bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of organic modifiers and silicate type on filler dispersion, thermal, and mechanical properties of ABS‐clay nanocomposites
Authors: Tiwari Rajkiran R. , Natarajan Upendra
Published: August 2008

Acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS)–clay composite and intercalated nanocomposites were prepared by melt processing, using Na‐montmorillonite (MMT), several chemically different organically modified MMT (OMMT) and Na‐laponite clays. The polymer–clay hybrids were characterized by WAXD, TEM, DSC, TGA, tensile, and impact tests. Intercalated nanocomposites are formed with organoclays, a composite is obtained with unmodified MMT, and the nanocomposite based on synthetic laponite is almost exfoliated. An unintercalated nanocomposite is formed by one of the organically modified clays, with similar overall stack dispersion as compared to the intercalated nanocomposites. Tg of ABS is unaffected by incorporation of the silicate filler in its matrix upto 4 wt % loading for different aspect ratios and organic modifications. A significant improvement in the onset of thermal decomposition (40–44°C at 4 wt % organoclay) is seen. The Young's modulus shows improvement, the elongation‐at‐break shows reduction, and the tensile strength shows improvement. Notched and unnotched impact strength of the intercalated MMT nanocomposites is lower as compared to that of ABS matrix. However, laponite and overexchanged organomontmorillonite clay lead to improvement in ductility. For the MMT clays, the Young's modulus (E) correlates with the intercalation change in organoclay interlayer separation (Δd001) as influenced by the chemistry of the modifier. Although ABS‐laponite composites are exfoliated, the intercalated OMMT‐based nanocomposites show greater improvement in modulus. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Synthesis and magnetic properties of novel fully conjugated polymeric complexes containing 1,10‐phenanthroline
Authors: Zheng Renhua , Jiang Huajiang , Sun Weilin , Yang Jun
Published: August 2008

A novel fully conjugated polymer containing 1,10‐phenanthroline (DAPcDOD) was first synthesized by the polycondensation of 2,7‐dimethyl‐2,4,6‐octatriene‐1,8‐dial with 5,6‐diamine‐1,10‐phenanthroline. Three polymeric complexes were first prepared by the reaction of DAPcDOD with NiSO4, CoCl2, and FeSO4, respectively. The structures of the polymer and the complexes were characterized by IR, 1H‐NMR, and elemental analysis. The magnetic behaviors of these complexes were measured as a function of magnetic field strength (0–50 kOe) at 5 K and as a function of temperature (5–300 K) at a magnetic field strength of 30 kOe. The results show that DAPcDOD–Ni2+ and DAPcDOD–Co2+ were soft ferromagnets, whereas DAPcDOD–Fe2+ exhibited the features of an antiferromagnet. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Synthesis and Antituberculosis Activity of New Hydrazide Derivatives
Authors: Kaplancikli Zafer A. , Turan‐Zitouni Gulhan , Ozdemir Ahmet , Teulade Jean‐Claude
Published: August 2008

The increasing clinical importance of drug‐resistant mycobacterial pathogens, especially Mycobacterium tuberculosis, has lent additional urgency to microbiological research and new antimycobacterial compound development. For this purpose, new hydrazide derivatives of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine were synthesized and evaluated for antituberculosis activity. The reaction of 2‐[(2‐carboxyimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine‐3‐yl)sulfanyl]acetic acid hydrazide with various benzaldehydes gave N‐(arylidene)‐2‐[(2‐carboxyimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine‐3‐yl)sulfanyl]acetic acid hydrazide derivatives. The chemical structures of the compounds were elucidated by IR, 1H‐NMR, FAB‐MS spectral data and elemental analysis. Antituberculosis activities of the synthesized compounds were determined by broth microdilution assay, the Microplate Alamar Blue Assay in BACTEC 12B medium. The results were screened in vitro, using the BACTEC 460 Radiometric System against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (ATCC 27294) at 6.25 μg/mL; the tested compounds showed significant inhibition.
Sex differences when searching for a mate: A process‐tracing approach
Authors: Saad Gad , Eba Aliza , Sejean Richard
Published: August 2008

Sex differences in the extent of mate search were investigated using two sequential choice processes. In Study 1, attribute search, prior to choosing a mate or rejecting two competing mates, for either a short‐ or long‐term relationship, was explored. Men (women) seeking short‐term relationships were the least (most) likely to reject both suitors. Men acquired a greater number of attributes prior to rejecting mates. The length of the relationship solely affected men's search behaviors. Study 2 utilized a nested sequential model namely participants decided how many suitors to sample prior to choosing a short‐term mate, and how many attributes to acquire on each sampled suitor. Women sampled a greater number of suitors prior to choosing a mate. Biological sex was found to be a greater moderator of mate search than were three personality traits linked to search. Across both studies less information was acquired prior to rejecting versus choosing a mate. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prognostic nomogram for sunitinib in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Motzer Robert J. , Bukowski Ronald M. , Figlin Robert A. , Hutson Thomas E. , Michaelson M. Dror , Kim Sindy T. , Baum Charles M. , Kattan Michael W.
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND.

In a randomized, phase 3 trial, sunitinib demonstrated superior efficacy over interferon‐alfa as first‐line therapy in patients with metastatic clear‐cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). On the basis of outcome data from that trial, the authors developed a nomogram for predicting the probability of 12‐month progression‐free survival for patients who received sunitinib therapy.

METHODS.

Three‐hundred seventy‐five patients who received sunitinib in the phase 3 trial were the subject of the current analysis. Nomogram pretreatment predictor variables included corrected serum calcium levels, the number of metastatic sites, hemoglobin levels, prior nephrectomy, the presence of lung and liver metastases, thrombocytosis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, time from diagnosis to treatment, and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase. Investigator‐assessed progression‐free survival was the predicted outcome endpoint. Internal validation of the nomogram consisted of quantification of the discrimination with the concordance index and assessment of calibration.

RESULTS.

One‐hundred seventy‐four of 375 patients (46%) who received sunitinib achieved an objective response, and the median progression‐free survival was 10.8 months (95% confidence interval, 10.6‐12.6 months). A nomogram for predicting the probability of 12‐month progression‐free survival for patients who received sunitinib therapy was constructed on the basis of a Cox regression model from 11 parameters that were determined before treatment. The concordance index was 0.633.

CONCLUSIONS.

A nomogram was developed from pretreatment clinical features to predict the probability of achieving 12‐month progression‐free survival with sunitinib therapy for metastatic clear‐cell RCC. The authors concluded that independent validation of the nomogram and additional studies to identify tumor‐specific prognostic factors are warranted. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Cache‐efficient renumbering for vectorization
Authors: Löhner Rainald
Published: August 2008

A renumbering strategy for field solvers based on unstructured grids that avoids memory contention and minimizes cache‐misses is described. Compared with usual colouring techniques, the new renumbering strategy reduces the spread in point‐data access for edge‐based solvers by more than an order of magnitude. The technique is particularly suited for multicore, cache‐based machines that allow for vectorization or pipelining. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of small molecule estrogen‐related receptor α–specific antagonists and homology modeling to predict the molecular determinants as the basis for selectivity over ERRβ and ERRγ
Authors: Chisamore Michael J. , Mosley Ralph T. , Cai Sheng‐Jian , Birzin Elizabeth T. , O'Donnell Gregory , Zuck Paul , Flores Osvaldo , Schaeffer James , Rohrer Susan P. , Don Chen J. , Wilkinson Hilary A.
Published: August 2008

The estrogen‐related receptor α (ERRα) was one of the first orphan receptors identified through a search for genes encoding proteins related to the steroid nuclear receptor, Estrogen Receptor α (ERα). The physiological role of ERRα has not yet been established nor has a natural ligand been elucidated. Importantly, research indicates that ERRα may be a novel drug target to treat breast cancer and/or metabolic disorders. A homogeneous time‐resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay has been developed to screen for ERRα‐specific antagonists. This assay uses the ERR ligand binding domain and the coactivator interaction domain of Proliferator‐activated Receptor γ Coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α) to examine the ability of compounds to antagonize the constitutive interaction between ERRα and the coactivator. A dissociation‐enhanced lanthanide fluorescence immunoassay (DELFIA) was also created to counter screen compounds identified in the HTRF screen. Here we report the discovery of high‐affinity ERRα subtype selective antagonists. Additionally, a homology model of ERRα in an antagonist conformation has been developed and after subsequent docking studies, we offer a model showing the molecular determinants that suggest why our novel tri‐cyclic antagonist, N‐[(2Z)‐3‐(4,5‐dihydro‐1,3‐thiazol‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐thiazolidin‐2‐yl idene]‐5 H dibenzo[a,d][7]annulen‐5‐amine, binds to ERRα with high affinity but does not bind to either ERRβ or ERRγ. Drug Dev Res 69:203–218, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Full Conformational Characterization of Natural Ionones and Irones, as well as 13‐Alkyl‐Substituted α‐Ionones
Authors: Legnani Laura , Luparia Marco , Zanoni Giuseppe , Toma Lucio , Vidari Giovanni
Published: August 2008

A modeling study at the B3LYP/6–31G(d) level was performed on a group of natural odorants. These included α‐, β‐, and γ‐ionones, β‐irone, cis‐ and trans‐α‐ and ‐γ‐irones, and three synthetic α‐ionone analogues, all containing an identical E‐enone moiety and differing in the endo or exo positions of another double bond and an additional alkyl group at C(2) or at C(13). Data showed a shift of the conformational preference of the butenone chain from an axial or pseudoaxial orientation, as favored in α‐ionone and in trans‐α‐ and ‐γ‐irones, to an equatorial or pseudoequatorial orientation, as favored in γ‐ionone and in cis‐α‐ and ‐γ‐irones. These changes have been correlated with the enhanced olfactory potencies of the latter set of compounds. In the synthetic α‐ionone analogues, bearing an ethyl, propyl, or isobutyl group at C(5) instead of the methyl group present in α‐ionone, the hindrance due to this alkyl group does not affect the overall conformational behavior of the molecules. The odor properties seem to be modulated by specific hydrophobic interactions of each carbon of this C(5) alkyl chain with some olfactory receptors rather than by different distributions of the conformational populations.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
NAP Ether Mediated Intramolecular Aglycon Delivery: A Unified Strategy for 1,2‐cis‐Glycosylation (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 25/2008)
Authors: Ishiwata Akihiro , Munemura Yuichi , Ito Yukishige
Published: August 2008

The cover picture shows shows the general outline for 2‐naphthylmethyl (NAP) ether mediated intramolecular aglycon delivery (NAP‐IAD). The initial formation of the mixed acetal (MA) from the NAP ether protected glycosyl donor (D) having the manno‐ or gluco‐configuration at the C2 position and the glycosyl acceptor (A), followed by stereoselective intramolecular glycosylation, afforded the desired 1,2‐cis glycoside in high yield. Stereospecific constructions of various 1,2‐cis linkages, such as β‐mannopyrano‐, β‐arabinofurano‐ and α‐glucopyranosides, were achieved through NAP‐IAD. Details are discussed in the article by A. Ishiwata, Y. Munemura and Y. Ito on p. 4250 ff.
Multivariate varying‐coefficient models for an ecological system
Authors: Ferguson C. A. , Bowman A. W. , Scott E. M. , Carvalho L.
Published: August 2008

The monitoring of Loch Leven at Kinross in Scotland involves many physical, chemical and biological variables, which are interrelated and consequently are potentially both responses and covariates within the system. In order to explore relationships fully and make appropriate inferences about such a system, it is necessary to identify and incorporate all the important forms of dependence. Therefore, multivariate models are required to model multiple responses and covariates. Relationships between variables at Loch Leven also change throughout the year and hence a multivariate varying‐coefficient model is presented here to explore changing relationships, whilst accounting for dependence between responses. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alaskan gas becoming a factor
Authors: Willett Robert E.
Published: August 2008

Lately, Enron subsidiary Northern Border Pipeline Company has been resisting a move by Natural Gas Pipeline Company to tap some of Northern Border's gas in Iowa with a pipeline that would compete with an extension of Northern Border's. One of Northern Border's arguments is the company's special relationship with the Alaskan Natural Gas Transportation System (ANGTS, see map).

Said Larry L. DeRoin, chairman of Northern Border Management Committee: “Northern Border is the eastern leg of ANGTS and as such, is the foundation of the ANGTS. … Numerous commitments and decisions were made by the governments of the United States and Canada resulting in the issuance of a conditional certificate to Northern Border to assure the viability of the ANGTS. We cannot condone attempts by other entities to build facilities that may conflict with an extension of the ANGTS.”

Northern Border's arguments bring up the questions, So where's the Alaskan gas, and does MacKenzie Delta gas preempt it? For that matter, where's the rest of the pipeline to Alaska? I called DeRoin and, for more about the ANGTS, he sent me to Foothills Pipe Lines Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, where I spoke with Terry Cameron, vice president‐public and economic affairs, and Tony Pollard, manager of rates and economics.
Judicial process hurts the new competitor
Authors: Willett Robert E.
Published: August 2008

The FERC seems to be doing its dead‐level, bureaucratic best to increase competition in the natural gas industry: witness Orders 436 and 500, the price‐structure‐reform initiative, and the commission's efforts to unbundle the various services that make up natural gas transportation. But former FERC commissioner Charles J. Stalon, a respected economist who spent twelve years there and at the Illinois Commerce Commission, believes that the regulatory process at the state and federal levels hinders competition far more than most people realize.

Stalon is now at the Washington consulting firm of Putnam, Hayes & Bartlett.
Tunnel Safety Concept Koralm Tunnel
Authors: Neumann Christof , Diernhofer Florian , Sommerlechner Christian , Burghart Manuel
Published: August 2008

The 32.8 km long Koralm tunnel requires specific measures to guarantee a sufficient safety level. The methodology applied to define safety measures for this very long tunnel is on the one hand based on a set of guidelines and on the other hand based on the specific boundary conditions of this tunnel. These projectspecific conditions are considered by establishing customized safety targets. All aspects of safety are summarized in a specific tunnel safety concept.

As a result of an investigation into the construction and operating phase, the tunnel system was determined to consist of two single‐track tunnels, an emergency station, cross‐passages every 500 m and no crossover. The emergency station in the centre of the tunnel, which incorporates various considerations, was designed to accommodate staggered platforms and a combined refuge room with a length of 800 m. The physical structures of the emergency station (distance of escape tunnels, door configurations) were checked by application of an evacuation simulation. With a view to the incident management strategy to be adopted, characteristic operating scenarios were analysed to realistically reflect the sequence of events in case of an emergency.
Basic Surveying of the Koralm Tunnel
Authors: Eder Arnold , Kienast Gerhard , Rinner Horst
Published: August 2008

The “Koralm tunnel basic network” had to be prepared for the design, construction, and construction supervision of the ÖBB railway project “Koralmbahn Graz‐Klagenfurt” with the 32.8 km long Koralm tunnel as its core piece. This network is based on the “primary network” which is integrated into a network of GPS permanent stations and was or will be complemented as required. Since the project area covers two meridian zones of the national system, it was necessary to create a projection in a separate meridian zone for planar calculations. The paper describes the preparation, surveying and calculation of this network. In addition, it includes procedure instructions for the use of the network by planners and construction companies. Since the network has to be adapted to each construction phase, it has to be continuously developed. This will be described too. All data are managed by means of an ArcGIS server.
Systematic Drainage Measures in the Tunnel Construction – Experiences in the Neogene Sections of the Investigation Tunnels for the Koralm Tunnel
Authors: Sellner Peter , Janotta Matthias , Koinig Josef
Published: August 2008

The Koralm Railway Line represents an essential section of the Pontebbana corridor between Graz and Klagenfurt. It creates new capacities and significantly improved conditions for the freight transportation. Furthermore, the travel time of the passenger traffic will be considerably reduced. The heart of the Koralm Railway Line is the Koralm tunnel with a length of approximately 32.8 km. During excavation of the partly extremely demanding neogene sections of the investigation tunnels for the Koralm Tunnel, valuable experiences can be gained concerning the drainage and the closely related excavation behaviour, in addition to the geological‐geotechnical insights. In the paper, the predicted mountain water conditions of the tunnel sections within neogene sediments as well as experiences with the implemented dewatering measures are described. These experiences strongly influence the detailed design of the future main tunnel structure.
Living in an aging world: a challenge for the individual and the society
Authors: Lehr Ursula
Published: August 2008

We are living in an aging world. Never before in Germany, in Europe, in the whole world so many people could reach such an advanced age. There is an enormous extension of the lifespan in all European countries, but also in all other countries of the world. This is due to the progress of modern medicine, the improvement of the socio‐economic living conditions, and it is also infl uenced by life style. But it is not only important to add years to life, but also to add life to years. Life expectancy does not only mean length of life, but also quality of life.
Erythrocyte programmed cell death
Authors: Föller Michael , Huber Stephan M. , Lang Florian
Published: August 2008

Eryptosis, the suicidal death of erythrocytes, is characterised by cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing and cell membrane phospholipid scrambling with phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface. Phosphatidylserine‐exposing erythrocytes are recognised by macrophages, which engulf and degrade the affected cells. Reported triggers of eryptosis include osmotic shock, oxidative stress, energy depletion, ceramide, prostaglandin E2, platelet activating factor, hemolysin, listeriolysin, paclitaxel, chlorpromazine, cyclosporine, methylglyoxal, amyloid peptides, anandamide, Bay‐5884, curcumin, valinomycin, aluminium, mercury, lead and copper. Diseases associated with accelerated eryptosis include sepsis, malaria, sickle‐cell anemia, β‐thalassemia, glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)‐deficiency, phosphate depletion, iron deficiency, hemolytic uremic syndrome and Wilsons disease. Eryptosis may be inhibited by erythropoietin, adenosine, catecholamines, nitric oxide (NO) and activation of G‐kinase. Most triggers of eryptosis except oxidative stress are effective without activation of caspases. Their signalling involves formation of prostaglandin E2 with subsequent activation of cation channels and Ca2+ entry and/or release of platelet activating factor (PAF) with subsequent activation of sphingomyelinase and formation of ceramide. Ca2+ and ceramide stimulate scrambling of the cell membrane. Ca2+ further activates Ca2+‐sensitive K+ channels leading to cellular KCl loss and cell shrinkage and stimulates the protease calpain resulting in degradation of the cytoskeleton. Eryptosis allows defective erythrocytes to escape hemolysis. On the other hand, excessive eryptosis favours the development of anemia. Thus, a delicate balance between proeryptotic and antieryptotic mechanisms is required to maintain an adequate number of circulating erythrocytes and yet avoid noneryptotic death of injured erythrocytes. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(10): 661–668, 2008
Jumps in cross‐sectional rank and expected returns: a mixture model
Authors: González‐Rivera Gloria , Lee Tae‐Hwy , Mishra Santosh
Published: August 2008

We propose a new nonlinear time series model of expected returns based on the dynamics of the cross‐sectional rank of realized returns. We model the joint dynamics of a sharp jump in the cross‐sectional rank and the asset return by analyzing (1) the marginal probability distribution of a jump in the cross‐sectional rank within the context of a duration model, and (2) the probability distribution of the asset return conditional on a jump, for which we specify different dynamics depending upon whether or not a jump has taken place. As a result, the expected returns are generated by a mixture of normal distributions weighted by the probability of jumping. The model is estimated for the weekly returns of the constituents of the SP500 index from 1990 to 2000, and its performance is assessed in an out‐of‐sample exercise from 2001 to 2005. Based on the one‐step‐ahead forecast of the mixture model we propose a trading rule, which is evaluated according to several forecast evaluation criteria and compared to 18 alternative trading rules. We find that the proposed trading strategy is the dominant rule by providing superior risk‐adjusted mean trading returns and accurate value‐at‐risk forecasts. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modes, weighted modes, and calibrated modes: evidence of clustering using modality tests
Authors: Henderson Daniel J. , Parmeter Christopher F. , Russell R. Robert
Published: August 2008

We apply recent results from the statistics literature to test for multimodality of worldwide distributions of several (unweighted and population‐weighted) measures of labor productivity. Specifically, we employ Silverman (Bump) and Dip modality tests, calibrated to correct for their incorrect asymptotic levels. We show that test results are sensitive to the test statistic employed and to population weighting. But regardless of the statistical criterion used, multimodality is present throughout, or emerges during, our sample period (1960–2000). We also examine (a) movements of economies between modal clusters and (b) relationships between certain key development factors and multimodality of the productivity distribution. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Augmentation of screw fixation with injectable calcium sulfate bone cement in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Yu Xiao‐Wei , Xie Xin‐Hui , Yu Zhi‐Feng , Tang Ting‐Ting
Published: August 2008

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of augmenting screw fixation with an injectable calcium sulfate cement (CSC) in the osteoporotic bone of ovariectomized rats. The influence of the calcium sulfate (CS) on bone remodeling and screw anchorage in osteoporotic cancellous bone was systematically investigated using histomorphometric and biomechanical analyses. The femoral condyles of 55 Sprague–Dawley ovariectomized rats were implanted with screw augmented with CS, while the contralateral limb received a nonaugmented screw. At time intervals of 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks, 11 rats were euthanized. Six pair‐matched samples were used for histological analysis, while five pair‐matched samples were preserved for biomechanical testing. Histomorphometric data showed that CS augmented screws activated cancellous bone formation, evidenced by a statistically higher (p < 0.05) percentage of osteoid surface at 2, 4, and 8 weeks and a higher rate of bone mineral apposition at 12 weeks compared with nonaugmented screws. The amount of the bone–screw contact at 2, 8, and 12 weeks and of bone ingrowth on the threads at 4 and 8 weeks was greater in the CS group than in the nonaugmented group (p < 0.05), although these parameters increased concomitantly with time for both groups. The CS was resorbed completely at 8 weeks without stimulating fibrous encapsulation on the screw surface. Also, the cement significantly increased the screw pull‐out force and the energy to failure at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after implantation, when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). These results imply that augmentation of screw fixation with CS may have the potential to decrease the risk of implant failure in osteoporotic bone. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
BMP‐2 increases migration of human chondrosarcoma cells via PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Fong Yi‐Chin , Li Te‐Mao , Wu Chi‐Ming , Hsu Sheng‐Feng , Kao Shung‐Te , Chen Ray‐Jade , Lin Cheng‐Chieh , Liu Shan‐Chi , Wu Chien‐Lin , Tang Chih‐Hsin
Published: August 2008

Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2), a member of transforming growth factor‐β superfamily, plays a crucial role in migration and metastasis of human cancer cells. Integrins are the major adhesive molecules in mammalian cells. Here we found that BMP‐2 directed the migration and increased cell surface and mRNA expression of β1 integrin in human chondrosarcoma cancer cells (JJ012). Pretreated of JJ012 cells with phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase inhibitor (PI3K; Ly294002) or Akt inhibitor inhibited the BMP‐2‐mediated migration and integrin expression. BMP‐2 increased the phosphorylation of p85 subunit of PI3K and serine 473 of Akt. In addition, NF‐κB inhibitor (PDTC) or IκB protease inhibitor (TPCK) also inhibited BMP‐2‐mediated cells migration and integrin upregulation. Stimulation of JJ012 cells with BMP‐2 induced IκB kinase (IKKα/β) phosphorylation, IκB phosphorylation, p65 Ser536 phosphorylation, and κB‐luciferase activity. Furthermore, the BMP‐2‐mediated increasing of IKKα/β phosphorylation, IκB phosphorylation, and p65 Ser536 phosphorylation were inhibited by Ly294002 and Akt inhibitor. Co‐transfection with p85 and Akt mutants also reduced the BMP‐2‐induced κB‐luciferase activity. Taken together, these results suggest that the BMP‐2 acts through PI3K/Akt, which in turn activates IKKα/β and NF‐κB, resulting in the activations of β1 integrin and contributing the migration of human chondrosarcoma cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 846–855, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lymph nodes in gastric cancer
Authors: Ozmen M. Mahir , Ozmen Fusun , Zulfikaroglu Bariş
Published: August 2008

Surgery is the only curative therapy for gastric cancer and controversy still exist on the extend of surgery. As the lymphatic distribution of stomach is very complex, the determination of the actual lymph node involvement is important for making the decision in order to avoid complications. Sentinel node navigation surgery has recently been introduced in gastrointestinal tract cancer. Present article reviews the detection techniques of lymph nodes and significance of lymphadenectomies in gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mass spectrometry for structural characterization of therapeutic antibodies
Authors: Zhang Zhongqi , Pan Hai , Chen Xiaoyu
Published: August 2008

Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, have emerged as one of the most promising classes of therapeutics in the biopharmaceutical industry. The need for complete characterization of the quality attributes of these molecules requires sophisticated techniques. Mass spectrometry (MS) has become an essential analytical tool for the structural characterization of therapeutic antibodies, due to its superior resolution over other analytical techniques. It has been widely used in virtually all phases of antibody development. Structural features determined by MS include amino acid sequence, disulfide linkages, carbohydrate structure and profile, and many different post‐translational, in‐process, and in‐storage modifications. In this review, we will discuss various MS‐based techniques for the structural characterization of monoclonal antibodies. These techniques are categorized as mass determination of intact antibodies, and as middle‐up, bottom‐up, top‐down, and middle‐down structural characterizations. Each of these techniques has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of structural resolution, sequence coverage, sample consumption, and effort required for analyses. The role of MS in glycan structural characterization and profiling will also be discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 28:147–176, 2009
Multidimensional Hele‐Shaw flows modelling Stokesian fluids
Authors: Escher Joachim , Matioc Bogdan‐Vasile
Published: August 2008

We consider here an n‐dimensional periodic flow describing the motion of an incompressible Stokesian fluid in a Hele‐Shaw cell. The free surface separating the fluid from air, at pressure normalized to be zero, is moving under the influence of gravity and surface tension.

We prove the existence of a unique classical Hölder solution for small perturbations of cylinders. Moreover, we evidence the existence of a single steady state and prove its exponential stability. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiglycative and anti‐VEGF effects of s‐ethyl cysteine and s‐propyl cysteine in kidney of diabetic mice
Authors: Lin Chun‐che , Yin Mei‐chin
Published: August 2008

Antiglycative and antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) effects of s‐ethyl cysteine (SEC), and s‐propyl cysteine (SPC) in kidney of diabetic mice were examined. SEC and SPC at 1 and 2 g/L were added to the drinking water for 12 wk. Results showed that diabetic mice with SEC or SPC intake had significantly higher final body weight, lower kidney weight, lower levels of plasma glucose, urinary albumin (UA), and urinary creatinine (UC) (p < 0.05), in which dose‐dependent effects were observed in reducing plasma glucose, UA, and UC (p < 0.05). The intake of these compounds significantly and dose‐dependently decreased the levels of plasma glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), renal carboxymethyllysine and urinary glycated albumin (p < 0.05). SEC or SPC intake significantly and dose‐dependently diminished renal aldose reductase (AR) activity and enhanced glyoxalase I (GLI) activity (p < 0.05); also significantly decreased renal sorbitol and fructose concentrations (p < 0.05). The intake of SEC or SPC significantly lowered renal VEGF level (p < 0.05), and caused dose‐dependent downregulation in AR mRNA expression, and upregulation in GLI mRNA expression (p < 0.05). Our present study suggests the supplement of SEC or SPC might be helpful for the prevention or treatment of diabetic kidney diseases via alleviating renal glycative injury.
STEM plasmon spectroscopy of free standing graphene
Authors: Bangert U. , Eberlein T. , Nair R. R. , Jones R , Gass M. , Bleloch A. L. , Novoselov K. S. , Geim A. , Briddon P. R.
Published: August 2008

Plasmon spectroscopy of the thinnest possible membrane, a single layer of carbon atoms, graphene, has been carried out in conjunction with ab initio calculations of the low loss function. We observe π‐ and π + σ‐surface plasmon modes in free‐standing single sheets at 4.7 eV and 14.8 eV which are substantially red‐shifted from their values in graphite. These modes are in very good agreement with the theoretical spectra which find the π‐ and π + π in‐plane modes of graphene at 4.5 eV and 14.5 eV. We also find that there is little loss caused by out‐of‐plane modes for energies less than about 10 eV. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
High resolution Laplace deep level transient spectroscopy of p‐type polycrystalline diamond
Authors: Mitromara N. , Evans‐Freeman J. H. , Gädtke C. , May P. W.
Published: August 2008

High resolution Laplace deep level transient spectroscopy (LDLTS) has been used to characterise deep electronic states in the band gap of polycrystalline p‐type diamond. The thin diamond films were grown by the hot‐filament chemical vapour deposition (HFCVD) technique on p‐type and n‐type Si for the formation of the Schottky and p–n diodes respectively. The B concentration in the diamond films ranged from 7 × 1018 cm–3 to 7 × 1021 cm–3. Conventional capacitance DLTS showed a fairly narrow peak at about 180 K from the diamond grown on p‐type Si, but further analysis with LDLTS shows that this peak originates from a complex defect with up to three hole emission rates. In the case of the Schottky diode, these emission rates do not vary much with temperature which indicates that they may be due to the presence of an extended defect, where the valence band itself is changing its profile as the traps capture more carriers. LDLTS of a similar trap in the diamond grown on n‐type Si also shows three emission rates, which do not vary as expected with temperature. The results are discussed in terms of defects existing in the strain fields of grain boundaries, and exhibiting non point‐defect like properties. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Penicillin detection with nanocrystalline‐diamond field‐effect sensor
Authors: Abouzar Maryam H. , Poghossian Arshak , Razavi Arash , Besmehn Astrid , Bijnens Nathalie , Williams Oliver A. , Haenen Ken , Wagner Patrick , Schöning Michael J.
Published: August 2008

Nanocrystalline‐diamond (NCD) films have been utilised for the detection of penicillin G for the first time. The developed penicillin‐sensitive biosensor consists of a field‐effect capacitive electrolyte‐diamond‐insulator‐semiconductor (EDIS) structure with an immobilised enzyme layer that covers the gate region of the sensor. Undoped NCD thin films of about 100 nm thickness were grown on a p‐Si‐SiO2 (50 nm thermally grown SiO2) structure by microwave plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition. The enzyme penicillinase has been adsorptively immobilised directly onto the O‐terminated NCD surface. The EDIS biosensors have been characterised in buffer solutions with different content of penicillin G by means of capacitance–voltage and constant‐capacitance method. The developed penicillin biosensor possesses a low detection limit of 5 µM and a high sensitivity of 60–70 mV/decade in a wide linear range of 0.005–2.5 mM penicillin G concentration. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparison of diamond‐like carbon to diamond for applications
Authors: Robertson J.
Published: August 2008

We note that many potential applications of diamond do not require single crystalline diamond, but use nano‐crystalline diamond, in order to have a smooth surface at low cost. We thus compare the possible use of amorphous diamond‐like carbon which is smooth, inert and can be deposited at high rate even at room temperature. These applications include most protective coatings and in future could include bio‐sensors, provided that high quality semiconducting properties are not needed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrical activity of doped phosphorus atoms in (001) n‐type diamond
Authors: Kato Hiromitsu , Takeuchi Daisuke , Tokuda Norio , Umezawa Hitoshi , Yamasaki Satoshi , Okushi Hideyo
Published: August 2008

The electrical properties of (001) n‐type diamond were characterized by measuring the current voltage and capacitance voltage at different temperatures. Clear n‐type rectification characteristics were confirmed from Ti/n‐type diamond Schottky diodes. From the capacitance properties, the net donor density and Schottky barrier height were experimentally determined to be ∼5.4 × 1017 cm–3 and ∼4.5 eV, respectively. The electrical activity of doped phosphorus atoms in (001) n‐type diamond is discussed in comparison with (111). (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP): a new generation of innovative gene amplification technique; perspectives in clinical diagnosis of infectious diseases
Authors: Parida Manmohan , Sannarangaiah Santhosh , Dash Paban Kumar , Rao P. V. L. , Morita Kouichi
Published: August 2008

Loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a powerful innovative gene amplification technique emerging as a simple rapid diagnostic tool for early detection and identification of microbial diseases. The whole procedure is very simple and rapid wherein the amplification can be completed in less than 1 h under isothermal conditions employing a set of six specially designed primers spanning eight distinct sequences of a target gene, by incubating all the reagents in a single tube. Gene amplification products can be detected by agarose gel electrophoresis as well as by real‐time monitoring in an inexpensive turbidimeter. Gene copy number can also be quantified with the help of a standard curve generated from different concentrations of gene copy number plotted against time of positivity with the help of a real‐time turbidimeter. Alternatively, gene amplification can be visualised by the naked eye either as turbidity or in the form of a colour change when SYBR Green I, a fluorescent dsDNA intercalating dye, is employed. LAMP does not require a thermal cycler and can be performed simply with a heating block and/or water bath. Considering the advantages of rapid amplification, simple operation and easy detection, LAMP has potential applications for clinical diagnosis as well as surveillance of infectious diseases in developing countries without requiring sophisticated equipment or skilled personnel. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Score and profile likelihood confidence intervals for contingency table parameters
Authors: Lang Joseph B.
Published: August 2008

A straightforward approach to computing score and profile likelihood confidence intervals for contingency table parameters is described. The computational approach herein avoids two main limitations of existing methods: (1) Compared with existing methods, this paper's approach is applicable to a much broader class of parameters. (2) Unlike existing methods, this paper's approach is not case‐specific and, hence, lends itself to a general, yet very simple, computational algorithm. This paper describes the ‘sliding quadratic’ computational algorithm and illustrates its use on examples that have not been previously considered in the literature. A small‐scale simulation study highlights the advantage of using score and profile likelihood intervals rather than Wald intervals. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aripiprazole and its human metabolite OPC14857 reduce, through a presynaptic mechanism, glutamate release in rat prefrontal cortex: Possible relevance to neuroprotective interventions in schizophrenia
Authors: Yang Tsung‐Tsair , Wang Su‐Jane
Published: August 2008

Aripiprazole is a novel atypical antipsychotic drug with neuroprotective properties. As excessive glutamate release is now considered to be part of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, the objective of this study was to use an in vitro assay system to investigate the effect of aripiprazole and its human metabolite OPC14857 on the release of endogenous glutamate from isolated nerve terminals (synaptosomes), freshly prepared from rat prefrontal cortex. Both aripiprazole and OPC13857 potently inhibited 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP)‐evoked glutamate release in a concentration‐dependent manner. Inhibition of glutamate release by aripiprazole and OPC13857 was associated with a reduction of 4AP‐evoked Na+ influx and depolarization, as well as downstream elevation of cytoplasmic free calcium concentration mediated via N‐ and P/Q‐type voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs). Release induced by direct Ca2+ entry with Ca2+ ionophore (ionomycin) was unaffected by aripiprazole or OPC13857, indicating that the inhibitory effect of aripiprazole or OPC13857 is not due to directly interfering with the release process at some point subsequent to Ca2+ influx. In addition, the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist haloperidol and the 5‐HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 all effectively blocked the aripiprazole or OPC13857‐mediated inhibition of 4‐AP‐evoked glutamate release. Moreover, aripiprazole or OPC13857 modulation of 4‐AP‐evoked glutamate release appears to involve a protein kinase A (PKA) signaling cascade, insofar as pretreatment of synaptosomes with the PKA inhibitor H89 suppressed the inhibitory effect of aripiprazole or OPC13857. Together, these results suggest that aripiprazole and its human metabolite OPC14857 inhibit glutamate release from rat prefrontocortical nerve terminals, likely by the activation of dopamine D2 and 5‐HT1A receptors, which subsequently results in the reduction of nerve terminal excitability and downstream VDCC activation through a signaling cascade involving PKA. These actions of aripiprazole may contribute to its neuroprotective effect in excitotoxic injury. Synapse 62:804–818, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of the Weather Research and Forecasting model on forecasting low‐level jets: implications for wind energy
Authors: Storm Brandon , Dudhia Jimy , Basu Sukanta , Swift Andy , Giammanco Ian
Published: August 2008

Nocturnal low‐level jet (LLJ) events are commonly observed over the Great Plains region of the USA, thus making this region more favorable for wind energy production. At the same time, the presence of LLJs can significantly modify vertical shear and nocturnal turbulence in the vicinities of wind turbine hub height, and therefore has detrimental effects on turbine rotors. Accurate numerical modeling and forecasting of LLJs are thus needed for precise assessment of wind resources, reliable prediction of power generation and robust design of wind turbines. However, mesoscale numerical weather prediction models face a challenge in precisely forecasting the development, magnitude and location of LLJs. This is due to the fact that LLJs are common in nocturnal stable boundary layers, and there is a general consensus in the literature that our contemporary understanding and modeling capability of this boundary‐layer regime is quite poor. In this paper, we investigate the potential of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model in forecasting LLJ events over West Texas and southern Kansas. Detailed observational data from both cases were used to assess the performance of the WRF model with different model configurations. Our results indicate that the WRF model can capture some of the essential characteristics of observed LLJs, and thus offers the prospect of improving the accuracy of wind resource estimates and short‐term wind energy forecasts. However, the core of the LLJ tended to be higher as well as slower than what was observed, leaving room for improvement in model performance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgical Factors Influencing Outcomes in Patients Resected for Cancer of the Esophagus or Gastric Cardia
Authors: Sundelöf Martin , Lagergren Jesper , Ye Weimin
Published: August 2008

Background

Surgery is the treatment of choice for localized esophageal and gastric cardia cancer. Our aim was to evaluate factors influencing postoperative short‐term morbidity, 30‐day mortality, and long‐term prognosis.

Methods

We identified 232 patients who had undergone surgical resection from a Swedish nationwide case control study of cancer of the esophagus and cardia between December 1, 1994 and December 31, 1997. Patients’ demographics, tumor characteristics, preoperative investigations, and treatments were reviewed. Patients were followed up through linkage to the Death Registry until December 2004. Survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan‐Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to derive hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The overall 5‐year survival rate was 25%. Tumor stage was the most prominent prognostic factor for long‐term survival. Low‐volume hospital (HR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.0–1.9), low‐volume surgeon (HR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0‐2.0), and postoperative need for respirator support (HR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0–1.9), were associated with a worse prognosis. Patients treated at low‐volume hospitals or by low‐volume surgeons needed respirator support more often or stayed longer at intensive care units after surgery.

Conclusion

Patients with esophageal cancer have a modestly poorer prognosis when operated on at low‐volume centers or by surgeons with less experience with esophageal cancer surgery.
On the coexistence of three predatory stonefly species in a central Japanese stream
Authors: Genkai‐Kato Motomi , Miyasaka Hitoshi
Published: August 2008

Three large‐bodied stonefly species (Paragnetina tinctipennis, Oyamia lugubris, and Kamimuria tibialis) coexist in a central Japanese stream. These species have been classified as predators. Here we study their microhabitat use while focusing on the physical environments, physiological activity, and food resources. We show that Paragnetina uses a niche with faster currents than other species throughout the year. Oyamia has seasonal flexibility in microhabitat preference, physiological activity, and food resources. Kamimuria is a rather stable species, independent of seasonal patterns.
Childhood obesity: from nutrition to behaviour
Authors: Flodmark Carl-Erik , Ohlsson Torsten
Published: August 2008

Obesity in children is difficult to treat, but it seems to be easier to treat than adult obesity. The first step in treatment is to identify effective advice relating to nutrition and physical activity. In most treatment studies the macronutrient composition of the diet is not of major importance for treatment outcome. In relation to physical activity fat-utilisation strategies have been described. The second step includes appropriate approaches to lifestyle change. In Europe there are no drugs approved for children, and surgery for children is still limited to research projects. Thus, the major challenge is to develop effective ways of changing lifestyle. Family therapy may be an effective approach in preventing severe obesity from developing during puberty, and a therapeutic strategy based on treatment studies is described. The family-therapy techniques used here are intended to facilitate the family's own attempts to modify their lifestyle, and to increase their own sense of responsibility and readiness to change, i.e. these variables are the prime targets during therapy. Thus, the family, not the therapist, assumes responsibility for the changes achieved. This approach may be helpful in making the therapeutic process less cumbersome for the therapist. Instead of the therapist attempting to persuade the obese subjects to lose weight, it might be more effective to teach them to control their eating patterns through their own efforts. The treatment model includes structural family therapy and solution-focused-brief therapy. The use of such a model makes it possible to train therapists and health professionals to use an evidence-based intervention model.