , von Lilien T , Greiner P , Schmitt‐Graeff A , Opitz OG , Bruckner‐Tuderman L , Has C
Published: October 2007

Kindlin‐1 is an epithelium‐specific phosphoprotein and focal adhesion adaptor component. Mutations in the corresponding gene (KIND1) cause Kindler syndrome (KS), which is manifested by skin blistering, poikiloderma, photosensitivity and carcinogenesis. Some patients also exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms, but it has remained unclear whether these represent a feature of Kindler syndrome or a coincidence. We examined kindlin‐1 in human gastrointestinal epithelia and showed that it is involved in the aetiopathology of Kindler syndrome‐associated colitis. Kindlin‐1 expression was assessed by indirect immunofluorescence, western blot and RT–PCR. Kindlin‐1 is expressed in oral mucosa, colon and rectum. Both the full‐length 74 kDa kindlin‐1 protein and a 43 kDa isoform were detected in CaCo2 cells, the latter resulting from alternative splicing. In the first months of life, patients (homozygous for null mutations) had severe intestinal involvement with haemorrhagic diarrhoea and showed morphological features of severe ulcerative colitis. Later in childhood, histopathology demonstrated focal detachment of the epithelium in all segments of the colon, chronic inflammation and mucosal atrophy. These findings define an intestinal phenotype for Kindler syndrome as a consequence of a primary epithelial barrier defect. The different clinical intestinal manifestations in Kindler syndrome patients may be explained by partial functional compensation of kindlin‐1 deficiency by the intestinal isoform or by the presence of truncated mutant kindlin‐1. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aspirin use and breast cancer risk: a meta‐analysis and meta‐regression of observational studies from 2001 to 2005
Authors: Mangiapane Sandra , Blettner Maria , Schlattmann Peter
Published: October 2007

Purpose

To examine the recent epidemiological studies on aspirin use and breast cancer risk published from 2001 to 2005 within a meta‐analysis, to investigate reasons for heterogeneity between the individual studies and to analyse a dose‐response‐relationship considering frequency and duration of use.

Methods

We systematically searched for cohort‐studies and case‐control‐studies from 2001–2005, which evaluated the association between aspirin and breast cancer risk. We calculated a pooled estimate for the relative risk (RR) and investigated reasons for heterogeneity between the individual studies and analysed a dose‐response‐relationship using random effects mixed models.

Results

We identified 10 studies which met the inclusion criteria. The combined estimate of the RR was 0.75 (95%CI: 0.64, 0.88) using the random effects model. Heterogeneity between the studies could not be explained by the covariates study‐type and study‐population. The combination of frequency and duration of aspirin use resulted in a significant dose‐response‐relationship between aspirin use and breast cancer risk. Each additional pillyear reduced the breast cancer risk to about 2%.

Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis supports the current evidence that aspirin may reduce breast cancer risk. Moreover, a dose‐response‐relationship seems to exist. However, results have to be interpreted carefully, as exposure categories were defined very heterogeneously among the studies which weakens the validity of the pooled estimates. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic analysis of p16ink4a‐binding proteins
Authors: Souza‐Rodrígues Elielson , Estanyol Josep M. , Friedrich‐Heineken Erica , Olmedo Eva , Vera Jorge , Canela Nuria , Brun Sonia , Agell Neus , Hübscher Ulrich , Bachs Oriol , Jaumot Montserrat
Published: October 2007

The p16ink4a tumor suppressor protein plays a critical role in cell cycle control, tumorogenesis and senescence. The best known activity for p16ink4a is the inhibition of the activity of CDK4 and CDK6 kinases, both playing a key role in cell cycle progression. With the aim to study new p16ink4a functions we used affinity chromatography and MS techniques to identify new p16ink4a‐interacting proteins. We generated p16ink4a columns by coupling the protein to activated Sepharose 4B. The proteins from MOLT‐4 cell line that bind to p16ink4a affinity columns were resolved by SDS‐PAGE and identified by MS using a MALDI‐TOF. Thirty‐one p16ink4a ‐interacting proteins were identified and grouped in functional clusters. The identification of two of them, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and minichromosome maintenance protein 6 (MCM6), was confirmed by Western blotting and their in vivo interactions with p16ink4a were demonstrated by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence studies. Results also revealed that p16ink4a interacts directly with the DNA polymerase δ accessory protein PCNA and thereby inhibits the polymerase activity.
Profiling of vitreous proteomes from proliferative diabetic retinopathy and nondiabetic patients
Authors: Kim Taeoh , Kim Sang Jin , Kim Kyunggon , Kang Un‐Beom , Lee Cheolju , Park Kyong Soo , Yu Hyeong Gon , Kim Youngsoo
Published: October 2007

Diabetes can lead to serious microvascular complications like proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), which is the leading cause of blindness in adults. The proteomic changes that occur during PDR cannot be measured in the human retina for ethical reasons, but could be reflected by proteomic changes in vitreous humor. Thus, we considered that comparisons between the proteome profiles of the vitreous humors of PDR and nondiabetic controls could lead to the discovery of novel pathogenic proteins and clinical biomarkers. In this study, the authors used several proteomic methods to comprehensively examine vitreous humor proteomes of PDR patients and nondiabetic controls. These methods included immunoaffinity subtraction (IS)/2‐DE/MALDI‐MS, nano‐LC‐MALDI‐MS/MS, and nano‐LC‐ESI‐MS/MS. The identified proteins were subjected to the Trans‐Proteomic Pipeline validation process. Resultantly, 531 proteins were identified, i.e., 415 and 346 proteins were identified in PDR and nondiabetic control vitreous humor samples, respectively, and of these 531 proteins, 240 were identified for the first time in this study. The PDR vitreous proteome was also found to contain many proteins possibly involved in the pathogenesis of PDR. The proteins described provide the most comprehensive proteome listing in the vitreous humor samples of PDR and nondiabetic control patients.