bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Vulpinic and Pulvinic Acids from Tetronic Acid.
Authors: Bourdreux Yann , Bodio Ewen , Willis Catherine , Billaud Celia , Le Gall Thierry , Mioskowski Charles
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Alkamides from the Fruits of Piper longum and Piper nigrum Displaying Potent Cell Adhesion Inhibition.
Authors: Lee Seung Woong , Kim Young Kook , Kim Koanhoi , Lee Hyun Sun , Choi Jung Ho , Lee Woo Song , Jun Chang‐Duk , Park Jee Hun , Lee Jeong Min , Rho Mun‐Chual
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Band Coupling Model of Electron and Hole Mediated Ferromagnetism in Semiconductors: The Case of GaN
Authors: Wei Su‐Huai , Dalpian Gustavo M.
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Organometallic Diiron Complex Chemistry Related to the [2Fe]H Subsite of [FeFe]H2ase
Authors: Capon Jean‐Francois , Gloaguen Frederic , Petillon Francois Y. , Schollhammer Philippe , Talarmin Jean
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Preparation of Five‐Membered Rings via the Translocation—Cyclization of Vinyl Radicals
Authors: Denes Fabrice , Beaufils Florent , Renaud Philippe
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Organocatalytic Oxidation. Asymmetric Epoxidation of Olefins Catalyzed by Chiral Ketones and Iminium Salts
Authors: Wong O. Andrea , Shi Yian
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Poly(2,7‐carbazole)s: Structure—Property Relationships
Authors: Blouin Nicolas , Leclerc Mario
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Rational Approach to Polymer‐Supported Catalysts: Synergy Between Catalytic Reaction Mechanism and Polymer Design
Authors: Madhavan Nandita , Jones Christopher W. , Weck Marcus
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Advances in Molecular Design and Synthesis of Regioregular Polythiophenes
Authors: Osaka Itaru , McCullough Richard D.
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Biocatalysis for Industrial Green Chemistry
Authors: Li Zhi , Held Martin , Panke Sven , Schmid Andrew , Mathys Renata , Witholt Bernard
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Contactors for Chemical Separation
Authors: van Swaaij W. P. M. , Versteeg G. F.
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Conformational Landscape of Short Peptide Chains: Double Resonance IR/UV Laser Spectroscopic Studies
Authors: Mons Michel , Piuzzi Francois , Dimicoli Iliana
Published: December 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
“I'd like to thank the academy”: An analysis of the awards discourse at the Atlantic Schools of Business Conference
Authors: McLaren Patricia Genoe , Mills Albert J.
Published: December 2008

The awarding of prizes has become embedded in all aspects of our society, including academic conferences. At the same time, the reputation economy, an economy where individual standing is based on the opinions of end users, is growing in strength and validity. We analyzed the way in which the awards discourse has been recontextualized within a small academic conference that is struggling to find legitimacy—the Atlantic Schools of Business Conference. With a focus on language and the different meanings words hold in different discourses, we have determined that recontextualization of the discourse within the conference has resulted in two distinct discourses—the discourse of the award giving body and the discourse of the potential award recipient. Copyright © 2008 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure–Activity Relationship Analysis of the Peptide Deformylase Inhibitor 5‐Bromo‐1H‐indole‐3‐acetohydroxamic Acid
Authors: Petit Sylvain , Duroc Yann , Larue Valéry , Giglione Carmela , Léon Carole , Soulama Coralie , Denis Alexis , Dardel Frédéric , Meinnel Thierry , Artaud Isabelle
Published: December 2008

SAR by NMR: A series of indole compounds derived from 5‐bromo‐1H‐indole‐3‐acetohydroxamic acid were synthesized. Their inhibitory activities were evaluated against purified peptide deformylases (PDFs), and their antibacterial activities against B. subtilis, E. coli (wild type and tolC), and a variety of pathogens were also determined. The potency of the best inhibitors was related to the NMR footprints of the respective acids with 15N‐labeled E. coli Ni‐PDF.

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The lead compound 5‐bromoindolyl‐3‐acetohydroxamic acid (10) was recently identified as a potent inhibitor of bacterial peptide deformylases (PDFs). The synthesis and associated activities of new variants were investigated at position 5 to optimize the fit at the S1′ subsite and at position 1 to improve both potency and antibacterial activity. A morphomimetic series, termed “reverse‐indole” was synthesized. The indole derivatives remain selective in vitro inhibitors of PDF2 over PDF1. Bromide is the best group at position 5 and cannot be replaced by bulkier substituents. In this series, an N‐benzyl group at position 1 in 19 e improves the potency relative to 10. In the case of PDF1, and unlike PDF2, potency is increased as the alkyl chain becomes longer and more ramified. These data support the results of NMR footprinting experiments that were performed with 15N‐labeled Ni‐PDF and the corresponding 3‐acetic acid derivatives. Most of the compounds have antibacterial activities toward B. subtilis, but are inefficient toward E. coli owing to active removal by the major efflux pumps. Among the reverse‐indole derivatives, 23 c, which is the exact mirror image of 19 e, shows strong potency in vitro against PDF2, but little against PDF1, although this compound displays significant antibacterial activity toward an efflux‐minus mutant of E. coli. All the compounds were assessed with major pathogenic bacteria, but most of them are inefficient antibacterial agents. The reverse‐indole compounds 23 a and 23 c have potency against S. pneumoniae that is similar to that of actinonin.
Tracer coupling patterns of the ganglion cell subtypes in the mouse retina
Authors: Völgyi Béla , Chheda Samir , Bloomfield Stewart A.
Published: December 2008

It is now clear that electrical coupling via gap junctions is prevalent across the retina, expressed by each of the five main neuronal types. With the introduction of mutants in which selective gap junction connexins are deleted, the mouse has recently become an important model for studying the function of coupling between retinal neurons. In this study we examined the tracer‐coupling pattern of ganglion cells by injecting them with the gap junction‐permanent tracer Neurobiotin to provide, for the first time, a comprehensive survey of ganglion cell coupling in the wildtype mouse retina. Murine ganglion cells were differentiated into 22 morphologically distinct subtypes based on soma‐dendritic parameters. Most (16/22) ganglion cell subtypes were tracer‐coupled to neighboring ganglion and/or amacrine cells. The amacrine cells coupled to ganglion cells displayed either polyaxonal or wide‐field morphologies with extensive arbors. We found that different subtypes of ganglion cells were never coupled to one another, indicating that they subserved independent electrical networks. Finally, we found that the tracer‐coupling patterns of the 22 ganglion cell populations were largely stereotypic across the 71 retinas studied. Our results indicate that electrical coupling is extensive in the inner retina of the mouse, suggesting that gap junctions play essential roles in visual information processing. J. Comp. Neurol. 512:664–687, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combination of adaptive grid‐embedding and equation adaptation methods for compressible viscous flows
Authors: Mirjalily S. A. A. , Ameri M.
Published: December 2008

Various adaptation techniques for the computation of viscous flows have been employed. This work describes the combination of adaptive grid‐embedding and equation adaptation methods on semi‐structured grids for compressible viscous flows. In this combination, Navier–Stokes equations are solved within appreciably viscous macro‐cells, whereas for the remaining macro‐cells the equations are reduced to the Euler equations. Meanwhile, subdividing is used in macro‐cells from the beginning of the adaptation procedure without any restriction. This combination is used to solve three internal and external flow model problems. The combination of adaptive grid‐embedding and equation adaptation is complex, but it is shown in this paper that it is efficient and worth to be used in CPU time‐ and memory space‐consuming problems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The factorial structure of the outcome questionnaire‐45: a study with an Italian sample
Authors: Lo Coco Gianluca , Chiappelli Marco , Bensi Luca , Gullo Salvatore , Prestano Claudia , Lambert Michael J.
Published: December 2008

In this article, the authors study the factorial structure of the Italian translation of the Outcome Questionnaire 45 (OQ‐45) in a sample of college students (n = 522) and psychiatric outpatients (n = 301). The relative goodness of fit of six competing models of the OQ‐45 was examined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Specifically, the study examined the relative fit of the most frequently presented models in the literature and three alternative models. Results of the CFA provided support for the four factor bi‐level solution, suggesting that the OQ‐45 is a multidimensional instrument that contains one general factor and multiple unique subscale factors. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting the effect of psychoeducational group treatment for hypochondriasis
Authors: Buwalda Femke M. , Bouman Theo. K.
Published: December 2008

Both individual cognitive‐behavioural therapy and short‐term psychoeducational courses have shown to be effective in reducing hypochondriacal complaints. However, it is unknown which patients benefit from treatment. The aim of the present study is to explore which variables predict treatment outcome in a pooled group of 140 participants of a psychoeducational course. Predictor variables were a) pretreatment hypochondriasis, b) age, c) gender, d) level of education, e) duration of hypochondriacal complaints, f) severity of depressive complaints, g) severity of trait anxiety, and h) treatment expectation. The target scores were residual gain scores of hypochondriacal complaints.

Results showed that more severe hypochondriacal complaints at pre‐ and post‐test correlated significantly with more severe hypochondriacal complaints later. Furthermore, higher trait anxiety and older age predicted less treatment gain in hypochondriacal complaints. More research of which variables can predict treatment outcome is needed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of extracellular phosphatase activity at the single‐cell level by enzyme‐labeled fluorescence and flow cytometry: The importance of time kinetics in ELFA labeling
Authors: Duhamel Solange , Gregori Gerald , Van Wambeke France , Nedoma Jiří
Published: December 2008

ELF97 phosphate (ELF‐P) is a useful compound for assessing the phosphorus‐related status of planktonic aquatic populations. The technique has been successfully applied to phytoplankton and more recently to heterotrophic prokaryotes in both freshwater and marine samples. We have used a recently developed protocol that enables the detection by flow cytometry of ELF alcohol (ELFA), the product of ELF‐P hydrolysis. This protocol allows for identification of the fraction of cells able to express phosphatase activity (i.e., ELFA‐labeled). This protocol is also very valuable in the study of time kinetics in this ELFA‐labeling. The percentage of ELFA‐labeled cells, the relative median ELFA fluorescence per cell, and the absolute ELFA fluorescence were determined in both freshwater (lake) and marine samples. The incubation time necessary to reach a stable percentage of active cells with maximal fluorescence intensity varied widely among samples. We highlight very subtle but important problems of discrimination between active and nonactive cells and of estimation of per‐cell activity and we underline the importance of studying time kinetics of ELFA‐labeling to determine the appropriate incubation time and thus making sample comparisons more relevant. Working on time kinetics of ELFA‐labeling is promising for phosphomonoester hydrolysis rate determination at single cell level. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Performance analysis of a reuse partitioning technique for multi‐channel cellular systems supporting elastic services
Authors: Fodor Gábor , Skillermark Per
Published: December 2008

For multi‐cell systems employing intra‐cell orthogonal communication channels, inter‐cell interference mitigation techniques are expected to be one of the key radio resource management functions. In this paper we propose and analyze a simple reuse partitioning technique (with random and coordinated resource block allocation in neighbor cells) that is able to reduce inter‐cell interference. We propose a model that is able to take into account that sessions dynamically enter and leave the system. Rigid sessions require a class‐specific fixed number of resource blocks, while elastic sessions can enter the system if a minimum number of resources are allocated to them. In this rather general setting (and using the example of a system employing frequency division for multiple access) we analyze the system performance in terms of the expected number of channelcollisions, the session‐blocking probabilities, the signal‐to‐interference‐and‐noise ratio (SINR) and packet error rate performance. We present numerical results on the various trade‐offs between these measures (including the trade‐off between the reuse factor and the SINR performance) that provide insight into the behavior of multi‐channel cellular systems and help dimensionalize the parameters of a reuse partitioned system. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Photochemical Stability of the 9‐Mesityl‐10‐methylacridinium Cation
Authors: Benniston Andrew C. , Elliott Kristopher J. , Harrington Ross W. , Clegg William
Published: December 2008

The 9‐mesityl‐10‐methylacridinium cation in aerated deuterated/normal acetonitrile decomposes to give several side products when continuously exposed to white light. The main breakdown product isolated by column chromatography is identified as 3,5‐dimethyl‐4‐(10‐methylacridinium)benzaldehyde. This assignment was confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. In light of these findings it appears that decomposition pathways also need to be considered when discussing the photochemical properties of the 9‐mesityl‐10‐methylacridinium cation, especially in the presence of dioxygen.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Dizinc Phosphohydrolase Model Built on a m‐Terphenyl Scaffold and Its Use in Indicator Displacement Assays for Pyrophosphate Under Physiological Conditions
Authors: Coggins Michael K. , Parker Austa M. , Mangalum Anshuman , Galdamez Gabriela A. , Smith Rhett C.
Published: December 2008

A dinucleating ligand {1,3‐bis[2‐(di‐2‐picolylaminomethyl)phenyl]benzene, L2} built on a m‐terphenyl scaffold was prepared. The dissociation constants for the dizinc complex of L2 (Zn2L2) binding to phosphate, pyrophosphate and commercially available complexometric indicators were determined under physiological pH [10 mM N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)piperazine‐N′‐2‐ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) buffer at pH 7.4]. Colorimetric and fluorescence‐based indicator displacement assays with selectivity for pyrophosphate over other anions were achieved with Zn2L2 as the receptor component. These assays show good response characteristics for quantification of pyrophosphate concentrations as low as 2.5 × 10–6 M, suggesting their utility for measuring pyrophosphate levels in synovial fluid. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Highly Regio‐ and Diastereoselective Oxazol‐5‐one Addition to Nitrostyrenes
Authors: Balaguer Andrea‐Nekane , Companyó Xavier , Calvet Teresa , Font‐Bardía Mercé , Moyano Albert , Rios Ramon
Published: December 2008

A convenient and novel oxazol‐5‐one addition to nitrostyrenes is reported. The reaction is catalyzed by tertiary amines and yields the corresponding adducts with total regio‐ and diastereoselectivity. The addition exclusively takes place at the C‐2 position of oxazol‐5‐ones, furnishing diastereopure N,O‐aminals. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
A multiplex molecular assay for the detection of uniparental disomy for human chromosome 15
Authors: Giardina Emiliano , Peconi Cristina , Cascella Raffaella , Sinibaldi Cecilia , Nardone Anna Maria , Novelli Giuseppe
Published: December 2008

Uniparental disomy (UPD) describes the inheritance of both homologues of a pair of chromosomes from only one parent. During the last two decades, the clinical impact of UPD and associated imprinting disorders, such as Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS) and Angelman syndrome (AS) increasingly have come to our attention. About 25% of PWS and 3%–5% of AS are a consequence of UPD with the resulting phenotype generated from the parent of origin of the disomic pair of chromosomes 15. Chromosome 15 UPD testing is relevant in various prenatal diagnostic conditions including apparent confined placental mosaicism, homologous and nonhomologous Robertsonian translocations involving chromosome 15 and 14, and as genomic biomarker for detecting chromosome origin. In this work we developed and validated a two fluorescent STRs multiplex assay for a rapid, economic and fully informative detection of UPD 15 by capillary electrophoresis.
Ligase detection reaction for the analysis of point mutations using free‐solution conjugate electrophoresis in a polymer microfluidic device
Authors: Sinville Rondedrick , Coyne Jennifer , Meagher Robert J. , Cheng Yu‐Wei , Barany Francis , Barron Annelise , Soper Steven A.
Published: December 2008

We have developed a new method for the analysis of low abundant point mutations in genomic DNA using a combination of an allele‐specific ligase detection reaction (LDR) with free‐solution conjugate electrophoresis (FSCE) to generate and analyze the genetic products. FSCE eliminates the need for a polymer sieving matrix by conjugating chemically synthesized polyamide “drag‐tags” onto the LDR primers. The additional drag of the charge‐neutral drag‐tag breaks the linear scaling of the charge‐to‐friction ratio of DNA and enables size‐based separations of DNA in free solution using electrophoresis with no sieving matrix. We successfully demonstrate the conjugation of polyamide drag‐tags onto a set of four LDR primers designed to probe the K‐ras oncogene for mutations highly associated with colorectal cancer, the simultaneous generation of fluorescently labeled LDR/drag‐tag conjugate (LDR‐dt) products in a multiplexed, single‐tube format with mutant:WT ratios as low as 1:100, respectively, and the single‐base, high‐resolution separation of all four LDR‐dt products. Separations were conducted in free solution with no polymer network using both a commercial capillary array electrophoresis (CAE) system and a PMMA microchip replicated via hot‐embossing with only a Tris‐based running buffer containing additives to suppress the EOF. Typical analysis times for LDR‐dt were 11 min using the CAE system and as low as 85 s for the PMMA microchips. With resolution comparable to traditional gel‐based CAE, FSCE along with microchip electrophoresis decreased the separation time by more than a factor of 40.
Transverse imaging and simulation of dsDNA electrophoresis in microfabricated glass channels
Authors: Zeitoun Ramsey I. , Chen Zheng , Burns Mark A.
Published: December 2008

We have observed the non‐uniform distribution of DNA molecules during PAGE in a microfabricated system. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to visualize fluorescently labeled DNA during electrophoretic migration. The distribution of double‐stranded DNA larger than 100 bp is observed to transition from a center‐biased motion on the transverse plane 1 cm downstream from injection to an edge‐biased motion 2 cm downstream. Although this distribution increased with increasing dsDNA size in a cross‐linked gel, no similar distribution was found with the same dsDNA molecules in a linear polyacrylamide solution (6%). Simulations of DNA distribution in gels suggest that DNA distribution non‐uniformities may be caused by biased electrophoretic migration resulting from motion in an inhomogeneous gel system.
Hydrophobically modified polyacrylamide block copolymers for fast, high‐resolution DNA sequencing in microfluidic chips
Authors: Forster Ryan E. , Chiesl Thomas N. , Fredlake Christopher P. , White Corin V. , Barron Annelise E.
Published: December 2008

By using a microfluidic electrophoresis platform to perform DNA sequencing, genomic information can be obtained more quickly and affordably than the currently employed capillary array electrophoresis instruments. Previous research in our group has shown that physically cross‐linked, hydrophobically modified polyacrylamide matrices separate dsDNA more effectively than linear polyacrylamide (LPA) solutions. Expanding upon this work, we have synthesized a series of LPA‐co‐dihexylacrylamide block copolymers specifically designed to electrophoretically sequence ssDNA quickly and efficiently on a microfluidic device. By incorporating very small amounts of N,N‐dihexylacrylamide, a hydrophobic monomer, these copolymer solutions achieved up to ∼10% increases in average DNA sequencing read length over LPA homopolymer solutions of matched molar mass. Additionally, the inclusion of the small amount of hydrophobe does not significantly increase the polymer solution viscosities, relative to LPA solutions, so that channel loading times between the copolymers and the homopolymers are similar. The resulting polymer solutions are capable of providing enhanced sequencing separations in a short period of time without compromising the ability to rapidly load and unload the matrix from a microfluidic device.
Thermoresponsive N‐alkoxyalkylacrylamide polymers as a sieving matrix for high‐resolution DNA separations on a microfluidic chip
Authors: Root Brian E. , Hammock Mallory L. , Barron Annelise E.
Published: December 2008

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for a wide range of DNA separations that require the development of materials to meet the needs of high resolution and high throughput. Here, we demonstrate the use of thermoresponsive N‐alkoxyalkylacrylamide polymers as a sieving matrix for DNA separations on a microfluidic chip. The viscosities of the N‐alkoxyalkylacrylamide polymers are more than an order of magnitude lower than that of a linear polyacrylamide (LPA) of corresponding molecular weight, allowing rapid loading of the microchip. At 25°C, N‐alkoxyalkylacrylamide polymers can provide improved DNA separations compared with LPA in terms of reduced separation time and increased separation efficiency, particularly for the larger DNA fragments. The improved separation efficiency in N‐alkoxyalkylacrylamide polymers is attributed to the peak widths increasing only slightly with DNA fragment size, while the peak widths increase appreciably above 150 bp using an LPA matrix. Upon elevating the temperature to 50°C, the increase in viscosity of the N‐alkoxyalkylacrylamide solutions is dependent upon their overall degree of hydrophobicity. The most hydrophobic polymers exhibit a lower critical solution temperature below 50°C, undergoing a coil‐to‐globule transition followed by chain aggregation. DNA separation efficiency at 50°C therefore decreases significantly with increasing hydrophobic character of the polymers, and no separations were possible with solutions with a lower critical solution temperature below 50°C. The work reported here demonstrates the potential for this class of polymers to be used for applications such as PCR product and RFLP sizing, and provides insight into the effect of polymer hydrophobicity on DNA separations.
Alternative non‐linear demand estimation methods for probability‐based seismic assessments
Authors: Jalayer F. , Cornell C. A.
Published: December 2008

Alternative non‐linear dynamic analysis procedures, using real ground motion records, can be used to make probability‐based seismic assessments. These procedures can be used both to obtain parameter estimates for specific probabilistic assessment criteria such as demand and capacity factored design and also to make direct probabilistic performance assessments using numerical methods. Multiple‐stripe analysis is a non‐linear dynamic analysis method that can be used for performance‐based assessments for a wide range of ground motion intensities and multiple performance objectives from onset of damage through global collapse. Alternatively, the amount of analysis effort needed in the performance assessments can be reduced by performing the structural analyses and estimating the main parameters in the region of ground motion intensity levels of interest. In particular, single‐stripe and double‐stripe analysis can provide local probabilistic demand assessments using minimal number of structural analyses (around 20 to 40). As a case study, the displacement‐based seismic performance of an older reinforced concrete frame structure, which is known to have suffered shear failure in its columns during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, is evaluated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disruption of laminin in the peripheral nervous system impedes nonmyelinating Schwann cell development and impairs nociceptive sensory function
Authors: Yu Wei‐Ming , Yu Huaxu , Chen Zu‐Lin , Strickland Sidney
Published: December 2008

The mechanisms controlling the differentiation of immature Schwann cells (SCs) into nonmyelinating SCs is not known. Laminins are extracellular matrix proteins critical for myelinating SC differentiation, but their roles in nonmyelinating SC development have not been established. Here, we show that the peripheral nerves of mutant mice with laminin‐deficient SCs do not form Remak bundles, which consist of a single nonmyelinating SC interacting with multiple unmyelinated axons. These mutant nerves show aberrant L1 and neural cell adhesion molecule (N‐CAM) expression pattern during development. The homophilic and heterophilic interactions of N‐CAM are also impaired in the mutant nerves. Other molecular markers for nonmyelinating SCs, including Egr‐1, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and AN2/NG2, are all absent in adult mutant nerves. Analysis of expression of SC lineage markers demonstrates that nonmyelinating SCs do not develop in mutant nerves. Additionally, mutant mice are insensitive to heat stimuli and show a decreased number of C‐fiber sensory neurons, indicating reduced nociceptive sensory function. These results show that laminin participates in nonmyelinating SC development and Remak bundle formation and suggest a possible role for laminin deficiency in peripheral sensory neuropathies. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemokines in the immunopathogenesis of hepatitis C infection #
Authors: Heydtmann Mathis , Adams David H.
Published: December 2008

Chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus, a noncytopathic hepatotropic RNA virus, affects over 170 million people worldwide. In the majority of cases, neither the early innate immune response nor the later adaptive immune response succeeds in clearing the virus, and the infection becomes chronic. Furthermore, in many patients, the ineffective inflammatory response drives fibrogenesis and the development of cirrhosis. It is critical to understand this immune pathology if preventative and curative therapies are to be developed. Chemokines are a superfamily of small proteins that promote leukocyte migration and orchestrate the immune response to viruses, including hepatitis C virus. Chemokines are crucial for viral elimination, but inappropriate persistence of expression in chronic hepatitis C infection can drive tissue damage and inflammation. Here we review the role of chemokines and their receptors in hepatitis C virus infection. (Hepatology 2009;49:676–688.)
Prediction of pool boiling heat transfer coefficient in ammonia/water mixtures
Authors: Inoue Toshiaki , Monde Masanori
Published: December 2008

A correlation of nucleate pool boiling heat transfer coefficients in ammonia/water mixtures was proposed on the basis of measured heat transfer data on a horizontal heated wire. The correlation was derived using both the fraction difference between vapor and liquid, y1−x1, and the temperature difference between dew and bubble points, ΔTE. It can predict the heat transfer coefficients of the mixtures during pool boiling within an accuracy of ±20% over the entire fraction range for heat fluxes below 1000 kW/m2, which corresponds to the experimental range performed by Inoue et al. [1]. It was clarified that the coefficients more strongly depend on y1−x1 than on ΔTE for ammonia/water mixtures, while the heat transfer coefficients mainly depend on ΔTE for Freon (DuPont's trade name) mixtures. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20234
Study on the hydrological conditions for the conservation of the nesting habitat of the Red‐crowned Crane in Xianghai Wetlands, China
Authors: He Chunguang , Ishikawa Tadaharu , Sheng Lianxi , Irie Mitsuteru
Published: December 2008

The hydrological condition of the Xianghai National Natural Reserve (XNNR) in China was studied in relation to the conservation of the breeding habitat of the Red‐crowned crane, an endangered waterfowl species. In recent years, the condition of the cranes' habitat in XNNR has deteriorated due to shrinking of the wetlands caused by the increase of uncontrolled intake of river water. Because XNNR is located in a remote rural area, the condition of the cranes' habitat was not surveyed in detail, therefore, basic information about the wetlands such as, topographic and hydrological data were not fully available. As a result, a large amount of time is required to frame a detailed plan for the allocation of water resources for the conservation of the cranes. In order to progress, the ‘precautionary approach’ must be applied even without full scientific certainty (The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, Resolution VIII.1, 2002), based on the information available at present, and in order to reach an agreement among stakeholders. For this purpose, the study took the following four steps. Firstly, field observations conducted over a period of seven years clarified that reed communities surrounded by a shallow water body were the favourable conditions for nesting. Secondly, Landsat‐TM data analysis showed that the number of nests became stable when the reed area developed to some extent, and also that the reed area has a high correlation with the total water area in the XNNR. Thirdly, the variation of the total water area over 20 years were estimated from 143 analog images of Landsat data and its correlations with some basic hydrological factors were obtained by regression analyses. The final step involved combining the above mentioned results, which was then used to develop a practical guideline for the use of river water by the local community that is balanced with the conservation of the Red‐crowned cranes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transglutaminase 3 as a prognostic biomarker in esophageal cancer revealed by proteomics
Authors: Uemura Norihisa , Nakanishi Yukihiro , Kato Hoichi , Saito Shigeru , Nagino Masato , Hirohashi Setsuo , Kondo Tadashi
Published: December 2008

To develop a prognostic biomarker for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), we examined the proteomic profile of ESCC using two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D‐DIGE), and identified proteins associated with prognosis by mass spectrometry. The prognostic performance of the identified proteins was examined by immunohistochemistry in additional cases. We identified 22 protein spots whose intensity was statistically different between ESCC cases with good (N = 9; survived more than 5 years without evidence of recurrence) and poor (N = 24; died within 2 years postsurgery) prognosis, within the patient group that had two or more lymph node metastases. Mass spectrometric protein identification resulted in 18 distinct gene products from the 22 protein spots. Transglutaminase 3 (TGM3) was inversely correlated with shorter patient survival. The prognostic performance of TGM3 was further examined by immunohistochemistry in 76 ESCC cases. The 5‐year disease‐specific survival rate was 64.5% and 32.1% for patients with TGM3‐positive and TGM3‐negative tumors, respectively (p = 0.0033). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that TGM3 expression was an independent prognostic factor among the clinicopathologic variables examined. It is noteworthy that the prognostic value of TGM3 was shown to be higher than those of the lymph node metastasis, intramural metastasis and vascular invasion status. These results establish TGM3 as a novel prognostic biomarker for ESCC for the first time. Examination of TGM3 expression may provide novel therapeutic strategies to prevent recurrence of ESCC. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
He–Ne laser (632.8 nm) pre‐irradiation gives protection against DNA damage induced by a near‐infrared trapping beam
Authors: Sahu Khageswar , Mohanty Samarendra Kumar , Gupta Pradeep Kumar
Published: December 2008

We report the results of a study carried out to investigate the effect of He–Ne laser (632.8 nm) pre‐irradiation on DNA damage induced by continuous wave 1064 nm trapping beam exposure in MCF‐7 cells. A significant decrease in % tail DNA (p < 0.05) was observed in MCF‐7 cells pre‐exposed to He–Ne laser beam. The dependence of the induced protection against 1064 nm trapping beam irradiation induced DNA damage on the time interval between the two irradiations as well as the He–Ne laser pre‐irradiation parameters is presented. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Spreading of an anchorage‐dependent cell on a selectively ligand‐coated substrate mediated by receptor‐ligand binding
Authors: Liu Ping , Zhang Yong W. , Yu Hanry , Zhang Xin , Cheng Qian H. , Lu Chun , Bonfield William
Published: December 2008

A continuum model was proposed to simulate a biological cell adhering to a substrate surface domain with selectively coated ligands. Cell adhesion was modeled by a traction‐separation law depending on the receptor‐ligand distance and their densities. It was found that the obtained spreading patterns are consistent with published experimental data and that adhesion requires a nonuniform distribution of receptors at the spreading front with convex fronts requiring a much higher receptor density than concave fronts. Adhesion strength was also found to be more influential than adhesion energy on the spreading kinetics. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Pathogenic Vibrio harveyi, in contrast to non‐pathogenic strains, intervenes with the p38 MAPK pathway to avoid an abalone haemocyte immune response
Authors: Travers Marie‐Agnès , Le Bouffant Ronan , Friedman Carolyn S. , Buzin Florence , Cougard Bertrand , Huchette Sylvain , Koken Marcel , Paillard Christine
Published: December 2008

Vibrio harveyi is a marine bacterial pathogen responsible for episodic abalone epidemics associated with massive mortalities in France, Japan, and Australia. The aim of this study was the understanding of a possible role of the p38 MAPK in abalone haemocyte responses towards this bacterium. First, the pathogenicity of different V. harveyi strains was compared in both immersion and injection trials, and clear differences were detected. The three strains, ORM4, 04/092, and 05/053, all isolated from moribund abalone, induced up to 80% mortalities in immersion or injection challenges (LD50 (ORM4) = 2.5 × 102 CFU animal−1). The two strains, LMG 4044T and LMG 7890 were non‐pathogenic towards abalone in immersion trials, and needed very high numbers for killing by intramuscular injections (LD50 = 8.9 × 104 and 1.6 × 105 CFU animal−1, respectively). To start unraveling the mechanism explaining these differences, the p38‐MAPK, a keyplayer in antimicrobial immune response, was studied. The non‐pathogenic strain, LMG 7890 can be eliminated by abalone haemocytes and induces haemocyte phagocytosis and high ROS production. With different concentrations of a p38‐specific inhibitor, SB203580, p38 implication was shown. This inhibitor reduced phagocytosis and ROS induction leading to LMG 7890 proliferation. In the case of the pathogenic ORM4 which can not be eliminated by abalone haemocytes, no phagocytosis and ROS production was induced, and a retarded p38 activation was observed. Taken together, our results suggest that p38 MAPK modulation may be one of the ways of virulent V. harveyi to attack its host and escape abalone immune response. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 152–160, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predicting responsiveness to a depressive mood induction procedure
Authors: Scherrer Martin C. , Dobson Keith S.
Published: December 2008

Inducing various mood states—sad or depressed mood in particular—has become a widely employed and accepted means of experimentally examining the link between emotion and cognition, particularly with research on cognitive theory and depression. Using various criteria, studies utilizing mood induction procedures (MIPs) have reported successful induction of the desired mood in participants at rates ranging from 50 to 75%, clearly reflecting substantial individual variation. Individual differences in response to MIPs, however, have received little attention. Drawing on both theory and previous research, the present study identified and examined a range of possible predictors of response to depressive mood induction in a sample of 100 undergraduate students. Results indicated that of the examined predictors, experience with recent negative events prior to the mood induction and participant mood state, including self‐reported symptoms of anxiety, significantly predicted reported mood state following the MIP. The implications of these results for models of vulnerability and resilience to negative mood states are discussed, and future research directions are provided © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65:1–16, 2009.
DNA aptamers developed against a soman derivative cross‐react with the methylphosphonic acid core but not with flanking hydrophobic groups
Authors: Bruno John G. , Carrillo Maria P. , Cadieux C. Linn , Lenz David E. , Cerasoli Douglas M. , Phillips Taylor
Published: December 2008

Twelve rounds of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) were conducted against a magnetic bead conjugate of thepara‐aminophenylpinacolylmethylphosphonate (PAPMP) derivative of the organophosphorus (OP) nerve agent soman (GD). The goal was to develop DNA aptamers that could scavenge GDin vivo, thereby reducing or eliminating the toxic effects of this dangerous compound. Aptamers were sequenced and screened in peroxidase‐based colorimetric plate assays after rounds 8 and 12 of SELEX. The aptamer candidate sequences exhibiting the highest affinity for the GD derivative from round 8 also reappeared in several clones from round 12. Each of the highest affinity PAPMP‐binding aptamers also bound methylphosphonic acid (MPA). In addition, the aptamer with the highest overall affinity for PAPMP carried a sequence motif (TTTAGT) thought to bind MPA based on previously published data (J. Fluoresc 18: 867–876, 2008). This sequence motif was found in several other relatively high affinity PAPMP aptamer candidates as well. In studies with the nerve agent GD, pre‐incubation of a large molar excess of aptamer candidates failed to protect human butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) from inhibition. With the aid of three‐dimensional molecular modeling of the GD derivative it appears that a hydrophilic cleft sandwiched between the pinacolyl group and thep‐aminophenyl ring might channel nucleotide interactions to the phosphonate portion of the immobilized GD derivative. However,bona fideGD free in solution may be repulsed by the negative phosphate backbone of aptamers and rotate its phosphonate and fluorine moieties away from the aptamer to avoid being bound. Future attempts to develop aptamers to GD might benefit from immobilizing the pinacolyl group ofbona fideGD to enhance exposure of the phosphonate and fluorine to the random DNA library. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A MALDI‐TOF MS study of lanthanide(III)‐cored poly(phenylenevinylene) dendrimers
Authors: García‐Martínez Joaquín C. , Atienza Carmen , de la Peña Milagros , Rodrigo Ana C. , Tejeda Juan , Rodríguez‐López Julián
Published: December 2008

An extensive study by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) of some first‐generation and second‐generation lanthanide(III)‐cored poly(phenylenevinylene) dendrimers is described. The complexes were obtained by self‐assembly of suitably functionalized carboxylate dendrons around the lanthanide ion (La3+, Er3+). Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy gave reasonable evidence for the proposed structures. However, MS was used to ascertain unequivocally the complex formation. The most reliable results were found in the negative reflector mode, using 2‐[(2E)‐3‐(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐2‐methylprop‐2‐enylidene]malononitrile (DCTB) as matrix. Well‐defined and highly resolved base peaks corresponding to negative ions of [Gn4La]− and [Gn4Er]− were found in all cases, with an excellent match between the theoretical and observed isotope distributions. However, the 3 : 1 stoichiometry used in the synthesis guarantees an empirical formula Gn3Ln for the complexes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term variability in precipitation and streamflow in Iceland and relations to atmospheric circulation
Authors: Jónsdóttir Jóna Finndís , Uvo Cintia B.
Published: December 2008

How the variability of the atmospheric circulation affects precipitation in Iceland is not completely understood. Also, the sea surface temperature (SST) has a strong influence on the temperature over the country, and thereby, snow and glacial melt. This study, therefore, aims at explaining how atmospheric circulation and sea surface temperature influence seasonal and annual precipitation, and, consequently, runoff in Iceland.

Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis is performed on annual and seasonal time series of precipitation and discharge to identify their key modes of variability during the period 1966–2004. The correlation between the time series of each EOF mode with individual time series of sea level pressure (SLP), air temperature and SST was then evaluated.

The analyses evidenced how large‐scale climate variables are connected to the regional precipitation and runoff in Iceland. They showed that the strength of the polar vortex may be, at least, as important for the precipitation in some areas of Iceland as the strength of the Icelandic Low (IL). Moreover, the location of the semi‐permanent IL often defines the predominant wind direction over the country and, as such, the regions of preferred precipitation.

Since the watersheds act as large precipitation gauges with response patterns depending on the geology and glaciers, the variability of the annual discharge closely resembles the variability of precipitation, except for the glacial rivers. Glacial melt is highly correlated to air temperature and SST, and the spring discharge is affected by winter and spring temperatures.

The results also revealed that Icelandic hydrological conditions in the spring can be forecasted by precipitation and temperature of the autumn and winter seasons, as well as by the general prevalent circulation patterns. Additionally, a potential for seasonal forecast of precipitation, and river discharge in other seasons was identified, particularly if seasonal forecast of SLP is available. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society